News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. 9 5,2% 1 2022 5,2% 699 553 . Quick Links SACI Facebook : SACI Instagram: Statement on Diversity and Inclusion South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute is committed to diversity and inclusivity in chemical sciences. The Institute opposes discriminatory acts or threats based on race, ethnicity, citizenship, culture, language, disability, age, religious or spiritual beliefs, political opinion, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation and economic class. The Institute is dedicated (i) to endorsing excellence and scientific credibility across chemical sciences conducted in academic, industrial, and governmental institutions, and (ii) to nurturing the values of diversity, inclusivity, and equity in the chemical sciences in South Africa. Hence, SACI will continue to play a leading role in assuring the professional competence and integrity of chemists and fostering international collaboration whilst upholding inclusivity and diversity. Statement on Sexual Harassment South African Chemical Institute The South African Chemical Institute will not permit any kind of sexual harassment (physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct) in the Institute or at events organised by or related to the Institute. The Institute is committed to and fully supports environments that are free of any form of unfair discrimination and harassment, including gender-based violence. Allegations of any form of sexual harassment will be dealt with seriously, expeditiously, sensitively and confidentially. Statement from SACI Council on tertiary training in chemistry as a result of disruptions to the 2020 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the professional body representing the interests of all chemists in South Africa, we recognise the challenges that the current COVID-19 crisis presents to all our members in academia, research and industry. We also acknowledge the challenges the current situation presents to our tertiary institutions and specifically the challenges presented by moving to online teaching. We applaud the efforts of all our members who work at tertiary institutions who have adapted and innovated to ensure that we can continue as far as possible with our teaching and learning of chemistry even when on campus face-to-face contact is not possible. Our tertiary institutions play a critical role in not only training the next generation of chemists, but they are also tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that many people from other professions and disciplines are trained in the fundamental principles of chemistry. We reaffirm our belief that this training is essential, as chemistry is one of the central sciences. Key to this training is the practical component and laboratory based skills development. While we accept that this critical component of our training is not possible under the current situation, we strongly urge that plans be put in place to preserve this component of training as part of the curriculum as far as possible. In some cases, virtual laboratory tools can facilitate learning, but we believe that in laboratory practical training particularly for senior level courses should be preserved. SACI strongly recommends that at least a critical minimum practical experience should form part of the plans to complete the 2020 academic year at our tertiary institutions. We believe that this is essential to preserve the validity and integrity of the academic training programmes in chemistry. Latest Updates: Pay your SACI membership fees with SnapScan SACI Ties, Scarfs and T-shirts Periodic table ties and ladies scarfs R130 each. Periodic table T Shirt Short sleeve R180, Long sleeve R200 Please contact head office to place orders. There is also a courier charge of R150 per order for delivery. By SA Commercial Prop News GladAfrica Group Chairman Noel Mashaba seen with Neil Gopal, CEO of South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA). Engineering consulting company, GladAfrica and South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), have signed a landmark three-year platinum partnership agreement. The partnership will serve to contribute more meaningfully to the property development landscape of the country by, among other initiatives, creating synergies and collaborations with existing members. SAPOA is the representative body and official voice of the commercial and industrial property industry in South Africa and was established in 1966. The member driven organisation aims to represent, protect and advance its members commercial and industrial property interests within the property industry in terms of ownership, management and development. GladAfrica brings to the industry a wealth of knowledge through their highly proficient professionals who are passionate about creating and delivering viable and sustainable built environments. Combining knowledge; skills and expertise with their partners, GladAfrica engineers business solutions for the public and private sector at corporate and technical levels. Due to the companys holistic understanding of the infrastructure development framework, the company is well placed and thoroughly equipped to provide clients with strategic solutions. According to Kulani Lebese, Group Chief Executive Officer for GladAfrica, In the property sector, consulting services play an important role in fuelling growth, adding jobs and building communities. The partnership is part of GladAfricas on-going commitment to providing the property sector with skills and expertise around the country. Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA, said his organisation looks forward to working with GladAfrica. Theres a strong alignment between us and our commitment to promoting high-impact property solutions throughout South Africa, he said. By SA Commercial Prop News Demand for prime land in the R25-billion mixed-use Cornubia development is on the rise. Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate (CIBE), located in KwaZulu-Natals northern corridor, has emerged as a focal point for property investors. Karen Peterson, Development Director at Tongaat Hulett Developments, recently confirmed that only one property out of 40 remained unsold. This large, seven-hectare remaining property is best suited to a single or large investor. Peterson said that Tongaat was actively pursuing a user that would develop a facility that would occupy the entire site and offer significant employment opportunities for the local community. The R25-billion mixed-use Cornubia development was planned in line with sustainable development principles and designed to evolve into KwaZulu-Natals largest mixed-use, mixed income, fully-integrated human settlement. It provides for higher densities, a range of income levels and the stimulation of employment and economic opportunities. The CIBE is central to this vision and Peterson said that existing businesses within the CIBE were employing people from the local community. An example is Idea Logistics, which has employed close to 60 local people. She said one of the chief challenges when it came to employment creation was the fact that the majority of the residents have little or no skills. In response, Tongaat Hulett Developments SSIP (Social Sustainability and Innovation Programme) has put in place a training programme aimed at up skilling local people. This has been highly successful thus far, with approximately 250 people trained and placed in local jobs at the Estate. She said that investors in the CIBE had a number of priorities that included the availability of suitable skilled labour as well as security and maintenance of infrastructure as this influenced the value of their properties and contributed towards a meaningful return on their investments. The CIBE Management Association was set up in 2013. The purpose is to manage the public environment, roads, security, landscaping and parking. By looking after public spaces, this will ultimately increase the value of properties, she explained. Brian Wright, who heads up the CIBE Management Association, added that the Estate Management team is responsible for onsite operations and administration as well as overseeing the daily operations of all service providers, handling queries, co-ordinating meetings, collecting levies, financial management and development control. Apart from day to day issues, it interacts with city departments to optimise municipal service levels and, where necessary, lobbies on behalf of members on issues or requirements. The Association has a good working relationship with the municipality and reports and follows up on all municipal service delivery requests such as pot holes, damage to infrastructure and lighting, he said. The aesthetic of the estate is an important component. The Management Association controls and co-ordinates development through the Design Review Panel, ensuring that developers meet stringent aesthetic standards and closely manage contractors. This process ensures that the collective interest of property owners and protected by ensuring quality developments backed up by optimal management of the public areas. It also sets a high standard when it comes to the on-site contractors who provide top-up services to those provided by the city, especially when it comes to landscaping and street cleaning. After initial development, roads are handed back to the municipality for maintenance. The Management Association provides top up services to that of the municipality to ensure the Estate remains a highly desirable business location. we are committed to ensuring that the area is well managed, said Peterson. The Management Association, which is a non-profit company, is funded from levies paid by all property owners. As these are paid from the time the new owner takes transfer of his property, all immediately become members of the association. St the CIBE, which has open access public space as it is not a gated estate, security is a priority. Peterson said that property owners enjoyed peace of mind as, during the three years since the Management Association was started, there had not been one serious incident of private property crime. A dedicated security vehicle currently patrols the precinct 24/7. Tongaat Hulett Developments is about to install a CCTV system to cover all roads and public areas which will be monitored in an onsite control room at the Management Association offices. Wright said that the Management Association team was experienced, committed and consistently evolving precinct management best practice to ensure that the CIBE was a highly desirable investment and business location. This includes our internal management systems, development of staff and on-going efforts to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with the municipality, Durban Metro Police and the SAPS. All are vital to ensuring optimal management and cost efficiencies, he said. Peterson concluded that Tongaat Hulett Developments intended including a management association in all its future developments. This is important considering the challenges faced by our local authorities. A Management Association is critical post development and an important value add. I give my consent to Sakshi Post to be in touch with me via email for the purpose of event marketing and corporate communications. Privacy Policy In May, in Kokomo, Indiana, he dismissed the flap over his wife's use of a private email server as secretary of state as no more than "a game" this, despite the FBI's continuing criminal investigation of the matter. If Dajuan Harris Jr. is underrated, its not by those at Kansas Hawk Zone CEDAR RAPIDS First District Rep. Rod Blum, whose mother benefited from home-delivered meals, was the one making deliveries of Meals on Wheels in Cedar Rapids. Blum visited Horizons, a family services agency that, among other things, provides 1,100 Meals on Wheels on a daily basis to Cedar Rapids residents. Thursday, Blum was one of the volunteers covering the 31 delivery routes. His first stop was at the home of widower John Krall, 93, who said hes been enjoying the meals for the past few years. The meals are good, the former plumbing business owner said. I eat em. Krall also enjoys the interaction with the volunteers who deliver his meals. They always come in and say something to make you smile, Krall told Blum, who spent about 20 minutes visiting about their shared Czech heritage, World War II honor flights and the cost of prescription medicine. The price keeps going up so much I wont be able to afford it unless I get a job, Krall joked. Blum said each Meals on Wheels recipient he talked to was extremely happy with the service and also talked about how much they enjoy being able to interact daily with the wonderful Horizons staff and volunteers. Because his late mother received the meals, Blum was aware of how important the service is to elderly Iowans. The senior are still living in their own homes, and Horizons is doing a great job helping them maintain their independence by providing these meals, Blum said. CEDAR RAPIDS Made in America is so yesterday. The goal today, U.S. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer said Thursday, is to Make it in America. Hoyer was a guest of U.S. 1st District Democratic candidate Monica Vernon at a small business roundtable in Cedar Rapids. Vernon, who started and grew her own small business before selling it in 2013, brought together several entrepreneurs, some just starting out, others expanding and modernizing established businesses, to get their ideas on what Congress might do to remove of the barriers to starting and succeeding in business. Hoyer is a big, big fan of Vernon and hopes that she can win back a district that had a Democratic representative for several years until Dubuque businessman Rod Blum won the seat in 2014. Like Vernon, Hoyer wants to remove the barriers faced by Americans with ideas for small businesses. At graduation, he said, a student should get a diploma and a garage because garages are so often maker spaces where people can take an idea and monetize it. So Hoyer is promoting a Make it in America agenda that he believes has two benefits. First, businesses succeed and thats good for job creation, government revenue and exports. Secondly, there is a political benefit. So much of our agendas in both parties are divisive, he said. They drive people apart. However, the Make it in America agenda is about creating an environment and opportunities for people to start small businesses and grow small businesses. I can go to the most conservative precinct in Iowa you find one of Steve Kings most bright red precincts -- and I can go in there and talk about Make it in America and they will all shake their head and say, Yeah, thats what we got to do, he said. He believes he would get the same reaction in the most liberal communities. So it is a unifying agenda, Hoyer said. We can talk about it without creating deep ideological divides. Make it in America is not protectionist, Hoyer said, but about identifying the government policies, such as taxes and regulation, which prevent people from making it in America. Vernon said she will continue to run on the idea of government and business working together open the doors for businesses. I see the marriage of business working with Congress to make sure we cut the red tape and some of the things Mr. Hoyer is talking about and other things, she said. Business and government not at odds, but working together is what will push us forward. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland 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 DES MOINES Immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with a crime resulting in serious injury or death would be detained automatically by federal officials under legislation introduced Thursday by a group of Republican U.S. senators, including Iowas Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley. The legislation is named Sarahs Law, after Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Council Bluffs, Iowa, woman who was killed by a drunk driver who is accused of living in the country illegally. Eswin Mejia, the accused driver, was not detained after the incident; he was released on bail and fled. Authorities have not been able to locate him since. We have an illegal immigrant who has been able to use the system and abuse the system and not be brought to justice, Ernst said at a news conference announcing the legislation. She was joined by Grassley and Nebraskas Republican senators, Ben Sasse and Deb Fischer. The legislation would require federal officials to take custody of anyone who entered the country illegally, violated terms of their immigration status or had their visa revoked and is charged with a crime resulting in death or serious injury. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials declined to place such a retainer on Mejia, enabling him to post bail. ICE officials told The Des Moines Register they did not retain Mejia because he was not an enforcement priority, having had no criminal convictions. If this administration had their priorities right, this legislation wouldnt even be necessary, Grassley said. Because they have a priority of people theyre going to take custody of or not take custody of, and somehow (Mejia) didnt fall into this priority here we are with this person out on the street (who caused) this death as a drunk driver. Sasse piled on federal officials, saying the proposed legislation would make sure ICE never makes this ridiculous decision again. Its ridiculous, Sasse said. "Its a miscarriage of justice, and it should never happen again." A spokeswoman for ICE said the agency is not able to comment on proposed or pending legislation. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/01/2016 -- Regional Overview From country perspective, Asia Pacific automotive telematics market is segmented into India, China, Oceania, ASEAN, Japan and South Korea. Currently, China dominates the Asia Pacific automotive telematics market and accounts for around 45.4% market revenue share, followed by Japan and South Korea. China is forecast to continue its dominance in APAC automotive telematics market till 2020, as it's expected to capture a 45.3% market revenue share and expected to register a CAGR of 11.6% during forecast period. China, Japan and South Korea collectively contributed around 89% of the market revenues in 2014.ASEAN region is forecast to register a healthy CAGR of 12.6% during forecast period. India is expected to register a highest CAGR of 14.1% during forecast period. Read Complete Report @ http://www.mrrse.com/asia-pacific-automotive-telematics-market Drivers and Trends Governments in advanced and emerging economies such as US, UK, Brazil, Singapore, India, have introduced regulations, policies and initiatives to increase the use of telematics in the automotive industry with a view to improving road safety. Increased acceptance of advanced technology and gadgets, such as mobile phones, laptops, smart phones, tablets, telecommunications, and various other technological goods in advanced and emerging regions has been witnessed in the last few years, particularly in the Asian region. As most of the manufacturers are competing to retain or increase their market share, some players are investing in innovating their product offerings by integrating new features and application in telematics devices. In order to maintain greater margins, OEMs capitalize on the convergence of digital content, wireless communication and automotive electronics. In the short term, however, telematics is expected to represent a product differentiation strategy rather than a revenue play. OEMs have created a new business model to complement their existing car making model. OEMs are investing in telematics to capture the untapped market. By 2020, they want to position their companies globally as the providers of content and services, just like phones or tablets. Get a Free Sample Copy of the Report @ http://www.mrrse.com/sample/232 There has been increasing adoption of emerging hybrid technology in vehicles (semi-autonomous vehicles are expected to become commonplace). The importance of remote vehicle diagnostics is slowly growing globally. Automotive OEMs are expected to continue investing in various technology advancements, such as integration of smart phones with the vehicle infotainment unit. This is expected to make embedded solutions more affordable and engaging. About MRRSE MRRSE stands for Market Research Reports Search Engine, the largest online catalog of latest market research reports based on industries, companies, and countries. MRRSE sources thousands of industry reports, market statistics, and company profiles from trusted entities and makes them available at a click. Besides well-known private publishers, the reports featured on MRRSE typically come from national statistics agencies, investment agencies, leading media houses, trade unions, governments, and embassies. Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/01/2016 -- The report "Electroceuticals/Bioelectric Medicine Market by Product (Pacemakers, Cochlear Implants, Spinal Cord Stimulators), by Type of Device (Implantable, Non-Invasive), by Application (Arrhythmia, Depression, Migraine), by End User (Hospitals) - Forecast to 2021", This report studies the global electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market for the forecast period of 2016 to 2021. This market is expected to reach USD 25.20 Billion by 2021 from USD 17.20 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 7.9%. Browse 144 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 218 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Electroceuticals/Bioelectric Medicine Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electroceutical-market-222053956.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. A number of factors such as rising geriatric population, regulatory approval for new and advanced electroceuticals, growing investments and funds for the development of novel therapies and electroceuticals, rising prevalence of neurological disorders, and growing prevalence of hearing loss are expected to drive the growth of the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market during the forecast period. In this report, the global electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is segmented on the basis of product, type of device, application, end user, and region. Speak With Our Research Experts@ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=222053956 Based on product, the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is categorized into implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers, spinal cord stimulators, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, sacral nerve stimulators, retinal implants, and other electrical stimulators (gastric electrical stimulators, transcranial magnetic stimulators, and respiratory electrical stimulators). The implantable cardioverter defibrillators segment is expected to account for the largest share of the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market in 2016. However, the retinal implants segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on type of device, the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is segmented into implantable electroceutical devices, and non-invasive electroceutical devices. The implantable electroceutical devices segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016; while, the non-invasive electroceutical devices segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period. Read More | Get the Sample Pages@ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=222053956 Based on application, the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is segmented into product wise such as cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (used for arrhythmia), cochlear implants (used for sensorineural hearing loss), retinal implants (used for retinal pigmentosa), spinal cord stimulators (used for chronic pain, failed back surgery, and ischemia), deep brain stimulators (used for Parkinsons disease, tremors, depression, and others), sacral nerve stimulators (used for urine incontinence and fecal incontinence), vagus nerve stimulators (used for epilepsy and other conditions), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (used for treatment-resistant depression and others), and other electric stimulators (used for gastro paresis, obesity, depression, migraine headaches, and spinal cord injuries). On the basis of end user, the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is segmented into hospitals, research institutes, and individual users. The hospitals segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016; while, the individual users segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period. Geographically, the global electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). North America is expected to account for the largest share of the electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine market in 2016, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR, and serves as a revenue pocket for companies offering electroceuticals/bioelectric medicine devices. 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. Subscribe Reports from Healthcare Domain @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Subscription.html Contact: Mr. Rohan Unit No. 802, 8th Floor, Tower - 7, Magarpatta City SEZ, Hadapsar, Pune 411013, Maharashtra, India. Tel: 888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://mnmblog.org/market-research/healthcare/medical-devices Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2016 -- Hua Cheng Education Centre, an established Chinese language enrichment centre in Singapore, has launched its fun courses for all students, ranging from preschool to secondary level. Hua Cheng's Chinese enrichment classes are designed to make learning Chinese as fun and enjoyable as possible, starting from the basic foundations and gradually training students to sharpen their Chinese language skills. A spokesperson for Hua Cheng noted that in Singapore's modern business environment, where English is the main language of business, many students are growing up with little to no exposure in the Chinese language. Many students born after the late 1990s are also speaking less Mandarin and more English at home, contributing to the decline of Chinese standards overall. In order to arrest this problem, Hua Cheng has launched its Chinese enrichment classes for all levels of students in the hope that, they would find learning Chinese to be fun and fulfilling again. Hua Cheng is poised to build on their past successes, having started with one centre in the year 2000 and growing to its present three branches. With the government's recent focus on continuous learning and development, the company is confident in getting more students to sign up for their Chinese classes to learn Chinese or brush up on their skills. About Hua Cheng Hua Cheng Education Centre was formed with the belief that every student could master the Chinese language and enjoy learning it. Although not as widely used as English in Singapore's business context, Hua Cheng believes that students benefit from learning more about the Chinese language, which is steeped in history and culture. Contact: Contact: Hua Cheng Thomson Contact Number: +65 6458 3906 Address: 301 Upper Thomson Road, #03-24C Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408 Email id: thomson@huachengeducation.com.sg Website: http://www.huachengeducation.com.sg Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/01/2016 -- The Global and China Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021. Starting with a broad overview, the report narrows down to offer an overview of the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021 globally as well as with a specific focus on China. By conducting a check of the current status of the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021, the report is able to then delve deeper into the various forces that directly and indirectly impact the industry 2016-2021. Access Full Report With TOC: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/company-analysis-of-top-10-instrument-shaft-hose-63300 Given the ever-shifting and ever-evolving nature of the technologies that enable the products and services contributing to the growth of the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021, the report conducts a detailed analysis of the technological trends and developments. This report then moves ahead to focus on the various global and China-based players in the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021. In order to obtain specific information about the industry 2016-2021 participants, the report focuses on the following key aspects: Company Profiles, product/services information, contact information, as well as production/revenues. The report then delves deeper by segmenting the global and Chinese industry 2016-2021 for Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers into sections, based on parameters such as applications, end-users, geographical regions, or product/technology, where applicable. The degree of competition that exists in the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021 in the context of both China and the world, is studied in detail. All industry 2016-2021 forecasts are based on an analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. For this, specific data has been gleaned from journals, trade magazines, revenues of leading industry 2016-2021 participants, as well as news reports. The impact of the economic condition prevailing in China as well as in other parts of the world is assessed in the context of the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic outlooks have been taken into consideration for this purpose. The report then goes on to offer countermeasures to mitigate any adverse impacts of unfavorable economic conditions. The report ends with definitive and authoritative conclusions about the Top 10 Instrument Shaft Hose Producers industry 2016-2021. 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For More Reports Under Same Publisher: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/publisher/askci-consulting-co-ltd-42 Contact US: Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138 Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442 United States Toll Free: +1-855-465-4651 FREE (USA-CANADA) Tel: +1-386-310-3803 FREE Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com Website: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/ Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/30/2016 -- Emcee Sylvia, a professional female emcee in Singapore, has launched her unique bilingual emcee services. Sylvia's engaging emcee service is designed to bring a fun experience to every event, ranging from weddings to corporate launches. Sylvia notes that many companies do not organize events often enough, and are usually unprepared for hosting or masters of ceremonies. In addition, couples planning their own wedding tend to get bogged down by many details, and the last thing they would want to worry about is arranging for a professional wedding emcee for their special occasion. Having had the experience in hosting many events in the past, including for corporations, government bodies and charitable organizations, Sylvia has developed a competency in effective bilingual emceeing. With growing demand for hosts who can emcee in both English and Mandarin, Sylvia expects to be kept busy with many more jobs in the years to come. However, she is not resting on her laurels, as she understands the importance of keeping up to date with trends in this industry, and continually improving her own standards. About Emcee Sylvia Emcee Sylvia is a professional female emcee in Singapore who has hosted many weddings and corporate functions to date. Her strength lies in providing bilingual master of ceremony hosting services. For more information: http://emceesylvia.com/ Contact: Contact Person: Sylvia Company: Emcee Sylvia Phone: +65 9382 8400 Address: 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903 Email: syltham@gmail.com Website: http://emceesylvia.com/ Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/01/2016 -- The radar sensor market is expected to grow from USD 19.29 Billion in 2015 to USD 30.67 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.94% between 2016 and 2022. The growth of the radar sensor market is driven by the factors such as increasing territorial conflicts and geopolitical instabilities in the regions such as Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas, rising demand for radar systems worldwide since militaries seek to replace their legacy systems, and increasing focus on the safety, comfort, and assistance features in vehicles. Browse 81 market data tables with 109 figures spread through 260 pages and in-depth TOC on "Radar Sensor Market - Global Forecast to 2022" Download PDF Brochure : http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=137774522 Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. "Radar sensor market for automotive applications expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period" The radar sensor market for automotive applications is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of this market include increasing adoption of radar sensors for various applications, increasing benefits of radar sensors compared to other remote sensing technologies, growing number of accidents all over the world, and comfort, safety, and assistance features offered by the usage of radar sensors. Some of the major automotive applications for the usage of radar sensors are blind spot detection, lane departure warning, object detection system, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and stop & go functionality among others. "Non-imaging radar sensor market to witness potential growth by 2022" The market for non-imaging radar sensors is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. This is mainly because their wide usage in most of the high-end applications such as defense, automotive, and traffic monitoring. Various applications of defense need constant tracking and analyzing which is mostly done with the help of non-imaging radar sensors. Additionally, the increasing military expenditure by developing countries is also an important factor to drive the overall growth of the non-imaging radar sensor market. "APAC expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period" Radar sensors and systems are increasingly being implemented in APAC, owing to the growing demand for automotive and increasing focus of region toward military investment. Moreover, The Asia-Pacific region is one of the potential markets for the unmanned vehicles as countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea among others are actively trying to strengthen the military system. The geopolitical dynamics of the region have a vital role to play in the measures taken by capital economies such as India and China toward the enhancement of military capabilities and strength. Major companies involved in the development of radar sensors include Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), Delphi Automotive PLC (U.K.), HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co. (Germany), Autoliv Inc. (Sweden), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), Airbus Group (Netherlands), Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.), Raytheon Company (U.S.), NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Netherlands), Smart Microwave Sensors GmbH (Germany), Escort Inc. (U.S.), and Omniradar BV (Netherlands) among others 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. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/01/2016 -- The report "Reclosers Market by Phase (Three Phase, Single Phase & Triple-Single Phase) by Control (Electric & Hydraulic) by Geography (U.S., China, India, Russia, Brazil and Others - Global Forecast to 2019" defines and segments the global recloser market with an analysis and forecast of the market size. The recloser market is expected to grow from $790.8 Million in 2014 to $957.5 Million by 2019, at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2014 to 2019. Browse 74 market data tables and 27 figures spread through 90 pages and in-depth TOC on "Reclosers Market Global Forecast to 2019" Request for Sample: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=187393365 Reclosers are used to increase the reliability of the distribution network and protect the distribution network when faults are detected. Once the fault is rectified, reclosers enable service continuity by automatically restoring power to the line. Automated reclosers can be used to store data of variables such as time, current, and voltage at the time of line faults in electronic format. The collected data is useful to analyze the cause of the faults. Circuit breakers were conventionally used to disconnect the circuit in case of short circuits and overload. Circuit breakers opened the circuits in case of faults and need manual intervention for closing the circuit, so as to ensure that the proper functioning of the circuit network was resumed. This manual intervention consumed time and resulted in losses in the form of customer outage cost. Reclosers are now being used in distribution networks to avoid any such losses. With the increasing demand for electricity globally, the efficient distribution of electricity is of paramount importance, so as to minimize the losses incurred because of outages in distribution. A robust distribution network is required to ensure the efficient electricity distribution to the end user. Advanced protective systems like reclosers need to be installed for improved reliability and grid stability. Due to the inefficiency of existing distribution infrastructure, the installation of new distribution lines and refurbishment of older distribution ones is anticipated to be the highest in Asia-Pacific. The recloser market in this region is thus expected to be the fastest-growing in the coming years. North America was the largest market for recloser in 2014, due to the presence of a robust and advanced distribution network. Some of the key players operational in this market include ABB Ltd. (SWITZERLAND), Schneider Electric (Nu-Lec) (France), S&C Electric Company (USA), Tavrida Electric (Russia), Noja Power (Australia), Hubbell Incorporated (USA), G&W Electric (USA), and Xuji (China). Make an Enquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=187393365 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is 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 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. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 1-888-600-6441 sales@marketsandmarkets.com Website: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com [MANILA] Plasmodium vivax, the more widespread strain of malaria, has greater genetic diversity than the deadly P. falciparum, which means that P. vivax may evolve differently to the anti-malarial drugs used in varying parts of the world, according to a new study in the Nature Genetics (27 June). P. vivax is more likely to be the more difficult species to eliminate, and so more funds should be available to study better ways to control the species, Jane Carlton, a professor at New York University's Department of Biology who led the study, tells SciDev.Net. This study provides the data to support what many already believe that malaria is not the same across all countries. By Rhoel Dinglasan, University of Florida P. vivax causes an estimated 15.8 million clinical malaria cases each year. Some of the hardest hit countries are in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. But P. vivax has historically remained in the shadow of P. falciparum when it comes to public health priorities. This stems from the false notion handed down since colonial times that P. vivax is a benign disease, which has been corrected by the scientific community over the past decade. Carlton says that the burden of P. falciparum has decreased due to better control methods so now is an excellent time to reinvigorate P. vivax malaria research. In the study, researchers sequenced roughly 200 DNA samples of P. vivax collected from humans, making it the largest number of P. vivax genomes sequenced to date. The scientists were able to extricate DNA from its human host by using a set of unique sticky baits that held on to the parasites DNA while the human DNA washed away. Samples were collected through the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research and came from 11 countries, including Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Thailand. The sequencing of the parasite's genome offered various insights into what is happening with P. vivax today. It also bridges the perceived and real difficulties of trying to gain insight from a lab strain taken from one part of the world that likely differs from strains in other parts of the world. For instance, in Papua New Guinea, the population of P. vivax is more diverse compared to Mexico, which has a relatively more homogenous genetic makeup and reflects the decline of P. vivax in Mexico over the last decade. This study provides the data to support what many already believe that malaria is not the same across all countries, Rhoel Dinglasan, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Florida, tells SciDev.Net. He says the study allows public health practitioners in their respective countries to re-examine their control and elimination programmes and how such programmes are evaluated. For example, if you know what the parasite genotype is in your area and you have implemented an aggressive control effort, then you can use this knowledge to understand whether or not a "failure" is a result of an introduction from neighbouring countries, says Dinglasan. The malaria parasites that infect us are complex, and every effort to understand the complexity of their biology will bring us a step closer to finding just the right, tailored approach to eliminate, if not eradicate the disease, he adds. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets South-East Asia & Pacific desk. CEDAR FALLS The Iowa Board of Regents will hire a search firm to assist in the process of hiring the next University of Northern Iowa president. It announced Friday it is soliciting requests for qualifications from qualified search firms and hopes to select the successful firm by the end of July. It is important that we get a search firm in place so when we have our full process defined, we can move forward as quickly as possible with the selection, said Katie Mulholland, regents president pro tem, who is leading the search process. UNI President Bill Ruud announced in May he would be leaving the Cedar Falls university for the private Marietta College in Ohio. His last day is July 2, and Provost Jim Wohlpart will begin filling in as interim president on July 3. Mulholland said having a search firm is a key component in developing the timeline and process for hiring the next UNI president. The boards process, as identified in the request for qualifications, should have a short list of firms identified by July 22. It will conduct interviews with the finalists between July 25 and 27 and then anticipates awarding a contract on July 29. The firm will be expected to assist and advise the regents in its selection of the next president by assisting in the selection of the search committee members, in advertising the position, in ensuring the search process follows affirmative action/equal opportunity requirements, in conducting a background search on the final prospects, and in recommending a final group of three to five candidates. The firm will submit its fee structure as part of its submission to the regents, so the cost of hiring a search firm is not listed in the request for qualifications. Mulholland stressed the board has been and will continue to reach out to the various constituency groups within the UNI community. We want to get their input on what characteristics the next UNI president should have, as well as on the search process, Mulholland said. She said the board is in the early stages of developing a search committee as well, though the size and makeup of it has not been determined. The process of hiring a search firm follows the boards most recent presidential searches those that led to the hiring of University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld last year, Ruud in 2012 and Iowa State University President Steven Leath in 2011. Those three searches netted the same consultant firm of Parker Executive Search of Atlanta, Georgia. Christinia Crippes is a reporter for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Large numbers of young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are failing to meet basic developmental standards that are linked with later-life health, productivity and wellbeing. One in every three preschool-age children (five years and below) living in LMICs does not meet basic milestones in either cognitive or socio-emotional development, according to a study led by Dana Charles McCoy of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which was published in PLOS Medicine (7 June). [1] The study defines low cognitive development as an inability to follow simple directions and work independently. Low socio-emotional development, on the other hand, is an inability to control aggression, avoid distraction and get along well with other children. Exacerbating these poor basic skills development scores are deficits in the childrens physical growth. Around 17 per cent are estimated to be stunted their physical growth is not appropriate for their age. Extrapolating available data on nearly 100,000 three- and four-year-old children living in 35 LMICs, 32.9 per cent or 80.8 million children were found to have low cognitive or socio-economic development, or both. The researchers used two of four key development areas in the widely watched Early Child Development Index developed by UNICEF (UN Childrens Fund). By geographic regions, the Sub-Saharan LMICs show the highest prevalence rate of 43.8 per cent (29.4 million children), followed by South Asia with 37.7 per cent (27.7 million children). The lowest prevalence rates were noted in Latin America and Caribbean LMICs with 18.7 per cent, and the North Africa/Middle East/Central Asia with 18.4 percent. LMICs in the East Asia and Pacific region accounted for a prevalence rate of 25.9 per cent (15.1 million children). However, a separate study released early this month reports that stunting constitutes a severe public health problem in half of the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the prevalence of stunting and wasting in children under five remaining unacceptably high. [2] Lead author McCoy tells SciDev.Net their research did not focus on the reasons behind the lower prevalence of difficulties than others, although she cites that lower rates of poverty may contribute to lower numbers. Supportive, responsive and enriching interactions with parents and other caregivers are the primary mechanisms through which children develop cognitive and socio-emotional skills in early childhood. Dana Charles McCoy, Harvard Graduate School of Education She says the research suggests a need for additional policies and programmes that aim to reduce childrens exposure to poverty, violence and other sources of toxic stress in the environment. We also need resources and supports to promote childrens opportunities to learn, both in and out of the home, she adds. Research has shown that supportive, responsive and enriching interactions with parents and other caregivers are the primary mechanisms through which children develop cognitive and socio-emotional skills in early childhood. McCoy notes: More importantly, these interventions to reduce risk and promote learning need to be implemented early on, in the first 1,000 days of life. The results of our study suggest that developmental setbacks are already common by the time children are age three or four, and neuroscience tells us that childrens brains are growing most rapidly during this early childhood period. Chemba Raghavan, regional education specialist for UNICEFs East Asia and the Pacific office, agrees, stating that UNICEF stresses the first 1,000 days between the start of a womans pregnancy and her childs second birthday, which presents a unique window of opportunity to help children and the societies in which they live to thrive. Citing examples of UNICEF efforts, Raghavan tells SciDev.Net that in Indonesia, a study on school readiness in six districts showed that early childhood development programmes had helped develop psychosocial and cognitive competencies to make children ready for school, provided participation in those programs were at least for one and a half years. In the Philippines, child health cards or books are used as a basic record of child health. In many countries, the books also include growth monitoring and key messages related to infant and young child feeding. In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Health has helped implement the UNICEF and WHO Care for Development Package. It is designed to be delivered by healthcare professionals to parents when they accompany children on visits to health centres, Raghavan says. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets South-East Asia & Pacific desk. The Comet 67P flyby that occurred on February 2015 was the closest that Rosetta has ever been able to capture. Scientists said that it was the most unique observation because it was at that exact moment that the Rosetta, the Sun, and the comet were synchronized. Rosetta OSIRIS captured an image showing a comet flyby. It is the closest ever taken making experts debate if the image captured is the OSIRIS shadow as it revealed a hazy dark spot surrounded by a halo-like region, Planetary reported. The planet synchronization's geometric trajectory almost casted no shadows; thus, showed all the surface structures for scientists to easily analyze. More Comet 67P images were released showing outstanding shots of the comet. Also, with the help of a wide-angle camera, it captured the comet's increasing activity. Recently on the Archive Image Browser, 540 NAVCAM images were uploaded depicting images of Rosetta approximately 5 kilometers away from the surface. Scientists claim that the image included the vehicle's shadow, while a few others say that by differentiating the ratio and diameter based on the image, it is more likely the shadow of something else bigger, like the sun. It has been continuously speculated as the shadow of the Rosetta, but due to further analysis of the image, it was noted otherwise. The most recent OSIRIS data archived 1357 narrow-angle camera images and 2162 wide-angle camera images from December 2014 to March 2015. The images taken were in 28 kilometer orbit of the comet. In early February, the vehicle moved 142 kilometers outwards before passing the comet at a distance of 6 kilometers and away. The images can be seen in ESA, showing Rosetta's trajectory. The OSIRIS is a narrow-angle camera. It captured the Comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko on February 2015; however, it was just recently released to the public in the Archive Image and the Planetary Science Archive. Facebook announced that they are limiting the number of public figure or brand profiles that users may follow. The newsfeed will further focus on posts from friends and families. Facebook Vice President for Product Management Adam Mosseri, stated on Wednesday that to be able to satisfy users, interesting and relevant newsfeeds are maintained. Facebook users reportedly claimed that it is more important to see posts from close friends, USA Today reported. Moreover, the VP said that stories in newsfeeds are ranked, so users will first see posts from people they frequently interact than posts from businesses. The Facebook Engineering Director Lars Backstrom acknowledged that updating their system may cause media publishers or public figures to decline Facebook use. Rich Gordon, professor and director of digital innovation at Northern University, said that users who like and follow media companies want to see posts from the page because of the content. Newsfeed algorithm could treat public profiles of news differently compared to other public organizations and figures in a way that users can enjoy the news articles of their chosen pages without being bombed by other irrelevant posts. Facebook informed users of the newsfeed values including connecting people to posts of close family and friends and informational content of their liked Pages, FB Newsroom reported. The recent issues of Facebook's lack of transparency of choosing Trending Topics is a result of a new featuring a former employee of Facebook, who claimed that people working on Trending Topics department did not promote conservative viewpoints on purpose. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg assured users that Facebook is a platform for all ideas; an avenue to promote all sorts of political viewpoints. According to Zuckerberg, Facebook believes that the world would be better when people from different backgrounds with different ideas have power to share thoughts and experiences. Facebook a unique social media platform, the CEO said. The Smithsonian Channel will feature the world's deadliest predators at its wildlife programming "WILD WEDNESDAYS" starting on July 13 at 8 P.M. The program aims to investigate these fiercest creatures with the mysteries behind their behavior. One deadliest creature is the large and elusive predator, the great hammerhead shark. It is considered the most advanced predators of the ocean. Its favorite prey is the venomous stingrays. The hammerhead shark is armed with incredible senses that can detect, locate and devour its prey. It will be featured in the "Hunting Hammerhead" that will be aired on July 13 at 8 P.M. The Smithsonian Channel will head to Bimini in the Bahamas for the hammerhead shark. Dr. Craig O'Channel will talk about the mysterious creature's killer tactics. He will also deploy his revolutionary "RoboRay," which is a remote controlled stingray to capture the feeding event of the hammerhead. Another most iconic apex predator is the Komodo dragon, which is the world's largest living lizard. It will be featured on July 20 at 8 P.M. The Komodo dragon can run as fast as 23 miles per hour when to hunt. It is armored with claws and scales and deadly venom in its bite. The Komodo dragon or also referred to as the Komodo monitor is found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Padar, Rinca, Gili Motang and Rinca. It grows up to 3 meters in length (10 feet) and weighs about 70 kilograms (150 lb.). Vipers are cold blooded killers. These include the African Gaboon viper or also known as the adder, which is armed with fangs that grow up to two inches long. These vipers are the largest and the heaviest vipers in the world. Another venomous viper is Therma, a Western Diamondback rattler, and a new-world pit viper. It is equipped with early warning system and thermal imaging abilities. There is also the Puff arder, which belongs to formidable killers who are adaptable and hardy. A deadly creature that will also be featured on WILD WEDNESDAY on August 3 is the killer hornet swarm. They have a size of a human thumb but they have cytotoxic venom that can cause anaphylactic shock and death. The Smithsonian Channel will also present the Lions of the Namib on August 10. The population of these desert lions is on the brink of extinction. The film is all about the old lioness, her two daughter and the five youngsters, known as the "Five Musketeers." These five young males need to overcome the oldest desert on Earth and their journey to adulthood. In recent years, Americans have crowd unregulated stem cell clinics in Mexico, the Caribbean and China to find everything from facelifts to medical treatments. But it looks like these "stem-cell tourists" don't have to be tourists after all, as similar clinics are popping up across their own country. According to sacbee.com, a new study by a stem-cell scientist at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine Paul Knoepfler, along with a partner from University of Minnesota is focusing their attention on the number of clinics in the United States that provide stem cell therapies even without the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "In almost every state now, people can go locally to get stem-cell 'treatments,' " Paul Knoepfler said."That's different from what we typically think about when we think of stem-cell tourism," he continued. The Washington Post reported that Knoepfler and co-author Leigh Turner, a bioethics professor sifted through the Internet for businesses that promotes unapproved stem cell treatments. They found a total of 351 businesses offering specific services like treatments for osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's, autism and injured spinal cords, as well as for cosmetic enhancements at 570 different clinics, and the most number of clinics were in California (113) and Florida (104). Other cities like Beverly Hills, New York and San Antonio were also known as hot spots for people who seek stem-cell treatments. Statistics also showed that about two-thirds of the businesses offered services that used stem-cells from patient's own fat, and almost half used bone marrows. But about one-fifth of the businesses claimed to use stem cells from umbilical cord blood or amniotic or placental tissue. A bioethicist named Arthur Caplan, who was not involved in the study, explained some of the reasons why there are growing numbers of stem cell clinics in the country. The businesses are usually not engaging in interstate commerce, which helps them "fly under the radar," said Caplan, who is the division director of medical ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken necessary measure against businesses that perform unapproved treatments for certain conditions. Just last year, FDA sent a letter of warning to a series of clinics that run in California, Florida and New York. CBS News reported the FDA saying that these clinics allegedly use stem cells from people's fat tissues to treat Parkinson's, MS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and autism. He also added that there's a regulatory gray area on the so-called "autologous" stem cell therapy, which refers to treatments that use a person's own stem cells. "If you have cells from your own body reinjected, it isn't clear that you're getting a 'new biologic,' "Caplan explained. "Many of these claims are outrageous," he said. "These clinics are preying on vulnerable people." He also advised consumers to be vigilant of any procedure that is usually endorsed by celebrities, or patient testimonials. FLORENCE, S.C. Roche Carolina Inc. plans to close its Florence plant by 2019, but production will continue as usual until then, a company official said Thursday. Last fall company officials announced a restructuring as the Switzerland-based concern sought a buyer for the 300,000-square-foot Florence facility, which then employed 270 people. On Thursday, Pete Mazzaroni, the companys head of communications, said employees were updated in May that neither a buyer nor a contract manufacturing organization had been found. We were not able to do that, he said. He also said employees were told in May that a plant closure or a ramp-down is scheduled by the end of 2019, or a year later than the company had previously estimated. The workforce now totals about 220, he said, following a reduction and restructuring that occurred after the November 2015 announcement. Company officials said then that a pending divestment of facilities in Florence, S.C., Italy, Ireland and Spain was in the works as a corporate decision was made to transition to smaller volumes with higher potency drugs. Xeloda, an oral chemotherapy drug, is one of the main products made at the Old Marion Highway plant, along with reagents for Mircera and Pegasys, which are used to treat kidney disease and hepatitis C, respectively. Right now the facilitys workforce stays here, and its business as usual until the end of 2019, Mazzaroni said. Were focused on keeping our plant organized and running safely, he said. Phil Adamson, president and site head, said Thursday that plans are to keep the workforce intact as production continues. Production will run until the end of 2019, he said, and will require a very vast majority of employees all the way through. We do not anticipate any large adjustments before then, he said, noting that plans are to decommission the site once production ceases. Similar moves are being made at the three sister plants in Europe. Employees were updated Thursday on the timeline to provide clarity and offer the positive news that production will go on, he said. While a reputable buyer is still being sought, our past history, and the most recent due diligence shows the probability is unlikely, he said. Obviously we remain practical and open to a sale of the plant, he said. Florence County Economic Development Partnership executive director Joe W. King said Thursday he still feels good that we and Roche will find a buyer before the plant closes. I just dont see them shuttering that nice facility, he said. But sometimes corporate mentality is totally different from the way I think. Records show the company owns two primary properties: 6173 and 6175 Old Marion Highway. All told, the property and facility are worth at least $3.6 million, excluding equipment, and span 884 acres. We still have time to find somebody, King added. CLEAR LAKE A North Iowa man police say bought lottery tickets in Clear Lake with a forged check faces criminal charges. Michael Reich, 29, was charged with two counts of felony lottery fraud and two counts of felony forgery. Police say he forged stolen checks on Christmas Eve at two gas stations in Clear Lake. One check was for $76.79 at Caseys General Store and the second was for $158.14, which included the purchase of lottery tickets, at Kwik Star, said Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth. Reich was taken into custody Wednesday by Mason City police. He was one of two people with outstanding warrants who were found by officers investigating the theft of guns last weekend from a Mason City police vehicle. Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said Reich was at a house that was visited by officers. He was taken into custody for Clear Lake. Reichs next court hearing is Friday, July 8, in District Court in Mason City. MASON CITY A reward has been offered for the return of two guns stolen from a Mason City police vehicle. Crime Stoppers of North Central Iowa announced Friday it will offer the reward for the return of a semiautomatic Colt M16 A1 rifle and a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun. Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said the reward is $250. The guns were discovered missing on June 27. M16, shotgun stolen from Mason City police car remain missing MASON CITY The search for the M16 rifle, 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition stolen from an un Police believe they were taken between June 25-27 from the back seat of an unmarked police vehicle in the 300 block of South Tennessee Avenue. Twenty-eight rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, 17 shotgun shells with 00 buckshot and 12 slugs also were stolen. Authorities continued to search for the weapons on Friday. No arrests have been made. Fingerprint evidence from the vehicle has been sent to the Iowa DCI Crime Lab in Ankeny, Brinkley said. Anyone with information about the guns can call Crime Stoppers at 800-383-0088 or visit www.crimestoppersnorthcentraliowa.com. The weapons can also be dropped off at the Mason City Police Department, 78 S. Georgia Ave. Call 641-421-3636 to contact Mason City police directly. MASON CITY The developer of the proposed Marriott hotel downtown is seeking an extension on the start date for that project and for the mixed-use development planned for near the hotel. Construction of the hotel was scheduled to begin later this month. Philip Chodur, president of G8 Development, San Diego, told city officials one of the reasons he needs more time is because of the City Councils rejection of the Prestage Foods of Iowa project. City Administrator Brent Trout said Chodur asked for a six-month extension on both projects, which city negotiators denied. On Tuesday, the council will be asked to grant a three-month extension on the hotel construction and a four-month extension for the mixed-use development. The council meets at 7 p.m. in the Mason City Room of the public library. Trout said city officials thought a six-month extension was too long because both projects are included in the citys renaissance downtown redevelopment plan that also includes a parking ramp, music pavilion and an ice arena/multipurpose center. The city has been pre-approved for $7.2 million in state aid and has applied for additional funding that would bring the total to $10 million. City officials are scheduled to go to Des Moines later this month to seek contingency funding so construction on some of the projects can begin. The hotel is a key factor in the proposed state funding because it represents $10 million in private investment a requirement for the funding. Chodur told city officials that based on the possibility of the Prestage Foods project being approved, he chose to change the design of the proposed Courtyard by Marriott hotel to include an additional floor of rooms. The city went along with the design change because additional rooms would increase the revenue received in the reinvestment district and from the hotel/motel tax. The City Council rejected the Prestage Foods plan at its May 3 meeting. In the end, when the Prestage project did not move forward, Chodur had to have his architect switch the design back to the original. This loss of time was well over a month, said Trout. He said the city and Chodur agreed on some other design changes that also were time consuming. Regarding the mixed-use development at Second Street Northeast and Federal Avenue, work was scheduled to begin on June 30 but has not started. Chodur said he is requesting a later start date because of his decision to purchase and demolish the building on Second Street Northeast that has been occupied by the Little Chicago restaurant. Chodur said the added space will increase the square footage of his proposed building, creating space for additional rooms. He has a contract to purchase the Little Chicago building and is awaiting the final paperwork on the sale, Trout said. The council is being asked to approve a start date of no later than Oct. 31 for construction on both the hotel and the mixed-use building. Trout said if work does not start by Oct. 31, there is little chance of any construction starting this year. If the commence construction date is not met by G8 Development, the city will use the winter months to seek proposals from other developers to complete the projects so construction could begin in the spring of next year, said Trout. MASON CITY KIMT-TV will continue to operate with business as usual in Mason City, General Manager Steve Martinson said Friday. Martinson said the sale of the CBS affiliate in Mason City will have no effect on operations in Mason City. Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc., of Irving, Texas, is selling five stations in five markets to USA Television MidAmerica Holdings LLC, an affiliate of MSouth Equity Partners and Heartland Media LLC, following the acquisition of Media General by Nexstar. KIMT is one of those stations, most recently owned by Media General. Martinson said news releases about the sale, which listed Rochester, Minnesota, as the city of license for KIMT, were incorrect. Mason City has been and still is the city of license, he said. The Federal Communications Commission considers KIMT to be in the Rochester market and the new owner is calling the local licensee the Rochester TV License Company LLC, all of which has contributed to the confusion about the city of license, Martinson said. John Skipper CRYSTAL LAKE It was dusk at a Hancock County farm site as a group of men hovered around a table with measuring cups and spoons. By the light of a lantern, rear truck lights and a flashlight, they were making something powerful fireworks to later be shared by hundreds of people. Everybody likes a good boom, Brad Sorensen said. Sorensen is among a group of about 12 volunteers who organize and operate the annual July 4 fireworks at Crystal Lake. Sorensen, Brad Kluver, Brandon Heimer and Dewey Roll recently gathered to test fireworks for the show. Kluver, who organizes the show, began shooting fireworks at Crystal Lake campgrounds about 20 years ago. About $200 worth of fireworks has evolved into a show worth thousands of dollars and volunteers licensed to operate it. The show is paid for with donations. There are shows that cost more, such at Clear Lake. Were not in the same league as (Clear Lake), Kluver said. But Crystal Lakes is in a league of its own. With mine, you can feel the heat from the fireworks. I can put you right in the show, Kluver said. You can feel the boom, Roll said. You wont see too many shows like Crystal Lakes. The group works to improve the show each year, and were working to add color to some of the blasts by using colored steel granulars. The show has risks, which is why there is no alcohol allowed, Kluver said. Volunteers dont drink alcohol when they are testing fireworks, before or after the show. During the show, the group works in pairs. They also have a watcher and security. Its a rush, Sorensen said of igniting fireworks. A portion of the show is conducted from Crystal Lakes north shore, with the rest from a barge on the lake. Sometimes the show and preparation gets risky, despite the focus on safety. Roll recalled a muzzle blast fireball, from which he definitely felt the heat. The second after it happened, I was like, Awesome. Lets do it again, he said. The group hinted at what it would like for 2017 a larger shell, but Roll said it costs $3,600. Kluver said the firework is supposed to shoot up 1,000 feet, with stuff still burning when it hits the ground. Wouldnt that be sweet? Sorensen said. CLIVE A Mason City man said he was surprised when he scratched off an Iowa Lottery ticket earlier this week and won $100,000. Ron Gettman, 78, said he bought an Easy Money scratch ticket Tuesday at Hy-Vee West and won the fourth top prize. There are eight top prizes. Its quite a surprise, Gettman told lottery employees Wednesday as he claimed his prize at the lotterys regional office in Mason City. It said, $100,000. I could hardly believe it so I called my son and he came over and helped me verify that the thing was a winner. Gettman, a retiree, said he also had his winning ticket confirmed at a local lottery retailer Tuesday night just to double-check. When it was confirmed, Gettman said he was too excited to sleep. Im just thrilled. Its going to be a big boost for me, he said. Gettman said he plans to use a portion of his winning to pay bills. He also said he plans to share a portion with his children and his church. MASON CITY | After more than a decade of serving pizza, pasta, and gyros, Little Chicago will be closing its doors in downtown Mason City. Owner Darin Reynolds said the closing is bittersweet. I need a break, Reynolds said. I havent had much of a vacation in those 14 years. Hes been working almost by himself these past few weeks, opening and closing the shop every day. Saturday is Reynolds' last day, he said while tidying up the kitchen. After that, he anticipates a two-week clean-up. Going through here though, I have to try not to cry, Reynolds said. But he wont miss the hot kitchen or the broken air conditioner of the nearly 100-year-old building. When the oven is running, the kitchen can get to a toasty 95 to 100 degrees. Reynolds and his brother, Derek, bought the restaurant from former Sluggos owner Evelyn Sloan after her husband, Doug, passed away. The brothers decorated the restaurant with a mix of military memorabilia and Chicago gangster decor. Over the years, the dining room became a bit of a greenhouse with plants lining the windowsills flowers, vines and even a pineapple. Reynolds isnt sure what he can do with them when he closes. Im going to miss all of these windows, I mean, I could grow anything in here, he said. Reynolds said he was given a 45-day notice to vacate the building. He says it's to make room for condos, part of the downtown development project the city is seeking funding for. The city has been helpful in talking about avenues for funding and relocation, he said. Though the current location is closing, Reynolds hopes to open again elsewhere in town. Little Chicago's Facebook page will be updated with more information, he said. Maybe not right away because I need some time, Reynolds said. Its hard to say goodbye to the building, but when one door closes, another opens. AFRICA Central African Republic Expected Council Action In July, Special Representative Parfait Onanga-Anyanga will brief on the strategic review of the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Council is due to renew MINUSCAs mandate, which expires on 31 July. Key Recent Developments March marked the end of the period of office of the transitional political government in the Central African Republic (CAR), which began in April 2013 and was initially due to expire after 18 months. On 1 March, the Constitutional Court confirmed that former Prime Minister Faustin Archange Touadera had been elected president after winning a runoff election on 14 February. On 27 January, the transitional constitutional court nullified the results of legislative elections held on 30 December 2015 because of massive irregularities. After a new round of elections, the National Assembly opened its first extraordinary session on 3 May. MINUSCAs mandate was originally due to expire on 30 April. Council members discussed the MINUSCA mandate renewal under any other business on 17 March. France proposed a technical rollover of MINUSCAs current mandate until the end of July. France reasoned that this would allow time for consultations between MINUSCA and the incoming government on adapting the missions mandate to the post-transition period. It would also allow time for a strategic review of MINUSCA to inform Council members deliberations on a new mandate. On 26 April, the Council adopted resolution 2281, which extended MINUSCAs mandate until 31 July and requested the Secretary-General to complete a strategic review of its mandate by 22 June. While many view the electoral process as an overall success, the security and humanitarian situations in the CAR remain dire. Though attacks by rebel groups have waned, Muslim-dominated ex-Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka factions still control vast parts of the country, and some of their elements have been unwilling to engage in dialogue with transitional authorities. Criminality is on the rise, and the numbers of refugees who have fled the CAR (roughly 468,000) and of internally displaced people (IDPs, roughly 415,000) are not decreasing. This status quo means that the potential for an upsurge in violence is very present. On 10 June, fighting broke out between groups supported by the anti-Balaka elements and herders supported by the ex-Seleka in Ouham Pende Prefecture in the north-west. The fighting resulted in more than ten casualties, as well as property burnt and looted. In addition, several thousand people were displaced from their homes, including some who have fled into neighbouring Chad and Cameroon. Fighting also erupted in the Muslim PK5 neighbourhood in Bangui on 20 June, when ex-Seleka elements took six police officers hostage. MINUSCA released a statement the following day saying that a hostile and armed crowd had fired upon peacekeepers trying to evacuate police officers, and three civilians were killed in the cross-fire. A peacekeeper was wounded by a grenade in the exchange. On 17 June, unidentified gunmen killed a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) driver northeast of Bangui. A similar incident resulted in the killing of another MSF driver north of Bossangoa on 18 May. The Council held a ministerial-level open debate on the protection of civilians in the context of peacekeeping operations on 10 June. Touadera was among those who addressed the Council. He said that the continued presence of the armed groups the anti-Balaka, ex-Seleka and the Lords Resistance Armyposes the most serious threat to the protection of civilians and security in the CAR. Other threats include a drop in agricultural production, forced displacement and rampant crime. Thus, he continued, the protection of civilians should remain MINUSCAs main priority. Touadera added that justice in the CAR must be served in order to combat impunity and promote human rights, and in that regard requested the international community to assist with the establishment of the Special Criminal Court (a hybrid court to be composed of both domestic and international personnel). Touadera met with the Secretary-General on the same day, after which the latter commended the formers outreach to armed groups and his spirit of national reconciliation and inclusiveness. Council members received the MINUSCA strategic review on 22 June. The report notes that there are improvements in the security and economic situation and that Touadera enjoys overall legitimacy among the population. It identifies the continuing operation of armed groups as the main impediment to the consolidation of peace in the country. Accordingly, the strategy consists of three main pillars. On the political front, the report calls for supporting government dialogue with armed groups, addressing the root causes of the conflict and establishing state authority throughout CAR. Regarding security, the report recommends a strong protection of civilians emphasis, including applying pressure on armed groups and support for security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programs. Furthermore, the report calls for support for justice and reconciliation efforts. The review does not recommend a change in troop numbers, though it says that in later stages more police units and fewer military units may be warranted. Sanctions-Related Developments On 29 April, the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee held a meeting with representatives of the EU regarding the activities of the European External Action Service to establish the EU training mission in the CAR. On 18 May, the Committee met with the Panel of Experts assisting it for an update on its work. During the meeting the Committee was also briefed by several Secretariat officials on the situation in the CAR ahead of the 25-27 May visit to the country by the Committees Chair, Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine). On 13 June, the Committee met to discuss Yelchenkos trip, on which he was accompanied by the Ukrainian and French CAR experts and the Committees Panel of Experts. Yelchenko reported that he met, among others, with Touadera, Prime Minister Simplice Sarandji and several government ministers in Bangui. The officials stressed the need to address the security situation as a priority and the importance of SSR. They said that the arms embargo is an obstacle to revamping the CAR security sector. Yelchenko noted that the sanctions regime allows for exemption requests. He said those would be positively considered by the Committee, which must agree by consensus to any exemptions or changes to the regime. Yelchenko then visited the town of Bambari to the east. Ex-Seleka rebels control some parts of the town, which MINUSCA troops do not patrol. Yelchenko met with local authorities and visited an IDP camp, conveying the Committees commitment to the country and concern over the situation in the CAR. Human Rights-Related Developments The independent expert on the situation of human rights in the CAR, Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum, conducted her seventh visit to the country from 10 to 20 June. On 28 June, the Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue with Bocoum. She will submit her written report in September. Key Issues Renewing MINUSCAs mandate with modifications reflecting the end of the transitional phase and the establishment of newly elected executive and legislative bodies will be an immediate task for the Council in July. Continuous monitoring and close attention by the Council to the security situation and political developments will be an ongoing issue. Options The resolution renewing MINUSCAs mandate could: follow the priorities identified in the strategic review; call on MINUSCA to develop a long-term deployment plan, including a future exit strategy; call on MINUSCA contingents to adopt a proactive approach to expand areas under its control, and for the Secretariat to provide the mission with appropriate capabilities; call on countries in the region to play a constructive role in the political dialogue; and recommend an increase in the police component of MINUSCA. Council and Wider Dynamics All Council members hope that the end of the transition period and the installation of the newly elected government will provide momentum to address some of the fundamental issues facing the country, including constructive dialogue with armed groups and their disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration; and, later on, SSR programs, accountability measures and re-establishing state authority and institutions, including incarceration facilities and judicial institutions. With respect to the mandate renewal, it seems that there is a general consensus in the Council to proceed on the basis of the strategic review. On sanctions, there does not seem to be any appetite among Council members to lift the arms embargo on the CAR government before the security sector has begun its reforms and it can be established that arms will not flow from government forces to rebel groups. France is the penholder on the CAR and Ukraine is the chair of the Sanctions Committee. UN Documents This was a resolution that extended MINUSCAs mandate until 31 July, and requested the Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of its mandate by 22 June. This resolution renewed the CAR sanctions regime until 31 January 2017. This was a press statement condemning the killing of a MINUSCA peacekeeper. This was a press release on the CAR Sanctions Committees meeting with the head of MINUSCA, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga (via video teleconference from Bangui), and a representative of UNMAS. This was the final report of the 2127 Sanctions Committees Panel of Experts. Canadian inventor William Liddiard has developed a new kind of omnidirectional wheel that he claims can be fitted to any kind of car or other vehicle. The wheels essentially allow the car to scoot sideways -- into a tight street parking space, for instance -- or turn on a dime, spinning in a full 360-degree circle. Check out the video: A modest little YouTube video out of Canada is making headlines this week, as it appears to promise an end the modern-day scourge of parallel parking . Liddiard's prototype wheels are bolted onto a small Toyota, which slides and dances around in a driveway routine that's oddly compelling. Cars just aren't supposed to move the way that this one does. The practical benefits are immediately apparent. If all cars were able to scoot sideways like this, street parking would be forever changed. Omnidirectional wheels -- and variations like mecanum wheels -- are not a new concept. Several major automakers have developed versions over the years, but they've required specialized chassis design and have never been made widely available on consumer models. RELATED: Car Seat Senses Your Road Rage, Offers A Massage Liddiard claims that his design can be attached to any standard axle and can handle weights and speeds of standard wheel/tire configurations. "Unlike other omni capable wheels, my wheels do not require the vehicle to be built around them," he writes in the post. The YouTube page is short on technical specifics, but the video is plenty convincing. The omnidirectional wheel appears to work like previous iterations we've seen, in which small discs around the outside rim of the wheel proper roll the wraparound tire sideways. The immediate question is how the driver actually controls this function from inside the car. RELATED: Skateboard Is all Wheels In close-up images of the tires themselves, they appear to lack traditional tread and in fact look like old-fashioned inner tubes. Liddiard says the wheels can be used in all weather and road conditions, but he also concedes that what we see onscreen is ultimately just a proof-of-concept prototype. In any case, you have to admire the guy's entrepreneurial moxie. Liddiard is openly sharing the video and calling on viewers to get the word out to interested manufacturers and partners. If he can solve parallel parking, I say we pull funds from 1,000 randomly selected U.S. hedge fund managers and send it up to Canada, in the spirit of proper wealth distribution. That would be a nice gesture. WATCH VIDEO: Yes, Everyone Has Holiday Road Rage The height of the pharaohs who ruled ancient Egypt supports historical records that they might have married their sisters and cousins, says new research into 259 mummies. It's known from historical sources that incestuous marriages were common among the ancient Egyptian royalty. The pharaohs believed they descended from the gods so inbreeding was seen as a way to retain the sacred bloodline. But it is hard to prove incest in royal marriages through genetic testings because of ethical consideration when destroying mummies' tissues. Photos: Signs of Incest in Famous Mummies Frank Ruhli, director of the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Zurich, and colleagues used a highly hereditable character, body height, to look for evidence of incest in 259 mummies of both commoners and royals. "It is actually one of the largest collections of body height of ancient Egyptians and spans all major periods of their history," Ruhli told Discovery News. The researchers tested the hypothesis of royal incest by studying variation (difference between individuals) of body heights of royals and comparing it with variations among commoners. "Pharaohs varied less in height than men of the common population. This is one indicator of inbreeding," Ruhli said. Detailing their results in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Ruhli and colleagues noted that the pharaohs were taller than non-royal males from the same time period, while there was little difference between the stature of queens and common Egyptian women. Weird Facts About King Tut and His Mummy The average height of the male population varied between 161 cm (5.28 feet) in the New Kingdom (about 15501070 BC) and 169.6 cm (5.56 feet) in the Early Dynastic period (about 29252575 BC), making an average of 165.7 cm (5.43 feet) for all time periods. Females ranged between 155.6 cm (5.10 feet) in the Late Period (712-332 B.C) to 159.5 cm (5.23 feet) in the Early Dynastic period an average stature of 157.8 cm (5.17 feet) Overall, the average height of kings was a steady 166 cm (5.44 feet), featuring much less variations compared to the general population. Queens and princesses averaged 156.7 cm (5.14 feet). The tallest pharaoh among those under investigation appears to be Ramses II (about 1303 1212 B.C.), who stood at least 173 cm (5.67 feet) and was married to Queen Nefertari-merj-em-Mut. She too was an outstandingly tall woman for her time, at 165 cm (5.41 feet) -- taller than the average man in the New Kingdom. The study also confirmed the highly incestuous levels in the rulers of the 17th and 18th Dynasty, with the 165 cm-tall King Amenhotep I scoring the highest on the incest scale. He probably was the product of three generations of sibling marriages. In comparison, King Tutankhamun earned a half ranking point. In the lower range of the scoring system, which researchers admit is rather rough, were pharaohs such as Thutmosis III, whose grandparents were siblings, but not his parents. Pharaohs who were married to their sisters, but whose parents were not siblings, were not considered since the incest effect would only affect their offspring. "The study shows some evidence for consanguineous (incestuous) marriages in a reliable, non-invasive way," Barry Bogin, professor of biological anthropology at Loughborough University, U.K., told Discovery News. He achieved similar results in a study carried out in Guatemala on living boys and girls between five and 14 years old. "The height variation was reduced in the children from very wealthy families and very, very poor families compared with more middle-to-low income families," Bogin said. The pattern of height variation indicated that both the wealthy and the poor lived in homogeneous environments -- very good for the wealthy and very bad for the poor. Those in the middle economic group lived in more variable environments. "Average height and height variation reflect very nicely the quality of the environment. So, the very good environment of the royal men might be another reason why their height variation is reduced compared with commoners," Bogin said. If I ever wrote, "Today Neil Armstrong wrote in to say..." you can safely assume I'm either a) off my medication or b) I'd just won the space blogging equivalent of the lottery. For NPR blogger Robert Krulwich, it's the latter. In an article he wrote for "Krulwich Wonders...," Krulwich pondered why the 1969 Apollo 11 astronauts didn't venture more than 90 yards from the Lunar Module. With a whole moon to explore, you'd think Armstrong and Aldrin would be hopping up the nearest mountain, or spelunking down a lunar skylight. Right? It turns out that his wondering thoughts didn't go unanswered. NASA astronaut legend Neil Armstrong decided to respond to Krulwich's blog by sending him a long email with an uncharacteristically chatty tone. In the message, Armstrong gave a wonderfully vivid explanation as to what it was like on the lunar surface and why Buzz and himself were limited by what they could do. Although much of Armstrong's text is a matter of historical record, as Krulwich says, "reading between the lines, I kinda think he wanted to do more, go further." I personally found it really interesting to read a first-hand account of the harshness of the lunar environment. Also, I marveled at the amazing complexity of the 1960s technology they were using. "It is true that we were cautious in our planning," Armstrong says in the email. "There were many uncertainties about how well our Lunar module systems and our Pressure suit and backpack would match the engineering predictions in the hostile lunar environment." To ensure the Apollo astronauts stayed cool - yes, cool, as pointed out by Armstrong: "We were operating in a near perfect vacuum with the temperature well above 200 degrees Fahrenheit" - NASA had designed a water-cooling system that pumped water around the astronauts' bodies. But this was the first time it was being used, so there were uncertainties about its performance. To verify the cooling system's performance after a lunar walk, the astronauts got back into the re-pressurized lunar module and "were able to drain and measure the remaining water in the backpacks to confirm the predicted," he points out. To minimize any unforeseen incidents, the pair had a strict mission plan, but that didn't mean Armstrong didn't stray just a little: Preflight planners wanted us to stay in TV range so that they could learn from our results how they could best plan for future missions. I candidly admit that I knowingly and deliberately left the planned working area out of TV coverage to examine and photograph the interior crater walls for possible bedrock exposure or other useful information. I felt the potential gain was worth the risk. Although Armstrong is well-known for avoiding the public's gaze (in stark contrast with his Apollo partner's rapping, dancing and punching escapades), he has recently been very politically active in his defense of plans to return NASA astronauts to the moon. He reiterates his position on the matter: During my testimony in May I said, "Some question why Americans should return to the Moon. "After all," they say "we have already been there." I find that mystifying. It would be as if 16th century monarchs proclaimed that "we need not go to the New World, we have already been there." [...] Americans have visited and examined 6 locations on Luna, varying in size from a suburban lot to a small township. That leaves more than 14 million square miles yet to explore. ( Of course, Armstrong has a point. Just because we've been to the moon doesn't mean we needn't go back. There's a huge number of reasons why we should go back - from using the moon as a low-gravity staging post for deep space missions to prospecting for rare materials such as Helium-3, a promising isotope to fuel fusion power. Unfortunately, like all space endeavors, a return mission to the moon is steeped in political spin. The potential science returns are an afterthought. Today we are aiming to send astronauts to an asteroid by the "mid-2020s," where will NASA be instructed to send them tomorrow? Although the Apollo era was driven by Cold War political posturing, it's hard not to be moved by Armstrong's description of the ultimate adventure he lived through over 40 years ago. It might be some time before we go back. Addendum: I noticed that Armstrong mentioned nothing about this little detour he supposedly made during the Apollo 11 mission: I agree with Robert Lamb when he tweeted about this earlier today: "This trailer looks pretty cool till "Michael Bay" and a transformer show up in it" - I was hoping for another awesome space movie like "Apollo 13 or "Moon." Nope, it's another "Transformers" movie. Oh well. Note: Perhaps it's a bad edit in the trailer, but you'll notice that mission control switches off transmission (so Armstrong and Aldrin can investigate the alien ship) and the legendary Walter Cronkite says, "We have confirmation of loss of signal from Apollo 11. Apollo 11 is on the far side of the moon." Just for the record, the astronauts landed on the near side of the moon, they never disappeared around the far side because the moon is tidally locked with the Earth (i.e. the near side is always facing us). While on the surface, Apollo 11 could always be in contact with Earth. They only lost signal when they were in orbit around the moon before and after landing. If this basic science error made it into the movie, I'd suggest Michael Bay hires a competent science adviser for "Transformers 4 (please no). Related on TestTube: Every Single Sex & Gender Term Explained What Countries Recognize a Third Gender? The topic of this week's TestTube Plus is sex and gender. Trace began this series by explaining the terms involved in gender and sexuality. In this episode, Trace explains the science of gender identity. Future episodes will be discussing how sexuality and gender express themselves in non-human animals, and what a post-gender society might look like. Gender is something we're taught from the moment we're born and although it's generally not discussed, to an extent it affects almost everything we do. A 2010 study of transgender people said they knew their identity by the time they were five years old. Gender isn't sexual orientation: Every fetus begins in the womb as a female. The addition of the Y-chromosome makes the fetus acquire primary and secondary sexual characteristics. But things don't alway develop properly: sometimes both a fetus can get both male and female characteristics -- these are known as hermaphrodites or intersex. Some animals are gynandromorphs: they have both male and female cells. TestTube Plus is built for enthusiastic science fans seeking out comprehensive conversations on the geeky topics they love. Each week host Trace Dominguez probes deep to unearth the details, latest developments, and opinions on topics like aliens, genetics, and artificial intelligence. TestTube Plus is also available as a podcast--click here to subscribe! Learn More: Transsexual Differences Caught on Brain Scan (New Scientists) "Differences in the brain's white matter that clash with a person's genetic sex may hold the key to identifying transsexual people before puberty. Doctors could use this information to make a case for delaying puberty to improve the success of a sex change later." Confused by All the New Facebook Genders? Here's What They Mean (Slate.com) "This month, Facebook started allowing users to self-identify as something other than male or female. Good. There may be some cynical ad-targeting motive at work, but as Facebook spokesman Will Hodges explains, "While to many this change may not mean much, for those it affects it means a great deal." Assess the Relationship between Gender and Health (sgba-resource.ca) "As with sex, gender can have a profound influence on health and well-being. Sometimes the impact of gender is direct and obvious. For example, ideals of female beauty in China led to the painful and disabling practice of foot binding." From New England to Peru, an unprecedented number of dolphins have been beaching themselves in recent weeks, and experts are grappling to understand why. On Cape Cod alone, 177 short-beaked common dolphins have become stranded and 124 have died, according to an Associated Press report. The report goes on to say that the total is nearly five times the average of 37 common dolphins that have stranded themselves there annually during the last 12 years. More than 200 dolphins have washed up dead on the beaches of Chiclayo, Peru, according to news reports. In that case, dead anchovies were also found. Since these small fish are prey, the dolphins may have become ill as a result of eating them, but the deaths remain a mystery. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has been handling rescue efforts in Massachusetts. In her blog, Katie Moore of the IFAW recently described what it can be like at the scene: Yesterday we had a young Atlantic white sided dolphin strand alive in Wellfleet. The female appeared to be a calf, probably over a year old. She must have come in on the high tide at about 2:00am - she was as high as she could get on the beach, wedged up against the bulkhead. Our early morning crew must not have been able to see her from above. This young dolphin was emaciated - so thin it was obvious she has been deteriorating for quite a while. She appeared dehydrated, her skin was peeling and cracking. We worked with our volunteers and colleagues from the Riverhead foundation in New York to extract her from the beach. We placed her on a soft foam mat to make her more comfortable while we did a quick exam. Her poor condition was obvious - very low breathing rate, emaciated, unresponsive. She was dying. The most humane thing we could do was to humanely euthanize her. We put her to sleep the same way a vet would do for a beloved pet. She went very quietly. Although it is always hard to put an animal down, we knew it was the kindest thing we could do for this young dolphin. Moore and other experts have offered the following as possible reasons for the dolphin strandings: "Beaked whales are stranding atypically when exposed to sonar," Michael Moore, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Mammal Center, was quoted as saying in a press release. "The beaked whale mortality events have led the current generation of marine mammal physiologists to revisit the question of how marine mammals manage the issue of lung gas being compressed as they dive deeper. He continued, "Above the depth of alveolar collapse, a depth at which the gas-exchange surface of the lung is no longer inflated, increasing pressure with depth can cause gases to dissolve in the body; the gases then come back out of solution as they resurface. If this decompression is uncontrolled, bubbles can form. In humans such bubbles can cause joint pain that is relieved by 'bending' limb joints - hence the popular name. It was thought that marine mammals were immune to such problems, but the beaked whale cases reopened this assumption to fresh scrutiny." Unusual weather, however, is likely the main driving force, even if it is fueling some other secondary problems, such as the emergence of pathogens. We will have to wait and see what additional studies reveal. A video report showing some of the dolphins and their rescuers may be viewed here. Photo Credit: Beached dolphin; Credit: BobIsTraveling FOREST CITY Michael (Mike) J. Harms, 69, left this world peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, June 29, 2016, after a very brief but mighty battle with a very aggressive lung cancer. Family and friends are invited to visit with family and celebrate Mike this Friday, July 1, between 5-8 p.m. at Friendship Hall at the Winnebago Campgrounds in Forest City. The family request that in lieu of flowers and plants that gifts be directed towards the Michael J. Harms Memorial. Mike was born June 21, 1947, to Harvey and Elna (Bilyeu) Harms, in Forest City, IA. Mike graduated from Forest City High School, Waldorf College and attended ISU to study Civil Engineering. He was married to the love of his life, Mary (Mitchell), Oct. 12, 1968. Mike worked as a surveyor for the City of Ames while residing there. After college they returned to Forest City where he joined his father in the operation of LaHARV Construction Co., Inc. Mike became and remained President of LaHARV after his father retired. Later, his two sons, Matthew and Mason, joined him in this business. Mike was a member of the Forest City Jaycees in the 1970s and a prominent and contributing member of the Forest City community. Mike and Mary created and are very proud of 5 beautiful and loving children, Angela Marie (deceased), Matthew, Mason, Melissa and Melanie. The couple has resided in Forest City since 1970. Mike loved and enjoyed his family, friends, dancing, traveling and work. Mike was most happy when he could spend time with family and friends. Mike and Mary enjoyed traveling together, visiting family and friends, experiencing the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, the Moonshine Trail in Tennessee, the International Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, AL. and most recently driving and experiencing Route 66 the entire month of February all the way to the end on the Santa Monica Pier. They visited friends and family along the way. They were so looking forward to more fun and exciting trips together. Mike is survived by his loving family: his wife of almost 48 years, Mary (Mitchell), Matthew (Kristin Poppe Mehmen), Mason (Kelli Lovick), Melissa Eastvold, and Melanie (Todd Espeland); his eight grandchildren: Alex Mehmen (Matthew and Kristin Harms), Laura and Jack, (Mason and Kelli Harms), Julia and Michael (Melissa Eastvold), Mady, Kenna and Easton (Melanie and Todd Espeland). Mike was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Angela Marie, his brother, Harvey (Tom) and his parents, Harvey and Elna Harms. Mike is deeply missed by his loving and proud family. Arrangements are with Cataldo Schott Funeral Home in Forest City. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.cataldoschottfh.com. Press Release July 1, 2016 Bam fulfills campaign promise to alleviate poverty through Entrepreneurship, Employment and Education In 2013, Sen. Bam Aquino ran with a campaign promise of uplifting lives of Filipino families and fighting poverty through education, employment, and entrepreneurship or the 3Es. In his first three years, Sen. Bam Aquino laid the foundation for the growth of micro and small businesses, improved access to financing for entrepreneurs, lowered logistics costs for imported and exported goods, and ensured the financial literacy of generations to come. During the 16th Congress, he worked for the passage of 14 laws in line with his commitment to the Filipino people. Nine of these laws were aligned with his advocacy to build an effective support network for local business, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and promote ease of doing business. These are the landmark Philippine Competition Act, Go Negosyo Act, Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Amendments to the Cabotage Policy, Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Microfinance NGOs Act, Credit Surety Act, Lemon Law, the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act, and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Act. After gathering dust for more than two decades, the Philippine Competition Act was finally enacted into law thanks to Sen. Bam Aquino's efforts as co-author and principal sponsor in the Senate. Dubbed by Sen. Bam as a "historic, game-changing legislation for the economy", the Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667 provides a level-playing field for all businesses and penalizes bad market behavior and abuse of dominant positions. The law expected to improve the quality and lower the prices of goods and services by eliminating cartels, and penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players in the market. The Go Negosyo Act, the first law passed by Sen. Bam in the 16th Congress, mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers in all municipalities, cities and provinces that will assist micro, small and medium enterprises in the country. "This is a part of our pledge to work for the development of MSMEs to help create jobs and livelihood for many Filipinos and spur the country's economy," said Sen. Bam, the youngest senator in the 16th Congress. There are already 200 Negosyo Centers catering to the needs of struggling entrepreneurs in the country, from returning OFWs and carinderia owners to farmers and social entrepreneurs. As chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, he also initiated investigations into the slow and expensive Internet in the country and the congestion in the Port of Manila. The investigation produced several triumphs that will help improve the Internet service in the country, including the much-awaited IP Peering between Globe and PLDT. In the 17th Congress, he is expected to head the Committee on Education, hoping to elevate the quality of Philippine education, particularly in our public schools to global standards so that more young Filipinos can build a brighter future for themselves and their family. Sen. Bam has already filed four education-related measures such as the Free Education in State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), Free Education for Children of Public School Teachers' Children, Abot Alam, and the Trabaho Center in Schools bills. Even with education on his mind, he continues to push for his social entrepreneurship advocacy and is still building a robust support system for small business with the filing of bills to support Small Business Tax Reform, Startups, and Social Enterprises, among others. Sen. Bam is relentless in his pursuit to fulfill his campaign promise of the 3Es to achieve inclusive growth and help Filipino families overcome poverty. Press Release July 1, 2016 Drilon files bill granting Duterte admin 'extra powers' to solve traffic woes Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today filed a proposed measure granting President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address the alarming transportation crisis not only within Metro Manila, but in the country's major urban areas as well. "The emergency power being sought for President Duterte will capacitate him in addressing the horrendous traffic situation within and outside Metro Manila," Drilon said. "The emergency power is already a 'necessity' given the magnitude of the transportation crisis that not only impedes the mobility of people, goods and services, but also threatens the livability of our cities," he stressed. Under Senate Bill No. 11, or the "Transportation Crisis Act of 2016," the President will be authorized to adopt alternative methods of procurement for the construction repair, rehabilitation, improvement or maintenance of transportation projects aimed at the reduction of traffic congestion in the Metro Manila and other urban areas. These include limited source bidding, direct contracting, repeat order, shopping, and negotiated procurement. In the same proposed measure, the Senate chief also sought the establishment of a sole urban traffic management authority to streamline the management of traffic. Drilon believes that poor traffic management woes are mainly due to the poor enforcement of traffic rules and the overlapping functions of government institutions like Department of Transportation and its attached agencies Land Transportation and Fare Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), the MMDA, and local government units (LGUs). To address this, Drilon said the MMDA and the Department of Transportation should be the sole urban traffic management authority in Metro Manila and other urban areas, respectively. This includes MMDA and the transportation department absorbing some functions currently being performed by the LTFRB, LTO and LGUs. The bill will likewise allow the President to reorganize the DOT and its attached agencies, LTFRB and LTO, and the MMDA. The bill, which will be valid for two years after its effectivity, sought to get the necessary funds from the proceeds from the Motor Vehicle User's Charge Fund, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and current budget of the agencies involved. Drilon said that traffic congestion resulted in an estimated productivity loss of around P2.4 billion a day ($54 million), more than P800 billion ($18 billion) a year. "If the traffic congestion continues to be unabated, the traffic cost is expected to increase to P6 billion a day," Drilon said, citing a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2014. He noted that aside from the cities in Metro Manila, various urban areas such as Metro Cebu and Cagayan De Oro are also experiencing horrible traffic congestions, which hampered growth and development. Press Release July 1, 2016 Villar lists priority bills for 17th Congress Sen. Cynthia Villar listed down her priority legislative agenda for 17th Congress, and vowed to work for the passage of bills protecting the plight of farmers and fisherfolks, as well as the overseas Filipino workers. "We used the break to consult with our constituents and visited areas here and abroad where we learned the best practices in agriculture. In drafting the content of our bills, we were guided by the results of these consultations and visits," Villar said. The lady senator said she will prioritize the "Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act," or the bill which seeks to create a coconut levy trust fund for coconut farmers. Last Congress, Villar was able to sponsor the said bill under Committee Report No. 106 and it reached the period of amendments in the Senate plenary. "It is our objective to make a law that will be sufficient to realize our collective goal of ensuring long-term benefits to the 3.5 million Filipino coconut farmers," Villar said. Villar also said the law will address how cash assets worth P72 billion plus accrued interest will be invested. She will also make sure that there are transparency provisions on how the remaining non-cash assets worth approximately P30 billion will be sold. The Nacionalista Party senator also vowed to pass within the year the bill granting a P2,000 across-the-board increase in the pension of 1.9 million Social Security System members. As chair of the Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, she worked for its passage by both houses of Congress but the President vetoed the bill. She will also prioritize the creation of the department for OFWs, the Department of Migration and Development, which she believes is also supported by the new set of senators. "We will make government transaction easier for OFWs by putting in one department the agencies that they need in securing permits and in availing assistance. We will also strengthen the repatriation and legal assistance program," she stressed. Villar said agriculture will remain a priority area for her as in the last Congress, where she principally authored and sponsored 16 enacted bills as chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food. She authored Republic Act 10659 or the Sugar Industry Development Act; RA 10654 or the act to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; RA 10848 or the act extending the period of implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund up to year 2022; RA 10845 or the act declaring large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage; RA 10816 or the Farm Tourism Development Act; RA 10817 or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act; and ten local bills creating multi-specie marine hatchery/ nurseries and provincial training centers in 25 local government units located in 14 provinces. Among the bills on agriculture which she intends to pass in the new Congress are: 1. Urban Agriculture Bill 2. Crop Protection Bill 3. Development of a Micro Insurance Program 4. Amendments to the National Food Authority Charter 5. Abolition of National Irrigation Authority fees 6. Sustainable Agriculture through rain water harvesting, composting and coconet production 7. Amendments to the Veterinary Medicine Law 8. Bill mandating local government units to allocate a percentage of their development fund to agriculture 9. The Native Animals Preservation Act 10. Creation of the National Ruminant Center (Center (integration of the National Dairy Program with the Philippine Carabao Center) 11. Amendments to the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Pacifica residents are being warned that a mountain lion, measuring at least 6 feet long, was seen prowling a residential neighborhood in the oceanside community Wednesday night and leaping over a backyard fence. Police were called to the 700 block of Big Bend Drive at 8:30 p.m. after the big cat was spotted in the backyard of a home. The homeowner told officers the lion jumped a fence into an adjacent yard. Officers quickly checked the yards of several nearby residences, but did not find the cat. One of the residents who initially reported seeing the mountain lion showed officers a video of it. The footage, officials said, was of an adult mountain lion five to six feet long. Officials notified the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. They have advised all residents to use caution in the area and released a list of safety recommendations that include: Not feeding deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions. Not approaching a mountain lion if one is seen, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. 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. Avoiding hiking or jogging through wooded areas at dawn, dusk or at night when mountain lions are most active. Keeping a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or around wooded areas. Keeping all pets and pet food indoors at night. Kevin Schultz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kschultz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kevinedschultz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO It will soon be harder to buy ammunition in California and illegal to own magazine clips that hold more than 10 rounds under a suite of gun-control bills Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law on Friday. Brown signed six bills and vetoed five, actions that will nonetheless build upon the states arsenal of gun control laws aimed at curtailing mass shootings and keeping weapons and ammunition away from the wrong people. California already has the strictest gun laws in the nation. Many of the 11 gun bills that landed on the governors desk this week were crafted in response to the mass shooting in San Bernardino in December, and got a boost of urgency following the mass shooting in an Orlando nightclub last month. The new laws include SB880 by Sen. Isadore Hall III, D-Compton (Los Angeles County), and Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, which expands the definition of assault weapon to include specified guns with military-style features capable of accepting any type of detachable magazine. Another bill signed by the governor bans so-called bullet buttons, a tool developed by gun manufacturers that allows magazines to easily detach for rapid replacement. Brown also signed SB1446 by Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, which makes it illegal to possess magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The sale or manufacturing of large-capacity magazines was already illegal in the state. Among the vetoes was the only bill with bipartisan support, AB1176, which would have authorized a ballot measure asking voters to make it a felony to steal a gun or buy a stolen gun, regardless of its value. The new restrictions led by Californias Democratic-controlled Legislature come on the heels of gridlock over gun control laws in Congress, where House Democrats staged a sit-in to protest last month. My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners, Brown said in a signing message Friday. All of the bills except AB1176 were opposed by Republicans and gun rights advocates. These are constitutionally illegitimate laws passed by a patently illegitimate government that had the audacity to attack and criminalize millions of its own people in Stalin-esque fashion, said Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition, a gun rights group. Whether Californians want the states gun-control laws to go further will be left to voters in the fall. Brown said he vetoed AB1176, the gun-theft felony bill, because it is nearly identical to parts of Proposition 63, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsoms Safety for All ballot initiative, which will appear on the November ballot. But the governor signed SB1235, the ammunition background check bill, which also overlapped with Newsoms ballot measure. SB1235 requires background checks for people buying ammunition, a license for people selling bullets and purchasing data submitted to the state Department of Justice. Newsoms measure also requires background checks, vendor licensing and data sharing on ammunition purchases, although regulated differently. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, urged Newsom to withdraw his measure while the Legislature worked to pass the gun control legislation. Newsom declined before Thursdays deadline to remove measures from the fall ballot. De Leons ammunition bill, SB1235, however, was amended recently so that if signed by the governor, as it was Friday, parts of it would supersede Newsoms ammunition proposal should voters approve it. Newsoms ballot measure still contains several gun control provisions that the gun lobby is fighting, including requiring gun owners to report when their firearm is lost or stolen. Voters will finally have a chance to take matters into their own hands and keep the momentum going with bold reforms that build on these achievements and go well beyond, Newsom said in a statement. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez Gun bills signed: SB1235: Requires background checks for people who want to purchase ammunition, licenses for sellers of ammunition and sales data to be collected. SB880: Expands the definition of assault weapon. AB1511: Limits who a gun owner can lend their firearm to. SB1446: Prohibits the possession of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. AB1135: Bans so-called bullet buttons, a tool developed by gun manufacture r s that allows magazines to easily detach. AB1695: Makes it a misdemeanor to make a false report to law enforcement that a firearm has been lost or stolen. Gun bills vetoed: AB1176: Would have asked voters to make it a felony to steal a gun or buy a stolen gun, regardless of value. AB1673: Would have expanded the definition of firearm to include parts that could be used to make a firearm. AB1674: Would have made it illegal to purchase or transfer more than one firearm, including rifles and shotguns, within 30 days. AB2607: Would have expanded who can seek a gun-violence restraining order to temporarily prohibit a person from purchasing a gun or ammunition. SB894: Would have made it a crime for gun owners to fail to report a firearm as lost or stolen within five days. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The biggest thing to hit Antioch in some time was the arrival on Thursday of a spiffy new BART train that, like many BART trains, wasnt running. Thats because the new Antioch extension wont open for another year and a half. But BART was in a celebratory mood anyway, because the new test train for its perpetually under-construction Antioch line had arrived from the Swiss factory on time, and on-time arrivals for BART are not a sure thing. BART directors and their invited guests a congressman and a handful of mayors and county supervisors were plenty excited just to walk through the new test train, listen to the whistle blow, and marvel at such features as windows and seats that have not yet been vandalized. What a thrill to see these beautiful cars, said Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton. I hope this will relieve traffic on Highway 4, make the air cleaner and bring people home to their families sooner. McNerney took a turn sitting in the operators seat, fingering the controls but taking care not to operate any levers than would propel the train westward through his district ahead of schedule, as there was a red railroad signal just ahead. All along the Highway 4 median, where the extension will operate, workers continue to ready the track and the new stations at Antioch and Pittsburg Center. The new 10-mile line represents a big change in BART technology. The Antioch extension uses diesel-powered cars that look more like streetcars on steroids. They are lower to the ground than BART cars and operate on standard-gauge railroad track, not on BARTs wider track. That means the two lines are not compatible. As a result, the Pittsburg/Bay Point Station, where the extension meets the main line and where passengers will transfer, is undergoing a face-lift, too. When the $525 million extension finally opens, regular BART trains will make two stops at the Pittsburg/Bay Point Station one stop at the existing platform and another stop at platform 3 some 100 yards to the east where passengers will change to and from the Antioch extension trains. BART riders will notice other changes in the new cars, too. Riders must push a button to enter or exit the cars, and some seats are accessible only by climbing steps at either end of the cars. Each car has video screens and electronic information signs. The diesel system saves BART about half of what it would have cost to extend its existing electric-powered line. BART directors, once bitten and twice shy with the problems of their fleet of 44-year-old, once-revolutionary cars, elected to buy off-the-shelf transit cars from the Stadler company of Switzerland that have been used in many European and U.S. systems and have a proven track record. Stadler manager Kurt Roth, who was on hand to show off his cars, said the company stands behind them with a two-year warranty. Its shorter than most new automobile warranties, Roth acknowledged, but it should be more than adequate. Seven more trains each consisting of two passenger cars and a shorter car in the middle that contains the diesel engine are due to arrive by the end of the year. BART expects 5,600 daily riders on the extension in its opening year and twice that many by 2030. For a train that wasnt going anyplace, the new cars were operating flawlessly, even though someone forgot to turn on the air conditioner in the rear car. That forced Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick to switch to the front car, where the air conditioner was working. He seemed glad to get there, as it was 91 degrees outside, and he also said he was glad that the new extension means that his constituents will only have to drive 2 miles instead of 12 miles to get to a BART station. Although the opening date has not been set, BART has made a few key decisions about the extension. The Antioch station, at Highway 4 and Hillcrest Avenue, will be called Antioch, but the Pittsburg station, at Highway 4 and Railroad Avenue, will be called Pittsburg Center. Thats because BART already has a station Pittsburg/Bay Point that uses the Pittsburg name, although it is located in Bay Point, which is west of Pittsburg proper. BART said it will spell center in Pittsburg Center the regular way, even though it recently renamed its Pleasant Hill Station as Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre which is not the most confusing thing about the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station, since it is not located in Pleasant Hill but in Walnut Creek. For now, it was enough for BARTs invited guests just to walk through the pristine cars and dream of future voyages to far-off Pittsburg/Bay Point. Next winter, said BART General Manager Grace Crunican, predicting if not the opening date, then the opening season. We feel pretty good saying that, she said. Crunican did predict that the long-delayed Warm Springs extension BARTs other big project, whose opening is 2 years behind schedule will open before the Antioch extension, whose opening is but two years behind schedule. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com The Libertarian Partys nominee for president visited San Francisco on Thursday, extolling the virtues of small government and saying 2016 might be the year his minor party plays a major role in the national campaign. I would not be doing this if there wasnt the opportunity to win, said Gary Johnson, the former two-term New Mexico governor who was also the Libertarian candidate in 2012. The venue Thursday was a conference of about 200 people. But Johnson, 63, has faced larger audiences of late he and his vice-presidential running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, have appeared on a CNN town hall and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Friday, hell be on HBOs Real Life with Bill Maher. There also was an article this month in the English publication the Economist, which mused that the idea of a strong showing this fall by Libertarians may not be entirely ludicrous. Much interest is the contrast to the best-known candidates for the Oval Office, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Theyre the presumptive nominees of the Democratic and Republican parties. Theyre also what Johnson called the two most measurably polarizing figures running for president ever in a brief interview after his talk. Johnson, who was the Republican governor of New Mexico from 1995 until 2002, appreciates the current buzz, even if it includes the is there anyone else? variety. Thats the opportunity they present, said Johnson, whose first ad with Weld appeared online Thursday. The two former governors offer themselves as the credible alternative to Clintrump. As of Thursday evening, the ad had received 1.2 million views on the campaigns Facebook page. Thursday, in his debut Bay Area appearance during the campaign, Johnson was far harsher toward Trump than Clinton. The latter represents the status quo, he said, but Trump has said 101 things that would disqualify anyone else from being president of the United States. And tomorrow itll be 102. In terms of issues, Johnson emphasized libertarian positions likely to resonate with the crowd at the event organized by the Lincoln Initiative, which bills itself as working to bridge the generational gap between the conservative political community and the technology community. The fewer restrictions on Internet use, the better, Johnson said, and he applauded the statewide marijuana legalization measure that will be on the November ballot. I do believe that California is going to vote to approve use of marijuana recreationally, said Johnson, who has served as CEO of a cannabis products company, and I absolutely believe this is the tipping point nationally. The candidate was more guarded on other topics. I think we really need to be open to a debate and a discussion about how we keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill, and of terrorists, he said before criticizing measures proposed by Democrats that would ban gun sales to people on no-fly lists, or restrict certain types of ammunition. In his conversation on-stage with Politicos Carla Marinucci, Johnson was most comfortable applying Libertarian critiques to a domestic scene where, he suggested, governments at all scales are too eager to intervene. The push for a higher minimum wage? Minimum wage is minimum wage why should government play a role? he said. I have never known a person who worked full time and didnt get ahead. The burden of college debts on young adults? The main reason for high tuition is guaranteed government loans, Johnson said. Without them, tuition would be half what it is. Johnson also had a suggestion on how to reduce housing costs in the Bay Area. If San Francisco were serious about this issue, it would take a six-acre site and build 30,000 units on that site, Johnson said afterward, hearkening back to a scenario he laid out during his talk: Without rules, regulations, zoning, what they come up with there wouldnt be a need for rent control because housing would be so incredibly affordable. John King is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron California voters will face a long and weighty list of statewide ballot measures this November 17 measures in all made Thursdays fall election deadline and they include big decisions on the death penalty, marijuana use and taxes on the wealthy. Its incredible the amount of substance and complexity on the November ballot, said Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California. Its going to be overwhelming for voters to deal with. Among the issues voters will decide are whether Death Row inmates should be executed faster or not at all in two competing measures. Other initiatives would legalize the recreational use of marijuana, require background checks for ammunition sales, overturn a 1998 initiative that banned bilingual instruction in public schools and overhaul the states prison parole rules to allow inmates to be released earlier. There is something on the ballot for everyone, said Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation. A lot of them are on topics people have debated a long time and voters are likely to have a strong opinion on. Alexander said the crowded ballot will be just as difficult as ever for proponents to earn voter approval, with 1 in 3 initiatives typically passing. You can get on the ballot with just money, but you cant win with just money, Alexander said. Baldassare said the default for many people is to vote no on a measure unless they are confident about its benefit. Heres a look at qualifying measures: Prop. 51. School bonds: Should voters authorize $9 billion in general obligation bonds for new school construction and modernization, with $2 billion for community colleges and the rest divided among K-12 districts, charter schools and vocational education? Proponents say the states schools dont have the money to maintain their facilities or build new ones for a growing population. Opponents say bond debt costs the state too much. Prop. 52. Hospital fees: Should lawmakers be required to meet a two-thirds majority vote instead of a simple majority vote when they divert Medi-Cal fees meant to fund health care for the states poor? This measure would also prevent the expiration of a fund financed by hospitals that brings in matching federal dollars. That fund is set to expire in 2017. Prop. 53. Revenue bonds: Should the state be barred from issuing more than $2 billion in public infrastructure bonds without voter approval if repaying those bonds would require an increase in taxes or fees? Supporters say the initiative ensures the state doesnt have a blank check while opponents, like the governor, say it would result in costly delays in repairing roads, buildings and water systems. The measure could be a major obstacle for the delta tunnels and high-speed rail projects supported by Brown. Prop. 54. Legislative transparency: Should lawmakers wait 72 hours after a bill is made public before voting on it except in cases of a public emergency? The Legislature would have to post videos of all of its public hearings on the Internet. Proponents say the measure increases transparency. Prop. 55. Tax extension: Should the temporary personal income tax under Proposition 30 be extended for 12 years? The tax, which primarily funds K-12 schools and community colleges, is paid by individuals earning more than $250,000 and couples making more than $500,000. Proponents argue the extension is needed to prevent billions in cuts to schools and vital services, while opponents say Prop. 30 was temporary and should remain that way. Prop. 56. Cigarette tax: Should California raise its cigarette tax for the first time in nearly two decades? The tax would rise from 87 cents per pack to $2.87 per pack. Proponents say the tax would generate up to $1.6 billion in 2017-18, with money going toward tobacco-related health care, prevention programs, research and training. Opponents say the tax hurts poor people and creates antismoking programs reliant on revenue from an activity they are trying to stop. Prop. 57. Sentencing reform: Should prisoners convicted of nonviolent felonies be considered for early parole? The initiative would let inmates with nonviolent offenses seek parole after serving time on their primary offense, while erasing secondary offenses or enhancements with good behavior. The initiative would require a juvenile court judge, not prosecutors, to decide whether to charge juveniles as adults. Gov. Jerry Brown supports the changes. Opponents include the California District Attorneys Association. Prop. 58. English in public schools: Should the ban on bilingual education be repealed? The Legislature placed this initiative on the ballot to repeal most of Proposition 227, the 1998 measure that barred bilingual education programs in public schools. Prop. 59. Condoms in porn: Should performers in adult films be required to use condoms during sex scenes? The proposition would make producers, distributors, talent agents and in some cases performers liable for violations. Porn producers would be required to pay for certain health exams. Prop. 60. Prescription drug costs: Should the amount state agencies pay for a prescription drug be capped to match what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays? Supporters say the measure would lower drug prices on lifesaving treatments, while opponents say the measure would reduce the availability of some drugs and impact research on new drugs. Prop. 61. Death penalty repeal: Should the death penalty be repealed? Inmates would face life without parole and could, if ordered to, pay 60 percent of wages earned while incarcerated to victim restitution. Proponents say the measure would save the state $150 million a year and opponents argue that justice will not be served if the states worst murderers arent executed. Prop. 62. Ammunition sales: Should California require background checks on ammunition purchases? Sponsored by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the measure would also ban possession of large-capacity rifle magazines, require gun owners to notify police when their weapons are lost or stolen and create new procedures for confiscating guns from persons prohibited from possessing them. Opponents say the measure will not reduce violence. Prop. 63. Marijuana legalization: Should the state license, regulate and tax the recreational use of marijuana? Buyers would pay a 15 percent sales tax and suppliers would pay a cultivation tax. Proponents say the measure will save the state more than $100 million by decriminalizing marijuana use and would raise $1 billion a year in sales tax. Opponents say the legalization would increase drug use and crime. Prop. 64. Bag tax: Should money charged for paper bags be sent to a special fund for environmental projects? If the plastic bag ban becomes effective, a yes vote on this initiative would require grocery and retail stores to send fees they charge for paper bags to a fund administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board. A no vote would allow stores to keep the fees. Prop. 65. Death penalty fix: Should executions be fast-tracked? The measure would revise deadlines and limit appeals for inmates. It would also require Death Row inmates to work and pay victim restitution. Proponents say allowing inmates to sit for decades on Death Row costs millions. Opponents say shortening appeals increases the likelihood of executing innocent inmates. Prop. 66. Plastic bag referendum: Should Californias statewide ban on plastic bags go into effect? A yes vote would allow the ban to go into effect immediately. A no vote would overturn the plastic bag ban, which was signed into law in 2014 by the governor but halted by a referendum. Prop. 67. Citizens United: Should elected officials use their authority to support a U.S. Constitution change that would reverse the Citizens United case? The controversial 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for unlimited spending by corporations and unions in federal candidate campaigns. The ballot measure was placed before voters by the Legislature, but has no legal force, instead conveying California voters will to Congress. This report has been updated since it appeared in print editions. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez A federal judge withheld approval Thursday of a settlement of $84 million to $100 million for hundreds of thousands of Uber drivers in California and Massachusetts and questioned whether the deal would compensate drivers adequately for the claims they were giving up. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen of San Francisco did not definitively reject the agreement, negotiated by a lawyer for plaintiffs in a class-action suit against the ride-hailing company, and said he might ultimately find it to be fair and reasonable based on further information or changes in some of its terms. But he said the parties to the settlement had failed to address arguments by objectors groups of dissident drivers and their lawyers who said they were being short-changed. Chen said one claim that Uber had violated California labor laws by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, denying them overtime, work expenses and other benefits could be worth $1 billion or more if the drivers went to trial and won employee status. The state would be entitled to three-fourths of any labor law penalties, which were valued at $1 million in the proposed settlement. The parties should provide more substantial legal authority for why a 99.9 percent discount (in the labor penalties) is warranted, Chen said. He also said the two sides had assigned no value to claims in other lawsuits seeking payment for meal and rest breaks, waiting times between rides, and the denial of workers compensation benefits that would be dismissed if the settlement were approved. The suit, filed on behalf of 385,000 Uber drivers in the two states, challenged Ubers classification of them as contractors. The settlement would not affect that status, which could be disputed in future cases. Mark Geragos, a lawyer for a group of drivers challenging the settlement, praised the decision and said Chen rightly wants to know why (the plaintiffs) think they can hijack claims in his suit and others. Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, who reached the settlement after three years of negotiations with Uber, said she understands the judges desire for more information, and does not think claims that would be dismissed have much value. He does not appear to have given credence to some of the outlandish objections that have been made about me personally, or the amount of the settlement, said Liss-Riordan, whose ouster as lead attorney had been sought by Geragos and other objectors. The settlement initially would have awarded her $21 million to $25 million in attorneys fees, but Liss-Riordan recently reduced her proposed share by $10 million. The settlement would increase from $84 million to $100 million if Uber began selling its shares publicly. Another provision would require Uber, which now can fire drivers at will, to have sufficient good cause, determined by an arbitrator, for dismissal. The company would also agree to provide funding for a driver association that would discuss drivers concerns with managers but would not have the powers of a labor union. Chen asked for further information from all sides, including a state labor agency, by July 15 before deciding whether to approve the settlement or send the case to trial. His ruling comes a week after another federal judge gave preliminary approval to a similar agreement providing $27 million to 163,000 Lyft Inc. drivers in California. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko With more startups and venture firms working harder to raise capital, there has been talk of a Silicon Valley slowdown. But investors in several venture funds are bucking that notion. Venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers disclosed in a filing last week with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had raised a total of $1.4 billion across two investment funds over the last couple of months. The firm joins a list of venture firms that have recently raised more than a billion dollars. In the first quarter of this year, Founders Fund raised $1.3 billion, while Accel and Norwest Venture Partners each raised $1.2 billion, according to National Venture Capital Association data. Overall, the American venture industry raised $12 billion in the first quarter, a 59 percent increase by dollar commitments from the previous year, but a 17 percent decrease in total number of funds, the data shows. A Kleiner Perkins spokeswoman said the Menlo Park firm was in a quiet period and could not discuss the filings. Kleiner Perkins has raised $1 billion for its Digital Growth Fund III, according to the filings. Growth funds tend to be large because they are used to fund older, late-stage private companies that need more money to grow. Late-stage investments have grabbed headlines over the last few years for producing more than 160 private companies valued at more than $1 billion, including Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox and Snapchat. Kleiner Perkins raised its first late-stage investment fund in 2010, and this is the firms third such vehicle. Partners Mary Meeker, Ted Schlein, Mood Rowghani and Noah Knauf will lead the growth fund. This year, Knauf joined Kleiner Perkins from Warburg Pincus, where he was known for his investments in health-care-related companies. Kleiner Perkins also raised $400 million for its seventh venture fund, which makes smaller, earlier-stage investments. That fund will be led by partners Schlein, Beth Seidenberg, Mike Abbott, Wen Hsieh and Eric Feng. Feng recently joined the firm from Flipboard. He also worked at Kleiner Perkins six years before in an investing role. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two men were arrested on suspicion of breaking into a jewelry store in San Franciscos Union Square, smashing display cases with a hammer and stealing more than $500,000 worth of gold chains and bracelets, police said Friday. Andreaus Trevell Garrett, 24, and Carlnell McKinley Pitts, 27, both of San Francisco, were nabbed around noon Tuesday after a patrol officer recognized the pair from surveillance video of the robbery at Grace Jewelry on the 100 block of OFarrell Street, officials said. Peng Zhou, owner of Grace Jewelry, applauded the police for quickly locating and arresting the suspects. We are very, very impressed, Zhou said Friday. Garrett and Pitts were arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. Garrett was also booked on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon and carrying a loaded firearm. Despite the good news, Zhou said police were able to retrieve only about 10 percent of the goods stolen from his store. More for you SF cops hunting 2 thieves in $500K Union Square jewelry heist He suspected there may have been more people involved in the robbery and distribution of the stolen goods. He said authorities are on the lookout for other potential suspects or leads to a possible location of the rest of the missing jewelry. The heist occurred at 3:33 a.m. on June 23. At least one of the crooks was caught on security cameras using bolt cutters to destroy the lock and break through the back door of the jewelry store. The footage showed the thief entering the store with a bag and a hammer and systematically going from counter to counter smashing the glass cases and scooping up the jewelry. Police ask anyone with information regarding the stolen jewelry to call the departments anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. Kevin Schultz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kschultz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kevinedschultz SANTA FE, N.M. Amid the misery of the Great Depression, Rupert Lopez gratefully worked for $1 a day for the Civilian Conservation Corps, making adobe-block walls for a new regional National Park Service administration building in Santa Fe. The 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service is igniting new interest in the majestic Spanish-pueblo themed building that Lopez and other CCC boys built, along with other remote cabins, furniture and artwork of the 1930s that transformed and popularized national and state parks while putting millions of impoverished Americans back to work. The Old Santa Fe Trail Building, nicknamed after its address alongside the former frontier migration and supply route, was stocked with hand-carved furniture and American Indian pottery and paintings commissioned under the Work Projects Administration from local artists. It is now celebrated as a graceful landmark that blends with the surrounding high-desert landscape while serving as a testament to President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal public works projects. That legacy is slipping from living memory. Lopez, who turned 100 in January, is the only known surviving member of the work crew that laid the foundation and hoisted hand-carved wooden beams called vigas. In June, preservationists of the New Deal era brought together Lopez with descendants of Roosevelt and several Cabinet secretaries that had helped ramp up government employment and infrastructure projects in the midst of the Great Depression. Beyond Santa Fe, an online archive called the Living New Deal is bringing the national scope of Roosevelt-era public works sites into sharper focus. More than 10,000 site locations are tagged to a Google map for browsing. The crowdsourced archive started as a student project and is hosted by the department of geography at UC Berkeley. When it comes to national parks and monuments, meanwhile, many devotees of New Deal history want that eras artifacts to be given a larger stage of their own, after serving for some 80 years as the backdrop to other wonders of nature and human history. 1 Gun poll: An overwhelming majority of Americans including those who live in households with guns support a law that would prohibit suspected terrorists from buying guns, according to a poll released Thursday. The national poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., found that 86 percent of respondents think people on the governments terrorist watch list should not be allowed by purchase guns, compared with 12 percent who thought they should. The breakdown in households with guns was 83-14 percent. The poll also found majority support for broader gun control legislation. 2 Voting rights stripped: Felons may be stripped of their voting rights for life in Iowa unless those rights are restored by the governor, a divided Iowa Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The 4-3 decision dashed the hopes of thousands of disenfranchised former offenders and upheld Iowas status as one of the most restrictive states for voting by felons. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Born in the ashes of the smoldering South after the Civil War, the Ku Klux Klan died and was reborn before losing the fight against civil rights in the 1960s. Membership dwindled, a unified group fractured, and one-time members went to prison for a string of murderous attacks against blacks. Many assumed the group was dead, a white-robed ghost of hate and violence. Yet today, the KKK is still alive and dreams of restoring itself to what it once was: an invisible empire spreading its tentacles throughout society. As it marks 150 years of existence, the Klan is trying to reshape itself for a new era. Klan members still gather by the dozens under starry Southern skies to set fire to crosses in the dead of night, and KKK leaflets have shown up in suburban neighborhoods from the Deep South to the Northeast in recent months. Perhaps most unwelcome to opponents, some independent Klan organizations say they are merging with larger groups to build strength. In a series of interviews, Klan leaders said they feel that U.S. politics are going their way, as a nationalist, us-against-them mentality deepens across the nation. Stopping or limiting immigration a desire of the Klan dating back to the 1920s is more of a cause than ever. And leaders say membership has gone up at the twilight of President Obamas second term in office. Joining the Klan is as easy as filling out an online form provided youre white and Christian. Members can visit an online store to buy one of the Klans trademark white cotton robes for $145, though many splurge on the $165 satin version. While the Klan terrorized minorities during much of the last century, its leaders now present a public front that is more virulent than violent. Leaders from several different Klan groups all said they have rules against violence aside from self-defense, and even opponents agree the KKK has toned itself down after a string of members went to prison years after the fact for deadly arson attacks, beatings, bombings and shootings. While todays Klan has still been involved in atrocities, there is no way it is as violent as the Klan of the 60s, said Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an advocacy group that tracks activity by groups it considers extremist. That does not mean it is some benign group that does not engage in political violence, he added. Klan leaders said most of todays groups remain small and operate independently, kept apart by disagreements over such issues as whether to associate with neo-Nazis, hold public rallies or wear the KKKs trademark robes in colors other than white. The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish protection group that monitors Klan activityputs total Klan membership nationwide at around 3,000. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Every year on or near the Fourth of July, Americans get out their grills, pop open beers and blow stuff up. Unfortunately, in the process, scores of people are injured, some maimed for life. A few are killed. These incidents from 2015, including one involving a high-profile athlete, show how holiday fun can quickly turn tragic. 1. In Calais, Maine, 22-year-old Devon Staples had been celebrating the Fourth of July drinking with his friends when he put a reloadable fireworks mortar tube on his head. He told his buddies he was going to light it. They urged him to reconsider. "Apparently, he thought that was a great idea," said Stephen McCausland, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety. "His friends they thought dissuaded him from doing it, and the next thing they knew, he ignited the fireworks and he was killed instantly." Staples's brother Cody was a few feet away when Devon lit the firework. "There was no rushing him to the hospital. There was no Devon left when I got there," he told the New York Daily News. Associated Press, July 6, 2015 2. When a shell didn't go off during an Indiana man's personal fireworks celebration, he went to investigate. James Drake, 41, had set up his fireworks display in a parking lot in Marion. When he tried to find out why it didn't go off, it went off. The projectile hit him directly in the face. Drake died about an hour later of blunt force trauma. WXIN, July 5, 2015 3. A group of children who found fireworks near a park in Dorcester, Mass., did what curious kids will do with pyrotechnics they lit them to see what would happen. The resulting blast blew off the right hand of 9-year-old Raciel Carbuccia and burned his face. Another boy, 5-year-old Jerry Constantine, was blinded and also suffered burns to his hand and face. Fortunately Jerry regained his eyesight. MyFoxBoston.com July 5, 2015 4. In Avon, Colo., shells flew into the crowd watching the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, injuring nine people and terrifying many others. Town officials blamed the misfire on a "malfunction." No one was seriously hurt. NBC News, July 4, 2015. Michael Reaves/Getty Images 5. In the waning hours of a July 4 cookout in Deerfield, Ga., New York Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul was lighting fireworks. He had purchased $1,100 worth of pyrotechnics for his annual display, his gift to the neighborhood. He was trying to set off the last few rockets and shells, but the wind kept blowing out the lighter he was using to ignite the fuse. "Suddenly, successand then an eruption, a bang and a blinding green-and-white light that, witnesses say, swallowed Pierre-Paul's 6' 5", 278-pound frame. 'I remember a big flash, and I heard boom!' says Farraw Germain, the mother of Pierre-Paul's then eight-month-old son, Josiah." The blast shredded Pierre-Paul's right hand, peeling back the skin and exposing tendons, ligaments, and even the bones. Eventually his index finger was amputated and his middle finger ruined. Multiple skin grafts were needed for his charred palm. It remains to be seen if Pierre-Paul will ever regain the form that made him one of the NFL's most feared pass rushers. Sports Illustrated, April 12, 2016 The most injured body parts in fireworks accidents: Hands and fingers 36 percent; Heads, faces and ears 19 percent; Eyes 19 percent; Trunks and other 11 percent; Legs 10 percent; Arms 5 percent; Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. See the accompanying slide show for the 10 fireworks most likely to injure you. And be careful out there. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A fourth suspect was charged in connection with an execution-style gang-related killing outside a party at a senior center in May in San Leandro, officials said Thursday. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Gabriel Martinez, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was hit with a slew of adult charges Wednesday that included first-degree murder. Police have already arrested another adult suspect, 25-year-old Norberto Daniel Villarreal, along with two juveniles, ages 14 and 16, who were not identified. The victim, 28-year-old DarielArreola, was attending a May 15 party at a senior center on East 14th Street to celebrate the birth of a child when he was shot from behind in an execution-style killing, San Leandro police spokesman Lt. Robert McManus said. Arreola was among nearly 50 people at the party that police said was attended by members of four rival street gangs. Around 7 p.m. that night, Arreola was outside the senior center when police said two men sneaked up on him from behind and shot him. The killers sped off in a stolen minivan but crashed into another car a block away and ran off. On Monday, scores of police from multiple agencies along with SWAT teams executed search warrants at three residences around the Bay Area, leading them to Villarreal and the juvenile suspects. Martinez was already in the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin for an unrelated felony charge. He is part of the same Norteno street gang as Villarreal, McManus said. Detectives presented the case to the Alameda County District Attorney who charged Martinez and Villarreal on Wednesday with first-degree murder with gang enhancements, along with several gun-related felonies. Martinez was charged as an adult due to the seriousness of the charges, officials said. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky BAGHDAD Iraqs Defense Ministry has released footage showing air strikes on dozens of vehicles described as a convoy of Islamic State fighters fleeing the western city of Fallujah after its recapture by the Iraqi military. Scores of militants are thought to have been killed in the air strikes, which authorities lauded as an operation carried out exclusively by the Iraqi military. More than 20 helicopters took part in the mission and were able to destroy more than 138 vehicles, Iraqi army commander Lt. Gen. Hamid al-Maliki said. The U.S.-led coalition said Thursday that it also conducted air strikes on two large concentrations of Daesh vehicles and fighters, according to spokesman Col. Christopher Garver, who used the Arabic name for the Islamic State group. The strikes came in waves. Iraqi air force and coalition planes began attacking one convoy late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning and a second group of Islamic State vehicles on Wednesday. Over the course of the two days, the coalition strikes were estimated to have destroyed 175 suspected Islamic State vehicles, according to Garver. Iraqi forces declared the city of Fallujah fully liberated Sunday, after government troops pushed the remaining Islamic State fighters out of the citys north and west under close cover of U.S.-led coalition air strikes. Hundreds of Islamic State fighters were suspected to have escaped the city during the month-long operation, according to Iraqi commanders . Islamic State has incurred a string of military defeats in Iraq over the past year. At the height of the groups power, in 2014, the group controlled nearly a third of Iraq, having blitzed across large swaths of the countrys north and west and captured Iraqs second-largest city of Mosul. Now the group is estimated to control 14 percent of Iraqi territory. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Investigators are searching for a 71-year-old Newark man who suspiciously disappeared in Colorado and whose RV was found with a child sex assault suspect who shot at police, officials said Thursday. John Cizek was last seen on June 12 at a McDonalds in Alamosa, Colo., where he had traveled from California to pan for gold at 10,000 feet, police said. Cizek was driving his 2016 Minnie Winnie Winnebago, which later turned up with 40-year-old child sex assault suspect David Little, according to Pam Rusell, a spokeswoman with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office. Police in Edgewater, Colo. said Little fire shots at them on June 21, while authorities tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child. Police ultimately booked Little on the child sex charges and prosecutors later added charges of attempted murder and second degree assault. At the time of his arrest, Little revealed the whereabouts of Cizeks rig, which was parked at an RV park in Golden, Colo. Investigators learned Little was in Alamosa at the same time as Cizek on June 12 and the RV was later spotted 30 miles north of Alamosa at a gas station on Highway 285 in Hooper, Colo. Cizek is described as 6-foot-3, and weighing 220 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. Police are considering Cizeks disappearance suspicious and are asking anyone with information about the case to call the Golden Police Department at (303) 384-8045. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky OKLAHOMA CITY Police say there's no indication that a device attached to the torso of a body delivered to the Medical Examiner's Office is suspicious. The body arrived at the Medical Examiner's Office at 8 a.m. after the man died in a car crash on I-40 Thursday night. Police said there may have been a flare deployed at the scene, but they did not want to speculate until the bomb squad finished its investigation. How many more Istanbuls and Orlandos and Brussels do we need before we wake up and smell the gunpowder? ISIS started World War III years ago, but apparently no one in the Obama administration noticed. Were in a bloody war with radical Islamic terrorism, but were not fighting in it. No one else in the West is, either. The United Nations, NATO, the Germans, the Israelis they cant do anything about ISIS and wont. America must now do what it should have done years agotake the lead and destroy ISIS. The world can no longer afford to wait for us to get off our butt. No other country has the resources to take the fight to ISIS backyard. No other country except us can provide the international leadership thats needed to unite the Muslim countries of the Middle East in an all-out war against ISIS. We know where ISIS lives. They arent a bunch of fighters living in tents and wandering around in the desert. Theyve built a religious state in Iraq and Syria, a caliphate, that has assets that can be captured. They have headquarters, buildings, mosques, military equipment, training camps, trucks, communications gear. They hold territory and oil fields. We dont need any more Obama administration pin pricks. We need to show we are really pissed at ISIS post-Pearl Harbor pissed. We need an all out, organized attack by land and air that leaves no doubt about our intention to obliterate ISIS and all of its supporters, which includes men, women and children if they dont get out of the way. The United States cant do it all and shouldnt. But only we can assemble a coalition of Muslim countries in the area who can smash ISIS and destroy their ability to incite, organize and provide logistical support to terrorists around the world. Its long overdue. Its too late for the Obama administration. Its been a total failure. Its dithered over how to hurt ISIS and dodged its responsibility to lead the fight. President Hillary Clinton offers no hope. Her misguided Mideast policies are partly responsible for creating the problem in the first place. Plus, shes more likely to blame the next inevitable terrorist attack in the USA on insufficient gun control, not insufficient ISIS control. The way I see it, our only hope is President Donald Trump. Its a horrible thought. Hes an arrogant ass. He has a million negatives. But hes the only candidate who has the potential to do the right thing and declare an all-out war on ISIS and win it. The No. 1 priority for me at this point in this election is whos going to stop ISIS. Its not about jobs, the economy, immigration or abortion. Its about American lives and how to save them from being taken by terrorists. And the only way you save them is by taking the fight to where ISIS lives. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Bicentennial, the memories come flooding back. I remember: helping my family reconstruct a log cabin as a multi-year Bicentennial project; seeing my mother buy a glass Liberty Bell jar at a variety store and start filling it with drummer boy commemorative quarters; smiling that Captain America co-creator Jack Kirby was reunited with his character in time to do a Bicentennial comic book storyline; and watching those Bicentennial Minutes on CBS. I remember corporations shamelessly jumping onto the Bicentennial bandwagon and cranking out red, white and blue products. Someone should have drawn the line. I remember writing an essay in freshman English class explaining that I wished I could have been born TWO YEARS EARLIER so I would be old enough to vote in the presidential election during Americas Bicentennial year. Now that Im dealing with crows feet and thinning hair, I smack my forehead and exclaim, Dummy! It wouldve been a lot easier to hire whoever the cool kids hire to make a fake ID! Only two years after the Nixon resignation and one year after our humiliating withdrawal from Vietnam, we used those disillusioning events as fuel for doubling down on the patriotism. If CIA documents had somehow proven that John Wayne was in fact a cross-dressing Soviet on stilts, the sky would have been the limit for patriotism! Thank goodness for the patriots who stood up to British oppression and gave us our own republic. And thank goodness that we havent developed time travel or 21st-century meddlers would be going back and tampering with the Revolutionary War period. Here are some possibilities: 1. The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere wouldve fizzled out if some entrepreneur had made the lanterns in Bostons Old North Church PAY-PER-VIEW. 2. 21st-century monetization strategies would have made Ben Franklins Poor Richards Almanack into Suddenly Wealthy Richards Kite-Flying Blog. 3. Most colonies would be more interested in Zig-Zag papers than the Federalist Papers. 4. Thomas Paines Common Sense would have been renamed Oh, Heck, Lets Just Let An Algorithm Figure It Out. 5. The shot heard round the world would have brought out libertarian candidates trumpeting what can be accomplished without those restrictive noise ordinances. 6. Instead of meeting Great Britains superior naval forces with their own ragtag navy, Americans would have met the British ships with polar bears on floating ice chunks. (I have not yet begun to deliver climate change speeches!) 7. Patrick Henry would issue the challenge, Give me liberty or give me $15 an hour preferably the latter. 8. Instead of dumping tea into Boston Harbor, GOP contributors would be dumping potential Trump contributions into it. 9. Profiling of redcoats would be outlawed. (Just because they wear that uniform and fire at Minute Men doesnt mean ...) 10. Yankee Doodle puts a feather in his cap and calls it non-GMO macaroni. Yes, the past is safe, but much mischief can be wreaked in the future. Did you know that Congress started the planning process for the Bicentennial on July 4, 1966? We now have a full decade to prepare for our 250th anniversary. And surely the ACLU will celebrate with a lawsuit beginning, You dont call a nearly 40-year hounding an UNREASONABLE SEARCH? We demand justice for Waldo! Just when you thought congressional misfeasance couldnt get any worse, along comes political gamesmanship to sink funding to fight a public health menace. Somewhere today, probably in Florida, are pregnant women whove been bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus. In coming months, theyll give birth to babies with severe birth defects. And theyll have Congress to thank. Women elsewhere shouldnt relax. By the time Congress returns from its Fourth of July recess and takes another shot at a bill President Barack Obama asked them to pass in February, the risk in the lower Midwest will be moderate to high, scientists say. On Tuesday, when the Senate took up a badly contaminated House-passed bill that contained $1.1 billion in funding to fight the epidemic, the focus was on affixing blame, not protecting public health. As for senators sworn duty to protect the American public, forget about it. If theres a Zika epidemic in the United States this year, it wont just be the mosquitoes fault. When last we wrote about Congress and Zika 25 days ago, we quoted Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Three months in an epidemic is an eternity. Had the CDC gotten its money in February, the nation would have been better prepared. Work on vaccines would have been funded fully. Public health agencies in the southern states, where mosquito season starts in May, would have had the tools they needed. But the request had Obamas name on it, and there is no issue too urgent not even babies with birth defects that it can divert GOP lawmakers from their primary target. The presidents $1.6 billion request was cut in half in the House and by $500 million in the Senate. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that handles health agency budgets, acted responsibly enough in crafting a $1.1 billion compromise that the CDC said it could live with. Irresponsibly, Blunt didnt craft a bill that could pass. The bill robbed money from fighting Ebola. It raided some Affordable Care Act funding. House Republicans passed it in the middle of the Democrats 25-hour gun-control sit-in June 22 after loading it up with poison pills no money for Planned Parenthood (God forbid they hand out contraceptives to poor women at risk of a dangerous pregnancy) and protecting the sacred right to fly the Confederate flag at federal cemeteries. Yes, the Confederate flag. Shame is not a strong enough word. On Tuesday, Senate Democrats refused to swallow the pills. Democrats vowed that Republicans would pay a price in November. No, itll be on you, said Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas. Mosquitoes, unimpressed with the worlds greatest deliberative body, just kept breeding. By the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, another Lee Enterprises newspaper CLEARWATER, Fla., June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday 29th June, 58 students and eight teachers from two local schools learned ways to avoid cyber bullying and sexting from Deputy Sheriff Jessica Hughey at United for Human Rights Florida headquarters in downtown Clearwater. The seminar is one in a series of lectures that the Church of Scientology-sponsored United for Human Rights program, already the world's largest nongovernmental human rights initiative, is providing to the community in a effort to help prevent human traffickers from victimizing youth who use social media 90% of their day. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5edc985-5312-4fce-af99-b583a54658ef Recent studies done by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the Cox Communications Teen Online & Wireless Safety report showed that 20% of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves online. 30% of teens surveyed say they receive text messages wanting to know where they are and what they are doing and who they are with from their boy or girl friend 10 30 times an hour. Law Enforcement noted that once nude images are posted on social media or cell phones they can get into the hands of human traffickers who then try to lure teens into prostitution. Deputy Sheriff Hughey has been a part of the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Crime Prevention Unit since 2015 and as such has been educating neighborhood watch groups and the public on general safety issues including that of protecting ones privacy on social media. She has been with the agency since September 2013 and was formerly with the Florida Highway Patrol for 10 years. Deputy Sheriff Hughey also serves as a mentor to teens and young adults. To find out how you can prevent bullying and discrimination on social media and get answers to What are Human Rights? contact Sanna Heden at 727-467-6960 or email her sanna@humanrights.com. The United for Human Office is located at 29 North Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, Florida 33755. United for Human Rights (UHR) Given the immense scope of the problem, and inspired by the words of Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, Human Rights must be made a fact not an idealistic dream, The Church of Scientology supports United for Human Rights as a vanguard of human rights education and information. It is the world's largest nongovernmental human rights education campaign, active in 192 countries and partnering with 1,500 groups and organizations. Its purpose: To raise awareness and implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its 30 articles. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Celebrate freedom and equality this July 4th weekend at San Antonios 13th gay Pride Festival and Pride Parade on Saturday. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in Crockett Park, 1300 N. Main Ave., followed by a Rainbow Dash 1-mile fun run and walk at 8 p.m. and then the Krystal Kelly High-Heel Race at 8:45 p.m. The parade kicks off at 9 p.m. at Dewey Place and North Main Avenue, in front of the Silver Dollar Saloon, and ends at Lexington and Euclid. Admission to the festival is $10, but the parade is free. The parade grand marshals are state District Judge Ron Rangel, who performed a mass wedding at last years Pride Festival, and Bexar County Court-at-Law Judge Eugenia Genie Wright, who performed some of the first same-sex marriage ceremonies in the county after last years Supreme Court decision legalizing the unions. Spirit marshal is John Nunez. James Poindexter, director of Pride Bigger Than Texas and secretary of the Pride San Antonio Inc. board of directors, hopes attendees will be able to see the diversity of the community and the diversity of the businesses that we have. Many people think the event isnt family friendly, but it is, he said, featuring a variety of vendors at the festival. The entire event is called Pride Bigger Than Texas. This years theme is Peace. Love. Pride. That theme may be especially appropriate after the June 12 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, a popular gay dance club and bar. It has been called the worst mass shooting in American history, with 49 people killed and 53 people wounded, many of them gay. Many expect this years Pride to be bigger than ever because of the Orlando shooting and how that so affected the gay community, Poindexter said. I think the tragedy in Orlando has really woken up a sleeping bear, he said. People are starting to realize now, you know what, this discrimination is really wrong and out of control. vdavila@express-news.net Twitter: @viannadavila A Mexican police officer who recently was suspended by her employers in Monterrey after topless photos surfaced online has reportedly quit her job to pursue modeling offers and a potential venture into stripping, according to media reports. The Mirror reports Nidia Garcia abruptly handed in her resignation as a means to halt the investigation into her NSFW photograph. Garcia made a confession and apology on social media following the initial fallout from the nude photo surfacing online, but the British publication also reports other racy photos of her have since surfaced online. NEW YORK, June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Investments, the investment management division of Guggenheim Partners, today announced that the following Guggenheim exchange traded funds (ETFs) have declared distributions. The table below summarizes the distribution for each ETF. Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record Date Payable Date Total Rate Per Share GSY Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF1 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0517 GTO Guggenheim Total Return Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.1174 BSCG Guggenheim BulletShares 2016 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0145 BSCH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0244 BSCI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0271 BSCJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0335 BSCK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0381 BSCL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0436 BSCM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0468 BSCN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0503 BSCO Guggenheim BulletShares 2024 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0529 1On September 30, 2013, Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration Bond ETF changed its name to Guggenheim Enhanced Short Duration ETF. Distributions Schedule Ticker Exchange Traded Fund Name Ex-Date Record Date Payable Date Total Rate Per Share BSCP Guggenheim BulletShares 2025 Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0519 BSJG Guggenheim BulletShares 2016 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0387 BSJH Guggenheim BulletShares 2017 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0801 BSJI Guggenheim BulletShares 2018 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0962 BSJJ Guggenheim BulletShares 2019 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.1071 BSJK Guggenheim BulletShares 2020 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.1052 BSJL Guggenheim BulletShares 2021 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.1081 BSJM Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.1017 BSJN Guggenheim BulletShares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF 07/01/16 07/06/16 07/08/16 $ 0.0912 Past performance is not indicative of future performance. To the extent any portion of the distribution is estimated to be sourced from something other than income, such as return of capital, the source would be disclosed on a Section 19(a)-1 letter located on the Funds website under the Literature tab. Distributions may be comprised of sources other than income, which may not reflect actual fund performance. For more information, please visit http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com/products/etf. About Guggenheim Investments Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners, with $199 billion1 in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 275+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification and attractive long-term results. Read a funds prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the funds investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at http://guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888. The referenced funds are distributed by Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC. Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (Guggenheim), which includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC ("GFIA") and Guggenheim Partners Investment Management (GPIM), the investment advisors to the referenced funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, is affiliated with Guggenheim, GFIA and GPIM. 1 Guggenheim Investments total asset figure is as of 03.31.2016. The assets include leverage of $11.4bn for assets under management and $0.5bn for assets for which we provide administrative services. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, Transparent Value Advisors, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, and Guggenheim Partners India Management. The #Regrexit hashtag encapsulates Britains morning-after regrets since a referendum in which nearly 52 percent of voters opted to leave the European Union. A Daily Mail poll estimates that more than a million voters 7 percent of the electorate wish they could change their vote. Had Britain refrained from holding a referendum, it would not have experienced #Regrexit. But referendums and ballot measures are permanent parts of many modern democracies. Californians know this well, and the states voters have had their own moments of regret. By the time Proposition 8 approached its final day in court, for example, Californians had reversed course and come to embrace same-sex marriage by a large margin. Fortunately, a system has been developed that can improve direct democratic elections. This electoral reform, which is already practiced in the Western U.S., helps a small body of citizens think through complex issues on the ballot, then share their findings with their peers before they take a momentous vote. Consider a voter my research team interviewed in Colorado. After voting early in that states 2014 election, this individual read a neutral statement about a statewide proposition. She was surprised to discover numerous exemptions to the proposed genetically modified food labeling law. She said she would have voted differently if she had read it before casting her ballot. What this Colorado voter held in her hands was a one-page statement written by fellow state residents. The model for this experiment was the Oregon Citizens Initiative Review, which began in 2010. Every even-numbered year, the Oregon Citizens Initiative Review Commission convenes a panel of 20 to 24 randomly selected citizens to deliberate on a ballot measure. After days of hearing from expert witnesses, and meeting in small groups, the panel writes a Citizens Statement. This page appears in the official Voters Pamphlet, which the Oregon secretary of state distributes to every registered voter. With support from the National Science Foundation, the Democracy Fund and others, my colleagues and I have studied this process for six years. Through 17 reports and articles, we have shown what the Review can add to direct democracy and how that could alter the character of referendums like Brexit. Consider any topic on which you have strong preferences. Perhaps you view yourself as tough on crime. Does that mean you support any legislation that aims to improve public safety? What if the law was so poorly written it could have disastrous unintended consequences? A 2010 Review panel in Oregon asked itself that question when weighing an initiative that would have imposed tough minimum sentences on repeat sex offenders. On closer inspection, it became clear that the law could put older teenagers behind bars for 20 years if they sexted underage peers more than once. This and other flaws swayed even the most conservative Review panelists, who wrote a scathing critique. A survey experiment showed that those who read the Review panels statements turned sharply against the proposal. In elections as close as Brexit, a Review can change the outcome. Oregon voters turn to the Review statements in search of reliable information. The fact that the Review statements are written by fellow citizens is the key. As with the Citizens Assemblies held in Canada and in the United Kingdom, small random samples can do what the larger public cannot. These minipublics act as a trustee that deliberates on behalf of a wider public, then shares what it learns. What happens when policy advocates disagree? Review panels havent always been able to resolve such disputes, but often do. A 2012 Oregon Review panel weighed a proposal to remove a corporate tax loophole and provide funding for schools. Review panelists were sympathetic to this idea but heard testimony that the promised result might not come to pass. They unanimously found that new tax revenues are not guaranteed to increase primary education funding because the state legislature retains discretion over how it spends the states funds. Imagine how, in Brexit, this kind of clarification might have helped refute the Vote Leaves deceptive claim that Britain spends 350 million pounds in public funds per week on the European Union that could flow back into the National Health Service. If the Review and similar reforms help voters reject bad choices at the ballot box, they may force governments to act directly on questions they would rather avoid. After all, direct democratic processes were designed not to replace governments, but to improve them. John Gastil is a Penn State University professor in the departments of Communication Arts & Sciences and Political Science, as well as a senior scholar in the McCourtney Institute for Democracy. His most recent book is Democracy in Small Groups, 2nd ed. He wrote this commentary for Zocalo Public Square. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters. ISTANBUL Attention focused Friday on whether a Chechen extremist known to be a top lieutenant in the Islamic State group was involved in the suicide attacks that killed 44 people at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday nights attack at one of the worlds busiest airports. The CIA and White House declined to comment on McCauls assertion, and officials said the investigation of the bombing is still ongoing. McCaul could not be reached for further comment. Turkish officials also were not able to confirm Chatayevs role. The Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt for him. McCaul said Chatayevs whereabouts are unknown. The 35-year-old one-armed militant, who fought in Chechnya against Russian forces and their local allies in the early 2000s before fleeing to the West, was put on the U.S. list of suspected terrorists in 2015. That same year, he resurfaced in an Islamic State video as the commander of the groups Chechen battalion in Syria. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the airport attack, the Islamic State group is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that Islamic State was most probably behind it. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey and other countries. They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell, Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly. ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that the Bakirkoy Public Prosecutors office had established the identity of two of the airport attackers, Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, and was trying to identify the third. Other media reports have given different versions of Osmanovs name. Anadolu said Osmanovs identity was determined through a photocopy of his passport, which he submitted to a real estate agent in order to rent a house in Istanbuls Fatih district. Police were also trying to access information on a destroyed computer found in a trash bin near the house. The Anadolu report did not provide the nationalities of the suspects. On Thursday, a Turkish official said the three attackers were from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. 1 Human trafficking: The U.S. removed Thailand from its human trafficking blacklist on Thursday, though forced labor remains widespread in the nations lucrative seafood industry. The State Department made the assessment in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which examines 188 governments efforts in ending modern-day slavery. Key U.S. trading partner Malaysia was taken off the blacklist controversially in 2015, soon after the discovery of mass graves of suspected trafficking victims. Malaysia retained its ranking, though it has initiated fewer trafficking investigations and prosecutions in the period covered by this years report. Secretary of State John Kerry called the report an attempt to bring public attention to the full nature and scope of the $150 billion human trafficking industry that has snared some 20 million people. 2 Palestinian attack: A Palestinian assailant broke into a home in a West Bank settlement early Thursday and stabbed a 13-year-old Jewish girl to death as she slept in bed, the latest in a nine-month wave of violence that had recently shown signs of tapering off. The attacker, identified as a 17-year-old high school dropout, was fatally shot by security guards. Since last September, Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbing, shooting and vehicular ramming attacks that have killed 33 Israelis and two American tourists. About 200 Palestinians have been killed during that time, most identified as attackers by Israel. THIEPVAL, France One week after Britains vote to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister David Cameron and members of the royal family were standing side by side with Frances president to celebrate their historic alliance at the centenary of the deadliest battle of World War I. More than 1 million people were killed, wounded or went missing in the Battle of the Somme in northern France, pitting British and French troops against German ones from July 1 to Nov. 18, 1916. Britain held a moment of silence Friday morning to mark 100 years since the bloodiest day of British military history about 20,000 British soldiers alone were killed on the first day of battle. The main ceremony started with the sound of cannon shots shortly after noon Friday at the monumental Memorial of Thiepval in northern France with the participation of 600 British and French children. Each of them laid a flower crown on the 600 British and French graves of the cemetery. Many descendants of soldiers, often wearing poppy and cornflower pins the British and French symbols to remember those who died were attending the event. Guests and dignitaries, including French President Francois Hollande, Cameron and Britains Prince Charles read texts describing the horrific scenes and the devastated landscapes of the front line in 1916. The solemn ceremony turned moving when French, British and Irish songs inspired by the war were sung. The Memorial of Thiepval, built in 1932 by the British government, is dedicated to the 73,367 British and South African soldiers missing in the Somme area during World War I. Thousands of petals of poppies and cornflowers fell from the top of the monument in complete silence. The two leaders wanted to seize the occasion to stress their World War I alliance and show their attachment to the ideas underpinning European unity. Commenting on the British vote, Hollande told reporters Britain. will remain an ally and a partner of France. The decision has been made; it cannot be delayed or canceled. Now we must draw the consequences, he said. Both leaders agreed the relationship between Britain and France was enduring and strong and Cameron reiterated his view that the United Kingdom should seek the closest possible relations with the EU and in that context, the need for constructive post-referendum negotiations, according to the prime ministers office. The Gist In 2010, Danish developer Playdead turned the indie gaming world on its head with Limbo, a darkly ethereal platformer that followed a young boy's quest to reunite with his sister while navigating through a sinister forest. The lack of overt narrative mixed with shocking moments of violence and mind-bending puzzles (also gigantic spiders) was perfectly paired with a grainy black-and-white art design, which meant Limbo was every bit as gorgeous as it was unsettling. Fast-forward six years, and Playdead has expanded and refined almost every aspect of Limbo for their follow-up title, Inside, another minimalist platformer that says more by saying nothing than most games accomplish with bloated and misguided attempts at storytelling. Inside is, in a word, flawless. Players are thrust into the role of a young boy, who is desperately trying to escape from a nefarious and mysterious society that seems to have mentally enslaved countless men, women and children. We are given zero dialogue, and the control design is intentionally stripped to the bare minimum run, jump and grab commands. If this sounds lacking, it isn't, and Playdead has brilliantly tapped into our subconscious need for narrative, whereby a lack thereof leaves us confused and uncomfortable. And that's the goal. Because of this, early sequences that find the young boy leaping from the jaws of advancing dogs at the last second or being pursued by shadowy masked figures are heart-racing micro-moments; we aren't entirely sure what's going on here, but we sure as hell don't want to find out what happens if we're caught. Inside's pacing is the stuff of dreams, with puzzle and environmental challenges ramping up at a steady yet manageable rate throughout the short campaign. Even head-scratchers that seem impossible at first become clear with effort, and no obstacle seems insurmountable, so long as you take a beat and really use your mind. Despite the shortness, the three-ish hours of content doesn't feel like we've been ripped off ($19.99 is more than a fair price), and hidden spheres peppered throughout the varied environments (a farm littered with pig corpses, a rundown city, industrial areas, scientific facilities and more) add more than enough reason to enjoy multiple plays. If nothing else, the muted colors and background assets deserve your attention; it's worth it to play again for that alone. Meanwhile, the bizarre soundtrack and dystopian world-building collide in epic fashion, with sound design oftentimes there as spook-out fuel but other times serving as a rhythm-based mini-game based in movement. One such segment finds the boy hiding in plain sight by moving in unison with a long line of brainless humans; another requires him to strategically find cover every few seconds. These are but a few tense situations within a sea of tense situations, but if Playdead knows where to shine, it's in the peaks and valleys of tension. Never are we pushed too far as the player, but we do find ourselves on the edge of our seat an awful lot. The Bottom Line If Limbo set the bar for cleverly juxtaposed darkness and simplicity, Inside just jacked it up about a hundred notches. Everything about this game meets or exceeds Playdead's already stellar accomplishments with their previous effort, and it does so in a highly artistic fashion. We're not about to spoil anything here, but for every moment you find yourself frustrated or confused by this game, keep in mind that it's all worth it, by the time you get to the incredible ending. This one is a doozy, folks, and belongs in your collection immediately. The Score 5 out of 5 This is as perfect as games get and one of the best of the year. The Details Inside Rated M (Dude. Those dogs.) Available on Xbox One and PC $19.99 Santa Fe Reporter PASCAGOULA, Miss., June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been selected to build the U.S. Navys next large-deck amphibious assault warship, LHA 8. Todays contract value, for the planning, advanced engineering and procurement of long-lead material, is $272,467,161. The award includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $3.1 billion. This award adds to the successful amphibious shipbuilding legacy at Ingalls since the 1950s, said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. Our shipbuilders have proven this success by delivering 14 vital and capable large-deck warships to our nations amphibious fleet. This contract shows the Navys confidence in our ability to build these ships to the highest-quality standards and to do so affordably for the American taxpayers. We look forward to delivering another great ship. A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=57726ce92cfac21e76b143aa. Ingalls is currently the sole builder of large-deck amphibious ships for the Navy. The shipyard delivered its first amphibious assault ship, the Iwo Jima-class USS Tripoli (LPH 10), in 1966. Ingalls has since built five Tarawa-class (LHA 1) ships, eight Wasp-class (LHD 1) ships and the first in a new class of amphibious assault ships, America (LHA 6), in 2014. The second ship in that class, Tripoli (LHA 7), is currently under construction and scheduled to launch next summer. We appreciate the partnerships we continue to have with the Navy/Marine Corps team, Cuccias said. We are also proud of the support we get from a large, nationwide industrial base of suppliers, who remain an essential ingredient to the construction of these capable and survivable amphibious warships. Ingalls operates in an 800-acre shipbuilding facility that is optimized to build several classes of complex ships simultaneously, Cuccias said. As Mississippis largest manufacturing employer, we also appreciate the stable partnership weve had with the state and the investments theyve made in our success throughout our nearly 80 years in Pascagoula. Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of engineering, manufacturing and management services to the nuclear energy, oil and gas markets. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 35,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries Statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. Factors that may cause such differences include: changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including government budgetary constraints, shifts in defense spending, and changes in customer short-range and long-range plans); our ability to obtain new contracts, estimate our future contract costs and perform our contracts effectively; changes in government regulations and procurement processes and our ability to comply with such requirements; our ability to realize the expected benefits from consolidation of our Ingalls facilities; natural disasters; adverse economic conditions in the United States and globally; risks related to our indebtedness and leverage; and other risk factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business, and we undertake no obligations to update any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements that we may make. PNM's Rate Request Loses Support The Public Service Company of New Mexico wants to bring its share of the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona into its New Mexico rate base, but including Public Regulation Commission staff. An independent hearing officer is examining the investor-owned utilitys double-digit rate increase request and will make a recommendation on it to the full commission after final legal briefs are submitted next month. Lawmakers Scheduled to Testify in Griego Case Next week, a dozen lawmakers are scheduled to testify at a to determine if corruption charges filed against former state Sen. Phil Griego merit a criminal trial. Judge Brett Loveless hasnt ruled on this journalists motion to quash a subpoena to testify in the case. Meanwhile, Dan Boyd reports that the attorney generals office wont release records it received from the Legislative Council Service (LCS) office. The prosecutors, which had to go to court to ask a judge to order them turned over, claims the . SFR filed a similar request for the documents with the LCS. It's still pending. Ultimately, the files will become public if they are introduced as evidence during the criminal proceedings. Rio Rancho Lands 900 New Jobs On Thursday, Gov. Susana Martinez, who hasnt had a lot of luck attracting businesses to the state or creating jobs after getting her corporate tax cuts passed, announced Supreme Court: No Right to Die Yesterday started off as a slow news day, then the New Mexico Supreme Court released several long-awaited opinions. They On Thursday, Gov. Susana Martinez, who hasnt had a lot of luck attracting businesses to the state or creating jobs after getting her corporate tax cuts passed, announced 900 new jobs are coming to Rio Rancho. Martinez claims 40,000 private sector jobs have been completed during her tenure.Yesterday started off as a slow news day, then the New Mexico Supreme Court released several long-awaited opinions. They voted against giving terminally ill patients the right to end their own lives, issued a controversial opinion on search-and-seizure procedures that allow police officers to pull over motorists if they cant determine whether the vehicle theyre driving is insured through a license plate scan and threw out a workers compensation exception for farmers and ranchers UNM Reconsiders Employee Cutbacks Joey Peters reports that the University of New Mexico, which had said there were no employee layoffs planned, is apparently Johnson Rolls Out New Campaign Ad Gary Johnson and Bill Weld have Joey Peters reports that the University of New Mexico, which had said there were no employee layoffs planned, is apparently reconsidering the option to cut back staff.Gary Johnson and Bill Weld have a new campaign video . It touts their records as two-term governors (of New Mexico and Massachusetts, respectively) while drawing sharp distinctions among their positions and those of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Tribe Considers Reopening Police Training Facility The Navajo Nation is considering The Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety says officers who are trained in the nation will be more culturally sensitive to Navajo values. The nation closed its policy academy in 2012 because of operational and maintenance issues. Iconic Breaking Bad Cafe Robbed We missed this earlier in the week, but the Breaking Bad television show location, was robbed at gunpoint last Sunday. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are not suspected in the heist, but police say they are looking for a man who escaped on a bicycle. The Navajo Nation is considering relaunching its own law enforcement training academy. We missed this earlier in the week, but the Dog House Drive-In , an iconic Albuquerque restaurant and famoustelevision show location, was robbed at gunpoint last Sunday. Walter White and Jesse Pinkman are not suspected in the heist, but police say they are looking for a man who escaped on a bicycle. Were taking Monday off to celebrate the country's 240th birthday. Heres to a fun and safe Fourth of July. Before we get the party started, one final shout-out to Joe Fatton. Thanks for copyediting the Morning Word for the past 18 months. Santa Fe Reporter The New Zealand dollar is heading for a 1.4 percent weekly gain on a trade-weighted basis as the country's distance from Europe and the UK and its attractive yield continue to reel in investors chasing better returns. The trade-weighted index rose to 76.38 at 5pm in Wellington from 75.30 on Friday last week and was up from 75.80 yesterday. Among the cross rate gains was a 2.9 percent jump against the British pound to 53.60 pence from 52.11 pence a week ago, up from 52.88 pence yesterday. The Reserve Bank's 2.25 percent official cash rate is a stand-out in a world where many central banks are keeping borrowing costs near zero and may provide further stimulus in response to the UK's vote to quit the European Union. Bank of England governor Mark Carney yesterday said he'll probably need to provide more stimulus to the UK economy. The yield on New Zealand's 10-year government bond was recently at 2.35 percent, near a record low, though still more than the 1.45 percent yield on US 10-year Treasuries, -0.11 percent yield on EU bonds and -0.25 percent yield for Japanese notes. "There's ongoing demand for NZ Inc based on the fact we're as far as you can get from the UK and Europe and have better yields as well," said Tim Kelleher, head of institutional FX sales NZ at ASB Bank Institutional in Auckland. Still, "the kiwi looks like this bounce is corrective on the charts, so I think we've got a bout of 'risk-off' coming." The kiwi climbed to 71.47 US cents at 5pm in Wellington from 70.86 cents yesterday and is heading for a 0.2 percent increase against the greenback. US markets might be quieter than usual with the Independence Day holiday falling on Monday. ASB's Kelleher said the kiwi looks like a 'sell' around 71.50/72 US cents. The local currency climbed to 95.70 Australian cents from 95.25 cents yesterday ahead of the Federal election tomorrow. Polling shows the vote will be close, and ASB's Kelleher said he was surprised at how little attention the election has been attracting. The kiwi gained to 4.7542 Chinese yuan from 4.7074 yuan yesterday after Chinese manufacturing data showed a slowing of activity in line with expectations and a gauge of services activity picked up. The local currency increased to 73.53 yen from 72.79 yen yesterday and advanced to 64.36 euro cents from 63.81 cents. New Zealand's two-year swap rate dropped 6 basis points to 2.16 percent and 10-year swaps fell 7 basis points to 2.58 percent. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: October 25th Morning Report Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses New Zealand wool prices fell at yesterday's South Island auction, hurt by a stronger local currency and mixed fibre quality. The 35-micron strong wool price slid to $5.55 per kilogram, down 30 cents/kg from the previous two weekly auctions and 9 cents/kg below the five-year average, AgriHQ said. The price for 39-micron wool increased 5 cents/kg to $5.55/kg from last week's North Island auction but was down 25 cents/kg from the comparable South Island auction the previous week. The price of 30-micron lamb wool fell 50 cents/kg to $4.95/kg compared with last week and was 11 percent below its five-year average, AgriHQ said. The New Zealand dollar has strengthened amid global market volatility following the UK's vote to leave the European Union late last week, and the higher local currency makes New Zealand exports less attractive for buyers. Some 62 percent of the 10,874 bales on offer at this week's auction were sold, with most of the passed-in lines containing higher degrees of vegetable matter. "The strong New Zealand dollar and mixed wool quality generally dampened the prices at this weeks South Island auction," said AgriHQ analyst Shaye Lee. "Returns on strong crossbreds were a mixed bag, with bales with more contaminants reportedly being discounted the most." The next sale on July 7 includes about 7,300 bales from the North Island. Wool is New Zealand's 14th largest commodity export, worth $793 million in the year through May. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: October 25th Morning Report Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardero Resource Corp. (Cardero or the Company) (TSX:CDU) (OTCBB:CDYCF) is pleased to report that all matters placed before the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held June 30, 2016 were approved. Individual voting results pertaining to the election of directors are as follows: Nominee Votes FOR Votes Withheld HENDRIK VAN ALPHEN 20,647,532 (99.99%) 1,470 (0.01%) LEONARD HARRIS 20,627,464 (99.90%) 21,538 (0.10%) STEPHAN FITCH 20,627,464 (99.90%) 21,538 (0.10%) ROBERT VAN DOORN 20,627,464 (99.90%) 21,538 (0.10%) The detailed proxy voting on all resolutions submitted to the shareholders at the 2016 Annual General Meeting is contained in the Report of Voting Results for the AGM which is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR and on the Companys website or upon request by contacting the Companys Corporate Secretary at (604) 408-7488. ABOUT CARDERO RESOURCE CORP. The common shares of the Company are currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol CDU), the OTCBB (symbol CDYCF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (symbol CR5). For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Companys web site (www.cardero.com), Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and United States regulatory filings on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of CARDERO RESOURCE CORP. Henk van Alphen (signed) Henk van Alphen, CEO and President This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. Leading aeronautical manufacturer based in France implements IFS Applications to support global growth IFS (http://www4.ifsworld.com/l/5332/2015-08-10/2qts7r), the global enterprise applications company, announces that French aeronautical manufacturer Figeac Aero (http://www.figeac-aero.com/2-23935-Home.php) has decided to implement IFS Applications 9 (http://www.ifsworld.com/corp/solutions/ifs-applications/) to replace and unify its current portfolio of business systems. The agreement includes licenses and services valued at approximately 1.5 million euros. With a workforce of more than 1,900 employees at sites in France, the US, Mexico, Morocco, and Tunisia, Figeac Aero is a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in the production of light alloy and hard metal structural parts, engine parts, landing gear parts, and sub-assemblies. Figeac Aero aims to be the number one aerospace subcontractor in Europe. In order to support the rapid growth of its industrial footprint, the company was looking for a comprehensive enterprise software suite to replace its portfolio of legacy systems. Following a thorough evaluation process, Figeac Aero selected IFS Applications. The IFS solution will be used by some 1,200 employees to support mission -critical processes such as manufacturing, supply chain management, financials, quality management, and project management. We needed a central, integrated business system to effectively manage our rapidly growing operations, Figeac Aero CEO Jean-Claude Maillard said. We chose IFS based on the solutions comprehensive functionality and the companys successful track record in the aerospace manufacturing sector. IFS France president Amor Bekrar added, We are very pleased to welcome Figeac Aero among our customers in the aerospace and defense space. Drawing on our long experience in this sector, we are proud to help the Figeac Aero group consolidate its business processes and optimize its strong international growth. Read more about how IFS support manufacturers in the aerospace and defense sector here: www.ifsworld.com/corp/industries/aerospace-and-defense/aerospace -and-defense-manufacturers/. Anders Lundin, Corporate Communications. Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00, press@ifsworld.com Frederic Guigues, Investor Relations. Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00, frederic.guigues@ifsworld.com About Figeac Aero The FIGEAC AERO Group, a leading partner of major aerospace manufacturers, specializes in the production of light alloy and hard metal structural parts, engine parts, landing gear parts and sub-assemblies. An international group with a workforce of over 1,900 employees, FIGEAC AERO operates in France, the United States, Morocco, Mexico and Tunisia. In the year ended 31 March 2016, the Group reported annual revenue of 252.6 million. Its year-end order backlog was 3.9 billion. About IFS IFS (http://www.ifsworld.com/en/) is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM). IFS brings customers in targeted sectors closer to their business, helps them be more agile and enables them to profit from change. IFS is a public company (XSTO: IFS) founded in 1983 and currently has over 2,800 employees. IFS supports more than 1 million users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing ecosystem of partners. For more information visit: www.ifsworld.com. Follow us on Twitter: @ifsworld (http://twitter.com/ifsworld) Visit the IFS Blog on technology, innovation and creativity: http://blog.ifsworld.com/ IFS discloses the information herein pursuant to the Financial Instruments Act (1991:980) and/or the Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication on July 1, 2016, at 8.45 a.m. CEST. Ulrik Svensson, CEO of MSAB, has decided to leave his position and return to the industry and corporate group he once came from as CFO of Lufthansa. Ulrik Svensson will remain in his position until the end of the year and a process of recruiting a new CEO will be initiated. Ulrik Svensson was appointed CEO of MSAB in 2006 in connection with the initial public offering. - It has been a great pleasure working with Ulrik in our MSAB team over the past 10 years. I would like to thank him for the time together with us and I wish him good luck with his new challenge, says Melker Schorling, Chairman of the Board. - It has been fantastic to have taken part of this journey during the past 10 years as a public company and to have had the opportunity to work closely with Melker and the very professional network around him, says Ulrik Svensson, CEO. Stockholm 1st of July 2016 Melker Schorling AB (publ) For further questions, please contact: Melker Schorling, Chairman of the Board Mikael Ekdahl, Vice Chairman of the Board Ulrik Svensson, CEO Melker Schorling AB tel. +46 8 407 36 60 NEW DELHI: The World Bank on Thursday signed an agreement with India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilise investments worth $1 trillion by 2030 to help fund projects to increase solar energy use around the world. The agreement, establishing the World Bank Group as a financial partner for 121-nation ISA, was signed here in the presence of visiting World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal. The ISA was launched at the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference in November by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande. As part of the agreement, the Bank will develop a roadmap to mobilise financing for development and deployment of affordable solar energy, and work with other multilateral development banks and financial institutions to develop financing instruments to support solar development. On the occasion, the multilateral lender also announced that it planned to provide more than $1 billion to support India's initiative to expand solar energy generation. The solar investments for India combined would be the Bank's largest financing of solar energy projects for any country in the world to date, it said. India's plans to virtually triple the share of renewable energy by 2030 will both transform the country's energy supply and have far-reaching global implications in the fight against climate change. "The World Bank Group will do all it can to help India meet its ambitious targets, especially around scaling up solar energy," Jim Yong Kim said. The Indian government and the World Bank signed another agreement on Thursday for the $625 million Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Program. The project will finance the installation of at least 400 MW of solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations. "The development of a $200 million Shared Infrastructure for Solar Parks Project under a public-private partnership model is also under preparation," the Bank said in a release here. India is the largest client of the World Bank Group. According to it, the group lent around $4.8 billion to India between 2015 and 2016. As of June 2016, the Bank's total commitments stood at $27 billion across 95 projects. At the end of May 2016, the Bank's private sector arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC), had an India portfolio of 248 projects, "amounting to a committed and disbursed exposure of approximately $4.4 billion", the statement said. Read Also: India Gets Top Rating For Prudent Financial Market Norms Zambia To Soon Access $40 Mn Credit From India For Farm Mechanisation WASHINGTON: Longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin said under oath that she was not aware whether the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate personally deleted any emails during her tenure as secretary of state. Abedin also told lawyers for the conservative group Judicial Watch in a deposition this week that she could not recall whether she or Clinton discussed with any State Department officials Clinton's exclusive use of private email for government business. Abedin was Clinton's deputy chief of staff at the State Department, now works with Clinton's president campaign and often travels with the candidate. Abedin is one of several former State Department officials who are being deposed by the conservative group in a civil lawsuit over the agency's failure to turn over files under the Freedom of Information Act. Read Also: Obama, Pena Nieto Unite Against Anti-Trade Rhetoric Favourability Ratings Of Clinton, Trump Increased: Gallup Survey Hillary Clinton Plans To 'Staple' Green Cards On STEM Grads' Diplomas Source: PTI WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama has disputed the idea that Donald Trump is a populist and described the presumptive Republican nominee's remarks as xenophobic and cynical. "Somebody who has never shown any regard for workers, has never fought on behalf of social justice issues or making sure that poor kids are getting a decent shot at life or have health care -- in fact, have worked against economic opportunity for workers and ordinary people -- they don't suddenly become a populist because they say something controversial in order to win votes," Obama said in an apparent reference to Trump, 70. "That's not the measure of populism. That's nativism. Or xenophobia. Or worse. Or it's just cynicism," Obama told reporters. "So I would just advise everybody to be careful about suddenly attributing to whoever pops up at a time of economic anxiety the label that they're populist," he said in response to a question. "Where have they been? Have they been on the frontlines working on behalf of working people? Have they been carrying the labouring oar to open up opportunity for more people?" he asked. On the other hand, Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont deserves to be called populist. "There are people like Bernie Sanders who I think genuinely deserved the title, because he has been in the vineyards fighting on behalf of these issues. And there, the question is just going to be, all right, we share values, we share goals -- how do we achieve them?" he said. Read Also: Hillary Clinton Plans To 'Staple' Green Cards On STEM Grads' Diplomas Donald Trump Promises to Herald U.S. Economic Resurgence Source: PTI STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After 12-month build-out, Andella's Restaurant finally opened in Woodrow: The first day in business was Mother's Day. And while Staten Islanders are away on vacation, these inaugural weeks of business are described as a "soft opening." "We're planning to have a grand opening in the middle of July," said co-owner Mike Akmad. Andella's takes the moniker of co-owner Jennifer Nazir's grandmother's maiden name. She and husband Tony also are partners. But the brick-oven pizzeria might surprise guests: It provides linen-cloth service under lighting fixtures with crystal glitz, a full bar and sit-down waiter service. Yet patrons can order garlic knots, mozzarella sticks plus a pizza-by-the-slice or as an individual, 12-inch pie, both presented on a round, ceramic platter. That full bar has a tiny lounge plus a standing area a few feet away to linger over a drink or peek into the pizza-crafting area. "Fine Italian cuisine we have. We are geared toward the family. Mommy wants a salad, Dad wants a steak...it's something for everyone," said Mike. Stefano Somma of Naples, Italy, is the pizzaiolo. He pinches dough into points for a ham-, cheese- or salami-stuffed pizza like the "Andella's," a star-shaped pie with salami, ham, prosciutto, fresh artichoke, arugula, cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Other pizzas come in Vodka, Traditional, Four Cheese (mozz, ricotta, gorgonzola, parmigiana) and "Grandma," with meatballs, onion, three cheeses and fresh basil) available in round or square shapes. For the health-minded, there are salads like the Monte Bianco with arugula, parmigiana shaves, avocado, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette and the Mela e Noci, greens with candied walnuts, gorgonzola cheese and cranberries. Each of the eight salads (prices ranging from $5 to $11 depending on "small" or "large") can be ordered with grilled chicken and shrimp with an up-charge. The menu includes pastas, classic Italian-American dishes like Eggplant Rollatini, Tilapia served Livornaise-style with cherry tomatoes, black olives, tomatoes, onions and capers in white-wine garlic sauce. Sides such as creamed spinach and mashed potatoes along with Lamb Chops and Roasted Half Chicken indicate an American restaurant. But the bulk of red sauced dishes and Chicken served Parmigiana, Scarpariello, Pizzaiola and otherwise indicate food inspired by The Boot. As Mike Akmad greeted guests at lunch one recent afternoon, he smiled and seemed pleased with his small crowd in the restaurant's single dining room, some of them repeat customers already. Andella's Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant is located at 1281 Arthur Kill Rd., Woodrow; 718-227-1044. Build it Back program Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday that Build it Back will reimburse all homeowners this year for damage and repairs after Hurricane Sandy. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Homeowners have been receiving suspicious calls from an individual or individuals claiming to be associated with Build it Back. An email from the mayor's office said the callers ask for personal information, and that homeowners should not provide that information. If homeowners are interested in speaking with the organization, they can call the Build it Back hotline (212-615-8329) to speak directly with a Build it Back representative. If homeowners suspect suspicious activity, they should report it directly to the New York City Department of Investigation's Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fraud Hotline at 212-825-5959. Joshua Jones, Vie Vu New York Police Department officer Joshua Jones wears a VieVu body camera on his chest during a news conference, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 in New York. The nation's largest police department is beginning with an experimental deployment of the cameras which will record encounters between police and civilians. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) CITY HALL -- The NYPD is seeking the public's input on an expansion of a body camera test run later this year. The anonymous poll was launched on Wednesday with the New York University School of Law to help shape the department's final policy. Survey responses and additional comments can be submitted through July 31. Officers wearing the cameras would have to record certain public interactions, such as arrests, any use of force, stop and frisks and vertical patrols in public housing under the NYPD's draft policy. The cameras would be turned off for "sensitive" encounters, like when officers interview victims of sex crimes or are speaking with confidential informants. The NYPD would keep video recordings for a minimum of six months, and longer for certain interactions like any use of force or when there has been an arrest or civilian complaint. Nine officers in the 120th precinct on the North Shore were among 54 citywide who wore body cameras between December 2014 and this past March. That initial pilot began the same week a special grand jury declined to indict Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner in Tompkinsville nearly two years ago. A witness recorded video of the officer placing Garner in an apparent chokehold during an arrest attempt on Bay Street. The NYPD plans to deploy 1,000 cameras across some 20 precincts this fall as part of the court-mandated pilot program. A federal judge in 2013 found that the department's stop-and-frisk tactics were unconstitutional. The questionnaire asks whether equipping officers with the cameras would improve police-community relations. New Yorkers are also asked when officers should be required to record and when the cameras should be turned off. NYU's Policing Project will issue a report summarizing comments received in the survey. The NYPD will then finalize the body camera policy. The questionnaire is available at nypdbodycameras.org. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is asking for the public's help identifying two men sought for questioning in connection with an attempted robbery in the confines of the 121st Precinct. It was reported to the police that on Thursday, June 23, at 11:45 a.m. two individuals entered a deli located at 2722 Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor and displayed a silver firearm demanding money, according to a written statement from the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Police released photos of the suspects taken from surveillance footage from a private residence in the vicinity of the crime, a spokesman from the NYPD said. The individual who displayed the firearm is described as a white male in his early 20s approximately 5 feet in height, last seen wearing a black jacket. The other individual is described as a black male, dark complexion, also in his early20s, approximately 5 feet 11 inches in height and and 205 pounds, last seen wearing a red shirt. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. Heres my input into the same issue :-First research prsopective schools, and decide where you would be applying. Start noting down why you would like to go to school x and not school y , and write the reasons down. Also research schools based on where you wish to work post MBA, and what field you would like to work in, and start finding schools based on those intrests. Recently there was a post on Invst Banking and Mgmt consulting . There would be similiar posts in the archive too which may come handy to your research. Apart from that vault and business week do give detailed data on the B School, but its paid.Also MBA rankings are deceptive, and not all top ranked schools are the same. Its a common mistake, made by many candidates to send the same answer to different schools with just a find - replace change with the name of the school. Thats an error, because an essay must reflect your understanding about the schools culture, and how you fit into it. No two schools are identical.Also if you have a friend who is a native English speaker, and a graduate in English language, he/she can do wonders to your application grammatical review. Also keep note of the fact that American English is different from British/ Indian English.Reg the content feedback, if you have a friend who has graduated from the school you plan to apply to , and is willing to review your app and give you his input, that is good enough on verfying the content .If you can manage both ,and you clearly know why your applying to a certain school, and have researched the past intake and spoken to current students and alumni about the school , in all probability you wont need a Consultant.But , if you dont have access to the above, and are not confident about your writing skills, and need a third eye to review your application, and also get input into the universities that meet your profile, please go for a consultant, as applying for an MBA in Fall 2009 will be extremely competitive , and applications are probably the most important aspect of the MBA application. But dont expect anythting more than an essay edit from them. They will in no way write your essays, and even if someone volunteers to do that always remember that your AWA is read by some school adcom they may realise its not written by you. I read this on a chat by Yale ADCOM wit prospective students.Although consultant services are extremely expensive, but there is enough choice out there to make, from Veritas, to , to Clearadmit , to to MBAadmission.com, the list goes on..... Try talking to a few of them, getting a feedback on your profile,and work with one you feel most comfortable with.Keep away from consultants who promise scholarships, and guaranteed admits to top schools. In these competitive times, no one can offer a guarantee. If you get through its probably because you deserved to be there, and put in that effort, the consultant can do little to secure you an admission. Ive had a lot of friends in India who pay a few lakh rupees , and get duped, or the consultant very well suggests safe schools , so that he maintains a 100% success rate. Beware of them.Thats my two cents on the processs. I was also in the same dilemma last month, spoke to a few friends, who have been through U elite/elite B Schools , and a lot of what I share has been suggested by themAnyways you may find this blog useful on App Consultants : NWS TOYOTA.JPG Toyota says it is recalling 1.43 million of its Prius and Lexus vehicles due to defective air bags. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Toyota has announced it is recalling more than 1.4 million of its vehicles due to concerns over faulty airbags and leaky fuel tanks. The automobile manufacturer is recalling its Prius and Lexus models equipped with bags made by Autoliv, a big Swedish-American manufacturer. Although no injuries have been reported from the airbag problem, there have been incidents in which the Autoliv bags deployed spontaneously in parked vehicles, sending metal pieces of the inflater into the cars' cabins, the New York Times reported. The recall notice comes on the heels of May's massive recall affecting nearly two dozen auto makes and models and some 37 million vehicles. In that recall the faulty airbags made by another major supplier, Takata, had already been linked to 14 known deaths and more than 100 injuries. The current Toyota recall covers two models of hybrid vehicles, the Prius and the Lexus CT200h, from 2010 to 2012. They were equipped with Autoliv side-curtain airbags, which are fitted in the car's side roof rails and meant to protect occupants in side-impact crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car manufacturers are responsible for sending out recall notices to consumers, and local car dealerships are responsible for correcting the problems. Consumers are being advised to make an appointment with their dealership if they receive a recall notice in the mail, or to call their dealership if they are in doubt. Dealerships should have a complete list of the model makes and years. The faulty airbag problem and recalls have been going on for several years, but the extent of the problem only came to light after several lawsuits filed due to injuries were made public. cruise.jpeg Courtesy of Sean Sweeney STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.--An 8-year-old boy who nearly drowned in a pool aboard a cruise ship Thursday night was airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze in critical condition. The boy was in the water for eight to 10 minutes before officials on the Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas found him at around 8 p.m. Officials told CBS 2 the child had gone without oxygen for 18 minutes. The boy was found unresponsive and treated by the ship's medical team, but that was not sufficient, and the ship altered its course and headed back toward Bayonne, according to a statement from Royal Caribbean. He was then airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital, an NYPD spokesman said. The ship had left Bayonne, New Jersey, earlier in the evening, and was five to 10 miles offshore from Breezy Point, Queens, when the child was found, according to CBS. The ship was headed to the Caribbean. They boy is believed to be from the Netherlands, ABC News reported. This is the same ship that sailed into a severe storm off the coast of North Carolina in February. Over 4,500 passengers were aboard the ship when it endured winds over 75 miles per hour and 30-foot waves. -- Associated Press material was used in this report. Hula group creates global connection When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Hospital offers safe option to dispose of meds, narcotics Los Robles Health System is working to crush the opioid drug crisis by raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of... Rotary works to promote worldwide peace, goodwill The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise recently invited administrators and principals from the Simi Valley Unified School District to attend a meeting and receive the book The Nonviolence Handbook: A... Free books and Halloween treats Big fun awaits kids at local little libraries Simi Valley has about 20 registered Little Free Libraries that offer free books for children, teens and adults. In addition to providing free books to the community, the Little Free... It seemed this spring that billionaire Barry Diller's dream of a park/performance venue hovering over the Hudson River would actually become a reality, after it got the go-ahead from the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with construction as soon as this summer. But the $130 million park, dubbed Pier 55, has been facing a legal challenge from the City Club of New York, a good government group, and though a Manhattan judge dismissed their suit earlier this spring, a state appellate court yesterday granted a preliminary injunction ordering that work on the park stop at least until this September. The park's funding is coming almost entirely from a foundation formed by Diller and his wife, fashion mogul Diane von Furstenberg: the two have committed $113 million to its construction, with the rest of the funding coming from the city and state. Diller started pitching ideas for the park back in 2012, but the public wasn't made aware of those plans until November 2014, and in a lawsuit filed last summer, the City Club argued that the Hudson River Park Trust, with which Diller and von Furstenberg partnered for the project, "violated the public trust doctrine by alienating public parkland to Pier55, Inc., a private entity." The suit also argued that the Trust hadn't provided adequate opportunity for public comment and had rushed through environmental review processes, despite concerns that the 300 columns on which the park would rest would disturb the surrounding aquatic life. The project is now halted, and, depending on a forthcoming ruling, may have to undergo another environmental review. Michael Gruen, president of the City Club, called the appellate court's ruling a "valuable step in ensuring that this secretive and misguided project will not get off the ground, potentially damaging the environment of the Estuarine Sanctuary in which the island would be located, until the courts have definitively determined whether all applicable laws have been complied with." The Club's lawyer, Richard Emery, said that the court's ruling "confirms that Diller Island would cause irreparable harm to the Hudson River and to the public," and he's hopeful that they'll successfully put a permanent stop to the plan. The park is planned to go near 14th street, between the pile fields of Pier 54 and Pier 56. Its early plans were only seen by a small group of people, including Hudson River Park Trust CEO Madelyn Wills and chair Diana Taylor. And before the public had much chance to give any input on the park, Diller had already gone ahead and appointed a group of prominent producers such as George Wolfe, Stephen Daldry, and Scott Rudin to put on events at the park, which are intended to generate revenue that will help sustain it. In a statement, a Pier 55 spokesperson said that "by continuing its misguided crusade, the City Club is obstructing the will of the local community and undermining a much-needed effort to create new public parks in New York City. This is a temporary delay for a project that has won approval from all levels of government and consistently withstood legal scrutiny. We are committed to making Pier55 a reality and providing nearly three acres of public green space for all New Yorkers to enjoy." The Hudson River Park Trust has insisted that it followed the law and invited public comment on the project, and said in a statement on the court's most recent ruling that "this time-wasting and out-of-touch lawsuit is an insult not just to the local community board, which overwhelmingly supports this project, but to the New Yorkers from across the city who will enjoy this park for years to come...It has become dishearteningly clear that this case has nothing to do with environmental impacts, and not once have the plaintiffs produced an expert who can say the project will cause environmental harm." Indeed, though environmental concerns might be enough to get a court-ordered delay on the park's construction, the real outrage has been over the fact that a billionaire can dream up an island thrust out over the Hudson River and present it to the public essentially as a done deal, keeping even politicians representing the district out of the loop. "It's been a project born in secrecy and foisted on the city and public without proper procedures," Emery told the Times. "We're challenging that nontransparent process." A cautionary tale for anyone looking forward to "calling your guy" this weekend: The bust of a smallish cocaine delivery ring has had considerable blowback (sorry) for a number of the dealers' customers, who have been arrested for their previous alleged drug purchases and paraded in front of a gleeful tabloid press. Among them: Chipotles chief creative and development officer Mark Crumpacker, 53; Fox Business producer Katie Welnhofer, 29; and Merrill Lynch associate Christopher Dodson, 28. 18 alleged buyers were arrested or named in the indictment; each buyer is charged with a single count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor offense. Crumpacker, who was not immediately arrested yesterday because he was out of state, allegedly had cocaine delivered to his Manhattan home a few times. He's been placed on administrative leave by Chipotle. The alleged dealers operated out of the Lower East Side and did many of their transactions at nightclubs, bars, and Duane Reade locations, using livery services as transport. Kenny 'Jay' Hernandez, Felix Nunez and Oscar Almonte allegedly sold over $75,000 worth of cocaine over the course of the year-long investigation, which reportedly began as police investigated the suicide of Thomas J. Hughes, a junior banker on Wall Street who jumped to his death from his Lower Manhattan home last May. A toxicology report revealed that Hughes had badly cut cocaine in his system. The NY Times later reported that "his blood and his brain were bathed in a combination of cocaine and ethylone, a recreational designer drug known as 'bath salts' that can cause a mixture of euphoria, paranoia and anxiety." A search of his cell phone reportedly led investigators to the LES-based delivery service. "Drug dealers profit by sowing seeds of addiction that destroy lives, families, and communities, District Attorney Cy Vance said yesterday. We are dedicated to stemming both the supply and demand for dangerous narcotics, and the crime that accompanies the market for illegal drugs." According to the indictment, customers would typically buy at least $200 worth of coke at a time. Dodson allegedly made at least 17 purchases of cocaine totaling $7,600 between January and May this year, with most of the transactions taking place at Duane Reade. In court yesterday, his lawyer asked an unsympathetic judge to release him without bail. The NY Post lapped it up in a story headlined "Judge mocks yuppies busted for buying coke": Defense lawyer Phil Schnelwar argued that Dodson should be released without bail as he has no convictions. He has no convictions in what sense? the judge asked playfully. Criminal convictions, the lawyer answered. He does have convictions. We havent seen any evidence of that, [judge] McLaughlin retorted. He has so much money Im sure hell be able to post. Another defendant, accountant Roman Yoffe, 33, appeared in court with his 9-months-pregnant wife "sitting teary eyed in the gallery." Judge McLaughlin denied a request to release him without bail, quipping, "Good luck with the baby!" after setting bail at $30,000 bond, cash alternative $7,500, an amount the Post notes is usually reserved for felonies. Welnhofer's lawyer's request for no bail was met with similar derision by the judge, who said, "I think maybe its just for persnicketiness on my part, I think someone who is either a user or addicted is inherently unreliable, so I am not sanguine about the prospects of you remembering your court appearance." "While were doing everything we can to stop supply, we also have to focus on the reality that there is no sale without demand, Vance also said yesterday. "And so making sure those people who are using services to purchase cocaine understand that there is a connection between what they purchased and what happens in the neighborhood where those drugs are sold immediately." Hernandez, the alleged kingpin, is charged with operating as a major trafficker, criminal sale of a controlled substance, and other charges. His fellow dealers, Nunez and Almonte, face charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance and conspiracy. And thus ends the War on Drugs. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree A hunger striker at Parliament House was doused with water when sprinklers were turned on on Thursday in freezing conditions. On Friday Alexander Miziner was on his ninth day of not eating food or drinking water, in an attempt to have his fiancee's visa application reviewed. Hunger striker Alexander Miziner in Thursday's frigid conditions before the sprinklers were turned on. Credit:Karleen Minney He is conducting his hunger strike on the grass of Federation Mall, between the new and old parliament houses, an area designated for protests. Mr Miziner is quite obviously protesting, sitting at a desk behind a large sign. The Little Prince. Adapted by Simon Clarke from the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Directed by Michael Barlow. Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. The Street Theatre. Tickets $18. July 13-16. thestreet.org.au or 62471223. Spare Parts Puppet Theatre associate director Michael Barlow says Antoine de Saint-Exupery's 1943 book The Little Prince is "a very, very special piece of literature". Jessica Lewis and Shane Adamczak in Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's The Little Prince. Credit:Tanya Voltchanskatya "It's been read by countless people in its history in just about every language on earth." The Perth company took on the challenge of presenting a theatrical adaptation of the work in 2007 and is now touring a revised production of the show, which is based on a script by Simon Clarke. It will be in Canberra during the school holidays at the Street Theatre. Upcoming events AARP Driver Safety class scheduled AARP Driver Safety will hold a single daytime class in Helena in July. Participants receive updates on the rules of the road and learn driving strategies to adapt to the effects of aging and to reduce chances of having a crash. The course was developed for participants age 50-plus, but is open to all ages. The course fee is $20 ($15 with AARP membership card). Auto insurance companies in Montana provide a multi-year discount to participants 55 years of age and older. Wednesday, July 13, at First Interstate Bank-East, 2728 Colonial Drive from noon to about 4:30 p.m. To register for a class, call 457-4712. Announcements Grants available for Montana nonprofits The Walmart Foundation will be accepting grant applications to its State Giving Program until Friday, July 1, at 10:59 MST. The Walmart Foundation will award grants between $25,000 and $200,000 to MONTANA organizations that address areas of need among underserved populations. Montana nonprofit organizations can apply for grants to support programs that are focused on hunger relief and healthy eating, career opportunity, disaster preparedness and community engagement. Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating examples include food pantries, backpack programs, nutrition education programming, and cooking and food skills training. Career Opportunity examples include job training programs and placement programs. Special interest is given to programs focused on women and veteran programs. Disaster Preparedness examples include preparedness equipment and disaster preparedness awareness programs. Community Engagement examples include education programs, healthcare access, shelters, and other human service programs. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the programs minimum funding criteria. Grant submissions are only accepted online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving. *** Waterpark, transfer station closed July 4 In honor of Independence Day, the Last Chance Splash Waterpark and Pool will be closed on Monday, July 4. All city offices and the transfer station will also be closed because of the holiday. If your residential and/or commercial garbage is normally collected on Monday, it will be picked up Tuesday, July 5. Please have your container out by 7 a.m. on Tuesday. *** Board openings available at city Building Board of Appeals Architect-Engineer Alternate term would begin upon appointment and expire Dec. 31, 2020. Contractor Alternate term would begin upon appointment and expire Dec. 31, 2020. Consumer/Citizen term would begin upon appointment and expire Dec. 31, 2020. This board hears request for approval of and determines the suitability of, alternate materials and methods of construction and provides reasonable interpretations of the currently adopted editions of the building and residential codes, as well as the plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes as adopted by the Helena City Commission. Lewis and Clark County Heritage Preservation and Tourism Council One citizen to serve on the Lewis and Clark County Heritage Preservation and Tourism Council. The applicant must reside within the city limits. The term will begin upon appointment and expire June 30, 2019. Members of the council will have a demonstrated interest in protecting or promoting the heritage resources of the city and/or the county. Applications are available at www.helenamt.gov /commission/boards and committees or by calling 447-8410 and can be submitted to the City Clerks Office, 316 N. Park Ave., Room 323, Helena, MT 59623. The deadline for all board applications is 4 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016. *** New Division A director for Toastmasters Thomas W. Couts, was elected Division A director during the Spring 2016 Conference held in Bozeman. His term begins July 1, 2016. Division A consists of 19 clubs west of I-15. Couts is a 12-year resident of East Helena. His career in Toastmasters started in 2006 when he joined the Last Chance Club, and in 2009 he became president of that club. Along the path in Toastmasters he has been a two-time area director and an officer in four different clubs. In 2014, Couts earned his Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the highest level in Toastmasters that a person can achieve. *** Roby, Parrett working on letterpress book The Territorial Press and ColorBlindPrints are working on a new collaborative project inspired by handmade books and handmade prints. The inspiration for both Aaron Parrett and Seth Roby is the beauty of letterpress, which involves working an antique printing press and impressing lead type (or polymer plates) into paper. Parrett has been publishing broadsides, posters and poems at The Territorial Press, and Roby is the assistant to education at the Holter Museum of Art where he teaches classes in printmaking. This project will incur considerable expense, and the two calculate that just the cost of the plates will run several thousand dollars and paper, ink and binding materials are also expensive. They anticipate each copy of the final book will have cost a minimum of $100. Understanding that most readers, can't often afford $100-200 for a book, the two also plan to make a less expensive, mass-produced paperback copy of the book for sale for $25-50. To get this project off the ground a Kickstarter campaign has been started, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/320817466/seth-roby-and-aaron-parrett-letterpress-book. For more information, contact Roby at colorblindprints@gmail.com. *** Residency program graduates first class The University of Montana will celebrate the graduation of its inaugural class of family physicians on July 3, ushering in a new phase for the Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana. In July 2013, the program welcomed its inaugural class of 10 residents, and in July, the program will celebrate its first graduating class. FMRWM is a three-year, intensive training program that prepares family physicians to practice effectively in rural and underserved areas in Montana. Of the first class to graduate, five out of the 10 family physicians already have accepted employment in Montana and will work in rural and underserved areas. Graduate Kevin Kropp plans to work in Kalispell, Saul Rivard will be employed by the Cooperative Health Center in Helena, T.J. Sherry and Scot Swanson are headed to Polson and Megan Svec will be employed in Ronan. Graduate Ben Grass plans to practice in rural Montana or British Columbia. Other graduates have accepted placements out-of-state: Harshida Chaudhari is headed to Texas, Dan McCarthy will begin an osteopathic fellowship in Oregon, Tim Ochoa will practice in Idaho and Sarah Zuger will work in California. For more information visit http://health.umt.edu/fmrwm/. Student news Students awarded Horatio Alger scholarship Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, announced that 50 students from Montana will receive the prestigious 2016 Horatio Alger Montana Scholarship in the amount of $7,000 per recipient. Funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, the philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies, these scholarships recognize young men and women for their admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities, despite facing adversity. The recipients have maintained an average GPA of 3.5 and an average ACT score of 23, while coming from households with an average annual income of $21,980. Four scholars from the Helena area have received the awards. Cheyenne Gonzalez from Helena attends Helena High School from Helena attends Helena High School Charlie Heil from Helena attends Capital High School from Helena attends Capital High School Makenzie Walden from East Helena attends Capital High School from East Helena attends Capital High School Jordynn Hardman from Helena attends Helena High School *** Thrift shop scholarship winners announced The Montana National Guard Thrift Shop has announced that the following Montana National Guard dependents are the recipients of a $500 academic scholarship. Alyssa Michele Stephens, Bozeman Braden R. Feisthamel, Savage Brooke Lee Ann Whitney, Helena Carlyn Mae Mahoney, Great Falls Jace H. Williams, Helena Joy M. McCaffrey, Forsyth Madison Nicole Mahoney, Great Falls Mary Mistook McCaffrey, Forsyth Savannah E. Ganieany, Helena Talya Vaira, Great Falls The Thrift Shop is open to the public on every Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (except June, July and August). The Thrift Shop is located on the Montana National Guard Training Center, Fort William Henry Harrison on the west edge of Helena. *** GEAR UP summer camp at Carroll Montana GEAR UP sponsors academic enrichment summer camps during the summer of 2016 for GEAR UP students entering grades 7-12 in the of fall 2016. GEAR UP Academic Enrichment Summer Camps provide students with stimulating and age-appropriate learning opportunities. This past Sunday, middle school students from Eureka, Troy, Libby, Thompson Falls, St. Ignatius and Heart Butte made their way to the Carroll College campus in order to use the environment as a foundation to explore a range of subjects including mathematics, science, engineering, composition, poetry, photography, history and the arts. During this week-long camp, these seventh-ninth graders from GEAR UP partnering school districts will conduct water quality tests at Springhill Mine; engineer water filters similar to those found in developing countries; survey flora and fauna at Park Lake, and measure beetle activity on Mount Helena. Montana GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) believes that post-secondary education is possible for all Montana students, regardless of economic background, and strives to empower them to realize that ambition. For more information about this the GEAR UP summer camp program, contact Jamie Jones, College Access Manager, at 444-0350 or email jjones@montana.edu. For more information about the Preserving the Planet summer program at Carroll College contact Kathy Gilboy at 447-4376 or kagilboy@carroll.edu. *** Anna Lund, of Helena, daughter of Cary Lund and Susan Witte has graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. She was also named to the dean's list for spring 2016 semester. Lund is a graduate of Capital High School. *** Kirsten Koerth, a graduate of Helena High School and the daughter of John and Sharon Koerth, has been named to the dean's list for spring 2016 semester at St. Olaf College. *** Abigail Mertz, of Helena, graduated in May from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., with a Master of Science in Nursing. They envisioned chilled cocktails amidst a tropical poolside setting, but the owners of popular Sydney bar Mrs Sippy have found themselves embroiled in an unfolding legal nightmare with Balinese authorities over their attempt to open a spin-off venue on the Indonesian island. Sydney restaurateur Andrew Stanway has been threatened with criminal charges and ordered by police to immediately cease building Mrs Sippy Bali - a luxury restaurant and bar in Bali's upmarket Seminyak district - on the grounds he does not have a building permit. The construction site for the new Mrs Sippy Bali at Seminyak. Mr Stanway, 39, who co-owns the Double Bay bar Mrs Sippy with Ben May, Angus Abrahams, and Kate Stanway, travelled to North Kuta to oversee the construction of the new venture ahead of its grand opening in September. But it is understood the venture has been thrown into disarray by a series of disputes, triggered by souring relations with a former business partner. A Chinese developer is paying a speculated $32 million for a Box Hill site now expected to make way for two 30-plus level apartment buildings containing more than 1000 flats. Despite the backdrop of Brexit, a federal election and possible changes to negative gearing, Savills director Clinton Baxter confirmed 826-830 Whitehorse Road sold days after he closed an expressions of interest campaign late last month and following strong competition from numerous builders including others that are China-based. One of the buildings in Box Hill likely to make way for a tower. The 2650-square-metre block sale prices the land at about $12,000 per sq m, a new suburban record and a value until only a few years ago reserved solely for CBD and Southbank sites. Box Hill is on track to becoming Melbourne's biggest suburban activity centre with 10 towers of more than 25 levels permitted or in the planning process. The dawn of the new financial year has thrown up some challenges for global markets and will keep Australian real estate investment trust managers on their toes as they head into the full-year reporting season next month. But as the dust starts to settle on Brexit and its impact, the growing consensus is that bricks and mortar will be the haven du jour and most likely demand will be for those properties based in the Asia-Pacific region. 28 O'Connell Street, which is the headquarters of Chubb (formerly ACE Insurance) and is being sold as Chubb moves. That spells good new for AREITs and private funds in the market to buy and sell assets. One of the latest is 28 O'Connell Street, which is the headquarters of Chubb (formerly ACE Insurance) and is being sold as Chubb moves from its seven floors later this year to more efficient layouts at Grosvenor Place and in North Sydney. Growthpoint Properties has applied the blowtorch to Centuria Metropolitan REIT by unveiling a sweetened all-cash offer for GPT Metro Office Fund, valuing it at $321 million. The South African-backed Growthpoint has also emerged with a 13 per cent stake in GPT Metro, which it bought from the parent GPT Group, in a bid to knock Nicholas Collishaw's Centuria out of the running. Centuria also holds a crucial 16 per cent interest in the GPT fund, which has placed the two predators on a par. GPT Metro Office Fund's new building at 3 Murray Rose Avenue at Sydney's Olympic Park is one of its six suburban assets. The battle for the fund was started by the South African-owned Growthpoint Properties in May, when it launched a non-binding indicative offer, but was then gazumped by the listed Centuria fund. GPT has also negotiated a $9 million fee from Growthpoint and Centuria for the management rights to the GPT Metro fund. An interminable election campaign, Brexit and Trump some retailers are not amused. Retailers have been slashing prices through June and enjoying the government's small business stimulus scheme, which gives small companies an immediate tax deduction for every item they purchase worth up to $20,000. These include things such as cars, fridges, coffee machines, tables and chairs, printers, hot water units and computers. But Gerry Harvey, the chairman of whitegoods and furniture retailer Harvey Norman, said the July 2 election, Britain's surprise decision to exit the European Union, and the possibility of Donald Trump becoming US president might have crimped sales by between 2 and 3 per cent. The crucial end-of-financial-year sales had been "OK" only, he said. Department store Myer is considering legal action after another Telstra outage left its stores unable to process card payments during the last day of the financial year. Thursday's outage, which lasted for about six hours, meant Myer's customers needed to pay cash or get money from an ATM. Myer calls its mid-year sale "Australia's biggest stocktake sale". The sale started on June 1. Another Telstra network outage this week has drawn a line in the sand. This issue has now moved from being just a problem for customers, to being a real problem for the company. No longer can Telstra explain away this series of network mishaps as just bad luck - the operation of chance when dealing with large, complex communications networks. The frequency has now become the big issue. This week's outage, although not as widespread as some of the previous ones, has had more onerous consequences. It hit the operations of an airline, a bank, a large department store chain, Medibank, the Department of Finance, and even political parties on the eve of an election, plus myriad businesses on the all-important final day of the financial year. It sounds strange, but Vladimir Putin actually has a lot to answer for when it comes to dairy prices. In early 2014, Russia intervened in the conflict raging in eastern Ukraine and later annexed the Crimea region. Russian President Vladimir Putin's government responded to sanctions by banning dairy imports. Credit:AP Russia hit back by banning imports of EU agricultural products, including dairy, and even started theatrically steamrolling EU-made cheese. The EU is the world's biggest dairy exporter and Russia was its biggest customer. Meanwhile, the EU was lifting production caps and experiencing ideal weather for dairy farmers, creating huge production growth just as its biggest market shut it out. All that extra milk flooded onto the global market, creating a massive oversupply. Prices have crashed about 60 per cent. But doesn't China want to buy everything we make? At the same time things were heating up in the Ukraine, things were cooling off in the Chinese economy. Demand for imported dairy dropped and imports were slashed by almost half, according to some in the industry. So farmers can't make money when the global price is so low? Not necessarily. This isn't the cheapest milk has ever been, globally or at Australian farm gates. But it comes after a couple of dry seasons, when the cost of producing milk has jumped because farmers are growing less grass and paying more for irrigation. "A lot of farmers are getting squeezed due to that combination," Dairy Australia analyst John Droppert told Fairfax Media. So all dairy farmers are in trouble? Everyone's prices have dropped, but farmers who supply Murray Goulburn and Fonterra have been hit the hardest, because they export more than other producers. Dairy producers put out forecasts for how much they expect to pay for milk solids (that's how milk is sold) for the financial year ahead. Knowing how much they will be paid means farmers can plan their businesses and borrow money to invest in their operations accordingly. Last year, Murray Goulburn promised $5.80 per kilogram and was speculating in April it could rise to $6. But a week later, it drastically cut the price to between $4.75 and $5. The New Zealand-owned Fonterra followed suit, slashing from $5.60 to $5. So farmers just got paid less for a few months? They wish. Instead, the price cuts were retrospective and were applied to the whole year. That meant Murray Goulburn farmers had to pay back about a dollar for every kilogram of milk they sold over the previous nine months. Mum-and-dad operations were straddled with debts averaging around $120,000, with some producers owing more than $400,000. They are now paying the debt back through deductions from this season's price, starting July 1. Murray Goulburn opened the new season at $4.31 a kilogram and Fonterra has opened at $4.75. But if the problem is the global price, why are people so angry at producers? Critics say Murray Goulburn started the year with an unrealistically high price and should have seen the crash coming and warned farmers earlier. When MG partially floated on the stock market in July 2015, investors were promised dividend payouts tied to a high farm gate price. Some in the industry have speculated that this gave MG an incentive to project an unrealistically high farm gate price, because that would make the float more attractive to investors. That's something the corporate watchdog is likely looking at as part of its investigation into the company. Shares, many of which were bought by MG farmers, crashed 42 per cent in April. MG has said it was "surprised" by how inaccurate its price forecasts were, but a Fairfax Media investigation revealed senior managers had information showing that its projections were way off. There's also been suggestions that spending was running wild at MG headquarters and questions around its deal to supply Coles with home brand milk. Ah-ha! So $1 milk is the problem Farmers don't like cheap milk, but it's still not the major cause of their recent woes, according to industry experts. MG supplies Coles with home brand milk in Victoria and NSW, which Australian Dairy Farmers says has cut how much farmers make per litre. "The domestic market has reduced and it [$1 milk] has removed some of the premium out of that part of the business," ADF director David Basham said. "But the majority of the effect is the world price." Cheap home brand milk has a bigger effect in Queensland and Western Australia, he said. What is being done to help the farmers? The Federal Government has made $555 million in discount loans available to affected farmers and the Victorian government announced a $11.4 million support package. There have also been social media lead campaigns encouraging people to consume more brand-label dairy. These links go back well beyond the UK joined Europe in 1973, even before Australian federation. Westpac, the country's oldest bank, has had a London office since 1853 some 120 years before the UK joined the European economic bloc. The 'Kylie Effect' describes Australian businesses that head to London and branch out into Europe. Credit:Getty Images Even so, the shock vote in favour of Brexit raises long-term questions about whether the UK, and London, will continue to play this role as an entry point into the region for business and indeed for many Australians working and living across the UK and Europe. Global giants of business including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and Vodafone have all signalled they may move thousands of jobs in London to other cities in the region. So, might Brexit also change the way Australian businesses, and our economy, interact with the UK? Big hit to bankers The initial financial market shock of Brexit may have faded, but its longer-term impacts are far from clear. They will be determined by painstaking negotiations between the UK and EU leaders, and to some extent, by how foreign firms respond. Despite this uncertainty, banks and financial services firms stand to be especially affected, as many are drawn to London by its access the single European market alongside its skilled workforce, legal system, and attractiveness as a place to live. Frankfurt, likely to host business created by the merger of Deutsche Borse and the London Stock Exchange, and Dublin, the last remaining English-speaking capital in the EU, are seen as most likely hubs to rival London. For now, large Australian companies with their headquarters in London are not flagging any intention to move. But there are questions being asked about financial services companies in particular. Insurance giant QBE, for instance, uses London as a base for selling insurance across Europe, a practice that may be complicated by Brexit because it relies on what is known as a "passport" arrangement. This allows firms to use their UK licences for conducting business in Europe. Fellow insurer AMP Capital has its European HQ in London and appears, for now, to be staying there. A spokesman said: "London is an important regional base for AMP Capital the decision in the UK referendum to leave the EU doesn't change this." The "passport" system is vital to financial services such as investment banks headquartered in London, and is likely to affect whether firms continue to base themselves in London. QBE this week said there would not be a "material" impact of Brexit on its operations. But the insurer's shares still fell 14 per cent in the first few days after the shock vote, before a partial recovery later in the week. "Passport" arrangements are also tipped to affect Macquarie Group, which has a 1500 staff across its Europe, Middle East and Africa businesses, many of whom are in London, its headquarters for this part of the bank. The big four banks all have London offices with hundreds in combined staff, though they are probably less affected on this front. That is because the big four have been in the UK since well before it joined Europe, and it is not clear that Brexit will dramatically change activities such as foreign exchange trading or banking people moving back and forth between the UK and Australia. Westpac says it is the longest-standing foreign bank in London. "Moves by the UK to exit the EU do not impact our global or local strategy to connect our customers to global financial and investor markets, 24 hours a day," it says. "Foreign exchange volatility is expected to continue for a period of time as the UK and Europe work through the political, regulatory, economic and social impacts of the exit." Mining giants BHP Billiton and London-headquartered Rio Tinto also played down the likely impact of Brexit on their businesses. "We do not foresee any significant impact on our business in the short term but we will continue to monitor this in the medium to long term," a Rio spokeswoman said. Broking analysts this week also pored over a range of other ASX-listed businesses that earn significant revenue from the UK, including Compuershare, Westfield, investment manager Henderson, and Wesfarmers, which this year ploughed $705 million into the UK hardware Homebase. Trade hub Beyond Brexit's impact on financial markets, there is a much longer-term debate how much the UK can maintain its position as a trade hub for the region. This could have real effects on flows of both trade and people between Australia and the UK. Hard-fought diplomatic talks will ultimately determine how much access to Europe's common market the UK retains. Some observers argue the European countries who have every incentive to make an example out of the UK, should other countries be pondering secession. Ben Wellings, a lecturer in politics and international relations from Monash University, argues the wounded pride of Europeans will make sure the UK loses its privileged access to continent. "It won't have the special access that it used to. It's out," Dr Wellings says. "It will have as special access to the EU market as we do now." While Australia may be in a position to win trade concessions from Britain because it needs political allies, the UK will no longer provide special access to the UK, he says. "The notion that Britain would retain access to the single market, I think, is a fantasy. That's because there's this wounded European pride." Dr Wellings points out that Australia exports $10 billion a year in services is with Europe, and half of this flows through the UK. This relationship would be diminished because Brexit pulls us in two different directions, he says. Brexit will also throw a spanner in the works of Australia's free trade agreement, which it had been hoped would be signed by 2018. Others, however, play down the impact of Brexit on trade relations. While the UK may have been a stepping stone into Europe historically, some experts, such as Leon Berkelmans, director of the Lowy Institute's international economy program, say this role may not be needed in the future. "I suspect you don't really need a big brother there as some sort of gateway. We can deal directly with the Italians, French or Germans," Dr Berkelmans says. UNSW's Harcourt points to the deep cultural and historic links to the UK, which will mean it won't lose its attraction as a destination for Australian firms. "It's unlikely to change," Harcourt says. Harcourt also plays down the chances of Frankfurt usurping the City in London as a financial hub, saying there were similar arguments made decades ago when the UK was integrating with Europe. "There was this big idea that one you brought the UK into the EU, Frankfurt would take the lead as the financial centre of the world, but it just did not happen," Harcourt says. Heading overseas However UK-EU relations end up, economists say the ultimate impact that occurs via trade with the UK is likely to be negative, though not enormously so. NAB economists this week said Brexit was "probably negative for Australian exports as weaker outlooks for UK incomes and Sterling lower the demand for our goods and services". Aside from trade, the flow of people between Australia also stands to be affected by Brexit. About 1 million Australians visit the UK year, and there are more than 100,000 Aussies living in the UK. But the number of Australians working in the UK has fallen sharply over the past decade or so, and Brexit may reverse this to some extent. Immigration rules imposed on the UK by its EU membership including some that gave European migration preferential access to the UK were said to be a key factor in the Brexit victory. Now, many of these rules may be unwound, with direct impacts on Australians heading overseas. Tory politician Boris Johnson, one of the most prominent pro-Brexit campaigners, has argued Brexit will bring the UK and Australia closer, because it would remove European-imposed migration laws. In 2014, he proposed a "bilateral mobility zone" agreement between Australia and Britain, similar to he trans-Tasman agreement between Australia and New Zealand Loading Over recent months it has become apparent that 7-Eleven is the tip of the iceberg. Credit:Simon Bosch You can almost hear the lobbying machine going into overdrive. Proposed changes from both parties include more powers to the regulator, a 10-fold increase in penalties and more resources to the regulator. But the biggest change of all is to put franchisors in the firing line. Illustration: Cathy Wilcox. Until now, the Fair Work Ombudsman can only deal with individual injustice and go after franchisees. The regulator can only pursue franchisors as accessories to workplace law breaches only if it can be proved they are "knowingly concerned in or party to the contravention". This burden of proof makes the law virtually useless. Under proposed changes to the legislation, notably from the ALP, the burden of proof will be flipped on its head and head office will have to prove it could not have reasonably known workers were being ripped off. In other words, if there is systemic underpayment, the FWO can do something about it. There can be no middle ground on scrubbing out worker exploitation. The worker will also be able to go after the franchisor, who then has to go after the franchisee. Currently, workers are supposed to go after the franchisee, who have been known to threaten workers with loss of job or deportation if they pursue the matter. It is this flaw in the system that has allowed wage fraud to get out of control. It is a similar story for the supply chain, which, until now, has been able to hide behind the corporate veil. The decision by both parties to tackle worker exploitation has been a long time coming. But stories such as systemic underpayment of foreign students throughout the 7-Eleven franchise network has put the issue on the national agenda. Before the joint media investigation into 7-Eleven, wage fraud had been going on for decades and head office had turned a blind eye. In the words of the 7-Eleven whistleblower at the time the scandal was exposed: "Everyone at head office knows about it. No one likes it, but people want to keep their jobs so they stay quiet. I've heard it being joked about at senior levels at meetings." Nothing was done about it because the business model that operated for years was such that many franchisees wouldn't have had a business if they paid the correct wages. Workers coming forward and telling harrowing stories forced action. One worker in Brisbane was forced to rummage through bins for old sandwiches after not being paid for months. He got to breaking point and stood outside the store with a placard saying: "This store has not paid me for 3 months. Please Help." Head office was aware of the incident but left it with the franchisee to deal with. In the aftermath of the election, there should be an investigation into the franchising industry. 7-Eleven has underpaid workers, that is not in dispute. It set up an independent compensation scheme and appointed Fels to oversee it. Months later it changed its mind and decided to do the scheme in-house. It created a public backlash. It was seen as the company trying to shirk its commitment. The public won't rest until the problem is fixed. The reality is there isn't any legal compulsion for 7-Eleven to pay up. It is why the new government, whether it is Labor or the Coalition, will need to amend the legislation and not only put franchisors on the hook but also make it retrospective to ensure companies such as 7-Eleven do the right thing. One of the first things Justin Trudeau did when he was elected as Canada's Prime Minister last year was to meet with representatives of Canada's First Nations Peoples and their organisations. Trudeau said the purpose of this historic meeting was to "renew the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. This renewal must be a nation-to-nation relationship, based on recognition, respect for rights, co-operation, and partnership." In stark contrast, during the Australian election campaign we've seen disappointingly little focus on issues of concern to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Yes, there have been some welcome promises made, such as commitments to allocate funding to address family violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children but neither of the major parties has articulated a vision for Indigenous affairs in partnership with Indigenous peoples themselves. For too long successive governments have sought to develop Indigenous affairs policy in isolation from Indigenous people. Commitments to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been expressed in sentiment, but ignored in action. Buried within its history is the kernel of what made Demokratia, arguably, the greatest of human inventions. For the first time, people of all classes came together not to persuade others, but to agree among themselves. Constituted by lot as in a jury the Athenian Council was open to all men, rich and poor: inclusive and deliberative from the outset. The democracy we know today was born as the preserve of the patrician class. The American founding fathers described their first Congress as a "natural aristocracy", exclusively made up of landed gentry. Today's parliaments may champion the universal franchise, but they remain contested spaces, wherein candidates seek to undermine their counterparts, poisoning our whole civil dialogue in the process. In this dismal malaise, the practical successes of citizen juries demonstrate how we might constitute our parliaments differently; away from the pervasive groundhog day of adversarial politics. Citizen juries are redefining what has hitherto been understood to be democratic engagement not as elections, referendums, town hall meetings or focus groups, all of which provide limited space for consensus building. When a truly representative group of citizens are afforded the opportunity to meet and deliberate, they find common ground. In 2012, the Irish held a constitutional convention to review their government. They adopted an unconventional approach: two-thirds of the delegates were randomly selected citizens. We could do something similar here, as we think Australians would value that review. The newDemocracy Foundation is offering a donation to democracy of up to $5 million to kick-start a citizens' convention of 350 randomly recruited citizens to consider the question: "How can we do democracy better?" Opposition Leader Bill Shorten boards his campaign bus. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Even an electorate which might have preferred to see the real Malcolm instead of a fiscal and social conservative behind a Turnbull mask will notice if he changes tack or direction in favour of policies he denounced during the campaign. They will not necessarily disapprove as such, but they will notice the hypocrisy and become even further confirmed in their cynicism about politicians. More importantly, his many enemies in his own party can affirm, and with solid evidence, that he has had no popular endorsement for moving past the general social and fiscal policies promoted in the campaign. One could see some of those enemies (whether in his caucus or in the wider party organisation) tense and prepare for conflict whenever Turnbull was presented during the campaign with the opportunity to suggest that he would take a flexible approach to settled dogma. One saw them turn away, whether from relief or disappointment when, each time, he rejected the temptation. Peta Credlin, now a detached observer of politics rather than an Abbott warrior, has predicted that the same-sex marriage plebiscite could cause a "very big schism inside the Liberal Party going back to territory of 2009, [when Turnbull was deposed, by Abbott]. Malcolm knows that very well because that's where he lost his leadership. I think it will also cause enormous stresses within the Coalition." Turnbull is probably right in predicting that parliament will overwhelmingly endorse same-sex marriage if the electorate does at the plebiscite later this year. But he must fear that some of the party's social reactionaries, still indignant about the leadership of the party by a liberal, let alone Turnbull, will be spoiling for an opportunity for conflict with him over the issue. Best, for his personal and political peace, if he simply ignores their provocations. Neither John Howard nor Tony Abbott allowed their internal enemies the same freedom of action to undermine or criticise government policy, even when it was made manifest by unilateral captain's decisions. Howard, for example, took some pleasure in having (one-time) party wets such as Philip Ruddock, Amanda Vanstone and Michael Wooldridge be the ones who had to do the tough "dry" yards, and to constantly reaffirm the ideological basis of the policies they were applying. And when Abbott set Turnbull a task of destroying the NBN, it was partly because he imagined that Turnbull would shrink from trying. Abbott, moreover, loved to set little fires by way of prosecuting the culture wars against his enemies, not least in moderate wings of his own party. Turnbull, instead, has proven completely gun-shy, at least since, in the first flush of victory, he rewarded his friends and deposed a few of his more tired enemies. When Turnbull first began disappointing enthusiasts last year, those looking to excuse him would say that adhering to party decisions on same-sex marriage, or climate change, or bowing to moral panic in the party about transgender matters, was a part of the price he was having to pay to take over the leadership of a party that had become more conservative. All the more so given that the party was traumatised, terrified and deeply conscious of the disunity parallels with the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years. But his apologists believed that the "real" Malcolm the progressive, tolerant and intellectual moderate would soon shine through; his personality and style would soon mark the style and approach of the party. And that it would become evident in the messages emanating from a new ministry, even if it contained conservatives. As this failed to occur, some wondered when he had made a Faustian bargain of his soul for the appearance of power. His protests that the people knew him well, and that he has not changed, have been unconvincing. If there is a real Turnbull, it seems that he has a personality entirely different from that he had before he entered politics, or from when he was the progressive leader of the opposition in 2009. It is true that his time in exile taught him something about listening, about consulting, and about being rude and brutal, as well as a fairly convincing serenity. But if he promised that he would behave differently, he did not threaten to have different broad ideas, ideals and approaches to public policy. But he is now, it seems, convinced of the rightness of policies, for example on climate change, he once opposed. Or he has decided that there must be a difference between his personal views (for example on same sex marriage) and those he promotes from his position as prime minister. If it is the latter, it could be called realism an acceptance that the continuation of his leadership depends on his maintaining the general support of a fairly conservative caucus unlikely, on average, to be any more moderate as a result of the election. But it also invites the question of why he bothers. What it is about his conceit, his chairmanship or his fiscal wisdom that makes his expertise, as opposed to general character and judgment, the vital ingredient of government? On several counts, it all puts me rather in mind of Robert Southey's 19th century poem, After Blenheim, a moral fable which I had to learn by heart at school. In the poem, children on a farm at Blenheim, in Bavaria, unearth a skull and ask their grandfather about it. He tells them he is constantly unearthing old skulls from the Battle of Blenheim, fought on the farm in 1704, more than a century before: "Now tell us what 'twas all about, young Peterkin, he cries; And little Wilhelmine looks up with wonder-waiting eyes; "Now tell us all about the war, and what they fought each other for." "It was the English," Kaspar cried, "who put the French to rout; But what they fought each other for I could not well make out; But everybody said," quoth he, "That 'twas a famous victory "They said it was a shocking sight after the field was won; For many thousand bodies here lay rotting in the sun; But things like that, you know, must be after a famous victory. "Great praise the Duke of Marlbro' won, and our good Prince Eugene." "Why, 'twas a very wicked thing!" said little Wilhelmine. "Nay ... nay ... my little girl," quoth he, "It was a famous victory." "And everybody praised the Duke who this great fight did win." "But what good came of it at last?" quoth little Peterkin. "Why, that I cannot tell," said he, "But 'twas a famous victory." Another reason for recalling Southey was that he was, in his youth, a great radical, even, as the poem suggests, less than sound on national security problems. As he became older, his politics went sharply to the right. Abbott's former defence minister famously said that he would not trust Adelaide's Australian Submarine Corporation to ''build a canoe". But the allegedly small government, free trade-loving Abbott, the same man who proudly let the car industry shift offshore, spun on a dime when Senator Nick Xenophon threatened to run candidates in formerly safe Liberal seats. The $50 billion plan to rescue South Australian manufacturing was not born of conservative conviction, but of electoral convenience. While UKIP, the right-wing nationalist party, put Brexit on the agenda in the 2015 election it was David Cameron who promised to have a referendum on an issue that he opposed and subsequently campaigned against. If he had stood up for his beliefs during the election campaign he might still be Prime Minister and the UK might still have a future in the EU. But for the modern conservative, winning is more important than governing. Much has been written about the problems facing democracies around the world with explanations for Trump, Brexit and Le Pen ranging from the inequality caused by 20 years of neo-liberalism, to the rise of Twitter. Obviously more than one factor is at play, but an issue that deserves more attention is the seeming inability of conservative major parties to stand up to conservative minor parties selling simple solutions to complex problems. Boris Johnson is the Tony Abbott of British politics. Both are former journalists who prioritise selling simple messages over solving complex problems, both are renowned for physically confronting their opponents, and both had an agenda defined by destruction rather than construction. The biggest difference, of course, is that Johnson had the self-awareness to know that there was no overlap between his strengths and the role of prime minister. On the progressive side of politics the dynamic appears to be quite different. While Conservatives are quick to embrace the most popular elements of the minor parties on their right flank, Labor parties in Australia and Britain and the Democrats in the US seem to have the opposite instinct. Both Bill Shorten and Hillary Clinton often concede that political rivals on their left flank have ideas which might be attractive in isolation but are unworkable when viewed from a whole of government approach. It's too early to tell what Corbyn means for British labour. Whether the relative centrism of Shorten and Clinton is driven by a principled approach to economy wide policy development, a pragmatic approach to winning votes in the political centre, or a bit of both will no doubt animate Canberran dinner parties for decades. But regardless of the motivations, it seems clear conservative parties are more easily dragged (or willingly walked?) to the unworkable extreme than centre left parties. Which brings me to the Australian election. While the polls are neck and neck in the lower house, in the upper house the result is a lay down misere. Proportional representation means that no major party will get close to the 39 votes needed to pass a bill, the number of crossbenchers will likely hit a post-war high, the Greens will be the largest block of minor party senators and, in all likelihood, Pauline Hanson will be elected as a senator for Queensland. Hanson, a former Liberal candidate, has a successful history of dragging the Coalition's policy position to the right. When she first proposed that the "solution" to people who were fleeing persecution was to "give them fuel, give them food, and turn them back" her views seemed extreme. But when John Howard saw how popular the sentiment was in both regional communities and working-class Labor seats he was quick to embrace the policy and the message. The choice between turning their backs on Malcolm Fraser's liberalism and wedging Labor was not a difficult one for the modern Liberals. Regardless of the result in Saturday's lower house election the right wing of the Coalition will be keen to use a resurgent Hanson to shift their own party further to the right and wedge the ALP some more. If the Liberals win government such an approach might even be a "successful political strategy" to cover up rising unemployment. But the belief that wedging your opposition via a steady stream of announceables is what governing is all about is the same logic that delivered Brexit. Alvin Toffler, an author whose visions of accelerating social change guided Chinese leaders, American politicians and business moguls through the best-selling books Future Shock and The Third Wave,died June 27 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 87. Toffler wrote more than a dozen books charting the cultural shift from manufacturing-based economies to those driven by knowledge and data in the 20th century. Working with his wife, he predicted the unfolding of what he coined "the Information Age" and became a guru of sorts to world statesmen. Futurist Alvin Toffler claimed to have foretold a number of major events of the 20th century. China's Zhao Ziyang, Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and South Korea's Kim Dae-jung tapped his views as Asia's emerging markets increased in global significance during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1994, House Speaker Newt Gingrich urged members of the US Congress to read Toffler's latest book, Creating a New Civilisation. More than 15 million copies of Future Shock have been sold, according to the Tofflers' website. The increasing stream of Coalition MPs asserting that, even if same-sex marriage is approved in a plebiscite, they will either vote against or abstain from supporting necessary enabling legislation, reveals the futility and waste involved in holding the plebiscite. If MPs claim a conscience vote irrespective of the outcome of the plebiscite, why hold the plebiscite? Why not proceed directly to a conscience vote on the floor of Parliament? The answer to this is that the plebiscite was designed by the Liberal and National right to serve as a tactical device to impede recognition of same-sex marriage, and to provide two bites at the cherry: Even if (as would be likely) the measure succeeded at plebiscite, MPs would still have the right to vote it down in Parliament. And in that circumstance, the casuistic distinction drawn by Zed Seselja and Mark Morrison between a negative vote and abstention would be of limited relevance. Abstention amounts to nothing more than legerdemain designed to give the appearance of not actively defying the will of the voters, but which, depending on how close the vote was in Parliament, could nevertheless achieve the objective of defeating the legislation. The plebiscite was designed by the Liberal and National right to serve as a tactical device to impede recognition of same-sex marriage. The principal weakness in a plebiscite is that, unlike a constitutional referendum, its result has no binding legal force in and of itself it essentially amounts to a massively expensive opinion poll, the result of which has to be enacted in legislation to take effect. Of course, no one is suggesting that same-sex marriage be addressed in the constitution. Constitutional rights are expressed at a higher level of generality, and the right of same-sex couples to marry is seen in other jurisdictions as an application of the right to privacy (in the sense of personal autonomy) or the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation. So we find ourselves in the position of going to the expense of holding a plebiscite proposed by a party whose members do not regard themselves as being bound by its outcome. The issue of same-sex marriage has exposed multiple inconsistencies in the Coalition right on questions of human rights: While vocal in their support of freedom of expression (except when it comes to the right to disclose what goes on at Manus or Nauru) and freedom of religion, the political right rejects the idea of a right to privacy and the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of sexual orientation, respect for which would require recognition of same-sex marriage. POST SCRIPT: Great news, reports Chris Moe of Bensville. "We are pleased to announce the wedding of Jobson Grothe and Ophelia Parrakelia on July 2. The best man will be the Muscles from Brussels, Mathias Cormann. Julie Bishop, will be marriage celebrant and Tony Abbott will attend. Jobson's stepmother, Rosemary O'Brien is overjoyed he's left the Parramatta Eels and now has a contract with Rugby Union. A code jumper, like his stepfather Malcolm Turnbull, Jobsy says: "There is nothing wrong with changing your principles if you can play for your nation." If only readers paid for wedding announcements like this they could restock the Fairfax coffers like they did during the rivers of gold era of newspaper journalism. Instead they write us letters, and this week unsurprisingly, they were about the election. There were too some titters when we unleashed a storm in a D-cup for publishing a picture on this venerable page of a baby being breastfed. "I'd have thought that there would be a lot of things more important to be outraged about," wrote Barrie Brown. "Moir's illustrated comment on Manus and Nauru being one for me." Our front-page editorial calling for the election of the Turnbull government, angered many and proved a timely reminder that our editorial position reflects the opinion of the editor-in-chief, about what he or she believes is in the public interest. For the record we backed Abbott last time; then before that Gillard, Rudd, no-one in 2004 and Howard (x 3) 1996. Jobson Grothe along with fake tradie on Twitter, have been amusing distractions during this otherwise dull campaign. RIP Jobson. Surely some generous reader can pay for your death notice? Helen Pitt Letters co-editor Party insiders who saw the stream of internal polling say that the Labor Mediscare campaign made some serious early inroads into support for the Coalition. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Andrew Meares And they say that, towards the end of the campaign, the potency of the Mediscare faded as Turnbull's emphatic denials were absorbed. It was ultimately overmatched by the Coalition's claim to offer stability and economic steadiness. Bill Shorten declared that the election would be "a referendum on the future of Medicare". Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Importantly, both Labor and Liberal sources attest that they found the same broad results. But we don't need to take their word for it, because the hard evidence of their advertising budgets and leaders' rhetoric is confirmation. Labor's paid TV ads were overwhelmingly attack ads and they turned increasingly to emphasise the Mediscare. The Labor leader, Bill Shorten, declared that the election would be "a referendum on the future of Medicare". He even repainted his campaign bus in the last week to add prominently the claim that Labor would "save Medicare". The Labor Party spent three and a half times as much tearing down Turnbull as it did building up its own offerings a tad over a million dollars on positive TV ads promoting itself, and $3.6 million on attacking Turnbull, according to the ad tracking firm Ebiquity. The Coalition's paid ads, by contrast, predominantly hammered the positive theme of Turnbull's "plan for jobs and growth" and towards the end added warnings against Labor and the minor parties as the path to the "chaos" of a hung parliament. The Liberals' spending pattern was the obverse of Labor's they spent $4.5 million on positive TV ads promoting themselves, and only a third as much, $1.5 million, attacking Labor. Did the Liberals concentrate on the positive because they are more virtuous? No it turns out that they found they had no choice. "We inherited a lot of mistrust" from the Abbott years, explains a Liberal, "and we had to rebuild trust with positives they [the people] wouldn't take negatives from us," a conclusion drawn from the parties' focus groups. "There was little patience for anything that wasn't a very strong focus on what we were going to do [voters] already had their own opinion of Shorten. So the marginal gain of attacking Bill was very small." Strikingly, almost all the ads, Liberal and Labor, were dominated by Turnbull. He is the Liberal poster boy and the Labor bullseye. So the underlying struggle was for the Liberals to build public trust in Turnbull, and for Labor to damage it. Trust is the ultimate commodity in the election contest, yet it is one that the parties have done such a good job of trampling. One of the defining characteristics of this election is that the published national polls show an increased level of despair at the major parties. A record 27 per cent of voters intended to vote for a party other than the two major ones, according to this week's Fairfax-Ipsos poll. That's about 4.2 million people. The Greens or the Nick Xenophon Team might argue that this is a misreading that a growing number of Australians are drawn to the smaller parties because of their inherent attractiveness. An ANU professor of political science, Ian McAllister, provides confirmation that this trend is overwhelmingly driven by public disdain of the major parties rather than the thrill of the minors. Since 1987, the proportion of voters who vote for one party in the House but a different one in the Senate has doubled from about one in eight to one in four. These so-called "split ticket voters" are "casting a tactical vote as an important means of forcing a government to compromise on unpopular policies", says McAllister. "It's an indicator of declining trust and it's not cyclical it's continuous and incrementally growing." Trust is the uber issue that overarches all politics. Campaigning politicians demand it, and, once elected, serving governments proceed to trample it. This is not a partisan point; it's a growing national liability. Whether it was John Howard's promise that he would "never ever" introduce a GST; Kevin Rudd's promise of an emissions trading scheme because climate change was "the greatest moral, economic, and environmental challenge of our time"; Julia Gillard's pledge that "there will be no carbon tax under a government I lead"; or Tony Abbott's vow of "no cuts to education, no cuts to health, no cuts to the ABC or SBS," each hacked away at the trust they'd been given. And in-between the great breaches of trust by the leaders, the backbenchers and the ministers supply a steady flow of petty acts of rorting expenses and abusing the public trust, yet neither major party has supported calls for a federal anti-corruption body. Why is this a liability? Because trust is an essential commodity for a successful modern nation. In his book Trust, the US academic Francis Fukuyama said that the higher the trust in a nation, the more successful it would be. And when trust in government fails? We see some of the symptoms in the rise of Donald Trump in the US, and in the success of UK Independence Party in leading the "Leave" campaign for Brexit. Australia is not the US or UK either; living standards are higher on average, inequality less severe, and immigration better managed. Yet our political system is heading on the same trajectory. Relatively high-trust societies like the US or Britain or Germany or, though he doesn't mention it, Australia, Fukuyama wrote in his most recent work, Political Order and Political Decay, "should not get too self-satisfied." He wrote in 2014, before the rise of Trump: "The problem of patrimonialism is never finally solved in any political system", and it's rampant when "interest groups effectively buy politicians with campaign contributions and lobbying". It's a new legalised "clientelism" he says. When privileged groups help themselves to the pork and the favours and the wealth of the country through this clientelism, the public is betrayed and trust ebbs away. It's only a matter of time before angry populist revolts arise. Is the lesson here that Australia's next prime minister should carefully guard the public's trust in the mandate he wins? That, whether Malcolm Turnbull or Bill Shorten, he should make sure not to break any promises? Unfortunately, this is not an option for either. Because both have built their entire edifice of policy and promises on a budget that will not support them. During the next couple of years, government revenue will again fall short of the projections that both parties have assumed. We know this because the budget's assumptions are too optimistic, as Labor's Chris Bowen admitted before going on to promise even more spending than the government based on the same assumptions. And since those assumption were made, the world economic outlook has dimmed markedly. One art school? Vanishing climate science? A disappeared government architect? Defunded public history? This is not just a few random cuts. After the corporatisation of our education system comes this wholesale attack on knowledge and creativity; a dismantling of institutions, a burning of books. Of course, book burning is useful for governments with oligarchic tendencies. In any takeover, demoralising the intellectuals is a first and critical step. What's bizarre is the extent to which Australians have drunk the two-part neo-con instrumentalist Kool-Aid that makes this possible. Part one; that only profit-making enterprises are valuable. Part two, that in apportioning scarce public funding, these profit-makers should get the lion's share. So we pour public billions into private enterprises that deliver little or no public benefit and should anyway be able to stand alone: $500 million to pipe Murray water to Broken Hill cotton farmers; $17 billion to a dirty private tollway; $4 billion a year subsidising the mining industry; $2 billion a year to resource-rich private schools. Corporate tax reductions that will deliver most benefit overseas. Free public waterfront for Packer's mega-casino. Crab and barramundi congee. Credit:Darrian Traynor We've met for lunch at Lawyers, Guns and Money in the city, the newish restaurant from chef Victor Liong of Collingwood's modern Chinese eatery Lee Ho Fook (both restaurants are named for Warren Zevon songs). Predominantly a congee joint, it's open for breakfast and lunch, although once we peruse the menu, we realise too late it's probably more of a brekky venue. And it must be one of the few Melbourne restaurants where staff don't ask you if you know how the menu works which would have been helpful as Bell and I clearly didn't. Wagu beef and tofu. Credit:Darrian Traynor That's how we ended up eating side dishes the duck livers and Chinese donut (so many livers) and the green beans topped with shaved salted, cured egg yolk as "entrees". Bell sensibly orders the crab and barramundi congee with shiitake mushrooms and crispy wonton skins for a main; I have the (extremely) spicy mapo tofu and rice. The bill from Lawyers, Guns and Money. "I like Asian food, but I don't eat it a lot these days I used to cook it a lot myself," she says. "But my partner is more Mediterranean focused, and he's a great cook, so we eat a lot of Italian." When we meet she's still waiting to hear back from the ABC about whether The Letdown will get the go-ahead as a full series. But there's been lots of buzz around it. Even before she had her son, Augustus, two years ago with partner John Leary (also a writer and actor), Bell knew motherhood was a ripe topic. "Sarah had the idea after going to her first mothers' group and her oldest is eight now! and I said, 'you're a genius, let's do that'," she says. She was intrigued watching her friends and siblings face life with newborns. "I am quite a political person, in social and gender politics, and I was watching what was happening to them in the workforce, in life, and how hard they were working in terms of parenting and it just started to really shake me I was like, 'why do we never see this on screen? Ever?' This is not how parenthood is depicted. And we don't laugh about it enough. And then, if parenting is depicted as a challenge, it's like the challenge is a wry smile and a wink that bothered me." You know the type: mummy blog pieces about the "crazy" things kids say, the hilarity of spending all day in your pyjamas with a sick toddler, and the zany op-eds accompanied by a stock photo of a mum juggling a baby and a laptop. "I was like hang on a second I don't want to deny the joys (of motherhood) and the joys are glorious but the challenges are real and profound," Bell says. "And also, I, as a storyteller, want to do in life what Sarah and I do all the time when something terrible happens, we will tell each other the story and try and make the other one laugh; we share our misery through humour. That's kind of what we're doing with the show." The pilot for The Letdown follows new mum Audrey (Bell) as she deals with the first couple of months as a new parent, and the disparate clutch of fellow new mums from the well-meaning hippie to the judgmental corporate high-flyer and the jaded, no-nonsense maternal health nurse at her local mothers' group. "We wanted to step away from 'kooky' women," says Bell. "It feels to me like we're moving out of that era that was the way women were allowed to be funny. If they're kooky they're unthreatening. But now I think we've got heaps of funny women leading the charge, playing different women." The Letdown features a stellar cast of women as well, Bell points out, actors who straddle both comedy and drama. "We've got Noni Hazlehurst what a coup! Sarah Peirse, Ewen Leslie, Patrick Brammall, Sacha Horler ... all of them do serious and comedy," she says. "I think people cross over more than you think; it's just people want to put you in a box." And it's also often just the way the work comes in. "My first gig was theatre, so then I got more and more theatre work then the screen people started going 'oh, that theatre actress, hang on' and you go 'well no, I'm just an actor happy to do it all! ' But I think it does start to creep in, getting a bit boxed in." It's a boring thespian question, but which medium does she prefer? "It's not a boring question but my answer is boring: I enjoy both of them for different reasons," she says. "I do love theatre because it's the actor's job, storytelling in the theatre we control it every night that probably speaks to the control freak in me! But I love the freedom and the risk that involves and you don't have that screen; you can do another take and that's a great luxury but it has so many other filters you know, a lot can happen in the edit." By the time our mains arrive without any flourish or explanation we've traded motherhood anecdotes (Bell's got at least three seasons of material after this lunch), jokes about Canberra, where Bell grew up, the recent arts funding cuts ("It's horrifying. I don't know who's winning? Who is winning?") and, somewhat sadly, our favourite Play School presenters. "Oh god," says Bell. "We should quickly talk about politics at the end of this lunch, just to redeem ourselves." While she waits for news of The Letdown, Bell is busy with several potential projects (most in the early stages so she can't reveal many details), and an upcoming tour of Eddie Perfect's The Beast, bringing her comedy skills to the stage for the first time. "Look out, woman with toddler on tour!" Perfect's playwriting debut The Beast was first staged by the MTC in 2013, and follows a group of middle-class friends who have their fashionable beliefs challenged during a "nose to tail" dining experience. Bell will star alongside Perfect, the first time he has appeared in the work. "It'll be nuts the touring part, I mean but fun." After missing out on a role in the show in 2013 due to a work clash, she says "it's nice to come back to it now". "And Simon Phillips is directing he gave me my first gig out of drama school, (King Lear at MTC 2005) and this will be the first time we've worked together since, not for want of trying." As well as Perfect, The Beast, which will tour the east coast, also stars Toby Truslove, Christie Whelan Browne, Heidi Arena, Rohan Nichol and Peter Houghton. "It's a cracker cast; I'm looking forward to spending time on and off stage with these very funny humans," Bell says. "And it's a nice change, me not doing tragedy on the stage." The Beast is at the Comedy Theatre from August 25. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is restricting fishing on additional sections of the Big Hole, lower Ruby, lower Beaverhead, Jefferson, and lower Gallatin rivers effective Friday, July 1 at 2 p.m. as a result of high water temperatures. The closures, called hoot owl restrictions, will close the following rivers to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight until conditions improve: The Big Hole from the the Mouth of the North Fork Big Hole River to Dickie Bridge The Big Hole from Notch Bottom Fishing Access Site to the Mouth The Beaverhead from Anderson Lane to the Mouth The Ruby from Duncan District Road to the Mouth The Gallatin from Sheds Bridge Fishing Access Site to the Mouth The entire length of the Jefferson River Additional restrictions are possible on other stretches of these or other southwest Montana rivers in the coming weeks. Regional Fisheries Manager Travis Horton says FWP is keeping close track of weather, but the main concern is for the health of the fishery. Although a slight cool off occurred on Thursday, the temperatures for the holiday weekend are forecast continued hot and dry. Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to err on the side of caution for protecting trout populations against additional stress during this period of hot and dry weather, said Horton. And while FWP is putting restrictions on when people can fish these stretches of rivers, Regional Supervisor Sam Sheppard said, These rivers are still open for a great fishing experience, anglers just need to adjust their timing so as not to cause the extra stress were concerned about. Restrictions remain in place for the following stretches of southwest Montana rivers: The Big Hole from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the Mouth of the North Fork Big Hole River The Madison River from Ennis Dam to the Mouth For up-to-date information on restrictions related to drought, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/. Tom Waits tells the story that when his stepfather heard he was going into showbiz he bought him a wild green shirt. It had wooden buttons and was made of seven different fabrics and textures. A true Hawaiian nightmare. He said it was like the old guy was handing him a sword. "Here. Go out and kill some dragons, pal. And bring us back the skins." When my dad was getting ready to die I was getting ready to write and he gave me a ruby glass inkwell set in a silver stand. A symbol of his hope for me. A green shirt. A sword. Here. Go out and kill some dragons. Around its base is inscribed "To Brother Ch Bentley, Presented by the Members of Lodge 59 of the G.U.C of Oddfellows for his long and faithful services as Treasurer 1862." Yes, I own the inkpot of an ex-Oddfellow. And it has been helpful. As a talisman a green shirt. What does a father give a kid who wants to go into politics? Rumour has it that when Malcolm Turnbull told his dad he was going to be PM some day, old Bruce went out and bought him a stoat trap. Here, sit this on your desk, Mal. You'll need it. Democracy, love it as we do, is, irrefutably, a funhouse for weasels. Illustration: Robin Cowcher They thrive in Canberra. They cavort in hot tubs in the penthouses. They are in the Senate by devious means. They are born and bred in the briar patch of the Reps. Weasels are in the high places laughing themselves into knots at the joke of trickle-down economics. Politics is a career where a really weasely weasel can hardly help but be Bonaparte by the time he or she realises they'd be imprisoned if they pursued any other career with the same weasely methodology. Parliament is a place where the virtuous are sniffed out by customs dogs retrained off hash and meth and targeted at any whiff of goodness or morality. It was a touching scene, they say. Mal gave his old man a long hug as he took the trap from him. And rumour has it that, years later, before he left his office for the smackdown against Tony Abbott, he lay his lips on the cold metal of that stoat trap and whispered a petition. Trapper's wiles and common prayer were enough to overcome Abbott. Support the Productivity Commission recommendation to lift parallel import restrictions? 8. Support the removal of efficiency dividends for national cultural institutions including the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. 9. Support the future funding of Trove, the National Library's online database. 10. Have a creative industries strategy? THE LEADERBOARD Clarification: An earlier version of this story mentioned the Labor Party supported the removal of parallel import restrictions on books. Labor says it does not support the initial recommendation but will wait for the final Productivity Commission report before making a final decision. "Labor will wait for the final report from the Productivity Commission before coming to a decision. However, Labor will consider any proposals or recommendations to adjust the current territorial copyright regime with caution. While there are economic arguments to be made in support of this, such a significant change to our copyright laws could have a serious impact on our publishing industry, our authors and Australia's cultural life." Ben Butcher promotes himself as "Australia's worst artist", so it must be gratifying to see his work on the wall of one of Australia's biggest cultural institutions: even if he had to put it there himself. Hence the title of the framed acrylic on canvas painting Self-Fulfilment that he sneaked into the National Gallery of Victoria and hung on the wall. A screen grab of Ben Butcher hanging his work on a wall at the National Gallery of Victoria. Butcher, a former recipient of the now-defunct Itchiball Prize for Bad Art, evaded gallery security on Thursday at NGV International on St Kilda Road, placing his 2013 work on the wall with a label beside it (made in the same style as the gallery's own labels) to explain its meaning. "We live in an age where monolithic cultural institutions no longer have a monopoly over the distribution of ideas," the label he affixed next to his work reads. Author Susan Faludi as a child in Yorktown Heights with her father Steven Faludi. He was also something of a tyrant. Although slight of build, he was capable of considerable violence in his not infrequent bouts of rage. That aspect of his personality turned almost lethal in 1976. A little time after he had walked out on his family, he returned one night and assaulted his wife's boyfriend, who was visiting, or perhaps staying in, the house in Yorktown Heights. After that he disappeared from the lives of Susan, her mother and Susan's brother (about whom we learn next to nothing in this memoir). He surfaced, at least as far as Susan was concerned, in 2004 with the news that he was no longer Steven but Stefanie. At the age of 76 he had undergone a sex-change operation at a Thai clinic. The portrait of Stefanie that emerges from the pages of In the Darkroom is wonderfully vivid, wry, at times grotesque. After they re-established contact, Susan observed, sometimes with disbelief, the changes her elderly father had undergone. The former paterfamilias was now obsessed with her appearance what shoes to wear with what outfit, the best shade of lipstick for her complexion, which accessories to choose and so on and so on. Susan Faludi's memoir In the Darkroom tells the story of her father's transformation from Steven into Stefanie. It is marvellous to be a woman, Stefanie told her daughter, everyone is so kind and helpful, appreciative of her elegance, courteous and gallant. That sounds a bit odd, I realise, unless we take into account one other aspect of how Steve airbrushed himself into Stefanie. The metamorphosis did not occur in the United States, a land not renowned for ostentatious gallantry to women, but in Hungary, the country of Steven Faludi's birth. He was born in 1927 into a rich, fully assimilated Jewish family, the Friedmans Steven, more correctly Istvan (Pista for short, like my father), changed his family name after the war to make it sound more Hungarian so as to draw a veil over his Jewish origins. His early childhood was spent with nursery maids and nannies while his parents swanned around living the high life in Hungary and elsewhere in Europe and the Middle East as well. Then disaster struck, Hungary's centuries-old anti-Semitism took a barbaric turn, and a story familiar from countless memoirs of the time unfolded in 1944. Steven's parents, who had separated years earlier, were reunited by the force majeure of persecution. They survived, thanks in large part to their son's bravado in masquerading as a member of the Arrow Cross, the brutal thugs who took control of Hungary in 1944. After the war Steven made his way to Denmark, Sweden, Brazil and eventually to the US, to be transformed into the tyrant of Yorktown Heights. His parents spent their last years in poverty in Israel, spurned and ignored by the son who had saved them. The Friedmans had endured abominations in a land where they had felt entirely at home and identified with the nation's customs and aspirations. Yet Steven returned to Hungary in 1989 to embark on his transformation into the woman who found herself treated with such consideration, courtesy and gallantry. Faludi's book is constructed around her trips to Budapest to visit her father in Stefi's house in a posh part of the city in the hills above Buda. These visits began in 2004 shortly after Steven's metamorphosis and lasted 10 years until Stefanie's death in a run-down hospital. Those 10 years saw something of a transformation in Susan's attitude. She went, she writes, "preparing an indictment", but in time "the prosecutor became a witness". Part of the intellectual luggage Susan took with her to Budapest was the controversy in feminist circles concerning male-to-female transsexuals. An illuminating chapter of her book outlines two contradictory views of the subject: one concerned with simple binaries female or male the other, originating in the work of the physician Magnus Hirschfeld, a more nuanced view of the difference between sex and gender and the insistence that gender was not an either/or state but a continuum with most, if not all, human beings harbouring traces of the "opposite" gender. In retrospect, Faludi realised, Steve/Stefi had always exhibited signs of this duality. MEMOIR Negroland MARGO JEFFERSON GRANTA, $29.99 "In Negroland we thought of ourselves as the Third Race, poised between the masses of Negros and all classes of Caucasians Its members had education, ambition, sophistication and standardised verbal dexterity." The daughter of a paediatrician and a social worker, Margo Jefferson grew up in the pre-Civil Rights black elite of Chicago and, as she tells us in this profoundly interesting book a social study as well as a memoir with greater options and self-regard came greater pressures: not to be gaudy and noisy, not to show off, not to behave in ways that might justify white racism. Negroland, by Margo Jefferson. The hope that whites would show respect to blacks of her class created its own set of vulnerabilities. In the '50s Jefferson was one of the few black children at her high school, where her white classmates would ask her if she knew their janitor; her mother was snubbed by their white laundryman when she ran into him in Saks department store. A white boy with a crush invited her to his party, but how could she go if his apartment block was restricted? How could she even want to go? She stopped encouraging his attentions. The women of the Third Race had their own specific pressures, which came in the form of the Strong Black Woman. While her white middle-class counterpart could protest by cracking up (exemplary figure: Sylvia Plath), the Strong Black Woman owed it to her people to go on and indomitably on. The Violet Hour, by Katie Roiphe. From her early brush with death, recounted in a dreamy, almost romantic yet open-eyed manner, Roiphe has hunted, as many of us have, for some kind of understanding of how to fight or embrace it, how to prepare and how it shapes our living. Not only does she examine the writers' works, diaries and letters, she speaks at length with those close to the deceased, seeking a guided tour through the writers' final months and days. Roiphe's unapologetic, personal impetus: to pick apart the last moments of lives she's drawn to, having chosen them by instinct, for the "heat coming off their writing". As Roiphe acknowledges, there's a voyeuristic thrill in proximity to death. She grapples with her subject and why she's drawn to it, why moving so close to it might make her "feel better". Roiphe, like the writers she profiles, is open on the page, vulnerable: "At first I thought I was trying to understand death, but then I realised that was a lie I was telling myself. I want to see death." With the exception of Dylan Thomas, the deaths she recounts come at seemingly appropriate ages, with warning. Sontag, having beaten cancer twice, came to view herself as immortal and forced herself through torturous, hopeless treatments. After refusing pain medication, Freud chose his time of death when work became impossible. Updike, receiving his cancer diagnosis, asked his wife for paper so he could jot down ideas for a poem. Sendak, always obsessed with death, worked on drafts of the subject until the end. These connected essays become more than capsule biographies of death or as Roiphe describes them, death masks. With the buzz of conflicted excitement and dread, the reader reaches the end of each chapter, and by default, the death of a remarkable person shown at his or her most defenceless, exposed. We ache to watch them die even as we long for them to escape as many try to do via alcohol, drugs, sex, work. But she's unlikely to rush back to Lebanon, given the serious charges awaiting her and the hell she endured to escape jail the last time. After her arrest in April, she relinquished custody of daughter Lahela and son Noah to their father, Ali Elamine purely to secure her release. 'You do not show any enjoyment factor': An ex-60 Minutes producer believes this was not a good look for the crew after their release from prison. Credit:Channel Nine "I'll never forgive you for what you've done," Faulkner posted to him on Instagram, following her kidnapping charge. "Let's hope there is no 20 years in jail or extradition." Even if Nine gets a slap on the wrist, it still bears great moral culpability. Tara Brown and Stephen Rice arrive at Sydney International Airport after the Beirut saga. Credit:Getty Images Claiming "ignorance of the Lebanese law" as Brown, sound recordist David Ballment, camera operator Ben Williamson, and sacked producer Stephen Rice each did doesn't wash. According to The Australian, Judge Rami Abdullah said Rice wouldn't have done the "rescue" had he known this was a crime in Lebanon. Call me a nervous nelly, but I assume that snatching kids off the street and stuffing them into cars is prohibited everywhere. I've never found myself bumping down a road in a foreign country, trying to subdue a tiny abductee, only to wonder, "Gosh, do you think the village folk might frown upon this?" Tough questions: Tara Brown grills an Australian mother, in 2012, over her alleged plot to 'kidnap' her own daughters. Credit:Screenshot This assertion also strikes me as suss: Brown, Rice, Ballment and Williamson all claimed they were not part of the kidnap operation [and] said they did not know any of the details of the kidnap operation before it happened. Ali Elamine with his children Lahala, 6, and Noah, 4. Credit:Facebook What on Earth were they doing in Beirut, then? How did they intend to film, record, produce and report on this "operation" if they "didn't know any of the details"? Tara Brown seems to know a lot about cross-border kidnappings, judging by these reports she filed on this "international abduction saga". Did she suddenly become professionally incurious on a subject once close to her heart? I'm yet to get a clear answer from Nine about why Rice got fired, against the express wishes of his network's own internal review. Sally Faulkner with daughter Lahela, 6. Was he sacked because he helped organise a kidnapping, which Nine believes to be dangerous and unethical? Or was he booted because he failed to pull off the kidnapping successfully? If it's proven to be the latter, Nine's woes will only deepen. Even in the cowboy world of 60 Minutes accustomed to running its own race one imagines it would be hard to orchestrate an international abduction without colleagues getting a whiff. We already know that executive producer Kirsty Thomson assigned the story to Rice. Emails leaked to The Daily Telegraph show former executive producer Tom Malone, Thomson and Rice all discussed "snatching" Faulkner's children. How? By paying Adam Whittington's "recovery" agency. As Nine's review acknowledged, there were systemic failures at every level. It's impossible to believe Rice was the only one who knew of this planned "snatch". And any reasonable person let alone a group of journalists would consider it "kidnapping". At the very least, wouldn't they check? How can we not conclude that Rice is being sacrificed because he didn't properly execute an illegal act? And if he gets the heave-ho, why not everyone else who was in on the kidnapping? Meanwhile, Sally Faulkner suffers, not knowing what her future holds, or when she'll see Lahela and Noah. She must take responsibility for her actions. Still, few can imagine the depths of despair she's experienced. She can't, and shouldn't, be expected to approach things with a cool head. Reporters, on the other hand, are meant to assess things dispassionately. That doesn't stop them telling a story with passion. But it might save them from blundering into the Middle East, doing dumb and dangerous things, getting thrown into prison, and sparking a protracted diplomatic and legal saga. Adam Whittington still languishes in jail, abandoned by the network so keen to partner with him just a few months ago. Operatives Craig Michael and Ianut Bodgan Scurtu have been charged with assault and kidnapping. Lebanese fixer Mohammed Hamza has also been charged with kidnapping, while taxi driver Khaled Barbour is charged with being an accomplice to the crime. In a statement, Nine said it still expects a trial, despite the lesser charges. You'd be mistaken for thinking French toast has always been the gourmet sweet breakfast we know it as today. In fact, it had very humble beginnings. Back in the Roman times, stale bread was soaked in milk and sometimes egg to make it palatable again. Of course the Romans didn't call it "French toast". It didn't get its namesake until centuries later but it's now a common breakfast enjoyed in many parts of the world. French toast is no longer about using up stale bread. With its sweet butteriness, brioche is often the bread of choice for this dish. Toppings vary from a simple dash of maple syrup and sprinkling of icing sugar to caramel, bacon and fruit galore. Six of the best places to chow down on french toast in Perth Credit:Liz Shehan Here's a handful of places worth visiting for French toast: tbsp. 10 King William Street, Bayswater https://www.facebook.com/tbspbayswater/ Breakfast served Tues to Fri 7am3pm, Sat to Sun 8am3pm This is because US companies get a credit for Australian company tax. If that is lower, they pay more in the US. The cut to smaller family and unlisted companies is illusory because individual shareholders get a credit on their income tax for any tax paid by the company they are shareholders in. If their company tax falls, their income tax goes up by an equivalent amount. The whole thing is a misconceived bonus for multinationals, virtually none of which will trickle down to middle-income earners in Australia. On income tax, the Coalition's proposed lifting of the threshold of the second top rate to $85,000 and the dropping of the 2 per cent surcharge for high-income earners are unconscionable without bracket-creep adjustments for people on middle and low incomes. Inequality rises and so does disaffection. Stability In the Coalition government's three years, there have been 18 ministerial changes; two leadership votes, one toppling the leader; three ministers under police investigations; a failed 2014 Budget and sundry ministerial travel rorting. And after the election Tony Abbott will be still hovering around. This does not augur well for stability. Labor's Bill Shorten was responsible for challenges against Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, but to be fair Labor seems to have learned its lesson. Hung parliaments do not necessarily result in instability. We had one prime ministerial change in each of the past three parliaments two were majority and one hung. The NBN It now seems that the Abbott-Turnbull ideological approach of opposing for the sake of opposing means that a visionary plan to link virtually every Australian home and business with fibre to premises has been swapped for an inferior system of fibre to the node and copper from the node to the home. Worse, the inferior system will cost more because the copper system will cost more in the long run to maintain than would be saved in fibre costs. The Labor scheme would have got more business support if Labor had promised to privatise the finished product in due course. Open government Both major parties have avoided a wholesale revamp of political donations, politicians' entitlements, politicians' interests, and publication of details of all meetings between lobbyists and politicians and bureaucrats. In these days of agile smart computing and internet, these things should be available within hours of them happening, not months as at present. All soft links between political parties, on one hand, and so-called "independent" think-tanks and political-interest groups, on the other, should be disclosed. Much more open freedom-of-information laws are needed. Whose information is it anyway? The crossbench in a hung parliament could force these changes as the price for support. Climate change and environment The major parties are doing as little as they can get away with. Both are beholden to supporters. This is an economic issue. You only have to see some coral bleaching with your own eyes to see the urgency of leading, not following, the rest of the world on emissions and of cleaning up agricultural and mining run-off. Refugees We have about 1500 refugees detained illegally on Manus Island and detained on Nauru with no serious attempt to resettle them. Labor and the Coalition say this is necessary to deter people smugglers. Punishing the innocent (with up to life imprisonment) to deter the guilty may be effective as the Nazis found when they shot innocent villagers to deter partisans but it is immoral. Immigration John Howard said that we have to be tough on refugees so the public continues to support the immigration program. He got it the wrong way around. We should dramatically reduce the immigration program (hundreds of thousands) so we can support more refugees from our region (a few thousand). The huge immigration program only profits wealthy business people, the construction industry and the property industry, to the detriment of the majority of people, homebuyers, the environment and agricultural land. The immigration program has stretched infrastructure, causing strain in education, health and transport. The day when Australia needed an immigration program has long passed, but both major parties continue with it and wonder why Australians are moving from them in Brexit-like proportions. The major parties are so beholden to their financial backers and the Murdoch press, that they cannot do anything but support high immigration. In effect, both Labor and the Coalition have lost control of Australia's borders. 2. The rise of the Nick Xenophon Team The X-factor is huge in South Australia, where the NXT could come away with three senators, and with it the balance of power. Xenophon has already vowed to use his power in the upper house to block what he sees as unfair trade deals. The party could also enter the lower house, most likely in the Adelaide Hills seat of Mayo. It is blue ribbon Liberal territory, but incumbent Jamie Briggs who was dumped as a minister after claims he behaved inappropriately towards a female diplomat in a Hong Kong bar faces a serious threat from the NXT's Rebekha Sharkie. 3. New England and Cowper Deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce risks losing his sprawling NSW seat of New England to the former incumbent Tony Windsor. While it would not necessarily be a shock result, the government would lose one of its most famous faces and the National Party its leader. Polls suggest the contest is very tight. Rob Oakeshott, another of the independents who came to national attention in the 2010 hung Parliament, is also giving the Nats a headache in the seat of Cowper. It's one to watch. 4. Batman, Melbourne Ports and Higgins Interesting moves are afoot in these Melbourne seats. The Greens believe they can claim another House seat in Batman, where Labor's David Feeney is under significant pressure. There have been signs his colleague Michael Danby could run third in Melbourne Ports, behind the Liberals and the Greens. And Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer is down to the wire against the Greens' Jason Ball in Higgins. It's possible, given preferences, that none of these seats will change hands. But worth watching the final numbers, especially as a harbinger of things to come. 5. The CFA effect Victoria is a Labor stronghold but the party is in serious trouble there courtesy of Premier Daniel Andrews' fight with the Country Fire Authority. Polls have shown voters are less inclined to vote Labor as a result of the ongoing dispute, which has now seen off the CFA board, chief officer and a state government minister. It has all but extinguished hopes of Labor gains in seats such as Corangamite. They may even lose seats, as outlined above. So keep an eye on machinations in Bill Shorten's home state. 5. Derryn Hinch and Pauline Hanson There will be no end to the analysis of what it says about Australia if Pauline Hanson returns to the Federal Parliament. The halved quota of a double dissolution makes it easier for her and Derryn Hinch in Victoria to take a seat in the Senate. Indeed, the Senate may be the most compelling contest of all: Jacqui Lambie is expected to be returned in Tasmania, Glenn Lazarus could scrape back in Queensland while others crossbenchers are set to be wiped out. It's likely we won't know for sure until some time after polling day. But the size and shape of the crossbench, including Xenophon's numbers, will determine whether the new government is dealing with a disorganised rabble or a powerful voting bloc. 6. The Queensland factor The Sunshine State is always decisive in federal elections, and both leaders have a spent large amount of time there. But the polls suggest Labor has not convinced enough Queensland voters to swing seats there. The Liberals now reckon they can hold seats like Brisbane, Petrie and Herbert, limiting Labor to perhaps just one or two gains. And keep an eye on Wayne Swan's seat of Lilley Labor has been worried about losing it. Bottom line: if it becomes clear the swing is not on in Queensland, the speeches could come early on Saturday night. 7. Eden Monaro and Lindsay The two "bellwether" seats of Eden Monaro and Lindsay in NSW have traditionally been won by the government of the day. That might end at this election. Moreover, hard-heads will be looking at Labor's results in these seats, and many around suburban Sydney and surrounds, as indicators of Labor's success. If Labor can't win NSW seats such as Robertson, Dobell and Macquarie, then it will have a difficult time forming government either now or in 2019. 8. The Green vote Greens leader Richard Di Natale with his inner-Melbourne candidates and local MP Adam Bandt in Melbourne. Credit:Paul Jeffers Have the Greens peaked? The party hit a high water mark in 2010 when they won the seat of Melbourne and scored a national primary vote of 11.8 per cent. That fell back to 8.6 per cent in 2013. And yet, the Greens have won new state seats in NSW and Victoria, and have polled as high as 15.5 per cent this year. Leader Richard Di Natale has put a modern and arguably more moderate face on the left-wing party. The Greens' chances of winning new seats in Victoria took a hit when the Liberals opted to preference them behind Labor. 9. Barnett blowback Premier Colin Barnett is on the nose in Western Australia, and that's a boon for Labor, which has been going backwards in the state for the past 15 years. There is talk it could claim the newly created seat of Burt despite it being notionally Liberal. Another seat to watch is Cowan, where a redistribution has lifted counter-terror expert Anne Aly into a tight, high-profile battle to beat Liberal incumbent Luke Simpkins. Former prime minister John Howard turned up in the electorate this week to spruik Simpkins, and fellow West Australian Julie Bishop has been utilised liberally, indicating the Coalition's sense of urgency in the state. 10. The Queendom of Indi One of the few consolations that progressives could take from the last election was the dumping of maligned Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella by electors in the Victorian seat of Indi. Now the focus is on whether independent Cathy McGowan can withstand an attempted comeback by Ms Mirabella. The Department of Justice has a responsibility to provide the very best services to the people of Montana. As part of our ongoing efforts to fulfill that mission, recently our Motor Vehicle Division announced that its Title and Registration Bureau will move from Deer Lodge to Helena in November. Through consolidation we can more efficiently utilize our resources to provide better customer service, improve response and wait times, improve productivity throughout our operations, and save taxpayer dollars. While the Title and Registration Bureau was placed in Deer Lodge originally because it distributed license plates manufactured at Montana State Prison, the operational reason to have the bureau there ceased to exist many years ago. Now plates are sent directly to county treasurers. The bureau employs 35 people approximately half the number that had been working there at one time. The bureau is isolated from the Motor Vehicle Divisions management and main office in Helena, as well as from other staff who also provide central services for all of Montana. This isolation, the redundancy in services, distance from management and other centralized functions, and cost of operation, creates an inefficient business practice. To address these issues and to better meet the needs of the public, we researched a number of options and weighed the costs and benefits carefully. Facing an expired lease at the Deer Lodge building, long-running problems with building maintenance, and problems with the cost of rent, we made the decision to move. We explored the availability of alternate sites within the region, but integrating the Motor Vehicle Divisions central operations and bringing together a dispersed workforce makes the most sense. The driver testing station currently in Deer Lodge will remain in that community, as its a regional service. State revenue is down and projected to only get worse. By reducing costs, we will free up resources that we can allocate elsewhere in the agency to improve driver testing and licensing services. The demand for these and all Motor Vehicle Division services will continue to increase as Montanas population grows and more vehicles are registered. Our dealership customers, who rely on us for title work and temporary vehicle licensing, will benefit from the move. Some send runners to the Title and Registration Bureau as often as daily. For most, the move will result in shorter travel times. Relocating an office is never an easy decision because it impacts people, and we understand some employees will have difficulties with the move. This was a primary concern in our decision-making process. But our employees will have opportunities not available to them in their current location. Theyll benefit from cross training, career development, professional growth, and more. We have made it clear that there are no layoffs as a result of the transition. Change is seldom easy, especially in a government culture that all too often says thats the way weve always done things. We dont take these decisions lightly, particularly when theres a human impact, but as an agency serving all Montanans we must look to the future. The people who rely on us for services and the legislators who appropriate taxpayer dollars for those services expect us to focus on the best interests of all Montanans and the most efficient way to deliver services. To meet these obligations means we must make difficult decisions. The decision to move the Title and Registration Bureau from Deer Lodge to Helena, though difficult, is whats best for Montana. Mike Milburn is chief of staff at the Montana Department of Justice and former speaker of the Montana House of Representatives. An analysis of more than 8000 loyal supporters of the major parties who participated in Fairfax Media's YourVote surveys showed on the eve of the election on Friday that Labor voters formed a stronger consensus on policies than Coalition voters. Both parties have accused the other of being deeply divided throughout the eight-week election campaign, with members and candidates on both sides publicly defying the party lines on same-sex marriage and deterring boat arrivals by turning them back respectively. Coalition voters are more divided on key policy issues than Labor voters, including on same-sex marriage, climate change and constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians, according to Fairfax Media's YourVote survey. University of Sydney Professor of Political Science Ariadne Vromen said that more than 80 per cent of Labor voters consistently agreed on policy statements on issues such as health and public school funding, while Coalition voters were less united, with more than 75 per cent agreeing on about five issues including offshore processing of asylum seekers and anti-terrorism laws' impact on privacy rights. YourVote can help you decide before you head to the ballot box. "We can see there are about nine or 10 issues where there is a high level of consensus among Labor party voters but there just aren't that many for Coalition party voters, which suggests that if the Coalition does win the election, there are still quite a few issues among their voter base which they're going to have to figure out how to resolve," Vromen, a YourVote researcher said. About 45 per cent of 4500 Coalition voters strongly agreed or agreed that marriage should remain between heterosexual couples, compared to 43 per cent who disagreed. The same proportion of Coalition supporters agreed and disagreed (39 per cent) with the statement that the government "spends too much money on tackling climate change". Almost half (48 per cent) of Coalition voters believed that "Indigenous people should be recognised in the Constitution as Australia's traditional owners", while 30 per cent disagreed. Labor voters were found to be most divided on issues that Coalition voters most strongly supported and vice versa. They were most at odds on whether to establish a construction industry watchdog. The Coalition's failed attempts to do this by passing legislation to bring back the Howard-era Australian Building and Construction Commission formed the trigger to the double-dissolution election in May. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop could get off scot free for using her mobile phone while driving in Perth on Thursday, after the WA police said they needed a member of the public to make a complaint before investigating. A witness took photos of Ms Bishop using her phone while driving along Great Eastern Highway in Perth just past the Burswood Casino at 4.50pm on Thursday. Julie Bishop caught driving on phone The fine for using a phone while driving attracts a $400 fine and three demerit points. But Ms Bishop may never have to pay any fine. Mr Turnbull: "Well, the election is over. Only the counting remains. And now is the time to unite in Australia's aid, in Australia's service to ensure that we can have truly the very best years for our country ahead of us." And that's it for Mr Turnbull. Stopping cuts to the public service, duplicating the Barton Highway and health and education funding were among the late promises politicians made to Canberrans on the eve of the federal election. Labor's "positive plan" released on Friday included $35 million to local hospitals, $25 million to local schools and restored funding to the CSIRO and the National Library. ACT Greens Senate candidate Christina Hobbs. ACT Labor's Andrew Leigh confirmed Labor would repair the Turnbull government's "bargaining mess" with public servants and make no further staff cuts. He promised a $76 million expansion for Barton Highway, a funding boost for community legal centres and fibre NBN delivered across Canberra. While Labor ACT senate candidate Katy Gallagher slammed her Liberal opponent Zed Seselja for lacking a vision for the city, Mr Seselja pledged millions of dollars to health and education in the ACT as well as support for small businesses. Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson said the federal government on Thursday night agreed to provide a concessional loan to allow the Sunshine Coast Airport's $347 million expansion at Maroochydore to expand. The Sunshine Coast region has received significant support from the federal government to boost two of the region's most significant projects expanding the Sunshine Coast airport expansion and luring Australia's newest undersea telecommunications cable to Maroochydore. Cr Jamieson said the Prime Minister's chief of staff on Thursday told him the Coalition would support the concessional loan, given it has been approved "in principle" and in writing by Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt. Coalition will back $181 million concessional loan to build second runway at the Sunshine Coast Airport. "It's an 11th-hour commitment subject to that due diligence, but I am hoping it can be dealt with similar to the Gold Coast light rail and we can turn it around very quickly," Cr Jamieson said. "Both the concessional loan for the airport expansion and advancing our work on the international broadband submarine cable are high priorities for our council in terms of what we have been looking for from the major parties during the federal election campaign. "We have always said that the submarine cable is an initiative that is of national significance and offers enormous economic benefits to not only the Sunshine Coast but also the rest of Queensland." When the High Court ruled against the ACT's same-sex marriage laws in 2013, newlyweds Sam and Hayley Wilson "were absolutely gutted". Now happily married with two children after travelling to New Zealand to wed again, Sam could not bear the devastation of a vote against same sex-marriage by the public or by Parliament. Happily married: Sam and Haley Wilson with children Willow and Bailey. Credit:Elesa Kurtz "Even though it is just an opinion poll, if people voted against our family in a plebiscite, or if the legislation then didn't get through Parliament, it would feel like sitting there having my marriage taken away all over again," she said. "I don't want my son watching TV ads telling him his family is not OK or have to answer questions at school." Google has released new data on its two-year-old initiative to create a more diverse US workforce, saying it had more black, Latino and female employees but still lagged its goal of mirroring the population. The company released its diversity figures for the first time in 2014 and sparked a conversation among Silicon Valley tech companies that led many of its closest competitors to follow suit. Google vice president of people operations Nancy Lee said the new figures do not reflect where the company wants Credit:Bloomberg Google's overall percentage of non-white, non-Asian employees in the United States did not move at all in 2015 from the year before, remaining at 2 per cent for African Americans, 3 per cent for Hispanics, 3 per cent for multiracial individuals and less than 1 per cent for Native American and Pacific Islanders, according to the company. Women made up 31 per cent of Google's overall workforce in 2015, up 1 percentage point from 2014, and 19 per cent of technical hires for the year, up from 18 per cent in 2014. There's not much to do in jail, says former prisoner Ken Casey. "The old joke was we watch four corners every night," he says. "In maximum you're inside for 18 hours a day, so if you don't read or have much imagination, that can be pretty tough. You can buy a TV for $300, which is expensive, or a radio but you can't always get reception. I suppose you talk to your cell mate. But you mightn't choose who you're in with." As Fatima Elomar made her final preparations before leaving Australia to join her husband in Syria, she texted him: "It's going to be a thrill ride innit." But a District Court judge has found the wife of slain terrorist Mohammed Elomar was under the influence of her "dominant" and "overbearing" husband when she packed up her four children and tried to leave the country with suitcases full of items for him. Fatima Elomar leaves the Downing Centre District Court in May. Credit:Peter Rae Fatima, 31, was handed a suspended prison sentence of two years and three months by Judge Penelope Hock on Friday. She did not react when the sentence was handed down but smiled and cried outside the court as she hugged her family, who travelled from Brisbane. Radio presenter Ben Fordham was walking through Cammeray on Friday morning, pushing his baby son in a pram, when he heard an awful crunching sound and saw an out-of-control bus smashing its way along the street. It was just before 9am as the STA bus, carrying a number of passengers, hit a tree and tore down a power pole on Miller Street before smashing into two parked cars and knocking down a pedestrian. "Mate, I was worried that it was going to come over here," said Fordham, the 2GB Sydney Live host, who was walking on the other side of road, but was not far from the destruction. BILLINGS -- The director of the states Department of Corrections is asking for legal advice on whether Barry Beachs parole should be revoked. Beach made national headlines last November when Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed a clemency order freeing Beach after he spent more than 35 years in prison for the murder of a 17-year-old Poplar girl. After his release, Beach settled in Billings where he runs his own handyman business. Police are investigating an allegation that two months after Beach's release, he propositioned a 12-year-old girl to perform a sex act with him. On Monday, Director of the Montana Department of Corrections Mike Batista, emailed Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito seeking advice. "Please advise whether, in your legal opinion, grounds exist for revocation proceedings against Mr. Beach," Batista wrote to Twito. Twito told The Gazette on Thursday he could not confirm whether he is reviewing possible charges against Beach. When a law enforcement agency presents a case to his office to review, all relevant issues are investigated as thoroughly as possible, Twito said. In the matter of revoking Beachs parole, thats up to officials in Roosevelt County where the original homicide was committed in 1979, said Anastasia Burton, the state attorney generals deputy communications director. A search warrant naming Beach was filed in Yellowstone County District Court in May, according to Yellowstone County court records. According to a Billings Police report from Jan. 12, Beach allegedly offered a ride to the 12-year-old girl who was walking alone on 64th Street West near King Avenue. Beach allegedly drove the girl to his home where he asked, Can I touch you? the report states. She said no. The suspect then asked, Will you touch me? Again, she replied no, according to the police report. The pair then drove to a parking lot where the suspect allegedly asked the girl about a sex act. The suspect then asked if she would like to see some guns, to which the suspect took off his shirt and flexed, the report states. The girl said the suspect then drove her home where he dropped her off. She ran into the house an appeared scared. On Thursday, Claire Kindness, the mother of the girl who made the allegation, said Beach contacted her through Facebook within a few hours of his offering a ride to her daughter. "I gave your daughter a ride home tonight from out at 64th Street W. She was way out there walking by herself, so I'm glad she is home with you safe. May God always watch over her...Billings is not the Rez! Very Sweet Hearted Girl!," he wrote. She said her daughter used her "survival instincts" to get out of the car. Kindness said the girl asked to use Beach's cellphone and got into his Facebook, messaging people about where she was. Kindness said she got a message from a Facebook account with the name "Barry Beach" after her daughter arrived at her house. At the time of the incident, Kindness said her daughter was staying at a group home on the West End and had left without permission, deciding to walk to Kindness' home on the North Side. The girl wasn't dressed for the cold, wearing slippers and a light sweatshirt, Kindness said. Kindness responded to Beach's message, repeating the allegations her daughter had made. "They should never should have let you out," Kindness responded to Beach on Facebook. During a conversation with investigators on Thursday, Kindness said she gave them a letter her daughter had written detailing the encounter. Kindness has at least three felony convictions and does not have custody of her daughter. She said she hasn't seen her daughter since January. Kindness was convicted in Bighorn County in 2012 for endangering the welfare of children. She has one year of probation remaining and hopes to be reunited with her daughter when she has completed her sentence. Contacted by The Gazette Thursday evening, Beach declined to comment. Advocates for Beach, who has long denied having any role in the 1979 beating death of his Conrad High School classmate Kimberly Nees, lobbied tirelessly to have Beach freed. Last November, Bullock granted clemency for Beach. The governor said Thursday he takes the allegations made against Beach "very seriously" and "must await the results of the investigation. Law enforcement must first do its job. The review identified serious problems with the governance of the general trust, which oversees all burials other than Catholic burials. It also found evidence of secret meetings to oust unpopular board members, bullying, serious disharmony, breaches of confidentiality and lack of records. The report, by Elton Consultants, also revealed that Rookwood's chief executive had been suspended and its board placed under administration for a year. Controversial price rises at Rookwood Cemetery that critics claimed discriminated against some faiths have been put on hold after the release on Friday of a review that identified three breaches of legislation. Responding to the report, NSW Minister for Lands and Water Niall Blair said the government would review the governance of all three trusts Catholic, general and necropolis trusts that manage burials at Rookwood in Lidcombe, the largest necropolis in the southern hemisphere. "Today draws a clear line in the sand; I have taken decisive action to address community concerns and ensure that Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust is placed on a sustainable footing into the future," he said. It is the second major shake-up for Rookwood in three years. In 2013 the government reduced the number of trusts at the cemetery as part of reforms to cemeteries across NSW. The report said the board had been "highly polarised around the status and role of two board members" representing the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Lebanese Muslim Association. Longstanding tension among the board had been exacerbated by the board's decision to increase the cost of burials, which the Jewish and Muslim faiths claimed affected them unfairly. Bereft of a firm diagnosis, Bronte Campbell can only categorise the shoulder injury that is annoying her on the way to Rio as "general unhappiness", the result of years of hard wear and relentless toil in the water. What a time for it to rear its head. With just under a month to go before she hits the water in Brazil, the world 100m and 50m freestyle champion concedes it's hardly the ideal way to breeze into Brazil but has refused to let it stand in the way of her Olympic ambitions. With older sister Cate taking out the sprint double at the Australian trials in August, Bronte found herself trying to manage a hip complaint and then a shoulder issue, which first appeared ahead of the Olympic trials in Adelaide. Sally Faulkner says she is trying to keep her head up as the ordeal around the botched 60 Minutes kidnapping saga moves into the next phase. On Thursday night Lebanese authorities brought charges of kidnapping against Ms Faulkner and child recovery agent Adam Whittington as well as lesser charges against his accomplices and the 60 Minutes crew involved in the snatching of Ms Faulkner's children Lahela, 5, and Noah, 3, from a busy Beirut street in April. Ms Faulkner said she was coping with the latest blow the same way she had dealt with every challenge since the children's father Ali Elamine took them back to Lebanon. "I am staying positive and keeping my head up by surrounding myself with good people," she said. A measles alert has been issued by Queensland Health after a Victorian woman who travelled to Brisbane earlier in the week tested positive for the highly-infectious illness. The woman was infectious when she travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane on Saturday, June 25, and stayed in Brisbane for three days, the health department said. She flew into Brisbane at 12.30pm on Saturday on Jetstar flight JQ 574 and travelled via train to Beenleigh Station. The woman went to the Beaudesert Fair Shopping Centre on Monday afternoon before returning to Melbourne on Tuesday at 12.45pm on flight JQ 569. A Queensland-led team is working to turn the offcuts from Australia's $2 billion sugar industry into a clean gas that could be used to fuel vehicles. Australia is the third largest sugar exporter and most of its 24 mills already use its sugar processing by-product, called bagasse, to generate electricity and steam for factory operations. Trash could be transferred into fuel for sugar mill vehicles. Credit:Glenn Hunt A joint project between Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, Manildra Harwood Sugars, Sunshine Sugar and Utilitas Pty Ltd, will work to further improve the industry's self-sufficiency by attempting to turn sugarcane trash into biogas. The project is the first of its kind in Australia and would see sugarcane offcuts such as leaves and twigs, usually burnt off or left to degrade in the fields, pre-treated, "digested", and again treated to withdraw any carbon dioxide. A Melbourne mother and her three young girls have been missing since Tuesday, with police asking for public help to find them. Tracey Heuston, 49, and three of her daughters were last seen leaving their Shannon Crescent home late at night in the north-eastern suburb of Watsonia on Tuesday, June 28. The children 11-year-old Jaylee, nine-year-old Matika and eight-year-old Zahara have not been heard from since. Ms Heuston, a mother of seven, is believed to have contacted a welfare worker on Friday afternoon and police are pleading with her come forward. Three men accused of scamming insurance companies out of more than $323,000 in eight months have faced court. The trio are alleged to have made fraudulent repair claims against six Mercedes Benz vehicles and an Audi, as well as two Toyotas and a Holden. Three men accused of insurance fraud have faced court. Credit:Penny Stephens Joseph Abouchaya, 27, Omar Bchinnati, 26, and Vincent Ferella, 58, were charged with deception, and conspiring with each other and others to "cheat and defraud" insurance companies by making fraudulent repair claims. They have not yet indicated whether they intend to plead guilty to the charges, and they were released on bail. Victoria Police are pressing on with unprecedented modernisation despite an alarming increase in the crime rate and spot fires of community discontent caused by the push to reduce station opening hours. Crime Statistics Agency figures released to Fairfax Media show the crime rate per 100,000 people the most accurate way to measure offending has leapt to a decade high, and that family violence is not the only reason for the historic leap. Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam says Victoria Police remain committed to a transformation. The per capita crime rate has increased every quarter for the past two years, with the number of offences 27 per cent higher than six years ago, when the figure was the lowest recorded this decade. The Police Association says the crime statistics underline that the force's plans to press ahead with an unprecedented transformation of policing has come at a cost to boots-on-the-ground policing. Footage has emerged of an unsolved crime earlier this month, in which thieves rammed a stolen ute into the front of a Narrogin supermarket then set fire to it. The newly released CCTV video shows the incident, which occurred about 3.45am on June 11 in the small Wheatbelt town, which is 200 kilometres southeast of Perth. In the video, a hooded figure removes a security grille then moves aside for the Holden to reverse through the glass front doors of the shop on Kipling Street. The thieves then set fire to the car after it becomes wedged in the doors. The former Peel Health Campus security guard convicted earlier this year over the sexual assault of a teenage girl in his care was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment on Friday. Shaun David Fairfield stood trial in May in the Perth District Court, charged with five counts of indecent dealing with a child, and two counts of sexual penetration of a child. Shaun David Fairfield will serve four years for sexually abusing an underaged patient at Peel Health Campus. Credit:Mandurah Mail The charges related to incidents on hospital grounds in May, 2014. A jury found Fairfield guilty of three counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration. Western Australia hasn't been a happy hunting ground for federal Labor for more than 20 years, but that could change come Saturday. Labor only won three of 15 seats in WA at 2013 election and all three sitting members - Melissa Parke (Fremantle), Alannah MacTiernan (Perth) and Gary Gray (Brand) - have all retired from politics. The Coalition is seriously concerned about losing the seat of Cowan, which has been held by Luke Simpkins since 2007. Credit:Andrew Meares In the Senate, the party has only three out of 12 WA seats. Labor's abysmal showing at the 2013 election saw it record its worst two-party preferred vote (30.8) since Gough Whitlam got trounced by Malcolm Fraser way back in 1977. Los Angeles: Australian rugby player and accused attempted child sex trafficker Michael Quinn's US legal troubles appear set to get worse after the alleged discovery of "suspected child pornography" on his iPhone. A prosecutor has told a US District Court judge in Los Angeles the 33-year-old from Melbourne could be hit with new charges. Forensic exams on the phone and his iPad, seized after he was arrested at an undercover child sex sting in a Los Angeles beachside hotel room last month, are yet to be completed. United Nations: Saudi Arabia on Thursday said it was "alarmed and outraged" by a call from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for the kingdom to be suspended from the UN Human Rights Council until a Saudi-led military coalition stops killing civilians in Yemen. The two human rights advocacy groups said the Saudis have had "an appalling record of violations in Yemen while a Human Rights Council member." Saudi Arabia is in its final year of a three-year term on the 47-member Human Rights Council. A Saudi-led coalition began an air campaign in Yemen in March 2015 to defeat Iran-allied Houthi rebels. 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 Franklin D. Roosevelt's flagship for trip to Tehran to meet Winston Churchill, Josef Stalin in 1943 Volunteer shows a visitor how to hold a hundred-pound bag of gunpowder . The USS Iowa boasts special quarters created for Franklin D. Roosevelt for his trip to Tehran to meet with Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin in 1943 Battleships, once thought to be the ultimate weapon, are now a relic of the past. For a chance to visit this past - and enjoy 360-degree breeze-swept views of Los Angeles Harbor, the USS Iowa at Berth 87, is a great place to go. A self-guided tour takes one in and out of sailors' quarters, mess halls and up and down ladders leading to almost all levels of the ship's significant superstructure and winding around the impressive armaments. It's easy to get distracted by views of yachts sailing in and out of the channel and the work of the giant cranes unloading ships from China. The USS Iowa, Battleship 61, was constructed beginning in 1939 and completed in 1942. She's the only battleship of her class to have served in the Atlantic during World War II. Her biggest claim to fame is possibly the special quarters created for Franklin D. Roosevelt for his trip to Tehran to meet with Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin in 1943. A bathtub - the only one in the entire navy - was installed in his quarters as well as an elevator to transport him between decks. Roosevelt had suffered polio and was paralyzed from the waist down. Upon her transfer to the Pacific Fleet in 1944, the Iowa participated in shelling of beachheads in the Marshall Islands and was present at the surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay. After some service during the Korean War, the Iowa was mothballed until 1984, with Ronald Reagan sought to beef up the navy's fleet. Following a tragic accident in 1989 in which 47 sailors were killed by a mysterious explosion in her No. 2 gun turret, the Iowa was decommissioned for the final time. Alyssa Ganezer View of the famous 16-inch guns on the foredeck, USS Iowa Battleship, Long Beach. In other words, there's a lot to see here, especially if you're at all interested in World War II, the navy, or armaments. Parking is easy, right next to the ship in her permanent home. A ramp onto the ship shifts in steepness according to the tide, but they'll get you onboard if you're in a wheelchair, no matter the time of the month or day. Prices are discounted for military, seniors, and children. They're not cheap, but this tub receives no government money and relies entirely on admission and donations. Often, you run into a few of the tens of thousands of men who served aboard the USS Iowa during her more than 50 year tour of duty. Some of them are volunteer docents. Talking to them is in itself, worth the drive to Long Beach. For more information, visit http://www.pacificbattleship.com/ Ingram Micro Earns International Honors From Dell IRVINE, CA (Marketwired) 07/01/16 Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) today announced it has earned numerous honors from Dell Inc. in Latin America and Turkey. Ingram Micro received the awards recently at Dells Partner Direct Summit in Miami and included: Distributor of the Year, Latin America Top Growth Partner, Brazil Distributor of the Year, Mexico Top Growth Partner, Northern Latin America In addition to these honors, Dell has recognized Armada, an Ingram Micro company, as the highest revenue distributor for the year in Turkey. This is the eighth consecutive year Armada has earned recognition from Dell. Ingram Micro is one of Dells largest partners worldwide, and our accelerated support has led to significant double-digit growth year-over-year, said John Soumbasakis, executive vice president, Business Development and Strategy, Ingram Micro Inc. Our goal is to help our approximately 200,000 partners leverage our deep Dell connection to get the most out of Ingram Micros unmatched, unique offerings in business intelligence, Cloud and advanced solutions. Ingram Micro is a global strategic partner and a key part of our go-to-market strategy, said Frank Vitagliano, Global Distribution Sales & Strategy at Dell. We look forward to continued growth and leveraging Ingram Micros strengths to bring Dells end-to-end portfolio of products and solutions to customers throughout Latin America, the Middle East, and globally. About Ingram Micro Inc. Ingram Micro helps businesses Realize the Promise of Technology. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. More at . About Dell Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit . Tom Henson + 1 (714) 382-1141 + 1 (949) 220-4034 DECATUR A sculpture representing a piece of Decatur's industrial heritage was unveiled Thursday as part of an effort to beautify the city's main corridors. The sculpture at 22nd Street and Pershing Road contains parts of each product that has been manufactured at the Caterpillar Inc. facility in Decatur ranging from motor graders to large mining trucks, said Martin Mooney, the company's facilities engineering and maintenance manager. The parts that were incorporated into the monument are not used in making the company's current products, he said. Mooney hopes the placement of the symbol will generate interest from residents and visitors driving through the highly-traveled interesection. It started as part of an effort to accent the city's corridors, Mooney said. Our production employees are excited about it. Mooney said 24 employees from the facility's central shop, tool room, layout and tool design departments worked together to create the 13-foot tall, 10,750 pound monument. Ductile iron and steel parts were welded and bolted together during the construction process after the design started with a sketch on a piece of paper. The monument's base weighs approximately 1,800 pounds. Other parts include a steering arm and steering center arm used on the 793 large mining truck, planetary carrier casing used in the lower power train of the 789 large mining truck, 5,812-pound rear wheel used on the 797 large mining truck, tandem drive housing from the 14M motor grader and a wheel from the 627 wheel tractor scraper. The DECATUR lettering on the base is painted in circa 1955 Caterpillar Tractor Co. yellow to symbolize the year the plant opened in Decatur, said Sam Wilcoxen, the tool room and tool design group manager. Wilcoxen said it's a subtle difference from the newer versions of Caterpillar yellow on the upper parts of the sculpture. This shows we have a talented workforce here, Wilcoxen said. It was flawlessly put together. Decatur facility manager Rick Moore credited the employees for showing their dedication to the community by showing creativity and innovation while completing the project. They're the ones who came up with the idea, Moore said. They're the ones who said they're proud of the community. The monument is something for the whole community to come together and enjoy, recognizing the contribution of companies such as Caterpillar, said Mirinda Rothrock, Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce president. Other businesses are in the process of planning similar creations or can start doing so as more are anticipated to be added throughout the city, said Jill Davis, co-chair of the Beautify Decatur Coalition. One of the task force's current initiatives is focused on the 22nd Street thoroughfare, Davis said. It reflects the scope and diversity of Decatur industry, Davis said. It's a perfect way to highlight and celebrate industry, which has historically been the backbone of the community. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe credited Caterpillar for its contributions to the community through the years. We would not be the city we are without companies like Caterpillar and our great corporate partnerships, Moore Wolfe said. As part of Beautify Decatur Coalition initiatives, Davis said volunteers have been working on organized cleanup efforts, including one Wednesday along 22nd Street with Caterpillar and T/CCI Manufacturing employees. 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. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea DECATUR Kristina Wachenheim and her two children led a relatively quiet life until she took up with the wrong man. An abusive boyfriend, he set up a meth lab in her bedroom after she left him, and when she came back and found it, he punched her, burned her and tried to cut her throat. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine, but Wachenheim got a black mark on her record, too, when she pleaded guilty to meth-related child endangerment. The last 2 years have been very difficult, she said. I lost my house, I lost my job, I lost everything, including my children, and spent seven months in jail. Wachenheim was talking about the past, however, and speaking in front of dozens of people at her graduation last month from the Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope case management/advocacy program. Her 11-year-old son was with her, as was her husband of less than two weeks, and she had a job and a home to go to. If it wasn't for (the Salvation Army), I don't know where I'd be today, she said. Wachenheim and her family are among 13 who have successfully completed Pathway of Hope since the Decatur Salvation Army started the program in August of 2013. Thanks in part to an ADM Cares grant, Andrea Lewin went from part-time case manager for the program to full-time earlier this year. The Salvation Army puts Band-Aids on; we give food out, we pay rent, Major Susan Dalberg said, but what do we do to keep them from having to come back time after time? This is where the Pathway of Hope program comes in. Among two other families who graduated June 16 were Johnny Carter, Amber Ginger and two of their three children. Carter, 35, is studying business management as a full-time student at Richland Community College and would like to learn how to be a semi-truck mechanic as well before he earns an associate degree next year. He said Pathway of Hope helped pay the rent and power bills after he lost his previous job. They helped us out when we needed it the most, he said. Wachenheim, 38, is a sandwich maker for the Subway at 4030 E. Boyd Road but hopes to get off the nightshift soon by taking a different job cooking in a restaurant kitchen. She said Lewin helped her get a home in North Street Commons for homeless military veterans in September and regain custody of her son in November. Her daughter, now 17, is so far choosing to live independently with her 2-year-old daughter. Wachenheim's service in the Army National Guard started before she graduated from Central A&M High School in 1997 and after graduating she went on active duty with the Army and completed two years in 1998. Getting convicted of a felony changed everything, she said. Once you get in the system, there's nothing you can do about it, Wachenheim said. People don't look at you as a person, they see you as a felon. But she said Lewin and John Buckles, who coordinates veteran's services for the Salvation Army, were different. Andrea helped me, not just financially, but emotionally, Wachenheim said. She was always there to listen. To me, she was more than just a caseworker; she was my guardian angel. When I lost hope, she had enough for both of us. A view from above at the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON, D.C. After 40 years, the National Air and Space Museum finally has its elephant. The proverbial pachyderm, in this case a restored Apollo lunar module gleaming with gold foil and a silverly metal skin, is now one of the first artifacts the public will encounter as they enter the Smithsonian museum's newly-renovated central hall, the Boeing Milestones of Flight. Gen. Jack Dailey, the director of the Air and Space Museum, likens the moon lander to the iconic exhibit of a mounted African Elephant that guests first encounter inside the nearby Museum of Natural History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. [Photo Gallery: First Look at Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall] "The heart of the museum lives here," said Dailey at a press preview of the new Milestones of Flight gallery, which opens to the public on Friday (July 1), marking the 40th anniversary of the National Air and Space Museum. "This hall is a place of discovery and exploration, and truly one of the world's great public spaces." The re-arranged and, as Dailey describes it, "transformed" Milestones of Flight still stretches between the museum's two entrances, but now features a streamlined, modern design that introduces guests to the types of aviation and space treasures that are contained within the building's other galleries. "This serves very well as a table of contents for what is in the museum," said Allan Needell, the curator who oversaw the relocation and restoration of the Apollo lunar module. "We can't have everyone just dwell in this [hall] for the whole time they'd miss everything else we have in the whole building so it is designed in such a way to help you understand what else is here, and give you some background, some introduction to what you will find." A milestone for Milestones As the Air and Space Museum's central space, the 19,000-square-foot (1,765 square meters) Milestones of Flight Hall has welcomed 327 million visitors since it opened on July 1, 1976. Largely unchanged for the past 40 years, it has now undergone its first major redesign, a two-year renovation made possible by a $30 million gift by The Boeing Company. The Apollo lunar module is one of several new additions to Milestones. Also new to the hall is the Discoverer XIII satellite re-entry capsule, the first human-made object to be recovered from orbit; the backup to Telstar I, the world's first active communications satellite; and the studio model of the Starship Enterprise from the original "Star Trek" television series that first aired 50 years ago this September. "Rethinking what we mean by a 'milestone' at the National Air and Space Museum allowed us to think about inspiration and imagination as important themes that run through all kinds of aviation and spaceflight stories and really could be summed up and symbolized in that one piece," said Margaret Weitekamp, who, as curator of the museum's social and cultural dimensions of spaceflight collection, championed the inclusion of the Enterprise in Milestones. Still on display inside the hall, although in new locations, are Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis monoplane, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1 supersonic airplane, John Glenn's Friendship 7 orbital capsule and the Gemini 4 spacecraft. SpaceShipOne and the X-15 rocket plane still hang from the ceiling, and the engineering backup to the Viking 1 Mars lander remains on exhibit. Guests can also still touch a real piece of the moon, one of the few moon rock touchstones in the world. "These things don't change. This is history," said Dailey. "These are the machines that made things happen and set those milestones, which is what this is about." [Gallery: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: America's Aerospace Treasures] A fully restored Apollo lunar module is now on display in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. (Image credit: collectSPACE.com) Modern Milestones While many of the artifacts have not changed, the way in which the public interacts with them has. In addition to revealing the new layout for Milestones, the National Air and Space Museum is also introducing a new digital experience. "The Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall will serve as the model for our new approach to more interactive, dynamic exhibitions and enable us to share the story of flight like never before," Dailey said. "With our new digital experience launching along with the gallery on July 1, we're poised to take our mission beyond the walls of the museum." Three components make up the museum's new "GO FLIGHT" experience a 16 by 12 foot (5 by 4 m) interactive wall in the Milestones Hall, a mobile app and a redesigned website. Whether onsite or online, users can use the technology to "favorite" artifacts, allowing them to design personalized tours of the museum and explore unexpected connections with other items in the collection. A key part of the GO FLIGHT experience is the ability for users to share their own stories within the app and on the website. "We are transforming this museum from the icon it has been for the past 40 years by preparing it for the future," said Dailey. "We don't know exactly what that is. We don't know what a visitor in 10 years is going to want to see or how they would want to see it, but we're trying different things." See more photos of the new Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum. Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2016 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. An artist's conception of the hot Jupiter planet HD188753b (upper left), as viewed from the surface of a theoretical moon. The planet orbits a triple star system located 149 light-years away, in the constellation Cygnus. In the early 1990s, the idea of planets around other stars was squarely in the realm of science fiction. Now, astronomers have already confirmed thousands of extrasolar planets exoplanets, for short and we've barely begun the search. In this edition of Mobile Astronomy, we'll look at how they are discovered, whether they could host life and how you can use your astronomy app to see some of the host stars with your naked eyes or backyard telescope. Plus, we'll highlight some exoplanet apps filled with the latest news and data. To make them easier to envision, exoplanets are categorized by comparing them to Earth's own family of planets. At the large end of the scale are the super-Jupiters: massive gas giant planets between one and 10 times the size of Jupiter. Below this are the Neptune-size planets, which may be gaseous, icy, rocky or a combination of all three. At the lower end of the size scale are the super-Earths and the smaller, Mercury-size rocky planets. Exoplanet systems break all the rules that we're used to: Hot Jupiters broil as they speed around their stars in orbits smaller than Mercury's, and some planets even orbit two or more stars at the same time, like the "Star Wars" planet Tatooine! For more examples, visit Space.com's Gallery of Strangest Exoplanets. But what everyone really wants to find are nearby Earth-like planets that could host life. [How Do You Spot an Alien Planet from Earth? (Infographic)] How do we detect exoplanets? Apart from a few special exceptions, directly observing planets hidden in the glare of their stars is beyond our current technology. So we have to rely on indirect methods to detect and characterize them. By far, the easiest methods involve measuring the small effects that the planets have on their star. The most fruitful of these techniques has been transit photometry: measuring the dimming of a star's light when its planets pass between us and the star. Radial velocity and stellar astrometry are two alternative methods, which detect the subtle motions of stars caused by orbiting planets tugging on them gravitationally. Which method is used depends on the orientation of the planetary system. When stars form, they retain a rotation direction determined from the angular momentum of their original source gas cloud, and their planets' orbits sit in the same rotating plane. The angles are completely random, and independent of the plane of the host galaxy. If we could look up at the stars and see their solar systems, they'd be oriented in all possible directions some face-on to us (like archery targets), some edge-on at any angle of the clock, and every combination in between. Our solar system is almost edge-on to the center of our galaxy, but it's tilted 62.6 degrees away from the Milky Way's plane. You can demonstrate this in SkySafari, and some other astronomy apps, by enabling the galactic coordinate system option in the app. By displaying the coordinate system of our Milky Way Galaxy in the SkySafari app, we can illustrate that the plane of the solar system, as indicated by the yellow ecliptic line, is almost in line with the galactic center (red star) and rotated 62.6 degrees away from the galactic plane. (Image credit: SkySafari for Android and iOS) In the small percentage of star systems oriented edge-on toward Earth, the planets pass in front of the star, temporarily causing a slight reduction of the star's light (on the order of 1 part in 10,000) as viewed from here. The amount of the reduction is proportional to the size of the planet. The dip in light recurs every time the planet completes an orbit. By recording the brightness of the starlight continuously over a long period, we can determine the length of its year and the radius of its orbit. Combined with the star's luminosity and spectral type, we can estimate the surface temperature of the planet. (We'll come back to this later.) Moreover, if an exoplanet has a translucent atmosphere, or is a gas world, the light dims gradually, while one that is rocky and airless diminishes in brightness more abruptly. The graphs of starlight versus time, known as light curves, can be complex if multiple planets are transiting each with a different dip amount, duration and interval, all summed together. Many stars exhibit inherent variability in their brightness, too, but the exoplanet transit dips happen much more quickly than those changes in brightness. Small, Earth-size planets produce tiny dips in light intensity as they cross their stars. If a star is being examined using a ground-based telescope, daytime prevents continuous measurements, and atmospheric interference (i.e., twinkling) adds noise to the light curve, limiting the sensitivity and preventing the detection of small planets. To overcome this, the Kepler Space Telescope was launched into orbit in 2009 to detect and characterize exoplanets, especially Earth-like ones, by using transit photometry continuously on a single small patch of sky. It has discovered thousands of exoplanets, including many hot Jupiters and Neptune-size planets, and a good number of Earth-size planets. (Kepler's current K2 mission observes broader patches of sky for around 80 days at a time.) The cone in yellow, representing the Kepler Mission's search volume, is only a tiny fraction of the Milky Way Galaxy. We now believe that virtually all the stars in our galaxy have planetary systems. (Image credit: NASA The radial velocity method can also be applied to transiting cases, but it is used primarily when a planetary system is nearly edge-on, but not enough for transits to occur. The majority of the early exoplanet discoveries, mostly of heavy Jupiter-size planets, were made this way using ground-based telescopes. For situations where the planets are orbiting face-on to us, stellar astrometry is used to look for a periodic wobble, corresponding to the planet's year, in the star's coordinates. To aid in this work, the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft is currently mapping the precise positions of more than 1 billion stars and other objects. The Kepler mission and the main exoplanet detection methods are very well explained in two Space.com stories: 20 Years On, Future Bright for Exoplanet Science and 1,284 Exoplanets Found: NASA's Kepler Space Telescope Discovery in Pictures. Someday, with larger and better telescopes and some special tricks, we also expect to directly photograph exoplanets. Exoplanet names Starting recently, some of the more prominent exoplanets have been given proper names. Otherwise, exoplanets are designated using their host star designation plus a lowercase letter, starting with "b" and increasing with discovery order. Most exoplanet host stars are faint, so they have hard to remember names like HD219134, from the Henry Draper star catalogue (see my April 11, 2016, column for more about star designations). The "Gliese" exoplanets orbit stars in the Gliese Catalogue of Nearby Stars, whose proximity to the sun make them easier to detect. Exoplanets discovered by the Kepler mission are all named using "Kepler," plus a number indicating the order of discovery, then the letter "b" (or higher, to indicate multiple planets in a system). "WASP" exoplanets were detected by the ground-based robotic telescopes in the "Wide Angle Search for Planets" network. Is anyone out there? Extrapolating from the numbers we have today, astronomers estimate that our galaxy could be home to 40 billion Earth-size planets, 11 billion of them orbiting sun-like stars! Many exobiologists believe that the sustained presence of liquid water is necessary for Earth-type life to be possible on an exoplanet. At reasonable atmospheric pressures, stable liquid water occurs between about 0 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius (32 degrees and 212 degrees Fahrenheit). If the orbit of an exoplanet around its host star keeps it close enough for water to avoid freezing, yet not hot enough to boil it away, it's considered to orbit within the star's habitable zone. [How Habitable Zones for Alien Planets and Stars Work (Infographic)] The habitable zone for our sun extends from Venus' orbit almost out to Mars. To avoid overheating an exoplanet, the habitable zones of hot stars have to be farther from the star, so the planet's year will be longer. But hot stars live fast and die young some with lives spanning only tens of millions of years, which is probably too short to allow time for life to originate and evolve. Cool stars, especially red dwarfs, shine for hundreds of billions of years. Their habitable zones are compact, and there is plenty of time for life to arise. Unfortunately, orbiting closer to a star also exposes a planet to increased harmful radiation and space weather events like flares and coronal mass ejections from the system's star. Finally, the mass of the planet must be sufficient to exert enough gravitational attraction to hold on to a protective atmosphere and volatiles elements and compounds with low boiling points, like water. Mars is not large enough to have kept its atmosphere and water for long, resulting in its cold, dry state today. It's not surprising, then, that scientists talk about the "Goldilocks Zone" for extraterrestrial life. The planet has to be large enough, not too hot, and not too cold just right, for life! The habitable zone (the green disk) of our solar system is similar in diameter to that of the sun-like star Kepler-452. The cool-red dwarf star in the Kepler-186 system has a much smaller zone. The relative sizes of the planetary orbits, and artist's conceptions of the exoplanets, are shown to scale with our solar system. (Image credit: NASA Spotting some stars with planets While exoplanets themselves are not observable visually, you can have some fun by looking at the host stars that are bright enough to see with the naked eye, binoculars and telescope (a naked-eye star is one visible without any special equipment). Here are a few to get you started. Use your favorite astronomy app to search for the named stars and/or Messier object signposts (in BOLD). Alrai, or Gamma Cephei, is an easy-to-see naked-eye star of magnitude 3.2 that is orbited by a hot Jupiter named Tadmor. It was actually postulated by a Canadian team in 1988, and would have been the world's first known exoplanet, but they weren't confident enough in their data to publish. Its existence was confirmed in 2002. Upsilon Andromedae is a magnitude 4.1 naked-eye star that sits above and between the brighter stars Almaak and Mirach in Andromeda. It is orbited, somewhat chaotically, by at least four hot Jupiters, and was one of the first exoplanet discoveries, in 1996. 47 Ursa Major is a naked-eye sun-like star of magnitude 5.0 that is known to host three hot-Jupiter-type exoplanets (the first of which was discovered in 1996), and perhaps some Earth-like planets, too. 51 Pegasi is a magnitude 5.5 star, visible with the naked eye from a dark site, that rises in late evening now and remains visible through fall and winter. It is orbited by a hot Jupiter, dubbed Dimidium, the first confirmed exoplanet around a sun-like star. HD219134, also known as Gliese 892, is a magnitude 5.6 star in Cassiopeia, near the limit for the naked eye but easy to spot with binoculars. It's about 4.5 degrees south of the open cluster Messier 52. It has seven Earth, super-Earth and Jupiter-size planets around it, and it's only 21 light-years away. Fomalhaut is a magnitude 1.2 bright star visible low in the southern evening sky from August into autumn. In 2008, the Hubble Space Telescope was able to image a circumstellar disk around Fomalhaut that included, for the first time, an exoplanet seen in visible light. Subsequent images have shown the planet moving through its orbit. The planet, dubbed Dagon, may still be coalescing. Wolf 1061 is a dim, magnitude 10 red dwarf star located in southern Ophiuchus. Of three known Earth-size rocky planets, "c" is just within the habitable zone, and "d" is marginally hospitable. At 13.8 light-years away, these are among the nearest Earth-like planets. It's only 39 arc-minutes northwest of the bright globular cluster Messier 107. The patch of sky analyzed by the Kepler mission is well-positioned for observing between now and autumn. Use your favorite astronomy app to search for the bright star Vega in the constellation of Lyra. Moving toward Deneb in Cygnus, look for the modest star Rukh, marking part of the swan's upper wing. In that 14 degree- square of sky between Rukh and Vega, are thousands of known planets! Exoplanet apps The free apps Exoplanet (opens in new tab) for iOS and Exo Planets Explorer 3D for Android feature an extensive list of known exoplanets that is kept current as new discoveries are announced. After the user selects an exoplanet from an extensive database, the Exoplanet app for iOS displays discovery data, system parameters, options to bring up animated discovery method and planet-size comparison graphics, a sky chart for your location, a top-down orbit diagram and more. The app stays updated with the latest discoveries. (Image credit: Exoplanet for iOS) On the Exoplanet app's main page, select the Milky Way option to see a dynamic 3D rendering of the distribution of known exoplanets in the galaxy, then rotate and zoom in. A search option allows you to select a planet and fly there, seeing its system in motion. You can also fly to Earth and enable a mode that uses your GPS location and your device's compass and gyroscope to point out the exoplanets in the sky. Paid add-ons allow other types of objects to be added and displayed this way. In the Database menu, select a planet by scrolling through the list or typing in the search box. Each entry brings up a summary page from which you can navigate to a full page view of the detection technique, an animated graphic comparing the size and rotation rate with our solar system, a star chart, a plan view of the orbits for the planets in that system, and an extensive list of facts and figures about the planet and the host star. Clicking on the thumbnail image of the planet fetches a photographic image of the host star from the web. You can filter the extensive list by planet type, detection method, and sort using different parameters. I highly recommend this app. The Exo Planets Explorer 3D app also contains plenty of data, and will add new planets as they are discovered, but it's geared to the younger crowd, with an option to enable virtual joysticks and fly around the planetary systems. On the main screen, you can rotate and zoom a 3D rendering of the exoplanet stars in our local volume of the galaxy, and tap any system to fly there. Like Exoplanet, the database is searchable and allows for extensive sorting and filtering of the results. One useful feature is the 3D display of the habitable zone for each star, and an excellent rendering of the orbital inclinations of the various planets, all of which can be rotated and zoomed. Another terrific app. The Exo Planet Explorer 3D app for Android lets you search for any exoplanet and display its planetary system, complete with habitable zone and orbital inclinations, in a dynamic rendering that allows zoom, rotation and orbital flow. An optional data box displays data on each planet and the host star. (Image credit: Exo Planet Explorer 3D for Android) Going Beyond To learn about some unusual exoplanets, check out Scientific American's Top 10 Exoplanets, keep your exoplanet apps up-to-date and watch the science news as new discoveries are announced all the time. If you want to help in the search for exoplanets, you can sign up for the Planet Hunters program run by Yale University. After a brief training exercise, the online portal will display light curves for you to label with any exoplanet dips you may find. Your answers are compared with other individuals' and, if a consensus is reached, the star will be flagged for professional analysis. It's fun, and you are contributing to real science. There's plenty more to come in future editions of mobile astronomy, including astro-gadget reviews, advanced smartphone photography and columns about using apps to teach astronomy. Send me your ideas, too. Until then, keep looking up! Editor's note: Chris Vaughan is an astronomy public outreach and education specialist, and operator of the historic 1.88 meter David Dunlap Observatory telescope. You can reach him via email, and follow him on Twitter as @astrogeoguy, as well as on Facebook and Tumblr. This article was provided by Simulation Curriculum, the leader in space science curriculum solutions and the makers of the SkySafari app for Android and iOS. Follow SkySafari on Twitter @SkySafariAstro. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. NASA's Juno spacecraft is now flying solo ahead of its highly anticipated July 4 entry into Jupiter orbit. On Thursday afternoon (June 30), Juno's handlers sent a command to the spacecraft known as "ji4040," which is designed to transition the probe into autopilot mode, NASA officials said. "Ji4040 contains the command that starts the Jupiter orbit insertion sequence," Juno mission manager Ed Hirst, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement. "After the sequence executes, Juno is on autopilot. But that doesn't mean we get to go home. We are monitoring the spacecraft's activities 24/7 and will do so until well after we are in orbit." The major element of the Jupiter orbit insertion (JOI) sequence is a 35-minute engine burn, which Juno is scheduled to perform on Monday night (July 4). This burn should slow the spacecraft down enough to be captured by Jupiter's powerful gravity. "If that doesn't all go just right, we fly past Jupiter," Juno principal investigator Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, said during a news conference Thursday. Juno is currently about 534 million miles (860 million kilometers) from Earth, which explains why JOI cannot be controlled from Earth as it happens. It takes light 48 minutes to travel this distance longer than the duration of the engine burn. The $1.1 billion Juno mission launched in August 2011. If all goes according to plan Monday night and thereafter, the spacecraft will orbit Jupiter more than 30 times, studying the giant planet with a suite of nine science instruments. The Juno team aims to map Jupiter's magnetic and gravitational fields and characterize the gas giant's internal structure. This latter information should yield insights into how Jupiter formed and evolved, mission team members have said. The mission is scheduled to last until February 2018, when Juno will plunge intentionally into Jupiter's thick atmosphere (to make sure the probe doesn't contaminate any ocean-harboring Jovian satellites, especially Europa). Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. Artist's illustration of the New Horizons spacecraft flying by the Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 on Jan. 1, 2019. NASA's New Horizons Pluto probe isn't done exploring the far outer solar system just yet. NASA has approved a mission extension for New Horizons, which performed the first-ever flyby of Pluto in July 2015. The spacecraft is now set for a Jan. 1, 2019 flyby of a small object called 2014 MU69, which lies about 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto in the dark and frigid Kuiper Belt. "The New Horizons mission to Pluto exceeded our expectations, and even today the data from the spacecraft continue to surprise," Jim Green, NASAs Director of Planetary Science, said in a statement Friday (July 1). "Were excited to continue onward into the dark depths of the outer solar system to a science target that wasnt even discovered when the spacecraft launched." [Destination Pluto: NASA's New Horizons Mission in Pictures] Though 2014 MU69 and Pluto occupy roughly the same realm of space, they are very different objects. For example, Pluto is 1,474 miles (2,372 km) wide, whereas 2014 MU69 is thought to be just 13 to 25 miles (21 to 40 km) across. "This places [2014 MU69] in a key intermediate size regime to better understand planetary accretion," New Horizons principal investigator Alan Stern wrote in a blog post in April, when the New Horizons team officially submitted the mission extension proposal. "And given its 4-plus-billion-year existence in cold storage so far from the sun, MU69 will be the most pristine object ever visited by any space mission." New Horizons should come within 1,900 miles (3,000 km) of 2014 MU69 during the 2019 flyby, Stern wrote about four times closer than the probe got to Pluto during last year's historic encounter. "If I do say so myself, the flyby of MU69 would be a landmark event, shattering all distance records for deep-space exploration, and yielding an impressive scientific bounty," added Stern, who's based at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. While New Horizons will keep zooming outward, NASA's Dawn spacecraft will stay put at the dwarf planet Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, agency officials announced today. Dawn's primary science mission just ended, and team members had proposed sending the probe on to study an asteroid in the belt called Adeona. But NASA nixed that idea. The long-term monitoring of Ceres, particularly as it gets closer to perihelion the part of its orbit with the shortest distance to the sun has the potential to provide more significant science discoveries than a flyby of Adeona," Green said in the same statement. A visit to Adeona would have marked the third cosmic body studied up-close by Dawn, which also orbited the protoplanet Vesta from July 2011 through September 2012. The spacecraft has enough fuel left to keep operating at Ceres through early 2017, mission team members have said. NASA has also approved mission extensions though fiscal year 2018 for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter; Mars Odyssey Orbiter; MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) orbiter; the Opportunity and Curiosity Mars rovers; and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, agency officials announced Friday. NASA has also greenlit further support for the European Space Agencys Mars Express orbiter mission. These decisions were based on a report by the 2016 Planetary Mission Senior Review Panel, NASA officials said. The extensions are all contingent on the availability of resources, which will be determined by budget processes. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. 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Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service. When her 2000 Subaru Outback sold quickly on Craigslist, Caroline Bean never got to say goodbye. So she logged onto Facebook, where a post that began, Its been seven hours and 12 long years served as a virtual memorial. Friends weighed in, sharing memories of the Subaru: fun trips to the beach, its impressive cup holders. And she wrote about everything she and the car had been through. We brought our babe home from the hospital in this car, she said. Bean, 35, who works in social media marketing in Philadelphia, is not alone in virtual vehicle eulogizing. Selling, or buying, a car is such a life event that many post an accompanying photo, be it a glamour shot of the car or a selfie. Our autos hold a lot of our lives. They transport our children. They hold our belongings during a move. They whisk us to moments both happy and harrowing. So perhaps its not that surprising that when we buy or sell them, we leave a piece of them online with a memory. Amy Best, a Virginia sociologist, said cars mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Freedom. Success. Attachment. In some ways their life unfolding plays out in and around the car, she said. We do form deep attachments to our car. Plus, she said, purchasing a car is an achievement. We associate cars with major life-course milestones, Best said. These are often the first major purchase people make. And now, other milestones (job, children) arent such a given; not everyone buys a home, marries, has children. The effort that goes into buying a car, from comparing models to hours at a dealership to finalize a purchase, is an investment that makes it ripe for a more meaningful attachment, Best said. Car dealerships are starting to capitalize on the trend of posting the car equivalents of birth and death announcements. A New Jersey Honda dealership asked shoppers to take a selfie with a Honda Civic for a chance to win a new one; on Instagram, #lovemysubaru has more than 3,000 posts, with car owners bubbling, I got a car!!! Under the same hashtag, a local dealership in Australia posted a photo of a couple with a Subaru adorned with a bright red bow. Posing with a car has always been a popular way of noting something thats a status symbol and point of pride. Historically, cars have connected to us emotionally, whether through a family hobby or a saved-up-for purchase. So many photos on a fridge might have included a child in the seat of a pickup, or a parent and child smiling together with a new-car backdrop. The ability to purchase a car means mobility, both in travel and social status. For people who live in urban areas and might not easily afford a car, they symbolize success. Also, cars are a way to bond, as Best found in her book Fast Cars, Cool Rides: The Accelerating World of Youth and Their Cars, where getting a license meant freedom and cruising could create your community. And in a society thats very consumer-focused, she added, Cars are really bundled up with nostalgia and longing. But now, with the digital world, were able to transplant the refrigerator-door showcase online, where others can chime in with comments or appreciation. Plus, when youve spent a lot of time either driving in or working on a car, what better way to show off the final result than to a hum of likes and clicks? Organizers at the Chicago Auto Show said they noticed so many people taking selfies that they created a social media challenge, asking fans to take a selfie with their dream car. Ford also had a selfie station, added Chicago Automobile Trade Association spokeswoman Jennifer Morand, where fans could take shots with a bright blue background. A 2013 study from AutoTrader.com revealed that consumers assign personalities to their cars that can mirror relationships with people. More than 70 percent said they felt very or somewhat attached to their car. The study also found that 36 percent called their vehicle an old friend, and a quarter said they felt sad thinking about parting ways. But should that day come, more than a third reported wanting their car to go to a good home, and a majority planned a road-trip goodbye together. Bean didnt get a goodbye. But she understands the emotional attachment. She bought her Subaru from her dad when she had just graduated college. I probably gave him $1,000, she said. Since then, shes driven it through some of lifes major milestones, from her first job in her early 20s in Baltimore to a relocation to Philadelphia, then off to Delaware to meet her future in-laws. For her New Hampshire wedding, she and her husband packed it to the gills with beer and all the wedding stuff. We drove our baby home from the hospital in it, she added. So it definitely was there and keeping us safe throughout all of these life moments, which I didnt even really think about until after it was sold. When she and her husband decided to downsize to one car, he posted the ad on Craigslist. I didnt get to say goodbye, she said. I wasnt very emotional about selling it, but once it was gone I was like, Oh, I loved that car. And the Subaru, Bean added, was sold to a family that just had their second baby. It was going on to someone else, she said, who was living another milestone in their life. This sounds familiar to Alexis Tahara. When the 25-year-old marketing coordinator bought her car, a 2008 Honda Fit Sport, on Craigslist, she cataloged the events on social media. At the same time, she was selling her old car, a 2000 Volvo S80 (nicknamed Hans). Itd been with her through college, back and forth on road trips home to Pennsylvania and packed with things for her move to Nashville, Tenn. That was my first car, she said. When I sold it, it was my last moments with the car. So in the Target parking lot, her father snapped a photo. Buying her new car (already with a name, Gus) was a crowning life moment, she said. So that, too, was immortalized on Facebook. When she met the seller for the keys, it was a woman who was pregnant and needing something bigger. She was crying, and I took the picture of her before I took the keys, she said. DECATUR Police are seeking information about two male suspects who were involved in shooting at two men Wednesday night in a convenience store parking lot on the city's near northside. Two men entered the MLK Store, 1597 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, shortly before 7:50 p.m., after arriving in a silver Ford Edge SUV, said Decatur Police detective Sgt. Chris Copeland. Two other males walked up to the store and stood outside. They appeared to be waiting for something or someone, said police who viewed surveillance video. The pair who drove up in the SUV exited the store, walked to the parking lot and headed for a second vehicle. The suspects who were waiting outside then walked to the parking lot. One of the suspects started firing shots at the men who had just left the store. The bullets did not strike any people but did hit two vehicles and possibly a third vehicle. The suspects were described as black males, 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall, with one wearing a facial covering, red shirt and black pants, the other a white shirt and black pants. One of the intended victims, a 30-year-old man, told police he didn't know who was shooting at him or why. He couldn't give a description other than clothing, Copeland said. That intended victim said the man who was with him was a guy he had just met, who went by the name Marcus. The police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (217) 424-2711 or Crime Stoppers at (217) 423-8477 or visit www.decaturcrimestoppers.org. A reward will be given to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Herbert Reul, head of the German group, laments that the draft resolution was produced only by a small group under the leadership of Schulz and CDU member Elmar Brok. Brok is part of the EU establishment and has for decades been a proponent of taking advantage of EU crises to deepen European integration. Meeting participants complain that now is not the time for a new convention to pave the way for deeper European unity. There is nothing about a new convention in the paper, Brok objects. "But it does mention treaty amendments," says CSU member Markus Ferber, and to make such changes, he adds, a convention is necessary. "You're only telling us half of the story," Ferber fulminates. "You're lying to us!" On Tuesday evening, EU heads of state and government come together for what could be their last supper together with Cameron. On the following morning, they make clear to Juncker that they will be taking the lead in the exit negotiations with Britain. "But that is the Commission's responsibility," Juncker protests. "Jean-Claude, we have been elected, you haven't been," is the rejoinder from several prime ministers and heads of state. Waiting Calmly It's the age-old European battle over who possesses the greatest amount of democratic legitimacy -- and for the moment it doesn't look like momentum is in favor of Juncker's Commission and his partner Schulz's European Parliament. Europe's government leaders agree on Wednesday that no changes should be made to European treaties and that there definitely should not be a convention. There also won't be any fundamental modifications made to the EU and no deepening of integration. "It is not the time for such things," says Merkel. It looks as though she has won this battle with the Schulz-Juncker tandem and that the concept of Europe as a collection of nation states has won this round. The severe treatment of Britain demanded by some will also not be pursued initially. Instead, the EU will calmly wait, at least until September, to see how the situation in London develops. Europe is pausing for reflection instead of rushing to implement greater integration. There remains, however, plenty of room for compromise. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of Poland's national-conservative Law and Justice party, which currently holds power in the country, doesn't want "less Europe" in all areas. When it comes to foreign and security policy, he would even like to see the EU play a more robust role. Kaczynski is in favor of the establishment of a European army and would like to see a strong European president with far-reaching authority. It is a demand that many governments in eastern and central Europe agree with. By contrast, left-leaning governments, primarily in southern Europe, would like to see greater public investment. One idea to promote such investment envisions the establishment of a euro-zone budget, which would automatically grant greater powers to the Commission and the European Parliament, because such a budget would have to be managed and be subjected to parliamentary controls. Finally, the refugee crisis has produced a third group with shared interests: Countries like Sweden and Germany took in a huge number of refugees in 2015 and are demanding the establishment of a joint asylum system, including the fair distribution of refugees throughout the EU. This too would essentially result in "more Europe." An Irascible Juncker It is true that people in almost all member states have become more skeptical of the EU. But it is also true that this skepticism has a variety of vastly different causes. If every EU member were prepared to make concessions to the concerns of others, everyone could emerge better off. In mid-September, EU heads of state and government are to meet in Bratislava to consider what the EU's future priorities will be. Slovakia will hold the rotating EU presidency and the country's prime minister, Robert Fico, is a proponent of an EU made up of strong nation states, much like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He promises to be Juncker's next difficult adversary, although it looks as though the new situation in Europe has already left its mark on the European Commission president. Wherever he makes an appearance these days, he seems to be under stress. The jocularity and nonchalance he otherwise exudes has vanished. Juncker these days is ill-tempered and irascible. After the summit comes to an end, a reporter from Austrian public broadcaster ORF becomes the focus of his frustration. She asks a question about CETA, the already negotiated free-trade agreement with Canada. The day before, Juncker has told European leaders that he would like to enact the treaty without the involvement of national parliaments in EU member states -- thus feeding into all the stereotypes out there of an autocratic, elitist Brussels. From a purely legal point of view, Juncker's approach is defensible, but the timing shows a stunning degree of tone deafness. He "doesn't really care," he answers in response to the ORF reporter's question about the treaty's legal character. "Stop with this Austrian fuss. As if I would take aim at Austrian democracy." His friend Martin Schulz appears more philosophical about the backlash against his vision of Europe. On Wednesday afternoon, right after EU member state leaders left Brussels following the summit, he allows himself a moment to catch his breath. He is sitting in a black leather armchair in his office on the ninth floor of the enormous European Parliament building in Brussels. On a pedestal behind him are an EU flag and a statue of Willy Brandt. In reference to Brexit, he quotes George Bernard Shaw: "Old men are dangerous: It doesn't matter to them what is going to happen to the world." He then addresses the Euroskepticism that he and Juncker have been confronted with in recent days. It doesn't faze him, he says. He was first elected to European Parliament 22 years ago, Schulz continues. Now, the EU is stumbling from crisis to crisis and he is supposed to refrain from thinking about Europe's future? Schulz finds the idea absurd. "Everyone always asks: Where are the visions for Europe? And then when you present one, you are told: Now isn't the time. So which is it?" By Markus Feldenkirchen, Julia Amalia Heyer, Peter Muller, Ralf Neukirch, Christoph Pauly, Jan Puhl, Christian Reiermann and Christoph Schult London, July 1, 2016 (SPS) - The representative of the Polisario Front in London Mohamed Ali Mohamed Limam affirmed that Great Britains exit from the European Union (EU) could alleviate the pressure exercised currently on Morocco, but the British position will progressively evolves towards the support of the Sahrawi cause. In an interview to the site Al-Sahrawi, Limam said that the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi government respect the British peoples decision concerning their countrys exit from the EU, adding that the laws of Great Britain will no more be subject to EUs laws, and since Great Britain doesnt possess investments in Western Sahara, this countrys position is called to harden notably in the United Nations. In this regard, Limam said that Great Britains current position vis-a-vis the Sahrawi issue shows progress compared with other influential countries, but remains inadequate, denouncing the Moroccan vain attempts aimed at weakening it. In its capacity as permanent member at the Security Council and within the group for friendship with Western Sahara, Great Britain has a great importance in the diplomatic action aimed at collecting an advanced position from all the countries concerning the Sahrawi issue. (SPS) 062/090/700 Brussels, July 1, 2016 (SPS) - The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini underlined the key role of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), pointing out that the European Union (EU) shares the position of the UN Security Council which stressed the need for the mission to fully exercise its functions again. The resolution of the UN Security Council adopted on 29 April recognizes the key role played by the MINURSO on the ground and the need for the mission to fully exercise its functions again. EU shares this position and supports the ongoing efforts of the UN secretary general, she affirmed in her reply to the Euro-MP Miguel Viegas who called on her to intervene on the expulsion from Western Sahara of the civilian staff of the MINURSO. In this regard, Mogherini reaffirmed EUs support to the efforts of the UN secretary general to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution which allows the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination as part of the arrangements in accordance with the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UN Security Council adopted, at the end of April, a resolution extending by one year MINURSOs mandate and dubbing urgent that the mission exercises again its functions within 90 days. (SPS) 062/090/700 DECATUR Millikin University students will have opportunities to take a leading role in the development of the food production industry in the Decatur area and beyond as part of an agreement signed Thursday with National Foodworks Services. Students can learn from the business model the company has created and implemented in a short period of time, Millikin President Patrick White said. National Foodworks, which is located at 575 N. Brush College Road, held its grand opening in April. We have an ambitious vision of what we can accomplish together, White said. Decatur can become the Silicon Valley of food in the Midwest as companies develop and provide innovation in the industry, said Tony Caccomo, a National Foodworks managing partner. We see no reason why these things happen only on the coasts, White said. Students can learn from National Foodworks and its clients, including the companies involved with the Food Innovation Challenge in cooperation with Archer Daniels Midland Co. who are in need of consulting services, said Julie Shields, director of the Millikin Center for Entrepreneurship. Students interested in other aspects of business such as management and logistics can learn from the experiences that will be made available, Shields said. Millikin received a $25,000 grant from the Lumpkin Family Foundation this spring as it partners with National Foodworks, Shields said. She said a Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship program is being created to further the training, development and growth of food entrepreneurship in Central Illinois and beyond. Millikin students and community members will be able to become involved with the program that is being developed, Shields said. The future of the food and agriculture industries in the state seems to be moving beyond corn and soybeans, Millikin Provost Jeff Aper said. Students will be able to see the various aspects of what establishing and running a successful startup business in the industries entails, Aper said. This invites us to think bigger about the future of food and agriculture in Illinois, Aper said. We're excited about what's ahead as we see it as the beginning of something that has the potential to provide a tremendous benefit for Decatur and the entire region. The partnership with Millikin is similar to one National Foodworks agreed to last year with Richland Community College. The collaboration can benefit students at both schools, said Doug Brauer, Richland vice president of economic development and innovative solutions. Together we can become a great pathway for students to develop a career and be successful in that career, Brauer said. The partnerships bring the educational opportunities to a different level than Jim Milano has seen after nearly 30 years in the food manufacturing business. Milano, the other managing partner of National Foodworks, said these types of programs and commitment to education has not been made in his previous experience. The event originally rescheduled from September to July in 2013, renamed Livestock Event and widened its remit to cover other livestock enterprises, similar to the very successful Eurotier held in Germany, RABDF chairman, Mike King told a media briefing in London on 28 June. It was anticipated that farmers would benefit from hearing about developments in other sectors and that the July date would be better for beef and sheep producers rather than just dairy. However, annual tracking of producers, visitors and exhibitors clearly indicates that while the changes have gained support over time, a specialist event in September remains the preferred option. The move to hold the event over one day rather than the usual two is simply down to cost; the single-day format will allow exhibitors who are reducing marketing costs in line with the fall in demand for farm inputs, to save on hotel, stand, catering and personnel expenses. This bi annual event has an attendance over 10,000 people and was well attended by farmers and contractors this year due to the mixed weather Ireland is experiencing. Some new machines were demonstrated for the first time to include the new FC 3125 DF FF Front Mounted Mower Conditioner. KUHNs new front-mounted disc mower conditioner the FC 3125 DF-FF has a 3.10m working width and features improved terrain-following capabilities and variable conditioning speeds, making it ideal for use as part of a high power, high output, triple-gang setup. The FC 3125 DF-FF uses a re-designed twin-linkage headstock and shark fin inspired design which houses an innovative suspension set-up enabling the mower to oscillate at angles of up to 30 degrees. This improved ground contouring capability prevents crop contamination and preserves the quality of the remaining grass sward. The mowers suspension is controlled by KUHNs hydro-pneumatic ground pressure system which minimises crop damage and reduces wear and tear of the cutter bar by allowing the mowing unit to travel by up to 0.75m. Two large pivoting connecting rods provide additional structural strength and stability. The conditioning unit is fitted with KUHNs pivoting steel fingers which adapt easily to different types of forage. Conditioning intensity is controlled by a single gear lever which selects one of two speeds: 1000 min-1 for most forage grasses or 755 min-1 for more delicate crops. The FC 3125 DF-FF uses KUHNs reliable OPTIDISC cutter bar and PROTECTADRIVE safety system and is fitted with FAST-FIT knives. When used in combination with a rear mounted twin mower conditioner either the FC 8830 D or FC 9530 D a total working width of 8.73 to 9.53 metres is possible. FBP 3135 FIXED CHAMBER ROUND BALER-WRAPPER COMBINATION The latest version of Kuhns fixed chamber round baler-wrapper combination the FBP 3135 BalePack machine delivers high output productivity in conjunction with consistent bale formation and a reliable wrapping mechanism. The FBP 3135 is available with two different intake rotors the OptiCut 14 or OptiCut 23 both with Hardox tines. Each version shares the same 2.30m pick-up which features cam-track technology to enable improved contour following for cleaner, more efficient grass collection. The OptiCut 14 is fitted with 14 knives to provide a minimum cutting length of 70mm. Group selection enables the knives to be used in five formations (0, 4, 7, 7 or 14) to produce the desired chop length. The OptiCut 23 offers a minimum cutting length of 45mm, with its 23 knives used in a 0, 7, 11, 12 or 23 arrangement. Each knife is individually spring-protected against damage from foreign objects. A drop-floor intake system enables blockages to be cleared easily and quickly by hydraulically lowering the floor and knives from the comfort of the tractor cab. After the blockage is cleared they can easily be moved back into their working position. The FBPs baling chamber consists of 18 PowerTrack rollers which produce round bales 1.25m in diameter and 1.22m in width. The 18 rollers have symmetrical profiles which generate exceptionally high density and reliable bale rotation in all crop conditions. Net binding is available as standard, with twine binding available as an option. The FBP uses KUHNs IntelliWrap system which uses vertically mounted film pre-stretchers to prevent grass being deposited between layers of film for a tighter, better sealed and more consistent finish. The wrapping unit is also fitted as standard with KUHNs film break sensor, and can be specified with the companys 3D wrapping system for perfectly sealed bales which maintain their shape well and are better protected compared to conventionally wrapped bales. Overall dimensions for the FBP 3135 are 6.25m (length), 2.70m (height) and 2.99m (width). The machines net weight is from 5,400kg depending on options selected. Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD Residents of a West Side cooperative housing complex have recruited the state housing authority to review management practices after complaints about questionable rent charges and unaddressed quality-of-life issues. Nine Parkside Gables residents went before the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Thursday to request an official review of building managers and Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut the Stamford-based affordable housing organization that owns the property. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD A group of Glenbrook residents who object to the removal of towering maples on their street have involved the states regulatory agency for utilities in a last-ditch effort to save trees that for months have been at the center of a contentious debate. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority met with Lenox Avenue homeowners, city officials and representatives from Eversource earlier this month at the request of residents who hoped PURA could help mediate the dispute. But the state regulators involvement may have come too late. This week, the city began one-by-one removing the trees which it says are diseased and a hazard to residents if they fall before PURA has had a chance to release its findings. It is my understanding that the parties were unable to achieve agreement on the degree of tree vegetation management necessary (on Lenox) to protect the maintenance and reliability of the electric service along the street, said Michael Coyle, PURAs director of special enforcement and consumer affairs. Despite its pending recommendations, PURA has no legal authority over the citys decision to take down the trees. And since the 13 trees are on city land, taxpayers bear the expense of removing them, even though the utility company had discovered their long limbs stretching into power lines and had asked the city to get rid of most of them. Eversource is responsible for pruning branches that encroach on its infrastructure, but wont remove a tree unless its within its right of way. Ernie Orgera, the citys director of operations, said last week that despite resident objections, trees on the north side of the street will be gone within days. Lenox Avenue resident Chip White said on Thursday afternoon that eight trees had already been taken down. Now that the trees are down you can see the power lines, and theyre ugly, said White, who added that in the 20 years hes lived on Lenox a tree there has never to his knowledge caused an outage. Theyre just skeletons sitting there, White said of the cut trees. All these houses that were sitting in the shade now have the sun glaring on them. Disputes Connecticuts magnificent trees are often at the center of disputes between homeowners and utility companies, which have been accused by protective residents of over-pruning. More customers over the years have understood the need for tree trimming, said Mitch Gross, a spokesman for Eversource. Its the number one cause of outages during any storm. In this case, the tall maple trees planted decades ago on Lenox were a poor fit for a city street. Aside from their stature, the trees are vulnerable to pollution and salt, and their roots can be damaged beneath pavement. Topics like these were brought up at the recent PURA meeting which also demonstrated how contentious tree disputes can get on both sides. Following months of vexed discussions, residents say city officials walked out of the June 22 meeting that took place out in the open on Lenox Avenue. They told us, You have no say in this, said Nicole Bruck, a Midland Avenue homeowner who walks her dogs on Lenox and is one of the residents leading the charge in saving the trees. They literally turned around and left walked away, she said. The rest of us hung out on the street for about an hour after that. Orgera, one of the city officials at the meeting, denies that this happened. We explained the situation ... and they made accusations, he said. Finally, I just told them we were going to take the trees down, that theyre a liability to the city. At that point our attorney stepped in and said we dont have to listen to PURA, we have a liability here. We didnt walk away in a huff, he said. We were very cordial, unlike how they treated us in other meetings, which was very nasty and very disrespectful. Orgera said the city has offered to plant two trees for every one taken down, but that homeowners objected. Email Last Saturday, Bruck sent a email to city officials accusing Mayor David Martin of back-stabbing residents who claim they did not receive notice before the tree removals began earlier this week. The communities of Glenbrook, Springdale and Shippan will remember how they abandoned our neighborhoods in favor of the desires of big utility, and the same neighborhoods fully intend to abandon the mayor next election, Bruck wrote. Martin called the email outrageous and insulting. Theyre accusing the city of being in cahoots with Eversourse and Bartlett, he said, referring to the arborist who was hired to provide an outside assessment of the trees for the city. We cannot continue to have meeting after meeting followed by outrageous allegations that make no sense. In April, more than 60 residents attended a public hearing at which tree warden Phil DAmico made the case for removing the trees and replacing them with ones more suited to urban life. Only one resident was reportedly in favor. Lenox homeowners believe the trees add value to homes on their street, many of which are wooden-frame houses dating to the 1920s. They also cited the protection the trees provide from the nearby train tracks on the New Canaan Metro-North line. The trees act as a barrier for noise and views, as well as providing fresh air and filtering the pollution let off by the passing trains, said Ross Versaggi, who lives around the block on Midland Avenue. If you drive down Lenox or the parallel streets of Tremont and Fairmont off Courtland Avenue, you can see the beauty and character of the neighborhood. Julie Moran Alterio contributed to this story. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Phillip Giacobbe, 19, was driving his yellow ATV on East Main Street in Bridgeport when a police officer pulled him over four-wheelers are not allowed on public streets . Giacobbe ignored an officers order to dismount the bike, but later walked toward the officer, according to city spokesman Av Harris. Giacobbe claims he was putting the bike into neutral, and explaining to the officer that he suffered from seizures, he told News 12. One thing is undisputed: Police tased Giacobbe twice. The most recent Tasing incident in Bridgeport is just a blip in a national debate over when police should use less-lethal weapons on crime suspects. Connecticut moved to the forefront of that discussion in 2014 when it passed an unprecedented law requiring police departments to track and report each use of a Taser, or other brand of electronic control weapon. Most police versions ar e manufactured by TASER international. Across the state, 610 people were involved in police stun-gun incidents in 2015, and 419 of them received an electrical shock, according to a 78-page report released Thursday by Central Connecticut State University analysts. Nearly 300 people of those people were injured after being stunned, and two died. More Information Hed here Electronic stun gun incidents in 2015, by area police departments, by race or ethnicity Town Total White Black Hispanic Ansonia 4 1 2 1 Bethel 2 1 1 Bridgeport 20 2 11 7 Brookfield 2 2 Connecticut State Police 33 22 7 3 Danbury 19 9 4 6 Darien 2 1 1 Derby 5 3 2 Easton 1 1 Fairfield 2 1 1 Greenwich 1 1 Milford 8 7 1 New Canaan 2 2 New Milford 6 5 1 Norwalk 35 9 13 13 Seymour 1 1 Shelton 6 3 1 2 Stamford 3 2 1 Stratford 3 2 1 Trumbull 6 4 1 1 Westport 3 2 1 Wilton 5 4 1 See More Collapse Racial disparity In some respects, Giacobbes stunning case was typical of those in Connecticut. Like 83 percent of suspects reported stunned by police in Connecticut, he was unarmed. In other respects, his case was atypical. For one thing, Giacobbe is white. A separate Hearst Connecticut Media analysis of 2015 Taser data found that 57 percent of suspects stunned were either black or Hispanic. In Bridgeport, the states largest city, police fired stun guns 20 times last year, mostly at Hispanic residents. Sixty 60 percent of those stunned by police across the state were never charged with a crime. Giacobbe was charged with reckless driving, operating an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, and interfering with police. The officer who stunned Giacobbe was initially taken off patrol duty and is the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation, police said. After an initial review, including video of the incident, Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez said he did not believe the officer did anything against department policy. Im contemplating putting him back on the road, Perez said. He did everything hes supposed to do. Questions of appropriate use What are police officers supposed to do with Tasers? The CCSU analysis raised more questions than answers. On one hand, it points out, even TASER International, cautions that (Taser) use may be ineffective against persons who are intoxicated or experiencing psychiatric crisis. Medical research also suggests that (Taser) use against such persons may pose a heightened risk of injury. At the same time, the report says, circumstances may exist in which a (Taser or other use of force) is the most appropriate option for gaining control of persons experiencing psychiatric crisis and getting them into treatment. So there are two issues at stake. One is officer safety, and the other is suspect safety. On the later, Perez is clear. If (the officer who stunned Giacobbe) perceived that he was going to be attacked, then it was justified, Perez told news 12 in an interview earlier this week. But while Perez supports the use of Tasers to defend his officers, he also embraces the transparency required in the data reporting. Last year, the Bridgeport Police Department not only met state reporting requirements, but also exceeded the requirements by adding additional context in the form of incident reports. David McGuire, interim director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Taser policies and reporting could be improved. Adopting Taser cameras, providing full Taser incident reports, and improving regulations and training would be good places to start, he said, adding that he was happy with the reporting efforts of the Bridgeport police. Both the CCSU analysts and McGuire agree that the 2015 data is inconclusive. The racial and mental health data, for example, is based on officer perceptions, according to McGuire. The analysts also point out that the sample sizes a handful of incidents in each city are too small to reach definitive conclusions just now. The Associated Press and Frank Juliano contributed to this story. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD For the fourth time in a week, city police officers played a key role in finding a fugitive wanted by another jurisdiction. Police Thursday tracked a New York man wanted for allegedly slashing a womans throat during an attempted rape on a Brooklyn, N.Y., street, finding him at an East Side motel. With the help of New York City police, they arrested Kenneth Cruz, 46, of Brooklyn, N.Y. New York City police notified Stamford police Cruz may have been in Stamford because he sometimes used bogus Stamford addresses, Capt. Richard Conklin said. Cruz appears to have a sister who lives in Stamford, so police officers kept an eye out for him, Conklin said. Early Thursday, police learned Cruz might be at Americas Best Value Inn, and sent a Narcotics and Organized Crime officer there. Using a photograph provided by the NYPD, the officer spotted Cruz stepping out of a room to have a cigarette, police said. With the backup of NYPD officers, Stamford police took Cruz into custody without incident around 10:30 a.m., Conklin said. The arrest warrant for Cruz alleges that he cut the woman on her neck with a knife while he tried to sexually assault her in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn on June 19. The Daily News reported the suspect approached the woman from behind as she was walking on Wyckoff Avenue, and put a sharp object to her throat. The woman screamed and managed to escape to a nearby store, but not before the assailant opened a four-inch gash on her neck. An NYPD officer said the investigation is ongoing and could not comment on how Cruz came to be a suspect in the assault. Cruz last known address was on Menahan Street in Brooklyn. He is being held in lieu of a $500,000 court appearance bond on a charge of being a fugitive from justice. His extradition is expected shortly. Stamford police have captured more than their share of fugitives lately, Conklin said. On Wednesday, they set up surveillance outside Harry Os strip club on Selleck Street and captured two suspects in a jewelry store robbery in Port Chester, N.Y. On June 24, police tracked a suspect in a home invasion in Port Chester to the Amsterdam Hotel on Clarks Hill Avenue. We have captured four fugitives in less than a week here. Due to our close proximity to New York, three of them were from New York City, Conklin said. I recently took a business trip to Japan. My traveling companions and I visited a number of business establishments. One of our stops was in Naruto and a young entrepreneur took us around the sites for a couple days. Our guide, Masashi (Masa) Yoshinaga, is a talented photographer, went to school in L.A. and speaks English very well. (Check out his work at www.masashiyoshinaga.com). In addition to testing out Japanese sweets everywhere, we visited many places and learned new twists to old lessons: Know your market We ate a delicious lunch at Tokushima Marche. It is shop that sells organic and locally-sourced fruits, vegetable and food products with a target market of Japanese millennials. The products are all grown or made within Tokushima Prefecture. They also serve high-quality meals from a small kitchen attached to the market. Mushrooms that sell for $20 in Tokyo sell for less than $5 at the market because of the commitment to high quality and reasonable profit. Did I mention their target demographic is Japanese millennials? The message of reasonable profit, quality over quantity, and supporting local businesses goes over well with their demographic. Best kept secret We also visited a secret noodle house. The restaurant -- a little house -- was nestled between other little houses next to a modest stream on a not-even-one-lane road. There were about 15 seats in the restaurant, and we took the last four open seats at a counter facing the wall. The noodles were amazing. But how secret was it? It has been in business continually at the same location for over 100 years. For being a little place, they have apparently done a terrible job of keeping it a secret. Surviving the tide The tourist industry around Naruto is lively, in part, because of the powerful whirlpools created by the changing tides rushing over the 25-meter variance between the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The government built an enormous bridge to complete a quick passage from Kobe to Shikoku Island, and the bridge sits right over the whirlpools. For a fee you can walk under the bridge a quarter of a mile to a viewing area. The whirlpools are so powerful that they snap the backs of fish that get caught in them. But this doesnt always result in death. When the fish are caught years later, sushi chefs know the survivors because their spines show extra calcification where they were broken. Peace of mind Religious endeavors are also booming business in Japan. There are 88 temples on Shikoku, which are part of a pilgrimage that takes about three months to walk. (There are also bus tours for those who are not up for walking). Pilgrims can buy maps, tokens and all manner of accouterments along the way. We also observed parents and their twenty-something daughter get a new car blessed by a priest at the Oasahiko Temple where a 1,000 year old tree stands. Three hundred dollars, Masa interjected, for the blessing. Its just another kind of insurance, right? Masa and I talked about common trends in entrepreneurship in Japan and the U.S. But when we started discussing building a business with the notion of a successful exit strategy, this is where there seems to be a cultural divide. Starting a business in Japan is a part of the family legacy. There isnt a desire to sell or exit. They value the 1,000-year old tree and the 100-year old secret noodle shop. However, given the shifting dynamics represented by millennials and globalization pressures, I have to wonder if that will change. Will they embrace pivoting and re-imagine what legacy means? Do they truly need to? In the meantime, Im going to enjoy these Japanese sweets and noodles and appreciate my new Japanese friends. B ritains manufacturers had an unexpected spurt of growth ahead of the EU vote, expanding in June at their fastest rate in five months. The news helped to push the stock market to a 10-month high, rising for the fourth consecutive day, with the FTSE 100 up 22.55 points at 6526.88, well above its level before the Brexit results. The blue-chip index was on course to record its biggest weekly rise since 2011 with a gain of 6.3%, after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney made a pledge to stimulate the economy if needed. The pound also continued to recover, rising another half cent to $1.3308, but is still more than 10% down on its immediate pre-poll highs. The UK manufacturing PMI compiled by Markit/Cips jumped from 50.4 in May to 52.1 in June when economists had been expecting it to show little change. But Markit warned that almost all the data it had collected from manufacturers had been received before the June 23 vote. With 99% of survey responses received before the end of June 23, the latest PMI signalled that the manufacturing sector has started to move out of its early-year sluggishness in the lead up to the UKs EU referendum, said Markit economist Rob Dobson, adding: Whether this growth recovery can be sustained will depend heavily on whether financial and political volatility spills over to the real economy. Mark Carney: Brexit implications 'unclear' Most economists now believe that the UK is likely to fall into recession in the wake of the Brexit decision. The sharp weakening of the pound will provide some help to UK exporters competing in foreign markets, said Howard Archer of IHS Economics. But this will be at least partially offset if there is a significant hit to European growth from the Brexit vote. European manufacturing growth was also better than expected with the PMI for June coming in at 52.8 from Mays 51.5 and the strongest so far this year. Anything above 50 indicates growth. Lee Hopley, chief economist at EEF, the manufacturers organisation, said: The pick-up in output and sales components and the relative strength of the manufacturing PMIs across most of Europe would, in other circumstances, have reinforced our view that the worst of the downturn was now behind us. But with economic and political uncertainty ramping up in the wake of the referendum, all todays data is showing us is what we could have won. Spanish and Italian 10-year bond yields hit new all-time lows today as investors piled in ahead of expected further quantitative easing by the European Central bank. Not all is gloom, however. PwC today said that nine out of 10 challenger banks or financial services firms with which it is working to set up in Britain still intend to go ahead despite the Leave vote. It said it was advising 20 firms with capital of 200 million and funding commitments of some 500 million. T he Chancellor has ditched his highly-prized target of running a surplus by 2020 after "clear signs" of shock in the UK economy emerged in the week since the referendum result. Explaining the move, George Osborne said we must be "realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of the decade". The decision follows predictions from economists of an economic slowdown and potentially another recession in the wake of the Brexit vote. That would make it impossible for any government to drum up to make a surplus a reality within four years without tax hikes or further austerity. "As the governor (of the Bank of England) has said: the referendum is expected to produce a significant negative economic shock to our economy. How we respond will determine the impact on jobs and growth," Osborne said. "We must provide fiscal credibility, continuing to be tough on the deficit while being realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of the decade. "That's exactly what our fiscal rules are designed for." Theresa May, who is frontrunner to replace David Cameron as Conservative party leader and Prime Minister, has already said she will not stick to the goal, the viability and suitability of which has long been questioned by economists. N assim Nicholas Taleb, the Black Swan author, has some comfort to those of us fretting about the implications of Brexit. Its his theory that economies are not like machines, whose levers and gears you can manipulate with certain and predictable results. They are more like mysterious living organisms, he contends. And, like plants and animals, they can grow back stronger from cataclysmic events, hard times or injuries than they were before. So, as the break in a bone can heal back stronger than it was uninjured, or a crop sown in a hard winter will yield a better harvest than if seeded in spring, economies can recover from major shocks with increased vigour. This theory was expounded to me over lunch yesterday by one of Frances biggest fund managers, who I presumed was trying to cheer me up about the whole Brexit thing. Sure, he said, weaker, inefficient businesses may fall but stronger ones will replace them. Mark Carney: Brexit implications 'unclear' There was a similar theme last night at the Evening Standard business awards where, amid the Brexit apprehension of the great and good, was an undaunted feeling of resilience. The South African drinks manufacturer at my table, while alarmed by the xenophobia, thought there was little to fear businesswise, despite being a big exporter to Europe, because his product was so good. The fashion boss at the bar said hed simply push further into the US and Asia. Dollar earnings from those regions would translate to more sterling anyway, he grinned. The fintech tycoon declared he was just cracking on with his business plan. If the traditional banks crimp lending, he said, efficient, tech-led operators like his would happily snap up their clients. Taleb would be proud. I tootled home in the early hours of this morning feeling optimistic, until I recalled how my lunchtime chat had ended. Thats great, Id said to my Parisian friend. So you think we Brits will bounce back from Brexit stronger than ever? Oh no, he replied, I was talking about Europe. God knows whats going to happen to you guys. Sterling silver lining So, our factories didnt have such a bad time of it with the pre-Brexit jitters after all. The manufacturing purchasing managers index for June hit a five-month high, chiming with similar findings from the CBI. Overall sentiment among customers cant have been great, so this result must have been because of the weakening pound making goods too cheap to refuse. That trends only going to continue post-Brexit, with sterlings weakness doing Mark Carneys work for him. Every cloud A s Wales and Gareth Bale prepare to take on the superstars of Belgium in Lille, a British company raised hopes of adding to the countrys wealth by mining in the Dolgellau Gold Belt. Stellar Resources said a review by geological experts at SRK Exploration raised the high prospects of there being unworked veins of gold on land owned by the Queen in Snowdonia. The Dolgellau Gold Belt was mined from the early 1800s through to the late 1990s and produced about 131,000 ounces of gold. That is worth some $175 million (132 million), or one-and-a-half Gareth Bales (85 million paid by Real Madrid), at todays prices. SRK said today: There is a high potential... to find unworked veins containing gold mineralisation of similar style and grade to that known in historic mines in the area. It pointed out that, historically, Welsh gold has sold at a premium because of its scarcity. It was used in the manufacture of the investiture regalia for the Prince of Wales in 1969. But SRK also warned of risks, including getting permission from landowners, drilling in a national park and winning the support of local residents to restart mining. But it recommended spending up to 400,000 over the next 10 months on geological sampling and geophysical surveys of the area. Stellar, which also owns a 10% stake in the so-called Gatwick Gusher oil prospect at Horse Hill in Surrey, saw its shares fall 10% to 0.015p on worries that it might have to raise funds to start exploration. T he centenary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme today will be a sobering and humble acknowledgement of the awful price men paid when they went to fight in the Great War, but it ought to be more than that too. The sheer number of lives lost and ruined with 57,470 British soldiers killed or wounded on that single day might have the capacity to overwhelm our response to the slaughter, but we must not let it. As the front page of the current edition of History Today succinctly puts it: Tragic? Yes. Wasteful? Yes. Futile? No. In the present debate over Britains relationship with Europe, this poignant centenary ought to serve to remind us that there is another, older, immeasurably grander Europe one that is a world away from Brussels and the EU to which Britain has always been intimately connected, and always will be. The splendour of the European civilisation of the Renaissance and the Holy Roman Empire, of Beethoven and Zola and Liege altarpieces, was under threat from Prussian militarism in 1914 as Kaiser Wilhelm IIs Germany deliberately unleashed its fourth war in half a century. Imperial Germany had to be stopped before it hegemonised the continent, in the way that Philip II of Spain, Louis XIV and Napoleon had previously tried to do. The hope of the British writer Sir Norman Angell, who in 1910 wrote a book called The Great Illusion which argued that Europes economies had become so closely integrated that militarism was rendered obsolete, was exploded four years later when Germany went to war with her largest trading partner, Great Britain. When the contagion of war catches and spreads, issues of trade are disregarded. (It didnt stop an unrepentant Angell from winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1933, the year Hitler came to power.) Theologians sometimes divide wars into good and bad: those fought for territory or treasure or revenge or any of the other myriad motives of the worst part of the human heart rightly fall into the latter category, while those fought for freedom, democracy and civilisation fall into the former. For all its horrific bloodshed and almost unbearable cost in lives, the 1914-18 conflict was a good war, and one that needed to be won, almost whatever the cost. Yet when the British generals looked at the Western battlefront after nearly two years of warfare in the summer of 1916, all they could see was barbed wire and trenches stretching almost unbroken for more than 400 miles from the English Channel to the Swiss border. How to break through and move the struggle away from the devastated territory of France and Belgium into that of the Second Reich itself? This issue had been made all the more pressing since February of that year when the Germans attacked the French city of Verdun, which was defended until the French army bled white, and which by July 1916 desperately needed help from the British in drawing off German strength. Altogether the battle of Verdun was to cost a staggering 147,000 French and 143,000 German lives. The story of what went so horrifically wrong on the Somme on the morning of July 1 was been told well and often. The over-optimistic plan of General Sir Douglas Haig; the huge artillery bombardment of 1.6 million shells that nonetheless failed to cut the barbed wire; the large numbers of misfiring shells; the deeper than expected German dugouts; the slow walking pace of the attacking forces, weighed down by an average of 60lb of equipment per man; the Germans winning the race to the parapet and getting their machine guns into place in good time; the resultant massacre. Yet the reason History Today concludes that it wasnt futile was because the battle, which continued until November 18 and which saw the deployment of tanks for the first time, resulted in Verdun being saved and France therefore staying in the war, albeit with mass mutinies breaking out in the French army in 1917. In all, the 141-day battle cost the British 419,655 casualties, the French 194,451 and the Germans more than 600,000, but the Germans found it harder to replace their manpower. Indeed, Captain von Hentig of the Guards Reserve Division described the Somme as the muddy grave of the German field army. TODO: define component type brightcove The most important fact about the battle, however, was what came afterwards. If there is any consolation to be had for the appalling sacrifices of July 1, 1916, it is that the British Expeditionary Force quickly embarked on a revolution in tactics at almost every level, in what has been rightly described by historian John Lee as a steep and agonising learning curve. The ultimate result was an army that by 1918 fully deserved to win the war. Perhaps it is part of the human condition to learn more from defeat than from victory. There is something else that can be usefully taken away from this doleful centenary, and that is to put our own present-day woes into their proper perspective. For however bad post-Brexit Britain might fare, and even if all the worst-case economic scenarios play out (which I do not for a moment think they will), the worst day of our future would still be infinitely better than the best day in the battle of the Somme, when an average of almost 3,000 men were killed or maimed every day of the battle. Our commitment to Europe was paid in the blood of thousands in those days, rather than merely in the financial price of access to the single market. Today, several hundred HSBC backroom staff are being sent to the continent to anticipate the problems attendant on Brexit; a century ago we were sending similar-sized battalions to be mown down in the fields of Picardy. Our lives are immeasurably better now, and it is largely thanks to the sacrifices made 100 years ago today. Andrew Roberts is the author of Elegy: The First Day on the Somme (Head of Zeus, 8.99). New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low near 65F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. T his papers business awards last night demonstrated both the wonderful diversity of Londons business and the grim determination felt across the sector post-referendum. Brexit is a huge challenge for companies. Right now the political class is in a state of flux; the upheavals of the past week, not least yesterdays events, have disrupted previous assumptions and Labour is otherwise engaged. The Tory leadership contest absorbs all political energy; there is little scope for governance even though two of the candidates occupy important offices of state. The extent to which the Prime Minister is not in charge, though still in office, can be seen in the extraordinary decision to defer a decision on airport expansion until after the leadership election. Mr Cameron has had an entire year to respond to the conclusions of the Airports Commissions report, commissioned by him. Its main author, Sir Howard Davies, said today that the failure to take a decision on this crucial issue made a joke of the rhetoric about reaching out to global markets. He is right. Now would have been a good time for the PM to act. The Government cannot put its responsibilities to the economy on hold until the Tory party gets around to electing a leader. It must safeguard business now. That means Mr Cameron must take charge of a strategy to shore up confidence, including radical steps to reduce corporation tax and reform business rates an emergency confidence-building Budget. Ministers must demonstrate that EU nationals here are secure and will remain so. Further, the hard thinking about the kind of deal we want from our future relationship with the EU must start now. What business wants is access to the single market. Norway has an agreement that allows this, but at the price of accepting free movement of EU nationals, something that would be politically unacceptable. But the UK is a more formidable trading partner; rational compromise should be possible. Certainly, if there is to be some kind of points-based immigration system across the board, we could maintain a high level of access to the jobs market for EU nationals by cutting back numbers from outside the EU. Brexit has already exacted a price on the property market the fall in house prices is welcome for first-time buyers, but not as a reflection of a loss of confidence. The Prime Minister and Chancellor must use the authority they still have to steady nerves. They cant abnegate responsibility. Sadiq lines up his team In contrast to the drama at Westminster, over at City Hall Sadiq Khan continues to build an impressive administration. Yesterday he appointed Rajesh Agrawal as deputy for business and enterprise, putting his faith in a man who arrived in London 15 years ago with nothing and is now a fintech multi-millionaire. Agrawals foreign exchange firm, RationalFX, had reported revenues of 1.3 billion last year: this is a man with practical experience. Also important is Mr Khans choice of Justine Simons to be deputy mayor for culture and creative industries. As the woman behind Trafalgar Squares Fourth Plinth, and with long experience of City Hall, we can be confident the creative industries will continue to take centre stage. Remember the fallen A century ago today, the Battle of the Somme began. A million mostly young men from Britain and its Allies and Germany died or were wounded by the end of it. This was a European war, and as the Bishop of London said in a service in Westminster Abbey, its lesson now is that we should reject those who would stir up hatred and division. It puts all our present woes into perspective. A t the prompting of many of my students and my own conscience, I urge our MPs in Parliament not to support a motion to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. It is within their democratic remit and duty as an MP to vote on whether to initiate that procedure. By voting not to do so, they will keep the UK in the EU. The non-binding referendum and its slim majority achieved are not adequate grounds for the UK to leave the EU. For such a major decision, it is not acceptable to have matters decided by a small, simple majority. One of the most important reasons why parliament must take a bold sovereign stand on the outcome of this small-majority advisory referendum is the interests of the young. We know that the Remain and Leave votes divided along the fault lines of age, educational level and geography. There is every reason to urge that the wishes and interests of the young the younger, more aspirational creators of the countrys future should be given most weight. Some say those who could vote but chose not to only had themselves to blame, but those young people might have legitimately thought the people would not betray their future with a Brexit vote. Punishing them with this result is not the right response the sober judgment of parliament should be on their side. Prof A C Grayling, New College of the Humanities I was surprised that during the run-up and fallout of the EU referendum there was no reference made to the Scottish devolution vote in 1979. Then, a minimum threshold of 40 per cent of the total electorate had to be met for a vote to carry. Although 52 per cent of those who voted said Yes, the vote was not enacted due to the 64 per cent turnout, which meant only 33 per cent of the total electorate actually voted for it. Had this same threshold been in place in last weeks referendum, the vote would again have not carried as the 52 per cent who voted to leave would be reduced to a relative 38 per cent of the total electorate. The Government has been grossly negligent in its preparations for the referendum. Ideally, I feel there should be a swift new referendum based solely on the question on whether Article 50 of the EU Constitution should be activated or not. David Anderson I find the calls for a second referendum offensive, given that the vote was free and fair and there was a difference of more than a million votes in favour of Brexit. Of course politicians lied, people were misled and different demographics voted differently, but I find none of that surprising or unexpected in any vote. However, the idea of 650 individuals overruling an outcome backed by a significant majority of people would be an appalling precedent. Respect the decision, move on, and lets all do the best we can following this vote. Liam Halliday Boris bottled it and left us in the lurch spineless Boris Johnson effectively fronted the Leave campaign in his attempts to be drafted in as David Camerons successor and become our new Prime Minister. Yet when the moment arrived to announce his intention to run in the leadership race, he cowered with his tail between his legs and withdrew from the running. This means he has effectively come into your house, wrecked the place and hot-footed it out of there. By backing out, he is refusing to accept responsibility for leaving our country in disarray. Ben McAleer Has it not struck the Conservatives that Theresa May standing for the leadership of the party is wholly inconsistent with the views of the electorate? As Home Secretary she has been in charge of immigration controls but has consistently failed to reduce the intake of people into this country. Worse still, during the EU referendum debate, May was nowhere to be seen or heard despite her original claim that she supported the Remain campaign. Does she really have what it takes to lead the country? Claude Keith Youth services have our full attention I was disappointed to read Jim Mintons misleading letter on Tower Hamlets youth clubs [Letters, June 29]. When we took over the council from Lutfur Rahman we inherited a youth service in chaos. We found serious allegations of fraud and malpractice against the youth service which resulted in disciplinary action and a police investigation. We also had a situation where some youth centres were technically open but either had minimal attendance or were in reality shuttered up. In short, it was a youth service in crisis; it would be reckless not to act. We are wholeheartedly committed to improving the youth service so that it is fit for purpose and provides a quality service for as many young people as possible. The changes we are introducing involve no cuts to the youth centre budget and no reduction in the number of hours service we provide. We are actually spending an extra 120,000 on a summer scheme of activities for young people. This is only a temporary measure, and one we were forced to make because of the chaos left by our predecessors. Even after these changes Tower Hamlets will still have one of the highest-funded council-run youth centres in the capital. John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets Healthcare needs European workers Irrespective of any Brexit negotiation outcome, the sector which requires immediate attention is healthcare. Until we formalise the dismantling of Britains relationship with the EU, much-needed healthcare professionals from European nations will be deterred from coming to work and live here. At present there are more than 55,000 EU nationals working in the NHS. We are competing with Germany and the Scandinavian countries for nurses but the uncertainty here will act as a deterrent. Politics aside, we must make steps to place nursing and healthcare workers permanently on the skills shortage list. With a growing population and an ageing workforce, tackling this shortage needs robust action now. Tony Moss, managing director, Your World Healthcare T he British Museum will mark the 200th anniversary of its acquisition of the Elgin Marbles with a discussion by a panel of experts tonight. The 2,500-year-old sculptures have been the subject of one of the longest cultural rows in Europe, with Greece stepping up efforts this year to have them returned to their native Athens. The collection, a series of sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features, were acquired by Lord Elgin from the Parthenon between 1801 and 1805. The Scottish diplomat and peer sold them to the British Museum in 1816 and they have been on public display since 1817. Their history and impact will be discussed by curator Ian Jenkins; David Bindman, emeritus professor of the history of art at UCL; Athena Leoussi, associate professor in European history at the University of Reading; and author and historian Dominic Selwood. 10 exhibitions not to miss in 2016 1 /10 10 exhibitions not to miss in 2016 Women: New Portraits from Annie Leibovitz Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, January 16 - February 7 This exhibition will update the collaboration between Leibovitz and Susan Sontag that first emerged more than 15 years ago. A series of extraordinary photographs taken by the incomparable Annie Leibovitz looks at the role of women in the world today. ubs.com Annie Lebovitz, from WOMEN: New Portraits Visions of our Solar System Natural History Museum, January 22 - May 15 Dramatic photographs from Michael Benson are paired with an original score from Brian Eno in an exploration of our solar system, showing it in all its stunning glory. nhm.ac.uk NASA SDO/GSFC/Michael Benson, Kinetikon Pictures/Natural History Museum Electronic Superhighway Whitechapel Gallery, January 29 May 15 More than 100 artworks feature in this exploration of how the computers and the internet have impacted artists over the last 50 or so years. Work comes from the likes of Cory Arcangel, Jeremy Bailey, James Bridle and Constant Dullaart. whitechapelgallery.org Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Surface Tension (1992) Courtesy the artist and Carroll/Fletcher, London. Installation photograph by Maxime Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse Royal Academy of Arts, January 30 - April 20 From the 1860s to the 1920s, gardens served as a heavy influence on artists across the world, especially in the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant-Garde movements. This exhibition will detail how, with a stunning collection of works from the likes of Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Pissarro, Manet, Sargent, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Matisse, Klimt and Klee. royalacademy.org.uk Claude Monet, Water Lilies, 1914-15/Royal Academy Vogue 100 - A Century of Style National Portrait Gallery, February 11 May 22 Iconic magazine Vogue will be showcasing the best of its British publication in this exhibition, which promises to be little short of stunning. It's part of Vogue's centenary celebrations. It will feature 280 prints from the Conde Nast archive, revealing the extent of the magazine's substantial influence on fashion, taste, and culture at large. npg.org.uk Vogue/Vogue 100/National Portrait Gallery The Clangers, Bagpuss & Co The V&A Museum of Childhood, March 19 - October 9 Oliver Postgate's voice and Peter Firmin's puppets, which include Bagpuss, The Clangers and Ivor the Engine had a dramatic hand in shaping the childhood of millions of children in Britain and across the world. This display will tell the story of the puppets, of Smallfilms and Four Corners books, and of how Postgate and Firmin developed their signature stop-animation process. vam.ac.uk Smallfilms & Four Corners books/V&A Museum of Childhood Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones Saatchi Gallery, April 5 - September 4 The Saatchi Gallery will be taken over by never-before-seen Stones memorabilia, rare instruments, iconic costumes, album artwork and even the band's personal diaries. This exhibition will reveal their story from 60s blues band to the world's greatest rock n' roll band. saatchigallery.com Stones Archive/Gerry Images This Is A Voice Wellcome Collection, April 14 July 31 An exhibition for the ears: This Is A Voice explores how voices work, how we emotions are carried in our tone, pitch and rhythm of speech, and looks at non-verbal forms of communication, too. Paintings, manuscripts and illustrations compliment an acoustic journey featuring work from artists and vocalists including Joan La Barbara, Marcus Coates, Matthew Herbert and Imogen Stidworthy. wellcomecollection.org Enrico David, courtesy Michael Werner Gallery, New York and London Undressed: A brief history of underwear The V&A, April 16 March 12 2017 Worth going to for the pun-tastic title alone, this exhibition explores all things lingerie, from its practical use to its place in the world of high fashion and, of course, how its developed and shaped our attitudes towards sensuality and sexuality. vam.ac.uk Photographer Sebastian Faena, Model Eniko Mihalik Painters Painting: Van Dyck to Freud National Gallery, June 22 - September 4 Ever wondered what painters hang on their walls? On display here will be works owned by the likes of Lucian Freud, Matisse, Degas, Lawrence, Reynolds, and Van Dyck. It will explore why painters were interested in the work of others, and their reasons for building a collection, from personal interest to artistic inspiration. It should be a fascinating insight into what made some of our greatest artists tick. nationalgallery.org.uk Detail from Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Italian Woman, about 1870 Greece has long demanded the return of the Parthenon Marbles, claiming that they were taken illegally during the countrys occupation by Turkey until 1821 under the Ottoman Empire. Last year, lawyer Amal Clooney advised the Greek government, although it recently decided to try to recover them via the UN. The talk is at 6.30pm in the museums BP Lecture Theatre. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout Review at a glance T ime marches on. The first series of Absolutely Fabulous was broadcast in 1992, nearly a quarter of a century ago. What are you going to do? Ignore it of course! Carry on regardless. If the Dads Army film showed how not to do it (recast and reinvent), Ab Fab does the opposite. Everybodys back, everybodys blasting on, just as before, older, fatter (although not Patsy, obviously), crasser and sometimes even funnier. Jennifer Saunders, who takes sole responsibility for the script, and her team (director Mandie Fletchers credits include Blackadder and Only Fools and Horses) havent even really tried to turn this outing into one of those, you know, film things its a sketch, as it always was, barely even a sitcom, here a sketch stretched out to its absolute limit at 91 minutes. Funnily enough, though, that expansion works out a lot better than the jumbled freneticism of the trailer would lead you to expect. Trailers try to cherry-pick but sometimes they just mash up further whats already enough of a mash-up. Absolutely Fabulous: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley on the film So Eddy and Patsy appear blind drunk, ludicrously dressed, tumbling out of their limo, as they arrive home from some Fashion Week absurdity, to be confronted once more by the reproving Saffy in pyjamas (Julia Sawalha, 47 now, no less a sourpuss) accompanied this time by her 13-year-old daughter, also in pyjamas (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness, bright and sulky, there to bring some unequivocal youth into the scenario but never very purposefully used). Next morning, with Eddy and Patsy hungover to hell, theres Bubble again (Jane Horrocks, 52 now) dressed very correctly in a mad clowns costume that actually has inflated bubbles all over it and mother, or grandma, or now great-grandma (June Whitfield, 90), making her first appearance gliding down on a stairlift. Patsy greets the day by casually injecting her own face with Botox a bit of a coup, this scene and puffing away as per usual: Im vaping, she lies to the outraged Saffy. It has never been clear how such a daffy bat as Eddy runs a business efficiently and now shes actually running out of money. Her cards are broken, she complains, while Patsy sarcastically asks Havent you got any of that... she cant quite remember the word for cash hand money? Eddy is doing PR at this point for Lulu, Baby Spice and a huge boutique vodka and thats it. TODO: define component type brightcove Still, shes got a book deal, she claims, and theres a nice scene at Randy Penguin where she tries to sell her memoir to Mark Gatiss, doing a choice impersonation of real-life Penguin publishing director Stuart Proffitt, whos having none of it. Eddy claims to have dictated the book to Bubble but on inspection this typescript turns out to read just blah blah blah blah... She storms out, shouting You only read them, you dont write them. You work in the shop! Publishers! Just so. Then Eddy hears that Kate Moss needs a new PR and dreams of being begged to represent her and becoming the darling of all the hottest young things in fashion (the film is padded out with lots of such fantasy sequences). At a fashion launch (masterminded by an abusive bulldozer of a magazine editor, the great Kathy Burke), she moves in on Kate Moss. First her wingman Patsy detaches her target from Jon Hamm by reminding him of their previous encounter. He has some difficulty placing her. Oh god! I was 15, he says finally, in shock. A very big 15, she snickers. Youre still... alive, he says, whimpering, You took my virginity... please leave me my sanity. And then, in her eagerness to seal the deal, Eddy catastrophically pushes Moss off the balustrade shes sitting on into the Thames below, whence she does not re-emerge... Now shes really in a pickle, an astonishing number of IRL news presenters popping up on screen to announce the disaster, even Paxo appearing to ask Is there really nothing else happening in the world? Terrifying twosome: Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as Eddie and Patsy / David Appleby Eddys a hated hashtag Im being trolleyed on Twitter! and even practising her mindlessness doesnt help. What to do? Run away to Cannes. (And this is about as much plot as the whole movie musters.) Eddy and Patsy fly Budget Wings, a new experience for them. When Patsy sets off the smoke alarm the stewardess or DNB do nothing bitch (Rebel Wilson) protractedly tasers her, to Patsys scorn, not so much unfazed as positively revitalized by the jolt. Cheers! You dont get that on British Airways, she says. Gross-out on the Riviera ensues. This is my old hunting-ground, plenty of prey out there, says Patsy happily. They wont need beaters to flush them out once they sniff me out, up the Croisette. However, her former beau (Barry Humphries), after complaining that he misses pubic hair, does tell her to avoid the jacuzzi its a smoothie of old sperm. Cheers! TODO: define component type brightcove This is an incredibly energetic performance by Joanna Lumley, sneering, vampiric, indestructible. Nobody curls the lip comparably. She also cross-dresses a treat. If Eddy at this point looks a bit like shes being impersonated by Giant Haystacks, Patsy looks exactly as she always has done, a delight. Perhaps the best of her nasties is her scoffing description of what it is to have friends: Theyre not attachments, theyre parasites, ticks, danglers Saunders has written some zingers into this script. Throughout, there are countless appearances by celebrities as themselves so many that it makes Zoolander 2 look anonymous: Lily Cole, Jourdan Dunn, Alexa Chung, Stella McCartney, Daisy Lowe, Lara Stone, Jerry Hall, Joan Collins, Kelly Hoppen, Perez Hilton, Jean Paul Gaultier... At the films delirious premiere, commandeered by spectacular drag queens, there were whoops of delight at every recognition. Whether they really contribute very much to the fiesta for most viewers is not so clear its a curious collision of worlds, where those being satirised as hard as they can be are nonetheless desperate to join in. Kate Moss, it must be said, seems indifferent to the whole thing. And is Ab Fab really the liberating celebration of women behaving badly that its fans believe? Tanya Gold wrote a sharp article in The Spectator last week arguing that it is about women who loathe themselves, not comedy but the stocks. Ab Fabs emblematic status among drag queens could be a little questionable? Never mind. If you enjoy Ab Fab you wont be disappointed. This is your TV sketch (complete, by the way, with a poor sound mix and jerky edits) imperially expanded, And that they have been able to do this so convincingly after so much time has passed is an appropriate triumph. After all, as Saunders says, both in propria persona and quite similarly as Eddy in the film, In caveman times we would all have been dead by the time we were 30. Now we flap about until we are 70, 80, even 90, and we dont know what to do because biologically we should just be dead. Quite. So does Ab Fab live again. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout A re you satisfied with your sex life? As a sex-positive, intersectional feminist and sexologist, I hate hearing that people aren't having great sex or aren't experiencing enough full-bodied pleasure in the act. We deserve to have regular orgasms. Although many of us are still learning, debating, and practicing (the best part), what's essential is understanding that we are all capable of experiencing orgasm in a variety of different ways. Cue Nicki Minaj. Her Minajesty memorably announced I demand that I climax and that every woman should demand the same. She goes on to say that giving and receiving pleasure should be 50/50. Whatever 50/50 looks like to you in any given sexual encounter or experience, that's up to you and your partner to negotiate before, during, and after. Seriously friends: Your body is capable of some of the most intense, satisfying, and healing energy-producing force. An admirable sex expert Lou Paget says that vagina-bearers can experience 10 different types of orgasms, while penis-bearers can have eight. But, I think there are 12. Betty Dodson, the Godmother of Orgasms, has some of the best tips and advice about climaxing. Dodson speaks to the experience of the orgasm via the lens of what it feels like not just the mechanics of what makes it happen. She says clitoral and penile orgasms result from stimulation of the pudendal pathway, while orgasms that result from G spot, vaginal, and rectal stimulation often involve the pelvic nerve. Stimulating the pelvic nerve, via the rectum, can also lead to pleasure in some surprising ways. From healing migraines and relieving stress to soothing pain, boosting your immune system, and giving your body an effective workout, orgasms really are a cure-all. So, lets take a look at 12 types of orgasms and how you can achieve them. Types of orgasms 1 /16 Types of orgasms The G SPOT ORGASM Some experts say this small, spongy area above the front vaginal wall is a myth. Otherwise known as the Graffenberg spot, it is, according to Lelo, the most mysterious of erogenous zones. For some, its downright mythical, with the big Gs mere existence still subject to ongoing debate. Try telling that to the estimated 30% of women reporting that they achieve their orgasms through penetration alone. Exactly. It doesnt really matter if you believe it or not what matters is this: If applying pressure to this mysterious area in your body feels fantastic, then go for it. How to have one? Use a circular come hither motion and with applied pressure, and massage the area slowly. Dont be afraid to get your hands a little wet and maximise orgasmic potential by gently having the labia kissed at the same time. BREAST/NIPPLE According to a study reported on Science of Relationships, researchers discovered that stimulation of the nipple activated an area of the brain known as the genital sensory cortex. This is the same brain region activated by stimulation of the clitoris, vagina, and cervix. What this means is that womens brains seem to process nipple and genital stimulation in the same way. So, it IS possible! Sometimes, its easy to forget that our brains are actually the biggest sex organ that we have and their influence on how we experience pleasure on the whole is huge. KISSING/ORAL Your lips are packed with closely set nerve endings, classified as a mucocutaneous region of the body similar to the outer vulva, nipples, and clitoris. This means that they have the power to get you aroused. This type of orgasm requires some time commitment. Slow lip synching, tongue rolling, and teasing are all part of building up your arousal and should, in my opinion, be a part of foreplay all the time, anyway. Achieving orgasm this way requires deep focus, but it can happen. MULTIPLE ORGASMS Multiple orgasms come in two forms: sequential (one right after the other, with rest time in between) and serial (one right after another). How to have them? Enticing your body to have multiple orgasms will definitely require some down time for self-exploration. Some of us are hard-wired to have difficulty experiencing even one orgasm, let alone multiple. If this is you, know that you are not alone. Using a variety of techniques, stimulants, or fantasies is what can bring you to more easily achieve the multi-magic. If multiple orgasms are your goal, then once you've reached your first orgasm, take a second, regroup, breathe, and then try to have another. I recommend revelling in the rushing endorphins after one orgasm and then reapplying a building pressure to that same spot, whether it be your clitoris that is already erect, your anus, or the walls of your vagina. ANAL ORGASM Yes, your butt. For many women, anal intercourse feels fantastic. If you want to try it, use a healthy dose of lube and slowly work your way in and around the anal area, while preparing for penetration. Anal penetration should at first be a slow process, especially if youre new to the sensation. The tight muscles and thin epithelial cell layer within are subject to tearing, but they are also able to provide you with sensational pleasure. Graduated bead strands are a good starter toy to add to your sex toolbox. U-SPOT ORGASM The urethra. Yes, the pee hole. Surprised? Well, as Lou Paget states in her educational interviews, the urethra is actually surrounded on three sides by the clitoris. This is because your clitoris is actually a lot bigger than you think it is it goes three to five inches deep inside you. When your U-spot is stimulated, the erectile tissue surrounding the opening engorges with blood, thus triggering the Skenes Glands to produce prostatic fluid (the stuff of squirting) and you to become aroused. A-SPOT ORGASM This is your inner vaginal zone, also known as the anterior fornix. Look for it at the front vaginal wall, up towards your belly-button area. Some say its a great pressure point because it can be considered as indirect stimulation of the G-Spot much like the U-Spot and clitoral hood are indirect stimulation of the clitoris itself. This zone is best explored when youre quite aroused and your muscles are super-relaxed. CERVICAL ORGASM This is also known as the deep-spot orgasm or posterior fornix. It's similar to the A-Spot in that it responds best to pressure, rather than repeated stimulation. Finding this area is the result of deep penetration. For some vaginas, this area may be quite sensitive and possibly feel painful rather than pleasurable if the pressure is forced. Many people report experiencing intense orgasms with stimulation of this spot; some say it feels a little like anal sex, which makes sense, as the posterior fornix shares the same nerves as your anus. ZONE ORGASM Zone orgasms are ones that are experienced via stimulation of an area that isnt necessarily thought of as erotic. These are orgasms that are brought on by stimulation of that special sweet spot. Areas such the clavicle, nape of the neck, inner thigh, or prostate can lead you to experience a zone orgasm. Zone pleasure is great to explore on your own or with a partner, to see what moves you. BLENDED Blended orgasms are when more than one area is being stimulated at the same time. Simple. One hand here, a mouth there, a leg wrapped tightly around and pulling you closer Try massaging your nipples and breast tissue while rubbing a vibrator on your vulva, or penetrating your anus while stroking your labia. Sex is about pleasure, connection, and many other wonderful things but sometimes, sex is also about getting the job done and releasing the sexual energy within your body. FANTASY/MENTAL ORGASM Fantasy/mental orgasms happen because of stimulation of your biggest sex organ: your brain. These orgasms are brought on via intimate thoughts and exploratory fantasies nestled deep within your mind. Have you ever woken up from a sex dream where you experienced one of the best orgasms you've had in a while? Have you ever fantasised so hard about that babe on the subway that when you get to your office you needed to excuse yourself and spend a couple of minutes alone in the restroom? These are the orgasms that, after some training, can be had just with your thoughts. No touching. Carlen Costa, PhD, is one of Canada's leading sexologists and relationship experts. A sex-positive feminist, sushi fanatic, and opinionated Beyhive booty-shaker, she encourages us to invite and accept pleasure into our lives. Dr. Carlen is all about real sex for real people, and she aims to make the topic a part of our everyday conversations. Read more from Refinery29 The Best Burgers In London What Your Sexual Number Says About You 7 Tips To Make Your Hair Grow Faster O n Monday, journalist Liliane Daoud was made redundant. She collected her severance pay and went home to cook dinner for her daughter and ex-husband at her flat in a upmarket part of Cairo. She was defrosting fish when the doorbell rang. With remarkable poise, she tells me what happened next: There was a man at my door who told me I had 10 minutes to come with him. Six hours later I was deported. Daoud was born in Beirut and moved to London in 1999 to work for the BBC. She became a British citizen but moved to Egypt in 2012, on a high of post-Arab spring optimism. She hosted a current affairs show on private network ONTV, which has recently been bought by a businessman with links to President Sisi. When the police came to her door, she says, the first thing I thought of was the hostile environment training that I had at the BBC and to stay calm. My ex-husband and daughter were shouting from the balcony, asking what was going on. I told the policeman I was a British citizen and had the right to call the embassy but I couldnt get through. They told me I had crossed the red line in criticising the President. I never criticised the President personally. My daughter, Jood, was in hysterics and packed a bag to come with me. They said they only wanted me. They took my passport; I grabbed my handbag, sunglasses and cigarettes. Outside there were more muscly men. Im small and didnt know I was that dangerous. They drove her to the airport and asked her to buy a flight to Beirut. On the plane she was allowed to call Jood. It was a nerve-breaking flight but I was grateful that it hadnt been worse. I was thinking of Giulio Regeni [the Italian student found dead in Cairo] and how alone he must have been. Daoud is not the first western journalist to be deported from Egypt this year. French reporter Remy Pigaglio was detained in March. I belong to the BBC school of impartial, ethical reporting, she says. But I discovered that concept doesnt exist in the Egyptian mainstream. I tried to show all sides of the arguments and was professional enough not to talk about my politics on air. After she was made redundant, she says:My friends advised me to go on holiday but I worried they wouldnt let me back in. She discussed it with Jood, who wanted to return to the lovely flat by the park they had in Ealing, and is applying to schools here. Jood was born at Ealing Hospital and is a Londoner. She enjoys ballet and music, especially Adele. Daoud has been speaking to Jood on the phone from her sisters house in Beirut but says: Im worried the line is tapped. Jood is only a child. This has affected her. She is refusing to talk to anyone about what has happened. She just gets angry and upset. She wants to come back to London and live a normal life. I like the values in London. Daouds bank account has been frozen and her ex-husband is trying to get her money and bring Jood to join her. She sought out the British Ambassador in Cairo on Twitter, when the Foreign Office was slow to respond to her request for assistance. Yesterday, the British Embassy told her the situation is extremely difficult and she might not be able to go back to Cairo soon. Despite all this, Daoud is hopeful. Im not scared about going back to Egypt. All I can do is hope and wait until I can see my daughter again. Follow Susannah Butter: @susannahbutter " Perhaps weve had enough of these boys messing about, Anna Soubry suggested yesterday. The Conservative MP for Broxtowe was on Radio 4s The World At One calling for Theresa May to lead her own party, and proposing Angela Eagle take over from Jeremy Corbyn at Labours helm. Boris Johnson, politics blond bombshell, had just withdrawn from the Tory race, leaving May the frontrunner. Ladbrokes is now giving odds of 4/9 on the Home Secretary triumphing. Could England be on the verge of becoming a femocracy, with a women Prime Minister and leader of the opposition? Wed be copying Scotland, where the SNP, Labour and Tories all have women at the top already. And while theres currently only a single female leader in the G7 German chancellor Angela Merkel theoretically, when the group meets next year in Sicily, there could be a matriarchal trio: Merkel, May and Hillary Clinton. This week it has mostly been women whove stood strong, while men cowered; Nicola Sturgeon is another of the politicians whos come out of the past six days with her reputation elevated. Merkel, May, Clinton and Eagle seem to come from a similar mould. Theyre authoritative, tough, have far more impressive CVs than their rivals, project an air of competence and seem a safe pair of hands for a tumultuous time the kind of person you want at the tiller of the boat during a perfect storm. As Justine Greening said when she publicly backed May on Wednesday, it is the Home Secretarys professionalism and steel that she admires. Clinton always knew her trump card is that shes the leader you want picking up the White House phone at 3am. And yes, you could say theyre reassuringly dull; the most avant-garde element of May is her fancy footwear, a penchant for leopardprint pumps. Merkel has been in office for more than a decade, and theres speculation that she may soon step down. Comparisons between May and Merkel are already being made, prompting some feminists to bemoan the way we always compare women with other women. But we still dont have many models of female leadership to aspire to. Merkel could be seen as the forerunner. Our longest-serving Home Secretary in more than a century is the quiet woman of British politics. Shes industrious: toiling on her red boxes until 3am and has a keen eye for detail. But she also knows how to stick the knife in, quipping about Boriss negotiating chances in Brussels: The last time he did a deal with the Germans he came back with three nearly new water cannons. Which, incidentally, she then ruled he couldnt use. A (mostly) state-educated girl from Sussex, May like Merkel is the daughter of a clergyman (Mays father died in a car crash in her 20s). If she wins the leadership, she is charged with bringing unity and, like Mutti Merkel, shes expected to be a mother-of-the-nation figure, having previously fought to end the Tory reputation as the nasty party. Like Merkel, May is a pragmatist. She said on Desert Island Discs of her political leanings that she is neither Thatcherite nor Cameronite (I dont have an -ism but I do believe in certain principles) and that her attitude to her Type I diabetes, which requires her to inject insulin four times a day, was just get on and do it. 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 Neither is without controversy: Merkel has provoked fury for taking in thousands of refugees, while Mays Home Office policies regularly attract Change.org petitions in protest. They have both also been criticised as too cautious, with May deliberating extensively over policy changes. May is also switching one poisoned chalice, the Home Office (where she has failed to meet Tory immigration targets) for a tilt at another: handling Brexit, and the Kafkas castle of complications that entails. Theres a chance that the Tories will have had two female leaders before Labour has managed one . But perhaps May will end up facing another woman across the dispatch box: Angela Eagle. She would be the first elected female Labour leader; Harriet Harman and Margaret Beckett were interim leaders. Eagle would, however, claim a different first for Labour: an openly gay leader of a main political party in Westminster. She and Maria Eagle were also the first twin sisters ever to sit on the government front bench. Though Eagle may be politically miles apart from Merkel and May, shes not so wildly different in manner. Her caution is evident in the fact she reportedly has 51 Labour MPs backing her, is ready to stand but wants Corbyn to go rather than mounting a challenge. German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaking at a news conference in Berlin / REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke The daughter of a seamstress mother and printworker father, Eagle was state-educated (though she is part of the PPE set). She has the kind of excellent brain (shes a chess champion) that crisis calls for, and is a gifted orator: her impressively sharp tongue has been evident at PMQs when filling in for Corbyn. She has worked her way up, serving under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and is seen as a unifying candidate (at least in the parliamentary party, though perhaps not among the membership). A party loyalist, back in February she told the Observer: The Labour Party is more important than any personality. Merkel, May and Eagle all seem palatable in a world that is still short of female power, as Clintons slow road towards the White House shows. Our politics have not yet spawned a female Boris, although buffalo-riding, photo- op-chasing Ruth Davidson shows signs of breaking the mould. This quartet are also determined to bring other women with them. Angela is a huge supporter of young women, says Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn. She mentored me for years and encouraged me to pursue a political career. I have also sat on a panel with May the proud owner of a This is what a feminist looks like T-shirt where she spoke eloquently about the need to ensure girls are not held back by their sex. Merkel (having shied away from calling herself a feminist) suddenly put female empowerment at the heart of her work last year. And Clinton in contrast to 2008 has put the gender agenda at the centre of her 2016 campaign. When Bill became President, Clinton said: I suppose I could have stayed at home and baked cookies... but what I decided to do was fulfil my profession. That statement provoked an outcry. It was ahead of its time. For the rise of this quartet is part of a new feminist revolution: older women claiming power. At 55, Eagle is a relative whippersnapper. May is 59, Merkel 61. And Clinton will be 69 by results day. The chronology of being a woman is changing: the best years lie ahead. Follow Rosamund Urwin: @rosamundurwin T he design of and technology in cars has never moved faster, leading many to wonder how our cars will look in 10 or 20 years time. One way of getting a glimpse is to visit the annual Royal College of Arts Vehicle Design graduate exhibition, where the fruits of its vehicle design course are laid bare. Its illustrious graduates have made a major impact on the world of car design for years, and the show is renowned for revealing unfolding talent. The design course culminated in the 29th annual Pilkington Vehicle Design Awards, where students showcased their work after being tasked with delivering insight into the most innovative trends shaping the future of the automotive industry. Nominated students competed for two awards Best Use of Glazing, won by Patrick Carton, 24, from Ireland, and Best Design Interpretation, won by Javier Garcia-Gallardo, 25, from Spain. Cartons winning design, Thrive, aims to revolutionise the concept of rural mobility. His self-sustainable vehicle uses piezoelectric materials which create an electric charge when put under mechanical pressure. It lets the vehicle generate power from the rain, wind and sunlight, operating without the need for a charging point or petrol. Garcia-Gallardos design is an intriguing two-part transport package including a publicly owned, autonomous mobility device, or back wheel, that can also be harnessed to a range of different bolt-ons, tailored to the individual, offering private mobility in a public transport world. The students presented to an expert judging panel, including luminaries from the industry such as Earl Beckles of Jaguar Land Rover Design. Its so encouraging to see how these young designers are pushing the boundaries of innovation, says Mike Greenall, competition judge and director of automotive R&D programmes at NSG Group. The next decade represents a pivotal time for the automotive industry, with new technology and sustainability concerns likely to exert a significant influence on industry trends. On todays evidence, these students will be at the forefront of this evolution. Professor Dale Harrow, at the RCA, says the designs demonstrated immense potential, adding: Previous graduates have gone on to work for some of the industrys biggest names, and Im confident this years will make their mark on the fast-changing world of automotive design. The exhibition is open on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm on the RCAs Kensington Campus, Kensington Gore, W8. More at rca.ac.uk @djrwilliams B rad, Angelina, if youre reading this, Ive found the perfect holiday destination for you and the children. How does a six-bedroom, private villa (three villas, actually, and theyre all yours) with two infinity pools and steps down to a pristine, palm-lined beach sound? Pretty standard probably, but to anyone else the InterContinental in Vietnams Danang beach resort is outrageously luxurious. Heaven is the highest level of the hotels grounds, from which you can travel to Sky, Earth and Sea levels via a funicular railway which runs up and down the mountainside resort ferrying guests from their rooms, the spa, or the spectacular restaurants down to the white sand beach (where my villa was). If youre lucky youll spot one of the red-bottomed douc langur monkeys that live in the tropical forest surrounding the hotel. The best view is from the Citron restaurant, where you sit in dining booths shaped like inverted non la (Vietnams traditional, conical hats), which hover over the hillside with beautiful birds-eye views of the bay. I loved the Vietnamese delicacies served here such as summer rolls and banh mi and mi quang. Each province in Vietnam has its own speciality of noodles; while Hanoi has pho (the thicker variety), Danang has mi quang soft noodles dyed with saffron and served with shrimp or pork, vegetables and herbs with crushed peanut topping. Theres also a French fine dining restaurant, Pierre Gagnaires 1881. Previously presided over by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, it is in an impressively grand, Renaissance-style room. I have to admit, though, that my favourite meal was the one served barefoot on the deserted private beach, when the chef set up a grill and prepared freshly caught fish and salads as the moonlit waves lapped gently beside me. Go east: Danang as seen from the Marble Mountains / Alamy Danang is just a short flight from Hanoi and is an increasingly popular beach getaway, but it was Danangs Nam O Beach where at 9.03am on March 8, 1965, 3,500 US marines waded on to the shores, becoming the first American ground troops to arrive in Vietnam. The war and its associated suffering is still fresh in the minds of many older Vietnamese people. We have forgiven but not forgotten, I was told on many occasions. Today, the countrys troubled history is easy to overlook on Danangs blissfully tropical coastline. But it was put in sharp relief during a visit to the Marble Mountains a cluster of five marble and limestone hills south of Danang city. I clambered through tunnels and down into caves where bats flapped overhead looking for ever darker hiding places. The caves are Buddhist sanctuaries, with shrines carved into the rock. Incense burns and golden buddhas glimmer in the candlelight. I learnt that this cave was turned into a hospital for Viet Kong during the war and that soldiers would fire at American planes from its opening. A great way to get an authentic sense of life in Vietnam today is to take a Vespa tour, where you are zoomed through the countryside on the back of a scooter driven by a guide who will stop to introduce you to local families. I met a couple who make rice crackers, a family of mushroom farmers, and two elderly mat weavers the husband had lost his legs in the war and he and his wife of 60 years spend every minute of the day together weaving rugs which visitors can buy for $15. Hoi An old quarter at night / Alamy We set off from Cafe Zoom in Hoi An (30km south of Danang) and headed out west along the banks of the Thu Bon River, first stopping at a fish market to take some photographs before heading deep into the countryside, through dusty villages and farmland. We stopped in a rice field for lunch, where a table had been laid ready for our arrival and the farmer was preparing pho noodles and vegetables in a delicious broth. We carried on past fields of corn, aubergine, sweet potato, cucumbers and herbs. We stopped later for a warm beer in a shack just outside a village where middle-aged men, already drunk at 4pm, sang appalling karaoke. Our final stop was Cam Kim Harbour here we joined schoolchildren and commuters (and their bicycles) on the ferry into Hoi An as the sun set. Hoi Ans old town is an Unesco World Heritage site and is best seen by night when it is basked in soft light from the hundreds of traditional silk and brocade lanterns for which it is renowned. You can spend hours here walking along the river and stopping for cocktails at one of the pleasingly shabby colonial-style bars that line it (dont miss rooftop bar Chef, accessed via a bookshop). A Club Peninsula Suite at the InterContinental / Chris Cypert I had dinner on the roof terrace of Cargo Club where I ate whole, crispy fish served with red curry sauce, lime leaves and jasmine rice and congratulated myself on stumbling across such a great spot. The Vietnamese believe lanterns will bring them luck and happiness. Given that the country was voted the second happiest in the world after Costa Rica by the Happy Planet Index there may well be some truth in the superstition. I went home with a bag full of colourful silk painted lanterns, just in case. Details: Vietnam Karen Smith stayed at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (danang.intercontinental.com). Experience Travel Group (0203 468 6268; experiencetravelgroup.com) can tailor-make a seven-night holiday in Vietnam from 2,490 per person, including B&B at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, tours with a private guide, transfers and flights from Heathrow to Danang via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines B787-9 Dreamliner (vietnamairlines.com). vietnamtourism.com M editerranean azure beaches, vineyards, laid-back surfing towns, secluded islands and medieval fortress towns France really does have it all. Its near impossible to distill this magnificent country into just a handful of must-visit destinations, but heres our edit of the ones we think you should add to your French bucket list. The beauty of France is that you can easily pop across the channel in your car, if youre worried about post-Brexit airfares. It might be a tourist trap, but everyone should gaze upon Louis XIVs Palace of Versailles at least once in their life. Continue south to eat your way through the gastronomic capital Lyon and taking in the lavender fields of Provence. Then its onto the French Riviera where you can opt for the glitz of Nice or the buzz of Marseille or, if you prefer seclusion, the relatively unknown Ile de Porquerolles. Click through our gallery above to discover our full list of the best places to visit in France this summer. Picture research by alamy.com Follow Kate on Twitter and Instagram P olice are hunting a violent sex offender over a spate of alleged attacks, including an assault on an eight-year-old boy and a woman who had her hair sprayed red. Vitalij Kovaliov, 35, escaped from mental health unit staff while on escorted leave in Kings Street last Friday afternoon and headed off towards Chiswick. Police want to trace him over a series of incidents in the Chiswick area this week, including an alleged assault on an eight-year-old boy in Anstice Close on Wednesday at 6am. The boy, whose mother opened the door after mistaking the man for a delivery driver, received minor cuts to his face and was taken to hospital. In a bizarre attack on Tuesday at 12.20am in British Grove, a woman, 25, had her hair spray-painted red while waiting for a delivery, police say. Just 20 minutes later, a man was seen exposing himself in the middle of Cranbrook Road and, at 1pm, there was a report a 19-year-old man had been punched in the face. Vitalij Kovaliov: He is wanted over a spate of attacks / Met Police Half an hour afterwards, a 32-year-old man was punched in the back in Chiswick High Road, police say. At 2pm, a 27-year-old black woman had racial abuse hurled at her and a bottle thrown in her face at Essex Place, police reported. Later that day, a van had graffiti sprayed on it in Chiswick High Road. Police also want to trace Kovaliov after a man walking out of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre at 7.40pm on June 29 had a box of fruit knocked out of his hands before the produce was hurled at him. Police warn Kovaliov is a registered sex offender and known to be violent. He is described as white, between 5ft 11in and 6ft 1in tall and of medium build. Anyone who sees him should call police on 999. A man who supplied cutting agents to drug dealers, which changed hands in a supermarket car park in Islington, has been jailed for 18 years. Gregory King, 26, from Wetherby in West Yorkshire, used his online chemical supply businesses to sell large quantities of cutting agents to drug dealers, dealing mainly in the pharmaceutical drug benzocaine. Alfred Henaj, 35, from London, who bought the chemicals, was also sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to supply class A drugs. King bought 1.2 tonnes of the dental anaesthetic between April 2013 and January 2014, which is used to bulk up cocaine without altering its appearance, in order to boost the criminal profit available when it is sold on. Over a two year period, King supplied benzocaine, as well as lidocaine, phenacetin, caffeine, paracetamol and aspirin to drug dealers throughout the UK and internationally. Lock up: King supplied benzocaine, as well as lidocaine, phenacetin, caffeine, paracetamol and aspirin to drug dealers throughout the UK and internationally. / National Crime Agency He was caught following an investigation by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police Services Organised Crime Partnership. King was initially arrested by West Yorkshire Police in January 2014 after large quantities of cutting agents, some in jiffy bags ready for postage, were seized from a lock-up in Wetherby from which he ran his business. He was interviewed by officers, but was released on bail and continued to operate. In June 2014, Henaj purchased a barrel of benzocaine for 3,500 from an associate of Babak Rajabzadeh, 27, from Southampton. Rajabzadeh had bought 50 kilos of the chemical from King. Henaj collected the drug from a roof-top supermarket car park in Islington, and put the barrel into the boot of his car. He had arranged for another man to collect the car that day, but the vehicle was stopped by police who siezed the chemicals and arrested Henaj in a nearby coffee shop. King and Henaj were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey in March of conspiring to supply class A drugs, and on Wednesday they received sentences of 18 years and 14 years respectively. Babak Rabzadeh received eight years to be served consecutively to the 12 years he is already serving. Andy Tickner from the Organised Crime Partnership said: Gregory King helped the illegal drugs trade make millions of pounds in profits. "The quantity of cutting agents he was supplying would have had a wider impact on the availability and purity of cocaine on the streets of the UK, bringing the price down to a level which made it accessible to more users, and exposed more people to risk. Together with our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police, the Organised Crime Partnership was able to disrupt and bring to justice a major supplier of cutting agents to the illegal drugs trade. A murder investigation is underway and an elderly man has been arrested following the death of a 33-year-old woman in north London. Officers say they were called to a north London hospital at 3am on June 30 after the woman was taken there from Malden Road in Kentish Town. She died at 10.15am that day but police have not revealed what her injuries were. Detectives have since arrested a 76-year-old man and a woman, 34, on suspicion of murder. Both are currently in custody. A post-mortem examination was due to begin today at St Pancras Mortuary. Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command based at Barking, said: We retain an open mind at this stage of the investigation but our primary aim is to establish how the victim came to receive the injuries which led to her death." Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0208 345 1570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with a series of child sex offences. Scotland Yard said PC James Evans, 25, has been charged with six counts of sexual activity with a child. PC Evans is attached to Ealing borough. He is due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on August 1. Scotland Yard said he was charged following an investigation by the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command. A young Muslim today told how he was assaulted by a crowbar-wielding man shouting racist abuse in an attack he fears was linked to Brexit. Trainee accountant Adil, 23, was attacked in his BMW in Leyton by a stranger just after midnight on Wednesday as he drove his friend back from a Clapton mosque. The white man, aged in his 40s, attacked him with a metal pole, smashing his windscreen. He drove off before the man then allegedly tried to attack a Somalian taxi driver whilst shouting racist abuse about Muslims. Rise in racist and homophobic incidents reported following Brexit result An off-duty security guard, who had been in a car behind Adil, tackled the man, handcuffing him and pinning him face down on the floor until police arrived. Adil told the Standard the man seemed in a relaxed manner before he peered into his car. He said: He looked at my face and for a split second I saw his eyes light up. He started to run straight at me. He was coming towards me brandishing this metal pole in the air in front of him, I knew I was in trouble. I didnt have time to think. I turned to my friend said Hes got a weapon, I didnt know what to do. A motorbike coming from behind managed to swerve into the other lane and avoid the on-rushing man. Adil swerved his black BMW into the other lane to follow the motorcyclist but the attacker swung the weapon smashing the front windscreen, showering them with broken glass. Adil drove off before returning to the scene to learn he had been hurling racist abuse and trying to attack other drivers before he was arrested. He said: I was terrified. The whole thing replays in my mind over and over. Im glad nobody was hurt this is the time where everyone comes out of the nearby mosques, there were loads of people around. Since Brexit there seems to be a rise in these attacks and people need to look out for each other no matter who it is. He added: "There is always a chance incidents like this can rise after the Brexit vote because of the way the people tried to portray certain parts of the community. "I think it's always a risk but there's a higher risk of attacks now because a lot of the people who hold racist views believe 52 per cent of the country is with them. Of course that's wrong." David Cameron has said extra cash for security measures will be available as part of a fresh push to drive appalling hate crimes out of Britain. Reports of hate crime have soared by 57 per cent in the wake of the Brexit vote, according to the National Police Chiefs Council. While Monitoring group Tell Mama published a report yesterday recording 437 anti-Muslim crimes in 2015 compared to 146 in 2014. Shahid Malik, chairman of monitoring group Tell Mama, said: With the backdrop of the Brexit vote and the spike in racist incidents that seems to be emerging, the Government should be under no illusions: things could quickly become extremely unpleasant for Britains minorities. A Met spokesman said: We were called to Church Road at 12.45am on Wednesday morning to reports of a man almost smashing a car window. A man in his mid-40s was arrested for possibly possessing an offensive weapon. * Adil's surname has been removed on request. A man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was stabbed in the street in West Kensington. Police, ambulance crews and Londons air ambulance were called to North End Road shortly before 2pm to reports of an attack. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the man, believed to be 25, was taken to hospital in a critical condition. A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed a man was treated at the scene and rushed to hospital as a priority. Stabbing: The man is fighting for life in hospital Witnesses reported a heavy presence of emergency services near West Kensington Tube station. John Phillips, 32, from Streatham arrived soon after the attack. He said: "A young man has been stabbed. "I was told the attack started outside the pub and continued up the road to the Oaks. You can see blood splattered on the road. "Sadly this is becoming a regular sight across London." Cordon: One bystander said the attack continued up the road North End Road resident Deborah Taylor said she could not believe what had happened in the "quiet area". The 31 year-old teacher told the Standard: Its really scary, its a quiet area round here normally. The place had a bad reputation in the past but I dont think its like that now. Its made me think twice about going out on my own. Bridgette Parlma tweeted: Anybody driving via West Ken Station, erm, don't. North End Road Closed off, cops and ambulances. This page is being updated. L ives are at risk following the closure of a childrens accident and emergency unit and ward at a west London hospital, campaigners warned today. Young people brought in by their parents to Ealing Hospital now face being transferred up to 10 miles to a different hospital after the services were closed yesterday under the Ealing Care and Commission Group (CCG) initiative. Ealing council and residents have fought a four-year campaign to save the emergency department and attached Charlie Chaplin ward, which cares for 10 to 12 children at one time. Council leader Julian Bell said: Children will now have to travel much further distances to get to A&E. These delays and transfers can cost lives. Its a sad day for Ealing but we will keep up the fight. Residents and councillors joined a protest yesterday outside the hospital, in Uxbridge Road, Southall, calling on NHS bosses to reverse the closures. The NHS is making the cuts as part of a broader restructuring of care services across north-west London, with money being invested into other childrens A&E departments. Oliver New, chairman of campaign group Ealing Save Our NHS, warned that lives were being put at risk in order to meet NHS targets. He said: We are in no doubt that children will be put at risk because of the closure of the A&E service. There are lots of children in Southall due to the high birth rate and these people will be adversely affected. The 24/7 urgent care centre at Ealing Hospital will still treat children. However, those needing an overnight stay or further specialist treatment will be taken by hospital transfer service to one of five other north-west London hospitals, including Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 10 miles away. The mother of one regular patient has filed a judicial claim in the High Court of Justice to stop the closure. Her solicitor, Rheian Davies of local firm DH Law, said: When childrens wards are shut down emergency services are meant to be enhanced. In our view Ealing CCG has failed to shore up A&E services to the required level. An independent commission, chaired by leading barrister Michael Mansfield QC, was also highly critical of the NHSs Shaping a Healthier Future programme which is cutting hospital services in the region. But Ealing CCG, which also closed the hospitals maternity unit last year, defended the changes. A spokeswoman for the NHS said: These changes are about improving childrens care across the whole of north west London, by providing better access to more specialist senior doctors during the day and night, seven days a week. If a child arrives at Ealing needing more specialist care than the urgent care centre can provide, doctors will assess and stabilise the child. They will then be transferred to a nearby hospital, which will have better access to more specialist senior doctors during the day and night. L ondon today paid a sombre tribute to the thousands killed at the Battle of the Somme. Commuters halted to line Parliament Square, huddling under trees and umbrellas to stand in quiet reflection. The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery were there, after being at Thiepval in France last night, to fire three sets of guns, drawn into place by horses, every four seconds for 100 seconds to mark the silence. Whistles were blown and Big Ben chimed when the two-minute silence was over, though many still continued to stand in silent prayer. Men in WWI uniforms at Waterloo today It was just one of the ceremonies being held across the country today. At Wimbledon ground staff stood for the two-minute silence, while at London rail stations young actors dressed in First World War uniforms commemorated the centenary. They handed out cards to commuters bearing the names of some of the fallen. Traveller Anthony Lea tweeted: Poignant to see some of the ghosts who died at the Somme at Waterloo today, while Christian Guy added: A shiver down the spine leaving Waterloo this morning. It could have been anyone #wewillremember them. Last night the Queen had led a vigil at Westminster Abbey, with prayers said for the First World War dead and hymns sung by the congregation, who included descendants of men who fought at the Somme. The Queen symbolically touched a wreath that was placed at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. TODO: define component type brightcove During the service the Last Post was played with a bugle that had been used at the 1916 battle. Lance Sergeant Stuart Laing, 39, from the Welsh Guards, sounded it from the Lantern Tower the first time music had been performed from the eaves of the abbey. The Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Dr Richard Chartres, told the congregation that the Sommes legacy should be that todays children never endure what those soldiers faced. S adiq Khan has said he will sell the Metropolitan Polices controversial water cannon and use the money for youth services. The Mayor said it beggars belief that City Hall was paying to store the devices which have been banned from use. His predecessor Boris Johnson approved the purchase of three second hand water cannon from Germany for more than 200,000 two years ago. Scotland Yard chiefs had said after the London riots that they wanted the policing tools at their disposal in the event of a future emergency. But 12 months later Home Secretary Theresa May blocked a bid to allow their use on the streets of London on the grounds of medical risk. Since then they have been stored at a site, understood to be the Mets training facility near Gravesend in Kent, where they are used for training purposes. May mocks Boris During his first State of London debate, Mr Khan said: One of the deals Boris Johnson managed to do with the Germans was to buy three water cannon. What Im going to do is sell them and use the money for youth services. This shows the inability of Boris Johnson to get a good deal. Second hand, paid almost 250,000. Were paying for storage facilities for these water cannon. That beggars belief. The new Mayor made several quips at the expense of his predecessor, who yesterday pulled out of the race to become Prime Minister. Asked who he would like to see as the next Conservative leader, he said: I want a serious grown up, which is why its good it wont be Boris Johnson. It comes after Mr Johnson was teased by Mrs May during her own leadership launch about the water cannon which she banned from use. Last time he did a deal with the Germans, he came back with three nearly new water cannon, she quipped. T he nation fell silent today to remember the fallen of our bloodiest battle. Young and old, princes and politicians, honoured those cut down in their prime at the Battle of the Somme, 100 years after its terrible beginning. Veterans, servicemen and members of the public gathered at 7.28am to observe the two minutes silence. Then at 7.30am precisely, whistles were blown just as they were a century ago when the order was given for soldiers to go over the top on the first day of the battle. Prince Charles and Camilla took part in a service of commemoration at Thiepval, the memorial in northern France to the 72,000 missing in a foreign field. Commemorations: Artillery fire in Parliament Square was used to mark the remembrance / Lucy Young In the order of service, Charles wrote of the humbling courage of those who died. Their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten, he said. Fought between July and November 1916, the battle was the largest on the Western Front and one of the defining events of the First World War. On July 1, 1916, following a seven-day British bombardment, 120,000 men clambered from their trenches to be met by a hail of German machine-gun fire that cut half of them down. With 20,000 left dead and 40,000 wounded, it would go down as the bloodiest single day in British military history. Among the worst hit were the pals battalions volunteer units, mostly of men from the same villages or workplaces and with limited fighting experience. By the battles conclusion, more than one million were wounded, killed or missing on both sides. London marks Battle of the Somme centenary 1 /13 London marks Battle of the Somme centenary Guns fired just before 7.30am, signalling the time British infantry men went over the top exactly 100 years ago EPA Smoke filled Parliament as people paid their silent vigil EPA Members of the public stand in silence following rounds of artillery fire EPA Ground staff at Wimbledon were among those to remember the fallen PA The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery march through Westminster ahead of the vigil PA London firefighters were among those to pay respects EPA The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery pulls the weapons into Parliament Square MoD The sounds of shots were heard across Westminster EPA Members of the public and British Army soldiers stand beside the grave of the Unknown Warrior PA The thousands who died were remembered in the sombre tribute PA Pipes played out today over the Lochnagar crater near the village of La Boisselle, which marks the site where a mine was detonated in the first hours of the offensive. Paper poppy petals were released into the crater, representing the thousands who died. Today, clearly emotional, Camilla laid a wreath at the grave of her great-uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt, who was killed at the Somme in September 1916 while serving with the Coldstream Guards. The memorial service was attended by David Cameron, French president Francois Hollande, the Duke and Duchesses of Cambridge and Gloucester and Prince Harry. Mr Cameron wrote in the order of service that the event was a chance to stand together as friends with the representatives from the participant nations of the battle who are here today, from Germany, Ireland and from across the Commonwealth, honouring the contribution of all our nations. It is vital we ensure the battle, the sacrifices, are never forgotten, and todays commemorations will help to do just that. At the memorial, the story of the Somme was narrated by actors Charles Dance, Joely Richardson and Jason Isaacs. There was a reading too from former England international Sol Campbell, reflecting the loss of life among international sportsmen at the battle. Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry at Thiepval. William said: We lost the flower of a generation. Royal Family at Battle of the Somme tribute 1 /8 Royal Family at Battle of the Somme tribute The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to the soldiers killed 100 years ago in the Battle of the Somme, saying "we lost the flower of a generation". Chris Radburn/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry. Yui Mok/PA Wire They were attending part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. Yui Mok/PA Wire They visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. Chris Radburn/PA Wire William told the assembled guests: "We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life." Yui Mok/PA Wire William said: "We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war." Gareth Fuller/PA Wire Their attendance at such a significant event is a signal of the Queens faith in them as they take on more responsibilities from the monarch, 90, who led a vigil at Westminster Abbey last night. Guests at todays commemorations included members of the public from Britain, Ireland and France, military personnel and British and French schoolchildren. Military representatives of all nations involved in the conflict participated, including Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, the West Indies and Germany. TODO: define component type brightcove In the first 24 hours of the Somme, there were 57,470 casualties, including 19,240 men killed. Most died in the first few minutes. The battle continued for another 140 days, with Britains attempts to consolidate its gains quickly degenerating into bloody piecemeal fights for scraps of wood and village. The Somme was fought at such terrible cost that it has come to symbolise the tragic futility of the First World War. Today, the sense of loss is palpable still. Chelsea Pensioner Eddie Reid, 87, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was overcome as he looked among the row upon row of headstones. Battle of the Somme centenary He looked for the grave of his grandfather, who had perished here, hoping it would be among them. I have never been here before. I thought I would just look, he said, touching a headstone. It is so deeply moving to be here. Additional reporting Jamie Mickelthwaite In an interview with Hetq, the son of Armenian Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan shied away from specifics when explaining where he and his brother got $11 million to buy a lavish private house in Los Angeles in 2010. Hetq published an article yesterday detailing a number of high priced real estate deals that Gourgen and Artyom Khachatryan were involved in over the past few years in the Los Angeles real estate market. Gourgen and Artyom are the sons of Armenian Minister of Finance Gagik Khachatryan. Gourgen Khachatryan told Hetq that the transactions were on public record in the U.S. and that the Hetq article revealed nothing new. When asked how they got the money to buy the Westwood mansion in the first place, Gourgen merely mentioned that the money derived from business savings. At the core of the transactions were business saving, loans and credits, Gourgen Khachatryan told Hetq, adding that everyone knows that the process for such transactions in the U.S. is minutely investigated by the appropriate bodies and can only be carried out if they comply with the law. (No one with any knowledge of the U.S. real estate market actually believes this. Pay cash on the barrel head, and its no questions asked.) Anyway, when Hetq asked if the millions spent on real estate buy/sell transactions could have been better spent on similar projects in Armenia, Gourgen Khachatryan coolly replied that he and his brother have carried out numerous social programs in Armenia, but never for cheap PR. Now, I dont deem it useful to reveal the scope or nature of the social projects we have carried out. If you are personally interested in knowing, you can investigate the matter further and see what we have done, and are doing, in Armenia and Artsakh, Gourgen Khachatryan replied. He added that the scope of the projects was always comparable to the profits derived from their business profits. Photo: In 2011, Gourgen Khachatryan and Veto Trust purchased this private house at 530 S. Mapleton Drive for $14.4 million. (Khachatryans photo from wnews.am) A west London cafe appears to have banned a number of the Brexit campaign's leading figures. A poster has appeared in the Notting Hill Gate establishment, which is allegedly just up from where Michael Gove lives, warning staff not to serve the six Leave campaigners. They are Conservative MPs Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, and Andrea Leadsom; Ukip leader Nigel Farage; Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre; and Sarah Vine, Daily Mail columnist, and wife of Michael Gove. The poster reads: These people have harmed our business, one more meal or sale will not be worse than what theyve done. These people have hurt our employees and our friends, and we will not make them share the same space with them. "These people's cruel and regressive agenda was rejected by the people of London. The scathing poster goes on to say that the six are: "persona non grata (sic) in this city", adding: "London should give them no aid or comfort and neither will we." Gove says he has no charisma Justifying the ban, the poster reads: "these people seek to harm our city, they should be denied its comforts," and says the management of the cafe is "united against Brexit, united against the causes of Brexit." There has been an outpouring of anger in the capital since the referendum result was announced last Friday. Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum last week by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, but voters in London strongly backed Remain by 60 per cent to 40 per cent. An anti-Brexit rally in Trafalgar Square attracted tens of thousands, despite being cancelled by organisers over safety concerns, and millions have signed a petition calling for a second referendum to be held. Protest at Boris's house Tomorrow up to 40,000 people are expected to process through the streets of central London in an anti-Brexit 'March for Europe' protest. F ormer Liberty boss Shami Chakrabarti today condemned a Labour party activist who left a Jewish MP in tears at the publication of a report on anti-Semitism. She accused Marc Wadsworth of behaving incredibly rudely at the event in London to launch the report which probed allegations of anti-Semitism in Labour. Ms Chakrabarti, who headed the civil liberties group, took responsibility for what happened at the press conference and said she had apologised to Labour MP Ruth Smeeth. She also claimed that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had concurred with her when she admonished Mr Wadsworth for heckling and criticising Ms Smeeth. But Mr Wadsworth continued to refuse to apologise to Ms Smeeth. He had accused her at the event of working hand-in-hand with the right-wing media in a conspiracy to damage the Labour leader. Mrs Smeeth later branded the event disgusting following his words. She called for Mr Corbyn to resign for a catastrophic failure of leadership for allowing Mr Wadsworth to espouse such vile conspiracy theories about Jewish people unopposed. But Mr Wadsworth continued his attack on her today saying her storming out was designed to further undermine Mr Corbyn after a vote of no confidence from MPs on his leadership. He told the Standard: Her storming off was an act of politically motivated histrionics and thats sad. He has denied he is a member of left wing pressure group Momentum, which has called for traitor MPs trying to oust Corbyn to be deselected. The Labour leader was criticised for not acting when Mr Wadsworth heckled Ms Smeeth and was also accused of comparing Israel to self-style Islamic states. But Ms Chakrabarti said there had been deliberate misrepresentation of the leaders speech and that he had been referring to a section in her report. She said the comparison being made was between prejudice that minority groups in Britain can face. The probe followed the suspension of MP Naz Shah and ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone amid anti-Semitism claims, which they both deny. B ritain's vote for Brexit could lead to a surge of migrants throught the Channel Tunnel this summer as they desperately try to beat new restrictions, the crossing's boss has warned. Jacques Gounon, Eurotunnel chief executive and chairman, said the referendum result had given migrants a "clear signal" that the Anglo-French border would become "a huge wall, similar to the Berlin Wall, almost impossible to overcome". He spoke in Calais as the company unveiled new aerial drones armed with cameras to boost security on the French side of the tunnel by spotting potential trespassers. Mr Gounon said: "I'm afraid that any Brexit consequences could give a threat to migrants that they could be prevented from going to the UK - definitively going to the UK - in the years to come. "This could generate an additional new migrant pressure, in order for such people, desperately, to reach the UK before Brexit is enforced. "So I do think and I'm afraid that we could have an increased migrant pressure during this summer, as a Brexit consequence." The Calais end of the Channel Tunnel has been the focus of attempts by migrants to stow away on vehicles headed for Britain. Earlier this month aid charities reported that the population at the Jungle camp had risen to 6,123 - up from 5,178 in May - including 700 children. L'Auberge des Migrants and Help Refugees, which collected the data, said refugees from Afghanistan were the largest national group in the camp, making up 36 per cent of its inhabitants, while those from Sudan made up 32 per cent. In May Downing Street said improved security measures at the tunnel and ferry port in Calais, was behind attempts by migrants to cross the Channel in boats. Mr Gounon said the firm did not support the idea of moving the UK border from its current locations, as set out in the 1986 Treaty of Canterbury and Protocol de Sangatte in 1991, after Brexit. He added: "We are working very efficiently, jointly, with UK Border Force on the border issues for 25 years and so I don't believe that for the shuttle, for the fixed link, there is any interest to change the way the controls are working. "Because it is very efficient, we are catching and giving to the police force all the information in order to protect the site and to capture the migrants. I don't see what could be done more. "The drones are of course the way to increase the speed. We are working with these border issues, but definitively I think there is no interest at all, from the shuttle point of view, to have an additional border control in Folkestone, at the exit of the tunnel." O ne of Theresa Mays key backers today heralded the possibility of a new age of women in power across the world. International Development Secretary Justine Greening, highlighted that 2017 may be a year when women simultaneously hold the reins in the UK, US, Germany and at the United Nations. Speaking after Mrs May launched her bid to secure the Tory leadership and keys to 10 Downing Street, she told the Standard: It could be a historic moment. "We may now have a new age in which an entire generation of girls grow up seeing strong women in many positions of power, not just in Britain, but across the world. "And why not? After Boris Johnson dramatically dropped out of the leadership contest Mrs May is favourite to become the next Prime Minister, and Angela Eagle is said to be vying to become the new Labour leader. Scotlands First Minister is Nicola Sturgeon, while the leader of the Tory opposition there is Ruth Davidson. In the US Hillary Clinton hopes to beat Donald Trump to become the first woman President and in Germany Angela Merkel has held power for a decade. Ms Greening pointed out that five women are in the running to be the new Secretary General of the UN. Tory minister Andrea Leadsom has also thrown her hat in the ring to be the next Prime Minister. M ichael Gove launched his "big and bold" bid for the Tory leadership today, fending off claims that he betrayed Boris Johnson. The Justice Secretary denied deliberately ambushing the former Mayor when he issued a devastating statement saying he was not up to the job. Asked at his launch by the Evening Standard whey he failed to inform his ally he was running against him, Mr Gove insisted he "tried repeatedly" to get through. "I tried repeatedly to ring Boris and to speak to him," he said. In the end he called strategist Sir Lynton Crosby and had "a brief and businesslike conversation" before releasing his bombshell attack. Gove says he has no charisma Mr Gove set out his stall as a reformer who would tackle inequality and heal divisions in society exposed by the referendum. But he failed to say how much immigration would be cut by after ending EU free movement. He ruled out an early election. Mr Gove also made a dig at Theresa Mays ice queen image. What this country needs in a prime minister is not just a cool head but a heart burning with the desire for change, he declared. It was a clear jibe at Mrs May, whose own launch speech made a virtue of her unshowy style and refusal to gossip about colleagues over lunch. The pair clashed bitterly over policy when they were ministers, leading to Mr Gove being exiled to the whips office for a year, and are said to hate each other. Mrs May was nicknamed the Ice Queen by Nick Clegg. Ex-minister David Laws revealed in his memoirs that the former Lib-Dem leader told him: Shes a bit of an ice maiden and has no small talk whatsoever none. Setting out his own stall as leader, Mr Gove promised a big and bold vision to lead the country through uncertain times. TODO: define component type apester Mr Gove stressed his commitment to cut inequality and heal divisions. He painted himself as a reformer who had brought change to schools and prisons and could change the country. "What this country needs is not just a plan to make do and mend but a vision to transform our country for the better," he said. Mr Gove took a swipe at rival Theresa May, who is favourite to win the Tory leadership / Reuters "I have that vision to not only build an even more dynamic economy, but to help build a society that is fundamentally more fair." He went on: "The referendum laid bare divisions that are deep and damaging. It laid bare the truth about globalization, free movement and the march of progress in recent decades: That it has left people behind. That it has left a stratified and unequal society. "That it has broken the British contract which said: if you work hard and throw everything youve got into building a better life - then that better life can be built. "The referendum showed in stark relief that there are two Britains: those who can reap the benefits of globalisation and those who are flotsam and jetsam in its powerful flows of global capital and free labour. "For millions, the dream of home ownership is receding and wages are stagnating. "For millions this is not a brave new world but an uncertain new world. "And for all Britains power and prosperity, for millions this is still not a land of opportunity. "This is still a country where your schooling, your postcode, your background matters far too much - and it is the passion of my life and the motivation for this leadership bid to change that." He lambasted big business who had "rigged the markets" and pocketed unfairly large pay packets. "Too many acts though they were Steve Jobs but in fact they're behaving like David Brent," he said. It was no time to "muddle through and hope for the best" but to tackle problems head on. In several personal sections he spoke movingly about the parents who adopted him, recalling with emotion his mother Christine telling him, 'son, you didn't grow under my heart, you grew in it." He would offer the same love and opportunities to society's dispossessed, he promised. Mr Gove pledged he would end free movement and give EU cash to the NHS. "Under my leadership, it will be delivered," he said repeatedly. "I stand by the promises that we made He said the next PM must be a Brexiter because "the best person to lead Britain out of the EU is someone who argued to get Britain out". On his break-up with Boris, he denied plotting it all along, saying he had "worked night and day" to make their partnership a success. "But I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task." Mr Gove faced questions from reporters over whether his "assassination" of Boris would cost him support. "If you are the sort of person who lets attacks get under your skin, you should not be leader," he said. He ruled out giving a job at Mo 10 to his controversial former aide Dominic Cummings. He won backing today from Cabinet minister John Whittingdale and education minister Nick Gibb. Rumours around Westminster today are claiming that Mr Gove offered the post of Chancellor to George Osborne in return for his support yesterday. However, Mr Goves spokesman said that the pair had not spoken since Tuesday. Pitching for the support of One Nation Tories, Mr Gove said last weeks referendum voting had exposed the existence of two Britains one that made money from globalisation but also another whose people felt they were flotsam and jetsam in its powerful flows. However, he was urged do us a favour and stand down by the biggest beast of the One Nation wing of the party, Kenneth Clarke, who said Mr Gove had forfeited trust by knifing Boris Johnson. In a damning intervention, the former chancellor praised Mr Goves qualities as a minister but said he had no chance of winning. I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he were to stand down now and speed up the process, he told BBC radio. One of the first priorities for a leader of a party and certainly for a prime minister is that you should have the trust so far as possible of your colleagues. It is not encouraging that he stood alongside Boris throughout the campaign as his right-hand man. Mr Johnson broke his silence this morning by texting the Evening Standard with the message: Tell the readers Im in fine fettle, b. Mr Gove woke today to headlines describing him as a betrayer for plotting to withdraw support from Mr Johnson just hours before a launch they had jointly planned. Culture Secretary Mr Whittingdale, a Brexit backer, said: I have long been an admirer of Michael Gove who has been a consistently powerful conservative voice and has shown that he is a man of principle and conviction. I believe that he is best able to unite the Conservative Party. Mr Gibb said: Michael is a towering intellect, a man of great principle and a passionate believer in social justice. Leadership rival Liam Fox said the country needed grown-ups to lead the country after last weeks referendum rather than the politics of the Oxford Union epitomised by the Gove-Boris row. Mr Clarke said there would be an air of farce to add to the tragedy if Mr Gove claimed he could reunite the party. But Gove ally Dominic Raab, the justice minister, accused the former chancellor of trying to knock out the strongest Brexit candidate. He added: There are a lot of raw nerves around. Michael Gove is the change candidate with the vision. T he hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctic will close by 2050, scientists predict. A study from the University of Leeds and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has found clear signs of an increase in ozone, which shields life on Earth from the suns harmful ultraviolet rays. The study, published in the Science journal, said a yearly analysis of ozone hole has shown it has shrunk by more than 1.7 square miles since 2000 about 18 times the size of the UK. Research attributes the healing to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which introduced a ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) widely used at the time in aerosol cans and cooling appliances. And it is predicted the hole above the South Pole will close completely by 2050. Professor Susan Solomon, who led the research, said: We can now be confident that the things weve done have put the planet on a path to heal. "We decided collectively, as a world, Lets get rid of these molecules. We got rid of them, and now were seeing the planet respond. The ozone hole was first discovered in the 1950s using ground-based data and in the 1980s scientists found the total amount of ozone was starting to decrease. The hole has continued to widen and reached a peak in 2000 when it measured at 15 million square miles, which has remained fairly constant over the past 15 years except for a few spikes But new testing methods established volcanic eruptions caused the most recent spikes in ozone depletion and that the hole is starting to close. Co-author Dr Anja Schmidt, an Academic Research Fellow in Volcanic Impacts, said: The Montreal Protocol is a true success story that provided a solution to a global environmental issue. The ozone hole starts to grow each year when the sun returns to the South Polar cap from August before it reaches its peak in October. L ondon commuters told how they were moved today as scores of men dressed as First World War soldiers at Waterloo station to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Somme. Travellers spoke of poignant scenes at the major London station to coincide with the bloodiest day of British military history. London MEP Seb Dance said: Waterloo station filled with scores of silent men dressed as WW1 soldiers. Incredibly moving. Incredibly poignant. #Somme100 While Tracey Lees wrote: Poignant reminder of the anniversary of #Somme100 at Waterloo station today . Very young men dressed as soldiers. And Holly Bronson added: I was not expecting to see soldiers dressed in WW1 uniforms this morning for #Somme100 at both Waterloo and King's Cross. That was moving. Royals at Somme commemoration Britain fell silent this morning with ceremonies across the country in memory of the thousands killed at the battle in northern France. B rits are fleeing Brexit to a small New Zealand town with a surplus of jobs and affordable homes. The picturesque agricultural town of Kaitangata placed an advert for new residents, stating the town had too many jobs and too many affordable homes for the current population. Local mayor Bryan Cadogan said they were mainly expecting domestic applicants but since the advert went out, he has been inundated with thousands of applications from around the globe. Most applicants have been from Britain, the US, Syria, and Poland, with many citing Brexit as their reason for wanting to leave their current homes. Kaitangata dairy farmer Evan Dick said: The housing crisis in New Zealand has made the Kiwi dream unattainable for many people, but in Kaitangata the Kiwi dream is still a reality. This is an old-fashioned community, we dont lock our houses, we let kids run free. We have jobs, we have houses, but we dont have people. "We want to make this town vibrant again, we are waiting with open arms." Houses and land packages in the town in the Clutha district are on offer for approximately 122,000. Mayor Cadogan added that there were more than 1,000 job vacancies waiting to be filled and their youth unemployment was down to just two people. Commenting on the applications, he told the Guardian: Weve been getting smashed. It has perked the spirits of the locals up hugely, we dont know how to deal with this, were unprepared. " You've caught me in a moment, declares Greta Gerwig, before drawing a watery analogy. I was a swimmer in high school, and at swim meets Id have this feeling on the starting block that I didnt even know how to swim. Then Id jump in and it was fine. "But its that feeling, right before a thing; I dont know that I can do it. The 32 year-old actress, writer and producer, star of hit indie films such as Francis Ha, last summers Mistress America, and the comedy Maggies Plan, released later this week, is about to begin directing her first film which she has also written Lady Bird. "And shes feeling the weight of the self-imposed pressure. I just keep expecting a better version of myself to show up, she confesses. But I think that is so often the experience. You think: When I achieve the thing, wont I just be better? "And then you realise, no. Youre not going to be smarter, or more organised, or thinner, or prettier or calmer. Youre going to be you, and youre going to do it. Lady Bird stars the Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as a high school senior spending her last year at home. Gerwig is seemingly humbled by such illustrious casting of her directorial debut. Shes so good, its almost embarrassing, she says, blushing. Its a wet Friday morning in Manhattans West Village when we meet at a restaurant a couple of blocks from the home she shares with her boyfriend and frequent collaborator, the director Noah Baumbach, 46. Though Im assiduously watching the door, it takes me a beat to recognise Gerwig: her long blonde hair is cropped short and dyed a soft pink. It makes me happy every time I look at it, she beams, fingering her fringe. While Gerwig may extemporise in the same whimsical way as many of her on-screen characters, in person, theres only a hint of the endearingly awkward ditziness she frequently portrays on screen. Shes very definite, for example, about her breakfast. She wants scrambled eggs. But instead of bread, and this salad, can I get lots more potatoes? she asks the waiter sweetly. We dont do substitutions. At all, comes the surly response. Really? Even when theres barely anyone in here? She tries to persuade him, with a wide, winning smile. But the waiter stands firm. Gerwig and I roll our eyes at each other, and give up. With a few notable exceptions (such as No Strings Attached, with Ashton Kutcher, and the remake of Arthur, starring Russell Brand) Gerwig has managed to carve out a career almost entirely in independent films. Studios dont make films about people any more, she observes. Studios are in the business of rides. Theres nothing wrong with that those just arent the stories I am interested in telling. Maggies Plan is definitely a film about people. Gerwig plays the titular character, a young woman who begins an affair with a married writer and ficto-critical anthropologist, played by Ethan Hawke. But, once hes left his fiercely intellectual professor wife (Julianne Moore) and their children, set up home and had another child with Maggie, she decides that this wasnt quite what she wanted after all. She doesnt operate from a place of guilt, and thats refreshing for a female character, gushes Gerwig. She interrupts another marriage but she believes in radical personal responsibility. "Maggie follows her lust, and doesnt get punished. Mostly, in literature and film, if a woman follows her lust someone will die. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Gerwig, the youngest of three children, did not grow up around professional artists. Her mother is a nurse, her father a computer programmer, but both had a love of theatre and the arts. It was a household passionate about Woody Allen, Sondheim, Monty Python and Shakespeare. Shes the only professional performer. Her brother is a landscape architect and her sister works for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of California. Gerwig initially aspired to becoming a ballet dancer but, at 12, grew too tall. She applied to study musical theatre at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School in New York. I got rejected by them all, she says, without a trace of self-pity. She studied literature and philosophy at Barnard College in the city instead. After college she was rejected again by playwriting programmes but laughs about it now. I try to tell the truth about that, because a girl might read this who wants to be a film-maker, and who just got rejected, and thinks that means shell never be able to do it. Gerwigs big break came in 2010, with a starring role in Greenberg, directed by Baumbach. At the time he was married to actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, with whom he has a son. A year later, after the end of his marriage, Baumbach and Gerwig began dating and have since worked together on several more projects, including Francis Ha, which she co-wrote. It feels like dancing with your favourite dance partner, she says of their collaborations. If it was hard, we probably wouldnt do it. Travis Fimmel, Julianne Moore, Greta Gerwig, Rebecca Miller, Ethan Hawke at Maggie's Plan screening / Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images But how do they negotiate their relationship when working on separate projects? Theres a lot of getting on aeroplanes. She frowns for a second. I feel bad about my carbon emissions. A life of acting and making films is odd. You either have no time or a lot of time. Sometimes someone is unavailable for three months, but when theyre available, theyre very available. Baumbachs coterie of film nerd friends including Wes Anderson and Jake Paltrow, younger brother of Gwyneth have become hers too. Shes also become close to her West Village neighbour, director Todd Solondz, in whose film Wiener Dog she currently stars, and Maggies Plan director, Rebecca Miller (daughter of the playwright Arthur Miller), and her husband Daniel Day-Lewis. Im always calling her about problems. Gerwig is also firm friends with fellow multi-hyphenate Lake Bell and and the writer, actress, and creator of Girls, Lena Dunham. I think she was 21 and I was 23, I met her walking a dog, and loved her right away... In a fantastically meta moment, Gerwig briefly loses focus, looking out of the window behind me. Oh, theres Rebecca now, she cries, jumping up and out of the door to say hello to Miller, who is strolling past, thus confirming this particular corner of the West Village as indie showbiz central. While Bell, Dunham and Miller, along with Gerwig herself, are flying the flag for female directors, women still make up just nine per cent of those working in Hollywood. It was actually better in the Nineties, statistically, she says, horrified. Theres a million stories of guys who take a short film to Sundance then six months later are on the set of a giant movie. "It doesnt happen the same way for women and theres no reason why it shouldnt. They should be hiring women to make their Marvel films. Is it a confidence issue? Gerwig mulls it over. There are so many pressures on women to be perfect, and I think that makes it hard to be imperfectly doing your best, she says, before delivering a caveat. This is a completely new thought Im having, I havent worked it all out yet. Actually, I reckon shes got it all worked out an awful lot better than she thinks. Maggies Plan is released on July 8; Wiener-Dog is released on August 12 There were 44 snake bite incidents reported in Armenia during the first six months of the year, this according to the Ministry of Health. Seven people were bitten in the Yerevan area and went to local hospitals. Eleven snake bites were reported in Armavir Province, 10 in Aragatzotn, 5 in Shirak, 4 in Syunik and Kotayk, and 1 in Vayots Dzor. 29 of the 44 were treated with anti-venom, free of charge. No deaths were reported/ About $1.1 billion is hung up in the U.S. Senate because Republicans and Democrats cant agree on how to come up with the money and on what other elements should be included or excluded in the legislation. Ashford, a Democrat, said he voted for the House version because the Zika virus poses a potential crisis for this nation, and the bill was the only one available. We have to get some money in the pool to address Zika right now, he said at a press conference outside his office in central Omaha. Adi Pour, who heads the Douglas County Health Department, said there is still much to understand about Zika. But what we already know is frightening, Pour said. The virus has hit certain nations in Latin America, South America and the Caribbean hard. And while it doesnt typically make people seriously ill, it can lead to pregnant women having babies with microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition in which a babys head is unusually small and can involve problems such as seizures, developmental delays and disabilities, feeding difficulties and other challenges. The disease is carried by two kinds of mosquitoes, one of which has recently been found in small numbers in southeastern Nebraska. That species, Aedes albopictus, is the least effective carrier of Zika. The other, Aedes aegypti, tends to be in hotter areas farther south. About 820 cases have been confirmed in the United States, including two in Nebraska and nine in Iowa. All but one of the 820 were travel-related. The other was laboratory-acquired. The Senate bill became gummed up this week over partisan disputes involving funding for the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood, environmental laws against pesticides and other matters. The $1.1 billion would help fund research, vaccine discovery, mosquito control efforts, disease surveillance, public education and other items. Wednesday, a Senate committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, held a hearing on the hazards of the Zika virus and what government can do to prevent the spread. The hearing didnt address the funding bill. Last year I wrote about how Nebraskans had fought and won the water fight before, referencing a successful Panhandle fight to keep out an environmentally noxious coal plant in 1980. Since that column was printed, landowners have gone on to successfully stop the Keystone XL pipeline from crossing the Ogallala Aquifer and risking our agricultural lifeblood with the highly toxic sludge Bitumen. Now steadfast Sioux County landowners, vigilant Panhandle citizens and impassioned activists from across the state can add another tally to the win column. On Tuesday, when a Cheyenne County district judge ruled in favor of those steadfast landowners who had appealed the ruling by the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Nebraskans once again proved the power of a small, determined group to stand up to bureaucrats and big money corporations. Obviously, the media, including this newspaper, made hay from the dispute. Our politicians, particularly our state senators, were responsive and helpful. But it was the people who lived on the neighboring ranches and would have their water supply risked, the homeowners who took their kids to school on roads that could have seen up to 80 trucks a day, who won this battle. They paid the lawyer bills and took time out of their own busy schedules to attend meetings and protest, including traveling to Sidney more than once to push back for their own interests, even though the land in question was some 100 miles away from the site of the hearings. They organized dozens of community meetings in fast-food restaurants and ranchers quonsets to educate themselves about hydraulic fracturing and the wastewater it created. They might not have had all their facts right in the beginning but they learned as they went and their testimony improved as the months wore on. It was truly a grassroots, citizen-led effort, not nearly on the scale of what stopped the Keystone pipeline, but impressive in its own right. Environmentalists often get a bad name in rural America. Theyre typically thought of as tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegans who live in places so disconnected from the land they couldnt tell you how a farmer grows the garbanzo beans in their hummus. But thats not what I saw at these meetings. I saw pickups pull up and cowboy boots hit the pavement. I saw people who had farmed and ranched their familys land for generations, people who knew firsthand the value of keeping their natural resources pristine. These werent idealist yuppies; these were people who wanted to protect their groundwater and their livelihood. Most of them didnt want to speak to the media too much. They were just like everyone else in this area with that Midwestern sensibility of not wanting to talk about themselves. But when it came time to challenge a room full of oil executives and industry promoters, they didnt sit on their hands. They stood up. At the first hearing in Sidney, the one where the oil and gas commission said that the public testimony wouldnt be on the record, several generations of Nebraskans testified for hours about the importance of protecting the land and the water. And it was never about any one person, it was about all of them, about how injecting out-of-state wastewater full of pollutants would only benefit a few, at the risk of many. Well have to wait and see what happens when the attorney generals office reviews the appeal with the commission, but for now the landowners have won a big victory. They fought to keep Nebraska from becoming Colorados toxic landfill. They stood up to Big Oil and government bureaucracy. And they won. They should be proud. 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To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih, Ukraine -based subsidiary of the world's largest integrated metals and mining company ArcelorMittal, has announced that it has opened a new steel products warehouse in the central region of Ukraine (Dnipro) in accordance with the strategy for development of its own distributing network that the company started to implement in 2013. From its new, eighth storage facility in Ukraine , the company plans to ship over 3,000 mt of steel products per month. The new storage facility in Dnipro can hold up to 10,000 mt of steel products and possesses a railroad spur and the possibility of trucking services also. Friday, 01 July 2016 22:46:35 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo Argentinian industrial output declined 4.3 percent in May, year-on-year, according to data from the nations statistics agency, Indec. Indecs data showed the nations industrial production in the accumulated period of January to May diminished 3 percent, year-on-year. As for the crude steel segment, which is part of the basic metals category, industrial production declined 7.3 percent in May, year-on-year, as opposed to the 7.7 percent decline in the same period presented in mid-June by the countrys steel chamber, CAA. Automotive industrial output in May declined 8.6 percent, year-on-year, according to Indecs data. According to a Indecs survey, which measures the expectancies of the nations industrial companies, 73.7 percent expect a stable pace for domestic demand in June on a month-on-month basis, while 15.8 percent foresee an increase and 10.5 percent anticipate a decline. Out of the interviewed exporting companies, 65.1 percent expect a stable June on a month-on-month basis. However, 19.3 percent expect an increase and 15.6 percent a decline in the industrys performance. Chongqing Steel receives subsidy from municipal government Friday, 01 July 2016 10:04:11 (GMT+3) | Shanghai Chongqing-based Chinese steel producer Chongqing Iron & Steel Co. (Chongqing Steel) has announced that Chongqing municipal government has granted it a financial subsidy of RMB 59 million ($8.89 million). In particular, the money in question will be invested in the companys environmental costs. Similar articles Friday, 01 July 2016 17:16:45 (GMT+3) | Istanbul Italian plantmaker Danieli has announced that it will supply a new two-strand round bloom caster for the production of high alloy grades of large sections to a special steel producer in China s Shandong Province. The new caster will have two strands and a nominal radius of 16.5 meters and this will allow it to cast quality low and medium carbon steel sections with diameters of 600 mm, 700 mm and 800 mm. The designed annual productivity of this caster allows for an output of over 450,000 mt. The caster will be designed for future installation of a strand stirrer to take into account the trend of the ever-more demanding local and global markets. Lastly, the progressive unbending through nine pinching modules will ensure optimal product shape while avoiding any surface or central cracks. Friday, 01 July 2016 17:15:34 (GMT+3) | Istanbul In May this year, Japan 's industrial production decreased by 2.3 percent from the previous month, showing a decrease for the first time in three months, while output fell by 0.1 percent from May last year, according to the preliminary indices of the Industrial Production report published by Japan 's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). On the other hand, in May the Japanese iron and steel production index fell by 1.2 percent year on year, while Japan 's seasonally adjusted iron and steel production index decreased by 0.4 percent in May compared to April. Meanwhile, in May Japanese producers' iron and steel shipments increased by 1.1 percent and iron and steel inventories were up by 2.3 percent, both compared to the previous month. Friday, 01 July 2016 13:51:31 (GMT+3) | Shanghai Germany-based plantmaker SMS Group has announced that its subsidiary Drever International will provide additional equipment for a galvanizing furnace installed in the Calvert plant in Alabama, US of AM/NS, a 50/50 joint venture between global steel giant ArcelorMittal and Japan steelmaker Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. (NSSMC). The modification will enable the furnace to process third generation advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). According to SMS statement, the installation will give AM/NS Calvert the possibility to apply the quench and partitioning process, which allows a two-step thermal treatment. The equipment will be installed and commissioned at the end of the current year. Friday, 01 July 2016 17:11:19 (GMT+3) | Istanbul In the January-May period of this year, finished steel output in Turkey increased by 2.7 percent year on year to 15.48 million mt, according to the Turkish Iron and Steel Producers' Association (TCUD). As stated in the report, in the first five months of this year Turkey 's long product output totaled 11.25 million mt, up 3.7 percent, and its flat product output grew by 0.3 percent to 4.24 million mt, both on year-on-year basis. Meanwhile, 73 percent of the total finished steel output consisted of long products and 27 percent was accounted for by flat products. Finished steel consumption in Turkey in the January-May period of this year rose by 7.9 percent year on year to 14.8 million mt. As stated by the Turkish Iron and Steel Producers' Association (TCUD), Turkey s steel imports from China in the January-May period of this year rose by 43 percent on year-on-year basis to 1.18 million mt. In the first five months this year, Turkey s semi-finished imports from China increased by 503 percent year on year to 667,000 mt, consisting of only billets. In the first five months, Turkey s flat steel imports from China decreased by 56 percent to 206,000 mt, while its long steel imports from China were up by 40 percent to 134,000 mt, both on year-on-year basis. Friday, 01 July 2016 22:49:21 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo Brazilian miner and iron ore producer Vale has received a preliminary license for its Maravilhas 3 iron ore waste dam, which will be built near the city of Itabirito, in the state of Minas Gerais. According to the iron ore producer, the dam will allow Vale to continue activities at its Vargem Grande complex in the city of Nova Lima, as well at its Pico mine in the city of Itabirito, both in the state of Minas Gerais. The Maravilhas 3 dam will be part of a complex that has two more dams and will occupy 44 hectares. The complex is expected to be implemented within the next three years. A body of public prosecutors is expected to appeal the decision that granted Vale the preliminary license, according to media reports. Luxembourg-based plantmaker Paul Wurth has announced that it has completed all performance guarantee tests for the blast furnace (BF) No. 3 of the Vizag Steel plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh of Indian steelmaker Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited ( RINL ). Construction of the blast furnace was carried out by a consortium consisting of Paul Wurth subsidiaries Paul Wurth Italia S.p.A. and Paul Wurth India Pvt. Ltd and also including India -based Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Friday, 01 July 2016 21:01:01 (GMT+3) | San Diego A source from a major Brazilian exporter told SteelOrbis that Gerdau has increased the export price for its rebar by 8 percent, effective from July 1. With the increase, confirming previous rumors, the new price is $467/mt, FOB conditions, for CA-50 grade, 10mm thickness. According to the source, the other producers, such as ArcelorMittal and Votorantim will also increase their export prices by similar figures. In his view, the new price will reduce the competitiveness of the countrys export of rebar , due to lower international prices. In the domestic market, rebar transactions are around the equivalent of $730/mt, FOB conditions, no taxes included. Friday, 01 July 2016 21:26:03 (GMT+3) | San Diego SteelOrbis has learned that import rebar offers to the US from Turkey are still trending stable this week, with prices ranging from $410-$420/mt CFR FO in US Gulf ports (on a theoretical weight basis). Romania's Interior Minister Petre Toba on Friday welcomed Secretary General of Interpol Jurgen Stock, with the two officials including in their conversation the latest antidrug operation in Romania, the seizure of more than 2.5 tonnes of cocaine. The Interior Ministry (MAI) says in a press statement that Toba and Stock focused mainly on the challenges currently facing the European Union in terms of terror threats and their impact on cooperation among law enforcement officers in the aftermath of the UK voting to leave the European Union. "At the same time, the interior minister informed the Interpol Secretary general about the recent narcotic seizure in Romania, more than 2.5 tonnes of cocaine, which once again reflects the involvement of Romania's law enforcement organisations in the world community's fight against crime," says MAI. It quotes Toba as saying that such complex operations are the result of police cooperation between Romania and the law enforcement organisations of partner countries. "The Secretary General of the Interpol announced that the case will be used as a cooperation example at a regional conference in the Americas, scheduled for early August in Panama," the statement reads. Stock is quoted as saying, about cooperation with Romanian authorities, that Romania is an example of good practice in European as far as the implementation, use and access of police databases offered by Interpol are concerned. MAI says Romania is among the world's top ten countries in terms of uploading data and information to the databases, as well as a main contributor to the Interpol operations. "As a token of appreciation of the Romanian police officers' professionalism, Romania has been invited to dispatch specialists to joint projects conducted by the Interpol Secretariat General and also to submit joint applications for projects in the European zone funded by the EU as well as other external bodies," says MAI. Because of intensified terror actions and an increase in threats against world security and following Friday's talks, MAI will get technical assistance and support from the Interpol Secretariat General to implement all the cooperation instruments, which will contribute to increased security for the citizens, MAI says. "We are an important partner to Interpol, which we have joined in many successful operations, and today's meeting reconfirms this excellent cooperation, while providing an opportunity for developing new cooperation instruments," Toba is quoted as having said at the need of his meeting with visiting Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock. In his turn, Stock said cooperation between Interpol and European agencies is getting increasingly better, highlighting EU's support for Interpol. Agerpres The Environment Protection Agency on Friday said it didnt have enough information to determine that Franklin and St. Charles counties exceed federal sulfur dioxide limits, a move that spares the coal-fired Labadie Energy Center from installing costly emission controls. A statement released by EPA Region 7 says that based on available information the agency is unable to determine whether the area is meeting the [National Ambient Air Quality Standards]. For now, the EPA has simply deemed adjacent portions of Franklin and St. Charles counties as unclassifiable. Sulfur dioxide is a byproduct emitted from the combustion of sulfur-containing coal. Exposure to unsafe levels of the pollutant can cause respiratory and other health problems. The announcement came as a surprise to area residents and environmental activists. In February, the EPA had issued a preliminary decision that suggested the Labadie site was not meeting sulfur dioxide targets. That would have required Ameren to make costly investments at the Labadie plant in order to cut sulfur dioxide emissions. Environmentalists have argued that installing the equipment would help avoid hundreds of premature deaths and cardiopulmonary problems caused by the pollutant. In a statement, the Sierra Club denounced the EPA decision, saying it came as a shock to many local residents, business owners, and activists. Andy Knott, a representative of the groups Beyond Coal campaign, said, EPA rejected the science and is endangering the health of the people that live in and visit the area. ... It is disturbing to see that the very agency tasked with protecting our communities from dangerous levels of pollution has failed to do just that. Local advocates echoed that sentiment. What can they do to actually ensure that our community is safe? asked Patricia Schuba, a Labadie resident and board president of the volunteer-run Labadie Environmental Organization. Because its our understanding that thats the role of the EPA. Given the known health impacts of sulfur dioxide and its association with coal power, Schuba said she was blindsided by the EPAs noncommittal announcement. It was almost unbelievable, she said. Its left me kind of numb. Still, the EPAs decision on Labadies sulfur dioxide emissions is consistent with a Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommendation that the area remain unclassified while more data is collected. The concern centers on whether to use air monitors to directly measure pollution levels or rely on models that predict where the sulfur dioxide emitted by the plant ends up. Ameren favors collecting data with new monitors it installed last spring, soon after a California court settlement where EPA agreed to determine whether the nations largest sulfur dioxide emitters were violating air quality standards. Labadie was the 16th-largest power plant source of sulfur dioxide in 2014, according to EPA data. But the Sierra Club is crying foul over the states new monitoring plan, which the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has to submit to EPA for approval. It says Ameren has intentionally placed some monitors in places where it knows sulfur dioxide concentrations tend to be lower due to terrain and meteorological patterns. DNR has not done due diligence in reviewing and accepting Amerens monitoring locations, the Washington University Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic wrote in comments to EPA on DNRs monitoring blueprint. Back in Labadie, Schuba agrees that Fridays EPA ruling may have been altered by Amerens move to install monitors on its own, instead of waiting for modeling to suggest the optimal locations to target future monitoring efforts. Ameren rushed out of the gate and put in monitors on their own volition, Schuba said. I think Ameren did it as a strategic move to alter the outcome in this decision and it worked, surprisingly. A final state plan to cut sulfur dioxide doesnt have to be submitted until early 2018, almost three years after Ameren started collecting air data near Labadie. The EPA requires three years of data before deciding that a noncompliant area meets pollution standards, and Ameren says measurements from its new air monitors show the area is in compliance. Ken Miller, an environmental scientist at Washington University who is working with the Sierra Club, said its a very real possibility the utility and DNR will use the data to get EPA to avoid nonattainment designation in 2018. He argues the monitor placements rely on meteorological data from Jefferson Citys airport and wont pick up the highest concentrations around the plant. The problem with monitoring is Amerens got two monitors, Miller said. Its a big plant. Theres a lot of land out there. Ameren, however, denies that monitoring has been done selectively. Steve Whitworth, the companys environmental services director, insists that Ameren coordinated closely with Missouri DNR to determine locations for existing monitors. And, after 14 months of data collection, he says the measured values for ambient sulfur dioxide have been well below EPA thresholds. Health effects Sulfur dioxide is released when coal is burned and exacerbates respiratory ailments. But it also leads to the formation of tiny particles that lead to most of the thousands of estimated premature deaths across the country due to coal plant combustion. Jonathan Levy, a professor of environmental health at Boston University, used 2011 emission data at Labadie and models from the American Cancer Society and a well-regarded Harvard air pollution study to estimate the Labadie plant was responsible for an estimated 140 to 290 premature deaths that year, among the highest in the country at the time. For coal plants, it is the sulfur dioxide that is the single largest contributor to fine particulate matter and, really, health effects, Levy said. Since 2011, Labadie has cut its emissions of sulfur dioxide by nearly half. The reduction followed Amerens contract with St. Louis-based Peabody Energy to buy ultra low sulfur coal through 2017. In 2014, Labadie emitted 33,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, an amount Levy said was still appreciable. Common pollution controls, generally called scrubbers, can reduce sulfur dioxide emissions to a small fraction of untreated sulfur emissions. Only one of Amerens four plants, Sioux in St. Charles County, has the equipment. They cost $600 million to install and made up half of a 7 percent rate increase in 2011. In a filing with the Missouri Public Service Commission that lays out long term generation plans, Ameren says it anticipates it will eventually have to install scrubbers on its Labadie plant, a project it estimated would cost $519 million. The frustration is theyre spending huge amounts of time, energy and money right now basically just trying to delay putting on scrubbers when they say theyre going to have to do it in five years or 10 years anyway, Washington Universitys Miller said. Jacob Barker of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. CHICAGO The third-largest hog producer in the United States is buying more wheat for its animals to eat as prices head ever lower, making it an attractive alternative to corn. "We're right in the thick of changing feed rations," said Aaron Gaines, vice-president of technical resources and support operations at Carlyle, Ill.-based The Maschhoffs. Feed rations represent 65 percent of total operating expenses for The Maschhoffs, a family-owned company that says it produces enough hogs for packers to feed 16 million consumers a year. Typically, hogs eat a mix of 80 percent corn and 20 percent soybean meal, but that can vary depending on cost relative to common alternatives such as distillers' dried grains (DDGs), a corn byproduct. But wheat, normally too expensive to feed to animals, has tumbled in price recently as a huge harvest rolls in from the U.S. Plains and Midwest. Futures for wheat in Chicago hit a six-year low on Thursday at $4.36 per bushel while Kansas City hard red winter wheat touched $3.98 per bushel, its lowest price for a decade. Wheat boasts higher protein content than corn and weighs more per bushel. Economists calculate that therefore once it is less than 110 percent the price of corn, producers can benefit from switching feed supplies. Chris Hurt, economist at Purdue University, said the difference in weight per bushel gave wheat about 7 percent more value than corn while the higher protein levels kick that up to 10-12 percent on a bushel basis. The Maschhoffs is currently bidding at about 103 percent of the corn price, Gaines said. "Right now the wheat is pricing into our rations," he said, adding they would start using it as soon as possible to try to stretch out corn until the new harvest arrived in the autumn. Farmers are holding off sales of their stocks of corn because they think supplies could tighten ahead of harvest, pushing prices higher, Gaines said. A potential La Nina weather pattern in July and August could result in drier conditions and shrink corn yields. Wheat can replace about 50 percent of corn for young pigs and 100 percent for adult hogs, Gaines said. But feeding wheat instead of corn is not always straightforward. Wheat can carry a fungal disease known as vomitoxin and high concentrations can sicken hogs. "We test for (vomitoxin) in inbound wheat and we have a discount schedule. At a certain level we'll reject that grain and not feed it at all because it's more costly in terms of the animal performance versus the value of grain," said Gaines. Experts also recommend grinding wheat a little coarser than corn as it can create ulcers in pigs if ground too fine. Half the feed used by the company is produced from its own mills, which will use roughly 1 million tons of complete feed this year. The other half comes from mills that are independently owned and contracted to produce feed to meet The Maschhoffs' specifications. Of the feed mills owned by The Maschhoffs, about half have on-site grain storage. "We've got well over 50 percent of our total needs stored on site for the year, all for internal use and not for sale," said Gaines. Profit margins at St. Louis area hospitals rose to 4.5 percent in 2014 due to increased emergency room and outpatient visits and steep declines in charity care, according to a new report from the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition, an organization that represents area employers. While profits increased, hospitals were less charitable, the organization found. In 2014 area hospitals spent 2.1 percent of their operating revenue on charity care, or free or reduced care for low-income individuals. In the previous year, area hospitals spent 2.93 percent of operating revenue on charity care. Thats a nearly 28 percent decline in charity care in the region, according to Karen Roth, author of the report. For some health care advocates, a decrease in charity care is problematic because nonprofit hospitals are tax-exempt based on an expectation that they provide free care to those in need. However, the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Missouri do not have any requirements regarding how much charity care a nonprofit hospital must provide. The Business Health Coalition encourages nonprofit hospitals to spend at least 3 percent of operating revenue on charity care, Roth said. Looking at St. Louis area health systems as a whole, not a single health network spent 3 percent of its total operating revenue on charity care, according to the Business Health Coaliltions calculations. The drop in charity care is disappointing and disturbing, said Sidney Watson, a health law professor with St. Louis University. However, the report showed some hospitals within larger health systems exceeded the 3 percent threshold. They include BJC HealthCares Christian Hospital (5.96 percent), SSM Health DePaul Hospital (3.6 percent), SSM Health St. Clare Hospital (3.35 percent) and SSM Health St. Marys Hospital (3.74 percent). report statistics The drop in charity care in 2014 represents the biggest decline the Business Health Coalition has ever reported in its 20 years compiling its annual report on the financial health of area hospitals. One reason for the decline in charity care may be the increase in individuals with health insurance. The Affordable Care Act, which led to the creation of HealthCare.gov and made other key changes to health insurance, made it possible for millions of people to obtain coverage beginning in 2014. Less money spent on charity care was one factor that boosted overall profits at area hospitals. For the third year, Chesterfield-based Mercy was the most profitable health system locally. The nonprofit and Catholic health system had a $119 million net profit and a 9.9 percent profit margin. Creve Coeur-based SSM Health, a nonprofit and Catholic health system, had the second highest profit margin of 5 percent with nearly $92 million net profit. BJC HealthCare, the areas largest health system, had a 3 percent profit margin with $112 million in net profit. BJC, SSM, Mercy and the Missouri Hospital Association did not return calls for comment. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy The St. Louis Fire Department recently released a list of emergency calls to the Planned Parenthood clinic in the Central West End as part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by an anti-abortion group. The document shows 58 emergency calls to the health clinic from Jan. 1, 2009, to April 6, 2016, or about one call every 46 days. It does not specify whether calls are related to abortions. More than half of the calls were for general concerns including allergic reactions, fainting, falls, seizures, psychiatric issues and illnesses. Mary Kogut, CEO of Planned Parenthood St. Louis, said there were about 135,000 patient visits during that time period, plus staff and visitors to the building. In addition to abortion, the clinic provides routine medical care to men and women, cancer screenings, sexually transmitted disease tests, permanent birth control procedures and counseling. I think it is a sign of a quality provider to really know when patients are in need of care greater than we can provide, Kogut said. There were 23 emergency calls from the clinic for hemorrhages, or heavy bleeding, which is a potential complication of abortion. Hemorrhaging can also be triggered by other disorders treated by the clinic. If every case of hemorrhaging were linked to an abortion, the complication rate would total less than 0.1 percent of the more than 35,000 abortions performed at the clinic since 2009. The general rate of serious complications for abortion is less than 1 percent, or similar to the rate for colonoscopies, according to a study published in 2015 in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. About one-third of abortions are induced by medications. The most common surgical abortion procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes under local anesthesia. Abortion care is basic health care, some of the safest health care that we provide anywhere in any capacity, said Dr. David Eisenberg, medical director of Planned Parenthood St. Louis. Deborah Myers of Operation Rescue, based in Wichita, Kan., sued the fire department in 2014 seeking the ambulance reports, citing the Missouri Sunshine Law that governs access to public records. The group has requested emergency call records from abortion clinics nationwide to bolster complaints they file with state health departments. The local lawsuit was settled in May with the release of the list of ambulance calls. Under Missouri law, incident reports generated by police or fire departments that list the date, time, location and immediate facts and circumstances of an emergency call are considered public information. St. Louis attorneys argued that the reports are protected by federal patient privacy laws and state law preventing the release of information that can be used to identify someones medical treatment. The document released in the settlement does not include identifying information. Myers attorney Daniel Baker of Sedalia, Mo., called the number of 911 calls from the clinic astounding. Its macabre to know that this is going to continue, that there will be another ambulance in a couple months, he said. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. ST. LOUIS Police were seeking two men in a red Ford Mustang for a fatal shooting Friday morning along the St. Louis Riverfront Trail, under the Merchants Bridge. The victim, a man in his 50s, suffered a wound in the chest and died at a hospital, officials reported. His name was not released. Police said he was sitting in a white minivan with another man and two women, parked on the trail near a Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District treatment plant, when two men in the Mustang drove up about 10:20 a.m. and asked for help with the cars battery. The victim helped them and returned to the drivers seat of the van before the two announced a robbery and shot him, police said. Nobody else was hurt. The men fled in the Mustang. Police Capt. Mary Warnecke said the witnesses told investigators the men were strangers. She said it did not appear that anything was taken. She also said there was no indication of the presence of drugs, or that the victim and attackers had argued. Warnecke said investigators think that the citys network of surveillance cameras will help identify the killers. Police said it appeared that the people in the van were just enjoying the view along the river. The trail is a popular route for bicyclists, runners and walkers along the edge of the Mississippi River. The scene, under the railroad-only bridge, is about one-third of a mile north of the McKinley Bridge. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Prosecutors have charged a 16-year-old boy as an adult in the accidental shooting death of a toddler in north St. Louis County in December. Kameron Harvey was named late Thursday on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the Dec. 21 killing of 3-year-old Xavier Zae Robinson. The charge says Harvey, who was 15 at the time and visiting Zaes older brother, was playing with a loaded pistol with an attached laser sight and was watching Zae chase the beam along the living room floor when he fired and hit the boy in the abdomen. Zaes parents, Shawmane Robinson, 36, and Semaj Porter, 37, of Florissant, were charged last month with child endangerment. Police said they saw Harvey and Zaes older brother playing with a gun the prior evening and did not take the gun away nor check to see whether it was loaded. Zae was shot at a home the family rented in the 1600 block of Emerald Creek Drive, off Shackelford Road in an unincorporated area of north St. Louis County. Harvey ran from the home after shooting Zae, police said. Officers searched for the teen, who turned himself in at Florissant police headquarters later that day. Kameron had spent the night at the house. The 15-year-old boy brought a gun to the home, Porter said she later learned from her older son, who believed that it was unloaded. Porter, a nurse, was at work at the time of the shooting. Zaes father, who was unemployed at the time, was in a bedroom asleep. Also in the home were his mother, Dorothy Robinson, 69; his nephew, 32; and Porters 13-year-old daughter. A preliminary hearing for Harvey is set for Aug. 11. Court records list Harveys address in the 7100 block of Brackleigh Drive in Hazelwood. Harveys cash-only bail was set at $100,000. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and gives colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that wont end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget. The Democrat-led House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the plan, and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed it later Thursday, the last day of the fiscal year. Democratic leaders and Rauner crafted the agreement after days of negotiations amid increased public pressure to avoid entering a second fiscal year without spending certainty. About a dozen Illinois newspapers used their front pages Wednesday to publish editorials demanding that the two sides strike a deal and stop the bickering that has led to layoffs at colleges and forced social service providers to close their doors or make cuts. Before the 105-4 House vote, Democratic House Leader Barbara Flynn Currie acknowledged the plan doesnt solve the states fiscal mess. It is meant to keep the lights on, she said. Illinois is the only state in the country without a full budget for this year. In all, lawmakers agreed to spend $25 billion in state and federal funds for the budget year that ended Thursday, and $50 billion for the fiscal year beginning Friday. Schools will get just over $11 billion to stay open for a full year. The agreement also provides Chicago some relief on pension payments for teachers, an idea Rauner had resisted until Democratic lawmakers agreed to lower the amount they wanted. But while schools and cash-strapped colleges and social service providers can breathe a sigh of relief, the partial spending plan also means both parties will face high-stakes elections in November to influence budget discussions in January when a new legislative session begins and money starts to run out. Republican House Leader Jim Durkin said it would have been atrocious and likely spurred a public revolt if lawmakers finished another fiscal year without a budget. He noted that even with the compromise, the ongoing budget standoff between Rauner and Democrats who control the Legislature will be an election-year issue. Mark my word that it will be articulated in the fall by various entities, he said. For 18 months, Rauner has demanded business-friendly, union-weakening laws as a condition for agreeing to a spending plan that would include a tax hike. Democrats say the governors initiatives would hurt middle-class families and have nothing to do with the budget. The partial budget wont solve that ideological divide. While Rauner has not gotten his demands, hes not giving up and said Thursday that Novembers elections will determine whether his party has a greater voice to help him achieve what he wants. This election will largely determine that outcome, he said. Under the plan, schools are getting over $500 million more in state aid than they did last year. There will also be a $250 million equity grant to help schools with low-income students. Chicago would get $100 million of that. Part of the deal includes passing legislation to allow Chicago to raise $250 million in property taxes to help with teacher pension payments. A companion proposal will have the state cover $215 million in future pension costs beginning in June, like it does for all other Illinois school districts, but only if lawmakers pass legislation to reform the overall pension system next year. Democrats initially wanted $400 million in pension help for Chicago. The emerging plan calls for a $673 million increase for human services programs, including $20 million to restore programs that Rauner suggested eliminating. There is also $1 billion for colleges and universities about 85 percent of what they received the last time the state approved higher-education funding. Various state agencies, including the Department of Corrections, are getting $709 million to cover operational expenses. Even before the partial budget agreement, a large chunk of Illinois spending was on autopilot because of court orders requiring payments to Medicaid and state employees. Those court orders will continue, increasing the states debt because the payments are happening at last years higher income tax rate of 5 percent, rather than the current 3.75 percent. Rep. Jack Franks, a suburban Chicago Democrat who voted no on Thursdays funding measure, said it delays a long-term solution. I dont believe theres any profiles in courage today, he said. People drown HERE! Dont be the next one. There might have been a shock value to that sign when it first went up in 2006 after five children drowned in the Meramec River at Castlewood State Park that year. Days after two more lives were claimed last month in the same spot in the river, people walk past new signs as employees from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources hammer them into the sand. They walk by, right into the water. People have short memories, Metro West Fire Chief Mike Krause said. Hes caught between feeling helpless and hopeful for change. Krause pointed to a spot downstream from the boat ramp. Since 2004, 12 people have drowned, he said, within 50 feet of that point. That is an average of one drowning per year. I have to think that people really just dont know, Krause said. I have to think that a reasonable human being wouldnt be down there, carefree, flopping around in the water where we continually recover bodies. Krause and his department are considering a social media campaign, or some means to spread awareness. They have a pretty good following online, he said, but those people are local. Residents from near the park, which is just south of Ballwin, arent the ones who need to hear Krauses message. We just dont fish locals out of the bottom of this river, he said. Most of the 12 who have drowned in as many years lived in the city of St. Louis. Among the most tragic incidents involved five children, ages 10-17, who drowned in 2006 when they visited the park with the St. Louis Dream Center, an arm of the Joyce Meyer Ministries. The center settled a wrongful death lawsuit with one of the childrens parents two years later. The five who died were among 50 children at Castlewood that afternoon with the Dream Center. Tom Bastian, director of communications for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which operates the state park, said after the recent drownings the department had added three signs, with one closer to the drowning site, downstream of the boat ramp river access. While the department is awaiting the outcome of the local law enforcement investigation, the division enhanced signs that already existed at the location by making them double-sided, Bastian said. Almost always teens On a Wednesday afternoon, just before lunchtime when the sun is high and the temperature hangs just below 90 degrees, teens and families with small children start flooding onto the beach. So, you guys were out there swimming? Krause asks a pair of teens. They were, but not very deep. Do you know what happened here this weekend? Allie Collins and John Blanton are local, and though they didnt know that two St. Louis men had drowned just feet from where they swam, they knew others had perished there in years past. Collins is a trained lifeguard. Having the training helps, and I have been around open water like this quite a bit, she said. Thats not saying there isnt a chance something could happen, because of course it could. But for us, it was about getting away from the pools. And we didnt get too deep, just splashed around in the shallows. On June 24, the river claimed Henry Manu and Samuel Neal, both 18 and native Liberians living in St. Louis. Theirs were the first drownings at the particularly dangerous spot in Castlewood State Park since 2012. Its almost always teenagers, Krause said about the victims. The youngest of the 12 who have died since 2004 was 10; the oldest was 21. Only one of the 12 cases officially involved an intoxicated swimmer. At least eight of the cases involved someone who wasnt a strong swimmer or couldnt swim at all. None of the victims was wearing a life jacket. Neither Manu or Neal who died last week knew how to swim. Manu was a student at Lutheran South High School, and Neal attended Roosevelt High School. The two were best friends and athletes at their respective schools. Those drownings are a sampling of the Meramecs danger. Since 2008, the Missouri Highway Patrols Water Patrol division has responded to six drownings in the Meramec within St. Louis County, and seven in Franklin County. Its not clear if the St. Louis numbers overlap any of the victims Metro West helped recover. A steep slope Jake Neuner, 17, and his friends all live near Castlewood State Park and come to the beach to fish for carp. You better not get in that water, and text me when you leave, Neuner said his mother told him as he left the house. He said she instilled a healthy fear of the river in him. These boys get it, but most people dont, Krause said of Neuner and his friends. People avoid swimming in the Missouri (River) because its so treacherous, and then they think of the Meramec as a creek, but its not. Theres something that happens in that river a dozen yards out from the safety of the sand. The specific spot is about a quarter-mile downstream of the boat ramp. The bottom of the river quickly becomes dramatically deeper, allowing the current to take control. Untrained swimmers can panic. Its natural to want to step back to safety when a swimmer cant stand any longer, Krause said, but the current pushes downstream, away from the beach. At the same time, the flow of water from Kiefer Creek comes over the drop-off in the Meramecs floor, causing a tumbling effect thats hard to escape. Gary Dyhouse, retired hydrologist for the Army Corps of Engineers, said the current doesnt have to be quick when theres a slope. The overall slope of the Meramec River is steeper than any other river in the area, he said. If a person drowns in 10 feet of water in that particularly dangerous river bend, he or she is almost always found within 10 feet of going under, Krause said. Its different from the Missouri River or anything else, he explained. But thats the rule of thumb for this particular body of water. Thats why its almost always a recovery, not a rescue. We treat it as a rescue at first, but it really never is. EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to correct the location of the dangerous area of the Meramec River at Castlewood Park. WASHINGTON Attorney General Loretta Lynch intends to accept whatever recommendation career prosecutors and federal agents make in the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, a Justice Department official said Friday. "The Attorney General expects to receive and accept the determinations and findings of the Department's career prosecutors and investigators, as well as the FBI Director," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing probe. Lynch was expected to discuss the matter further at a summit Friday in Aspen, Colo. This revelation comes amid a controversy surrounding an impromptu private discussion that Lynch had aboard her plane on the tarmac at a Phoenix airport on Monday with Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton. That get-together has been criticized as inappropriate by Republicans and some Democrats at a time when the Justice Department has been investigating whether classified information was mishandled through Clinton's exclusive use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. Lynch told reporters that she did and Bill Clinton did not discuss the email investigation during the encounter. The announcement also appeared intended to assuage concerns, particularly among Republicans, that Lynch a Democratic appointee might overrule recommendations from the agents and prosecutors who have worked on the case. Disputes on charging decisions between the FBI and the Justice Department are not uncommon, particularly in national security cases, though many legal experts see any criminal prosecution in this matter as exceedingly unlikely. Decisions on whether to charge anyone in the case will be made by "career prosecutors and investigators who have been handling this matter since its inception" and reviewed by senior lawyers at the department and the FBI director, and Lynch will then accept whatever recommendation comes, the official said. Federal officials have already interviewed top Clinton aides including Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin. They have not yet spoken with Clinton herself. It's not known when the investigation will conclude. FBI Director James Comey has repeatedly said that there is no specific timeline for wrapping it up. ____ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP On nearly 90 percent of days last year, one or more states were flying the American flag at half-staff to memorialize the deaths of military members, public officials, police, first responders, prominent citizens, and victims of mass killings and disasters, The Associated Press found in analyzing information requested from all 50 states and the federal government. Below are the instances when Missouri or Illinois ordered the U.S. flag flown at half-staff last year on at least some government property, separate from proclamations that came from the federal government: Missouri Jan. 14: Christopher Tindall, South Metropolitan Fire Protection District battalion chief, who died after responding to a call. Feb. 26-March 3: State Auditor Thomas Schweich, who authorities said killed himself. April 1: Marshfield Fire Deputy Chief Edward Noland Jr., who died of injuries sustained in a 2011 fire. April 17: Charles McClain, the former Truman State University president and state higher education commissioner. April 25: Vietnam soldier Sgt. Rodney Griffin, who was killed in 1970. May 8: Orchard Farm Firefighter Larry Wayne Lawhorn, who died of a medical issue while heading to a fire. Aug. 28-Sept. 4: Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper James Bava, who died in a crash during a chase. Sept. 18: Harrison County sheriff's deputy Steven "Brett" Hawkins, who died after returning from a call. Oct. 8: Former state Sen. Harold Caskey Oct. 14-21: Kansas City firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh, who died during a blaze. Oct. 20-26: Marine Lance Cpl. Dominic Schraft, who was killed at a shooting range at Camp Pendleton in California. Dec. 29: Former state Sen. Emory Melton Illinois Feb. 12-14: Medora Fire Chief Kenneth Lehr, 59, who died when he was accidentally run over by a fire engine while trying to help an injured man. April 29-May 3: Former Gov. Dan Walker, a Democrat who served one term in the 1970s but also almost 18 months in prison for bank fraud. He died at 92. May 18-June 3: Marine Cpl. Sara Medina, 23, from Aurora, killed in May along with five other Marines in a helicopter crash on an earthquake relief mission in Nepal. June 1-3: Air Force 2nd Lt. Harry McGuire, 24, navigator aboard a World War II bomber shot down in Italy in 1944. Remains of the Chester native were identified in 2015. Aug. 12-14: Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Stephen Biezis, 23, from Chicago, a World War II airman shot down in 1944. His remains were identified in 2015. Aug. 13-15: Tazewell County Sheriff's Deputy Craig Whisenand, 44, who died in car crash while on duty. Aug. 18-20: Army Air Forces Staff Sgts. Ward Swalwell Jr. and Maurice Fevold, both 21 and from Chicago. They were members of a World War II bomber crew shot down over Germany in 1944, and their remains were identified in 2015. Aug. 27-29: Army Maj. Dale Richardson, 29, who died in 1970 after a helicopter crash in Cambodia. His remains were identified in 2015. Aug. 28-30: U.S. Forest Service firefighter Andrew Zajac. A 26-year-old Chicago-area native, he died trying to escape a wildfire in Washington state, where he lived. Sept. 5-7: Fox Lake Police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, initially mourned for apparently dying in the line of duty. Later in the year it emerged the 52-year-old had killed himself because he feared discovery of his embezzlement from a youth program, authorities said. Sept. 17-19: McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Maness, 47, who died of a blood clot resulting from an on-duty shooting 11 months earlier. Sept. 27-29: State Rep. Esther Golar, a Chicago Democrat, who died at age 71. Dec. 9-11: Matteson firefighter Mark Zielinski, 49, died of a heart problem while performing CPR. Dec. 16-18: Chicago firefighter Daniel Capuano, 42, fell down an elevator shaft while fighting a warehouse fire. Dec. 17-19: Army Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mose Weiss, 32, who was killed when a helicopter crashed during training in Tennessee. 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? 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Assured Guaranty Ltd. (NYSE: AGO) announced that its subsidiary Assured Guaranty Corp. (AGC) acquired CIFG Holding Inc., the parent of financial guaranty insurer CIFG Assurance North America, Inc. (CIFG) in accordance with the agreement announced on April 13, 2016. On or about July 5, 2016, CIFG will merge with and into AGC, with AGC as the surviving company. After the merger, all insurance policies issued by CIFG will become direct insurance obligations of AGC. This includes $2.7 billion of CIFG public finance and infrastructure insurance policies assumed by AGC in 2009 that were not novated to AGC following that reinsurance transaction. Between July 1, 2016 and the date that CIFG merges into AGC, CIFG will operate as an Assured Guaranty subsidiary. We are pleased to have completed our third acquisition of a legacy bond insurer, adding $5.5 billion to Assured Guarantys insured portfolio, said Dominic Frederico, President and CEO of Assured Guaranty. Much like our previous acquisitions of Financial Security Assurance and Radian Asset Assurance, this acquisition will strengthen Assured Guarantys franchise by adding a solid book of financial guaranty business and will also increase AGCs shareholders equity and statutory capital. This transaction will strengthen CIFG-insured bondholders security and enhance the liquidity of their bonds by providing the financial strength, protection and market acceptance of AGC. The CIFG acquisition is expected to be accretive to Assured Guarantys operating shareholders equity1 and adjusted book value1 at the acquisition date. It is also expected to be accretive to future operating earnings per share1 and, subject to mark-to-market adjustments, earnings per share. We appreciate the responsiveness and timely review by both the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Maryland Insurance Administration in diligently reviewing this multi-step transaction in just two-and-a-half months from the date of its announcement and, by doing so, permitting a significant benefit to the policyholders of both CIFG and AGC, said Mr. Frederico. As of March 31, 2016, CIFG had approximately $644 million of statutory capital. AGC paid $450.6 million in cash to acquire CIFG. For additional information about the acquisition, please visit the Assured Guaranty website at AssuredGuaranty.com/CIFG. 1. Operating earnings, operating shareholders equity and adjusted book value are non-GAAP financial measures. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are net income for operating earnings, and shareholders equity for operating shareholders equity and adjusted book value. An explanation of these non-GAAP financial measures may be found in the most recent Equity Presentation, Fixed Income Presentation and Assured Guaranty Ltd. Financial Supplement in the Investor Information section of the Companys website at AssuredGuaranty.com. Cousins Properties Incorporated ("Cousins") (NYSE: CUZ) announced today that Cousins will hold a Special Meeting of its Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at 191 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. At the Special Meeting, Cousins' stockholders will vote on proposals related to the previously announced agreement and plan of merger, pursuant to which Parkway Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PKY) will merge with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Cousins in a stock-for-stock transaction. The record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting has been set as the close of business on Friday, July 15, 2016. Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE: GTE) announces that the Company has entered into an agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement") to acquire PetroLatina Energy Ltd. ("PetroLatina") for cash consideration of $525 million (the "Acquisition"), consisting of an initial payment of $500 million at closing, subject to closing adjustments, and a deferred payment of $25 million prior to December 31, 2016. PetroLatina is a private, independent exploration and production company with assets primarily in the Middle Magdalena basin of Colombia. "The Acquisition represents a unique material opportunity in Colombia in terms of scale and upside potential, and will add a new core area for Gran Tierra in the prolific Middle Magdalena Basin," commented Gary Guidry, Gran Tierra's President and CEO, "The combination of Gran Tierra's strong, positive cash-flowing asset base and PetroLatina's attractive portfolio of development opportunities will create a premier Colombia-focused exploration and production company." The Acquisition is expected to be funded through a combination of Gran Tierra's current cash balance, available borrowings under Gran Tierra's existing credit facilities, a new $130 million debt facility, and a private placement of up to $173.5 million of subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") priced at $3.00 per Subscription Receipt entitling each holder thereof to one share of common stock in the capital of the Corporation ("Common Shares"). The pricing reflects a 7.9 percent discount from the five day volume weighted average price of $3.26. "Our balance sheet and financial strength along with low cost operations allow us to execute on our growth strategy in a low oil price environment," said Guidry. "We are acquiring significant proved, probable and possible reserves in a new core area in the Middle Magdalena basin which we expect to enhance our long-term growth strategy and to be an excellent fit with Gran Tierra's current reserves and resources base in the Putumayo basin." Below are certain transaction highlights relating to the Acquisition. Key Transaction Highlights(1) -- Growth platform in Middle Magdalena basin with significant proved plus probable ("2P") reserves additions of 53 million barrels ("MMbbl") (100% oil), increasing Gran Tierra's pro forma December 31, 2015 2P reserves by 70% to 129 million barrels of oil equivalent ("MMBOE")(7) -- Complementary acreage positions in Middle Magdalena basin, Llanos basin and Putumayo basin; addition of 469 thousand working interest ("WI") acres across Colombian portfolio -- Expected PetroLatina H2/2016 WI before royalties 2P average daily production of 5,400 barrels of oil per day ("bopd") -- Expected PetroLatina 2018 WI before royalties 2P average daily production of 14,800 bopd -- Long term free cash flow generation and attractive pro forma operating netbacks(2) of approximately $30 per barrel ("bbl") -- Pro forma Gran Tierra will have a diversified portfolio of three large producing oil fields and a diversified exploration portfolio of 694 MMBOE(5) of unrisked mean prospective resources. -- Accretive on a per share basis to Gran Tierra's production, reserves and net asset value -- Expected cost savings from operational synergies and efficiencies -- Combined company work program is expected to be self-funding for at least the next five years. Key Attributes of PetroLatina(1) PetroLatina's core asset is a 100% operated WI in the Midas Block located in the Middle Magdalena basin, which contains the Acordionero conventional oil field which PetroLatina discovered in 2013. - Material Reserves and Production at Acordionero: With WI 2P reserves of 47 MMbbl, Acordionero comprises approximately 90% of PetroLatina's total WI 2P reserves of 53 MMbbl. Acordionero's estimated H2/2016 WI before royalties 2P production of approximately 4,450 bopd represents 82% of PetroLatina's estimated total H2 2016 WI before royalties 2P production of 5,400 bopd. As of March 31, 2016, the Acordionero-1 discovery well has produced a cumulative 1.8 MMbbl of oil, while total cumulative oil production from the Acordionero field stands at 3.4 MMbbl. - Ongoing Drilling in the Acordionero Field: As of May 31, 2016, four wells have been drilled in the Acordionero field, consisting of one discovery exploration well and three follow-up appraisal wells. Acordionero has oil in two formations within a four-way structural closure. The productive formations are the Lisama "A" Sand, which produces heavy oil with 14 degrees API gravity, and the Lisama "C/D" Sands, which produce medium oil with 26 degrees API gravity. Approximately 34 MMbbl or 72% of Acordionero's WI 2P reserves are contained in the Lisama "A" sand, while the remaining 13 MMbbl or 28% of the field's WI 2P reserves are contained in the Lisama "C/D" Sands. - Significant Long-Term Development Potential at Acordionero: On a 2P basis, 16 additional production wells and 5 water injection wells are expected to be drilled and completed over the next three years (2016- 2018). In addition, four existing wells are expected to be recompleted by 2022. This development plan would require an approximate investment of $181 million over the period 2016 to 2022 and is expected to increase Acordionero's WI before royalties production from an approximate average of 4,600 bopd in 2016 to an approximate average of 15,000 bopd in 2019. - Significant Colombian Land Holdings: The Acquisition establishes a new core area for Gran Tierra in the Middle Magdalena basin (addition of 78,662 WI acres), which has a history of significant conventional petroleum exploration and production success. Unconventional resources are now under evaluation for commercial opportunities in the La Luna and Rosa Blanca formations. The blocks being acquired are in the heart of this developing play trend. The Acquisition further enhances Gran Tierra's dominant land position in the Putumayo basin (addition of 79,069 WI acres) by increasing the Company's WI in the PUT-4 Block from 70% to 100% WI and adding the 100% WI PUT-25 block. The PUT-4 block has 7 prospects and consolidates an incremental 5 MMBOE(6) of mean risked prospective resources. Gran Tierra is planning to drill the Siriri prospect on PUT-4 in 2016, which will test the N-Sands exploration play. The Llanos blocks (addition of 310, 940 WI acres), LLA-1, LLA-53 and LLA-70, further diversify Gran Tierra's position in the basin and provide additional, operated, exploration acreage which may include stratigraphic and structural prospectivity. To view Figure 1: Gran Tierra Energy and PetroLatina's Land Position in Colombia, visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1061339-F1.pdf Summary of Transaction PetroLatina operational figures as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated WI Proved ("1P") Reserves:(1) 21 MMbbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated WI 2P Reserves:(1) 53 MMbbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated WI Proved + Probable + Possible ("3P") 98 MMbbl Reserves:(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (H2 2016 Average):(1) 5,400 bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (2017 Average):(1) 8,600 bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (2018 Average):(1) 14,800 bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2P net present value before tax discounted at 10%(1) $ 990 million ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3P net present value before tax discounted at 10%(1) $ 1,771 million ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil as Percentage of Reserves & Production: 100% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WI Land Holdings, March 31, 2016: 469 thousand acres ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Tax Pools, March, 31, 2016: $73.2 million ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback, H2 2016:(2) $29 per barrel ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback, 2017:(2) $31 per bbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback, 2018:(2) $36 per bbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated 2016-2018 Capital Expenditures:(1) $185 million ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acquisition metrics, based on the purchase price of $525 million, are expected to be as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WI 1P Reserves: $25.0 per bbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WI 2P Reserves: $9.9 per bbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- WI 3P Reserves: $5.4 per bbl ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (H2 2016 Average): $97,200 per bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (2017 Average): $61,000 per bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected 2P WI Production (2018 Average): $35,500 per bopd ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback Multiple, H2 2016:(2)(3)(4) 9.1 times ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback Multiple, 2017:(2)(3) 5.5 times ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated Operating Netback Multiple, 2018:(2)(3) times ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: (1) PetroLatina's reserves, production, operating netbacks and capital expenditures are based on an independent reserves evaluation, effective December 31, 2015, prepared by McDaniel & Associates Ltd. ("McDaniel") for Gran Tierra in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101 - Standards for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51- 101") and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook ("COGEH") (the "PetroLatina McDaniel Reserves Report"). Gran Tierra's reserves and production are based on an independent reserves evaluation, effective December 31, 2015, prepared by McDaniel in accordance NI 51-101 and COGEH (the "GTE McDaniel Reserves Report"). McDaniel January 1, 2016 Brent oil price deck: $47.5/bbl 2016, $56.2/bbl 2017, and $65.0/bbl 2018. Production and reserves are on a pre-royalty basis. (2) Based on the PetroLatina McDaniel Reserves Report. Operating netbacks calculated as oil sales net of royalties and operating expenses; Operating netback is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Investors are cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company's method of calculating this measure may differ from other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Management believes that operating netback is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to analyze operating performance and provide an indication of the results generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. (3) Operating netback multiples calculated as purchase price divided by operating netback. (4) Annualized (5) Based on the independent evaluation of prospective resources prepared by McDaniel as at September 30, 2015 with respect to Gran Tierra's Colombian properties, the independent evaluation of Petroamerica Oil Corp's ("Petroamerica") prospective resources prepared by McDaniel as at December 31, 2015 (the "PTA McDaniel Prospective Resources Report") and further derived from the PTA McDaniel Prospective Resources Report by a member of management who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with COGEH as of the same date as PetroGranada Colombia Limited ("PGC") owns the remaining 50% WI in the Putumayo-7 Block, the other 50% WI being owned by Petroamerica and derived from the PTA McDaniel Prospective Resources Report by a member of management who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with COGEH as of the same date as PetroLatina owns the remaining 30% WI in the Putumayo-4 Block, the other 70% WI being owned by Gran Tierra. (6) Derived from the PTA McDaniel Prospective Resources Report by a member of management who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with COGEH as of the same date as PetroLatina owns the remaining 30% WI in the Putumayo-4 Block, the other 70% WI being owned by Gran Tierra. (7) Based on the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report and the PetroLatina McDaniel Reserves Report. Comparison is to Gran Tierra pro forma reserves at December 31, 2015, including reserves acquired through acquisitions of Petroamerica and PGC in January 2016. Acquisition Process The Acquisition has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Gran Tierra. The Acquisition Agreement was entered into among an indirect subsidiary of the Company, PetroLatina and three key shareholders of PetroLatina that hold more than 80% of the shares of PetroLatina. Under the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, it is a condition of closing that all of the remaining shares of PetroLatina are acquired pursuant to provisions of the Articles of Association of PetroLatina upon the closing of the Acquisition. The Acquisition is also subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, any required regulatory approval, and is expected to close prior to October 31, 2016. Financing of the Transaction Consideration for the Acquisition will consist of an initial payment of $500 million at closing, subject to closing adjustments, and a deferred payment of $25 million prior to December 31, 2016. The Acquisition will be funded through a combination of Gran Tierra's cash and current restricted cash balance of $170 million(8), concurrent private placement of up to $173.5 million of Subscription Receipts, a new $130 million debt facility, and Gran Tierra's existing credit facilities. Pro forma for the Acquisition and the financings, the Company had $123.5 million of available borrowings as of March 31, 2016. In connection with the Acquisition, Gran Tierra has agreed to issue up to 57,835,134 Subscription Receipts priced at $3.00 per Subscription Receipt to certain institutional investors and certain directors and executive officers of Gran Tierra for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $173.5 million. Scotiabank, RBC Capital Markets and Dundee Securities Inc. served as placement agents (the "Agents") for the Subscription Receipt financing. Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive one Common Share upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts (less 50% of the placement agents' fees, the "Escrowed Funds"), will be held in escrow and will be released to Gran Tierra when (i) other than the payment of the purchase price, all conditions precedent to the completion of the Acquisition pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, have been satisfied in accordance with the terms of the Acquisition Agreement or waived (provided no such amendment or waiver is materially adverse to the holders of the Subscription Receipts) and (ii) the parties to the Acquisition Agreement are ready, willing and able to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby concurrent with the release of the Escrowed Funds (the "Escrow Release Condition"). In the event the Escrow Release Condition is not satisfied prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on October 31, 2016, the Acquisition Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, or we have announced that we do not intend to proceed with the Acquisition, each holder of Subscription Receipts will be entitled to its pro rata share of the Escrowed Funds, interest earned on Escrowed Funds, net of any applicable withholding taxes, and 50% of the placement agents' fees. The offer and sale of the Subscription Receipts was conducted by way of a private placement in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Canada by way of private placement in all provinces of Canada under applicable accredited investor and director and officer private placement exemptions. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities herein described, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. The private placement of Subscription Receipts is expected to close on or about July 8, 2016. Gran Tierra has entered into a commitment letter with Scotiabank, its lead lender, to provide up to $130 million in bridge financing to fund a portion of the Acquisition. The bridge facility is expected to have a tenor of 364 days, bear interest at USD LIBOR plus 6%, and would have customary bridge facility repayment terms allowing for multiple longer term financing options. (8) As at May 31, 2016, cash of $163.3 million and current restricted cash of $6.6 million. Updated Guidance Gran Tierra expects to provide additional updated 2016 guidance for funds flow from operations and operating netback with the release of its second quarter 2016 results on or around August 8, 2016. Advisors Scotia Waterous acted as lead financial advisor and RBC Capital Markets also served as a financial advisor to Gran Tierra in connection with the Acquisition. Scotiabank, RBC Capital Markets and Dundee Securities acted as Joint Lead Agents to Gran Tierra in connection with the private placement. Scotiabank provided bank financing in connection with the Acquisition. Merck Animal Health announced it has executed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Vallee S.A., a leading privately-held producer of animal health products in Brazil. Vallee has an extensive portfolio of more than 100 products spanning parasiticides, anti-infectives and vaccines. The companys portfolio includes products for livestock, horses, and companion animals. Vallee was founded with the mission of producing a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine for Brazil and has expanded significantly, with distribution centers in Brazil and operations in Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico and Bolivia. Merck Animal Health has a broad portfolio of products to protect against some of the most important pathogens affecting livestock, said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. We are pleased to complement our portfolio with products from Vallee, which will further strengthen our presence in Latin America and help us respond even more quickly and effectively to the regions needs. The agriculture industry is an important driver of the economy in Latin America. This region contributes 11% of the value of the world food production1 and a significant number of the cattle in the region are vaccinated with Vallee S.A. vaccines. As one of the largest producers of protein in the world, Brazil is an important market for us, explains Ralph Cabezas, vice president, Latin America region, Merck Animal Health. Vallee has been a trusted manufacturing partner in this region for a number of years and we are pleased to offer their products to our customers to help protect animals from diseases. Under terms of the agreement, Merck Animal Health, through a subsidiary, will acquire approximately 93% of the shares of Vallee S.A. at closing, in exchange for a payment of $400 million, based on current exchange rates. This agreement is subject to regulatory review and certain closing conditions. Tesoro Corporation (NYSE: TSO) and Tesoro Logistics LP (NYSE: TLLP) today announced that subsidiaries of Tesoro have executed an agreement for the sale of storage and terminalling assets in Alaska to TLLP for a total consideration of $444 million. The Alaska Storage and Terminalling Assets include: Storage: Crude oil, feedstock and refined product storage tanks with combined capacity of approximately 3.5 million barrels in Kenai, Alaska, with connectivity with TLLP's Tesoro Alaska Pipeline and Nikiski Products Terminal and Tesoro's Kenai Refinery Terminals: Refined product terminals in Anchorage and Fairbanks with combined storage capacity of over 600,000 barrels, expected throughput of 10,400 barrels per day and rail loading of 7,000 barrels per day The transaction is expected to close in two stages. The storage portion of the acquisition closed today. The acquisition of the Anchorage and Fairbanks terminals is expected to close later in the third quarter once the Consent Decree with the State of Alaska becomes effective. This agreement is related to Tesoro's acquisition of the Flint Hills Resources assets, which closed on June 20, 2016. The acquisition price of $444 million includes cash proceeds to Tesoro of $400 million and the issuance of common and general partner units to Tesoro, valued at approximately $44 million. In consideration for the first closing (storage assets), Tesoro received $239 million of cash and $27 million of common and general partner units of TLLP. The cash consideration was borrowed on TLLP's revolving credit facility. The equity consideration was based on the average daily closing price of TLLP's common units for the 10 trading days prior to closing, or $48.06 per unit, with 390,282 units in the form of common units and 162,375 units in the form of general partner units. In consideration for the second closing (terminal assets), Tesoro will receive $160 million of cash and $18 million of common and general partner units of TLLP. The cash consideration is expected to be borrowed on TLLP's revolving credit facility and the equity consideration will be based on the average daily closing price of TLLP's common units for the 10 trading days prior to closing. (Updated - July 1, 2016 11:40 AM EDT) Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM), U.S.A., Inc., reported June 2016 sales of 198,257 units, a decrease of 5.6 percent from June 2015 on a volume basis. With one more selling day in June 2016 compared to June 2015, sales were down 9.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. (NOTE: The Street was looking for an increase of 3.6 percent.) For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,197,800 units, down 2.7 percent versus the same period in 2015 on a DSR basis. With the same amount of selling days in the first half of 2016 compared to 2015, sales were down 2.7 percent on an unadjusted raw-volume basis. Toyota division posted June 2016 sales of 172,478 units, down 6.2 percent on a volume basis, and 9.8 percent on a DSR basis. The auto industry had its best first half since 2000, said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. Toyota remains the No. 1 retail brand for the first half, and anticipates record sales for the year for our light trucks as availability continues to strengthen. Lexus posted June sales of 25,779 units, down 1.3 percent on a volume basis, and 5.1 percent on a DSR basis. Lexus maintained its strength in the luxury SUV segment with a particularly strong sales month for RX and NX as both models have momentum with consumers. Our meticulously crafted products continue to garner industry attention, said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. In June, our Lexus manufacturing facility in Kentucky, which builds the ES sedan, earned a JD Power Platinum award for initial quality. June 2016 and First Half Highlights: Corolla posts sales of 30,950 units for the month Camry, the most American made car according to a Cars.com study, posts June sales of 32,561 units TMS posts best-ever light truck in first half RAV4 sales rose 15.5 percent in the first half, with sales of 165,900 units; best-ever first half Highlander posts June sales of 13,436 units; best-ever first half 4Runner posts sales of 54,468 units in the first half, up almost 18 percent; best-ever first half Land Cruiser up almost 40 percent in June Tacoma posts June sales of 15,809 units ES up 6.7 percent in June with sales of 5,060 units NX up 16.2 percent for the month and year-to-date LX up 54.6 percent in the first half RX posts sales of 8,045 units, up more than 11 percent for the month *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume ells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced it has completed the purchase of the Asia segment of GE Capitals Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business. The acquisition includes CDF assets and 46 team members in markets where Wells Fargo currently operates in Asia Pacific, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand, which are expected to close later this year. Asia is an important global market for the CDF business and our customers, and were excited to become part of Wells Fargo, said Chris Wohlert, CDF Asia Business Leader. Were confident this will be a seamless integration, and we will continue to provide our customers with excellent service and support. With the strength of Wells Fargo, over time, we can also offer our customers a broader selection of financial products and services to help them be even more financially successful. As previously announced, Wells Fargo agreed to purchase GE Capitals CDF and Vendor Finance platforms as well as a portion of its Corporate Finance business. In March 2016, Wells Fargo announced it completed the purchase of the North American businesses. The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) segment will also close later this year. Wells Fargo currently has 1,450 Wholesale banking team members in Asia to serve its corporate, commercial and financial institution customers doing business across the region. With branches in Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo, and representative offices in nine other cities, Wells Fargo currently operates 12 lines of business throughout Asia. Commercial Distribution Finance Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) provided financing for more than 40,000 dealers and more than 2,000 distributors and manufacturers globally in 2015. CDF provides inventory financing solutions, service and intelligence through in-depth industry expertise and commitment. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management, and related financial products. Wells Fargo acquired the North American business of CDF from GE Capital on March 1, 2016 and the Asia business of CDF on July 1, 2016. The acquisition for the other international CDF business in Australia, New Zealand and EMEA is expected to be completed in the remainder of 2016. For more information, visit wellsfargo.com/cdf or follow company news via Twitter @WellsFargoCDF. The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) (Williams) today announced that Frank T. MacInnis is stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Directors due to personal reasons, effective immediately. Dr. Kathleen Cooper, a current director and Audit Committee member has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. Franks contributions to Williams over the years have been instrumental to our growth and he has personally been a trusted counselor to me, said Alan Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer. Frank has indicated that, due to personal reasons, he does not believe that he can dedicate the time and attention he believes necessary to fulfill the role of Chairman as Williams pursues a standalone strategy. On behalf of the entire Williams team, we send him our deepest gratitude for his many years of service. Williams Leadership and Strategic Direction Recognizing that it is in the best interests of the stockholders and the Company to concentrate on the future, the Board of Directors has thoroughly evaluated the Companys leadership structure and determined that Alan Armstrong is the right Chief Executive Officer for Williams as the Company works to continue enhancing stockholder value. The Company also today announced that Ralph Izzo, Frank T. MacInnis, Eric W. Mandelblatt, Keith A. Meister, Steven W. Nance and Laura A. Sugg disagreed with this strategic direction of the Williams Board of Directors. Ralph Izzo, Eric W. Mandelblatt, Keith A. Meister, Steven W. Nance and Laura A. Sugg decided, in the best interests of stockholders, to resign from the Williams Board of Directors, effective immediately. Williams will evaluate the appropriate size and composition of the Board going forward in accordance with its standard Nominating and Governance procedures. The Board of Directors of Williams issued the following statement: Since Alan was appointed CEO in 2011, Williams has become a best-in-class operator that is extremely well-positioned to meet the rapidly growing demand for natural gas and experience significant fee-based growth. Williams focus on fee-based revenue has produced strong cash flow, and looking forward, Williams expects continued growth from its portfolio of large scale demand driven projects and a fully contracted natural gas transmission business coming on in the balance of 2016, 2017 and 2018. Williams has seen the success of its strategy reflected quarter after quarter. With significant growth projects underway, the Company expects to continue its positive trajectory as natural gas continues to grow market share both at home and abroad. The Board will continue to take appropriate actions to position the Company for the future and enhance value for Williams stockholders. Additional details on the Companys strategic plan will be disclosed in the coming weeks. Williams (WMB) is a premier provider of large-scale infrastructure connecting North American natural gas and natural gas products to growing demand for cleaner fuel and feedstocks. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., Williams owns approximately 60 percent of Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ) (WPZ), including all of the 2 percent general-partner interest. WPZ is an industry-leading, large-cap master limited partnership with operations across the natural gas value chain from gathering, processing and interstate transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids to petchem production of ethylene, propylene and other olefins. With major positions in top U.S. supply basins and also in Canada, WPZ owns and operates more than 33,000 miles of pipelines system wide including the nations largest volume and fastest growing pipeline providing natural gas for clean-power generation, heating and industrial use. WPZs operations touch approximately 30 percent of U.S. natural gas. Portions of this document may constitute forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the companys annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BOSTON (Reuters) - Hedge funds Third Point and Renaissance Technologies told clients they made money in June, three people familiar with their numbers said on Friday. Loeb's Third Point Partners fund climbed 1 pct last month, leaving it up 2.6 percent for the first half of the year. Renaissance Technologies' institutional Diversified Alpha (RIDA) Fund climbed 6.59 percent, leaving it up 11.26 percent. The firm's Renaissance Institutional Equities Fund (RIEF) gained 4.63 percent in June and is up 13.78 percent for the year. (Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Ishares Msci Usa Etf (NYSE: EWU) July weekly call option implied volatility is at 31 compared to a level of 57 from a week ago, July is at 27; compared to its 52-week range of 13 to 45 on wide shares price movement after Brexit. Your Right to Know: Some lawmakers still crave secrecy LUND, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Alfa Laval (STO: ALFA) will release second-quarter earnings on July 18th at 11:45 CET. The telephone conference will start at 12:45 CET. To join the telephone conference - hosted by Alfa Lavals President and CEO, Tom Erixon, and CFO, Thomas Thuresson - sign up in advance via the link below. Once registered, you will receive a phone number, a participant pin and a conference pin. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the event. If you are having difficulties registering, contact Intercall at +44 20 8288 5566. https://eventreg1.conferencing.com/webportal3/reg.html?Acc=543661&Conf=194707 You can also follow the conference via a live webcast. A webcast link will be available on www.alfalaval.com/investors. If you want to listen to the replay, call +44 (0)20 7031 4064 or +46 (0)8 5052 0333, conference code 95 89 89. The recording will be available for 24 hours. After that, you can go to www.alfalaval.com/investors and watch and listen to an on-demand version of the webcast. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160701005210/en/ Alfa Laval Gabriella Grotte Tel: +46 46 36 74 82 or Beata Ardhe Tel: +46 46 36 65 26 Source: Alfa Laval WASHINGTON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation celebrates its 240th birthday, Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be celebrating with small businesses in five states and 11 cities during the SBA Main Street Road Tour, July 4-8. "Main Street entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American economy, contributing half of our nation's productivity and creating two out of three net new jobs," said Contreras-Sweet. "Communities throughout the country depend on local family restaurants, shoe stores, barber shops, and other small businesses to provide good jobs, generate vital economic activity, and deliver products and services at home and abroad. We launched this bus tour to make sure small businesses throughout the Delta Region know that the SBA is here and ready to support them through access to capital, counseling, federal contracting and even disaster assistance. And we are working to improve support for small businesses every day with our loan originator streamlining, technological embraces including LINC, the Small Business Technology Coalition, and Startup in a Day making it easier than ever for small businesses to start, grow and succeed." The SBA Main Street Road Tour is a weeklong bus tour that starts in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri on Monday, July 4th and concludes in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, July 8th. Contreras-Sweet will visit cities and towns along the route, which includes stops in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. During her bus tour she will embark on Main Street walking tours, meet with local small businesses as well as members of the local Chambers of Commerce, city officials and business representatives. While meeting with all these groups she will emphasize SBA's work to drive investing into U.S. communities of all sizes and shine a spotlight on the importance and impact of Main Street small businesses across the nation. About the Small Business Administration:The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov Contact: Terry Sutherland (202) 205-6919 Release Number: 16-53 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/ Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sba-administrator-embarks-on-main-street-road-tour-300293332.html SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration BEIJING, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yirendai Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) ("Yirendai" or the "Company"), a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China, today announced that it will meet with institutional investors at the Morgan Stanley Global Emerging Markets ("GEMs") Conference from Wednesday, July 13 to Thursday, July 14, 2016 at The St. Regis Hotel in New York City. Investors who are interested in attending this conference and meeting with Yirendai should contact their sales representatives at Morgan Stanley. About Yirendai Yirendai Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) is a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China connecting investors and individual borrowers. The Company provides an effective solution to address largely underserved investor and individual borrower demand in China through an online platform that automates key aspects of its operations to efficiently match borrowers with investors and execute loan transactions. Yirendai deploys a proprietary risk management system, which enables the Company to effectively assess the creditworthiness of borrowers, appropriately price the risks associated with borrowers, and offer quality loan investment opportunities to investors. Yirendai's online marketplace provides borrowers with quick and convenient access to consumer credit at competitive prices and investors with easy and quick access to an alternative asset class with attractive returns. For more information, please visit yirendai.investorroom.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: YirendaiHui (Matthew) LiDirector of Investor RelationsEmail: [email protected] ChristensenIn ChinaChristian ArnellPhone: +86 (0)10-59001548Email: [email protected] In U.S.Linda BergkampPhone: +1 (480) 614-3004Email: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yirendai-to-attend-the-morgan-stanley-gems-conference-in-new-york-city-300293179.html SOURCE Yirendai Ltd. A man walks by the Los Sauces hotel, owned by former Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, in El Calafate, Argentina, October 16, 2009. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci/File Photo BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine police searched properties of former President Cristina Fernandez on Thursday as part of an investigation into possible corruption during her two-term administration, which ended in December with the inauguration of Mauricio Macri. Authorities are looking for documents related to a case that accuses Fernandez of illegal enrichment using a family real estate company called Los Sauces, state press agency Telam said. Local television showed images of the searches being conducted. The judge and investigators in the case could not be reached for comment. "It has been a while, decades I would say, since we've seen such an abuse of power and political persecution," Fernandez posted on Twitter. The properties in question are located in three different parts of Patagonia: Rio Gallegos, El Calafate and El Chalten, Telam said. Television also broadcast a search of the municipal government office of El Calafate, where Los Sauces is based. In a separate case, Fernandez was indicted in May on charges that she was responsible for central bank irregularities in the futures market. After testifying in that case, she also accused the current administration of political persecution. Macri's government has opened investigations into alleged corruption during Fernandez's 2007-15 presidency. In a bizarre twist earlier this month, one of Fernandez's top public works officials was caught throwing bags filled with nearly $9 million (6.8 million) over the walls of a monastery in Buenos Aires province. He was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. (Reporting by Walter Bianchi; Writing by Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Matthew Lewis) By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - BancorpSouth Inc has agreed to pay $10.6 million to settle civil charges that it discriminated against African-American prospective home buyers in the Memphis area as well as in parts of neighboring Mississippi and Arkansas, the U.S. government said on Wednesday. The U.S. Justice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in a court filing that the Mississippi-based bank turned down black home buyers applying for mortgages more often than similar white applicants, or charged them higher rates to borrow under a policy the government described as "explicitly discriminatory." The bank also allegedly engaged in redlining in Memphis, a practice to deny service because of an area's racial demographics, by placing its branches outside of minority neighborhoods, the agencies said. BancorpSouths discrimination throughout the mortgage lending process harmed the people who were overcharged or denied their dream of homeownership based on their race, and it harmed the Memphis minority neighborhoods that were redlined and denied equal access to affordable credit, CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a statement. Under the agreement, to be approved by the court, BancorpSouth will pay $4 million in direct loan subsidies in certain Memphis neighborhoods, $2.78 million to black consumers unlawfully denied or overcharged for loans, and $800,000 for community programs and credit repair. It will also pay a $3 million penalty. A bank spokesman said the bank disagrees with the allegations and "the decision to settle was to avoid prolonged and distracting litigation." The bank has not admitted to the allegations or to any liability. "We believe this settlement is a positive development for the bank, and is in the best long-term interest of our customers, employees, and shareholders, James D. Rollins III, chairman and chief executive of BancorpSouth, said in a statement. BancorpSouth is fully committed to fair and responsible lending practices in all communities throughout our footprint. Our settlement is a testament to that commitment." Part of the filing relies on a recording of a meeting of all white BancorpSouth managers and loan officers, where they discussed turning down applications from African-Americans more quickly than those from whites. They also reviewed not providing credit assistance to black applicants considered "borderline." The recording included "derisive comments," according to the filing. When one person noted that all the meeting participants were white, another said, "I'm sure I'll hear about that soon, too. I'm looking. I don't know where I'll put one, but I'm looking," according to the filing. (Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Richard Chang and Leslie Adler) Czech President Milos Zeman speaks during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, September 29, 2015. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech President Milos Zeman called for the Czech Republic to hold a referendum on European Union and NATO membership following Britain's shock vote to leave the EU, a suggestion quickly rebuffed by the government. Zeman said on Thursday he would back his country staying in the EU and NATO. He has no power to call a referendum but is an influential leader in a country where euroskepticism is widespread. The Czech Republic joined the bloc in 2004. "I disagree with those who are for leaving the European Union," Czech Radio quoted Zeman as saying at a meeting with citizens in the eastern town of Velke Mezirici late on Thursday. "But I will do everything for them to have a referendum and be able to express themselves. And the same goes for a NATO exit too," the center-left president said. Britain's 52 to 48 percent vote on June 23 in favor of quitting the EU has emboldened euroskeptic groups across Europe and raised concern other member states may consider leaving. The Czech government responded swiftly to Zeman's suggestion. "Membership in these organizations is a guarantee of stability and security," Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka's spokesman said in a statement. "The government is not considering taking any steps which would question in any way our membership and the long-term orientation of the Czech Republic's foreign policy. Therefore it does not envisage any referendum." Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party that rules with Sobotka's Social Democrats in the center-left cabinet, said a referendum would be damaging, according to news website Novinky.cz. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, the acting foreign minister for Spain, which wants to prevent the autonomous region of Catalonia from breaking away, also called Zeman's referendum suggestion "a very bad idea". A referendum would require a constitutional amendment stipulating that the winning side must have a minimum 60 percent of the vote in both houses of parliament, a margin highly unlikely in the current parliament. FALLING SUPPORT Czech satisfaction with EU membership fell to 25 percent in an April survey by the CVVM institute, down from 32 percent the year before. In neighboring Slovakia, the far-right People's Party launched a petition on Friday to hold referendums on EU and NATO membership. The chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday he would vote to leave the EU or would abstain if a referendum were held, but added there were no plans for a vote. The EU's handling of a migrant crisis over the past year has angered many in formerly communist eastern Europe, where some governments reject migrant quotas proposed by the European Commission. Zeman faces re-election in 2018 after winning the Czech Republic's first-ever direct presidential vote in 2013. As president he has been a vocal opponent of taking in migrants, most of whom are Muslim and have fled conflicts or poverty in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa. He has also stirred concern in some Western capitals for holding views sympathetic to Russia in the Ukraine conflict, although the Prague government, which runs foreign policy, has strictly upheld the EU policy of sanctions against Moscow. (Reporting by Jason Hovet and Jan Lopatka; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani poses before delivering a speech marking Nowruz, the Iranian new year, in Tehran in this handout photo released by Iranian presidency website on March 20, 2106. REUTERS/President.ir/Handout By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA (Reuters) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani accused Western powers of trying to exploit differences between the world's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims to divert attention from the Israel-Palestinian conflict, state television reported on Friday. Rouhani's comments came as tens of thousands of Iranians joined anti-Israel rallies across the country to express support for the Palestinians. They chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" and burned the Israeli flag. "The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said. "We stand with the dispossessed Palestinian nation." Opposition to Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognize, has been a cornerstone of Iranian policy since its 1979 Islamic revolution. Shi'ite Muslim Iran backs Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups who oppose peace with Israel. "The Zionist regime (Israel) is a regional base for America and the global arrogance ... Disunity and discord among Muslim and terrorist groups in the region ... have diverted us from the important issue of Palestine," Rouhani said. Shi'ite-led Iran has repeatedly called on its Sunni Muslim rival Saudi Arabia to help improve their strained bilateral relations and work for stability in the Middle East. Arch-rivals for regional hegemony, the two oil producers are on opposite sides in proxy battles in the region, where they back competing factions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Bahrain. Ties have worsened since Riyadh's execution in January of prominent Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr prompted attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia subsequently cut all ties with Iran. Riyadh is worried that a landmark nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States and five other major powers in 2015 will help Tehran gain the upper hand in their regional standoff. MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in March that "the occupied Palestinian territories are within the range of most of the Islamic Republics missiles", Iran's state television Press TV reported. A senior IRGC commander said Iran's new Russian-made S-300 missile defense system would be operational by March. "Its divisions are being delivered to Iran and the system will be operational by the end of this Iranian year," the semi-official Tasnim quoted Amir Farzad Esmaili as saying. Russia delivered the first part of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran in April, one of the most advanced systems of its kind that can engage multiple aircraft and ballistic missiles around 150 km (90 miles) away. "Hezbollah has 100,000 missiles that are ready to hit Israel to liberate the occupied Palestinian territories if the Zionist regime repeats its past mistakes," Tasnim quoted IRGC deputy head Hossein Salami as saying. (Editing by Gareth Jones) A woman holding an umbrella looks at an electronic stock quotation board outside a brokerage in Tokyo September 8, 2015. REUTERS/Issei Kato By Edward Krudy NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global stock markets climbed for a fourth day and government bond yields around the world hit their lowest levels in years on Friday, driven by the prospect of further cuts in interest rates and more central bank bond buying to support weak economies. Signs that the world's big central banks will go even easier on monetary conditions, extending an era of ultra-low interest rates, have helped drive a recovery for stock markets after a short bout of volatility following Britain's vote to leave the European Union last week. The 30-year Treasury yield hit its lowest since the 1950s at 2.189 percent. The yen climbed against the dollar and sterling was pinned near 31-year lows as the chances of a U.S. rate hike from the Federal Reserve receded and Britain's central bank hinted at a rate cut and more stimulus in the months ahead. European shares rose with the European Central Bank also reported to be looking at bond purchases. "The market is trying to front-run possible central bank actions," said Ed Al-Hussainy, a global rates and currency strategist at Columbia Threadneedle in Minneapolis. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell to its lowest in four years, hitting 1.382 percent and taking it within striking distance of record lows. French and Dutch equivalents hit all-time lows. Those for others among Europe's struggling southern states also fell, with Spain's 10-year debt at its lowest in over a year. Bonds outstripped stocks so far this year. The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury index returned 5.7 percent in the first half of the year, outpacing a total return of 2.69 pct for the S&P 500. Bundesbank President and ECB rate setter Jens Weidmann poured cold water on the idea of further stimulus. He said monetary policy is already expansionary and expressed doubts further easing would have a stimulus effect.[F9N18600Y] Gold climbed and was heading for its fifth weekly gain, supported by a weaker dollar and the prospects for further monetary policy easing. Spot gold rose to a session high of $1,341.40 an ounce. The metal gained 8.8 percent in June, its biggest monthly rise since February. The MSCI All-Country World index rose 0.4 percent and has risen nearly 6 percent in the last four days although it is still below where it was trading prior to Britain's referendum on June 23. The S&P 500, trading close to all time highs, gave up some of its gains into the afternoon as financial stocks weighed. The index last traded up 0.2 percent. Britian's FTSE has been one of the surprising leaders of the post-referendum rebound. The index of Britain's 100 biggest firms rose 1.1 percent and is trading at its highest level in over a year. The index is nearly 4 percent higher than before the referendum. In currency markets, the dollar fell 0.8 percent against the yen and was down 0.4 percent against a trade-weighted basket of currencies. Sterling traded down 0.4 percent to $1.3260, continuing its slide after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Thursday that the central bank would probably need to pump more stimulus into Britain's economy over the summer. Sterling was approaching a recent low of $1.3218. [USD/] The euro rose 0.2 percent against the dollar to $1.1128. The weaker dollar also spilled over into the commodities market, pushing up the price of oil. Brent crude rose 0.7 percent to $50.11, while U.S. crude added 0.7 percent to $48.69. [O/R] (Additional reporting by Patrick Graham in London and Richard Leong in New York; Editing by Tom Brown) By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. Human Rights Council agreed on Thursday to appoint an independent investigator to help protect homosexuals and transgender people worldwide from violence and discrimination. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state forum overcame strong objections by Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries to adopt a Western-backed resolution by a vote of 23 states in favor and 18 against with six abstentions. The United Nations expert, still to be named, will have a three-year mandate. Mexico, which led Latin American states that were the main sponsors of the text, said that thousands of people are exposed to violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. "Remember Orlando," Mexican Ambassador Jorge Lomonaco told delegates, referring to the massacre of 49 people at a gay club in Florida on June 12. "Let us give hope to millions." The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. "This Council regularly and rightly passes resolutions on racism, women and children. Yet, on this issue, we often hear of culture and tradition as reasons to justify violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite said in debate. "This affects people in this room, and people in my team who are LGBT. Are you saying it is okay to discriminate against them based on their sexual orientation and gender identity? To hit, torture, or possibly kill them? Because that is what you are supporting, if you vote against this resolution." Early in the session, Saudi Ambassador Faisal Trad brought a "no-action motion" to quash any debate on the resolution, but his move was defeated. Trad argued against what he called "the imposition of certain ideas" and said the new post would open up a "Pandora's box" while ignoring cultural and religious specificities. "We will not barter man-made legislation against divine laws," Trad said, invoking sharia (Islamic law). Nigeria called the resolution "divisive" and said that the sponsors also wanted to promote same-sex adoptions. Pakistan - speaking on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of 57 states - decried the "promoting of certain notions, concepts and lifestyles on which there is no consensus". In 2011, the U.N. rights body declared there should be no discrimination or violence against people based on their sexual orientation. At the time, Western countries called the vote historic but Islamic states firmly rejected it. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; editing by Tom Miles/Mark Heinrich) By Kieran Guilbert DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The U.S. embassy in Ivory Coast has removed photos of six gay men at a tribute for victims of the Orlando club shooting from its website and social media and expressed "deep regret" after the men were abused and driven to flee their homes. The embassy hosted an event two weeks ago to honor the Orlando victims and posted a photo of the six men online with the caption: 'LGBTI community signing the condolence book'. Two of the men were attacked, four were verbally abused, and all six fled their homes after the photo was circulated on Facebook and other social media sites, said the head of an Abidjan-based gay rights group, who asked to remain anonymous. "Last night, as a matter of safety, we decided to take the photo down from our website and social media accounts," said Elizabeth Ategou, information officer at the embassy in Abidjan. "The embassy deeply regrets that anybody has been attacked or threatened - it was certainly not our intent," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, adding that the embassy would review its online and social media policy. Ategou said the embassy had spoken to the rights group to show its support for the Ivorian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and had also contacted the police. A gunman pledging allegiance to the Islamic State militant group killed 49 people at Orlando's Pulse nightclub on June 12 in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Days after the tribute in Abidjan, Louna, one of the men in the photo, was walking in his neighborhood when a mob pushed him to the ground, stole his phone and wallet, and beat him. "I don't have a life anymore," said the 36-year-old, adding that he did not know the photo had been posted online until a friend called him and told him that he had seen it. While the director of the gay rights group gave the embassy permission to post the photo on their website, he said he would not have done so if he had known what the caption would say. Ivory Coast is one of the few African countries where same-sex acts are legal and have never been criminalize. While it is considered one of the most tolerant countries for sexual minorities in the region, LGBT people face widespread abuse, stigma, and violence, rights groups say. (Reporting By Kieran Guilbert, Additional Reporting by Nellie Peyton, Editing by Katie Nguyen.; 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) A Viroqua man is facing charges including two felonies after a third drunken driving arrest early Thursday morning in Wisconsin Dells. Joseph Capadona, 24, appeared Thursday in Columbia County Circuit Court charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants as a third offense, operating a motor vehicle while revoked as a repeater, resisting an officer as a repeater, and two counts of felony bail jumping. Having the defendant out on two felony bonds and one with significant cash bond, said District Attorney Jane Kohlwey, the state asks for a $2,000 cash bond. Just before 2 a.m. on Thursday a Wisconsin Dells police officer reported seeing a vehicle cross the center line and travel the wrong way on a one-way street. The officer pulled the driver, Capadona, over and asked if he had been drinking. Yes, sir. Slightly, Capadona reportedly told the officer, saying that had just left Nigs Bar in downtown Wisconsin Dells. After conducting a field sobriety test, the officer gave Capadona a preliminary breath test, which registered 0.22 percent. The legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is 0.08 percent. Additional officers were called in both at the scene and again at Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage, when Capadona refused to cooperate with officers and medical staff. At the time of his arrest, Capadona was out on bond for two cases in Dane County. On Sept. 8, 2015, Capadona was charged with felony retail theft and released on a $500 signature bond. A month later, he was again in Dane County Court where he was charged with six counts of drug-related offenses including first-degree reckless homicide by delivery of drugs, manufacture and delivery of heroin and second-degree reckless endangerment. He was released four days later on a $2,000 cash bond. Capadona, according to a Madison detective, was identified by a witness and security video arriving at Bowl-A-Vard on July 12, 2015, and making contact with an employee there who was later found in the bathroom suffering an overdose, dying three days later. The facts in this case are very troubling, said Judge Alan J. White. The court is inclined to give a higher cash bond than the one requested by the state. White ordered Capadona be held on $5,000 cash bond, saying that, I feel that lives could be at stake if the bond was any lower. Capadonas trial for reckless homicide is scheduled in Dane County Court starting on Sept. 13. He is scheduled to next appear in Columbia County Court on July 7 for a preliminary hearing. By Jonathan Landay and Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria'a government stops bombing moderate rebels, U.S. officials said on Thursday. The U.S. backs the moderate rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them, Many U.S. officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that.It also would require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the U.S.-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government, which they and Washington have accused of most of the ceasefire violations. "If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, immediately the Russians and Assad go kill them," said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. "The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival." "Its staggering to me that anybody even at year five of this civil war thought this would be a good idea," said Harmer. The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. A "HAIL MARY" PASS? That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unraveling of a Feb. 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the U.S.-backed moderate opposition forces. In one sign of their predicament, U.S.-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the United States wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior U.S. officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he "continues to work to advance a political transition," National Security Council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday. (Additional reporting by Ayesha Rascoe, Phil Stewart and Lesley Wroughton; Reporting By Jonathan Landay and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by John Walcott and Clive McKeef) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 1, 2016 HCSB FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant As Specified in Its Charter) South Carolina (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) 000-26995 57-1079444 (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 3640 Ralph Ellis Blvd, Loris, South Carolina 29569 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (843) 756-6333 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Not Applicable (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report.) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. (c) Effective as of July 1, 2016, Jennifer W. Harris, 40, was appointed as senior vice president and chief financial officer of HCSB Financial Corporation (the Company) and Horry County State Bank (the Bank). Ms. Harris brings extensive financial and accounting expertise to the Company and the Bank from her 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. During her career, Ms. Harris has worked with both national and community banks in the Carolinas, and she has experience covering all aspects of finance. Most recently, Ms. Harris served as VP Senior Accountant SEC Reporting of Park Sterling Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September 2014 to May 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Harris served as SEC Financial Reporting Manager of Yadkin Bank in Statesville, North Carolina, from April 2009 to July 2014, when Yadkin Bank, and its holding company, Yadkin Financial Corporation, merged with VantageSouth Bancshares, Inc. and Piedmont Community Bank Holdings, Inc. Ms. Harris also has held various senior accounting roles at community banks across North Carolina. In addition to her community banking experience, Ms. Harris is a certified public accountant and began her career at a national public accounting firm, during which time which she specialized in auditing financial institutions. On July 1, 2016, the Company and the Bank entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Harris, pursuant to which Ms. Harris will serve as senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Company and the Bank. The employment agreement is initially for a term of three years and will thereafter be automatically extended for additional terms of one year unless either party delivers a notice of termination at least 90 days prior to the end of the term. Under the terms of her employment agreement, Ms. Harris will be entitled to an annual base salary of $130,000 per year, and the board of directors of the Company (or an appropriate committee thereof) will review Ms. Harris base salary at least annually for adjustment based on her performance. Ms. Harris will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus of up to 20% of her annual base salary if she achieves certain performance levels established from time to time by the board of directors, and she will be eligible to participate in the Companys long-term equity incentive program and for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards thereunder or under any similar plan adopted by the Company. Additionally, Ms. Harris will participate in the Companys retirement, welfare, and other benefit programs and be entitled to reimbursement for travel and business expenses. On July 1, 2016, the Bank received the necessary nonobjection from the FDIC and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for Ms. Harris to serve as the senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Bank and the Company. A copy of Ms. Harris employment agreement is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference. The description of this agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the employment agreement. Item 8.01. Other Events. On July 1, 2016, the Company issued a press release relating to Ms. Harris appointment as chief financial officer of the Bank and the Company. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to, and incorporated by reference in, this report. The information in this Item 8.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in this Item 8.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits. Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Jennifer W. Harris, dated as of July 1, 2016 99.1 Press release, dated July 1, 2016 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. HCSB FINANCIAL CORPORATION Dated: July 1, 2016 By: /s/ Jan H. Hollar Name: Jan H. Hollar Title: Chief Executive Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 10.1 Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Jennifer W. Harris, dated as of July1, 2016 99.1 Press Release, dated July 1, 2016 Exhibit 10.1 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) dated as of July 1, 2016, is made by and between HCSB Financial Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the Company), Horry County State Bank, a South Carolina state-chartered commercial bank and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the Bank and, together with the Company, the Employer), and Jennifer W. Harris, an individual resident of North Carolina (the Executive). WHEREAS, the Employer is engaged in the business of commercial banking, and the Executive is knowledgeable with respect to, and experienced in, that business and the Employer desires to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to serve, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank on the terms and conditions herein provided; WHEREAS, this Agreement will become effective immediately upon such time that the Company and the Bank shall have obtained all requisite approvals or nonobjections from its regulatory agencies for the Executive to begin service as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank on the terms and conditions herein provided (the Effective Date); and WHEREAS, certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 18 hereof. In consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows: 1. Employment . The Employer shall employ the Executive, and the Executive shall serve the Employer, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Executive shall have such authority and responsibilities consistent with her positions as are set forth in the Companys and the Banks Bylaws or assigned by the Companys and the Banks Board of Directors (the Board) from time to time. The Executive shall report to the Board and shall devote her full business time, attention, skill and efforts to the performance of her duties hereunder, except during periods of illness or periods of vacation and leaves of absence consistent with Employer policy. The Executives service on the boards of directors (or similar body) of other business or charitable entities is subject to the prior approval of the Board. The Employer shall have the right to require the Executive to resign from any board or similar body on which the Executive may then serve if the Board determines that such activity (i) interferes with the effective discharge of the Executives duties and responsibilities to the Employer or that any business related to such service is then in competition with any business of the Company or the Bank, their respective successors or assigns, or (ii) could adversely affect the reputation of the Company or the Bank. 2. Term . Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, the Executives employment under this Agreement shall be for the period commencing upon the Effective Date of this Agreement and ending on the third anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement. On each anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement, the term hereof shall automatically be extended for an additional one-year period beyond the then-effective expiration date unless a written Notice of Termination from the Employer or the Executive is received 90 days prior to such anniversary advising the other that this Agreement shall not be further extended. If either party provides timely notice of non-renewal of the Agreement, but the Executive continues to provide services to the Employer as an employee, such post-expiration employment shall be deemed to be performed on an at-will basis and either party may thereafter terminate such employment with or without notice and for any or no reason and without any obligations determined by reference to this Agreement. 1 Exhibit 10.1 3. Compensation and Benefits . (a) As of the Effective Date, the Employer shall pay the Executive an annual base salary rate of $130,000, which shall be paid in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures. The Board (or an appropriate committee of the Board) shall evaluate the Executives performance at least annually and make compensation adjustments as determined by the Board based on its evaluation of the Executives performance . (b) The Executive shall be eligible each year to receive a cash bonus equaling up to 20% of her annual base salary if the Employer achieves certain performance levels established from time to time by the Board. Any bonus payment made pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be made the earlier of (i) 70 days after the previous year end for which the bonus was earned by the Executive and became a payable of the Employer or (ii) the first pay period following the Companys press release announcing its previous years financial performance. (c) The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Companys long-term equity incentive program and for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards thereunder or under any similar plan adopted by the Company. The Board anticipates adopting an appropriate equity incentive plan in which the Companys and the Banks employees will be eligible to participate. The Board anticipates granting to the Executive to-be-determined equity award(s) under such plan. The award agreements for such equity award(s) would vest upon achievement of certain performance and time vesting metrics and would contain other customary terms and conditions. Any options or similar awards shall be issued to the Executive at an exercise price of not less than the stocks current fair market value (as determined in compliance with Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)) as of the date of grant, and the number of shares subject to such grant shall be fixed on the date of grant. (d) In addition to the benefits specifically described in this Agreement , the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all retirement, welfare, health or other benefits plans or programs of the Employer now or hereafter applicable generally to employees of the Employer or to a class of employees that includes senior executives of the Employer. The parties agree that the benefits stated in this Section 3(d) shall be subject to the terms of such plans or programs applicable generally to employees of the Employer or to a class of employees that includes senior executives of the Employer. 2 Exhibit 10.1 (e) The Employer shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable and necessary travel, mobile cellular and data plan, and other business expenses related to the Executives duties in accordance with the Employers business expense reimbursement policy; provided however that the Executive shall, as a condition of any such reimbursement, submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in accordance with such reimbursement policies and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury. In addition, the Employer shall reimburse the Executive for educational expenses related to the Executives professional development and for membership in professional and civic organizations to the extent such activities are consistent with the Employers strategic objectives. All expenses eligible for reimbursements described in this Agreement must be incurred by the Executive during the Term of this Agreement to be eligible for reimbursement. All in-kind benefits described in this Section 3 must be provided by the Employer during the Term of this Agreement. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred, and the amount of in-kind benefits provided, in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. Neither rights to reimbursement nor in-kind benefits are subject to liquidation or exchanges for other benefits. (f) The Employer shall provide the Executive with four weeks paid vacation per year, which shall be taken in accordance with (i) any banking rules or regulations governing vacation and (ii) the Employer s vacation or other paid time off policy. Any payments made by the Employer to the Executive as compensation for paid vacation shall be paid in accordance with the Employer s standard payroll procedures. (g) The Executive agrees to repay any compensation previously paid or otherwise made available to the Executive under this Agreement that is subject to recovery under any applicable law (including any rule of any exchange or service through which the securities of the Company are then traded), including, but not limited to, the following circumstances: (i) where such compensation was in excess of what should have been paid or made available because the determination of the amount due was based, in whole or in part, on materially inaccurate financial information of the Company or the Bank, including but not limited to, when the Company or the Bank shall have a restatement of financial results attributable to the Executives actions, whether intentional or negligent; (ii) where such compensation constitutes excessive compensation within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Section 263; (iii) where the Executive has committed, is substantially responsible for, or has violated, the respective acts, omissions, conditions, or offenses outlined under 12 C.F.R. Section 359.4(a)(4); and (iv) if, while the Executive is also a senior executive officer of the Bank, the Bank becomes, and for so long as the Bank remains, subject to the provisions of 12 U.S.C. Section 1831o(f), where such compensation exceeds the restrictions imposed on the senior executive officers of such an institution. 3 Exhibit 10.1 The Executive agrees to return promptly any such compensation identified by the Employer by written notice provided pursuant to Section 11. If the Executive fails to return such compensation promptly, the Executive agrees that the amount of such compensation may be deducted from any and all other compensation owed to the Executive by the Employer. If the Executive is then employed by the Employer, the Executive acknowledges that the Employer may take appropriate disciplinary action (up to, and including, Termination of Employment) if the Executive fails to return such compensation. The Executive acknowledges the Employers rights to engage in any legal or equitable action or proceeding in order to enforce the provisions of this Section 3(g). The provisions of this Section 3(g) shall be modified to the extent, and remain in effect for the period, required by applicable law. 4. Termination . (a) The Executives employment under this Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the term of this Agreement, if applicable, only as follows (each a Terminating Event): (i) upon the death of the Executive. If the Executives employment is terminated because of the Executives death, the Employer shall pay the Executives estate any sums due her as base salary or reimbursement of expenses through the end of the month during which death occurred in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures. The Employer shall also pay the Executives estate any bonus earned through the date of death. Any bonus for previous years which was not yet paid will be paid pursuant to the terms as set forth in Section 3(b) of this Agreement. Any bonus that is earned in the year of death will be paid on the earlier of (i) 70 days after the year end in which the Executive died or (ii) the first pay period following the Companys press release announcing its financial performance for the year in which the Executive died. To the extent that the bonus is performance-based, the amount of the bonus will be calculated by taking into account the performance of the Company or the Bank for the entire year and prorated through the date of the Executives death. (ii) upon the Disability of the Executive for a period of 90 days, which includes any period of payment under the Employers accident and health plan. During the period of any Disability leading up to the termination of the Executives employment under this provision, the Employer shall continue to pay the Executive her full base salary at the rate then in effect and all perquisites and other benefits (other than any bonus) in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures until the Executive becomes eligible for benefits under any long-term disability plan or insurance program maintained by the Employer; provided, however that, the amount of any such payments to the Executive shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive for the same period under any other disability benefit or pension plan covering the Executive. Furthermore, the Employer shall pay the Executive any bonus earned through the date of onset of the physical or mental impairment that led to the Disability. Any bonus for previous years which was not yet paid will be paid pursuant to the terms as set forth in Section 3(b) of this Agreement. Any bonus that is earned in the year which includes the date of onset of the physical or mental impairment that led to the Disability will be paid on the earlier of (i) 70 days after the year end in which the Executive became Disabled or (ii) the first pay period following the Companys press release announcing its financial performance for the year in which the Executive became Disabled. 4 Exhibit 10.1 (iii) by the Employer for Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination to the Executive. If the Executives employment is terminated for Cause under this provision, the Executive shall receive only any sums due her as base salary and reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination, which shall be paid in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures. (iv) by the Employer without Cause upon delivery of a Notice of Termination. If the Executives employment is terminated without Cause under this provision, the Executive shall receive any sums due her as base salary or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination, which shall be paid in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures. (v) by the Executive effective upon the 30th day after delivery of a Notice of Termination. If the Executive resigns under this provision, the Executive shall receive any sums due her as base salary or reimbursement of expenses through the date of such termination, which shall be paid in accordance with the Employers standard payroll procedures. (b) With the exceptions of the provisions of this Section 4, and the express terms of any benefit plan under which the Executive is a participant, it is agreed that, upon termination of the Executives employment, the Employer shall have no obligation to the Executive for, and the Executive waives and relinquishes, any further compensation or benefits (exclusive of COBRA benefits). Unless otherwise stated in this Section 4, the effect of termination on any outstanding incentive awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, or other incentives shall be governed by the terms of the applicable benefit or incentive plan and/or the agreements governing such incentives. Within 60 days of termination of the Executives employment, and as a condition to the Employers obligation to pay any severance hereunder, the Employer and the Executive shall enter into a release in the form provided by the Employer, and Executive may not revoke such release within the revocation period stated in such release, which shall acknowledge such remaining obligations and discharge the Employer and its officers, directors and employees with respect to their actions for or on behalf of the Employer, from any other claims or obligations arising out of or in connection with the Executives employment by the Employer, including the circumstances of such termination. In addition, if such severance payment is made by the Employer, and if the 60 day period spans two calendar years, regardless of when such release is executed by the Executive, such severance payment must be made in the subsequent calendar year, regardless of when the release is executed by the Executive. 5 Exhibit 10.1 (c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) if the Executive is suspended or temporarily prohibited from participating, in any way or to any degree, in the conduct of the Companys or the Banks affairs by (1) a notice served under Section 8(e) or (g) of Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) (12 U.S.C. Section 1818 (e) or (g)) or (2) as a result of any other regulatory or legal action directed at the Executive by any regulatory or law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the Executive (each of the foregoing referred to herein as a Suspension Action), and if this Agreement is not terminated, the Employers obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the earlier of the effective date of such Suspension Action or the date on which the Executive was provided notice of the Suspension Action, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges underlying the Suspension Action are dismissed, the Employer shall (i) pay on the first day of the first month following such dismissal of charges (or as provided elsewhere in this Agreement) the Executive all of the compensation withheld while the obligations under this Agreement were suspended; and (ii) reinstate any such obligations which were suspended. (ii) if the Executive is removed or permanently prohibited from participating, in any way or to any degree, in the conduct of the Companys or the Banks affairs by (1) an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. Section 1818 (e)(4) or (g)(1)) or (2) any other legal or law enforcement action (each of the foregoing referred to herein as a Removal Action), all obligations of the Executive under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the Removal Action, but any vested rights of the parties hereto shall not be affected. (iii) if the Company or the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. Section 1813(x)(1)), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this Section (4)(f) shall not affect any vested rights of the parties hereto. (iv) if the FDIC is appointed receiver or conservator under Section 11(c) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. Section 1821(c)) of the Bank, the Company shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Company under this Agreement as of the date of such receivership or conservatorship, other than any rights of the Executive that vested prior to such appointment. Any vested rights of the Executive may be subject to such modifications that are consistent with the authority of the FDIC. (d) If the FDIC provides open bank assistance under Section 13(c) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)) to the Company or the Bank, but excluding any such assistance provided to the industry generally, the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of such assistance, other than any rights of the Executive that vested prior to the FDIC action. Any vested rights of the Executive may be subject to such modifications that are consistent with the authority of the FDIC. (e) If the FDIC requires a transaction under Section 13(f) or 13(k) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1823(f) and (k)) by the Company or the Bank, the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of such transaction, other than any rights of the Executive that vested prior to the transaction. Any vested rights of the Executive may be subject to such modifications that are consistent with the authority of the FDIC. 6 Exhibit 10.1 (f) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement, or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, a ll obligations under this Agreement are further subject to such conditions, restrictions, limitations and forfeiture provisions as may separately apply pursuant to any applicable state banking laws. (g) In the event that the Company or the Bank is subject to Part 359 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations (12 C.F.R. Section 359, et seq.), then notwithstanding the timing for the payment of any severance amounts described in this Section 4, no such payments shall be made or commence, as applicable, that require the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Company or the Bank pursuant to Part 359 prior to the receipt of such concurrence or consent. Any payments suspended by operation of this Section 4(g) shall be paid as a lump sum within 30 days following receipt of the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Company or the Bank or as otherwise directed by such federal banking agency. 5. Ownership of Work Product . The Employer shall own all Work Product arising during the course of the Executives employment (prior, present or future). For purposes hereof, Work Product shall mean all intellectual property rights, including all Trade Secrets, U.S. and international copyrights, patentable inventions, and other intellectual property rights in any programming, documentation, technology or other work product that relates to the Company or any Affiliates, their business or customers and that the Executive conceives, develops, or delivers to the Employer at any time during her employment, during or outside normal working hours, in or away from the facilities of the Employer, and whether or not requested by the Employer. If the Work Product contains any materials, programming or intellectual property rights that the Executive conceived or developed prior to, and independent of, the Executives work for the Employer, the Executive agrees to point out the pre-existing items to the Employer and the Executive grants the Employer a worldwide, unrestricted, royalty-free right, including the right to sublicense such items. The Executive agrees to take such actions and execute such further acknowledgments and assignments as the Employer may reasonably request to give effect to this provision. 6. Protection of Trade Secrets . The Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary to perform her duties for the Employer, the Executive agrees not to use or disclose any Trade Secrets of the Company or any Affiliates during or after her employment. Trade Secret means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, process, drawing, cost data or customer list, that (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. 7 Exhibit 10.1 7. Protection of Other Confidential Information . In addition, the Executive agrees to maintain in strict confidence and, except as necessary to perform hrt duties for the Employer, not to use or disclose any Confidential Business Information of the Company or any Affiliates during her employment and for a period of 24 months following termination of the Executives employment. Confidential Business Information shall mean any internal, non-public information (other than Trade Secrets already addressed above) concerning the Companys or its Affiliates financial position and results of operations (including revenues, assets, net income, etc.); annual and long-range business plans, product or service plans; marketing plans and methods; training, education and administrative manuals; customer and supplier information and purchase histories; and employee lists. The provisions of Sections 6 and 7 shall also apply to protect Trade Secrets and Confidential Business Information of third parties provided to the Employer under an obligation of secrecy. 8. Return of Materials . The Executive shall surrender to the Employer, promptly upon its request and in any event upon termination of the Executives employment, all media, documents, notebooks, computer programs, handbooks, data files, models, samples, price lists, drawings, customer lists, prospect data, or other material of any nature whatsoever (in tangible or electronic form) in the Executives possession or control, including all copies thereof, relating to the Company or its Affiliates, their businesses or customers. Upon the request of the Employer, the Executive shall certify in writing compliance with the foregoing requirement. 9. Withholding . The Employer may deduct from each payment of compensation hereunder all amounts required to be deducted and withheld in accordance with applicable federal and state income, FICA and other withholding requirements. 10. Successors; Binding Agreement . The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation in which the Company or the Bank is a party, or any assignee of all or substantially all of the Companys or the Banks business and properties. The Executives rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by her, except that her right to receive accrued but unpaid compensation, unreimbursed expenses and other rights, if any, provided under this Agreement, which survive termination of this Agreement shall pass after death to the personal representatives of her estate. 11. Notice . For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses last given by each party to the other; provided however that all notices to the Employer shall be directed to the attention of the Employer with a copy to the Chief Executive Officer. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery thereof. 12. Governing Law . This Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, except to the extent governed by the laws of the United States of America in which case federal laws shall govern. The parties agree that any appropriate state court located in Horry County, South Carolina or federal court for the District of South Carolina shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any case or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be a proper forum in which to adjudicate such case or controversy. The parties consent and waive any objection to the jurisdiction or venue of such courts. 8 Exhibit 10.1 13. Non-Waiver . Failure of the Employer to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect thereto shall in no way be considered to be a waiver of such provisions or rights, or in any way affect the validity of this Agreement. 14. Saving Clause . The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If any provision or clause of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be held by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, the remainder of such provision shall not be thereby affected and shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portion. It is the intention of the parties that, if any court construes any provision or clause of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, to be illegal, void, or unenforceable because of the duration of such provision or the area or matter covered thereby, such court shall reduce the duration, area, or matter of such provision, and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced. 15. Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . All payments that may be made and benefits that may be provided pursuant to this Agreement are intended to qualify for an exclusion from Section 409A of the Code and any related regulations or other pronouncements thereunder and, to the extent not excluded, to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments made under Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement which are paid on or before the last day of the applicable period for the short-term deferral exclusion under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(4) are intended to be excluded under such short-term deferral exclusion. Any remaining payments under Sections 3 and 4 are intended to qualify for the exclusion for separation pay plans under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9). Each payment made under Sections 3 and 4 shall be treated as a "separate payment", as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409A-2(b)(2), for purposes of Code Section 409A. Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all severance payments payable under the provisions of Section 4, if any, shall be paid to the Executive no later than the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs the date of Executive's termination of employment. None of the payments under this Agreement are intended to result in the inclusion in Executive's federal gross income on account of a failure under Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. The parties intend to administer and interpret this Agreement to carry out such intentions. However, the Employer does not represent, warrant or guarantee that any payments that may be made pursuant to this Agreement will not result in inclusion in the Executive's gross income, or any penalty, pursuant to Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code or any similar state statute or regulation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the deferral of compensation within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code, the payment shall be paid (or provided) in accordance with the following: (a) If the Executive is a Specified Employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code on the date of the Executives termination (the Separation Date), and if an exemption from the six month delay requirement of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) is not available, then no such payment that is payable on account of the Executive's termination shall be made or commence during the period beginning on the Separation Date and ending on the date that is six months following the Separation Date or, if earlier, on the date of the Executives death. The amount of any payment that would otherwise be paid to the Executive during this period shall instead be paid to the Executive on the first day of the first calendar month following the end of the period. 9 Exhibit 10.1 (b) Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses or benefits or provision of fringe or other in-kind benefits shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the relevant expense or benefit is incurred. The amount of expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses or benefits eligible for reimbursement, payment or provision in any other calendar year. 16. Compliance with the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any incentive payments to the Executive shall be limited to the extent required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), including, but not limited to, clawbacks for such incentive payments as required by the Dodd-Frank Act and Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Executive agrees to such amendments, agreements, or waivers that are required by the Dodd-Frank Act or requested by the Employer to comply with the terms of the Dodd-Frank Act. 17. Compliance with Regulatory Restrictions . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and in addition to any restrictions stated above, any compensation or other benefits paid to the Executive shall be limited to the extent required by any federal or state regulatory agency having authority over the Bank or, if applicable, the Company. The Executive agrees that compliance by the Bank or the Company with such regulatory restrictions, even to the extent that compensation or other benefits paid to the Executive are limited, shall not be a breach of this Agreement by such entity. 18. Certain Definitions . (a) Affiliate shall mean any business entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company, including but not limited to the Bank. (b) Cause shall consist of any of (i) the commission by the Executive of a willful act (including, without limitation, a dishonest or fraudulent act) or a grossly negligent act, or the willful or grossly negligent omission to act by the Executive, which is intended to cause, does cause or is reasonably likely to cause material harm to the Company or any Affiliate (including harm to its business reputation); (ii) the indictment of the Executive for the commission or perpetration by the Executive of any felony or any crime involving dishonesty, moral turpitude or fraud; (iii) the material breach by the Executive of this Agreement that, if susceptible of cure, remains uncured 10 days following written notice to the Executive of such breach; (iv) the receipt of any formal written notice that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Company or the Bank intends to institute any form of formal regulatory action against the Executive, the Company or the Bank (provided that the Board determines in good faith, with the Executive abstaining from participating in the consideration of and vote on the matter, that the subject matter of such action involves acts or omissions by the Executive and further provided that, the parties acknowledge that any regulatory action currently issued to the Company or the Bank shall not constitute the basis for a determination of cause by the Board); (v) the exhibition by the Executive of a standard of behavior within the scope of her employment that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of the Employers business operations (including, without limitation, substance abuse or sexual misconduct) to a level which, in the Boards good faith and reasonable judgment, with the Executive abstaining from participating in the consideration of and vote on the matter, is materially detrimental to the Employers best interest, that, if susceptible of cure remains uncured 10 days following written notice to the Executive of such specific inappropriate behavior; or (vi) the failure of the Executive to devote her full business time and attention to her employment as provided under this Agreement that, if susceptible of cure, remains uncured 30 days following written notice to the Executive of such failure. In order for the Board of Directors to make a determination that termination shall be for Cause, the Board must provide the Executive with notice of the grounds providing the purported basis for termination and provide the Executive an opportunity to meet with the Board in person to address the proposed grounds. 10 Exhibit 10.1 (c) Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (d) Disability or Disabled shall mean as defined by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(4); provided however that, for purposes of this definition, the accident and health plan covering the Executive shall only be the long term disability plan and not any other the accident and health plan. (e) Notice of Termination shall mean a written notice of termination from the Employer or the Executive which specifies an effective date of termination (not less than 30 days from the date of the notice), indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment under the provision so indicated. (f) Standard payroll procedures shall mean payment no less frequently than monthly. (g) Terminate , terminated , termination , or termination of the Executives employment shall mean separation from service as defined by Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h). 19. Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements, if any understandings and arrangements, oral or written between the parties hereto with respect the subject matter hereof. 20. Survival . The obligations of the parties pursuant to Sections 3(h), 5 through 8, and 12, as applicable, shall survive the Executives Termination of Employment hereunder for the period designated under each of those respective sections. 11 Exhibit 10.1 23. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. [signatures appear on following page] 12 Exhibit 10.1 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and the Bank has caused this Agreement to be executed and its seal to be affixed hereunto by its officers thereunto duly authorized and the Executive has signed and sealed this Agreement, effective as of the date described above. HCSB FINANCIAL CORPORATION ATTEST: By: /s/ J. Rick Patterson By: /s/ Jan H. Hollar Name: J. Rick Patterson Name: Jan H. Hollar Title: Chief Executive Officer HORRY COUNTY STATE BANK ATTEST: By: /s/ J. Rick Patterson By: /s/ Jan H. Hollar Name: J. Rick Patterson Name: Jan H. Hollar Title: Chief Executive Officer EXECUTIVE /s/ Jennifer W. Harris Jennifer W. Harris 13 Exhibit 99.1 HCSB Financial Corporation Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2016 Contact: Jan H. Hollar Chief Executive Officer HCSB Financial Corporation/Horry County State Bank (843) 716-6117 Jennifer W. Harris Joins Horry County State Bank as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Loris, South Carolina Horry County State Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer W. Harris as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Harris will oversee all financial matters for the Bank. Ms. Harris comes to Horry County State Bank with 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. Most recently, Ms. Harris served as VP Senior Accountant SEC Reporting of Park Sterling Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September 2014 to May 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Harris served as SEC Financial Reporting Manager of Yadkin Bank in Statesville, North Carolina, from April 2009 to July 2014, when Yadkin Bank, and its holding company, Yadkin Financial Corporation, merged with VantageSouth Bancshares, Inc. and Piedmont Community Bank Holdings, Inc. Ms. Harris also has held various senior accounting roles at community banks across North Carolina. In addition to her community banking experience, Ms. Harris is a certified public accountant and began her career at a national public accounting firm, during which time which she specialized in auditing financial institutions. We are excited to have Jennifer join our team as Chief Financial Officer. Her financial expertise and banking background will be a great asset to the Companys accounting and finance department, said Jan H. Hollar, Chief Executive Officer at Horry County State Bank. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains, among other things, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, (i) statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words may, could, should, would, believe, anticipate, estimate, expect, intend, plan, projects, outlook or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current belief and expectations of the Companys management team and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Companys control). Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Additional factors that could cause other Companys results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Companys reports (such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SECs Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or any person acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements above. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D/A Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 6) Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (Title of Class of Securities) 219387107 (CUSIP Number) Deborah J. McLean Nixon Peabody LLP 1300 Clinton Square Rochester, New York 14604 Telephone: 585-263-1307 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications) June 23, 2016 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. o Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). SCHEDULE 13D CUSIP No. 219381100 Page 2 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS Michael I. German 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* (a) (b) 3 SEC USE ONLY 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS PF 5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e) 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH 7 SOLE VOTING POWER 496,379 shares 8 SHARED VOTING POWER 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 496,379 shares 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 496,379 shares* 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 19.60%** 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IN * Consists of 438,443 shares of common stock owned and 57,936 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock which are currently convertible into common stock on a 1:1 basis. **Calculated based on the 496,379 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Reporting Person, divided by the 2,474,263 currently outstanding shares of common stock plus the 57,936 shares of common stock beneficially owned upon conversion of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock owned by Reporting Person. CUSIP No. 219387107 SCHEDULE 13D Page 3 Item 1. Security and Issuer. This Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D relates to shares of the common stock of Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation (the Holding Company), a New York corporation with offices at 330 West William Street, Corning, New York 14830. This Amendment No. 6 amends the Schedule 13D, as amended, of Michael I. German, as the Reporting Person, which was first filed with respect to Corning Natural Gas Corporation ("Corning Gas") . Effective November 12, 2013, all of the outstanding shares of Corning Gas were exchanged for shares of the Holding Company and Corning Gas became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. Item 2. Identity and Background. This Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D is filed by Michael I. German, President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Holding Company, who has a business address of 330 West William Street, Corning, New York 14830. During the past five years, Mr. German has not been convicted in a criminal proceeding. During the past five years, Mr. German has not been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which proceeding was a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or finding any violations with respect to such laws. Item 3. Source and amount of Funds or Other Consideration. Mr. German used personal funds in the amount of $1,202,172 to purchase the 57,936 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Item 4. Purpose of Transaction Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is hereby supplemented as follows: In connection with a subscription rights offering by the Holding Company whereby the Holding Company distributed one subscription right for each share of the Holding Companys common stock held of record on April 14, 2016, Mr. German exercised rights to purchase 2,588 shares of the Holding Companys 6% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock at $25.00 per share, and 57,936 shares of the Holding Companys Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at $20.75 per share. Each share of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible at any time prior to one share of common stock. Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer (a) Mr. German beneficially owns 496,379 shares of the common stock of the Holding Company, including the 57,936 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock which is currently convertible into 57,936 shares of common stock, constituting 19.60% of the outstanding shares based on 2,474,263 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 20, 2016, plus the shares issuable upon conversion of Mr. Germans shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. (b) Mr. German has the sole power to vote and to dispose of 496,379 shares of common stock beneficially owned by him (the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock has limited voting rights prior to its conversion to common stock). (c) As of June 20, 2016, Mr. German directly and indirectly, exercised subscription rights to purchase 2,588 shares of the Holding Companys 6% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock, which are subject to mandatory redemption on September 30, 2023, and 57,936 shares of the Holding Companys Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, which are subject to mandatory redemption on September 30, 2026, if not previously converted into common stock. Signature After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated: June 29, 2016 /s/ Michael I. German Michael I. German 1(a). Filer CIK: 0001007444 1(c). Live/Test Filing? Live Test 1(e). Is this filing an amendment to a previous filing? Yes 1(e)(i). File Number: 084-05637 2. Appropriate regulatory agency (check one) : Securities and Exchange Commission Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Comptroller of the Currency Office of Thrift Supervision 3(a). Full Name of Registrant: LPL Financial LLC 3(a)(i). Previous name, if being amended: LPL Financial Corporation 3(b). Financial Industry Number Standard (FINS) number: 008698 3(c). Address of principal office where transfer agent activities are, or will be, performed: 3(c)(i). Address 1 4707 Executive Drive 3(c)(ii). Address 2 3(c)(iii). City San Diego 3(c)(iv). State or Country CA CALIFORNIA 3(c)(v). Postal Code 92121-3091 3(d). Is Mailing address different from response to Question 3c? If "yes," provide address(es): Yes No 3(d)(i). Address 1 75 State Street, 22nd Floor 3(d)(ii). Address 2 3(d)(iii). City Boston 3(d)(iv). State or Country MA MASSACHUSETTS 3(d)(v). Postal Code 02109 3(e). Telephone Number (Include Area Code) 800-877-7210 4. Does registrant conduct, or will it conduct, transfer agent activities at any location other than that given in question 3c above? If "yes," provide address(es): Yes No 5. Does registrant act, or will it act, as a transfer agent solely for its own securities and/or securities of an affiliate(s)? Yes No 6. Has registrant, as a named transfer agent, engaged, or will it engage, a service company to perform any transfer agent functions? Yes No 7. Has registrant been engaged, or will it be engaged, as a service company by a named transfer agent to perform transfer agent functions? Yes No Completion of Question 8 on this form is required by all independent, non-issuer registrants whose appropriate regulatory authority is the Securities and Exchange Commission. Those registrants who are not required to complete Question 8 should select "Not Applicable". 8. Is registrant a: Other LLC Section for Initial Registration and for Amendments Reporting Additional Persons. 8(a)(i). Full Name LPL Holdings, Inc. 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 1989-04-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Member 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Parent Company 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Mark Robert Helliker 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2008-08-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Client Support Services 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2015-08-01 8(a)(i). Full Name Robert Joseph Moore 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2012-05-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status President and Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Advisor & Institution Solutions 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2015-03-16 8(a)(i). Full Name Sharyn J. Handelsman 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2014-01-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Compliance Officer, Brokerage 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2015-06-12 8(a)(i). Full Name George Burton White 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2007-11-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Investment Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Dan Hogan Arnold, Jr. 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2012-05-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority President 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name David Paul Bergers 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2013-08-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Legal and Government Relations 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Michelle Oroschakoff 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2013-09-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Risk Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Paul Middlemiss 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2011-05-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Executive Vice President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Compliance Officer, Advisory 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name John Andrew Kalbaugh 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2010-03-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director & Divisional President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Institution Services 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Joan Dominy Khoury 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2012-05-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Marketing Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2014-06-01 8(a)(i). Full Name Sallie Rebecca Larsen 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2012-05-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Human Capital Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Victor Peter Fetter, III 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2012-12-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Information Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Mark Stephen Casady 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2005-12-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Chairman of the Board and CEO 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Executive Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name William P. Morrissey, Jr. 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2014-04-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director & Divisional President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Independent Advisor Services 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Stephanie Leigh Brown 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2004-03-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority General Counsel 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2013-08-19 8(a)(i). Full Name Esther Marion Stearns 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2007-03-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Chief Operating Officer 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority President 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2012-05-01 8(a)(i). Full Name William Edward Dwyer III 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2004-01-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority National Sales 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2013-03-01 8(a)(i). Full Name Denise Abood 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2008-01-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Human Capital 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2012-06-30 8(a)(i). Full Name Jonathan Eaton 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2008-01-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Retirement Planning 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2012-06-30 8(a)(i). Full Name Christopher F. Feeney 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2008-01-28 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Information Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2012-12-31 8(a)(i). Full Name Kathy VanNoy-Pineda 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2009-05-21 8(a) (iii). Title or Status EVP 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Compliance Officer, Brokerage 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2014-01-01 8(a)(i). Full Name John J. McDermott Jr. 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2009-07-27 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Risk Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2013-09-13 8(a)(i). Full Name Abdiel Alan Valenzuela 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2009-05-21 8(a) (iii). Title or Status VP - Advisory 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Compliance Officer, Advisory 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2011-05-01 8(a)(i). Full Name Derek Bruton 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2010-03-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority National Sales 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2014-04-04 8(a)(i). Full Name Becky Shulman 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2011-06-06 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Deputy CFO 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2011-11-21 8(a)(i). Full Name Mary Frances Schott 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2014-06-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Client Experience and Training 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2016-03-29 8(a)(i). Full Name Ryan Christopher Parker 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2014-06-01 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Investment and Planning Solutions 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2016-06-03 8(a)(i). Full Name Thomas Dominic Lux 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2015-03-16 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Executive Vice President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Financial Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 2015-09-28 8(a)(i). Full Name Thomas Andrew Gooley 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2015-07-10 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Service, Trading and Operations 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Matthew Jon Audette 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2015-09-28 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Chief Financial Officer 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Financial Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Suzanne Elizabeth Auletta 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2015-09-18 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Executive Vice President 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Chief Compliance Officer, Brokerage 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 8(a)(i). Full Name Tracy Ellen Calder 8(a) (ii). Relationship Start Date 2016-01-25 8(a) (iii). Title or Status Managing Director 8(a) (iv). Description of Authority Deputy Chief Risk Officer 8(a) (v). Relationship End Date 9. Does any person or entity not named in the answer to Question 8: 9(a). directly or indirectly, through agreement or otherwise exercise or have the power to exercise control over the management or policies of applicant; or . . . . Yes No 9(a)(i). Exact name of each person or entity LPL Financial Holdings Inc. 9(a)(ii). Description of the Agreement or other basis Sole stockholder of LPL Holdings, Inc. 9(b). wholly or partially finance the business of applicant, directly or indirectly, in any manner other than by a public offering of securities made pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 or by credit extended in the ordinary course of business by suppliers, banks and others ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10. Applicant and Control Affiliate Disciplinary History: The following definitions apply for purposes of answering this Question 10 Control affiliate - An individual or firm that directly or indirectly controls, is under common control with, or is controlled by applicant. Included are any employees identified in 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) of this form as exercising control. Excluded are any employees who perform solely clerical, administrative support of similar functions, or who, regardless of title, perform no executive duties or have no senior policy making authority. Investment or investment related - Pertaining to securities, commodities, banking, insurance, or real estate (including, but not limited to, acting as or being associated with a broker-dealer, investment company, investment adviser, futures sponsor, bank, or savings and loan association). Involved - Doing an act of aiding, abetting, counseling, commanding, inducing, conspiring with or failing reasonably to supervise another in doing an act. 10(a). In the past ten years has the applicant or a control affiliate been convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contender ("no contest") to: 10(a)(1). a felony or misdemeanor involving: investments or an investment-related business, fraud, false statements or omissions, wrongful taking of property, or bribery, forgery, counterfeiting or extortion? . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(a)(2). any other felony? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(b). Has any court in the past ten years: 10(b)(1). enjoined the applicant or a control affiliate in connection with any investment-related activity? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(b)(2). found that the applicant or a control affiliate was involved in a violation of investment-related statutes or regulations? . . . . . Yes No 10(c). Has the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ever: 10(c)(1). found the applicant or a control affiliate to have made a false statement or omission? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(c)(2). found the applicant or a control affiliate to have been involved in a violation of its regulations or statutes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(c)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action Linsco/Private Ledger Corp. (N/K/A LPL Financial) 10(c)(2) (ii). Title of Action SEC Administrative Proceeding Rel. Nos. 33-8371 and 34-49232 10(c)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2004-02-12 10(c)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location The Securities and Exchange Commission 10(c)(2) (v). Description of the Action Action involved allegations related to application of mutual breakpoints for eligible customers on purchases of front-end load mutual funds. 10(c)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The SEC issued and order against LPL that resulted in a censure, monetary fine, disgorgement/restitution and cease and desist/injunction. 10(c)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(c)(2) (ii). Title of Action SEC Administrative Proceeding No. 34-58515 10(c)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2008-09-11 10(c)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location The Securities and Exchange Commission 10(c)(2) (v). Description of the Action Proceeding involved allegations of violations of the safeguards rules of Regulation S-P. 10(c)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The SEC issued an order against LPL that resulted in a censure, monetary fine, remedial undertakings by LPL, and cease and desist/injunction. 10(c)(3). found the applicant or a control affiliate to have been a cause of an investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked or restricted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(c)(4). entered an order denying, suspending or revoking the applicant's or a control affiliate's registration or otherwise disciplined it by restricting its activities? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(c)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(c)(4) (ii). Title of Action SEC Administrative Proceeding Rel. Nos. 33-8371 and 34-49232 10(c)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2004-02-12 10(c)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location The Securities and Exchange Commission 10(c)(4) (v). Description of the Action Action involved allegations related to application of mutual breakpoints for eligible customers on purchases of front-end load mutual funds. 10(c)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The SEC issued an order against LPL that resulted in a censure, monetary fine, disgorgement/restitution, and cease and desist/injunction. 10(d). Has any other Federal regulatory agency or any state regulatory agency: 10(d)(1). ever found the applicant or a control affiliate to have made a false statement or omission or to have been dishonest, unfair, or unethical? . . . . . . Yes No 10(d)(1) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(1) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(1) (iii). Date of Action 2014-09-04 10(d)(1) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Ohio Department of Insurance 10(d)(1) (v). Description of the Action LPL failed to report various regulatory actions to the Ohio Department of Insurance within 30 days. 10(d)(1) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding $800.00 fine and investigative costs of $200.00. 10(d)(2). ever found the applicant or a control affiliate to have been involved in a violation of investment-related regulations or statutes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action Private Ledger Financial Services, Inc. (N/K/A LPL Financial) 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 82-66-S 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 1984-05-20 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Michigan 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action The matter involved a client that was sold various securities by two Private Ledger Financial Services, Inc. (PLFS) agents who were not registered in Michigan at the time of sale, which is a violation of Michigan Securities Act. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding PLFS was censured and ordered to pay restitution of $11,163.00 to a Michigan client. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action Private Ledger Financial Services, Inc. (N/K/A LPL Financial) 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 50-86-952(a). 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 1986-05-14 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Georgia 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action The matter involved allegations that PLFS offered for sale and sold securities which were not effectively registered nor exempt from registration. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding PLFS reimbursed the Commissioner in the amount of $1,000.00 and agreed to cease and desist without admitting or denying any of the findings of fact or conclusions of Law. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 9501-04LC 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 1996-10-09 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Pennsylvania 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action The matter involved conduct of a former registered representative and one of its predecessor firms, Private Ledger Financial Services (PLFS). 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL consented to an order requiring it to engage an independent consultant to review its existing compliance policies & procedures, pay costs of $19,304.94 and comply with PA securities regulations. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 97E179 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 1998-12-01 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Kansas 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action The proceeding was based on the conduct of a former registered representative and one of its predecessor firms, PLFS. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL agreed to review procedures and make modifications that LPL determines to be reasonable, not overly burdensome and offers restitution to certain LPL customers. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: IC06-CAF-19 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2006-06-28 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Texas 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Involved allegations that LPL failed to timely update its Form BD to reflect the use of other business names in connection with securities activity by certain LPL branch offices in TX. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The order resulted in a reprimand and administrative fine in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2007-03-01 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2007-11-20 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Pennsylvania 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegations that at certain times between 1998 and 2006, LPL failed to maintain or enforce procedures reasonably designed to supervise one or more of its former registered representatives. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The matter resulted in a $200,000.00 administrative assessment and $30,000.00 for investigative and legal costs. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: SEC-2009-46 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2009-09-11 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Montana 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to reasonably supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL consented to pay restitution of $1,144,416.51 and a fine to the State of Montana of $150,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: SEU-2007-73 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2007-12-24 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Hawaii 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation of failure to disclose to clients material information in connection with the offer, sale or purchase of securities. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Consent agreement resulted in an administrative penalty of $10,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2010-AH-012 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2009-12-08 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Kentucky 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL paid advisory compensation to registered representative who was not qualified and was not registered as an investment advisor representative. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a fine of $4,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 0800381 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2010-07-12 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to detect the role of one of its former representatives in the sale of participations in oil and gas projects. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a $300,000.00 fine and restitution of $167,796.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: AP-10-16 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2010-08-11 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Missouri 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Matter involved sale of variable annuity contract in which one of its representatives allegedly misunderstood the contract's rider. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a censure and $37,540.00 in total for fine, restitution and interest. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number:1000096 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2011-10-24 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in restitution of $1,885,000.00 to customers. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2009-10-06 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2011-12-06 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Pennsylvania 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise two former registered representatives. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a fine of $59,092.52 and investigative costs. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: S-07-0001-2 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2011-11-08 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Oregon 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former OSJ manager's transactions. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a fine of $100,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: AP-13-21 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2013-12-17 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Missouri 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $175,000.00 and pay the cost of the investigation in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: SEC-2012-144 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2012-11-04 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Montana 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a fine of $10,000.00 and restitution of $20,500.00 to customers. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2012-0036 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2012-12-12 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Massachusetts 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Allegations of failure to supervise and train registered representatives in connection with the sale of non-traded REITS. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a fine of $500,000.00 and restitution to certain customers. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: IC08-CAF-22 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2008-12-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Texas 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action The state alleged that LPL failed to enforce its written procedures by failing to report a felony charge on a registered representative's Form U4. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $5,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action File No. 1200385 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2014-06-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois Securities Department 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL submitted to a consent order with the Illinois Securities Department in connection with certain variable annuity exchange transactions, in particular, relating to its failure to adequately enforce supervisory procedures and maintain certain books and records required under Illinois law. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL agreed to a censure, fine of $2,000,000.00 and restitution to impacted customers of approximately $800,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action File no. 1200385 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2014-10-31 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois Securities Department 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL Financial failed to detect improper and fraudulent conduct on the part of David Lisnek toward his LPL clients. LPL Financial allowed Mr. Lisnek to remain a registered representative while several facts, viewed together as a pattern of conduct, would have constituted multiple cautionary indicators of the potential for improper conduct. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $500,000.00 and restitution in the amount of $315,218.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-07-14 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Massachusetts Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that it did not establish, maintain, or enforce adequate procedures to review senior-specific titles for compliance with the Commonwealth's Senior Designations Regulations adopted June 1, 2007. As a result, LPL allowed its broker-dealer agents and investment adviser representatives to use prohibited senior-specific designations. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Censure, undertakings, cease and desist, and a fine in the amount of $250,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-07-31 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of the findings that from September 2009 to September 2013, LPL allowed one of its registered representatives to engage in investment advisory business from an office in the State of Florida without being lawfully registered in Florida. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Cease and desist and a fine in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-09-22 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Delaware Investor Protection Unit 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that LPL failed to ensure that its financial advisors understood and explained the unique risks, failed to enforce its warning and fine system with regard to its leveraged ETFs concentration limits, and failed to adequately monitor and ensure the monitoring of client holding periods, all of which constitute a failure to supervise. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine in the amount of $50,000.00, restitution in the amount of $150,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-10-01 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Nevada Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, LPL offered multiple non-traded REITs that were sold in excess of the REIT's prospectus standards, various state concentration limits, or its own alternative investment guidelines. LPL failed to implement an adequate supervisory system that was reasonably designed to achieve compliance with NAC 90.321. LPL also failed to enforce its written procedures to supervise the activities of its registered representatives in violation of NAC 90.321. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $21,202.19 and reimbursement of $19,676.00 for investigation costs to Nevada, reimbursement of $35,000.00 for investigation costs to NASAA, censure, restitution, cease and desist, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Assurance of Discontinuance 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-09-15 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Commonwealth of Massachusetts 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that LPL offered leveraged ETFs without monitoring and systematically reviewing the length of time its clients held leveraged ETFs. LPL provided insufficient training materials to financial advisors and failed to identify and examine potential issues concerning the suitability of leveraged ETF exposure. Moreover, LPL did not consistently adhere to its policy of imposing fines on LPL financial advisors who exceeded this concentration limit. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine in the amount of $200,000.00, restitution in the amount of $1,600,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-04 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Ohio Department of Insurance 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the allegations that it violated Ohio statute 3905.22 by failing to timely report a regulatory action taken by the state of New Hampshire dated April 6, 2015. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $1,800.00 and administrative costs of $200.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Mississippi Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Mississippi residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,253.45, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-23 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Puerto Rico residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,125.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Pennsylvania residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $26,110.92, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location New Mexico Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to New Mexico residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $11,528.48, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location South Dakota Division of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to South Dakota residents. The Firm received a copy of the final Consent Order on November 30, 2015. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $12,500.70, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Indiana Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Indiana residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,041.63 and reimbursement of $35,000 for investigation costs to NASAA, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Utah Division of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Utah residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $18,293.16, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Missouri Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Missouri residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $38,522.75, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-01 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Texas State Securities Board 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Texas residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $110,855.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent To Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Alaska Division of Banking and Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Alaska residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,570.45, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation for Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Colorado Division of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Colorado residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $40,183.94, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent Agreement 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Florida Office of Financial Regulation 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Florida residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Administrative fine in the amount of $50,555.39, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-08 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Georgia Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Georgia residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $28,021.63, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-21 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Idaho Department of Finance 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Idaho residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $17,738.18, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-05 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Iowa Insurance Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Iowa residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,638.57, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-21 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Michigan residents. The Consent Order was issued and entered by Michigan on December 21, 2015. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $38,133.80, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-23 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Minnesota Department of Commerce 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Minnesota residents. The Firm received a copy of the final Consent Order on December 23, 2015. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $41,209.74, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-29 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Nebraska Department of Banking & Finance 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Nebraska residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,736.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-15 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action Without admitting or denying the facts or allegations, LPL consented to the findings that LPL failed to implement an adequate supervisory system and enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to New Hampshire residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Pay an administrative fine of $250,000.00, the Bureau's costs of $250,000.00, and a contribution to the investor education fund of $250,000.00, offer remediation, undertakings, and cease and desist from any further violations. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-29 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location California Department of Business Oversight 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to California residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $140,220.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-15 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Washington Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Washington residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $65,766.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-09 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Alabama Securities Commission 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Alabama residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $18,267.52, of which $8,267.52 represents partial reimbursement for the Commission's cost for investigating this matter, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-09 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location North Dakota Securities Department 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to North Dakota residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $11,012.50, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-18 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Texas State Securities Board 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action In May 2015, the Staff of the Texas Securities Board initiated an investigation into LPL's Financial Statement Reviews for agents registered with the Texas Securities Commission. In certain instances, during the relevant periods of January 2011 through September 2011 and June 2014 through December 2014, the Financial Statement Reviews were not conducted in accordance with LPL's written supervisory procedures. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL consented to the entry of the order, an administrative fine in the amount of $95,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-19 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Washington Insurance Commissioner 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the entry of a consent order with the Insurance Commissioner of the state of Washington, after its investigation into the conduct of a non-resident insurance producer after receiving a complaint from an insured alleging that he misrepresented the benefits and suitability of an annuity. More than one of the insurance producers' violations were known or should have been known by one or more individuals acting on behalf of LPL, and LPL neither reported the violations nor took corrective action. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL paid a fine in the amount of $2,000.00. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-26 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Kansas residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,182.86, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-29 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Kentucky residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $22,841.84, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-02 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Wisconsin Division of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Wisconsin residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $25,928.70, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-04 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Tennessee Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Tennessee residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $33,714.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-11 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Banking and Insurance 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to U.S. Virgin Islands residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,013.22, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-14 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Ohio Division of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Ohio residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $35,522.13, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-30 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location South Carolina Securities Commission 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to South Carolina residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $80,000.00, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-04-26 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Arkansas Securities Division 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Arkansas residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,347.74, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-04-29 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Oregon Division of Financial Regulation 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Oregon residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $24,642.20, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(2) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(2) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(2) (iii). Date of Action 2016-05-03 10(d)(2) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Oklahoma Department of Securities 10(d)(2) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Oklahoma residents. 10(d)(2) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $21,245.14, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(3). ever found the applicant or a control affiliate to have been a cause of an investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(d)(4). in the past ten years entered an order against the applicant or a control affiliate in connection with investment-related activity? . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: IC06-CAF-19 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2006-06-28 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Texas 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Involved allegations with LPL failed to timely update its Form BD to reflect the use of other business names in connection with securities activity by certain LPL branch offices in TX. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The order resulted in a reprimand and a fine in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: SEC-2009-46 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2009-10-26 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Montana 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to reasonably supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Consent order resulted in LPL agreeing to pay restitution of $1,144,416.51 and a fine to the State of MT of $150,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case No. 2010-AH-012 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2009-12-08 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Kentucky 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL paid advisory compensation to a registered representative who was not qualified and was not registered as an investment advisor representative. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding $4,000.00 fine. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 0800381 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2010-07-12 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to detect role of one of its former representatives in the sale of participations in oil and gas projects. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a $300,000.00 fine and restitution of $167,796.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 1000096 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2011-10-24 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in $1,885,000.00 restitution to customers. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2009-10-06 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2011-12-06 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Pennsylvania 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise two former registered representatives. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in $59,092.52 fine for investigative costs. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: S-07-0001-2 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2011-11-08 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Oregon 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former OSJ manager's transactions. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in $100,000.00 fine. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: AP-10-16 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2010-08-11 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Missouri 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Matter involved sale of variable annuity contract in which a registered representative allegedly misunderstood the contract's rider. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Matter resulted in a censure and $37,540.00 in total for fine, restitution and interest. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case No. 2007-03-01 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2007-11-20 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Pennsylvania 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegations that at certain times between 1998 and 2006, LPL failed to maintain or enforce procedures reasonably designed to supervise one or more of its former registered representatives. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding The matter resulted in a $200,000.00 administrative assessment and $30,000.00 for investigative and legal costs. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: IC08-CAF-22 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2008-12-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Texas 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action The state alleged that LPL failed to enforce its written procedures relating to the notification of a felony charge and Form U4 updates. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $5,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: AP-13-21 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2013-12-17 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Missouri 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $175,000.00 and payment of the cost of the investigation in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: SEC-2012-144 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2012-11-04 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Montana 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegation that LPL failed to supervise a former registered representative. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $10,000.00 and $20,500.00 in restitution to customers. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Docket/Case Number: 2012-0036 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2012-12-12 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Massachusetts 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Allegations of failure to supervise and train registered representatives in connection with the sale of non-traded REITS. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $500,000.00 and restitution to certain customers. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action File No. 1200385 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2014-06-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois Securities Department 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL submitted to a consent order with the Illinois Securities Department in connection with certain variable annuity exchange transactions, in particular, relating to its failure to adequately enforce supervisory procedures and maintain certain books and records required under Illinois law. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL agreed to a censure, fine of $2,000,000.00 and restitution to impacted customers of approximately $800,000.00 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2014-09-04 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Ohio Department of Insurance 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL failed to report various regulatory actions to the Ohio Department of Insurance within 30 days. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding $800.00 fine and investigative costs of $200.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action File No. 1200385 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2014-10-31 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Illinois Securities Department. 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL Financial failed to detect improper and fraudulent conduct on the part of David Lisnek toward his LPL clients. LPL Financial allowed Mr. Lisnek to remain a registered representative while several facts, viewed together as a pattern of conduct, would have constituted multiple cautionary indicators of the potential for improper conduct. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $500,000.00 and restitution in the amount of $315,218.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-07-14 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Massachusetts Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that it did not establish, maintain, or enforce adequate procedures to review senior-specific titles for compliance with the Commonwealth's Senior Designations Regulations adopted June 1, 2007. As a result, LPL allowed its broker-dealer agents and investment adviser representatives to use prohibited senior-specific designations. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Censure, undertakings, cease and desist, and a fine in the amount of $250,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-07-31 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of the findings that from September 2009 to September 2013, LPL allowed one of its registered representatives to engage in investment advisory business from an office in the State of Florida without being lawfully registered in Florida. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Cease and desist and a fine in the amount of $10,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-09-22 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Delaware Investor Protection Unit 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that LPL failed to ensure that its financial advisors understood and explained the unique risks, failed to enforce its warning and fine system with regard to its leveraged ETFs concentration limits, and failed to adequately monitor and ensure the monitoring of client holding periods, all of which constitute a failure to supervise. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine in the amount of $50,000, restitution in the amount of $150,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-10-01 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Nevada Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, LPL offered multiple non-traded REITs that were sold in excess of the REIT's prospectus standards, various state concentration limits, or its own alternative investment guidelines. LPL failed to implement an adequate supervisory system that was reasonably designed to achieve compliance with NAC 90.321. LPL also failed to enforce its written procedures to supervise the activities of its registered representatives in violation of NAC 90.321. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine of $21,202.19 and reimbursement of $19,676.00 for investigation costs to Nevada, reimbursement of $35,000.00 for investigation costs to NASAA, censure, restitution, cease and desist, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Assurance of Discontinuance 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-09-15 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Commonwealth of Massachusetts 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the sanctions and the entry of findings that LPL offered leveraged ETFs without monitoring and systematically reviewing the length of time its clients held leveraged ETFs. LPL provided insufficient training materials to financial advisors and failed to identify and examine potential issues concerning the suitability of leveraged ETF exposure. Moreover, LPL did not consistently adhere to its policy of imposing fines on LPL financial advisors who exceeded this concentration limit. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Fine in the amount of $200,000.00, restitution in the amount of $1,600,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-04 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location State of Ohio Department of Insurance 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the allegations that it violated Ohio statute 3905.22 by failing to timely report a regulatory action taken by the state of New Hampshire dated April 6, 2015. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil fine in the amount of $1,800.00 and administrative costs of $200.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Mississippi Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Mississippi residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,253.45, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-23 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Puerto Rico residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,125.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Pennsylvania residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $26,110.92, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location New Mexico Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to New Mexico residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $11,528.48, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location South Dakota Division of Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to South Dakota residents. The Firm received a copy of the final Consent Order on November 30, 2015. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $12,500.70, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-11-24 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Indiana Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Indiana residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,041.63 and reimbursement of $35,000 for investigation costs to NASAA, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Utah Division of Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Utah residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $18,293.16, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Missouri Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Missouri residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $38,522.75, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-01 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Texas State Securities Board 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Texas residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $110,855.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent To Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-03 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Alaska Division of Banking and Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Alaska residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,570.45, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation for Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Colorado Division of Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Colorado residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $40,183.94, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Stipulation and Consent Agreement 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Florida Office of Financial Regulation 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Florida residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Administrative fine in the amount of $50,555.39, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-08 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Georgia Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Georgia residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $28,021.63, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-21 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Idaho Department of Finance 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Idaho residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $17,738.18, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-05 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Iowa Insurance Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Iowa residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,638.57, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-21 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Michigan residents. The Consent Order was issued and entered by Michigan on December 21, 2015. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $38,133.80, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-23 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Minnesota Department of Commerce 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Minnesota residents. The Firm received a copy of the final Consent Order on December 23, 2015. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $41,209.74, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-29 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Nebraska Department of Banking & Finance 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Nebraska residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,736.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2015-12-15 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action Without admitting or denying the facts or allegations, LPL consented to the findings that LPL failed to implement an adequate supervisory system and enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to New Hampshire residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Pay an administrative fine of $250,000.00, the Bureau's costs of $250,000.00, and a contribution to the investor education fund of $250,000.00, offer remediation, undertakings, and cease and desist from any further violations. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-29 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location California Department of Business Oversight 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to California residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $140,220.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-01-15 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Washington Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Washington residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $65,766.07, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-09 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Alabama Securities Commission 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Alabama residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $18,267.52, of which $8,267.52 represents partial reimbursement for the Commission's cost for investigating this matter, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-09 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location North Dakota Securities Department 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to North Dakota residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $11,012.50, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-18 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Texas State Securities Board 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action In May 2015, the Staff of the Texas Securities Board initiated an investigation into LPL's Financial Statement Reviews for agents registered with the Texas Securities Commission. In certain instances, during the relevant periods of January 2011 through September 2011 and June 2014 through December 2014, the Financial Statement Reviews were not conducted in accordance with LPL's written supervisory procedures. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL consented to the entry of the order, an administrative fine in the amount of $95,000.00, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-19 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Washington Insurance Commissioner 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the entry of a consent order with the Insurance Commissioner of the state of Washington, after its investigation into the conduct of a non-resident insurance producer after receiving a complaint from an insured alleging that he misrepresented the benefits and suitability of an annuity. More than one of the insurance producers' violations were known or should have been known by one or more individuals acting on behalf of LPL, and LPL neither reported the violations nor took corrective action. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding LPL paid a fine in the amount of $2,000.00. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-26 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Kansas residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $16,182.86, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Administrative Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-02-29 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Kentucky residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $22,841.84, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-02 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Wisconsin Division of Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Wisconsin residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $25,928.70, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-04 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Tennessee Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Tennessee residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $33,714.11, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-11 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Banking and Insurance 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to U.S. Virgin Islands residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $10,013.22, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-14 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Ohio Division of Securities 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Ohio residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $35,522.13, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-03-30 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location South Carolina Securities Commission 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to South Carolina residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $80,000.00, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-04-26 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Arkansas Securities Division 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Arkansas residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $19,347.74, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-04-29 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Oregon Division of Financial Regulation 10(d)(4) (v). Description of the Action LPL consented to the findings that from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2013, it failed to implement an adequate supervisory system regarding its sales of non-traded REITs and failed to enforce its written procedures regarding the sale of non-traded REITs to Oregon residents. 10(d)(4) (vi). The disposition of the proceeding Civil penalty in the amount of $24,642.20, cease and desist, offers of remediation, and undertakings. 10(d)(4) (i). The individuals named in the Action LPL Financial LLC 10(d)(4) (ii). Title of Action Consent Order 10(d)(4) (iii). Date of Action 2016-05-03 10(d)(4) (iv). The Court or body taking the Action and its location Ok Robert was last seen leaving his Mt Wellington home at 9am on Thursday. Police search and rescue teams are looking for an elderly man who has been missing from his Auckland home since Thursday morning. Robert Gardner, 68, was last seen on Thursday at 9am when he left his Mt Wellington home on his red mobility scooter. Family said the behaviour was totally out of character for the man. He was described as being of Maori descent and wearing dark track pants, a t-shirt and a black beanie. He generally stayed within the Panmure and Mt Wellington areas. Police were appealing for anyone with relevant information to phone 09 302 6641. Conservation House in Manners St is one of the two high-profile buildings Maurice Clark has bought. Work on a new Wellington student hostel is about to begin, after a well-known property developer snapped up two large central city commercial buildings. Maurice Clark - the man behind the $10 million restoration of the Old Public Trust building - has bought Conservation House and the adjoining TelTower on Manners St from Australian company Brookfield Funds Management. Clark said he planned to turn TelTower into a new hall of residence for Victoria University of Wellington. ASHTEN MACDONALD/STUFF Maurice Clark is a well-known Wellington property developer and engineer. Work on the hostel, which is being done by Clark's construction company McKee Fehl Constructors, is expected to be completed by early 2017. READ MORE: * Conservation House and Tel Tower in Wellington CBD on the market * Valuable city properties part of big sale * An eye for the potential of old buildings * Partygoers run amok at Victoria University student hall * Alcohol ban imposed on Victoria University hall dubbed 'the zoo' * Half-price building to be a student hostel * Former Wellington offices being converted to apartments The new hall, located in Willis Street between Manners and Dixon streets. will be fully catered and offer more than 300 beds, bringing the total number of beds offered by the university to 3300 across twelve halls of residence. Victoria University campus services director Jenny Bentley said the building needed to be upgraded and repurposed to turn a "currently empty office building, into a high-quality hall of residence". "The modern central city building meets a high standard in terms of earthquake resilience, but its current layout means it is not ideal for office use in the digital age, which requires more open spaces and good connectivity between different areas of the building. "Reconfiguring it for student accommodation makes excellent use of the building as well as supporting Victoria's strategic development." This project brings together the two main projects that Clark's companies Cheops Holdings and McKee Fehl Constructors have been working on over the past five years. To date, Cheops and McKee Fehl have completed the conversion of three buildings in Wellington to hostels, bringing students over 800 rooms. The development of TelTower will increase the total to 1130 rooms. Meanwhile, Department of Conservation staff have moved premises, while the Conservation House undergoes strengthening work. Clark said although the buildings were physically connected, they operated quite separately with TelTower having its own entrance lobby on Willis St. Clark was committed to exploring ways of utilising existing buildings within the city, rather than building new structures on the fringes, he said. "Retro-fitting and repurposing heritage and existing city building is to maintain the character and attractiveness of the urban environment." As part of the upgrade of Conservation House, there was an opportunity to improve the quality of the retail activity along Manners St, he said. In the past, that section of Manners St had been dominated by bank branches, which tended to break up the flow of retailing, Clark said. "With the banks moving to Willis St, there is the opportunity to bring into the area exciting retail outlets that will bring Manners St back to becoming an integral part of Wellington's 'golden mile' retail frontage." Two 'Lady Liz' launches later, it is the the Lady Elizabeth IV, pictured, that the Wellington Maritime Unit use today. The katamaran can usually be found moored at their barracks at Kumutoto Wharf opposite the Wellington Railway Station. Pilot Peter Button with son Clive in their rescue helicopter- their efforts to get the service going, bankrolled by Wellington businessman Mark Dunajtschik, paved the way for the Westpac Helicopter operated by the Life Flight Trust which serves the region to this day. Constable Glenn Hughes also lost his life in the capsize. Sergeant Phil Ward lost his life after the capsize of the Lady Elizabeth II. On July 2, 1986, police launch Lady Elizabeth II capsized at the Wellington Harbour entrance. Two on board died but two others were saved when pilot Peter Button hovered his helicopter just 3m above 10m waves so his winchman, son Clive Button, could pluck them from the water. Clive Button still remembers like it was yesterday. He was in the toolmakers' workshop when Peter Button called from their Wellington helicopter hangar. "Dad just said 'come on, we've got to get there, there's some policemen in trouble.'" DAVE HOUSTON A memorial at the Wellington Maritime Unit police base pays tribute to this day to Senior Sergeant Phil Ward and Constable Glenn Hughes, who died at sea during a training exercise in 1986, and to Constable Greg Rowe, who drowned during a rescue at sea. "It was a dirty, stinking southerly day," recalls then police launch master Wayne Wilkie. It was July 2, 1986, and the Lady Elizabeth II had capsized during a rough seas training exercise with four officers aboard. READ MORE: * Tears for constable 30 years on * Police remembrance day to honour fallen as well as slain officers * Helicopter's sounds a lifeline in chaos Wilkie was in his office doing paperwork when the call came through from Beacon Hill. A signalman said he could see the "Lady Liz" flipped over. "I thought someone was having me on." The boat's crew would later tell of a wall of water coming at them, slamming the boat into soaring crests, sending its cargo of four police officers spilling into the heaving seas at Wellington Harbour's entrance. The harbour had already claimed the life of Wilkie's young Constable Greg Rowe just eight years prior when the officer became entangled trying to tow a storm-stricken yacht and fell overboard. With a dawning sense of horror, Wilkie called in Search and Rescue. "It is pretty hard to describe the feeling... I went numb initially." Two hours passed as rescuers tried in vain to reach the officers at sea. By the time the Buttons flew to the scene, Constable Glenn Hughes and Senior Sergeant Phil Ward had already drowned and Senior Constable James McLean and Constable Rod Herd were beginning to lose their fight to stay afloat. The wind was whipping the winch harness horizontally, so Button junior stood on the chopper's skids in the strong southerly as his father piloted it upwind of the men in the water. The wind whipped the rope into the waves to where the two officers were. They clutched it, finally, for their rescue. "Both those guys were nearly dead," Button recalls. "I had to lift them to sit in the back, so there was no room for me and there was no room on the seat so I just stood on the skids. We were pretty rough in those days compared to how it is now." "There was no talking. They were just very cold and very wet. It was a good feeling to get them in there." Once the survivors were deposited safely on dry land, Peter Button went back for the drowned men. A dramatic black and white photograph shows his helicopter flying into the cavity between the giant swells to pluck Ward's body from the water. Hughes' body was never found. Current Wellington Maritime police boss Senior Sergeant Dave Houston was living in the Hutt Valley in his last year of college when he heard of the drownings. "I remember seeing the capsize come across the news and seeing the waves breaking in Breaker Bay, plus seeing the pictures of the wreck lying on Petone Beach. "It was a really cold day and I did feel a sense of sadness. Thirty years later I had no idea I would be in the position I am now." Peter Button would go on to receive a gallantry award for the rescue. But only two days after receiving it, he crashed into high-tension wires he himself had helped plot while helping hunt for an escaped prisoner. Button, and his passengers, photographer Ronald Woolf and developer Dion Savage, were all killed. Clive Button was with Herd when that call came in. And so it was Button's son and one of the men whose life he had saved just a year earlier who would find him, still in his beloved helicopter. "No one said Dad was dead. I saw him," Button remembers. "He was still in the helicopter. I knew he wasn't coming back - that was pretty hard to handle." The Buttons' Capital Helicopters was the prototype for what would become the Wellington Life Flight Trust's Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The service still operates in the region today. Through all the years' tragedies, a sense of pride in his father - who came to be nicknamed "Saint Peter"- shines through, Button says. "I still feel like it's dad's legacy." Last year police finally added Hughes', Ward's and Rowe's names to the police remembrance roll - Wilkie thought it was right to see fallen officers as well as those murdered in the line of duty, honoured. Family and friends of the men who died in the 1986 capsize will drop two wreaths at the harbour's entrance from the Lady Elizabeth IV in a private service for the two men. Both left behind widows, and Ward had two children. Wilkie thinks of his lost mates often. "It took me a long time to get through the experience... it plays on your mind. That day - I'll never forget it." Detective Sergeant Greg Harrison from Timaru police speaks about two recent suspicious fires in Timaru. An emerging pattern of suspicious fires in Temuka has police concerned that they may be the work of an arsonist. A caravan was deliberately set ablaze at the Temuka Holiday Park on Wednesday night, just days after a fort at St Joseph's School was reduced to a blackened shell by another suspicious fire. Police are so concerned about the fires that they are preparing to ramp up patrols in the area. MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX NZ Detective Sergeant Greg Harrison, of Timaru, inspects a burnt-out caravan at the Temuka Holiday Park. Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Quested urged Temuka residents to be vigilant. READ MORE: Suspicious fire guts fort "We're concerned that somebody is out there setting fires in the early hours of the morning." MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX NZ The caravan and towing vehicle were completely destroyed by the fire. The targets of the fires were particularly concerning, he said. Emergency service personnel originally believed someone may have been inside the caravan when it was set alight, although they later discovered it to be unoccupied. "That is a concern - that people are prepared to set fire to something like a caravan where potentially, people can be sleeping," Quested said. "We're going to be doing some extra patrols in Temuka to reassure the community that we are concerned about what's going on." He urged anyone who saw suspicious behaviour to contact police immediately. Temuka Community Board chairman Pat Mulvey was also concerned about the fires. "Being an ex-professional firefighter, I'm really concerned about this type of behaviour," he said. Arson was a "mindless" act, he said. "Sometimes people who commit these things have got serious mental problems and just don't understand the ramifications of what they're doing." There had not been any other instances of arson in Temuka for some time, he said. However, there had been some general vandalism, which was "frustrating". As well as the caravan fire, staff and students at St Joseph's School were left "distraught" over a fire that gutted a new playground fort last weekend. Firefighters were called to St Joseph's School about 5.30am on Sunday, where they discovered the fort completely engulfed by fire. The fort was only installed in March as part of a new playground development, some of which was designed by pupils. Principal Bernie Leonard said the pupils were shocked and sad after the incident. Sally Faulkner and her two children in a safe house in Beirut after the alleged child snatch operation. Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner and child recovery agent Adam Whittington have been charged with kidnapping her two children in Lebanon, in a botched operation that the Nine Network's 60 Minutes crew financed and attempted to film. The Nine crew have been received a lesser misdemeanour charge for failing to inform the authorities of a criminal act, which is likely to end in the network being fined. Adam Whittington's lawyer Joe Karam told Fairfax Media the judge had dropped the more serious charge relating to criminal gangs and formally indicted Whittington, his accomplice Craig Michael and a local Lebanese fixer who helped carry out the operation with kidnapping. A second Lebanese fixer was charged with assault. Child recovery agent Adam Whittington, who was imprisoned in Lebanon. Karam told Fairfax Media he would be appealing the kidnapping charges on behalf of his clients. READ MORE: * Sally Faulkner arrives home alone * Winners, losers from child abduction case in Beirut * 60 Minutes host, crew arrive in Sydney * 60 Minutes crew freed: it's 'great to be going home' * 60 Minutes crew's anguish lead to charges dropped * Deal struck in 60 Minutes child-abduction case * Dad refuses to drop charges in 60 Minutes case * Messages show 60 Minutes may have rejected plan * 60 Minutes reporter, crew detained in Lebanon * Lebanon set to charge Australian mum, 60 Minutes crew * 'Child recovery team' member just a 'lazy tattooist' - ex FACEBOOK Sally Faulkner with her children Lahela and Noah. The decision to lay kidnapping charges against Sally Faulkner is surprising because Judge Rami Abdullah previously said he did not consider a mother could be considered to have kidnapped her own child. Fairfax Media broke news of the charges to Faulkner who expressed shock but did not provide any further comment. It is unlikely Faulkner would return to Lebanon to face any charges following her lucky escape from her two-week stint in prison in April after the Nine network paid an enormous sum, thought to be worth $500,000, to her estranged husband Ali Elamine. DEIGO IBARRA SANCHEZ/GETTY IMAGES Father Ali Elamine reached an agreement with Channel Nine for the release of Sally Faulkner and the 60 Minutes crew, but denies it included a financial settlement. Elamine was able to grant the Nine crew and Faulkner release from their Beirut prison cells by agreeing to drop personal charges. He continues to deny he received a financial settlement. As part of their freedom deal, Elamine forced Faulkner to relinquish her full custodial rights to their two children, granted by the Australian courts. Karam said the judge accepted the Nine Network financed and directed the kidnapping operation, something Nine's own review also acknowledged despite the company's early insistence it paid Whittington by mistake. The lesser charges against the Nine crew may also be a boost to veteran producer Stephen Rice's legal battle against his former employer. Rice claims he was unfairly dismissed and advised that senior management at Nine knew of the planned recovery operation which landed them in jail and is thought to cost the network upwards of A$2 million. Channel Nine said in a statement they were still expecting a trial, despite the lesser charge. "We have been advised tonight by our legal team in Lebanon that the charges our 60 Minutes crew are facing in Lebanon have been downgraded," a spokeswoman said. "There will still be a trial on a date to be determined and out of respect for the Lebanese legal process we will not be making any further comment while the matter is still before the court." Sign up to receive our new evening newsletter Two Minutes of Stuff - the news, but different Its been more than four years since Wendy Revalee buried her son, who was killed by a drunken driver in Lake Delton while walking home from his 21st birthday celebration. But even after all that time, Revalee, of Wausau, still owes more than $7,000 to the funeral home. She is on disability suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to the deaths of two children in 15 years and struggles to make ends meet. Things might not have turned out this way, she said, if the federal government had forced the man convicted of taking her sons life to pay restitution. But it didnt. During his sentencing hearing on Nov. 2, 2012, a Sauk County judge ordered Rigoberto Alcantara-Ernantes to pay $8,790 to the family of the late Michael Weatherford. I didnt get any of that, Revalee said. Thats because Alcantara-Ernantes was in this country illegally. And upon release from his 10-month jail sentence, he was promptly taken into custody and deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That wasnt the plan, according to his sentencing guidelines. Alcantara-Ernantes was supposed to spend the next six years on probation, working and paying off the restitution he owed to Revalee. Delicate balance Federal officials say they have no mandate or authority to enforce conditions of state sentencing, such as restitution or substance abuse counseling. ICE cannot indefinitely detain aliens pending resolution of criminal cases that involve supervised release. In fact, the agency prioritizes the removal of convicted criminals who are in the United States illegally. Last year, ICE reported that 91 percent of the 69,478 people it deported from within the country were convicted criminals. Thats an increase from 82 percent in 2013. And the 2015 figures dont include the 165,935 people who were apprehended while, or shortly after, attempting to illegally enter the country. ICE spokeswoman Gail Montenegro noted that Alcantara-Ernantes had taken another persons life while here illegally. Due to his criminal convictions, he was an ICE enforcement priority at the time of his deportation, she said. Revalee said if restitution was out of the question, she at least would have liked to see a harsher sentence for the man that took her sons life. Ten months for my sons life and a free trip to Mexico, thats not fair, she said. Were serving a life sentence here. I begged judge and DA to give him a harsher sentence. They should be removed. In a June 15 post to the Baraboo Scanner Facebook page, a popular social media site, Revalee publicly called for the Sauk County district attorney and judge to be fired. Sentence based on circumstances Sauk County District Attorney Kevin Calkins said the judge and district attorney who were in office at the time of the Alcantara-Ernantes case have since retired. So there is no one left to fire. Nevertheless, Calkins defended the actions of the prosecutor and judge at the time, saying they were reasonable considering the circumstances of the case. Revalee noted in her Facebook post, which generated numerous responses, that her intoxicated son was walking home from celebrating his 21st birthday when Alcantara-Ernantes vehicle struck him along County Highway A. She pointed out that Highway A does not have sidewalks. What she did not say was that witnesses reported that her son was extremely intoxicated, had fallen into the road and passed out. A friend tried to pull him from the road but was unable. That friend successfully waved several drivers away from Weatherford, but did not succeed when Alcantara-Ernantes approached the scene. Rather than risk a jury trial that could have left Alcantara-Ernantes a free man, Sauk County Assistant District Attorney John Newton made a plea bargain with the defendants attorney. I believe attorney Newton was properly concerned that a jury could reasonably find, given the road conditions and the time available to perceive and react to the hazard of Mr. Weatherford lying in the middle of the road, that this death would have occurred even if Mr. Alcantara-Ernantes had been completely sober, resulting in a not guilty verdict, Calkins said in an email. Call to action Revalee said she would like to see a new law mandating a minimum 10-year prison sentence and 10 years of probation for anyone who kills another person while driving drunk or texting while driving. She said she has been in touch with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and has made unsuccessful attempts to speak with someone from Gov. Scott Walkers office. Revalee also said she would like to see immigration laws changed so that convicted criminals who are here illegally make their victims whole before they are deported. If you commit a crime, you need to be here and serve the sentence, she said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Score one more victory for bluDiagnostics. The Madison startup, developing a novel womens fertility test that measures hormone levels in saliva, was one of three winners of the Women Startup Challenge in San Francisco in mid-June. BluDiagnostics won a $10,000 investment from the Backstage Capital venture fund in California that says it focuses on overachieving, underrepresented founders. Were really excited to be part of their portfolio, said Katie Brenner, bluDiagnostics co-founder. She said the contest gave her a chance to connect with new people who believe in this idea. SIRUM, a Stanford, California, company that matches unused medicines with people who need them, won $50,000. Blendoor, of San Francisco, a recruiting app that hides the applicants name and photo to prevent bias, won the Audience Choice award and $120,000 in computer cloud services. Produced by Women Who Tech and craigconnects, a nonprofit created by Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, the pitch contest drew more than 400 entries. In 2015, bluDiagnostics won the grand prize in the Wisconsin Governors Business Plan contest; the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerces Pressure Chamber; and the Doyenne Groups 5X5X5 competition. gener8tor heads north Gener8tor is opening an office in Minnesota. The business accelerator, with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, will add a branch in the Twin Cities area with serial entrepreneur Mark McGuire, a University of Minnesota law school grad, as managing director. We have been eyeing the Minneapolis market for quite some time. ... The strong ecosystem, past success with investing there and close proximity made it attractive, gener8tor co-founder Troy Vosseller said. The gBETA program, a free, six-week mentorship for very early-stage companies tied to any Minnesota college or university, will begin this fall, while the full-scale, 12-week gener8tor program will launch in early 2017. There is a tremendous amount of startup velocity and energy here, and Im excited to add our nationally ranked programming into the mix, McGuire said. McGuire co-founded NameProtect, sold to a Delaware company; Jellyfish.com, sold to Microsoft for a reported $50 million; and Alice.com, which closed. Most recently, he was entrepreneur-in-residence at American Family Ventures, the venture capital arm of American Family Insurance. Since gener8tor started in 2012, its eight accelerator classes have graduated 42 companies that have gone on to raise more than $75 million in financing and create more than 400 jobs. Three Twin Cities-area companies are among gener8tors alums: Docalytics, of St. Paul, sold to Contently in February for an undisclosed amount; Prescribe Nutrition, Minneapolis; and Players Health, Minneapolis, which won Google Demo Day in California in May. Gener8tor also has been ranked one of the top business accelerators in the U.S. for the past two years by the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project. Will it be the next Techstars, a program that started in Boulder, Colorado, in 2007 and now has sites worldwide? This is our first major geographic expansion, and we are really excited about expanding our footprint and network, Vosseller said. We do expect to expand further in the Midwest, but our focus is on Wisconsin and Minnesota right now. Short takes Silatronix, Madison, has raised $8 million from investors and signed agreements with two Japanese companies involving the organosilicon materials Silatronix has developed to improve the effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries. Silatronix will work with Hitachi Chemical on further technology development, and Inabata & Co. will be Silatronixs exclusive distributor to key customers in Asia, the company said in a news release. Silatronix said it is expanding its Madison facilities and hiring key personnel but gave no details. A project by Aldevron and the UW-Madison College of Engineering won first place in the 2016 Applied Research Challenge organized by the Production and Operations Management Society. The project provides guidelines and predictive software to maximize efficiency of protein purification operations for biotechs. SHINE Medical Technologies has signed an agreement to supply molybdenum-99 to HTA Co., the largest distributor of medical isotopes in China. Molybdenum-99 decays into technetium-99m, used in millions of medical imaging procedures every year. SHINE, of Monona, is building a plant in Janesville. Larry Avila, the former business editor of the the Post-Crescent in Appleton, has joined the Wisconsin State Journal as its new business editor. Avila, 48, directed the Post-Crescent's business coverage between 2006 and 2013. He has also held management positions for New North B2B, a business-to-business publication in Oshkosh; The Naperville (Illinois) Sun; and The Business Ledger of Naperville. As the State Journal's business editor, Avila will oversee business news and feature coverage throughout south-central Wisconsin, including the area's diverse array of agricultural, biotechnology, health and manufacturing sectors, retail stores and companies from promising start-ups to heavy industry. He can be reached at 608-252-6155 or by email at lavila@madison.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LarryAvila. A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Avila lives in Waukesha with his wife, Lori. Janesville police arrested a man they were searching for after finding him in the trunk of a car early Friday. Authorities had been looking for Royal Powell, 33, of Janesville, who had a warrant out for his arrest from the Department of Corrections, police said. Powell also had pending charges from another incident. According to police: While doing surveillance, officers noticed a car leave the residence that Powell was believed to be inside at 1:15 a.m. During a traffic stop at Lions Quick Mart, 104 E. Racine St., a police K-9 unit alerted on the car and officers conducted a search. Officers found Powell in the trunk and handcuffed him. Once he was out of the trunk, he began threatening officers and refused to get into a squad car. Powell had to be pulled into the squad car by officers. Powell was taken to the Rock County Jail, where he was being held on the DOC warrant and other tentative charges, including resisting an officer. The cars driver, Curtis Lee, faces tentative charges for harboring and aiding a felon. Passenger Ebony Kimball was tentatively charged with being a party to the crime of harboring or aiding a felon, police said. Both are Janesville residents. A fourth Janesville resident, Nando Enis, was arrested for disorderly conduct at the scene. UPDATE: Madison Police Chief Mike Koval provided this response Friday morning to Progressive Dane's call for a complaint to be filed against him for what they call recent "threatening comments" and "disrespectful antics": My career has been dedicated to advancing the mission statement of the Madison Police Department. From the time I was first hired in l983, I have spent my entire life inspired to make a difference in finding the right people who are committed to exceptional service and the tenets of community policing. Those efforts have resulted in a well-trained, well-rounded, diverse workforce of committed guardians who are always striving to continuously improve our systems and our relationships affecting our constituents. As chief, I have worked diligently on ensuring that our personnel, our policies, and our attempts to procure resources are always raising the bar. Best practices begin with great people who share a similar hope and vision for all of Madisons residents and guests. The politics of rhetoric are for others to advance but I am confident that the body of work that has been achieved will leave little doubt of my commitment to doing the right thing(s) for all of the right reasons. Moving forward, I am glad that there are some in the community that can choose to direct their criticism solely on me; leave the rest of this workforce to the business of providing comprehensive services in an often difficult and challenging environment. ---------------------------- The political party Progressive Dane is calling for the Madison City Council to file a complaint against Police Chief Mike Koval for what the party refers to as inflammatory words and contentious actions by the chief. Progressive Dane wants a complaint filed with the Police and Fire Commission for threatening and inflammatory comments Koval posted on his blog on June 5 and his contentious and disrespectful antics at a council meeting on June 7. Community leaders have also blasted the forceful arrest of Genele Laird at East Towne Mall on June 21, with protests and press conferences. The department and Koval said in recent days that standards are being upheld, but Progressive Danes leaders argue otherwise, according to the letter sent by the party. Some responses to this inexcusably brutal arrest suggest that the chief has been successful in creating a false dichotomy between concern for police as human beings and necessary criticism of wrongful police behavior, said Progressive Dane Co-Chair Sue Pastor. Progressive Dane said it believes Koval violated the departments code of conduct, administrative procedure memorandums from the mayors office and various procedures and policies for the department as set out by the city. Koval was not available Thursday, but police spokesman Joel DeSpain reiterated a statement released Tuesday that the department has embraced community-based, trust-based policing philosophies and the current command staff remains committed to best practices and continued improvement. Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP This last week has seen Britain make a bold democratic decision. Brexit the public referendum to leave the E.U. is the latest in a long history of decisions with far-reaching consequences from a country with a landmass slightly smaller than New Zealand. It is unlikely to be the last. At its heart, this was a vote on national sovereignty. Did the people of Britain (around 65 million) want to share responsibility for its national destiny with 443 million neighbours, or take a huge risk, and bet on themselves to decide for themselves? Whether you agree with the Brexiteers or the Bremainers, leaving it up to the public to decide was the brave, and the right, thing to do. With so many figures and so much fear flying about, rightly or wrongly 52% of British voters decided they were up for the challenge. The most important point is that this was undeniably democratic. Our Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that referenda are a waste of time and money. Until he wants a new flag, and is temporarily filled with democratic passion. Meanwhile he has passed over 400 pieces of legislation in Cabinet that never reached the floor of our democratically-elected House of Representatives. Think about that number for a moment. Four hundred. 400 pieces of legislation that the rest of Parliament didnt get to look at, let alone analyse and debate. With the New Zealand people and their elected representatives so far removed from the decision-making, perhaps we should be calling the Prime Ministers office Brussels South. I know a lot of kiwis are looking forward to the 2017 General Election as a referendum on NZexit from our KeyU. Tauranga families are set to benefit from the latest Government changes, which come into effect today. The growing economy is giving households and businesses confidence, which has led to more jobs and higher wages, with the dividends being distributed to New Zealand families, says Tauranga MP Simon Bridges. Z Energy have been left humbled by the extraordinary support from the community for this years Good in the Hood campaign. A total of $44,000 was donated by the company to 44 charity groups across the Bay of Plenty, with each receiving a percentage of the $4000 up for grabs from Zs 11 sites which stretch from Bethlehem through to Opotiki. Ice warings for motorist travelling in the Karanga Hake Gorge on SH2 have been lifted. New Zealand Transport Agency has advised the public the ice has melted in the areas reported on earlier. A Madison police officer fatally shot a man Thursday night after he emerged from Lake Monona, broke into a residence on the citys Near East Side and was aggressing toward the officer with what appeared to be a pitch fork, Police Chief Mike Koval said. A department news release early Friday morning stated that the officer used deadly force tonight to stop a burglary suspect who was advancing on the officer while armed with a pitchfork. The suspect had ignored orders to drop the weapon after breaking into a home in the 1300 block of Morrison St. Koval said a neighbor in the 1300 block of Morrison Street called 911 around 9 p.m. to report that a man was about chest-deep in the water and acting oddly, seemingly talking to himself and slapping the water. The man then reportedly threw a rock into the window of the residence, Koval said. The homeowners also called 911 and fled the residence after they heard the man smashing items, he said. Koval said the first officer on the scene was waiting for backup when the intruder approached the doorway from inside the house with a four-pronged pitchfork. The release described the pitchfork as what some with lakefront property might use to clear weeds. The officer gave numerous orders to the man to stop, which he ignored, Koval said. The person was aggressing, and the officer was compelled to shoot him, he said. Koval said other officers were present when the intruder was shot. Officers provided first aid before the man was taken to a hospital, where he died, Koval said, He did not identify the man killed. Koval did not say how many shots were fired by the officer, whom he also did not identify. He did not specify where the man was shot. Authorities set up a tent in the driveway of the residence at 1303 Morrison St., possibly to preserve evidence. Officials from the state Division of Criminal Investigation were at the scene late Thursday and will be handling the shooting investigation, Koval said. State law requires officer-involved deaths be investigated by an outside agency. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne was also at the scene. The Wisconsin Professional Police Association also responded to the scene to provide field and legal assistance, executive director Jim Palmer said. The controversial public transport system is once again at the forefront of discussions as the town hall is determined to reintroduce the service Velez-Malagas trams stopped running in 2012. :: SUR The mayor of Velez-Malaga, Antonio Moreno, announced on Monday that he is looking at the possibility of selling the two trams belonging to the town to Seville. According to Moreno, both the town hall and the Junta de Andalucia are studying the options as the city already uses the same make, model and size vehicles and is in the process of extending its metro service to the town of Alcala de Guadaira, making it a potential buyer. Velez-Malaga Town Hall has been trying to reintroduce its tram service since 2012, when it was stopped due to mounting debts and lack of use. The council is looking to sell the three trams, originally bought for more than 2.5 million euros each, for a combined total of six million euros, in order to purchase five smaller models. In 2013 they were sent to Sydney, Australia, on rent until they came back in November 2014, eight months earlier than planned Once up and running again, the proposal is to run a service every 15 minutes between the towns of Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar, providing the Junta de Andalucia maintains its commitment to finance 40 per cent of the current deficit and to collaborate in the necessary repair work to the infrastructure which remains in place since its initial closure. Moreno stated that no date has been confirmed for a meeting with Seville as yet. Experts are cautious, but they say the crisis and health cutbacks could have an effect, and that life expectancy in Spain may be reaching its limit. The birth rate fell again after a slight rise in 2014, but in Malaga province there are still more births than deaths An elderly couple sat in a park. :: LUIS ANGEL GOMEZ An increase in life expectancy is one of the main signs of human progress and Spain, despite its bad ranking on unemployment, education and risk of poverty, can at least boast that it is one of the countries where people live longer. In the past four decades this indicator - defined as the number of years a baby born at a particular time can be expected to live - has risen almost uninterruptedly, on a national level and also in Malaga province. There have only been a few years in which the figure has dropped slightly. However, in 2015 something unexpected happened: life expectancy dropped from 83.5 years to 81.6. This was the biggest drop in Malaga since statistics began to be issued in 1975. By gender, the fall proportionately affected women most, dropping from 86.4 to 84.1 years. For men, it went down from 80.7 to 79.1. What has caused this? Experts are cautious in analysing it, because they dont think precipitous conclusions should be reached about a one-year variation. We need to wait and see whether the trend continues, because it could just be a blip. It could be that in that year, flu was particularly virulent, for example, says Carmen Carvajal, a retired lecturer in Human Geography at Malaga university. Also, life expectancy is an indicator which depends on some very varied factors. Could the crisis have had an influence? That would have to be studied, but life expectancy is directly linked to the wellbeing of the population and it is a fact that in recent years there have been cutbacks in health care and an increase in poverty, so a connection cannot be ruled out, says Carmen. Sociologist Jose Manuel Lopez Gaona agrees that poverty can influence life expectancy and he says health does not depend on someones genetic code, it depends on their postcode. He also gives another perspective: rather than life expectancy actually falling, it may be that it is starting to level off for the simple reason that we are close to the maximum limit. The effects of major advances in the 20th century have paid off, and the biggest achievement in Spain was the social security system, he says. A drop in the birth rate The other news about demography from 2015 is another drop in the birth rate after a slight increase in 2014. Last year, 15,259 babies came into the world in Malaga, which was 2.63 per cent fewer than in 2014. It was the lowest number of births since 2002. Meanwhile, the number of deaths reached a record high. Last year 13,012 people died, which was 6.42 per cent more than in 2014. This rise was due to the aging of the population of Malaga: 16.6 per cent are over 65, but ten years ago the figure was 14 per cent. Still, Malaga can take heart from the fact that it is not one of the areas with the oldest populations in Spain. The national average is 18.5 per cent and in some provinces, such as Orense, it is around 30 per cent. Malaga is also one of the few Spanish provinces where more people are born than die. The vegetative balance (the difference between births and deaths) for 2015 was 2,247, while nationally there was a drop to 2,753, the first time that Spain has entered into negative vegetative growth since 1941. In order for there to be generational replacement, every woman has to have 2.1 children and in Spain the figure is 1.3. It is a tragedy and we are going to regret it, says Jose Manuel Lopez Gaona. Returning to the fall in the birth rate, there is a demographic and a sociological cause. The first is that the number of women of fertile age has dropped in recent years. In 2004, there were 198,000 women aged between 25 and 39 in the province; in 2015 there were only 153,000. Women who were born in the baby boom between 1960 and 1975 are coming out of the fertile age now, says Carmen Carvajal, who explains that this is the reason the birth rate keeps dropping. She does, however, believe that demography has a great deal to do with political decisions, and she is convinced that the falling birth rate can be reversed if the right measures are taken. Sweden managed it, she says. All the time we fail to realise that women have to have children and to provide facilities for this to happen, it will be difficult for the birth rate to rise, she adds. The Indiana Jones actor had his guided tour of the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral interrupted after fans recognised him Ford with his wife Calista Flockhart among the pillars of the monument. :: ENRIQUE GOMEZ Actor Harrison Ford and his actress wife Calista Flockhart surprised many as they strolled through Cordobas Mosque-Cathedral on a private guided tour on Tuesday. The Hollywood pair, who have been holidaying in Spain, arrived after spending time in Madrid and Toledo. After being recognised by fans who started to take photos, staff had to hide the couple away inside the building until the hysteria died down and they could continue. Despite the interruption, Ford, who is about to film the fifth Indiana Jones movie, appeared to enjoy the visit. Fernando Guirao. SUR The author of this open letter to the three EU Presidents (of the European Commission, Council and Parliament) is the Jean Monnet Professor of History at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra As a result of the 23 June referendum in the United Kingdom, negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom will be necessary in order to establish the conditions in which the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. I would like you to keep in mind that the United Kingdom has been a fundamental partner of the European Community/Union since 1973. It was the accession of the United Kingdom that transformed the EEC into the largest trading bloc worldwide and the key partner in any multilateral negotiations under the aegis of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). British democracy enhanced the democratic values of European integration when the European Community transited from a common market to a community of shared values in the 1970s. It was Roy Jenkins, as president of the European Commission, who oversaw the communitarisation of the European Monetary System in 1979. Jenkins was the deputy leader of the Labour party who, because of his partys hesitations about the UKs choice for Europe - as today happens with the Conservative party - resigned in support for the European Community. It was political support from Margaret Thatcher, and the technical skills of Lord Cockfield, as commissioner for the Internal Market in 1984-88, which led to the programme for completing the internal market by the end of 1992. It was the reconciliation of the pre-1973 British efforts at building an international free-trade system which included Europe and the Franco-German appetite for intra-European preference that gave birth to the single market, the most valuable tangible asset of the European Union as of today. Unanimity over the single market Any other piece of the Community structure whether any of the EU institutions, the euro currency, citizenship rights, or any of the common policies are the subject of bitter dispute in at least one corner of the European Unions constituency. Contrariwise, the benefits of the single market are recognised and praised unanimously. The most important support for the Eastern enlargement of the European Union came from London. It is upon the UKs diplomatic skills and strength that the Common Foreign Service is being built and it will be upon the British military forces that an EU-common defence structure could ever be built. Although a late comer into Community affairs, the United Kingdom retains the best record in transposing EU legislation into domestic legislation among the largest EU members. The United Kingdom has provided the lingua franca of the European Community, opened its most reputed academic institutions to students from the rest of Europe on a non-discriminatory basis and provided very competent personnel to the EU institutions. The most valuable asset of British EU membership has always been the UK governments capacity to force upon its partners the necessary clarity about what they stand for at European integration efforts. This time should not been different. You should remember that, according to the published polling data, about 75% of 18- to 24-year-olds voted to remain. This provides safe ground for all to believe that, in a not too distant future, the United Kingdom will make its way back into the European Union. Everything should be done to avoid diminishing the attractiveness of the EU for the young generation of British citizens. The answer to the Brexit should be to keep the doors of the European Union wide open for the United Kingdom to return to the European Union at any time in the future. For this to happen, the European Union must show the validity of the values upon which it stands: solidarity, co-operation and inclusiveness. Solidarity with the 48% of the British population that has voted Remain. Cooperation with the second largest economy of the European Union, as to avoid the maximum distortion within the single market while the United Kingdom is out. Fear is not the glue The United Kingdom should be retained in the single market and in the European education and research spaces, including the Erasmus student mobility programme. This should be done even at the cost of not having free movement of people through the English channel. EU political leaders should avoid the temptation of using the United Kingdom to scare others from following the British line. Fear is not the glue to keep peoples together under democratic regimes. The glue should be the willingness to stand together, the conviction that together we are stronger and safer, more capable of reaching those conditions, enabling the maintenance of our social models. It is a better future being together, and not past grievances, which will hold the European Union as the desirable common house. The Brexit is a golden opportunity to construct a better Europe, a more cohesive, inclusive, democratic and attractive for all Europe. Please do not let it pass unnoticed. After campaigning in Africa, Michelle Obama brings her campaign for schooling for girls to Spain: Michelle Obama arrives in Spain to drum up support for her Let Girls Learn initiative in her final stop of her three-nation visit Michelle Obama embraces Queen Letizia in Madrid on Thursday. :: E. F. E. US First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Spain this week with her daughters, Malia and Sasha, to help promote her Let Girls Learn initiative. Her arrival in Spain marks the final stop in her three-nation trip to help promote her initiative that started in March 2015. The First Lady was also accompanied by actresses Meryl Streep and Freida Pinto during her campaign in Marrakech (Morocco) and Liberia. Queen Letizia of Spain, who is an ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), also pledged her support to Michelle Obamas cause before and during the speech made in Madrid on Thursday. Michelle Obama announced that the United States Agency for International Development will be investing 27 million dollars into her initiative that provides support to over 62 million girls who do not have proper access to education in their countries. On Thursday, she addressed around 600 women at the Matadero arts centre in Madrid, where she also discussed the struggle that many women are facing in education systems in Liberia and Morocco. Her audience not only consisted of Queen Letizia and government officials including acting deputy prime minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria and Madrid mayor Manuela Carmena, but also young men and women who were students from public and bilingual schools, and private and public universities. The First Lady stated that, Every one of us has the power and obligation to be a champion for girls around the world. If this challenge seems to difficult to you, think about the struggles they have to face, she continued, briefly mentioning Hillary Clinton, who she was pleased to say that this year, for the first time in US history, we might just elect a female president. This speech, that marks the end of her six-day tour was made prior to the arrival of her husband, President Barack Obama in Spain on 9 July, who will first attend the NATO summit in Poland. Counting votes in Barcelona. :: QUIQUE GARCIA / E. F. F. The fog of uncertainty over the exit polls in last Sundays election was soon cleared. Barely two and a half hours after the polling stations closed, the result was already practically certain, with only a tiny margin of error. The leaders of the political parties were able to evaluate their success, or lack of it,before midnight. This was totally different from the seemingly endless waiting periods of the past, when people were laboriously given each result as it came in, leaving them still uncertain and with numerous questions still unanswered when they finally gave in and went to bed. However, we dont even have to look back very far into the past to see how interminable such nights can be: in last weeks referendum in Britain, the public didnt have official confirmation of their divorce from the EU until breakfast time. For several years now, Spain has been one of the fastest countries when it comes to counting its votes, because it has perfected a system which sits on every polling table. This data transmission technology has already been exported to countries such as Norway, France, Portugal and Colombia. The company behind this sytem is Indra, partly owned by the State, which has been contracted to count all the votes in general elections since 1979 except the one held on December 20 last year, when it lost the tender to Scytl. After reducing its price by about 40 per cent, Indra won the contract for June 26 for approximately 9.5 million euros, and even managed to break its previous record for speed. That was despite the fact that the budget cutbacks meant that the MAE system (Mesa Administrada Electronicamente) was not used on this occasion; this service enables tasks which have to be carried out by the electoral committees on voting day to be automised and it was first used successfully in the 2008 general election. Even though we didnt have MAE, the counting time was similar to that at other elections, said a spokesperson for the company. Another spoke in the counting wheel this time was the fact that there were so many postal votes, nearly twice as many as usual, which also made the counting procedure more complicated than usual. Precise organisation Indras long experience since those elections in 1979 - when Adolfo Suarez won a major victory over Felipe Gonzalezs PSOE but didnt obtain a majority- combined with very precise organisation with regard to the electoral process (polling stations, voting slips) and the telematic transmission of the results as they are confirmed, are the keys to why Spains counting system has become an example for others. One of the images of the EU referendum in Britain which will stick in the mind is that of the hundreds of volunteers who transported the boxes of votes from the tables in the polling stations to one of the 382 counting areas. In Spain, a government official was responsible for transmitting the results from each polling station to the Information Collection Centre at Ifema in Madrid via one of the nearly 22,300 tablets which had been provided to the polling stations. Only the votes of about two per cent of the census, some 750,000 voters, were notified by telephone, usually in places with a very low population or where there was no internet cover. By centralising all the data in one single organisation - years ago there was one centre in each province - the whole process has become much speedier. The data is stored on Indras powerful servers and distributed almost simultaneously, also via an app for mobile devices. The 69-year-old takes over from Braulio Medel who has been head of the Malaga-based company for 29 years Manuel Azuaga is the new face of Unicaja Banco. :: SUR. ARCHIVE Unicaja Bank, Spains sixth-largest banking group, has announced a change of president for the first time in its history. Braulio Medel is to step down as head and be replaced by Manuel Azuarga, who until now has been chief executive. The move at the Malaga-based company had been widely expected and sees Medel continue to lead the Fundacion Unicaja Bancaria, the groups important charitable foundation. Azuarga also stays as chief executive of the banking operations for the time being. Braulio Medel, outgoing leader, was at the top of the bank for 29 years and oversaw strong growth and radical change. The Unicaja name was created in 1991 with the merger of the Ronda, Cadiz, Almeria, Antequera and Malaga savings banks. The financial crisis forced the CEISSgroup (including Caja Espana-Duero) into a merger with Unicaja as part of the restructuring of the Spanish banking sector and Unicaja itself was forced to lose its traditional savings bank status in readiness for a stock market listing. Azuaga, who is 69, takes over Unicaja, which employs almost 8,000 people, at a challenging time. Among his priorities will be the launch of the group onto the Spanish stock market, a condition of the takeover of CEISS, and to adjust to the declining profitability of the retail banking sector in general. A Madison teenager was cited for theft after allegedly taking a bag of coins from a woman's car Wednesday evening. The car's owner, 37, looked out her window at her home on Gerald Street and noticed the dome light of her car on, according to police. She could see a thief was inside, and her male roommate went outside and chased the teenager a short distance. The victim called the police and gave officers a description. Police said the teenager was seen walking on Portage Ave, and he had a bag of coins in his sweatshirt which the victim identified as having been in her car. The money was returned to the victim, police said. Authorities are looking for a man who attempted to rob a hair salon on McKee Road Thursday evening. Fitchburg Police Department officers responded to a Great Clips hair salon at 6309 McKee Road at around 9 p.m. after a man entered the salon and tried to grab several money bags from an employee. A different employee knocked the suspect to the ground and took the bags away and the man left, police said. The suspect was unarmed and there were no injuries, according to police. The suspect was last seen heading east on McKee road. Police said there is not an immediate threat to the community. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Fitchburg Police Department at 608-270-4300 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014. Dear Madam Chancellor, dear Dr Merkel, dear members of the German government, As academics and teachers of German and European studies, we are concerned about the outcome of any Brexit negotiations for EU citizens. We ask Germany to act in solidarity with British Europeans who did not choose this result, by striving to protect their rights in any future EU exit agreement. Any moves to do otherwise in the name of unity between the other 27 member states would contradict the very notion of European solidarity. We have been educating a young generation of Europeans, encouraging them to learn about German history and culture, and fostering an understanding of the European history, politics and cultures that form the bedrock of European cooperation. Having taken up the opportunities afforded by Erasmus+ and their right to live and work abroad, many of our current and former students have personal and professional lives that depend upon their EU citizenship. They may lose their residence and work permits, their right to equal treatment, and be stripped of their democratic right to vote and stand for election where they live. Last week, nearly three quarters of voters under 25 chose to remain in the EU. Soon, they may be denied the opportunities that European integration aims to offer. Instead of excluding young people from EU citizenship, we should work together to ensure that all people across Europe have the equality of opportunity they deserve. The European Union is founded upon the values of democracy, justice and solidarity; it is founded upon unity in diversity in Europe and our multiple European identities. Through the development of a European political union, we have turned national citizens into EU citizens. After 43 years of EU membership, many British people most particularly in the younger generations have developed not just a strong sense of European identity but also European lives. EU citizens from other member states have also established British lives. Allowing EU citizens to lose their much-cherished rights would betray our responsibilities to fellow Europeans British or otherwise. While UK governments have not always been a force for unity in the EU, there is a generation of British citizens who want a future as EU citizens. Stripping them of their citizenship contradicts the principles of the European treaties that ask for European solidarity and prosperity for all Europeans. We ask you to defend the rights of EU citizens in any future exit negotiations with the UK. You can find a German version of this letter here. A list of all academics who signed this letter can be found here. Zur Startseite CCS head takes over at IACS China Classification Societys (CCS) Dr Sun Licheng took over the IACS Chair from ABS Christopher Wiernicki at the end of the IACS Council (C73) meeting held in Washington, DC earlier this week. On assuming the chairmanship, Dr Sun commented: I am delighted to take on the IACS Chairmanship and am fully committed to ensuring the Association continues to make strong progress in these challenging times. Identifying the key objectives for his time in office, and reflecting the discussions at C73, Dr Sun continued: Meeting our commitment to the IMO on Goal-based Standards, driving forward the work on cyber safety and facilitating the use of innovative survey techniques will contribute to IACS continuing to be an essential provider of services in the safe and efficient functioning of the global maritime industry. In this 25th Anniversary year of IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS), the council welcomed the fact that the global Port State Control performance of its members has steadily improved in a climate of increased ship inspections. Commenting on his predecessors contribution, Dr Sun stated: Following Chris strong leadership, IACS is well positioned to continue working with regulators and industry on the critical issues of today and tomorrow and I will be working hard to further strengthen these relationships. In response, Wiernicki said; Working together, we have achieved a number of highly ambitious goals and made considerable progress for IACS to deliver significant technical advisory achievements, including the establishment of the Cyber Systems Panel, the IMO recognition that IACS Members Rules comply with Goal-based Standards, and the groundwork development for enhanced collaboration between IACS and the IMO. Like me, Dr Sun will enjoy the outstanding support of the IACS permanent secretariat who work tirelessly to deliver the IACS members objectives of delivering safer ships on cleaner oceans. Teekay Corp and Teekay Offshore Partners have completed their respective financing initiatives. "I am pleased to announce the completion of Teekay's financing initiatives, which include $350 mill in bank financings and $100 mill in equity capital," explained Peter Evensen, Teekay Corp's President and CEO. "With the completion of these initiatives, we have significantly reduced our financial leverage and enhanced our liquidity position, which we believe strengthens the entire Teekay Group of companies. In addition, this week we reached an agreement to sell Teekay's remaining conventional tanker, the Shoshone Spirit VLCC, which is expected to further reduce our financial leverage." He continued; "Teekay Offshore has also completed its financing initiatives, which include $400 mill in bank financings, $200 mill of equity capital, and the deferral of certain bond maturities. These financing initiatives, together with cash flow from operations and previously secured debt facilities, are expected to cover all of its medium-term liquidity requirements and fully finance Teekay Offshore's $1.6 bill of committed growth projects scheduled to deliver through 2018. "While not part of these financing initiatives, Teekay LNG Partners has continued to make progress in securing the required financing for its committed growth projects which deliver through 2020 and anticipates completing the majority of these financings by the end of the year," he said. ABN AMRO, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, DNB Bank, ING Capital, Nordea, and Swedbank acted as lead banks for both financing initiatives. DNB Markets and RBC Capital Markets acted as lead placement agents for Teekay's $100 mill equity initiative and Credit Suisse also acted as placement agent. SHARE By Will Greenlee of TCPalm FORT PIERCE A gunman made off with an undisclosed amount of cash following a Friday robbery at Direct Insurance on Virginia Avenue, a Fort Pierce police spokesman said. No one was injured in the incident in the 800 block of Virginia Avenue, said Ed Cunningham, police spokesman. Police were called at 12:58 p.m. Cunningham said a man, described as black, 6 feet, 2 inches tall and of thin build, came in with a Wal-Mart bag and pulled a handgun. He demanded cash from a cash drawer. An employee gave him cash and he ran out before possibly getting into a green compact car. The gunman wore a black hoodie and black sagging pants with white underwear showing. Anyone with information is asked to call 911. Madison Police are investigating whether a shot fired in a Southwest Side apartment building Thursday night was justifiable self-defense. A resident fired a handgun at a man who had entered his Schroeder Court apartment at about 10:30 p.m., police said. The 23-year-old resident told police he aimed at the intruder and hoped to wound, but not kill. The bullet missed the intruder and hit drywall in the apartment. The resident immediately called 911, police said. He told the officers that he came out of the bathroom and found the intruder near his desk and laptop computer. He said it looked like the man came in through a sliding door. The resident brought out his weapon and yelled at the man, who ran through the front door. The resident then fired his gun, police said. Jeremiah Bell Singletary, 27, 300 block of North 18th Street, Fort Pierce; driving while license suspended, third or subsequent offense. Brandon Wright, 32, 400 block of Southeast Lancaster Avenue, Port St. Lucie; larceny/grand theft. Rodney Williams, 35, 7600 block of Santa Rosa Park, Fort Pierce; out-of-county warrant, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, DUI manslaughter, driving while license suspended. Carmela Saucedo, 34, 1200 block of North 20th Street, Fort Pierce; warrant for battery by strangulation. Don Edmond, 21, 400 block of North Sixth Street, Fort Pierce; fleeing/eluding police fleeing/disregard safety causing injury or death. Rolando Ortiz, 61, first block of Oro Grande Way, Port St. Lucie; aggravated battery person uses a deadly weapon. Jarrett Lamos, 22, 1700 block of Southwest Angelo Street, Port St. Lucie; warrant for violation of probation, giving false information to a pawnbroker. Katheryn Vuocolo, 27, 1500 block of Southwest Fortune Road, Port St. Lucie; warrant for criminal use of personal ID information. Raquel Magallon, 31, 600 block of Southeast Polynesian Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrant for violation of probation, possession of alprazolam. Tony Williams, 35, Pompano Beach; warrant for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Aaron Johnson, 28, 5100 block of La Salle Street, Fort Pierce; warrant for improper exhibit of a weapon. Ralph Ferretti, 58, 500 block of Southeast Felix Avenue, Port St. Lucie; sale of marijuana. Jeanette Adams, 54, 800 block of Avenue M, Fort Pierce; warrants for giving false information to a pawnbroker, giving false report to an officer of an alleged crime. Bryant Smith, 20, 1200 block of Southwest Malaga Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrants for burning to defraud insurer, conspiracy to commit arson, giving false report to an officer. Shannon Martin, 56, no street address, Fort Pierce; warrant for failure of sex offender to secure driver's license or ID card. Shawn Hamilton, 20, 2300 block of Southeast Glover Street, Port St. Lucie; warrant for arson of a dwelling. Jaimyah Demps, 12, (front) and Tasianna Williams, 10, dig into their chicken nugget wrap lunch, with celery, ranch dressing, strawberry applesauce and milk inside a converted school bus for the Indian River County School District's summer meal delivery service on Wednesday in Vero Beach. "It's fun, you get to meet new people, and we come from our summer camp straight here to eat lunch," Jaimyah said while at the Dick Bird/South County Park stop. The school district's mobile feeding bus makes several stops in the community to provide free prepackaged cold lunches to children 18 and younger. "It's awesome; if a poor person comes at noon at the park they can come in here and have food," Tasianna said. To see more photos, go to TCPalm.com. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Angela Smith, Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers INDIAN RIVER COUNTY The excitement and energy was palpable Wednesday when a group of children cheered as a school bus rolled into the parking lot of Vero Beach's South County Park. The dozen smiling youngsters boarded the bus, but they weren't going to school. They were sitting down to eat lunch. The repurposed bus is one of two mobile cafeterias that visit children where they live and play. Every weekday this summer, the buses bearing "KIDS EAT FREE" signs on the windows and modified to have cafe-style benches and tables inside, travel across the county delivering lunches to children who might otherwise go without. "It puts a smile on our faces seeing them running up to the bus," said Oslo Middle School cafeteria manager, Natarsha Pressely, who serves students onboard. "They're waiting on us to get here, so it makes us feel good when we make that turn." The free lunch is part of the Indian River County School District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's approved summer meal program, which uses schools and community centers to offer free breakfast and lunches to any child 18 and younger with no preregistration or paperwork required. This year, to reach families who don't have transportation to get to schools or other sites serving summer meals, two buses were added to ease the stress of struggling parents and children who worried about getting a nutritional meal during the week. "I think it's truly been a positive impact for families from the parents to the children, it's got to be somewhat of a relief for them," said Patrick McCarty, the district's food and nutritions director, who initially helped get the wheels on the bus rolling. The program began June 8, and so far the district has been serving an average of 275 children in the north community and an average of 225 children in the south community, with numbers increasing every day, officials said. The school bus is the highlight of the day for Errin Williams and her family. "I couldn't be more happier or relieved," said Williams, who brings her children, ages 4, 6 and 10, to the park to eat. "I have four school-aged kids, so that's a pretty hefty summer grocery bill, so this helps out a lot," Williams said. "It also gives us a reason to get outside every day and it helps give us a routine. It's win, win." Fellow parent, Lisa Robinson, agreed. "My entire family really appreciates them (school district) doing this," Robinson said. "The kids love it because they can play, then eat and they like the food, they're not picky, which is good." Jaimyah Demps, 12, was more than happy to chow down on the day's offering of chicken wraps, strawberry applesauce, a granola bar and milk. "I like it," said Dempsey, who sat eating on the bus with friends. "It's healthy and it tastes really good." For 10-year-old, Isaiah Rodriguez, the bus has been a fun summer adventure. "It's pretty cool because we get free food and we can eat on the bus," he said. The program's two school buses were set to decommission. Instead they were repaired to follow state guidelines and retrofitted with colorful benches and tables at $22,528 per bus. Originally only one bus was planned, but an anonymous community member donated funds to add the second bus. Staff serve prepackaged, cold lunches from coolers that include a choice of regular or chocolate milk, vegetable, fruit or juice item, one serving of grain, and one serving of protein. BUS SCHEDULE SOUTH COUNTY 10-10:15 a.m. : Highlands Clubhouse, 625 Highlands Drive S.W., Vero Beach 10:20-10:35 a.m.: Indian River Academy, 500 20th St. S.W., Vero Beach, 10:40-10:55 a.m.: Preserves at Oslo Apartments, 20th St. S.W. Vero Beach 11:00-11:15 a.m.: Grace Woods, 1510 11th St. S.W., Vero Beach 11:20-11:35 a.m.: Grace Woods West, 1750 11th St. S.W., Vero Beach 11:40-11:55 a.m. : Waterside, 2040 Waterside Way S.W., Vero Beach Noon-12:15 p.m.: South County Park, 20th St. S.W., Vero Beach 12:25-12:35 p.m.: Hibiscus Children's Village, 1145 12th St., Vero Beach 12:40-12:50 p.m.: Citrus Elementary, 2771 Fourth St., Vero Beach 12:55-1:05 p.m.: Glendale Elementary, 4940 Eighth St., Vero Beach 1:20-1:40 p.m.: Gifford Pool, 4895 43rd Ave., Vero Beach NORTH COUNTY 10-10:15 a.m. : Grace Pines, 4276 36th Court., Vero Beach 10:20-10:30 a.m. : Orangewood Park Apartments, 3980 King Place, Vero Beach 10:35-10:45 a.m.: Grace Groves, 4027 41st Square, Gifford 10:50-11:10 a.m.: Dodgertown Elementary, 4350 43rd Ave., Vero Beach 11:15-11:40 a.m.: Gifford Middle School, 4530 28th Court, Vero Beach 11:45 a.m.-noon: Victory Park Apartments, 3985 King Place, Vero Beach 12:35-12:50 p.m.: North County Pool, 9450 County Road 512, Sebastian 1:05-1:20 p.m.: Sonrise Apartments, 53 Sonrise Place, Fellsmere 1:30-1:45 p.m.: Whispering Pines, 10001 Esperanza Circle, Fellsmere 1:50-2:10 p.m.: Grace Meadows, 10060 Grace Ave., Fellsmere MORE INFORMATION To learn more about the summer meals program or sites to eat, visitSummerFoodFlorida.org, dial 211 or text food to 877-877. Martin County deputies post "blue green algae" warning signs at the Sandbar on Friday. (MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/PROVIDED) SHARE By Nicholas Samuel of TCPalm STUART Visitors to the Sandbar might want to think twice before they come into contact with the water this Fourth of July holiday weekend in Martin County. Martin County Sheriff's Office deputies and Martin County Health Department officials posted warning signs at the Sandbar on Friday afternoon warning visitors of toxic blue-green algae, according to the Sheriff's Office. Algae at the Sandbar tested positive for low levels of toxicity, according to data released Friday afternoon by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. At nearby Sandsprit Park, algae contained toxins slightly above the level considered hazardous for recreational use by the World Health Organization. The Sandbar, just west of Sailfish Point, is a popular gathering place that's usually crowded in the summer, said Jamie Foster, sergeant for the Martin County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit. "It's one giant area where people can hang out," Foster said. "It's mostly crowded on Sundays." The warning signs are especially for boaters who plan on visiting the Sandbar, or plan to anchor or swim in the water, according to the Sheriff's Office. Officials are asking everyone to take the warnings seriously and to pass the information along to any out-of-town visitors. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on June 29 for Martin and St. Lucie counties regarding the blue-green algae. He issued executive orders for the South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to take actions addressing the algae blooms. Average daily discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River will be cut from 1.2 billion gallons to 756.2 million gallons by the Army Corps of Engineers. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio visited Stuart on Friday and went on helicopter and boat tours to see the blue-green algae. Blue-green algae at Leighton Park on June 24 in Palm City. (XAVIER MASCARENAS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) SHARE By Tyler Treadway of TCPalm In less than a day, Gov. Rick Scott's state of emergency declaration over blue-green algae in the St. Lucie River is having an effect. Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River will be cut by about a third as of Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday. The South Florida Water Management District is addressing Scott's list of directives to lower the lake level, or even make a dent in, the blue-green algae blooms blanketing the river. And the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is stepping up its algae sampling and testing program. But will it be enough? Here's a look at what the governor ordered the water district to do, what it's actually doing and what the effects will be. Directive: Store more water north of Lake Okeechobee in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Action: District officials say they can hold up to 20 billion more gallons in the lakes north of Lake O, but it will depend on the weather: A wet tropical storm moving just north of the lake could mean releasing water from the upper lakes to prevent flooding in the communities around them. "Right now the two-week rain predictions look favorable," said district Executive Director Peter Antonacci. "I hope we can keep holding water up there for a month or so. " Effect: The corps reduces average daily discharges to the St. Lucie from about 1.2 billion gallons to 756.2 million gallons. The reduction is "directly related" to Scott's declaration, corps spokesman John H. Campbell said. "Reducing the flow into the lake allows us to reduce the flow out of the lake." Lake O discharges are directly related to the extensive algae blooms in the river. Since discharges started Jan. 30, about 150 billion gallons of Lake O water has been sent to the river, dumping tons of nutrients and lowering the salinity of the naturally brackish water. Both spur the growth of blue-green algae. Stopping the discharges, at least for a week or two, would help get rid of the algae, said Mark Perry, executive director of the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart. The reduction will have minimal effect. "It might keep the algae from going out the St. Lucie Inlet and getting on our beaches," Perry said. "But it won't help the rest of the St. Lucie." Directive: Store more water through dispersed water storage projects Action: Starting Thursday, the district is fast-tracking projects designed to hold back water that normally would flow into the St. Lucie on both public or private land. At the top of the district's list of projects: Expanding the Caulkins Citrus Co. water farm just east of Indiantown. In 2015, the 450-acre project kept about 6 billion gallons of water out of the St. Lucie. The 2,500-acre expansion would increase that to more than 26 billion gallons a year about 17 percent of the 150 billion gallons that has flowed from the lake into the St. Lucie so far this year. But water farms on private land come at a cost. Taxpayers pay Caulkins $480,830 a year for the current project. The expansion would cost $7 million to build and $4 million to $5 million annual payments. The Florida Legislature and Gov. Scott appropriated $47.8 million for water storage on private land last session. Holding back water on land already owned by the state is much cheaper, and the district plans to immediately start building berms to hold water on public land bought for a reservoir on the C-23 Canal, Antonacci said. That project would keep water Antonacci didn't know how much from western farmland and Port St. Lucie suburbs from dumping into the St. Lucie River. Effect: The Caulkins and C-23 projects can be completed before the end of the current rainy season, Antonacci said. But at best the projects will take a couple of months, which significantly cuts how much help they will be with the current algae crisis. And the "six or seven" other proposed projects in Martin and St. Lucie counties Antonacci said have applied for water-holding contracts with the district, couldn't be finished this wet season. Directive: Find ways to increase water flowing south from Lake O Action: The district is looking at increasing the flow of water through canals from Lake O to the coast in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Already underway is a plan to maximize flow through a culvert leading out of Lake O and eventually to the C-51 Canal, which empties into the Lake Worth Lagoon in southern West Palm Beach. Effect: The water could be sent directly from the lake, much like the discharges through the C-44 Canal to the St. Lucie River. That's a concern because, like in the St. Lucie, blue-green algae is showing up in the Lake Worth Lagoon, a 20-mile section of the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County. The ultimate effect, Perry said, could be enraged Palm Beach County property owners joining forces with Indian River Lagoon advocates in Martin County. "I just hate to think there has to be damage to another estuary to get that result," Perry said. Irene Gomes, owner of the 10-unit Driftwood Motel on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach, said a Tallahassee man canceled his reservation for two rooms for his family and another after she called him to tell him about the water problem. (FILE PHOTO) By Paul Ivice, Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers Most hoteliers say they haven't received cancellations of bookings through the Independence Day weekend, but new bookings beyond that have stopped. After enjoying perhaps the best winter season ever, hotel operators in Martin and St. Lucie counties are concerned the spread of the algae bloom to areas it never has reached in previous summers will undo the progress they've made. Irene Gomes, owner of the 10-unit Driftwood Motel on Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach, said a Tallahassee man canceled his reservation for two rooms for his family and another after she called him to tell him about the water problem. "They were coming here to bring their children to the beach," Gomes said. "Can you imagine if they came here and found it like this and weren't informed?" Gomes said in past summers when there were algae blooms, she could advise her guests of beaches or waterways they could use safely, "but now they have no place to go." She said she plans to call others who have booked rooms at her motel, and expects more cancellations. "I wouldn't take my granddaughter to the beach," Gomes said. Jacque Lewis, president of the Martin County Hotel-Motel Association, said she hasn't heard of any cancellations at the Courtyard By Marriott near Interstate 95 in Stuart, where she is general manager, nor the Courtyard on Hutchinson Island. "It will affect us on the weekend," Lewis said, noting that inland hotels get more guests when the beachfront hotels are filled. Martin County Tourism and Marketing Manager Nerissa Okiye said a website that had been set up for a photo contest was being repurposed to provide visitors with suggestions of activities away from the water. "There's not a whole lot we can do but focus on the many things that don't require water," Lewis said. "People don't come here just for the beach; it's an amenity to the area." Chris Egan, general manager of Vistana's Beach Club on Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach, said he hasn't seen any cancellations yet, but new bookings are not coming in. Egan, who also manages the Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort in Port St. Lucie, said paddleboard and kayak rentals and surf lessons at Vistana's Beach Club were canceled Monday, but had resumed Tuesday pending results of water samples at the beach. "We're sold out for the July Fourth weekend, so this couldn't happen at a worse time," Egan said of Vistana's, a time share operation that has 76 two-bedroom condominiums booked on a weekly basis. The bloom also occurred while a group from Coastal Living magazine, which recently named Stuart "America's Happiest Seaside Town of 2016," was touring the county. Okiye said some of the activities planned for the group, such as paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing, were canceled as were two of the four podcasts on Facebook, in part because there were a "lot of rightfully frustrated residents" expressing their thoughts. "We did everything that you can still do now without touching the water," Okiye said of her "whirlwind tour" with the Coastal Living group. "We lost some great opportunities, an untold number of impressions that could lead to better marketing and awareness of our area for people that are planning a trip six months or a year from now." Lewis said she also was concerned about the stigma Martin County might get among potential visitors if there is a long-term effect from national attention the algae bloom is getting. "Why it is so much worse this year economically is it was just the head of the river (in past years) but now it's out into the Intracoastal and the ocean," Lewis said. Okiye said Martin County is paying $23,000 to Tourism Economics, the company that researched the effects the BP oil spill had on Florida tourism, to study long-term impact on tourism of freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee, but she does not know when the results of that study will be available. She also plans to consult with Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, to see what advice they might offer. "It looked like an open sewer pit. It looked like a septic tank," said Sen. Marco Rubio (center right) after visiting the residence of Bob Mark, of Stuart, on Friday along state Sen. Joe Negron (center left) and others during his visit to the Treasure Coast to examine the algae pollution in the St. Lucie River. Afterwards, Rubio spoke to the media and elected officials and business representatives at Central Marine in Stuart. (JEREMIAH WILSON/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm STUART U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio said on Friday three things need to happen immediately to tackle the algae crisis, but none of them include buying land to send Lake Okeechobee water south to reduce discharges. The Republican said lawmakers should look at storing more water north of the lake because thats where most pollution comes from. He would change his mind about the land purchase if science leads us to believe that its a major contributor to making things better, and added hes concerned buying land would take away money from existing projects. Im not against it for purposes of being against it, he said. I get conflicting reports because I have an equal number of scientists that say were not against the southern land buy but its the northern land that we really need because thats where a lot of nutrients are coming in. DEMAND CHANGE | Angry about the algae? Send a letter to lawmakers Rubio went on helicopter and boat tours to see extensive algae blooms in the St. Lucie River and talked to county officials and scientists about the issue. He finished his boat tour at Central Marine Stuart, where he was greeted by protesters who mostly were kept outside, many of whom chanted Talk to the people, not the press, and Send it south. Algae in the water near Central Marine is highly toxic, according the data released late Friday afternoon by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Samples taken by a DEP crew Wednesday the day before U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., also visited the marina contains toxins more than seven times the level considered hazardous in recreational use by the World Health Organization. Rubios stances clash with what state lawmakers have been working on and a 2015 University of Florida study. Between 11,000 to 120,000 acres of additional storage are needed between the lake and the Everglades so water can flow south instead of into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, the UF study found. The study also found more storage also is needed north of the lake. Incoming Florida Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has been working on a proposal to present to the Legislature next year to move water south, and said he hopes the federal government will pitch in to buy the land needed. He said he didnt take Rubios statement to mean he wont support the plan if the Legislature approves it. SHORT-TERM MEASURES Rubio proposed these three stopgap measures to help deal with the algae crisis: The federal government needs to declare a state of emergency, which would free up federal money to help businesses that lost revenue because of the algae bloom, Rubio said. He spoke with Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday afternoon and said, it was my understanding the governor would contact the White House and ask for a declaration. Scotts office didnt confirm that and said hes looking at all options. Scott on Wednesday declared a Florida state of emergency for the areas affected by the algae. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has to stop discharges for short periods of time. The Corps on Friday began instituting a plan to reduce discharges by an average of a third over the next week. The reduction is related to Scotts directing the South Florida Water Management District to hold more water in the lakes upstream from Lake O. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to come to the Treasure Coast to assess the health risks associated with algae. Rubios office contacted the agency Friday to ask for a visit, his spokesman said. PERMANENT MEASURES Ultimately, the Army Corps needs to review a formula it uses to decide when to discharge lake water to reflect improvements to the Herbert Hoover Dike, Rubio said. The agency contends the current improvements dont warrant holding more water in the lake because there are other parts of the dike that could breach. It expects to review the formula in about six to seven years when more repairs are done. Rubio disagrees with the Corps decision to not allow the lake to get higher than 15.5 feet, and said the agency should balance the environmental and economic impacts of discharges with the need to avoid flooding in communities near the lake. Even if its half foot more, that can make a big difference, he said. He touted his work to include a project designed to reduce 14 percent of discharges in a bill that authorizes water projects across the nation. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Water Resources Development Act later this year. BLAMED CONGRESS Rubio, who caught heat for his poor Senate attendance record when he ran for president, blamed congressional dysfunction for the lack of money for Everglades and lagoon restoration projects. He said hes frustrated with the process, something he complained about constantly on the presidential campaign trail. He compared the slow process in D.C. to his time in the state Legislature, which is scheduled to meet for 60 days each year and where he served as House speaker. In Tallahassee, we used to be there for 60 days and we got lot of things done in 60 days, he said. In Washington, 60 days is like one day in the real world. Rubios Senate re-election bid could pit him against Treasure Coast U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy of Jupiter, whos running for the Democratic nomination in the race. Staff writer Tyler Treadway contributed to this report. WATCH | Rubio dismisses question about taking money from Big Sugar Watch our Facebook Live video below of Rubio's news conference earlier Friday: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (left) talks with James Nelson, of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, as they prepare to tour the algae-filled areas of the St. Lucie River by boat on Thursday in Stuart. An approaching storm canceled the boat tour, resulting in Nelson viewing an algae-filled marina at Central Marine Stuart, where he spoke with the media and other local officials about the issue. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said Thursday he supports forcing sugar farmers to sell their land to the state to send Lake Okeechobee water south. The Democrat visited Stuart to see the blue-green algae that has spread dramatically in area waters in the past week. He called on the state to buy land south of the lake to make way for reservoirs and canals to clean water and send it into the Everglades instead of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. He said the money should come from Amendment 1, which voters approved in 2014 to buy and restore land and water resources. If sugar growers, who own much of the land south of the lake, aren't willing sellers, Nelson offered a solution. "There's something called eminent domain," he said. When asked whether he supports eminent domain, in which the government seizes private land in exchange for a payment, he said, "Of course." Nelson said he has discussed "for years" with the Fanjul family, owners of sugar giant Florida Crystals, the possibility of sugar farmers willingly selling their land. The industry invests heavily in lobbying and donating to state and federal lawmakers, and gave at least $33,450 to Nelson's 2012 campaign. U.S. Sugar is one of Republican Gov. Rick Scott's top donors. U.S. Sugar Corp. signed a 2010 agreement with the state to sell its land in parcels, but lobbied against the sale when environmentalists pushed the Legislature to allocate money to buy one of the parcels in 2015. The South Florida Water Management District eventually voted to void the contract in 2015. Incoming Florida Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has said he's working on a proposal to send water south that he plans to present to the Legislature next year. The proposal would use money from a law he sponsored with fellow Stuart Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell that creates a dedicated fund for Everglades restoration. He said he doesn't think "eminent domain is the best way to accomplish our objective." Nelson is using the issue as a "distraction" from the fact the federal government hasn't paid for its share of Everglades restoration projects, Negron said. Florida and the federal government are supposed to go 50-50 on those projects. "My preference is for the state and federal governments together to purchase land for water to be stored south of the lake," Negron said. "I believe we will be able to find willing sellers." Nelson on Thursday couldn't go on a boat tour to look at the algae because of rain but talked to more than a dozen reporters about the Indian River Lagoon's plight. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will go on a boat and ground tour to see the algae Friday at 11:45 a.m. and he will leave from Central Marine Stuart, at 200 N.W. Alice Ave. Here's are other highlights of Nelson's interview: State of emergency: The federal government only can declare a state of emergency if Scott asks for it. That could trigger loans and cash grants for businesses that suffered losses because of the algae, Nelson said. He will ask Scott to talk to the White House "if he will take my call," Nelson said. Scott's office didn't answer whether he would make such request and "it would be nice if (Nelson) would have spent time to get funding to fix the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike" to allow more water be held in the lake. Scott is expected to challenge Nelson for his seat in the 2018 election. Solution: "The short-term fix is to temporarily stop the water going into the lake from the north and ... get as much into the canals to the south so you don't have to release into the Caloosahatchee River on the west and the St. Lucie River on the east." Army Corps: Nelson supports the review of a formula the Corps uses to decide when to release water to reflect improvements to the Herbert Hoover Dike that some say allows it to hold more water. At the same time, however, he said "the Army Corps cannot hold the water (in the lake) so that it breaks the dike and drowns a bunch of people." The corps has contended the improvements don't warrant holding more water because there are still spots that could breach. In the pipeline: The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote in September on a bill that authorizes a project that will reduce 14 percent of discharges by moving water south when finished in the late 2020s, Nelson said. Algae blooms seen Friday in the St. Lucie River estuary in Martin County. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Hannah Schwab of TCPalm The smelly, disgusting blue-green algae blooms plaguing the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon are the result of discharges flowing out of Lake Okeechobee. Since the discharges started Jan. 30, about 150 billion gallons of Lake O water has been sent to the river, dumping nutrients and lowering the salinity of the naturally brackish water. Both spur the growth of blue-green algae. Massive algae blooms have been growing in the lake since May 12, and the green slime can be seen moving from the lake, through the C-44 Canal and into the river. Is the algae harmful? Algae in the lake is highly toxic, according to samples taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It can affect animals, plants and humans. Samples taken in the river around Palm City and Stuart have tested positive for lower, but still hazardous levels of toxins. Toxic algae can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested, and rash or hay fever symptoms if touched or inhaled. Drinking water with the toxins can cause long-term liver disease. Recent research suggests another toxin in blue-green algae can trigger neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease. For the first time, algae blooms have been spotted at Martin County beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. County officials have been monitoring the waters and closing beaches when the algae blooms pose a threat to residents. What can be done? Stopping discharges, even for a week or two, could raise the water's salinity level and lower its nutrient levels which could break down the algae blooms. But experts have said there is no quick fix. TCPalm has an online letter readers can fill out and send to lawmakers voicing their frustration over the algae. Find it at tcpalm.com/govletter. Residents, environmentalists and the TCPalm Editorial Board have pleaded with lawmakers and state officials to take action. Unfortunately, this is not the first time algae blooms have hit the Treasure Coast, so some wonder if anything has changed from the last algae outbreak or if it will ever change. What's the government doing to help? Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in February to help businesses that were losing money because of the discharges. In May, state Senate President-designate Joe Negron secured funds to keep Kilroy water sensors in the river and lagoon to monitor water quality. Negron also said he is working on a plan to present to the Legislature next year to cut Lake O discharges. Environmental groups have been calling for the state to buy land south of Lake O to hold some of the water, but water managers and Scott haven't jumped on board. Scott declared a second state of emergency in Martin and St. Lucie counties on June 29, calling on state agencies to hold back water from Lake O and start the process of cleaning up the algae. On June 30, Sen. Bill Nelson visited Stuart to see the pollution firsthand. On July 1, Sen. Marco Rubio toured the area with local elected officials and business representatives. Residents speak out Angry residents have been posting photos and videos of the algae blooms affecting their neighborhoods. Some have taken it a step farther, emailing their photos to lawmakers, demanding action. On July 2, more than 3,500 people spelled out "Buy The Land" on Stuart Beach hoping to get the attention of state and federal lawmakers to take action. Click here to view the graphic in a full window. Tyler Treadway and Isadora Rangel contributed to this report. A heron looks for food on waterfront land owned by Martin County, bordering the Indian River Lagoon, on June 1, 2016, in Jensen Beach. (XAVIER MASCARENAS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm From the Islamic State to the nation's $19 trillion debt, Congress has a lot of issues to tackle. But when the St. Lucie River and area waters are choked with blue-green algae, one of the first things voters want to know is what candidates vying to represent them in the U.S. House would do about it. The Indian River Lagoon always has been a top issue in District 18, but with the algae blooming so close to the Aug. 30 primary, it takes on new magnitude. The district, which Democrat Patrick Murphy is leaving to run for the U.S. Senate, is at the epicenter of Lake Okeechobee releases as it covers Martin, St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach counties. Treasure Coast Newspapers asked the 10 candidates running for the seat the first thing they would like to do to help the lagoon. Most of them said Congress' priority should be to fund the repair of the Herbert Hoover Dike to allow the lake to hold more water and put more money into Everglades restoration, which includes projects that affect the lagoon. One of them is the C-44 Canal reservoir that stores and cleans water that flows into the St. Lucie River. But the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repeatedly has said dike repairs won't necessarily mean holding more water. There still would be a risk of a breach in other parts of the dike and the lake level already is 1 foot higher than it was at the peak of discharges in the summer of 2013, spokesman John Campbell said. The agency plans to revisit the issue in six or seven years, he said. Scroll down for more on FUNDING, DYSFUNCTION, LAND and SENIORITY. Here's what District 18 candidates said they would do to help reduce Lake O discharges FUNDING Achieving that is not so simple. Congress doesn't arbitrarily decide how much to give to the Everglades. The White House proposes a budget based on money the corps says it needs to build all Everglades projects in a fiscal year. Congress can't increase funding for a specific project in the federal budget because there's a ban on earmarks. The best workaround is to lobby the White House to increase that funding. It will help if the next District 18 representative and president belong to the same party, said Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg, a former chief of staff to the late GOP U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr. Yet if they succeed at getting more money and the corps doesn't spend it, that makes it harder to come back the next year to ask for more, Eikenberg said. DYSFUNCTION Congress and the state agreed in 2000 to go 50-50 on a multitude of projects to restore the Everglades. The assumption then was Congress would pass a bill every two years to authorize projects that were ready to go. That bill green-light water and marine infrastructure construction projects across the nation. That's when congressional dysfunction and federal bureaucracy got in the way. Congress took seven years to pass the latest authorization bill in 2014. The Central Everglades Planning Project, estimated to reduce 14 percent of discharges, didn't make into the bill because it was pending corps approval, which happened last year. CEPP is included in this year's bill, which has cleared House and Senate committees, and there's optimism it will become law, said Julie Hill-Gabriel, director of Everglades Policy at the National Audubon Society. LAND Many experts say finishing existing projects won't significantly reduce discharges unless the state buys land between the lake and the Everglades to move the water south instead of into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. A 2014 University of Florida study found at least 11,000 acres of additional storage south of the lake are needed. U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Bonita Springs, introduced a bill this year to set aside $500 million in federal cash for the purchase. It would be a feat to successfully push any bill that allocates a large amount of money in an often polarized Congress, especially in an election year when Congress doesn't accomplish much. Yet Eikenberg said with CEPP's authorization in the pipeline, the state and federal governments will have to look at the next step, and building more storage has always been in the plan. SENIORITY So, what's the best way for Congress to help the lagoon? Members can lobby for the water authorization bill and make sure Everglades restoration projects are included in it. They can support the highest level of funding the White House requests in its proposed budget, Hill-Gabriel said. Incumbent Murphy raised lagoon awareness on Capitol Hill when he helped organize a 2013 briefing between environmental experts, Treasure Coast residents and lawmakers, Eikenberg said. But the best thing the next Treasure Coast representative can do is this: hire a chief of staff with D.C. connections and stay in office, Eikenberg said. The longer members serve, the more time they have to move up the ranks, get powerful committee assignments and build clout to push for their issues. Murphy will have only served two terms when he leaves this year. "The way to be most effective in Washington is to have seniority," Eikenberg said. "When you serve a term or two and the next person comes in, you start from the bottom." A raccoon peers out from the brush May 11, 2016, on waterfront land owned by Martin County along the Indian River Lagoon in Jensen Beach. To prevent the spread of rabies, don't handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. (XAVIER MASCARENAS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Nicole Wiesenthal of TCPalm So far this year, there's been just one rabies case on the Treasure Coast quite a departure from last year, when St. Lucie County had the most reported cases in Florida. By the end of June last year, there were at least five reported cases throughout Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. By November, St. Lucie County had issued a rabies alert that was not lifted until February of this year. By Dec. 26, St. Lucie County alone had nine cases six raccoons, a dog, a cat and a bat the most in the state. "Last year St. Lucie County had an unusually high number of animals test positive for rabies," said Arlease Hall, spokeswoman for the St. Lucie County Health Department. She said rabies activity tends to be cyclical, so there's no reason why some years have more cases than others, but several factors play into it. Feeding and caring for wildlife can contribute to an increase in wildlife population and therefore result in more opportunity for the disease to spread to other wildlife and unvaccinated pets, she said. "To reduce the incidences, we partnered with local veterinarian offices, animal control agencies and the Human Society of St. Lucie County to provide ongoing education and information to the community on preventing rabies and keeping loved ones, including our furry loved ones, safe from rabies." Continued and increased emphasis on education and awareness of the disease, as well as chance, have contributed to this year's low number of rabies cases, she said. Historically, Indian River and Martin counties' cases have been less than in St. Lucie County. But by this time last year Martin County had two reported rabies cases and Indian River County had one. VACCINATIONS Martin County announced the first reported rabies case of the year for the Treasure Coast on June 14. According to a health department news release, a raccoon that came into contact with a dog in South Stuart tested positive for rabies. The dog had been vaccinated previously, but was quarantined as a precaution. Rabies activity tends to be cyclical, Hall said, and once a rabies outbreak occurs, they can last months as more animals contract rabies. The number of people urged to get anti-rabies vaccines also fluctuates depending partly on the weather, said Stacy Brock, spokeswoman for the Indian River County Health Department, because when people spend more time outdoors, they're more likely to come into contact with rabies. People can get an anti-rabies vaccine if they come into contact with an animal that tests positive for rabies or, Brock said, as a precaution if animal control can't find the animal to confirm if it has rabies. More than 100 people took anti-rabies vaccinations in St. Lucie County last year, state records show, while only 35 people in Martin County and 36 people in Indian River County received vaccinations. This year, even though no rabies cases have been reported in St. Lucie County, 70 people have received anti-rabies vaccinations as of June, said Hall. In Martin County, 20 people received vaccinations, and in Indian River County, seven people got vaccinations, according to the counties' health department records. Animals can be contagious even before they are showing physical signs of rabies, Hall said, which is why it is important if a person has been scratched, bitten or had contact with the wound of a person or animal that has been scratched or bitten, to take immediate action. "(They) should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water," she said, "then go to the ER immediately to be assessed for rabies exposure and potentially start the rabies vaccination series." A majority of the states public school districts will receive more state general aid in the coming school year than they did the prior year, the latest state estimates show. Of the states 424 school districts, 61 percent or 260 are projected to receive more aid in the 2016-17 school year, the state Department of Public Instruction said Friday. The DPI estimates show Madison schools receiving about $53.7 million in state general aid next school year, a 2.3 percent increase. On Monday, the Madison School Board passed a $376.5 million preliminary operating budget that was predicated, in part, on the conservative assumption that the district would get about $47.8 million in general state aid for the upcoming school year, said Rachel Strauch-Nelson, district spokeswoman. While Fridays estimate is good news, it does not mean the district suddenly has more money to spend, district officials said. Thats because theres a limit on the amount of revenue a district can raise, regardless of whether it comes from property taxes or state aid. The preliminary district budget already hits that revenue limit, so now its just a question of where the money comes from. With the state aid estimate better than anticipated, a little less of the districts budget will need to come from local property taxes, Strauch-Nelson said. District officials did not yet have new figures on what that will mean to the owner of an average-priced home in the district. DPI is required by state law to publish estimates of general aid levels for school districts on July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Final aid numbers arrive in October. DPI officials noted that the states biennial budget increased state general aid to school districts by $108.1 million for the 2016-17 school year. The prior year, a majority of Wisconsin school districts 55 percent saw a drop in state aid. The Islamic Center of Fort Pierce is seen before afternoon prayers Monday, June 13, on West Midway Road in Fort Pierce. Omar Mateen, the gunman who was responsible for the deaths of 49 people at an Orlando nightclub, last attended the mosque to pray the night before the shooting. (XAVIER MASCARENAS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) Where should we draw the line between patriotism and intimidation? Maybe when 66 motorcyclists roar round and round a block that houses the Muslim mosque where Orlando shooter Omar Mateen worshipped, someone's crossed it. Last Sunday, those riders drove in convoy five times around the house of worship in White City, revving their already noisy engines extra loud each time they passed the mosque's front door on Midway Road. Organizer Randy Anderton of Fort Pierce described the ride as a "patriot cruise" and said riders who came from as far away as Leesburg simply were expressing their patriotism and "their love of the flag." "We just wanted to fly the flag and be proud of it," Anderton told me via phone Thursday. "Our country is hurting." He said the group was "respectful" during the incident. From video footage I've seen of the incident, it's true riders did not chant, shout or hold signs, yet it's clear to me their intent was to intimidate those inside the mosque. Only three cars were parked outside the building when the incident occurred. Mohammed Malik, a mosque member from Port St. Lucie who alerted the FBI about Mateen several years ago, said he was aware of the Sunday incident. Generally, he has not heard of other local incidents that lean toward hate crimes, "but two wrongs don't make a right," he said. "We (as a congregation) have condemned Mateen, but people are not willing to listen or understand." From Anderton's point of view expressed in text messages sent to our reporter Elliott Jones "are (sic) show was about the mosque and our country. Kinda weird we have 2 known terrorists come from that church and nobody from inside there tries to stop it. Explain that. I'm not going to believe what they say." Malik confirmed the mosque reached out to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office for deputies to be stationed on site, but they were rebuffed. "They said they didn't have the manpower," Malik said. "Then we checked with the Florida Highway Patrol, but their rates were drastically more expensive, so we hired our own security. I'd have liked to see a (sheriff's) detail there Sunday. I like Sheriff Mascara, but I have to admit I'm kinda disappointed (with his response)." Mascara said last week that both marked and unmarked sheriff's office vehicles "are frequently patrolling the mosque 24 hours a day." He declined to give more specific details. The sheriff also noted that "no call for service was received from the mosque (on Sunday) indicating this was a concern or that they felt it needed law enforcement involvement." The sheriff also noted the motorcycle group provided no advance notice to his office of their intention to ride near the mosque. Mascara said he has received no calls for service from the mosque seeking law enforcement assistance. A variety of national sources have reported an uptick in hate-related incidents directed at Muslims across the country ever since the San Bernardino and Paris attacks. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump also has ratcheted up the tension with hostile remarks about Muslims. Ibrahim Hooper, the national communications director for the Council on American-Islam Relations, said he was aware of Sunday's incident. He also confirmed a spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationally, but noted Orlando hasn't produced a separate uptick. So far. "We view it as part of the overall rise in anti-Muslim, anti-mosque (sentiment)," Hooper said, "but there's been nothing specific since Orlando. Often, (Muslim) community leaders don't want to draw attention to themselves or the problems." Last week's White City incident didn't constitute a hate crime. Other than perhaps disturbing the peace, it wasn't even a crime. Yet the intent seems clear. To some people, the "patriot cruise" may seem innocuous; to me it looked like intimidation. On June 13, we published an editorial about the Orlando shooter under the headline "This is not who we are." The patriot cruise incident is not who we are either. As a community, we need to nip such divisive efforts in the bud before they escalate into hate crimes and cause irreparable damage. South sugar fields south of Lake Okeechobee near Clewiston, (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) It emerged decades ago as a radical idea. Buying land to reconnect the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee a modern day version of the River of Grass sounded like a far-fetched vision of tree-huggers. Then, after former Gov. Charlie Crist was elected, it became his central policy proposal. But the economy tanked, Crist left office and the idea was marginalized under Gov. Rick Scott. Now it's back. In a big way. Toxic algae has a lot to do with that. "Buy the land" has practically become a campaign slogan this election year. A growing number of Treasure Coast elected officials are publicly supporting acquiring land south of Lake Okeechobee to store, treat and move water to the Everglades. The strategy offers the greatest hope for stopping polluted lake discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers that have triggered blue-green algae blooms and attracted international attention. More than 200 scientists last year signed a petition in favor of buying land south of Lake Okeechobee. Politicians are now seeing the light. At the top of the list is state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who is in line be the next president of the Florida Senate. "I am personally committed to purchasing land south of the lake," Negron said Wednesday at a standing-room-only meeting of the grassroots Rivers Coalition in Stuart. Negron was less bullish on buying land south of Lake Okeechobee in 2013. The University of Florida Water Institute's 2015 study, funded by the state Senate at Negron's request, confirmed more land was needed. Now, Negron is looking into the ideal location for buying land. Much of the land in the Everglades Agricultural Area is owned by two giant sugar companies, U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals. If Negron stays the course and makes buying the land a top priority during his two-year term as Senate president, it could be a game-changer. Where do our other elected leaders stand? (INTERACTIVE | Click red circles and learn more) Gov. Rick Scott: NONCOMMITTAL The governor repeatedly has dodged commitment on this issue. He has given no public indication he is willing to buy land south of Lake Okeechobee and the remnants of Crist's deal to buy U.S. Sugar have been rejected by his appointees to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board. Meanwhile, U.S. Sugar donated another $100,000 to Scott's "Let's Get to Work" political committee in June, bringing the company's total donations to $200,000 since October. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson: SUPPORTS Sen. Nelson not only supports acquiring land south of Lake Okeechobee he believes eminent domain should be used to do it. During a visit to survey the toxic algae in Stuart on Thursday, Nelson said "of course" he supports eminent domain. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio: DOES NOT SUPPORT Two months ago, Rubio said he does not support buying more land south of Lake Okeechobee "at this time," saying it's not a "realistic proposal." Rubio has been heavily backed by sugar company Florida Crystals during his political career. (INTERACTIVE | Click red circles and learn more) U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter: SUPPORTS Murphy, who is running for Rubio's seat in the U.S. Senate, believes voter-approved Amendment 1 money should be used south of Lake Okeechobee "to store and clean more water to provide relief to our local waterways," his spokeswoman confirmed Thursday. State Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart: SUPPORTS Harrell only recently became publicly vocal about buying land south of Lake Okeechobee. "The key is that it must be the appropriate land that will facilitate moving water south to be stored and cleaned before it enters the Everglades National Park," Harrell said Thursday via email. She also supports buying land north of Lake Okeechobee to store water. (Harrell's opponent in the general election, Democrat Crystal Lucas, also supports buying the land and, specifically, believes the state should exercise its remaining option to buy out U.S. Sugar.) State Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta: SUPPORTS Both Harrell and Magar are lining up behind Negron on this. Magar confirmed Thursday she is in favor of "buying appropriate land south of Lake Okeechobee to build water storage/treatment capacity to end the discharges from the lake." (Magar's general-election opponent, Democrat Mary Higgins, also supports the land buy and called it "the only solution to the destruction of the lagoon.") Rep. Larry Lee, D-Port St. Lucie: SUPPORTS "I don't know when it's going to become more apparent," said Lee, who is unopposed this year. "We're at a state of crisis with this water situation, and that is one of the solutions that we can act on immediately." While he supports the land buy, he stopped short of Nelson's call for eminent domain to take the land. What are we to make of this groundswell of support? First, watch the word "appropriate," which could be used as a way for some elected officials to wriggle out of their commitment. Second, a deal is almost impossible if the governor doesn't get on board. Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith looks at photos of wildlife swimming in blue-green algae shared by a community member during the Martin County Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday at the County Commission Chambers in Stuart. Around three dozen people made pleas to the county commissioners to help fix the damage from Lake Okeechobee discharges. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) Dear Gov. Scott: You've got a real mess on your hands down here on the Treasure Coast. And you really ought to come see it for yourself. I suspect you won't, and in a way, I don't blame you. You wouldn't exactly get a warm welcome, let's put it that way. But if you don't come, it's imperative you understand exactly what's going on. I'm not talking about the discharges from Lake Okeechobee that have fouled our waterways with algae, closed our beaches, harmed our businesses and maybe our health. You know about this; I'm sure you've seen reams of statistics and been briefed on the science of what's happening. What those numbers won't tell you and what your advisers may be soft-pedaling is the mood of the people. Governor, you've got a minor insurrection going on. I was at Tuesday's emergency meeting of the Martin County Board of Commissioners. It got ugly. I was outside in the hallway no seats left in the meeting room and a sheriff's deputy actually came out and told people to knock it off with the profanity. There were numerous outbursts; elected officials were booed. And average citizens sounded like revolutionaries. One woman, Jennie Pawlowsky of Stuart, told local officials that "I'm done being a peaceful protester. If you don't start acting, we will take things into our own hands." I spoke with Pawlowsky afterward. She used to own a paddleboard/yoga shop that closed during the "Lost Summer of 2013." She seemed a normal citizen, radicalized by this crisis. Think about that, governor. Your average citizen doesn't often threaten to take things into his or her own hands. But that's how far people have been pushed by this crisis. Maybe it was just frustration talking; maybe it was an idle threat. But maybe it wasn't. People down here are done with the "strongly worded" letters, they're fed up with protests that don't move the needle. They've done everything the "right" way, and it's gotten them us nothing. So you can understand how some might feel that only radical action can get the point across. I don't know what form that might take. Maybe activists show up in Tallahassee with great jugs of algae-green water and dump it all over the capitol steps. Maybe it's something else. I'm not advocating these things, governor. My point is, you can't expect these people, whose lives and communities have revolved around these waters, to just sit back and take it. You can't expect them to hear the same old empty promises, the same old rationalizations, and simply endure. Make no mistake they will endure. They seem a tough lot. But they won't go down without a fight. And you, governor, may be their public enemy No. 1. You are seen as a defender of a status quo that has screwed them. You deflect you blame the federal government. You're seen as standing in the way of solutions that might actually work. You didn't cause this problem, governor; no one's accusing you of that. But everyone knows you're not in our corner, you're not on our side. The Tampa Bay Times reported last week that you just got another $100,000 donation from U.S. Sugar. Governor, do you have any idea how that looks to us down here on the Treasure Coast? To solve this crisis requires upending of the status quo. You won't do it, governor. And everybody knows it. This will be your legacy. When you leave office, you and your allies will want your legacy to be job creation and prosperity. But your legacy your image will forever be linked with those nauseating photos of green tide on our beaches, blue and green muck stagnating in our marinas. You will be the governor who didn't give a damn, who couldn't or wouldn't break the political logjam. That's how people in this part of Florida will always remember you the toxic governor. There's still time for this to change, Mr. Scott. But none of us down here are expecting much. Still, you should come. It's your duty. Make it a private visit if you must; I'm sure there are local residents who would gladly, and quietly take you out on their boat. See for yourself what's happening, and talk to the people it's happening to. Talk to the moms, dads, kids and grandparents affected by this. Talk to the entrepreneurs, the working people, the taxpayers, the tourists. Understand what's been done to this community, and how it's shaken whatever faith we had left in the system to solve these problems. Understand how it's turned normal people into radicals. That's how bad it is, governor. And that's how little we think you care. Prove us wrong. For if you won't you've proved us right. Algae blooms seen June 24 in the St. Lucie River estuary in Martin County. (ERIC HASERT/ TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) SHARE Greg Bragdon, of Palm City, prepares to take his boat out on the St. Lucie River for a cruise with his wife, Christine, and their daughter, Brandi, on Friday, June 26, at Leighton Park in Palm City. "We've had boats all our life, and never seen the water like this," Christine Bragdon said. (XAVIER MASCARENAS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) Related Coverage Treasure Coast hoteliers: Algae affects beaches, tourism By Editorial Board The public uprising we've witnessed in response to toxic algae in our waterways has been heartfelt, infuriating and tragic. Businesses are being lost; a way of life is being lost. People are beginning to fear not just for the health of our estuaries and beaches, but for the health of their children. And there is, of course, no end in sight. Our water crisis is both a continuation and escalation of the problems that have plagued our region for decades. But this isn't just an environmental calamity; it's also a political crisis. Our sclerotic system has moved slowly when it's moved at all. Legislative solutions have been undermined. And even our most dedicated public servants lack the urgency that we require. All this must change if our water crisis is ever to be solved. Since our last large-scale crisis in 2013, Treasure Coast Newspapers' Editorial Board has suggested a number of steps that would take us in the right direction. Let's revisit them: 1. Get the money right Amendment 1 money must be spent as voters intended, for land acquisition and restoration. The Legacy Florida Act, passed earlier this year, would secure 25 percent or $200 million annually whichever is smallest of the money generated by Amendment 1. But that's not enough; voters who approved Amendment 1 in 2014 were under the impression the measure would generate more. And more is needed. 2. Buy the land That money must be used to buy land south of Lake Okeechobee for water storage, treatment and conveyance to the Everglades. Yes, we need to complete projects already in the works, such as the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area. But an independent study by the University of Florida, released last year, concluded that reducing discharges and meeting the Everglades' need for more water "will require between 11,000 and 129,000 acres of additional land" between Lake Okeechobee and Everglades National Park. It's past time to implement that recommendation. There is simply no way around it: Water storage south of the lake is essential for any long-term, permanent fix. 3. Start talks now Recognizing the need to buy land south of Lake Okeechobee, we must launch immediate talks with stakeholders, including the sugar industry, to shape this long-term fix. The sugar industry owns large tracts in key locations south of the lake, and at one time U.S. Sugar was a willing seller. The company recently agreed to sit down with elected leaders and environmentalists to work on stopping the discharges. Treasure Coast Newspapers' Editorial Board has called for a discharge "summit," while state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has been speaking with scientists, environmentalists and the agriculture industry about ways to end the discharges. The point is to build consensus, with stakeholders talking to not past one another. 4. Rally around a leader The talks require a point person. We have proposed the appointment of a "Lagoon Czar," appointed by Florida's governor, to help coordinate efforts to oversee, coordinate and spearhead lagoon-restoration efforts. This person would be a consensus-builder, not a unilateral decision-maker. He or she would stay the course on sending lake water south. 5. More public health data As we await a land buy, we need better monitoring of health concerns related to water quality. Right now, doctors have inadequate protocols for testing or reporting waterborne illnesses such as Vibrio vulnificus, which has taken lives in the Indian River Lagoon. With questions about the long-term effects of exposure to the blue-green algae plaguing our shores, it should be standard procedure for doctors to report all suspected cases of waterborne illnesses to the Florida Department of Health. 6. Proactive leaders Finally, we need elected officials who share their constituents' sense of urgency. When politicians who were in office during previous water crises promised change, it did not arrive. Their promises now ring hollow. From Congress to the governor to the Florida Legislature and county commissions, we need people who don't merely talk change, but actively agitate for it. If our current crop of elected officials won't do this they must be replaced. None of this solves our water crisis tomorrow. The reality is, this summer is already lost. The question is how many more "lost summers" we must endure before we muster the courage to make the hard choices that might, at long last, make a real difference? Hillary Rodham Clinton arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 22, 2015, to testify before the House Benghazi Committee. After months of buildup, Clinton finally takes center stage as the star witness in the Republican-led investigation into the deadly 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) SHARE On Sept. 11, 2012 the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on American soil terrorists struck again, this time away from the homeland but on U.S. property. In Benghazi, four brave Americans serving in the U.S. Foreign Service were killed. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith and former Navy SEALs Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty lost their lives in service to our country. At the time I did not know much about the situation in Benghazi or the history of previous attacks on our embassies, but I quickly learned. Benghazi is a Libyan city with a population of roughly 650,000. The U.S. Embassy is actually in Tripoli, Libya's capital city, with a population of 6.2 million. Our embassy had 150 personnel, including 80 U.S. Marines a much safer compound than Benghazi. The distance between Tripoli and Benghazi is about 400 miles by plane and roughly a nine-hour drive by car. Stevens left Tripoli on Sept. 10 to check on progress in Benghazi. Serving in the Foreign Service is a dangerous and complex endeavor, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Our diplomatic presence throughout the world includes some 300 physical structures in more than 190 countries, with more than 11,000 Americans stationed abroad. The Benghazi attack took place in two locations. The first was at our consulate. The secondary attack was a mile away at the CIA Annex. The military-style attack of 150 gunmen included our known enemies as well as militia fighters we believed to be allies. This was not the first attack on our diplomatic posts. Some accounts have the number as high as 39 incidents with 87 deaths not all Americans. In the eight years of the George W. Bush presidency, there were attacks in Kathmandu, Calcutta, Lima, Karachi, Uzbekistan, Baghdad, Basra, Damascus, Yemen, Istanbul and Kabul. The two deadliest both occurred in Saudi Arabia: In Riyadh at least eight Americans died, and in Jeddah nine people were killed. When terrorist-controlled planes killed thousands on our soil, Americans came together the only bright spot in what was a devastating day in our nation's history. The Benghazi reaction was quite different. We had countless House and Senate hearings, subpoenas, conspiracy theories and political leaders bragging they caused political harm to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The cost to taxpayers is more than $7 million. Benghazi became a political weapon used not to unite but to divide our country. I'm not alone in my disgust with the actions of my own party and my disappointment that many reasonable people blindly regurgitated partisan talking points. Angry Republicans complained to me the Obama administration and Secretary Clinton allowed or, worse, caused the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi. None could tell me where Benghazi is or why Ambassador Stevens was there. Most believed he was posted there instead of in Tripoli, where the embassy was located, some 400 miles away. To make a political statement, some GOP leaders expressed outrage that Secretary Clinton when asked within hours of the attack said a video insulting the attackers' religion could have led to the assault. Why do the news media and the public expect an immediate answer when the State Department was scrambling to make sense of a chaotic situation? The attackers did blame the video released by their leaders to incite anger and provide an excuse to attack us. We later learned the assault was premeditated. Congressional leaders conducting countless hearings on the tragedy didn't focus on what we as a nation could do better, or if they bore some responsibility for underfunding embassy security. Before the attack, the State Department asked for more embassy funding. U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who vocally criticized the lack of adequate security, admitted to voting to cut $300 million in embassy funding, calling it a matter of prioritizing. We should mourn the tragic deaths of Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. We should also remember the others who died before them while serving in America's diplomatic service. We pay them no honor by using their deaths as a weapon for partisan political purposes. Paula Dockery is a syndicated columnist who served in the Florida Legislature for 16 years as a Republican from Lakeland. She can be reached at PBDockery@gmail.com. SHARE By Staff Report This afternoon, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms. It's partly sunny, with a high near 90 and a south-southeast wind of 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Tonight, there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 73 and a south-southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. ADVISORIES Thunderstorms are likely, with main threats being frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, wind gusts up to 50 mph and locally heavy rainfall in the stronger storms. Minor flooding is a risk today as some storms could produce 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short period. Boaters should be prepared to seek harbor quickly as thunderstorms are a threat over the ocean and inland lakes. The wildfire risk is low to moderate. The rip current risk is low. Keep an eye on conditions with our live weather radar. Sunrise today was at 6:30 a.m. Sunset is at 8:21 p.m. EXTENDED FORECAST Source: National Weather Service Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain is 50 percent. Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Light south wind becoming south southeast 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Independence Day: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. TROPICAL UPDATE Source: National Hurricane Center Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 48 hours. TODAY'S TIDE FORECAST Source: National Weather Service Sebastian Inlet Bridge High tides: 6:22 p.m. and 6:31 a.m. Saturday Low tides: 11:54 a.m. and 12:26 a.m. Saturday Fort Pierce Inlet, South Jetty High tides: 6:39 p.m. and 6:48 a.m. Saturday Low tides: noon and 12:31 a.m. Saturday MARINE FORECAST Source: National Weather Service The Atlantic high pressure ridge axis will meander a little either side of Lake Okeechobee into early next week. This will result in a light to gentle southwest to south breeze, turning onshore near the coast each afternoon with the sea breeze circulation. Seas mainly 2 to 3 feet. Westerly steering flow will favor offshore moving storms into this weekend, especially north of Sebastian Inlet. Today: South winds 5 to 10 knots becoming southeast 10 to 15 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant period 8 seconds. A moderate chop on the intracoastal waters. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Tonight: South winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet with a dominant period 8 seconds. A light chop on the intracoastal waters. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Saturday: South winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet with a dominant period 8 seconds. A light chop on the intracoastal waters. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Saturday Night: South winds 5 to 10 knots increasing to 10 to 15 knots after midnight. Seas 2 to 3 feet. A light chop on the intracoastal waters. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Sunday: South winds 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. A light chop on the intracoastal waters. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday Night: South winds 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Monday: Southeast winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Monday Night: South winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday: Southeast winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. A marijuana advocacy group has revived an effort to drastically reduce penalties for being caught with the drug in Monona. Members of the Madison chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) are circulating a petition that supports reducing municipal fines for pot possession to $1 in hopes of placing a binding referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot. Since mid-May, the group has gathered signatures to try to force action under the states direct legislation law after a similar ordinance change was narrowly defeated by the citys Public Safety Commission earlier this year. Wisconsins statute allows electors to offer direct legislation in the form of a petition as a check on local government. Under the law, local elected officials must either pass the legislation, without alteration, within 30 days of the petitions certification, or they must place it on the ballot as a referendum in the next general election. In order to be certified, a petition must contain enough signatures to eclipse 15 percent of the number of votes cast for governor during the last general election. We cant, like other states, put things on the ballot at the state level. You can do direct legislation, though, in cities and towns, so this was really the last hope to do it on an incremental basis like this, said Gary Storck, a former Madison NORML president. Storck said the group needs 719 signatures to meet the 15 percent threshold, but is aiming for 1,200 to ensure the petitions viability if some signatures are thrown out during the verification process. Possession of marijuana is considered a state and federal crime, but municipalities often have marijuana ordinances in place as a third deterrent because state and federal authorities generally do not prosecute small amounts of the drug unless it is connected to other, more significant crimes. While lowering the fine would not decriminalize possession, Storck said it would bring Monona in line with Dane County officials calls to remedy the disproportionate impact marijuana and other low-level municipal fines have on low-income residents, and it would provide assurance to self-medicating marijuana users. It takes some of the fear out of having a small amount of cannabis. For patients, knowing that the worst thing that can happen is to get a $1 fine would provide some relief, Storck said. Mononas Public Safety Commission in February rejected 5-4 an ordinance change that would have reduced fines for possessing 25 grams or less of pot from $313 to $1 plus court fees. Monona Police Chief Walter Ostrenga opposed the change at the time because he said it sent the wrong message to children. On Thursday, he said he was more concerned with the sources of drugs. It is what it is. Im not screaming, jumping up and down at my desk, saying this is a bad thing. I have no control over it, Ostrenga said. The thing is someone has marijuana and theyre only getting a $1 fine, but where are they buying it? What groups are profiting from the illegal sale of drugs to these people who are only going to get a $1 fine. That doesnt solve the problem. State law requires signatures to be collected within 60 days of the date the petition was registered. Storck said the group will ask people to re-sign the petition and extend the window if they are unable to gather 800 signatures by July 13. TechSpot is supported by its audience. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Here's why you can trust us. Mark your calendars, folks! Amazon's second annual Prime Day is scheduled to take place on July 12 and will feature more than 100,000 deals, exclusively for Prime members. Amazon notes that new and existing members in the U.S., the U.K., Spain, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Belgium and Austria will be privy to deals across nearly every category and department. Greg Greeley, Vice President of Amazon Prime, said they have dramatically increased the inventory behind many deals. For example, he said they'll have nearly double the number of televisions offered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Even still, Greeley expects many products to sell out. In addition to televisions, Amazon promises all-day deals on toys and specials for Alexa users. Specific deals haven't been announced (and may not surface until Prime Day arrives). Amazon hosted its first-ever Prime Day on July 15, 2015. Despite shattering records, most viewed the one-day sale as a flop with a bizarre variety of odds and ends. In Canada, for example, the top selling items included headphones, diapers and slow cookers while those in Italy scored beard and hair trimmers. Prime members in the US can get in on the action starting at midnight PDT on July 12. In the interim, Amazon will be hosting countdown deals from July 5 and running through July 11. Mechanical keyboard specialist Das Keyboard is thinking outside the box with its next product. Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, the Das Keyboard 5Q is billed as the world's first cloud-connected keyboard. A bit puzzled? Allow me to explain. Most people think of keyboards as input devices. Some higher-end models feature LCD panels or even use your own smartphone to relay various bits of information but those of course require extra hardware, alter the look of what would otherwise be a standard board and / or tie up your phone. The Das Keyboard 5Q is designed to be both an input device and an output device without any extra hardware. It does this by manipulating the RGB LED lighting of each key individually based on information from the Internet. In other words, the keys aren't just lit for the sake of them being lit. Instead, they're color-controlled remotely to represent a specific piece of information so you can program each key to glow the color you want based on the information you define. For example, let's say you want to keep tabs on a couple of stocks you own. You can assign F1 to Google's stock, F2 to Apple's stock and F3 to Facebook's and have them glow red or green based on whether their value is going up or down. Or, if you're the type that obsesses about CPU utilization, you could configure the top row of your keys to act as a bar graph representing CPU usage. If you prioritize e-mails from your boss, you could set up a key to turn a specific color to indicate you've got a message needing your immediate attention. The Das Keyboard 5Q's volume knob also functions as the Q button which launches the Q cloud-based application that powers the whole experience. It's here that you'll be able to set up and manage profiles and functionality. The app will be community driven and have an open API meaning the potential exists for all sorts of powerful applications. Das said it has been working with Omron, a Japanese switch manufacturer, to develop its Gamma Zulu switches. We're told they'll be able to withstand 100 million actuations, actuate at 1.5mm and require 45 grams of force to actuate with 3.5mm of total travel. The switches are said to have a soft tactile feel that's comparable to Cherry MX brown switches. The idea here is to streamline your time and work to increase productivity. While it may sound like using the keyboard for various notifications or alerts would slow you down, Das believes that over time, you won't even have to look at the specific alerts as you'll see them with your peripheral vision and know how to act accordingly. Das has a really neat idea that is well on its way to becoming a reality. With more than four weeks remaining in its campaign, Das has already raised more than $160,000 - far past its initial $100K goal. You'll need to plunk down $139 to reserve yours (the $109 early birds have all been spoken for) which is still a solid discount over its anticipated MSRP of $229. Das Keyboard expects to ship its Das Keyboard 5Q to backers beginning in January of 2017. Facebook may seem like a cool place to work, and Mark Zuckerberg can come across as quite likable and approachable. But according to a tell-all book by an advertising manager that was fired by the company, both these assumptions are far from the truth. Antonio Garcia Martinez has released a book today called "Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley." In it, he alleges that working for the social network was like being in a North Korean-style cult with Zuckerberg taking the role of the unquestioned leader. It's claimed that Zuckerberg had a tendency to explode and swear at staff, leading to them nicknaming him "the little emperor." Martinez also claims that the CEO has a KGB-like internal police force called "the Sec," which monitored every move staff made. "We had slogans on the walls, we were all wearing a uniform," he told CBS This Morning. "It all felt very North Korean or Cuban, almost. And so in that moment, I just realized... the motive force in history, which is one egomaniac's twitchy drive and then the common man's desire to be part of a compelling story -- which is what we were, we just were bit players in Zuckerberg's story." The former employee claims that Zuckerberg possesses a stare that "borders on the psychopathic." In one extract, Martinez writes how the Facebook boss sent an email with the title "please resign" to every employee in the company, after one person leaked details of a new product. He also blasted the person's "base moral nature" and said he/she had "betrayed the team." One of the more famous incidents in the book is when Zuckerberg declared "total war" on Google following the launch of Google Plus. He allegedly put the entire company on lockdown - stopping anyone from leaving the building - and started quoting Cato the Elder, one of his favorite philosophers. "'Everyone walked out of there ready to invade Poland if need be," said Martinez. Facebook prides itself on being a modern, progressive company. So one of the most damning claims is that sexism is rife within its walls. The book alleges that human resource managers gave speeches to new female employees in which they were told never to wear "distracting clothes." Any that failed to comply were "read the riot act." It's worth remembering, of course, that tell-all books from disgruntled ex-employees aren't exactly guaranteed to paint an accurate picture of an organization. And most of the stories about Zuckerberg pale in comparison to some of the tales told about Steve Jobs. Also, for a man raising concerns about Facebook's alleged sexism, Martinez doesn't seem to be much of an equal rights champion himself. "Most women in the Bay Area are soft and weak, cosseted and naive despite their claims of worldliness, and generally full of s**t," he writes. "They have their self-regarding entitlement feminism and ceaselessly vaunt their independence but the reality is, come the epidemic plague or foreign invasion, they'd become precisely the sort of useless baggage you'd trade for a box of shotgun shells or a jerry can of diesel." It's hard to imagine why Facebook let him go. Image credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock Google is working to make its Chrome browser VR-ready on Android. As noted by Road to VR, the latest alpha and beta releases introduce two important components to enable this feature: a WebVR setting which enables enhanced VR device compatibility with VR websites built against WebVR standards, and a 'VR Shell' setting that would allow Cardboard and Daydream users to browse any website regardless of whether it uses WebVR. The features can be enabled by accessing "chrome://flags" on the URL bar -- though the VR Shell is functional just yet, so only websites that are properly equipped to support WebVR will work at the moment -- which are not a whole lot of sites right now. WebVR is a Google-supported and open-source "experimental Javascript" API that provides the necessary tools that web developers can use to add VR support on their sites by adding a few lines of code. Pages can then be viewed on VR devices and platforms, including the Oculus Rift, Samsung VR, HTC Vive and the upcoming Google Daydream. Samsung introduced a VR browser for their Gear VR headset last year which achieves similar functionality, though of course by bringing the features to Chrome it will be available to a much wider audience. WebVR is also being used in Firefox nightly builds. If you currently own an Android smartphone, chances are you're probably not running the latest version of Android. It can take months, years and sometimes never for most smartphone manufacturers and carriers to test and release a new version of Android, which has led to one of Google's biggest challenges, Android fragmentation. A recent report claimed that Google was considering shaming Android device makers with a timeline of how they roll out Android software updates. This reason alone has been one of the selling points Google has made with its Nexus smartphones and tablets. The company does not have to go through manufacturer or carrier testing and can instead send the updates out OTA to customers. If you've considered purchasing a Nexus smartphone, now might be a good time to make the jump. The unlocked 32 GB Nexus 5X is currently on sale for the lowest price we've seen to date, $239.99, which is a considerable savings over the $399 Google sells it for. The Nexus 5X packs in a 5.2-inch 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD display with a density of 423 pixels per inch (ppi). It ships with Android 6.0.1, but if you're feeling adventurous and then take Android 7.0 N for a spin. The handset is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, Adreno 418 GPU (graphics processing unit), and 2 GB of RAM. The Nexus 5X has an internal storage capacity of 32 GB and does not include a microSD expansion slot. It boasts a 12.3-megapixel rear camera with larger 1.55 m pixels which allows more light to be absorbed to make photos appear sharp and vibrant autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash, support to capture 4K video and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video chat. Below the rear camera, users will find the handset's on-board fingerprint scanner that is used to unlock the device, open compatible apps, and authorize mobile payments. Google chose to use a large 2,700 mAh battery that it claims will provide up to 20 hours of talk time and up to 420 hours of standby time. Fast-charging support is also built in, which allows you to get up to 4 hours of use from a 10-minute charge. Since the Nexus 5X includes GSM and CDMA radios, the unlocked smartphone can be used on all major carriers in the U.S. The 32 GB unlocked Nexus 5X is on sale for $239.99 with free shipping and is available in choice of Carbon or Quartz. It's unclear how long this deal is good for, so you may want to jump on it. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. British scientists have created a perfume that mimics the smell of a comet's surface. As a perfume, the scent is really out of this world because it smells like cat's pee and rotten eggs. Clearly, it's not something people might want to wear on a date, but it sure is interesting. During the Rosetta probe mission in 2014, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Philae lander was supposed to attach itself on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko so it can hitch a ride into deeper space. Sadly, the Rosetta probe bounced and is now billions of miles away from Earth and ESA's touch. Thinking positive, the scientists decided to make the most out of the data the Philae lander gathered. Through chemical analysis, they created a perfume that smells like the comet's surface, even if it smells like cat's pee and rotten eggs. According to Jacob Aron, a writer from New Scientist who was able to sample the cosmic cologne, he almost "[felt] the smell as a physical presence inside [his] skull." "The full heft of 67P's bouquet hits me in the face. Surprisingly, it's not actually as foul as my first impression led me to believe somehow a few floral notes are now coming through," wrote Aron. Geraint Jones from the University College London (UCL), who took some delivered samples home, said that he found the scent similar to lily. Colin Snodgrass, a researcher from The Open University in Milton Keynes in the UK, added that the comet-smelling perfume is "not that bad." "We have a bunch of postcards impregnated with this," he says. The cosmic perfume was developed by The Aroma Company, following the request of Snodgrass as well as other members of the Rosetta probe mission. They will be handing out samples at the Royal Society summer exhibition in London in July, where people can get samples of the foul-smelling cosmic perfume. The Aroma Company is also behind the perfume that makes wearers smell like toast. The "Eau de Toast" was created to remind women that they're missing a lot when they skimp on bread or avoid breakfast. Now that's something people can wear on a date. "[T]he Federation of Bakers decided to leverage the hugely appetizing and tempting aroma of freshly made toast as part of a unique marketing campaign," wrote The Aroma Company on their website. First observed in 1969, the comet was named after the scientists who discovered it, Klim Churyumov and Svetlana Gerasimenko. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A recent leak on the internet exposed 2.2 million names of people highly suspected of being involved in or are capable of illegal acts. This was discovered by none other than Chris Vickery, who is a security researcher at MacKeeper, a company that later hired him after Vickery gained access to its confidential files. He is also widely known for his expertise in gaining unauthorized access to other databases, with his past endeavors including a Hello Kitty database containing credentials of 3 million people who were mostly kids, and a voter database of 191 million U.S. citizens. The security researcher explains that no hacking was involved since the database was available for public access. This recent "hack" let him retrieve a 2014 copy of a so-called world-check global database from Thomson Reuters. Vickery took to Reddit to post about his recent discovery and asked co-redditors if it did indeed require the public's attention. The security researcher adds that he did not gain the list from the company directly, but from third-party sources instead. He blames a "misconfigured database" allegedly handled by SmartKYC, one of Thomson Reuters' outsourced security platforms. "It was a CouchDB instance that anyone in the world could access as it was configured for public access. Anyone with the URL could access and review all the records," Vickery explains. Thomson Reuters is in charge of various expertise, "from increasing risk and regulatory complexity to transformative technology and business models," where it offers risk management solutions. One of the projects under this division is to maintain a world-check database that offers banks, governments, law firms and other legal and business entities an insight into the world's suspected high-risk individuals. "[The company] monitors over 530 sanction, watch and regulatory law and enforcement lists, and hundreds of thousands of information sources, often identifying heightened-risk entities months or years before they are listed," the company describes. If the leaked information had gained a popular public access, reports conclude that this could entail possible problems in the future for the listed innocent individuals on the database. Companies could use the information against these people and possibly get them blacklisted from doing something as simple as opening a bank account to something more troublesome like getting hired for a job. Fortunately, Vickery is one of the good guys he informed the company about the security flaw. Thomson Reuters has since then reconfigured the settings of the CouchDB database and confirmed Vickery's speculations about who were involved in the matter and how it was done. "We have also spoken to the third party to ensure there will be no repetition of this unacceptable incident," the company assures the public. Photo: Jeffrey Beall | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Rep. Jesse Kremer, R-Kewaskum, said this week he plans to introduce a bill next legislative session that will require doctors to tell patients who request an abortion pill that getting injections of progesterone could reverse the effects of the pill and direct them to websites such as abortionpillreversal.com, which is owned by a San Diego-based anti-abortion rights doctor George Delgado. But the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has warned no scientific evidence exists to support such a process and it could be dangerous to women who seek the injections. "This approach is not recommended in ACOGs clinical guidance on medication abortion," said guidelines the group released to its members in 2015 in response to similar legislation in Arizona. The group also noted that while progesterone is generally well-tolerated, it could cause "significant cardiovascular, nervous system and endocrine adverse reactions as well as other side effects." So-called abortion pills can be taken within the first nine weeks of pregnancy and require patients to take two pills within days of each other. Kremer said even if the "reversal process" doesn't have a high rate of success, if "there is a potential to save the baby, you at least want to give them all the information available." "This bill would be (telling) the woman, hey, if you change your mind, here's where you can find information the potential to stop this," said Kremer. Abortion opponents favor the proposed legislation, he said. Uber recently unveiled that its drivers will benefit from new safety features embedded into the mobile app, such as break reminders and informative reports. The functionality comes to counter the four Ds that constitute dangerous driving: drugged, drunk, drowsy and distracted. The extra features will be tested in 11 cities, where Uber drivers will get reminders about taking a break when the app detects that they have been driving nonstop for too long. Keep in mind that 2016 is the first year when the car-hailing company enforced shift limits on drivers from New York. More specifically, Uber drivers in the Big Apple are allowed to use the app for a maximum of 12 hours back to back. Claims from drivers that they were working 17 hours at a time raised some eyebrows, as the practice can be rather dangerous. The new reminder feature will now accompany the 12-hour limit for driver shifts. Uber will send out daily reports to its drivers, detailing information about their driving style, such as acceleration during turns or sharp braking. The car-hailing app will feature a speed display, informing drivers about their car's speed. The app will tap into the phone's gyroscope to gauge whether or not the driver is holding the phone in his hand. Should this be the case, the app will remind the driver that a dash mount contributes to traffic safety. The expanded features will land before the July 4 weekend, which is known for its high incidence of drinking and driving. The company released statistics showing that its services led to a reduced number of alcohol-related driving violations and accidents. Uber acknowledges that for its service to attract more users, it needs to provide a high degree of safety. Keep in mind that Uber cannot guarantee that passing the background security checks makes its service 100 percent secure. Many rides go smoothly, with both the rider and the driver getting what they signed up for. However, the company's brand is affected by those rare events when rides come littered with violence or accidents. The fact that the 1,099 drivers are virtually freelance drivers, Uber said multiple times that it should not be deemed responsible for their behavior. From Uber's perspective, the driver is the one who caters to the rider's safety. "The only reason [customers] give people less stars is for poor driving and bad behavior, so delineating those two would be useful," says an Uber driver in San Francisco. Earlier this year, Uber introduced a safety feature that enables users to track friends or family members who are using the car-hailing app. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft seems to be working on a website focusing on business apps, which leaked briefly online. Well-known Microsoft leakster with Twitter handle WalkingCat posted an image of the upcoming Microsoft business app marketplace called AppSource. The service may help businesses to find apps that are needed for specific operations. For instance, businesses can search AppSource for all available apps related to "customer service." Customers will be able to "Refine by category," which includes business operations such as analytics, collaboration, human resources, finance, marketing, productivity, sales and more. "Refine by industry" includes agriculture, distribution, financial services, government, manufacturing and professional services, among others. Reports suggest that the AppSource website was live for about an hour and many people were able to browse through various categories. Microsoft published documentation on the website, which revealed that app developers who want to list their app on the marketplace will have to offer a free trial to users. App developers will have to let their app integrate with Azure Active Directory, which is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and authentication service. Just like other app stores, the AppSource marketplace will also review a submitted app before it is finally published. Microsoft is said to launch AppSource in partnership with SBS Group, AvePoint, XAPT and Dynaway. It seems that the website was never supposed to be live at all. When the website was briefly live, WalkingCat clicked on "How it works" expecting to get useful information about the unannounced service. Instead of details about Appsource, the Microsoft leakster was greeted with a Rick Astley music video. The website has since been taken down. The music video was most probably just an error on Microsoft engineers' part, or a dummy video until an official one arrived. .@h0x0d click the "How it works" link on the top right and got this pic.twitter.com/JoTEX8YmT1 WalkingCat (@h0x0d) June 28, 2016 Microsoft has not revealed any details about the upcoming business app service. It is unclear if the company even wants to officially launch the website. However, users may have to wait until Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference, which kicks off on July 10 in Toronto, where the company may give a glimpse of the business app marketplace. Microsoft's AppSource will not be the company's first initiative targeted at assisting businesses. The company is pushing a Windows Store for Business in Windows 10, which is expected to help business users buy native Windows 10 apps. Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google's offices in Madrid were raided by Spanish authorities as part of an action that probes for tax evasion and fraud. Local news outlets report that the raids that hit Google's headquarters and the Google Campus are related to VAT payments and non-residence tax. Simply put, the authorities suspect that Google omits declaring its whole business that takes place in Spain, thus falling short on its fiscal duties. A spokesperson from Google refused to answer detailed questions about the raid, but provided a reassuring statement. According to the spokesperson, Google complies with tax law in Spain, just as it does with the identical laws from other countries where the company operates. "We are cooperating fully with the authorities in Madrid to answer their questions," Google says. Last month a similar raid took place in France where local authorities swooped the Paris offices of the company. The French raid was also part of an investigation searching for proof of tax evasion. The operation in Paris was under preparation for about a year, and Google could face a hefty fine of $1.8 billion, should the evidence stand against it. As most tech companies from the United States, Google ties its European business ends in Ireland, where it has its headquarters. The country has one of the most attractive corporate tax policies in the European Union, which explains Google's strategy. In recent years, political and public criticism reached new heights concerning businesses that consistently draw profits from a country and report them into another. This pressure causes tax authorities to act robustly, and it seems that the Spanish and French tax collectors are already at it. At the start of the year, Google inked a deal with the authorities in the United Kingdom, after the company admitted to having shied away from paying its full taxes for about 10 years. In compensation, Google will give $185 million to the UK. The $185 million (130 million in local currency) includes not only the taxes Google evaded since 2005, but accounts for the interest accrued on the amount. The public opinion criticized the authorities at the time, underlining that the "sweetheart deal" is a poor example of leadership. What is more, the sum was considered insignificant by those who were familiarized with Google's turnover. At the last earnings report, dating April 2016, the company counted its global revenue at $20.26 billion for the first quarter. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two years ago, two friends with Down Syndrome, Sam Suchmann and Mattie Zufelt, decided they wanted to make a zombie movie. The two young men, who originally met at the Special Olympics, became so fond of the idea that, eventually, some of their friends and family members decided to start a Kickstarter campaign to help them realize their dreams. "Every time they get together, they draw up storyboards, practice fight scenes, film with their iPhones (then pair those scenes with dream soundtracks), and endlessly debate celebrity cameos," the Kickstarter reads. "They have been so passionate about this film for so long, that their friends and family decided it was time to help them make it happen FOR REAL." The idea took off on the crowdfunding site, which eventually raised over $68,000. So, the two got to make their zombie movie, complete with a lot of fun zombie tropes and several celebrity cameos. That movie is Spring Break Zombie Massacre, and it now has its first trailer: The world premiere of Spring Break Zombie Massacre is on July 7 at the Columbus Theatre in Providence, R.I. Those interested in attending can sign up at the movie's official Facebook event. The film will also eventually get a release on DVD and online for anyone who can't make it to Rhode Island for its official premiere. Suchman's brother shared the trailer on Reddit, along with a thank you for that community in helping fund the film. Suzy Beck is the producer for Spring Break Zombie Massacre, with Bobby Carnevale directing. A documentary on the making of the film is also in the works, directed by Tim Forster. The Kickstarter promised that the movie would contain many "awesome" scenes, including a police skateboard chase, a zombie prom ambush, sexting on jetpacks, two separate arrest scenes, many montages and a zombie yacht party featuring DJ Pauly D. Spring Break Zombie Massacre already has a few high-profile fans, too. Filmmakers the Farrelly Brothers supported the Kickstarter and shared it often with their followers on Twitter. Now this is something that deserves to go viral--I'm getting behind Sam and Mattie! P http://t.co/deFxNbWGOm Farrelly Brothers (@farrellybros) October 23, 2014 The two friends also already have plans for a sequel about vampire/zombie hybrids: sounds like a perfect fit for Syfy's "B" movie roster. Who knows? These two could create the next Sharknado. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The next major version of Google's mobile operating system, which has for long been known simply as Android N, now has its official name. Continuing the tradition of naming Android versions after sweet treats and desserts, Android 7.0 has been given the name Android Nougat. The announcement was made by Google through a variety of platforms, including through Android's official Twitter account. The statue design for the new operating system has also been revealed, with the green Android robot mascot standing on top of three nougat bars of different flavors. In June, Google said that Android fans should expect the revelation of Android N's official name in a few weeks. For the first time, Google allowed users to send in their suggestions for the operating system's name, and when it had closed the window for submissions it started to go through them. The unveiling of Android 7.0 Nougat comes right on time, and it follows the trend that Google has set for Android. The versions of Android succeed each other alphabetically, with the names starting with those letters. In 2013, Google launched Android 4.0 KitKat; in 2014, it was Android 5.0 Lollipop; and in 2015, it was Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Nougat was one of the most popular suggestions for the mobile operating system's name, with other fan favorites being Nerds and Nutella. It was unclear if Google considered going with a brand name as it did with Android 4.0 KitKat, which required the company to sign a licensing deal. Another popular suggestion was New York Cheesecake. However, the name was not expected to be chosen by Google as New York Cheesecake was already being used as the mobile operating system's internal codename. Android KitKat was internally known as Key Lime Pie; Android Lollipop was codenamed Lemon Meringue Pie; and Android Marshmallow was referred to as Macadamia Nut Cookie. None of the internal codenames were carried over to name the final product. What can users expect from Android 7.0 Nougat upon its release in the fall? The mobile operating system will feature a VR mode that will provide additional power for smartphones when used in conjunction with a virtual reality headset, along with the new Doze on the Go battery-saving feature that will save the power of smartphones while users are walking with them in their pocket. Android 7.0 Nougat is also expected to introduce a revamped notification panel, side-by-side app support, and improved speed when switching between apps. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Skin cancer rates among people aged 55 and above are rising, a new study finds. The widespread popularity of holiday packages appears to be a contributing factor to the huge spike in skin cancer rates among middle-aged and older people as the "sun, sea and sangria generation" seeks the sun. In Britain, 10,000 people among over 55s age group are receiving melanoma diagnoses annually. During the mid-90s, the rate was only 3,100 diagnoses per year. And it's not just about the diagnoses. The report from Cancer Research UK also found that the number of senior folks dying from skin cases spiked to 2,000 deaths a year. The British European Airways first launched flights from London to Alicante, Spain in 1957 to help promote its white beaches. However, many people went on holidays there without taking precautionary measures to ward off the hazards of sunburn. Sue Deans, a 70-year-old retired teacher, was part of the so-called "sun, sea and sangria generation." Deans was diagnosed twice with melanoma. Her doctors were able to spot the cancer early. After a successful surgery, Deans has been living a healthy life since. Deans shared that she loved being out in the sun and working on her tan. Over the years, she got sunburnt "quite a bit." In the past two decades, melanoma rates among people aged 55 and above surged by 155 percent. Among people below 55 years old, the rates are not good either. Findings showed that the melanoma rates for this younger group is rising, but at a much slower pace. During the same period, the rate increase by 63 percent. Cancer Research UK also said that blistered, or raw skin are not just the only signs of skin damage. Any reddening in the skin area is another symptom. People who get sunburnt once every two years can actually increase their chances of getting skin cancer by threefold. "We all need some sun for vitamin D, but enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn can reduce your risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer," said Dr. Julie Sharp, the head of health and patient information at Cancer Research UK. Sharp added that the best way to defend the skin from sunburn when the sun is strong between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is to cover up. This could be in the form of a T-shirt, hats and sunglasses. Spending time in the shade is also one of the best ways to protect skin from high heat. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Oracle must pay $3 billion to Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a lawsuit that debuted five years ago over the use of Itanium processors. HP claims that Oracle refused to further develop software for servers that work on Intel's Itanium chips. At the same time, Oracle affirms that it was not bound to continue providing support for Itanium chips forever. What is more, Oracle says that Intel explained as early as 2011 that the chip was living its last days, so further development was a waste of resources. Oracle will appeal the verdict, which obliges the company to pay the hefty sum to HP Enterprise. It is not the first time this year that Oracle has lost a case in court. This May, a jury turned down the company's claim that Google copied parts of Java into Android, thus infringing Oracle's proprietary programming language. In that lawsuit, Oracle sought to take $9 billion in damages from Google. Sources from the company note that an appeal is due in that case, as well. The case that began in 2011 was started by HP Enterprise (known only as Hewlett Packard, or HP at the time), when Oracle stopped porting database and other products to Itanium. HP had the Itanium processor running in a big number of its high-end servers, and claims that Oracle was bound by contract to offer support for the chip. Oracle, however, sees the situation differently. Initially, Oracle was ordered by a judge to keep providing support for HP's Itanium chips until the company renounces the hardware. However, a new trial debuted in May and the preliminary result is that Oracle owes $3 billion in damages to HP Enterprise, as a direct result of pulling the plug on the Itanium support. "It is very clear that any contractual obligations were reciprocal and HP breached its own obligations," says Dorian Daley, Oracle's executive counsel. Daley underlines that as the trials have concluded, her company is determined to appeal all rulings that do not serve its interests. Oracle points out that Intel and HP "stopped developing systems years ago," which means that Oracle was released from any contractual obligations. HP Enterprise has not made any official statement on the subject. John Schultz, the executive vice president and general counsel of HP Enterprise, notes that his company is satisfied with the jury's verdict. "The verdict affirms what HP has always known and the evidence overwhelmingly showed," Schultz affirms. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Brazilian judge blocked Facebook's funds in the country over a dispute surrounding Facebook-owned WhatsApp and local authorities investigating an international drug smuggling case. A court order blocked roughly $6 million Facebook had in its Brazilian bank account as part of a dispute regarding WhatsApp encrypted data that local authorities are trying to access. Brazilian news service Globo G1 reports that Facebook's funds were frozen after WhatsApp failed to provide the messages police were requesting in a drug case. According to federal authorities in Brazil, WhatsApp repeatedly defied orders to turn over the messages of users suspected to be part of an international cocaine smuggling ring, which they have been investigating since January. Citing the police, G1 further reveals that without the WhatsApp data in question, it may be tough or even impossible to prove that those captured in recent raids are associated with others in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Spain. Both WhatsApp and Facebook said they neither store nor access the metadata and messaging data that authorities are demanding. As a reminder, WhatsApp flipped the switch on full end-to-end encryption back in April, which means that users' messages remain encrypted to all parties - WhatsApp included. WhatsApp has been having a tough time in Brazil for quite some time now, getting penalized for not turning over data. Back in May, for instance, WhatsApp got its second 48-hour ban in Brazil over its encrypted data. "This decision punishes more than 100 million Brazilians who rely on our service to communicate [...] in order to force us to turn over information we repeatedly said we don't have," Facebook said at the time. With the new financial penalties, Brazilian authorities have apparently found a way to penalize the company rather than its users. The 19.5 million reais or $6.07 million frozen in Facebook's account in Brazil are equivalent to the fines WhatsApp has racked up for not complying with requests in the case. Since WhatsApp itself doesn't have any bank accounts in Brazil, authorities moved to freeze the funds of its parent company. The legal tussle over encryption echoes the controversial dispute Apple had with the FBI, when the iPhone maker repeatedly refused to create a backdoor for authorities requesting access to the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter. The FBI eventually cracked the iPhone's encryption without Apple's help. Similarly to Apple, WhatsApp stands firm on its position to protect user data through end-to-end encryption and refuses to weaken its security so that authorities would get backdoor access. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. American law firm BakerHostetler has hired ROSS, a robot lawyer, to assist in bankruptcy cases. ROSS, who is powered by IBMs Watson technology, will serve as a legal researcher for the firm. Legal researcher jobs are typically filled by fresh law school graduates embarking upon their careers. ROSS surfaces relevant passages of law and then allows lawyers to interact with them. Lawyers can either enforce ROSSs hypothesis or get it to question its hypothesis, Andrew Arruda, chief executive of ROSS Intelligence, told The Washington Post. Until now, lawyers have been using static pieces of software to navigate the law, which are limited and put hours of information retrieval tasks on a lawyers plate." About 80% of Americans who require a lawyer simply can't afford one, Arruda says, despite the country having a surplus of attorneys. So employing AI lawyers like ROSS could allow law firms to charge lower fees since they wouldn't be paying anything. (Because what could you pay an AI? A paintjob?) Thus, all law firms could use the power of AI for the purpose of Justice. Not to mention, ROSS could come in pretty handy in court battles. As an AI built by a neutral third party, hes pretty much programmed to be impartial, which means both sides could use him to look up relevant legal details and rulings of a long-buried case from 50 years ago. Now this doesnt mean you dont do your homework, of course. Whats even more impressive is that ROSS doesnt communicate in machine-lingo or computer-speak, but in everyday English. The challenge in building ROSS, Arruda says, was finding a way to make it as intuitive as an actual colleague. That meant programming it to respond to people's normal manner of speaking, not just keyword-loaded fragments. You know what that reminds me of? JARVIS. Tony Starks trusty AI who kinda-sorta became Image from: USA Today Take a look at ROSS, now. Image from: Mail Online Look somewhat related? Wow. It really is the future. JARVIS is real, I can WhatsApp from space, and computers weigh less than I do. Whats next? I call time-travel. ROSS, Artificial Intelligence, AI Lawyer Former Employee Compares Facebooks Culture To North Koreas Dictatorship Facebook has often been accused of being a sexist workplace with the CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg ruling the workplace like a dictator. After the issue of an alleged bias towards lefts and liberals and clamping down on conservative and right wing news articles in its trending topics, Facebook has now been accused of behaving dictatorially like North Korea. Antonio Garcia Martinez, an ex-Facebook employee wants people to know Silicon Valley is way different in reality than it is actually portrayed. Its often painted as a very meritocratic sifting of the best and the brightest, Martinez told CBS. In fact, he says, Its all connections, happenstance, sheer luck, fate, etc. The employees at the social media sites office have nicknamed Zuckerberg the little emperor as he has a KGB-like internal police force called The Sec monitoring every move of the staff, according to Martinez. Martinez, a former Facebook advertising manager who was fired two years ago from Facebook, claims that working at the social network was like being in a mainstream similar to North Korea with Zuckerberg its unchallenged leader. The former (and fired) Facebook product manager today released a book called Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley. Zuckerberg had apparently asked staff to paint his office and sent an expletive email when he discovered they had carved rude drawings onto his wall. He allegedly fumed: I trusted you to create art and what you f*****g did was vandalise the place. When one employee leaked details of a new product, the Facebook creator apparently lost his cool and sent an email to every employee with the title please resign designed to send shockwaves through the company. Zuckerberg also attacked the culprit who had leaked the details in the email for their base moral nature and said they had betrayed the team, according to Martinez. Sexism is also allegedly rife within Facebook headquarters with women facing extra scrutiny because of the strict Facebook dress code for females, according to Martinez. Human resource managers gave a speech during initiation for new employees in which they told women that there was a dress code which they had to stick to. Women who worked at Facebook would get reprimanded if their skirts were too short or if they wore distracting clothing to the men such as booty shorts. An intern who looked about 16 years of age often came to Facebook wearing booty shorts, which became a problem. However, men do not appear to have been given the same treatment, according to Martinezs book. Martinez, who was sacked by Facebook in 2013 after two years working on targeted advertisements, explains how new employees went through a series of talks to welcome them into the companys way of thinking. In excerpts published by the Daily Mail, he writes that the company has a KGB-like security force called the Sec that monitors employees actions. The author recalls being told by Chamath Palihapitiya, one of the stars of Facebook: Look, were not here to f*** around. Youre at Facebook now and weve got lots to do. After 20 minutes more of lecturing he finished off with another missive: Just f*****g do it. But doing it had its limits. Martinez says that Facebooks Human Resources told them that the policy on asking co-workers out was that you got one try and if they said no you had to leave it. As for Facebooks chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, Martinez characterizes her as somebody who both knew her boss inside and out, as well as a leader who could get a fractious group on the same proverbial page. She can take a roomful of cats and get them all to go in one direction, said Martinez. He added that Sandberg took the ball on advertising because Zuckerberg was less interested if at all in that aspect of the business. Facebook has a lot of long term value. It knows who you are and every device you touch and thats the marketers holy grail since forever, said Martinez. And that value is not going to go away. Facebook declined to comment on either Martinez or his tell all book. CHICAGO Donald Trump is not a professor, but for years he will be yielding insights to every student of economics. His Tuesday address on trade did a masterful job of combining antiquated fallacies with misinformation and ignorance to create an encyclopedia of error. Instructors have never had so much free help constructing their lesson plans. The vision Trump conjures is one of alluring simplicity. He promises to achieve economic independence by abandoning globalization, instead using American workers to produce American goods. This change, he said, would create massive numbers of jobs and make America wealthy again. Its a scam, skillfully pitched to fool the gullible. His framework is a house of cards built on sand in a wind tunnel. Its most noticeable feature is a total divorce from basic economic realities. He scoffs at those who warn he would start a trade war. We already have a trade war, and were losing badly, he said. But what he objects to is everyday global commerce, which is not a form of war. Its a form of peaceful cooperation for mutual advantage. In a war, the Japanese drop bombs on Pearl Harbor that we dont want. In trade, they sell us TV sets and cars that we do want. See the difference? In war, both sides lose, because their people get killed. In trade, buyers and sellers in each country win which is why they trade with each other. Whats true of individual consumers and producers is also true of nations. Trump, however, thinks our economic troubles stem from the destruction of manufacturing production and employment, which he blames on foreign competitors. Hes wrong on every point of this addled argument. In the first place, the expansion of manufacturing jobs is not synonymous with prosperity. As countries grow richer, manufacturings share of employment declines. South Korea, singled out by Trump for killing American jobs, has seen it shrink by nearly half since 1991. Japan and Germany have followed a similar path. But U.S. manufacturing output is 54 percent higher today than in 1994 and 27 percent higher than in 2001. Those years are pertinent because 1994 was the year NAFTA took effect and 2001 is the year China gained entry to the World Trade Organization events Trump portrays as catastrophic for American industry. Manufacturing jobs have vanished not because we dont manufacture anything but because companies have learned to produce more goods with fewer people. Higher productivity is what eliminated most of the jobs Trump mourns. Hes no more capable of restoring them than he is of bringing back the dodo. NAFTA was the worst trade deal in the history of this country, he exclaimed. But he gives no sign of knowing what it actually did. The main provision was removing import duties among the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Before, the average tariff on Mexican goods coming here was 4.3 percent while the average tariff on U.S. goods going there was 12.4 percent. So under NAFTA, Mexico had to cut its import duties much more than we cut ours. Even by Trumps logic, how could that have been bad for Americans? Trump would have us believe that producers abroad succeed only because they have a free hand to cheat. When subsidized foreign steel is dumped into our markets, threatening our factories, the politicians have proven ... they do nothing, he charged. Wrong again. At the moment, the U.S. government is punishing allegedly unfair trade practices with special duties on 338 different imports nearly half of them steel products. Blaming Mexico and China for the fate of our steel industry is like blaming email for the decline of telegrams. The biggest reduction in steel jobs came before the globalization of the past two decades. The number fell from 450,000 to 210,000 in the 1980s. The total today is about 150,000. Even if Trump could manage the impossible feat of doubling the number of steelmaking jobs, it would be a blip in the overall economy which adds more jobs than that every month. All he would achieve by putting up trade barriers, imposing tariffs and treating our trading partners as enemies is to inflate the cost of imported goods which would lower the living standard of every American household. A Trump presidency would be useful for economists because it would serve to refute his misconceptions about trade just as a massive mudslide in Los Angeles is useful to physicists in dramatizing the power of gravity. But everyone else is advised to flee. A 40 anos de Malvinas "Revisar el pasado es pensar el futuro". La frase de la presidenta de Telam, Bernarda Llorente, resume el espiritu del documental coproducido entre la agencia de noticias y el canal publico de TV sobre la cobertura que los medios de comunicacion hicieron del conflicto, plagada de censura y mentiras. Una autocritica necesaria para mirar hacia adelante en un (ya viejo) contexto de fake news y negocio informativo. In the state of Miranda, the municipalities of Zamora and Sucre have been affected by the rains, said the authorities. | Read More Duyen Hai Power Center in the Mekong Delta Province of Tra Vinh, where a $2-billion thermal power plant is scheduled for construction in 2016. Photo credit: Dau Tu Vietnam's energy sector is set to become a new foreign investment magnet this year with at least US$4.5 billion to be committed for two new power plants, a government report said . That was higher than the total foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges of over $2.8 billion recorded by gas and power projects last year. One of the two anticipated projects is a thermal power plant invested by Japanese and South Korean energy companies Marubeni and KEPCO at a cost of more than $2.2 billion, the government's website said last week. The investors are expected to apply for investment licenses for the 1,200-megawatt plant in the central province of Thanh Hoa within the first quarter, it said. The other is also a 1,200-megawatt thermal power plant located in the northern province of Nam Dinh. Its investors, Arab Saudi's ACWA Power and South Korea's Taekwang Power Holdings signed an investment agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Trade last week and are expected to receive a license this year, according to the website. Both the projects will be developed under a built-operate-transfer agreement with Vietnam's government. The government has planned 86 power plants for the 2011-2020 period and 18 thermal projects have been assigned to foreign investors, it said. So far, six of the 18 planned projects have been licensed, it said. Another six projects are still pending for licenses, although their investors, including Japan's Sumitomo, South Korea's Samsung C&T, Malaysia's Toyo-Ink and India's Tata Power, have signed investment agreements with the government. Vietnam received an estimated record $9.65 billion in actual foreign direct investment (FDI) so far this year, with strong inflows going to the manufacturing sector, a key driver for the country's economic growth. FDI inflows rose 8.4 percent from a year ago, a Planning and Investment Ministry report said on Friday, the highest level since late 1987 when a law was implemented to allow FDI to enter the Southeast Asian country. FDI is an important source of foreign exchange for Vietnam, helping to boost its capital account and offset a trade deficit that had widened to an estimated $3.9 billion so far in 2015. New FDI pledges in the January-September period rose 44.5 percent from a year ago to $11.03 billion, the ministry's report said, citing major projects such as the $2.4 billion Duyen Hai 2 thermal power plant. Vietnam has embarked on liberal reforms to strengthen capital markets and position itself as a low-cost manufacturing alternative to China, especially for cell phones, televisions, footwear and garments. New FDI commitments in manufacturing account for 70 percent of the total $84.8 billion attracted by Vietnam between 2011 and August 2015, the Asian Development Bank said on Tuesday. It raised Vietnam's GDP growth forecast this year to 6.5 percent from 6.1 percent earlier, citing rising private consumption, export-oriented manufacturing and FDI. Foreign firms expanding in Vietnam include Samsung , LG, Microsoft and Intel . An additional $3 billion placed by Samsung Display, a subsidiary of the world's top smartphone maker Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, has helped boost the FDI inflow, the report said. Samsung Display plans to put another $3 billion into Vietnam by 2020. Vietnam has projected drawing $23 billion in FDI pledges in 2015, up nearly 40 percent from last year, while actual inflows are expected to be on par with 2014 at $12.5 billion, the report said, citing Planning and Investment Minister Bui Quang Vinh. Over the next five years, Vietnam aims to lift its growth rate to an annual average of 6.5-7.0 percent by capitalising on multilateral trade deals, modernising agriculture and boosting investments, its communist party has said. A girl holds the rainbow LGBT flag at a campaign for same-sex marriage in Hanoi. Photo: Ngu Thien The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday voted to appoint an independent monitor to protect the rights of gay and transgender people around the world, with support from half of the councils seats including Vietnam. Vietnam is among 23 members of the 47-seat council that voted in favor of the resolution. It is one of three supporters from Asia, together with Mongolia and South Korea. The rest of the support came mostly from Europe and Latin America. Six countries abstained, including India, South Africa and the Philippines. The 18 opposition votes came from China, Russia, and most African and Muslim countries. The US currently does not sit on the council. The appointed envoy will be charged with identifying the root causes of violence and discrimination against LGBT people and talking with governments about ways to protect them. Homosexual activities are illegal in 70 countries, and treated as a capital offense at some. Some human rights activists said the recent mass shooting in Orlando played a role in pushing the decision forward, as it forced some governments to take the matter much more seriously, according to a Washington Post report. Vietnam has been considered one of the more liberal countries over LGBT issues, by giving space for gay rights movements and providing the community certain legal recognition. Luong Thi Cuc, a teacher of Hang Gang Kindergarten in Pa Hu Commune, Tram Tau District, Yen Bai Province, takes the kids to a playground. Photo: Mai Thanh Hai World Bank has approved a loan of US$95 million for a Vietnamese education reform program that supports the delivery of continuous professional development to teachers and principals. The World Bank-funded Enhancing Teacher Education Program will benefit more than 600,000 general education teachers and principals, or nearly 80 percent of the total number in the country. The teachers and principals will receive customized and just-in-time training and support through enhanced school-based training and an Internet-based distance-learning and support network, according to a press release issued by the bank Thursday. The learning management system will not only facilitate distance learning, but also serve as a portal to a large resource library, a social media platform for teachers and principals, web-based classroom observation, and help desks. The program also supports the establishment of a training and support needs assessment system that can help adapt services to teacher needs. Vietnam has achieved universal primary education, created better learning conditions in schools, and made considerable progress in expanding the education network, Achim Fock, acting country director for the World Bank in Vietnam, said. The country is now positioning its education system to provide the population with skills and competencies needed for greater value in tomorrows economy. With this program, we are proud to support Vietnam with addressing this next frontier of education development. The program will finance improvements to a select number of leading teacher training universities which will lead the new continuous professional development system. They will train and support Core Teachers and Principals, conduct applied research, and analyze evaluations of teacher needs and the impact of continuous professional development interventions. World Bank has approved a loan of $95 million for a Vietnamese education reform program that supports the delivery of continuous professional development to teachers and principals. The World Bank-funded Enhancing Teacher Education Program will benefit more than 600,000 general education teachers and principals, or nearly 80 percent of the total number in the country. The teachers and principals will receive customized and just-in-time training and support through enhanced school-based training and an Internet-based distance-learning and support network, according to a press release issued by the bank Thursday. The learning management system will not only facilitate distance learning, but also serve as a portal to a large resource library, a social media platform for teachers and principals, web-based classroom observation, and help desks. The program also supports the establishment of a training and support needs assessment system that can help adapt services to teacher needs. Vietnam has achieved universal primary education, created better learning conditions in schools, and made considerable progress in expanding the education network, Achim Fock, acting country director for the World Bank in Vietnam, said. The country is now positioning its education system to provide the population with skills and competencies needed for greater value in tomorrows economy. With this program, we are proud to support Vietnam with addressing this next frontier of education development. The program will finance improvements to a select number of leading teacher training universities which will lead the new continuous professional development system. They will train and support Core Teachers and Principals, conduct applied research, and analyze evaluations of teacher needs and the impact of continuous professional development interventions. 24 men are tried for killing a police officer and injuring another in Vietnam's Central Highland A court in Vietnam on Thursday sentenced a man to life in prison and 23 others to prison terms of between 2 years and 18 years for killing a police officer and injuring another. The men killed Nay Plong and injured Nguyen Thanh Trung, officers of Krong Pa Dist., Gia Lai Province in the Central Highland, on Oct. 21, 2015, according to an indictment heard at the trial. They were staging an ambush on a rival gang on the National Route 25 when the two officers passed by. They mistook the officers for rival gang members and attacked them with rocks, sticks, machete and hammers, according to the indict. Investigators found that Tran Canh Vinh, 21, Pham Van Sang, 18, and Dang Van Hai, 22, had hit Nay Plong with an axe, a knife and a stick, killing him on the spot. The People's Court of Gia Lai handed out the life sentence to Vinh, while Sang was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment and Hai 17 year's imprisonment for murdering. The others were convicted of "deliberately causing injuries," the court said. Zhang Ze Ming is tried for robbery by a court in Hanoi on Jun. 29 The People's Court of Hanoi Wednesday sentenced a Chinese teenager to 10 months' imprisonment for attempting to rob a bank last October. Zhang Ze Ming, 17, was convicted of robbery. Since he has been in police custody for eight months, he will serve another two months before being released and deported to China. Zhang was arrested on October 29 last year while attempting to rob a bank in the capitals Hoan Kiem District. He had arrived in Hanoi a day earlier as a tourist, he told the court. He claimed that his backpack and bags, with his passport, bank cards and some cash, were stolen late that night. He was desperate and decided to use all his remaining cash to buy a hammer, a face mask and gloves. At around 9.30 a.m. on October 29 Zheng approached a teller at a VietinBank branch and wrote in English on a piece of paper, "Give me 10,000,000 dong." When the teller alerted her colleagues, he went into her cabin, produced the hammer and threaten the cashiers. He was quickly overpowered by bank workers before the police arrived. Tran Hao Nhan is accused of bag snatching in Ho Chi Minh City downtown The Ho Chi Minh City police arrested a bag snatcher Thursday night after shooting him in the leg during a chase along several streets in District 1. Tran Hao Nhan, 37, allegedly snatched the handbag of American tourist Bridget Natalie Bailey, 28, when she was walking on Le Lai street with her boyfriend. Two criminal police officers, who were patrolling the area, immediately chased after Nhans motorbike. They fired warning shots in the air, but Nhan refused to stop, almost hitting other motorbikes several times. One of the officers, Dao Tien Toan, finally ended the chase by shooting Nhan in the leg. The handbag, which had a credit card, some cash and a smartphone, was returned to the victim immediately afterwards. Meth hidden in tea bags as seized by police in Ho Chi Minh City June 29. Photo courtesy of the police The Ho Chi Minh City police Wednesday seized more than 13 kilograms of methamphetamine from a gang which allegedly received weekly supplies from China. Officers first arrested Trung, 32, when he was leaving an apartment in Tan Binh District with more than three kilograms of meth. They raided the apartment later that day and seized another 10 kg. They also arrested Do Thai Son, 46, who was living there. Son tried in vain to fire at the officers with an assault rifle. Son, who is from the northern city of Hai Phong, said he crossed the border into China every seven or 10 days to buy 10-20 kg of meth each time and hired porters to carry it to Hai Phong. He would then hide the drug in tea or cookie bags and bring them to HCMC, earning profits of VND160-200 million (US$7,200-9,000) per kilogram. Son said he had bought the M-16 rifle and ammunition in Cambodia recently. A suspect attempted to use an M-16 rifle against the police during a drug raid in HCMC June 29. Photo courtesy of the police Trung was a partner who sold the drugs directly to users in the city, according to preliminary investigation. Police said they have been surveiling the gang since April. Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws. Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty. The production or sale of 100 grams of heroin or 300 grams of other illegal narcotics is also punishable by death. Part of the Chinese-invested Lee & Man Paper factory in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang. Photo: Gia Bach/Thanh Nien Vietnamese authorities will inspect a Chinese-invested paper factory in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on Friday after environmental experts voiced concerns about its waste treatment system. The inspection will last three days, t he Vietnam Environment Administration announced Thursday. Inspectors will look into the waste treatment system of the plant owned by Lee & Man Paper near the Hau River in the lower reaches of the Mekong River. The factory has recently raised public fears that it could have been discharging contaminated effluents that might pollute the river and kill fish. Earlier this month, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) proposed that the government and the National Assembly review the waste water treatment and environmental supervision at the plant. It said residents and seafood companies in the Mekong Delta are very worried that the US$1.2 billion paper plant may cause pollution and contaminate seafood in the region once it fully comes into full in August. Truong Dinh Hoe, general secretary of VASEP, said the projects environmental assessment was carried out in 2007. Many things have changed since, including the effects of climate change, drought and saltwater intrusion that should be taken into consideration, he said. He called on the government and the parliament to quickly instruct the inspection into the plants waste treatment system. A Vietnamese fisherman on board a Taiwanese fishing boat was wounded after the boat was hit by a supersonic anti-ship missile on Friday. "We can confirm that a Vietnamese was injured in the accident this morning," Nguyen Xuan Tao, head of the Vietnamese Workers Management in Taiwan, said. The missile was launched accidentally by a Taiwanese navy patrol boat and hit the trawler in waters off the Phenhu Islands in the Taiwan Strait, according to authorities. The skipper on the trawler was killed and three other crew on board, including a Vietnamese and a Filipino, were wounded. The Vietnamese fisherman was identified as Bui Trong Van, who had arrived in Taiwan last month for work, Tao said. He said Van was taken to hospital but his injuries were not serious. The Hsiung Feng III missile was fired during a drill at around 8:10 am (0010 GMT) from a 500-ton missile ship docked at a naval base in the southern city of Tsoying and flew in the direction of China, local media reported. It went through the trawler, but did not explode, nor did it sink the fishing vessel. A preliminary investigation showed that missile operators likely failed to follow proper procedures, the official Central News Agency said. Taiwan is a major market for Vietnamese labor export, with an estimated 170,000 people working there, official statistics showed. A shop assistant waits for customers at a Meizu store as Meizu MX3 smartphones are seen on display in the foreground, in Shenzhen, Guangdong province June 16, 2014. Qualcomm Inc has filed 17 fresh complaints in China against Meizu Technology Co, stepping up its battle with the Chinese smartphone maker after the two were unable to reach a licensing accord in the U.S. tech giant's biggest market. The patent infringement complaints by Qualcomm, submitted to intellectual property courts in Beijing and Shanghai on Thursday, mark the second time in a week it has taken legal action against Meizu, one of China's top 10 handset suppliers. It filed its first complaint in Beijing last Friday. Qualcomm is seeking to uphold terms of its landmark 2015 anti-trust settlement with China's economic policy panel, the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC). The San Diego-based firm agreed to pay a fine of $975 million in the settlement, the largest in China's corporate history. The 17 latest patent infringement complaints cover a range of features and technologies used in smartphones, Qualcomm said, including those relating to 3G (WCDMA and CDMA2000) and 4G (LTE) wireless communications standards. "Meizu is attempting to obtain an unfair and improper cost advantage over its competitors," said Qualcomm's general counsel, Don Rosenberg, in an e-mailed statement to Reuters. People walk past Qualcomm's stand during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in this February 24, 2016, file photo. The company's vice-president, Li Nan, was quoted by the South China Morning Post as saying at a news conference on Tuesday that the terms of a patent license offered by Qualcomm were neither fair nor reasonable. 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 accounted for 53 percent of Qualcomm's 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. 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. An employee is seen behind a glass wall with the logo of Alibaba at the company's headquarters on the outskirts of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Friday went public with a new drive to display its determination to stamp out fake goods, urging brands to help its anti-piracy campaign rather than trade rebukes on the issue. The U.S.-listed online shopping powerhouse has been dogged by accusations its sites are flooded with copy-cat products, culminating with its ejection this year from a U.S.-based anti-counterfeiting alliance only weeks after being admitted. At an intellectual property conference it's hosting in Hangzhou, Alibaba on Friday unveiled a new online system to help track and remove fakes as its top anti-piracy official called for more cooperation with makers of branded goods. "In the face of such a complex problem we can't be complaining about each other, or criticizing each other...We have to have everybody involved and work together to do it," said Jessie Zheng, Alibaba's chief platform governance officer, speaking at its conference on intellectual property (IP) protection. "In this battle it's you and me," said Zheng. "It can't be you doing the work and me watching, or me doing the work and you talking. Our only choice is to join forces." Alibaba took an embarrassing hit in its fight against fakes earlier this year when it was forced out of the Washington-based International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. This came after a mutiny by members of the group, including U.S. luxury goods maker Michael Kors Holdings Inc and French group Kering SA's's Gucci brand, against the Chinese firm. Friday's conference and the launch of the new online system for controlling fakes come about two months before Alibaba's hometown of Hangzhou hosts the annual summit of the G20. Several state leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, may visit the company's college-like campus when they are in town, people with knowledge of the preparations said. The "IP Joint-Force System" launched on Friday is an online platform designed to streamline IP-related communications between brands and Alibaba, the company said. It expands an existing "good faith takedown" scheme started last year and is designed to simplify the removal of listings of suspected counterfeits. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) speaks about the House Democrats' sit-in over gun-control laws, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 23, 2016. Photo: Reuters The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, under mounting pressure to advance gun-control legislation, will vote next week on a measure to keep guns out of the hands of people on government terrorism watch lists. Republican and gun lobby sources said the legislation, due to be introduced as part of a terrorism package, was likely to be a National Rifle Association-backed bill brought by Representative Lee Zeldin of New York as the companion to a Senate Republican measure from Senator John Cornyn of Texas. House Democrats, who last week staged a 25-hour sit-in on the House floor to push for gun control after the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, condemned the Cornyn-Zeldin measure as the handiwork of the NRA. Senate Democrats blocked the same legislation last week. "House Democrats will keep up our efforts to push for the majority to allow a vote on gun violence legislation, but bringing up a bill authored by the NRA just isn't going to cut it," said Drew Hammill, an aide to House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. The NRA denied writing the legislation. House Speaker Paul Ryan announced the plan in a conference call with lawmakers. Republican leadership aides declined to provide details. One said the package was still being negotiated. After the Orlando, Florida, shooting that killed 49 people and wounded 53 more at a gay nightclub, gun-control proponents ratcheted up pressure for meaningful legislation. "We are going to get something done this year, I predict," Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid told reporters. "I think were going to take a bite out of the NRA." Reid said he was hopeful for a bill introduced by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, and a bipartisan House companion bill backed by Republicans including Representative Carlos Curbelo of Florida, to prevent gun sales to anyone on the government's "No Fly List" for terrorism suspects or the "Selectee List" for extra airport screening. Before Thursday's announcement, Representative Bob Dold of Illinois, a Republican backer of the Collins-Curbelo bill, urged Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to opt for the bipartisan measure, according to a Dold aide. But hopes for a vote on that measure could be dashed if House Republicans move first on the Cornyn-Zeldin bill, which would allow party leaders to say they had acted on gun control. "It would really be a sharp blow," said Representative Scott Rigell, a Virginia Republican and NRA member who supports the Collins-Curbelo measure. The NRA-backed measure would give officials three days to decide whether a gun sale should be blocked. Democrats argue the timetable is insufficient and say the government would have to persuade a court that a would-be buyer "has committed or will commit an act of terrorism" before it could block a gun sale. Under the Collins-Curbelo bills, a court would have 14 days to decide on appeals. Houses are seen in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Karmel, near Hebron May 24, 2016. Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace "Quartet" recommended on Friday in a an eagerly awaited report. The report by the Quartet entities sponsoring the stalled peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - said the Israeli policy "is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," according to the eight-page report. Amid a spike in violence, the Quartet criticized Palestinian leaders for "not consistently and clearly" condemning terrorist attacks and said illicit arms build up and militant activities in Gaza - controlled by Islamist group Hamas - must stop. On Friday, an Israeli family car came under Palestinian gunfire near the Jewish settlement of Ottniel and crashed, killing a man, medics said. In the nearby city of Hebron, Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian woman who they said tried to stab one of them after she was detained. Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive the peace talks amid tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama. Relations between the rightist Israeli leader and the Democratic president have yet to recover from their feud over last year's U.S.-led nuclear deal with Israeli foe Iran. Netanyahu's office welcomed some aspects of the Quartet report but said Israel took issue with numerous factual and policy assertions. The report also "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace," the statement said. Nabil Abu Rdainah, the spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed disappointment with the Quartet report. "Any report that does not include the full withdrawal to the 1967 borders, including occupied Jerusalem, and does not include a recognition of the illegality of settlement will not lead to real and lasting peace and will lead to more tension and more instability in the region," he said in a statement. Palestinian schoolgirls walk with a donkey as the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim, near Jerusalem, is seen in the background November 13, 2013. U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the U.N. Security Council on Thursday on the report and said it would be up to the council and the international community to use the report to decide the way forward. A senior U.S. State Department official said on Friday: "We are open to having the Security Council welcome the report but that's all at this point. We're not looking for serious, substantive, U.N. Security Council action on this report." Halt incitement The Quartet said urgent affirmative steps needed to be taken to "prevent entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict." The report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 percent of Area C, which makes up 60 percent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves. Under the Oslo accords of the mid-1990s, Israel retains full control over Area C, where large tracts have been declared closed military areas. "Israel should implement positive and significant policy shifts, including transferring powers and responsibilities in Area C," the Quartet report said. It said only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015. The report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements, which most countries deem illegal. "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development," the report recommends. Men work on the roof of a house under construction in the unauthorised Jewish settler outpost of Havat Gilad, south of the West Bank city of Nablus November 5, 2013. The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem - areas Israel captured in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months. Since October, Palestinian street attacks have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Israel has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 136 of whom it said were assailants. Others were killed during clashes and protests. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the Quartet said. In response to violence this week, Israel said on Friday it would reduce monthly transfers of tax collected on behalf of Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority headed by Abbas is based in the West Bank, while Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. The Quartet said Gaza and the West Bank "should be reunified under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian authority." Authorities say they've seized 11 tons of cocaine and made 33 arrests across two continents in an operation by law enforcement agencies from Italy, Colombia and the United States. Outgoing Philippines President Benigno Aquino shakes hands with his successor Rodrigo Duterte (center) during the departure ceremony for Aquino at Malacanang Palace in Manila on June 30, 2016 To his critics, Rodrigo Duterte is a foul-mouthed, serial adulterer fixated on killing criminals. But the millions who voted for the new Philippine leader see him an anti-establishment hero. Duterte, 71, was sworn in on Thursday as the 16th president of the Philippines after a controversial but wildly successful election campaign dominated by his vows to kill tens of thousands of criminals and tirades against the nation's elite. He became the oldest president of the Southeast Asian nation of 100 million people and the first from Mindanao, an impoverished and conflict-plagued region that makes up the southern third of the country. Duterte rose to the nation's top job after spending most of the past two decades as mayor of Davao, the biggest city in Mindanao, earning a reputation as a ruthless leader willing to forsake human rights to enforce law-and-order. A lawyer and former city prosecutor, Duterte is accused of links to vigilante death squads that rights groups say killed more than 1,000 people in Davao -- accusations he has variously accepted and denied. Aided by bucketloads of charisma, Duterte was undoubtedly a hugely popular leader of Davao, where many of the city's nearly two million residents welcomed his authoritarian touch in helping to deliver relative peace and economic prosperity. To win last month's elections, Duterte promised to roll out his style of governance across the rest of the country. He vowed to end crime within six months, at one point saying 100,000 people would be killed. In an era where populist politicians are on the rise around the world, Duterte also shrewdly capitalised on his image as a man-of-the people with no tolerance for the nation's political and business elite. "When I become president, by the grace of God, I serve the people, not you," Duterte told reporters in the final stages of the election campaign, referring to the elite. "Shit. My problem is the people at the bottom of society... my problem is how to place food on the table." In a nation where roughly a quarter of the population live below the poverty line -- barely changed despite six years of stellar economic growth under outgoing leader Benigno Aquino -- his disdain for the wealthy proved a huge vote winner. 'Authenticity' Duterte's man-of-the poor image was burnished by his disdain for formal clothes, his preference for eating food with his hands and living in a simple home in Davao. The father-of-four's incessant swearing and admissions on the campaign trail to being a serial adulterer, with two mistresses kept in cheap boarding houses in Davao, seemed to add to his aura of authenticity. Other controversial campaign comments -- such as calling Pope Francis a "son of a whore" and joking that he wanted to rape an Australian missionary who was sexually assaulted and killed in a Davao prison riot -- failed to stop his sensational rise. Nevertheless, Duterte is in many respects a traditional politician. He is related to powerful clans from the central Philippines and his father was an influential politician, serving for three years as a cabinet secretary in Ferdinand Marcos's 1960s government before the nation was plunged into dictatorship in 1972. In Davao, Duterte has created his own political dynasty, with his daughter taking over from his as mayor and his son as vice mayor. And since winning the election, Duterte has highlighted his close relationship with the Marcos family. Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda, were accused of overseeing widespread human rights abuses and plundering $10 billion from state coffers during the strongman's rule, which ended with a famous "People Power" uprising in 1986. Duterte has in recent weeks said he will finally allow the late dictator to be buried at the national hero's cemetery in Manila. Many Filipinos have no doubt that Duterte is the right man to instil discipline in society, after three decades of chaotic and corruption-plagued democracy that has condemned tens of millions to deep poverty. A major report earlier this year revealed Canberra's two public hospitals are the most inefficient and expensive to run in Australia, with patients continuing to turn to emergency departments for care rather than GPs. "Why have we reached a point after 15 years where this government is administering the least efficient hospital in Australia?" The ACT government has conceded Canberra's hospitals are expensive but says existing resources such as hospital beds need to be used more efficiently to drive down costs. Credit:Gabriele Charotte Opposition leader Jeremy Hanson used a budget estimates hearing this week to question the government about the cost and efficiency of the territory's hospitals, asking why the territory had the country's the most expensive and least efficient hospitals. The ACT government has conceded Canberra's hospitals are expensive but says existing resources such as hospital beds need to be used more efficiently to drive down costs. Health Minister Simon Corbell said there were a number of historical factors influencing the cost of delivering health care, such as staff costs, wages and superannuation, and those were likely to remain unchanged for some time. "I find it sometimes a little bit frustrating because people assert that we're expensive and we are, but then people assert we need more beds or we need more doctors and nurses and we will always need some of those things," he said. "But it's not just about buying more beds or buying more doctors or nurses, it's also about making sure the resources we have the beds and the highly trained doctors and nurses are able to see more people in a more efficient way because that reduces your cost per patient." Increasing hospital activity and improving the use of existing capacity would help drive down the average cost per patient, Mr Corbell said. "If we are utilising beds more efficiently, for example, if we are seeing more people moved through the emergency department in a timely way, then we're seeing more people with the same base capacity and therefore efficiency is improved and average cost goes down," he said. If you like your democracy served with a side of sausage sanga, there are plenty of polling booths around Canberra that will make doing your civic duty a little easier to swallow. More than 50 polling booths around the ACT are registered to fire up the barbecue on Saturday. The SnagVotes website connects people with delicious, delicious democracy. And while more than 41,000 Canberrans have already cast their vote at pre-poll stations, Grant Castner of the Snagvotes website still expected plenty of punters to seek out a sausage sandwich at church halls and schools around the ACT on election day. "A lot of people are planning their polling on where they can get the best sausage sizzle nearby," Mr Castner said. Neville Jetta has turned his back on free agency and signed a new two-year contract with Melbourne. The much-improved small defender's current deal expired at the end of this season, giving him the option of leaving the club as an unrestricted free agent. However, Jetta will now stick with the Demons until the end of 2018 at least. The 26-year-old is in career-best form and has done some excellent shutdown jobs in the past two seasons on the likes of Eddie Betts, Chad Wingard, Alex Fasolo, Sam Lloyd and Jack Martin. Guvera's chair and founders are on a positive public relations campaign to hit back at media coverage, as administrators look for a way to repay $15 million owed creditors by two subsidiaries. Neil Cussen of Deloitte Australia said 60 employees of Guvera Australia and Guv Services were sacked this week, but some may have been offered re-employment in other parts of the Guvera group. A creditors meeting has been organised for July 7 in Parramatta, NSW. One of the largest creditors is the tax office. Including employees about 150 creditors are collectively owed $15 million. "Over the course of the next week we will be working with management to see if we can get a proposal that we can talk to the creditor group about in relation to a deed of company arrangement," he said. The arrangement would have to be approved by creditors and outline potential repayment plans. Telstra is calling its major enterprise and business customers on Friday to apologise for a disastrously-timed seven-hour network outage and discuss what compensation they might be entitled to. Internet data services for banks, retailers, airlines, politicians, schools and hospitals were down across Victoria from early afternoon until about 9pm on Thursday. Telstra shares were unaffected, hitting a four-week high of $5.58 during trading on Friday before closing at $5.57, 1c higher than the previous day. A company spokesman said Thursday's fault was caused by "a device in the network behaving in a way that wasn't expected". This took out part of Telstra's data network in Victoria which affected about 20 per cent of business customers. Note the excellent use of the passive tense he's not naming names, which makes his censure even more snippy. Mr Turnbull and Mr Abbott during the election campaign. Credit:Andrew Meares And then Abbott struck a reluctant pose, the posture of a man who is ruefully forced to admit the obvious, even though he'd rather not. "I guess," he said, "if those big issues aren't front and centre, less substantial stuff will be front and centre." He was talking, of course, about the same-sex marriage plebiscite, which the Coalition has insisted for ages is something middle Australians do not care about because they're too busy working and driving the children to Saturday sport and selecting a new barbecue at Bunnings funnily enough all the same things that occupy gay couples who would like to marry. And yet it is becoming increasingly plain it is the Coalition that has gay marriage "mention-itis" the nervous tic where you betray your inner-most thoughts by ostensibly casual mentions of your preoccupation. As opposition leader, Abbott was a brilliant campaigner with a Rainman-like ability to condense those same big issues he is lamenting into memorable slogans. And once again, he cut through. His passive-aggressive Sky appearance gave voice to a big question: presuming Turnbull wins on Saturday, what, exactly, will be his mandate? The last few weeks of the campaign have been loud with debate over two policies, which are bipartisan and have been for many years Medicare and border protection. We have also seen a prolonged foray into a debate over the gay marriage plebiscite, how it will work, when it will happen and whether its result will be respected by anti-gay marriage MPs. The plebiscite debate is actually just the theatre in which Coalition right-wingers warn Turnbull not to underestimate their power. In that sense it represents the Liberals arguing with each other the sort of narcissistic in-fighting Abbott and Turnbull have always accused the Labor party of. Turnbull says voters are tired of ideology. He is right. But the Coalition split along ideological lines under his last stint at the leadership, and they could do the same if the plebiscite issue gets messy. Turnbull and the Liberal party strategists have pursued a small-target strategy throughout the election, making few promises beyond little electorate-sweeteners in seats they need to win, and focusing on the mantra of jobs and growth, with "stability" swiftly tacked on following the nasty Brexit surprise. In terms of the big issues Abbott yens for, we know Turnbull will deliver a corporate tax cut, to be phased in over 10 years, with small businesses getting the benefit first. He will get rid of some superannuation tax perks that currently benefit a small (but vocal) number of mostly high-income earners. That might be awkward for him next time he's putting the bins out at his Point Piper pad and the neighbours give him nasty side-eye, but the rest of Australia will remain largely untouched. He will attempt to legislate his budget, handed down a week before the election campaign. That budget contains long-standing cuts to "Gonski" public education funding commitments, a deferral of childcare subsidy sweeteners that were previously promised, an extension in the freeze on the Medicare rebate (originally introduced by Labor) and the banking of a $2 billion saving from higher education "reform", which has up until now been stuck in the senate. The same senate, which is looking like it will be even more disparately bonkers than in the last term, and with a large opening, in both the literal and figurative sense, for a political influence as outsize as Clive Palmer's party. These are the things we know. We also know a Turnbull government would honour the raison d'etre for the double dissolution election (remember that?) the re-establishment of the construction watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission. The rest of his manifesto, such as it is, is contained in Turnbull's bland statement of "jobs and growth", which is as practically meaning-free as the "jobs of the future" Julia Gillard used to bang on about, and the "new leadership" slogan Kevin Rudd used to state the patently obvious in 2007. The liblab (flimflam?) duopoly has gotten us into the situation where a quarter of us (the electorate) do not want a bar of either of them. They need to be told that they have to change. My Senate vote will go first to selected individuals on the Science Party ticket, then The Arts Party ticket and then my personal pick of NXT, Greens and other independents. Only after that do I have to face the liblab dilemna.We do not have to give the incumbents our first preference - we can give them a message instead. After all we are meant to be living in the information age? David Murray Malua Bay Please don't waste another three years The Herald has convinced me that a Labor-led Shorten government would be better for Australia than a Turnbull Coalition but strangely failed to convince itself. Turnbull will be careful not to privatise Medicare but it will be emasculated, and universal bulk-billing will certainly end under a government led by him. An overwhelming 78 per cent of GPs favour the ALP health policies, according to Australian Doctor. Climate change policy is far too important to be left in the hands of a sceptical mob, and Turnbull has given us no reason to trust he can stand up to the hard right of his own party. Respected economists don't believe that Turnbull's $50 billion tax break for big business is value for money, and any concerns people might have with Bill Shorten and unions pale in comparison to the doubts hanging over a Turnbull leadership. We have already wasted three years under the Abbott/Turnbull governments. Actions do speak louder than words, and so far Turnbull has given us nine months of words and little action. Graham Lum North Rocks I read with some dismay that the Herald recommends the election of a Turnbull government. An argument against a Shorten government was that it would not be able to reform corruption in the unions. Wasn't there recently a royal commission into trade unions ... and what criminal charges were laid? That what appeared to be some union corruption was aided and abetted by business. Now what reforms does Turnbull recommend for his own party's corruption in political donations and wrong-doing in the banking and financial services industry? Does he intend to reform the taxation system so that large corporations actually pay tax? What reforms does he have in mind to reduce inequality in the population? It seems that the esteemed editors of this newspaper also believe that we do not have a society, but an economy. Frank Alley Ashtonfield Listen to readership Perhaps Friday's editorial writer should be listening more closely to the majority of the Herald's commentators and, more importantly, to its readership. Friday's letters alone clearly indicate that voting for the Coalition on economic management grounds is completely misguided, and to trust Turnbull to return to being his own man on social issues, if he wins, is laughably naive. Alynn Pratt Killara I presume by the tone and conclusion of your editorial that Fairfax is banking on its big business tax cut and a reduction in penalty rates paid to staff to tide it over during the likely hard economic times ahead. You were wrong to place your trust in Abbott and you, like many, will be let down by Turnbull. Despite the mounting evidence a poor editorial. Don Smith Ashfield Remove age discrimination from NDIS The National Disability Insurance Scheme is now rolling out in Sydney and people with disabilities are celebrating in anticipation of a life which offers them the possibility of greater independence and participation in community life. I rejoice and wish that I could share in it. I, too, have a disability blindness but because I have passed the golden age of 65 I will be excluded from all the promise offered by the NDIS. Sadly, the government has decreed that I must seek support via the aged care system. But I am still a fit and healthy person, with no present need for aged care services. What I need in order to be able to participate fully in community life is the sort of support which will be available to others (aged under 65) from the NDIS. I need the computer technology which enables me to read, write, seek information on the internet, shop online, interact with government websites in other words, to do what the vast majority of Australians do for themselves. And I need access to specialist training to use this technology. I also need services that will assist me in other ways, such as being able to move around independently and use public transport, borrow library resources in formats I can read, and generally live a full and active life. Whatever the outcome of Saturday's election, I implore those who will be responsible for disability policy to move quickly to remove this discriminatory aspect of the NDIS, which holds out so much promise for so many Australians. I really want to be one of them. Lynne Davis Greenwich Art College decision neglectful The claim that the University of Sydney is getting rid of Sydney College of the Arts "to make arts education stronger" is utter nonsense ("'No friend of the arts': university slammed", June 28). Does one institution really want to contribute a "world-class facility" to a rival? Why could the university not foster visual arts education at the highest level itself? The claim of creating a "national centre for artistic excellence", somewhere else, is spin that demeans the state's other art schools and obscures the university's seeming lack of interest in art education and its own students. The missed opportunity to enhance Australia's most innovative and influential art school of the late 20th century now looks like willful neglect. Richard Dunn Annandale I am currently enrolled at Sydney College of the Arts. A couple of years ago when I was going through the application process for university, I made a deliberate decision to accept my offer at SCA. I did this because I appreciated the way that the course was structured and the ideals of the college itself. Later, I realised one of the primary reasons behind what made SCA so great was the teachers and technical staff who mentored me daily. These amazing faculty members are not only dedicated and passionate teachers, they are also respected artists within the arts community and this "merger" has made them feel unappreciated, undervalued and worthless. The changes are being labelled as a "merger", what is truly happening is SCA is being shut down and educational options and resources are being restricted even further within the arts. Limiting educational options does not improve the quality of learning; it reduces it. All currently enrolled students wish to finish our degree at SCA, with an SCA faculty teaching an SCA course, is that too much to ask? Rosie Wells Marrickville The University of Sydney intends to close a world-class educational institution in the heart of Sydney which offers a conceptually based art education of exceptional quality. There is little more important than culture. We are appalled when barbarians ransack museums and priceless cultural artifacts are destroyed. However, the vandalism that is happening here is the destruction of our current and future cultural capital. Bureaucratic rhetoric describes SCA merging with UNSW as creating something new and good, but it is only the destruction of something beautiful, valuable and irreplaceable. Art is how we define, question and understand ourselves. It should not be homogenised, condensed and conveniently tacked on to something else. Leon Loreaux Narrabeen Breast best but offspring no longer keen I'd still be breast-feeding if I had my way, it's so cheap and convenient and when you're on a good thing stick to it etc (Letters, June 30). But the offspring have now turned to beer and wine. Apart from which, they don't seem to any longer appreciate me flaunting my assets in public. Rosemary O'Brien Georges Hall Owners need a drink Does this mean that police will be looking for reds under the bed? ("Grange mystery: $5m wine collection feared stolen", July 1.) Pasquale Vartuli Wahroonga Repartee on the up I am annoyed by the continuing criticism of the proposed Crown Casino building at Barangaroo, culminating in Friday's letter from Davis Atherfold. I rather like the graceful form of the main tower although I admit it would be improved by a couple of geodesic domes on either side of the base. Ian Falconer Turramurra I enjoyed reading David Atherfold's reference to "Packer's Pecker" (Letters, June 30) and was inspired to up him (as it were) with an "apter'' nickname for his Barangaroo erection "Packer's Phalace"! Robert Cann Bellevue Hill Packer's Pecker to presently become the Mariah Monument? Peter Bower Naremburn Ring the bells, but I think the ties have it With so little separating the major parties throughout this long and tiresome election campaign, and a high chance that the result will be a tie ("Cliffhanger: Coalition and ALP neck and neck", July1), then the race should go to the leader sporting the most outstanding tie, and it's wearer win by a nape. Meredith Williams Dee Why "First a 'fake tradie', now meet the 'fake family' " (July 1). Why wouldn't fakery be an inherent trait in the LNP; with a fake conservative at the top of the tree? Mark Pearce Richmond Do we vote for the disappointing man in the good suit or the good man in the disappointing suit? John Byrne Randwick I have just two words in response to Mr Turnbull's call for majority government in both Houses: Work Choices. Philip Cooney Wentworth Falls Sorry, I can't help Helen Owen (Letters, July 1) with what the Pirate Party stands for, but I know the others don't have a patch on them. David Atherfold Avalon Beach C'mon, Helen Owen, the Pirate Party doesn't have to have policies. They just aargh! Alan Marel North Curl Curl. Has there ever been a more uninspiring time to be a constituent in Australia? Vicky Marquis Glebe Gorilla expert Josh Ponte has no hesitation in vouching for the old "no animals were harmed" claim that pops up on screen at the end of The Legend of Tarzan. "I can 100 per cent give you my assurance that no animals were harmed in making this film, because no animals were present on this film," he says. "If anyone was hurt, it was the visual effects guys who worked day and night trying to create the digital animals." Yes, you read that right. Though the film is packed with Africa's wildest creatures, not one of them is real: not the lion against which Alexander Skarsgard's Tarzan nuzzles; not the elephant whose trunk he caresses; not the ostriches with whom he runs or the wildebeest he corrals. Not even the gorilla with whom he violently wrestles. In fact, especially not the gorilla with whom he violently wrestles. Not just because Akut was born and raised in a computer, but because he's not even a gorilla. Well, not quite. A yoga instructor, a former athlete, a single mother and a Zoo Weekly model are among the women vying for Bachelor Richie Strahan's heart. The 22 women hoping to find love in season four of The Bachelor Australia have been unveiled by Ten, representing a wide range of professions and ages, from 23 to 34. Upon closer inspection however, the group is almost entirely white, with the show being criticised on social media for lacking diversity. A video has emerged on the eve of the federal election of former Labor MP Peter Batchelor tearing down Greens election signage from outside a polling booth. The polling booth is in the seat of Batman in Melbourne's inner north, where the Labor incumbent, David Feeney, is facing a strong challenge from Greens candidate Alex Bhathal. A Labor spokesman confirmed the person captured in the footage was Mr Batchelor, who served as a Victorian Minister in several portfolios, including transport and energy and resources, before retiring in 2010. Unions fear funding for victims of domestic violence and homelessness is at risk because the federal government has asked the Productivity Commission to investigate options to commercialise human services. Treasurer Scott Morrison has issued a directive to the Productivity Commission asking it to investigate options for the provision of human services. The options include looking at the scope for diversity and choice in the provision of human services. Alternative pricing and funding models and "the potential for contestability in supply by government, not-for-profit and private sector suppliers" are identified within the scope of the inquiry. A collective yawn may have met the rallying cries of politicians over the past eight weeks, but Hashmat Najib can't get enough of the protracted election campaign. The Afghan-born refugee is among a host of new migrants proudly voting in Australia for the first time on Saturday, and he has nothing but enthusiasm for democracy's big day. Australian voters might be bored and apathetic towards the federal election on Saturday, but first-time refugee voters who hail from dictatorships and authoritarian nations are excited about being allowed to vote. Hashmat Najib, a refugee who became a citizen last year is one such voter. Credit:Jason South "I'm very excited, I'm happy to be able to participate in the democratic process," said the 22-year old from Melbourne's Carlton North, whose local member is Greens MP Adam Bandt. Therese Rawsthorne's first year as creative director of sass & bide has been tumultuous, to say the least. Arriving after the sudden departure of head designer Anthony Cuthbertson in mid-2015, the company has also lost CEO Julie Otter, who quit in May after just 18 months (she is yet to be replaced). But Rawsthorne seems to have taken all this change, including a move from Melbourne to Sydney, in her stride. "It's an exciting time because it feels like it's a new beginning [for the brand]," she said. "It's about dipping into the essence of what the sass & bide girl is about and what the brand is about." A public hospital anaesthetist who was found in a drunken stupor after abandoning a patient mid-operation has been conditionally allowed to return to work just six weeks after the incident. Michal Petr, a senior anaesthetist at Wollongong Hospital, disappeared from the operating theatre on May 20 while his patient was still unconscious, without giving handover instructions to the junior anaesthetist. Wollongong Hospital, where an anaesthetist disappeared from an operation, only to be discovered severely intoxicated. Credit:Kirk Gilmour He had been at the funeral of an anaesthetic nurse earlier that day. When he never returned to the operating theatre, a search party was sent, eventually discovering him semi-conscious and locked up in a remote room of the hospital 90 minutes after he went missing. A robbery gone wrong was behind the death of a crime figure, who was attacked under orders from a drug rival in the NSW Illawarra, police will allege. Saso Ristevski, 37 was shot dead at his parents' home in Lake Heights on September 28, 2011, after a confrontation with three men. Saso Ristevski outside Wollongong District Court in 1998. Credit:Fairfax Archives Late last year, police linked the convicted drug trafficker's death to a Melbourne underworld figure, who was allegedly one of the three offenders involved in the fatal altercation. Detectives also revealed they had seized the firearm used to kill Ristevski in Victoria. Unbeknown to her at that time, Adams was also grooming another teenage cadet, CJE, who told the commission he persuaded her to have sex with him after sending a barrage of text messages on the same training course. The testimony has raised broader questions about the culture of the ADF. Credit:Glenn Hunt "Initially, I refused because I knew he wanted something sexual to happen again and I didn't feel comfortable being in a sexual relationship with Adams," she said. The young women, now both aged 20, were left shattered by Adams' actions and their treatment by the Australian Air Force Cadets, part of the Australian Defence Force's civilian cadet program that has about 25,000 adult and youth members. Vice-chief of the ADF Ray Griggs apologised to victims. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "The abuse has destroyed my relationship with my family," CJG told the inquiry. "It has been soul destroying. I loved Cadets at the start, but it has left me broken, vulnerable and alone." CJE said: "Before all this happened, I was bubbly, engaging and friendly. I now feel I am reserved ... and I have been diagnosed with depression." Took her own life: Air Force Cadet Eleanore Tibble. One of CJE's supporters, an older female instructor with the Air Force Cadets, delivered a scathing assessment of the organisation's culture. "Their ongoing silence and negligence in these matters simply highlights their inability to act with integrity, professionalism and compassion," the woman, given the pseudonym CJF, told the hearing. "If they cannot resolve matters with staff or handle matters involving child sex abuse, why do parents continue to allow them to look after their children?" CJF accused the Cadets of learning little from the death of 15-year-old air force cadet Eleanore Tibble, who committed suicide in 2000 after being falsely accused of having a sexual relationship with a 30-year-old instructor. "A child has died because of what the AAFC did, back over a decade ago," she said. "If that hasn't compelled the AAFC or ADF to get their act together and to make changes, I am really concerned." CJF's testimony raised broader questions about the culture of the ADF, an organisation that is trying to rebuild its image following a series of disgraces including the so-called Skype scandal in 2011 when a Defence Force Academy cadet secretly live-streamed sex with another cadet. The scandal spurred an investigation by law firm DLA Piper, which heard from more than 1000 people regarding allegations of physical and sexual abuse within the ADF. Barely 18 months after DLA Piper handed its report to the Minister of Defence, the ADF had another sex scandal on its hands, this time involving officers who called themselves the "Jedi Council" and shared images of themselves having sex with women. The scandal prompted then Chief of Army David Morrison's widely shared video in which he ordered misbehaving troops to "get out". Only days after the video was released in June 2013, CJE went to Hurstville Police Station to make a statement about Adams, who ultimately pleaded guilty to five counts of having sexual intercourse with three victims under the age of 18 while they were under his care. What has become apparent in the course of the eight-day hearing into sex abuse in the Australian Defence force is, unlike Adams, many alleged perpetrators have gone unpunished and victims denied justice. The inquiry has heard disturbing accounts of brutal sexual assaults perpetrated against junior recruits at HMAS Leeuwin in Fremantle and young servicemen at the Army Apprentices School in Balcombe in the 1960s and '70s. In a number of cases, the assaults involved implements such as broom handles and a bayonet scabbard being forcibly inserted inside victims, most of whom were aged about 15 at the time. A former army apprentice at Balcombe held back tears as he told the commission of an assault in which senior apprentices tried to force a dog on him. "They pushed the dog against my backside and 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'," the man, now aged 54, told the inquiry. The victim, given the pseudonym CJU, said he believed the attack was retribution for reporting an earlier assault that left him with a broken arm. Many of the victims who gave evidence to the commission spoke of a military culture in which "dobbing" or "ratting" was held in a dim light. When a former junior recruit at HMAS Leeuwin tried to disclose abuse, he told the inquiry the then chaplain Peter Ball advised: "It might be better if you don't do anything about it. If it ever got out that you ratted on your predators, your life may be in danger." The inquiry heard those who did try to make formal complaints to senior officers at Leeuwin were routinely met with indifference or worse. Glen Greaves, a former junior recruit at Leeuwin who went on to serve in Vietnam, tried to tell a leading seaman about an assault involving a broom handle. He told the inquiry the leading seaman said: "If you've come here to f---ing whinge, piss off now and harden up." David Sparreboom joined the Army Apprentices School in Balcombe in 1970 when he was 16. He told the commission serious cases of abuse were written off as boys being boys or rites of initiation. In his testimony, Sparreboom said he attempted to raise the issue of abuse with a captain, telling him: "People are getting broomsticks up their bum. I don't know what I can do about it. [The captain's] response was something like, 'You are all young fellas and pranks will happen'." Many of the victims who gave evidence went on to serve in the armed forces, keeping their abuse secret for decades. Most spoke of ongoing physical and mental health problems related to the abuse, including depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. ADF vice-chief Raymond Griggs addressed the victims directly at the commission, promising their stories would drive change in the organisation. "Your stories are changing the ADF and they have strengthened the resolve of the senior leadership of the ADF to stamp out abuse in all its forms and in particular, child sexual abuse," he said. "I am deeply sorry for what happened to you. No one who pulls on the uniform of this country and no child who is under our care should ever have had happen to them what has happened to you. Controversial Queensland MP Billy Gordon has been disqualified from driving for four months and fined $750 after pleading guilty to charges of drink-driving and unlicensed driving. The Cook MP, one of a handful of crossbenchers who hold the balance of power in Queensland's parliament, was pulled over on the Kennedy Highway near Kuranda, north of Cairns, late on June 1, the night of State of Origin game one. Member for Cook Billy Gordon has to "explain himself", Leader of the House Stirling Hinchliffe says. He appeared on Friday in the Brisbane Magistrates Court where he was disqualified from driving for four months and fined $750 for the offences, with no conviction recorded. The court heard Gordon had "quite frankly" told police who pulled him over he didn't have a licence before returning a blood-alcohol concentration reading of 0.094, almost twice the legal limit. A teenage girl has been rescued from a cliff on North Stradbroke Island by emergency services after she was unable to get down. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews were called to Point Lookout cliff at 1.15pm on Friday and worked to pull the girl to safety. Teenager was being treated by paramedics. Credit:7 News Queensland She was rescued and treated by paramedics on the beach just before 3pm. Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner has told of "parental alienation" and lashed out at her estranged husband for selfish parenting after facing kidnapping charges over the botched 60 Minutes operation financed by the Nine Network. Ms Faulkner and child recovery agent Adam Whittington were charged overnight with kidnapping her two children in Lebanon. The Nine Network believed a trial would still be set down for its crew members despite facing lesser misdemeanour charges. On Friday, Ms Faulkner's mother, Karen, was soft-spoken and emotional as she briefly spoke to media outside their north Brisbane home. The Tory leadership fight is a tug of war between the party's left and right. It's what the referendum was always really about: the schizoid conflict in the Conservative psyche, with the EU a convenient battleground for much deeper grudges. Meanwhile the Labour opposition, as if in a fit of pique, has jump-started a de facto war between elected MPs and the party membership, leaving opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn almost friendless in parliament (even those with most to gain from Labour's disarray are pleading with him to quit). It's escalating into an existential threat, as Corbynistas push Labour into socialist anti-austerity activism, and despairing centrists wonder if they have any place in such a party. Prime Minister's Question Time, the heart of Britain's debated democracy, has become a farce where a man with no power answers the questions of a man with no authority. Political paralysis has set in, just as the country hits a crisis that needs cool, stern management: the markets are fretting, the pound is slipping, economists are wailing doom and businesses quietly make their own exit plans or look worryingly at their forward order books, postponing investment, battening down the hatches. North of the border a rebellion is brewing again. Scottish Nationalists are fired up and fighting, seeing a real chance to achieve their dream to slip the bonds of Union, believing this time their nation is on their side. And over the sea Sinn Fein is agitating for an Irish reunion, against the tide, against the Good Friday agreement, but with a new political bone to gnaw. Of the top five areas for Brexit, the median income was around 18,000, in the top five areas for Remain it was around 35,000. "Get pissed, destroy" is the new British national anthem. Tourists make their way over Westminster Bridge the day after the Brexit vote. Credit:Getty-Images A nation divided Britain surprised itself over the referendum, both in the result and in the bickering that led up to it. "This referendum has thrown full light on divides within British society," says Matthew Goodwin, politics professor at the University of Kent. "Divides that run along social class, that run along generation and also geography. The results gave full expression to (them)." It's all there in the numbers. Of the top five areas for Brexit, the median income was around 18,000 ($32,400); in the top five areas for Remain, it was around 35,000. Brexit was strongest in heavily white areas where average levels of education were very low. Remain was strongest in the university cities: Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, York and Brighton. Areas with more than a quarter of the population without good GCSEs (secondary school exams) voted 82 per cent for Leave. These areas are economically left behind and socially conservative, Goodwin said. "Voters feel culturally under threat from the EU, globalisation and free movement. In short (they are) voters who have not been winning from European integration and globalisation and took this opportunity to express that view." There was also an age divide: 73 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted Remain; only 40 per cent of those over 65 did. Quiet Remain campaigner Theresa May is a strong contender for the Conservative leadership. Credit:Bloomberg John Curtice, politics professor at the University of Strathclyde, said the referendum tested a different dimension to the usual left-right divide that elections straddle. "This was essentially an argument between social liberals and social conservatives, between liberals and authoritarians," he said. "Issues such as immigration and identity tend to focus on that dimension." It was primarily a debate about the kind of country Britain is and wants to be and different kinds of voters had sharply different views. But Curtice said it was too simple to pin the result on demographics. Leave had clearly done better in the campaign, he said. "The Leave side identified a problem that the public agreed was a problem and identified a solution," he said. "A clear majority of people felt that immigration is too high and if we left the European Union immigration would be lower. We can argue whether or not their solution would work, but that's where the public were at." Older and less educated voters are more likely to be uncomfortable about immigration, he said. They find cultural change unnerving. Meanwhile, the Remain side had failed to persuade people they would be worse off outside the EU, he said. "Leave and Remain were talking about very different things," said Dr Simon Usherwood, politics lecturer from the University of Surrey. "They were talking to very different constituencies. There was no discussion, no interaction. They were talking past each other. "This will be a persistent problem because it speaks to bigger social issues, that anti-globalisation, winners-and-losers transition that's going to be a longer process." The Leave vote was strong in many Labour-held areas outside London. "You could tell a longer story," said Goodwin. "This story begins with New Labour. From 1997 onwards you saw a steady drift away from the political process by working class voters, very anxious over immigration and Europe, very dissatisfied with political elites." These were the forces that led voters to the British National Party, then to either the UK Independence Party, the Conservatives or to apathy. "Those underlying divides are just as evident in many other Western and Northern European democracies. None of this is particularly unique to Britain or to the Labour Party. What we're seeing in the Labour Party at the moment is a crisis that's also facing social democrats across Europe and we'll revisit these conversations in the French elections next year, and in the German elections and in the Dutch elections." They are also forces that have unleashed a nasty spate of racist incidents, which some say are an insight into a dark side of the national character, rather than the acting-out of a small minority. Marika Sherwood, research fellow for the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, said the English have never felt European. "The British education system reinforces prejudice," she argued. "It reinforces the notion that it's only England or Britain that matters, that exists, that has a history, that ever invented or discovered anything. There's a lot of wars, our kings and queens and how fantastic they were and how many wars they won (against European nations)." Leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove is making a play for the Conservative leadership. Credit:Getty The divide in the country over the referendum is reflected in a divide within its major parties, Curtice said. This could be a turning point for the Conservatives, where a different wing of the party hits the ascendancy. The leadership battle looks like ending up as Michael Gove (Brexit champion, right wing) versus Theresa May (quiet Remain campaigner, unifier). "One of the interesting things to watch is to what extent the government decides to become a Tory government rather than a Conservative government," Curtice said. "A government that is more concerned about social relations and less about libertarian economics. "One of the most striking things about the Leave campaign was the remarkable ability of their Conservative politicians to use the language of the working classes. It will be fascinating to see whether we end up with a new Tory administration that is much less pro-free market and much more concerned about the social relationships in our society than we've been used to since Margaret Thatcher." Johnson versus Gove Thursday saw the collapse of the leadership campaign of Boris Johnson, who after the referendum preached a progressive, pro-Europe Brexit position a typically Johnson "pro-cake, pro the eating of cake" U-turn. Goodwin said an insider had complained to him they "never met anyone as indecisive as Boris; he essentially has to focus-group almost every decision". Johnson did not have a big fan base among the media especially at the tabloids with influence over the Conservative base. A leaked email from Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine to Gove her husband made the power plays plain. Former London mayor Boris Johnson leaves his home by car. Credit:Getty "The membership will not have the necessary reassurance to back Boris, neither will [Daily Mail editor Paul] Dacre / [Sun and Times proprietor Rupert] Murdoch, who instinctively dislike Boris but trust your ability enough to support a Boris/Gove ticket," she wrote, the day before Gove revealed he would stand himself, and Johnson pulled out. Gove is the darling of the media barons, a well-connected Conservative member told Fairfax. He was a guest at Murdoch's wedding to Jerry Hall, and his "declarations of interests" include a two-day holiday in France with his wife as guests of Daily Mail chairman Lord Rothermere (Rothermere's Associated Newspapers also shouted them an all-expenses paid trip to the Glyndebourne classical music festival in 2014). Gove also plays well to the base. But his colleagues don't all trust him. He carries the burden of Nigel Farage's endorsement: he has described Gove as "pragmatic, grown-up and sensible". Indeed, despite his connections, the Mail couldn't bring itself to push Gove into the top job. Its Friday front page blared: "A party in flames and why it must be Theresa [May]." "Boris is a snob and Gove has a chip on his shoulder," said the Conservative insider, who is sure that May will come through as the candidate who satisfies the most Conservative MPs and members. "It's like Game of Thrones," she said. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn faces a crisis after a vote of no confidence. Credit:Christopher Furlong/Getty Images If the Conservatives are Game of Thrones, Labour is a disaster movie. As one activist put it on social media: "(Corbyn) is taking the party to the Left, where it belongs, and keeping it there even if it destroys the party. From the ashes of Labour a new socialist party will begin." Even as a huge majority of Labour MPs voted their lack of confidence in Corbyn, 60,000 new members joined the party many of them part of a grassroots effort to keep him as leader. Startling-if-true reports emerged of Corbyn as almost a prisoner of his inner circle, insisting he stay on even as he tried to resign. In parliament, the Scottish National Party asked to be recognised as the official opposition, pointing out that the shadow cabinet was half-empty (parliamentary rules say the official opposition must be "prepared to assume power"), and their leader had the backing of more MPs than Corbyn. Just 40 MPs backed Corbyn in the party no-confidence motion, and the SNP has 56 seats in the House of Commons. Labour was a "crisis-ridden shambles", SNP MP Pete Wishart said in a point of order. It would be hard not to agree. Scotland steps up The SNP is full of fight right now, energised by the referendum result. Former leader Alex Salmond insists they fought hard for a Remain result delivering 62 per cent of the country a higher percentage than London. Post-referendum polls find a majority of the country in favour of Scottish independence, and more in favour than opposed to the idea of holding a new independence referendum. Former Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond. Credit:Reuters Salmond said the result of the Brexit referendum is the "strongest mandate in Europe" for a political aim. He said Scots are bitter that in the 2014 independence referendum they were told a "No" vote was the only way to guarantee staying in the European Union. "Asked to choose between London and Europe, then we'll choose Europe," he said. "We're seeing a significant change among the leadership in Europe and in Scottish opinion. Do not underrate in any way the total determination of the First Minister [Nicola Sturgeon], supported by the mainstream of Scottish opinion, to consolidate a position within the European framework and not allow the livelihoods of Scottish workers and companies and families to be sacrificed and jeopardised by the chaos and confusion of the Westminster political establishment." He claims that Scotland could legally assume Britain's EU membership as it leaves, bypassing the fraught membership application process. Two years ago Brussels pooh-poohed such ideas. However, Salmond says, this time around they're finding a much friendlier reception on the continent. If the UK left but Scotland remained, it would send a desirable message to the rest of the union. The British parliament has to grant Scotland the right to hold another referendum. But here again Salmond is bullish he says the politics would make it untenable to refuse the concerted will of the Scots to again test their will on the question. In the end, the mess left by the Brexit campaign is a result of the way it was fought, says Usherwood. The Leave campaign's strong card was the "anti-elitist, why should you listen to experts" theme. Washington: It's still months until September, when Britain's next prime minister will be named, and November, when the United States will elect its next president. But the political turmoil that has erupted following Britain's vote to leave the European Union has put in place the possibility of a profoundly historic moment: By next January, women could lead the three largest Western economies. Yes, it's early, and yes, it's still totally speculative. But the possibility that women could lead the United States, Britain and Germany at the same time is also a very real one. Angela Merkel's term as chancellor of Germany is not up until the northern autumn of 2017, when the country will hold its next election. Hillary Clinton is poised to become the first female nominee of a major US political party, and she is currently leading in many polls against Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. Motorcycle Theft: Statistics, Trends & Recommendations Over the last few years, the motorcycle industry has benefited from strong increases in sales across all sectors. In January 2016 alone, sales of new motorbikes increased by 14.2%, however, accompanying the rise of motorbike sales, is an associated rise in motorbike theft. A recent National Crime Intelligence Service survey, which called upon the latest police figures on motorbike crime, revealed that more motorbikes are stolen in the UK than are bought new, and it takes a thief on average, just 20 seconds to steal a motorbike worth almost 10,000. With a motorbike being worth anything from 1,000 to 20,000, it's easy to see how each month criminal gangs are able to steal almost 3,000,000 worth of motorbikes. Once stolen, the fate of the stolen bike can be loosely guaranteed to fall into one of the three categories below: Stolen to order - Bikes will appear with new details and will be exported to the continent Broken down and sold as parts Stolen for joyriding Considering the above figures, it's no surprise that the stereotypical bike thief is not some burly man with bolt cutters and a white van. The incredibly low recovery rates, which currently sit at just 40%, certainly support the fact that most bike thefts are carried out by highly organised gangs. An unusual approach Dr Ken German, who works for the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group has drawn attention to a new trend of motorcycle theft, involving scooters. He explains: Thieves ride around on scooters in a group and target a parked bike. They will then break the steering lock using either brute force or a battery powered cutting device, and then one will then steer the bike while the other ride alongside on scooters pushing it. Thieves will go to extraordinary lengths to keep the stolen bike moving - they run red lights, carve up buses, ride the wrong way down one-way streets - they really don't care' Preventing Motorcycle Theft All the things that make your motorbike so special, its minimal weight, stunning looks and high performance make your bike easy to steal, and desirable to buy on the black market. Below, MSG Bike Gear share some tips and tricks to help prevent the theft of your beloved. Camouflage & Concealment Prevention is certainly better than cure, and in our book the first step towards prevention is concealment. Opportunistic thieves are less likely to target your bike if they don't know it's there, or they don't know what bike it is, or what measures you have used to secure it. Regardless of whether your vehicle is stored inside or out, a motorcycle cover is essential in achieving the above discretion. An added bonus is that motorbike covers protect your bike from the elements. Starting from just 20, they are essential items. Lock & Load (OK, just lock) There are a number of different aftermarket locks, ground anchors and chains available, which can effectively protect your bike. Police guidelines suggest that you should consider spending between 10-15% on bike security, whilst this can be seen as a little extreme in some cases, it does serve to draw attention to the attention you need to place on motorbike security. Your motorbike can easily be stolen by four people simply lifting it off the ground and handling it into the back of a van. At home or at your place of work, we recommend purchasing a ground anchor for you to secure your bike to. Ground anchors are inexpensive, and are available from as little as around 15. If you are out and about on your bike, on a touring holiday for example, a ground anchor is not a feasible option. In these cases, use a security chain to secure your bike against a solid object. If you are riding with friends, ask to lock your bikes together, essentially each bike will act as a ground anchor for one another. Other security options include disc locks, coil locks, loop locks and wall anchors. Alarms & Immobilisers If your bike doesn't have these fitted, it should do. Through purchasing a Thatcham approved, professionally fitted alarm, you won't just deter thieves, you will also lower your insurance premiums. Remove Key Parts A simple yet effective way of keeping hold of your bike, is to remove the spark plug or HT cap. Whilst this is advantageous, don't rely on this as your only means of security. Mark your Motorbike Whilst not directly preventing your motorcycle from theft, marking parts of your motorbike with a vehicle registration number will help your bike to be recovered. It will also help prevent your bike being split into parts and sold. Methods vary from a simple UV pen to more advanced systems which can include Smartwater, Datatag and Alphadot. MSG Bike Gear sells everything you need to ride your motorcycle and to keep it safe. We sell locks, chains, ground anchors and other accessories for security. We also sell boots, gloves, clothing, helmets, heated grips and much much more. All helmets are ECE 22.01 safety standards. (http://www.msgbikegear.co.uk) CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 1, 2016 -- CarGurus, the fastest-growing car shopping website in the U.S., conducted a survey among Volkswagen TDI owners to gather their opinions around the recently announced "Dieselgate" scandal settlement. While the buyback is historic for the automotive industry, not all affected owners agree it went far enough. According to the CarGurus' survey: 57% are not satisfied with the way VW has communicated settlement options to them. Only 18% feel the VW offer is generous, compared to 26% that believe it was not fair. 55% reported they feel it is fair. 52% believe the company is taking appropriate measures to rectify the situation. Consumers are split on how to respond to the settlement and whether they'll remain Volkswagen customers: 47% of owners are undecided about selling back their car or getting it fixed, while only 14% plan on keeping their current VW and 39% will sell it back. 34% of respondents don't know yet if they will buy another VW and 21% said they would not, leaving a surprisingly high 45% who would buy another VW despite the scandal. "The Volkswagen situation has introduced challenges on a new level for both VW and car owners who have been loyal to the brand," said Sarah Welch, SVP Consumer Marketing at CarGurus. "Our survey shows that owners are still processing the information they've received, and VW has a lot of work to do to remain in their good graces." CarGurus analyzed survey responses from more than 150 Volkswagen TDI car owners. Best of Auto Lab 8-10 AM (EDT) July 2, 2016 July 2, 2016, Today's Show Is A Prerecorded "Best Of Auto Lab; Please Call With Your Question Or Opinion Next Week Auto Lab is a 27 year old interactive automotive-focused New York area radio call-in show hosted by Professor Harold Wolchok. Each week a cadre of experienced hands-on automotive experts are in-studio with advice for the New York area's 12 million people, providing listeners with honest, practical and street-smart car repair and buying advice. Auto Lab is also about the automotive industry, its history, and its culture, presenting the ideas and advice of leading college faculty, authors, and automotive practitioners in a relaxed, conversational interactive format. AUTO LAB LIVE 8 to 9 am on WMCA Radio Listen Live on WMCA Radio 9 to 10 am on WNYM Radio Listen Live on WNYM Radio New programs air Saturday mornings. After listening to the first hour on WMCA, you will need to close that window and click the link to listen to the second hour on WNYM. After listening to the first hour on WMCA, you will need to close that window and click the link to listen to the second hour on WNYM. Listeners can hear the past 18 years of archived Auto Lab shows as simulcast on www.theautochannel.com. Listen - Auto Lab Page (Includes Audio-on-Demand Archives, Auto Programs at Community College Database, Guests Pictures July 2, 2016 - Car Question? Straight Answers From These Auto Lab In-Studio Experts Harold Bendell- Major Auto Ivan Anderson-Brookdale Community College Fred Bordoff-Bronx Community College, CUNY Jerry Pastore-D & J Diagnostic Johanna Pastore-D & J Diagnostic Joanne Porcelli, Esq Michael Porcelli - Central Avenue Auto Repairs & I-CAR Nicholas Prague- MTA and Rockland Community College, SUNY Corey Ratner - Department Chair of Automotive Technology at Rockland Community College July 2, 2016 - Correspondent Reports: Auto News, Car Reviews, Opinion and Latest Auto World Information Robert Erskine, Senior European Correspondent, Suffolk England DRIVE SMART? YOU REALLY MUST Alec Slatky, AAA Northeast AAA REVEALS TOP DRIVING DISTRACTIONS FOR TEENS AS "100 DEADLIEST DAYS" BEGIN Russ Rader, Vice President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety FLEXING MUSCLE- SPORTS CAR RATINGS SHOW RANGE OF PERFORMANCE Holly Reich, Automotive Journalist 2016 MINI REVIEW GM Extends Expanded Military Discount Program Through July 8 DETROIT July 1, 2016; Chevrolet, Buick and GMC will celebrate the Independence Day holiday by extending their expanded military discount programs for all 21 million U.S. military veterans and their spouses through July 8, 2016. Making sure all veterans can take advantage of our military discount throughout the Independence Day holiday weekend is one small way we can express our gratitude for their service, said Steve Hill, U.S. vice president of sales and service. GM offers the industrys most comprehensive automotive military discount program. The program is typically available to U.S. military veterans within one year of separation, active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees and their spouses. In honor of National Military Appreciation Month in May, the program expanded to include all veterans regardless of their separation date and their spouses. The discount is available for popular models, including the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra and Buick Encore. Because the discount can be combined with most current incentives, veterans could save thousands of dollars on some vehicles. For details, visit gmmilitarydiscount.com. The Military Discount is one of many ways GM is thanking U.S. military families, said Ken Barrett, GM chief diversity officer and a former U.S. Navy captain. Through our strong partnerships with Building for Americas Bravest, Hiring Our Heroes and the Achilles Freedom Team, we are committed to hiring and helping veterans. GM has supported the U.S. military since 1917, when 90 percent of GMs truck production was directed toward WWI manufacturing. During WWII, GM converted all its plant facilities in support of President Franklin D. Roosevelts call for an Arsenal of Democracy, and has produced more U.S. military vehicles than any manufacturer in history. Today, GM is hiring and helping the latest generation of veterans as they return home. As a national partner of Hiring Our Heroes, GM joined other military-friendly employers to help the campaign find jobs for more than 500,000 veterans since 2012. In 2016, GM was the only automaker named a Best for Vets employer by Military Times and a Military Spouse Friendly employer by Military Spouse magazine. IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2016 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June U.S. sales of 26,188 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3.8 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through June are 145,354 vehicles. Key June sales notes: In its first full month of sales, the all-new 2016 CX-9 accounted for 1,904 vehicles sold in the month of June. This number represents an increase of 21 percent YOY, making it the CX-9's best June since 2013. Signature and Grand Tourning trims continue to be in high demand. Mazda expects the sales trend to continue as more inventory becomes available. Mazda MX-5 had its best June since 2008 with 889 vehicles sold, representing an increase of 102 percent YOY. Mazda CX-5 continues to post strong sales, recording its second-best June ever with 9,227 vehicles sold. Mazda's i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive continues to be popular among consumers buying a Mazda SUV, even during the summer months, with 63 percent of buyers choosing the system. Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 3,361 vehicles, up 11 percent YOY. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported June sales of 3,820 vehicles, down 12 percent versus June of last year. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom. Month-To-Date Year-To-Date June June % % MTD June June % % YTD 2016 2015 Change DSR 2016 2015 Change DSR Mazda2 - 14 (100.0)% (100.0)% 3 273 (98.9)% (98.9)% Mazda3 8,399 9,251 (9.2)% (12.7)% 51,381 54,877 (6.4)% (6.4)% Mazda5 33 1,236 (97.3)% (97.4)% 329 6,284 (94.8)% (94.8)% Mazda6 4,224 5,332 (20.8)% (23.8)% 23,463 32,307 (27.4)% (27.4)% MX-5 Miata 889 440 102.0% 94.3% 5,384 2,654 102.9% 102.9% CX-3 1,512 - N/A N/A 9,502 - N/A N/A CX-5 9,227 9,373 (1.6)% (5.3)% 51,611 53,343 (3.2)% (3.2)% CX-9 1,904 1,577 20.7% 16.1% 3,681 9,257 (60.2)% (60.2)% Total Vehicles CARS 13,545 16,273 (16.8)% (20.0)% 80,560 96,395 (16.4)% (16.4)% TRUCKS 12,643 10,950 15.5% 11.0% 64,794 62,600 3.5% 3.5% TOTAL 26,188 27,223 (3.8)% (7.5)% 145,354 158,995 (8.6)% (8.6)% Selling Days 26 25 152 152 *Mazda2 and Mazda5 are discontinued for MY 2016 2016 2015 % Change June 2016 Sales 11,058 9,985 10.7 Total 2016 Sales 64,978 64,280 1.1 NASHVILLE, Tenn. Infiniti today reported sales of 11,058 vehicles in the U.S. during June, an increase of 10.7 percent versus prior year. The QX50 luxury crossover had its best month ever with an increase of 305 percent to 1,689 units. The QX60 7-passenger luxury crossover also experienced its most successful June ever with sales of 4,380, an increase of 45.9 percent. The QX80 also had its best June ever, with sales of 1,545, and increase of 55.1 percent. In total, Infiniti crossovers and sport utility vehicles were up 69.3 percent over prior year. June June Monthly CYTD CYTD CYTD 2016 2015 % chg 2016 2015 % chg Infiniti Total 11,058 9,985 10.7 64,978 64,280 1.1 Infiniti Q40 4 748 -99.5 58 7,677 -99.2 Infiniti Q50 2,349 3,470 -32.3 20,254 20,400 -0.7 Infiniti Q60 79 366 -78.4 685 2,292 -70.1 Infiniti Q70 522 613 -14.8 3,147 4,484 -29.8 Infiniti QX50 1,689 417 305.0 8,624 1,432 502.2 Infiniti QX60 4,380 3,003 45.9 20,972 1,778 1079.5 Infiniti QX70 490 372 31.7 3,174 2,891 9.8 Infiniti QX80 1,545 996 55.1 8,064 7,326 10.1 Total Car 2,954 5,197 -43.2 24,144 34,853 -30.7 Total Truck 8,104 4,788 69.3 40,834 29,427 38.8 About Infiniti: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017. Infiniti design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi, near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. Infiniti is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its iconic design and innovative driver-assistance technologies. From the 2016 season, Infiniti is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance. More information about Infiniti and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. WEINHEIM, Germany, July 1, 2016 -- In just ten months, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, one of the leading seal manufacturers worldwide, has completed and officially celebrated its major plant expansion in Kecskemet(Hungary). With an investment of about 4 million euros, the company has doubled its production space for innovative sealing solutions to about 6,000 square meters. With this, the first part of a perennial investment of 13 Million Euros has been successfully completed. Representatives of the business community and the political world took part in the opening ceremony along with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. "In Kecskemet, we have established one of the most modern factories in our worldwide production network," said Claus Mohlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. "Thanks to advanced production processes and innovative technology, we will produce about 9 million seals per month, primarily for the auto industry, here in the future." The plant meets the most advanced safety and environmental protection standards, and, among other features, it has its own bus terminal for employees. Hungary is an important manufacturing center for Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, especially for the auto industry. In this segment, the country has been registering a growth rate of more than 17 percent recently. The government also has tailored programs to help foreign companies with their investments here. Opportunities for financial support are provided through the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) which is part of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Additional assistance is available in areas such as language training and special technical education. "Hungary offers outstanding conditions for automakers as well as the supplier industry. Leading companies in the industry, including many of our customers, appreciate this and have built major facilities in Hungary," Mohlenkamp said. "With our plant in Kecskemet, we can quickly supply our customers in the region with high-quality sealing solutions." Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has been producing seals in Kecskemet since 1998. Production operations have been steadily expanded since then. Thanks to the latest expansion, the plant now employs 700 workers. Among other products, they produce radial shaft seal rings for transmission and drivetrain applications, including the Energy Saving Seal (ESS), which contributes to a significant reduction in vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. Seventy-five new positions are being created as part of the expansion. Besides the facility in Kecskemet, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies operates a factory in Lajosmizse, and its subsidiary Dichtomatik has a sales office in Budapest. "Thanks to this major expansion, we now have a competitive facility here in Kecskemet offering excellence in production, quality and logistics," said Zoltan Augusztiny, Plant Manager at the Freudenberg Sealing Technologies site. There is nearly full employment in the region due to the high concentration of industry, and well-trained new talent is hard to find. To meet the need for skilled labor in the future, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies will not only intensify its internal employee training but will become strongly involved in local education programs as well. Besides Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, other Freudenberg Group subsidiaries have a presence in Hungary. They include Vibracoustic, Eagle Burgmann and Vileda. About Freudenberg Sealing Technologies As the leading specialist in sealing applications and their markets, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is a supplier as well as a development and service partner serving customers in a wide variety of sectors including the automotive industry, civil aviation, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, the food and pharmaceuticals industries, and agricultural and construction machinery. In 2015, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies generated sales of about 2.3 billion and employed more than 15,000 people. More information at www.fst.com. The company is part to the global Freudenberg Group which, with its Business Areas Seals and Vibration Control Technology, Nonwovens and Filtration, Household Products as well as Specialities and Others. In 2015, the Group generated sales of more than 7.5 billion in and employed approximately 40,000 associates in around 60 countries. More information is available at www.freudenberg.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freudenberg-sealing-technologies-doubles-production-capacity-in-hungary-300293311.html SOURCE Freudenberg Sealing Technologies CONTACT: Freudenberg Sealing Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, Ulrike Reich, Head of Media Relations, Hoehnerweg 2-4, 69465 Weinheim, Germany; phone: +49 (0)6201 80 5713, email: ulrike.reich@fst.com, www.fst.com RELATED LINKShttp://www.fst.com CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 1, 2016 -- Record June - monthly sales increase 5.1 percent over June 2015 55 consecutive months of month-over-month growth Best June ever for Outback, WRX/STI and Crosstrek 28 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Outbacks sold 35 consecutive months of more than 10,000 Foresters sold Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record sales for June 2016 totaling 46,598 vehicles, a 5.1 percent gain over June 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 279,458 vehicles, a 2.6 percent gain over the same period in 2015. June marked the 28th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Outback, WRX/STI and Crosstrek sales were notably strong as each carline achieved its best June ever. "We can be very happy with our half-year performance which will set us up well for the second half of 2016," said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "To have set June records for Outback, WRX/STI and Crosstrek is a reflection of the continued strong demand for our products." "We are very pleased to have set another half-year record and to have reached our 55th consecutive month of yearly month-over-month sales increases," said Thomas J. Doll, President and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "With increased availability of Legacy and Outback models over the next six months of the year, we can expect that our sales will increase even more in the second half of 2016." Carline Jun-16 Jun-15 % Chg Jun-16 Jun-15 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 12,029 14,058 -14.4% 80,255 80,828 -0.7% Impreza 4,994 5,066 -1.4% 29,765 31,306 -4.9% WRX/STI 3,130 2,166 44.5% 16,006 15,035 6.5% Legacy 5,023 4,526 11.0% 30,357 29,173 4.1% Outback 13,417 10,912 23.0% 77,386 71,317 8.5% BRZ 347 550 -36.9% 2,407 2,809 -14.3% Crosstrek 7,658 7,057 8.5% 43,282 41,950 3.2% TOTAL 46,598 44,335 5.1% 279,458 272,418 2.6% About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. June 2016 Toyota Lexus US Auto Sales TMS posts best-ever light truck in first half Toyota is No. 1 retail brand in first half RAV4, Highlander and 4Runner post best-ever first half LX up 54.6 percent in the first half TORRANCE, CA - July 1, 2016: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported June 2016 sales of 198,257 units, a decrease of 5.6 percent from June 2015 on a volume basis. With one more selling day in June 2016 compared to June 2015, sales were down 9.2 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,197,800 units, down 2.7 percent versus the same period in 2015 on a DSR basis. With the same amount of selling days in the first half of 2016 compared to 2015, sales were down 2.7 percent on an unadjusted raw-volume basis. Toyota division posted June 2016 sales of 172,478 units, down 6.2 percent on a volume basis, and 9.8 percent on a DSR basis. The auto industry had its best first half since 2000, said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. Toyota remains the No. 1 retail brand for the first half, and anticipates record sales for the year for our light trucks as availability continues to strengthen. Lexus posted June sales of 25,779 units, down 1.3 percent on a volume basis, and 5.1 percent on a DSR basis. Lexus maintained its strength in the luxury SUV segment with a particularly strong sales month for RX and NX as both models have momentum with consumers. Our meticulously crafted products continue to garner industry attention, said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. In June, our Lexus manufacturing facility in Kentucky, which builds the ES sedan, earned a JD Power Platinum award for initial quality. June 2016 and First Half Highlights: Corolla posts sales of 30,950 units for the month Camry, the most American made car according to a Cars.com study, posts June sales of 32,561 units TMS posts best-ever light truck in first half RAV4 sales rose 15.5 percent in the first half, with sales of 165,900 units; best-ever first half Highlander posts June sales of 13,436 units; best-ever first half 4Runner posts sales of 54,468 units in the first half, up almost 18 percent; best-ever first half Land Cruiser up almost 40 percent in June Tacoma posts June sales of 15,809 units ES up 6.7 percent in June with sales of 5,060 units NX up 16.2 percent for the month and year-to-date LX up 54.6 percent in the first half RX posts sales of 8,045 units, up more than 11 percent for the month *Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2016 -- After J.D. Power recognized the brand as the highest scoring nameplate in its 2016 Initial Quality Study (IQS) out of all 33 makes in the U.S., Kia Motors America's (KMA) June sales jumped 15.6 percent over the same period last year to 62,572 vehicles, capping the greatest quarter and half-year performances in company history. The brand's fifth monthly sales record in six months included best-ever June totals for the Forte family of compact cars as well as the Sportage and Sorento CUVs. Kia's year-to-date sales of 328,327 units was driven by a number of standout performances, including: A 76.3 percent year-over-year increase for the Sportage compact CUV, highlighted by the best-ever single month total in May for Kia's longest-running nameplate Best-ever first half sales of the Forte compacts, including an all-time high of 10,406 units in March Continued popularity for the Soul, with the iconic urban passenger vehicle on pace for increased sales for the seventh straight year "No auto brand has experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than Kia, and J.D. Power's IQS announcement boosted our momentum with huge increases in online and showroom traffic," said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. "By every measure, the 'New Kia' is an elite automaker and one of the industry's greatest success stories." About Kia Motors America Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2015, surpassing the 600,000 unit mark for the first time in company history. Kia offers a complete line of vehicles in the U.S., including the rear-drive K9001 flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle2, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona minivan, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia's North American manufacturing operations include plants in West Point, Georgia*, and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. * The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. MONTH OF JUNE YEAR-TO-DATE Model 2016 2015 2016 2015 Rio 5,238 2,420 15,368 14,835 Forte 9,170 7,907 52,742 43,182 Optima 9,180 13,488 61,067 79,966 Cadenza 203 359 2,756 3,289 K900 62 168 439 710 Sportage 8,549 3,550 42,229 23,955 Sorento 12,118 8,967 59,078 56,421 Sedona 5,823 5,434 24,120 20,608 Soul 12,229 11,844 70,528 67,986 Total 62,572 54,137 328,327 310,952 1 K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability. 2 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability. ROAD TRIP: Goodyear and Rainer Zietlow team up again to drive from Magadan Russia, to Lisbon Portugal in around 8 days. On June 30th , Rainer Zietlow will embark on his 15,200 km world record drive across Eurasia. In around 8 days , Rainer wants to drive from Magadan, the easternmost city on the Asian continent reachable by car, to Lisbon, the westernmost city on the European continent. As he did with his previous challenges, Zietlow will donate the funds he raises to the charity SOS Village in Belarus which he will visit after the world record run. With a long heritage of firsts, Rainer again choses Goodyear as the ideal partner for this world record attempt. History of firsts Just like multiple world record holder Zietlow, Goodyear also prides itself on a history of firsts: the first to have their tires on the moon, the first to launch off-road tires and the first to win 350 F1 Grand Prix races on their tires. Rainer Zietlow himself already has four long distance world records to his name; this challenge will be his fifth. The attempt will take Zietlow on a journey through 11 time zones, starting at the most extreme point in Eurasia reachable by car. The biggest challenge he faces will be crossing Moscow without traffic jams and the infamous Kolyma Highway in Russia, a 3,000 km gravel road, very demanding for crew, car and tires. In order to cross the supercontinent in a record-breaking time, Rainer Zietlow chose to partner with Goodyear for the third time, using the tire companys Wrangler HP All Weather tires. Previous collaborations were Cape to Cape and Cape to Cape 2.0. All weather Goodyear tire The Wrangler HP All Weather tire, designed for SUV and 4X4 vehicles, combines solid year-round performance on tarmac and hardened roads with strong off-road abilities. The tire offers an aggressive grip in wet weather, strong aquaplaning resistance granting the team the necessary peace of mind as they make their way to Lisbon. Rainer will have to drive on many different surfaces, such as tarmac, gravel and mud, and in various weather in dry as well as in rainy conditions, Alexis Bortoluzzi, Marketing Director EMEA at Goodyear explains. And since he will not have the time to change tires, we equipped him with a set of tires that can really perform during the long and challenging ride, and that, like every Goodyear tire, will do so reliably. Across Eurasia from Magadan to Lisbon The world record attempt is expected to take around 8 days to complete, and will see Zietlow and his team, cameraman Marius Biela and Russian journalist Peter Bakanov, pass through 7 countries: Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal. The car will carry a total of seven tires: four fitted tires and three spare ones. Other partners of the challenge include Volkswagen Group Rus, LukOil lubricants, Ferodo, Champion, Immarsat, Exide, Borbet and Kuehne+Naegel. Authorities warn about rainbow fentanyl Victims often arent aware theyre taking it The Ventura County Office of Education and state health officials have issued a warning to schools and families about rainbow fentanyl, a form of the potentially fatal synthetic opioid that comes in bright colors. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in... Cancer support community to host remembrance event Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara invites family members and friends of those who have died from cancer to attend the second annual Evening of Remembrance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3 at Cancer Support Communitys Garden of Hope,... Grant advances CSUCI research Cal State Channel Islands assistant professor of computer science Scott Feister and assistant professor of mathematics Alona Kryshchenko recently received $112,480 from the National Science Foundation to continue a grant to support their research project, Enhancing Laser Based Ion Sources... Healthcare agency recommends flu shots The Ventura County Health Care Agency offers options for the community to receive flu shots through its Ambulatory Care Clinic system, public health clinics and pop-up clinics. Although seasonal influenza viruses are detected year-round in the United States, they are... The New York State Education Department is reviewing the Clinton Global Initiative Universitys decision to use the term university in its name without explicit permission. The review comes in response to inquiries made by The Daily Beast. For the first time in American history, the (likely) Republican and Democratic nominees for president are also both, bizarrely, associated with eponymous entities that use or used the term university in their titles but were never, in fact, universities. Donald Trump once operated Trump University, later renamed the Trump Entrepreneurship Initiative (but more on that later) while Hillary and Bill Clintons Clinton Global Initiative (itself a faction of the Clinton Foundation) continues to host a lesser-known program they call the Clinton Global Initiative University, or CGI U. Unlike Trump University, there is no CGI U curriculum, no fees, and no promise that attendees will attain a life of tremendous wealth and gaudy boardrooms where they can fire people for fun. But very much like Trump University, CGI U was never a school in any traditional sense. There is no syllabus, no classes, no papers, no grades and, in the end, no degree or cap and gown. But both organizations, at one time, called themselves universities. According to New York state education law, No individual, association, co-partnership or corporation not holding university, college or other degree conferring powers by special charter from the legislature of this state or form of regents is permitted to call itself a university or college without consent. A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department did not immediately respond when asked about the timeframe of the review. Clinton Global Initiative University was founded by the former president in 2007 not as a separate company, but as an annual seminar hosted by CGI. CGI Us stated goal, according to information provided to The Daily Beast by the Clinton Foundation, is, vaguely, to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world. They do this via an annual meeting, usually attended by Chelsea and Bill. This years was in April at UC Berkeley. The Clinton Foundation is quick to highlight a long list of boldfaced names that have addressed the students: Madeleine Albright, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Pharrell Williams, Pussy Riots Nadya Tolokonnikova and so on. Video footage of past meetings show a conference that feels part Scientology and part TED Talk. Students at CGI U dont just discuss global challenges, the Clinton Foundation told The Daily Beast in all earnestness, they take real, concrete steps toward solving them. Where the Clinton Global Initiative University is similar to Trump University, however, is that it never received permission to call itself a university. On March 30, 2010, the New York state Department of Education sent a complaint to Trump regarding Trump University LLC. Trump U had been founded five years previously as a means of capitalizing on the newfound superstardom that came to Trump, a developer of really yuge buildings and a tabloid fixture, with the premiere of NBCs The Apprentice in 2004. Trump hired ivy league professors and intellectuals to create an online curriculum that promised to teach his fans the tricks of the real estate trade. But when those classes, sold on CD-ROM, proved an insufficiently profitable business venture, Trump U pivoted to hosting real estate seminars and selling mentorships to single moms for $35,000. Technically Trump U never said it was a real college. There were no credits to be had or graduation ceremony to attend. But there was a school cresta medieval lion roaring before a backdrop of red and goldand a promise that, with his help and his help only, students could become tycoons themselves. And that was enough to set off some alarm bells at the Department of Ed. In the state of New York, university is a legally defined term that may not be used in the real or assumed name of a business corporation, or not-for-profit corporation without the prior written consent of the Commissioner of the State Education Department, the letter, from then-deputy commissioner Joseph P. Frey, read. Frey alleged that, based on Trump Universitys website alone, It is evident that it is holding itself out as an institution of higher education, which, he wrote, was a violation of New York State Education Law. In light of this violation, Frey wrote. I must ask you to immediately discontinue use of the word university in your corporations name. After first toying with renaming themselves Trump Education, Trump eventually settled on, The Trump Entrepreneur Initiative before going out of business altogether. Today, the company remains the subject of two class action lawsuits in California and a separate suit brought by the Attorney General in New York, Eric Schneiderman. Doug Varley, an attorney with Caplin & Drysdale who the Clinton Foundation said it, engaged with on this issue, pointed to a caveat in New York state education law during a conversation with The Daily Beast. Varley believes the caveat means the Clinton Global Initiative is legally permitted to use the term university to describe its program. The law8 CRR-NY 3.29specifies that the same rule which forced Trump University to change its name to the Trump Entrepreneur Initiative does not apply to individual proprietorships, associations, co-partnership or corporations which do not offer educational programs and whose name includes the world college or university in a context from which it clearly appears that such an entity is not an educational institution. For the Clintons sake, Varley better be right. The Clinton Global Initiative Entrepreneur Initiative doesnt exactly roll off the tongue. The Obama administration said Friday it had killed as many as 116 civilians through its air campaign against jihadists in places like Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya. Yet no one who has studied the preferred U.S. tactic in the war against terror groups like al Qaeda consider that figure accurate. At least one independent group of observers put the number of innocents slain by U.S. drones and other aircraft in the thousands. And because the administration provided no details when, where or how those deaths occurred, there was no way to assess the effects of the U.S. war on extremists outside its war zones. That is, the release of the numbers, which the administration hailed Friday as move toward transparency, instead only added to the obfuscation surrounding Americas counterterror operations. In all, the administration said it had killed as many as 2,581 militants since Obama assumed office on Jan. 20 2009. U.S. officials offered scant information to demonstrate how they came up with the figure, which many human rights groups and terrorism experts consider to be dubious. According to a three-page report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, from the beginning of the Obama administration through Dec. 31, 2015, the U.S. has conducted 473 drone and manned airstrikes in areas outside the wars in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, states that are part of the U.S. counterterrorism campaign against extremists. The Daily Beast first reported last month that the administration planned to announce it had killed around 100 militants. The administration concluded that, in addition to civilians, the strikes killed between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants. But the long-awaited unveiling of the U.S. assessment fell short of the detailed assessment that human rights groups and critics of the Obama and Bush administrations counterterrorism operations have called for. The administration did not say in which country the strikes occurred, which extremist groups were targeted, what proportion of the strikes were conducted by drone or manned aircraft, nor when each strike occurred. They also did not offer a year-by-year breakdown of the number of strikes, rather than an aggregate number covering the whole of Obamas time in office. The Obama administrations release of figures on civilian casualties in lethal strike operations is a long-overdue step toward greater transparency, Laura Pitter, senior U.S. national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. But the U.S. has failed to explain who it targets and why, making it impossible to corroborate its casualty figures. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity suggested that more deaths from such strikes had occurred during the earlier years of the Obama administration, and that there was a drop-off in later years when officials became better at distinguishing terrorists and minimizing civilian casualties. We frankly learned from past strikes, the official said. Administration officials would not say how many of strikes were conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency compared to the Defense Department, and they did not say how many of its strikes had been investigated for suspected civilian casualties. Indeed, even the figure of 116 so-called non-combatant deaths was incomplete. The administration said it had killed between 64 and 116 non-combatants. A second senior administration official who briefed reporters said that in instances where it was not clear whether the person killed was a civilian or combatant, officials listed the person as a civilian. Many human rights groups consider the number of deaths improbably low, based on independent assessments which have put the number in the thousands. For example, Reprieve, a human rights group dedicated to studying the U.S. drone war, estimates that 4,700 people in all have been killed. And a 2013 McClatchy report found that despite U.S. assertions that drone strikes had killed top level al Qaeda members, classified documents show that the strikes have also killed hundreds of lower level militants. Most embrace findings that the number of civilian casualties could be as high as 1,000. The administration, however, repeatedly called the casualty number transparent and noted the U.S. takes great care to minimize civilian casualties, even at the risk sometimes of not striking a suspected jihadist. But the officials struggled to explain how mistakes were made, given what they consider precision strikes. Administration officials said they released as much as they could while protecting the needed secrecy of the program. We have some uncertainty and we are trying to be as honest about that as possible, one of the senior administration officials on the call with reporters explained. Perhaps the best known U.S. civilian killed in counterterrorism strikes is Warren Weinstein, who was being held by al Qaeda in Pakistan when a January 2015 U.S. strike targeting the deputy al Qaeda leader in the Indian Subcontinent killed Weinstein and another hostage, Italian citizen Giovanni LePorto. The administration has called its drone program a precise, effective form of warfare that targets terrorists and reduces the chances of the United States becoming embroiled in quagmires in the war against extremists. But many opponents said the U.S. often does not know who it is killingand even worse that it is evasive about who it is targeting. Even some defense officials fear the drone program has led some to join extremist groups. Terror leaders around the world have cited the drone war as a reason for others to join their ranks. The release of the order and official tally will likely, in the short term, only add to the controversy. In addition to the figures, the administration also released an executive order requiring that civilian casualty numbers be released every year on May 1. President Obama has repeatedly addressed his concerns about potential civilian casualties in an air war that lacks ground troops to assess damage from strikes. It is a cruel and bitter truth that in the fog of war generally and our fight against terrorists specifically, mistakes, sometimes deadly mistakes, can occur, the president said at a news conference after Weinstein and Portos death. But one of the things that sets America apart from many other nations, one of the things that makes us exceptional, is our willingness to confront squarely our imperfections and to learn from our mistakes. The administrations findings were notably released on a Friday afternoon before a long holiday weekend, when many are likely to miss an announcement hailed as move toward transparency. The reason for the wide discrepancies between the administrations casualty count and those by outside groups, officials said, is that the the U.S. government has access to sensitive, real-time intelligence about the strike and uses methods for counting casualties that non-governmental organizations lack. Whats more, outside observers are relying in some cases on information that may be coming from people who are trying to deliberately inflate the figures, such as terrorist groups, officials said. The U.S. Government uses post-strike methodologies that have been refined and honed over the years and that use information that is generally unavailable to non-governmental organizations, according to a summary of the casualty figures released by the DNI office. Whereas non-governmental organizations frequently rely on media reports and secondary sources for their counts, the government's post-strike reviews involve the collection and analysis of multiple sources of intelligence before, during, and after a strike, including video observations, human sources and assets, signals intelligence, geospatial intelligence, accounts from local officials on the ground, and open source reporting, the DNIs office said. Also, outside groups assessments may be further complicated by the deliberate spread of misinformation by some actors, including terrorist organizations, in local media reports on which some non-governmental estimates rely, the intelligence office said. Human rights groups lauded the administrations efforts to increase transparency but said crucial gaps still remain in the publics understanding about how drones strikes are conducted and, importantly, who the administration actually counts as a civilian. Without information on the administrations definitions and legal standards for these strikes, any meaningful assessment of the numbers will be incomplete, Naureen Shah, the director of Amnesty International USAs Security and Human Rights Program, said in a statement. This is not the end of the public conversation on U.S. drone strikes, but just the beginning. Federico Borello, Executive Director of Center for Civilians in Conflict, said in a statement that the administration should condition the sale of weapons to foreign militaries on their incorporating policies to protect civilians. Civilian protection usually become a priority only after tragedies have already occurred. This is neither ethically acceptable nor strategically smart, he said. A few years ago I started noodling on a novel that I hoped would expose the fault lines that seemed to be splitting our politics. My thought was to take reality and push it to the edge both for comic affect and to offer up a cautionary tale of where our politics might be headed. I finished the book in the summer of 2015 and I was a little worried that I had gone too far. How believable would it be that a xenophobic Republican who wanted to ban immigration and deport millions might actually be a real contender for president? Well, now we know. Donald Trump hasnt called for a new Bill of Rights like Armstrong George, the handsome fire-breather in my novel, The Innocent Have Nothing To Fear, but hes the first candidate whos running as if the Bill of Rights doesnt exist. (If we get through this election without some reporter asking Trump if he can name the amendments in the Bill of Rights, it will be a crying shame.) Even while channeling my darkest impulsesand Lord knows we all have them, which is probably the key to Trumps success so farit never occurred to me that a candidate for president of the United States of America could call for a religious test to enter the United States without being considered a frothing lunatic. Was I naive or what? Trumps Muslim ban would require all U.S. visitors to declare and prove religionbecause how do you separate the Muslims from the non-Muslims without requiring proof of religion? If Yusuf Islam shows up at Heathrow and announces hes no longer a Muslim but is now Cat Stevens, a Quaker, does the customs officer then ask him William Penn trivia questions to make sure he means it? The only governing models for this kind of madness would be somewhere in the archives of the Third Reich but even the efficient Germans couldnt really pull it off. Despite his Germanic heritage (which he has claimed to be Swedish, but then most everybody wants to be Swedish), Donald Trump couldnt stop a neo-Nazi from ending up on his California delegate slate. Since just under a quarter of the globe is Muslim, his ban is going to take a serious upgrade in the TSA hiring guidelines. (That Trump after the Orlando massacre talked back his promise of a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States to an equally absurd one to suspend immigration from areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism only shows how glib and careless he is.) Donald Trump is the first nominee (OK, presumptive nominee, just to be hopeful) of a major party who seems completely unacquainted with the basic principles that define the American experience. Article Six of the Constitution prohibits any religious test for office but Trump casually questions the religion of anyone who runs against him, without even a hint that doing so might be fundamentally un-American. (Could someone please ask Donald Trump his views on Article Six? Im betting that he will say it comes before Article Seven and after Five.) Of course questioning religion probably doesnt mean much to Trump since he appears to view church as a place you go every few years to marry a model. That faith might play a large role in anyones life seems as alien to him as paying retail. Its never been a secret that America and Americans have a dark side, which is no doubt one of the definitions of being human. But America resisted the siren call of totalitarian leadership that so many seemingly sane countries embraced in the 1930s. It has been an article of political faith that to win the presidency, a candidate must be able to inspire not incite an American populace. But Trump, running as a grievance-monger who will settle the score for any slight, is appealing to our worst, not our best, instincts. Hes the ultimate anti-Reagan candidate, insisting over and over that Americans are afraid. He sees us as a fearful, timid mass waiting to be saved by a Strong Man. Trump doesnt live in the same country as you and I. We live in the richest country in the world. Donald Trump says America is a poor country. We live in the nation with the greatest military in the history of civilization. Donald Trump calls our military terrible, weak. We live in a country where the Bill of Rights is not an option available to those who can afford it but the essential compact between government and citizens. Donald Trump believes a rich person can muscle the press through threats of expensive litigation. The other day waiting to board a plane, I was attempting to reassure a friendsolid Republican but not a Trump Republicanthat Trump would not win. What are the odds he can win? my friend asked. Twenty or 25 percent max, I said. He thought about it for a moment and then asked a question I really wish he hadnt: Would you get on this plane if it had 20 percent chance of crashing? Hell no. Who would? The problem with Donald Trump is that the innocent really do have something to fear. As legendarily prudish New Yorker editor William Shawn would never have permitted any of his writers to write, even the best people fuck up from time to time. Thus, Shawns successor thrice-removed, David Remnick, is offering fragile justifications for excerpting a problematic book, and the benighted soul at the center of the embarrassmentthe famously dapper iconic wordsmith, Gay Talesecant figure out what to say about it all. The 84-year-old Talese is nothing if not eloquent. Hes the author of some of the classics of New Journalism, in which novelistic techniques are employed in fact-based reporting, including his unforgettable Esquire profile Frank Sinatra Has A Cold. Yet Talese was strangely tongue-tied and flustered this week when confronted with a series of factual errors that could easily have been avoided. (Ironically, the authors wife, publisher Nan Talese, who runs an eponymous imprint at Random House, faced an even more harrowing fact-challenged situation in 2006 when Oprah Winfrey championed Talese author James Freys addiction memoir, A Million Little Pieces, turning it into a mega best-seller, and then roasted Frey and Talese on her syndicated daytime show when SmokingGun.com revealed that the purported true-to-life book was largely made up.) Remnick, the editor of the 91-year-old magazine, sought to minimize the problems in Taleses book-length narrative about a creepy innkeeper, The Voyeurs Motel, a 13,000-word excerpt of which was published last April in The New Yorker. This is not an account of, say, national security, Remnick argued Friday to The Washington Posts media blogger, Erik Wemple, after Post media reporter Paul Farhi published a blockbuster story revealing that Taleses book about Denver area motel owner Gerald Foos, and his pervy predilection for spying on his guests, was at least partly based on apparent fabrications contradicted by, among other things, official property records. Remnick (who didnt respond to an email from The Daily Beast) seemed to be saying that because the subject of Taleses book was not of world-shaking consequence, verifiable facts were likewise of less than vital importance. A New Yorker spokesperson told The Daily Beast that the magazines excerpt of Taleses book did not include anecdotes from the period in which Foos did not own the motel. This was, from the start, a profile of a very peculiar character, to say the least, Remnick continued to Wemple, adding: The central fact of the piece, that Gerald Foos was, in the late 60s and 70s, a voyeur, spying on the guests in his motel, is not in doubt in the article or in the Posts article. The fact that [Foos] could sometimes prove an unreliable and inaccurate narrator is also something that Gay Talese makes clear to the reader, repeatedly, and is part of the way Foos is characterized throughout the article. Talese, for his part, was all over the lot and extremely emotional when Farhi informed him of his damning conclusions on Wednesday. At first defiantly defensive, then abjectly apologetic, and then pitifully self-flagellating, Talese made a variety of clashing statements to Farhi between Wednesday and Thursday, as though the the author was transitioning through Elisabeth Kubler-Rosss Five Stages of Grief. Talese (who didnt respond to a voicemail message) first suggested to Farhiwho initially flagged factual inconsistencies in Taleses narrative when the New Yorker excerpt was published in Aprilthat The Voyeurs Motel isnt about property records, so basically who cares? Then, after getting on the phone Wednesday and interrogating Fooswho admitted to Talese that he misrepresented facts in diary entries (for which Taleses book publisher, Grove Atlantic Press, paid the innkeeper an undisclosed sum) that formed the basis for Taleses narrativethe author realized that hed been conned. Farhi reported that property records showed Foos didnt even own the motel from 1980 to 1988, when it passed through the hands of two different owners before Foos reacquired it. Farhi had previously reported that Taleses riveting central anecdote of Foos hiding in the motel ceiling and quietly bearing witness to a woman being strangled to death by a boyfriend was at best highly dubious, as no police records of the supposed 1977 murder existed. The apparently bogus story, which Talese credulously repeated from one of Fooss diary entries, was featured in the New Yorkers excerpt. Gerald Ballard, a subsequent owner of the Manor House in Aurora, Colorado, told Farhi that he had blocked access to the ceiling vents that Foos used to spy on his customers. Foos, meanwhile, didnt have access to the motel, in any case, during the eight years he didnt own it, Farhi reported. The source of my book, Gerald Foos, is certifiably unreliable, Talese conceded to Farhi this week. Hes a dishonorable man, totally dishonorable... I know that... I did the best I could on this book, but maybe it wasnt good enough. Distraught, Talese added: I should not have believed a word he said Im not going to promote this book. How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet? Farhis story was posted Thursday under the headline Author Gay Talese disavows his latest book amid credibility questions. But then Talese promptly reversed himself in an interview with internet gossip columnist Roger Friedman, who wrote in the wee hours Friday morning: Talese tells me that the [Post] headline should read: Author Gay Talese disavows Paul Farhi for distorting how he feels about the book. Gay says: I definitely am going to promote it, beginning this coming week. On Friday Farhi vehemently dismissed Taleses claim of distortion, telling The Daily Beast: I stand by everything we wrote. I wont take back a word. Its all straightforwardly factual. Everything I quoted Talese as saying, he said Its all good, as far as Im concerned. Shortly after that, Talese did yet another about-face, acknowledging in a Grove Atlantic press release, When I spoke to the Washington Post reporter, I am sure I was surprised and upset about this business of the later ownership of the motel, in the eighties. That occurred after the bulk of the events covered in my book, but I was upset and probably said some things I didnt, and dont, mean. Talese added, however: Let me be clear: I am not disavowing the book and neither is my publisher. If, down the line, there are details to correct in later editions, well do that. Grove Atlantic chief executive Morgan Entrekin, meanwhile, said: The vast majority of the book focuses on Fooss early life and the years from 1969 to 1980, which is not at issue in the Washington Post story. Grove takes the Post story seriously and will work with Talese to address any questions in future printings. It sounds like they have their work cut out for them. Editors note: This article has been amended. Contrary to what The Daily Beast initially reported, the New Yorker excerpt did not include anecdotes from the period in the 1980s when Gerald Foos did not own the Manor House motel. This July 4th, no matter if youre enjoying a cabernet from Napa, a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand or a pinotage from South Africa, its in great part due to the Judgment of Paris. The historic blind tasting, which occurred in, you guessed it, Paris during the spring of 1976, pitted unheralded California vineyards against some of Frances most famous houses. In a Hollywood-like twist, two of the underdog American wines were able to take top honors. (The winning bottles, the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and the 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, are even now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.) In retrospect, the moment seems loaded with importance, but it was actually a fairly modest contest with perhaps 20 people in attendanceof which almost half were judges. And there was just one journalist, George Taber from Time, who covered the tasting. Better to be lucky than smart, jokes Taber, who wrote a best-selling book on the experience, called the Judgment of Paris. And I was lucky to be there. His story, which in our current food and drink obsessed-world would be front-page news, wasnt even the lead piece in Times Living Section. Tabers account of the tasting followed a much longer article about, if you can believe it, a new theme park that had just opened in Atlanta. The shocking thing about the original story in Time Magazine was that it was four paragraphs long, says Taber. But amazingly enough it was the first time anybody in the world heard about it. You may be asking yourself whats the big deal? Well, to set the stage in the 1970s if you walked into a liquor store or perused a restaurants menu your options would be fairly limited to wines from France. If you were lucky there might be a few bottles from Italy or Spain or possibly Germany. Given the overwhelming selection of even a run of the mill wine shop today it seems hard to believe that a drinkers options were ever so limited. But France ruled the world in 1976, reminds Taber. How about the now ubiquitous bottlings from Napa and Sonoma? Taber says at the time most stores might have carried just a few choices but that was it. There was no demand for them, he admits. The problem dates back to Prohibition, which, of course, prohibited the commercial sale of wine to individuals. The wine industry in the United States was absolutely clobbered by Prohibition, says Taber. When Prohibition was over American habits had completely changed. Before the legislation went into effect, dry wines were quite popular in the country. After our failed experiment with temperance only sweet and high-alcohol wines (what Taber calls wino wines) were available. As a result, it took a long time for Americans to come back to wine. The victory at the Judgment of Paris put a stamp of approval on California wines. While its effect on America might now seem inevitable, the results were, surprisingly, felt around the globe. It awakened the wine makers of the world, says Taber. It also busted the myth that only good wine could be made in France. Four decades later, store shelves are practically groaning under the weight of all the California cabs and chardonnays, and thats not to mention all the other states producing wine. In fact, last year, US wine exports set an all-time record in terms of winery revenue, which totaled $1.61 billion. And amazingly, the top buyer of American wines by far was the European Union. I think were living in a golden age of wine and it all started with that tasting, says Taber. Never have so much great wine been made in so many countries. New Yorks white collar set paid double for drugstore cokeand were not talking soda. A year-long sting by NYPD narcotics plain clothes officers took down a trio of Lower East Side street pharmacists who allegedly sold their pure dope product for twice the street price to their VIP clientele. The exploits of kingpin Kenny Jay Hernandez and his foot soldiers Felix Jake Nunez and Oscar Almonte are documented in a riveting 88-page criminal complaint detailing how the crew hand delivered the goods all over Manhattan to 18 demanding execs. They include boldface names like Fox Business producer Katherine Welnhofer, Chipotles Chief Creative and Development Officer Mark Crumpacker, and a spate of Wall Street types in a takedown reminiscent of the 80s. The cops maintained a steady surveillance on the ring and consistently bought cocaine in various instances throughout the investigation. Some buyers have been named and arraigned while others are expected to be nabbed in the coming days, authorities said. The buys were made in bodegas, 99-cent stores, supermarkets, art galleries, and fine restaurants, but the dealers seemed to favor certain aisles in pharmacies including Duane Reade and CVS. The police depict Hernandez as some sort of Tony Montana-inspired drill sergeant, constantly switching up cellphones, hopping flights, and putting in long clips to move what was often referred to as girls, tickets, white, killer stuff, and yams. You need to be on your shit, come fast, Hernandez once said, today is Friday when I start, when I go outside I last three, four hours, then I come back, get another. The perks of Hernandezs operation offered customers a sort of valet service, making transactions along the aisles of drugstores of their choosing, to their office, home, watering hole, or to an idling luxury car (which always seemed to be a Mercedes). And their pursuit for purity and accommodation to be supplied around the clockoften by Hernandez himselfmeant people were dealing with few middlemen and each got personal treatment. For Christopher Dodson, a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch, his offsite trading floor was the same Duane Reade pharmacy located on Second Avenue and East 32nd Street in the citys Kips Bay neighborhood. Roman Yoffewho, according to LinkedIn, worked at a tax and management firm RVYA on Wall Streetmet Hernandes to purchase 4 for 6 inside a Gristedes supermarket on Feb. 24, 2015, located in Lower Manhattan. A day later, clearly pleased with the punch the cocaine packed, Yoffe bought the same but this time had Hernandez meet him at the office, his employer downtown. One unnamed customer called Hernandez for 150 dollars worth of some nice shit [Hernandez] just got, the complaint states. Three days later Hernandez met Kyle Holmes in a little black car and allegedly sold cocaine to Holmes, who is maybe the same man described on LinkedIn as a senior associate at an international health-care consulting firm called Marwood Group. Austin Dodson, who according to a man with the same name on LinkedIn works as an associate for the city property juggernaut Cushman and Wakefield, preferred to meet Hernandez at a restaurant 20 blocks uptown, the complaint claims. As demand increased, so too did the domains where deals were made. Hernandez and company went from Rx to rolling shotgun in various luxury cars. One customer demanded to meet Hernandez in a white Mercedes where 5/4 200 of really good stuff would be exchanged. Another time, Dodson met a customer inside a white E-Class Mercedes in the shadow of the Waldorf Astoria where he allegedly bought 4 for 240. Hernandez knew the score when he was called and often cut to the quick when it came to making deals. In one call recorded on March 4 with an unnamed customer he asked What you need? and the coke fiend responded Blow. Hernandez tartly retorted, I know that, how much? While coke is the only dish on the menu it doesnt stop one customer asking for specials. You got any Adderall? one unnamed customer asked. Hernandez allegedly invents a money-back guarantee to win the sale even though its just plain Jane cocaine. No, I have some good white. Try what I have and if you dont like it Ill give you your money back. And Hernandez seemed to want to keep his business far from the nest. When one of his crew called from outside his home on May 10, he allegedly told them You cant bring niggas to my building. He ultimately buzzed the bunch up despite the warning. The getting was good until their crew began to crumble. On May 29, Felix Jake Nunez spoke with Hernandez who claimed he just landed. You know you got saved right now. We both got saved, that nigga was working with them the whole time. Its unclear what Nunez is referring to, but its possible hes speaking about their number three Oscar Almonte whose name save for the charges doesnt appear to be throughout the complaint. The good times come to an end it appears on June 7 when a cop called Hernandez to ask if he was going to be in town over the weekend. He responds Its Jay, this is my new number. Save it. What you need? Call me at this number, I wont have the other number no more, he said, according to the document. This appears to be the last chatter before the police moved in. In court, some of the customers appeared in green jumpsuits and were slapped with high bail amounts. Welnhofer, the Fox Business producer, was remanded in lieu of $15,000 bail. Dodson, who almost ran up an $8,000 cocaine tab, must come up with a $30,000 bond. Yoffe, who bought $2,500 worth of white was held for $30,000 bond. One attorney, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed to The Daily Beast concern that the hiked bail was set as a shaming tactic. The judge in this case is essentially punishing these customers for their affluence or appearance of affluence, the attorney said. If this was someone who was outside making their first street buy and was observed by an officer who arrested them, they would be released on their own recognizance 100 times out of a 100. Nevertheless, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance railed about all of the offenders and referred to the coke fiends as key repeat customers. In a statement, Vance stressed his office was determined to not just focus on fracturing the illicit marketplace. We are dedicated to stemming both the supply and demand for dangerous narcotics, and the crime that accompanies the market for illegal drugs. NYPD Commissioner William Bratton gave a little credit to the dealers smarts: This narcotics operations was organized and discreet, but it could not withstand the precision of the long-term investigation. ODESSA, Ukraine Sometimes the world of terror and counterterror is amazingly small. The day after at least 43 people were killed and more than 235 injured in a terrorist attack on Istanbuls international airport, Turkish officials announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the attack: Akhmed Chatayev, an ethnic Chechen from Russia who, in the past, had traveled extensively in Ukraine, Austria and Georgia. Here in the Black Sea port of Odessa, in Ukraine, Police Chief Gen. Giorgi Lortkipanidze knows all about Chatayev. The general used to be the deputy interior minister in Georgia, and for a while, he says, had Chatayev on the government payroll. A few years ago I recruited Chatayev, who was a good informer and negotiator between us and Islamist underground of the Northern Caucasus; with his help we prevented several terrorist attacks on Georgia, Gen. Lortkipanidze told The Daily Beast in an exclusive interview on Friday. For more than a year, Lortkipanidze said, he was pleased with his recruiter and informant, Chatayev. But then he turned against us and we arrested him. In August of 2012, a group of radical militants was going to cross [into Russia] from Georgia and Chatayev said he was Muslim, he could not abandon his brothers by informing on them, Lortkipanidze said. In Odessa, the day before we talked, Lortkipanidze had deployed an significant number of security personnel to prevent any destabilization there during protests to demand the return of public court hearings. Tires burned and sirens wailed. Dozens of buff young men in body armor lined up along the neoclassical white columns of the city hall. Lortkipanidze said he suspected that there were terrorists carrying illegal weapons in the crowd of protesters. Shows of force are only one of the methods he has learned to use over the years. On Sept. 8, 2012, the general commanded the Georgian counter-terrorist division that arrested Chatayev. But by then, the Chechen had learned how to game the system. The alleged mastermind of the Istanbul massacre was a Russian citizen who had applied for refugee status in Austria. There, for several years, Chatayev was a representative in Europe for Doku Umarov, the leader of the Caucasus Emirate terrorist organization, according to the general. Russia tried for years to extradite Chatayev. In 2010 he was briefly under arrest in Ukraine but neither Ukraine nor Georgialong hostile to Russias secret serviceswould give him back to his home country. International human rights defenders insisted that the Chatayev, a veteran of the Chechen wars, was protected by the Geneva Convention. It was one thing to grab a terrorist and another to keep him behind the bars, the general said, especially when politics get involved. A few days before Chatayevs arrest in Georgia in September 2012, three members of Lortkipanidzes special units were killed and at least 11 terrorists died in what later some reports described as an operation full of contradictions. Chatayev was wounded in the clash that took place not far from Georgias border with Dagestan, a Russian region notorious for its Islamic terrorist underground. Chatayevs leg was amputated, said the general. We grabbed him there in the forest and wanted him to stay behind the bars for fighting against our troops. Chatayev was charged with illegal possession of explosives. But he was released shortly after, in spite of protests by then lame-duck President Mikheil Saakashvili (now the governor of Odessa) and Lortkipanidze. The problem was that the government in Georgia changed and in a couple of months the new authorities dropped the charges against Chatayev, said the general, and this is where things get conspiratorial a typically Caucasian way. He must have promised them to testify against Saakashvili and me, said the general. The [new Bidzina] Ivanishvili government let Chatayev go from jail, which was a huge mistake and a crimeI keep saying that fighting terror and politics should never been mixed together. Russian civil society and human rights defenders do not agree with Lortkipanidzes recollections. Gregory Shvedov, the editor-in-chief of the Caucasian Knot website was a witness to the conflict that the Georgian special services had with Chechen militants in 2012. Both Saakashvili and his police commanders lied, said Svedov. They promised a group of Chechens a so-called corridor to Russian Dagestan but from the very beginning they planned to kill all these Chechens, Shvedov said. According to Shvedov, the Georgian interior ministry recruited young Chechens in order to kill them in cold blood and then claim the credit for preventing a purported attempt by Russia to invade Georgian territory. Lortkipanidze denied all these allegations and referred to them as purely political made up in 2012 to discredit Saakashvili. Lortkipanidze began to work for the post-Perestroika Georgian secret service in 1994. Since then he worked for Georgian intelligence, counterintelligence, special unit and the ministry of interior. Today Gen. Lortkipanidze faces extensive criticism by civil society and the free press in Georgia as he fights terror, crime and corruption in the Odessa region governed by former Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili. This one year in Odessa was harder than almost two decades in law-enforcement agencies, the general told The Daily Beast. Almost every week Odessa police arrest somebody for illegal weapons or explosive possession. Lortkipanidze has established a department to fight the extensive illegal weapons trade. The Odessa region with over 3 million population on the border with EU is sinking into an internal war between corrupt but rich criminal groups and poor police troops, reformed by Gen. Lortkipanidze. The average salary for a local cop is less than $200 a month. The general has arrested at least 14 policemen for corruption and abducting people; he has fired about 800 Odessa cops and about 500 quit themselves, because without taking bribes working for the police became unaffordable. And just like back home in Georgia, to Lortkipanidzes huge frustration, judges and prosecutors often worked against him and let the arrested criminals walk free. We were recently about to search a criminal group but a court employee took a picture of the warrant and sent it to our suspect by Viber, the general said. It is important to punish the criminals as today, he said, because in a world where terror and criminality work hand in hand, we never know what crime they will commit tomorrow." This article initially stated that Akhmed Chatayev had been arrested by Turkish authorities after the Istanbul airport bombing. That is incorrect; in fact, he is likely living in ISIS-controlled territory in Syria. New York Citys longest-serving police commissioner, Ray Kelly, is bracing for more jihadist mayhem in the United States. I think other attacks are inevitable, he told The Daily Beast on Thursday, while he predicted increased law enforcement vigilance as Fourth of July weekend loomsfeaturing crowds enjoying fireworks displays and creating a potentially worrisome target for a fanatic bent on carnage. Anytime you have large numbers of people gathering together, there is a risk, Kelly said. I dont see the risk being elevated from years gone by. This notion of somehow continuing to jack it up doesnt hold. I think its fair to say that New York City is operating at a pretty high capacity all the time. Yes, I know weve had Orlando and now Istanbul, but I think everything that can reasonably be done is being done. New Yorks former top copwho today is vice chairman of the K2 Intelligence investigative firm, as well as an ABC News consultant and distinguished visiting fellow at the Council on Foreign Relationswas speaking 18 days after an ISIS-inspired gunman massacred 49 people at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, two days after apparently ISIS-led suicide bombers killed and wounded scores of travelers at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport, and the day after CIA Director John Brennan warned of additional radical Islamist attacks on American cities. In an observation likely to raise hackles, Kelly said: I think good people [in the Muslim community] want to prevent these things, but Im always surprised when events like this [the attack in Turkey] happen, theres no mass condemnation on the part of the Muslim community. In many of these attacks, Muslims are being killed, Muslims are killing each other, but what you dont hear is an outcry from the leaders of the Muslim community as far as these atrocities are concernedwhich surprises me. If its being done, its not resonating with me. Its called a counterterrorism overlay, Kelly said about the heightened law enforcement presence surrounding Independence Day. For events like this, it amounts to more plainclothes people in the crowd, in essence more vigilance, and of course theres always a constant checking of the internet to see if theres any traffic, any chatter, that might be of concern, especially as it relates to the event itself. While Kelly gloomily pronounced on the certainty of future terrorist attacks in the United States, I dont think necessarily theyre inevitable in New York, he said. Weve done an awful lot to protect this city. But I think well see more in the country as a whole. It doesnt take much to do this, and they [the so-called Islamic State] are 24 hours a day trying to motivate people to do it The reality is you cant stop every one of them. Tuesdays attack in Istanbulin which the death toll was 43 as of this writing, with dozens of others woundedpresents a host of dilemmas for law enforcement, said Kelly, who has flown through the highly-protected international facility. People have said that Istanbul had good security, but the Tel Aviv airport is renowned for its security, Kelly said. But it only processes about 50,000 passengers a day, so its almost a boutique operation, where they squeeze toothpaste tubes and that sort of thing. You just cant do that in a modern airport these days. You just cant slow traffic down like that. Four years ago, Kelly absorbed public criticism after the Associated Press produced a Pulitzer Prize-winning series on the NYPDs undercover surveillance program of Muslims and mosques, run by an ex-CIA official. But he points out that he regularly visited New York City mosques as police commissioner and worked to establish ties with the Muslim community; he also cited a 2007 government study concluding that aspiring terrorists stay away and the mosque is not necessarily a watering hole for terrorists. Kelly disputed the notion that the NYPD targeted mosques and Muslims during his tenure, but said that if the department discovered and pursued leads in the course of investigating and trying to thwart possible terrorist plots, we didnt shy away from going to mosques. Kellywho is media-friendly and politically astutewas thought to be considering running for mayor in 2013, and is occasionally mentioned as a potential candidate in 2017, when anyone in the race would have the daunting task of knocking off incumbent Bill de Blasio. Asked if hes considering a campaign, Kelly replied, I have no plans to run for elective officea blandly non-committal way of saying maybe. Explaining that the company he helps run, K2 Intelligence, prefers that he not opine on partisan politics, Kelly also declined to comment on presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps stated plans to ban Muslims from entering the United Statesor at least, in Trumps latest iteration, Muslims from so-called terrorist countries. Im staying away from that, Kelly said, although he added: I think we have to be concerned about the vetting process of people who are refugees coming into this country. If it means slowing it down to do more vetting, Im all for that. A longtime critic of the National Rifle Association and Congresss allegedly cowardly reluctance to cross the powerful lobby and pass gun safety laws, Kelly said he supports legislation to prevent people on the so-called No-Fly list from purchasing firearms. I think thats a no-brainer, he said, though he added: Im definitely for gun measures, but I dont think we should overemphasize guns. [Omar] Mateen [the mass murderer in Orlando] could have walked in there with a bomb and done the same amount of damage. Kelly said that, contrary to the idea that the leadership of ISIS or al Qaeda is planning and executing attacks, the major threat still comes from the lone wolf or perhaps wolf packspeople who are inspired on the internet, or perhaps inspired in some other way What they [the leadership] do is try to recruit and empower the Ummah [meaning the Muslim community] to act. Kelly continued: If you look at the statements of Mohammed al-Adnani, the ISIS spokesman, hes putting out these messages urging people to do what they can. It doesnt have to be well-planned. Mateen didnt do any real planning, he just came in and started shooting. I think one of the big concerns is the simplicity of the attacks. You can just do it with a rifle or a homemade bomb that can be made from a formula readily available on the internet. You can get an AK-47 or an AR-15 rifle pretty easily, and its amazing how much damage you can do. The 74-year-old Kellywho was NYPD commissioner for two years in the 1990s under Mayor David Dinkins and then, a decade later, for another 12 years under Michael Bloomberghas come by his expertise the hard way. The first attack on the World Trade Centerthe Feb. 26, 1993 basement truck-bombing that killed six people and injured more than a thousand othersoccurred on his watch. Kelly presided over the police investigation that contributed to the conviction and life prison sentence of Omar Abdel-Rahman, aka the Blind Sheik, along with nine other conspirators in their unsuccessful attempt to topple the twin towers. Nine years later, when he returned to One Police Plaza with the Bloomberg administrationfour months after al Qaeda succeeded in destroying the towers, wrecking the Pentagon, and killing thousands of peopleKelly ramped up the NYPDs counterterrorism efforts from a couple of dozen specialists to more than a thousand cops working on any given day. Almost all of this was in reaction to 9/11, Kelly said, adding until Sept. 11, 2001, Americas vulnerability to international terrorism was barely imagined. The 1993 event should have been a wake-up call. But it really wasnt. By the night of May 1, 2010when attendees of that years White House Correspondents Dinner, including this reporter, happened on Kelly and Bloomberg talking urgently on their cell phones while standing beside their parked SUV and blocking traffic in the middle of Washingtons Connecticut Avenuethe threat of terrorism was practically a commonplace. The commissioner and the mayor had to duck out of the festivities early and rush back to New York on Bloombergs Dassault Falcon 900 private jet to deal with a Pakistan-born U.S. citizen whod attemptedunsuccessfully, it turned outto detonate a car bomb in Times Square, which was teeming with tourists that Saturday night. Of course, we were very lucky there, Kelly recalled. Faisal Shahzad was a naturalized citizen. He wasnt on anybodys radar screen. We knew nothing about him. Because he dumbed down the [explosive] formula, it didnt work. It just sizzled. If he had done everything according to the directions, it probably would have killed many people. It was right next to the Marriott Hotel. But by this time, we were eight years into the administration, we were a little bit inured to some of these things. A daring mission by U.S.-backed Syrian rebels to infiltrate and take over an ISIS stronghold ended in calamity Wednesday as the jihadist group not only resisted the assault, but killed several rebels and confiscated their materiel. The New Syrian Army (NSA), a Pentagon-trained counterterrorism force, dispatched 200 of its 300 fighters into al-Bukamal, a key gateway city on the border between Syria and Iraq where the Euphrates River crosses the frontier. They briefly had some success in seizing several ISIS-held positions just outside the city before succumbing to the tipped-off and more numerous jihadists, according to NSA commander Khazaal Al-Sarhan. In an exclusive with The Daily Beast, al-Sarhan, also known as Abu Abboud, described the details of the Bay-of-Pigs-style fiasco, which involved not only U.S.-trained rebels but Iraqi Sunni tribesmen attacking ISIS from al-Qaim, al-Bukamals sister city across the border in Iraq. There was tiny support from some sleeper cells in Daesh-held al-Bukamal whose mission was limited to directing and guiding the New Syrian Army troops on their way to the city, Abu Abboud said over the encrypted messaging platform WhatsApp. The sleeper cells ability was hindered due to a curfew that was imposed by Daesh [the Arabic acronym for ISIS] at the start of the raid, he said, and because of the huge number of the groups militants who were fully aware of the New Syrian Armys operation. He denied reports that NSA fighters were airdropped behind enemy lines into al-Bukumal or its environs by U.S. helicopters. For a short time, the NSA fighters did have some success in seizing several ISIS-held villages, including al-Sukariya, al-Hizam al-Akhdar and the defunct Hamdan air base. But ISIS struck back swiftly and furiously and expelled the NSA from each of these territories in a rout. ISISs Amaq media agency claimed that the jihadists killed 40 NSA rebels and captured another 15a claim Abu Abboud told The Daily Beast was wildly exaggerated. We sustained five casualties and none of our men has been captured, he said. The report published by Amaq said that Daesh took several reconnaissance drones from the New Syrian Army. I just want to say that this is a total lie because we did not even utilize such items during the battle. Given the fact that the coalition jets were present during it, why should we use a reconnaissance drone? Michele R. Rollins, a spokesperson for CENTCOM, told The Daily Beast the operation is still ongoing and would not go into specifics about the battle or what kind of U.S. assistance was given to the NSA. We know there was a very tough fight around Abu Kamal/Al Bukumal today and the New Syrian Army suffered a setback, she said, adding that the Pentagon was still trying to determine the complete results of that fight and a way ahead for the operations in the middle Euphrates River Valley. Judging from images and videos uploaded to social media, ISIS managed to capture satellite communications gear and much of the NSAs weaponry, which Abu Abboud claimed consisted of Russian-made Duskha anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars, sniper rifles and laser-guided Konkur anti-tank missiles. It also exhibited U.S.-supplied pickup trucks emblazoned with the NSA logo on the hoods. Nic Jenzen-Jones, the director of Armament Research Services (ARES), looking at one ISIS-filmed YouTube video, identified a type of ammunition cartridge manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, a U.S. government-owned but contractor-managed facility in Independence, Missouri. Jenzen-Jones said the NSA also evidently carried M16 rifles and M2-type heavy machine guns. More significant than the spoils was the fallen. ISIS exhibited the bodies of slain NSA fighters on social media; at least one had had his head cut off. Abu Abboud blamed the defeat principally on the inability of other rebel factions from eastern Syriathe provinces of Deir Ezzor, Raqqa and Hasakahto join under one umbrella in this newly launched anti-Daesh operation. The factions are currently deployed in other parts of the country such as Idlib and Aleppo, and their divided loyalties were, he added, the principal element that enabled Daesh to recapture the areas that we captured. The NSAs allies in Iraq may have acted both precipitously and insufficiently in their role in the pincer sortie. Abu Abboud said the tribesmen alerted ISIS to the mission, which apparently allowed the jihadists to call in reinforcement convoys from the al-Qaim, Iraq, side of the border. ISIS, he said, lured the NSA into advancing toward the heavily fortified al-Bukamal where it then conducted ambushes and placed snipers effectively to slow down the movements of the NSA soldiers. But Abu Abboud insisted that the United States hasnt done enough to bolster his battered mini-army, which a week ago was hit in two back-to-back or double tap airstrikes at its base in al-Tanaf, near the Jordanian border, by two Russian Su-24 warplanes, which dropped 500-pound bombs and cluster munitions. U.S. FA-18s had to be scrambled after the first airstrike; the second came after those jets returned to refuel. The Pentagon has the will and ability to collect more manpower but it is taking them a very long time to bring this into effect and this negatively impacts those on the ground in Syria, he said. The coalition should focus its efforts on liberating Deir Ezzor, he said. That city lies further upstream toward Raqqa, the de facto capital of the so-called Islamic State. Not only is this region a major source of the groups oil revenue, Abu Abboud pointed out, it also is believed to be the safe haven of the self-styled caliph of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. With additional reporting from Omar Abu Layla Centenary Champagne de Castelnau launch Reims based House Champagne de Castelnau is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year and marking the occasion with the launch of its first ever prestige cuvee named Hors Categorie. The 3,500 numbered bottles of Hors Categorie were disgorged in November 2015 with a light dosage of 6g of sugar per litre, and are now being made available in France and to export markets including the UK. The blend of Hors Categorie is 55% Pinot Noir, 28% Pinot Meunier and 17% Chardonnay, selected from 15 top quality base wines from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 vintages. The 2008 and 2009 components were matured for 12 months in oak barrels, many of which are made of oak from Champagne de Castelnaus nearby Argonne forest, adding a local touch to this special wine launched in its centenary year and enhancing the nose unlike any other oak, with fresh baked bread, cherry stones, smoke and cocoa according to winemaker Elisabeth Sarcelet. Hors Categorie has been made using a lower fermentation pressure level of 5 bars in order to create a petite mousse, allowing full appreciation of the subtle, delicate flavours and elegance of the wine. Also, reflecting Champagne de Castelnaus practice of extensive lees ageing, Hors Categorie was aged on its lees for five years, allowing this deluxe blend to develop harmony and balance. Summing up the style, winemaker Elisabeth Sarcelet says: Hors Categorie has buttery hints which soften and round out the wines natural minerality giving a truly sensual texture. This is a Champagne of finesse and elegance and, to me, its gently toasty style adds to the highly distinctive flavours on the finish. Keith Isaac MW, who heads up Castelnau Wine Agencies in the UK, had this to say about the new release: Known for exceptional quality and a distinctive lees-aged style, the range of Champagnes from de Castelnau can be found on many prestigious UK wine lists, including the recent addition of British Airways Club Europe and Club World. The launch of Hors Categorie is an exciting step in the centenary year of the House and offers the opportunity for further premium distribution. The name Hors Categorie signifies the exceptional quality of the wine and is a nod to Champagne de Castelnaus involvement as Exclusive Champagne of the Tour de France in which the most difficult climbs to conquer are named Hors Categorie or beyond categorisation. Hors Categorie comes in a black and white presentation box, reflecting the subtle and delicate style of the wine and its RRP in the UK is 85.00. It is available from Castelnau Wine Agencies. 1 July 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor Lauren Conner laughed when she first slipped off the boat. She, her boyfriend and another couple had spent Sunday afternoon drinking in sunshine and cold beer on the Sassafras River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. They began heading home, across the Chesapeake Bay, shortly before nightfall, but as the 21-foot Yamaha motored north into the bay at 40 mph, the hull struck a wake so hard that Conner fell off the stern. She immediately popped to the surface, unharmed but embarrassed that perhaps she'd drunk a few too many bottles of Flying Dog lager. Conner, 32, expected some teasing from her companions as she watched the boat stop and turn back toward her. At any moment, she was sure, they'd find her. No more than 40 yards away, she screamed through the stiff wind. When that didn't work, she stripped off her white shorts and waved them. Her boyfriend, Scott Johnson, frantically scanned the surface, but the fading sun betrayed him. The low light flashed across every wave, creating a kaleidoscope of false hope. Minutes passed, and he began to fear that she'd hit her head and sunk. Johnson called 911 and remained on the phone to navigate rescuers toward his position. He lit a flare and held it up as clumps of the fiery red substance dripped off, scorching his hand and head. Meanwhile, Conner, now aware she was in serious danger, eyed a wide yellow buoy and swam toward it, hoping she could cling to the sides until help arrived. Just as Conner realized that its shell was too slick to grip, the rescue boats drew near. She could see their blue lights flickering in the distance, so she pulled off her maroon tank top to flap in the air. By then, though, it was too late. Darkness surrounded her. With a dozen boats and a helicopter unable to find his girlfriend, Johnson began to fear he'd never see her again - and he blamed himself. "What," he thought, "am I going to tell her kids?" In so many ways, though, the life she'd endured - one consumed by chaos and death - had prepared Conner for the most harrowing night of her life. Her will, she knew, wouldn't easily break. Lauren Conner is a survivor. - - - She faced a choice: Tread water and hope she'd be rescued, or swim toward a strip of green on the horizon. Conner still held the tank top from her CrossFit gym in her hand. An image of a warrior appeared on the back. The shirt was her favorite. She let it go. "Lauren," she said aloud, "you are not going to die out here." Conner, now only in a bikini, headed for land, helped by a current that was drawing her toward it. Still, she had no idea that the beach was about two miles away - or whether her legs would give out before she reached it. She recalled what she'd long told her children in moments of fear: "As long as you can float, you won't drown." So, she rolled onto her back and started to kick. Few things were consistent in her youth, other than the water. Both of her parents struggled with addiction, and her mom spent many nights in jail because of it. Not long ago, Conner tried to remember how many different places she had lived as a kid. She quit counting around 40. One of six children, Conner slept at times in cars, foster homes, her dad's office. Always, though, she would find her way to a pool or a river, a lake or a bay. Her twin sister, Stefanie, thought of that, too, as she consoled Conner's 11-year-old son, Ethan Simpson. Much of the family had gathered after word spread about Lauren's disappearance. Stefanie had vomited when she first got the call but knew she couldn't let Ethan see her break down. "Mommy is a fighter," she told him. "Your mommy is a mermaid." She reminded him what Conner always said - just keep floating. "What if she's not floating?" he asked her. "What if she's under the water and they can't see her?" Beneath a deep purple sky, Conner sang a tune from "Finding Nemo" - "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" - because it helped her focus on one stroke at a time. She joked to herself about how absurd the situation was, because jokes had always provided comfort in the worst times. She pleaded with Jesus to save her, because she believed he was listening. Mostly, she thought about the four kids she calls her own: Ethan and his 15-year-old sister, her 17-year-old stepdaughter and Johnson's 5-year-old girl. "I cannot let these kids down," Conner told herself, because she knew what it felt like to be let down. She'd raised hell in her childhood, often because no one was around to stop her. But she changed as adulthood approached. At 15 - a year before she had her first child - Conner's father was walking home from a bar in Baltimore when he fell from a train track and broke his neck. At 18 - soon after Conner had taken custody of her two younger siblings - her mother overdosed on heroin. Conner didn't give up, even when people expected her to, because she couldn't let her kids down. She went to cosmetology school and, in 2007, became a hair stylist. For the past seven years, she's worked for herself and now runs her own chair at a salon in Bel Air, Maryland. "You just do what you have to do to survive," Stefanie said. "That's just the attitude we've always had." But there were moments on the water, Conner said, when survival felt unlikely. Her energy waning, she turned over at one point to see how far she was from land. "I'm not even close," she thought. As Conner paddled on, the waves grew, pushing her head beneath the surface and forcing water into her mouth. In brief moments, Conner sensed that she was drowning. Then, suddenly, the tips of her left foot's toes felt something. Mud. - - - Around midnight, Johnson said, Maryland Natural Resources Police brought him on shore, where he filled out an incident report. About an hour later, he said, officers sent him home. By that point, at least four agencies were searching for Conner. When he pulled up to their house in Aberdeen, Maryland, the lights were still on. He sat in his truck for 20 minutes, unaware that Stefanie had already picked Ethan up. Johnson couldn't bear to face him. He knew, too, that Conner's family was struggling to understand his explanation about what had happened. How, if she'd just fallen off, had no one found her? "This is on me," he thought. "One hundred percent, this is on me." He spent a sleepless night in their bedroom - her photo on the night table, her painted coconut from their trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic nearby, her Jeep Compass in the driveway outside his window. Johnson answered every call from a number he didn't know, expecting to hear a voice tell him that Conner's body had been found. About five miles away, Stefanie sat in the driveway of a friend's house and smoked a menthol 100. She typed out a text that she'd begun to doubt her sibling would ever read. "Lauren. Sister," she wrote. "My twinny. My inspiration. My best friend. I love you." She couldn't recall ever being more distraught. "We lost our mom. We lost our dad," Stefanie said later. "That was nothing compared to this." Conner had reached Spesutie Island's beach overwhelmed with relief but still unsure of her fate. Rusted white signs warned that the area, which is part of the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground, is used to test weapons. Hoping to find someone, she walked north, climbing barefoot over rocks and fighting off swarms of horseflies. Exhausted, she made a bed of leaves - her "bird's nest" - on a concrete slab. Conner shivered so violently that her jaw hurt. The moment reminded her of a winter in Baltimore when, around age 14, she slept one night in an abandoned building. At sunrise, she walked back toward the beach. With no boats in view, Conner was heading into the brush when she spotted a raspberry bush. It was a good omen, she thought. One of her favorite childhood memories was picking them at her grandmother's home in Pennsylvania. Conner trudged further inland, finally reaching a path that led to a road. Certain that her family believed she had died, Conner was desperate to reach them. Minutes later, she spotted an orange truck driving toward her. Then, the tears came. Candy Thomson, spokeswoman for the Maryland Natural Resources Police, had been up for about an hour by then. As she made her coffee, Thomson formulated in her mind how she would announce the news of the year's sixth boating fatality. Then a text from an investigator arrived. "Girl found," the message said. "Can u believe it?" Paul Ryan is a sunny politician in a party devoted to spreading gloom. But as Republicans slouch toward Cleveland, even he must be having dark moments. As the highest-ranking official in his party, he will oversee the Republican National Convention that is poised to nominate Donald Trump -- a role he could have avoided, and almost did. His predecessor as speaker, John Boehner, helped deliver a huge Republican majority in the House. Yet the party's conference was so ideologically unhinged and practically dysfunctional that it rewarded Boehner for this historic achievement by forcing him into retirement. After a protracted show of ambivalence about replacing Boehner, Ryan opted to succeed him last October. "We will not duck the tough issues," Ryan said after being sworn in. "We will take them head on." The new motto, Ryan said, would be: "Opportunity for all." It quickly became clear that Ryan couldn't even get a break for himself. His hopes for an actual budget and a return to "regular order" went nowhere. Under unified Republican leadership, Congress can't even organize itself to fund emergency measures to contain the Zika virus, whose first wave of victims will surely include Republican families in Republican districts across the Republican South. Last week's unruly Democratic sit-in to demand a vote on gun regulation only heightened the sense of chaos. "Ryan's instinct to refuse the speakership opportunity was correct," said congressional scholar Thomas Mann, via e-mail. "It has been an unmitigated disaster. He has been unable to run the House as he promised (entirely predictable), he has been personally diminished in his relations with Trump (more to follow in Cleveland) and the job will become even worse if Hillary wins and Republicans retain a majority in the House." There may be a less dire scenario, but not one Republicans will relish. Steve Bell, a former Republican Senate aide who is senior director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, thinks that a strong Clinton victory could rescue Ryan, enabling him to emulate Democratic House Speaker Tip O'Neill's response to Ronald Reagan's 1980 victory, which gave Republicans control of the Senate and showed House Democrats that their policies were out of favor and their majority was shaky. "Until the GOP really loses enough House seats to face a possible Democratic takeover, the far right will be the tail that wags the dog," Bell said, via e-mail. But if Democrats win the White House and the Senate, "the Speaker will have the ability to deal with the President and the Senate and get parts of his agenda done. O'Neill handled the situation masterfully and Ryan could do the same thing. That would elevate him not only as a Speaker, but as the national policy thinker that he is." Ryan is unlikely to emerge from such a scenario a conservative hero. Because vulnerable House Republicans tend to be more moderate, a shrunken GOP majority will almost certainly include a higher concentration of anti-government zealots who categorically oppose compromise. Yet if Ryan opts to continue the obstructionism favored by the zealots, he risks further damage to a Republican brand that can ill afford it. Republican strategist Liam Donovan said Ryan fully understood his challenge from the start. But Trump threw a new wrench into the works. "It's easily the worst gig in Washington and I think he knew that going in," Donovan said, via e-mail. "So does the decision look worse in hindsight as a political calculation or a stepping stone for future ambitions? Certainly, if that was the primary goal. We were still clinging to delusions that Trumpmania might fade away back in October. But having nominated Trump rather than a Ryan-type, it's that much more important to have a competent national figure as Speaker." Trump, who trafficks in racial demagogy and paranoid politics that Ryan has valiantly opposed, represents a challenge to everything Ryan says he holds dear: the positive, can-do, conservative "opportunity society" ethic that Ryan inherited from Republican Representative Jack Kemp. "Trump by personality is the antithesis of Jack Kemp and a person who has not a subtle thought on any topic," said former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis of South Carolina, a Kemp acolyte and Ryan cheerleader, in a telephone interview. But Trump is the Republican standard-bearer because Republican voters thrilled to his ugly personal attacks and fact-free nostalgia - not to Ryan's vision of a nation of strivers happily pulling themselves up, using strands of a shredded social safety net for bootstraps. Ryan has been "unable to elevate himself above the greater ideological collapse of the Republican Party," said Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg, in a telephone interview. Some Democrats, presuming a Trump loss, suggest Ryan will be buried in the rubble. Trump's long, dark shadow would not just disappear or be easily incorporated into a positive vision. His legion of GOP followers can't be wished away. Still, Ryan is arguably the most skillful and appealing politician in his party. He's also young enough to adapt outdated and unpopular ideas - which is to say, his own - into a program better suited to his time and place. If Ryan can't do it, who will? 85 years of service defending even thoughtless speech I guess I'm one of those Christian conservative losers that Bob Presley wrote about in his letter to the editor. Only a loser would choose voluntarily to spend two and a half decades in the United States Army, swearing to protect the freedoms of all Americans, including Presley's freedom of speech. My wife must be a loser, too. She spent 25 years in the United States Navy, taking the same oath of office I did. Additionally, I must admit that our three sons, as Christian conservatives, are losers. At this time, they have served a combined total of more than 35 years, and counting, in the armed forces. We have served during times of war and times of peace; during good times and times of hardship and family separations. We have served in combat zones. We have served in harm's way. We don't ask for expressions of gratitude, but we should thank God for all who serve in the uniforms of the United States Armed Forces to preserve the freedoms for all Americans -- even for those who choose to express ignorant and thoughtless speech. LYLE D. STOCKMOE College Station Should Muslim children in the U.S. feel like unwanted citizens? When I think about people of the Muslim faith, I do not see turban-clad terrorists. Instead, I see the smiling faces of the many Muslim children I was fortunate to have in my eighth grade history classes. They were some of the brightest, hardest working, most dependable students I had the privilege to teach. Reading Wednesday's article about a poll that found nearly 50 percent of Texans calling for an end to Muslim immigration, I was overcome with emotion. It was not anger -- there already seems to be enough of that. Rather, it was sadness I felt. How did our "land of the free" get to this point where we are considering banning other people because of their religious faith? How can teachers stand in front of these young minds and teach that "all men are created equal," when in fact we want to ban roughly a quarter of the world's population from our shores? The future of any society lies in the values it instills in its children. Do we really want these wonderful Muslim kids to grow up feeling like unwanted citizens? Treated properly, they could one day become our greatest patriots. EDWIN DAVIS College Station "Hookina creek that runs along the nominated site is a significant women's site. It is a registered heritage site and must be preserved and protected. We are responsible for this area, the land and animals. "We don't want a nuclear waste dump here on our country and worry that if the waste comes here it will harm our environment and muda (our lore, our creation, our everything). We call on the federal government to withdraw the nomination of the site and to show more respect in future." Regina McKenzie describes getting the news that the Flinders Ranges site had been chosen from a short-list of six sites across Australia: "We were devastated, it was like somebody had rang us up and told us somebody had passed away. My niece rang me crying ... it was like somebody ripped my heart out." McKenzie said on ABC television: "Almost every waste dump is near an Aboriginal community. It's like, yeah, they're only a bunch of blacks, they're only a bunch of Abos, so we'll put it there. Don't you think that's a little bit confronting for us when it happens to us all the time? Can't they just leave my people alone?" Adnyamathanha Traditional Owner Dr Jillian Marsh said in an April 2016 statement: "The First Nations people of Australia have been bullied and pushed around, forcibly removed from their families and their country, denied access and the right to care for their own land for over 200 years. Our health and wellbeing compares with third world countries, our people crowd the jails. Nobody wants toxic waste in their back yard, this is true the world over. We stand in solidarity with people across this country and across the globe who want sustainable futures for communities, we will not be moved." The battle over the proposed dump site in the Flinders Ranges will probably be resolved over the next 12 months. If the government fails in its third attempt to impose a dump against the wishes of Aboriginal Traditional Owners, we can only assume on past form that a fourth attempt will ensue. Dumping on South Australia, 1998-2004 This isn't the first time that Aboriginal people in South Australia have faced the imposition of a national nuclear waste dump. In 1998, the federal government announced its intention to build a dump near the rocket and missile testing range at Woomera. The proposed dump generated such controversy in South Australia that the federal government hired a public relations company. Correspondence between the company and the government was released under Freedom of Information laws. In one exchange, a government official asked the PR company to remove sand-dunes from a photo to be used in a brochure. The explanation provided by the government official was that: "Dunes are a sensitive area with respect to Aboriginal Heritage". The sand-dunes were removed from the photo, only for the government official to ask if the horizon could be straightened up as well. Aboriginal groups were coerced into signing 'Heritage Clearance Agreements' consenting to test drilling of short-listed sites for the proposed dump. The federal government made it clear that if consent was not granted, drilling would take place anyway. Aboriginal groups were put in an invidious position. They could attempt to protect specific cultural sites by engaging with the federal government and signing agreements, at the risk of having that engagement being misrepresented as consent for the dump; or they could refuse to engage in the process, thereby having no opportunity to protect cultural sites. Aboriginal groups did participate in Heritage Clearance Agreements, and as feared that participation was repeatedly misrepresented by the federal government as amounting to Aboriginal consent for the dump. 'We would not do that for any amount of money' In 2002, the Federal Government tried to buy-off Aboriginal opposition to the dump. Three Native Title claimant groups - the Kokatha, Kuyani and Barngala - were offered A$90,000 to surrender their native title rights, but only on the condition that all three groups agreed. The government's offer was refused. Dr Roger Thomas, a Kokatha Traditional Owner, said: "The insult of it, it was just so insulting. I told the Commonwealth officers to stop being so disrespectful and rude to us by offering us $90,000 to pay out our country and our culture." Andrew Starkey, also a Kokatha man, said: "It was just shameful. They were wanting people to sign off their cultural heritage rights for a minuscule amount of money. We would not do that for any amount of money." In 2003, the federal government used the Lands Acquisition Act 1989 to seize land for the dump. Native Title rights and interests were extinguished with the stroke of a pen. This took place with no forewarning and no consultation with Aboriginal people. Next - the sham 'consultation' Leading the battle against the dump were the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta, a council of senior Aboriginal women from northern South Australia. Many of the Kungkas personally suffered the impacts of the British nuclear bomb tests at Maralinga and Emu Field in the 1950s. The government's approach to 'consultation' with Aboriginal people was spelt out in a document leaked in 2002. The document states: "Tactics to reach Indigenous audiences will be informed by extensive consultations currently being undertaken ... with Indigenous groups." In other words, sham 'consultation' was used to fine-tune the government's pro-dump propaganda. The government's cynical and disrespectful tactics were the antithesis of Article 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states that ''no storage or disposal of hazardous materials shall take place in the lands or territories of indigenous peoples without their free, prior and informed consent''. This issue of sham 'consultation' arises time and time again, most recently with the discussion initiated by a Royal Commission (discussed below) into "building confidence" in the safety of nuclear waste dump proposals. West Mallee Protection (WMP), representing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from Ceduna in western South Australia, responded with this blistering attack: "WMP finds this question superficial and offensive. It is a fact that many people have dedicated their time and energy to investigating and thinking about nuclear waste. It is a fact that even elderly women that made up the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta - a senior Aboriginal women's council - committed years of their lives to stand up to the proposal for a low-level facility at Woomera. "They didn't do this because of previously inadequate 'processes' to 'build confidence' as the question suggests but because: A) Individuals held a deep commitment to look after country and protect it from a substance known as 'irati' poison which stemmed from long held cultural knowledge. B) Nuclear impacts were experienced and continued to be experienced first hand by members and their families predominately from nuclear testing at Emu Field and Maralinga but also through exploration and mining at Olympic Dam. C) They epitomized and lived by the worldview that sustaining life for future generations is of upmost importance and that this is at odds with the dangerous and long lasting dangers of all aspects of the nuclear industry. "The insinuation that the general population or target groups such Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta or the communities in the Northern Territory that succeeded them and also fought off a nuclear dump for Muckaty were somehow deficient in their understanding of the implications and may have required "confidence building" is highly offensive." The politicians finally get their ears out of their pockets The Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta continued to implore the federal government to "get their ears out of their pockets", and after six years the government did just that. In the lead-up to the 2004 federal election, with the dump issue biting politically, and following a Federal Court ruling that the government had illegally used urgency provisions in the Lands Acquisition Act, the government decided to cut its losses and abandon the dump plan. The Kungkas wrote in an open letter: "People said that you can't win against the Government. Just a few women. We just kept talking and telling them to get their ears out of their pockets and listen. We never said we were going to give up. Government has big money to buy their way out but we never gave up." Botched clean-up of the Maralinga nuclear test site The 1998-2004 debate over nuclear waste dumping in South Australia overlapped with a controversy over a botched clean-up of the Maralinga nuclear weapons test site in the same state. The British government conducted 12 nuclear bomb tests in Australia in the 1950s, most of them at Maralinga. The 1985 Royal Commission found that regard for Aboriginal safety during the weapons tests was characterised by "ignorance, incompetence and cynicism". The Australian government's clean-up of Maralinga in the late 1990s was just as bad. It was done on the cheap and many tonnes of plutonium-contaminated waste remain buried in shallow, unlined pits in totally unsuitable geology. Nuclear engineer and whistleblower Alan Parkinson said of the clean-up: "What was done at Maralinga was a cheap and nasty solution that wouldn't be adopted on white-fellas land." Dr Geoff Williams, an officer with the Commonwealth nuclear regulator, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, said in a leaked email that the clean-up was beset by a "host of indiscretions, short-cuts and cover-ups". Nuclear physicist Prof. Peter Johnston noted that there were "very large expenditures and significant hazards resulting from the deficient management of the project". Prof. Johnston (and others) noted in a conference paper that Traditional Owners were excluded from any meaningful input into decision-making concerning the clean-up. Traditional Owners were represented on a consultative committee but key decisions - such as abandoning vitrification of plutonium-contaminated waste in favour of shallow burial in unlined trenches - were taken without consultation with the consultative committee or any separate discussions with Traditional Owners. Federal government minister Senator Nick Minchin said in a May 2000 media release that the Maralinga Tjarutja Traditional Owners "have agreed that deep burial of plutonium is a safe way of handling this waste." But the burial of plutonium-contaminated waste was not deep and the Maralinga Tjarutja Traditional Owners did not agree to waste burial in unlined trenches - in fact they wrote to the Minister explicitly dissociating themselves from the decision. Barely a decade after the Maralinga clean-up, a survey revealed that 19 of the 85 contaminated waste pits have been subject to erosion or subsidence. Despite the residual radioactive contamination, the Australian government off-loaded responsibility for the contaminated land onto the Maralinga Tjarutja Traditional Owners. The government portrayed this land transfer as an act of reconciliation. But it wasn't an act of reconciliation - it was deeply cynical. The real agenda was spelt out in a 1996 government document which said that the clean-up was "aimed at reducing Commonwealth liability arising from residual contamination." Radioactive ransom in the Northern Territory After the Kungkas victory in 2004, successive federal governments spent the best part of a decade attempting to establish a national nuclear waste dump at Muckaty, 110 km north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. A toxic trade-off of basic services for a radioactive waste dump was part of the story from the start. The nomination of the Muckaty site was made with the promise of a A$12 million compensation package comprising roads, houses and scholarships. Muckaty Traditional Owner Kylie Sambo (see photo) objected to this radioactive ransom: "I think that is a very, very stupid idea for us to sell our land to get better education and scholarships. As an Australian we should be already entitled to that." While a small group of Aboriginal Traditional Owners supported the dump, a large majority were opposed and some initiated legal action in the Federal Court challenging the nomination of the Muckaty site by the federal government and the Northern Land Council (NLC). The conservative Liberal/National Coalition federal government passed legislation - the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act - overriding the Aboriginal Heritage Act, undermining the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, and allowing the imposition of a nuclear dump with no Aboriginal consultation or consent. The Australian Labor Party voted against the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, with Labor parliamentarians describing it as "extreme", "arrogant", "draconian", "sorry", "sordid", and "profoundly shameful". At its 2007 national conference, Labor voted unanimously to repeal the legislation. Yet after the winning the 2007 election, the Labor government passed legislation - the National Radioactive Waste Management Act (NRWMA) - which was almost as draconian and still permitted the imposition of a dump with no Aboriginal consultation or consent (to be precise, the nomination of a site was not invalidated by a failure to consult or secure consent). Radioactive racism in Australia is bipartisan - both the Labor government and the Liberal/National Opposition voted in support of the NRWMA. Shamefully, the NLC supported legislation disempowering the people it is meant to represent. In February 2008, Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd highlighted the life-story of Lorna Fejo - a member of the stolen generation - in the historic National Apology to Aboriginal People in Parliament House. At the same time, the Rudd government was stealing her land for a nuclear dump. Fejo said: "I'm very, very disappointed and downhearted about that [NRWMA legislation]. I'm really sad. The thing is - when are we going to have a fair go? Australia is supposed to be the land of the fair go. When are we going to have fair go? I've been stolen from my mother and now they're stealing my land off me." 'Our heart jiggled with joy' The Federal Court trial finally began in June 2014. After two weeks of evidence, the NLC gave up and agreed to withdraw the nomination of Muckaty. Victory for the Muckaty mob! The announcement came just days before the NLC and government officials were due to take the stand to face cross-examination. As a result of their surrender, the NLC and the government did not have to face cross-examination in relation to numerous serious accusations (see here, here and here) raised in the first two weeks of the trial - including claims that the NLC rewrote an anthropologists' report. Kylie Sambo said: "I believe [the NLC] didn't want to go through that humiliation of what they really done. But it's better now that they actually backed off. It's good for us." Lorna Fejo said: "I feel ecstatic. I feel free because it was a long struggle to protect my land." Marlene Nungarrayi Bennett compared the Muckaty victory to other famous victories for Aboriginal people: "Today will go down in the history books of Indigenous Australia on par with the Wave Hill Walk-off, Mabo and Blue Mud Bay. We have shown the Commonwealth and the NLC that we will stand strong for this country. The NLC tried to divide and conquer us but they did not succeed." Dianne Stokes said: "Everyone is feeling very happy that we won; we struggled that long to get it over and done with. ... If anyone else around the country wants support to stop a nuclear dump, we will come along and help them to go against the waste. We had so much support when we were struggling, if anyone calls we will go straight there." Isobel Phillips said: "Looking back now on how we struggled, it was the hardest. Keeping it up was the worst because of the pressure that our land will be destroyed. We first felt sad, heartbroken and betrayed that the government would put the nuclear waste on our country. And our grief is for our elders who have passed away - they helped us but their spirit is here with us today. There is one thing that we have - our culture, lore, and family connection on the land. "We kept going with the fight until we won our land back. Our heart jiggled with joy and smiled when we heard the good news that the government was not going ahead with the nuclear waste dump on our country. We jumped and we danced with excitement - what a blessing. We are so happy, so strong and still smiling with pride." Australia as the world's nuclear waste dump Now Aboriginal people in South Australia face the imposition of a national nuclear waste dump as well as a plan to import 138,000 tonnes of high-level nuclear waste and 390,000 cubic metres of intermediate level waste for storage and disposal as a commercial venture. The plan is being driven by the South Australian government, which last year established a Royal Commission to provide a fig-leaf of independent supporting advice. The Royal Commissioner is a nuclear advocate and the majority of the members of the Expert Advisory Committee are strident nuclear advocates. Indeed it seems as if the Royal Commissioner sought out the dopiest nuclear advocates he could find to put on the Expert Advisory Committee: one thinks nuclear power is safer than solar, another thinks that nuclear power doesn't pose a weapons proliferation risk, and a third was insisting that there was no credible risk of a serious accident at Fukushima even as nuclear meltdown was in full swing. Announcing the establishment of the Royal Commission in March 2015, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said: "We have a specific mandate to consult with Aboriginal communities and there are great sensitivities here. I mean we've had the use and abuse of the lands of the Maralinga Tjarutja people by the British when they tested their atomic weapons." Yet the South Australian government's handling of the Royal Commission process systematically disenfranchised Aboriginal people. The truncated timeline for providing feedback on draft Terms of Reference disadvantaged people in remote regions, people with little or no access to email and internet, and people for whom English is a second language. There was no translation of the draft Terms of Reference, and a regional communications and engagement strategy was not developed or implemented. Aboriginal people repeatedly expressed frustration with the Royal Commission process. One example (of many) is the submission of the Anggumathanha Camp Law Mob (who are also fighting against the plan for a national nuclear waste dump on their land): "Why we are not satisfied with the way this Royal Commission has been conducted: Yaiinidlha Udnyu ngawarla wanggaanggu, wanhanga Yura Ngawarla wanggaanggu? - always in English, where's the Yura Ngawarla (our first language)? "The issues of engagement are many. To date we have found the process of engagement used by the Royal Commission to be very off putting as it's been run in a real Udnyu (whitefella) way. Timelines are short, information is hard to access, there is no interpreter service available, and the meetings have been very poorly advertised. ... "A closed and secretive approach makes engagement difficult for the average person on the street, and near impossible for Aboriginal people to participate." The plan to turn South Australia into the world's nuclear waste dump has been met with near-unanimous opposition from Aboriginal people. The Aboriginal Congress of South Australia, comprising people from many Aboriginal groups across the state, endorsed the following resolution at an August 2015 meeting: "We, as native title representatives of lands and waters of South Australia, stand firmly in opposition to nuclear developments on our country, including all plans to expand uranium mining, and implement nuclear reactors and nuclear waste dumps on our land. ... Many of us suffer to this day the devastating effects of the nuclear industry and continue to be subject to it through extensive uranium mining on our lands and country that has been contaminated. "We view any further expansion of industry as an imposition on our country, our people, our environment, our culture and our history. We also view it as a blatant disregard for our rights under various legislative instruments, including the founding principles of this state." The Royal Commission acknowledged strong Aboriginal opposition to its nuclear waste proposal in its final report - but it treats that opposition not as a red light but as an obstacle to be circumvented. The racism of the 'pro-nuclear environmentalists' Australia's self-styled 'pro-nuclear environmentalists' - academic Barry Brook (a member of the Royal Commission's Expert Advisory Committee), uranium and nuclear industry consultant Ben Heard, and one or two others - have never once voiced concern about attempts to impose nuclear waste dumps on unwilling Aboriginal communities. Their silence suggests they couldn't care less about the racism of the industry they so stridently support. Silence from Brook and Heard when the federal government was passing laws allowing the imposition of a national nuclear waste dump in the Northern Territory without consulting or securing consent from Traditional Owners. Echoing comments from the right-wing Liberal Party, Brook and Heard said the Muckaty site in the Northern Territory is in the "middle of nowhere". From their perspective, perhaps, but for Muckaty Traditional Owners the site is in the middle of their homelands - and claims that it is in the middle of nowhere are deeply offensive. Heard's comments about the current proposed dump site on Adnyamathanha land in South Australia have been just as offensive. He claims there are "no known cultural heritage issues on the site". Try telling that to the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners who live on Yappala Station, in the Indigenous Protected Area right next to the dump site. So where did Heard get this idea that there are "no known cultural heritage issues on the site"? Not from visiting the site, or speaking to the Traditional Owners. He's just parroting the federal government's racist lies. Brook and Heard are also offering up the state of South Australia for an international high-level nuclear waste dump as if it was their personal property. No mention of Aboriginal Traditional Owners or their fierce opposition to the proposal. In the US ... The intersection between nuclear waste dumping and racism isn't unique to Australia, of course. In the US, for example, a 2010 article in Scientific American noted: "Native tribes across the American West have been and continue to be subjected to significant amounts of radioactive and otherwise hazardous waste as a result of living near nuclear test sites, uranium mines, power plants and toxic waste dumps." More bluntly, indigenous activist Winona LaDuke sums up the problem: "The greatest minds in the nuclear establishment have been searching for an answer to the radioactive waste problem for fifty years, and they've finally got one: haul it down a dirt road and dump it on an Indian reservation". The racism associated with nuclear waste dumping in the US is as plain as the nose on James Hansen's face, but he hasn't said a word about it. Nor has the Breakthrough Institute or any of the other self-styled 'pro-nuclear environmentalists' in the US. Self-styled Aboriginal leaders Just as self-styled 'pro-nuclear environmentalists' ignore the nuclear industry's systemic racism, so too do a number of self-styled Aboriginal 'leaders'. One such 'leader' is Warren Mundine. At various times he has been a member of the federal government's Indigenous Advisory Council, a National President of the Australian Labor Party, a Director of the Australian Uranium Association and co-convenor of the Association's 'Indigenous Dialogue Group' (which never initiated any dialogue with indigenous people). Mundine was silent when the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta were struggling to prevent the imposition of a nuclear waste dump on their land from 1998-2004; and when Muckaty Traditional Owners were struggling to prevent the imposition of a nuclear waste dump on their land from 2006-2014. And he remains silent today as the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners struggle to prevent the imposition of a nuclear waste dump on their land; and as one after another state government passes legislation weakening Aboriginal land rights and heritage protections at the behest of uranium mining companies. Mundine says Australia has "a legal framework to negotiate equitably with the traditional owners on whose land many uranium deposits are found." In fact, only in the Northern Territory do Traditional Owners have any right of veto over mining - and that legislation has a clause specifically exempting the Ranger uranium mine from the Act! Mundine was awarded an Order of Australia gong in the June 2016 Queen's Birthday honours, "for distinguished service as a leader in Indigenous affairs and advocate for enhancing economic and social public policy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people." No such recognition for Aboriginal people fighting to protect country and culture - the Maralinga Tjarutja, the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta, the Muckaty mob, the Adnyamathanha and many others. Systemic racism Bill Shorten, leader of the federal Labor Party, recently said that "systemic racism is still far-too prevalent" in Australia. He should know - the Labor Party has repeatedly driven or supported bipartisan attempts to impose nuclear waste dumps against the wishes of Aboriginal communities. And both the Labor Party and the Liberal/National Coalition believe that uranium mining is more important than Aboriginal rights. One example concerns the 1982 South Australian Roxby Downs Indenture Act, which sets the legal framework for the operation of BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam uranium mine in SA. The Act was amended in 2011 but it retains exemptions from the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act. As things stand, BHP Billiton must partially comply with an old version of the Aboriginal Heritage Act - a version that was never proclaimed. Traditional Owners were not even consulted about the 2011 amendments. The government's spokesperson in Parliament said: "BHP were satisfied with the current arrangements and insisted on the continuation of these arrangements, and the government did not consult further than that." That disgraceful performance illustrates a broader pattern. Aboriginal land rights and heritage protections are feeble at the best of times. But the legal rights and protections are repeatedly stripped away whenever they get in the way of nuclear or mining interests. Thus the Olympic Dam mine is largely exempt from the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act. Sub-section 40(6) of the Commonwealth's Aboriginal Land Rights Act exempts the Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory from the Act and thus removed the right of veto that Mirarr Traditional Owners would otherwise have enjoyed. New South Wales legislation exempts uranium mines from provisions of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act. The Western Australian government is in the process of gutting the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 at the behest of the mining industry. And on it goes: Native Title rights were extinguished with the stroke of a pen to seize land for a radioactive waste dump in South Australia; Aboriginal heritage laws and land rights were repeatedly overridden with the push to dump nuclear waste in the Northern Territory; and near-unanimous Aboriginal opposition to a nuclear waste dump in South Australia's Flinders Ranges is being ignored by the federal Liberal / National Coalition government (and the Labor Opposition) and the South Australian Labor government (and the Liberal Opposition). It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that the never-ending nuclear war against Australia's Aboriginal people amounts to cultural genocide. Indeed it would be a statement of the obvious. Dr Jim Green is the national nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia and editor of the Nuclear Monitor newsletter, where a version of this article was originally published. Nuclear Monitor, published 20 times a year, has been publishing deeply researched, often critical articles on all aspects of the nuclear cycle since 1978. A must-read for all those who work on this issue! Take action: SHARE By Erin Schmitt of The Gleaner The Henderson County Water District has a new way to notify its customers. The district has joined Twitter. Superintendent Pete Conrad announced during the district board meeting Wednesday night that the social media account was recently set up. Conrad recently attended a water training seminar presented by the Public Service Commission. The agency suggests using Twitter as another way to reach customers. Through the social media website, the district has another way to inform customers about water leaks it's working on or about boil water advisories. This is in addition to sending out notifications over CodeRED via the phone and also notifying the media. "It's another way to reach out to our customers," Conrad said. The district's Twitter handle is @HendersonCoH2O. National certification: Conrad recently completed the course requirements necessary for Utility Management Certification. The certification, which is sanctioned by the National Rural Water Association and the Kentucky Rural Water Association, is awarded to participants of the Water University who have completed and passed the online course in sustainability and capacity for modern water and wastewater utility managers. Conrad is one of the approximately 45 recipients of the Utility Management Certification in Kentucky. There are more than 300 recipients in the United States. Conference: The board approved a motion to allow Conrad to attend the 37th annual Rural Water Association from Aug. 22-24 at the Galt House Hotel and Suites in Louisville, along with any board member that wishes to attend. Conrad was also approved as the district's voting delegate. Meters changed: With half of the year over, a total of 484 meters have been changed out. The goal is to have 864 changed out by the end of the year. Monthly water loss: There was an estimated leak total of 576,636 gallons for the month of May. The biggest reported leak was a 4-inch water main break at 1078-North and 60-East on May 4, resulting in an estimated loss of 343,574 gallons of water. The flushing total was 687,736 and the volunteer fire department reported usage was 19,650. Security concerns emerge after Columbus Junction school vandalism A student alleged to have vandalized Columbus' secondary school reportedly was inside the building for two hours, raising security concerns. NORWALK State Rep. Bruce V. Morris, D-Norwalk, is no longer employed as a school climate officer for Norwalk Public Schools, multiple school officials have confirmed. Though the elimination of the position started out on good terms, Board of Education Chairman Mike Lyons said the agreement quickly deteriorated as Morris argued for a better pension afterward and then filed a Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities discrimination complaint. As of now, Morris is not leaving with a retirement agreement, he said. Morris did not return numerous requests for comment. Patricia Rivera, executive assistant to Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski, said Adamowski would not comment on personnel issues. Chief Human Resources Officer Robert Dylewski said he could not comment without the schools director of communications, Brenda Wilcox Williams, who is on vacation and cannot be reached until Tuesday. To reconcile the cuts made by the city to the schools operating budget, Morris position was eliminated along with two others a science specialist and a position in the grants department. It came down to (Morris) position and a security position. And particularly in the wake of the mass shootings like Orlando, we couldnt see the elimination of that part of the schools system, Lyons said. Morris had submitted a retirement plan earlier this year, Lyons said, and an agreement was drafted by the time the budget passed. But afterward, his lawyer came back with a set of demands for Morris pension, including increased money in addition to other benefits. They were excessive, and we couldnt afford them, Lyons said, adding that the schools budget had already been set. Then, a few of weeks ago, Bruce filed the CHRO complaint. He said it came in the midst of friendly discussions with Adamowski. It struck me as strange that he was filing a CHRO agreement at that time, Lyons said. The complaint is currently pending, he said. Last year, Morris was reprimanded for leaving his office at Norwalk Public Schools without alerting other staff members of his whereabouts. Morris issued a Level 3 appeal, which involved a hearing with the Board of Education, but the school board upheld the disciplinary action issued by central office. Lyons said his overall sentiment is disappointment disappointment in having to eliminate positions hed rather not have to do because of budget constraints, and disappointment in Morris for pulling out of their agreement. But he said he remains mildly optimistic about the whole thing. Personally, Im still hoping to make a reasonable retirement agreement with Bruce, Lyons said. He said hes going to speak with Mayor Harry Rilling about the possibility of mediating an agreement between Morris and the school district. NORWALK A 34-year-old restaurant worker has been charged by Norwalk police in the sexual assault of a 6-year-old child. Cesar Santos-Najera was charged with first-degree sexual assault and two counts of risk of injury to a minor, in the June 23 alleged assault. Police said that they were contacted on that date by a complainant who claimed that Santos-Najera a tenant in their Norwalk home had sexually assaulted the child earlier in the day. The case was assumed by the Norwalk Police Departments Special Victims Unit (SVU). According to police, the assault occurred in view of another child and Santos-Najera had told the victim not to tell anyone. Police did not disclose the gender of the 6-year-old child. Based on the SVU investigation, a warrant was secured for Santos-Najeras arrest. He was arrested on Thursday at a New Canaan restaurant, where he was employed. Santos-Najera, who listed his address as 33 Stevens St., Stamford, was issued a $100,000 bond. He was arraigned in Norwalk Superior Court on Friday and his case was transferred to Stamford Superior Court, where more serious cases are adjudicated. According to Connecticut General Statutes, sexual assault in the first degree is a Class B felony carrying a potential prison sentence of at least 10 years. It isn't all that unusual for someone to own a sewing machine yet not know how to operate it properly, how to alter clothing or make buttonholes. If this sounds like you and you've been waiting for that perfect someday to learn more about sewing, someday is here. This summer the Edwardsville YMCA is offering new classes to teach adults how to use their sewing machine. The YMCA sewing classes, which will all take place at the Meyer YMCA, are designed for any participant regardless of their current sewing level. The workshop classes are being offered in beginner, intermediate and advanced machine sewing options. Natasha Howard, Edwardsville YMCA's Arts & Climbing Director, explained that the workshops will be led by Ryan Mehallow, who resides in Troy in the summer but who is a fashion design student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. This is his second summer working with us. We are very blessed to have him, Howard said. Ryan came up with the workshop idea as a way to get adults interested in sewing. We know families are busy, and we wanted to offer a short workshop to get them started, but also if they want to learn more, be able to keep building as the summer went on. Ryan talked about how sometimes as adults we are afraid to try new things and he hopes that by offering these workshops, adults will come out and try something new in a friendly, welcoming environment, Howard added. The YMCA is offering both beginner and intermediate workshops that will meet two times for one week while the advanced class will meet for four days in a Monday through Thursday format. The beginner class, Basics of Clothing Alterations is offered on July 11 and 13. Students in this class will learn sewing machine set-up and anatomy, sewing on the machine, pressing/ironing, hand stitching constructions of running/basting, cross stitch, blind stitch, blanket stitch, buttons, hems, and patches/darning. The intermediate class, Intermediate Clothing Alterations (Sewing Techniques) is offered on July 12 and 14. This class is for the casual sewer or those interested in reviewing basic sewing techniques. Participants will learn sewing machine set up and anatomy, sewing on the machine, fabric anatomy and grain, pressing/ironing and basting, dart constructions, princess seam constructions and side seam alterations on pants/skirts. The advanced class, Advanced Clothing Alterations (Flat Pattern Techniques) is offered from July 18 through July 21. Experienced participants enrolled in this class will learn slopers, drafts and patterns, fabric anatomy and grain, pressing/ironing and basting, darts to princess seams, pleats, or shirring, slash and spread operations, full/small bust pattern adjustments and pattern magic and miscellaneous creative applications. Our classes will cover everything the home sewer needs to alter existing clothing and begin creating his or her own clothes, Mehallow said. The beginner course will review the sewing techniques you need to start up your machine and get sewing. The intermediate and advanced courses expand on these techniques with professional sewing techniques and creative flat pattern alterations. All classes are offered at the Meyer Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Beginner and Intermediate classes are $40 for members and $55 for non-members. The advanced machine sewing is $80 for members and $95 for non-members. Participants are asked to bring their own machines. Visit the YMCA's website at www.edwardsvilleymca.com for more information or contact Howard at nhoward@edwymca.com or 655-1460. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Ibrahim Almuttaqi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The British public went to the polls on June 23 to answer a straightforward question: Should the UK remain a member of the EU or leave? Despite the questions simplicity, the seismic ramifications of how the UK answered were anything but. Within hours of the results becoming clear 51.9 percent in favor of Brexit Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn faced an internal challenge to remove him from party leadership, financial markets were rocked, the pound sterling tumbled to a 35-year low against the US dollar, and there were calls by some in Scotland and Northern Ireland to consider separating from the UK. There have also been worrying reports of an increase in anti-immigrant incidents in recent days that are suspected to be linked to the referendum result. The Remain camp was accused of running a Project Fear campaign in the run-up to the referendum, and it would appear that such concerns have indeed been realized as the UK grapples with a political, constitutional, economic and sociocultural crisis. The consequences of Brexit are not limited to the UK and the EU, with the decision of the British public focusing peoples attention on the plight of another regional integration project: ASEAN. Of course there are important and crucial differences between ASEAN and the EU, with the former being an intergovernmental regional association whereby member states retain their sovereignty, while the latter is a supranational organization with a powerful bureaucracy based in Brussels and a commitment to an ever-closer union. Despite this, deputy chairman of House of Representatives Commission I overseeing foreign affairs, Hanafi Rais, has warned that a similar phenomenon could take place in Southeast Asia. While such alarm may be dismissed as a personal view, it cannot be denied that Indonesias commitment to ASEAN has been under scrutiny for some time now. The current governments view that ASEAN is only a cornerstone of Indonesias foreign policy rather than the cornerstone sparked concerns among Jakartas regional neighbors coupled with President Joko Jokowi Widodos apparent disinterest in ASEAN. In this sense, one wonders how the Indonesian public would answer if a similar question of Indonesias membership in ASEAN was put to a referendum. Certainly some of the determinant factors that pushed 17.4 million Britons to vote Leave are, to an extent, relevant to Indonesia and the ASEAN region. The free movement of people that resulted in unrestricted immigration, elitist officials and bureaucrats making decisions that did not serve the interests of the people and the feeling that the country would do better alone rather than tied to an unwieldy regional grouping are arguably just as applicable to Indonesia as to the UK. The concerns of the Indonesian public in the run-up to the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) earlier this year that the country would be flooded by labor from neighboring countries as a result of the AECs freer movement of skilled labor should not be forgotten. Similarly, ASEAN has long been accused of being an elitist entity, unrepresentative of the public and their concerns. For example, critics have decried the lack of civil society input in the ASEAN decision-making process on important matters such as free trade agreements. President Jokowis former foreign policy advisor and, coincidentally, the current Indonesian Ambassador to the UK famously opined that Indonesia had imprisoned itself in the golden cage of ASEAN. The lack of progress with regard to Chinas claims in the South China Sea on account of ASEANs deep divisions attest to the difficulties Indonesia faces in getting the regional grouping to achieve a common position, despite the Bali Concord III specifically introduced under Jakartas chairmanship of ASEAN to reach common positions on issues of global concern. One suspects, however, that many in Indonesia would instead express ignorance of ASEAN, what it stands for and what it is striving to achieve. Despite ASEANs supposed emphasis on a people-orientated and people-centered region, the sense of an ASEAN we feeling and regional identity have thus far failed to trickle down to the grassroots to any significant extent. This is true not only in the remotest areas of the country but even in Jakarta, home to the ASEAN Secretariat, and the self-proclaimed capital of ASEAN. What, then, are the lessons that Brexit offers ASEAN? Clearly ASEAN must ensure that the rhetoric of people-orientated and people-centered plans are translated into reality. This was evidently not the case for the British public who came to see the EU as a regional integration project that was not focused on the people but instead benefited bureaucrats, big businesses and vested interests. As Leave campaigner Nigel Farage declared, Brexit was a victory for ordinary, decent people whove taken on the establishment and won. In relation to this, ASEAN must seriously consider addressing its elitist label by reforming its top-down nature of decision-making. Take Back Control was the Leave campaigns slogan during the referendum and Michael Gove, the pro-Brexit Justice Secretary memorably argued, people in this country have had enough of experts. ASEAN must therefore provide greater space for the public to participate in the decision-making process, especially on matters that directly affect them. Similarly, ASEAN should avoid the mistakes of the EU by listening to the genuine concerns of the public. The flow of immigrants from the EU, which was seen as impacting the British peoples access to jobs, healthcare and education services, was no doubt a major factor that led to Brexit. As such, Indonesians own concerns even if rather unfounded that the AEC would result in a similar fate need to be properly addressed by effectively explaining the crucial differences between ASEANs freer movement of skilled labor and the EUs free movement of people. While a Brexit phenomenon in ASEAN is unlikely in the foreseeable future, the Southeast Asian region cannot rest on its laurels. ASEAN should heed the lessons of Brexit in order to avoid the multiperspective crisis facing the UK. *** The writer is head of the ASEAN Studies Program at The Habibie Center in Jakarta. The views expressed are his own. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin CPF Luhulima (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 It was at the 29th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta on July 20 and 21, 1996, when ASEAN endorsed the idea of determining a regional code of conduct on the South China Sea (SCS) which will lay the foundation for long-term stability in the area and foster understanding among claimant countries. ASEANs foreign ministers accentuated the importance of freedom of navigation and aviation on the South China Sea. In 1999, ASEAN approached China to start negotiations on a code of conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea. However, after negotiating for five years no agreement on a CoC between ASEAN and China was achieved. At Chinas insistence, ASEAN and China agreed upon the Declaration on a Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). It has three objectives: to promote confidence-building measures, to foster cooperation in maritime affairs and to prepare a formal and binding code of conduct. In paragraph 10 of the DOC both parties agreed that Adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea would further promote peace and stability in the region and [they] agree to work, on the basis of consensus, toward the eventual attainment of this objective. However, the core of the problem between the two sides is precisely the formulation of the code of conduct. China has never agreed to the principle that the members of ASEAN will continue their practice of consulting amongst themselves first before meeting China on the issue, as in Chinas view the problem in the SCS does not involve all ASEAN countries. It will only negotiate on the SCS issue with the relevant individual parties, not with ASEAN as a whole. It is here that ASEAN will have to disregard Chinas demand. Chapter 1, Article 1, paragraph 15 of the ASEAN Charter stipulates that ASEAN has to maintain the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving force in its relations and cooperation with its external partners in a regional architecture that is open, transparent and inclusive. It is on the basis of this principle that ASEAN will have to formulate a code of conduct for the South China Sea and Indonesia will have to take the initiative while in the process rebuilding ASEANs cohesion to achieve that goal. The recent imbroglio in Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around the Natuna Islands has convinced Indonesian authorities, up to President Joko Jokowi Widodo, that Chinas nine-dash line includes the Natuna Islands surrounding seas, which is evident from the various photographs and maps in Chinas newspapers highlighting the event and from the captured fishing vessels. This is obviously a competition for jurisdiction and sovereign rights in areas of overlapping maritime claims. Indonesia does not acknowledge the nine-dash line and its actions in its EEZ are fully justified. China, however, claims that the fishing incident occurred within its nine-dash line, its traditional fishing grounds, 133 kilometers away from the Natuna Islands, which it said was definitely outside Indonesias territorial maritime zone and is only Indonesias EEZ. The Chinese side argued that according to UNCLOS this area is also within the Chinese EEZ. Nonetheless, China said it believed that the fisheries issue would not exacerbate security in the SCS. However, the recent ASEAN-China meeting to prepare for the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China relations (September 2016 ) ended in disarray precisely because of the tensions in the South China Sea. The recent and ongoing developments in the SCS, in ASEAN eyes have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and which may have the potential to undermine peace, security and stability in the area. These incidents and the various maps indicating Chinese fishing grounds deep inside Indonesias EEZ and territorial waters found on the Chinese fishing vessels detained by the Indonesia navy incited President Jokowi to ask after being shown the maps: What is it they want? They make it difficult for Indonesia now to further act as an honest broker in the South China Sea enmeshment. The government, in determining its official stance on the South China Sea, should henceforth assess the Chinese governments standpoint on the waters around Natuna. This consideration should be Indonesias basic stance in formulating a code of conduct in the South China Sea irrespective of Indonesias foreign policy priority, which puts a high significance on political economy, specifically emphasizing foreign investments and infrastructure assistance projects from China, Indonesias main engine of economic growth. Indonesia should equally make the best possible use of Beijings acknowledgement of Indonesias economic centrality in Southeast Asia and its growing influence in international forums, as well as its global maritime fulcrum as a crucial pedestal for Chinas maritime silk road. After the recent incidents near the Natuna Islands, China has ceased being vague about its position toward Indonesia. These confrontations should convince Indonesia to again take the initiative and come up with a new version of a code of conduct on the South China Sea. In this version emphasis should again be put on the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as an instrument of managing and resolving the recurring issues in the SCS to the point of applying Article 17 TAC, which is recourse to the modes of peaceful settlement contained in Article 33(l) of the Charter of the United Nations. Chinas nine-dash line will be ignored by the International Arbitral Tribunal and this will thus have to be incorporated into Indonesias and ASEANs stance of not recognizing the imagery line. Consequently, a commitment should be given to build the SCS as a peaceful area and for peaceful purposes only, in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS. Next, the joint development of resources in areas of overlapping claims in the SCS should be agreed upon by the parties concerned prior to the actual implementation, whether bilaterally or multilaterally. Similarly, unilateral action should be avoided in disputed areas as it would hinder the attainment of any agreement, such as for exploration for hydrocarbons. Most importantly, however, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi should visit and talk to her colleagues in the ASEAN member countries to try to rekindle ASEANs solidarity and centrality to approach the South China Sea issue in the spirit of Indonesias basic stance in Aug. 16, 1966, to create an integrated Southeast Asia to be able to face any influence or intervention from abroad, both economically as well as militarily. A Southeast Asia that cooperates, a Southeast Asia that is integrated is a very strong fortress and base to face imperialism and colonialism in any form and from anywhere. *** The writer is a senior researcher at the Center for Political Studies, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 A recent development in Texas, US, may prove that the fountain of youth the ability to prolong life, sustain health and, possibly, achieve immortalitymay no longer be just be a myth. The Timeship Building, designed by architect Stephen Valentine, in Comfort, Texas, is expected to become the mecca of cryogenics according to New Scientist magazine. Cryonics is low-temperature preservation of animals and humans. Construction began last month. Housing 50,000 frozen bodies, the cryogenics center will serve as a life extension research site storing biological materials, including cells, tissues and organs. In a way, Timeship will be like the Fort Knox of biological materials. It was also built with safeguarding in mind, designed to provide security at every level, against all threats ranging from a terrorist attack to climate change and the interruption of energy supplies due to catastrophe. A belief central to cryogenics is that long-term memory, personality and identity are stored in durable cell structures and patterns within the brain. This project essentially takes people to the future, Valentine explained to New Scientist. (Read also: Google Earth spots 'sea monster near Antarctica) In February, scientists managed to use cryonic methods to freeze the brain of a rabbit, later recovering the brain in near-perfect condition. Researchers said that the experiment was evidence that near-perfect, long term structural preservation of an intact brain is achievable, suggesting that the technique would soon be applicable to humans. To do so, experts drain the blood from the head and diffuse a deadly chemical fixative called glutaraldehyde through the brains vascular system. The process ceases metabolic decay and fixes proteins in place, thereby allegedly stabilizing the tissue and preventing the brain from shrinking and damage. Cryonics is oft criticized as an erroneous endeavor and or an activity that is exclusively for the wealthy. The philosophy behind the procedure is said to heal those who doctors fail to save, saving them for a later time by reviving the frozen bodies and offering contemporary medicine. (sab/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Mountain View, California, United States Fri, July 1, 2016 Google is serving a new morsel for fans of its Android software: The next version has been dubbed "Nougat," extending Google's tradition of nicknaming each overhaul of Android after a sweet food. The Nougat name announced Thursday comes seven weeks after Google sought suggestions during its annual conference for software engineers. (Read also: Google redeems spot as worlds most valuable company) Nougat is scheduled to be released in new smartphones this fall when the makers of existing Android devices will also be able to enable updates to the new software. Nougat's new features will include the ability to run apps without actually installing them on a device. The nicknames for earlier Android versions have included Marshmallow, Lollipop, KitKat, Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread. Google commemorates the different Android nicknames with statues near its Mountain View, California, headquarters. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Thu, June 30 2016 JungleLand theme park operator Graha Andrasentra Propertindo, controlled by Bakrie Groups property arm Bakrieland Development, will build more theme parks and hotels in the near future, after recently securing funds through an initial public offering (IPO). Graha Andrasentra president director Agus Jayadi Alwie said the company would bet high on the future growth of the leisure industry and launch eight new projects in 2017 and 2018 comprising four theme parks and four hotels in Bogor, Malang, Surabaya and Medan. The company, the eighth firm to go public on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) this year, will use a part of the Rp 300 billion (US$22.5 million) it raised from its recent IPO to finance the projects. Most of the theme parks will be built on a single site, and the hotels are set to sit on a separate site of roughly 50 hectares and cost Rp 70 billion to Rp 200 billion. We believe an economic recovery along with a growing population and an emerging middle-income market will support our expansion well, he told reporters on the sidelines of the companys listing debut at the IDX on Wednesday. Eight to 9 million people are expected to enter the middle-income bracket every year in Indonesia, until the total reaches 141 million in 2020, according to the Boston Consulting Group. The countrys economic growth is expected to recover to 5.2 percent this year from a six-year low of 4.79 percent last year. Tapping into these future growth prospects, Graha Andrasentra has allocated up to Rp 500 billion for capital expenditure this year, of which Rp 300 billion will come from the IPO proceeds and the remaining Rp 200 billion from bank loans and internal cash. The eight new projects will add to the companys five existing properties: JungleLand theme park in Sentul, Jungle Water and Jungle Fest theme parks in Bogor, Aston Bogor Hotel and Resort, Bogor Nirwana Residence and Bogors Jungle Sky Apartments. Agus notes that each existing theme park attracts 1.2 million visitors each year on average, and during Idul Fitri festivities the average number of visitors can multiply by 1.5, to 12,000 people per day visiting each park. Graha Andrasentra aims to increase the number of park visitors to see revenue grow by more than 10 percent this year. Last year, it booked Rp 366.4 billion in revenue, although its bottom line posted a Rp 254.8 billion loss. Shares in Graha Andrasentra, traded on the IDX for the first time on Wednesday with the code JGLE, rose to Rp 173 apiece on its debut, 23.5 percent more expensive than the IPO price of Rp 140 a share. The company, established in 1988, is one of the key players in the leisure industry in Indonesia, where half of the 250 million plus population is aged under 55. Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, Graha Andrasentras competitor and the operator of Indonesias oldest theme parks, Ancol and Dufan (Dunia Fantasy) in Jakarta, booked Rp 1.13 trillion in revenue last year, a 2.7 percent increase on 2014 figures. Its net profit rose 22.9 percent in 2015, to Rp 290.8 billion. Rating agency Pefindo predicts Pembangunan Jaya Ancols theme parks built on 552 ha of land will reap Rp 1.3 trillion in revenue this year thanks to a growing population, an economic recovery and expansion plans. Ancol and Dufan offer dozens of rides, from adrenaline-rush rides to sea world activities. ------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 30 2016 Publicly listed hotel and resort development company Bukit Uluwatu Villa has set an optimistic double-digit revenue growth target this year after observing a gloomy performance in 2015 in the face of a series of natural disasters that led to many hotel booking cancellations. Bukit Uluwatu, which manages a number of high-end resorts, including Alila Ubud and Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, projects to see its revenue increase by 38.1 percent this year to Rp 275 billion (US$20.9 million), from Rp 199 billion in 2015 through multiple expansion projects. The firm, for example, plans to expand Alila Villas Uluwatu, a popular wedding venue on the resort island, by constructing a new wedding hall that will accommodate 1,000 guests. We hosted 180 wedding receptions last year and expect to cater to more customers after the opening of the new wedding hall in August, finance director Hendry Utomo said Wednesday. Furthermore, as part of its strategy to reach the sales target, the firm is constructing seven new villas at Alila Ubud. These villas will welcome guests in December 2016. Another new establishment in the pipeline is Alila SCBD in Jakarta. The five-star hotel, expected to start operating by the end of the year, will have 238 rooms and a number of fine dining venues. The company has invested Rp 575 to Rp 600 billion for this project. The expansion projects are part of Bukit Uluwatus strategy to offset its bleak financial performance last year. According to its financial statement, the firms revenues declined 22.4 percent to Rp 199 billion in 2015, from Rp 256.5 billion in the previous year. As a result, the firms net loss increased by 29.6 percent to Rp 39 billion, from Rp 30 billion in the previous year. BUVA attributed the revenue slump to volcanic eruptions last year at Mount Raung in Banyuwangi, East Java, and Mt. Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, causing tourists to postpone their visits to Bali, the country most popular tourist destination. The company has exhibited improved performance since the first quarter, as noted in its revenue increase of 69.8 percent year-on-year (yoy) to Rp 60.8 billion, from Rp 35.8 billion. It, however, still suffered a net loss of Rp 19 billion in the first quarter, up 52 percent yoy from Rp 12.5 billion in the corresponding period last year. Hendry said the company also planned to open next year a new boutique hotel called The Cliff, located besides Alila Villas Uluwatu and currently under construction, In addition, Alila Villas Bintan, the companys another ongoing project in Riau Islands, is also expected to be completed by the second semester of 2017. The investment value for the project, which stands on a 14-hectare plot of land, will need Rp 400 billion. Each one-bedroom pool villa in the project will be offered for sale at around Rp 10 billion, said director Winarti Indrajaya. (win) ------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong and Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Bandung Thu, June 30 2016 The recent discovery of a nationwide counterfeit vaccine ring has revealed a gap in the distribution chain of vaccines in the country. Authorities believe that fake vaccines could be circulating in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies because there is demand from patients to use imported vaccines, which can be procured through unofficial supply chains, unlike vaccines produced in the country. There is high demand from the upper-middle income bracket for alternative vaccines. If they want a polio vaccine, for example, they dont want those produced by state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma. They want the imported vaccine. Thats why theres a gap, Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) chairman Tengku Bahdar Johan Hamid said. The safety and authenticity of a vaccine could only be guaranteed if children were vaccinated through the governments Complete Basic Immunization program, Bahdar added. All vaccines used in the governments immunization program, including Hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, measles and tuberculosis, are obtained from official distributors through a closely monitored distribution chain. Before the vaccines are distributed, we have to evaluate them. Each production batch has to be tested before they can be released, Bahdar said. The procedure to test the safety of the vaccines is even more rigorous than those of regular drugs. Then we carry out post-market monitoring by taking samples from those circulating in the distribution channel as well as in medical facilities and test them, said Bahdar. Thats the official distribution channel. To further ensure that no fake vaccines are distributed through the official distribution channel, the government also requires all public medical facilities to procure their vaccines through an e-catalogue. Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek said e-purchases from producers were distributed by official pharmaceutical traders to regional health agencies and health facilities, including community health centers (Puskesmas) and integrated health service posts (Posyandu). The case is different with unofficial distribution channels, but the BPOM has said there is not much it can do as its authorities are restricted. There are many regulations that restrict us from doing our job properly. For instance there is Health Ministerial Regulation No. 35/2014, which says we can only monitor drugs in pharmacies and not their procurement and distribution. Therefore, the House of Representatives recommends a bill on food and drug monitoring because they know there is a lot of territory we cant enter, Bahdar said. He cited Pramuka Market in East Jakarta as a well-known source for fake drugs. The kiosks that sell medicine in Pramuka Market are not official. We never check that market because its not supposed to be selling vaccines. We acknowledge our mistakes, he said. Bahdar added that counterfeit vaccines could also enter medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics through freelance salespeople. There might be public hospitals that procure vaccines not from the government. And then there are freelance distributors that offer vaccines at low prices. The procurement of vaccines through such means is illegal, he said. The BPOM has detected 28 medical facilities, mostly private hospitals and private clinics, that have procured vaccines through unofficial channels, according to Bahdar. These facilities are located in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Mataram, Palu, Subang, Pekanbaru, Bandung and Denpasar. If the vaccines were obtained from unofficial sources at low prices, they could be fake, Bahdar said. The BPOM also determined that counterfeit versions of at least 12 vaccine brands had been circulating in the country. These brands are produced by Bio Farma, Sanofi Group and Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK). Bio Farma said the company had implemented strict standards for its vaccine production and distribution, both in public and private medical facilities. Bio Farma corporate secretary M. Rahman Rustan said its vaccines were distributed by official distributors that were audited periodically in accordance to good distribution practices, such as 48-hour maximum delivery time. Therefore, there are no leaks in delivery that could be misused by other parties, he said. ___________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin WORDS AND PHOTOS AGUNG PARAMESWARA (The Jakarta Post) Thu, June 30 2016 Every year, the villagers of Tenganan Pegringsingan in Karangasem celebrate a month-long religious festival called Usaba Sambah, to respect lord Indra, the god of war in Hindu mythology. Among the rituals held during the festival is Mekare Kare or perang pandan, where the men of Tenganan proudly display their courage in a ritual battle. This year, the ritual took place on June 24 and 25. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 30 2016 Infrastructure is the backbone that determines a societys living standards and for years Indonesia has struggled to keep up with the rest of the world in terms of its internet infrastructure. Despite the countrys large size, Indonesias internet network is considered to be among the weakest in the Southeast Asian region. Regulations and partnerships between telcom operators have so far only offered a faint glimmer of hope of network improvement. To the Association of Indonesian Internet Providers (APJII), infrastructure is the highest priority. Otherwise, all modernization efforts will be futile amid ongoing efforts by the telcom operators to improve and sell their network coverage, including through infrastructure sharing. Government regulations that require such sharing will also be pointless. APJII chairman Jamalul Izza said changes would come at a slower pace than needed because both operators and the government were still seemingly deadlocked in indecision. In the end, any kind of regulation is useless if the infrastructure is not up to quality. Operators are also still undecided as to how they want the infrastructure sharing to be implemented, thus potentially jeopardizing their efficiency and their network quality in the long run, Jamal said recently. I think that both the government and operators must put improving the infrastructure first before anything else. To address this slow pace, operators have embarked on their own measures to make operations more efficient and improve their networks in the months ahead. Notably, operators XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo plan to collaborate to share their broadcast towers some time in the near future to boost the efficiency and quality of both their 4G networks. Both companies have highlighted that the move will greatly help reduce costs. Indosat noted previously that the plan would reduce the companys cost of tower rentals, which currently takes up 80 percent of their expenditure. XL CEO Dian Siswarini has also highlighted the same urgency. She insisted the government should quickly introduce a regulation to urge telcom operators to share their infrastructure with one another. The fact is, the regulation has been in gestation for a while now and weve been asking for it to be finished, but alas, it hasnt been completed yet. I guess there are a lot of obstacles to overcome for the government, Dian said, adding that many parties with different interests were involved as well. The Communication and Information Technology Ministry has announced that it has been working on a regulation that pushes for active network sharing since January. The planned regulation will not only cover the sharing of tower infrastructure, but also affect vendors and business aspects. Communication and Information Technology Minister Rudiantara described the planned regulation as not compulsory for all operators, but will be done according to a business-to-business [B2B] method. However, the ministrys telecommunications director, Benyamin Sura, said on Monday that the deadline for completion was unclear, adding that several telecommunications operators were still uncertain about on their own stance on such a decision. ------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 30 2016 The Supreme Court has added five new death row inmates to the Attorney Generals Offices (AGO) executions list, with the recent sentencing of five drug dealers. The move at countrys highest court comes just four days after President Joko Jokowi Widodo called on law enforcement institutions and judicial bodies to unite in supporting the heaviest possible punishment of drug dealers. Jokowi made the comments at an event for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jakarta on Sunday. The Supreme Court said the five people, including Hong Kong citizen and international drug syndicate kingpin Wong Chi Ping, deserved the punishment because drug-related mortality had gotten worse in recent years with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) recording around 50 deaths every day due to drugs. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Thu, June 30 2016 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has frequently expressed his intense anger with drug dealers, even to the extent of executing some of them. When speaking at the International Day Against Drugs on Sunday he proposed a new approach that could rival the actions of his Philippines counterpart Rodrigo Duterte. But just as capital punishment has not defeated the scourge of drug abuse in the country so Jokowi should never try to go that far, let alone consider breaking the rules. Chase them, beat them, hit them. If the law permits, shoot them. Luckily the law does not permit such measures, he added. Nevertheless thats the Presidents punch line, which might represent the wish of the majority of Indonesian people, particularly parents who have sacrificed all they have to save their children from addiction. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Senny Suzanna Alwasilah (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Thu, June 30 2016 Fasting in this holy of Ramadhan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but most importantly about controlling passion, lust, anger and gossip. The manifestation of fasting is to obtain glory and perfection. This month, particularly these last weeks, is an opportunity to heighten piety, gain rewards and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty. Muslims believe that Ramadhan will give thousands of blessing as Allah said, All services by Muslims are for themselves except fasting. The fasting by Muslims is for me, and I will reward them for it. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Fri, July 1 2016 Afghan Ambassador to Indonesia Roya Rahmani assumes her new post in Jakarta just as Muslims around the globe celebrate the holy month. Rahmani spoke of her Ramadhan experiences and the position of women in Afghanistan during an interview with The Jakarta Posts Tama Salim. The following are excerpts from the interview: to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The Jakarta administration has questioned the central government's decision to halt some of the reclamation projects off the capital's coast but will comply with the order nevertheless. Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said he regretted the decision made by the central government on Thursday to halt the construction of the 161-hectare islet G in the Jakarta Bay, developed by PT Muara Wisesa, a subsidiary of property giant Agung Podomoro Land. The developer has obtained all permits, including one from state-owned electricity company PLN, and completed the environmental analysis. We will study the order, especially the legal aspects. We think that the administration and government have a different interpretation of the reclamations [legal] basis, which is the presidential decree of 1995, Ahok said at City Hall on Friday. However, he promised to comply with any decision the central government made. Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli ordered the developer of islet G to completely halt construction on Thursday following a joint research team finding that the project posed environmental risks. It could also disrupt strategic projects and maritime traffic as the reclamation islets are being built above submarine power cables and between ship lanes. Meanwhile the central government allowed construction of islets C and D, developed by PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary of another property giant Agung Sedayu, to proceed. However, the man-made islets must be reconstructed to comply with the reclamation plan, with a flood control canal separating the two islets. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Christian Donny Putranto (The Jakarta Post) Melbourne Fri, July 1 2016 In May 2015, Indonesia generously accepted hundreds of Rohingya, a persecuted ethnic Muslim minority from Myanmar, into temporary safety in Aceh and North Sumatra. This act was universally applauded as it showed Indonesias humanitarian stance toward refugees. This action also represented Indonesia as a true and sincere leader on issues of refugees and asylum seekers. The same generosity, unfortunately, was not initially extended to 44 Sri Lankans whose boat ran aground on Lhok Nga beach in Aceh on June 14. The refugees were reportedly attempting to reach Christmas Island, an Australian territory, to seek asylum there. For this reason, the local authorities initially refused to allow the Sri Lankans to get off the boat until intervention from the government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The local immigration head reportedly stated that the authorities had refused to allow the individuals to get off the boat because their destination was Australia, not Indonesia. Local authorities provided food and water and repaired the boats engine to ensure the Sri Lankans were able to proceed with their journey to Christmas Island. Local authorities also, reportedly, prevented representatives of UNHCR from meeting the Sri Lankans. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1 2016 The Judicial Commission has nominated five candidates for Supreme Court justices and, for the first time, two ad hoc judges for corruption courts. The Commission handed the names to the House of Representatives on Thursday for the final selection process. The five justices comprise three for the civil chamber, namely Judicial Commission member Ibrahim, Mataram High Court deputy chairman Panji Widagdo and Tanjung Karang High Court deputy chairman Setyawan Hartono, who were chosen from among 86 candidates registering for the positions. The other two will fill the military and religious chambers. They are Jakarta Military Court chairman Hidayat Manao and Jakarta Religious High Court deputy chairman Edi Riadi. Semarang Corruption Court ad hoc judge Darmawan S. Djamian and Bandung Corruption Court ad hoc judge Marsidin Nawawi are the candidates chosen for ad hoc judges out of a total of 53 applicants. Judicial Commission chairman Aidul Fitriciada Azhari said that all of the candidates had passed a series of strict selection criteria, including administrative, quality, personality and health tests, as well as interviews with a panel of nine experts comprising seven Judicial Commission members, one law expert and one statesman, from January to June. We have proposed the names and now its the Houses turn to do its part, Aidul said. Ibrahim is a law lecturer with the Indonesia Muslim University in Makassar, North Sulawesi. He was proposed by the university. Panji and Setyawan were proposed by Central Sulawesi High Court and Palangkaraya High Court, respectively, both have been members of the judiciary for around 30 years. Hidayat, currently a senior military judge, was among the candidates proposed by the Main Military Court, while Edi was proposed by his current office. However, Aidul admitted that he could not fulfill the Supreme Courts demand for a total of eight justices and three ad hoc judges because the rest did not meet the commissions qualification standards. We cant fill one position in the criminal chamber and one in the administrative court because the candidates for those chambers couldnt meet the qualifications, Aidul said. We also can only give two names for ad hoc positions, out of the total of three required, for the same reason. According to the Judicial Commission, those who were eliminated are eligible to register to the next recruitment period. During the selection processes, the Judicial Commission involved the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in dealing with the candidates wealth reports (LHKPN), and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to examine their financial transaction records. To make sure that they are all clear of any graft implication, Aidul said. House Speaker Ade Komarudin said that he and four deputy speakers would hold an executive meeting after the Idul Fitri holiday before he would ask House Commission III, overseeing human rights and legal affairs, to hold confirmation hearings with the candidates. We should enjoy the Idul Fitri holiday first, after that I will discuss it with the Commission III chairman, Ade said, referring to Bambang Soesatyo of the Golkar Party. Supreme Court justice Hatta Ali left the appointments to the Judicial Commission and the House to decide. ___________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The Taxation Directorate General has decided to postpone a plan to collect credit card transaction data until the scheduled end of a planned tax amnesty in March next year. Tax office spokesman Hestu Yoga Saksama explained that the policy, which was initially aimed at improving the tax database, had been postponed due to mixed perceptions regarding the issue. "With the implementation of the tax amnesty, we are giving taxpayers the opportunity to participate in the program. Once it is done, we will bring the plan back," he said in Jakarta on Friday. As stated in a finance minister regulation, credit card data was to be collected monthly starting May 31. "It has been postponed until the expiration of the tax amnesty program," Yoga added. To support the non-cash transactions program, especially through credit cards, the tax office is currently formulating a policy to provide tax incentives by allowing credit card users to have certain bill payments deducted from their income tax. "The point is that we want to support a cashless society," he added. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Developers of the Jakarta Bay reclamation project are repeatedly biting the bullet as an investigative team has imposed strict penalties on the tangled project, including permanently ceasing development of an islet. The joint team concluded that islet G has committed gross violations as it is being built above electricity wires in the sea and among ship lanes. We decided that the development of the islet has to be stopped, said Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli on Thursday, referring to an islet developed and marketed by PT Muara Wisesa Samudera, a subsidiary of PT Agung Podomoro Land. Rizal announced the decisions after a meeting with the joint team, which consists of experts from the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Environment and Forestry Ministry and Transportation Ministry, as well as the Jakarta administration. In the meeting, he added, the team reported irregularities in the Jakarta Bay reclamation project, which has been halted amid a dispute regarding overlapping regulations. The official classified the irregularities as gross, moderate and minor violations. Classified as a gross violation, the development of islet G has been deemed a danger to the environment, strategic vital projects and ship traffic, as it is being built above submarine electricity wires and between ship lanes. Aside from islet G, which had been offered to the market while having commenced construction, the joint team has also penalized islets C, D and N. Islet C and D belong to PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary company of Agung Sedayu, while Islet N is owned by state-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). Development of the three islets were considered a moderate violation because they had undergone construction without following their initial design plans, as agreed to in Gubernatorial Regulation No. 121/2012 on the spatial management of reclamation the northern Jakarta coast, Rizal said. Developers of islets C and D, which have been integrated as one big islet, are required to construct a canal to separate the two islets, as stipulated in the regulation with consideration that the canal functions as flood control, ship lane and sea current path. Islets C and D can still be developed but they have to reconstruct the islets as they were built without following the initial reclamation plan, Rizal said, adding that to carry out the work, the developer might require hundreds of billions of rupiah. He, however, did not elaborate on the violations in the development of islet N, which is set to be a new port. Asked whether the decisions will be stipulated in a particular legal form, Rizal said the government would consider its options once it finished the investigation, which is expected to be completed in the next three months. The team still has tasks to complete, including evaluating the development plans of 13 other islets that have yet to be built, Rizal added. Meanwhile, the Jakarta administration will not enforce the decisions on the existing projects, unless the decisions are stipulated in a regulation issued by President Joko Jokowi Widodo, who holds the authority to impose the penalties, said Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama. (-/-) I see the decisions as recommendations, Ahok said, adding that Muara Wisesa may sue the government, as well as the administration, as it held permits to build islet G. The reclamation project hit headlines after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested APL president director Ariesman Widjaja and Jakarta councillor Muhammad Sanusi in a bribery case related to the project in the Jakarta Bay in April. Ariesman is allegedly to have bribed Sanusi, a politician from the Gerindra Party, with Rp 1 billion (US$76,000) to influence the drafting of bylaws related to the reclamation project. The city administration plans to require developers to pay a 15 percent additional fee in the bylaws while developers have reportedly attempted to approach councillors to lower the fee. Besides the arrest, the KPK has also banned Ahoks expert staff Sunny Tanuwidjaja and Agung Sedayu chairman Sugianto Aguan Kusuma from traveling overseas in relation to the bribery case. Meanwhile, the head of the spatial planning and environment bureau of the Jakarta administration, Vera Revina Sari, admitted on Thursday that the additional fee was decided without a legal basis. Speaking in Ariesmans hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Vera said the additional fees, which had been received by the administration, had been approved by the governor. Most of [the fees] were used to build low-cost apartments, Vera said responding to a question from KPK prosecutor Ali Fikri. Vera said among the reclamation developers that had paid the fee was Muara Wisesa, a subsidiary of APL, and that the fee had been used to build a low-cost apartment in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta. __________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The government's crisis center team was scheduled to hold a meeting on Friday evening to take further actions to release seven kidnapped Indonesian sailors in Philippine waters, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said on Thursday. "We will discuss and determine further measures to secure the release of seven Indonesian sailors held hostage [by Filipino militants]," Luhut told journalists at his office. The meeting would be held following the return of Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi from the Philippines, where she met with her new counterpart Perfecto Yasay following the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration on Thursday. The crisis center comprised of top officials like Luhut, Retno, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Sutiyoso and National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti. It was established to identify the perpetrators and the location where the hostages were kept, as well as to investigate connections between the latest kidnapping and previous incidents, Luhut recently said. The kidnapping of seven Indonesian sailors on June 20 is the third such incident this year, which has prompted the government to beef up its security cooperation with the Philippines, namely allowing Indonesia to join security operations with Filipino military personnel should another hostage-taking incident occur in the future. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama officially dismissed Jakarta Housing and Government Buildings Agency head Ika Lestari Aji on Friday amid a corruption scandal concerning land procurement in West Cengkareng, West Jakarta. There had been calls for Ika's dismissal was even before the scandal surfaced, Ahok said on Friday. "With her dismissal, Ika will be able to focus on the legal process,," he told journalists at City Hall. To replace Ika, Ahok has appointed Central Jakarta Deputy Mayor Arifin, who was inaugurated along with several other civil servants at City Hall on Friday. Arifin is seen as capable of proper management of land procurement for city low-cost apartments (rusunawa), Ahok said. "Arifin is still young and has much experience. He told me he was ready for this job. I believe he can do his job well and maintain his reputation," he added. Ika's position had looked untenable following a Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) finding over the purchase made by the city administration for a 4.6-hectares plot of land in West Cengkareng earmarked for the construction of a rusunawa. The city paid Rp 648 billion (US$49 million) for the land last year, only later to find that the land was already city-owned and registered under the Jakarta Fisheries, Agriculture and Food Security Agency. The city's legal bureau reported alleged fraud surrounding the purchase to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) on Wednesday. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi and Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Semarang/Surakarta Fri, July 1 2016 With Idul Fitri in sight, the countrys disaster management agency has warned homeward travelers to be cautious of potential risks of flooding and landslides at several points across Java. National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said on Thursday travelers might meet serious threats of disaster on account of potential heavy rains in most provinces. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The government sees the potential of economic cooperation between Asian countries as a possible avenue to resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a minister has said. "The government is deliberating for the chance to realize joint-ventures with China or Taiwan, or with any other [claimant] states," Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan told journalists on Thursday. With no details yet on the cooperation, however, he cited an example of a plan to accommodate other countries in fish canning production in Indonesia as part of the cooperation. Indonesia is not a claimant state in the South China Sea but is looking to have a bigger role in resolving the ongoing dispute. Still, the government would not compromise its regional integrity with any claimant state of the disputed seas to forge further cooperation. The idea came up on the heels of a recent spat with the Chinese government in Indonesia's exclusive economic zone in Natuna waters off the Riau Islands province, which overlaps with China's claimed "nine-dash line" quasi-territorial border, spanning 2,000 kilometers away from its mainland. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo visited Natuna on June 23 and held a meeting on board a warship to send a stern message to China that Indonesia is "very serious in protecting its sovereignty". (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (LBH) expressed its appreciation to the government for stopping the Islet G reclamation process involving PT Muara Wisesa, a subsidiary of PT Agung Podomoro Land. We appreciate the decision to stop the Islet G project," LBH lawyer Tigor Hutapea said on Monday. The decision was announced by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli after a meeting with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Environment and Forestry Ministry, Transportation Ministry and the Jakarta administration on Thursday. A joint team had been established in an effort to investigate reports of irregularities in the Jakarta Bay reclamation project. The broader project is currently on hold due to overlapping regulations, as well as reports of environmental damage. Islet C and D belong to PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary of Agung Sedayu, while Islet N is owned by State-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). (rez/dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Batam Fri, July 1 2016 Singaporean Teo Boon Tiak, 69, could only nod and accept the charge read out by the prosecutors who sought an 18 month prison term and a fine of Rp 10 million (US$760) to punish him for concocting a false Indonesian passport. Prosecutor Arie Prasetyo in his charge said that Teo had used a falsified Indonesian passport that he got by falsifying a number of documents including a birth certificate and identity card under the name of Tommy. He has convincingly violated Article 126 C of Law No. 6/2011 on immigration. We propose an 18-month term of imprisonment and a fine of Rp 10 million or an additional six years in prison, Arie said during a court hearing. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 A reclamation investigation team has demanded PT Muara Wisesa Samudra, a subsidiary of developer PT Agung Podomoro Land, to stop developing its man-made islet on the North Jakarta Bay permanently. The decision was announced by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli after he held a meeting related to the project with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Environment and Forestry Ministry, Transportation Ministry and the Jakarta administration on Thursday. The institutions previously established a joint team to investigate irregularities in Jakartas reclamation project, which is currently being halted because of overlapping regulations, as well as reports of environmental damages. "The joint team concluded that islet G has committed gross violations as it is built above sea electricity wires and among ship lanes. We decided that the development of the islet has to be stopped from now on, Rizal said, referring to Muaras islet, known as islet G. The islet was being classified for having grossly violated regulations, he added, meaning that islet G had endangered the environment, other strategic vital projects and ship traffic. Aside from such violations, the joint team also classified two other breaches, which they deemed minor and light, Rizal declared. "Islet C, D, and N can still be developed but they have to reconstruct the islets, as they were built without following the initial reclamation plan, Rizal said, pointing out that the team considered the three new-built islets had committed minor violations that could be corrected. Islet C and D belong to PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary company of Agung Sedayu, while Islet N is owned by State-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo). (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Hundreds of people crowded at the Jakarta Police headquarters on Friday in Central Jakarta to embark on a free return journey to their hometowns across Java for the annual Idul Fitri holidays. Nurul Fajrin, a passenger waiting for a bus at the police headquarters, said that she would return home to her hometown in Magelang, Central Java, for free because her husband was an employee of the countrys largest motorcycle company, PT Astra Honda Motor. I will go with the companys group to Yogyakarta and then continue to my hometown in Magelang, Nurul told The Jakarta Post on Friday. Police announced that 11 companies would facilitate 76,161 passengers company employees and their families -- on 2,414 buses, hired to transport passengers to destinations in West Java, Central Java and East Java from June 28 to July 3. The Jakarta Transportation Agency has also improved terminal services at 12 major bus terminals; Pulogadung, Rawamangun, Kampung Rambutan, Pulogebang, Tanjung Priok, Kalideres and Pasar Minggu. The Jakarta administration has also provided health posts and facilities to facilitate vehicle worthiness checks in an effort to guarantee traveler safety. (rez/dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The annual Idul Fitri exodus, locally known as mudik, is expected to reach its peak in Jakarta over the weekend, as millions of Jakartans exit the city by various means of transportation, a Jakarta transportation agency official said on Friday. The agency has predicted that up to 6.7 million Jakartans will leave the city to return to their hometowns on Saturday and Sunday, Transportation Agency head Andri Yansyah said. The agency carried out worthiness tests on buses serving travelers as part of its preparation for the annual exodus. "We will continue to monitor bus worthiness until Idul Fitri. We will also carry out checks on bus drivers by conducting urine tests in cooperation with police and Transportation Ministry," Andri told thejakartapost.com on Friday. The agency also improved terminal services at 12 major bus terminals; Pulogadung, Rawamangun, Kampung Rambutan, Pulogebang, Tanjung Priok, Kalideres and Pasar Minggu. The city provided health posts and facilities to facilitate vehicle worthiness checks in an effort to guarantee traveler safety. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Mining, oil and gas company Mitra Investindo has decided to maintain a moderate-oil production level at 180 barrels per day, as world oil prices have stayed below US$50 per barrel. The company currently operates an oil field in Sorong, West Papua, where 33 oil wells are producing, and two others are under maintenance. Several other wells are half-drilled and currently in 'on hold' status. "If the oil price goes beyond $50 again, then we will increase our production up to 200 barrels per day," Mitra Investindo finance director Yoyong told thejakartapost.com on Thursday after a shareholders meeting in Jakarta. The publicly listed company aims to focus on the oil and gas business this year as it has begun to sell its granite mining business in Bintan, Riau Island. As the license cannot be transferred to a third party, the company has to create a subsidiary for succeeding the license and selling it. "We have got a buyer, Sanmas Mekar Abadi. They have transferred Rp 39 billion [$2.97 million] cash as a down payment, but we need shareholders approval for establishing the subsidiary company," he said. Unfortunately, the company failed to meet quorum for the extraordinary general meeting to get shareholder approval. The company will make a second attempt to hold a general meeting with the same agenda three weeks from now. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1 2016 A panel of justices at the Supreme Court has ordered the confiscation of assets worth Rp 250 billion (US$19 million) from graft convict and former Bangkalan regent Fuad Amin. The ruling confirmed that the assets were illegally amassed by the former Gerindra Party politician when he served as regent between 2003 and 2013. The Supreme Court verdict upheld the 13-year sentence and the revocation of political rights of the cleric-turned-politician previously handed down in February by the Jakarta High Court. The High Court confirmed the guilty verdict of the Jakarta Corruption Court against Fuad on charges of receiving bribes and money laundering during his tenure as regent. He will not be able to run for any political office within five years after he finishes his prison term, Supreme Court justice Krisna Harahap said on Thursday as quoted by Tempo.co. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Cerdikwan Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 On June 15 President Joko Jokowi Widodo submitted the name of Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian as the sole candidate for National Police chief to the House of Representatives. This submission also ended speculation as to whether the tenure of police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti would be extended. Tito passed the House confirmation hearing and is due to be installed today on National Police Day (Hari Bhayangkara). This is the right time for the youngest three-star general to better implement police reform. Since 1999, the impact of police reform attempts has been minimal. The US researcher Allene Masters in her study released last year argues that there has been disconnection between the orders for the National Polices reform and their actual implementation. She added, No concrete steps have been realized to improve police accountability or make the police more representative of the population, nor have target dates been set or measure of progress been instituted. Public distrust of the police reflects the ineffectiveness of police reform. The most outstanding unresolved problem is corruption within the force and low clear-up rate of public complaints and handling of crimes, followed by terror attacks and violence at the community level. The global NGO Transparency International published its 2013 Global Corruption Barometer in Indonesia, which reported peoples direct experiences with bribery in Indonesias main institutions. The National Police was perceived as the most corrupt institution in Indonesia above the legislature, judiciary, political parties and civil servants, with a score of 4.5 out of 5. According to this report, 65 percent of respondents paid bribes to the police. In the last five years the average clear-up rate of public complaints and handling of crimes was barely 56 percent. Last December the police chief reported that police solved only 178,495 cases out of the total of 316,445 crimes. The level of public security and trust has decreased with the increase in the number of terror attacks in the last five years. There were 61 attacks in the last six years, with 19 attacks in the last two years. The latest was the bomb and gun attack on Jan. 14 in the Thamrin business district in Central Jakarta. Six people died including four terrorists. From 2010 until 2014, there were 473 violent conflicts at the community level. The latter included those listed as ethnic conflicts, land disputes and religious clashes. These incidents happened in Maluku, Aceh, West Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, North Maluku and Papua. The problem of public mistrust demands the National Police immediately improve police reform and provide the public with a new image that police should achieve. It can be started by developing some flagship programs such as developing e-policing, reinforcing integrated criminal justice, strengthening the antiterrorist force Densus 88 and empowering community policing. An electronic system, among other facilities, must be developed for preventing bribery and abuse of authority by police officers particularly in the traffic division. Such e-policing could boost the public perception of the the National Police and improve its internal management as well. Another flagship program is to improve the clear-up rate. The above researcher, Masters, also shows that a very low clear-up rate is due to discrepancies of crime investigators especially at the regency and lower levels, quite apart from inefficiency in budget spending and lack of well qualified crime investigators. To improve the quality of investigators, the National Polices assesments of investigators performance must continue. Strengthening of the antiterrorism force Densus 88 should include upgrading its weapons and equipment and also improving deradicalization efforts including netralizing radical ideology through interdisciplinary approaches including legal, psychological, religious and socio-cultural approaches to those who have been exposed to violent radicalism. Last but not least, violence at the community level should be addressed through enhancing community policing by placing a public order officer in each subdistrict. This would promote a partnership between the police and local communities in addressing local security and social problems. As of now, we have only 58,625 such officers in 80,285 subdistricts. Expectations that the new National Police chief will bring about changes that can improve public perception and address widespread distrust of the National Police are high. The new National Police chief Comr. Gen. Tito needs to deliver those expectations and offer sustainable security and order to the Indonesian people. _______________________________ The writer, an alumnus of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University (ANU), is a planner at the directorate of defense and security of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). The views expressed are his own. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1 2016 State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina has appointed Royal Dutch Shell to process crude oil it has bought from Iraq at a Singapore refinery, while domestic refineries get up to full stream. Shell will process 1 million barrels of crude oil from Iraq per month from July to December, Pertaminas senior vice president of the Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) unit, Daniel Purba, said. The state-owned company is currently still finalizing the contract. Weve selected Shell because they are the most competitive, Daniel said on Wednesday evening, as reported by Reuters. Indonesias demand for fuel continues to rise, while domestic crude production is on a downward slope as a result of ageing refineries that can no longer run at full capacity. Currently, Pertamina operates six big refineries that together have more than 1 million barrels per day in capacity. However, the facilities are now run down due to age and outdated technology and can only produce an average of 800,000 bopd. Despite the decreased production, total demand in the country is estimated to be equal to 1.6 million bopd, which has led to Pertamina looking toward making more crude-processing deals in order to process crude from the Middle East, which cannot be processed in Indonesia. Pertamina has long been eyeing the West Qurna 1 block in Iraq. The block reportedly produced 33,500 barrels of oil per day (bopd) last year. The company estimates higher production from the block this year and will deliver the product to cater to domestic demand. Pertamina president director Dwi Soetjipto confirmed that the crude processing deal with Shell in Singapore was made because domestic refineries could no longer match the specifications for processing the Iraq crude. We established a crude processing deal and Pertamina is taking advantage of crude from abroad. The crude from Iraq has a high sulphur content and cannot be processed at domestic refineries, he said on Wednesday. Indonesia is not only eyeing crude from Iraq. Pertamina had previously said that it was eyeing crude from neighboring Iran, and plans to sign an agreement with the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC) after the Idul Fitri holiday in July. Once the deal was secured, Pertamina would be able to import crude from two undisclosed sites in Iran for processing at its refineries in Cilacap in Central Java. A recent report by the International Energy Agency shows that Irans oil production rose to 3.56 million bopd after the sanctions on the country were lifted in January. Studies have shown that Irans oil quality is similar to that of Saudi Aramco, a Pertamina partner in Saudi Arabia. Though crude-processing deals provide a temporary solution to processing crude from the Middle East, the country has also started working on upgrading and building new refineries across the nation. Last month, Pertamina inked a deal with Russian oil and gas giant Rosneft Oil Company to build a refinery in Tuban, East Java, with a processing capacity of 300,000 bopd. The Cilacap refinery in Central Java is also being upgraded with the help of Saudi Aramco and will have a maximum processing capacity of 340,000 to 370,000 bopd by 2022. President Joko Jokowi Widodo expressed his optimism that the downstreaming efforts through the new refineries would markedly reduce imports, which put pressure on the nations trade balance. Royal Dutch Shell could not be reached for comment on this story. -------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Fri, July 1 2016 State-owned gas company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is optimistic about its expansion plans in the Central Java city of Semarang following robust progress in the development of the companys new gas pipeline network at the Wijaya Kusuma industrial area. This year, PGN is building a 9-kilometer natural gas pipeline network in Semarang in the hope of expanding its household customer base in the provinces biggest city to 4,000 from the current 150. Recently, it announced the completion of 5.6 km of pipeline, or around 60 percent of the entire project. PGN Semarang area chief Edy Sukamto said the company expected that the project, upon completion, would quickly attract more households and industry players to the companys services. Currently, we have eight industrial customers and 150 household customers in the city, consuming a total of around 150,000 cubic meters of gas per month, Edy said Tuesday, adding that at least five more industrial customers had expressed interest in getting their gas from the company. From January to March this year, PGN built more than 109 km of pipeline in several areas across the country. The completed projects include 15 km of pipeline in Pasuruan, East Java, and 18.3 km of pipeline in Nagoya, Batam Island. PGN will also soon complete the installation of a 30 km pipeline in Sidoarjo, East Java, to cater for demand from industrial clients there, where a number of animal feed and food and beverage businesses are situated. The total length of PGNs pipelines, to date, is about 7,100 km. That accounts for 76 percent of downstream pipelines in the country. It is also evidence of our commitment to expanding natural gas networks in the archipelago, PGN director Dilo Seno Widagdo said. PGN currently distributes natural gas to over 116,000 households and thousands of small and medium enterprises, hotels, hospitals and restaurants. It also supplies gas to around 1,500 large-scale industrial facilities and power plants. In Semarang, home to 1.7 million people, PGN also runs a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cluster facility in Tambak Aji area, which channels natural gas to local customers through a 9 km pipeline network. The facility is equipped with a pressure-reducing station with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters per hour, Edy said. Data from the company shows that each household customer in Semarang uses about 10 cubic meters of natural gas per month. PGN sells natural gas for Rp 3,300 (25 US cents) per cubic meter, around 40 percent lower than the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). (vny) -------------- To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The central government's decision to halt one of the reclamation projects in the Jakarta Bay could be challenged in court, Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said on Friday. Ahok expressed his disappointment over the government's order to stop the construction of Islet G developed by PT Muara Wisesa, a subsidiary of property giant Agung Podomoro Land on Thursday. Only halting construction of Islet G and letting other islets proceed with development was unfair, Ahok said. The governments order leaves a lot of room for legal challenges as it is not fair. If the government wants to stop the project, it must also stop the reclamation of N, C, and D islets, Ahok said at City Hall on Friday, adding that he hopes that central government officials will change their mind regarding the reclamation projects. Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli ordered PT Muara Wisesa to immediately stop construction of Islet G as a joint team investigating the controversial reclamation projects had found that Islet G would cause environmental damage and disrupt shipping lanes. Ahok said the order was confusing as, in his opinion, islets C and D, developed by Agung Sedayu Group, and Islet N, developed by state-owned industrial bonded zone operator PT Kawasan Berikat Nusantara were potentially more harmful than Islet G. The developer had fulfilled all requirements prior to beginning the project and already signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned electricity company PLN and gas company PGN for the development of Islet G, he said. The company had also contributed to the construction of low-cost apartments in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta, Ahok claimed. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Simon Tay (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Fri, July 1 2016 Much controversy follows the recent ASEAN-China meeting in Kunming where an ASEAN ministerial statement was issued and then retracted. The initial statement contained what some see as strong words about the South China Sea and most media reports suggest two members Cambodia and Laos subsequently changed their minds. Some see this as a low point in ties and a split in ASEAN under pressure from China. Others suggest that problems arose from a bureaucratic snafu. Differing statements will no doubt surface. Cambodian leader Hun Sen, for one, now denies that he was pressed by Beijing. What must be clear even now however is that no one has gained from this neither China nor any ASEAN member state. What should be considered is whether a similar fracas can be prevented in future. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1 2016 Discontented with the gains of adopting a hard-line stance on poachers operating within its waters, the country is looking to take advantage of market mechanisms to bolster its efforts in eradicating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. Jakarta is bringing the worlds fishery markets together in hopes of producing a regional instrument or convention that will pressure flag states into acting against poachers under their jurisdiction. The EU, Japan, the US and South Korea, the largest market states in the industry, are scheduled to meet a second time in October with coastal states from the Asia-Pacific region, which include Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and China. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty and Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The price of broiler eggs in Sumatra and Java ranges from Rp 14,000 (US$1.06 ) to Rp 20,000 per kilogram, but in Papua, they cost almost double at Rp 32,000 per kg, recent data shows. High logistics costs have been blamed for the lack of competitiveness of local products as a result of the cost of transportation between islands. Frequently imported products can be much cheaper. The challenges in distributing goods in Indonesia are infrastructure bottlenecks and security issues, said Nur Rahman, corporate communications general manager of major retail chain Alfamart, which distributes to 11,000 outlets from its 32 warehouses across the country. Initially, the company handled distribution by itself, but challenging conditions on the ground led the company to outsource its distribution to a logistics company. Now, distribution costs account for more than 15 percent of total operating costs, which are passed on to consumers. Overall, Indonesias logistics costs account for 26 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), double those of Singapore and Malaysia. Logistics have long been high on President Joko Jokowi Widodos agenda, having launched many policies to tackle the problem, from streamlining export-import permits, incentivizing bonded logistics centers and easing the domestic flow of goods through scheduled freightliners. The President himself has sunk his teeth into making sure Indonesia fares much better in global competitiveness and dwell times, the wait time for goods at seaports. But these have been no guarantee of success. Indonesia has slipped 10 places in the latest World Bank 2016 Logistics Performance Index (LPI), to 63rd out of 160 countries surveyed. The country declined in almost all categories, except for tracking and tracing and international shipment. Measures that fell the steepest were infrastructure, which tracks the quality of trade- and transport-related facilities and infrastructure such as ports and roads, and logistics competence, which measures the ease of arranging competitively priced shipments. The efficiency of the clearance process, or customs, and the timeliness of shipments in reaching their destination also dropped. Supply chain reliability continues to be a major concern among traders and logistics providers. In a global environment, consignees require a high degree of certainty of when and how deliveries will take place. This is much more important than the speed of the delivery, the report reads. The report has come as no surprise to the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI). Its the reality, ALFI chairman Yukki Hanafi said. Like with dwell times, for other countries, it means that clearance is finished when goods are out of the port. But in Indonesia, when goods are out of the port, paperwork and costs are still ongoing. The World Bank has urged the Indonesian government to draft a clearer, more comprehensive strategy on improving the countrys overall logistics performance, instead of obsessing about dwell time figures. When you try to reduce the dwell time from six days to four days, the intervention should be well aimed. I havent seen a clear strategy from the government, World Bank ports and waterborne transportation specialist Daniel van Tuijl said recently. Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan said improvements would take time. It has only been a year since 2014 to 2015, when we started building the infrastructure, so its not possible to achieve national-scale improvements that quickly, he said, stating that it would take at least five years for the governments policies to bear fruit. The government has established as many as 11 bonded logistics centers (PLB) across the country, functioning as warehouses for imported goods exempted from import duty, to ease the flow of basic materials in and out of the country. Indonesia will also introduce the Indonesia Single Risk Management program, which will enable business players to process business permits related to export and import activities under one roof with a single identity. State port operator Pelindo II director Presetyadi said infrastructure improvements were also underway. For its part, it is developing several seaports, including Kuala Tanjung in North Sumatra and the expansion of the countrys main port Tanjung Priok in Jakarta. ________________________________ To receive comprehensive and earlier access to The Jakarta Post print edition, please subscribe to our epaper through iOS' iTunes, Android's Google Play, Blackberry World or Microsoft's Windows Store. Subscription includes free daily editions of The Nation, The Star Malaysia, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Asia News. For print subscription, please contact our call center at (+6221 ) 5360014 or subscription@thejakartapost.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Taipei Fri, July 1, 2016 Taiwan's navy on Friday mistakenly fired a supersonic anti-ship missile, although there were no injuries caused by the mishap, the official Central News Agency reported. The 500-ton patrol boat Chinchiang was undergoing an inspection inside a military base when the missile a Hsiung Feng III was fired off and landed about 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers or 46 miles) away in waters off the islands of Penghu near Taiwan, the agency said. A preliminary investigation showed that its operators likely failed to follow proper procedures, CNA said. The mishap coincided with Beijing's celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the party's top leader, delivered a speech Friday calling for peaceful development of relations between Beijing and Taipei. A full investigation was under way, while the navy has sent a helicopter and boats to search for the missile, the report said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Drug convict Saman Hasan, also known as Messi, from Turkey had reportedly managed to escape from the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on Thursday. Saman did not show up for his afternoon inspection at the Besi penitentiary. He was allowed to undertake activities outside the penitentiary complex because his 12-year sentence had just eight months remaining. Currently we are working together with Cilacap Police to hunt him down, said the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Central Java office head, Molyanto, as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday. Police alleged that Saman had escaped the penitentiary using a motorcycle as police found the motorcycle near Lengkong, Kampung Laut. Besi penitentiary chief warden Eddy Teguh Widodo could not immediately be reached for comment. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 The number of foreign tourists arriving in Indonesia reached 915,200 in May, a 7.31 percent increase from the same period in 2015, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). BPS chief Suryamin said the increase was unexpected, as May was typically neither a holiday nor a festive season. Statistically, the peak season of tourism visits to Indonesia is in December. The 915,000 visits in May were equal to the number of foreign tourist arrivals in December 2014. It is a very good sign to see such high numbers of tourists visit in May, he said on Friday in Jakarta. He suggested that the boost in tourism was related to a policy introducing free tourist visas for citizens of 84 countries. On a month-on-month basis, the rise was 1.57 percent. It is also clear that Bali remains the most popular destination. On a year-to-date basis, the number of tourists arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport increased 20.72 percent to 1.83 million, Suryamin said. Singaporean tourists dominated the visits with 14.79 percent of total foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, followed by Malaysia with 14.1 percent tourists. China and Australia were in third and fourth place with 12.61 and 11.67 percent of tourist arrivals, respectively. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Indonesia has asked the new Philippine government to ensure security in the Sulu Sea as the two countries continue their joint efforts to secure the release of Indonesian sailors abducted by armed Philippine militants. Indonesia will not tolerate such criminal acts, said Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, calling on the Philippines to guarantee security in Sulu waters during a meeting with newly inaugurated counterpart Perfecto Yasay in Manila on Friday, according to a statement released by the ministry. The statement says Retno met Yasay to ensure that the cooperation between the two countries established under the previous government is continued. The move comes one day after he inauguration of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, and Retno is the first foreign official to meet the newly installed Yasay. "The meeting with Secretary Yasay holds an important meaning in the sense of sustaining the cooperation between the Indonesian and Philippine governments in the efforts to release the hostages," Retno said in the statement. At the meeting, she continued, both ministers agreed to establish a "communication hotline", while the Philippines also agreed to establish "close coordination" with Indonesian authorities for the safe release of the seven Indonesian sailors. Retno stressed that the safety of the hostages was the main priority in the release efforts. Indonesia is currently facing its third hostage situation this year; all incidents occurred while Indonesian sailors were traversing waters off Sulu in the southern Philippines. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, July 1, 2016 Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to work toward realizing concrete steps to secure the increasingly dangerous waters of the Sulu Sea through the establishment of a sea lane corridor, a minister has said. "Indonesia is ready to cooperate with the Philippines across various areas related to the issue, including defense, security and development cooperation," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said in a statement released on Friday. Retno met with her Philippine counterpart Perfecto Yasay in Manila on Friday to discuss efforts to ensure the safety of vessels traveling across the southern Philippine waters, the scene of multiple instances of piracy and hijacking recently. The meeting, which came one day after the inauguration of the new administration under President Rodrigo Duterte, also aimed to intensify coordination between both governments to release seven Indonesian crewmen taken hostage by armed Philippine militants in Sulu waters. Retno said concrete maritime cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines would be carried out in accordance to existing agreements between the two countries, such as the 1975 Border Patrol Agreement, the Yogyakarta trilateral declaration on maritime security on May 5, which also involves Malaysia, and defense force agreements from the bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers on June 26. This story was written by Lindsey Ellefson, a Lower East Side-based reporter. Shes also a student at the New York Capoeira Center. Depending on the capacity in which you know him, you either call the head instructor at New York Capoeira Center (Capoeira Angola Quintal) Michael Goldstein or Mestre Ombrinho. No matter which name you use, you should know that he is also a recipient of the Lower East Side Community Leadership Award. The award was presented to him at a ceremony June 17 that took place during the weekly outdoor theater series, Arts for All/Arte Pa Mi Gente, which was put on by Teatro SEA. Capoeira Angola Quintal and Teatro SEA are both located in the Clemente at 107 Suffolk St. The award presentation directly followed the last class that night, which was an introductory course for adults looking to learn the basics of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art and dance form. A number of the mestres students were on hand to watch him accept the award. Among them were Lee-Sean Huang and Hazel Chi, both of whom teach adult classes at the center. Its really exciting for us to be here today, explained Huang, who has been at CAQ since 2010. I think this is a tremendous honor. Mestre has been working in capoeira for over 30 years and its great that in this building full of artists from different media and cultures, we can acknowledge all of his work from over the decades. Chi, too, was excited to watch the mestre receive the award. Shes seen him work so hard for the community and said it was nice to see the community do something similarly nice for him. He really cares about the community and about his students, she said, of the man who was the first North American capoeira master. Both Huang and Chi mentioned that CAQ works in schools and communities beyond the Lower East Side, but it was the mestre himself who was most eager to point out that the centers mission is to bring fitness and fun to kids and adults all around the state and beyond. Still, the Lower East Side will always be CAQs home, especially given how welcoming and accommodating the Clemente has been. Moreover, the mestre himself has lived on the LES since 1981, making him a real product of the neighborhood! I feel theres lots of times people dont get awards for their service and Im lucky this time, he said. Ive been doing this work for a long, long time. He went on to praise his students, many of whom, like Huang and Chi, are teachers of capoeira themselves. They represent the best of our community and show what capoeira can do, he said. While accepting the award, he played a berimbau, which is an instrument used by capoeiristas to set the tone for jogos, or fights. He even led the audience in a traditional song. In the true spirit of community, the mestre delivered his remarks in Portuguese, then passed the microphone to Huang and Luis Gonzalez, who translated into English and Spanish. Because Teatro SEA is one of the premiere Latino theaters and specializes in bilingual arts-in-education, the gesture was fitting and representative of the care the mestre takes to honor the differences that make everyone in the Clemente and outside of it unique. This year is already proving to be an excellent one for book lovers. Since our last preview, weve gotten new titles by Don DeLillo, Alexander Chee, Helen Oyeyemi, Louise Erdrich; acclaimed debut novels by Emma Cline, Garth Greenwell, and Yaa Gyasi; new poems by Dana Gioia; and new short story collections by the likes of Greg Jackson and Petina Gappah. We see no evidence the tide of great books is ebbing. This summer weve got new works by established authors Joy Williams, Jacqueline Woodson, Jay McInerney, as well as anticipated debuts from Nicole Dennis-Benn and Imbolo Mbue; in the fall, new novels by Colson Whitehead, Ann Patchett, and Jonathan Safran Foer on shelves; and, in the holiday season, books by Javier Marias, Michael Chabon, and Zadie Smith to add to gift lists. Next year, well be seeing the first-ever novel (!) by none other than George Saunders, and new work from Kiese Laymon, Roxane Gay, and (maybe) Cormac McCarthy. Were especially excited about new offerings from Millions staffers Hannah Gersen, Sonya Chung, Edan Lepucki, and Mark OConnell (check out next weeks Non-Fiction Preview for the latter). While its true that no single list could ever have everything worth reading, we think this one at 9,000 words and 92 titles is the only 2016 second-half book preview youll need. Scroll down and get reading. July Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn: In a recent interview in Out magazine, Dennis-Benn described her debut novel as a love letter to Jamaica my attempt to preserve her beauty by depicting her flaws. Margot works the front desk at a high-end resort, where she has a side business trading sex for money to send her much younger sister, Thandi, to a Catholic school. When their village is threatened by plans for a new resort, Margot sees an opportunity to change her life. (Emily) Heroes of the Frontier by Dave Eggers: The prolific writer has made his reputation on never picking a genre, from starting the satirical powerhouse McSweeneys to post-apocalyptic critiques on the tech world. But if theres one thing Eggers has become the master of, its finding humor and hope in even the most tragic of family situations. In Eggerss seventh novel, when his protagonist, Josie, loses her job and partner, she escapes to Alaska with her two kids. What starts as an idyllic trip camping out of an RV dubbed Chateau turns into a harrowing personal journey as Josie confronts her regrets. Its Eggerss first foray into the road trip novel, but its sure to have his signature sharp and empathetic voice. (Tess) Multiple Choice by Alejandro Zambra: The Chilean writer Zambras new book is: a.) a parody of that nations college-entrance Academic Aptitude Exam, b.) a parody of a parody of same, c.) an exercise in flouting literary conventions, d.) all of the above. The correct answer is d.) because this sly slender book, translated from the Spanish by Megan McDowell, is divided into 90 multiple-choice questions suggesting that how we respond to a story depends on where the writer places narrative stress. The witty follow-up questions suggest that the true beauty of fiction is that it has no use for pat answers. For example: What is the worst title for this story the one that would reach the widest possible audience? (Bill) Ninety-Nine Stories of God by Joy Williams: Williams is the sort of writer one discovers which is to say the first time you read her, you cant believe youve never read her before; and you know you must read more. Ninety-Nine Stories of God is a slim volume, according to Kirkus, at the same time it lives up to its name: each of the very-short stories (yes, there are 99 of them) features God and/or the divine as idea, character, or presence. In the world of Joy Williams, we can expect to meet a God who is odd, whip-smart, exuberant, surprising, funny, sad, broken, perplexed, and mysterious. I look awfully forward. (Sonya) Home Field by Hannah Gersen: The debut novel from The Millionss own Gersen has one of the best jacket copy taglines ever: The heart of Friday Night Lights meets the emotional resonance and nostalgia of My So-Called LifeI mean, right? Its story bones are equally striking: the towns perfect couple high school football coach Dean and his beautiful sweetheart, Nicole become fully, painfully human when Nicole commits suicide. Dean and his three children, ages eight to 18, must now forge ahead while also grappling with the past that led to the tragedy. Set in rural Maryland, its a story, says Kirkus, built upon meticulous attention to the details of grief, the characters of which are so full, so gently flawed, and so deeply human. (Sonya) How to Set a Fire and Why by Jesse Ball: Jesse Balls last novel, A Cure for Suicide, wrestled with questions of memorys permanence, existence, and beginning again all subjects that, according to The New York Times, in the hands of a less skilled writercould be mistaken for science fiction cliche. Balls newest novel, his sixth, is something of a departure. How to Set a Fire and Why takes place in a normal-enough town peopled by characters who have names like Lucia and Hal. Dont worry, though, Ball the fabulist/moralist is still very much himself; the young narrator muses on the nature of wealth and waste as she gleefully joins an Arsonists Club, for people who are fed up with wealth and property, and want to burn everything down. (Brian) Problems by Jade Sharma: Problems is the first print title from Emily Books, the subscription service that publishes, publicizes, and celebrates the best work of transgressive writers of the past, present and future and sends titles to readers each month. Theyll be publishing two original printed books a year in conjunction with Coffee House Press. Sharmas debut is described as Girls meets Trainspotting, about a heroin addict struggling to keep her life together. Emily Books writes, This book takes every tired trope about addiction and recovery, likeable characters and redemption narratives, and blows them to pieces. (Elizabeth) The Unseen World by Liz Moore: Ada is the daughter of a brilliant computer scientist, the creator of ELIXIR, a program designed to acquire language the way that human does, through immersion and formal teaching. Ada too is the subject of an experiment of sorts, from a young age immersed in mathematics, neurology, physics, philosophy, computer science, cryptology and, most important, the art of the gin cocktail by her polymath father. His death leaves Ada with a tantalizing puzzle to solve in this smart, riddling novel. (Matt) The Trap by Melanie Raabe: Translated from the German, the English version of this celebrated debut was snaffled up by Sony at the Frankfurt Book Fair and is now on its way to a big-screen debut as well. A thriller, The Trap describes a novelist attempting to find her sisters killer using her novel-in-progress as bait (this always works). (Lydia) Leaving Lucy Pear by Anna Solomon: The Pushcart-winning author received a lot of praise for her debut, The Little Bride, and accolades are already flowing in for her latest, with J. Courtney Sullivan calling Lucy Pear, a gorgeous and engrossing meditation on motherhood, womanhood, and the sacrifices we make for love. It opens with an unwed Jewish mother named Bea leaving her baby beneath a Massachusetts pear tree in 1917 to pursue her dreams of being a pianist. A decade later, a disenchanted Bea returns to find her daughter being taken care of by a strong Irish Catholic woman named Emma, and the two woman must grapple with what it means to raise a child in a rapidly changing post-war America in the middle of the Prohibition. With poetic prose but a larger understanding of the precarious world of 1920s New England, Solomon proves herself as one of the most striking novelists of the day. (Tess) Bad Faith by Theodore Wheeler: Kings of Broken Things, Wheelers debut novel about young immigrants set during the Omaha Race Riot of 1919, is coming in 2017 from Little A. The riot followed the horrific lynching of Will Brown. A legal reporter covering the Nebraska civil courts, Wheeler brings much authenticity to the tale. For now, readers can enjoy Bad Faith, his first story collection. (Nick R.) Sarong Party Girls by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan: Described in promotional materials as both Breakfast at Tiffanys and Emma set in Singapore, Tans first novel explores the contentious gender politics and class tensions thrumming beneath the shiny exterior of Singapores glamorous nightclubs and busy streets. It is also the first novel written entirely in Singlish (the local patois of Singapore) to be published in America. The long-time journalist Tan has been a staff writer at The Wall Street Journal, In Style, and The Baltimore Sun previously published a memoir called A Tiger in The Kitchen: A Memoir of Food & Family, which was praised as a literary treat. (Elizabeth) Pond by Claire Louise-Bennett: Published in Ireland last year, a linked series of vignettes and meditations by a hermitess. The Guardian called it a stunning debut; The Awls Alex Balk offers this rare encomium: the level of self-importance the book attaches to itself is so low that you are never even once tempted to make the jerking off motion that seems to be the only reasonable response to most of the novels being published today. (Lydia) An Innocent Fashion by R.J. Hernandez: Ethan St. James was born Elian San Jamar, the son of multiracial, working-class parents in Texas. At Yale, he befriends two wealthy classmates, who help him reinvent himself as he moves to New York to work for the fashion magazine Regine. But once hes there, things begin to crumble. Its described as the saga of a true millennial naive, idealistic, struggling with his identity and sexuality, and an early review says that Hernandez writes in a fervently literary style that flirts openly with the traditions of Salinger, Plath, and Fitzgerald. (Elizabeth) Listen to Me by Hannah Pittard: Following up The Fates Will Find Their Way and Reunion, two-time Year in Reading alum Pittard hits us with a modern gothic novel about a faltering marriage and an ill-fated road trip. (Lydia) My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal: A former magistrate who has spent years doing family law and social work in England, de Waal publishes her debut novel at the respectable age of 55, bringing experiences from a long career working with adoption services to a novel about a mixed family navigating the foster care system in the 1980s. (Lydia) Night of the Animals by Bill Broun: A strangely prophetic novel set in London, Night of the Animals takes place in a very near, very grim future a class-divided surveillance state that looks a little too much like our own. A homeless drug addict named Cuthbert hears the voices of animals who convince him to liberate them from the London Zoo, joining with a rag-tag group of supporters to usher in a sort of momentary peaceable kingdom in dystopian London. The book is difficult to describe and difficult to put down. (Lydia) Break in Case of Emergency by Jessica Winter: The fiction debut of Slate editor Winter, a seriocomic look at a woman trying to do what used to be called having it all, dealing with a job that sucks a send-up of a celebrity non-profit and uncooperative fertility. Publishers Weekly called it a biting lampoon of workplace politics and a heartfelt search for meaning in modern life. (Lydia) August Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue: This is one of those debuts that comes freighted with hype, expectation, and the poisonous envy of writers who didnt receive seven-figure advances, but sometimes hype is justified: Kirkus, in a starred review, called this novel a special book. Mbues debut, which is set in New York City at the outset of the economic collapse, concerns a husband and wife from Cameroon, Jende and Nemi, and their increasingly complex relationship with their employers, a Lehman Brothers executive and his fragile wife. (Emily) The Nix by Nathan Hill: Eccentricity, breadth, and length are three adjectives that often earn writers comparisons to Thomas Pynchon. Hill tackles politics more headlong than Pynchon in this well-timed release. The writing life of college professor Samuel Andresen-Andersen is stalled. His publisher doesnt want his new book, but hes in for a surprise: he sees his long-estranged mother on the news after she throws rocks at a right-wing demagogue presidential candidate. The candidate holds press conferences at his ranch and perfected a sort of preacher-slash-cowboy pathos and an anti-elitist populism and his candidacy is an unlikely reason for son and mother to seek reunion. (Nick R.) Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson: Although the National Book Award winners Brown Girl Dreaming was a young adult book, everyone flocked to lyrical writing that honed in on what it means to be a black girl in America. Now Woodson has written her first adult novel in two decades, a coming-of-age tale set in 1970s Bushwick, where four girls discover the boundaries of their friendship when faced with the dark realities of growing up. As Tracy K. Smith lauds, Another Brooklyn is heartbreaking and restorative, a gorgeous and generous paean to all we must leave behind on the path to becoming ourselves. (Tess) Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerney: This is the third of three McInerney novels following the lives of New York book editor Russell Calloway and his wife Corinne. The first Calloway book, Brightness Falls (1992), set during leveraged buyout craze of the late-1980s, is arguably McInerneys last truly good novel, while the second, The Good Life (2006), set on and around 9/11, is pretty inarguably a sentimental mess. This new volume, set in 2008 with the financial system in crisis and the country about to elect its first black president, follows a now-familiar pattern of asking how world-historical events will affect the marriage of McInerneys favorite cosseted and angst-ridden New Yorkers. (Michael) Carousel Court by Joe McGinniss, Jr.: Each unhappy mortgage is unhappy in its own way. A man and his beautiful wife (a face that deserves granite countertops and recessed lighting) try to flip a house in a California development at the wrong time. Now its underwater, sinking fast, hasthem by the ankles, and isnt letting go. This is the bleak but gripping setup for McGinnisss second novel (coming 10 years after The Delivery Man), a portrait of a marriage as volatile as the economy. (Matt) Shining Sea by Anne Korkeakivi: Korkeakivis second novel her first was 2012s An Unexpected Guest opens with the death of a 43-year-old WWII veteran, and follows the lives of his widow and children in the years and decades that follow. A meditation on family, the long shadow of war over generations, and myth-making. (Emily) How I Became a North Korean by Krys Lee: Lees debut novel (following her praised short story collection, Drifting House), is set in and adjacent to North Korea. The novel follows three characters who meet across the border in China: two North Koreans, one from a prominent and privileged family, the other raised in poverty, and a Chinese-American teen who is an outcast at school. Together the three struggle to survive in, in the publishers words, one of the least-known and most threatening environments in the world. (Elizabeth) Moonstone by Sjon: One thing I will not do is write a thick book, asserts Icelandic author Sjon, who seems to have done just about everything else but, including writing librettos and penning lyrics with Lars von Trier for Bjorks Dancer in the Dark soundtrack. Sjons novels often dwell in mytho-poetic realms, but Moonstone, his fourth, is set firmly in recent history: 1918 Reykjavik, a city newly awash with foreign influence: cinema, the Spanish flu, the threat of WWI. Moonstone deals with ideas of isolation versus openness both nationally and on a personal scale, as Mani navigates his then-taboo desire for men, his cinematic fantasies, the spreading contagion, and the dangers imposed. (Anne) Insurrections by Rion Amilcar Scott: The fictional town of Cross River, Md., founded after our nations only successful slave revolt, serves as the setting for the 13 stories in Scotts latest collection. Here, readers track the daily struggles of ordinary residents trying to get ahead or just to get by. By turns heartbreaking, darkly funny, and overall compelling, Insurrections delivers a panorama of modern life within a close-knit community, and the way the present day can be influenced by past histories, past generations. Scott, a lecturer at Bowie State, is a writer you should be reading, and this book serves as a nice entry point for first-timers. Meanwhile, longtime fans who follow the author on Twitter are in no way surprised to hear Scotts writing described as intense and unapologetically current in the pre-press copy. (Nick M.) White Nights in Split Town City by Annie DeWitt: DeWitts first slender storm of a novel White Nights in Split Town City lands on the scene with a fury worthy of a cowboy western. To wit, Ben Marcus calls the book a bold word-drunk novel, that deals a good dose of swagger, seduction, and muscular prose (as corroborated by Tin Houses Open Bar). Its a coming-of-age tale where a young girls mother leaves, her home life disintegrates, and she and her friend build a fort from which they can survey the rumors of the town. Laura van den Berg calls it a ferocious tumble of a book that asserts DeWitt as a daring and spectacular new talent. (Anne) A House Without Windows by Nadia Hashimi: Hashimi, part-time pediatrician and part-time novelist (The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, When the Moon Is Low), offers readers an emotional heavyweight in her latest story, A House Without Windows. An Afghan woman named Zebas life changes when her husband of 20 years, Kamal, is murdered in their home. Her village and her in-laws turn against her, accusing her of the crime. Overcome with shock, she cannot remember her whereabouts when her husband was killed, and the police imprison her. Both the audience and Zebas community must discover who she is. (Cara) Still Here by Lara Vapnyar: In her new novel, Russian-born writer Vapnyar dissects the lives of four Russian emigres in New York City as they tussle with love, tumult, and the absurdities of our digital age. Each has technology-based reasons for being disappointed with the person theyve become. One of the four, Sergey, seeks to turn this shared disappointment upside down by developing an app called Virtual Grave, designed to preserve a persons online presence after death, a sort of digitized cryogenics. It could make a fortune, but is there anyone other than Ted Williams or an inventive novelist who could seriously believe that Virtual Grave is a good idea? (Bill) Divorce Is in the Air by Gonzalo Torne: For his third novel (and first published in the U.S.), Spanish writer Torne gives us a man we can love to hate. Joan-Marc is out of work and alone as he sets out to make things right by coming clean with his estranged second wife, giving her a detailed account of his misspent life from childhood scenes to early sexual encounters, his fathers suicide and his mothers mental illness, and on through a life full of appetites indulged, women mistreated, and the many ways his first wife ruined him. The novel, translated from the Spanish by Megan McDowell, becomes an unapologetic exploration of memory, nostalgia, and how love ends. (Bill) September The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead: In 1998, Whitehead appeared out of nowhere with The Intuitionist, a brilliant and deliciously strange racial allegory about, of all things, elevator repair. Since then, hes written about junketing journalists, poker, rich black kids in the Hamptons, and flesh-eating zombies, but hes struggled to tap the winning mix of sharp social satire and emotional acuity he achieved in his first novel. Early word is that he has recaptured that elusive magic in The Underground Railroad, in which the Underground Railroad slaves used to escape is not a metaphor, but a secret network of actual tracks and stations under the Southern landscape. (Michael) Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer: Its tempting to play armchair psychiatrist with the fact that its taken JSF 11 years to produce his third novel. His first two both emotional, brilliant, and, I have to say it, quirky established him as a literary wunderkind that some loved, and others loved to hate. (I love him, FWIW.) Here I Am follows five members of a nuclear family through four weeks of personal and political crisis in Washington D.C. At 600 pages, and noticeably divested of a cutesy McSweeneys-era title, this just may be the beginning of second, more mature phase of a great writers career. (Janet) Nutshell by Ian McEwan: Love and betrayal, life and death come together in the most unexpected ways, says Michal Shavit, publisher of the Booker Prize-winners new novel. Its an apt description for much of his work and McEwan is at his best when combining elegant, suspenseful prose with surprising twists, though this novel is set apart by perspective. Trudy has betrayed her husband, John, and is hatching a plan with his brother. There is a witness to a wifes betrayal, the nine-month-old baby in Trudys womb. As McEwan puts it, he was inspired to write by, the possibilities of an articulate, thoughtful presence with a limited but interesting perspective. (Claire) Jerusalem by Alan Moore: For anyone who fears that Watchmen and V for Vendetta writer Moore is becoming one of his own obsessed, isolated characters lately more known for withdrawing from public life and disavowing comic books than his actual work Jerusalem is unlikely to reassure. The novel is a 1,280-page mythology in which, in its publishers words, a different kind of human time is happening, a soiled simultaneity that does not differentiate between the petrol-colored puddles and the fractured dreams of those who navigate them. Also: it features an infant choking on a cough drop for eleven chapters. Something for everyone! (Jacob) Commonwealth by Ann Patchett: A new novel by the bestselling author of gems like Bel Canto and State of Wonder is certainly a noteworthy publishing event. This time, Patchett, who also owns Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tenn., takes on a more personal subject, mapping multiple generations of a family broken up by divorce and patched together, in new forms, by remarriage. Commonwealth begins in the 1960s, in California, and moves to Virginia and beyond, spanning many decades. Publishers Weekly gives it a starred review, remarking, Patchett elegantly manages a varied cast of characters as alliances and animosities ebb and flow, cross-country and over time. (Edan) Deceit and Other Possibilities by Vanessa Hua: A one-time staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle who filed stories from around the world while winning prizes for her fiction (including The Atlantics student fiction prize), Hua makes her publishing debut with this collection of short stories. Featuring characters ranging from a Hong Kong movie star fleeing scandal to a Korean-American pastor who isnt all he seems, these 10 stories follow immigrants to a new America who straddle the uncomfortable line between past and present, allegiances old and new. (Kaulie) The Last Wolf & Herman by Laszlo Krasznahorkai: To get a sense of what Booker Prize-winning author Krasznahorkai is all about, all you need to do is look at the hero image his publishers are using on his author page. Now consider the fact that The Last Wolf & Herman, his latest short fictions to be translated into English, is being described by that same publisher as maddeningly complex. The former, about a bar patron recounting his life story, is written as a single, incredibly long sentence. The latter is a two-part novella about a game warden tasked with clearing noxious beasts from a forest a forest frequented by hyper-sexualized aristocratic officers. All hope abandon ye who enter here. Beach readers beware; gloom lies ahead. (Nick M.) Intimations by Alexandra Kleeman: Kleemans first novel, You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine, earned her comparisons to such postmodern paranoiacs as Don DeLillo and Thomas Pynchon. Her second book, Intimations, is a collection of 12 stories sure to please any reader who reveled in the heady strangeness of her novel. These stories examine the course life in stages, from the initial shock of birth into a pre-formed world on through to the existential confusion of the life in the middle and ending with the hesitant resignation of a death that we barely understand. With this collection, Kleeman continues to establish herself as one of the most brilliant chroniclers of our 21st-century anxieties. (Brian) Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch: The author of the international bestseller The Dinner, will publish Dear Mr. M his eighth novel to date, but just the third to be translated into English. A writer, M, has had much critical success, but only one bestseller, and his career seems to be fading. When a mysterious letter writer moves into the apartment below, he seems to be stalking M. Through shifting perspectives, we slowly learn how a troubled teacher, a pair of young lovers, their classmates, and M himself are intertwined. With a classic whodunit as its spine, the novel is elevated by Kochs elegant handling of structure, willingness to cross-examine the Dutch liberal sensibility, and skewering of the writers life. This is a page turner with a smart head on its shoulders and a mouth thats willing to ask uncomfortable questions. (Claire) The Wonder by Emma Donoghue: Set in 1850s rural Ireland, The Wonder tells the story of Anna, a girl who claims to have stopped eating, and Lib, a nurse who must determine whether or not Anna is a fraud. Having sold over two million copies, Donoghue is known for her bestselling novel, Room, which she also adapted for the screen to critical acclaim. But as a read of her previous work, and her recent novel Frog Music shows, she is also well versed in historical fiction. The Wonder brings together the best of all, combining a gracefully tense, young voice with a richly detailed historical setting. (Claire) Black Wave by Michelle Tea: Expanding her diverse body of work including five memoirs, a young adult fantasy series, and a novel Tea now offers her audience a dystopic memoir-fiction hybrid. Black Wave follows Teas 1999 trek from San Francisco to L.A. in what Kirkus calls a biting, sagacious, and delightfully dark metaliterary novel about finding your way in a world on fire. The piece has received rave reviews from the likes of Eileen Myles and Maggie Nelson, which promise something for readers to look forward to this September. (Cara) The Black Notebook by Patrick Modiano: Modiano, a Nobel Prize winner, used a setting that shows up often in his work to give atmosphere to his 2012 novel Lherbe du nuit (appearing in English for the first time as The Black Notebook): the underdeveloped, unkempt suburbs of Paris in the 1960s. The book follows a man named Jean as he begins an affair with Dannie, a woman who may or may not be implicated in a local murder. As their relationship progresses, Jean begins to keep a diary, which he then uses decades later in a quest to piece together her story. (Thom) Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy: Released last year in the U.K., Sleeping on Jupiter will hit the shelves in the U.S. this October. Longlisted for the 2015 Man Booker Prize and winner of the 2016 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, Roys latest novel follows the story of Nomita, a filmmakers assistant who experiences great trauma as young girl. When Nomita returns to her temple town, Jarmuli, after growing up in Norway, she finds that Jarmuli has a long, dark past that transforms all who encounter it. (Cara) Reputations by Juan Gabriel Vasquez: Discussing The Sound of Things Falling, his atmospheric meditation on violence and trauma, with The Washington Post several years back, the Columbian writer Vasquez described turning away from Gabriel Garcia Marquez and toward Joseph Conrad, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Philip Roth and Don DeLillo: All these people do what I like to do, which is try to explore the crossroads between the public world history and politics and the private individual. That exploration continues in Reputations, which features an influential cartoonist reassessing his life and work as a political scourge. (Matt) Umami by Laia Jufresa: A shared courtyard between five homes in Mexico City is frequently visited by a 12-year-old girl, Ana. In the summer, she passes time reading mystery novels, trying to forget the mysterious death of her sister several years earlier. As it turns out, Anas not the only neighbor haunted by the past. In Umami, Jufresa, an extremely talented young writer, deploys multiple narrators, giving each a chance to recount their personal histories, and the questions theyre still asking. Panoramic, affecting, and funny, these narratives entwine to weave a unique portrait of present-day Mexico. (Nick M.) The Fortunes by Peter Ho Davies: Davies, the author of The Welsh Girl and a professor at University of Michigans esteemed MFA program, returns with a big book about American history seen through the lens of four stories about Chinese Americans. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, calling it a brilliant, absorbing masterpiece, and said it can be read as four novellas: the first is about a 19th-century organizer of railroad workers, for instance, and the last is about a modern-day writer going to China with his white wife to adopt a child. Celeste Ng says, Panoramic in scope yet intimate in detail, The Fortunes might be the most honest, unflinching, cathartically biting novel Ive read about the Chinese American experience. It asks the big questions about identity and history that every American needs to ask in the 21st century. (Edan) Loner by Teddy Wayne: David Federman, a nebbishy kid from the New Jersey suburbs, gets into Harvard where he meets a beautiful, glamorous girl from New York City and falls in love. What could go wrong? Quite a bit, apparently. Wayne, himself a Harvardian, scored a success channeling his inner Justin Bieber in his 2013 novel The Love Song of Jonny Valentine. This book, too, has its ripped-from-the-headlines plot elements, which caused an early reviewer at Kirkus to call Loner a startlingly sharp study of not just collegiate culture, but of social forces at large. (Michael) Little Nothing by Marisa Silver: From its description, Little Nothing sounds like a departure for Silver, the author of the novels The God of War and Mary Coin. The book, which takes place at the turn of the 20th century in an unnamed country, centers on a girl named Pavla, a dwarf who is rejected by her family. Silver also weaves in the story of Danilo, a young man in love with Pavla. According to the jacket copy, Little Nothing is, Part allegory about the shifting nature of being, part subversive fairy tale of love in all its uncanny guise. To whet your appetite, read Silvers short story Creatures from this 2012 issue of The New Yorker, or check out my Millions interview with her about Mary Coin. (Edan) After Disasters by Viet Dinh: Four protagonists, one natural disaster: Ted and Piotr are disaster relief workers, Andy is a firefighter, and Dev is a doctor all of them do-gooders navigating the after-effects of a major earthquake in India. Their journeys begin as outward ones saving others in a ravaged and dangerous place but inevitably become internal and self-transforming more than anything. Dinhs stories have been widely published, and hes won an O. Henry Prize; his novel debut marks, according to Amber Dermont, the debut of a brilliant career. (Sonya) The Revolutionaries Try Again by Mauro Javier Cardenas: Cardenass first novel The Revolutionaries Try Again has the trappings of a ravishing debut: smart blurbs, a brilliant cover, a modernist narrative set amongst political turmoil in South America, and a flurry of pre-pub excitement on Twitter. Trappings dont always deliver, but further research confirms Cardenass novel promises to deliver. Having garnered comparisons to works by Roberto Bolano and Julio Cortazar, The Revolutionaries Try Again has been called fiercely subversive while pulling off feats of double-black-diamond high modernism. (Anne) Perfume River by Robert Olen Butler: Butler, who won the Pulitzer in 1993, is still most well-known for the book that won him the prize, the Vietnam War-inspired A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain. In his latest, a novel, he goes back to that collections fertile territory, exploring the relationship of a couple both tenured professors at Florida State who can trace their history to the days of anti-war protests. When the husband, Robert, finds out that his father is dying, he gets a chance to confront the mistakes of his past. (Thom) The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride: McBrides first novel, A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing, unleashed a torrent of language and transgression in the mode of high modernism think William Faulkner, think James Joyce, think Samuel Beckett. James Wood described its prose as a visceral throb whose sentences run meanings together to produce a kind of compression in which wordsseem to want to merge with one another. McBrides follow-up, The Lesser Bohemians, is similar in voice, though softer, more playful, an evolution, according to McBride. Again the novel concerns a young woman, an actress who moves to London to launch her career, and who falls in with an older, troubled actor. (Anne) Every Kind of Wanting by Gina Frangello: Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but the families in Frangellos latest novel are truly in a category all their own. Every Kind of Wanting maps the intersection of four Chicago couples as they fall into an impressively ambitious fertility scheme in the hopes of raising a community baby. But first there are family secrets to reveal, abusive pasts to decipher, and dangerous decisions to make. If it sounds complicated, well, it is, but behind all the potential melodrama is a story that takes a serious look at race, class, sexuality, and loyalty in short, at the new American family. (Kaulie) October A Gamblers Anatomy by Jonathan Lethem: Lethems first novel since 2013s Dissident Gardens has the everything-in-the-stewpot quality that his readers have come to expect: the plot follows a telepathic backgammon hustler through various international intrigues before forcing him to confront a deadly tumor as well as his patchouli-scented Berkeley past. Though it remains to be seen if A Gamblers Anatomy can hit the emotional heights of Motherless Brooklyn and The Fortress of Solitude, it will be, if nothing else, unmistakably Lethem. (Jacob) The Mothers by Brit Bennett: The Mothers begins when a grief-stricken 17-year-old girl becomes pregnant with the local pastors son, and shows how their ensuing decisions affect the life of a tight-knit black community in Southern California for years to come. The churchs devoted matriarchs the mothers act as a Greek chorus to this story of friendship, secrets, guilt, and hope. (Janet) Nicotine by Nell Zink: Zink now enters the post-New Yorker profile, post-Jonathan-Franzen-pen-pal phase of her career with Nicotine, a novel that seems as idiosyncratic and the term has probably already been coined Zinkian as Mislaid and The Wallcreeper. Nicotine follows the struggle between the ordinary Penny Baker and her aging hippie parents a family drama that crescendos when Penny inherits her fathers squatter-infested childhood home and must choose between her old family and her new one. Few writers have experienced Zinks remarkable arc, and by all appearances, Nicotine seems unlikely to slow her winning streak. (Jacob) The Angel of History by Rabih Alameddine: I love a novel the plot of which dares to take place over the course of one night: in The Angel of History, its the height of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco, and Yemeni-born poet Jacob, who is gay, sits in the waiting room of a psych clinic in San Francisco. He waits actively, as they say recalling his varied past in Cairo, Beirut, Sanaa, and Stockholm. Other present-time characters include Satan and Death, and herein perhaps lies what Michael Chabon described as Alameddines daring sensibilitynot in the cheap sense of lurid or racy, but as a surgeon, a philosopher, an explorer, or a dancer. (Sonya) The Loved Ones by Sonya Chung: Her second novel, this ambitious story is a multigenerational saga about family, race, difference, and what it means to be a lost child in a big world. Charles Lee, the African-American patriarch of a biracial family, searches for meaning after a fatherless childhood. His connection with a caregiver, Hannah, uncovers her Korean immigrant familys past flight from tradition and war. Chung is a staff writer at The Millions and founding editor of Bloom, and her work has appeared in Tin House, The Threepenny Review, and BOMB. Early praise from Nayomi Munaweera compares Chungs prose to Elena Ferrante or Clarice Lispector, elegant, sparse, and heartbreaking. (Claire) The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky: Dermanskys Bad Marie featured an ex-con nanny obsessed with her employer and with a tendency to tipple on the job. The protagonist of her latest is a less colorful type: a struggling novelist suffocated by her husband, also a struggling novelist. When her former boss dies in a crash, Leah is willed the red sports car in which her nurturing friend met her end: I knew when I bought that car that I might die in it. I have never really loved anything as much as that red car. What is the idling heroine to make of the inheritance and the ambiguous message it contains? (Matt) Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood: Margaret Atwood joins authors Jeanette Winterson, Howard Jacobson, and Anne Tyler in the Hogarth Shakespeare series crafting modern spins on William Shakespeares classics. Hag-Seed, a prose adaptation of The Tempest, follows the story of Felix, a stage director who puts on a production of The Tempest in a prison. If Felix finds success in his show, he will get his job back as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Festival. The Tempest is one of Atwoods favorites (and mine, too), and Hag-Seed should be an exciting addition to the Hogarth Shakespeare series. (Cara) The Mortifications by Derek Palacio: Palacios debut novel follows his excellent, tense novella, How to Shake the Other Man. Palacio shifts from boxing and New York City to the aftermath of the Mariel boatlift, set in Miami and Hartford, Conn. Here Palacios examination of the Cuban immigrant experience and family strife gets full breadth in a work reminiscent of H.G. Carrillos Loosing My Espanish. (Nick R.) The Fall Guy by James Lasdun: Lasdun is a writers writer (James Wood called him one of the secret gardens of English writing; Porochista Khakpour called him one of those remarkably flexible little-bit-of-everything renaissance men of letters). Now, the British writer adds to his published novels, stories, poems, travelogue, memoir, and film (!) with a new novel, a spicy thriller about a troubled houseguest at a married couples country home. (Lydia) The Boat Rocker by Ha Jin: Its not without good reason that Jin has won practically every literary prize the United States has to offer, despite his being a non-native English speaker he is something of a technical wizard who, according to the novelist Gish Jen, has chosen mastery over genius. Steeped in the terse, exact prose tradition of such writers as Nikolai Gogol and Leo Tolstoy, Jins work is immediately recognizable. His newest novel, The Boat Rocker, follows in the same vein. It finds Chinese expatriate Feng Danlin, a fiercely principled reporter whose exposes of governmental corruption have made him well-known in certain circles, wrestling with his newest assignment: an investigation into the affairs of his ex-wife, an unscrupulous novelist, and unwitting pawn of the Chinese government. (Brian) Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple: Semple, formerly a writer for Arrested Development and Mad About You, broke into the less glamorous, less lucrative literary world with 2013s Whered You Go, Bernadette? (her second novel), which this reviewer called funny. In this novel she sets her bittersweet, hilarious, perceptive gaze on Eleanor, a woman who vows that for just one day she will be the ideal wife, mother, and career woman shes always known she could be. And it goes great! Just kidding. (Janet) No Knives in the Kitchens of This City by Khaled Khalifa: This novel, Khalifas fourth, illuminates the prelude to Syrias civil war, and humanizes a conflict too often met with an international shrug. Tracking a single familys journey from the 1960s through the present day, No Knives in the Kitchens of This City closely examines the myriad traumas both instantaneous and slow-burning accompanying a societys collapse. As of this year, the U.N. Refugee Agency estimates there to be 65.3 million refugees or internally displaced persons around the world, and more than 4.9 million of those are Syrian. For those hoping to understand how this came to pass, Khalifas book should be required reading. (Nick M.) Mister Monkey by Francine Prose: Widely known and respected for her best-selling fiction, Prose has had novels adapted for the stage and the screen. Its impossible to say (but fun to imagine) that these experiences informed her latest novel, Mister Monkey, about an off-off-off-off Broadway childrens play in crisis. Told from the perspective of the actress who plays the monkeys lawyer, the adolescent who plays the monkey himself, and a variety of others attached to the production in one way or another, this novel promises to be madcap and profound in equal measure. (Kaulie) The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa: This debut novel, set in the 1930s, follows a young Jewish family as it tries to flee Germany for Cuba. When they manage to get a place on the ocean liner St. Louis, the Rosenthals prepare themselves for a comfortable life in the New World, but then word comes in of a change to Cubas immigration policy. The passengers, who are now a liability, get their visas revoked by the government, which forces the Rosenthals to quickly abandon ship. For those of you who thought the boats name sounded familiar, its based on a real-life tragedy. (Thom) The Explosion Chronicles by Yan Lianke: A decade ago, The Guardian described Lianke as one of Chinas greatest living authors and fiercest satirists. His most recent novel, The Four Books, was shortlisted for this years Man Booker International Prize. The Explosion Chronicles was first published in 2013, and will be published in translation (by Duke professor Carlos Rojas) this fall. The novel centers on a towns excessive expansion from small village to an urban superpower, with a focus on members of the towns three major families. (Elizabeth) The Trespasser by Tana French: In her five previous novels about the squabbling detectives of the Dublin Murder Squad, French has classed up the old-school police procedural with smart, lush prose and a willingness to explore the darkest recesses of her characters emotional lives. In The Trespasser, tough-minded detective Antoinette Conway battles scabrous office politics as she tries to close the case of a beautiful young woman murdered as she sat down to a table set for a romantic dinner. On Goodreads, the Tanamaniacs are doing backflips for Frenchs latest venture into murder Dublin-style. (Michael) The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang: Entertainment Weekly has already expressed excitement about former journalist Changs novel, calling it uproarious, and in her blurb, Jami Attenberg deemed The Wangs vs. the World her favorite debut of the year. Charles Wang, patriarch and business man, has lost his money in the financial crisis and wants to return to China to reclaim family land. Before that, he takes his adult son and daughter and their stepmother on a journey across America to his eldest daughters upstate New York hideout. Charles Yu says the book is, Funny, brash, honest, full of wit and heart and smarts, and Library Journal named it one of the falls 5 Big Debuts. (Edan) Martutene by Ramon Saizarbitoria: A new English translation of a work that the journal El Cultural has suggested could well be considered the highest summit of Basque-language novels. The novel follows the interlinked lives of a group of friends in the contemporary Basque country, and the young American sociologist whos recently arrived in their midst. (Emily) Him, Me, Muhammad Ali by Randa Jarrar: Jarrar, whose novel A Map of Home won a Hopwood Award in 2008, comes out with her first collection of short stories old and new. In the title story (originally published in Guernica in 2010), a woman whose father has recently died goes to Cairo to scatter his ashes. In accompanying stories, we meet an ibex-human hybrid named Zelwa, as well as an Egyptian feminist and the women of a matriarchal society. In keeping with the collections broad focus on accidental transients, most of the stories take place all over the world. (Thom) The Terranauts by T.C. Boyle: In 1994, a group of eight scientists move into EC2, a bio-dome-like enclosure meant to serve as a prototype for a space colony. Not much time passes before things begin to go wrong, which forces the crew to ask themselves a difficult, all-important question can they really survive without help from the outside world? Part environmental allegory, part thriller, The Terranauts reinforces Boyles reputation for tight plotlines, bringing his talents to bear on the existential problem of climate change. For those who are counting, this is the authors 16th (!) novel. (Thom) November Swing Time by Zadie Smith: The Orange Prize-winning author of White Teeth and On Beauty returns with a masterful new novel. Set in North West London and West Africa, the book is about two girls who dream of being dancers, the meaning of talent, and blackness. (Bruna) Moonglow by Michael Chabon: Weve all had that relative who spills their secrets on their deathbed, yet most of us dont think to write them down. Chabon was 26 years old, already author of The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, when he went to see his grandfather for the last time only to hear the dying man reveal buried family stories. Twenty-six years later and the Pulitzer Prize winners eighth novel is inspired by his grandfathers revelations. A nearly 500-page epic, Moonglow explores the war, sex, and technology of mid-century America in all its glory and folly. Its simultaneously Chabons most imaginative and personal work to date. (Tess) Fish in Exile by Vi Khi Nao: A staggering tale of the death of a child, this novel is a poetic meditation on loss, the fluidity of boundaries, and feeling like a fish out of water. Viet Thanh Nguyen has described it as a jagged and unforgettable work [that] takes on a domestic story of losing ones children and elevates it to Greek tragedy. (Bruna) Virgin and Other Stories by April Ayers Lawson: Lawsons magazine debut was in the Paris Review with the title story of the collection. Other stories like Three Friends in a Hammock have appeared in the Oxford American. Fans of Jamie Quatros I Want to Show You More will be drawn to Lawsons lyric, expansive dramatizations of Southern evangelical Christians, as she straddles the intersection of sexuality and faith. Her sentences, so sharp, are meant to linger: The problem with marrying a virgin, he realized now, was that you were marrying a girl who would become a woman only after the marriage. (Nick R.) Valiant Gentleman by Sabina Murray: PEN/Faulkner Award-winner (The Caprices) Murray returns with her latest novel Valiant Gentlemen. Murrays first novel, Slow Burn, was published when she was just 20 years old. Currently the chair of the creative writing department at UMass Amherst, Murray has also received fellowships from the Radcliffe Institute, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Guggenheim Foundation. Her sixth book (seventh, including her screenplay), Valiant Gentlemen follows a friendship across four decades and four continents. Alexander Chee writes, This novel is made out of history but is every bit a modern marvel. (Cara) Collected Stories by E.L. Doctorow: Written between the 1960s to the early years of this century, the 15 stories in this collection were selected, revised, and placed in order by the masterly Doctorow shortly before he died in 2015 at age 84. The stories feature a mother whose plan for financial independence might include murder; a teenager who escapes home for Hollywood; a man who starts a cult using subterfuge and seduction; and the denizens of the underbelly of 1870s New York City, which grew into the novel The Waterworks. They are the geniuses, mystics, and charlatans who offer both false hope and glimpses of Doctorows abiding subject, that untouchable myth known as the American dream. (Bill) Thus Bad Begins by Javier Marias: Marias, one of Spains contemporary greats, is nothing if not prolific. In this, his 14th novel, personal assistant Juan de Vere watches helplessly as his life becomes tangled in the affairs of his boss, a producer of B-movies and general sleaze. Set in a 1980s Madrid in the throes of the post-Francisco Franco hedonism of La Movida, a period in which social conservatism began to crumble in the face of a wave of creativity and experiment, the novel calls to mind Christopher Isherwoods The Berlin Stories and the paranoid decadence of Weimar Germany. Spying and the intersection of the domestic with the historical/political isnt new territory for Marias, and fans of of his earlier work will be as pleased as Hari Kunzru at The Guardian, who called Thus Bad Begins a demonstration of what fiction at its best can achieve. (Brian) December Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins: Collins is described as a brilliant yet little known African American artist and filmmaker a contemporary of revered writers including Toni Cade Bambara, Laurie Colwin, Ann Beattie, Amy Hempel, and Grace Paley. The stories in this collection, which center on race in the 60s, explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in ways that masterfully blend the quotidian and the profound. (Elizabeth) The Private Life of Mrs. Sharma by Ratika Kapur: Kapurs first novel, Overwinter, was longlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize. This, her second, chronicles a changing India in which the titular Mrs. Sharma, a traditional wife and mother living in Delhi, has a conversation with a stranger that will shift her worldview. Described as a sharp-eyed examination of the clashing of tradition and modernity, Asian and European critics have described it as quietly powerful. The writer Mohammed Hanif wrote that it really gets under your skin, a devastating little book. (Elizabeth) And Beyond The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy: Recent reports of the authors death have been greatly exaggerated, but unfortunately reports of delays for his forthcoming science fiction book have not. Longtime fans will need to wait even longer than theyd initially suspected, as The Passengers release date was bumped way past August 2016 as reported by Newsweek in 2015 and now looks more like December 2017. (Nick M.) Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders: For Saunders fans, the prospect of a full-length novel from the short-story master has been something to speculate upon, if not actually expect. Yet Lincoln in the Bardo is a full 368-page blast of Saunders dealing in the 1862 death of Abraham Lincolns son, the escalating Civil War, and, of course, Buddhist philosophy. Saunders has compared the process of writing longer fiction to building custom yurts and then somebody commissioned a mansion and Saunderss first novel is unlikely to resemble any other mansion on the block. (Jacob) And So On by Kiese Laymon: Laymon is a Mississippi-born writer who has contributed to Esquire, ESPN, the Oxford American, Guernica, and writes a column for The Guardian. His first novel, Long Division, makes a lot of those best books youve never heard of lists, so feel free to prove them wrong by reading it right now. What we know about his second novel is that he said its going to shock folks hopefully. Playing with comedy, Afro-futurist shit and horror. (Janet) Difficult Women by Roxane Gay: If this were Twitter, Id use the little siren emoji and the words ALERT: NEW ROXANE GAY BOOK. Her new story collection was recently announced (along with an announcement about the delay on the memoir Hunger, which was slated to be her next title and will now be published after this one). The collections product description offers up comparisons to Merritt Tierce, Jamie Quatro, and Miranda July, with stories of privilege and poverty, from sisters who were abducted together as children, to a black engineers alienation upon moving to Michigans Upper Peninsula, to a wealthy Florida subdivision where neighbors conform, compete, and spy on each other. (Elizabeth) Transit by Rachel Cusk: In this second novel of the trilogy that began with Outline, a woman and her two sons move to London in search of a new reality. Taut and lucid, the book delves into the anxieties of responsibility, childhood, and fate. There is nothing blurry or muted about Cusks literary vision or her prose, enthuses Heidi Julavits. (Bruna) Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh: This first collection of stories from Moshfegh, author of the noir novel Eileen, centers around unsteady characters who yearn for things they cannot have. Jeffrey Eugenides offers high praise: What distinguishes Moshfeghs writing is that unnamable quality that makes a new writers voice, against all odds and the deadening surround of lyrical postures, sound unique. You can read her stories in The New Yorker and the Paris Review. (Bruna) Selection Day by Aravind Adiga: The Booker Prize-winning author of The White Tiger returns with a coming-of-age tale of brothers and aspiring professional cricketers in Mumbai. (Lydia) Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki: Long-time Millions writer and contributing editor Lepucki follows up her New York Times-bestselling novel California (you may have seen her talking about it on a little show called The Colbert Report) with Woman No. 17, a complicated, disturbing, sexy look at female friendship, motherhood, and art. (Lydia) Enigma Variations by Andre Aciman: New York magazine called CUNY Professor and author of Harvard Square the most exciting new fiction writer of the 21st century). Aciman follows up with Enigma Variations, a sort of sentimental education of a young man across time and borders. (Lydia) Fighting hate and breaking down stigmatisation requires coming together it requires community. But what will leaving the European Union mean for the LGBT community? Being in the EU has given our nation the opportunities to work collectively on challenging homophobia on an international scale. Essentially, Britain has had a platform on which it could showcase its progression and encourage others to follow suit. But Boris Johnson, the face of the Leave campaign, said in March that the EU could not be given any credit for British LGBT freedoms because those laws came from our parliament. It is undeniable that our progress is down to the British people and their high regard for tolerance, but we cannot ignore how the EU has influenced our evolution. Whilst not all countries in the EU allow LGBT marriages, most recognise civil partnerships. In countries where same sex marriage is not legal but other forms of partnership are recognised, LGBT couples married in a different EU country will be recognised as having at least a partnership. This security cant be guaranteed anymore. Surely those EU countries will now not be required to recognise British LGBT marriages as any kind of partnership, causing issues for LGBT couples who wish to travel abroad to these places. The EU also passed the Employment Equality Framework Directive a key piece of legislation that criminalises discrimination at work based on sexual orientation, racism or religion. According to the Huffington Post it helped inform the UKs Equality Act, proving that we were positively influenced by our neighbouring nations, and it is questionable whether Britain will make the same progress without the EUs support. However, with several nations with fewer rights for LGBT people trying to join the EU, including Turkey and Serbia, we might have unchained ourselves from politicians who do not share our inclusive values. The LGBT Leave campaign Out and Proud also claimed that having the ability to sign our own trade deals would mean Britain could put more pressure on countries to improve equality. But can this be guaranteed? Would Britain really challenge these countries and would LGBT issues take prominence? These questions will only be answered in time and our values and laws will still have a positive impact on British people. However, our own advances in LGBT rights will no longer put pressure on other EU countries in the same way. We have lost our platform to create more positive change. With several EU countries still not accepting same-sex marriage, we have walked away at a time when our influence could have been strongest. We could have made a real change in the world to ensure that all people feel safe wherever they are. Whilst Britain can still challenge homophobic beliefs, it is hard to believe that we will have more of an impact on our own than we do as part of a group. As Nia Griffith, the Shadow Minister of Wales, said to Pink News: While were proud to be out, were better off in. Having now voted to leave, we can only hope that Britain goes from strength to strength and continues to support the worldwide LGBT community by pressurising nations falling behind in equal rights. 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Two Chefs Bar & Grill at Kata Centre are serving a large buffet, chock-filled with American classics. The night will also include quizzes, games, gifts and whole lot of other fun, not to mention Two Chefs House Band will be on all night playing American classics. Entry is B495 for adults and B250 for children under 12. Phuket anti-human trafficking raid draws a blank PHUKET: Two raids carried out by more than 30 officers from Immigration and Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command at workers camps in Rawai this morning (July 1) found no evidence of human trafficking an official has said. constructionimmigrationmilitary By Chanida Summast Friday 1 July 2016, 02:21PM Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop said that no evidence of human trafficking was found at either site. Photo: Royal Thai Navy Lt Sompop Kamkana from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command said the first raid was carried out at 6:30am this morning at a camp in Moo 4 in Rawai. We found around 100 workers at the camp, but they were all Thai nationals mostly from Isan. The area was generally clean and we found nothing illegal. The people who take care of the camp told us that the company had laid off all of its migrant workers and that there were none left at the site, Lt Sompop said. We then raided a second camp at 7:30am, this was a lot larger than the first and was close to Baan Palai. The site belong to Theparak Phattankorn Company. Here we found one foreman, a Chinese man, but he had a work permit and was found to be a legal worker. He looks after the site, but we could see that there were no workers there. He told us that the reason was because the company stopped their construction over a month ago, he added. Phuket officials raid encroachment on Hamburger Island PHUKET: The Royal Forestry Department will pursue trespass charges against an unnamed claimant for encroachment after three buildings were found under construction on Tanan Island, better known by local sailors as Hamburger Island, between Koh Lone and Ao Yon off Phuket. natural-resourcescrimeenvironmentconstructionlandpropertypolice By Chanida Summast Friday 1 July 2016, 09:21AM Thanan Island, located between Koh Lone and Ao Yon, is known to local sailors as Hamburger Island. Image: DMCR Officials arrived to find three buildings under construction on the island. Photo: DMCR Officials arrived to find three buildings under construction on the island. Photo: DMCR Officials arrived to find three buildings under construction on the island. Photo: DMCR Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) officials inspected the island on Tuesday (June 28) after receiving a tip-off from the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment. Joining the inspection on Tuesday(June 28), were officers from the Royal Forestry Department. There were some workers still carrying out construction when we arrived, said Pongsapak Aiabsakul, Chief of the Phuket office of the DMCRs Conservation of Resources, Coastal Forests and Mangroves Division. We found three shelters and three bathrooms in a shelter made from wood and leaves. All shelters were still under construction, he said. Mr Pongsapak said that a man who he named only as Mr Chaiyasit was leading the construction. Mr Chaiyasit said that the construction was on 0-2-60 rai (1,040sqm) that he said belonged to people in Wichit, Mr Pongsapak explained. But this area is Royal Forest land, which is impossible to build anything on, so these structures are illegal, he said. This person claiming to own this land will be charged with trespassing on Royal Forest land under Section 55 of the Forest Act. This case has been handed to Wichit Police, so those involved will be questioned by police, Mr Pongsapak concluded. Russian tourist drowns at Phukets Naiharn Beach PHUKET: A 28-year-old Russian tourist drowned at Naiharn Beach yesterday evening (June 30) after ignoring the red flag warnings placed along the shore. accidentsdeathRussian By Darawan Naknakhon Friday 1 July 2016, 10:13AM The man drowned after ignoring red flag warnings along Phuket's Naiharn Beach. Photo: Drarawan Naknakhon Capt Wuthiwat Liangboonjinda of Chalong Police was called to investigate the reported drowning of a Russian tourist at Naiharn beach in Rawai at 6:30pm last night. We arrived at the beach with rescue workers from Rawai Municipality to find the Russian victim (name withheld until his family has been informed) lying face up on the beach. There were no signs of assault or injury on the body. We were told that at 6pm the victim and one of his friends went out into the water where red flags were flying, they were about 100 metres from each other, he said. The victim called for help and his friend alerted other people on the beach that there was a problem whilst he tried to rescue him. More people joined the rescue effort and five minutes later they were able to bring the victim to shore and administer CPR, but they were unable to save him. The deceaseds body was taken to Vachira Hospital for doctors to confirm the time and cause of death, he added. No truth to rumor that schools are putting litter boxes in bathrooms local Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 33F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. But the tribe has a long way to go The idea to develop an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in 1970s. And, the actual work to realise that idea began in 1980s. Three decades later, the first squadron of the home-built fighter aircraft Tejas was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday in Bengaluru. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is manufacturing the single-engine combat Tejas aircraft. The first squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years and it will later be moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. It is, indeed, a big moment for the Indian defence forces. In spite of unjustifiable delay, the aircraft boasts of some world class features. Although, it will not be among the best fighter jets of the world, Tejas will meet the Air Force's most important requirement: it will be replacing MIG-21s. Here are the things you must know: The first squadron is christened 'Flying Daggers 45, which is famous for shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 km northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. The second Light Combat Aircraft (LAC) Tejas squadron will have improved capabilities, including the critical necessity of missile firing to Beyond Visual Range. The IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications, known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced beyond the vision range missiles, will cost between Rs. 275 crore and Rs. 300 crore. The IAF plans to press the Tejas aircraft into combat roles by 2017. At least six aircraft will be added to the service's arsenal this year and another eight by next year. Tejas is safer than MIG-21s. The LCAs have been flown over 3,000 sorties during flight tests to date without an accident. Critics of Tejas say that the aircraft is not completely indigenous, because the majority of the aircraft's systems are imported. To name a few: it boasts of Israeli weapons and radar, American engine and British ejection seat. However, makers of Tejas point out that some of the best fighter jets like French Rafale and the Swedish Gripen have imported systems. Buying the required component from the open market saves a lot of time, effort and is also cost-effective, say makers of Tejas. Nevertheless, Tejas is the mark of India's progress in defence technology. The state-of-the-art fly-by-wire system, Mission Computers, the body of the aircraft made up of Indian-made carbon fibre composites, and other important and critical hardware and software on the aircraft are Indian. Tejas can fly at 1,350 km per hour on a par with worlds best jets, including French Mirage 2000, American F-16 and Swedish Gripen. India's home-built fourth generation aircraft is touted to be superior to Pakistans JF-17, which was jointly developed with China. The ammunition capacity of Tejas is three tones. It can accommodate air-to-air missiles, laser guided bombs, guns, conventional/retarded bombs and Beyond Visual Range missiles. Union Minister and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has appealed to US President Barack Obama not to attend the "Running of the Bulls" spectacle in San Fermin festival in Pamplona during his visit to Spain this month. In a letter addressed to Obama, the 59-year-old Union Women & Child Development minister said the US President taking a stand against animal cruelty would have "considerable influence" and requested him to skip the "barbaric" event. "The 48 bulls used in the event are struck and terrorised as they slip, fall and injure themselves or human spectators on their way to a violent death in the bullring," NGO People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India quoted Gandhi as saying in the letter. PETA in a statement issued today said that the Union Women & Child Development minister has written the letter in support of request by the affiliates of the NGO urging Obama not to attend the San Fermin festival. Gandhi pointed out that bull-fighting is an archaic display that has lost favour among Spaniards and has been banned in many parts of Spain and other countries. "In your position of power, taking a stand for compassion for animals and against cruelty would have considerable influence. Won't you please skip this barbaric event and speak out against such cruelty?" the letter read. PETA notes that more than 100 towns and cities across Spain, as well as the entire region of Catalonia, have introduced bans on bullfighting events, the statement said. Ukraine will join the EU within the next decade, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Friday, adding that his country still believed strongly in the bloc despite Britain's vote to leave. Groysman told Germany's Funke media group that Ukraine saw its future in the West and hailed an association agreement with the EU as a "driving force" behind reforms in Kiev. "I am convinced that Ukraine will be in the EU in 10 years," he said. "We are going the European way and that means for us: freedom, human rights and a strong economy." Groysman said he regretted the "Brexit" referendum outcome. "I respect the right of a sovereign state to take such a decision," he said. "But I still think that achievements should be protected." He said closer ties with the EU were an impetus for Ukraine to tackle corrosive problems such as corruption. "We must align our standards with those of the EU," he said. The EU's landmark trade and political association agreement with Ukraine has been at the heart of the crisis in the country since the 2014 toppling of Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovych, who had rejected the deal. Russia annexed the territory of Crimea shortly afterwards and the EU imposed sweeping economic sanctions against Moscow, while pursuing the pact with the new government in Kiev. But there has been growing unease in Brussels at the slow pace of reforms in Kiev and the volatile political situation following the resignation of embattled prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and his replacement by the pro-Western parliament speaker Groysman in April. The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria's government stops bombing moderate rebels, US officials said on Thursday. The US backs the moderate rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them. Many US officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that. It also would require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the US-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government, which they and Washington have accused of most of the ceasefire violations. "If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, immediately the Russians and Assad go kill them," said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. "The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival." "Its staggering to me that anybody even at year five of this civil war thought this would be a good idea," said Harmer. The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. A "Hail Mary" pass? That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unraveling of a Feb. 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the U.S.-backed moderate opposition forces. In one sign of their predicament, US-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the United States wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. UN Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior US officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he "continues to work to advance a political transition," National Security Council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday. School is challenging for any child with ADHD. For chareidi boys with ADHD or learning disabilities, the chareidi school system is a disaster. From the age of five, chareidi boys are expected to learn over seven hours a day, sitting at a desk. As they get older, their school day increases to over twelve hours a day. They learn hours of Talmud and have little time to run around and play. Boys whose learning disabilities prevent them from understanding difficult Talmudic texts are considered slow or lazy. These reactions lower the boys self-esteem and they make even less effort to learn. They eventually drop out or get kicked out of school. The Solution Kfar Zeitim helps chareidi boys whose needs were not met in the chareidi school system. It serves as both chareidi yeshiva and a vocational school, while providing a warm home to the students, including professional support for students struggling emotionally or academically. The Goal of Yeshivat Kfar Zeitim We strive to help each boy grows up to be a believing Jew, connected to Torah, connected to his parents and family, with strong self-confidence and self-esteem; able to raise a family and support it respectfully and a citizen who contributes to his environment and society. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] 62% of the Jewish public in Israel and 71% of the non-Haredi population support the right of Conservative and Reform converts to make use of Israels publicly funded ritual baths, which are operated by the municipal religious councils. 38% oppose this. 86% of secular Jews and 58% of traditional Jews support this, but 63% of Zionist Orthodox Jews and 91% of ultra-Orthodox Jews oppose it. This survey was conducted by the Smith Polling Institute for Hiddush Freedom of Religion for Israel. It was conducted by telephone among a representative population sample of 500 people from Israels adult Jewish population. The survey examined the extent of public support for the ritual baths law promoted by the ultra-Orthodox parties in order to prevent non-Orthodox Jewish converts from immersing in the States publicly funded ritual baths. Last night the Knesset approved the law on its first reading by a majority of 28 to 18. This survey was conducted with generous support from IREP the Israel Religious Expression Platform. Hiddush VP Shahar Ilan responded that this vote was nothing less than a slap in World Jewrys face, as well as an insult to the Israeli public, which has repeatedly expressed overwhelming support for state protected equal rights for all branches of Judaism. No immersion in any ritual bath could clean the Knesset of the disgrace of groveling before MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism party), the Chairman of the powerful Knesset Finance Committee who spearheaded this legislation and strong armed the Government Coalition into supporting it. This bill aims to bypass the High Court and trample upon Israels rule of law. According to Ilan, It turns out that the best way to predict the Government Coalitions course of action on matters of religion and state is to poll the Israeli public and assume that the Coalition will do exactly the opposite. This has been the case regarding equality of civic burden, increasing government stipends for yeshiva students, operating public transportation on Shabbat, and access to Israels publicly funded ritual baths. Ilan noted, however, that the more MK Gafni and his colleagues aggressively push forward their religiously coercive policies, the closer we come to the day when Israel will once again be ruled by a civil government without the ultra-Orthodox parties, which will undo all of the terrible laws this Coalition has passed in the arena of religion and state. The wording of the survey question was as follows: The Supreme Court ruled that Reform and Conservative converts have the right to immerse in publicly funded ritual baths, which are operated by municipal religious councils. The ultra-Orthodox parties are promoting a bill to prevent the implementation of this ruling. Do you: support or oppose Reform and Conservative converts being allowed to immerse in the publicly funded ritual baths? 62% of adult Israeli Jews expressed support for the right of Reform and Conservative converts to make use of the ritual baths, of which 40% expressed strong support, and 22% expressed moderate support. 38% were opposed, of which 24% were very opposed, and 14% were moderately opposed. Although 63% of Zionist Orthodox Jews opposed this, 57% of voters for the Zionist Orthodox Jewish Home party voiced their support. This once again underscores the high number of secular and traditional Jewish Home party voters. Among the Coalition parties: 58% of Likud voters support the right of Conservative and Reform converts to immerse in the publicly funded ritual baths, as do 71% of Kulanu voters and 73% of Yisrael Beitenu voters. 82% of Shas voters and 93% of United Torah Judaism voters oppose this. Among the Opposition parties: 97% of Yesh Atid voters, 87% of Meretz voters, and 76% of Zionist Union voters support this right. SURVEY DETAILS As noted, 72% of the Jewish Israeli public support some form of public transportation on Shabbat: 41% partial, and 31% full scale. However, 28% are opposed to operating public transportation on Shabbat and holidays, of which 19% favor the current situation (with almost no public transportation available on Shabbat), and 9% support doing away with the limited transportation that is currently available. 94% of secular Jews support the operation of public transportation on Shabbat, as do 67% of traditional Jews. Particularly interesting: 52% of Zionist Orthodox Jews support this initiative (49% support partial, and 3% support full scale). 97% of ultra-Orthodox Jews oppose public transportation on Shabbat, of which 55% favor doing away with the limited public transportation on Shabbat, which is available in Israel today. Among voters for the coalition parties, support for operating public transportation on Shabbat on a partial or full scale is high: 65% of Likud voters, Kulanu 86%, Yisrael Beitenu 91%, Jewish Home 65%. Voters for the opposition parties support public transportation on Shabbat as well: The Zionist Union 93%, Yesh Atid 94%, Meretz 94%. Only a majority of the Haredi political parties voters oppose this initiative: 80% of Shas and 100% of United Torah Judaism voters are opposed. Head of Hiddush Rabbi Uri Regev responded, There is an intolerable gap between the publics support for the operation of public transportation on Shabbat, including the support of voters for the Government Coalition parties, and the obstinate, criminal indifference of the Coalition. Despite the tremendous level of public support, and despite the publics vital need, the Ministry of Transportation does not allow it. Regev noted that: It is difficult to think of a bill more fair and reasonable than MK Germans proposal. The decision as to whether or not to operate public transportation on Shabbat would be turned over to local residents; and public transportation would only be operated on particular central bus lines, and only in a limited capacity. There is no reasonable excuse for rejecting this proposal, other than kowtowing to the ultra-Orthodox parties political coercion and bullying. This is exactly the kind of coercion that makes the ultra-Orthodox parties and the Chief Rabbinate Judaisms greatest enemies, and leads the general public to hate the Jewish tradition. Further, added Rabbi Regev, There a few social justice causes more justified than the operation of public transportation on Shabbat. Those who suffer the most under the current political reality are Israels most vulnerable: those with special needs, the elderly, the young and soldiers who do not have vehicles or cannot drive. Even worse, it is also a matter of life and death: the lack of public transportation on Shabbat requires young soldiers on leave to drive when they go out to drink with their friends, and consequently increases the risk of road accidents and harm. However, the elderly, the poor and the young of the secular and traditional populations are invisible to the ultra-Orthodox politicians. They are only concerned with their ultra-Orthodox religious preferences. MK Yael German (Yesh Atid) who proposed the bill responded to Hiddushs survey: This proves once again that most of the Israeli public is interested in having public transportation available on Shabbat. Support increases every year, and it crosses party lines, including the Zionist Orthodox Jewish Home partys voters. Again, we find that a minority of Knesset politicians, only 5% of its members, prevents a law from passing, which would bring social justice to those populations who cannot drive or do not have cars, improving quality of life standards for all Israelis. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) 51 Olim landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday morning 23 Sivan aboard a Nefesh BNefesh group Aliyah flight. Amongst the Olim were 15 future lone soldiers who went directly to a special ulpan to learn Hebrew before drafting to the IDF 51 new immigrants from the North America, including 15 soon-to-be IDF lone soldiers and other Olim ranging from 3 months of age to 91, landed this morning in Israel on a Nefesh BNefesh group Aliyah flight, in cooperation with Israels Ministry of Aliyah & Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, JNF-USA, Friends of the IDF (FIDF) and Tzofim-Garin Tzabar. This latest group of Olim joins more than 45,000 immigrants who arrived in Israel with the assistance of Nefesh BNefesh since being founded in 2002. This flight is the kickoff of our summer Aliyah season during which we are expecting close to 2,000 Olim to arrive from North America, said Executive VP of Nefesh BNefesh, Zev Gershinsky. The summer season is our busiest time of year as we work day and night to assist Olim throughout their Aliyah process as well as with their acclimation into Israeli society. We are especially proud to have the privilege of helping the brave young men & women who make Aliyah and later on volunteer to serve in the IDF. Ben Kravis, 22, of Lambertville, New Jersey plans to serve in the IDF as a combat paramedic in one of Israels elite units: When I visited Poland during high school and toured the concentration camps, I completely understood and appreciated why the State of Israel is so important and necessary for the Jewish people. I wanted to be a part of protecting it. Its awesome to support Israel from my community at home but I really wanted to be here and do the work myself, said Kravis. Rina Mischel, 17, from Highland Park, New Jersey wants to serve in the IDFs canine unit, Oketz: I come from a long line of soldiers. My grandfather fought in the Etzel, my brother served in the paratroopers during Operation Protective Edge and my uncle served in the IDF as well. On May 1st, hundreds of high school seniors across the country woke up and put on shirts that said Rutgers, UCLA, Penn, and Yale. Each proudly displaying their home for the next 4+ years of their life. That day, I proudly walked into school wearing an olive green T-shirt with yellow olive branches and the word Tzahal on it, Mischel went on. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The CIA paid Romania millions of dollars to host secret prisons, a rights lawyer said Wednesday as the European Court of Human Rights heard accusations that Romania allowed the agency to torture terrorism suspects in a secret renditions program under President George W. Bush. Amrit Singh told the court on the opening day of the case that CIA prisons were in Romania from 2003-2005 with the governments acquiescence and connivance, something authorities have denied. Romanian government representative Catrinel Brumar countered that it takes more than hints and speculation to establish the states responsibilities. She said an investigation was ongoing. The court said it would rule in a few months on whether Romania knowingly allowed CIA secret prisons where torture occurred, and whether it failed to prevent the torture of Singhs client. The alleged presence of CIA secret prisons remains a sensitive subject in Romania, a strong U.S. ally which at the time was seeking support from Washington to join NATO, something it did in 2004. Singh told The Associated Press by telephone that Romania was obfuscating and in denial in its arguments. Singh said her client, Saudi Arabian national Abd al-Rahim Al Nashiri, was shackled, sleep-deprived, subjected to loud noise and bright lights, slapped and given forced rectal feeding at a Bucharest CIA prison in 2004. He is currently in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay. She noted that his alleged mistreatment had not yielded useful information. The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture was completed in 2014. It detailed the torture of prisoners and how government oversight was prevented. The report did not directly mention Romania. Amnesty International called Wednesdays hearing a milestone in accountability. (AP) Dr. Simcha Goldin, the father of IDF Lt. Hadar Goldin, told Israel Radio on Thursday morning 24 Sivan that he resents the fact that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other state officials refer to him and others as bereaved families as if they are pained and unaware of their statements and incapable of seeing the bigger picture. Dr. Goldins son and Sgt. Shaul Oren were killed in Gaza fighting in Operation Protective Edge and their bodies grabbed by Hamas. The families have spoken out harshly over the cabinet approving the reconciliation agreement with Turkey to the exclusion of bringing home the bodies. Dr. Goldin explains that the Prime Minister for the past two years has assured them the bringing home of the bodies for kvuras yisrael is a national interest yet Mr. Netanyahus actions do not back up his statements. Goldin reflects back on that difficult motzei Shabbos when Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and other officials including from the Chief Rabbinate came to his home. He recounts how they spoke of the need to accept a declaration his son is dead, promising no efforts would be spared to bring back the body and they used the words national interest in doing so. For a year-and-a-half we have been working with and cooperating with PM Netanyahu who speaks of the national interest, but now, with the agreement with Turkey we see this is not so explains Dr. Goldin, who blasts PM Netanyahu and others for seeking to portray him and others are too emotional to address the issues at hand and too bereaved to have a valid opinion. Dr. Goldin insists the agreement approved by the cabinet to resume diplomatic relations with Turkey is not in Israels national interest, adding He (PM Netanyahu) could have returned [this week] from Rome with both the agreement in hand along with the bodies but he did not do this, simply settling for the agreement. Dr. Goldin announced he will not be meeting with President Rivlin today as planned as he is angered with the governments dealing of the deal with Turkey. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Rabbi Yehudah Teichtal, Rabbi of the Jewish community of Berlin, was welcomed on Tuesday 22 Sivan by Thomas Oppermann, parliamentary head of the German Social Democratic Party (SDP), the second largest party in Germany, for an official meeting in his offices at the Bundestag. The two discussed the future of Europe and its Jewish communities, in light of the British referendum. Rabbi Teichtal told Oppermann that in his conversations with European rabbis and Jewish leaders he encourages them to take action and prevent any further breaking in the EU. I call upon the leaders of all Jewish communities around Europe to do whatever they can and execute all of their influence, in order to prevent any other countries from leaving the EU. During the meeting, Oppermann expressed his worries about the continents political future. The EU means that people can move from one country to another and can settle down. If anyone believes that they should go back to their own nation and try to live for themselves, it is not the right way. Oppermann later added that We have to cooperate, we have to work together and we have to keep this European Union. We dont want more Brexits or exits so that the people of Europe will get the feeling that we have to defend our values, our democracy, our freedom and our welfare. Later, Oppermann spoke of the importance of the relations between the Jewish communities and the EU. It is also important to keep the EU in good constitution because it enables us to have Jewish life in every European country, that can develop from one country to another. Jewish life is a great enrichment to have in Europe, in Israel and all around the world. The establishment of the EU and the multi-cultural approach it symbolizes, contributes to the welfare of Europes Jewish communities, said Rabbi Teichtal at the meeting, adding that Therefore, the possibility of dismantling the EU and reverting back to nation states should worry all Jewish people around Europe A strong European union is a paramount interest to the Jewish people of Europe in general and to Jewish people of Germany in particular. The two also discussed the rising worries amongst Berlins Jewish community in the wake of the Brexit. The Jewish community of Berlin views Britains decision to leave the EU with great concern, Said Rabbi Teichtal. It is a worrisome sign to the strengthening of nationalism and of Extreme right-wing parties and movements. the Jewish community in Berlin joins a great number of Jewish community leaders from all over Europe, who expressed their sorrow over the UKs decision. At the end of the meeting, Rabbi Teichtal thanked MP Oppermann for his support for the Jewish life. I want to thank you for all you support of the Jewish life I recognize your achievements, your dedication, and your care and I want to thank you in the name of the community here. I wish that god will give you great success in all your important work. Earlier that day, speaking at the Bundestag, Oppermann turned to Chancellor Angela Merkel and urged her to carry the negotiations as quickly as possible, in order to provide clarity. Years of stalemate will not serve Europes interests, argued Oppermann. We want fair negotiations and to continue deep and friendly relations with the United Kingdom. But there must be no rewards for nationalism and European hostility. If the message is at the end, that one can get rid of the liabilities, without losing the benefits, then there will soon be referendums everywhere, the SPD politician said. Phot: Rabbi Teichtal and Mr Thomas Oppermann. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Nine leftists on Wednesday night 23 Sivan entered Ramallah via the Kalandia Checkpoint to celebrate a post Ramadan feast with their friends. However, as they were enjoying the evening residents became aware of the two Israeli vehicles and surrounded the two vehicles and the situation turned ugly very quickly. Fortunately, PA (Palestinian Authority) security forces were able to protect them, questioning them and then releasing them to Israeli authorities. They left Ramallah unharmed and were questioned for violating the prohibition against entering PA autonomous areas. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) According to statements made earlier this week by IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Major-General Yair Golan, in the next was there will be thousands of rockets striking all over Israel. Golan addressed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) event marking ten years since the Second Lebanon War. He explained in an authoritative tone that the next war with Lebanon will turn the entire homefront into the battlefront. Golan told his audience that in the Second Lebanon War, 70 tons of warheads struck Israel and in the next round of warfare, we should expect at least four times this number. Golan is not panicked and feels the IDF will be able to address the challenge. In a somewhat more encouraging note he told the audience that of all the rockets fired, only 4% hit urban area and only 1% struck buildings. Golan, who has spent his adult life serving the Jewish People in an array of tasks in the IDF explained the scenario from his limited perspective. However, for frum Jews hearing his statements, based on intelligence studies, it should signal the need for additional limud Torah, acts of chessed and placing an emphasis on getting along with one another; placing our own kovod aside for the good of the tzibur. As Gedolei Yisrael Shlita are well-aware, much can be done to prevent the frightening scenario explained by Major-General Golan, and this rests heavily on the actions of Torah observant Jewry in many areas, including silence in shuls and shutting off phones and other gadgetry and focusing on communicating with HKBH. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) MK (Likud) Miki Zohar stands behind a bill dubbed the Shabbos Law, which would permit limited bus service on Shabbos with many conditions. Zohar is understood to be coming from a good place, albeit confused in the eyes of chareidi lawmakers. He feels that by granting limited permission for 10% chilul Shabbos we can prevent 90% chilul Shabbos as he puts it. Zohars bill would permit a local authority/city operate limited Shabbos bus service in non-religious areas. These buses would have to be driven by non-Jews and payment would be after Shabbos. Zohar told Kol Chai Radios Mordechai Lavi these conditions limit the chilul Shabbos from a halachic perspective. Zohar warns something has to be done because the current so-called religious status quo is breaking apart, being challenged in a number of municipalities. His bill also calls for finding stores operating illegally on Shabbos, a fine that would greatly exceed the amount of money a store earned by opening. Currently, many stores are willing to pay the fine, which they simply deduct from their profits but Zohars formula ensures the fine exceeds a stores earnings. MK Yisrael Eichler Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook did not want to take part in dedication of Hebrew university fearing kefira would be taught. The rav was told if he attends it would not be taught. He attended and it was taught and this is our lesson. The lesson is we cannot trust religious legislation in the country, even as well-intended as this one since there will not be enforcement. I told Zohar in this case the law does not include enforcement measures. Kol Chai Lets be practical he is working to limit Chilul Shabbos since this is the trend. Eichler The law is simply legislative anarchy. It cannot and will not be enforced and untimely, the chilul Shabbos will be worse. Kol Chai Perhaps we are religious Jews have a halachic requirement to act to limit chilul Shabbos as much as we can. Eichler This was the case 50 years ago but we had to permit buses on Shabbos in Haifa. They did not and to this day there are no buses in Haifa on Shabbos. I am sorrow but you do not fully understand the law, which also permits some stores to remain open to permit people to shop. Zohar first started with a law that supported enforcing todays law. They almost killed him and then he began amending it but it is not something the chareidim can back. His intentions are good. He is young and full of good intentions but we cannot and will not back something that will ultimately lead to more chilul Shabbos. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Chief Rabbis of Israel and leaders of chareidi parties in Knesset met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to discuss the crisis surrounding the egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel. Shas party leader Minister Aryeh Deri reportedly told PM Netanyahu that any form of official recognition of Reform Jewry would result in dismantling the coalition government. Rishon LTzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita decided to meet with PM Netanyahu on Wednesday evening along with chareidi officials. The rabbonim earlier in the week were no certain if they were going to meet, fearing the meeting would be political in nature and they would not have anything to contribute. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit explained to those present the legal issues surrounding the egalitarian area and the chareidi position, but the chareidim remained firm, unwilling to show any flexibility regarding any measure of recognition of Reform Jewry. Mandelblit warned that if they do not accept the deal accepted in the past, it would lead to the division of the Kosel itself into three, the men and womens sections and the third for egalitarian prayer. Kikar Shabbos News adds tones were raised more than once during the meeting and the chareidim remained firm, unwilling to show any willingness towards compromise. Deri was the most vocal, telling the Prime Minister Let me be perfectly clear, government recognition of the Reform is likely to break apart the government. We will break away. Shas and Yahadut Hatorah released a joint statement in which the party leaders vowed they will not tolerate any official recognition of Reform Jewry. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) A Johannesburg court ruled that Rabbi Eliezer Berland will remain in jail until such time he is extradited to Israel. There is disappointment in the Shuvu Banim community as the ravs attorney was hopeful he would be released to house arrest until turned over to the custody of Israel Police. The court announced its ruling on Thursday 24 Sivan, bringing an end to any hope by Rabbi Berlands followers that he will be released. It is still to be determined when the rabbi will be turned over to Israeli custody. The rabbi was arrested by police in Johannesburg three months ago. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) NATOs military buildup near Russias borders has upset military parity in Europe, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, adding that Russia will take retaliatory measures without entering an arms race. Putin said that NATO is openly showing its anti-Russian intentions by deploying forces in Poland and the Baltics and building missile defense sites. All that is aimed at undermining a military parity that has formed over decades, Putin said in a foreign policy speech before top Russian diplomats. NATO has rotated weapons and troops to reassure its eastern members amid tensions with Russia over the Ukrainian crisis. Russia has described NATOs U.S.-led missile shield as a top security threat, rejecting Washingtons claims that the shield is intended to fend off the Iranian missile threat. Putin noted that the U.S. is developing the system despite last years nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. We said from the start that it was a lie, just a pretext, Putin said. And the reality has proven it. Putin said that Russia will make an adequate response to NATOs buildup, but added that it will not be drawn into a costly arms race. We arent going to succumb to militarist frenzy, Putin said. But we wont show weakness and will always be able to reliably protect ourselves. Turning to Britains decision to leave the European Union, he warned that the traumatic effect from the referendum results will be felt for quite a long time. Putin added that Moscow remains committed to developing a common economic space with the EU from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He identified the top challenge to Russias security as the terror threat, saying the Islamic State group operating in Syria and Iraq has nurtured plans to expand to many regions, including former Soviet nations in Central Asia. The Russian leader hailed the Russia- and U.S.-brokered cease-fire in Syria as an example of a joint action needed to combat the terrorist threat. Putin also said that Russia wants a quick settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, but argued that it depends on Ukraine meeting its end of a 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine. Fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russia-backed insurgents and Ukrainian forces erupted in April 2014, weeks after Moscows annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. The Minsk peace deal helped reduce hostilities, but political settlement has stalled. (AP) A single elevator could have accommodated the donors who recently gathered with Hillary Clinton at home of the Pritzker family in Chicagos Gold Coast neighborhood. Small in number, the group was big in largesse, contributing at least $1 million to help elect her and other Democrats this fall. To raise that much money, it would have taken a 37,000-seat stadium of Bernie Sanders fans each chipping in the campaigns self-described average donation of $27. In her quest for the White House, Clinton is using every fundraising technique at her disposal, including intimate salon-style gatherings with elite donors. Together with small-donor efforts such as email marketing and happy hours for young professionals, these events are helping Clinton collect as much as $1 billion to battle presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. The mini-fundraisers have landed big money: At least $19.5 million has flowed from 16 of them over the past two months, according to an Associated Press review. But they also may open her up to criticism. Like her Democratic opponent Sanders, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump eagerly depicts Clinton as bought and paid for by her wealthy contributors. The people who rigged the system are supporting Hillary Clinton because they know as long as she is in charge nothings going to change, Trump told employees of an aluminum scrap metal factory in a speech on Tuesday. And as Clinton works to win over liberals in her party after a divisive primary, the events may undercut her argument that she would be a strong proponent of campaign finance reform. Clinton says Democrats cannot unilaterally disarm in the midst of a tough presidential election, but once in the White House shed work to reduce big money in politics a line President Barack Obama also used. Both Clinton and Trump can solicit checks of $350,000 or more from a single donor thanks in part to a Supreme Court ruling that lifted an overall per-person cap on political contributions. Thats roughly triple what the individual donor limit was in 2012. The resulting money flow could help the presidential candidates build robust on-the-ground voter contact and turnout operations, as well as pay for costly advertising. Thats in addition to whats available on the super PAC side: those groups, which cannot directly coordinate their spending with the candidates, face no contributions limits whatsoever. Clinton has made high-dollar fundraisers a staple of her campaign financing plan, frequently pairing a small pricey event with a far larger one that has a much lower entry fee. Its a version of what Obama did in 2012, when he held small roundtables with big donors, often just a few blocks from the White House at the Jefferson Hotel. In addition to the 10-person Monday night confab at the home of J.B. and M.K. Pritzker some of the heirs to the Hyatt hotel fortune Clinton has held at least nine other events with 15 or fewer donors, according to APs review. On Wednesday, the candidate mingled with 15 donors at trendy San Francisco brunch spot Boulettes Larder. Other top-tier fundraisers include a 15-person gathering in late May at the sprawling Portola Valley, California, home of former eBay chief executive John Donahoe, and a double-header two weeks earlier in posh New York City residences. On that date, Clinton scooped up at least $1.5 million for Democratic efforts at financier Steven Rattners home and then headed to longtime friend Lynn Forester de Rothschilds place to double the nights haul. Donors at those events typically were asked to give at least $100,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund. Clinton also has entertained 50 or fewer donors at six more events where the minimum contribution generally was $33,400. The campaigns can accept only $2,700 per donor for each election, but a victory fund allows candidates to ask for more and then parcel out the money to the campaign, national political party and dozens of state parties. Both Trump and Clinton have set up these kinds of accounts. When a candidate takes that much money, they become dependent on those donors and cannot afford to act against their wishes, said Josh Silver, director of Represent.us, a group working to reduce the influence of money in politics through state-level public financing measures. This is exactly why Democrats and Republicans are falling short on the public interest demands of their constituents, and it has a lot to do with the remarkable popularity of Bernie Sanders. Even while it rakes in big cash, the Clinton campaign has emphasized its efforts to appeal to the kinds of small donors that fueled Sanders insurgent candidacy. Clintons campaign also has tried to give some small donors big-donor-level access by holding raffles for private dinners with her. The AP was able to conduct its review of Clintons fundraisers because her campaign makes public background information about its finance events. Trumps campaign does not. Trump associates say he has held several small gatherings with bigger donors, including during a May swing through California. (AP) Egypt on Thursday celebrated the armys 2013 overthrow of an Islamist president with a new national holiday, marked by warplanes flying over the capital of Cairo and a brief address to the nation by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Supporters of el-Sissi, who as defense minister led the ouster of Mohammed Morsi, planned to hold rallies later in the day to mark the occasion. But the holiday mood was ruptured by reports from Egypts restive Sinai Peninsula, where suspected Islamic militants on Thursday gunned down a Christian priest and two members of the countrys security forces in separate attacks, according to security and medical officials. Back in 2013, millions of Egyptians took to the streets on June 30, to call for Morsi to step down, just a year after he took office as Egypts first freely elected president. El-Sissi announced his ouster on July 3, 2013, and authorities later detained thousands of Morsi supporters and banned his Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group. Morsi, who has since been in custody, has been sentenced to death in one trial and long prison terms in several others. Convicted on a range of charges, including a prison break, leaking secret documents and conspiring with foreign terror groups against Egypt, he is appealing his convictions. The holiday, which the government refers to as the June 30 Revolution and which it announced earlier this week, will be also marked with musical performances and free entry to museums. In the ancient southern city of Luxor, hot-air balloons carrying Egyptian flags flew over pharaonic temples and authorities plan a parade along the River Nile. On this glorious day, I would like to assure you that we are working hard to realize the hopes of the Egyptian people for the better future they deserve, el-Sissi, elected to office two years ago, said in a pre-recorded address to the nation broadcast on Thursday. The June 30 revolution reasserts the impossibility of imposing a status quo on the Egyptian people. Anyone who imagines that he can successfully do that is deluding himself, he said, alluding to Morsis Muslim Brotherhood supporters. On Wednesday, he appealed to security forces and agencies to stop anyone from spoiling the occasion. He did not elaborate, but he appeared to be referring to possible protests by Morsi supporters or attacks by Islamic militants. Egyptian security forces have been battling militants for years in Sinai, but attacks have grown deadlier and more frequent after Morsis ouster. In Thursdays attacks, the priest was gunned down while walking in the city of el-Arish. Outside the citys main hospital, a bomb blast killed one policeman and wounded two. And in a Sinai village near the border town of Rafah, a bomb blast badly wounded a soldier. The soldier was wounded again when an ambulance taking him to el-Arish, escorted by an armored vehicle, was ambushed by militants. That ambush killed another soldier, the security officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. (AP) A south Louisiana sheriff was taped making anti-Semitic threats that he apparently directed at a federal prosecutor assigned to a civil rights case against him, according to a court filing. Prosecutors said in Wednesdays court filing that an unsolicited informant recently provided them with a series of recorded conversations between Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal and others. A transcript of one conversation includes Ackal recounting a meeting with a prosecutor in which the sheriff claims he threatened to shoot the prosecutor right between his Jewish eyes after the prosecutor vowed to send him to prison. Ackals meeting with the prosecutor and other federal authorities occurred before Ackals original March 9 indictment on charges over the alleged beatings of five jail inmates, prosecutors said. Although the conversation was frank, it was cordial and professional and is mischaracterized by Mr. Ackal in this recording, prosecutors from U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finleys office wrote. Prosecutors say that they believe Ackal made those taped remarks on March 14, but that they didnt learn of them until after his March 31 arraignment. Prosecutors argue that Ackals remarks are grounds for tightening the conditions of his pre-trial release. A federal magistrate in Lafayette didnt immediately rule on their request to bar Ackal from possessing any weapons and require him to submit to unannounced inspections of his home, vehicle and office. The Government believes that the proposed conditions are reasonable and are the least restrictive to ensure the safety of others, prosecutors wrote. Ackals attorney, John McLindon, said he hasnt heard the tapes. Before I can comment, Id like to hear the tapes to see if theyre legitimate, he said. I want to find out who did the recording and who sent them in there to do that. Ackal didnt immediately respond to a message left at the sheriffs office. Ackals trial is scheduled to start Oct. 31. His original indictment claims he directed officers to assault inmates in the parish jails chapel, where no video surveillance cameras would record the April 2011 beatings. Earlier this month, Ackal was indicted on a new charge that he conspired in 2014 to assault a man who was accused of assaulting one of Ackals relatives. Nine former employees of the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office already have pleaded guilty to related charges. (AP) The Sullivan County Sheriffs Office Marine Patrol Unit will host a one-day New York State Boaters Safety Course on Sunday July 10th, 2016. The class will be held from 10 am to 6 pm at the Fallsburg Fire Dept. 17 Lake Street, South Fallsburg, NY 12779. You must be at least 10 years old to attend and must pass a written test at the end of the session. Anyone born after May 1, 1996 is now required to pass an approved course in boater education in order operate a motorboat in New York State. All operators of personal watercraft must be at least 14 and posses the safety certificate. Seating for the class is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no charge for the course. New York State charges a fee of $10 for the boaters certificate which does not expire. The fee is waived for students less than 18 years old. To sign up for the class call the Sheriffs Patrol at 794-7100, press option 1, and speak with the deputy on the desk. (YWN Sullivan County Newsroom) Agudath Israel expressed gratification at the news that due to the 55% increase in appropriations for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), 81 new institutions across the United States received funding in 2016. This represents a 40% increase in the number of institutions receiving enhanced security. In New York alone, 66 Jewish organizations received a combined total of over $5.1 million dollars from the NSGP for the 2016 fiscal year. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding to acquire cameras, concrete barriers, security doors, and other security enhancements for nonprofit institutions, in selected cities, at high risk of terrorist attack. Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israels Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director, said that this boost in funding was largely the result of determined lobbying by Agudath Israel and a coalition of Jewish groups, as well as the hard work of supportive legislators. He noted with thanks the key roles played by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Charles Schumer (D-NY), as well as Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Peter King (R-NY), and Michael McCaul (R-TX). I am delighted to hear that 81 institutions have better protection against attacks, said Rabbi Cohen. It is gratifying to see the legislation and public policy we have worked so long and hard on translated into tangible assistance to mosdos to keep them better secured. In light of the recent rise in terrorist threats and attacks, we will continue to lobby for increased funding in 2017, in order to adequately protect more of our institutions. (Judith Dinowitz YWN World Headquarters NYC) 9:50AM IL: A female terrorist tried to stab a soldier in the Maaras HaMachpelah in Hebron a short time ago. The terrorist was shot. Bchasdei Hashem there are no reports of injuries among the intended victims. The attacker approached border police at one of the entrances to the holy site and pulled a knife. Border police responded in time, avoiding injury. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: UH/UR 807) At least one person has been killed and other wounded by terrorist gunfire in the Hebron Hills area, between Adurayim and Otniel. Preliminary information from the scene points to a drive-by shooting. All of the victims are civilians. At least one person is in serious condition. Additional information to follow. As seen in the attached photos, the vehicle flipped over. The terrorist(s) remains at large as the IDF has shut down the entire area south of Kiryat Arba. The attack occurred about 17 kilometers south of Kiryat Arba to what is called the S. Hebron Hills communities. Authorities report four Israelis were seated in the vehicle targeted, killing one. It is now reported that as many as three people appear to have been wounded, with some in serious condition. An air force helicopter is touching down in the area for transport to a trauma unit. The wounded are being transported by military chopper and ambulances to the trauma centers in Soroka Hospital (Beersheva), Shaare Zedek Medical Center (Jerusalem) and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital (Jerusalem). One victim is reportedly in serious condition, one moderate and the third appears less serious condition. The following information appears to be confirmed at this time: All of the wounded are from one family. The parents were seated in the front of the car and were hit by gunfire. The wounded children were in the rear and their injuries appear to be the result of flipping over. 3:38PM IL: MDA reports that paramedics are transporting three victims to the trauma unit at Hadassah Ein Kerem including a woman about 40 in serious condition with penetrating injuries to her upper torso. She is sedated and intubated. The other victims are moderate and light. Paramedics pronounced a male about 40-years-old dead on the scene. It is reported the gunfire came from a white 5-door KIA with dark windows, occupied by two terrorists. It fled the scene heading southbound. A manhunt after the vehicle continues as the IDF has sealed down the area of the attack and is out in force along Route 60, the main north south road from Jerusalem to Hebron, S. Hebron Hills and ultimately to Beersheva. The bullets that pierced the vehicle are 5.56mm, indicating either an M-16 or Karl Gustav assault rifle as the likely weapon. An entire magazine was emptied on the vehicle. 3:58PM IL: Channel 2 News reporting the vehicle used in the attack has been located by the IDF and the manhunt for terrorists continues. 4:01PM IL: MK Yehuda Glick, a resident of Otniel, passed the area of the attack shortly after it occurred. He told Channel 2 News in a pained voice he passed prior to the arrival of the first ambulances and for all he knows, the shooters vehicle passed him too. Very difficult. Once again the murder of Jews! Once again the murder of neighbors! Once again Jewish blood is spilled. We are people of peace and yearn for peace. Once again we see tragedy. He explains that he left the area immediately since he is not trained to assist and he understood ambulances were beginning to arrive and he did not want to interfere with arriving EMS and IDF personnel. 4:06PM IL: The mora dasra of Otniel, Rabbi Reem HaKohen Shlita, has called the community to gather in the main shul at 4:30pm to be mispallel for the wounded, with the wife fighting for her life. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for Chava Rochel bat Ayelet HaShachar bsoch shaar cholei yisrael. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Media Resource Group -Yosh Fire Rescue) [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Shortly after 3:00pm on erev Shabbos 25 Sivan, a terrorist driving a white 5-door KIA opened fire at an Israeli vehicle traveling between Otniel and Beit Chaggai, in the Southern Hebron Hills area. The vehicle was hit by many 5.56mm bullets, and the driver, in his 40s, who was in traumatic cardiac arrest when the first EMS units arrived, was pronounced dead on the scene. His wife was seated at his side and she too was hit by gunfire, listed in serious condition and being treated in the trauma center of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. At least three children were seated in the rear and they were injured from the vehicle veering out of control and flipping over, BH not from gunfire. They are listed in moderate and light condition. There appears to be two children about 14-years-old and a baby, with the latter listed in light condition. The entire area has been shut down by the IDF as the manhunt for the vehicle that sped off continues. All of the occupants of the vehicle are from one family, residents of Otniel. The mora dasra of Otniel, Rabbi Reem HaKohen Shlita, has called the community to gather in the main shul at 4:30pm to be mispallel for the wounded, with the wife fighting for her life. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for Chava Rochel bat Ayelet HaShachar bsoch shaar cholei yisrael. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) I want to invest around the world at the lowest possible cost but when I have looked at ETFs I find a confusing array of them on offer. Some say they are listed in London, others in Ireland and elsewhere. Some show pounds as their currency but many show dollars or euros. Others seem to not be Isa eligible and some say (Dist) after them. Which of these are important to me as a UK investor? Does it matter if my ETF says its currency is US dollars, for example? Spoilt for choice: ETFs have many different features, which can be confusing for first-time investors Eleanor Lawrie of This is Money replies: Exchange traded funds, or ETFs as they are commonly known, have certainly gathered momentum recently. While this passive form of investment has been around since the early 1990s when the first ETF started tracking the S&P 500, today there are more than 5,000 tracking hundreds of indices. What's more, latest figures from the Investment Association show they received inflows of 454million in April 2016, while actively managed equity funds saw an outflow of 635million. In fact, ETFs are particularly in vogue among younger people, with a recent global study showing that 90 per cent of those aged 18 to 35 investing in equity opt for ETFs. An ETF tracks a specified index and can be bought and sold on the stock market like shares. Crucially, while it should keep pace with its index, after charges it will never manage to beat it, as it seeks merely to replicate performance. By contrast, active fund managers aim to handpick shares or other assets in order to beat the market or their benchmark. While some achieve this, many do not. There are some obvious advantages to investing via an ETF - first and foremost, the price. While actively managed funds typically charge a 1.6 per cent entry fee, plus any performance fees, ETFs cost around 0.4 per cent all in. Some cost considerably less than this. And they can also offer a way to diversify and tailor your investment exposure. There are so many ETFs available that you can pick almost anything you want - whether that's access to the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) or a fund that tracks the Japanese stock market. The downside of this is that the array of ETFs on offer - and the terminology involved - can be downright bewildering. An active fund will usually have a name that clearly indicates what it does - what region it invests in, whether it seeks income or growth, and whether it is cautious, balanced or adventurous in terms of risk. But the characteristics of a particular ETF are not as easy to spot. If you want to invest through them, it's important to know exactly what they do, and what will happen to your money. To help you achieve this, This is Money asked a leading ETF expert to answer investors' most frequently asked questions. World at your feet: ETFs can offer you exposure to almost any market or region, such as India Joe Parkin, head of wealth, UK at ETF provider iShares says: ETFs are easy to use and low cost. They are flexible and can be used in regular savings plans, Isas and Sipps, as well as bringing transparency to investing. One of the great advantages of these products is the instant exposure to a broad range of markets and asset classes that they offer. However, greater choice does require a bit more homework before investing. Determining your investment goal and how you plan to achieve this is just as important when using an ETF as any other investment vehicle. Here are some areas you need to consider. How to select the right ETF for you While cost is certainly important, an important starting point is to establish your investment goal e.g. how long are you investing for? Are you looking for a source of regular income? Once your goal is set, you can consider the investment universe. For instance, perhaps you are looking for a combination of equity and bond exposure. So, for example, our iShares Core range contains funds such as iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF which, as its name suggests, offers exposure to the FTSE 100. There are also products such as the iShares Core Sterling Corporate Bond UCITs ETF, which gives investors access to the whole universe of over 300 corporate bonds in one investment. Does it matter where the ETF is listed? No. ETFs are listed on multiple exchanges to allow clients across Europe to trade them easily and in their own currencies, which they generally prefer to do. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is a popular market, and there are nearly 900 ETFs listed on it. However, investors liaise with their broker or share-dealing platform, which will mediate with the stock exchange to carry out the investment. Does it matter which currency my ETF is in? There are ETFs for almost every equity, bond, and commodity market in the world so investors can choose which asset class, country, commodity or currency they want to invest in. ETFs are denominated in a range of currencies, although euro, sterling and US dollar denominated funds are the most popular with investors. The issue with currency is that if you are investing in an ETF in a currency other than your own local currency for example, a UK-based investor buying an ETF in US dollars then the returns you achieve will be subject to movements in its exchange rate. There are ETFs that provide currency hedging to remove this currency risk but investors need to carefully consider the implications of investing in different currencies. If you invest in an ETF that holds securities in a currency other than your own local currency - for example, a Japanese equity ETF - your returns can also be affected by movements in the sterling-yen exchange rate. What do the phrases 'dist' and 'acc' after the name of the ETF mean? Some ETFs allow investors the choice of reinvesting income back into the fund known as an accumulating ETF, while others allow investors to receive a regular income payment at least once a year known as distributing ETFs. These ETFs have an (accum) or (dist) respectively in their name to enable investors to recognise this distinction. So far, Brexit has been little more than a storm in a teacup for the stock market as the FTSE bounced back this week and is now higher than it was at the start of the year. But the FTSE 250 index of medium-sized companies is still 5 per cent lower than it was before the referendum result. The FTSE 100 might be the most famous index of UK shares but it doesn't actually give much insight into the state of the UK economy. That's because around 70 per cent of the revenues produced by the largest 100 businesses in the country actually come from overseas, typically in dollars. The FTSE 100 might be the most famous index of UK shares but it doesn't actually give much insight into the state of the UK economy That means if the value of the pound falls as it has done since Brexit they actually do better. The FTSE 250, meanwhile, is made up of the 250 largest companies outside the FTSE 100. It is filled with firms which are more UK focused such as housebuilders, estate agents, pub groups, travel companies and retailers. These are industries which rely on a strong UK economy and a confident, spendthrift consumer. Over the past week many have tanked. But some decent companies are getting caught up in the crossfire as investors panic-sell. Mark Martin, head of UK equities at Neptune Asset Management, says: 'Some babies are definitely being thrown out with the bath water as investors sell FTSE 250 shares indiscriminately. 'But it makes for an exciting environment when companies are being sold just because they happen to be in the UK or in a certain index, when actually the fundamentals of the business have not changed, and in some cases may even have improved.' Savers wishing to take advantage of the buying opportunity need to be picky. Martin owns no housebuilders 'they looked overvalued in the run-up to the referendum' but he's keen on healthcare companies. 'Many get a lot of their earnings from overseas and the nature of their business means that demand for their products isn't pegged to the economy. He cites animal genetics firm Genus. Elsewhere he likes Devro, a firm which manufactures casing for sausages. It only sells 5 per cent of its products in the UK and is a major beneficiary of the growing consumption of protein in emerging markets. Jo Rand, co-manager of the Rathbone Recovery fund, is looking for businesses with good initiative, strong management and sensible balance sheets. She likes IT company Micro Focus, which she says is set to benefit from a recent good acquisition. Another top pick is food wholesaler Booker. Rand says: 'But in the short term it will be those sectors which can benefit from weaker sterling that will be the relative winners, industrial businesses such as engineering group Spirax-Sarco.' Investing in these medium-sized businesses can be a bumpy ride. The companies are smaller than their FTSE 100 counterparts and tend to be more linked to the UK economy rather than having their risk spread out across the globe. That means short-term bets are generally not the best course of action. But for those savers who think panic is causing these shares to be oversold and are prepared to wait, now could be the time to strike. Jason Hollands, managing director at Bestinvest, says: 'I would still be cautious towards companies in areas that are very sensitive to the UK economic outlook or which are heavily dependent on cross-border trade with the EU until the dust settles. 'Instead, focus on companies that do business beyond the UK or which provide services we are likely to keep on using through tough times as well as good ones.' He likes the Franklin UK Mid Cap fund. It has 10 per cent of its investments in industrial engineering firms including Bodycote and Victrex. He also likes the Liontrust Special Situations fund, which looks for opportunities across the entire FTSE All Share. Last orders Anheuser-Busch InBev has got the go-ahead from the competition watchdog in South Africa for its 70bn takeover of SABMiller. However, it emerged that Europes competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager has ordered an investigation into whether AB InBev abused its dominant position in Belgium, its home market. Probe: It has emerged that Europes competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager has ordered an investigation into whether AB InBev abused its dominant position in Belgium, its home market SAB shares fell 0.7 per cent, or 30p to 4370p. Going ashore Producer and explorer Tullow Oil said its long- awaited TEN project off the coast of Ghana would produce oil in the next three to six weeks. Revenue is forecast to fall to 320m from around 600m a year. It will produce 107,900 barrels of oil equivalent a day, down from 141,000 barrels in the first half-year, but the start of the TEN project will boost production. Shares rose 3.68 per cent, or 9.3p to 262.1p. Boss quits The head of operations at engineering company Weir Group is to step down later this year. Dean Jenkins, chief operating officer of the Glasgow-based firm, told the board he was returning to his home country Australia. It comes a week after Weir off-loaded two of its renewable energy divisions as part of a 100m asset-ditching spree. Shares rose 1.9 per cent, or 27p to 1427p. Confidence builder The construction group John Laing has said it remains on track to hit its full-year guidance and will not be affected by Britains vote to leave the EU. In a trading update, the firm said it was expected to reach 180.5m in investment commitments by the end of the year and had made 76m in the six months to June 30. Shares rose 1.85 per cent, or 4.1p to 226p. Dividend bonus FTSE 250 listed oil services firm Wood Group will increase dividends by at least 10 per cent this year, despite bringing down full-year earning estimates by 20 per cent amid the weak oil price. The group confirmed earnings would be 20pc lower than last year as the environment remains very challenging for both volume and pricing. Shares rose 2.54 per cent, or 17p to 687.5p. Roadside fix The AA is selling its Irish operations for 126m to a US private equity giant to focus on its core UK market and repay debt. The division, which employs 450 people, will be taken over by Carlyle Cardinal Ireland Fund and Carlyle Global Financial Services. Shares rose 4.2 per cent, or 9.6p to 237.6p. Strategic hit Tech investment firm Mercia Technologies has seen its revenues more than triple but slipped into a loss. The firm lost 1.7m in the year to March 31, compared with a profit of 2m a year earlier. But revenues rose to 1.8m, compared with 500,000 a year ago. Shares rose 2.44 per cent, or 1p to 42p. Middle class supermarket Waitrose has seen a sharp decline in profits, which the firm has claimed is due to exceptionally tough market conditions as the grocery price war continues to take a toll. Annual pretax profits for Waitrose - which is part of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership - fell by 17 per cent to 66.6million, while sales dropped from 6billion to 5.9billion. Pension costs associated with its parent firm attributed to the profits decline. Waitrose's annual bonus, which is shared between its 58,970 staff, was cut to 80million from 87million. Trouble: The grocery chain reported in documents filed at Companies House that it was running against a backdrop of exceptionally tough market conditions and continuing food price deflation The grocery chain's annual results, reported in documents filed at Companies House, said it was operating against a backdrop of exceptionally tough market conditions and continuing food price deflation. The supermarket chain struggled over the Christmas period, during which it saw a 1.4 per cent decline in like-for-like sales excluding fuel for the six weeks to January. Over the whole year, like-for-like sales were down 1.3 per cent. Despite the steep profits fall, Waitrose has still managed to outperform the 'Big Four' UK supermarkets - Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons. The UKs top supermarkets have been continuing to lose ground to both high and low end rivals as shoppers share their spending around different retailers and have engaged in a bitter price war, sparked by the rise of German discounters Aldi and Lidl It was revealed last month that each of the big four had seen their sales decline over the last quarter. A spokesperson for Waitrose released the following statement: 'Waitrose divisional operating profit increased last year, as reported in our results for the year ending 31st January 2016. 'Although Waitrose Ltd profits before tax are down in the accounts submitted to Companies House for the same period, this reflects the impact of the Waitrose share of the Partnership's pension operating costs, which were 54million higher than the previous financial year. 'The increased pension cost was driven by market factors, predominantly very low interest rates. As such, the decline in profit before tax is not a reflection of operating performance.' Gone: Mark Price, known as The Chubby Grocer retired from his role as Waitrose boss in April after 33 years at the supermarket In April, Waitrose boss Mark Price, known as The Chubby Grocer, retired from his role after 33 years at the supermarket group, making way for retail director Rob Collins to step in to his shoes. Mr Collins is continuing to vary the experience of shopping within Waitrose supermarkets, including cafes, wine and juice bars and specialist bakeries to the groceries. The firm also announced in April that they would be exporting products to China for the first time in a deal with internet giant Alibaba. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure Community activists, artists and elected officials discussed racial and religious discrimination in post-9/11 America as well as the challenges LGBT individuals face at an evening of rights and reflection at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights Saturday following the Orlando nightclub shooting last month. The event, which kicked off in the afternoon and concluded in the evening, consisted of spoken word performances, know your rights workshops and featured a mural with a light blue background and the phrase Jackson Heights United Against Hate in black letters. Attendees were encouraged to put their hand on paint and then put their handprint on the mural. Cliff Mulqueen, deputy commissioner and general counsel for the city Commission on Human Rights, spoke during the ceremony. South Asian American activist Deepa Iyer, a senior fellow at the Center for Social Inclusion, served as the keynote speaker. Tonight, we are here to stand together to say enough is enough and we are going to unite together against all the hateful rhetoric that seems to be taking over the airwaves of this country, Annetta Seecharran, interim executive director of the Chhaya Community Development Corporation, said. Queens Museum; United Sikhs, a United Nations-affiliated international nonprofit, and the New York Commissioner on Human Rights were partners for the event and Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) is a supporter. On June 12, 49 people were murdered in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, including 26-year-old Mercedez Marisol Flores, who was born in Ozone Park but moved to Florida at a young age and went to the club with her friend, who was also killed. Another 53 were wounded during a nearly three-hour shooting by Queens-born gunman Omar Mateen, who targeted LGBT individuals at the nightclub before he was shot and killed by the police. Dromm, who held a rally and vigil at Diversity Plaza the same day the shooting took place , said he understands the plight of South Asians, Muslims and LGBT individuals because of what he witnessed during his days as a teacher. He recalled a student making fun of a Sikh boy when he first started wearing his turban, Muslim girls being mistreated because of their hijabs and the discrimination LGBT students have faced in the public school system. I happen to love Diversity Plaza as well, Dromm said. I think its become the meeting place for South Asian and other folks in the community. So much goes on here. People are naturally drawn here whenever there is some type of a crisis and even times just for celebrating. Aniqa Nawabi, Chhayas director of development and communications, said that in light of the negative political rhetoric surrounding Muslims, Arabs and South Asians, the Sikh community is affected because people assume that they are Muslim and that as a South Asian nonprofit, Chhaya feels obligated to educate community members on how to combat this type of hate and discrimination. The Mexican community, the black community, everyone you can think of has been affected by this and everyones becoming politicized, Nawabi said. How do we defend ourselves? What is our narrative? Woodhaven resident and Indian native Frederic DeSouza, 52, who is a member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, spoke briefly during the event about his experiences living in the United States for the past 22 years. He recalled a time when a black man and a black woman were staring at him suspiciously for two minutes, which he said was frustrating for him given that he marched in a protest on behalf of the late Eric Garner, who died from a police chokehold in July 2014. I was in the protest for him, DeSouza said. For five hours, I walked for him. Im trying my best to support them. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry A statewide organization, dedicated to ending the use of solitary confinement in the state prison system, called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature to pass the Humane Alternatives to Long Term Solitary Confinement Act, known as HALT, immediately upon returning to session in January. A dozen members of CAIC, the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement, were joined at Athens Square Park by state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) last week, less than a mile from Rikers Island. At this moment there are men, women and children who are questioning reality, hearing voices, and crying tears of torture because our legislators refuse to act, Johnny Perez, Safe Reentry Advocate at the Urban Justice Center and a survivor of solitary confinement, said June 23. Today, and every 23rd, we remind our legislators that there are people just like them held in these cells. If we value human dignity and worth, then we have a moral obligation to act. Supporting the HALT Act is that act. CAICs actions take place on the 23rd of each month to recognize the 23 hours each day that a person in solitary confinement is isolated. To dramatize their message, CAIC members provided virtual reality goggles to give the public a sense of the experience inside a solitary confinement cell. They do a good job raising awareness of the horrors of solitary confinement, Gianarais said. Look, Ive been an advocate of criminal justice reforms such as the cash bail elimination proposal and new simplified Miranda Rights for juveniles. Im just always looking to improve the way our criminal justice system works. Gianaris, who is considered to be a potential successor to state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, said there is a need to reform solitary confinement practices and create more humane and effective alternatives to such punishment. Someone who breaks the law should be punished, but while theyre serving their time they must be rehabilitated, Gianaris said. Data shows that excessive use of solitary is counterproductive. The prisoner becomes a more dangerous member of the prison population after extended time in solitary confinement. According to the Association of State Correctional Administrators, the percentage of New Yorks state prison population that is in solitary is nearly double the national average. While the United Nations recently adopted the Mandela Rules prohibiting solitary confinement exceeding 15 days, New York places no limit on total time a person may spend in isolation. Some have spent years, some decades, locked in a cell no bigger than an elevator. The sensory deprivation, lack of normal human interaction, and extreme idleness of solitary can lead to intense suffering and severe psychological and physical damage. The movement to end the use of solitary confinement gained traction after the 2015 suicide of Kalief Browder, a young man who spent more than 1,000 days on Rikers Island, nearly 700 of them in solitary confinement. Browder had been accused of stealing a backpack when he was 16, but his family couldnt afford the $3,000 bail. Despite 31 court appearances in three years, Browder never received a trial and the charges were eventually dropped. The experience left him depressed and ultimately suicidal, according to his family. Being placed in solitary confinement mimics and magnifies all the faults encountered today in the criminal justice system, which easily allow innocent people to become incarcerated in the U.S., Gisele Ribiero, a survivor of solitary confinement and a member of CAIR, said. For the poor, a prosecutors allegation easily turns into a guilty plea without trial and consequently into a conviction in an evil plea bargain market. HALT is a fundamental step to any serious prison and criminal justice reform. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure The City Council unanimously approved the One Flushing development project, which seeks to build affordable housing at Municipal Lot 3 in downtown Flushing. The project consists of 231 affordable apartments and a superintendents unit at the lot at 133-45 41st Ave., which will include 66 units of low-income senior housing. The project will also provide up to 229 parking spaces, 73 more than the lots current 156 spaces. In April, Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Vicki Been selected Asian Americans for Equality, HANAC Inc. and Monadnock Development for the projects development team. City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) said One Flushing is an opportunity to create a 100 percent affordable housing development with a community center in the heart of Flushing that is open to the public. He acknowledged that the project comes at the expense of one of the areas key municipal parking lots, but said there is a dire need for affordable housing. Just down the street, another 100 percent affordable building called Macedonia Plaza cut its ribbon last year, Koo said. This building had an astounding 40,000 applicants for only 140 apartments. It goes to show just how desperate New Yorkers are for affordable housing. He also noted that the project is a unique public-private partnership in which senior affordable housing will go as low as 37 percent of area media income and that it will create retail space opportunities for local businesses. A second-floor community facility area will provide care services to support senior wellness, managed by AAFECare Flushing and HANAC in partnership with the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation. In the community facility area, HANAC will also operate its Weatherization Assistance Program to reduce heating and electrical costs and enhance energy efficiency of residents homes. The public will also be able to use a large ground-floor community room for meetings and events and there will be a rooftop vegetable farm for residents. Through its lending-arm affiliate Renaissance EDC, AAFE has created a $2 million loan fund to provide loan assistance to small businesses in the neighborhood that want to rent space. In March, Community Board 7 voted against approving the proposal because a portion of the units would also be allocated to residents living in the coverage areas of Community Boards 3 and 4. HPD said its affordable housing lottery rules state that current and eligible residents of the local community board receive preference for 50 percent of the units, but it is not guaranteed. Half of CB7s allocation was granted to residents under CB3 and CB4 after Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) asked the city to find a public site near Willets Point for affordable housing, according to HPD. CB7 Chairman Eugene Kelty maintained that the board has no problem with the project or the community boards themselves, noting that they thought it was a very good project. The biggest problem we have is the deal that Council member Julissa Ferreras did that took half of my affordable housing away, Kelty said. 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. Bail bondsman Maxie Green back in jail on high bond A local bail bondsman has been in and out of jail himself and was back behind bars Wednesday. Jeffrey Haderthauer/ Times Record News Three year-old Libby Ingram rides a swing to improve her balance during a therapy session with Barbara Maxwell, a certified occupational therapy assistant at the North Texas Rehab Center. Ingram, who suffers from Addison's Disease, undergoes physical and occupational therapy to counter the effects of the disease. SHARE By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News The North Texas Rehabilitation Center will discontinue at-home speech and physical therapy programs for disabled children later this year, the result of funding cuts made by lawmakers in Texas' last legislative session. Mike Castles, president and CEO of the rehab center, said Friday his organization's long-running contract with Early Childhood Intervention will not be renewed in October. Last year, legislators ordered the state to reduce Medicaid payments by 20 percent about $350 million to therapists who perform speech and physical therapy for disabled children in an effort to balance the Texas budget. The decision was predicated on a study conducted by Texas A&M University that found therapists were overpaid, and though it later was revealed the study did not take into account how cuts would affect children's access to care, the state's Medicaid budget was slashed anyway. Without adequate Medicaid reimbursement, therapy programs specializing in children ages 0 to 3 have been lost in El Paso, Tyler and now, Wichita Falls. "The whole state is in an uproar over this," Castles said. "We were preparing our budget (last year), then all of a sudden, boom! Overnight, we get that cut." The rehab center offers physical and therapy services on site, but it does not administer therapy at clients' homes or at day cares, as Early Childhood Intervention does. Families without reliable transportation or who otherwise are in difficult financial situations are the most likely to suffer from the loss of therapy programs. Castles said 500 disabled children are seen by therapists annually through its at-home therapy contract with Early Childhood Intervention. The contract is valued at about $1.7 million. Theoretically, the rehab center could continue to pay the contractor despite the lack of Medicaid funds. But the money would have to come from the nonprofit's own pocket, costing more than $600,000 that once was covered by Medicaid. It's possible that Early Childhood Intervention employees in Sherman/Denison, Ft. Worth and Abilene will treat clients in North Texas' smaller counties, such as Baylor, Archer and Clay, but disabled children in Wichita County could be left without service. "Who's going to take Wichita County? Nobody knows at this point," Castles said. "This is not a road that's been traveled before, at least at the extent it's happening in the state." SHARE It's been one year since Donald Trump convulsed America's political pros and punditocracy in howls of hilarity when his rambling campaign kickoff speech veered into his now-famous vow to build his Trump wall across our southern border and somehow make Mexico pay for it. Now this: In a rare, carefully scripted speech on Tuesday, Trump delivered a series of political hits that, come November, may turn out to be powerful enough to topple yet another iconic political wall this one seemingly far more impenetrable than any wall the aspiring mogul-in-chief dreams of being able to build. Namely: Trump may have found the secret that could topple the solidly Democratic so-called "blue wall" of 18 northeastern, Midwest industrial, and West Coast states that have been giving Democrats their huge base of presidential Electoral College votes for almost a quarter century. The "blue wall" encompasses the states that have voted Democratic in every presidential election since 1992. Standing before a blue collar audience at a steel mill near Pittsburgh, Trump vowed to not only fight to make things better for blue collar workers but made it clear he will do so by shattering to smithereens the U. S. Chamber of Commerce free trade policy pedestal that has been the pet perch of the elephantine Grand Old Party ever since World War II. Trump launched into the sort of boldly aggressive populist agenda that, if you just read his words, might have left you thinking they'd been spoken by, say, Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Trump said he will: Scrap the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement "to get a better deal, by a lot, not just a little, for our workers." Instruct his commerce secretary to identify "every violation of trade agreements a foreign country is currently using to harm you, the American worker." And he said, "I'm going to instruct my treasury secretary to label China a currency manipulator, which should have been done years ago!" Trump rejected the view that, in the global economy, nations benefit by importing goods. He said globalization benefits "the financial elite (but leaves) millions of our workers with nothing but poverty and heartache." He also vowed to fight "a leadership class that worships globalism." In short, he opposed the policies long promoted by Republican leaders and their campaign funders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Chamber took to Twitter to attack Trump for pushing policies that would harm the economy, messaging: "Even under best-case scenario, Trump's tariffs would strip us of at least 3.5 million jobs." In his year of campaigning, Trump has confounded the sort of conventional wisdom that pols and pundits have traditionally carried with them from convention to convention. He has shamelessly mimicked a politically handicapped reporter, used vile and profane language to describe women, has slandered and belittled Mexicans, proposed immigration bans of all Muslims, banned journalists and news organizations from covering his events, and has often relished in doing business through the art of the calculated con, and politicking by saying and doing things that make himself appear the essence of a soulless man who loves to hate. In short, you might think, the antithesis of a political winner. But then there is the side of him that knows how to reach those ordinary citizens who are most fed up, mad as hell at an established elite who seem out to get them and just aren't going to take it anymore. The mid-July night the 2016 Republican convention is expected to formally nominate Trump for president will mark exactly one year from the day I wrote a column observing that our expanding ranks of fed-up Americans are drawn to fulminators like Trump. They are the folks that truth-talking TV anchor was speaking to in the 1976 film "Network," when he told his viewers to open their windows and yell: "I'M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" That column ended with: "If you hear those words echoing through America's swing-voting cul du sac suburbs on Election Night 2016, you will know America's fed-up, mad-as-hell voters just chose your next president." Unfortunately I see no reason to change my prediction now. But I know this: It will happen because Trump, despite all of his evil words and deeds, now has a real chance of toppling that huge blue wall that has stood between Republicans and the White House. 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. ALBANY A judge sentenced a heroin trafficker who sold the deadly drug from Clinton Street to 15 years in prison Friday. John Valentin, 48, who was convicted in February of selling and possessing the drugs, was found with 44 bags of heroin, 40 rounds of live ammunition, plastic bags and a scale when police raided his home in April and May. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Duanesburg Two vigilantes armed with a gun torched a man's construction vehicles and one of them shot at the man's head because they believed he was illegally dumping construction debris on his own property, State Police said Friday. Kenneth W. Montgomery, 38, and another man, Ralph P. Olson, 46, of Florida, Montgomery County, confronted the man twice Monday after noticing "an uptick" in illegal dumping on his Mariaville Scotch Church Road property, Capt. Robert Patnaude. Olson and Montgomery, who were angry that the man was bringing roll-off style trucks to the land and then dumping debris from dumpsters, twice entered the victim's property armed with assault weapons and threatened the man, according to State Police. "On the second occasion, one of the suspects fired his weapon in close proximity to the victim's head and then ordered him to lie prone on the ground at gunpoint while the other suspect poured fuel onto both trucks prior to igniting them," State Police said in announcing the arrests. "Both vehicles were a total loss." The incident led town officials to warn residents of a potential "active shooter" that night. Olson and Montgomery were charged Thursday with felony arson and reckless endangerment as well as weapons and menacing charges. State Police did not disclose who fired the shot or who set the fires. Troopers have not released the name of the victim but said he is being investigated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation for the alleged illegal dumping on his land. Patnaude said DEC looked into similar allegations in 2003 and 2007. DEC did not return a call inquiring about those probes. State Police said interviews and the collection of evidence at the scene led them to Olson and Montgomery. Troopers said they searched the homes of both men, finding two AR-15-style weapons and four illegal handguns. The gunfire and fires, which unfolded at 10:30 p.m. Monday, triggered fear of a gunman, and the town of Duanesburg posted a warning of an "active shooter situation" in Mariaville on its Facebook page. The town shared a post from a trooper watch site that reported four suspects with AR-15 assault rifles in the area. Though troopers quickly dismissed the notion that four armed men were loose in the town, local officials waited until the next day to lift their request that people stay inside their homes. Olson and Montgomery were arraigned in Duanesburg Town Court and ordered held without bail at the Schenectady County Jail. pnelson@timesunion.com 518-454-5347 @apaulnelson Colonie General Electric Co. said it will close its locomotive turbocharger plant near the Albany International Airport, which employs 48, and shift production to India to be closer to a major client. "Due to a lack of product demand, GE Transportation is closing our facility in Latham," GE Transportation spokeswoman Mailee Garcia told the Times Union Friday. "We appreciate all the efforts of our employees, including the 48 employees currently on site, to serve our customers over the years. It will take several months to decommission the Latham plant and we will provide all impacted employees with a strong benefits package, including outplacement assistance. With two facilities nearby employing more than 3,500 people, GE will continue to have a significant presence in the region, and all employees at our Latham plant can apply for jobs at other GE locations in the area and will have preference for new jobs for which they are qualified." The plant, which refurbishes turbochargers, was acquired in July 2001 from Wabtec. At the time, it employed 100 people and was part of a $240 million acquisition of four Wabtec businesses by GE Transportation. The four businesses had made up Motive Power Industries, which had merged in 1999 with Westinghouse Air Brake to form Wabtec. The Times Union has learned that a company called Collabera has been hiring quality control engineers for the Latham facility, which is located on Northway Lane near the Colonie Police Department. The job entails helping transfer the work to India, according to the job posting. The process of closing the plant will take about a year, Garcia said. Last November, GE and the Indian Ministry of Railways announced a deal that would have GE supply 1,000 diesel locomotives to Indian railways in a joint venture contract worth $2.6 billion. GE was to spend $200 million to construct a manufacturing plant in Marhowra in Bihar, according to the Railway Gazette. U.S. freight railroads, meanwhile, have seen lagging demand and have idled dozens of locomotives as shipments of coal, oil and other commodities drop. The Indian contract was the largest ever for GE in India, as well as the largest ever for the GE Transportation unit, according to The Wall Street Journal. GE officials stressed that the move of work to India from Latham is an effort to be closer to a large client. However, the plant is being closed due to a lack of demand for turbochargers, they said. lrulison@timesunion.com 518-454-5504 @larryrulison Albany In 2013, Superstorm Sandy left many parts of the state devastated, but a recent study commissioned by the Governor's Office for Storm Recovery says that New York's response to natural disasters has actually been more successful than efforts in other hard-hit parts of the nation. The study, published by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, analyzed New York's response to recent natural disasters and found that community engagement initiatives such as the NY Rising reconstruction program were successful in reducing the state's vulnerability to future catastrophes. The study broke successful relief efforts into two categories: "horizontal" interaction within affected communities, and "vertical" relationships between government and those communities. "To summarize, strong community resiliency plans are those that engage horizontally, and are vertically implementable," the study notes. Researchers found that programs in New York implemented the desired blend of characteristics. "There's no playbook, so the creation of the program is really tailored to the community and its needs," said Barbara Brancaccio, spokeswoman at the Office for Storm Recovery. After the destruction caused by Sandy, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act into law to disperse $50 billion to 19 government agencies. He subsequently launched NY Rising, which allocated the first $1.7 billion. In the program's first round, 45 "planning areas" were chosen based on federal data on total claims made by communities impacted by Sandy as well as the 2011 tempests Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. A planning committee was formed in each area made up of state and civic experts, members of the community and planning firms to develop a relief strategy. "We believe and feel strongly that our approach was the correct approach for the homeowners," Brancaccio said. "Recovery is a long-term investment." "Strong plans are associated with strong public participation, not only nominally, but also in terms of participation mechanisms and quality," the study read. Although many of the communities aided by NY Rising were located on Long Island, upstate areas such as Schenectady, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Schoharie, Middleburgh and Waterford were also assisted. The study compares New York's response to Sandy with Louisiana's response to Hurricane Katrina. Researchers came to the conclusion that other states could benefit from the implementation of programs similar to NY Rising. "Besides emphasizing the importance of aiming policy decisions towards resiliency," the study read. "The state's experience also presents a new model for leading disaster resiliency operations." Researchers from the Office of Storm Recovery and the Rockefeller Institute collaborated on the study. mkilgallen@timesunion.com 518-454-5305 Washington Saying it's the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday that transgender people will be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces. "Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so," said Carter, laying out a one-year plan to implement the change. "Our mission is to defend this country, and we don't want barriers unrelated to a person's qualification to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who can best accomplish the mission." Under the new policy, by Oct. 1, transgender troops already serving should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identifications in the Pentagon's personnel system. And, a year from now, the military services will begin allowing transgender individuals to enlist, as long as they meet required standards and have been stable in their identified genders for 18 months. Carter's announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes. According to defense officials, the military leaders, including Gen. Mark Milley, the Army chief of staff, and Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, said that while they aren't opposed to lifting the ban, they thought the new rules didn't include enough specifics to guide commanders who will have to make decisions about people in their units. Carter said he discussed the plans extensively with his military leaders and that, based on their recommendations, he made adjustments to the timeline. He said he has been told that the services now support the timeline. According to Carter, a study by the RAND think tank found that there are between 2,500 and 7,000 transgender service members in the active duty military, and another 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. "Although relatively few in number, we're talking about talented and trained Americans who are serving their country with honor and distinction," said Carter. Under the new policy, transgender troops would receive any medically necessary care including surgery, Carter said. The new rules give military commanders broad flexibility, noting that not all transition cases are the same. Commanders will have the discretion to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, including on job placement, deployments, training delays and other accommodations, based on the needs of the military mission and whether the service members can perform their duties. For people coming into the military, the plan says that those with gender dysphoria, a history of medical treatments associated with gender transition and those who have had reconstruction surgery may be disqualified as military recruits unless a medical provider certifies that they have been clinically stable in the preferred gender for 18 months, and are free of significant impairment. And transgender troops receiving hormone therapy must have been stable on their medications for 18 months. The policy provides guidelines for transgender service members currently in the military. They will be able to use the bathrooms, housing, uniforms and fitness standards of their preferred gender only after they have legally transitioned to that identity. Over the next year, the military services will develop and distribute training guidelines, medical protocols and other guidance to help commanders deal with any issues or questions about transgender troops. The military policy differs from civilian gender transitions, where transgender individuals often dress, live socially and work full time in their preferred gender during the process. Under the new policy, service members would only be able to do that when off-duty and away from their duty station. On The Guatemalan-Mexican Border Cristobal, a 16-year-old Honduran refugee fleeing a drug gang that wants to kill him, has never heard of anyone named Barack Obama. Neither can he name the Mexican president, Enrique Pena Nieto. But Cristobal, along with many others, could end up being murdered because of these two presidents he is unaware of. Obama and Pena Nieto have cooperated for two years to intercept desperate Central American refugees in southern Mexico, long before they can reach the U.S. border. These refugees are then typically deported to their home countries which can be a death sentence. "If I'm sent back, they will kill me," says Cristobal, who is staying temporarily at a shelter for unaccompanied migrant kids in Mexico. He says he was forced to work for the gang as a cocaine courier beginning at age 14 a gun was held to his head, and he was told he would be shot if he declined. He finally quit and fled after he witnessed gang members murder two of his friends. Now the gang is looking for him, he says, and it already sent a hit team to his home. Yet he may well be sent back under a policy backed by Obama and Pena Nieto. I admire much about the Obama administration, including its fine words about refugees, but this policy is rank with deadly hypocrisy. In effect, we have pressured and bribed Mexico to do our dirty work, detaining and deporting people fleeing gangs in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. This solved a political crisis Obama faced with refugees in 2014, but it betrays some of the world's most vulnerable people. The American-Mexican collusion began in 2014 after a surge of Central Americans crossed into the U.S., including 50,000 unaccompanied children. Obama spoke with Pena Nieto "to develop concrete proposals" to address the flow. This turned out to be a plan to intercept Central Americans near Mexico's southern border and send them home. Washington committed $86 million to support the program. Although Obama portrayed his action as an effort to address a humanitarian crisis, he made the crisis worse. The old routes minors took across Mexico were perilous, but the new ones adopted to avoid checkpoints are even more dangerous. The victims of this policy, deported in some cases to their deaths, are refugees like Carlos, a 13-year-old with a scar on his forehead from the time a gang member threw him to the ground in the course of executing his uncle. I met Carlos in Mexico after he had fled on his own from Honduras to save his life. "In my hometown, I was asked to join a gang," Carlos told me. "They wanted me to be a lookout. They said if I didn't, they would kill me and my brother." His brother is just 6 years old. Two of Carlos' classmates, both 14, were also asked to join the gang but refused. Their corpses were found with the number 13 carved in their chests, a reference to the gang's name. Another classmate, Alan, 13, was invited to join the gang and accepted. Carlos said Alan's first assignment was to murder three men. Here on the Mexican-Guatemalan border I've heard many stories like Carlos' and Cristobal's. The details are typically impossible to confirm, but I approached the youths rather than the other way around, and Carlos was initially reluctant to share the story; at one point he cried when he spoke of the murder threat against his brother. It's unconscionable to put refugees like Carlos and Cristobal back into mortal peril, yet that's what is happening. In the last five years, Mexico and the U.S. have deported 800,000 people to Central America, including 40,000 children, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Last year, Mexico deported more than five times as many unaccompanied children as it had five years earlier, and the Obama administration heralds this as a success. "It's been a good thing, because it's discouraging people from making a very dangerous trip," said a senior State Department official who would speak only anonymously. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. It's true that the old system, of refugees undertaking a dangerous journey across Mexico, was awful. But we took a deplorable situation and made it more appalling. So what should the U.S. do? Most important, it must work at the highest levels with Honduras and El Salvador to address the chaos in those countries, particularly because the U.S. bears some responsibility for the problems: The Central American street gangs were born in the United States and traveled with deportees to countries like El Salvador. Instead, as with Syria, Obama has been disengaged. The U.S. could also do more to encourage Mexico to screen refugees rigorously and provide asylum to those who deserve it; instead, according to Human Rights Watch, less than 1 percent of Central American children in Mexico receive refugee status or formal protection. I asked Salva Lacruz, coordinator of a human rights center in Tapachula, about Obama's eloquent speeches on refugees and immigration. "It's just words," he scoffed. "A lot of hypocrisy." Carlos has no doubt what will happen if Mexico, encouraged by the U.S., returns him to Honduras: "They will kill me for sure." Nicholas Kristof is a New York Times columnist. Hopewell Junction It's been 13 years since Hopewell Junction resident Debra Hall was told by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that her water was contaminated with something called TCE, or trichloroethylene a tongue-twisting name for a toxic chemical that Hall easily pronounces. The chemical can be lethal for humans exposed to it, including causing problems with liver, immune and kidney functions, as well as several types of cancers. For residents in eastern Rensselaer County, who learned during the past 18 months their water supplies are polluted with another toxic chemical, PFOA, the situation in the small Dutchess County hamlet provides insight on what can happen years after the attention has faded. The source of the Hopewell Junction contamination is thought to be Hopewell Precision, a former metal-equipment manufacturer about a mile away from Hall's neighborhood in southern Dutchess County. Hopewell Precision was investigated for dumping TCE used in degreasers and cleaning solvents on the grounds from 1977 to 1980, but the Department of Environmental Conservation dropped the case in 1994 for lack of evidence. Steven Churchill But in 2003, the EPA discovered TCE underground on the company's property and that's when residents of Hall's neighborhood started getting calls from regulators warning them of the pollution in their water. They quickly learned terms like "air-vapor intrusion," in which vapors from groundwater infiltrate and poison the air in homes. Air and water filters were fitted into dozens of homes in Hopewell Junction, where they still run today sometimes breaking down, sometimes needing new parts all maintained by the EPA. After years of meetings, conferences, letters and phone calls, Hall and dozens of her neighbors in the small hamlet continue to live with water- and air-filtration systems in their residences to keep them safe from the dangerous chemical. But the systems don't remove the stigma of the lingering pollution that has made it difficult to sell their homes. They also are left with the realization that their families may have endured years of exposure to TCE before the filters were installed. The story of Hopewell Junction's pollution woes offers insight into what can happen in communities long after the regulators have turned their attention elsewhere, and chemical-removal systems or incomplete cleanup plans are left behind. Not all environmental pollution cases bring government responses on the scale seen earlier this year in Hoosick Falls, where the 2014 discovery of the toxic chemical PFOA in public water supplies left a community in fear. After weeks of withering criticism over the state's lackluster response, Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally ordered a full-scale investigation and cleanup in late January, when the situation in Hoosick Falls led to the declaration of a state Superfund site. In the early stages of the Hopewell Junction crisis, Hall formed a collective called the Hopewell Junction Citizens for Clean Water. In Hoosick Falls, Michael Hickey, a resident who researched and discovered PFOA in the water in 2014, helped form the grass-roots Healthy Hoosick Water to urge village leaders to be more active. Last month, Hickey received an award for his actions from the EPA and has made rounds speaking publicly about water pollution. Hall also was acknowledged by the EPA for her efforts, and has spoken at forums in Philadelphia, San Diego, Buffalo and Binghamton about water and air contamination. Steven Churchill The parallel stories of Hall and Hickey raise questions about whether Hoosick Falls will someday be another Hopewell Junction, where filters that remove hazardous chemicals from drinking water became a permanent solution. For her part, Hall said she was eventually worn down by the fight. "They win," she says. "I'll go away. Really. Because I can't tell you how much time and money I spent on this and we're still there. We're still living with filters." Along with the filters, questions and fear also linger over the health effects of TCE and the imperiled values of Hopewell Junction homes "Who wants to buy a house when you know the water coming into it is contaminated? That your air is contaminated?," Hall says. "It's very hard to sell a house with the filters." Anna Kover took a deep, hesitant breath when asked if she thinks her 25-year-old son Matthew's developmental disabilities might be related to the water she drank while pregnant. "I do," she says. "But that's me." "He's legally and visually impaired, he has low muscle tone, he's had a kidney transplant," Kover says. Matthew's problems meet the criteria for a genetic disorder, except no one in the family has any history to trace a disorder to. Kover is Hall's next door neighbor, and she fought alongside Hall for the better part of a decade for their properties to be fully remediated, with the groundwater and soil being completely purified. She says the past 13 years have felt like a lifetime. Since they were alerted to the poison in their water, the Kovers' daughter has graduated from high school and college, gotten married and had her first child. "To other people, it's a block of time. For me, this is my life," Kover said. Hall and Kover said little has been accomplished in the few years since the group's legal action against Hopewell Precision fell through. The neighborhood was represented by Weitz & Luxenberg in New York City, which concluded the company suspected of being responsible for the pollution simply didn't have the money to pay out a meaningful settlement. The firm, which has actively solicited clients in Hoosick Falls, later dropped the Hopewell Junction case, writing in a letter: "The defendants have no insurance to cover the claim, and the assets of Hopewell Precision, a small worker owned company would not be sufficient to cover a verdict or justify the extraordinary costs to get to verdict. ... We are sorry that we can not pursue this further." So now they wait, with little hope that the EPA will secure the $27.5 million in federal funding required to fully clean up the contamination from the soil and the groundwater and get them off the filters. U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, N.Y., says he feels confident the cleanup will happen just so long as the EPA has the funding to do the work. "I'm going to get this fixed," Maloney said. "It's been a top priority of mine to get this fixed. We're going to get it cleaned up once and for all, within the next year or two." Lorenzo Thantu, the EPA's remedial project manager for the site, adds that competition is stiff for funding. There's a finite amount of cash designated to federal EPA regions around the nation, and Hopewell Junction is just one of many towns and cities vying for the Superfund money. "There's no money," Kover says. "There's a plan in place, but there's no money. What good is a plan if there's no money?" Kover and Hall each expressed resentment that, compared with pollution cases in Flint, Mich., and Hoosick Falls, Hopewell Junction has received little attention and no compensation for their trouble. "Pictures of children with lead poisoning is a lot more sympathetic than 100 or so families who've been living with this for any number of years," Kover says. "I understand what's happening in Flint is a horrible, horrible tragedy, but what makes their tragedy more of a tragedy than what happened to us? We feel abandoned. Nobody cares." bsnyder@timesunion.com 518-454-5884 Albany The Patroon Creek bubbles east from Colonie into the city of Albany, barely noticeable as it wends beneath Interstate 90 and a rail line, passing by fading industrial parks and struggling neighborhoods on its way to the Hudson River. Few of the thousands of commuters who pass over the creek daily likely know of its history as a toxic courier, nor of what Patroon Creek exemplifies: how even the most aggressive efforts to clean up contamination usually fall victim to agonizing delay and inadequate funding, often leaving poisons to imperil upstate New York neighborhoods for decades. "Superfund is running on fumes; if we had more resources we would see quicker cleanups," said Judith Enck, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's administrator overseeing Region 2, which includes New York and Puerto Rico. She added that it's also the polluters who sometimes "slow walk" and deliberately delay the cleanups. "They make it as lengthy a process as possible because they want to put off paying the cost." As a result, toxic risks recognized long ago continue to confront New Yorkers throughout the state, a legacy of the lax dumping standards that characterized America's industrial sites for generations. Patroon Creek is but one example of the often slow response to citizens' health fears, a practice that's been repeated at Superfind sites around the region. PAUL BUCKOWSKI For years, the tiny stream carried mercury and PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, that were dumped down the embankment of a Patroon Creek tributary at the former Mereco manufacturing plant on Railroad Avenue, about 1,000 feet north of the University at Albany. The state of New York began documenting the contamination in 1981. Two years later, the EPA placed the site on its fledgling National Priorities List of the federal Superfund program, established in 1980 to clean up the nation's most polluted land and water. Despite the earlier attention from regulators, the Mereco site took decades to clean up. The delay underscores the challenges that state and federal officials said they face in assessing thousands of polluted sites scattered across New York, from chemical spills on Long Island to toxic landfills near Buffalo. Public records indicate there are 85 federal Superfund sites in New York, which are considered the most severe cases, and also roughly 465 state Superfund sites that pose "a significant threat" to public health or the environment. The Superfund sites don't include so-called brownfields, which are moderately contaminated sites, such as corner gas stations with leaky fuel tanks. There are also nearly 2,500 polluted sites that have not yet been evaluated, according to state records. The backlog, in part, is a result of limited government resources. More Information Classifications? Brownfield: Property where contaminants exceed health-based or environmental standards adopted by DEC, based on "anticipated use of the property." State Superfund: A site that may pose "a significant threat to public health or the environment." Federal Superfund: A site that is so severely polluted it's on the U.S. EPA's National Priorities List. By the numbers 85 New York federal Superfund sites. 465 State Superfund sites. 2,484 New York sites needing environmental investigation. 312 Brownfield sites in New York. Sources: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. See More Collapse Last year, the fallout of manufacturing pollution struck Hoosick Falls, a factory village in eastern Rensselaer County that for decades has been a hub for small plants that produce niche products such as heat-resistant wiring and nonstick coatings. The contamination of public water supplies in Hoosick Falls spurred criticism because the state Health Department and elected leaders told residents their water was safe to drink for more than a year after the officials were made aware that a dangerous chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, had polluted the community's underground wells. PAUL BUCKOWSKI The discovery of elevated levels of the man-made chemical, PFOA, prompted the EPA in December to demand that state officials warn residents to stop consuming the water. A month later, as questions mounted about the actions of state and local officials in Hoosick Falls, New York's environmental commissioner, Basil Seggos, declared PFOA is a hazardous chemical. He also announced several manufacturing plants believed to be responsible for the pollution would become state Superfund sites. Seggos did not respond to requests to be interviewed for this story. Some residents in Hoosick Falls worry their long-term exposure to PFOA may have caused cancer or other serious illnesses, and their concerns are not unique. The Times Union examined other communities where the public was exposed to toxic chemicals from manufacturing or dumping. In some instances, residents who live near polluted sites or former industries said they have suffered health effects due to possible exposure to chemicals. In other instances, people said they have lost hope that anything will be done to clean up their neighborhoods and water supplies. In the Mereco case, records show it took eight years for the company, which reclaimed mercury from light bulbs and thermometers, to sign an agreement with the state to identify and fully clean up the pollution. The company initially removed a large amount of contaminated soil. By 1999, as the state struggled to get the company to comply with the plan, the EPA stepped in and took over. Still, it would take until 2013, more than 30 years after the contamination was discovered, for the EPA to secure removal of the remaining 173 tons of hazardous soil. PAUL BUCKOWSKI Lois Gibbs, who became a national environmental figure 35 years ago when she took on federal and state officials over the pollution of her neighborhood, Love Canal, that was built on a toxic landfill in Niagara Falls, said there is inconsistency in the 10 EPA regions in dealing with environmental disasters. "In other states, EPA has just turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to every one of these problems," said Gibbs, who remains a prominent voice on environmental issues as founder of the Center for Health, Environment & Justice in Washington, D.C. She said that, while many other EPA regions do not do enough to protect the public, New York's EPA administrator, Enck, is an exception. The center was involved in the water crisis in Flint, Mich., "for more than a year before their water was shut off," Gibbs said. "EPA's been really horrible under this administration with the exception of climate change. ... Historically, EPA has always been sort of the safety net, if you will. People could always appeal to the EPA and say our water is nasty ... but the EPA isn't always stepping in at these sites." The region's most widely known Superfund site is a 200-mile stretch of the Hudson River from New York City to Hudson Falls, Washington County, where General Electric Co. operated a capacitor-manufacturing facility for decades. The EPA estimates that GE flushed more than 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the river between the 1940s and 1970s, when the chemical was banned. Although GE is completing a dredging project of the Hudson River that will cost more than $1 billion, the cleanup came only after the company spent millions of dollars opposing the project. "General Electric fought EPA for a quarter century, including going to federal court to try to get the federal Superfund statute ruled unconstitutional, which luckily they did not prevail on," Enck said. Travis Proulx, a spokesman for Environmental Advocates of New York, said funding for Superfund cleanups is growing thinner on the federal level but New York is in its first year of a $1 billion program that calls for $100 million to be spent annually for 10 years on cleaning up state Superfund sites. "These are horrifically polluted sites that are very dangerous to the communities that they're in," Proulx said. "Had this large investment over a long period of time not happened over the last year we'd probably be having a different conversation about Hoosick Falls right now. ... Historically, government has done just a very poor job of holding polluters accountable." Rensselaer and Columbia counties are still dealing with the fallout of contamination at the Dewey Loeffel landfill in Nassau, where the EPA estimates at least 46,000 tons of industrial and hazardous waste were dumped in the 1950s and 1960s. The landfill, which was operated by Richard Loeffel and later his son, Dewey, became the dumping ground for toxic waste that included solvents, waste oils, sludges and liquid resins. The landfill's main customers included General Electric and Schenectady Chemicals, which later became SI Group, according to the EPA. In 1968, the state pursued legal action against Dewey Loeffel after complaints that cattle and fish downstream from the landfill were dying. Four years ago, the EPA reached an agreement with GE and SI Group calling for the companies to pay $10 million to filter the contaminated groundwater. But Nassau Supervisor David Fleming said concerns about what is one of the region's most-polluted sites continue, and last year he called on regulators to address increasing levels of an unregulated, cancer-causing chemical that is leaking from the landfill into the Valatie Kill, a protected trout stream that feeds into Kinderhook Lake in northern Columbia County. "As soon as the cameras and reporters go away it will be your fight and your fight to continuously push for," Fleming said. "It really is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease." Fleming has pushed for a public water line to serve people who live near the landfill and have to rely on filtered water. But there are no government plans to do the project. "I don't think they have the resources to truly clean up these sites," Fleming said. Lauren Stanforth contributed reporting for this story. blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @brendan_lyonstu When my daughter graduated from high school a couple of years ago, all full of confidence and poise, Mrs. Harper, a much-loved kindergarten teacher who helped imbue her with those qualities, was there. She brought with her a collage of photos of our once-quiet little girl, printed on a copy of some lines excerpted from Robert Fulghum's little book of essays, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." You know the book, surely 15 million copies have sold over 30 years. Call it simplistic or saccharine, but it's hard to disagree that it presents a view of what decent human beings should keep in mind. Here's how it starts: "Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people." Fulghum's point was how much better our work or family life or government would be if we could keep such simple concepts in mind. International relations surely would benefit, too. More Information Rex Smith is editor of the Times Union. Share your thoughts at http://blog.timesunion.com/editors. See More Collapse Of course, in a complex world, easy answers are usually inadequate ones. Still, a lot of problems seem rooted in traits that our kindergarten teachers tried to discourage: selfishness, carelessness, boastfulness, fear. Some of those words are arising these days, as both explanation and accusation, as people try to figure out what's driving the political upheaval we're seeing on both sides of the Atlantic. First you heard it as Donald Trump gained traction during the primaries. We were told that Trump supporters are afraid of immigrants taking their jobs and endangering America's security, and angry at politicians who haven't done enough to make the U.S. economy stronger. Then came last week's vote by Great Britain to leave the European Union, and the analysis was similar: Fear of unrestricted immigration and worries about sluggish economic growth made Britons choose to strike out on their own. And they don't like the way people from elsewhere are changing their country. Trump clearly hit political paydirt when he promised to build "a beautiful wall" on the Mexican border and to crack down on immigration. His repeated attacks on free trade and demand for tariffs on Chinese imports are similarly drawing support from people who believe that America is being besieged by outsiders that unfair foreign competition has led to factory closings across the country. By punishing China, Trump suggests, we can pave the way for shuttered factories to reopen. If only it could be that easy. In fact, economists say, American factory jobs have disappeared mainly because of technology: It doesn't take as many workers as it once did to produce goods. Manufacturing jobs will continue to decline in the U.S., no matter who is president. There is similar misunderstanding surrounding the notion of hitting China with tariffs aimed at making Chinese imports less competitive with U.S. goods. That would divert production to other developing countries, not to the U.S., while harming China, thus leaving us with less clout when we need Chinese help on other important issues, like world security. Business ties between countries forge relationships that make political ties stronger, increasing our safety. It's like the way kids make great friends by playing together. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Nor is fear of immigration rational, really. Immigrants don't take jobs from native-born Americans; studies show, rather, that they actually increase job growth, because they stimulate the economy as consumers. And the presence of immigrants increases high school graduation rates among native-born Americans, maybe by encouraging students to work harder to avoid being stuck in a low-skilled job. So what's going on? Why are so many Americans eager to build walls and to sever the ties that have increased our security and strengthened our economy? We Americans have been proud of our individualism, even while we claim that we'll always help someone in need that we're strong but not selfish. When did that stop being true, and why? To start, you can blame too many encounters with terror, beginning with the 9/11 attacks and running through the later beheadings and suicide bombings. And you can't escape the fact that too many Americans have bumped hard into economic reality, as a generation of federal tax and spending policies have shrunk the middle class and dimmed prospects for people to climb the financial ladder. But you also have to recognize the fact that politicians have advanced throughout history by stoking fear of those not like ourselves, and by offering simplistic solutions to insecurity. So while we're absorbing simple thoughts, why not consider one of those lessons of kindergarten, as remembered by Robert Fulghum? As in: "And it is still true, no matter how old you are when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together." Road flooding and climate change are the two biggest challenges facing Tipperary, according to outgoing Nenagh MDC Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Darcy. He told the MDC agm that Tipperary's road were in a bad state and they needed to put real pressure on for funding. Climate change has to be a big issue going forward. Every year we have weather that causes major havoc, he said, citing how flooding issues at Lahorna that had been solved had returned. Describing his year as very busy, he said that among the highlights were the arrival of First Data and the proposals for a hydeo-electric power plant at Silvermines. Hopefully it will turn an eyesore into a valuable piece of infrastructure, he said. Cllr Darcy thanked everybody for their help throughout his year in office, which he said was extraordinary. Among the highlights were the Munster Fleadh coming to Nenagh in 2015, the launch of the Beara / Breifne Way, the visit of the Australian ambassador to Terryglass, the district council's environmental awards, Visit Nenagh Classic, the MacDonagh Easter Rising events in Cloughjordan, which included hosting MacDonagh's direct family members, the Lough Derg Stimulus Package and the coming of natural gas to Nenagh. He also said that it had been great to get the main drainage scheme at Borrisokane over the line and there now needed to be a push to finish the work on Main Street. Cllr Darcy was praised for his year in office by his fellow councillors, with Cllr Seamus Morris saying he had been a steady hand, and he now felt they were working as a municipal area. Cllr Hughie McGrath said Cllr Darcy had always made himself available to local communities while Cllr Mattie Ryan agreed, saying communication between communities and the council was important. Cllr Phyll Bugler said she could see improvement all the time through working with communities. She described Cllr Darcy as a fair person. Cllr John Carroll complimented Cllr Darcy on his stewardship, saying it had been a very big year for him. Cllr Michael O'Meara said Cllr Darcy's approach had been pragmatic. The interaction between the council and local communities is vitally important and it is important we keep that going, he said. Cllr Joe Hannigan and Cllr Fiona Bonfield also congratulated Cllr Darcy on his year as Cathaoirleach. [July 01, 2016] Kaiser Permanente Advances Safe Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for Members and the Community Safe Med LA, a public/private prescription drug abuse coalition in Los Angeles County, today announced the launch of an initiative to implement safe prescribing guidelines at 80 urgent care clinics operated by 10 major physician groups and health systems throughout the county, including Kaiser Permanente and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. "Opioid abuse is a public health epidemic," said Michael Kanter, MD, director of quality and clinical analysis for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. "It's not just about cutting dosages of drugs. It's about having a program that will benefit the patient and provide relief of pain without putting the patient at risk for complications of opioid abuse. It requires many professionals in different specialties providing input." Safe Med LA is taking a coordinated and multifaceted approach to address the opioid epidemic by focusing on a variety of factors, including safe prescribing, ensuring access to medication-assisted addiction treatment and overdose prevention medication, safe drug disposal, and community education. The first safe prescribing initiative, launched in March 2015, led to the adoption of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine guidelines in all 76 emergency departments throughout the county. A shift in the medical community's approach to pain management is starting to move patient care to more effective, safer pain management. The Safe Med LA guidelines and the Urgent Care patient information materials are part of the solution to combat opioid medication abuse. "Kaiser Permanente Southern California started its work on safe opioid prescribing in 2010 and has achieved impressive results in reducing over-prescribing while effectively managing patients' pain," said Joel Hyatt, MD emeritus assistant regional medical director, Community Health Improvement, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, and chair of the Safe Med LA Medical Practice Action Team. Kaiser Permanente invested in provider re-education around the latest science of pain management and facilitated collaboration between primary care, pain management, addiction medicine, physical medicine, psychiatry and neurology. "Our physicians and pharmacists welcomed guidance with prescribing and formulary policies, including restrictions and monitoring technology utilizing our electronic medical records system," said Dr. Hyatt. The program has demonstrated significant reduction in the prescribing of opioid mediations that pose the highest risk for abuse and diversion into the community. Since January, 2010, Kaiser Permanente Southern California clinicians have reduced prescribing of the highest risk long-acting opioid medications (e.g., OxyContin, Opana) for non-cancer, non-hospice patients by over 72 percent; and reduced high-volume prescriptions of short-acting opioids (e.g., Vicodin, Norco, Percocet) by 98 percent, as documented by Kaiser Permanente's electronic medical records for members in Southern California. "Our multifaceted approach ensures that tackling the issue of opioid abuse doesn't get reduced to one variable, but is instead a comprehensive approach that emphasizes safe prescribing as well as prevention and patient education," said Dr. Kanter. On June 29, the California Health Care Foundation released Changing Course: The Role of Health Plans in Curbing the Opioid Epidemic. The CHCF-funded survey and accompanying white paper outline the efforts and results of 30 California health plans, including Medi-Cal, commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, to reduce opioid abuse. The CHCF companion paper, Case Studies: Three California Health Plans Take Action Against Opioid Overuse, reports that "Kaiser Permanente Southern California's framework for this change has now been spread across the national Kaiser Permanente enterprise, and the interventions it has adopted and found successful appear to be equally well suited to any sizable health plan." "The success we've had demonstrates that we can systematically reduce inappropriate overprescribing and reduce the risks of overdose, misuse, abuse and diversion, not only in our membership, but within the community, and we can do this while improving pain management," notes Dr. Hyatt. Safe Med LA has nine Action Teams focusing on different high-impact aspects of the opioid epidemic. The Medical Practice Action Team is leading the emergency department, urgent care and medical/dental practice initiatives. The key members of the Medical Practice Action Team are: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services; Blue Shield; Kaiser Permanente and the Southern California Permanente Medical Group; Los Angeles County Medical Association; the Los Angeles Chapter of the American College of Physicians; the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians; the Los Angeles Dental Society; the California American College of Emergency Physicians; University of California, Los Angeles; LA Care and others. The 10 key participants (major provider groups and delivery systems) in the Urgent Care Initiative that operate the 80 urgent care clinics in Los Angeles County are: AltaMed, Care 1st, Exer, Facey, Health Care Partners, Kaiser Permanente, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Providence, UCLA and US Healthworks. To learn more about Safe Med LA and the Urgent Care initiative, please visit the SafeMedLA website at http://www.safemedla.org/ For CHCF research and information on CHCF's Opioid Safety Network Coalitions, go to: http://www.chcf.org/topics/opioid-safety About Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 10.6 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160701005182/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] Murgitroyd's Euro Hubs Offer Certainty After Brexit Vote Over the next few years, as the UK officially begins the process of leaving the EU, Murgitroyd's clients will feel the full advantage of its extensive office network. "This is a pan-European company, with experienced attorneys based in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and the Nordic Region," said the firm's founder and Chairman, Ian Murgitroyd. "So we're perfectly placed to operate across the entire European IP landscape. "We don't yet know when the UK will exit the EU. But we do know that our extensive and long-standing network of offices gives us a unique perspective on events. It perfectly positions us to take care of our clients' needs, without any disruption to service." To ensure that continuity of service, Murgitroyd has made its Ireland office the English-speaking EU hub for clients outside the UK. The company's headquarters will still be in Glasgow, and are not affected by that decision. "Glasgow is where this company was founded, and it remains at the heart of all our operations," said Mr Murgitroyd. "But by making sure our clients have the same access to English-speaking, EU-based IP specialists as they njoy now, we're offering certainty and confidence where there might otherwise be concerns and doubt." Murgitroyd has already posted information on its website and issued emails to clients to explain the potential impact of the UK vote in terms of European IP law. "The crucial thing for all clients is that at a time when there's a lot of change and uncertainty, we'll be able to continue representing them without any interruptions to their service," said Mr Murgitroyd. "We'll still be able to appear before the EU IPO for EU trade mark and design matters. And we will be able to appear before the Unified Patent Court for patent matters when it comes into being. "We'll keep clients fully informed of any and all developments as they arise, and we're happy to offer advice and expertise to anyone with concerns about how this change might affect their IP rights. Most importantly, we'll make sure business continues as usual, whatever the future holds." 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 and an office in Managua, Nicaragua specialising in patent search services. 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/20160630006246/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] Two Financial Institutions Join FHLBank Pittsburgh in Second Quarter The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) announced today that, in the second quarter of 2016, two new members joined the Bank's cooperative of commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, community development financial institutions and thrifts in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The variety of member types contributes to FHLBank's strength and flexibility for its cooperative members, and has a positive impact on a wide range of local communities. "We are pleased to welcome these two new members into the Bank," said Winthrop Watson, FHLBank's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to serving their business and liquidity needs." As FHLBank members, Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company and Widget Federal Credit Union may now access FHLBank's suite of financial services. This includes low-cost loans (advances), which may be used for community development lending, asset/liability management and general funding. About Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company, incorporated in 1874, makes its headquarters in the Susquehanna River community of Wyalusing, Pa. Specializing in underwriting and claims management, with programs marketed throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio, it is the mainstay of the Tuscarora Wayne Group of ompanies, Inc. Also included in the parent group are the Keystone National Insurance Company and, most recently, the Lebanon Valley Insurance Company. For more information about Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company, visit www.twmic.com. About Widget Federal Credit Union Widget Federal Credit Union (DBA Widget Financial) is a local not-for-profit credit union, headquartered in Erie, Pa., that is shared by more than 36,000 members. Widget Financial's members both own and democratically control the financial cooperative. A small group of General Electric employees formed The Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union, which began serving employees at the General Electric Plant in Erie on March 10, 1936. The credit union changed its name in early 2013 to Widget Financial. For more information about Widget Financial, visit www.widgetfinancial.com. About FHLBank Pittsburgh As an intermediary between global capital markets and local lenders, FHLBank Pittsburgh provides readily available liquidity, as well as affordable housing and community development opportunities, to member financial institutions of all sizes in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Bank is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which was established by Congress in 1932 and serves as a reliable source of funds for housing, jobs and growth in all economic cycles. To learn more, visit www.fhlb-pgh.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160701005077/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 30, 2016] WTT Board Appoints Timothy Whelan as New Chief Executive Officer Wireless Telecom Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT:WTT) today announced that its board of directors has appointed current board member Timothy Whelan as WTT's new Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Mr. Whelan succeeds Paul Genova, who will assume the role of President and Chief Operating Officer. On behalf of Wireless Telecom's Board, Chairman Alan Bazaar said "We are excited to announce Tim as WTT's Chief Executive Officer. He is a seasoned executive and proven operator who has led over $2 billion in acquisitions and financings, expanded into international markets and demonstrated expertise managing and growing a business successfully through organic initiatives and strategic M&A. He has contributed significantly during his tenure on the board and we believe this is the time to strengthen our executive team as we accelerate our strategic initiatives and continue to focus our investments on innovation and growth. We thank Paul for his leadership over the course of the last 13 years guiding the Company and building tremendous brand value and customer relationships, and look forward to his continued contributions." Previously, Mr. Whelan co-founded an executive level consulting practice focused on strategic, operational and M&A advisory services, and also served as President at IPC Systems (News - Alert), Inc., a mission critical provider of communication solutions. During his 14 years at IPC, he led the company through multiple growth transactions and private equity ownership changes. He initiated transformational product investments while implementing new systems, improving operations and delivering increased profitability. His leadership and skills were instrumental in doubling the revenues of the company to over $500 million and operating a business in 12 countries with over 1,000 employees. CEO Timothy Whelan said, "I am honored and excited to everage my experience in driving profitable growth at multinational corporations in our mission to deliver differentiated, strategic value from innovative products in network and test & measurement solutions." Mr. Whelan added, "WTT's customers and core markets, including telecommunications, government and military agencies, corporate enterprises and data centers rely on our Microlab, Boonton and Noisecom brands for success, and we are committed to advancing specialized innovation and operational excellence to serve them." About WTT Wireless Telecom Group designs and manufactures radio frequency (RF) and microwave-based products for wireless and advanced communications industries and markets its products and services worldwide under the Boonton, Microlab and Noisecom brands. Its complementary suite of high performance components and instruments includes RF combiners and broadband combiner boxes for in-building distributed antenna systems deployments (DAS), RF power splitters and diplexers, hybrid couplers, peak power meters, signal analyzers, noise modules, precision noise and generators. The Company serves both commercial and government markets with workflow-oriented, WiFi (News - Alert), WiMAX, satellite, cable, radar, avionics, medical, and computing applications. Wireless Telecom Group is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, in the New York City metropolitan area, and maintains a global network of Sales and Service offices for excellent product service and support. Wireless Telecom Group's website address is http://www.wirelesstelecomgroup.com/. Forward Looking Statements Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. Specifically, no assurances can be made with respect to: the management team's ability to accelerate the Company's strategic initiatives and to focus on innovation and growth; the management team's ability to provide contributions and guidance; the Company's ability to deliver differentiated, strategic value from innovative products in radio frequency and test & measurement solutions; and the Company's ability to advance specialized innovation and operational excellence to serve its customers and core markets. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company's results are identified in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006366/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 30, 2016] Electronic Cigarette (E-Cigarette) Market Growing at 24.33% CAGR to 2020 PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global e-cigarette market 2016 report says one of the major trends that will positively impact the market is introduction of e-cigarettes with new technology and projected increase in the price of e-cigarettes. Manufacturers are constantly developing new types of e-cigarettes to cater to the tastes and needs of customers. They innovate to vape flavors, device shape, technology, and others. For instance, British American Tobacco introduced a new type of heat-not-burn device that combines e-cigarette technology and fresh tobacco leafs. Named glo iFuse, this hybrid cigarette uses small amounts of tobacco to improve the flavor of e-cigarettes. Complete report on e-cigarette market spread across 93 pages, analyzing 6 major companies and providing 48 data exhibits is now available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/604272-global-e-cigarette-market-2016-2020.html. The analysts forecast global e-cigarette market to grow at a CAGR of 24.33% during the period 2016-2020. According to the e-cigarette market report, a key growth driver is the fact that e-cigarettes are considered to be a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. Globally, smoking tobacco is one of the leading causes of sickness and death, responsible for over six million deaths every year. This also includes about 600,000 non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. The major health consequences of smoking tobacco are cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart diseases, as harmful chemicals like tar are inhaled during tobacco combustion. Nicotine, present in tobacco products, is responsible for the addictiveness of smoking. The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking is the fundamental driving force behind growth in this market. Since e-cigarettes deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, they are believed to be a safer and less toxic alternative to conventional cigarettes. This has pushed several smokers to opt for e-cigarettes. During 2015, North America dominated the global e-cigarette market by accountig for a market share of almost 41%. The high popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, their increased availability in the retail stores and online channels, and rapidly growing demand from youth population are the factors augmenting the growth of the e-cigarette market in North America. Order a copy of Global E-cigarette Market 2016-2020 report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/Purchase.aspx?name=604272. The global e-cigarette market is highly fragmented with over 500 e-cigarette vendors operating and selling e-cigarettes under different brand names across the world of which approximately half are based in the US. Earlier, only small companies were in the business of selling and supplying e-cigarettes, but the scenario has changed completely since 2012 when Lorillard (now acquired by Reynolds American) purchased blu eCigs, a leading US-based e-cigarette vendor for USD 135 million. This was the first time a large tobacco company entered the e-cigarette market. After witnessing Lorillard's success with blu, other large players found the global e-cigarette market lucrative, and a series of M&A began in the market. The following companies are the key players in the global e-cigarette market: Reynolds American, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco, Altria Group, NJOY, and British American Tobacco. Other prominent vendors in the market are: Ballantyne Brands, CB Distributors, ECIG, Gamucci, Nicotek, RRR Chemicals, Vapor, VMR Products, and White Cloud. Further, the report states that one challenge that could derail market growth is the fire hazard associated with e-cigarettes. Another related report is Global Smoking Cessation Products Market 2016-2020, the analysts forecast global smoking cessation products market to grow at a CAGR of 18.16% during the period 2016-2020. A ban on tobacco advertisements around the world has had a positive effect on consumers. The report showed a decline of at least 16% in tobacco consumption compared to the pre-ban days. However, only 29 countries, which constitute 12% of the world's population, have banned these advertisements. Browse complete report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/539146-global-smoking-cessation-drugs-market-2016-2020.html. Explore other new reports on Semiconductor and Electronics Market @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/semiconductor-and-electronics/. 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. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. +1 888 391 5441 [email protected] Connect With Us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReportsnReports/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reportsnreports Twitter: https://twitter.com/marketsreports G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/111656568937629536321/posts RSS/Feeds: http://www.reportsnreports.com/feed/l-latestreports.xml [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 30, 2016] IN(3D)USTRY Proves That the 3D Revolution has Already Started to Transform Industry BARCELONA, Spain, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The first edition of IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions has underlined the fact that the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, starring additive manufacturing and the digitalisation of production processes, is already well underway. The event served to showcase the current applications and future challenges of this technology in fields such as architecture, the automotive industry, health and consumer products, and to facilitate business contacts between companies and end users. The event featured more than one hundred prestigious speakers from a very representative spectrum of the economic and social ecosystem that has flourished around the use of 3D printing. The huge potential of the maker community - the end user - had its own space in the Maker Pro zone where more than 60 projects were on show, while the trade show area featured the leading manufactuers of 3D printers such as HP, Renishaw, Hofman and Arburg, amongst others. Several business deals were closed at the event which underlines the fact that this new trade fair formula, focusing on 3D applications for industrial sectors, adds even more value to this market. Many of the exhibitors have already said they intend to take part in the next edition of the event on 20-22 June 2017 at Fira de Barcelona's Montjuic Exhibition Centre. Of the trade professionals who visited IN(3D)USTRY, 40% were in senior management and 60% were purchasing influencers, which further underlines the importance of the event to the sector. The director of IN(3D)USTRY From Needs to Solutions, Miquel Serrano, expressed his satisfaction at the fact that "over the course of these last three days, Barcelona has been an international hub of ideas, challenges and solutions in advanced additive manufacturing." The presentations, which attracted big audience numbers among visitors to the show, coincided in declaring that we are on the threshold of a new economic model which will also see the widespread use of open collaboration programmes. Featured speakers included Mark Burry, New Zealand architect who is using 3D designs to complete the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; Belgian architect Xavier de Kestelier, from Foster + Partners; designers such as Danit Peleg and New Francis Bitonti or the American scientist Vinton Cerf. Pictures Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160209/331226 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] Embossing Machine Market (Global and China) Consumption by Application / Type and Competition Analysis to 2021 PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Market-Research-Reports.com adds 'Global and Chinese Embossing Machine Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' to its all-inclusive pool of market research reports. This is a specialized and comprehensive study on the existing state of the global Embossing Machine market highlighting the Chinese market. Complete report on Embossing Machine market divided into 11 major chapters that offer an overview of current market scenario as well as 2021 forecasts is now available at http://www.market-research-reports.com/458728-embossing-machine-industry . The scope of this report is extensive and covers the nitty-gritty of the industry and their end-user applications. The Embossing Machine market is broken down by the latest developments, cost effectiveness, end-user applications and regional markets. Revenue forecasts from 2011 to 2021 are given for each of these segments including the development, analysis, and trends of the Embossing Machine manufacturing technology. Projected values used are based on manufacturers' total revenues. The report is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the Embossing Machine industry. To start with, the report underlines the elementary overview of the industry right from definitions to applications and manufacturing technology. This is followed by in-detail analysis of the global and Chinese Embossing Machine industry along with the major players' descriptions. The report is variously sub-segmented further into company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. The competitive landscape in the Embossing Machine Industry is further analyzed by country (USA, EU, Japan, Chinese etc.), by company and by application. The report further estimates 2011-2021 market development trends of Embossing Machine industry. Analysis of market entry strategies countermeasures of economic impact and feasibility studies of new project investment is also carried out. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Embossing Machine industry covering all important parameters. In the end, the report makes a proposal for a new project of Embossing Machine Industry before assessing its practicality. All-in-all, the report provides an exhaustive understanding of 2011-2021 global and China Embossing Machine industry covering all important parameters. Order a Copy of Report at http://www.market-research-reports.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=458728. Another related the 'Global and Chinese Banknote-Printing Machine Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Banknote-Printing Machine industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Banknote-Printing Machine manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Banknote-Printing Machine industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. Complete report is available at http://www.market-research-reports.com/458531-banknote-printing-machine-industry. The report then estimates 2016-2021 market development trends of Banknote-Printing Machine industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Banknote-Printing Machine Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Banknote-Printing Machine industry covering all important parameters. Explore other new reports on electrical and electronic industry http://www.market-research-reports.com/cat/information-technology/electrical-electronic-market-research. About Us: Market Research Reports is an aggregator of syndicated market research studies that offer current and future market intelligence across multiple industrial verticals through is high quality database. Market Research Reports aims to help you take business decisions accurately and on time, every time. Understanding your time constraints, we can help you find the most relevant research based on the requirements you share with us. Our customers get 24 X 7 email and phone support. Feel free to reach us at +1 888 391 5441 with your business intelligence needs. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] Yirendai to Attend the Morgan Stanley GEMs Conference in New York City BEIJING, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yirendai Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) ("Yirendai" or the "Company"), a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China, today announced that it will meet with institutional investors at the Morgan Stanley Global Emerging Markets ("GEMs") Conference from Wednesday, July 13 to Thursday, July 14, 2016 at The St. Regis Hotel in New York City. Investors who are interested in attending this conference and meeting with Yirendai should contact their sales representatives at Morgan Stanley. About Yirendai Yirendai Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) is a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China connecting investors and individual borrowers. The Company provides an effective solution to address largely underserved investor and individual borrower demand in China through an online platform that automates key aspects of its operations to efficiently match borroers with investors and execute loan transactions. Yirendai deploys a proprietary risk management system, which enables the Company to effectively assess the creditworthiness of borrowers, appropriately price the risks associated with borrowers, and offer quality loan investment opportunities to investors. Yirendai's online marketplace provides borrowers with quick and convenient access to consumer credit at competitive prices and investors with easy and quick access to an alternative asset class with attractive returns. For more information, please visit yirendai.investorroom.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Yirendai Hui (Matthew) Li Director of Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Christensen In China Christian Arnell Phone: +86 (0)10-59001548 Email: [email protected] In U.S. Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1 (480) 614-3004 Email: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yirendai-to-attend-the-morgan-stanley-gems-conference-in-new-york-city-300293179.html SOURCE Yirendai Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] CarGurus Survey Uncovers Uncertainty and Communication Frustrations Among Volkswagen Diesel Owners CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CarGurus, the fastest-growing car shopping website in the U.S., conducted a survey among Volkswagen TDI owners to gather their opinions around the recently announced "Dieselgate" scandal settlement. While the buyback is historic for the automotive industry, not all affected owners agree it went far enough. According to the CarGurus' survey: 57% are not satisfied with the way VW has communicated settlement options to them. Only 18% feel the VW offer is generous, compared to 26% that believe it was not fair. 55% reported they feel it is fair. 52% believe the company is taking appropriate measures to rectify the situation. Consumers are split on how to respond to the settlement and whether they'll remain Volkswagen customers: 47% of owners are undecided about selling back their car or getting it fied, while only 14% plan on keeping their current VW and 39% will sell it back. 34% of respondents don't know yet if they will buy another VW and 21% said they would not, leaving a surprisingly high 45% who would buy another VW despite the scandal. Sarah Welch , SVP Consumer Marketing at CarGurus. "Our survey shows that owners are still processing the information they've received, and VW has a lot of work to do to remain in their good graces." CarGurus analyzed survey responses from more than 150 Volkswagen TDI car owners. About CarGurus Founded in 2007 by Langley Steinert, co-founder of TripAdvisor, CarGurus is a leading online automotive shopping destination focused on bringing transparency and efficiency to the car research and shopping experience. The site uses technology and market data analysis to help millions of automotive shoppers search for cars and quickly identify the best deals from top-rated dealers in their local area. Today, the site serves more than 20 million unique monthly users and more than 15,000 car dealerships, and ranks #1 among car shopping websites in the U.S. by daily unique visitor traffic. CarGurus also has sites in the UK and Canada. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cargurus-survey-uncovers-uncertainty-and-communication-frustrations-among-volkswagen-diesel-owners-300292990.html SOURCE CarGurus [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [July 01, 2016] E-House Announces Extraordinary General Meeting Of Shareholders SHANGHAI, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- E-House (China) Holdings Limited ("E-House" or the "Company") (NYSE: EJ), a leading real estate services company in China, today announced that it has called an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the "EGM"), to be held at 2:00 p.m. (Beijing Time) on August 5, 2016, at the Company's office at 11/F, Yinli Building, 383 Guangyan Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 200072, the People's Republic of China, to consider and vote on, among other things, the proposal to authorize and approve the previously announced agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") dated April 15, 2016 by and among E-House Holdings Ltd. ("Parent"), E-House Merger Sub Ltd. ("Merger Sub") and the Company, the plan of merger required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands, substantially in the form attached to the Merger Agreement (the "Plan of Merger"), and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the Merger, as defined below). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Plan of Merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the "Merger"), with the Company continuing as the surviving company after the Merger and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent in accordance with the Cayman Islands Companies Law. If completed, the Merger will result in the Company becoming a privately held company, and the Company's American depositary shares ("ADSs"), each representing one ordinary share of the Company, will no longer be listed on The New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and the American depositary shares program for the ADSs will terminate. The Company's board of directors, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee of the board of directors of the Company comprised of independent directors unaffiliated with Parent or Merger Sub or any member of the buyer group or the management of the Company, authorized and approved the Merger Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the Merger) and recommended that the Company's shareholders and ADS holders vote FOR, among other things, the proposal to authorize and approve the Merger Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the Merger). Shareholders of record as of the close of business in the Cayman Islands on July 22, 2016 will be entitled to attend and vote at the EGM. ADS holders as of the close of business in New York City on July 11, 2016 will be entitled to instruct JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., the ADS depositary, to vote the ordinary shares representedby the ADSs at the EGM. Additional information regarding the EGM and the Merger Agreement can be found in the transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3, as amended, and the proxy statement attached as Exhibit 99.(A)-(1) thereto, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which can be obtained, along with other filings containing information about the Company, the proposed Merger and related matters, without charge, from the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, the Company's proxy materials (including the final proxy statement) will be mailed to shareholders and ADS holders. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THESE MATERIALS AND OTHER MATERIALS FILED WITH OR FURNISHED TO THE SEC, AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be "participants" in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's shareholders with respect to the merger. Information regarding the persons who may be considered "participants" in the solicitation of proxies is set forth in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement relating to the merger filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is included in the proxy statement and Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC. This announcement is neither a solicitation of a proxy, an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities and it is not a substitute for the proxy statement or other materials that have been or will be filed with or furnished to the SEC. About E-House E-House (China) Holdings Limited ("E-House") (NYSE: EJ) is China's leading real estate services company with a nationwide network covering more than 260 cities. E-House offers a wide range of services to the real estate industry, including real estate online services through our 70%-owned subsidiary, Leju Holdings Limited (NYSE: LEJU), primary sales agency, secondary brokerage, information and consulting, offline advertising and promotion, real estate investment management and financial services, and mobile community value-added services. E-House has received numerous awards for its innovative and high-quality services, including "China's Best Company" from the National Association of Real Estate Brokerage and Appraisal Companies and "China Enterprises with the Best Potential" from Forbes. For more information about E-House, please visit http://www.ehousechina.com. Safe Harbor: Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that express the Company's current opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "if," "will" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include: uncertainties as to how the Company's shareholders will vote at the meeting of shareholders; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that financing may not be available; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed with the SEC by the Company, including the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement and the proxy statement filed by the Company. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this press release. You should not rely upon these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries please contact: Investor Relations Department E-House (China) Holdings Limited Phone: +86 (21) 6133-0809 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Derek Mitchell Ogilvy Financial In the U.S.: +1 (646) 867-1888 In China: +86 (10) 8520-6139 E-mail: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e-house-announces-extraordinary-general-meeting-of-shareholders-300293258.html SOURCE E-House (China) Holdings Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] What you need to know about Colts starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger The best 360 cameras might be just what you're looking for if youre a content creator or love to record action videos. These panoramic cameras capture everything around you, making for incredibly immersive experiences. But the best 360 cameras have another trick: super-smooth video. That's because they can identify the horizon and automatically level your video, no matter how bumpy. Try that with a regular action camera and see what happens. Don't need a 360 camera? Check out the best action cameras Best GoPro camera: Which is right for you? From their earliest iterations just a few years ago, 360 cameras have come a long way. Not only are they smaller these days, but companies have added more sophisticated technology so that you can track people and objects, no matter where they move around you. What are the best 360 cameras? After testing more than a dozen models and evaluating them on video quality, field of view, water resistance, ease of use and other factors, we think the best 360 camera for most people is the Insta360 One X2 ($429). It's small and portable, and its stick-like design means you can easily hold it in your hand, though it does have a standard tripod mount at the bottom. The Insta360 One X app works with both Android and iOS smartphones, and lets you not only view what the camera is seeing on your phone, but also livestream it to social media. The camera has some other great features, such as the ability to record Matrix-like "bullet-time" videos. Perhaps its best feature, though, is its ability to create motion-stabilized video to smooth out those rough rides. With the release of the Insta360 One X2, the company has discontinued the Insta360 One and the Insta360 One X; you might still be able to find them for sale, but only consider them if they cost less than $300. The best 360 cameras you can buy today Insta360 One X2 (Image credit: Future) (opens in new tab) 1. Insta360 One X2 Best 360 camera overall Specifications Video Resolution: 5.7K Phone Support: Android, iOS Water Resistance: 10 meters Battery Life: 80 minutes Storage: MicroSD Size: 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches Weight: 5.3 ounces Today's Best Deals View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent image-stabilization + Water resistant + Fun and useful software features Reasons to avoid - A bit heavy - Can be tough to discover some features The Insta360 One X2 is the best 360 camera for most people. That's because, like its predecessors, the Insta360 One X2 has the most innovative software and features in addition to being a great piece of hardware. While larger than the Insta360 One X, the One X2 is now water resistant to 10 meters (33 feet), and has a circular touchscreen display that lets you preview video and change settings on the fly. It also has a longer battery life of up to 80 minutes. The One X has an updated image-stabilization feature that will make even the bumpiest videos look smooth, and can capture 5.7k video (5760 x 2880) at 30 fps, and 4K video at up to 50 fps. Its FlowState image stabilization algorithm helps smooth shots, and a TimeShift feature lets you slow down or speed up specific segments of your videos. Read our full Insta360 One X2 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 2. Insta360 One RS This 360 camera has a modular design Specifications Size: 2.8 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches Weight: 82 minutes (5.7K@30fps) Battery life: 5.3K @ 30fps = 65 minutes Max video resolution: 5.3K @ 30 fps Max photo resolution: 6080x3040 (2:1) Water resistance: 16 feet Today's Best Deals View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Innovative modular design + Multiple lens options including 360 lens + Reversible screen for front facing option + Impressive in-camera stabilization Reasons to avoid - Small screen size - Needs frame for mounting - Bulky For those looking for a 360 camera with more of a traditional action camera design, the Insta360 One RS is your best bet. Like its predecessor, the Insta360 One R, this innovative camera has a modular design that lets you swap out its 360 lens for a wide angle 4K camera or a camera with a 1-inch sensor. What's more, the camera has some other pretty cool features, including video stabilization and a comprehensive app that has a lot of powerful editing tools. We like that the One RS' display can be turned around so you can frame yourself in videos, but its small size relative to the GoPro makes it much more difficult to navigate on-screen menus. And, like older GoPros, you'll need to use a frame to mount it to anything. But, this is one versatile 360 camera. Read our full Insta360 One RS review. GoPro Hero Max (Image credit: Future) 3. GoPro Max A 360 camera with some great software Specifications Video Resolution: 5.6K/30 fps Phone Support: Android/iOS Water Resistance: Splashproof Battery Life: 1 hour Storage: MicroSD/256GB Size: 2.9 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches Weight: 4.6 ounces Today's Best Deals View at GoPro US (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent video quality + Motion-smoothing + Intuitive menus Reasons to avoid - Hard to hold in one hand without tripod - Expensive Unlike most 360 cameras, the GoPro Max has a small display on its back that lets you view what its cameras are looking at. While it's not as handy as it seems, the large display does make it easy to navigate and change the Max's settings without having to use your smartphone. The GoPro Max also has a HyperSmooth stabilization feature, so your bumpy video will look nice and smooth, and image quality from the camera up to a max resolution of 5.6K/30 fps lives up to GoPro's typical high standards. Plus, GoPro's app is loaded with features, including the ability to livestream video from the Max. However, the GoPro Max's design requires the use of a selfie stick, and lacks a tripod mount, so you have to use it with one of GoPro's accessories. At $499, it costs more than the Insta360 One X2, but the GoPro Max delivers. Read our GoPro Max review. Ricoh Theta Z1 (Image credit: Ricoh) 4. Ricoh Theta Z1 A high-quality 360 camera, for a price. Specifications Video Resolution: 4K (30 fps) Phone Support: Android/iOS Water Resistance: None Battery Life: 1 hour Storage: 19GB/built-in Size: 5.2 x 1.8 x 1.2 inches Weight: 6.4 ounces Today's Best Deals View at Adorama (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good low-light images + Sturdy, easy-to-use design + Third-party plug-ins increase functionality Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Storage not expandable - Requires two apps to edit video One of the issues with 360 cameras is that, because of their relatively small sensor size, they're not that great when it comes to low-light photography and videos. If you need a 360 camera for that purpose and price is no object then you should consider the Ricoh Theta Z1. This well-built device uses two 1-inch, backside-illuminated CMOS sensors, which helps deliver some of the best images we've seen from a 360 camera, especially under less than ideal conditions. Additionally, the Theta Z1 has dual microphones, which delivered great audio, and the camera's motion stabilization was pretty effective too. The Z1 uses an Android-based operating system, and Ricoh is letting third-party developers create plug-ins for the camera, increasing its functionality. However, this camera lacks expandable storage, it has a relatively short battery life, and you need to use two different apps if you want to edit photos or video. But if you prize image quality above all else, this is the camera to get. Read our full Ricoh Theta Z1 review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 5. Vecnos Iqui A pen-sized 360 camera Specifications Weight: 2.1 ounces Photo resolution: 5760 x 2880 Video resolution: 3840 x 1920/30fps Internal storage: 14.4GB Battery: 720mAh (approx. 100 photos, 30 mins video) Size: 5.5 inches (length), 0.75 inches (diameter) Weight: 2.1 ounces Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sleek design + Responsive + Takes good photos Reasons to avoid - Overly simplistic app The Vecnos Iqui is a 360 camera designed for those who want to take photos or videos at a moment's notice. The camera starts up in a flash, and snaps pics just as quick. Its small, pen-like shape makes it a cinch to store in your pocket, too. Iquis app then takes your photo and turns it into a mini-movie, which you can then share with the rest of the world. While the quality of its images aren't up to the level of the Insta360s' or the GoPro's, the Iqui's ease of use will make it attractive to the influencers of the world. However, we wish there was more you could do in its app. Read our Vecnos Iqui camera review. Samsung Gear 360 (Image credit: Samsung) 6. Samsung Gear 360 Best 360 camera for those on a budget Specifications Video Resolution: 4096 x 2048 (24fps) Phone Support: Android/iOS Water Resistance: Splashproof Battery Life: 1 hour Storage: MicroSD/256GB Size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 3.9 inches Weight: 4.6 ounces Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Works with both Samsung and iOS phones + Can be used without phone + Good photo quality for the price Reasons to avoid - Doesn't work with any Android phones except Samsung's - Limited features when used with iPhone - Poor desktop software Samsung was one of the first companies to make a truly useful 360 camera, and though it's been several years since it released anything new, its Gear 360 camera from 2017 still remains a fairly useful and functional device. The Gear 360 has a fun, lollipop-like shape that makes it easy to hold in one hand, and can even withstand a few splashes. It also has a tripod mount, if you want to attach it to your bike or something else. The Gear 360 takes good photos and videos (up to 4K in size), and livestreams to Facebook and YouTube, too. However, there are a few big caveats: it only works fully with Samsung smartphones (from the Galaxy S6 and up), and while it works with the iPhone 7 and later, not all of the camera's features are supported. If you have a Samsung smartphone, though, the Gear 360 is a fun accessory. Read our full Samsung Gear 360 review. Rylo 360 (Image credit: Rylo) (opens in new tab) 7. Rylo 360 A compact 360 camera Specifications Video Resolution: 5.8K (24fps) Phone Support: Android/iOS Water Resistance: None Battery Life: 1 hour Storage: MicroSD/256GB Size: 2.85 x 1.68 x 1.45 inches Weight: 3.8 ounces Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Intuitive 360 functions for action sports + Pocketable design + Easy-to-use app connect + Image Stabilization Reasons to avoid - Poor quality video in low-light Small and compact, the Rylo 360's small GoPro-like profile makes it a great 360 camera for action sports, as its low profile is ideal for attaching to a helmet, bike, or any other action-y activity. However, if you're going to get it wet, you'll want to get the Adventure Case (opens in new tab) (sold separately), as it lacks any sort of waterproofing. The case, which is increasingly hard to find, costs around $70, and only provides water-proofing for up to 10 feet. We liked the footage we shot with the Rylo 360, and what makes it even better is its motion stabilization, which keeps the horizon level no matter how bumpy the ride. Before purchasing this camera, readers should note that Rylo has been acquired by VSCO. While Rylo will no longer make 360 cameras, the company will honor the warranty on existing cameras. Read our full Rylo 360 review. Vuze XR (Image credit: Vuze) (opens in new tab) 8. Vuze XR This 360 camera can also take stereoscopic 180-degree videos Specifications Video Resolution: 5.7K (30 fps) Phone Support: Android/iOS Water Resistance: None Battery Life: 1 hour Storage: MicroSD/128GB Size: 6 x 2.2 x 1.5 inches Weight: 7.5 ounces Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Easy to use + Takes both 180- and 360 photos + Well-designed Reasons to avoid - Struggles in low light - Limited features in desktop app Now this is an interesting 360 camera. Not only does the Vuze XR take 360-degree photos and video, but its two cameras can pop out, parallel to each other, so you can take 180-degree stereoscopic images and video, too. If you've ever used a VR headset, these types of images add a real depth. We liked the simplicity of the Vuze XR's mechanism a press of a button causes the two camera to open as well as the sturdy build of the camera itself. We also liked the lollipop-like design of the camera; its built-in handle made it a cinch to use and carry around. In general, the Vuze XR also delivered quality images and movies, but it had trouble in low-light conditions, and we wish its desktop app were more fully-featured. Read our full Vuze XR review. What to look for when buying a 360 camera When shopping for a 360 camera, you'll find that they tend to fall into two camps: small, pocketable stick-style devices, and larger squarish (or circular) cameras. The former, such as the Insta360 One X, tend to be less expensive, and are designed for more casual and impromptu shooting. In the second category are cameras such as the GoPro Hero Max, which are larger and more expensive, but tend to produce higher-quality video. Generally, the design of the latter type of 360 camera also means you'll have to attach it to a tripod or some other mount if you want to capture good footage. Be sure to think about how you plan to use a 360 camera before you purchase it; if you want to get some fun selfies with friends, then the stick-style cameras will fit your needs well. If you want to capture hair-raising exploits when you go skydiving or skiing, then a larger camera may be the better option. How we test 360 cameras You get a lot of weird stares and comments when you test 360 cameras. By now, people are used to seeing action cams like the GoPro, but both the shape and way you mount 360 cameras immediately draws attention. As they need to capture a full 360 degrees of action, most 360 cams are designed with more than one bulbous lens. And, if you don't want half of the image to be the side of your head, you have to mount the camera pretty far from your body. You'll also want a selfie stick. With few exceptions, the shape of most of these cameras made them hard to securely hold in my hand. All of the cameras work with a smartphone in a similar manner; when you turn these cameras on, they all create a Wi-Fi hotspot, which you then connect to with your phone. From there, you open the companion app, and use your phone's display as a viewfinder. For the most part, connecting the cameras to my smartphone was an easy process, and the video feed from the cameras was relatively smooth and stutter-free. Be sure to check out all of our camera picks: Best cameras | Best DSLR cameras | Best action cameras | Best waterproof cameras | Best point-and-shoot cameras | Best instant cameras | Best mirrorless cameras | Best cheap cameras | Best GoPro camera | Best GoPro accessories | Best drones | Best iPhone lenses | Best iPhone tripods |DSLR vs. mirrorless | Best Nikon accessories | Best Sony a6000 accessories The best apps and software for editing, managing, and sharing your photos: Best photo organizer apps | Best photo storage sites | Best photo editing software | Best photo editing apps | Best photo collage apps Stay in Touch with These Voice over IP Apps VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is the hip way to talk on the phone. Skype and its ilk have lead to an explosion of VoIP programs, apps and hardware that let you bypass traditional phone networks in favor of digitized over-the-internet voice calls, instant messaging and video conferencing. Whether it's business executives using telepresence and video conferencing to cut down on travel costs, online gamers looking for an easy means of in-game communication or far-flung families looking for a means to get in touch with distant loved ones that won't cost an arm and a leg, VoIP is an integral part of life for many. These are the apps to get. (Image Credit: Arek Malang/Shutterstock) MORE: One of the best VPN uses is accessing free VoIP services in countries that block them As a student heading off to college, youre making a list and checking it as many times as needed to ensure that you schlep the bare minimum amount of stuff into your diminutive dorm room. Some items like a laptop and smartphone are non-negotiable. (And besides, they don't take up that much space.) Even the best printers, on the other hand, can command a fair chunk of dorm room real estate, so it's tempting to leave that off your packing list, especially if there are other printing options available on campus. (Image credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock.com) Is a printer a must-have item for college students or an unnecessary luxury that's better off in your rear view mirror as you depart for college? Here are a few things to consider as you contemplate whether a printer should join you on your college journey. What Does Your School Offer? Much of the decision about whether or not you take the printing plunge depends on school policy and facilities, space, your intended coursework, environmental concerns and the size of your budget. "Assignments are submitted digitally, and printers take up a lot of space in small residence hall and apartment rooms." Jana Lithgow, University of Illinois associate director of business career services Policies vary from school to school, but the academics we talked to said a printer isnt the must-have item it once was for college students. "Assignments are submitted digitally, and printers take up a lot of space in small residence hall and apartment rooms and ink and paper are expensive," said Jana Lithgow, associate director of business career services at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where shes also pursuing a Ph.D. in education policy. "In fact, I just bought a printer last year, after going 10 years and completing two master's degrees without one." MORE: Best All-in-One Printers - Inkjet and Laser Printers Only a small percentage of students really need printers in their rooms these days, said Michael J. Trivette, co-founder of the student counseling service College Transitions. "Many colleges offer printers in various computer labs, libraries, residential halls and other locations throughout campus," Trivette told Toms Guide. "Many times, colleges also allow students to have prepaid printing accounts tied to their student account, meaning they can easily print documents across campus by using their ID card and login information." Indeed, at the University of Illinois, Lithgow said, there are enough print kiosks and traditional computer labs to meet the printing needs of most students. But resources can differ widely, depending on the school you choose, what you're studying, whether your school encourages you to submit your assignments electronically and how you personally work."Colleges that offer 24-hour computer labs and multiple print stations across campus offer a significant advantage over colleges that offer fewer resources," Trivette said. "You can imagine how this difference might play out at a state flagship university versus your local community college, so much of this is contingent on the institution itself and the resources it provides." Some majors like history, creative writing or psychology are inherently more document-intensive than others, tilting the scales toward a printer. And even if your area of study doesn't seem like it will require a lot of paperwork, most degree programs still require students to take English and other humanities courses that will involve written assignments. Students studying art and photography may be able to print most assignments in the lab, but perhaps youll want a printer around as you work into the wee hours. Your School's Attitude Toward Printing Trivette said that some colleges are becoming more eco-friendly by offering students incentives to reduce their reliance on personal printers. For example, Reed College in Portland, Oregon, gives students a printing allotment at the beginning of each year, while Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, gives students a "print quota" at the beginning of each semester about 400 double-sided pages. Other colleges offer a set amount of printer credits per semester. For most students, a library printer will do just fine. "Many colleges offer printers in various computer labs, libraries, residential halls and other locations throughout campus." Michael J. Trivette, College Transitions "It's also important that students and families know that different institutions will have different policies as it relates to student printing," Trivette said. "For example, the School of Digital Media at the Savannah College of Art and Design requires that students bring their own paper when they want to print from the school's printers. This is due in large part to the demand for printing and the school's efforts to combat excessive waste."You should also think past that first year or two at college, as you move from a dorm room to off-campus housing. Depending on the location of your new digs, your access to campus printing services could change. MORE: Back to School Tech - The Best Gear and Gadgets for Students "Students who live off campus may face more of a challenge when trying to print their own documents," Trivette said. "Having said that, many student residential communities also offer printers in computer labs. We suggest that students check on the resources provided by housing companies they may be reviewing when looking for off-campus housing." Printer Questions to Consider In most cases, then, it seems you're better off leaving that printer at home. "The colleges I have worked at and attended have all had print budgets that are included with tuition, so that students can print out the few things they need to at the printers in the computer labs or libraries," said Julia Cain, graduate assistant of student activities at Haverford College. That said, Cain has a printer of her own, even though she has access to the ones at her college. "I do a lot of scanning and also weird things like printing on fabric or iron-on transfers, which require inkjet printing instead of laser, which is what most campus printers are," she added. If any of the following apply to you, taking a printer to school may be the right choice. You're going to need to print out assignments rather than submit them electronically. Your school offers limited printing resources. You anticipate needing to print documents at hours when school facilities might be closed. So what criteria should you look at when considering a dorm room printer? Besides obvious factors like the printer's size you'll want something that doesn't take up too much space and the operating system your computer is running (Mac, Windows or Linux), here's what to consider. Canon's Pixma MG3620 is a low-cost inkjet printer that produces sharp-looking text. Laser vs. Inkjet: Laser printers use a toner cartridge, while inkjet printers rely on ink cartridges. If your coursework involves an astronomical amount of text-only assignments, consider a laser printer: theyre fast and the ink lasts and lasts. If your courses involve a lower volume of printed material or perhaps you are able to hand in most of your assignments electronically an inkjet printer will suit your needs nicely. Newer models are fairly speedy and print very well. Color vs. Monochrome: If your class assignments mostly involve printing text, theres no reason to purchase a color printer. A black-and-white printer, whether inkjet or laser, will get the job done. However, if you will routinely be printing graphics, presentations or photos for your studies, then a color printer is more appropriate. (Note that color printers have separate black- and colored-ink cartridges that you may find yourself replacing at a rapid clip: Each one costs somewhat more than a latte, though typically they come in packs of four.) Because color laser prints tend to be more expensive than their inkjet counterparts, it's better to stick with inkjets if you need color. Multifunction Printers: While it may seem like you'd just need a printer to output reports, you'd be smart to consider a device that also scans and copies documents and images. All-in-one printers add those features without adding too much size or cost, and scanning and copying are sure to come in handy in ways you can't anticipate. The HP Envy 5540 is the Tom's Guide pick for best overall printer and it costs less than $100. Wi-Fi or USB: If your dorm has a wireless network, getting a device that prints wirelessly would seem like a no-brainer. But first, check on your school's policy about wireless printers, as some schools restrict their use due to privacy concerns. Many Wi-Fi-capable printers also come with a USB cable for hooking up to your computer. Be sure to buy a printer that packs a printer cable in the box, which saves you the hassle of having to add one later. Cost: The good news: you can find a very capable printer for around $150 and even less in some cases. And the bad news? Your costs don't end once you buy a printer, since you'll also need to consider the cost of replacement ink. When Tom's Guide reviews printers, we take cost per page into account. To get a sense of how much a printer will cost you over time, simply look at the cost of replacement cartridges and divide that by the printer's promised output. The Best Printer for College Our choice for best budget inkjet printer Canon's Pixma MG3620 offers a lot for college students. Besides its $60 price tag, the Pixma MG3620 offers a fairly compact 17.7 x 12 x 6-inch design. Your papers will look sharp, and you can print documents wirelessly. The Pixma MG3620's cost per page is a little steep 10.6 cents for black-and-white documents and 24 cents for color but you can reduce those costs a little by opting for high-yield ink cartridges. (opens in new tab) Canon Pixma MG3620 You can also get our top-rated printer, the HP Envy 5540, for less than $100. At 17.9 x 16.1 x 6.1 inches, this inkjet is a tad bulkier than the Pixma MG3620, but it delivers great performance and high-quality prints, particularly if you expect to print a lot of images. Its toner costs are also reasonable, and you can lower those even further by opting for HP's ink subscription plan. Madame Tussauds wax museum just got a lot spookier. Sony Pictures, The Void and Ivan Reitman (co-creator of Ghostbusters) were on hand for the grand opening of The Ghostbusters Experience, which features Ghostbusters: Dimension, a hyper reality experience created by The Void. We were invited to see the staging ground for the ghost-themed experience earlier this month, and the completed attraction immerses visitors in the world of the new Ghostbusters film. Several wax figures of the movies stars are placed throughout the exhibit, with special effects used to produce visible ghost portraits that stare at you, and appearances from staple spooks Sparky and Slimer. At the end of the tour is the optional Ghostbusters: Dimension VR experience, which brings the dream of being a Ghostbuster to life. Touchscreen panels outside the entrance allow users to login to their personal Void account, which can also be accessed using a mobile app as a sort of pre-boarding check in. You can use the app to customize your avatar and see stats from previous visits, and your account can be used for all current and future hyper-reality experiences from The Void. Last time were we here, James Jensen, CVO of The Void, was vague on the subject of the hardware. Not much has changed in that respect with the debut of the NYC attraction, with the companys CEO on hand to clarify the hardware set featured in Ghostbusters: Dimension and why its so hard to nail down finalized specifications. Ken Bretschneider, CEO and founder of The Void, explained that the company is constantly researching and developing and upgrading its hardware set, almost as quickly as new technologies are developed. Once a new upgrade or feature is available and ready, its deployed. One could also surmise that as a commercial enterprise without a product you can purchase for home use, there isnt a need to disclose the specifications of something that is being continually updated and rolled out to the companys live hyper-reality deployments. The Ghostbusters: Dimension experience features most of the The Voids proprietary Rapture hardware, including the haptic vest, backtop (the companys trademarked term for the lightweight custom-designed computer worn on the back) and gun peripheral. It also features a donning rig that holds all the equipment and makes getting strapped in easy. Currently, that device is all manual, but the company explained that it will be fully automated in time, with the ability to automatically fit each unique user without any assistance. The backtop computer used in Ghosbusters: Dimension features a desktop Intel Core i7 processor and a desktop-class Nvidia GTX 980 (they werent specific as to whether this is an MXM module, full-sized GPU or some kind of custom integration) with 16 GB of RAM. The company said that the hardware will be upgraded in a few months, with up to 2.5 times the performance of its current setup. This was the most representatives from The Void were willing to share concerning the system components. The HMD is not technically part of the full Rapture hardware, and The Void was equally undefined about the guts of the headset. The company explained that although the headset resembles the Rapture HMD, the components under the hood are a mix of several different technologies that arent considered to be the final product, and that it too would be receiving upgrades in the future. If we had to guess, judging from our experience (and really, we have to, because the company wouldnt budge on the specs), it appeared that the current HMD is using a 1080p display, similar to the Oculus DK2. The smooth frame delivery was indicative of at least a 75 Hz refresh rate, judging from my previous VR experiences. Of course, this is all just an educated guess, and until The Void fills the void of technical specs weve been searching for, thats the most we can surmise. The Ghostbusters Experience and The Voids Ghosbusters: Dimension hyper-reality experience opens on July 1 at Madame Tussauds in New York City. You can preorder your tickets now at the Madame Tussauds website (opens in new tab). Derek Forrest is an Associate Contributing Writer for Toms Hardware and Toms IT Pro. Follow Derek Forrest on Twitter. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube. The Avalanches Wildflower review by Nigel Moyes We are nearing 16 years since The Avalanches introduced themselves with Since I Left You, their debut and now-legendary sample extravaganza. Now, after a lead up that has included a mock documentary trailer and secret hotline numbers, theyre back with Wildflower. When you break things down, this means that theyve been busy making roughly four minutes of music per year on average since they *cough* left us. Compare that with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard who probably wrote a 12 part jazz-metal album inspired by the folklore of Icelandic goat herders since you last went to the toilet and youve got two opposite ends of the spectrum. This is not a fair comparison well grant you that. Tortoise and the hare, and so on. But with fewer members, mixed reactions to initial single releases, a new musical landscape and a hype train that threatens to consume the album before it has even arrived, does The Avalanches Wildflower cut the mustard? Well briefly run through each track, before giving our overall impression. Wildflower is out July 8, but you can listen to an exclusive stream on Apple Music as of today. The Leaves Were Falling The intro is a short snippet of a 1950s homemade recording by somniloquist Dion McGregor, who would often narrate his own dreams at conversational volume. The piece sampled, Midget City, immediately places us in bustling downtown LA in the summer. Because Im Me The Avalanches like to sample some weird shit. It is known. Featuring Moog scientist Mort Garsons Symphony For A Spider Plant, from the album Plantasia (literally music that was designed to invigorate your indoor plants), Because Im Me features an absolutely incredible sample of Why Cant I Get It Too? by Six Boys in Trouble, a group of troubled teens from the housing projects of New York who were given basic homemade instruments by folk researchers who recorded their completely untrained performances. Camp Los rap is superb and the Jackson 5-ish beat propels this track nicely. Love The Beatles? Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more JOIN Frankie Sinatra feat. Danny Brown Featuring Wilmouth Houdinis Bobby Sox Idol, Frankie Sinatra was the first taste wed all had of Wildflower weeks prior. It was met with mixed reviews, but in the context of the album it makes perfect sense. It seems that this was never meant to be their big radio comeback, their next Frontier Psychiatrist herere plenty of those coming later in the album. This, seemingly, is a comical fanfare, heralding The Avalanches return to save us from rubbish music forever. Subways Subways was the third morsel on offer after the hype train left the station in the lead up to release. Featuring the track of the same name by 80s no wave/post-punk legend Chandra (who was 12 at the time!), it oozes and undulates as the laid-back groove and its repetitive nature put you on a train out of the city and into the greatest summer road trip of all time. Going Home Going Home is a two-minute extension on Subways. The disco groove builds and the bass drops so many times that you start to expect a huge dance break to drop in. This is The Avalanches, though things dont come that easily. Youll be rewarded for your patience immediately, however, with If I Was a Folkstar feat. Toro Y Moi The narrative running through this album, that of a teenage summer road trip out of town with your mates, is continued here literally and musically as a Queens of the Stone Age radio sample from their track Millionaire is used to introduce the dreamy, yet still pulsing If I Was a Folkstar. The falsetto vocal, high pitched organ samples and chimes layered atop a tight bassline, and percussion that pushes and pulls, make for a surprisingly good driving song. Colours feat. Jonathan Donahue Colours is a song described by the band as being inspired by the way a song can actually change your day, make the world look different, changing the way you perceive light refracting through the atmosphere for the rest of the afternoon. Jonathan Donohues dreamy vocals provide an awesome anchor-point for this trippy love-fest. Its really hard to believe that there isnt a single sample in this song; everything is so carefully invoked that it blends flawlessly with the rest of the album. Zap A bizarre interlude featuring reversed electronics that lead into a beautiful orchestral movement, signalling the coming of a definite album highlight: The Noisy Eater feat. Biz Markie Whats that you say? No one would ever clear The Beatles Come Together for use as a sample on an Avalanches record? ANY record for that matter? WRONG. Yoko Ono and Paul Baby Face McCartney PERSONALLY cleared a childrens choir version of the classic for use, and oh is it used beautifully. Reduced to being a tagline for a breakfast cereal jingle, the cheery chorus heralds the second half of what is now clearly an incredible record. Biz Markie chomps and chews on this tribute to Brian Wilsons Vegetables as he runs you through his breakfast and lunch habits. This song sounds like a cartoon, and its great. Wildflower Honky tonk piano takes over where The Noisy Eater left off, its cereal commercial-style voiceover still continuing as we move into a 6/8 interlude replete with bird noises and flute samples. Classic Avalanches. Harmony As the bird noises make way for the orchestral opening of Harmony, The Avalanches treat us to the most Since I Left You style track heard so far on Wildflower. Flutes and theremins are expertly sampled as melodic devices to accompany the infectious groove, while the vocals spell out H-A-R-M-O-N-Y. Halfway into an already impressive album and you realise theyve only just scratched the surface of exploring new ground, while still paying homage to the old. Live a Lifetime Love And just like that, the old Avalanches are superseded by the new. A stomping groove takes over as another hip-hop inspired track, featuring raps from A.Dd+ (Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy), pushes us further into the belly of this long-awaited follow-up. Park Music A trippy acoustic/Indian interlude, kind of like a Beach Boys meets Maharishi-era-Beatles sound bite, it moves seamlessly into Livin Underwater (is something wild) A beautifully strange soundscape featuring a hypnotically repetitive vocal refrain of Livin underwater is something wild the atmosphere they have created on this album really is something else. Take a moment and get ready for the next one The Wozard of Iz feat. Danny Brown Wow. Just wow. Heard briefly in their documentary-style teaser trailer, this Danny Brown track will blow you out of the water. As the samples and effects keep building and building, youll remember that time you thought to yourself 16 years wonder if theyre still any good?, and laugh heartily at your earlier selfs stupidity. Dannys entrance isnt until late in the track, but boy it packs a punch. This one is a clear standout, and one Im sure well be hearing on repeat everywhere this year. Over the Turnstyles A suitably happy, post-orgasmic carnival interlude to chill you out after all the jumping around you just did in your room/car/workplace. Sunshine Repetition is the key to a great Avalanches song. Repetition is the key to a great Avalanches song. Repetition is the ke- Chimes, tambourines and twinkly samples accompany a 60s funk beat that brings a couple of Dilla tracks to mind as the repetition of the word sunshine (for an uncomfortably long time) drills itself happily into your memory. Light Up A beautiful and wavy arrangement serves as the perfect backdrop for the vocal sample of Harpers Bazaars Debutante Ball. The interludes on this album are not only sonically pleasing, but also serve as points in a journey and help to create a brilliantly-pieced-together story. Kaleidoscopic Lovers With an almost Latin-sounding ostinato, Kaleidoscopic Lovers is a slightly more uptempo tune than the previous few. Disjointed, sometimes reversed, but always dreamy, it heralds the beginning of the end as the vocal (which sounds like Ben Gibbard of Postal Service fame, but we cant find any evidence to back that up) provides a great bookend with its various hooks of At night when I dream, leaving my body like a bird, and Wildflowers dance with me melancholic, yet pleasant all the same. Its sad to be ending the album soon, but what a lovely way to go out. Stepkids feat. Jennifer Herrema & Warren Ellis A sweet and bouncy shuffle accompaniment is the least likely partner to Herremas gravelly, bitter vocals, but it works in so many ways. As she growls What would you do for a dollar?, we cant help but think that this could be, in some way, The Avalanches response to those who criticise them for taking so long. In actuality though, this song is about being young and lost. Saturday Night Inside Out feat Father John Misty The album closer is a reworking of an unreleased demo A Cowboy Overflow of the Heart feat. David Berman, and proves to be an amazing track to finish off an amazing album, with Bermans mystical, highly emotional spoken word musings accompanying the laid-back verses before the chorus kicks in with the party. Were big fans of Father John Misty but, for the life of us, couldnt hear what was sampled or where he may have been featured on this track perhaps it is his voice that fills the background with harmonies as Bermans monologue rolls on. This track ends the album beautifully, with its ecstatic choruses taking us home from this summer road trip on a high. Our Review While there are quite a few stylistic choices here that differ from their debut album namely its stronger focus on hip hop Wildflower still flows just as well as Since I Left You, with no gaps and no pointless filler. Wildflower is a story, from start to finish. Take one track away and, no matter which one, you have a less cohesive experience. This cohesion doesnt just apply within the album, but also within the Avalanches canon, as their sophomore album is a logical, advanced and utterly beautiful continuation of their first, even after all these years. Some people will love this album just for the sake of loving it; the hype is that real. This means, of course, some will hate it purely to subvert said hype. Either way, this is a complete album; a piece of work so patiently considered that, love it or hate it, it cannot be denied the appreciation it deserves. The wait was worth it. As Brisbanites are forced to grow accustomed to living under the newly enforced lockout laws, the citys live music scene is bracing itself for some big changes. Many fear that the destruction wrought on Sydneys nightlife is about to metastasise. But one venue that weve been assured isnt going anywhere is the citys iconic Tivoli theatre. After months of concerns that the building could be demolished and redeveloped, it was saved and will continue to operate as a live music venue. As the Courier Mail reports, late last year entrepreneur Steven Sleswick sold his residential property management business, right as the Tivoli came back on the market. A longtime fan of the venue, Sleswick decided it was the right time to have a crack at it. The venue itself is a pretty special place, Sleswick told the Courier Mail. I dont think you can really put a price on it its not replaceable. From our perspective there was a lot of motivation not to lose a piece of history and an iconic venue. But we wouldnt have paid the price if it wasnt commercially viable. This week saw Sleswick hand over a sum of $8.35 million for the venue, which in the past has hosted performances from the likes of Tame Impala, Wilco, Ryan Adams, and even Bob Dylan. Over the years weve sat down on many a night and over a beer or two talked about how great it would be to run the Tiv, said Sleswick, who will run the venue with his brother Dave, a former Brisbane Powerhouse producer, and events caterer Jerome Dalton. According to Michael Gard of Cushman & Wakefield, who was part of a team of marketing agents working on the Tivoli, whilst several developers did express interest in the venue, most of the offers received came from those interested in capitalising on its value as a venue. HERE'S THE START OF OUR KANSAS CITY SUMMER READING LIST 2016!!! Kansas City Police Tell-All Tops The List Jack Cashill's Latest Resonates Amid Turbulent 2016 Campaign Season Check An Insider's Look At The Top Level Of The Kansas City Legal World Inside The Kansas City Media Game!!! The Latest From Kansas City's Literary Genius Talks Women At War More than anything, our blog community is a collection of avid readers and therefore we'd like to start the Summer with just a few suggestions with many more on the way . ..To wit . . .Regular readers might recognize some titles but we're in the middle of reading all these books right now and welcome any insight our community is willing to share.Checkit . . .We were FIRST to note this important bit of writing from one of Kansas City's finest . The work has earned rave reviews, stellar sales and more mention . . . This book exemplifies Kansas City right now . . .This examination of the new American discourse from a Conservative perspective reveals how language and talking points are delivered and enforced upon an often unsuspecting public.is a power player and top lawyer in Kansas City. His book gives a one-of-a-kind perspective on important local cases at the intersection of local politics and power. Real life stories from the PR & news world of Kansas City . . . John Landsberg is not only a class-act and a leading professional but his view of the local media world transcends any textbook and shows the reader how the media game SHOULD be played. More celebrated than any other Summer book. Whitney Terrell's girl power war EPIC has captured the imagination of the publishing world and earned critical praise across the globe. And so, tonight we're taking a pause to catch up on our reading and hopefully we'll return for the morning update with more, discussion, debate, discourse and all kinds of good stuff . . . THIS WEEK OUR BLOG COMMUNITY CONFIRMED WORD OF AN EPIC JACKSON COUNTY MEETING WHEREIN EXEC FRANK WHITE TOLD LEGISLATORS TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT!!! "They (the legislators) aren't going to be able to say, 'This is the way we've always done things' any longer" says one source close to the exec . . . "You can call it naive but it seems like Frank is trying his hardest to do the right thing." Here's a bit of encouraging news that speaks to a surprising challenge posed to biz as usual at the Courthouse.To wit . . .The topic of cushy contracts and PR chatter was top on the list for this newbie politico. At first we heard about this meeting as a stab against some legislators be we confirmed the deets with other 12th & Oak insiders who offered their spin on this cleanup effort that may be doomed but is inspiring nonetheless.To his credit, Exec White has brought in new people who seem to know the legislative process and but aren't entrenched in courthouse politics. It seems that Exec White is hoping to avoid getting burned again by all the things he doesn't know regarding biz as usual in JaxCo . . . Accordingly, we hear that the sordid talk surrounding County contracts might be where he launches a cleanup effort.Again, this effort could be in vain but the newsworthy bit of behind the scenes chatter is that Exec Frank White is willing to leverage his popularity against other legislators in order to avoid further contract, political and patronage embarrassment that has surrounded the county since its inception.Developing . . . Greek islands are the top choice of the rich and famous for 2016, according to Forbes magazine Greek islands are the top choice of the rich and famous for 2016, according to Forbes magazine which notes the following: Luxury website VeryFirstTo.com reached out to 466 of their celebrity and millionaire members across 57 countriesincluding some of the worlds most discerning travelers who are accustomed to splurging on the finest service and $8,000-meals (per head). Here are some of their top picks in 2016, according to Marcel Knobil, Founder of VeryFirstTo: #1: GREEK ISLANDS Beyond the killer combination of natural beauty, history and hip luxury, what distinguishes the Greek Islands is the unique personality of each island. For instance, Mykonos combines a party atmosphere with beautifully pedestrianized shopping streets; while Crete (the Elouanda Villas in particular) delivers luxury with a sense of privacy. WHAT YOU SHOULD TRY: Set sail around the magical islands starting from Tourlos port and stop at Kalo Livadi, Psarou and Paradise beaches. Check out the islands of Delos for the ancient Greek and Roman remains, Rhenia for crystal-clear waters, and Chora for its 16th-century windmills. The complete list the 6 hottest summer travel destinations in 2016 (according to World's Pickiest Travelers) includes: 1. Greek islands 2. Maldives 3. St. Tropez, France 4. Bali, Indonesia 5. Capri, taly 6. Lake Como, Italy Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Egypt has returned to Qatar $1 billion deposited by the Gulf state to help prop up the Egyptian central bank's hard currency reserves after the 2011 uprising, the central bank governor said on Friday. Cairo's relations with Qatar deteriorated after. Qatar had been a firm backer of Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood and lent or gave Egypt $7.5 billion during the year he was in power. Central bank governor Tarek Amer told Reuters in a text message replying to a question about whether Egypt had paid $1 billion to Qatar, "Yes, definitely," but he did not elaborate. The $1 billion Qatar received is the last of Egypt's debts to the wealthy Gulf Arab country, according to the Egyptian state news agency MENA. Qatar asked that the central bank deposits be paid back after the fall of Egyptian army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013 following mass unrest against his rule. Egypt has been struggling economically since a 2011 uprising drove away tourists and foreign investors, putting pressure on foreign reserves which halved to $17.5 billion in May. Reuters A two-month summer work ban starts today as the hottest months of the year begin. As per the ban, labourers are not allowed to work outdoors between noon and 4pm in July and August, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication. To read further, please visit GDNonline. Oil rose after the biggest quarterly gain since 2009 as falling US supply added to speculation the global surplus is easing, said a report. Futures gained 0.6 per cent in New York, taking its advance for the week to 2 per cent. US crude supplies shrank a sixth week and production slipped to the lowest since September 2014, government data showed Wednesday. Prices climbed 26 per cent in the three months through June. Saudi Arabia, the worlds largest crude exporter, cut all official selling prices for its crude sales to Asian and US clients in August, said a report in Bloomberg. Supply disruptions and falling US output have helped cut a global surplus and pushed prices up more than 80 per cent since prices hit a 12-year low in February. Both the International Energy Agency and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries forecast that the market is heading toward balance as demand growth outpaces supply. The decline in US crude supplies is certainly supportive, David Lennox, a resource analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney, said by phone. But the market is waiting for real production cuts, and until that happens any strong rally in the oil price is just not going to be sustainable. West Texas Intermediate for August delivery increased 28 cents to $48.61 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 2:23 p.m. Seoul time. The contract fell $1.55, or 3.1 per cent, to settle at $48.33 on Thursday. The total volume traded was about 68 per cent below the 100-day average. US Stockpiles Brent for September settlement added as much as 41 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $50.12 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The August contract, which expired Thursday, fell 93 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to close at $49.68 a barrel. The global benchmark crude traded at a 75-cent premium to WTI for September. US crude inventories dropped to 526.6 million barrels, the lowest since the week ended March 11, the Energy Information Administration said. Supplies climbed to an 87-year high of 543.4 million barrels in the last week of April. Production slipped by 55,000 barrels a day to 8.62 million last week, the EIA said. State-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Co. lowered its official selling price for Arab Light crude to Asia by 40 cents to a premium of 20 cents a barrel above a regional benchmark, the company known as Saudi Aramco said in an e-mailed statement Thursday. Middle Eastern producers are competing with cargoes from Latin America, North Africa and Russia for buyers in Asia, its largest market. Oil-market news: Exxon Mobil Corp.s oil discovery off the coast of Guyana may hold as much as 1.4 billion barrels, twice the size of the previous estimate, making it potentially worth about $70 billion based on current prices. Chevron Corp. may shortly give a green light to the most expensive oil project in the world this year. The company said this week in a presentation a decision on expanding the Tengiz development in Kazakhstan will be made in mid-2016. The three suicide bombers who carried out an attack on Istanbul's main airport that killed 42 people were of Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationality, a Turkish official said on Thursday. Police detained 13 people, three of them foreigners, in raids across Istanbul in connection with Tuesday's attack on Europe's third-busiest airport, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey this year. Reuters Taiwanese low-cost carrier V Air launched its first flight to Okinawa from Taipei today. The maiden flight took off with 100 per cent load factor from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, and marks another expansion in its network for this year 2016. We at V Air are delighted to witness the new scheduled service from the Taipei-Okinawa route. Recently, V Airs accumulated passengers have just surpassed 500,000. We have confidence to become the preferred airline of traveling Japanese on a budget. Besides, our operations in Okinawa will be significant in securing a strong foothold in Japan, shares V Air chief executive officer, Eleni Lung. To mark this inaugural flight, celebrations are arranged in both Taiwan Taoyuan and Okinawa Airport. Cabin crew decorated their uniform with Okinawa island-style accessories to welcome the first herd of guests from Taiwan. V Airs Taipei-Okinawa service will operate three flights weekly, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The flight time locates in the afternoon enabling passengers to travel without hassle and bustle. - TradeArabia News Service Turkish rider Kenan Sofuoglu, who is the 4 time world champion of World Supersport series, hit the 400kmph mark on a Kawasaki Ninja H2R. By India Today Web Desk: A Kawasaki Ninja H2R reached a top speed of 400kmph on a new bridge built across the Gulf of Izmit in Turkey. The rider of the motorcycle was Kenan Sofuoglu, a 4 time world champion of World Supersport series. The speed was reached in a matter of 26 seconds and had to be achieved under 30 seconds avoid a tyre blowout. After 30 seconds, chances of a tyre blowout would become very high. advertisement The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is powered by a 998cc liquid cooled engine mated to a six speed transmission. Kawasaki says the top speed of the motorcycle is 380kmph. Kenan Sofuoglu had to train for 4 months achieve to reach the 400kmph mark. --- ENDS --- The Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia-Dr. HUN SEN has been awarded the HONORARY ACADEMICIAN title for in clear appreciation of your influential vision in carving cultural and heritage of Cambodia as conducive instruments in building tourism and in insuring development for your people. This outstanding vision has being transformed in a general politic and enacted under your leadership as a world instrument for development during 2015- World Conference on Tourism and Culture . The Presidents of the two world tourism institutions all of whom are themselves previous recipients of the Academician title were invited to address a joint eulogy for this years laureate. In his part of the speech, President Anton Caragea underlined that Prime Minister of Cambodia -Samdech HUN SEN made it possible for the international community to carve out the first world level instruments in developing tourism, creating the basis of sustainable tourism on the pillars of cultural richness, religious tolerance and historical platform. In the new millennium Cultural and Historical Tourism becomes the beacon on which the life of billions of peoples is improved and enriched. Cultural tourism is today a part of nation building and an intricate part of the nations international image. In today`s world, a nation cannot project his external dimension, and cannot imagine his diplomatic activity in the absence of promoting his historic patrimony and boost his cultural prowess. All this policies being transformed in every day dimensions of international activity are fundamentally linked to your visions, your thoughts and your actions. You have succeeded in engraving your name on the golden list of cultural protectors, offering a special attention to historical patrimony of your country and use it, and preserve it for the benefit of the future generation. Your Excellency is part of the special HUMANITY PROTECTORS. Leaders that are grasping the importance of tourism as the most important part of diplomacy, international relations and raising national profile on world arena. These leaders must be supported and commanded and offered as a general example, concluded his remarks ECTT President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea. The award ceremony was preceded by a long discussion of the high ranking delegation with Prime Minister of Cambodia -Samdech HUN SEN. It was followed by a joint press conference of President Dr. Anton Caragea Academician Mircea Constantinescu-Academy Director and Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, country elected as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION and WORLD`S FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for 2016. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Academician Mircea Constantinescu also wrote a joint articles on this occasion, articles published in several European and world newspapers. They highlight the message of hope that Cambodia has sent to the world as the country: was lifted from the brink of extinction to another horizon of hope and future development and Khmer people is building today the new temples of Phnom Penh: a steel and glass city that will echo the buildings of the past. This statement of confidence in the bright future of Khmer nation and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the 2016- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD competition and be accepted as FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION for your nations incredible weight of culture, history prowess and contribution to humanity legacy. This is a new momentous achievement for CAMBODIA, a moment that is due to your exertions. The membership in the European Tourism Academy is awarded every year to honour exceptional work performed in the service of world culture, tourism development and protection of historical patrimony. Service to Begin with Three Weekly Flights via Boeing 787 Dreamliner (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - July 1st, 2016 - Starting August 15, Air India will again be flying to London. The flights to London will be the first leg of the carriers new one-stop service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Ahmedabad, India. The flights will operate three times a week Monday, Thursday, and Friday with new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. With flights departing at 10:30 PM on Mondays and Fridays, and 12:20 AM Thursdays, business travelers in northern New Jersey and the metro New York areas can take advantage of the last departure from Newark to London. Departures from London are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 12:30 PM, and arrive in Newark at 3:00 PM. The 787 Dreamliner flights feature a best-in-class Economy Class service and a state-of-the-art Business Class service with 180-degree reclining flat beds. As on all Air India flights, both cabins offer a choice of outstanding Indian or Continental cuisine. And the gracious and attentive onboard service reflects Indias tradition of hospitality. Passengers whose destination is Ahmedabad also have the option to stop over in London, either at the beginning of their trip or on their way back to the U.S., at no additional charge. The new direct service via London to Ahmedabad is in addition to Air Indias daily nonstop flights from Newark to Mumbai, which will feature continuing service to Delhi starting August 14th. With its current daily non-stops to Delhi from JFK, the carrier will be offering an unmatched total of 17 flights a week to India from the New York metro area. Commenting on the airlines return to London, Air Indias Regional Manager Americas, Ms. Vandana Sharma, said, Our new Newark/London/Ahmedabad service offers London-bound travelers in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan areas a new and very convenient option. It also enables us to reconnect with a market which Air India served for years. ### We have never been fond of big SUVs and LTVs (light trucks and vans), the gas-guzzling space-stealing monoliths that seem out of place in the country but are so popular in the cities these days. In New York it seems that everyone is chauffeured around in thembig Escalades, Navigators, Suburbans, and Lexi. Pedestrians are like flies on a windshield when they get hit by these, their hoods and grills are like walls. Really, they are so dangerous, three times as likely to kill as a car, that they should not be allowed in cities. And apparently in New York City they are not even legal, if you ever plan on driving over the Brooklyn Bridge. It has a three-ton weight limit and, as Will Sabel Courtney of The Drive points out, the popular pickups and SUVs all exceed this. Big pickups aren't a thing in Manhattan but the Escalades are everywhere; however, Courtney notes that "the NYPD officers situated at each end of the bridge dont seem bothered." Neither is anyone else: "Like the Navigator, upgrading to the extended-wheelbase Escalade and youll top the Brooklyn Bridges weight cap. Yet the ESV tends to be the 'Slade of choice among New Yorks livery car drivers, which means many of those trips that bankers take from Wall Street to their Brooklyn Heights brownstones are illegal. (Then again, it may be the least illegal thing they do all day. Zing!)" Other vehicles are surprisingly close, fancy expensive cars like Bentleys and Land Rovers and Porsche Cayennes, where the weight of the passengers and the groceries put them over the top. Tesla Motors But the biggest surprise of allthe Tesla Model Xhas a curb weight that is under 6,000 pounds but in fact has a real GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 6,768 pounds. This is a feature, not a bug; vehicles over 6,000 pounds or three tons are considered work vehicles, not cars, and actually qualify for what used be be called the Hummer Loophole, a $ 25,000 tax credit. And indeed, a Tesla rep told Autoblog Green: "Yes, the curb weight of Model X is 5,441 lbs. So we expect the GVWR to exceed 6,000 lbs. This means a Section 179 deduction could be taken for to up to $25,000 of the purchase price." I am not certain Tesla thought about this when they decided to locate their big new showroom in Brooklyn. Over on Jalopnik, Rafael Orlove thinks that it is time to enforce the law. "So I would like to take this moment to remind the NYPD that they should feel free to fine, arrest, or PIT maneuver any Tesla Model X driver they see on the bridge." I don't think they should be picked on; why not enforce the law for all the bridge scofflaws, all the SUVs and black cabs that exceed three tons? It's the law. Bridge weight restrictions are no joke. They exist to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and everyone in the vicinity and to allow for the smooth, continuous flow of traffic. Ratings are determined by engineers and builders who have calculated the maximum weight a structure can bear; to ignore it could potentially endanger public safety. (Think about the tragic bridge collapse in 2018 in Genoa, Italy.) As Autoblog pointed out, "All this extra weight is taking its toll. The Brooklyn Bridge was among the spans flagged in a 2013 report by the Federal Highway Administration that found more than 65,000 of America's bridges were classified as 'structurally deficient.'" This isn't a new issue, either. Streetsblog covered it years ago, with a commenter publishing the applicable laws: Section 4-15 (b)(13): "Weight and height restrictions on bridges, viaducts and other structures. No person shall operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles over, on or through any bridge, viaduct or other structures on any highway if the weight of such vehicle or combination of vehicles and load is greater than the posted capacity of the structure or exceeds the height of the posted clearance as shown by an official sign or other marking or device." Section 4-15 (c):"Enforcement, measurement and weight of vehicles. Any law enforcement officer or any inspector of the Department of Consumer Affairs of the City of New York having reason to believe that any vehicle or load is in violation of the restrictions in subdivision(b), above, is authorized to stop the vehicle on any public highway or private street open to public motor vehicle traffic and measure and weigh it by means of portable or stationary measures and scales. Any law enforcement officer or such inspector may require that the vehicle be driven to the nearest scales, if they are within 3 miles." When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The Supreme Court is willing to lift the ban on registration of 2000cc and above diesel vehicles, albeit on one condition. Toyota's Fortuner and Innova are two high selling models affected by the diesel ban. Photo by Reuters By India Today Web Desk: The Supreme Court of India has said that it might be willing to lift the ban on registration of 2000cc and above capacity diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR, if an one-time environment compensation cess is introduced. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justices A K Sikri and R Banumathi said, "We are inclined to allow registration. We are open to the registration subject to some kind of one-time cess." advertisement Also Read: Auto industry leaders meet PMO officials; seek solution over diesel ban It has asked lawyers of automobile manufacturers to work out details of the cess than can be levied on 2000cc and above diesel vehicles with regard to the showroom price. Manufacturers like Mercedes, Toyota and Mahindra were hit hard by the ban and had moved the apex court earlier to modify the ban on 2000cc and above diesel vehicles. --- ENDS --- This is the highest the country will face since the civil war broke out in the country in 2013. Read here. By India Today Web Desk: As per the United Nation agencies, up to 4.8 million people in South Sudan will face severe food shortage in coming months. This is the highest the country will face since the civil war broke out in 2013 in the country. There are over 700 million malnourished people in the world today. According to the World Food Programme, the world produces enough food to feed seven billion of the entire global population and still, one in nine people go to bed hungry. advertisement Listed are some facts you should definitely know about how much the world is wasting food: According to the World Food Programme, the world produces enough food to feed seven billion of the entire global population and still, one in nine people go to bed hungry Approximately, one third of the food produced in the world, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes, get lost or wasted Every year, consumers in rich countries waste almost as much food (222 million tonnes) as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa (230 million tonnes) The amount of food lost or wasted, every year, is equivalent to more than half of the world's annual cereals crop According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, fruits and vegetables have the highest wastage rates of any food. There are over 700 million malnourished people in the world today. The Global Hunger Index, which is a tool to calculate countries' hunger, is updated once a year. The data for the year 2014 was calculated for 120 countries out of which Burundi's hunger situation has been put in the "extremely alarming" category. Here is a list of the hungriest countries in the world: Burundi According to the reports of Global Hunger Index, Burundi is the hungriest place on earth. It is said that wars, poverty and overpopulation has left the country with shortage of food. The country which has witnessed a total of 15 years of Civil war, which ended in 2005, left the land unused for a long period of time. Floods, hailstorms, drought and torrential rain are recurrent in Burundi. Eritrea Eritrea is a nation of both plenty and scarcity. It is said that food grows in abundance in the nation but every year, the country makes headlines for being one of the hungriest countries in the world. It is said that since the country is least developed, the government's efforts to prevent hunger in Eritrea is lacking in broader terms. Most of the children in this nation suffer from acute malnutrition. Timor-Leste Timor-Leste is widely known for its 25-year-old war with Indonesia. Although the war ended a long time back, the country is still struggling for stability. The country has a population of over 1 million and over 60 per cent children in the country suffer from acute malnutrition. It has been reported that the number has been increasing since the war ended. Most of time of the year, people rely on food importation. advertisement Comoros The country was ranked at the 4th place in the Global Hunger Index of 2014. It is just one of nineteen nations still labelled as "alarming" or "extremely alarming" on the Global Hunger Index, leaving 870 million without food. The country has seen over 20 social disturbances. According to the World Bank, the depth of hunger is low when it is less than 200 kilo calories per person per day, and high when it is higher than 300 kilo calories. Comoros' was recorded to be 300. Sudan More than two million people fled their homes to other places in South Sudan or to neighbouring countries as a result of conflict that erupted in the world's youngest nation in December 2013. It has been reported that out of 11 million population, over 2 million are unsure about their next meal. Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section. To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail to education.intoday@gmail.com --- ENDS --- advertisement The students were unable to answer the sides of a triangle and couldn't solve two-digit multiplication and subtraction. These students score above 90 % in class 10 exams and don't even know what a triangle is! After a major Bihar Board scam, Gujarat state also come under the scanner during a hearing on Tuesday June 28. The students were unable to answer the sides of a triangle and couldn't solve two-digit multiplication and subtraction. And these students had scored more than 90 per cent in Class 10 examination. This year, around 10.81 lakh candidates appeared for the Class 10 examination, the results of which were announced on May 24. According to a report published in The Indian Express, the students exposed that they used to get help from teachers and outside the examination hall. advertisement 500 results withheld: As many as 500 results withheld from the following three examination centres: Lambadiya (Sabarkantha) Choila (Aravalli) Bhikapur (Chhota Udepur) Disparity between marks for the objective and subjective answers: "What caught attention of the examiners during tallying of marks was disparity between marks for their objective and subjective answers, particularly in mathematics. Nothing untoward was noticed even when the CCTV footage of certain sensitive examination centres were scanned," said Officer on Special Duty (OSD) M A Pathan. The students were helped by someone from outside the examination room: "I cannot identify the voice, but someone just outside the window dictated answers of objective questions to us," wrote a student. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) conducts the Class 10 examination every year, in the month of March, 2016. About Board: The GSHSEB Board were established in the year 1960. Currently, many private and government schools in the state are affiliated under this board. For any other query, the candidates can visit the official website of the university. For more updates on education news, followIndia Today Educationor you can write to us ateducation.intoday@gmail.com --- ENDS --- Washington, July 1 Britains decision to leave the European Union has created significant uncertainty that will have repercussions not only for UK and Europe, but the global economy, the International Monetary Fund has warned. IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said the Brexit was likely to cause a dampening of growth in the near term, and urged policy makers to act decisively while dealing with the situation. Brexit has created significant uncertainty, and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions also for Europe and the global economy, he said yesterday. Rice said policy makers need to stand ready to act, if the impact of financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty threaten to materially weaken the global outlook, adding that decisive policies will make a difference. Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in consumer and business confidence would mean even lower growth and again, policymakers in the UK and the EU have a key role to play in helping to reduce the uncertainty during this period, he said. Rice said the IMF sees the near-term risk for the UK, the EU and the global economy arising mainly from macroeconomic and financial market impact, and a sizeable increase in uncertainty, including on the political front. One notable source of this uncertainty concerns the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and these relate to questions about how long it will take to decide those terms, how the new relationship will impact business, and other actors, he said. The IMF has encouraged both the UK and the EU to work collaboratively toward a smooth and predictable transition. He said the IMF strongly supports the commitments made and steps taken by major central banks, including the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, the US Fed and the Bank of Japan, among others, to provide liquidity and curtail excess financial volatility. PTI Tribune News Service Panipat, July 1 Members of the Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panipat chapter, and the Handloom Exports Manufacturers Association (HEMA) have decided to boycott China for not supporting Indias entry to NSG. The exporters also decided to boycott the international summit on textile named ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 to be held in Shanghai in October. With an annual turnover of Rs 30,500 crore per annum in domestic and international markets of textile industry, Panipat has become a textile hub. We are also getting consent from the state body to boycott China for business deals also, said Pritam Singh Sachdeva, chairman, HCCI, Panipat chapter. This is the mega show of all nine European Textile Machinery Associations, China Textile Machinery Association and Japan Textile Machinery Association , said Ramesh Verma, president, HEMA, Panipat. Around 1,200 members are associated with the HEMA and they have decided to boycott China for not supporting our country in NSG. Our country is a major competitor of China in textile industry and they have decided to boycott the international summit, he added. Maja Daruwala & Mrinal Sharma There are as many reasons for a suicide as there are suicides. But clearly Faridkot jail provides just the conditions to push already anxious and vulnerable people over the edge. Earlier this month, 67-year-old Balkar Singh killed himself in Faridkot jail. The suicide is just the latest in a grizzly line of 60 that have taken place since 2013. This works out to almost two a month in just one jail. Nationally, Punjab has the highest prison suicide rate, second only to Karnataka. This points an unwavering finger at the conditions in that hellhole and the complete neglect and callousness of all those charged with the care of the prisoners who inhabit it. Though Faridkot jails bricks and mortar were fashioned into a modern facility in 2013, its innards retain all the long-time ills that beset prisons all across India. It crowds in 1,753 prisoners with only two-thirds of the staff sanctioned to manage them. The board of visitors is defunct. Lay visitors, government and judicial officers make up the board. The lay segment may never have been appointed. If appointed, they would not have been trained or convened, nor visited prisons regularly. That only the administration would know. Requests under the RTI Act have gone unanswered, nor is any information to be found on the governments website. In fact, unlike other states, Punjab does not even have a website for the Prisons Department. This is entirely against the clear requirements of the Right to Information Act, which requires each public authority to voluntarily disclose statements and minutes of meetings of its boards, councils and committees. In short, it is a fatal combination of no supervision and zero transparency. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there are no psychologists, welfare officers or social workers in Punjabs jails. Not surprisingly, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) receive the highest number of prisoner complaints from Punjab. But the disposal is one of the lowest at just 7 per cent and 21 per cent. In a decade, overall jail inspections have fallen by 58 per cent. Alarmingly, inspection visits by medical staff have gone down by 84 per cent. In the absence of any monitoring, prisoners are regularly sent to hospital for drug withdrawal symptoms. As the recent controversy around Udta Punjab has highlighted, the state is waging an unsuccessful war against drugs. It is certainly losing it in jails. In July 2012, the warden of Faridkot jail was booked for allegedly buying over 900 psychotropic tablets for an inmate. Across Punjab, there is only one medical staff for every 342 prisoners. As many as 174 people charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) have died in Punjabs jails, 88 in 2014 and 86 in 2015. Clearly, being behind bars doesnt mean being away from drugs. It is not that people dont know about the problem. In its 130-page report of 2014 on prison suicides, the NHRC points out that little has been done to improve the treatment of prisoners. In the absence of any overt act of commission, prison officials absolve themselves of any responsibility. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Amandeep vs. State of Punjab has made it clear that people who have the care and custody of others cannot escape liability and doing so would amount to negligence. It isnt also as if concrete solutions have not been carefully considered. They are all there on papers yellowing with age. Simple steps would include availability of full complement of staff in each prison, in particular correctional and medical staff; robust training; and immediate appointment of and regular visits by board of visitors. Given Punjabs particular problem with drugs, special efforts to create counselling teams and liberal communication with support structures like family are vital. Leaving this to overburdened security personnel is futile. In fact, given the steps the government has not taken to make things even marginally better, its long-held aspiration of putting in place a new law based on reform and rehabilitation instead of retribution smacks of hypocrisy. For the administration, Balkar Singhs suicide may be just another statistic but it reflects the desperate reality of life in a Punjab prison today. Surviving him are his two sons and grandsons. They are also incarcerated drug offenders. They are not people who draw instant empathy. What must have his final thoughts been: that he couldnt face any more sorrow; that with a 33-year sentence it was better to end it all than realise every day that he is doomed to eternal wretchedness, and that his womenfolk are unprotected and vulnerable to every kind of exploitation. In those circumstances, taking your life might not seem an entirely irrational choice. Maja Daruwala is Director and Mrinal Sharma a programme officer at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. S Nihal Singh WHILE upping the ante against the Modi government, Delhis Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has amply demonstrated that his quest is to replace the Congress as the alternative to the BJP. His belief in the future is reinforced by his feeling that the Congress is fighting Mr Narendra Modi with yesterdays tools. With Mr Modis singular victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, he had changed the paradigm of contesting elections. It is modern technology at the service of partisan ends. And in his two years in office as Prime Minister, he has honed his talent for dramatic and eye-catching slogans mixed with stinging attacks on the Opposition in state Assembly election campaigns. Indeed, Mr Modi has been willing to sacrifice his task as a unifier by virtue of being the countrys leader at the altar of securing a majority in the Rajya Sabha, dependent as it is on his partys performance in state Assemblies. He is trying to succeed in this contradictory double act by extensive foreign travels in which his role as emerging Indias pre-eminent leader and the adulation of the Indian diaspora drown out dissent at home. In his own way, Mr Kejriwal has been copying the Modi formula. After cynically ousting men of stature such as Mr Yogendra Yadav, who could pose a challenge to him, from his AAP, he set about a publicity blitz in newspapers and on television glorifying his leadership. In the manner of Mr Modi making his name synonymous with the BJP, the subtext of the ads is to transform AAP into a Kejriwal party. The parallel has been so striking that in the capitals political circles he has been nicknamed chhota Modi (the little Modi). By contrast, the Congress seems to be bent on committing harakiri as it seeks to find a way out of its decline. Quite apart from Mr Kamal Naths guilt or innocence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, perceptions do matter. The perception among many Sikhs is that he was complicit, and to make such a person in charge of Punjab to win back the state from the Akali-BJP dispensation was the height of folly. The Congress has compounded its error by substituting him by another controversial person. Like Mr Modi, Mr Kejriwal is not shy about proclaiming his achievements and in demonstrating that unlike the timid Congress, he dares to make bold moves such as the odd-even formula for vehicular traffic on Delhi roads with the proclaimed aim of reducing pollution. Gradually, the spin given to the winter-summer tries was that the experiment had helped reduce traffic congestion, although the second trial was an even greater failure in reducing pollution. The original purpose was buried in claims of success of Mr Kejriwals daring act, proclaimed from the top of Delhis buses. Mr Kejriwal has indeed been a diligent pupil of Mr Modi in carving out a role for himself on the larger national stage. Punjab has been a favourite hunting ground where he has had some success, but he is trying to plant the AAP flag in Goa and was present at Ms Mamata Banerjees reinstallation in Kolkata. In line with his ambitions, there is no national event that does not prompt him to react. Mr Kejriwal spends much time contesting the Modi governments writ over Delhi, which has not been given the status of a full-fledged state because it is the countrys Capital. What he is saying, in fact, is that he finds such a muted brief frustrating, implying that he is made for performing bigger tasks. Apart from the personal ambitions involved, where does this new trend in showering taxpayers money on public relations take the country? It is a godsend for the marketing trade and for the recipients of generous and flowing advertisements in the newspapers and on private TV channels. If the recipients are not shouting Long Live Modi and his pupil it is because they are superstitious. The US was the pioneer in refining public relations and the message to influence opinion. Inevitably, Mr Modi sought American experts help in defining his message in the 2014 general election. And the Modi campaign also exploited refined computer technology to enhance his appeal. The success of Mr Kejriwals take after Mr Modi was AAPs unprecedented victory in the last Delhi elections decimating the Congress and reducing the BJP to a pitiful few seats. But this new trend of spending vast amounts of, mostly taxpayers, money on glorifying leadership and elevating the message, rather than action, has obvious pitfalls. Mr Kejriwal has reached a fork in his political career. Partly, the results of a run of state Assembly elections will reveal where he and the AAP stand, but his continuing term in Delhi is both an opportunity and a hazard. The opportunity is in his projection as a national, rather than regional, leader. By the same token, his habit of blaming the Centre for most of his problems has become a song repeated too often. Mr Kejriwal came into prominence through the voluntary organisation route. Remember his days with Anna Hazare and his fast for a cause. His path, it became clear, was bound to diverge from Mr Hazares because, unlike his mentor, he nursed political ambitions, which were revealed early through the ousting of able and articulate dissenters. Mr Kejriwal is now set for a journey for national leadership stakes. But his party must win votes in a succession of Assembly elections as he seeks to replace the Congress. It is true that in the modern technological age, the medium is the message and it helps when ones achievements, however modest they may be, are broadcast from housetops. Mr Kejriwal can take a leaf out of West Bengals Chief Minister in making Singur, the Tata car venture she fought against to protect farmland, her winning formula. No, the odd-even formula wont serve the purpose. A Commission of Inquiry is a potent instrument available to the politicians in power. On Thursday, both Punjab and Haryana saw such commissions cause excitement in the administrative and political circles. True to past experience, the purpose behind the very setting up of these panels seemed to be to defuse, or confuse, a given situation and pass on the burden of indicting culprits to an entity with little teeth. The Zora Singh Commission in Punjab was tasked with looking into the incidents of desecration and the subsequent killing of two innocent protesters in police firing. If the police did not investigate the various incidents to credibly identify culprits, it would be too much to expect a panel with no investigative resources to dig out any new facts. The SN Dhingra Commission, set up in Haryana to probe Vadra land deals, lost its focus the day its scope was expanded to include deals in nine sectors of Gurgaon. The report presented by the Zora Singh panel and the extension received by Justice Dhingra suggest that the respective governments designs have been well served. From Justice Zora Singhs statements it does not seem his work is about to leave us any wiser. He could possibly have studied the incidents to discern any pattern or conspiracy behind the incidents but he did not, and has merely recorded the same allegations from people that were already in the public domain. The extension to the Dhingra panel has served to put off the bringing up of any specific charges against Robert Vadra, a poll promise of the BJP government for which it is under tremendous pressure. The reality is these panels were doomed to achieve little right from inception. In the Punjab case the political leadership needed to cool things down, buy time and detract the aggrieved citizens with another cause. To that extent the Zora Singh panel has served the purpose rather well. In Haryana, we can expect another extension to Justice Dhingra. The idea is to keep dragging the Vadra case. It is politics, simple and petty. Vishal Joshi Tribune News Service Kurukshetra, July 1 Former Haryana Lokayukta Justice Pritam Pal (retd) has demanded a time-bound judicial probe into reasons that led to deaths of three youths during police recruitment drive in a weeks time. Pal, a retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, told The Tribune today that the drive was ill-timed and it should be discontinued immediately. He contested claims made by the health authorities and the Kurukshetra district administration that deaths were due to the suspected overdose of drugs used for performance enhancement. Pal said aspiring police personnel were made to run on 5-km track to clear the screening test and they were falling prey to the harsh weather. Norms of the police recruitment are to conduct such drives during comfortable climatic conditions of March and October. It is beyond any logic for the Haryana Staff Selection Commission to conduct mass recruitment tests on humid days, said Pal. Quoting sources from the Kurukshetra District Bar Association, Pal claimed four youths died and several participants suffered injuries due to slippery and poorly managed race track. He has decided to launch a mass contact programme to bring justice to the aggrieved families and awareness against drug abuse through his social organisation Haryana Justice Front. It is painful to observe that despite three deaths, the authorities are silent on the issue. Family members of the deceased have rubbished claims that the youths died due to use of drugs. The state government should intervene and order a judicial probe into the circumstances that led to the incident, he said. BB Bharti, chairman, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, was unavailable for comments. Meanwhile, the state Food and Drug Department has initiated a drive to check records of chemists in the city. Sources said it was suspected that a section of youths were buying steroids and other performance enhancing drugs to clear their physical test. R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent New Delhi, July 1 The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed two petitions by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a case of alleged rape committed in 1999. A Bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan refused to entertain the two appeals, one seeking additional handwriting samples of the alleged rape victim and another for producing further evidence in the trial court at Panchkula. Arguing for Singh, senior counsel Jayant Bhushan contended that more handwriting samples of the victim were crucial for establishing the innocence of his client. The forensic laboratory had said the samples made available for testing were inadequate to come to a conclusion if the victim had written any letter to the accused, he said. The Bench, however, said the accused should not argue that the victims purported I love you statement implied I am available. Bhushan pleaded that his client, who was on bail in the case, should at least be allowed to produce experts in the trial court to repudiate the authenticity of the letter, which the victim had already denied during cross-examination. If it was a rape or consensual sex will be examined by the trial court by going into the evidence, the Bench remarked while dismissing the appeals against the high court rulings. MC Thakur Manali, July 1 Tourists visiting Kullu-Manali seem to have learnt no lesson from yesterdays tragedy when a youth from Rohtak drowned while bathing along the Beas near Vashisht Chowk on the Manali-Rohtang road. Although the administration has put up warning boards requesting the tourists not to go near the river, the latter pay no heed. Such boards have also been put up along the Kullu-Manali highway asking the visitors to stay away from the river banks where a sudden rise in water level can prove fatal. Despite seeing the warning boards, the tourists go down to the river banks, especially to get clicked. A number of tourists could be seen getting their pictures clicked at the same spot today. The Beas, which runs along the Kullu-Manali highway, attracts hundreds of tourists while driving between Kullu- Manali and Manali-Rohtang. Despite several unfortunate incidents in the past, including the death of 24 engineering students from Hyderabad near Thalout, the tourists continue to sit along the banks and even go a few metres away to click pictures and bathe. Manali SDM Jyoti Rana said for the safety of the tourists, warning boards had been put up at many places requesting tourists not go near the Beas. The visitors do not pay attention to the warning signs and keep walking towards the river, she added. Meanwhile, a search operation has been launched by the Manali police to locate the body of Haryana youth, Pardeep Kumar, who was washed away in the strong currents of the Beas yesterday. Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service Dharamsala, July 1 The members of the district bar association who have been sitting on fast until death demanding abolition of circuit courts today got political support. Former minister and senior BJP leader Kishan Kapoor today visited the district courts where the members of the bar are sitting on an indefinite hunger strike. Kapoor said the demands of the members of Dharamsala district bar were genuine. He said that the circuit courts that have been established at the sub divisional levels were causing more inconvenience to the litigants rather than helping them. The demand for setting up circuit bench of Himachal High Court at Dharamsala was long pending. The previous BJP government in the state had written to the union government for setting up a circuit court of Himachal High court at Dharamsala. Now the present state government should pursue the case, he said. Kapoor also questioned the silence of the local minister and congress MLA from the area Sudhir Sharma over the issue. Meanwhile, the newly elected Mayor of Dharamsala Rajni and Deputy Mayor Davinder Jaggi also visited the dharna site and expressed their solidarity with the bar members. Today on the fourth day the condition of three of seven lawyers sitting on indefinite hunger strike deteriorated. The indefinite hunger strike was started by five lawyers but yesterday two more lawyers had joined it. The condition of Tek Chand Rana, president of the district bar association who is a septuagenarian, deteriorated. The other two lawyers whose condition is deteriorating are Ankur Sony, general secretary of the bar association, and Richa Vashisht, joint secretary. The sources here said that the district administration tried to initiate dialogue with the protesting members of the bar to persuade them to shift Tek Chand Rana and other two lawyers whose condition was deteriorating to hospital. However, the bar members refused the request. Instead, apprehending that Tek Chand Rana might be shifted forcibly to hospital, the members of bar sat on a dharna surrounding them to prevent such a move. The members of Dharamsala are alleging that until the written assurance given to them regarding abolition of three circuit courts at Baijnath, Jawali and Indora was not implemented they shall continue their dharna. There are six circuit courts in Kangra district. These were established in 2013 by the former Chief Justice of Himachal High Court. The members of district bar association of Dharamsala have alleged that the establishment of circuit courts had hit their livelihood. The Indian Institute of Technology is likely to conduct entrance test in foreign countries from next year. The test is likely to be conducted in Singapore, UAE, SAARC nations but Pakistan is not on the list. NO Pakistan, IIT entrance test likely to be held in SAARC nations By India Today Web Desk: The Indian Institute of Technology is likely to conduct entrance test in foreign countries from next year. The test is likely to be conducted in Singapore, UAE, SAARC nations, but Pakistan is not on the list. The move is to select foreign students for its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Reason for not conducting entrance test in Pakistan advertisement The reason for not including Pakistan in the list is the difficult faced by students in procuring visas for studying in India. "Considering various factors, especially difficulties involved with regard to students procuring visas, it has been decided that entrance tests for IITs may not be conducted in Pakistan for the upcoming year" sources said. Seats available for Indian students will remain same According to officials, there will be additional seats allocated for foreign nationals, which will not reduce the seats available for Indian students. "The entrance tests to the IITs abroad have been held till now only to admit Indian nationals. This is for the first time that it has been planned to admit foreign students through tests held abroad. It is aimed that the plan would be made operational from the JEE/GATE exams to be conducted in 2017," sources told Deccan Chronicle. Read: DU aspirants heave sigh of relief as cut-offs for science stream remain unchanged Read: DU admissions first cut-off 2016: Here is how Twitteratti reacted Click here for education related news. --- ENDS --- Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, July 1 Amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and Bam Bam Bhole, the first batch of 1,282 pilgrims, including 144 sadhus, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 33 vehicles escorted by security forces today for the holy shrine of Shri Amarnath in south Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh along with Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore, MoS Education Priya Sethi along with senior government officers flagged off the first batch of the annual Amarnath yatra. They performed a traditional pooja before the flag-off. The batch comprising 900 men, 225 women,13 children, 143 sadhus and 1 sadhvi, in 33 vehicles, including 27 buses and six LMVs, left Jammu early on Friday morning for Chandanwari at Pahalgam and Baltal in south Kashmir. After flagging off the first batch, the Deputy CM said, All necessary arrangements regarding security, basic amenities, medical facilities and other things have been made for the smooth conduct of the yatra. Security of the pilgrims is always a main concern for the government, but I think the situation has improved in the state and all pilgrims are safe in Jammu and Kashmir, he added. The pilgrims of the first batch started their journey today from Jammu as bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva were sung. Karuna, a college student from Ghaziabad, said, I am visiting the shrine for the first time and I am very excited to go there and get the blessings of Baba Barfani (ice lingam). Many of the pilgrims were going to visit the shrine for the first time, but there were dozens who were regular visitors of this annual feature. I am coming here for the seventh time and will keep coming till Lord Shiva blesses me with health. This time four new people of my locality have joined me and now we are 15 people in our group, said Kamal Kumar from Gwalior. There is no fear in our mind and the true disciple of Lord Shiva need not worry about anything. Bhole baba will take care of us, he added. Briefing about the security arrangements of the pilgrims, Sunil Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, said, We have deployed sufficient number of troops for the security of the pilgrims. Special attention has been given to the highway and Yatri Niwas and all the yatra-related activities are under strict vigil of the security forces. The Amarnath yatra will commence from Chandanwari and Baltal in south Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Purshotam Purnima on Saturday as per the Hindu calendar.It will conclude on August 18 on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). Tribune News Service Srinagar, July 1 Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here today reviewed the overall security situation with top Army, security forces, police and intelligence officers ahead of the annual Amarnath yatra that commences via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes amid tight security arrangements across the Valley on Saturday. The Union Home Minister arrived here today on a two-day visit to the Kashmir valley to review the security situation ahead of the Amarnath yatra in the backdrop of recent spurt in the militancy-related incidents across the Valley. The two-hour meeting was held at Raj Bhawan in which Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also participated. All officers, who are part of the Unified Headquarters, including top Army, CRPF, J&K Police and intelligence agencies, attended the meeting. It discussed all issues related to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra and also security of tourists arriving in the Valley. This was the first such meeting held here after Mehbooba Mufti took over as the Chief Minister on April 4. The yatra is taking off in the backdrop of a series of militancy-related incidents across the Valley, particularly in June which saw 14 such incidents. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh told the State Assembly on the concluding day here on Thursday that these included three major attacks. Two which were on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway that is mainly taken by the pilgrims to the Valley. The first militant attack took place at Bijbehara on June 3 in which three BSF men were killed. In the deadliest attack last month, militants killed eight CRPF jawans and injured 27 when their convoy came under attack at Pampore on June 25. Two other J&K Police personnel were shot dead by unidentified militants in Anantnag town on June 4. Manika Ahuja Are you yearning to spend some much-needed quality time with your family at shopping malls, but your busy office schedule and copious business assignments are not allowing you to? Now, there is a piece of good news for the people who work in shifts the Union Cabinet has approved the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Services) Bill, 2016. The new model law that got concurrence from the Union cabinet would allow shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments, to run 24x7 throughout the year. This means you will soon have a chance to shop and go to the movies at your favourite malls round-the-clock! According to the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, the main aim of the Bill which also provides for women to be employed on night shifts with adequate security, is to increase employment generation. The Centres decision to encourage round-the-clock business hours has enthused a large section of Tricity denizens, who believe that it is important for cities to have activity without any restriction based on the clock. Winning streak More than anything else, the Model Shops and Establishments Bill 2016 would bring about a tremendous change in Indias economic status. Its final passage would provide employment with flexibility of time. It also gives us the liberty to work according to our life conditions. Its a win-win situation in the context of both employer and employee. Divyani Gandhi, model Welcome move The implementation of the Bill would help women. It is as good opportunity for them to earn more. Darpan Goyal, CEO, WebRoot Technologies Wasting manpower Allowing malls to run 24x7 would just be a waste of manpower and energy. In the era of energy consumption, I think we should rather seek energy conservation methods rather than draining out everything we have. Also, the suggestion of employing women on night shifts with adequate security seems to be a mockery. Kangan Pawar Dixit, teacher Women power We often talk about women empowerment and the passage of the Bill in question will be a great step in this direction. It makes no sense to prohibit women from working during late hours. Everyone has the fundamental right of equality. Manish Sharma, advocate Economic boost I support the move. Those who work in shifts will have no reason to worry about the closing time of malls. More employment generation will give the economy a major boost. Manisha Yadav, Defence forces aspirant Amarjot Kaur She can sing in as many as 21 languages, and she has often been appreciated for hitting the right notes as many times she performed on Zee TVs show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Jyotika Tangri, who anchors her talent to the roots of the city she hails from, is not only enthusiastic about her stint on the singing-based reality show, but also shoulders the responsibility of mirroring the worth of talent in Punjab, Jalandhar in particular. You know, the name of my city is attached to me; for each time I come on stage, Im instantly connected to Jalandhar (with my name that appears on the screen). Strangely, it gives me a lot of strength, she says. A graduate in vocal music, Jyotika, has been training in classical music from her guruji, Dharmendra Kathak, who is from the Jaipur gharana. I owe it to my city, where I studied music since I was a six-year-old and theres a lot of effort thats gone into furnishing this talent; so, I do feel responsible to the city that has given me so much, and I would want to sing for Punjabi music Industry, shares Jyotika, who has already sung in a Punjabi movie, titled Vaisakhi List, starring Jimmy Shergill. Considering that theres a dearth of good Punjabi female vocalists in the industry, Jyotika believes that her talent will add a feather to the male-dominated Punjabi music industrys hat! However, considering the advent of technology in the field of music, with EDM (electronic dance music) becoming a growing genre, and Tomorrowland becoming the new Woodstock Music Festival, one constantly questions to themselves, Did technology kill the talent with voice processors and modulators, which make everyone sound good? so we shot the same question at Jyotika. Honestly, I know there are a lot of people who can sing well once their voice is processed, but I do believe that talent never fades. So, if Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is known to sing in a certain way, because he has a talent for it, theres no technology that can be a substitute for his talent, opines Jyotika. With Zee TVs Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, being the first and most iconic singing talent hunt show on Indian television that has been instrumental in introducing the country to some of its demigods of music like Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Shekhar Ravjiani, Bela Shende, Sanjivani and Kamal Khan in the last two decades, does the perishable fame of reality shows worry Jyotika? Not really, for she says, Reality shows do give you fame for a short span of time, but that too, depends on you, your hard work and determination to succeed. Honestly, after dedicating my whole life to music, I have nothing to fear. I am sure my hard work will pay off and I would love to sing for Punjabi music industry for sure, she signs off. This weekend on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, watch a tribute to the monsoon that will show contestants singing and dancing to popular rain songs of Bollywood. On Saturday, July 2, at 9:30 pm only on Zee TV Tribune News Service Ludhiana, July 1 Dr Anamika Gupta, a former veterinary pathology PG student of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) has received a graduate assistantship award for PhD programme in the Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, USA, for 2016. She received a grant amounting to US$ 37, 356 per year, which will cover her PhD tuition fee and living expenses. Her topic for doctoral research will be immunological regulation intended to improve immunity as an alternative to antibiotics. Anamika graduated from Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, and did her Masters in Veterinary Pathology from GADVASU under the guidance of Dr Amarjit Singh, Professor, Veterinary Pathology. During her Masters, she worked on the project entitled Studies on correlation between cytopathology and Th1/Th2 cytokine expression in bovine lymphadenopathies. A part of her MVSc research project has been published recently by the Journal of Parasitic Diseases (Springer Publications). Another publication, concerned with cytokine expression in natural cases of bovine lymphadenopathies, has been accepted in the Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances (Academic Journal, Inc.). Dr Simrat Sagar Singh, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, and Dr HS Banga, Head, Department of Veterinary Pathology, congratulated Anamika for her achievements and wished her good luck for her future endeavours. Ludhiana: The language department, Punjab, has started free Urdu course Urdu Aamoz for those keen to learn the language. The classes commenced from Friday. Raman Kumar Sahota, district language officer, said the six month course was offered free of cost. Interested candidates can get the applications forms from the district language office at Punjabi Bhawan here. Mock Drill The Army unit at Baddowal carried out a mock drill for rescue operations in fire incidents. Teams of the Army, Air Force and district administration participated in the drill which focused on seeking assistance from outside in emergencies. Lt Col DMS Rao, administrative officer of the Army unit, said the district authorities, including Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Bhagat, responded immediately to the emergency message and acted accordingly. The outcome of the drill was satisfactory, he said. CET exam Students of Tulip Academy of Life Sciences excelled in the CET examination conducted by Punjab University. Dr Smiley Pruthi Pahwa, Joint director of the academy, said Dimple Nagpal had topped the university CET examination, while Karamjot Kaur (third position), Munisha Bhatti (7th place) and Guneet Kaur (24th place) had also excelled and brought laurels to the institution. Dr Smiley, along with director Jaspreet Singh, presented mementoes to the meritorious students and wished them success in their future academic careers. Writer felicitated Noted Punjabi writer Dr Gurcharan Kaur Kochhar was felicitated on her arrival back to the city after attending a session on world peace and brotherhood organised by International Samarsata Manch, Nepal, in Kathmandu. Dr Kochhar was presented with Indo-Nepal Samarsata Award at the function. In a meeting of the Punjabi Lekhak Kalakar Sabha, its general secretary Som Nath said Dr Kochhar had been serving the Punjabi literature and society for the last 25 years. She had also been bestowed with a national award for contribution towards Punjabi literature. Founders Day Mandi Ahmedgarh: Staff at various branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) undertook public utility projects as part of Founders Day celebrations today. Arun Yadav, deputy general manager, supervised the teams of volunteers of the organisation led by JP Singh and SK Sethi, assistant general managers. Officials posted at Dehlon, Sehora, Raikot, Phullanwal, Jodhan, Katani, Sahnewal and Doraha branches, besides the local town, vowed to make their organisation the first choice for financial dealings. Balwant Singh, Mohit Jindal, Annpurna Aroa, Nissar Garg, Rajiv Bajaj, Madhu Lekha Mishra, HS Chahar, Shalini Kujar and Rahul Kumar presided over the functions at their respective branches. Main function was held at Dehlon where volunteers led by Akbar Ali, Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), planted fruit tree saplings and ornamental plants at vacant plots and common places. Sweets were distributed among clients visiting various branches. Besides tree plantation, books and stationary were distributed among poor students. Tribune Reporters Ratna Raman ONCE, the noun rape had affiliations with the botanical world. Rapeseed oil was consumed in different parts of the world, so were the leaves and seeds. Turnips were also termed rapes. Recoiling perhaps from such hideous association, turnips are no longer known by any other name and oil produced from rapeseed is generically referred to as canola. Mustard is now the preferred usage. Unfortunately, the verb rape continues to corrode lives. The earliest usage of rape, in the 14th century Middle English (rapen; rappen), came from Latin (rapere; to seize; violate) and Old French (rapir; to abduct). Ovids Metamorphosis, narrating tales of women raped by kings and gods, influenced the work of Englands court poets. Renaissance painting and sculpture breathed life into myths depicting the rape of Leda by Zeus in a swans shape. Titians Rape of Europa (1560) portrays Zeus as a bull. Leda founded Greek civilisation while Europa became the Queen of Crete. In Hungarian mythology, Emese, mother of Almos, legendary Magyar ruler (9th century), was supposedly impregnated by the mythological Turul bird. Shakespeares poem The Rape of Lucrece (1594) documents rape as a hideous sexual assault and records trauma and anguish, possibly for the first time. Tarquins rape of Lucrece, wife of a friend and fellow Roman Collatine, leaves her shamed and distraught. Making this onslaught public, Lucrece kills herself. Tarquin and his family are subsequently banished. The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Popes five-canto mock-epic (1714) refers to the forcible snipping off of a lock of hair. The violence of rape shifts through such sleight of hand narrative to occupy a space of male ardour inspired by female coquettishness. Nineteenth century Hungarian sculpture celebrates Emeses impregnator. The coat of arms of the Hungarian army, the Counter Terrorism Centre and the Office of National Security carry Turul designs and motifs to date. Yeatss Leda and the Swan shows Leda mastered by rape. The Rape of Europa is also a 20th century novel and film detailing Nazi plunder of art treasures in WWII. Rape continues to be glossed over worldwide because myths and representations of rape feed continually into male fantasies of power and conquest. Opinions such as boys will be boys or that 20 minutes of action cannot cost a man 20 years demonstrate a failure to recognise the brutality inherent in rape. Three Idiots (2009) repeatedly showcased the word balatkar (rape) generating offensive humour. Honey Singhs song proudly announces Mai Hoon Balatkari. A Bollywood star declared that his son would grow up and be a rapist. Another recently equated the physical weariness brought on by celluloid shadow wrestling with the condition of a raped woman. Such insensitive utterances remain a matter of grave concern. When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy is an abhorrent expression that continues to be used. Rapists must be apprehended and punished and female vulnerability must no longer be interpreted as implying consent. We need to rewrite myths, enforce laws cognisant of the rights of victims and harness public outrage in order to free society from the scrouge of rape. Dehradun/Itanagar, July 1 At least 12 people were killed and 17 trapped under tonnes of debris with little chances of survival, as monsoon rains triggered landslides in parts of Uttarakhand on Friday. Five people were killed after a landslide hit West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. A huge landslide in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand left 70 yatris bound for Badrinath stranded for hours before they were rescued. Five officials of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are reported missing after landslide and torrential rains in West Kameng of Arunachal. An army team has been rushed to West Kameng to assist in rescue operations, Defence PRO Lt Col Sombit Ghosh said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook and Twitter @thetribunechd) NDRF teams were rushed from Delhi to the affected areas in both Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts to help in the rescue operations along with along with SDRF, SSB and ITBP and local agencies, officials said. While eight people were killed in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district where two were swept away by a mass of mud and slush rushing into Siron village near Chamoli, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said. One person was killed in Ghat block and another was killed in similar manner at Sithel village, he said adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. Eight people were killed as a cloudburst hit Singhali area of Pithoragarh district early this morning flattening homes in over seven villages. Read: Uttarakhand cloudbursts a sign of extreme weather events ahead We have recovered five bodies from the Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for other bodies is on by rescue parties consisting of Army and paramilitary personnel, Pithoragarh District Magistrate HC Semwal said. The entire area is being scoured for people who went missing after the cloudburst which occurred early in the wee hours affecting several villages. According to disaster management officer R S Rana, the cloudburst occurred in Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages which are lying under heavy debris with people trapped under it. "The rescuers are trying their best to locate and recover people, Rana said. Pithoragarh disaster management office said the cloudburst brought over 100 mm rains in a space of just two hours in an area spread over 50 square km leaving a trail of destruction. According to villagers, it is for the first time in 100 years that the region has seen such a cloudburst. PM Modi expresses grief Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Governor KK Paul expressed grief at the loss of lives in the two districts and asked officials to be on the alert. The crisis could be big as many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought in the wake of the heavy rains and cloudburst. IG (law and order) Anil Raturi said around 70 devotees bound for Badrinath were left stranded by a huge landslide near Nirmal Palace Hotel in Chamoli. However, police and SDRF personnel evacuated them to safer locations. Makeshift tents and foodgrains are being provided for the affected families, an official release here said. The MeT department in Dehradun had yesterday warned of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours starting this morning. Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar, Champawat, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri may be hit by heavy to very heavy rains during the period, the MeT department had said in its warning issued last evening. This evening, the MeT department said heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places with extremely heavy falls at isolated places in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champavat, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri districts and heavy rain at isolated places in rest of the districts of Uttarakhand during the next 48 hours. The cloudbursts also revealed loopholes in the state government's preparedness to deal with such situations with Chief Minister Harish Rawat telling a private news channel that due to poor connectivity it took him four hours to establish telephonic contact with Pithoragarh District Magistrate. "Now we know what we need to do for better connectivity in disaster prone areas of the state," he said. Rs 1 lakh ex gratia for Arunachal victims Meanwhile, five bodies were recovered after a landslide hit West Kameng district of Arunachal, police said adding a search was on for the other bodies. Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa announced ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh to the kin of each victim. "There have been torrential rains for two days which seems to have triggered the landslide. The victims were residing below a small hillock, which caved in, burying the 10 people," said a district official. Agencies New Delhi, July 1 The government on Friday confirmed reports that two Indian nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria and said that the Indian mission in the West African nation is closely coordinating with local agencies in the wake of the incident. Yes, in an unfortunate development, two Indian nationals, Mangapudi Srinivas and Kaushal Anish Sharma natives of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were abducted on the morning of June 29 in the Benue state of Nigeria, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said at his weekly media briefing. Both were on their way to work at the Benue Cement company, owned by the Dangote Group, he said. The Dangote Group is a Nigerian multinational industrial conglomerate, the largest in West Africa. Swarup said that the employers of the two Indians immediately informed the Governor of Benue state, the State Commissioner of Police as well as the local head of State Security Service, the internal intelligence arm. Our mission in Abuja is closely coordinating with these agencies and the company, and we are hopeful of an early resolution to the issue, he said. Stating that no ransom demand has been made, the spokesperson added: There is nothing to show that the abductors were from the Boko Haram group and perhaps local criminal elements are involved. IANS At least 10 people were feared dead in a massive landslide at Bhalukpong Tippi at West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh today due to incessant rain from last one week. Operations are on to rescue those feared to be trapped in the debris. By Pranab Kumar Das: At least 10 people were feared dead, 3 were injured and five bodies were recovered while 5 are still missing in a massive landslide at Bhalukpong Tippi at West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh today due to incessant rain from last one week, officials sources said. LANDSLIDE CLAIMS 10 LIVES Sources confirmed that 10 people have died in the landslide at Bhalukpong circuit house. A part of the circuit house was washed away along with a small building in a nearby area. Five bodies have been recovered by the rescue team this evening, another five are being searched for and three were seriously injured. Operations are on to rescue those feared to be trapped in the debris. advertisement Gandhi Sakrinso, a social worker and a member of the rescue team said, "This is a very tragic moment. At around 12.30 pm, I heard the sound of landslide." The members of a family staying nearby and working in Rural Development office are among the people who died in the landslide. RESCUE OPERATIONS UNDERWAY Kabul Sing Sangsera, OC from Bhalukpong police station, is monitoring the rescue team. Talking to a correspondent, he said that 10 people died in the incident and three were injured. Five bodies have been recovered which were trapped in the mud and have been identified as two females and three males. Third person was an employee of the RWD and some of them were PWD employees, he said. The circuit house and the Inspection bungalow, both have been damaged. Various officials and district administration involved in the rescue operation the officials said the JCB machine and excavators are also being used to recover the bodies. The main road connecting to Bhalukpong to Tawang, which was blocked after the landslide for three hours, was cleared at 3 pm, the police said. GOVERNOR EXPRESSES GRIEF, ISSUES WARNING Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa has expressed shock and grieved at the loss of lives in a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall at Bhalukpong in West Kameng District, according to an official release of the Governor house. Condoling the loss of lives and praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls, the Governor has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs One lakh for the kins of every victim who died in the landslide. The Governor once again cautioned the people and advised them to take necessary precautions as the State is experiencing torrential rainfall. He also asked the State Government and District Administrations review the directives issued earlier regarding the people living in landslide and flood prone areas. Also read: Torrential rains and landslide create havoc in Arunachal Pradesh --- ENDS --- Bengaluru, July 1 In a major milestone in the military aviation in the country, the first squadron of home-grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into the India Air Force (IAF) with two fighter planes joining the force here. State-run HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to the IAF, which makes up the first squadron named Flying Daggers, at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook and Twitter @thetribunechd) A Tejas aircraft flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari performed a sortie during the induction ceremony, attended by Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command and senior HAL executives. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named Tejas (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in the Tejas, had given the thumbs up to the desi aircraft, terming it good for induction. The IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said the Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. The LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said here next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned. This will go into initially replacing them. LCAs are better than MiGs which are old and parts are difficult to get, he had said. All squadrons of the Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the Initial Operational Clearance and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. The IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of the Tejas, with active electrically scanned array radar, unified electronic warfare suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over delay. Matter of unparalleled pride, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today termed the induction of Tejas into the IAF a matter of unparalleled pride and happiness and a step which illustrates the skills and strengths of Indian scientists. Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness, he tweeted. I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing, Modi said in another tweet. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. Parrikar lauds HAL, ADA Meanwhile, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated the state-run HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on the induction of the Tejas into the IAF and said the planes would be a force multiplier. Moment of National pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights, Parrikar tweeted. He said, Congratulations to HAL and ADA for successful induction. PTI Mumbai, July 1 The Maharashtra Home Department has suspended then prison superintendent of Nashik prison for granting parole to convict Sajjad Mogul, who was serving life sentence in the sensational Pallavi Purkayastha murder case and later went missing. Additional Director-General of Police (Prisons) BK Upadhyaya said the suspension order of the then jail superintendent JS Naik was signed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last evening. Based on the report of Deputy Inspector General (Jails) Rajendra Dhamne, who headed a probe into the incident, the Home Department has decided to suspend Naik with immediate effect. He committed a grave error in granting parole to Mogul, Upadhyaya said. Naik was given charge of Amravati jail a few weeks back. According to a source in the Home Department, Naik was already facing a departmental inquiry for granting furlough to two persons, who were convicted in terrorism related charges and had escaped while out on leave. As per the jail manual, furlough is not granted to those who are convicted under such charges. Mogul, a native of Jammu and Kashmir, had sought parole citing ill health of his mother in February, which was granted as per due procedure. He had then sought an extension of two months, Nashik Central Jail Superintendent Ramesh Kamble had earlier said. The jail authorities informed Nashik Road Police that Mogul did not return after completion of his parole, following which a complaint was lodged against him on April 28. Corporate lawyer Pallavi Purkayastha (25) was murdered by Mogul on August 9, 2012, at her apartment after he made advances at her which she resisted. Mogul was employed as a watchman in the building. He had managed to get a duplicate key of the main door of Pallavis house where she lived with her fiance, Avik Sengupta. Avik had found her body lying in a pool of blood when he returned home on the fateful day. A little over a year, he also died of a brain disorder. A local court had sentenced Mogul to life imprisonment in 2014. PTI Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service Chandigarh, July 1 Punjab Regiment, the Armys oldest infantry outfit has raised a new battalion as part of the Armys force accretion programme and ongoing restructuring. The new unit, christened 30th Battalion, became operational at the Punjab Regimental Centre in Ramgarh today. The raising was marked by the unfurling of the battalions regimental flag at the centre, where troops will undergo training after enrollment and where the regimental records are kept. Col SC Kandpal is the battalions first Commanding Officer, with Sub Maj Lakhwinder Singh as the senior JCO. The Center Commandant, Brig GS Sisodia, unit officers and other ranks were also present on the occasion. It is after two years that a new Punjab Regiment battalion has been raised. In 2014, the 29th Battalion, then commanded by Col HS Guleria, was raised at the centre and moved to the Western Sector on its first operational deployment. Other infantry regiments, including the Sikh Regiment and Sikh Light Infantry, that draw their manpower from this region are also raising new battalions. The number 30 is not new to the Punjab Regiment. In 1857, the British had raised the 22nd Regiment of Punjab Infantry at Ludhiana, which was later redesignated as 30th Punjabis. After Independence, this battalion was allocated to Pakistan. With the new raising, Punjab Regiments strength has gone up to 20 regular battalions in addition to four Rashtriya Rifles and three Territorial Army units. One of the oldest and most highly decorated regiments of the Indian Army, it traces its history to 1761. The Armys two elite outfits, First Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and the First Battalion of Brigade of the Guards, are erstwhile Punjab Regiment units. GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 1 The SGPC has decided to preserve the bullet marks on the walls of Teja Singh Samundri Hall sustained during Operation Bluestar, a move that observers say is aimed at countering the impression that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has abandoned its Panthic agenda. Headed by Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale, the kar sewa to refurbish the historic building begins tomorrow. The SGPCs additional secretary, Diljit Singh Bedi, said there were at least 100 bullet marks on the facade of the building, which would be preserved by experts. We are revamping the building for the first time after Operation Bluestar. Special care is being taken to preserve the bullet marks. Whereas most buildings damaged in the Army operation were renovated, Samundri Hall was left untouched. It was not even given a fresh coat of paint. The bullet marks on Darshani Deori too will be preserved, he said. Dedicated to one of SGPCs founder members, Teja Singh Samundri Hall was raised in 1937. The SGPC in 1986 filed a court petition, seeking a compensation of Rs 1,000 crore from the Union Government for the damage caused to the Golden Temple complex during Operation Bluestar. The building with the bullet marks will be cited as evidence during the court hearing, say sources. The case now is in the Delhi High Court. The proceedings were delayed as the SGPC wanted immunity from paying the mandatory court fee amounting to a whopping Rs 10 crore. It eventually deposited the fee in June 2013. The SGPC has already submitted photographs of the damaged Akal Takht and other buildings to substantiate its claim. Ruchika M. Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 30 The seriousness attached by the Punjab Government to the one-man Justice Zora Singh Commission of Inquiry constituted to inquire into the cases of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib last year could be gauged from the treatment meted out to the author of the report at the Civil Secretariat today evening. First, the offices were closed and there was no one to receive the report at the allotted time. Then, junior-level officials were sent after an endless wait and repeated calls, upsetting the judge. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook and Twitter @thetribunechd) Not that the report had much to offer. It does not draw any inference of a larger political controversy behind the theft and desecration of the holy book. The commission, over the past seven months, probed the three incidents of desecration in Faridkot district last year and the incidents at Bargari and Kotkapura, where police action was taken against protesters. The 51-page report has merely recorded the statements of 206 witnesses, including police and executive officers. No officer has been indicted for the police action on protesters or inaction to trace the missing holy book from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala. It has, however, given certain recommendations regarding compensation to be paid. Talking to The Tribune, Justice Zora Singh said he had held three public hearings in Faridkot and Moga in December, February and then on March 31-April 1. We (the commission) met eyewitnesses and other people associated with the three incidents. The two brothers who were arrested and later released Rupinder Singh and Jaswinder Singh were also examined. Several key religious leaders like Giani Kewal Singh, former Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib; Bhai Panthpreet Singh, Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale; family members of Krishan Bhagwan Singh of Niamiwala village and Gurjeet Singh of Sarawan, who were killed in police firing at Behbal Kalan; other leaders like Gurdeep Singh were called and their statements and affidavits were taken by the Commission. There were others like Daler Singh Kheri Wale who were issued several summons but refused to appear before the commission, he said. For several witnesses who could not come for public hearings, he added, the Commission went to their houses to examine them and record their statements. Justice Zora Singh told The Tribune that all aspects of the desecration incidents had been looked into in the probe. However, because our findings can interfere with the police and CBI investigation into the incidents, I do not want to discuss if there is a political conspiracy, he said, adding that all police and executive officers had cooperated with them. No one to receive report Unable to get time from Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, retired Justice Zora Singh, along with his registrar and three staff members, reached the Civil Secretariat at 6.25 pm on Thursday only to find all offices locked. They claimed that the Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Secretary, DMS Bedi, had asked them to submit the report at 6.30 pm. However, the office was locked. Repeated phone calls and messages to the officers went answered. Finally, after 20 minutes in the sweltering heat, a clerk from the Control Room walked in rather apologetically and asked the retired judge to hand him the report. A visibly upset Zora Singh asked the clerk to call his seniors. A senior assistant from the Protocol Department then came up and the retired Judge again refused. Special Secretary, Protocol, Rajeev Prashar, was finally sent there and he pacified the judge Tribune News Service Chandigarh, July 1 The Justice Zora Singh Commission may have fallen short of unraveling the conspiracy behind the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and the theft of the holy book from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala in Faridkot district last year. But it has raised question over the role of both the police and Sikh preachers in the protest. The report, which was handed over to the government last night, has not been made public so far. However, TNS has learnt that the 51-page report, in its second and third part, dealing with the Kotkapura incident and the Behbal Kalan incident of October 14, has said that had the preachers appealed to the protestors for peace, the situation would not have become tense. Sikh preachers Bhai Panthpreet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale were at the forefront of the agitation, and on October 14, when the police action was initiated, the two preachers were amongst those leading the protest at Kotkapura. Both preachers were examined by the commission. Sources say that the report has also raised a question mark over the police role in dealing with protestors at both Kotkapura chowk and Behbal Kalan. The then Moga SSP, Charanjit Sharma (who was later suspended) had reached Behbal Kalan along with the SHO of Baja Khana police station, A S Kular, and had led the police action on protestors, in which two persons were killed in police firing. On the same day, the police had lathi- charged protestors at Kotkapura chowk, allegedly to disperse the protestors and take possession of the torn pages of the holy book which were in the possession of these protestors. Sources said that the then Commissioner, Ludhiana range, P S Umaranangal, was heading the police operation. The inquiry report, while not indicting any officer, reportedly says that the police charged at the protestors without issuing a warning that it was an unlawful assembly of protestors and if they did not disperse, action would be initiated. The report says that the firing on protestors could have been avoided and had the police not fired at the protestors, the tense situation could have ebbed on its own, rather than spilling all over the state. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the inquiry report handed over to the Chief Secretary, will now be given to the Home Department, along with all relevant record. Since the inquiry report has also made certain recommendations regarding compensation to be given to the families of protestors who died and those who were injured, as well as constitution of a settlement commission- the home department will put these recommendations before the CM. New York, July 1 Researchers have confirmed that a benign bacterium can completely block transmission of Zika virus in Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species responsible for passing the virus to humans. The bacteria, called Wolbachia pipientis, could present a "novel biological control mechanism", aiding efforts to stop the spread of Zika virus, said Matthew Aliota, scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and first author of the study. The findings were reported in the journal Scientific Reports. Wolbachia can be found in up to 60 per cent of insects around the world, including butterflies and bees. While not typically found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito -- the species that also transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses -- Scott O'Neill from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, discovered in the early 1990s that Wolbachia could be introduced to the mosquito in the lab and would prevent the mosquitoes from transmitting dengue virus. Zika virus belongs to the same family as dengue virus and so researchers wanted to find out whether Wolbachia-harboring Aedes aegypti may also be effective against Zika virus. In the study, the team infected mice with Zika virus originally isolated from a human patient and allowed mosquitoes to feed on the mice either two or three days after they were infected. The researchers found that mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia were less likely to become infected with Zika virus after feeding on viral blood, and those that were infected were not capable of transmitting the virus in their saliva. "Mosquitoes with Wolbachia were less capable of harboring Zika virus, and though they do get infected with Zika, it is to a lesser extent than wild-type mosquitoes," Jorge Osorio, Professor at UW-Madison, said. Researchers led by Osorio are already releasing mosquitoes harbouring the Wolbachia bacterium in pilot studies in Colombia, Brazil, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia to help control the spread of dengue virus. IANS Swati Rai The melting pot of Anupamas eclectic inspirations creates an inspiring and cultural collection of fetichistic fashion, attaching us to the roots of India and at the same time making us international urban nomads. Clothes for our own century, said Lidewij Edelkoort, one of worlds renowned and leading trend forecaster, in praise of Anupama Dayal. Launched in 2004, brand Anupamaa received an overwhelming response in Paris, and was also showcased at the prestigious Rose-mount Australia Fashion Week. In 2007, she participated in the Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. The ace designer is now out with her latest collection Madhumalati, launched recently at the India Beach Fashion Week 2016, and it bowled over fashion lovers and critics alike. Tell us about your design philosophy? It is the revival of the ancient, almost-forgotten hand-printing and needle-craft techniques of India. My style is vintage-meets-bold and western. The print stories are often eclectic and the philosophy is organic. One of my favourite techniques is the hand-printing technique using wooden blocks. The wooden blocks are carved only after I submit my hand-drawn sketches and inspirations. The blocks are then dipped into dyes and placed on pure fabrics like silk and cotton. The mixing of the dye is a secret, which is closely guarded by the master printer. This art is handed down from one generation to another. The craft of mixing and cooking colours is the most crucial part of the process of printing in Anupamaa. The fabric is then coated with clay, rolled with parchment and steamed in an oven for a few hours. Post steaming, we wait for a day of crackling sunlight to wash the fabric. The sunlight oxidises the colours and makes them shine. What in your opinion are the dominant fashion trends of the decade? Fashion is a fast-changing world and trends are always evolving and making a comeback. However, if I had to pick trends, which I think will remain timeless are florals, stripes and dots. These are classic trends, which will always stay in fashion. At a time when the market gets flooded with new talent every second day, how do you reinvent yourself? Dont you feel insecure? With the boom in the fashion industry and the market welcoming new talent, it is important that one must remain true to ones aesthetics and innovate constantly. I don't suffer from insecurities. Its important to stay focused. I am inspired by everything I see on a daily basis and am always searching for interesting stuff, which in turn helps me find inspiration for my collections. Online designer retail space is the next big thing. What is your opinion about the same? I love the fact that through my designs I can make women feel beautiful and confident about themselves. In such competitive environment, I try not to stress about finances. As for selling clothes online, it is a great idea, which connects designers to masses. What would you say is signature Anupama Dayal style in terms of colours, cut and sensibility? The brand 'Anupamaa' is a philosophy of organic designs, craft and materials that are used in every collection. I love using bright hues and try to incorporate floral designs in my work. What does the future AD collection look like? It looks like this eras woman Happy, fit, travelling across the world in high spirits! Runaway success Anupamaa has been on the racks of iconic Anthropologie store since 2011, which means it makes its presence felt around the world. Awarded the designer of the year by a leading fashion magazine in 2011, Anupama is not just a force to reckon in the Indian market, but also in the West. The legendary Australian fashion retailer, Belinda Seper has been quoted as saying with Anupamaa, You get the soul of India. Neena Sharma Tribune News Service Dehradun, July 1 Three years have passed since the 2013 mid-June disaster but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to begin the work to strengthen the foundation of the Kedarnath temple, as recommended by engineers from the IIT, Chennai. Though the temple had survived the deluge, it was covered with debris and had suffered minor damages. Its stones had got dislodged and its foundation had weakened. As of now, we are engaged only in restoration work, including replacement of broken stones and chemical cleaning of walls at the temple. The flooring at the courtyard in the western part of the temple and in the area between east and north is still on. Several stone pieces had broken after water and muck swamped the temple area, said Lily Dhasmana, in charge, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Dehradun Circle. The Chennai IIT engineers had recommended the strengthening of the foundation of the temple for its long-term survival but this can only be done after the restoration work at the temple is complete. The conservation teams from the ASI have been working on flooring for the past two years and have covered around 500 sq m. The carving and cutting of locally available stones in a harsh climate is a tough job. Initially, we had hired craftsmen from Rajasthan who are well-versed in the art of stone masonry. The original profile of the stones has to be matched so that there is no mismatch in symmetry, said Dhasmana. Further, the masons and the ASI restoration teams have only a few months to work on at the temple as Kedarnath becomes snow-bound. Though the flooring work was started in 2014, the inclement weather and dearth of ASI staff for restoration work are a challenge. The Dehradun circle of the ASI is facing an acute shortage of manpower which has led to a considerable time being spent on the restoration work. The top post of the Superintendent Archaeology of the Dehradun circle is vacant. While the Delhi University cut-off marks are turning the dreams of many student upside down in northern India, down south, in Tamil Nadu, is a girl who decided to take a break after finishing her tenth grade, quit school for a year to explore life and guess what? She is all set to publish a book called 'My Unskooled Year'. By KC Archana: In the post DU cut-off bustle, there are scores of students who are reeling under the pressure of exponentially high admission bar set by the colleges affiliated to the Delhi University. What students often forget in this Gordian knot of cut-offs and admissions is to discover their talent and inner passion. A mark sheet with high percentage cannot be the only measure to gauge one's intelligence and talent and it is never too late to just take a break to discover one's hidden potentials. advertisement This is exactly what 16-year-old Sagarikka Sivakumar from Tiruchirappalli, did instead of hurrying to join the 11th grade. After wrapping up with her 10th grade, she took a step back to reassess her passions and goals for the future. She says, "In the one year break, I dabbled with various spheres of life and compiled a page to page anecdote in a book called 'My Unskooled Year'". She also extended a helping hand to the victims ravaged by the tragic 2015 floods in Chennai and Cuddalore Photo: Sagarikka Sivakumar During the sabbatical, Sagarikka developed the acumen of an 'investor' and even went ahead and invested in the stock market. She entered the corporate world, worked in a hospital, in a BPO, at a hotel, a bank and with several NGOs. Looks like this teenager has done more than what we have done in all these years in just a single year. And this is not all. Sagarika tells us she was also 'bitten by the travel bug' and travelled to places including Mount Kailash and Leh. To document her incredible journey she learnt the art of documentary and filmmaking and produced short videos herself. To chronicle her stint with various businessmen, authors, professionals and youngsters studying abroad, she wore the hat of a blogger and wrote detailed articles narrating her experiences . She says, "from being someone with a total aversion to books, I became a voracious reader during this time. I read books on selling, strategy, success stories, goals and management." We feel an entrepreneur is definitely in the making. Sagarikka's story is a lesson for many who are caught up in the rat race, too scared to think in any other direction. We hope her story inspired more students to foster courage to look at life from a new angle. Because at the end of it all, marks, admissions, certificates and titles would not matter, but memories made and experiences had will. The spirited 16-year-old, who has now joined the 11th grade, is in the process of publishing her book by August. Way to go Sagarikka! --- ENDS --- advertisement Tribune News Service Dehradun, July 1 Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Governor KK Paul have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to cloudbursts and landslides in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts since last night. The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. The Chief Minister assured the people that the government would do everything possible to mitigate the sufferings of the victims. He directed the district magistrates concerned to provide immediate medical aid to the injured and the affected families. He told them to speed up the relief and rescue works. Rawat directed the commissioners of both circles to monitor the relief and rescue efforts by setting up camps in the affected areas. He told them to provide better medical facilities to the injured, besides providing relief to the affected persons immediately. He said NDRF and SDRF personnel were being deployed in the affected areas and they would help the district administrations in relief and rescue works. Helicopters were also being made available to evacuate the affected population. Rawat instructed the district magistrates to constantly update the Chief Secretary about the situation and make sufficient foodgrains available in the affected areas. People residing along riverbanks should be shifted to safer zones, said Rawat. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, rain and landslides occurred in Thal, Dharchula, Didihat, Gangolihat, Pithoragarh, Kanalicheena, Berinag, Bangapani, Davethal and Gannai Gangoli areas. A total of 163 families in Naulna Gaun and Nachni in Thal subdivision have been affected. The Pithoragarh district administration has sent contingents of NDRF, SDRF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Regiment for search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Meanwhile, the Governor has expressed grief at the loss of life and property due to cloudbursts in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts since last night. He hoped that relief would reach the affected areas immediately. Tribune News Service Mussoorie, July 1 Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi today expressed grief over the loss of lives due to cloudbursts in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts last night. He appealed to the government to immediately dispatch rescue teams from the Army, State Disaster Response Force and the police to the affected areas. Joshi alleged that the government was insensitive towards disaster-prone regions in the state. He added that while the state was struggling with floods and landslides, the Chief Minister was enjoying his stay at Delhi. Defending the Central Government, he said seven teams from the National Disaster Response Force had already been sent to the disaster affected areas. The MLA played an active role and got the Santala Devi road in Mussoorie cleared of landslide debris within two hours with the help of PWD officials. London, July 1 Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has bagged $11.5 million after he sold two artworks by Jean-Michel Basquiat in an auction. The Pirates of the Caribbean star auctioned off two artworks by Basquiat at a Christies auction, earning $4.75 million for one and $6.84 million for the other, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Meanwhile, the 53-year-old actor who is currently in the midst of a highly-publicised divorce from actress Amber Heard is reportedly keen to head to his private island in the Bahamas as much as possible to escape the drama of Los Angeles. He has no plans to return to Los Angeles. He misses nothing about LA but his kids, and they are visiting him in the Bahamas, a source said. IANS Melbourne, July 1 Millions of Australians were bracing for a key election that pits Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull against Labour Opposition leader Bill Shorten, who is vying to become the countrys fifth premier in three years, with polls indicating that the vote may be too close to call. Over 1.5 crore people are expected to exercise their votes tomorrow with over 1,600 candidates, including five of Indian-origin, contesting from over 55 political parties. The main contest is between Turnbull and his Conservative coalition against a Labour Opposition led by Shorten. Britains decision to leave the European Union prompted Australias political leaders to re-emphasise their economic security credentials ahead of the election this Saturday. Turnbull has urged the Australians to look for stability and re-elect his Conservative coalition which dumped the countrys last prime minister less than a year ago. Shorten said the ruling coalition is deeply divided so Labour could give a more stable government. The polls will elect all 226 members, including 150 for the Lower House of the 45th Parliament, after an eight-week official campaign period following the double dissolution announced by Prime Minister Turnbull in April this year. In the 150-seat House of Representatives, Labour currently holds 55 seats, the coalition 90 and five seats are held by minor parties or Independents. Major issues of economy, cost of living, education, climate change, Great Barrier Reef, health, house affordability, gay marriage and asylum seekers dominated the debate between Australias two major political groups. PTI Washington, July 1 Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the leading candidate to be picked as Donald Trumps running mate, followed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a media report has said. According to The Washington Post, the campaign of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has asked both Gingrich and Christie to submit documents for the vetting process and answer more than 100 questions from attorney Arthur B. Culvahouse, who has been tasked with the job. Gingrich (73), who has experience of successfully running the Congress as Speaker of the House of Representatives when Bill Clinton was the President, was a presidential candidate in the 2012 elections. Last year, he had helped launch Republican Hindu Coalition PAC, and was among the first few US leaders to have supported Narendra Modi when he was BJPs prime ministerial candidate. 53-year-old Christie was himself a presidential candidate this election cycle, before dropping out early in the primaries. He has maintained a strong relationship with the Indian-American community who constitute a strong political group in New Jersey. He was one of the few American politicians to have met Modi during his first visit to the US in September 2014 after becoming the Prime Minister. Both Gingrich and Christie are advocates of a strong India-US relationship and have a close ties with the Indian-American community. Despite media speculation, the Trump campaign has not thrown up any hint on his running mate. Trump, 70, on Thursday described both Gingrich and Christie as great guys. In the recent past, Trump has said he plans to announce his vice presidential running mate around the Cleveland convention later this month. The Washington Post, however, said Trump might announce his running as early as next week. Among others reported to be in the short list are Senators Jeff Sessions and Bob Corker. A few other names are also floating aroundSenators Richard Burr, Tom Cotton, John Thune and Joni Ernst and Governors Mike Pence and Mary Fallin. The Washington Post said Gingrich has an edge over Christie as of now. Given Trumps unpredictability, campaign associates caution that the presumptive Republican nominee could still shake up his shortlist, the daily said. PTI Riyadh, July 1 Muslim pilgrims joining this years Haj in Saudi Arabia will have to wear an electronic safety bracelet, newspapers reported today, after more than 2,000 died in a stampede last year. The high-tech safety measure will help authorities provide care and identify people, the Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported. At least 2,297 pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24 during last years Haj, according to data from foreign officials, some of whom expressed concerns about difficulty in identifying the victims. Saudi Arabia issued a death toll of 769. It was the worst disaster in Haj history. The bracelets are water resistant, connected to a GPS location system, and store each pilgrims personal information, including address and medical records, the newspapers said. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the interior minister who also chairs the Haj committee, ordered a probe immediately after the stampede disaster last year but there has been no word on its findings. The tragedy happened as pilgrims made their way in searing temperatures to the Jamarat, the place where they ritually stone the devil in the city of Mina in western Saudi Arabia. The Haj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year. In another safety measure, more than 800 surveillance cameras have been installed at Meccas Grand Mosque, Islams holiest site, the Saudi Gazette reported this month. AFP Dhaka, July 1 A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday in Bangladesh by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest murder in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Shymanondo Das was attacked around 6:30 am in Jhenaidah. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook and Twitter @thetribunechd) Shymanondo was collecting flowers for worship when three assailants riding on a motorcycle attacked him with a machete, Jhenaidah police station officer-in-charge Hasan Hazijur Rahman said. They hacked him mercilessly and fled the scene, Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent months specially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. On June 7, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in western Jhinaigah district while he was on his way to a temple. A Christian businessman was hacked to death on Jun 5 by unidentified machete-wielding men near a church, hours after the wife of the top anti-terror police officer was shot dead by religious extremists. In February, militants stabbed to death a Hindu priest at a temple in Bangladesh and shot and wounded a devotee who went to his aid. In April, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. In the same month, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by ISIS militants in his shop and Bangladeshs first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. The ISIS and al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. PTI Dhaka, July 1 Terrorist group Islamic State (IS) has claimed the responsibility of the attack at a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital late Friday in which a number of gunmen, said to be eight to nine, reportedly took at least 20 persons hostage. IS-affiliated wire Amaq Agency said the terror group was behind the attack. US President Barack Obama has been briefed on the hostage situation in Dhaka, White House officials said. The police have reportedly asked the media to stop live reporting of events unfolding while they attempt to negotiate with gunmen to release hostages. We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want," Police said. Chief of the Rapid Action Battalion, Benjir Ahmed said "derailed youths" entered the restaurant and launched the attack. "One of the attackers was armed with a sword, the others carried guns," an employee of a nearby cafe told RT. Some witnesses said they heard shooting noise and bomb blasts. At least four police officials were injured earlier after police exchanged fire with the gunmen attacked the restaurant popular with foreigners. Security forces have not yet entered the premisis of the restaurant, known as the Holy Artisan Bakery but are planning a rescue operation shortly. "Bangladesh plans to start operation soon to rescue hostages from Dhaka restaurant, held by 8-9 gunmen," a police officer was quoted as saying. As Islamic State loses territory in Iraq and Syria and its finances get drained, it may be trying to build affiliates in countries such as Libya, Egypt and Bangladesh for jihadists to launch attacks locally and cheaply, Analysts believe. Since February last year, the Muslim-majority South Asian nation of 160 million has seen the killing of at least 26 people, including five secular bloggers, a publisher and two gay right campaigners. Al-Qaida has claimed some of the attacks, while Islamic State has claimed 17 killings since first taking responsibility for murders in Bangladesh in September last year, according to US-based monitoring service SITE. Agencies By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) All establishments, including in private sector, will have to provide 26-week maternity leave to their women employees under a new bill, which the government plans to push in the upcoming Monsoon Session, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said today. While there is already a provision of 26-week or six- month maternity leave for the government employees, most private sector firms offer maximum three months of such leave. Besides, these benefits are not provided at all in many smaller establishments. advertisement Speaking to reporters here, the Minister said the new Maternity Benefit Bill, which seeks to enhance maternity leave to 26 weeks from existing 12 weeks, will be shortly taken up by the Cabinet for approval and the Ministry will push it for passage in the Monsoon session of Parliament. He, however, appeared to rule out making it mandatory to provide work-from-home option to the working mothers. "There are certain establishments where they can get (the permission to work from home). But in other establishments they will get the facility of (26 weeks maternity leave) after amendment in the Act," Dattatreya said. He was replying to a query about the steps being taken by his Ministry to promote the concept of work from home to increase women participation in the workforce. Asked about the paternity leave and other benefits for fathers, the Minister said, "The Bill is about mothers and children. It is not about the men." The Minister also said that the model law that allows shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments, to run 24x7 throughout the year will increase women participation in the workforce as it allows them to work in night shits. "The is a pro-women law. Besides, it will help in employment generation. This will help increase women participation in the workforce," the Minister said. The Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday. "The law also allows women to work in night (shifts).. There is provision for all facilities for women like drinking water, lavatory, creche, first aid and security," he said. The Model law also provides for creches if the establishment has 30 women/50 workers. While adopting the model law, the states can modify it as per their requirements. PTI KKS ANU BJ --- ENDS --- On National Doctor's Day, here are some of India's real Meredith Greys. And all of them have a few firsts to their name. By Rishibha Gupta: "There is no other day. Every day is like this. Every day is a crisis," said Meredith Grey on the popular American TV drama Grey's Anatomy. Little do we realise that doctors bear the brunt of screeching patients who reach out to them with the hope of 'fixing' everything, every single day. Amid all the chaos and pain and suffering, there are doctors who have not just cured people but also gone out of their comfort zones to innovate and become pioneers. advertisement What better day than National Doctor's Day, celebrated on July 1 across the country on the birth and death anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, to talk about these pioneers. It's because of the Bharat Ratna awardee that health organisations celebrate the contribution made by these selfless champions of medicine. Here are three women doctors to whom we'd like to say, Thank you, doc. Dr Indira Hinduja Doc feat: She successfully delivered India's first test tube baby. It's not every day that you hear of a municipal school student from Belgaum, Karnataka, turning her fascination for the nurse's uniform into something as grand as giving the country its first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) baby. It was on August 6, 1986 that Dr Indira Hinduja successfully delivered India's first IVF baby. Dr Indira Hinduja delivered the country's first test tube baby. Dr Indira Hinduja delivered the country's first test tube baby. This is not where the IVF expert stopped. She added another first to her name by making us have a 'GIFT' baby. Dr Hinduja continued her passion of innovating and helping patients in the field of assisted reproduction and went on to develop the Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT) technique. The technique enables fertilisation in the Fallopian tube instead of a test tube. On January 4, 1988 we got our first GIFT baby. Anandibai Joshi Doc feat: She was the first Indian woman to obtain a degree in western medicine. The sight of a lady doctor doing the rounds in a hospital is nothing extraordinary. Have you ever imagined though, who really was the first woman to have studied western medicine? There is no 'Dr' behind her name but she was the first woman in the country to qualify as a doctor from Women's Medical College, now known as Drexel University College of Medicine in Pennsylvania, US, in the 19th century. Obstetric practices among ancient Hindus was her topic of thesis. Thank you Anandibai for paving the way for women to join the field of medicine.Dr Firuza Parikh Doc feat: Gave India its first ICSI baby Men with low sperm count and women of advanced age usually have a hard time conceiving a baby. Dr Firuza Parikh helped in correcting the grouse most modern couples have. advertisement Dr Firuza Parikh at the India Today Woman Summit 2015. It was in 1994 that Dr Parikh gave not just India but South East Asia its first Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) baby. Over the years, the procedure has helped many infertile couples to have babies. Dr Firuza Parikh studied reproductive medicine at the prestigious Yale School of Medicine. The doc also set up the country's first private IVF centre in a private hospital. All we have to say is Thank You. --- ENDS --- The newest Kenworths in the construction firms fleet are T880s, like this multi-axle flatbed truck with a National 27-ton on-board crane. They carry and lift materials and mechanical equipment at heavy bridge and industrial projects, and engines run hydraulic pumps to operate the cranes. Thus idle-reduction isnt always possible. How do you save fuel in a work-truck and heavy-haul operation? Leave the truck parked, quips Wayne Queen, trucking yard manager at Kokosing Construction, named for a river that flows past its headquarters at Fredericktown, Ohio. In the vocational world, [fuel economy] is a tough sell everything is big, wide and tall. Some trucks run equipment through PTOs, so the engines have to run and its hard to save fuel. He directly manages 32 Kenworth T800 and T880 trucks and tractors. The latter have Cummins 550- and 600-hp diesels and pull lowboys to move equipment to project sites in Ohio and nearby states. Heavy straight trucks haul materials handled by on-board cranes. They sometimes gross over 70,000 pounds, and loaded tractor-trailers gross 80,000 to 200,000 pounds. So high mpg numbers arent likely. Idling is our biggest concern and is what we focus on to save fuel, Queen says. We tell our drivers, Turn the truck off when you come into the office. I see a driver in the hall and look outside and his trucks running. If I go out and happen to walk by a running truck, Ill turn it off. Starters are cheap compared to fuel. Kokosing also has scores of mechanics service trucks whose power take-offs operate various equipment while on assignments. But if the engine isnt running something through the PTO, turn it off, drivers are told. Many work trucks have diesel-driven electric welding rigs that can also be used to run tools and pumps, and managers tell operators to use those whenever possible. Route planning works, too. Combine the routes whenever you can to reduce miles run. Figure out the best route possible for distance and to avoid left turns, Queen says. The biggest thing is, educate your drivers, and manage your fleet with knowledge of idle times and ways to avoid it. From Youssra El-Sharkawy Cairo, Jun 30 (PTI) Six soldiers, including two officers, were today killed in an exchange of fire with armed smugglers near the western border of Egypt. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said the armed smugglers opened fire on the soldiers who were patrolling the border, killing six of them. The soldiers engaged with the smugglers in exchange of fire and killed and injured a number of them. The area is currently being combed by ground and air forces, he said in a statement. advertisement Police and military personnel have been the target of militants since the January 2011 revolution that toppled the ex-president Hosni Mubarak. The attacks targeting police and military even increased after the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by military following massive protests against his rule. Over 700 security personnel have been reported killed since then. In 2014, about 22 soldiers were killed in an attack in el-Farafra. The Ansar Beit el-Maqdes, an IS affiliate militant group based in Sinai, claimed responsibility for the attack. PTI YES KJ ABH KJ --- ENDS --- A 27-year-old man was charged Friday with murder in a double slaying that took place in north Tulsas Chamberlain Park in mid-June. Tulsa County prosecutors accuse Jacky Cardale Mayfield of Oklahoma City of two counts of first-degree murder, as well as possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle. Mayfield is being held without bond at the Tulsa Jail. Mayfield was arrested June 17 in connection with the shooting deaths of Markey Goff, 26, and Meshawna Jones, 31. Their bodies were found June 14 in an SUV at Chamberlain Park, near 4940 N. Frankfort Ave. Jones two children, an infant and a 5-year-old, were found uninjured at the scene after spending several hours with the bodies of the victims. Police have stated that park security footage, a damaged red car and witness testimony are among evidence linking Mayfield to the slayings. Mayfield denied any involvement in the double homicide, though he admitted to owning the handgun, according to his arrest report. Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 918-596-COPS (2677), online at bit.ly/crimestopperstips or via text message at CRIMES (274637). Text tips should begin with Tip918. The homicide tip line may also be reached at 918-798-8477 or emails sent to homicide@cityoftulsa.org. OKLAHOMA CITY Supporters of a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase for education asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday to toss out a legal challenge. OCPA Impact, the lobbying arm of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, last month filed a legal challenge to State Question 779 seeking to ban the measure from the Nov. 8 ballot. The Oklahoma Supreme Court tossed out an earlier legal challenge by the group, which alleged the measure contained more than one subject in violation of the state constitution. Led by University of Oklahoma President David Boren, supporters gathered 301,512 signatures, more than the 123,725 required to get it on the ballot. If approved by voters, it would increase the sales tax by a cent to fund education, including $5,000 teacher pay raises. Critics say passage would result in the state having the highest sales tax in the nation. The most recent lawsuit challenges the legal sufficiency of the ballot title, or description on the ballot, and the gist, or the summary of the measure on each of the forms used to gather signatures. The organization alleges the gist fails to describe key aspects of the proposal, is inaccurate and contains wording that could be misleading or confusing. The legal challenge alleges similar faults in the ballot title. Supporters argue that a challenge to the gist should have been raised prior to the collection of signatures, according to the response brief. In addition, they argue that the gist is legally sufficient. There is nothing deceitful or misleading about the statement in the gist, and nothing more is required, according to the response brief. In addition, the allegations about the ballot title are without merit, according to the brief. Yes for 779 responded today with a brief filed that rebuts the latest delay tactic by a special interest lobbying group that wants to deny Oklahomans an opportunity to vote on a comprehensive solution to the education funding crisis and the severe teacher shortage, said Ward Curtin, campaign spokesman. We are confident in the work of our legal team and the validity of the petition. It is time to let the people vote. Dave Bond, OCPA Impact CEO, was asked to respond. Because the proponents used a gist that does not comply with the law, we are asking that the court strike this measure from the ballot, Bond said. The court has struck down initiative petitions at this stage of the process before, and we are asking them to do it again. Oklahomans across the state have made clear they want a teacher pay raise, but theyre not thrilled about the prospect of paying the highest sales taxes in the nation. OKLAHOMA CITY It will be more expensive to file for divorce and get a traffic ticket due to new laws that take effect Friday. More than 60 bills are taking effect Friday after the Legislature adjourned in May. The bill allocating money to state agencies, called the General Appropriations bill, also takes effect Friday, the beginning of the new fiscal year. Lawmakers had $1.3 billion less to balance the fiscal year 2017 budget, prompting cuts to state-appropriated agencies. Jari Askins, administrative director of the courts, said that due to the budget shortfall, some House members approached members of the judiciary about increasing a couple of the fees. These go to benefit the district courts, Askins said. House Bill 3220 increases the filing fee to $183 from $143 for: divorce; alimony without divorce; separate maintenance; custody, and support. It also raises the alternative dispute mediation fee to $7 from $2. Alternative dispute mediation is early settlement mediation in civil cases. The alternative dispute mediation fee has never been raised since the programs inception in the 1980s, Askins said. She said the increase to $183 on some other filings is still below what other states charge. Sen. Greg Treat, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the fee increases were necessary to make sure the courts remained whole. The courts could not have functioned without raising some of those fees, said Treat, R-Edmond. It had been a while since any of those fees had been raised. It was to make sure the people using the court system were helping pay for it. House Bill 1610 increases the prosecution assessment on all traffic citations, with the exception of driving under the influence, to $20 from $10. It also increases the prosecution assessment for a misdemeanor to $30 from $15, and raises the prosecution assessment for misdemeanor driving under the influence to $30 from $15 and felony driving under the influence to $50 from $25. The assessments go to fund the operation of district attorneys offices, said Trent Baggett, assistant executive coordinator for the District Attorneys Council. The assessments were enacted years ago under the belief that offenders should help pay a fee for the prosecution of their cases, Baggett said. Also taking effect Friday is Senate Bill 1036, which allows school districts to keep confidential the names of district employees who are approved to carry a firearm. Another measure, Senate Bill 1273, prohibits child care facilities from using loose bedding, including blankets, in sleeping areas used for infants. It also prohibits the placement of toys or educational devices in sleeping areas used only for infants. Senate Bill 1388 terminates the Scenic Rivers Commission. It transfers is functions, duties, assets, debts, property and employees to the Grand River Dam Authority. The PNM is saluting one of its former Senators, Dr Lester Henry, for his contribution to nat A Lebanese judge has named 60 Minutes executive producer Kirsty Thomson as having primary responsibility for the Beirut child snatching fiasco, according to a report today. News Corp reports that documents from the case in Beirut state that Nine had paid for the operation by Adam Whittingtons Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI) at Thomsons request. The Australian television was the one that funded the operation, through the sole call of Kirsty [Thompson], a translated excerpt from one document states. Prosecuting judge Rami Abdullah also found mother Sally Faulkner was critical to the entire operation and that she collaborated with Nine and Whittington. He found Whittington planned the operation and the others executed it with the facilitation of Channel Nine. He said the TV crew knew of the kidnap operation and that cameraman Ben Williamson had documented the operation, but he reduced their charges to a misdemeanour because they were acting under instruction from their bosses. Despite escaping a serious charge, the 60 Minutes crew may still find themselves before Lebanons criminal justice system after a last-minute addition to the indictment by the Mount Lebanon chief prosecutor Claude Karam. The case now moves to the indictment chamber, before heading to the criminal court. A spokeswoman from Nine said, There will still be a trial on a date to be determined and out of respect for the Lebanese legal process we will not be making any further comment while the matter is still before the court. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur will hear on Monday the Aam Aadmi Party's petition on the interpretation of Article 239A which deals with the powers of the Delhi government. The Kejriwal government in Delhi has repeatedly targeted the Centre and its representative, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, accusing them of stifling of its administration in the national capital. By India Today Web Desk: Escalating its ongoing tussle with the Centre, the Arvind Kejriwal government moved the Supreme Court today seeking clarity on the powers that both the central and the city governments share in the national capital. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur will hear on Monday the Aam Aadmi Party's petition on the interpretation of Article 239A which deals with the powers of the Delhi government. advertisement AAP KI JUNG AAP's lawyers KK Venugopal and Indira Jaisinh told the court that any dispute between the Centre and a state could only be decided by the top court as mandated by Article 131 of the Constitution. The Delhi government has sought an urgent hearing of its plea as the High Court has already reserved its verdict on a number of issues of conflict between the Kejriwal government and the Centre over the administration of Delhi including control over the Anti-Corruption Branch. The Kejriwal government in Delhi has repeatedly targeted the Centre and its representative, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, accusing them of stifling of its administration in the national capital. ALSO READ: Kejriwal strikes again, claims money spent on Modi's clothes more than AAP's ad budget --- ENDS --- One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four soldiers were wounded in ATO area in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Spokesman for the Presidential Administration on the ATO, Colonel Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four soldiers were wounded as a result of military operations over the past day, Lysenko said. He added that three militants were killed and five were wounded in last day. ol Ukrinforms own American correspondent spoke with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Valery Chaly. Here is an excerpt of the interview. Ukrinform: Let's talk about [U.S. State Secretary] John Kerry's visit to Ukraine that Kyiv announced will take place in July. Can you tell about the preparation for the visit, its approximate scheduled date, and what will be on its agenda? Chaly: Plans for U.S. Secretary of State visit were discussed at the meeting between Ukrainian President Poroshenko and U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden last spring, when President Petro Poroshenko participated in summit on nuclear security here in the U.S. John Kerry was also present at that meeting. I think his future efforts will be focused on continuing progress in the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas, coordination with the European partners concerning further pressure on Russia to make Moscow implement the Minsk accords and U.S. support for reforms progress in Ukraine. Additionally, I think the sides will discuss coordinating their steps on the eve of the 2016 Warsaw Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) [that will be held on July 8-9 ed.]. The joint position of Ukraine and the U.S. will not only allow to come to an agreement on the actions prior to the Summit, but it will also aid in planning the actions for the future. tl Canada must continue to support Ukraine and NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression. This was stated by James Bezan, Canadian MP and Official Opposition Critic for National Defence, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Canada should remain committed to doing its part to support Ukraine and our NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression," Bezan stressed. According to him, the illegal actions of Russia in Ukraine should meet strong resistance in Canada. "Vladmir Putins disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty and international law must be addressed by Canada through a whole of government approach. In addition to military support our previous Conservative government provided diplomatic, economic and humanitarian aid," Bezan added. ol Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko congratulated President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Kazakhstan being elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018. The parties agreed to coordinate positions in that organization. The presidents discussed intensification of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The parties noted the importance of holding the regular session of the Ukraine-Kazakhstan Joint Interstate Commission for Economic Cooperation in autumn, the press service of Ukrainian President reports. The parties also shared views on the implementation of the agreements reached following the visit of the Ukrainian President to Kazakhstan in October 2015. ol Poland will temporarily suspend local trans-border traffic with Ukraine until August 2 in connection with the holding of the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Spokeswoman of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maryana Betsa has stated. "It is a temporary measure. According to the Foreign Ministry of Poland, the suspension of the Agreement is due to the holding of the NATO summit in Warsaw and the World Youth days in Krakow. The Agreement will resume its work on August 2, 2016," the diplomat noted. Earlier, Ukrinform reported that Poland suspends the enforcement of Article 3 in the Agreement between the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers and the Government of the Republic of Poland on local cross-border traffic areas. tl There are 900 males, 225 females and 13 children in the first batch which left in 13 buses, 24 mini-buses and other modes of public and private conveyance in a convoy guarded by the security forces. By India Today Web Desk: The first batch of 1,138 pilgrims left Jammu today for this year's Amarnath Yatra that begins from Saturday. State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, junior minister Priya Sethi and Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in winter capital Jammu at 5 am today. Jammu: First batch of annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrims all set to leave for the base camp, journey flagged off. pic.twitter.com/HDcRTjMjAr ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 advertisement There are 900 males, 225 females and 13 children in the first batch which left in 13 buses, 24 mini-buses and other modes of public and private conveyance in a convoy guarded by the security forces. Providing security to this year's Amarnath Yatra is a major security and intelligence challenge for state and central agencies because of the spurt in the violence by separatist militants. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would arrive in Jammu on Friday on a two-day visit to review the security situation in the state, especially the security arrangements for this year's Yatra. Singh would also visit the Amarnath Yatra cave shrine on Saturday. Sources said Singh would participate in the traditional Puja at the Cave Shrine which heralds the beginning of the Yatra. Beginning from Saturday, this year's 48-day Yatra would end on August 18 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Also Read: Militants planning to attack Amarnath Yatra: BSF Bulk SMS service introduced for Amarnath Yatra 2016 --- ENDS --- The new NATO-Ukraine Trust Fund, which is headed by Bulgaria, will facilitate medical rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers. A photo exhibition representing the funds activity is being held on the territory of the Alliance headquarters, an Ukrinform correspondent in Brussels reports. The key objective of the fund is to provide equipment used in the medical rehabilitation of wounded soldiers in Ukrainian hospitals. In addition, the servicemen are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of NATO member countries within the framework of the project. The trust fund also finances and organizes training, expert conferences and workshops of psychologists who work with wounded Ukrainian soldiers. ol The re-branded Airbus A-320, bearing the stills of superstar Rajinikanth, dedicated to Pa. Ranjith-directed Kabali, began its operations on Friday spanning Bengaluru, New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag and Kochi. By India Today Web Desk: 'Kabali plane' is now the talk of the town. AirAsia India, the official partner of the gangster film has dedicated a plane for the superstar film, which bears the stills of Rajinikanth from the much-anticipated film. It took about a month for the airlines to design the livery. ALSO READ: Kabali mania - Puducherry government offers free tickets but on one condition advertisement "It was the work of one person. The whole designing process took over a month and it had to be done with precision as it's a first-of-its-kind attempt in Asia. Although it's a regular passenger aircraft, our association with the film has made everything special," the company spokesperson told IANS. The re-branded Airbus A-320 with livery dedicated to Pa. Ranjith-directed Kabali, began its operations on Friday spanning Bengaluru, New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag and Kochi. "It will continue to fly even after the release of the film. It's our way of paying tribute to our superstar and all his fans from across the globe," the spokesperson said. Asked if Rajinikanth got a glimpse of the plane, he said: "The team met and spoke to him. I think he must have seen it. As a company, we're really excited about how passengers will receive the idea when they start flying in the aircraft." In the film, which is slated to release later this month, Rajinikanth flies AirAsia in a few important scenes. The company has also planned to ferry fans from Bengaluru to Chennai to watch the first-day-first-show of the movie. "On the release day, fans will fly from Bangalore to Chennai. As part of the trip, they will receive special Kabali merchandise which includes tees and coffee mugs, movie ticket and they will also be served Rajinikanth's favorite lunch menu," the spokesperson said. In the film, Rajinikanth plays a don who fights for Tamils in Malaysia. --- ENDS --- Epochal 20th century events like the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the Soviet Union triggered off a chain reaction that seemed to suggest the end state was globalisation. This boundary-blurring new world order of interconnected markets, technology and culture promised salvation. But as Brexit, Britain's June 23 vote to exit the European Union, showed, globalisation may have hit a speed bump. India's worries are exacerbated by uncertainties like the upcoming US elections and the rise of an increasingly assertive China. Our expert writers make sense of a world in turmoil and chart a way through the storm. THE NEXT TECTONIC EVENT George Perkovich advertisement When the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, Americans celebrated along with their allies in Britain and on the European continent. The Cold War would soon end-peacefully, as almost no one imagined it would. Four years later the Maastricht Treaty entered into force, creating the European Union and later the Euro. In Asia, China had begun its opening to the wider world, creating special economic zones along its coasts. India, in 1991, began economic reforms that gradually would bring its talented people and their products into the international economy. The global marketplace for goods and services was taking shape. In the first decade of globalisation, its champions asserted that the rising tide of economic growth would lift all boats. Today, the tide carries boats filled with traumatised refugees. To stop the flow (supposedly), 52 per cent of British citizens voted to exit the European Union. Turkey is being paid to close its border. Donald Trump-with no mind to the Berlin antecedent-promises to build a giant wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans from coming into the United States, and says he will ban Muslims from travelling here too. Racism and bigotry undeniably are a factor in all of this. But, fear and feelings of loss may be deeper causes. Workers who attained comfortable wages and relative security in the US and Europe when the world economy was divided into closed blocs, gradually discovered that the globalised economy shifted employment-especially for less-skilled labour-to foreign lands. The rich got much richer, but the incomes of middle and working classes stagnated. Since 1979, despite ample economic growth, the vast majority of American workers' wages have stayed level or declined. Psychologists know that people fear loss much more than they fear not making new gains. It is more traumatic to be fired from the job you have than it is to not get the new job you want. 'Loss aversion' can be heard in the voices of Americans who have rallied behind Trump and the Democratic Party campaign of Bernie Sanders (before he dropped out). Both candidates have appealed to voters who feel political and economic elites do not listen to them and have 'rigged' the system against the middle and working classes. Trump plays on the sense of loss by promising to "make America great again". Trump is very popular among white men who do not have college educations and who live outside of major cities. This parallels the English electorate who voted to leave. These people, generally, feel their positions in society have declined in the era of globalisation. They blame their own leaders-elites-and also the 'foreigners' whom they see in greater numbers now than when times were better. Building walls, closing borders and angrily rejecting the views and policies of 'established politicians' feel like the only options left. advertisement It is fine for economists and other experts to present data and arguments that barriers and retrenchment will not actually solve the pressing problems of stagnant wages and growth and rising inequality. But, in the world of social media and click-chasing, eyeball-seducing 'journalism', voters follow messengers they 'like' rather than those who may be right. Fact-based analysis and debate of issues and policies is less appealing than the gossip and personality contests that masquerade as news. It should not be surprising that after the Brexit referendum, British citizens scrambled to learn more about what it would mean to leave the EU. Hillary Clinton, the presumed Democratic Party nominee, conveys mastery for detail and a predilection to discuss policy proposals. Few people would say she is a motivational orator or a compelling campaigner. As a long-time political figure, she is also implicated in the American policies surrounding globalisation from which so many people feel they have been losers. (Trump labels her "crooked Hillary" and a "world-class liar", and polls report that many people find her untrustworthy. Yet, Politifact reports that 77 per cent of Trump's statements have been false, whereas, by the same analysis, 28 per cent of Clinton's have been false. Nevertheless, Trump's supporters celebrate his 'authenticity' and decry her mendacity.) advertisement If political and economic debates in the US, the UK and other open societies display the tendencies described here, the situation is more mixed when it comes to foreign policy. Americans, like citizens in many other countries, find much to fear in the world: terrorism at home and abroad, horrific war in Syria, chaos in Libya, continued bloodshed and disorder in Afghanistan, refugee crises, Russia's stealthy invasion of Ukraine, tensions with China in the South and East China Seas, North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile programmes?the list goes on. Perhaps because no obvious solution exists to any of these challenges, American politicians largely avoid them, which is not the worst possibility. (Another reason for avoidance is that few political 'leaders' know even the basic causes and features of these challenges, let alone possible solutions to them). advertisement The campaign between Trump and Clinton will not reveal much about what the next president and his or her government will actually seek to do internationally. At most, the campaign will indicate the type of thinking and temperament the next president would bring to these challenges. Here, in unprecedented fashion, 121 experienced Republican foreign policy figures publicly declared their opposition to Trump. Whoever wins in November, the American public today is preoccupied with their own problems and uninterested in spending taxpayer funds and military lives on quests to fix other people's. Events could change this attitude suddenly-such as a major state-sponsored terrorist attack on the US or the invasion of an ally. But, absent a major provocation, the US is unlikely to assume a disproportionate burden of financing and fighting campaigns to rectify injustices in distant lands. What might this mean for India? The good news is India, broadly, is not an issue in the presidential campaign or American politics. Aside from the supremely talented and successful Indian diaspora in the US, few voters know or think much about India. Americans tend to focus on enemies and strategic competitors; India is neither. In Washington, India's democracy is applauded. Businesses that operate in India or hope to, and that want to benefit from India's skilled engineers, will quietly press for policies to facilitate greater trade, investment and visa accessibility. The time to make this case will be after the election, out of the glare and cacophony of this overheated season. US defence officials will continue to seek further cooperation with the Indian defence sector, and this, too, should not be controversial when the new president takes office. If Clinton wins, she'll take office more invested in and informed about India than any prior US president. This background reflects not only her tenure as Secretary of State, but also her years reaching out to India during Bill Clinton's presidency. Like all presidents, she will pursue the interests of US taxpayers, businesses, agencies and NGOs. She will have to balance India's preferences with those of other states in managing the global commons. The tensions that normally arise between major states will emerge here, too, but they will be addressed with a determination to cooperate. If Trump wins, he will have much to learn about India. But there is little inherent in the interests of the two countries that suggests he would not be disposed to seek cooperation too. For India, the bigger question would be whether a Trump administration's exertions in other places and on other issues would create an international environment more or less conducive to India's interests. The best advice for Indians would be to make their country ever more prosperous, stable and constructive in international affairs. If American leaders will do the same, the two countries together will be part of the solution to the world's problems rather than a cause of them. George Perkovich is Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Also read: India-China relations: Toward win-win cooperation Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton: Who should India vote for? In defence of EU: How Brexit changes global landscape Brexit vote burns bridges between America, Europe Why Brexit offers India a new opportunity to build economic muscle India's future lies in domestic market, not exports: Nandan Nilekani Why India can no longer speed date global powers Brexit must make India rethink its foreign policy: Shashi Tharoor India and the re-aligned movement in post-Brexit EU Brexit wounds for UK, new challenges for India With Brexit, India now must conclude pending trade agreements --- ENDS --- Kastrati noted that these children on the street are at high risk of being abused or raped. They are often victims of domestic violence and may even be forced by their families to beg on the streets. When a child is identified, social services conduct field visits to the family, sometimes involving the police as well. Naim Bilalli, a Case Management Coordinator at Terre des Hommes says that Ganis case was referred by a local NGO for the reason of neglect and school dropout. The Centre for Social Work of Fushe-Kosove visited the family for an initial assessment of the case where they noticed that this family is living in very bad hygienic conditions, children didnt have clothes and family relations were very bad, Bilalli said. Gani was pushed by his family to beg on the street, even after initial counseling was provided by the CSW of Fushe-Kosove. But Gani himself also noted that he felt the need to help his impoverished family. I wanted to help my family because there was no one to help them. I would go next to traffic lights to make some money to help my family, Gani said. People would often ask me if Im going to school, and tell me that I shouldnt be on the streets. After reviewing Ganis case, Kastrati and other Fushe-Kosove-based Social Workers reached out to Municipality officials who, in addition to providing basic assistance, helped Ganis family to buy a tractor and a cow. Ganis dad, Syle Berisha, expresses deep gratitude for the help his family received. I really thank them for what they have done; they secured me a tractor and a cow, and now I do business selling vegetables and fruits, Syle said. Gani regularly goes to school now and I thank them so much for it. A bright future Since Ganis case was raised in the monthly CMRs, Gani hasnt needed to work anymore. He was involved in various counseling meetings and has also received educational materials like books, notebooks and pencils to help him get back to school. Gani says that his days look quite different now compared to just a year ago he enjoys studying. I dont have to go on the streets anymore. I go to school and have a lot of friends, he said. After completing social services counseling, Syle says that he has new hopes for Gani. I often talk to him. Hes a very good boy, and smart, and he will continue school, he said. I wont pick his field of study, he can do that for himself; and I wont get him married at 17 or 18 like I did with my three other children. I want him to find a job, have his own life. Likewise, Gani has great plans for his future: When I grow up I want to become a President. Or a deputy minister. But I have to study and do my best. In 2015, 174 girls and boys from 12 municipalities, at medium and high risk of being neglected, abused or at risk of becoming in conflict with the law have benefited from integrated community services in the form of emergency support, but also family visits, school visits, psychological counseling, family counseling, sheltering, vocational training, et al., all made possible through the CMR mechanisms. UNICEF played a critical role in establishment and institutionalization of CMR mechanisms. Due to UNICEF advocacy efforts and its technical assistance, the draft of the new Child Protection Law includes provisions on instutionalisation of CMR. With UNICEF technical assistance, Minimum standards for social services in respect to children at risk or in conflict with the law, children without parental care and vulnerable children have been developed. The capacities of professionals have been strengthened to ensure effective functioning of CMRs. UNICEF will continue playing an active role in the CMR scaling-up process so that more children benefit from necessary assistance and services. *All references to Kosovo in this story should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). Britain's unexpected vote to leave the EU is perhaps the most dramatic political event for the country since World War II. It is certainly the biggest shock to Europe since German reunification a quarter century ago. It presages simultaneous economic, political and constitutional crises in Britain that could persist for years. The vote laid bare stark class divisions, with poorer and less educated voters backing Leave, and even starker national ones, with Scotland overwhelmingly backing Remain. The open border between Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (an EU member) is in doubt, putting at risk the hard-won Irish peace process. There is, in effect, no government or opposition. The prime minister, having resigned, is a lame duck until a leadership contest in October, while a coup against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is unfolding. Shashank Joshi It is tempting for Indians to indulge their schadenfreude. The jokes flow thick and fast. Europe is a dangerous nuclear flashpoint. Britain must be partitioned, for the Scots cannot be left to English hegemony. But comedy aside, a sense of perspective is required both here, at home, and abroad. Britain is seriously weakened, but it remains one of the world's largest economies. Even if Scotland were to secede, the UK's defence spending would remain higher than that of Russia, France, or Germany. NATO remains the bedrock of European security, and an unmoored Britain may even seek solace by redoubling its commitment to the alliance, with a major summit due in Warsaw next month. In any case, the British departure will be gradual. Under the EU's so-called Article 50, a country leaves by issuing a formal notification. David Cameron has said he will leave it to his successor, that successor-very possibly Boris Johnson-will probably delay further, preferring informal negotiations on a post-exit status for Britain, and then there would still be two years for formal negotiations. This is a glideslope, not a cliff edge. advertisement Even with the insulation of distance, India is likely to face both risks and opportunities. The short-term impact on global stock markets may well have been exaggerated. Asian markets, including the Sensex, bounced back on Monday after Friday's tumult. The rupee's fall against the dollar, the largest in almost a year, could put pressure on Indian macroeconomic policy. Japanese bank Nomura has estimated Brexit may knock Indian growth from 7.6 to 7.3 per cent, a larger impact than on China or Australia. Less probably, but more worrisome, is that Brexit heralds a broader rejection of globalisation that asserts itself in other parts of the world, notably in Europe's other big powers-France has an election next year-and, of course, in the United States. Were the EU and US to lunge towards protectionism, the economic consequences would be global in nature. Of course, contagion to Asia and India is far from the only concern. India trades with, invests in, and receives capital from Britain in substantial amounts. Britain has been the largest G-20 investor in India for over a decade, investing around $1.7 billion in 2014. Between 2000 and 2015, Britain invested $22.2 billion in India, 9 per cent of its FDI. Meanwhile, India puts more capital into the UK than into the rest of the EU, making it Britain's third-largest source of investment. According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the five largest Indian IT companies have an 8-15 per cent revenue exposure to the pound. Indian capital flows into the UK will surely slow in the short to medium term, in anticipation of Britain losing its tariff-free access into the EU's so-called 'single market'. "As far as India is concerned," declared Narendra Modi in November 2015 during his visit to London, "if there is an entry point for us to the EU, that is the UK." By the end of the decade, that may have changed. The Leave campaign has set out confusing and contradictory visions of how they see Britain trading with Europe, some preferring an arms-length free trade agreement, others pressing for Norway-like arrangements which would keep Britain inside the single market. Investors may not stick around to find out which scenario transpires. advertisement There are some who have sought to highlight a bright side to Brexit. Britain's Indian-born minister for employment, Priti Patel, a staunch right-winger who is also the prime minister's Indian Diaspora Champion, campaigned for Leave and has clamed that Brexit will give a "massive boost to UK-India relations" through closer trading ties. This is part of a broader argument of the Leave camp. Departure from EU, argue the optimists, would free the UK to sign trade deals with rising powers, deals otherwise being held up by vested economic interests in the 27-nation bloc. The EU and India have been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 2007. That has stalled because of a slew of issues such as non-tariff barriers, investor protections and intellectual property rights. Could the UK succeed where the EU has failed, and strike a deal? Perhaps, but it faces at least three problems. First, it has only a dozen or so skilled trade negotiators. Many of the most experienced, like former EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, who negotiated an agreement with South Korea, are politically tainted because of their long involvement with EU. While this cadre will expand, the overwhelming priority will be negotiations with Brussels itself. The UK will also have to start its own, fresh talks with the US, Japan and China. Second, UK-India negotiations will run into many of the same problems EU-India talks did, not least because services-a disproportionately large part of UK exports-are often the hardest part of such deals. Third, while it's true that New Delhi would want a deal-the UK accounts for a third of Indian exports to the EU-London's bargaining power is also reduced, which may result in a less favourable deal. advertisement The diplomatic implications are more straightforward. Brexit will strengthen the Franco-German core of the EU and bolster Germany's leadership position in Europe. The loss of the UK from the EU's foreign policy institutions might be felt in issues such as sanctions, export controls and diplomacy around Iran and Russia. But British and French-German policies are unlikely to diverge in any dramatic way, even if the EU's overall position on Russia might soften over the longer term. In any case, India has maintained strong ties to all three, with Modi making significant trips to Paris, Berlin, and London in the past 18 months. India's engagement with the EU itself has, by and large, been underwhelming, and it is these bilateral relationships that continue to matter most. It was British intelligence agencies, not EU ones, which gave India intelligence on the Mumbai attacks. It is France, not the EU, which sells Rafale aircraft to India. India is therefore insulated from even a larger-scale unravelling of the European project, as unwelcome as that would be to all but Russia. advertisement Shashank Joshi is Senior Research Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, London, and Research Associate at the Changing Character of War Programme at Oxford Also read: The New World Disorder: How India should make sense of Brexit, US election and an assertive China India-China relations: Toward win-win cooperation Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton: Who should India vote for? In defence of EU: How Brexit changes global landscape Brexit vote burns bridges between America, Europe Why Brexit offers India a new opportunity to build economic muscle India's future lies in domestic market, not exports: Nandan Nilekani Why India can no longer speed date global powers Brexit must make India rethink its foreign policy: Shashi Tharoor India and the re-aligned movement in post-Brexit EU With Brexit, India now must conclude pending trade agreements --- ENDS --- AT&T confirmed the soon release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Not only the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, will the update also be available to those consumers who has the unlocked version of Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. The confirmation was released on the network forum of AT&T. The new update will bring special features such as Google Now on Tap, Doze, supported permission controls, quick settings, two part notifications, and many more, Yibada reported. The Verizon's Tab S2, has updated to Marshmallow's latest software update already. Last April, the S2 which is a 9.7-inch device started going out in Germany while the 8-inch version was rolled out in May. The customers who have been stuck long enough on Android 5.1 Lollipop, will now be receiving updates for Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6. The update was already available for download. Users are now only waiting for the on-the-air (OTA) rollout. After this rollout, users can immediately update their software, Tech Times reported. The update is about 1.4 GB and users can only update through Wi-Fi connection just like all other major updates. AT&T customers are now frustrated because of the very late release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow in Samsung's flagship phablet devices. The Android's next update, Android N, is just around the corner and the new Samsung phablet, Galaxy Note 7, is soon to be released. AT&T competitors Verizon and Sprint already released the Marshmallow update months ago. T-Mobile also had a software update last April. Additionally, AT&T support forum released a good news. The Galaxy Note 4, a 2014 Samsung flagship phablet device, would also have a software update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This will also make the users of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 happy because of this very much awaited release. And customers were getting anxious. Last week, three significant though unrelated events unfolded that are likely to influence the evolving global order and India's role in it. The first was the dramatic and disastrous referendum, which will lead to Britain's exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU). The second was India's quiet entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) - one of four clubs of the non-proliferation regime New Delhi is determined to join. Finally, there was the valiant, though ultimately unsuccessful, Indian effort to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG); although, with the appointment of a facilitator to the chair, the door remains ajar. All three provide opportunities and challenges for New Delhi to shape the rules of the emerging world order, particularly on issues of vital interest to India, including climate, cyber, energy and trade. At the global level, Brexit is likely to see Britain, one of the key actors in decision-making become increasingly distracted with its internal divisions. This provides an opportunity for India to contribute to the liberal democratic order's leadership. advertisement India's NSG bid in Seoul should be seen primarily as an effort to bridge the gap between the existing nuclear disorder and the changing world order. New Delhi believes it cannot play a greater role in the emerging world order without a change in the nuclear order. Beijing's fervent and vocal anti-India stance in Seoul is only the latest in a series of efforts to keep India out of the various global decision-making processes. W.P.S. Sidhu As India seeks to become the world's third largest economy by 2025 and a key player in the multipolar world, it faces a defining period. As the world's biggest democracy with an economy among the world's seven largest, India's status as a re-emerging global power is now not just recognised but increasingly institutionalised: with a seat in the G-20, and increasing clout in the international financial institutions and partial entry into the club of nuclear states. At the same time, geopolitical shifts have created simultaneous opportunities and challenges: the opening with the US; the rise of China as a great power; the global financial crisis; India has experienced rapid growth through participation in the multilateral order, and now its development strategy as well as its energy requirements make it dependent on a stable globalisation. India has growing economic, trade and energy stakes in literally every corner of the globe. It may have no choice but to influence the evolving multilateral order to sustain its own interests. Until recently, India pursued what Brookings vice-president and director of foreign policy, Bruce Jones, calls "great power speed dating" - courting competing countries like China, Russia and the US simultaneously to support India's growing role. However, the very high-profile NSG showdown with China might mark the end of diplomatic promiscuity. Instead, New Delhi is now likely to be much more hard-nosed in demanding support from other powers as it takes on the mantle of a rule-shaper-to contribute in shaping emerging norms and regimes. There are huge challenges. India's per capita GDP is not just the lowest in the G-20 but more than 50 per cent lower than the next lowest member, Indonesia. Moreover, the number of diplomats, despite the recent expansion, remains the smallest among the BRICS group. advertisement On account of these internal and other external constraints, the road to shaping global rules on several key issues will be long, steep and hard. India has no choice but to continue its journey to fulfill its destiny. W.P.S. Sidhu is Senior Fellow at NYU's Center on International Cooperation Also read: The New World Disorder: How India should make sense of Brexit, US election and an assertive China India-China relations: Toward win-win cooperation Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton: Who should India vote for? In defence of EU: How Brexit changes global landscape Brexit vote burns bridges between America, Europe Why Brexit offers India a new opportunity to build economic muscle India's future lies in domestic market, not exports: Nandan Nilekani Brexit must make India rethink its foreign policy: Shashi Tharoor India and the re-aligned movement in post-Brexit EU Brexit wounds for UK, new challenges for India With Brexit, India now must conclude pending trade agreements --- ENDS --- Lawsuit maybe not new to Donald Trump, however, his recent lawsuit of his Trump University seems affects his election campaign. U.S. President candidate Donald Trump has a serious problem as he cannot find someone to speak to his convention, Vanity Fair reported. Ohio Republicans, who are supposedly hosting Trump's event, are not making plans. Politico's Alex Isenstadt contacted more than 50 prominent Republicans including, governors, senators, and House members to invite them speak at his event. However, none of them had plans to attend nor speak at the convention. Among the high-profile people in the "no" camp or those who refused to attend are Trey Gowdy, Lindsey Graham, Nikki Haley, Mark Sanford, Kelly Ayotte, and Even Representative Sean Duffy, who also got his start in public life on reality TV, said he "had not thought about it." One of the lawsuits that affects the political campaign of businessman and TV personality, is the Trump University, which was accused of being a fraud. His rival Hillary Clinton has found a way to mock him. As a matter of fact, there is a video published that explains why his university is a fraud. Trump's attorneys are working hard to prevent public access of video depositions, which reported taken as part of a class action lawsuit against Trump University. On Monday, June 27, Team Trumps pointed fingers at the Hillary Clinton's email lawsuit to justify why Trump's video should not be released in public, Law News reported. Clinton was involved in a scandal which involves a Freedom of Information Act request filed by conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch seeking information about Clinton's private server. A deposition released on Wednesday, June 29, said Clinton's aide is frustrated over private email system that she set up when she was a secretary of state. The deposition added there were times it (email system) delayed the communications and interfered with her diplomatic work. The North Carolina State University was sued by a Christian-led group over claims that the institution violated free-speech rights. A religious student group that is officially recognized by North Carolina State University, Grace Christian Life, sued the institution for requiring a permit to allow students to talk about Jesus, Fox News reported. The group, Alliance Defending Freedom, filed a federal lawsuit against the institution after school officials prohibited student-members of the group from speaking about Jesus to fellow students on the campus grounds. The university stated that the evangelizing people on the campus was against the school's "Speech Permit Policy." The Christian-led group claims that the policy was unconstitutional and suppresses the practice of free-speech. The religious group claims that requiring a group member to acquire a permit in order to talk about Jesus goes against what was stated in the First Amendment. A federal judge had asked attorneys present on Thursday why was the institution's permit policy was approved, which the judge cites that the policy goes against constitutional free-speech protection. Lawyers representing the largest public school in North Carolina stated that the rules were imposed for the sake of the staff and the students' safety. The lawyers explained to the judge that the policy was to limit disruptions within the campus from speakers from any group to express their views, according to the Fay Observer. A lawyer representing Alliance Defending Freedom argued that the reason given by the institution was not a sufficient excuse to limit free-speech. The Arizona-based Christian legal nonprofit group said that micromanaging the discussions of the students are unconstitutional. The federal judge, James Dever III, had announced that he would come to a decision this weekend. The judge would soon decide whether to counter the institution's permit policy, The Daily Signal reported. The North Carolina State University has a student body of 30,000 adults. Dever questioned the lawyers of NCSU why would 30,000 students need a permit to discuss religion, politics, or even the economy. A group of extremely talented young professionals from the African continent are in Iowa for a few weeks to pick up tips on how to run businesses. The promising young professionals are a part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program overseen by the U.S. State Department. R.W. Nelson, founder of Kemin Industries recently welcomed the 25 professionals hailing from 19 countries at his corporate headquarters located in southeast Des Moines. Mr. Nelson showed the young professionals how they process lutein and potatoes, Atlanta Blackstar reported. The young Africans (aged between 25-and-35) have just begun a crucial period during which they will learn the ropes of the business and entrepreneurial practices of companies in the United States. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a part and parcel of the flagship program in President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative. According to Peter Nyamai, a Kenya-based chemical engineer who has put up a startup company in Nairobi that harvests and stores rainwater, this is an unbelievable opportunity for youngsters across Africa. The program, he said, will teach the necessary basics for him to think globally and "beyond starting a small company." A large number of African professionals like Nyamai are working this summer with 36 universities and colleges across the nation. Two of the schools are located in Iowa: Drake University and the University of Iowa. Selam Robi, a participant hailing from Ethiopia, is an urban planner who runs a small-scale laser cutting and engraving business. Robi is focusing on tips from U.S. entrepreneurs on how to handle the challenges she faces back home. Explaining the difference, Robi said it took her about a year just to import one machine. Drake has never participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program prior to this. Johnnie Carson, Drake graduate (1965) urged the school to apply. Carson is an ex U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and a former ambassador to Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda, Iowa Public Radio reported. A mere phone call from Carson to Drake's interim executive director for global engagement and international programs got things started. While Annique Kiel was still at the Des Moines Airport, all set to board a plane to Uganda, Carson advised her to ask the ambassador there about the Young African Leaders Initiative. The idea, Kiel say, fits perfectly into Drake's goal for more global collaborations. According to Kiel, this will be a lifelong partnership and relationships for both parties. The changes made by the Congress to the 529 plan adds a better savings privilege to college students. The United States Government's 529 plan has undergone changes to give more benefits to its plan holders. Part of the changes allows the college students to buy computer units using the tax-protected money they can get from the 529 saving plan for college. Until the present, college students are required to prove that owning a computer unit or a gadget was required by the school. This is to justify their made expenses for the purposes of 529 plan. However, the rule change acknowledged that in order to strive in the 21st century education, technologies like computers, laptops or tablets has the same intensity of importance as the textbooks and the pencils, Money Magazine reported. Also, changes stated that students that fall into sickness and unable to continue can redeposit the refund of the tuition they have withdrawn shortly after the semester started. It is also tax-sheltered. Computers are no longer a luxury need for the students. In this modern era, computers are a vital part in a college student's life. This helps in communication between students and teachers and checking grades. Furthermore, many classes are now online-based. The Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) could change the shape of the current education system. Some of the elite schools like Stanford University, Harvard University, MIT and Duke already offers free online courses accessible worldwide. Millions are already using these courses to train and gain better skills. The first change made last year, 16 September 2015, allows grandparents to tap in the 529 account of their grandchildren without waiting for them to begin their final year in college. Another change, made last 21 December 2015, includes the computer purchase change and the change in the refund system. In 18 March this year, a package of bills were added to strengthen the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. These recent changes include ABLE To Work Act, ABLE Financial Planning Act, and the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, Savingforcollege.com reported. Currently, there are more than 12 million 529 accounts and holds $258 billion assets. These accounts helps save tax-free money for the education of their children in the future. Recent researches show that a large fraction of the college student population does not borrow money. According to a study in California, there are 22 colleges and universities that where students have no access to money loans. This is one of the proofs that the loan for students is deterring. Findings of these researches raise concerns about the affordability of college and student loans. Most students only apply for whatever loans they find and these leads to having lots of debts. Students would then need to pay high interest than they should be. The study in California suggests that one out of four student borrowers are 90 days behind their regular payment, Equilibrio Informativo reported. Some schools think that that the tuition waivers that they offer are enough for low-income students. These schools does not take into consideration that students in their campuses may need loans for food, transportation and housing. Also, there are about one million students in the US that do not have access to Federal loans. This is one of the reasons why students resort to private loans. Despite the advantages of federal loans, many students turn to private lending firms. Another problem that these university students will encounter is that do not have the appropriate credits to get private student loans. Also, the students that loaned in the federal government are struggling to pay their debts. These students have high debt and low salary. Former students of Corinthian Colleges Inc., about 350,000 of them, took around $3.5 billion of the budget in federal loans. The school is now defunct so President Obama's administration decided to forgive the $171 million debt of these students. There was an average amount of $15,280 relief per student, Comox Valley reported. The United States has the largest population of college-educated citizens in the world. However U.S. also has the highest cost for higher education. As Brexit shakes the foundations of the European Union, with right-wing parties in several European countries calling for similar referenda, it is no longer debatable that we have entered a period of sustained geopolitical volatility. Add to this, China's negative stance at the NSG and in the UN counter-terrorism committee, Russia's assertive role in Ukraine and Syria, and the rise of a xenophobic Donald Trump in the US, and we have all the ingredients for a troubled 'new world disorder'. How should India navigate its way through this turbulence? Shashi Tharoor The first and most essential ingredient of the answer is that India must know what it is seeking from the global system. Clearly, what we need from other sovereign nation-states is a recognition of our place in the world and a seat at the international 'high table': one is, after all, either at the table or on the menu. We need the international system to facilitate our own development and not impede the steps required to ensure the prosperity, security and well-being of our own people. At a time when challenges abound to the very notions of national sovereignty, non-interference in 'internal affairs', fixed territories, and control over one's own domestic politics-verities we have routinely asserted for so long-we need to negotiate new terms for ourselves with the existing great powers. And we need to do so even as a structural change appears to be occurring in 21st century world affairs. advertisement Brexit may prove the first in a cascade of dominoes as Europe struggles to keep the liberal-democratic project of a united Europe alive. One of the consequences for global geopolitics is the risk of a closed Europe. The inflow of migrants, especially from Muslim countries, has opened political fault-lines within and between European countries, augmented by the inescapable costs of economic recession. Europe's open borders policy is unlikely to survive unscathed. Xenophobia and racism are on the rise as Europeans blame 'outsiders' for the decline in their quality of life and their easy assumptions of future prosperity. The electoral erosion of liberal democracy is apparent in the increasing vote-share of both right-wing and left-wing populist or radical parties across Europe, from Marine Le Pen in France and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands on the far right to Alexis Tsipras in Greece on the post-modern left. The closing of Europe and the likely turn to insularity and petty nationalism cannot leave us indifferent. After all, Europe is one of our largest trading partners. New Delhi should undoubtedly take steps to promote its own interests by negotiating a new trade deal with the UK and start discussing special visa arrangements for Indian nationals, especially students and technical personnel. With less competition from European migrants, Indians might be able to play a more significant role in the British economy. The long-stalled talks on a European Free Trade Agreement should also be revived with a newly-chastened Brussels. India could also seek to take advantage of the ailing transatlantic partnership. Brexit will weaken it further, as the US loses its English-speaking ally as a bridgehead to Europe. Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the conflict in Syria have already highlighted the limitations and divisions of the US-European alliance. As a country with independently strong relationships with the US, Russia, the UK and Europe, India will have more space for manoeuvre in exploring opportunities with all of them. The developed world shows signs of moving towards closed borders, closed markets, and a politically-driven escape from empathy. Russia is watching in bemusement even as President Vladimir Putin is seen by the West as everyone's favourite hate figure. India needs to preserve its good links with Moscow while taking care not to be seen as sharing Mr Putin's worldview. advertisement Relations with the third member of the annual RIC meeting, China, have become fraught, most recently over its direct opposition to India's membership of the NSG and its blocking the blacklisting of terrorist Masood Azhar by the UN Sanctions Committee. The rise of a strong China, fuelled by economic prowess, military might and increased willingness to exercise its hard power in the South China Sea, is of crucial importance to India. Pursuing confrontation with it seems unwise, especially for such relatively minor objectives: India already has what it wants from the NSG, its India-specific waiver of 2008. China's global aspirations need not be at India's expense: we have obvious shared interests, for example, in keeping open and secure the sea lanes of communication across the Indian Ocean. Cooperation on a host of multilateral issues seems possible, provided we do not stumble into confrontation over bilateral ones. The biggest prize would be a final settlement of the vexed border question that has bedevilled relations for six decades. That will only come if China believes it has in India a partner worth investing in. The Indian government's decision to remove earlier restrictions on Chinese investment in sensitive sectors like ports and telecom has not been followed by a rush of Chinese bids for such projects, which could be in both countries' interests. China, meanwhile, is experiencing a slowdown to 6 per cent-after decades of double digit growth - and it seems unlikely to rise above that for the next five years. More Indian exports to China are unlikely in view of reduced demand. But there is no need for India to risk being the target of the assertive Chinese nationalism that is rising to increase domestic support during the slowdown, which is already apparent in territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the Senkaku-Diaoyu islands in the Sea of Japan. Instead of flailing fruitlessly after NSG membership, India should be focused on increasing Chinese investment and settling the border, rather than allowing secondary issues to become obstacles to more important objectives. advertisement In five months, the world may also face the prospect of a volatile President Trump whose unpredictability - the hallmark of his campaign - would cast a shadow that looms large over the geopolitical climate. Just a year ago, we were all contemplating with a yawn the prospect of another Clinton-Bush election: who would have thought that the domestic political climate in the United States would turn out to be another source of geopolitical volatility? Trump is a presidential candidate of one of the two major parties who doesn't believe in NATO, thinks US allies elsewhere are enjoying a free ride, wants to bar his country to Muslims and deport all illegal immigrants. He is, moreover, likely to run against a capable but flawed candidate in Hillary Clinton. What could be a bigger threat to global stability than the prospect of the victory of such a figure? And even if it doesn't happen, the rise of Trump has revealed the widespread frustration and discontent on the part of Americans with the globalisation that has altered the familiar assumptions of their lives. With Brexit, a Trump victory no longer looks inconceivable. No one in India knows what this may mean for us, but it's safe to assume that fewer jobs will be outsourced here and fewer Indian techies will be getting H1B visas to ply their trades in a less welcoming America. advertisement Amid all this, India must seek a place for itself at the global high table. The increasing insularity of that high table's current occupants may lead them to resist any expansion, but it could also leave room for a nation prepared to articulate and implement a truly global vision. We have a great deal to contribute to the stewardship of the global commons, since we have the expertise, the technology and the resources to offer leadership on a host of international issues, ranging from cyberspace to outer space. But to get there, we have to show more focus, determination and agility than we have been displaying of late. Shashi Tharoor is a Lok Sabha MP and former Union minister Also read: The New World Disorder: How India should make sense of Brexit, US election and an assertive China India-China relations: Toward win-win cooperation Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton: Who should India vote for? In defence of EU: How Brexit changes global landscape Brexit vote burns bridges between America, Europe Why Brexit offers India a new opportunity to build economic muscle India's future lies in domestic market, not exports: Nandan Nilekani Why India can no longer speed date global powers India and the re-aligned movement in post-Brexit EU Brexit wounds for UK, new challenges for India With Brexit, India now must conclude pending trade agreements --- ENDS --- Page Content Donors help hot glass program continue at UW-Stevens Point Recent budget cuts at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point would have eliminated instruction in the specialized art of hot glass. But thanks to the generosity of three area donors, a full-time faculty position will be funded for three years. Available at only a few universities in the nation, the art of hot glass has been offered at UW-Stevens Point since 2009. Students who major in three-dimensional art with a focus on hot glass are creating blown glass work in many forms, winning numerous awards and scholarships and succeeding as professional artists. Mary and Bob Berard of Stevens Point, William Biff Kummer of Tomahawk and John and Patty Noel of Stevens Point will contribute a total of $75,000 per year for three years to support salary, benefits and professional development for this program. This was a donor-driven gift, said Rhonda Sprague , interim dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication . As people who have been supportive of the arts on campus, they talked among themselves and came to us to discuss how they could help. The college is truly grateful to have these partners meet a challenge and retain a valuable program for our students. These donors saw that learning how to work in hot glass created significant opportunities for students, and they wanted to make sure those opportunities didnt disappear, said Kristin Thielking , a professor of sculpture within the Department of Art and Design Without the hot glass program, students would lose the additional professional experiences offered through the medium. Hot glass is collaborative and interactive, Thielking said. Every professional hot glass artist needs an assistant or a team, and our students have been recruited for that. Students have also worked closely with professionals from Corning Museum of Glass, Pilchuck Glass School, Ignite Studios in Chicago and others. One student was featured in the Corning Museum New Glass Review, a prestigious honor for a professional artist and even more so for an undergraduate student. Students began attending the annual International Students Exhibition through the Glass Arts Society in 2010. They have won honors every year, including two first places. In addition, Thielking said, they have found travel opportunities to work with internationally respected artists, scholarships for intensive summer hot glass programs, fully paid graduate school tuition and jobs as glass studio managers, designers and instructors. Job placement has been very strong, added Sprague. Our students are exposed to every aspect of working with glass within a sculptural context, including hot glass, kiln glass, cold working and how to operate and maintain the equipment, Thielking said. This experience gives them the foundation they need to succeed in a variety of roles upon graduation. A search to fill the instructor position will take place this fall. Filling the position will help with student recruitment, Thielking said, as well as opportunities to reach out to new student populations through partnerships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. Having this position enables us to focus on more opportunities for our students and future students, Thielking said. Were realizing that glasswork is a great professional avenue for students who learn by doing. Wyoming Business Tips for July 10-16 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 guest author Cindy Rayfield, senior franchise consultant for FranNet Mountain West, www.frannet.com Is there a difference between being business-curious and business-ready? Sandra, Gillette As a consultant in the business world, I visit with a lot of people who say they are ready for business ownership. But after I ask a few questions, I can easily determine if they are actually business-ready or simply business-curious. There is a big difference between these two types of people. Theres a change in the language that people use once they are over their initial fascination with the idea of business ownership. It becomes a more solid reality, rather than a nebulous idea, so they change their speak. Here are some examples of business-curious vs. business-ready speak: Business-curious speak When people are simply business-curious, they offer comments such as, I have this really super idea for a startup business! Or, This is something that everyone needs, and there is NO competition! All my friends think this is a great idea, and I can find grants so I dont have to come up with any of my own money! These people also tend to underestimate the commitment and personal investment that is required for running a successful business. Business-ready speak Potential business owners who are business-ready have greater insight and are open to researching business types, including startups, purchasing an existing business or exploring franchise options. They look for a proven market for their service or product, and understand the solid competition with different business models. A key to being business-ready is doing extensive market research and having liquid capital ready for a downpayment. Other funding options have been identified. Goals have been set, such as lifestyle aspirations and building more than a job. Many serious business-ready entrepreneurs eventually want to be able to work on their businesses -- not just in their businesses -- and hope to scale growth to offer opportunities to move into an absentee role in the future. Can you see the difference? Usually, the business-ready entrepreneurs have moved past the business-curious, assumption-based stage and are several steps ahead in their research and education. They are investigating the practicalities of a business rather than considering an idea. The best advice for anyone looking at business ownership is to stay free of biased assumptions, investigate from an emotion-free state, and work with trusted advisers. That includes free resources, including your Small Business Development Center. Your local center has resources to help you do research and can refer you to experts in select fields. 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. As cops fail to find a clear motive behind Swathi's cold blooded murder, an eye witness has emerged who claims he had seen someone slapping the woman repeatedly just days before she was killed. By Pramod Madhav: Its been 7 days since Infosys techie S Swathi was hacked to death at a busy railway station in Chennai infront of dozens of horriefied onlookers but the police is till groping in the dark for the identity of the attacker. Now, details have emerged that that the 24-year-old woman was assaulted by a man at the Nungambakkam railway station. advertisement Chennai: Woman Infosys employee hacked to death at railway station, CCTV footage shows attacker As cops fail to find a clear motive behind Swathi's cold blooded murder, an eye witness has emerged who claims he had seen someone slapping the woman repeatedly just days before she was killed. WHAT THE PROFESSOR SAW Tamilselvan, a professor in a private university is a regular commuter who travels from Nungambakkam railway station to Vandaloor. Though he doesn't know Swathi personally, he could recognise her well as they almost travelled at the same time. Infosys techie's father to India Today: People kept watching while she was hacked But seeing someone being assaulted in the public will not let you forget their face. Same thing happened with Tamilselvan. He recalls that on 6 or 7 June, he was petrified to see a woman being continuously slapped by a man in his thirties in front of bystanders. Singer Abhijeet does it again, calls Chennai Infosys techie's murder Love Jihad Swathi was murdered at the same spot two weeks later. SWATHI KNEW THE MAN? Tamilselvan said that Swathi was slapped repeatedly by someone. But by the way she took it calmly and got into the train for her work very much seemed like she knew the man. This man had a wheatish skin tone and was in his thirties. Not just him but other passengers were equally surprised by Swathi not reacting to being slapped. No clear CCTV image of the killer is available making the task difficult for the cops. The man's face is pretty much sketched in Tamilselvan's brain and he said that if cops brings him forward, he could definitely recognise him. Also Read: IBM techie found dead in her Bengaluru flat Snapdeal employee Dipti Sarna kidnapping: Accused followed her 150 times, studied her for 1 year Britannica COO jumps to death in Gurgaon, father suffers heart attack --- ENDS --- Actor Irrfan Khan who courted controversy over his comments on Ramzan tweets that clerics do not scare him. By India Today Web Desk: A day after actor Irrfan Khan stirred up the hornet's nest with his comments on fasting during Ramzan and Muharram festivities, the Pan Singh Tomar actor has tweeted in defence stating that clerics don't scare him. Adding that he is thankful that he lives in a country that is not governed by religious contractors. "Clerics don't scare me. Thank God I don't live in a country governed by religious contractors," read his tweet. Clerics don't scare me !! Thank God I don't live in a country governed by religious contractors (thekedars ) #FREEDOM irrfan (@irrfan_k) July 1, 2016 advertisement Khan, 49, had commented while promoting his upcoming film Madari at an event in Jaipur on Friday Thursday evening. He had questioned the true spirit of fasting during the holy month of Ramzan. For me religion is abt personal introspection , it's a source for compassion, wisdom and moderation n not for stereotyping n fanaticism. irrfan (@irrfan_k) July 1, 2016 "We have forgotten the real meaning of rituals. We have made them a tamasha (mockery). Qurbani means sacrificing something close to your heart and sharing it with others," he said. Today, you buy a goat from the market for sacrifice. It is something to think about, it is a matter of common sense, we all should ask ourselves how sacrificing another life earns us any goodwill," Khan added. Khan was also critical of the Muharram festivities stating that it is an occasion of mourning instead people take out elaborate processions. "It is very important to understand the meaning of rituals and festivals or they will be misused. He even questioned why clerics choose to stay silent over issues like terrorism.CLERICS LASH OUT AT KHAN FOR HIS COMMENTS Moments after his comments hit the news, Muslim clerics from hometown Jaipur lashed out at his comments. Some even went on to the extent of saying the actor should focus on what he does and that he should refrain from anything that concerns the religion. "It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie," said Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind. "He should keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion," said Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipur's Shaher Qazi (chief jurist). Also read: Irrfan Khan questions Ramzan fast, Muslim clerics ask him to focus only on acting --- ENDS --- SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Sienna Sydlaske is the youth librarian at the Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme. When she's not reading or designing STEM library programs, she can be found training for triathlons, spending time with her family and watching animated films. By Jean Moore of the Ventura County Star In this week's Three Good Reads, we have a feline ballerina, two pairs of friends and a magical harmonica. These books, recommended by Sienna Sydlaske, youth librarian at the Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme, are for kids in elementary school. Have a book you'd like to recommend? Submit it to Jean Moore by visiting http://www.vcstar.com/threegoodreads. In September, we'll publish recommendations from readers. Title: Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret Author: Bob Shea Plot: Ballet Cat and her best friend, Sparkles the pony, are trying to decide what to play together. Ballet Cat manipulates the situation to her advantage, and the two friends decide on you guessed it ballet dancing. But Sparkles has a secret. A secret so powerful the revelation could shake the very foundations of their friendship. Will Sparkles risk everything and tell Ballet Cat the totally secret secret? Yes, yes she will. Why I like it: Bob Shea's broad and high-contrast illustrations, paired with a vibrant color palette, engage the reader and match the whimsical tone of the story. The lesson of friendship and compromise is well-suited to young readers. Age: 6 8 Awards: 2016 American Library Association Notable Children's Books list. Title: A Handful of Stars Author: Cynthia Lord Plot: Lily lives with her grandparents and her blind, elderly dog, Lucky. When Lucky gets loose, Salma, a young migrant blueberry picker, rescues the dog. An unexpected friendship forms between the two girls, sealed by the lovable and helpless Lucky. As the girls get to know one another, Lily enlists Salma's help in raising money to pay for an expensive surgery for her dog. Salma decides to enter the Blueberry Queen pageant at the local festival to help pay for the surgery. Salma faces prejudice and discrimination as she challenges the local traditions of their small town. Why I like it: Cynthia Lord's effortless and fluid style instantly connect the reader with Lily and Salma. The themes of friendship, bias, empathy and sacrifice anchor the story and provide it emotional weight. Age: 8-12 Awards: Best of the Year list of the Children's Book Council, Boston Globe Pick of the Week. Title: Echo Author: Pam Munoz Ryan Plot: This tale begins with the fable of a unique and powerful harmonica that carries the spirits of three sisters. The harmonica intersects with the lives of three musically gifted owners spanning critical events in the 20th century the rise of Nazism in Germany, the Great Depression in Pennsylvania and the effects of World War II in California. The three story threads work independently, but the power of the harmonica draws them inevitably toward one another as their tales intertwine. Why I like it: A fascinating mix of magic and historical fiction breathes new life into well-trodden territory. Cliffhangers and mystery keep the reader turning the pages, and Ryan's prose is smart and engaging. Age: 10 and up Awards: 2016 Newbery Honor Book. Next week: Books for young adults. WENDY LEUNG/THE STAR Richard Ordaz, owner of Peacock's Record Bar, is moving his music business online with the rising rent in downtown Oxnard. SHARE WENDY LEUNG/THE STAR Peacock's Record Bar, which closed over the weekend, has been in Oxnard since the 1950s. By Wendy Leung of the Ventura County Star Richard Ordaz needs more moving boxes. Actually, what he really needs is more garage space. Over the weekend Ordaz closed Peacock's Record Bar, a shop selling music since the 1950s in downtown Oxnard. Ordaz, 46, of Oxnard, has owned the store specializing in old school CDs, records and cassettes for the past two decades. He bought the store after working there for just six months. "I liked the idea of being your own boss," Ordaz said. Now he's packing up the inventory and moving it home, where he'll operate an online-only business. Ordaz got 100 moving boxes and filled them quickly with records. "I'm running out of room," Ordaz said. "I've filled up half of my garage." Peacock's closure isn't the typical tale of a record store closing as shoppers migrate to streaming. Ordaz had developed a niche following of music lovers who enjoyed thumbing through rare vinyl and hunting for new additions in the $1 bin. But a new owner purchased the building on Fourth Street, raising Ordaz's rent from $500 to $1,300. Ordaz admits that even the higher rent is a good price but it's something he can't afford. For now, he will save up money with his online business and sell at various record shows in Southern California. He wants to eventually to open another location, hopefully in Oxnard. Ordaz specializes in oldies, R&B, soul and funk. "I like obscure, old stuff. Stuff that's not on the radio," Ordaz said. "If it's something I've never heard of, it usually becomes my favorite." His favorite record of all time is probably Sass' "Much Too Much," a rare find from 1982 that he had to sell to catch up with rent. When Prince died earlier this year, Ordaz had a specialized collection to offer including a singles record of "Pop Life" and the soundtrack "Graffiti Bridge" on cassette. Ordaz said it's not just older music fans who enjoy something tangible like vinyl or CD. Some of his customers are very young audiophiles. "I've seen 11-year-olds get dropped off or they take the bus to come here and pick up records," Ordaz said. For now, customers will have to wait until Ordaz sets up his online business. He said the best way to follow his next move is through Instagram at "peacocksoxnard." SHARE COURTESY PHOTO | VENTURA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ventura County Fire Department By Staff Reports Firefighters contained a fast growing brush fire north of Highway 118 near Rocky Peak Road in Simi Valley but soon afterward were called to another report of a fire in the Simi Valley area. A vegetation fire was reported at 6:56 p.m. in the 7400 block of studio Road in the Box Canyon area. Crews arriving at the scene reported three spot fires in medium to thick brush that were beginning to merge. They initially requested two air tankers to battle the half-acre blaze, warning that structures would be threatened if the fire grew. Soon afterward, they canceled the air tankers, saying they could handle the flames with resources that were on site. A law enforcement presence was requested to deal with bystanders, according to crews on the scene. Around 8 p.m., crews at the scene reported that the fire had reached 2 acres in size but the main body of it had been knocked down, and they expected to keep the total burned area under 5 acres. The fire was reported out at 9:24 p.m. Earlier, crews had contained the Rocky Peak fire at 45 acres about 5:33 p.m. Capt. Mike Lindbery, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, said the fire was reported about 12:40 p.m. and was burning in light to medium grass. Lindbery later said firefighters were making good progress with air and ground crews and that forward progress had slowed. Besides Ventura County firefighters, Los Angeles County and Los Angeles city firefighters also helped fight the fire "because that's our mutual threat area," he said. The westbound Kuehner Drive offramp was reopened after being closed. STAR FILE PHOTO Crude oil can be seen where it made its way down a hillside into the Prince Barranca, in Hall Canyon just below where a crude oil pipeline failed, spilling 30,000 gallons of crude oil into the barranca in Ventura last week. SHARE By Arlene Martinez, amartinez@vcstar.com Residents concerned about the long-term impacts of last week's oil spill in Ventura questioned company, local and state officials during a meeting Thursday night at City Hall. A resident reported the spill early June 23, and it eventually dumped 30,000 gallons of crude oil over a half mile down the Prince Barranca and Hall Canyon. It originated from a pipeline owned by Crimson Pipeline near Grove Lane and Grove Street just northeast of Ventura High School. Company officials previously said the spill stemmed from a valve that had been replaced the day before. The 10-inch pipeline was installed in 1941. Crimson's incident commander, Jim Morris, said he had no idea how long the cleanup could take, in part because the company wants to restore the environment to, as much as possible, pre-spill conditions. Several residents were critical of what's happened in the days since the spill, including not receiving calls back about claims they want to file and wondering why the cleanup wasn't moving more rapidly. The terrain was making that difficult, officials said, noting that the process had to be done from up top. "It is a difficult oil spill," Morris said. "It's a steep-wall canyon. We're trying to protect the barranca as best we can." Several people at the meeting had concerns about the effect of the spill on future property values. Tony Deleo is a real estate broker who lives near the barranca. "It's going to have a dramatic impact on your property," he told the 40 or so residents in the crowd. "It's a really big issue." Sellers will have to disclose the oil spill, potentially causing values to plummet, he said. Deleo, as well as others, also said they had been experiencing health problems, including sore throat, headaches, watery eyes and nausea. Dr. Chris Kuhlman, a toxicologist with the Center for Toxicology and Health, said there have been 24-hour air samples done every day since the spill. There have been more than 2,000 air-quality readings, he said. "The air in your neighborhood is safe," he said. The Center for Toxicology and Health is a third-party firm hired by Crimson, which prompted Deleo to question whether that was a conflict of interest. Kuhlman said the results had been shared with Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin, who was satisfied there was no hazard "at this time." Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett pressed Kuhlman for the specific readings or figures to get a sense of how close the levels were to being problematic. Kuhlman said he did not have them immediately available. But those figures won't necessarily get released, said Sau Garcia, the state on-scene coordinator with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. That will be up to federal officials after the investigation is complete. Mary Haffner, who lives near the barranca and serves on the Ventura Unified School District board, said the oil was loaded with toxins. "We know what we're smelling," she said. "We smell it every, single day." Haffner said she had no idea she lived so near an "active oil pipeline that could burst in my backyard." Before the line is allowed to resume operations, Garcia said it will be inspected by the state fire marshal's office, which has jurisdiction over the intrastate pipe. Resident Bob Chianese said he wanted to be able to trust that this time, the pipe would hold. "We dodged bullets every step of the way," he said, referring to the pipeline not operating at full pressure when the spill started, the weather, the quick detection and rapid response. In the future, he said, "I just hope we don't have to rely on luck." Call 562-285-4128 or email claims@crimsonpl.com to file a claim. The local response line is 833-0177. Call 877-823-6926 to report oiled wildlife. On any day, the number one question asked to a gondolier at The Venetian Las Vegas is, How can I become a gondolier? Now, guests will have the opportunity if only for a few hours through the resorts new Gondola University. The new program, limited to nine participants per day, begins with a primer on the history of Venice, the city famous for its aquatic transportation and the inspiration for The Venetian Las Vegas. Participants will then learn the ins and outs of piloting a gondola, before going through Rowing 101, the hands-on experience where participants will actually row their own vessel. The experience ends with an official Sash and Scarf Ceremony, modeled after the actual ritual used by The Venetian Las Vegas when new gondoliers earn their stripes upon completion of training. Participants also receive a gondola hat and t-shirt, a souvenir photo and a degree certificate from Gondola University. Gondola University aims to give our guests lifetime memories during their next trip to Las Vegas, said Tina Peetris, vice president of retail at The Venetian and The Palazzo. This is something they will definitely want to share on Facebook and Instagram. Fun Facts about the gondola experience at The Venetian There are two gondola experiences at The Venetian an indoor ride on the second level of the resort, as well as an outdoor ride Las Vegas Strip-side There are 14 gondolas in use between the two canals. Each gondola is about 36 feet in length. Each gondola weighs 3,200 pounds. Each gondolier knows about a dozen songs with which they serenade their guests. Each gondolier makes about 20 rotations per day in a shift. More than 500,000 visitors ride the gondolas at The Venetian Las Vegas every year. Comedy-magician Mac King and Harrahs Las Vegas have agreed to extend their contract for another five years. Currently celebrating his shows 10th anniversary at Harrahs, Las Vegas the contract will ensure The Mac King Comedy Magic Show through 2015 for a historic 15-year run. This is really amazing, Harrahs has been my home for the last 10 years and I have truly enjoyed every moment, said King. To continue making audiences laugh for another five years is incredible. Harrahs, Las Vegas President Rick Mazer added, We are proud of Mac Kings contributions to Harrahs, Las Vegas and look forward to sharing his amazing talent and passion for entertaining with our guests for years to come. The Mac King Comedy Magic Show has entertained more than 1,000,000 audience members in over 5,200 shows since opening in 2000. King takes the stage at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, in the Showroom Theatre at Harrahs, Las Vegas. Tickets are $24.95 plus tax and may be purchased by calling 1 (800) 392-9002 ext. 5111 or by visiting www.harrahs.com. Former Las Vegas Weeklys Entertainer of the Year, Mac King has been consistently lauded throughout his impressive run. Las Vegas Review-Journal named his show the Best Bargain Show for seven straight years (2003-2010) and deemed him Favorite Male Las Vegan in 2008. King, a past NBC-TV The Worlds Greatest Magic Shows regular, has also been decorated as Magic Magazines Funniest Act in Magic, the World Magic Awards Best Comedy Magician and the Magic Castles Magician of the Year. Recently, King published his latest childrens book, Mac Kings Campfire Magic, and released a new trick set, Lunchbox-O-Magic. Prior works from the Louisville native include the Great Big Ol Book-O-Magic in 2007 and the Suitcase-O-Magic in 2009. Azure Luxury Pool welcomed Tamra Barney of the Real Housewives of Orange County, as a part of her bachelorette party weekend at The Palazzo Las Vegas (Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com). Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com. Barney and fiance Eddie Judge partied poolside at the luxurious hot spot alongside their closest friends including co-stars Heather and Terry Dubrow and actress and comedian from Chelsea Lately Heather McDonald. Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com. Judge wowd the crowd with chains wrapped around his biceps and hot pants with Tamras Toy printed on the behind. Meanwhile, Barney and her friends began to dance inside the cabana while a saxophone player serenaded her with his tunes. Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com. The party munched on cuisine by Wolfgang Puck enjoying favorites such as the Margarita Pizza, Portobello Pizza, Chinois Chicken Salad, Grilled Prime Burger and more. In addition, the party sipped on signature Azure cocktails. Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com. For more information about Azure Luxury Pool, please visit palazzo.com/azure. Photo credit: John Finn / imaze.com. At least 30 people are feared killed after torrential rains triggered flashfloods in two Uttarakhand districts. India Today interactive | The Tandava: Nature's Dance of Fury in Lord's Own Valley By India Today Web Desk: At least 30 people are feared killed in Uttarakhand as heavy rains triggered cloudbursts in Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts. The recent cloudburst incidents remind us of 2013, when the violent flash floods wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand districts of Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Tehri and claimed around 6,000 lives. ALSO READ | The lucky escape: Our trekking trip turned into a nightmare, well almost. How we stayed just a hop ahead of disaster on the road to Rudraprayag advertisement Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi has also expressed grief over loss of lives in Uttarakhand due to cloudburst and heavy rain. "I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families. My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest", the Prime Minister said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has also announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees for the kin of the deceased. WHAT IS A CLOUDBURST? A sudden, downpour over a limited area as if the entire clouds were to rain down in a matter of minutes. If it rains over a 100 mm in an hour concentrated in a area just a few square kilometres, one can call it a cloudburst. In Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag, it rained 479 mm in the intervening night of June 16-17, 2013. They are called cloudbursts because we earlier believed that clouds were a solid mass of water that burst over an area. India Today interactive | The Tandava: Nature's Dance of Fury in Lord's Own Valley WHY AND HOW DOES IT HAPPEN Cloudbursts occur because the warm air current from the ground or below the clouds rushes up and carries the falling raindrops up with it. The rain fails to fall down in a steady shower. This results in excessive condensation in the clouds as new drops form and old drops are pushed back into it by the updraft. Then one of them gives in. The air current slows down or the clouds can't hold. The resulting violent downpour can dump as much as 70,000 tonnes of water over an acre of land. In India, a cloudburst mostly occurs in the mountains of India where the low monsoon clouds are stopped by the high mountains. But it may happen elsewhere. On July 26, 2005, a cloudburst over Mumbai dumped 1,448 mm of rain in 10 hours. ALSO READ | Uttarakhand cloudburst: Centre mobilises disaster relief machinery, toll at 12 Uttarakhand: 30 feared dead in cloudburst; Chamoli, Pithoragarh worst-hit --- ENDS --- A Turkish anti-riot officer stands guard as people walk past the explosion site at Ataturk airport on June 29, 2016 in Istanbul, a day after a suicide bombing and gun attack targeted the airport. AFP/Ozan Kose The death toll from Tuesday's gun and suicide bomb spree at Ataturk airport has risen to 42, state-run news agency Anadolu said, with 13 foreigners among the dead and more than 200 people injured. Turkey has been plunged into mourning over the carnage at Ataturk airport, the deadliest yet of several attacks to strike Turkey's biggest city this year. Police carried out 16 raids across Istanbul early Thursday, an official said, with three foreign nationals among the "IS suspects" detained. "It is probable that at least one attacker was a foreign national," he added, speaking on condition of anonymity. Turkey has suffered a string of deadly attacks in the past year blamed on either IS or Kurdish rebels, and the airport attack comes just at the start of the crucial summer tourist season. Interior Minister Efkan Ala told reporters late Wednesday there was an ongoing "serious and comprehensive investigation" into who was behind the attack. Using another name for IS, he said: "First signs point to Daesh, but it's not certain yet." CIA director John Brennan said the attack, which has sparked international condemnation, bore the "hallmark" of the jihadist group. "RIFLES IN SUITCASES" Details are emerging of how the attackers arrived at Turkey's busiest airport by taxi before indiscriminately firing at passengers with automatic rifles and detonating suicide bombs. "The terrorists failed to pass through the regular security system, scanners and police control," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters late Wednesday. "They returned and came back with long-range rifles they took out from their suitcases, and passed the security control by opening fire randomly at people," he said. "One of them blew himself up outside and the other two took advantage of the panic during the opening of the fire, entered inside and blew themselves up." A senior source close to the presidency gave a slightly different version of events, saying two attackers blew themselves up on separate floors of the airport before the third followed suit outside. CCTV footage widely-circulated on social media showed a huge ball of flame erupting at the entrance, scattering terrified passengers. Another video showed a black-clad attacker running inside the building before collapsing to the ground - apparently felled by a police bullet - and blowing himself up. Officials have yet to identify the attackers, but the Hurriyet newspaper named one of them as Osman Vadinov, a Chechen who had arrived from Raqa, the IS stronghold in Syria. The victims include several Saudis, a Chinese national, a Tunisian and a Ukrainian. SECURITY LAPSE? Authorities are under pressure to convince visitors that Turkey is still safe, as the vital tourism industry has taken a heavy hit from a string of deadly attacks in the past year. Ege Seckin, an analyst at IHS Country risk, said the attack was "most likely conducted by the Islamic State to undermine the Turkish economy by attacking the airport ahead of the summer months, when tourism peaks". Yildirim said Turkey would "increase the presence of specially-trained staff" at the nation's airports. He moved swiftly after the bombings to deny there had been any lapse in security, but many Turks have been angered by the perceived failure to stop the bombings. "It was an airport," one man could be heard shouting outside an Istanbul morgue on Wednesday, as devastated families went to collect the bodies of loved ones. "It's not like this happened in the street." The opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper also expressed anger at what it said was a failure by the nation's leaders to take political responsibility for the attack. "Is there anyone to resign?" it asked, pointing out that after the IS bombings at Brussels airport and a metro station in March, three Belgian ministers offered their resignation. Turkey has suffered at least five attacks blamed on IS militants, including a blast in Ankara in October that left over 100 dead, the worst in the country's modern history. In January, a bombing in the heart of Istanbul's tourist district, also blamed on IS, killed a dozen German visitors. Two months later, three Israelis and an Iranian were killed in another attack attributed to the militants on the city's main Istiklal shopping street. An official informs students of the regulations during exams at a venue of Ha Nois Education University. Nearly 900,000 students will start their important exams this morning with a mathematics test. - VNA/VNS Photo Quy Trung According to Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), 98.22 per cent of applicants went to exam venues to register yesterday. Since last year, high school graduation and university entrance exams have been combined into one national exam. The results of the national exam will be considered for both the high school graduation and university admissions. According to MoET, the number of candidates registered this year decreased by about 120,000, equal to 12 per cent, compared to last year. About 32 per cent of the candidates will take the exam to get results for their high school graduation only. The ministry has set up plans to send experienced officers to support testing centres in disadvantaged regions such as central region, Central Highlands region or exam venues managed by universities for the first time and managed by local education department, Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said. Bui Van Ga, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said that the test structure this year is not different from last year with the content focusing on 12th grade programme. The questions will not be tricky and not require students to learn knowledge by heart. The ministry will also set up 14 inspection teams to conduct both scheduled and unexpected inspections at exam venues. There will be also other 120 inspection teams set up by exam councils, localities and other ministries. The MoET will work closely with police to identify hi-tech cheating during the exam. In Ha Noi which has the highest number of registered candidates, despite heavy rain in the early yesterday morning, more than 76,000 students showed up on time at 8 am at testing centres to register for the exam. The citys youth volunteers have been mobilised to give support to candidates and candidates relatives in the hope of smooth national exams. Traffic police officers have also been sent to the venues to ensure no congestion occurs during the four-day exam. More than 20,000 volunteers in HCM City are part of the programme organised by the HCM City Student Assistance Centre between June 25 and August 12 to support students during the exam period. The University of Technology and Education gave VN65 million (US$2,888) in funds from sponsors to Binh Thuan Provinces Communist Youth Union to hire buses to transport disadvantaged students from its districts to Phan Thiet City. All of the 12 exam venues are in the city, where 11,599 candidates will take the tests. In the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, there are 12 national high school exam venues with 13,212 candidates. Six-hundred volunteers are working for the provinces candidate assistance programmes. Hoang Xuan Quang, deputy rector of An Giang University, said the university had provided addresses for accommodation, food stores and other places on http://www.agu.edu.vn/tsmt2016/index.php to help candidates and parents find accommodation near exam venues. The university is also working with companies to offer free meals and drinks to candidates and their parents. Students will be tested on four subjects, which comprise three compulsory subjects of mathematics, literature and a foreign language, and an optional subject. The optional subjects that the students can choose from are physics, chemistry, biology and history, as well as geography. The students can take extra tests in other subjects for better chances of getting admission to universities and colleges. The test marking is scheduled to take place no later than July 20. Viet Nam Gold Trading Association (VGTA) asked the State Bank of Viet Nam to allow local producers of gold jewelry and fine art to import gold materials. - Photo laodong.com.vn VGTA's chairman Nguyen Thanh Long said when the local gold prices were higher than the international prices, firms needed to import gold materials so that they can have better prices to make their products. Since the Government issued Decree 24 on management of gold trading in 2012, which enables the central bank to directly intervene in the local gold market, the market has become stable. Gold traders decreased sharply from 12,000 units then to 38 now. However, Long said that the decree which also made SBV the only gold importer in Viet Nam, was making a lot of trouble for local gold jewelry manufacturers when they could no longer have accessible gold material for import. SBV only allowed a few firms to import gold materials under their strict supervision. Without permission, others must buy gold from unofficial markets, which encouraged gold smuggling into the country. At the same time, according to data from HCM City's Jewelry Association, over 70 per cent of producers were faced with the tight regulation of SBV's on credit loans for manufacturing. Thus, the association suggested the central bank grant import licenses to gold jewelry and fine art manufacturers with SBV permission. In a further development, VGTA also asked for the Government to let local firms borrow gold materials from people for their production. Chairman Long said the Law on Credit Institutions in 2010 did not stipulate the conditions for mobilising gold while SBV's circular No 11/2011/TT only terminated the mobilising capital in gold of the credit institutions. Thus, Long said corporate gold mobilisation should be adjusted under the Investment Law 2014, Law on Enterprises 2014 and the Civil Code 2005. Long said under the Investment Law 2014, the gold borrowing from local organisations and individuals for production were not listed under the conditional investment. Long added that the activity was not on the gold business activities as stipulated in Decree No 24/ND-CP because, the gold loans were only to serve the production of gold jewelry and fine art, not for trading for profit. So the association suggested the central bank and the Ministry of Justice not to consider the mobilisation as the profitable trading that needs a license. As a response, deputy director of the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV)'s HCM City branch, Nguyen Hoang Minh told local media that the production of gold jewellery and fine arts were one of the traditional handicrafts that brought profit to the city and created jobs for local people. Thus, Minh said, SBV's branch has been collecting information on the matter to see if the bank could solve the problem, adding that without a timely solution, there were chances for gold smuggling in the country when local manufacturers had to buy gold from the unofficial market. While Minh did not mention about the gold loans from local sources for their production in May, SBV refused the VGTA's proposal to mobilise privately owned gold. An anonymous official from the central bank told the local media it would be very risky in terms of the price movements it might cause, claiming there has been no precedent by any government in the world in this regard. So it happens that Binh Thuan Provinces Tuy Phong District has extended dry periods and the highest speed of desertification. Magic desert: A view of beaches, resorts and sand dunes seen from the Mui Ne Flying Sand Dune. -VNS Photo Phuong Loan 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. Photo source VnExpress This was officially announced by Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at the government press conference on June 30. According to Dung, after the research and analysis process, with the participation of ministries, provincial authorities as well as hundreds of international and domestic experts, the government determined that during the test runs, the factory discharged toxins, such as phenol, cyanide, which, combined with hydrogen, caused the mass fish deaths in the central coast of Vietnam. In a video delivered at the press conference, Chen Yuan-Cheng, president of Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Co., Ltd. accepts full responsibility for the incident and made a public apology to the government and the Vietnamese people, especially the residents of the four provinces. Chen added that Formosa committed to paying a compensation of $500 million for households who suffered economic damages and for marine environmental pollution treatment. In addition, Formosa will repair its wastewater treatment system to prevent similar incident in the future. Simultaneously, the company will co-operate with relevant ministries and provincial authorities to implement synchronous measures to avoid a similar environmental breakdown. Previously, before the inspicion on Formosas discharge toxins into the sea, on April 28, a group of inspectors led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, arrived at Ha Tinhs Ky Anh district to take water and sediment samples to find the cause of the mass fish deaths. The group also checked the wastewater treatment system of Taiwanese Formosas Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Co., Ltd. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with scientists, will work with companies in the provinces Vung Ang economic zone to collect information about their wastewater volume. Besides, the local authorities will supervise the volume of wastewater discharged into the sea through online camera systems. Further information can be read in VIRs edition published on Monday, July 4, 2016. This was announced by Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at the government press conference, publishing the reason of mass fish deaths in the four central coastal provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, and Thua Thien-Hue, on June 30. Dung stated that the government would require ministries, relevant agencies, and provincial authorities to build a compensation plan, including supporting affected individuals to change jobs as well as environmental pollution treatment. Along with directions about using the components, Dung added that the government will review and consider procedures, environmental standards as well as conditions to let organisations or the local authorities report their projects environmental impacts. Besides, Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that in order to prevent the recurrence of the incident in the future, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc required ministries and other authorities to review the environmental protection standards for enterprises. If these ministries and authorities do not complete their mission, they will have to take responsibility, according to regulation. On the same day, the Ha Tinh Peoples Committee decided to establish a council to estimate the damages of the environmental break-down and simultaneously build solutions to overcome consequences. Formosa complexs discharge toxins into the sea, causing the mass fish deaths in the four central coastal provinces, have caused great disturbance, endangering residents livelihood, leading to public anger during last nearly three months. This case is similar to monosodium glutamate (MSG) producer Vedans discharging untreated wastewater into the Thi Vai River in 2008. In its case, Vedan was reported to dump more than 5,000 cubic metres of untreated wastewater a day into the Thi Vai River through a sophisticated underground pipeline for many years. It caused serious pollution and heavy losses to thousands of fish-farming households in Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Ho Chi Minh City. Vedan was reported to be saving $30 million per month thanks to the illegal pipeline system. According to a representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, during the 1995-2005 period, Vedan continuously discharged inadequately treated wastewater showing levels of contaminants and pollutants far exceeding regulated limits. Xyanua and coliform levels were found to be 5,600 and over 100 times of the prescribed maximum. However, Vedan did not appropriately compensate its victims. The households sued the company due to its delay in paying for their losses. In August 2010, two years after Vedans polluting activities were brought to light, the company signed an agreement to compensate households in three provinces for a total of VND219.2 billion ($11.2 million), including VND45.7 billion ($2.3 million) to Ho Chi Minh City, VND53.5 billion ($2.7 million) to Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and VND120 billion ($6.2 million) to Dong Nai. In addition, the company also agreed to pay the Dong Nai People's Committee VND500 million ($26,300) to cover the cost of calculating losses. This marks an end to more than two decades of hesitation on finding a single word name for the western part of the former Czechoslovakia By Reuters: Czechia has become the official English alternative name for the Czech Republic, the Foreign Ministry said today. It will now allow users to save space on name tags and product labels. A spokeswoman said the ministry had notified the United Nations that Czechia, as well as versions of the name in French, German, Russian, Arabic and Chinese, may be used instead of the full political name. advertisement END OF HESITATION This marks an end to more than two decades of hesitation on finding a single word name for the western part of the former Czechoslovakia, a federation of Czechia and Slovakia that broke up peacefully in 1993. But not all Czechs are happy.When the cabinet announced a decision to go ahead with the title earlier this year, an informal survey by news website idnes.cz found more than 22,000 people said they did not like it against 7,000 who did. TO BE USED WILLFULLY The ministry said it would not push the new name but would let it take root naturally over time through voluntary use. "This does not mean it will be used at all international gatherings from now on," spokeswoman Michaela Lagronova said. The country of 10.6 million people consists of the historical lands of Bohemia (Cechy in Czech), Moravia and part of Silesia. While some experts argue Bohemia was, in medieval times, used as a name for the entire country, people from those regions have protested against using it. Czechia is based on a Latin name for the country used in 17th and 18th century texts. --- ENDS --- The HCM City Oncology Hospital will be one of five hospitals in HCM City to be rebuilt under a package recently approved by Prime Minister. Photo suckhoetongquat.vn The hospitals are at the central and lower levels and include the second facilities of Bach Mai Hospital, Viet uc Hospital, HCM City Oncology Hospital, HCM City Paediatrics Hospital and Military Hospital No.175s TraumatologyOrthopaedics Institute. The money will be sourced from a fund established to support the development of businesses. The construction of these hospitals is expected to ease congestion and improve the quality of healthcare, leading to better services for patients. According to Microsofts newest statistics, at the moment there are 1.2 billion people using Office, in 140 countries and 107 languages around the world. The Office apps have been downloaded 340 million times to mobile devices running iOS and Android. It is estimated that two thirds of all data is being kept and transferred through Cloud solutions around the world. How can companies join this trend? Will the large amount of data be a hurdle to their growth? Microsoft Office 365 is the perfect solution integrating cloud computing, tailored exclusively for the needs of business customers. Distributed in Vietnam by CMC Telecom, Office 365 is expected to create a revolution in the IT management of Vietnamese enterprises. How do companies benefit from cloud computing? Office 365 is the perfect cloud computing solution for Vietnam According to Vu Minh Tri, Microsoft Vietnams general manager, Office 365 is a set of cloud computing services that supplement companies experience of using IT services from A to Z, from integrating the whole set of familiar office tools, namely Office Pro Plus, to managing personal information/messages stored in the cloud (Exchange Online) or internal Portal online for companies (Sharepoint Online), the online data storage system (OneDrive for Business), and the online conference app (Skype for Business), to bring flexibility to all company staff. Working from anywhere and at any time has never been so easy and professional. In addition, Office 365 also provides a social network for businesses (Yammer), a virtual secretary (Delve), and a presentation support tool (Sway) with a friendly interface and familiar gestures. CMC Telecom, as the strategic provider of Microsoft, aims to help companies and office workers shift digital data usage to the cloud, increase productivity everywhere, and sync all devices to increase the competitiveness of companies. IT solutions upgrade companies? Global economic integration and competition are driving companies to change. IT is one of the primary areas a leader should pay attention to because it impacts the whole system of employees, operations, and information management. According to a new study produced by Vmware by surveying 64 IT managers and company leaders in Vietnam, as much as 52 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises want to use cloud computing in their IT infrastructure and 87 per cent of them believe in the role of cloud computing in encouraging innovation. However, 59 per cent of the employees said that they are not equipped with the necessary technology to work anywhere at any time (according to New way of Work, by Microsoft). What is the reason behind Vietnamese companies limited access to cloud computing services? High initial investment costs? Security concerns? Subpar IT resources not meeting requirements? Ngo Trong Hieu, CEO of CMC Telecom, said that Office 365 is a reasonable investment. It is deployed quickly, secure, and is easy to manage. Employees and partners are going to be able to work in a modern environment, and all related utilities are going to be updated regularly. More information can be found at http://office365.cmctelecom.vn In the future, not only small and medium-sized and foreign companies in Vietnam, but government agencies too will find cloud computing the greenest, most sustainable use of IT both on a local and the global scale. Representatives of Microsoft Vietnam and CMC Telecom celebrate strategic partnership CMC Telecom is one of Vietnams leading telecom companies, producing fast and sustainable growth through packaging available telecom infrastructure services, such as leased line and telephone services, Virtual PBX, and Wifi Marketing. CMC Telecoms strategic goal is to provide services based on Microsoft cloud computing or IBM security solutions, bringing a comprehensive package to company clients from small and medium-sized enterprises to international giants. An investor looks at the stock screen. Investors exchange nearly 90 million shares on both local bourses, worth US$81.3 million, this morning.File Photo The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange rose 0.9 per cent to close at 637.74 points. Also, the HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange inched up 0.1 per cent to end at 84.82 points. Additionally, listed real estate firms continued to drive markets up, as investors expected positive business earnings for their second-quarter performances. Among those companies, Vingroup JSC (VIC) gained 2.2 per cent, Kinh Bac City Development Share Holding Corp (KBC) added 1.3 per cent, and Song Da Urban Investment Construction and Development JSC (SDU) edged up 0.8 per cent. Other sectors that also helped raise local markets included energy and insurance stocks. The insurance sector was lifted by Bao Minh Insurance Corp (BMI) and Viet Nam National Reinsurance Corp (VNR), which jumped 5.5 per cent and 7.1 per cent, respectively. Of note, energy stocks benefited from a rebound in US crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which rose 0.6 per cent to trade at US$48.63 a barrel. Gaining energy stocks included PetroVietnam Gas Corp (GAS), PetroVietnam Technical Service Corp (PVS) and PetroVietnam Transportation Corp (PVT). Investors exchanged nearly 90 million shares on both local bourses, worth VND1.83 trillion ($81.3 million). a biomass power plant According to Nguyen Huu Hoai, Chairman of the Quang Binh Peoples Committee, this project will have a capacity of 100 megawatts and an estimated investment value of $400 million. The plant will generate electricity from January 2020. The project is divided into two phases, each phase having a capacity of 50MW, and the project will use 500,000 tonnes of waste, such as twigs, shoots, roots, and leaves, per year. Park Jun Hee, vice-chairman of Dohwa Limited Engineering Company, said that the company will conduct a survey to select a suitable site for the project in 2017, and start construction in 2018. Hopefully, the plant will be connected to the national electricity grid by January 2020. Hoai requested Dohwa Limited Engineering Company to select a reasonable location so as to be convenient for transportation of raw materials. Quang Binh province will become the leader in biomass power by the investment of Dohwa Limited Engineering Company, Hoai said. As for the province, it will create the necessary favourable conditions for Dohwa Limited Engineering Company to start the project. In early 2016, Quang Binh issued an investment certificate, allowing Dohwa to build the energy tablet manufacturing factory with the total investment capital of $11 million in the provinces Hon La industrial zone. Ratings agency Standard and Poor's cut the credit rating for the European Union by one notch, saying that the bloc had grown more uncertain after Brexit. (AFP/Leon Neal) "After the decision by the UK electorate to leave the EU as a consequence of the Jun 23 consultative referendum, we have reassessed our opinion of cohesion within the EU, which we now consider to be a neutral rather than positive rating factor," the agency said in a statement. According to the statement, S&P cut the EU's rating to AA, still the third highest possible level, from AA+ with a stable outlook, which signifies that the agency believes no further cut would be necessary in the medium-term. On Monday, both S&P and Fitch downgraded Britain's rating citing last week's referendum that decided an exit from the EU. S&P cut the country's rating from the top AAA to AA, while Fitch lowered its rating from AA+ to AA. The agency said the relatively high rating for the EU "reflects our assumption that member states will fulfil" their budget obligations to the EU. In 2016, Germany, France, and Britain respectively contributed 21 per cent, 16 per cent, and 13 per cent to the total EU budget. The foreign investment in a local hydropower developer aim to promote renewable energy in Vietnam. Following this, IFC and Armstrongs first-time investment within Vietnams energy sector will mean a 16 and 20 per cent equity stake in GEC, respectively. As shareholders, they will help the company expand its hydropower portfolio and invest in other renewable energy segments such as wind and solar power. GEC is one of the largest private sector hydropower players in Vietnam with 84.4 megawatts of installed capacity across 15 run-of-the-river small-scale hydropower plants. Support by IFC and Armstrong as shareholders will not only enable us to expand our core business in hydropower but also help us become a leading renewable energy company and provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based power generation in Vietnam, said Le An Khang, CEO of GEC. Their investment is a vote of confidence in Vietnams hydropower sector potential and should help attract more international investors. Vietnams electricity consumption has outpaced the countrys economic growth rate, doubling Vietnams gross domestic product growth rate over the past few years. GECs renewable energy developments will help the government reach its target of increasing power capacity by 14 per cent annually between 2015 and 2030. We believe GEC is well positioned to capture the strong growth potential in Vietnams renewable energy sector, said Andrew Affleck, managing partner of Armstrong. Armstrongs aim is to share the knowledge and experience we have gained from developing and constructing multiple renewable projects in neighboring Southeast Asian markets to help GEC to continue building a leading position in Vietnam. By developing sustainable hydropower and other renewable energy sources, GEC will help the country to meet its estimated 10 per cent annual increase in the power demand, diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. We believe IFCs investment is an important step to encourage other investors to tap into the rich potential of Vietnams green energy sector, where participation by foreign investors is still modest, said Hyun-Chan Cho, IFCs head for Infrastructure and Natural Resources for Asia Pacific. IFCs global industry knowledge will help transform GEC into a role model for other emerging renewable energy players in Vietnam by showcasing industry best practices, while at the same time expanding supply of reliable and clean energy. Hydroelectricity is the worlds largest source of renewable energy and accounts for one-fifth of the worlds electricity supply from all sources. Over the last decade, IFC has invested more than $1 billion in 75 hydropower projects in 25 countries across the world to promote hydropowers responsible and sustainable development in developing countries. IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC uses our capital, expertise, and influence, to create opportunity where its needed most. Armstrong is a private equity fund based in Singapore, dedicated to the clean energy sector in Southeast Asias emerging markets. Armstrong is managed by a multidisciplinary management team benefiting from a combined experience of developing and investing in over 50 renewable energy projects globally. Armstrong now has 92MW of operating assets in addition to over 300MW of projects under development. GEC is a developer/operator of run-of-river small and medium hydropower plants based in Pleiku in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. GEC was originally established as a state-owned enterprise under the province of Gia Lai in 1989, and was equitised in 2010. In 2013, GEC joined TTC Group, which is a 37-year multi-industry private corporation managing 21 member companies in real estate, energy, agriculture, education and hospitality. GECs charter capital in 2015 was three times as much as that in 2011, reached VND715 billion ($34 million). GECs current hydro portfolio comprises 15 plants in central Vietnam with a combined capacity of 84.4MW. Until 2020, GEC expects its target to become one of the leading companies in clean and renewable energy in Vietnam, towards sustainable development. Do it yourself: Children paint in a class taught by Knee Jerk. His vivid paintings adorn many of the citys once-bare walls and his artistic creations decorate various buildings in the citys downtown area. Born in Essex in the United Kingdom, Knee Jerk has lived in Viet Nam for about five years and has decorated many walls, both for fun and for special purposes, during that time. One sunny day, we found him working with local artists, decorating a long wall. Paint sprayers cans in hand, some of the artists were busy sketching outlines from model paintings. Some used ladders to draw items higher on the wall. They were all lost in their art, oblivious to the heat of the sun. Im an architecture student, so I like this kind of street art, said Le Van Nguyen. Its like playing with colours. It shows off my personality. I feel relaxed while painting graffiti. All of my stress seems to fade. Working with local artists is great fun because its good to have a mix of styles. They bring different ideas to the table, said Knee Jerk. Its good to see that. Nguyen Anh Tuan, a street artist, noted that working with foreign artists like Knee Jerk had helped him learn new techniques and gain confidence. A knee jerk is a reflex action that one does without thinking, so it is also a sort of commentary on his artistic style. I dont really define my style, he said. I dont think about it too much, and I just try to focus on painting and what I have to do that day. I try to relate to people by putting myself on the board. I just kind of float around, painting whatever I want, whenever I want. Knee Jerk has a rich collection of paintings featuring geometric shapes designed with a computer. He also favours an abstract style, as seen in the painting of John Lennon he created with the help of his friend Yoyo. There is a hidden meaning in that piece, but I prefer to have people work it out themselves, he said. Knee Jerk has helped decorate the Viet NamAmerica Education Groups English school in downtown Da Nang. I just drew paintings to inspire the students, Knee Jerk said of his colourful mottos, quotes and graffiti on the walls of the classes. They contain positive messages and thoughts. Knee Jerk admitted that he prefers calm pastel colours and abstract shapes to hold peoples attention. I think its a good way to make the classroom come alive, said Nguyen Quyen, a teacher at the school. It gives the students plenty of energy. We have also received a lot of good feedback from the other teachers. Knee Jerk also decorated the 1812 Boutique Hotel in Son Tra District. Subtle shapes in different colours were used to create a pleasant image for guests at the entrance of the hotel. I think this artwork is suitable for our guests, said Alex Phan, owner of the 1812 Boutique Hotel. His style is actually very modern. My guests love it as it is lovely and relaxing. Knee Jerk also offers a special art tour for foreign tourists in the city, acting as the tour guide. I like to show people the street art around here. I like people who are interested in art, he said. The street art scene here is growing very fast. Many people will come... many tourists will come to paint here. Young kids growing up in Da Nang come and paint here. A western tourist taking Knee Jerks tour noted that the graffiti seen here reflected a heavy combination of eastern and western influences, just like the painters themselves. Its not just as if Vietnamese guys were trying to paint in a western style. They are really coming out. They are really showing off their culture to the world. Looking at it, I see possibilities, the youth in this country, their aspirations, the desire to make everything better, he said. Its blended with western guys doing their thing. It creates a great cross-culture. Noting the diversity in graffiti by western and Vietnamese artists, Knee Jerk said different ideas led to great diversity. Everyone is unique; everyone has his own style, he added. Besides working with adult artists, Knee Jerk also runs courses for local and foreign children living in the area. They are very young and full of ideas, he said. They inspire me, and I inspire them. The export revenue of timber and woodwork products is projected to reach US$7.4 billion, $200 million less than the target set for the sector this year. - Photo tienphong.vn Statistics from the Vietnam Wood and Forestry Products Association (Viforest) revealed that the figure inched slightly down by 0.1 percent to $3.17 billion in the first half of 2016, compared with the same period last year. The decrease was a result of a significant drop in the export turnover of chipboard, Viforest, Vice Chairman Nguyen Ton Quyen said. According to Quyen, Vietnam ships between 3.4 and 4 million tonnes of chipboard overseas every year, on average, bringing in approximately $850 million. With the issue of Circular 182/2015/TT-BTC, which adjusted the export tariff on chipboard from zero percent to two percent as of January 1, 2016, sales of the product have become gloomy. In the north alone, some one million tonnes of chipboard remain unsold. Another reason for the export reduction was an annual fall in the quantity of outdoor wooden furniture that is mostly exported to the European Union, Quyen said. He added that Brexit would have little impact on the quantity of Vietnamese woodwork products to the United Kingdom, but would drag down export prices by between 5 and 7 percent due to the depreciation of related currencies. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Viet Nam's total export value of wooden products reached $7.1 billion in 2015, 8 percent higher than 2014. Wooden chairs, bedroom, outdoor and office furniture constitute the four key export categories. The three largest export markets for the commodities are the United States, Japan and China, accounting for almost 68 percent of the total export value. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today batted for giving "priority" to Delhi students in admissions to DU and other higher education and technical institutions in the national capital, saying the state government spends hundreds of crores of rupees on the varsity. "There are many options but the sum total is that Delhi students should get priority in admissions at the colleges funded by Delhi government," Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, told reporters. advertisement He said Delhi government is concerned with accommodating about 1-1.25 lakh students in higher and technical education institutions who pass out of Class XII every year. "We are not concerned whether there should be reservation for Delhi students at DU colleges but the question before us is how to accommodate 1-1.25 lakh students, who pass Class XII exams in Delhi every year, in higher and technical education institutions here," he said. Each year, around 2.5 lakh students pass Class XII exams of whom half are accommodated in higher and technical education institutions here but the rest have to seek admissions outside Delhi or explore other options. "Delhi government gives hundreds of crores to DU every year and if students of Delhi get priority there the government will be able to utilise its resources in a better way. "There are other options like we stop funding DU colleges and open new colleges for Delhi students. Another option could be to give rebate to Delhi students in cut-off marks of say 5 per cent," Sisodia said, adding DU and other institutions were not ready for these options despite his several efforts for the same. The Deputy Chief Minister also said Delhi government was doing a good job on several fronts and asked the Prime Minister to give credit to the government for it. "The Prime Minister, especially his office and his party, is not allowing Delhi government to work. If Delhi government does anything good they interfere. It is doing a very good job on schools, hospitals, excise, revenue and other fronts and if he (Modi) is taking credit for some of this, it means he feels good work is being done in Delhi. "He should give credit to the government for doing good work in the Delhi, why he is afraid of acknowledging it ?" Sisodia said. He said AAP government supports GST but it will not allow provisions against Delhi traders in the proposed legislation. "On the broad level we also want GST to come but I will not like provisions which adversely affect traders in Delhi to be there in GST," he said, advertisement The government is getting input from traders in this regard and it will also work to remove their fears about the legislation if required, he added. PTI VIT AAR ZMN AAR --- ENDS --- remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Photo by Capital Gazette Ensign Ali Marberry walks through Dahlgren Hall at the United States Naval Academy after changing from a summer dress into her fatigues. Marberrys entry into flight school was stalled while the military worked out its policy on transgendered soldiers. The head of an infamous Khmer Rouge security center and execution site confessed earlier this month to overseeing the fatal burning of four Western inmates in the 1970s. During his second day of testimony at the Khmer Rouge tribunal on June 9, Kaing Kek Eav, the S-21 security center chief better known as Duch, said four Western prisoners of a group of nine were burned alive on order of his superiors. The former prison chief, now 74, is currently serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity handed down in a separate phase of the ongoing case. I can say that they were interrogated and later on they were smashed, per the instructions and the smashing here means they were burned with tires, car tires, Duch said. While historians say an estimated 50 to 60 foreigners were killed at S-21 many of them wayward fisherman hailing from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam the four that Duch immolated were part of a group of nine Westerners apprehended along coastal Cambodian waters in 1978. All appear to have been tourists who sailed off course or had the misfortune of randomly encountering Khmer Rouge rebels. They were arrested on charges of trespassing on the territories of Kampuchea in order to obtain information, Duch said, explaining that the Americans, of whom there were four, were intercepted by navy forces along what is modern-day Preah Sihanouk province. "Later on they were sent to Phnom Penh [where] the Central Committee sent them to S-21 to be interrogated and later on smashed, he added. Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said nine Westerners jailed at S-21 included Americans James William Clark, Lance McNamara, Michael Scott Deeds, and Christopher Delance and Canadian Stuart Glass. He said others included Australians Keith Dean and David Lloyd Scott, New Zealander Kerry George Hamill and Briton John Dewhirst. The loss of the four foreigners who were burned under Duchs command in Tuol Sleng, it is the same kind of suffering as millions of Cambodian families who also lost their loved ones," Chhang said. "It is clearly genocide and a crime against humanity. It does not prejudice or discriminate. They were against anybody; it doesnt matter if you were foreigners or you were Cambodian. Although Duch never clarified which of the nine individual Westerners he burned, Chum Mey, one of the few survivors of the security center, said when the foreign prisoners arrived none of them could escape. They killed all of them, he said, referring to any foreigners incarcerated at S-21. Peter Maguire, a law professor and author of Facing Death in Cambodia, said the deaths of the foreign prisoners in S-21 were well-documented. [Duch] is probably very bored now that his trial is over and seems to have developed a taste for the spotlight, he said. Jeremy Chea was transfixed to the television screen when the result of the United Kingdom referendum on leaving the European Union was announced. The referendum on the UKs exit from the EU, known as Brexit, saw the country vote by a slim margin in favor of leaving. Jeremy, who lived in the UK for 29 years, said he regretted the outcome. Britain had not faced any major economic or security issues for some time, he said, but it would have a hard time in the future as the EU might seek to punish it for leaving. Now, the EU is getting angry with England because its citizens will walk away from [England]. The important thing, they [the EU] will make it difficult for England to leave the EU why do they want Britain to get bad deals? Its because they dont want other countries to follow England, he said. Despite the vote to leave, the country will have two years from when it officially declares its intentions to leave the union to negotiate new trade agreements, freedom of movement and working conditions. Jeremy, a former British police officer who was born in Cambodia, said the new prime minister, who has yet to be selected since Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation following the vote, would have a hard task ahead. The important thing is that for the next two to three years, Britain will work to handle treaties such as a bilateral treaty with the United States, France, and Spain. For example, if Britain worked well on this, that would be positive. Britain would be more prosperous if it could obtain good agreements, he said. But I think that the agreements would not be as good as before... this issue is the most important issue for the next two or three years. The important thing is that there must be a strong person who could fight for a better agreement, he added. The main factors believed to have driven almost 52 percent of voters to choose to leave the EU are the effects of mass immigration, the apparent economic cost of being a part of the union, and the perception that the country had sold off its sovereignty to Brussels, where many of the EUs institutions are headquartered. Chap Sotharith, a senior economic researcher at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace (CICP), told VOA Khmer that the British people will regret their decision because companies will leave in favor of other financial centers such as Dublin and Frankfurt. Stock prices plummeted rapidly after the announcement of the referendum results, he said, and already there were signs that the EUs leaders had lost confidence in Britain. The UK joined the EUs predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC), in 1973 as the sick man of the Europe. It had since rebounded to become the second largest economy on the continent after Germany. But since the Brexit result it slipped into third place behind France. Sotharith said companies that exported from Cambodia to the UK would be affected. If the UK imposes tax on our products, we would feel the effect if we have to trade with each other. We will need to negotiate a new trade deal between the countries, he said. Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Britain rose from over $930 million in 2014 to about $1 billion in 2015, an increase of 22.77 percent, according to the British Embassy. Chum Sounry, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said there would be no impact on Cambodia-UK relations as they were already established bilateral relations. This stage is the time that we have to keep track of how the situation develops. Its not the time for us now to do a clear evaluation, he said. Three environmental activists were sentenced to 18 months in prison by a court in Koh Kong province on Friday for threatening to destroy a sand dredging companys equipment during a field trip last year. The trio from NGO Mother Nature San Mala, Try Sovikea, and Sim Samnang was released on Friday evening having already served more than 10 months in jail. The judge ruled that the remainder of their sentence would be suspended, but ordered them to pay about $25,000 to the plaintiffs and fines of about $500. In Kongchet, provincial coordinator for rights group Licadho, told VOA that Min Makara, the presiding judge in the trial, released the activists on Friday afternoon. He added that the financial penalties would be a heavy burden for the men. The decision to fine so much money was an act of imposing a huge burden on poor people and volunteers working to help society and sacrifice their personal job and families to help society, he said. He added that the compensation the company demanded was excessive under the law. It did not comply with the law because the accused people should not have been detained for more than four months for a misdemeanor case. When they were jailed for four months, they should be sent for trial, he said. Iv Tray, the deputy prosecutor, declined to comment, referring questions to judge Min Makara. Makara also declined to comment. San Chandara, a Mother Nature representative, said that the organization would take legal advice as to whether the large compensation claim could be withdrawn or decreased. We will discuss further with our lawyer who works on this case in terms of a civil lawsuit to the company that demanded compensation, he said. Try Kimly, 21, the younger sister of Sovikea, said there was no chance the family could afford his share of the payments. We think that as we didnt damage anything, there is no need to pay, she said. The decision to detain three environmentalists came after Mother Nature launched a campaign in July last year to take direct action against sand-dredging companies Direct Access and International Rainbow Company. Activists and local community members are concerned that the activities of the companies are illegal and also that the unregulated sand dredging causes river bank erosion and a loss of biodiversity. The anti-sand dredging campaign came on the heels of a successful campaign to stop the construction of the Stung Cheay Areng hydropower dam. Africans are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in America, and many are turning to politics as they navigate the complexities of a new society. African immigrants represent a small share of the U.S. population, but their numbers have been doubling every decade since 1970. In 2013, there were 1.8 million African immigrants living in the U.S., a huge increase from 80,000 in 1970, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey. The foreign-born Africans living in the U.S. in 2013 accounted for 4.4 percent of America's immigrant population that year. But the immigrants, coming from countries all across the African continent, have varied backgrounds and hold extremely diverse political views, said Nii Akuetteh, executive director of the African Immigrant Caucus. The most common countries of origin for foreign-born Africans are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana and Kenya. Some, particularly those from Ethiopia, resettled in the U.S. because of conflicts in their native countries. Political priorities Although his group's interests are varied, Akuetteh said the African Immigrant Caucus' primary political priority is to encourage the next U.S. administration to provide greater support to the democratic process in Africa. Akuetteh told VOA that African immigrants must put the heat on the presidential candidates to stop supporting African dictators, particularly those in Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethopia. There are other dictatorships in Africa, Akuetteh said, but ending U.S. support in those four dictatorial regimes would pressure others in Africa to pursue a democratic form of government. Sylvester Okere, president of the United People for African Congress, an umbrella organization that works to get Africa-born residents involved in U.S. politics, said economic issues are most important to them. Everybody came here for what I call power opportunity and connections, Okere told VOA. Many African immigrants in the U.S. make their living as entrepreneurs, so Okere wants the next president to create opportunities for minority businesses by removing roadblocks in a bureaucratic system that hinders people from being able to pursue their objectives. He said he thought presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton would best represent the interests of African-born residents in the U.S. Theres only one candidate who is really working hard to unite everybody, while the other person [presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump] wants to throw people out of the U.S., Okere said. Akuetteh said his organization wouldn't decide whether to support Clinton or Trump until the candidates responded to a questionnaire about their positions on important issues. Immigration issue Immigration is another huge issue for African immigrants, Akuetteh said. Recent political rhetoric has included calls for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Africa-born residents share all those anxieties over the possibility of being forced out of the U.S., Akuetteh said. Most members of the African diaspora came to the U.S. legally through various immigration programs. While most are permanent residents or citizens, others have work or educational visas. U.S. Census Bureau statistics show Africa-born residents are more educated than the overall U.S. immigration population, with 41 percent having at least one college degree, compared with 28 percent for the immigration population as a whole. The most popular destinations for Africa-born residents are New York City, metropolitan Washington, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Georgia, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The list includes the Ajanta and Ellora Caves of Maharashtra, Delhi's Qutb Complex and Red Fort, Rajasthan's Ranthambore Fort and Brahma Temple among others. By Soudhriti Bhabani: Solar wheelchairs, battery-driven carts and special toilets are among the facilities the government plans to set up at 145 cultural wonders such as the Taj Mahal and Jagannath Temple to ensure accessibility for the differently abled in a country that has a poor record on inclusive infrastructure. SITES CHOSEN, WITH HIGHEST FOOTFALL The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a government agency attached to the ministry of culture, has identified 50 such ancient sites for the initial phase and prepared a list of some monuments under its Adarsh Smarak Yojana- that witness very high tourist footfall-where disabled-friendly measures would be implemented first. advertisement The list includes the Ajanta and Ellora Caves of Maharashtra, Delhi's Qutb Complex and Red Fort, Rajasthan's Ranthambore Fort and Brahma Temple, Group of Monuments at Hampi in Karnataka and Odisha's Konark Sun Temple. Analysts say the step is crucial in India with at least 50-80 million differently abled people who have to frequently fight discrimination and stigma while underdeveloped infrastructure in many parts of the country makes it difficult for them to get around. IT'S THEIR HERITAGE TOO "The initiatives have been taken up as part of the 'Accessible India Campaign' conceptualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," DEPwD joint secretary Mukesh Jain told MAIL TODAY. "The programme is being executed under the direction of the DEPwD (department of empowerment of persons with disabilities) only as we are making all heritage and religious sites disabled-friendly by introducing special arrangements for 'Divyang' people." ACCESSIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN In an ambitious move to enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, the Centre had launched the "Accessible India Campaign" (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) in December, last year. The programme seeks to make at least 50 per cent of all government buildings in the national capital and all state capitals "fully accessible" for the disabled by July 2018. "The upgrade to these archaeological sites will not be uniform. Each monument will be assessed first and then works will be taken up accordingly as per requirement," the ASI official said on condition of anonymity. The issue was discussed in a recent meeting with the joint secretary of the ministry of social justice and empowerment as well as officials from the DEPwD, the disability division in the ministry of social justice & empowerment. 50 MONUMENTS TO GET THIS MAKEOVER "The DEPwD is providing facilities at 145 identified places by the department. The process will kick-start soon with at least 50 monuments as of now. The ASI has identified the sites in consultation with the DEPwD," said a source at the ministry of culture. The officials said there were discussions on the introduction of solar wheelchairs and battery-driven carts while brail signage, tactile floors or pathways, special toilets and railings, etc, would be put up at the archaeological sites to facilitate the entry of differently abled people. advertisement All these facilities would be created without modifying the actual structures. There are plans to involve attendants at some of these archaeological sites so that they can assist the Divyang (disabled) people around the place. WILL BOOST TOURISM At present, 25 out of 3,680 protected monuments in India have been selected under the Adarsh Smarak Yojana. This includes the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Qutb Complex and Red Fort. A top ASI official, however, said the list of Adarsh monuments has been revised with the count going up to 100 from 25. The list will be made public soon. By awarding these sites the Adarsh monument tag, the central government gives them special attention in a bid to boost international tourism. Also Read: Shopping centres to soon become disabled-friendly Delhi's monuments get a new lease of life with ASI's 'Mini Circle' --- ENDS --- Export dependent countries in Asia are growing increasingly concerned that the growing populist anger in the U.S. and Europe against perceived unfair trade policies could lead to a global economic slowdown. Rising protectionism could throw sand in the wheels of the global trading system and so start to gum it up, said Frederic Neumann, a managing director of the HSBC Banks Asian economics research in Hong Kong. Voter frustration with the job losses in industrialized countries due to globalization and free trade policies have been prominent issues in both the recent Brexit vote in Britain to leave the European Union and the U.S. presidential election. The major East Asian economies reacted with short-term economic stabilizing measures to the market volatility ignited by the Brexit vote. South Korea ordered increased government spending. China adjusted the value of its currency and Tokyo said it is considering similar measures if the value of the Japanese yen continues to rise. Reaction in Asia, however, to the heated protectionist sentiment being promoted in the West, especially in the U.S. during the presidential campaign, has been somewhat muted. Peter Drysdale, who heads the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research at the Australian National Universitys Crawford School of Public Policy says anxiety in Asia is tempered by the perception that a more rational economic discourse will prevail over time. The rhetoric coming out of the political campaign in the United States of course does disturb policy leaders elsewhere in the world including in Asia, although there they are sensibly quite aware that that rhetoric doesnt necessarily translate into policy after the election, Drysdale said. Republican protectionism U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made attacking free trade agreements (FTA) a centerpiece of his campaign. This week he called for renegotiating or scrapping the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, and reiterated his opposition to the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that includes the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries. Democratic opposition to TPP The Democratic Party presumptive nominee for president Hillary Clinton also came out against the TPP during the nomination campaign. But she has a pro-trade history. As first lady of the United States in the 1990s, she spoke in favor of the NAFTA deal that her husband, former president Bill Clinton, signed into law. When she was President Barack Obamas secretary of state, she spoke in favor of TPP, calling it the gold standard of trade deals. As candidate she came out against the agreement, saying the final version was not a good deal for American workers. But her conversion on globalization and trade was also seen as a political move to counter growing popular support for her socialist rival for the Democratic nomination, Bernie Sanders, who is a vocal advocate for more protectionist policies. Even though both major presidential candidates are opposed to TPP, President Obama is still hopeful it will get ratified. He is expected to try to push the measure through the lame duck session of Congress after the November election, but before newly elected officials take office. Hope remains that calmer heads prevail after the elections and we get some sort deal being put through, but at the moment it looks very challenging indeed, said Neumann. Fair trade measures Economists say Asian countries can take further measures to open up their economies and increase investment in industrialized countries to mitigate protectionist fervor in the West. Drysdale said that is already happening to some degree. Investors in India and China and elsewhere in the region are looking to put plants and investment into industrial countries and the United States in particular, he said. This week Trump took specific aim at the U.S. free trade agreement with South Korea, saying the deal doubled the U.S. trade deficit with its East Asian ally and destroyed nearly 100,000 American jobs. Neumann said Trump has a point in that many American companies complain of complex bureaucratic regulations blocking market access to Korea, despite the FTA. There is a bilateral agreement between Korea and the United States. In theory most of the sectors should be open. What we find in practice though is that often the relationship is a little bit imbalanced, he said. Officials in Seoul acknowledge it currently holds a $10 billion trade surplus with the U.S., but argues that South Korean companies are investing more in America than in the U.S. is investing in Korea. If cooler heads do not prevail and major trade barriers are erected to severely constrain the interconnected global trading system, these analysts say, it would be a disaster for both East and West. Australians are gearing up to hit the polls in a close federal election Saturday where the country will decide whether minor parties will overthrow the incumbent government. While climate change, immigration and education are key issues, it is the economy that is likely to decide who wins. Australia has avoided recession for 25 years, but the future is unclear as a resources boom fueled by Chinas appetite for iron ore and coal continues to fade. In Sydney, cranes dominate the skyline as a swathe of new apartment blocks emerge alongside upgraded transport links. As a long mining boom comes to an end, Australia is banking on a reinvigorated construction industry, along with manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. But Britains decision to leave the European Union has created great anxiety here, and Australian political leaders have put economic security at the heart of their election campaigns. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told voters the country needs the stability his center-right coalition government can provide. But the opposition Labor leader, Bill Shorten, says the prime minister is a weak leader, just like his besieged British counterpart. Mr. Turnbull just says because there has been an upset you should vote for him," Shorten said. "The problem is the nature of the upset we have seen arises out of weak leadership and a divided government. David Cameron never wanted to have this referendum. What we saw there is David Cameron hostage to the right wing of his political party, compromising his own beliefs, providing weak leadership. Sounds familiar, doesnt it?" This election has been shaken by a number of minor parties, including a candidate from the Greens and other independent parties named after their candidates. But all of them must convince voters they have the safe hands the economy needs. The economy is almost always a top priority for Australian voters, according to Professor Rodney Smith from the department of government and international relations at the University of Sydney. Although Australia is a wealthy country, it is also a country that relies very heavily its resources," he told VOA. "Its natural resources, resource extraction - exporting minerals, exporting its agricultural produce, so in a changing world economy that is always rather fragile base on which to go forward as an economy." Voting in Australia is compulsory, so turnout will be high, and so are the stakes. But Australia's scattered population across the vast country has called for special missions to help voters. Forty-six Australians cast their votes from an Australian research center in Antarctica, according to the Australian Electoral Commission. Forty-one mobile teams have also been sent to remote areas of the country to ensure residents are able to vote - including a small cattle station town of 130 voters some 300 kilometers from the nearest city. Opinion polls have both major parties neck-and-neck as campaigning continues in the final day ahead of Australias federal election. The United Nations reports that hundreds of thousands of displaced people in northeastern Nigeria the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency are suffering from high levels of severe malnutrition. Improved security is enabling aid agencies to finally access the area, which was cut off by the Islamist insurgents. Much of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria was off limits to aid agencies after Boko Haram gained control of large swaths of the territory in mid-2014. The Nigerian army and regional forces have now chased the insurgents out of most towns and cities, and Boko Haram controls only four of Borno States 27 local government areas. A spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke, says returning aid workers describe scenes of destruction and people living under shocking conditions. He says people are extremely short of food and more than half-a-million people require immediate food assistance. These are mainly subsistence farmers who live there. If they are displaced from their land and cannot produce the food that they are supposed to eat," he said. "So, that is of major concern. The security is not ideal, absolutely not it is still early days for this opening up of these areas. Laerke says the Nigerian government and humanitarian organizations are stepping up aid. But, he says the situation in this area is so critical that a much faster and wider response is required. He says the humanitarian operation is severely underfunded. A couple of days ago, the emergency relief coordinator released some $13 million to that particular response," he said. "That is, a kick-starter if you like, hoping very much and urging other donors to follow suit. Laerke says the emergency injection of money will provide immediate life-saving food, nutrition and protection assistance to 250,000 people. But, he notes a much larger sum of money $203 million is urgently needed to assist the many desperate victims that Boko Haram has created. Since the insurgency began in 2009, violence in northeastern Nigeria has displaced some 2.4 million people from their homes. Burundian Foreign Minister Alain Nyamitwe led a delegation of the foreign diplomatic corps on a tour of parts of the country Thursday as part of the East African nations diplomatic day. The annual event gives diplomats a chance to see activities across the country firsthand and engage with senior government officials. Today we had the opportunity to go and visit the source of the Nile River in the south of Burundi in Bururi province, and later on we also visited a flagship sugar factory of Burundi, Sosumo," Nyamitwe said. The diplomats "came to know the importance of this factory in the economy of our country, and also of our region. The foreign minister called the trip "very significant, because it has allowed the diplomatic community to see for themselves that the country is doing well." "You hear a lot in the media," he said. "You hear all sorts of reports that do not paint in good light the situation in the country. But this time around, they were able to see and to talk to people about the situation in the country. They have seen for themselves, and they know that you can go from point A to point B in Burundi unhindered and come back without a problem." Critics unimpressed Critics said the government-organized tour was a face-saving publicity stunt aimed at convincing the diplomats that the country is at peace. The effort, they said, was prompted by a recent U.N. human rights report that expressed concern about agents of the administration and militias who carry out slayings and arbitrary arrests of opponents. The government in Bujumbura sharply rejected such accusations, saying they didn't reflect the reality on the ground. It also said the reports were aimed at undermining the administration in Bujumbura and to make President Pierre Nkurunziza and his government globally unpopular. Opponents said the government should have allowed the diplomats to explore the country on their own to see whether it is as peaceful as the government in Bujumbura portrays. Tell us what is it that they want to see that they have not been able to see," Nyamitwe said. "Every time we have received a request by an embassy to go inside the country, they are allowed to do that. ... What is acceptable internationally is what is being done. We are not creating or making up things. We are doing what is acceptable internationally. Reports of tension denied Nyamitwe denied reports that the country remains tense despite regional efforts to mediate efforts by the government, civil society and opposition groups to resolve Burundi's political challenges. He acknowledged that Burundi faces such challenges but insisted that reports of ethnic tension were unfounded. Everybody now knows that those reports were not real and they did not match the reality on the ground. We have had issues, fine, but did we have a genocide or did we have ethnic tensions at that time or today? I do not think so," Nyamitwe said. If you look at the political class and you look at its composition, you will find out that you would have Hutus in the opposition as you have Hutus in the government. You have Tutsis in the government as you have Tutsis in the opposition," he said. "But I dont think it is a Hutu-versus-Tutsi kind of conflict or tension that we have today. I challenge anybody who would be in a position to prove to us that that is the case. Nyamitwes remarks came as Burundi prepares to celebrate on Friday the anniversary of its independence from former colonial power Belgium on July 1, 1962. At least six people were killed when gunmen opened fire on two buses in Kenya near the Somali border Friday. "Police on the scene have found six persons shot dead," police chief Joseph Boinnet said. "The hunt for the terrorists is under way." Four civilians and two armed guards are believed to be among the victims. At least two more passengers were injured. Similar attacks in the impoverished region of northeast Kenya have been carried out by al-Shabab, an Islamic militant group based in neighboring Somalia. Just one day earlier, at least 20 people were killed in a massive roadside explosion that engulfed a passenger bus in Somalia. Al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab has killed thousands of people since it began its campaign of terrorism 10 years ago to turn Somalia into a conservative Islamic state. Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Hong Kong Friday, as the city marked the 19th anniversary of its handover from Britain to China. While government officials and nearly 1,000 Hong Kong residents attended a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square Friday morning, much larger crowds gathered for a protest march. Many residents oppose the oversight by the Chinese government and believe Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, whose approval rating is at 19 percent according to the most recent public opinion survey, is beholden to Beijing. Huge crowds of those residents protested on the anniversary, giving the march a twin theme: Prevent Leung from getting a second term of office, and demonstrate anger over the erosion of Hong Kongs autonomy. The latter has been highlighted by the case of five local booksellers who were taken into custody by mainland authorities and held inside China for months. One of these booksellers, Lam Wing-kee, who recently managed to return to Hong Kong, described his seven months in virtual solitary confinement and interrogation as mental torture." He was scheduled to lead the march, but later withdrew, saying he feared for his safety. Meanwhile, at the government-backed flag-raising ceremony, Chef Executive Leung said, "We will continue to implement the policy of one country, two systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law," adding that the government would continue to boost the economy and improve the livelihood of its residents. China is stepping up requests for cooperation in hunting down corruption suspects that have fled overseas. But while the Chinese government has sought to extradite suspects, but many Western countries, including the United States, have been reluctant to sign extradition treaties with China because of alleged human rights abuses. Quite a large proportion of these corrupt officials had actually left China, and went to the West and many other countries," said Willy Lam, adjunct professor of Chinese politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "So about two years ago the Chinese leaders began to set up a special task force with a view to ensuring these corrupt officials would be extradited back to China. In a statement on its website this week, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said China "must strengthen our coordination and cooperation with the countries where corrupt elements flee, clearly express our ideas, narrow differences, seek support, and reject the provision of havens for corrupt elements. President Xi Jinping has conducted a wide-ranging corruption crackdown, arresting hundreds of suspects and causing many others to flee overseas. Chinese authorities have called the overseas search for suspects Operation Fox Hunt. So far, the United States has not been willing to aid China in its search for these suspects. Human rights activists and the U.S. government criticize a procedure called "shanggui," where Chinese corruption suspects are held in extra-legal detention. William Nee, a China Researcher with Amnesty International, said shanggui is not done by the official police, but by the Central Commission on Discipline and Inspection, which is the main discipline unit of the Communist Party. "People can be in shanggui for long periods of time without access to family members, without access to lawyers, and there have been stories of people in shanggui being subjected to abuse and torture, he said. Despite concerns and criticism of the corruption crackdown from lawyers and rights activists, Chinas government has continued to campaign for extradition cooperation. Earlier this month, Huang Shuxian, deputy head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, wrote on extradition in the Communist Party journal Qiushi, calling for a new international order to fight corruption. Grasp well the important elements of people, money and proof, he wrote, Speed up the signing of extradition treaties and establish law enforcement cooperation with destination countries for those who have fled abroad. Huang also said state media should better publicize Chinas anti-corruption story, and that Chinese authorities should develop a more in-depth understanding of other countries legal systems and how they could support Chinas corruption crackdown. As long as Chinas Communist Party oversees its judicial system, authorities requests for international cooperation will likely do little to allay the concerns of analysts like Maya Wang, China Researcher with Human Rights Watch. Our concern with China is that its legal system is under the control of the party, and Human Rights Watch has documented the use of torture, in the criminal procedures in Chinas detention facility. So there is no guarantee that once a suspect has been extradited back to China, the person will receive a fair trial, she said. China says with some suspects, extradition is not necessary, because they return to China voluntarily. Authorities recently said Zeng Ziheng, a man on China's list of 100 most wanted corruption suspects abroad, returned to China from Canada on his own. A highly drug-resistant and potentially fatal yeast strain called Candida auris is emerging in hospital settings around the world. The yeast has shown resistance to three of the most commonly prescribed antifungal drugs: fluconazole, amphotericin B and caspofungin. U.S. public health officials are urging doctors and nurses to be on the lookout for the dangerous pathogen, which can be fatal in 30 percent to 60 percent of infected patients. The yeast strain has been found in nine countries on four continents since 2009, including one possible infection in the United States in 2013. It was first identified in Japan in 2009 in a person with an ear infection. Other countries with confirmed infections are India, South Africa, Kuwait, Pakistan, South Korea, Colombia, Venezuela and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent an alert warning of the potential threat of C. auris in the U.S. and globally. Tom Chiller, chief of the mycotic diseases branch at the CDC, which monitors and studies fungal infections, told VOA the drug-resistant strain of C. auris "sounds pretty nasty." However, Chiller said, he hasn't heard of any clusters or outbreaks of C. auris, making it "very, very rare." Invasion through wounds C. auris poses the greatest risk to hospitalized patients with diabetes and people with large vein catheters. Patients who are taking antibiotics or antifungal medications or who are in intensive care are also at risk. The yeast infection can get inside the body through open wounds. Once inside, it can infect the bloodstream, causing organ failure. Identifying the culprit Officials with the CDC say the biggest problem in spotting C. auris is that it mimics other more harmless, treatable yeast infections, such as those of the genitals, skin or throat. Common yeast infections can be identified through conventional testing, but the specialized, molecular detection methods necessary for identifying C. auris are not available to all hospitals. This raises the concern that cases are not being identified in other countries. What to do U.S. public health officials recommend that patients infected with C. auris have their own hospital rooms, which should be disinfected regularly. The CDC also recommends that doctors immediately report suspected infections to local and federal health authorities. The head of an infamous Khmer Rouge security center and execution site confessed earlier this month to overseeing the fatal burning of four Western inmates in the 1970s. During his second day of testimony at the Khmer Rouge tribunal on June 9, Kaing Kek Eav, the S-21 security center chief better known as Duch, said four Western prisoners of a group of nine were burned alive on order of his superiors. The former prison chief, now 74, is currently serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity handed down in a separate phase of the ongoing case. I can say that they were interrogated and later on they were smashed, per the instructions and the smashing here means they were burned with tires, car tires, Duch said. While historians say an estimated 50 to 60 foreigners were killed at S-21 many of them wayward fisherman hailing from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam the four that Duch immolated were part of a group of nine Westerners apprehended along coastal Cambodian waters in 1978. All appear to have been tourists who sailed off course or had the misfortune of randomly encountering Khmer Rouge rebels. They were arrested on charges of trespassing on the territories of Kampuchea in order to obtain information, Duch said, explaining that the Americans, of whom there were four, were intercepted by navy forces along what is modern-day Preah Sihanouk province. "Later on they were sent to Phnom Penh [where] the Central Committee sent them to S-21 to be interrogated and later on smashed, he added. Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia, said nine Westerners jailed at S-21 included Americans James William Clark, Lance McNamara, Michael Scott Deeds, and Christopher Delance and Canadian Stuart Glass. He said others included Australians Keith Dean and David Lloyd Scott, New Zealander Kerry George Hamill and Briton John Dewhirst. The loss of the four foreigners who were burned under Duchs command in Tuol Sleng, it is the same kind of suffering as millions of Cambodian families who also lost their loved ones," Chhang said. "It is clearly genocide and a crime against humanity. It does not prejudice or discriminate. They were against anybody; it doesnt matter if you were foreigners or you were Cambodian. Although Duch never clarified which of the nine individual Westerners he burned, Chum Mey, one of the few survivors of the security center, said when the foreign prisoners arrived none of them could escape. They killed all of them, he said, referring to any foreigners incarcerated at S-21. Peter Maguire, a law professor and author of Facing Death in Cambodia, said the deaths of the foreign prisoners in S-21 were well-documented. [Duch] is probably very bored now that his trial is over and seems to have developed a taste for the spotlight, he said. The United Nations-brokered presidency council in Libya has dismissed four ministers, all of whom are from the discontented eastern region, for failing to attend meetings for a month. The presidency council an executive body said Friday it considered the absence of the ministers of economy, national reconciliation, justice and finance as "resignation by default." The finance minister Fakher bu-Farnah turned down the role when he was appointed in February, but was retained anyway. Their dismissal underscores Libya's persistent political rift between the eastern and western ruling bodies. The council was formed following a U.N.-brokered deal between rival political factions in December. The council's proposed government, composed of 13 ministers, has failed to win a vote of confidence by the internationally-recognized parliament in eastern Libya, in effect crippling it. The students were not being able to login in and even take a print out of the admission slips. Delhi University aspirants were left clueless as there was no one to guide them on various courses in the colleges. Photo: K Asif By Sneha Agrawal: The Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) blamed the authorities for having failed to carry out a hassle-free online admission procedure leaving scores of aspirants worried and tensed. "Even after knowing this that every year lakhs of students apply for admissions at the Delhi University, the authorities could not install a better server. I started getting calls from 9am with parents and students complaining of the server breakdown and sounding clueless as they didn't know what step to take next. The students were not being able to login in and even take a print out of the admission slips. While this was a major hassle for the students, the added trouble was the absence of teachers at the colleges to guide them about the courses or help them with the procedure," said Satyendra Awana, DUSU president. advertisement PROFESSORS' STRIKE ADDS TO THE TROUBLE As scores of DU professor's are on strike, demanding starting of permanent appointments to fill up the vacant seats and promotion, aspirants felt the lack of proper guidance for the course they were opting for. "I am opting for English (H) and during the process I wanted to meet the teacher who would help me get the details on the course. But I was informed that teacher was not available," said Ashutosh Singh, an aspirant. The student union on Thursday held a huge protest as the university had assigned nonteaching staff instead of the teachers to conduct the admission procedure. The demonstration turned ugly leaving several students injured. As per the official release of the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) they have unanimously decided to boycott the admission process. "The gathering has decided that no teachers would participate in the admissions process. Instead, the staff association of each college would hold a dharna on its premises and distribute leaflets to students, parents and general public, to make them aware of the crisis in the university following the degradation of their service conditions and educational standards, and to appeal to them for their support in the struggle to save public-funded higher education," said the statement. "Parents and students from all over the country apply in our university, it does not send out a good message and also tarnishes the image of the university. Meeting the professor of the respective course boosts the morale of the students and is altogether a different experience. While we support the cause of the professors, it is unfortunate that they are not there to guide the prospective students," said Awana. Also read: DU announces first cut-off list, Ramjas highest at 99.25% for BCom (H) --- ENDS --- The air outside this factory in Northeast Philadelphia once smelled of cookies. But the aroma, along with the 350 workers who for decades made Oreos and Ritz crackers disappeared last year when snack food giant Mondelez decided to close the plant and shift production elsewhere. Its terrible, we have so many companies shutting down, Art Millevoi said. Across the street from the now abandoned factory, the owner of Millevoi Auto Sales and Service recalls how friends have lost work in recent years. We see so many people unemployed, so many older people, too, in their fifties who have lost their jobs, said Millevoi. They are on their third or fourth job, where our parents would have it for life and they would have pension and they would have social security. We are not guaranteed any of this. Shuttered factories Philadelphia was one of the first major industrial cities in the United States, home to manufacturing plants, foundries and refineries. The eastern U.S. city has struggled with economic growth, however, ranking 250th in a recent Brookings Institution report assessing employment and GDP of the worlds 300 largest metropolitan economies. As Millievoi stands in his auto body shop, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump can be heard on a nearby television railing against trade deals and globalization. NAFTA was the worst trade deal in history, and China's entrance into the World Trade Organization has enabled the greatest jobs theft in history, Trump said. For her part, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton voiced support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal in 2011 as secretary of state, though last year on the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff, Clinton said, "What I know about it, as of today, I am not in favor of what I have learned about it." In Trump's June 28 speech in the small western Pennsylvania town of Monessen, the Republican candidate appealed to working class voters promising to keep U.S. factories open and workers employed. The message resonates with Millevoi who says he likely will be forced to shutter one of his many Philadelphia area auto centers due to rising taxes and regulatory fees. He says the government should do more to support small businesses and keep American companies like Mondelez from shifting their operations overseas to countries like Mexico. NAFTA has allowed avenues for companies such as Mondelez to leave this country easily, Millevoi said. And all the people who were promised jobs were scattered for a short time. But I understand their other plants are shutting down in Chicago, etc. 'Its a global economy' Just 20 miles south of the Mondelez plant, the scene couldnt be more different along the Delaware River, as truckers pick up cargo containers at the port on a busy Wednesday morning. Amid the hustle and bustle of factories and cargo ships lies Franks restaurant serving up breakfast and lunch to truck drivers and longshoremen in Philadelphia since 1910. Owner Joe Trocino, whose father bought the place in 1966, says business has gone up and down with the economy over the years. We have had good years and lean years, said Trocino. In the 1980s they had deregulation with [then-President] Ronald Reagan and that hurt us. We were slow for a few years, but we hung in there and then things picked up. Despite all the national talk of trade and globalization spurred by the Britains exit from the European Union, the restaurant owner says national policy doesnt affect him much. If I give a good product and I open my business on time every day and I am here the hours I say I am going to be here, people can depend on me. And if I know they can depend on me, they are going to be repeat customers, Trocino said during a short break from making breakfast as workers stop in for their morning coffee. One of those stopping in to pick up sandwiches is Kevin Kundla. The project superintendent at Commerce Construction Corporation recalls how the marine contracting company bounced back after the recession. In 2008 and 2009, we hit the wall, really hit the wall and we actually went down to office staff. Everyone in the field was laid off, Kundla said. Now we are back as strong as ever, and we are about 60 to 65 men strong in the field. We have quite a few million dollars worth of work on the books. A registered Republican, Kundla has not yet made up his mind as to whom he will vote for in number, only remarking that he is pro-labor. He says that amid all the talk of Brexit and globalization, the United States cannot afford to go it alone. I dont believe that the U.S. should isolate itself, its a global economy. Its a global world. My son lives overseas and I travel overseas to Southeast Asia, Kundla noted. He points in the direction marine terminal, where containers are arriving from Mexico and China. I would love for Americans to have all the jobs, but I just think its a fact of life that globalization is here. Its here to stay. Bangladesh authorities deployed heavy security throughout the capital Saturday following an 11-hour standoff with a group of militants who killed 20 mostly foreign civilians at an upscale restaurant. Security forces rescued at least 13 hostages during the siege. Most of those who died were Italian and Japanese nationals. At least two police officers were also killed. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi confirmed Saturday that Italians were among the victims of the Dhaka attack, but would not give details or numbers until families had been notified. Authorities in Japan confirmed the death of seven Japanese nationals. WATCH: Bangladesh Capital on Lockdown After Hostages Die in Siege The White House and the U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American but had not released his identity as of Saturday afternoon. Both also condemned the attack and said the U.S. stood with Bangladesh and was resolved to confront terror wherever it occurs. In a televised address to the nation Saturday, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that her country would not let "conspirators succeed in their mission" to tarnish its image. She appealed to all citizens of Bangladesh to "come forward and help fight terrorism." Sheikh Hasina also addressed those "driven towards the path of wrongdoing" and demanded that they "stop killing people in the name of Islam," which she stressed was a peace-loving religion. In an interview with VOA's Urdu service, Kamal Hassan, a former foreign minister and law minister of Bangladesh, said that terrorism has nothing to do with religion, therefore Islamic State is not representative of Islam or the Muslim world. He said that on the domestic front, one political party should not blame another on security threats but everyone should do some soul-searching and come up with solutions to help the country. He said terrorists were targeting a harmonious society. Hassan said that not only Bangladesh but the whole world should adopt a unified policy to deal with terrorist groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida. Assault ends siege The siege ended when security forces stormed the building, killing six attackers and capturing one. Most of the victims were hacked to death, and their killers sent photographs of the carnage to the Islamic State during the standoff. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but the identity of the attackers has not been confirmed. Gunfire and explosions were heard Saturday morning after scores of commandos converged on the restaurant, more than 10 hours after the hostage crisis began. Journalists were not allowed near the restaurant, where several armored vehicles were on the scene. The attack began late Friday when as many as 10 gunmen entered the Holey Artisan Bakery, located in the diplomatic zone of Dhaka. Police initially cordoned off the area around the restaurant and exchanged gunfire with the attackers, who set off explosives. By midnight, shooting around the restaurant appeared to have stopped. Police then tried to open a channel of communication with the militants. Several hours later, the commando operation to free the hostages began. A bakery employee who escaped the attack told reporters the gunmen shouted "Allahu Akbar" ("God is great") prior to taking hostages. Some people in the restaurant were able to escape through the roof. Lori Ann Walsh Imdad, principal of the American Standard School in Dhaka, lives one block from the restaurant and described the scene to VOA. "I started hearing the shots outside. ... Then I started very cautiously looking out of my balcony to see what was going on, but you could really hear the shots in the distance, and could see people running around." She said that by 12:30 a.m. local time, the streets were quiet, although she said there was still a large police presence. State Department spokesman John Kirby said all Americans working at the U.S. mission in Dhaka had been accounted for. Latest in string of attacks Bangladesh has seen a series of attacks in recent months, mostly targeting secular bloggers, atheists and religious minorities. The Islamic State terror group and al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent, or AQIS, have claimed responsibility for many of the attacks. The United States declared AQIS a foreign terrorist organization Thursday and called its leader, Asim Umar, a specially designated global terrorist. Al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the formation of the group on the Indian subcontinent in 2014, and Umar has appeared in al-Qaida publications as the leader of the Indian offshoot. Umar is believed to be based in Pakistan but was born in the mid-1970s in India. Bangladesh authorities have largely rejected the claim that foreign terror groups are behind the attacks. Instead, top officials have blamed the attacks on the political opposition or local militant groups. A Hindu priest was hacked to death in Bangladesh Thursday, the most recent in a string of killings by Islamist militants. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was walking near his temple in the southwestern district of Jhinaidah and preparing for morning prayers when three people on a motorbike attacked him with machetes before fleeing. Though no group has claimed responsibility, the attack bears the hallmarks of Islamist militants who have targeted and killed over 40 Hindu priests, religious minorities and liberal activists over the past few months. Das is the third Hindu temple worker to be killed in Bangladesh this past month. The government of Bangladesh launched a sweeping campaign to counter these attacks two weeks earlier, arresting nearly 5,000 suspected militants. Human rights groups around the globe have condemned the arrests. Last week, a leading Islamic group in Bangladesh issued a fatwa, or religious decree, condemning terrorism and militancy, including violent attacks on non-Muslims and secular writers and activists, as "Haraam," or forbidden and un-Islamic. Over 100,000 Islamic scholars signed the decree. Islamic State and an al-Qaida faction have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, but Bangladesh authorities continue to insist there are no foreign terror groups operating in the country. Instead, officials have blamed local militants or the political opposition. Its not precisely clear why a 16th-century German cartographer chose to honor the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci by naming a land mass after him instead of Christopher Columbus, who historically gets the credit for Americas discovery. But Martin Waldseemullers 1507 map has been called Americas birth certificate as the first geographic document to apply the moniker. "Columbus discovered America, Vespucci sold it," said John Hessler, a Library of Congress cartography expert and curator. He added that Vespucci, an active promoter of his New World travels, "did market himself more." The prized Waldseemuller map takes a prominent place in the librarys precolonial pavilion, as well as in its map catalogue. Its double-glass casing reminds visitors that they are in the presence of "one of the central, cultural documents of geographic history from the early Renaissance period," said Hessler, author of The Naming of America. Mysteries persist The map raises more questions than it answers. Waldseemuller produced the map only 15 years after Columbus landed on the shores of the new continent, when few European settlements existed and the land mass remained mostly unknown except to its inhabitants. Yet, a German cartographer from a remote village in the Alsace Mountains provided an outline of the New World that, much to the wonder of scholars and visitors alike, bears a surprising resemblance to the American continents eastern coastline. Perhaps most intriguing is the Pacific Oceans presence on the map. When the document was created, the accepted idea was that one body of water stretched from the far eastern shores of Asia to the western coast of Europe. Hessler calls the map "a living mystery" that will keep baffling scholars for years to come unless other documents are discovered and explain how the cartographer compiled his information. Waldseemullers own words suggest the map was more than a lucky vision. The cartographer included a small text to reassure his contemporaries about the accuracy of his work, writing: "This is the way youll come to see your world in the future. This is the way the world is." The map changed the thinking of European world, with a reported 1,000 copies each in 12 sections printed for distribution, according to the library website. Bringing the map to America The only known surviving copy was discovered in 1901 by a Jesuit priest doing research in a castle in Baden-Baden, Germany. Priceless to scholars, it eventually came with a $10 million price tag agreed upon in 2001 by Prince Johannes Waldburg-Wolfegg whose family had retained that and other maps at their castle and the Library of Congress. Congress allocated half the amount, with private donors supplying the balance. At a 2007 ceremony in Washington, German Chancellor Angela Merkel officially turned over the Waldseemuller map to library officials, with the understanding that it would be showcased. A treasure forgotten for centuries on a castles shelves now can be viewed at the library where it is on permanent display or on the librarys website. Indias plans to sell advanced missile systems to countries like Vietnam got a boost this week after New Delhi joined an exclusive global club of countries controlling the export of missile technology. Security analysts say membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) will also give India more leverage to overcome Chinese resistance in New Delhi's bid to join another another elite group controlling nuclear commerce; the Nuclear Suppliers Group. One of the main weapons system India is set to export is the supersonic cruise BrahMos missile being produced by an Indo-Russian joint venture. The missile has a range of about 290 km and can be fired from land, sea and submarine. Calling the BrahMos a formidable weapon, strategic affairs analyst Bharat Karnad at New Delhis Center for Policy Research says those plans are going to be implemented soon. That is the first order of business. Besides Vietnam, other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia have also expressed interest in the BrahMos missile as they seek to improve their defense preparedness amid growing disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea. Long reluctant to advance military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries for fear of angering China, New Delhi has shed those hesitations as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces a closer strategic partnership with the United States. Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar discussed the BrahMos missile exports on a visit to Hanoi last month. Karnad says this is an anti-shipping missile that any navy, including the Chinese navy would have to be very wary about. Other markets Besides Southeast Asian countries, New Delhi is also eyeing selling the BrahMos missile to countries like South Africa, Brazil and Chile. A huge arms importer, New Delhi hopes missile exports will add to its tiny basket of defense exports. The BrahMos is one of the few success stories in Indias defense production. The countrys first locally built combat aircraft, the Tejas, was inducted Friday more than three decades after it was cleared for production. It is being described as the smallest lightweight, single-engine, tactical fighter aircraft in the world. New Delhi, which has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was excluded from nuclear commerce until it won a waiver under a 2008 deal with the United States. Indian analysts say the MTCR membership has now put the stamp of legitimacy on New Delhi as a responsible nuclear power. You are mainstream. The ice is broken. Now you are sitting with important non-proliferation actors of the world, says Rajiv Nayan at New Delhis Institute of Defense Analyses and Studies, pointing out that India is now part of a global rule-making body for missile technology. Backed by the U.S., India has also set its sights becoming a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. But those hopes suffered a setback at a meeting in Seoul last month when Beijing raised strong objections to opening up the group to a country that has not signed the NPT. Analysts say, however, New Delhi has gained significant leverage with China, which is not a member of the Missile Control Technology Regime, but wants to join it. At least India and China may talk. India may say I can support you for the MTCR provided you support me in the NSG, says Rajiv Nayan. The tables have turned a bit, feels Karnad. We now have a counter leverage against China and its not a one-way street where they keep vetoing what India wants to do. Intense fighting has broken out in several Afghan provinces over the last few days, with government forces and their Taliban foes each claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties. Afghan security troops also have been battling Islamic State militants. In eastern Nangarhar province, a local official said security forces killed at least 32 insurgents and wounded 54 others in recent skirmishes. Ataullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor, said two Afghan policemen were killed and 13 were wounded. The Taliban sent a countering claim to the media, saying they besieged the province's strategic Hesarak district and killed up to 30 Afghan security personnel. Local residents said the Taliban at one point managed to capture several police checkpoints. Khogyani also said the security forces have killed approximately 225 Islamic State fighters during the last week in an ongoing battle in Nangarhars Kot district, adding that 20 policemen and civilians were also killed. He confirmed that Islamic State militants burned 40 houses while briefly controlling parts of the district but said government forces had cleared the militants from 45 villages in a continuing operation. Meanwhile, in Maidan Vardak, a province slightly west of Nangarhar, authorities claimed Afghan security forces have repulsed a big offensive Thursday night against a military base formerly used by the United States forces. Abdul Rahman Mangal, the provincial governors office spokesman, said insurgents captured at least two base entrances before being pushed back by Afghan forces. Afghan officials have sent reinforcements to the area, anticipating another offensive between Friday and Saturday night. The highway linking Kabul to Bamyan province and skirting Maidan Varadak remained open as of Friday, though traffic was light. Most travelers opted for the longer but relatively safer route through the Parwan province. Health workers abducted In central Afghanistan, three health workers reportedly were abducted Thursday in Sar e Pol province, after returning from inspecting a health clinic under construction in Balkhab district. Zabihullah Amani, the provincial governors spokesman, told VOA that all three were locals. One was an official of the Sar e Pol provincial health directorate. The other two represented the World Health Organization and the Bakhtar Development Network (BDN), an Afghan NGO. No one has asserted responsibility for the abductions, though the Taliban is suspected. Police officials said mediation is taking place between local elders and Taliban seeking the three workers release. Israel put the Palestinian city of Hebron on lockdown Friday and is boosting its military presence in the West Bank after two deadly Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians in two days. They include the stabbing death of a 13-year-old girl while she slept in her home in a Jewish settlement. Israeli military officials say they do not know how long the lockdown of Hebron will last. They point out that 80 Palestinian attacks on Israelis since September originated in and around Hebron. "The terror and incitement atmosphere in the Hebron area is backed by the public and local leadership, and they must feel the consequences of their murderous acts in their daily lives," Israeli Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said Friday. Along with more military and police action, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a cut in tax revenues Israel collects and disburses to the Palestinian Authority each month. He accuses the Palestinian leadership of laundering money so it can be transferred to the families of militants. "The more severe the acts of terrorism, the greater the amount of funds," Netanyahu said, calling the payments an "incentive to murder." A Palestinian official said the money is "social welfare" to Palestinian prisoners and those freed from Israeli jails, saying the authority cannot leave anyone without help. The tough new Israeli measures came just after a suspected Palestinian gunman shot and killed an Israeli man and wounded his wife and two sons as they drove near Hebron on Friday. Israelis are still shocked over the stabbing death Thursday of 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. A Palestinian teen broke into her home in a Jewish settlement near Hebron and killed her while she slept. A security guard fatally shot her attacker. Netanyahu displayed pictures of her bloody bed and a teddy bear on Israeli television. A distant relative of Hallel's killer was shot and killed Friday when she tried to stab an Israeli policeman outside a religious shrine in Hebron where Jews and Muslims worship. Thirty-four Israelis have been killed along with two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese in a wave of Palestinian stabbings and other attacks. More than 200 Palestinians were killed during the attacks, or while attempting to carry them out. The violence erupted 10 months ago when rumors swept through Palestinian areas that Israel was planning to take over an East Jerusalem religious site sacred to Jews and Muslims. Israel strongly denied the rumors about the religious site and accuses Palestinian authorities of inciting the violence. But young Palestinians say they are fed up with poverty, unemployment, a stalled peace process, weak leadership, and Israeli settlements on land they want as part of a future state. Kyrgyz authorities and Turkish media have identified two of the three suicide bombers who carried Tuesday's attack on Istanbul's Ataturk airport, killing 44 people and injuring more than 230. Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Turkish authorities identified the two bombers as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, and that both men had Russian passports. On Thursday, Western news agencies, quoting a senior Turkish official, reported that the three attackers in Istanbul were citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Turkish officials believe the attack was carried out by the Islamic State group. The website of Turkey's Daily Sabah newspaper on Friday quoted an anonymous Turkish prosecution office source as saying that Osmanov had been identified from a passport photocopy given to a property agent in Istanbul's Fatih district. It also reported that the source "did not give any information on either man's nationality." Also Friday, the website of Turkey's Yeni Safak newspaper described Bulgarov and Osmanov as "Russian citizens." Meanwhile, the newspaper Milliyet reported that the information from the passport that contains Osmanov's name was in the process of being verified to determine whether it had been counterfeited. Turkish and Western media have named Akhmad Chataev, a Chechen militant who reportedly became a senior figure in the Islamic State hierarchy, as the likely mastermind of the Istanbul attack. In February 2015, Chataev appeared in an IS YouTube video shot in Syria, claiming to be commander of the Yarmuk Battalion, a Russian-speaking IS unit. Myanmar called sad and regrettable a move by the United States to place the country on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders, while rights groups welcomed it as long overdue. The demotion came Thursday when the U.S. State Department released its closely watched annual Trafficking in Persons report, which examines 188 governments' efforts in combating modern-day slavery. It placed Myanmar alongside countries like Iran, North Korea and Syria, and says the Southeast Asian country has failed to meet "the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.'' It also removed Thailand from the blacklist despite what the State Department described as widespread forced labor in the country's seafood industry. The downgrade for Myanmar appeared aimed at sending a message to the country's new democratically elected government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, and its still-powerful military to curb use of forced labor, sex trafficking and the recruitment of children as soldiers into the armed forces. Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to address widespread persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the Buddhist country. Her government criticized the demotion as failing to recognize the country's progress. "We are very sad that we have not been recognized for making positive changes,'' said presidential spokesman Zaw Htay. "In their report, they didn't mention the progress and development we have made for our country.'' Myanmar's Foreign Ministry called the downgrade "regrettable'' and urged the U.S. not to impose restrictions that would hamper U.S.-Myanmar relations. It also promised to step up efforts to combat trafficking measures. "The issue of human smuggling and trafficking will be addressed vigorously in close cooperation with international partners,'' it said. President Barack Obama now has 90 days to determine whether to apply sanctions on so-called Tier 3 nations, including Myanmar. But the U.S. often chooses not to, based on its national security interests. Myanmar had faced a mandatory move up or down the rankings after four years on the watch list. Human rights groups applauded the downgrade, noting that Myanmar was evaluated mostly on the basis of what was done under the previous army-backed government. Suu Kyi's civilian administration took power in March. "Myanmar's downgrade is overdue,'' said Matthew Smith of Thailand-based advocacy group Fortify Rights. "The military has long been one of Southeast Asia's worst perpetrators of human trafficking.'' There was disappointment in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial center, since the U.S. action virtually precludes trade privileges that would help jumpstart economic growth after decades of ruinous military rule. "The government and people have been trying hard for our country,'' said Win Aung, chairman of the Myanmar Chambers of Commerce. "We don't want anything that negatively affects our country's economy and our businesses. We are all putting so much energy in the country's transition period and we want encouragement instead of blame.'' Rights groups also criticized the upgrade of Thailand, which was removed from the bottom-rung Tier 3 category and placed on the Tier 2 watch list. Labor abuses in the Thai seafood industry gained in prominence around the globe after a two-year investigation by The Associated Press that led to the freeing of more than 2,000 slaves and the arrest of more than a dozen alleged traffickers. Several have been convicted. "2015 was an historically bad year for human trafficking in Thailand,'' Fortify Rights said in its statement, calling the upgrade premature. Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the government was happy to see its efforts rewarded and planned to work harder. "We are pleased today that all the efforts of the past year culminated into a certain degree of success,'' he told a news conference Friday. "I'm determined to work vigorously in order to rid the country of this modern slavery.'' President Barack Obama said Friday that an effective vaccine for the Zika virus could be developed in fairly short order if Congress were to quickly approve the budget needed for the research and the vaccine itself. The president made the remarks after being briefed at the White House by top officials of Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. Obama said that for a vaccine to be widely available, it has to be tested to make sure it is safe and effective. Researchers are in the developing and testing phase of work on a vaccine to guard against the mosquito-borne virus. Obama said that if the effort was well-funded, he was fairly confident an effective vaccine could be developed before the virus spreads to the continental United States. The U.S. Zika cases reported so far have all involved people who contracted the virus outside the United States, or were infected through unprotected sex with an infected partner. There have not yet been any cases reported of local transmission of the virus in the United States. The Obama administration has submitted a budget request of $1.9 billion to Congress, and the president is trying to press lawmakers to pass a Zika prevention bill before they leave for summer vacation. Obama criticized them for playing politics with public health. According to the CDC, seven infants have been born with birth defects related to the Zika virus in the U.S. as of June 23. There have also been four pregnancy losses in the U.S. involving Zika and one in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, the agency said. Emotionally connecting employees to the organisation is important for getting the desired results and for the overall growth of companies. By India Today Web Desk: At the ongoing India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards CEOs and eminent experts from several industries delivered talks on various aspects of industrial growth. Rakesh Sarin, international CEO of Suzlon and Kunwer Sachdev, managing director of Su-kam power systems limited gave a talk on 'Moving up the value chain/quality and quantity'. In his address, Sarin highlighted the possibility of building a multibillion brand. "You can build a multibillion brand if you put the right brick and right technology in place," he said. advertisement "To deal with post Brexit world Indian companies must do scenario planning. We must make friendship with uncertainties and think two steps ahead. We must respond to the evolution in technologies," he said commenting on the current economic scenario. INVERTER IS ONE INDUSTRY WITH NO COMPETITION FROM CHINA According to Kunwer Sachdev, inverter is one industry where there is no competition from China. Sachdev even discussed the journey of his company that started off with a meager investment and transformed into a multibillion entity over the course of time. "We started with the target of solving a problem in India. As we kept tackling the problems with newer and better technologies, our company grew. We certainly did not have a blueprint for growth. We grew through trials and errors," said Sachdev. EMOTIONAL CONNECT BETWEEN EMPLOYEE, ORGANISATION VITAL FOR GROWTH Sachdev even highlighted the importance of maintaining emotional connect between the employees and the organisation. "We can create systems but if we cannot connect your workers emotionally to your organisation, you cannot get the desired results. No textbook can teach that emotional connect," he added "When I wanted to make sine wave inverter, I assigned the task to two of my young researchers in 2003. I called their wives and told them that if their husbands can create the technology for sine wave inverter, I will send the family to a Europe tour. It produced the desired results. That's how I connect with my employees and get things done," added Sachdev. Adding on the importance of holistic growth of organisations, Miniya Chatterji, chief sustainability officer of Jindal Steel and Power said, "When a company grows at a high speed in terms of financial growth and geographical spread, it needs to ensure that the growth is holistic and authentic. It must create an internal shock absorber." Also read: India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards: Govt committed to generating entrepreneurship, says Kalraj Mishra --- ENDS --- The U.S. military's renewed program to train and equip Syrian rebels is helping anti-Islamic State forces make "significant steps forward" across the Syrian battlefield, officials say, as the Pentagon works to evaluate recent changes in the program. "We have U.S.-trained opposition forces near the Mara line, we have U.S.-trained opposition forces down in the at-Tanf garrison, and we have provided advice, assistance and training to the Syrian Democratic Forces that are conducting the Manbij operation," Colonel Chris Garver, a spokesman for the coalition fighting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, told reporters Wednesday. Rather than trying to build entire units, as the Pentagon did in its first attempt at a train-and-equip program, the U.S. military is now focused on training small numbers of fighters as "spotters," who can coordinate resupply efforts and describe enemy positions, according to U.S. officials. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, say fewer than 100 Syrian fighters have been trained in the new program, which they described to reporters as a six- to eight-month window of starting "example programs" to build upon. One official said the revamped plan had been "much more effective" than "trying to build something from the ground up." He noted it also has given the U.S. a better understanding of the Syrian battlefield. According to another official, the U.S. military currently is supporting about 10,000 Syrian Arabs through the small number of fighters in both the old and new train-and-equip programs. The official explained that since the Pentagon started coordinating with the Syrian Arab Coalition, or SAC, their numbers "effectively have doubled." "The goal is growth," the official said. "Success has bred success." Focused objectives Part of the program involves vetting the leaders of several opposition groups and supplying their units with weapons solely focused on one anti-IS objective at a time. "It's not like we're just flooding their units with enough for multiple operations. It's just enough to get them through the next operation," another official said. The groups primarily receive small arms and ammunition, along with some communications equipment. The U.S. military also has provided some indirect fire assets and vehicles, according to the officials. If a Syrian group uses U.S.-provided equipment for other purposes, the military officials say the U.S. would remove its support. Opposition successes Officials point to opposition successes in al-Hal, Hasaka, Shadadi and the current operations in Manbij as an evaluation of the program, rather than the numbers trained. Garver said Manbij was "the hub" of foreign fighter activity in Syria, adding that the coalition has noticed a reduction in Islamic State foreign fighters since the group's heyday last year. "There was upward of 2,000 [foreign fighters] a month that were coming into Syria and moving into Iraq," Garver said. "We think that the flow is now down to somewhere around between 200 and 500." Despite the successes, the train-and-equip program remains an expensive endeavor. The U.S. spent $346.8 million in the 2015 fiscal year on the program, and has allotted $416.5 million for the program in the 2016 fiscal year. Prospects for a peaceful two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians are increasingly remote as long as current trends continue, the Middle East Quartet said in a report issued Friday. Violence, terrorism, Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the situation in the Gaza Strip are severely undermining peace prospects, said the group, made up of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. The Quartet stresses the urgent need for affirmative steps to reverse each of these trends in order to prevent entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict, the report said. The group urged Israelis and Palestinians to demonstrate through policies and actions their genuine commitment to a two-state solution. Saeb Erekat, the Palestine Liberation Organization's secretary-general, said the report "attempts to equalize the responsibilities between a people under occupation and a foreign military occupier. He said the Palestinian Authority leadership would meet in the coming days to analyze the situation and respond officially Sunday. The Quartets report provides conclusive proof of official Palestinian Authority incitement against Israel, said Danny Danon, Israel's U.N. ambassador. Settlements Israeli settlement construction and expansion is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution, the Quartet warned. This raises legitimate questions about Israels long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state. The report noted that 60 percent of the West Bank is part of land known as Area C and that 70 percent of that section has been unilaterally appropriated for Israeli use. The remaining 30 percent is effectively off-limits to Palestinian development because it requires virtually unobtainable Israeli military permits. That means the Israeli military has full authority over development in Area C, the report said. The Quartet noted that there are more than half a million Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Violence and incitement The Quartet said Palestinian acts of terrorism and incitement to violence intensify mistrust between the parties and are incompatible with advancing a peaceful two-state solution. At least 30 Israelis have been killed in more than 250 attacks and attempted attacks since October 2015, the report said. During this same period, at least 140 Palestinians have been killed while carrying out attacks, and 60 more have been killed by Israeli security forces during demonstrations, clashes or military operations. A senior U.S. State Department official said Friday that Washington was very concerned about Palestinian incitement to violence, urging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to condemn terrorist attacks. We call on him specifically here to condemn terrorist attacks. I dont know why he doesnt do that, but obviously its something we feel like should be done, the official said. Recommendations The report offered recommendations on the way forward, including urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and refrain from provocative actions and words. Nickolay Mladenov, the U.N. special coordinator for the peace process, told reporters Thursday after briefing the Security Council on the report that it was not a scorecard for assigning blame to each side. He said he expected criticism of the document, but that he hoped all sides would find the strength to go beyond the criticism and engage with the Quartet. In its recommendations, the Quartet called on Israel to cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, as well the denial of Palestinian development. The group also urged the lifting of movement and access restrictions to and from the Gaza Strip. The Quartet called on the Palestinian Authority to act decisively to combat terrorism and stop incitement to violence, and it urged reunification of the West Bank and Gaza under a single, legitimate Palestinian authority. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moons office said he strongly encouraged the parties to engage with the Quartet on implementing the reports recommendations, to restore hope for a political solution and create the conditions to return to meaningful negotiations. Cheryl Burgin is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who knows how to handle firearms and feels the need to have one now as a lesbian living with her wife in Humble, Texas. There is a target that has been painted on peoples backs now if they are part of the LGBT community, Burgin told VOA. Since the attack on gays and others at the Pulse night club in Orlando, Florida, on June 12 that left 49 people dead, LGBT people around the country have felt something similar could happen to them or the people they love. In states such as Texas that allow the open carry of firearms for people who obtain a concealed handgun license, many LGBT people now consider wearing a holstered gun or carrying a weapon in a purse or bag as a deterrent to crime as well as senseless attacks. Gun range lessons Burgin drove for more than a half-hour to reach the Shiloh Gun and Archery Range in north Houston to take advantage of a special offer to self-identified LGBT people for free lessons needed to obtain a concealed handgun license. Shiloh general manager Jeff Sanford told VOA the response to the free lessons has been overwhelming. What we thought was going to be 40 people, total, has now just totally blown up to 13 classes and we have over 550 signed up, with over a hundred done already," Sanford said. The gun range had previously offered free classes to firefighters, first-responders and teachers as a promotion. Following the mass shooting in Orlando, a gay customer suggested making the free classes available to LGBT people. There are many gun ranges around the Houston metropolitan area offering these classes, with prices ranging between $69 and $100. But people who define themselves as part of the LGBT community drive long distances to attend these classes and only partly to save money. "This is a unique opportunity, Sanford said. They can be around like-minded people and they do not have to worry about being judged by anybody in the class. Texas gun laws The Texas license allows someone to carry a pistol in a holster, whether concealed by clothing or not, anywhere in public except places like schools, hospitals, airports and establishments that have posted signs exempting them from allowing guns inside. Most bars and restaurants, and clubs similar to Pulse in Orlando, do not allow guns, so anyone entering with a gun would be in violation of the law. Burgin concedes that taking a gun into a bar or night club might not be a good idea anyway. You dont want to mix alcohol and firearms, she said. It is not the smartest thing to take it into a club. But if I need to have it nearby, I will make sure I have it with me. Desaree Reyes and her wife, Marcella, came together to take the class because of perceived public hostility to their same-sex marriage that makes them fearful, especially after the tragedy in Orlando. But Desaree Reyes admits that she is not sure how she would handle such an incident. I dont feel that just because I have my license that I am going to be ready, she said. "But I do feel like at least I have that protection. Restrictions favored There are a few national LGBT groups that favor gun ownership for protection against bigoted attacks, such as the Pink Pistols, which formed well before the Orlando shooting but has cited the Florida attack as an example of why gay people need guns. However, the leaders of most national LGBT organizations have called for stricter gun control measures. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest group representing the LGBT community in the United States, issued a call for action on gun control following the Orlando shooting. The safety of the LGBTQ community depends on our ability to end both the hatred toward our community and the epidemic of gun violence that has spiraled out of control, group President Chad Griffin said in a statement. Tim Murphy, spokesman for Gays Against Guns, which has staged anti-gun demonstrations in New York City following the Orlando killings, said, We are outraged over the massacre that happened in Orlando and we want to signal that the LGBT community is ready to play a role in the fight for gun control." In arguing against the idea that the solution to gun violence is to have more people with guns, Kendall Thomas, a gay black man and a member of Gays Against Guns, called attention to the gunshot deaths of many young black men in urban centers such as Chicago. We have to deal not just with violence against gays or violence against African-Americans and Latino-Americans, but with the culture of violence that leads so many people in this country to view guns as problem-solvers, Thomas said. Driven to guns by fear But gun advocates argue that police can never arrive fast enough to stop violent criminals and terrorists from carrying out a slaughter of innocent people and that having well-trained armed citizens on hand can make a difference. Whether that is true or not, LGBT people taking up firearms are expressing what even many people who disagree with them see as understandable fear in the wake of a horrific incident in which people like them were targeted. 'Ready to protect myself' Desaree Reyes, even while conceding that she is a bit of a novice and not fully prepared to use a gun in a chaotic situation, said the pistol she plans to carry would provide comfort. If someone were to come towards me or my family, I am already ready to protect myself," she said. Many of the people who obtain their Texas concealed handgun licenses will practice in gun ranges in order to improve their shooting skills. But those without police or military training may not be prepared to handle a chaotic situation in which it is sometimes difficult for well-trained and well-equipped police officers to know who is the attacker. Gun control advocates argue that the danger to the people owning the guns and the people with whom they interact in daily life may be greater than any benefit they might provide in a mass-shooting situation. Thailand's military government is expressing appreciation for its upgrade on a closely watched index of human trafficking. Meanwhile, officials in Myanmar are lamenting the country being blacklisted in the U.S. State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. Thailand, moved up from the lowest Tier 3 to the Tier 2 Watchlist, meaning while the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking," it made significant improvements last year, according to the report. Thailand will by no means be complacent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. We remain focused and committed to tackling human trafficking in all forms. Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the military junta governing the kingdom, told reporters a "zero tolerance" policy will continue and "I will do my job." Thailand has made some great progress that we should all applaud over the past year," the U.S. ambassador to the kingdom, Glyn Davies, said. A number of organizations, however, are criticizing the U.S. decision to upgrade Thailand. We are very disappointed at this decision, which does not, in our view, accurately assess the situation on the ground, said Judy Gearhart, executive director of the International Labor Rights Forum. Migrant workers are still one of the most vulnerable groups in the country to human trafficking, and Thailand has not shown any indication that it intends to allow migrant workers greater access to fundamental rights that would protect them from exploitation. Thailand should have stayed on the blacklist while Malaysia (which remains on the Tier 2 Watchlist) should have been downgraded to the bottom rung, according to Fortify Rights, which said the two countries, along with Myanmar, failed to sufficiently combat human trafficking and protect survivors last year. Thailand effectively switched places with neighbor Myanmar, the source of an estimated several million laborers in the kingdom, many of them undocumented. About one-fifth of Thai exports are derived from agricultural and fishery exports industries rife with abuse of laborers. Exploitation of migrants has been endemic for decades in the region, with traffickers coordinating with corrupt and complicit officials in government, immigration control, militaries and police forces. The 2016 TIP report characterizes Myanmar (also known as Burma) as a source country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and for women and children subjected to sex trafficking, both in Burma and abroad. Diplomats have also expressed disappointment with a lack of government attention to the plight of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority mostly residing in Rakhine state, who Myanmar does not recognize as a distinct ethnic group. Since Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy came to power this year succeeding military rulers the government has not shown any flexibility on the Rohingya issue, emphasizing it regards them as Bengalis who illegally migrated from Bangladesh. Although the TIP report covers the period before the change of government, some observers view the downgrade in part as punishment for a continuing hardline on the Rohingya, who annually flee Myanmar in the thousands on rickety boats supplied by traffickers. Myanmar officials on Friday were contrite about being relegated to the TIP blacklist along with Haiti, Sudan and Uzbekistan pledging to continue to battle the traffickers. We will not change our course of action on this, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Aung Lin told VOA. Well continue our effort to take necessary action and to work with all the parties concerned, including the United States. A ministry news release about the TIP report made reference to the Rohingya, but did not mention them by name, stating that it had saved, sheltered and repatriated voluntarily those irregular migrants cast adrift in the Indian Ocean most of whom were proven not to have originated from Myanmar. Several non-governmental organizations contend political considerations remain an influence on the State Department list, something diplomats have previously acknowledged in private. The chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives panel on human rights supports the stance that the White House continues to insert such considerations into the global grading system. That violates the spirit and letter of the statute, said Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican. Tier rankings must be earned, not meted out as gifts to economic and security partners. The congressman, in particular, singled out Chinas Tier 2 Watch List rating, calling the country the black hole of human trafficking. The TIP report ranks countries on efforts to combat human trafficking according to standards set forth in the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protect Act. Tier 1 governments meet the minimum standards; Tier 2 nations are making significant efforts to meet the minimum standards while those on the Tier 2 "Watch List" deserve special scrutiny. Tier 3 countries are deemed to have failed to comply with the minimum U.S. standards and are not making significant efforts to do so. The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 15,500 asylum seekers have gone through a so-called pre-registration process on mainland Greece. The UNHCR said these people will be able to lodge future claims for asylum in Greece or in other European Union countries where they may be sent under a relocation scheme. The U.N. refugee agency said this pre-registration process is only open to those who entered Greece between January 2015 and March 20, 2016. This is just before the European Union and Turkey signed an agreement aimed at stopping irregular migration from Turkey to the EU. UNHCR spokesman, William Spindler, said more than 15,500 of an estimated 49,000 people currently on mainland Greece have been pre-registered. He said they have received asylum seeker cards, valid for one year. This allows them to live legally in Greece and access basic services. The exercise will help to identify those eligible for family reunification or relocation to another EU country," said Spindler. "It will also identify persons with specific needs so that they may be referred to the appropriate organizations and receive assistance and support. Spindler said faster implementation and an increased number of places for relocation are needed as more people eligible for relocation are identified. He acknowledges this may be difficult to do. He noted 24 EU countries so far have made only 8,090 places available to asylum seekers. This is out of 160,000 people the European Union agreed to relocate in September 2015. Speaking with VOA, Spindler said this scheme needs to be speeded up. It is crucial that more countries come forward with places because otherwise the danger is that the people will continue to be stuck there. We are talking about relatively small numbers of people and, we are talking about the EU with a combined population of over 500 million people." Spindler said the 15,500 pre-registered people include some 680 unaccompanied and separated children who are in need of special protection. The United States and Israel bitterly condemned Thursday's fatal stabbing of a 13-year-old Israeli girl inside her home in a Jewish settlement by a Palestinian. Hallel Yaffa Ariel, who had dual Israeli-U.S. citizenship, died in a hospital shortly after the Palestinian teen barged into her house and stabbed her in her bed. A security guard shot the attacker dead. "The horrifying murder of a young girl in her bed underscores the bloodlust and inhumanity of the incitement-driven terrorists that we are facing," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, describing the scene of the slaying to television viewers. Displaying a photograph of Hallel's bloody bed and a teddy bear on a chair, Netanyahu called on the whole world to condemn the killing in the same way it condemned terrorist killings in Ankara, Orlando, Brussels and elsewhere. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby called the killing "unconscionable." Hallel lived in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba, near the Palestinian city of Hebron. Israeli military officials said the attacker managed to get past a fence surrounding the settlement, but they were unsure how he got into the house. Israeli authorities sealed off the village where the killer lived and rescinded his family's work permits. Palestinian leaders have not reacted to the stabbing so far. Lull in attacks There has been a relative lull in the wave of Palestinian stabbings and other attacks on Israelis that began 10 months ago when rumors swept through Palestinian areas that Israel was planning to take over an East Jerusalem religious site sacred to Jews and Muslims. Israel strongly denied the rumors and accused Palestinian authorities of inciting the violence. But young Palestinians say they are fed up with poverty, unemployment, a stalled peace process, weak leadership and Israeli settlements on land they want as part of a future state. U.N. Mideast envoy Nicolay Mladenov told the Security Council on Thursday that an upcoming report on reviving peace talks would call on Israel to cut back on settlement activity. It will also urge the relatively moderate Palestinian Authority to take back control of Gaza, which is in the hands of Hamas militants. Mladenov said both Palestinians and Jews have lived in an "environment of fear" for generations and that violence and terror will not being on a Palestinian state. The White House has released a long-anticipated report on civilians killed in drone strikes outside active conflict zones, saying between 64 to 116 civilians have been killed between 2009 and 2015. White House Spokesman Josh Earnest said the administration's counterterrorism strategy has more credibility when it is transparent as possible, and the president is announcing a new executive order aimed at providing additional information on efforts to avoid civilian casualties and to catalog and disclose those that do occur. We are now in a position where we are describing the process for making decisions about these kinds of operations and being rather transparent with not just the American public, but with the world about the outcomes of those operations, even when the outcome is not entirely consistent with our intentions, he said. The report covers drone strike deaths that occur in places outside what the administration calls "areas of active hostilities." That includes strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia, but not ones in Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. The official total is lower than the estimates of outside groups, which have ranged from around 200 to more than 1,000. The report says that the government's lower tally is because it relies on sensitive intelligence and uses methodologies that are unavailable to outside groups, which generally rely on a mix of media reports and some field research. It says the differing methodologies mean that some deaths which are counted as non-combatants by outside groups are considered combatant deaths by the U.S. government. It also says that reporting by outside groups may be complicated by the deliberate spread of misinformation by some actors, which may be inadvertently included in local media reports. The rights group Human Rights Watch criticized the report, saying the United States has failed to explain who it targets and why, making it impossible to corroborate its casualty figures. "Unless details are provided on specific incidents, it's not possible to determine if individuals killed were civilians, and thus whether the U.S. is complying with its own policy and with international law," said Laura Pitter, senior U.S. national security counsel at Human Rights Watch. A British-based organization that tracks drone strikes via local media reports, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, welcomed the report as "a step towards greater transparency." But in a statement sent to VOA, the group disputed the number of civilian deaths in what it referred to as President Barack Obama's "controversial" drone program. "This is a fraction of the 380 to 801 civilian casualty range recorded by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism from reports by local and international journalists, [nongovernmental organization] investigators, leaked government documents, court papers, and the result of field investigations," the group said. The group also criticized the United States for not giving information on specific drone strikes in its assessments of drone operations, saying the lack of information made it impossible to reconcile its numbers with the U.S. figures. Full disclosure? The first U.S. drone strike was carried out in October 2001, narrowly missing former Taliban leader Mullah Omar in Kandahar at the beginning of the U.S.-led offensive in Afghanistan. Since then, the weapon has been widely deployed in conflict zones around the world, as well as in other places targeting top terrorist leaders. In Pakistan alone, the U.S. has carried out 392 airstrikes since 2008, according to The Long War Journal. In Yemen, U.S. strikes targeting al-Qaida commanders total 145 since 2002. The figures are based on press reports. Human rights groups have long called for hard numbers when it comes to counterterrorism strikes that until recently the administration refused to even confirm. Saying just trust us, we have high standards, we are doing the best we can really isnt enough and that they need to be disclosing more, said Rita Siemion of Human Rights First. While the weapon is widely used in combat zones, its use in areas where the U.S. military is not actively involved in fighting has been more controversial. In March this year, the administration announced it would release a report to try to improve transparency on those strikes. "For a decent portion of this administration and the previous one, we wouldnt even acknowledge publicly that these things were taking place," Earnest told reporters at the time. "The fact that were now in a position on a regular, routinized basis to publish the results and to quantify that totals about the impact of these operations I do think represents substantial progress in the direction of transparency." Contradictory counterterror policy? Drones give the military a way to strike at terrorist leaders in places that U.S. forces are unable to access. That has led even some people in areas where they are carried out, such as Mogadish resident Fatuma Ilmi Mus, to support their use. There are people who are being targeted, these people [al-Shabab] they are also fighting us and they are in the bush and we are not shielding them. These drones must be manned by a professional so that it does not hit our animals, our people and homes but to hit the intended target and where the enemies are, she told VOA. But even when drones do hit their intended target, it can still cause a backlash. In Pakistan, where a strike killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor in Pakistan earlier this year, the government expressed outrage because the strike occurred outside of Pakistan's lawless border area with Afghanistan. The U.S. provides so much funding to Pakistan though USAID and development funds. But then it does something [like the strike against Mansoor] that scuttles all that effort, Islamabad resident Hina Ahmed said. Still others say the administration's use of strikes has undermined intelligence gathering efforts that are key to defeating terror groups. Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Counselor John Hannah served as senior adviser in the Clinton administration and the George W. Bush administration. The Obama administration has almost completely foregone an effort to capture and detain and get intelligence from these terrorists, he said. Instead it has universally decided its going to be the judge, jury and executioner and take the lives of these terrorists, as well as the lives, unfortunately, of a lot of innocent people. Still, Hannah says drone strikes are an effective tactic in countries like Yemen and Pakistan, where the government is either unwilling or unable to go after terrorists while minimizing civilian casualties compared to conventional military conflict. The key, Hannah says, is creating the necessary institutions and safeguards to create accountability, while balancing national security, transparency, and rule of law. Ensure that we are not crossing that line into becoming a lawless nation, he said. Its very difficult and challenging, and I think its a challenge that will continue into the future. A Harare magistrate Friday ordered the immediate release of Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, who was arrested sometime this week soon after the High Court made a ruling that he should be reinstated by the Minister of Local Government Saviour Kasukuwere. Harare magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe ordered Manyenyenis immediate release after he found that the Harare mayor was detained illegally prior to his arrangement before the court. Manyenyenis lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, had argued that the magistrate could not hear Manyenyenis case because the mayor was improperly brought before the court. This prompted prosecutor Michael Reza to call two witnesses to the stand one a police officer and the other an official from the Anti-Corruption Commission - who contradicted each other on the exact time of Manyenyenis arrest outside the High Court on Wednesday. Madhuku also called Mfundo Mlilo, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association, who testified that he called Manyenyeni on his mobile phone shortly after the High Court had passed judgement in his case and replied that he had been arrested by Anti-Corruption Commission officers. Manyenyenis attorney, Lovemore Madhuku, welcomed the courts decision. MDC-T secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora, who attended todays court session, said his party was not happy that the state was persecuting Manyenyeni. "Court papers show that Manyenyeni allegedly abused his duty as a public officer when he unilaterally and single-handedly entered into a verbal agreement with two companies, Distinctive Consultancy Services and High Post Consultancy Services for the provision of shortlisting, selection and screening services for filling the post of the citys town clerk that was later filled by James Mushore". The state claims that Manyenyeni personally influenced the outcome of the shortlisting, selection and screening process. Following the judgement, hordes of MDC-T supporters, who had filled the court to capacity, sang revolutionary songs denouncing Kasukuwere. Cecilia Alexander, chairperson the of the Apex Council, a body that represents all civil servants unions, told journalists after a meeting of head of unions that they will be meeting government representatives Saturday to make a decision on the format of the industrial action. We are saying the employer must urgently address the concerns of the workers failure to which the workers have resolved to take action starting Tuesday 5th July onwards, said Alexander. Alexander said all the 14 civil servants unions, including doctors and all workers in the health sector, were unanimous that government is treating them unfairly by not paying them on time. President Robert Mugabes government failed to pay the civil servants citing lack of funds resulting from the current harsh economic environment in the country. Indications are that members of the armed forces have received their pay. The rest of the civil service is set to get June salaries next week. On Friday government made an advance payment of $100 to each civil servant to cushion them while they wait for the salaries next month. Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe member Alois Bimha from Gokwe told Studio 7 he was disappointed about the governments failure to pay civil servants their June salaries. This is not the way we are supposed to be treated. We are adults, we have got families, we have got budgets. The government has got no obligation to budget for us. I have to receive my full salary then I make my own budget. We cannot continue like this because from the precedence at the end we are going to have a situation where a teacher will be owed thousands of dollars, Bimha said. Acting Public Service Minister, Supa Mandiwanzira, told Studio 7 by phone that government is doing all it can to ensure that its workers are paid on committed dates. He said the current predicament is as a result of the financial crisis that has not only affected government but also the private sector where some workers have gone for months without pay. Minister Mandiwanzira appealed to civil servants and other stakeholders to bear with the government as it makes efforts to rectify the situation. About 83 percent of the governments $4 billion budget goes towards civil servants salaries. It has started to weed out ghost workers and rationalize the civil service in order to cut employment costs. Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, told Zimbabwes European creditors yesterday that his government was broke. Zimbabwes Beitbridge border post has been shut down following protests over the imposition of an import ban on various commodities. South Africans have joined the protest at the countrys border post resulting in traffic jams that have crippled operations. Unpaid Zimbabwean civil servants have resolved to go on strike following the governments failure to pay them June salaries as a result of lack of funds. Hundreds of Zimbabweans march in Bulawayo in remembrance of the late Vice President and former PF Zapu leader, Joshua Nkomo. And Revived Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa says the vision of former Vice President Joshua Nkomo of a truly liberated Zimbabwe where citizens enjoy all their freedoms, a booming industry and massive production on land, can only be achieved if there is a complete mindset shift in the current Zanu PF leadership. Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. This evening on Livetalk our hosts will be talking with listeners about the life and legacy of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo. What do you think about Nkomo, who was affectionately known as Father Zimbabwe, Umdala Wethu and Chibwechitedza? Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. You can also post comments on this Facebook wall or send us your number so we can call you back. Please note that we are livestreaming on all Studio 7 Facebook pages. Stay tuned!!!!!! From the past couple of weeks, the Shiv Sena and BJP have been criticizing each other constantly, which started from the BJP comparing Uddhav Thackeray to the 'Jailer' from Sholay. Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis shared stage at an event today at Mahim Nature camp after considerable mudslinging in recent days. STRAINED RELATIONS NO MORE? Fadnavis ended his speech by pulling out the issue of strained relations between Sena and BJP without mentioning recent incidents. "Today, Me and Uddhav Thackeray watered this plant. Now it will grow to be as big as a banyan tree," Fadnavis said. advertisement From the past couple of weeks, both parties have not left any chance to criticise each other. THACKERAY = JAILER FROM SHOLAY? But it got murkier with Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader and executive editor of party mouthpiece 'Saamna', serving an ultimatum to BJP against the use of derogatory language against party president Uddhav Thackeray. Raut's warning came after BJP's Maharashtra spokesperson Madhav Bhandari compared Thackeray to the jailer's character in 'Sholay' in party mouthpiece 'Manogat'. Reacting sharply, Sena workers held demonstrations at several places in Nashik and Pune, burning effigies of Bhandari and displaying placards of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. But today Fadnavis and Thackeray looked very comfortable sitting next to each other. PLANTING A TREE SOLVES EVERYTHING Uddhav praised the initiative taken by the govt to plant two crore trees throughout state. He also said that he will support the government in all their good work. According to sources, both parties have started preparation for upcoming Bombay Municipal Corporation elections and don't want their image spoilt. Still, there is no clarity whether they will contest BMC election together or not. But today, it is clear that both leaders mutually have given a message to their cadre to stop the mudslinging. --- ENDS --- Scores of people gathered in Bulawayo on Friday to commemorate the life of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, with his son, Sibangilizwe, calling on Zimbabweans to strive for the peace and unity that the veteran politician cherished throughout his life. Addressing hundreds of people at Makokoba high density suburbs Stanley Square, Sibangilizwe Nkomo said his father fought for a united Zimbabwe in which people were supposed to live in harmony despite ethnic and political differences. He said, "Zimbabweans should seek to live in harmony, starting at grassroots level." Veteran journalist, Saul Gwakuva Ndlovu, who also spoke at the occasion, said it saddens him and other people that knew Nkomo well when some people malign the late nationalists name. He said Nkomo was a selfless leader who never sought personal gain throughout his political life. Some youth who attended the event said they took part in the event as a sign of honour for the late Father Zimbabwe. One of them only identified herself as Nosipho.,War Veterans Minister and Makokoba Member of Parliament, Tshinga Dube, said he was happy to be part of the commemoration. The commemoration, now an annual event organized by the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement, started with a march from the Nkomo familys Blue Lagoon business complex at the Renkini Bus Terminus and then the central business district before participants converged at Stanley Square. Zimbabwes Beitbridge border post has been shut down following protests over the imposition of an import ban on various commodities. South Africans have joined the protest at the countrys border post resulting in traffic jams that have crippled operations. Promise Mkwanazi of Tajamuka-Sesijikile political protest group said they are taking part in the peaceful demonstration in order to force the government to reverse the ban, which was effected today after being temporarily suspended following similar skirmishes a week ago. Zimbabwe, which is struggling to revive a fast-declining economy, imposed the ban in an effort to boost production of local commodities. Goods that now require a permit to be brought into the country include coffee creamers (Cremora), camphor creams, white petroleum jellies and body creams and goods categorized as builders ware like wheelbarrows structures and parts of structures of iron or steel (bridges and bridges section, lock gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors, windows and their frames and threshold for doors, shutters, balustrade, pillars and columns) and plates, rods, angles, shapes section and tubes prepared for use in structures of iron and steel ware, were also on the list of the restricted products. Included in the list is furniture, baked beans, potato crisps, cereals, bottled water, mayonnaise, salad cream, peanut butter, jams, maheu, canned fruits and vegetables, pizza base, yoghurts, flavoured milks, dairy juice blends, ice-creams, cultured milk and cheese The government argues that Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016, which was formulated by the Rhodesian government in 1974 as a way of countering sanctions, is a timely measure to reign in the ballooning import bill. It has been supported by Buy Zimbabwe Campaign, which promotes the purchase of local products. The late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, a fiery Zimbabwean nationalist died on July 1, 1999, at the age of 82. Nkomo, an advocate of land reforms under the son of the soil slogan of the 1970s, never lived to enjoy the fruits of independence like millions of people in the southern African nation. Before independence, Nkomo and other freedom fighters promised that Zimbabweans will live in a land of milk and honey. But 36 years after independence, most local people are living from hand-to-mouth, a far cry from what they were promised when they took up arms to fight against the Ian Douglas Smith regime. Despite the harsh social, economic and political environment in the country, Nkomos legacy lives on. Nkomo was a son of a teacher and lay preacher of the London Missionary Society in Zimbabwes Kezi District, Matabeleland South province. At the age of 35, after working as a truck driver and carpenter and getting involved in trade unionism, he was elected president of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress, a major political party at that time. In this six-part series the Voice of Americas Zimbabwe Service is focusing on the life and legacy of the late vice president, who was once considered a terrorist by the colonial Rhodesian government and some developed nations. Photo: Karen Brill/Paramount Pictures Scarlett Johanssons casting as the lead in Ghost in the Shell, a classic Japanese manga and anime property, drew immediate ire from those sick of Hollywoods whitewashing habit. Things only got much, much worse when contested reports surfaced that post-production effects were allegedly done to make Johansson look more Asian. But no worries! Steven Paul, one of the films (white) producers told Buzzfeed that, I think everybody is going to end up being really happy with it [] Theyre going to be very, very happy with it when they see what weve actually done with it, and I dont think anybodys going to be disappointed. As for why the white Johansson was cast in the first place, in lieu of finding Asian actors, Paul says: I dont think it was just a Japanese story. Ghost in the Shell was a very international story, and it wasnt just focused on Japanese; it was supposed to be an entire world [] Thats why I say the international approach is, I think, the right approach to it. He characterized Ghost in the Shell as an international world, and, citing a cast that includes Pilou Asbk, Michael Pitt, Takeshi Kitano, Juliette Binoche, Kaori Momoi, and Chin Han, said: Were utilizing people from all over the world [] Theres Japanese in it. Theres Chinese in it. Theres English in it. Theres Americans in it. Despite changing the source material enough that Johanssons character went from Major Kusanagi to just Major, Paul insists: Theres a great respect thats been paid to the manga. By Tanseem Haider: Northern Range Special cell has arrested four members of an International Fake Indian Currency Note racket. The arrested are Sheikh Sehzad from Meerut, Sheikh Fazullah from Motihari district, Rahman from Hapur and Habibur Rehman based in Malda. Fake currency worth 10.25 lakh in denominations of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 has been recovered from the accused. The Special cell has registered an FIR in this regard. advertisement FICN CIRCULATION Delhi Police Special Cell had information about members of this syndicate being involved in illegal activities such as fake note circulation. Secret surveillance kept tabs on the movement of it's members. Requisite intelligence in this regard was collected. Secret sources were deployed to gather more information. During surveillance, it was revealed that the Fake Indian Currency Note was being pumped by Pakistan in India through Bangladesh. It was then smuggled into West Bengal's Malda through the Indo-Bangla border. From Malda it was distributed to fake note racketeers in various parts of the country including Delhi. Painstaking efforts of more than 4 months had resulted in identifying the members of this syndicate. 4.4 LAKH RECOVERED On July 25 , they received a tip off that two members of the syndicate would come to Wazirpur in Delhi to exchange fake Indian currency notes. A trap was laid at the meeting point where Sheikh Fazullah handed over a packet fake notes worth Rs 2.5 lakh to Sehzad at which point the Police raided and arrested both of them and Rs 4 lakh was recovered from them on the spot. HUGE DEMAND IN DELHI-NCR During interrogation both the accused told they were part of a big international FICN racket. Both belonged to the same village in Bihar's Motihari District. Sheikh Sehzad had made Meerut as his base of operations and used to supply FICN to various people in Meerut and Delhi. Sheikh Fazullah used to receive supply of fake notes from one Jamal, a resident of Malda, West Bengal. During interrogation, Sheikh Sehzad and Rahman told that they used to receive consignments of fake Indian currency from Bihar and then it was sold to retail customers in smaller quantities of Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000. The current market rate of fake currency is Rs 40-Rs 50 for every fake Rs 100 note. They told that since large transactions are still made in cash, there is a huge demand of fake currency in Delhi-NCR. IMPOSSIBLE TO DIFFERNTIATE They also told that fake currency notes are impossible to differentiate with the naked eye. They also added that all new security features that the Government introduces are quickly updated in the fake notes as well. CRIME FAMILY During interrogation Habibur Rehman told he is the cousin of the main supplier Jamal and both used to be partners in this racket. He also revealed that many of his family members are also involved in FICN smuggling. He further revealed fake currency exchange also takes place through the Nepal border. advertisement Further investigation is on. Efforts are being made to nab the remaining members. --- ENDS --- The premiere episode of Thirteen was filled with quiet moments of shock, as each character adjusted to the news that Ivy Moxam had returned after 13 years of captivity. With the mood properly set, the second episode is less focused on creating ambiance and more on moving plot points and conflicts forward. Things are certainly moving faster at the police station, after Ivys captor, Mark White, kidnapped a 10-year-old girl named Phoebe only nine hours earlier. Detectives Merchant and Carne interview Ivy to see if she can help them with any ideas of where White might have taken Phoebe. Ivy offers that Marks mom, Carol, might be a place to start. The only thing she knows, though, is that Carol is in some kind of nursing home. Meanwhile, Ivys relationship with her own mother, Christina, is becoming more strained. Christina makes painfully earnest attempts to connect with her daughter (baking a cake, looking through old things), but Ivy routinely shuts her out in a way she doesnt with her sister or dad. Maybe thats why Christina is so against an unexpected visit from Tim. (Either that or because hes, you know, married.) Tim offers to wait for Ivys return from the police station, but Christina shoos him away. Ivys dad, though, thinks Tims presence is helping Ivy, so he offers to be the go-between for their meet-ups. Soon enough, Ivy is on her way to a secret rendezvous with Tim in a large, open field. Shes even put on makeup and changed out of that pink sweater. (Ivys family-liaison officer, Alia, who still spends her days observing the Moxams, drives Ivy there. How or why she gets involved in this clandestine meeting is unclear.) When Tim greets Ivy, he surprises her with a box of her old letters. Ivy lights up with joy at the thought that Tim saved them all these years. Ivy doesnt have much in the way of a life right now, which makes her connection with Tim so heartbreaking to watch. At some point, shell learn the truth about his marriage, and it will devastate her. But for now, she runs, laughing down the field with Tim, out of Alias sight. As they catch their breath, Tim gives her a hot pink mini-iPod that contains music she missed while she was away. They share ear buds, listen to a Shins song, and gently hold hands. (To be honest, that sums up most of my dates from 2003.) Then, we hear a distinctive click. Unbeknownst to Tim and Ivy, someone is taking pictures of their little moment. While Ivy romanticizes, the rest of Bristol panics about missing Phoebe. The tip from Ivy about Whites mom is a literal dead end: She died in 2002. But because that happened before Ivy was captured, Detective Merchant starts to wonder if Ivy deliberately misdirected their investigation. Merchant and Carne call her in for another interview. They want Ivy to retrace her steps the day she was kidnapped to find out if theres any detail buried in her memories that might help lead them to Whites current whereabouts. In what felt like a forced moment, Merchant then suggests Ivy revisit Whites home to see if any memories are triggered. Ivy agrees and the three of them set out in the middle of the night to enter the creepy house. As Ivy examines the house, she starts to hear Whites voice. Will you be a good girl? She then heads for the cellar. She looks around at the empty walls White bleached the scene before he escaped and suddenly, in an agitated tone, Ivy asks the detectives, What have you done to it? This was ours! The detectives explain that White was the one who destroyed the cellar, but I get the sense that Ivy will have to do some explaining of her own. Starting with this: Her mom wants to know why a newspaper published photos of her field date with Tim. Christina is livid and forbids Ivy from calling Tim. Ivy responds that she cant tell her what to do. Im not a child anymore, she insists, before adding for emphasis: Ive had sex. Of course, what this means in Ivys case i.e., at the hands of her captor is devastating to her family. But Ivy doesnt seem disturbed by it, which makes it all the more disturbing. When Tim later comes over to break the news that hes married (because his wife also saw the newspaper), she stops him from telling her anything. For a moment, it seems like she might make some move on him, but instead, she puts on music and starts to awkwardly dance. She flings her arms and head around, beckoning Tim to join her. In a dreamlike sequence, the two dance alone, together. Alia walks in to get Ivy for more questioning, and Tim stops dancing. Ivy keeps dancing, however, as if shes headed for some kind of psychotic break. With Ivys dreamy dance over, she visits detectives Merchant and Carne for another interview, only this time its not to seek Ivys assistance. They want to put her under the spotlight. The detectives play an audio recording of Ivy, as she answers questions about the one time she claimed White let her out of the house. No, she wasnt left alone at any point. No, there was never a time when she could flee. As the recording plays, the detectives simultaneously play security-camera footage of a shopping center, where we see Ivy and White walk in together. Shockingly, Ivy is allowed to go by herself to the restroom, where she stays for six minutes, and then returns straight back to Mark, whos sitting calmly on a bench. Not only that, but when she sits next to Mark, she grabs his hand, not unlike the way she grabbed Tims earlier in the episode. This was a great reveal, but I do think the tone and angle of Merchants questions were a little cheesy. (Maybe itd would just be easier if you admit it to us you love him.) In general, I think the tension between the two detectives with Merchant as the skeptic and Carne as the softie seems a little predictable. Maybe thats why, when the detectives mutual frustration manifests into a hot make-out session, I didnt feel that invested, even though Richard Rankin and Valene Kane are both very pretty to look at. Im just not sure what this subplot adds. After the confrontation, Ivy asks Alia to take her to the restaurant where Tim tends bar. (Again, not really getting the scope of Alias job duties here.) What Ivy doesnt know is that his wife, Yazz, also works there. As Ivy makes a very heartfelt and public plea for Tims love, Yazz approaches and puts her arm around him, a gesture Ivy cant quite make sense of it, until she finally notices Tims wedding ring. Alia later drives a tear-stricken Ivy back home. But before they exit the car, Ivy asks Alia to give her a few minutes in the car alone to gather herself, which she does. My immediate reaction: Why would Alia think, in her professional opinion, that this was a good idea? Ivys clearly cracking. Being left alone is probably the worst thing for her right now. (Remember: She did jump out of a bathroom window when Tim touched her hand in the last episode.) Alone, Ivy gets out of the car. But she doesnt run away again. Instead, a hand covers her mouth as she gasps in panic. Stray Thoughts: Photo: Marc Piscotty/Getty Images Outrage is mounting on Twitter after the theater chain Cinemark asked victims of the Aurora shooting to pay for its legal fees. More than two dozen victims of the Aurora shooting had filed a civil suit against Cinemark, alleging that the movie theater could have done more to prevent the shooting. A six-person jury ruled in favor of Cinemark, saying the theater chain wasnt partially liable for the 2012 mass shooting by James Holmes that killed 12 people and injured 70 others. Colorado law allows the winner of a suit to then seek compensation for their legal costs, which in this case was $699,187.13 for mock trial costs, docketing, experts, and filing fees. Cinemark reported their most recent quarterly earnings as $704.9 million. People on social media have tweeted their dismay and fury at such a move, including California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom: Shameful! #BoycottCinemark ----> @Cinemark attorneys want Aurora shooting victims to cover $700k in legal fees https://t.co/GcPuVlrinz Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2016 With the long weekend approaching, many people are tweeting that theyll be going to the movies just not at a Cinemark theater with the hashtag #BoycottCinemark. Please boycott @Cinemark. Don't add to their $194 million profit while they come after Aurora victims who have lost everything. Sandy Phillips (@MamaRedfield) June 30, 2016 they're going to need that $700k for damage repair to their public image. #appalling#BoycottCinemark https://t.co/vWdAiaeItt David Wiegand (@WaitWhat_TV) July 1, 2016 @Cinemark How dare you re-victimize victims of Aurora! #BoycottCinemark for putting money over lives. This is cruel. Drop the lawsuit. NOW! Alyce Brodoff (@voicesbyalyce) July 1, 2016 Here's the last 5 years of Cinemark's revenues. They have enough $$$. Period.#BoycottCinemark pic.twitter.com/4W2Y1mRTXq States United (@SUPGVNetwork) July 1, 2016 Theres nothing like a good boycott to celebrate our nations independence. Photo: Warner Brothers Why do filmmakers always louse up Tarzan? The 1914 Edgar Rice Burroughs book has a sensational first half, before the inevitable Victorian-Edwardianera corniness and cultural supremacy kick in. Raised by apes, the child of shipwrecked English aristocrats doesnt turn out a dearie like Mowgli in The Jungle Book but a badass killer who swings soundlessly through trees and drops nooses on his foes (human and animal). He also finds his dead parents treehouse (still with their skeletons) and teaches himself to read (though he has no idea how the words actually sound or that the skeletons are his parents). The old Johnny Weissmuller pictures dumbed Tarzan down, but he and Maureen OSullivan looked scrumptious in their skimpy loincloths (at least before the Hayes Office came along and covered them up). Fifty years later, Robert Towne wrote a script that honored its source, but it was so mucked-up by English director Hugh Hudson that Towne gave the credit to his dog. The new Tarzan film, The Legend of Tarzan, plays as if a dog ate part of the script. It opens with Alexander Skarsgard as Tarzan ne John Clayton, Lord of Greystoke back in his baronial English manse, where hes hybridizing coconuts, with no intention of returning to the Belgian Congo. His splendid backstory, meanwhile, is sprinkled through the action in brief, hazy flashbacks, so the whole thing feels like a sequel to a movie that was never made. So damn frustrating! Why does Clayton go back to Africa? It takes a lot of setup. If I followed it correctly, a tribal chief will hand over a load of diamonds that Belgium needs to finance its burgeoning slave trade in return for Tarzan, who committed some unspecified-until-later offense against him. Its the job of the Belgian kings nefarious envoy (Christoph Waltz) to lure Clayton back under false pretenses, and his unwitting accomplice in that task is George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), who comes to Clayton for help compiling evidence that the king is, indeed, enslaving the indigenous population. Claytons wife, Jane (Margot Robbie), insists on coming along because thats what Jane does. Shes plucky that way. Director David Yates did a yeoman job with the last few Harry Potter installments and made the fine British mini-series State of Play. (The American movie adaptation was negligible.) But either he has no interest in the African landscape or else the studio pared away the connective tissue, leaving nothing but formula dreck. The Legend of Tarzan feels as if it wants to be longer, to breathe a little and get down. The staging isnt inept, but individual shots seem truncated, the action pared down to its unoriginal essence. As it stands, the CG apes are impressive, the elephants (I dont know if theyre CG) magnificent, and a short scene in which a pair of lions nuzzle Clayton absolutely lovely. The humans could have used some help. No, thats not fair. Skarsgard could have made an excellent Clayton/Tarzan under different circumstances. He has the right combination of refined features and a rangy body that looks at home in the treetops. I dont think its his fault that he cant get a rhythm going and ends up looking like a paler Viggo Mortensen. Among the movies innumerable disappointments is that it takes an hour for him to remove his shirt (he never takes off his trousers), while Robbie is fully clothed from first to last. Wouldnt those trousers constrict Tarzans vine-swinging? Wouldnt Jane be more comfortable in a pair of jungle shorts? Sorry to be superficial, but you miss at least half the fun in a Tarzan movie without bare limbs. Perhaps the thinking was that a half-naked Jane would be too predictably sexist. Oh, P.C., where is thy shame? And whos kidding whom? Taken prisoner halfway through, Jane sassily asks the villain whether he expects her to scream like a damsel. A disarming line except the screenwriters are covering their asses. She stays tied up for most of the movie. The filmmakers do make sure to keep the materials inherent racism in check. Individual Africans males are allowed to shine in action sequences, and Jackson is imperturbably Jackson modern, wisecracking, and anti-colonialist. His character has a backstory: He once stood by while Native Americans were slaughtered. He will not be so wimpish again. He will even get hold of a machine gun and blast his enemies to kingdom come. He will fight the power. That power includes the Church, at least implicitly. Waltzs hammy baddy swings a necklace with a crucifix on the end that turns out to be a most effective garrote. The Legend of Tarzan touches all the liberal bases, clumsily. By the way, the onscreen title has a little R next to it, denoting a trademark. Thats very strange. Id figured that the character of Tarzan having first appeared in a 1912 short story was by now in the public domain. Did Warner Bros. execute a deft colonialist move and snatch it away from less-wealthy competitors? The Legend of Tarzan is unlikely to spawn imitators. This commercial vine is likely to snap, and The Jungle Book has the monkey-man franchise sewn up. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Those searching for a good summer read, look no further than these suggestions from a motley crew of notable actresses, magazine editors, and weathermen. (And if youre still looking for a good book, check out these 7 books you need to read this June.) Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Ellie Kemper, actress, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt I just bought Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld. I love Curtis Sittenfeld. I think she is a fantastic writer and I love every one of her novels. Im very excited to read her new book its a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin David Remnick, editor-in-chief, The New Yorker The last book I bought hasnt arrived at home yet; its A Dance to the Music of Time, by Anthony Powell. And then the two books Im currently reading: Im just finishing Robert Gottliebs memoirs I wonder why. It isnt out yet, but I have the galley. And Moby-Dick Im reading again. Its even better than I remembered it. I sound like a dummy extolling the virtues of Moby-Dick, but god is it good. I figured since Im not going to go to the beach I might as well read about it. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Bobby Moynihan, comedian, SNL I just ordered Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline. I heard it was amazing, and I wanted to read the book before the movie came out. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Gay Talese, writer Im reading Richard Cohens book on Nora Ephron I have the galley. Its a wonderful book. My cousin Nick Pileggi was married to her, I knew her. This guy Richard Cohen is the only guy who could have written this book. It is a terrific book, and I knew Nora, Im her cousin-in-law. And then my wife has given me a new novel by Ian McEwan, Nutshell. I usually read books before they are published. I get all these free books from her. Im unable to go to sleep without a fucking book in my bed, that my wife sticks in there. Manuscripts. Do you know what it is like to read manuscripts? You are in your bed, and you are trying to put your pillow right, and there are manuscripts, they get lost and the dogs eat the fucking pages. I have these two Australian terriers. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Paul Haggis, filmmaker I just bought a wonderful book called Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior, by Leonard Mlodinow. Its about how we dont know what we think we know, and how much we have learned. Its a fascinating look at what really happens and how we really make decisions. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Sarah Rafferty, actress, Suits I ordered a book about puberty for my kid, and Alain de Bottons The Course of Love. I love to listen to his TED Talks and his speeches; Im drawn to his work as a philosopher and as a speaker, so I wanted to read some of his fiction. Its about a long love affair and marriage, and Ive been married 15 years. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Al Roker, weatherman I just read The Second Life of Nick Mason by Steve Hamilton its just a good thriller. Comes out of the box 90 miles per hour, and never stops. And then I just bought Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Catherine Curtin, actress, Orange Is the New Black I have a 10-year-old, so I just bought most of the Minecraft series. Thats really where I am. I dont exactly understand Minecraft, but it is a creative, structural, 3-D game, so we have 20 or 25 books on it all I can tell you is now I have the complete series according to my son, and he is the god of the household so I take all of my orders from him. Photo: 2016 Roy Rochlin Lilly Singh, YouTube star The last book that I bought the last book that I bought was Amber Roses How to Be a Bad Bitch. Reporting by Katie Van Syckle at the Peggy Siegal Company screening of The A Word and the Cinema Society screening of The BFG; by Tolly Wright at the premiere of The Secret Lives of Pets and at the Hilarity for Charity benefit; and by Lisa Butterworth at the premiere of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates If reports are to be believed, Fawad Khan's wife is already in her second trimester and expecting the baby in October. By India Today Web Desk: Fawad Khan is all set to become a father again. The Khoobsurat actor and his wife Sadaf are expecting their second child. According to a report in Bollywoodlife.com, Fawad's wife is already in her second trimester and expecting the baby in October. Reportedly, the Kapoor and Sons actor has flown back to Lahore after attending IIFA in Madrid, Spain to spend some quality time with wife. Fawad and Sadaf got married in November 2005 and had their first son named Ayaan in 2010. advertisement After the news of Fawad becoming a father went viral, fans started congratulating him and even wished that their second child should be a baby girl. Best of wishes @_fawadakhan_ @FawadSadaf! Wish u fab health! October is going to b a double bonanza month ???? take care! ?SoM? (@crazy4fawad) June 30, 2016 OH MY LITTLE HEART. FAWAD KHAN'S GOING TO BECOME A DAD AGAIN . HOPING FOR A BABY GIRL. HAPPY ME LOL. The Marwat (@CallMeJaman) June 30, 2016 FAWAD KHAN TO BECOME FATHER FOR THE SECOND TIME MY GOD ???????? I WANT IT TO BE A GIRL PLEASE ?? sidra (@sidraasays) June 30, 2016 On the work front, Fawad Khan was last seen in Kapoor And Sons and is all set to entice his fans with his role in upcoming film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. --- ENDS --- A Ross-area man was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to human trafficking of a 13-year-old girl and online solicitation of a minor. John Adam Vanous, 29, must serve at least 12 1/2 years in prison before he can seek parole after pleading guilty Thursday to one count of human trafficking, one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by contact and online solicitation of a child. Judge Matt Johnson of Wacos 54th State District Court accepted the plea bargain and sentenced Vanous to 25 years in prison each on the first two counts, 20 years on the indecency count and 10 years on the online solicitation count. Vanous will serve the terms concurrently. Bellmead police arrested Vanous in December 2014 during a human trafficking investigation that involved girls in the Bellmead area. Police arrested Vanous after detectives say they posed as a 13-year-old girl online and Vanous showed up at a local business, thinking he was meeting a young girl to have sex, records filed in the case show. During an online conversation with Vanous, detectives identified themselves as a 13-year-old girl several times, Bellmead police said. Vanous sent nude photos of himself and claimed he was a former Navy SEAL who had received a Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart. Police later determined that information to be false and said Vanous never served in the military. As the investigation continued, it was determined that Vanous took a 13-year-old girl to San Antonio, where he kept her at a motel and men paid him to have sex with her, officials said. Vanous attorney Guy Cox declined to comment about his clients plea. Nursing students who worked with Dr. John A. Wells complained that the former McLennan County Jail medical director made them feel threatened and uncomfortable with his routine use of sexually inappropriate and racially charged language, school records obtained by the Tribune-Herald reveal. The doctor bragged of his sexual prowess and wealth, spoke of his affinity for Hispanic women and told the students he knows how to chemically subdue a woman, according to statements from eight McLennan Community College nursing students obtained Thursday through the Texas Public Information Act. Wells, 65, resigned his $330,000 position with McLennan County, effective April 30, after MCC administrators reported to county officials that Wells was sexually harassing the vocational nursing students who performed clinical rotations at the jail as part of their training. Wells, who started work at the jail in November 2011, did not return phone messages Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. One student noted that Wells made very sexual statements, telling her if they were not co-workers, he would like to have sexual relations with her all night. After we left his office, Dr. Wells proceeded to whisper in my ear nurses always pick losers to be with and to not be that kind of nurse, the statement says. I felt very uncomfortable, disrespected and harassed by Dr. Wells. I was looking forward to my rotation at the jail. I saw it as a very possible job option. But after going there and experiencing what I did, I could never work for Dr. Wells. I feel I would be sexually harassed on a daily basis if I worked there. Moving the students MCC Vice President Drew Canham, the schools Title IX coordinator, said school officials worked quickly to remove the students from the jail work rotation and found another clinical setting for them. Canham said he is disappointed the students would go through experiences such as this. The words that were reported to us were of the nature that we removed them from the situation while we asked someone to determine the accuracy of those words, he said. In the meantime, the safety of our students and supporting them so they can earn their education is the first priority. We have moved on to make sure they earn the education they have asked us to provide them and we are committed to give them. All eight student statements obtained by the Tribune-Herald were dated Feb. 18. Most were single-page statements or less. However, one student wrote in a two-page report that she and other students were in Wells office with the door closed and he used a racial slur to refer to a Hispanic inmate with jaundice. Wells cautioned the students not to fall in love with an inmate, prompting one of them to respond, Really? Wells said that young nurses choose no-good men, again using a racial slur to make his point, according to the students statement. He continued on his racially fueled rant, talking about good Mexicans and bad Mexicans, the student reported. Then he went on to bad Mexicans who want to run around doing drugs and stealing and the poor stupid women who support them, like young nurses who somehow get a good job and choose losers, the student wrote. He then went on to say that he has a daughter who is half black and half Mexican. He looked at (redacted) and said he is partial to Mexican women because they are good mothers, cooks and dont give lip. Wells described the physical attributes he admires in Hispanic women and asked a student if she were married. He said all his ex-wives were Mexican, according to the statement. One of the students asked him, Wives? He then said, Yes, I believe it is possible to have more than one true love. In fact, I keep a rotation of women that I cycle out. One student expressed disbelief, and Wells told them about how many women he can get and how many parties he goes to with beautiful women that he can have, the student reported. He told the students he knows how to chemically subdue someone so that they can feel everything that is going on but their body would be unable to move and that he knows places where you could scream and scream and no one would ever be able to hear you or find you, she wrote in the statement. The student reported she told Wells she hopes she never sees him outside these walls. She said Wells got angry and said he would never date nurses because they are not as intelligent and if he took them to parties they would embarrass him due to their inferior intellect. Very uncomfortable Another student repeated many of the same allegations and comments made by Wells and said she felt very uncomfortable and disrespected around Wells. Wells told them that he did not believe in God, she said, and spoke about sex in the workplace. I was scared to leave my fellow student alone with him. I felt my belief in God was looked at as blind faith in an imaginary figure. I have written this letter because Dr. Wells is a very religiously and morally disengaged man that needs the proper punishment for his actions, the student said. One male student wrote that Wells spent about an hour lecturing him in his office about what type of girls he should date and which ones to stay away from. I was embarrassed because when I went to the office, I thought we were going to talk about medical topics. I felt like the time I spent with him was wasted. Another student who spent time in Wells office reported that the doctor spoke openly about infidelity, saying everyone in the medical field cheats on their spouses because its just what you do. It was quite frightening honestly. I felt very uncomfortable by the end of the conversation and really just speechless, the student wrote. McLennan County commissioners accepted Wells resignation on March 15. A month later, commissioners awarded a $330,000 annual contract to Dr. James R. Hodges of Compleat Physicians, of Waco, to replace Wells as jail medical director. Commissioners Lester Gibson and Kelly Snell told the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday that they do not remember hearing the sexual harassment allegations against Wells before voting to accept his resignation. Commissioners Ben Perry and Will Jones both said they had heard scuttlebutt and unconfirmed rumors about Wells behavior but both said nothing specifically about sexual harassment allegations. McLennan County Judge Scott Felton declined comment about the situation Wednesday. On Thursday, however, Felton said the commissioners court was briefed on the tenor of the complaints against Wells before voting to accept his resignation. We obviously dont tolerate any of that kind of behavior, so the doctor was made aware of it and that is when he started working on his resignation, Felton said. A woman from New Jersey is using Facebook in her quest to trace the whereabouts of her adopted Indian daughter's biological sister. By India Today Web Desk: In an effort to reunite her adopted Indian daughter with her birth sister, a mother hailing from New Jersey is using social media to the fullest to succeed in her quest with the hash tag #FindingMariya. Patricia Tavis adopted Yasamma Gedala, born in Rajahmundry, from the Missions to the Nations orphanage in Kakinada on December 12, 1998. She named her Samantha Mari Tavis. advertisement In a Facebook post, she gives a detailed description of Samantha's biological parents and sister. She writes, 'her parents' names were Nagarjun and Gowri Gedala from the East Godavari District in Rajahmundry. She is seeking her birth sister, Mariyamma Gedala, birth date June 10, 1998.' Mariyama was first brought to the orphanage in Kakinada and three days later Samantha was left by her parents because they were poor and could not afford to feed their two kids. Soon after the children were brought to the Orphanage, Patricia adopted Yasamma Gedala and named her Samantha Mari Tavis. Patricia writes, 'I promised my daughter when she graduated from high school and when her sister was 18, we would try to find her.' And Patricia is holding on to this promise and is determined reunite her daughter with her birth sister. Patricia also states that her birth sister Mariyamma may have been adopted by a family in India. Through her Facebook post she is desperately urging people to "share this far and wide so my daughter might know the baby sister she still remembers and longs to see again." One may question the point of finding the adoptive daughter's biological sister after so many years, for which Patricia gives a fitting explanation in the post, "The question has come up what if Samantha's sister's adoptive parents do not want her to know she was adopted. I agree that this is a concern. This is why I waited until her sister turned 18. I believe it is a basic human right to know where you come from and who your family is. " Since she put out post, Patricia has received overwhelming response in less than 48 hours and it is more than just heartwarming to see how people have joined hands to help her to find Samantha's biological sister. Her post has been shared over 4000 times by her friends and mutual friend. A woman from Rajamundry, reached out to Patricia and helped her spread the word in the city. advertisement Patricia goes on say, "Because my daughter was old enough to remember her family when she was brought to the orphanage, she has suffered a great deal of heartbreak. The trauma of being separated from her birth family has left a lasting impact on Samantha. I am hoping if she can find her sister, it will somehow heal the painful memories of losing them." To offer assistance in Patricia and Samantha's quest you may drop a mail at FindingMariya1@gmail.com and the information will be kept confidential. --- ENDS --- Ten years ago this summer I took a trip to New Orleans that changed my life. I went there for youth camp with the kids from my church. The camp had a focus on missions, and the mission that year was Hurricane Katrina cleanup. Even though a year had passed since Katrina, the Ninth Ward where we were working was still the biggest mess I have ever seen or ever hope to see. Devastation from the storm was terrible, but thats not what changed my life. It was like the storm had ripped the lid off the city so that it was easy to see the poverty and the wealth and everything in between. It seemed like the mess was already there. The hurricane had just laid it bare. I was 45 years old, and I dont think I had ever thought about the systems of a community and how they worked, much less whether they were fair or good. I think for my whole life I had been mainly just a consumer of my community. Busy using what I liked schools, hospitals, roads, fun things to do. I hadnt really given much thought to what a community should be like, or the work that goes into shaping a community, or that I might have some responsibility for helping to create a good community. That week in the Ninth Ward flipped a switch in me. I felt like the systems in New Orleans were broken that all these people living in poverty was a terrible waste of potential and that our society couldnt afford such waste. And when one of the youths on the trip reminded us that the rate of poverty in Waco was just as bad as that of New Orleans, I began to feel a certain responsibility. Learning about poverty here at home has been like dropping through Alice in Wonderlands rabbit hole into a tangled spaghetti bowl of problems and opinions and statistics and theories and theology and political stratagems and turf issues about education and workforce development and affordable housing and health care and neighborhood development and all kinds of other interwoven issues. I learned, for instance, that theres a name for these kinds of tangled-up messes where nobody knows what to do to make something better theyre called wicked problems. Appropriate name. Trying to work on the wicked problem of poverty in Waco has been an exercise in self-doubt. It generally leaves me feeling overwhelmed, ignorant. Yes, its frustrating, but it also feels like work worth doing and Im in love with the idea that a community of people can work together to set goals and solve problems and accomplish things if we can only figure out how and stick with it. Ten years into our work battling local poverty, a pile of random, half-formed principles have accrued. Here are a few. Maybe you can help me make sense of them as we work together these next 10 years. Focus on what you want, not what you dont want. We want a great community for everyone who lives here, not just not poverty. Keep the real goal the higher goal ever in mind. When it gets right down to it, relationships are what make things happen. Have faith that the faith you have is enough faith to keep going and to do some good. Participate and help at least 10 times more than you criticize. Its not enough to just be compassionate; we have to also try to be smart. We have to learn to use information better. But we have to be compassionate too. Work with the people who want to work with you. If others come along later, great but dont waste time and energy trying to drag them. Dont feel like you always have to invent a new thing. Chances are someone is already doing something. Listen to them. Learn from them. Build on what they are doing. It does cost money to do stuff. Not everything can be done for free or cheap. But if you dont have money, there is still stuff you can do. Try things. They might not always work, or work like you think they will, but you will almost always learn more than you would by talking and not trying. Its easy and more comfortable for white people to ignore the role that race plays in all this. Dont ignore it. When in doubt, err on the side of boldness. Do what you think is right. People are going to gripe at you either way, so you might as well do what you feel good about. If you dont have any ideas about what to do, go around the table and have everyone share his or her ideas. There is probably some quiet person out there who has a great idea but just hasnt spoken up. Sometimes you dont need a new idea, you just need to apply the ideas you already have more consistently. Sometimes, though, you need a new idea. Keeping up with the details the to-do list, the email list, the meeting notes is half the battle. When in doubt, over-communicate. Them is always us. Art and song and dance and joy and play and fun are central. They are not fluff to be ignored until we are done with the important stuff. They are the things that fuel the creativity and energy and passion we need to do the important stuff. Dont forget to say please and thank you. Civic leader Ashley Bean Thornton, a longtime administrator at Baylor University, has led in efforts to analyze the root causes of chronic poverty in Waco and now facilitates the Waco Foundational Employment Network, which is a part of Prosper Waco. She also oversees Act Locally Waco, a blog that offers economic opportunities and highlights various community happenings. By all logic, I should be reaping a little of what I sowed. I was a 17-year-old conscientious objector, the son of an Air Force master sergeant, and I hated what Vietnam stood for. Canada was but a few miles away from my high school in Anchorage, Alaska. Easy, right? Actually, my generation was told that if we avoided being drafted into this increasingly unpopular war, we would be hunted down every day of our lives with no mercy. I believed it. Watching friends with draft cards in hand march into the recruiting station for what was a sure death sentence, I realized I needed to take charge. My dad was a hard man, but he quite reasonably insisted we go down to all the recruiters offices and actually shop around for the right fit. My main concern: I didnt want to shoot anyone and I certainly didnt want anyone shooting at me. January 1970: I enlisted in the U.S. Navy, tested well, then volunteered for submarine service, as I felt that was the safest place on earth. For the two years I was in the Navys charge, I drove onto base with a peace sticker, misbehaved and basically acted as proverbial thorn in our militarys side. You might call it protesting from within. Forty years later, 2012: Facing a critical medical dilemma, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis early on and kind of lived with a slight inconvenience and then BOOM. At the insistence of my stepmother, I contacted her brother, a retired attorney for the Department of Veterans Affairs, to see what might or might not be available for one with a pre-existing condition. After all, I was not insurable and had been turned down several times, even by AARP. Son, get your DD-214 and your keister down to the VA Regional Office, he said. The worst they can say is no. He was right. Within an hour I was told matter-of-factly to take this form to the Waco VA and they would handle it from there. I must have had that deer-in-the-headlights look. The VA system took over. The protocols set in place for every veteran to receive the very best diagnostics, testing and evaluations, one by one, step by step, now swept me into its embrace. My multiple sclerosis was managed. I am comfortable. My neurologists are top-notch, my nurses sensitive and every step of the way has placed the patient first. I have good quality of life. During an April town-hall meeting staged by Republican Congressman Bill Flores, I spoke out, asking why we are happily managing my health through the VA to the tune of $250,000 a year for me alone instead of adopting proven cutting-edge technology such as stem-cell therapy costing less than $15,000 to return me to productivity instead of a mobility scooter and a cane? To my surprise, Flores was well-versed and knowledgeable about Veterans Affairs issues. He told me and the crowd of 60 that he would get back to us. At 4 a.m. on May 11, I woke my wife Sherrell and asked her to pull my legs around the bed, as I couldnt move them, so I could go to the restroom. Next I knew, I was on the floor like a Salvador Dali sculpture. No feeling in my legs and arms, high fever, disoriented and in the worst abdominal pain. Emergency technicians quickly came to my aid. Hillcrest emergency room doctors stabilized me, then contacted the Temple VA medical center. I was transported there immediately. As we arrived, I was surrounded by the most efficient team of caring professionals in white coats, not knowing how serious things were. When ICU docs came in, I knew. In the ensuing days, I took in antibiotics, steroids and magic sauce. No one left my side. I was important. This is why these people choose to work at the VA. Sherrell said later, Wow! You are getting rock star status! Oddly enough, this was National Nursing Week and, on my television monitor, as I lay motionless in bed, I was asked to vote for my favorite nurse. What a daunting task. Day 2 became Day 3, then Day 4. I must have had a chorus of 15 nursing angels. Every medical department paid me a visit, explaining their findings with compassion. They discussed my EKG, blood work, X-rays, neurology, urology, physical therapy and, yes, my hopes. Im home now. Feeling is returning, mobility is suspect at best, but its progress and I will be better. Upshot from a skeptic and reluctant hero: The VA system gets a bad rap in the news, in casual conversation, between veterans and politicians. Yes, it isnt perfect, probably because we want it to be everything to all people all the time. But in my career in the Navy, I learned one thing: Were taught, left, right, left, right, for good reason. Be patient, well get there. And so, putting the ugliness of todays politics aside for a moment, I thank: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, Central Texas Health Care System Acting Director Russell E. Lloyd, former Congressman Chet Edwards, Congressman Bill Flores, the Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Olin Teague VA Medical Center in Temple, Hillcrest emergency room staffers, East Texas Medical Service personnel, city of Hewitt first responders and, especially, the gifted doctors, nurses, lab technicians, transporters, culinary staff, scullery, housekeeping, groundskeepers and valets. They do their jobs selflessly, addressing each veteran with the very best resources available. Job well done! Incidentally, I failed in my duty. I never could settle on a favorite nurse. My entire team got my vote as each wanted to be a part of my successful recovery. If only I were in charge of handing out the medals. Bruce Huff is a veteran living in Hewitt. Standing strong I am glad the old South Junior High School between South Eighth and Ninth streets will survive to be repurposed as college housing. So far as I know, its the only remaining one of our really old schoolhouses and, with the exception of Waco High, the only one built by architect Milton Scott that still exists. My mother, Cora Mitchell, taught in the Waco Independent School District from 1924 to 1970 and taught English and arithmetic at South Junior from 1942 to 1952 where Mr. W.O. Griffin was principal. He was later principal at Waco Tech/University High where Mother was librarian from 1954 to 1970. I was sad to see South Waco Elementary, where Mother taught from 1927 to 1942 and where I went to first grade, sit idle and deteriorate for so many years before finally being razed for the very handsome apartments between 13th and 14th streets on Bagby and Speight. The style of architecture of the 1920s and earlier was much more attractive than that used from the 40s through the 70s (and which characterized both University Junior and Senior High Schools). If anything, the new University High School is much more beautiful than either of the former ones and I only hope it can be useful for more years than the others were. In our relatively young country, it seems like 50 to 70 years is about the length of time any structure is allowed to be useful, whereas in Europe people live and work in structures hundreds of years old. Heres to many more years of usefulness for South Junior! Edward Mitchell, Waco Proud cadets As a veteran, the letter Stain on America is disturbingly reminiscent of our racist and misogynist military past and requires a response to share the truth about this hate-ranting. The writer, a veteran, charges 16 female African-American West Point Army cadets with making a black power salute because their fists were raised to eye level in some graduation photos. Playing the fool, he charges that the raised fists were non-verbal racially charged hate speech and an unforgivable act of dishonor and will be forever a shameful stain on America and our flag. I fact-checked this hate rhetoric and found the secretary of the Army had re-tweeted the cadets with THIS. Fearless, flawless, fierce, ready. West Point alumni have lined up in support, saying the raised fists stood for, We did it! Thats as in a personal triumph, not politics. Another silly charge is that the raised fists showed blatant disrespect for every veteran, including POWs, MIAs and others who have sacrificed for our freedom. Because of false statements like this, the U.S. Military Academy conducted an inquiry and reported the gesture was intended to show unity and pride. From this veteran, Semper Fi and keep your fists up as new U.S. Army officers serving our country! Mike OBric, Marine Corps Mustang, Woodway Munna's marriage was reportedly solemnised on Tuesday - allegedly with a girl who is only 11 years old. By India Today Web Desk: A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Munna Marandi, son of Jharkhand BJP chief Tala Marandi, today for marrying a minor. Munna's marriage was reportedly solemnised on Tuesday - allegedly with a girl who is only 11 years old. The wedding reception, scheduled on Wednesday and to be attended by Chief Minister Raghubar Das, was cancelled at the last moment to avoid any controversy. advertisement Tala Marandi avoided questions on the issue and said the mother of the girl was in a "better position" to talk about the age of her daughter. The minimum legal age for a girl to marry is 18. "MUNNA SEXUALLY EXPLOITED ANOTHER MINOR" The case against Munna comes a week after he was accused of sexually exploiting another minor girl for over two years. The 16-year-old girl has filed a complaint at a court in Godda district that Munna exploited her sexually for two years while promising to marry her, and then went back on his word. She said Munna befriended her, gifted her a mobile phone so that they could remain in touch, used her sexually, and then agreed to marry someone else. She said she filed the complaint after she learnt about Munna's planned marriage. The girl has also approached the Jharkhand Women Commission. BJP REMAINS SILENT The BJP, which rules the state, has so far been silent on the issue with no leader coming forward in defence of the state president. The opposition parties have demanded an enquiry into the entire episode. "The BJP should sack the state president and fair probe should be instituted to investigate the allegations of sexual exploitation and marriage with a minor girl," Alok Dubey, General Secretary of Jharkhand unit of the Congress, said. While the Congress wanted the resignation of the BJP state president, the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha has demanded an SIT investigation. A Santhal tribal leader, Tala Marandi was appointed the president of the Jharkhand unit of the BJP last month. He represents Borio Assembly constituency in Sahibganj district. Also read: Jharkhand BJP chief's son marries 11-year-old, days after allegations of sexual abuse by another minor --- ENDS --- PRESS RELEASE- The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-29 Squadron congratulates Boeing on their 100 year milestone as one the worlds largest aerospace leaders. Their innovative aviation technology has crossed new frontiers for decades and continues to change our world. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is one of the most famous examples of Boeing innovation during World War II and a significant contribution to our nations freedom. Our sweepstakes offering a free bombardier seat is our small way of saying Thank you Boeing. To honor Boeing on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, FIFI is offering one lucky winner the opportunity to ride in the best seat in the house the bombardier seat. The winner of the sweepstakes will be announced at the nose of the airplane on Boeing Centennial Plaza at EAA AirVenture 2016, Tuesday, July 27. Entrants must be at least 18 years old to enter. There is no purchase necessary. All entries are free. Winner may ride at AirVenture 2016 or another location (subject to seat availability). Information on how to enter can be found on the CAF AirPower Tour home page www.AirPowerTour.org. In the early 1940s the U.S. Army knew they would need a military bomber in the Pacific with a longer range and greater bomb capacity than the B-17 and B-24. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress began active service in 1944. It was the first pressurized American bomber and represented state of the art technology at the time. The airplane was arguably a key factor in ending World War II and, as a result, saved millions of American and Japanese lives. The Commemorative Air Force found their famous B-29 Superfortress FIFI at a Navy Proving Ground in China Lake, California in the early 1970s where it was planned to be used as a missile target. The aircraft, one of very few still in existence, was rescued and restored and has flown for over forty years at air shows and tour stops throughout the United States telling the story of the airplanes role in World War II and the Korean Conflict. By Kumar Vikram: While performance of ministers in the Narendra Modi government is reviewed time and again, now, the officials will not be able to escape responsibility, particularly in delay of big projects. Delaying government projects on one or other reasons, which generally leads to cost escalation, is going to be tough as the government has decided to fix responsibility. MEASURES Government sources said the responsibility of concerned department or officials would be fixed by a committee of senior officials before sending the escalated project cost for the Cabinet approval. A senior government official said the move is aimed at curbing the delay in big projects (costing more than Rs 1,000 crore) and it will also help in enhancing efficiency of departments. advertisement The move is significant considering the ambitious target of infra projects set by the government. The official said the Cabinet will give green signal to the escalated cost only after fixing responsibility of the concerned department or officials involved in the delay. Ministries have been instructed to form a committee comprising senior officials to look into delayed projects and to study the reasons behind it. Some ministries have already started the process of forming such a committee. Recently, Niti Aayog wrote to ministries in this regard, added the official. CHALLENGES Officials said the move might create tough situation for government officials as it would be mandatory to inform the Cabinet about the delay in particular project and the reasons behind it. Moreover, the exercise of fixing responsibility of officials in some projects where there is involvement of multiple agencies, including the state governments, might be difficult. Meanwhile, the PM met his Cabinet ministers on Thursday afternoon to take stock of the progress of big projects under various ministries. The meeting comes amid the buzz of reshuffle which is expected before the PM leaves on a four nation tour on July 6. On Wednesday, Modi met BJP chief Amit Shah as the party is expected to see some organisational changes ahead of crucial state polls. Also read: Kejriwal strikes again, claims money spent on Modi's clothes more than AAP's ad budget --- ENDS --- The best drives were along the Rue de la Mer, running south along the Mediterranean from France to Italy. I did that four times, once in an open-top Fiat 124 Spider Classica on a sunny day of mild climate. It was beautiful. It was the kind of day and drive that taught a young man much about love, freedom and the wonderful lightness of being. The 124 Spider Classica was the perfect teacher totally uncomplicated, just four wheels, a floor-mounted manual transmission and a manually operated soft top. So of course, I was excited when told I would get a 2017-model 124 Spider Classica to play with for a week. I knew exactly what I would do. The weekend weather was promising perfect for a long, leisurely drive down Interstate 66 westbound into Virginias Shenandoah Valley with a woman I met in undergraduate school 50 years ago and have been with ever since through times good and bad my wife, Mary Anne. That is what we did. It was a good drive, as beautiful in many respects as those jaunts along the Rue de la Mer. There was no Mediterranean. But there was Lake Frederick. And there were beautiful mountains. And the roads, once off Interstate 66 and away from truck-laden Interstate 81, were wonderfully undulating and twisty. It was hard to believe we remained within striking distance of Washington, D.C. Ah, the car. It was different, yet much the same, and just as enjoyable as the one driven years ago in Europe. The new 124 Spider Classica, which should be on sale in American Fiat Chrysler Automobile dealerships this summer, came with an optional six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is standard equipment, but my troublesome back was grateful that it was not along for this drive. The two seats were comfortable. And FCA has gifted the new 124 Spider Classica with a wonderfully compliant four-wheel independent suspension that magically smooths the many bumps in our declining local roads. It helps that the new 124 Spider Classica has a 50-50, front-rear weight distribution. The car is very balanced and responsive. It is like driving a sharpened pencil. Power comes from a 1.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, gasoline four-cylinder engine (164 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque). A tad more oomph can be had in the Abarth version of the Fiat Spider, and a bit more luxury can be gotten in the Spider Lusso. But Id stick with the 124 Spider Classica. It is a matter of understanding what the little roadster is about. It is about love, romance, appreciating the person you are with and the time on a beautiful day spent driving through beautiful surroundings with her. It is not about rushing along the road, winning races, listening to exhaust notes although pleasant tones are emitted from this one equipped with two, steel-tipped exhaust pipes. There is little practical about the 124 Spider Classica, or the Lusso or Abarth versions of this car. Practicality has nothing to do with why you buy it. Think of falling in love, touring beautiful country in an open-top car on a beautiful day with someone you truly care about. Now, you understand the reason for the Fiat Spider 124 and all of its iterations. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. EPAM Systems, Inc. provides digital platform engineering and software development services worldwide. The company offers engineering services, including requirements analysis and platform selection, customization, cross-platform migration, implementation, and integration; infrastructure management services, such as software development, testing, and maintenance with private, public, and mobile infrastructures for application, database, network, server, storage, and systems operations management, as well as monitoring, incident notification, and resolution services; and maintenance and support services. It also provides operation solutions comprising integrated engineering practices and smart automation; and optimization solutions that include software application testing, test management, automation, and consulting services to enable customers enhance their existing software testing and quality assurance practices, as well as other testing services that identify threats and close loopholes to protect its customers' business systems from information loss. In addition, the company offers business, experience, technology, data, and technical advisory consulting services; and digital and service design solutions, which comprise strategy, design, creative, and program management services, as well as physical product development, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. It serves the financial services, travel and consumer, software and hi-tech, business information and media, life sciences and healthcare, and other industries. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) Government has asked the Law Commission to examine the issue of implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, a move welcomed by the BJP and opposed by the Muslim Majlis and some activists. The Department of Legal Affairs has asked the Commission, a recommendatory body, to submit a report on the issue that has always been dear to BJP and the sangh parivar The move assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer a wider public debate before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of triple talaq, which many complain is abused by Muslim men to arbitrarily divorce their wives. advertisement The government is likely to inform the Supreme Court of its decision to refer the matter of the common code to the Law Commission when the matter comes up in September. Reacting to the government decision, the BJP favoured a uniform civil code saying that it has been opposed due to vote bank politics despite finding a mention in the Constitution. "There should be an open debate over it. The Constitution calls for it and those who oppose it only shows their intolerance to the Constitution. We have always advocated it. There should be uniform civil code. It has been opposed due to vote bank politics," partys National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. Implementation of a uniform civil code is one of the core issues of BJP and the sangh parivar but the NDA governments in 19989 and 1999 and the current dispensation headed by Narendra Modi have put the contentious issues like scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple on the back burner. (More) PTI NAB KR VSC --- ENDS --- The following companies are subsidiares of Pearson: AEL (S) PTE Limited, ATI Professional Development LLC, Addison Wesley Longman Inc., Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., Aldwych Finance Limited, Americas Choice Inc., Atkey Finance Limited, Author Solutions, Axis Finance Inc., CAMSAWUSA Inc., CTI Education Group (Pty) Limited, Camsaw Inc., Casapsi Livraria e Editora Ltda, Centro Cultural Americano Franquias e Comercio Ltda., Century Consultants Ltd., Certiport, Certiport China Co Ltd, Certiport China Holding LLC, Certiport Inc., Cogmed Systems AB, Connections Academy of Arkansas LLC, Connections Academy of Florida LLC, Connections Academy of Iowa LLC, Connections Academy of Maine LLC, Connections Academy of Maryland LLC, Connections Academy of Minnesota LLC, Connections Academy of Missouri LLC, Connections Academy of Nevada LLC, Connections Academy of New Jersey LLC, Connections Academy of New Mexico LLC, Connections Academy of New York LLC, Connections Academy of Oregon LLC, Connections Academy of Pennsylvania LLC, Connections Academy of Tennessee LLC, Connections Academy of Texas LLC, Connections Education Inc., Connections Education LLC, Connections Education of Florida LLC, Dominie Press Inc., Dorian Finance Limited, Dorling Kindersley Australasia Pty Limited, EBNT Canada Holdings ULC, EBNT Holdings Limited, EBNT USA Holdings Inc., Edexcel Limited, Edexcel South Africa Pty Ltd, Education Development International plc, Education Resources (Cyprus) Limited, Educational Management Group Inc., Educational Publishers LLP, Embanet ULC, Embanet-Compass Knowledge Group Inc., EmbanetCompass, Embankment Finance Limited, English Language Learning and Instruction System Inc., Escape Studios Limited, FBH Inc., Falstaff Holdco Inc., Falstaff Inc., GED Domains LLC, GED Testing Service LLC, George (Shanghai) Commercial Information Consulting Co. 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Read More When Ivan returned to Sydney after a six-month study exchange in Copenhagen, he noticed a few obvious differences between the cities. But the one difference he is reminded of every quarter is that of electricity affordability in the Danish city, where his power bill was half what he pays now. "For bills in general in Sydney, I think there is quite a big difference between us and other developed countries," he said. "The answer is yes, yes and yes," says John Daley, the head of the Grattan Institute. "It's been a long time since policy has favoured the young, rather than the old. By contrast, we can point to dozens of decisions which have favoured older voters: a series of changes to the age pension over and above average weekly earnings; superannuation in general, which has just been the most massive gift to older generations imaginable, primarily the wealthy ones; the capital gains tax discount, which only works for people who own assets, so it's been terrific for them." Daley adds the little commented upon fact that Australians aged over 65 also enjoy a higher tax-free threshold than younger Australians, thanks to the Senior Australians Tax Offset, for no apparent policy reason - just simple age discrimination. "Old people just don't have to pay as much tax as young people," says Daley. "All these things are manifestly unsustainable." He has done the numbers, and found households aged under 65 contribute an average of about $4000 to $5000 each year to government coffers ie, what they chip in as tax, minus the benefits they take out. Households aged over 65, by contrast, are a net drain on the system to the tune of about $22,000 at the start of the mining boom, rising to a whopping $32,000 six years later in 2010. That's an enormous and growing drain on the budget if those households continue to draw down at that rate every year until they die. But isn't it true that young people will inevitably grow old themselves, and take their rightful place on the taxpayer gravy train? "If young people think that, then they should adjust their expectations," warns Daley. It is becoming clear that the budget largesse shown towards older Australians over the past decade represents a one-off boost to the hip pockets of one generation of Australians that can neither be sustained, nor repeated again. Essentially, the Howard government took the proceeds of the biggest mining boom in our history and funnelled it almost exclusively into the pockets of older Australians. A boom predicated entirely on extracting value from the resources owned by all Australians, past and future, was spent entirely on the present generation of adults. Whichever party wins government this weekend will face deficits totalling $85 billion across the budget's four-year horizon. Gross government debt will top $600 billion in 2020. Of course, going into debt is fine, as long as you use the money to invest in assets which grow in value over time. Human minds are a good example, because good investments in education increase our ability to be productive. Investing in the health of a population also expands its productive capacity. As do investments in urban infrastructure like roads, trains and public spaces, which make our cities more efficient and liveable. Right, so, is that what we're doing with our debt? A bit. But mostly no. The budget is in deficit because we're committed to spending billions of dollars each year on the age pension, family benefits for the well to do, tax concessions on super and housing, and assistance to industries which will be dead by the time young people come to get a job. Our budget is in the red to fund the spending of today, not to invest in the future. "Budget deficits are in effect a tax on younger households", reminds Daley, who estimates every $40 billion deficit about the norm for the past seven years forces households aged 25 to 34 to pay an extra $10,000 in tax over their working lives. It is increasingly evident that the budget largesse heaped upon older Australians over the past decade has stretched the intergenerational compact to breaking point. No young person can realistically expect to enjoy the same spoils being enjoyed today by the baby boomer generation. Some will, of course, inherit their wealth. Many others will not be so lucky, deepening inequality in our society. And every young person will end up paying higher taxes because of the political parties' decision at this election to abandon the task of budget repair. Asked on Friday by Sunrise host Samantha Armytage if he could guarantee the program's viewers would not pay more to see their GPs due to the freeze, Mr Turnbull replied: "Sam, absolutely." Instead he blamed clinicians for any hefty increases in fees and argued the foregone rebate amounted was only 60 a consult and that additional hikes were commercial decisions. The freeze would fund other health priorities. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has promised nobody will pay more to see the doctor as a result of the Coalition's extended freeze on Medicare rebates, even as GPs prepare to charge patients co-payments for the first time. He later told reporters: "Doctors can charge what they like. If a doctor chooses to charge his or her patients $15 or $10 more or $20 more, that's not because indexation has not resumed it's because they want to charge $15 or $20 more. In the May budget, the Turnbull government announced it would continue the indexation freeze for all Medicare schedule fees until 2020, which doctors warn will will lead to less bulk billing. Credit:Brendon Thorne "He or she may attribute that higher charge to whatever they like, but they cannot credibly attribute it to not getting an extra 60 this year." Mr Turnbull also reminded voters the bulk-billing rate was at a record high. His stance is at odds with medical groups that have fought against the freeze in television and radio advertisements throughout the election campaign. Some GP clinics are already lifting fees, and telling patients this is due to the Coalition's extended freeze. AMA president Michael Gannon warned that some GPs were preparing to abandon the practice of bulk-billing where patients' Medicare rebates are accepted as full payment without any out-of-pocket fee on Friday July 1, the start of the new financial year. Less than a day before polls open Nick Xenophon buzzing through Adelaide in his tiny, filthy Toyota Yaris to his last press conference of the campaign insists he will not emerge a king-maker on Saturday night. Even if the popular vote splits 50-50 between the major the parties, as the latest Fairfax-Ipsos poll suggests it might, Xenophon thinks the Coalition will still win a majority of seats. But there is a chance that he and his team which is fielding 32 candidates around the country could decide who the next prime minister will be. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has linked asylum seekers with terrorism, insisting recent attacks overseas have made border security a key issue for voters at the election. "They want to make sure that we know who's coming to this country they've seen what's happened in Istanbul and in Brussels and in Paris," he told Sky News on Thursday night. "We've shown over the course of the last couple of years that we've been able to stop people boarding planes that have been on their way to Australia, we think, to do harm." Patrick Norman Pat Chapman is a 34-year-old, Caucasian male who was last known to be in Piedmont which is near the area of Greenville, Missouri on May 10, 2020. Pat had stayed the night with a friend and his wife at their home. In the early morning when the friend woke to go to work. Pat was gone in his own Burgundy color 1995 Ford Escort. That is the last anyone was known to have seen him. The vehicle was later recovered on May 29, 2020 in Mill Spring, Missouri. The SHO had gone missing yesterday morning after he left for the ACP's office. By Himanshu Mishra: A Station House Officer (SHO) of Sector 29 police station in Gurgaon, Sandeep Phogat, today claimed he had been released after being abducted yesterday. LEAVE FOR OFFICE, GET DUMPED IN MATHURA "Sandeep Phogat saw four suspects on his way to the ACP's office. When he detained two of them in his personal car the other two overpowered him. After two hours his phone was switched off and he was dumped in Mathura. Suspects fled away with his mobile phone and personal car," a Senior official said. advertisement Phogat had gone missing yesterday morning after he left for the ACP's office. His mobile phone's last location was traced to Faridabad. --- ENDS --- At the invitation of the President of Honduras, Mr. Juan Orlando Hernandez, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya spoke at the Presidential Panel Session during the Business Forum on Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness held in Roatan, Honduras on 29 June 2016. The Forum was organized by the SIECA (Central American Economic Integration) Secretariat in conjunction with the SICA (Central American Integration) Summit Meeting of the Heads of State/Government of eight Central American countries. The Panel Session was moderated by Ms. Carmen Gisela Vergara, Secretary General of SIECA, and was attended by Foreign/Trade Ministers and representatives of the business community in Central America. At the start of the Panel Session, Secretary General Mikuriya made a presentation on how trade facilitation contributes to economic competitiveness, and the role of Customs in this respect. He commended the efforts made in favour of regional integration in Central America, advanced not only by SIECA's activities but also by the recent formalization of the Guatemala-Honduras Customs Union. He mentioned the integration of border posts between the two countries, at Agua Caliente, as an example of how Customs can play a role in regional integration. Secretary General Mikuriya went on to explain the multiple functions of Customs, including revenue collection, the protection of society and security, which were supported by the WCO's global standards that would ensure connectivity at borders. He made reference to the Mercator Programme, designed to help WCO Members implement the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, the AEO programme to enhance Customs-business partnership, and Digital Customs (including the Single Window and the WCO Data Model for Interconnectivity). He emphasized that all of these activities require investment in human resources, including the establishment of a career path, training and the provision of adequate remuneration - also important prerequisites for the fight against corruption. The Presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as Mr. Jose Adan Aguerri, President of the Consultative Council for Economic Integration, responded to the WCOs call to support Customs modernization. They acknowledged the importance of cooperation with business and the use of technology, and affirmed their political commitment to improving border procedures in order to enhance competitiveness. ------------------ Photo: From left to right: WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya, President of the Consultative Council of Economic Integration Jose Adan Aguerri, President of El Salvador His Exellency Salvador Sanchez Ceren, President of Honduras His Exellency Juan Orlando Hernandez, President of Guatemala His Exellency Jimmy Morales and Secretary General of SIECA Ms. Carmen Gisela Vergara. The rape case is currently underway in CBI special court at Panchkula as the Punjab and Haryana High Court had transferred CBI special judge RK Yadav just before the pronouncement of the final order. By Anusha Soni: The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to get more handwriting samples of victim for advancing his defence in a fourteen year old rape case. CASE DRAGGED FOR 14 YEARS The rape case is currently underway in CBI special court at Panchkula as the Punjab and Haryana High Court had transferred CBI special judge RK Yadav just before the pronouncement of the final order. The case has been dragging on for around 14 years now, as the FIR was registered in 2002 and the alleged incident happened in 1999. advertisement The Supreme Court while hearing the matter, observed, that just because a victim writes, "Babaji I love you, does that mean I am available?." SC asked the counsel appearing for the Dera Sacha Suada Chief. The court further observed that the tenor of the language of the letter allegedly written by the victim does not show consent at any point. For about one year, no hearing could take place in the case since the Dera chief had asked for examination of specimen handwriting and signatures of one of the two victims before forensic labs other than the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh. The High Court had dismissed the petition. While dismissing the petition, Justice Dipak Misra quoted an anecdote of Victor Hugo- a French writer. "Victor Hugo's secretary for 49 years kept writing letters to him about her devotion and submission to him, but he never tried to seduce her". --- ENDS --- "Justice Dhingra has sought favours from Haryana government. He is incompetent and unsuitable to deliver any verdict or report in the matter," said a lawmaker in Haryana. By Amit Agnihotri: As the political war over Robert Vadra's controversial land deals in Haryana heated up with the Congress attacking Justice SN Dhingra - who probed the matter - saying he took favours from the state's BJP government, the judge has sought six more weeks to finish the job. While former Haryana chief minister BS Hooda questioned the validity of the probe panel, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the former judge had no right to give a verdict or a report in the matter. advertisement THE ELEVENTH-HOUR MOVE Faced with the Congress attack, former Delhi High Court judge Dhingra, who was to submit his report on Thursday, sought more time from the Haryana chief secretary to finish the job. The eleventh-hour move from the probe panel is expected to provide some relief to the Centre, which is hoping to pass the key reform GST bill in the monsoon session of Parliament starting from July 18. The Congress which is opposed to the GST Bill would have used the Vadra probe report to block the legislation. The Bill is pending in the Rajya Sabha where the NDA lacks in numerical strength. The government needs the Congress support to pass the constitutional amendment Bill. HOODA SPEAKS OUT "The Haryana government has no material or evidence to form an opinion about the existence of 'any definite matter of public importance' for appointment of the Commission in terms of Section 3 of the Act (Commission of Inquiry Act) and, thus, the appointment of the Commission is contrary to settled law," Hooda said in his letter to Governor KS Solanki. Hooda further said the terms of reference of the commission were changed to harass and malign him, other Congress ministers and members, and the officers who served under his government from 2004 to 2014. "It is not clear as to why only one particular sector is being singled out in Haryana and why the terms of reference is limited only to some entities in Sector-83 Gurgaon," said the former chief minister. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE JUDGE According to Randeep Surjewala, also a lawmaker in Haryana, Justice Dhingra on December 8, 2015, had requested the Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon to construct paver blocks connecting his school, which was done quickly. "Justice Dhingra has sought favours from Haryana government. He is incompetent and unsuitable to deliver any verdict or report in the matter," Surjewala said adding, "We are open to independent probe which does not emanate on account of a revengeful pre-meditated agenda and political vendetta." BJP lawmaker Kirit Somaiyya, who has been raising the issue in Parliament, hit back saying former Haryana chief minister BS Hooda and Vadra manipulated and accommodated builders to mint crores. Haryana minister Anil Vij said Hooda was nervous as the report was almost complete. Also Read: advertisement Robert Vadra clean-chit reports false, says Rajasthan Police Robert Vadra land deals: Ex-Haryana CM Hooda does not turn up before probe panel --- ENDS --- LEESVILLE -- Mary Werner, D-Lake Charles, launched her campaign this week for the District 4 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission with stops around the state, including Thursday in Leesville. Werner spoke to a crowd gathered at Gallery One Ellleven. The Leesville High School graduate is a director and vice president working in business development at the Sweet Lake Land & Oil Company and the North American Land Company. After attending Birmingham Southern College, Werner earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Brenau Women's College in Georgia. She said her campaign centers around making energy and technology more affordable and accessible in order to build a stronger state. "We're going to bring into the conversation the expansion of the Internet and expansion of broadband into all parts of Louisiana," she said. Werner said she can draw on her education, volunteerism and experience in business to serve the district's residents. "I feel like the Public Service Commission is a place where you can help people on the most basic level," she said. According to the commission's website, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, "is an independent regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest by assuring safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services provided by public utilities and motor carriers." District 4 includes Calcasieu, Rapides, St. Landry, Iberia, Acadia, Vermilion, Avoyelles, Vernon, Beauregard, Evangeline, Jeff Davis, Allen, Grant, Sabine, LaSalle, Cameron and Catahoula parishes. Werner lives in Lake Charles with her husband, Joel, and three children. Voters head to the polls in the race on Nov. 8. For more information on Werner, visit www.marywerner4psc.com. By The Associated Press Jul. 01, 2016 | 05:00 AM | PADUCAH, KY A McCracken County physician has admitted to devising a scheme to obtain prescription pain medication while he was working at two Paducah hospitals. U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn Jr. said in a news release that 46-year-old Sean McDonald pleaded guilty Thursday to fraudulent possession of a controlled substance, wire fraud and making false statements about health care matters. Kuhn says McDonald misrepresented that he was removing meds for hospitalized patients, falsely possessed the controlled substances, and caused a request for payment to be sent from Lourdes hospital and Western Baptist to patient insurance carriers. The charges could have sent McDonald to prison for a maximum cumulative sentence of 113 years if he had been convicted at trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 26. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 01, 2016 | 11:01 AM | MARSHALL COUNTY, KY A Marshall County teen faces drug charges, after deputies reportedly found marijuana in his backpack. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office said dispatch received a call Thursday about two juveniles trespassing on a dock. When a deputy arrived, the boys had already fled but left a backpack at the scene. Police said a strong smell of marijuana was coming from the backpack. While the deputy was checking the bag, a cell phone inside the bag rang and he answered it. On the other end of the line was the mother of one of the boys that owned the backpack. The 16-year-old boy was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released to his mother as was all recovered property from the scene. By The Associated Press Jun. 30, 2016 | 09:14 PM | WASHINGTON, DC The military base outside Washington where the presidential plane Air Force One is stationed was temporarily locked down Thursday after an "active shooter" report that turned out to be a false alarm. The report stemmed from someone who made a distress call after seeing security forces doing a routine inspection. The confusion was heightened by a planned active-shooter drill at Joint Base Andrews that had not yet begun. Officials said in a Facebook post Thursday that there was no shooter and no threat to the base or workers there. The base about 20 miles from Washington was placed on lockdown about 9 a.m. About an hour and a half later, the military post tweeted that the lockdown had been lifted, except for the medical building where the active shooter was reported. In a later statement, the base confirmed there was no gunman and no threat to public safety. "Fortunately, this was not a life-threatening situation," Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and base commander, said in the post. "We take all threats seriously and reacted to ensure the security of those on the base." Joint Base Andrews is home to the presidential air fleet, and the president, vice president and other senior government officials fly in and out of the base. Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to leave from Andrews on Thursday morning, but his trip was delayed by the lockdown. Biden was due in Columbus, Ohio, for a midday campaign event for former Gov. Ted Strickland, who is running for Senate. President Barack Obama was last at the base Wednesday night when he returned from a trip to Ottawa, Canada. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the situation was handled relatively well, despite the apparent communication problem that led to the false report. "I think we need to pay attention to how to minimize the chances of false alarms like that," Carter said. "At the same time, I think it's important to have a reasonable level of awareness of the possibility of this kind of event and what to do, and I thought the response was strong and solid." Emergency vehicles in the area of the base had on lights Thursday, but no sirens. At least three people in camouflage and helmets could be seen walking working dogs around the three-story medical building. About 10:15 a.m., a few people could be seen walking out of the building, including a person being moved in a wheelchair. Chris Grollneck, an active-shooter-prevention consultant who has worked on training at Army and Air Force bases, said the response to the report at Andrews was well-orchestrated and shows how much the military's training for active-shooter situations has improved. He also said the person who reported the shooter should be praised for taking the "see something, say something" message seriously. "There was no catastrophic failure," Grollneck said. "Everybody took a pause, everybody evaluated what was going on and they started bouncing information off one another and realized there was no shooter." Rodney Smith, the patient advocate at the Andrews medical facility, said he knew about the scheduled active-shooter exercise but then got reports of a real shooter and was told to stay in place. "First it was an active-shooter exercise. Then it came back 'real world,'" Smith said by phone during the lockdown Thursday morning. By The Associated Press Jun. 30, 2016 | 08:05 PM | SPRINGFIELD, IL The Illinois House has approved the first pieces of a stopgap state budget deal aimed at funding education and keeping the state operating. Lawmakers passed a measure Thursday that allows Illinois not to repay about $454 million previously taken from special state funds, freeing up that money for other uses. The bill also freezes lawmaker pay and per diems for another year and extends online lottery sales. The House also approved legislation 73-37 to provide $215 million to Chicago Public Schools to help fund its teacher pensions, as the state does for districts outside the city. House GOP Leader Jim Durkin says under a deal negotiated between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders, the bill won't go to the governor for his signature until the Legislature approves statewide pension reform. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto arrives here on Monday on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said talks between Swaraj and Szijjarto on July 5 will cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations. advertisement He said a number of multilateral issues are also expected to be discussed by the two sides during the meeting. The Hungarian minister will also meet Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and call on Vice President Hamid Ansari. Szijjarto will also meet a group of businessmen. The volume of annual trade between India and Hungary currently stands at USD 600 million. Indian investment in Hungary is around USD 2 billion. Indian investments in Hungary are witnessing an upswing in recent years. The investment flows are spread over several sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, power equipment, auto-components and food processing. PTI MPB KND PAL KND --- ENDS --- RE-SETTLING REGUGEES INTO OUR COMMUNITY---A WHKP STATION EDITORIAL RE-SETTLING SYRIAN (AND OTHER) REFUGEES INTO OUR COMMUNITY IS A BAD IDEA A WHKP Station Editorial July 1, 2016 Some western North Carolina churches, including St. James Episcopal in Hendersonville, the Unitarian Universalist Chuch in Asheville, and others are reportedly looking into re-locating Syrian and other refugees into ours and other communities in the area. Local officials are staking out their positions on the issue already. Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk is in favor of it. City Council member Ron Stephens is opposed to it. And the City of Hendersonville officially wiped its hands clean of the whole thing late Thursday by issuing a statement that reads, in part, the city ...has no legal power to direct, cause, or prohibit the re-settlement of foreign refugees within the City of Hendersonville. Its not surprising that some well meaning but left leaning religious denominations are eager to jump on the bandwagon and open the doors, not only of their churches, but of our whole community, to more outsiders. The immigration issue is far from resolved, and on top of some serious and violent criminals that have already immigrated into our community, Syrian and other refugees that we know precious little about could conceivably bring terrorism right to our doorstep. Terrorists arent stupid. They know how to infiltrate refugee groups; their intention to wreak havoc on the United States from within is clear; and they know they can depend on well meaning, but shallow thinking, liberals, certainly in some churches, to pave them way for themall under the pretext of this being the Christian thing to do. We agree with City Council member Ron Stephens. Churches, like St. James, do a lot of good. But you can get on a bicycle and from the church find more than they could ever get done with people who need help. We would add thats LOCAL people, with legitimate LOCAL needs . Stephens adds, I dont know why they (the churches) would expose the community to what possibly could happen. We know why. Its the feel good thing to do. The claim that these refugees, whether from Syriaor Columbia as the mayor points out...phave been vetted or supposedly investigated, is of no comfort at all. Santa Barbara and Orlando, not to mention Paris and the Instanbul Airport confirms for us that the so-called vetting process is full of holeslarge enough for the worst terrorists to slip through, costing hundreds of innocent people their lives. St. James Church has supported some wonderful things for the community. Their School for Little Folks and the Medical Loan Closet are just two examples of truly Christian things that church has done so very well. Those things have IMPROVED the lives of local people. Importing and re-settling outsiders, possibly infiltrated by terrorists, could ENDANGER local people. We fully support Council member Stephens stated intent to do what he can as a Council member to keep this re-settling of refugees into our community from happening. If in fact, the City has no legal power on this issue, as their press release stated late Thursday, Hendersonville City Council could at least express their opposition to it in the form of a resolution at their July meeting next Thursday. That would send a message to the left leaners and the re-settlers" and show the city that its Council is standing up for the safety and security of our local people. As always, we invite your commentson our comments. By WHKP News Director Larry Freeman 06/30/16 7pm THE REFUGEE ISSUE: SAINT JAMES "...WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE POSSIBLE SPONSORSHIP" The subcommittee will continue to pursue possible sponsorship by encouraging one of the nine existing EMM immigration agencies to open a resettlement affiliate center in our area, but this is as far as this process has gone. St. James Senior Warden Eugene Carr In a station editorial on WHKP and on our web site, whkp.com, we are expressing our opposition to a possible re-location, or re-settlement, of Syrian and/or any other nations refugees into Henderson County. Gene Carr is the senior warden at Saint James Episcopal Church, one of the churches that is reportedly looking into such possible re-settlementand he says, in a press release in the (Fridays) Times-News, that such re-settlement of these refugees here is not likely at this time, apparently due to complications in the process and to Hendersonvilles distance from an approved re-settlement center. It is currently required, says Carr, that a sponsor, such as a local church like Saint James, must be within 50 miles of a re-settlement centerand the closest one to Hendersonville is in Knoxville, Tennessee. Still, a church sub-committee, which has been looking into the re-settlement of refugees since March, will continue, says Carr, to pursue such sponsorship by encouraging immigration agencies to open a re-settlement affiliate center in our area. WHKP stands by the editorial position we are taking todayagainst any possible re-location of Syrian and other refugees into our communityand we continue to encourage Hendersonville City Council to take this opposition one step further by passing a resolution against any possible re-settlement of these refugees into our community. You can read our station editorial on this home page or listen to it as a podcast on our "Featured Sudio" also on this home page. You can express your opinion on the issue by voting in our web poll also on this home page. Its easy to see growing old as a negative thing. Our body changes in so many different ways, and we arent able to do what we once could. However, as difficult as it may be, a positive attitude towards aging is extremely important. If you ICHR chairperson Y Sudershan Rao didn't confirm the news, he said that a review committee has been set up to "look into" the working of the ICHR since it came into existence in 1972. The council has recommended an investigation into projects that failed to come out with research reports. By Rakesh Upadhyay, Utpal Kumar/Mail Today: Almost a year after MAIL TODAY exposed how the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has turned into a white elephant guzzling up crores of taxpayers' money without completing its decades-long projects, the council has recommended an investigation into projects that failed to come out with research reports. COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO IT "ICHR has set up a committee that is going to look at some of the major projects which were either wrapped up abruptly without research reports or remain incomplete even after decades," said a top official of the autonomous academic body funded by the Government of India to produce books in the name of 'Special Research Projects'. advertisement While ICHR chairperson Y Sudershan Rao didn't confirm the news, he said that a review committee has been set up to "look into" the working of the ICHR since it came into existence in 1972. "The committee will look into both the positive and negative aspects of the ICHR and is expected to submit the report in six months," he said. Interestingly, the ICHR's vision-statement, written by chairman Rao, claims that the council carried out no fresh research for decades. Instead, it only worked on old assignments. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT Prof Saradindu Mukherji, an ICHR member, too, hinted at such a development. "There have been plans for some time now to set up a committee to look into the irregularities associated with some of the major projects. But as far as I know nothing concrete has been put in place so far," said the former DU professor. STUDENTS INVITED FOR RESEARCH Meanwhile, ICHR plans to rope in history students from all big universities and colleges for its project to research India's history minutely. It aims to explore afresh the legacies that shaped the country, official sources told India Today. Participating students will be awarded scholarships for their research work, they said. According to an ICHR vision-statement for the next year-and-a-half, a copy of which was accessed by India Today, the scheme is titled 'Historical Encyclopaedia of Villages and Towns in India'. Prof Sudershan Rao, while talking to MAIL TODAY, informed that the ICHR is planning to hold a 21-day epigraphy workshop at the India International Centre from July 24. "We have done very little on the epigraphy front. Forget about research, most inscriptions have not yet been catalogued," he said. --- ENDS --- In its third set of FAQs, the I-T department assured full confidentiality of information even from other law enforcement agencies and no enquiry of source of income. It said the Income Disclosure Scheme (IDS)-2016 provides immunity under the I-T Act, 1961, Wealth-tax Act, 1957 and the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988. "Immunity from Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act is subject to the condition that the property will be transferred to the declarant (being the person who provided the consideration for the property) latest by September 30, 2017," the I-T department said. The third set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) released by the I-T department covers 11 queries raised by stakeholders regarding the IDS. "The information contained in the declaration shall not be shared with any other law enforcement agency. The information will also not be shared within the Income Tax Department for any investigation in respect of a valid declaration," the FAQ said. To a query on whether undisclosed income can be passed on as current income in the return of income to be filed for Assessment Year 2017-18, the I-T department said "declaration of past undisclosed income in the current year amounts to false verification of return of income which shall attract prosecution under the I-T Act". It said that if a taxpayer attempts to declare past undisclosed income in the current year, he will have to explain the source of income and substantiate the manner of earning the said income. In case of disclosure under the IDS, there is no need to explain the source of income, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) added. The IDS-2016 provides a four month window for domestic black money holders to disclose their assets and come clean by paying 45 per cent tax and penalty. India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards session 'Defence of the Realm: From Buyer to Seller' was attended by eminent personalities. By India Today Web Desk: The session 'Defence of the Realm: From Buyer to Seller' was attended by BrahMos Aerospace CEO Sudhir Mishra, Precision Electronics Ltd Managing Editor Ashok Kanodia, National Security Solutions and CISCO vice-president Colonel KPM Das. HERE'S WHAT THEY SAID: Speaking at the India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards, additional secretary, Department of Defence Production Surina Rajan said, "India remains a big importer of arms because we don't have the private sector joining us. We want to bring private sector in energy, resources and thinking. Our role is to facilitate that. We are moving in that direction. Once that happens, we will not only be self-reliant, we can be sellers." At the event, Precision Electronics Ltd Managing Director Ashok Kanodia said, "The government seeking out private players is a great indicator of the change in intent. That statement is a paradigm shift." "Till things actually move on the grounds, we will have to keenly watch the developments though the government has shown intent. The intent has to move beyond files," says Colonel KPM Das, vice- president, National Security Solutions, CISCO. "We need to use our revenue budget innovatively. Technology is changing every two years. Instead of big bang programme, we need to look for small scale solutions," Das added. Speaking at the event, CEO BrahMos Aerospace Sudhir Mishra said, "The big change that has happened in recent times is the government support to export of defence material. For instance, there could be an export order for BrahMos missile in a few months." Meanwhile, Precision Electronics Ltd Managing Director feels the problem is in our system. There is no support for innovation in our procurement system. But he can see a positive development under the new government. advertisement ALSO READ | India Today Make in India Emerging Entrepreneur Awards: Govt committed to generating entrepreneurship, says Kalraj Mishra --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/06/2016 (2310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The ability of a Winnipeg police constable to earn as much as the police chief has prompted many Winnipeggers to ask whats wrong with the pay schedule within the WPS. But a local criminologist said the unwanted attention could have been avoided had city hall and police brass been less concerned with individual confidentiality and more focused on public accountability. If I was the mayor and seeing these headlines, somebody has got to give some sort of explanation, said Frank Cormier, the criminology/sociology research practicum coordinator at the University of Manitoba; he regularly teaches courses in criminology in the U of Ms sociology program. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Police on the scene of the Neechi Commons building on Main Street at Euclid Ave. Wednesday afternoon where a person was taken out on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. Police tape is now along the sidewalk on Main Street. That could blunt a lot of the outrage that is brewing right now over this extremely highly paid constable. When youre making more than the mayor that catches peoples eyes. The release of the citys annual financial compensation disclosure report this week revealed that a constable was paid $211,719 in 2015 making that individual the fourth highest income earner on the citys payroll, and almost as much as the officers boss, Chief Devon Clunis. Cormier said the pay was not typical for a constable and suggested the individual was probably a veteran officer who retired and took advantage of the benefits, likely cashing out vacation and eligible sick pay. City officials have taken the position that they cannot discuss or explain the compensation paid to civic employees in the report. A civic spokeswoman said that in addition to salary, employee compensation identified in the report could include "base pay, overtime, shift premiums, acting pay, standby pay, statutory holiday pay, sick pay cash out, and vacation cash out. Cormier said that stance is unnecessary as the identities of the police officers are hidden. Unlike other city employees who are identified in the annual report by name and the department where they work, police officers are identified only by a number and their rank and the numbers are changed from year to year, preventing any tracking of officer compensation. I would think it would be in their interest to let people know how that number could have been achieved. It would quell a lot of complaints because people would see its a one-time thing, Cormier said. If theres nothing untoward going on, tell us that. It would do a lot to blunt a lot of the criticism that theyre getting. Its really in their interest to do that. The Winnipeg Police Service does have a large number of well-compensated employees. While the report includes each civic employee who received $50,000 or more, the WPS, among all civic departments, has the largest number of employees who earn more than $100,000, There were 1,942 city employees paid more $100,000 in 2015, with the bulk them 1,092 employed with the WPS. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service had 527 paid more than $100,000; water and waste had 46; and public works, 37. var embedDeltas={100:532,200:454,300:402,400:376,500:376,600:376,700:350,800:350,900:350,1000:350},chart=document.getElementById(datawrapper-chart-aExSL),chartWidth=chart.offsetWidth,applyDelta=embedDeltas[Math.min(1000, Math.max(100*(Math.floor(chartWidth/100)), 100))]||0,newHeight=applyDelta;chart.style.height=newHeight+px; Police board chairman Coun. Scott Gillingham said the questions raised by the payouts in the report are justified. I think when the public sees a number like this, they should ask questions, Gillingham said. It could be the sick leave cash out or it could be overtime. Gillingham(St. James-Brooklands-Weston) said hes not familiar with the police officers in the report but added he, too, believes that the big-money constable was likely a veteran member of the WPS who retired, taking advantage of sick pay cash-out provisions. Some of those high earners in the police service may have been members who retired, Gillingham said, adding the sick time cash out can add up to several tens of thousands of dollars. However, he said those provisions were eliminated from the collective agreement in the late 1990s. Gillingham said while there is much speculation that overtime is behind the compensation of many police officers, he added that the police board and the police service are working on measures to restrain and reduce overtime. The WPS has made strides in reducing over-time related to officer court appearances, Gillingham said. Legislative changes which allow officer testimony to be submitted in the form of an affidavit rather than in person will also reduce those costs. But Gillingham said some units, like homicide and major crimes, do involve a great deal of overtime and cannot be avoided. In 2012 a budget management program was started to really deal with over time, he said. The police board continues to discuss over time with the chief the board asks where over time has been occurred, how its being managed, what efforts are being made to curtail over time where possible. With files from Graeme Bruce aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/06/2016 (2310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Wearing his Spiderman helmet, elbow and knee pads, six-year-old C.J. Cabuhat was ready to ride the rails at The Plaza Skateboard Park at The Forks. Well, it might be a year or two before he pulls off a front-side grind, but C.J. and his dad Joel Cabuhat were in the right place with the right people on Thursday night to pick up a few tips. They were among at least 100 people who came out to celebrate 10 years of the world-class skate park located next door to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The park continues to attract local skaters and international talent. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Professional skateboarder Chris Wimer, of North Carolina, rides the rail at the Forks Skate Plaza Thursday evening at a demo and trick competition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the popular park. The crowd was entertained by a demonstration event featuring by professional skateboard team riders Chris Wimer of Zero Skateboards and Forrest Edwards of Toy Machine Skateboards, a Best Tricks competition among local riders judged by the pros and free hotdogs. We always come here to watch but today C.J. is going to try it for the first time. He wants to see some tricks. Hes just learning, said Joel, who used skate as a child. Its safe here. Its pretty much the centre of the city. Its so good for kids, better than staying home on the computer, playing video games. This is active for them here so its very good. Thats exactly what Colin Lambert, owner of Sk8 Skates shop at The Forks, likes to hear. In partnership with The Forks North Portage Partnership, Lambert and his team arranged for US pro riders Wimer and Edwards to come to Winnipeg for the 10-year celebration of The Plaza and draw attention to a place that has changed kids lives in this city. The way it was when we were younger, we would go and skate in the streets. We would find hand rails or stairs wherever we could but youd be getting kicked out of some spots, said Lambert, 32, who also runs a kiosk at the skate park. He employs a team of 12 riders to spend time in the park, do demonstrations, give tips to younger or newer riders and to help keep it a safe space for everyone. Now with this park, everything is in one spot. If you learn something on a smaller rail, you can bring it to a bigger rail right here and you progress faster. This is a perfect training ground. The Winnipeg skate scene has always been great for being a really tight-knit community but with the skate parks, it brings everyone together. Wimer, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, A park like this, to me, man, it means a lot. Youve got a bit of everything as far as obstacles go and I really like the layout of the park. Its got really good flow around it and it looks to me like its really well built, said Wimer, 24, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. This visit is his first to Canada, he said, but he has known about The Plaza for some time, having seen it on the internet. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Professional skateboarder Forrest Edwards, of California, takes part in a demo and trick competition at The Forks Thursday. When kids come in here, it gets them off the street and out of trouble. I started skating at about 12 and it kept me out of trouble. Youve got younger people here and older people with skateboarding as the common thing, it connects everybody into one family, really. Kristin Pauls, The Forks marketing and communications coordinator, said when The Burns Family Foundation donated over $2 million to help build the park a decade ago, there was some worry in the general community of what would happen with a large congregation of youth in the area but the benefits of having a gathering place where youth can be physically active along with the Sk8 Skates ambassadors have continued to grow. It is a world-class skate park. Paul Rodriguez picked this as one of his three hot spots on his tour in Canada, to be picked for something like that, it was a pretty big deal, Pauls said, referring to the well-known American professional skater who did a demonstration in Winnipeg two weeks ago as part of the Primitive Canadian National Skate Tour. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/06/2016 (2310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Members of the Manitoba legislature began their summer break Thursday after passing the provincial budget and a pair of non-controversial bills in what was at times a tumultuous sitting. Premier Brian Pallister described the seven-week sitting as intense and a good healthy start for his majority Progressive Conservative government. I think we started to correct the course and make the necessary changes, fiscally and socially, that mark the start of strengthening our province, Pallister said following question period. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Premier Brian Pallister described the seven-week sitting as "intense" and a "good healthy start" for his majority Progressive Conservative government. Determined to pass a budget just months into the fiscal year, the PCs legislative agenda was otherwise light, with most of the dozen bills that were introduced carried over to the fall. Finance Minister Cameron Friesens first budget surprised observers with its eight-year timeline for getting the provinces books in the black. He projected a $911 million summary budget deficit this year, after a $1.011 billion deficit in 2015-2016. The government also introduced modest tax cuts and healthy increases in government spending, as the Tories followed through on a promise not to slash frontline services. While business leaders and a bond-rating agency were unimpressed with the speed at which the PCs were addressing the provinces fiscal problems, Pallisters go-slow approach appeared to resonate with voters. However, there were hiccups as the government tried to sell its financial blueprint. Pallister and Friesen claimed repeatedly that they had found $122 million in savings in the new budget, but could not produce evidence of spending reductions totalling that number. Eventually, they allowed that the figure represented the difference between last years core deficit and the one they were projecting for the current year. The bill that received the greatest reaction and its bound to attract a tense crowd at a public hearing this fall was a proposed amendment to the Labour Relations Act that would require a certification vote when a bargaining unit is organized, no matter how many union cards are signed. Members of the union Unifor crowded the visitors gallery at the legislature when Bill 7 was introduced and shouted their displeasure at government MLAs before storming out. The Manitoba NDP, in opposition for the first time in nearly 17 years, decried the proposed labour amendment as well as the apparent refusal by the Progressive Conservatives to entertain raising the minimum wage this year. New Democrats also criticized the government for failing to endorse a national agreement to expand Canada Pension Plan benefits. They also berated the PCs for being slow to tender infrastructure contracts and for their handling of a failed education program for midwifery students. We worked very hard. We tried to raise the issues, interim NDP leader Flor Marcelino said of her partys performance. Unfortunately, the premier and the ministers, their answers to simple questions were obfuscation or equivocation. During the budget estimates process, Opposition New Democrats tried to get under Pallisters skin with a barrage of questions about the premiers property holdings in Costa Rica, but didnt dig up anything new. Under public pressure, the PC leader, for the first time this spring, officially revealed his land holdings in central America in MLA conflict-of-interest disclosure forms. Meanwhile, Pallister Thursday predicted a busier legislative session this fall. He also said the government will launch several program reviews and task forces in the coming months to eliminate red tape, improve health wait times and put all government spending under a microscope. The premier also promised that the government will complete a review of major capital projects promised by the previous NDP government now stuck in limbo in the coming weeks. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/07/2016 (2309 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Anti-immigrant sentiment may be grabbing headlines in places like Britain and the U.S. but in the centre of Canada most Winnipeggers will tell you newcomers have had a positive effect on life in their city. A Probe Research Inc. survey conducted this spring and released in time for Canada Day found that six in 10 respondents described immigration as having a positive effect compared to just six per cent who perceived it as having a negative effect. "Im not surprised," said Lori Wilkinson, a University of Manitoba sociology professor and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Migration and Integration. Winnipeg is similar to other Canadian cities, she said from Berlin where shes meeting with German counterparts to talk about Syrian refugees, immigration systems and conducting longitudinal surveys. ZACHARY PRONG / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Abdikheir Ahmed, the co-ordinator of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg. var embedDeltas={100:771,200:518,300:453,400:393,500:393,600:350,700:350,800:333,900:333,1000:333},chart=document.getElementById(datawrapper-chart-c0vRF),chartWidth=chart.offsetWidth,applyDelta=embedDeltas[Math.min(1000, Math.max(100*(Math.floor(chartWidth/100)), 100))]||0,newHeight=applyDelta;chart.style.height=newHeight+px; "Our mindset about immigration is far more open," she said Tuesday after talking to Germans all week about immigration and how receptive people are to it. "Many European studies call you an immigrant even though youre the child of immigrant," she said. "Youre not really (considered) German. It can be a really marginalizing thing." The survey Public Perceptions of Immigration in Winnipeg was conducted this spring and is being released in time for Canada Day, said Abdikheir Ahmed, the co-ordinator of the federally-funded Immigration Partnership Winnipeg that paid for the survey. Its findings run counter to the negative impression of immigration that many people read and hear about these days, said Ahmed. "There are all these things going on in the U.K. and after the Brexit vote there have been lots of xenophobic attacks against immigrants," he said. "For us, thats not the case," said Ahmed, who immigrated to Canada. "The reality for Winnipeggers is different than what is normally portrayed by mainstream media and politicians," he said. The survey was first conducted in 2015 and the results from 2016 mirror the findings of last year. Its no surprise to Business Council of Manitoba CEO Don Leitch that most Winnipeggers see immigration having a positive effect on the city. var embedDeltas={100:695,200:442,300:377,400:334,500:317,600:300,700:300,800:300,900:283,1000:283},chart=document.getElementById(datawrapper-chart-PJRig),chartWidth=chart.offsetWidth,applyDelta=embedDeltas[Math.min(1000, Math.max(100*(Math.floor(chartWidth/100)), 100))]||0,newHeight=applyDelta;chart.style.height=newHeight+px; "Immigration is critical to the lifeblood of our businesses," Leitch said. Newcomers fill skill shortages and bring new ideas and entrepreneurship, he said. "Economically, weve always been dependant on immigration." The Winnipeggers most likely to see immigration having a positive effect are those with children in the home (70 per cent), the survey said. "In the school system, kids have interactions with newcomers," said Wilkinson. "They have a bigger network and possibility of interactions," she said. Winnipeggers without immigrants among their network of friends and acquaintances were less likely than average to see the benefits of immigration, the survey found. Close to 48 per cent of those who didnt know any newcomers saw immigration as having a positive effect on the city compared to 63 per cent who knew newcomers. Those with a Grade 12 education or less were less likely to see immigrations benefits. Just 35 per cent saw it having a positive effect compared to 65 per cent of post-secondary graduates. Winnipeggers did have a bone to pick with newcomers, the survey found. Most respondents 65 per cent felt that immigrants should try harder to adapt to the Canadian way of life. Newcomers hanging on to some of their ways isnt necessarily a bad thing, said Ahmed. "It (cultural diversity) is a normal thing and a healthy thing that enriches us. We learn from each other and borrow from each others cultures," said Ahmed. "The job is for us is to educate people." Winnipeggers also had a bone to pick with Winnipeggers. In the capital of Friendly Manitoba, 84 per cent of the survey respondents said people should try harder to be more welcoming. The city-wide survey was conducted by phone with a random and representative sampling of 600 adults living in Winnipeg between Mar. 28 and April 4. With a sample that size, results are within plus or minus four percentage points of what they would have been if the entire adult population of the city had been interviewed. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Days before the New Hampshire primary, Bill Clinton infuriated some Democrats when he dismissed Obama's opposition to the Iraq war. "Give me a break," Clinton said. "This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen." As a New York senator, Hillary Clinton voted to give President George W. Bush the authority to use military force, an issue that dogged her through the campaign. For 55 years, Paul Nelson was called Father. He offered Mass in Latin and in English. Prayed for five popes and five bishops. Baptized more than 2,500 babies, married 1,500 couples, buried 2,000 friends and parishioners, heard 50,000 confessions. Rev. Paul Nelson died at his home in Rochester on June 25. His funeral was Thursday at St. Pius X Church in Rochester, where he was serving as assistant pastor. He was 81. Most in Winona will remember Nelson for his 11 years as principal of Cotter High School during the 1960s and 70s, and his eight years as rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. There was always a good spirit in Winona, Nelson said in a 2011 conversation with the Daily News, a very welcoming spirit. Born in Rochester on May 24, 1935, Nelson was the oldest son of Claude and Lenora Nelson. He grew up on a small dairy farm near Simpson in rural Rochester and attended a one-room country elementary school. Nelson said that had he not become a priest, he likely would have ended up as a veterinarian. I loved the farm, loved working with the animals, and I stood in awe of the vets when they came out, Nelson said. Nelson was introduced to Catholic education as a seventh grader at Lourdes High School in Rochester. He was a junior at Lourdes when he first rather reluctantly began to consider the priesthood. In his memoir, A Priest From the Prairies of Minnesota, he wrote of an meeting with his parish priest who suggested he consider entering the seminary after high school. I happened to be sweet on a girl in my class at Lourdes at the time, he wrote, and the issue of celibacy immediately came to mind. I politely informed Fr. Farrell that I did not think I wanted to be a priest. But Farrell was persistent, and in September 1953, Nelson enrolled in Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at Saint Marys University. Eight years later, he knelt before Bishop Edward Fitzgerald to be ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Winona. His first assignment was as Assistant Pastor for St. Augustine Parish in Austin, and as a teacher of religion at Pacelli High School. Three years later he was re-assigned to Winona to be the Assistant Diocesan Religious Education Director, Assistant Pastor at St. Johns Parish in Winona, and a part-time religion teacher at Cotter High School. For the next half-century, Catholic education would play a major role in Nelsons life and priesthood. He went on to serve as principal at multiple schools, including Cotter, Loyola High School in Mankato, Pacelli High School in Austin, and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Winona. I believe that Catholic schools are a significant force for building and nurturing our Catholic Church. Nelson said. Working together to support Catholic schools is key to ensuring our future. In the early 1980s, while serving as rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Nelson would play a key role in persuading Winonas Catholic parishes to consolidate their parish schools to create a single pre-school through high school Catholic school system Winona Area Catholic Schools. Nelsons contributions to Catholic education in Winona was honored by the Catholic Schools Foundation of Winona with the creation of the Father Paul Nelson Legacy Society, to recognize individuals who have provided for the future of Catholic education in Winona through an estate gift to the Catholic Schools Foundation of Winona Still, it was as a priest that Nelson most profoundly touched the people he served. Serving the people of God throughout the years of change was a joy and privilege, he said. Celebrating the sacraments and being with people at the deepest, most sacred moments in their lives has made his priesthood a joy and honor in whatever capacity he has served. Priestly life, he wrote, is about leading people into mystery, into sacrament, into word, into community, and into wisdom ... This is the spirit that makes Christ live among us. The flood of condolences posted on the Macken Funeral Home website in the days following his death attest to the many ways he brought the spirit of Christ to people in the parishes he served. I knew Father Paul through AA, one woman wrote, One year at a meeting I expressed concern about having enough money to go see my daughter. After the meeting, he came up to me and put money in my hand. It was $60. I have never forgotten that sweet act toward someone he barely knew. Father Paul was the kindest and gentlest of men... wrote Holly Hengel Palbicki. He never made judgment and only saw the good in everyone. I will miss him and those piercing blue eyes of his. God bless you Fr. Paul. By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) Condemning the terrorist attack on a police convoy in Kabul that killed 37 people, President Pranab Mukherjee has said India will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan in fighting all forms of terrorism effectively. In a message to the President of Afghanistan yesterday, the President expressed deepest condolence on the loss of lives and injuries as a result of the dastardly terrorist attack. advertisement "India strongly condemns this brutal act of terrorism which is another reminder of the grave danger posed in our region by terrorism and violence inflicted on our peoples by forces inimical to peace, stability and progress. "India will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan in fighting all forms of terrorism effectively," he said, according to a press release issued today by Rashtrapati Bhavan. A twin suicide attack on a convoy of buses carrying police cadets killed at least 37 people and wounded 40 others in Kabul yesterday. PTI AKV SMN SC SMN --- ENDS --- The debate over whether to ban frac sand in Winona County took center stage Thursday in the city. The Tau Center on Winona State Universitys west campus a venue selected specifically because of the interest in the issue, with the meeting moved from the small county government center was filled Thursday night for the county planning commissions first step in discussing the countys proposed frac sand ban. The public hearing was strictly to receive public comment, with any final decision left to the county board in late summer or early fall, but the groundswell of support for a ban was immediately evident Thursday. Prior to the meeting, more than 50 people gathered outside the meeting with signs and chants to show support for the ban. Tessa Schweitzer, a St. Charles resident, said at the gathering that ban supporters were looking to repeat their success at stopping a sand processing facility near St. Charles two years ago. We are saying no to the frac sand industry at the county level, Schweitzer said. We should not have to sacrifice our health, safety and quality of life for the profit of the few. Those pushing the ban forward have concerns with almost every aspect of the frac sand industry, from business practices to cumulative affects. Lynnea Pfohl, who was also protesting prior to the meeting, said that as a Homer Township resident she wanted the benefits of the land to continue to be available to her children and grandchildren. In order for this to happen we must have new policies at all levels, Pfohl said. Clean renewable energy, and a productive, replenishing environment must be the way we go forward. Dozens of people spoke in the meeting. The speakers for the ban outnumbered those against it by wide margins, but both were represented as the discussion moves forward toward a potential fall vote by the county board. Those against the ban mostly spoke about the use of regulation, and about not using picking and choosing between uses of the fine, round sand thats been favored for fracking operations in Texas and elsewhere in the country. Mark Clark of Rollingstone said the ban would be discriminating against a legal use. Winona was settled many years ago by people using natural resources in the area sand is a valuable natural resource, Clark said. I believe sand can be mined in the county without being detrimental to other natural resources. Others said that regulation would be possible, and the full ban would be damaging to industries other than just mining for frac sand. Glen Groth, Winona County Farm Bureau president, said that while a ban would be fine in terms of fees assessed for extra staff time or road repair, and extra conditions made to address water safety would be welcomed by farmers and developers, a ban would be overkill. Its not reasonable to just ban a land use before it occurs in this county, Groth said. He was referring to the fact that only one sand mine has been approved in recent years in Winona County, with the mine small by comparison and the sand being used not for fracking but instead for animal bedding and other uses. While Trempealeau County and other western Wisconsin counties have seen an explosive and extensive growth of the frac sand mining and processing industry, Winona County so far has seen a minimal effect. Those against the ban said that the industry could bring additional jobs and help the rural economy. Arguing for the ban, other speakers said health risks, environmental problems, degradation to roads and the volatility of the oil business were too much to risk. Kaitlyn OConnor said the industry wouldnt fit in with the ethics of Winona County. Frac sand mining goes against the very character of our community, OConnor said. We are not the kind of people in Winona County who sell the earth beneath our feet. Potential water pollution from both the mining and the processing of the sand after its extraction was also at the forefront of the arguments for the ban, as was the predicted unfeasibility of regulation. Margaret Lambert said the ban should be recommended over regulation, because the county has not yet fully determined whether or how well regulation would work, where money for it would come from, or whether the county would have to pay for extra employees to inspect and permit mines. I dont think we have the answers to many of these questions, Lambert said. The proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance will be tabled until July 21 for more discussion, and the commission set August 8 as a date for discussion and making their recommendation to the board. The motion was passed 7-1, with planning commission member Don Evanson dissenting. The commission, which serves in this capacity as an advisory board, has 60 days to make a recommendation to the Winona County Board of Commissioners regarding the amendment. The board voted 4-1 June 14 to send the issue to the county planning commission. After the commissions recommendation, the county board will make a final decision. Opponents of frac sand mining have been advocating for the ban for several months through a variety of methods, including speaking regularly at county board meetings. In response, the county kicked off the process April 26 when the board instructed planning staff and the county attorney to develop language for a ban on silica sand mining related to its use in fracking operations elsewhere in the county. The amendment was drafted by Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman and draws from several examples, including Goodhue Countys Florence Townships ban on silica sand mining for fracking and the Land Stewardship Projects proposed language for a ban created earlier in the spring. Sonnemans legal analysis made several additions to the initial language, including making an argument for the amendment as it relates to the values in the countys comprehensive plan and the purpose of the countys zoning ordinance. It also clarifies the distinctions between restrictions on different types of mineral excavation, extraction and land alteration by defining some as commercial minerals compared to industrial minerals. For those who cant attend Thursdays meeting written comments can also be sent to the countys planning department at any point through Aug. 1. We are saying no to the frac sand industry at the county level. We should not have to sacrifice our health, safety and quality of life for the profit of the few. Tessa Schweitzer Minnesota officials have charged an Ettrick man with attempted murder in connection with the stabbing of a woman, child and dog in La Crescent. According to a criminal complaint filed in Houston County District Court, 27-year-old Sean Kasten attacked the 23-year-old woman and 3-year-old before stabbing himself while they were driving Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses said they heard a Ford Taurus screech to a halt on Juniper Street and saw a woman jump out screaming for help; Kasten got out of the passenger seat and collapsed, according to the complaint. Police arrived to find Kasten, the woman and the child all covered in blood as bystanders tended to their injuries and a bloody pit bull wandered around the scene. The unnamed woman told police Kasten had stayed at her home the night before and she was giving him a ride when he began acting strangely, so she decided to go to a friends house in La Crescent. While driving on Juniper Street, she said, Kasten began hitting her and stabbed her with a folding knife. He then attacked the child and dog, who were in the back seat. We were driving, and he went crazy, she told police. According to the complaint, the woman was stabbed six times in the torso and suffered two collapsed lungs. The child was stabbed in the leg and neck and needed surgery to repair damage to an artery. The dog was stabbed twice and was stitched up by a veterinarian. Kasten, 27, faces two counts each of attempted first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, and animal mistreatment. According to La Crescent police he remains hospitalized. His condition has not been disclosed. The child has been released from the hospital and is in the care of relatives, said La Crescent Police Chief Doug Stavenau, who added that the dog is healing up nicely. After 45 years with a conservative majority, the Supreme Court appears to be entering a very different era. The major rulings of this just-completed Supreme Court term show there are no longer five votes for a conservative result a historic shift. From the time President Nixons fourth court nominee was confirmed in 1971 until Justice Antonin Scalias death in February, there have always been five ideologically conservative Republican appointees on the bench. No longer. Indeed, if Hillary Clinton is elected president in November, a liberal majority may dominate the court for decades to come. The decisions over this term might have looked like a mixed bag of liberal and conservative outcomes. But a clear pattern was at work. When Justice Anthony M. Kennedy joined with Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, they formed a liberal majority. When Kennedy voted with the conservative bloc Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. the court almost always split 4-4. When there is a deadlock, the lower court ruling is affirmed, but without setting any Supreme Court precedent. So some ties upheld a liberal result and others a conservative one. For example, the 4-4 tie in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Assn. means that the government can continue to require employees to pay the share of the union dues that support collective bargaining an enormously important win for unions and their role in the political process. By contrast, the tie in United States v. Texas means that President Obamas program to shield millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation remains shut down while it goes back before the lower courts. Still, the conservative justices only rarely gained a fifth vote for their position. In key cases, Kennedy joined the liberals. As a result, the court, 5-3, declared unconstitutional a Texas law that imposed such onerous restrictions on abortion providers that 75 percent of facilities would have had to close. The decision strongly indicates that many other state laws restricting abortion are likely to be declared unconstitutional. In Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, Kennedy wrote the majority opinion upholding the universitys ability to consider race and ethnicity in admissions. Indeed, the tone of Kennedys opinion signaled newfound willingness on the court to allow affirmative action programs: 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. The only major case in which the conservatives prevailed was Utah v. Strieff, which held that evidence obtained after an illegal police stop is admissible in court if the police discover an outstanding warrant for the persons arrest. Breyer joined Thomas, Roberts, Kennedy and Alito to create the majority. Make no mistake this is a significant and troubling decision, one that gives the police an incentive to stop people without any probable cause, in violation of the 4th Amendment. But Utah v. Strieff was the exception in a term in which conservatives time and again could not secure a fifth vote. This could be the dynamic for years to come. In addition to Scalias seat, the next president probably will fill several vacancies. Since 1960, Supreme Court justices have left the bench at an average age of 79. There will be three justices 79 or older in 2017: Ginsburg, Kennedy and Breyer. The next president, especially if he or she is a two-term president, probably will have several picks for the high court. After 45 years of a conservative majority, weve just gotten a glimpse of what the next era on the court could look like. No longer are there five conservative votes on abortion and affirmative action. By next year there may be five liberal votes on issues such as campaign finance, the death penalty and gun control. Attention politicians: Duck out of a League of Women Voters forum, and the show will still go on. The Leagues Winona chapter, in collaboration with the state chapter, announced this week a significant change in how it will conduct its candidate forums in 2016: All forums will take place as scheduled, even if one of the candidates in a two-candidate race is unwilling or unable to attend. LWV Minnesota updated its candidate participation policy in response to voters concerns about the past practice of canceling forums when an opponent in a two-candidate race is unable or unwilling to be present, said Lori Ortega, the Winona chapters communications chair. The change means that if one candidate does not appear, the candidate in attendance will have an opportunity to express their positions on issues in opening and closing statements and in response to questions submitted by the audience, she said. In the past, the League canceled a forum if a candidate did not confirm their attendance or did not arrive at the scheduled start time. Because of the Leagues 97-year tradition of nonpartisan political activity, this was done to avoid creating the appearance of a conflict of interest. In recent election cycles, though, it appeared that some candidates and/or their political party attempted to manipulate League of Women Voters Minnesota and the 32 local League events by not appearing or not responding, the League said. It is unfair to voters for any one candidate or party to deprive voters of the opportunity to hear first-hand where candidates stand on issues important to them, said Stephanie Nutall, the Winona chapters president. This policy change respects the time and interests of voters and candidates in attendance. As the primary and general election seasons approach, members of the League of Women Voters Winona are preparing to host a series of candidates forums providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on the issues that matter most in the upcoming election. Dates and locations will be announced soon. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. The organization encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Vehicle detailing will begin at People Helping Peoples job training facility in August. The Baraboo nonprofit has nearly completed renovating its headquarters at 805 Broadway. It will offer car detailing by appointment starting next month. Were moving forward, PHP founder Bill Harris said. A former gas station and convenience store has been transformed to serve as People Helping Peoples business office, as well as the home of its Work Ready program. The nonprofits leaders are working with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to develop curriculum for the program, which has been under development for eight years. Harris said he hopes curriculum will be in place early next year. The Work Ready program will train unemployed adults how to detail vehicles, giving them a marketable skill thats in demand. DWD representatives will visit the facility July 14. Weve got to have structure. Weve got to have manuals, Harris said. In the meantime, income from vehicle detailing, performed by people already trained in the trade, will help PHP pay its bills. Recent fundraisers also have boosted PHP and its new program. Its Jubilee in April raised more than $20,000. Without a doubt, it has been a community effort, Harris said. People Helping People has served the community for 12 years, providing food, clothing and school supplies to needy families. For its latest venture, the Work Ready program, the nonprofit bought Scott Turners defunct gas station in November. In the months since, workers have built walls, installed plumbing and upgraded wiring to transform the former store into a job training center. Harris has reached agreements with three employment agencies that will refer job seekers in need of training. These will include released criminals looking for a fresh start. Baraboos hickory nuts are in luck: An expert on the subject is coming to town. On July 13 the women of First Presbyterian Church will host a presentation by Mike Starshak. In addition to running Wisconsin Hickory Syrup, he gives talks about the tree across the region and is a public broadcasting fixture. Darlene Otto, who arranged the local appearance, figured Starshaks appeal is so broad, the First Presbyterian Women should open his presentation to the public. What better opportunity to branch out than a speech about trees? Our group loves to know the history of life, so thats why we are having him at our meeting, Otto said. I thought because there are so many history buffs in Baraboo that we would make an open invitation. The presentation is set for 9:30 a.m. at the Farm Kitchen, after an 8:30 breakfast. Theres no cost to attend Starshaks talk, but breakfast costs $8. A former banker and financial adviser, Starshak built a home on a woodland in Green Lake County and fell in love with his surroundings. In 2012 he created Wisconsin Hickory Syrup, bottling his own syrup and selling it at a flea market. His business has expanded to include fudge and other treats, and Starshak has become an expert speaker, appearing before groups across south central Wisconsin. It is an amazing resource, even more so that we barely utilize it at all today, Starshak said. I am confident that someday Wisconsin will become known for its hickory foods industry. Starshak was instrumental in founding the Wisconsin Hickory Association, has twice been nominated for the Wisconsin Innovation Award, and has appeared multiple times on Wisconsin Public Radio. He helped develop a hickory-based Around the Farm Table episode for Wisconsin Public Television and is gathering partners to produce an episode of the popular childrens educational series Into the Outdoors. Otto met Starshak two years ago at a flea market near Green Lake. He was very interesting to talk to, and I love history, she said. She said the hickory nut has a proud local tradition. My husbands mom would crack them over the winter, as did many people. It is a very time-consuming task, Otto said. However, they make great pies, and taste like pecan pie. They work well in cookies and bar recipes. She and others in her church group look forward to finding out what tips the hickory expert will leave behind. Mike is a great speaker, Otto said, and the history of the hickory tree is so interesting. Today marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme in World War I, one of the most horrific days of the 20th century. Leaders from around the world including President Barack Obama will gather near Albert, France, at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and pay homage to those who died in this battle and also to reflect on why it remains so important. It is difficult to express just how tragic the Somme was, but a comparison might help. Consider the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the attacks of 9/11, each of which killed about 3,000 people, or the carnage at Omaha Beach in World War II that took the lives of 2,400 Americans. Now imagine six Pearl Harbors. Or eight Omaha Beaches. More than 19,000 British soldiers were killed on July 1, 1916, and yet the agony of the Somme would go on another four months and cause more than a million casualties. When it was over, the front lines had moved forward a paltry six miles. Measured in terms of lives lost and goals gained, the Battle of the Somme surely represents the most calamitous military campaign of any country in any war of the 20th century. How should it be remembered? First and foremost, we need to see the Somme as an incalculable human tragedy. One wonders how many future members of Parliament died that day. What great novels or symphonies went unwritten? What sturdy sprinters would not run in the 1920 Olympics? Wars not only kill people, they kill dreams as well. Secondly, the Battle of the Somme matters in a historic sense. One can make the argument that the Somme offensive very likely prevented a German victory in WWI. Germany was getting dangerously close to punching through the French lines at Verdun 300 kilometers to the south and was days away from an armistice that might have awarded them hundreds of square miles of French territory not to mention nearly all of Belgium. The Somme offensive forced the German high command to pull up from Verdun and move thousands of soldiers north to shore up the tottering lines there. Thus, the French were able to hold Verdun and the war dragged on long enough to bring in the United States as a lifesaving ally. The Somme also matters in that its effects were so staggering, so ghastly, that mainstream European society would soon adopt a never again attitude toward war. This explains why British and French leaders were so adamant about punishing Germany at the wars end and also why they were so willing to embrace the delusional policy of appeasement during the rise of Nazi Germany. Finally, the Somme has two lessons that modern leaders must never forget. The first: Never underestimate the tenacity of your enemy. Prior to July 1, 1916, the British general staff decided to hit Germany with the most intense artillery pounding in the history of warfare. More than 1.7 million shells were fired at German trenches for six consecutive days in the belief it would weaken the enemy lines. It didnt. Ferociously determined to hold their ground, German units burrowed themselves more than 20 feet under the earth and then reinforced their positions with steel and concrete. When the first wave of British soldiers emerged from their trenches at daybreak on July 1, they were cut to pieces. This brings us to a second lesson: When things dont go according to plan, change the plan. Once it was clear the artillery barrage had failed, military leaders continued to send even more troops into no-mans land, wave after wave, and they too were mowed down by machine gun fire. Why? Why were British generals so slow to react to the fog of war? Why were they so unwilling to admit their plan had failed and move on to Plan B? A century later, the Somme quietly endures. Let us be mindful of the lessons it has to teach and sensitive to the sorrow it visited upon millions caught in the awful crossfire of war. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A close ally of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and longtime Republican activist who this week retired as chair of an influential conservative foundation told The Associated Press on Friday that he withdrew as a delegate to the GOP national convention because of his distaste for Donald Trump. Michael Grebe was one of two at-large delegates the state Republican Party had previously announced would be attending the convention this month in Cleveland. The party announced Friday that Grebe and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who cited scheduling conflicts, were backing out. They are being replaced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and longtime Republican activist Don Taylor. They will serve among the 18 at-large delegates who are bound to vote for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the first round of balloting because Cruz won Wisconsins April primary. Of Wisconsins 42 delegates, 36 are bound to vote for Cruz until he releases them or fails to get a third of the vote at the July 18-21 convention. Fitzgerald has been outspoken in urging Republicans to unite behind presumptive nominee Donald Trump. Kleefisch has said she will support whoever is the nominee. But Grebe, who just retired as chairman of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, made clear in a one-sentence comment to AP that he does not support the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. I decided not to go to Cleveland because I do not want to be part of a process that results in the nomination of Donald Trump, Grebe said in a brief telephone interview. Grebe said he notified the party of his decision about a month ago. He has attended six previous national conventions, starting in 1984 the last time Wisconsin voted for a Republican for president. Grebe is one of the most prominent Republicans in Wisconsin to publicly announce their dislike of Trump. He served as Walkers campaign chairman in 2010 and in his failed presidential bid last year. He also is a former chairman of the Wisconsin GOP, a former counsel to the Republican National Committee, and was in charge of the national convention in 1996. He is also a former president of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and was the Republican National Committee member from Wisconsin between 1984 and 2002. For the past 14 years, hes served as chairman of the powerful and influential Bradley Foundation based in Milwaukee. The $850 million conservative foundation has financially backed public policy experiments in Wisconsin such as welfare reform, public vouchers for private schools and curbs on collective bargaining and unions. House Speaker Paul Ryan, in a 2009 speech, described Grebe as my political godfather. Ryan has endorsed Trump, while being critical of some of his remarks and positions. Kleefisch withdrew as a delegate about a month ago due to scheduling conflicts, said her campaign manager Charles Nichols. Kleefisch will still attend the first three days of the convention, where she will participate in events as chair of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association, Nichols said. After that she will return to Wisconsin late on July 20 for official state business, he said. Four alternate delegates were also replaced. Those removed were Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, former Gov. Scott McCallum, former U.S. Rep. Mark Green and David Karst. Steineke has been one of the most outspoken critics of Trump in Wisconsin. He had announced earlier this spring that he would not attend the convention given that Trump was the presumptive nominee. They are being replaced by Van Mobley, a Trump supporter, and Sue Lynch, David Anderson and Jennie Frederick. Its getting hard for Dodge County fire departments to find local women and men to volunteer to fight fires. Just getting good quality applicants is kind of tough, Beaver Dam Fire Chief Alan Mannel said. Mannel is in the process of trying to fill his paid-on-call firefighters staff of 33. Hes down seven and he might not be up to full strength until fall. He said it usually takes six months to train a new recruit. In Beaver Dam he says this has been an issue for almost a decade. The problem he is seeing is that people live in Beaver Dam, but work elsewhere like in Sun Prairie, Madison and Portage. If a fire happens during the day, fewer volunteers are able to respond in a timely matter. Were fighting for peoples time, he said. With a shrinking volunteer staff, it is putting more stress on his full-time staff of 18 employees. This also elevates overtime. Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Matt Christian said the fire department is handling more EMS calls than ever before. According to the 2015 Beaver Dam Fire Departments annual report, since 2011, department calls have risen from 2,444 to 2,770 per year. EMS calls have gone from 1,810 in 2010 to 2,166 in 2015. He said with the rise in calls it begins to affect the departments ability to respond. You end up calling on your neighbors to help," he said. "Its a whole gambit of things." Age is another factor. In Beaver Dam, Christian said many volunteer firefighters are in their 40s and 50s. Mannel added that the old recruits are retiring and taking their experience with them. We are starting to look a few years down the road and its not pretty, he said. This problem isnt specific to Beaver Dam. Recently, Horicon Fire Department has hired four new volunteer firefighters bringing Fire Chief Jim Bandsmas paid-on-call staff to 33. He can afford to staff up to 36. He hasnt had too many problems hiring people, but it is extremely difficult to find people that live and work in Horicon. As a result, the best recruitment tool in Horicon is recruiting staff family members, according to Bandsma. He said he has hired a number of fathers and sons over the years. In Waupun, volunteer firefighters can work up to 15 miles outside the city, yet Fire Chief BJ Demaa said he is still struggling to find candidates. It is something we are very aware of, he said. A majority of the volunteer firefighters work in Waupun or near the city limits. He has a few that work in Beaver Dam, but are able to leave work if they are called. His department can have a maximum of 30 volunteer firefighters. In the last five years it has become more difficult for Juneau Fire Chief Curtis Ninmann to hire new people that live close to Juneau. However, he said understands that people have many more obligations today such as family and school. He added that Juneau doesnt have a strong industrial base, making it less desirable for someone to work and live in Juneau. Given the size of Juneau, he said his department relies a lot on mutual aid. His volunteer firefighter staff can hold up to 35. This summer he is working with 27. Dodge County isnt alone with this dilemma. In April, Sen. Scott Fitzgerald and Rep. John Jagler announced the creation of a Legislative Council Study Committee to address concerns related to volunteer firefighter and EMT shortages in Wisconsin. The idea to form such a committee originated in the Watertown Fire Department and other state fire departments asking the state to examine the issue. James Small, public safety director in Palmyra and a member of the Legislative Council Study Committee, said he thinks forming a committee to study the shortage is a step in the right direction. The state is in a critical need to address this issue and the whole county, he said. As of January 2016, The U.S. Fire Administration reported that 80 percent of fire departments in Wisconsin are volunteer, while 12 percent are mostly volunteer. Its unknown what will come out of the committee meetings, he said, but issues such as wages, volunteer expectations, leadership and cross training EMTs with police could all help resolve volunteer shortages. He says he is aware that this is a complex issue that will not be solved overnight. That makes it an important project, with Wisconsin as a driving force in the field. Im trying to be open minded with it, he said. The first committee meeting is set for July. In Beaver Dam, Captain Lee Smith said that being hired and trained as a volunteer firefighter takes about six months depending on how much experience applicants have. The hiring process involves a background check, interview, physical exam, medical exam, high school diploma or equivalent, no felonies, valid drivers license, living near Beaver Dam and applicants must be 18-years of age or older. Volunteers will have to go through a training course. The department pays for this. With calls on the rise, Mannel said he is not thinking about cutting his volunteer staff. People that are interested can find an application at the departments website at www.cityofbeaverdam.com. St. Jerome Catholic Church in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus 1609 will host bingo on Saturday, July 9. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with bingo staring at 6 p.m. Players can play 21 games for as little as $16 with a minimum payout per game of $25. The last game of the night will be progressive bingo. The jackpot will be at $200 plus half the card sales. If the jackpot is not won in 50 numbers, the payout will be $100. Free popcorn while supplies last. Refreshments including beer will be available. St Jerome is located at 1550 Farnham St. in Columbus. If 6 p.m. is too early, come about 7:15 p.m. and play the last 10 games, or 8:30 p.m. to play just the progressive jackpot game. By PTI: Kathmandu, Jul 1 (PTI) An Indian has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle fake Indian currency with a face value of Rs 330,000 from India-Nepal border, police said today. Abhishek Kumar, 31, who hailed from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, was arrested yesterday at Birgunj area of Parsa district, police officials said. Officials recovered counterfeit Indian currency with a face value of Rs 330,000 from his possession. advertisement According to Superintendent of Police Raju Babu Shrestha, Kumar was arrested by a team deployed from the district police office during a regular security check in Birgunj bordering Raxaul town in India. The police sent Kumar to the Department of Revenue Investigation in Kathmandu for further investigation. PTI SBP CPS --- ENDS --- The Mauston Common Council denied a request for a direct sellers permit to both a construction and contracting firm during its regular meeting on Tuesday at city hall. The council voted 5-2 to deny a permit to Paladin Construction and The Edge Contracting, LLC. Paladin has offices in Sauk City and Madison, while The Edge Contracting is headquartered in Waukesha. Representatives from both firms attended Tuesdays meeting and were disappointed by the councils decision. After damage from a hail storm in late May, the city looked into the firms for roof repair operations to city buildings. But, council member Steve Leavitt wasnt comfortable with the estimates companies formulated for the work. That concerns me and I dont want the public being taken, Leavitt said. Mauston Mayor Brian McGuire was concerned the companies might make repairs that dont need to be made. George Montgomery from Paladin talked to council members on Tuesday. Montgomery said his company has handled about 20 claims in Necedah from hail damage recently. Every claim Ive opened in the last four years has been approved for hail damage. Most of the projects in Necedah have been completed and Im currently working on the roof of the Lutheran church, Montgomery said. For a lot of insurance companies, when they send out an adjuster, they are told to minimize the damage. Unless the customer truly knows the scope of the damage, most of the time insurance companies will deny claims. We stand up for the customer. There are both sides to insurance claims. I know we have strong ethics we dont pressure people. We show them the damage and if they dont want to sign with us, we dont push them. Tom Schlindwein, co-owner of Edge Contracting, echoed Montgomerys comments. He said his firm has 60 years of experience in insurance restoration. The insurance companies pay our clients to pay us. Insurance companies usually have the final voice, Schlindwein said. We will stand up for our clients to make sure theyre not being taken advantage of. A lot of local contractors are very good at their trades, but they dont always know what theyre looking for and thats where we come in to help. S.E.A. of Change benefit Saturday The council approved a temporary class B picnic license for Juneau County S.E.A. of Change for its Raise the Roof benefit on Saturday. The event, which will benefit the homeless of Juneau County, will be held at Veterans Memorial Park. It is a day-long fundraiser with fun activities for all ages. The event also features live music, leading up to the annual fireworks show in Mauston. McGuire said the best place to view fireworks is at Veterans Memorial Park. D.A. candidates weigh in The Aug. 9 primary election is fast approaching and candidates for Juneau County district attorney are making the rounds to local government meetings. On Tuesday, candidates Stacy Smith and Kenneth Hamm presented their resumes to the council and asked for its support. Smith, from Elroy, has more than 20 years of experience and has handled a variety of cases from theft to homicide. I think I have the right experience, both personally and professionally, to be your D.A., Smith said. Smith ran against incumbent Mike Solovey four years ago, but lost. In March, county board members gave Solovey a vote of no confidence, but Solovey decided to run for re-election. I ran four years ago against Solovey and I told a lot of people then that I was the right person for the job, Smith said. I think a lot of people believe it now and they have their regrets, including law enforcement and the county board. But, you cant go back in time. We have to just move forward and fix the problems we have. Hamm has family ties to the county, graduating from Mauston High School in 2002. Hamm, an Iraq War veteran, has previously worked in the county D.A. office. For the past five years, hes spent time in the state public defenders office. I want to serve my family and friends in Juneau County, Hamm said. My experience ranges from basic disorderly conduct to homicide; Ive done several sexual assault cases and numerous drug cases. Being a public defender, you have to learn to think on your feet and thats something valuable to bring to the district attorneys office. Other projects approved The council approved easement agreements to the citys Welcome to Mauston signs. Council members also approved $53,469 as a pay request to New Age Construction for work on the Attewell and Division Street sidewalk improvement projects. In the administrators report, Nathan Thiel said Lee Sacket is developing a tractor restoration business in the city. If you know any retired mechanics or anyone who has experience in tractor restoration work, please let me know and we could pass a referral to them, Thiel said. It is September 2, 1945, and Otto Wilkinson, a young sailor from the west side of Chicago, is on the deck of the USS Missouri, witnessing first hand the official end to the most destructive war in modern history. An officer of the U.S. Navy, Wilkinson has joined his fellow shipmates to watch the Empire of Japan sign the instrument of surrender, concluding the long, bloody Second World War. Before surrender terms are signed, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, delivers a short speech that resonates through the proceeding decades; a statement of the pain World War II inflicted on the world, but also a beacon of hope for the future and a bridge to diplomatic relations with Japan. It is my earnest hope indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of blood and carnage of the past, a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice. He was a good man, Wilkinson said. MacArthur was real good to his men. MacArthur then sits down with Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu to sign the terms of surrender as the mighty Missouri rests in Tokyo Bay. After Allied victory in Europe was declared in May, and Japans fight mercifully ending with the atomic bomb attacks in August, the world can finally begin the healing process. While his memories are foggy at times, Wilkinson, who turns 91 in August, remembers the days he spent on the Missouri, battling the Japanese in the Pacific theater. Wilkinson is believed to be one of just two shipmates still alive who were on board the Mighty Mo the day Japan surrendered. After the signing, they didnt let the Japanese stay on the ship for long, Wilkinson said. They shagged them off pretty quickly. For the past 28 years, Wilkinson and his wife, Carol, have lived in rural New Lisbon. The World War II veteran is a member of New Lisbons American Legion post. Struggling in school, Wilkinson joined the war effort in 1943. Not yet 18, Wilkinsons father, a World War I veteran, signed enlistment papers for him and Wilkinson went to Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois for boot camp. But the Navy wanted to Wilkinson to be an aviation machinist and shipped him to a training school in Florida. They wanted me to work on brakes for the planes, and that didnt work out, Wilkinson said. I didnt like it. It wasnt for me, so I asked for a transfer and thats how I got on the Missouri. Boy that was a nice ship. The Missouri, an Iowa class battleship, was built as a fast, powerful vessel. The ship, also known as Big Mo earned 11 battle stars, serving in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. It was decommissioned in 1992 and, in 98; the Missouri became a museum at Pearl Harbor. In November of 44, Wilkinson and shipmates departed Norfolk, Virginia, sailed through the Panama Canal, and heading to San Francisco for final battle preparations. When we were stationed in San Francisco, we had some time to ourselves and one of the machinists got a little pie-eyed. He had too much to drink, Wilkinson said. He came in one night drunk, climbed way to the top of our bunks on the side of the ship and I thought, what the hell is this guy doing? He fell from the top and landed right on the guy who was sleeping in the bottom bunk boom! It certainly woke him up. After stops in Hawaii, and the West Caroline Islands, Mighty Mo eventually steamed toward the mainland of Japan where it shot down four Japanese aircrafts. In March of 45, Missouri joined other battleships to bombard the coast of Okinawa and helped suppress a Japanese attack on April 1. We were with a bunch of ships out there and Admiral (William) Halsey was there, and (Fleet Admiral) Chester Nimitz came later. He helped sign the terms of surrender, Wilkinson said. While he smiles thinking about it today, Wilkinson dodged a close call when a Japanese kamikaze struck the main deck of the Missouris starboard side. Fortunately, the ship suffered only minor damage from a fire caused in the crash. The Japanese pilot was killed. Despite the vengeful surprise attack, officers on the Missouri buried the enemy pilot with honor. He was buried at sea, Wilkinson said. Wilkinson said sailors on a battleship have to be prepared for anything. He recalled a time spent preparing food with a fellow shipmate who was chopping meat. The rocking of the ship caused the butcher to miss his target and he cut off three of his fingers. We were in swells and the ship swayed up and down; that was common in the Pacific, Wilkinson said. I was standing and watching him and he chopped them off. I was really shook up because I never thought anything would happen like that. But they took him to sick bay and fixed him up. In his New Lisbon home, Wilkinson displays a small replica of the USS Missouri, enclosed in a glass case. He enjoyed his time in the Navy, but was glad to come home after the war. His superiors wanted him to re-enlist but he decided he had enough. Wilkinson returned to Chicago and worked in a factory for Marshall Fields department store. He soon met Carol and, in October, the couple will celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary. They met on a blind date. She was blind, Wilkinson joked. The Wilkinsons raised four children and now have several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol said the key to a long, happy marriage is humor. We laugh a lot and that really helps, she said. When you can laugh at each other that makes life easier. It makes it good. Portage High School FFA chapter member Moriah Rataczaks road to gold wasnt without a few bumps. Rataczak, who won the state FFA Outdoor Recreation Proficiency Award, had considered attending virtual school as a sophomore at Portage High School because she wasnt sure she belonged in a high schools environment. But soon her FFA adviser, Theresa Schiferl, began to notice Rataczak becoming more involved in the club the young woman harnessing a passion for the outdoors and moving into leadership roles. Now a sophomore at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Rataczak this month was recognized for her entire FFA career for best demonstrating an understanding of recreational activities in enhancing and maintaining natural resources and the environment. If youre ever considering FFA join for sure, was Rataczaks message to younger students of today. Its a life-changing organization, and you will definitely grow and become a better person for it, she said. Her Outdoor Recreation Proficiency award is the product of her work with Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville. Rataczak, when she was a junior in high school, started out helping with maintenance of campsites before moving into the office to take calls and reservations. From there she helped people with their canoe trips on the Fox River, loading passengers and answering questions, and she also did some teaching about the area and local wildlife. To win the award Rataczak in February submitted a 24-page-long application that documented such experiences, leading to the proficiency award at the Wisconsin FFA Convention held June 13-16 at Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison. Its a really big accomplishment, said Schiferl, who started as FFA adviser at PHS when Rataczak was a sophomore. Shes overcome a lot of challenges in her high school career, she was our FFA president and this is the cherry on top for her she put a lot of hard work and dedication into it. Rataczak, Schiferl added, is the schools first proficiency award winner in about 10 years and the first state gold-medal winner since Schiferl started in Portage five years ago. Rataczak was one of five other state competitors who won gold in the category out of about 20 who placed, Schiferl said. But there can only be one overall winner and that was Rataczak, who will find out this summer if shes selected as one of only four finalists to be chosen for FFA nationals to be held in October in Indianapolis. Proficiency Awards take a students body of FFA work into account, Schiferl said, and students can stay involved in their high school FFA chapters until theyre 21. There are 30 proficiency areas, including other such categories as dairy production, horticulture and welding. Schiferl said Rataczak has a great shot for being picked for nationals due to her passion and experience in outdoor recreation. If Rataczak is picked for nationals shell go through an interview process in front of a panel of judges who are very well-versed in outdoor recreation, Schiferl said. Those judges, upon reviewing her application, would then ask her questions to determine how much she knows about the field. Rataczak will compete for nationals with the 49 other applicants from across the U.S., Schiferl said. Feed the nation Rataczak gained her interest in the outdoors by spending time on her aunt Kari Rataczaks horse farm in Montello, and her interest in agriculture just went further and further. In Appleton, Rataczak is majoring in agri-business and hopes to start her own ag-supply business, one that specializes in fertilizer, chemicals or seed. She works at the Plainfield-based Pest Pros company as a scout looking for weeds and bugs, reporting back to Pest Pros consultants. That job, she said, has helped to show her how many agriculture jobs are out there for everyone. They might be a little off base of what youre going into, like me at Pest Pros, but everything relates back to something in ag, and your preferred future career in agriculture, Rataczak said. Many say agriculture careers are declining, but if you look, theres a lot of spots that need to be filled for kids graduating in the next couple of years. Ag, Rataczak said, is something thats always going to be growing. Thats why I want to go into ag-supply. Farmers feed the nation, and the farmers need us. Thats where our food comes from. Deadlock and gridlock. That apparently is the continued path for the U.S. government on immigration reform thanks to a 4-4 split on President Barack Obamas plan to shield five million immigrants from deportation and allow them to go to work. The high courts ruling was not unexpected. Thanks to GOP opposition to allowing a vote on the presidents nomination of a ninth high court justice in hopes of getting a Republican president to make that pick, the Supreme Court will continue to deadlock on consequential decisions. By failing to reach a consensus, the Supreme Courts inaction lets stand an appeals court ruling that upheld an injunction against Obamas Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA. That court rejected Obamas plan saying the administration failed to give notice and seek public comments on the program, which it said was required because it gave blanket relief to entire categories of people. We have said previously that Obama overstepped his executive powers in this case as he has in other areas, so on that basis we are not disappointed in the court ruling. What is lamentable, however, is that it tosses immigration reform back in the hands of a partisanly poisoned Congress that has steadfastly demonstrated an unwillingness to reach a compromise on immigration issues. That means the threatened sword of deportation will continue to hang over the heads of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants many of them who have been in the United States most of their lives, raising families and working jobs in the shadows. It means businesses desperate for workers, including Wisconsins dairy farms, often cant get them legally and face legal issues of their own. The Republican-controlled House afraid of its anti-amnesty faction and its supporters has blocked compromise efforts, and last year rejected a bipartisan proposal that would have combined tighter border controls and enforcement with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers. Their presumed presidential candidate flies that fantasy flag promising to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it and deport illegal immigrants en masse. Congress should have a say in developing immigration reform, it should not be done simply by executive fiat. But this dysfunctional do-nothing Congress has not been able to do its job and that is what led to Obamas go-it-alone decision. Given the poisonous politics of our time, we see nothing ahead that will change that. Businesses will continue to struggle to find willing workers; undocumented workers will continue to live in the shadows without hopes of gaining citizenship and the country will suffer as a result. Let freedom ringand crackleand boom. The Reedsburg area will mark the nations birthday with fireworks, music and special events the weekend of July 2. Heres a roundup of whats happening in the region. La Valle fireworks La Valles fireworks display will begin at dusk July 2 over Mill Pond. Freedom Fest Reedsburgs annual Fourth of July festival kicks off at 3 p.m. July 4 in Nishan Park. This years bands include Madison Malone at 3 p.m., Prairie Sands Band at 4:15 p.m., Burning Daylight at 5:30 p.m., Midnight Rodeo at 6:45 p.m., and John Masino Band at 8:30 p.m. There will also be inflatable bounce houses and food stands. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Reedsburg Mayor Dave Estes said the event includes a myriad of attractions from human hamster wheels to apple pie in a cup. Kids can dig through sawdust for prizes while the adults try different cuisines from the area. Reedsburg has been well represented at Freedom Fest, he said during a Reedsburg Common Council meeting on June 27. Estes said last years fireworks display received numerous compliments and the same team that oversaw the show will be back. This years display includes around $9,500 worth of fireworks. Founders Weekend The Reedsburg Old Settlers Club will hold a special picnic this year to honor Reedsburgs founders. The event will begin at noon July 3 at Webb Park. Food will be served by freewill offering. A program about Reedsburgs founding families will start at 1 p.m. Visitors will learn about James W. Babb, David C. Reed, John H. Rork, John Bernien and the Ho-Chunk Nation. There will also be childrens crafts and games. The celebration wraps up on July 4 with tours of the Pioneer Log Village from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The founding families will also be recognized at 4 p.m. in Nishan Park during Freedom Fest. President Linda Borleske said the picnic celebrates the clubs 140th birthday. Old Settlers started as a way for Reedsburgs early residents to mingle and meet their neighbors. It serves the same purpose today but with an added bonus: Its a chance to learn about local history. Rork, one of the families honored this year, started the club, she said. Reedsburg has such a unique history and we wanted to bring that out, she said. Borleske added that the club tries to schedule its gatherings as close as possible to the full moon. When Old Settlers started residents traveled by horse and buggy and meetings tended to run late into the evening. A full moon ensured that drivers had the best light possible for when they traveled home. Even though light is no longer an issue the club carries on the tradition. She added that the commemoration was paid for by grants from the University of Wisconsin-Sauk County and Wisconsin Arts Board. Wisconsins creative economy is on a growth track in Wisconsin Dells. So says Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, the state arts advocacy organization dedicated to supporting community-cultural development, creative placemaking, arts education and quality of life issues in communities large and small, Wisconsin-wide. The nascent Dells River Arts District and the local creative energy it already is generating fits right in with Katzs description of how the states economy is transitioning toward a more creative, entrepreneurial bent. The Dells is a good example of how were changing, Katz said.. Were in a new economy the manufacturing sector is not what it was. Whats going to replace that? Creativity, innovation, imagination and entrepreneurship which we already have. Katz was in the Dells on Wednesday to attend an Arts Wisconsin strategic planning meeting with its board of directors, followed by a tour of a few new downtown arts destinations that have sprung up either because of or in concert with the citys new vision for the business district. The tour took the board members to the new Duchess Plaza on Oak Street, the recently opened Native Presence Gallery at the Chalet and the still-under-construction church and sanctuary building for St. Cecilia Catholic Church. All three of those downtown destinations represent the arts springing up in the new arts district. The tour was stewarded by Dells Business Improvement District (BID) committee Chairwoman Kelli Trumble, who reported that the visit by Arts Wisconsin and its board could not have come at a more perfect juncture. They are our best Wisconsin resource for developing the arts programming and everything we want to do with the Dells River Arts District, Trumble said. The BID seized the opportunity to now start opening the doors and networking with them. The organization (www.artswisconsin.org) offers assistance of all kinds to the states artists and creative entrepreneurs and businesses, providing information, models and best practices from Wisconsin and beyond as well as strategic planning advice. Arts Wisconsin also can act as a fiscal receiver for local arts projects and artists, which means the organization can provide limited financial and legal oversight for a project initiated independently by an artist. The organization acted in just such a capacity three years ago for Dells artist Melanie Tallmadge Sainz, when Sainz formed the Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF). Since then, Sainzs local artistic impact has been profound and varied, from workshops for local Native American artists to the founding this past spring of the Native Presence Gallery. The Arts Wisconsin-Dells connection became even stronger this week, thanks to Sainz, who became the organizations newest board member. The relationship between the state advocacy organization and the Dells River Arts District is sure to grow as Katz shares the Dells story around the state, Trumble said. Anne said your ears will be ringing a lot, because we are going to be talking about the Dells, Trumble said. A lightning strike during Thursday afternoons thunderstorm caused extensive fire, water and smoke damage to a home on Pilgrim Drive in Lake Delton and was one of two fires responded to and extinguished Thursday afternoon by the villages fire department. Earlier Thursday, Lake Delton firefighters extinguished a fire engulfing a motor home at the intersection of Gasser Road and Ishnala Road. No one was injured in either of the fires. The Pilgrim Drive house fire was detected by firefighters responding to alarms at nearby Mt. Olympus Resort, where a power surge apparently due to the strike occurred in the resorts Building 10. Although only minimal damage was caused by the surge at the building and no fire was detected there, the nearby lightning strike was the second close brush with lightning in less than six weeks for resort owner and operator Nick Laskaris. The Laskaris family home on Lake Delton was struck by lightning on the evening of May 22. Im getting sick of lightning, Ill tell you that right now, Laskaris said Friday morning. When I heard that (the thunderclap, from his nearby office in another resort building), my stomach just fell. The power surge was fortuitous for Lake Deltons firefighters, however, because they were already so close to the resulting fire when it was detected, and they extinguished it quickly with the help of members of the Kilbourn Volunteer Fire Department. After 45 minutes of investigating at the Mt. Olympus Resort building, one of the Lake Delton firefighters noticed smoke coming from the nearby home, and the fire was quickly evident. The fire and smoke quickly spread and, within just a few minutes of first observing smoke, the entire home was engulfed, according to a news release from the Village of Lake Delton. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the home. The home, apparently a vacation residence, was unoccupied, and Lake Delton Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Darren Jorgenson said the fires detection was a stroke of good luck, in spite of the fact that the home was extensively damaged. It was critical to the good outcome of fighting the fire that we happened to be literally right next door, Jorgenson said. We had multiple independent witnesses who said it struck here and there, but no one could pinpoint exactly where. The house fire also marked the second structure fire in a row caused by lightning in Lake Delton, easily a rarity, according to Jorgenson. This is unusual, he said. We do get reports of lightning strikes a couple times a year, but it usually turns out to be nothing much except just some minimal damage either to the structure itself or to the utilities. The motor home fire earlier in the day occurred as the family using it was on their way to the Yogi Bear Campground. The fire started in the engine compartment, Jorgenson said. There were no injuries to the occupants while they escaped. The university authorities said they are aware of the issue and were trying all means to resolve the problem. DU had announced its first cut-off late on Wednesday after which the students needed to fill up admission forms online and reach their respective colleges with the admission slip. Photo: K Asif By Sneha Agrawal: Anuja Jagdish, a 19-year-old student, had scored enough marks to clear Delhi University's first cut off list, but on day one of the admission process she had to return empty handed. Reason: With Delhi University's admission process going online, the varsity's portal crashed for several hours in the morning, making it difficult for the candidates to apply to college of their choice. advertisement The aspirants were supposed to reach the respective college before 1 pm but most of them reached late as most of their time got consumed while trying to fill the forms online for the college post the release of the cut-off marks. The university authorities said they are aware of the issue and were trying all means to resolve the problem. "The technical team has been monitoring the server and few glitches were reported. We are looking into it," said Kirti Ranjan, Officer on Special Duty, Admissions. FIRST CUTOFF The university had announced its first cutoff late on Wednesday and the applicants had to first study the list, select the preferred course and college on the admission portal for an admission slip and finally approach the respective colleges with the slip and other required documents. However, the website crashed on the first day rendering aspirants helpless who rushed to colleges to seek alternative options but the efforts went in vain. Shallyn T, another aspirant at St Stephen's College said, "It took several hours for the website to open and then the cut-off list was not legible. The form that was to be filled was very confusing. The technical glitches in the online admission process enhanced my worry." FALSE RESULT Some of the students even reached college thinking that having been qualified in the first cutoff list they would get the admission as the server was not working but to their surprise, the staff indulged in the admission process insisted on getting the admission slip which could only be availed through the online portal. "The website isn't working and I went to college thinking they will allow me to take admission since I am eligible as per the cut-off but I was told that the slip is mandatory," said Aaditya Dhull, a BA Programme aspirant at Ramjas College. Shraddha Sinha, a parent who had accompanied her son to Hindu College said that the server was so slow that taking a print out of the slip had become a huge task. "I took a screenshot of the slip and showed it to the concerned authorities but it was not accepted," Shraddha said. WEBSITE CRASHED advertisement A few colleges helped applicants and allowed access to their computer laboratories but the website continued to trouble them. In a major shift from previous years, no DU college has kept the ceiling at 100 per cent in the first cut-off list, however, the required percentage soared at almost all the colleges. The highest cut-off for the academic session has been announced by Ramjas college at 99.25 per cent for BCom Honours, 98.75 for BCom and 98.5 for Economics Honours. The cut-off for Hansraj College has remained unchanged across stream with Eco(H) being the highest at 98 per cent. Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), ranked among the best in the country for higher studies in Commerce and Economics, announced its cut-off at 98.25 per cent for Economics Honours and 98 per cent for BCom Honours. The students have three days to take admission under the first list following which the next cut-off list will be announced. DU had announced this year that it will only release five cut-offs unlike previous years when the varsity issued up to 10 cut-off lists. Also read: DU announces first cut-off: LSR sets the highest with 98.5 per cent --- ENDS --- advertisement In a video circulated in May, a group of Indian fighters vowed to avenge the deaths of Muslims killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots and elsewhere. ISIS is working on a franchise model and is hiring Muslim youth to carry out local strikes. By Abhishek Bhalla : The war fronts of Syria were a dream destination for Indian ISIS recruits. But now the indigenous sympathisers are being prepared to unleash terror on home soil. Recent arrests and intelligence reviews show that the terror group is working on a franchise model and has decided to blood young Muslim youths in carrying out local strikes. RISE IN ISIS RECRUITS FROM INDIA advertisement With five arrests from Hyderabad on Wednesday the number of ISIS recruits in custody has gone up to 54. The National Investigation Agency that busted the module says the rookies were in touch with a former Indian Mujahideen member who is now part of Islamic State and were plotting terror strikes and communal clashes. India has the world's third largest Muslim population at nearly 175 million but only a handful of them have joined the West Asian group. Intelligence officials say the new trend of ISIS aspirants working as "freelance jihadis" is alarming. "ISIS modules being set up in India is more dangerous than some youth wanting to travel to Syria," said a counterterror official. PLANNING AT AN ACTIONABLE STAGE Sources said the Hyderabad module was targeting VIPs and vital installations apart from other public places. It is alleged that the members were experts at putting together an improvised explosive device. "They were arrested since it was clear that their planning was at an actionable stage," said an NIA officer. Hyderabad in particular has become a hub of ISIS-related activity. Several youths have been apprehended and stopped from travelling to Syria to join the group while a number of arrests have also taken place from the city in the last two years. Security agencies are making efforts to identify more recruits in states like Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. NIA CARRYING OUT NATIONWIDE ARRESTS The NIA this year busted an ISIS-inspired terror module called "Janood-ul-Khalifa-e-Hind", or the Army of Caliph in India, carrying out countrywide arrests. Investigations have also revealed the group was making efforts to establish a channel of procurement of explosives and weapons, identify locations to organise terror training camps, motivate new recruits to target police officers and foreigners in India apart from carrying out terrorist activities in parts of the country. NIA claimed that those arrested were found to be in communication with some active members through chatting applications in order to motivate them to join ISIS. TO AVENGE THOSE KILLED IN GUJARAT RIOTS In a video circulated in May, a group of Indian fighters vowed to avenge the deaths of Muslims killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots and elsewhere. advertisement Sources say the ISIS recruits are like a 'B' team of Indian Mujahideen that is being readied by members of the indigenous terror group who crossed over to Pakistan after a series of arrests from across the country following the 2008 Batla House encounter in Delhi where a police inspector was killed. Some of them later joined ISIS and Shafi Armar, a former IM member, is a key operative who is scouting for jihadi recruits for Islamic State. His brother, Maulana Abdul Qadir Sultan Armar, now reportedly killed, has also been identified as one of the handlers of Indian ISIS recruits. TO AND FRO Till now, six Indians have reportedly died fighting for ISIS in Syria. According to intelligence reports, 23 Indians travelled to Syria to join the terror group but two have managed to return. Also Read: Islamic State recruits took bank loans to go to Syria, used Adhaar card to send funds After NIA raids, 11 Hyderabad men detained over suspected Islamic State links --- ENDS --- By AP: A 96-year-old yoga teacher is putting her younger peers to shame with her ultra flexible moves - which she says has kept her young. Nanna Mal begins every morning at four am, teaching her students how to bend, stretch and master the most difficult yoga poses--despite being almost a century old. The nonagenarian, from Coimbatore city in India, has been practicing yoga for more than 75 years--and shows no sign of slowing down. Nanna has won an estimated 250 first place awards for yoga prowess. advertisement Though Mrs Mal is now well known for her age-defying, she has defended her fellow pensioners in the face of prejudice - and silenced her critics. The grandmother of 10 said, "I often accompany my grandchildren to various Yoga competitions, but have never participated in any until at one such event in 1995, when I was 76, a judge disqualified a participant on incorrect performance of a form of yoga." "I disagreed with the decision and went on stage to voice my opinion, only to be insulted by the judges as an old woman who did not know anything. "Then I performed 10 different yoga strokes including the 'peacock' and the headstand, right there on stage and received a standing ovation." Now that she is in her nineties, the spirited yogi--who is trying her best to share her yoga skills with the younger generation--says that the ancient practice not only keeps her body young, but improves her mind and soul as well. Nanna Mal claims to have never suffered any serious health issues, which she ascribes to her daily yoga ritual and healthy eating. She said: "Seniors who do come and practice yoga are those who have ailments like joint pain. I believe prevention is better than cure so I urge people of all age brackets to adopt yoga, not as a cure, but as a preventive measure." Here's the video: --- ENDS --- China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Lalu's Iftaar parties are always a thing to remember and this was the first Iftaar party he was hosting after he came back to power in Bihar. By Rohit Kumar Singh: RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav hosted the last political Iftaar of the holy month of Ramadan in Patna on Friday. LALU'S IFTAAR IS BEST IFTAAR Last week, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Hindustani Awam Morcha Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi have already hosted Iftaar parties at their place. However, Lalu's Iftaar parties are always a thing to remember and this was the first Iftaar party he was hosting after he came back to power in Bihar. advertisement Unlike last few Iftaar's which Lalu used to throw at 10, Circular Road, the official residence of Rabri Devi and Lalu Prasad, this time the venue was different. The Iftaar was hosted at Lalu's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav's residence, 3, Deshratna Road. This is the house that has been allotted to Health Minister Tej Pratap. Several high profile guests attended including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani but the highlight of the event was the bonhomie shared between former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi and CM Nitish Kumar. BIHAR FRIENDS EDITION: NITISH AND MANJHI At the Iftaar party, Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi were seen sitting beside each other and sharing pleasantries. Both leaders were also seen talking over many issues. The meeting of Nitish and Manjhi has once again given rise to speculation whether this was the beginning of Manjhi's return into the JDU. Speaking during the event, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar downplayed his camaraderie with Manjhi and said that Iftaar was a social event and therefore Manjhi too was part of the event. Nitish said, "During Ramadan there is an atmosphere of communal harmony. What is the problem in Manjhi joining us. It's a social event." LALU JI AT HIS CHARISMATIC BEST Lalu too looked enthusiastic at the event large crowd turning out the event. Lalu said, "I have organized Iftaar today. Everyone has come here in large numbers. This house is of Tej Pratap and consider this as his house warming event also. Jethmalani also came here." Apart from these top leaders, Lalu's entire family was seen at the party. Other Ministers of the Mahagathbandhan govt and legislators too participated at Lalu's Iftaar. --- ENDS --- When the viral video of cop proposing his boyfriend during London's annual LGBT pride parade appeared on the feed of these two people, they requested others to stop sharing it. Know why. By India Today Web Desk: Last week the video of a cop proposing his boyfriend during London's annual LGBT pride parade went viral and became an 'aww' moment for the jubilant crowd. However, that viral video was not a pleasant sight for the cop's ex-boyfriend when it appeared on his newsfeed. Phil, the police officer, marched through the city along his colleagues and commander-in-chief. When the chief ordered a halt, Phil broke rank and approached the barricade where his boyfriend, Jonathan, was standing and got down on one knee to propose to him. advertisement With confetti in the air and crowd cheering, the scene captured during pride parade was beautiful and went viral. The Twitterati was all out wishing the newly engaged couple, but then enters the ex-boyfriend. Jacob, Jonathon's ex-boyfriend asked other users to stop sharing the picture. If y'all could stop retweeting that picture of my ex getting proposed to by his policeman boyfriend, that would be great. Jacob (@OhHeyJacob) 25 June 2016 Little did Jacob know that he would find someone who felt the same way. Enters another ex-boyfriend. When Matt Thompson, Phil's ex-fiance, saw Jacob's tweet he told him how the feeling was mutual. @OhHeyJacob if it makes you feel any better, the guy proposing to him is my ex fianc. So know how you feel! Matt Thompson (@jumpytiny) 26 June 2016 Trying to be the cupid, other users proposed the idea that the two ex-boyfriends should get together. But then, the ex-boyfriend's current boyfriend would have become an ex. Yeah, this is what real life romantic-comedy looks like. Bollywood directors, you have a plot here! --- ENDS --- Areva signs nuclear fuel cycle contracts 01 July 2016 Share Areva has announced a number of contracts in the nuclear fuel cycle. The contracts relate to used fuel management at a Belgian research reactor, a Romanian waste repository and the supply of used fuel storage canisters in the USA. The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK-CEN) and Areva have agreed to extend their contract for the management of used fuel from the BR2 research reactor in Mol, Belgium. The BR2 reactor is used for the production of medical radioisotopes and the testing of reactor materials and fuel. At peak times, the reactor is capable of supplying up to 65% of global weekly demand. Areva has also signed a contract with the Romanian nuclear and radioactive waste agency ANDR to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a fibre concrete container manufacturing facility at the Saligny site in Romania. The containers will enable the safe conditioning of low- and intermediate-level waste at the repository under construction at the site, near the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. This will be a surface repository consisting of concrete cells, with containers containing cement-conditioned waste, covered by a concrete cap and finally by a multilayer impervious cover. Areva also announced its logistics division, Areva TN, had signed a contract with Dominion Virginia Power of the USA to provide 75 NUHOMS EOS dry shielded used fuel storage canisters. The canisters will be manufactured at Areva TN's facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, and delivered to two of Dominion Virginia Power's power plants between 2019 and 2038. Meanwhile, Areva NP has completed the first use of an "innovative new maintenance technique". The company has used cavitation peening on the reactor vessel closure head of unit 2 of Exelon's Byron nuclear power plant in Illinois. Cavitation peening involves the use of ultra-high-pressure water jets to compress the component's internal surface, preventing stress corrosion cracking. According to Areva, the technique is designed to extend the life of nuclear reactor primary circuit components for 20 years and can be used on all reactor designs. Areva said it will also provide cavitation peening services at Byron unit 1 as well as units 1 and 2 of Exelon's Braidwood plant. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics China and Argentina reaffirm reactor agreement 01 July 2016 Share China and Argentina have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) reaffirming their plans to construct two new nuclear power reactors in the Latin American country with financing from Chinese banks. Construction of Argentina's fourth reactor is to start early next year. Aranguren and Bekri after the signing of the MOU (Image: Argentine Ministry of Energy and Mining) Last November, Argentina signed deals with China for the construction of its fourth and fifth nuclear power plants: a third Candu pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) at the Atucha site and a pressurized water reactor (PWR) at an unspecified site. The projects are worth around $15 billion and China will contribute 85% of the required financing, according to a statement issued at that time by the Argentine president's office. An MOU affirming the November agreement - made under the previous government of then-president Cristina Fernandez - was signed in Beijing yesterday by Argentina's minister of energy and mining Juan Jose Aranguren and Nur Bekri, director of China's National Energy Administration. A statement from the Argentine ministry said, "According to the document, both Argentina and China commit to speed up negotiations to begin construction of the first of the two agreed units for the first quarter of 2017 and the second by 2019." It added, "Thus, the Argentine government gives concrete signs of commitment to the expansion of power generation capacity and specifically in regard to nuclear power generation." In July 2014, China and Argentina signed a new high-level agreement towards construction of a third pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) at the Atucha plant in Argentina. Through the agreement, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is to assist Nucleoelectrica Argentina SA (NASA) by providing goods and services under long-term financing. That agreement was ratified in February 2015. The accord provides for NASA - holder of rights to Candu technology - to be designer, architect-engineer, builder and operator of the new reactor. "China and Argentina, though a world apart, are in close nuclear cooperation," CNNC general manager Qian Zhimin was quoted as saying by the People's Daily. "The two countries share a tradition of friendship and both governments also attached much significance to nuclear cooperation." Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Meanwhile, she is upset about missing Lindsay Lohans 30th birthday party Dina Lohan has been hospitalized following pain across her stomach, neck and back. So far doctors are trying to diagnose her condition without success. A source close to the Lohan family recently told TMZ that she has had several MRIs and CAT scans, but doctors are still baffled and Dinas spent the last six nights in the hospital. Although in decent spirits, the insider revealed the 53-year-old is upset that she will miss Lindsay Lohans 30th birthday party in Greece this weekend. As the Mean Girls star turns 30, fiance Egor Tarabasov wishes to spoil her with a lavish party in an island known as Mykonos. All family and closest friends have been invited. Rumor has it that Egor, 22, who works as a real-estate agent, had proposed to Lohan back in April. Though Lohan has not confirmed the engagement, she has admitted to being very happy in her relationship. I havent known Egor for that long. Weve been together for about seven months. But I do have a boyfriend and he is a great guy. I met him in the summer. Im really happy, the actress previously stated. Lohans father, Michael Lohan, has praised her fiance and called him a great influence who wants the best for his daughter. Hes a great influence. He has a lot of strong connections in Russia these are big people and theyre very supportive. He wants things to be in the right place for Lindsay and hes wise beyond his years. Michael also admitted that Egor has his blessings, adding, Hes grown up with money but hes not spoiled. Hes not the kind of guy to just sit back and spend his money. She may be older than him, but Lindsay is younger at heart. If shes happy, Im happy. Delhi Crime Branch arrested two Nigerian nationals who came to India on medical visa but got indulged into duping people on the pretext of online jobs. By Nitin Jain: Be cautious if you get a high paying salary job proposal at a multinational company through the internet. Delhi Crime Branch arrested two Nigerian nationals who came to India on medical visa but got indulged into duping people on the pretext of online jobs. The accused are Austin Steven and George David. UPLOADING RESUME MAY MAY COST YOU 15 LAKH advertisement In one of the case, they cheated a woman from Maharashtra's Aurangabad and duped her for Rs 15 Lakh. The victim posted her resume on the website in search of a job. Accused persons contacted her after going through her resume. They then offered her a high paying job in an MNC and told her that they would also provide her money for establishing her office. However, the victim did not get any job but started receiving several calls from custom officials of IGI airport. She was threatened that they had received a parcel in her name, containing cash amount which is violation of FEMA and she will be arrested for this. They asked her to deposit money in bank accounts for settlement of the issue to release the parcel. She had deposited Rs.15 lakh in different bank accounts but accused persons kept asking for more. They threatened to implicate her in FEMA. DUPE PEOPLE BUT ALWAYS CHECK FACEBOOK At long last, she victim had to lodge an FIR with Aurangabad Police. During the investigation, the police came to know that the accused were operating from New Delhi. They went to Delhi and with assistance from the Crime Branch, taced the mobile number of the accused. On verification, the same was found registered on Facebook in the name of Austin Steven. He had uploaded his photograph near a car. The owner of the car was tracked and inquired. Upon questioning, she said that she is an event manager who organizes parties for African Nationals in different hotels and resorts in the Chhatarpur area. Inquiried from several people resulted in the arrest of the accused. Mobile phones and SIM cards used in the crime have been recovered. --- ENDS --- The Hollywood legend feels the latest installment was not as innovative At 61 years old and with huge success in Hollywood, James Cameron spoke about The Force Awakens in a YouTube interview. Being a close friend of George Lucas, Cameron spoke about The Force Awakens after Lucasfilm was sold to The Walt Disney Company in 2012. The latest film, directed by J.J. Abrams, was largely praised for its engaging plot and impressive visual affects. However, Cameron had some strong opinions regarding the matter. In the interview with Hannah Litchfield, Cameron said: George Lucas is a friend of mine and George and I had a good conversation about it (Star Wars: The Force Awakens). I dont want to say too much about the film as I have a lot of respect for J.J. Abrams. He continued: I want to see where theyre taking it next, see what theyre doing with it. But I gotta say I think that Georges six films, had more innovative visual imagination. And this film was more of a retrenchment to things you had seen before, and characters you had seen before. It took a few baby steps forward with new characters. But for me the jury is out, I want to see where they go with it. He also talked about Abrams and The Walt Disney Company not wanting him involved with the film: They werent that keen to have me involved anyway, but if I get in there, Im just going to cause trouble, because theyre not going to do what I want them to do. And I dont have the control to do that any more, and all I would do is muck everything up. And so I said, OK, I will go my way, and Ill let them go their way. Some of Camerons other legendary films include Aliens, Terminator 2 and Avatar. Bad boy (illustration) By: Wayne Morin A mother was banned from all future Ryanair flights after she allowed her little boy to spit on passengers, according to a spokesperson of the company in the United Kingdom. The mother, who was not identified, traveled from Barcelona, Spain to Liverpool, when her 2-year-old son was abusive to passengers. When the Ryanair passengers complained to the mother about her sonas behavior, she became aggressive and threatening. According to passengers on the flight, the child began to spit at other travelers in the departure lounge of the airport in Barcelona, and continued once aboard the plane. His 30-year-old mother and father, did not stop him. The couple also had with them two other children who behaved nicely. The family was escorted off the plane by police after landing at Liverpool John Lennon airport on Wednesday. Merseyside Police said that the woman was not arrested, but was warned about her behavior. Ryanair banned her from traveling with them again, saying that they will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behavior at any time, and the safety and comfort of customers, crew and aircraft is their number one priority. Cupcakes (illustration) By: Mahesh Sarin Police have killed a bear that crashed the birthday party of a little boy and ate all his cupcakes, according to police in Alaska. Juneau police said that Alicia Bishop and Glenn Merril, were hosting a birthday party for their young son Jackson, when the bear fell through a ceiling window. The bear stared at the boy for a few seconds. Merrill and his family then fled to another room and shut the door behind them. The bear then helped itself to all the lemon, blueberry and peanut butter cupcakes. Merrill then opened the door of the living room leading to backyard, and the couple shouted at the animal until it left the home. The couple called the police to file a report. Police located the bear and killed it because they believed it is a threat to humans. 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 Mani Ratnam's next with Karthik, which is touted to be a romantic entertainer will go on floors on July 15. By India Today Web Desk: As we all know, Karthik Sivakumar has signed his next project with ace-director Mani Ratnam. Now, reports suggest that the team will start the shoot of the yet-untilted film in the locales of Ooty on July 15. ALSO READ: Karthi goes gymming for his next film with Mani Ratnam ALSO READ: It's a wrap for Karthi's supernatural thriller advertisement It is worth mentioning that Mani Ratnam always starts his film shooting with a song sequence. And, the Nayagan director will continue to stick with his sentiments in this film too. Notably, Karthi was offered a role in Mani Ratnam's Aayutha Ezhuthu but the Paruthiveeran actor declined the offer to work as an assistant director in the same film. Meanwhile, Karthi is gearing up for his next release Kashmora, which is said to be a horror thriller. The film also stars Nayantara, Sri Divya and Manisha Yadav in pivotal roles with comedian Vivekh playing a crucial part. The unit has wrapped up the shoot recently. Also, it is rumoured that actor Suriya is all set to produce a film with his brother Karthi playing the lead role. This information was revealed by Karthi at a media interaction recently. --- ENDS --- Two freight trains collided head-on Tuesday morning, exploding into a ball of fire in Texas, killing three of the four rail workers involved. The fourth employee managed to jump moments before the derailment and was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The fireball of the two smashed trains burned well into the night, making it impossible for emergency workers to search for the other three. It wasnt until Wednesdayamid the wreckage of twisted metal and smoldering hot spots of the smashed locomotives, rail cars and shipping containers that was strewn about 400 yards from the collision sitethat the remains of two of the workers were found Wednesday. A third worker has not been found, but is presumed dead. Each train had a crew of two members, a conductor and a train engineer. The crash took place at approximately 8:30 a.m. in the northern part of the state, about five miles from the tiny town of Panhandle. Residents were temporarily forced to evacuate amid thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the wreckage that could be seen for miles. When they were allowed to return, they were told to limit water use because the water supply was being depleted by firefighters struggling to put out the flames. The diesel-fueled trains were carrying primarily consumer goods, such as paper products, clothing, television sets and computers. Shortly before the crash, one of the trains stopped in a yard about 30 miles away to refuel, which tragically only added to the degree of destruction. On Wednesday, investigators for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were on the scene and one of them, Richard Hipskind, speaking for the agency, said, The team will be examining mechanical, the equipment, track, signals, operations, human performance, data recorders, maintenance records, and witness reports. We will not be determining the probable cause of the accident while we are here on the scene, nor will we speculate about what may have caused this accident. Both trains are equipped with cameras and event recorders, which are similar to black boxes in commercial airlines. He also said, Our mission is to understand not just what happened, but why it happened, and to make recommendations or changes to prevent it from happening again. Both trains belong to BNSF, one of the largest freight railroads in the United States. A company spokesman, Joe Faust, said that it was unclear how fast the trains were traveling, but stated that it was less than the speed limit of 70 miles per hour. He also said, Our preliminary investigation and review of the accident clearly demonstrates this is the type of incident that PTC is intended to prevent. Positive Train Control (PTC) is designed to use GPS, wireless radio and computers to automatically slow or stop trains that are on the wrong track, or if they are going faster than the designated speed limit for safe operation. The lack of PTC technology was identified by the NTSB as the most fundamental cause of the derailment near Philadelphia last year, when an Amtrak train was traveling around a curve at more than twice the allowable speed, killing eight and injuring 159 people. Agency investigators concluded that if PTC had been installed and functioning properly on that part of the track, it would have slowed the train in enough time to prevent the accident. (See Lack of safety technology contributed to 2015 Amtrak crash in Philadelphia) In a released statement, BNSF stated: While sections of the track operated by the eastbound train involved in this accident have PTC installed and are being tested, the section of track where the incident occurred will be installed later this year. In other words, the companys delay in installing PTC is responsible for this disaster. While BNSF Railway, one of the largest freight railroad companies in North America with about 32,500 miles of track and a reported operating revenue of more than $21 billion in 2015, claims that it will install PTC by a 2018 federal deadline, at least three freight railway companies have said that they will need an extension until 2020. The NTSB has been arguing for Positive Train Control technology since 1969 and has estimated that since that time the technology could have prevented 145 rail accidents that killed 288 people and injured 6,574. Congress voted in 2008 for PTC to be implemented after a commuter train and a freight train collided in California, killing 25 people and injuring more than 100. The deadline for its installation was December 31, 2015. The rail companies maintained that they could not meet the deadline, and even threatened to shut down if Congress did not give them a delay in its implementation. Congress, supporting the criminal role of the companies in postponing implementation of this safety technology, gave them a three year extension. It is clear that the very slow pace of PTC installation by this company and others, and the continuing request for postponements granted by Congress, are allowing tragedies such as this one to continue, needlessly killing both employees and passengers. It is yet another example of how, under capitalism, there is always enough money for bank bailouts and war, but there is never enough to protect the lives of those who actually do the work and ride the rail systems. Read India will ensure that students from kindergarten to class 8 have free access to quality books on a range of subjects. By Indo-Asian News Service: Legendary athlete Milkha Singh has launched the Read India initiative which aims to set up libraries in about 700 government-run schools to benefit over 3.5 lakh underprivileged students. Backed by the S. Chand Group--one of the largest educational content providers in the country--each library will start with some 400 books provided by the publishing group. Read India will ensure students from kindergarten to class 8 have free access to quality books on a range of subjects -- from science and maths to general studies and general knowledge--that are normally not available in government schools. Also Read: Attention, bookworms: Penguin India introduces a book truck! advertisement Launching the initiative, the Flying Sikh lauded the publishers for focusing on underprivileged children and hoped it would help "ignite their minds". The initiative is estimated to cost Rs 4 crore and is supported by the Delhi chapter of Round Table India (RTI). It was launched at an RTI-supported school in north Delhi's Bhalaswa village. Also Read: Two book lovers are on a road trip across the country with a truck full of tales and an aim of much more than just promoting reading Himanshu Gupta, managing director of S. Chand Group, said his company "is committed to improving the lives of millions of underprivileged childrena by giving them quality education and developing better reading and learning habits thereby accelerating the growth in the education sector". --- ENDS --- Two more UK universities, Hull and Loughborough, have voted to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students (NUS). Student unions at these universities have joined those at Lincoln University and Newcastle University, who chose to leave the NUS in May. Ballots held at 11 other UK universities (Exeter, Surrey, Cambridge, Warwick, Worcester, Oxford, York, Bath Spa, Essex, Nottingham and Durham) on the question of whether to remain in the NUS, all narrowly returned a Yes vote. The campaigns to disaffiliate follow the election of Malia Bouattia to the position of NUS president at the unions April conference in Brighton, ousting incumbent president Megan Dunn by 372 votes to 328. Since her election, Bouattia has been attacked by politicians and the media as an anti-Semite, in reference to comments she had previously made on the subject of Zionism. The condemnations of the former Birmingham University student have largely been based on her description of her alma mater as something of a Zionist outpost and referring to Zionist-led media outlets. The media has also been quick to jump on the fact that Bouattia voted in 2014 against a motion condemning Islamic State (ISIS), using this incident to brand her as a terrorist sympathiser. Bouattia has strongly denied both allegations, recalling that her opposition to the ISIS motion was on purely terminological grounds. According to Bouattia, she criticised the motion for using language [that] appeared to condemn all Muslims, not just the terror group. Once it was worded correctly I proposed and wholly supported the motion. Similarly, she stressed her comments on Zionism were directed against support for the Israeli governments onslaught against Palestinian civilians, and not against the religion of Judaism. The allegations of anti-Semitism levelled against Bouattia have run parallel to similar attacks against Labour Party members, such as former London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Bradford West MP Naz Shah. In the interests of defending NATO and British imperialism, the ruling elite have sought to repress criticism of Israel, one of NATOs principal allies in the Middle East, and to conflate such criticisms with anti-Semitism. That these charges of anti-Semitism are far from the principal motivations behind the attacks on Bouattia has become increasingly apparent as the disaffiliation saga unfolds. Student groups at universities across the UK campaigning for a vote to leave the NUS have unashamedly made clear that the election of Bouattia was merely the pretext they had long been searching for to act on their hostility to the NUS. According to a report by the Jewish Chronicle Online, the leading figure in the disaffiliation campaign at Nottingham University, Blake Purchase, criticised the direction that the NUS has been taking for a long time, stating that opposition to the NUS had been growing amongst the student body since before Bouattias election. Purchase, who is general secretary of the universitys Conservative Association, denounced the NUS for focusing on things which arent relevant to students, like Israel or condemning ISIS. Students care about things like tuition fees, and theyve had enough of the NUS imposing things on them which they shouldnt be ... These condemnations of the NUS from the right are at the heart of the attacks on the union. Under the disaffiliation campaigns, even the vaguest and most empty criticism that the NUS makes of British imperialism is a step too far. Right-wing critics such as Mark Wallace, editor of the Conservative Home blog, characterise the union as a bastion of the loony left and denounce it for focussing on anything that is not related to specific issues for students on campus. The right-wing nature of the disaffiliation campaigns is plain to see from the heavy involvement of the Conservatives. Conservative Party student organisations have submitted or supported calls to leave the student union at universities such as Cambridge, Manchester, Birmingham and Kings College London, while the No to NUS campaign at Hull University was led by the president of Hull University Conservative Future Society, Dehenna Davison. Last year, Davison, who stood in both the 2016 local council elections and the 2015 General Election as a Conservative Party candidate, announced her engagement to Tory councillor John Fareham. Along with other leading individuals calling for disaffiliation, Davison has couched her arguments in terms of issues facing ethnic minority and LGBT+ groups, condemning the NUS for being detached from unique issues gay men experience, and celebrating the achievements of Hull University Students Union for implementing unisex toilets on their campus. These right-wing critics of the NUS have done their utmost to divert students attention away from the very real political threats that face them, and to instead direct political opposition into the dead-end channels of identity politics. The NUS itself, however, is hardly a stranger to the use of identity politics for these ends. Under its widely hated policies of Safe Spaces and No-Platforming, speakers who are deemed to have views that may be offensive to minorities or selected oppressed groups are denied the opportunity to speak. Speakers who have been refused a platform include feminist activist Germain Greer, who the NUS considers to be transphobic, and WikiLeaks whistleblower Julian Assange on the grounds that he is rape denier. Safe Spaces and No-Platforming have alienated many students from the NUS, as they rightly view these policies as a suppression of freedom of speech. This disillusionment with the union has been clear to see in the low turnout in the disaffiliation referendums so far. Referendum campaigns have barely been able to muster the votes of a 1,000 students, with turnouts ranging from a high of 30 percent to the more common 6 to 8 percent. The referendum at Bath Spa University, which returned a Remain vote, had the participation of only 388 students. The election of Bouattia has been celebrated as a turning point for the NUS by pseudo-left groups such as the Socialist Party (SP) affiliated Socialist Students, who have called for students to take part in the referendum campaigns to Say yes to a fighting NUS. Despite criticising its previous failure to offer a lead in organising resistance, Socialist Students insist that with the new left-wing leadership of Bouattia, students will be able to put pressure on the NUS to use its resources and authority to organise mass action to defend students. Socialist Worker, newspaper of the pseudo-left Socialist Workers Party (SWP), has joined in the adulation of Bouattia, labelling her an anti-racist and left wing activist. Bouattia, whose election is touted as a great victory for the left by the SP and SWPdue to the fact that she is the first black Muslim woman to occupy the presidencyis a prominent advocate of identity politics. She has played an active role in campaigns such as Why is my curriculum so white? and Black Lives Matter, which seek to portray race, gender and sexual orientation as the central issues underpinning global political life. Bouattias election, as well as that of Shelly Asquith, Shakira Martin and Sorana Vieru to vice-presidency, has been proclaimed by Socialist Worker as marking a shift towards turning the NUS into a campaigning organisation. In an article for the Guardian, Asquith also attempted to portray the NUS as being at the dawn of a new, more radical era, celebrating the proud campaigning history of the union, and declaring that [that] campaigning spirit is now back at the forefront of the NUS. The NUS, in an attempt to regain support from students angry over its constant refusal to fight education cuts and tuition fees, was forced to organise a demonstration in the autumn against the governments proposed hike in fees set out in the Queens Speech in May. This is the same NUS that has routinely collaborated with successive Labour and Conservative governments to impose higher student fees, cut maintenance grants to students and scale back, sabotage and wherever possible end student protests. No matter how left-wing the rhetoric of its incoming leaders, the function of the NUS as a political safety valve to contain students anger, and divert it back into dead-end channels, remains unchanged. As Labor Minister Myriam El Khomri's labor law returned yesterday to the National Assembly from the Senate to reconcile the versions passed by the two houses of the French parliament, the Socialist Party (PS) is desperate to impose the law in the face of mass popular opposition. Having already threatened to ban protests against the law under the state of emergency, the PS government of President Francois Hollande is working with the unions to wind down opposition. The changes to the bill made by the Senate, dominated by the right-wing The Republicans (LR), make it even more damaging to workers. The Senate cut out token programs for unemployed youth the PS put in the law, and reinstated limits on the penalties judges can impose on employers who carry out mass sackings that violate existing labor law. This measure, initially removed by the PS as a sop to the unions, will again allow employers to evade laws on mass sackings. Companies will calculate the fine they will face and include it as part of the costs of closing down operations. Above all, the Senate validated Article 2 of the law, which allows companies and unions to negotiate company-level contracts that violate industry-level agreements and also the national-level protections of the Labor Code. In an interview Wednesday with business daily Les Echos, Hollande pledged to impose the law, if necessary by imposing it without a vote under emergency powers in Article 49.3 of the constitution. The law will be voted and promulgated on schedule, he said. I hope a majority [in the National Assembly] can be found. If not, Article 49.3 will again be used. He added that Article 2 of the El Khomri law would be maintained in its current form. Nonetheless, the trade unions are signaling that they are prepared to wind down the protests and to limit opposition to the El Khomri law and various contracts that are being negotiated under the terms of the law, including in the rail and auto industries. Yesterday, Jean-Claude Mailly, the leader of the Workers Force (FO) trade union, indicated that his union, which has participated until now in protests against the El Khomri law, was preparing to pull out of them. He noted that the law still allows employers to dictate draconian terms to workers: What is negative, is that decisions on overtime, night work, and part time are still up to each company. He cited discussions with Prime Minister Manuel Valls making clear that, with the El Khomri law, the PS is consciously setting out to lower workers' living standards: Article 2 has become a fetish for them. The prime minister is completely fixated on this, so much so that I asked him whether he supports the cutting of workers' purchasing power. He did not reply. Nonetheless, when asked about FO's participation in the next set of protests against the law, set for July 5, Mailly said: We are not, for the moment, in a frame of mind to continue protests. The Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union, which is for now calling for continued protests, has for its part played a critical role in allowing the basic decree for the railway industry, which is linked to the El Khomri law, to pass. The decree was launched at the same time as the El Khomri law; its purpose is to facilitate the break-up of the French National Railways (SNCF) and the privatization of the industry, which is to start next year and to be completed by 2023. The decree allows for contracts to be negotiated on a plant-by-plant basis inside the SNCF. The CGT and Solidarity Unity Democracy (SUD), the union federation close to the petty bourgeois New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), together received 51 percent of SNCF workers' votes in the last union elections and were therefore in a position to block the adoption of the decree. Nevertheless, they did not do so. The CGT refused to sign, but did not vote against adoption of the decree, thus allowing it to pass. This gave SUD the luxury of voting against the rail decree, without risking a confrontation with the PS government or explicitly pro-PS unions like the French Democratic Labor Federation (CFDT). By allowing the decree to pass, the CGT is also cynically positioning itself to deal with the explosive situation that is set to emerge after the adoption of the PS' reforms. Because the CGT did not sign the agreement, it will now be excluded from future negotiations on site-by-site givebacks on the SNCF company-wide agreement. These talks will now be dominated by pro-PS unions like the CFDT, which all explicitly support the El Khomri law. This allows the CGT bureaucracy to play at Pontius Pilate, washing their hands at every new giveback, or even making a few token criticisms, while they in fact played a critical role in engineering this situation. These developments raise critical issues of political perspective and strategy for workers and youth seeking to oppose the agenda of austerity and social retrogression imposed by the PS, in line with governments across the European Union (EU). The EU is collapsing under the impact of the British vote to exit the EU, and mass protests in Belgium and Greece have highlighted mass opposition in the working class to the EU agenda of austerity and building up military and police-state powers. Nevertheless, this opposition in the working class cannot be mobilized without building a new revolutionary political leadership in the working class. The petty-bourgeois parties that for decades have passed for being the left of the PS in France, the Left Front and the NPA, have conclusively demonstrated their bankruptcy in the course of the struggle against the El Khomri law. Having called for a Hollande vote in 2012, helping the PS come to power, they effectively handed over control of opposition to the El Khomri law to the unions. The CGT, SUD and FO, who had mobilized no opposition to PS austerity measures prior to this year, organized substantial protests under conditions of explosive popular anger against the law, initially concentrated among the youth. However, they did not intend to organize a political struggle against the PS government, which they had also supported in the 2012 elections, or the broader crisis of European capitalism. Mailly and CGT General Secretary Philippe Martinez simply sought whatever concessions could be obtained from the PS. The PS was violently hostile to protests, however, sending hordes of riot police to attack them, and then finally threatening to ban them outrighta decision unprecedented since the Algerian war, more than 60 years ago. The state of emergency imposed in the aftermath of the November 12 attacks in Paris proved to be aimed squarely at the social rights of the working class. Now, when it is plainly evident that the PS will not negotiate any concessions, and that further opposition is leading to a direct confrontation with the state, Mailly and Martinez are moving to gradually bring the protest movement they organized to a close. There is still explosive opposition among workers. Media reports that take the demoralization of Mailly and Martinez as representative of the state of social opposition to the PS more broadly are a mixture of official pro-PS propaganda and wishful thinking on the part of journalists and politicians anxious to pass the law. However, the actions of the CGT and FO constitute a warning: opposition can only take the form of a politically independent struggle against the PS government and its petty bourgeois allies, outside of the official channels of social dialogue between the unions and the state. Socialist Equality Party election campaign team members spoke to workers and youth in several Australian cities this week, asking for their reaction to the referendum vote for Britain to leave the European Union (EU). All those interviewed saw the result as a major global event with vast economic and political implications and voiced hostility to the agenda being dictated by the financial markets and their agencies. Many expressed concern at the whipping up of nationalism and xenophobia, and drew parallels with the rise of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican Party presidential nominee, in the US elections. They spoke of the danger of war and the need to unify the struggles of the working class across national borders. At Southport on Queenslands Gold Coast, Anna, a public health worker, originally from New Zealand, said she was concerned by the Brexit vote. I think they are going to regret it, but not necessarily for the right reasons. This seems to have been a way of people trying to keep money in their own country. It was a way of encouraging racism and saying, no, we dont want to give jobs to anyone whos not like us, she said. Anna agreed that the whipping up of nationalism could lead toward war. You have people being displaced all the time, and they are being ostracised, she said. Working-class people voted to leave the EU, Anna continued, because poorer people are so disadvantaged that, given the opportunity to speak about anything, theyve jumped on it. The government has refused to do anything about the real issues that affect poorer people, like health, their incomes, their jobs, their long-term future. Anna noted the lie told by the Leave campaign that the money going to the EU would be allocated to the National Health Service. Now, the Leave people have already said thats not going to happen, because the money was never there to be allocated to that. Its like most of our elections here. Its about who has the money to have their say, and thats not fair. Anna thought the SEP was right to campaign for an active boycott of the Brexit referendum, and for the unity of the British, European and international working class. A boycott would have been the most sensible policy A lot of people thought that if they got a say, someone would listen to them, but they were wrong. Stephen, a worker from Auburn in western Sydney, said: The UK pulled out of the EU because it wanted to avoid being trapped by Europes debt. Greece and other countries in Europe are on the verge of bankruptcy, and an ordinary local person cannot withdraw their money from the bank. People in the UK dont want to be tied into these problems. Many of them really wanted to go back to the old days of an isolated UK, standing within its own borders. Asked if he thought this was viable, Stephen replied that it might solve things for Britain if it can keep its economy running, but this was doubtful in the long-term. Britain and the US are the worlds elite and theyre trying not to be overtaken by any other countries. They want to protect their own interests. The big problem for capitalism is the worlds debt, which amounts to trillions of dollars. The capitalist system is facing collapse. If that happens, it will be like a cyclone. Conflicts could happen between countries in the EU and within them. In the US and Europe the military would be used to overtake the cities and put down civil disturbances if there is widespread panic, the banks close and people cant buy anything, like in Greece. All these countries are building up their militaries, preparing for this. Stephen said: The banks here could easily collapse as well. They are all dependent on derivatives, and Great Britain has large investments here. The Liberal government is in debt and trying to save money by cutting off social welfare and attacking working people. None of the main political parties had any real solution, Stephen concluded. James, a psychology student at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), commented: I think that with Brexit, the more unity we have the better. I think with nationalism on the rise, it is not a good thing at all. We need to be united. We are all the same people. Nationalism promotes racism and the drive towards war, and that will be the end for us all. Im worried about the US too. It is worrying that people support Trump. Trump is like this generations Hitler. Both Trump and Hitler are bullies and they both have radical policies. I know Clinton is a warmonger but I guess the lesser evil than Trump. Bernie Sanders was a much better option. At the Brunswick shopping centre in Melbourne, Darius, a sound designer, commented: I dont think Britain leaving the EU is the answer, as it presents more problems for Britain, for Europe and financially, potentially, for the rest of the world. Who knows what the knock-on effect will be? Im really hoping it will not be the next global financial crisis. I think that those that voted to leave the EU were people thinking that they could give the Tories a kick by voting against Camerons wishes, which is absolutely idiotic. Boris Johnson was using it as a grab for power for himself. The situation is very complex. Whatever governments are in, they need to hold the corporations and banks to account, put people first. I dont think there will be war, but with a divided Europe there is more chance of the old crap coming up. It is a concern. Also at Brunswick, a Tamil worker, who did not want to be identified, said: There needs to be a world without borders, if you look at it from a global perspective. We have enough money to support everything. With the Brexit vote, both sides, Leave and Remain, utilised racial issuesbut the world has been integrated anyway. I lived in the UK for seven years. The working class has been screwed for a long time. We pay everything and get nothing. We are all struggling. Governments are looking after the people who have got money. What can we do? You are doing something. How can I make a difference? I feel my opportunity to change anything has gone, but Im worried for the future of the kids and the grandkids. Hanuman, an engineering student at RMIT, said he had not followed the Brexit campaign until after the vote. I only heard about the exit from the European Union after the vote had already happened, then I regretted it, he said. It seems pretty important. Hanuman had paid more attention to the US election. In the US they are only given a choice between two people, and neither of them seems too appealing. Trump is joke. Like the building of the wall is ridiculous. He is a danger to the population, especially people that are working class, or people that are not US citizens as well. I dont know a lot about Clinton, but I know shes heavily influenced by Wall Street. Chris, a University of Newcastle student, said Brexit was taking place for the wrong reasons, on the basis of cutting your borders off to protect your backyard. He explained: I see a lot of xenophobia in that, but their jobs arent being taken from migrants. The people coming in are being lied to as well. Chris foresaw a lot of instability in the coming period. He commented: What there will be is an increase in the level of racism and xenophobia Certain sections of the EU are calling that they leave quickly. Chris added: It is very scary, like, whats going to happen in the next 10 years? Look at what happened in the 30s and 40s in Europe. Michael, a student teacher at Newcastle, said the British exit is very reactionary. He added: One of the more interesting comments that I have heard is that England will once again be free to do globally and economically what they want... England wants to take control and start dominating places again. Michael said there was a nationalistic mood, so its a bit predictable that fascist forces are beginning to gain momentum. He added: The West is using Muslims as a scapegoat. They have been leapt on by the financial elite as a third party to blame. Its exactly what happened to the Jews. Workers conditions are being hit a lot, but the ruling elites are making more and more money. The breaking down of the European Union is itself a major issue. They could be looking towards war again, particularly with Russia. 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. The death toll in the June 28 terrorist attack against Istanbuls Ataturk international airport rose to 43 Thursday with the death of a critically wounded three-year-old Palestinian boy. The childs mother was among those killed in the attack, which wounded 239 others. The worldwide horror over the triple suicide bombing in one of the worlds busiest airports has been mixed with growing anger among the people of Turkey, who blame not only the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the apparent author of the terrorist act, but also this groups principal patron and facilitator, the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The New York Times Thursday published an article titled Ending Free Rein for ISIS, Turkey Learns Its Wrath, that was strikingly blunt in its admission of the role played by the Turkish government. From the start of the Islamic States rise through the chaos of the Syrian war, Turkey has played a central, if complicated, role in the groups story. For years, it served as a rear base, transit hub and shopping bazaar for the Islamic State ... The groups long honeymoon with Turkey started with the countrys aid to rebel groups that were fighting the government of Bashar al-Assad of Syria, often with the blessing of Western intelligence agencies ... Because so many of the groups foreign fighters passed through Istanbuls Ataturk Airport, the destination itself became synonymous with intent to join ISIS. These so-called foreign fighters, the article acknowledges, enjoyed free movement into Turkey and on to Syria, as well as back again through Turkey and into Europe, where they have been responsible for similar terrorist atrocities. In other words, Washingtons NATO ally and key regional partner has been principally responsible for sustaining the terrorist organization that is ostensibly the target of US imperialisms renewed war in the Middle East. With the reference to the blessing of Western intelligence agencies, the Times delicately skirts the reality that the US Central Intelligence Agency collaborated directly with the Erdogan government in funneling both foreign fighters and hundreds of tons of weapons into the bloodbath in Syria to further the shared objective of regime-change: the ousting of Assad and the imposition of a more pliant Western puppet. The main beneficiaries of the operations carried out by US intelligence have been ISIS and Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate, the Al Nusra Front. The main victims have been the hundreds of thousands killed and millions turned into refugees in Iraq and Syria, along with those killed and maimed in the growing number of terrorist attacks from Paris to Brussels and now Istanbul. Friction between the US and Turkey has emerged over Washingtons attempt to utilize Kurdish separatist forces in both Syria and Iraq as proxy troops in an effort to curb ISISs advance, even as Turkey is waging a civil war against its own Kurdish minority and fears the creation of Kurdish enclaves on its border. While launching limited strikes against ISIS positions in Syria, Turkey has turned its overwhelming firepower against Kurdish positions in both Iraq and Syria. The Times article suggests that the attack at Ataturk airport may be the response of ISIS to the limited Turkish attacks on its forces in Syria as well as a spate of prosecutions of ISIS members in connection with previous terrorist attacks. The degree to which the organization still operates with relative impunity inside Turkey, however, was made clear in the immediate aftermath of the bombing, when Turkish security forces launched a series of raids hitting 16 separate addresses in Istanbul as well as other locations in the Aegean coastal city of Izmir. The whereabouts of ISIS operatives was no secret to the Turkish state. Details that have emerged about those who carried out the attack, however, point to another possible motive. The three suicide bombers are now said by Turkish authorities to have been from the Russian republic of Dagestan and the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. It has further been reported that the organizer of the attack was one Akmed Chatayev, an Islamist veteran of the Chechen wars, who was granted asylum in Austria and then found refuge in Georgia, where he established ties to the security services of the US-backed government. He has reportedly been active in recruiting and training anti-Russian Chechen fighters from Georgias Pankisi Gorge region and sending them to fight in Syria. Virulently anti-Russian fighters from the same region have played an increasingly prominent role in both the leadership and the ranks of ISIS in Syria. Tarkhan Batirashvili, a former Georgian army sergeant who was described as a star pupil of US special forces trainers and then fought in the 2008 war against Russia, became a top ISIS commander. Given the background of those who planned and staged the Istanbul airport bombings, it can hardly be taken as mere coincidence that the attack was executed in the immediate wake of the Erdogan governments issuance of an apology for last Novembers shootdown of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 jet as it was carrying out bombing runs against Turkish-backed and Al Qaeda-linked forces on the Syrian-Turkish border. The incident raised the specter of the war for regime-change in Syria turning into an armed clash between NATO and Russia with the potential of escalating into a nuclear war. The apology is part of Ankaras attempt at rapprochement with Russia aimed at removing sanctions that have hit Turkeys tourism, agricultural, construction and trade sectors. For the anti-Russian forces fighting in Syria, who have likewise been deployed in support of the US-backed regime in Ukraine, the turn to Moscow may well have been taken as a betrayal of previous understandings and commitments, with violent retribution against their erstwhile patron the response. This is a familiar pattern, seen in the evolution of Al Qaeda, which was nurtured by the CIA and then abandoned after Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan. The end result was September 11, 2001 and the deaths of 3,000 Americans. US imperialism and its allies have created a multi-headed Frankensteins monster in Syria. In addition to the fighters from Russia and the former Soviet republics, who are believed to number roughly 10,000, several thousand ethnic Uighur Islamist militants have been brought into the country from the Xinjiang region of northwestern China via Turkey. Their presence has been credited with much of the advances made by Al Nusra, the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, in northwestern Idlib province. These forces have been brought into Syria not only for use as cannon fodder in the Western-backed war for regime-change, but also to be bloodied in combat in preparation for far more dangerous and potentially world-catastrophic wars against both Russia and China. The slaughter at the Istanbul airport, like the Paris attacks of last November and the bombings in Brussels in March, serves as a warning of the immense dangers posed by these imperialist conspiracies to working people all over the planet. Rodrigo Duterte, the fascistic former mayor from the southern Philippines, took the oath of office as the 16th president of the country June 30. He was elected in early May with a plurality of just 38 percent of the overall vote. He ran on a platform of law and order, vowing to violently suppress alleged criminals, mobilizing both the police and vigilante groups. Duterte takes office under conditions of mounting economic and political crisis on a global scale. Widening social inequality and the growing danger of world war have destabilized bourgeois rule and are also fueling the reemergence of the working class as an active revolutionary force. A report by the World Bank on the Philippine Labor Market published last week revealed that the rate of exploitation of labor increased sharply over the past decade, with a high-rate of growth in labor productivity and stagnant real wages. The majority of workers are informally employed and paid poverty-level wages. Washingtons war drive against China in the South China Sea, as it seeks to buttress the declining US global economic position by military means, has had a profoundly destabilizing influence on Philippine politics. The outgoing Aquino administration served over the past six years as a spearhead for Washingtons pivot to Asia, aggressively denouncing Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea and establishing a new basing deal for US forces in the country. The sharply increased tensions with China undermined trade ties between Manila and Beijing and saw a curtailment in direct Chinese investment in Philippine infrastructure. Dutertes presidency represents a move by the Philippine ruling class to resolve the political crises in the country through dictatorial forms of rule, based on sections of the petty bourgeoisie who have been mobilized behind his right-wing populist platform. He aims to create a climate for increased business investment, particularly of foreign capital, through the suppression of the working class. Duterte carried only a plurality of the vote. His party, PDP-Laban, has only three members in the 290-seat House of Representatives, and one representative in 24-seat Senate. Were there any significant opposition to his policies in the Philippine ruling class, he would be easily political isolated and opposed. However, the various rival political parties have all lined up to pledge nearly unanimous support for the incoming president. He controls a super-majority of the legislature, with over 200 congressmen forming a bloc in support of Duterte, and a similar super-majority in the Senate. The remaining politicians who are not in the super-majority have not organized themselves into a coherent minority. Among the first items that Duterte has requested of the incoming legislature is the restoration of the death penalty by public hanging, a practice implemented by the American colonial occupation. Representatives in both houses have already drawn up bills to this effect. Duterte delivered his inaugural speech in English before a small audience of politicians, diplomats and guests in the presidential palace of Malacanang. Directly addressing any opposition to his law and order drive, he stated: I know that there are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, the sale and use of illegal drugs and corruption. They say that my methods are unorthodox and verge on the illegal. He responded by telling Congress and the Commission on Human Rights to mind their own business: You mind your work and I will mind mine. He said his drive against criminality will be relentless and it will be sustained. Duterte is looking to secure Chinese investment in the countrys infrastructure without earning the ire of Washington. He met on several occasions over the past month with Chinese diplomats to negotiate the possible terms for Beijings funding of a major railway line to facilitate the use of an international airport terminal outside of Metro Manila. In his inaugural address, he attempted to assuage American concerns by stating that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations, indicating his intent to go ahead with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) basing deal with the US concluded by the outgoing administration. A key factor in deciding the Duterte governments relationship with both Washington and Beijing will be its response to the scheduled July 12 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on Manilas case against Chinese claims over disputed portions of the South China Sea. Duterte held his first cabinet meeting on the afternoon of his inauguration. Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, in a portion of the meeting inadvertently broadcast on national television, said: During our meetings with foreign government representatives here, especially those who are concerned with ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, they seem to project the impression that when the decision will come out on July 12 they would like for us to make stronger statements. I am adverse to that idea and I have told them in no unmistakable terms. Yasay declared the decision would need study and there would be plenty of nuance to be analyzed. He further stated that US involvement in the South China Sea was in pursuit of its own national interests, which is both economic and military. Dutertes attempts to balance between Washingtons war drive and economic ties with Beijing have contributed to the inconsistent and confused character of his political declarations. The one unwavering aspect of his political platform is his preparation to violently suppress the working class. The Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its front organization have played a vital role in securing support for Duterte among layers of the working class and peasantry. The CPP leadership has opened peace talks with Duterte, oriented to the formation of a coalition government. Three representatives of the CPPs front organizations have taken cabinet-level positions in his administration. BAYAN, the CPPs umbrella front organization, has issued repeated statements in support of Duterte. On June 29, it convened a National Peoples Summit to prepare a Peoples 100 Day Agenda for the government. The Filipino people are elated over Dutertes nationalist and pro-people policy pronouncements, it stated. In the evening of June 29, BAYAN had thousands of people bussed to Manila from throughout the surrounding provinces. They staged a march to the presidential palace on June 30 to coincide with Dutertes inaugural address. They called on him to fulfill his promises to the people, which they greeted with high hopes. The police escorted and assisted the marchers. Following his inaugural address, Duterte sent members of the Presidential Security Group to escort the leaders of BAYAN and other front organizations of the CPP into the presidential palace. He met with them for over 40 minutes, and they presented him with a copy of the peoples agenda. At the end of the meeting, Duterte posed for photographs with the leaders, raising his hand with them in a clenched fist salute. Joma Sison, founder and head of the CPP, sent greetings to a gathering celebrating Dutertes installation. He celebrated with them Dutertes election and hailed the peace talks between the CPP and the government as leading toward an independent, democratic, developed, prosperous and peaceful Philippines. He concluded his speech by saying: Long live President Rodrigo Duterte! As the Duterte government begins to implement its political agenda, the CPP and its front organizations are positioning themselves to be at the front lines in carrying out the suppression of the working class. Over the past two weeks, the Australian election has been increasingly marked by the whipping up of anti-refugee sentiment by the Liberal-National Coalition and the Labor Party opposition. Both parties have resorted to demonising asylum seekers, among the worlds most vulnerable people, in response to worsening economic conditions and mounting public disaffection with the entire political establishment. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton last week called separate media conferences so that each could boast of repelling 28 refugee boats over the past three years, with the latest 21 asylum seekers forcibly dumped back in Vietnam. Even as the UN reported there were now more than 60 million refugees around the world, mostly fleeing US-led wars in the Middle East, Turnbull and Dutton declared that Australias denial of entry to all asylum seekers must continue. The government is drumming up nationalism and thinly-veiled racism to try to divert growing discontent over job losses, falling wages, declining working conditions and the austerity offensive against health care, education and other essential social services. In an interview with Sky News last month, Dutton asserted that refugees fleeing to Australia wont be numerate or literate in their own language, let alone English. Dutton simultaneously accused refugees of threatening Australian jobs or being a welfare burden. These people would be taking Australian jobs, theres no question about that, he declared. They would also be unemployed, they would languish in unemployment queues and on Medicare, and the rest of it. So there would be a huge cost. Labor leader Bill Shorten called Duttons comments offensive and deeply divisive, yet immediately reaffirmed his commitment to same border protection regime of militarily turning back boats. At a recent press conference, Shorten boasted: I had the courage to take this issue to my Labor party in the July national conference last year. I led my party and I said we will turn back boats. The reality is the anti-refugee policy and rhetoric did not start with the Coalition. It originated with the Labor Party. In 1992, under the guise of protecting the Australian community amid rising unemployment, the Keating Labor government introduced the mandatory detention of all refugeesmen, women and childrenarriving by boat. From 2001, under the Howard Coalition government, this model was extended, with bipartisan support from the Labor Party. The so-called Pacific Solution resulted in the incarceration of refugees on Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island in facilities that health professionals have likened to concentration camps. In 2012, the Gillard Labor government went further. First, it reopened these camps, and decreed that detainees would remain there indefinitely, until and unless another country agreed to take them, or they returned to the country they fled. Second, it began deporting Sri Lankan refugees back to Colombo, in flagrant breach of international law, which bans refoulement of asylum seekers to face persecution. Some were subjected to torture, violence and imprisonment. This practice is still going on. The most recent asylum seekers were deported to Sri Lanka in May. Under conditions of widening wars, deepening economic crisis and mounting social antagonisms, countries across Europe are now adopting the Australian model, and inciting anti-refugee hysteria to justify continued attacks on the democratic rights and social conditions of workers. As a result, thousands of asylum seekers have died on the Mediterranean Sea or confront blocked borders and armed troops within Europe. For this election, the Australian Greens are claiming to represent a more compassionate approach. Yet they are crucially responsible for the outrages committed by the last Labor government, which the Greens kept in office from 2010 to 2013. They supplied the parliamentary numbers for the minority government to survive as it locked up people on Nauru and Manus Island. The Greens have made clear their desire to join a coalition government after July 2, with either Labor or the Coalition. The Greens advocate increasing the annual refugee intake to 50,000, selected from overseas camps. Apart from being a drop in the ocean compared to the global refugee crisis, this quota would also have to be enforced by military force and imprisonment, to bar access to any other asylum seekers. Thus, the Greens policy remains fully supportive of the entire border protection framework of the capitalist nation-state system. Moreover, 10,000 of the 50,000 allowed in each year would be chosen as skilled refugeesi.e., those whose labour power can be most readily exploited by Australian employers. The Greens also support foisting refugees onto neighbouring Asian countries, like Indonesia, which are among the poorest and most heavily-populated states in the world. The Greens propose the construction of offshore processing centres, run by the United Nations, like those that operated in Indonesia from 1979 to 1996. During that period, some 170,000 refugees suffered prolonged detention, with as many as 15,000 living in squalor at any one time. Despite their record, Labor and the Greens are promoted as progressive alternatives by various pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alliance, Socialist Alternative and Solidarity. This is part of their efforts to channel the genuine revulsion and hostility of many working class and young people back behind the election of yet another Labor or Labor-Green government, which will serve the interests of the Australian corporate elite. The truth is that regressive asylum seeker policies cannot be answered by issuing appeals for politicians to show compassion. These policies flow inexorably from the nation-state system in which the private profit system is embedded. While the capitalist class forcibly locks out asylum seekers, or grants limited entry to handpicked migrants or guest workers, depending on its profit requirements, the wealthy elites and their investments are free to roam the world, pitting one section of workers against the other to drive down wages and conditions. Amid mounting geo-strategic tensions in Asia and around the world, the deliberate stirring up of anti-immigrant xenophobia is part of the ideological preparations for war. At the same time, the stripping of core democratic rights from refugees, such as no detention without charge or trial, sets a precedent for wider use in the working class to suppress unrest and resistance to the program of austerity and militarism. That is why workers and youth must defend the basic rights of asylum seekers as an essential part of the necessary struggle to unify the working class internationally in the common struggle to overturn the capitalist system itself. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) election statement explains: We demand the abolition of Australias illegal border protection regime, which denies refugees their fundamental right to claim asylum. All people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion or income, must have the right to live and work wherever in the world they choose, with full citizenship rights. In this election, the SEP is the only party opposing all forms of nationalism, and fighting to unite workers and youth in Australia with their counterparts across Asia, the Middle East and internationally against the drive to war, austerity and assault on fundamental democratic rights. 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. Last weeks vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has sharply intensified national antagonisms in Europe. The withdrawal of the second-largest economy from the 28-member EU would dramatically increase the economic weight of Germany inside the union. Following Britains withdrawal, Germanys share of EU gross domestic product would rise from just over a fifth to almost one quarter. These statistics only partially reflect German predominance. Particularly since the 2008 financial crisis, Germany has sought political and economic supremacy in Europe. Both the austerity diktats imposed on Greece, Portugal and Spain, as well as the plans to extend the EU into a political and military world power, have been pushed most aggressively by Berlin. The strategy paper presented by the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini at Wednesdays EU Summit, which calls for the transformation of the EU into a military power, was elaborated in close agreement with the German defence ministry. And the book Power in the Middle by Berlin political scientist Herfried Munkler, which calls for Germany to assume the role of a hegemon and task master in Europe, has met with widespread approval by the German establishment parties and media. Germanys reaction to the Brexit vote takes place in context of its drive for hegemony in Europe. Before the vote, there had been little support in the German elites for a British exit. They feared a victory for the Leave camp would strengthen forces throughout Europe that oppose Germanys hegemonic aspirations from a right-wing nationalist standpoint. And they regarded Britain as an important economic partner and reliable ally when it came to imposing strict budgetary discipline and neo-liberal economic policies in Brussels. However, following the referendum, the German position changed abruptly. Now, Berlin is pushing for the quickest possible exit, rejecting any concessions to London and all speculation that the result could be reversed. There are several reasons for this. One is the fear that long drawn-out exit negotiations and concessions to Britain could strengthen centrifugal forces in the EU. For example, news weekly Der Spiegel, which had previously argued strongly against a Brexit, warned that the British example could be copied if the EU acted too leniently towards London. Above all, Berlin seized on the prospect of a British exit as an opportunity to press ahead with policies that the UK had opposed. This is especially the case for the development of a foreign and military policy independent of the US. The British government has consistently opposed German efforts to counter US foreign policyas in the 2003 Iraq waror to create a European army in parallel with NATO. The result of the Brexit referendum had hardly been announced when German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier invited representatives of the six EU founding nations to Berlin to discuss further proceedings. Chancellor Angela Merkel met with President Francois Hollande to strengthen the Franco-German axis. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who faces nationalist pressure from the Five Star Movement and the Northern League, was also invited to the meeting in an effort to prevent Italy from drifting away. The three government heads agreed to a series of measures to keep the EU together. The first order of business was domestic and foreign security, i.e., the arming of the state apparatus against domestic unrest and of the military for new war missions. What they meant by these terms can be seen in the joint paper, entitled A strong Europe in an uncertain world, in which the foreign ministers of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Jean-Marc Ayrault, summarise their conclusions from the Brexit referendum. The paper defines the European Union as a security union, which strives for a common security and defence policy, and praises Germany and France for campaigning for a Europe that acts with unity and self-awareness on an international level. According to the paper, the EU should be developed step by step into an independent and global actor. As regions in which Europe intervenes politically and militarily, Steinmeier and Ayrault name Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, among others. Centralised EU institutions should be created in order to more effectively plan and implement civilian and military operations. The meeting in Berlin unleashed panic in Eastern Europe. In Prague, a parallel meeting of the Visegrad states (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary) took place. The Polish foreign minister invited representatives of ten EU membersincluding Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Spain and Britainto Warsaw. Above all, the Polish government vehemently rejects the Steinmeier-Ayrault paper. Instead of a stronger Europe, it proposes a redrafting of the EU treaties to devolve power to the national states. The ultra-nationalist Polish government feels threatened both by Berlin and Russia, and regards the US-dominated NATO as the guarantor of Polish independence. On Thursday, the pro-government newspaper Gazeta Polska appeared with the headline, Will there be a Fourth Reich? together with a Swastika on the front page. The article accuses Germany and France of a pro-Russian orientation, and declares, The political monsters have not died with Nazism and communismthe totalitarian vision of super states returns right before our eyes. On the inside pages, a long article warns against a Europe ruled from Berlin. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto attacked Brussels immigration policy and declared, Europeans want to decide for themselves about their lives and their futures, and do not want to accept that decisions regarding the future of Europe are made by bureaucrats somewhere in Brussels in private and behind closed doors. In France, too, voices opposing German supremacy in Europe are being raised, and not just from the extreme right-wing National Front, whose leader Marine Le Pen is demanding Frances exit from the EU, but from the ranks of the conservative Republicans and pseudo-left. For example, Henri Guaino, a close confidante of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, told the daily Le Figaro, If the response to Brexit is an even more German Europe, then we are driving into a brick wall. Sarkozy himself and former premier Francois Fillon, a possible candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, advocate a Europe of the nations a weakening of the EU in favour of the national states. Former Economics Minister Arnaud Montebourg, who is regarded as a left in the Socialist Party, and the leader of the French Left Party, Jean-Luc Melenchon, are also sounding increasingly nationalist and anti-German tones. The European consequences of a Brexit are only beginning to emerge. On the one hand, there is the drive by Germany to unite Europe under its hegemony, which will be accompanied with violent attacks on working people, increased state repression and militarism. On the other, there is a poisonous nationalism in both a far-right and pseudo-left form, which divides the working class and bolsters xenophobia. For the European working class neither the one nor the other offer a way forward. Once again, it becomes clear that Europe cannot be united on a capitalist basis. Only a movement by the working class, unified on the program of the United Socialist States of Europe, can prevent the continent descending once again into the horrors of the twentieth century: world war and fascism. The Socialist Equality Party urges workers, young people and retirees to vote 1 for our candidates in the Senate in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and in the lower house electorates of Blaxland and Grayndler in Sydney, and Wills in Melbourne. A vote for the SEP is a vote for the only party that fights to end the source of social inequality, exploitation and warthe capitalist profit system. It is a vote for the building of a mass political movement that unifies workers and young people in Australia with their counterparts around the world, in the common struggle for workers governments that will implement far-reaching socialist policies in the interests of the international working class. The outcome of the election is uncertain due to the alienation of millions of people from the two-party system dominated by Labor and the Coalition. Such is the degree of anger that nothing can be ruled out, including a hung parliament in which neither party holds a majority. The dysfunction of the official political system in Australia mirrors international developments. Immense instability is engulfing the United Kingdom and the European Union following the June 23 Brexit referendum. Brexit has reinforced what many people already sense: the world is in the grip of a historic crisis that demands an international perspective to resolve. Nationalism and a social order that only benefits a handful of the populationwith just 62 billionaires owning more wealth than 3.5 billion peopleoffers the majority of humanity no future. Capitalism, and the nation-state system in which it is rooted, has broken down due to its inherent contradictions. The European Union, a mechanism established to try to contain the national antagonisms that led to two world wars, is collapsing. Endless US-led wars ravage the Middle East and have spread into Africa. The greatest refugee crisis exists since World War II, with over 65 million people now displaced. Tensions are escalating as a result of the provocative actions by US imperialism and its allies, including Australia, against nuclear-armed China and Russia. Behind the growth of geopolitical conflicts lies the worsening state of world economy, which remains mired in slump nearly eight years after the 2008 financial crisis and is now descending into depression-like conditions. The subordination of the worlds productive forces to the accumulation of profit by a tiny minority of capitalist oligarchs has led to a social disaster and staggering inequality. The working class of every country faces mass unemployment, plummeting living standards and unprecedented social problems. The real state of world economy and world politics has barely been spoken about by the pro-capitalist parties contesting the election: from the Liberal-National Coalition, Labor and the Greens, through to the various right-wing and anti-immigrant formations and single-issue protest parties. They do not discuss the situation that faces the population because they have no progressive solutions. What is clear, however, is that the next government, whatever combination of parties forms it, will impose a reactionary agenda of militarism and austerity on the working class. Under Labor and Coalition governments, Australia has given unconditional support to the US pivot to Asia, which consists of a systematic military build-up in the region to prepare for a confrontation and war with China. During the election, both major parties gave commitments to escalate Australian involvement in US provocations against China, particularly over Beijings territorial claims in the South China Sea. The mass media and every other party, including the Greens and the misnamed Socialist Alliance, have maintained a conspiracy of silence on the rapidly rising tensions in Asia. The entire official establishment is well aware that a broad debate on the danger of war would generate mass anti-war sentiment and opposition to the US-Australia alliance. On the economic front, the international credit agencies and financial conglomerates are insisting the next government must make massive cutbacks to social spending to reduce the budget deficit. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition, while denying they will slash social spending, have repeatedly assured the financial markets they will impose policies that force Australia to live within our meansa euphemism for savage austerity. For all Labors cynical rhetoric about defending health and education, Bill Shorten and Labor shadow treasurer Chris Bowen have publicly committed to over $40 billion in austerity cuts over the next four years. Behind-the-scenes, Labor will have given the financiers the same guarantees as the Coalition. Labor and the Greens are not a lesser evil to the Coalition parties, as the trade unions and fake left formations like Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative claim. The policies of a Labor government, or a Labor-Green coalition, will be dictated by the banks and big business and by their commitment to the US alliance. The various nationalist parties, such as those of Nick Xenophon, Jacqui Lambie and Glen Lazarus, are not an alternative for the working class. Along with sections of the trade union movement, they are promoting xenophobia and trying to blame the social crisis on immigrants and refugees, or on unfair economic competition from other countries. Their policies, which hark back to the dog-eat-dog nationalism, militarism and fascism of the 1930s, lead in only one direction: trade war and war. The working class is an international class. Workers face the same fundamental problems in every country, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or gender. The Socialist Equality Party is the only party that fights for the socialist reorganisation of society in Australia and internationally to end war and meet the social rights of the working classto full-time, well-paying employment; free public health and education at all levels; a dignified retirement; and high-quality and affordable housing. We reject the capitalists demands that workers and young people pay for their crisis. We advocate socialist policies. A vote for the SEP is a vote for the expropriation of the banks and major corporations, placing them in public ownership and under democratic control by a workers government. It is a vote for a radical redistribution of wealth to finance a massive program of public works to provide jobs, develop much-needed social infrastructure and transition to the clean energy economy necessary to avert the danger of catastrophic climate change. On July 2, vote 1 for the Socialist Equality Party, the Australian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI). If you agree with our perspective, then take the next step and apply to join our party and build the ICFI as the new leadership of the international working class. Click here to download the Socialist Equality Party How-To-Vote cards for the Senate in NSW, Queensland and Victoria and for the seats of Blaxland, Grayndler and Wills. 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. By PTI: Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI) IT solutions firm Mphasis today announced Mphasis Chair for Digital Accessibility and Inclusion, in partnership with IIM Bangalore, in an attempt to help the disabled overcome digital barriers. Under the initiative, the Mphasis Chair will focus on building technology to help Persons with Disabilities (PwD) to overcome digital accessibility barriers, the company said. It will also promote research around disability, advocate solutions and publish global best practices for such people with a large focus on digital accessibility, Mphasis said in a release here. The Mphasis chair will also conduct studies and publication of industry trends and best practices with regard to digital inclusion, career success and related areas. According to the recent World Report on Disability published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, 15 per cent of the worlds population has disability, which is approximately 1 in 7 people. "World of digital offers us with a tremendous opportunity for inclusion of PwD. This partnership with IIMB is a big milestone for us to collectively make a difference," said Ganesh Ayyar, CEO & Executive Director, Mphasis. "I welcome all enterprises to join hands in making digital accessibility an important milestone in their journey of CSR." The MoU was exchanged between Ayyar and Professor R Srinivasan, Director In-charge, IIM Bangalore. PTI RA APR ARD --- ENDS --- advertisement TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Florida A&M University students can now finally rest assured that they will not have to pay for StarMetro routes come July 1. In a press conference that was streamed live on Facebook Thursday, FAMU Police Department Chief Terence Calloway assured students that FAMU will not nixing the entirety of the contract with StarMetro. Instead, FAMU has chosen to cancel the part regarding the Venom Express and renew the part that allows students to ride StarMetro routes toll-free for another 2 years. Chief Calloway said that the reason FAMU opted to cancel the contract was because the city had asked the university to buy and replace the two older buses they already had for over $1 million. But, according to Chief Calloway, FAMU has planned to implement two new on-campus routes. "When we [FAMU] looked at finding a more efficient, effective way to serve our students, faculty and staff, we looked at buying our own two shuttles," said Chief Calloway. These twenty-five passenger shuttle buses will replace the Venom Express. In addition with incorporating more "student-friendly" routes, the shuttles will run seven days a week, whereas the Venom Express only runs during the weekdays. The shuttles are going to run from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Every fifteen minutes, the shuttles will pass through the campus along the new "orange and green" routes that will circle the interior and perimeter of the campus according to Chief Calloway. As far as riding StarMetro routes, nothing has changed and students will still be able to use their student IDs to ride. The live-stream received many comments from students, some of which expressed concern about the effectiveness of the shuttles on campus. "As someone that also works on campus, I have seen firsthand that some of the "improvements" that are being made are not really delivering the intended, nevermind desired, results, and I'm under the impression that the shuttle system may end up following suite in that regard as well. Hopefully, things will work out great and the transportation system for FAMU will get even better," said Kopper Boyd, a senior at FAMU. Though FAMU has finally dispelled circulating rumors, Chief Calloway acknowledged current student concerns. "We just ask the students to bear with us... We want to assure students that we have secured a 2-year contract for them to ride the buses free of charge like they've always done and we have a more efficient, effective way of getting our students around campus with our two new shuttle buses," said Chief Calloway. FAMU students can expect the Venom Express to discontinue running when the fall semester starts on Aug. 22. The full press conference can be found here. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- A new hotel is coming to the All Saints District, but local business owners are worried about its impact to the neighborhood. A six-floor Hampton Inn & Suites will be built on Railroad Street by Gaines Street. Gary Yost owns Yosties Chili Parlor across the street. He says he welcomes the hotel as part of the area's development, but he's concerned about the changing identity of All Saints. He says he set up shop in the neighborhood because of its local, eclectic business environment. However, with the addition of the new hotel and a proposed Publix supermarket, he says the uniqueness of All Saints is being compromised. "It would be nice if the city planners or whoever would gather all the businesspeople that's been here for decades and get their opinion about traffic patterns and the amount of congestion for the construction, the amount of business that businesses lost when they redid Gaines street, for example," Yost said, "but it's like a developer comes in. 'We want to do this.' They say, 'Okay.' And then you're already fighting a losing battle." The hotel's development is expected to start this fall and be completed by 2018. UPDATE 6:54 A.M.-- According to the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Patricia Henderson has been found unharmed. --- Suwannee County, FL (WTXL) -- The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office is searching for missing Live Oak woman, Patricia Henderson. According to deputies, the 81-year old was last seen in the 1800 block of NW 159th Path in Live Oak, Florida wearing sunglasses, blue jeans, and a multi-colored flowered shirt with her hair in a bun. Officials say she may be traveling in a 2014 maroon Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup with the Florida tag 066QVP. Henderson is described as 5 feet tall, 167 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. SCSO is asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to call FDLE or the sheriff's office at (386) 362-2222. "The WTXL Road Trip" series continues, last week in Jefferson County and now packing up and heading to Wakulla County. WAKULLA Co., FL (WTXL) - Wakulla Springs is a summer time staple. It's a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike and is famous for its wildlife wonder. "A Florida famous figure created this lodge and opened it to the public in 1937. Its been apart of the fabric of Wakulla county since that time. So its really central to the culture and lifestyle in Wakulla County," said Wakulla Springs Park Manager, Peter Scalco. That famous figure was none other than finance mogul Edward Ball. He saw the beauty in the 4,000 acres surrounding the aquifer and made it his duty to preserve and protect it but also built an elegant lodge to host the dozens of tourists. "It has been the center of a lot of wheelin's and dealin's in the Edward Ball Area," said Scalco. "People came from the Capitol to be entertained and to entertain." Today, it's an official state park and registered historic site, "The goal of the Florida Park system is to provide resource base recreation while preserving restoring and interpreting our natural cultural resource," said Scalco. "...as you can see we have a world class natural resource. So what we do is provide that resource in a safe manner so that the public can have a quality outdoor recreational experience." But the park is more than just a swimming hole, boats allow guests and tourists to experience Wakulla's wildlife first hand. "We try and engage and educate the public and educate the public without beating them over the head with facts and so we do that through a process called interpretation," said Scalco. "So it's just like the name implies, we're actually interpreting to the public, what they're seeing and their natural surroundings." And while the mastodon bones are a big attraction, they aren't the only headliner at the springs; if you've seen the Creature of the Black Lagoon or Tarzan, you've seen the deepest underwater crevices in Wakulla County. This will be the most disgusting story you will read today. By AP: The New York Police Department says a man accused of stuffing a bag of faeces down a woman's pants is in custody. Charges against the 42-year-old suspect are pending. Police say they found him at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn on Friday morning. Police say he's also wanted for a similar attack on another woman. A disgusting habit, we must say! advertisement The disturbing incidents occurred hours apart on Monday. In the first incident, the suspect smeared a 33-year-old woman's face and clothes with excrement. Hours later, the man approached a 27-year-old woman from behind, grabbed her waist and shoved a bag of faeces in her pants. They say he touched her buttocks and tossed a pair of gloves before fleeing. Both incidents were caught on surveillance video. We are taking the liberty in assuming you wouldn't want to watch it. via GIPHY --- ENDS --- Law enforcement personnel from the Yakima Police Department SWAT team, the Yakima County Sheriffs Office and the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force respond to a home on South 30th Avenue after receiving information that a suspect in a Canyon County, Idaho murder was at his mothers home in Yakima, Wash. Thursday, June 30, 2016. After a short standoff, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident. (SHAWN GUST/Yakima Herald-Republic) Members of the Ku Klux Klan participate in cross burnings after a white pride rally in rural Paulding County near Cedar Town, Ga., on April 23. Many have assumed the group is dead or dying; its not. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) India today ruled out involvement of terror group Boko Haram in the abduction of two Indians from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria, and said it appears that "local criminals" were involved. The duo -Mangipudi Sai Srinivas (from Andhara Pradesh) and his colleague Anish Sharma (from Karnataka)- were travelling to Dangote Cement Plc Plant in a car from their residential quarters around 7.20 pm on Wednesday when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. advertisement "I have obtained a detailed report on the two Indian nationals Sai Srinivas and Anish Sharma who have been abducted in Nigeria. I have ... spoken to Mrs.Lalita Srinivas. I have assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup described the abduction as "nothing surprising or new in that area", saying such incidents keep happening there. Asserting that there has been no ransom demand so far, the Spokesperson said, "As far as our information goes there is no hand of terror group Boko Haram and it seems local criminal elements were responsible for the act." He also said Indian mission in Abuja was in touch with Nigerian authorities in the matter and the ministry was hopeful that they will return safely. Asked about the status of another abductee Judith DSouza, an Indian aid worker, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month, Swarup said during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on the sidelines of SCO Summit last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani assured that his security and intelligence agencies were making all efforts for her safe release. In this regard, the Spokesperson once again reiterated governments advisory asking all citizens not to undertake "non-essential" travel to disturbed areas. PTI PYK ZMN --- ENDS --- By PTI: Colombo, Jul 1 (PTI) The Sri Lankan government today said that banking, trade and financial sectors were performing "normally" despite the impasse over its Central Bank Governor who was under fire for his alleged involvement in bond dealings favouring a firm linked to his son-in law. "The government rejects the false propaganda carried on by certain elements that capitalise on the issue of the Central Bank Governor and speak about a market crisis and a break down in the financial sector. Activities in the Banking, Trade and Financial sectors are being conducted normally," Sri Lankan government said a statement. advertisement Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendrans term ended yesterday. He had said that he was temporarily stepping down from the position until the Parliaments Committee on Public Enterprises investigated and cleared him of any wrongdoings. Mahendran was under a cloud due to dealings of his son-in law related Central Bank primary dealer firm. They were accused of controversial bidding in Central Bank bond issues in 2015 and last May. President Maithripala Sirisena wants to appoint a career Central banker while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe wants Mahendran reappointed. Wickremesinghe said Mahendran should only be removed if he was found guilty in an investigation. The position remains vacant since yesterday and a new appointment would now be possible next week. Mahendran was handpicked by Wickremesinghe to be the bank chief when Sirisena won the presidential election defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa in January last year. 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 Mahendrans conduct. PTI CORR CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- As the Lockheed C-130 Hercules planes took off on their way back home from Entebbe, with the Israeli forces and the hostages safely on board, "this feeling of release, relief and a drop in tensions" came over the soldiers, says Giora Zussman, a captain who led one of Sayeret Matkal's raid teams. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Like every soldier at the end of a battle, you check in with yourself, make sure everything is okay. You're slowly beginning to realize you just got to be part of an extraordinary operation, and now you were on your way home," Zussman adds. Amnon Peled, a captain in command of another raid team, remembers, "Soon after takeoff, with the noise of the plane in the background, sitting on the hood of the Land Rover, the real debriefing began. It was the firstand in reality the onlydebriefing done for the raid on the terminal. Muki (Betzer, the deputy commander of Sayeret Matkal who led one of the forces charging the terminal ed.) came up to me, and we tried to piece together what had happened. The debriefing included the team leaders, and every now and again we'd ask one of the soldiers to come over and give us his version of events. The soldiers return home after the operation (Photo: David Rubinger) "Muki claimed my force went in through the entrance he was supposed to use (the entrance to the passengers' hall, where the hostages were being held RB, LBA) and that this had confused the troops. But that wasn't true, and after questioning the soldier,s it turned out that he was the one who got confused, and not us. When we asked where he was and why he arrived late and didn't charge insince his task was to lead the forceshe said his weapon had jammed and that by the time he had unjammed it, the door was locked. I wasn't satisfied with his answers and believed the issue would become clear in the in-depth investigation of the operation that the unit was going to conduct. But without Yoni (Netanyahu, the commander of Sayeret Matkal who was killed in the operation RB), there was no real investigation into the operation." Muki Betzer, for his part, claimed that he stopped for a moment to change his magazine and that the entrance he was supposed to use did not exist. The disagreement on this matter, like on a series of other issues revolving the preparations for the operation and what happened on the ground in Entebbe, has become a bone of contention within the elite unit and has later into a bitter rivalry between Betzer and the Netanyahu family, one of whose sons, Benjamin Netanyahu, is the current prime minister of Israel. This dispute also pervades in the political battles being waged these days between the prime minister and his detractors. But in real time, the contention among the commanders was quickly pushed aside by the commandos jubilation. Adam Coleman, one of the commandos, remembers, "We were all in a kind of frenzy: This feeling that 'Wow, we've done it,' of infinite victory, of 'Look, it worked.' No one was even thinking it could have gone any other way. It was crowdedvery crowdedbut we didn't care. We were sitting together in the belly of the plane, on both sides, with the vehicles in the middle. There wasn't a lot of space to move. "There was an endless commotion of chatter, with everyone talking to each other and people talking in groups. We each recounted what we had done and seen, what had happened, how it had happened. One story began, and before it had ended, another one had started, another experience. What a release! Such intensity! So much noise and commotion inside the warm, loud belly of the Hercules. And there might have been a covered body on a gurney there..." Hostages return home, with Air France pilot Michel Bacos in the front (Photo: David Rubinger) After a short flight, the Hercules planes made a stopover in Kenya to refuel. "When we took off from Entebbe, it turned out we didn't know where we were flying. We also didn't know the planes had not refueled at the Entebbe airport," Peled remembers. "Within 40 minutes, perhaps a bit longer, we landed again. I looked around and saw a group of black men surrounding the plane, aiming their weapons at us. For several terrifying minutes, we had no idea what was going on. And then Shai Avital and Michael Aharonsonboth friends from the unit who were in Kenya training the presidential guardcame on board. They told us everything was okay, that we had landed in Kenya, that we were going to refuel, evacuate the injured to hospitals in Nairobi, and then take off again, and that the Kenyans surrounding us with weapons drawn were protecting us." Udi Shalvi, at the time a captain in command of two of the armored vehicles, remembers, "Suddenly, Ehud Barak showed up, patted our shoulders and said 'We need to finish refueling without delay and then leave Kenya as fast as possible, because the Kenyans just found out we had already released the hostages, rather than still preparing to head out there, like I told them.' The aircrew accelerated the fuelingafter a problem arose that delayed us by almost half an hourand we immediately got on board the plane and took off around 3am." During that stop in Kenya, many of the commandos heard of the death of Sayeret Matkal's commander, Lt. Col. Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu, for the first time. Tamir Pardo, the former Mossad chief who at the time was Netanyahu's radio operation, describes his reaction to the news. "The leopard uniforms (of the Ugandan army, worn by the commandos to deceive the enemy ed.) were stained with blood... different thoughts were going through my mind. I was a meter away from Yoni. How could he have been hit? And why him? I don't remember feeling uplifted by the successful execution (of the operation). I felt like a balloon that had the air taken out of it." The Hercules planes land back in Israel with the hostages (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) "Suddenly, the entire operation seemed different," recounts Alon Shemi, a young captain who headed an armored vehicle. "A deep sadness came over me; the euphoria and the great burst of jubilation from our success dimmed. I had a complicated relationship with Yoni, but while planning the operation, we were working very closely, and perhaps because of that, the blow of his death struck me so hard, and from that moment on, it put everything in a different light." Coleman remembers, "It was a very strange situation: We were very happy, very proud, and the mood on the plane was of excitement and laughter, and all of a sudden Yoni was dead. And surprisingly, the news of his death didn't really put an end to the excitement. Our adrenaline was high, and it took us a while to calm down. It was only much later that we really internalized that Yoni had died. And then we took off from Kenya back to Israel. (Everyone aboard) the plane started dozing off; the adrenaline was dying down, and sadness took hold." Eyal Yardenai, a staff sergeant in Rami Sherman's holding force, recounts, "At the time, I hadn't known the Ugandan Air Force was destroyed by our forces, and from the stories about Idi Amin (the Ugandan despot ed.), I thought the shame of it wouldn't let him rest and he would surely send planes to shoot us down. That thought, and the fear the plane could be blown up at any given moment, stayed with me throughout the flight back." Hostages welcomed home (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) Shalvi tells, "Around 5am, when the dawn broke, we received a message on the comms that a French or English radio station had reported on the operation, saying the Israeli planes were on their way back. There was a lot of stress in the cockpit at that moment, because the distance from home was still very great, and on both sides of our flight path were hostile countriesSudan and Egypt to our west, and Saudi Arabia to our eastthat could easily send fighter jets to shoot us down. The pilots had no choice but to decide to fly over the Red Sea at a very low altitude, so the planes would not appear on the radars of enemy states. "As time went by, the tensions in the cockpit increased, and everyone sitting there was straining their eyes, looking to the sides and straight ahead in an effort to spot enemy planes, should any appear. Suddenly, the captain said, 'Fighter jets ahead...' My heart skipped a beat, but within seconds we heard the voices of Israeli fighter pilots on the comms, who congratulated us on the operation, and (told us) that they were there to ensure no enemy plane hit us. Hostages welcomed home (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) "And, indeed, the black spots we saw far ahead became, within seconds, a couple of Phantoms with the Star of David (painted on them), and they flew on each side of the Hercules. We were all choked up over this display of Israeli strength, and because the threat of being shot down had been lifted. "The flight continued for quite a while longer, but by then we could already see the coast of the Sinai Peninsula on the horizon. After flying over Eilat, Oz, the captain, was told on the comms that he needed to land in Tel Nof (Air Force base in central Israel RB)." A bittersweet return "When we got back to Israel, we circled over Lod (where the Israel Air Force base is located, adjacent to Ben-Gurion International Airport RB)," Rami Sherman remembers. "I was glued to the window, watching the exciting sight of masses of people surrounding the plane that was carrying the hostages, which had already landed. We kept flying to Tel Nof base, where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Defense Minister Shimon Peres, and IDF chief Mordechai Motta Gur were waiting for us. After a short conversation with them, we went back to the units base." Hostages return home Shemi recounts, "And then we landed in Tel Nof, after already hearing the news about the waves of jubilation spreading across the country. We took a bus to the units base, passed by Ben Gurion Airport, and saw the celebration around the plane that carried the hostages from afar. In every junction or town, we saw signs of truly ecstatic joy... I was sitting there, seeing these displays, feeling proud but also angry, really angry, at this hysteria... both because we were coming back with our dead commander, and because I knew that these bipolar people would have reacted the exact opposite way if, heaven forbid, we had failed, or partially failed. After all, it was just the day before that there were still protests outside the Prime Minister's Office of relatives of the hostages who were demanding a hostage exchange deal. My reaction was so strong that it clouded everything else." Hostages welcomed home (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) Amir Ofer, the first commando to storm the passengers' hall, remembers, "I was completely exhausted. The last two nights without sleep, the vomiting, the pills I took on the way over, the stress before the operation, and above all the series of hair-raising experiences I had at the terminal itselfcoming one after the otherand the fact I survived them by the skin of my teethhad drained me of what energy I had left. "When the back ramp opened, I saw the dozens of photographers standing there and decided to leave through a side door. That is why I don't have any photos from the operation. I came out of the darkness inside the plane to the scorching and blinding sun of July 4 and felt dizzyI almost blacked out. I had to sit down on the runway and calm down. I was sitting like that for a few seconds, alone, with my eyes closed, slowly taking in the incredible experience I had just had." Commandos Amir Ofer, right, and Amnon Peled, left, return to Entebbe (Photo: Abigail Uzi) Shalvi recounts, "Dozens of soldiers welcomed us with cheers, and we were bursting with pride, but we also realized there was no time for celebrations. We had to get on the armored vehicles and quickly drive to the units base. There, I met Orly, my girlfriend at the time and my wife today. We embraced for a long time, and she, in tears, told me that during the night, while she and three other girls from the unit were at the switchboard, Brurya, Yoni's girlfriend, called several times to ask what was going on. In the last of these calls, Orly promised Brurya she would update her as soon as any information came in. The information was indeed received a while later, but it was still incomplete. The message said the planes were on their way home, and that all of the soldiers were safe and sound... Orly told me thatas she promised she would doshe called Brurya immediately, gave her the update, and recommended that she got some sleep. Less than half an hour later, the girls received the news Yoni had died. Orly felt terrible..." Hostages welcomed home (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) After an initial debriefing at Sayeret Matkal's dining room, Pardo was given an incredibly difficult task. "The evening came and Amiram (Levin, who was appointed the commander of unit after Netanyahu's death ed.) asked me to go to Jerusalem and tell Iddo, Yoni's brother, what had happened," he remembers. Dr. Arieh Shalev, who would later go on to become the head of psychiatry at the Hadassah Medical Center and at the time was a combat doctor in Bar-Lev's force, remembers, "When we returned home, I thought it appropriate for David Hassin (the doctor who treated Netanyahu in the field RB, LBA) to go see Yoni's body. This is what I did when Itamar (Ben-David, another Sayeret Matkal commando RB, LBA) was killed in the Savoy Hotel terror attack: It spares you from a life of doubts and the feeling that you could've saved your patient and failed. But I couldn't convince him to go. Prime Minister Rabin and Defense Minister Peres welcoming the hostages back (Photo: Uri Herzl Tzahik, IDF Spokesman's Office) Ehud Barak arrived at the unit's base, and together we examined Yoni's webbing (load-bearing straps). There was a mini-grenade in his breast-pocket with a bullet lodged inside that appeared to have been fired from above. I thought at the time that it meant Yoni was hit from the gunfire from the control tower, but all of this was in hindsight and didn't matter much. "Two days after we returned home, I got a phone call from a friend who told me about a teenager from among the hostages who was having a hard time dealing with what had happened. He wasn't sleeping at night, and was experiencing a lot of distress. I asked to see him, and he told me how, during the raid, he was lying behind a wall that hid him, but he could hear intense gunfire and see the bullets hit the floor and the wall opposite him. While they were in captivity, he had also befriended Jean-Jacques Mimouni, who was killed in the raid. The hardest memory, he said, was of passively lying there, paralyzed, seeing the bullets hit the wall and knowing he could soon be discovered and killed. Hostages welcomed home (Photo: Avi Simchoni, Micky Tzarfati) "I thought he deserved a corrective emotional experience, so I took him, along with the Kalashnikov I was always carrying, to the shooting range near the unit's base. Such a young guy, I didn't know how he would react to the shooting, so I held him and started shooting single rounds and short bursts. He immediately identified the noise, and particularly the smell. I told him to try to shoot himself, while I kept holding him, and added, 'You're in control now; you're no longer a victim to gunfire.' He started with single rounds, and shortly after fired bursts. One magazine after another. With rage and excitement. If I had had enough magazines, it's quite possible we'd still be shooting there with a crazy, liberating joy. He got his closure. I heard he was doing better after, and for many years later. Who would have believed it? A Kalashnikov as a therapeutic instrument. I'm not sure if this will become a recommended psychiatric practice, but it was effective." Danny Arditi, who went on to become the national security adviser and at the time was a captain in command of one of the raid teams, recounts, "Now, looking back, I think we were naive, and we didn't really understand what a significant event the operation was. After the operation, most of the unit's soldiers, myself included, moved on and immediately returned to anonymity and to our daily lives. We were just not interested with everything that was happening around us (in the operation ed.). We were immediately sucked into another operation, and afterwards hardly ever spoke of what happened." Dr. Ronen Bergman is Yedioth Ahronoth's chief military and intelligence correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @ronenbergman So have we poisoned the wells, or is it a mistake that Israel is not scheming to do away with tens of thousands of Palestinians through lethal drinking water? The man that accused us of doing this is the man that quietly recanted his allegations on Saturday. It depends on which stage he chooses to make accusations and from which direction he retracts them and admits his error. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Abu Mazen, Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority President in the West Bank and president of the entity in the Occupied Territories" - whatever title makes you happy: Go home. Enough. Your time's passed. It was proven in front of the entire world that you're really not a partner for peace. We're tired of listening to your voice. The damage that you're bringing to your people is greater than the benefit. Read your public opinion pollseven before the scandal on the stage of the EUand you will see what 65 percent of your people think about the continuation of your rule and your popularity in West Bank cities. Regarding that poll, you can't accuse Israeli hands of guiding the opinions of the Palestinian street to tell you, "Enough already." Not "farewell"; not "see you soon." It can be assumed that in the next few days, a picture of you in your office in Ramallah will reach us, emanating warmth and smiling down upon Israeli peace activists. You will tell them that you were and always will be looking towards peace. You will say that you are interested in meeting with Netanyahu and that the issue in Brussels was an unfortunate misunderstanding. I hope that this time our peace camp will not hurry to Ramallah. Pay attention: Even on the Palestinian side, intellectuals, businessmen, and senior journalists are stuttering. They dont know how to explain the president to themselves, much less interpret him for Israeli ears. Mahmoud Abbas speaking at the EU Parliament (Photo: AFP) Oh Abu Mazen, I certainly can understand why you have hesitated in taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with President Rivlin, having been in the same place at the same time as him. The whisperers in your ears (we know who they are) warned you that Rivlin does not make decisions, does not have the authority to negotiate, and is barred from partaking in political matters. But in our neighborhood everything relates to politics. Our president received a green light from Bibi and recruited the EU chairman to organize the meeting. You knew all the details that took place behind the scenes and you also know that Ruvi is important to us. But you insisted on not meeting with him. What would have happened if the meeting ended merely with a joint picture? No one in the Palestinian street would come out to protest against you because you met Rivlin. You could have referred to the picture in the Muqata and in your speech in Brussels and spoken about the merit of resuming negotiations and the peace process. For example, you could have scored a goal in Netanyahus net and convince him that what you say and what you think are truly consistent. I guess that it makes you angry to hear that Israel (and Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and even Secretary of State Kerry) are ready for the day after your departure? It makes you angry to read that Liberman is pushing in the direction of your arch nemesis, Mohammed Dahlan. No one will forget -not us, not you, and not even the Palestinian constitution - that you are an illegitimate president. You were elected in 2005 and finished your term after four years. Since then you refuse to hold presidential elections and are holding onto the most powerful seat and threatening to isolate and not to build. But it's no use. The truth is your health is fine until now, you're 81 years old, the "package" that you are leaving behind will become a bomb. The moment has come for you to give up the nickname the president of the state of Palestine, get up and go. If there is a solution to the conflict, they are waiting for whoever comes after you. That is the natural path and politics. Should I say it one more time? Enough, you have not succeeded. Return the keys. BEIJING- The US energy secretary says he sees the global oil market coming into balance over the next year as rising demand catches up with a supply glut that has depressed prices. Ernest Moniz said Friday there still is more production than demand but consumption is catching up. Moniz spoke after meeting with the Saudi oil minister. They were in Beijing for a meeting of energy ministers from the Group of 20 major developed and emerging economies. A female terrorist was shot after she attempted to carry out a stabbing attack in Hebron at the "Hasam Tzalbanit" checkpost near the Cave of the Patriarchs on Friday morning. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The incident took place during a routine security check when the terrorist suddenly produced a knife and attempted to stab one of the Israel Border Police soldiers. One of the soldiers opened fire and neutralized her. She was pronounced dead shortly after. No Israeli injuries were reported. IDF shoot female terrorist who attempts knife attack in Hebron. X The terrorist has been identified as 27-year-old Sara Hajaj, a resident of Hebron originally from the village of Bani Na'im. Mohammed Taraireh, who on Thursday morning broke into a house in Kiryat Arba and stabbed 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel to death as she slept in her bed, also came from the same village. Morever, Hajaj's maiden name is also Taraireh. However, it is not yet known whether she was a relation of Mohammed Taraireh. Scene of attempted stabbing attack (Photo: Chaim Bleichner/TPS) Photo: Israel Police Photo: Chaim Bleichner/TPS Despite the attack, the government has said that it will not be reinforcing the military presence in the areas in which they took place. The attack is the third to have taken place in two days, breaking a comparitively extended period of calm in the wave of terror attacks which have swept accross Israel in recent months. IDF carry out operations in Bani Na'im village (Photo: IDF spokesperson's unit) A few hours after Mohammed Taraireh's deadly attack on Thursday, another terrorist stabbed a 40-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman in Netanya before being shot and killed by a supermarket security guard nearby. Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot visits scene of attack in Kiryat Arba (Photo: IDF spokesperson's unit) IDF maps home of Mohammed Taraireh (IDF spokesperson's unit) Overnight, IDF combat engineers mapped the home of Mohammed Taraireh in his village on Friday morning and also arrested Mohammad Kabaha on Friday, the 30-year-old man from Jaffa who stands accused of assisting the Netanya terrorist and giving him a ride to the scene. A group of Palestinian women have requested permission to visit the Ariel family in Kiryat Arba whose 13-year-old daughter, Hallel Yafa Ariel, was stabbed to death in her bed on Thursday morning. Rina, Hallels mother said, Instead of coming here they should go to every school of theirs and look into how it can be that a 17-year-old youth murdered Hallel. What kind of education do they receive there. It is not a coincidence. There is evil and hate there. China's message was clear: Our support for your membership to the NSG is linked with you not coming in the way of Pakistan's entry. A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese president Xi Jinping. China had unofficially assured our government that it would not oppose India's membership if it did not come in the way of Pakistan's entry. By Raj Chengappa: The Narendra Modi government has been castigated by the Opposition for the "ham-handed" way it handled India's high-decibel attempt to become a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Though India had the support of the majority of the 48 NSG members, it was China which single-handedly blocked a consensus and spoiled Delhi's chances of being admitted during the group's annual plenary meet in Seoul last week. advertisement CHINA WANTED PAKISTAN IN What is little-known though is that China, behind the scenes, had assured our government that it would not oppose India's membership if it did not come in the way of Pakistan's chance of being admitted as a member. The latest issue of India Today carries the inside story of how China then reneged on its promise and blocked India's chances when it realised that a huge majority of the NSG members opposed Pakistan's application. Indian officials revealed that when foreign secretary S Jaishankar flew down for a secret meeting with top Chinese officials, he was told by them that, "We are prepared to look at accommodating India [at the NSG]. But it can't only be about India in the long run." China's message was clear: Our support for your membership to the NSG is linked with you not coming in the way of Pakistan's entry. China's concern was that once India was in the NSG, it would block Pakistan's chances since all decisions have to be taken by consensus and even one dissenting member can block a resolution. INDIA KEPT ITS WORD, CHINA DID NOT It was that secret assurance that made external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj state in her annual press conference in Delhi a day before the NSG met at Seoul that, "China is not blocking India's entry into 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." She then went on to add that as far as the Pakistan application was concerned, "we will not oppose entry of any nation into NSG" and that "each country should be considered on the basis of their merit". India had sent a clear signal to China that it would keep its word. However, during informal discussions at the NSG meet, China realised that there was stiff opposition to Pakistan's application. CHINA STRUCK A DEAL WITH SOUTH KOREA To thwart India's chances, China then changed its stand from "linkage to blockage", as an Indian official put it. China first pursued procedural tactics and told the chair headed by South Korea, that India's application was not on the agenda and couldn't be discussed. India's supporters hit back by forcing the chair to agree to a discussion. India Today reveals how China then turned the tables on India by entering into a secret agreement with South Korea to make the discussions infructuous. South Korea needed China's backing for the NSG to come out with a strong statement against North Korea's nuclear shenanigans. advertisement As a quid pro quo, China persuaded South Korea into passing a killer decision: There would be a discussion on India's application but no decision in this meeting. WILL THIS IMPACT INDO-CHINA RELATIONS? The moment the NSG chairperson decided the norms, India knew its chances of being admitted in this round were close to nil. China then took a maximalist position for the criteria to admit a new member stating that it must be a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The Chinese knew that India would never join the NPT since it regarded as unfair and discriminatory ever since its inception in 1968. Knowing that waiting for the next year's NSG plenary could create fresh problems, India then successfully lobbied to keep the door open for it with an informal panel being formed to evolve a consensus for its membership application. How China's subterfuge at the NSG would affect its bilateral relations with India remains to be seen. advertisement Also Read: India set to seal major power deal in Bangladesh, beating China India to build satellite tracking station in Vietnam that offers eye on China --- ENDS --- Many members of the Israeli-Arab community have expressed their disgust of MK Hanin Zoabi (Joint Arab List) after she called the soldiers who took over the Mavi Marmara "murderers" during a Knesset plenum. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Both private citizens and Israeli-Arab political activists are resentful of the way Zoabi is handling her job, and wonder how what she says can possibly benefit the Israeli-Arab sector. Mohammed Tabat, a resident of the city of Taybe, said that "I'm sorry to say that Zoabi sometimes goes to far in her opposition. We dont want leaders in the Knesset who just yell and don't promote other things (important to our sector- ed). We're sick of her behavior. I've begun to feel that everything she does is a performance. At the end of the day, the Arab citizens are the ones who pay the price. I support her being involved in politics, but not at the price of the Israeli-Arab community." Hanin Zoabi calls IDF soldiers murderers ( ) X Mansur continued, saying "if one were to poll the Arab community on Arab MKs, I don't think Zoabi would fare as well as she has in the past. Israeli-Arabs are more interested in how to provide a better life for themselves and to improve society. I'm sorry to say that no (Arab MK) is doing this. Zoabi is looking for attention, especially after not receiving a good position in the internal Balad elections a month ago. A resident of Nazareth, Zoabi's hometown, also expressed her disapproval of the Balad MK. "In my opinion, a lot of the Arab MKs need to leave their positions. Most of the time, they talk about politics as if Israeli-Arabs don't exist at all. The yelling and political arguing with racists only serves to waste our time. We need budget allocations to promote projects (in the sector). We don't want to lose our rights to budgetary allocations because of yelling and curses." MK Hanin Zoabi (Photo: Knesset Channel "We're proud of Zoabi" However, there are still those in the Arab sector who very much support Zoabi. One political activist said "we are proud that Zoabi represents us in the Knesset. What she is doing is something which many politicians don't have the courage to do. She is in the right place, and the government doesn't have the right to mitigate her actions as someone who was elected by the public." Zoabi got ninth place in the Balad council elections held a month ago. MK Jamal Zahalka got fifth place, and MK Basel Ghattas came in 23rd place. Hibba Yibek, Zoabi's competition during the previous Knesset elections, came in fourth place. Balad officials have said that "these results show that a lot of the party activists want a leadership change. These results may also point to a paradigm shift in the party and in the leadership, and the current leaders may be replaced during the next Knesset elections." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the family on Friday morning of Hallel Yafa Ariel, who was stabbed to death by a terrorist as she slept in her bed in kiryat Arba on Thursday morning. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter During the hour-long meeting, the prime minister promised to strengthen this place. I will return with the defense minister and we will decide how to strengthen the town. Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Ariel family in Kiryat Arba (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO) At the end of the visit, Netanyahu reflected on seeing Hallel's bedroom: To see the bedroom of Hallel, to see the blood stains next to the bed, the books and clothes of a young girl, is awful. It reminds us once again who we are facing. They want to uproot us but we will plant the roots deeper. They will not remove us from here, he declared I was impressed by this wonderful family. (The terrorists) will not break the familys spirit or our sprit, he continued. Following the meeting, Rina, Hallels mother said, "It is important to us that construction is increased and the residents are strengthened. We spoke about something that is is burning in our souls. The national home is on the brink of ruin. The Temple Mount must be opened to Jews. We would have prefered for him to come at a happier time. We would have shown him the vineyards, the beautiful women, but he came at this tragic time," she continued. "We educate peace and love. He saw the bed with blood stains on it. He didnt promise anything but I am sure that as a father and a grandfather, as well as a member of a bereaved family, he was moved in his heart. She then called for the government to approve the legality of her family home. Rina told Netanyahu that she believed there was a direct connection between the murders and the closure of the Temple Mount to Jews. Hallel Ariel )Photo: Amichai Ma'atuf) She went on to describe how one of her younger daughters had asked that one of the small blood stains on the bed be left since that is the only thing left of her older sister. Netanyahu was also told that the four-year-old daughter, Kanna, asked, "When is the next Arab coming?" Snapping at the prime minister, Rina said, A young girl should not living with these kind of anxieties and asking a question like this. Hallel is survived by two younger sistersShira, 10, and Kanna, 4. She was in the 8th grade and attended the middle school in Kiryat Arba. Rina said that her daughter was a vegetarian and never wanted to hurt any creature. We, the Jews, go the the synagogue on fast days and we never stop praying and asking for forgiveness from God. And what do you Arabs do on your fast days? Murder, murder, murder. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani accused Western powers of trying to exploit differences between the world's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims to divert attention from the Israel-Palestinian conflict, state television reported on Friday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Rouhani's comments came as tens of thousands of Iranians joined anti-Israel rallies across the country to express support for the Palestinians. They chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" and burned the Israeli flag. "The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said. "We stand with the dispossessed Palestinian nation." Opposition to Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognize, has been a cornerstone of Iranian policy since its 1979 Islamic revolution. Shi'ite Muslim Iran backs Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups who oppose peace with Israel. Iranian President Rouhani (Photo: AP) "The Zionist regime (Israel) is a regional base for America and the global arrogance ... Disunity and discord among Muslim and terrorist groups in the region ... have diverted us from the important issue of Palestine," Rouhani said. Shi'ite-led Iran has repeatedly called on its Sunni Muslim rival Saudi Arabia to help improve their strained bilateral relations and work for stability in the Middle East. Arch-rivals for regional hegemony, the two oil producers are on opposite sides in proxy battles in the region, where they back competing factions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Bahrain. Ties have worsened since Riyadh's execution in January of prominent Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr prompted attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia subsequently cut all ties with Iran. Riyadh is worried that a landmark nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States and five other major powers in 2015 will help Tehran gain the upper hand in their regional standoff. MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in March that "the occupied Palestinian territories are within the range of most of the Islamic Republics missiles", Iran's state television Press TV reported. A senior IRGC commander said Iran's new Russian-made S-300 missile defense system would be operational by March. Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon (Photo: AP) "Its divisions are being delivered to Iran and the system will be operational by the end of this Iranian year," the semi-official Tasnim quoted Amir Farzad Esmaili as saying. Russia delivered the first part of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran in April, one of the most advanced systems of its kind that can engage multiple aircraft and ballistic missiles around 150 km (90 miles) away. "Hezbollah has 100,000 missiles that are ready to hit Israel to liberate the occupied Palestinian territories if the Zionist regime repeats its past mistakes," Tasnim quoted IRGC deputy head Hossein Salami as saying. BUDAPEST- Hungarian prosecutors have charged two Romanians with human trafficking, saying they tried to smuggle more than 100 migrants from Hungary to Austria in a lorry last June but left them trapped in the summer heat. One of the men was also charged with attempted murder and excessive cruelty against several people, including children, a statement from Csongrad county prosecutors said on Friday. The two men squeezed at least 106 illegal migrants into a lorry near the Hungarian village of Morahalom close to the Serbian border in late June 2015, the prosecutors said. The Tel Aviv Magistrates Court extended the arrest of a man who is suspected of providing assistance to a terrorist who stabbed a 40-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman in Netanya by five days on Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Mohammad Kabaha (30) from Jaffa stands accused of, amongst other things; destroying evidence, the obstruction of justicem and transporting an illegal alien in his car from Qalandiya to Netanya. Members of his family who were present at the legal procession claimed that he was unaware that he was driving a person who intended to carry out an attack. Kabaha, who was arrested on Thursday night in his home in Jaffa after security cameras recorded the terrorist exiting his vehicle, has been arrested in the past for transporting illegals into Israel. As he made his way home and heard that an attack was taking place, Kabaha immediately realized that it was being carried out by the terrorist he had transported to Netanya. In an effort to cover up any evidence that had any part in the attack, he immediately erased messages from his cell phone showing that the two had coordinated with one another and that he would provide a lift from Qalandiya to the Netanya market. Photo: Yaron Gringauz As the legal authorities deliberated over his case, police requested that he remain in custody for seven days. Kabahas defense attorney claimed that the case merely concerns the transportation of illegal aliens. The fact that it ended in an attack, he argued, should not be grounds for extending his detention. Nevertheless, Police Sergeant Major Moshe Foistro begged to differ: The danger that the suspect poses cannot be overstated, he said. He knew that they were illegals who were convicted of similar crimes in the past but he continued to do what he did. After he realized that the person carrying out the attack was the man he had given a lift to, he immediately erased all the messages, he continued. If there is a person who wants to carry out an attack, and need a ride in order to do so, and he suspect shows contempt for the law and continues to give these same illegals rides, he needs to think about the consequences of his actions. The judge ruled that the Kabaha would remain under arrest until next Tuesday: We are talking about someone who assisted an illegal alien in committing a stabbing attack in the Netanya market. In these circumstances, in light of the suspicion that he sought to obstruct the investigation, and given the previous convictions for similar offences, his arrest cannot, at this stage, be lifted. With that in mind, it is necessary to remand him for a specific amount of time so that the courts can supervise the conduct of the investigation. ISTANBUL- A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport that killed at least 44 people, a US congressman has said. US Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which also wounded more than 230 other people. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt to catch the alleged mastermind. A father has been killed, a mother critically wounded, and two childrena 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girlinjured in a shooting attack, which took place on Friday afternoon on route 60 in the southern West Bank between Beit Hagai and Otniel. The murdered man was Rabbi Michael (Miki) Mark, his wounded wife is Chava, and the boy and girl present in the car are Pedayah and Tehila, respectively. The couple have ten children in total. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Shortly after the shooting (: ) X According to reports, the family was driving in their car when the tailing terrorist (or terrorists) began to overtake them and opened fire. At least 19 shots were fired, and the attacked family's car flipped as the driver was shot. All members of the family were wounded from the car's flipping, and the boy was the only person in the car who does not appear to have been struck with a bullet. The shot car (Photo: West Bank Emergency Services) The murdered Miki Mark The terrorists then fled the scene in their vehicle, prompting security forces to launch a widescale search that continues. The Judea and Samaria District Police have announced that they have closed a section of Route 60 for forensic analysis. Paramedics evacuate a child from the scene (Photo: Hatzalah Yehuda/Shomron) Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics were called to the scene and provided emergency treatment. They initially attempted to resuscitate the quadragenarian father, but they were unsuccessful and were forced to declare him dead. The mother, also in her 40s, was evacuated in serious condition to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center with serious wounds to her upper body. She was taken in for surgery. The injured adolescent (Photo: Hatzalah Yehuda/Shomron) According to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, a 13-year-old girl in moderate to serious condition was also evacuated with gunshot wounds to her upper body. A 15-year-old boy was also lightly wounded and is being treated there. Prof. Avraham Rivkind, the head of Hadassah's Shock Trauma Unit, stated that doctors examined the photograhs of the flipped car, which helped them decide what steps to take in providing medical care for the three wounded Israelis. The family are residents of the West Bank. Initial reports of a one-year-old being present in the family's car appear to be incorrect. Har Hevron Regional Council head Yochay Damri released a message to the council's citizens: "Our blood boils; again, we have experienced a shocking murder, and again on the Sabbath eve against a Har Hevron family." A wounded child arriving at Hadassah Medical Center (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) The attack is the fourth to have taken place in two days and comes just one day after Mohammed Taraireh's deadly attack on Thursday morning, in which he broke into a house in Kiryat Arba and stabbed 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel to death, and an hour after an attempted stabbing in Hebron, committed by a relative of Taraireh. The prime minister announced that the Security Cabinet will convene on Saturday night at 10pm. Netanyahu's office further announced that Palestinian Authority payments to terrorists and their families be deducted from tax revenue transfers to the PA. The Palestinian Authority transfers funds to terrorists by various laundering methods; the more severe the acts of terrorism, the greater the amount of funds. Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority. Shooting on Route 60 A statement from the Prime Minister's Office explained, "Israel believes that the encouragement of terrorism by the Palestinian leadership in the form of both incitement and payments to terrorists and their families constitutes incentive for murder." President Reuven Rivlin released his condolences in a statment: "I want to give strength to the Mark family, after the murder of their dear father Michael (Miki), and I join in the prayers being said now across Israel for the full recovery of the family's mother and children... At this difficult time, I also want to offer my support to the IDF and the security services, who will apprehend these vicious murderers." Following the recent increase in terrorist attacks against Israelis on Thursday and Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Friday afternoon, following the shooting attack at an Israeli family in their car in the south West Bank, on the Security Cabinet to convene on Saturday night at 10:00pm, following the end of the Jewish Sabbath. Minister of Education Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) disagreed with the prime minister and called for the Cabinet to meet on Friday night. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Even though Bennett is himself religious, he still held that it was important for the Cabinet to meet as soon as possible, even though the Sabbath is to begin on Friday at sundown. He said, "The terrorists don't observe the Sabbath." In fact, according to the education minister, he already asked twice on Thursday night for Netanyahu to convene the Cabinet. "The lack of a serious response following an attack leads to another attack," Bennett explained. Friday afternoon's shooting attack (Photo: Har Hevron Regional Council) Before the prime minister announced that Cabinet was to convene, Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Intelligence and Atomic Energy Yisrael Katz (Likud) called for Netanyahu to convene the Security Cabinet to decide on the necessary steps to take against the growing trend of Palestinian terrorism. Said the minister, "We must understand that we are in an all-out war and act accordingly. We must declare a state of emergency, promote legislation that will enable the expulsion of terrorists' families and implement serious measures against inciters and those who support terrorism." The man murdered before his wife and two of his ten children whilst driving them on Friday was Rabbi Michael "Miki" Mark, a 48 year old from Otniel, the cousin of Mossad chief Yossi Cohen. Miki's wife, Chava, 40, was seriously wounded, their 13-year-old daughter Tehila was moderately-to-seriously wounded, and their 15-year-old son Pedayah was lightly wounded. Beside the son, every member of the family was shot by terrorists who drove past their car travelling on Route 60 in Har Hevron. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The murdered father was the director of a yeshiva in Otniel and a very well-known figure in his regional council. Otniel's secretary, Eran Dgani, said, "Miki was a pillar of the settlement and of Har Hevron. He was one of the pioneers of the settlement. He was a very modest and honest man, a man of action in every inch of his body. Miki ran the yeshiva in Otniel for years, and he ran the company for the development of Har Hevron and led to extraordinary accomplishments. He was a man of faith and spirit, and he spent every moment of his free time studying torah. He was a gentle man and a devoted father to his family. His absence in the settlement will be great." Miki Mark Dgani asked to transfer a message to the terrorists: "You try to scare us so that we'll wear down, break, and leave, but it's all for naught. The sentiments in Otniel are not of fear and exhaustion, but rather of cohesion, resilience and especially a strong desire to move forward. The murderers that imagine eliminating us through bloodshed will find before them again and again a solid wall of people who believe in life a lot more than those same murderers believe in death." Miki Mark The Marks have ten children: Shlomi, Shira, Natanel, Yehoshua, Miriam, Orit, Pedaya, Tehila, Rinat, and Esther. The Mark family and their ten children MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) was one of Miki's best friend from their yeshiva today togethers in Alon Shvut. "He was like a brother to me," said Glick on Friday afternoon. "Tonight, at the entry of the Sabbath, I'll make Kiddush with the cup that he gave to me as a gift for my 40th birthday." The Marks' flipped car (Photo: Har Hevron Regional Council) Har Hevron Regional Council head Yochay Damri released a message to the council's citizens: "Dear Residents, Our blood boils; again, we have experienced a shocking murder, and again on the Sabbath eve against a Har Hevron family. A dear resident was murdered before his two children, and his wife was seriously wounded. We are in great pain from this situation. This is a well-known family. And we pray for the girl's well-being. Evacuating the wounded (Photo: Hatzalah Yehuda/Shomron) "This is an exceptional incident. For a long time in Otniel and Har Hevron, we have experienced difficult events, and today an additional event, but they will not break us! A peaceful Sabbath and a warm and lamenting hug to all." President Reuven Rivlin released his condolences in a statment: "I want to give strength to the Mark family, after the murder of their dear father Michael (Miki), and I join in the prayers being said now across Israel for the full recovery of the family's mother and children... At this difficult time, I also want to offer my support to the IDF and the security services, who will apprehend these vicious murderers." Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace Quartet recommended on Friday in a an eagerly awaited report. It was released on the same day that an Israeli family was shot at in a drive-by shooting and a stabbing was attempted in Hebron. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The report by the Quartet entities sponsoring the stalled peace processthe United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nationssaid the Israeli policy "is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," according to the eight-page report. Photo: AP Amid a spike in violence, the Quartet criticized Palestinian leaders for "not consistently and clearly" condemning terrorist attacks and said illicit arms buildup and militant activities in Gazacontrolled by Islamist group Hamasmust stop. Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive the peace talks amid tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama. Relations between the rightist Israeli leader and the Democratic president have yet to recover from their feud over last year's US-led nuclear deal with Israeli foe Iran. Netanyahu's office welcomed some aspects of the Quartet report but said Israel took issue with numerous factual and policy assertions. The report also "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace," the statement said. The response lamented the Palestinian media's reaction to the murder of Hallel Yaffa Ariel on Thursday: "Yesterday a 13 year-old Israeli girl was stabbed to death while she slept in her bed. Not only did the Palestinian Authority fail to condemn this gruesome murder, it referred to the murderer as a martyr in official media. "Palestinian praise for murderers today inspires those who will strike tomorrow. This response reflects the moral bankruptcy of the Palestinian leadership and leaves little doubt about its true intentions. "Israel therefore welcomes the Quartets recognition of the centrality of Palestinian incitement and violence to the perpetuation of the conflict. This culture of hatred poisons minds and destroys lives and stands as the single greatest obstacle to progress towards peace." Photo: AFP Nabil Abu Rdainah, the spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed disappointment with the Quartet report. "Any report that does not include the full withdrawal to the 1967 borders, including occupied Jerusalem, and does not include a recognition of the illegality of settlement will not lead to real and lasting peace and will lead to more tension and more instability in the region," he said in a statement. UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday on the report and said it would be up to the council and the international community to use the report to decide the way forward. A senior US State Department official said on Friday: "We are open to having the Security Council welcome the report, but that's all at this point. We're not looking for serious, substantive, UN Security Council action on this report." Halt incitement The Quartet said urgent affirmative steps needed to be taken to "prevent entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict." The report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 percent of Area C, which makes up 60 percent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves. Under the Oslo accords of the mid-1990s, Israel retains full control over Area C, where large tracts have been declared closed military areas. "Israel should implement positive and significant policy shifts, including transferring powers and responsibilities in Area C," the Quartet report said. Friday afternoon's shooting attack (Photo: Har Hevron Regional Council) It said only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015. The report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements, which most countries deem illegal. "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development," the report recommends. The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalemareas Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014, and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months. Since October, Palestinian street attacks have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Israel has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 136 of whom it said were assailants. Others were killed during clashes and protests. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the Quartet said. In response to violence this week, Netanyahu's office further announced that Palestinian Authority payments to terrorists and their families be deducted from tax revenue transfers to the PA. The Palestinian Authority transfers funds to terrorists by various laundering methods; the more severe the acts of terrorism, the greater the amount of funds. Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office explained, "Israel believes that the encouragement of terrorism by the Palestinian leadership in the form of both incitement and payments to terrorists and their families constitutes incentive for murder." The Palestinian Authority headed by Abbas is based in the West Bank, while Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. The Quartet said Gaza and the West Bank "should be reunified under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian authority." By Naseer Ganai: A day after Jammu and Kashmir government sent its own bill on land laws to the select committee of the House after some BJP members objection, National Conference working president Omar Abdullah called on the Governor of J&K. BJP SABOTAGING LAND LAWS BILL? Abdullah accused the government of sabotaging Land Laws (Amendment) bill 2016 through well-orchestrated drama. He appealed to the governor to make necessary interventions to uphold the constitution of the state and to implore upon the State Government to safeguard the interests of the permanent residents of the state. advertisement Abdullah asked the governor to return J&K Panchayti Raj (Amendment) Bill 2016, which was passed by the House on Saturday when the opposition staged walk-out from the House over sending the land laws (amendment) bill to the select committee. Abdullah insisted that governor should return the bill for reconsideration if and when it is passed by the J&K legislative council and is sent to the governor for his assent. ORCHESTRATED DRAMA IN LEGISLATURE? Abdullah told the governor that the state legislature in its session on Saturday witnessed a well-orchestrated unholy drama executed by the state government. On Saturday according to the procedure, the state government presented 'the Jammu & Kashmir Land Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016' before the House" after clearance by the state cabinet. However, the speaker sent the bill to the select committee of the House even though the opposition supported the bill. The NC says in the course of the discussions on the bill, it emerged that barring the BJP, whose Ministers in the cabinet approved the bill, almost the entire House was of the considered opinion that the bill should be passed. "The government realized that put to vote, the bill shall pass with majority even if the BJP legislators stand to oppose it. As soon as the government realized this, the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation was on his feet and brazenly requested the speaker to refer the bill to the select committee of the House. The request of the Minister, unfortunately setting aside all parliamentary procedures and conventions was agreed to by the speaker and the Bill was referred to the select committee ignoring the majority voice in the House", the memorandum on the land laws (Amendment) bill reads. "The dignity and the honour of the state legislature has dented and June 30, 2016 will go down in the history of the state legislature as the darkest day", the memorandum adds. BJP WEAKENING PANCHAYATI RAJ SYSTEM? In the memorandum the NC accused the government of weakening the Panchayati Raj System through the Panchayti Raj (Amendment) Bill 2016. The NC legislative party informed the governor that despite this fact the bill was taken up for consideration and passed like several other bills on Saturday when the entire opposition had walked out in protest against the unethical and undemocratic conduct of the government and the speaker in the consideration of the J&K Land Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016. advertisement "J&K has an indigenous robust Panchayati Raj system which is the soul of the decentralization of the democracy and the essence of it is to involve the people in the process of planning, execution & monitoring of developmental process at the grassroots level." The NC says the Amendment was an overt attempt to weaken the system by scuttling the democratic principles and introducing the indirect process of the election of the Sarpanch, making a window for coercion, corruption and malpractices to manipulate the elections. "This is likely to have far reaching consequences and shall eventually discredit and weaken the Panchayati Raj System in the State", the NC memorandum reads. --- ENDS --- AFRC celebrates 100 years of air reserve power with C-130 special missions demo Staff Sgt. Jesse Jordan, 53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters loadmaster, discusses the use and function of a dropsonde tube to a group of congressional staffers inside a C-130 Hercules on the Joint Base Andrews, Md., flight line June 29, 2016. A dropsonde tube is used by the Hurricane Hunters to collect temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction of weather systems. The information is then sent to the National Hurricane Center in Miami to monitor tropical storms. As part of the 100th anniversary of air power in the U.S. military, members of the media were invited to fly with the Hurricane Hunters and learn about their weather surveillance mission. With ten deployable C-130s, the unit has the only routine aerial weather reconnaissance mission in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kat Justen) 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. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun In what is seen as a reply to this, taking a jibe at the MP, Prasanth Nair today posted the photo of a map of Kunnamkulam, a place in Trissur district famous for suprious items (Map or maap in Malayalam means apology). The district collector of Kozhikode in Kerala is one of the most popular bureaucrat on social media. Prasanth Nair is known for his "Compassionate Kozhikode" initiatives publicised through his Facebook page, and his witty responses to queries. But this seems to be a concern for some politicians around that it has led to an ugly fight both online and offline. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED advertisement MK Raghavan, the Kozhikode MP was recently irked by an alleged delay in release of funds for a project under the MP's local area development scheme. He hit out at the Collector saying he was busy ruling on social media and had ignored people's welfare. He also alleged that the Collector was misusing the Public Relations Department. On Thursday he placed his side of the argument demanding an apology from the Collector for allegedly defaming the MP failing which the MP said he would take legal action against the Collector. In what is seen as a reply to this, taking a jibe at the MP, Prasanth Nair today posted the photo of a map of Kunnamkulam, a place in Trissur district famous for suprious items (Map or maap in Malayalam means apology). "There is no project that has been left incomplete. You can find out for yourselves. The usual procedures were being followed before the release of funds for any project," said the Collector. It was only a year ago that the district's Congress president KC Abu shared the same concern as MK Raghavan saying that the collector's social media activism was a show off tactic. However, MK Raghavan had in a Facebook post said "I don't have to blame Prasanth for getting involved in the development of Kozhikode through social media. I am happy that social media is discussing the problems of the district. It is only with the public's help that we can go ahead in development initiatives." --- ENDS --- Srinagar, Jun 30 (PTI) Home Minister Rajnath Singh will review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir a day ahead of the Amarnath Yatra and will also pay obeisance at the cave shrine. After reaching Srinagar tomorrow, Singh will attend a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, besides top civil, police and Army officers to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state, particularly after Saturdays attack in Pulwama district. advertisement The Union Minister is expected to be briefed about various steps being taken by the security agencies to tackle militancy as well as infiltration from across the border, official sources said. The Home Ministry has already directed security forces to intensify vigil in the state in the wake of reports of increase in cross border infiltration. A three-member team, set up by the Home Minister, is currently visiting the state to look into lapses, if any, in the Pampore incident so that corrective steps could be taken. Practices being followed during the movement of paramilitary forces convoy in Jammu and Kashmir will also come up for review at the meeting to be attended by Singh. Singh will fly down in a chopper on Saturday morning to the cave shrine located at a height of 12,756 feet to pay his obeisance. The Home Minister will also oversee the security arrangements being made along the two routes of Amarnath Yatra. Top Home Ministry officials are in constant touch with Jammu and Kashmir government for ensuring security to pilgrims visiting the cave shrine. As many as 12,500 central paramilitary personnel and 8,000 state policemen will be deployed along the two routes -- one from South Kashmirs Pahalgam and the other through Northeast Sonamarg. No specific input about threat to the 48-day long yatra has been received. Eight CRPF personnel were killed and at least 21 others injured when two militants attacked its CRPF convoy at Pampore in Pulwama district on June 25. PTI ACB IKA SK IKA --- ENDS --- Akshay Kumar's Rustom, based on the sensational KM Nanavati case, will soon hit the screens. Brush up your knowledge of the real story that inspired the film. By Tatsam Mukherjee: KM Nanavati v/s the State of Maharashtra is one of the sensational court cases to have been tried by the Bombay High Court. It left the whole nation in a tizzy as to whether the murder at the centre of the case was committed by Nanavati in the 'heat of the moment' or was it a 'premeditated move'. advertisement The enigma of the case has drawn quite a few adaptations of the case into literary texts like Indira Sinha's The Death of Mr Love, Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children (a chapter) and now Akshay Kumar's Rutsom, on which the entire film is based. As Neeraj Pandey resurrects the (in)famous Nanavati saga and brings it on film, here are 10 things you need to know about the case: 1. Commander Kawas Maneksaw Nanavati, a Parsi by birth, was a part of the Indian Navy and had settled down with his English wife, Sylvia and their two sons and a daughter in Bombay. 2. Nanavati's frequent staying away on assignments had Sylvia falling in love with a friend of her husband, Prem Ahuja. She wanted to divorce her husband and marry her lover, but Prem didn't have the same intentions. This was proven by the many letters Sylvia wrote, and was brought forward as a part of her testimony later. ALSO READ: Rustom is going to save marriages, stop divorces, says Akshay Kumar 3. On April 27, 1959, when Nanavati came back from an assignment and found Sylvia quite distraught, he asked her the reason behind the same. Sylvia came clean about the affair and also voiced her doubt that Prem might not reciprocate her feelings by marrying her and accepting her children. 4. Nanavati dropped his family at Metro cinema, and drove up to the Naval base and collected his pistol and six cartridges under a false pretext, was the prosecution's argument. The prosecution's contention over here was how could Sylvia leave her husband in such an agitated state, to which she replied, "I was not indifferent to my husband killing himself, but then it's difficult to explain such things to the children. So I took them to the cinema." Meanwhile, Nanavati went to Prem's office and then to his flat. Once there, Nanavati asked Prem if he intended to marry Sylvia and accept their children. When Prem refused to take any responsibility for the affair, Nanavati shot him three times, killing him. Akshay Kumar's Rustom uses that as its tagline: '3 Shots That Shook The Nation'. advertisement 5. Nanavati turned himself in in front of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, after confessing his crime to the Provost Marshal of the Western Naval Command. It was in fact the Marshal who advised him to surrender himself. 6. Nanavati had the reputation of being a patriotic, morally upright officer of the Navy, who did not have any prior history of criminal charges. Prem had supposedly responded to Nanavati's question of marrying Sylvia and accepting her children with a "Should I marry every woman I sleep with?", before Nanavati shot him. Seeing a wronged husband in front of them, the jury sympathised with the accused and ruled in his favour, 8 to 1. ALSO WATCH: In Rustom's trailer, is Akshay Kumar a traitor or a patriot? There were no witnesses in the Nanavati case. There were only two people in the room when the incident happened; one of whom was dead. It was practically Nanavati's word against the world's. The victim's sister Mamie Ahuja and the prosecution contested the fact that what Nanavati had done was not because he lost his self-control after discovering the truth about his wife's affair. Their stance was that the murder was premeditated, and committed in cold blood. With this argument, the then-young lawyer Ram Jethmalani, assisting in the prosecution, appealed to the Bombay High Court. advertisement 7. The Bombay High Court found Nanavati guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He appealed the sentence in the Supreme Court, which upheld the decision of the High Court in November 1961. Meanwhile, a tabloid called Blitz was championing Nanavati's cause, and the case caught the public imagination in such a way that 25p copy sold for Rs 2 apiece. 8. This case led to some unrest between the Parsi and the Sindhi communities in Mumbai. While Nanavati belonged to the Parsi community, Ahuja was a Sindhi. Around the same time, Maharashtra Governor Vijaylakshmi Pandit (who was Jawaharlal Nehru's sister) received a mercy petition for Bhai Pratap, a prominent Sindhi businessman dealing in import-export of sports goods. Bureaucrats agreed that he could be pardoned. KM Nanavati walked in the same circles as the Gandhi-Nehru family, and thus found favour from the newly-appointed Governor. 9. Vijaylakshmi Pandit pounced on the chance and said that Bhai Pratap would be pardoned after Nanavati was pardoned. This would ensure that both the Parsi and Sindhi communities are happy. Ram Jethmalani's job was to convince the victim's sister, Mamie Ahuja. advertisement 10. Mamie Ahuja finally gave in to the Government's request, and KM Nanavati was released after spending three years in jail. Nanavati left for Canada with his wife and two children shortly after and was never heard of again. He passed away in 2003. Sylvia and their three children continue to survive him. Now, Akshay Kumar and director Tinu Suresh Desai are in the process of dusting public memory and bringing the Nanavati case back to the fore. Rustom, which sees Akshay Kumar in the lead role of Rustom Pavri, Ileana D'Cruz as his wife and Arjan Bajwa as her lover, is slated for an August 12 release. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Etah (UP), Jul 1 (PTI) A school manager has been arrested for raping a 15-year-old girl in 2015 after the video of the incident went viral, police said today. A high school student was allegedly raped by the school manager Jitendra Kumar last year. She did not disclose the incident out of fear, police said. The manager had the video clip of the incident, threatening the girl with it, they said, noting that she informed her family only after the video went viral. advertisement The family had filed an FIR in Kotwali Bagwala yesterday, following which the man was arrested. PTI CORR NKS SC RCB --- ENDS --- Arizona News Tucson, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a judge ordered a Tucson business owner to go to jail for continuing to scam consumers in violation of a 2010 Arizona Consumer Fraud Judgment. In May 2016, a Pima County Superior Court Judge found Claude Thomas Kennedy in contempt of court and ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine by June 10, 2016 or face jail time. Kennedy did not pay the fine, and the court issued an arrest warrant for Kennedy on June 16, 2016. Kennedy's whereabouts are unknown at this time. In 2010, the Attorney Generals Office won a Consumer Fraud Lawsuit against Kennedy. A court ordered Kennedy to pay nearly $500,000 after defrauding Arizona consumers in a motorhome sales scheme. Kennedy would falsely offer motorhome owners the chance to sell their motorhomes claiming he would find new owners to assume the loan payments. Kennedy defrauded both the original owners and the so-called buyers who paid thousands of dollars in down payments for motorhomes and never received the title. The actual owners of the motorhomes were stuck with the bills that Kennedy had guaranteed would be paid and no motorhomes to show for it. The court ordered Kennedy to stop selling, purchasing, or leasing motorhomes. Kennedy did not pay restitution as required by the 2010 judgment. The States collection efforts were unsuccessful. In 2015, the Attorney Generals Office received new consumer complaints against Kennedy and filed a petition to find Kennedy in contempt of court for ignoring the courts 2010 order. During an April 2016 hearing, consumers testified Kennedy had utilized the same motorhome sales scheme to defraud them. Based on the evidence presented, the Court found Kennedy in contempt of court. Assistant Attorney General Stephen Emedi handled this matter. If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney Generals Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6504, or outside the metro areas at (800) 352-8431. Bilingual consumer protection staff is available to assist. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney Generals website at https://www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer . Latest News Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 56 years of independence. "The United States appreciates the challenges that your country has overcome and those it continues to face. We remain committed to working with you in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect as you strive to build a peaceful, more prosperous, and truly democratic future. "I extend my best wishes to you on this special day and throughout the year to come." Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - On Friday, July 15th, the Foothills Library will host a Spanish Practice Group from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Practice speaking Spanish with other learners in a supportive, low-stress environment. Bilingual staff will guide the group and keep the conversation going. There is no charge to attend; however, space is limited and registration is required. For more information, and to register, call (928) 342-1640. The Foothills Library is located at 13226 E. South Frontage Road. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Must-See For All Homeowners URGENT: So many homeowners could still benefit today, but sadly, many perceive HARP to be too good to be true. Remember, HARP is a free government program and there's absolutely NO COST to see if you qualify. See if you qualify now before it's gone >> So while the banks happily wait for this program to end, the Government is making a final push and urging homeowners to take advantage. This program is set to expire in 2016 , but the good news is that once you're in, you're in. If lowering your payments, paying off your mortgage faster, and even taking some cash out would help you, it's vital you act now. Still unknown to many is a brilliant Government Program called the Home Affordable Refinance Plan (HARP) that could benefit millions of Americans and reduce their payments by as much as $3,000 per year! You could bet the banks aren't too thrilled about losing all that profit and might secretly hope homeowners don't find out before time runs out. THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT AN ACTUAL NEWS ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE *We are dedicated to bringing readers valuable information which can help them accomplish their financial and lifestyle goals. Our disclaimer is that this site does receive compensation for product reviews and referrals or purchases made through our links. This page is an advertisement/advertorial. The story depicted here is for demonstration purposes only and everyone's results may vary. We hope you find our online resource informative and helpful. This site is in no way affiliated with any news source. This site contains affiliate and partner links. This website and the company that owns it is not responsible for any typographical or photographic errors. If you do not agree to our terms and policies, then please leave this site immediately. All trademarks, logos, and service marks (collectively the "Trademarks") displayed are registered and/or unregistered Trademarks of their respective owners. Contents of this website are copyrighted property of the reviewer and/or this website. Mortgage Lenders are constantly changing their policies in your state to meet demand and manage risk. 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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: The initial payment on a 30-year $200,000 5-year Adjustable-Rate Loan at 3.125% and 70% loan-to-value (LTV) is $856.76 with 2.125 points due at closing. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 3.199%. After the initial 5 years, the principal and interest payment is $833.58. The fully indexed rate of 3.00% is in effect for the remaining 25 years and can change once every year for the remaining life of the loan. Payment does not include taxes and insurance premiums. The actual payment amount will be greater. Rate is variable and subject to change after 5 years. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use 2016 YourBetterRates All Rights Reserved. When Shah Rukh Khan was asked to react to Salman Khan's 'raped woman' remark, the Raees actor said he shouldn't judge others as he has also made "inappropriate comments". By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan's 'raped woman' remark has been a topic of discussion for many days now. From Priyanka Chopra to Anurag Kashyap, several B-Town celebs have expressed their opinion on the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor's comment. ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra reacts to Salman Khan's 'raped woman' remark While some have supported the Dabangg actor, there are others like Kangana Ranaut and Sona Mahapatra who have slammed the actor for his insensitive remark. During a press conference, the Kick actor compared his gruelling shoot for upcoming film Sultan to that of a condition of a raped woman. advertisement When Shah Rukh Khan was asked about the same, the Raees actor told the Times of India, "In the last few years I have realized that I made so many inappropriate comments myself that I don't think I am someone to sit and judge somebody else's comments to be very honest. It's about taking sides or not taking sides." "I myself say so many things, who are we to decide or not decide what he (Salman) should be or shouldn't be doing. Personally speaking I don't think I can make any comments on this, I am so inappropriate myself," added the Dilwale actor. The 50-year-old actor has not apologised for his remark, made earlier this month, which prompted the National Commission for Women to ask for a public apology. The Dabanng Khan has also been summoned by NCW. Recently, when Salman Khan was asked about the whole controversy, he said, "I will not take much time because nowadays the less I speak the better it is." --- ENDS --- LIVE-2 Inning |27-31 SOUTH AFRICA VS BANGLADESH SA 205/5 VS 66/5 BAN Bangladesh need 140 runs in 62 balls at 13.54 rpo In a statement Peter Mukerjea's lawyers have claimed that there is no evidence at all against their client. By India Today Web Desk: Defense lawyers in Sheena Bora murder case have received the statement of Shyamvar Rai, former driver of prime accused Indrani Mukerjea, which he had given to the magistrate under section 164 after the Bombay High Court on Thursday directed a CBI court trying the case to furnish a copy of confession given by Rai. In a statement Peter Mukerjea's lawyers have claimed that there is no evidence at all against their client. "No reference to Peter for the incident of murder, planning, execution and disposal of body. Nothing about the phone calls etc," said advocate Mihir Gheewala. advertisement WHAT RAI REVEALED Rai has stated that in the car, he had placed his hands on Sheena's mouth while the main accused Indrani Mukerjea had strangulated her own daughter. He has said that Indrani's ex-husband and Sheena's step father Sanjeev Khanna had pulled Sheena's hair from the back. The driver hired by Indrani has also revealed that Indrani planned the murder well in advance and visited the place of carrying out the murder a day before, after rejecting two places on Lonavala Khopoli route. On the day of disposing Sheena's body, Indrani and Khanna strategically made Indrani's murder look like suicide by immolation. On reaching the spot of murder, Indrani and Khanna brought Sheena's body out of the car and Indrani threw gloves and saree on her daughter's body. Rai said that Khanna sprinkled petrol over Sheena's body and Indrani took the charge of setting the body on fire. Rai, was the first accused to be arrested in the case in August 2015, taking the lid off the murder, after he was picked up in connection with an arms case. The trial court recently allowed Rai to turn approver in the case and become a prosecution witness. CBI, the investigating agency in the case, had refused to part with the statement, however, the defense advocates had challenged this in high court and it was only after court had ordered that the statement was handed over. HOW WAS SHEENA KILLED? According to the prosecution, Sheena was murdered on April 24, 2012, but the crime came to light after the arrest of Rai in another case. Last year, Rai had recorded his confessional statement before the Magistrate under the provisions of section 164, which unlike the police statement, is admissible in the trial. Indrani Mukerjea, Khanna and Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012. Sheena's body was found in a forest in Raigad. The crime, which came to light in August last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings. The trio was arrested in August last year, while Peter Mukerjea was arrested in November. According to CBI, Peter was part of the murder conspiracy. advertisement While Peter and Khanna are lodged in Central prison at Arthur Road, 43-year-old Indrani is in Byculla women's jail in the city. Also Read: Sheena Bora murder: Indrani Mukerjea's driver Shyamvar Rai made main approver, granted pardon Sheena Bora murder: No objection to Indrani's driver Shyamvar turning approver, says CBI --- ENDS --- Spicezee.com New Delhi, July 06: Exuberant over the great opening of his film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Bollywoods latest light-eyed boy Imran Khan, revealed some sweet bit of his life in an exclusive tete-a-tete with Harsha Mary and Shivangi Singh of Spicezee.com. Wearing a grey T-Shirt with a tattooed back, the 25-yr-old debutante smiled warmly as he answered the questions put up by the team:Please tell us about your upcoming projects?(sounding enthusiastic) I am currently working on two films. Kidnap and Luck. Kidnap is written by Shibani Bhatija, who wrote Karan Johar`s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Minissha Lamba is my co-star in the film. Luck is an action packed thriller, directed by Soham Shah. Kamal Haasans daughter, Shruthi Kamal Haasan will be my co-star. She is an amazing actress.In an interview, Genelia called you a prankster. Are you really like that?(smiles) No, infact am not that funny prank-playing kind of person. I used to crack jokes with Genelia, but she hardly used to understand it. But she is a very sweet person and a very good actress.You have been educated abroad. Have you undergone training in acting?No, I have been trained in script-writing and directing but not as an actor. I am a filmmaker.Your debut movie is doing so well. How does it feel?(enthusiastically) To be very frank, I never expected such an overwhelming response to my film. I am surprised at the success of my film. Theatres are going jam packed. I never like my work, I constantly criticize my work. But the feedback I am receiving on my film is amazing.Who is your favourite actress in Bollywood as of now?(candidly) I think Kareena Kapoor is the best. She is an amazing actress. She acts very well.And out of the actresses of yesteryearsI think Madhuri Dixit is the best. She dances extremely well. I respect and like her a lot.Out of the recent bunch of newcomers in Bollywood like, Harman Baweja, Sikander Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ranbir, who do you think is the most promising?I think Ranbir is a superstar. He rocks! He has everything that it takes to be a star. He is brilliant in acting and dancing.What is your take on Love Story 2050 that released with your Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na? Imran: Well, I didnt have a chance to watch Love Story. The movie released this Friday, since then my schedule has been really packed. I have been in Delhi, giving interviews.Who do you like better - Aamir the actor or Aamir the person? Imran: I like Aamir the person more. He is a great human being and he has never been unfair to anyone in his entire lifetime.Are you seeing someone?(brightly) Yes, I am and her name is Avantika. I have known her for six years now. I love my girl-friend and very happy with her.Was it love at first sight with Avantika?(smiles) I dont believe in love at first sight. What happened between us was gradual. We started as friends. At this lovey-dovey note the interview ended. Imran Khan, still untouched by stardom and glitzy facade of Bollywood, smiled amiably at shutterbugs. As he turned, displaying a tattoo on his neck, we bid good-bye to another star on the rise. New York: A Muslim policeman who sued the New York City Police Department after he was suspended for refusing to shave his beard has been reinstated and the department has agreed to review its ban on beards, his lawyers said on Thursday. A judge last week ordered the NYPD to continue paying Officer Masood Syed his salary and benefits after he sued the department, claiming that the no-beard policy was unconstitutional. "It seems like the department has taken the crucial first step in addressing an important and growing concern of officers of many different faiths," Syed said in a statement released by his attorneys. "I am hopeful that the departments new policy will, in fact, allow myself and other officers to wear our beards at a reasonable length without the fear of retaliation or hostility," he said. An NYPD spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday evening. In a letter sent to the judge and provided to news outlets by Syed`s attorneys, the city`s law department asks that a hearing scheduled for July 8 in the case be adjourned because the officer had been "restored to full duty" and the two sides were discussing a resolution of the lawsuit. The NYPD`s written policy is that officers cannot wear beards, but an unwritten policy designed to provide religious accommodation allows for beards of up to 1 millimeter long, according to the lawsuit. Syed, a law clerk in the department, has worn a beard of about 1/2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm) for years for religious reasons. In December, according to the lawsuit, he was told by supervisors that his beard was too long and ordered to shorten it. When he did not, he was suspended, according to the complaint. In 2013, a Hasidic Jewish probationary officer won a lawsuit against the department over the same policy. US District Judge Harold Baer ruled in 2013 that the policy violated the First Amendment guarantee of free religious exercise. The Hasidic officer, Fishel Litzman, was allowed to return to work with a beard of around 1 inch, according to Syed`s lawyer. New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here and discussed developmental issues. "Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu called on the HM in New Delhi today," said a tweet from the Home Ministry`s official twitter handle HMO. Sources in Naidu`s Telugu Desam Party said during his meeting, Naidu raised issues concerning developmental matters of the state and also on issues related to bifurcation of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief minister had urged for early decision from the central government to designate Andhra Pradesh under special category state. At the annual TDP convention at Tirupati in May, a section of party members mounted pressure on TDP chief Naidu to harden his stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and press for the special status -- a promise made in parliament by the then Congress government when Telangana was carved out in 2014. The idea for special category status was to compensate Andhra Pradesh for the losses it suffered due to the division because all industrial and commercial development was concentrated around the capital Hyderabad that geographically belonged to the Telangana region. The status, which involves a huge financial package, is normally given to economically backward states in India. "We are not asking any undue favour from the Centre. The Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act was brought by the Congress (government), but it is also true that all parties supported it," Naidu had reporters at Tirupati in May. Bengaluru: Flying the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) after its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) was like being on top of the world, said Group Captain Madhav Rangachari on Friday. "I felt like being on top of the world when flying the Tejas fighter . It's an honour and a privilege to pilot the inaugural flight of the LCA soon after its induction," Rangachari told reporters after a 10-minute solo sortie under a cloudy sky and windy conditions. The 40-year-old test pilot is the commanding officer of the IAF's 45 squadron nicknamed Flying Daggers. With 3,000 flying hours experience, Rangachari was part of the Mirage 2000 squadron before flying the multirole Tejas since a year. Taking off from the IAF's Aircraft System Testing Establishment (ASTE) tarmac in the city's eastern suburb and adjacent to the defence airport of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Rangachari flew the multi-role supersonic fighter up to 1,500 feet altitude at 900 km speed (450 knots) within visual range in the Bengaluru sky. "I could do only horizontal profile and not vertical due to the cloudy sky. It's an excellent aircraft and generation ahead of other fighters in the world. Being the only of its kind (light combat), it's not comparable with other military aircraft," Rangachari asserted.Though the aircraft did not have weapons under its wings for the sortie, Rangachari said he had flown it with air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs during test flights and had verified its strike power. "For flight demonstrations and aerobatics, we do not carry weapons, though Tejas is capable of flying with four-tonne payloads, including missiles and bombs and hitting targets accurately," Rangachari claimed. As the Tejas squadron will operate from Bengaluru for the next two years before moving to its designated air base at Sulur near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the air force will deploy more test pilots and technicians to fly them for final operational clearance and training. "The squadron has six test pilots, 20 technicians to fly the LCA and more fighter pilots will join us, as we induct two more of them this year and three more next year when delivered by HAL," Rangachari said.On landing after a flawless flight demo, the olive green aircraft was greeted with a water salute as it taxied onto the base from the runway. Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday inducted two home- grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas into its `Flying Daggers` 45 Squadron here, 33 years after it was cleared for development. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to the IAF at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride and happiness over the induction of indigenously-built Tejas fighter jet into the Indian Air Force. Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness. #TransformingIndia Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2016 I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 1, 2016 Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also congratulated on the induction and said the planes will be a force multiplier. Moment of National pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights. Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) July 1, 2016 Southern Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal Jasbir Walia received the certified documents of the indigenous fighters from HAL chairman T Suvarna Raju at a function here. IAF test pilot and commanding officer of `Flying Daggers` Group Captain Madhav Rangachari flew one of the multi-role aircraft for about 10 minutes from the Aircraft System Testing Establishment of the Air Force under a cloudy sky and windy conditions. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. The only of its kind fighter in the world, the `Made in India` Tejas has been designed and developed by state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and built by HAL at its Bengaluru complex in the city`s eastern suburb, Prior to its induction, the fourth generation-plus advanced fly-by-wire fighter has flown about 3,000 sorties for 2,000 hours till date without a single mishap. Equipped with the latest satellite-aided inertial navigation system, the tandem twin-seater supersonic aircraft has a digital computer-based attack system and an autopilot. The fighter is capable of carrying four tonnes of weapons and firing air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions like laser-guided bombs. The LCA is also equipped with a helmet-mounted display and has a distinctive `glass cockpit` in which information is displayed real-time to the pilot. The IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the "Initial Operational Clearance" and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over the delay. (With Agency inputs) IRCTC is all set to launch Three Star luxury trains from Secunderabad to Shirdi, Goa and Tirupati with the basic tariff structure of normal bus fares. By India Today Web Desk: Train travel in India is only getting better with time. According to latest media reports, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to introduce Three Star luxury trains from Secunderabad to Shirdi, Goa and Tirupati with the basic tariff structure of normal bus fares. The decision was taken after Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) Chairman Pervaram Ramulu made a special request for the same when he met IRCTC Chairman & Managing Director A.K. Manocha and Group General Manager Smita Rawat on Wednesday. advertisement Also read: 5 most picturesque train journeys in India IRCTC has also agreed to run Three Star luxury trains Basar, Warangal and Bhadrachalam within Telangana and for group bookings from outside the State, to Hyderabad and Warangal. Not too long from now, a Seven Star super luxury Maharaja Express train might be operating from Konkan to Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, that passes through Secunderabad and Kazipet in Telangana. In fact, Manocha was believed to have visited the TSTDC to discuss this proposal. Maharaja trains are known to offer attractive travel packages that include unlimited food and wine and visits to tourist places. The menu includes continental, Chinese, Thai, Mughlai and Indian dishes, while the lavishly furnished rooms are charged at US$990 (Rs 66,760) per night for a couple. --- ENDS --- Patna:Cutting across party lines, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and noted lawyer and RJD MP Ram Jethmalani attended an iftar party thrown by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad here today. Many prominent leaders were present at the iftar party hosted at the bungalow alloted to Lalu's elder son and state health minister Tej Pratap Yadav. Speaker of state Assembly Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Chairman of Legislative Council Awadhesh Narain Singh were present on the occasion. After a long time, Nitish Kumar and Manjhi sat side by side and both the leaders said it was a social occasion in which presence of people from different parties and walks of life was obvious. "It is a social occasion which everybody attends," Kumar told reporters when asked about him being with Manjhi, his protege-turned-bitter rival. Kumar greeted Lalu for the iftar party. Manjhi also told reporters that "such an event should not be seen through political glasses." Manjhi, chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), an ally of the BJP, said he attended the function as Lalu had also attended a similar function organised by him recently. Lalu played a perfect host to all dignitaries and people who came on the occasion and was seen moving around to ensure everyone was at ease. The RJD president told reporters he had invited BJP leaders too "but, they absented fearing expulsion from the party." Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani, who was made a Rajya Sabha member by the RJD recently, sat by Lalu's side. Wife Rabri Devi, MP daughter Misa Bharti, younger son and deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav and Tej Pratap joined Lalu in welcoming the guests and mingled with the guests. Chennai: The man suspected to have murdered Infosys employee S Swathi at a railway station in Chennai in broad daylight on June 24 was nabbed late Friday night from Tirunelveli. The accused has been identified as Ramkumar, 22, from Sengottai in Tirunelveli, The Hindu reported. Ramkumar, an engineering graduate, tried to kill himself by slitting his throat with a sharp object he was approached by police. He was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital in Tirunelveli where doctors described his condition to be fine. The suspect had been stalking Swathi for months before he gruesomely killed her at the Nungambakkam Railway Station in Chennai last month. Swathi was aware that the suspect had been stalking her, as per the victim's friends. As per details available, Swathi was waiting for her train at platform number 2 when the incident happened. Swathi, who was going to work, was approached by the man. The conversation between them soon turned into an argument and developed into a situation where the man took out a sharp weapon and hacked her to death. Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has suggested raising a 'Dandakaranya' battalion on the lines of the Naga regiment of Indian Army to facilitate entry of tribal youths from Maoist-hit Bastar in the armed forces. "The CM made the suggestion while chairing the civil military cooperation meeting that concluded late last evening at New Mantralaya here," a government spokesperson said today. The Chief Minister said in the meeting that setting up of the battalion would not only help youth from the tribal-dominated Bastar division to serve their country after joining the Army, but it will also create job opportunity for them, he said. Notably, Dandakaranya region, which spreads over the border districts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, is considered a stronghold of Naxals. The first conference of military, civil administration and police after the state formation in 2000 had discussed enhancing employment opportunities for ex-servicemen. The chief minister also pitched for providing special training to local youths ahead of organising Army recruitment drive so that they can do well in the selection process, he said. State Director General of Police A N Upadhyay, Major General Central India Area Dharam Vir Singh Rana, Major General Central Command Lucknow Pradeep Raj Singh Chaudhary, Chhattisgarh and Odisha Sub Area Brigadier J S Sandhu and Special DGP (anti-Naxal operations) D M Awasthi, besides other senior police and administration officials were present in the meeting yesterday. Geneva: A shock referendum result demanding controls on European Union migration has created a serious headache for politicians, who must do the people`s bidding without jeopardising access to the single market. Not Britain: Switzerland. Home to more than a million EU citizens, Switzerland voted on Feb 9, 2014 to impose quotas on migration, potentially ripping up a bilateral deal with the EU on free movement of people. It could trigger a 'guillotine clause' cancelling six other bilateral agreements, including on air transport, road, rail and agriculture. The government sees few ways out and, in what could be a warning to Britain, may have no choice but to ask voters to reconsider. Though even that is difficult. Switzerland is one of the models some supporters of Britain leaving the European Union have pointed to of a European economy that thrives outside of the EU. But in 1999, to negotiate access to the European single market, it had to agree to bilateral deals that allow free movement of workers from EU countries. European leaders say they will demand similar "free movement" conditions if Britain is to retain easy access to the EU market, a position that British officials acknowledge makes it difficult to deliver the limits on migration that voters want while also keeping the free trade businesses need. As in Britain, voters defied the advice of their government to deliver a narrow victory to a referendum campaign led by right-wing populists. The Swiss referendum was backed in rural areas with few migrants, and carried with 50.3 percent of the vote, upsetting businesses and creating an unexpected dilemma for the government. Swtizerland now has until February to implement the binding result. "Right now we are in a situation that is both delicate and paradoxical," Swiss negotiator Jacques de Watteville told an audience of Swiss bankers earlier this month, before the Brexit vote. Foreigners make up a quarter of the population of the neutral Alpine country, which despite being outside the EU is inside its Schengen zone of border-free travel. Three hundred thousand workers commute into Switzerland across borders from France, Germany and Italy every day. NEW REFERENDUM? Swiss politicians now appear to face a choice of passing legislation that the EU will reject, abrogating their agreements with the EU unilaterally, or hoping that the 2014 vote will get overturned by a new referendum. "I don`t see any possibility for the EU to give anything to Switzerland," said Rene Schwok, a professor at the University of Geneva and author of books on Swiss-EU relations. The referendum has already resulted in Switzerland being dumped from Europe`s "Erasmus" university exchange programme. Once the government passes legislation to implement it, the guillotine clause would end a range of other bilateral agreements, having far wider impact. "A campaign to overturn the 2014 referendum is already underway, but it would require a majority of Switzerland`s 26 cantons to agree, as well as the population, which means it is unlikely to succeed", Schwok said. Some in Britain are closely watching the Swiss case for the lessons they can learn. Remain campaigners say it shows that the victorious Leave side may not be able to deliver its promises. "It`s not at all clear that Switzerland is going to achieve the objectives that it has set out," said British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who campaigned to remain in the EU against a Leave campaign also led by figures from his ruling Conservative Party. "There are some of my colleagues in the Conservative party at the moment saying things like `It`ll be straightforward to agree access to the single market and there`ll be no need to have freedom of movement,`" he told BBC radio this week. "I`m afraid they are simply betraying a lack of understanding of the political realities in the European Union. It will be much more complicated than that." De Watteville, the Swiss diplomat charged with finding a solution to the EU problem, said, "Whatever solution is found, the Swiss will probably have to return to the ballot box." "In the end, its going to be up to the Swiss people to decide, because in any scenario, its very likely that a referendum will be announced by one side or the other, he said. London: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for "serious statesmanship" in negotiating Britain`s exit from the European Union. Blair on Thursday wrote in the Telegraph that a Eurosceptic "Brexit Minister" would be the wrong choice to conduct talks with the EU. Blair wrote in the article, "There is going to be a negotiation of extraordinary complexity where there are a thousand devils in every detail... This needs serious statesmanship." Blair questioned if it was "really sensible" to put a pro-Leave minister in charge of Brexit -- Britian`s exit from EU -- negotiations. Instead, he wrote, the lead negotiator must have a "high level sense... of the things that might be compromised, the things that are red lines". "The psychology of the other 27 countries is crucial to feel and shape," he added. Blair condemned Nigel Farage`s mocking outburst in the European Parliament earlier this week, warning the government not to "underestimate the damage" that will have caused. He also argued that the narrowness of the vote had left 48 per cent "completely disenfranchised" and "alienated". Blair said in the daily that "Britain should keep all our options open" and insisted that it "is not an argument for another referendum". "Actually the people do have a right to change their mind, but that is not for now," he added. He concluded in what will be seen as a further offer to help: "Our nation is in peril. To allow us to come safely through this we need to be adult in our politics, to proceed with calm, maturity and without bitterness; because our future as a nation in the world and as Britain itself is at stake." Rome: Italian police said Friday they had raided nine premises in the country`s biggest Chinatown as part of an investigation into a criminal gang suspected of being behind attacks on North Africans. The raids were carried out in the Tuscan town of Prato, home to one of the biggest Chinese communities in Europe and a booming textile industry notorious for sweatshop exploitation. Friday`s raids were carried out under warrants issued for criminal association and commissioning racially-motivated violence. Police said nine individuals were under investigation but that they had not been arrested or charged with any crime. They are all linked to a Chinese cultural association called "The City of the White Stag." A police statement said the head of the White Stag group had organised vigilante-style patrols in Prato which had led to attacks on Arab immigrants with no criminal connections. Giuseppe Nicolosi, the prosecutor in charge of the probe, told a press conference he was looking into five or six beatings but that the raids had been carried out for other reasons. He also denied there was any link between the raids in Prato and street clashes that erupted on Wednesday in a nearby suburb of Florence after a health and safety inspection of a Chinese-owned textile factory. Around 300 people were involved in violence sparked after an altercation between officers and an elderly Chinese man who was stopped leaving the factory with a baby in his arms, according to local reports. "Our investigation was already under way before the incidents in Florence which are being looked into by the police in Florence," Nicolosi said. Four policemen and three workers were injured in the scuffles in the Sesto Fiorentino district and police made two arrests. Reports said protesters had shouted: "All you know how to do is to hand out fines." In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Chinese diplomats had made representations to the Italian authorities, "asking them to enforce the law, carry out just investigations, and safeguard the security and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Italy". Hong said China would "continue to follow this incident and offer necessary assistance to Chinese citizens there within our remit". "Meanwhile, we ask Chinese citizens in Italy to safeguard their own rights and interests in a reasonable way."The latest incidents underline long-standing tensions between the Italian authorities and the country`s Chinese community, which has prospered economically but is regularly accused of showing no interest in integration and of sending millions in untaxed profits back to China. In the Florence area, authorities have long battled the related problems of sweatshop exploitation and clandestine immigration. But local officials say efforts to better regulate the textiles sector have born fruit since a 2013 fire in a garment factory left seven people dead. It emerged afterwards that the workers had been living in the factory and were unable to escape because the windows were barred. There are more than 270,000 Chinese living in Italy, of whom over a fifth own their own businesses, and the community contributes some six billion euros to the Italian economy, according to the Leone Moressa foundation. Prato is officially home to some 16,000 Chinese nationals out of a total population of 191,000. But local sources say the real figure could be closer to 50,000. Liu Xiaodong, the acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist, spent time in the town earlier this year and included several paintings of its Chinese residents in his recent "Migrations" exhibition in Florence. In an interview with AFP, Liu said his contact with the Prato Chinese had left him surprised by the slow pace of their adaptation to Italian life. "They have been there mostly for at least a couple of generations and still they are very closed off," the artist said. "They have their own customs and traditions and are still very separate from the local population. This model of migration is also problematic." am-slb/txw Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday for the first time since Moscow and Ankara mended ties that were shattered over the downing of a Russian jet last year. "We hope that this encounter will set the right tone for the normalisation of relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency at the start of their meeting on the sidelines of a regional economic cooperation conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said that he extended the tenure of the S.N. Dhingra Commission of enquiry so that it could look in to all the aspects thoroughly. "Justice Dhingra would know the reason, he asked me for some more time, and following my duties, I gave him time. I gave him time so that he could properly look into all aspects, because it would create problem if any new issue comes up in the end," said Khattar. Khattar rejected Robert Vadra`s allegation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is targeting him for political gain. "On the basis of some legitimate facts we constituted this commission a year ago. And the point to be noted here is this commission was constituted long back, why are they making statements at a time when the result is about to be declared. Such actions show that there is something fishy," said Khattar. After Justice Dhingra sought six more weeks to probe land licences to companies, including that of Robert Vadra`s in Gurgaon, the Congress party had accused him of compromising his position and taking undue advantage of his proximity to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The Haryana government has already extended the term of the Dhingra Commission of Inquiry twice. The controversy around Vadra is based on a 3.5-acre plot in Gurugram, which he bought in 2008 for Rs. 7.5 crores and sold just months later for 58 crores to DLF, India`s largest real estate developer. Hyderabad: The Islamic State (IS) suspects, arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday, had planned to strike Hyderabad between 5 pm to 7 pm in a bid to maximum damage. The five accused arrested by the NIA were produced before the magistrate yesterday amid tight security at Nampally Criminal Court. They were later sent to judicial custody till July 14. During the interrogation of the suspects, the NIA came to know that orders were given to the suspects by Mohammad Shafi Armar, the head and principal recruiter of Islamic State or ISIS in India. OneIndia has quoted an NIA official as saying the suspects could have struck Hyderabad on Wednesday itself had they not been taken into custody. As per the remand report submitted by the NIA at a court in Hyderabad yesterday, besides attacking various places in the city, the five arrested ISIS men had also conspired to target prominent personalities. All the suspects -- aged between 20 and 42 -- were allegedly plotting bomb attacks and indiscriminate firing at shopping malls and crowded places in Hyderabad, NIA sources had said earlier. In another revelation, a report in Deccan Chronicle today said that suspects were in constant touch with each other over Internet and had been directed by ISIS operatives in Syria to unleash violent attacks in the city before Eid. Meanwhile, a report in The New Indian Express quoted NIA sources as saying that the arrested ISIS 'sympathisers' had contributed Rs 1.5 lakh to carry out terror attacks. Also, at least two ISIS members, Habeeb Mohammad, and Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, had even visited Ajmer a short time ago to purchase weapons. An initial investigation revealed that they paid Rs 65,000 but could not get weapons and ammunition. Later, Habeeb and Ibrahim made a trip to Nanded in Maharashtra to buy two semi-automatic 9 mm pistols. Subsequently, Habeeb bought chemicals like sulphuric acid, acetone, hydrogen peroxide from Hyderabad and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, NIA sources said. The NIA added that the men had tested an IED and conducted practice sessions at an isolated place in Hyderabad. Reports had said that the accused were allegedly planning to target places of worship, information technology corridors, and police stations. The five remanded in judicial custody are Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, 30, Habeeb Mohammed, 32, Mohammed Ilyas Yazdani, 24, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi 30 Aand Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan, 29. Hyderabad: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court here on Thursday sent five Islamic State (IS) suspects allegedly plotting terror attacks in the city to judicial custody till July 14. As per the remand report submitted by the NIA at a court in Hyderabad yesterday, besides attacking various places in the city, the five arrested ISIS men had also conspired to target prominent personalities. All the suspects -- aged between 20 and 42 -- were allegedly plotting bomb attacks and indiscriminate firing at shopping malls and crowded places in Hyderabad, NIA sources had said earlier. In another revelation, a report in Deccan Chronicle today said that suspects were in constant touch with each other over Internet and had been directed by ISIS operatives in Syria to unleash violent attacks in the city before Eid. Meanwhile, a report in The New Indian Express quoted NIA sources as saying that the arrested ISIS 'sympathisers' had contributed Rs 1.5 lakh to carry out terror attacks. Also, at least two ISIS members, Habeeb Mohammad and Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, had even visited Ajmer a short time ago to purchase weapons. An initial investigation revealed that they paid Rs 65,000 but could not get weapons and ammunition. Later, Habeeb and Ibrahim made a trip to Nanded in Maharashtra to buy two semi-automatic 9mm pistols. Subsequently, Habeeb bought chemicals like sulphuric acid, acetone, hydrogen peroxide from Hyderabad and Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, NIA sources said. The NIA added that the men had tested an IED and conducted practice sessions at an isolated place in Hyderabad. During interrogation, Habeeb revealed that bomb-making technique videos were shown to all of them by Ibrahim on YouTube. Reports had said that the accused were allegedly planning to target places of worship, information technology corridors and police stations. The five accused arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday were produced before the magistrate amid tight security at Nampally Criminal Court yesterday. They were later shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail. The NIA also moved a petition seeking their police custody for further questioning. It will come up for hearing today. The five remanded in judicial custody are Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, 30, Habeeb Mohammed, 32, Mohammed Ilyas Yazdani, 24, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi 30 Aand Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan, 29. An airgun, two 9 mm pistols, nails, two airgun target boards and other material like chemicals used for making explosives and Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs) were seized during the raids. Cash totalling Rs 15 lakh, 40 mobile phones, 32 SIM cards, six laptops and seven pen drives and other digital items were also seized. The NIA booked the five for waging war against the government, conspiring to commit certain offences against the state and collecting arms and ammunition with the intention of waging war against the government. The new poster of Ajay Devgn's Shivaay is out. By India Today Web Desk: After the first look posters of Shivaay created a stir on social media, the makers have finally unveiled the first poster of Ajay Devgn, Erika Kaar and Sayyeshha-starrer. Director Ajay Devn, who also plays the lead role in the film, took to Twitter to share a new poster of the film. ALSO READ: The first poster of Ajay Devgn's Shivaay is finally out advertisement The poster shows Ajay and Erika in a cliff hangar. The 47-year-old actor, who has been shooting for this ambitious project in Bulgaria, wrote, "Hang on for your life for a mid air Romantic Adventure @6928mts." Hang on for your life for a mid air Romantic Adventure @6928mts #BeShivaay pic.twitter.com/ylcgNdQ1MI Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 1, 2016 By the look of it, the film promises bundle of action sequences, scenic backdrops, and an intriguing storyline. The film has been shot in scenic locales of Balkan mountains of Bulgaria, Hyderabad and Uttarakhand. Sayyeshha Saigal, who is the grand niece of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu has been roped in to play the female lead in the film. The film is slated to release on October 28. --- ENDS --- New Delhi: National flag carrier Air India has issued a diktat banning pilots and cabin crew from choosing the 'preferred one' from each other for the flights. The decision has been taken to future-proof Air India from any scandal, reported The Times of India. As per the report, both pilots and cabin crew used to regularly approach Air India's crew management system (CMS) seeking pairing with specific members of their choice for flights. With some married crew members also making such requests, the airline has decided to ban the practice and asked its CMS, which prepares rosters, to follow its advice. If employees continue to make such requests with Air India CMS despite ban, they will be liable for action. In the past, such demands have brought embarrassment for the national air carrier. A few months ago, a Chennai to Male flight with 110 passengers on board was delayed for hours as an AI captain insisted on flying with a particular lady co-pilot. The order issued by AI general manager (operations) Captain RS Sandhu earlier this week says: "It has been observed that CMS crew controllers and schedulers at bases are being approached by some crew, who are not directly associated with CMS functions, for requesting flights for themselves as well as other crew members... during planning or day of operations phase of the roster. The higher management has taken a very dim view of such indiscretion." "All the crew controllers and schedulers are hereby directed to refrain from entertaining such requests, regardless of position, being held by such crew members. The same should be immediately brought to the notice of the undersigned. The same is for strict compliance, and any deviation will entail strict disciplinary action," it adds. Kolkata: Asking Bangladesh government to ensure security of minorities in the country, BJP today threatened to stop the Dhaka-Kolkata train and hold dharna in front of Benapole-Petrapole border gate if the killing of Hindus did not stop there. "Hindus and other minorities are killed in Bangladesh regularly. Bangladesh government should take steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities. India has played a major role in the independence of Bangladesh. "We (India) share a very good relations with Bangladesh. But if the killing does not stop in Bangladesh, we'll stage demonstration in front of Benapole-Petrapole border gate and stop the movement of 'Maitree Express' (the train between Kolkata and Dhaka). We'll not tolerate attack on Hindus in Bangladesh," BJP's West Bengal President Dilip Ghosh told a rally here. "In Bengal, you will see rallies organised by Communists on various global issues. But it's an irony that when Hindus in Bangladesh are being attacked, we are witnessing a stoic silence from both Communists and ruling TMC here," he said. The rally was organised in protest against the recent killing of minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP national secretary and former state president Rahul Sinha questioned the "silence" of intellectuals on the issue of killing of minorities in Bangladesh. "Why are the intellectuals now maintaining a silence on the killings? Whenever an incident happens in India, they raise a hue and cry. But they are keeping mum on this issue," Sinha said. BJP's rally comes a day after 'Hindu Jagran Manch' had organised a rally on the same issue in Kolkata. Chandigarh: A day after Justice SN Dhingra Commission sought six weeks' more time to submit the report into shady land deals involving several companies including that of Robert Vadra, the Congress party on Friday questioned the credibility of the retired judge probing the cases. Congress spokesperson RS Surjewala alleged that Justice Dhingra had accepted undue favours from the Haryana government. How will a person like that work unbiasedly? Surjewala asked, as per news agency ANI. He was referring to reported gifting of land by the state government to a trust headed by Justice Dhingra. Justice Dhingra accepted undue favours from the Haryana government for a trust of which he's chairman, Surjewala said. It needs to be probed how a gift of land was given, the Congress spokesperson said further, adding, Justice Dhingra has compromised his position and he should resign. It is clear that the higher ups in the government have rejected his report and want him to write another report. He is being used as a political tool by the BJP for vendetta, he must resign. This Commission must be disbanded, Surjewala added. The Commission was set up to probe grant of land licenses to some companies including that of Robert Vadra's in Gurgaon during the Congress rule in Haryana. Robert Vadra is the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and husband of Priyanka Gandhi. Justice Dhingra said he had sought more time to submit the report in order to go through some documents from a person stating "that they are documents of benami transactions of who benefitted from the grant of licence." Haryana government had earlier twice extended the term of the Dhingra Commission of Inquiry. New Delhi: Amid a bitter war of words between the Congress and the ruling BJP over alleged ''witch-hunt'' against Robert Vadra, the Enforcement Directorate on Friday issued fresh summons to a firm previously linked to Sonia Ganhi's son-in-law in connection with the Bikaner land scam case. According to PTI, summons were issued against Skylight Hospitality LLP, a private limited company allegedly linked to Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra, in connection with the ongoing money laundering and land-grab cases in Bikaner. Earlier this month, the Directorate had issued summons to Skylight Hospitality Limited asking the company to submit the documents related to the sale-purchase of the land in question. The agency later learnt that on May 13, the private limited company had been converted into a limited liability partnership (LLP) firm. However, the address remained the same. The ED, therefore, decided to issue fresh summons to the new entity. Skylight Hospitality had bought 69.55 hectares of land in in Bikaner in January 2010. Robert Vadra has categorically denied all allegations and accused BJP of taking political vendetta a charge dismissed by the party. The Rajasthan Police have registered 18 land-grab cases. In October 2014, based on the findings, the Rajasthan government issued orders for cancellation of the original allotments of the land involved. The ED has also launched money laundering investigations and recently conducted searches in the State. The company has, in its statement to the media, said it had instituted civil suits for recovery and damages, adding: Skylight Hospitality Private Limited or Robert Vadra are victims of the original wrongful allotments, fraud and consequent sale of said land to them in Kolayat. Jammu: The first batch of 1,138 pilgrims left Jammu on Friday for this year`s Amarnath Yatra that begins from Saturday. State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, junior minister Priya Sethi and Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in winter capital Jammu at 5 am on Friday. There are 900 males, 225 females and 13 children in the first batch which left in 13 buses, 24 mini-buses and other modes of public and private conveyance in a convoy guarded by the security forces. Providing security to this year`s Amarnath Yatra is a major security and intelligence challenge for state and central agencies because of the spurt in the violence by separatist militants. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would arrive in Jammu on Friday on a two-day visit to review the security situation in the state, especially the security arrangements for this year`s Yatra. Singh would also visit the Amarnath Yatra cave shrine on Saturday. Sources said Singh would participate in the traditional Puja at the Cave Shrine which heralds the beginning of the Yatra. Beginning from Saturday, this year`s 48-day Yatra would end on August 18 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. New Delhi: India on Friday rubbished Pakistan's claims that a 'fresh' letter has been sent to New Delhi asking for 'additional evidences' to draw an early conclusion of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Asserting that India remains committed to provide complete cooperation to Pakistan in terms of expediting the trial in the 26/11 attacks, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup stated that no recent communication has been received from Islamabad in this regard. "Pakistan has claimed that their Foreign Secretary has written to their Indian counterpart. No fresh letter has been received in this regard. What he is referring to, is a letter that was written in September last year and our Foreign Secretary replied to that letter," he said. Talking about the list of '24 witnesses' demanded by Pakistan to speed up the trial, Swarup added that India has not received any fresh communication in that regard as well. However, he added that one can expect further communication between both nations in the coming days because of India`s commitment to bring the trail to a speedy conclusion. The MEA's statement comes after Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said yesterday that Pakistan has written to India asking for 'additional evidences' to draw an early conclusion of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and six others are accused. "The Foreign Secretary had written to Indian Foreign Secretary regarding evidence required for early conclusion of Mumbai trial. We have said that we require additional evidence. The response from the Indian side is still awaited," he said. Pakistan arrested seven LeT linked militants, including Lakhvi, for their role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed. Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack. New Delhi has been urging Islamabad to complete the trial at the earliest. It has said that enough evidence has been shared with Islamabad to prosecute the accused. The case has been going on in the country for more than six years.On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorist entered Mumbai from the Arabian sea front and went on a carnage killing and injuring a total of 466 people. New Delhi: The Congress party on Friday criticized the judicial commission-led by Justice S.N. Dhingra for the delay in probing land licences issued to companies, including that of Robert Vadra`s in Gurgaon and said, "It was being used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for political witch-hunt." Seeking resignation of Justice Dhingra, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asserted that the former has compromised his position on the behalf of undue advantage leveraged to him by the Haryana Government-led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. "Justice Dhingra has clearly compromised his position, by accepting undue favours from Government of Haryana for a trust of which he is chairman. He is no longer fair and prejudiced and consequently in the highest tradition of the democracy, we expect him to resign as the judge of the commission," said Surjewala. "This is mere ploy, justice Dhingra is being used by the higher leadership of the BJP." He said that the report is ready and at the last minute he did a somersault and now he says he has fresh evidence and he will submit the evidence after four to six weeks. "It is clear that the people in the government, who want to use Dhingra commission for political witch-hunt and vendetta have rejected his report and want him to write another report," he added. Late on Thursday, Justice Dhingra, in a letter to Khattar Government, informed that he was to submit the report today. But before he could proceed to Chandigarh he received a bunch of sale deeds from someone who said that these docs are about benami transactions of those who benefited from the grant of licenses. "I was to submit report today. But before I could proceed to Chandigarh I received a bunch of sale deeds from someone who said that these docs are about benami transactions of those who benefited from the grant of licenses," he said in his letter. "Therefore I deferred my Chandigarh visit to consider these documents. I need six more weeks time. If no extension is granted then I will submit my report tomorrow itself," the letter added. Haryana government had earlier twice extended the term of the Dhingra Commission of Inquiry. The controversy around Vadra is based on a 3.5-acre plot in Gurugram, which he bought in 2008 for Rs. 7.5 crores and sold just months later for 58 crores to DLF, India`s largest real estate developer. New Delhi: Hitting back at Congress over its criticism of Justice Dhingra, BJP said "desperation" of the party and its "son-in-law" Robert Vadra over the issue exposes their "misdeeds". It said the opposition party had a habit of first seeking a probe and then politicising it, claiming that it was laughable that the Congress was attacking the retired judge even before he had submitted his report over land deals involving Vadra. "The report has not been submitted yet but the political commentary of Congress and its son-in-law have already begun. It makes clear their desperation and they believe that their cheating and misdeeds will be exposed," BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said. He referred to National Herald and AgustaWestland cases to allege that the Congress always first demanded probe and then politicised it. Coming out in support of Vadra, Congress had today demanded removal of Justice Dhingra and accused the Commission headed by him of being a "political tool" in the hands of BJP government in Haryana. New Delhi: In what is likely to ignite a fierce political debate, the NDA government-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Law Commission to examine the implications of implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the country, a report said on Friday. Confirming the development, Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda said that he has asked the Law Commission to submit a report on Uniform Civil Code. In the history of Indian Independence, this is the first time that a government has asked the Law Commission to look into the Uniform Civil Code, a report published in The Economic Times said. Bharatiya Janata Party led government's move is expected to raise a huge political storm as such a code is often twisted together with a debate on secularism. If the Act is passed by the Parliament, it would ensure same common personal laws for all citizens. At present, there are different personal laws for Hindus and Muslims. Personal law covers issues like property, marriage and divorce, inheritance and succession. Last year, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a petition by a Delhi BJP leader seeking a direction to the Centre and Parliament to enact a uniform civil code to put an end to alleged discrimination being faced by Muslim women. A bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, had said it was not for the Supreme Court to pass a direction to Parliament to introduce a Bill in this regard. Interestingly, under the Directive Principles of the State Policy in the Constitution. Article 44, under the principles, says: "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India." Recently, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu favoured a debate on common civil code in the country and said the government would not "thrust" it and would move ahead only after a broad consensus emerges on the issue. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has maintained that one cannot have a uniform civil code in a pluralistic and diverse country like India. New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that there are no Indians among those held hostage by gunmen in a restaurant in Dhaka. It further said that it is in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka for the latest update on the crisis. Several gunmen on Friday night entered an upmarket restaurant in Dhaka's diplomatic zone and opened fire on Friday evening. Atleast four people, including two cops, have been wounded and 30-40 others have been taken as hostages, reports said. Eyewitnesses said the 7-8 gunmen entered the Holey Artisan Bakery at around 9:15 pm local time and opened fire. The Spanish restaurant in the Gulshan diplomatic zone is popular with expatriates and diplomats and is believed to have been packed with patrons when the gunmen barged in. Reports added that there are many foreigners among the 30-40 people taken hostage. Security forces have cordoned off the entire area and are trying to get in touch with the attackers to prevent any further bloodshed. More details are awaited. Sobhita describes facing the camera as a magical experience. "Acting made me realise this is me, this is what I always wanted to be. Even today, I am an awkward kid and I feel most comfortable when I become a character before the camera." Her random entry into Bollywood was a reason why Sobhita was never bothered about the fact that Kashyap was returning after the costly debacle of Bombay Velvet. By Vinayak Chakravorty: A grizzly Anurag Kashyap thriller about a psycho and messed-up cop is not exactly the dream debut you would imagine for a beauty queen entering Bollywood. Sobhita Dhulipala, crowned Miss India Earth in 2013, however insists Raman Raghav 2.0 has been a perfect start. "I never planned a career in Bollywood and my debut film happened because Anurag (Kashyap) selected me in the audition. I guess deep within I wanted to do the film because, for me, what I enjoy watching is what I want to do on screen. Plus, who doesn't want to work with Anurag Kashyap?" she says about working in the film starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Masaan actor Vicky Kaushal. advertisement EXPERIMENTING WITH LIFE Sobhita, who grew up in Vishakhapatnam, recalls being a "shy, geeky tomboy in college" who "did not see too many films growing up". Miss India was "an experiment" that changed her life. "The beauty pageant briefly brought modelling offers," she says. "I was initially excited about modelling but soon I started feeling detached with the job. I wanted dynamic growth in whatever I did," she says, underlining her reason to give acting a shot. Sobhita describes facing the camera as a magical experience. "Acting made me realise this is me, this is what I always wanted to be. Even today, I am an awkward kid and I feel most comfortable when I become a character before the camera." Her random entry into Bollywood was a reason why Shobhita was never bothered about the fact that Kashyap was returning with Raman Raghav 2.0 after the costly debacle of Bombay Velvet in 2015. "Anurag was always too passionate about Raman Raghav 2.0 to care about anything else. There never was a Bombay Velvet hangover. For me, I was simply focused on doing justice to my role," she says about playing Vicky Kaushal's love interest. Rumours have linked Sobhita to Shekhar Kapur's ambitious sci-fi thriller, Paani. The 24-year-old denies being approached for the role in the Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer. "Shekhar Kapur saw Raman Raghav 2.0 and then he met up with me, which instantly led to the speculation that he was signing me up for the film!" she laughs. For now, Sobhita reveals she is reading scripts before deciding her next role. She comes into Bollywood with a Critics' Choice nomination at Cannes 2016 for her debut role, after all. Compromise clearly is a no-no when it comes to quality. Also read: Raman Raghav 2.0: How Anurag Kashyap uses Ram Sampath's music to maim the viewer --- ENDS --- New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen India's engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Minister's visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate India's ties. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India's current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modi's first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. India's ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners," said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. New Delhi: Raising a banner of revolt, RLSP's Lok Sabha leader Arun Kumar today accused the party chief and Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha of running the organisation in undemocratic and autocratic style. RLSP, a Bihar based party, has three MPs in the Lower House and a part of the ruling NDA. Kumar launched the attack on Kushwaha, a day after the latter dissolved the party's Bihar unit headed by the Jahanabad MP. Kumar claimed the party's Bihar unit was to discuss major issues, including some pertaining to shoddy appointments in the organisation, prompting Kushwaha to dissolve it. "Yesterday, I got a call from Upendra Kushwaha saying the Bihar unit has been dissolved. This has been done in a very arbitrary manner by Kushwaha and his coterie," he said. Asked about his future course of action, Kumar said he will be meeting party workers in Patna before making a move. "Let the party workers decide it." Accusing the RLSP leadership of turning the party into a "shop", Kumar claimed people are appointed at posts without any proper background check or consultations. "A fodder scam accused was appointed as party's Bihar president but it was undone after protests from party workers," Kumar said. New Delhi: BJP's firebrand Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy continues to express his opinion on issues of utmost concern with his 'I care a damn' attitude. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's indirect snub to Swamy, the BJP MP has raised questions over the former's much publicised election slogan 'Achche Din' and said that if discloses the real GDP growth figures it will create a furore. Swamy on Friday took Twitter and claimed that if he discloses real GDP figures then it will certainly not go down well within the party and will be seen as an anti-party activity. If I apply Samuelson-Swamy Theory of Index Numbers to India's GDP calculation or RBI interests rates, media will scream anti party activity! July 1, 2016 Just two months after entering the Rajya Sabha, Subramanian Swamy has been attacking his critics and has taken swipes at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's term. Swamys caustic and even derogatory tweets have eroded the support of the top bosses in the ruling dispensation and questions regarding his comments have raised within the RSS. Swamys fall from grace was reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent remarks about Vyavastha se upar kisi ko bolne ka haq nahi hai in an interview to a TV news channel. However, efforts to ensure that he tones down his attacks have not yielded results and the BJP leadership is determined to take disciplinary action if his Twitter diatribe continues. New Delhi: Terror attacks cannot be a justification to suspend the Indo-Pak bilateral talks, Pakistan PM's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said. Pathankot attack happened on January 1 and the whole thing got suspended. I dont see why such incidents should suspend the dialogue, ANI quoted him as saying. He said that Pakistan's priority has been improved relations with her neighbours, including India. The non-resumption of dialogue is a problem but we have tried to ensure that the relationship remains cordial, Aziz said. He said that there is no tension on the LOC and trading between the two sides going on normally. If the relationship cannot improve, it should not deteriorate either, he said, adding, We'll continue to urge that we (India-Pak) should resume dialogue & try to improve our relation both in economic & non-economic fields. After PM Modis inaugural ceremony, the foreign secretaries of the two sides couldn't meet because Pakistan high commissioner had met the Kashmiri leaders, that was hardly an excuse, Aziz said. In one excuse or other, India always delayed the dialogue, includes talks on terrorist related activities, he said. Our economic goals and revivals cannot be achieved without that. But it takes two to achieve that objective and India so far hasn't responded, he alleged. Visakhapatnam: Suspected terrorists have kidnapped two Indian nationals from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria. According to reports, Mangipudi Sai Srinivas, who hails from Visakhapatnam, and his colleague Anish Sharma were kidnapped on Wednesday. Meanwhile, family members of both the Indian nationals have filed a complaint in this regard with police. Srinivas's relatives on Thursday met district collector N Yuvaraj and urged him to take steps for their release. Sharma and Srinivas were travelling to Dangote Cement Plc Plant in a car from their residential quarters at around 7.20 pm on Wednesday when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. Srinivas' wife M Lalitha said her husband is a civil engineer and has been working for Dangote Cement in Gboko for the last three years. Before that he worked with Aditya Birla group in Raipur. Collector N Yuvaraj said that Nigerian authorities had launched a search operation, and the district administration had contacted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Nigeria about the development. (With PTI inputs) Srinagar: Four jawans of the CRPF were injured in a terror attacked on a camp of the force in Litter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. According to police, the CRPF personnel returned the terrorists' fire. The attack came a week after eight CRPF jawans were killed and 20 others injured in a militant ambush on a convoy in Pampore town in Pulwama district, the highest single-incident casualty in three years in the state. Srinagar: Three people including a police officer and two civilians were injured when guerrillas fired outside a mosque after the Friday prayers in Jammu and Kashmir's Badgam district, police said. Police said militants fired pistol shots at Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Rashid outside a mosque in Pakherpora town of Badgam district after the prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan. Two civilians were also injured in the firing. All the injured have been shifted to hospital, police said. New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh will, Friday, begin his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the security scenario in the state as well as arrangements for Amarnath Yatra. Singh's tour comes in the wake of Saturday's deadly terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district. During the visit, the Home Minister will attend a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, top civil, police and Army officers to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state. The Union Minister is expected to be briefed about various steps being taken by the security agencies to tackle the militancy as well as infiltration from across the border, official sources said. The Home Ministry has already directed security forces to intensify vigil in the state in the wake of reports of increase of cross border infiltration. A three-member team, set up by the Home Minister, is currently visiting the state to look into lapses, if any, in the Pulwama incident so that corrective steps could be taken. Practices being followed during the movement of paramilitary forces convoy in Jammu and Kashmir will also come up for review in the meeting to be attended by Singh. The Home Minister will also oversee the security arrangements being made along the two routes of Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on July 02. Top Home Ministry officials are in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir government for ensuring security to pilgrims going to the cave shrine located in the Himalayan range at a height of 12,756 feet. As many as 12,500 central paramilitary personnel and 8,000 state policemen will be deployed along the two routes -- one from South Kashmir's Pahalgam and the other through Northeast Sonamarg. There is no specific threat to the 48-day long yatra to the cave shrine but all security arrangements have been made by the state government with active support of the Centre, sources said. Eight CRPF personnel were killed and at least 25 others injured when two militants attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district on June 25. (With PTI inputs) Srinagar: The Kashmir valley on Thursday evening witnessed a record-breaking Iftar party in which around 3000 people broke their fast together. The event was organized by event management group, LoudBeetle.in, which had last year hosted Asia`s longest Iftar on the banks of world famous Dal Lake. In yesterday`s Iftar, there was no guest list as everyone was invited. Sponsored by the local traders and companies, the idea behind the event was to foster brotherhood in the holy month of Ramzan. "It is community get together. Holy month of Ramzan is known for the festivals. So we are trying to send across a message of brotherhood by hosting Kashmir`s largest Iftar", said Ahmer Khan, Organizer of the function. "From juice, to biscuits to dates to ferni (dessert), the menu was carefully chosen to suit the taste buds of the people in the fasting month," he added. A local, Irfan Aziz said such events send a message of brotherhood in the society. Last year, Alexandria in Egypt broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest Iftar spread by hosting 7,000 people. India was also on the record map for organising Asia`s largest Iftar in Kashmir - along the banks of the scenic Dal Lake where more than 3,500 people formed a 5,000-feet-long chain over `dastarkhans` or dinning cloth at the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar to break their fast. By PTI: From Aditi Khanna London, Jul 1 (PTI) Britains race to choose a new premier to take the Brexit negotiations forward with the EU brought in fresh drama today with Justice Minister Michael Gove saying his bid to become the prime minister is driven by "conviction" about what is right for the UK not personal ambition. advertisement Gove, who had surprised political circles with his decision to stand for the Conservative party leadership instead of backing fellow Brexit champion Boris Johnson, laid out his case to be premier despite not being glamorous enough. "I never thought Id ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party. I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don?t have it; whatever glamour may be I don?t think anyone could ever associate me with it," he told reporters today. "But ? at every step in my political life ? Ive asked myself one question. What is the right thing to do? I had to stand up for my convictions. I had to stand up for a different course for this country. I had to stand for the leadership of this party," he said. Asked if it was political calculation that led him to back-track on supporting the former London mayor Johnsons candidacy, referred to in the British media as a "backstabbing" of his close political ally, Gove added: "I am standing not as a result of calculation but because I have burning desire to transform this country. "I came to realise this week that, for all Boris formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task." The 48-year-old author and former Times columnist now goes head-to-head with UK home secretary Theresa May for the Tory party leadership. While there are three other candidates in the fray ? work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb, minister of state for energy in the UK?s Department of Energy and Climate Change Andrea Leadsom and former defence secretary Liam Fox ? the race is believed to be mainly between Gove and May now. May, a Tory hardliner and the UKs longest-serving home minister, had laid out her bid Thursday, saying she just gets on with the job and that she should be judged on her record. Comparisons with Britains first female PM Margaret Thatcher are inevitable but she stressed: "Whether its a woman or a man its about the qualities of the people doing the job." advertisement The 59-year-old has so far received the most pledges of support from Conservative party MPs and looks like the front-runner to succeed David Cameron. All five contenders have until next Tuesday to build support among the 329 Conservative MPs before the first round of voting. The MP with the fewest votes will be eliminated, one at a time, until two remain. They will then go to a vote of the wider party membership.The winner of the contest is set to be announced on September 9. The immediate task at hand for any new incumbent at No. 10 Downing Street will be to begin extracting the UK from the EU following the referendum in favour of Brexit. PTI AK ZH --- ENDS --- Jammu: In view of growing threat to the annual Amarnath Yatra, the security agencies have deployed hi-tech drone cameras to monitor the base camp of Hindu pilgrims going to visit the holy Amarnath cave in Himalayas. According to reports, the drones will hover over the entire trek round-the-clock and beam pictures back to the control rooms to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The measure, it said, is being taken in addition to the four-ring security cover provided to the pilgrims journeying to the Amarnath cave. From Lakhanpur onwards, the devotees will be protected by the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police escorts and guards, all along the route. The BSF will carry out joint patrols. According to top security officials, Army deployments have been ordered in high-altitude areas of the pilgrimage trek. Watch how hi-tech drone cameras are monitoring the Amarnath Yatris. umbai: Driver Shyamvar Rai, who became an approver in the Sheena Bora murder case, has alleged that ex-media baroness Indrani Mukerjea strangled her daughter inside a car on April 24,2012. While Rai covered Sheena's mouth, Indrani's ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna held Sheena tightly. In a 12-page statement, the accused-turned-approver said he as well as Khanna were helping Indrani as per her instructions. The special CBI court on Friday handed over the statement in Hindi to all the accused, including Indrani's husband, ex-media baron Peter Mukerjea. The statement also claimed that the "katta" (pistol) found with Rai at the time of his arrest in August 2015 was handed over to him in a parcel on Indrani's instructions, reports The Times of India. Moreover, Indrani's assistant, Kajal Sharma, had asked Rai to take three months severance pay, an amount paid to an employee on the early termination of a contract, and leave, the statement added. "Indrani madam Sheena ke mundi par baith ke Sheena ka gala daba rahi thi...Sheena ne jor se meri ungli kat li. Meri ungli se khoon nikla. Indrani madam Sheena ke muh ke upar baith gayii (Indrani sat on top of Sheena and was strangling her. Sheena bit my finger. It was bleeding)..." reads a portion of the statement. Rai said Khanna and Indrani conversed in English language after the murder which he could not understand. But their conversation had mentions of Mikhail (Indrani's son), Rahul (Peter's son) and Worli, reported the daily. A special CBI court on June 20 pardoned driver Shyamvar Rai and permitted him to become an approver. Special Judge HS Mahajan, while granting the pardon, had instructed Rai to speak the truth about the entire episode. With this development, Rai - the former driver of Indrani Mukerjea - who was arrested in August 2015 is no longer an accused and has become a prosecution witness. Daughter of Indrani from an earlier liaison, Sheena Bora was allegedly strangulated on April 24, 2012, and her body was burnt and disposed off in the forests near Gagode village of adjoining Raigad district early the next morning. Besides Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna, her present husband and former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea and Rai were arrested last year. The case came to light after Rai was nabbed for possessing a weapon illegally last year by the Khar police. It was later taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation. He spilled the beans on the murder case and after 10 months, sought a pardon in return for turning an approver. Soon after his arrest, Rai had told the Khar police and later the CBI what had transpired on April 24-25, 2012, how Sheena was murdered, burnt and her body disposed off in a suitcase around 100 km south of Mumbai. He also described how a day before the murder, Indrani had allegedly conducted a recce of the spot and booked a room for Khanna in Hotel Hilltop in Worli as part of the conspiracy. Rai later led the CBI team to the exact site where Sheena's body was dumped. While Indrani is currently lodged in Byculla Women's Jail, Peter Mukerjea and Khanna are in Arthur Road Central Jail. Among the probable motives being investigated is a transfer of around Rs nine billion to foreign bank accounts. During the probe, stunning revelations came forth including a letter purportedly forged by Indrani on Sheena's behalf to show she was alive and in the US, and her claims that Sheena and her brother Mikhail were her siblings and not children. (With Agency inputs) New York: Facebook announced that it is shutting down Paper -- a newsreading app for iOS that provides customised news spanning politics, technology, food and other fields. The users who visited the app received a message saying the app would no longer function from July 29, The Verge reported on Friday. "Our goal with Paper was to explore new immersive, interactive design elements for reading and interacting with content on Facebook, and we learned how important these elements are in giving people an engaging experience," the Facebook message read. Introduced in January 2014, Paper heralded a new design era at Facebook. Paper has given way to Instant Articles that will give users a better and faster reading experience -- whether it is news, views or opinion pieces. "To date, we have been working with a few hundred publishers around the world to build an incredibly fast and immersive reading experience for people on Facebook," Josh Roberts, product manager (Facebook), said in a statement recently. With Instant Articles, publishers around the world can have full control over the look of their stories as well as data and ads. They will have the ability to bring their own direct-sold ads and keep 100 per cent of the revenue, and track data on the ads served through their existing ad measurement systems or they can monetise their content through the Facebook Audience Network. Additionally, the publishers can use their existing web-based analytics systems to track article traffic or use third-party providers. Despite being praised for its design, Paper has not been among the 1,500 most-downloaded apps since December 2014, according to research firm App Annie. The app never came to Android, and the iOS version was last updated in March 2015. (With IANS inputs) Thiruvananthapuram : A Kerala minister on Friday has sought an explanation from a top official on the proposed rule that from August 1 riders of two-wheelers not wearing helmet will not get fuel at petrol pumps. "Things will be discussed, but one thing is certain: Any rule that brings inconvenience to people will not be taken up," Transport Minister AK Saseendran told reporters on Friday. Transport Commissioner Tomin P. Thachenkery said earlier this week that the rule will be in force from August 1 in three cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Thachenkery said he discussed the suggestion with petrol pump dealers in the three cities and all of them agreed to it. He also said that traffic police could impose a fine ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 on those who are caught riding a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet. The minister said he has asked Thachenkery to explain the benefits of the proposed rule and what prompted him to favour it. Jodhpur: A one-and-a-half-year-old girl on Friday fell into a borewell in Binjwaria village near here following which a rescue operation was launched. The location of the girl, however, could not be traced despite cameras and hooks being dropped into the borewell. District Magistrate V C Mallik said that a toddler Neha Gehlot had come to her grandmother's farm along with her mother two days back. 'Today, at about 7 AM, she was playing outside the house close to the borewell which was covered with a gunny bag. While playing, the girl stepped onto the borewell and fell into it with the gunny bag,' he said. The owner of the farm had removed the motor from this borewell yesterday and covered it with a gunny bag in order to avoid any mishap. The accident could have been caused due to his negligence in making sure that it was properly plugged. The rescue operation is being carried out by the administration and an army team. Mallik said the borewell was about 750-feet deep and 10 inches in diameter. Dhaka: An Islamist militant, believed to be the masterminded of a failed assassination attempt on a Hindu lecturer in southwestern Bangladesh, has been arrested from the national capital, police said on Friday. Khaled Saifullah, who masterminded an attempt to murder Ripon Chakrabarty, a Mathematics lecturer at the Nazimuddin Government University College in Madaripur, was arrested by police's counter-terrorism unit from Dhaka's Demra last night, Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted as saying by the Bdnews24.Com. Three Islamists had hacked Chakrabarty at his home with sharp weapons on June 15 in an attempt to kill him. The assailants first knocked at his door and tried to chop his head off when he opened it, police said. Local people had caught one of the attackers, Golam Faizullah Fahim, who was involved with the banned militant group Hizb ut-Tahrir. 17-year-old Fahim was taken to an area on the outskirts of the district town by police later where he was killed in a shootout. The surprise shootout came a day after police secured a court order to interrogate Fahim in custody in connection with the murder attempt on Chakraborty. Bangladesh in recent months witnessed a series of deadly clandestine attacks on religious minorities and secular and liberal activists. The machete-wielding militants fled the scenes after carrying out the murders. But Fahim, a student of a college in Dhaka, was the lone assailant to be grabbed by people in the neighbourhood though two other attackers had fled the scene after the attack. Dhaka: Several gunmen entered an upmarket restaurant in Dhaka's diplomatic zone and opened fire on Friday evening. Atleast four people, including two cops, have been wounded and 30-40 others have been taken as hostages, reports said. Eyewitnesses said the 7-8 gunmen entered the Holey Artisan Bakery at around 9:15 pm local time and opened fire. The Spanish restaurant in the Gulshan diplomatic zone is popular with expatriates and diplomats and is believed to have been packed with patrons when the gunmen barged in. Reports added that there are many foreigners among the 30-40 people taken hostage. Security forces have cordoned off the entire area and are trying to get in touch with the attackers to prevent any further bloodshed. More details are awaited. Dhaka: A Hindu temple priest was hacked to death in western Bangladesh Friday, police said, the latest in a series of attacks on religious minorities by suspected Islamists. Shyamananda Das, who helped conduct prayers at the Radhamadan Gopal Bigraha Math in Jhenaidah district, was killed by three men on a motorcycle as he was walking on a highway adjacent to his temple early in the morning, police said. "They hacked him on his neck three times and there was one stabbing mark in his head," deputy police chief of the district Gopinath Kanjilal told AFP. "He died after he was brought to a hospital." Kanjilal said Das, also known as Babaji, was "a priest" in the temple. But local police chief inspector Hasan Hafizur Rahman told AFP the 50-year-old man was "a temple volunteer who helps conduct prayers". "He was an itinerant temple volunteer who travels from one temple to another to serve the Hindu devotees. He came to this temple only yesterday," he said. "He was attacked as he walked outside the temple to collect flowers for prayer services," he added. Police said no group claimed responsibility for the attack, but it bore hallmarks of recent murders of religious minorities by suspected home-grown Islamist militants. "The pattern of the killing is similar" to ones carried out by local Islamist militants, Rahman said. Last month a Hindu priest, 70-year-old Ananda Gopal Ganguly, was also hacked to death in a rice paddy field in the same district near his home. Deputy police chief Kanjilal said a student activist from the country`s largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has been arrested over the attack and he had allegedly admitted his role in the killing. Bangladesh is reeling from a wave of murders of secular and liberal activists and religious minorities that have left some 50 people dead in the last three years. Victims of the attacks by suspected Islamists have included secular bloggers, gay rights activists and followers of minority religions including Hindus, Christians and Muslim sufis and Shiites. Since April more than a dozen people were hacked to death amid a sharp spike in the targeted killings. Most of the recent attacks have been claimed by the Islamic State organisation or the local offshoot of Al-Qaeda. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s government has however blamed homegrown Islamists for the attacks, rejecting claims of responsibility from IS and a South Asian branch of Al-Qaeda. Experts say a government crackdown on opponents, including a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami following a protracted political crisis, has pushed many towards extremism. Jamaat-e-Islami is a traditional ally of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party whose leader, two-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is facing a raft of charges in connection with deadly fire-bombings. Although Bangladesh is officially secular, around 90 percent of the country`s 160 million-strong population is Muslim and about one in ten are Hindu. Washington: The Juno spacecraft, which is on course to swing into orbit around Jupiter on Monday (July 4), has entered the planet's magnetosphere, NASA said. "We've just crossed the boundary into Jupiter's home turf," said Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton of Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio. "We're closing in fast on the planet itself and already gaining valuable data." Science instruments on board detected changes in the particles and fields around the spacecraft as it passed from an environment dominated by the interplanetary solar wind into Jupiter's magnetosphere. On June 24, the spacecraft passed through the bow shock just outside the planet's magnetosphere - where the movement of particles in space is controlled by what's going on inside Jupiter. Data from Juno's Waves investigation, presented as audio stream and color animation, as the spacecraft entered the planet's realm on June 24 and the transit into the lower density of the Jovian magnetosphere on June 25. "The bow shock is analogous to a sonic boom," said William Kurth of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, lead co-investigator for the Waves investigation. "The solar wind blows past all the planets at a speed of about a million miles per hour, and where it hits an obstacle, there's all this turbulence." The obstacle is Jupiter's magnetosphere, which is the largest structure in the solar system. "If Jupiter's magnetosphere glowed in visible light, it would be twice the size of the full moon as seen from Earth," Kurth said. And that's the shorter dimension of the teardrop-shaped structure; the dimension extending outward behind Jupiter has a length about five times the distance between Earth and the sun. While this transition from the solar wind into the magnetosphere was predicted to occur at some point in time, the structure of the boundary between those two regions proved to be unexpectedly complex, with different instruments reporting unusual signatures both before and after the nominal crossing. The Juno spacecraft launched on August 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, will help solve the mysteries of Jupiter by looking at its interior. Hyderabad: Pledging solidarity with the agitating judges in Telangana, around 8,000 employees working in various courts and other judicial departments across the state on Friday went on an indefinite strike, paralysing the functioning of courts. The employees are seeking withdrawal of the list of provisional allocation of judicial officers between AP and Telangana and High Court bifurcation, among other demands. All India Judicial Employees Association General Secretary B Lakshma Reddy said that the employees in all the 10 districts held demonstrations. "We demand immediate roll back of the provisional allocation list of judges between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. We also demand that the High Court should be bifurcated. The strike will go on until our demands are met," Reddy told PTI. Reddy and eight other principal members of the association were placed under suspension by the High Court yesterday for allegedly violating the code of conduct. The High Court had also suspended 11 judicial officers earlier on disciplinary grounds during the past four days. Around 200 judges from Telangana are on a mass leave in protest against suspension of the 11 judicial officers amid the ongoing stir over the provisional allocation of judicial officers from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana courts. Reddy said that their demands include revoking the suspension orders on the 11 judges and filling up vacant posts in various courts. Meanwhile, the Telangana legal fraternity today held a 'maha dharna' at Indira park seeking immediate bifurcation of the existing High Court, recall of provisional list of allocation pertaining to judicial officers and revocation of the suspensions. By PTI: From K J M Varma Beijing, Jul 1 (PTI) A Taiwanese warship today accidentally fired a supersonic anti-ship missile towards mainland China that hit a fishing boat, killing one and injuring three people, on a day China was busy celebrating the 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party. The accidental launch of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. advertisement The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese Defence Ministry said the missile hit a Taiwanese fishing boat, killing one person and injuring three crew members. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the islands defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi Jinping to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwans independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the Taiwan independence secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeatedMa Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. Tsai has also refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. PTI KJV SUA AKJ SUA --- ENDS --- advertisement Noida: A nine-year-old boy was rushed to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after he got trapped in the swimming pool vent of Modern Mahagun Society apartment in Sector-78 Noida on Wednesday evening. Aditya Wardhan, who lives with his parents at the Mantova Tower of the society, is said to be in a critical condition. Noida Police had detained the manager of the society and questioned him over negligence. However, the manager was later released. Police said the incident took place around 7 pm when Aditya Vardhan, along with four other children, was swimming in the poll of the society. His hand got caught inside a pipe which threw water outside from the pool. Police said that he lost his control and nearly drowned in the pool for a few minutes and drank a lot of water. After which, one of the guards noticed that the boy is stuck in the swimming pool and they saved him by pulling him out of the swimming pool. The lifeguards implemented CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) which helped the boy to breathe again after which he was rushed to the hospital. Basti (UP): Holding that BSP cannot be a replacement for SP, BJP President Amit Shah on Friday said only his party can provide "an effective alternative" to the two parties and ensure development of Uttar Pradesh as he gave the people of the state "full credit" for BJP getting majority in Lok Sabha. "The full credit for the full majority government at the Centre goes to UP... BSP cannot be an alternative to SP and cannot develop the state... It is only BJP which can be an alternative to these parties," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level presidents at the Kisan Degree College here. Exhorting party workers to take a resolve to "uproot" both BSP and SP, Shah said he was confident that his party will form the government with a two-third majority in the 2017 Assembly election. "For 15 years, turn by turn you gave opportunity to SP and BSP. Now give a chance to BJP," he said. Taking a dig at BSP over quitting by its leaders, Shah said its chief Mayawati will be left alone in the party by the time polls are held next year. Attacking the Akhilesh Yadav government over alleged corruption and failure on law and order front, he said the benefits of various initiatives of the Modi government were not reaching the people because of the SP government. Shah said the UP government was "peculiar" in the sense that instead of giving land to the poor, it was giving it to "goonda" elements in the party. Referring to the Jawahar Bagh incident in Mathura where violent clashes between police and encroachers left 29 people dead earlier this month, he stressed that a government which could not protect its policemen cannot give security to the common man. Blaming the state government for the delay in setting up AIIMS in Gorakhpur, Shah asked the chief minister not to worry about it not as BJP, after it forms the government in the state, will find a way out. Etah: A school manager has been arrested for raping a 15-year-old girl in 2015 after the video of the incident went viral, police said today. A high school student was allegedly raped by the school manager Jitendra Kumar last year. She did not disclose the incident out of fear, police said. The manager had the video clip of the incident, threatening the girl with it, they said, noting that she informed her family only after the video went viral. The family had filed an FIR in Kotwali Bagwala yesterday, following which the man was arrested. Lucknow: "The main accused in the murder of a sub-inspector was arrested in Badaun after an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police", an STF spokesman said today. "Acting on a tip off, the STF team in a joint operation with local police arrested Ram Tirath at Ataina ghat when he was going on a motorcycle yesterday", he said. "A pistol along with a magazine and cartridges looted from the slain officer, a country made weapon of .315 bore and Rs 42,000 in cash were seized from his possession", the spokesman added. Sub-inspector Sarvesh Kumar and constable Pramod Kumar were shot at in Binawar area in Ghatbeti village in Badaun district on June 22 while they were on patrol duty. They were referred to a Bareilly hospital where Yadav died during treatment. Pithoragarh: Twelve persons were killed and 25 others were missing as torrential rains and landslides hit Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts in the wee hours today, burying villages in sludge with many residents trapped under the debris. While eight persons were killed in cloudburst in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district. Two persons were swept away by the muddy waters and debris rushing down the slopes into Siron village in Chamoli. One person was killed in Ghat block and another in Sithel village in similar circumstances, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said, adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. The cloudburst in Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials. "We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for others is on by rescue parties consisting of army and paramilitary personnel," Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. "25 persons, missing from over seven villages of Singhali area in Didiihat sub division of Pithoragarh district, are being traced with the help of ITBP, SSB and Pithoragarh district police" said district disaster management officer R S Rana who was on the spot. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is in Delhi, expressed grief at the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims. "Many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought by the heavy rains. ITBP, SDRF and paramilitary personnel are involved in rescue work," he said. "I am personally monitoring the situation from here. Chief Secretary too is keeping tab...We will give them (kin of victims) immediate compensation of Rs two lakh as per norms," he said in Delhi. According to disaster management office sources, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages which are under heavy debris with many people feared trapped under it. The rescuers are trying their best to locate the people, Rana said. The MeT department in Dehradun had yesterday warned of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours starting this morning. Light to moderate rains are also likely to occur at most places during the period, it had said. New Delhi: Expressing grief over the loss of lives in torrential rains in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Friday announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to families of the victims. Rawat said that he was personally monitoring the situation and added that disaster management teams and security personnel have already been asked to reach the sites to carry out rescue works and ensure safety of locals. "We are sad to know about the deaths. I am personally monitoring the situation from here. Chief Secretary too is keeping a tab ... We will give them (kin of victims) immediate compensation of Rs two lakh as per norms," he said. Rawat made the statement on the sidelines of his meeting with Union Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot here. Twelve persons were killed in Uttarakhand's Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts and 25 others went missing as torrential rains and cloudbursts hit different parts of the state in the wee hours today. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by cloudburst and heavy rain in Uttarakhand. I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families," Modi said in a statement. "My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest, the Prime Minister said. At least seven people were killed following cloudburst and landslides as heavy rains lashed Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, officials said. "As many as 30 people have been trapped in the debris following landslides in Bastia village of Kanalichhina block in Pithoragarh district. Bodies of four persons have been recovered by the district administration team with the help of local people," a police official said. Dehradun: Flash floods triggered by a huge cloudburst left at least 30 people dead and scores of others missing in Uttarakhand on Friday, prompting the state government and the Centre to mobilise relief measures on war footing. According to media reports, the Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of the state were the worst affected. Vast tracts of agriculture fields have been inundated while three bridges linking the Suva village in Dharchula area have been washed away. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said teams from the NDRF were rushed to the affected areas and additional teams were kept on standby. Over 54 mm rain was recorded in the affected areas in the past 24-hours. The Thal-Munsyari road has been cut-off and dozens of vehicles remained stranded on both sides. The Yamunotri highway, near Kharadi, has also been damaged leading to traffic being halted. Entry of heavy vehicles was halted on the Kedarnath highway after a landslide at Gangolgaon. All major rivers in the state were flowing above the danger mark. The MeT Department has forecast heavy rain in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri districts in the next 72 hours. Director of the state Met. Department Vikram Singh said that a low pressure belt between the Bay of Bengal and Punjab is causing the rains. Meabnwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by the cloudburst. "I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families. "My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest," the Prime Minister said. Chief Minister Harish Rawat has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to families of the victims. Rawat said that he was personally monitoring the situation and added that disaster management teams and security personnel have already been asked to reach the sites to carry out rescue works and ensure safety of locals. "We are sad to know about the deaths. I am personally monitoring the situation from here. Chief Secretary too is keeping a tab ... We will give them (kin of victims) immediate compensation of Rs two lakh as per norms," he said. New Delhi: Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives due heavy rains and cloudbursts in several districts of Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured that several National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed aid the state to tackle the calamity. The Home Minister took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express his grief. "I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.NDRF teams have been rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert," Singh said in series of tweets. "Spoke to CM U`khand Shri Harish Rawat regarding the situation post the cloud burst in the state. Centre is providing all possible assistance," he added. Heavy rains triggered by cloudbursts led to the deaths of 30 people in Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Cloudburst in Chamoli washed away houses in Gopeshwar on the banks of river Mandakini. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to families of the victims. Rawat said he was personally monitoring the situation and added that disaster management teams and security personnel have already been asked to reach the sites to carry out rescue works and ensure safety of locals. Kolkata: "A promoter was badly injured when he was shot in his abdomen after a quarrel in a party at Basdroni in the southern part of the city", police said today. "The incident occurred late last night when local contractor Rajiv Nandy went to have dinner on invitation of another builder Biswajit Poddar in Jayasree area of Basdroni in the Reagent Park Police Station limits", a senior officer said. "They were having a rooftop party when suddenly there was a quarrel which turned into a scuffle. The fight could be over control on a builders' syndicate in the locality," he said. "Two persons were detained, while Nandy, taken to a private hospital, was stated to be in critical state", he said. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. By Press Trust of India: A Taiwanese warship today "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for Taiwan. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. advertisement "MISSILE LAUNCHED BY OPERATIONAL ERROR" "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the islands defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 km, flew about 75 km before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. JINPING MENTIONS TAIWAN IN HIS SPEECH Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwans independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the Taiwan independence secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. --- ENDS --- advertisement Washington, D.C. : US President Barack Obama will join Democratic White House hopeful Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail for the first time next week, days before Vice President Joe Biden also stumps with her, Clinton aides announced Thursday. Obama is set to join Clinton in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday for his debut appearance on the 2016 campaign trail, the Clinton campaign said in a statement. They "will discuss building on the progress we`ve made and their vision for an America that is stronger together," it said. Their first joint campaign event had been scheduled for June 15 in Wisconsin, days after Obama endorsed Clinton, but was postponed due to the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Obama is expected to campaign heavily for Clinton, his former bitter rival in the 2008 Democratic primaries before she worked closely with him as secretary of state during his first term. The president is keen to protect his legacy by helping a Democrat succeed him amid a deepening partisan standoff in Washington. Biden will then join Clinton for a Democratic Party event next Friday in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where they both have roots, Clinton`s campaign said in a separate statement. The vice president`s folksy demeanor and ability to personally connect with working-class voters could provide a much-needed boost for Clinton in her showdown with Republican Donald Trump, particularly among older white male voters Clinton and Biden have had a lengthy rivalry despite both having served in Obama`s cabinet. Both ran for the Democratic nomination in 2008 and lost. Last year, Biden was seriously contemplating another presidential run, which would have pitted him against Clinton in the primaries. He ultimately announced in October that he would not pursue the presidency following the death of his son Beau Biden. Pennsylvania and North Carolina are both pivotal battlegrounds among the dozen or so swing states experts believe will determine the outcome of the November 8 general election. A woman was killed and three children wounded when their car was hit by shrapnel from a bomb in a restive Shiite-majority district outside the Bahraini capital Manama, police said Friday. The Thursday evening blast struck in the village of East Akar, one of a string of suburbs of the capital that have seen persistent unrest since the Gulf state`s Sunni minority rulers crushed Shiite-led protests for a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister in 2011. Most of the disturbances have involved demonstrators throwing petrol bombs at police, who have deployed heavily in Shiite areas as authorities have carried out an intensifying crackdown on the majority community`s leaders. A police statement carried by the official BNA news agency gave no other details of the Thursday explosion. A court`s decision last this month to strip the kingdom`s Shiite spiritual leader, Sheikh Isa Qassim, of his citizenship sparked protests in his home village outside Manama. The authorities` crackdown has drawn criticism from key ally Washington, which has called repeatedly for reform and reconciliation with the Shiite-led opposition. Tiny but strategic Bahrain lies just across the Gulf from Shiite Iran and is connected by a causeway to Sunni Saudi Arabia. It is the home base of the US Fifth Fleet. Rio de Janeiro: Just 13 percent of Brazilians think interim president Michel Temer is doing a good job, a poll found Friday, making him only slightly more popular than his bitter rival Dilma Rousseff. The CNI/Ibope poll said that 10 percent approve of the government of Rousseff, who has been suspended pending a final impeachment decision in August. Temer, the former vice president, took over in May after Rousseff`s suspension to face trial over allegedly illegal budget practices. She says Temer has used the impeachment trial to mount a coup. If Rousseff is ejected from office following Senate hearings set for August 25-27, Temer will remain in power until scheduled elections in 2018. He has already instituted a sharp shift to the right in government policy after 13 years of Workers` Party rule. The poll found that 36 percent consider Temer is doing an average job, while 39 percent called his government`s performance bad or terrible. About a third of Brazilians approve of his manner of governing, while 53 percent disapprove, and 66 percent do not trust the interim president, the poll said. London: Britain is set to double the number of its troops in Iraq in a bid to reassure its allies in the wake of the country`s exit from the European Union (EU). About 250 military personnel will be deployed in Iraq to help fight against the Islamic State (IS) terror group. They will join around 300 soldiers already stationed there, who are helping train Iraqi and Kurdish forces, the Daily Mail reported on Friday. The personnel will comprise 90 soldiers to protect the base, 50 trainers, and 30 to set up a headquarters. About 80 engineers will work on infrastructure for six months. Most of the soldiers will go to Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province. Although the plans have been underway for weeks, the announcement came as the Ministry of Defence sought to reassure other EU nations that Britain would remain a key player. Heavy machine guns and sniper rifle ammunition worth $1.86 million will also be handed over to Iraq. British forces have also helped to train more than 18,000 members of the Iraqi security forces, including Kurdish forces. Beijing: "China will not resort to the threat of force nor will it 'flaunt its military power on others' doorsteps at the drop of a hat", a leader of the Communist Party of China said on Friday. "Flaunting power everywhere will not reflect strength and it will not scare anyone," Xinhua news agency quoted Xi Jinping, general secretary of the party`s Central Committee, as saying. Xi was speaking at a rally to mark the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party. He said China pursued a military strategy of 'active defence', with the strategic goal of building a strong military commensurate with the country`s global standing and interests in security. Xi also underscored the Communist Party`s leadership of the military, pledging to cultivate a new generation of troops which are capable and courageous and build an army that follows the party. Brussels: The European Union on Friday formally extended damaging economic sanctions against Russia by six months due to a lack of progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The measures target the oil, financial and defence sectors of the Russian economy and were first imposed after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, blamed on pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine. "On 1 July 2016, the (European) Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2017," the EU said in a statement. EU ambassadors agreed on the extension in principle on June 21. The EU said in a tweet in Russian that it was rolling over the sanctions because the provisions of the February 2015 Minsk peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict were "not fully implemented." Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite warned that they would go on until the conflict was resolved. "What goes around, comes around. Sanctions continue until Minsk agreements are fully implemented," she tweeted. Bratislava: European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has vowed that free movement will remain a cornerstone of the EU after the outgoing British prime minister insisted that reforming it would be "key" to post-Brexit ties. "I will not change that (free movement) because that is a basic freedom of the EU," Juncker said in Bratislava alongside Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country assumed the bloc`s six-month presidency on Friday. Juncker invited British authorities to "make their intentions clear" following the June 23 vote to leave the EU. "I would like to make it perfectly clear: no negotiations before notification. We have no time to lose," Juncker said, referring to the requirement London formally state it is leaving to begin talks on departing the EU. Yet Prime Minister David Cameron told EU leaders Tuesday they should consider reforming rules on freedom of movement, a Downing Street source said. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said Cameron told a leaders` dinner in Brussels that Britain and the EU should "have as close an economic relationship as possible and that the key to staying close is really to look at reform to free movement". The Slovak Republic will organise an informal EU summit -- without Britain -- on September 16. "Away from Brussels, we want to talk very openly about the future of the European project," said the staunchly anti-migrant Fico. Dubbed the "Fico Summit" by Juncker, the Bratislava meeting will also deal with migration. Earlier this year Fico filed a lawsuit against an EU-wide quota system plan to redistribute refugees across the bloc after insisting it was committing "ritual suicide" with its policy to accept large numbers of migrants, mostly refugees from war-torn Syria. Fico also vowed to "never bring even a single Muslim to Slovakia" ahead of a March general election, which saw a far-right party enter parliament for the first time. His anti-migrant moves have echoed eastern EU hawks like Czech President Milos Zeman, Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban and Poland`s Jaroslaw Kaczynski. Slovakia, a eurozone member of 5.4 million people, hold the EU`s six-month rotating presidency until January, when Britain was due to take over. Its shock choice to leave the bloc in a June 23 in-out referendum appears to have upended that plan, with Juncker sniping "Joke of the day: the British Presidency" at the Friday conference. Paris: French members of parliament voted unanimously Friday to criminalise the denial of all crimes against humanity, including failure to admit that the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces was a "genocide". The amendment, passed on the first reading, sets out penalties of up to a year in prison and a 45,000-euro ($50,000) fine for those who fall foul of the new law, which is expected to raise hackles in Turkey. Last month, the German parliament voted to recognise the World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces as a "genocide", damaging ties between Berlin and Ankara. Pope Francis also drew Ankara`s ire by denouncing the "genocide" during a visit to Armenia -- using a term Turkey rejects for the century-old slaughter. Ankara argues the killings were a collective tragedy in which both Turks and Armenians died. The French amendment, which must now go to the upper house Senate for approval, was a promise by President Francois Hollande during his 2012 electoral campaign. An earlier law against Armenian Genocide denial was struck down by the country`s constitutional court for obstructing freedom of speech. The new legal project covers all events which French law deems to be genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or slavery. Currently, French law only bans Holocaust denial. "This text will punish the challenge or the trivialisation of all crimes against humanity and war crimes," said Ericka Bareigts, the junior minister in charge of equality. She said that included the 1915-1917 killings that Armenians say wiped out some 1.5 million of their people. "This is one of the greatest days of my political career," enthused Henri Jibrayel, a member of parliament whose ancestors survived the mass killings a hundred years ago. The new law`s backers hope to see it enter into force before the end of the year. Riyadh: Muslim pilgrims joining this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia will have to wear an electronic safety bracelet, newspapers reported Friday, after more than 2,000 died in a stampede last year. The high-tech safety measure will help authorities provide care "and identify people", the Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported. At least 2,297 pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24 during last year's hajj, according to data from foreign officials, some of whom expressed concerns about difficulty in identifying the victims. Saudi Arabia issued a death toll of 769. It was the worst disaster in hajj history. The bracelets are water resistant, connected to a GPS location system, and store each pilgrim's personal information including address and medical records, the newspapers said. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef, the interior minister who also chairs the hajj committee, ordered a probe immediately after the stampede disaster last year but there has been no word on its findings. The tragedy happened as pilgrims made their way in searing temperatures to the Jamarat, the place where they ritually stone the devil in the city of Mina in western Saudi Arabia. The hajj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year. In another safety measure, more than 800 surveillance cameras have been installed at Mecca's Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site, the Saudi Gazette reported this month. Wukan: Hopes for democracy in the Chinese village of Wukan, where an uprising against corruption five years ago gained global notice and led to direct village-wide elections, have all but evaporated, with protest leaders either in detention, in exile, facing arrest or quitting their posts. Villagers have been marching in protest every day since the middle of June in a fresh flare-up of unrest, but the so-called "Wukan model", with authorities seemingly taking a more tolerant approach towards unrest by kicking out corrupt officials and allowing a free vote, appears to have been a one-off. Wukan is about a four-hour drive northeast of Hong Kong, where a 79-day "umbrella revolution" in late 2014 demanding Beijing allow full democracy, brought chaos to the streets. This time the turmoil in Wukan focused on the arrest by local authorities of elected leader Lin Zuluan, one of the last of the 2011 protest leaders to remain in office, for bribery after he urged demonstrations against new land grabs and graft. "The corrupt are very proficient in deceiving the people," the 72-year-old Lin wrote in a signed letter to the village dated March 2, adding that the seized land had been "raped by power, money and gangsters". In 2011, rampaging villagers ransacked the Wukan police station and government offices before barricading themselves against riot police for months. This time, the villagers have held thousand-strong protests for 12 straight days in sweltering summer heat watched by riot police, with no sign of stopping. `COULDN`T BEAR IT ANYMORE` Lin had become increasingly dismayed with authorities stonewalling attempts to reclaim plots of land knotted up in dodgy deals and for brokering fresh deals behind his back, relatives said. Lin "couldn`t bear it anymore," said one of his relatives who declined to be identified. "The Lufeng (city) government sold this land, a new piece of land, without telling anyone." There was no immediate response from the Lufeng government that oversees Wukan to repeated requests seeking comment. Officially stamped documents provided by people close to Lin and reviewed by Reuters give substance to his increasing frustrations. In December, Lin wrote several letters to a developer, Hua Hui Real Estate, that he said had acquired a 110,000-sq-metre plot in Wukan without Lin`s knowledge or the approval of the Wukan village committee that oversees land use and is the main administrator of the village. Lin is the committee head. The committee had demanded the company give evidence of the land deal and provide a detailed survey map of the "Long Hu Bay" area it planned to develop, according to a letter dated Dec. 28. The company replied to the committee three days later that it had acted "in accordance with law and procedures", but declined to provide any documents, directing further inquiries to the "relevant government departments". After repeated correspondence over several months, there was still no clarification. The company also declined to clarify details of the land deal to Reuters. MIDNIGHT RAID A few days after his call for new protests, on June 18, Lin was arrested by SWAT officers who stormed his walled compound after midnight and bundled him away, pushing his elderly wife, Yang Zhen, to the ground as she tried to intervene, she told Reuters. Lin`s 22-year-old grandson was detained less than 48 hours later in another late night raid and interrogated for 12 hours straight. A confession by Lin admitting taking large bribes was aired on state television on the morning of June 21, and the grandson was released hours later. "When they captured me, they were very excited," said the grandson, Lin Liyi. "I think they used me to pressure my grandfather" to make a confession. Reuters was unable to contact Lin, and it wasn`t clear whether Lin has legal representation after two lawyers who were hired by his family were blocked by authorities from taking on his case. "The intervention violates the rule of law," one of the lawyers, Ge Yongxi, told Reuters by phone. "They obstructed a lawyer`s daily business and abused Lin`s human rights." Lin`s arrest was the latest move on the core group of Wukan protest leaders from 2011. Lin remains in police custody and investigations continue into allegations he took bribes of up to 600,000 yuan ($90,200) for land deals and public works projects, according to the official China Daily newspaper. In 2014, two former deputy village chiefs, Yang Semao and Hong Ruichao, were jailed for two and four years respectively for bribery, around the time of another village election. Those who knew the men, including Hong`s father, Hong Tianbin, said they were framed. Chinese authorities say they took bribes linked to public work projects. Another leader, Zhuang Liehong, fled China and sought asylum in the United States, fearing for his safety amid what he told Reuters was "political persecution". Two others quit, while Sun Wenliang, a former accountant, has an arrest warrant on his head, village sources said. Hundreds of riot police were sent to the village when the protests started but there has been no crackdown. There are, however, signs of authorities tightening their grip. Some reporters in Wukan said they were accused of inciting unrest and told to leave, which they did, while three other sources said authorities had been aggressively going after potential ringleaders to quash any escalation. Few have dared lead from the front this time round. "Everyone can see the old leaders were all caught and are afraid," Lin`s grandson told Reuters. India's first indigenous light combat Tejas Light Combat Aircraft was inducted into the IAF yesterday. Take a look at the 33-year-long journey of this aircraft's creation. By Shreya Biswas: The Indian Air Force inducted its first indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft yesterday, ending a 33-year wait. The jets were inducted into the Flying Daggers 45, a new IAF squadron, at a ceremony in Bengaluru. Here's how this dream came true: What is the Tejas? Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tejas is a multi-role light combat aircraft comprising of a single-jet engine and single seat. It has been designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. advertisement The Tejas is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after HF-24 Marut. The naval version of the Tejas is currently undergoing tests for the Indian Navy. HF-24 Marut. Source: Wikipedia Creative Commons Where did it all begin? By the early 1980s, the IAF realised the need to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighters. The 'Long Term Re-Equipment Plan 1981' cited that by mid 1990s, these aircraft would reach "the end of their service lives". This, in turn, would lead to a 40 per cent shortfall in the IAF of such combat jets. In this light, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme was launched in the 1980s. It had two primary purposes: one was the replacement of the MiG-21s, and the other was to boost advancement of India's domestic aviation capabilities. Back then, no single organisation had the capability to develop such an aircraft by itself. The makers of the last indigenous fighter jet, the HF 24 in 1961, had shut shop. Hence, the only way for the LCA programme to succeed was to start from scratch. In 1984, the government appointed the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to handle the LCA programme along with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other institutions. Source: Aeronautical Development Agency How the Tejas reached the sky The LCA design for a new aircraft was finalised in 1990. It was a small tail-less delta wing prototype with advanced features like Relaxed Static Stability, meant to enhance manoeuvrability. A demonstrator aircraft named TD-1 was successfully flown on January 4, 2001. It was a historic day when Indian skies saw an indigenous aircraft after almost 40 years. With that, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee named this aircraft 'Tejas', which means 'radiant' in Sanskrit. After several tests and multiple prototype vehicles making successful flights, the Tejas received its certification for release to service in January 2011, 28 long years after its conception. In 2012, however, the Tejas was grounded for over three months due to a safety issue regarding the pilot's helmets. Further tests resumed in November that year. Source: Aeronautical Development Agency/ Rana Source: Aeronautical Development Agency/ Rana advertisement How much the project cost? The LCA project was first sanctioned in August 1983 at a cost of Rs 560 crore to build six prototypes. But now, the overall programme will cost India around Rs 60,000 crore. Not only has the LCA been in the making for 33 years, with deadlines being missed time and again, its overall developmental cost has also zoomed up to Rs 17,269 crore. This includes the Kaveri aeroengine, sanctioned in 1989 at a cost of Rs 2,839 crore, which miserably flopped. Consequently, while the first lot of Tejas will be powered by the American GE-404 engines, the Mark-II ones will have the more powerful GE F-414 engines at their heart. Over and above the developmental cost, each Tejas will cost around Rs 250 crore. So, the induction of 160 Tejas - 120 for IAF, 40 for Navy - will cost another Rs 40,000 crore. Finally, our own jet Earlier this year, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar promised the Indian Air Force "three to four Tejas" jets in 2016 and a total of eight squadrons in following eight years. advertisement "We are also in the process of approving the second line of manufacturing to the HAL so that they can produce 16 aircraft per year," Parrikar said in Lok Sabha. Finally, HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF yesterday, making it a proud day in the history of Indian aerospace. Read more: After a gap of 33 years, IAF to induct first squadron of indigenous Tejas today Here's how India's Tejas steals the 'thunder' from JF-17 jointly developed by Pakistan, China Made in India Tejas inducted into Indian Air Force: All you need to know Jet, set, go: Tejas is IAF's new Flying Dagger EXCLUSIVE: With only two planes and issues unresolved, IAF to bring LCA Tejas home --- ENDS --- Tehran: Tens of thousands joined pro-Palestinian rallies in Tehran on Friday, as the annual Quds Day protests take on broader meaning for a region mired in bitter disputes and war. Israel and its perceived supporters in the United States and Britain are still the main bogeymen of the Quds (Jerusalem) Day protests, which saw thousands more rally across Iran and in allied countries. But the focus has also turned to the deepening rivalry with Saudi Arabia and jihadists such as the Islamic State (IS) group. Sajad Saber, a 24-year-old student, said it was the first time he had attended the rally in Tehran -- triggered by the death of a friend who had gone to fight in Syria. "(He) was my buddy and lived in our neighbourhood. He was killed by Daesh recently in Aleppo," said Saber, using the Arabic name for IS. Iran is fighting IS and other jihadist groups in Syria as part of its support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Huge groups of protesters converged on Tehran University under a blistering summer sun. Many -- from young children to elderly ladies -- sported red bandanas with "I love fighting Israel" written on them. President Hassan Rouhani, attending the rally, said regional conflicts were making it increasingly difficult to address the Palestinian issue. "Today, due to the divisions in the Islamic world, the presence of takfiris (Sunni extremists) and terrorists in the region... we are far away from the ideal of liberating Palestine," he told state TV, calling for greater unity between Muslims. Many in Iran see these divisions as part of a deliberate conspiracy. "Daesh is the creation of Israel. They want Muslims to fight each other and Palestine to be forgotten," said Ali Kotobi, a 63-year-old Iranian born in Iraq, who said his cousins were currently fighting IS across the border.However, much of the vitriol at the protests was also turned on Iran`s main regional rival, Saudi Arabia. Tensions between the two powers have plummeted over their support for opposing sides in wars in Yemen and Syria. They have been further soured by the failure to agree on terms for Iranian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj in September. One elderly man at Friday`s rally led a group in shouting "Damned House of Saud, dogs of America!" in reference to the leaders of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. One group carried a fake coffin featuring Saudi Arabia`s leaders and slogans against Daesh Sunni extremists. Opposition to Israel and support for the Palestinian cause has been a central issue for the Islamic republic since it took power in 1979. Quds Day was inaugurated by the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and has become a popular way for the Iranian government to rally the faithful. "We ousted the Shah with these slogans," said Mostafa Mokhtari, a 43-year-old electrical engineer, referring to the Islamic revolution of 1979 that ended the rule of the US-backed Shah. "If all the Muslims of the world keep saying this, we can destroy the Zionist regime." Jerusalem: A Palestinian woman attempted to stab an Israeli guard at a flashpoint West Bank shrine on Friday and was shot dead, Israeli police said, the third violent incident in two days. They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. "A female terrorist armed with a knife approached a border police post at one of the entrances to the Cave of the Patriarchs and suddenly drew a knife and tried to stab one of the policemen," a police statement said. "He responded and shot the terrorist." It was the third violent incident in Israel and the Palestinian territories in two days and came as Muslims neared the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. On Thursday morning, a Palestinian fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron, before being shot dead by security guards. That evening, in the Israeli seaside town of Netanya, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. Hebron has been a flashpoint in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. Kiryat Arba lies on the outskirts of the city and has a population of more than 7,000. The violence since October has killed at least 213 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they had deployed thousands of officers "in and around the Old City" in preparation for the fourth and final Friday prayers of Ramadan. "Thousands of (Muslims) are expected to make their way to the Old City for prayers," a police statement said in English. "Police and border police will be patrolling the different areas to prevent -- and respond to if necessary -- any incidents." In an effort to cap rising tensions, Israeli authorities announced Tuesday they were closing Jerusalem`s flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound to non-Muslim visitors after a series of clashes between worshippers and police. The decision will apply until the end of Ramadan next week, a police spokeswoman told AFP. Clashes between Muslims and Israeli police broke out on Sunday over Jewish visits to the compound, with youths throwing stones and security forces firing tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Islamic officials accused Israel of breaking a tacit ban on non-Muslim access to the site during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The period, which began on Sunday, is the most solemn for Muslims and attracts the highest number of worshippers. Non-Muslims, including Jews, are allowed to visit the site during set hours but are barred from praying to avoid provoking tensions. Revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, the mosque compound is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Sydney: Australia`s leaders made last-gasp pitches Friday to wow voters on the eve of elections as polls pointed to a cliffhanger and the media swung behind "reformer" Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Liberal Turnbull and Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten both campaigned in Sydney on their final day on the hustings as a poll in The Sydney Morning Herald showed them locked in a dead heat on a two-party basis. But the survey of 1,377 people also said that when all candidates were included, 27 percent planned to vote for the Greens or other minor parties and independents. This raises the prospect of a hung parliament where no side commands a majority in the 150-seat lower house. Another poll in the Sydney Daily Telegraph had the ruling conservatives 51-49 percent in front on a two-party basis. Turnbull, who has capitalised on the instability sparked by Britain`s decision to exit the European Union, said the uncertainty of a hung parliament would be a disaster as he appealed for voters not to go down that road. "We have seen that film before. It`s not a pretty one," he said, referring to the 2010 elections where a similar scenario occurred after Julia Gillard failed to win majority rule. "Right now, Australia needs strong majority government, a clear national economic plan. That`s the economic leadership only the coalition can deliver." He added that the alternative was "chaos, uncertainty, dysfunction, higher deficits, higher debt, higher taxes, less investment, less jobs". "That`s what Labor and the Greens and independents are offering," he said. Economic management has been a key election battleground with last week`s shock decision by Britain stoking anxiety about pressures facing Australia`s economy.The country`s major newspapers are backing the ruling conservatives, with News Corp Australia and Fairfax Media mastheads citing the need for stability. Rupert Murdoch`s The Australian said Turnbull offered "a path to national economic success", a stance backed by its tabloid stablemate The Daily Telegraph. "The prime minister has demonstrated he knows the importance of a firm rein on public spending and offering a leg up for private sector growth," The Australian said in an editorial of the former banker. "Mr. Turnbull may be just the leader to urge the nation back on the path of meaningful reform." The Fairfax-owned Sydney Morning Herald also endorsed Turnbull on its front-page. "Given the choice between a coalition led by the socially progressive economic reformer Mr Turnbull, and a Shorten-led Labor party backed by reform-resistant unions, we support the election of a Turnbull government," it said. One punter is so confident Turnbull will get back in that they staked Aus$250,000 (US$186,000) on it Friday, according to Luxbet, which said it was its biggest ever political bet. "The good news for this punter is that all the money is coming in for the (Liberal-National) coalition, so they aren`t the only one who thinks Malcolm Turnbull is a safe bet," said Luxbet`s Shaun Anderson. Ex-union chief Shorten has campaigned on improving health and education while pledging more renewable energy and a fairer tax system, and remained upbeat that Labor could cause an upset. "I hope that we`ve done enough... It really is now in the hands of the people of Australia," he said. Voting is mandatory in Australia and by mid-week some 2.2 million of the 15.6 million enrolled voters had already cast their ballots at pre-polling stations and via postal votes, the electoral commission said. Beirut: A Syrian air force pilot was captured by Islamist rebels after his plane crashed near Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday. The aircraft crashed in the mountainous region of Qalamun, northwest of the Syrian capital, the Britain-based monitoring group said. "It is not known whether it crashed due to a technical fault or it was hit by rebels," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. The pilot ejected himself and landed near the town of Jayrud, 60 kilometres (35 miles) northeast of Damascus, he added. Nusrat Al-Mazlum, a small group of Islamist rebels, captured the pilot and handed him over to another group, said Abdel Rahman, who was not able to identify the second group. The Saudi-backed rebel group Jaysh al-Islam (Army of Islam), which controls areas east of Damascus, claimed it had hit the plane -- identified as a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-22 -- and captured the pilot. Jaish al-Islam`s spokesman, Islam Alloush, posted a photo and a video of the pilot on his Twitter account, saying he belonged to the Alawite sect of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria`s official news agency SANA said the plane had crashed due to a "technical problem", adding that a search was underway for the pilot "who could have ejected and landed using his parachute". Several government jets have been taken down by rebel fighters or crashed due to technical faults since Syria`s civil war began five years ago. Syria`s five-year war has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions. rh/tgg/sk/cmk/par/hkb Beijing: A Taiwanese warship on Friday "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for Taiwan. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of? Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. New York: A French citizen arrested in Paris last year over his connection with the ISIS has told investigators that he encountered "some Indians", Russians and Chechens in a dormitory he was put in by the terror group after arriving in the war-torn Syria, a media report said. The New York Times, in an article about the Turkey airport terror attack, said the presence of large numbers of Russian-speaking fighters in Syria has been widely reported. It cited the account of a French citizen Reda Hame, who was arrested in Paris last August soon after returning from Syria. Hame allegedly told interrogators with France's domestic intelligence wing that he had been recruited by the external operations arm of ISIS and "assigned to create mayhem at a rock concert in France," the report said. In the transcript of his interrogation, Hame describes how, after reaching Syria last summer, he was "first housed inside a dormitory that had 'a hundred people ? Russians, Chechens, some Chinese, one American, some Indians'," the report said. It said since 2014, the Islamic State has been trying to mount attacks in the West through a unit described in intelligence documents as the group's external operations branch, headed by the militant group?s spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani. In the past two years, this branch has sent at least 20 operatives, trained in Syria and mostly French speakers, to Europe and Lebanon, possibly because they could fit in more and assume a more Western appearance, analysts said. It added that senior Russian security officials have estimated that up to 7,000 fighters from Russia and Central Asia have gone to Syria to fight, many of them joining the Islamic State. According to the International Crisis Group, up to 4,000 volunteers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had joined the militant group by the end of 2015. In Central Asian states like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the recruitment of fighters for the Islamic State has been spurred by government repression against Muslim organisations as well as widespread poverty. Last month, US-based private SITE Intelligence Group had said that ISIS had launched a new propaganda video that showed off a large group of Kalashnikov-wielding jihadists allegedly from India fighting against the Syrian forces in the Homs province. The video is part of ISIS propaganda campaign on foreign fighters in their ranks, the group had said adding that the terror group's division in Homs released the video on Indian fighters aimed at recruiting jihadists from the country to fight against the Syrian government forces. Istanbul: Turkish police detained 11 foreigners suspected of being members of an Islamic State cell in Istanbul linked to the suicide bombers who staged the attack this week at Istanbul`s main airport, broadcaster Haberturk said on its website on Friday. The arrests in the dawn raid, by a counter-terror police squad in the Basaksehir district on the European side of the city, brought the number of people detained in the investigation to 24, it said. A police spokesman could not confirm the report, which was also carried by other media. Three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers killed 44 people in a gun and bomb attack at Istanbul`s main airport on Tuesday, the deadliest in a string of attacks in Turkey this year. The suspected suicide bombers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official said on Thursday. Washington: The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria's government stops bombing moderate rebels, U.S. officials said on Thursday. The U.S. backs the moderate rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them, Many U.S. officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that. It also would require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the U.S.-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government, which they and Washington have accused of most of the ceasefire violations. "If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, immediately the Russians and Assad go kill them," said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. "The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival." "Its staggering to me that anybody even at year five of this civil war thought this would be a good idea," said Harmer. The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. A "HAIL MARY" PASS? That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unraveling of a Feb. 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the U.S.-backed moderate opposition forces. In one sign of their predicament, U.S.-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the United States wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior U.S. officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he "continues to work to advance a political transition," National Security Council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday. Washington: Up to 116 civilians and as many as 2,581 combatants were killed in US counterterror strikes outside Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria from 2009 to 2015, US intelligence officials announced Friday. The Director of National Intelligence provided fatality estimates for 473 strikes between January 1, 2009 and the end of 2015 "against terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities," in a much-anticipated report into American plane and drone strikes. It is the first time the administration of President Barack Obama has published a toll from its secret strikes outside of "active" war zones, and the release comes after rights groups and the media for years demanded a better accounting of such military actions under Obama. Critics have long said US drone strikes kill far more civilians than the administration claims, and Friday`s release is unlikely to change that narrative. "The figures released today should be considered in light of the inherent limitations on the ability to determine the precise number of combatant and non-combatant deaths given the non-permissive environments in which these strikes often occur," the DNI said in a statement. The White House meanwhile released an executive order that provides additional information on "best practices and procedures" that can be applied to strikes, regardless of where they are conducted. By PTI: From Yoshita Singh New York, Jul 1 (PTI) A French citizen arrested in Paris last year over his connection with the ISIS has told investigators that he encountered "some Indians", Russians and Chechens in a dormitory he was put in by the terror group after arriving in the war-torn Syria, a media report said. The New York Times, in an article about the Turkey airport terror attack, said the presence of large numbers of Russian-speaking fighters in Syria has been widely reported. advertisement It cited the account of a French citizen Reda Hame, who was arrested in Paris last August soon after returning from Syria. Hame allegedly told interrogators with Frances domestic intelligence wing that he had been recruited by the external operations arm of ISIS and "assigned to create mayhem at a rock concert in France," the report said. In the transcript of his interrogation, Hame describes how, after reaching Syria last summer, he was "first housed inside a dormitory that had a hundred people ? Russians, Chechens, some Chinese, one American, some Indians," the report said. It said since 2014, the Islamic State has been trying to mount attacks in the West through a unit described in intelligence documents as the groups external operations branch, headed by the militant group?s spokesman, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani. In the past two years, this branch has sent at least 20 operatives, trained in Syria and mostly French speakers, to Europe and Lebanon, possibly because they could fit in more and assume a more Western appearance, analysts said. It added that senior Russian security officials have estimated that up to 7,000 fighters from Russia and Central Asia have gone to Syria to fight, many of them joining the Islamic State. According to the International Crisis Group, up to 4,000 volunteers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had joined the militant group by the end of 2015. In Central Asian states like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the recruitment of fighters for the Islamic State has been spurred by government repression against Muslim organisations as well as widespread poverty. Last month, US-based private SITE Intelligence Group had said that ISIS had launched a new propaganda video that showed off a large group of Kalashnikov-wielding jihadists allegedly from India fighting against the Syrian forces in the Homs province. The video is part of ISIS propaganda campaign on foreign fighters in their ranks, the group had said adding that the terror groups division in Homs released the video on Indian fighters aimed at recruiting jihadists from the country to fight against the Syrian government forces. PTI YAS AJR NSA AJR --- ENDS --- advertisement YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia approved the proposal of signing an agreement on the educational qualification, mutual recognition and equivalence of the scientific degrees with the Government of Tajikistan. Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan said the agreement strengthens the basis of the mutual recognition of the documents on education between the two states. The signing of agreement will contribute to the mutual academic mobility and the mutual cooperation in the field of education and science, Armenpress reports, Mkrtchyan said. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. In an interview with Armenpress, Vice-President of the Swiss Parliament, Co-Chair of the Switzerland-Armenia parliamentary group Dominique de Buman said a clear stance exist towards the April war in Switzerland. He said Azerbaijan did not expect such a strong response from Nagorno Karabakh. They were unable to resist, and had much more losses that they thought, he said. He said the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a very difficult issue the solution of which will be very difficult to reach immediately. We cannot say the OSCE Minsk Group did nothing. Let us remember one of the OSCE Chairmen from Switzerland Didier Burkhalter who did his best during his Chairmanship. The OSCE Minsk Group simply doesnt have a concrete plan, however, it has its own vision related to the conflict settlement. As for Russia, its involvement is associated with its historical, strategic role. It is important to state that Russias role in the Caucasus is not being questioned since Russia seems to be a police for everyone which to some extent prevents wars, Dominique de Buman said. Referring to the bodies of 18 servicemen which were given to the Armenian side after the April four-day war under the mediation of the International Committee of Red Cross and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, as well as the tortures of the elderly people of the NKR, Dominique de Buman said such kind of activities are unacceptable regardless of by whom and against whom they are being conducted. It is against to all conventions, the human dignity. There are a number of international structures, courts which must submit a claim for all states affected by such cases, he stated. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. During the phone talks with the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan US Secretary of State John Kerry on June 30 urged them to continue the peaceful process over Nagorno Karabakh. Kerry highlighted the importance of the implementation of agreements reached in St. Petersburg on June 20, Armenpress reports, press service of the US State Department informed. Kerry stated that in recent weeks the ceasefire is mainly maintained in the Nagorno Karabakh contact line and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and urged the Presidents to avoid tension in order to move forward the peaceful process. He also stressed the importance of the implementation of obligations reached at May 16 Vienna and June 20 St. Petersburg meetings, the statement says. In addition, John Kerry confirmed the United States support to the substantive negotiations which can contribute to the comprehensive settlement, and strongly urged the Presidents to continue the dialogue within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the statement reads. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the bilateral relations and their deepening prospects, Armenpress reports, the Georgian Presidential administration informed. At the meeting the sides discussed issues related to the bilateral relations and expressed concrete wish over the cooperation on tourism and economy. The sides also discussed the issue related to the European and the Euro-Atlantic agenda, the statement reads. After the meeting Georgian Presidents Adviser for Foreign Relations Tengiz Pkhaladze said the President and the Chancellor discussed the recent events in the Caucasian region and the new developments within the EU. He said the German side showed great interest towards the internal political processes, the process of the democratic reforms and the upcoming parliamentary elections of Georgia, RIA Novosti reported. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis will visit Georgia and Azerbaijan from September 30 to October 2, 2016, Armenpress reports, he said in Vatican after returning from Armenia. He said he accepted the invitation to visit these two countries for two reasons. First of all, the ancient Christian roots of these lands have always been a spirit of dialogue with other religions and cultures, he stated. As a second reason, he highlighted the promotion of hope and ways for peace. The history teaches us that on the path of peace we must demonstrate great persistence and take consistent efforts starting from little to gradually increasing steps. Thats why I want every person to have his/her input on the reconciliation, Pope Francis said. Pope Francis arrived in Armenia on June 24. The slogan of his visit was Visit to the first Christian Nation. A welcoming ceremony was held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin. The Pope had a meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan in the Presidential Palace, where he made an announcement addressed to Armenian officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the society. On June 25 Pope Francis visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial, accompanied by President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Garegin II. The Pope then delivered a Holy Mass in Gyumris Vardanants Square. During the day the Pope returned to Yerevan, where the most important and most open event for the society during his visit took place in the Republic Square. A peace prayer was delivered, which was 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 liturgy was held in Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin, which was delivered by His Holiness Catholicos Garegin II with Pope Francis. After that, a joint statement was signed in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin. Then, Pope Francis and Caltholisc of All Armenians Garegin II visted Khor Virap Monastery where they released doves symbolizing peace from a platform looking at Biblical Ararat Mountain. The same day Pope Francis departed for Vatican. YEREVAN, JULY1, ARMENPRESS. On June 30, a symposium on the Employment and building capacity of the disadvantaged and people with disabilities in the RA has been held in Yerevan, which aimed at discussing the results and achievements of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project implemented by Mission Armenia charitable non-governmental organization, funded by the Japan Social Development Foundation (JSDF), supported by the Government of RA and the World Bank. Jemma Baghdasaryan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, H.E. Eiji Taguchi, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan in the RA,, Ms. Laura Bailey, the World Bank Country Manager for Armenia, as well as Ms. Marina Petrovic, Senior Social protection Sepcialist from the World Bank, Aleksandra Posarac, Lead Economist from the World Bank and past-president of International Council on Social Welfare, leading international expert of the sector Solveig Askjem participated in the discussion. During the symposium the goals and the issues of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project, implemented activities under the project components and achievements have been presented and summarized, key issues and their possible solutions on raising awareness concerning important social key problems of people with disabilities have been also discussed. I am happy that the representatives of state and local self-governing bodies, international and local organizations, sector experts and persons with disabilities are participating in the discussion. Together we are building a road leading to social inclusion, which demands will, potential, time and resources and which will enable people with disabilities to create and lead a worthy life'' has mentioned the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jemma Baghdasaryan, when greeting the participants of the symposium. Mission Armenia representative, Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project coordinator Sophie Nersisyan on behalf of Mission Armenia NGO president Hripsime Kirakosyan has greeted the participants, expressing words of appreciation and wishing a productive work. Our symposium is a great opportunity to share the results, appreciate the achievements of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project, to highlight the reached benchmarks, as well as to discuss key issues, has noted . Sophy Nersisyan, expressing special thanks to the project initiators, state and private sector colleagues, project experts, as well as the professional team implementing the project for their dedicated and professional work. In her speech Jemma Baghdasaryan has also spoken about the key problems of people with disabilities in the RA. Social policy in the field of disability has been recognized as a priority by RA Government. The Government has announced the 2016 as a year of equal opportunity for people with disabilities. In 2016, it is planned to pass a law on Protection of rights of persons with disabilities and social inclusion, the draft has been presented to the Government. It implies a clear definition of mechanisms for implementation of the lprovisions in the relevant secondary legislation. I am convinced that social inclusion will be promoted due to the work that has been carried out and will be done in future, has noted Jemma Baghdasaryan. World Bank Country Manager for Armenia, Ms. Laura Bailey has mentioned that this kind of support is really tangible; in order to assess the work done it is enough to speak with a person with disability. Certainly, today we need to improve laws and allocate funds, but the most important thing is the comprehensive and constructive approach towards the evaluation and satisfaction of those persons needs, has mentioned Ms. Laura Bailey, the World Bank Country Manager for Armenia. H.E. Eiji Taguchi, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan in the RA has noted that Japan highlights the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society, public works, since it has a positive impact on economic liberalism. Representatives of state, private and public sectors, donor organizations, media, colleagues, project beneficiaries, sector experts, researchers have taken part in the symposium on the Employment and building capacity of the disadvantaged and people with disabilities in the RA. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. In an interview with Armenpress, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan said the Azerbaijani leadership has to understand that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be settled within the framework of the implementation of the NKR peoples right to self-determination. -Mr. Kocharyan, how would you comment on the statements constantly voiced in Baku, that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved within the framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan? -It is enough to distort the essence of the negotiation process. It is high time the Azerbaijani leadership understands, that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will be resolved within the framework of implementation of the NKR peoples right to self-determination and Azerbaijans responsibility for the aggression against the self-determined Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. -And how would you comment on the statement of the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan regarding a meeting on the highest level being held in August in Paris? - We highly appreciate the efforts of all the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at organizing meetings at the highest level. However, at least it is improper, when not France - the inviting side, but one of the invitees voices the French proposal which is still under consideration. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan on June 30 met UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of the Independent States Marie-Pierre Poirier in Geneva, Armenpress was informed by the Ombudsmans office. The sides stressed the importance of the Ombudsmans role in ensuring the protection of the rights of children. In particular, issues related to the continues improvement of conditions for infants in closed institutions, the implementation of monitoring visits to these places and the formation of relevant proposals based on that visits in the context of the cooperation with the UNICEF were discussed. The sides highlighted the establishment of the department of Protection of Childrens Rights in the Ombudsmans office based on the UNICEFs instructions. This will enable to conduct more productive activity, as well as to more actively integrate in the works of the international structures operating in the field of the protection of the rights of children. Arman Tatoyan appreciated the high level of cooperation with the UNCEF Office in Armenia. The sides also highlighted the necessity of implementing projects aimed for the constant development of the capabilities of the Ombudsmans staff. They also attached importance on the works with the NGOs, as well as media representatives. The sides agreed to continue active cooperation through organizing joint events, ensuring the participation of representatives from both sides, conducting joint research on the issues of the protection of childrens rights and making proposals for the elimination of violations of the childrens rights. By PTI: Jodhpur, Jul 1 (PTI) A one-and-a-half year old girl today fell into a borewell in Binjwaria village near here following which a rescue operation was launched. The location of the girl, however, could not be traced despite cameras and hooks being dropped into the borewell. District Magistrate V C Mallik said that a toddler Neha Gehlot had come to her grandmothers farm along with her mother two days back. advertisement "Today, at about 7 AM, she was playing outside the house close to the borewell which was covered with a gunny bag. While playing, the girl stepped onto the borewell and fell into it with the gunny bag," he said. The owner of the farm had removed the motor from this borewell yesterday and covered it with a gunny bag in order to avoid any mishap. The accident could have been caused due to his negligence in making sure that it was properly plugged. The rescue operation is being carried out by the administration and an army team. Mallik said the borewell was about 750-feet deep and 10 inches in diameter. PTI COR NKS IKA SC IKA --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian participated in the FMs 34th session of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation on July 1 in Sochi, press service of the MFA of Armenia informed Armenpresss. In his speech Minister Nalbandian stressed the importance of the development of the inter-regional transport, the transport systems, the extension of the main route of the OBSEC ring highway up to the Iranian border, the initiatives aimed for the development of the cargo and passenger ferry transport. Edward Nalbandian said the Armenian specialists had their input on developing ways for the OBSEC SMEs to have an access to the international markets, making easier the commerce and trade processes via Internet, harmonizing the customs procedures, improving joint checkpoints and solving other issues. Armenia supports the increase of the OBSECs role in the international platforms, the expansion of the mutual cooperation with other international regional organizations, as well as the strengthening of cooperation with associated organizations, observers and sectoral dialogue partners. We must not allow the politicization of the OBSEC. Unfortunately, we witnessed that today again the Azerbaijani delegation tried to politicize the discussions of the plenary session, Nalbandian said. Nalbandian stated: Concerning the Karabakh issue, I would like to recall that the Vienna and St. Petersburg summits were first of all aimed to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone created as a result of the Azerbaijani large scale military operations against Nagorno Karabakh. To continue the negotiation process first of all it is necessary to implement what has been achieved in the summits which are the peaceful settlement of the conflict, the unconditional implementation of the 1994-1995 trilateral termless ceasefire agreements, the installation of investigation mechanisms of incidents, the increase of the scope of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. At the meeting, several resolutions, decisions aimed at deepening the regional cooperation were adopted by the OBSEC FMs. At the end of the session Russias presidency in the OBSEC was given to Serbia. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Head of the Talish community of the NKR Martakert region Vilen Petrosyan on June 30 submitted a request to the NKR Human Rights Defender where he said the Azerbaijani armed forces fired irregular shots from small arms at the civilians during the harvest. The head of the community also informed that the harvesting activities were ceased for security reasons. In this context, the NKR Ombudsmans statement reads: Human Rights Defender strictly condemns the Azerbaijani harassment against the right to life and property of the people of Talish community and the violations of the international humanitarian law. The NKR Ombudsman urges the Azerbaijani Human Rights Defender and the competent international organizations operating in Azerbaijan to take concrete steps to exclude such incidents. At the same time, by the Human Rights Defenders instruction, the Ombudsmans staff as defined by the law on Human Rights Defender, carries out documentation and legal analysis of the circumstances of the incident, the results of which will be available to the public. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. On July 1 Deputy Parliament Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to Armenia Ioannis Taghis, press service of the Armenian National Assembly informed Armenpress. Sharmazanov highly appreciated the traditional friendly relations between Armenia and Greece and stated that Ioannis Taghis had a great input on the development and strengthening of those ties. The sides agreed that the two people have much in common, and in recent years the inter-parliamentary ties were strengthened, the cooperation field has been expanded. Sharmazanov appreciated the adoption of the liability bill on the denial of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the statement issued by the Armenian Parliament on March 24, 2015 condemning the genocides of Greeks and Assyrians in the Ottoman Empire. Sharmazanov also attached importance to the recent statement adopted by the NKR Parliament by which the Greek Genocide committed in the Ottoman Turkey was also recognized and condemned. Ambassador Ioannis Taghis expressed gratitude to the Armenian Parliaments for the unanimously adopted statements and for marking May 19 as a day of the Greek genocide. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement issue was also touched upon at the meeting. Sharmazanov expressed satisfaction on Greeces balanced stance over this issue and said the Armenian side has been and remains committed to its stance which is to solve the issue with peaceful means and within the OSCE Minsk Group. The Greek Ambassador also agreed with this view and said the recent meetings between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan create hope in this sense. In this context Sharmazanov stated: The Nagorno Karabakh people must fully exercise their right to self-determination: the exercise of this right cannot be questioned since the world goes in that path. The NKR people have as much right to decide their faith by voting as the people of any other state. The April events were also discussed at the meeting. In that context, Sharmazanov appreciated the visits of the Greek MPs to Armenia and the NKR. Issues related to the bilateral relations, the further cooperation, the Armenian and Greek communities were discussed. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Romania is providing 60 thousands USD for the construction of a solar greenhouse in a community of Shirak Province, Armenia. Ambassador of Romania to Armenia H.E. Sorin Vasile and UN Resident Coordinator Bradley Busetto signed an agreement on July 1, under which the project will be implemented by the UNDP. The Romanian Ambassador said the provided assistance is directed towards helping the small Armenian communities, which have limited opportunities. The assistance is provided by the Government of Romania to those areas, who dont have big opportunities. The project suggests building greenhouses, where villagers will be able to grow agricultural plants, greens for their needs, the Ambassador said. H.E. Sorin Vasile also said the project will create jobs. According to him, the greenhouses production can serve the needs of en entire village with the population of a few hundred. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The OSCE 2016 Annual Security Review Conference was held in Vienna June 28-30. The Armenian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ashot Hovakimyan took part in the conference. During the opening session, Deputy Minister Hovakimyan welcomed H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, 1996 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Timor-Leste, who in his speech presented the necessity of the implementation of the self-determination rights of peoples as a fundamental and universal principle of human rights protection. Hovakimyan stressed that the use of force against the self determination right in a gross violation of the Helsinki Final Act and OSCE commitments and the commitments of OSCE member states and principles should not be subject of ambiguity and should be fully implemented. The non-use of force was singled out as a primary principle, upon which the OSCE is anchored. Ashot Hovakimyan stressed that the use of force cannot have justification, particularly in the context of those conflicts, around which talks are proceeding in a coherent format. The Deputy Minister specially stressed that the Azerbaijani use of force against Nagorno Karabakh must strictly be condemned by the international community. The adherence to the 1994-1995 term-less trilateral ceasefire agreement was highlighted, the formation of investigative mechanisms for incidents, as well as the expansion of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson In Office, and the fact that the Azerbaijani announcements do not indicate the Azerbaijani intentions of creating peaceful conditions for solution and excluding further use of force. Hovakimyan also delivered a speech at the Conflict Situations in the OSCE area session. Ashot Hovakimyan stressed that the use of force by Azerbaijan is a serious danger for regional security. The deputy minister highlighted the importance of the unconditional restoration by Azerbaijan of the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg, and said that the Azerbaijani side is blocking the suggestion of the OSCE German chairmanship aimed at the broadening of the team of the Personal Representative of OSCE Chairperson In Office. Ashot Hovakimyan noted that on the eve of the St. Petersburg meeting, the Azerbaijani large-scale military drills near the line of contact without preliminary notification puts to doubt the Azerbaijani willingness of implementing activities aimed at strengthening trust and security. In the context of the Middle East crisis, deputy minister Hovakimyan expressed concern about the ongoing atrocities against religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. It was noted that the crimes against Christians and Yazidis were acknowledged as genocide by a number of OSCE countries. It was highlighted that assistance to criminals by any OSCE country must be labeled as complicity, according to the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide Convention. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The Investigative Committee of Armenia continues the preliminary investigation on the illegal acquirement, possession and transportation of firearms and ammo by a number of persons. The committees announcement reads : Considering the public interest we inform that on July 1 raids were carried out in several addresses, and as a result different documents and materials were confiscated. In addition, 469 5.45mm, 10 7.62mm and 9 5.6mm caliber cartridges were discovered and confiscated. The owners of the apartments where the ammo was found are under arrest. Investigation continues. Earlier in June the Investigative Committee said political activist Zhirayr Sefilyan was arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms. 9 others are involved in the case. The location of 1 is unknown; he is currently wanted by the Police. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. With nearly 300 parliamentarians in attendance from 54 countries, the OSCE Parliamentary Assemblys 25th Annual Session opened Friday with speeches by host officials including Georgian Speaker of Parliament David Usupashvili, President Giorgi Margvelashvili, and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, as well as OSCE PA President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) and the OSCEs Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Welcoming participants to the Annual Session, which is being held under the theme 25 Years of Parliamentary Co-operation: Building Trust Through Dialogue, President Margvelashvili noted the significance of hosting the event in Georgia, particularly in the context of the 25th anniversary of Georgian independence. This forum is taking place for the first time in Georgia and as importantly, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Georgias independence, he said. The role of the Parliamentary Assembly is truly unique. The joint efforts of legislative institutions carries vital importance to overcome the challenges that our countries peaceful and prosperous development faces today. Prime Minister Kvirikashvili said that membership of the European family is a deliberate choice of the Georgian nation, since we fully understand that this is the best way of ensuring democracy, security, peace and prosperity throughout the country. While highlighting reforms that Georgia has implemented, Kvirikashvili also noted the challenges that the country continues to face and called for the restoration of a full-fledged OSCE Mission in Georgia. Speaker Usupashvili called attention to the serious threats and challenges facing the OSCE area. War and terrorism do not recognize borders and become a terrible threat to all. We see this in many countries; we encounter this in Europe as well. In todays world, there is no such thing as walled-off safety and soon there will be no walled-off wellbeing either. Therefore, I think anyone who tries to solve globalized problems in an isolationist manner is mistaken, Usupashvili said. We need to consolidate our efforts and deal with all types of threats together, he added. President Kanerva noted that in the two years of his presidency, the atmosphere has been characterized by diminished trust related to the crisis in and around Ukraine, stressing that parliamentarians should redouble efforts to strengthen ties between nations. The challenges we face are real and require real co-operation, he said. As we see the interrelated effects that various crises are having on our mutual security, we cannot afford to retreat into an isolationist mindset. Instead we should utilize the OSCEs comprehensive security framework and work together towards building bridges, not walls. Foreign Minister Steinmeier, who is wrapping up a three-day visit to the South Caucasus this week to promote confidence-building measures in the region, said that parliamentarians have an important role to play in creating conditions for dialogue and mediation. I am grateful to you, the members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, for your manifold efforts to create scope for dialogue and to support the process of mediation, said the Minister. Let us remain pragmatic and committed in our endeavours. And let us work patiently to achieve the dialogue that we so urgently need now for the sake of our citizens and for the sake of the over one billion voters who are represented by this Assembly. The Annual Session runs from 1 to 5 July, with debates in the general committees over the next several days on resolutions related to the crisis in and around Ukraine, transnational terrorism, protracted conflicts in Georgia, climate change, fundamental freedoms in Crimea, the fight against corruption, the rights of refugees, and lifting sanctions against parliamentarians, among many other topics on the agenda. YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia attaches great importance to the expansion of American engagement in the Armenian economy and is hopeful that the bilateral economic cooperation will reach a new level, PM Abrahamyan said at the US Embassy during an event on the occasion of the US Independence Day. PM Abrahamyan noted that today Armenia has a rich agenda on cooperation with the US dialogue on international and regional security issues, close ties in development of economy and democracy, defense and energy sectors. Our compatriots living in the US greatly contribute to the Armenian-American cooperation, who have their contribution not only in the political, economic and cultural life of the US, but have also an invaluable contribution in the establishment and strengthening of friendship between our two peoples, the PM said. According to him, the Armenian leadership highly appreciates the friendship with the US, and is happy that the bilateral partnership has risen to a new level by joint efforts. The American people deeply value this holiday, as they not only won independence by fighting against colonial rule, but also share those values which are noted in the US Declaration of Independence. Those values are universal and where important not only 240 years ago but also today. The Armenian people have started the declaration of its independence by affirming commitment to those values also. We are grateful to the American Government and people for the invaluable humanitarian and technical assistance since the independence of Armenia, Hovik Abrahamyan said, noting that the US is the first country to have established an Embassy in Armenia and for 25 years the Armenian-American inter-governmental cooperation is proceeding. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenia greatly appreciates the continuous support of the United States as a OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairing country aimed at the exclusively peaceful solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, PM Hovik Abrahamyan announced at the US Embassy during a US Independence Day event. The PM noted that the position of the United States on the introduction of the ceasefire violation investigative mechanisms and the broadening of the team of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson In Office is important for excluding further escalations and continuing the peaceful resolution process. We highly appreciate the mediating efforts of the US Government and we expect that it will maximally contribute to the maintenance of peace in the region, the PM said. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The French National Assembly has unanimously voted in favor of the bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, submitted to the National Assembly by the French Government, chairman of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France Murad Papazian told Armenpress. The MPs of the French National Assembly unanimously voted in favor of the bill submitted by the Government which offers to criminalize the denial of the Armenian Genocide. The bill will be discussed at the Senate and after being confirmed, will be submitted back to the National Assembly for reconfirmation, Papazian said, adding that all the 21 MPs have voted in favor of the bill. The French Government and the lawyers of French-Armenian organizations prepared the text of the bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide which goes in line with the French Constitution and is acceptable for the Armenian community. The text of the bill Criminalizing the denial of genocides and crimes against humanity was published on June 29 and envisages imprisonment of one year or a fine amounting 45.000 euros for the denial of the Armenian Genocide. Papazian added that now the Armenian community has much to do so that the bill is confirmed by the Senate as well, noting that naturally, Turkey will spare no efforts during this period to prevent the bill from being confirmed by the Senate. Indeed, Turkey could not expect that the National Assembly would take such a decision in such a speedy way. They tried to exert pressure on the Government and demanded President Hollande to withdraw the bill, but it did not happen and I have no doubts that we will win, Papazian said. Papazian also mentioned that the Armenian and Rwandan Genocides are mentioned in the bill as examples of genocide. In September 2014, the Centre had filed an application in the apex court seeking clarification on the definition of transgender saying lesbian, gay and bisexual cannot be treated under the category of transgender. The SC had on April 15, 2014 granted legal recognition to transgenders or eunuchs as third category of gender. By Harish V Nair: The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the Centre for doing nothing to implement its April 2014 order to grant reservation to the transgenders in jobs and education sector and instead coming back to the court seeking clarifications. Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh who represented the Centre had told the court that it was not clear from the verdict if lesbians, gays and bisexuals are transgenders. advertisement BENCH MIFFED WITH CENTRE'S CONFUSION But a bench of justices A K Sikri and N V Ramana shot back "what clarification? No clarification is required. It is amply clear that they are not third gender and only transgenders are. Why should we not dismiss the application with costs?" Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for some transgender activists, said Centre is not implementing the 2014 Supreme Court verdict for the past two years making an excuse that they needed a clarification on the point of transgenders. THE VERDICT OF 2004 In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court had on April 15, 2014 granted legal recognition to transgenders or eunuchs as third category of gender and had directed the Centre and all states to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes to extend reservation in admission in educational institutions and for public appointments. Paving the way to bring transgenders in national mainstream, the apex court directed governments to take steps to remove problems faced by them such as fear, shame, social pressure, depression, and social stigma. It had also said that Section 377 of IPC is being misused by police and other authorities against them and their social and economic condition is far from satisfactory. IS CENTRE DELAYING ON PURPOSE? However, in September 2014, the Centre had filed an application in the apex court seeking clarification on the definition of transgender saying lesbian, gay and bisexual cannot be treated under the category of transgender. Interestingly, the SC in its verdict had itself clarified that transgender does not include gay, lesbians, bisexuals. "The grammatical meaning of 'transgender', therefore, is across or beyond gender. This has come to be known as umbrella term which includes Gay men, Lesbians, bisexuals, and cross dressers within its scope. However, while dealing with the present issue we are not concerned with this aforesaid wider meaning of the expression transgender", the SC had said. The Centre had also sought clarification on the grant of OBC status to transgenders saying all such people cannot be clubbed under OBC category as some of them are SC/ST by birth. Significantly, the court also said that if a person surgically changes his or her sex, then the person is entitled to the changed sex and cannot be discriminated against, as widely happens. advertisement Also Read: Transgenders to guard school buses in Punjab, Haryana Transgenders may soon enjoy special rights Upset over their plight, transgenders plead for mercy killing --- ENDS --- EasyJet already became the first UK carrier to activate a contingency plan after the June 23 vote to leave the EU British no-frills airline EasyJet said Friday it had applied for a European Union licence to keep flying throughout the bloc even after Brexit, becoming the first carrier to activate a contingency plan. The carrier said it had begun a formal procedure to obtain an air operator certificate (AOC) to keep the status quo after Britain's vote last week to quit the European Union cast doubts over airline routes. "EasyJet is lobbying the UK government and the EU to ensure the continuation of a fully liberal and deregulated aviation market within the UK and Europe," it said in a statement. "This would mean that EasyJet and all European airlines can continue to operate as they do today. "As part of EasyJet's contingency planning before the referendum we had informal discussions with a number of European aviation regulators about the establishment of an AOC in an European country to enable easyJet to fly across Europe as we do today. "EasyJet has now started a formal process to acquire an AOC," it said. EasyJet stressed that it had no plans to move from Luton, which lies north of the British capital and where the airline has been based for two decades. - No new lines in UK - Britain's airline industry has soared over the last two decades under the EU's Single European Sky system, which lifted trade restrictions on EU airlines whose headquarters are located within the EU. Unless British negotiators manage to secure preferential conditions, British airlines will lose this status once the country leaves the EU. This will mean they no longer enjoy rights including being able to freely set airfares, and to launch any route in Europe without getting prior authorisation. In concrete terms, passengers leaving or arriving in the United Kingdom will face new taxes, while British airlines will be slower to develop new routes. Since the June 23 referendum, both EasyJet and British Airways owner IAG have issued profit warnings, as the pound has plunged against the euro on financial markets. Story continues EasyJet said Monday that the surprise vote would create uncertainty in the economy and among consumers, impacting its second-half performance that ends in September. "Britain being in Europe is the best thing for Britain," EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall told AFP a few months before Thursday's referendum. "That is based on the fact that deregulation of aviation has been a fantastic benefit to consumers," she said, noting that it had reduced fares by 40 percent and increased routes by 170 percent. Airlines are among the industries in Britain, in addition to banks, to have been left especially exposed by the shock Brexit vote. The fall of sterling on exchange markets could lead to higher fuel and lease costs, and a likely fall in demand for flights to Europe by British travellers whose pounds aren't worth as much on the continent since the vote. Ireland's no-frills airline Ryanair said earlier this week that it will put the brakes on new UK connections for the coming months given the uncertainty caused by the referendum. "I don't think we'll open up many new lines in the UK for the next twelve or eighteen months, until this current uncertainty is removed," chief executive Michael O'Leary told AFP in Brussels on Tuesday. Ryanair earns more than a quarter of its sales in Britain and is particularly at risk to turbulence from the nation's EU exit. Based in eurozone-member Ireland, Ryanair would however be less affected by the tumbling pound. Today, The Intercept published leaked documents that contain the FBI's secret rules for targeting journalists and sources with National Security Letters (NSLs)the controversial and unconstitutional warrantless tool the FBI uses to conduct surveillance without any court supervision whatsoever. Freedom of the Press Foundation has been suing the Justice Department (DOJ) under the Freedom of Information Act for these secret rules for the past year. Just two weeks ago, a coalition of three dozen news organizations, including the New York Times and Associated Press, demanded the DOJ release them. The DOJ, so far, has refused. The leaked rules The Intercept has published give us a revealing and startling look at how the FBI can conduct surveillance of journalists in complete secrecy and with no court oversight. First, the rules clearly indicatein two separate placesthat NSLs can specifically be used to conduct surveillance on reporters and sources in leak investigations. This is quite disturbing, since the Justice Department spent two years trying to convince the public that it updated its "Media Guidelines" to create a very high and restrictive bar for when and how they could spy on journalists using regular subpoenas and court orders. These leaked rules prove that the FBI and DOJ can completely circumvent the Media Guidelines and just use an NSL in complete secrecy. Second, the DOJ told the New York Times in 2013 that, despite NSLs being exempt from the media guidelines, they were still used under a "strict legal regime." Well, the "strict legal regime" here is basically non-existent. The only extra step the FBI has to go through to spy on journalists with an NSLbesides the normal, lax NSL procedures, which they have flagrantly and repeatedly violated over the past decadeis essentially get the sign off of a superior in the Justice Department. That's it! They don't have to even go through the motions for following any of the several rules laid out in the DOJ media guidelines: like get the Attorney General to sign off, exhaust all other means of investigation, alerting and negotiating with the affected media organization, making sure what is being sought is essential to the investigation, etc. The leaked rules are from the classified annex of the FBI's Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. The guide itself is dated 2011, though the particular section was active as of at least 2013. A redacted version of this guide is available on the FBI's website, but their version censors virtually all the rules themselves. Documents previously released in our lawsuit indicate these rules may have been updated in the last two years. The leaked rules from 2013 state, in part: If the NSL is seeking telephone toll records of an individual who is a member of the news media or a news organization and a purpose of the NSL is to identify confidential news media sources, the General Counsel and EAD-NSB, after consultation with the Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division (AAG-NSD), must approve the NSL. Given that virtually all leak investigations that ensnare journalists relate to stories published about national security, it makes a mockery of the Media Guidelines that the DOJ has repeatedly said restricts its agents and prosecutors. The other major question here is: why are these rules secret in the first place? The information that has been redacted here by the Justice Department and which they are fighting to keep secret in court is incredibly mundane. The fact that the FBI has to get another person in the bureaucracy to sign off on a particular investigation should not be a state secret, nor would it remotely harm any ongoing investigation, nor would "tip off" any alleged criminals to how to evade surveillance. The only reason to keep these rules secret, it seems, is that it's incredibly embarrassing for the FBI to admit that they can use NSLs in leak cases to go after journalists. The fact that the FBI and DOJ are keeping these rules is outrageous, and they should use this opportunity to officially release the rulesand any updates to themimmediately. Congress is now engaged in a debate to dramatically expand the FBI's use of National Security Letters. This is yet another reason why they should not only reject that dangerous proposal, but revoke the FBI's NSL powers altogether. You can read the full classified rules leaked to the Intercept here. This article also appears at the Freedom of the Press Foundation blog. The Pentagon today ended its ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military. The historic announcement formally removes some of the risks faced by an estimated thousands of U.S. troops, who could have been expelled from the armed forces because of their gender identity. Trans people who serve in the armed forces still have harassment, sexual violence, physical assault, and prejudice to face, but the hatred and sickness no longer has a Pentagon directive to hid behind. "We're eliminating policies that can result in transgender members being treated differently from their peers based solely upon their gender identity rather than upon their ability to serve," Defense Secretary Ash Carter told reporters Thursday. Within 90 days, he added, the Pentagon will create a guide book for commanders to help them understand how to lead transgender service members. The Pentagon will also provide medical guidance to doctors who are obligated to support the uniqie medical and mental health needs of trans men and women. Within a year, said Carter, openly transgender persons will be permitted to join the armed forces. #SecDef announces transgender Americans may serve openly, and will no longer be discharged or otherwise separated just for being transgender U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 30, 2016 #SecDef: New policy will allow us to access talent of transgender servicemembers to strengthen success of mission pic.twitter.com/2C7r8Cxbcs U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 30, 2016 #SecDef: This is a matter of principle. Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be given chance to compete to do so U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 30, 2016 #SecDef: we have transgender servicemembers in uniform today, and I have responsibility to provide clearer and more consistent guidance U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) June 30, 2016 From Reuters: The repeal, which ends one of the last barriers to serving in the military, comes after a 2011 decision to end the U.S. military's ban on openly gay and lesbian people serving, despite concerns which proved unfounded that such a move could be too great a burden in wartime and would undermine battle readiness. (..) Carter said that based on a study carried out by the Rand Corporation, there were about 2,500 transgender active-duty servicemembers and 1,500 reserve transgender service members. Still, Rand's figures were within a range, which at the upper end reached 7,000 active duty forces and 4,000 reserves. "The reality is that we have transgender service members serving in uniform today," Carter said, acknowledging the policy change will have implications for issues including deployment and medical treatment. He added that at least 18 countries already allowed transgender personnel to serve openly in their militaries. Related coverage: "Transgender People Will Be Allowed to Serve Openly in Military" [nytimes.com] We kids spoke English and were all colonial youth, an army of us educated by young Oxford teachers, who spoke a BBC dialect with no particular accent. We came to know Shakespeare better than we knew any living person from Britain, and much better than we knew any writers from our various national cultures. I used to spend summers in London as many foreign kids still do, blessed by their parents who want them to become cosmopolitan. I am still grateful to the Queen of the UK for the canonical stability of her realm's education system. Compare the Queen's long reign to the royal ashes of the Kingdom of Serbs, Slovenes and Croats. The glorious republic of Yugoslavia didn't fare much better. My lifetime is notably briefer than that of the Queen of England, and yet my national passport has changed five times. I might have guessed there was trouble brewing in Britain when they got more and more worried about the dire prospect of me appearing in London. My varying passports got ever more politically incorrect, while the British visa forms got quite Kafka-esque, querulously demanding my grandparent's birthdates and so on. The personal is not just political, the personal can also be imperial and colonial. So, when Great Britain suddenly seceded from European Union, it evoked Balkan memories. Specifically, that day when Croatia suddenly jumped ship from Yugoslavia. Just a bold legal declaration at first, there were reasons to think that things might go well, but the devil was in the details that followed. But that was long ago. More recently the fallen mini-states from ex-Yugoslavia have been de-balkanizing by joining the European Union. I used to darkly speculate that when Serbia, my own country, finally became EU, the Union would reveal itself as just a larger Yugoslavia. That shuffling process is underway. Great Britain is leaving the EU because among other major reasons too many countries like Serbia have joined in. British colonialism has lost its capacity to embrace and extend from palm to pine. Britain's civilizing mission is too much for it, especially when those who need the civilizing are buying-up Britain's own capital city. Charlotte Bronte described well certain episodes of splendid isolation and proud withdrawal, when the impertinence of other people was just too much to endure. Britain's island geography has won again, triumphed over John Donne's "no man is an island." How is it possible to isolate an imperial capital, a vast global entrepot such as London? It's sadly true that native Londoners can no longer afford their own properties, while immigrant Londoners probably cannot afford to leave. The troubles of globalization are certainly real ones. But all colonial capitals are mixed and minced by a metropolitan culture; that happened to Rome, New York, Brussels and even Belgrade. The centers of command and control must also be melting pots. Great world cities create their own accents, rules, recipes and creolized culture. They don't obey the interests of their nations, and instead behave much like their own peer cities. Even us fake Brits and global wanderers have an anecdotal culture, the cultural experiences that can happen only to the likes of us. My mother, on a business visit to Britain, once proudly told UK customs that she was a member of Tito's Communist party, so she was politely shadowed around town by the Manchester police. GW Sebald was a German emigre to UK, writing novels and teaching languages in England. A car crash killed Sebald just before he became famous, but I remember him soberly telling me of all the petty national persecutions he suffered, from both Germany and the UK, for trying to write his way into an expiation of Europe's collective guilt. However, Sebald did at least enjoy the quiet liberation of not really belonging to any nation. After Brexit, an Italian friend told me how the grand old bohemian dream of every young Italian to get by while washing Italian dishes in London restaurants has suddenly been stolen away. Virginia Woolf said that no woman has a homeland except for a room of her own, while Hannah Arendt gravely explained how your homeland is more likely to kill you than supposedly-threatening foreigners. A secession from the Brussels empire is not the end of the whole world, nor will everything collapse because the British are at their wits' end. But I don't think the British can ever recapture the national myth of authenticity that they now perform as a rhetoric. Visa barriers, wire, expulsions, new brick border walls inside London rather than in Berlin, none of that will ever restore a mostly imaginary past. The British can't have the old myth back, so they'd better invent a new myth. We fake Brits are here to help. The US imprisons more people than any other country in history, both as a total number and as a proportion of its population; a White House data-mining effort proposes to set free prisoners who are "low risk," which is something we can all get behind. There's a problem with this kind of data-driven solution, though. It starts from the presumption that an appreciable fraction of the prisoners are a risk to the public and need to stay in prison. But consider an alternate hypothesis: most of the people in prison are not a risk to the public and have been unjustly imprisoned. This isn't a crazy possibility: given that all the other rich, developed nations imprison far fewer people without having terrible crime in the streets, alternate explanations are less plausible, like "those countries are lying about their crime statistics," or "something special about America turns people into criminals." If most of the people in US prisons are unjustly imprisoned and present no risk to the public, then any "data-driven" guess about whom to release would bear fruit. You could literally just pick 40% of the prison population at random and turn them out without seeing any increase in crime. The validation for the White House's proposal is a pilot program in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina that used data-mining to release 40% of its prisoners without any crime spikes. Unless we know how the predictive model worked (and in particular, how it was trained), we can't know if the outcome was because most prisoners shouldn't be behind bars, or because the model was picking low-risk offenders correctly. Imagine that a large majority of prisoners are "low-risk," but that some of them come from populations that are overpoliced subjected to stop-and-frisk searches, rousted, raided, and more likely to receive custodial sentences than other offenders from different groups accused of the same crimes (imagine too that they were pressured into entering guilty pleas by a system that allowed prosecutors to ask for incredibly harsh sentences for anyone who didn't voluntarily plead guilty). Black people in America fit that description of being overpoliced and oversentenced. Being overpoliced and oversentenced means that you are more likely to be arrested than the average person, even if you are no more criminal than the average person. If you train a machine learning algorithm on a data-set that includes people who are overpoliced, and ask it who is most likely to reoffend, it will tell you that black people reoffend more than white people. But since the sampling is biased, all you're learning is that black people are more likely to be arrested, charged and sentenced than white people (possibly because they've been blackmailed into false guilty pleas by US prosecutors, who convict more than 97% of the people they indict). Without knowing the base rate of actual risky offenders imprisoned in the US, and with the international evidence that the US has a lot more prisoners than it should, there's a real concern that you could have a racially biased algorithm that let white people go preferentially and appeared, to all external indicators, to be working perfectly. There is precedent for this: machine learning for sentencing guidelines is a racist dumpster fire that locks black people up while letting white offenders go free. Data-driven, empirical policing, sentencing and incarceration are a good idea, but without a sound statistical basis, it's just racist facewash, a way to apply a veneer of empiricism to systematic bias. Some tech companies are donating their existing tools to the member cities and states. For instance, RapidSOS, a company that allows people to submit their exact location data to emergency personnel, is offering its product to five cities for free for the next 10 years. Several research institutions like New York University and the University of Chicago are also partnering with cities and states to research their data strategies. In a time when Republicans and Democrats can't seem to agree on anything, prison reform has become an unlikely unifier. Recently, House speaker Paul Ryan has become an outspoken advocate for sentencing reform. That type of across-the-aisle support could help these data efforts spread more quickly. Already, among the seven states that signed on to the Data-Driven Justice Initiative, three have Republican governors. As part of the commitment, they promise to merge criminal justice and health system data to identify people who are most at risk, create new protocols for first responders dealing with mental health issues, and inform pre-trial release decisions. The White House Is on a Mission to Shrink US Prisons With Data [Issie Lapowsky/Wired] LONDON (Reuters) - Around 20 startup banks and financial firms have reaffirmed plans to invest a total of up to 500 million pounds ($664.95 million) to open in Britain, consulting firm PwC said on Friday. These investment plans will be a boost for Britain's financial services sector, beset by rumors of job cuts and firms moving overseas in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and potentially surrender some of its access to EU markets. The banks are a mixture of UK, European, and non-EU businesses and have already committed 200 million pounds, PwC said, with total funding of up to half a billion pounds featured in their business plans. Stephen Morse, financial services partner at PwC, said the around 20 clients investing in Britain were not only mainstream banks, mortgage lenders and asset managers. "There are a range of new technology-enabled banks, fintech businesses, commercial banks and even niche investment banks who have identified gaps in the market in part caused by big global banks having pulled out of some businesses over the past few years," he said. Since the Brexit vote last week, banks, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley , have denied rumors they are already moving thousands of jobs out of Britain as a result of the referendum. (Reporting By Lawrence White. Editing by Jane Merriman) Sumner Redstone, executive chairman of Viacom Inc and CBS Corp, poses for a photo after answering questions at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S. May 2, 2012. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok/File Photo (Reuters) By Jessica Toonkel (Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge presiding over a case hinging on Sumner Redstone's mental condition on Thursday peppered attorneys on both sides of the dispute with questions about the 93-year-old media mogul's state of mind and how he communicates with people. Judge George Phelan decided, however, not to hear arguments about whether Redstone should be subject to a medical examination immediately, and did not rule on whether the case should continue in Massachusetts - or even if it should continue at all - leaving the legal tussle over Redstone's $40 billion media empire no closer to being resolved. "Obviously I have a lot of information to digest in just the motion to dismiss itself," Phelan said on Thursday after a hearing that lasted more than five hours. "It's going to take me a while to grasp all of that." The hearing was the latest episode in the legal wrangle over the fate of Redstone's controlling stake in Viacom Inc and CBS Corp , which has been playing out on both U.S. coasts over the past several months. The main issue before Phelan on Thursday was whether Redstone knew what he was doing when he removed Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman and Viacom board member George Abrams from the seven-person trust that will control Redstone's holdings when he dies or is incapacitated. The trust, officially called the Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Inc Trust, owns about 80 percent of Redstone's privately held movie theater company, National Amusements Inc, which in turn owns 80 percent of the voting rights in both Viacom and CBS. After their removal from the trust, Dauman and Abrams claimed in a lawsuit in the Massachusetts court that Redstone suffers from dementia, impaired cognition, a slowness of mental processing, a loss of memory, apathy, depression and has been manipulated by his daughter, Shari Redstone. Sumner Redstone has denied that in court filings. Story continues In an effort to shed light on the matter, Phelan asked attorneys at Thursday's hearing how Redstone communicated with his secretary, how his speech therapist understood what he was saying and whether she had expertise in doing so. Since October 2015, how does information get to Sumner Redstone ... who is providing it? Phelan asked attorneys for Sumner and Shari Redstone. He asked if intermediaries were involved, and how Redstone's directions are conveyed to outside people. The judge also asked if there was a medical test that could be used to gauge Redstones ability to make decisions about adding and removing members of his trust if the case goes to trial. The other issue in front of Phelan on Thursday was whether the case should be handled in Massachusetts, where National Amusements is based and where Redstone is from and lived for years, or in California, where he currently resides. Redstone's attorneys said the case should be moved as most of the witnesses, including all of Redstone's nurses, were in California. Phelan noted that their testimony could be taken through affidavits. The outcome of the Massachusetts court case, and who ends up with control over the trust, will have wide-ranging implications for Viacom and CBS shareholders and could result in changes at the top of both companies, possibly through mergers and acquisitions. In May, Redstone defeated a similar mental competence lawsuit brought by an ex-girlfriend, Manuela Herzer, in a Los Angeles state court. That case had lasted several months before Redstone eventually stated his wishes under oath. Once he did, the judge quickly dismissed the case. Phelan at one point seemed to question the California's judge's decision in that case and asked to see all of the depositions from both Herzer and Shari Redstone that were taken into account during that trial. Phelan also asked to see the divorce agreement between Sumner Redstone and his ex-wife, Phyllis Redstone, through which the trust was created. The result of the Massachusetts case also has implications for Viacom's board. Earlier this month, Redstone and National Amusements moved to oust five of Viacom's directors, including Dauman and lead independent director Frederic Salerno, asking a court in Delaware - the state where Viacom is incorporated - to rule that the changes were valid. That same day, Salerno fired back with is own lawsuit challenging the removal. Last week, Judge Andre Bouchard of the Court of Chancery of Delaware said he planned to hold a hearing in July to listen to arguments about whether the move was valid, but indicated he hoped that the Massachusetts court would decide on Redstone's competence. (Reporting By Jessica Toonkel; Editing by Bill Rigby) [Hannah Barron has a love of the great outdoors, and noodling for catfish in particular / hannahbarron96/Instagram] It may not seem like your typical way to pass the time, but for one Alabama teenager ramming her hand down the throat of a hungry catfish is just a way of life. Nineteen-year-old Hannah Barron was born and raised in Crenshaw County, Alabama, and her idea of a good time certainly isnt for the squeamish. In her spare time, the college student often tries to catch a catfish with her bare hands. The practice often referred to as noodling is a southern pass time that involves diving underwater and ramming your arm into a catfish hole. The idea is to provoke the fish to latch onto your arm and the wrestle it to the surface. #GetBit #grappling A video posted by Hannah Barron (@hannahbarron96) on Jun 9, 2016 at 12:12pm PDT A now viral video posted by Barron shows the bikini-clad teenager noodling a monstrous thirty-pound catfish out of the water. Noodling certainly isnt easy work. You need to be cautious when trying to tangle with a catfish, and if your not careful you could end up breaking your hand, or even worse drown. But that danger doesnt stop Barron, who told AL.com that noodling gives her an adrenaline rush. Barron said shes always had an appreciation for hunting and fishing thanks to her fathers guidance growing up. It is always what I loved. It was what I was born into. I wouldnt have it any other way. My family has always been that way, she said. A quick glance at her Instagram account confirms Barrons love for the great outdoors. The smiling teenager can be seen posing not only with numerous gigantic catfish, but also the occasional wild turkey and white-tailed deer trophy as well. And all that wildlife skill has certainly paid off. Barron was recently recruited to help co-host an outdoors program airing on the Hunt Channel. Judging from her noodling skills, it looks like this feisty outdoor enthusiast will be a natural fit for the position. By PTI: Kathmandu, Jul 1 (PTI) Two school girls were killed and 17 other students injured today after a wall of a school building near here collapsed due to heavy rains in Nepal. The students, who were aged nine and 10 and in the third grade, were sitting in a classroom when a 10-feet wall crashed down, burying them under the debris in Taukhel area of Lalitpur district. advertisement In the incident, two girls were killed and 17 other children were injured, police said, adding that remaining students were immediately evacuated from the school. The injured have been admitted to hospital. PTI SBP PMS --- ENDS --- Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, pictured at his International Golf Links course north on the east coast of Scotland in June 2016 (AFP Photo/Michal Wachucik) (AFP/File) New York (AFP) - More than 2,000 miles from Mexican airspace, Donald Trump took yet another knock at America's neighbor to the south Thursday, quipping that a plane flying over his campaign stop could be a Mexican jet "getting ready to attack." The billionaire Republican, campaigning to become America's commander-in-chief, made the remark while addressing voters in northeastern Manchester, New Hampshire. The plane interrupted Trump as he told attendees that trade deals had sucked US manufacturing jobs to Mexico and elsewhere, and praised Mexico's leaders as "so much smarter." "In fact that could be a Mexican plane up there, they're getting ready to attack," he quipped, pointing to a jet flying above the outdoor event. Trump threw his hat into the presidential race last June, promising to crack down on illegal immigration and insulting Mexican immigrants by calling them rapists, criminals and drug dealers. He upended the US political establishment by snatching the Republican crown from more seasoned rivals. As the party's presumptive presidential candidate, he is now hurtling towards a November election against his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton. Mexico has reacted with outrage to Trump and his demand that it pay for a wall that he wants to build on the border to stop undocumented immigration. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has compared Trump's rhetoric to the rise of European dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Adding Richard M. Osborne to the Board would likely present additional costly regulatory challenges for Gas Natural Richard M. Osborne and Darryl L. Knight are stealing customers, according to Gas Natural, and jeopardizing the safety of the public Urging shareholders to vote FOR the Gas Natural Director nominees on the GREEN proxy card CLEVELAND, June 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gas Natural Inc. (NYSE MKT:EGAS) (the Company), a holding company operating local natural gas utilities serving approximately 68,000 customers in four states, announced that it is mailing a letter to shareholders in connection with the Companys 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 27, 2016. Gas Natural shareholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2016 are entitled to vote at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Gas Natural Board of Directors strongly recommends that shareholders vote on the GREEN proxy card FOR all six of Gas Naturals qualified and experienced director nominees: Michael B. Bender, James P. Carney, Richard K. Greaves, Robert B. Johnston, Gregory J. Osborne and Michael R. Winter. This letter and other materials regarding the Boards recommendation for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders can be found at http://proxy.egas.net. The full text of the letter follows: June 30, 2016 Dear Fellow Shareholder, Your vote is especially important at this years annual meeting of shareholders. Richard M. Osborne, who was fired by your board as chairman and CEO of Gas Natural on May 1, 2014, has nominated a slate of six candidates (including himself) for election as directors. After his removal, Richard Osborne retaliated by filing numerous lawsuits against Gas Natural and our officers and directors (our full proxy statement contains additional information regarding these pending cases) and is illegally stealing customers from our Ohio utilities. Now, after selling almost all of his remaining Gas Natural stock he and his other nominees own less than 0.1% of our stock he is seeking to regain control of your board. You may have received a proxy statement, white proxy card and other solicitation materials from the self-proclaimed Committee to Re-Energize Gas Natural which was formed by Richard Osborne. Richard Osborne would have you believe that he ran your company successfully. In fact, he left the company in a regulatory and litigation quagmire. Your current board was left holding the bag and is addressing the numerous problems he left behind. Richard Osbornes Regulatory Fiasco Richard Osborne has criticized us for amounts the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) required our Ohio utilities to refund to customers in 2015. What he did not tell you is those amounts relate to a period when he was chairman and CEO of Gas Natural. Richard Osborne claims that he and one of his nominees, Darryl L. Knight, have extensive experience in the utility industry. We agree they do have experience in mismanaging our utilities. While Richard Osborne was at the helm of your company and Darryl Knight was the president of our North Carolina utility, our utilities struggled with regulatory issues that continue to negatively impact our financial results, including: The PUCO issued an order in November 2013 initiating a management audit of our Ohio utilities due to significant concerns over related party transactions. Richard Osborne makes much of the fact that this management audit occurred after he was removed. But keep in mind that the audit was ordered in 2013 when he was CEO of Gas Natural and the Ohio utilities. The 2013 order states that during Richard Osbornes tenure: [T]he evidence shows that there is a severe organizational dysfunction within the companies and between the regulated companies and their non-regulated affiliates. [S]enior management lacked basic utility experience; and [The PUCOs audit recommendation] comes following a series of extremely frustrating audits of the companies, rife with self-dealing that demonstrates a remarkable lack of control. Richard Osborne tries to make light of these unprecedented statements by one of our regulators, showing that he still doesnt understand what it takes to successfully operate a regulated utility in the long term. Although the management audit was ordered by the PUCO while Richard Osborne was CEO, the costs continued. After he was removed, we spent more than $300,000 on the management audit alone. We are still paying for Richard Osbornes past mistakes and that has hurt your companys performance subsequent to his dismissal. The PUCO ordered refunds to customers in excess of $2.0 million for payments our Ohio utilities made to companies controlled by Richard Osborne. Richard Osborne claims he is looking out for your interests. But he didnt return the disallowed amounts. No, instead Richard Osborne pocketed the money and you were the one who paid for it. Richard Osborne benefitted from transactions with Gas Natural at your expense. Since his removal, we have reduced related party transactions significantly and made improvements to address the concerns voiced by the PUCO and regulators in other jurisdictions. Our management team has worked hard to reestablish regulatory relations and repair the damage caused by Richard Osborne. Two of these accomplishments include: Resolution of the PUCO management audit in June 2016 by a commission approved stipulation between the PUCO staff and our Ohio utilities. In the order adopting the stipulation, the PUCO stated: The findings of Rehmann [the investigative auditor] were noteworthy in part, because all of the issues identified with respect to the operations and management of the companies, took place during the time Richard Osborne was CEO and chairman of the board of directors of the companies. Once again Richard Osborne tries to make light of this by claiming we are quoting a stipulation we wrote. But this isnt from the stipulation and it isnt our quote; its directly from a PUCO order. It appears Richard Osborne is trying to mislead you, but perhaps its possible he truly doesnt understand the difference between the stipulation and a PUCO order. Resolution of the transportation contract issues between our Ohio utilities and one of Richard Osbornes pipeline companies. Richard Osborne would have you believe that all of our agreements with him are at arms-length and fair, and that we could choose other arrangements if his agreements arent beneficial. But again, he is telling you only half the story. We acquired one of our Ohio utilities, Orwell Natural Gas Company (Orwell), from Richard Osborne in 2010. Before he sold Orwell to us, Richard Osborne had the utility sign a natural gas transportation agreement with another company he owns, Orwell-Trumbull Pipeline Co. (OTP). With Richard Osborne on both sides, this was hardly an arms-length agreement. We were then saddled with this fifteen-year agreement when we acquired Orwell. The agreement did not allow us to use other pipelines in OTPs service area but did allow OTP to interrupt service to our customers. In March 2015, OTP threatened to shut off service to some of our customers, forcing us to petition the PUCO for an order requiring OTP to maintain service. On June 15, 2016, the PUCO eliminated the sole source provision of the agreement so that we are now free to use another company to transport natural gas to our customers. Furthermore, in reviewing Richard Osbornes actions, the PUCO concluded that there are: Serious issues concerning the pipeline companies that Richard Osborne owns and controls, including Cobra and OTP, and ordered an investigative audit of all of the pipeline companies owned or controlled by Richard Osborne and their affiliates Could this order sweep our Ohio utilities back into another PUCO audit if Richard Osborne regains control of Gas Natural, requiring significant cost and management attention? We dont know, but we are confident that returning him to power would threaten to destroy the strides we have made to rehabilitate your company since his ouster. Richard Osborne Has Embroiled Your Company in Litigation That Has Cost You Millions Richard Osborne and his companies have been involved in no fewer than 140 lawsuits in the last five years alone. He and his companies have been subject to more than a dozen judgments to the tune of nearly $100 million. In the wake of the PUCOs November 2013 order, Gas Natural was sued by its shareholders five times relating to Richard Osbornes treatment of the Ohio utilities and related party payments he received. This draining litigation is ongoing and has cost us nearly $1.5 million. When your board took action to reduce related party transactions with Richard Osborne and investigate his management practices, he refused to cooperate and attempted to interfere with the investigation. Its unfortunate that Richard Osbornes precarious financial situation brought him to this point, but the board had no choice but to remove him as chairman and CEO. He responded to his removal by physically assaulting a director and suing the company, its officers, directors and agents nine times. The company has been forced to defend itself, costing you more than $1.5 million. Although Richard Osborne is critical of our management teams employment agreements, he fails to mention that he demanded three-times his salary ($1.0 million) in severance when he was removed for, in part, failing to follow board directives. Or that he is currently suing the company to obtain that payment. No, Richard Osborne hasnt told you any of these things. Is Richard Osborne the man you trust to lead your company? Richard Osborne and Darryl Knight Are Stealing Our Customers and Jeopardizing the Safety of the Public He doesnt mention it in his proxy materials, but in addition to the lawsuits he has brought against your company, Richard Osborne started a business that competes with our utilities and has sabotaged service to our customers. Richard Osborne and Darryl Knight are officers of Ohio Rural Natural Gas Co-Op (Ohio Rural), which began competing with one of our Ohio utilities in 2015. Last November, Ohio Rural and Richard Osborne severed gas lines owned by our Ohio utility, terminating service to approximately 50 independently owned businesses we serve, and replaced our meters with their own. Once again, we were forced to file an action with the PUCO to protect our customers. If Richard Osborne and Darryl Knight join your board, whose interests will they serve, yours, or Ohio Rurals? And this wasnt an isolated event. In September 2014, employees of Cobra Pipeline Co., another Ohio pipeline company owned by Richard Osborne, tampered with one of our regulator stations by inserting a solid metal plate in the pipeline, cutting off the flow of gas to some of our customers. We immediately called the police and lodged a complaint with the PUCO, who issued a cease and desist order against Cobra on the same day. In its order, the PUCO noted that interrupting the flow of gas could result in an explosive concentration of gas and could have resulted in an incident that would have seriously jeopardized public safety. At Gas Natural, the safety of the public and our customers is our number one priority. Unfortunately, we are unable to say the same for Richard Osborne. We believe Richard Osborne and his nominees lack the experience to effectively lead, manage and govern public utilities, and his history demonstrates his disregard for our regulators, lack of understanding of utility operations, and furtherance of his own self-serving interests. Vote the GREEN Proxy Card to Protect the Future of Your Company! Richard Osborne claims that your current board isnt qualified. As you can see from the proxy materials we sent you, our board members are highly experienced in terms of leadership, financial, legal and regulatory matters. Richard Osbornes claims to the contrary are patently false and just another desperate attempt on his part to regain control of your company. Your current board is the change that Gas Natural has needed in a time of significant regulatory scrutiny. We have led the transformation of Gas Natural to an inflection point, and have the knowledge and expertise to drive our strategy forward to deliver superior value. Your vote matters. We strongly recommend that you elect our highly qualified leaders by voting FOR all of your boards experienced nominees Michael B. Bender, James P. Carney, Richard K. Greaves, Robert B. Johnston, Gregory J. Osborne and Michael R. Winter on the GREEN proxy card enclosed and returning it in the prepaid envelope provided for your convenience. On behalf of your board of directors, thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Michael R. Winter Chairman of the Board YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT, NO MATTER HOW MANY OR FEW SHARES YOU OWN Please follow the easy instructions on the enclosed GREEN proxy card. If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your shares, please contact: Proxy Solicitor: D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 Banks and brokers call collect: (212) 269-5550 All others call toll free: (800) 821-8780 About Gas Natural Inc. Gas Natural Inc., a holding company, distributes and sells natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It distributes approximately 21 billion cubic feet of natural gas to roughly 68,000 customers through regulated utilities operating in Montana, Ohio, Maine, and North Carolina. The Companys other operations include interstate pipeline, natural gas production, and natural gas marketing. The Company's Montana public utility was originally incorporated in 1909. Its strategy for growth is to expand throughput in its markets, while looking for acquisitions that are either adjacent to its existing utilities or in under-served markets. Further information is available on the companys website at www.egas.net. Important Shareholder Information Gas Natural will hold its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on July 27, 2016. The Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and mailed to its shareholders a definitive proxy statement together with a GREEN proxy card in connection with the 2016 Annual Meeting. The definitive proxy statement contains important information about the Company, the 2016 Annual Meeting, and related matters. COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING GREEN PROXY CARD, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THESE DOCUMENTS CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. The Company and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of the Company in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Companys directors and executive officers is contained in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 27, 2016, and definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on June 21, 2016. The proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available), and any and all documents filed by the Company with the SEC, may be obtained by investors and security holders free of charge at the SECs web site at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Companys filings with the SEC, including the proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available), may be obtained, without charge, from Gas Natural Investor Relations at (716) 843-3821. Such materials are also available at http://proxy.egas.net. Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this release to make applicable and to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Gas Natural Inc. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those that are identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes" and similar expressions. Such statements are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. Factors that may affect forward-looking statements and the Company's business generally include, but are not limited to the Companys ability to consummate the corporate reorganization and debt refinancing on terms that are acceptable to the Company, or at all; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the operations of the companies it has acquired and consummate additional acquisitions; the Company's continued ability to make or increase dividend payments; the Company's ability to implement its business plan, grow earnings and improve returns on investment; fluctuating energy commodity prices; the possibility that regulators may not permit the Company to pass through all of its increased costs to its customers; changes in the utility regulatory environment; wholesale and retail competition; the Company's ability to satisfy its debt obligations, including compliance with financial covenants; weather conditions; litigation risks; and various other matters, many of which are beyond the Company's control; the risk factors and cautionary statements made in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and other factors that the Company is currently unable to identify or quantify, but may exist in the future. Gas Natural Inc. expressly undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Gas Natural Inc.'s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 1, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa Carolinas welcomes association board members, community managers and homeowners to its free legal update seminar Done by Dinner: How to Conduct a (Meaningful) Board Meeting in Under an Hour. HOA Board Member Seminar Tuesday, July 26, 2016 6 8 p.m. Second Floor Conference Room Associa Carolinas 5600 77 Center Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217 Please RSVP to Melissa Merritt-Darden by July 22 at mdarden@associa.us or 704-944-8168. The seminar will be presented in partnership with Attorney Jim Slaughter of the firm Black, Slaughter & Black, which is one of the largest HOA/condo practices in the Carolinas. Slaughter is a fellow in CAI's College of Community Association Lawyers and served as CCAL's 2014 national president. He has served on the North Carolina Bar Association's Community Association Committee since its inception, and is currently president of the North Carolina-CAI Chapter. "So many times, poorly organized association meetings lead to communities in disarray and neighbors who don't get along," says Associa Carolinas President Ed Corless. "I think learning how to run an efficient meeting within a reasonable timeframe is vital to the success of any association and that's why this upcoming seminar is so important." Building and managing successful communities for more than 37 years, Associa is the worldwide leader in community management with over 10,000 employees operating more than 180 branch offices in the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. Based in Dallas, Texas, our industry expertise, financial strength, and innovation meet the unique needs of clients across the world with customized services and solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more about Associa and its charitable organization, Associa Cares, go to www.associaonline.com or www.associacares.com. Stay Connected: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/associa/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/associamarketing Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Associaonline/ By PTI: From Anisur Rahman Dhaka, Jul 1 (PTI) Unidentified attackers tonight traded gunfire with police near a restaurant in high-security Gulshan diplomatic area in the Bangladesh capital where several people, including foreigners, are believed to be trapped. According to police, about five armed men entered Holey Artisan Bakery, a restaurant popular with foreigners, and opened gunfire around 9:20 PM (local time). advertisement Several foreigners are feared to have been taken hostages inside the restaurant, police said. A large number of policemen and Rapid Action Battalion cordoned off the restaurant. The attackers hurled bombs and were firing intermittently, injuring some policemen and people. A kitchen staff of the bakery, who managed to escape, said several armed men entered the restaurant around 8:45 PM and took the chief chef hostage, local media reported. "They set off several crude bombs triggering panic," he added. PTI ZH PAL ZH --- ENDS --- As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ In the letter issued by the Law Ministry - India Today has a copy of it - Law Minister Sadananda Gowda has asked the chairman of the law panel to examine the issue of implementing the UCC. This is the first time the government has officially written to the Law Commission to examine the controversial issue. (PHOTO:REUTERS) By Ashok Singhal: In what may polarize voters ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections due next year, the Modi government has set in motion the BJP's promise of unifying the country's personal laws. In its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha vote, the saffron party pledged to bring in the controversial uniform civil code.In what may polarize voters ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections due next year, the Modi government has set in motion the BJP's promise of unifying the country's personal laws. advertisement In its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha vote, the saffron party pledged to bring in the controversial uniform civil code. Last month, the law ministry wrote to the law commission to "examine the matters in relation to (the) uniform civil code and submit a report thereon." The note, signed by ministry under-secretary Unni Krishnan T, was issued on Jun 1."It is requested that the (law) commission may examine the matter in-depth and submit its report to the government," read the note, accessed by India Today. PROMOTES GENDER INEQUALITY? The proposed legislation is aimed at replacing personal laws of various communities on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance.The BJP, which has long been a proponent of the uniform civil code, blames them for gender inequality. In 1985, a major controversy erupted when then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi rushed a bill through parliament to restore Muslim law after the supreme court ordered the ex-husband of a divorced woman, Shah Bano, to pay alimony to her. CONGRESS CAUTIOUS Muslim personal laws, on the other hand, stipulate that divorced women could either take financial support from their parental family or from the community.Gandhi's move angered a large section of Hindus and feminists. This time, Congress adopted a cautious stance while reacting to the Modi government's pitch for the uniform civil code. The party, which is passing through one of its worst phases in its political history, welcomed the centre's step but with a rider: wide-ranging consultations on the touchy issue. "It is a welcome step but there should be discussion on all aspects of the uniform civil code," said party leader Sandeep Dikshit. He though accepted many countries have successfully unified their personal laws. DE-LINKING RELIGION "Yes it's true that the civil code gets into private space of individuals. So, there should be wide consultation," he added. "All laws should be seen through a progressive prism and in a civil way. Religion should be delinked from laws there should be a secular approach. ...But it is also true that many people view laws from religion so consultation should be there," Dikshit said. The CPI also urged discussions but said gender equality should not be compromised. "It's a debatable issue and lets all discuss it. But priority should be given to women. Their welfare should be kept in mind by all religions and people," CPI leader D. Raja remarked. advertisement Meantime, Law Minister Sadanand Gowda agreed that consultation with all stakeholders would be carried out before introducing the uniform civil code. He recounted that questions about its implementation had been raised in parliament many times in the past. Also Read: All you need to know about Uniform Civil Code --- ENDS --- When the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, Americans celebrated along with their allies in Britain and on the European continent. The Cold War would soon end-peacefully, as almost no one imagined it would. Four years later the Maastricht Treaty entered into force, creating the European Union and later the Euro. In Asia, China had begun its opening to the wider world, creating special economic zones along its coasts. India, in 1991, began economic reforms that gradually would bring its talented people and their products into the international economy. The global marketplace for goods and services was taking shape. George Perkovich In the first decade of globalisation, its champions asserted that the rising tide of economic growth would lift all boats. Today, the tide carries boats filled with traumatised refugees. To stop the flow (supposedly), 52 per cent of British citizens voted to exit the European Union. Turkey is being paid to close its border. Donald Trump-with no mind to the Berlin antecedent-promises to build a giant wall to keep Mexicans and Central Americans from coming into the United States, and says he will ban Muslims from travelling here too. advertisement Racism and bigotry undeniably are a factor in all of this. But, fear and feelings of loss may be deeper causes. Workers who attained comfortable wages and relative security in the US and Europe when the world economy was divided into closed blocs, gradually discovered that the globalised economy shifted employment-especially for less-skilled labour-to foreign lands. The rich got much richer, but the incomes of middle and working classes stagnated. Since 1979, despite ample economic growth, the vast majority of American workers' wages have stayed level or declined. Psychologists know that people fear loss much more than they fear not making new gains. It is more traumatic to be fired from the job you have than it is to not get the new job you want. 'Loss aversion' can be heard in the voices of Americans who have rallied behind Trump and the Democratic Party campaign of Bernie Sanders (before he dropped out). Both candidates have appealed to voters who feel political and economic elites do not listen to them and have 'rigged' the system against the middle and working classes. Trump plays on the sense of loss by promising to "make America great again". Trump is very popular among white men who do not have college educations and who live outside of major cities. This parallels the English electorate who voted to leave. These people, generally, feel their positions in society have declined in the era of globalisation. They blame their own leaders-elites-and also the 'foreigners' whom they see in greater numbers now than when times were better. Building walls, closing borders and angrily rejecting the views and policies of 'established politicians' feel like the only options left. It is fine for economists and other experts to present data and arguments that barriers and retrenchment will not actually solve the pressing problems of stagnant wages and growth and rising inequality. But, in the world of social media and click-chasing, eyeball-seducing 'journalism', voters follow messengers they 'like' rather than those who may be right. Fact-based analysis and debate of issues and policies is less appealing than the gossip and personality contests that masquerade as news. It should not be surprising that after the Brexit referendum, British citizens scrambled to learn more about what it would mean to leave the EU. Hillary Clinton, the presumed Democratic Party nominee, conveys mastery for detail and a predilection to discuss policy proposals. Few people would say she is a motivational orator or a compelling campaigner. As a long-time political figure, she is also implicated in the American policies surrounding globalisation from which so many people feel they have been losers. (Trump labels her "crooked Hillary" and a "world-class liar", and polls report that many people find her untrustworthy. Yet, Politifact reports that 77 per cent of Trump's statements have been false, whereas, by the same analysis, 28 per cent of Clinton's have been false. Nevertheless, Trump's supporters celebrate his 'authenticity' and decry her mendacity.) advertisement If political and economic debates in the US, the UK and other open societies display the tendencies described here, the situation is more mixed when it comes to foreign policy. Americans, like citizens in many other countries, find much to fear in the world: terrorism at home and abroad, horrific war in Syria, chaos in Libya, continued bloodshed and disorder in Afghanistan, refugee crises, Russia's stealthy invasion of Ukraine, tensions with China in the South and East China Seas, North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile programmes? The list goes on. Perhaps because no obvious solution exists to any of these challenges, American politicians largely avoid them, which is not the worst possibility. (Another reason for avoidance is that few political 'leaders' know even the basic causes and features of these challenges, let alone possible solutions to them). advertisement The campaign between Trump and Clinton will not reveal much about what the next president and his or her government will actually seek to do internationally. At most, the campaign will indicate the type of thinking and temperament the next president would bring to these challenges. Here, in unprecedented fashion, 121 experienced Republican foreign policy figures publicly declared their opposition to Trump. Whoever wins in November, the American public today is preoccupied with their own problems and uninterested in spending taxpayer funds and military lives on quests to fix other people's. Events could change this attitude suddenly-such as a major state-sponsored terrorist attack on the US or the invasion of an ally. But, absent a major provocation, the US is unlikely to assume a disproportionate burden of financing and fighting campaigns to rectify injustices in distant lands. What might this mean for India? The good news is India, broadly, is not an issue in the presidential campaign or American politics. Aside from the supremely talented and successful Indian diaspora in the US, few voters know or think much about India. Americans tend to focus on enemies and strategic competitors; India is neither. In Washington, India's democracy is applauded. Businesses that operate in India or hope to, and that want to benefit from India's skilled engineers, will quietly press for policies to facilitate greater trade, investment and visa accessibility. The time to make this case will be after the election, out of the glare and cacophony of this overheated season. US defence officials will continue to seek further cooperation with the Indian defence sector, and this, too, should not be controversial when the new president takes office. advertisement If Clinton wins, she'll take office more invested in and informed about India than any prior US president. This background reflects not only her tenure as Secretary of State, but also her years reaching out to India during Bill Clinton's presidency. Like all presidents, she will pursue the interests of US taxpayers, businesses, agencies and NGOs. She will have to balance India's preferences with those of other states in managing the global commons. The tensions that normally arise between major states will emerge here, too, but they will be addressed with a determination to cooperate. If Trump wins, he will have much to learn about India. But there is little inherent in the interests of the two countries that suggests he would not be disposed to seek cooperation too. For India, the bigger question would be whether a Trump administration's exertions in other places and on other issues would create an international environment more or less conducive to India's interests. The best advice for Indians would be to make their country ever more prosperous, stable and constructive in international affairs. If American leaders will do the same, the two countries together will be part of the solution to the world's problems rather than a cause of them. Source: Newsflicks George Perkovich is Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace --- ENDS --- Centre rushed rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force to Uttarakhand, which has been hit by torrential rains and landslides. By India Today Web Desk: A total of 30 have been feared dead from different areas of Uttarakhand following cloudbursts in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts. A cloudburst hit Singhali area near Pithoragarh early today morning, flattening homes in over seven villages and leaving many residents trapped in the debris. 18 bodies have been recovered so far. While eight persons were killed in cloudburst in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district. advertisement Two persons were swept away by the muddy waters and debris rushing down the slopes into Siron village in Chamoli. One person was killed in Ghat block and another in Sithel village in similar circumstances, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said, adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. The cloudburst in Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials. Here are the developments: Centre today rushed rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force to Uttarakhand, which has been hit by torrential rains and landslides. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Harish Rawat on phone and took stock of the situation arising out of the cloudburst and heavy rains in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts. All major rivers in the hilly tracts have also swollen after over 54 mm rainfall was recorded in the state in the last 24-hours. River Alaknanda has has risen above the danger level mark. River Alaknanda rises above danger level mark. (Photo: ANI) PM EXPRESSES GRIEF The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in Uttarakhand. "I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families. My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest", the Prime Minister said. MeT WARNING Red alert has been sounded by the Met for July 2. According to the Met, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Almora, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri is expected. Cloudburst in Bastadi area of Pithoragarh, many reportedly injured. (Photo: ANI) Light to moderate rains are also likely to occur at most places during the period, the MeT department said. Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar, Champawat, Almora,, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri may be hit by heavy to very heavy rains during the period, it said. Official sources said the district administration concerned have been asked to remain alert in view of the MeT department warning. Cloudburst in Bastadi arae of Pithoragarh. (Photo: ANI) The Thal-Munsyari road has been cut-off and dozens of vehicles remained stranded on both sides. The Yamunotri highway, near Kharadi, has also been damaged leading to traffic being halted. advertisement Entry of heavy vehicles was halted on the Kedarnath highway after a landslide at Gangolgaon. Also read: The Tandava: Nature's dance of fury in Lord's own valley - With inputs from agencies --- ENDS --- All major rivers in the hilly tracts have also swollen after over 54 mm rainfall was recorded in the state in the last 24-hours. By India Today Web Desk: A total of 30 have been feared dead from different areas of Uttarakhand following cloudbursts in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts. A cloudburst hit Singhali area near Pithoragarh early today morning, flattening homes in over seven villages and leaving many residents trapped in the debris. 18 bodies have been recovered so far. "We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for others is on by rescue parties consisting of army and paramilitary personnel," Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. advertisement Meanwhile, another cloudburst in Chamoli washed away houses in Gopeshwar on the banks of river Mandakini. Nine people have been reported dead in Chamoli district out of which two people were flown away in the high current of a 'barsati nala' in Gopeshwar's Siro village. Many other houses are also reported to be in danger. River Alaknanda rises above danger level mark. (Photo: ANI) All major rivers in the hilly tracts have also swollen after over 54 mm rainfall was recorded in the state in the last 24-hours. River Alaknanda has has risen above the danger level mark. MeT warning The MeT department has issued a warning of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours?starting tomorrow morning. Cloudburst in Bastadi area of Pithoragarh, many reportedly injured. (Photo: ANI) Light to moderate rains are also likely to occur at most places during the period, the MeT department said. Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar, Champawat, Almora,, Pauri, Haridwar, Dehradun and Tehri may be hit by heavy to very heavy rains during the period, it said. Official sources said the district administration concerned have been asked to remain alert in view of the MeT department warning. Cloudburst in Bastadi arae of Pithoragarh. (Photo: ANI) The Thal-Munsyari road has been cut-off and dozens of vehicles remained stranded on both sides. The Yamunotri highway, near Kharadi, has also been damaged leading to traffic being halted. Entry of heavy vehicles was halted on the Kedarnath highway after a landslide at Gangolgaon. - With inputs from agencies --- ENDS --- By Saurabh Singh: The next Android version, expected to be rolled out by Google later this summer, officially has a name and a number now. After months of teasing, and roping fans and enthusiasts - a first - into the whole naming process, it has narrowed down to this. Android N is officially Android 7.0, and oh it's called Nougat, and not Nutella, Neyyappam or Nankhatai. advertisement The Mountain View company took to social media channels to announce what the proverbial 'N' will stand for on Thursday, but did not however unveil its corresponding version number. Yes, a lot many people had already guessed - rightly - that it would be Android 7. 0 because well, Android M was Android 6.0 and stuff. But, Google still had to make things official. Google hasn't exactly been playing by the textbook this year round, so, you can never be sure. Also Read: Will your phone get Android Nougat? Fat chance! The company has now confirmed that Android N is officially Android 7.0 through a Nougat statue video posted by folks back at Android on YouTube. The video's description is enough to know "on June 30th, 2016 we (Google) unwrapped our latest treat, Android 7.0 Nougat." You don't even have to watch it all. Google released Android N Developer Preview - for Nexus devices - early this year, to get maximum feedback from developers before going full commando, later this summer. It also gave away the name - Android N - early, something that was usually reserved for Google I/O Developer conference. Also Read: Want Android Nougat? These are only phones you should buy Android N, according to Google, will ship with 250 plus new features over Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Some of these include Split-screen view or Multi-Window support - that would make life a whole lot easier for Pixel C user - Vulcan API for an even more immersive gaming experience, an improved notifications panel and an even more battery-efficient Doze. Moreover, Android N will give introduce a feature called Daydream, which will allow OEMs to build VR-ready phones. Google will launch Android 7.0 sometime later this summer alongside its next badge of Nexus phones, expected to be built by HTC. Meanwhile, the current crop of Nexus phones - Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P - are in all probability going to be the first phones to get the new update as and when Google officially out it. --- ENDS --- advertisement Facebook, which has been earlier accused of being unfair and called as a toxic place to work by one of its contractor, this time been has been targeted by Martinez. By Priya Pathak: A former Facebook employee has revealed in a book that the life inside one of the world's coolest and most powerful tech companies is not so easy or fun. Antonio Garcia Martinez, who was fired by Facebook in 2013, reveals it all in his book Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley. The book is published by Harper Collins. advertisement Facebook, which has been earlier accused of being unfair and called as a toxic place to work by one of its contractor, this time been has been targeted by Martinez. Restrictions on what you wear Antonio's book reveals a misogynistic image of Facebook where female workers are scrutinised and are imposed with restrictions on their clothing. Apparently the females in the office are not allowed to wear short dresses lest it "distract" other workers in the office. "I'd later learn that manager did in fact pull aside female employees and read them riot act. One such example happened in (advertising) when an intern who looked about 16 coming in regularly booty shorts," writes Martinez. According to a Daily Mail report, Antonio compares Facebook to North Korea with CEO Mark Zuckerberg being its ruler. The book mentions an internal police force called 'The Sec' that is responsible for keeping an eye on every Facebook employee. The "police force" reportedly receives instructions directly from the bosses. The office also apparently has weird dating rules concocted by the HR managers. Apparently, you are not allowed to ask out your co-workers once he/she says no. To top it all, the next action that the HR managers take in such cases is to give warning to the females, irrespective of the fact that who approached who. Also Read: Apps on Facebook know more than you think, remove them now According to Martinez, the employees are asked to work for almost 20 hours. Once Zuckerberg asked his staff to paint the office walls. To his shock, after two days he saw the wall was scribbled with vulgar graffiti and drawings. According to Martinez, Zuckerberg immediately dropped a mail to the staff saying the he trusted them to create and art and all they did was "f****g" vandalize the place. Tough boss Antonio also writes about Zuckerberg's mania for office secrecy. Once a secret project was leaked to press by an employee. Soon that employee got an email from Zuckerberg, with a lot of his colleagues and co-workers marked in the mail. The subject read: "Please resign". Facing public humiliation, the employee resigned. This is not the first time that Facebook has been accused of being misogynist or sexist. Kate Loose who joined Facebook as it employee no 51 has also made similar revelations in her book named The Boy Kings: A Journey into the Heart of the Social Network. advertisement A sketch of founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is seen on a wall at the new headquarters of Facebook in Menlo Park, California in one of its report, quoted excerpts from her book. One of them reads: "On Mark's birthday, in May 2006, I received an email from his administrative assistant telling me that it would be my job that day, along with all the other women in the office, to wear a T-shirt with Mark's picture on it." The men, on the other hand, were told they would be wearing Adidas sandals all day. "The gender coding was clear: women were to declare allegiance to Mark, and men were to become Mark." Although the anecdotes seem damning, it is possible that Martinez might have cherry picked them considering his employment history with Facebook. He reportedly did not leave the company of his own accord and that might have led to some of the emotional outpouring in the book. Facebook, meanwhile, has so far refrained from commenting on Martinez's book. Also Read: Facebook kicks out intern for showing privacy flaw advertisement --- ENDS --- The world's first robot lawyer created by a British teenager has overturned a staggering 160,000 parking tickets in London and New York, saving those fined about three million pounds By Press Trust of India: The world's first robot lawyer created by a British teenager has overturned a staggering 160,000 parking tickets in London and New York, saving those fined about three million pounds. The chat bot designed to help people dispute parking violations in just 30 seconds has negated 160,000 fines since its launch last year. 'DoNotPay' is the brainchild of 19-year-old Joshua Browder, originally from London. Browder, who is currently in his second year at Stanford University, describes the chat bot as the world's first robot lawyer. The chat bot, which is free to use, took Browder three months to create between school and university. It was a huge challenge, he was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. Also Read: Google's Schaft robot can walk like us. Almost advertisement He watched hours of YouTube tutorials and spoke to machine learning experts to create the intelligent bot that could understand human messages. Browder initially designed the DoNotPay bot as a pet project for family and friends after being issued with 30 parking tickets. But after it gained traction in London he made it available across the UK and New York, with Seattle to follow soon. It's really difficult as every city has different laws. Also Read: Patients greeted by robot at Belgian hospital The US parking authorities are less likely to dismiss tickets. In the UK they're a lot more fair, he said. The bot asks a series of questions designed to work out if a ticket can be appealed, including whether there were clear parking restriction signs or if the driver was traveling to hospital urgently. After determining that an appeal is viable, it then walks the user through the steps of appeal. It is currently only available through the DoNotPay website, but Browder is in talks with Facebook to incorporate it in the Messenger app. Over 250,000 people have used the service so far, according to Browder. Of the 2.9 million pounds worth of tickets overturned, about 150,000 were in London. In the UK around 10 million parking tickets are issued a year, generating millions of pounds in revenue for local councils. DoNotPay's service also has a selection of pictures of unclear or confusing road markings taken from Google Maps to help motorists with relevant claims. Browder plans to expand the artificial intelligence lawyer, which can also work out compensation for delayed flights, to help vulnerable groups navigate complicated legal systems, including people who are HIV positive and refugees in foreign countries. Also Read: Sony to develop robots that can connect emotionally --- ENDS --- Communicating Your Safety Excellence Strategy When communicating your strategy, your audience must be able to see themselves as actors within the strategy. What is your strategy to improve safety? If a child asked this question, could you, in a few simple sentences, clearly outline your strategy to improve safety performance and culture over the next three to five years? Sadly, many great safety professionals cannot. As Albert Einstein pointed out, "If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself." In our 2016 book "Inside Strategy: Value Creation from within Your Organization," 10 questions are provided to help an organization develop and execute against a strategy for shaping and getting more out of a company culture. Question nine is, "How will you create strategic alignment?" Once a strategy is created, it is vital everyone understands it and sees their role within as well. How well can you communicate your safety strategy? While there is a lot to an effective strategy, when communicating it to others, there are four components that must be a part of communication. In the figure below, Visual Representation of Safety Excellence Strategy, this model frames these important components. Where We Were & Where We Are Change is the only thing constant in most corporations, but in general, people are hesitant to change and often forget change is continuously happening. It must be understood that today's reality was not the same reality of 10 years ago for many companies. What was acceptable in safety, as an example, has evolved. It is widely known that safety excellence is a journey, and everyone must understand this isn't the beginning, we have come a long way, and there is still room to improve. Success and Safety Excellence Success is not only the absence of injuries and incidents. I define excellence in safety as the ability to achieve great results, know precisely how you achieved those results, and still have a mindset and recognition of where opportunities are to continuously improve. While this definition has been helpful to clients, communicating success must be done in a tangible way. Define what would be the new common reality with significant safety improvement. What would be the common beliefs, knowledge, decisions, behaviors, experiences, and stories? People must be able to share a vision of safety excellence. This means it needs to be described in a way that could be observed. This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. Why So Many Dog Attacks? State Farm paid more than $118 million as a result of 3,181 dog-related injury claims in 2015. No one in Dallas should have been surprised that a pack of dogs attacked a woman in south Dallas in May 2016, causing injuries so severe that she died. The Dallas Morning News in particular and other local print and broadcast news media had documented the problem of repeated dog attacks in that part of Dallas for more than two years. The victim this time was Antoinette Brown, 52, and while she was not at work when attacked, the news coverage of her death merged in my mind with the U.S. Postal Service's 2015 dog attack city rankings because USPS released its data only a few days later. USPS announced that 6,549 of its employeesthat's an average of 18 employees per day, every day of the yearwere attacked by dogs in 2015. The Postal Service provided a chart showing there were at least 15 attacks during the year on its employees in each of 51 cities across the country, from Washington state and California to cities in New York state. Houston had the most, 77 (a 22 percent increase from the year before), with San Diego and Cleveland, Ohio tied for second (58). Dallas ranked fourth, with 57, representing a 33 percent increase year over year. "Dogs are protective in nature and may view our letter carriers handing mail to their owner as a threat," said USPS Safety Director Linda DeCarlo, who announced two sensible new safety measures. The first took effect May 13 on usps.com's Package Pickup application: Customers are asked to indicate whether there is a dog at their address when they schedule a package pickup. The second is a feature on mobile devices letter carriers use to scan packages to confirm delivery; it lets carriers indicate the presence of a dog at an individual address and will be especially helpful to substitutes who fill in for letter carriers on their days off, she said. USPS and allies that include the American Humane Association offered tips during National Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 15-21). It's a sobering thought: There are 4.5 million Americans bitten by dogs annually, and more than half of the victims are children. State Farm paid more than $118 million as a result of 3,181 dog-related injury claims in 2015 alone, according to the Humane Association. Update: After Brown's death, the chair of Dallas' Animal Advisory Commission hired Boston Consulting Group to conduct a study about the scope of the city's loose dog problem, and the city has been heat mapping 311 calls to see which neighborhoods have the most serious problem, staff writer Robert Wilonsky of The Dallas Morning News reported June 24. His report said the Dallas City Council and the commission should get the results and recommendations this fall. This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. As a new investor, the first of many decisions in your journey to financial freedom is which stock broker to choose. The stock brokerage fees is something important to lookout for because it will affect your investment returns if you are paying more than you hope. The table below shows only online trading without broker assistance in the SGX market. Here is the breakdown of the fees of various brokerage firms in Singapore: Stock Brokerage Min Fees (S$) Trading Fees S$100K PhillipCapital 25 0.28% 0.22% 0.18% DBS Vickers 25 0.28% 0.22% 0.18% AmFraser Securities 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.18% CIMB Securities 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.18% Citibank Brokerage 28 0.25% 0.20% 0.18% RHB Securities 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.18% Maybank Kim Eng Securities 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.18% Lim & Tan Securities 25 0.28% 0.22% 0.18% OCBC Securities 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.18% SAXO Capital Markets 25 0.15% 0.15% 0.15% Standard Chartered 10 0.20% 0.20% 0.20% UOB Kay Hian 25 0.275% 0.22% 0.20% Do note that while commission fees are quite similar, the services offered by your brokerage firm will differ. This includes things like investor education, variety of technical indicators available on their online trading platform, quality of their mobile app, and how often your broker will contact you with market insights. Read Also: 6 Things To Know Before Opening A Stock Brokerage Account DollarsAndSense.sg is a website that aims to provide interesting, bite-sized financial articles which are relevant to the average Singaporean. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter to receive exclusive content not available on our website. Follow us as well on Instagram @DNSsingapore to get your daily dose of finance knowledge through photos. The post [Cheatsheet] Stock Brokerage Fees in Singapore appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday backed a call for all military aircraft overflying the Baltic region to be barred from turning off the devices that allow them be detected. Speaking after talks in Finland with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto, the Russian leader said that "not only Russian planes fly over the Baltic Sea without their transponders on but NATO countries' planes also do the same." Niinisto suggested that all flights in the region be required to activate their transponders, to allow them be detected by air traffic control. "I will bring this issue up at a joint council meeting between Russia and NATO in Brussels," Putin promised. Finns have been alarmed by reports of stealth flights over the Baltic region, where NATO has been building up its presence following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The flights are seen as a safety hazard for commercial airliners. The Finnish and Russian leaders were meeting a week ahead of a NATO summit in Warsaw on July 8-9, which Niinisto is to attend despite Finland not being a NATO member. Finland -- which shares the European Union's longest border of 1,340 kilometres (830 miles) with Russia -- was attacked by its powerful neighbour during World War II but has since tried to maintain friendly relations with Moscow. But since the events of 2014 the Nordic country has also been increasing its cooperation with NATO. NATO announced this month that it would deploy four battalions to the Baltic nations and Poland to counter a more assertive Russia. Russia bitterly opposes NATO's expansion into its Soviet-era satellites and has said it will create three new divisions in its southwest region to meet what it has described as a dangerous military build-up along its borders. The Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders said Friday he was "confident" ahead of his trial for "terrorist propaganda" after he guest-edited a pro-Kurdish newspaper. Erol Onderoglu was released on Thursday pending his trial, in a case that has stoked concerns about declining media freedom in Turkey. Rights activist and academic Sebnem Korur Fincanci was freed at the same time, while the third person charged over the case, journalist Ahmet Nesin, left jail on Friday. All three have been charged in connection with "terror propaganda" after guest-editing pro-Kurdish Turkish newspaper Ozgur Gundem. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to 14 and a half years after they took part in the newspaper's Kurdish solidarity campaign. Ankara has been waging a military offensive against Kurdish rebels in the southeast after a truce with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) collapsed a year ago. "I'm confident about my situation," Onderoglu told AFP, expressing gratitude for an outpouring of support both in Turkey and abroad. "The courts will have to face up to the facts," he said. "I have had nothing to do with any terrorist propaganda. Over 20 years I've written thousands of articles, I've always supported media freedom and the freedom of journalists of all political persuasions." The veteran journalist said the work of Turkish freedom of expression activists had become "risky", but said they must nonetheless "not give up their fight". Onderoglu's detention on June 20 triggered international outrage as concerns grow over rising authoritarianism under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His government stands accused of muzzling the independent press, and Turkey currently stands in 151st place in RSF's media freedom ranking of 180 countries. Onderoglu said he was due to go on trial in Istanbul on November 11. Spending a week in Istanbul's Metris prison and three days in Silivri jail in the suburbs, the journalist said conditions behind bars had been "good". "I didn't expect to be released so quickly," he added. A landslide election victory by Mongolia's opposition is a stinging rejection of the government's failed economic policies, analysts and voters said Thursday, as the country struggles to turn its vast natural resources into national wealth. The Mongolian People's Party (MPP) won 65 out of 76 seats in the State Great Hural parliament, leaving the ruling Democratic Party (DP) in single figures with a mere nine spots, the election commission announced early Thursday. Among the casualties was outgoing prime minister Chimediin Saikhanbileg, who lost his own Bayanzurkh seat in Ulan Bator to a virtual unknown. "I voted for the MPP because the DP used their power only for their own good," said Magsarjaviin Bold, 46, a construction worker in the capital. "They are mostly businessmen and did things that only profited them." Billions of dollars' worth of natural resources lie buried beneath Mongolia's sprawling steppes, drawing the attention of multinational mining giants such as Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto, which has a multi-billion-dollar copper and gold project at Oyu Tolgoi. But development has been delayed for years by disputes over the role of foreign investment, while slowing growth in Mongolia's biggest customer China has done nothing to help, and the ruling party paid the price for an anaemic economy. In 2011, the year before the DP came to power, Mongolia's GDP rose a world-leading 17.3 percent. By last year expansion had slumped to 2.3 percent. Marissa Smith, a Mongolia expert at De Anza College in San Francisco, told AFP: "There has been a shift since the last election away from blaming foreigners towards blaming Mongolian politicians and other elites for the failure of Oyu Tolgoi and (coal project) Tavan Tolgoi to have met expectations." - 'Wrong direction' - Turnout was 72 percent and 13 women were elected, up from 11 last time, despite a cut to a quota for female candidates. Pre-election polling by the International Republican Institute (IRI) showed that over 60 percent of Mongolians felt their country was "headed in the wrong direction", a sentiment driven by concern over corruption and the government's inability to transform resources into new jobs. "Voters were very clear with their ballots... they wanted change," said IRI's country director Ashleigh Whelan, adding that the victory will give the MPP an overwhelming majority in the legislature: "Any initiative that they want to pass... they'll pass it." After the scale of the MPP's victory emerged, party chairman Miyegombiin Enkhbold vowed to put the country back on track, saying it would "do our best to fix the economic and social downturns." But while the MPP was the ruling party during Mongolia's Communist era and the DP guided it to its democratic present, many Mongolians see little difference between the two parties and how much will change remains unclear. Both ran virtually identical campaigns, focused on the importance of job creation through resource development, but short on practicalities. "Our political parties don't really have a political ideology that unites them," said Mogi Badral Bontoi, CEO of market intelligence firm Cover Mongolia. "Politicians join their parties not because of their political ideology... but which party gives them the best chance to gain power, gain influence." The election result was "tentatively positive" for foreign miners, which also include Chinese state-owned coal giant Shenhua, said Greg Kwan of the Economist Intelligence Unit in a research note, as the new government was unlikely to reverse "a recent shift to a more friendly stance". Mogi hoped the next government would be "much more focused on the economy than China", he said, "less populist, less nationalist, less protectionist". Not all MPP supporters agree. "I don't want the new government to sell Mongolian natural riches for lower prices to foreigners," said Zagdiin Sesemjav, a 62-year old pensioner who backed the party. "That is giving them away," she said. "Most income must come to Mongolia, not foreign companies." Google is under pressure across Europe from politicians and the public upset at how multinationals exploit their presence around the world to minimize their tax bills. By Reuters: Spanish officials raided Google's Madrid offices on Thursday in a tax probe, authorities said, barely a month after the internet company had its headquarters in France searched on suspicion of tax evasion. A spokeswoman for Google said in a statement the company complied with fiscal legislation in Spain just as it did in all countries where it operated. The company was working with authorities to answer all questions, the spokeswoman added. advertisement Google is under pressure across Europe from politicians and the public upset at how multinationals exploit their presence around the world to minimize their tax bills. Thursday's raid was approved by a court in the capital and followed a request by the Spanish tax authorities, according to a brief statement by the Madrid High Court. Google, part of Alphabet Inc, pays little tax in most of Europe because it reports almost all sales in Ireland. This is possible thanks to a loophole in international tax law and hinges on staff in Dublin concluding all sales contracts. The Paris raid aimed to establish whether Google Ireland has a permanent base there, and whether the firm was meeting its tax obligations. It was part of a probe into aggravated tax fraud and organized laundering of the proceeds. --- ENDS --- The United Nations is investigating allegations that peacekeepers in the Central African Republic have sexually abused two minors, the latest in a wave of shocking cases to hit the UN mission. The allegations date back to May and took place in the central region of Kemo, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday. "The mission has received information on two new allegations in the area involving two minors," he said. The spokesman did not provide details on the number of troops involved or their nationalities, but contingents from Gabon and Burundi are deployed in the Kemo region as part of the UN force known as MINUSCA. The United Nations plans to notify the member-states involved and ask them to dispatch investigators to the Central African Republic to help establish the facts. A UN official said one of the victims was only 12 years old and the second "under 18". A local non-governmental organization provided information on the allegations, said the official, who asked not to be named. In all, 106 people have come forward in the Kemo region with allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by the peacekeepers, many dating back to 2014 and 2015. UN investigators have spoken to some 50 witnesses over the past months in a bid to corroborate the allegations, but they have yet to substantiate many of the claims. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon fired the commander of the MINUSCA force last year amid the mounting allegations of rape of under-age girls, but there continues to be new cases. MINUSCA, which has about 12,000 peacekeepers, took over from an African Union force in September 2014 as the country was still reeling from a wave of sectarian bloodshed. ISTE 2016 Coverage Playground and Poster Sessions Push Teaching Forward Youve been to a conference and sat in the audience listening to a speaker or panel go on and on and on, right? And do you remember everything they said? Chances are, you dont. Sure, ISTE 2016, which concluded Wednesday in Denver, featured plenty of panels, too. Dozens of them. But a couple of the ingredients that made ISTE unique were what the conference called Poster and Playground. Poster was an area of the Colorado Convention Center where teachers demonstrated technologies theyve successfully used in the classroom. Playground on the same floor but in different areas featured hands-on workshops with educators and students exploring everything from mobile learning and games to virtual reality and the maker movement. It makes it worthwhile for a lot of our members, said Chris Luchs, associate dean of CTE in the Colorado Community College System and a program committee member of Playground. One of the really cool things about this is, this is where a lot of members can get a lot of one-on-one time with a lot of innovators that are at their grade level, that are in their area. Indeed, instructors varied in fields of study from science to math, career technical, English and philosophy. Playgrounds included digital storytelling, librarians sharing favorite tools and resources, using computers to learn about STEM, learning about copyright and the Internet and trying out new and emerging technologies. Google had its own extensive Playground section, where folks in yellow Google T-shirts led sessions on Chromebooks, Cardboard, Expeditions, Google Certifications, virtual reality and going paperless. For me, its the chance to share some of the things Ive learned over the years, said Shannon Wentworth, an instructional technology teacher and trainer from Aurora, CO. I can also see what other people did over the year. Its a chance to catch up and learn from each other. Theres always someone who knows better about whats happening. In the Poster area, teachers and students gave hundreds of demonstrations on integrating technology in the classroom and guiding others to do so, too. Each presenter was given a gray felt board to post visual materials onto hence the name Poster. Gretchen Sting, a fifth grade teacher from Medford, NJ, offered an example rich presentation titled Digital Storytelling in the Content Area Classroom. She showed how students can use Adobe Voice and other programs to tell multimedia stories in language arts, math, science, social studies, art and music. Robert Kalman, an ed tech teacher from Westwood, NJ, demonstrated a game and code-making product called Bloxels. He illustrated how children could create a digital world using tiny colored blocks, solve problems and tell a story. Its definitely introducing them to coding concepts, he said. It helps the see the connection between the physical and digital world. They learn to be creative. They learn the design process. They can experiment with innovative technologies. It allows them to tell a story in a different sort of medium than theyre used to. Ronald Abate, an associate professor at Cleveland State University, presented storyboards and film clips in his Poster, Integrating the Writing Process Into Student Video Production. In an ongoing project at an urban public school, students from sixth to 12th grade have learned how to organize and write down their thoughts, build storyboards and create short films from their ideas. Julian Reed, an associate professor at Furman University in Greenville, SC, demonstrated How Movement in Classrooms Improves Learning, Behavior and Assessment. Through his company ActivEd and his new program Walkabouts, which debuted at ISTE, Reed has combined physical activity with state-approved lessons taught in the classroom. When we move, we learn, and we learn as we move, he said. Were matching students with the content, and the content changes every time. Other Poster sessions included Even K-2 Students Can Code, Honoring Native Roots: Online Resources for Learning About Native Americans, Newsroom on a Shoestring, Using Lego Builds to Create Comics for Teaching Prehispanic History, 3D and Virtual Reality in the Classroom and 30+ Ways to Use Your iPad for Personalized Professional Development. The Playground and Poster sessions occurred during the entire run of ISTE. They were all organized and run by volunteers. Participants came from most of the United States and as faraway as Canada and Mexico. Sting said her digital story projects really get students interested in the subject matter and foster continued learning. I have students at the end of the year saying, Can I do this for homework? Or they say to their partners, Can we meet at Google Docs at 6:30 p.m.? I have their buy in. They want to make it matter. Playground and Poster are expected to continue at ISTE in 2017, which is taking place June 25-28 in San Antonio, TX. SINGAPORE, July 1 (Reuters) - Asia-Pacific central banks are closing a dollar-dominated bond fund and transferring the investment to a local-currency one, a group of regional monetary authorities said on Friday. The Executives' Meeting of East Asia Pacific (EMEAP) central banks, established the $1 billion Asian Bond Fund 1 in 2003 to invest in dollar-denominated bonds issued by sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuers in member economies other than Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In April this year, EMEAP said it decided the fund "has achieved its original purpose" and should be closed. It did not disclose the fund's current size. It said that proceeds would be reinvested in the Asian Bond Fund 2 over seven months. Central banks of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are EMEAP members. From 2003 to 2015, issuance of local currency-denominated bonds in Asia ex-Japan increased nearly eight-fold to more than $1 trillion, according to EMEAP. (Reporting by Jongwoo Cheon; Editing by Richard Borsuk) (Adds detail) By Will Caiger-Smith NEW YORK, June 30 (IFR) - Lloyds Banking Group (Other OTC: LLOBF - news) announced a US$1bn five-year senior unsecured bond on Thursday, the first US dollar deal from a bank since Britain voted to leave the European Union. The deal is also Lloyds' first senior holding company bond in dollars. Initial price thoughts are set in the area of 225bp over Treasuries. The deal had significant reverse enquiry from investors, making execution less risky, a banker on the deal told IFR. "It (Other OTC: ITGL - news) 's an opportunity for investors to buy a UK name at a wider level, if they still like the UK after what's happened," the banker said. The IPTS are about 40bp wider than where they would have been prior to the Brexit vote, the banker said. Joint bookrunners Citigroup (NYSE: C - news) , HSBC, Lloyds and Morgan Stanley (Xetra: 885836 - news) are expected to price the deal on Thursday. (Reporting by Will Caiger-Smith; Additional reporting by Alice Gledhill; Editing by Natalie Harrison) LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria has signed oil and gas infrastructure agreements worth $80 billion with Chinese companies, the West African country's state oil company said on Thursday. Nigeria, an OPEC member which was until recently Africa's biggest oil producer, relies on crude sales for around 70 percent of national income, but its oil and gas infrastructure is in need of updating. The country's four refineries have never reached full production because of poor maintenance, causing it to rely on expensive imported fuel for 80 percent of energy needs. These problems have been exacerbated by a series of attacks on oil and gas facilities by militants in the southern Niger Delta energy hub which pushed production down to 30-year lows in the last few weeks. Oil minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who also heads the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been in China since Sunday for a roadshow aimed at raising investment. "Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) worth over $80 billion to be spent on investments in oil and gas infrastructure, pipelines, refineries, power, facility refurbishments and upstream have been signed with Chinese companies," said NNPC in a statement. NNPC added the China roadshow was "the first of many investor roadshows intended for the raising of funds" to support the country's oil and gas infrastructure development plans. Earlier this week, NNPC said oil production had in the last few days risen by around 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.9 million bpd, due to repairs and no attacks having been carried out since June 16. [nL8N19J4TB] Goldman Sachs, in a report published on Wednesday, said a "normalization" in Nigerian oil production would put pressure on global oil prices and may mean prices will average less than $50 a barrel during the second half of 2016. [nL1N19M04B] (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Mark Potter) If you are buying an Android smartphone today, which is the one you should get if you want to taste the sweet sweet Nougat when Google releases it for consumers. Here are the options: By India Today Web Desk: The new version of Android called Nougat is coming. In fact, it is already here in beta version but in the coming two odds months it will also arrive as a full and final update for some of the existing phones. Now the keyword here is "some". It won't come on all the Android that you have in the market right now. It will only come to some phones, and that too at a different schedule. So, if you are buying an Android smartphone today, which is the one you should get if you want to taste the sweet sweet Nougat when Google releases it for consumers. Here are the options: Phones guaranteed to get Nougat advertisement Huawei Nexus 6P: This is the flagship Android phone right now. It is also an official Google phone and it will definitely get the Android Nougat update, possibly with days of the public launch of the new operating system. LG Nexus 5X: This is also a current generation Nexus phone and hence will definitely get Nougat update, possibly at the same time when Nexus 6P gets it. HTC 10, HTC One A9 and HTC One M9: These are high-end HTC phones and they will get the Android Nougat. That much has been confirmed by HTC. But the chances are the updates will be delayed. HTC may take even a few months after the public launch of Android Nougat before it brings the updates to these three phones. Also, HTC 10 will most likely be the first HTC phone to get it. Also Read: Will your phone get Android Nougat? Fat chance! Not officially confirmed but almost sure Moto G4 Plus: Motorola, which uses almost unmodified version of Android in its phones, and since 2013 has an impeccable record of bringing Android updates is yet to officially confirm which of its phones will get Nougat. But it is almost certain that the Moto G4 Plus will be one of these phones. Moto G4: If Moto G4 Plus is getting the update, the Moto G4 will also get it. The update are likely to come within weeks of the Nougat launch. Moto Z phones: These are not yet available but by the time Nougat comes, they will be in the market. The Moto Z phones will also get the Nougat. Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge: No official confirmation, but just like HTC Samsung will bring Nougat update to the current generation flagship Galaxy phones. Although, just like HTC the company may take a month after Nougat's public launch to bring it to its phones. Galaxy Note 6: In the coming months, Samsung will launch the Galaxy Note 6 -- or is it going to be called the Note 7 -- possibly with Marshmallow because the Nougat may not launch by then. But after that when Nougat update is available, expect Samsung to bring it to the latest Note as soon as it. advertisement LG G5: To match HTC and Samsung, LG is also almost sure to bring the Nougat to the flagship G5 as soon as it can. Other likely candidates These are older phones but we have a feeling that they will get Android Nougat. These are: LG Nexus 5: Old but still gold and that is why Google may give it one last update in the form of Nougat. Moto X Force & Moto X Style: Powerful phones and expensive. Motorola may not like to leave in lurch users of these phones. Moto X Play & Moto G Turbo: Phones with fairly fast hardware, we think these two will also get one. Other than the phones mentioned here, there will be devices that will eventually get Nougat. For example, we feel the OnePlus 3 will get Nougat and so will many other phones, including some by Lenovo. But the update will come late and will not have the kind of value that it will have for phones that get it promptly. At the same time, another grim truth is that Nougat will not reach majority of existing phones, including some high-end ones. Now, to a lot of users this may not matter. But if does to you, the phones listed here are the only safe bet if you want to buy a device that will get Android Nougat. Also Read: Nougat is the next version of Android --- ENDS --- advertisement US sailors who blundered into Iranian waters in January divulged sensitive information while being held at gunpoint by their captors, a US Navy report has said. The incident, which caused the United States huge embarrassment , happened just days before the implementation of a nuclear accord between Iran and world powers. "It is clear that some, if not all, crew members provided at least some information to interrogators beyond name, rank, service number and date of birth," the report said. It does not name the 10 sailors involved but the Navy has identified the task force commander as Captain Kyle Moses. He has since been relieved of his post, while Eric Rasch, commander of the squadron that included the sailors, has been fired. The report blames the incident on poor planning, inadequate risk assessment, complacency, a lack of oversight and low morale. The sailors were travelling in two vessels to Bahrain from Kuwait when they were intercepted. According to the report, they strayed off course and inadvertently went through Saudi Arabian territorial waters before entering Iranian waters off Farsi Island. Near the island, one of the boats developed a faulty engine and soon after they were confronted by two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels, followed by two more. In the hope of defusing the situation, the captains ordered their gunners to step away from their weapons in breach of US Navy procedure. "I didn't want to start a war with Iran," one of them told investigators. "My thought at the end of the day was that no one had to die for a misunderstanding." The Iranians forced the sailors to remove their body armour, kneel, and place their hands behind their heads, and took video and pictures of them doing so. They were then taken to Farsi Island where they were interrogated and told to eat and act happy while being filmed again, in order to gain their freedom. One of the captains also read out an apology prepared by their captors unaware their release had already been agreed. Story continues After taking the sailors prisoner, the Iranians ransacked the US vessels and replaced the American flags with IRGC ones. The videos of the detainees were shown in Iranian media and the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei later awarded medals to the IRGC commanders involved. US Senator John McCain, a former naval aviator, said the report "confirms what has been obvious from the beginning". "Iran's obstruction, boarding, and seizure of sovereign US Navy vessels at gunpoint and the detention, interrogation, and recording of 10 American sailors were flagrant violations of international law." 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. It was reported on Wednesday that Bagheri had been appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as a replacement for Hassan Firouzabadi, who had held the position since 1989. The incident was described by the New York Times as a shake up of the armed forces, apparently motivated by a desire to move the military closer to the supreme leader and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and marginally further away from President Hassan Rouhani. Whereas Firouzabadi was reportedly close to both figures, Bagheri has more transparent allegiance to the supreme leader, as well as being a member of the IRGC and a former deputy of intelligence and operations for the hardline paramilitary group, which operates separately from the regular army. The implications of his posting to the head of the army were examined by the Long War Journal in another article that was also published on Thursday. That piece of analysis concluded that Bagheris appointment was indicative of a trend that would make the Iranian military more revolutionary and more prone to close coordination with the IRGC. This same trend was arguably already on display in April when it was reported that Iran was deploying commandos from the regular army to fight in Syria, where efforts on behalf of the Islamic Republic had previously been prosecuted only by the IRGC and a variety of militant proxies that it controlled. The overall trend toward closer cooperation between the military and paramilitary might suggest that the former will provide support for the latter as it strives to expand its reach across the broader Middle East. The growth of Iranian influence is something that has been an obvious cause of concern for critics of Tehran and for regional powers like Israel and Saudi Arabia at least since the conclusion of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the West. The trend has been most obvious in Syria, where Iran was credited with saving the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad from the brink of overthrow by relatively moderate rebel forces. Since then, the moderate rebels have been to a great extent overshadowed by ISIS militants. Meanwhile, the Syrian Army has reportedly become subordinate to Shiite militias that are overwhelmingly supported and controlled by Tehran. The National Interest took a new look at this situation on Thursday, through an article that examined the growing complexity of Irans regional interventions and the increasing number of fronts on which it is fighting. The article argues that while Iran has sacrificed much in Syria and has succeeded in preserving the Assad regime over the short term, it has seen little benefit for itself as a result. The one notable exception to this, however, is the way in which the Syrian intervention has given Iran a region-wide army of Shia and local militias stretching from Lebanon to Iraq and into South Asia. Although the National Interest emphasizes that there is essentially no way for Iran to achieve victory on all of its regional fronts, the same article notes that the current circumstances open up the possibility of Iran gaining greater and greater influence in Iraq, in what it called a process of Iranianization of security and political structures. This is evidently dependent, however, on Iran effectively keeping the local opposition in check opposition that the National Interest says is prone to growth as a result of Iran driving recruitment to competing sectarian forces in Iraq and elsewhere. This divisive sectarian influence was highlighted by CIA Director John Brennan in an interview with Judy Woodruff for PBS Newshour. The interview highlighted recent comments by Secretary of State John Kerry claiming that Iran had been more helpful than harmful in the global conflict against ISIS. Asked for his opinion on the matter, Brennan avoided directly contradicting the Secretary of State, but did emphasize that many of the things Iran has done in Iraq and Syria has facilitated the growth of regional terrorism. He implied a view contrary to Kerrys when he said that the Iranians have to do more to demonstrate their commitment to helping defeat these terrorist organizations and being able to work with regional states. The prospects for such a commitment have arguably diminished with the appointment of Bagheri to his chief of staff position, and with the associated escalation of the armys revolutionary character. If the regular armed forces do indeed provide great support to the IRGC and to militant proxies in the future, the world can presumably expect to see more diverse and expansive Iranian interventions, and also more foreign provocations of the sort that the IRGC has spearheaded in the year since the end of nuclear negotiations. It was the IRGC, for instance, that conducted two ballistic missile tests last year in violation of a UN Security Council resolution, and four more this year. And it was IRGC naval forces that seized 10 American sailors in January when they mistakenly strayed near Irans Farsi Island. The US Navy recently completed a report on that incident, which was summarized by the Washington Free Beacon, among many other sources. The report criticizes the crew of the two American boats involved in the incident, as well as naval officers in command of that crew. But while it finds that the sailors violated US military protocol, they acted in accordance with international law. The same could not be said of the IRGC, which unnecessarily forced the Americans to their knees and arrested them at gunpoint, taking photos and video of the incident for propaganda purposes. Those materials were re-aired in Iranian state media for weeks, during which Supreme Leader Khamenei conferred the highest honors on the IRGC officers involved in the incident and plans were announced for the building of a statue commemorating it. This suggests that the Iranians were striving to portray the incident as a military victory of the US, in keeping with a range of propaganda statements from the IRGC and from other military officers suggesting that the Islamic Republic is prepared for war with the US and could accomplish such feats as sinking a US aircraft carrier or successfully closing off the Strait of Hormuz. Insofar as Bagheris comments about annihilating the wicked were non-specific about the targets of those theoretic actions, it is possible that his statement was meant to emulate statements from his IRGC colleagues, serving as a veiled threat to all Iranian adversaries, including the US. Since Hassan Rouhani took office three years ago many had hope for a better Iran, however this hope fell short, as Rouhanis time in office has been stained by the purging of dissidents. Subsequently, the theocratic regime has executed 2,400 people in the past three years in Iran, the highest number of executions in the past 25 years. Iran currently has the highest number of executions per capita in the world. Moreover, many of the people being executed are political dissidents, whose only crime has been wanting a free Iran. Juvenile execution, as well as the execution of religious minorities and ethnic minorities has also increased in Iran, as the Bahai community has become a prime target of the theocratic regime. Besides executions the Islamic Republic has taken up draconic torture methods, as a way of trying to correct the restless populace. Such torture methods include flogging, which has become a regular sentence for those charged in Irans revolutionary courts. Women in particularly have fallen victim to such abuse, as theyve grown restless of the constant censorship, criminalization of Western culture and repressive Islamic dress codes, leading many women to voice their concern and dissent against the theocratic regime. Accordingly, floggings have become a common sentence for women caught violating Islamic dress codes, or partaking in parties or gathers with the opposite sex. Moreover, at the end of May 2016, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported the outrageous flogging of up to 35 young men and women in Iran whose only crime was attending a graduation party, and for doing so were given 99 lashes. Thus, on July 9th, in Paris a rally well be held supporting a Free Iran and many world leaders, politicians and parliamentarians, including various MPs from the European Parliament will attend this rally, to support a free and just Iran. Arbitrary arrests, like those of youths, women, activists, human rights defenders, dissidents, and dual citizens show an intensified crackdown on civil society. As tragic and appalling as it is, the Speakers pointed out that it is a sign of weakening of the theocratic regime. Fear and violence may be their only means to derail the increasing levels of popular dissent and the legitimate democratic aspirations of the Iranian people. They described Tehrans continued support for terrorism and its destabilising role in the region as an extension of the domestic repression aimed at preserving the theocratic rulers grip on power in Iran. Dr. Matthew Offord, MP, declared in his speech: Daily reports of appalling abuses by the authorities in Iran show that neither Rouhani, dubbed a moderate, nor other theocratic rulers in the country are interested in concrete and genuine changes that address the actual concerns of the Iranian people, in particular the youth and women that represent a majority of the population. An initiative supported by nearly 400 members of all major parties in both Houses of Parliament was presented by Rt. Hon. David Jones, MP. This initiative urges the UK government to adopt a firm policy towards Tehran. It lays out the following recommendations: 1. Strongly condemning human rights violations and demanding a halt to executions. 2. Requiring Iran to remove its Revolutionary Guards and mercenary forces from other countries, especially Syria and Iraq. 3. Guaranteeing the safety and protection of Iranian dissident exiles residing at Camp Liberty until they all depart from Iraq and reach supporting host countries, especially Albania. 4. Calling on the EU, US and world leaders to support the 10 point plan for the future of Iran, presented by the Iranian opposition leader, Maryam Rajavi, which emphasises the establishment of a secular democratic republic, free elections, gender equality in all fields, prohibition of discrimination, abolition of the death penalty, and peace and coexistence in the region and the world. As a first step to advance these recommendations and promote the cause of human rights and democracy in Iran, Mr Jones also announced the formation of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group for a Free and Democratic Iran (APPG-FDI) and urged recognition for the crucial role played by Irans democratic opposition coalition, the NCRI. In her message to the conference, National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) President-Elect Maryam Rajavi thanked the MPs and Peers for their initiative and support and said, the Supreme Leader Khamenei and other leaders of the regime have acknowledged that if they do not fight in Syria, in Iraq and in Yemen, their power base in Tehran would be undermined. This explains why Irans ruling regime has turned into the main source of instability in the region Because the mullahs warmongering in the region is contrary to the highest interests of the Iranian people, prevents Iranian Resistance from establishing freedom and democracy in Iran, and has also destroyed the Iranian economy. Former MEP Struan Stevenson, who chaired the Friends of a Free Iran intergroup (caucus) in the European Parliament for over 10 years, added: Iran cannot be part of the solution to the conflicts raging in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya. It is part of the problem. Iran exports terror. Rouhanis government, under the ultimate control of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, condones torture and arbitrary imprisonment, discriminates against women and encourages public floggings, eye-gouging, amputations and hanging as a means of terrorizing its own population into docile submission. The West should be entering into dialogue with the political coalition that is the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), rather than pussyfooting around with the mullahs in Tehran, Stevenson continued. The NCRI under the inspiring leadership of Mrs Maryam Rajavi, offers the best possible hope for peace and stability in the region. The MPs and Peers announced their support for the Iranian Resistances annual Free Iran gathering in Paris that will be held on 9 July. A large cross-party delegation of MPs and members of the House of Lords plan to attend the rally, joining a major gathering of Iranians and their international supporters, thousands of human rights and womens rights activists, as well as religious leaders from the United States, Europe, and Islamic countries. Hossein Abedini from the NCRI Foreign Affairs Committee expressed deep appreciation to over 400 members of the UK Parliament for standing with millions of Iranians in their efforts to establish human rights, rule of law and democracy in Iran, and congratulated the MPs for their important initiative, their support of Irans Resistance movement (the NCRI), the 10-point plan of Mrs Maryam Rajavi, and the formation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for a free and democratic Iran. Other speakers at the conference included, Mark Williams MP; Steve McCabe MP; Bob Blackman MP; Lord Clarke of Hampstead CBE; Lord Alton of Liverpool; Lord Cotter; Professor Sara Chandler, Vice President of European Bars Federation and member of the Law Society; Mr Masoud Zabeti, president of the Committee of Anglo-Iranian lawyers; Ms Naghmeh Rajabi, Representative of the Anglo-Iranian Youth and Women Society. Published On Jul 01, 2016 11:43 AM By Tushar Maruti Suzuki has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to set up, manage and run an Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research (IDTR) in the state. Located in the Prakasham district, the infrastructure spread across 20 acres of land will be provided by the Andhra Pradesh Government, while Maruti Suzuki will run and manage the institute. The facility will be built as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and will include an institute building, a hostel and training tracks. Trivia: Today, Maruti Suzuki manages 6 IDTRs. They are located in Delhi (2), Haryana (2), Uttarakhand (1) & Gujarat (1). Another IDTR facility is under construction in Aurangabad, Bihar. Maruti plans to collaborate with government bodies like the Tribal Development Department to promote driving as an employment opportunity among the tribal youth of Andhra Pradesh. The main focus is to make people employable, which means additional training in personality development, hygiene, courtesy and communication will be provided as well. Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki will advise and support the Government for research on matters related to road safety. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Rajoria, Assistant Vice President (Driver Training), Maruti Suzuki, said, The inception of driving training and traffic research institutes was with an aim to upscale professional driver training and lay down the ground rules for safe driving. Maruti Suzuki has been working on this front for over a decade now. I am confident that our experience in this field of road safety will add immense value to this newest facility. The facilitys infrastructure is expected to be ready by 2018. A federal appeals court in New York on Thursday voided a $7.25 billion antitrust settlement that Visa and MasterCard reached with millions of retailers, saying the agreement was unfair to retailers. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York said the accord was unfair to retailers that stood to receive no payments, and in the courts view, little or no benefit at all, according to Reuters. This decision creates additional and unnecessary marketplace uncertainty, said NAFCU Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel Carrie Hunt. We will be monitoring the impact of this decision on credit unions. Because 25 percent of the retailers (about 8,000) opted out of the settlement, the value was reduced to about $5.7 billion when it was approved in 2013. The settlement had been the largest in private antitrust history. Housing proved influential during the postwar economy from 1945-1960, notes a blog post by the University of Groningen. Economic growth during this time stemmed from a variety of sources: Automobile lending drove betterment, as did a housing boom, stimulated in part by easily affordable mortgages for returning servicemen Americans moved from the inner cities to suburbia. Mass production of homes cut costs and allowed new owners to possess at least a part of the American dream, the post says. A Gallup poll anticipated the expansion with revelation that nearly one in four Americans planned to build their own home. Young consumers particularly influenced the trend: 37% of 18- to 29-year-olds planned to build a home after the war. Average housing expenditures for aspiring homeowners hovered around $5,000a $40 billion economic boost. You know your mortgage loan originators (MLOs) and loan originators (LOs) need training. But do you know how much, and which type for each? Were here to unlock the mystery. At CUNA, we provide solutions for service excellence to instill confidence in credit union leaders so they can focus on their members rather than complex and confusing regulations. With that in mind, lets keep this issue simple. When it comes to loan originator training, you have two Federal laws to worry about: The SAFE Act (as implemented by Regulation H) and the Truth in Lending Act (as implemented by Regulation Z). Lets break it down. Regulation H Under Regulation H, any MLO who works for a covered financial institution (a credit union, for example!), who has received a unique identifier, and who is registered with the National Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS)is generally EXEMPT from the annual training requirements for licensed MLOs (also found in Regulation H). See? Simple. While Section 1008.107 of Regulation H states that an MLO must receive eight hours of continuing education each year to maintain a license, MLOs employed by credit unions are generally exempt from needing a license. As a result, any NMLS-registered MLO working at a credit union with a unique identifier has no need for continuing education under the SAFE Act. Regulation Z adds a different wrinkle. Regulation Z Loan originators (LOs) under Regulation Z must receive periodic training commensurate with their day-to-day origination responsibilities, the rule says. Unfortunately, the language in Section 1026.36 of the regulation is ambiguous about what type or what amount of training satisfies the requirement. Thats why its important for your LOs to qualify for safe harbor, a provision found in the commentary to the regulation. To qualify for the safe harbor, an LO can take an NMLS-approved training course that covers the types of loans the LO originates along with the applicable state and federal laws and regulations. While this technically satisfies continuing education requirements for MLOs under Regulation H (for state licensed MLOs), it will also take care of those requirements for LOs under Regulation Z. Have your LO attend an NMLS-approved training course and his or her periodic training requirement will be fulfilled. A recap! Regulation H exempts MLOs from its continuing education requirements if they work for a covered financial institution, have a unique identifier, and are registered with the NMLS. However, dont forget about Regulation Zs periodic training requirement. Have your LOs attend an NMLS-approved training course to meet the safe harbor standard. For NMLS-approved MLO training, visit cuna.org/mlo to explore CUNAs Mortgage Loan Originator Resources, offered both face-to-face and online. {Quote} If Hillary Clinton runs, and wins the Presidential race in 2016, the Republicans won't be the only ones with trepidation. The Secret Service, who have tangled with Hillary since she became First Lady in 1993, will also be quaking in their lace-ups. Hillary has been known to hurl a book at the back of the head of one agent driving her in the Presidential limo accusing him of eavesdropping, forget her ps and qs by never thanking her protectors and lob profanity-laced orders when she just wanted the agents to carry her bags - a job not on agents' 'to do' list. 'Stay the f**k away from me! Just f*****g do as I say!!!' she is quoted as saying to an agent who refused to carry her luggage in the book Unlimited Access by FBI agent Gary Aldridge. {Unquote} She kills with no regrets:Hillary Clinton on Gaddafi: We came, we saw, he diedShe will kill you too, as she crawls into her taxpayer nuclear bomb-proof tunnel.Because Hillary wiped the server clean -- including even the emails she herself said were government business -- our intelligence agencies will be unable to find out which emails were hacked and by which foreign country or terrorist group.That means that our intelligence services must assume that everything was hacked and that none of our secrets are secret any more. It means that our enemies all know just how we obtain evidence. Including what our satellites can see, who our spies are, and what were able to learn by electronic eavesdropping.In other words we now have to rebuild from scratch everything. Because we cant learn whats been learned by our enemies and must assume the worst. All thanks to Hillary Clinton.Its a catastrophe.Hillary Clinton compares Vladimir Putins actions in Ukraine to Adolf Hitlers in Nazi GermanyHeres the Full List of Companies & Organizations That Paid Hillary Clinton From 2013-2015So are you ready?Hillary Clinton: Advocate of War Without EndI Issues Re Human Beings1. Clinton voted for the Iraq War, an immoral fiasco which has cost countless US lives and many more lives of civilians, soldiers etc. Its only effect besides costing trillions of dollars has been to multiply anger at the US around the world and to create ISIL.2. Clinton helped prosecute 7 illegal immoral wars of the Obama administration (a man who sold out his electorate almost immediately upon entering office). The 7 are Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Libya. All of them have been total failures except for rightwing religious haters and war profiteers. Hillary Clinton promotedGen. Stanley McChrystals recommendation to send 40,000 more troops to Afghanistan though Obama did not want more troops. She backed and Obama opposed the militarys plan to leave behind 10,000 to 20,000 American troops in Iraq Clinton lobbied for the CIA plan to give money to Syrian relbels which Obama opposed.3. Clinton is in favor of government murder, called execution, something opposed by over 3/4 of the world's countries and at least 42 states. The Obama nominee she supports, Merrick Garland, is an executioner as well.4. Clinton twice voted for the unconstitutional Patriot Act, a massive tome of several thousand pages which was prepared before the WTC bombing. The Patriot Act allows government agencies to ride roughshod over individuals.5. In at least 3 false flag operations of the CIA and government, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the World Trade Center bombing, and the alleged murder of Osama Bin Laden, Clinton has supported the official lies.6.. The candidate most favored by the billionaire bankers and hedge fund owners of Wall St. is Hillary Clinton, who has connections to Goldman Sachs. Clinton supported the Wall St bank bailout which was a giveaway of tens of trillions of dollars to the richest Americans. Her son in law's hedge fund was floated by Goldman Sachs. She and her husband were house guests of Wigmore of Goldman Sachs who was for that group in charge of facilitating the UK's utility privatizations.6b. Six of 10 of Clinton's biggest donors are big banks. 9 of 10 of Sanders' biggest donors are unions.7. Took an active role in the coup d'etat in Honduras which iremoved the democratically elected Manuel Zelaya and replaced him with a pawn of loanshark capitalism.8. voted for NAFTA which outsourced many American jobs9. Clinton has never had the requisite lack of bias on Mideast topics to be president. She considers herself aligned with Israel against any rights of the Palestinian people. Her paid remarks to Goldman Sachs and videos of her speech to AIPAC are hard to access.10. She never supported unions when on the board of unionbusting WalMart.11. Hillary Clinton attempted to interfere with the reelection of Venezuela's socialist president Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro after the Bush and Obama administrations destabilized the country. She has helped to plunge millions in Venezuela into poverty as she helped to destroy CITGO, the Venezuelan oil company owned by the people of Venezuela, a company which gave hundreds of millions in fuel oil to the poor of New England. Joseph Kennedy was one of many who praised Venezuela's generosity.12a. In New York, Clinton and her machine disenfranchised 3 million Latino, black, young and other voters who tried to register as Democrats and failed. In this she was helped by warmonger media such as CBS which failed to warn New Yorkers of impending registration deadlines.12b. Clinton, McCain and other vote fraud in Arizona: Latinos and blacks found their voting sites closed. There were thousands waiting to vote as the corporate media called the victory for Clinton. (see links)12c, In Nevada she tried to strongarm caucus rule changes to benefit her campaign.12d She has helped to create the class of unelected and undemocratic super delegatesClinton, McCain and other vote fraud in Arizona: Latinos and blacks found their voting sites closed. There were thousands waiting to vote as the corporate media called the victory for Clinton. (see links)13 Snowden said Clinton's charge that he could have had whistleblower protection was false, given that the Obama administration of which she is a part has prosecuted more whistleblowers than any other.14. Clinton supported the job outsourcing, labor and environment weakening Trans Pacific Partnership 45 times... now she says she's against it.15. Clinton has taken 4.5 million from 58 registered oil and gas lobbyists.16. Clinton supported the Keystone Pipeline until pressured by political reality into opposing it.17. In Libya, Clinton went above the heads of Pentagon generals "Libya has been destroyed. It became a haven for ISIS. The Libyan national armory was looted and hundreds of tons of weapons were transferred to jihadists in Syria. see link18. Privatizer prison profiteers are raising money for Clinton. Because we have many privatized prisons whose profit motive is enhanced each time they jail another person, the US has the highest per capita rate of prisoners in the world.See lnk19. Clinton operatives have been hacking into sites of her opponents.20a. Clinton supported fracking projects around the world20b Clinton supports offshore drilling, the kind which has made the Gulf of Mexico a toxic dump of BP's neurotoxin Corexit, the kind which has destroyed the Niger Delta.21. Clinton has been evasive about the unconstitutional spying of the NSA as well as about all NSA raw data going to the government of Israel.22. Some want Clinton to be the first woman president in the US. However she has helped bomb millions of women and girls, and billions of women animals.23. Hillary Clinton voted for legislation which made it easier to hide assets in offshore accounts.24. Clinton claims to have the support of African Americans, though once again more black Americans per capita than whites are dying in antisecurity immoral foreign wars.25. In April of 2016, 100 civilians in Yemen (women, men, children, their pets etc) were murdered by Saudi jet fighters dropping bombs given the polygamous sheiks by the Obama administration with the approval of Hillary Clinton.26. Clinton took 15 million dollars from Wall Street operatives.27. In his prosecution of Timothy McVeigh, Merrick Garland worked for McVeigh's execution. McVeigh after washing out of the Rangers was recruited by the CIA and given 2 million dollars cash. After he followed CIA instructions, the agency told authorities his whereabouts and stole back the 2 million dollars. Hillary Clinton and Merrick Garland share their support of government murder (the death penalty) despite the fact that over 3/4 of the world and 42 states have no executions.28. The Clinton emails have never been an issue for this poster, but it is interesting to note that the hacker who exposed the situation has been extradited to the U.S.29. Clinton's role in diverting money to war has destroyed health care for hundreds of millions of Americans who have the highest costs in the world and only middling care.30. Clinton's role in diverting money to war has destroyed the college dreams of a whole generation of Americans.31. Clinton's role in diverting money to war has destroyed bridge infrastructures in the US, harming the safety of all Americans.32. Clinton's role in diverting firefighters to war has caused fires at home.33. Clinton's role in diverting money to war has killed millions overseas, tens of thousands of American soldiers, and wounded millions more American soldiers. She has helped create American veterans shoddy health care at home.34. Clinton has helped turn American airwaves into warmonger media.35. Hillary Clinton wants the map of empire to continue. American soldiers are sitting ducks in the Mideast, The head of the Joint Chiefs wants them brought home. The map is of places in which soldiers stationed in many places around the globe, hemorrhaging money. while poverty grows at home.36. It is said that Clinton exaggerated her role in the Irish peace process.37. Hillary Clinton is lying about the US government role in the WTC bombing.38. Over half of Americans have an unfavorable view of both Clinton and Trump39. Clinton switched her position on same sex marriage. She has often. when realizing a position she took was becoming a nonmajority position. switched her position.40. Bankster thieves have several hundred trillion dollars in derivatives, a false wealth, a house of cards producing nothing whether it's cattle futures or subprime mortgages. Neither Clinton nor Trump can be trusted to change this.41. According to Wikipedia, Chelsea Clinton is on the board of several of Barry Diller's corporations. Diller was an executive with the rightwing Fox network for a number of years.42. Clinton opposes the use of a carbon tax as a way to hasten nonviolent renewable solar, wind and other energy not derived from deforestation, mountain decapitation, air pollution, animal habitat destruction.43. Should Sanders lose the Democratic nomination, 33 to 50% of his supporters would not vote for Clinton and the likelihood of a Republican president becomes higher.44. Clinton supported border fence legislation. Sanders opposes it.45. Bernie Sanders supports marijuana legalization. HIllary Clinton approves only of medical marijuana.46. Clinton's Russophobia has been demonstrated.47. Ralph Nader, Bernie Sanders, and many others have commented on Hillary Clinton's failure to release transcripts of her speeches, etc. as symptoms of her lack of transparency.48. Six billion dollars disappeared in her tenure at the State Dept.49. Hillary wants to remove women's choice to say no to lethal vaccines for their children50. There were 400 unelected 'super' delegates lined up for Hillary Clinton before the first primary, an antidemocratic antiprimary practice. Since Clinton has been more hawkish even than Obama re the 7 illegal immoral war zones in which this government is currently bombing people, animals, birds, trees etc., are these delegates also prowar?51. Clinton works closely with her fellow hawk and corporate hack, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Sanders has given 1/4 million dollars to Schultz' primary opponent, Tim Canova.52. Clinton refuses to debate Sanders in California.53. Clinton has claimed to be agnostic about nuclear power.Ready For Hillary Clinton and WW3?Really? The Supreme Court recently struck down, 5-3, a Texas law designed to burden women and women's health clinics to a degree that access to health care was restricted. What implications does this have for Louisianans, and the efforts since 2014 to close women's clinics? We talked with Michelle Erenberg, who founded Lift Louisiana, an organization fighting for women's rights at the state level. on the table are the process of challenging unconstitutional "TRAP" laws designed to burden women so to restrict access to health care and abortion.The Louisiana legislature and congressional representation, along with those of Texas and Mississippi, have long placed undue burdens on state residents, but have also held up federal court appointments--actions that make the 5th circuit one of the least functional federal circuits in the nation.Residents can stay tuned to information on ongoing court challenges and potential for electoral change at Lift Louisiana's listserv and website, as well as social media.@liftingLA Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. [June 30, 2016] Mobile Labs Recognized by CIOReview as One of the 20 Most Promising Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers of 2016 Mobile Labs today announced it was named one of the 20 Most Promising Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers of 2016, which is coordinated by CIOReview. CIOReview recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT). The magazine selected Mobile Labs as one of the 20 Most Promising Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers of 2016 based on the company's specialties in end-to-end enterprise mobile app testing, mobile device testing, support for multiple mobile platforms and OS's and mobile website testing. With a focus on security, agility and affordability, Mobile Labs delivers solutions to help the enterprise deploy quality mobile apps for Android (News - Alert), iOS and Windows platforms. Users can manage mobile devices and conduct testing in a secure, private cloud behind the corporate firewall. "Our team members work tirelessly to introduce convenience and efficiency to mobile testing, and our deviceConnect solution has done just that," said Don Addington, Mobile Labs president and CEO. "However, the hard work and innovation is set to continue. In fact, we've just announced full compatibility with iOS10, another example of ensuring our users stay ahead of the curve." "The companies selected for our 20 Most Promising Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers 2016 list are an elite group of companies whose products and solutions are changing their respective industries," said Jeevan George, managing editor of CIOReview. "We are proud to feature Mobile Labs in this edition for its range of revolutionary solutions that is setting a new benchmark in the enterprise mobility arena." Read the CIOReview story on how Mobile Labs streamlines mobile app and device testing for the enterprise. About CIOReview Published from Fremont, California, CIOReview is a print magazine that explores and understands the plethora of ways adopted by firms to execute the smooth functioning of their businesses. A distinguished panel comprising of CEOs, CIOs, IT VPs including CIOReview editorial board finalized the "20 Most Promising Enterprise Mobility Solution Providers 2016" in the U.S. and shortlisted the best vendors and consultants. For more info: http://www.cioreview.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/20160630006093/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 30, 2016] PrintCPG CEO Jacob Walker Discusses Rebranding TUCSON, Ariz., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tucson-based CP Graphics is celebrating six years by rebranding as printCPG, announced CEO and President Jacob M. Walker. The move corresponds with the launch of the company's new website, www.printcpg.com. "Our rebranding is a sign of our commitment to our clients to continually innovate our services," Walker said. "The new brand is a reflection of that commitment and highlights our use of talent, technology and service to expand our service offering to meet the demands of today's print client." "printCPG is aligned to the demands of the client who understands the role and power of print in today's marketing world and wants to find ways to automate and streamline print to create efficiency in their marketing workflow," Walker added. Reinvention is nothing new to Walker, a thirty-something entrepreneur who owned his first business while a business student at Kansas University. In six years since acquiring City Press out of bankruptcy in 2010, the Tucson father of two has quadrupled annual revenues and opened a western regional office in Scottsdale. Recruiting top talent, Walker has transformed printCPG from a 20th Century local print shop into a 21st Century marketing partner. "Successful businesses today require their marketing efforts to be fast, personal and relevant. Yet many CEOs find their marketing departments to be buried in managing internal requests, compliance and brand integrity," said Walker. "From conception to distribution, the challenges facing marketing departments are overwhelming." "printCPG takes away that overwhelm by building automation that increases the speed, personalization and relevancy of a client's marketing assets," Walker said. "It's all about streamlining," said Walker. "We help companies power the creation and management of exciting marketing assets through web-based storefronts and customized automation tools. Production and management of marketing assets is centralized, minimizing stress and optimizing efficiency." printCPG is offering free consultations to new clients for a limited time. To learn more, visit www.printcpg.com, call 1 (877) 742- 0707 or email [email protected]. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdGZPvCuTy8&feature=youtu.be To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/printcpg-ceo-jacob-walker-discusses-rebranding-300292907.html SOURCE printCPG [June 30, 2016] Lisk Financial Ecosystem Grows - Gets Listed on ShapeShift and Other Services AACHEN, Germany, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lisk, the open source blockchain application platform, is proud to announce that the digital currency LSK is evolving at a tremendous speed. A large part of this evolution is mass adoption by many services, including conversion services and exchanges. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385396 One of the services now accepting LSK, ShapeShift.io, allows the exchange of one digital currency into another, without the need to create an account or fill an open order. Other providers offering a similar service for the LSK currency include Changer.com and Changelly.com. In terms of regular exchanges, Lisk has seen steadily increasing adoption throughout the past few weeks. Recently, CEO Max Kordek visited China and met with many Chinese exchanges. This face to face relationship drove these exchange owners to believe in the currency and adopted Lisk for trade on their service. These services included Yuanbao.com and Jubi.com, two of the biggest altcoin exchanges in China. Additionally, BitBays.com, and Touzibi.com also listed the currency The Polish exchange BitBay.net has added many different currency pairs for LSK. These pairs included LSK/USD, LSK/BTC and LSK/EUR. The new exchange RAWX.io will launch soon and Lisk sits at the top of the poll to determine which coins will be added. Looking further back many different exchanges are already supporting the LSK token. These exchanges include Poloniex.com, Bittrex.com, YoBit.net, BitMEX.com, Livecoin.net, OpenLedger.io, Cryptomic.com, Bloombit.com, and ChameleonBit.trade. On the leading edge of this group is Poloniex, one the largest exchanges in the world, which added a LSK/ETH. This pairing is unprecedented on the exchange as previous pairs were pegged to BTC and USDT. Lastly, Lisk can now be used in online transactions. This is due to the payment processor and gateway CoinPayments.net adding support for the currency. The service provides digital currency integration for nearly all popular web shopping carts used today. This allows Lisk to be used with a myriad of online shops, all of which are ready to accept LSK. Please use all exchanges, websites, services, tools, and clients being linked to in this press release at your own risk! Please do your own due diligence. About Lisk Lisk is a blockchain application platform that offers JavaScript development tools to deploy sidechains and build decentralized applications on top of them. It connects various different decentralized technologies to enable developers to build useful, powerful applications for the real world. Lisk was started earlier this year by Max Kordek and Oliver Beddows. Learn more about Lisk at https://lisk.io Get started with Lisk at https://lisk.io/get_started Lisk Documentation is available at https://lisk.io/documentation?i=lisk-docs/README Media contact Name: Max Kordek Email: [email protected] City and Country Location: Aachen, Germany Lisk is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to FDIC and other consumer protections. This press release is for informational purposes only. 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/lisk-financial-ecosystem-grows---gets-listed-on-shapeshift-and-other-services-300292928.html SOURCE Lisk [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 30, 2016] New Quantum Application Server Brings Greater Versatility for VMS and Analytic Applications in Surveillance Environments SAN JOSE, Calif., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Corp. (NYSE: QTM) today announced Xcellis Application Director, a new addition to its surveillance and security solution family which enables customers to run video management systems (VMS) or analytic applications with directly attached storage. With the new server, these applications can connect directly to Quantum's QXS Series disk storage or as clients in an Xcellis environment powered by Quantum's industry-leading StorNext data management platform. As a result, users can access data without adding to network traffic for a more efficient video surveillance infrastructure, regardless of scope. [Suggested tweet: Finally, a flexible application server tuned to video #surveillance workloads http://qntm.co/297FHeY] A Fresh Approach to Managing Surveillance and Security Data By incorporating Xcellis Application Director into a video surveillance solution, Quantum offers the unique ability to scale from simple environments with fewer than 50 cameras to complex infrastructures integrating more than 10,000 cameras, as well as other distinct advantages: Large Environments: Because Xcellis is powered by StorNext, Application Director users can meet the most demanding performance requirements, scale to hundreds of petabytes and integrate easily into existing video surveillance workflows. Because Xcellis is powered by StorNext, Application Director users can meet the most demanding performance requirements, scale to hundreds of petabytes and integrate easily into existing video surveillance workflows. Small Environments: When coupled with QXS-3 Series, QXS-4 Series or QXS-6 Series disk storage, Xcellis Application Director offers a powerful solution enabling small camera count environments to achieve the same data management efficiencies as larger deployments. As an implementation grows, it also provides the flexibility to evolve into a tiered environment. A Design That Anticipates Future Growth Xcellis Application Director offers multiple methods of connecting to storage for efficient data management. This versatile approach allows smaller systems to directly attach to QXS storage systems and enables the redeployment of assets as the infrastructure changes, unlike other appliance-based solutions. As these smaller installations expand capacity they can connect their Xcellis Application Director to a StorNext-based environment. The QXS hardware can later be integrated as part of a StorNext infrastructure, allowing users to ake advantage of a multi-tier storage approach utilizing low-cost high-capacity disk, file-based tape, or cloud as a security infrastructure grows, and avoiding a complete forklift upgrade. Supporting Quotes Jim Ricker, Vice President, Supplier Relations, Anixter "With Xcellis Application Director, system integrators can easily configure storage solutions to address a uniquely expansive range of surveillance customers. Now smaller implementations can enjoy the kind of access, performance and enhanced value previously reserved for more complex environments and then scale to realize the benefits of a Quantum tiered architecture, all while protecting their original investment." Wayne Arvidson, Vice President, Surveillance and Security Solutions, Quantum "Xcellis Application Director extends the benefits of Quantum solutions to a broader range of customers and eliminates the gap between appliance-based surveillance storage solutions and large scalable models that haven't historically been a good fit for small camera count environments." Photo Link: www.quantum.com/pr/Xcellis-Application-Director-With-QXS.jpg Photo Caption: Quantum Xcellis Application Director brings intelligent, scalable storage to a wide range of video surveillance environments. Additional Resources Learn more about Quantum video surveillance solutions: www.quantum.com/solutions/video-surveillance/index.aspx For more about how Quantum video surveillance solutions address fixed camera environments: www.quantum.com/solutions/video-surveillance/architecture/fixed-cameras/index.aspx Learn how Xcellis Application Director fits with Quantum's security and surveillance product portfolio: www.quantum.com/solutions/video-surveillance/index.aspx#referencearchitectures About Quantum Quantum is a leading expert in scale-out storage, archive and data protection. The company's data management platform and tiered storage approach provide a unique combination of high performance, low-cost capacity and easy access that enables security and law enforcement professionals to address the challenges created by more cameras, higher resolutions, and increasingly sophisticated analytics. Learn more at www.quantum.com/solutions/video-surveillance/index.aspx. Quantum, the Quantum logo, QXS, StorNext and Xcellis are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Quantum Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. "Safe Harbor" Statement: This press release contains "forward-looking" statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Specifically, but without limitation, statements relating to: 1) benefits and value to customers from using Quantum's Xcellis Application Director and 2) customer demand for and Quantum's future revenue from such solutions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Quantum on the date hereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quantum's actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. More detailed information about these risk factors are set forth in Quantum's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Risk Factors," in Quantum's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2016 and in Quantum's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 12, 2015, especially those risks listed in this section under the heading "Our operating results depend on a limited number of products and on new product introductions, which may not be successful, in which case our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected." Quantum expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Public Relations Contact: Bob Wientzen Quantum Corp. +1 (408) 944-6500 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141209/163323LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-quantum-application-server-brings-greater-versatility-for-vms-and-analytic-applications-in-surveillance-environments-300292937.html SOURCE Quantum Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] - A Nigerian engineer has created a 100% Nigerian-built tractor - The invention has different attachments to cover a variety of farm jobs - The enthusiast hopes that his creation will inspire other Nigerians to make their country better A Nigerian engineer, who has undergone a training in the United Kingdom, has designed a tractor which he describes as a 100% Nigerian. A 100% Nigerian-built tractor Credit: BBC Timothy Addigi Terfa even gave a name to his invention -- Ijodo -- meaning labour in the Tiv language. READ ALSO: Ground-breaking! Nigeria signs $80bn oil and gas deals with China Mr Terfa has already sold several exemplars and ready to launch the model into production but is looking for more investment. He said: "I designed and built this tractor, which is 100% Nigerian, with a team of skilled individuals." The tractor is equipped with different attachments to cover a variety of farm jobs. Timothy Addigi Terfa hopes to inspire other Nigerians It can be a real helper in Nigeria, where the majority of agriculture-related jobs are done manually because of costly farm machinery. READ ALSO: Tambuwal parleys CBN, farmers over FGs anchor scheme Mr Terfa wants to inspire his compatriots: "My greatest desire is that someone out there will be encouraged and motivated to do something with the ideas they have to make Nigeria better." Recall that earlier this week President Muhammadu Buhari stressed the importance of agriculture development in Nigeria and called on Nigerian farm owners to keep cultivating their land. Source: Legit.ng Aina Hospitality, through the Aina Investment Fund, has acquired Hotel Am Konzerthaus, a 4-star hotel located in the centre of Vienna from real estate development companies Immovate Realita and MTK BRAPRA Asset. The fund also acquired Hotel Pullman Cocagne, a 4-star hotel located in the centre of Eindhoven from real [] [June 30, 2016] Bovie Medical Announces J-Plasma Sales Channel Partnership with Arteriocyte Medical Systems Bovie Medical Corporation (NYSEMKT:BVX), a maker of medical devices and supplies and the developer of J-Plasma, a patented new surgical product, today announced it had entered into a sales channel partnership Agreement with Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc., to sell J-Plasma to its network of plastic surgeons. The Agreement will put Bovie's innovative J-Plasma product in the hands of Arteriocyte's U.S. sales network, significantly expanding its potential for use in office-based practices. Arteriocyte's sales team has expertise in both biologics, and medical devices utilized in the plastic surgery category of care, and a portfolio of novel products that are complementary to J-Plasma. "We are delighted to sign this Agreement with Arteriocyte, a company with an exemplary reputation in selling innovative cellular therapy based medical devices," said Robert L. Gershon, Chief Executive Officer. "J-Plasma's precision and lack of thermal spread make it a natural fit for the plastic surgeon, and Arteriocyte's nationwide reach and complementary product portfolio will significantly raise awareness of the technology, and complement our existing sales efforts. This partnership is an imortant milestone in our strategy to scale J-Plasma across multiple specialties, leveraging the different applications for this unique surgical technology." Arteriocyte Medical Systems is a medical device company dedicated to developing solutions to help patients heal faster. Collaborations and partnerships are core to its approach in seeking innovations and technologies that target unmet medical needs. "J-Plasma's potential to substantially reduce patient down-time aligns well with our strategic priorities, and we look forward to successfully launching this new product to our network of plastic surgeons nationwide," said Donald Brown (News - Alert), Chief Executive Officer of Arteriocyte. About Bovie Medical Corporation Bovie Medical Corporation is a leading maker of medical devices and supplies as well as the developer of J-Plasma, a patented new plasma-based surgical product for cutting and coagulation. J-Plasma utilizes a helium ionization process to produce a stable, focused beam of ionized gas that provides surgeons with greater precision, minimal invasiveness and an absence of conductive currents through the patient during surgery. Bovie Medical Corporation is also a leader in the manufacture of a range of electrosurgical products and technologies, marketed through both private labels and the Company's own well-respected brands (Bovie, Aaron, IDS and ICON) to distributors worldwide. The Company also leverages its expertise through original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreements with other medical device manufacturers. For further information about the Company's current and new products, please refer to the Investor Relations section of Bovie Medical Corporation's www.boviemed.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006368/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Zika virus infection cannot be accurately diagnosed in newborns solely on the basis of microcephaly screening, according to the largest study of its kind to date published in The Lancet. The findings suggest that signs and symptoms of brain abnormalities, regardless of head circumference, should also be included in screening criteria to detect all affected newborns. "Our study, which included all suspected cases of microcephaly in newborns in Brazil up to February, discarded three out of five cases after a full investigation as most suspected cases ended up being normal newborn babies with small heads. However, one in five definite or probable Zika cases had head circumference values in the normal range. Therefore, the current focus on microcephaly screening alone is too narrow," explains lead author Professor Cesar G Victora from the Universidade Federal de Pelotas in Brazil. Zika virus is known to cause microcephaly, a birth defect marked by smaller head and brain size. Following the 2015 Zika outbreak in northeast Brazil, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) set up a surveillance system for microcephaly, and suspected cases were selected on the basis of small head circumferences. By February 27, 2016, nearly 5909 suspected cases were reported, including 5554 (94%) live births. In the largest case series on suspected Zika virus infection to date, Victora and colleagues used data from the Brazilian MOH surveillance system to describe the clinical (eg, sex, gestational age, imaging findings, maternal history of rash, mortality) and anthropometric (eg, head circumference and birthweight) characteristics of live born babies. In total, they reviewed all 1501 live born cases (27%) that had been fully investigated. Suspected cases were divided into five categories according to diagnostic certainty of Zika infection: definite, highly probable, moderately probable, somewhat probable, and discarded (not deemed to be Zika). The findings showed that compared with 899 cases who were discarded, the 602 definite or probable cases had small head circumference at birth and their mothers were more likely to experience a rash during pregnancy (21% vs 61%). They were also four times more likely to die in the first week of life. Rashes in late pregnancy were linked with brain abnormalities despite normal head sizes. Development of the cranium largely occurs by week 30, so children can be born with normal sized heads but still have important brain damage. This finding raises the possibility that Zika virus infection in newborn babies might lead to brain damage, say the authors. Importantly, over 100 of the definite or probable cases had head circumferences within normal range and would not have been included in an analysis for Zika if smaller cutoffs had been used. "Although we believe that the underreporting of microcephaly cases is rare during the epidemic, newborns infected with the virus late in pregnancy may go unreported due to their head size being within normal range," says Victora. "Moreover, for a third of these definite or probable cases there was no history of rash during pregnancy." According to Victora, "Our findings suggest that among pregnancies affected by Zika virus, some fetuses will have brain abnormalities and microcephaly, other will have abnormalities with normal head sizes, and others will not be affected. A surveillance system aimed at detecting all affected newborns should not just focus on microcephaly and rash during pregnancy and should be revised, and examination of all newborns during epidemic waves should be considered." However, the authors note that these findings should be taken with caution, particularly because of the missing data that is inevitable when using routine surveillance systems. They also cannot yet determine the ideal cut-off point for head circumference with certainty, as knowledge about Zika virus congenital syndrome is quickly evolving. The authors also show that the peak of the microcephaly epidemic occurred at the end of 2015, about 6 to 9 months later than the peak of the Zika virus epidemic in northeast Brazil. Since then, the numbers of newly reported cases of microcephaly have been falling steadily. Victora predicts that, "Because a new wave of Zika virus infection took place in Southeastern Brazil in early 2016, there could be a second wave of microcephaly at the end of the year." Writing in a linked Comment, Dr Jorg Heukelbach from the Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil, and Dr Guilherme Loureiro Werneck from the Department of Epidemiology, Social Medicine Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, say: "For incorporating new information besides microcephaly and rash during pregnancy to detect all affected cases, neurological signs and symptoms could be eligible, but might be difficult to obtain in most settings because of insufficient specialised personnel. The development of an accurate serological test that could be incorporated into routine prenatal care will be essential, and its validation a research priority...While the current outbreak is a paradigmatic example of how quickly evolving systematic scientific evidence can (and should) change the view on a disease within months, it can be expected that public health authorities, and also the scientific community, will struggle for many years with Zika epidemics and its consequences in Brazil and elsewhere." A study of how crystals moved in magma under the Mount St Helens volcano before the 1980 eruption may have signalled that an eruption was probable. Scientists say that similar measurements may indicate the possibility of eruption in some other, well-studied volcanoes, but caution that this is not a technique which could be applied to every volcano. The eruption of Mount St Helens in Washington State, on 18 May 1989, was the most significant volcanic eruption in the contiguous United States in the last 100 years. The eruption column rose to 80,000 feet (24 kilometres) and deposited ash in 11 states. Fifty-seven people were killed as a direct result of the eruption. Since then, Mount St Helens has become one of the most studied volcanoes in the world, as scientists have tried to understand what caused the eruption. Now a group of international researchers, led by the University of Bristol, studying the movement of crystals in magma believes that they may have found signs that could indicate a risk of future eruptions at Mount St Helens, and possibly some other volcanoes. The work is presented at the Goldschmidt geochemistry conference in Yokohama, Japan. Professor Jon Blundy, lead researcher from the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol, said: "We looked for signs in the way zoned feldspar crystals grew and moved beneath Mount St Helens in the build-up to the 1980 eruption. Crystals in erupted volcanic rocks are made up of concentric layers, like rings of a tree. The crystal layers, just a few hair's breadths across, have a distinct chemical composition that reflects the conditions under which they grew in the underground magma system prior to eruption. In other words, they can show where they were formed and the pressure and temperature conditions at the time of formation. "If you can read the record preserved in the zoned crystals, you can learn where and when molten magma has moved under the volcano. Rapid upwards movement of magma at depths of several km is a pretty good indication that something significant is happening. We have found a way of correlating the crystal composition to where they came from." The researchers found that in the three years immediately before the eruption, there was a significant movement of magma under Mount St Helens, which carried the crystals from 12 kilometres below the volcano to around four kilometre below the volcano. Professor Blundy added: "This indicates that the magma system beneath the volcano had become destabilised, probably in the months to years before the eruption. What we are doing is not a real-time monitoring, but a retrospective study of what happened prior to the last eruption. Now we have found this movement, it's reasonable to assume that similar movement will precede any further eruptions from this and perhaps many other volcanoes." The researchers will continue to monitor Mount St Helens, but they hope to be able to begin to monitor the record of zoned feldspar crystals in the magma of other well-studied volcanoes, such as Uturuncu in Bolivia, Mt Pinatubo (Philippines), and Bezymianny (Russia). Professor Blundy explained: "There is probably no single factor which can predict when a volcano erupts. What we have found, namely destabilisation of deeply-stored magma and its ascent to shallow levels in the crust, may be one key factor, which may be especially useful in circumstances where we can monitor a volcano closely over a period of years." Associate Professor Georg Zellmer, from Massey University, New Zealand, said: "The study of chemical variations in crystals has become a key indicator of magmatic processes under active and dormant volcanoes. Refining the pressure-temperature-time resolution of this record is at the forefront of ongoing research in this field. The critical next step towards real-time volcanic hazard mitigation will be to link such data with geophysical volcano monitoring efforts." The loss of brain tissue, called brain atrophy, is a normal part of aging, but multiple sclerosis (MS) accelerates the process. Such atrophy is a critical indicator of physical and cognitive decline in MS, yet because measuring brain atrophy is expensive and complicated, it's done primarily in research settings. That may be changing. Starting next month, University at Buffalo researchers will be testing in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Latin America a new software tool they developed that could make assessing brain atrophy part of the clinical routine for MS patients. The research is funded by Novartis, as part of its commitment to advance the care for people with MS with effective treatments and tools for assessment of disease activity. According to the UB researchers, being able to routinely measure how much brain atrophy has occurred would help physicians better predict how a patient's disease will progress. It could also provide physicians with more information about how well MS treatments are working in individual patients. These and other benefits were outlined in a recent review study the researchers published in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. "Measuring brain atrophy on an annual basis will allow clinicians to identify which of their patients is at highest risk for physical and cognitive decline," said Robert Zivadinov, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and director of the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. Over the past 10 years, he and his colleagues at UB, among the world's most prolific groups studying brain atrophy and MS, developed the world's largest database of magnetic resonance images of individuals with MS, consisting of 20,000 brain scans with data from about 4,000 MS patients. The new tool, Neurological Software Tool for Reliable Atrophy Measurement in MS, or NeuroSTREAM, simplifies the calculation of brain atrophy based on data from routine magnetic resonance images and compares it with other scans of MS patients in the database. More than lesions Without measuring brain atrophy, clinicians cannot obtain a complete picture of how a patient's disease is progressing, Zivadinov said. advertisement "MS patients experience, on average, about three to four times more annual brain volume loss than a healthy person," he said. "But a clinician can't tell a patient, 'You have lost this amount of brain volume since your last visit.'" Instead, clinicians rely primarily on the presence of brain lesions to determine how MS is progressing. "Physicians and radiologists can easily count the number of new lesions on an MRI scan," said Zivadinov, "but lesions are only part of the story related to development of disability in MS patients." And even though MS drugs can stop lesions from forming, in many cases brain atrophy and the cognitive and physical decline it causes will continue, the researchers say. "While the MS field has to continue working on solving challenges related to brain atrophy measurement on individual patient level, its assessment has to be incorporated into treatment monitoring, because in addition to assessment of lesions, it provides an important additional value in determining or explaining the effect of disease-modifying drugs," Zivadinov and co-authors wrote in a June 23 editorial that was part of a series of commentaries in Multiple Sclerosis Journal addressing the pros and cons of using brain atrophy to guide therapy monitoring in MS. Soon, the UB researchers will begin gathering data to create a database of brain volume changes in more than 1,000 patients from 30 MS centers in the U.S. and around the world. The objective is to determine if NeuroSTREAM can accurately quantify brain volume changes in MS patients. advertisement The software runs on a user-friendly, cloud-based platform that provides compliance with privacy health regulations such as HIPAA. It is easily available from workstations, laptops, tablets, iPads and smartphones. The ultimate goal is to develop a user-friendly website to which clinicians can upload anonymous scans of patients and receive real-time feedback on what the scans reveal. NeuroSTREAM measures brain atrophy by measuring a certain part of the brain, called the lateral ventricular volume (LVV), one of the brain structures that contains cerebrospinal fluid. When atrophy occurs, the LVV expands. Canary in the coal mine "The ventricles are a surrogate measure of brain atrophy," said Michael G. Dwyer III, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Bioinformatics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. "They're the canary in the coal mine." Dwyer, a computer scientist and director of technical imaging at the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, is principal investigator on the NeuroSTREAM software development project. At the American Academy of Neurology meeting in April, he reported preliminary results showing that NeuroSTREAM provided a feasible, accurate, reliable and clinically relevant method of measuring brain atrophy in MS patients, using LVV. "Usually, you need high-resolution research-quality brain scans to do this," Dwyer explained, "but our software is designed to work with low resolution scans, the type produced by the MRI machines normally found in clinical practice." To successfully measure brain atrophy in a way that's meaningful for treatment, Zivadinov explained, what's needed is a normative database through which individual patients can be compared to the population of MS patients. "NeuroSTREAM provides context, because it compares a patient's brain not just to the general population but to other MS patients," said Dwyer. A group of teenagers on work experience at Keele University in Staffordshire, UK, may have discovered a new planet. Twenty four students in years 10, 11 and 12, boys and girls aged 15 to 17, from local schools and colleges came together for the week in the Lennard-Jones building at Keele to work on a research project that aimed to discover exoplanets -- planets that orbit other stars -- and to characterise eclipsing stellar binary systems. The highlight of their week at Keele has been the discovery of at least one new strong exoplanetary candidate -- a Neptune-sized planet in a 19-day orbit around a sun-like star. The potential planet orbits a star, much like the Sun, that is about 800 light years away in the constellation of Virgo. The star was previously an anonymous object, about 100 times fainter than you could see with the naked eye. The results of their work are feeding into Keele's ongoing research into exoplanetary systems and binary stars and some of the discoveries will be followed-up immediately next week by Professor Rob Jeffries, of Keele's Astrophysics group, with spectroscopy at the 2.5-m Isaac Newton Telescope in the Canary Islands. During this week, Professor Jeffries, Dr Pierre Maxted and the Astrophysics group at Keele hosted "Project Tatooine." A key focus of the project was to search for rare examples of "circumbinary exoplanets" -- those planets that orbit around a double star, like the fictional Tatooine from the film "Star Wars." The students carefully examined thousands of light curves: precise measurements of stellar brighteness taken every 30 minutes over the course of 75 days by NASA's Kepler satellite observatory. In teams, they characterised the light curves, identified eclipsing binary systems and searched for the elusive transit signals of orbiting exoplanets. They collated their results, produced a final report and delivered a presentation of their work to each other and the Astrophysics group. advertisement Professor Jeffries said: "The project entailed the students rapidly assimilating a great deal of new knowledge about stellar variability and astrophysical measurements. They also had to practise and improve many transferable skills: team building, time management, information retrieval, communication and presentation, computing and problem solving. They also had the opportunity to visit the observatory at Keele University." The students worked in teams of six to analyse data, and the team who made the discovery consisted of students from Trentham High School, South Cheshire College, Sandbach School and Congleton School. Josh, 15, who is studying Triple Science at Trentham High School, made the discovery whilst analysing data from thousands of light curves. He commented: "Its been a fun week, and I've met new people, and you'd never do this anywhere else. And because the information is all public, if I want to, I can now go home and do more research myself, and learn more." Whilst Josh and his team were working on writing up their discovery, another student also uncovered some promising data. Rob, from Newcastle College, has also found a potential exoplanet candidate, of a similar size and orbit as the initial discovery. Professor Jeffries added: "We think this is probably another exoplanet candidate. And it's remarkably similar to the first one we found. This one's got an orbital period of about 18 days, and is also about the size of Neptune." "Many of our astrophysics undergraduate students work on projects associated with data from the Keplar telescope, but also the telescopes that we operate at Keele called superWASP, which is a ground-based experiment which does very similar things, just not with the same precision. So that's very good for finding things the size of Jupiter around these stars, whereas Keplar can pick up things the size of Neptune and even smaller." The structural oddity of the speech pattern of the Star Wars character Master Yoda is probably one of the most instantly recognisable of all TV and film characters, even to those unfamiliar with the Star Wars series of films themselves. But how well does this speech 'oddity' translate into the accompanying sub-titles, and can we learn about how the structure of language can add weight to the perception of a character? Elaine Espindola, a researcher from the Department of Translation and Interpretation Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile, explains why she thinks we can in her article published in the journal WORD. Espindola compared the original 'spoken texts' of Yoda to the written Portuguese subtitles by breaking each quote down and analysing where the 'theme' of the quote (for example fear or death) appeared in relation to the subject of the sentence -- the noun, noun phrase or pronoun that performs the action in the sentence. Yoda's speech idiosyncrasy is commonly reversing the grammatical rule that the subject of the sentence will comes before the verb, and the object comes after. One example would be "To fight this Lord Sidious, strong enough you are not.," rather than 'You are not strong enough to fight Lord Sidious'. Espindola says "I hope this study has contributed relevant insights to the discussion of linguistic aspects of translation, more specifically subtitles, opening up room for studies that may enrich the field of theory and practice of (AudioVisual) Translation Studies." Espindola finds that in the original scripted versions of the films and in the sub-titles, various techniques are used to present this analogous structure and that although these are not always the same thematic technique, they both serve to present the world view of the character. One example of this is how Yoda will place the element he wants to emphasize and the initial place in a sentence -- "Learn, you will.." She concludes that these elements in both the spoken text and sub-titles are central to the construal of the identity of the character by the viewer. Yoda's status as a wise, powerful and illustrious Jedi may be thanks, in part, to his unusual use of language. Physicians may be drawing conclusions too soon about survival outcomes of patients who suffered a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. A study led by Bentley Bobrow, MD, professor at the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Tucson and Phoenix and co-director of the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center -- Phoenix, and his fellow UA emergency medicine researchers, showed that physicians may need to allow comatose cardiac arrest patients much more time to awaken before making a prognosis. Gary Brauchla knows this from first-hand experience. The day after his son's twins were born in 2012, Brauchla, 68, went into cardiac arrest as he slept in his home in Pearce, Ariz. Brauchla's wife, Kathie, a former surgical technician, immediately called 911 and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Fifteen minutes later, paramedics took over administering CPR and shocked his heart with a defibrillator, restoring his heart rhythm. Though Brauchla's heart was restarted, he remained in a coma as he was flown by helicopter to Tucson. There, doctors treated him with coronary stents and therapeutic hypothermia (cooling his body) to reduce his brain's need for oxygen and minimize the risk of brain injury. advertisement "The doctors said it usually takes up to 48 hours for people to wake up, but after two days he still was not responding," said Kathie. Brauchla remained in a deep coma, until finally, 72 hours after he was rewarmed, he gradually began to awaken. "After 48 hours, doctors used to start talking about pulling the plug," said Kathie. More than 400,000 Americans experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually. Survival statistics are bleak: although approximately 50 percent of people who arrest are revived after attempted resuscitation, only about 10 percent of these survive to leave the hospital. Furthermore, almost half of the survivors suffer some level of brain impairment from hypoxia (when the brain is not getting enough oxygen). While out-of-hospital cardiac arrest still is a leading cause of death in the United States, outcomes have improved dramatically in places like Arizona, where the focus has been on innovative health-care advances, Dr. Bobrow said. Advances include compression-only CPR training for the public, enhanced telephone-CPR instructions and training for 911 dispatchers, implementing high-performance CPR for EMS providers and making sure patients are taken to specialized hospitals that deliver treatments like targeted therapeutic hypothermia to improve brain recovery. advertisement Results from the multicenter UA study, recently published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, showed for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, the time it takes to regain consciousness after rewarming from therapeutic hypothermia treatment varies widely and is longer than many had thought. "Most patients are comatose after resuscitation and accurately predicting those who will wake up can be extremely challenging," Dr. Bobrow said. "There are many factors involved, but we know that it is common for doctors to try to decide who will and who won't wake up after 24 to 48 hours of hospitalization. However, our study found that a substantial number of cardiac arrest victims wake up longer than many people would expect. Sometimes they awaken from coma five, six or seven days after being admitted to the hospital and many of these have a good neurological outcome," he said. Among 573 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who completed targeted temperature management, 60 woke up at least 48 hours after rewarming. Eight patients became responsive more than seven days after rewarming, six of whom were discharged with good neurological scores. One of the important findings was no predictive factors reliably identified who would awaken early or late. Dr. Bobrow said, "We were surprised by the large proportion of cardiac arrest survivors who woke up more than three days after their arrest and went home with their families. "While targeted therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve outcomes, no validated system currently exists for predicting when patients receiving this treatment will awaken from coma. Physicians and family members may need to wait longer than the traditional three days before making irrevocable decisions about brain function recovery and possible withdrawal of care," he said. "Our study quantifies the timing of awakening from a coma after cardiac arrest in the era of targeted temperature management, and this timing is much different than before we had this treatment," said Daniel Spaite, MD, UA professor and Virginia Piper Distinguished Chair of Emergency Medicine. "We may be able to save thousands of lives each year across the country by simply giving cardiac arrest victims more time to awaken in the hospital," said Samuel Keim, MD, professor and chair of the UA Department of Emergency Medicine. When Brauchla first woke up, he struggled with some neurological issues, but continued to improve. Since then, he has fully recovered and so far has run twelve 5K races. He now serves as the president of the newly formed Arizona Cardiac Arrest Survivors Group. In this role, he speaks to patients and their families, teaches bystander CPR classes and works to get more AEDs (automated external defibrillators) into the community. Brauchla's message to families, physicians and emergency medical personnel: "Everyone needs to be able and willing to do bystander CPR. And then, don't give up!" Frigate birds were already known for their ability to fly continuously for weeks without landing. A telemetric study of their trajectory and flight strategy has just revealed that they can remain airborne for over two months during their transoceanic migrations. These astute strategists take advantage of atmospheric conditions encountered in tropical waters (trade winds and cloud updraft) to fly and glide over thousands of kilometers by minimizing the beating of their wings and thus their energy use. The results of this study, led by Henri Weimerskirch of the Centre d'etudes biologiques de Chize (CNRS/Universite de La Rochelle) in partnership with colleagues based in La Reunion, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany1, were published on July 1, 2016 in the journal Science. A sea bird that is difficult to observe, which makes it somewhat of an enigma, the frigate bird (Fregata minor) is extremely light and equipped with very long and wide wings that give it an extraordinary ability to glide and climb in updrafts without beating its wings. With the longest period of parental care of all birds, and its inability to land on water2 (even while depending entirely on flying fish that it must capture in flight), the frigate bird is a subject of choice for the Early life3 research project focusing on the behavior of young marine predators. A team of researchers thus conducted a major program to tag frigate birds on Europa Island in the Mozambique Channel, a breeding ground for the species. Approximately fifty adult and juvenile specimens were equipped with autonomous sensors that can simultaneously measure, over several months, the GPS position, cardiac frequency, and wingbeats of frigate birds. This data makes it possible to break down the bird's flight, and determine whether it is beating its wings or gliding, and therefore deduce its movement and energy expenditure. On a large scale, the recordings show that frigate birds make their transoceanic flights between Africa and Indonesia by following the edge of the tropical cyclone formation area near the Equator, often called the doldrums4 by sailors. They use favorable winds (trade winds) to effortlessly make immense circles in the Indian Ocean. The juveniles in particular, who leave their birthplace for the first time, travel thousands of kilometers and, even more surprisingly, can remain airborne for over two months without touching ground. On a smaller scale, within these circular trajectories, the studies reveal that frigate birds follow a roller-coaster flight pattern. Using the convection under cumulus clouds, they gain altitude by gliding without beating their wings, and with very little energy expenditure. The recordings then show short periods of total inactivity, suggesting that frigate birds potentially sleep for a few minutes during this ascent phase. Once they have reached the bottom of a cumulus cloud, at an altitude of 600 or 700 meters, they glide down over kilometers without expending energy. In order to glide over longer distances in less cloudy areas, frigate birds regularly climb to very high altitudes (of 3,000 to 4,000 meters) by flying inside cumulus clouds, where they can take advantage of strong updrafts. However, they also encounter negative temperatures there, for which their plumage devoid of down is not adapted. This study raises numerous questions regarding the capacity of frigate birds to sleep in flight and resist the extreme conditions encountered within cumulus clouds, as well as the strategy they use to avoid tropical cyclones in their path. Notes: 1 The project involved: the Laboratoire Entropie (CNRS/Universite de La Reunion) in France, l'universite de Bangor (UK), l'universite de Vancouver (Canada) and l'universite technologique de Munich (Germany). 2 Their plumage is not waterproof. 3 Early life: the goal of this research project, funded by the Conseil Europeen de la Recherche (ERC), is to provide new information on the first months of life for seabirds and juvenile seals, by following them during their dispersion phase in the Southern Ocean and tropical waters. 4 The doldrums, or intertropical convergence zone, is a belt of low pressure areas a few hundred kilometers North to South that surrounds the Earth near the Equator, and is characterized by the absence of wind. Thursday, 30 June 2016 00:06:17 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo Dominican Republics commission of trade defense, CDC, expects to decide in September this year whether it will remove AD duties over the Turkish imports of steel rods and bars. According to CDC, existing duties over the Turkish product applied under the CDC-RD-AD-107-2011 resolution will continue valid until a final decision on the matter is made. CDC held a public hearing on June 17, 2016, so all the parties involved in the case could present their arguments as well as relevant information for the investigation. CDC applied a 14 percent ad-valorem duty over the imports of the product for ex-mill orders, in addition to a 20 percent most-favored-nation (MFN) duty. When the baby porcupine arrived at the wildlife orphanage, he was the size of half a loaf of bread. His quills had hardened, but the porcupine was probably only a week old. A local potato farmer in Hoedspruit, South Africa, had caught the baby porcupine in a trap, after the animal had eaten some of the farmer's crops. Instead of killing the porcupine (as many farmers in South Africa do), he contacted Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage, a place that cares for orphaned and injured wildlife, and teaches local children to care for animals and their environment. The porcupine was too young to survive on his own, so Ian and Michele Merrifield, co-directors of Daktari, offered to adopt the porcupine, whom they appropriately named Spikey. Dodo Shows Little But Fierce Pocket-Sized Kitten Grows Up To Be A Wild Woman Ian and Michele had never cared for a porcupine before, so it was a steep learning curve for them. "He had to be bottle-fed," Ian tells The Dodo, "but we had to estimate what he would need. We tried to do research online but there wasn't a lot of information. We used mammals that we cared for before as a baseline and we added egg yolk and cream to normal cow milk and we added protexin, which is a bacteria that they need to aid in digestion." Spikey initially just took milk, but as he got older, he ate maize porridge with chopped up fruit and vegetables. "He really liked eating," says Ian. "Eating and sleeping were his whole life." He also loved cuddles and pets! Even though most of Spikey's body was covered in quills, he had soft, bristly fur at his front, under his arms, and on his face. "The volunteers would stoke his belly, under the arms, and behind his very human-like ears," says Ian. "Spikey would jump on their lap and nuzzle their neck." A year later, Spikey was the size of a 5-gallon bucket, and Ian and Michele decided it was time for him to return to the wild. "We just decided he would be happier free, and if he had any problems, he could come back for food. He still does come back! We aren't sure if it's because he needs the food or just enjoys our company." The biggest surprise for the Merrifields wasn't that Spikey came back for food - it was that Spikey returned with two babies. He turned out to be a she. "We'd thought Spikey was definitely a male, so we were a bit surprised when she showed up with babies," says Ian. The babies were a little bit nervous around the Merrifields and their team of volunteers, and usually stayed around the back of the buildings at Daktarti, rather than coming into the Merrifields' "lapa," or outdoor living space. But Ian believes Spikey was showing her babies off. "It's wonderful seeing Spikey live a full life in the wild, and having a family of her own," says Ian. "I feel like a very proud parent." Farley, an Australian shepherd, is known as the "manager" of New Jersey's Funny Farm Rescue. Funny Farm Rescue That's because he's more than just a dog - he's the one who makes it his responsibility to take care of all the other animals at the rescue, no matter how big ... Funny Farm Rescue ... or small. Funny Farm Rescue Farley first arrived to the rescue as a foster, given that his original owners were unable to continue caring for him, Laurie Zaleski, founder of the rescue, told The Dodo. However, Zaleski soon realized that she had grown too attached to see Farley anywhere else but at the farm - so it became his permanent home. Dodo Shows Soulmates Growling Little Kitten Becomes Her Mom's Best Friend Funny Farm Rescue With his new forever home, Farley gained a new forever family as well. While he proves to be a good sport with all of the animals at the farm today, that wasn't always the case. Farley and Zaleski | Funny Farm Rescue Since the 9-month-old pup is a herding dog, Farley couldn't break that habit right away. Farley leading the crew | Funny Farm Rescue "I had to teach him, 'No, you're not allowed to herd around these animals; these are rescues,'" she said. "They've already been through enough and the last thing they need is a dog herding them." Farley checking in on a rescue kitten | Funny Farm Rescue Rather than view the animals as beings to round up, Farley learned to care for them as siblings. Farley playing lifeguard to Doodle the duck | Funny Farm Rescue It didn't take long for him to catch on from there. Farley really loves his baby ducks | Funny Farm Rescue Now Farley is not just the most caring dog on the farm, but he's also the most patient. Funny Farm Rescue Zaleski said he's able to put up with a lot. Whether it's baby birds pecking at him or having to get in the middle of a turkey and peacock to prevent a fight, nothing seems to faze him. Funny Farm Rescue Farley seems to be especially good around baby birds and kittens. Funny Farm Rescue There's nothing he enjoys more than cleaning them up with his tongue. Funny Farm Rescue More recently, Farley's remained at the side of a goat named Cowboy who's currently healing from a broken leg, providing the young goat much-needed company and comfort. Funny Farm Rescue "He just wants to help everyone," Zaleski said. "He's a sweetheart of a dog. He's in love with people and all animals." Funny Farm Rescue [June 30, 2016] Renowned Fashion Icon Tim Gunn Returns as Guest Speaker for ideation2016 TOLLAND, Conn., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerber Technology is proud to announce that Tim Gunn, famed fashion and television personality, will return by popular demand as a guest speaker at ideation2016. Tim Gunn will engage in a fireside chat with Gerber Technology CEO Mike Elia as they explore how technology is making it easier for anyone in the world to design, manufacture and sell beautiful garments. Ideation, the premier software conference for the fashion, apparel, accessories and footwear industries, will be held in South Beach, Miami at The Ritz-Carlton September 28-30. Tim Gunn is the Emmy-winning co-host and mentor for Lifetime's Project Runway, where he also serves as one of the show's producers. In addition to his television prowess, he served as Fashion Dean at Fifth & Pacific, where he was responsible for attracting, retaining and developing the creative talent within the portfolio of brands. Prior to his office at Fifth & Pacific, he was the Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. Gunn served as a member of the administration and faculty at Parsons School of Design an institution he shares a rich and deep history with, having served there for 29 years where he was Design Chair of the Department of Fashion Design. Gunn is also a New York Time best-selling author penning Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work, and Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet. Tim released his fourth book, Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making It Work! in Spring 2015. "Tim Gunn's energy and passion as keynote speaker at last year's ideation conference was both inspirational and entertaining. His steadfast dedication to design education and technology-led solutions will help attendees gain important industry knowledge and invaluable insights equipping students and individuals with the right tools and technology to thrive in an ever-transforming market," said Mike Elia, CEO, Gerber Technology. "Mr. Gunn exemplifies the dynamism, creativity and innovation of fashion and we are honored to welcome him back to ideation." For over 15 years, Gerber Technology's ideation conference has been the premier software event dedicated to fashion and retail professionals, who rely on CAD and PLM solutions to get their products to market faster, minimize costs and ensure quality. To register for ideation2016, please visit: www.gerbertechnology.com/ideation2016/register.html About Gerber Technology Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves more than 78,000 customers in 130 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel & accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign & graphics. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China. Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and managing more than $2 billion of equity capital. Visit www.gerbertechnology.com for more information. Contact: Jamie Bibb Tel: +1 419 244 7766 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385473LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-fashion-icon-tim-gunn-returns-as-guest-speaker-for-ideation2016-300292953.html SOURCE Gerber Technology [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Does Louie look like a dog who spent most of his life in a fighting pit? This browser does not support the video tag. Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue Didn't think so. "That's the misconception," Jason Flatt, founder of Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue, tells The Dodo. "That's what a fighting dog looks like." Really? All tail waggings and licks and hugs? "Everyone thinks these fighting dogs are these 100-pound monsters," Flatt explains. "They're usually between 35 and 50 pounds and they're kept really thin and muscular." Except for Louie. Dodo Shows Little But Fierce Pocket-Sized Kitten Grows Up To Be A Wild Woman This browser does not support the video tag. Friends to the Forlorn Pitbull Rescue The 2-year-old pit bull type was wasting away when authorities raided a fighting operation in Macon, Georgia, in April. "He was eating broken bottles," Flatt says. Flatt, who is based in Dallas, was visiting Macon-Bibb Animal Welfare Department when he heard about Louie's case. He was there to pick up an emaciated puppy named Lulu, who, at just 5 months old, weighed less than 10 pounds. Then he found about about Louie, who was among 12 dogs seized from a Macon property. The dogs had been left behind when their owner was evicted. Before Flatt left the animal shelter with Lulu, he asked the shelter if they could pick out a dog from the former fighting ring who needed the most help of all. He was introduced to Louie. Flatt would end up taking him home too. With ruined knees from a lifetime at the end of a heavy logging chain and a shattered elbow from a bite, Louie was deemed the worst of the worst. But his heart proved to be the brightest of the bright. "Fighting dogs are not bred to be human aggressive," Flatt says. "People mistake that all the time. They're amazing for their resiliency. As much as they may sometimes hurt another animal, they want to please a human twice as much." Louie may boast a mighty heart, but his knees are weak and will need two separate surgeries. He'll be administered steroids in the days ahead, as well as heartworm medication. It will be at least six months before he will be ready for his forever home. Meanwhile Louie's ex-owner, a man named Martin Luther King, was charged with dogfighting, to go along with 11 counts of cruelty to animals. "To have a name like that - a guy who was all for equality and rights and was such a peaceful person who did things the right way," Flatt says. He's currently looking to buy a 14-acre tract of land behind his existing property of 16 acres in Dallas. "I'm trying to build the country's first hardcore pit bull shelter," he says. Flatt's plan calls for a multimillion dollar, 20,000-square-foot building. It will feature a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor play areas and runs, as well as veterinary and grooming stations. A part of that facility will be dedicated to former fighting dogs as a sanctuary for those seized in raids.

ISPCA

When you see puppies being sold in pet stores, those puppies usually didn't get there in the best of ways. Thirty puppies were recently rescued from the illegal puppy trade from the Cairnryan Ferry Port in Scotland - 10 earlier this week and 20 earlier this month. The puppies were found piled in awful conditions, confused and helpless. Dodo Shows Odd Couples Dog And Wild Dolphin Play Whenever They See Each Other ISPCA The Scottish SPCA took in all 30 puppies, and then transferred them to the Irish SPCA (ISPCA), as the puppies likely came from Ireland. "Unfortunately the puppy trade is big business in Scotland, with thousands of dogs being brought into the country each year, from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in particular," an undercover inspector with the Scottish SPCA said in a press release sent to The Dodo. ISPCA The breeds of the puppies found included shih tzus, bichon frises, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, cocker spaniels, pugs, cavachons and cockapoos. Each of these puppies can be sold for over $1,000. ISPCA The ISPCA is now caring for the puppies, and they're all healthy, happy and doing well. "They are just adorable," Carmel Murray, public relations manager for the ISPCA, told The Dodo. "All of the puppies are now reserved and will be heading off to loving new homes very soon." ISPCA The wilderness might appear to be a cold and unfeeling place, distinct from the world where we live. But even amid the densest, most foreign-seeming jungle, there's something familiar to be found within the creatures who inhabit it - hearts not unlike our own. And as these stirring images show, those hearts can break. Dodo Shows Little But Fierce Pocket-Sized Kitten Grows Up To Be A Wild Woman Photographs taken in China's Qin Ling Mountains tell the tragic story of a mother golden snub-nosed monkey who had just lost her child, and how she grieved the loss. The baby monkey, who was just a year old, had been killed after falling from a tree while gathering food. Soon after, as People's Daily reports, his mother raced to where his lifeless body lay on a rock, "screaming as if she was calling her baby not to leave her." She could not revive him, but the mother did not relent. Instead, she scooped the baby's body into her arms, continuing to keep it close as if unable to accept her baby's sudden passing.

Helen Feeney

Helen Feeney feared the kitten was dead. The tiny animal lay on a plastic bag of rocks near a busy street in Bukit Lawang, Indonesia. The kitten's eyes were clamped shut, her body completely still. Feeney sucked in a breath, and reached a hand out. As soon as Feeney made contact with the kitten's filthy fur, the kitten started to purr. Still alive! Helen Feeney Feeney scooped the kitten up and sat with her on a chair at a nearby restaurant. But what could she do? Feeney was only in Indonesia on a short visit from the U.K., and she couldn't exactly take the kitten with her. The restaurant where Feeney sat was closed for Ramadan, a Muslim holiday celebrated in Indonesia, but Feeney wanted to feed the kitten. She went to a nearby shop and bought the best kitten-appropriate food she could find in the small town, which was an egg and a tin of sweetened milk. She borrowed a bowl from the restaurant and fed the kitten on her lap. "She was like a bag of bones," Feeney tells The Dodo, "so weak and helpless." Helen Feeney Now Feeney faced a tough decision - leave the kitten here, or find a way to help more? This wasn't the first suffering animal she'd come across in Indonesia, and she felt torn between her desire to help and the limitations of what she could do. "There have been many times in my travels where, with a heavy heart and tears of frustration, I've had to leave animals who need help because ... then what?" says Feeney. Dodo Shows Soulmates Dog Goes Everywhere In His Dad's Kangaroo Pouch Helen Feeney As luck would have it, Feeney's friend Rebecca had a school in the town - the Bukit Lawang Charitable Trust. "I started to think that I could take her there and she'd have a better chance of survival," says Feeney. "However I also knew that there are many cats in Bukit Lawang and the school may not appreciate me turning up with a stray kitten, and one that seemed unlikely to survive." As Feeney deliberated, the kitten crawled into Feeney's handbag. She was so little, she fit perfectly. Feeney laughed. The kitten had clearly made her own decision! The moment Indah crawled into Helen's handbag! | Helen Feeney Feeney started taking the kitten (named "Indah," which means "beautiful" in Indonesian) everywhere she went during the rest of her trip. Helen Feeney "Indah loves being in the handbag!" says Feeney. "She settles down in it really quickly and has slept away whilst we have been for walks in the jungle, for a swim in the river (her observing obviously), meals in restaurants and the long journeys to and from Medan in order to get her checked out by the vet and get worming tablets." Helen Feeney "She's almost like a little joey kangaroo! She genuinely seems to like it in there and I always hold the bag close, like holding a baby, rather than let it bang at my side. I put a couple of sarongs in there to make it cosy and it gives her a bit of extra height so her head pops out and she rests it in the bag whilst watching the world go by." Helen Feeney Feeney knew Indah would need ongoing care - she was just too young to survive on her own. So Feeney changed her travel plans. "I had a flight booked to Thailand which I couldn't change so I lost my money on that unfortunately and had to bite the bullet and buy a new one for a later date," she says. "I chose this date as a couple are returning to the school, and they love animals, so it seemed like an appropriate time to 'hand over' the responsibility as I fly to Sydney soon." Helen Feeney Still, Feeney worried about leaving Indah in Indonesia. Would the kitten end up on the streets again? Would she get enough food? Helen Feeney I met Feeney and Indah myself while I was visiting Bukit Lawang. As I heard she had a kitten in her handbag, I begged to hold her. Indah snuggled into my neck, and I fell in love. Feeney told me Indah's story, and said she was worried what would happen to the kitten after she left. I offered to adopt Indah if we could fly her over to the U.S. While this decision might seem frivolous, especially as there are plenty of needy cats and dogs back home, both Feeney and I didn't want to limit the compassion we felt for Indah. We also hope that by telling Indah's story, we can inspire others to find ways to ease the suffering of animals in Indonesia. Helen Feeney Feeney couldn't be happier about Indah moving to the U.S. "I'm ecstatic to know that she'll have a happy home with Elizabeth," she says. "I would take her myself, but my living circumstances in London, being in rented accommodation, don't allow me to have pets." Before Indah can fly to the U.S., she needs to grow a little older to get vaccinations, and we also need to obtain export permits and raise funds. When she finally does arrive, Feeney and I both think Indah will go crazy with excitement to be in a home ... and to meet some American cats! Many Asian cats (including Indah) have short, stumpy tails, so Indah will probably think that long American cat tails are so much fun to chase. Helen Feeney While Indah waits, she gets healthier each day. "Initially her eyes were very runny, and would often stick together," says Feeney. "Now they are big, bright and sparkly. Indah has gone from being so wobbly when standing that she would sometimes fall on her side, to running up and down the corridors, chasing imaginary critters." Helen Feeney "Even though she is just one kitten, she is a wonderful, spirit-filled animal. Too many times I've had to walk by animals who need help. This time I could do something. Yes, I've missed seeing places, meeting people, experiencing new things, but I have no regrets. At all," Feeney says. Helen Feeney To help Indah move to the U.S. to live a life of comfort, security and happiness, you can donate here. This summer, with Lawren Harris the darling of a town that once shunned him, and his paintings scoring historic-high prices at auction, whats ancient history is now old-is-new gossip. Not an artist of the starving persuasion, the Group of Seven legend who is the subject of a landmark exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario curated by Steve Martin sauntered into this world privileged; his family are the Harrises in Massey-Harris Co, the manufacturing giant and his world was one that afforded him access to expat stints abroad and the finest corridors of society. But what society giveth, it taketh away, making for an ironic undercurrent of todays Harris-mania, some 46 years after his death. To be the product of the haute class particularly then in Toronto was to live according to the rigid codes of that same class, and those were decisively broken when Harris left his equally well-bred first wife, Trixie, after more than 20 years of marriage, for Bess Housser, the wife of his best friend F.B. Housser. Harriss subsequent marriage to Bess (after a quickie divorce in Reno) was so controversial that Trixies family threatened to bring bigamy charges against him. (Complicating things further, an exhaustive biography of the artist states that, before they were together, Lawren, Bess, her husband, Fred, and his new girlfriend, Yvonne, were all shacked up together). In 1934 Toronto, writes James King in Inward Journey, the breakup of the Harris marriage would have caused a considerable story on its own, but the fact that Harris had taken up with the wife of his best friend, that his best friend has taken up with a woman who was an artist, that some kind of wife swap had occurred, and that the four were living together under the same roof suggested that all kinds of proprieties had been broken. The upshot: Lawren and Bess became refugees from scandal. Professional wanderers, they moved to New Hampshire, did a stint in the arty haven of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and eventually settled in Vancouver, in a house high above English Bay. Any returns to Toronto were short. Trixie, in the role of wronged wife, enjoyed much support back home, counting her ex-husbands painterly compatriot A.Y. Jackson among her backers; he sided with her for the rest of her life. (Tangled webs!) That detour from society life accentuates how well Harris straddled both patrician and nonconforming. Reading about his earlier years in Inward Journey, it struck me that there was quite a bit of compartmentalization, as there often is with such boho-aristos. Take the period during which Harris had a studio at Yonge and Cumberland Sts. (then quite measly quarters) while escaping his garret to attend strawberry teas thrown by Albert Edison Austin (grandson of James Austin, founder of the Dominion Bank and Consumers Gas) on the terrace of Spadina, the splendid mid-Victorian mansion set on the hilltop above the corner of Spadina and Davenport Road, not far from where Casa Loma would soon go up. Also, this: Harris was, in my mind, a trustafarian, a term that did not emerge until 1993, but one somersaults to mind with further examination. Wordspy.com describes it as a jobless person who has access to money especially a trust fund income who affects a laid back, bohemian lifestyle. You know them: the rich kids affecting the look of bearded lumberjacks, straggly-haired debutantes who look theyve gone fishing. One of the patron saints: British eco-adventurer David de Rothschild - yes of those Rothschilds - the Converse sneaker-wearing ecologist who once sailed a boat made entirely of plastic bottles from California to Sydney whos said to be worth $10 billion. Talent, of course, doesnt always meet means, thats for sure. So, when it does - as in the case of Harris the story is a treat. I cant help but think, too, of the grandson of a present-day billionaire here in Canada - a house-hold name - whos making a name as a DJ. Is that what Lawren might have gotten into on this side of the millennium? Would he have been investing in an app? Or would he have been an Instagram celebrity, as is the default gig of many a celebrity spawn? In the Toronto context, and out of the mists of time, Harris was nothing if not an early adopter. SHARE: The City of Markham is the proud new owner of a $10-million piece of junk and its beautiful. The Pride of Canada is an outlandish carousel made from metals collected across the country, repurposed into stunning sculptures intended to share Canadas story with Markhams new immigrant community. Standing some seven-metres-tall and 15-metres-wide, the mammoth 44-seater carousel features a rideable Mountie centaur, a mermaid wearing a maple leaf bra and a human-sized skate. It looks straight out of a Tim Burton movie, took two years to make and will be unveiled to the public on Canada Day. The concept was to take art and take the walls down and put it in public spaces so you interact with it, said Christopher Bratty, president of land development and investments with the Remington Group, the real estate and development firm behind Markhams multibillion-dollar new downtown. (Public art) creates gathering points; it creates places that young kids grow up and remember. Bratty whose CEO father, Rudy Bratty, was ranked as Canadas 71st richest person by Canadian Business magazine in 2015 spearheaded the project and commissioned the piece. The Remington Group paid for it as part of its $25-million public art initiative in downtown Markham. Brattys vision was to put a modern spin on a classic carousel and to share Canadian stories with Markhams burgeoning immigrant community. He had two demands: the carousel must represent Canadiana, and it must be sustainable. The carousel runs on a hybrid motor and is outfitted to eventually run on solar power to align with the sustainability goals his family-run company set for downtown development. In 2012, he came across renowned Canadian junk artist Patrick Amiot. Amiot, born in Montreal and now based in Sebastopol, Calif., is known for his quirky, larger-than-life junk art sculptures made from recycled metal. The pieces are so popular there that theyve become tourist attractions. But he had never done a carousel. I didnt know what I was getting into, said Amiot by phone from California, explaining the project took much trial and error to make. By the time it was done, I didnt even want to hear the word carousel. Amiot wanted the piece to be both symbolically and physically Canadian, so he crossed Canada, travelling the west half of the country for a couple of months, then the east for a few more, sourcing random things for the project, he said. He snatched up discarded metal from roadsides, antique shops and dumpsters. Then at his studio in Sebastopol, where he houses an acre of a junk, he pieced the works together. Brainstorming ideas for the sculptures, Amiot worked with what he had, including car fenders, dishwasher parts and hubcaps. He let the pieces inspire the works, for instance, sculpting a chicken There are chickens in Canada, why not? Mountie centaurs, a human-sized skate, a mermaid and 40 other sculptures. Some creations took two days, others two weeks. One started out as a bison and ended up as a horse head. Brigitte Laurent, an artist and his wife, painted them all. A team from Chicago-based Brass Ring Carousel Co., which works on Disney carousels, spent six months constructing the carousel framework at Amiots studio and giving him tips on making the sculptures more rider friendly. In my backyard, it looked humungous, Amiot said. Brass Ring owner Daniel Horenberger said the 15-metre carousel is the largest they make any bigger and they tip over. It took five semi-trucks three days to drive the disassembled carousel to Markham and two weeks to reassemble it, he said. The project took four years: two to build the carousel and two to build the glass pavilion, designed by Sheldon Levitt, a Toronto-based architect. I certainly think its genius, said Bratty of the final product, which is accompanied by rotating playlist of Canadian music. The (sculptures) are beautiful, but they certainly are wacky. Its toughest critics kids are yet to come. They will get the opportunity on Canada Day when rides on the Pride of Canada Carousel are free from noon to 5 p.m. After that, the carousel, at 8080 Birchmount Rd., will be open year-round seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rides will cost $2. Read more about: SHARE: Canadian politicians are ignoring fundraising emails purporting to be from the Donald Trump campaign while American election watchdogs have filed complaints in the U.S. over the emails that were apparently sent to politicians around the globe. A handful of Canadian MPs contacted by the Star confirmed they have received emails to their public accounts that appear to be fundraising efforts from the U.S. presidential candidates campaign. Please chip in before midnight tonight, read emails sent to Star reporter Daniel Dale Thursday from a teamtrump email address and another ending in @mikehuckabee.com. Similar notes have apparently been sent to the official email addresses of politicians from Britain, Australia and Iceland, according to a complaint filed Wednesday with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) that cites media reports. Former Prime Minister Kim Campbell tweeted about receiving such an email last week. Aside from fact I am (Canadian), clearly they dont follow me on Twitter! Campbell tweeted on June 21. The email said it was the first of its kind and the campaign promised to match any funds donated within 48 hours, she said. Larry Bagnell, Liberal MP for the Yukon, confirmed to the Star his office received what appeared to be a fundraising letter from Trumps campaign, but it was quickly deleted by his staff. I wouldnt take it seriously. I dont get involved in the internal politics of other countries, he said. Staffers for Alberta Conservative MPs Martin Shields (Bow River) and Arnold Viersen (Peace River-Westlock), as well as Liberal Navdeep Bains (Mississauga-Malton) confirmed emails were received and ignored. Requests for comment from the Trump campaign were not returned before deadline. The Campaign Legal Centre, a voters rights advocacy group, was one of the groups that filed a complaint with the FEC. The complainants allege the emails violate the Federal Election Campaign Acts ban on soliciting election campaign funds from foreign nationals and are asking for an investigation. This is clear black-letter law that foreign nationals cannot contribute to U.S. elections and candidates cannot solicit foreign nationals for contributions, said Brendan M. Fischer, a lawyer with the group. The law guards against foreign influence in American election campaigns, Fischer said. He called the fact that the emails appear to have been sent to official government addresses a clear red flag the notes were going to foreign nationals. If an investigation is launched and the campaign is found to be in violation of the law, it could face fines and a potential criminal investigation, Fischer said, but he doesnt anticipate any public action will be taken before the November election. The move comes amid reports Trumps campaign is scrambling for cash. According to the Washington Post, Trumps campaign entered June with only $1.3 million and dispatched its first official fundraising email last week. The FEC confirmed it had received the complaint from the Campaign Legal Center, but declined to comment further while the matter is before the commission. Fischer said the move to email dozens of foreign politicians on their official addresses appears to be unprecedented. Fischer agreed the move is ironic for a campaign so focused on closing borders and freezing out other nations. The candidate who wants to put America first is reaching out to foreign politicians for money. There is an irony in that. With files from Daniel Dale Read more about: SHARE: While the rest of Canada is celebrating July 1 with hot dogs and fire works, Newfoundlanders will be reflecting on the legacy of a defining moment in the First World War. It's been 100 years to the day since about 700 Newfoundlanders died or were wounded on the battlefield of Beaumont-Hamel in northern France. The battle, which kicked off the Battle of the Somme, became a defining moment that touched the lives of every Newfoundlander, says Gerald Peddle, an archdeacon with the Anglican Church and retired brigadier general who has turned the battle of Beaumont-Hamel into somewhat of a passion project. Literally, every home and family in Newfoundland was touched by it, one way or another, he said. On Friday, Peddle is leading the memorial service at the Canadian War Museum to honour the battles anniversary. An ocean away, about 2,500 people many Newfoundlanders are gathering at the very sight of the battle. Bill Hickey, a retired member of the 1st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and one of the Canadian delegates sent by Veterans Affairs to commemorate the anniversaries of the Battles of Baumont-Hamel and the Somme in France and Belgium, said its something everybody should see at least once in a lifetime. Its difficult to say, what you see here and how you feel and all this. Its hard to explain, you almost have to be here yourself, Hickey said. When youre in these places, these cemeteries, these places of honour, you read the name and you go back in time. Peddle couldnt agree more. He remembers stories his grandfather, who was one of the lucky to survive, told of the battle. Although the First World War touched the lives of every Canadian, it was especially hard on the people of Newfoundland, who were amongst the first to fight oversees, Peddle says. The impact of Beaumont-Hamel is still so keenly felt that the province celebrates Memorial Day on July 1 alongside Canada Day. But with each generation, Peddle says hes worried its meaning might fade. Up until now it wasnt a huge thing for me, it wasnt something interesting at all, said Rachel Moss, a 13-year-old from St. Johns Nfld. That all changed when she started doing research on her family history for a school project, and discovered that her great-great-uncle Ethelbert Moss, was a prisoner of war during the First World War who eventually escaped his captors only to find the war had ended. Mosss project won her a spot as a Canadian delegate, and she says seeing the sites of the war and the places where her relative and her friends relatives are buried has been a powerful history lesson. We lost a lot of people over here and its really just a special place to come and visit and learn about what they did for us, she said. Moss is one of four Newfoundland youth sent as Canadian delegates. Emily Park, 12, from Pasadena, Nfld. said the most surprising thing has been to stand in the place where history was made. You never get to see much stuff about the war in person, so I thought it would be a really neat experience, Park said. It was also her first time abroad, which has led to some culinary revelations as well. I nearly ate duck today thinking it was chicken I didnt, luckily, she said. SHARE: A new political party in British Columbia believes that Vancouver Island should become Canadas 11th province, and a former Toronto MP is leading the charge. Robin Richardson, the Progressive Conservative MP for the Beaches riding (now roughly Toronto-Danforth and Beaches-East York) for nine months in 1979 to 1980, is the founder and leader of the Vancouver Island Party. It was registered with Elections BC in March 2015 but only went public last week, and a key point in its platform is to eventually have the island become its own province. Vancouver Island is a wonderful place to live and work, but Federally, as well as provincially, the governments have largely ignored Vancouver Island, Richardson, an island native, told the Star in a phone interview. Richardson, an economist by trade, said he became interested in the idea of provincehood for Vancouver Island while writing a book on British Columbias pre-Confederation history two years ago in particular, the fact that mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island were separate colonies until 1866. He started the party because he felt there was a lot of support from other residents, and said he expects to have at least 3,000 members by the end of November (there are currently around 25). On its website, the party has a seven-part plan for achieving provincehood, with the first step focusing on electing party members to the legislative assembly in the 2017 provincial election. Richardson said a candidate will run in each of Vancouver Islands 14 districts, and he thinks up to seven will be elected on a platform that includes guaranteed annual income, free post-secondary education, a focus on an environmentally-friendly economy and tax breaks for the middle-class. From there, the party wants to hold a referendum on the island in 2021 asking residents if they support provincehood, form a government on the island and eventually negotiate its terms of provincehood with the federal government. Other than the 2017 election and referendum, there are no set dates for when each step will happen. If Im still alive [when Vancouver Island becomes a province], Ill be the premier, Richardson said while laughing, but thats not my motivating force. My motivating force is, I want to everybody to be better off, you know? Better off economically, socially and environmentally. He emphasized, though, that he wants the island to remain a part of Canada. Im not a separatist What were going to do is become independent from the rest of British Columbia, he said. I think that we can become much better off, much better off as a region of British Columbia and even better off as a province of Canada if we had our own government. This isnt the first time a collective has pushed for Vancouver Islands provincehood. The Vancouver Island Province Movement was launched in June 2013 and has been circulating both provincial and federal petitions asking for provincehood by 2021, and the apparently now-defunct and more radical Sovereign State of Vancouver Island Party formed the same summer, advocated for the island to separate not only from British Columbia but from Canada as a whole. The push for provincehood isnt unique to Vancouver Island, either. The idea of the Province of Toronto has been floated multiple times over the years perhaps most famously by then-Mayor Mel Lastman in 1999 during a spat with then-premier Mike Harris, and, more recently, in 2010 by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch. And in 1997, a Quebec lawyer made a case for the Province of Montreal while the Supreme Court of Canada was hearing arguments on the legality of Quebec declaring independence. Guy Bertrand argued that should Quebec secede, residents of Montreal and surrounding regions against sovereignty should be able to remain Canadians. As soon as Quebec becomes independent, two minutes later a new province will be born and no one can stop this movement, Bertrand told the Star in 1997. The desire for provincehood need not even be bound by Canadas current geographical borders the premier of Turks and Caicos, in the Caribbean, floated the idea of joining Canada in 2014. With files from Star staff How Vancouver Islands population compares: Nova Scotia: 921, 727 Vancouver Island: 759, 366 New Brunswick: 751, 171 Newfoundland and Labrador: 514, 536 Prince Edward Island: 140, 204 Source: Canada 2011 Census Read more about: SHARE: On Canada Day 1966, the country was awash in architectural exuberance. On islands of fill in the St. Lawrence River, 113 pavilions, including a gleaming geodesic dome some 76 metres in diameter and a giant inverted pyramid, were being readied for Montreals Expo 67. And across the nation, cranes were lifting a profusion of concert halls, libraries, parks, schools and museums into place for this countrys centennial celebrations the following year. In the heady, pre-centennial days, two young Canadians Raymond Moriyama and Moshe Safdie were beckoning future architectural fame with a pair of iconic works that would propel them to international prominence. Half a century later, such building abandon is entirely absent as the nations sesquicentennial approaches. Ottawas main contribution to the celebrations, the $210-million Canada 150 Fund, is largely supporting transitory events like a tall ship regatta; a travelling, 360-degree cinema and live arts festival; and a commemoration of the Montreal Expo. For the sesquicentennial, Ottawa will also offer up to $1 million a project for upgrades to community infrastructure like libraries, arenas, parks, museums and Legion halls. The numbers pale in comparison to the 1967 fair, which alone cost its federal, provincial and municipal backers some $280 million, a huge sum back then, with many tens of millions more being spent on the international and corporate pavilions that it hosted.) Fifty years ago in Montreal, 28-year-old Safdie was building the jumbled, experimental Habitat his first architectural project as an Expo exhibit. And in Toronto, Moriyama, then 35, would ignite his obscure career with the cascading and groundbreaking Ontario Science Centre. Those two buildings were happening at a moment of optimism and discovery in Canada, says Richard Sommer, dean of the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto. At a moment where there was a lot of support for innovation. Sommer says that such support for young, adventurous architects would be unlikely now. Would it be possible today in Canada . . . for someone at that point in their career to get a major public project of this kind? Sommer says. I have to say that would be a lot less likely than it was 50 years ago. The environment has become extremely much more conservative around who can get such commissions. But leading up to the centennial, says Safdie something was in the air. The Star spoke to Safdie and Moriyama, now elegant lions in winter, about their centennial contributions and the impact they had on their careers. From outhouses to the inner sanctum It was a dark and stormy day. I remember it was in August 1964 . . . early afternoon, says Moriyama. It was one of those days that are really black: (a) storm was coming. And I was thinking to myself, maybe theres some significance to what nature was telling me. The Vancouver-born architects most ambitious commissions to date had been the handful of park washrooms hed designed around his adopted Toronto. The 33-year-olds biggest contemporaneous contract had him building and tooling a plant for Caterpillar Inc. to strip paint off dozers and excavators. But there he was, driving reluctantly into that summer tempest after being summoned personally by Ray Connell, then Ontarios public works minister, to come down pronto and discuss a significant matter at his Queens Park office. Not knowing the minister from a hole in the ground, I told this man that Im too busy, Moriyama recalls of Connells initial phone call. And he went away. (But) 20 minutes later I received a phone call from Mr. Connell again and he said, This is very important . . . you better get your ass down here . . . it may make a difference in your life. Turns out, it did. Because what Connell would offer the erstwhile outhouse builder was the $30-million Ontario Science Centre project, the provinces key contribution to Canadas centennial celebrations three years hence. And while storms would come during the centres planning and development, that day would also lead to a whirlwind of prestigious Canadian and international commissions over the next four decades. These included such prized projects as the Toronto Reference Library, the Scarborough Civic Centre, the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Science North in Sudbury, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. When summoned to discuss the project that began his notable run, however, Moriyama believed one of two things must be up: The first: Connell had mistaken him for F.H. Marani, who had been designing courthouses, hospitals and office buildings for decades. The second: for reasons unknown, a top provincial minister wanted some washrooms built. When I got to the office (however), the secretary pronounced my name correctly Mr. Moriyama so I thought, thats one option off the table; they phoned the right guy, he says. So I thought, oh, its a small outhouse. But Connell, shirtsleeves up and cigar in hand, set him straight. He said, Do you know our centennial project? And I said, Im sorry to show my ignorance, but I didnt know that the province had a centennial project, Moriyama says. He said, Its some sort of science and technology building. Connell explained that Moriyama had been recommended by several established architects around the city, professional nods the young unknown viewed with skepticism. I could see (them) thinking: Who is the most obscure architect who doesnt have a ghost of a chance at getting the job? he says. Lets say that guy with the funny name. If true, the scheme to cop the project for the recommending architects own firms failed and Connell offered Moriyama the project, an offer he initially refused, fearing it would overwhelm his five-man office. However, after quickly considering the staggering fact that hed be the first architect with an odd name and an age under 40 to be given a major provincial commission, the urge to best the old boys network overwhelmed Moriyama. And the chance to work on a science and technology centre, the first of its kind anywhere, triggered a brazen side of the architect that he barely knew existed. Indeed, offered two established firms to assist on the project, he declined the help and insisted on complete control over the centres design. He would also have a say in its displays and their presentation. For inspiration on that front, he turned to ancient China and the teachings of Confucius. He said, When you hear, you forget; when you see, you remember some; but when you touch and do, it becomes part of you, he said. So the whole idea of (interactive) touch came about. You touch and you experience. Hands-on was not a word that people understood. How I convinced (officials), I dont know. The idea sparked the indignation of the contemporary curatorial community, who considered it little more than amusement park gimmickry. Yet since the Toronto facility at Don Mills Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E. opened in 1969, some 335 science centres worldwide have adopted Moriyamas hands-on model, and more than 40 million visitors have enjoyed the original. When I think about those days, it was pretty gutsy stuff. For the buildings design itself he had five days to produce the first draft Moriyama thought of three circles representing man, technology and science. Interlocking these circles in his mind, Moriyama envisioned a trillium, the provincial flower, and the wild, natural settings it typically inhabits. That got us thinking that nature was one of the important parts of the project, he says. We needed to respect the site. In the end, the ravine site along the western branch of the Don River came to dictate the buildings architecture. Its three main segments, connected by bridges and escalators, cascade down from the valleys lip to the edge of its flood plain, with long ribbons of windows opening onto the woods in which it nestles. In his design, and his determination to own it, Moriyama was tilting at the staid and overwhelmingly white milieu that had housed the profession in Canada for decades. He says minority students were told at the University of Toronto school of architecture, Dont you guys . . . have ambitions to set the world on fire? The (instructor) said, in Ontario you will work for a very conservative firm for a reasonable pay and it will be quite safe. After receiving the science centre commission, Moriyama says he was inundated with calls from young architects, many of them Jewish, offering congratulations. They were saying, Hey, great, nobodys ever got a job thats non-WASP. We were breaking through. Over the coming decades, Moriyama would join a new, more adventurous and cosmopolitan cadre of Canadian architects, tuned in to the international beat drumming through the profession globally. This group would include Arthur Erickson, Moshe Safdie and Douglas Cardinal, among others. Still dapper at 86, Moriyama attributes much of his success and sanguine ways to his wife, Sachi, and to the shared suffering they endured as children. (They met when he was 2 and she was 2 months old.) I have a remarkable wife . . . and we grew up together on the same block, he says. As children they both were badly scalded. Sachis injury involved a kettle spill. His, at age 4 from a spilled stew, left him in bed for eight months, but opened an inner world of creativity. My parents tell me that I learned to sort of ward off pain by being imaginative and thinking outside of the usual self, he says. He and his Japanese-Canadian family were also forced into a Second World War internment camp for two years. During that imprisonment, Moriyama built a tree house that influenced many of his works as a professional architect. The pair have five grown children. His son Jason is now a principal at the Toronto firm Moriyama & Teshima, which employs about 70 people. Another son, Ajon, is also an architect. Moriyama retired in 2003. Expo 67 led to success eventually Moshe Safdies architectural star was rising before his career even dawned. As a student in the early 1960s at the McGill University School of Architecture in his adopted Montreal, Israeli-born Safdie sought out instructor Sandy van Ginkel to advise him on his masters thesis. When van Ginkel, who helped conceptualize the idea of urban design and architecture as twinned endeavours, was named chief planner for Expo 67 several years later, the Dutchman remembered his gifted student and asked him to join his worlds fair team. Safdie, then a year in at a prestigious Philadelphia firm, agreed, as long as the thesis concept van Ginkel had advised him on was given consideration as a major attraction on the Expo site. That thesis? A housing system known as Habitat. Safdie not only joined, but came to lead the team that was drawing up Expos master plan. I was only two years out of school, so it was clearly an unusual move to give me that responsibility at the age of 25, Safdie recalls in an interview. And while he says the fairs final master design was largely his, Safdie would have several of his important ideas thwarted. He helped lead the successful resistance against Montreals mayor, Jean Drapeau, who had tried to import a new, more prominent architect from France to head up the fairs basic design blueprint. As the Expo plan neared completion in 1965, Safdies work on the $22-million Habitat, which had been signed off on by Prime Minister Lester Pearson, took over his attention and he opened his own office to build it. The building was a cluster of prefabricated concrete units, piled up to 12 storeys high and in such a canny way that the roof of each apartment provided a spacious patio for one above. It became an icon of the fair and one of the few pavilions to survive post-exhibition. (The fair, reincarnated as Man and His World, continued annually in an increasingly decrepit state until 1981.) Safdie still owns a unit in Habitat, which is now a co-op. But due largely to its higher costs than traditional housing, no more Habitats were built until 50 years later, with many similar structures now going up in Asia. Having attracted more than 50 million visitors over its six-month run, Expo was the most successful fair of the century at its end and a focus of immense Canadian pride. But the battles, especially those with Drapeau, took a toll on Safdies career, and he would not open a building in his adopted land again for two decades. The shock (was) that here, Ive done this thing in Canada and I dont get a single commission in Canada, says Safdie, now 77 and the father of four grown children from two marriages. Drapeau, who soon set his sights on the 1976 Olympics, never forgave Safdie for his Expo opposition and shut him out of any Games commissions. Even in other parts of Canada I seemed to be barred. When the first of what would be two National Gallery of Canada competitions was announced in the mid-1970s, he did not even make the short list of 12. That was really kind of troubling. In 1978 he moved from Montreal to Boston to head the Harvard University design school. And it was only after he had settled in the U.S. that Canada came calling again. He won Quebec Citys Museum of Civilization project, which opened in 1987. And when the second National Gallery competition was announced in the early 1980s, he was awarded that prestigious project, too. The building by the Ottawa River opened in 1988. Expo 67s theme was Man and his World. But for the staid, architectural world in Canada, it was a completely different planet. While many important fair elements were given to established architects for example, Arthur Erickson helped with the Canadian pavilion the country club firms that had dominated the profession for decades were basically shut out, Safdie says. What was a big change was that the established firms were the cutting-edge contemporary firms, not the old guard, Safdie says. This was doubly surprising given the ultimate bosses at Expo were politicos and civil servants who were old-guard fixtures, Safdie says But Habitat came about at a time when North American architecture was emerging as an international force, Sommer notes. There was, up until the mid-century, the sense that important ideas came from elsewhere, he says. For Safdie, that international sensibility became a geographic reality as he took his talents over the fallow Canadian decades following Expo and beyond to locations across the globe. Important international works over his career include Jerusalems Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum; the Khalsa Heritage Centre in Anandpur Sahib, India; and the Kauffman Centre for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Closer to home, he led the design of Pearson airports wing-inspired Terminal 1. Related:A new generation of Canadian architects SHARE: [June 30, 2016] Deep Packet Inspection and Processing Market by Application , by Service, by Organization Size, by Vertical, by End User, & by Region - Global Forecast to 2021 LONDON, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Continuously evolving cyber-attack techniques is a major driving factor for the deep packet inspection and processing market" The market is estimated to grow from USD 7.01 billion in 2016 to USD 18.60 billion by 2021, at an estimated CAGR of 21.6%. The need for robust cyber security solutions and network performance management & optimization solutions to efficiently manage today's complex networking environment in compliance with the standards and regulations are some of the driving factors for the deep packet inspection and processing market. "Data Loss/Leak Prevention (DLP) management to gain maximum traction during the forecast period" The data loss/leak prevention and management is one of the fastest-growing application based on deep packet inspection technology. DLP techniques have evolved from reactive protection to proactive protection-based model, making it addressable to the latest technologies and trends such as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), mobile device penetration, and ever growing sophistication of data breaches and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Other growth factors of DLP techniques are increasing need of data loss security in corporate arena, Growing trend in BYOD, and need for filtration of data at rest on the corporate network are some of the driving factors for the adoption of DLP applications. "Among the verticals, telecom and IT is expected to be the largest contributor" Network performance management and optimization solutions are intensively used in this sector to ensure improved Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), which makes this sector the highest contributor in the deep packet inspection and processing market. "The deep packet inspection and processing technology is expected to grow fastest in the APAC region" Factors such as continual growth in the mobile network, increasing complexity of busness, unregulated nature of internet, and growth in the adoption of BYOD are driving the deep packet inspection and processing market in the APAC region. - By Company Type - Tier 1 15%, Tier 2 26%, and Tier 3 59% - By Designation C-level 35%, Director-level 40%, and other 25% - By Region North America 26%, Europe 35%, Asia-Pacific - 32%, and ROW 7% One of the most innovative developments in the deep packet inspection and processing market is the development of Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) that are capable of inspecting the network packets up to layer 7 (application layer) of the OSI model using deep packet inspection technology. This provides powerful network traffic filtering capabilities depending upon the packet contents. Open-port driven attacks, such as Code Red, Nimda, and SQL Slammer worm triggered the need for such application. The key vendors of deep packet inspection and processing market profiled in the report are as follows: 1. Cisco Systems, Inc. 2. Intel Corporation 3. International Business Machine (IBM) Corporation 4. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) Company 5. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. 6. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. 7. Blue Coat Systems, Inc. 8. Extreme Networks, Inc. 9. NetScout Systems, Inc. 10. Symantec Corporation 11. Viavi Solutions REASONS TO BUY THE REPORT: The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market in the following ways: 1. This report segments the deep packet inspection and processing market comprehensively and provides the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall market and the subsegments across the different verticals and regions. 2. The report helps stakeholders to understand the pulse of the market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. 3. This report will help stakeholders to better understand the competitor and gain more insights to better their position in the business. The competitive landscape section includes competitor ecosystem, newproduct develpoments, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3903669/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deep-packet-inspection-and-processing-market-by-application--by-service-by-organization-size-by-vertical-by-end-user--by-region---global-forecast-to-2021-300293085.html SOURCE ReportBuyer [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] I like a good speech, too, just like you. Even when it doesnt always line up precisely with the facts. Canadas Parliament has seen many distinguished visitors, but those who were there will be talking about Barack Obamas speech for years to come. In the perilous hour, with Britain apparently pulling out of the European Union and Donald Trump the likely Republican nominee for president, Obama made a detailed and compelling case for a more generous path. The partnership between the United States and Canada shows the path we need to travel, the U.S. president said, and here it was clear that by we, he meant all humanity. Our history and our work together speak to a common set of values to build on, proven values, he said, listing pluralism and tolerance, rule of law, openness, global engagement, and commerce among them. The speech capped a lovely couple of days. Canada announced visa-free travel for Mexicans (by the end of the year). Mexico announced visa-free travel for Canadian beef. North America is coming together, the leaders said. Trump would undo that progress and Europe is moving in the wrong direction. But at last, here were three men willing to argue for trust over suspicion, progress over retrenchment. What nags at me is that all the back-patting threatened to obscure some facts. As I write this, anyone can get on a train in Warsaw and arrive, nearly a day later, in London, without being stopped for an identity check at any of three international borders. The Brits have managed to screw up their part of that amazing achievement, but it will probably still be easier after Brexit to get from London to Paris than it is today to get from Windsor to Detroit. One of the innovations of this weeks Three Amigos summit will be the creation of a North American caucus, a twice-annual meeting of mid-ranking officials from the three countries. Thats a good thing. Simply by preparing for those meetings, theyll identify problems and practical solutions. Meanwhile in Europe, by New Years Eve the European Council will have met five times in 2016. Thats the heads of government of every European member state, investing all the institutional weight of their offices to gather in Brussels. The level of integration is beyond compare. As leaders in global development, Obama said, the United States and Canada understand that development is not charity. Its an investment in our future prosperity. This depends how you define a leader. When assistance budgets are measured as a fraction of gross national income, Canada and the U.S. are nowhere near the top. Eight of the top 10 donor countries are EU member states. Refugees escape barrel bombs and torture, migrants cross deserts and seas seeking a better life, Obama said. We cannot simply look the other way. We certainly cant label as possible terrorists vulnerable people who are fleeing terrorists. And yet through the end of April, the U.S. had accepted only 1,736 Syrian refugees this year. Leipzig alone, a German city of half a million people, welcomed more than 5,000 last year. Obama reserved much of his passion on Wednesday for climate change. Even Alberta is working to cut carbon emissions while sustaining growth, he noted. So if Canada can do it and the United States can do it, the whole world can unleash economic growth and protect our planet, he said. On this score, most of the world needs less reminding than the U.S. and Canada do. The independent Climate Action Tracker rates the climate-change reduction effort of Brazil, China, India and the EU well ahead of Canada and the U.S. Of course Justin Trudeaus government is working harder to meet Stephen Harpers emission targets than Stephen Harpers government did. Thats an improvement, and if a vast and thinly populated northern country can meet even modest targets, it will have earned the right to look the world in the eye. Thats not a right to lecture. Im not saying Obama should have hung his head and apologized for North America. Direction matters. Intention and philosophy matter. Directionally, North America had a far better week than Europe did, far better than it will enjoy if poor lost Donald Trump hosts next years summit. But in the end, sustained effort will matter more than a pep talk. Read more about: SHARE: The provincial government subsidized passengers on the troubled Union Pearson Express last year at a rate of $52.26 per ride. The astounding sum, which far exceeds the subsidy received by other Toronto-area public transit projects, was revealed in an annual report that came before the Metrolinx board Tuesday. The regional transit agency, which has faced fierce criticism over the $456-million air rail link, did not explicitly publish the per-ride subsidy. But calculations based on ridership numbers and operating expenditures that the agency did make public reveal the extent to which the UPXs costs exceeded its revenues in its first 10 months of operation. It demonstrates a complete lack of competent planning, said Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22, St. Pauls), who in 2014 brought a motion to council asking Metrolinx to set the UPX fare at an affordable rate. To subsidize a boutique train focused on business travellers is a real slap in the face to Toronto residents who have been waiting far too long for transit dollars to come their way. The UPX launched June 6, 2015 and was designed to provide air travellers with a quick trip between Pearson airport and downtowns Union Station. Its fare revenues were supposed eventually to cover its operating costs. But with the price of a ride set at $27.90 $19 with a Presto card the line struggled to attract riders and was often running mostly empty trains. The newly released figures show that between its launch and the end of the fiscal year on March 31, the line had operating expenses of $63.2 million and revenues from fares and other sources of $23.9 million. The government subsidy was $39.3 million. Ridership was 751,500 over that period. Asked about the per-ride subsidy Thursday, Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins told the Star we always expected the service to require a subsidy for the first few years. That has not changed. She noted that on March 9 the agency dramatically lowered UPX fares, to $9 with a Presto card and $12 without, which has led to a significant boost in ridership. Metrolinx continues to monitor ridership levels and the implication of the reduced fares on the per-rider subsidy, Aikins said in an email. Public transit in North America has traditionally required some level of operating subsidy beyond the fare box. We expect that UP Express will be the same. However, the UPX per-ride subsidy is much higher than is typical for a public transit system. According to the TTC, its passengers receive a per-ride subsidy of 90 cents, almost all of which comes from the city. Jessica Bell of TTCriders, a transit advocacy group, said the province should be subsidizing trips for people who rely on public transit instead of riders on a boutique service. If the province truly cared about improving service today and truly cared about riders, which is a third of the city, they would prioritize funding the TTC, she said. It shows that they dont care, and theyre not prioritizing everyday transit riders. Read more about: SHARE: Police identified the second body discovered at the site of this weeks house explosion in Mississauga as Robert Nadler, spouse of Diane Page, the woman who also died in Tuesdays blast on Hickory Drive. Const. Mark Fischer told the Star Nadlers body was identified through fingerprints. He confirmed this Robert Nadler was the same man convicted of a Peel Region murder in 1982. An autopsy on the body is expected to occur within the next couple of days while Peel Police continue their investigation. It is still unknown what caused the explosion. According to family and friends, Page and Nadler, both 55, were living together as a couple, both at the home for a number of years. The nephew of Diane Page visited the blast site Friday afternoon. My aunt was a loving and very polite woman, Paul Camilleri told the Star. I loved her very, very much and she will be missed. He recalling memories filled with trips to the zoo, the beach in Sutton and shopping at Square One. Meanwhile, residents who lived near the blast site were allowed to move back into their homes late Thursday. Some spent Canada Day making sense of the wreckage and the mystery surrounding the cause of the explosion. Bernice Savage, 70, was eager to return home after sleeping in her van with her son for the past three evenings. I am sore everywhere you can think of. I didnt sleep very much and my son snores, she said of the nights they spent parked in Rathwood Park. It was not like camping. She explained the two had trouble finding help at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre which had been turned into a hub for displaced residents by Peel authorities following the explosion. The community centre didnt give us anything but we toughed it out. Savage added she was looking forward to a warm shower and washing her hair as soon as her homes gas was turned back on. Meanwhile, Anthony Caputo, who rushed to his sons home on the northern end of the street after learning of the explosion, said he wasnt impressed with the inconsistent messaging provided by Peel authorities. On Tuesday evening, a Mississauga firefighter told me there was no reason why I couldnt stay, he said. The next day, a Peel cop told me I shouldnt be here. Police shrunk the restricted perimeter around 4201 Hickory Dr. to 46 addresses on Thursday afternoon. After the original explosion, over 200 residents were blocked off by police until authorities could deem the homes safe to enter. Peel Police were unable to provide an exact number of those currently allowed into the scene Friday. Page turned 55 earlier this year, while Nadler was set to turn 56 on Canada Day. According to a mortgage document for their home, they were spouses. According to articles from the Stars archives, Nadler killed his best friend in June 1979. The stories detail how Nadler admitted that he bludgeoned, strangled and knifed his friend, Eric Pogson, to death in a fight over drug money. Pogsons body was found in a shallow grave in a bush near Golden Orchard Dr. in Mississauga on June 3, 1980. Two years later, after another friend and classmate named John Dyminski co-operated with police to secretly tape a confession, Nadler pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years, according to a Star report from the time. A second member of Nadlers family who spoke with the Star said he was released from prison to a halfway house in 1992. On Tuesday, the Star reported handwritten notes were found on the street among the debris in front of the destroyed house and were given to police. Dear God, as of next week everything will fall apart for us, begins one note whose author is unknown. Asked about the notes Thursday, Colley said police are examining all documents found in the blast radius. Whether or not they are related to the cause of the blast is still unknown. Bozena Wolanin said she lives three doors down from 4201 Hickory and almost never saw the people who lived there. She said that, as long as she can remember, all the windows of the house were covered with aluminum foil. Wolanin added that she only once met the woman from that house. She was very nice, she said. Really pleasant. With files from Alex Ballingall and Geoffrey Vendeville Read more about: SHARE: Their journey to Canada begins and ends with a man some of them have never met. After fleeing torture and imprisonment in Ethiopia and then eight years of waiting in UN refugee camps in Kenya, the extended family of a Canadian serving a life sentence in Ethiopia has arrived in Canada to start a new life. Bashir Makhtal, who lived in Toronto before his arrest on the border of Kenya and Somalia in 2006, is behind bars in Addis Ababa after being convicted of terrorism charges at a trial human rights groups have called deeply unfair. He has always maintained his innocence. Eleven of Makhtals relatives have now settled in Kitchener-Waterloo as government-assisted refugees. Three more are still to arrive. At the head of the clan are two iron-willed matriarchs Mulki Salah, who is married to Makhtals nephew, and Rukiya Makhtal, Makhtals oldest sister and mother-in-law to Salah. I never even dreamed I would be alive, said 59-year-old Rukiya, who spent 18 months in prison. She said she had endured beatings and torture before going to the refugee camps. I never even dreamed I would have a life. On this Canada Day, they are thankful for their new home and the freedom and safety it provides. I have no words to thank Canada (for) what they did for me and my family, and hope they will continue helping those who are in need wherever they are, including our loved one, Bashir, said Mulki. Added Rukiya: We are so thankful to Canada that they got us from the refugee camp in Kenya and brought us to this great country. Amnesty International Canada asked Ottawa to bring the family here several years ago, after learning of the struggles they faced in the camps. But it wasnt until the new Liberal government took power that inroads were made in the refugee system, Alex Neve, secretary general of the human rights organization, told the Star. They arrived in late May. The Canadian government is now trying to negotiate a prison transfer for Makhtal, who is in his 40s, but it is stalled in Ethiopia, sources told the Star. Members of the extended family say they have suffered greatly because of their association with Makhtal. Both women, along with other family members, were arrested almost immediately after Makhtal was detained in Nairobi and forcibly taken in chains to Ethiopia, where he was imprisoned. The family was living in Jijiga in the Somali region of Ethiopia at the time. Shortly after Makhtals arrest, Ethiopian government troops came after them, the women said. Until now, they have not spoken to Western media about what they say transpired behind bars as Ethiopian officials tried to get them to divulge information about Makhtal. They and others were held captive, tortured and sexually assaulted, the women said. The government accused them of aiding and abetting the Ogaden National Liberation Front an independence movement Makhtals grandfather started and conspiring with Makhtal. The Star contacted the Ethiopian Embassy about the allegations, but got no response. Makhtals oldest brother Hassam Ahmed Makhtal was also imprisoned and tortured, dying in 2009 from injuries sustained in an Ethiopian jail, according to relatives. One of his sons died alongside him; another is in prison in Addis Ababa and a third is a refugee in Calgary. In an interview with the Star, Mulki, who was taken to a military prison, said she was strung up by her feet and her face was dipped into a container of an unknown substance that left temporary scars. At one point, the 49-year-old said, her captors tried to strangle her with a wire; on another occasion, she said, she was sexually assaulted and stabbed with a bayonet. All around her, others were also suffering. She said her captors would undress the prisoners and beat them with sticks and guns while they were naked. She was held in jail for four months and 12 days. Near the end of her imprisonment, she said, guards left her for dead in the bushes after she passed out while being tortured. She managed to escape with the help of a shepherd. Said Mulki: Every night they used to take me at 1 a.m. and at around 4 a.m. Every time they used anything you can imagine to torture the back of the gun. I have been electrocuted on my stomach. As they discuss details of their ordeal, the women turn their eyes away, embarrassed by what has happened to them. Tears run down their cheeks. Mulkis daughter Zaynab Bashir, 25, and her niece Suwdi Ahmed, the 18-year-old daughter of Hassam Ahmed Makhtal, sob as they listen to the women recount their experiences. Once Mulki and Rukiya escaped, they sent for their children and headed for the safety of a refugee camp. With the help of Somali communities along the way, each ended up at the UN refugee camp, Dadaab, in Kenya. Others followed them to the camp one by one. But Mulkis husband escaped and sought refugee status in the United States, where he now lives. Life in Dadaab wasnt easy for the Makhtal clan. They didnt feel safe and worried that Ethiopian spies had infiltrated the camp and were sending back information about their whereabouts. They stopped sending their children to the camp school, they said, when they spotted in the camp some of the prison guards who had earlier tortured them. But one of Mulkis nephews refused to abide by the edict and went to school anyway, she explained. He never came back, she said. That was in December 2010. The UN transferred the entire clan to Kakuma, another refugee camp, in 2011. Life in Kakuma was even worse, they said. Zaynab said the family feared that for a little bit of money other refugees might kill them. Ethiopia knew where we were, she said. Our life became even more dangerous. We had been settled in a place where there is a metal gate and they put security at the door and no one can go out or come in without reporting to the security guard. We were pretty much in what was like prison. When we were kids in Ethiopia, many years ago, we had a good life, said Zaynab. We had a happy family. We were going to school. But after they started attacking our family, we lost everything. Even now they remain tentative, nervous not quite sure they are safe here. And theyre concerned about the status of Bashir Makhtal. Even though Mulki Salah has never met her husbands uncle, she wants desperately for him to come back to Canada and serve the remainder of his sentence in a Canadian jail. So do the others. The thing we want to see most is we want to see Bashir alive here, said Mulki. We understand the pain hes going through because we went through it All the years he was in prison, we were either in prison or in a refugee camp. Both women are forever grateful to Canada for giving them a chance to live in freedom. SHARE: LONDON A day after staging a political ambush that reshaped the race to be Britains next prime minister, Michael Gove said Friday he acted out of conviction, not ambition to open yet another head-spinning drama amid the fallout from Britains snub of the European Union. The justice minister spoke at length for the first time about his vision for the country he intends to lead, a week after Britain was plunged into chaos by a vote to exit the EU that Gove had championed. The referendum result prompted Prime Minister David Cameron to announce plans to resign by September. Gove initially signalled he would back a former London mayor, Boris Johnson, as Camerons replacement. But just hours before Johnson was to announce his bid for the job, Gove on Thursday launched his own campaign. Johnson withdrew less than three hours later to add another word to Britains increasingly dark political lexicon: Brexecution. The betrayal has scrambled an already chaotic picture in British politics. Gove and Theresa May, who leads the countrys domestic security operations as home affairs minister, are now considered the front-runners to replace Cameron. Goves move against Johnson left Britain reckoning with one more betrayal in a political season full of them. It rattled an already dazed nation, and left no doubt if any remained that Britain is divided, directionless and leaderless as it prepares for a leap into the unknown of life outside the European Union. Gove now must rebuild his image to win over voters stung by his Machiavellian moves, and make a case for how he will negotiate the best terms for Britain as it breaks ranks with the other 27 EU nations. On Friday, he laid out what he described as a radical vision for the countrys future once it leaves the European Union a process popularly known as Brexit. This country voted for change, and I can deliver it, he said. Gove said he was particularly driven to reduce immigration levels, which he described as the clear will of the British people. May has also said she will reduce immigration through bargaining with the EU. But in her own announcement of her candidacy on Thursday, she suggested she will bring more continuity than change. May would be the second female prime minister in British history, after Margaret Thatcher. Mays unsmiling public persona and hard-line conservative politics have drawn occasional comparisons to the Iron Lady. Much of the response Friday to Goves last-minute announcement that he would challenge Johnson was unfavourable. A succession of leading Conservative politicians threw their weight behind May. So did the Daily Mail, Britains rabidly anti-EU tabloid. The endorsement came despite the fact that May backed the remain campaign. Goves wife, Sarah Vine, is a Daily Mail columnist. A party in flames and why it must be Theresa, was the papers banner headline Friday. The Sun, another top-selling British tabloid, used a picture of Johnson on its cover with the word Brexecuted underneath. Johnson, the mop-headed rogue who had been considered the odds-on favourite to take the keys to 10 Downing Street, was shunted to the sidelines of the contest to lead the Conservative Party and, by extension, the nation. The narrowing of the field of likely winners to Gove and May leaves behind two candidates who are expected to drive an especially hard bargain with the EU, meaning the country could be in for years of contentious and costly negotiations no matter who emerges as leader. Goves decision to ambush Johnson brought immediate recriminations from both mens corners on Thursday. Asked by the BBC about Gove, Johnsons father, Stanley Johnson, replied: Et tu, Brute is my comment on that. Gove backer Dominic Raab told the network that Johnson had been cavalier in his approach to the campaign. Were picking a prime minister here to lead the country, not a school prefect, he said acidly. Britains next prime minister will not be picked by the public. Instead, he or she will be selected in a two-stage process within the governing Conservative Party. First, the partys members of Parliament will whittle the field down to two over the next two weeks. Then the partys rank-and-file members will select the winner. In addition to Gove and May, three other candidates were nominated Thursday: Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom. All are considered long shots. Cameron has said he will not formally trigger Britains exit and will leave that task to his successor. Once that happens, the next prime minister will have two years to negotiate a new deal with the European Union. Europe has already signalled that it will refuse to budge on likely British demands that the bloc relax its rules requiring freedom of movement for workers across national borders. European leaders say that if Britain wants access to the single market, it will have to accept free movement. Britains political unrest has not been limited to the Conservatives. The internal warfare among Tories has been matched and even exceeded within the opposition Labour Party. Pressure continued to build Friday on party leader Jeremy Corbyn to resign after what was seen as an ambivalent effort to rally party supporters to the pro-EU cause. He has already suffered an overwhelming vote of no confidence among his Labour colleagues in Parliament, and he has faced additional defections each day this week. Read more about: SHARE: LONDONIve had a bellyful of BoJo, Brexit and the bag of wank that is British politics at the moment. Almost done with the Killer Bs alliteration too. Just one more: Bootycall. Not as the term is most widely understoodcasual sex, friends with benefits but what comes to mind whilst following events unfolding at a sensational divorce hearing in London High Court. Thus we turn today from matters of state to matters of estate. Christina Estrada is the former supermodel and Pirelli calendar girl who brought her booty assets as dowry to marriage with billionaire sheik Walid Juffali in 2001. Now age 61 and dying of lung cancer, Juffali four years ago uncoupled from Estrada in Saudi Arabia under traditional Islamic law (I divorce you I divorce you I divorce) and subsequently wedded a much younger piece of arm candy, a Lebanese TV presenter. All of this occurred without Estradas knowledge, allegedly, leaving her shocked, shattered and devastated upon making the discovery. International businessman Juffali hasnt actually stepped foot inside the courtroom, apparently in Switzerland trying to buy himself a cure for terminal illness. He is being represented by a flotilla of lawyers for that, all enthusiastically on the cha-ching clock since the former Mrs. Juffali obtained leave to pursue her financial claims via British justice, unable to file a financial claim in the other Kingdom. Juffali has offered Estrada spouse No. 2 and mother to one of his six children the sum of 37 million pounds (about $63.2 million in Canadian dollars) in cash and assets, including a home in Beverley Hills and the use of an extravagant London property, to get a whole lotta gone from him. Estrada: Show me the money and plenty more than that. The lady is demanding 196 million pounds. Which makes this divorce bid among the richest in British history. (The late Diana, Princess of Wales, got a lump sum of 17 million pounds from Charles but lost her HRH status.) Because, the American-born 54-year-old told court, its expensive to keep up the ultra-wealthy lifestyle to which she is entitled. Because Im worth it. I am Christina Estrada. I was a top, international model. This is what I am accustomed to. Estrada added: During the marriage a lot of the socializing we did was also for his business connections, Estrada told court. We always used to say money attracts money and in this situation I need a future on my own. I want to rebuild my life with new foundations, maybe not the same but not so dissimilar. By her own calculator, Estrada estimates she could struggle by on $11 million a year, which might make her transition towards a new life as a single middle-age mom more palatable, if not quite matching the opulence shed previously enjoyed the string of homes in Saudi Arabia (one of which had its own zoo,) the mansion on the edge of Windsor Great Park, the massive chalet in Switzerland, its showers lined with amethyst. This proceeding has been a fascinating look-in at the lifestyles of the preposterously, gluttonously, grotesquely, loaded. In a witness statement to the court before she took the stand, Estrada explained: My social position is very elevated. For example, I was invited by Prince Andrew to dinner at the Royal Lodge with (my daughter) during the week of the Queens 90th birthday celebration. I am often invited by European and other royalty to social events and weddings. Presumably, Estrada expects those gold-embossed invitations to shooting weekends and the like will keep coming, now that shes no more than another jettisoned socialite spouse. Some people are divorced. Others are divorced from reality. Her list of itemized money demands, per annum: 1.02 million pounds for clothes and jewelry including 40,000 for fur coats and 35 separate watches. Why so many watches? To mix and match, duh, because it depends what I am wearing and needs to go with my outfit. 58,000 pounds for 54 pairs of shoes, including seven pairs just for white tie events. (Can you not see that is a lot of money? for shoes, Juffalis lawyers all but pleaded. Estrada: Not really. Thats what they cost. That is the standard I am used to. 50,000 pounds for Christmas dinners. 28,000 pounds for three Wimbledon tickets. 10,000 so she can attend Elton Johns annual white tail ball. 12,150 for a holiday entertainment budget for 76 days vacation a year. 26,000 for a mobile phone. 93,793 on beauty treatment including 52 facials, 44 manicures, 52 massages and four bottles of face cream at 9,400 pounds per. 2.1 million annual travel budget, including nearly 600,000 pounds to charter private jets. 495,000 pounds for five cars Plus: More than 55 million pounds to purchase a new country house, telling the court she cant reside in that 6.5 million Belgravia house her ex had offered because its modest size might force her to share a floor with staff, God forbid. I would want them on another floor. Another Chelsea property suggested by her husbands lawyers was rejected because the bedrooms are funny. A staff, by the way, which she insists must include two full-time nannies, although the estranged couples 13-year-old daughter is at boarding school in Zurich. Estrada, under cross-examination, was asked what she intended to do with all that billions, should court rule in her favor. Well, I have given it a lot of thought. I want to keep it safe, and I want to do good work. I have always been interested in charity, philanthropy and I love humanitarian causes. But first I must establish a base so my daughter and I can be happy. That daughter, however, is not so happy with her. Court has heard that Juffali has made a living will leaving the girl assets of more than 150 million pounds. On the stand, Estrada sobbed when relating the phone call shed received from her mini-me daughter the previous evening. The spawn had complained: Mummy, you are going to make me a poor girl. Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. SHARE: ISTANBUL A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbuls busiest airport that killed at least 44 people, a U.S. congressman said. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday nights attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the worlds busiest, which also wounded more than 230. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt to catch him. McCaul said it is unclear where Chatayev is, but he is known to have served as a top lieutenant in the Islamic State groups war ministry. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Daesh, also known as ISIS or the Islamic State, is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that Daesh was most probably behind it. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell, Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death. Authorities said the three suicide bombers in the attack which echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They did not provide further details on their identities. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids in three Istanbul neighbourhoods on Thursday, officials said. Haber Turk newspaper said 11 more suspects all of them foreign nationals were detained in a separate raid on a house in Istanbul early Friday. A government official in Istanbul could not immediately confirm the report. The Daesh group, which has used Turkey to establish itself in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey in its propaganda, and NATO member Turkey has blamed Daesh for several major bombings in the past year in both Ankara and Istanbul. Turkeys interior minister said the explosives used were a mix of RDX, TNT and PETN that were manufactured, which chemist and explosives expert at University of Rhode Island, Jimmie Oxley, described as being military-grade, raising the question of how the attackers obtained the bombs. Swedish authorities said Chatayev, the alleged organizer of the attack, was convicted of weapons smuggling in 2008. The 35-year-old was sentenced to 16 months for smuggling an automatic weapon and two handguns with munition and silencers into Sweden in on March 3, 2008, according to the city court in the southern Sweden port city of Ystad. Court documents obtained by The Associated Press on Friday show Chatayev had arrived by ferry boat from Germany. He and two others in the car said they were heading to Norway to go fishing and meet friends. The documents show that he denied knowing about the guns hidden in a spare wheel in the trunk. A local paper says he was freed from prison in January 2009. Turkey, a key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Daesh group, also faces security threats from Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkeys southeast region and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the past year, including an attack Feb. 17 in Ankara that killed 39 people, and another devastating bombing in the capital in March. An official said Friday that security forces have killed the mastermind of the Feb. 17 attack. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations. The attack against military personnel was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. SHARE: PHILADELPHIABill Cosbys lawyers argued on Friday that a woman accusing him of sexual assault had to notify him before she spoke to police last year under the terms of their confidential civil settlement. Cosby wants a federal judge in Philadelphia to void the 2006 court settlement and order Andrea Constand to refund the money he paid her. The amount has never been disclosed. Cosby sued Toronto native Constand for breach of contract in February, the day before her lawyers testified at a key hearing in his criminal case. Constands lawyers, along with her mother, were also named as defendants for the information they provided. The lawyers argued Friday that Cosby filed the suit to chill the testimony of key witnesses at his upcoming criminal trial. Lawyer Dolores Troiani called the lawsuit disturbing and distasteful and asked that it be dismissed. She said the settlement clearly carves out an exception for Constand to keep mum if authorities request secrecy. U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno did not immediately rule on the request. Constand met Cosby in about 2004 when she worked at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he was a longtime trustee. She went to police in 2005 to say the TV star had sexually assaulted her at his home as she sought career advice. Cosby wasnt charged at the time but was arrested a decade later, in December, after his testimony in the lawsuit was unsealed and dozens of other accusers had come forward. Cosby acknowledged giving Constand three blue pills for stress that night and having sexual contact with her, but the 78-year-old married comedian says the sexual encounter was consensual. His lawyers asked on Friday that Constand and the other defendants be deposed soon about the contract violations he alleges. If there was a request for her to speak to law enforcement, she was supposed to advise us, lawyer Samuel Silver argued. However, Cosbys lawyers asked that his deposition be put on hold amid the criminal case, a request that did not sit well with Troiani. This is hanging over their heads, she said. If hes not ready to proceed, then he should withdraw (the suit) or it should be dismissed. She said Cosby first breached the confidentiality clause with public denials that his agents made over the years to the various sex-assault allegations. Cosby is due in court in the criminal case next week in suburban Montgomery County, where he will again ask that the charges be dropped. No trial date has been set. The 78-year-old married comedian says Constand consented to the sexual encounter. Read more about: SHARE: LONDONHow does a veteran journalist accidentally send a juicy email to a member of the public, who passed it on to Sky News, which naturally broadcast-blabbed for all the world to hear? Especially when that veteran journalist, doyenne columnist with the Daily Mail, happens to be the wife of Justice Minister Michael Gove, who Thursday shocked the nation although the nation is probably well past shocking given the week its just come through by announcing his bid to stand for the Tory leadership, which would be betrayal times two against his long-time friend and political benefactor, Prime Minister David Cameron. The early-morning announcement was followed a few hours later by Boris Johnson, cheerleader-in-chief for the victorious Leave campaign in the EU referendum, gobsmacking those gathered to hear the former London mayors presumed formal declaration of his intention to run for the job Cameron intends to vacate by October, the job Cameron claims he can no longer fulfil since the Remain campaign he made so intensely personal was firmly slapped down in the plebiscite vote that will take the United Kingdom out of the European Union unless the foot-stampers get their reboot way. Instead Bojo knocked the socks off his expectant troupe by sensationally revealing his decision not to engage in the leadership donnybrook. PM? I? Having consulted colleagues and, in view of the circumstances of Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me. Say whot? Another day of turmoil and pandemonium ho-hum that could have been scripted by Spike Milligan for slapstick or John LeCarre for skulduggery. A parliamentary Game of Thrones with musical chairs. But back to the top. London woke up to the news splashed across front pages (and actually breaking out the night before because papers hit the street early) that Mrs. Michael Gove, a.k.a. pundit Sarah Vine, had sent her husband an email warning him about the risks of backing Johnson for the party leadership absent specific guarantees on immigration controls. She urged her spouse to ensure he had leverage before making any deal with Johnson this silhouetted against the widely held view that a Johnson-Gove ticket was in the offing, the two enthusiastic Brexiteers sashaying hand-in-hand down the corridors of power at Westminster, with Gove extending his aura of gravitas to the cartoonish Johnson and Johnson rewarding the consigliere with a plum position in the next government, likely Foreign Minister or Chancellor. LADY MACBETH, the Daily Telegraph shrieked. As leaks go, this was a doozy, if you believe there was anything leaky about it, as opposed to a cunningly crafted and timed grenade. Come on. Its not clear who the intended recipient of Vines email was. She appears at times to be speaking to a third party, at times to her husband. But who sends an email to their spouse, packed with political intimacies and strategic manoeuvring? Why wouldnt Vine have had this conversation with her hubby in the privacy of their shared home? Sounds just like the kind of pillow talk that would turn this power couple on. No sooner had the Gove camp reached out to its buddies in the media, desperately dousing the flames, insisting the emails contents were merely the personal views of a spouse, than Gove himself was releasing a statement confirming his intentions to vie for the leadership. Thus doing, he got the jump on Theresa May, the Home Secretary scheduled to make her leadership intensions known by high noon, and viewed up to this point as the anti-Boris candidate. Except now theres no Boris to be anti about. Gove has claimed for months that he had no interest in the Tory leadership, no interest perish the thought in becoming PM or leading the party into another election. So either he had his epiphany in recent days recent hours, more like or this was the long game all along. His wifes purportedly leaked as opposed to deliberately channelled email merely got the message out there in tactical advance, expressing the many reservations she (he?) held about Johnson. Although Gove, in a handful of provocative words, managed to twist the shiv into his erstwhile Brexit chum. I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future. But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead. Et tu, Michael? Whatever Gove said to Johnson in those hours before the dawn because as late as Wednesday Bojo had apparently given no hint to any of his closest allies that he was going to bail must have been awfully convincing or alarming or arm-twisting. Johnson is just not the type to step down unless hes forcibly pushed. Already some bigwigs have come forward to align themselves with Gove, mostly from the Leave rump that had so bitterly parted ranks with Cameron. Gove, a bespectacled intellectual former journalist, which is how he met fellow-scrivener Vine, when both worked at the Times and one-time education minister (demoted by Cameron to chief whip over his too radical reform proposals), is being portrayed as the un-Boris, in that he might be able to finagle a better departure compromise from the EU on trade and migration than Johnson, so detested across the Channel, could negotiate from European leaders that keeps issuing mixed signals we wont negotiate, get lost; we might negotiate, stand by. Cameron had made clear he will not be pulled into the leadership fray. But is he still a Gove guy? Hes certainly not a Johnson guy. Gove and Cameron met as young men and rose through the party ranks together. When David and Samantha Cameron married in the south of France, the Goves attended their wedding. Gove was godfather to Camerons late son Ivan, who was born severely disabled. Mrs. Gove is godmother to the couples youngest daughter. The families holidayed together. The ladies were one-time BFFs. Im thinking these Real Wives of Westminster wont be going for a mani-pedi together anytime soon. Read more about: SHARE: BANGKOKMosha was seven months old when she stepped on a landmine near Thailands border with Myanmar and lost a front leg. That was a decade ago. This week, she received her ninth artificial leg, thanks to the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital in northern Thailand. Mosha is one of more than a dozen elephants who have been wounded by landmines in the border region, where rebels have been fighting the Myanmar government for decades. She was the first elephant to be fitted with a prosthetic limb at the hospital near Lampang. Mosha weighed about 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) when she was wounded. Today, she weighs more than 4,000 pounds (1814 kilograms), and her growth has necessitated frequent upgrades of her artificial leg. Motala, another resident of the hospital, lost a front leg to a landmine in the same border area in 1999. She is now more than 50 years old. The Eyes of Thailand, a 2012 documentary, featured her being fitted with an artificial limb. Dr. Therdchai Jivacate, a Thai orthopedist who helped design prosthetic limbs for the elephants, said they could not survive without them. When she cannot walk, she is going to die, he told The Daily Telegraph in Britain in 2009, when Mosha was fitted with a new prosthesis. When Mosha received her newest artificial limb last week, he told Reuters: The way she walked was unbalanced, and her spine was going to bend. That means she would have hurt her cartilages badly and eventually stopped walking. And she would have died because of that. The Thai Elephant Conservation Center estimates that there are 2,000 to 3,000 elephants living in the wild in Thailand and about 2,700 domesticated ones. In the past, many elephants in Thailand worked in the logging industry, where their agility and strength made them a valuable asset. But the Thai government banned logging in the nations forests in 1989, putting them out of work. Read more about: SHARE: Were one year shy of Canadas 150th birthday and preparations are well underway for an historic celebration. A multimedia dome village will tour the country, featuring a film highlighting national glories projected on a 360-degree screen. Another travelling exhibition will showcase Canadian innovation. Theres even an official sesquicentennial logo depicting an array of celebratory gems. Thats just some of what the federal government is planning. Add to that a host of provincial and local initiatives lauding the exemplary talent, creativity and character of this country and you have the makings of a coast-to-coast shindig. Given all this bustle, its ironic that another 150th anniversary of national significance occurred just a few weeks ago but passed virtually unnoticed. Ridgeway described as the battle that made Canada was fought in June, 1866, by eager but untested troops from Hamilton and Toronto. Although defeated, their action helped to inspire support for Confederation, which came a year later. We cant offer a dome village or celebratory gems. But on this Canada Day (the one before next years big party) it seems fitting to pause a moment and remember a largely forgotten anniversary. The Battle of Ridgeway occurred on June 2, 1866, after a heavily armed force of about 1,000 Irish-Americans, known as Fenians, invaded from Buffalo. Their goal was to seize and occupy Canadian territory, including the Welland Canal, in a far-fetched hope that they could trade it for Irish independence from Britain. There was also some thought that the resulting conflict might draw the United States into a war with the British Empire. The Fenians, battle-hardened veterans of the American Civil War, quickly captured Fort Erie and pushed further into the Niagara Peninsula. Alerted by telegraph, Canadian militia were mobilized and the invading force was met east of Port Colborne by amateur soldiers including students from the University of Toronto and volunteers from Hamilton. Although poorly trained (many had never practiced with live ammunition) they held their own until a series of confused orders created disorder in their ranks. Observing the chaos, Fenian commander John ONeill ordered a bayonet charge and swept the militia from the field. Scores of Canadians were killed, with nine dead on the battlefield and many more felled by wounds or disease resulting from the action. But the Fenians were unable to capitalize on their victory. Thousands of additional militia were on their way and the U.S. government, worried about being sucked into a fight with Britain, had navy gunboats cut Fenian supply lines at the Niagara River. The Irish had to retreat. This marked the last battle against foreign invaders in what is now Ontario. And it was the first battle fought exclusively by Canadian troops, without the assistance of British forces. Ridgeway and many smaller Fenian aggressions helped to build public support for Confederation. The vulnerability of a patchwork of separate British colonies was obvious, and pressure from across the border helped to galvanize a Canadian identity. Although Confederation on July 1, 1867, was driven by a host of economic and political factors, the Battle of Ridgeway underscored why unity was essential to counter the military threat from the south. So wave the flag this Canada Day; grill some burgers; hit the beach. But spare a thought for those brave volunteers who took to the field on a hot June day 150 years ago, in service and sacrifice for the sake of a country on the verge of being born. SHARE: The lobbying group that represents American (AAL) , Delta (DAL) and United (UAL) and their labor unions said it has found additional evidence of subsidies to Qatar Airways by the Qatar government. "Forensic investigators have uncovered a financial statement in Singapore for Qatar Airways that indicates that the government of Qatar provided close to $7 billion into the company in 2014," the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies said Wednesday in a prepared statement. "This enormous subsidy is in addition to the $17 billion Qatar Airways had already received from its state owner in the past decade, bringing the total amount of known subsidies and other benefits that the three Gulf carriers have received to nearly $50 billion," the partnership said. "The discovery of additional subsidies directly contradicts information that Qatar Airways submitted to the United States government, as well as public claims by CEO Akbar al Baker," the group said. "Qatar Airways has long refused to release its full compendium of financial documents and this state-sponsored subsidy, like many others, was omitted from the official filing submitted to the U.S. government's public docket." A spokesman for Qatar didn't immediately respond to an email or a phone call. Jill Zuckman, spokeswoman for Open and Fair Skies, declined to provide additional details regarding the financial statement in Singapore. At a press conference in Los Angeles in January, when Qatar announced new service to LAX, "Al Baker hit back hard at those {subsidy} claims, pointing out subsidies that the US3 have allegedly received from their own federal and state governments, including discharge of debts and pensions through the federal bankruptcy process, fuel subsidies, tax breaks, and government bailouts," according to a report in AirlineReporter, a Seattle-based trade publication. "Al Baker also suggested that the unfair competition claims were a red herring, asserting that the US3 have swindled the American flying public with high fares, low seat count, and bad service and products," AirlineReporter said. In a January 2015 report prepared for American, Delta and United, investigators and accountants cited evidence of $42 billion in subsidies to the three Middle East carriers -- Emirates, Etihad and Qatar -- by the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The report's release was the first step in a lobbying campaign intended to convince the State Department to seek to curtail a business model in which the three carriers expand rapidly in the U.S., benefitting from subsidies that are not permitted by the Open Skies treaties which enable the expansion. On Friday, the State Department informed representatives from American, Delta, United and their unions that it will hold informal discussions with the governments of Qatar and the UAE next month. The $42 billion number has been widely cited. On Tuesday, for example, in a message to United employees, Steve Morrisey, United's regulatory and policy vice president, wrote, ""We have documented evidence that Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline have received more than $42 billion in government subsidies." The new evidence means the number has increased by 16%. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. CHARLESTON -- Upon hearing of former Mayor Larry Rennels passing at approximately 6 a.m. June 25, 2015, Brandon Combs potential future role as mayor was far from his mind. I was just upset about Larry, he said. The realization would only come after he heard the news of Rennels' death that he had been selected as mayor pro-tempore earlier. Combs said it didn't dawn on him until his wife, Ashley Combs, reminded him of the position a little bit after hearing the news. As mayor pro-tempore, the selected person acts as mayor in case of the mayors absence. However, Combs said the idea that there would actually be a need for it never crossed his mind. At that point in time, I told (Scott Smith, city manager) and everyone else, I had no desire to step into this role at this point. I was only on city council for two years at this point, Combs said. Combs said he was worried about the position he signed up for when on the city council. Considering the time commitment along with his current business and family, he said there are lot of responsibilities he had to consider. But days after Rennels' death while sitting on his couch at home texting his pastor about the position, Brandon told Ashley: I think I am going to do this. Ultimately, I wanted to serve, Combs said. The title didn't mean a tremendous amount to me. The decision was not easy, he said, but with the support he received from city staff, his family and even past mayors, he knew it would be something he could handle or a least try to. Combs said his children, Sophia, Arabella, and Brandtley, in particular, were very excited by the idea of having a dad as mayor. Combs said Arabella, especially thought it would be cool for her to have a dad who is the mayor. My middle daughter is a character She told me, Dad, when I go back to school, I am going to have all kinds of friends because my dad is President of Charleston, he said. Combs said the encouragement from Ashley as well as mentorship from past mayors John Inyart and Dan Cougill invigorated confidence in himself to go forward with it. Ashley said she knew it would require his time, but she also knew he had a passion for serving in that way. The position also incited more reason for the family to go out to community events together, she said, events they might not have gone to otherwise. There was still a learning curve when taking on the new responsibilities that came with the position. He quickly realized the tremendous amount of time he would have to devote toward the position, which would require a quick adjustment to his normal schedule. It took him about 3 to 4 months to fully get settled in the position, which he said only got through largely with the scheduling help of city staff and his chiropractic staff at Combs Chiropractic and Wellness Center. It was rough (at first). I am not going to lie, Combs said. My stress level was up and you are kinda thrown in there. It was crazy. It was like a whirlwind. Once settled in the position, the mayor said the experiences he has had are ones that would have only been afforded him by working as the mayor. Just in one year, Combs said the amount of Charleston people he would've otherwise never met was staggering and were well worth all the work. He said he has had a lot of community support. The stress associated with the job, while present, was alleviated by the words of encouragement from the community, he said, especially on the Fourth of July that year. Being out in the community and walking around the park and other places and the warm reception that I got from everybody, people I didn't even know that knew me or saw me in the paper; that was very encouraging and it felt good, Brandon said. Smith, city manager, said Rennels left big shoes to fill, and while no one will ever fill them, Mayor Combs has done a great job in stepping into the role. Good and bad, the year gave the mayor plenty to deal with in his first year. A few months into his time as mayor, a small crime stent, made up of crimes not common to the area, seemed to have plagued the Charleston area for a short while. While there was only so much that could be done from the position, he said the weight of worry in the community was palpable. Combs said he and Scott Smith stayed late one night in the office fielding calls about how the city was going to help keep the community safe. This piled on top of the growing issues facing the Eastern Illinois University throughout the year as hundreds were laid off as a result of state quarrels. Again, while not much could be done from his position, Combs said he wanted to make sure he would be alongside EIU President David Glassman and advocate for the university in getting necessary state funding down here and promote a positive message into the community. In his eyes, though, there was still plenty to be positive or at least hopeful about in the city. Shortly into his position, he was amazed by what was already being done in the city and what would later be done mentioning the work on 18th Street in particular. Throughout the year, he said he was proud of new businesses such as Gavina Graphics and the return of others like Dominos, both of which he largely credited to the work of the city staff. The work that has been done, is being done, and will be done mad him want to run again for mayor in April. My work here is not finished, Mayor Combs said. Billionaire investor George Soros urged members of the European Parliament on Thursday to "drastically reshape" fiscal policy across the region in the wake of Great Britain's vote to exit the European Union. Soros, after recently calling the vote "catastrophic" economically, today seemed more upbeat in his outlook. "Last Friday morning, the disintegration of the European Union seemed practically inevitable," he told representatives of the (for now) 28-nation bloc, according to his prepared remarks. "Over the past week, buyer's remorse has begun to set in," he added. "The tragedy no longer looks like a fait accompli." A Hungarian immigrant to the U.S. who retains dual citizenship, Soros' philanthropic endeavors through his Open Society Foundations focus on civil liberties and government accountability; he was initially invited to address the EU parliament on Europe's refugee crisis. Since the beginning of 2015, over a million migrants and refugees have attempted to reach Europe, roughly three-quarters of them fleeing violence in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Soros cited the lack of an effective response to the refugee crisis as a central factor in Britain's exit vote, and called on the EU to initiate "surge funding" that would overhaul the continent's approach to fiscal policy. He added that the EU needs to adopt a government budget that can spend counter-cyclically -- increasing outlays during recessions to spur growth. "This entails raising debt," Soros said. "There is a strong case to be made for using the EU's balance sheet." Soros estimated the EU's unused borrowing capacity through existing instruments at roughly 63 billion, the equivalent of $70 billion. Germany, the EU's largest national economy, has staunchly opposed issuing more debt. Increased borrowing would require a steady stream of revenue to meet interest payments. The EU, which raises three-quarters of its revenue from member-state contributions, spent 145 billion in 2015, or about 1% of total GDP. The U.S. government typically spends around 20% of GDP each year. Soros acknowledged his debt plan would require "new sources of tax revenue" for the EU, which currently relies on member states to collect taxes and customs duties. The debate recalls the early period of the United States, when Alexander Hamilton, the first treasury secretary, argued forcefully and successfully that the federal government should assume the member states' debt and expand its taxation policies. It's unclear how Soros, who has a net worth of roughly $25 billion, fared financially as markets crashed last Friday in the wake of Britain's vote. In 1992, he famously bet against the British pound during the U.K. currency crisis, netting a $1 billion profit. This time, he was reportedly holding a long position in the currency, which is down over 9% in the week since the historic vote. But Soros held significant hedging positions that could have earned the financier a hefty profit. Earlier this year, Soros Fund Management, his family investing office, bought up Barrick Gold (ABX) shares that were worth over $260 million at the end of March, according to filings. In the wake of the vote, those shares were worth as much as $415 million -- a profit of over $150 million if Soros timed it right. (A spokesman for Soros declined to comment.) The billionaire had also accumulated a sizable call position on $123 million worth of shares in SPDR Gold (GLD) , an exchange-traded fund up roughly 7% from the end of March. And in the immediate aftermath of Britain's vote on Friday, the investing wizard also bet against Deutsche Bank (DB) , scooping up short options on shares worth roughly $100 million. By Tuesday, he'd covered or sold roughly 10% of those short options, according to filings first reported by Die Welt. Soros' biggest single holding at last report was a put option on $431 million of SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) shares, which increase in value as the fund declines. After dropping as much as 3% from the end of the first quarter, when Soros reported holding them, those shares have rebounded to roughly even prices. See full coverage of Great Britain's decision to leave the European Union here. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of WPX Energy (WPX) are climbing 3.33% to $9.62 in early-afternoon trading on Friday as oil prices trade in the green. Crude oil (WTI) is increasing 0.19% to $48.42 per barrel and Brent crude is up 0.24% to $49.83 per barrel this afternoon. Oil prices are steadying this afternoon from early losses as traders pointed to a possibly more bullish positioning for the second half of the year after a weaker dollar lifted many commodities today, Reuters reports. Commodities that are denominated in dollars, such as oil and gold, are more expensive to foreign currency holders when the greenback is strong. The market also found some support after dropping more than 3% yesterday as traders took profits at the end of the best quarter in seven years, Reuters noted. "There is some pre-holiday market positioning for the second half that's going on," David Thompson, EVP at commodities-focused broker Powerhouse, told Reuters. "People are also moving on from Brexit, accepting they have to deal with an 'organized divorce' with Britain," he added. WPX Energy is a Tulsa, OK-based oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Sell" rating with a score of D on the stock. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its feeble growth in its earnings per share, deteriorating net income, weak operating cash flow, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and generally high debt management risk. Recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. You can view the full analysis from the report here: WPX Alex Lanaro and Rob Swatland at Suma restaurant in Bethesda Row. (Dayna Smith/For the Washington Post) Among summers greatest pleasures is a reliable patio restaurant. The kind of place where alfresco happy hours turn into dinners, which turn into after-dinner drinks. The kind of place where youre shaded from sun and fanned from sweat. Where you dont have to think too hard about the menu or anything at all. Suma, a new restaurant in Bethesda, could become such a place. Its name means born in the summer, but in a feat rarely accomplished by restaurants this baby was premature, arriving six weeks ago. We opened up a little sooner than we thought, said co-owner and chef Gene Sohn, a former chef at Bethesdas Mussel Bar and Grille. We would have been born in the summer. Still, for a restaurant that gets its inspiration from the seasons bounty, Suma came at the right time. The restaurant, a joint venture involving Sohn, former Mussel Bar manager Jay Evans and Jennifer Day, has put forth a menu of simple dishes, the kind of inoffensive fare that tries to please everyone at once. Think salmon, a burger, some mussels, deviled eggs, steak frites. Tuna panzanella is artfully presented. (Dayna Smith/For the Washington Post) When they keep it simple, Suma can feel as welcome as a popsicle in August. The seared tuna, rare, is served along with a nontraditional panzanella: cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, croutons and greens from Normans Farm Market, the restaurants local produce provider. It comes in a casual but artful arrangement on a wooden board: a pleasing presentation. Other dishes that answer summers siren call are charred ears of corn, a (slightly too thin) watermelon gazpacho with nuggets of jalapeno ice, and deviled eggs topped with bacon and goat cheese. If the herbs taste especially fresh, its because theyre grown on the restaurants rooftop. One dessert would be good in any season: bacon chocolate chip cookies and a frosty glass of frothed chocolate milk. But for all the talk about summer and seasonality, there are a few perplexing out-of-season holdovers. Ive never seen a Maryland crab cake served with Brussels sprouts before. And thats not the only risky pairing: A tomato-based crab soup is studded with lima beans and other vegetables, but its crab croquettes dissolve into mush inside the bowl. There are other flaws. A burger that is supposed to be medium-rare arrives well-done. A strawberry creme brulees crust isnt torched quite enough, and the custard below is strangely watery. So are the drinks, which never taste as if they have the right ratio of alcohol. Watermelon gazpacho. (Dayna Smith/For the Washington Post) Bacon chocolate chip cookies and chocolate milk. (Dayna Smith/For the Washington Post) Still, the restaurant seems to still be finding its way. Over the course of my visits, the menu underwent a drastic change, most of it for the better. Once it gets its footing, Suma has the potential to be a solid neighborhood spot for Bethesdans. Thats especially due to its porch: enclosed, with comfortable seating and an overhead fan that keeps cool breezes coming your way. If only the view were of something nicer than the car dealership across the street. But if youre there on a Friday, your attention will soon turn to the microphone on the patio: Sohn brings in entertainers to strum a guitar and sing some hits. It may turn into a dance party, or a full-restaurant singalong of Ive Got Friends in Low Places, depending on how much your fellow patio-dwellers had to drink. 4921 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. 301-718-6378, sumabethesda.com. Appetizers, $8 to $14; entrees, $16 to $28. Tom Sietsema will return next week. AnaMaria Friede chooses the products that will be sold at 50 Whole Foods Markets in the Mid-Atlantic region. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Usually, when AnaMaria Friede goes to the Fancy Food Show the trade show for makers of specialty foods and the stores that sell them the first thing she does is flip over her badge so her name cant be seen. Its better for her to slip under the radar as she walks the 363,000 square feet of booths at New Yorks Javits Center, sampling gluten-free brownies and fair-trade coconut water and vegetable chips, so many vegetable chips. Thats because Friede is a buyer for the Mid-Atlantic region of Whole Foods Market, responsible for deciding which packaged cookies or frozen mac-and-cheese or jarred olives, among other things, youll pluck from the shelves of your local store. Whole Foods, which has more than 435 stores and sold $15.4 billion worth of goods in the 2015 fiscal year, is the barometer for if youve made it in your business, said exhibitor Benjamin Frohlichstein, co-founder of Cappellos, a sleekly designed line of gluten-free pizzas and doughs sold in some Whole Foods regions. If we were coming to the show and we werent in Whole Foods yet, we would be desperate. In the grocery world, Friede is the equivalent of the scout who finds a kid with a good arm and sends him to the major leagues, or the agent who notices a pretty girl on the street and puts her on a runway for Paris fashion week. And because the many, many smart businesspeople at the Fancy Food Show know that about Friede, she tends to get ambushed unless she turns her tag around. [The Fancy Food Show: A fast track to retailers] Except. This year, the Specialty Foods Association got wise to it. For the summer show last week, names were printed on both sides of the badges, which are required for entry, so exhibitors could know every visitors identity. So much for that plan. I was in the pavilion, and someone said, Oh, you are from Whole Foods, and I said, How did you know? said Friede. We cannot go incognito anymore. It was 9:30 a.m. and the doors had just opened on Day 1 of the three-day event. There were 2,670 brands present. By the end of the day, she would walk more than four miles in the convention center alone. I try to stop by as many booths as I can, she said. My priority is looking for new items. For my existing suppliers, I try to touch base on how the business is going. While the rest of New York was eating breakfast, Friede was on the hunt for salsa. Salsas are one of the more than 70 categories of foods she is responsible for in her territory, which includes 50 stores in the District, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and parts of New Jersey. Some of her other categories are narrow kombuchas, cheese alternatives, and canned meats and seafoods and others are broader: pasta, candy and tea. She approached Danny and Bella Mayans, an attractive couple standing behind a table of Casa Maya avocado dill salsa, and took a taste. So are you selling to any retailers right now? asked Friede. Were in about 30 locations, mostly local, said Bella Mayans. But wed love to be in Whole Foods, interjected her husband. That became a common refrain throughout Friedes day. Were not in Whole Foods yet, which breaks my heart, said Neal Gottlieb of Three Twins Ice Cream, referring to his sundae cones. They were depicted on the neon green ice-cream-print pants that hed had custom-made by a guy in Thailand that I send the fabric to. It was one of several wacky getups Friede would see at the show. One man covered himself in single-serve beef jerky packets. Representatives of a company called Belgian Boys they make waffles, of course wore identical neon pink jerseys and set up their booth to look like a soccer field, with fake grass. Anything to get the buyers attention. The Summer Fancy Food Show attracted 47,000 specialty food professionals to the Javits Center in New York. (PR Newswire) Walking the aisles of the Fancy Food Show feels, at times, like walking through the souks of Marrakesh, but instead of carpets and spices, people are aggressively hawking seaweed snacks or buckwheat noodles. Make accidental eye contact, and they might try to pull you into their booth. Hey, want to try the best potato chip in the world? asked one vendor. No, thank you, said Friede. Are you peanut butter eaters? asked a man with a New Zealand accent. Not really, said Friede. Excuse me, Miss? I saw that you work for Whole Foods, said a heavily accented young Quebecois woman in the Canadian aisle. I work for an apple orchard, and I saw that you do not have any apple syrup. She is so nice so hopeful that Friede obliges her with a taste. Alas, I just finished my category review for sweeteners, Friede said, referring to her annual evaluation of which products are selling well and which ones will need to be replaced. It will be too late for Les Vergers Cataphard apple syrup to get onto Whole Foods shelves for at least another year. The woman looks a little crestfallen. But whenever Friede found something she liked, she stopped and took her time, asking the vendors about sourcing and production. Whole Foods has stringent rules about the types of ingredients that are not permitted in the foods it carries, such as hydrogenated fats and artificial colors. Do you use tomatoes from a can, or fresh? she asked several salsamakers. The type of canned tomatoes they use would matter. And producers are more than happy to accommodate Whole Foods requests. Well go back a year later, and theyll say, we did it all for you; we reduced the sugar, said Friede. Whole Foods basically elevated the standards, said Thomas May of Lotus Foods, a rice and noodle company. They go through the packaging and tell you what should be there, what shouldnt be there. Friedes feedback wasnt limited to ingredients. It tastes too much of vinegar, she told Rick Field about his Ricks Picks pickled corn. Field said that Friede is tough but fair. I like to be honest upfront, and I dont like to go around and say that it is delicious when it is not, she said. Hes going to work on it. But when she really likes a brand, shell work with the producers to create a product that is exclusive to Whole Foods. Sometimes its to fill a gap she sees in the market: As an example, she pointed to some maple sweet potato chips, a snack she developed with chip company One Potato Two Potato for the holidays. Shes also an avid forecaster, anticipating trends and getting them on the shelves before anyone else. She was among the first to pick up SeaSnax, a popular brand of seaweed chips. She worked closely with Republic of Tea on a particular honey chamomile blend, which became so popular the brand took it national. As Friede caught up with one of her suppliers Neilly Ndjee, whose eponymous brand already supplies Mid-Atlantic Whole Foods with frozen plantains Friede spotted some plastic containers of yellow rice. Okay, so you use turmeric for the color? asked Friede. We dont have a yellow rice. Ndjee was so happy that she began to dance. Once the paperwork comes through, Friede expects it will take a month before Neillys yellow rice mix will be on the shelves and in customers homes. But most of the people Friede talked to werent so lucky. Excuse me; I was wondering if you could take a look at our product? Were a super-premium product, said Peter Van Alstine, chief executive of R.e.d.d. energy bars. The merchandising space for bars is very tight, said Friede. Its a sea of bars out there, said Van Alstine. We came at the wrong time. I am aware of that. But he continued his pitch: Non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, brown rice free. Its the most functional clean bar in your sea of bars. She tried a bite, politely, and continued on her way. Out of earshot of van Alstine, I asked: Does anyone selling bars have a chance with her today? She made a sympathetic face. No. Clarification: This post was updated to clarify that Neal Gottlieb of Three Twins Ice Cream was referring to his companys sundae cones in his quote. Other Three Twins products are already sold in Whole Foods. Author Gay Talese speaks after receiving his award at the Table 4 Writers Foundation 1st Annual Awards Gala in New York City in 2013. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America) In his forthcoming book, The Voyeurs Motel, acclaimed journalist and nonfiction author Gay Talese chronicles the bizarre story of Gerald Foos, who allegedly spied on guests at his Colorado motel from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. But Talese overlooked a key fact in his book: Foos sold the motel, located in Aurora, Colo., in 1980 and didnt reacquire it until eight years later, according to local property records. His absence from the motel raises doubt about some of the things Foos told Talese he saw enough that the author himself now has deep reservations about the truth of some material he presents. I should not have believed a word he said, the 84-year-old author said after The Washington Post informed him of property records that showed Foos did not own the motel from 1980 to 1988. Im not going to promote this book, the writer said. How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet? The book, which will be published July 12, was excerpted in the New Yorker magazine in April. The story attracted widespread media attention and led producer-director Steven Spielberg to buy the movie rights to the book. Spielberg has lined up Sam Mendes, who won an Academy Award for directing American Beauty, to create a film of Taleses and Fooss story. Journalist and nonfiction author Gay Talese discussed his passion for telling the stories of real people during a 2006 appearance. (C-SPAN) Talese has long been hailed as a master of the New Journalism, a form that emerged in the 1960s marrying shoe-leather reporting with the techniques of fiction writing. His 14 books include Thy Neighbors Wife, a chronicle of the sexual revolution of the 1970s, and The Kingdom and the Power, an inside look at the New York Times. He is the author of one of the classic magazine profiles of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra Has a Cold. The Voyeurs Motel is largely based on journals kept by Foos, now 82, who built a hidden walkway above some of the rooms at his motel, the Manor House, in suburban Denver. The journals describe a variety of intimate encounters among his guests, who were unaware that Foos was watching them from above through specially fitted louvered vents. While the vast majority of events described in the book occurred in the 1970s, Talese does refer to incidents that allegedly occurred in the 1980s. Talese writes, for example, that Fooss second wife sometimes joined him in the attic to watch guests during the mid-1980s. But Foos didnt own the motel then and said he had quit his Peeping Tom ways by the time he took the motel back in 1988. Talese does note in The Voyeurs Motel that he found discrepancies in Fooss accounts. Fooss earliest journal entries, for example, were dated 1966. But the author subsequently learned from county property records that Foos didnt buy the Manor House Motel until 1969 three years after he said he started watching his guests from the catwalk. I cannot vouch for every detail that he recounts in his manuscript, Talese writes in the book. But property records also show a series of sales and purchases of the motel from 1980 to 1988, none of which Talese said he knew about. In a series of interviews, he expressed surprise, disappointment and anger to learn about the transactions. He said he had not been aware of them until a reporter asked him about it on Wednesday. The source of my book, Gerald Foos, is certifiably unreliable, Talese said. Hes a dishonorable man, totally dishonorable. . . . I know that. . . . I did the best I could on this book, but maybe it wasnt good enough. Foos vouches for his own veracity. I can swear to this, and I can say this unequivocally and without recourse, that I have never purposely told a lie, he said. Everything I said in that book is the truth. How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet? author Gay Talese says of his new book, The Vouyers Motel. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Some of the books timeline of events has already been called into question, particularly an incident that Foos said he witnessed at the motel in 1977. While secreted in the attic, he said he saw a man strangle a woman to death in the room below. He said he later reported this to police, without revealing he was an eyewitness. But Talese was unable to find any official documentation of this crime, and in the book and New Yorker excerpt, he dismisses this discrepancy as a record-keeping error by authorities. The book makes only fleeting reference to a murder that did occur at the Manor House: the unsolved 1984 homicide of a man named James Craig Broughman, apparently by an intruder. The various sales of the motel in the 1980s came to light in April after media organizations, including The Post, asked about the 1984 murder and other police records on the Manor House. An Aurora homicide detective, Stephen W. Conner, conducted the property record search and found that Foos and his wife Donna sold the Manor House in October 1980 to Earl and Pamela Ballard, a local couple Gerald Foos knew. The Ballards, in turn, sold it in 1983 to Kyong C. LeFebre. Foos and his second wife re-acquired it from LeFebre in July 1988. The Fooses then sold it for the last time in 1995, the records indicate. Foos confirmed the general sequence of events in an interview with The Post. Conner, who spoke briefly with Foos in April, told The Post that Foos didnt have access to the Manor House in 1984 because he no longer owned it. I have no doubt that Mr. Foos may have been involved in some nefarious activity while he owned the Manor House. I just do not think it arose to the magnitude described by Mr. Talese, the detective said in an email to The Post. Talese said it was his understanding that Foos and his family lived in the motel even after he sold it to a Korean family (in fact, the initial buyer, the Ballards, are not Korean), and after it was sold a second time to LeFebre. He lived in the goddamn place, Talese said at one point. In fact, he did not, according to both Ballard and Foos. Still, Foos said in an interview that he had access to the annex, which he called his sexual researchers station, during the three years the Ballards owned the place. Ballard disputes this. After buying the motel in 1980, Ballard said he locked the annex and closed off the ceiling vents that Foos had installed to facilitate his voyeurism. Ballard, who knew Foos for years before buying the motel, confirmed that Foos had spied on guests for many years in the 1970s. He was pretty open about that, Ballard said. At least he was to me. During the 1970s, Ballard said, Foos sometimes invited Ballard as well as another man to join him in the annex to look in on guests. Ballard said he went multiple times but added: I never liked Gerald. He certainly was a pervert. For his part, Foos called Ballard as big a voyeur as I was. Foos said he was locked out of the motel altogether when LeFebre took over ownership of the motel from Ballard in 1984. At that point, he said, I decided to get out of the voyeurism business. Foos said he accepted a promissory note from Ballard when he sold the motel to him and Ballard passed it on to LeFebre. Foos reacquired the motel in 1988 by forgiving the note. He said he never mentioned any of these property transactions to Talese while he was researching the book because I didnt think it would be interesting to people to see two voyeurs fighting over the same turf. Talese visited Foos at the Manor House just once, for three days in 1980, apparently a few months before the motel was sold to the Ballards. The Voyeurs Motel makes no reference to the motels ownership until Foos tells him in a letter in late 1996 that he sold the lodging in August of that year to Korean-born residents of Denver. This appears to be in error, too: County records indicate that the Fooses actually sold the motel in August of 1995 to a man named Bruno G. Previtali. Talese said he relied on Foos to describe a remarkable coincidence: That Fooss son, Mark, rented the same apartment later occupied by James Holmes, the gunman who killed 12 people in an Aurora movie theater in 2012. He writes: Bizarrely, [Foos] told me that he had once been inside the gunmans apartment: Foos son had been an earlier tenant. After I moved my son to another neighborhood, he said, this guy apparently replaced him, although we dont ever recall running into this guy whose picture is now all over the news. According to the Nexis database and police records, Holmes and Mark Foos lived in Aurora at approximately the same time but occupied different buildings. Thus, Holmes couldnt replace Mark Foos, nor could Fooss son be an earlier tenant. Morgan Entrekin, chief executive of Taleses publisher, Grove/Atlantic books, said the majority of events described in The Voyeurs Motel occurred before Foos sold the motel in 1980. But he said the company would consider appending an authors note or footnotes in subsequent printings to account for errors or missing information. New Yorker editor David Remnick said he hadnt had time to review the magazines vetting of the excerpt it published in April but would look into it. Julie Tate contributed to this report. One hundred and fifty-six people on death row in the United States have been exonerated since 1973. One of them sits on a stone walkway, between the Capitol building and the Supreme Court, at the feet of a Catholic priest. Joe and I have big disagreements about God, says the priest, Father Neil, whos wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers T-shirt and sitting on a bench Thursday afternoon. Joe says that theres a reason God put him in jail, on death row, for decades, but God doesnt operate that way. Thats injustice. Thats sin. That has nothing to do with God. And Joe disagrees. He Because I think my testimony of 22 years is so much more powerful than a guy that was in there for a year, Joe says from the ground, jabbing the air with his hand-rolled cigarette. And thats one of the reasons why I do our talks. Is because I think I was saved. Because I had no luck. Im on death row! So its Gods providence But 22 years? to send me him. Twenty-two years, Joe. We do this every time. Argue back and forth. A speaker squeals with feedback across First Street NE. The sun is setting on the second day of a fast and vigil to abolish the death penalty. Joe, 54, and Father Neil, 57, will soon address the crowd, if there is a crowd, in front of a banner noting that Saturday marks 40 years since the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the death penalty. These days its not easy to muster an army of abolitionists, even though American opposition to capital punishment 37 percent against hasnt been this high since the early 1970s, according to Gallup. The new draft of the Democratic Party platform released Friday envisions abolition, and says the death penalty has no place in the United States of America. Still, its the taboo issue, Joe says. Even though there are dozens and dozens of exonerees in the United States, people dont wanna hear that, because that shows the giant flaw in our justice system. If they cant get that right, and theyre willing to murder people. America is very animated right now on the other Big Issues. Last months mass shooting in Orlando brought people out into the streets to demand gun-control legislation. Hundreds mobbed the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday to await the decision on an abortion case. So far this year 14 men have been executed in the United States, all by lethal injection. In California alone, 743 prisoners await the same fate. [How North Carolinas hipster haven is being hurt byt the bathroom bill boycott] People want to be right-to-life if its innocent right-to-life, but not if it might be guilty right-to-life, Father Neil says. Its a very deep contradiction. They share a business card. Above their names it says Speaking Truth to Power. They have a two-man act: the former dead man walking and the man of God who helped set him free. In 1988 Joe DAmbrosio was 26, just out of the Army, a new hire at a landscaping company in Cleveland. Within weeks he was arrested and charged with the murder of a 19-year-old who was found in a creek with his throat cut from ear to ear. By the following year, Joe, an innocent man with no priors, was a convicted murderer on death row, a prison within a prison. He spent the next 10 years teaching himself law, unaware that he was really waiting for God to send Father Neil. Born into a Catholic family and raised with seven sibilings, Neil Kookoothe first became a nurse, then became a lawyer, then became a parish priest who also ministered to death-row inmates. He had to be all three things, Joe says. Thats Gods providence all day long. If Neil werent a lawyer, he wouldnt have been troubled by the transcript of Joes sentencing hearing, which was unusually short and glib. Because he was a nurse, it was easy to deduce that the victim could not have screamed for help, as court testimony had claimed, with his trachea slashed to bits. And if Neil wasnt a priest, he wouldnt have been in a prison in the 90s to hear of Joes case in the first place. The case is far more complicated than providence; it involved years of studying, investigation, and negligence and misconduct on the part of authorities, who withheld evidence. All of this has been well-documented by Cleveland media. All of this led after a torturous and prolonged appeals process to Joes exoneration in 2012, after the case made it all the way to the Supreme Court. [Planned Parenthood announces it will fight abortion laws in eight states after Supreme Court ruling] Now Joe and Father Neil are back outside that court for a couple days of vigiling. They drove down together from Ohio, where Joe is a handyman and factotum at Father Neils parish. Joe says his family abandoned him after the conviction, and so Father Neil became the brother he never had. They speak in tandem about how its better to let 1,000 guilty people walk free than take the life of one innocent man. They hold banners together by the steps of the court. They try to talk to passersby about how several states in the last decade abolished the death penalty, about how DNA testing and botched executions are proving how unreliable and cruel the criminal-justice system can be. Its hard to get anyones attention on First Street. Everyones hurrying home, or jogging, or their ears are plugged up with music. Around 7 p.m., its their turn at the microphone, in front of a banner that reads 40 Years of Blood on Our Hands. In the amber glow of the sunset, their voices echoing between the facades of the Capitol and the court, they tell their story. Theres little hope for an innocent man condemned to death, they say, if he doesnt have a friend whos advocating on the outside. They get close to tears, but end their speech with a rehearsed joke about sharing a hotel room when they travel, to save expenses. I do sleep with one eye open, Father Neil says, just to be on the safe side. Uh, I sleep with one eye open, Joe says. Hes the Catholic priest. And the shocked laughter from the small crowd is what finally gets pedestrians to turn their heads. U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves late Thursday night issued an injunction blocking a bill by the Mississippi legislature that would have allowed private citizens and some public officials professing a sincere religious belief to deny services to gays and lesbians. Just minutes before House Bill 1523 was to take effect at midnight, Reeves eviscerated the bill the most sweeping attempt by a state to undermine the Supreme Courts 2015 decision to legalize same-sex marriage as being in violation of the First and 14th amendments. The State has put its thumb on the scale to favor some religious beliefs over others. Showing such favor tells nonadherents that they are outsiders, not full members of the political community, and . . . adherents that they are insiders, favored members of the political community, Reeves wrote, citing precedent. And the Equal Protection Clause is violated by HB 1523s authorization of arbitrary discrimination against lesbian, gay, transgender, and unmarried persons. The plaintiffs motions are granted and HB 1523 is preliminarily enjoined. Federal courts have now delivered three rulings on gay rights that together compose a devastating, civil-rights-era-style rebuke against Mississippi, a former Confederate state with an oppressive history that has adamantly refused to fall into line behind same-sex marriage, gay adoption and other legal protections for non-heterosexuals. Coupled with a ruling Reeves filed earlier in the week preventing circuit clerks from denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples the proposed law is, for the moment, stillborn. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) said he expects an aggressive appeal of Reevess ruling. Like I said when I signed House Bill 1523, the law simply provides religious accommodations granted by many other states and federal law. I am disappointed Judge Reeves did not recognize that reality. I look forward to an aggressive appeal, Bryant said in a statement issued by his office Friday morning. Legislative attempts to curb the rapid expansion of gay rights have spiked sharply over the past few years, with almost 200 bills seen as discriminatory introduced in nearly three dozen states, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group. [The recent surge of bathroom bills is not as sudden as it may appear] Three of those bills that became law: Mississippis measure; legislation in North Carolina restricting bathroom access for transgender people; and a Kansas law, signed this spring, letting religious groups restrict membership. South Dakota and Georgia passed similar bills; Republican governors in both vetoed them. The preliminary injunction in Mississippi will hold until any appeals are completed. Then, if upheld, it will be filed as a permanent injunction. The federal courts decision recognizes that religious freedom can be preserved along with equal rights for all people regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, said a statement from Robert McDuff, attorney for one of four groups to file suit against the bill. Reevess decision comes 20 months after he struck down Mississippis statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage. It comes three months after U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Porter Jordan III, in the same Jackson courthouse, struck down the states ban on gay couples adopting children. Roberta A. Kaplan, the New York-based lawyer who represented plaintiffs in both the adoption case and the HB 1523 lawsuit, invoked the states racially segregated history in hearings in late June in talking about the law. There cant be separate but equal marriage, she told Reeves. There cant be Jim Crow kind of gay marriage in the state of Mississippi. Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves (no relation to the judge) had said earlier in the week that he hoped the state would appeal the judges initial injunction. If this opinion by the federal court denies even one Mississippian of their fundamental right to practice their religion, then all Mississippians are denied their 1st Amendment rights, he said in a statement. I hope the states attorneys will quickly appeal this decision to the 5th Circuit to protect the deeply held religious beliefs of all Mississippians. Reeves, the judge, ripped into that logic in the conclusion of his 60-page opinion. Religious freedom was one of the building blocks of this great nation, and after the nation was torn apart, the guarantee of equal protection under law was used to stitch it back together, he wrote. But HB 1523 does not honor that tradition of religion freedom, nor does it respect the equal dignity of all of Mississippis citizens. It must be enjoined. In his 60-page ruling, Reeves wrote that the title, history and text of the law showed it to be the States attempt to put LGBT citizens back in their place. Officially titled the Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act, the law was authored by state House Speaker Philip Gunn (R). After the U.S. Supreme Courts Obergefell v. Hodges decision last year legalizing same-sex marriage, Gunn said the ruling was in direct conflict with Gods design for marriage as set forth in the Bible. The threat of this decision to religious liberty is very clear. His resulting bill easily passed the Republican-controlled House and Senate. Bryant enthusiastically signed the bill into law April 5. It sought to protect Mississippians who had three specific religious beliefs: that marriage is between only one man and one woman, that sex is reserved for heterosexual married couples and that gender is determined at birth. Court clerks would be allowed to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples by asserting a religious offense. A single mother could be fired from her job. Private business owners could refuse service to anyone they perceived to be gay. Local, national and international outrage ensued. Mississippi offers no discrimination protections to gay and lesbian residents. Its ban on adoptions by same-sex couples was the last one in the nation. And in 2004, when 11 states passed referendums barring same-sex marriages, Mississippi voted the most strongly against the unions, at 86 percent. So, although there have been no reported problems in the state with same-sex-marriage licenses being issued, the bill hit a nerve. The fear is greater here than in other places, said Paloma Wu, legal director for the state American Civil Liberties Union, which filed one of the challenges against the law. State business leaders decried it, newspaper editorials railed against it, and nonprofits, activists and individuals gay, straight and transgender filed suit. In a further symbol of change, Reeves, the judge hearing the case, is an African American who was born in 1964 and grew up in tiny Yazoo City. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Jackson State University, a historically black institution a few blocks from the Capitol building, and was eventually nominated to the bench in 2010 by the nations first black president. His rulings on same-sex marriage have stymied the most powerful politicians in the state all white men who grew up here, like he did, in the waning days of segregation. Joseph R. Murray II, a New Jersey native and once a lawyer for the ultra-conservative American Family Association, based in Tupelo, Miss., later came out as gay. He married in Mississippi last year (without incident), practices law in Ripley (population 5,000), and counts himself as a devout Catholic and Donald Trump supporter. He recently wrote a commentary for the Clarion-Ledger, the states largest newspaper, mocking Republican state leaders for being obsessed with homosexuality. The politics are just so blatant in the legislature, he said in an interview. This bill, its the death throes of the religious right that doesnt know what to do with itself now that its lost, and lost miserably. They took all those $5 and $10 donations from little old ladies, and what have they got to show for it? The Fairfax County School Board on Thursday unanimously approved a salary raise and contract extension for Superintendent Karen Garza, giving the schools chief another four-year term. Garza, a native Texan, became Fairfax Countys first female superintendent in 2013 after high-profile positions in Texas at school districts in Lubbock, Corpus Christi and Houston. In Fairfax, she oversees the education of more than 187,000 students and an institution with 200 schools and 24,000 employees. During the first three years of her tenure, she stewarded significant changes in the school system, including pushing back start times for high school students, reorganizing the leadership team and implementing anti-discrimination policies to protect gay and transgender students and staff. [Fairfax County School Board hires Karen Garza to be superintendent] Her new contract starts with a $300,000 base salary a 7 percent increase from her current pay of $280,099 and runs through June 30, 2020. The contract also includes $25,000 in annual retirement savings, a monthly $2,000 housing allowance, and the use of a vehicle, laptop and cellphone for professional and personal purposes. Dr. Garza has been an agent of positive change for Fairfax County Public Schools, school board chair Pat Hynes (Hunter Mill) said in a statement. She has positively engaged the community in a number of critical issues and has been a passionate advocate for our students and teachers. The school board voted to approve Garzas new contract 11 to 0, with board member Tom Wilson (Sully) absent from the meeting. Garza, at the helm of the 10th largest school district in the country and one of the highest-performing, is widely viewed as a national education leader. She began her career as a classroom teacher in an elementary school in Yoakum, Tex., before ascending rapidly to leadership positions in Texas schools. She had previously served as superintendent in Lubbock and as a chief academic officer in the Houston Independent School District before moving to Northern Virginia. We are pleased to be able to recognize Dr. Garzas contributions by extending her contract, ensuring administrative stability and continuity in the district, Hynes said. Marylands Department of Education needs to better enforce its safeguards against child-care workers who could put children at risk, according to a report this week from state auditors. A review by the Department of Legislative Services found that the state has failed sometimes in recent years to ensure that child-care employees had background checks and that authorities followed up on criminal alerts for such individuals. The Education Department, which oversees more than 9,700 licensed facilities serving about 219,000 children, said in its response that it respectfully disagrees with the findings and has developed adequate processes for enforcing the safeguards. The agency declined requests for comment Friday, referring inquiries to its written response to the audit. Auditors tested the enforcement of background checks by reviewing the records of nine child-care employees from across the state. It found that the Education Department had no record of initial checks for three of the individuals, including one that it had confirmed as vetted. Legislative Services said that during the states regular unannounced site visits, it should verify that every child-care worker has had a background check by comparing names on payroll records against a state database. The Education Department said it implemented procedures in September 2015 that, in effect, anticipated the reports recommendation. The agency said it would also redistribute its guidelines to all licensing personnel to emphasize the importance of reviewing background checks. Auditors also examined how the department responded to 25 alerts of criminal activity by employees between June 2013 and July 2014. It found that in five cases, staff workers relied on the word of the child-care centers that the individuals were no longer working at their facilities and did not check payroll records to verify the claims. The Education Department said it made exhaustive attempts to determine the employment status of the individuals associated with each of the five alerts, including checking for their names in various state databases that would have shown whether they were working at child-care facilities. The Education Department received 3,600 criminal-activity alerts in fiscal 2014. In another case, agency staff discovered that a person whose criminal activity they were alerted to was actually a public-school employee rather than a child-care worker. After that, the department made no attempt to ensure that the individual was employed by a local school system and not a child-care facility, according to the audit report. The Education Department said it fulfilled its obligation by determining that the employee was not a child-care worker. Since the public school system never owned or operated licensed child care facilities, no facility existed to contact or inspect for this alert, the agency said in its response. Legislative Services said the Education Department nonetheless should have contacted the school system to ensure that the individual was not working with children. Auditors found that scores of people, including 68 former agency employees, had inappropriate or unnecessary access to the states system for tracking child-care subsidies between 2011 and 2014 a situation that could lead to subsidies being granted without appropriate safeguards. They said 558 employees could perform such functions as determining eligibility for financial assistance and issuing payment vouchers without independent approval. Auditors recommended that the agency periodically review employees access to the system and restrict those whose duties do not require such access. The Education Department agreed with those proposals and said it changed the system last year so that no one person can perform all the functions necessary to approve a subsidy. Maryland provided $81.5 million in subsidies to eligible families through the aid program in fiscal 2014. The president of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence is doing something she has never done before: organizing volunteers to monitor the states Handgun Permit Review Board. The board, which hears appeals from people who have been denied gun permits, is one of at least three in the state that oversee hot-button issues and now have a majority of their members appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan, a first-term Republican in a heavily Democratic state. We want to make sure the people who got on the board are voting with Maryland laws and not their personal philosophies, said the groups president, Jen Pauliukonis, explaining why the volunteers will take minutes of meetings and record each decision by the board. Were doing this because of the new appointees and because of our concern that Governor Hogan was trying to weaken our concealed-carry laws through the appointments. [Gun rights advocates say Hogan has made them promises] Hogan appointees also hold the majority on the State Board of Education and the Public Service Commission, which over the next several years are expected to make weighty decisions on such issues as the role of standardized testing in schools; the expansion of charter schools; wind power; and net metering, a system that allows customers to offset the cost of power drawn from solar panels that are connected to public-utility power grids. Del. Anthony J. ODonnell (R-Calvert) was appointed by Hogan to the Public Service Commission. (Mark Gail/THE WASHINGTON POST) Advocates across the political spectrum say they are watching closely to gauge the impact of those appointments. Sen. Paul G. Pinsky (D-Prince Georges), vice chairman of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, said he thinks that there is a strong possibility the appointees could steer Maryland away from the progressive policies for which the state has become known. I dont want to write them off and say the plague has come to Maryland, Pinsky said of the new members. I just dont think it has played out yet. Its too early to tell what the effect will be. Matt Clark, a Hogan spokesman, said the advocates seem to be worried about something that might not happen, adding that the panels are independent bodies and that the Hogan administration does not have the authority to make any demands on their decisions. Jeanne Allen, the founder of the pro-charter-school Center for Education Reform, said she is waiting to see whether the new state school board is willing to push the envelope on education reform. [Whats the best way to measure school success?] Im cautiously optimistic, said Allen, who has advocated for bills making it easier to start charter schools in Maryland. At the same time, she said she worries that only some board members, not the majority, are willing to make the type of drastic changes that she sees as needed to improve education in the state. Political scientist Todd Eberly said the appointments are an important way for Hogan to advance his agenda in a state where Democrats control both chambers of the legislature by veto-proof majorities. Making conservative appointments doesnt risk his popularity like a high-stakes legislative battle, said Eberly, a professor at St. Marys College of Maryland. If you are trying to effect change in state government, you look to areas where you have . . . a freer hand. Clark said Hogan, who served as appointments secretary during the administration of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich (R), has sought the most qualified, best possible candidates for each vacancy. He noted that each appointee must be confirmed by the Senate Executive Nominations Committee when the legislature is in session, although it is common practice for people appointed between legislative sessions to occupy their seats on an interim basis until confirmation hearings can be held. These folks have been scrutinized and cleared the hurdle, Clark said. So any questions that may be out there about those individuals about positions on policies have been put out there. Earlier this year, Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence fought Hogans appointment of Richard Jurgena, a gun rights advocate who had publicly questioned the constitutionality of the states handgun permit law. [Md. lawmakers block Hogan gun-board nominee] Jurgenas contention that Marylands law requiring a good and substantial reason to get a concealed-carry permit was unconstitutional troubled many members of the Senate, which rejected his nomination to the Handgun Permit Review Board. Pauliukonis said her group took note of a report in The Washington Post before the 2014 elections in which gun rights advocates said Hogan had promised them he would do what he could as governor to expand access to firearms. Hogan disputed those claims, however, and Clark said the governor has repeatedly made clear that he does not plan to roll back the states strict gun laws. The firearms community has been watching the board under the Hogan administration just as it did under previous administrations, said Dan Blasberg, president of the gun rights group Maryland Shall Issue. Asked whether he was hopeful that decisions from the current board would favor the firearms community, Blasberg said: All we want, all weve ever wanted, is for the board to make its decisions based on Maryland law and statute, not based on personal feelings. Meanwhile, environmentalists lashed out at Hogan last month when he appointed Del. Anthony J. ODonnell (R-Calvert), who has opposed major environmental initiatives, to the Public Service Commission. ODonnell is expected to assume his post on an interim basis this summer. Tiffany Hartung, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Climate Coalition, said she was troubled by ODonnells appointment as well as that of Michael T. Richard, a former Hogan aide. She said she feared the appointees could undermine the expansion of renewable energy in Maryland. ODonnell, a longtime employee of Baltimore Gas and Electric, has been an outspoken critic of rate increases. During his 12 years in the House of Delegates, he has voted against bills that allowed offshore wind energy and that pushed for new standards in renewable energy usage to fight against climate change. Richard, who served as a deputy chief of staff in the first year of Hogans term, left that post in January to become an interim member of the PSC. His confirmation hearing in March ran into trouble when the Senate committee became aware of emails Richard had sent to the governors office about commission business after taking his seat on the panel. Richard gave information to his former colleagues about an offshore wind-power companys application for renewable-energy credits and sought information from them as the commission was weighing a ruling on a solar-energy project. He was eventually confirmed after a delay and following assurances from Richard that he was simply helping with the transition of his former job and keeping the governors staff updated on the status of various deliberations without divulging sensitive information. Hogan also triggered complaints from teachers unions and proponents of traditional public schools this year when he chose a leader in the charter school movement and other charter and private school advocates to join the State Board of Education: Chester Finn, a longtime advocate for charter schools and the co-founder of Edison Learning, a for-profit education group; Andy Smarick, who helped co-found the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; Stephanie R. Iszard, the principal at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Prince Georges County; and Laura Weeldreyer, a consultant who works on charter school conversions. It appears the question is not how can we put students in a better position to be successful, but how can we help someone make a profit, said Sean Johnson, an assistant executive director at the Maryland State Education Association. Pinsky, who fought against the bill to expand charter schools, said he has met with many of the new board members and says he believes they share some common ground. I think we disagree on charter schools, and the legislature has put its imprint on where we think it should go, he said. We will have to take it issue by issue. Greenbelt police say a man arrested on a warrant out of Virginia is also responsible for one of the citys homicides. Clayton Everette Muse II, 38, also known as Zoey Riley, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and other related counts in the slaying of Charles Damon Hall, 43. Hall was found shot and killed on April 27 inside his condo in the 6900 block of Hanover Parkway in Greenbelt, Md. Police did not detail a motive but said that the shooting was not random. D.C. police arrested Muse on May 27 on an unrelated warrant issued by a court in Stafford County, Va., Greenbelt police said. Dimas Fuentes-Lazo was out with friends in the District this spring when he saw an agitated stranger hitting the mirrors of parked cars. Fuentes-Lazo confronted the man, who pulled out a knife and attacked. Within weeks of the deadly April assault, police were convinced that they had found the killer. Detectives arrested a suspect based on an identification from a witness, surveillance video and information from a confidential informant. But the case against Francisco D. Ayala quickly fell apart, and after he had spent nearly two weeks facing murder charges, they were dropped. Details of the mistaken arrest, and how it unraveled, were revealed this week in court documents in the case of a new suspect charged in the killing. The D.C. Public Defender Service, which represented the 23-year-old Ayala, blamed his arrest on what it called a tentative if not reluctant identification by the witness and an overreliance by police on an unnamed informant. The office said Ayalas attorney urged prosecutors to reexamine the case. To arrest Mr. Ayala, the police and prosecutors banked on a source . . . and two identifications, the public defenders general counsel, Julia Leighton, said in a statement. Fortunately for Mr. Ayala, at the time of this stabbing he was three miles away at a club with security cameras and carrying his phone. Leighton said the information ultimately proved that the identifications were flawed and that the reliable source was anything but. This is just one more example of why law enforcement should be wary of informants and should re-visit [the D.C. police] identification procedures. Dustin Sternbeck, chief spokesman for D.C. police, said Ayalas arrest was based on probable cause that we had at the time. He added that the evidence, including how the witnesses identified the suspect, was presented to the U.S. attorneys office, and based on those facts, a D.C. Superior Court judge signed an arrest warrant. On Tuesday, D.C. police said they had arrested another man in Fuentes-Lazos killing. Christian Romero, 23, of Hyattsville has been charged with second-degree murder while armed. The police arrest affidavit filed in Romeros case states that DNA analysis came back after Ayala had been arrested and that it excluded him as a suspect while linking Romero to the crime. The document also states that Ayala provided an alibi only after the charges against him had been filed. The U.S. attorneys office declined to comment beyond what was described in court documents. Police said Fuentes-Lazo and a friend parked in the 800 block of Kennedy Street NW, near Brightwood Park, about 10:15 p.m. April 23 and headed for a nightclub across the street. About the same time, several people told police that they saw a man described as hyper and crazy hitting cars parked on Kennedy Street with one hand while holding a soda bottle in the other. One of the cars belonged to Fuentes-Lazos friend. Fuentes-Lazo and the man argued, police said, and his friend rushed in to help. The arrest affidavit says the man then took out a knife and stabbed Fuentes-Lazo as he tried to flee. Police said he suffered numerous wounds to his hands and arm as he tried to block the blows. A person who watched the melee through a window at the club described the suspect as a Hispanic man with a light complexion and chest-length braided hair. Witnesses said he was wearing a watch, which they said fell off and which police found along with a knife and the soda bottle. Police obtained surveillance video and posted pictures of a person of interest on the Internet and through various media outlets. The Spanish-language television station Telemundo was among the news stations to run the pictures. A Telemundo viewer posted a comment on the Internet saying the picture looks like an individual called Franciso Chico. Police pulled up his Facebook page and said the pictures appeared to match the surveillance video. Authorities said Chicos real name is Francisco Ayala. The suspect looks directly into a . . . camera, which captures a clear image of his face, police wrote in Ayalas arrest affidavit. The person in the video looks very much like the suspect Francisco Ayala. But the victims companion wasnt so sure. Twice looking at photo lineups, he couldnt decide between Ayala and another man. These two persons look a lot alike, he said, according to the affidavit. He later told detectives, One of these two is the person. . . . I cant tell you exactly, but these two are the most suspicious to me. On his third attempt, police said the victims friend paused for a few seconds and then circled and initialed the photograph of Ayala. Police still didnt have a case. One informant who told detectives that he had heard talk of the killing in the neighborhood named a different man altogether, but the main witness did not identify him in a photo lineup. Also, police said that two weeks before the stabbing, that man got a new tattoo on his face; the man in the video on Kennedy Street had no tattoo. Another man whose name emerged during the investigation also was discounted as a suspect. Ayalas name stuck with investigators. A second informant, who detectives said in the affidavit had been reliable for 12 years, told police that he was familiar with the neighborhood and with Ayala. Police showed him a single photograph of Ayala from a 2013 arrest and quoted the informant saying, Yeah, thats him. Thats the guy I saw in the video. The arrest affidavit says that police searched Ayalas residence in Northwest Washington and found no evidence, but his mother said her son had been living with his father in Maryland the past three years and had recently taken his hair out of braids. Police arrested Ayala on May 10 and he was released May 11 to await trial on the most restrictive supervision. The charges against him were dropped May 23. In the affidavit drawn up for Romeros arrest, police said that Ayala offered an alibi only after he had been charged and that detectives verified it through video and cellphone records. Also, police said that DNA samples taken from the soda bottle found at the scene excluded Ayala but matched Romero. A Maryland boy nearly drowned in a cruise ship pool Thursday, forcing the ship to turn around and head back to port in New Jersey, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines said in a statement. The boy, 8, had an accident in one of the Anthem of the Seas pools and needed medical attention, so the ship returned to port in Bayonne, N.J. The ships first stop was supposed to be in Bermuda and had left port around 4 p.m. Cynthia Martinez, a spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean, said the boy was discovered in the water shortly after 6 p.m. She said he had been in the pool around 13 minutes, before he was rescued. The ships medical team treated the boy, but he was eventually flown to a hospital on Staten Island, TV stations reported. Photos tweeted by passengers showed emergency boats with flashing lights greeting the ship. The New York Post reported the boy was in critical condition. The ship was about 10 miles off the coast of Queens, N.Y., when the incident occurred. Royal Caribbean said it is providing support to his family. The company declined to release additional details about where the boy was from in Maryland. A man who was shot and killed Wednesday night in Northeast Washington has been identified as a 25-year-old, according to D.C. police. Matheno El, of no fixed address, was pronounced dead at an area hospital shortly after he was shot in the back about 10 p.m. in the 800 block of Bladensburg Road NE, police said. No arrest has been made. Police released no information about a possible motive. Jonathan Shell, a veteran D.C. homicide detective, said the 911 call is one he is unable to forget. It was a frantic call from Stephanie Goodloes 11-year-old daughter, pleading for help after the girl was awakened by gunshots and her mothers screams on June 19. Im going to be haunted by that phone call, Shell told a D.C. Superior Court judge Friday. Shell testified at the preliminary hearing for Donald Hairston, 49, who was charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of Goodloe, his former girlfriend. Police did not release the girls name. The detective told Judge Florence Pan it was Goodloes daughter, who referred to Hairston as her stepfather, who identified Hairston as her mothers shooter. Shell said the girl was in a nearby bedroom at around 1:25 a.m. when she was awakened by a shot, then heard her mother scream, What are you doing? That cry was followed by three more gunshots. Goodloe, 40, was shot four times as she lay in her bed. Shell described a crime scene photo that showed Goodloe in her bed with a bullet wound to her head, one to her wrist, her armpit and another to her shoulder. Shell, who spoke softly, told the judge that Goodloes daughter said she saw Hairston running past her bedroom wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, one she had seen Hairston wear when they lived together as a family for about eight years. She ran into her mothers room, saw her mothers body, grabbed the phone and ran into a nearby bathroom, Shell said, afraid the shooter would harm her as well. The 911 operator, Shell testified, repeatedly told Goodloes daughter to go into her mothers bedroom and check on her to see if there was any sign of life. When you listen to the call and hear the terror in her voice, Shell said, before the judge ordered him to refrain from commenting on the childs voice. Goodloe, who lived with her daughter in the 700 block of Kentucky Avenue SE, had taken out a restraining order against Hairston two weeks before she was killed, according to court records. Goodloe wrote in her application for a restraining order that on June 4 Hairston came to her house, banged on the door and shouted for her to come outside. She said he returned three times, and when she finally left her house, she found the tires slashed on her vehicle. [Church youth ministry leader took out restraining order against boyfriend] Shell testified that Hairstons girlfriend told police that she and Hairston went to a movie and then back to their home together in District Heights. The detective testified the girlfriend told police she and Hairston argued over a woman sending him text messages, but that Hairston was with her the entire night. But the vehicle that Hairston was driving was tagged by an electronic license plate reader entering the District just after midnight and returning into Maryland at 1:29 a.m. Hairstons court-appointed attorney, Mani Golzari, argued there was no evidence that proved his client was in the house at the time of Goodloes death, and that Goodloes daughter was sleeping at the time of the shooting and caught only a glimpse of the attacker. Pan said she found enough evidence to order Hairston to remain jailed until trial. MATTOON -- The Mattoon First United Methodist Church will welcome a new pastor this Sunday. The Rev. J. Michael Smith will become the 70th pastor in the history of the church. He comes to Mattoon after spending the last 15 years as the supervising pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Urbana. Smith is a native of Sterling. He entered the ministry in 1972 and has served churches in Olney, Madison, Carmi, Carbondale, Granite City, Glen Carbon, Granite City, and Urbana, as well as Harpers Ferry, W.Va. During his tenure in Urbana, Smith instituted an innovative ministry for the aging and pioneered a ministry to introduce Chinese students at the University of Illinois to Christianity. Smith is an ordained elder of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He serves on the conferences Board of Ordained Ministry, which oversees the standards and exams of all incoming pastors. Smith is married to Jie Wu and is the father to three grown daughters. The Smiths also have one grandchild. Smith succeeds the Rev. Ken Hutchens, whos been the pastor at Mattoon FUMC for the past seven years. Hutchens is moving to Shiloh to become the pastor at Shiloh United Methodist Church. Mattoon First United Methodist Church is located at 16th and Charleston Avenue in downtown Mattoon. More information is available at www.mattoonfirst.com. Four years after federal agents showed up at his Frederick, Md., farmhouse and told him that they had seized the money in his bank account, dairy farmer Randy Sowers has gotten it all back. The victory followed political pressure from Congress and legal pressure from the libertarian Institute for Justice on the government to roll back prosecution of the crime of structuring bank deposits to avoid Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements. Im happy in more ways than one, Sowers said after the announcement. Getting my money back and defeating something that was wrong. When someone puts more than $10,000 in the bank at once, the bank makes a report to the IRS. Putting less than that amount in an account so as to intentionally avoid the scrutiny is a crime. In hundreds of cases, the Justice Department has seized money from the accounts of people accused of structuring. The thing that is wrong, in the view of Sowers and his supporters, is going after people who are guilty of nothing other than trying to avoid the IRS report. He maintains that a bank teller told him it would be easier for everyone to keep deposits down and avoid the reporting requirement; he says that if anyone should have been prosecuted, its the teller. Locals and tourists can get fresh food and dairy products at the South Mountain Creamery store. Ice cream is the best seller. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post) I guess the way the law was set up, we broke it, Sowers said, but we had no idea. So he fought back. He testified before a congressional committee and appeared on television broadcasts aired as far away as China. As he sought support locally, it helped that his farm, South Mountain Creamery, is popular across the D.C. and Baltimore regions for its home-delivered milk and annual farm festival. [Uncle Sam may have picked the wrong cash cow] In October 2014, the IRS changed its policy to say it would pursue seizure of structured assets that came only from criminal activity. In March of last year, the Justice Department announced it would follow suit. By that time, Sowers, hesitant about getting mired in a long court battle, had already agreed to a deal under which the government took 10 percent of the $295,220 he was accused of structuring. After the change in policy last year, he filed a petition to get his money back. I mean, I could use the $29,000 right now for sure, he told a congressional committee this May. Another Maryland farmer, Calvin Taylor of the Eastern Shore, testified at the same House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing. He said that when his funds were seized in 2011, the IRS agents who came to his home told him they did not think he had knowingly done anything wrong. But like Sowers, he said he chose to give up $41,000 rather than wage a legal battle he had little chance of winning. He has also petitioned for a refund. On Wednesday, Sowers and his attorneys got word that the petition had been granted. Hes the first person who settled with the IRS to get his money back. This is just an incredibly exciting development for Randy but also for everybody else whos had money taken under the structuring law, said Robert Johnson, the Institute for Justice attorney who filed Sowerss petition. When we started out down this road, nobody would have thought we would get to this point. The petitioners say the congressional hearing helped pressure the Justice Department. A bipartisan group of lawmakers pushed a Justice Department representative to move on Sowerss behalf. You have the authority to fix this, and you have the authority to do something extraordinarily great here, Rep. Peter J. Roskam (R-Ill.) said at the hearing. The lawmakers also questioned what the IRS is doing to help people whose assets were seized; in response, the agency has sent out letters in 700 cases notifying subjects that they can petition the Justice Department for a return of their funds. We think that last hearing probably lit the fire under them to act on Randys petition, said Paul Kamenar, who worked with the Institute for Justice on Sowerss case. We are trailblazers in making the way for the other American citizens whose funds were seized in an unjust matter to also get restitution. The assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted Sowers, Stefan Cassella, now works as a private asset forfeiture consultant. He does not think the government did anything wrong. I thought that we treated him extremely fairly, Cassella said. We gave him an enormous break. Sowers doesnt have a grand plan for his returned cash; he says he will use it to pay farm bills. What I want to do, he said, is sell milk to people real milk. No one will be charged after a man was struck and killed by a police cruiser in Fairfax County in April, police said Friday. According to police, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on April 2, when a Fairfax County patrol officer was traveling northbound on Beulah Street near the intersection of Old Beulah Street in the Franconia section of the county. As the officer drove toward the intersection, Jeffrey Ponce Aguilar, 26, stepped into the road against the green light and was hit by the cruiser, authorities said. [Man struck and killed by Fairfax County police cruiser] Aguilar died at an Alexandria hospital about 45 minutes after being hit, county officials said. Shortly after his death, police said it was raining heavily at the time of the crash, and Aguilar was wearing dark clothing. A preliminary investigation also determined neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the incident, and that Aguilar was not attempting to harm himself, police said. On June 17, the Commonwealths Attorney for Fairfax County concluded an investigation of the crash and determined no individual bears criminal responsibility for Aguilars death, a Fairfax County police statement said Friday. Police officials met with Aguilars family and the familys lawyers, who were provided video of the incident, the statement said. The officer who struck Aguilar was put on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, and will not be charged with a crime. Officers in pedestrian-involved crashes are not named unless they are charged. Hillary Clinton at the United Nations in March 2015 said that she should have used a government email to conduct business as secretary of state, saying her decision to use a private server was a matter of "convenience." (Richard Drew/AP) The State Departments senior-most official responsible for compliance with federal record-keeping laws said he never focused on Hillary Clintons use of a private email account for official business while secretary, according to transcript released Thursday. Undersecretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy said he received 50 to 75 emails from Clinton via her private server account as secretary from 2009 to 2013 and never contemplated or spoke with anyone about how they would be retained or made public under federal records laws. His statements came during 2 hours of sworn deposition testimony taken Wednesday in a civil lawsuit brought under the federal Freedom of Information Act. Its not its not something that I ever focused on, Kennedy, a 43-year career officer who has served six secretaries in senior management positions since 1993, said at one point. It did not register as it did not strike any bells in my mind, no, he said later. Kennedy said when he received the emails, I was focused on responding to the query that I had received, which included urgent matters such as the evacuation of a U.S. embassy in Tripoli or the deaths of Americans overseas. Questions about Clintons email set-up have continued to dog the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee as she tries to put to rest a months-long controversy. Kennedy said that he did not take notice of the private email account at least partly because he thought lower-level officials and employees in the secretarys office were responsible and because previous Secretaries of State had not used e-mail addresses at all to his knowledge. Kennedy has been in charge of records management at the State Department since 2012; he has been under secretary for management since 2007. He answered questions posed by lawyers for the conservative legal group Judicial Watch, which sued the department in 2013 under FOIA. The group had sought records related to the employment arrangement of Clintons then-deputy chief of staff, Huma C. Abedin, now vice chair of the Democratic presidential candidates campaign. After the existence of Clintons private email server was disclosed in March 2015, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan granted Judicial Watch permission to question seven current and former Clinton and department officials under oath about whether her set up thwarted FOIA and public records protections. After leaving office, Clinton and Abedin through their attorneys selected which emails on accounts they had used on the server were government-related and were then returned to the department for review and public release. In a statement, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton criticized Kennedy for willful blindness and washing his hands of the matter. State Department Inspector General Steve Linick in May reported that longstanding systemic weaknesses in handling electronic records went well beyond the tenure of any one secretary of state, but criticized the department generally and the Office of the Secretary in particular for being slow to recognize and to manage effectively the legal requirements and cybersecurity risks. Clinton has said that her arrangement was no secret and was allowed by the department. The inspector general said its office found no evidence she had requested or received approval for it. Former secretary of state Colin Powell also used a personal account for official business, the IGs office reported. Read more: Top aide Huma Abedin says decision to use private email server was Clintons Clinton IT aide who set up email server asserts 5th Amendment in civil deposition State Dept: FOIA officers didnt know, didnt ask about Clintons use of private email New analysis shows 160 emails missing from Clintons disclosure to State Fireworks over downtown Washington are seen from the roof of a condominium on July 4, 2014, in Arlington, Va. In the event of a rainout this year, they would become July 5 fireworks. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) Fourth of July fireworks on the Mall and across the Washington area could be postponed Monday if a developing weather system produces the heavy rain that The Washington Posts Capital Weather Gang expects. The fireworks extravaganza on the Mall, set to start at 9:09 p.m., will only be postponed in case of heavy rain, thunderstorms or high winds, the National Park Service said in a statement. Spokeswoman Nancy Murray said in an email that the decision will be made on Monday evening. The rain date is July 5, when the forecast calls for better weather. Murray said the fireworks date back to the 1920s. Rain is expected to arrive at some point Monday. Forecasting models differ on timing and intensity, the Capital Weather Gang reported. [Heavy rain threat on July 4 in Mid-Atlantic] One model predicts waves of rain all day, with two-to-four inches possible, along with the possibility of flooding. But another model calls for a dry afternoon and only a half-inch of rain in the evening and overnight. The Weather Gang cautioned that the forecasts could change over the next few days. The Capitol Fourth Concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol building from 8 to 9:30 p.m. will go on unless there is lightning, a spokeswoman for the Capitol Police said. Typically, if its just rain, it will go on as planned, she said. THE DISTRICT Ex-D.C. aide charged with felony tax fraud A former D.C. official has been charged with filing a false tax return that understated his income by more than $200,000. Warren Graves, former aide to D.C. mayors Marion Barry Jr. and Anthony A. Williams, was charged with one felony for subscribing a false return, according to filings in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A 2009 tax form stated that [Gravess] taxable income was $140,556 when it was $368,937, court files show. An attorney for Graves declined comment. Justin Wm. Moyer Police identify man shot to death in NE A man killed Wednesday in Northeast has been identified as Matheno El, 25, of no fixed address, according to D.C. police. El was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after he was shot in the back about 10 p.m. in the 800 block of Bladensburg Road NE, police said. No arrest has been made, and police released no information about a motive. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Arrest made in Greenbelt homicide Greenbelt police say a man arrested on a warrant out of Virginia is also responsible for the slaying of Charles Damon Hall, 43. Clayton Everette Muse II, 38, also known as Zoey Riley, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and other related counts in the death of Hall, who was found fatally shot April 27 inside his condominium in the 6900 block of Hanover Parkway in Greenbelt. Police did not detail a motive. D.C. police arrested Muse on May 27 on an unrelated warrant issued in Stafford County, Va., Greenbelt police said. Lynh Bui VIRGINIA No charges after man hit, killed by police car Fairfax County prosecutors said no one is criminally responsible in the April 2 death of Jeffrey Ponce Aguilar, 26, who was hit by a police cruiser as he crossed against a light around 11 p.m. on Beulah Road in Franconia, Fairfax police said Friday. Police released video of the crash and said they had met with Aguilars family and attorney. The officer had been on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Speed and alcohol were not factors, and Aguilar was not attempting to harm himself, police had said earlier. Justin Wm. Moyer Psychologist Peter Langman, one of the country's foremost school shootings experts, at his office in Allentown, Pa. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post) When Sue Klebold began researching a book last year about her struggle to comprehend her sons rampage at Columbine High School, she turned to a researcher who has been grappling with the shooting for nearly as long as she has. Peter Langman, a 56-year-old psychologist in private practice, has studied school shootings for more than a decade, becoming one of the countrys premier experts on the phenomenon. He has spent so much time reading the journals of Dylan Klebold and his rampage partner Eric Harris they killed 13 people and wounded dozens more on April 20, 1999 that he sometimes dreams about them. Langman had heard that Sue Klebold was writing a book. Still, it astonished him when she reached out to him. The mother who raised her son from birth and saw him every day was seeking insight from someone who had never met him before, he said. [Does damaged masculinity explain Columbine and other mass shootings?] The clues to Columbine and so many other school shootings are in his office closet. Sue Klebold, mother of Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold, turned to Peter Langman as she was writing her book about her son, "A Mother's Reckoning: Living In the Aftermath of Tragedy. (Jesse Dittmar/FTWP) Out of patients view, in thick binders stacked one atop another, Langman stores police reports, court transcripts and the twisted writings of hundreds of school shooters. Langman has posted more than 57,000 pages of documents on his website, analyzing the material in two books, scholarly papers and many case histories. Langman sees his research on school shootings as a moral obligation. He often lies in bed at night highlighting police reports. His wife and daughter proofread his papers. His son helped set up his website, which Langman has spent more than $20,000 maintaining. There are 133 shooters in his online database, which grows every year. From the 1960s to the 1980s, there were three to eight multi-victim incidents per decade. Now there are about 20. And Langman has just finished a paper, yet to be published, showing that the incidents are morphing: The shooters are older, they are no longer almost exclusively white, and the attacks are more deadly. Langman trains educators, mental-health professionals and law enforcement groups across the country, yet hes frustrated that so much emphasis is placed on lockdowns and fortified doors instead of on widespread education about prevention something the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could do were it not for a controversial funding ban on gun-violence research. Mark Rosenberg, former director of the CDCs National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said it is a huge mistake that research into school shootings isnt done at the federal level, especially given that some researchers now think that, as a result of intense media coverage, the incidents are contagious. There are people at the CDC who very much want to do this work, Rosenberg said, but they cant. Langman said he thinks that educators, parents and even students should be taught to look for early warning signs, such as oblique hints in school assignments, during hallway chatter and on social media. Too often, parents find themselves putting the puzzle together after the bloodshed. Two survivors from the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting share their story of coping in the aftermath of a tragedy and how it still impacts them to this day. (Alice Li/The Washington Post) Thats what happened to Sue Klebold. And she needed Langman to help her. I had to understand how my son could do such a thing, she said in an interview. I had to make some kind of sense of it so I could live with myself. Langman said the closest he has been to the firsthand suffering in one of these incidents were two long phone calls with Sue Klebold. She began their first conversation with a question: What happened to Dylan? A string of potential shooters On the day of the Columbine shooting 17 years ago, Langman was a doctoral intern at a childrens psychiatric hospital. Like the rest of the nation, I was shocked and saddened by the massacre, and I knew the attack constituted a major event in the country, Langman wrote in Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters, published in 2010. I did not anticipate, however, the impact the attack would have on my life. Ten days later, as the nation was gripped by the fear of copycat attacks, a 16-year-old boy was taken to Langmans hospital. He had written a series of disturbing essays about sex, murder and dismemberment. He had a hit list on his website. School officials thought he might go Columbine. [The seasonality of violence: Why April is the beginning of the killing season] Langman was asked to determine whether the boy was actually a threat. I had nothing, really, to go on, Langman recalled. There was no literature on this. Langman immediately began asking himself questions that would eventually underpin his theory for how school shooters should be classified. Was this teenager psychotic? Was he a psychopath? Was there something else going on? Langman wasnt sure, but he knew the child was dangerous, so he suggested extensive treatment. A couple of weeks later, in came another potential school shooter. Then another. And another. Langman became the go-to guy for the evaluations. Once youve done them, he said, youre the guy who has done them. Langman started compiling charts and graphs to find patterns among the potential threats he was now seeing regularly, filling in the research gaps himself. As a psychologist, I felt an ethical obligation to know as much as possible about the subject, he later wrote. Although I recognized these gaps, I was not sure I wanted to be the one to fill them. Langman entered private practice in Allentown, no longer seeing potential school shooters frequently. He spent his free time writing plays and poetry. Meanwhile, the shootings continued. In 2003, John McLaughlin, 15, killed two students at a high school in Cold Spring, Minn. In 2005, 16-year-old Jeffrey Weise killed his grandfather and another person, then seven more people at his high school on an Indian reservation in Red Lake, Minn. And then, on Sept. 13, 2006, Kimveer Gill, a 25-year-old college dropout, went to Dawson College in Montreal and shot 20 people, one fatally. Gills friends told reporters that he was fascinated by Columbine. That was the day I decided I was going to really do something about this, Langman said. It was a problem that just wasnt going away. He collected documents online from previous school shootings, including more than 20,000 pages of material from Columbine. He launched his website, posting materials as he tracked them down. And he read, underlined and catalogued nearly every shred of paper he got his hands on. Three years later, he published the first of his two books, in which he uses the documents collected in his closet forensic archive to lay out what he thinks are three categories of shooters at secondary schools and college campuses: traumatized, psychopathic and psychotic. [Most mass shooters arent mentally ill] Traumatized shooters are those who werent simply abused children but experienced multiple difficulties that caused unstable, overwhelmingly stressful lives. Eric Houston, a 20-year-old who in 1992 shot 14 people, killing four, at Lindhurst High School in California, is one example. He grew up in a family plagued by incest, alcoholism, physical abuse, suicide and murder, Langman notes. Houstons first victim was a teacher he said molested him. If I die today, he wrote in a note before the attack, please bury me somewhere beautiful. Psychopathic shooters are those, like Eric Harris, who lack any semblance of empathy and are totally callous in their regard for anyones well-being but their own. It has been confirmed, after getting my yearbook, Harris wrote in one of his rambling online posts, that the human race isnt worth fighting for, only worth killing. Confused, despondent And then there are psychotic ones, like Dylan Klebold. Of all the shooters Langman has researched, Dylan Klebold is, to him, the saddest and most fascinating case. He is the only school shooter to get his own chapter in any of Langmans books. The teenager went to prom with a pretty girl a few days before the attack. He had just visited his future dorm room at college. He liked to bowl. His friends contrary to the loner stereotype, he had a social life thought he was shy, maybe a little goofy. But in his journals, Dylan Klebold was an entirely different person lost in fantasies, confused, lonely, despondent, self-deprecating and yet elevating himself to godhood, Langman writes. Speaking to Dylan Klebolds mother, Langman explained his theory that her son had a schizotypal personality disorder. They withdraw into a world where reality and fantasy are not always distinguishable, Sue Klebold said in her book. These are not full-on delusions, but a fuzziness in the boundary between what is real and what is not. Langman told her that her son created a fantasy where he was a godlike being. He remade himself in Harriss image. He was willing to do anything even kill people to win Harriss approval, Langman wrote in his second book, School Shooters. That, Langman thinks, is what happened to Dylan Klebold. In some ways, Langmans conversations with Sue Klebold were a form of therapy for her. I felt very drawn to him, Klebold said. He spoke with such compassion for Dylan. He conveyed to me that Dylan was a human being and he was not an evil monster. Their first conversation ended with Sue Klebold sobbing. In his trove of documents, Langman told her that he found four instances during the attack when her son let potential victims get away. This happened only when Eric Harris wasnt close by, a telling detail. When something happens like this, you want to find evidence to prove to yourself that it was less terrible than you thought, Klebold said. That was a huge gift to me. Even though what Dylan did was horrible, it helped me to hear that. In an email, Langman assured her: Nothing you did or didnt do caused Dylan to do what he did. By the end of his life, Dylans psychological functioning had deteriorated to the point that he was not in his right mind. For Langman, the experience was overwhelming. I was choked up with emotion, he wrote in a blog post after her book was published. To come into contact, even briefly, with Sues suffering was a profound experience. There have been times over the years when he has had to step away from the work. It infiltrates the mind, he said. But moments like the one with Sue Klebold, when he could offer some clarity to the incomprehensible, get him back at his desk analyzing documents. Hed like to stop having disturbing dreams about Columbine. Hed like the shootings to stop. He knows they wont. At the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station, a memorial to the memory of Kevin Sutherland, the 24-year-old American University graduate who was fatally stabbed July 4 last year on a train as a group of horrified passengers looked on shows photographs he made of the D.C. area June 30, 2016. in Washington, D.C. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Douglas and Theresa Sutherland do not want their son Kevins life of hope and optimism to be lost in a sea of headlines about his violent death. As the one-year anniversary of his slaying approaches, they have chosen to share a little bit of the joy he brought to them, his extended family and his friends. The family has arranged for a public display of photographs taken by Sutherland that highlight how much he loved the District, his adopted city. Its important that people see the beauty that surrounds us can be captured, not just for a moment, but forever, said Sutherlands mother. Added his father: I think it would put a smile on his face. The installation is at the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro stop, near where Kevin Sutherland was fatally stabbed on a train. It features images Sutherland captured during his years here as a college student at American University. Sutherland, like many young people who come to Washington, was passionate about politics. After graduation he worked at New Blue Interactive, a digital strategy firm focused on helping Democratic candidates. In his off time, he loved to roam with his camera. The display is part of Metros Art in Transit program, which seeks to enliven Metro stations with public art installations. Kevin Sutherland, center, with his mother, Theresa, and father, Douglas, at his 2013 graduation from American University in Washington. (Family photo) Kevin Sutherland, shown in this undated family photo, was stabbed to death July 4, 2015, while riding a Red Line Metro train. (Family photo) The photos include images of the Washington Monument against a backdrop of Fourth of July fireworks. There is one of the U.S. Capitol, which Theresa Sutherland said was her sons favorite building. Also included among the photos: a black-and-white shot that features the iconic honeycomb ceilings distinctive to the Districts Metro stations. He loved the Metro, Douglas Sutherland said. He can still remember the three images of the Metro system that hung in the bedroom of his sons Washington apartment. Im an engineer we both loved the Metro, the idea of being able to jump on the Metro and get anywhere you want. I still find the Metro interesting, but I cant, I cant go in it anymore without thinking of Kevin. Sutherland, 24, was riding a Red Line Metro train on his way to meet friends July 4 last year. As the train approached the NoMa-Gallaudet station, he was stabbed to death by a man who had allegedly tried to grab his phone. [Victim of fatal Metro stabbing was recent American U graduate, loved DC] The crime, which unfolded in view of dozens of terrified passengers, was shocking for its brazenness and brutality. The alleged assailant, Jasper Spires, 19, faces eight charges including first-degree murder in connection with Sutherlands killing. If convicted, Spires could be sentenced to life in prison. He is also charged with robbing two others on the train, including a senior citizen. His next court appearance is scheduled for September. Sutherlands parents and friends try to focus not on how he died, but rather on how he lived. To Brad Korten, the photo display means that a bit of his close friend lives on. Its a piece of him that can bring joy and love to the people who see it, said Korten, 25, who helped move the project forward. I want to make sure his legacy and his spark still lives. Sutherland grew up in Connecticut and came to Washington in 2009 a member of American Universitys Class of 2013. He interned for Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) on Capitol Hill and later graduated with an interdisciplinary degree in communication, government, law and economics. At the time of his death, he was working as a digital political strategist. At the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station, a memorial to the memory of Kevin Sutherland, the 24-year-old American University graduate who was fatally stabbed last July 4 on a train. The display shows photographs he made of the D.C. area. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Douglas Sutherland said Jeff Wignall, a writer and professional photographer who lives not far from the familys Connecticut home, reached out to the family via Facebook not long after news reports of Sutherlands death. The two men, who had mutual friends, met for coffee, where Sutherland shared some of his sons work. Wignall suggested the family create an exhibit that could be displayed at the Metro station. I didnt think these photographs should fade into history, he said. His hope was that they would serve as a reminder to folks passing through the station that the world was robbed of a talented photographer. Korten, who works on Capitol Hill, helped the family connect with the appropriate city offices, including that of D.C. Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), who is also chairman of Metros board of directors. The Metro photo display is one of many ways Kevins Sutherlands family and friends are remembering him. At American University, 20 of Sutherlands photo canvases are displayed in the School of Public Affairs building in Ward Circle, along with a plaque in the lobby that notes his work as a two-term secretary for the universitys student government and his kindness and passion for liberal causes. Student government officials also renamed their executive office the Kevin J. Sutherland Executive Office. The family has launched a scholarship fund for American University students, and Kevin Sutherlands former employer, New Blue Interactive, has created an internship fund that will provide stipends to students who take unpaid internships on the Hill. Douglas Sutherland said his son wanted those opportunities to be available to all students not just those who could afford to take an unpaid internship. The family also has created the Kevin J. Sutherland Legacy Project. [Scholarship, internship funds will honor AUs Kevin Sutherland] This weekend, more than a dozen folks who were close to Kevin will gather with his mother and father for a quiet celebration of his life. Thats one of the really comforting things weve experienced over the last year, Douglas Sutherland said. We always thought Kevin was special, but its been a real comfort that other people felt that way. We knew he had a lot of friends but never knew how many lives he touched. We now have an expanded family of people in D.C. This story has been updated. MATTOON -- Immaculate Conception Parish, Mattoon, hosted a Prayer Vigil for Life meeting on June 20. Father John Titus celebrated the 6:30 p.m. mass, assisted by Deacon Gene Uptmor. Altar servers were seminarians Dominic Vahling and Zack Samples. Music was provided by Carol Mausehund. Lector was Josh Robinson; gift bearers were Don and Bridget Upton. At the business meeting it was reported that Donna Moore from the Office of Social Concers, Springfield, at a recent appearance in Effingham noted that there is an emerging push in Illinois to pass an assisted suicide law which would mirror laws already in effect in Oregon, Washington and Vermont. The group pushing the law in Illinois is www.finaloptionsillinois.org. It was generally agreed during the discussion that this would be bad law. The group sent letters to Johnson and Johnson, NIKE and Time Warner asking them to cease corporate financing of Planned Parenthodd. The group also sent letters to Gov. Bruce Rauner asking him to veto SB 1564. This bill would force hospitals, doctors and Crisis Pregnancy Centers to refer women for abortions by giving them the name and phone number of nearest abortion clinic. The letters also asked the governor to veto HB 5576, which mandates that all insurance plans must cover contraceptive drugs and devices approved by Food and Drug Administration. BURMA U.N. urges crackdown on religious violence A United Nations human rights investigator on Friday urged the Burmese government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, to investigate last weeks mob attack on a mosque and to crack down on religious violence. In one of the most serious outbursts of inter-religious violence in months, a group of men from a village in central Burma, also known as Myanmar, destroyed a mosque last week in a dispute over its construction and beat up a Muslim man. In a separate incident Friday, Buddhists burned down a Muslim prayer hall in northern Kachin state, police said. The attacks underscore the challenges Suu Kyi faces as she deals with the legacy of decades of direct rule by the military and bitter religious and ethnic divisions. Religious tensions have simmered in Buddhist-majority Burma for almost half a century of junta government, before boiling over in 2012 in clashes between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Violence between Muslims and Buddhists in other parts of the country followed in 2013 and 2014. Reuters RUSSIA Troop shifts vowed if Finland joins NATO Moscow would reposition its troops if Finland were to join NATO, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin made the comment at a news conference after meeting with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the latters summer residence in the town of Naantali. It was Putins first trip to a European Union country since Britain voted to leave the bloc. Interest in the prospect of joining NATO has been rising in both Finland and neighboring Sweden in the wake of Russias annexation of Crimea and its backing for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. The Finnish and Swedish foreign ministers attended a meeting of their NATO counterparts in May, an indication that they may intend to pursue stronger ties with the grouping. Putin said that if Finland enters NATO, that means that Finnish soldiers would have stopped being independent, stopped being sovereign in the full sense of this word they become part of the military infrastructure of NATO, which will in an instant find itself on the borders of Russia. He noted that most Russian troops are currently positioned well away from the border with Finland. But in the event of NATO accession, he asked, Do you think wed still act that way? Associated Press KENYA 3 policemen charged after 2 bodies found The bodies of a human rights lawyer and another missing man were found in a Kenyan river, and the countrys police chief said three police officers have been arrested and will be charged with murder. The U.S.-based International Justice Mission confirmed that the two bodies recovered were of staff lawyer Willie Kimani and motorcycle taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. Taxi driver Josephat Mwenda, whom Kimani was representing, also is missing, the mission said. Evidence shows that Kimani and Muiruri were tortured, said the president of Kenyas bar association. Police chief Joseph Boinnet said circumstantial evidence links the three officers to the crimes. Associated Press Spain records first sexually transmitted Zika case: Spain recorded its first known case of the Zika virus being sexually transmitted, after a woman contracted it from her partner after he returned from overseas, said health authorities in Madrid. The womans partner had been diagnosed with Zika shortly after returning from an unspecified Latin American country in either late April or early May, said a spokesman for the citys health authorities. New sexual-abuse allegations against peacekeepers: The United Nations said two new sexual-abuse allegations have surfaced against international peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. A spokesman for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the allegations from two underage children stem from incidents that allegedly took place in May. The spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the allegations are being investigated, but he did not release additional details, including the nationalities of the peacekeepers. From news services This young employee of the Alexandria Glass Factory worked day shifts one week and night shifts the next. (Library of Congress/Lewis Wickes Hine/Library of Congress) The 2016 election is about class. For the first time in a generation, the working class is front and center in an election cycle, one MarketWatch writer proclaimed. Commentators fret that Hillary Clinton has lost the working class and that Donald Trump has risen to prominence on the backs of white trash. (Never mind that Trump voters are, on average, wealthier than Clintons constituency.) Bernie Sanders even calls himself the working class candidate. This demonstrates just how fuzzy this category is though Sanders advocates for the working class, he has spent his career in politics, not manual or wage labor. There are lots of other misconceptions about class in America, too. Here, we debunk five. Myth No. 1 The working class is white and male. Trump is often credited with engaging the working class. He won with the working class voters the GOP forgot, blared one Breitbart column. Meanwhile, Hillary is losing white working Joes, proclaimed the Toronto Star. Even Sanders argued that Democrats had allowed Republicans to capture the votes of the majority of working people in this country. Of course, thats true only if you ignore Asians, Latinos and African Americans. Factor them into the population of working people, Slates Jamelle Bouie writes, and Democrats win that group, handily. This gets at something important: America has never housed some monolithic entity called the working class. As early as 1791, Alexander Hamilton argued that those best suited for factory work were women and children, which became the norm in textile mills until child labor laws were passed in the 20th century. Chinese workers built the Transcontinental Railroad; immigrants labored in the Ohio steel industry; whites and blacks toiled side by side in 20th-century Louisiana sawmills. Todays working class is even more diverse. A recent study found that more than half of all Hispanics and African Americans identify as working class. Additionally, about 50 percent of women see themselves as working class. Another report predicted that people of color will make up the majority of the American working class by 2032. Myth No. 2 Most Americans dont notice class differences. When surveyed, the vast majority of Americans say they are either middle class or working class. Indeed, political scientist Charles Murray found that Americans have traditionally refused to call themselves rich or poor. This, he wrote in his book Coming Apart, reflected a national conceit that had prevailed from the beginning of the nation: America didnt have classes, or, to the extent that it did, Americans should act as if we didnt. The desire to erase class divisions goes all the way back to Benjamin Franklin, who believed that the North American continent would flatten classes into a happy mediocrity. In truth, though, the United States has always been a stratified country. In Franklins time, people were sorted into three classes: better, middling and meaner. The people at the bottom were seen as coarse, vulgar, unfinished composed of baser materials. Thomas Jefferson described the upper echelon of the Virginia planter class as pure-blood aristocrats; those who married beneath their station produced children who were half-breeds. In the 19th century, Alabama lawyer and author Daniel Hundley defined class in ancestral terms, laying out seven different options. At the top, he placed an inherited aristocracy, descendants of royal Cavalier blood. At the bottom was white trash, heirs of the wretched poor dumped in the American colonies. Today, record inequality divides the rich and the poor. Our countrys wealthy 1 percent takes home 20 percent of all pretax income, double their 1980 share. For most middle-class and lower-income families, income has either stagnated or fallen. In short, Americans have not escaped class hierarchies, but reinvented them generation by generation. Myth No. 3 Class mobility is uniquely American. Since Americas founding, its politicians have promised a society unbound by class. Jefferson once said that America had no paupers. Facing down Nikita Khrushchev in Moscow, Vice President Richard Nixon claimed in 1959 that the United States was a classless society. Even President Obama described the idea that each generation should be wealthier than the one before as a founding precept of the American Dream. Indeed, Americans are more optimistic about their chances of getting ahead than people in other places. But in reality, its harder to rise above your class in the United States than in just about any other developed country; economic mobility is much more possible in places like Japan, Germany and Australia. Socialist author Michael Harrington captured this devastating reality in his 1962 book The Other America: The poor were poor, he wrote, because they made the mistake of being born to the wrong parents. Myth No. 4 With talent and hard work, you can rise above your class. Its a tale as old as Horatio Alger: Anyone can make it in America, no matter their upbringing. As CNN put the notion , Through hard work and perseverance, even the poorest people can make it to middle class or above. But actually, its hard to rise above your income level. In cities such as Atlanta, New York and Washington, a child raised in a poor family has a less than 10 percent chance of becoming wealthy in his or her lifetime. Its not much better in other parts of the country. There are lots of reasons for this. Our education-funding system perpetuates inequality. Children in poor families more frequently attend poorer schools and receive fewer enrichment opportunities. As a result, theyre less likely to attend college and earn a degree. Data shows that children from families with incomes of at least $120,000 score much better on the SATs than their peers from households earning $20,000 or less. Sociologists have also found that parents wealth is one of the best predictors of a childs economic success. Rich families are more likely to own property and to pass wealth on to their offspring. In America, land ownership is one of the best ways to preserve wealth and share it with the next generation. As the economist Joseph Stiglitz said in his book The Great Divide: America is no longer the land of opportunity that it (and others) like to think it is. . . . To a large extent, the American Dream is a myth. Myth No. 5 Class oppression isnt as signicant as racial oppression. This is a common trope. As Sanders said at a debate this spring: When youre white, you dont know what its like to be living in a ghetto. You dont know what its like to be poor. Other commentators have said that black middle-class families are worse off than poor white ones. Theyre dead wrong. Americans have a long history of making life harder for the poor, no matter their race. Jim Crows infamous poll tax divested poor whites as well as poor blacks of the right to vote. During the New Deal, Southern politicians (except Huey Long) refused to extend Social Security to farm laborers, discriminating against blacks and whites alike. Even our current tax policies penalize the poor. In 2009, the top 1 percent of earners paid 5.2 percent of their income in state and local taxes, while the poorest 20 percent paid 10.9 percent. Class power takes many forms. Its enduring force, its ability to project hatred toward the lower classes, was best summed up by two presidents 175 years apart. In 1790, then-Vice President John Adams argued that Americans not only scrambled to get ahead; they needed someone to disparage. There must be one, indeed, who is the last and lowest of the human species, he wrote. Lyndon Johnson came to the same conclusion in explaining the racism of poor whites: If you can convince the lowest white man hes better than the best colored man, he wont notice youre picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and hell empty his pockets for you. outlook@washpost.com Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. A Union flag flies above an English St. Georges Cross flag near the Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, at the Houses of Parliament in London. (Ben Stansall/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) Crispin Blunt is a Conservative member of Parliament, where he chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee. The unexpected result of Britains vote to leave the European Union has created uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic. This uncertainty was exacerbated by the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, which has led to a cacophony of claims that Britain will no longer be a global international player, be a close ally of the United States or continue to have strong economic ties with Europe. As the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British Parliament, I reject that view. Isolationism will not serve Britains or the United States interests. U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry was right to fly to Brussels this week and call on European leaders to continue to work with Britain in a constructive manner. Also, President Obama was right to call for calm and to say that Brexit did not mean that NATO or the special relationship between our two countries was at risk. I have always believed that the world is safer when Britain and the United States play a strong international role in the world. I am confident this relationship will endure. Much of the U.S. narrative about the referendum has focused on the disgraceful behavior of a minority of Brexit voters who engaged in some appalling hate crimes based on peoples nationality. I fear that Donald Trumps candidacy, combined with his trip to Scotland, made that narrative too tempting to resist. Alternatively, many have said that Obamas intervention before the referendum somehow shifted thousands of voters from remain to leave. In all candor, the Brexit vote wasnt about Trump, Obama or the United States. Britain has always been a hesitant and halfhearted member of the European Union. Many Europeans quip that we invented the phrase opt out. We arent in the single currency, and we arent in the Schengen borderless area. The British people were never committed to the principle of European integration, even if political leaders such as former prime minister Tony Blair were. This tension, which has lasted for decades, created a corrosive disconnect between politicians and the public, and it culminated in the vote to leave. My view was that Britain needed to decide to either wholeheartedly commit to the European project, or get out of the way and stop obstructing those countries that had. Britain has opted for the latter. The Brexit result is not a retreat into splendid isolation, nor a sign of bigotry and xenophobia. The British people called for our own politicians to reflect and renegotiate Britains role with Europe and, by extension, the world. I intend to do my part to ensure that Britain does so in a constructive, open and inclusive matter. We will continue to hold firm to our commitment to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense and 0.7 percent on foreign aid. Our defense and aid expenditures combined will continue to be the largest investment by share of GDP and in absolute terms of any European country in global security and stability. Britain will remain a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, a member of the Group of Seven advanced economies and a strong partner in NATO, and shortly will be an independent voice in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the World Trade Organization. In all of these organizations, we will continue to work with the E.U. Britain will not retreat into a corner; on the contrary, we will remain an outward-looking democracy, working closely with friends and allies to defend our shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rules-based international order. I am very optimistic about Britains future, particularly with regard to the United States. Despite the uncertainty of the leave negotiation, which will last for at least two years, Britain can soon begin to lay the foundations of an eventual free-trade agreement with the United States. Obama said that Britain had to get to the back of the queue for a trade deal, but this seems to be a queue of one. The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement with Asia is now opposed by both Hillary Clinton and Trump, so it looks to be hitting the rocks. The potential E.U.-U.S. Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP) could take years to negotiate, if an agreement is reached at all, and is in trouble on this side of the Atlantic. A Britain with an independent trade policy should be able to negotiate an agreement much faster, presenting opportunities for U.S. and British businesses, particularly in the fields of automotive, aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals and audiovisual services, as well as other professional services. Britain is looking forward to a positive relationship with our European and American partners to secure both a prosperous future and the advancement of our freedoms. Is China secretly punishing Kim Jong Un for his nuclear mischief? Following North Koreas latest nuclear test, in January, trade over the China-North Korea border dropped dramatically, according to newly released satellite imagery. The revelation has led experts to conclude that Beijing has been quietly punishing Kim by cutting off the flow of funds to his regime. Theres no question that the China-North Korea relationship has been strained since Kim assumed power in 2011. Against Beijings wishes, the young leader has revved up North Koreas pace of missile tests and detonated two nuclear devices, one in 2013 and then again this January. In 2013, Kim executed his uncle Jang Song Thaek, who had been Chinas main contact in Pyongyang. After the latest nuclear explosion, which Pyongyang claimed was a hydrogen bomb, Secretary of State John F. Kerry publicly called on China to end business as usual with North Korea. Publicly, Beijing rejected being told by the United States how to handle its client state. Behind the scenes, it appears Beijing was doing just that. It is apparent that shortly after North Korea did the fourth nuclear test in January, China took unilateral measures to drastically curtail trade interaction along their border, said Victor Cha, director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration. Cha, now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), led a team of researchers that procured and analyzed the new satellite imagery as part of their project Beyond Parallel, a website and database dedicated to demystifying whats going on inside the worlds most secretive state. The project launched Thursday. Chas conclusion, that Beijing decided to punish North Korea after the nuclear test but didnt disclose that to the world, is backed up by anecdotal reports of Chinese officials telling Western interlocutors that President Xi Jinping had decided to take action against the Kim regime, behind the scenes, out of anger over the nuke test. It shows that China pursues things in their own way when it comes to North Korea, not because the U.S. or the U.N. tells them to, said Cha. The good news is that they are squeezing them more than we were led to expect. CSIS worked with imagery analysts at the commercial satellite firm DigitalGlobe to collect and examine satellite photos of several key trade-related areas on both sides of the China-North Korea border, including the Sinuiju railroad station and customs area on the North Korean side, the Dandong railroad station and customs area on the Chinese side, and the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge that links the two countries. Satellite view of customs area in Sinuiju, North Korea, on the border with China, Jan. 2015. (Center for Strategic and International Studies/DigitalGlobe) Satellite view of customs area in Sinuiju, North Korea, on the border with China, Feb. 2016. (Center for Strategic and International Studies/DigitalGlobe) They compared activity at the sites year over year, first by examining imagery from January and March of 2015 and then comparing that with imagery collected this February, just after the latest nuclear test. The images showed a substantive reduction of economic activity on the Sino-North Korean border as evidenced by a huge drop in the number of rail cars at the stations, trucks in customs areas, trucks on the bridge and undocked boats in the Yalu River. Satellite view of customs area in Dandong, China, on the border with North Korea, Mar. 2015. (Center for Strategic and International Studies/DigitalGlobe) Satellite view of customs area in Dandong, China, on the border with North Korea, Feb. 2016. (Center for Strategic and International Studies/DigitalGlobe) At the Sinuiju rail station, most of the train cars appeared to be in storage early this year, with no engines attached to the freight cars. In the Sinuiju customs area, there were 111 trucks shown in the satellite image from January 2015, but in the February 2016 image, there were only five. On the Chinese side, there were 32 trucks spotted in the Dandong customs area in March 2015, but by this February there were only six. Official trade data regarding North Korea is notoriously unreliable, and Cha said comprehensive data on economic activity over the China-North Korea border does not really exist. But his team has been briefing U.S. and South Korean government agencies on what they found, and he said both governments have shown interest in pursuing the research. In March, China signed on to a new United Nations Security Council resolution imposing fresh sanctions on North Korea in response to the January nuclear test, showing that Beijing was in fact upset with Kims actions. But the new data may show that Xi was much more upset than he let on and more than he wanted the rest of the world to know. The Chinese dont feel like they need to get credit for punishing North Korea and they dont want to be seen as [if] they are being pressured by the U.S. to do it, said Cha. The question going forward is whether Chinese economic pressure on North Korea, which will surely hit at Kims coffers, will compel the young ruler to think twice before his next dangerous provocation. Paul Manafort, Donald Trumps campaign manager, had a message to deliver. Hillary Clinton is the epitome of the establishment; shes been in power for 25 years, he informed Chuck Todd on NBCs Meet the Press last Sunday. When Trump, Manafort added, says hes going to bring real change to the country, voters believe him unlike Mrs. Clinton, who has been saying that for 25 years and in those 25 years, the only changes that have happened have made peoples lives worse. But then, at the tail end of the interview, Manafort slipped when discussing evangelical Christians support for Trump. In my 40 years in politics, I have never seen such a broad-based base of support within that community for one candidate. Forty years in politics? But its Clintons 25 years that make her the establishment? 1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail View Photos Businessman Donald Trump has become the Republican Partys presumptive nominee for president. Caption Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. If that werent enough, Manafort was giving the interview from the Hamptons playground of the eastern elite. This is the hypocrisy at the heart of the Trump campaign, now under Manaforts undisputed control. Manaforts inspiration, which Trump has embraced, is to portray Clinton as the embodiment of the establishment. But Manafort (not unlike Trump) has been the voice of the wealthy and the well-connected for four decades, building a fortune by making common cause with the worlds most avaricious. Among Manaforts boasts: representing kleptocrats Ferdinand Marcos, Mobutu Sese Seko and Kenyas Daniel arap Moi, defending Saudi Arabias interests against Israels and Pakistans against Indias, and making the case for a Nigerian dictator, a Lebanese arms dealer and various and sundry Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs. He successfully lobbied to arm a Maoist rebel in Angola, needlessly extending fighting that killed thousands. Its Manaforts right to represent dictators and thugs and regimes that torture. He has, for decades, helped autocrats who battle human rights and democracy. But now this man, who made his fortune helping the rich and powerful get more so, is setting up a general-election campaign that portrays Trump as a man of the people and Clinton as the captive of special interests. Manafort has been widely credited with this weeks speech by Trump laying out his general-election theme: that Clinton is the defender of the big-money interests and the rigged economy. Hillary Clinton has perfected the politics of personal profit and even theft. She ran the State Department like her own personal hedge fund, doing favors for oppressive regimes, Trump argued. Hillary Clinton wants to bring in people who believe women should be enslaved and gays put to death. . . . Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency of the United States. And the man who led Trump to deliver such accusations? Heres what my Post colleagues Steven Mufson and Tom Hamburger reported in April: Sheriff Joe Arpaio accused Republicans on June 18 of giving Donald Trump halfhearted endorsements. Is he right? (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) In one case, Manafort tried unsuccessfully to build a luxury high-rise in Manhattan with money from a billionaire backer of a Ukrainian president whom he had advised. In another deal, real estate records show that Manafort took out and later repaid a $250,000 loan from a Middle Eastern arms dealer at the center of a French inquiry into whether kickbacks were paid . . . And in another business venture, a Russian aluminum magnate has accused Manafort in a Cayman Islands court of taking nearly $19 million intended for investments, then failing to account for the funds. . . . Manafort has been a paragon of the Washington Republican establishment for two generations, working on Gerald Fords reelection in 1976 before helping Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole. He started two lobbying firms, and he has used his contacts in attempts to enrich himself. His lobbying firm recruited veterans of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, then lobbied for $43 million in subsidies for a housing project, while holding an option to buy a stake in the project. Manafort is steeped in the racial politics Trump has exploited. As Franklin Foer writes for Slate, Manafort ran Reagans Southern operation in 1980; the candidate kicked off his general-election campaign outside Philadelphia, Miss., scene of the murder of civil rights activists in 1964. Manafort later became a business partner of Lee Atwater, who gained fame for Bushs Willie Horton campaign in 1988. Introduced to Trump by Roy Cohn, lawyer to Joe McCarthy, Manafort helped Trump fight Indian casinos by alleging that the Native Americans had a crime problem; Trump and his associates paid a $250,000 fine after secretly funding advertisements besmirching the Indians. Now Trump is engaged in a general-election campaign to portray Clinton as the candidate of the establishment. Thats fair enough: She has been atop the countrys elite for a quarter-century. But the man leading this effort spent a much longer career benefiting the wealthy and powerful, including Trump, at the expense of the poor and weak. Thats rich. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. MATTOON -- British undergraduate student Ellen Ellis has been researching local journalism while traveling by rail through the United States, including a visit on Wednesday to Coles County. Ellis, who is an English literature major at Balliol College, Oxford University, said her travels to newspaper offices are part of a grant she received from the colleges Pathfinders Research Programme. When I was given this grant, I really wanted to make sure that I wasn't just kinda passing through these places and taking places off the list," Ellis said. "I wanted to really get to know people in the community as much as I could. The London native's Amtrak trip through the United States began on June 21 in New York. She has so far visited Upstate New York communities, Chicago, and Coles County. Her itinerary also includes visits to Memphis, Tenn. and Greenwood, Miss. en route to New Orleans on July 17, when she will fly home. Online research on train stations in Illinois drew her to Mattoon, Ellis said. She spent much of her visit to Coles County on Wednesday interviewing staff members at the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier, as well as faculty, staff and students in the Eastern Illinois University Department of Journalism and Booth Library. Ellis said local journalism has been an interesting topic to research because journalists record stories for history that might not have been written down otherwise and they also play a watchdog role in their communities. I thought they would have the best knowledge of these local communities possible because you guys have been working within these communities and living in these communities for years, Ellis said of her research. Researching community journalism also has provided a nice change of pace for her after having studied dead writers for three years now as an English literature major, Ellis said. I figured I need to find some living voices on things happening right now," Ellis said with a laugh. She added that her research will be compiled into either a long article or possibly a book. On Wednesday, Ellis also toured the neighborhood around the Mattoon train depot and ate lunch at the Downtown Diner. Later in the day, she toured the courthouse square in Charleston and dined at Los Potrillos. Ellis said this has been her first visit to the United States since she attended a wedding here when she was 4 years old. Ellis said she has been impressed by how welcoming and friendly everyone has been during her current travels. While being on a train might seem confining, Ellis said she has gotten to visit with many friendly people while watching the scenery go by from her small compartments on the Amtrak trains. It is not to say that English people are not friendly. It's just I have never been in a situation in England when someone would tell me their life story when I am in a cube," Ellis said. He cant do it, Republicans. Its time for you to admit that Donald Trump is incapable of even pretending to be an acceptable candidate for president. The question is which side of history you want to be on. Are you going to stand with him as the balloons drop on the last night of the convention, knowing he shares neither your views nor your values? Are you going to work your hearts out this fall to put an unstable bully in charge of our national defense? Is party unity so much more important to you than trifles such as responsibility, duty and honor? Leading Republicans should pay attention to what Sen. Mike Lee (Utah) told a reporter for the conservative Newsmax website: What I am saying is Donald Trump can still get a vote from a lot of conservatives like me, but I would like some assurances on where he stands. I would like some assurances that he is going to be a vigorous defender of the U.S. Constitution. That he is not going to be an autocrat. That he is not going to be an authoritarian. That he is not somebody who is going to abuse a document that I have sworn an oath to uphold and protect and defend. Lee, who has not endorsed Trump, specifically mentioned the fact that he accused my best friends father of conspiring to kill JFK referring to Trumps scurrilous and unfounded charges about the father of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and also Trumps history of making statements that some have identified correctly as religiously intolerant. My only question for Lee is why Trump might still get his vote. I realize that Hillary Clinton is a Democrat, but no one has suggested that she might shred the Constitution or that she is a religious bigot. I thought the oath to protect and defend meant putting country before party. To be sure, some leading Republicans are doing just that. Mitt Romney, the partys 2012 nominee, is one of the loudest and most consistent Never Trump voices. The Bush family, which incarnates the GOPs recent history, is boycotting the convention. My colleague George F. Will, a principled conservative if ever there was one, said last week he had left the Republican Party because of Trump. But most GOP luminaries are like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who has obvious reservations about his partys presumptive nominee but supports him nonetheless. McConnell said this week that people are looking for a level of seriousness that is typically conveyed by having a prepared text and teleprompter and staying on message. In other words, McConnell hopes Trump can at least pretend to be serious and stable long enough to make it through the general-election campaign. Asked Wednesday if he agreed, Romney said no. I think Mr. Trump has demonstrated who he is by virtue of what he said in the process to this point, he explained. What he says from this point forward may paper over that. Ive had the same worry that Trump would appear to be more statesmanlike and fool voters into thinking he had changed. With every passing week, however, I become less concerned about this scenario. Trump is who he is. Every time Trump gives a prepared speech in which he manages to stay on message, drawing praise from the party establishment, he negates it by reverting to his old self. His address on foreign policy a couple of months ago, for example, was wrongheaded but basically mainstream. This week, however, he has been ranting about how the United States needs to use waterboarding and other torture techniques against suspected terrorists. And youre going to vote for this guy, John McCain? You, a former prisoner of war who was tortured by the North Vietnamese? You, the Senates most outspoken opponent of the practice? McConnell said he hoped that Trump is beginning to pivot and become what I would call a more serious and credible candidate for the highest office in the land. Asked whether this was happening, McConnell replied, Hes getting closer. But hes not, and McConnell surely knows it. So does House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.), who will preside over the convention at which Trump is set to be nominated. So do many Republicans who, when I ask them about Trump, either sigh, shrug or run away. We are talking about the presidency of the United States, Republicans. You are about to nominate and support a man you know to be dangerously unworthy. Some loyalty. 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. Thomas J. Donohue is president and chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. While the competing candidates for president each make anti-trade rhetoric a central theme to appeal to populist anger and a nationalist mood, theyre leaving out a few key facts about trade. It is good for the country. It is vital for our economy. And, yes, it helps American workers. It is also true that some workers have been displaced by trade, and they should be given the help they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century economy. But misguided proposals to build tariff walls, tear up trade agreements and turn inward would only hurt those the candidates say they aim to protect. In the worldwide economy, trade is our best tool to create new jobs and spur growth here at home. About one-third of U.S. jobs created between 2009 and 2014 were in trade-dependent industries. Today, more than 40 million American jobs are tied to trade. The presidential candidates often use the so-called demise of manufacturing and the shift away from traditional factory floor jobs to make their case against trade. But the facts get in the way. U.S. real manufacturing output has risen by more than 75 percent over the past 25 years and is at a record high today. Though some industry jobs have been lost due to technology and efficiency, trade remains a strong driver of manufacturing jobs. Exports support approximately 6 million U.S. factory jobs roughly half of all manufacturing employment. Americas farmers and ranchers also rely on trade. One in three acres on U.S. farms is planted for exports. For many crops, such as wheat and almonds, more than half is sold abroad. U.S. agriculture is so productive that theres no way Americans could consume this bounty alone. Exports tell only half the story. Our standard of living depends on our ability to import goods from around the world. Consumers benefit from trade through lower prices and access to a wider variety of products. In fact, international trade boosts the average U.S. households annual income by more than $13,600. And studies show that consumer gains stemming from trade disproportionately accrue to the poor and middle classes. Though trade creates many more winners than losers, we must recognize and mitigate the downsides. Changes in technology and productivity gains are disruptive forces that have led to some job losses. Those who have lost jobs deserve help, and that starts with dramatically improving our job retraining programs. We must also change the mind-set that a four-year college degree is the only path to success. There is a tremendous need for workers who obtain two-year degrees, certifications and vocational training. These men and women can fill a growing number of skilled technical positions that often sit vacant for lack of qualified candidates. We care about those who have been negatively affected by trade, and we must help them. But lets get one thing straight ripping up our trade agreements, as presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump suggests, and raising a tariff wall around the U.S. economy wouldnt bring those jobs home. Instead, it would decimate millions of high-wage American jobs and slam families trying to make ends meet. Increasing tariffs on Chinese and Mexican goods another one of Trumps proposals could cost American families $250 billion per year. We need to go on the offense, and that means moving ahead with the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 other Asia-Pacific nations. This is our chance to set the rules for trade in a critical part of the world. It will advance Americas economic and national interests and affirm our values, which is why presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, as secretary of state, was among its top proponents that is, until it became politically inconvenient. For both parties, turning away from trade is not just a threat to our economy and millions of Americans livelihoods. Its a threat to our national security as well. Trade is how we lead in a dangerous and uncertain global environment. Trade leadership helps us negotiate agreements that strengthen ties with global partners while protecting the interests of our citizens. But if we fail to lead, we will cede influence to others. Were never going to solve the problems that the political candidates are so fond of talking about on the campaign trail if we turn inward, retreat from the world and strangle our own growth. Expanding trade is key to making our country and people more prosperous and more secure. So lets build bridges, not walls. The unusual battle between Donald Trump and much of the Republican establishment on international trade is rapidly escalating, as the presumptive GOP nominee rails against business groups and members of his own party while defenders of sweeping free-trade pacts rebuke him. The rift deepened on Thursday when Trump called out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by name for the second straight day and pilloried the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, two landmark trade agreements broadly supported by Republicans. Im messing with bad deals that we could make good, Trump said in his speech at a shuttered manufacturing plant in Manchester, N.H. I could make good deals. Why would somebody fight that? I mean, the U.S. Chamber fights. They said, Oh, Trump wants to stop free trade. I dont want to stop free trade. I love free trade, but I want to make great deals. The moguls comments followed a flurry of insults throughout the week aimed at advocates of broad trade accords, which have been championed by Republican leaders for decades as crucial engines of capitalism. Trump accused TPP backers, for example, of wanting to rape the United States. For Trump, feuding with powerful business interests makes him an attractive candidate for many disaffected working-class voters, including some who have supported Democrats in the past. But the loud dispute also risks alienating many of the Republican Partys wealthy benefactors at a time when he is struggling to kick his long-dormant fundraising operation into gear. A stridently protectionist message could also push some moderate Main Street Republicans to support Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, in much the same way that many Republicans in the foreign policy world have done. [Wonkblog: Donald Trumps trade war could kill millions of U.S. jobs] Many business groups, which generally favor looser trade restrictions and are traditional Republican allies, have taken sharp issue with Trumps latest comments and appear determined to rebut them. While we never endorse in the presidential race, we do plan to be aggressive in presidential policy with both major party nominees, said Scott Reed, the senior political strategist at the Chamber of Commerce. The group repudiated Trump in real time on Tuesday in a series of tweets as he delivered an address threatening to tear up trade accords and impose tariffs. Trump has long blamed broad trade agreements for harming U.S. workers. But this week has marked a rhetorical shift as he aggressively casts members of both parties who have supported trade deals as anti-American and in league with special interests. For many Republicans in particular, the rhetoric amounts to an assault on core ideological beliefs that have undergirded conservative economic policy for generations. The candidates arguments have also left an opening for sharp attacks by Clinton and other Democrats accusing him of hypocrisy. Trump in the past has talked favorably about outsourcing jobs overseas, and much of his Trump-branded apparel line and other products are manufactured in low-cost Asian countries. Donald Trump is running as an anti-Republican Republican in many ways, said David French, senior vice president of government relations at the National Retail Federation, which like the Chamber of Commerce is not taking sides in the presidential contest. French said Trumps commentary on trade has been disappointing. 1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail View Photos Businessman Donald Trump has become the Republican Partys presumptive nominee for president. Caption Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. Some business leaders are privately pessimistic that publicly fighting Trump hard on trade will be a winning proposition. His access to free media coverage through television and radio interviews presents a big obstacle to anyone standing in his way. It also remains to be seen how and if these groups will escalate their fight beyond social media and chastising in the news media. The Chamber of Commerce, for example, is focused heavily on down-ballot contests and, given that the group primarily supports Republicans, could end up helping Trump regardless. [Fact Checker: Donald Trumps claim that China will enter the TPP at a later date] As Trump spoke Thursday, he stood in front of a manufacturing facility that closed in 2014, causing more than 130 workers to lose their jobs. He continued to tout his protectionist economic policies, which he has underscored since the day he launched his campaign more than a year ago and which stand at odds with many pro-free-trade statements in his past. Trumps repeated needling of the Chamber of Commerce, which is the nations largest business lobby, signaled that he has found a new favorite target. During a rally in Maine on Wednesday, Trump accused the organization of being totally controlled by the special-interest groups. The mogul continued his assault on social media a few hours later, tweeting, For reasons only they can explain, the @USChamber wants to continue our bad trade deals rather than renegotiating and making them better. Trump has repeatedly blamed outsourcing and big trade agreements for domestic economic decline. He has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA as president and withdraw the United States from TPP promises many experts in both parties call unrealistic and highly risky. But such talk has won Trump legions of fans in the economically depressed Rust Belt and other areas suffering from the effects of globalization. His allies hope it will help him compete in Ohio and Pennsylvania, two key swing states. Trumps repeated talk about trade is aimed in large part at undermining Clinton, whose husband signed NAFTA as president. Trump also accuses Clinton of waffling on TPP, which she praised as secretary of state but then opposed during her hard-fought primary contest with Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The trade policies of Hillary Clinton, global financiers and theyre all controlling her, they have 100 percent, they might as well stamp Hillary Clinton on their forehead, he said Thursday. Clinton and other Democrats have pushed back by pointing to the ways that Trump has benefited from the policies he now condemns. On Thursday, Clinton issued a tweet listing the countries, from Mexico to Bangladesh, where Trump-branded ties and shirts were made. While Trump insists he is not trying to challenge free-trade principles, he has repeatedly argued that it is more important for the United States to have fair trade agreements. He has said that he would prefer to negotiate deals one-on-one with countries rather than enter into multi-national settlements. [The Fix: Donald Trumps opposition to free trade is savvy and a sign of how hes changing the GOP] Trump has repeatedly vowed to impose high tariffs or the threat of high tariffs to bully American companies into keeping jobs in the United States. His favorite example is Ford Motor Co., which plans to build a massive plant in Mexico. Trump has said that before he takes office he will persuade Ford to change course by threatening to charge the company a 35 percent tax on cars imported back into the United States. Trump took a handful of questions from the audience Thursday, including one from a man who used to work at a factory that made police badges but lost that business when departments started ordering from overseas. What are you going to do for us? the man asked, as the small crowd applauded. First of all, your story is common to thousands and thousands of companies throughout this country, Trump said, before promising to fight currency manipulation, which he says makes it impossible for U.S. companies to compete with those based in China and elsewhere. Trump repeatedly said that while making products within the United States might be a bit more expensive, its worth the cost to have more jobs based here. Another man asked Trump how he will respond to the corporate backlash to his trade policies. Corporations? Im not worried about it, Trump said, pointing out that his tax plan is cutting business taxes way down and that he will make it less expensive for companies to temporarily bring their money back from overseas. We will do things that are going to be so miraculous and itll be fast. It wont take a long period of time, Trump said. Jose A. DelReal contributed to this report. In this April 23, 2011, file photo, Pakistani women take part in a rally in Peshawar against U.S. drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas . (Mohammad Sajjad/AP) When it comes to questions of war and peace, it often seems as if there are two Barack Obamas. Theres the president who has anguished, often publicly, over the morality of killing and the costs of combat. No matter how justified, war promises human tragedy, Obama said just days after his 2009 decision to send 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Then theres the president who, over the past seven years, has sanctioned the largest targeted killing campaign in American history. There isnt a president whos taken more terrorists off the field than me, he said earlier this spring. A few weeks later, he backed up the boast at the U.S. Air Force Academy, reading off the names of seven al-Qaeda and Islamic State leaders killed on his watch. The White Houses report on its drone program and a separate executive order released Friday show how Obama has sought to untangle these contradictions. For Obama, the low number of civilian deaths detailed in the report fewer than 116 in seven years of strikes amounts to a vindication of the drone programs effectiveness as a counterterrorism tool. [White House releases death toll from counterterrorism strikes] Independent groups that track civilian deaths have produced far higher casualty rates. The New American Foundation and the Long War Journal have put the number of civilians killed at just over 200. A third group, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, says as many as 325 civilians have died in U.S. counterterrorism operations since Obama took office. The White Houses report also offers no detail on the times or locations of the strikes. Nor does it attempt to answer the broader criticism that the anger and resentment generated by the strikes in places such as Pakistan and Yemen have helped feed the ranks of terrorist groups. The report, however, does reflect an increasingly unshakable conviction in the White House that the drone strikes have helped safeguard American lives and shift the country off an all-consuming war footing. This is a tool that this administration and this president has used frequently in a way that has had a devastating impact on the ability of terrorists to establish a safe haven and use the safety of that safe haven to plot against the us and our interests, said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. This is a powerful tool. The report on casualties and the executive order are designed to ensure that the drone program continues after Obama leaves office. Since the first days of his presidency, Obama has been uneasy with large-scale deployments of U.S. troops. He has questioned the claims of his generals who promised that with enough troops and time, they could not only defeat militants but also heal fractured societies such as Iraq and Afghanistan. And he has fretted about the costs of such deployments in American lives and worried about the destruction that such troops inevitably wreak overseas on civilians. [Why White House claims on drone casualties remain dubious] In speeches in 2013 and 2016, President Obama stressed that the U.S. tries to avoid civilian deaths as a result of drone strikes but doesn't always succeed. (The Washington Post) Drones seemed to offer Obama a better, cleaner and less destructive way of waging war. During Obamas time in the White House, unmanned aircraft have grown increasingly more sophisticated. They can stay over their targets longer, collect more intelligence and carry bigger payloads than the unmanned planes that were flying when Obama was first elected. In 2013, Obama announced new rules to govern the use of this deadly new technology. Obamas goal was to transition the United States to a new, more discriminating and humane form of warfare in which no strikes would be carried out unless there was a near certainty that civilians would not be injured or killed. The White House reiterated that standard Friday and said its rigorous standards and procedures have resulted in extraordinarily precise targeting. Even before Fridays report, Obama had been forced to acknowledge a growing number of mistakes, including the deaths of two Western hostages Warren Weinstein, an American, and Giovanni Lo Porto, an Italian in a strike on an al-Qaeda compound in Pakistan last year. It is a cruel and bitter truth that in the fog of war generally and in our fight against terrorists specifically, mistakes sometimes deadly mistakes can occur, Obama said after those deaths. I profoundly regret what happened. [Did the CIA miss an opportunity to identify Warren Weinstein?] The recently released report also does not account for deaths caused by airstrikes in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, where U.S. military estimates of civilian casualties have been criticized by military analysts and human rights activists as vastly understating the civilian death toll. In nearly two years of bombing and more than 12,000 airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. military has acknowledged only 41 civilian deaths. Last week, the U.S. military reopened an investigation into a 2015 airstrike near the Iraqi city of Mosul after reporting by The Washington Post found that the attack had killed 11 civilians, including nine women and children. The initial military investigation found only four civilian deaths. If confirmed by military investigators, the 11 deaths in the attack on the Islamic State checkpoint in the village of Hatra would account for more than a quarter of all civilian casualties acknowledged so far by the U.S. military in Iraq and Syria. Earlier this year, in response to a University of Chicago law student who questioned the legality and morality of the drone program, Obama talked about the inevitability of errors and civilian deaths. We anguish over this in a very serious way, he said. The deaths, though, do not appear to have shaken Obamas faith in drones as a more cost- effective, humane alternative to large-scale ground invasions. Inside the White House, the war on terror is largely viewed as a zero-sum game. The more energy and resources that the U.S. government spends fighting al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, the thinking goes, the less time it has to focus on other critical issues such as the nuclear deal with Iran, diplomatic outreach to Cuba or climate change. Drones have helped make this shift possible. They have allowed Obama to position himself as something other than a wartime president, aides said. I dont think Obama sees himself as a war leader, said Derek Chollet, a former senior Obama administration official and author of The Long Game, a book on the presidents foreign policy. He sees military power as absolutely essential but believes we have other interests at stake. Obamas conservative critics say this low-cost, light-footprint approach has allowed the Islamic State to take root in the Middle East and to spread to places such as Libya. His liberal critics complain that the drone-focused approach shortchanges Americas moral responsibilities as the worlds sole superpower to prevent human suffering and genocide in places such as Yemen, Iraq and Syria. [9 Obama statements on transparency and drone strikes] A big question for the next president is whether to continue the Obama administrations aggressive policy of targeted killing. Today the Obama administration is flying armed drones in seven countries: Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. Even as the Islamic State continues to lose territory in Iraq and Syria, there are no signs that the bombing campaign will narrow in the near future. One of the things Obama has had to struggle with and the next president will, too, is that the use of military power the United States killing people overseas occurs so frequently now that it just kind of washes over the debate, Chollet said. It has become almost too easy. No one even notices it any more. Its just a constant. This is one of the legacies of Obamas tenure in the White House. As president, he promised to end Americas wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since taking office, he has cut the number of U.S. troops deployed to war zones around the world from 180,000 to fewer than 15,000. The wars, however, have not ended. Instead, Obama, through a reliance on drones and special operators, has succeeded in making them nearly invisible. Gift Article Share The House select committee investigating the 2012 deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, Libya, wrapped up this week after more than two years of investigation and more than $7 million in taxpayer dollars spent ending, as it began, awash in partisan sniping. 2021 Election: Complete coverage and analysis ArrowRight Meanwhile, another special House panel that has become enveloped in similar political warfare quietly continues its work. This panel called the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives established last year to probe allegations made in undercover videos produced by antiabortion activists is halfway through its year-long mandate to investigate and report on links between abortion providers and medical researchers. Like the Benghazi committee, the select panel began life with a sharply partisan House vote, and relations between the Republican majority and Democratic minority on the panel have since steadily eroded, with Democrats casting the investigation as a witch hunt and pushing repeatedly to end it. The Republicans have been undaunted, holding two public hearings that have aimed to cast doubt on the ethics and necessity of fetal tissue research, as well as the legality of the commerce in fetal tissue between abortion clinics, medical researchers and the procurement entities standing between them. They have also issued dozens of subpoenas to those parties in an effort to document whether the tissue trade has resulted in illegal profits and a tacit incentive to perform more abortions. Advertisement Evidence uncovered through our investigation provides a view of abortion clinics willing to sell baby body parts to make more money, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), the panels chairwoman, said in a statement. It shows clinics and middlemen willing to exploit young women because they now see their babies as a profit center. Weve even learned of a public university embarking on an aggressive campaign to expand abortions by receiving fetal tissue from and sharing staff with a for-profit late term abortion clinic in New Mexico. These disturbing findings are exactly why this investigation is warranted and we will continue to follow the facts in order to complete our report to Congress by the end of the year. Last week, panel Republicans accused the University of New Mexico and an Albuquerque abortion clinic of possibly violating state and federal law, delivering a referral for criminal investigation to New Mexicos attorney general. Blackburn, in a statement, cited evidence that personnel within UNMs hospital and medical school have aggressively engaged in expanding abortion in New Mexico through the offices, personnel, and resources of UNM. A spokesman for the universitys Health Sciences Center told the Albuquerque Journal last week that researchers paid no money for fetal tissue and that Blackburn had misread New Mexico law. We categorically deny the chairs assertions in every respect, the spokesman, Billy Sparks, said. Advertisement The UNM referral came after the panel last month sharpened its focus on StemExpress, a California firm that procures research specimens, accusing it in a letter to federal regulators of engaging in contractual relationships with abortion clinics under which both sides make a profit from the baby body parts inside the young womans womb. Democrats both those on the panel and in the House at large have pushed back on virtually all the Republican claims and have called for the panels shutdown. They have accused their GOP colleagues of engaging in McCarthyism rooted in philosophical opposition to abortion and of seeking to intimate law-abiding researchers. The evidence that panel Republicans have presented, the Democrats say, do not support claims of wrongdoing. The Republicans should take the lesson learned from their long, costly and partisan Benghazi investigation, said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), the panels ranking Democrat. Instead, they continue to follow their same partisan playbook at great cost to American taxpayers and the truth. Advertisement She added that three other House Republican-led committees and thirteen states investigated [the activists videos] and found no wrongdoing. It is time for Republicans to stop spending taxpayer dollars on politically purposed witch hunts. Enough is enough. In terms of its scope, the select panels charge is broad it is authorized to look at a range of practices and policies regarding fetal tissue procurement, including those of abortion providers and whether federal resources are indirectly supporting abortion clinics through the tissue trade. But in terms of the resources, the probe is considerably smaller than the investigation by the Benghazi committee. According to congressional staff records maintained by Legistorm, this panel employs 10 staff members compared with the 28 employed by the Benghazi panel. The panel is set to expire with the current Congress, and Blackburn said earlier this year that she anticipates issuing a final report before years end. There is a caveat: If Republicans maintain control of the House in November, they could vote to continue the panel into 2017 much as the Benghazi panel was extended. Advertisement Earlier this month, the infant-lives panels expenditures rose to $790,000 after Republicans on the House Administration Committee quietly moved to authorize an additional $490,000 in spending beyond the $300,000 earmarked for the panel last year. Democrats on that committee have objected to the new funding, calling the panel nothing more than a political weapon targeting women, doctors and valuable research in a June 16 letter to Administration Committee Chairman Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.). We should not reward this catastrophe with more taxpayers dollars, they wrote. In a statement, Miller defended the additional funds, saying it was well within the scope of her committees powers to ensure House committee panels have the resources they, both majority and minority, need to conduct their oversight and to address important issues that were not anticipated at the time of the original committee funding hearings. The funding is split between Democrats and Republicans, with the majority receiving two-thirds to the minoritys one-third. Aides from both parties expect more funding will be necessary before the panel wraps up its work, but it is not expected to rise to the $7 million spent by the Benghazi panel. Advertisement But the work appears destined to remain mired in partisan warfare demonstrated in the dueling names that Republicans and Democrats are using to describe the panel. The GOP calls it a panel to protect infant lives; for Democrats, it is intended to attack womens health. Together with the Benghazi panel, this select panels legacy might well be to mark the increasing politicization and polarization of congressional investigations a point made this week by the Benghazi panels chairman, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.). Congress does a lousy job of conducting apolitical nonpartisan investigations, and the American people deserve better, Gowdy said Tuesday in an MSNBC interview. GiftOutline Gift Article Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail Donald Trumps campaign is in a tumultuous state, with at least two staffers resigning this week and joining a growing list of personnel who have parted ways with the campaign in recent months. Kevin Kellems, who was recently brought on to be the director of surrogates on Trumps campaign, announced his resignation in a short email to associates obtained Friday by The Washington Post. Erica Freeman, another aide who worked with surrogates, also resigned, a person familiar with her decision said. At the same time, Trump continues to add staff for the general election. He announced Friday that he has hired veteran Republican strategist Kellyanne Conway, who joins the team fresh off a stretch working for a super PAC that supported Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and was highly critical of Trump. The campaign also promoted Karen Giorno to senior political adviser. The moves will add two experienced women to a senior team that has been predominantly male. But even as Trump continues to staff up, many of his aides have left as part of ongoing turmoil in the teams ranks. Kellyanne Conway, a former supporter of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), has signed on with Donald Trumps campaign. (Rainier Ehrhardt/AP) Vincent Harris, a strategist whom the campaign recently enlisted to help with its digital efforts, is no longer associated with the campaign, Harris said this week. Last week, Trump fired his longtime campaign manager Corey Lewandowski after months of him clashing with other staffers and concerns from his children that Lewandowski was not up to the task. And in late May, Trump ousted Rick Wiley, an experienced GOP operative who, like Lewandowski, clashed with others on the team. While brief, it has been an interesting experience, and am proud of the contributions made through our early-phase project endeavors, Kellems wrote in the email announcing his departure. Also have enjoyed meeting some fine and dedicated individuals throughout the organization. Look forward to running across several of you going forward. The staff turmoil is part of broader difficulties within Trumps unconventional campaign, which had only $1.3 million in the bank at the start of June and is spending no money on advertising to counter a multimillion-dollar assault by Hillary Clinton. The presumptive Democratic nominee announced Friday that she raised $68 million in June; the Trump campaign has not disclosed its June fundraising number, which is expected to be much lower than that. Trump did not mention his personnel moves in a speech here in Denver Friday at the Western Conservative Summit. In the address, he suggested that former president Bill Clintons impromptu meeting with Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch at a Phoenix airport did not happen by chance. At the top of his speech, Trump brought up his experience during the GOP nominating contest in Colorado, when Cruz outmaneuvered him in the arcane process of securing delegates. Trump, seemingly unable to put the incident behind him, said once again that the system was rigged. A whole host of influential Republicans have decided not to attend July's Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Trump also offered a preview of this months Republican National Convention in Cleveland, saying that his wife, Melania, and his children will be speaking there. Outside the convention center where Trump spoke, some protesters gathered on one corner. After Trump was done speaking, his supporters held a rally on the steps of the state capitol. Conway, who previously headed up Keep the Promise I, a pro-Cruz super PAC that ran ads hitting Trump, will be a senior adviser to campaign chairman Paul Manafort and part of the national polling team that is headed up by Tony Fabrizio, the campaign said in a statement. Giornos new portfolio will include developing and executing the general election strategy for Florida, and working with the national political director, the campaign said. Previously, she was overseeing 10 Southeastern states for Trump. Robert Costa in Washington contributed to this report. 1 of 15 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Where We Live | Wesley Heights in Northwest Washington View Photos This neighborhood is known for its parks, large lots and stately homes. Caption This neighborhood is known for its parks, large lots and stately homes. Full of leafy, tree-lined streets, Wesley Heights in Northwest Washington is close to Battery Kemble Park and Glover-Archbold Park, which offer adequate trails for hiking, biking and running. Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. During the early 1990s, Meena Ahamed was a young mother in search of the perfect place to raise her growing family when she discovered the picturesque neighborhood of Wesley Heights in Northwest Washington. More than two decades have passed and Ahameds children are now adults, but the 62-year-old retired journalist still considers the neighborhood ideal. In those days, if you wanted to raise kids and give them the best of the suburbs and the city, Wesley Heights was it, said Ahamed, who lives in a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom, brick-and-stucco modernized Tudor on 44th Place. It just had all of the elements of Little House on the Prairie, and its still like that today. Built mostly during the 1920s as one of the countrys earliest planned communities, Wesley Heights offers potential residents a rare mix of older- and newer-style homes, said Christie-Anne Weiss, an associate broker with TTR Sothebys International Realty. Folks drawn to this neighborhood are people who like to open their windows to the outdoors, come outside and spend time with their neighbors, said Weiss, whos sold real estate in Wesley Heights for years. [The Grove at Huntley Meadows: An Alexandria neighborhood gets better with age] Large lots: Full of leafy, tree-lined streets, Wesley Heights is close to Battery Kemble Park and Glover Archbold Park, which offer adequate trails for hiking, biking and running, Weiss said. The park space surrounding Wesley Heights helps make it a premiere neighborhood that is truly one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Washington, she said. Weiss said that the neighborhood is also a short distance to restaurants and shops along New Mexico Avenue. Anthony Ankie Barnes, a residential architect who has completed several dozen remodeling projects in Wesley Heights, said that the neighborhoods mix of lot sizes offers residents ample space to expand as their families grow. Barnes, who purchased a Tudor Revival house on Hawthorne Street in the early 1990s, said that half of the community is designated R-1-A under the Districts zoning code, allowing for lots of 7,500 square feet or larger. The remaining residential real estate is zoned R-1-B, which calls for lots to be a minimum of 5,000 square feet, Barnes said. That kind of variety is very healthy for the neighborhood, he added. Russell Shaw, who purchased a home on 44th Place nearly 50 years ago, said that its not accidental that he and his wife found their way to Wesley Heights. The people are very congenial and outgoing, said Shaw, a published author who along with his wife raised five children in the community. Leo Gorman, whos lived in his two-level stucco house since 1978, was recently sorting through nearly 40 years of mementos, deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, when he began to reflect on his affection for Wesley Heights and the many neighbors whove become friends. Were not moving out until we absolutely have to, which will hopefully be never, he said. [Poplar attraction: Bethesdas Tulip Hill is close to D.C. and nature] Living there: The neighborhood is bounded roughly by Nebraska Avenue to the north, New Mexico Avenue to the east, Wesley Heights Park and Glover Archbold Park to the south, and Battery Kemble Park to the west. Eden Ellis of Pup Luv pet service walks dogs through Battery Kemble Park in the Wesley Heights neighborhood. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post) In the past 12 months, 35 properties have sold in Wesley Heights, ranging from a 1,332-square-foot, two-bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary townhouse for $725,000 to a 4,082-square-foot, seven-bedroom, six-bathroom Colonial for $3,395,000, said Weiss, the associate broker with TTR Sothebys International Realty. There are eight houses for sale in Wesley Heights, ranging from a 2,106-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom Federal-style townhouse for $1,039,000 to a 4,214-square-foot, five-bedroom, seven-bathroom Tudor with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest cottage and a swimming pool for $4,350,000, Weiss said. Schools: Horace Mann Elementary, Hardy Middle and Woodrow Wilson High. Transit: Metrobuss N2 and N6 lines service the neighborhood. Wesley Heights is about a mile from the Tenleytown station on Metros Red Line. Crime: Since January, there have been 10 burglaries, four robberies, four reports of stolen vehicles and three assaults in the police area covering Wesley Heights, according to D.C. police. Having vanquished two friends-turned-rivals, the bespectacled Scotsman vying to be Britains next prime minister squinted out at his country Friday and etched a shiny vision of the future, one undimmed by the chaos he himself has wrought. Britain, Michael Gove said as he pitched himself for the countrys top job, will be a more enterprising and prosperous place now that it has opted to throw off the shackles of the European Union. It will have additional money for health care, one less layer of burdensome regulation and far fewer immigrants. This country voted for change, and I can deliver it, the wonkish justice secretary said confidently, a day after ambushing the favorite in the race for prime minister, the former London mayor Boris Johnson, and forcing him from the contest. But as Gove and other British politicians continue to double-cross each other in their quest to run the country, a far more formidable obstacle looms to the sort of change they seek: the E.U. [First reviews of Michael Goves power play in Britain: Not good] 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. A week after Britains stunning vote to leave the E.U., the battle lines in the monumental exit negotiations to come are clearer than ever. And they dont favor Britain. The weight of the leverage, the timing of the talks and the expertise of the negotiators are all factors stacked in favor of the 27 spurned members of the E.U. The imbalance will make it difficult for Gove or any other British leader to make good on any promises of a halcyon life post-Brexit. Its the E.U. and not Britain that has the upper hand here, said Agata Gostynska-Jakubowska, a fellow at the London-based Center for European Reform. Both Europe and Britain would be hurt economically if the two sides cant reach a deal, she said. But Britain, as the smaller market with more direct dependence on Europe than the other way around, would be hurt more. Giving the Europeans even greater firepower is the ticking two-year clock on the process once Britain gives formal notice it is leaving the E.U., after which it would be kicked out of the union whether or not a new deal is in place. Tariffs would automatically snap to those regulated by the World Trade Organization, a switch that could be devastating for Britains finance- and service-based economy. The British dont have much leverage there, and on the European Union side there wont be a lot of views to be very friendly with our former European British members, said Pierre Vimont, a senior associate at Carnegie Europe who until last year was the secretary general of the E.U.s diplomatic service The E.U.s timing advantage once an exit is triggered explains why both Gove and his main rival for the keys to 10 Downing Street, Home Secretary Theresa May, have said they wont formally start the clock on Britains exit this year. The delay is in defiance of the call among European leaders to begin talks as soon as possible to end the uncertainty, which has roiled markets and caused the pound to plummet. [Brexit, illustrated] In other ways, too, British and European leaders are already staking out sharply contrasting positions that probably foreshadow the contentious talks to come. In a Europe split by deep disagreements over its future, there was rare unity this week among the 27 remaining nations on one point: If Britain wants unfettered access to the continents vast market, it must continue to allow Europes citizens to work and travel in Britain without restrictions, leaders said. No cherry-picking, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. But British leaders are already eyeing their cherries. Both Gove and May said that restricting the rights of European workers to move to Britain is an absolute must in any deal. I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points system and bring numbers down, Gove vowed Friday. The Australian points-based immigration system gives greater weight to workers with more relevant skills an approach that is anathema to Europes philosophy, which treats free movement across members borders as a basic right. [The mess in British politics, and how to govern in a time of no confidence] Any concession to Britain on free movement would probably precipitate calls from across the E.U. for special deals that would allow them to restrict entry for foreigners. Instead of giving out favors, E.U. members especially those with swelling Euroskeptic populations actually have every incentive to be as tough as possible on Britain so that their own voters see what happens when nations dare to leave the union. Well see the difficulties of a country that wants to leave, said a visibly angry French President Francois Hollande after meeting this week with Europes remaining leaders to plot strategy. Hollande, who has rock-bottom ratings, faces a surging anti-E.U. opposition in elections next year. European leaders have already charged a veteran Belgian diplomat, Didier Seeuws, 50, with the grim task of leading a negotiating task force. He will be backed not only by 27 independent nations but also by the European Commission itself, a teeming bureaucracy of 23,000 people whose very expertise in wrangling the fine print of regulations is part of what Britain rejected. Britain, by contrast, has little human infrastructure to vie with the enormous challenge ahead. An internal review revealed just 20 active trade negotiators in the entire British government, Simon Fraser, a former top Foreign Office official, told Parliament this week. Thats because, until now, Britain has essentially subcontracted its trade negotiation to Brussels, where the E.U. has an army of at least 600 trade specialists. Britains political leadership is also deeply divided over what it wants from any deal. Although both Gove and May said this week they would seek concessions on immigration, the two didnt even agree on the fundamental question of whether Britain should leave the E.U. Gove was a fervent advocate for leave. May reluctantly backed remain. But she has said that if she is chosen to be prime minister, she will follow through on Brexit. Having backed the losing side, she will probably come under pressure during the summers campaign to prove that she is now a believer in the virtues of getting out. Gove already has opened the issue as a line of attack, saying Friday that the best person to lead Britain out of the European Union is someone who argued to get Britain out of the European Union. The new prime minister will replace David Cameron, who led a failed remain campaign after two former friends and political allies Gove and Johnson defected to leave. [Meet Michael Gove, the man who just turned British politics into an episode of House of Cards] The winner, who will take office Sept. 9, will not be chosen by the general population. Instead, the person will be picked in a two-stage process by the Conservative Party. Until Thursday morning, Johnson was considered the favorite. But Gove, who was to be Johnsons campaign manager, stunned British politics by getting into the race himself. The betrayal added another word to Britains increasingly dark political lexicon: Brexecution. Gove said Friday he had acted out of conviction, not ambition after concluding that Johnson as bombastic as Gove is bookish was not up to the job. In a long, policy-laden address Friday, the 48-year-old Gove promised to bring radical change to Britain, citing his record of doing so in Britains prisons and schools. But he also acknowledged his own shortcomings. Whatever charisma is, Gove said in front of a plain-white backdrop in a sparsely furnished conference room, I dont have it. Birnbaum reported from Brussels. Read more: Exiling Britain, Europes remaining leaders meet to safeguard fractured union Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Students in central Java read the Koran outdoors by oil lamp during Ramadan. Indonesian Muslims have expressed anger over reports that Muslims in China faced restrictions on celebrating Ramadan. (Maulana Surya/Antara Foto via Reuters) In late April, five senior figures from Indonesias largest Muslim civil society organization stepped off the plane in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang, in Chinas far west. They had been invited on an all-expenses-paid trip by the Chinese government as part of a broad effort by Beijing to prove to Indonesian Muslim leaders that Chinas Uighur Muslims enjoy complete religious freedom despite news reports to the contrary. Xinjiang is Chinas most restive province, the scene of clashes between the native Uighur Muslim population and settlers from the Han Chinese majority. Reports that Chinas Communist government restricts the right of Uighur Muslims to fast during the holy month of Ramadan and places other limits on their freedom to worship have damaged the countrys reputation among Muslims in Indonesia and elsewhere. Last month, to coincide with the start of Ramadan, two Indonesian Islamic political parties, the Prosperous Justice Party and the United Development Party, issued statements condemning the Chinese governments restrictions on the religious freedom of Uighurs. The condemnations came amid rising tension between the two countries over a South China Sea dispute that recently resulted in the Indonesian navy firing on Chinese fishing vessels operating in contested waters. The oppression of Uighurs adds another dimension to the complex relationship between China and Indonesia, the country with the most Muslims in the world and one where spreading communist ideology is illegal. The Chinese government has responded to Indonesian suspicion over its treatment of Muslims by working to convince Indonesian religious figures and journalists that nothing is amiss in Xinjiang. Its strategy offers hints on how it hopes to convince the rest of the Muslim world that it respects Islam. The five visitors were skeptical of the Chinese state narrative when they arrived. We asked, for example, whether its true that Muslims are forbidden from fasting, said Bina Suhendra, chief treasurer of Nahdlatul Ulama, an organization that claims 50 million members. But after a tour that included meetings with senior Uighur mullahs and visits to historic mosques, Suhendra and the others said their hosts had convinced them. The [Chinese] state guarantees freedom of religion to all religions, he said. I am not surprised at the result of the government- managed visit this has a long proven track record of shaping the views of unwitting participants, wrote Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty Internationals regional director for East Asia, in an email. Bequelin wrote that although the Chinese government does subsidize a state-controlled version of Islam, Chinese law aggressively regulates the Uighur practice of Islam. All imams have to be politically vetted, all mosques have to be under the control of the religious affairs bureau, and all scriptures, religious publications and preachers have to abide by strict censorship rules and procedures. These are black-and-white laws and regulations, not hearsay, he wrote. The senior leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama had a different impression. They were deeply impressed by the level of infrastructure development in Urumqi as well as what appeared to be a flourishing religious life. China is still communist, but its very open, said Eman Suryaman, chairman of the central board of Nahdlatul Ulama and a member of the delegation. He noted the beautiful new mosques that the Chinese government had built for local worshipers. We saw the attention the Chinese government paid to the religious community, he said. In late May, Arie Mega Prastiwi, an editor at Liputan 6, an Indonesian news site, accepted an invitation for a free tour of Xinjiang offered to her by the Chinese Embassy here. She figured she was invited because they wanted to promote Xinjiang after the riots in 2009, when hundreds of ethnic Uighurs clashed with Han Chinese in Urumqi. She visited mosques and schools. She was free to wander the streets of Urumqi on her own, although she doesnt speak any of the local languages. With the assistance of interpreters provided by the Chinese government, she interviewed state officials and spoke with students and worshipers. She concluded that ethnic tension had subsided and that onerous restrictions on Muslim worship were a thing of the past. Since the ethnic clashes of 2009, the central government and the Autonomous Region of Xinjiang have resolved the situation, she wrote in one report. In an interview, Prastiwi resisted the idea that her government minders had shown her a particular version of Uighur life. It was a very natural setting, she said. I saw what I saw and Im writing what I write. According to Alim Seytoff, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project in Washington, the Chinese government is able to convince foreign visitors that Muslims are free to practice their religion because Chinese restrictions are subtle. There is no blanket ban on fasting and prayer in Xinjiang, and the government subsidizes state-sanctioned forms of the religion. However, he said, the local government restricts some segments of Uighur society from fasting, among them government workers and students. And Chinese officials are careful to present cooperative locals to visitors. The showcasing of the happy Uighur is an old strategy, Seytoff said. Arsul Sani, a member of Indonesias parliament from the United Development Party, said he was not sure that the delegation of Indonesian Muslim leaders received the full story. The Chinese government can set up some group to meet with the Indonesian guests and then say, Perfect, everything is okay here, he said. Questions surrounding Chinese persecution of Muslims are especially sensitive in Indonesia, which has a significant ethnic Chinese minority that is viewed with skepticism by some hard-line Muslim groups. When Basuki Ahok Purnama, the ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta, issued a regulation banning public schools from requiring female students to wear headscarves, the Islamic Defenders Front, a local hard-line group, linked the issue with Xinjiang, tweeting, Chinas Communist government restricts Muslim worship in Xinjiang. In Jakarta Ahok forbids mandatory head scarf. . . . Draw your own conclusion! On June 16, the Chinese ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng, attended a Ramadan ceremony at the al-Tsaqafah Islamic boarding school in South Jakarta, making a donation to a scholarship fund for Indonesian orphans at the school and distributing books. Xie attended the event with Said Aqil Siradj, the chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, who was in the delegation that went to Xinjiang. In a speech that was covered by numerous local media outlets, Said Aqil said, China is our friend. Nothing is to be feared from China. Xie gave a speech about shared Chinese and Indonesian values, mentioning the 15th-century exploits of Zheng He, Chinas legendary Muslim eunuch admiral, who stunned the Ming court by bringing back a giraffe from East Africa and who may have contributed to the development of Indonesian Islam during his multiple visits to what is today Indonesia. Xie then pivoted to the Uighur issue, saying, Their religious freedom has all along been valued, respected and protected by the Chinese government. Then the Chinese Embassy handed out reports from Prastiwi, the journalist with Liputan 6, to prove the point. Read more Back-to-the-land spiritual movement in Indonesia sparks crackdown A country of a quarter-billion people is trying to provide health care for all Release of reporters brothers shows China does heed foreign pressure Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world MATTOON -- Lake Land College President Josh Bullock on Thursday presented the proposed 2016-17 college budget, which projects a 50-percent reduction in state funding. Bullock also discussed a possible stopgap state budget deal that he estimated could direct approximately $4.7 million in state funding to Lake Land, predominantly for upcoming fiscal year 2016-17 expenses. He added that Lake Land typically receives $10 million to $11 million in state funding per fiscal year. The presentation of the proposed $73.2 million balanced budget took place during a special meeting of the Lake Land College Board of Trustees. The budget will be placed on file for public inspection until it goes before the board for a final vote at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Kluthe Center in Effingham. Bullock said the proposed budget projects a 50-percent reduction in state funding for Lake Land and a 3 percent decline in enrollment resulting from a decrease in MAP grant funding, among other factors. Still, Bullock said Lake Land has balanced its budget proposal through a tuition increase, an anticipated increase in property tax revenue and various cost-cutting measures. These measures include cutting eight non-grant funded positions in 2015-16 and not filling seven vacant positions, which has saved $1.03 million. "This is not a sustainable long-term picture for the college," Bullock said. He added that, "We have personnel doing double duty in many areas, sometimes triple duty." Trustee Doris Reynolds and others at the meeting praised the faculty and other personnel at Lake Land for agreeing to pay freezes to help the college through tight financial times. Bullock said the proposed budget is slightly larger than the $72.9 million budget for fiscal year 2015-16. He said the proposed budget's restricted purpose bond and interest fund will see an increase of $1.8 million to cover recently bonded campus projects, including the ongoing Vo-Tech Classroom Building renovation. Copies of the proposed budget will be on file in the vice president wing at the Luther Student Center in Mattoon and at the Kluthe Center in Effingham. Regarding the stopgap state budget deal, Bullock estimated that this measure will direct $4.7 million in state funding to Lake Land, based on previous experience. However, Bullock cautioned that this is just an estimate and that the deal still needs to be signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Trustee Mike Sullivan said the numbers in the college's proposed budget could be adjusted accordingly as state funding is available. Bullock added that he is hopeful that an influx of state funding will enable Lake Land to bring back laid off employees and fill vacant positions. Other actions taken by the board included: Appointing Ryan Orrick as the Agriculture Division chair. Orrick, of Gays, has been serving as an agriculture instructor and livestock judging coach at the college since 2011. Approving a memorandum of understanding with the AFSCME union bargaining unit that represents employees who work for Lake Land education programs with the Illinois Department of Corrections. This action will freeze contracted salary increases until funding is available. Eliminating an associate vice president of instruction position for budgetary reasons, effective immediately, as part of restructuring Lake Land's administrative positions. This position elimination was announced earlier in the year. Israel deployed several hundred soldiers around the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday after two Israelis were killed in separate attacks in the previous 48 hours. The army also began implementing wide-ranging closures around the city, including setting up checkpoints and restricting general movement. Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman, said the steps were the most substantial the Israeli army has taken on the ground since 2014, when three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped and killed by two Palestinian militants. On Friday afternoon, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on an Israeli family traveling on a main highway near the Israeli settlement of Otniel. The car crashed, killing a man and seriously injuring a woman. Two of the couples 10 children traveling in the car were lightly injured. Israeli media identified the victim as Miki Mark, director of the yeshiva in Otniel. Lerner said that based on an initial military investigation, 20 rounds were fired at the familys car by a passing vehicle, which immediately fled the scene. The Israeli army is searching the area for the perpetrators. Earlier in the day, a Palestinian woman, later identified by Palestinian media as 27-year-old Sarah Tarayra from the village of Bani Naim, was fatally shot after attempting to attack Israeli soldiers at one of the main flash points between Israelis and Palestinians: the holy site that Israelis refer to as the Cave of the Patriarchs and Palestinians as the Ibrahimi Mosque. [Palestinian fatally stabs sleeping Israeli girl in West Bank settlement] On Thursday morning, a Palestinian youth fatally stabbed an Israeli teenager as she slept in her bed. The attacker, also from Bani Naim, infiltrated the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba near Hebron, authorities said. He was fatally shot at the scene. The victim, 13-year-old Hallel Yaffe Ariel, was a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and a relative of Israels agriculture minister, Uri Ariel. Lerner said that there have been more than 80 attacks or attempted attacks by Palestinians against Israeli civilians and military forces in the Hebron region since September. Last month, two Palestinians from the area opened fire in a food market in central Tel Aviv, killing four Israelis. Israel increased its security posture after that attack, as well. In light of this recent spike and in order to disrupt, prevent and foil further attacks, these steps have to be taken, he said. The closures will apply to the entire Hebron district, and movement will be limited to humanitarian needs. There was no indication of how long the measures will be in place. The closures will seriously impact freedom of movement for Palestinians, who are celebrating the last few days of Ramadan this weekend. Roughly 700,000 people live in the area. In addition to the military actions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office released a statement saying that Israel will start to deduct money from the monthly tax revenue it transfers to the Palestinian Authority to reflect the amounts given to support terrorists and their families. Israel believes that what it sees as the encouragement of terrorism by the Palestinian leadership in the form of both incitement and payments to terrorists and their families constitutes incentive for murder. To see Hallels room, to see the bloodstains at her bedside and the books and clothing of a little girl, is shocking, Netanyahu said after visiting the Ariel family in Kiryat Arba on Friday morning. It reminds us once again of who stands before us they want to uproot us, but this will only deepen our roots. They will not get us out of here. Israeli settlements such as Kiryat Arba are considered illegal by most of the international community and Palestinians. A report published Friday by the United Nations, United States, Russia and the European Union named the settlements as one of the biggest obstacles to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The attacks over the past two days are the latest in a wave of violent incidents by Palestinians against Israelis, as well as harsh Israeli countermeasures. Although in recent weeks the violence has tapered somewhat, since the beginning of October, 33 Israelis and two American tourists have been killed in stabbing, shooting and vehicle attacks carried out by Palestinians. Nearly 200 Palestinians, many of whom were attackers, also have been killed by Israeli forces or armed civilians. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Israeli security forces gather at the scene where an Israeli died and three of his relatives were wounded after a Palestinian gunman opened fire on their car on July 1 in the occupied West Bank. (Hazem Bader/AFP/Getty Images) The potential for a two-state solution to decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is steadily eroding, members of the Middle East Quartet mediation group said Friday in a report aimed at nudging the parties back to peace talks. The report, delayed several times as the final language was refined, calls on the Israelis to cease the construction and expansion of settlements, the designation of land exclusively for use by Israelis and the denial of development permits to Palestinians. It also recommends that Palestinian authorities stop inciting violence and work harder to combat terrorism, such as by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism. The Quartet, the sponsor of a peace process that has gone nowhere since collapsing amid mutual recriminations in April 2014, is composed of the United Nations, United States, Russia and the European Union. The imprimatur of the United States, Israels closest ally, adds extra weight to the report, but it is more of a road map for talks to resume rather than a mandate. Were trying to provide them with a constructive path forward should they choose to take it, said a State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity under the agencys rules. Thats ultimately up to them. [Diplomats want peace talks by end of the year] Initially, at least, the parties werent changing their long-held stances. The report perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. When Israel froze settlements, it did not get peace. When Israel uprooted every settlement in Gaza, it did not get peace. It got war. Palestinian officials also bristled at the reports conclusions. It does not meet our expectations as a nation living under a foreign colonial military occupation, said Palestine Liberation Organization General Secretary Saeb Erekat. But Quartet members warned that the window for a solution is closing. We need to shake life back into the peace process, and do it as a matter of urgency, said Federica Mogherini, the foreign policy head of the E.U. Violence is on the rise every single day, with victims of both sides. We risk a new escalation, and the very chance of peace is slipping away. The Quartet said two states, one Israeli and one Palestinian, is the only way to end the occupation and ensure Israeli security. But Israeli policies encouraging settlement growth and squelching Palestinian development are steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution, it said. The report was released amid a new spate of violence in Israel and the West Bank. In separate attacks over the past few days, two Israelis were killed and five were injured. Three Palestinian assailants were also killed. [Palestinian stabs sleeping Israeli teen in West Bank settlement] The report criticized Palestinian incitement to violence and the Palestinian societys glorification of those who attack Israelis as heroic martyrs. It blamed Hamas and other radical factions for most of the incitement. Regrettably, however, Palestinian leaders have not consistently and clearly condemned specific terrorist attacks, it said. Eglash reported from Jerusalem. Read more: Kerrys quest for Middle East peace ends in failure Middle East peace proposals are popping up all over A settlement founder looks ahead in the West Bank The United States has inadvertently killed between 64 and 116 civilians in drone and other lethal air attacks against terrorism suspects in non-war zones, the Obama administration said Friday. In releasing only aggregate figures that did not include when or where the strikes occurred, the administration shielded those claims from meaningful public scrutiny, even as it sought to bolster its own assertions about the accuracy and effectiveness of the operations. Independent groups, whose own tracking of civilian deaths have produced far higher numbers, said they appreciated the administrations effort. But they said it fell far short of President Obamas repeated promises of greater transparency about his administrations extraordinary reliance on armed drones in overseas counterterrorist operations. The unintentional deaths, according to previously unreleased administration figures, came in a total of 473 CIA and military counterterrorism strikes between 2009 and the end of 2015. Those attacks, it said, killed between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants in countries where the United States is not at war. Although it did not name the countries, they include Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya. The figures do not include deaths in ground operations, such as the one that killed Osama bin Laden and four others in Pakistan in 2011, or operations in the administration-designated war zones of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. [Why the White House claims on drone casualties remain in doubt] The release was accompanied by an executive order, signed by Obama, that would require future presidents unless he or she supplanted or amended it with an order of their own to annually release similar lists. It also says that the families of civilians killed by the United States should receive condolence payments. And it orders U.S. government agencies to consult with non-government groups and conduct regular reviews of casualty trend lines. The order is a very deliberate attempt to ensure that the architecture . . . is durable, sustainable and lasting well beyond the next seven months or so, said one of four senior administration officials who jointly briefed reporters on conditions of anonymity set by the White House. To undo it, the official said, any successor administration would need to take an affirmative action, an indication of expectations that the use of drone killings will continue under Obamas successor. Both the executive order and the casualty statistics, this official said, are also intended to set a positive example for other countries using drone technology for targeted killings. [Read the executive order on strike measures] Release of the non-combatant casualty counts provoked a flood of reaction from groups who questioned the value of the numbers. Unless details are provided on specific incidents, its not possible to determine if individuals killed were civilians, and thus whether the U.S. is complying with its own policy and with international law, said Laura Pitter, senior U.S. national security counsel at Human Rights Watch. In speeches in 2013 and 2016, President Obama stressed that the U.S. tries to avoid civilian deaths as a result of drone strikes but doesn't always succeed. (The Washington Post) The New America Foundation and the Long War Journal, which have tracked drone strikes since the George W. Bush administration, each put the number of civilians killed under the current administration at just over 200. A third group, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, says the number is far higher, estimating that as many as 325 civilians have died in U.S. counterterrorism operations since Obama took office. The administrations figures were cast as a rebuke to those claims, which U.S. officials have said are often inflated by erroneous press reports, terrorist propaganda, or even efforts by Pakistan and Yemen to pass off their own military miscues as U.S. drone strikes. Officials said the administration took non-government assessments into account, as well as reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross and others that may have more access on the ground to what the government described as non-permissive environments. But the office of the Director of National Intelligence, in a statement accompanying the newly released figures, said its numbers were better because it had access to more and better information before, during and after a strike, including video operations, human sources and assets, signals intelligence, geospatial intelligence, [and] accounts from local officials on the ground, as well as open source reporting. Officials responded somewhat testily to questions about how outsiders could judge the veracity of the data. We didnt have to do this in the first place, said one. We do believe were trying to go the extra mile here. The administrations figures were largely drawn from post-strike analyses done by the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command, both of which have conducted drone strikes and, in the case of the military, attacks by manned aircraft. Although even critics acknowledge these entities have become more accurate in their use of armed drones but say they nevertheless have institutional incentives to undercount the number of civilians they kill. Administration officials sharply denied allegations that they indiscriminately target military-aged males and then label them terrorists for counting purposes. But they acknowledged the continuing use of so-called signature strikes, in which they may not know the identities of those they target. An individual may be lawfully targeted if they are formally or functionally a member of an armed group with which we are engaged in an armed conflict, a senior official said. Functional membership, another official said, includes the extent to which the individual performs functions to the benefit of a particular terrorist group that are analogous to those traditionally performed by a military organization. But theres no hard and fast rule that anyone killed in a particular strike within X many feet of a known combatant is therefore a combatant. This official and others acknowledge the possibility of mistakes, which they said accounts for the range of numbers for both civilians and militants killed. Even with the highest standards, one official said, youre not always right, tragically. The lower number of 64 civilians killed counts those conclusively determined to be non-combatants; the higher number of 116 includes those whose status remained in doubt. [Why the White House claims on drone casualties remain in doubt] [9 revealing statements Obama has made about transparency and drone strikes] Issuance of the casualty figures and executive order completes a process Obama began in May 2013, when he issued a still-secret document called the Presidential Policy Guidance, or PPG, for military actions outside areas of active hostilities. The guidance said that lethal force will be used only to prevent or stop attacks against U.S. persons when capture is not feasible, according to a public summary released at the time. Such force was to be used only when there was a near certainty that the terrorist target is present and that non-combatants will not be injured or killed. The administration agreed earlier this year, as part of a court case filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, to release a redacted version of the PPG document. That release has been delayed by ongoing discussions between the court and the administration over what portions can be legitimately blacked out. To ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jameel Jaffer, the limits on information released Friday were part of a long-standing pattern. While we welcome todays disclosures, transparency about the drone campaign should not be a matter of executive grace, he said. The executive branch should not be able to dictate the scope of the publics right to know. It should not be up to executive officials alone to decide what the public knows about the killings theyve authorized. Julie Tate contributed to this report. Read more: The foggy numbers of Obamas wars and non-wars Obama: U.S. at crossroads in fight against terrorism AHF Thailand is looking for a competent candidate for the positon of Country Program Manager. The Country Program Manager is responsible for ensuring full support of the Thailand country program. She/He is responsible for strategically leading, directing, developing, and managing AIDS Healthcare Foundations (AHF) program in Thailand as an effective member of the AHF Asia Bureau team. Main Responsibilities: U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz speaks during a news conference in Beijing in March. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters) Energy ministers from the worlds major economies have failed to reach agreement on a deadline to phase out hundreds of billions of dollars in government subsidies for fossil fuels subsidies that campaigners say are helping to propel the globe toward potentially devastating climate change. Ministers from the Group of 20 major economies met in Beijing on Wednesday and Thursday but failed to reach agreement on a deadline, despite Chinese and American efforts and a joint appeal from 200 nongovernmental organizations. The Group of Seven richest economies last month urged all countries to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. At a separate annual meeting in June, the United States and China agreed to push for a firm target date to be set at a summit of G-20 leaders in Hangzhou in September. Nongovernmental groups are urging a full and equitable phase-out by all G20 members of all fossil fuel subsidies by 2020, starting with the elimination of all subsidies for fossil fuel exploration and coal production. But energy ministers from the G-20 failed to reach agreement on a deadline this week. The communique repeats the importance of moving towards a subsidy reduction, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz told reporters in Beijing. But within the G-20 there are different views on how fast and how aggressive one can be on that. The communique itself was not immediately available, although Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that it stressed the need to boost renewable energy investment and consumption. Moniz said the G-20 had not agreed on a specific timeline to eliminate subsidies but said the United States believed that by 2025 or 2030, wed like to see very substantial progress. A 2015 report by the British think tank Overseas Development Institute, along with Oil Change International, calculated that the G-20 major economies subsidize fossil fuel production to the tune of $444 billion a year, marrying bad economics with potentially disastrous effects on the environment. Russia spends some $23 billion in annual subsidies, and the United States $20 billion despite President Obamas calls to end tax breaks on the fossil fuel industry, the report said. China spends $3 billion, while Britain is one of the few G-20 countries increasing fossil fuel subsidies and cutting back on investment in renewable energy. Total G-20 subsidies for fossil fuels was four times the total global investment in renewable energy, it estimated. It is tantamount to G-20 governments allowing fossil fuel producers to undermine national climate commitments, while paying them for the privilege, the report said. A promise to cut subsidies was first made at a G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh in 2009, but since then very little progress has been made until the G-7 finally set a target date last month, said Li Shuo, a climate energy campaigner at Greenpeace. We think that it is critical that the G-20 follows this approach and the timeline should be even earlier, he said. Saudi Arabia has been the major blocker of a deal at the G-20, Li said, while the United States and China want to take advantage of low oil prices by making progress this year. Its not clear how long this window will last, so its important to take maximum advantage of it, he said. Moniz said the Saudis had already lowered fuel subsidies as part of an economic restructuring package and were promising a second phase of subsidy cuts. They are realizing, just as the other fuel-producing countries are realizing, that promoting inefficient use of this valuable resource has to end, he said. Now they have to look at how they are going to structure their safety-net programs. But he played down expectations that a firm date for eliminating subsidies could be agreed. We think the middle of the next decade would be a good time, but its not going to be one magic date for everybody. At United Nations talks last year, countries agreed to take action to curb emissions in an effort to keep temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). But officials and experts agree much more needs to be done to reach that goal. In an interview, Moniz said the Paris accord was a major first step. But he underlined the urgency of action to curb global greenhouse gas emissions, especially given the risk of extremely disruptive events, such as a significant rise in sea levels caused by a rapid melting of the Arctic ice cap. If anything, whats been disturbing is that many things are happening more quickly than the various models have predicted, he said. Its not only the target in terms of carbon emissions, its when you get there and you have to get there quickly. Moniz said the United States would eventually need legislative action in Congress to reach longer-term emissions goals, but he said that he believed public pressure for Congress to act would mount as sea levels rise and Mother Natures voice continues to get louder. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world The attempted putsch against Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is being mounted by a right-wing cabal, working in intimate collusion with the security services in Britain and the United States. Its main propaganda organ is the Guardian newspaper. The aim is to overturn the result of the June 23 referendum and ensure British membership of the European Union (EU) through the election of a suitably refashioned Labour Party, or its incorporation into a coalition government. Almost every key figure in the moves against Corbyn that began following the Leave campaigns victory is associated with the partys Blairite wing. This involves not only the current crop of Labour MPs and shadow ministers, but the inner circle around former Prime Minister Tony BlairAlastair Campbell, David Blunkett, Jack Straw and others. Vetted and approved by MI5 and MI6, and taking their instructions from the CIA, these unindicted war criminals have been activated to purge not only Corbyn but his support base from the party. Corbyns declared opposition to austerity and militarism is viewed as an intolerable affront by the Blairites. From the 1980s onwards, culminating in the election of New Labour, they transformed the party into an instrument for implementing Thatcherite economic policies and pledged to an unconditional alliance with the United States in its wars of colonial conquest in Afghanistan and then Iraq. They have long viewed his election last year as the illegitimate consequence of the flawed decision to change Labours constitution and allow a popular vote for leader by members and supporters. But removing Corbyn became imperative after the referendum vote. The strategic interests of the ruling elite in Britain and the United Statesespecially as regards NATO and its military provocations against Russiarequire that the result be rescinded. With Brexit forces now dominant inside the Conservative Party, Labour is the chosen instrument for this reactionary project. Washingtons demands were made clear by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who informed reporters Wednesday that the referendum result could be reversed. I think there are a number of ways to do this, he said, although he didnt want to throw them out today. The next day, the Guardian published an op-ed piece by Robert Hunter. Its readers were not informed that Hunter is a high-level US state operative. The former president of the Atlantic Treaty Association, and US ambassador to NATOamongst numerous other key US military appointmentshe is described on Wikipedia as helping to recreate NATO, and breaking down barriers between NATO and the European Union. Hunter insists that the referendum vote is an example of mob rule that should be ignored and that parliament should overturn the result through elections for a new leadership and a new government. The Blairites have translated this instruction into political action. It is they who engineered the vote of no confidence in Corbynbased on the charge that the Labour leader betrayed the pro-EU aspirations of the younger generation. The same edition of the Guardian features an article by Jonathan Powell, Blairs former chief of staff. He declares that Labour must now speak for the 48% of the country who want to Remain in the EU. Corbyn clearly cant be that person, so a new leader is needed to run in the general election on an explicit promise to negotiate with our partners to salvage our position in Europe... If elected, Labours first task would be to hold a second referendum, he writes. Yesterday, Labours Geraint Davies and Jonathan Edwards of Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) presented a motion to parliament calling for a second referendum on whatever terms are agreed for a British exit from the EU. The Socialist Equality Party condemns these manoeuvres. They recall nothing more than the actions of the Syriza government in Greece, which last year called a referendum on whether to accept a further round of EU austerity measures in the expectation that they would be agreed. When a massive no vote was returned, Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras repudiated the result and carried on regardless. Tremendous confusion has been created around the Brexit vote, above all by the right-wing and xenophobic forces leading the Leave campaign. This has been reinforced by concerns over the economic impact of leaving the EUso that Davies and Edwards were able to cite a petition calling for a second referendum that has now secured upwards of four million signatures. However, any attempt to overturn or bypass the vote is antidemocratic and aimed at creating the conditions for a deepening offensive against the working class. That is why it is accompanied by the cultivation of a vile political narrative, denouncing the millions of working people who voted Leave as stupid, ignorant and racist. This torrent of abuse expresses the social outlook of a layer of the upper-middle class who view the EU as a guarantor of their privileged lifestyles and in many cases a direct source of personal wealth. The contrasting hostility of working people to the EU, which functions as an instrument of the major powers and big business for imposing austerity and pursuing trade and military war, is entirely legitimate. In the referendum in which the Leave campaign was led by a right-wing faction of the Tory Party and the UK Independence Party and centred on nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, such anti-EU sentiment could find no progressive expression. This was reinforced by the fact that the Remain campaignled by a government hated by millions for its savage austerity measureswas supported by the Labour Party under Corbyn. What is now taking place is a systematic attempt at manipulating public opinion to lend legitimacy to a drive by the dominant sections of the bourgeoisie to maintain UK membership in the EU. Above all, this demands that Labour assume the role of the primary pro-EU, anti-Brexit party around which a supposedly progressive and globally oriented alliance can be formed with the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, sections of the Tories and others. The professional purveyors of identity politics and postmodernism employed by the Guardian will be rolled out to attack any opposition to this project in the working class as an expression of backward, insular nationalism, while the frontal assault on jobs, wages and essential services is stepped up. But this is a project with support extending across the official political spectrum. Phillip Stephens, in yesterdays Financial Times, wrote, Many centrist Tories have more in common with their counterparts on the Labour side than with English nationalist Brexiters; and, likewise, middle-of-the-road Labourites are closer to pro-European Tories than to Mr Corbyns brand of 1970s state socialism... the space may be opening up for a new, pro-European, economically liberal and socially compassionate alternative to pinched nationalism and hard-left socialism. Making clear what the compassionate alternative means for the working class, Stephens continued, The wait, of course, would be infuriating for Britains erstwhile partners. Europe cannot afford a year of uncertainty. But at least Berlin, Paris and the rest have had the experience of dealing with Greece. The SEP urged an active boycott of the referendum because, in the absence of any significant force expressing a progressive opposition to the EU, a Leave vote could only strengthen the right wing. We warn now that efforts to overturn the result of the referendum not only spread dangerous illusions in the EU, but will strengthen far right forces by allowing them to pose as defenders of the popular will against the elites. What is necessary is to advance a perspective that cuts across all attempts to dragoon workers behind rival sections of the capitalist classbased upon the development of a mass movement across Europe against austerity, militarism and war. Genuine European unity must come from below, not abovethrough the overthrow of the EU and all its constituent governments and establishing the United Socialist States of Europe. Even after Flints Mayor Karen Weaver announced the city would move ahead to once again disconnect from its 50-year source of treated drinking water, there are new facts exposing the reckless decisions that resulted in the lead-poisoning of the city and new questions arising from the implications of these decisions. A combination of civil and criminal lawsuits have been launched by Michigan Attorney General William Schuette, starting last April with the criminal charges brought against three lower-level state and local water quality officials. Last week Schuette, a Republican elected to the attorney generals office in 2010, announced civil suits against Veolia North America and Texas-based engineering company Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam (LAN). Both companies were hired in the course of the switch from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to polluted Flint River water. Schuette says they botched the jobs they were hired to do. He charged that the firms acts and omission constitute professional negligence, fraud and public nuisance. Veolia, one of the worlds largest private water companies, was hired by Emergency Manager Darnell Earley to analyze the water being delivered to the city from the Flint River early in 2015, after residents complaints and protests over the water had been exploding since the previous year. The company produced a public report that asserted that Flints water was in compliance with State and Federal regulations, and based on those standards, the water is considered to meet drinking water requirements. They made no mention of the danger of lead leaching into residents water from the largely lead service lines and lack of a corrosion control program. LAN Engineering was contracted in 2013 by the previous emergency manager, Ed Kurtz, to make improvements to the citys archaic water treatment plant to handle distributing water from the Flint River, once the DWSD source was cut off. Both companies have responded publicly to the charges from the attorney generals office. Veolia made the ludicrous claim that the report they were contracted to make by the city was to deal only with the discoloration and taste of Flints water and had nothing to do with lead in the watereven though they knew that corrosion controls had not been in place since the April 2014 switch from DWSD water. After the huge public outcry over the lead poisoning of the water, Flint was allowed to reconnect to the DWSD, now under the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), last October when the funds were finally made available by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. For its part, LAN told MLive.com in a statement that Kurtz told its employees in a May 29, 2013 meeting that the city will only do that which was required by the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality). The company at that same meeting recommended to city officials that the water be treated to soften it and to allow for a 60- to-90-day test run before putting the plant into full-time service. Kurtz was instrumental in making the decision to make that switch to join with the new raw-water pipeline plan of the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA), and despite signing the contract to prepare the Flint treatment plant, has never admitted to making the decision to use the Flint River as a water source. The announcement by the attorney generals office of the latest lawsuits has stirred controversy. Local media has focused on the increasing cost of the investigation into the Flint crisis, starting initially at $250,000, then to $1.5 million and recently another request of $3.4 million. Political tensions are increasing as documents critical to the investigation are being withheld by the governors office, according to Schuette. It is worthwhile to revisit some of yet unanswered questions over the Flint catastrophe and new ones raised by recent developments. Who made the decision to switch to Flint River water? The contract with LAN to refurbish Flints plant to distribute water from the Flint River was signed by Kurtz under his authority as emergency manager, yet he claims that it wasnt his decision to switch to river water in the interim period before the KWA pipeline was completed. Why was the KWA plan approved even though cost-savings were fictitious? Michigan Treasurer Andy Dillon, a Democrat, signed off on the decision for Flint to disconnect from the DWSD despite an engineering report, which he himself contracted, advised against it for cost reasons. After all that has been exposed about the dubious underpinnings of the KWA pipeline project, how has Flint Mayor Weaver been pressured into following through with it? It is clear now that Flint was forced into severing ties with its long-term supplier of potable water because of self-serving well positioned individuals, such as Jeff Wright, KWAs mastermind. So why is it apparently unthinkable that Flint back out of the rotten deal? Why has the GWLA been silent on losing its relationship with Flint? Before the switch to the Flint River, the DWSD made a long-term offer to cut rates in order to prevent the loss of its biggest customer. The offer was rejected and local and state officials have never gotten their story straight on who or why it was. Now that the system has been regionalized under the GWLA, no offer has publicly been made to prevent Flint going to the KWA, even though the loss of the city will incur not just the loss of water revenues, but huge expenses to keep the 72-inch, 70-mile treated water pipeline from becoming atrophied from hugely reduced throughput. What are the costs to ready Flints water treatment plant to supply water to the city? No detailed information has been presented publicly on the necessary upgrades for the water treatment plant to function as the sole full-time water treatment facility, when clearly the experience after the switch has shown it wasnt and still isnt ready. Will an eventual switch to the KWA pipeline be another disaster? What are the actual costs for transforming Flints water treatment plant to be able to provide clean drinking water on a long-term basis. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even raised concerns publicly about this last week As these questions are emerging in Flint, a June 28 report by the Natural Resources Defense Council says that some 5,300 water systems across the US, serving 18 million people, are in violation of federal lead and copper rules. The report explains, These violations were recorded because the systems were not doing everything that they are required to do to protect the public from lead issues, which could include failure to treat to reduce lead levels in the water (health violations), failure to monitor the water for lead as required (monitoring violations), or failure to report lead results to the public or the government (reporting violations). Their web site includes a map that locates the violations across the country. The abysmal state of water infrastructure is exemplified by a Guardian article on Wednesday that some Congressional offices in Washington, D.C. were issued warnings not to drink the water due to high lead levels. Europe Belgian general strike against austerity measures The Belgian Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (CSC) together with the General Federation of Belgian Workers (FGTB), held a one-day general strike on June 24. The strike was called in protest of the austerity measures being imposed by the right-wing Charles Michel government. The action led to the disruption of transportation across the country. In the south of the country, transport was heavily impaired. The strike also hit airlines, resulting in cancellations and delays at most airports. Norwegian oil workers threaten action Around 750 Norwegian oil and gas production workers are set to strike Saturday. Unions representing the workers said they would walk off the job if a wage deal were not settled by Friday. The unions include the Industri Energi, the SAFE union and Lederne. Talks between the unions and the oil and gas companies, mediated by a government representative, took place yesterday and today. Depending on the outcome today, the strike is scheduled to begin Saturday. If the strike goes ahead, it could ultimately involve over 7,000 production workers. Oil prices rose on Tuesday in response to the strike threat. UK lecturers hold series of one-day strikes University and college lecturers at 44 institutions across the UK held one-day strikes this week. They are members of the University and College Union (UCU). The strikes are part of an ongoing protest against a 1.1 percent pay offer. The UCU estimates lecturers have suffered a nearly 15 percent loss in spending power since 2009. Staff at most of the universities struck on Thursday when more than 30 institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Queens University Belfast, were affected. English and Welsh teachers to hold one-day walkout Teachers in England and Wales are holding a one-day strike on July 5. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) members voted for the action by more than a 90 percent majority, albeit on a low turnout. They are protesting cuts in budgets for education and high workloads. The action is expected to hit primary schools particularly hard, with areas such as Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham expecting high levels of support for the strike. Further protests in France against labour law changes Protests were held in cities across France Tuesday against the Socialist Party (PS) governments despised labor law proposals. The protests took place after the PS backed down from threats to ban demonstrations in Paris. Tens of thousands of people marched in the capital. Staff at the Eiffel Tower in Paris struck for the second time in two weeks. The strike led to the closure of the tower to tourists for the day. Normally the tower attracts around 20,000 visitors each day. The protections granted by the existing Labour Code are to be replaced and the current 35-hour working week is being lengthened. Under the new provisions, the maximum number of hours worked at one job will go from 44 hours weekly and 10 hours per day to 48 or 60 hours per week and 12 hours per day in some cases. Greek supermarket staff protest stores bankruptcy filing Employees of the Marinopoulos supermarket chain in Thessaloniki protested outside a store on Tuesday after it was announced the company was filing for bankruptcy. According to reports, the chain owes more than a 1 billion. Marinopoulos employs more than 12,000 nationwide whose jobs are now at risk. Irish mint employees begin action over pay negotiations Nine employees at the mint facility of the Central Bank of Ireland, based in Sandyford in the south of Dublin, began a work-to-rule Tuesday. They are members of the Unite union and the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union and responsible for maintaining the machinery that prints Irish bank notes. The issues in dispute include promotional opportunities, differential pay rates and lower pay rates for new starters. The issue was referred to the Workplace Relations Commission who adjudicated on the dispute and made proposals. These were rejected by the workers who then began industrial action. Workers threaten a further strike on July 11-12. Middle East Suspended Egyptian food workers reinstated Twenty-one workers employed by Egypt Foods who had been suspended have now been reinstated. The reinstatement followed a meeting between the company director, workers representatives and the minister of manpower. They were suspended for holding a demonstration on June 15 outside the factory, demanding a pay rise, an annual bonus and for some managers to be dismissed. On June 19, following the suspensions, 1,500 Egypt Food employees at the factory, in the Quisna district of Menufiya, walked out, demanding their reinstatement. Africa South African postal workers threaten walkout A section of South African post office employees have threatened to strike this week. The Information and Communications Union declared last week it intended to strike over unfair labour practices. The union is protesting the practice of employing workers as casuals who, in some cases, have worked for the company as long as 15 years. The Information and Communication union represents 2,000 employees, some 10 percent of the workforce. Management claim the strike will not have much of an impact on its operations, although the utility is in need of R3.5 billion (US$240 million) to secure its future. Catering workers strike at South African airlines Some 550 catering staff providing food for South African airlines stopped work June 24 to protest alleged bullying. The workers are employed by LSG Sky Chefs. The three unions representing the staff, the National Union of Metalworkers and two transport unions claim that a senior manager of the company should be disciplined for the ill treatment of workers. Although the strike was given protected status (the right to strike) the company tried to get a court ruling against it. Another grievance of the staff is that newly employed workers are brought in at a better rate than exiting staff. Reports claim that some workers were paid R3000 (US$205) a month after several years service less than the rate paid to new interns. Nigerian court intervenes to stop health workers strike Several Nigerian unions have been blocked from striking by a Nigerian National Industrial Court (NIC) ruling. The unions calling for the strike comprise a large section of health and higher education workers. The courts justification for effectively approving the governments appeal to stop the strike was that it was saving the lives of the Nigerian public. The injunction follows a week of strikes that paralysed much of the public medical services, including pharmacy. The strike is a result of broken agreements by the federal governments going back to February. The court ruling was made prior to a decision on a substantive motion put to it. Although the NIC could not find evidence to enforce the ruling, it still ruled to defer the strike. Nigerias Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) refused to call their strike off and refused further talks with the federal government. JOHESU said it would strike indefinitely if the government does not honour agreements signed by Goodluck Jonathan, the previous president. Hospital management at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) did not impose a government ruling to sack striking resident doctors in Lagos state hospitals. The nurses are in dispute with LUTH management over their reneging on promises over promotions. Nigerian workers accuse union leadership of betrayal Workers in Ekita state, Nigeria, are protesting the betrayal of their union in selling out a compromise demand. An organisation calling itself the Enlightened Workers Forum (EWF) criticised the Trade Union Congress, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Joint Negotiating Council for calling off the strike of state workers. The workers had been striking over six months of arrears of wages, but returned to work after the union bodies agreed with management to the payment of just one months arrears. After accusing the unions leadership of being paid off with a N10 million ($35,400) bribe, an EWF spokesman said: Negotiating one month salary on their behalf after about five weeks strike is not only anti-worker but also criminal. Namibian youth trainers strike over wage disparities Youth workers in Windhoek and Ondangwa, Namibia, walked out demanding improved salaries and better provision of equipment for students. The staff, who work for the state-owned Katatura Youth Enterprise Centres, demand a 12 percent wage increase and a yearly five percent appreciation, as well as an increase in housing and transport allowances and 70 percent medical cover. Workers responsible for training complained there was a big disparity between their wages and that of management. The top manager earns 12 times the pay of an instructor. Management are refusing to negotiate with staff and have not accepted their petition. The General Secretary of the workers union, the Namibia National Teachers Union, ordered his members back to work, and apologised to the trainees. Namibian workers strike over breach of work agreements Namibian construction workers employed by the Italian company, Salini Spa, downed tools Monday. The employees, who are building a dam, accuse the company of not adhering to a labour agreement they signed and unfairly sacking workmates including union reps. The 400 builders manned gates at the site stopping all deliveries from entering. The company tried to get an injunction to have the strike ruled illegal. Workers have a whole raft of demands about safety, wages, and contract agreements and are seeking the removal of several managers. Kenyan workers demand employers implement ruling Twenty thousand Kenyan tea plantation workers struck June 26 at the estate of James Finlay Tea Company. The two-hour protest was over salaries and allowance disputes. The Kenya Plantations and Agricultural workers union assistant general secretary Meshack Khisa said, We have started a strike that will last until the employer pays 30 percent salary increase to our members as ordered by the [Employment and Labour Relations] Court The Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) has defied the court ruling. The KTGA represents James Finlay Kenya Limited, Sotik Highlands Tea Estate, Williamson Tea Limited, and Kapchorua Tea Company Limited. The court ruled there should be a salary increase of 30 percent, retirement at 60, one rest day a week, medical allowance of sh. 30,000 ($295) and baggage allowance of sh. 30,000 upon termination of employment. On Tuesday, the US Senate failed to vote on the latest bill to provide funding to fight the Zika virus in the United States, essentially preventing any significant government response during the summer months as the mosquito populations that spread the disease boom. Both the House and Senate are heading into their Fourth of July holiday breaks and will reconvene just briefly before going into summer recess until the middle of September. The Zika virus, which is responsible for a surge of birth defects like microcephaly in Brazil, is currently sweeping through the US territory of Puerto Rico and has the potential to spread to mosquito populations on the mainland where it is currently only sexually transmitted. The White House requested $2 billion to fight the virus four months ago, and government health agencies have been carrying out minimal work with roughly $600 million that the Obama administration has shifted from Ebola funding since then. The Senate Democrats filibustered a Republican bill that would have provided $1.1 billion but also cut $540 million from Affordable Care Act funding, and prevented any Zika funding from going to Planned Parenthood. The Republican bill would have required all Zika funding to go to public health departments and Medicaid-run clinics, excluding any private health centers such as Planned Parenthood. This would significantly impede efforts to halt the epidemic in Puerto Rico where only 12 of the islands 78 municipalities have a Medicaid-run facility. The inability of Congress to even minimally address the epidemic threat is indicative of the broader crisis in American politics. The sum of money they have debated over for four months without resolution is a little more than the daily budget of the US military or approximately 0.2 percent of the cost of President Obamas proposed overhaul of the US nuclear arsenal. In the meantime the Zika virus has spread throughout Puerto Rico where an estimated 2 percent of the adult population is catching the disease each month and the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates a full quarter of the islands 3.5 million people will be infected with the virus by the end of the year. Roughly 32,000 babies are born in Puerto Rico each year and infected pregnant women pass the disease to their children in utero leading to sharp increases in birth defects. The director of the CDC estimates that lifetime care of a child born with microcephaly, the most notable effect of fetal Zika infection, can range between $1 million and $10 million. Puerto Rico is currently facing a bankruptcy crisis that has seen massive cuts to its health care system as well as long term unemployment and widespread poverty. Many new parents will be unable to afford medical care for their newborns. According to the CDC, there are currently 2,026 confirmed cases of Zika in US territories where the virus is spreading by mosquito bite and 935 cases in the US mainland that are either from people contracting the disease abroad or from having sex with those who have. A total of 537 pregnant women have contracted the virus and there have been at least 8 cases of Zika-related microcephaly or other congenital malformations. Although microcephaly, a condition where an infant has an abnormally small head, is the most obvious impact of Zika infection, recent research from Brazil shows the virus causes a wider range of congenital brain damage. One in five infants suspected of contracting Zika in the womb had head sizes in the normal range but were still likely to have significant brain abnormalities. Microcephaly is strongly correlated with an infection early in the pregnancy while normal head sizes with other problems are associated with third trimester infection. There is no point during pregnancy where an infant is safe from severe effects. Doctors have not yet determined how old a child has to be for Zika to no longer significantly impact the development of their brain. Zika infection is associated with vision and hearing problems, as well as limb malformations. It is entirely possible that the virus, which is known to target brain and nerve cells, could have a subtler long-term impact on those infants who do not suffer an immediately obvious problem. Although Brazil is the epicenter of the current outbreak, there is active mosquito-borne transmission in 63 countries and person-to-person infection in another 10. To coordinate the global response, the World Health Organization has asked for $122.1 million in special funding through December 2017. In the first six months of 2016 they have received just over $4 million, with the largest donor, Norway, giving $1 million. Brazil, where over 1 million people have been infected with Zika, is planning on hosting the Olympic Games in August. Should any of the expected half a million foreign tourists introduce Zika into the mosquito populations of their home countries, the epidemic could spread much further. In countries with poor health care and sanitation, the disease can spread unseen for nearly a year, as it did in Brazil, until the unmissable impact on newborns is seen. Over 2 billion people live in the range of the main vector of the Zika virus, the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Within the US this encompasses the Southern states as well as those bordering Mexico. Another, more cold resistant mosquito, Aedes Albopictus, was recently confirmed to carry the Zika virus in Latin America, and extends the reach of the virus in the United States into the Midwest, as far as southern Minnesota. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls tells PEOPLE the marriage between Christy and Jason Sheats which ended last week in a triple shooting when Christy killed their daughters had been crumbling for years. Jason Sheats felt his marriage to Christy Sheats had been spiraling downward since 2012, and on that Friday, his birthday, he drew a hard line, he later told officials: He told her he would be filing for divorce, Nehls says. They had been texting that day, while Jason, 45, was out, and when Jason returned home he met her in the backyard and reiterated his desire for a split, he told the sheriff's office, Nehls says. According to Nehls, Jason told Christy, 42, "This would be the last birthday that you are going to ruin." When she called the family together for a meeting in their living room Jason, Christy and their two daughters, Madison, 17, and Taylor, 22 Jason thought they would discuss their impending separation, Nehls says. Instead, "She immediately pulled the weapon out and pointed it at Mr. Sheats and wanted to blame him: 'You made me do this, you're making me do this,' " Nehls says. 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. Texas Mom's Marriage Was Crumbling for Years Before She Shot Two Daughters in Front of Husband: Sheriff| Crime & Courts, Personal Tragedy, Shootings, True Crime Subsequently, says Nehls, Christy chased her daughters into the street in front of their Katy home, firing multiple times and leaving them both dead before authorities arrived and fatally shot her. According to Nehls, all of this took place in the span of a few minutes, and all while Jason watched, uninjured. As for why she didn't shoot Jason, Nehls says, "He felt she wanted him to suffer." Their deaths came four years after Jason's marriage with Christy began to sour, he told officials. "He [Jason] believes she had a very difficult time dealing with the death of her grandfather in 2012," Nehls says. Two months later, Christy's mother died, he says. The family's history of calls to service to their house also began in 2012, Nehls says, including three calls regarding Christy's attempted suicides. Authorities have said authorities were called to the house 14 times since 2012, though some of those had to do with the Sheats's alarm system. Nehls says Christy argued with Taylor the same day as the shooting, but he did not know about what. However, he said that Christy wanted to ground Taylor and prevent her from seeing her fiance. Authorities have no evidence Christy exhibited violent behavior before the shooting, Nehls says. And though Jason told authorities Christy had depression and anxiety, Nehls says he has no information on what medications she may have been taking, if any, or how often she took them if so. Nehls says officials did find several guns in the Sheats's home, he says, including the handgun Christy used. She got it in 2012, too, Nehls says. It was passed down from her grandfather after he died. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as O'Hare Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world given the number of flights that take off and land in its runway. O'Hare is currently a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as O'Hare Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world given the number of flights that take off and land in its runway. O'Hare is currently a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines. In a span of just a few days, there have been terror attacks at two of the worlds busiest international airports - first at Brussels and then at the Ataturk airport in Istanbul. These terror attacks are a wake-up call to the world to examine security measures at the most often-visited and busiest airports worldwide. Here is a list of some of the worlds busiest airports that need to be closely observed: Venezuela grocery store empty shelves Here is what you need to know. Puerto Rico is set to default. Puerto Rico is expected to miss its bond payments due on Friday. On Wednesday, the governor of the commonwealth, Alejandro Garcia-Padilla, wrote an article for CNBC saying Puerto Rico would miss more than $1 billion in general obligation bonds. The commonwealth is estimated to have defaulted on $562 million of debt service payments since August, according to Moody's data. The default will come despite President Obama signing the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, or Promesa, into law on Thursday. Promesa will help Puerto Rico restructure its $70 billion of debt. Bond yields are making record lows. Heavy overnight buying pushed longer-dated US yields down to record lows. The 10-year yield touched 1.378% and the 30-year yield hit 2.204% as money rushed into government debt amid further speculation of more easing by the world's biggest central banks. Additionally, Japan's 10-year yield sank to a record low of -28 basis points and the UK's 10-year yield fell to its own all-time low of 78.1 basis points. China's manufacturing sector is contracting. China's Caixin manufacturing PMI fell to 48.6 in June, down from 49.2 in May. The decline pushed China's manufacturing sector further into contraction and made for the weakest reading since January. Additionally, China's manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.0 from 50.1, suggesting the sector is neither expanding nor contracting. Notably, China's yuan settled down 0.2% at 6.6603 and is near its weakest level since 2010. Japan's deflation is intensifying. Consumer prices in Japan fell 0.4% in May, a bit faster than the 0.3% decline experienced in April. The May reading was the third straight monthly decline, and it marked the biggest single-day drop since May 2013. Additionally, prices in Tokyo fell 0.5%, matching the previous month's decline. The inability to lift pricing pressure has many expecting that the Bank of Japan will increase its already massive stimulus program at its next meeting on July 16. The Japanese yen is stronger by 0.5% at 102.69 per dollar. Story continues 2 of the UK's biggest banks say they will stay in the UK despite Brexit. HSBC and Barclays say they will keep their headquarters in the UK despite the outcome of Brexit vote. The Financial Times reports that HSBC chairman Doug Flint told attendees at an event on Thursday that moving the company's headquarters wasn't subject to a review. Likewise, Barclays CEO Jes Staley told the BBC that Barclays would stay "anchored in Great Britain." Tesla's Autopilot system is being investigated. Federal authorities are looking into the connection between Tesla's Autopilot system and a fatal crash. Tesla has confirmed that its Autopilot system was active during a fatal crash that took place on May 7 in Williston, Florida. In an emailed statement to Business Insider, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokesman Bryan Thomas wrote, "NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation will examine the design and performance of the automated driving systems in use at the time of the crash." Phil Knight is stepping down from Nike's board. Nike cofounder and chairman of the board Phil Knight says he plans to step down at some point during 2016, the AP reports. Knight reportedly wants Nike president and CEO Mark Parker to slide into the role of chairman upon his own departure. Knight has been a director for Nike since 1968, the AP says. Apple is reportedly in talks to buy Tidal. People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that Apple is in talks to buy rap mogul Jay Z's music-streaming service. The amount of money was not revealed. An acquisition would help Apple further penetrate the music-streaming business, as Tidal has a catalog of 40 million songs and a subscription base of 4.2 million users, according to The Journal. Jay Z purchased Tidal back in March 2015 for $56 million. Stock markets around the world are mostly higher. Japan's Nikkei (+0.7%) led the advance in Asia and Britain's FTSE (+0.3%) paces the gains in Europe. S&P 500 futures are down 5.25 points at 2,085.00. US economic data flows. Markit US manufacturing PMI will be released at 9:45 a.m. ET, while both ISM manufacturing and construction spending will cross the wires at 10 a.m. ET. US auto sales will be released throughout the day. More From Business Insider The Daily Beast Photo illustration by Luis Rendon/GettyERIE, PennsylvaniaIn his highly anticipated debate against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman was asked to square two conflicting statements: one saying hes never supported fracking, and another saying hes always supported fracking.Uh, I do support fracking, and, I dontI dontI support fracking, and I stand, and I do support fracking, Fetterman said.As he tried unsuccessfully to square the two opposing sentiments, a debate watch party From Cosmopolitan The Obamas have had a pretty good week. Here are some highlights. 1. FLOTUS traveled to Liberia and Morocco to promote her Let Girls Learn initiative with her daughters. 2. She met incredible women with incredible dreams. 3. She looked divine in this floral Proenza Schouler wrap dress, worn while in Marrakesh. 4. The visit was in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development's announcement of "up to $27 million" in funding in Liberia for Let Girls Learn, the New York Times reports. 5. The first lady also said this while in Liberia: You don't have to be somebody different to be important. You're important in your own right. Nobody wants you to act like a boy. People want and need to value you because of who you are, because of your story, because of your challenges. That's what makes you unique. 6. Meanwhile, FLOTUS made this selfie of Frieda Pinto and Meryl Streep possible - the actresses joined the first lady in speaking with girls in Morocco. 7. She continued to spread the good word of Let Girls Learn today in Madrid. Here she is with Queen Letizia of Spain. 8. Back in North America, well, this. All of this. Let's see this in motion, shall we? 9. It was the handshake that launched a thousand funnies. Here are a few. 10. On a more serious note, POTUS spoke about climate change in Parliament during the North American Leaders Summit in Ottawa. 11. His speech to the House of Commons was so well received, CBC News proclaimed that "we think he might secretly be Canadian." 12. Shortly after POTUS left, Prime Minister Trudeau shared this selfie on his social media channels. (The official White House Instagram page reposted it, obvs. Note the very true caption). Follow Peggy on Twitter. Nikhil Puthran Raising concerns over faulty airbag inflator mechanism and fuel emissions control units, Toyota has announced a global recall of close to 1.4 million units of the Prius and CT200h models. In India, the Japanese automaker has recalled about 170 units of the Prius which were manufactured between November 2009 and October 2014. Toyota India has announced the recall campaign for inspection and installation of retention brackets on the curtain shield airbag inflators in the affected units of the Prius. The company will also inspect and replace the fuel suction plate sub-assembly on the affected Prius models. Affected customers will be intimated by the dealers in due course. The customers can also contact the nearest dealer or call the customer assistance centre for details. Toyota had showcased the new-generation Prius Back at the 2016 Auto Expo event which concluded earlier this year. The company claims that the new model is built on Toyotas new generation architecture. Under the hood, the current model comes with a 1.8-litre petrol engine which puts out 178bhp of power. Mated to a CVT transmission, the car comes with three driving modes Eco, Power and normal. For more news,reviews,videos and information about cars, visit CarWale.com. Check On-Road Prices | Find New Cars | Upcoming Cars | Compare Cars | Dealer Locator From Esquire There's nothing more American than spending $30 on a movie ticket, a bucket of popcorn, and a half-gallon of soda to watch a bunch of things blow up on a screen bigger than your house. Michael Bay, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg-these guys are some of this country's most profitable Hollywood exports, and they're selling the most uber-patriotic movies of all time. Prepare for explosions, guys getting killed with the American flag, volleyball, big cars. Prepare for red, for white, for blue. These are the most American movie scenes of all time. Fuck yeah. The Patriot Year: 2000 Director: Roland Emmerich Most patriotic moment: That scene where Mel Gibson waves the flag in slow motion then beats a guy up with it. Independence Day Year: 1996 Director: Roland Emmerich Most patriotic moment: That scene where the president gives the speech about Independence Day while standing on a jet before fighting aliens. World Trade Center Year: 2006 Director: Oliver Stone Most patriotic moment: Every scene with Nicolas Cage's mustache. Red Dawn Year: 1984 Director: John Milius Most patriotic moment: That scene where the Americans are singing America to a Soviet firing squad. Top Gun Year: 1986 Director: Tony Scott Most patriotic moment: That scene where they play volleyball, obviously. Team America: World Police Year: 2004 Director: Trey Parker Most patriotic moment: McDonald's. Fuck yeah! Walmart. Fuck yeah! Inglourious Basterds Year: 2009 Director: Quentin Tarantino Most patriotic moment: That scene where Brad Pitt carves a swastika into a Nazi's head. Saving Private Ryan Year: 1998 Director: Steven Spielberg Most patriotic moment: That scene where Tom Hanks reveals he's just a school teacher. Rocky IV Year: 1985 Director: Sylvester Stallone Most patriotic moment: That scene where Rocky, wearing American flag shorts, knocks out Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in the final round. America wins. Apollo 13 Year: 1995 Director: Ron Howard Most patriotic moment: That scene where the crew makes it safely back to Earth thanks to old-fashioned American ingenuity and knowhow. Story continues Captain America Year: 2011 Director: Joe Johnston Most patriotic moment: That scene with Captain America. Forrest Gump Year: 1994 Director: Robert Zemeckis Most patriotic moment: That scene where Forrest Gump runs back into the forest (no pun intended) to save his whole platoon. Air Force One Year: 1997 Director: Wolfgang Petersen Most patriotic moment: "Get off my plane." Patton Year: 1970 Director: Franklin J. Schaffner Most patriotic moment: That scene where he gives the speech in front of a huge fucking American flag. Lincoln Year: 2012 Director: Steven Spielberg Most patriotic moment: That scene where Lincoln is right and everyone else is wrong. Zero Dark Thirty Year: 2012 Director: Kathryn Bigelow Most patriotic moment: That scene where they kill Osama Bin Laden. Transformers Year: 2007 Director: Michael Bay Most patriotic moment: That scene that looks like a car commercial. Spider-Man Year: 2002 Director: Sam Raimi Most patriotic moment: That scene where he crawls on the American flag. Pearl Harbor Year: 2001 Director: Michael Bay Most patriotic moment: That scene where FDR delivers the December 7th speech and Josh Hartnett cries. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Year: 1939 Director: Frank Capra Most patriotic moment: That scene that's like 12 minutes of filibustering. From Seventeen Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris' relationship may have come to a bitter end last month, but Tayvin fans are still stretching to keep their love alive in any way they can. Right now, they're finding hope in "This is What You Came For," Calvin's single featuring Rihanna that dropped shortly before Tayvin split. Earlier this week, the Twitterverse was rife with speculation that Taylor was actually featured on the song, believing some of the "oooh"s in the song sounded a lot like Tay. Now some fans are taking things a step further, and speculating that Taylor helped Calvin write the song. No one knows where the rumor started exactly, but there are a few clues that fans believe prove it's true. Exhibit A: At one point, the Wikipedia entry for "TIWYCF" listed Taylor as a co-writer. It was eventually changed to a writer named Nils Sjoberg . Now, Wikipedia is by no means a reliable source for songwriting credits since it's easily edited by trolls, but there's more to this conspiracy... Exhibit B: Fans believe Nils Sjoberg is an alias Taylor uses to write pop songs. Exhibit C: Who is Nils Sjoberg?! If Nils Sjoberg is an actual person, he's an elusive and mysterious one. I did a quick Google search and discovered that there is an actual artist named Nils Sjoberg out there, but he's not the one who writes songs with Calvin Harris. This Nils thinks it's hilarious that people think he's secretly Taylor. The only other notable Nils is a Swedish poet. I could maybe see him being the person who helped Calvin write the song... if he didn't die in 1822. There's also a Swedish gymnast named Nils S., but that ain't him either. Considering it's pretty hard to track down the real, songwriting Nils Sjoberg, it's understandable why fans are hoping it's a pen name for Taylor. One has to wonder why Taylor would create an alias to cover up the fact that she wrote a song with her then boyfriend. It doesn't seem like something worth concealing. 1) Kim Woo Bins TV return after 3 years Last seen on the small screen in The Heirs, Uncontrollably Fond marks Kim Woo Bins return after 3 years. Even during his hiatus from dramas, his popularity continued to rise with his lead role in the movie Friend: The Great Legacy, a sequel to Jang Dong Guns blockbuster Friend. He was also crowned as part of the 4 New Hallyu Kings including Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho and Lee Jong Suk. So theres every reason to look out for Kim Woo Bin and his sizzling chemistry with Suzy in this upcoming drama. 2) Its a pre-produced drama It seems like pre-production is the trend lately and Uncontrollably Fond has jumped onto the bandwagon. Unlike Koreas usual intensive simultaneous filming and broadcasting schedule, viewers can be assured that the final product will be of the best quality, as proven by Descendants of the Sun! 3) Same day broadcast as Korea! It was reported that the licensing rights per episode were sold at a high price, comparable to Descendants of the Sun. Not only that, as its a pre-produced drama, you will be able to catch the drama on the same day as Korea if youre living in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, North America of course, Singapore! No more waiting for subtitles! Dont miss the premiere of Uncontrollably Fond on July 6th at 10PM on Viu! Catch it every Wed & Thu, right after Koreas telecast! Aside from triggering turmoil in Europe, Brexit has exposed the fault lines dividing the U.K.s four constituent pieces: Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. Add London to the mix, and Brexit makes clear that theres nothing inevitable about a United Kingdom going forward. These five facts explain why. 1. Wales In Wales, the Leave side won with 52.5 percent of the vote. In the grand scheme of things, Wales poses nowhere near the threat that Scotland or North Ireland do to the U.K.less than 5 percent of Welsh people want to declare independence from Great Britain. For comparison, 18 percent of Texans say theyd like to declare independence from the U.S. as recently as 2009. Read More: Nicola Sturgeon Wants Scotland to Remain in the E.U.But the E.U. Isnt Sure As for its attitudes toward the E.U., the irony is that Wales receives more payout from Brussels than it puts ina net benefit estimated at $325 million per year. E.U. funding has created 36,970 new jobs for Welsh workers, and has helped more than 556,000 Welsh into work training. And the E.U.s funding$5.8 billion to the United Kingdomsustain many projects and communities throughout the U.K. Whoever inherits the government will inherit a lot of communities with E.U.-sized expectations; it will be difficult to deliver on them all, especially with the recession that Brexit may well trigger. (BBC (a), Financial Times, Huffington Post, ITV, BBC (b), The Guardian) 2. Northern Ireland Like Wales, Northern Ireland depends on the E.U. for significant subsidiesnearly 90 percent of its farmers incomes come from E.U. coffers. Unlike Wales, North Ireland decided not to bite the hand that feeds, voting to Remain with 55.8 percent of the vote. But Northern Ireland has more at stake than financial concerns. Read More: Why Brexit Means Scottish Independence Is Off The TableFor Now A brief history: Predominantly-Catholic Ireland originally exited the U.K. back in the 1920s, while predominantly Protestant Northern Ireland remained part of the U.K.. But Northern Ireland still has a sizeable Catholic community that continued to push hard for Irish reunification. After decades of violence, a peace was in place by the late 1990s. Crucially, because both the U.K. and Ireland were members of the E.U., there was no real need for borders between Ireland and Northern Ireland, once a flashpoint for violence. The Brexit vote has put that in jeopardy. Story continues Sinn Fein, the pro-Irish reunification party, has already called for a referendum on reunification. Fortunately for the U.K., demographics are working against reunification at the moment, because polls suggest older voters are less supportive. But in another 10 or 15 years (Deutsche Welle, BBC, Al Jazeera) Read More: The Brexit Vote Heralds a Return to the Grim 1930s for the Liberal World Order 3. Scotland Scotland is a much more immediate flight risk. It not even two years since Scotland voted to Remain part of the U.K. with a stronger-than-it-sounds 55 percent of the vote. It helped in 2014 that the Scots are staunchly pro-European62 percent voted Remain in the Brexit referendumand voting to leave the U.K. would have meant leaving the E.U. The irony that the U.K. has now voted itself outand the Scots along with themhas not been lost on Edinburgh (74 percent Remain). In a snap poll commissioned by The Sunday Times, 52 percent of Scots say they would vote to Leave the U.K. in a new referendum. The number might be higher, but economic realities make another Scottish referendum unlikely at this point. An independent Scotland would rely heavily on oil sales to fund its economy, to the tune of nearly 20 percent. In June 2014, oil sold at $115 per barrel; today it sells at less than $50. (BBC (a), BBC (b), Al Jazeera, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Bloomberg) 4. England At the end of the day, the Brexit vote was decided in England, which makes up 84 percent of the U.K.s overall population of 64.1 million (Northern Ireland = 2.9 percent; Scotland = 8.3 percent, Wales = 4.8 percent). Both migration and control of finances are legitimate concerns, and longstanding ones for the U.K.outgoing PM David Cameron even renegotiated the U.K.s membership in the E.U. a few months ago to better address them. It was not enough to placate the English, who voted to Leave at 53.4 percent. But outside London, England has numerous communities that have been propped up by EU funding and subsidies. Cornwall is a county of 500,000 people that depends on $80 million a year from Brussels, but 56 percent of the county voted to Leave. Like Wales, it was only the day after the vote that the head of Cornwalls Council scrambled to receive assurancesin writing this timethat Cornwall would continue to see this money. The U.K. could have survived Wales voting with its heart instead of its head; England in another matter. (Office of National Statistics, BBC, The Washington Post) 5. London Then there is London, an island of pro-European sentiment within an English sea of anti-E.U. anger. Its no surprise that 60 percent of Londoners voted to Remain. London makes up just 12.5 percent of the U.K.s overall population, but its responsible for 22 percent of the U.K.s overall GDP thanks in no small part to its connections to the broader European economy. Also, London is home to 37 percent of those who live in the U.K. but were born abroad. The real Brexit process, which will include negotiations with European leaders about the future U.K.-E.U. relationship, wont begin until the fall. But its clear that Brexit has already given two constituencies with historical grievances more incentive to look beyond life in the U.K. Some decisions should be taken with the long game in mind. As weve just been reminded, thats a perspective that voters dont always bear in mind. (BBC (a), BBC (b), House of Commons Library) As of its big announcement on Thursday, Lionsgate is set to acquire Starz for $4.4 billion - a deal that comes just two months after Comcast's NBCUniversal agreed to buy DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion. All this activity has market watchers asking: Who's next? Here are some possibilities: 1. Analysts seem almost giddy over the prospect that CBS and Viacom could reconnect after splitting a decade ago. Les Moonves, the CBS CEO, would be the favorite to run the combined company, given Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman is on the outs with Sumner Redstone, the chairman emeritus of both companies. The re-combination would create a content powerhouse that gets Viacom's cable TV channels and its Paramount film studio on better footing against the likes of NBCU and 21st Century Fox. "TV network groups face an increasingly uncertain future as their core profit driver, the pay-TV bundle, evolves, shrinks and faces increasingly consolidated and emboldened MVPDs," Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne wrote Thursday in the wake of the $4.4 billion deal for Starz by Lionsgate. 2. Prior to Lionsgate stepping up to the plate, media execs and bankers batted around the notion that AMC Networks would buy Starz. The owner of channels like AMC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC may well be among the next dominoes to fall for its top-quality content. With a market value of $4.1 billion, lots of buyers could find it relatively easy to swallow the pure-play content company famous for its cult dramas, including Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. 3. Food Network owner Scripps Networks Interactive is seen as another "free radical," in billionaire investor John Malone's parlance, that could, with its $8 billion market cap, be an acquirer or a target of a larger company. Ironically, the long-awaited deal by Lionsgate for Starz was complicated by both media companies seeing their shares fall (the latter's stock is down 11 percent so far this year, and the former's is off 38 percent). Scripps Networks, which also owns HGTV and DIY Network, doesn't have that problem: Its stock is up 13 percent so far this year. Story continues 4. Malone's universe doesn't only include Starz and Lionsgate, but also Discovery Communications. It, too, could be a buyer or seller. Bernstein analyst Todd Juenger said Discovery, like most media companies, needs to reduce its debt load and expenses, and such savings could come easier as part of a larger entity. "While many of our companies have finally begun to acknowledge the structural changes facing their businesses, the capital structures are still built for the good-old days," he said. "Leverage is great for equity holders when companies are growing and the future is stable; not so in the opposite." 5. Companies looking to save money on relatively distressed new-media assets might be kicking the tires on Pandora or Twitter. The former has a market cap of $2.9 billion while the latter is at $11.8 billion. Both are much cheaper than they were, given Twitter, the social network, is off 65 percent compared to its 52-week high while Pandora, the digital music company, is down 45 percent from its high. Pandora was the subject of takeover rumors three months ago, with an alleged price of $25 per share. On Friday, shares traded at $12.45. As for Twitter, News Corp, Google and Facebook are rumored to be interested. Read More: Starz CEO Predicts Much More Media Consolidation When a majority of Britons voted to leave the EU last week, it set off a wild ride for global stock markets. Investors worldwide lost $3 trillion over two days before recovering $2 trillion over the following three days. The U.S. market has returned to positive territory for the year but the sharp swings may have left some investors uneasy about their 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Here are six things to keep in mind if the Brexit vote has you nervous about your retirement nest egg. Related: How the Brexit Affects Your Retirement 1. Dont panic. While wild fluctuations in the aftermath of a major shock like Brexit might make you want to sell, sell, sell, it isnt wise to react rashly, says Gary Schatsky, president of ObjectiveAdvice.com, a New York-based financial advisory firm. Someone who sold shares after the market had suffered two days of steep losses missed out on the ensuing rebound. Hopefully, more people will take a deep breath, and take a look at their whole allocation to ensure their risk tolerance is objectively and subjectively managed properly, Schatsky says. While he does not recommend ignoring your 401(k) statements, Schatsky advises taking a calm look at them alongside your other investments so you can make an informed decision about your next moves. Related: 3 Ways the Brexit Affects You 2. Use this as an opportunity to reassess your financial health. You should consider Brexit a welcome jolt if you havent thought about your overall financial health this year. This should be a wake-up call to reassess your financial world, said Schatsky. How are you investing your money, and are you saving at a reasonable level? Have you planned for the future or has everything been on autopilot until theres been an aberration in the market? Dont just look at individual accounts. Try to get a holistic picture of your finances, including 401(k)s and other savings. Its all retirement money, Schatsky says, so when dramatic things happen, you want to take stock of how your overall allocation is, tax moves that may be advantageous, and perhaps some imprudent investment decisions that you havent paid attention to. Story continues A sober review, including a look at your overall asset allocation and risk level, may also involve checking in with a financial advisor to find out more about investing options that work best for you. Given that it may take several years for the specifics of Brexit to play out, and markets may be rattled as plans take shape, investors best protection is to hold a portfolio that is diversified across asset classes and regions, fund giant Vanguard Group wrote in a special note to its investors. Related: The Upside of Brexit 9 Ways You Can Save Money 3. Check up on your cash, too. The renewed volatility is a good reminder to make sure the money you need for the short-term isnt at risk. Jacob Wolkowitz, chief investment officer at Minneapolis-based Accredited Investors, recommends that retirees should have enough cash to support living expenses for 18 to 24 months. And advisors typically recommend that investors who arent yet in retirement should have enough to cover six months worth of expenses. 4. Understand that volatility comes with investing. Owning stocks is critical to ensuring the healthy growth of retirement plans, advisors say. Stocks bring higher returns over the long run, and jolts along the way are not unusual. What comes with investing in the market is volatility and market dips are part of the ride, wrote Lisa Kiplinger in USA Today in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. In times of market volatility, its best to stay patient and ride things out. Clearly, weve been through quite a bit the past seven years, he said. There were a lot of prognostications of [market] doom, and none have turned out to accurate. Related: The Real Reasons Stock Market Bears Are About to Strike Back 5. Dont rush to buy, either. You may have heard that the aftermath of the Brexit vote is a good opportunity to take advantage of lower stock prices. You keep putting money in, and when stocks dip in price, you are essentially getting to buy more of those stocks for the same dollars that previously purchased a smaller amount, wrote Jill Cornfield on bankrate.com. Trying to time the market can be risky, though. Ultimately, the decision to buy shares or not should depend on the stock in question and the investors own risk tolerance, says Schatsky. Wolkowitz says he is advising clients that the jury is still out on whether its a good time to buy. We dont think equities are inexpensive enough to compensate you from the political risks in this period of negotiations between the U.K. and EU, he said. Europe could still deliver other shocks, too. Wolkowitz points out that Italys referendum on EU membership will take place in October, and the EU membership debate is already influencing campaigns for French and Dutch elections next year. Related: Brexit Might Save You Money at the Gas Pump This Fourth of July Weekend 6. This may be a good time to get a mortgage or refinance. Mortgage rates, which had been expected to climb in the coming months as the Federal Reserve raised its key rate, have instead fallen to three-year lows. Theyre expected to stay low, too, as the Fed is unlikely to push ahead with rate hikes in the short term given the uncertainty created by the Brexit vote. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f133171%2faa6f9ca32755408fa277c5cfd55fc4dc Ruff day? Corgi Con is here to make everything better. On Saturday, over 800 adorable corgis met up at Ocean Beach, Northern Corgifornia, for a fun day of Corgi-tivities. SEE ALSO: Adorable corgi stars in '100 years of beauty' parody The a-corgi-ble event featured a costume contest, corgi races, a group photo and a raffle. Corgi Con, a bi-annual event in San Francisco, was founded by Cynthia Lee and is organized by Aaron Beltran. The team donates all proceeds from merchandise sales to two rescue organizations: Queen's Best Stumpy Dog Rescue and Corgi Aid. Image: abc news/youtube Image: abc news/youtube Not only were hundreds of corgis present to melt hearts, but one corgi-loving couple got engaged at the event. "You don't have to have a corgi to come out," Lee told ABC News. "You just have to have a love of corgis." Corgi Con will be back in October we recommend looking into flights to San Francisco now. BONUS: You're cordially invited to shake your butt at corgi prom Pre-teen Hilde Lysiak from Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA has signed a deal with Scholastic for a series of books entitled "Hilde Cracks the Case" under the publisher's Branches line. The young reporter Hilde Lysiak, the nine-year-old reporter who has run the Orange Street News website since 2014, first came to the media's attention following her response to criticism from residents in her town. In a video that went viral, Lysiak defended her right to report, and ended her speech on a memorable mic drop: "If you want me to stop covering news, then you get off your computers and do something about the news. There, is that cute enough for you?" Hilde uses her bicycle to get around her home town of Selinsgrove to report on crime. Her sister Izzy acts as cameraman and her father Matthew, an author and former New York Daily News reporter, helps her with the website. Hilde has her own network of sources, and sometimes even reports on crimes hours before her adult competition arrive on the scene. "Hilde Cracks the Case" This week Scholastic announced that it had bought the rights to a series of four books co-written by Hilde Lysiak and her father. The series will be called "Hilde Cracks the Case" and will feature fictionalized versions of real-life news stories that the young reporter has covered. The main character, Hilde, will be accompanied by her sister on the page just as in real life. "Hilde Cracks the Case" will be a 96-page series with illustrations by an artist yet to be selected. The series aims to help teach readers the basic questions of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, how. Each story will also finish with a news article. Launched in 2013, the Branches line at Scholastic is intended for newly independent readers, generally children aged 6-8, and are designed to help with reading confidence. The first in the "Hilde Cracks the Case" series is set to be published in fall 2017. (Corrects to say Spencer Stuart is acting on behalf of a group of shareholders including Active Ownership, not hired by Active Ownership) * A. Ownership invites shareholders to join search * Hires consultancy firm Spencer Stuart * Stada has launched own search for board candidates By Alexander Hubner and Ludwig Burger FRANKFURT, July 1 (Reuters) - Active Ownership is trying to get shareholders to back its campaign to appoint new non-executive board members at generic drug company Stada , in which the activist investor has around a 7 percent stake, including options. Active Ownership earlier this year began pushing to change the way Stada is run and proposed candidates for supervisory board seats. The investor wants changes to Stada's supervisory board to reflect the way the drug maker's business has evolved from a mainly domestic business to one with international clients. Active Ownership on Friday asked shareholders owning at least 75,000 Stada shares to take part in the selection of independent supervisory board candidates to be voted on at the company's annual meeting scheduled for Aug. 26. Active Ownership said it no longer had faith in Stada's ability to recruit board candidates. Deutsche Bank's asset management arm, which is a Stada shareholder, is supportive of Active Ownership's view. "We have sympathy for bringing more transparency into the selection process," portfolio manager Henning Gebhardt told Reuters. "We don't have the impression that Stada has been acting in shareholders' interests." Stada steered clear of major merger deals when the generic drug industry began consolidating to cut costs, driven by larger players including Teva and Allergan, formerly known as Actavis. Stada has focused instead on branching out into branded consumer care and cosmetics products as well as diagnostics kits. A Stada spokesman said that the board candidates initially proposed by the activist investor would be taken into account as part of the selection procedure commissioned by Stada. Story continues Stada has hired executive search firm Egon Zehnder to assist in the selection, he said, but declined to comment further. Rival search firm Spencer Stuart is acting on behalf of a group of shareholders including Active Ownership. Any candidates running for supervisory board seats will have to be announced by mid-July. Stada has already begun a management reshuffle. Chief Executive Hartmut Retzlaff in early June took leave of absence due to an unspecified health condition after 22 years at the helm. He was replaced by fellow executive board member Matthias Wiedenfels. Wiedenfels has since stripped Retzlaff's son Steffen of key responsibilities and fired the former CEO's external advisers, saying more changes were to come. ($1 = 0.9080 euros) (Editing by Jane Merriman and David Goodman) By Promit Mukherjee and Melanie Burton MUMBAI/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Indian billionaire Gautam Adani-controlled conglomerate Adani Enterprises (ADEL.NS) plans to build a copper smelter with an eye to furthering its ambitions in the solar sector, said a source familiar with the plan. The company recently sought environmental approval to set up a 1-million-tonne-per-year copper smelter in the western state of Gujarat, according to an application submitted by the company which was reviewed early this month by the Environment Ministry. The smelter is expected to cost 100 billion rupees ($1.47 billion) and will source copper concentrate through imports, the application stated, without providing the reasoning behind the new foray. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the smelter however, is expected to feed into its proposed solar panel manufacturing capacity, fueling the company's ambitions of becoming an integrated solar power company. The project will not be an entry into the commercial copper business for Adani, also India's biggest coal importer, but will be primarily for ensuring secure supply of raw material for the group's proposed venture into solar photovoltaic equipment manufacturing, said the source. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the plans. A second source from an international trading firm familiar with the smelter project said the first stage of 300,000 tonnes is expected be completed within the next two years. Adani Enterprises, which has interests in coal mining, oil & gas and logistics, has bet big on solar power riding on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solar mission that targets setting up of 100 gigawatts of solar power generation capacity by the end of 2022. As part of the push, the government has also incentivised setting up of exclusive parks for domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules. That would equate to around 600,000 tonnes of additional copper demand based on the thumb rule of 6 tonnes of copper required for one megawatt of solar cell capacity. Story continues Adani plans to have a share of 10 percent of the national target by the same time and has said it plans to set up a solar PV module plant in Gujarat. The gamble could also get a boost from the $1 billion loan promised Thursday by the World Bank for India's solar energy programme as Modi sought climate change funds from the international lender. [nL4N19M2LU] (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee and Melanie Burton; Editing by Euan Rocha and Gopakumar Warrier) Shares of Akers Biosciences Inc. AKER surged 15.8% to close at $3.22 following the completion of a clinical trial on the companys Chlamydia rapid test, based on its proprietary Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay (PIFA) technology. Per Akers, The results were highly successful with sensitivity (a true positive result) of 91%; and specificity (a true negative result) of 98%. The overall agreement between the PIFA/Chlamydia Rapid Assay and the reference laboratory method was 96% in patient populations of acute infection and historical exposure. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted venereal infection in the world. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.4 million cases of Chlamydia in the U.S. were reported in 2015. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive tests for detecting chlamydia NAATs can be performed on endocervical, urethral, vaginal, pharyngeal, rectal, or urine samples. However, PIFA/Chlamydia is a non-invasive test as compared to NAATs and can identify the infection within five minutes from a finger stick blood sample. The Chlamydia rapid test is one of the several products Akers is planning to launch in the U.S. and international markets. The company is in talks with the FDA for a 510(k) approval for the test and is also evaluating regulatory requirements of the international markets. The Chlamydia rapid test is part of Akers innovative product pipeline that includes rapid test solutions for lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and cardiac arrest. Most recently, Akers signed a distribution agreement with Aero-Med, a division of Cardinal Health CAH, to distribute its disposable breathalyzer -- BreathScan OxiChek. We believe that the distribution deal is a major step forward for Akers to fast penetrate the U.S. market. Growing adoption of rapid test devices also opens up a new source of revenue for the company. Moreover, Akers flagship PIFA Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay product continues to gain solid traction in the domestic market as well as China. Additionally, Akers expects revenue contribution from the alcohol, ketones (METRON) and oxidative stress tests in full-year 2016. Key Picks Boston Scientific Corporation BSX and ICU Medical ICUI are two top-ranked stocks in the same space with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 BOSTON SCIENTIF (BSX): Free Stock Analysis Report ICU MEDICAL INC (ICUI): Free Stock Analysis Report CARDINAL HEALTH (CAH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Al Jazeera on June 16 announced the launch of a new digital division headed by Yaser Bishr who is in charge of taking the Doha-based broadcasters digital push to the next level following the launch in 2014 of AJ+, its online channel available in English, Spanish and, as of this month Arabic, via an app, and also on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Bishr conceived AJ+ in San Francisco and tailored it specifically for a U.S. audience at a time when the Al Jazeera America channel was struggling on cable in the U.S. That channel was shut down earlier this year, in April. AJ+ is instead going strong, especially in the English speaking world. Bishr spoke to Variety about the challenges of the changing global media landscape and his ambitions and concerns for Al Jazeera in the digital space going forward. How did AJ+ get started and how is it doing? We started out in San Francisco, after I put together a small r&d team. We launched AJ+ about two years ago English first, then a small-scale Spanish version. We branded it specifically for the U.S. audience and found traction there. We are growing significantly in terms of our audience base specifically in the U.S. and English-speaking countries. Now its among the top three news sources on Facebook. A couple of weeks ago we launched the Arabic version of AJ+. Can you quantify the success of AJ+ with some numbers? Since launch we have had close to five billion views across platforms, and growing. The reach on Facebook is significant. The engagement is very high. We have scored a weekly reach on Facebook as high as two hundred million, based on their numbers. It seems that on the U.S. front with this digital push you are you trying to compensate for the Al Jazeera America television channel closing down. Is that the case? Actually digital was always part of the U.S. plan. Al Jazeera ventured into America with a traditional TV model, with cable. But at the same time we had a two-pronged strategy: one for TV and the other for digital, which was AJ+. Its no secret we made significant investments in TV, we had quality journalism; we really had an A-team there. But the market is the market, you really cant change its direction. We didnt get the audience that we expected. At the same time we had AJ+ coming out of San Francisco and it was growing significantly, so we made the decision to continue to invest in digital. We will continue to invest in digital in the United States. However we will also have a TV presence in the U.S. through the Al Jazeera English channel which will be back. Story continues Are there other digital products, strategies or platforms besides AJ+ that you are looking at to distribute Al Jazeera content? Potentially yes. I have a big concern: our content lives on third party platforms and they are basically under the control of some algorithm that I cant really predict. We and I mean not just as Al Jazeera, but publishers in general believe that we have editorial control. But at the end of the day the Facebook algorithm has editorial control, because it decides what goes on the news feed and what not. In the U.S. Facebook has been accused of burying conservative content. Its a big issue, and we have to figure out a way where there is some transparency in terms of the algorithm, so we can all have a level playing field. We have to go where the audience is and Facebook is a significant force. But we are also publishers, and original content providers. So we have to come together and have a discussion with Facebook and Google, for that matter regarding some clarity on their algorithms. How is the news-gathering side different for the digital platform vis-a-vis the TV side? For digital we will definitely leverage our existing news-gathering machine, which is really a powerhouse. That requires co-ordination with the rest of the channels. But we will also be providing some digital training, because gathering and producing content for social media and online platforms is significantly different from TV. Creating the division will help us scale that. Media companies that have experimented with online and TV have found that you have to have production that is specific for that audience. The Arab world has one of the highest densities of millennials, so digital is certainly a great way to tap into that segment. Are there areas in the Middle East where digital can really boost your presence? What I want to emphasize here is that we want to invest in digital in the Middle East, but TV continues to be a very, very important platform in the region. We are free-to-air. Anyone with a satellite dish in the Middle East can hook up and watch us. There is nothing really limiting our TV broadcast in the Middle East, other than traditional ways of blocking our signal reaching a specific country but that has been sporadic, and we have actually established a satellite broadcast system that cannot be jammed. What we are really conscious about in looking at the Middle East is that its a little bit lagging in terms of Internet audience. However social media played a very important role during the Arab Spring. So we want to continue to invest and provide Al Jazeera news to our audience in the region through AJ+ and a also through a few other digital things coming up on the drawing board. What are they? The vision is really to have a portfolio of different digital products. We are looking into VR; we are looking into digital radio; we have a few things coming in the pipeline. We intend to create an ecosystem of digital products that will satisfy the millennials and the young generation everywhere. What is the situation with Al Jazeera in Egypt? We currently have have no bureaus in Egypt, however we broadcast there. Anyone with a satellite dish can watch us. We also have live streaming through our websites, and will continue to support that. And also we have AJ+ and other digital outlets that cant really be stopped. If you want to stop it you have to block Facebook. The digital platform is strong and it will give us the penetration wed like to have. What about other parts of the world? Its in the plan. I am still putting together our broad strategy. Asia is a very important market. Africa for us is a very important market in terms of our digital presence. We are looking into AJ+ in other languages other than Arabic, English and Spanish. But we have to look into partnering with other publishers and use media organisations in countries where we would like to have a presence. I think we have to have some hybrid model. In the U.S. we went at it alone. But going into markets like India and China we have to look into the option of teaming up with partners as well. Related stories Canal Plus Deal with BeIN Sports Struck Down by French Anti-Trust Board Battle for the Screens: Why TV Told Madison Avenue to Ditch Digital Al Jazeera to Cut 500 Jobs By John Ruwitch HANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Friday went public with a new drive to display its determination to stamp out fake goods, urging brands to help its anti-piracy campaign rather than trade rebukes on the issue. The U.S.-listed online shopping powerhouse has been dogged by accusations its sites are flooded with copy-cat products, culminating with its ejection this year from a U.S.-based anti-counterfeiting alliance only weeks after being admitted. At an intellectual property conference it's hosting in Hangzhou, Alibaba on Friday unveiled a new online system to help track and remove fakes as its top anti-piracy official called for more cooperation with makers of branded goods. "In the face of such a complex problem we can't be complaining about each other, or criticising each other...We have to have everybody involved and work together to do it," said Jessie Zheng, Alibaba's chief platform governance officer, speaking at its conference on intellectual property (IP) protection. "In this battle it's you and me," said Zheng. "It can't be you doing the work and me watching, or me doing the work and you talking. Our only choice is to join forces." Alibaba took an embarrassing hit in its fight against fakes earlier this year when it was forced out of the Washington-based International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. This came after a mutiny by members of the group, including U.S. luxury goods maker Michael Kors Holdings Inc and French group Kering SA's's Gucci brand, against the Chinese firm. Friday's conference and the launch of the new online system for controlling fakes come about two months before Alibaba's hometown of Hangzhou hosts the annual summit of the G20. Several state leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, may visit the company's college-like campus when they are in town, people with knowledge of the preparations said. The "IP Joint-Force System" launched on Friday is an online platform designed to streamline IP-related communications between brands and Alibaba, the company said. It expands an existing "good faith takedown" scheme started last year and is designed to simplify the removal of listings of suspected counterfeits. (Reporting by John Ruwitch; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) Drive through most US cities right now and youll see fireworks stands on the side of the road and people lining up, eager to show their patriotism through pyrotechnics. Fireworks are how we celebrate the Fourth of July and they also translate into big money. The American Pyrotechnic Association (APA) estimates that firework revenues could exceed $800 million for the 2016 season. Thats up from last year, when Americans spent $755 million on fireworks, the APA estimates, and 180% more than the $284 million we spent in 1998. Part of the reason revenues have increased is because more states are doing away with restrictions that limit the sale of fireworks within their borders. Since 2011, Kentucky, Utah, New Hampshire, Michigan, New York, Georgia and West Virginia have all legalized at least some fireworks to cash in. Currently, 47 states allow the sale of some kind of consumer firework. For example, big fireworks (bottle rockets, roman candles and artillery shells) are still illegal in New York State, but a law passed in 2015 allowed for the sale of sparklers and other small ground fireworks in dozens of counties outside of New York City. With this change, New York expects to collect $2 million in tax revenues from fireworks this year. Every state has its own rules and restrictions for which consumer fireworks are allowed, but only three states Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey still ban the sale of consumer fireworks altogether. Safety is always a concern: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with firework-related injuries in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. If youre unsure which fireworks are allowed in your state, check out this directory of state laws from the APA. One firework that definitely isnt allowed in every state is the multi-shot cake device, which the APA says is the best-selling firework in the US. This display box comes in various sizes, including the 100-shot finale box, and can cost up to $199. At 500-grams, this is the maximum pyrotechnic composition for a consumer firework allowed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But regardless of how much you spend on fireworks this July 4, there are two things you need to remember. First, its always smarter to buy from an accredited company that sells legal fireworks. And most importantly, have fun and be safe this weekend! In Amit Aggarwal Wearing a voluminous Amit Aggarwal gown, Huma attended the awards event held last night in Singapore. Given the drama of her dress, it was a good movie to go easy on accessories. Sleek hair and a red lip finished out the look. Though the styling was on point and Huma did okay in the dress [] The post In Amit Aggarwal appeared first on High Heel Confidential. Archaeologists have discovered what may be a skull bone from the revered Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The bone was hidden inside a model of a stupa, or a Buddhist shrine used for meditation. The research team found the 1,000-year-old model within a stone chest in a crypt beneath a Buddhist temple in Nanjing, China. Inside the stupa model archaeologists found the remains of Buddhist saints, including a parietal (skull) bone that inscriptions say belonged to the Buddha himself. The model is made of sandalwood, silver and gold, and is covered with gemstones made of crystal, glass, agate and lapis lazuli, a team of archaeologists reported in an article published in the journal Chinese Cultural Relics. Inscriptions engraved on the stone chest that the model was found in say that it was constructed during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong (A.D. 997-1022), during the Song Dynasty. Also inscribed on the stupa are the names of people who donated money and material to build the model, as well as some of the people who constructed the model. [See Photos of the Model Stupa Holding Buddha Remains] While the inscriptions say that the skull bone belongs to the Buddha, it is unknown whether it really does come from him. In the journal article, archaeologists didn't speculate on how likely it is. The bone is being treated with great respect and has been interred in the modern-day Qixia Temple by Buddhist monks. Stone chest inscription Discovered beneath the Grand Bao'en Temple, the stupa model which is 117 centimeters tall and 45 cm wide (nearly 4 feet by 1.5 feet) was stored within an iron box, which, in turn, was stored within a stone chest. An inscription found within the stone chest was written by a man named Deming about 1,000 years ago, saying that he is "the Master of Perfect Enlightenment, Abbot of Chengtian Monastery [and] the Holder of the Purple Robe" (as translated by researchers in the journal article). He tells the story of how the Buddha's parietal bone came to China. [Photos: 1,700-Year-Old Buddhist Sculptures Found in Shrine] Story continues Deming wrote that after the Buddha "entered parinirvana" (a final death that breaks the cycle of death and rebirth), that his body "was cremated near the Hirannavati River" in India. The man who ruled India at the time, King Ashoka (reign 268-232 B.C.), decided to preserve the Buddha's remains, which he "divided into a total of 84,000 shares," Deming wrote. "Our land of China received 19 of them," including the parietal bone, he added. The parietal bone was kept in a temple that was destroyed about 1,400 years ago during a series of wars, Deming wrote. "The foundation ruins were scattered in the weeds," Deming wrote. "In this time of turbulence, did no one care for Buddhist affairs?" Emperor Zhenzong agreed to rebuild the temple and have the Buddha's parietal bone, and the remains of other Buddhist saints, buried in an underground crypt at the temple, according to Deming's inscriptions. They were interred on July 21, 1011 A.D., in "a most solemn and elaborate burial ceremony," Deming wrote. Deming praised the emperor for rebuilding the temple and burying the Buddha's remains, wishing the emperor a long life, loyal ministers and numerous grandchildren: "May the Heir Apparent and the imperial princes be blessed and prosperous with 10,000 offspring; may Civil and Military Ministers of the Court be loyal and patriotic; may the three armed forces and citizens enjoy a happy and peaceful time " Buddha burial The parietal bone of the Buddha was buried within an inner casket made of gold, which, in turn, was placed in an outer casket made of silver, according to the archaeologists. The silver casket was then placed inside the model of the stupa. The gold and silver caskets were decorated with images of lotus patterns, phoenix birds and gods guarding the caskets with swords. The outer casket also has images of spirits called apsaras that are shown playing musical instruments. The parietal bone of the Buddha was placed within the gold inner casket along with three crystal bottles and a silver box, all of which contain the remains of other Buddhist saints. Engraved on the outside of the model are several images of the Buddha, along with scenes depicting stories from the Buddha's life, from his birth to the point when he reached "parinirvana," a death from which the Buddha wasn't reborn something that freed him from a cycle of death and rebirth, according to the Buddhist religion. Impact in China A large team of archaeologists from the Nanjing Municipal Institute of Archaeology excavated the crypt between 2007 and 2010; they were supported by experts from other institutions in China. Although the excavations received little coverage by Western media outlets, they were covered extensively in China. Chinese media outlets say that, after the parietal bone of the Buddha was removed, Buddhist monks interred the bone and the remains of the other Buddhist saints in Qixia Temple, a Buddhist temple used today. The Buddha's parietal bone and other artifacts from the excavation were later displayed in Hong Kong and Macao. When the bone traveled to Macao in 2012, the media outlet Xinhua reported that "tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees will pay homage to the sacred relic," and that "more than 140,000 tickets have been sold out by now, according to the [event organizer]." An article detailing the discoveries was published in Chinese in 2015 in the journal Wenwu, before being translated and published in Chinese Cultural Relics. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. More than 30 years after scientists first spotted a hole in the atmosphere's protective ozone layer over the South Pole, they are seeing the "first fingerprints of healing," researchers reported today (June 30). Measurements of the ozone hole taken in September revealed the breach has shrunk by more than 1.5 million square miles (4 million square kilometers) about half the area of the contiguous United States since 2000. The researchers attributed the ozone's recovery to the continuing decline of atmospheric chlorine originating from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemical compounds, once commonly used in aerosols, dry cleaning and refrigerators, were banned when nations around the world signed the Montreal Protocol in 1987 in an effort to repair the ozone hole. [Image Gallery: Life at the South Pole] "We can now be confident that the things we've done have put the planet on a path to heal," lead author Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said in a statement. "We got rid of them [CFCs], and now we're seeing the planet respond." Seasonal change The ozone layer, which extends from 2 to 19 miles (20 to 30 km) above Earth's surface, protects the planet from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Thinning of ozone, which is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, can occur due to exposure to certain chemicals, like CFCs. The ozone hole, a region of thinned ozone, was discovered in 2000, when scientists noticed that the total ozone above Antarctica in October was dropping. From then on, ozone depletion was typically tracked using October measurements. That's because the ozone hole varies seasonally, as specific conditions are needed for chlorine to eat away at the molecule, Diane Ivy, a research scientist at MIT and co-author on the new study, explained to Live Science in an email. Chlorine interacts with ozone in this destructive way only if light is present and the atmosphere is cold enough for polar stratospheric clouds to form. The clouds are the surfaces which these chlorine reactions can occur. Story continues Ozone depletion therefore starts each year in late August, as Antarctica emerges from winter, with the hole fully formed by early October. For their research, the scientists thought a clearer picture of chlorine's effects on the ozone would be seen by monitoring ozone levels in September. "I think people, myself included, had been too focused on October, because that's when the ozone hole is enormous, in its full glory," Solomon said. "But October is also subject to the slings and arrows of other things that vary, like slight changes in meteorology. September is a better time to look, because chlorine chemistry is firmly in control of the rate at which the hole forms at that time of year." Slow to heal There is still a long road to recovery for the ozone hole, the researchers said. The molecules that deplete ozone have very long life spans, and the study scientists estimate it will still be decades before complete recovery. "We won't get back to pre-ozone-hole conditions for another 40-some years," study co-author Douglas Kinnison, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, told Live Science. But scientists have seen healing of the ozone, which Ivy defined as "an identifiable increase in ozone that is linked to reduced amounts of ozone-depleting substances." However, the hole itself may fluctuate each year in the healing process, due, in part, to volcanic activity. Eruptions emit sulfur dioxide, which can form aerosols in the stratosphere, allowing more ozone depletion to occur. For instance, in 2015 the ozone hole neared a record-breaking size. Due to the April 2015 eruption of Calbuco in Chile, it was "a whopper of an ozone hole" that year, Kinnison said. "So we probably will see a much less severe ozone hole [this year]," he said. "But we'll have to wait and see." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. From Good Housekeeping Last year, Amazon debuted Prime Day, a one-day blowout sale for its Prime subscribers only. Though the company promised deals that would beat Black Friday, some shoppers were disappointed at what they thought were lackluster offers. But the company is trying again this year, launching its second annual Prime Day sale on July 12. Amazon says this year's sale is the company's biggest yet. This year, new and existing Prime customers will have access to 100,000 deals around the world in nearly every department and category. New deals will pop up every five minutes starting at midnight Pacific time, compared to every 10 minutes last year. There will be "lightning deals" that only last a few hours, "spotlight" deals that last until the product runs out of stock, and all-day discounts. Starting July 5, Amazon will also offer "countdown" deals every day, which include a 32-inch TV bundle with a Fire TV Stick for $119.99. The company is staying mum for now on specific deals on Prime Day, but mentioned that U.S. customers will see deals on toys, mobile devices, and pet products. Plus, they'll also see more TVs on sale than on Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. They also note that twice as many small business sellers will be participating this year, so hopefully that will help diversify the products on sale. Amazon executives defended the seemingly random nature of the deals offered last year, noting that it's not like Black Friday when you want gifts. Instead, shoppers want everyday products and back-to-school essentials, plus products for summer trips. "What could be weird to one person may be wonderful to someone else," spokesperson Julie Law told CNBC. "We really stand behind the deals we had last year and the deals we have this year." But research firm Market Track predicts that you might want to wait until Black Friday anyway. They analyzed hundreds of products on sale last year and found that all categories were, on average, nine percent cheaper on Black Friday than they were on Prime Day. Walmart, which is trying to compete with Amazon in online sales, announced its big strategy to counter Prime Day. It's offering a free 30-day trial of its ShippingPass program, which gives customers unlimited two-day shipping when they buy products on Walmart.com. ShippingPass costs $49 a month after the trial ends. Amazon's Prime membership costs $99 a year and includes free two-day shipping, access to audio and video streaming services, and access to its cloud storage system. You can sign up for a 30-day trial before Prime Day if you just want access to the sales; just remember to cancel your subscription afterward if you don't want to keep it. Less than two years after its high-profile launch, music streaming service Tidal, run by rap music superstar Jay-Z, is reportedly in preliminary talks to be acquired by Apple. The two companies are in exploratory talks that may or may not result in a deal, according to the Wall Street Journal. If a purchase happens, it would greatly increase the catalog of the Apple Music streaming service, adding Tidals roster of exclusive artists and content to its already large library. Tidal for its part has denied any talks are taking place. Jay-Z purchased Tidal from Norways Aspiro Group for $56 million through his Project Panther Ltd. in 2015. A small roster of A-list musicians were given small stakes in the company, among them Beyonce, Prince, Rihanna, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Daft Punk, Jack White, Madonna, Arcade Fire, Alicia Keys, Usher, Chris Martin, Calvin Harris, deadmau5, Jason Aldean and J. Cole, with the service billed as a means of providing higher royalties than rival streaming services. The service currently offers two subscription tiers, a $19.99 per month premium service, and a $9.99 per month standard audio quality version. The company claims over 4 million paying subscribers, though it has also seen a series of management replacements and criticism from artists about the actual royalties paid out. Related stories Apple TV To Offer Sling TV As Well As Expanded Voice Search Commands Is Apple Interested In Making A Bid For Time Warner Or Netflix? Warren Buffett Switches On Apple With $1B+ Investment (Adds Apple's response to Spotify; changes dateline, previous STOCKHOLM) By Julia Love and Mia Shanley SAN FRANCISCO/STOCKHOLM, July 1 (Reuters) - Apple Inc fought back on Friday against Spotify's claims that the U.S. tech giant had hampered competition in music streaming by rejecting an update to the Swedish service's iPhone app. The two companies have gone head to head in the battle for music streaming customers since Apple Music was launched in more than 100 countries last year. Apple's entry into the field sparked concerns from music streaming companies such as Spotify, which have argued that the 30 percent cut Apple takes of subscriptions in its App Store give its own service an unfair advantage. Spotify General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez reiterated those concerns in a letter to Apple first reported on Thursday as he protested the rejection of the latest version of the Spotify app. But Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell countered that the company deserves a cut of transactions in the App Store for its work operating the marketplace, according to a copy of a letter to Gutierrez seen by Reuters. Sewell insisted that Apple was treating Spotify as it would any other app maker, in keeping with antitrust law. "We understand that you want special treatment and protections from competition, but we simply will not do that because we firmly adhere to the principle of treating all developers fairly and equitably," Sewell wrote. Gutierrez claimed Apple's rejection of Spotify's app raised "serious concerns" under competition law in the United States and Europe and the move was causing "grave harm to Spotify and its customers," according to technology publication Recode. A Spotify spokeswoman confirmed the accuracy of the report. A spokesman for Apple declined to comment. Launched a decade ago, Spotify is the world's biggest paid music streaming service with about 30 million paying users in 59 markets while Apple Music has some 13 million. Story continues Companies such as Spotify have sought to sidestep Apple's App Store cut by encouraging consumers to sign up for their services online. Apple forbids developers from promoting alternative payment methods within their apps. In late May, Spotify submitted a version of its app that removed the in-app purchase feature, which triggers Apple's cut, and included an account sign-up feature that violated Apple's rules, Sewell wrote. Apple rejected the app and asked Spotify to submit again, but the new version had the same problems, Sewell said. Music streaming is a crowded field. Alphabet's Google Music and YouTube also compete with Spotify and Apple Music to attract users prepared to pay for music, as does Pandora Media Inc and rapper Jay Z's Tidal. Amazon.com Inc is also preparing a standalone streaming service, sources have told Reuters. (reporting by Mia Shanley in Stockholm and Julia Love in San Francisco; Editing by Alistair Scrutton and Tom Brown) Apple Inc. AAPL is reportedly in talks to acquire rapper and mogul Jay Zs music streaming service Tidal, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal cites people familiar with the matter, who said that deal talks are ongoing. Jay Z bought Tidal in 2015 for $56 million from Swedish company Aspiro. It appears that Apple is exploring the idea in order to boost its Apple Music streaming service, as Tidal has strong ties with artists like Kanye West, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Madonna. West, Beyonce, and Rihanna all released their latest albumsThe Life of Pablo, Lemonade, and Anti, respectivelyon Tidal exclusively, at least for the first few weeks. At first look, it doesnt seem that a Tidal acquisition is the smartest business move for Apple. Recently, the company has experienced abrupt changes in management, going through three chief executives in less than a year, with one being interim and one appointed by previous management. Former chief business officer of SoundCloud Jeff Toig has held the CEO position since January. Tidal is also dealing with some lawsuits concerning artist royalties and exclusivity deals. However, when you look back at Apples purchase of Beats, a Tidal acquisition starts to make sense. In 2014, the tech giant shelled out a whopping $3 billion to buy Beats, a luxe headphone maker and streaming music service founded by hip-hop producer Dr. Dre. The streaming service essentially turned into Apple Music, but Apple also got valuable music industry knowledge and connectionsin addition to Dr. Dre, legendary music mogul Jimmy Iovinewith the deal. If Apple were to make a bid for Tidal, the company wouldnt have to face that much competition. Samsung SSNLF, who after months of rumored talks, backed away from a potential deal to buy the service, and Spotify, another streaming giant, most likely cant afford such a takeover. Alphabet Inc.s GOOGL Google division would be the next logical buyer if Apple passes, as their streaming music service would benefit from Tidals coveted library (Tidal is the only service to have the bulk of late music icon Princes expansive catalogue). Story continues But Apple may want to hold off on any talks of buying Tidal for the moment. Spotify has recently gone public with accusations, in a letter from its general counsel Horacio Gutierrez, claiming that Apple is causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers by rejecting an update to Spotifys iOS app, according to Recode. This could possibly lead to antitrust activity, so it may be in Apples best interest to lay low and dodge what appears to be a consolidating move of the streaming industry. 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 APPLE INC (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research NEWS BRIEF A pair of American architectural firms will design Barack Obamas future presidential library in Chicago, the Obama Foundation announced on Thursday. New York-based Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, a husband-and-wife team, will be the lead designers with help from Interactive Design Architects (IDEA). They were selected from seven finalists that the presidents foundation requested formal proposals from in December. The choice of two U.S. firms was notable given that speculation in architectural circles had centered on David Adjaye, a Tanzanian-born Briton whose firm was a finalist and who designed the Nobel Prize Center in Oslo. Adjaye also led the design of the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture, which is under construction on the National Mall. Williams and Tsien designed the Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and the LeFrak Center, an ice-skating rink in Brooklyns Prospect Park. IDEA designed the Art Institute of Chicagos Modern Wing along with several other buildings in Obamas hometown. The choice of architects comes a little over a year after Chicago beat out New York as the host city for the Obama Presidential Center. A specific site hasnt been selected, but it is expected to be on the south side and affiliated with the University of Chicago, where Obama served as a lecturer before going into politics. The foundation has not released any renderings of the museums design. Recommended: Culture Is Replacing Class as the Key Political Divide It is a joy, an honor, and a responsibility to create a place that reflects the optimism and integrity of the president and the first lady, Williams and Tsien said in a statement. This has been a transformative presidency and we will work to make a Center that embodies and expands the Obamas vision. Story continues Martin Nesbitt, the foundations president and a close friend of Obama, told the Chicago Tribune that personal chemistry between the architects and the first couple was an important factor in their selection. Construction on the $500 million project wont begin until after Obama leaves office, and the center wont open until well into his successors term. That timeline could work out well for the Obamas, who have announced they plan to stay in Washington until their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduates from high school. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - Around 20 startup banks and financial firms have reaffirmed plans to invest a total of up to 500 million pounds ($664.95 million) to open in Britain, consulting firm PwC said on Friday. These investment plans will be a boost for Britain's financial services sector, beset by rumours of job cuts and firms moving overseas in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and potentially surrender some of its access to EU markets. The banks are a mixture of UK, European, and non-EU businesses and have already committed 200 million pounds, PwC said, with total funding of up to half a billion pounds featured in their business plans. Stephen Morse, financial services partner at PwC, said the around 20 clients investing in Britain were not only mainstream banks, mortgage lenders and asset managers. "There are a range of new technology-enabled banks, fintech businesses, commercial banks and even niche investment banks who have identified gaps in the market in part caused by big global banks having pulled out of some businesses over the past few years," he said. Since the Brexit vote last week, banks, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, have denied rumours they are already moving thousands of jobs out of Britain as a result of the referendum. ($1 = 0.7519 pounds) (Reporting By Lawrence White. Editing by Jane Merriman) LONDON (Reuters) - Around 20 startup banks and financial firms have reaffirmed plans to invest a total of up to 500 million pounds to open in Britain, consulting firm PwC said on Friday. These investment plans will be a boost for Britain's financial services sector, beset by rumours of job cuts and firms moving overseas in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and potentially surrender some of its access to EU markets. The banks are a mixture of UK, European, and non-EU businesses and have already committed 200 million pounds, PwC said, with total funding of up to half a billion pounds featured in their business plans. Stephen Morse, financial services partner at PwC, said the around 20 clients investing in Britain were not only mainstream banks, mortgage lenders and asset managers. "There are a range of new technology-enabled banks, fintech businesses, commercial banks and even niche investment banks who have identified gaps in the market in part caused by big global banks having pulled out of some businesses over the past few years," he said. Since the Brexit vote last week, banks, including Goldman Sachs (GS.N) and Morgan Stanley (MS.N), have denied rumours they are already moving thousands of jobs out of Britain as a result of the referendum. (Reporting By Lawrence White. Editing by Jane Merriman) The number of Syrian refugees who have arrived in the U.S. nearly doubled in June as the Obama administration aims to make good on its pledge to resettle at least 10,000 by the end of the fiscal year. In all, 5,186 Syrian refugees have arrived in the U.S. since Oct. 1, following President Obamas directive to step up resettlement effortsand 2,381 of them arrived in June, according to records updated by the Refugee Processing Center, operated by the State Department. Theyve been resettled across 38 states; Michigan has taken in the largest group of Syrian refugees, 570 so far, followed by California, which has taken in 500. But a dozen states have taken in no Syrian refugees, and more than a dozen have taken in fewer than 50. To meet its goal, the U.S. must accept 4,814 more over the next three months. This fiscal years total already well exceeds the 1,682 Syrian refugees taken in during the previous year, but pales in comparison to the 4.8 million Syrians who have fled the war, now in its sixth year. Millions remain in the neighboring countries of Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan; the flow of people leaving Syria also contributed to refugee crisis in Europe, which ended its calendar year having taken in some 1 million migrants and refugees. The screening process by which the U.S. admits refugees is complex, and even more so for Syrians, spanning on average 18 to 24 months. TIME broke down this process in a Q&A with Jana Mason, a senior adviser to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, which refers Syrian refugees to the U.S. for resettlement. Even if the administration hits its target, the 10,000 figure is overshadowed by Canada, which government records show has welcomed more than 28,000 Syrian refugees since early November. By Jonathan Cable and Wayne Cole LONDON/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Factories across Europe enjoyed a buoyant month in June but that growth could be under threat after Britons voted to leave the European Union last week, surveys conducted almost entirely before the historic referendum showed. Highlighting another worrying trend for the global economy, China's vast factory sector flatlined as exports shrank and jobs were cut, in a slowdown across Asia that could lead to yet more policy stimulus as doubts grow over the potency of measures taken so far. The hard times signalled by a range of surveys was not what the world needed a week after Britain voted to leave the EU, condemning the bloc to months if not years of political and economic instability. "The unimaginable has happened and the UK vote will cast a long shadow over the UK, Europe and global markets for some time to come," warned Westpac head currency strategist Robert Rennie. "A structurally weaker pound, a softer euro and weaker global growth beckons." Markit/CIPS reported a surprisingly strong reading of 52.1 in June for their UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), up from May's 50.4. That was the strongest reading since January and better than all forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists, which produced a consensus view of 49.9. [GB/PMIM] But data company Markit warned "almost all" the data from manufacturers used in its survey were received before the June 23 referendum. "Leaving the EU threatens the loss of 50 free trade agreements with other countries, as well as restricted access to the single market itself," said Samuel Tombs at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "In short, then, the UK's meagre manufacturing sector - which accounts for just 10 percent of GDP - is not going to prevent the overall economy slipping into recession." Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Thursday the central bank would probably need to pump more stimulus into Britain's economy over the summer to cope with the shock of the vote. Story continues June was also stronger across the euro zone, where factory activity expanded at its fastest rate this year as discounting helped drive up new orders and output, encouraging companies to hire more people to meet the demand. The Markit PMI for the euro zone climbed to 52.8 from May's 51.5, higher than the earlier flash reading of 52.6. Anything above 50 indicates growth. [EUR/PMIM] "However, euro zone manufacturers will be worried that demand in both domestic and foreign markets could be significantly weakened by heightened uncertainty following the UK's vote," said Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight. CHINA BRAKES Among other surveys out on Friday, China's official PMI slipped a tick to 50.0 in June, dead on the level that is divides growth from contraction. One saving grace was the services sector measure, which nudged up to 53.7 in a positive sign for consumer activity. More worrying was the Caixin version of the PMI, which covers a greater share of smaller firms, where the index fell to a four-month trough of 48.6 in June. That had to be a disappointment to Beijing, which has resorted to ever-looser fiscal and monetary policy to support growth and jobs in the world's second largest economy. It was a frustration likely shared by the Bank of Japan, which found major manufacturers in a morose mood despite all its attempts at aggressive easing. The reasons were clear in the Markit/Nikkei measure of Japan's PMI, which edged up slightly to 48.1 in June but stayed in contractionary territory for the fourth straight month. Government data were no better, with household spending down for the third month in a row and core consumer prices suffering their biggest annual drop since 2013. News from South Korea was relatively cheery as its PMI reached a six-month high, yet at 50.5 it was just barely into expansionary territory. Indeed, a separate report showed shipments from the world's sixth-largest exporter fell for an 18th straight month in June. Likewise, electronics powerhouse Taiwan reported some improvement but again growth was only marginal. India's PMI did hit a three-month high but it remains an outlier in an Asian region which could face a whole new threat should the Brexit vote herald a wider retreat from free trade. Vaninder Singh, an economist at Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore, noted the region had been the greatest beneficiary of globalisation and any shift to trade barriers or closed borders would hurt Asia the most. "Overall, what is clear to us is that the impact, will be limited in the near-term, but much more significant in the medium-term," said Singh. "We expect this event and what it represents to subtract as much as 0.3 percent from growth next year compared to our pre-event baseline and expect Asian central banks to respond with another round of easing." (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Hugh Lawson) (Reuters) - British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc said it sold the rights to develop an experimental mid-stage drug to treat atopic dermatitis to privately-held LEO Pharma. LEO Pharma would pay AstraZeneca $115 million in upfront payment and $1 billion in milestones. However, AstraZeneca will retain rights to develop the drug, tralokinumab, to treat severe asthma, the company said. Shares of AstraZeneca were trading nearly flat at 4,463 pence on Friday at 7.04 GMT on the London Stock Exchange. Separately, AstraZeneca said it terminated its licensing deal with Canadian drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc on its experimental psoriasis drug, brodalumab, and sold the rights to that drug in Europe to LEO Pharma. Details of the deal were not disclosed. AstraZeneca said it did not expect the deals to have any impact on its earnings forecast. AstraZeneca's deal with LEO Pharma falls in line with the British drugmaker's recent strategy of focusing on cancer treatments and keeping its market position in developing respiratory treatments. AstraZeneca, which badly needs new drugs to combat the loss of patent protection on its older drugs, is pinning its hopes on another experimental treatment for severe asthma, benralizumab, while it develops more than 10 other respiratory treatments. In June alone, AstraZeneca had sold regional sales rights to its new gout drug Zurampic and global marketing rights to a portfolio of anaesthetics to raise about $1 billion to fund investments in new drugs. (Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier and Sunil Nair) Attackers take hostages at Dhaka restaurant Bangladeshi policemen clear out an area to facilitate action against heavily armed militants who struck at the heart of Bangladeshs diplomatic zone on Friday night, taking dozens of hostages at a restaurant popular with foreigners, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, July 2, 2016. (AP Photo) Islamist militants killed 20 people, including at least nine Italians and seven Japanese, inside an upmarket restaurant in Bangladeshs capital, before security forces stormed the building and ended a 12-hour standoff on Saturday. Islamic State said it was responsible for one of the most brazen attacks in the South Asian nations history, but that claim has yet to be confirmed. It marks a major escalation in a campaign by militants over the past 18 months that had targeted mostly individuals advocating a secular or liberal lifestyle in majority-Muslim Bangladesh with 160 million people. The gunmen, who stormed the busy restaurant in Dhakas diplomatic area late on Friday night, ordered all Bangladeshis to stand up before they began killing foreigners, a source briefed on the police investigation said. (REUTERS) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. (DHAKA, Bangladesh) A group of as many as nine gunmen attacked a restaurant popular with foreigners in a diplomatic zone of the Bangladeshi capital on Friday night, taking hostages and exchanging gunfire with security forces, authorities said. The head of the elite anti-crime force, Rapid Action Battalion, or RAB, told reporters Friday night that they were working to save the lives of the people trapped inside the Holey Artisan Bakery. Some foreigners are believed to be among the hostages. Some derailed youths have entered the restaurant and launched the attack, Benazir Ahmed said. We have talked to some of the people who fled the restaurant after the attack. We want to resolve this peacefully. We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want. A huge contingent of security guards cordoned off the area around the restaurant, trading gunfire with the attackers who set off bombs and exchanged gunfire with the security forces. Some of our people have been injured. Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside, Ahmed said. He would not say how many people were trapped inside. Sumon Reza, a kitchen staffer who escaped the attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhakas Gulshan area, told reporters that the attackers were armed with firearms and bombs as they entered the restaurant around 9:20 p.m. Friday and took customers and staffers hostage at gunpoint. Jamuna Television, quoting Reza, said the attackers chanted Allahu Akbar (God is Great) as they launched the attack. In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters: We are aware of reports of what appears to a hostage situation in the Gulshan neighborhood of Dhaka. Kirby said the embassy has accounted for 100 percent of American citizens that are under the authority of the diplomatic chief of mission in Dhaka. He said he had no more details. Story continues He said it was too early to say who was involved in the assault and their motivation. Bangladesh, a traditionally moderate Muslim-majority nation, has recently seen an upsurge in militant violence. Nearly two dozen atheist writers, publishers, members of religious minorities, social activists and foreign aid workers have been slain since 2013 by attackers. The frequency of attacks has increased in recent months. On Friday, a Hindu temple worker was hacked to death by at least three assailants in southwest Bangladesh. The attacks have raised fears that religious extremists are gaining a foothold in the country, despite its traditions of secularism and tolerance. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government has cracked down on domestic radical Islamists. It has accused local terrorists and opposition political parties especially the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami of orchestrating the violence in order to destabilize the nation, which both parties deny. The Islamic State group and al-Qaida affiliates have claimed responsibility for many of the attacks but the government denies that either group has a presence in the country By Julia Edwards and Adam DeRose WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, seeking to tamp down a firestorm over meeting with former President Bill Clinton, said on Friday she will accept the recommendations of career prosecutors and the FBI director on whether to charge Hillary Clinton for mishandling emails. The United States' top law enforcement officer, however, stopped short of saying she would recuse herself from the investigation of the Democratic presidential candidate. "I will be informed of those findings, as opposed to never reading them or never seeing them, but I will be accepting their recommendations and their plan for going forward," Lynch said. She was responding to questions from a Washington Post journalist who was introducing a talk by Lynch at the Aspen Ideas Festival, a gathering of government, technology and other business leaders in Aspen, Colorado. Republicans, including presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, have said a political appointee like Lynch should not be involved in the email investigation and that the Monday night meeting with Bill Clinton shows Lynch is too close to the Clintons. With a regretful tone, Lynch said on Friday she would not privately meet with Bill Clinton again and that she understood how the meeting "casts a shadow" over the perception of the Justice Department's probe into Hillary Clinton's email use. The attorney general said she has received many questions about her role in the investigation and "whether someone who was a political appointee would be involved in deciding how to investigate." Republican lawmakers have called for an independent investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state, saying the Obama administration's Justice Department could not be free of bias. In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a daily news briefing that the investigation is being handled completely independently of the White House and President Barack Obama. Lynch was appointed by the Democratic president and sworn in on April 1, 2015, well after Hillary Clinton left Obama's Cabinet in 2013. Career prosecutors are not appointed by a president and may serve through different administrations. The FBI director is appointed by the president but is not part of his Cabinet and is considered apolitical. Lynch said on Friday that she had already decided to accept whatever recommendations prosecutors presented her before her meeting with Bill Clinton. The private meeting with the former president took place on Lynch's plane after she landed in Phoenix on Monday night. Bill Clinton was leaving the airport after a rally for his wife earlier that day. Lynch told reporters earlier this week that she did not discuss the email probe or other matters pending before the Justice Department with Bill Clinton, calling their meeting "primarily social." The FBI is investigating Hillary Clinton's email use and whether laws were broken as a result of a personal email server kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state, an issue that has overshadowed her campaign. She apologized last year for using the server, saying that while she did nothing wrong, she should have used two email accounts: one for State Department business and another for personal matters. Representatives for her campaign could not be reached immediately for comment on Friday. Trump on Thursday called Lynch's meeting "a sneak" and questioned the judgment of both Bill Clinton and the attorney general. In a tweet on Friday, the wealthy businessman said the meeting showed the U.S. political system was "totally rigged" and that Hillary Clinton had bad judgment. "Bill's meeting was probably initiated and demanded by Hillary!" Trump said on Twitter. The Justice Department, along with the White House, has said the probe should be free of political interference. (Reporting by Julia Edwards and Adam DeRose; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Jonathan Oatis) A Beatrice company plans to expand into the former Husqvarna building. Worldlawn Power Equipment Inc., a global manufacturer whose U.S. headquarters is based in Beatrice, purchased the 274,000-square-foot facility in north Beatrice to house an expansion. We like Beatrice, and this is a great opportunity for our company to invest in the community, Worldlawn President Hardy Shao said in a news release. Nebraska has been a wonderful fit for our company. We are excited to grow our business and are grateful for the states support. Worldlawn Power Equipment Inc. was established in California in 2004 and has been in Beatrice since 2011 when it purchased Encore Manufacturing. The company manufactures outdoor power equipment, including professional and commercial lawnmowers, residential lawnmowers and snow throwers. Worldlawn currently operates from a 100,000-square-foot facility in the nearby Gage County Industrial Park, and company officials said they are analyzing how to best use both facilities. The new building will serve as a means for diversification, expansion, warehousing and solidifying the companys long-term goals, Worldlawn said in its news release. The company said it will need to add to its 25-person staff, although the scope of the expansion is not yet known. Walker Zulkoski, director of the NGage economic development group, said the purchase is positive news for the area. Its such a great property and really exiting for a local company to purchase it," Zulkoski said. "It really shows so much for Gage County and Beatrice that somebody is willing to double down and do their expansion here. Around 390 jobs were lost when Husqvarna left Beatrice. The building has been empty for six years, in part because banks werent motivated to sell it. Last year, Governor Pete Ricketts met personally with Shao and other officials associated with the company to discuss Nebraskas international partnerships. On Thursday he commended the company for choosing to expand in the state. "I'm very pleased to see this expansion go forward, Ricketts said in a news release. This is another example of how Nebraska is a great place for international companies to invest and grow." By Matt Siegel SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia braced for an election that was too close to call on Friday, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warning of economic chaos if his gamble on an early poll backfires and leaves him without the outright majority he needs to enact major reforms. The leader of Australia's conservative coalition prompted Saturday's election by dissolving both houses of parliament in May, blaming intransigent independents in the upper house Senate for blocking his agenda. New polls on Friday showed voters may return an even more unruly upper house. Turnbull argued on Friday that minor parties, possibly in coalition with center-left Labor, could not be trusted to manage an economy hampered by the first mining downturn in a century and balance public finances after years of deficits. Turnbull, acknowledging that the contest was "really close", urged voters not to be cavalier. "This is not a time to make a protest vote. This is a time to treat your vote as though that is the single vote that will determine the next government," he told reporters in Sydney. Turnbull's coalition is facing a strong challenge from Labor, as well as from independents and minor parties like the Greens, who could win enough seats to hold the balance of power in the Senate or force a minority government in the lower house. A Fairfax/Ipsos poll published on Friday showed Labor and the coalition locked in a dead heat at 50-50, well within the 2.6 percent margin of error for the survey of 1,377 respondents taken between June 26-29. The Murdoch-owned Galaxy polling agency showed a similar outcome, with the government faring slightly better on 51-49 on a first party-preferred basis after the distribution of preference votes from minor parties to the two main contenders. Turnbull's own grip on power even appeared tenuous, with the Fairfax poll showing 27 percent of voters intended to vote for a party other than the coalition or Labor. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, whose new party is fielding almost 50 candidates, could also emerge with influence. So, too, could far right parties, including Pauline Hanson's One Nation, who have campaigned on anti-immigration, anti-Muslim agendas. "Whatever happens in this election ... if we see One Nation elected, if we see a greater informal vote, blame Malcolm Turnbull and the Greens. This was their idea," Labor leader Bill Shorten told reporters in Sydney. Turnbull's repeated attacks on minor parties could have inadvertently driven voters into their arms by elevating their status on the national stage, said Professor Andrew Hughes from the Australian National University. Candidates like Xenophon are viewed as trustworthy and are increasingly seen as a brake on pushing through radical reforms, such as the coalition's centerpiece A$50 billion corporate tax break or Labor's strong push to legalize gay marriage. "In the lower house, this may very well be the last situation we see a political party in Australia govern in their own right," Hughes told Reuters. (Reporting by Matt Siegel; Editing by Paul Tait) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Businesses in one of Australia's biggest states suffered an internet outage for more than six hours, thanks to a faulty network device, the country's No. 1 telecoms company, Telstra Corp Ltd, said on Friday. The outage, Telstra's seventh this year, will pile pressure on the former state monopoly, beset by smaller rivals that are consolidating in a bid to chip away at its lengthy market dominance. In an email, a Telstra spokesman said a "device in the network behaving in a way that wasn't expected" caused Thursday's outage that hit about a fifth of the firm's business customers in Victoria, a state of nearly 6 million people. He gave no details of the malfunctioning device, but said the issue was resolved by late on Thursday. The same day, Telstra announced plans to spend A$250 million ($187 million) to upgrade its mobile network. Media said the affected customers included top department store operator Myer Holdings Ltd, top health insurer Medibank Private Ltd and Qantas Airways Ltd's discount carrier Jetstar, but Telstra declined to confirm this. The company had apologized to all the customers affected, the spokesman said, adding, "We will continue to talk to them about the steps we are taking to improve network resiliency." ($1=A$1.3367) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) In a dramatic statement that's sure to send shock waves rippling from the publishing world to Hollywood, noted author Gay Talese has disavowed his upcoming non-fiction book The Voyeur's Motel, telling The Washington Post that he no longer believes the story told him by Gerald Foos, who claimed to have spied on guests at his Colorado motel from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. After the Post discovered that contrary to the account he provided Talese, Foos sold the hotel in 1980 and did not reacquire it until 1988, Talese told the Post, "I should not have believed a word he said. I'm not going to promote this book. How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet." The Voyeur's Motel is scheduled to be published by Grove Press. It was excerpted in April by The New Yorker, and the creepy tale immediately caused a sensation. DreamWorks snapped up the property, with plans for Sam Mendes to direct a film version produced by Mendes and Steven Spielberg. One of the fathers of the new journalism during the 1960s, Talese has prided himself on his heavily researched non-fiction that often reads like a novel, and he based his account on journals that Foos, now 82, kept as he managed a hotel with a hidden walkway that allowed him to spy on his guests. The New Yorker excerpt contained detailed accounts of Foos' voyeuristic acts based on the journals and Foos' own testimony. While, the Post noted, most of the events described in the book occurred in the 1970s, Talese's story also included events that took place the 1980s that have now been called into question. Said Talese, "The source of my book, Gerald Foos, is certifiably unreliable I did the best I could on this book, but maybe it wasn't good enough. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out for comment to Talese, Grove Press, The New Yorker and Dreamworks about the future of the book and film. Cinemark is facing backlash after attorneys for the theater chain requested that victims and family members of victims of the 2012 Aurora, Colorado, shooting pay nearly $700,000 in legal fees after they unsuccessfully sued the company, according to multiple reports. Earlier this month, lawyers for the theater company told a judge they needed the money to cover the costs of preserving evidence, copying records, travel and other expenses stemming from the lawsuit, the Associated Press reports. The attorneys filed a "bill of costs" totaling $699,187.13, according to the Denver Post. The judge did not immediately make a ruling on the request, but state courts allow the winner of the court case to recover legal fees, the AP reports. In July 2012, James Holmes opened fire on Cinemark's Century 16 Theater in the Denver suburb, killing 12 people and injuring 70. More than 28 victims and their families sued the company in state court, arguing that the theater chain should have done more to prevent the attack, but jurors ruled in Cinemark's favor in May. The company had argued it could not have stopped the determined, heavily-armed Holmes, according to the Post. 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. Holmes was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Cinemark's request filed in Arapahoe County District Court, according to the Post has sparked outrage, with many taking to social media to condemn the theater company. Funerals Begin for Orlando Shooting Victims: 'The Numbers are Daunting' "Shameful! #BoycottCinematk," Lt. Gov. of California Gavin Newsom tweeted on Thursday. Shameful! #BoycottCinemark ----> @Cinemark attorneys want Aurora shooting victims to cover $700k in legal fees https://t.co/GcPuVlrinz a Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2016 Despite the request, the victims may not ultimately have to foot the nearly $700,000 bill because a judge must approve it, according to the Post. Cinemark was not immediately available for comment. Shares of beverage can maker Ball Corporation BLL gained over 1% yesterday after it closed the long-awaited acquisition of Rexam PLC REXMY for approximately $6.1 billion of cash and equity, along with the assumption of approximately $2.4 billion of net debt. Post-acquisition, Ball Corp. is now the largest manufacturer of beverage cans in the world. In early 2015, Ball Corporation had confirmed its offer to obtain Rexam. However, the acquisition of Rexam the London-based metal beverage can maker with 55 plants in more than 20 countries producing cans for The Coca-Cola Company KO, Pepsico, Inc. PEP and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA. was not an easy deal. BALL CORP Price BALL CORP Price | BALL CORP Quote After the announcement, Ball Corp. had faced numerous hurdles from its shareholders and regulatory bodies on the concern that the acquisition will impede effective competition in the consumer packaging market. In order to address these concerns, Ball Corp. submitted commitments to divest some of its assets and agreed to sell twelve plants in Europe and two in Brazil. The company also completed the required sale of the divestment business including eight aluminum-can plants and related assets in the U.S., to Ardagh Group for $3.1 billion. Further, it agreed to shut down Rexam's London headquarters which is expected to close by the end of this year. Ball Corporation's combined global metal beverage business will operate 75 metal-beverage manufacturing facilities and joint ventures, as well as various support locations, in North and Central America, Europe and Russia, South America, Asia and the Middle East. The company will now employ around 18,700 people across five continents with pro forma net 2015 sales of approximately $11 billion. Its global headquarters will remain in Broomfield, Colorado, supplying approximately 100 billion innovative, high-quality metal beverage containers. Ball Corporation expects to immediately begin integration of the new business into its global metal beverage operations. It also expects to gain synergies in excess of $300 million by the end of the third year of combined operations. The companys leverage has increased in the range of 4.5 times net debt to comparable EBITDA following the deal-related cash outflows, reflecting the mid-year seasonal peak of borrowings, as well as the impact of the acquisition, synergies and net divestiture proceeds. However, the company expects that execution on synergies and strong free cash flow will allow it to deleverage rapidly with targeted leverage to be in the range of 3.0 times in 2018. The buyout will create long-term value for Ball Corporations shareholders. It also ensures to make the beverage cans economically, environmentally and socially sustainable in the beverage supply chain. In addition, Ball Corp. will maintain its focus on Drive for 10 vision, EVA philosophy, balance-sheet management, free cash flow generation and capital allocation practices. In line with this, the company initiated a 90-day review of the newly acquired business, including costs, capital, supply logistics and balance-sheet management among others. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company, will announce second-quarter earnings on August 4, 2016, and will provide an update on its progress at that time. 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 COCA COLA CO (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report PEPSICO INC (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report BALL CORP (BLL): Free Stock Analysis Report REXAM PLC-ADR (REXMY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bangladesh police were preparing to launch an operation to free some 20 hostages, including several foreigners, from a restaurant in the capital Dhaka, a police officer at the site told Reuters by telephone early on Saturday. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan of the Rapid Action Battalion added that police had not been able to communicate with the gunmen yet. Two Bangladeshis were able to escape from the restaurant with bullet injuries, he said. (Reporting by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Mike Collett-White) William H. Myers Sr., age 69, of Lincoln, passed away June 12, 2016. He was a loving father, Mason, U.S. Navy veteran serving two combat tours in Vietnam with IUWG-1 Unit 4 patrol boats. He enlisted in 1963. Lille (France) (AFP) - Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel described his side's Euro 2016 elimination as a "terrible disappointment" after they lost 3-1 to Wales in their quarter-final in Lille on Friday. Belgium, the world's second-ranked team, took a 13th-minute lead through Radja Nainggolan, but goals from Ashley Williams, Hal Robson-Kanu and substitute Sam Vokes sent Wales into a quarter-final meeting with Portugal on Wednesday. "It's a terrible disappointment. We're all gutted. We believed in our chances, but we're going home," said the 27-year-old Zenit Saint Petersburg player. "We were doing well in the match until the 25th minute. Then there was a goal from a set-piece (by Williams, in the 31st minute). After that we conceded goals we could have avoided." Belgium were without left-back Jan Vertonghen and centre-back Thomas Vermaelen due to injury and suspension respectively and their absence was felt at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. "They're important players. We had to do without them," said Witsel. "We never said we'd get to the final. But we wanted to give everything to achieve it." You take certain things for granted when you grow up in Baltimore. Crab feasts and summers with thousand-percent humidity; Old Bay Seasoning in your eyes and your paper cuts (etc.). Fireflies, gun violence, Utz potato chips. Upon relocating, a Baltimoron pines for some things and tries to forget others. One item falls squarely in the first category and it falls hard and dense, a fragrant, baked-good brick. When my niece Julia was 7, she described the iconic Bergers cookie this way: Burger cookies are very chocklity. They also are very big. The chocklit is all over the cookie. That about sums it up. Her typo gets to the heart of this confection: To a child, semi-fresh to the ABCs game, how could such an item not be named Burger? This is no Toll House, no Chips Ahoy: In its caloric (140 per cookie), chocolaty nucleus, a Bergers is roughly an inch and a half thick. Its bottom half is a blond disc of cookie; its top half is fudge. All of it is delicious. Its a cookie. Charlie DeBaufre, owner of Bergers Bergers was founded back in 1835 by Henry and George Berger, German immigrants who opened a bakery in East Baltimore. By the late 1800s, the cookies were sold all over the city at open-air markets. Its entirely conceivable that my maternal great-grandparents, immigrants from Czechoslovakia and England, were Berger fiends; I certainly ate them at my Pop and Mee-Moms house. Owner Charlie DeBaufre, whose father started working with the company in 1938 at age 12, says the cookie hasnt changed much in at least 50 years. And when it did change, it was for one reason only: the government. Butter was bad, so we moved to margarine. Now they say margarine is bad, DeBaufre laments, adding that Bergers are not health food. Its a cookie. Cookies The father (left) and uncle of current Bergers owner Charlie DeBaufre Source: Courtesy of Berger Cookies The bakery makes 30,000 cookies a day each of them crafted and boxed by hand. Thats 30,000 handfuls of happiness; 30,000 grenades in the global battle against hopelessness. DeBaufre gets orders from all over, including from Mountain View, California, where OZY and Google, among others, are headquartered. The bakerys driver takes shipments to an out-of-the way post office near the Pennsylvania border, bearing treats for the post office ladies, of course. Once, DeBaufre says, to get around Chinas rule against shipping food into the country, a customer found someone willing to take Bergers boxes on an overseas flight and meet the recipient at the airport. Another time, a man phoned in an order for his daughter in South Africa. Two days later, says DeBaufre, someone else phoned in an order for his girlfriend in South Africa. When DeBaufre realized it was the same woman, he told the boyfriend, who then asked how many boxes the womans father had shipped (two). Id better send her three, the boyfriend replied. Story continues Img 1499 A skyscraper made of Bergers Source: Courtesy of Berger Cookies Bergers has had its bumps. Several years ago, when DeBaufre was recovering from a major illness, a demo of a trans-fat-free label was mistakenly used; a whole lot of boxes had to be stickered over by hand. The same year, a former employee failed to renew the food permit, says DeBaufre, and the health department shut them down. A horrendous rain storm once battered old windows so hard that all the cookie boxes got soaked, forcing them to close for 10 days. And now DeBaufre is on an FDA deadline to eliminate trans fats from his product. This daunted him in the past (old test versions tasted like crap). But test runs using improved alternatives have yielded tasty results, and a trans-fat-free Berger should hit shelves by January 2017. Does anything threaten the future of this Baltimore treasure? DeBaufre: Other than the government? He is seeking a fix for high-fructose corn syrup, which he predicts will be the next battle. And reiterates: Its a cookie. Everybody loves them, says DeBaufre. Well not everyone. I only ever ate them stoned, says Van Smith, a former Baltimore City Paper investigative journalist. Otherwise, kinda gross. (DeBaufre concedes that the cookie is rich.) As opinions go, Smiths is on the meritless end of the spectrum, but I include it for fairness and balance. After all, Im still a journalist, even if I dont actually believe there is any valid perspective any other perspective on the Berger besides best cookie in the known universe. Berger is king. All hail. Bergers Cookies, Critique and Rebuttal I love a cookie that is light and crisp. Fair enough; this is not the cookie for you. Bergers, however, are still the best. With its intense and cakey base, its more of a tiny cake than a cookie. And? This cookie is all about chocolate. People who prefer vanilla, cinnamon-oatmeal-raisin or, God forbid, mint over chocolate are deficient in the same enzyme whose lack results in a fondness for cats and an aversion to cilantro. Talk to your doctor. Related Articles WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, in a phone call with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, expressed "strong concerns regarding recent negative developments in Bahrain," the White House said in a statement on Friday. Biden spoke to al-Khalifa on Thursday and "emphasized the importance of reducing ongoing tensions through dialogue and reconciliation with the opposition, and a commitment to reform," the statement said. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Eric Walsh) Odds are, you never take a moment to say thank you to Jupiterbut its not too late to start. The fact is, if the fifth planet from the sun werent here, theres at least a fair chance that the third one (that would be Earth) wouldnt be either. Jupiter is not only the biggest planet in the solar system, its also the one with the most powerful gravity. For billions of years, it has thus stood as a sort of guardian over the smaller planets of the inner solar system, pulling in and gobbling up comets and asteroids as they fly by. Certainly, it hasnt caught all of themthe moon didnt get those craters by accidentbut its gotten plenty, and that matters. You know that asteroid that killed the dinosaurs? Imagine if Earth got clobbered like that all the time. Thats just one of the things that makes Jupiter a world that deserves our attention. And its about to get a lot of it, when NASAs Juno spacecraft, which left Earth on Aug. 5, 2011, arrives at Jupiter at 11:35 p.m. EST on July 4, beginning what is planned to be a nearly 20-month mission. (TIME will carry the arrival live.) Junos final approach to the planet is actually already underway, having started on June 30, when the ship powered up its instruments and positioned itself for a 35-minute engine burn on Independence Day eveninga bit of fireworks that will be a lot more complicated than the ones that will be taking place all over the U.S. at the very same moment. The maneuver will slow the ship by 1,212 mph (1,950 k/h) from its current speed of over 16,000 mph (25,800 k/h), just enough to settle it into orbit around Jupiter. The spacecraft will inscribe what is known as a polar orbit, circling the planet not more or less horizontally as most satellites do, but north to south, pole to pole. That will allow it to survey the entirety of Jupiter as it rotates slowly beneath. Junos first few orbits will be high-altitude ones, each taking 53.5 days to complete. But another engine burn will lower it to as close as just 2,600 mi. (4,200 km) above the Jovian cloud-tops, making for a zippier 14-day trip around the planet. There will be a lot to study from that close-up perch. Story continues Jupiter is often thought of as a sort of failed star, with a hydrogen-helium mix similar to that of the sun but without the mass to get its stellar fires lit. Still, its radiation field is so powerful that it is the only planet in the solar system that actually emits more energy into space than it absorbs from the sun. Jupiter is a place too where liquid helium falls through the clouds like rain; where hydrogen is subjected to such pressures that it behaves like an electricity-conducting metal; where the temperatures are just 152 F (67 C) on the surface but 62,000 F (34,000 C) below the clouds. All that and more will be studied by a suite of nine instruments that will investigate Jupiters gravity, radiation field, atmospheric chemistry, aurorae, magnetism and other vital signs. The spacecraft will also captureand send homean albums worth of dazzling images. When the last bit of data has been streamed to Earth, in February 2018, and the 37th of Junos allotted orbits is done, it will light its engine just once more, this time to send it on a suicide plunge into the boiling atmosphere of the planet. It will have given its life for a good reason. Jupiter is parent to 62 known moons, four of whichIo, Europa, Ganymede and Callistoare large enough to have been discovered by the comparatively primitive telescope of Galileo Galilei in 1610. Europa in particular holds fascination for astronomers because it is thought to have a realistic chance of harboring life, thanks to a comparatively warm, globe-girdling ocean beneath a rind of ice. Spacecraft sent from Earth can harbor terrestrial microorganisms, which could lead to biological contamination if Juno were left to die in orbit and it wandered into a collision with Europa. Two of the other so-called Galilean moonsCallisto and Ganymedeare also considered candidates for buried oceans, and also deserving of protection. So tantalizing is the potential of Jupiters moons that Juno is carrying a plaque etched with the words ofand in the hand ofGalileo himself, as he recorded the discovery of the moons in his notebook. At the time, he knew of only three of them and wrote, in part, it is evident that around Jupiter there are three moving stars invisible till this time to everyone. Those stars are visible now. And the planet they orbit will soon be far more visible still. Galileos work, begun more than four centuries ago, goes on this summer. Screen Shot 2016 07 01 at 11.39.50 AM Big Pharma just got a major endorsement. In an interview this week with Bloomberg, Bill Gates said that for all the criticism the industry has gotten over the past year regarding its drug-pricing strategies in which the costs of some existing medicines have had drastic increases over the past few years it's still better off than some alternatives. "Despite some extreme cases that have been properly labeled as inappropriate, I think that the current system is better than most other systems one can imagine," he said. Gates interacts with a number of drug companies through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works in part to treat and prevent infectious diseases in developing countries. "The drug companies are turning out miracles, and we need their R&D budgets to stay strong," he said, pointing to the hepatitis C cures that have come out in the past few years. The drugs have drawn negative attention because of their high costs. But, as Gates pointed out, there's been more competition since, which has led to lower prices. Essentially, charging high prices on cures, like the ones for hepatitis C, lead to larger budgets that could turn out other revolutionary drugs farther down the line. "For things like Alzheimers, they can reduce medical costs so dramatically and improve the human condition," he said. Even so, there's still a lot of pushback against high drug prices, especially on existing medications that increase in price. In an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw, Vice President Joe Biden spoke out against pharma prices, saying, The pharmaceutical industry owes us an explanation. Biden gave an example of a drug, which he didn't name, that came out in 2002 with a price around $27,000 a year and today costs $130,000 a year. Im going to seek publicly to hear the explanation, he said. Watch the full Gates interview here. NOW WATCH: Watch Hillary Clinton threaten to 'go after' one of the most controversial drug companies in America More From Business Insider Blake Lively is keeping her daughter out of the public eye and her reason why makes total sense Blake Lively is keeping her daughter out of the public eye and her reason why makes total sense In 2014, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds welcomed their daughter James into the world. We havent seen much of her since and thats on purpose. The couple keeps their little bundle of joy of the spotlight, and in a recent interview in the August issue of Marie Claire UK, Blake explained why. Unlike most stars, Blake and Ryan dont live in Los Angeles. Instead, theyre living a quiet family life in Bedford, New York, and they dont plan on relocating any time soon. My husband and I chose a profession and a side effect of that is your personal life is public, she explained in the interview. Our child hasnt had the opportunity to choose whether or not she wants her personal life to be public or not. So in order to give her as much normality as possible, we want her to have a childhood like we had. So we cant really throw her into the lions den that is L.A., not that we really want to. While we totally wish we knew more about James, we 100% respect their family decision to avoid the paparazzi. Were grateful for the little hints we get along the way, like when Ryan shared her birthday on December 16th, or when Blake described what she looks like, and what features she has from each of her parents. James is going to have an awesome life wherever she lives, because shes being raised by such thoughtful and caring parents. The post Blake Lively is keeping her daughter out of the public eye and her reason why makes total sense appeared first on HelloGiggles. Here are some things you need to help celebrate the Fourth of July: American flags, insect repellent and lawn chairs to watch your favorite fireworks display. And dont forget the grenadine, cream and blue curacao. As they always say, its not the Fourth without a fifth. And if you plan to celebrate Americas independence, there are few ways to do it better than with a cocktail (or three) that allows you to fly your favorite colors: red, white and blue. Red? Red is easy. You can make red drinks with grenadine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, creme de cassis, Campari, strained strawberries, cherry juice or red wine. White? Well, theres cream, of course. And white creme de cacao, Irish cream liqueur, other cream liqueurs such as Amarula (its made from the fruit of the marula tree), milk and even yogurt liqueur. But blue? Well, blues a problem. There is blue curacao. And then there is Windex, which I wouldnt recommend drinking but at least the spills clean up nicely. So I asked an expert, Chris Sanders, the bar manager at Sanctuaria Wild Tapas, to come up with some drinks to put a firecracker in your Fourth. He mixed and added, shook and strained, added a dash of this and three dashes of that and produced six summertime cocktails that were cool and refreshing and worthy of Old Glory. Lets start with the reds. Planters Punch has been around at least since 1878, when a whimsical, rhyming recipe for it was printed in Fun magazine. Its still so popular that its one of the drinks made in competition by the International Bartenders Association. Sanctuarias version begins with dark rum and adds to it fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice and canned pineapple juice (it tastes good, its not too sweet and its quality is consistent, Sanders said). Grenadine and Angostura bitters add both flavor and the desired red color, with sweetness provided by homemade oleo sacchurum. Sanders told me how to make oleo sacchurum. You might want to use orgeat, an almond syrup, instead. The Planters Punch he made was fruity and refreshing, like Hawaiian Punch with a kick. It would be great for the Fourth or any sizzling summer day. The other red drink Sanders poured is called a Sanctuaria Smash. It begins with a hefty pour of strong whiskey tempered by lemon juice, strawberries, basil leaves and a hit of cinnamon simple syrup. Then it is all muddled together, shaken and strained into an ice-filled glass. Its so popular we cant even keep it in stock, Sanders said, and I can understand why. It is a beautifully balanced drink, with a bit of sweetness playing off a hint of tartness from the strawberries and a soft undertone of cinnamon beneath it all. It was my favorite of the six drinks he made. White drinks are next, including the famous Ramos Gin Fizz, one of the more storied concoctions from New Orleans. It is one of the most annoying drinks a bartender can make. Bartenders hate making this, Sanders said, explaining that it requires a lot of time and effort. The drink begins with gin, fresh lemon and lime juices, simple syrup and orange flower water. An ounce of cream makes it white, and then comes the special ingredient, an egg white. This is the part the bartenders dont like: You have to give this mixture a double shake. The first time, you shake it vigorously and at some length to make the egg white all nice and frothy. The second time, you add ice to make it cold again, you shake it with vigor for some time. Then you slowly pour it into a slug or two of soda water in the bottom of a glass. If done right, and if it works right, a half-inch or so of the froth will rise above the lip of the glass like a souffle. It doesnt just look good, it tastes good: smooth, fruity and creamy. But having to go to all that trouble for a drink that could fail to rise correctly (also like a souffle) is why Sanders calls it a pressure drink. The other white drink he made is called At the Gate, because it was first created for this years Kentucky Derby. Its a Derby drink so it has mint, of course, in the form of mint simple syrup. This is mixed with cucumber-infused vodka, lime juice and St. Germain, the elderflower liqueur that was at the forefront of the craft-cocktail revolution. This is more of a thirst-quencher. A little sweet, a little tart, it is just right for sipping on a porch on a hot day. And finally, we come to the blue drinks. The Leatherneck is a classic cocktail that I will admit I had never heard of before. Invented in the 1950s by a former Marine (hence the name, an affectionate nickname for Marines), it combines blue curacao, lime juice and whiskey Sanctuaria uses Pendleton Canadian whiskey. Because curacao is a liqueur from the laraha fruit, which is related to the orange, the Leatherneck has a nice citrus flavor. It also boasts a lovely color that is irresistibly blue. The other blue cocktail is the amusingly named Tequila Mockingjay (we were trying to figure out how many cross references we can get in one drink, Sanders said). Its tequila, lime juice, blueberry simple syrup and a couple of dashes of jalapeno tincture for a subtle kick. Basically, Sanders said, it is a blueberry margarita. Its simple, its easy, it tastes good, he said. All of which are true. But its not quite blue. Even with the blueberry simple syrup, the color is more purple than blue and on the red side of purple. Maybe he should have used Windex. Frankfurt (AFP) - German top-of-the-range car maker BMW announced Friday that it is joining forces with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving cars. The three companies "are collaborating to bring solutions for highly and fully automated driving into series production by 2021," they said in a joint statement. The news comes amid growing interest in self-driving cars following tests over the past few years by Google and research by several major automakers. "BMW, Intel and Mobileye are convinced that automated driving technologies will make travel safer and easier," they said. The aim of the collaboration was to develop solutions that would enable drivers not only to take their hands off the steering wheel, but also reach a stage where they could also take their eyes of the road and ultimately their mind off driving, the statement continued. The final stage would then be "driver off", or without a human driver inside. "This establishes the opportunity for self-driving fleets by 2021 and lays the foundation for entirely new business models in a connected, mobile world," the partners said. While the auto industry sees self-driving cars as the way forward, US electric car company Tesla announced earlier that a driver was killed in a car crash in Florida in May while using the "autopilot" self-driving mechanism on one of its models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had opened a "preliminary evaluation" into the performance of the autopilot function in the wake of the crash. BMW, Intel and Mobileye insisted that "the future of automated driving promises to change lives and societies for the better." Nevertheless, "the path to get to a fully autonomous world is complex and will require end-to-end solutions that integrate intelligence across the network, from door locks to the data centre." they said. "Transportation providers of the future must harness rapidly evolving technologies, collaborate with totally new partners, and prepare for disruptive opportunities." Intel is the world's leading maker of computer chips while Mobileye describes itself as the "global leader in the development of computer vision and machine learning, data analysis, localization and mapping for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and autonomous driving." UPDATE, 8:31PM: The hashtag #BoycottCinemark filled social media pages today after it was reported that the nations third-largest exhibitor was seeking to stick a $700,000 legal bill to victims and surviving family members of the July 20, 2012 mass shooting at the Century 16 multiplex during a screening of Warner Bros The Dark Knight Rises. Even Californias Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom was appalled at Cinemarks legal maneuvers, tweeting out tonight: Shameful! #BoycottCinemark -> @Cinemark attorneys want Aurora shooting victims to cover $700k in legal fees https://t.co/GcPuVlrinz Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2016 The move by Cinemark has not only created anger in the social media universe, but the storys headlines have been picked up by news outlets nationwide. Among othe 30 victims that Cinemark wants legal fees from include two families whose sons heroically saved others in the theater, a woman who had to hold her own intestines in after being shot, and a boy who was shot in the head. The state law in Colorado is such that the winning side in a civil suit can seek compensation for their legal costs. News of Cinemarks recent filing for legal fees comes in the wake of its recent quarterly earnings in which it reported revenue of $704.9 million. In May, a six-person state jury delivered a unanimous verdict that Cinemark was not partially liable for the fatal Colorado shooting. Plaintiffs charged Cinemark with failing to provide security in their theaters, especially since Homeland Security put out an alert prior to the tragedy that theaters were potential terrorist targets. The mass shooting took 12 lives and injured 70. Story continues Below are some of the tweets from those expressing outrage at Cinemark: @Cinemark With all the money you morons make, you need to sue VICTIMS of a mass shooting to make more? Unbelievable #BoycottCinemark JJ Seaward (@Avalanche_JJ5) June 30, 2016 So who at @Cinemark gets to hand the family of the 6-year-old who was murdered in their theater the bill for this?? https://t.co/N9KAqSre74 Jen Mayhew (@JenM512) June 30, 2016 @Cinemark Obviously you need a reminder that people died, guests at your establishment, were killed. pic.twitter.com/YgvhAnJIgH David C Holley (@DavidCHolley) June 30, 2016 Related stories Cinemark Wants Colorado Theater Shooting Victims To Pay $700K In Fees Cinemark Wins Dismissal Of Colorado Theater Shooting Liability Case Bryan Cranston-Owned Cinemas Palme d'Or Wins Appellate Decision, Will See Cinemark In Court By Osamu Tsukimori and Wilda Asmarini TOKYO/JAKARTA (Reuters) - BP gained final investment approval to an $8 billion expansion of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Indonesia on Friday, clearing the way for a third train to start operations in 2020. BP is going forward with expansion of Tangguh despite announcing it would rein back on spending this year due to weak oil prices. It also approved investment on an Egyptian gas field last week. The investment will boost annual LNG production capacity at the Tangguh project in Indonesia's West Papua province by 50 percent to 11.4 million tonnes. Three-quarters of the gas from the new Train 3 will be supplied to Indonesian power utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, BP said. The rest will go to Japan's Kansai Electric Power Co. Officials at Indonesia's upstream energy regulator SKKMigas said the project was worth $8 billion, although BP declined to confirm that figure. "We are finalising details with potential lenders and at this point I'm not able to disclose who they are," Christina Verchere, BP regional president Asia Pacific, told reporters. In May BP cut its budget for the project to $8-10 billion from $12 billion. "This final investment decision was made after confirmation with Tangguh production-sharing contractors and is based on commercial considerations," said Indonesian energy minister Sudirman Said. BP leads the Tangguh project with a 37.16 percent stake. Its partners include MI Berau, China National Offshore Oil Co and a venture between Mitsubishi Corp and Inpex. Friday's decision also sealed a $2.43-billion onshore building contract for a consortium led by Tripatra, part of Indonesia's Indika Energy Group, SKKMigas chief Amien Sunaryadi said. A $448-million offshore contract was awarded to the Indonesian unit of Saipem, he said. "(These) are the contractors who did the front end engineering designs, so we hope the (results) aren't too different from that," Sunaryadi said. (Writing by Fergus Jensen; editing by Himani Sarkar and Jason Neely) BRASILIA, July 1 (Reuters) - Brazil's central bank aims to reduce its stock of currency swaps and does not rule out direct intervention in the forex market to reduce volatility, central bank governor Ilan Goldfajn said in an interview published by newspaper Valor Economico on Friday. Goldfajn, who took over the bank's presidency in June, said the objective of the bank's currency policy is to have a free-floating exchange rate and reduce the currency swaps stock that stands at a little over $60 billion. "It seems appropriate to reduce the stock of exchange instruments," Goldfajn was quoted as saying by the newspaper. He did not specify how the bank will reduce the stock, but added: "We will see when there is a window of opportunity." Over the last three years the bank had built up a stock of more than $100 billion worth of currency swaps, which function like dollar sales to investors but cost taxpayers dearly when the real declines. The central bank under Goldfajn's predecessor Alexandre Tombini had sharply reduced that stock by selling reverse currency swaps in recent months to weaken the real. But the bank put that instrument aside for more than one month as the new chief took charge, fostering bets that Goldfajn could be more willing to tolerate a stronger currency. On Friday, the bank resumed its interventions by selling $500 million worth of reverse currency swaps after the real posted its biggest monthly gain in 13 years in June. The real has appreciated around 30 percent since its record low reached in mid-January as investors raised their bets on a change of government that would be positive for an economy in its second year of recession. In May, President Dilma Rousseff was suspended to stand trial in the Senate on charges of breaking fiscal rules. She denies any wrongdoing. Her replacement, vice president Michel Temer, has vowed to reduce state intervention in the economy and bolster private investment. Goldfajn, 50, who quit as chief economist of Itau Unibanco Holding SA to join the central bank, did not rule out purchasing dollars to build up international reserves and limit currency volatility. "If you ask me about buying reserves I'm not going to answer... but (reducing) swaps is something that comes before that," Goldfajn said. (Writing by Alonso Soto; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Bernard Orr) RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A court in Brazil on Thursday blocked 19.5 million reais ($6.07 million) in Facebook Inc funds after the U.S-based social networking company's WhatsApp messaging service failed to turn over messages sought in a drugs case, the G1 news service said. Brazil's federal police said WhatsApp has defied repeated orders to turn over messages sent and received by suspected members of an international cocaine smuggling ring that has been under investigation since January. Without the data, it will be difficult or impossible to prove links between those captured in recent raids and their confederates in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Spain, G1 reported, citing the police. After repeated failure over five months to turn over the information, a judge in Brazil's southern Parana state froze the funds, which are equal to WhatsApp's accumulated fines for non-compliance in the case, G1 said. Because WhatsApp has no bank accounts in Brazil, the judge froze funds owned by its parent, Facebook, the article said. The Brazilian court, though, did not use provisions of Brazil's Internet law that allows courts to shut down service in some cases of non-compliance with court orders. A similar case earlier this year prompted a judge to shut WhatsApp down for 72 hours, angering many of the service's 100 million Brazilian users. The shutdown was lifted after about 24 hours by another court. At the time of that blockage, Facebook said WhatsApp does not store client messages and could not read them if they did because they are encrypted. On Thursday, Facebook officials were not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Jeb Blount) (Adds Ser Educacional's reaction, background) By Tatiana Bautzer and Juliana Schincariol SAO PAULO/ RIO DE JANEIRO, July 1 (Reuters) - Brazil's No. 2 for-profit college operator Estacio Participacoes SA said on Friday its board accepted financial terms of an improved takeover bid from larger rival Kroton Educacional SA worth 5.5 billion reais ($1.7 billion), nearly ending a month-long battle. Kroton, the world's largest education company by market value, said in a filing it had offered a swap ratio of 1.281-to-1 for Estacio's shares as well as a one-off cash payment of 170 million reais ($52.84 million), equivalent to roughly 0.55 reais per Estacio share. The stock swap ratio was only 2 percent higher than the previous Kroton proposal, equivalent to 1.25 shares of Estacio. Estacio said its board had agreed at a meeting on Thursday to the financial conditions of Kroton's new offer, pending the negotiation of operational terms of the agreement between the two companies and the regulatory authorities' approval. The board will meet again on July 8 to review the terms of the merger and, if all the conditions are agreed on, call for a shareholders' assembly to approve the proposal. Kroton shares closed up 5.4 percent at 14.34 reais in Sao Paulo. Estacio shares gained 1.95 percent to close at 17.29 reais. The deal could unleash a wave of mergers in Brazil's education sector, underscoring the resilience of for-profit college operators during a two-year recession in which student delinquencies have risen and the government has slashed funding for student loans. Kroton's third bid for Estacio followed an improved offer on Wednesday from smaller rival Ser Educacional SA. Ser will use all legal means to ensure antitrust laws are met in Kroton's deal with Estacio, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Analysts have said antitrust watchdog Cade will ask the new company to divest some businesses. The combined Kroton-Estacio will have more than 1.5 million students, a 23 percent market share in colleges and 50 percent market share in online or distance learning. Story continues Ser is considering the best moment to officially drop its bid for Estacio, a source familiar with the situation said, adding that the company has already been approached by other for-profit education groups to discuss possible combinations. Grupo BTG Pactual SA advised Estacios board and the investment banking unit of Itau Unibanco Holding SA advised Kroton in the deal. The boards blessing for the deal will make it easier for Kroton to integrate Estacio. Kroton had considered turning the bid hostile if the board did not endorse the proposal. Estacio and Kroton have a number of large shareholders in common, such as New York-based OppenheimerFunds Inc, San Diego-based Brandes Investment Partners LP and Cape Town-based Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. Kroton was counting on them in the case of an hostile bid, since those common shareholders hold more than 50 percent of Estacio. Coronation Fund Managers had already endorsed Kroton's earlier bid, its co-managers told Reuters. Estacio's No 2 shareholder, the Zaher family, which holds 14 percent of the company, has opposed the deal with Kroton and demanded to receive 1.5 shares in Kroton for one Estacio share. The Zahers have mulled a competing offer, but did not formalize it. Patriarch Chaim Zaher is Estacios chief executive officer. ($1 = 3.2054 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer and Juliana Schincariol, additional reporting by Silvio Cascione; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Tom Brown) Breaking news: Serials Adnan Syed is getting a retrial Breaking news: Serials Adnan Syed is getting a retrial Guys, its happening. Serials Adnan Syed is getting a retrial! Alright, lets take a moment to catch our breath. If you havent listened to the captivating NPR podcast Serial, we recommend you do so immediately. The website for Serial describes the case best: Its Baltimore, 1999. Hae Min Lee, a popular high-school senior, disappears after school one day. Six weeks later detectives arrest her classmate and ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, for her murder. He says hes innocent though he cant exactly remember what he was doing on that January afternoon. Podcast host Sarah Koenig met various witnesses over the span of 12 episodes, witnesses that proved and disproved Syeds innocence, leaving the listener wondering, did he do it? One thing was for certain: The case was poorly handled across the board. And so its no wonder that Syeds newest lawyer, C. Justin Brown, exuberantly tweeted the news Thursday afternoon and confirmed with The New York Times by phone that the motion for a retrial was granted by Judge Martin P. Welch of the Baltimore Circuit Court. In court documents obtained by The Huffington Post, Judge Welch agreed with the defenses claim that the lawyer in Syeds initial trial provided ineffective counsel when she failed to cross-examine the state of Marylands cell tower expert about the reliability of key evidence. The state had argued that the cell tower data accurately placed Syed at the location near where Lees body was found. And so, there will be another trial. Syeds lawyer is understandably thrilled: WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan Justin Brown (@CJBrownLaw) June 30, 2016 Justin C. Brown isnt the only one to tweet his excitement. Syeds friend Rabia Chaudry (also interviewed at length on Serial) also tweeted her happiness for Syeds good news: Story continues WE WON. WE WON. WE WON. WE WON. alhamdulillah WE WON!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/uo01OMbtxU rabia chaudry (@rabiasquared) June 30, 2016 Meanwhile, Syeds family has always believed in his innocence, and so they are overjoyed. I had a feeling in my heart it was going to happen. We are just very happy, Syeds brother Yusuf told the Baltimore Sun. Its not only a win for us but a win for a lot of people whore stuck in the system because it opened a lot of peoples eyes about the justice system. We are thrilled. There were so many inconsistencies with this case. Maybe now we can get some real answers. Adnan Syed has been granted a new trial. Judge Welch's order: https://t.co/Io4HRRNWLt pic.twitter.com/CzT4LK2w79 Serial (@serial) June 30, 2016 This is great feat. According to Portland-based criminal defense attorney Kevin Sali, ineffective counsel claims are typically very hard to win. Sali explained: You basically have to show two things: That your lawyers performance fell below the constitutional minimum standard not that they did a bad job or could have done better. What makes that difficult is that a lot of things a lawyer will do or not do are considered judgment calls. You also have to show that if your lawyer had done a constitutionally competent job, the result of the case could have been different. Somehow, Syeds camp did it! This latest ruling shows that Syeds claim met both requirements: The judge believed that Gutierrez (Syeds first lawyer) was constitutionally ineffective, and that cross-examining the witness may have affected the outcome. Now the ball starts rolling for a retrial. Well keep you guys up-to-date with any latest news. Until then, congratulations to the Syed family on this turn of events. (And, seriously, guys, go listen to Serial.) The post Breaking news: Serials Adnan Syed is getting a retrial appeared first on HelloGiggles. Six people convicted of a Beatrice woman's 1985 rape and murder, later tied by DNA to another man, told a jury to send a message to Gage County and those behind the cold-case investigation that it must never happen again. The emotional closing argument Thursday in a federal courtroom in Lincoln ended up being cause for a judge's reprimand, followed by the other side seeking a mistrial after the jury left for the day. "This is not a whiplash in a car crash," attorney Maren Chaloupka told jurors before they began deliberations. This was about throwing away the lives of six people Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Tom Winslow, Deb Shelden, James Dean and Kathy Gonzalez like Kleenex so investigators Burt Searcey and Jerry DeWitt and prosecutor Dick Smith "could look like heroes," she said. Searcey, a county sheriff's deputy, led the investigation; DeWitt, who since has died, was sheriff; and Smith was the county attorney who in 1989 prosecuted the criminal cases surrounding Helen Wilson's rape and murder on Feb. 6, 1985. Jurors could find against each defendant individually or against any of the three plus Gage County, if they believe DeWitt knowingly allowed the reckless investigation or fabrication of false evidence, or that he or the others conspired with Smith to allow it. Chaloupka asked the jury to award the six at least half a million dollars for each year they spent in prison more than $37.5 million total. Jurors began deliberations at 1:30 p.m. and went home at 5 p.m. without a verdict. They are set to continue at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios, an attorney for Gage County and the investigators, called the $37.5 million figure outrageous, arguing jurors shouldn't even find her clients liable for damages. Searcey and the others were just part of the criminal justice process, not the entire justice system, she argued. "In fact, once the trip began, it was really out of the hands of our clients," she said. Smith was dropped from the suit early on because he has absolute immunity as a prosecutor. He was in the driver's seat, Whittamore-Mantzios said, and DeWitt was just along for the ride. Chaloupka said it was jurors' job to say "that this is not normal, that this must never happen again, that the harm is too catastrophic." Shortly after, she asked the plaintiffs and their supporters to stand. The move later drew a reprimand from Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf, who also took issue with Chaloupka showing jurors a screen that said "Innocent." Guilt or innocence isn't for the jury to decide. Gage County's attorneys then filed a motion for a mistrial over both. Kopf has yet to rule on the request. Jennifer Tomka, co-counsel for the Gage County side, said Searcey was just being diligent in his persistence to solve the crime and was limited by the technology available to him in 1989. "Deputy Searcey did the best job he could do with what he had," she said. And Whittamore-Mantzios pointed elsewhere: to the judge who signed affidavits for their arrests; to the Beatrice police, who failed to retest Bruce Smith's blood sample; to the jury that heard White's criminal trial; even to the Nebraska Supreme Court that initially affirmed his conviction. She said this jury could believe the greatest wrong had occurred and still not punish her clients. But if by chance the jury did find in the Beatrice 6's favor, Whittamore-Mantzios said they should limit damages to $1.4 million at most. She downplayed the idea Winslow should get more money because he was sexually assaulted repeatedly in prison after being labeled by inmates as a man who raped and killed an elderly woman. Other things, like how Winslow speaks in "an effeminate manner," marked him as a victim, she said. Chaloupka said attorneys for the investigators could've come in and just defended their thought processes at the time, "but thats not what they did." "Youve seen zero acknowledgment that the convictions were wrongful," she said. Her co-counsel, Jeff Patterson, said all evidence used to convict them was false: Searcey put false and misleading information in affidavits for their arrest without concern for the consequences. Dr. Wayne Price, a psychologist and reserve deputy, got confessions based on the dreams of mentally ill people. And Smith didn't want to do DNA testing or tell defense attorneys about the possibility because he knew what it would show. "The only thing that concerned them was getting pleas and getting convictions," Patterson said. He said they ignored objective, scientific evidence collected from the crime scene in 1984 that said the murderer and rapist had Type B blood and was a non-secreter. They pressured and bullied, and when that failed they brought in Price, he said. The closing arguments ended with Norfolk attorney Doug Stratton, who took White's case when he still was in prison and trying to get the DNA testing that eventually freed him. Stratton said the six were kids in 1989, when their lives were destroyed by the worst miscarriage of justice in Nebraska's history. For the investigators, he said, the aim was personal glory, not justice: "It certainly was not a journey for truth." Thiepval (France) (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande said Friday that Brexit cannot be "cancelled" or "delayed", after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron. "The decision has been taken, it cannot be delayed and it cannot be cancelled, now they have to face the consequences," Hollande told reporters on the sidelines of Battle of the Somme centenary ceremonies in northern France. "Being in the European Union has advantages," he said. "And that's... what the British are starting to understand. Those who were tempted by the Brexit are starting to think it over." Hollande said a speedy Brexit "would avert all the uncertainties and instability, especially in the economic and financial domains. The faster it goes, the better it will be for them." Puerto Varas (Chile) (AFP) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union drove key Latin American powers to urge greater economic integration on Friday to protect their own trade relations from the fallout. The call came at a summit of the Pacific Alliance, which groups Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile. "Despite the specter of disintegration raised by so-called Brexit, the world has to organize itself into major blocs," Chilean President Michelle Bachelet told the gathering. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said all four states hope to forge a free-trade and migration zone between them. The countries also discussed a possible tie-up with the five-member South American trade bloc Mercosur and with Southeast Asian grouping ASEAN. Argentine President Mauricio Macri attended the alliance gathering in gesture of support for that move. GettyImages-524629414 The Chicago Blackhawks were done after one round last season partially because their defense was exposed. Trevor van Riemsdyk, Erik Gustafsson and David Rundblad all werent ready for prime time. The loss of Johnny Oduya in the previous offseason and the teams inability to replace him with either Trevor Daley or Rob Scuderi, whom they acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Daley left the teams blue line thin. So the Blackhawks have decided to dip into the past for some help: Brian Campbell, who won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010. According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the deal is done for July 1. Campbells massive 8-year, $57-million contract that he signed with the Blackhaws in 2008 was moved by the team to the Florida Panthers and former GM Dale Tallon in 2011. Hes spent the last five years there, scoring 175 points in 376 games and being a steady hand on the blue line especially in helping along phenom Aaron Ekblad. Campbell was a plus-31 last season. He doesnt have the wheels he once did with the Blackhawks, but he brings a palpable durability: Campbell hasnt missed a game since the 2010-11 season, even as hes 37 years old now. Pierre LeBrun reports that the deal is a bonus-laden one-year contract with a cap hit of $2 million. Campbell gets another shot at a Stanley Cup, and the Blackhawks have a known commodity to help their backend. Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY Adding more confusion to the muddled political mix created by the United Kingdoms Brexit vote last week, Boris Johnson, the former London mayor who became the public face of the Leave camp, said Thursday that hes bowing out of the race to lead the Conservative Party. Johnson's chances of riding his Brexit insurgency all the way to 10 Downing Street were hurt after Michael Gove, a member of parliament for Surrey Heath, declared his own candidacy for Tory leadership and announced very publicly that Johnson wasnt up to the job. But Johnsons public image hasnt been helped by the continuing concerns about how the Brexit referendum would actually affect the U.K.s place in the global economy. Johnson trailed Home Secretary Theresa May, a member of parliament who had campaigned against the Brexit vote, by a 17-point margin in polls of Conservative Party voters this past week. Related: A Cautionary Tale for Donald Trump as Boris Johnson Steps Aside The Labour Party faces even greater turmoil, with leader Jeremy Corbyn having suffered an embarrassing vote of no confidence by his own party, with only 40 members of Parliament backing him and 172 rejecting his leadership. With one of the Brexit campaigns top promoters stepping aside and the opposition in crisis, those who voted to leave may be asking themselves a single underlying question: What do we do now? And as the dominoes fall, analysts continue to speculate about the possibility of parliament reversing the Brexit referendum. But even after Johnsons surprising announcement, the political risks of such a move remain large. Brexit passed because out-of-touch elites were using their expertise to counter the peoples feelings of frustration and economic pain, said Mabel Berezin, a professor of sociology at Cornell University, via email before Johnson brexited the race. Related: The Upside of Brexit 9 Ways You Can Save Money More than 30 million people voted in the referendum to decide whether the United Kingdom should part ways or remain as a member in the EU. Legally, the referendum itself isnt binding and doesn't have to trigger any further action. In order for the voters decision to be made binding in the eyes of the law, parliament must first invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty on European union, which begins the formal and legal process of a member state leaving the EU. Story continues A refusal to exit from above, even if legal, could have dire consequences and produce a large and intense populist backlash, even greater than what is currently visible in the U.K., said Berezin, who is also the author of Illiberal Politics in Neoliberal Times: Cultures, Security, and Populism in a New Europe and Europe Without Borders. The EU wont have any informal or formal conversations about the Brexit referendum with the U.K. until parliament votes to officially begin divorce proceedings, according to European leaders. They also told Britain to get the ball rolling on leaving as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of any political and economic downfalls as a result of Brexit. Related: After Brexit, EU Leaders Must Wake Up and Smell the Rage Shobita Parthasarathy, associate professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, says it's likely leaders in the U.K. will attempt to find ways to "soften the blow of the referendum result." I think it would take a lot more uncertainty and turmoil for MPs to overturn the will of the people, but it's not completely out of the question, she says. Everything is in flux right now, and under those conditions there may be new and creative attempts to re-establish political order in some way. Thus far, though, chaos rules. This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jeremy Corbyn's name. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: By Kylie MacLellan and Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Justice Secretary Michael Gove pitched on Friday to be the prime minister to take Britain out of the EU, a day after he destroyed the chances of another frontrunner in what some colleagues called an act of treachery. Gove's decision on Thursday to throw his hat in the ring to replace David Cameron, who is standing down after Britons voted to leave the European Union last week, upturned British politics after he had previously said he would back Boris Johnson. His comment that Johnson, with whom he had campaigned across the country to secure the vote for Brexit, was not fit to lead effectively ended the popular former London mayor's hopes. Five candidates are now hoping to replace Cameron, with interior minister Theresa May the favorite with bookmakers. Ruling Conservative Party lawmakers will whittle the field down to two, before a final decision is made by party members with the new leader in place in early September. The decision to quit the EU has cost Britain its top credit rating, pushed the pound to its lowest level against the dollar since the mid-1980s and wiped a record $3 trillion off global shares. EU leaders are scrambling to prevent further unraveling of a bloc that helped guarantee peace in post-war Europe. "I have to say I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party," Gove said in a speech in central London as he launched his campaign. Colleagues in the ruling Conservative Party who backed Johnson have poured oppobrium on Gove. Johnson himself hinted he saw it as treason, hiding a quote from Shakespeare's play about political murder, "Julius Caesar", in his speech announcing his decision not to stand on Thursday. Britain's biggest-selling tabloid the Sun said Johnson had been "Brexecuted". "There is a very deep pit reserved in Hell for such as he. #Gove", Conservative lawmaker Jake Berry wrote on Twitter in a message he later deleted. Attempting to reach out to his party, Gove said he was driven by conviction and not ambition, and he had concluded Johnson was not the right man for the top job. "NO CHARISMA" "I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it," he said. "Whatever glamor may be, I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it." As one of the leading Leave campaigners, Gove said the next prime minister should be someone who supported exiting the EU, a swipe at May who, like Cameron, was in the Remain camp. May now says she will implement the voters' will and negotiate to leave: "Brexit means Brexit," she said at the launch of her own bid on Thursday. A party stalwart whose six years in charge of the law-and-order portfolio is the longest tenure for a century in what is often described as the trickiest cabinet job, May has swiftly emerged as the favorite in a field without Johnson. Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, a strong voice for Brexit, backed her on Friday as the only one out of five candidates for Conservative Party leader who was up to the job. The other three are the pensions secretary, a right-wing former defense secretary and a junior minister in the energy department. Gove said if he were leader, he wanted extensive preliminary talks before Britain invoked article 50, the formal process for leaving the EU, and did not expect this to occur before the end of the year. He also promised to cut immigration with the introduction of a points system and to end free movement of people from EU countries. European leaders say Britain must retain free movement if it wants access to the EU single market. Alongside the battle to lead the Conservative Party, the main opposition Labour Party has also turned on itself, with most of its lawmakers in parliament having voted to withdraw support for party leader Jeremy Corbyn, a left-winger. Party opponents accuse him of leading a half-hearted campaign to stay in the EU, and say he is too weak to win a general election if the new Conservative leader's government falls. He says he draws his mandate from grassroots activists and will not step aside. The political vacuum in both major parties has added to the chaos at a time when Britain is facing its biggest constitutional change since its empire dissolved in the decades after World War Two. Labour politicians had been expected to mount a challenge to Corbyn's party leadership this week, but the announcement appears to have been postponed until next week, with some hoping he can be persuaded to step aside. (Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Peter Graff) Jurors deliberated in a back room Friday morning, unaware as attorneys in the nearby courtroom argued a motion for mistrial in the civil rights trial over the investigation that led to the wrongful conviction of six people for the rape and murder of a Beatrice woman in 1985. At the end of the hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf denied the request for a mistrial that would have brought the work over the past four weeks to a sudden and pointless halt. Attorney Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios, who represents Gage County, the lead sheriff's investigator and others who worked on the case, sought the motion based on two actions by plaintiffs' attorney Maren Chaloupka which Whittamore-Mantzios argued were intended to "inflame and prejudice the jury." She said Chaloupka, who represents the six people who spent more than 70 years in prison for Helen Wilson's murder, violated the courts order not to argue their actual guilt or innocence because that isnt a question for the jury. Chaloupka did that, she said, by posting the word Innocent in white letters on a black screen near the start of her closing argument, and by asking her clients and their supporters to stand together the end of the argument. Kopf said Friday the guilt or innocence of the six at the time they were convicted in 1989 was an issue he did not want the federal jury to try to determine. Both sides had agreed to stipulate that five of the six Ada JoAnn Taylor, Tom Winslow, Deb Shelden, James Dean and Kathy Gonzalez were granted pardons and that the conviction of the sixth, Joseph White, was overturned and his case dismissed after DNA testing in 2008 pointed to a single perpetrator, Bruce Allen Smith. Chaloupka told the judge she wasnt trying to flout the courts instruction when she began talking about innocence in terms of damages, and that she was sorry. Kopf said he had no reason to doubt her and denied the motion, but said he would consider it again should the defendants seek a new trial. He said he doubted he would grant a new trial based on what happened. I dont think this will make a whit of difference to the jury, he said. Jurors got the case at 1:30 p.m. Thursday and went home after a full day of deliberations on Friday. Attorneys for the six asked the jury to award half a million dollars for each year they spent in prison more than $37.5 million total. Attorneys for Gage County, Sheriff's Deputy Burt Searcey, Wayne Price, a psychologist and reserve deputy, and former Sheriff Jerry DeWitt, who since has died, argued they did the best they could with what they had to work with in 1989. White also has died; his estate is a party to the suit. By Sharon Bernstein SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - California Governor Jerry Brown on Friday signed a sweeping package of gun control bills, banning high-capacity ammunition magazines and expanding the definition of prohibited assault weapons in the wake of mass shootings in San Bernardino and Orlando. Democrats in the legislature rushed the measures through in hopes of passing them before their summer break, in part to try to forestall a competing gun control proposal headed for the November ballot. California already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation, but after the shooting spree in the Southern California city of San Bernardino last December, lawmakers began work on measures they said would close unintended loopholes. "My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners," Brown said in a signing measure. It was a rare success for advocates of greater gun control. U.S. lawmakers have fallen short in attempts to tighten gun laws after the killing of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando last month. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a measure on Friday that would give authorities three days to prove that someone on a terrorism watch list should not be allowed to obtain a firearm. But Democrats rejected it as "toothless." The bills signed by Brown ban so-called bullet buttons, which allow quick changes in the magazine of a military-style weapon, and require background checks for purchasers of ammunition. Ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 bullets at a time will also be banned, and background checks will be needed for people borrowing guns from non-family members. Brown also vetoed several bills, including one that would have allowed co-workers, educators and mental health professionals to request restraining orders forbidding people deemed dangerous from owning guns. Story continues Gun rights advocates called bills a "Gunpocalypse." "The California Legislature showed their true faces today, said Craig DeLuz, spokesman for the Firearms Policy Coalition. They abused the legislative process to enact their depraved anti-civil rights agenda." Their efforts spilled into intra-party politics as well, after Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, who is expected to run for governor in 2018, gathered enough signatures to place his own gun control referendum on the November ballot. The move angered the state Senate's top Democrat, Kevin de Leon, who had been working to pass many of the same measures through the legislature. Worried in part that Newsom's initiative would boost turnout in November among Republicans who oppose gun control, legislative Democrats rushed to pass their bills in time for Newsom to withdraw his measure. But the lieutenant governor refused. "Todays steps in the right direction will grow into a giant leap forward for public safety if voters pass the Safety for All initiative to keep guns and ammo out of the wrong hands," he said. (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Alistair Bell) From Esquire (Permanent Musical Accompaniment To This Post) Being our semi-regular weekly survey of what's goin' down in the several states which, as we know, is where the real work of governmentin' gets done, and where there's a wall of pride high and wide and you can't see over to the other side. We begin with a very big fish in a very small barrel-namely, in Mississippi Goddamn, where a state legislator named Jeffrey Guice has taken the Marquis de Sade approach to constituent service. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger would like to tell you about it. Nicole Nichols sent an email Monday to each state representative, asking for help in obtaining her diabetic daughter's insulin pump supplies. State Rep. Jeffrey Guice, R-Ocean Springs, responded, "I am sorry for your problem. Have you thought about buying the supplies with money that you earn?" Guice, who told The Clarion-Ledger Tuesday morning "I don't do interviews" and declined to comment, issued an apology Tuesday night. "I realize my remarks to Mrs. Nichols were completely insensitive and out of line," Guice said in an emailed statement. "I am sorry and deeply regret my reply. I know nothing about her and her family and replied in knee-jerk fashion. I'd like to think the people of Mississippi and my constituents know that I'm willing to help where I am able." Note to Rep. Guice: your original reply was not made in a "knee-jerk" fashion. Don't blame your knee. You're a full-body jerk. Ask around. Moving along to Texas, we find that Attorney General Ken Paxton, who's only been indicted once this year, has found a new issue on which he can be a meddlesome creep who likely will cost the state's taxpayers a few mil defending some completely futile lawsuits. The Dallas Morning News had the news one morning this week. Though much of the political debate has centered on bathrooms, Paxton focused on other areas in his opinion. He zeroed in on the district's privacy guidelines, which say that students "may choose whether or not to have their parents participate in this process." He said that would violate state law by limiting parents from having key information about their children. "Far from creating a partnership between parents, educators and administrators regarding their children's education, the guidelines relegate parents to a subordinate status, receiving information only on a 'need-to-know basis,' " Paxton wrote. Story continues In short, it seems as though Paxton would like schools to be forced to out trans students to their parents against their will. The obvious pedalogical drawbacks aside, is it now the policy of the state of Texas to force families into uncomfortable discussions before everyone's prepared to conduct one rationally? Small government apparently is only for exploding unregulated fertilizer plants. Let's slide on up to Illinois and see if Governor Bruce Rauner, who runs government like a business, has managed to convince his legislature to pass a budget yet. Hmmmnope. Can't find one here. Neither can The Chicago Tribune. Both sides continued hammering out the details in private late into the night Wednesday, fueled in part by mutual distrust in which each sought to ensure that the other wasn't laying trap doors into the plan. The governor remained out of sight, and his aides wouldn't comment, citing the ongoing nature of the talks. Leading Democrats dished out a form of cautious optimism. "There are numerous ways that things can get sidetracked around here, so until it's soup, it isn't soup," warned Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, a top deputy to House Speaker Michael Madigan. And a new slogan is born. Fight Her Until She Sinks But Don't Sidetrack The Soup! And this just in from the Department Of Lowering, Division Of Bars And Expectations. Still, the offers and counteroffers were a stark departure from the long-standing pattern of brief and unproductive meetings between leaders of the two political parties, and a sign that neither wants to risk taking the blame for schools failing to open or government services shutting down as the Nov. 8 election nears. Of course, even states that have budgets often don't know what in the hell to do with them. Take, for example, Kentucky-which, under Tea Party whizbang Governor Matt Bevin, can't find the money to fund healthcare for its poorest citizens but somehow found enough loose change in the cushions of the great state sofa to fund yet another anti-intellectual freak park. And he's got the courts behind him, too. Take it away, AP. The state was on the losing side of a federal ruling in January that awarded a tourism sales tax incentive to the Ark Encounter worth up to $18 million. Officials under former Gov. Steve Beshear rejected the project's application in 2014 for the tax benefit, saying state tourism funds "cannot be used to fund religious indoctrination." The Christian group building the ark, Answers in Genesis, challenged that decision in federal court and won. The ark opens to tourists July 7. A federal court filing last month ordered the state's tourism cabinet to send a check for $190,000 within 20 days. I'm sure Bevin will show up personally, the check in his teeth. And we conclude, as is our custom, in the great state of Oklahoma, where Blog Official Fire Ant Trainer Friedman Of The Plains brings us the sad tale of Dewey Bartlett, the mayor of Tulsa, but not for much longer. Dewey is one of the few big-city mayors who endorsed He, Trump. How'd that work out for ol' Dewey? Play that sad trombone, Tulsa World. Bynum had 56 percent of the vote. Bartlett had 38 percent, and three other candidates in the nonpartisan race had combined for 6 percent."... When we unite as a city, we can achieve great things, and there are great things to be done in the next four years," Bynum told a raucous watch-party crowd during a victory speech at Stokely Event Center. (FOTP his own self also had some thoughts on this he'd like to share with the class.) He, Trump has coattails for sure. It's just that they're lined with poisoned spikes and they all end at the heads of live serpents. This is your democracy, America. Cherish it. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. LONDON (Reuters) - Soldiers, politicians, royalty and ordinary citizens stood in silence, heads bowed, on Friday in ceremonies across Britain and France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in history. The devastating World War One clash began on July 1, 1916, along a 15-mile (24 km) front near the River Somme in northern France, where British and French forces hoped to win a decisive victory against Germany. Around 20,000 British soldiers died on the first day alone to capture just a few square miles of territory. By the end of the battle in November more than one million men had perished and the allies had advanced just seven miles (11 km). At the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in France, members of the British royal family joined Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande for a special service of remembrance. At a ceremony on Thursday, Prince William had paid tribute during a vigil at Thiepval to those who lost their lives during the battle. In Britain the anniversary was marked with a gun salute in London as well as services elsewhere, including Cardiff and Edinburgh. A two-minute silence was also held across the country. Silent actors dressed as British World War One troops also appeared in public squares, standing expressionless and representing soldiers killed in the Battle of the Somme. At London's Waterloo train station, the actors handed out cards bearing the name, age, rank and military unit of the slain soldier they represented. (Reporting By Reuters Television; Editing by Gareth Jones) One of the pivotal questions of our time that merits debating is merit itself. In the context of higher education, this translates into questions such as: Who merits admission? Whose talents do we as a nation need to cultivate? Crucial in this debate would be addressing the perfect storm of conditions that constrict the pathways to educational opportunity for large and growing swaths of our nation. According to recent reports from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, one of those conditions is that socioeconomic class is stickier in the U.S. across generations than in just about any other economically prosperous nation. Another is that prosperity in America is highly correlated with race. Still another is that we are experiencing what Brookings Institutions demographer Bill Frey calls a diversity explosion; already, the referents for the term minority are in the process of being flipped, as white children are no longer in the majority in early childhood education nationally. If leaving the growing majority of our nations talent pool on the side-lines of education in a knowledge economy were not enough of a recipe for catastrophe, we also are finally coming to the realizationbased on mountains of good social sciencethat the measures of merit that colleges and universities have been using for decades to determine who gets in were never that good in the first place. The College Boards own validity studies show that even when you combine SAT scores and high school GPA, you dont have a very good chance of predicting which students will do well in their first year of collegeand those correlations are worse for the very groups that are becoming our new majority. We are long overdue for a clear-eyed debate about what we need to do to improve our ability to find and to cultivate talent broadly and equitably in the increasingly diverse generations that already are growing up. We in higher education need to be prepared to answer a whole set of questions that will cascade out of this discussion: What does all of this say about the culture of ranking colleges according to how few students we admit? Who merits being labelled as an excellent prospect for educational attainment, especially as it leads to personal advancement and collective prosperity? Whose knowledge and experience of American life do we need at the table for higher education to remain a legitimate public good? And how do we put our minds to the task of welcoming that talent into what has grown over generations into a rather selective club? Can we recapture the moniker of a land of opportunity? By James Regan SYDNEY (Reuters) - Chevron on Friday suspended production at Australia's Gorgon liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility after a leak but remained on track to make a second shipment in coming days, it said. "Chevron Australia plans to undertake some minor repair work on the low pressure flare system at the acid gas removal unit before recommencing production in the coming week," it said in a statement. "Plans remain on track to load the second cargo of Gorgon LNG in the coming days." News of the leak was cited as a reason for a boost in Asian LNG prices to the highest level since February. Workers in the area were evacuated and there were no injuries after responding to what Chevron referred to as a "minor gas leak." The recently commissioned $54 billion Gorgon project was briefly shut down in April following technical problems, shortly after starting up first production. Gorgon is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of operator Chevron with a 47.3 percent stake, ExxonMobil and Shell with 25 percent each, Osaka Gas at 1.25 percent, Tokyo Gas at 1 percent and Chubu Electric Power at less than 0.5 percent. Gorgon will have the capacity to produce 15.6 million tonnes of LNG per year once all three production trains are operating. (Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) By Justin Madden CHICAGO (Reuters) - With murders and shootings soaring in Chicago this year, the city's police chief and state lawmakers announced on Friday they will push for new laws setting harsher sentences for repeat offenders of gun crimes in Illinois. The law, which would be known as the Violent Gun Offenders Sentencing Act, is in its infant stages and would provide presumptive guidelines that judges would have to follow when ordering repeat criminals to serve jail time. Judges would be required to implement penalties on the higher range of existing sentencing laws. "Part of the goal is to incapacitate, get these violent offenders off the street," state Senator Kwame Raoul said at a news conference announcing the proposed legislation. Raoul said he would sponsor the legislation along with Senator Antonio Munoz and Representative Michael Zalewski, all Democrats. Chicago, the third-largest U.S. city, has had 307 murders so far this year, up 50 percent from the same period last year, and 1,548 shootings, up 52 percent from the same period last year, according to police statistics. Police have blamed the violence largely on gangs and a proliferation of stolen guns. There were nearly 500 homicides last year, and gun violence is up in 2016, police say. More than 50 people involved in shootings and murders in Chicago this year would have been in prison at the time of the incident if the proposed tougher sentencing policies were in place, the police department said in a statement on Friday. Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said the law is not designed to penalize responsible gun owners, but focus on the individuals "who tell us 'I don't care.'" Legislators in the state capital, Springfield, have frequently rejected gun control measures proposed by lawmakers from Chicago. A proposal made in 2013 by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to impose tougher sanctions for illegal gun possession did not get through the state Assembly because of opposition from black lawmakers who said it could lead to higher incarceration rates for blacks in Chicago communities already struggling with high numbers of former inmates who cannot find jobs. (Reporting by Justin Madden; Editing by Leslie Adler) The administrative investigation into the fatal shooting on Sunday by two Lincoln police officers of an armed suspect has been completed and concluded that the lethal force was necessary. Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said investigative reports into the Sunday morning death of Germichael Kennedy, 22, have been turned over to the county attorney's office for review. Meanwhile, Police Sgt. Mario Robinson and Officer Josh Atkinson have been cleared to return to duty but the dates for their return have not been determined, police said Friday. Robinson and Atkinson were looking for Kennedy as a suspect in the shooting death about six hours earlier of University of Nebraska at Kearney sophomore Marlene Rashidi in northwest Lincoln. They said Kennedy ran from them, then pulled a gun and pointed it at them when they told him to stop. Both officers fired, and Kennedy died at the scene near 14th and Adams streets. Wagner said authorities have one witness who saw the entire incident on 14th Street and others who saw parts of it. Rashidi died and Dezarae Mann was criticially injured about 3 a.m. Sunday after being shot in their cars in the same Belmont neighborhood. Atkinson and Robinson were put on administrative leave pending an investigation by Wagner's office into the death of Kennedy. A grand jury will be called as well, as is required by state law. Robinson has been with the police department for 22 years and Atkinson for eight, Bliemeister said. Officials haven't been able to say how many shots were fired, but Bliemeister has said he doesn't think Kennedy shot his weapon during the confrontation with police. Rashidi and Mann were shot after police responded to a call about a fight in the 3400 block of Portia Street. The two women were in separate cars, and authorities don't know yet if they knew each other. Officials have said they have no evidence either was involved in the initial altercation. Mann is still in critical condition but improving, police said Friday. Rashidi was from Lincoln and was on the track and field team at UNK. She had planned to be a lawyer. Mann went to Northeast High, and, according to her Facebook page, works at a convenience store and has a young child. Kennedy moved to Lincoln late last year from Mississippi. (In June 30 story, corrects child malnutrition figure in paragraph 6 to 30 from 60 following amended information from ACF.) By Paula Dear BANGUI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Clinging to her toy dog, 18-month-old Clemence Mokbem stares ahead as nurses rush past to tend to crying babies in the hot, overcrowded intensive care ward in a Bangui hospital. The toddler was taken to the main children's hospital in Central African Republic's capital by her teenage mother Anita, after successive bouts of malaria led to fever and weight loss. "I fed her but she didn't eat - she cried all night," the 16-year-old told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at the hospital. "She's had malaria a few times, but not like that." Despite suffering from malnutrition, diarrhea and vomiting, Clemence is starting to regain her strength, having arrived at the hospital's nutrition unit weighing only 5 kg (11 lb). Across the Central African Republic, up to 30 children die every day due to malnutrition, according to aid organization Action Against Hunger (ACF), which runs the unit. Three years of conflict have damaged many health facilities or left them empty and disrupted farming in a country where three in four people rely on agriculture to survive. Half of the population do not have enough food - a number which has doubled since last year, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which said the hunger levels across the Central African Republic were "staggeringly high". "Malnutrition is a silent and a forgotten crisis affecting children in the Central African Republic," said Celestin Traore of the U.N. children's agency (UNICEF), adding that four in 10 children across the country suffer from chronic malnutrition. The election of a new president in February raised hopes of stability for Central African's population of 4.6 million, but there is little sign of a downturn in the number of people suffering from malnutrition, said ACF country head Eric Besse. "We are saving lives ... but to change things we can't think of malnutrition just as a health problem," Besse said. "There are still stakeholders fighting or just looting and attacking villages to gain terrain. People are still displaced every day, and half of the population are still starving." HUNGER AND DEATH Central African Republic descended into chaos in March 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters seized power, triggering reprisal attacks by Christian anti-balaka militias. A fifth of the population is still displaced having fled their homes due to violence, and the country remains largely divided along religious lines and controlled by warlords. While violence is more sporadic this year compared with the sustained bloodshed of previous years, insecurity has persisted since President Faustin-Archange Touadera took office in March. Renewed clashes in recent months have uprooted tens of thousands of people and restricted aid access. The numbers of children under five dying from malnutrition and disease are above emergency levels in 11 of 16 provinces, a huge spike from rates recorded before 2013, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Malnutrition stunts growth and development, makes children vulnerable to disease and accounts for nearly half of all deaths of children under five worldwide. ACF's nutrition program coordinator Justin Kabuyaya said levels of severe acute malnutrition in Central African Republic comes just below the recognized emergency level of two percent. But some areas of the country have much higher rates of malnutrition due to several factors ranging from the impact of violence to a lack of access to markets and healthcare and mothers unable to breastfeed due to trauma, Kabuyaya said. "It's also linked to the calendar we'll see peaks in lean times like the end of the dry season and at the beginning of the rainy season, which brings more malaria," he added. "FAILED STATE" Back at the hospital in Bangui, parents, grandparents, and other relatives wash their clothes, cook meals and even sleep within the hospital grounds while the children are treated. There is a flurry of activity as milk is handed out, and mothers queue for their quota, filing past families sitting on mats or wooden benches, waiting for news of their children. Corrine Ngombe has come with her two-year-old daughter Sara, two-week-old son Ezechiel, and sister-in-law Chantelle, who have been living in a camp for the displaced in Bangui since their home was burned down by Seleka fighters in December 2014. Sara, who passed out a few days ago from a high fever, vomits all over the floor after trying to drink some milk. The doctors diagnose her with a form of severe malnutrition that causes swelling, and say that she needs to be admitted. "We don't have a proper tent ... just a sheet that doesn't stop the rain coming in, so the kids get malaria," Ngombe said. "We have no money for a proper house, we have no house to go back to, and we have no money for food," the 32-year-old added. ACF's Besse worries about how much more instability and violence Central Africans are able to withstand. "People have coping mechanisms and they have resilience - it's always been that way. But in this last crisis, a lot of people lost the ability to build their resilience," he says. "People have been saying CAR is stabilized - no, it's not. Things are not going to change in five minutes." (Reporting by Paula Dear, Additional Reporting and Writing by Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Katie Nguyen.; 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) Shanghai (AFP) - One of China's biggest banks hopes to raise $8 billion by listing in Hong Kong, in what would be the world's biggest flotation this year, a report said Friday. Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC), the country's sixth-biggest lender with 40,000 branches -- more than any other bank in the country -- aims to list in the city as soon as September, Bloomberg News said. The bank -- founded in 2007 in an effort to boost financial services in rural areas -- had as of last September total assets reaching 6.8 trillion yuan (now $1.0 trillion) and served nearly half a billion customers, according to its website. If successful the initial public offering (IPO) would be the world's biggest since Chinese Internet giant Alibabas 2014 listing in New York, which raked in $25 billion, according to Bloomberg. An analyst said the flotation could boost the bank's capital levels and improve management, but warned that reform would be difficult. PSBC has heavy baggage and its bank gene is weak," Dong Ximiao, senior economist at China's Renmin University, told AFP. "The task is heavy and the road is long for its reforms. The more than 40,000 branches is its advantage, but at the same time, these big inefficient networks are also a big burden, Dong said. The Hong Kong exchange was closed for a public holiday Friday. Ahead of the flotation, the Beijing-based lender has sold a one-sixth stake for more than 45 billion yuan to strategic investors including Tencent, UBS Group, Singapore's Temasek Holdings, and Ant Financial, which is linked to Alibaba. By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Friday that the biggest threat to the ruling Communist Party is corruption, as he used the party's 95th birthday to also warn against any threats to China's security and Taiwan independence. Since Xi took power more than three years ago, he has mounted a sweeping campaign against deep-rooted graft, warning like others before him it could threaten the party's rule, and taken a muscular approach to protecting China's sovereignty, including its contested claims in the South China Sea. In a wide-ranging speech in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Xi said that history had chosen the Communist Party to lead China, but that if they did not manage the party properly and listen to the people, then history would discard them. "As the ruling party, the biggest danger we face is corruption," Xi told party members, in comments carried live on state television. "We must have a staunch will, not let up on our zero tolerance attitude, investigate all cases and punish those who are corrupt, to give corrupt elements no place to hide in the party," he added. Dozens of senior officials have been jailed in Xi's anti-graft battle, including powerful former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang. But China faces external challenges too. Beijing has been infuriated by a case lodged by the Philippines at an international arbitration court over the South China Sea, vowing neither to participate in the case nor accept the ruling, which is due July 12. Without making direct reference to the South China Sea, Xi said that while China was not a trouble maker, no foreign country should think China would trade away its core interests. "Do not expect that we will swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests," he said to an audience including military officers, model workers and ethnic minorities. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have South China Sea claims. A further headache for Xi this year has been January's election in self-ruled and democratic Taiwan of a president from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, Tsai Ing-wen. "We will resolutely oppose Taiwan independence splitist forces," Xi said, again without a direct mention of Tsai or her party. "The 1.3 billion of China and the entire Chinese race will never agree to any person, at any time, using any method to carry out activities to split the country." China views Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring its under Beijing's control. Tsai has vowed to maintain peace with China. (Editing by Michael Perry) China will never compromise on sovereignty, President Xi Jinping said Friday ahead of an international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims, as he celebrated the Communist Party's 95th anniversary. The ruling party must maintain absolute power in the country, strengthen its military and enhance its role on the world stage, Xi told serried ranks of top officials in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, to rapturous applause. "No foreign country... should expect us to swallow the bitter pill of harm to our national sovereignty, security or development interests," Xi said, adding: "We are not afraid of trouble. His remarks come as regional tensions rise over Beijing's claims to nearly all of the South China Sea, with the US sending naval patrols close to artificial islands Beijing has built in the disputed waters. Xi took an apparent stab at the US, saying: "We will not show up at other people's front doors to flex our muscles. That does not show strength or scare anyone." An international tribunal in The Hague will rule on July 12 in a case brought by the Philippines challenging China's claims in the strategic waterway. Beijing insists that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction over the issue and has boycotted the proceedings. Since assuming the party's top post in 2012, Xi has rapidly consolidated power while overseeing a more assertive foreign policy and a tighter authoritarian stance at home. - Chinese wisdom - In his speech, Xi heaped praise on the ruling party and vowed to maintain the country's centralised Communist-led political system. "All party comrades must remember what we are constructing is socialism with Chinese characteristics, and not any other ideology," he said. The Communist party, which had some 88.7 million members at the end of last year, must maintain "absolute leadership," he said. Xi has won popularity with a much-publicised anti-corruption campaign that has claimed the scalps of several former top-ranked officials. Story continues "The biggest threat to our ruling party is corruption," he said, calling for a "complete purification of the party's political environment". He credited the Communist party with expelling "imperialism" from Chinese soil, and stressed the country's economic growth in recent decades. He stressed the need for "Mao Zedong thought" but did not refer to the tens of millions killed in famines and political campaigns launched by the founder of the People's Republic. The speech contained more than 20 references to "Marxism" and was followed by a rendition of the left-wing anthem "The Internationale" by a brass band. He also issued a warning to Taiwan's newly elected Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ying-wen -- saying: "we will resolutely oppose all Taiwanese separatist forces". Shortly before the ceremony began, a Taiwanese warship mistakenly launched a supersonic "aircraft carrier killer" missile towards the mainland, which landed in the Taiwan Strait, Taipei's navy said. Xi vowed to "build, in line with our global status and in accordance with national interests, a strong army and consolidate national defence". He also said that China would take an active role in what he called "global governance", suggesting it was seeking a weightier role in international affairs. Xi added: "China will actively participate in building a global governance system, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to perfecting such a system". SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp will set up a 1.2 billion yuan ($180.38 million) fund to invest in private technology, media and communication start-ups and diversify its business. ZTE and other investors will set up the Suzhou Partnership fund to invest in shares, equity or assets of firms with good growth potential, "enhancing the competitiveness of the group's main business," ZTE said in a statement late on Wednesday. ZTE will control about 25 percent of the fund, while 75 percent will be owned by other investors. The Chinese tech giant saw first-quarter profit rise 16 percent despite an ongoing U.S. probe into allegations the firm broke sanctions against Iran by shipping millions of dollars worth of American-made hardware and software to the country. ($1 = 6.6526 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Adam Jourdan; Editing by Stephen Coates) mark crumpacker chipotle executive Chipotle has placed Mark Crumpacker, its chief marketing and development officer, on administrative leave after he was charged in relation to a drug-trafficking ring in New York City, the company told Business Insider. Crumpacker was one of 18 "repeat customers" charged on Thursday with allegedly buying cocaine from a drug-delivery service that operated out of Manhattan's Lower East Side. Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold told Business Insider: "At the moment, we know very little about these charges. Due to the nature of the situation, Mark has been placed on administrative leave. We made this decision in order to remain focused on the operation of our business, and to allow Mark to focus on these personal matters. Mark's responsibilities have been assigned to other senior managers in his absence." All of the alleged buyers were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to indictment papers obtained by Business Insider. The Manhattan district attorney's office charged three people for allegedly operating the cocaine-trafficking ring: Kenny Hernandez, 35, Felix Nunez, 27, and Oscar Almonte, 29. They are accused of selling more than $75,000 worth of cocaine over the course of a year, according to the charging documents. Customers regularly paid between $200 and $300 for the delivery service and bought the drugs in bodegas, hotels, and Duane Reade convenience stores, according to the indictment papers. According to the Manhattan district attorney's office: "Members of the ring allegedly used car services to deliver the drugs to buyers, including to delis, restaurants, bars, apartments, hotels, and the buyers' workplaces. The defendants delivered to locations across Manhattan, including the Lower East Side, the Upper East Side, Chelsea, the Financial District, and Midtown, as well as areas of Brooklyn and Queens. Many of the sales took place in delis or Duane Reade and CVS pharmacies. Customers generally paid between $200 and $300 per transaction." Story continues Crumpacker, 52, was named chief marketing officer of Chipotle in 2009. He made an estimated $4.3 million in 2015. mark crumpacker steve ells monty moran chipotle executives In addition to his roles at Chipotle, Crumpacker serves as president of the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the company in 2011. Crumpacker also serves on the board of directors of the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation. Before joining Chipotle, Crumpacker cofounded a San Francisco-based branding firm, Sequence. He worked there from 2002 to 2008. Here are the indictment documents. Buyers indictment by Hayley Peterson Sellers indictment by Hayley Peterson NOW WATCH: Chipotle is giving out more free food More From Business Insider This week, Democratic congressional hopeful Misty Plowright became one of two transgender women named Misty to win a major-party primary vote, something no transgender person had done before. Plowright will challenge Rep. Doug Lamborn in Colorado, and Misty Snow will run against Sen. Mike Lee in Utah this November. The 33-year-old Plowright joined Yahoo News guest anchor Stephanie Sy from Denver on Friday to talk about her historic primary victory, serving in the military under the transgender ban and her dilemma over whom to vote for in the presidential election. Growing up Southern Baptist in northwest Arkansas, Plowright felt pretty early on that she identified as female, but had no idea what that meant or how to articulate it, she told Sy. It wasnt until her teenage years that she actually started to figure out what was going on, but even then, it wasnt something I could talk about or try to get help with, so it got suppressed. Then in 2004, after completing her service in the Army, Plowright said, I couldnt suppress it anymore. It was kind of a do or die moment for me, and I chose to live. It seems especially fitting, then, that in the same week she became the Democratic congressional nominee for Colorados most conservative district, the U.S. military lifted its longtime ban on transgender troops a move that Plowright, a veteran of the Army, called long overdue. The ban certainly kept me from being open about who I was, Plowright said, adding, Trans people having to suppress their identity is, in a lot of ways, its soul crushing. Even with the ban lifted, Plowright predicts that being out in the military will be very challenging for a while. It takes time for certain mindsets to change, she said. But that change is happening, and it will get a lot easier as time goes by. Plowright also dismissed concerns expressed by some that allowing transgender troops to serve openly could somehow affect troop readiness. Story continues That gets said anytime anything in the military changes to make it more inclusive, she said. There might be issues occasionally here and there from people who are intolerant or cant get over it, but the reality of the situation is these people can do the job, and thats whats really important for unit readiness. In general, Plowright said, I dont see any reason to bar anyone from serving that wants to and is capable of performing the job. Its this kind of attitude that appears to be driving Plowrights run for Congress. When asked how her largely conservative constituency has responded to the fact that she and her wife of nine years are currently in a polyamorous relationship with a man, the candidate said that so far the voters that Ive talked to frankly dont really care that much. Theyre much more interested in issues like jobs, national security, defense, guns, property rights, she said. Theyre very interested in the issues, not so much my personal life. Perhaps thats because, as Plowright pointed out, shes long kept the two separate, choosing to focus her political platform more on the economy, for example, rather than LGBTQ rights. Its not really a fight that Ive been involved in much in the past, she said. For a very long time Ive been quite content to stay in the shadows where its safe. But to really effect change, you have to get out there, you have to be willing to put it all on the line. If elected, Plowright said, she would support any sort of action to end discrimination, arguing that while last years Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality was certainly a watershed moment for gay rights, theres still a lot of work to be done. The trans community faces a lot of issues that the gay community largely doesnt have to worry about, she said. The bathroom bills are a perfect example. As Plowright proceeds to seek support for her own campaign, shes also bracing for a difficult decision at the polls this November. An ardent Bernie Sanders supporter, Plowright said that while she voted for Hillary Clinton in 2008, the presumptive Democratic nominees tenure as secretary of state has not sat well with me at all. On the other hand, she said, Trump scares the hell out of me. Honestly, I dont know, she said. Im going to have to see what happens. Ive never cast a vote against anyone in my life that may very well change next November. Legend of Tarzan star Christoph Waltz and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel revealed that they both auditioned for the upcoming Siegfried and Roy biopic - in fact, they even auditioned together. On Thursday's Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel explained to Waltz how excited he was about the film since he grew up in Las Vegas, adding how much of a coincidence it was that they "ran into each other at an audition for that movie." Kimmel then showed the faux audition tape, which featured the two of them side by side in matching glittery costumes and wigs. After some confusion about which one of them was Siegfried and which was Roy, they compromised. "I guess we're both Roy," said Kimmel. Read More: Siegfried & Roy to Get Biopic Treatment They were so in character that when asked their real names for the audition, Kimmel answered, "we don't have real names." "We're in character," added Waltz. "We're method magicians." "Regular people grow older," Kimmel read in the audition. "They become trapped. But not the magician. For us, there is always an escape." Waltz had some notes on Kimmel's attempt at a a German accent too, but in the end, the host got distracted in his audition by singing "99 Red Balloons" instead of the audition piece, so his chances of getting the part are pretty slim. Little has been uncovered about how the Ebola virus works inside the human body since it was discovered in Africa four decades ago, but the 2014 outbreak gave researchers a chance to learn more about how the often-fatal disease attacks the body and how the body fights back. In a first-of-its-kind study published Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers shared the results of daily tests done on the seven Americans who were treated in the U.S. Rick Sacra and Ashoka Mukpo were successfully treated that fall at the Biocontainment Patient Care Unit at Nebraska Medicine, the clinical partner of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Martin Salia died shortly after arriving at the unit in November 2014. Blood draws taken from the three, as well as from four people treated in other U.S. hospitals, have provided a foundation for understanding Ebolas progression, said Chris Kratochvil, associate vice chancellor for clinical research at UNMC. Although more than 30,000 people have been infected since Ebola was identified in 1976, few blood samples had been taken and fewer still studied as extensively. The vast majority of those 30,000 cases werent able to have routine lab samples collected, and for those who did, the samples were not able to be preserved and tested extensively, Kratochvil said. We could test the blood and then save more for more elaborate testing down the road. Researchers studied 54 biomarkers present in human blood during the course of an acute Ebola infection and during recuperation and compared them with biomarkers found in a healthy person. They learned that the virus triggers an inflammatory response similar to that in people with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. And it creates dysfunction in blood vessels and with clotting, the markers showed. But the results of the study, which included UNMC faculty members Peter Iwen and Phillip Smith, also contained a surprising factor. The body is forced to mount such a robust immune defense to fight the virus, Kratochvil said. One of the concerns is that its overcompensating. Controlling the bodys response to Ebola could be a difficult tightrope to walk: Intervene too early and risk inhibiting the bodys natural ability to fight off the virus, but respond too late and a supercharged immune system could begin attacking healthy tissues, resulting in organ failure, or more commonly, death. Not only will using the correct therapies be important, but also the timing of administration will be critical, the report says. Immune inhibition, if initiated at an inappropriate time, could be detrimental to the host. Put more simply, Kratochvil said: The challenge is not to intervene and stop the aspects of the body fighting off the virus that are beneficial. There are limitations to the research. Aside from the small sample size, it remains unclear from data collected by the CDC, UNMC and Emory University how any of the experimental treatments tried in Omaha and elsewhere affected the immune system biomarkers. The report, which was published in the Clinical Infectious Disease Journal this week, illuminates the benefits and drawbacks of the immune systems response to Ebola, but researchers say more study must be done before effective treatments can be deployed. We were able to identify the particular components of patients immune systems that successfully fought off the virus, said the CDC's Anita McElroy. These are parts of the immune system we need to tap into to develop new therapies. Kratochvil said the study also demonstrates the importance of research that allows clinicians to prepare for the next outbreak of Ebola and similar diseases. Weve known about Ebola since it was discovered, but the extent of the research conducted into understanding it has been limited, he said. There has been some momentum with research into Ebola, but we must continue to move forward to better prepare vaccines and better treat and manage patients. Scores of families fled Islamic State in Manbij as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), together with fighters from the Manbij Military Council, approached the city on July 1. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the forces advanced into the city and captured the south side of Manbijs Hazawneh neighborhood. At least nine members of one family, including seven children, were killed in coalition strikes on Manbij, the observatory said. Local reports said that the forces stormed the Manbij grain silos, retaking them from Islamic State. Syrian Democratic Forces also said that civilians escaped IS in Manbij and headed to the liberated areas, many fleeing to the grain silos that overlook the city. Videos shared by a Kurdish news agency show dramatic scenes of civilians fleeing IS territories in Manbij. Women, men and children can be seen running while the SDF guide them. A woman and a little girl who appeared in the footage said that their families were still there (in Manbij). Credit: YouTube/ANHA By Paula Dear BANGUI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When violence erupted in the Central African Republic three years ago, hundreds of thousands of people fled the capital Bangui, including most doctors and medical students at the main children's hospital. As the city descended into chaos, 58-year-old Jean Gody was one of the few doctors who chose to stay behind and help. "I would have been ashamed to leave people suffering and then have to come back and look them in the eyes," the hospital director told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview. "That would have been too tough for me - I could not have lived with myself," Gody said, sitting among stacks of files and paperwork in his office, where a photo of him with Pope Francis - who visited the country last year - commands pride of place. Central African Republic, one of the world's most chronically unstable countries, suffered the worst crisis in its history in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters seized power, triggering reprisals by Christian anti-balaka militias. Gody and three other doctors, who also stayed behind, kept the hospital open as the violence spiraled but were quickly overwhelmed by the number of patients. "There were a lot of people wounded by bullets - we almost forgot the other illnesses," Gody said, adding that up to 30 children with bullet wounds arrived every day in the first week. "Later, we saw both bullet and machete injuries, also involving children, and people started coming in with injuries from bombing that needed amputations." Once aid agencies started increasing their presence in Bangui after the initial bloodshed, the health response became more organized, Gody said. Two organizations took control of the trauma ward and malnutrition unit in the children's hospital. "That's how we coped, given our limitations and our needs." DOCTORS' DUTY Reflecting on his worst moment as a doctor during the conflict, Gody recalls a woman who came to the hospital with her sister and son after being caught up in the bombing of a church. "Her child was really, really injured in both legs and was bleeding a lot, and her sister died really quickly," Gody said. When the woman saw armed rebels arrive in front of the hospital, she wanted to fight them with her bare hands, he said. "I just had the reflex to stop her, telling her: 'You need to save your energy to take care of your child'," the doctor said, adding that he later had to amputate the child's feet. The violence has subsided slightly this year compared to last year, yet a fifth of the population is still displaced, hunger and malnutrition rates have rocketed and many health facilities are empty, damaged, or destroyed. Gody says the situation is more manageable than it was before but the children's hospital is still operating with only half the number of doctors it had before the conflict. "It is so difficult, it is a challenge," he said. "We have to work a lot, to be so involved, physically and mentally." The father-of-four's decision to stay in the country even cost him his marriage, as his wife decided to move to the United States with their children when the violence broke out in 2013. "But I studied here at the university - my country made me who I am. I am accountable to my country so I must give that back by helping the children and their parents," Gody said. Urging other medical professionals to return to the Central African Republic, Gody said it was their duty to help their people and do something for their country. "To other doctors around the world who think they have something to give, we have space here, we have jobs here." (Reporting by Paula Dear, Writing by Kieran Guilbert, Editing by Katie Nguyen.; 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) The US oil rig count rose by 11 to 341 this week, the biggest increase since December 2015, according to driller Baker Hughes. The tally has now risen for four out of the last five weeks, as rising oil prices encouraged some producers to ramp up production. Last week, the count fell by 7 after climbing during the prior three weeks the longest streak since last August. The gas rig count fell this week by 1 to 89, while miscellaneous rigs were unchanged at 1, taking the total up by 10 to 431. West Texas Intermediate crude futures in New York were little changed after the data, down 0.2% to $48.30 per barrel. Here's the latest oil rig count chart: 7 1 16 oil rigs chart NOW WATCH: Heres why flights take longer than they did 50 years ago More From Business Insider A new Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) logo is unveiled at a ceremony marking the companys 25th anniversary in Singapore on March 30, 2009. (AFP) The leadership reshuffle at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) is significant for its timing, the creation of the new post of deputy CEO, and the collapsing of the roles of The Straits Times (ST) editor and editor-in-chief onto the shoulders of one man. But the hidden story behind these points is a striking shortage of STs editing talent which was exposed after Warren Fernandez became editor in 2012 soon after the ruling Peoples Action Partys poor performance in General Election 2011. The changes are timed to find a successor to CEO Alan Chan, who has been at the helm of a company caught in a tricky transition from print to digital. At 63 he is past retirement age. Under his leadership, SPH has lumbered its way through an outdated business model that is overly dependent on its cash cow, ST, to bring in the revenue. But this revenue, both from circulation and advertising, has been slipping steadily. Singapores premier publisher is caught in a classic trap. And Chan has not found a definitive way out of it. It is reluctant to go full throttle into digital, because that will mean cutting off the hand that feeds it. SPH is a blue chip company with an annual turnover of $1 billion, and it will take a brave man to ignore this mouth-watering statistic. Also, digital is a dark domain where revenue is likely to be a pale shadow of its print big brother. Chans moves into the digital world show a company taking sometimes unsure, sometimes weak steps to find its way around. New deputies The creation of the deputy CEO post is likely to pave the way for succession as Chan has been in the job for 13 years. Patrick Daniel and Anthony Tan are the new deputies. Daniel, 61, is nearing retirement age, and Tan is a youthful 43. The difference in their ages says something. It is very possible that Daniel will be the seat warmer CEO giving Tan the luxury of time and space to watch and observe operations as the media giant tries to find its direction in the new harsh world of disruption and transition. Story continues Tan ticks off a few critical boxes SPH and the government want in a CEO. He was a top civil servant, had worked as principal private secretary to Lee Kuan Yew and mirrors his two predecessors track record as senior civil servants. Warren Fernandez is moving up as editor-in-chief and will continue to be editor. ST has always kept the roles separate as the editor-in-chief has oversight over all the English, Malay and Tamil publications. How he will juggle these two balls is worth watching. The appointment of Fernandez as editor in 2012 was the talk of the newsroom as he had left in a huff four years earlier after serving as deputy editor. There was no doubt in anyones minds, even in his critics, that his appointment as deputy editor was done to fast track his rise to the editorship of ST. The PAP wanted him to stand in the 2006 elections but then editor in chief Cheong Yip Seng convinced the ruling party that he would be more useful in journalism than in politics. A lack of top leaders? His return to ST as editor caused a stir in the newsroom. Even more surprising were the resignations of four senior editors soon after Fernandez returned to the newsroom triumphantly. A couple of years later, a senior editor retired and refused to stay on even though he was offered a long-term contract. Then came the resignation of the news editor a few years ago with the post still being unfilled. SPH has always been a talent-hungry company, hunting for people with the right skills and a good understanding of how not to get into trouble with the authorities. Daniel and Han Fook Kwang, the editor who was moved sideways after the general election in 2011, came through the government route. And SPH might have to go back to that pipeline to fill in the gaps in its talent pool. P N Balji is a veteran Singaporean journalist who is the former chief editor of TODAY newspaper, and a media consultant. The views expressed are his own. Stay updated. Follow us on Facebook. The Austrian businessman Wolfgang Pernsteiner was familiar with the Italy-based Dominator brand before he acquired it in 2010: He owned a Dominator yacht, and he had some ideas about improving the companys offerings. Under Pernsteiners direction, and with input from his daughter and son, Dominator now offers the Ilumen (see "Front Runners July 2016: Let There Be Light") and other tailor-made yachtsvessels ranging from 64 to 131 feet for which owners can choose all of the fittings and furnishings. Youve owned yachts, but you bought this company with no experience in the yachting industry. What have you learned? Weve learned not to listen to people who said we shouldnt waste so much time developing the Ilumen. Dominator has never 3-D-modeled a boat with such obsessive detail. When we look back with our engineers, we all admit we were crazy. But we know the result was worth it. Your daughter and son work with you. What is that like? Weve been working together for more than 6 years. Angela manages and owns Dominator Design & Development, which unifies design, R & D, and brand activities. Christoph is responsible for the integration of all IT processes across our different companies. As in every family business, everyone has to be flexible and do several different jobs at the same time. What are the advantages of working together? As an entrepreneur, working with my children was the highest goal I could ever achieve. Angela works with much blood, sweat, and tears. That keeps me young and motivated, even when the challenges seem too big. Christophs coolness and rationality are also crucial in many situations. I dont suffer from a shortage of new ideas, so my children need patience around me. The most difficult thing is to not discuss business matters 24/7, especially on holidays. More From Robbreport.com A Whisky Glass Specifically Engineered For Space A Special Delivery Program in Atlanta for New Porsches Virtual-Reality Yacht Tours Lets You Board Yachts Before They Are Built Story continues Robb Report Toasts The Start of Summer with July Issue Handmade Hats by Adventurer and Globe-Trotter Nick Fouquet Stephen Fs New NYC Flagship Offers Handmade, Limited-Edition Tailored Clothing Josh Belzman of Seattle hangs out along the Ship Canal in Fremont while showing off the Coolest Cooler he finally got his hands on this week. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) The Coolest Cooler Kickstarter is a long and winding saga with millions of dollars and thousands of backers along for the ride. When the all-in-one cooler, blender, charger, speaker and more finally arrived on the doorstep of Seattles Josh Belzman this week, we borrowed the main line from the viral informercial Will It Blend? and asked just that. The answer is yes! And then no. And then yes again! But first, the backstory. In the spring of 2014, the Coolest campaign caught the attention of Belzman, a longtime former editor with msnbc.com and NBCNews.com, where we worked together for several years. Id done a few Kickstarters in the past and liked the idea of helping cool gadgets come into reality that might not otherwise, Belzman said Thursday. I think I actually read coverage of how much pledge money Coolest had generated they were already funded, I think they had over $8 million at the time so it felt like a pretty safe investment. Coolest billed as a portable party disguised as a cooler eventually raised $13,285,226 from 62,642 backers. Belzman pledged $185 for one cooler with a projected delivery date, at that time, of the following summer so about a year or so. I followed the updates and they were actually very transparent and put out a timeline and talked about the manufacturing process and that was kind of refreshing more transparent than a lot of these projects have been, Belzman said. It also exposed the challenges they were dealing with with the manufacturing issues with the motor not being up to par. I think they had an issue with suppliers or had to redesign the hinges and do some other things. At that point delivery was pushed to late summer of 2015. Before long it was pushed again to late fall. When late fall of 2015 rolled around, Belzman said Coolest announced that it had some news coming about delivery dates. He had actually been considering seeking a refund but held off to hear that news. Story continues In February of this year, Coolest released a delivery map showing regions and batch numbers for backers who were finally going to get their Coolest Coolers. Turns out Im in the last batch to get delivered, Belzman said. And there were no dates attached to this. They were showing the phasing of when they were going to deliver it, but no dates attached. Then it turns out that then they had to reveal that they didnt have enough money to actually manufacture those units and they needed to go seek more investments. Belzman, like a lot of other people, was pissed. I sought a refund and found out that they had changed their terms and a refund would only be issued at the time of shipment, which wasnt going to do me any good because there was no shipment date. The Coolest Cooler in full operation mode with drinks blended and music playing. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) Belzman said he started writing letters and ranting on their Facebook page. He got standard responses saying were trying to make a good product and just be patient. He wrote a letter to the [Washington] attorney general, but admits its kind of a grey area around crowdfunding you know, youre paying for an idea, not necessarily a product. And he was right, because Kickstarter eventually replied by saying it was covered and still planned to deliver as promised. No refunds. Around the same time there was a lot of back and forth with other backers and people coming up with ideas and speculation on what had happened and it was proposed that Kickstarter just tell the backers, How much money do you need from us to complete our units and ship em?' Belzman said. And so they came out with a plan where they could ship 10,000 units by this Fourth of July if they got an additional $97. Josh Belzman charges his phone mid-party from a port on the back of the Coolest Cooler. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) So on top of the $185 Belzman had spent back in 2014, he plopped down nearly $100 more. You were guaranteed to get your cooler as much as a guarantee from them was worth, Belzman said. This one carried more of a consumer-level guarantee because youre actually purchasing a product with a guaranteed delivery date. So I went for it. I had a dilemma part of me didnt want to give them anymore money because they hadnt come through with the promise that I initially signed up for. The other part of me was thinking this is my chance to just get the product and be done with them. And maybe its worth that amount of money to do that and actually have it this summer and enjoy it rather than waiting for who knows how long without having any kind of timeline on when it might arrive. A couple weeks ago, Coolest started issuing updates and shipping coolers and Belzman got word that his would be coming. Creator Ryan Grepper wrote in an update on Kickstarter on Tuesday that all 10,400 coolers promised to those who opted for the $97 option had now shipped. We forgot the cheese and crackers, but Coolest has built-in plates and a knife. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) Indeed, Belzman was following his cooler with the UPS tracking app Tuesday when he got a notification that it arrived. He was with his wife at Seattles Green Lake. I see the notification that it was left at the front door and I said, We gotta go home. Im not telling you why,' Belzman said. Its been like two years, Im not gonna let this thing get stolen off the street! At home, the couple found a box branded with Todays the Day. They unpacked the Coolest Cooler and checked it all out and ran through some of the features and tested the blender before heading out the door to a park with some ice and stuff for drinks. They blended, they rocked out, they did a photo shoot and bragged about it on social media. Its pretty amazing, when I posted on it the other day on Facebook I got as many likes on that as, like, a wedding post, Belzman said. People are thrilled and I dont even know if they know what it is. Ive always been attracted to the gadget that does it all. And when it comes to a party device this does that. So Belzman headed to GeekWire on Thursday to show off how cool the thing actually is. We loaded some ice and booze and mixers into his neon green Coolest and rolled it down the block and over to the edge of the Ship Canal in Fremont. We blended drinks and played music through the bluetooth speaker. Belzman charged his phone. He pointed out the bottle opener, the four plastic plates, the cheese knife, the cutting board, the wine opener. People ran and biked past on the Burke Gilman Trail and did a double take probably because we were drinking in public, not because his fancy cooler said Coolest in chrome lettering. But who knows? Theres a certain cool factor to it, Belzman said. Yeah, you could jury-rig and hack together your own version for a lot less, but having something that says Coolest on it and has all these gadgets, its pretty cool. And then we rolled back up to the GeekWire offices with the promise of making more drinks for co-workers familiar with the Coolest saga. They gawked, they took pictures and laughed. We loaded the ice, the mixers and the booze and nothing. It wouldnt blend. Belzman fiddled with the battery for a while as the buzz from his rum Pain Killer seemed to wash away. The fresh batch of unblended cocktail mixings sat in the blender pitcher and eventually started to sweat as the motor failed to power back up. Did we fry the blender motor already? A look inside the battery compartment of Josh Belzmans Coolest Cooler. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) A bit of disbelief, Belzman said. The anticipation of using this thing and going picnicking and barbecuing was pretty high, so . The failure of the blender wasnt the first glitch, beyond the long delivery wait. Belzman was ticked on Tuesday that his $282 cooler arrived with a small dent in one side. He reached out through the companys support channel, writing that he didnt need a new cooler if theyd just send a backup battery or speaker as compensation. Hed yet to hear back. Im disappointed, he sighed after sending them another note, about the non-blending blender, from the GeekWire offices. Im hoping their support team responds quickly, but Im not quite sure. Theyve had such a problem producing units and enough of them that Im not sure what it actually looks like to get a replacement. Like many proud Americans flush with gadgetry, Belzman was particularly excited about showing off the Coolest for the upcoming Fourth of July. We were gonna go do a barbecue at my wifes parents place, Belzman said. I was gonna bring it over all triumphantly the Coolest Cooler! Its got a built-in blender! It still has a built-in blender, it just doesnt turn on. A few hours later, Belzman was back in touch from home. He gave the battery a quick charge and was back in blender business. He figures hell probably still need to contact the company for a new battery. This thing has been more an emotional investment than a financial one, Belzman said. I feel like a kid who asked for a shiny bike, was told I couldnt have it, begged, pleaded, whined and finally got it ripped it open, showed it off, then crashed it. But despite all that, it didnt completely die, which seems fitting. Belzman said the Coolest manual claims the blender should get through 16 pitchers on a single charge, and that clearly something went wrong after our two pitchers. Ever the optimist, he said, A cooler with an owners manual. How cool is that? Update: Belzman heard from the marketing director of Coolest Cooler on Friday, after this story was published. She asked for his shipping address. On Saturday morning he woke up to a package containing a new battery, a backup speaker and a T-shirt with an image of a blender that read Keep Calm, Blend On. Wheres the party? Josh Belzman rolls off with his Coolest Cooler. (Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire) More from GeekWire: "See that little stream? We could walk to it in two minutes. It took the British a month to walk to it -- a whole empire walking very slowly, dying in front and pushing forward behind." -- F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Tender Is The Night" WASHINGTON -- The walk began at 7:30 a.m., July 1, 1916, when British infantry advanced toward German trenches. In the first hours, eight British soldiers fell per second. By nightfall 19,240 were dead, another 38,230 were wounded. World War I, the worst manmade disaster in human experience, was the hinge of modern history. The war was the incubator of Communist Russia, Nazi Germany, World War II and innumerable cultural consequences. The hinge of this war was the battle named for "that little stream," the river Somme. The scything fire of machine guns could not be nullified even by falling curtains of metal from creeping artillery barrages that moved in advance of infantry. Geoff Dyer, in "The Missing of the Somme," notes: "By the time of the great battles of attrition of 1916-17 mass graves were dug in advance of major offenses. Singing columns of soldiers fell grimly silent as they marched by these gaping pits en route to the front-line trenches." William Philpott's judicious assessment in "Three Armies on the Somme: The First Battle of the Twentieth Century" is that the Somme was "the cradle of modern combat," proving that industrial war could only be won by protracted attrition. And hence by the new science of logistics. The 31 trains a day required to supply the British at the Somme became 70 when the offensive began. The romance of chivalric warfare died at the Somme, which was what the Germans called Materialschlacht, a battle of materials more than men. Geographic objectives -- land seized -- mattered less than the slow exhaustion of a nation's material and human resources, civilians as well as soldiers. In the next world war, the distinction between the front lines and the home front would be erased. Relations between government, the economy and the individual were forever altered, to the advantage of government. Military necessity is the most prolific mother of invention, and World War I was, Philpott writes, "a war of invention," pitting "scientific-industrial complexes" against each other: "Gas, flame-throwers, grenade-launchers, sub-machine guns, trench mortars and cannon, fighter and bomber aircraft, tanks and self-propelled artillery all made their battlefield debuts between 1914 and 1918." In December 1915, Winston Churchill, then 41, said, "In this war the tendencies are far more important than the episodes. Without winning any sensational victories we may win this war." The war itself may have been begun by a concatenation of blunders, but once begun it was worth winning, and the Somme, this "linear siege" (Philpott), set the tendency for that. Germany, trying to slow the trans-Atlantic flow of materiel, resorted to unrestricted submarine warfare, which, five months after the Somme ended, brought the United States into the war and, in a sense, into the world. Thomas Hardy's description of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig -- "a miles-wide pant of pain" -- fit the battle of the Somme, where a soldier wrote, "From No Man's Land ... comes one great groan." The Somme ended on Nov. 18, with men drowning in glutinous lakes of clinging mud sometimes five feet deep. This was the war that British poet Rupert Brooke had welcomed as God's gift to youth awakened from sleeping, "as swimmers into cleanness leaping." By November a million men on both sides were dead -- 72,000 British and Commonwealth bodies were never recovered -- or wounded. Twenty-two miles of front had been moved six miles. But because of this battle, which broke Germany's brittle confidence, the war's outcome was discernible. Not so its reverberations, one of which was an Austrian corporal whose Bavarian unit deployed to the Somme on Oct. 2. Adolf Hitler was wounded on his third day in the line. The battle of the Somme is, in Dyer's words, "deeply buried in its own aftermath." As is Europe, still. Regulation A+ is the portion of the JOBS Act that allows a company to raise up to $50 million in new capital through an online Mini-IPO. It came roaring into the investment world a year ago with the promise of changing the way small businesses get funded. The law allows companies to economically raise funds from the crowd and let everyday people, not just the rich and powerful, invest in small private companies for the first time in 80 years. One of the ways Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made this law affordable was by exempting companies from having to comply with state Blue Sky laws. Those are state by state securities laws that require a company to register and often undergo extensive merit review by each states securities regulators. Imagine the legal bills of going to the 50 different states to file extensive paperwork, have a securities regulator review and request changes, then make sure those changes were okay with 49 other state regulators who also were requesting their own changes. This would be a process that took months, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and effectively make Regulation A+ unusable. Kudos for Congress and the SEC for not requiring those burdensome restrictions and creating a law the right way. But despite the seemingly universal appeal of this law, Montana and Massachusetts felt otherwise. Their securities regulators were upset that Congress and the SEC took away their ability to get paid fees from companies they could drag through expensive Blue Sky compliance. They were so upset, they filed a federal lawsuit against the SEC to have Regulation A+ nullified. Related: SEC: Startups Can Now Raise $50 Million in 'Mini IPO' Yes, Massachusetts and Montana thought that this game-changing law, destined to help companies raise capital and grow, create new jobs and provide access to investments for the general public, was a bad idea because it did not protect investors in their states. "Protect investors" should be read to mean "took away the ability to change money to companies in exchange for putting the company through hell in order to sell securities in their state!" The good news is, the justice system worked, and the SEC prevailed over the states' attempts to gut the groundbreaking law. In an opinion released June 14, 2016, the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled unanimously that Regulation A+ will stand and continue to provide small companies with the opportunity to raise new capital without Montana, Massachusetts, or any other state being able to force the company to comply with their expensive state Blue Sky laws. At the heart of the states rejected argument was a term used in the law -- qualified purchaser. The JOBS Act states that certain Regulation A+ securities may only be sold to a qualified purchaser and that the SEC should define that term however it saw fit. The SEC, wanting to be sure that Regulation A+ would allow companies to raise capital as easily as possible, defined the term qualified purchaser to mean anyone who wanted to buy the securities. In other words, according to the SEC, a qualified purchaser was everybody, not just rich and powerful folks. Massachusetts and Montana argued that in order to be a qualified purchaser, the SEC must limit the people who could purchase Regulation A+ stocks to wealthy people, or must impose some other limitation. That effectively took away the promise of this law that regular people could buy shares of the next Facebook or Google at an early stage in the company's development, when the potential for a greater return on investment would be the highest. Related: 4 Things You Need to Know if You Hope to Raise $50 Million With a ... In an extremely well-reasoned opinion, Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson rejected the states' argument and found that Congress had given the SEC the right to define qualified purchaser as it saw fit, and that the SECs definition was legal, reasonable and in line with the intent of the JOBS Act itself. Final scoreboard: SEC Wins! Small business wins! Everyday investors win! States that wanted to ruin a great law lose! Related: Regulation A+ Is Not the Savior of Cash-Seeking Startups See, the justice system does work the way it's supposed to... sometimes. As a result, Regulation A+ lives on. Companies can still use this remarkable law to raise up to $50 million in capital. The Average Joe has a chance to invest a small amount of money in small companies at a stage that was never allowed before. Unless Massachusetts and Montana can convince the United States Supreme Court to hear an appeal, which is very unlikely, the law remains on the books. The bad news for Massachusetts and Montana is that they cant drag a Regulation A+ company through their Blue Sky laws and take fees from the company at a stage where the money is most needed to operate and grow. The states will have to find another way to protect investors in their state. One thing is for sure: Massachusetts will continue to "protect" their citizens by extracting as much money as possible from them in wonderful investments (note sarcasm) their citizens can benefit from: lottery tickets and blackjack tables. Frankfurt (AFP) - German auto maker Daimler said Friday it plans to acquire the Dutch car-leasing specialist Athlon for 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). "Daimler Financial Services ... signed an agreement to purchase Athlon Car Lease International for 1.1 billion euros from the Dutch De Lage Landen group, a subsidiary of Rabobank," Daimler said in a statement. "Fleet management is a growth market and this acquisition of a strongly positioned and innovative fleet management company is a key step for us in becoming a leading fleet management services provider," said Daimler's finance chief Bodo Uebber. "It also allows us to enhance fleets with Daimler's products and mobility offer." Daimler said it would its fleet operations would operate under the Athlon brand in future. "As a result of this strategic acquisition, Daimler Financial Services strengthens its foothold in Europe with a fleet management portfolio of approximately 340,000 passenger cars and vans," the statement said. Athlon chief executive Frans Janssen said "the merging of Athlon and Daimler, two strong innovative brands, will positively contribute to our customers' ability to access an extended product and service range across Europe." The deal was subject to the necessary regulatory approvals and was expected closed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2016, Daimler said. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) The last time Dan Hamhuis hit free agency, it was a giant mess. Please recall how the Philadelphia Flyers acquired his negotiating rights. Then the Pittsburgh Penguins made a trade with the Flyers which is Haleys Comet rare to get those rights after Hamhuis passed on the Flyers. And then he ended up signing a $27-million, six-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks after all of that was done. This time, it was a little bit easier: Hamhuis signed a two-year, $7.5-million deal with the Dallas Stars. Thats a $3.75 million cap hit. Thats a great, great deal for the Stars. Dallas already had a need for more veteran efficiency on the blueline, a need that was only intensified when Alex Goligoski was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. Hamhuis is the goods, and his analytics are strong as well: Dan "Community Man" Hamhuis (stars) has tremendous shot and goal impacts, eats minutes, plays vs best. pic.twitter.com/3aT7MeVDXp Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) July 1, 2016 The projection for the Stars is to have Hamhuis, 33, move in for Goligoski and play with John Klingberg, with Johnny Oduya and Stephen Johns as the second paring. Of course, Hamhuis could have been a Dallas Star last season at the trade deadline, but the Canucks whiffed at the trade deadline. The trade deadline was a crazy time for us. Dallas was one of the teams we would have been excited to go to, said Hamhuis on TSN. Were firmly rooted in Vancouver. We loved playing for the organization. But the trade deadline opened us up to change. And now change has arrived, as Hamhuis heads to the Stars. Story continues Dallas checked so many boxes for us, starting with the window that theyre in, he said. The question is whether change could continue for Hamhuis next summer. Mike Heika reports that he has a limited no-trade clause, which means that he doesnt have to be protected in the Las Vegas expansion draft. Which might further explain the two-year term. Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY GettyImages-541482416 Daniel Berger earned $50,500 on Thursday for hitting just one shot, and it had some people upset. Berger withdrew from the 2016 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday after hitting just one shot, his tee ball off the first hole. For flying into town and doing just that, he earned last-place money in the 61-player field. However, Berger didnt do anything unbecoming. He took advantage of the rules. Berger was one of 76 players to qualify for the event but had a shoulder injury. The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational doesnt have alternates you either meet the qualifying criteria or you dont and it doesnt have a cut, meaning a player gets money if they hit even a single shot. Cha-ching. Berger, who won the FedEx St. Jude Classic the week before the U.S. Open for his first PGA Tour win, was also the beneficiary of the European Tours choice not to co-sanction this event in 2016. Instead, the European Tour wanted to clear the stage for the 100th French Open, offering bonus Ryder Cup points. A total of 15 players who qualified for the event didnt show up at Firestone Country Club, redistributing the money among the field. Berger also isnt the only player to pull out of the event on Thursday with an injury. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III pulled out with a hip injury that will lead to season-ending surgery, while Brooks Koepka withdrew after 13 holes with an ankle injury. david baywatch Getty Image Baywatch is back in the news. No, it (unfortunately) has nothing to do with the 13th anniversary of the modern-day classic Gigli. Rather, its because a Baywatch movie is coming out next year, and it stars the most attractive collection of people Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Priyanka Chopra, Charlotte McKinney, and Ilfenesh Hadera in film history. Dont tell that to David Hasselhoff, though; hes very sensitive about his looks. The Hollywood Reporter spoke to producers Michael Berk and Douglas Schwartz about the original syndicated series that ran from 1989-2001 (!), and they said The Hoff was against Pamela Andersons casting. David said, I dont want a girl thats been in Playboy,' Berk recalls. He said, Children watch this show. Schwartz thinks Hasselhoff had slightly different concerns. She had these enormous breasts, he says, and David thought he would be upstaged by everyone looking at her breasts. Which is what happened. (Via) Children watched Baywatch? Sure, and teenagers read Playboy for the articles. Hasselhoff obviously lost the Pam Anderson battle, but he won the Leonardo DiCaprio war. The Oscar winner, then 15 years old, auditioned for the part of Hasselhoffs son, but David thought he was too old to play his son. David thought it would make him look older. He had a lot of concerns of that type. The role went to a nine-year-old who, as far as I can tell, never fought a bear. Its a good thing Hasselhoff stepped in. If DiCaprio had been on Baywatch, he wouldnt have found his breakout role, as Darlenes uncredited classmate in a single episode of Roseanne. I think Leo owes Hoff a hit from his vaporizer. (via The Hollywood Reporter) Editor's note: This is the first of two Local View columns about the Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts, which was criticized in a previous Local View, "Have billionaires captured Nebraska's judicial branch?" (LJS, June 12). A functioning court system for dispensing justice is one of the hallmarks of a civilized society. Like those of many other states, Nebraska's courts are designed to accommodate a wide array of the claims, disputes and needs of its citizens. But when cases involve issues of custody and visitation---or the abuse or neglect of children---or children who themselves have violated the law--they can become enmeshed in a complex system that is not always responsive to their needs or their situation. How well our courts accommodate and respond to the needs of children involved in court proceedings often depends upon how willing we are to examine our shortfalls and make improvements where needed. For the last 12 years, one group has been working patiently and steadily to improve the situation of children involved in court proceedings in our State. The Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts was formed in 2004 to study and recommend appropriate steps for the judicial system to undertake to insure that the courts are as responsive as possible for children who interact with, or are directly affected by the courts. As an advisory group that recommends improvements in court proceedings---but does not actually formulate judicial policy---the Commission is exempt from the requirements of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. That being said, various members of the public who have desired to attend regular meetings of the Commission have not been turned away. Members are appointed to the Commission by the Nebraska Supreme Court, and are drawn from various geographical areas across the State. The commission is comprised principally of judges; attorneys and prosecutors experienced in juvenile and/or child custody cases; the Inspector General for Child Welfare; representatives of recognized child advocacy groups such as CASA, Appleseed Center for Law and Public Advocacy (Child Welfare), the Center for Children Families and the Law, and Voices for Children; and State agencies such as the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and the Nebraska Foster Care Review Office. Commission membership also includes some State legislators, as well as representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, including but not limited to the Office of Probation Administration and the Office of Dispute Resolution. Over the years, the commission has formed various specialized work-groups called "subcommittees" to focus expertise on specific problems impacting children in court proceedings. Study of an issue by a subcommittee may span several meetings, during which members identify the parameters of the problem and investigate possible solutions. This could involve analyzing practice models or systems or statutory schemes used by other States. When a subcommittee makes recommendations upon a given issue, those recommendations are submitted to the full Commission for a vote. If passed, the recommendations are then forwarded to the Nebraska Supreme Court for further consideration. The court may opt to decline the recommendations, or to adopt the recommendations in the form of practice guidelines or court rules, or refer the matter back to the commission for further study or modification. In addition to the work of its subcommittees, the commission receives regular updates from the Supreme Courts Court Improvement Project as well as reports from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of State Probation concerning developments and changes as they affect children in their care. The commission also monitors proposed legislation that would affect the manner in which court proceedings impact children. Tomorrow: What has the commission accomplished? NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 1, 2016 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a securities class action has been filed against certain officers of SunEdison Inc. ("SunEdison" or the "Company") (SUNE) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on behalf of those who purchased shares of Vivint Solar, Inc. ("Vivint Solar" or the "Company") (VSLR) during the period between the July 20, 2015 and March 7, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Vivint Solar, Inc. is an American solar energy company. In July 2015 SunEdison and Vivint announced a merger that SunEdison would acquire Vivint. Following this release, Vivint's stock increased $4.87, or roughly 44.8%, to close at $15.75 per share. On February 24, 2016, at the Vivint's shareholders meeting, investors voted in favor of the SunEdison merger. The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Particularly, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) SunEdison would not be able to attain financing for the acquisition of Vivint; (2) SunEdison's earnings were less than Defendants had stated; (3) SunEdison would be unable to complete the acquisition of Vivint; and (4) consequentially, Defendants' statements regarding the SunEdison and Vivint merger were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. On February 29, 2016, post-market, SunEdison filed a Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 with the SEC, unveiling that it would be late to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Notification of Late Filing included information that in late 2015, former SunEdison executives had made accusations of the truthfulness in SunEdison's financial statements. Following this news, Vivint stock dropped $1.37 per share, or more than 17%, to close at $6.52 per share on March 1, 2016. On March 2, 2016, The Wall Street Journal printed an article, "SunEdison's Takeover of Vivint Solar in Jeopardy as Banks Balk" explaining how the Vivint-SunEdison merger was at risk. Following this news, Vivint stock dropped $1.63 per share, or 25%, to close at $4.89 per share on March 2, 2016. On March 8, 2016, Vivint announced the Merger Agreement was cancelled. On that same day Vivint also filed a lawsuit against SunEdison in Delaware Chancery Court claiming it breached the contract. Following this news, Vivint stock dropped $1.04 per share, or roughly 20%, to close at $5.21 per share on March 7, 2016. No Class has yet been certified in the above action. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, please visit the firm's site: http://www.bgandg.com/#!vslr/wwxww. You can also contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484 or via email info@bgandg.com. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address and telephone number. If you suffered a loss in Vivint Solar you have until July 5, 2016 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firm's expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz 212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC BERLIN (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told a magazine he was concerned that if Britain did not manage to put a government together in the autumn and instead called a new election this would hurt Britain and Europe. "Further delays would not be desirable and would certainly be damaging, both for the Brits themselves and for us in Europe," he told the online version of Der Spiegel. "Businesses and the City (London's financial center) in Britain are already reacting very sensitively to the result of the referendum and I expect that would increase further if there are more delays," Steinmeier added. British voters' decision in a June 23 referendum to quit the European Union has rocked global financial markets, thrown British politics into turmoil and raised concerns about the future prospects for the EU. The two frontrunners in the race to replace David Cameron as British prime minister and leader of the their ruling Conservative Party, Theresa May and Michael Gove, have said they do not favor an early election in Britain. Cameron, who had urged voters to vote to stay in the EU, has said he will stand down in the autumn after his successor has been chosen. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Gareth Jones) Montreux (Switzerland) (AFP) - As saxophone supremo Charles Lloyd pushes out a cascade of soaring notes, jazz aficionados in Montreux sway in rapture. The legendary American musician was back on stage at the opening of this year's Montreux Jazz Festival, half a century after he headlined the first festival in the idyllic Swiss town in 1967. He was followed by fabled jazz pianist Monty Alexander, who first played Montreux in 1976, and who returned to revisit the celebrated recording he made on that occasion called "Montreux Alexander". Forty years on, his fingers fly over the keys, prompting some in the 300-seat venue to jump out of their seats and start dancing in the aisles. "It was just a mythical concert," enthused Jacques Emery, a 69-year-old pensioner. "I was floating. I think actually I levitated in my seat." That was the kind of almost spiritual experience Lloyd, 78, was aiming for, he told AFP ahead of Thursday's concert, saying he himself receives the music from a higher authority and just allows it flow through him. "I like to go as an empty vessel as possible and let the creator fill me up and fill all of us," he said, smiling behind his dark glasses. The septuagenarian sways and grooves on stage like a man half his age, arching his back and lifting his knee up to meet his saxophone. "I'm drunk with the music and it informs me and it elevates me and puts me in the zone," he said. - 'When giants roamed' - Lloyd, who was one of the first jazz artists to sell more than a million copies of a record, first began playing with stars as a boy growing up in Memphis. "I've been blessed to play with some of the greatest musicians on the planet. I've been around when giants roamed the earth," he said, listing blues legends like Howlin Wolf and BB King among those he has accompanied. Jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney, who used to stay at his childhood home when they came to town, also played a formative role in his musical education. Story continues "They told my mother to have me be a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief, not this (jazz musician), because it's too hard," he said, "But I was bit by the cobra, so it was too late." Jamaica-born Monty Alexander, 72, has also played with a number of luminaries over the course of his career. "I recorded with Tony Bennett, (and) I knew Miles Davis very well," he told AFP this week. Like Lloyd, he also found a mentor in the Duke. "Duke Ellington was one of the people that wrote a letter to the US immigration to allow me to stay in America," he said. "The other one was Frank Sinatra." Alexander, who taught himself to play the piano as a boy but never learned to read music, says he considered himself "so fortunate to do something that didn't feel like I was working." "I still feel like it's a dream. How can you make music and get paid for it?" he said. USA TODAY Sports Were speculating here, but we doubt that many other teams really stood a chance in acquiring restricted free agent, DeMar DeRozan. Sam Amick of USA Today had the news first: the Raptors have reached an agreement to bring their All-Star shooting guard back for another half decade. DeMar DeRozan has decided to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors, @USATODAYsports has learned. Terms not finalized. Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 1, 2016 Details are not confirmed yet and we have no idea if the whole thing is guaranteed, or like his backcourt mate, Kyle Lowry, he has a player option in the final year but Shams Charania of The Vertical confirmed Amicks report and added that the five-year deal would total $139 million (which is around $27.8 million per year) DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a five-year deal to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell The Vertical. Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2016 DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a five-year, $139 million-plus deal with Toronto, sources tell The Vertical. Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2016 Because DeMar just finished his seventh season in the league, a max deal would be 30 percent of the projected $94 million cap for 2016-17, which over the length of the deal projects to be over $150 million, so its a little bit less than the maximum allowable under the current collective bargaining agreement. Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca offered up an amount that was slightly less: I asked one source DeRozan's $$ "A lot" was the answer. I am told $5yrs/137.5. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) July 1, 2016 Regardless, the Raptors have their backcourt locked up at least for another season (Kyle Lowry can opt out of his deal next summer). Story continues For DeRozan, its not a surprise signing. Less than a week ago a report said DeRozan wasnt even going to meet with other teams. If he did, he did it fast. It was the second deal reached in the still-inchoate free agency period that started two and half hours before this writing. We mentioned DeRozan in our piece about the gargantuan contracts you could expect to see this year after the cap spiked so high and Kevin Durant finally picked a suitor. Well, DeRozan and the Raptors didnt leave much to chance, agreeing to terms before any other big-name player was confirmed. Were not surprised it was a tad under the max. Itll give Toronto more wiggle room if they attempt to re-sign unrestricted free agent Bismack Biyombo, who with the news of Timofey Mozgovs deal and Joakim Noahs impending agreement with the Knicks could make near the max as well. Well have more as it comes, but one of our biggest-named free agents is off the board, and were still in the first few hours of free agency. Demi Lovato is a bathing beauty. (Photo: Splash News) Demi Lovato needs no filter. The 23-year-old songstress, who once famously struggled with body image and bulimia, rocked and we do mean rocked a halter-top bikini Thursday as she lounged by a pool in Miami Beach. The newly single star ended a six-year romance with actor Wilmer Valderrama earlier this month, but her poolside afternoon had to do with more than attracting a new man. No, the bikini look was another sign that Lovato is feeling more at peace with her physique. Demi soaked up the sun in Miami. (Photo: Splash News) Once best known for co-starring in Disney's Camp Rock with the Jonas Brothers, Lovato shocked by checking into rehab in 2010 to deal with a range of health issues, including an eating disorder. When I was 4 years old I remember looking in the mirror and thinking I was fat, she said in an MTV special about her experience, Demi Lovato: Stay Strong. I was constantly feeling guilty about my weight. I was overeating to compensate for not feeling worthy enough, and then not knowing what to do. Shes come a long way. Lovato now regularly shares photos of the healthy meals and tough workouts that shes made a part of her healthier lifestyle. She posts snapshots of herself sans makeup on Instagram. In October, she famously posed for a Vanity Fair photo spread with no retouching, no makeup, and no clothes. Demi is proud of her bikini bod. (Photo: Splash News) Her latest show of Confidence something she feels so strongly now that she made it the name of her latest album coincides with the release of her new single, Body Say. Beginning Thursday, Lovato teased the track in a series of racy photos that showed her wearing absolutely nothing. We should probably expect to see Lovato continuing to wear less than she has in the past, whether its a bikini or bedsheets. Ive never felt as confident in my skin as I do today, she told Allure in January. A year ago, on tour, almost every inch of my body was covered by clothing, and it was because I was hiding behind so many layers. Once I started feeling better about myself, I felt better about showing more skin. I have insecurities about my arms, so to wear a tank top on stage is extremely liberating for me, and uncomfortable sometimes. Its also a statement, like, Hey, watch out. Youre no longer getting the insecure Demi that youve been getting for the past couple of years. I mean business now." Got that? Demi Moore and Mark Duplass have joined the cast of anti-trafficking film Love Sonia, which also features Freida Pinto. Produced by David Womark (Life of Pi), the drama is the directorial debut of Tabrez Noorani, whose line producing credits include such titles as Slumdog Millionaire, Zero Dark Thirty and Life of Pi that were filmed in India. Love Sonia is inspired by real events and tells the story of Sonia, a young Indian village girl, who gets entrapped in the global sex trafficking network. The film follows her journey from India to Los Angeles via Hong Kong and features dialog in Hindi, Mandarin and English. Read More: Freida Pinto to Star in Showtime Mini From John Ridley, Idris Elba A longtime advocate for victims of sexual crimes, Moore plays a social worker in the film. In 2011, the actress teamed up with the CNN Freedom Project for the documentary Nepal's Stolen Children to highlight the work of anti-trafficking advocate Anuradha Koirala. Moore is also the co-founder of THORN, a nonprofit that partners with major players in the tech industry, government and non-government organizations to combat child sexual exploitation. Duplass, whose recent credits include HBO's Togetherness, plays the role of a wealthy man who encounters Sonia in L.A. "I met Tabrez when we were filming Life of Pi in India and he mentioned about the script he was developing over many years," Womark tells THR. "When I read it, I loved it and felt that Love Sonia is a story that needs to be told." Womark has also co-produced the Mark Wahlberg-starrer Deepwater Horizon, which opens this fall. The film revolves around the 2010 BP oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, which killed 11 crew members. Noorani - who divides time between Mumbai and L.A. - first became aware of human trafficking in 2003 when a friend in the LAPD told him about an Indian girl found in a shipping container in Long Beach. He became more involved with the cause and started working with CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking) of which he is also a board member. Story continues "Over the next few years, as we were working on the screenplay [with co-writer Ted Kaplan], I started going undercover in brothels and trafficking rings in Mumbai," said Noorani who was also involved with rescue missions. "Through the process of meeting all these people and rescuing girls came all these real life stories and incidents that were incorporated in the script," he added. CAST CEO and executive director Kay Buck and Indian anti-trafficking charity Apne Aap Women Worldwide founder Ruchira Gupta also worked closely with the film-makers. Love Sonia's titular character is played by newcomer Mrunal Thakur while the cast also includes Indian actress Richa Chadda (Masaan) along with actors Anupam Kher (Silver Linings Playbook), Manoj Bajpai (Gangs of Wasseypur), Adil Hussain (Life of Pi) and Rajkummar Rao (Queen). The film's executive producers include Deepak Nayar (Bend It Like Beckham, Sense8), Hannah Zhang of China-based L'Chaim Investments and Pravesh Sahni who, with Noorani, runs India Take One Productions, which has handled line production duties for various Hollywood titles filmed in India. Love Sonia began filming in Mumbai in April before moving to Hong Kong and has just wrapped its L.A. schedule. The film is slated for a 2017 release. Read More: Demi Moore Returning to TV in Drama From 'Rookie Blue' Co-Creator SAN DIEGO -- Long before the phrase "white privilege" crept into the national lexicon, my parents raised me to believe that -- as a Mexican-American -- I had to be twice as smart and work twice as hard just to be considered on par with white counterparts. This was standard operating procedure for Latino and African-American parents. Graduating from high school in the 1950s and '60s, my parents' generation was denied good schools, jobs, promotions, home loans and more because of their race and ethnicity. Instead of being angry and bitter, the elders plowed ahead and raised their children to think that, if they far out-distanced the competition, it would be harder for The Man to rob them of what they earned. Apparently, Abigail Fisher was given a very different message growing up. She must have been told that mediocre was good enough and that, if she felt victimized, she could always hire a lawyer and make a federal case out of it. Boy did she. Denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin in 2008, Fisher sued the school and claimed that -- because she was white -- she had been wronged by reverse discrimination. Her case made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Fisher was only victimized by two things: meritocracy and math. She lacked the academic chops to be admitted on her own steam. And given that UT-Austin -- with its 52,000 students -- is just 4.5 percent African-American and 22 percent Latino, it is statistically far more likely that she was beaten out by another white person than by a person of color. Back then, UT-Austin set aside about three-fourths of its available slots to students who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes. (Today it is the top 8 percent.) The remaining one-fourth were allotted under a separate process where admissions officers weighed several personal factors including race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Fisher's grades and test scores weren't good enough for her to be admitted under the first category; she graduated in the top 12 percent. Theoretically, she could have still been admitted under the second category if her personal story had been especially compelling, interesting and unique. We can assume it was none of those things because she was rejected. People cope with failure in different ways. Some people go to a therapist. Fisher went to court. Last week, eight years after the lawsuit was filed, the high court -- by a vote of 4-to-3 -- put a merciful end to this self-indulgent drama. They ruled in favor of the university and sent a message that admissions officers may continue to consider race as one factor among many in pursuit of a diverse student body. Imagine the time, money and effort that could have been spared if Fisher's parents had done a better job of teaching her to own up to her shortcomings and not be so quick to play the victim. Imagine how much more productive this national conversation could have been if we had focused instead, over the last eight years, on the real problem with taking race and ethnicity into account in college admissions. It is not that the practice magically leads to systematic 1960s-style, across-the-board discrimination against whites. Rather, it is that often any such accommodation has the unintended consequence of hurting beneficiaries by weakening standards, camouflaging inequalities at the K-12 level, dampening students' incentive, stigmatizing recipients, and propping up an unhealthy racial and ethnic spoils system that benefits few while underserving many. That's the dialogue around racial and ethnic preferences that we need to have in this country. But we never get around to it. That's because we're too busy responding to the ludicrous claims of litigious underachievers like Abigail Fisher. Disney Channel star Debby Ryan has reportedly entered a no contest plea to a reckless driving charge stemming from an April arrest for driving under the influence. As part of the plea, the Jessie actress had two misdemeanor DUI counts dismissed and will serve no jail time but will be on probation for three years, according to TMZ. Ryan blew a .11 (the legal limit is .08) when administered a field sobriety test on April 4 after she made a left in her 2016 Audi and slammed into a Mercedes, according to the site. "Over the last few days I have had the chance to think about my actions, and I wish I had used better judgement," Ryan, 23, posted on Twitter in the days following her April 4 arrest. "I recognize that I am a role model and have always worked hard to set a good example for my millions of fans. I am so sorry to disappoint everyone." TMZ reports Ryan is scheduled to make another court appearance in September to determine how much she owes for the damaged Mercedes. From Woman's Day Just a few weeks ago, tragedy struck at Disney World when an alligator killed a 2-year-old boy from Nebraska by drowning him in the park's Seven Seas Lagoon. The alligator has since been found and euthanized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Days after the attack, Disney World began putting extra precautions into place to keep visitors safe from gators, including temporary barriers and warning signs where there might be alligators present. Now, there are reports that the park has also quietly been removing any references to alligators, including cartoon depictions such as Tick Tock Croc from Peter Pan, who was pulled from the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Louis the trumpet-playing alligator from The Princess and the Frog was even removed from the new Friendship Faire castle show at Magic Kingdom just two days before it premiered, a Disney employee told the Miami Herald. According to the Hollywood Reporter, guests noticed changes to the Jungle Cruise as well: The script no longer jokingly warns parents to "watch your children, or the crocodiles will," a line that has been in place since 1962. The Daily Mail reports that the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari ride also no longer mentions references to alligators. Previously, the staff would try to scare tourists by telling them a bridge could dump them into the crocodile pit below. However, Epcot's Living with the Land attraction still contains real and fake alligators, according to the Miami Herald. It's currently unclear whether these policies will be temporary or permanent. Do you think the park doing its best to be sensitive to a tragic topic, or are they going too far by removing cartoons and mentions of alligators? (h/t PopSugar) London (AFP) - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer can take a step closer to a Wimbledon semi-final duel when they battle for places in the last-16 Friday. Defending champion and top seed Djokovic, bidding for a third successive Wimbledon title and fourth in total, takes on America's Sam Querrey. Victory will give the Serb a 31st successive Grand Slam win taking him level with Rod Laver on the all-time list, six behind the record set by Don Budge in 1938. Djokovic has an 8-1 career record over the 28-year-old Querrey who has only reached the fourth round on one occasion, back in 2010. Third seed Federer, the seven-time champion, saw off world number 772 Marcus Willis in the second round and Friday faces another British player, 91st-ranked Daniel Evans. Federer is looking to clinch his 150th win on grass courts. Evans, 28, hopes to become the first British man other than Andy Murray to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam since Tim Henman made the semi-finals at the 2004 US Open. "It's not a day out for me. It's a good opportunity. I'm taking it seriously," Evans said. "He's not a normal guy obviously. It would be stupid to say it's not a special occasion to play him." Centre Court action gets underway with Swiss fourth seed Stan Wawrinka taking on former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro who is steadily rebuilding his career after a series of wrist injuries pushed him to the verge of quitting. Wawrinka is a former French and Australian Open champion. The last time two Grand Slam champions met in the second round at Wimbledon was in 2008, when Marat Safin defeated Djokovic. Del Potro last played on Centre Court in 2013 when he lost an epic semi-final to Djokovic. Defending women's champion Serena Williams, chasing a seventh Wimbledon title and Open era record-equalling 22nd major, faces fellow American Christina McHale on Centre Court. Williams has a 2-0 head-to-head advantage over McHale, the world number 65, with both wins coming in 2016. Story continues Sister Venus, a five-time champion and the oldest woman in the draw at 36, is on Court One facing Russia's Darya Kasatkina. That comes a day after Williams was exiled to Court 18, a decision which led to the American to call for more equality when it came to scheduling. Also bidding for third round spots on Friday are Australian 15th seed Nick Kyrgios who faces Dustin Brown of Germany in a clash between two men who have both defeated Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in recent years. Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori meets Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov while two-time women's champion Petra Kvitova takes on Ekaterina Makarova of Russia. GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump Campaigns In Indianapolis The Republican convention that will likely nominate Donald Trump as the party's presidential candidate is still in the planning stages and it seems as unpredictable as the candidate himself, according to a Friday report in The New York Times. Two unnamed aides told the newspaper that Trump didn't even know the convention had to be held in Cleveland. The decision to hold the convention in the Ohio city had been made two years ago. Cleveland officials spent months on the city's bid to host the convention, and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced the city's selection in 2014. Cleveland's Democratic mayor, Frank Jackson, got behind the bid, and local fundraisers have raised millions of dollars to cover the cost of hosting, according to The Plain Dealer. Trump had promised a convention that's more "fun" and less "boring" than in previous election cycles, but now it seems that he might try to keep things somewhat conventional after all. (Although he did suggest shooting off fireworks inside the Quicken Loans Arena, where the convention will be held. The Times noted that idea proved to be "unworkable.") "There's a lot of sameness in conventions," Trump told the Times. "At the same time you don't necessarily want to reinvent the wheel. You don't want to make it so different that its no longer a convention." Some Republicans who haven't come out in support of Trump have noted their reluctance to speak at the convention, so the committee hasn't nailed down a lineup of speakers yet. Trump denied not knowing that the Republican convention had to be held in Cleveland, and said there's a long list of speakers lined up for the convention: Just read in the failing @nytimes that I was not aware "the event had to be held in Cleveland" - a total lie. These people are sick! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2016 The speakers slots at the Republican Convention are totally filled, with a long waiting list of those that want to speak - Wednesday release Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 2, 2016 NOW WATCH: Heres what happened when Trump was asked about replacing Muslim TSA workers with veterans More From Business Insider DENVER Just three weeks before he is set to officially claim the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump was hit with another staff shakeup as his campaign struggles to expand in advance of what is expected to be a bruising general election campaign against Hillary Clinton. Kevin Kellems, a veteran GOP strategist and former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, abruptly resigned from the Trump staff Thursday, less than two weeks after he was hired to help oversee the campaigns surrogate operations. Erica Freeman, another aide working with surrogates, also quit. While brief, it has been an interesting experience, and I am proud of the contributions made to our early-phase project endeavors, Kellems wrote in a goodbye note to colleagues. The campaign did not respond to a request for comment. The latest departures come as Trump has tried to steady a campaign operation that has been shaken by internal drama and outside turmoil, including the candidates own missteps. Those include Trumps racially tinged comments about a federal judge and his response to the Orlando shooting that many Republicans say have distracted from his general election argument against Clinton. Two weeks ago, Trump fired Corey Lewandowski, his campaign manager and longest-serving campaign aide, amid tensions between him, the Trump family and other Trump aides, including Paul Manafort, a longtime Washington hand who was hired this spring to help ready the campaign for the general election. Lewandowskis departure was read by many GOP observers as a hopeful sign that Trump was finally taking steps to mount a more serious campaign. But on Friday, Republicans outside the campaign began to fret once again, questioning if Trump will overhaul his operation in time to not only weather attacks from Clinton and Democratic allies, but also counterpunch against the presumptive Democratic nominee. But the Trump operation has continued to expand its operations in other areas. Earlier this week, the Trump team hired Jason Miller, who most recently worked for Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential campaign, to buttress its communications operation. And on Friday, Trump announced he had hired Kellyanne Conway, a veteran GOP strategist and pollster, as a senior adviser. Conway, who until recently was helping run a super-PAC backing Cruz, is expected to advise Trump on how to better appeal to female voters. Story continues Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the opening session of the Western Conservative Summit, Friday, July 1, 2016, in Denver. (Photo: David Zalubowski/AP) Her hiring came as Trump did some outreach of his own, speaking at the Western Conservative Summit here in Colorado. Its home to many members of the #NeverTrump movement, which is still trying to stop him from clinching the nomination at the upcoming party convention in Cleveland. Taking the podium nearly an hour late, the New York real estate mogul tried to stay on message, vowing that he would be a better candidate that Clinton in handling the economy and confronting terrorism. The Islamic State terror group, he claimed, wants Clinton to win the presidency because she is weak. They have dreams at night, and their dreams are that Hillary Clinton becomes the president of our country, Trump said. But Trump kept diverting from the general election to talk about the primary, reminding voters of the states he won and griping about those he didnt including Colorado, where Cruz won all of the states delegates. Colorado has taught me a lot about politics, Trump said, calling it a rigged election. The polls came out that I was going to win Colorado. I was looking forward to it, and then all of a sudden I didnt get the delegates. I said, What happened to the vote? I started to learn. At one point, Trump revived his criticism of former President Bill Clintons impromptu meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, dismissing claims by Lynch that it was simply a casual meetup. He mocked Lynchs claim that the two had talked about their grandchildren. Referencing his own role as a grandfather, Trump told the audience that he loves his eight grandchildren but that he couldnt fill up 20 minutes of conversation about them, which is the amount of time Clinton is said to have met with Lynch. If I talk about them for more than nine or 10 seconds after that what are you going to say? Trump said, shrugging. The Duchess of Cambridge attends a commemorative event to mark the 100th year anniversary of the battle of Somme [Photo: Getty] Fashion was likely the last thing on the Duchess of Cambridges mind as she attended a memorial event to mark the 100th year anniversary of the battle of Somme. But as per usual her tasteful outfit choice hit all the right style notes. Kate was in France for a military-led World War I vigil at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, which bears the name of over 70,000 servicemen who lost their lives in the war, but have no grave. The Duchess opted for a black, white and grey zigzag-print Missoni coat, over a black dress for the sombre occasion. Styling her elegant outfit with oversized pearl earrings and a black pillbox hat, with a smart Balenciaga clutch and plain black LK Bennett court shoes lead some style editors to liken her look to that of Jackie Onassis. The Duchess wore a zigzag patterned Missoni coat [Photo: Getty] The Duchess was joined by husband, William and Prince Harry for the vigil to commemorate one of the bloodiest battles of the entire War. The vigil was held on Thursday night, the eve of the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle. The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry were also in attendance [Photos: Getty] Meanwhile in London Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a service held at Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Somme. Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, were also in attendance at the overnight vigil. In London David Cameron and his wife Samantha were attending a service in Westminster Abbey to mark the same event [Photos: Getty] David Cameron said the service enabled people to reflect on the sacrifice not just of the thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives, but of the men on all sides who did not return home. Samantha shunned traditional black for the commemorative event and instead chose a dusky red and coral lace dress which she accessorised with a dark, brown leather belt and nude platform court shoes. Story continues Samantha chose a red and coral lace dress [Photo: Getty] Mr Cameron is expected to join French president Francois Hollande and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Thiepval Memorial in France on Friday. What do you think of the Duchess and Samanthas outfit choices? Let us know @YahooStyleUK Is This The Duchess Of Cambridges Most Spectacular Look Yet? All the times the Duchess of Cambridge has re-worn her favourite outfits in 2016 The head of trade for the European Union says that the U.K. will not be entitled to negotiate its place at Europes economic table until it makes good on its apparent commitment to leave the E.U. First you exit, then you negotiate, Cecilia Malmstrom, the Swedish official who serves as the European Commissioner for Trade, told the BBC. Malmstroms words reveal a harsh reality for the U.K., which will need up to two years to fully abandon its E.U. membership. Negotiating a trade agreement thereafter could take far more time, considering that Canadas trade pact with the E.U. took seven years to finalize. Per E.U. strictures, the U.K. is also not allowed to negotiate trade matters with outside nations until it is no longer an E.U. member. Malmstrom said she was saddened by the result of last weeks referendum, in which 52% of voters went in favor of Brexit, but the vote was very clear. [BBC] New York (AFP) - It was the romance that provided the happiest of endings to an iconic memoir that became an international bestseller and spawned a Hollywood movie starring Julia Roberts. But "Eat Pray Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert announced Friday that she was parting from her husband, Jose Nunes, with whom she fell in love at the end of a journey of self-discovery more than a decade ago. "I am separating from the man whom many of you know as 'Felipe' the man whom I fell in love with at the end of the 'Eat Pray Love' journey," she wrote on her Facebook page. "He has been my dear companion for over 12 years, and they have been wonderful years. Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal." The couple married in 2007 and lived in Frenchtown, New Jersey about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of New York where they ran a store. "Eat Pray Love" tells how Gilbert spent four months in Italy savoring food, four months exploring spirituality in India and then travelled to Bali, where she fell in love, following a messy divorce. Published in 2006, it has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. In 2010, she published a follow-up memoir called "Committed" which explored her ambivalent attitudes about marriage and which also became a New York Times bestseller. The 46-year-old author and novelist also saw her experiences bartending, while trying to make ends meet in New York earlier in her career, become the basis for the 2000 movie "Coyote Ugly." Time Magazine named Gilbert one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. * Two top ECB officials call for Brexit clarity * Praet and Coeure say uncertainty will hurt euro zone * Officials urge shared euro zone bank rules and budgets * Praet fears red tape will outweigh trade advantage (Wraps Praet, Coeure stories, adds quotes, detail) By Marc Jones and Ingrid Melander LONDON/PARIS, July 1 (Reuters) - Two of the European Central Bank's top policymakers pressed Britain on Friday to provide a clear-cut plan for leaving the European Union, to prevent more economic damage. In what appeared to be co-ordinated statements, ECB chief economist Peter Praet and financial markets head Benoit Coeure both warned of the potential consequences of dragging out the Brexit negotiations. "We urgently need clarification on the process," Praet told a financial industry conference hosted in London by the Financial Times. "It is very important that we - central banks and all the public - get very quickly a sort of roadmap .... Whatever the outcome will be, there must be an orderly process." Europe has been thrown into turmoil by Britain's vote last week to quit the EU. Lack of clarity over Brexit plans following the vote is now exacerbating the uncertainty. No one knows when the British government will invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which begins an automatic two-year exit process. And the candidates to become British prime minister appear to be in no rush to start that process. For Britain, there is an advantage to delaying, if it can establish its negotiating position and make informal overtures to countries before the two-year begins. The rest of the EU fears prolonging the uncertainty will do more damage to their economies and weaken their position in talks. Couere - like Praet, a member of the ECB's Executive Board, told the French newspaper Le Monde that any pick-up in growth in the euro zone would "inevitably suffer from the 'uncertainty shock' that is created by the British referendum. "What is urgent today is to clarify the calendar and method, because prolonged uncertainty would have an economic cost, first of all for Britain but also for the European Union," he said. Story continues RED TAPE RISK Praet said that while some politicians might hope to gain at Britain's expense, a bigger risk was an increase in red tape, damaging business efficiency and the long-run growth rate of the British and euro zone economies. Both men said the ECB was closely monitoring the reaction of markets to the events and reiterated that the ECB stood ready to intervene if financial stability appeared threatened. That could take the form of injecting cash, Coeure said, adding that so far markets had continued to function normally despite huge adjustments. Britain's decision to leave did not endanger the EU, but steps needed to be taken to protect the euro, Coeure said. "The euro is a reality, but it must be protected. This requires moving towards more integration in financial and budget matters, around joint euro zone institutions that will be accountable to citizens," he said. "Experience from the crisis has convinced me that an intergovernmental Europe, where budgetary and financial decisions would be taken only by governments, would condemn the euro to lasting fragility," he said. In London, Praet said the euro zone needed to complete its banking union, which is designed to provide more backstops for the financial sector and the public. "What is the destination of the banking union," he said. "What are the next things to do - I think here about the deposit guarantee." He appeared also to back the idea that governments might still need to use taxpayer money if the turmoil put unmanageable pressure on banks. Italian banks especially have been under strain this year, both from the Brexit vote and from worries about their financial health. "It is urgent that we address these problems, and if necessary the flexibility of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) would have to be used." The BRRD is a framework that says banks' bondholders and shareholders should pay to re-capitalise them, but that governments can step in during a crisis. (Additional reporting by David Milliken in London; Editing by Larry King) Sen. Ben Sasse said Friday he'll oppose proposed bipartisan legislation supported by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts of Kansas that would establish a federal mandatory disclosure standard for bioengineered food. "While I appreciate the work that Chairman Roberts has done," Sasse said, "I fear that this approach puts us on a path that will ultimately hurt Nebraskans by putting a liberal agenda ahead of sound science." Sasse is a member of the Agriculture Committee; both he and Roberts are Republican farm-state senators. "If you travel all of our 93 counties and listen to Nebraska agriculture, you'll hear a common theme: get Washington out of the way and we'll keep feeding the world," Sasse said. "That's why I told Nebraskans in 2014 (during his Senate campaign) that I would oppose mandatory labeling of GMOs," he said. "That hasn't changed and I won't be able to support mandatory labeling legislation next week." GMO is the acronymn for genetically modified organisms. The Senate is scheduled to consider the legislation, which resulted from more than a year of negotiations. The proposal pre-empts state laws relating to the labeling of bioengineered food or food produced using bioengineering. Within two years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be required to create a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard. That disclosure standard could take the form of text, symbol, electronic or digital link. Last year, Sasse's staff noted, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology recommended that mandatory labeling should occur only in situations in which the product has been scientifically demonstrated to harm human health. Roberts and Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan crafted the bipartisan bill. Roberts has said the legislation would protect producers and inform consumers while prohibiting states or other entities from mandating labels of food or seed that is genetically engineered. The bill exempts any type of meat product. CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt has returned to Qatar $1 billion deposited by the Gulf state to help prop up the Egyptian central bank's hard currency reserves after the 2011 uprising, the central bank governor said on Friday. Cairo's relations with Qatar deteriorated after the Egyptian army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013. Qatar had been a firm backer of Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood and lent or gave Egypt $7.5 billion during the year he was in power. Central bank governor Tarek Amer told Reuters in a text message replying to a question about whether Egypt had paid $1 billion to Qatar, "Yes, definitely," but he did not elaborate. The $1 billion Qatar received is the last of Egypt's debts to the wealthy Gulf Arab country, according to the Egyptian state news agency MENA. Oil-rich Gulf countries have supported Egypt, the Arab world's most populous state, with billions of dollars in aid since Mursi's fall following mass unrest against his rule. Qatar, a small gas-exporting country which provided billions in grants, loans, and energy supplies to Egypt under Mursi, asked that the central bank deposits be paid back after the Islamist leader's ouster. Egypt has been struggling economically since a 2011 uprising drove away tourists and foreign investors, putting pressure on foreign reserves which halved to $17.5 billion in May. (Reporting by Ehab Farouk; writing by Amina Ismail; editing by Mark Heinrich) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f133785%2f13584697_1266724930034505_8529616696992340524_o A decade ago, Mosha wandered into landmine territory between Myanmar and Thailand. One of her legs was lost in the blast. The Asian elephant was recently fitted for an updated prosthetic limb to replace her front leg from Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital located in northern Thailand. This makes her the first elephant from the hospital to successfully use an artificial limb. SEE ALSO: U.S. announces groundbreaking ban on illegal trade of elephant ivory Image: ASSOCIATED PRESS Mosha is on her ninth leg, according to New York Times. It took two years of recovery at the hospital before she was fitted with her original artificial leg. As Mosha continues to grow, she receives new prosthetic limbs to support her additional weight and height. According to Reuters, she received the first when she weighed 1,300 pounds. Today, she is upwards of 4,000 pounds. "The way she walked was unbalanced and her spine was going to bend," Mosha's surgeon Therdchai Jivacate told Reuters. "She would have died." Mosha isn't the only elephant to be fitted with a leg. The Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital, which was founded in 1993, currently has 17 patientsone of them being Motala, who suffered a similar circumstance in 1999 and was transported to the same hospital. It took ten years for her landmine-inflicted wound to heal, but since then she, too, has received various versions of her prosthesis. A 2012 documentary, "The Eyes of Thailand," chronicles both Mosha and Motala's journeys and experiences in what is known as the world's first elephant hospital. BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union will ensure that there is "no cherry-picking" in the negotiations to be held on Britain's exit from the bloc, German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said in a letter to employees seen by Reuters on Friday. He also said: "Whoever does not want to belong to the EU anymore can no longer make use of the associated benefits." (Reporting by Michelle Martin) Brussels (AFP) - The European Union on Friday formally extended damaging economic sanctions against Russia by six months due to a lack of progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia immediately blasted the "short-sighted" move and said it would not make Moscow change course. The measures target the oil, financial and defence sectors of the Russian economy and were first imposed after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, blamed on pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine. "On 1 July 2016, the (European) Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2017," the EU said in a statement. The EU said in a tweet in Russian that it was rolling over the sanctions because the provisions of the February 2015 Minsk peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict were "not fully implemented". EU ambassadors agreed on the extension in principle on June 21. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko thanked the EU, saying its efforts to lobby the bloc had "borne fruit, despite the views of sceptics and pessimists". "This must force Russia to implement the Minsk Agreements and end its occupation of Crimea," he said in a reaction on Facebook. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite warned that the sanctions would go on until the conflict was resolved. "What goes around, comes around. Sanctions continue until Minsk agreements are fully implemented," she tweeted. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel briefed fellow EU leaders on the progress of the Minsk agreements at a summit this week, officials said. - Russia slams 'absurd' sanctions - Russia has hit back with its own embargo against Western food items, which it extended on Wednesday until the end of 2017. On Friday the Russian foreign ministry said it viewed the move as "a continuation of the short-sighted policy of Brussels" and that it was "absurd" to link the sanctions to a failure to make progress on a peace deal to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. Story continues "In essence the European Union has with its own hands made EU-Russian relations hostage to the irresponsible games of the Ukrainian authorities," it said in a statement. The sanctions, as well as Moscow's own embargo, have impacted the Russian economy, with the embargo pushing food prices up and quality down, but also giving a boost for some domestic producers. The sanctions have been controversial from the start, with EU member states such as Germany, Italy and Hungary fearful of getting locked in a damaging stand-off with Russia, a major political and economic partner. Other member states, such as Britain, have taken a harder line, insisting that Russia's intervention in Ukraine and its 2014 annexation of Crimea are a serious breach of international law and cannot go unpunished. But there are questions about how long the sanctions will now last following Britain's shock vote to leave the EU in a referendum last week. France has also been pushing for a "real debate" over the future of the sanctions while Germany's foreign minister has said the EU should consider a step-by-step relaxation of the measures. The EU in June rolled over for another year to June 2017 separate sanctions imposed after Russia's March 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The EU has also imposed a separate set of visa ban and asset freeze measures against individual Russian and Ukrainian figures for backing the separatist cause in early 2014. These measures run until September. BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Parliament and EU member states' national assemblies must approve a trade deal between the bloc and Canada before it can be adopted, a German Economy Ministry spokeswoman said on Friday. "The federal government considers that CETA is a mixed agreement. This is not only the view of the federal government, it has also been expressed by the European Council and other member states," the spokeswoman said. "And therefore it is clear that without the approval of the European Parliament and the national parliament there could be no CETA," she added, appearing to contradict European Commission plans for a simple approval procedure for the trade deal. The European Commission will on July 5 propose that the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) would be an "EU-only" agreement. This would mean it would be adopted if backed by representatives of member states and by the European Parliament. (Writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Paul Carrel) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday extended its economic sanctions on Russia until the end of January next year in a widely expected decision after EU leaders called for more progress in bringing peace to eastern Ukraine. "Having assessed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Council decided to renew the sanctions for a further six months, until 31 January 2017," the Council of European governments said, referring to the Minsk peace deal. The EU and the United States imposed sanctions on Russia's defense, energy and financial sectors in July 2014 over Moscow's support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Moscow imposed a ban on EU farm exports in retaliation, and denies any direct backing for the rebels. (Reporting by Robin Emmott, editing by Julia Fioretti) * Pan-European STOXX 600 index closes up 0.7 pct * FTSEurofirst ends up 0.8 pct * Markets propped up by prospect of more ECB help By Sudip Kar-Gupta LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - European shares rose on Friday, lifted by expectations that the European Central Bank would take action to support markets in order to ease worries about the fallout from Britain's vote to leave the European Union. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.7 percent, while the FTSEurofirst 300 index climbed 0.8 percent. The STOXX 600 rose around 3 percent over the week, although it remains 4 percent below its closing level on June 23 - the day before the result came through that Britain had voted to leave the European Union. The STOXX 600 slumped 11 percent in the first two trading sessions following that "Brexit" vote result in the United Kingdom, but has since recovered some ground, helped by signs that the ECB and Bank of England will look to prop up markets. ECB Executive Council member Benoit Coeure told Le Monde newspaper central banks were ready to act if they felt the Brexit vote threatened financial stability. Borrowing costs across the euro zone also sank to new lows on Friday on mounting expectations of central bank policy action. "It seems reasonable to think more policy support is coming. The Bank of England looks ready to act too," said Gary Paulin, head of global equities at Northern Trust Capital Markets. Paulin backed French construction stock Vinci in this context, arguing it could do well if governments look for fiscal stimulus measures, such as spending more on construction projects. Vinci shares ended 1 percent higher. Joe Rundle, head of trading at ETX Capital, said investors would have no choice but to put money into stocks, given the record low bond yields and minimal returns on cash. "In all this, stocks just keep pumping higher as record low bond yields means investors have to park their cash somewhere else," said Rundle. However, strategists at Wall Street bank Citigroup were more cautious, saying lower earnings ensuing from a weaker economic backdrop could limit the extent to which stocks could rise. "We think global equities are trapped in a trading range, with the downside set by yield attractions and the upside capped by poor EPS (earnings per share) prospects," they wrote. (Additional reporting by Danilo Masoni in Milan; Editing by Toby Chopra and Janet Lawrence) By Gabriela Baczynska BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - The head of the European Union's executive vented frustration on Friday at calls for deep reforms to reinvent the EU after Brexit, saying there were no proposals on what exact changes were needed to safeguard European integration. The comments by Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the European Commission, highlight the vulnerable spot the EU has found itself in after the shock British vote to leave what is still a 28-nation bloc cast a long shadow over its future. "We have to re-explain the reform agenda which is under way," Juncker told a news conference in Slovakia. "We are fighting red tape...We are modernizing the European economy - digital union, energy union, deepening of the internal market, capital markets union, banking union. "Everyone is saying 'We need more reforms'. Nobody is saying what kind of reforms we would need in addition to those which are under way, including some initiatives we have taken in the field of the social dimension of the internal market." Juncker was speaking at a joint conference with Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, which took over the EU's rotating presidency on Friday until the end of the year. "I will not say that nothing has to change. But the things moving in the right directions will not change," Juncker said. Fico, who will host a Sept. 16 meeting of all EU leaders but the British one as the 27 ponder the future of their troubled union, is calling for more powers to be returned to national capitals at the expense of the Commission. EU government leaders are keen to blunt the appeal of rightist euroskeptic parties that have mined growing discontent over a longtime trend of integration driven by Brussels seen by many to be eroding national sovereignty. Fico also said Germany, France and other Western EU states could dictate the future. Some in the Western EU say the bloc should deepen integration in areas including its single-currency euro zone after Britain's exit is complete. Greece, which has gone through an acute debt crisis that nearly knocked it out from the euro zone, has called for a more "social" rather than liberal market Europe as it struggles with a weak, uncompetitive economy and high jobless rate. Many EU government leaders name unemployment and migration as key areas to tackle to shore up the credibility of the grand post-World War Two project of European unity for the bloc's 500 million people. But there is scant agreement among EU capitals about how exactly to tackle these issues with the bloc still recovering from its debt crisis and polarized over immigration after 1.3 million refugees and migrants reached the continent last year. (Additional reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Libby George and Ron Bousso LONDON (Reuters) - The European Union's crisis holds political and economic leaders transfixed, but for the oil market it merely underlines the region's established role as only a secondary engine to global energy demand. Britain's vote to leave the European Union and strikes that crippled France's energy industry in May, elicited barely a lasting ripple on global energy markets. [KEMP/] "In terms of oil, it's the best place to have an economic slowdown without having a big impact on demand growth," said Chris Main, oil strategist with Citi Group. "European industry just doesn't contribute much to global demand growth." In oil demand growth, and in refining, the spotlight has for long shifted to developing markets in Asia, the Middle East and even the United States, where drivers hitting the road in record numbers are fuelling a resurgence in demand growth. Oil traders are accustomed to seeing the EU as a market with barely any potential to use more motor fuel. "GDP in the UK and Europe is not energy intensive, and indeed oil demand has been in decline (more or less) since 2007," Jefferies analysts wrote in a note. Jefferies estimates that the impact on oil demand from changes to GDP in emerging markets is some five times what it is in Europe "a far greater risk factor." The International Monetary Fund warned that Britain's vote could set back its growth by 1.4 to 5.6 percent by 2019, and said it could also lower the growth forecast for Germany, the bloc's largest economy. Typically during economic crises, fears over a drop in consumption stoke oil price declines. But Europe's withered oil demand growth due to energy efficiency and a shift away from heavy industry has cut its importance to the world's demand growth. Because most European economies are no longer industrially focussed, even the slip into recession that some economists warned could hit Britain has failed to create significant oil demand loss fear on the global level. Story continues According to the International Energy Agency, demand growth in Europe accounted for 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first quarter of the year, dwarfed by the 956,000 bpd growth in Asia's developing countries. Risk consultancy Eurasia Group said that Europe's 13.7 million bpd of total demand is only about 14 percent of the global total. It added that every 1 percent change in GDP would knock roughly 70,000 bpd off oil demand growth, a small figure compared with the group's demand growth forecast of 1.5 million bpd in 2016 and 1.1 million bpd in 2017. RESTOCK FIZZLES Amid fading demand, pressure on refiner profits forced the closure of more than 2 million bpd in European refining capacity over the last decade. This has limited the continent's importance in producing the diesel, gasoline and jet fuel that flow through global markets. In France, strikes in May closed nearly half its refineries, as well as its main ports, forcing it to tap strategic crude and fuel stocks to keep running. The shock boosted diesel profits, and led to hopes that a rush to restock would further support refining. When similar strikes hit the country six years ago, global oil prices spiked as it scrambled to restock. Instead, French refiner demand has been subdued as they slowly unloaded the roughly 19 million barrels of crude that was stranded on tankers during the strikes, and strategic stock agencies also gave companies three months to return what they took during the industrial action. The impact on diesel was blunted as well by the fact that refinery hubs have shifted out of Europe since the last strikes. Two French refineries have closed since 2012, while the Middle East has developed into a refining mega centre with massive, diesel-heavy units helping to pump a growing excess in European storage tanks. This has kept prices across crude and refined oil products from spiking, as it did following the last widespread French strikes in 2012. "The Middle East was not supplying as much distillates as they are now, and Russia is exporting more distillates," said KBC principal consultant Ehsan Ul-Haq of the changed market. "A few years agothe impact was much bigger," Ul-Haq said of the strikes, adding that now, "producers have more than enough diesel." (Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London and Bate Felix in Paris, editing by William Hardy) A Holt County judge has ordered TransCanada to repay fees and costs incurred by some of the Nebraskans the company took to court try to force easements for the failed Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL died in November when President Barack Obama rejected a permit TransCanada needed to build across the border between the United States and Canada. On Thursday, Holt County District Court Judge Alan Brodbeck said the landowners in 19 condemnation cases are entitled to get $8,844.21 each for reimbursement of fees and costs. They are a portion of the 56 landowners represented by Domina Law Group of Omaha who have requested reparation. The other cases are in different counties and will have to be ruled on by judges in those counties. "We are pleased for our clients and that there will be some relief for everything they endured," said attorney Brian Jorde of Domina Law. If the other judges order the same, TransCanada will be on the hook for just under $500,000, a small sum compared to the $3.1 billion the company spent trying to bring the project to fruition. By the time Obama killed Keystone XL, TransCanada already had 90 percent of the easements it needed in Nebraska. Owners of the remaining 10 percent fought lengthy legal battles and mounted multiple court challenges that delayed its progress and helped turn the Keystone XL into a political and national symbol of the battle between oil industry, property rights and environmental interests. The money awarded landowners Thursday will cover only costs associated with their condemnation cases, which began Jan. 20, 2015, and likely will come nowhere close to the amount actually spent fighting the pipeline. TransCanadas authority to use condemnation proceedings to get easements expired two years after then-Gov. Dave Heineman approved its Nebraska route in January 2013. With that window closed, Brodbeck said in the order, TransCanada cannot refile condemnation proceedings, which amounts to abandonment of the project and entitles landowners to reimbursement under state law. TransCanada, meanwhile, has filed a petition seeking to recoup $15 billion from the United States, alleging Obamas rejection of the project was unusual and capricious. The Alberta, Canada-based company filed paperwork about a week ago seeking reparation through arbitration allowed under a provision of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The amount TransCanada has requested takes into account what it says is the lost value of its investments and economic return. The company also filed a federal lawsuit earlier this year seeking to overturn Obama's decision. In a forthcoming memoir, former Pope Benedict reportedly claims a gay lobby in the Vatican tried to wield influence over him. In the book, called The Last Conversations and set to be published in September, Benedict says four or five people made up a gay lobby who sought power over Vatican decisions. Italys Corriere della Sera daily, which has newspaper rights to the book, says he [broke] up this power group, Reuters reports. During his tenure, Benedict denounced gay marriage, calling it a manipulation of nature. Pope Francis has adopted a softer tone, although the Catholic Churchs official position remains opposed to same sex marriage. He decried unjust discrimination against gays and lesbians and has said, By thinking that everything is black and white, we sometimes close off the way of grace and growth. In 2013, Benedict became the first pope in six centuries to resign. Facebook Inc.s FB troubles with Brazilian law enforcement agencies continue unabated. Yesterday, a federal court in the city of Londrina sealed Facebooks funds worth 19.5 reais or $6 million held in the country for constantly refusing to handover data pertaining to a WhatsApp user involved in drug trafficking, after repeated court orders. Per media reports, though WhatsApp functions as an independent entity, it does not have any bank accounts in Brazil and so the court froze the funds of its parent organization. The amount is almost equivalent to the fines levied for non compliance of court orders. Media reports further add that Brazilian law enforcement agencies have been investigating a drug smuggling racket since January and they argue that without the critical WhatsApp data, they are at a loss as they will not be able to establish any connection between those arrested and their associates spread across Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Spain. WhatsApp has consistently maintained that it cannot furnish the information as it does not store any data pertaining to users. Moreover, WhatsApp has now been employing secured end to end encryption so that WhatsApp and third parties cannot read or listen to the chats and videos sent by users. Earlier, in a similar drug case, the companys regional vice president, Diego Dzodan, was arrested by Brazilian authorities only to be released the next day. In May 2016, a city court had ordered the shutdown of WhatsApp for 72 hours in the country causing widespread outrage. The ban was withdrawn shortly by an Appeals Court. Analysts observe that the issue involving Internet companies and law enforcement agencies is highly complicated as neither of the parties can be blamed for what they are protecting. While Internet companies are trying to protect users privacy, national security concerns require law enforcement agencies to gain access to this data. At present, Facebook is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks worth considering are NetEase, Inc. NTES, Globant S.A. GLOB and Paylocity Holding Corporation PCTY. All of these sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). 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 NETEASE INC (NTES): Free Stock Analysis Report GLOBANT SA (GLOB): Free Stock Analysis Report FACEBOOK INC-A (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report PAYLOCITY HLDG (PCTY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. From Country Living Here at CountryLiving.com, we're constantly mining Pinterest to bring you the best decorating ideas from the most talented bloggers on the internet. Whether we're rounding up bedroom storage ideas or DIYs for your porch, there's one blog that never fails to catch our eye: Shanty2Chic, written by Texas-based sisters Whitney Gainer and Ashley Turner. It's become one of our favorite sources for farmhouse style and DIY ideas. That's why we were over-the-moon excited to hear that these talented bloggers are starring in HGTV's newest show. Open Concept follows Whitney and Ashley as they transform family homes with beautiful custom pieces-and yes, walls will be coming down. So far, three episodes have already debuted, and the sisters are looking for more homes to renovate in the Fort Worth, Texas area (apply here!). On their blog, Whitney and Ashley explain that they were approached about the show almost a year ago and while they were reluctant to take the leap to TV at first, something about this opportunity just felt right. Their favorite part of the whole adventure has been the chance to help others. "We really do get to use our skills now to go into other homes and change a family's life," they wrote in a blog post. "That's ultimately why we started blogging, and now we get to take that to the next level." Whitney and Ashley have a signature style that includes shabby chic finishings and farmhouse flair. We expect Open Concept to be the type of show you want to tune in to with a notebook for jotting down ideas, just like Fixer Upper. Take a look at some of their past work below: The most perfect rustic office space. A bathroom cabinet that has a sliding barn door. A console table built by hand with only a saw and nailer. And another console table that is on wheels. One of their favorite projects-a king sized bed. Floating shelves that display shabby chic finds. A corner desk that saves space in a tiny bedroom. Word art from the pilot episode of Open Concept. Everything about this gorgeous space! Oh, and did we mention it seems like these girls know how to have fun while working on a reno project? Follow Country Living on Pinterest. Many aspects of the GOPs newly proposed A Better Way healthcare plan would improve the health system. But A Better Way seems to mean Much of the Same when dealing with Food and Drug Administration regulation. The FDA greatly increases the costs to pharmaceutical companies by forcing compliance with regulations that cost billions of dollars and take over a decade on average. A report by PhRMA, an industry trade group, indicates that of all drugs that enter clinical trials (a substantially smaller number than pre-clinical trials), less than 12 percent of them will be approved. This raises the costs of prescription drugs, a major expenditure for senior citizens on Medicare Part D. Related: This New Vaccine Can Really Prevent Killer Pneumonia Peter Huber, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, states in his book The Cure in the Code, that the science and economics of molecular medicine now stand as a monument to medicines ignorant past . . . The system assumed broad areas of biochemical uniformity, conflated differences, and steered medicine relentlessly toward generic drugs for generic patients. In other words, federal regulation of the medical profession is out of date. To the GOPs credit, the proposal does address the need to cut red tape in the FDA to make sure that our regulatory system keeps pace with the state of science. This is a step in the right direction, but it does not focus clearly enough on the lengthy clinical trial process and the fact that not all trials and regulations are necessary for every new drug. Medicare Part D sidesteps the deeper issues with the federal governments involvement in patient care. Rather than drastically deregulating the pharmaceutical industry by reforming or abolishing the FDA, Part D implements free market concepts to reduce costs for those on Medicare who can no longer afford drugs. First, the government drastically raises the cost of buying life-saving drugs through FDA regulation, then provides a subsidy at the expense of the taxpayer and acts as though it has solved the issue of high costs. This sounds an awful lot like the villain in Saturday morning cartoons putting someone in harms way so that he can claim he saved them. Story continues Related: Why $3 Billion Worth of High-Tech Drugs Are Wasted Each Year The Manhattan Institutes Project FDA concluded in a 2014 study that a modest increase in efficiency at the FDA (defined as the approval of an additional 25 drugs per year) would be worth about $4 trillion annually in value to patients, from enhanced U.S. life expectancy. A substantial review of the FDAs required clinical trial process could drastically benefit Americans. Companies that copy drugs with expired patents are no longer required to go through the same regulatory process as manufacturers of new drugs. Yet Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), in a January press release, said According to a survey of generic drug makers, the median approval times have slowed from 30 to 48 months [despite] receiving an extra $1 billion in fees from the generic drug user fee program. Even with generics, there is still room for improvement. The GOPs health plan offers A Better Way for Americans. The Best Way, however, would be to speed up the approval process for both new and generic drugs. Conner Dwinell is an E21 contributor. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: From Cosmopolitan A federal judge blocked a new Indiana law Thursday that bans abortions sought because of a fetus's genetic abnormalities. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt granted a preliminary injunction sought by Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, which argued that the law was unconstitutional and violated women's privacy rights. The law was set to take effect Friday. Indiana and North Dakota are the only states with laws that ban abortions sought due to fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, or because of the race, sex, or ancestry of a fetus. The lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana also challenges the law's provision requiring that aborted fetuses be buried or cremated. Planned Parenthood currently disposes of remains by incineration, as with other medical tissue. Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed the new law in March after Indiana's GOP-dominated legislature approved it. The measure was approved despite objections from many female legislators, including Republicans, who said it went too far. The lawsuit was filed in April, and Pratt heard arguments from both sides June 14. During that hearing, Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher argued that Indiana's law was a response to DNA testing advances that permit fetuses to be screened for genetic defects or to determine their sex. He said the state has an interest in "preventing discrimination" against fetuses based on such test results. Ken Falk, legal director for Indiana's ACLU chapter, is representing Planned Parenthood in the case. He told Pratt that Indiana's law was clearly unconstitutional under previous U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Pratt, who was nominated as a judge by President Barack Obama in 2010, in June 2011 blocked an Indiana law from taking effect that would have prohibited entities that perform abortions from obtaining state funding. Her order became permanent in 2013 after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Indiana's appeal in the case. Story continues Indiana had sought to prevent Medicaid enrollees from accessing health care at clinics operated by Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky because the organization provides abortions. Indiana University has filed a separate federal lawsuit challenging a section of the new law making it a crime to sell or acquire fetal issue. The school argues the provision would illegally interfere with research by its scientists. Attorneys for IU and the state have agreed to put enforcement on hold until the university's challenge is resolved. North Dakota's Republican-led legislature passed a measure in 2013 that blocks abortions based on unwanted gender or a genetic defect. The state's sole abortion clinic, the Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo, has said the ban doesn't affect it in part because most genetic abnormalities are not detected until after 16 weeks into a pregnancy, when the clinic stops providing abortions. By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - A federal judge has blocked parts of a new Florida law aiming to cut off state funding for preventive health services at clinics that also provide abortions, acting shortly before the restrictions took effect on Friday. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction late on Thursday after state Planned Parenthood affiliates challenged certain provisions as unconstitutional. Hinkle found the clinics were unacceptably targeted by state efforts to eliminate funding for other healthcare services they also provide, such as birth control and screening for cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. "The states only beef is that the plaintiffs provide abortions," he wrote, noting that Florida already prohibits funding for abortions, as courts have held permissible. Florida is among many states adopting new abortion laws as conservatives seek to chip away at the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Supporters argued that the wide-ranging law adopted this spring in Florida would protect women's health. It included restrictions similar to those in a Texas law that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier this week. Planned Parenthood, however, did not challenge in its lawsuit a related provision requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, a type of formal affiliation that can be difficult to obtain. The organization's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for Northern District of Florida, focused on the funding cuts, which it said jeopardized about $500,000 annually. Planned Parenthood also challenged a new requirement that state inspectors review 50 percent of patient medical records at abortion clinics. Hinkle's 25-page injunction also blocked the additional inspections, noting that the volume requirements for abortion clinics far exceeded the standards for other medical facilities. "The inspection provision is a solution in search of a problem," Hinkle wrote. In the lawsuit, Planned Parenthood also raised concerns about changes in how the state defines gestational stages. The terminology was clarified during a court hearing, said Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, who applauded the judge's ruling. "This means this vital programs will continue to go forward," she said in a phone interview. "Because anti-women's health politicians want to end abortion, they went to the lengths of trying to stop these preventive services." The Florida Department of Health, named in the lawsuit, did not immediately provide comment. Neither did the office of Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican. (Reporting by Letitia Stein; Editing by Bill Trott) London (AFP) - British investment fund manager Fidelity will move 100 jobs from London to Dublin, it said Friday, but stressed the decision was made before the shock EU exit referendum result. "We have been recruiting into the Dublin office at the moment and there are some roles that will be moving from the UK," a Fidelity spokeswoman told AFP. "To be clear, this is all part of this long term strategy mentioned above, a strategy which has evolved over time and has nothing to do with the referendum." The British people voted last week in a crunch referendum to leave the European Union, with 52 percent in favour and 48 percent against. The outcome sent shockwaves through London's City finance district because many experts fear that London may no longer be able to conduct many operations in euros and thus the British capital could now lose jobs to competing hubs like Dublin, Frankfurt and Paris. M&G Investments, a subsidiary of British insurance giant Prudential, added on Friday that it had been working on extending its existing range of investment funds domiciled in Ireland over the past year. IDA Ireland, the countryas inward investment agency, last week revealed it will "liaise directly with ... potential investors over the coming weeks in order to work with them on the implications of the vote". The agency's chief executive Martin Shanahan added: "Ireland will remain a member of the European Union with full market access and that will be attractive to investors.a "Our deep and varied talent pool, competitive and consistent tax regime and long track record of working with foreign companies is something that companies are interested in. "The fact that Ireland is English-speaking and a member of the EU and eurozone is also attractive." The anthropologically inclined coming-of-age story, something of a staple on the arthouse and festival circuit, gets a sensitive and confident makeover in Ana Felicia Scutelnicus literal and thematic follow up to her 61-minute-long Panihida. Dovetailing with her experiences shooting that film, which was set in the same small village in Moldova, Anishoara is the real name of her lead actress, whose unselfconscious, taciturn magnetism captivated the director. Of course, things rarely come together instantaneously in the film world, and there is a sense that the ephemeral moment that so fascinated Scutelnicu, of Anishoaras transition from girlhood to womanhood, has already (though recently) passed for the young non-professional actress. But rather than scuppering the films already diffuse storytelling, this quality lends a somewhat overfamiliar story its freshest notes. The graceful yet honest, unvarnished performance from actress Anishoara, being just that moment older, gives character Anishoara a beyond-her-years wisdom, looking out from behind those unflecked eyes. Her eyes do a lot of the work here since Anishoara herself barely speaks at all that we can hear, anyway. Instead, Scutelnicus camera observes her with a removed but intense interest as she dashes through fields or listens to the sounds of night or does her chores, always with a strange, self-contained single-mindedness. Its rare that a film about such a disenfranchised and isolated world can observe it with neither condescension nor romanticism, but its a line Scutelnicu walks deftly. Because as much as the director is fascinated by her star, she is perhaps even more so by the circumstances of Anishoaras life, presenting the Moldovan countryside as an ancient place, almost a time capsule of customs and rituals and folklore forgotten by the rest of the world. Indeed, Scutelnicus one showy directorial flourish is to have the film open with a folk tale, told straight to camera. A beautiful girl rejects all her suitors because shes in love with the king of the sun, but she is burned by his embrace and turned into a starling, ever wheeling up back to him in the sky, only to drop down to earth again. It has its desired effect: Throughout the rest of the film, which is divided into the four seasons of a single year (necessitating several different d.p.s) as Anishoara engages with or gently rebuffs each of three potential suitors, we feel her story come into and out of phase with that of the starling-girl. The men who flit on the fringes of Anishoaras life (and the films gaze is so intent on her that they are mostly only peripheral) are glimpsed in brief interludes: the smitten older German tourist (William Menne) who makes himself ridiculous by getting his gray hair dyed unnaturally black, and brings her a wedding veil; the farmboy and probably childhood playmate who gives her and her friend rides on his tractor; and the out-of-towner (Dragos Scutelnicu) in a classic bad-boy leather jacket whom Anishoara first spots at a watermelon picnic and simply, unashamedly ogles. The next time we see him is sometime later as he takes her to the sea (Moldova is landlocked) on a brief lovers trip that is remarkable in the way Scutelnicu shows it to be made up of as much boredom as romance. And elsewhere we have moments of simple, almost documentary interest (though the controlled camerawork never feels like its aiming for verite, and Niklas Kammertons sound design is exquisite). Its to Scutelnicus credit that despite the considered, almost drowsy pace of the proceedings, she still manages to evoke a sense of almost animalistic peril. When one of her grandfathers fellow carousers comes in from the revelry outside and sits heavily on Anishoaras bed, she may pull back into almost complete shadow but you can sense her alarm, her alertness. But more often than not the dramatic thing does not happen, merely the truthful one. And the truth here is that these lives are neither ennobled nor impoverished by the lack of werewithal; they simply are, as they have always been. In some ways, Anishoara evokes a world remote from our own times we scarcely glimpse so much as a television, let alone a cellphone or a Starbucks to orient us to the modern, Western world. Anishoaras life is not the stuff of thrilling drama, and its hard to see the film gaining a huge amount of traction outside of specialty and festival outlets. But as her graduation film from Berlin film school DFFB, it marks out Scutelnicu as possessing confidence beyond her experience. Her watchful gaze over Anishoara is quietly enriching, giving us a clear-eyed, unsentimental, and very gently liberating homage to all the girls of times gone by and all the girls of times to come who, in the words of Thomas Gray, would otherwise blush unseen and waste their sweetness on the desert air. Related stories Film Review: 'The Have-Nots' Film Review: 'Original Bliss' Florian Eichinger Named Best Director at German Cinema New Talent Awards You're invited to join local artist Ann Williams for a project titled "16 Days of Hope," from July 9 24 at Gateway Mall, 6100 O St., as she creates a three-paneled glass mosaic to raise awareness for children and communities in need of basic resources in India, Kenya and Uganda. The kickoff is at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9 at the Younkers/Dillards wing. Already well-known for creating Gateway Malls six-foot-tall light bulb sculpture, Williams is teaming with Gateway to create the malls newest piece of art, a more than 2,000-piece glass mosaic. The mosaic, to be constructed in the Younkers/Dillards wing, will be designed and constructed from July 9-24. In conjunction with local non-profit The Hope Venture, Williams took on the project to help create awareness for children and communities in need of basic resources in India, Kenya and Uganda. At 11:30 a.m. July 9, Williams and The Hope Venture founder Cynci Petersen will discuss The Hope Ventures lifesaving mission. Lincoln residents are invited to help Williams create this iconic artwork and contribute to the mosaic on the following dates and times: July 9, noon 3 p.m.; July 16, noon to 4 p.m; July 17, noon to 6 p.m.; and July 23, noon to 4 p.m. Once completed, the mosaic will be featured in The Hope Ventures Night of Hope fundraiser in October before moving permanently outside of The Cookie Company inside the malls lower level entrance. The Hope Venture is a local nonprofit that raises awareness for and collects and distributes resources such as backpacks, school supplies, clean water, vocational training and more to help children and communities in India, Uganda and Kenya. We should all be happy that Bryan Cranston has become a highly sought-after movie actor. Yet the very thing that brought him to that position the pop-culture quake that was Breaking Bad has now given him the ultimate tough act to follow. How do you top, or even rival, what he accomplished playing a gentle-souled family-man chemistry teacher who turns himself into a violent drug badass? The Infiltrator, a sensationally intelligent and exciting true-life thriller directed by Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer), offers the answer: Have him play a gentle-souled family-man law enforcer who goes undercover as a money launderer to Pablo Escobar. Robert Mazur, the man Cranston plays in The Infiltrator, actually did that. In 1986, he realized that the war on drugs was going after the wrong target the drugs themselves, massive shipments of cocaine that even if seized could be replaced within days. Mazur figured out that the infinitely smarter thing to do would be to follow the money, which could lead directly to the kingpins who controlled everything. And so he came up with a sting operation that was built around creating a flamboyant alter ego for himself: Bob Musella, a jaunty, high-rolling businessman who launders mountains of drug-cartel cash tens upon hundreds of millions by promising to hide them in a network of legitimate investments. He doesnt just work with thugs and drug lords; he deals with respectable international bankers, setting up a vast network of corruption that is winked at by governments. Its like an underworld rehearsal for the new global money culture. To do all this, Bob Mazur had to be a master deceiver. Thats the shivery fascination of the whole undercover-cop genre that its about law enforcers who, in essence, turn themselves into actors, and the stakes are such that they need to be giving an Academy Award performance at every moment, or theyre going to blow their cover and die. Its a savory thing to watch an actor play a cop who really has to be an actor, improvising his way through one scary existential situation after another. Don Johnson had a lot of great moments doing it on Miami Vice, and when you think back to the Johnny Depp performances that were still rooted in the real world, certainly one of the highlights was his intricate and mournful work as the undercover cop in Donnie Brasco. But in The Infiltrator, which is based on Mazurs memoir (adapted into an ingeniously layered script by Ellen Brown Furman), Bryan Cranston gives the most authentic and lived-in performance as an agent pretending to be a criminal that I have ever seen. Part of Cranstons magic as an actor is that hes drawn to playing men of extreme volatility, but he exudes a deep core of decency; its as if the De Niro of the 70s had been infused with the soul of Henry Fonda. In The Infiltrator, the grand irony is that its Cranstons homespun, folksy-guy quality that makes Bob into such a brilliant undercover agent. He establishes his fake identity by literally setting up the shell of an investment company, and he turns the character of Bob Musella into a glad-handing financial player in silk pin-stripe suits, all bluster and sharky grins, but what makes the impersonation convincing is the way that he gets right onto the wavelength of the people whose trust he has to win. He connects with two scuzzy veteran drug peddlers who are on the lower middle rungs of Escobars organization, and he draws on his essential inner nice-guy-ness to flatter and cajole them. He knows how to make people feel good, and that, as the movie demonstrates, will take you far. Bobs decency can also be a trap. Partying at a strip club with his new associates, he has to go along with them and get a lap dance, but he draws the line at sleeping with a stripper (because he doesnt want to betray his wife). He makes the excuse that he has a fiance, but this looks, at first, like a bad mistake, which raises the haunting issue: How far into his role does an undercover agent really have to go? Theres a great scene in which Bobs cover is nearly blown, and without taking even a moment to think about it, he pushes himself to extremes to save himself. He is out at a restaurant with his wife his real wife to celebrate their anniversary. Suddenly, he spots one of his new drug associates, and his two worlds come crashing together. What can he do? Instantly, he slips into character by summoning the waiter and hurling obscenities at him for bringing the wrong cake, but he knows even that isnt going to be enough to fool anyone, so to kick up the tantrum another notch, he smashes the waiters face down into the cake. Bobs wife has never experienced this side of him (she knows what his job is, she just hasnt seen it), and its as if shed suddenly witnessed her husband turning into De Niros Al Capone in The Untouchables. The Infiltrator glides from New York to Miami to Panama to Paris, and it often takes a moment to figure out where, exactly, you are, but thats by design. The idea is that its really all one place, a stratosphere of luxe rotting corruption connected by private plane. Bob acts his way through one devious encounter after the next, working his way up the chain of Escobars organization. The men he meets are seasoned killers who gleam with animal awareness, and thats part of what lends the scenes their danger; the men all look at Bob as if they could see right through him. Theres the supremely creepy Escobar money manager, Javier Ospina (Yul Vazquez), whos like a crazy Dean Stockwell character; he comes on to Bob he comes on to just about everyone and then sketches his ominous, lingering skepticism about the organizations new financial planner into little drawings on cocktail napkins. Theres the henchman who Bob wins access to only by sitting through a bizarre voodoo ritual that results in the stranger alongside him being shot in the head. Bob, with good reason, thinks hes going to be next. When enough time has passed, Bob wins a hallowed meeting with Escobars suave lieutenant, Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt), and before he knows it theyve become back-slapping friends. Bob now has a fiance, played by a fellow undercover agent, Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger), who has never been on a mission before. The two have to pretend to be a sexy globe-trotting couple, and the fascination of their scenes is watching the mixture of caution and daring sticking to their script, but also taking off from it that fuels the intensity of their impersonation. Kruger, who has always been a dynamic actress, here performs with a luminous sensuality that she turns on and off like a light switch. As a cop, shes all no-nonsense professionalism, but the nature of the bond that she and Bob forge with Roberto and his wife, sitting in their dazzling Miami penthouse, is that it demands a layer of intimacy. The scenes between the four of them play like a tango of fear and emotion. The two agents begin to drift, ever so slightly, into living out their roles not in a way thats corny or unbelievable, but in a way that allows the audience to register their attraction as something thats never stated. It emerges from the charged anxiety of the situation. The Infiltrator creates enthralling suspense out of the drama of what undercover agents do, and there isnt a moment in it that makes the danger looks falsely seductive. The power of Cranstons performance is that he captures the deep anguish that deep cover can bring. Kruger matches him, beat for psychological beat, and John Leguizamo gives a pinpoint performance as Bobs low-life informer colleague, whose slovenly flakiness turns out to be, itself, a kind of cover. As Roberto, the courtly Colombian domestic sociopath, Benjamin Bratt acts with a new command, truly convincing you that hes a heartbeat away from Escobar, the most ruthless man on the planet. A quibble one might have with The Infiltrator is that Furmans visual style as a director, while crisp and eloquent, never transcends a kind of medium-shot conventionality; the scenes are gripping, but they dont soar. (The closest the film comes to that is the heart-in-the-throat moment when Bobs briefcase with the hidden tape recorder pops open.) Then again, thats all intrinsic to the movies taut power. You could almost say that the style of The Infiltrator is a perfect mirror of the undercover agents its about, who have to do all sorts of amazing and terrifying things while keeping their souls meticulously under wraps. Related stories James Franco Tries to Charm Bryan Cranston in 'Why Him?' Trailer Bryan Cranston Joins 'Power Rangers' Movie as Zordon Trailer Puts 'Sing' on Track to Hit Illumination's Other High Notes HOUSTON, July 1 (Reuters) - Alaskan North Slope (ANS) crude will be shipped to Nicaragua for the first time in July, two trade sources said on Friday, underscoring a shift in oil flows to and from the U.S. West Coast. A parcel of the medium grade crude is on its way to the Pacific Area Lightering (PAL) near southern California on Exxon Mobil Corp's Liberty Bay, a U.S. flagged vessel, according to the sources and Reuters vessel tracking data. From there, it will transfer to the Liberian-flagged Panamax tanker Chantal for delivery to Nicaragua, where Swiss commodities trader Trafigura Trading LLC will take the crude, said the sources who were not authorized to speak to the media about the matter. Representatives for Trafigura and Exxon declined to comment. Global crude flows have changed in the last six months as oversupplied markets force producers to compete aggressively on price. The United States in December lifted a four-decade ban on exporting crude, giving global refiners access to a wider variety of crude. ANS, which was exempted from the U.S. export ban, is almost exclusively sold to West Coast refiners and transported on U.S. flagged vessels owned by BP Plc, Exxon and ConocoPhillips that comply with maritime law. The rare cargoes that have moved abroad in recent years have gone to South Korea or Japan. Trafigura has a stake in Puma Energy, which operates a small refinery in Managua, Nicaragua, and manages downstream assets in 47 countries. In March, Trafigura took 380,000 barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude at its Puma refinery in Nicaragua. (Reporting by Liz Hampton; additional reporting by Marianna Parraga, Editing by Terry Wade and Richard Chang) By Lin Taylor LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Nearly 2,900 migrants have died trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea, making the first six months of 2016 the deadliest on record, according to figures published Friday by an international migration group. Between the months of January and June, there were 2,899 recorded deaths at sea, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported, around a 50 percent increase in the number of deaths when compared with the same period in 2015, when 1,838 migrants went missing or drowned at sea. In 2014, there were 743 deaths at sea by mid-year. "We've had almost 3,000 people dead which is really alarming," said Joel Millman, spokesman for the IOM, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Europe's done a remarkable job, they've saved thousands of lives this year alone. But almost 3,000 people dead means they're not doing everything that needs to be done." Millman said he was not expecting migrant arrivals to decrease as insecurity in Libya, Syria and other war-torn countries is not likely to improve in the coming months. In first six months of this year, 225,665 migrants arrived in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain by sea, with the central Mediterranean route to Italy claiming the most lives, accounting for nearly 2,500 deaths. This time last year, the number of arrivals by sea was just over 146,000, the IOM said. On Thursday, 10 women died in a sinking rubber boat off the coast of Libya and an Italian ship rescued hundreds of other migrants, the Italian coastguard said. The latest deaths came as Italy raised the wreck of a fishing boat that sank in April last year. The disaster is feared to have killed up to 800 people, making it one of the deadliest shipwrecks in decades of seaborne migration from North Africa towards Europe. (Reporting by Lin Taylor @linnytayls, Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, global land rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, women's rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories) From Cosmopolitan For years, I hated my natural hair. I did everything that I could to hide it. My senior year of high school, I straightened my hair one too many times until it gave up on me. I would look at my hair that I'd fried to the max with a flat iron with such disgust. This is when all my hair insecurities started to get real. In college, I would wear extensions in my hair for months at a time. I did it so I could cover up what was lying underneath - fickle, neglected, broken, heat-damaged hair. My family would ask me if I was just going to wear extensions my whole life. I would use the fake excuse that I loved switching up my hairstyles and extensions gave me the freedom to do that. But truly, all of my extensions looked exactly the same - long, straight 16-inch pieces that I paid about $400 for at the beauty supply store. I shelled out another $200 every two months for someone to sew the extensions on top of my real hair. Looking back, my addiction to extensions was so expensive. It actually wasn't freeing at all. It was an unhealthy dependence upon hair (that wasn't naturally mine) to make me feel beautiful. But why didn't I love the hair that I was born with? It took time, but since graduating from college last year, I got way more comfortable with wearing my real hair. Instead of hiding it with extensions, I'd wear it out. It could only be extension-free under one condition: It had to be straight. Curls? Nah, that wasn't me. Bone-straight hair is just what I felt the prettiest with. Recently, I woke up for work after a packed weekend and did not have the time to spend two hours washing and flat-ironing my hair like I usually do on Sundays. My split ends were already curly, so I decided on a whim to wet the ends of my hair with water. I also coated my ends with a little bit of Macadamia's Tousled Texture Finishing Spray in hopes of creating a wavy look. I was scared shitless because I had no clue how this was going to turn out. I had never worn my hair like this before and I didn't really like it before walking out the door for work. College me wouldn't recognize this person. Story continues That day, Cosmopolitan.com photographer Ruben Chamorro asked me if I could help test his light by taking a quick photo. I immediately denied him. I didn't want to be photographed on what I considered to be a bad hair day. He insisted, saying my hair looked so cool. Not going to lie, I was into it. Who knew my teased, curly hair could actually look good in a photo? I got so many compliments from coworkers too. (I could barely accept them because I still wasn't comfortable with my hair.) This made me think of all the times my mom, who is a beautiful naturalista herself, had encouraged me to embrace my natural curls. I would on very rare occasions, but never for more than a day or two. Don't get me wrong, I've always admired women who wear their curls. I'm even kind of intimidated by the natural hair community because I don't know how to do all those complicated braids, twists, and updos that are all over Insta. But the day I wore my hair halfway curly at work was the first time I had ever felt like my curls were (kind of) pretty. I liked the feeling. I still don't really know what sparked inside of me, but it made me want to go all out and try natural hairstyles I had secretly wanted to attempt for a long time. I needed to stop letting my straight hair rule my identity. So I decided to wear my natural hair for a week. Day 1 Style: Braid Out I wanted to start off simple, so I did a basic braid out. I frantically texted one of my friends who has the most beautiful curls in life, asking which products I should use to make sure my curls would last. First, I washed my hair with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla shampoo and conditioner. After parting my hair into eight sections, I lathered my hair with Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner. I braided each section of my hair and sealed the ends with a little bit of Moroccanoil. I put a satin bonnet on and hoped for the best in the morning. I was so happy with the results that I didn't know what to with myself! It felt so amazing sashaying down the street, feeling the wind through my curls, whipping my hair back and forth. I don't know if I have the nicest coworkers ever or everyone really did love my hair, but I was showered with compliments all day. I snapped a selfie to see what my Insta friends would think of it too. The overwhelmingly positive response was so validating. Not that you need anyone to validate your beauty, but it just made me feel good, ya know? Day 2 Style: Puff Ball The braid out the day before set a pretty strong tone that was hard to follow up - but it had taken me an hour to style and I wanted to spend less time getting my hair ready. I thought about trying a topknot. It would be taking my hair in a completely new direction because I hardly ever wear my hair up. I couldn't even remember the last time I had. Maybe as a kid? Come to find out, pulling my curls back was tough. I used a firm brush to smooth down my edges, which were slicked with water and Creme of Nature's Argan Oil Perfect Edges. Afterward, I tied my hair down with a silk scarf for 20 minutes so my edges would lay down. I probably redid my puff ball a million times. OK, I'm exaggerating, but still it took forever. I felt like my messy bun looked a little child-like, so I swiped on my favorite red lipstick to liven up the look. This day, I didn't get as many comments about my hair. In fact, one of my interns told me she liked my curls out better instead of pulled back. I was still grappling with the fact that people genuinely liked my curls. It surprised me. Maybe it's because for so long, I concealed them and never gave anyone (including myself) a chance to even see them. My puff ball was OK, but it was time to give my curls another chance to come out and play. Day 3 Style: Bantu Knots I've always loved the beautiful ringlets bantu knots create on natural hair but have never been able to get them to work on myself. I knew this was going to be one of those make-it-or-break-it hairstyles that could go either way. I scouted out one of my closest friends, Jamie, who is skilled at bantu knots, to do the job. Here's all that went into my hair: First, we started with my dry hair that I hadn't washed in a few days. She parted it in about 10 sections because I didn't want super-tight curls. Next, she sprayed it with water to get my hair damp (not soaking wet), combed out each section with a wide-tooth comb, and lathered my hair with a small amount of each product listed above. Then, she tightly twisted my hair in a circular motion that created a really tight coil that she secured with a bobby pin. She repeated this step all over and my hair looked like this: Sleeping in these things was a bumpy road. My coils were tight so it was uncomfortable. But in the morning, when I unraveled each bobby pin, my ringlets were so defined. Afterward, I coated my fingertips with a little Jamaican Black Caster Oil and separated each curl with my hands. Then I went in with a wide-tooth comb to fluff up the roots of my hair for bigger curls. The finished look was so fun! My Snapchat friends said this needed to be my new lewk. Could I commit to doing this every night? Absolutely not. It required so much time and patience. But I definitely love the outcome of the curls. I felt myself starting to love my natural hair more and more each day. Day 4 Style: Crown Braid I love a crown braid. That's like the ultimate in #HairGoals for me. I've seen them for so long in Instagram and Pinterest that I wanted to see how it would look on me. I don't know how to French braid so I trusted my coworker Brooke, who is bomb.com at braiding, to help me. First, I brushed down my edges with water and used a generous amount of Creme of Nature's Argan Oil Perfect Edges to smooth them down. Brooke parted my hair on the side and took three strands of my hair and braided it halfway across my hair. She repeated the same step on the other side of the part. My crown braid made me feel like a complete goddess. I literally felt like I was walking around with a halo on top of my head all day for everyone to see the angel I am (well, technically I was, but you know what I mean ). Day 5 Style: Wash 'N' Go Honesty moment: I was burned out from dedicating over an hour each day to trying out natural styles. It was Friday and I just wanted to let my curls loose. I decided to see how my hair would look in its true natural state. I washed my hair in the morning with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla shampoo and conditioner, and used a detangling brush in the shower. Then I lathered my wet hair with SheaMoisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie to lock in some extra moisture for the full day ahead of me. I was the most nervous this day. I had no idea how my curls were going to look once they dried. What were my coworkers going to think of me walking into the office with a big afro? Would I be perceived the wrong way? Was my hair unprofessional? All of these negative thoughts rushed in to my head at once. But I just decided to own it. And it worked. Before this day, I had never just let my hair be. I realized I didn't need any braids, twists, a flat iron, or extensions to alter the appearance of my hair. It was liberating to wear it just the way it is. I felt like I was tapping into an authentic part myself for the very first time. It was like a rebirth of my hair - in its natural, truest, and purest state. Day 6 Style: Wash 'N' Go I was heading to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the weekend to attend a Harvard Law Conference co-chaired by my sister Taylor. I was hesitant to rock my afro in a room full of lawyers. Before going, I vented to my friends about how I didn't want to stick out and not be taken seriously. Historically, afros, braids, and other ethnic hairstyles of the African-American community have been rooted in so much controversy. They still are today. Young girls are being suspended home from school for wearing "unruly" afros and women are being fired from their jobs for wearing natural styles that are labeled "unacceptable." Despite my internalized fears, I decided to be the Professional Black Girl I claim to be and wear my afro anyway. I didn't want to fall victim to being afraid of proudly wearing my natural hair any and everywhere. My sister's conference was a success and I actually received compliments from strangers who also were there. I love the way my wash 'n' go looked with a dressier outfit. Day 7 Style: Wash 'N' Go Although it was officially the last day I had to wear my natural hair, it didn't feel like an obligation. I wasn't scared of my curls anymore. I was excited to wear them more. I wondered why I had been so stubborn about hiding them in the first place. Growing up, the only woman I looked up to with natural hair was my mom. Everyone else around me had straight, long hair, so that's what I thought was "acceptable" and "beautiful." I thought my naturally curly hair was untamed, nappy, and something only my mom saw when she was in the process of detangling my roots before we hot-combed it straight. This carried on through my teenage and college years. But I'm so glad I finally let go of the false notion that straight hair is what I am most beautiful in. I'm still trying to figure out why I accepted that lie for so long. It's a combination of being the only kinky-haired brown girl in the room for many years and unthinkingly accepting society's standards of beauty. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against my straight hair now and I still wear it often. I honestly missed it after a week of curls. It's still my security blanket because it's what I've worn for so many years. I've just learned to embrace the beauty of my hair in every single form. My hair does not define who I am, nor does it control my life. I have the freedom to wear my hair however I please - curly, braided, twisted, or straight. My coworkers didn't stare at me extra long, ask to touch my hair, or call it "unprofessional." My friends and family didn't think I looked weird with curly hair; they actually loved it. All the perceived judgements I had been afraid of never actually materialized. I've worn my natural hair beyond this challenge and will continue to. Because it's not about my hair, it's about my confidence to truly love myself through and through. Get non-boring fashion and beauty news directly in your feed. Follow Facebook.com/CosmoBeauty. Follow Maya on Instagram and Twitter. (The following statement was released by the rating agency) SINGAPORE, July 01 (Fitch) Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia-based gaming conglomerate Genting Berhad's (Genting) Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and senior unsecured rating at 'A-'. Fitch has also affirmed the Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency IDRs on Genting's 53%-owned subsidiary, Genting Singapore PLC (GENS), at 'A-' and its SGD2.3bn perpetual capital securities at 'BBB'. The Outlooks for Genting and GENS are Stable. Genting's ratings reflect its continued strong market position in the Malaysian and Singaporean gaming markets and meaningful diversification in the oil palm plantations and energy sectors. Genting's leisure and hospitality business, which includes its gaming, hotel and theme park businesses, accounted for 81% of consolidated EBITDA in 2015. Oil palm plantations (5%), energy (4%) and property, investment and others (10%) account for the balance 19%. GENS's ratings are equalised with those of Genting due to the strong strategic and operational ties, with GENS contributing 47.2% of Genting's consolidated EBITDA in 2015. Brand-sharing and a history of providing financial support are also key attributes for the equalisation of the ratings. KEY RATING DRIVERS Strong Market Position: Genting's ratings reflect its monopoly position in Malaysia and 40% market share in the duopolistic Singapore market. Genting's leisure and hospitality business in both these countries account for 81% of consolidated EBITDA. The gaming industry in both these countries is subject to close regulatory oversight, and the resultant barriers to entry impart a degree of stability to cash flows across the business cycle. EBITDA Compression: Consolidated EBITDA margin declined to 34.7% in 2015 (2014: 36.4%), due to a lower hold percentage in the premium players business, a higher number of bad debts written off, and the impact of the 6% Goods and Service Tax that has been levied in Malaysia since 1 April 2015. Translation losses and the continued impact of the GST resulted in a more significant decline in the consolidated EBITDA margin to 23.5% in 1Q16 (1Q15: 40.9%). Yet Genting's EBITDA margin continues to be robust, and the entity had maintained its net cash position as of 31 March 2016. GENS Faces Multiple Pressures: During FY15 and 1Q16, GENS reported declining revenues, lower EBITDA margins, deteriorating performance of its VIP gaming business, and impairment of credit extended to its VIP customers. These adverse developments were partially offset by the relatively stable performance of its mass-market gaming business. The net cash position is a trend which Fitch expects will be sustained in the medium term. Marina Bay Sands (MBS, BBB-/Stable) cannibalised GENS's market share on account of its locational advantage, i.e. proximity to Singapore's Central Business District, premium product positioning, and targeting the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) segment. MBS's market share rose to 60% of GGR in 2015 from 50% in 2012, while GENS's correspondingly fell to a still-significant 40%. The Singapore government awarded 30-year licences, including 10-year exclusivity periods, to both GENS and MBS. GENS's market position, scale and profitability would weaken should the government grant additional licences on expiry of the exclusivity period. The government has not signalled the granting of additional licences to date, and Fitch believes the risk is low - given the government's concerns over problem gambling. Substantial Capex Pipeline: Fitch expects Genting to incur annual capex of MYR7.0bn-8.0bn from 2016 to 2018. Of this capex, almost 40% is likely to be incurred by Genting Malaysia Berhad, mostly on Resorts World Genting, and to a limited extent on the UK, US and Bimini (Bahamas) properties. GENS and plantations would account for 8% and 6%, respectively, of the projected capex, while the power and oil and gas division would account for approximately 5%. Resorts World Las Vegas is another major pipeline project. Fitch believes that Genting would embark on full-scale project development only when market conditions are conducive. Capital Management Initiatives: Fitch takes a favourable view on Genting's capital management initiatives to maintain leverage at less than 1.0x. This could include the strategic sale of non-core assets such as the 2015 proceeds from disposal of investments for MYR2.7bn. The company maintains a conservative financial policy, keeping a historical net cash position on a consolidated basis. However, as the company embarks on a period of high capex, leverage may rise slightly above this long-term trend, but still within Fitch's 1.0x net adjusted debt to operating EBITDAR less minority interest tolerance for the rating level. KEY ASSUMPTIONS Fitch's key assumptions within the rating case for Genting include: - Consolidated annual revenue growth in FY16 and FY17 is projected to be in excess of 10% - Operating EBITDAR margin will be maintained at over 30% in FY16 and FY17 - Annual capex incurred from 2016 to 2018 will range from MYR7.0bn to MYR8.0bn, and - Annual dividend payout during 2016 to 2018 will range from MYR400m to MYR500m. RATING SENSITIVITIES Genting Negative: Developments that may, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action include: - Net financial leverage (as measured by the ratio of net adjusted debt to operating EBITDAR less minority interest) being sustained at more than 1.0x. Fitch expects Genting to revert to a net cash position once it completes pipeline projects. - Weakening of competitive position due to regulatory action in any of the markets in which Genting operates, and: Upside potential to the ratings is limited by the discretionary nature of gaming expenditure incurred by gaming patrons and the cyclicality and capital intensity of the gaming business. GENS Any weakening of operational and strategic ties between GENS and Genting will result in GENS's rating being notched down from its parent's rating. Fitch assesses GENS's standalone rating at 'BBB', despite its operational and financial metrics being in line with Genting's consolidated numbers, due primarily to its single-market exposure. FULL LIST OF RATING ACTIONS The full list of rating actions is as follows: Genting Berhad Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR affirmed at 'A-'; Outlook Stable Senior unsecured rating affirmed at 'A-' Genting Singapore PLC Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR affirmed at 'A-'; Outlook Stable Long-Term Local-Currency IDR affirmed at 'A-'; Outlook Stable Rating on GENS's SGD2.3bn perpetual capital securities affirmed at 'BBB' Contact: Primary Analyst Nandini Vijayaraghavan, CFA Director +65 6796 7216 Fitch Ratings Singapore Pte Ltd 6 Temasek Boulevard #35-05 Suntec Tower Four Singapore 038986 Secondary Analyst Hasira De Silva, CFA Director +65 6796 7240 Committee Chairperson Kalai Pillay Senior Director +65 6796 7221 Summary of Financial Statement Adjustments - - Genting has outstanding operating lease contracts. Annual operating lease rentals have been multiplied by a factor of 8 to arrive at the debt equivalent of operating leases. This is in line with Fitch's "Treatment of Operating Leases in Corporate Analysis" (September 2015) - GENS' perpetual capital securities will be assigned a 50% equity credit up to October 2017 and nil thereafter, in line with Fitch's "Treatment and Notching of Hybrids in Non-Financial Corporate and REIT Credit Analysis" (February 2016) Media Relations: Leslie Tan, Singapore, Tel: +65 67 96 7234, Email: leslie.tan@fitchratings.com; Wai-Lun Wan, Hong Kong, Tel: +852 2263 9935, Email: wailun.wan@fitchratings.com. Additional Information is available at www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Corporate Rating Methodology - Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage (pub. 17 Aug 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=869362 Treatment and Notching of Hybrids in Non-Financial Corporate and REIT Credit Analysis (pub. 29 Feb 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=878264 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr _id=1008316 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1008316 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&det ail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. (The following statement was released by the rating agency) SINGAPORE/SYDNEY, June 30 (Fitch) Malaysia's increase in the piped-gas tariff for 2H16 will be positive for oil and gas producer Petroliam Nasional Berhad's (Petronas, A/Stable) cash generation, while the impact on power utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad (Tenaga, BBB+/Stable) is likely to be neutral, Fitch Ratings says. In line with its subsidy rationalisation programme, the Malaysian government will increase the piped-gas tariff in 2H16 to the power sector to MYR19.7 per million British thermal unit (mmbtu) (1H16: MYR18.2/mmbtu), and to commercial and industrial users to MYR27.05/mmbtu (1H16: MYR25.53/mmbtu) in Peninsular Malaysia. Petronas will benefit from a more uniform application of the reforms addressing gas pricing in Malaysia. Petronas's foregone gas sales revenue, as a result of regulated prices, from the power and non-power sector is significant, averaging around 20% of Fitch-adjusted EBITDA in the past three years. Since the Malaysian government restarted the Fuel Cost Pass Through (FCPT) mechanism in January 2014, Petronas's piped-gas tariff to the power sector has increased by about 44% over four revisions, and its gas tariff to commercial and industrial customers has increased by about 68% over five revisions. Since July 2015, the price revisions under the FCPT mechanism have taken place consistently once every six months. Petronas continues to maintain a strong standalone credit profile, which Fitch assesses at 'AA-', however, the rating headroom for the company has shrunk due to pressure on operating cash generation from sustained low oil prices. Petronas has cut its dividend payout, but with oil prices likely to recover only slowly, operating cash flow is likely to continue being under pressure. Fitch does not expect the higher gas prices to have an adverse impact on Tenaga's credit profile. The government allows Tenaga to adjust its regulated tariffs every six months to reflect the difference between actual fuel costs and the amounts stipulated in the FCPT framework, subject to its approval. Moreover, Tenaga's over-recovery of fuel costs in 1H16 - driven by improved utilisation of coal-fired plants, lower purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a result, and lower coal and LNG costs - more than offsets the announced increase in the piped-gas tariff to the power sector. Consequently, the regulator will maintain rebates and blended effective electricity tariffs in Peninsular Malaysia at 1.52 Malaysian sen/kWh and 37.01 sen/kWh, respectively, for 2H16. Fitch assesses Tenaga's financial profile to be stronger than its standalone rating of 'BBB' in the absence of any major debt-funded acquisitions. However, a ratings upgrade would be contingent on a record of the government consistently implementing the FCPT mechanism, especially in an environment of rising fuel costs. Contact: Rachna Jain Associate Director +65 6796 7227 Fitch Ratings Singapore Pte Ltd 6 Temasek Boulevard #35-05 Suntec Tower Four Singapore 038986 Sajal Kishore Senior Director +612 8256 0321 Media Relations: Leslie Tan, Singapore, Tel: +65 67 96 7234, Email: leslie.tan@fitchratings.com. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com Related Research Malaysia Power Dashboard 1H16 https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=881465 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. These days, its easy to think of sharks as one of the most inherently scary creatures in the world. But 100 years ago, things were very different. If there hadnt been the 1916 shark attacks, we probably wouldnt be watching Shark Week right now, says George Burgess, director of the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File. Hes talking about the five shark attacks on the Jersey Shore that left four dead and one injured over a 12-day period, starting July 1exactly a century ago. On that day, Charles Vansant, an ambitious businessman and son of a prominent Philadelphia doctor, went for a pre-dinner ocean swim with his dog in the Jersey Shore town of Bell Haven. He bled out after a shark ripped off his left leg. On July 6, in the elite vacation town of Spring Lake, a woman told lifeguards that Charles Bruder, an employee of a nearby hotel, had capsized in a red canoe only to find out the color was blood gushing from his shark-severed legs. On July 12 in Matawan Creek, a crowd watched in horror as 24-year-old Stanley Fisher was attacked while trying to retrieve the body of another shark victim, 11-year-old factory worker Lester Stillwell and later died waiting for a train to transport him to medical treatment. Joseph Dunn, 14, also got his left leg caught in a sharks mouth, but several other youngsters yanked him free. Its not as if sharks hadnt been fearsome creatures before 1916, butfor several reasonsthese five attacks changed the way the creatures were seen all along Americas coastlines. For one thing, they happened near the media capital of the world, New York City, and at vacation destinations for elites, so it got outsized attention in the national press. It became an uproar in the backyard, in the media, Burgess explains. People who wielded power and moneyit affected their potential summer plans. Story continues Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter There was a heat wave that summer, and in the era before widespread use of home air-conditioning, that meant that, as Burgess says, more people [were] going into the water to cool off, so theres a greater chance of sharks and human getting together in the water. But those people would not necessarily have been able to cool off if they hadnt had the time to go to the beach. These shark attacks occurred at a time when people who werent elites were heading to the ocean for the first time, too. As Richard G. Fernicola explains in Twelve Days of Terror, the early 20th century was a time of new opportunities for leisure among the middle and working classes: Thousands upon thousands of people flocked to the ocean in numbers never before imagined, he writes. Thats sort of why scientists didnt even know sharks were strong enough to gore humans, according to Michael Capuzzo, author of Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916. In 1916, the general consensus of science was that sharks didnt have the bite force to even bite through a human bone, he says, so it was kind of a blind spot in history between the Age of Sail when people were out there all of the time, and this new civilized society that was sort of withdrawn from [the ocean]. Such attacks had never happened on this scale. The attacks even inspired President Woodrow Wilson to hold a cabinet meeting to address the issue, at which he called for a plan to kill all the sharks on the East Coastperhaps because hes getting pressured to get into World War I by some and doesnt want to be perceived as weak, says Capuzzo. Experts still cant all agree on what caused the flurry of attacks or even the type and number of sharks involved. Some have said the Matawan Creek attacks prove that it was bull shark because they swim in fresh water. Others say it was a great white shark because newspapers around that time reported that one was found with humans remains in its stomach. Generally speaking, such attacks can occur when sharks are sick, according to Burgess: Animals sometimes are prone to disease or something that causes them to change their behavior, which isnt predictable and doesnt happen very often. The Jersey man-eateras the mystery shark(s) became knownpartly influenced Peter Benchleys novel 1974 Jaws, and the Steven Spielberg-directed film adaptation, which played a role in popularizing the mainstream image of great white sharks as killers and fueling a shark-fishing craze, experts say. Overfishing has led to the decline in the worldwide shark population, yet unprovoked shark attacks on humans are rare. As Burgess argues: Each year, we average worldwide six fatalities because of sharksthats allbut you wouldnt know it from the media attention. As for why human beings remain afraid of sharks, 100 years after these attacks, Burgess has a theory. We as humans are used to manipulating our world, we can pretty much stop any animal that wants to eat us, he says. But in the sea, the shark wins all of the time. Saint-Lo (France) (AFP) - With the Tour de France beginning in Mont Saint-Michel on Saturday, AFP Sport looks at the five most likely winners: Chris Froome As reigning champion and twice winner in three years, the Sky leader will be the man to beat. This Tour may favour climbers but the 31-year-old Briton has proved himself as good as anyone in that domaine, and more so than anyone else capable of performing consistently over three weeks. He also has what his team manager Dave Brailsford described as "potentially the strongest team on paper". With two time-trials as well, Froome's all round strength will make him tough to beat, and he heads into the race in rich form having won June's Criterium du Dauphine. Nairo Quintana Second to Froome in both 2013 and 2015, the time has perhaps come for the 26-year-old Colombian "to step up", as Brailsford said. The emphasis on climbing should suit Quintana, as will the concentration of tough mountain stages in the final week. Quintana, who won the 2014 Giro d'Italia, is a notoriously slow starter who comes on strong in the final week of Grand Tours. Having four consecutive tough mountain stages right at the end will give him the chance to play his favourite cards to perfection. Older, more experienced and showing increasing tactical maturity, Quintana is Froome's greatest threat. Alberto Contador A twice former winner and seven-time Grand Tour champion, Contador has been there and done it before. He's also beaten Froome twice in the Vuelta a Espana so he knows he can not only compete with but also beat the Brit when the gradient cranks up. But at 33, there are question marks over Contador. He first won the Tour in 2007 and many feel he is past his best having last tasted victory in 2009. His form in June's Criterium de Dauphine was not encouraging as he faded to fifth, but this is a man who won Grand Tours in three of the last four years, so he has proved his ability over three weeks numerous times. In fact, but for a doping ban that stripped him of a Tour and Giro victory, he would have won at least one Grand Tour in eight of the last nine years. Not burdened by Giro participation this time around, Contador's entire focus has been on the Tour, and as his chances of winning it are running out, he'll be eager to give it everything. Story continues Thibaut Pinot The 26-year-old Frenchman is considered his country's leading hope to end their miserable 31-year yellow jersey drought. Pinot finished third in 2014 and last year won a stage for the first time. He is improving year by year and has shown consistency in the build up, as he did last year. He was second at the Tour de Romandie, fourth at the Tour of the Basque Country and fifth in Tirreno-Adriatico, but he cracked badly in June's Dauphine. Last year he also cracked early on in the Tour but fought back admirably in the final week when he found his legs and repeatedly went after a stage win, before finally succeeding. Overall victory may be beyond him but another podium finish certainly isn't. Fabio Aru At just 25, Aru could yet prove to be even better than his fellow Italian Vincenzo Nibali. He won the Vuelta a Espana last year and was second to Contador in the Giro d'Italia. The previous year he had top five finishes in both. He has matched Nibali's feat of winning a Grand Tour at just 25. By then, though, Nibali had already raced the Tour twice, whereas this will be Aru's first crack at the Grand Boucle. This promises to be a baptism of fire for Aru and a lot more will be known about him in three weeks. But he could prove a joker in the pack and he's never shy to attack. The 'Little Angel' could provide fireworks. Beverly Hoistad, who retired at the end of the 2016-16 school year, received recent Teacher of the Month honors from Lincoln East Rotary Club and U.S. Bank. Raised in Louisville, Ky., she earned a degree from the University of Louisville. She and her husband eventually moved to Houston, Texas, where she started teaching. They moved in August 1989 to Lincoln, where she taught at Clare McPhee Elementary School for 11 years. In 2001 she transferred to Pyrtle Elementary School, where the last 15 years of her career were spent teaching second grade. Pyrtle School Principal Paula Baker said in her nomination letter: The first thing you notice about her class is the way her students migrate toward her in the room. They absolutely love her. She has a way of giving them grace when they make a mistake, but letting them know that she expects the best they have to give." Passionate about writing, she spearheads a field trip each year to the Plum Creek Festival for over 140 students and accompanying adults so they can meet authors of popular childrens literature. She also led a group of veterans in a writing project called the Nebraska Warrior Writers, a group that helps veterans get their thoughts on paper and to publish their work. In addition, she co-plans the Nebraska Writing Project each summer to give teachers a chance to grow in their skills. She has a daughter who lives in Lincoln and a son serving in the U.S. Navy in New York. She likes quilting, and enjoys traveling, and playing with her dog Baxter. Justin Kozisek, representing award co-sponsor U.S. Bank, gave her a $100 check to cover classroom items that the district might not furnish, and Wayne Casper, chair of East Rotary's Teacher of the Month Committee, gave her a plaque and a $100 check for her personal use. LAGOS (Reuters) - Two former Nigerian ministers have been charged with theft of over 4.9 billion naira ($17.4 million) of government funds and money laundering, the financial crimes agency said on Tuesday. Nenadi Usman and Femi Fani-Kayode served as finance and aviation ministers in the People's Democratic Party (PDP) administration led by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, whose tenure ended in 2007. The defendants, who appeared before a federal high court in the commercial capital, Lagos, pleaded not guilty. The PDP was in power for 16 years prior to President Muhammadu Buhari taking office last year. Buhari won an election mainly on his vow to crackdown on corruption. Usman was in charge of the PDP's finances during the election campaign and Kayode was the party's head of publicity. The EFCC said the pair, along with a company, faced a "17-count charge" in which they were accused of conspiracy, stealing and corruption. "The accused were alleged to have stolen and illegally disbursed about 4.9 billion naira belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria for political and personal uses," said EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren. An EFCC source said the defendants were accused of using defence money, that would have been used in the fight against militant group Boko Haram, to help fund the election campaign of the then president Goodluck Jonathan. The source, who did not want to be named, also said they were accused of diverting a large part of the money into personal bank accounts. The offences were allegedly carried out in January last year, two months before the election. A number of former government officials have faced criminal charges, which they have all denied. The PDP has previously accused Buhari, a 73-year-old former military ruler, of mounting a witch-hunt against its members. Usman and Fani-Kayode were remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until Friday. ($1 = 282.0000 naira) (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram, Felix Onuah and Camillus Eboh; Editing by Dominic Evans) ttTRIPOLI (Reuters) - Four ministers in Libya's U.N.-backed government resigned on Friday in a setback for its efforts to extend its influence and unify rival factions. The presidential council, the leadership body of the government, said it had accepted the resignations of the ministers of justice, reconciliation, finance, and economy and industry, but gave no reason for them. All four are from the eastern region, where hardliners have so far not accepted the U.N.-backed government, supposed to replace two rival administrations that have been operating in Tripoli and the east. Western powers hope the unity government can start to bring the main factions together to fight Islamic State, which has profited from the chaos to win control of some territory in the North African oil producer. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Kevin Liffey) France and Britain mark the 100th anniversary of the deadliest battle of WWI Battle of the Sommes Soldiers take part in a vigil at the the Stone of Remembrance during a military-led vigil on the eve of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval Memorial in France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers are commemorated, Thursday June 30, 2016. (Andrew Matthews/Pool via AP) One week after Britains vote to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister David Cameron and members of the royal family were standing side-by-side with Frances president to celebrate their historic alliance at the centenary of the deadliest battle of World War I. More than 1 million people were killed, wounded or went missing in the Battle of the Somme in northern France, pitting British and French troops against German ones from July 1 to Nov. 18, 1916. Britain held a moment of silence Friday morning to mark 100 years since the bloodiest day of British military history ? about 20,000 British soldiers alone were killed on the first day of battle. The main ceremony started with the sound of cannon shots shortly after noon Friday at the monumental Memorial of Thiepval in northern France with the participation of 600 British and French children. Each of them laid a flower crown on the 600 British and French graves of the cemetery. See the look back: 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme >>> See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr Paris (AFP) - Former world triple jump champion Teddy Tamgho revealed on Friday from his hospital bed that a benign tumour caused the broken leg that ruled him out of the Rio Olympics. The 27-year-old Frenchman was aware of the problem since the start of May but had tried to "grit his teeth" and keep going through the pain barrier to make it to Rio. But last weekend's injury at the French national trials in Angers shattered his ambitions of competing in Brazil. Tamgho, who screamed with pain when he hit the sand, has been plagued by injury throughout his career. In 2011 he fractured his ankle, broke his left leg for a first time in 2013 and then suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Doha in May 2015. He told AFP by phone from his hospital bed about his latest setback. "Just before the meeting in Doha on May 5 I spent one week in a clinic having a medical check-up," he said. "After the MRI they got me to have a scan on my knee and it's then that they found the cyst which looked benign... It was in the process of eating away at the bone." Aside from a close-knit circle of people in his entourage, he elected to keep news of the tumour a secret. "It was partly to protect myself because I didn't want to talk about it," he explained. Further tests have confirmed the tumour, which exploded in Angers causing the leg break, is not cancerous. Once fully recovered -- a process forecast to take over six months -- he is intent on pursuing his career. "In all this bad luck there is the good news that the cartilage is untouched. On Tuesday I had a bone transplant and now I'm in a period of convalescence. "I don't see why I should have to stop (my career)." Lam Wing-kee, the freed bookseller due to lead a massive protest march through the streets of Hong Kong on the anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty, pulled out two hours before it was due to start Friday afternoon local time, citing serious threats to his safety. The news was announced in a Facebook post by march organizers, the Civil Human Rights Front. Sixty-one-year-old Lam is one of five associates of Hong Kongbased Mighty Current publishing who have been, or are being, arbitrarily detained in China for their role in distributing books critical of Chinese leaders. Their detention has made world headlines and is widely seen in Hong Kong as the most flagrant breach by Beijing to date of the territorys autonomy, supposedly guaranteed by China when it resumed control of the former British colony on July 1, 1997. His withdrawal from todays march will exacerbate already deep fears in Hong Kong that Beijing no longer respects its freedoms or jurisdiction in effect ending the one country, two systems principle that has governed the city relationship with China during the past 19 years. As news spread of Lams detention, demonstrators continued to mass at the citys Victoria Park for the march to Harcourt Road, the thoroughfare in front of the Hong Kong government headquarters and also the main site of the 2014 pro-democracy movement dubbed the Umbrella Revolution. Several yellow umbrellas a source of shade but also now a ubiquitous symbol of protest dotted the crowd. The government only works for mainland Chinas benefit, not ours, S.K. Ng, a 58-year-old insurance salesman holding a sign that declared the current government unfit to lead Hong Kong, told TIME during the march. I think [Lam] has been forced into silence. The communists are always doing things underground we have no ability to do anything except walk and raise our voices. Story continues I hope the signal that will go out is that one country, two systems is at risk, Emily Lau, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party and prominent pro-democracy advocate, tells TIME. People are very worried. The anniversary of Hong Kongs return to China has become a day of protest in which all kinds of social grievances are aired from calls for more LGBT rights to demands for greater protection for migrant workers. This year, however, there has been disagreement over the unifying demand that would unite all marchers. The organizers say their primary goal is the ouster of Hong Kongs top official the deeply unpopular Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, seen as Beijings stooge. We are asking [Leung] to step down and we hope political reform can be pushed through, says Jackie Hung, the Civil Human Rights Fronts deputy convener. He represents only the interests of specific groups of people. But many others, particularly the younger generation, say that the march should be used to call for systemic change. Freedom and human rights in Hong Kong have been suppressed, said Denise Ho, the vocally pro-democracy Hong Kong pop star who recently saw a concert canceled by its corporate organizers, the French cosmetic brand Lancome. Although the company cited security concerns, many slammed the cancellation as kowtowing to China. Theres no situation worse than right now. We need to speak up before were completely opposed and our voices are completely erased. I believe that the core message should be targeted at the system itself instead of a person, Nathan Law, chairman of the recently formed Demosisto Party, which is led by student leaders from the 2014 protests, tells TIME. I would rather uphold democracy or self-determination, he adds. Self-determination is a concept that is acquiring greater and greater currency in Hong Kong. In an essay for TIME on the anniversary of the Umbrella Revolution last year, Laws party colleague Joshua Wong also named one of TIMEs Most Influential Teens of 2014 called it the only solution for the city. Other groups are calling for outright independence. At least three such groups Youngspiration, Hong Kong Indigenous and the Hong Kong National Party will not joining the march but are instead organizing their own so-called black-bloc demonstration at the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government Chinas headquarters in Hong Kong. The bookseller incident is directly threatening our safety Baggio Leung, the head of Youngspiration, tells TIME. Beijing is breaking the concept of one country, two systems by themselves, theyre voiding contract. Last years July 1 rally, held in the aftermath of the Umbrella Revolutions 79-day street occupation that ultimately failed to alter the status quo, was marked by political fatigue. But this year, turnout at the main protest is expected to be high. This year, there might be quite a sizeable attendance because of the bookseller case and also genuine fears about Hong Kong autonomy, says Willy Lam, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kongs Centre for China Studies. The pro-democracy activists are genuinely afraid. Hair braiders in Iowa now have more freedom to operate following changes to state requirements. (Photo: Institute for Justice) Its no secret that being a professional hair braider takes major skill and dexterity. Whats less known is how much fortitude (and money) is required to simply get through the licensing process in the many states that require braiders to undergo full cosmetology training. But this week, one of those states, Iowa, relaxed its regulations. This is a major victory for African-style hair braiders in Iowa, says Meagan Forbes, an attorney with the Institute for Justice, in a press release. The organization, which fights for the economic liberty of workers across the country, had filed suit against the state of Iowa in 2015 on behalf of two braiders. The government has no business licensing something as safe and common as hair braiding, she says. These reforms have now put the American dream within reach for braiders across the state [of Iowa]. Often, those who work in the beauty service industry including shampoo technicians and makeup artists, along with braiders find themselves up against prohibitive state licensing regulations that are even stricter than those for prospective EMTs. Aicheria Bell was one of two plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Iowas strict braiding regulations. The law was changed this week. (Photo: Institute for Justice) In 23 states, natural hair braiders are forced to become licensed as either cosmetologists or hairstylists, notes the Institute for Justice on its website, part of its Braiding Freedom initiative. Yet few of these states actually teach natural hair braiding styles. Instead, braiders have to learn cosmetology practices they have no intent on using in their career, like giving manicures or bleaching hair. Complying with these regulations is an ordeal, with licenses requiring up to 2,100 hours of training and costing upwards of $20,000 in tuition fees at cosmetology schools. The very first case litigated by the Institute for Justice was on behalf of two hair braiders in Washington, D.C., which helped bring about reforms there. Since then, the organization has led 12 similar cases, winning three in court and instigating changes in laws with the other cases. Earlier this month, Kentucky scrapped laws requiring hair braiders to spend thousands of dollars on 1,800 hours of cosmetology training. The Iowa case voluntarily dropped by institute following the change in the regulations on Thursday was brought on behalf of two braiders, Aicheria Bell and Achan Agit, who had faced the burdensome requirements in their state. Story continues Achan Agit was another plaintiff in Iowa. (Photo: Institute for Justice) According to Forbes, the lead attorney on the case, the strict regulations seem partly to stem from a misunderstanding about what braiding entails. But also, I think there is often a protectionist motivation, so that people who go to cosmetology school can perform their services exclusively, she tells Yahoo Beauty. Still, she says, that motivation is irrational, because a lot of times, we see licensed cosmetologists unable to braid hair. Meanwhile, cosmetology schools benefit from the requirements. Such requirements are bad news for the economy in general, writes James Pethokoukis, a columnist for the American Enterprise Institute. What do techies and hair braiders have in common? Both groups are often subject to unnecessary job market regulation, he notes. About a quarter of workers need a government license, and some 30 million Americans are working under non-compete agreements. These rules contribute to a less dynamic labor market and American economy. Forbes adds that, until this week, Iowa had the worst requirements in the country, along with Nebraska and South Dakota, all requiring 2,100 hours of training. After the institute filed its lawsuit, however, Nebraska voluntarily changed its law. Now South Dakota is the worst, she says. But its our hope that, as we continue to litigate, more states will do the right thing on their own. Read this next: Its Harder to Become a Makeup Artist Than an EMT in 33 States PARIS (Reuters) - French police opened an investigation on Friday after a director at the Restos du Coeur charity said he had been stabbed earlier in the day by a couple shouting "Allahu Akbar," the Paris prosecutor's office said. The director of the Restos du Coeur soup kitchen in Montreuil, east of Paris, said a man who appeared to be of African origin swung an ax at him and missed, before his female accomplice stabbed him with several blows to the stomach, according to a statement by the prosecutor. The victim told investigators the assailants attacked him inside the charity's premises and shouted 'God is greatest' in Arabic as they ran away. His injuries were not life threatening, the prosecutor said. In a sign that French officials for now doubt terrorism as a motive, the investigation is being carried out by a regular prosecutor's office and criminal police rather than dedicated anti-terrorism units. France has been beset by several high profile attacks claimed by Islamist militants over the 18 months. In June, a Frenchman who pledged allegiance to Islamic State stabbed a police commander to death outside his home and also killed his partner. The country has been under a state of emergency since Islamic State gunmen and bombers killed 130 people in Paris last November. (Reporting by Paris newsroom; Editing by Richard Lough and Ingrid Melander) Paris (AFP) - French members of parliament voted unanimously Friday to criminalise the denial of all crimes against humanity, including failure to admit that the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces was a "genocide". The amendment, passed on the first reading, sets out penalties of up to a year in prison and a 45,000-euro ($50,000) fine for those who fall foul of the new law, which is expected to raise hackles in Turkey. Last month, the German parliament voted to recognise the World War I-era killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces as a "genocide", damaging ties between Berlin and Ankara. Pope Francis also drew Ankara's ire by denouncing the "genocide" during a visit to Armenia -- using a term Turkey rejects for the century-old slaughter. Ankara argues the killings were a collective tragedy in which both Turks and Armenians died. The French amendment, which must now go to the upper house Senate for approval, was a promise by President Francois Hollande during his 2012 electoral campaign. An earlier law against Armenian Genocide denial was struck down by the country's constitutional court for obstructing freedom of speech. The new legal project covers all events which French law deems to be genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes or slavery. Currently, French law only bans Holocaust denial. "This text will punish the challenge or the trivialisation of all crimes against humanity and war crimes," said Ericka Bareigts, the junior minister in charge of equality. She said that included the 1915-1917 killings that Armenians say wiped out some 1.5 million of their people. "This is one of the greatest days of my political career," enthused Henri Jibrayel, a member of parliament whose ancestors survived the mass killings a hundred years ago. The new law's backers hope to see it enter into force before the end of the year. Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, the Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa warns that scammers are targeting college students with a new twist on a classic con. Con artists are impersonating IRS agents and demanding that students pay a fictional tax... or face arrest. How the scam works Your phone rings, and the Caller ID shows it's from the IRS. When you answer, the caller claims to be an IRS agent. They say you failed to pay your "federal student tax." Now, insists the caller, you are wanted for tax evasion and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. However, the "agent" can clear your name if you pay the tax immediately. You need to go to a nearby store and purchase a prepaid debit card, money order, or even a gift card and read the numbers to the "agent." If you do so, the "agent" will steal the money and disappear. IRS impostors often go to great lengths to appear realistic. Victims report that scammers use Caller ID spoofing technology to appear to be calling from IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C. Con artists sometimes follow up scam calls with an email, which use the IRS logo, colors and official-sounding language. How to spot an impostor Be wary if you are being asked to act immediately. Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have had time to think. The IRS will give you the chance to question or appeal what you owe. The IRS doesn't call, text, or email first. The IRS won't call about payment or overdue taxes unless they have first contacted you by letter. Don't wire money, use a prepaid debit card or pay by gift card. Scammers often pressure people into these forms of payment. It's like sending cash: once it's gone, you can't trace it. The IRS says it will never demand immediate payment, require a specific form of payment, or ask for credit card or debt card numbers over the phone. If you owe taxes or you think you might, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or irs.gov. IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue, if there is an issue. Although this particular scam is based in the U.S., similar scams mimicking the tax agency often appear in other countries. Learn more about common tax scams on the IRS website at: irs.gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts. To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam. To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker. European Film Promotions second annual Future Frames again showcases 10 up-and-coming filmmakers as part of the two-day event at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. In addition to screening the directors latest short films, Future Frames will also include a number of networking and educational events. Future Frames spotlights promising young European directing talent and by presenting 10 film students and graduates from throughout Europe to the international industry during three days of events and screenings. Future Frames was created by EFP president Martin Schweighofer and Karlovy Vary Film Festival artistic director Karel Och. The organizations had previously partnered on the fests Ten to Watch series. We all the festival and the EFP members felt it was time to try something new, said Schweighofer. We discussed many angles and options, and were finally unanimously enthusiastic about the idea to create a project that would focus on the next generation of European filmmakers. Karlovy Vary, with its audience and the many young people it attracts, is the ideal venue for the event, Schweighofer added. Again and again I am impressed to see how curious they are. How prepared they are to discover and to embrace something new and fresh. Future Frames opening year was one of the most successful and most internationally visible events of last years fest, according to Och. Following a world premiere in Karlovy Vary, rising star of domestic cinema Ondrej Hudecek visited a number of festivals with his baccalaureate film Peacock, including Toronto and Sundance, where the film won the award for best director. Germanys Patrick Vollrath also achieved major success, with his film Everything Will Be Okay boasting an Oscar nomination and a Student Academy Award, Och added. This years event will help its 10 filmmakers to see and learn as much as possible about the international film industry and what its like what to do there, how to move and how to network, Schweighofer added. Story continues Among Future Frames guest speakers are Katriel Schory, executive director of the Israel Film Fund, and Belgian filmmaker Felix van Groeningen (Belgica), who will serve as a mentor and hold a masterclass. Katriel is one of the very experienced people in the business, said Schweighofer. He will be talking about the relationship between filmmakers and producers. Its safe to predict that it will be a most inspiring lecture. The EFP president adds that the event is also fortunate to have van Groeningen on board. Were thrilled that Felix van Groeningen agreed to act as a mentor for the project. Everybody knows his Broken Circle Breakdown, an outstanding film with an incredible international career. We really feel very lucky to have him. The Future Frames 2016 showcase: Maria Luz Olivares Capelle, Forest of Echoes, Austria Karen Vazquez Guadarrama, Flower of a Thousand Colors, Belgium Tonci Gacina, Tourism!, Croatia Davit Pirtskhalava, Father, Georgia Clemens Pichler, Diorama, Germany Rebecca Figenschau, Elephant Skin, Norway Klara Kochanska, Tenants, Poland Roxana Stroe, A Night in Tokoriki, Romania Ahmed Abdullahi, Francis, Sweden Julia Furer, Julian, Switzerland Related stories Why Hollywood Stars Matter to Film Festivals Like Karlovy Vary Karlovy Vary: Sven Taddicken on Adapting A.L. Kennedy's 'Original Bliss' Europa Distribution Heads to Karlovy Vary Game of Thrones stars are rallying together to support an important cause: Europe's migrant crisis. Lena Headey, Maisie Williams and Liam Cunningham recently traveled to Greece to urge EU leaders to help refugees stranded in the country under the EU-Turkey agreement, which has migrants arriving in Greece apply for asylum an often long and drawn-out process before continuing on. Working with the International Rescue Committee, the three actors met with Syrians and Afghans currently stuck in refugee camps after attempting to escape their countries. "These smart, hardworking people want to go home," Headey, 42, said in a statement after meeting a Syrian woman traveling alone with three young children, attempting to reunite with her husband in Germany whom she has not seen in 18 months. "They want to return to their communities and to their neighborhoods. They want their children to continue their education. They want to continue their university and they are stuck. They're stuck," Headey continued. "And they're unbelievably sad. Understandably. We can do better for them. We must do better for them." Williams, 19, affirmed that this issue is "about the children ... children with so much potential, so many hopes and dreams." She added, "Where is the humanity that makes it acceptable for them to languish in refugee camps in Europe?" According to Cunningham, 55: "This is not an earthquake, this is not a tidal wave. This is a man-made crisis. 57,000 stranded in Greece. Refugee camps in Europe? Is this truly the standard EU leaders want to set as the way to respond to the global refugee crisis?" RELATED VIDEO: Angelina Jolie's Moving Speech for World Refugee Day The GoT actors aren't the only stars speaking out about the migrant crisis plaguing the region: Actress Angelina Jolie has been outspoken about the issue, and Susan Sarandon called Syrian refugees her "heroes" during a humanitarian trip to the Greek island of Lesbos last year. To learn more about the IRC and the global refugee crisis, visit Rescue.org. Cersei, Arya and Davos are currently hundreds of miles apart in Westeros, but the actors who play the conflicted characters are using their Game of Thrones fame to urge European leaders to provide more aid for the thousands of Syrian and Afghan refugees coming in from across the Mediterranean Sea. Actors Liam Cunningham, Maisie Williams and Lena Headey have traveled to Greece to meet with refugees on behalf of the International Rescue Committee. They discussed the recent agreement the European Union made with Turkey that allows Greece to return refugees to Turkey on the grounds that it is a safe third nation. The agreement has been criticized by human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who claim that Turkey is not providing refugees with the jobs and services they need and are not upholding refugee law. These smart, hardworking people want to go home, Headey said in a statement. Theyre stuck. And theyre unbelievably sad. Understandably. We can do better for them. We must do better for them. This is not an earthquake, this is not a tidal wave. This is a man-made crisis, Cunningham continued. 57,000 stranded in Greece. Refugee camps in Europe? Is this truly the standard EU leaders want to set as the way to respond to the global refugee crisis? & Related stories from TheWrap: 'Game of Thrones' HBO Infographic Confirms Jon Snow's Father 'Game of Thrones': Cersei's Prophecy Is Not Finished Yet Although some of the facts in Gay Talese's new non-fiction book The Voyeur's Motel. have been called into question, Grove Press said today that it is moving forward with the book's July 12 publication and Talese said, contrary to earlier statements, he is not disavowing the book. The Voyeur's Motel tells the story of Gerald Foos, a self-confessed voyeur who claims to have spied on guests at a Colorado motel he owned from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. An excerpt from the book caused a sensation when it was published by The New Yorker in April, and DreamWorks snapped up the property and is planning a film version to be directed by Sam Mendes and produced by Mendes and Steven Spielberg. But a Washington Post investigation into Foos' claims, published June 30, unearthed discrepancies in Foos' story. It reported that Foos actually sold the motel in 1980 and did not reacquire it until 1988. In response to the Post's questions, Talese appeared to disavow the book, saying he would not promote it. When questioned about the facts the newspaper uncovered, Talese told the Post, "I should not have believed a word [Foos] said. I'm not going to promote this book. How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet." He added, "The source of my book, Gerald Foos, is certifiably unreliable." Today, however, Talese struck a different tone, explaining in a statement provided by Grove Press, "Gerald Foos, as no one calls into question, was an epic voyeur, and, as I say very clearly in the text, he could also at times be an unreliable teller of his own peculiar story. When I spoke to The Washington Post reporter, I am sure I was surprised and upset about this business of the later ownership of the motel, in the eighties. That occurred after the bulk of the events covered in my book, but I was upset and probably said some things I didn't, and don't mean, Let me be clear: I am not disavowing the book and neither is my publisher. If, down the line, there are details to correct in later editions, we'll do that." Morgan Entrekin, CEO and publisher of Grove Atlantic, said the book will be published July 12 as planned, and the publisher also said that Talese will participate in its promotion during the coming weeks. Entrekin commented, "The vast majority of the book focuses on Foos' early life and the years from 1969 to 1980, which is not at issue in the Washington Post story. Grove takes the Post story seriously and will work with Talese to address any questions in future printings." One of the fathers of the new journalism during the 1960s, Talese has prided himself on his heavily researched non-fiction that often reads like a novel, and his based his account of Foos' elaborate voyeurism on interviews with Foos, now 82, as well as journals that Foos kept as he managed a hotel with a hidden walkway that allowed him to spy on guests. While the Post noted that most of the events described in the book occurred in the 1970s, it questioned aspects of the story that took place in the 1980s, since it said at that point Foos no longer owned the motel. The New Yorker editor David Remnick said that the central fact of the excerpt of the book that ran in the magazine was not in dispute. In an email to the New York Times, which a rep for the magazine provided, Remnick wrote, "The central fact of the piece, that Gerald Foos was, in the late '60s and '70s, a voyeur, spying on the guests in his motel, is not in doubt in the article. The fact the he could sometimes prove an unreliable and inaccurate narrator is also something that Gay Talese makes clear to the reader, repeatedly, and is part of the way Foos is characterized throughout the article." DreamWorks declined to comment on the latest developments, so it is unclear if the current developments could affect the proposed movie version. Reps for Mendes have not responded to requests to comment. The Grove Press statement follows. In response to the Washington Post story regarding Gay Talese and his new book THE VOYEUR'S MOTEL, which tells the story of Gerald Foos who purchased a motel in Aurora, the Denver suburb, for the express purpose of fulfilling his voyeuristic desires. Morgan Entrekin, CEO and Publisher of Grove Atlantic says the company will move forward with the publication of the book on July 12, 2016. Gay Talese has not disavowed the book and will participate in the promotions in the coming weeks. As Talese states this morning "Gerald Foos, as no one calls into question, was an epic voyeur, and, as I say very clearly in the text, he could also at times be an unreliable teller of his own peculiar story. When I spoke to the Washington Post reporter, I am sure I was surprised and upset about this business of the later ownership of the motel, in the eighties. That occurred after the bulk of the events covered in my book, but I was upset and probably said some things I didn't, and don't, mean. Let me be clear: I am not disavowing the book and neither is my publisher. If, down the line, there are details to correct in later editions, we'll do that." As Entrekin says "The vast majority of the book focuses on Foos early life and the years from 1969 to1980, which is not at issue in the Washington Post story. Grove takes the Post story seriously and will work with Talese to address any questions in future printings." 1:55 p.m. Updated to include statement from New Yorker editor David Remnick. FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German financial watchdog Bafin is opening a new office on Monday dedicated to corporate whistleblowers, aiming to encourage more business insiders to expose wrongdoing. The move is designed to make more efficient use of the growing role whistleblowers are playing in uncovering bad behavior by individuals and companies within the financial sector. Bafin said the new office will centralize the collection of details from whistleblowers and follow a special protocol to ensure identities are kept secret. The watchdog can also be contacted anonymously under the procedure. "Protecting the people providing the information will have the highest priority," Bafin said. Whistleblowers and leaks to the media have exposed a series of scandals in recent years, such as tax evasion or the setting up of shell companies by global banks on behalf of clients.[nL3N1781XE][nL2N1891KM] A Luxembourg court this week handed out suspended sentences to two former accounting firm employees who leaked data about Luxembourg's tax deals with large corporations, highlighting the problems of balancing some countries' secrecy laws while protecting whistleblowers.[nL8N19L47B] (Reporting by Jonathan Gould; Editing by David Goodman) BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany will make an additional 1.3 billion ($1.45 billion) euros in funding available to expand broadband internet access to poorly-connected regions, the Transport and Digital Infrastructure Ministry said on Friday. The government announced plans last October to spend 2.7 billion euros as part of a push to give all households in Germany access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabytes per second by 2018. Transport and Digital Infrastructure Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the extra funds would go to regions where network expansion is not commercially justified. "We are investing in the development of the gigabyte society. For this we need super-fast internet everywhere in Germany for everyone," Dobrindt said in a statement. Better access is viewed as a crucial part of Germany's so-called Digital Agenda, which aims among other goals to promote the digitization of industry by connecting factory floors to the internet. Many of Germany's small-and-medium-sized companies - known as the Mittelstand and which form the backbone of the economy - are located in rural areas. (Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Dusseldorf (Germany) (AFP) - A German court Friday handed a 14-year jail sentence to a man for stabbing Cologne's future mayor in the neck in a violent protest against her welcoming stance towards refugees. In a case that shocked the country at the height of last year's refugee influx, the defendant, identified only as Frank S., 45, admitted during the two-month trial to attacking Henriette Reker on the eve of her election in the western city in October. The unemployed house painter has been in custody since he was arrested at the scene. "The defendant is guilty of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm", said presiding judge Barbara Havliza in the neighbouring city of Duesseldorf. The sentence fell short of the life imprisonment demanded by the prosecution. At the opening of his trial in April, the defendant detailed his participation in the right-wing scene in the nearby city of Bonn in the 1990s and described himself as a "rebel with conservative values," but denied being a neo-Nazi or wanting to kill Reker. However, he testified that his actions were motivated by the "wrong policy" of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to take in large numbers of refugees. Reker, who was previously in charge of running refugee services in Cologne, was attacked while she was campaigning at a market square. She subsequently won the local elections while recovering from her wounds in hospital. The assault stunned Germany at a time of growing division over the government's decision to open its doors to people fleeing war and misery, with more than one million arrivals last year alone. Ghost in the Shell Paramount copy When the first image of Scarlett Johansson in "Ghost in the Shell" was released in April, people didn't hold back in expressing how displeased they were that Hollywood once again cast a white actor to play a non-white character. "Ghost in the Shell" is a live-action adaptation of Masamune Shirows classic manga series that follows Major Motoko Kusanagi Johansson's character who is apparently only called "the Major" who is the leader of the fictional counter-cyberterrorist organization Public Security Section 9 in mid-21st century Japan. The anger against the whitewashing swelled to even greater heights when a report said Paramount tried to make Johansson look more Asian with visual effects, though the studio claims that test was only performed on a "background actor." After nearly three months, the team behind "Ghost in the Shell" is responding to the larger controversy. "I think everybody is going to end up being really happy with it," Steven Paul, a producer on the film, told Buzzfeed. "Theyre going to be very, very happy with it when they see what weve actually done with it, and I dont think anybodys going to be disappointed." People, like comic book writer Jon Tsuei, say the story of "Ghost in the Shell" is inherently a Japanese one, but Paul protests that idea, telling Buzzfeed it's a more international story. Paul added that they have paid "great respect" to the manga and that 'Ghost in the Shell' creator Shirow and Kodansha the company that first published the manga have been supportive and involved in the making of the film. "Weve been very, very careful. Obviously, theres some new imagination, as well," he said. "I mean, like anything, when youre making a movie, youve gotta bring your own." You can read the full interview with Paul over at BuzzFeed. NOW WATCH: 'Hamilton' creator Lin-Manuel Miranda paid tribute to the Orlando shooting victims with a stirring speech More From Business Insider By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie top Donald Trump's short list to be his vice presidential running mate, sources said, but the candidate is casting a wide net that also includes several U.S. senators and other governors. With less than three weeks to go until his formal nomination at the Republican National Convention as the party's candidate in the Nov. 8 election, Trump's search for a No. 2 has intensified. The wealthy businessman, a political neophyte, has said he wants a political veteran to help him navigate the power corridors of Washington.Gingrich and Christie, both loyal to Trump at a time when many Republican colleagues want nothing to do with him, would meet his requirement for experience - but would come with minuses as well as pluses. Other names to watch include U.S. Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee, Joni Ernst of Iowa and Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Governors Mike Pence of Indiana and Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Republicans close to the campaign said this week. Trump has set up a meeting with Pence this weekend, a spokesman for the governor said on Friday. The New Yorker has also met with Corker and Fallin. Mr. Trump is meeting with a number of Republican leaders in the run-up to the convention in Cleveland, and he has a good relationship with Gov. Pence," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said in an email response to a question from Reuters. An experienced running mate also could help with fundraising. Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, raised more than $40 million for her campaign in June and about $28 million for her party. Trump, who largely self-funded his primary run, has not yet released June fundraising numbers. Trump is expected to name his running mate close to the July 18-21 convention. RUNNING MATE PROSPECTS Gingrich, who was speaker of the House of Representatives in the 1990s and ran for president in 2012, is a popular conservative writer and speaker, and has been an important behind-the-scenes voice in urging Trump to adopt a more presidential demeanor. But because Trump is 70 and Gingrich is 73, they could face difficulty appealing to a younger generation. Christie quickly endorsed Trump after quitting the race early this year. A source said the 53-year-old governor has emerged as a key adviser to Trump and his campaign team. A source said Christie was instrumental in coaxing Trump to be less confrontational with a Mexican-American federal judge overseeing a fraud case involving Trump. One clue to Christie's rising importance came earlier this week when some campaign supporters held a conference call to discuss strategy and talking points for media appearances. A source said that during the call Christie's name was raised as someone who might comment on former President Bill Clinton's meeting earlier this week with Attorney General Loretta Lynch. As a former federal prosecutor, Christie would be a credible voice. Monday night's private meeting of Clinton and Lynch, the top U.S. law enforcement officer, has been criticized because Hillary Clinton is under federal investigation for using a private email server when she was Democratic President Barack Obama's secretary of state. The source said campaign associates made clear Christie was not to be used for this purpose. "They're saving him for the general election," the source said. "They don't want to overexpose him." Still, many Republicans are waiting to see whether Christie is named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a 2014 case involving charges that lanes on the George Washington Bridge were closed in New Jersey for political reasons. Corker, 63, offers Trump deep foreign policy experience as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and, like Trump, believes the Republican Party needs shaking up. His stock may have gone down, however, because he has not hesitated to criticize the candidate at times. Ernst, a first-term senator and military veteran, could help improve Trump's standing with women. She tacitly supported rival Marco Rubio during the Republican nominating campaign, though she has promised to support the party's nominee. Ernst, who turned 46 on Friday, said earlier this month that the Trump campaign had not contacted her. The same goes for Oklahoma's Fallin, who was among several Republican governors who met jointly with Trump in June. "It's an honor to be mentioned for the office of vice president. I have not had any conversation with Mr. Trump about the vice presidency," Fallin, 61, said in a statement. Some Republicans could be considered even if they have not had recent contact with the campaign. Alice Stewart, a former spokeswoman for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz's presidential campaign, said the Texan's running mate, Carly Fiorina, was only told late in the vetting that she might be picked. Trump's vetting is being conducted by Washington lawyer A.B. Culvahouse, a longtime fixture in national Republican politics. (Reporting by Steve Holland, additional reporting by Emily Stephenson and Susan Heavey; Editing by Caren Bohan and Leslie Adler) The Massachusetts girl who sent texts to her boyfriend encouraging him to kill himself will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. The highest court in Massachusetts unanimously ruled Friday that a grand jury had probable cause to indict Michelle Carter in the 2014 death of Conrad Roy III, the Associated Press reports. Carter, then 17, had sent Roy, 18, multiple text messages encouraging him to commit suicide, including telling him to get back in his truck in the final moments as it filled with exhaust fumes. We conclude that there was probable cause to show that the coercive quality of the defendants verbal conduct overwhelmed whatever willpower the eighteen year old victim had to cope with his depression, and that but for the defendants admonishments, pressure, and instructions, the victim would not have gotten back into the truck and poisoned himself to death, Justice Robert Cordy wrote for the court. Carters lawyer argued that her messages were an expression of free speech protected under the First Amendment. By Linda Thrasybule (Reuters Health) - - Girls whose friends have experienced teen childbirth are less likely to get pregnant themselves, a new study suggests. The researchers compared two groups of teen girls: those with a similarly-aged friend whod given birth, and those with a friend whod had an early miscarriage. They wanted to see whether these events affected the girls choices in having sex, getting pregnant, having a child, and getting married as teens or their choices regarding school, marriage and family as adults. Altogether, the investigators studied 595 young women from across the U.S., interviewing them multiple times over the years, starting in 1994-1995 when they were in their early teens. Compared to girls whose friends had miscarried, those whose friends became teen mothers were less likely to have sex as teens, get pregnant or get married and more likely to attain their college degree. Teens learn from their friends mistakes, study co-author Dr. Olga Yakusheva of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor told Reuters Health by phone. Its common sense, really we obviously know few people would follow their friends jumping off the proverbial cliff, but thats how we used to think about peer influences among teens, she said But the study, published June 16 in the Journal of Adolescent Health, suggests that teens learn from their friends mistakes. Furthermore, girls in the teen birth group were 5 percentage points less likely to have a baby themselves as a teen, compared to those in the miscarriage group. Sixteen of every 100 girls whose friend had a miscarriage had a teen childbirth themselves, whereas in (girls whose friends had babies) group, the number was lower, with only 11 girls having a teen birth, Yakusheva said. In 2000-2001 - the fifth year after the start of the study - girls whose friends had given birth had about 25 fewer sexual intercourse encounters, on average, than girls whose friends had miscarried. Odds of getting married before age 20 were about 6 percentage points lower for the teen birth group versus the miscarriage group. Moreover, women in the teen birth group were 8 percent more likely to complete a four-year degree. No long-term effects were found in income earnings, possibly because the college-educated women in the study were just starting out in their career, the study authors write. By having sex less frequently, teens were more successful at not getting pregnant. Stigma might be one reason why the teens who were friends with a teen mom chose not to get pregnant, said Jane Champion of the University of Texas at Austin, who was not involved with the study. Pregnant teens often drop out of school or go to alternative schools, which can have an impact on their social lives, said Champion, who specializes in behavioral intervention in teen pregnancy. Theyre often ostracized by their community and no longer accepted by their circle of friends, she said. That can be a huge wake up call for teens. Preventing early teen pregnancies is what matters, Yakusheva noted. What our work shows is that, in addition to teaching kids how not to become pregnant, we should also teach them why, she said. She recommends exposing teens to the realities of pregnancy. Kids have to see it for themselves, she said, not read it in books, not have an adult tell them, because thats already being done and it doesnt work very well. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/29yULlp J Adolesc Health 2016. Some of the folks behind God's Not Dead 2 see similarities between their fictional film and a real-life bill winding its way through the California legislature, and they are pleading with Gov. Jerry Brown to not allow it to become law. Senate Bill 1146 "prohibits a person from being subjected to discrimination" at California colleges, according to state senators Ricardo Lara and Mark Leno. It does this by narrowly defining a religious school as one that trains pastors and theology teachers, so Christian schools across the state might no longer be allowed to hire Christian-only staff, teach religious ideas in regular classes, require attendance at chapel services or keep bathrooms and dormitories restricted to either males or females. The bill has been a hot topic for months in some Christian and gay-rights circles, and now Pat Boone and Mike Huckabee, who are both in God's Not Dead 2, along with the movie's executive producer, Troy Duhon, have injected themselves into the debate via a letter sent to the governor. "Whether the issues are brought up by our movie or this bill, in all cases as Americans we want maximum freedom for individuals and we stand for those freedoms," the three wrote in their letter, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Read More: Pat Boone Accuses 'SNL' of Anti-Christian Bias After 'God's Not Dead 2' Parody "Parents of students who attend public schools are right to have an expectation that their children will not be subjected to unwanted and excessive proselytizing," they wrote, adding that teachers also ought not have to "give up their First Amendment rights at the classroom door" and that "transgendered people have a right to live freely." They added: "Christian colleges have a right and indeed a sacred duty to not be forced to give up their beliefs. Balancing all of these rights is your job and we urge you to err on the side of freedom and allow Christian colleges to operate according to their beliefs." Story continues God's Not Dead opened in 2014 and made $62 million worldwide on a $2 million budget. It stars Kevin Sorbo as a professor who urges his students to declare that God is dead or potentially fail the course. God's Not Dead 2 opened in April and has made $21 million thus far, with a DVD scheduled for release Aug. 16. The film stars Melissa Joan Hart as a high school teacher under siege for citing scripture during a class lecture. The film's trailer is below. Bob Corker and Mark Warner speaking in an interview with Zillow about mortgage-finance reform in September 2013. The idea that Wall Street came out of this thing just fine, thank you, is just something that just grates on people. They think you didnt just come out fine because it was luck. They think you guys just really gamed this thing real well. So said then-Senator Edward E. Kaufman, a Democrat from Delaware, at the Congressional hearing in the spring of 2010 where assorted members of Congress lambasted Goldman Sachs activity in the run-up to the financial crisis. But it turns out two members of Congress actually made money from that crisis, according to publicly available documents. During the crisis years, two now-senators, Mark Warner (D-Va.) who was the governor of Virginia until his Senate term began in 2009, and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who took office in 2007, were invested in a fund that appears to have made sizable profits from Goldman products that were designed to bet against the real estate market. Theres no evidence either Senator was aware of the specific strategy, although both have reported millions of dollars of income from the fund. A little bit of ancient history: Back in the spring of 2010, the SEC charged Goldman Sachs with fraud over a deal called Abacus 2007-AC1. Abacus 2007-AC1 was a so-called CDO, which in essence requires investors to wager against each other. One set of investors was betting that homeowners would continue to pay their mortgages. Others, who were short, were betting there would be massive defaults. In this particular deal, Goldman allowed a hedge fund client, Paulson Capital Management, to take the short position and help choose which securities would go into it. The SEC alleged that Goldman hadnt told the long investors that Paulsons team essentially had designed the CDO to fail. According to a report done by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, three long investors together lost about $1 billion from their Abacus investments, while the Paulson hedge fund profited by about the same amount. Story continues Goldman paid $550 million to settle the SECs charges in the summer of 2010. A young vice president who had worked on the deal, Fabrice Tourre, was eventually found liable in a civil suit brought by the SEC, making him one of the few to face any repercussions from the crisis era. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 28, 2016. But Abacus 2007-AC1 wasnt unique. In fact, it was merely the last in a series of Abacus CDOs. According to the Senate report, these were pioneered by Goldman to provide customized CDOs for clients interested in assuming a specific type and amount of investment risk" and enabled investors to short a selected group of securities. Many of the Abacus deals were tied in part to the performance of subprime residential mortgage-backed securities, but some were also tied to the performance of commercial mortgage-backed securities. Because AIG provided insurance on at least some of the Abacus deals, the Abacus deals were also part of the collateral calls that Goldman made to AIG, and part of the reason that taxpayers ended up bailing out AIG. Plenty of well-known hedge funds availed themselves of Goldmans Abacus deals, according to a document Goldman provided the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission. The list of those who were short various Abacus deals includes Moore Capital Management, run by billionaire Louis Bacon; Magnetar, an Illinois-based fund run by Alec Litowitz; Brevan Howard, a European hedge fund management company; and FrontPoint Partners (which shows up in the movie "The Big Short"). There are also some lesser known names in the document, including Pointer Management, a Tennessee-based fund which was founded in 1990 by Joseph Davenport, a Chattanooga area businessman and former Coca-Cola executive, and Thorpe McKenzie, also from Chattanooga, according to the Campaign for Accountability. Specifically, Pointer took short positions in an Abacus deal called ABAC07-18, as did FrontPoint Partners and several others. According to several sources, this Abacus deal was based entirely on securities tied to commercial real estate, rather than residential real estate. While few people have heard about this particular Abacus deal, it too resulted in Goldman making a collateral call on AIG. According to a document Goldman submitted to the FCIC, it looks as if by late 2008, AIG had posted a total of $308 million in collateral to Goldman in connection with Abacus 2007-18. U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) speaks at a news conference in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, in this May 19, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Files And it too was controversial so controversial that at a meeting of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission on October 12, 2010, the commissioners voted to refer the matter to the Department of Justice, citing potential fraud by Goldman Sachs in connection with Abacus 2007-18 CDO. In its write-up, the FCIC quoted Steve Eisman, the FrontPoint trader whose character figures prominently in "The Big Short." According to his interview with the FCIC, Eisman seemed to feel that Goldman might have gamed the rating agencies, and might have brought in outside investors so that the firm could justify marking the deal down immediately, meaning long investors would suffer and short sellers would make money. According to Eismans testimony, he said to the Goldman traders, So you put this stuff together and you went to the agencies to get a rating and the biggest issue with the rating is the correlation of loss, and you presented a correlation analysis that was lower than you actually thought it was but the rating agencies were stupid, so theyd buy it anyway. So assuming your correlation analysis was correct, you took the short side, sold it to the client, and then [did the deal with me to get a mark]. One of the Goldman traders responded, according to Eisman's testimony, Well, I wouldnt put it in those terms exactly. Eisman went on to say he believed Goldman wanted another party in the transaction so if we have to mark the thing down, were not just marking it to our book. He added that, Goldman was short, and we [FrontPoint] were short. So when they go to a client and say were marking it down, they can say well it wasnt just our mark. The FCIC noted that if Goldman did agree with Eismans characterization, this could raise legal issues for Goldman as to whether the firm deliberately misled the rating agencies, thereby leading to a material omission in the offering documents for Abacus 2007-18 and violating securities laws. The FCIC also noted that if Goldman indeed knew it was expecting to lower the value of the security as the firm was creating it, and brought in other investors only to make that look more genuine, that could be another potential violation of securities laws. Anyway. Nothing came of this, just as nothing came of any of the FCICs other referrals to the Justice Department. According to a document Goldman submitted to the FCIC, the short investors did very well: Pointer appears to have been paid $120 million in termination payments in 2008 and 2009. (Although commercial real estate held up fairly well in the end, prices also collapsed in the crisis.) The documents dont make it clear what, if any, upfront investment was required; the monthly coupon rate was small. This amount of money thats going into AIG, there is no upside now, Corker told Politico in early 2009 about the taxpayer bailout of the company. This is all just like gone money. Gone where? Well, what is clear is that Corker especially, but also Warner, made money from their overall investments in Pointer. According to his disclosure forms, Corkers investment in Pointer first shows up in 2006. He put the value of his investment between $5 million and $25 million. In July 2007, several months before the effective dates for Pointers Abacus deals, he put an additional $1 million to $5 million into Pointer. From 2006 to 2014, he reported total income from Pointer of between $3.9 million at the low end and $35.5 million at the high end (including funds from the sale of part of his stake in the fund in 2012.) He sold the rest of his stake in 2014 and reported a cash receivable from Pointer of between $5 million and $25 million that year. According to Warners disclosure forms, he first invested in Pointer in 2007. He assigned his stake the same value range as Corker did his: between $5 million to $25 million. Warner, who sold his entire position in 2012, reported total income from Pointer of between $1.5 million and $10 million. Theres no evidence that either senator knew that a fund in which they had invested was shorting the real estate market. A letter from Pointers chief compliance officer says that Corker can neither exercise control nor have the ability to exercise control over the financial interest held by Pointer. Nonetheless, Corker and the principals of Pointer have known each other for a long time. According to the Campaign for Accountability, in 2004, Corker named Joseph Davenport among his co-chairs of his campaign committee ahead of his 2006 election; Pointer employees and their spouses have contributed $76,840 to Corkers campaigns and $55,000 to his Rock City PAC, says CfA. And several business entities tied to Corker list the same address as Pointer. There arent any obvious ties between Warner and Pointer. Pointer did not return a call for comment. A spokesperson for Warner declined to comment. Corkers spokesperson says, This is yet another ridiculous narrative being peddled by a politically-motivated special interest group that refuses to disclose its donors. This dark money entity has an abysmal track record for accuracy, and just like the other unfounded claims they have leveled against Senator Corker, this too is completely baseless." (They are apparently referring to the Campaign for Accountability, although this story was sourced from publicly available documents.) Its also a little ironic that Corker and Warner were the co-sponsors of the Corker Warner bill, which set out to reform the housing finance system. Lets give them some credit. Since they already benefitted from the last crisis, maybe theyre trying to protect us from the next one? Read more: Why was nobody prosecuted for contributing to the financial crisis? Documents show why The biggest remaining risk in today's financial system, hiding in plain sight Bank capital is an illusion: Bethany McLean [tiImage is_image="1" image_id="219740" image_style="375x375" align="right"] From well to jar, each batch of pure West Virginia salt that J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works produces takes about five weeks to make. Brine is drawn from an ancient underground sea trapped below the Appalachian Mountains, dried in sun houses where the water evaporates and the salt crystallizes, then harvested by hand and jarred. This salt is naturally lower in sodium chloride and rich in beneficial minerals, which lend it a flavor unique to the region. No preservatives or artificial ingredients are ever added and the salt is free of heavy metals, which can be present in other sea salts. One of the newest in the lineup is apple wood Smoked Salt, which is cold-smoked for three days over local apple wood. The flavor is subtly smoky, but never overpowering, letting the natural taste of the salt come through and complements rather than masks the flavors of whatever dish it is added to. Sprinkle salt onto sauteed vegetables, eggs, or salads to add a lovely hint of smokiness and depth. [ti_field_embed field="field_related_content"] J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works Smoked Salt is available online at www.jqdsalt.com and in stores across the country. J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works is a proud member of the Good Food Merchants Guild, national association uniting American craft food businesses to connect, convene and promote Good Food businesses of all sizes. - From her grassroots work at the Good Food Awards to her continued education at NYUs Food Studies Masters Program, Kate Malin brings an unparalleled passion for great food and good people. Data centers require a constant and unwavering supply of power. Recently, Alphabet Inc. GOOGL owned search engine giant Google announced that it has bought 12 years worth of future power output for its datacenters in Europe from two wind power farms in Norway and Sweden, which have yet to be constructed. Additionally, the company also mentioned in a separate statement that it has consented to purchase power from a smaller wind farm project in Sweden, which takes the total acquired output to 236 megawatts (MW). The Deals in Detail The 50-turbine, 160-megawatt Telleness wind farm was sold by Zephyr and Norsk Vind Energi and is expected to attain its optimum capacity by late 2017, which will also make it the second largest wind power farm in Norway. On the other hand, the 22-turbine Sweden-based wind farm is expected to be complete by early 2018. However, no information was available on the value of the deals. Focus on Carbon Neutrality Google is a carbon-neutral company. It is committed to power all of its operations through renewable energy sources, hence doing its part to create a cleaner and greener planet. In this regard, Marc Oman, EU Energy Lead, Google Global Infrastructure, noted that this wind power deal, which is Googles first in Norway and the biggest to date in Europe, is a step toward fulfilling that commitment. At present, Alphabet has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked stocks in the broader technology space include Blucora, Inc. BCOR, Blue Calypso, Inc. BCYP and Internap Corporation INAP, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 INTERNAP NETWRK (INAP): Free Stock Analysis Report BLUE CALYPSO (BCYP): Free Stock Analysis Report BLUCORA INC (BCOR): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research David Brat and Donald Trump Rep. David Brat of Virginia told Business Insider in an interview earlier this week that he thought Donald Trump would pick former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as his running mate. He added that Gingrich would be the best pick because of his "dynamism." "There's a bunch of other strong candidates, but he's got a dynamism," the Virginia Republican, who is backing Trump, told Business Insider while on a tour to promote his new book, "American Underdog." "Trump's a strong figure he needs another strong figure who can go back and forth credibly." Brat, who pulled off one of the most improbable primary victories in US history when he unseated then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014, said he had been in touch with Gingrich about serving as an arbiter between the presumptive Republican nominee and House Speaker Paul Ryan. Though Brat stressed that he didn't have any "inside" information on whether Gingrich would get the nod, he said, "It'd be my guess right now." The Associated Press reported Friday morning that Gingrich was being vetted for the role along with Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey. Each was previously described to be on a short list of candidates for the position. An aide with the Trump campaign said the Manhattan billionaire was planning on unveiling his running mate ahead of the Cleveland convention later this month. newt gingrich Asked about the Cleveland convention, Brat said he didn't "think" he'd be attending. "I think I'm doing politics in the district," he said. "Stick around and just go county to county." He added that he was "still weighing it," noting that he was "not that far" away from Northeast Ohio. Brat acknowledged that he would be very interested to speak at the event if asked. "Yeah, yeah," he said. "I really like that stuff." NOW WATCH: Trump praised Scotland for voting to leave the EU it didn't More From Business Insider LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - Leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove said he did not expect Britain to trigger article 50, the mechanism for leaving the European Union, this year. Gove made the comment during a news conference setting out his plans should he win the contest to lead the ruling Conservative Party and become the next prime minister. "One of the reasons I said 'not in this calendar year' is that I think we need to have some preliminary conversations - I wouldn't say negotiations - so I wouldn't want to put a timetable on it," he said. "We control the timing of when we trigger Article 50 and we will do it when we're good and ready." (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison) CALEDONIA A Kansas native who has a decade of environmental educational experience has been named executive director of the Racine Dominicans Eco-Justice Center. Sister Rejane Cytacki will take over on July 23 from Kate Kirbie, who has been serving as interim executive director since April, center officials announced Thursday. Cytacki, a professed member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL), holds a masters degree in earth literacy and has been an environmental educator for more than 10 years. Most recently, she served as assistant campus minister at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She is also currently the treasurer of Giving Voice a group of young nuns a member of Sisters of Earth, organizer of their national gathering, and a member of the SCL Care of Creation Committee. I cant believe our good fortune in being able to persuade Sister Rejane to come to Wisconsin and lead the Eco-Justice Center, said Charlie Tennessen, director of the Eco-Justice Center board. I am very excited over the experience and connections that she brings with her. Cytacki is a native of Leavenworth, graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School, and earned degrees from the University of Kansas. She entered the sisterhood in 2005. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Eco-Justice Center, Cytacki said. My passion for a long time has been teaching young people about the care of creation. This is the beginning of a fulfillment of a dream of mine to work in a ministry so connected to my passion. I am eager to be working closely with the Racine Dominicans, board members, staff, and volunteers in their outreach to the larger Racine community. Cytacki will begin at the center July 11 and work alongside Kirbie before taking over as director. Kirbie, who started working at the center in 2012, was named interm director April 23 to replace former executive director Allison Thielen. Kirbie said Thursday she will leave the center to start studies at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee to be a Montessori teacher. The Eco-Justice Center, 7133 Michna Road, was founded in 2004. The facility is dedicated to environmental education and care of Earth in the context of community, contemplation, creativity and cultivation. The centers programs include ecological summer camps for kids, the Racine Area Youth Farm Corps, Seasons of the Sun Celebration, and semi-annual pizza bakes in the wood-fired brick oven that was built by volunteers. Woohoo! Can we say FINALLY? Before Carrot Company (the parent company of the popular Anello bags) launched their e-store, they were operating on a distribution model in Japan. Anello bags could be found in small bag retailers in subway stations, a handful of departmental stores and several online web stores such as Rakuten in Japan. A photo posted by anello (@anello_bag) on Apr 4, 2016 at 2:03am PDT It was challenging to identify which stores carried the authentic Anello bags; the result was uncertainty and fear of purchasing inspired goods. We even shared our experience on one of the suspicious looking bag that stood out from the rest. As of 1st July, worry no more. Carrot company has revamped their official website and even expanded to an e-commerce store! This is a dream come true for Anello fans because weve always wished that theres a way we could buy from them directly. Even though theres still no stand-alone store, were elated to have it finally online too! Anello official online store The new e-store provides important information of the colours available, official model number, pricing etc. The clean & sleek website, accompanied with details of each style definitely help in our decision-making process. Anello official online store As recommended on our 7 NEW Anello bags with same Roomy Feature, the other 2 brands managed by Carrot Company Legato Largo & Paqet du Cadeau also carry pretty stylish bags. I personally love Legatos range of leather & nylon bags even more than Anellos canvas series. Previously, we could only view their collection through the limited photos posted on Instagram. Now that weve browsed the full collection on their new online store, our wallets are going to suffer! Anello official online store The Paqet du Cadeau line focuses more on small wallets, pouches and accessories like this one below. At an affordable price range of 2000 4000 Yen, we can always find reasons to change our wallets. Story continues Anello official online store Unfortunately, the online store only ships within Japan. If you would like to order from this website, youll need to go through a freight forwarder, a friend or a traveller on Airfrov for help. For those who are visiting Japan, Carrot Co has also published a non-exhaustive list of authorised dealers here. Happy Shopping! Shop Anello Collection Shop Legarto Largo Collection Shop Paqet du Cadeau Collection The post Great News, Carrot Co (Anello) launches official online store! appeared first on Airfrov Blog. BISSAU (Reuters) - Guinea-Bissau has confirmed its first three cases of the Zika virus in a group of islands off the mainland and has set up an emergency committee to stop further transmission of the disease, the government said on Friday. Experts have feared the tiny nation could become a gateway for Zika's spread to mainland West Africa, after an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus was first recorded in the African island chain of Cape Verde late last year. "The Health Minister has informed (the government) of three confirmed cases of Zika virus contamination located in the Bijagos Archipelago," read a government statement sent to reporters. Zika is spreading through the Caribbean and Latin America. Only about 20 percent of infected cases display symptoms, which are usually mild and include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. But the CDC says it can be spread from pregnant women to fetuses and has been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and sometimes brain damage. Guinea-Bissau's government said it was establishing a committee headed by Prime Minister Baciro Dja that would impose a series of measures aimed at containing the disease. The statement did not give the suspected origin of the three cases. The World Health Organisation confirmed in May that Cape Verde's Zika strain was the same one found in Brazil, where more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly have been recorded in babies whose mothers were infected with the virus during pregnancy. The Cape Verde islands are located nearly 600 km (370 miles) off Africa's western Atlantic coast, creating a geographical buffer with a West African region still reeling from the deadliest Ebola epidemic on record. However, Guinea-Bissau's Bijagos Archipelago begins just a short boat ride from the mainland. The maze of islands and waterways have helped make the chronically unstable, coup-prone nation a major transit point for South American cocaine heading to Europe. (Reporting by Alberto Dabo; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Tim Cocks, Larry King) By Serajul Quadir and Sanjeev Miglani DHAKA/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Bangladesh security forces were preparing to free around 20 hostages, including several foreigners, from a restaurant in an upmarket area of the capital Dhaka early on Saturday, after gunmen stormed the building killing at least two policemen. Gowher Rizvi, an adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters that security forces were trying to negotiate an end to the crisis, failing which they would launch an offensive to end the siege, possibly as soon as daybreak. Police said eight to nine gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan restaurant in the Gulshan district of Dhaka that is popular with expatriates. The assailants, believed to be carrying assault rifles and grenades, exchanged sporadic gun fire with police outside for several hours after the attack, which began around 9 p.m. local time on Friday. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack and said 24 people had died. Bangladesh police denied that assertion, saying that two police officers had been killed and at least 15 people wounded. Italian and Indian nationals are among the hostages, said a duty officer at the Rapid Action Battalion's (RAB) control room. Italy's ambassador to Bangladesh, Mario Palma, told Italian state TV that seven Italians were among the hostages. "It is a suicide attack. They want to carry out a powerful and bloody operation and there is no room for negotiation," Palma said. The hostage crisis marks an escalation from a recent spate of murders claimed by Islamic State and al Qaeda on liberals, gays, foreigners and religious minorities, and could deal a major blow to the country's vital $25 billion garment sector. Last year, several Western retailers temporarily halted visits to Dhaka following the killing of two foreigners. SPIKE IN MILITANT ATTACKS Bangladesh has seen a spike in militant violence in the last 18 months. Attacks have tended to be on individuals, often using machetes, and the raid on the restaurant was a rare instance of a more coordinated operation. Earlier on Friday, a Hindu priest was hacked to death at a temple in Jhinaidah district, 300 kms (188 miles) south west of Dhaka. Both Islamic State and al Qaeda have claimed responsibility for many of the killings, although local authorities say there are no operational links between Bangladeshi militants and international jihadi networks. Bangladesh security officials say two local militant groups, Ansar-al-Islam and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, are behind the violence. Ansar pledges allegiance to al Qaeda, while Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen claims it represents Islamic State. "The bottom line is Bangladesh has plenty of local, (often unaffiliated), militants and radicals happy to stage attacks in ISIS's name," said Michael Kugelman, South Asia associate at The Wilson Centre in Washington D.C., using an acronym commonly used for Islamic State. He added that Islamic State had claimed more attacks in Bangladesh than in Pakistan or Afghanistan. SPORADIC GUNFIRE, CHAOS Rizvi, the adviser to prime minister, said the hostage crisis began when local security guards in the diplomatic enclave noticed several gunmen outside a medical center. When the guards approached, the gunmen ran into the restaurant, which was packed with people waiting for tables, he added. An employee who escaped told local television that there were about 20 customers at the restaurant at the time, and most of them were foreigners. The restaurant has a seating capacity of around 25 people. There were also some 15 to 20 staff working there at the time, the employee said. A police officer at the scene said that when security forces tried to enter the premises at the beginning of the siege they met a hail of bullets and grenades. Television footage showed a number of police being led away from the site with blood on their faces and clothes. Heavily armed officers could be seen milling on the street outside. A resident near the scene of the attack told Reuters he could hear sporadic gunfire nearly three hours after the attack began. "It is chaos out there. The streets are blocked. There are dozens of police commandos," said Tarique Mir. Italy's Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter he was closely following the situation in Dhaka, adding he was "anxious for Italians involved" and expressing solidarity with their families. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi abruptly left a ceremony at the Colosseum in Rome on Friday evening to follow the hostage-taking incident, a source at his office said. The U.S. State Department said all Americans working at the U.S. mission there had been accounted for. A spokesman said in Washington the situation was "very fluid, very live". President Barack Obama has also been briefed about the attack, the White House said. (Additional reporting by Krishna Das and Rupam Jain in NEW DELHI, Isla Binnie in ROME and Melissa Fares in NEW YORK; Writing by Paritosh Bansal; Editing by Mike Collett-White) Today we celebrate the anniversary of the 26th Amendment (ratified July 1, 1971). Heres what you need to know: Vietnamprotestors WHAT IT DOES The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. WHY IT WAS ADDED With the draft during the Vietnam War came increasing pressure to lower the voting age. If they were old enough to go to war, young people argued, they were old enough to choose the leaders with the power to send them to war. Congress proposed the 26th Amendment on March 23, 1971. The amendment was ratified by three-fourths of the states on July 1, 1971. It was the most quickly ratified amendment. Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Recent Historical Stories on Constitution Daily William Howard Tafts truly historic double-double Just which state ratified the 26th Amendment? The history of legal challenges to the Pledge of Allegiance From Good Housekeeping There are a few activities everyone enjoys after dinner: A lavender-scented bubble bath, a glass of pinot and an hour of guilty pleasure TV (hello, Housewives). But what they don't enjoy? Washing pans that are covered in grease and hard-to-clean food. Good thing a group of European scientists are looking to eliminate this evening chore once and for all with a self-cleaning metal material. The leader of the research project, Luca Romoli, a professor at the University of Parma, said the team designed a criss-cross pattern produced by lasers to wash away any dirt or grime. He told Phys.org they were inspired by how lotus leaves keep themselves clean: "Their jagged, rough surfaces enable water to stay as spherical droplets by preventing spreading," he says. As a result, bacteria doesn't get a chance to stick, which is the effect they want to recreate on metal. For now, the scientists say their goal is to initially use these surfaces in the food production industry to increase efficiency and productivity, as well as reduce energy consumption. Eventually, it's possible the material could be used for other items, like medical cutting tools, dishwashers and, most importantly, saucepans. Currently, there are prototypes of self-cleaning dinnerware, but this the first self-cleaning metal. Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab in the Good Housekeeping Institute says while this technology is in it's early stages, it's certainly interesting: "It may one day have applications for consumer household products, but I think that's still a bit in the future," she says. "I applaud the idea of adapting a mechanism found in nature to this use." Us too. After all, can you imagine just how incredible it'd feel to skip the sink and soap after using a saucepan for dinner? Sigh. [h/t Sci News] Demi Lovato has debuted the sultry studio version of her new single "Body Say." She debuted the track during the kick-off show of her co-headlining tour with friend and business partner Nick Jonas. On the dance ballad, Lovato is more forward than ever, continuing the sexy lyrical turn she took with her most recent album Confident and single "Cool for the Summer," which debuted last summer. "If my body had a say, I wouldn't turn away/Touch, make love, taste you," she belts on the track's chorus. Watch Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas Busk on 'Carpool Karaoke' "I wrote and recorded #BodySay a couple weeks ago and wanted you guys to hear it right away," Lovato said on Twitter, which she released at midnight on Friday. "What's the point in waiting anymore?" Lovato and Jonas kicked off their Future Now tour in Atlanta earlier this week by bringing out special guest T.I. alongside Atlanta natives Migos and Rich Homie Quan. Lovato released Confident last October while Jonas debuted his latest solo album, Last Year Was Complicated, in June. Related You probably thought getting your kid into a college was the hardest thing about college, and, well, it probably was. But as you've likely discovered, your young adult is still young and could use your help at times -- like when it's time to look for an apartment. Your kid is finally entering the real world, and as you know, the real world isn't always as warm and friendly as we'd like it to be. So if you'd like your kid to avoid renting from a con artist or signing a lease that he or she doesn't understand, you have a lot to think about. [See: 10 Oddly Practical Things You Can Rent.] Research, research, research. Dominique Henderson is a financial consultant and father of three; his oldest just finished her first year at Texas State University, about a four-hour drive from home. He began helping with her apartment hunt by calling the housing program at the college. He spoke with an official about the partnership the university has with more than 30 apartments in the surrounding area. "I read tons of online reviews and went to every website of the candidate list of apartments," Henderson says. He looked at which apartments paid for utilities, how far they were from campus and which ones were on a bus line. He also made sure his daughter was doing her own research, too. "This helps them own the decision ... After all, this is where they will be living," Henderson says. Decide if you'll co-sign a lease. Nothing wrong with this in theory, since you may have little choice. Many landlords and apartment companies are reluctant to sign on a college kid who doesn't have a full-time job, has no credit history and isn't co-signing with his or her parents. But before you sign, you'd better know your kid well and have a serious talk with him or her about how the condition of the apartment needs to be in as good of shape on the last day as the first. If you know you have a kid who isn't all that responsible, you probably shouldn't co-sign. Story continues "If your kid, or his or her friends, creates damage, parents are on the hook if they're on the lease. Basically, anyone on the lease has the same liability, even if they don't live in the unit," says Dan Laufer, CEO of RentLingo.com, an apartment and housing search engine. Stacy Brown, operations manager for Real Property Management, headquartered in Salt Lake City, agrees: "Parents may also think nothing will happen in their role as co-signor because they trust their particular college student. However, co-signing for their child also grants them responsibility for the other tenants of the apartment." Brown adds: "If you must be a co-signer, negotiate the provisions of the lease that you are guaranteeing to limit your liability. Sign for only your child, and not on behalf of any other roommates in the home." [See: 9 Scary Things Consumers Do With Their Money.] Recognize that you may be required to sign a yearlong lease. Right now, you're probably thinking: S o what? After all, that's standard with apartments. And it's standard that school years last about nine months. Yeah, so? Oh. Julie Phillippi-Whitney, a mom in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a son attending the University of South Carolina; while her son was studying abroad in Hong Kong, it recently fell to her to look for a house for him to rent with two other roommates. She finally found one, and she just started paying the rent on June 1, even though he won't be moving in until August. "We are obligated to pay through the end of May 2017 even though they graduate in early May," Phillippi-Whitney says. "Landlords don't have time to sublet or whatever for the months kids are not staying there so you end up paying for about three months where no one is even living there." Of course, your college kid may be able to get permission from the landlord to find a tenant to sublet during those summer months, but that, too, opens up a new can of worms. If you think there's any chance you would want your kid to sublet to another tenant, Laufer suggests broaching that with the landlord at the start, before you sign the lease. "If your kid sublets the unit and the landlord is not a party to the contract, then you can still be on the hook for damages from the subletter," Laufer says. Engage your kid in the process. When Henderson and his wife toured their daughter's apartment, they played the role of dutiful parents and asked a lot of questions. Especially, apparently, Henderson, who says he talked to random residents about living at the apartments and even interrogated employees, asking what they enjoyed about working at the property. But Henderson says that as involved as he was, he made sure his daughter was present when he asked his questions, and he kept asking his daughter how she felt about the visit and what her impressions were of the property, the people they met and the apartment's amenities. Again, he says, it's all about the kid owning, or co-owning, the decision to move into the apartment. Educate your kid on what to look for if you can't come along for apartment tours. Discuss anything you think your child should be on the lookout for, such as red flags of a bad neighborhood. "Parents need to know that off-campus college housing is not all the same, and some may be in poor condition or overpriced," she says. You also should be aware of potential scams, Phillippi-Whitney says. She found an apartment for her son, who is interning this summer in Boston; during her long-distance research, she learned to be on the lookout for swindlers. "Although Craigslist is still the number one way to find apartments, sadly, it is filled with crooks," Phillippi-Whitney says. "So people mail in deposits and then arrive and there is either no apartment or no furniture or no such address. I spotted the scams right away." She offers up this thought and warning: "If it looks too good to be true and looks like an interior decorator designed the place, it is bogus. If it looks lived in and messy, it is usually legit." [See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.] In any case, before Phillippi-Whitney sent in money, she wisely enlisted the help of a friend's daughter who lives in Boston to aid with her on-the-ground apartment search. Phillippi-Whitney paid for the young lady's Uber fees, plus $25 per apartment. "She looked at five places and took photos for me," Phillippi-Whitney says. Ultimately, the pair picked a winner for her son. From Woman's Day You may remember a time when "pink wine" was primarily known as something only grandmothers would drink. Compared to red and white, rose was basically a red-headed (pink-headed?) stepchild. But not anymore; rose is all the rage this summer, somehow managing to outshine every other wine varietal out there. While it may seem like rose fever came out of nowhere, its success story has been in the making for several years. For one, the quality of rose has dramatically improved over the last three years, says Pierrick Bouquet, a wine entrepreneur. While rose wine was once made solely from leftover red wine, an increasing amount of wine producers are now electing to create rose from the very beginning. What does that mean? The quality of rose wine is now on par with that of red and white. Plus, rose fits almost any budget, with many wines costing less than $20. Additionally, retail liquor stores has have a lot to do with the drink's catapulting success. Store buyers caught on to the growing trend early and responded in a big way. Devon Broglie, Whole Foods' Global Beverage Buyer, told Eater: 2014 was where rose really became like, it. And we saw that early enough in 2013 to be able to do a huge program nationally because our Southern California region had done two super successful spring programs in 2012 and 2013. Also, since "supply isn't an issue," says Ryan Looper, a sales rep for a wine distributor, the growing demand doesn't pose a problem. Miraval (Brad and Angelina's rose label), for instance, hiked its production from 200,000 bottles to 500,000. (The exception, of course, was the Hamptons rose shortage of 2014 and 2015.) Google searches in America for rose have been increasing yearly for the past decade. But the highest search volume came in July 2014-only to be beat in July 2015. Since then, sales have increased by an impressive 35 percent, reports ABC News. The U.S. is now one of the top three countries in the world when it comes to rose consumption, and it's also the third largest producer of the beverage. Story continues As far as which American city drinks most of the pink stuff, it probably won't come as a shock that New York City takes the top spot. According to Vine Pair, the NYC metro area "drinks 20 percent of all the rose America imports." That's a lot of rose. "New York City drinks 20 percent of all the rose America imports." That number will likely get even higher, with the rise of many rose-focused lifestyle events hitting the Big Apple. Pierrick is responsible for two of the biggest ones-La Nuit en Rose ("the world's first food & wine festival dedicated to rose wine and rose champagne") and Pinknic (the first ever large-scale picnic exclusively devoted to the pink beverage, coming July 2016.) With more of these events popping up around the country and rose's picture-perfect blush color, the drink has turned into Instagram gold, particularly among millennials. Just search for hashtags such as #YesWayRose, #RoseAllDay, and #RoseSeason and you'll find thousands upon thousands of wine lovers showing off their favorite pink drink. Whether they drink it by the pool or on their patio, rose has come to be associated with a laid-back yet luxe lifestyle, despite its inexpensive price point. "Rose has the ability to transport people to fashionable destinations, and quickly became synonymous with lifestyles in the Hamptons, French Riviera and South of France," says Pierrick. Rose mania has hit such a fever pitch that essentially anything marked with the word "rose" is bound to be a hit. Frose, aka rose slushies, are rapidly gaining popularity on Instagram as they hit cocktail lists in restaurants across the country. Meanwhile, Sugarfina, a New-York based candy boutique, recently launched a line of rose-infused gummy bears. The response was massive. The gummies sold out in two hours, crashing Sugarfina's website, and the candy company says they now have a waitlist of over 500 people. Even though rose's popularity dips in the colder months, rose fever is sure to resume the next time the warm weather hits. Will it ever go out of style completely? It's not likely, especially if you ask social media star The Fat Jewish, who has 8.6 million Instagram followers and released his own line of rose last year. "Does awesome stuff go out of vogue? Do kittens go out of style? I don't think so," he told ABC News. Good point. Follow Woman's Day on Instagram. RACINE COUNTY In the grand scheme of things, tablets, such as iPads and Microsoft Surfaces, are a relatively new technological phenomenon. However, that hasnt stopped multiple municipalities in Racine County from utilizing the technology to improve how their village boards and city councils operate. The packets are available much quicker and they dont need to print them if they dont want to, said Jill Kopp, Union Groves clerk-treasurer. Its been a huge addition to have the iPads. Union Grove, back in 2012, was the first municipality in the county to introduce tablets for their elected officials. Since then, Racine, Mount Pleasant and the City of Burlington have funded similar technology projects for their board and council members, while other municipalities remain on the fence. A major reason why many county municipalities have made the switch is the money they save by not printing out hundred-page agendas and support materials for elected officials every few weeks. Kurt Wahlen, village administrator for Mount Pleasant, which purchased Microsoft Surface tablets for its seven board members in 2014, said this is a major reason why the village opted for the technology. For quickness and ease and expense of copy machines and paper, theres a real savings there, Wahlen said. Theyre expensive ... but efficiency wise, theres a savings. Burlington City Administrator Carina Walters added that the tablets make thick agenda packets easier to navigate. Burlington bought Samsung Galaxy tablets for its eight council members, the mayor and five city department heads in 2015. Efficiency-wise, youre not fumbling through a packet, Walters said. When you have a tablet, theyre basically bookmarked. When youre reading a book on a tablet, youve got your chapters tabbed out. Its basically the same thing. Tom Friedel, city administrator for Racine, which introduced iPad Minis to its council chambers in early 2015, said the city doesnt save as much money as it could, since it still prints out agendas for meetings. However, the tablets link to the Legistar online recording system allows citizens to see what happens at council meetings almost in real time. It creates the record right away so were able to get our minutes out right away, Friedel said. By having the whole system, people can go on and see the results right away. According to Kopp, Union Grove doubled down on its tablet commitment in 2014, when it also purchased iPads for its four appointed Plan Commission members. For Kopp, the technological benefits far outweigh the costs. It was a very smooth transition, Kopp said. To have that technology in their hands and at their fingertips, its nice. Some on the fence At June 13s meeting, the Waterford Village Board discussed the possibility of providing iPads purchased for its seven members. The board decided to delay consideration of that purchase until next fiscal year. I just dont think at this time they were ready to make that move, said Rebecca Ewald, Waterfords village administrator. The direction was to delay it for another year for further research to be done. Its change and everyone has different level of comfort with that type of change. Similarly, Sturtevant Village Administrator Mary Cole said tablets for board members are included in the villages long-term capital plan. The village needs to do a few different technology upgrades, and tablets will likely be just one of many improvements the village makes in coming years. Thats just part of the plan, Cole said. Thats the way of the future. The most populous municipality in the county to not utilize tablets is Caledonia. However, the village provides laptop computers to its board members, and according to Village Administrator Tom Christensen, the village still sees the printing cost savings a board that uses tablets would.Were saving the printing costs, which over time adds up, he said. Theres a significant savings there. Kopp said that Union Grove, Racine Countys municipal tablet pioneer, has received calls from municipalities on the fence about buying tablets. Union Groves response is always the same. Weve been contacted by a lot of municipalities about whether it was the best move for them and weve said yeah, it is, Kopp said. The real-life show choir that inspired William McKinley High's New Directions on Glee hasn't paid a cent to license the music it uses, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in California federal court. Burbank Show Choirs has performed 89 hits ranging from Katy Perry's "California Gurls" to Frozen's "Let It Go" that weren't properly licensed, the suit claims. So Tresona Multimedia is suing Burbank High School Vocal Music Association and its board members for copyright infringement. Tresona says it issues copyright licenses to bands, choirs and other organizations on behalf of all major music publishing companies through its proprietary online licensing exchange, and Burbank Show Choirs isn't one of its customers. The company claims it is the only authorized issuer, other than the publishers, for 79 of the songs and has a permissive but non-exclusive right to issue licenses for the other 10. "The Burbank Show Choirs are some of the most prominent show choirs in the country," states the complaint. "In fact, it is widely understood in the industry that the television show 'Glee' was based upon the Burbank Show Choirs, with input from Defendant Brett Carroll." The group's fame makes its performances highly lucrative. Despite having revenues and expenses in the "mid-six figures" each year, Tresona claims the group has refused to pay for copyright licenses. To legally perform their shows, Tresona says the show choirs would need a custom arrangement license, grand right license and mechanical license for each song the group uses - plus a synchronization license if they intend to create an audio-visual recording of the performance. Read more: 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' Set Visit: Behind the Scenes Photos "None of the Defendants has ever paid any songwriter or rights holder a single dollar for the custom arrangements that Defendants created, commissioned, recorded and disseminated related to the Burbank Show Choirs," states the complaint. Story continues Tresona also claims the real-life equivalent of Will Schuester knows what his group is doing is illegal and has ignored repeated warnings. "The infringement in which Mr. Carroll has been involved is egregious and willful," states the complaint. "He has knowingly given advice to others urging them to violate copyright law." The Burbank High School principal refused to purchase the licenses, according to the complaint, and an assistant superintendent said in a meeting that it was "an embarrassment" that he would rectify, but upon receiving the bill the school "'lawyered up' and refused to pay anything." From 2010 to 2015 the group paid music arranger Josh Greene to duplicate audio recordings of his arrangements, but Tresona claims after he became aware of the infringement he stopped working with the school and the show choir found a different arranger - one whose name is kept a secret. Tresona is seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringement, plus compensatory and punitive damages and a permanent injunction. School officials have not yet responded to a request for comment. Read more: Ryan Murphy to Receive Inaugural Award From Film in California (Exclusive) DHAKA (Reuters) - A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday at a temple in Bangladesh, police and senior administrative officials said. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks in few months on liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups by Islamist extremists. Police said they did not know the motive behind the killing of the Hindu priest and no one had been arrested. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was hacked to death in front of a temple in Jhinaidah district headquarter, 300 kms (188 miles) south west from the capital Dhaka. "He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and that time three young people came by a motor bike and killed him with machetes and fled away," said Mahbubur Rahman, the chief of Jhenaidah district administration. "The nature of killing was similar with the local militants, but we can not say more at the moment," Mahbubur told Reuters by telephone. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings although the government denies the Sunni militant group has a presence in the country, saying homegrown extremists are behind the attacks. (Reporting by Serajul Quadir; Editing by Michael Perry) Former Shell Oil President John Hofmeister is weighing in on why he sees gas prices going up in the near future. People should enjoy it and have a good time and drive safely, because these prices are probably about as low as were going to see for quite some time to come. But that doesnt take away from this holiday weekend, [travel] would be a marvelous thing to do. The old expressiongo see the U.S.A., he told the FOX Business Networks Sandra Smith. Hofmeister explained why an expected decline in supply would drive the rise in gas prices. I think they go north from here. Were getting closer and closer to equilibrium. Even the Secretary of Energy said yesterday that he sees equilibrium [by] 2017, we may beat that because the reduction in crude production in the U.S. is proceeding week, by week, by week. According to Hofmeister, the current rig count in the U.S. is not enough to maintain the current oil production. And as long as the drill count is as low as it is, there is nothing that will happen other than reduction in oil production in the U.S., so that s inevitable. It would take a doubling of todays rig count, many people estimate, to just hold even. So the 400 and some odd rigs that are working will not produce enough new oil to sustain todays production. Hofmeister predicted a rise in crude prices, leading to higher gas prices as well. I see crude prices continuing their trek northward I think that will flow through to the gasoline price. Thats why I say enjoy it now. I think the next 30 to 60 days will probably be about the end of the surplus that weve been experiencing over these last few months and then well see it move north. Hofmeister predicts the proposed 23-cent increase in the gas tax in New Jersey would not affect demand in the state. Probably most demand in New Jersey is inelastic because there is no public transportation system of any magnitude that could offer an alternative. And there is an awful lot of commuters that live in New Jersey. And so, as a consequence, people will simply pay. And New Jersey is also a transit state where people going from south to north on I-95, they have no choice theyll pay. Related Articles By Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A few months after he started attending meetings of a hardline Islamic community group in a poor Istanbul suburb, 25-year-old Murat Kipcak stopped reading the Koran and going to the mosque. He accused his conservative Kurdish family of being infidels and said their murder would get the killer to heaven. Soon after, he sent word that he, his young child, and his wife had travelled to Iraq to join Islamic State, his father Tahir told Reuters at his home in Sultanbeyli, a district on the eastern outskirts of Turkey's largest city. "We gave the police phone numbers, names, car plates, we gave them everything. But nothing happened," Tahir said, saying he had reported his son's departure to Iraq after the family grew increasingly concerned about his activities. Murat's story - a working class high school graduate turned radical Sunni militant within months - highlights Turkey's vulnerability as it tries to prevent Islamic State from carrying out further attacks like this week's at Istanbul airport. Three suicide bombers opened fire at the international terminal late on Tuesday before blowing themselves up, killing 44 people and wounding more than 200 in one of the world's busiest aviation hubs - a symbol of Turkey's global standing. The attackers are believed to have been Islamic State militants from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Turkish officials have said, but they appear to have relied on logistical support from Islamic State cells in Turkey. Police have detained 24 people in two days of raids across Istanbul on suspicion of involvement in planning the bombing, some of them in Sultanbeyli. In Fatih, another district near the city's historic heart, a resident was cleaning graffiti off a home thought to have been used by the bombers. "We don't want a mukhtar sheltering Islamic State," the graffiti said, referring to the local elected official responsible for administration in the neighbourhood. POWERFUL IDEOLOGY Turkey, part of the NATO military alliance and a member of the U.S.-led coalition which has been bombing Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been hit by at least half a dozen suicide attacks blamed on the group over the past year. The deadliest was in the capital Ankara last October, a double suicide bombing at a rally of pro-Kurdish activists that killed more than 100 people. Prior to the airport attack, two in Istanbul this year have targeted foreign tourists, killing a total of 16 people, most of them German and Israeli. Security forces have tightened controls on the Syrian border and deported or detained thousands of suspects in recent years, but intelligence experts say Turkey, like many European countries, is struggling to counter radicalisation at home and to adapt to the group's new tactics. "Are we prepared for the next attack? Unfortunately not," said Hilmi Demir, a researcher at Ankara-based think-tank TEPAV who specialises in extremist groups. "A new set of strategies and tactics are needed and we need to understand why these people are radicalised ... Islamic State has very powerful ideological tools. You can't fight such groups with military and counter-terrorism measures alone." Turkey's experience in countering militancy has been shaped by its fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which took up arms in 1984 demanding Kurdish autonomy in the southeast. Until the launch in 2012 of a peace process, which has since collapsed, it was a largely military campaign. With Islamic State, the challenge is more complex. A minority of people in Turkey, whose population is largely Sunni Muslim, have sympathy for the group's ideology, if not its methods, several polls have shown. Eight percent of Turks viewed Islamic State favourably, a study by U.S.-based company Pew in 11 countries with significant Muslim populations showed last November, with 19 percent saying they had no opinion. Turkey ranked fifth in terms of the highest levels of sympathy towards the group. "A considerable part of the population in Turkey does not see groups like Islamic State or Al Nusra as terror groups. This shows how they can potentially find support," said Suleyman Ozeren, a terrorism expert and head of the Ankara-based Global Policy and Strategy Institute. FREEDOM TO TRAVEL Murat Kipcak made no secret of his plans to go to Syria and join Islamic State, his father said, openly praising the group and socialising with others sympathetic to it. Like several other families contacted by Reuters, he said his warnings to the authorities went unheeded. "The police say these people are going willingly and they have the freedom to travel, so it can't stop them," said a 25-year old resident of Bayrampasa, another working class Istanbul suburb, giving his name as Mehmet. He said his brother left to join Islamic State in Syria in 2013. The brother had since returned twice and last time left for Iraq, Mehmet said, declining to give his full name because his family is part of a police investigation. Turkey was initially a reluctant partner in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, arguing there could be no end to a war threatening regional stability without the departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and advocating for his ouster. Critics say Ankara was too ready to back hardline Islamist groups fighting Assad, contributing to the conditions which enabled Islamic State to take hold. Ankara denies such charges, saying it was quick to declare Islamic State a terrorist group and that Turkey has the most to lose from its rise. Turkish police have been monitoring the activities of suspected low-level Islamic State militants since as early as 2013, prosecution documents seen by Reuters show. Aaron Stein, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the authorities appeared not to intervene as part of a surveillance strategy to map out the network and target its leaders. "The lessons suggest counter-terror officials need to be far more aggressive in disrupting mid-level recruiters, working within different Turkish communities," Stein said. Turkish officials declined to comment on intelligence operations. In the wake of Tuesday night's attack, police have stepped up their raids on suspected safe houses. But for Mehmet, whose brother has been incommunicado since 2015, it comes too late. "These people who become militants in Syria are the boys of our neighbourhood. The police know them, where they hang out. But they say 'gathering and talking about Islam is not a crime'," Mehmet said. "And so it goes on." (Editing by Nick Tattersall and Susan Thomas) By Humeyra Pamuk ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A few months after he started attending meetings of a hardline Islamic community group in a poor Istanbul suburb, 25-year-old Murat Kipcak stopped reading the Koran and going to the mosque. He accused his conservative Kurdish family of being infidels and said their murder would get the killer to heaven. Soon after, he sent word that he, his young child, and his wife had traveled to Iraq to join Islamic State, his father Tahir told Reuters at his home in Sultanbeyli, a district on the eastern outskirts of Turkey's largest city. "We gave the police phone numbers, names, car plates, we gave them everything. But nothing happened," Tahir said, saying he had reported his son's departure to Iraq after the family grew increasingly concerned about his activities. Murat's story - a working class high school graduate turned radical Sunni militant within months - highlights Turkey's vulnerability as it tries to prevent Islamic State from carrying out further attacks like this week's at Istanbul airport. Three suicide bombers opened fire at the international terminal late on Tuesday before blowing themselves up, killing 44 people and wounding more than 200 in one of the world's busiest aviation hubs - a symbol of Turkey's global standing. The attackers are believed to have been Islamic State militants from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Turkish officials have said, but they appear to have relied on logistical support from Islamic State cells in Turkey. Police have detained 24 people in two days of raids across Istanbul on suspicion of involvement in planning the bombing, some of them in Sultanbeyli. In Fatih, another district near the city's historic heart, a resident was cleaning graffiti off a home thought to have been used by the bombers. "We don't want a mukhtar sheltering Islamic State," the graffiti said, referring to the local elected official responsible for administration in the neighborhood. POWERFUL IDEOLOGY Turkey, part of the NATO military alliance and a member of the U.S.-led coalition which has been bombing Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been hit by at least half a dozen suicide attacks blamed on the group over the past year. The deadliest was in the capital Ankara last October, a double suicide bombing at a rally of pro-Kurdish activists that killed more than 100 people. Prior to the airport attack, two in Istanbul this year have targeted foreign tourists, killing a total of 16 people, most of them German and Israeli. Security forces have tightened controls on the Syrian border and deported or detained thousands of suspects in recent years, but intelligence experts say Turkey, like many European countries, is struggling to counter radicalization at home and to adapt to the group's new tactics. "Are we prepared for the next attack? Unfortunately not," said Hilmi Demir, a researcher at Ankara-based think-tank TEPAV who specializes in extremist groups. "A new set of strategies and tactics are needed and we need to understand why these people are radicalized ... Islamic State has very powerful ideological tools. You can't fight such groups with military and counter-terrorism measures alone." Turkey's experience in countering militancy has been shaped by its fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which took up arms in 1984 demanding Kurdish autonomy in the southeast. Until the launch in 2012 of a peace process, which has since collapsed, it was a largely military campaign. With Islamic State, the challenge is more complex. A minority of people in Turkey, whose population is largely Sunni Muslim, have sympathy for the group's ideology, if not its methods, several polls have shown. Eight percent of Turks viewed Islamic State favorably, a study by U.S.-based company Pew in 11 countries with significant Muslim populations showed last November, with 19 percent saying they had no opinion. Turkey ranked fifth in terms of the highest levels of sympathy towards the group. "A considerable part of the population in Turkey does not see groups like Islamic State or Al Nusra as terror groups. This shows how they can potentially find support," said Suleyman Ozeren, a terrorism expert and head of the Ankara-based Global Policy and Strategy Institute. FREEDOM TO TRAVEL Murat Kipcak made no secret of his plans to go to Syria and join Islamic State, his father said, openly praising the group and socializing with others sympathetic to it. Like several other families contacted by Reuters, he said his warnings to the authorities went unheeded. "The police say these people are going willingly and they have the freedom to travel, so it can't stop them," said a 25-year old resident of Bayrampasa, another working class Istanbul suburb, giving his name as Mehmet. He said his brother left to join Islamic State in Syria in 2013. The brother had since returned twice and last time left for Iraq, Mehmet said, declining to give his full name because his family is part of a police investigation. Turkey was initially a reluctant partner in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, arguing there could be no end to a war threatening regional stability without the departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and advocating for his ouster. Critics say Ankara was too ready to back hardline Islamist groups fighting Assad, contributing to the conditions which enabled Islamic State to take hold. Ankara denies such charges, saying it was quick to declare Islamic State a terrorist group and that Turkey has the most to lose from its rise. Turkish police have been monitoring the activities of suspected low-level Islamic State militants since as early as 2013, prosecution documents seen by Reuters show. Aaron Stein, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the authorities appeared not to intervene as part of a surveillance strategy to map out the network and target its leaders. "The lessons suggest counter-terror officials need to be far more aggressive in disrupting mid-level recruiters, working within different Turkish communities," Stein said. Turkish officials declined to comment on intelligence operations. In the wake of Tuesday night's attack, police have stepped up their raids on suspected safe houses. But for Mehmet, whose brother has been incommunicado since 2015, it comes too late. "These people who become militants in Syria are the boys of our neighborhood. The police know them, where they hang out. But they say 'gathering and talking about Islam is not a crime'," Mehmet said. "And so it goes on." (Editing by Nick Tattersall and Susan Thomas) By James Pomfret WUKAN, China (Reuters) - Hopes for democracy in the Chinese village of Wukan, where an uprising against corruption five years ago gained global notice and led to direct village-wide elections, have all but evaporated, with protest leaders either in detention, in exile, facing arrest or quitting their posts. Villagers have been marching in protest every day since the middle of June in a fresh flare-up of unrest, but the so-called "Wukan model", with authorities seemingly taking a more tolerant approach towards unrest by kicking out corrupt officials and allowing a free vote, appears to have been a one-off. Wukan is about a four-hour drive northeast of Hong Kong, where a 79-day "umbrella revolution" in late 2014 demanding Beijing allow full democracy, brought chaos to the streets. This time the turmoil in Wukan focused on the arrest by local authorities of elected leader Lin Zuluan, one of the last of the 2011 protest leaders to remain in office, for bribery after he urged demonstrations against new land grabs and graft. "The corrupt are very proficient in deceiving the people," the 72-year-old Lin wrote in a signed letter to the village dated March 2, adding that the seized land had been "raped by power, money and gangsters". In 2011, rampaging villagers ransacked the Wukan police station and government offices before barricading themselves against riot police for months. This time, the villagers have held thousand-strong protests for 12 straight days in sweltering summer heat watched by riot police, with no sign of stopping. 'COULDN'T BEAR IT ANYMORE' Lin had become increasingly dismayed with authorities stonewalling attempts to reclaim plots of land knotted up in dodgy deals and for brokering fresh deals behind his back, relatives said. Lin "couldn't bear it anymore," said one of his relatives who declined to be identified. "The Lufeng (city) government sold this land, a new piece of land, without telling anyone." Officially stamped documents provided by people close to Lin and reviewed by Reuters give substance to his increasing frustrations. In December, Lin wrote several letters to a developer, Hua Hui Real Estate, that he said had acquired a 110,000-sq-metre plot in Wukan without Lin's knowledge or the approval of the Wukan village committee that oversees land use and is the main administrator of the village. Lin is the committee head. The committee had demanded the company give evidence of the land deal and provide a detailed survey map of the "Long Hu Bay" area it planned to develop, according to a letter dated Dec. 28. The company replied to the committee three days later that it had acted "in accordance with law and procedures", but declined to provide any documents, directing further inquiries to the "relevant government departments". After repeated correspondence over several months, there was still no clarification. The company also declined to clarify details of the land deal to Reuters. The Lufeng government that oversees Wukan said in a written reply to Reuters that Long Hu Bay was "state-owned land which does not belong to the villagers" and that Hua Hui had now halted construction given Wukan's objections. It added that it had been actively helping resolve Wukan's land issues with 646 acres of land having been handed back since 2011, but 1,221 acres are still being contested between Wukan and 7 nearby villages. MIDNIGHT RAID A few days after his call for new protests, on June 18, Lin was arrested by SWAT officers who stormed his walled compound after midnight and bundled him away, pushing his elderly wife, Yang Zhen, to the ground as she tried to intervene, she told Reuters. Lin's 22-year-old grandson was detained less than 48 hours later in another late night raid and interrogated for 12 hours straight. A confession by Lin admitting taking large bribes was aired on state television on the morning of June 21, and the grandson was released hours later. "When they captured me, they were very excited," said the grandson, Lin Liyi. "I think they used me to pressure my grandfather" to make a confession. Reuters was unable to contact Lin, and it wasn't clear whether Lin has legal representation after two lawyers who were hired by his family were blocked by authorities from taking on his case. "The intervention violates the rule of law," one of the lawyers, Ge Yongxi, told Reuters by phone. "They obstructed a lawyer's daily business and abused Lin's human rights." Lin's arrest was the latest move on the core group of Wukan protest leaders from 2011. Lin remains in police custody and investigations continue into allegations he took bribes of up to 600,000 yuan ($90,200) for land deals and public works projects, according to the official China Daily newspaper. In 2014, two former deputy village chiefs, Yang Semao and Hong Ruichao, were jailed for two and four years respectively for bribery, around the time of another village election. Those who knew the men, including Hong's father, Hong Tianbin, said they were framed. Chinese authorities say they took bribes linked to public work projects. Another leader, Zhuang Liehong, fled China and sought asylum in the United States, fearing for his safety amid what he told Reuters was "political persecution". Two others quit, while Sun Wenliang, a former accountant, has an arrest warrant on his head, village sources said. The Lufeng government said in its statement to Reuters that it "has not discovered any situation of unfair suppression or punishment" of Wukan's protest leaders, or of undermining village rights and interests. Hundreds of riot police were sent to the village when the protests started but there has been no crackdown. There are, however, signs of authorities tightening their grip. Some reporters in Wukan said they were accused of inciting unrest and told to leave, which they did, while three other sources said authorities had been aggressively going after potential ringleaders to quash any escalation. Few have dared lead from the front this time round. "Everyone can see the old leaders were all caught and are afraid," Lin's grandson told Reuters. (Additional reporting by Lindsy Long and Tris Pan in Hong Kong; Editing by Nick Macfie) Actor Ng Chin Han. (Vulcan Post) Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. Hes also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes atmarcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own. Ng Chin Han no, wait, hes just Chin Han now has come a long way from his Masters of the Seas days 20 years ago. If he were still in Singapore, this article would be referring to him as Ng thereafter. Chin Han recently signed on with CAA (Creative Artists Agency), which manages clients like Will Smith, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert Downey Jr or rather, Deadshot, Mystique, and Iron Man. Like Ben Affleck and Ryan Reynolds, Chin Han is one of the few actors to have played both a Marvel and DC character. However, Chin Han has expired in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Councilman Yen), so that leaves the DC Extended Universe as his only chance to play a superhero! Luckily, The Dark Knight isnt part of the DC Extended Universe, or hell have expired in both cinematic universes. But lets be honest - the Hollywood characters that Chin Han plays are still the token Asian character, thrown in for diversity and to show that the villains plot threatens not just America, but the whole world (including Asians). So heres a look at how long Chin Hans characters have managed to last in recentHollywood blockbusters, and whether hes survived any of them. Theyre ranked from shortest to longest. Chin Han as Jiang Lao in Independence Day: Resurgence. (Independence Day Wiki) 1. Jiang Lao in Independence Day: Resurgence Poor Chin Han doesnt even make it past half the movie before hes obliterated by an alien spacecraft the size of the Moon. He does have a cute niece, Rain Lao (played by Angelababy), who survives the movie. However, their most awkward exchange comes when they have a conversation in Mandarin on the Moons space station. Chin Han speaks with a Singapore accent, while Angelababys distinctly different China accent makes it sound, for a brief moment, like the movie was set in Singapore. Story continues Chin Han as Lau in The Dark Knight. (Comic Book Movie) 2. Lau in The Dark Knight In a show of Hollywoods creativity with Asian names, Chin Han plays two characters with the same name. At least in The Dark Knight he manages to outwit all the other mafia lords in Gotham City, earning Singapore some dubious pride. Hes only defeated by Batman, and then later burnt to death by the Joker halfway through the film. Well, he couldnt have bested the main protagonist and antagonist of the film, so he could arguably be said to be the fourth most powerful character in the film (after Two-Face). Chin Han as Councilman Yen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. (Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki) 3. Councilman Yen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier Councilman Yen doesnt play a huge part in the film, but he does manage to hold the villain of the story, Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) hostage with a gun. He almost makes it to the end of the film before getting assassinated by Alexander Pierce, along with the rest of the council. He was so close to surviving. Chin Han as Tenzin in 2012. (Ace Showbiz) 4. Tenzin in 2012 Hes a capable scientist who actually follows the ideal Singaporean career path, until he has to smuggle the protagonists of the film onto the Marina Bay Sands Ark-4. In the process, his leg gets badly injured and he almost doesnt make it! But he does. Just like the world did. So there you have it, 2012 is the movie where Chin Han managed to survive all the way to the end. Heres to hoping we get to see Chin Han helm a film of his own in the future! Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo! Finance team is watching for you. HP Enterprise (HPE) is having a great morning after a California judge awarded the company $3 billion in a lawsuit against Oracle. The case was over HPs Itanium servers. Oracle said it would appeal the verdict. Shares of HP Enterprise are up 21% so far this year. At Yahoos (YHOO) annual shareholder meeting, CEO Marissa Mayer said Yahoo is making great progress on potentially selling part of the company. Yahoo is the parent company of Yahoo Finance. The stock is up almost 20% year to date. Get the latest market data and news with the Yahoo Finance App Nearly 9,000 Starbucks (SBUX) workers and fans have signed an online petition for more work hours after accusing the company of extreme cutbacks at its U.S. cafes. So far this year, the stock is down 2%. Hershey (HSY) is rejecting a $23 billion offer from Mondelez (MDLZ). The deal would have created the worlds largest candy company, likely helping Hersheys business here in the US, and Mondelezs overall global market. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that shares of HPE were down 21% for the year. Beirut (AFP) - The International Committee of the Red Cross has started collecting DNA samples to help identify thousands of people who disappeared during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, the ICRC said Friday. The ICRC called on the Lebanese authorities to create a "national mechanism" to help match victims' bodies with their families. The war, which started on April 13, 1975 and lasted 15 years, officially left 150,000 dead and 17,000 missing, dozens of them allegedly still detained by the Syrian government, a key player in the conflict. "It is more than 40 years since the events took place and we are still asking ourselves how we are going to give answers to the families," said Fabrizzio Carboni, the ICRC's chief in Lebanon. "We know that there are graves all around the country, and that at one stage we will have to match the DNA of these mortal remains with ones of the families." Carboni spoke at a press conference held to announce that the ICRC would start taking saliva samples from relatives of the missing. Several Lebanese with missing relatives attended the press conference and some were unable to hold back tears. The Lebanese government in 2000 acknowledged the existence of mass graves in Beirut, but it has made no effort to identify the bodies. "Several hundred families" have already given DNA samples to the ICRC, Carboni told AFP. He estimated that 4,000 families in Lebanon have missing relatives. Carboni said the ICRC's aim was to reach every one of the 4,000 families over the next two or three years. This is the second phase of a project launched by the ICRC in Lebanon in 2012 to set up a database of information about each missing person -- down to where they went missing and what they were wearing. So far, 2,300 families have taken part. In 2014, the ICRC called on the Lebanese police to help collect biological data. "Two years later, we still haven't had a response," said Carboni. Story continues He also called for "the creation of a national mechanism which one day will deal with the opening of the graves and mass graves and will do the work of matching and give answers to the families". Carboni said it was time to "to remind the Lebanese authorities of their responsibilities". Wadad Halawani, who has had no news of her husband for 30 years, heads an organisation for families of the disappeared. "All the people who committed crimes are in power," she told AFP. "They still hold important positions in the government." Ahmed Assaad Ajam, 76, said he hoped to find out about his son Jamal. Pinned on his chest was a black-and-white picture of the young man who disappeared in 1982. "I'm waiting to see my son. Even dead, even if they only bring me a bone, I'll finally be able to relax," he said. "I still hold out hope. I hope one day to have the slightest information" on what happened to Jamal. We tend to imagine that illegal logging mostly targets tropical forests in the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and other remote and poorly regulated regions, not in our own backyards. For people who pay attention to such things, theres comfort in the idea that buying only Forest Stewardship Councilcertified lumber keeps us free of complicity in criminal destruction of woodland habitat. The latest undercover work by the Environmental Investigation Agency focuses on Europe and undermines both those assumptions. Its a significant embarrassment for the FSC, which until last week was putting its seal of sustainability on timber said to be illegally harvested from Europes last surviving virgin forests, in the Carpathian Mountains, and from national parks and other protected areas in Romania. Those habitats were for many years the only refuge in Europe for bears, wolves, lynx, and other speciesand they have played a major part in the recent continent-wide rewilding of Europe. The FSCs decision to suspend its certification of the Austrian logging company Holzindustrie Schweighofer comes eight months after the U.K.-based EIA published its initial report, Stealing the Last Forest, alleging extensive ties between the company and illegal logging and corruption in Romania. Its also more than a year after the release of an EIA video showing a company executive offering to accept illegal timber from an undercover investigator posing as an American investor in Romanian forests. FSC announced that it is also suspending Quality Austria, the auditing body that was supposed to have done due diligence on Schweighofers operations. Both suspensions are temporary, pending the outcome of an investigation to be completed in September. Schweighofer is also under criminal investigation in Romania after an investigation discovered more than 100,000 cubic meters of illegal timber in just one of its three Romanian mills. The World Wildlife Fund Austria has also filed a complaint with Austrias Federal Forest Office alleging violations of European Union timber regulations. Corey Brinkema, president of Forest Stewardship Council U.S., said FSC relies on multiple levels of checks and balances to ensure the integrity of our system. He praised WWF and EIA for playing an invaluable watchdog role and also said, The investigation and suspension of the certification indicate that the FSC system is working. We take allegations of illegal logging and other egregious practices very seriously and invest significant resources into investigating such claims. Where evidence supports it, we have a history of taking strong action to maintain the integrity of the FSC system. Schweighofer, a 400-year-old woodworking company, enjoyed a reputation for sustainability in its Austrian forests. But in 2002, it sold off its operations there and began heavily investing in Romania, a country with widespread political corruption. It made a point of touting the FSC certification for its own 30,000 or so acres of forest in Romania, according to the EIA report. But that forest supplied just 2 percent of its Romanian production in 2014, with the rest coming from more than 1,000 individual suppliers. During negotiations with Schweighofer, EIA Executive Director Alexander von Bismarck posed as an American investor who had purchased a Romanian forest. His permits allowed him to harvest the timber over seven years, he said, but he wanted to cash out in just three. Schweighofer executives repeatedly agreed to accept illegal timber, according to EIA, and while its contract stipulated a small penalty, they told von Bismarck they would pay a bonus of $10 per cubic meter for everything beyond the contracted amount. In the aftermath of the original EIA study, Holzindustrie Schweighofer chief executive Gerald Schweighofer acknowledged that Romanias forest suffers undeniably from illegal logging but called the charges against the company unjust, misleading and unsubstantiated. After last weeks suspension by the FSC, a lower-ranking company executive offered to work to uncover potential risks with regard to the lawful sourcing of timber and predicted that after a successful audit, the FSC certificate can again be used in full. EIA reports, however, that as Schweighofers purchases in Romania have come under scrutiny, the company has begun to shift its sourcing to neighboring Ukraine, which ranks 130th out of 167 nations on the Transparency International corruption index and also has a reputation for illegal logging. In a new report aimed at buyers in Japan, EIA warns that Japanese buyers need to be extra vigilant in questioning the validity of the companys documents of origin, in part because of recent media reports about illegal logging of irradiated pine logs within the forbidden zone surrounding Chernobyl, site of the worlds largest nuclear disaster. The EIA campaign against Schweighofer comes in the wake of the agencys successful investigation of U.S. retailer Lumber Liquidators. Early this year, that company paid $13.1 million, the largest fine in the history of the century-old Lacey Act, for illegally purchasing timber from another temperate-zone forest, the only remaining habitat of the Siberian tiger in the Russian Far East. Lumber Liquidators stock price plummeted by 90 percent because of the simultaneous report that it risked poisoning customers through high doses of formaldehyde in its products. The immediate take-home from the Schweighofer investigation is that the European Union needs to close a major loophole in its rules against the sale of illegal timber products. Those rules aim to block imports into the EU but do nothing to stop the sale of illegal timber from member states such as Romania and Ukraine. The Lacey Act, by contrast, bans trafficking in illegal wood products even across state borders. EIA has also been lobbying for Japan to establish rules against illegal logging imports. That country has no equivalent of the EU forest regulations or the Lacey Act but has been a major buyer of Schweighofer wood. The other big message that major retail buyers should be gettingremind your favorite home supply or furniture storeis that they cant just look the other way and hope that suppliers are doing the right thing anymore. Though no company executives have gone to jail yet, blissful ignorance is becoming a good way to end up in serious trouble. And for the rest of us? Until the FSC tightens its certification process, we are still back where we started, at Buyer beware. Send a Letter: Help Protect Wild Tigers from Illegal Logging Related stories on TakePart: Going to Pot Indonesia Is Still Burning The Redwoods' Last Stand Original article from TakePart Paris (AFP) - A French prosecutor on Friday said IMF chief Christine Lagarde should stand trial for her handling of a massive state payout to tycoon Bernard Tapie in 2008 when she was France's finance minister. The prosecutor recommended the rejection of a challenge by Lagarde to a December court order for her to stand trial for negligence in the affair, which saw Tapie receive 404 million euros ($433 million) in taxpayer money. A ruling is expected on July 22. If the order is upheld, 60-year-old Lagarde will be tried in the Law Court of the Republic, which handles cases concerning offences committed by sitting government ministers. Despite her legal woes, the International Monetary Fund executive board in February named Lagarde to a second term as managing director, which officially starts next week. Lagarde was placed under formal investigation in 2014 for negligence in a protracted legal drama pitting Tapie against a bank which he accused of defrauding him during his sale of sports clothing giant Adidas in the 1990s. Lagarde, who faces a year in jail and a fine of 15,000 euros ($16,000) if convicted, has denied wrongdoing or that she acted on then president Nicolas Sarkozy's orders. She said in December, with the IMF reiterating its confidence in her, that she "acted in the interest of the state, conforming to the law." Lagarde was finance minister under Sarkozy in 2008 when she decided to allow arbitration in the dispute between Tapie and partly state-owned Credit Lyonnais. As a result of the arbitration, Tapie was awarded the payout by a state-run body in charge of settling the bank's debts. The cash payout to Tapie, who served jail time in the 1990s for match-fixing during his stint as owner of Marseille football club, was hugely controversial at the time. - 'Fraudulent collaboration' - The negligence charge stems from Lagarde's allowing the private arbitration and her failure to challenge the award. Story continues A court later declared the arbitration fraudulent because one of the arbitrators had links to Tapie, now 73. Investigators suspect the flamboyant businessman received preferential treatment in return for his high-profile support for Sarkozy. Tapie and five others including his lawyer Maurice Lantourne and Pierre Estoup, who was a member of the arbitration panel, have been charged with committing fraud as part of an organised gang in connection with the payout. And in February 2015, another court ordered Tapie to repay the award with interest, an order that has been upheld twice -- the second time on Thursday, with the judge citing "fraudulent collaboration" between the tycoon and Estoup. French prosecutors last September called for the case against Lagarde to be dropped, but investigating judges decided to send her to trial. Lagarde is in charge of the IMF's staff of 2,600 and more than $1 trillion (900 billion euros) in resources to be used to support struggling countries and, when needed, rescue them and shepherd them through often difficult reforms. She arrived at the IMF in 2011 tasked with restoring the reputation of its leadership following her predecessor Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who resigned under the cloud of a sex scandal early that year. The chic silver-haired mother of two sons has fashioned herself as an icon to talented women fighting male dominance in large organisations like the IMF. The footage in this video, taken by drone, shows just how easily accessible high quality resolution imagery has become for even amateur film enthusiasts. The images of Niagara Falls, shot from the Canadian side, show the breadth and beauty of the natural features, and the power and majesty of the river flowing over them. Credit: Travelers from the six India's air force added its first domestically developed light fighter aircraft to its fleet on Friday, as it phases out ageing Russian jets dubbed "Flying Coffins". The bellow of conch shells and crack of breaking coconuts -- auspicious Hindu rituals -- sounded as the two Tejas jets were handed over to the Indian Air Force in the southern city of Bangalore. The combat aircraft are part of New Delhi's multi-billion dollar upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, in part to counter rivals Pakistan and China. The two aircraft will be part of a squadron named Flying Daggers 45 and can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar hailed the new jets as a source of national pride for the country's military, saying in a Twitter post they would "take our air strength to new heights". The Indian air force has said it plans to add 14 Tejas aircraft in the next two years as it seeks to replace the old Russian MiG-21s, nicknamed "Flying Coffins" because of their poor safety record. The Tejas jets, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics over three decades, have been touted as the smallest and lightest supersonic fighter aircraft of their class. The aircraft are designed and manufactured in India, although some components are imported. India is also in the final stages of a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a hardline Hindu nationalist, has vowed to end India's status as the world's number one defence importer by instead manufacturing defence equipment locally. His government has lifted the cap on foreign investment in the defence industry and pushed tie ups between foreign and local companies. By Sanjeev Miglani NEW DELHI, July 1 (Reuters) - India's first locally-built combat aircraft officially took to the skies on Friday, 33 years after it was cleared for development, marking a long-held goal of cutting expensive imports to build a domestic defence-industrial base. India's fighter aircraft fleet, made up of a mix of Russian, British and French planes, is down to 33 squadrons as against the air force's requirement of 45 to face Pakistan and China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has nudged the military to accept the first version of the "Tejas" Light Combat Aircraft to make up for the shortfall while a more powerful subsequent model is under development. Indian Air Force officers broke coconuts and priests held multi-faith ceremonies to mark the induction of two planes in the southern city of Bengaluru. Later, the aircraft took off in the colours of the air force as fire tenders sprayed water on he tarmac in a military ritual. "Moment of national pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who has led the drive for indigenisation, said in a Twitter post. Early this month China said it is still testing its first stealth fighter, the J-20, but it would enter service soon. The single-seat Indian fighter is considered superior to counterparts like the JF-17 aircraft jointly built by China and Pakistan. Tejas has had no accident in 3,000 hours of flying and its use of composites helps lower its radar signature, making it harder to detect early, air force officials said. "The LCA is as good as any in the world in its class," said retired Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur now a fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi. But the challenge for state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which is making the aircraft, will be to stick to the production schedule as the air force seeks to arrest the decline in the number of planes it can deploy, he said. Story continues HAL only has the capacity to produce four Tejas planes a year, a government-appointed audit committee said in a report last year. The plan is to increase production capacity to eight, a defence ministry official said on Friday. India is separately negotiating for the purchase of 36 top end Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation , a scaled-back deal that has been hanging fire since 2012. (Reporting by Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Douglas Busvine and Michael Perry) By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's Iran oil imports rose about 39 percent in June year on year, preliminary data obtained by Reuters shows. In the first half of 2016 India's Iran oil imports surged by about 58 percent to about 342,000 bpd, the data showed, in comparison with 216,500 bpd in the same period last year. HPCL-Mittal Energy, majority owned by state refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp, halted oil imports from Iran in November 2012 under pressure from Western sanctions over Iran's nuclear ambitions. HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), partly owned by steel tycoon Lakshmi N. Mittal, took a cargo from Tehran after a three-and-a-half year break. Last month HMEL took a million barrels of Iranian oil, according to preliminary tanker arrival data from trade sources and ship-tracking services on the Thomson Reuters terminal. Indian refiners took in about 381,500 barrels per day (bpd)of Iranian oil in June, the data showed. The June shipments were about 0.6 percent higher from Iranian volumes in May, the data showed. In June last year India shipped in about 274,800 bpd oil from Iran. India's oil imports from Iran are set to surge to a seven-year high in the year that began April 1, with the nation's state-owned and private refiners together buying at least 400,000 bpd. In April-June, the first quarter of the current fiscal year, India's Iran oil purchases rose 25.6 percent to 384,500 bpd from about 306,000 bpd in the same year ago period, the data showed. Private refiner, Essar Oil, was the top Indian client of Iran in June, importing about 180,600 bpd, followed by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd with about 69,000 bpd, and Reliance Industries Ltd with about 64,000 bpd. Indian Oil Corp, the country's biggest refiner, imported about 32,000 bpd, the shipping and terminal data showed. (Editing by William Hardy) Accord signed to lay optical fibre cable Nepal Telecom (NT) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to lay optical fibre cable along the Mid-Hill Highway in the Eastern Region with financing from the Rural Telecom Development Fund (RTDF). By Maya Nikolaeva and Julien Ponthus PARIS (Reuters) - ING Group is working on a Europe-wide platform enabling customers to handle all their bank accounts, including money transfers, in one place, in response to upcoming rule changes and growing competition from non-bank rivals such as Apple . So-called aggregator websites allow customers to manage all their accounts in one place. Traditional banks see the independent ones such as Mint.com in the U.S. as a potential threat to their business, and some have already responded, such as SocGen's Boursorama and Credit Mutuel Arkea's Fortuneo. Regulatory changes are set to make the online banking world even more competitive. The EU revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) means member states will have until January 2018 to offer freedom for customers to make banking transfers between various bank accounts with the help of a third-party player. ING Direct, part of the Netherlands' largest financial services group, is already the biggest online bank in France with 1 million clients and is keen to gain market share elsewhere. It has 13 million online banking clients in Europe. "We are, in many countries, still a challenger, so for us, aggregating accounts is certainly a way forward to access more customers," said Benoit Legrand, who is responsible for innovative financial technology (FinTech) at ING. "We are not doing anything specifically in France as such but we are working on a European development," Legrand told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the Viva Technology conference in Paris, adding that ING had some concrete plans. The aggregator may also offer some extra services such as proposing a client feeds an account due to upcoming payments or suggest a customer changes the terms of a loan. "The new directive will greatly benefit European consumers by making it easier to shop online and enabling new services to enter the market to manage their bank accounts, for example to keep track of their spending on different accounts". EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said last year. Third-party access to account data means banks will have to make substantial IT investments to ensure security of payments and consumer protection, analysts at Barclays said. Millions of people already share their bank account passwords with third-party sites and apps that help them track their spending but security concerns have prevented even wider use. For the banks, securing quickly the future of their own revenue is also of crucial importance. The online revolution is also a way for them to cut the number of branches and staff in their bricks-and-mortar networks and reduce costs. ING said in a 2015 presentation that around 30 percent of banking revenues overall were at risk from non-bank competition pushing into the financial industry via the Internet. "It is crucial to act now and not see this as another compliance project and wait until 2018," Barclays analysts said in reference to the new EU legislation. (Reporting by Maya Nikolaeva; Editing by Andrew Callus and Elaine Hardcastle) From Cosmopolitan It's been a week for calling out cultural appropriation on the internet, and the beauty world hasn't been exempt. First, commenters lashed out at Australian beauty vlogger Chloe Morello for wearing a hijab in an Eid makeup tutorial. Now, everyone is coming for Gilan Sharafani, a beauty vlogger based in Norway, for her new "Big Heatless Curls" tutorial. Many people have pointed out that Sharafani shows the not-so-new technique with no mention of what they actually are: bantu knots, a hairstyle with origins in southern Africa that's often worn by black women with natural hair. Here are a few examples of bantu knots. Sharafani's video was reposted on a popular beauty tutorial Facebook page called Girls Creativity, and has since been shared over 29,000 times and racked up 8,000 comments - most of which are slamming Sharafani for cultural appropriation. "This is a highly requested tutorial, where I show how you can fake big curly hair with no heat!" the blogger captioned on her Insta pic. Soon after she posted the video, commenters got heated over the fact that she never refers to the style as bantu knots, even though her technique is the exact definition of what bantu knots are (i.e., taking a strand of hair, twisting it in a circular motion to create a tight coil, and pinning the curl into place). "Big heatless curls? Uhuh honey, Bantu Knot Out! Black women been doing this for decades." "Enjoy the hairstyle just don't act like this is something new." Commenters took issue not with the fact that Sharafani used the technique, but that she did so without acknowledging its origins. After receiving all the backlash, Sharafani updated her caption with the following statement: "For all of you commenting about what I shall call this style, I did not know that this was an African hair style TILL now! And I have never said that this is a new technique discovered by me! So if you want me to call it Bantu Knots, then it's Bantu Knots." Get non-boring fashion and beauty news directly in your feed. Follow Facebook.com/CosmoBeauty. Follow Maya on Instagram and Twitter. T. Rowe Price Media & Telecommunications Fund (PRMTX) a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) was incepted in October 1993 and is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates. The objective of PRMTX is to provide long-term capital appreciation. PRMTX invests at least 80% of net assets in the common stocks of companies engaged in the media and telecommunications industries including publishing, movies, cable TV, telephone, cellular services and technology and equipment. Generally, PRMTX invests in companies in the large to mid-capitalization range. This Sector - Tech product, as of the last filing, allocates their fund in three major groups; Large Growth, High Yield Bond and Precious Metal. 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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 >> View All Zacks #1 Ranked Mutual Funds 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 Get Your Free (PRMTX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Tehran (AFP) - Tens of thousands joined the annual pro-Palestinian rally in Tehran on Friday, where the usual threats against Israel combined with newer concerns about a region mired in bitter disputes and war. Israel and its perceived supporters in the United States and Britain were still the main bogeymen of the Quds (Jerusalem) Day protests, which saw huge crowds rally across Iranian towns and in allied countries. "In Lebanon alone over 100,000 missiles are ready at all times to fly... at the heart of the Zionist regime," said General Hossein Salami, deputy chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards in a speech before Friday prayers at Tehran University. "Tens of thousands of other missiles... have been planted across the Islamic world and are awaiting orders so that with the push of a button a sinister and dark dot on the political geography of the world disappears forever," he added. Iran refuses to recognise Israel and support for the Palestinian cause has been a central issue for the Islamic republic since it took power in 1979. Many at the protest in Tehran -- from young children to elderly ladies -- sported red bandanas with "I love fighting Israel" written on them, while others burned a replica of the Statue of Liberty with a Star of David on its head. But for many of the thousands converging on Tehran University in sweltering 42-degree heat, the focus was also on Iran's deepening rivalry with Saudi Arabia and its battles against jihadists such as the Islamic State (IS) group. Sajad Saber, a 24-year-old student, said it was the first time he had attended the rally in Tehran -- triggered by the death of a friend who had gone to fight in Syria. "(He) was my buddy and lived in our neighbourhood. He was killed by Daesh recently in Aleppo," said Saber, using the Arabic name for IS. Iran is fighting IS and other jihadist groups in Syria as part of its support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Story continues President Hassan Rouhani, attending the rally, said regional conflicts were making it increasingly difficult to address the Palestinian issue. - 'Dogs of America' - "Today, due to the divisions in the Islamic world, the presence of takfiris (Sunni extremists) and terrorists in the region... we are far away from the ideal of liberating Palestine," he told state TV, calling for greater unity between Muslims. Many in Iran see these divisions as part of a deliberate conspiracy. "Daesh is the creation of Israel. They want Muslims to fight each other and Palestine to be forgotten," said Ali Kotobi, a 63-year-old Iranian born in Iraq, who said his cousins were currently fighting IS across the border. One elderly man at Friday's rally led a group in shouting "Damned House of Saud, dogs of America!" in reference to the leaders of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. Another group carried a fake coffin featuring Saudi Arabia's leaders and slogans against Daesh Sunni extremists. Tensions between the two powers have plummeted over their support for opposing sides in wars in Yemen and Syria. They have been further soured by the failure to agree on terms for Iranian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj in September. Quds Day was inaugurated by the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and has become a popular way for the Iranian government to rally the faithful. "We ousted the Shah with these slogans," said Mostafa Mokhtari, a 43-year-old electrical engineer, referring to the Islamic revolution of 1979 that ended the rule of the US-backed Shah. "If all the Muslims of the world keep saying this, we can destroy the Zionist regime." Fallujah (Iraq) (AFP) - The Islamic State group flag flying over Iraq's Fallujah is in tatters and its fighters are dead or gone, leaving behind a broken city of bomb-rigged buildings and empty streets. Only scattered signs of IS's self-declared "caliphate" remain in Fallujah, a city west of Baghdad that was seized by anti-government fighters in early 2014 and later became a key jihadist stronghold. The story of Fallujah's de facto independence from Baghdad, which some Sunnis initially hailed as liberation from a discriminatory government, has ended in mass displacement and destruction from which it will take years to fully recover. Fallujah's broad streets are empty except for members of the security forces, some relaxing or firing in the air to celebrate their victory, while others search for bombs that are one of IS's legacies in the city. Police detonated a massive cache of explosives in a house in central Fallujah, sending a towering cloud of dust rising over the city and spraying debris across the neighbourhood. The house had "five tonnes of ammonium nitrate" inside and was rigged to detonate if someone tampered with the explosives, said Colonel Nabil Radhi of the federal police. Security personnel walked down another empty street, searching for bombs in buildings so they could be dealt with later. - Burned prisons, court - Most of IS's black flags have been removed, but the torn remains of one still fluttered from a street light in Fallujah. IS flags are also painted on support pillars and murals under an overpass in Fallujah, but they have been daubed with red paint, and graffiti with the names of Iraq's elite counter-terrorism service and a militia umbrella group makes the city's change of ownership clear. Iraqi forces discovered multiple IS prisons and at least one court in the city. A prison located inside one house, which had heavy metal gates blocking off rooms inside, was set on fire by the jihadists, said Second Lieutenant Hussein Shaker of the interior ministry's rapid response forces. Story continues Security personnel held in the prison were burned alive while IS fighters fled, Shaker said. Another house -- this one said to have been burned by Iraqi forces -- contained seven metal cages, some of them not even large enough to stand in. Other remnants of IS's rule are also still in evidence: security forces showed AFP a marriage document issued by the jihadists, and one building was marked as their "Agricultural Centre of the State of Fallujah." Another document said that songs, television programmes and films were banned, while a large sign said women should be completely covered from head to foot. - Makeshift boats, shaved beards - The IS fighters still in Fallujah are dead, some of them decomposing in the searing summer heat amid rubble at the site of an apparent air strike. Bodies of dead fighters also lay in the courtyard of what was once a school, while more were said to be buried below. But other jihadists managed to flee the city, with some fighters shaving their long beards to aid their escape. "We found a mountain of their beards" in one house, Shaker said. Small makeshift boats constructed from corrugated metal with low wood transoms were left at the same school where the bodies were located, apparently intended for crossing the Euphrates River to safety. Parts of Fallujah are relatively untouched, with houses only scarred by bullets or shrapnel if they are damaged at all. But others have been smashed by air strikes or shelling, while many more houses and shops have been set on fire by either IS or Iraqi forces. Anti-government forces seized Fallujah in 2014 amid widespread anger among its Sunni Arab residents, who felt marginalised and targeted by the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. But instead of a better life, residents suffered over two years of IS rule that led to siege, privation and fighting that forced them to flee and ultimately put the city in the hands of some of the very forces they feared. On Wednesday on CNN, Marco Rubio said the Islamic State, which Turkish officials believe carried out this weeks attack at Istanbuls Ataturk airport, had two motivations. First, they ultimately want them to be a part of the caliphate. Sure, but ultimately, ISIS wants every place on earth to be part of its caliphate. That doesnt explain why the organization struck Turkey now. Rubios second explanation was more convincing: Theyre looking to punish Turkey for allowing U.S. airstrikes to be conducted from an airbase within Turkey. Theyve made that abundantly clear. Yes, they have. ISIS may eventually wish to conquer the entire world. But in the here and now, it generally attacks countries that are attacking it. The Georgetown University terrorism expert Daniel Byman has noted that until the U.S. and its allies began bombing the Islamic State in the summer of 2014, the group focused first and foremost on its immediate theater of operations in Iraq and Syria. A study by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment detected only four ISIS-related plots in the West from January 2011 to May 2014. Then, between July 2014 and June 2015, the number spiked to 26. Which raises a question: Why do Rubio and his fellow conservatives keep claiming that ISIS attacks the West because it hates our freedom? If this weeks attack in Istanbul constituted clear retaliation against Turkish participation in the anti-ISIS war, the motivation for the Islamic States attack in Paris last November was equally straightforward. Two months before the attacks, France had expanded its anti-ISIS airstrikes into Syria. One week before, France had announced it was sending an aircraft carrier to launch raids against the organization from the Persian Gulf. After the Paris attacks, ISIS declared, Let France and all nations following its path know that they will continue to be at the top of the target list for the Islamic State and that the scent of death will not leave their nostrils as long as they partake part in the crusader campaign and boast about their war against Islam in France, and their strikes against Muslims in the lands of the Caliphate with their jets. Story continues Yet when ISIS attacked Paris, Rubio said nothing about retaliation against French bombing in Iraq and Syria. To the contrary, he insisted that, [T]hey do not hate us because we have military assets in the Middle East. They hate us because of our values. They hate us because young girls here go to school. They hate us because women drive. They hate us because we have freedom of speech, because we have diversity in our religious beliefs. They hate us because were a tolerant society. Americas current war may be justified. But America is not innocent. After the Orlando shooting, Rubio responded similarly. He blamed the shooters warped view of his religion and the views that exist in the radical Islamic community with regard to the gay community. For his part, Ted Cruz said ISIS attacked Orlando because their objective, which they broadcast worldwide, is to murder or forcibly convert every single American. Donald Trump explained the attack by observing that, radical Islam is anti-woman, anti-gay and anti-American. None of these GOP poobahs even mentioned the motivation Rubio offered for the Istanbul attack: that ISIS was retaliating against America for its military intervention in Syria and Iraq. They didnt mention it even though Omar Mateen had told a 911 operator during the shooting that Americas bombing in Iraq and Syria was the reason he was out here right now. Dont get me wrong. Mateen was clearly a pathological homophobe and ISIS clearly loathes gay rights and many other freedoms that people in America and France enjoy. But if ISIS attacked countries out of antipathy towards tolerant society, why last October did it down an airliner from Vladimir Putins distinctly intolerant Russia? Why this week did it strike Turkey, a country whose government is so intolerant than it responded to the attack by blocking access to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube? And why hasnt it struck Sweden, New Zealand, Costa Rica, or any number of liberal democracies that arent at war in Syria and Iraq? Recommended: The Lessons of the Somme When it comes to Turkey, Rubio sees ISIS terrorism as a geopolitical act, a way of striking back at a country with which the organization is at war. But when it comes to the United States and its Western European allies, he shuns that logic in favor of a purely ideological explanation: ISIS terrorists are motivated by radical Islam. Thus, he and other conservatives pretend that America is innocent. Turkey gets attacked because America is bombing Syria and Iraq from its territory. But America itself gets attacked because its the land of the free. The mid-20th century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once wrote that, America was menaced as much by its own pretensions to virtue as it was by world disorder. Niebuhr was no pacifist, nor did he draw a moral equivalence between the U.S. and Hitlers Germany or Stalins USSR. But he urged American leaders to acknowledge that even in just wars, tyranny [is] defeated with instruments tainted by evil. The United States has intervened militarily to prevent ISIS from conquering Iraq and Syria. In that effort, it has carried out more than 10,000 air strikesstrikes that kill many people but go largely unnoticed in the American press. Americas current war may be justified. But America is not innocent. By pretending it is, Rubio and other politicians mislead Americans about the reasons for ISIS terrorism. And they prevent an honest debate about the costs and benefits of Americas war. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. CAIRO (Reuters) - Islamist militants gunned down a Christian priest in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula as he was fixing his car, the Interior Ministry and the Coptic Orthodox Church said on Thursday. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened more attacks in the future. Father Rafael Moussa of the Mar Girgis church in Arish, capital of the North Sinai province, was getting his car fixed when the gunmen shot him, the ministry said in a statement. He was on his way back from prayer, the church said. "Islamic State soldiers were able to successfully target the priest Moussa Azmi, known as Rafael, who fights Islam," the group said in a statement. Orthodox Copts make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people and are the Middle East's biggest Christian community. They have long complained of discrimination. In a separate attack in Arish, one policeman was killed and three wounded when an improvised bomb exploded as their convoy drove near a police station, the Interior Ministry said. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for that attack. Egypt is battling an insurgency that gained pace after its military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's oldest Islamist movement, in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. Thursday is the third anniversary of the mass protests which started on June 30, 2013 and led to Mursi's ouster. The insurgency, mounted by Islamic State's Egyptian branch, Sinai Province, has killed hundreds of soldiers and police and has started to attack Western targets within the country. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former military chief who led Mursi's ouster, describes Islamist militancy as an existential threat to Egypt, an ally of the United States. Islamic State controls large parts of Iraq and Syria and has a presence in Libya, which borders Egypt. (Reporting by Mostafa Hashem; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Jerusalem (AFP) - The Israeli army has imposed a closure on and around the West Bank city of Hebron, a military spokesman said Friday, following a series of deadly attacks in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the army was also deploying hundreds more soldiers in Hebron, in the "most substantial steps on the ground" since 2014, after two Israelis were killed in the region in separate attacks over the past two days. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will reduce monthly transfers of tax collected on behalf of the Palestinians in what aides to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a response to the killing of two Israelis in Palestinian attacks in the occupied West Bank this week. The amount deducted from about $130 million sent to the Palestinian Authority (PA) each month will be equal to stipends it pays militants in Israeli prisons and the families of jailed or slain militants, Netanyahu's office said on Friday. The move, which follows the killings of an Israeli man and girl in the West Bank this week, will be a blow to the already weak finances of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA). "Incitement and payouts to terrorists and their relatives constitute an incentive to murder," Netanyahu's office said in a statement announcing the funding cuts, effective immediately. Under interim peace deals from the 1990s, Israel collects tax revenues on behalf of the PA, which exercises limited self-rule. The monthly duties currently amount to between $130 million and $155 million, Israeli and Palestinian officials say. The cash is crucial to running the PA and paying public-sector salaries. Israel withheld tax money in 2012 and 2015 in response to Palestinian moves for statehood recognition abroad. Palestinians condemn such measures as collective punishment. "The decision to freeze a part of the tax revenues is a theft and piracy of money that belongs to the Palestinian people," Wasel Abu Youssef, a senior official with the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organisation, told Reuters. Friday's statement by Israel did not specify how much money it would now cut. That may depend on whom it deems militants. According to retired Israeli intelligence official Yosef Kuperwasser, in 2015 the PA paid out around $13.4 million a month to the next-of-kin of "martyrs" -- a term it applies to all Palestinians killed by Israeli forces, whether they were carrying out militant attacks or were non-combatants. PA officials did not immediately confirm that account. One PA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the PA also now pays some $10.9 million each month to Palestinians jailed on charges ranging from murder and espionage to stone-throwing, fund-raising for banned groups and inciting against Israel on social media. Were Israel to deduct both sums fully from the monthly tax handovers, that would potentially constitute a cut of between 16 percent and 18 percent. (Writing by Dan Williams, Ali Sawafta and Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Catherine Evans) Arrested doctors cases handed over to govt attorneys Preparations underway to file charge-sheet against 36 doctors at district courts, including 12 in Kathmandu Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel is to reduce the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday, as part of a measures following deadly anti-Israeli attacks. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," his office said. Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. The statement from Netanyahu's office accused the PA of supporting the families of militants with funds transferred "by various laundering methods". An Israeli official put the amount of money at "tens of millions of shekels". The decision comes hours after suspected Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli man, and a day after a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death in her home in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. It was announced at the same time the military said it was imposing a closure on and around the West Bank city of Hebron. "Israel believes that the encouragement of terrorism by the Palestinian leadership - in the form of both incitement and payments to terrorists and their families - constitutes incentive for murder," the statement from Netanyahu's office read. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel on Friday announced a lockdown on the West Bank city of Hebron and cuts in monthly tax payments made to the Palestinian Authority, after a wave of deadly attacks. The measures, including increasing Israel's military presence in the West Bank and described as "the most substantial" in two years, come after a surge in nine months of violence and as Muslims near the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. They also come as the Middle East diplomatic quartet said in a much-awaited report aimed at reviving peace talks that Israel should stop building settlements and the Palestinians should cease incitement to violence. An Israeli man was killed and three close relatives were wounded Friday when a suspected Palestinian "terrorist" fired on their car south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, the army said. He was identified as Michael Mark, 48, from the nearby Otniel settlement. His wife and two children were taken to hospital. On Thursday, a 19-year-old Palestinian fatally stabbed 13-year-old US-Israeli national Hallel Yaffa Ariel in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the army was imposing a closure on and around Hebron and deploying two additional battalions to the area. Lerner noted that approximately 80 attacks by Palestinians against Israeli civilians and security forces over the past nine months "originated in the Hebron area". The measures were decided upon by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and the military, Lerner said, noting they were the "most substantial steps on the ground" since 2014 when Israeli forces were searching for three youths abducted and murdered by Palestinian militants. Lerner could not say how long the closure on Hebron, the largest West Bank city, would last. But Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said it should stay in place "for an extended period of time". Story continues "The terror and incitement atmosphere in the Hebron area is backed by the public and local leadership, and they must feel the consequences of their murderous acts in their daily lives," he said in a statement. - Cash penalties - As the security measures were announced, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered that the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority be cut by the equivalent of the fiscal support paid to militants' families. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," a statement from his office read. Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. Netanyahu's office accused the PA of supporting the families of militants with funds transferred "by various laundering methods". An Israeli official put the amount of money at "tens of millions of shekels". Earlier Friday, a young Palestinian woman was killed at a security checkpoint at the Hebron shrine known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. After arousing suspicions she was taken aside for a "thorough check" and "suddenly drew a knife and tried to stab the policewoman who was searching her", a police statement read. Another officer shot her dead. Palestinian officials named her as Sarah Tarayra, 27, a relative of Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, who on Thursday fatally stabbed 13-year-old US-Israeli national Hallel Yaffa Ariel in her bedroom at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Further north in the West Bank Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said Tayseer Habbash, 63, died from tear gas fired by Israeli forces. - Ramadan prayers - AFP journalists at the Qalandia crossing said Palestinians waiting to enter Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound stoned Israeli security forces who responded with tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. It was the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when worshippers flock to Al-Aqsa for midday prayers. Thousands of Israeli police had deployed in Jerusalem, and the prayers passed off without incident. At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed since the violence erupted last October. In a report released Friday, the diplomatic quartet of the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations said settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli confiscation of land were "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution". Its findings and recommendations are to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US initiative collapsed in April 2014. Netanyahu said the report "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace". But he also welcomed the quartet stating the need for the PA to act "to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism". Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat expressed his disappointment that the report criticised both sides. "It does not meet our expectations as a nation living under a foreign colonial military occupation," he said. Jerusalem (AFP) - An Israeli was killed and three family members wounded Friday after a suspected Palestinian "terrorist" opened fire at their car south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, the army said. A statement from the military said troops were "searching the area for the gunman who fled the scene". Ella Valley (Israel) (AFP) - Israel's batwoman works in secret, out of an erstwhile chicken coop in central Israel. There Nora Lifschitz, a purple-haired 29-year-old and longtime animal rights activist, nurses hundreds of fruit bats back to health. It is their eyes that penetrate her soul, she says. "When bats are hurt, something in their eyes becomes like a Disney cartoon. It breaks your heart, and then and there you say 'I'll die for you'," she said. Lifschitz had since 2014 taken fruit bats in need of rehabilitation and sanctuary into her Tel Aviv apartment, where they would receive medical treatment and care from her and volunteers. But as their numbers grew and they dominated her home, forcing her to keep her windows and doors shut at all times, she realised she needed a new and bigger space. An Internet campaign by her group Atalef (Hebrew for bat and an acronym for "help and treatment of fruit bats") yielded funds. And an appeal for a new home was answered in the form of a small, tin-walled chicken coop in an unassuming town far from Tel Aviv in the Ella Valley, near Beit Shemesh. The bats are held in two large areas delineated by nylon mesh walls within the coop, ropes stretching across the ceiling for the benefit of the creatures and to hold stuffed dolls that also serve as hanging points. The floor is covered with droppings and rotting fruit, discarded by the bats after they suck the juice from their food, and the smell is powerful in the heat of summer. They hang upside-down in thick clusters like over-ripe fruit, many of them with mouths open. Two teen girls were helping Lifschitz care for the bats, gently feeding baby formula through needle-less syringes while the small creatures hung to their shirts upside down, crates of unopened fruit and cages for transferring the bats lying all around. Lifschitz moved into the coop along with about 100 bats from her Tel Aviv home. In recent days, she has received around 260 bats that had been living in a now-demolished building in Hadera, a coastal city between Tel Aviv and Haifa. Story continues -'Sad, Disney eyes'- Lifschitz says she wants to keep the site of the shelter secret to prevent people from harassing the bats or dropping off other unwanted pets, as well as keep the authorities at bay. Fruit bats are considered pests in Israel and are not afforded the protection from authorities as other wild creatures, she said. Her love of the small and unprotected mammals is perhaps even stronger because of that. "They have those big eyes, like Disney characters, sad eyes," said Lifschitz, who financed part of the project with her own money. They can be canine-like with their loyalty and obedience, but also feline-like in their disregard of people when they're not in the mood for humans, she said. The agriculture ministry couldn't give an exact number of fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in Israel, but noted its legal status as "harmful" to farming. The ministry however said it prevented harm to the bats by avoiding applying powerful pesticides to fruit, using protective nets instead, and refraining from "poisoning caves" that were home to bats. They noted an increase in the bats' numbers, which "primarily harm lychee and dates". Lifschitz called the definition "outdated" since the bats only ate perfectly ripe fruit, while Israeli farmers picked it early to extend its shelf life. Fruit bats are social and wild mammals, she said, so after their condition improves, they are sent back to nature in a "slow release" process. "You open a window, let them in and out until they feel safe enough to leave for good," she said. Lifschitz's and the bats' unlikely landlord is Shimon, a man in his early 40s born and bred in the village, a third generation to farmers, who saw the appeal by Nora's group and decided he wanted to help. "I didn't entirely understand what it meant. I didn't know anything about bats beforehand, but now I'm really into them," he said. Shimon has plans to plant mature fruit trees near the coop with a mesh tunnel enabling the bats to feed on them. To him, helping Nora and the bats is also a way of making amends for the period in which his coop was a place to raise chickens for killing. "Nowadays this is a place that only does animals good," he said. On Tuesday, three men arrived in a taxi and walked into Istanbuls Ataturk Airport wielding assault rifles and suicide bombs. They indiscriminately shot their way past a security checkpoint and then set off their bombs, killing 44. The tactic was a familiar one, practiced in Paris and Brussels, but the nationalities of the perpetrators were not: Russian, Uzbek, and Kyrgyz. Its not unusual to find Central Asians fighting in Syria or Iraq for the Islamic State or the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, said Seth Jones, a former Defense Department official and now analyst at Rand Corp. Whats unusual is for them to be at the tip of the spear conducting attacks in Turkey. And that raises a pair of new security challenges for a Turkey still reeling from one of the worst terrorist attacks in its history. Large numbers of migrants from former Soviet nations like Uzbekistan already live and work in Turkey, so militants sent into the country from Syria or Iraq have a tight-knit community of expatriates they can disappear into. That means, in turn, that Turkish security personnel who have long focused on their countrys restive Arab and Kurdish populations must now look for signs of radicals hiding among their Caucasian and Central Asian communities as well. Turkish police have identified Ahmet Chatayev, a Chechen terrorist, as the mastermind of the attack, according to the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak. He is described as working for the founder of the Caucasus Emirate and joined the Islamic State in 2013. Chatayev is currently wanted in Russia on terrorism charges and is sanctioned on a U.N. terrorism list for training and redeploying Russian-speaking militants in Syria back into Russia. Quoting unidentified intelligence sources, the Turkish newspaper said Chatayev planned the attack in a rental house in an Istanbul neighborhood near a shopping mall. And it said surveillance video shows the terrorists taking a taxi from the shopping mall to the airport on the day of the attack. Although Turkey and Western governments believe the Islamic State was linked to the massacre, it remains unclear if the attackers were dispatched to Turkey by top Islamic State leaders. But if the effect of the Istanbul bloodshed persuades the groups commanders to call on Russian-speaking cadres to launch more terrorist attacks, it would mean the extremists have committed some of their most capable fighters to their foreign terrorist enterprise. They punch way above their weight, said Patrick Skinner, director of special projects at the Soufan Group, a private security consultancy, and a former CIA case officer who worked on counterterrorism issues. Compulsory military service in the former Soviet republics means the Islamic State doesnt have to provide basic training, and with the region awash in weapons, they have what Skinner called a lifelong exposure to AK-47s. Former Soviet states provide the third-largest number of foreign fighter recruits for the Islamic State behind Western Europe and the Middle East and North Africa, according to the Soufan Group and U.S. government reports. The number of foreign fighters from Central Asian countries has markedly increased in recent years, according to experts and Western officials. The Soufan Group reported that a total of approximately 2,000 volunteers came from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In August 2015, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which has operated in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the early 2000s, formally joined the Islamic State. Official estimates from Moscow place the number of Russians fighting in Iraq and Syria at more than 2,000. Turkey remains a major destination for Central Asian students, laborers, and tourists and citizens from the region who are able to travel there without a visa. And with its porous border to Syria, Turkey has emerged as the main transit point for foreign fighters from Central Asia and other former Soviet states en route to join the Islamic State there. A 2015 report commissioned by the U.S. Agency for International Development assessing trends in violent extremism in Central Asia suggested that the U.S. government should consider launching programs in Turkey to provide assistance to economically marginalized ethnic Uzbek immigrants and prevent their potential recruitment. It also said the United States faces a highly coordinated and well-funded information assault in Central Asia from Islamist extremists that poses a difficult challenge for the U.S. government. The specter of radical Islam has loomed large in the minds of the Kremlin and Central Asias autocratic and secular governments. During Tajikistans devastating 1992-1997 civil war, extremist militants from across the region joined a conflict that left more than 50,000 people dead. In 1999, a series of car bombings linked to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan rocked the Uzbek capital of Tashkent and left 16 dead and 120 wounded. Following the declaration of the Islamic States caliphate in June 2014, these fears have only grown among the regions leaders, many of whom are still former Soviet-era Communist Party bosses. But in response to the growing threat, Central Asian governments have used heavy-handed tactics that experts say will only fuel radicalization. In Tajikistan, authorities have reportedly forced 13,000 men to shave their beards while police have also pressured shops and vendors to stop selling Islamic headscarves. Similarly, Tajikistans regime outlawed the sole legal Islamic political party in Central Asia in September 2015, long seen as one of the regions few moderate religious voices. Throughout Central Asia, the leaders have a view that the more people pray, the more they can be radicalized, said Erica Marat, a Central Asia expert at the National Defense University. This leads to a forceful impulse to try to control religion, which can often backfire. In recent months, the Islamic State has bombarded social media with Russian-language propaganda aimed at attracting new recruits, as well as Uzbek-language appeals. That media offensive intensified after Russia entered the Syrian civil war in September to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Screen Shot 2015-08-10 at 11.44.56 AM Screenshots from an Islamic State propaganda video showing Russian and Uzbek militants. Michael S. Smith II/Kronos Advisory That offensive has targeted the Caucasus and Uzbekistan, according to Michael Smith, the COO of the security consultancy Kronos Advisory, which tracks jihadi propaganda. On June 19, fighters in the Islamic States Furat province released a video about the attacks in Orlando and France that included statements by Russian, Uzbek, American, Indonesian, and French operatives. The signal was clear: The Islamic State intends to mobilize its members from around the world for attacks in the West, Smith said. If the terrorists responsible for the attack in Istanbul were indeed Islamic State members, it would seem that signal was amplified with their attack. There has been an increase in arrests of Islamist extremists reported across the former Soviet Union in the past few months, which could signal ramped-up activity by Islamic State cells, according to Caitlin Forrest of the Institute for the Study of War. But it remained unclear if the attack at the Istanbul airport marked the first of a wave of attacks using Central Asian recruits. Facing repression at home, many of Central Asias extremists have left the region for Iraq and Syria. Similarly, Moscow is believed to have deliberately turned a blind eye to people on watch lists leaving the country to join groups in the Middle East, while cracking down with extreme force on the radical elements that remain. According to a March report by the International Crisis Group, it has been Russian policy to allow Islamist radicals, many from the North Caucasus republics of Chechnya and Dagestan, to leave the country unimpeded. Russian security services allegedly opened borders for local radicals to leave the North Caucasus before the [2014] Olympics, the report said. Since the second half of 2014, however, the authorities have reduced the outflow and systematically hunted down recruiters and fundraisers, as well as potential fighters. Anna Borshchevskaya, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said so far few of the militants who left have returned. But Russian officials are very concerned that in the future they will come back, and when they do, it will turn very bad, she said. This is a trajectory that has been many years in the making. Worried about the threat, the Russian legislature recently passed sweeping counterterrorism laws that once signed by President Vladimir Putin will grant authorities far-reaching surveillance powers, including access to all telecommunications records in the country for six months. Moscow has also sought to forge closer security ties to its Central Asian neighbors in the name of combating terrorism. As the Islamic State has marched across Iraq and Syria, battle-hardened fighters from Chechnya and Dagestan have contributed to its military victories. Abu Omar al-Shishani a pseudonym that means Omar the Chechen rose to become a top commander in the Islamic State and served as its minister of war. U.S. forces said they killed the red-bearded militant in a March airstrike. According to Skinner, the former CIA officer, it was rare for experienced fighters under Shishanis command to carry out suicide missions. His well-trained operatives were simply too valuable to be dispatched on operations that would likely claim their own lives. But the use of Russian-speaking operatives in Istanbul may signal a shift in tactics that could be the result of the Islamic States battlefield losses. Western-backed forces have, in recent weeks, liberated significant swaths of territory under Islamic State control, including the Iraqi city of Fallujah, and have entered Manbij in northern Syria. The setbacks may have prompted the group to shift the battlefield to the Istanbul airport, Skinner said. Losing on the Syrian and Iraqi battlefields, the Islamic States calculus on how to best deploy its experienced fighters may have changed, he added. So as the Islamic State keeps losing territory, expect more of these attacks. The campaign against the Islamic State, CIA Director John Brennan said two weeks ago, has not reduced the groups terrorism capability and global reach. As the pressure mounts on ISIL, we judge that it will intensify its global terror campaign to maintain its dominance of the global terrorism agenda, Brennan said, using an alternate name for the militant group. The Istanbul airport attack may have validated that prediction. Photo credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images; ROME (Reuters) - Italian nationals are thought to be among the hostages taken by gunmen who stormed a cafe popular with foreigners in the capital of Bangladesh on Friday, a source at the Italian foreign ministry said. The source said it was not clear how many Italians may be involved. Gunmen stormed a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of Dhaka on Friday night and took about 20 people hostage, including several foreigners, in an attack claimed by Islamic State. The Islamist militant group said more than 20 people had been killed, but police have so far confirmed the deaths only of two policemen. Italy's Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter he was closely following the situation in Dhaka, adding he was "anxious for Italians involved" and expressing solidarity with their families. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi abruptly left a ceremony at the Colosseum in Rome on Friday evening to follow the hostage-taking incident, a source at his office said. Italian state TV RAI broke off regular programming to give updates about the situation. It said Italians could be among the hostages or the victims. The source at the Italian foreign ministry said families of people potentially involved were being contacted. (Reporting by Isla Binnie; editing by Silvia Aloisi and Andrew Roche) By Silvia Ognibene FLORENCE, Italy (Reuters) - Violent clashes broke out this week between police and the Chinese community in a suburb of Prato, near Florence, in central Italy, home to one of the largest concentrations of Chinese-run industry in Europe. Tensions had been rising in the town, Italy's textile capital, where people began emigrating from China in the mid-1990s. Some 50,000 Chinese work in the area, making clothes and handbags with the prized "Made in Italy" label. Many of the area's textile businesses depend on the labor of illegal immigrants, ignoring safety rules and evading taxes. The area is also the focus of an investigation into alleged illicit transfers of some 4.5 billion euros ($5.01 billion) to China from Italy between 2006 and 2010. The trouble in Prato began on Wednesday, when state health officials, who stepped up checks after seven people died in a fire at a garment workshop in 2013, went to inspect a factory. The owner reacted angrily after an inspector noted minor violations of health and safety rules, shoving the inspector and the police accompanying him, according to a police source. Chinese workers then barricaded themselves inside the factory, and hundreds more gathered outside. They threw stones and bottles at the police carrying truncheons and shields sent in to disperse the crowd. Two Chinese citizens and a policeman were injured. Regional President Enrico Rossi vowed to tackle crime in the area, where he said half of all economic activity is illegal, 1 billion euros in taxes go unpaid every year, and money is laundered through international transfers. He said on Friday he had discussed the Prato incident with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni. "The situation is unacceptable," Rossi told Reuters. "We need the Chinese community to respect the law and integrate. We cannot have 'free zones'. We will keep up inspections to clean up this immense production system." "CITY OF THE WHITE DEER" Chinese officials in Florence went to the site of the clashes and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news conference on Friday that the situation was under control. China had asked Italy "to enforce the law in a civilized way, conduct fair investigation and protect the security and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Italy". Hong also advised Chinese people in Italy to "defend their rights and interests in a law-abiding and rational way", his ministry said on its website. In the aftermath of Wednesday's violence, the factory owner and a worker were arrested on suspicion of causing injury and resisting public officials. Protesters gathered outside the court that confirmed the arrest order, saying public officials used excessive force when inspecting the factories. "We want justice," said a protester who said his parents had come from China and gave his name only as Luca.Separately, Prato prosecutors have been investigating a Chinese gang suspected of what police have called racially motivated violence against other non-Italians, mainly from north-west Africa. Police said they had confiscated clubs and iron bars from the group, which calls itself the "City of the White Deer", whose members allegedly organized aggressive patrols to find North Africans whom they accused of stealing. An investigative source said the gang had no connection to Wednesday's clash at the factory. Seven people were investigated in the investigation, which began in 2015, but were not arrested. ($1 = 0.8974 euros) (Writing by Isla Binnie; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Larry King) The Karlovy Vary Film Festival got off to a dazzling start on Friday with a titillatingly impressive stage number, a prize for Willem Dafoe, and the world premiere of Anthropoid, Sean Ellis World War II thriller set in Czechoslovakia. Presenting his competition pic, which stars Jamie Dornan, Cillian Murphy and Toby Jones, Ellis said his story of two soldiers who return to their native Czechoslovakia on a secret mission to assassinate a high-ranking Nazi official had been a 15-year-long obsession. Its been a long journey to bring it all the way home to the Czech Republic tonight for you, Ellis said. Its a great honor. I dedicate this film to the men and women of the former Czechoslovakia who stood up against tyranny with indomitable spirit and sacrificed everything for what they believed. Dornan added: We realized what an important story this is to the Czech Republic and we felt a great deal of pressure to tell it in an appropriate way and honor the men and women involved. I really hope that weve done that. Were very proud of the movie and I hope that weve done the country proud as well. The Czech Ministry of Defense was instrumental in supporting the project, which shot in the country and in the city of Prague as well as at Barrandov Studio. Earlier in the evening, festival president Jiri Bartoska presented Dafoe with the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema. Im very happy to be here at Karlovy Vary, the actor said, visibly moved. Film is so important. It gives us so much. Im just very proud that my contribution has been honored this way. Taking place at the Hotel Thermals vast theater, the ceremony opened with a rocking intro that combined old-world charm and catwalk aesthetic, a titillating stage show and psychedelic audiovisual spectacle set to pulsating 60s-inspired beats with scantily clad dancers, strapping acrobats and even a horse and rider that nearly brought the house down. Story continues Related stories Film Review: 'Original Bliss' Karlovy Vary Film Review: 'Anthropoid' Why Hollywood Stars Matter to Film Festivals Like Karlovy Vary By Yuka Obayashi and Yoshiyasu Shida TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Mitsui & Co plans to invest in natural resource assets, taking advantage of weak commodity prices, with an aim to more than triple its annual profit from the energy and metals segments to around $2 billion by 2020, its chief executive said. Mitsui's move is in contrast to that of rival Mitsubishi Corp's, which has said it will freeze growth in its natural resources assets on a net basis for the next three years to ride out the commodities slump that forced it to record its first ever annual loss since its founding in 1954. Mitsui also flipped into the red for the first time in its almost 70-year history, caught flat-footed like other global commodity players by the price rout brought on by weaker demand at top consumer China. But its strategy will be to "reinforce (its) areas of strength", Mitsui's CEO and president, Tatsuo Yasunaga, told Reuters in an interview on Friday. The energy and metals segments have been among the biggest earners for Mitsui, with nearly all its record-high profits in the financial year to March 2012 coming from these two sectors. "We'll be very selective ... But we won't be just waiting for a recovery in commodities markets. We'll be investing in the stakes which only become available to us because of the current conditions," Yasunaga said. Earlier this week, Mitsui and Australia's Woodside Petroleum Ltd said they would invest $1.9 billion to develop the Greater Enfield reserves, a group of oil fields off Western Australia, given a sharp drop in costs made possible by a plunge in oil prices. Oil futures are now just below $50 per barrel, off more than 12-year lows plumbed earlier this year but still significantly below their 2014 peaks of above $100. However, the 55-year-old Yasunaga, who took Mitsui's top job in April 2015, stressed the need to also strengthen the firm's non-resource operations, or the areas that are not sensitive to volatile commodities markets and bring stable profits such as infrastructure and healthcare. "It will be challenging, but our aim is to boost profits in non-resource segments to 200 billion yen ($1.95 billion) in 2020 from a planned 140 billion yen this year, while bolstering profits in resource operations to 200 billion yen from an estimated 60 billion yen," he said. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi and Yoshiyasu Shida; Editing by Himani Sarkar) China closes Korala border China abruptly shut down the Korala border point on Thursday, citing security concerns. The border point was opened for a trade fair on June 15 for 25 days. Japanese salarymen are struggling to get by on the monthly allowance they receive from their wives, which has fallen to its lowest level in decades, a survey showed. Despite frequently being the sole breadwinner, many Japanese husbands hand over their entire wage to the woman of the house, who often manages the family's bills and balances the books. The nation's army of male office workers, known for their punishing work hours, now have just 37,873 yen ($370) to play with a month, according to a survey by Tokyo-based Shinsei Bank. That is the third lowest in the lender's annual survey, published Wednesday. It is also way down from the heady days of the late 1980s and the early 1990s when the economy was booming and husbands enjoyed the high life with 77,725 yen a month, said the bank, which has surveyed men's allowances since 1979. A weak economy and tepid pay rises are forcing many households to target discretionary spending, including husbands' pocket money. To keep a lid on expenses, the average man budgets 587 yen for lunch every day, data from some 1,000 men aged between their 20s and their 50s showed. Monthly costs for after-work drinks -- often almost compulsory bonding sessions with their colleagues -- come in around 11,765 yen, up 50 yen from last year. Japan has suffered years of deflation that have seen prices stagnate or fall. This means that the same amount of money buys more today than it did in the early 1990s. Falling prices may sound good for shoppers but it tends to hurt the economy as consumers put off spending to get goods cheaper down the road. Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe swept to power in late 2012 on a pledge to beat the deflationary spiral but the plan, dubbed Abenomics, has faltered. Jennifer Lawrence's latest project, the $120 million Sony Pictures film Passengers, may be affected by Digital Domain 3.0's ongoing legal drama, a result of a lawsuit in federal court. On June 17, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction freezing a sophisticated motion capture technology called MOVA, of which DD3 is the exclusive licensee, from being used by movie studios and by DD3 itself. U.K. firm Moving Picture Company (MPC) is providing the VFX work on Passengers, while DD3 provided motion capture work. As The Hollywood Reporter reported earlier this week, lawyers for Digital Domain filed an appeal to have the injunction modified, so as not to affect several of their ongoing projects. In that filing, DD3's lawyers noted that the injunction would affect one project in particular. "DD3/Digital Domain already has captured data of an Academy Award-winning actress for a $120 million motion picture," Digital Domain's lawyers wrote. "The movie release date is December 2016. Although the capture is complete, the data from this project has not been processed and must be." According to IMDb, Passengers, with a budget of $120 million and starring Chris Pratt and the Oscar-winning Lawrence, is a sci-fi extravaganza about "a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people [that] has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 60 years early." According to an individual with knowledge of the production, Digital Domain provided two hours of high-resolution facial capture work on the film in February and then gave the data to Sony. It's scheduled to be released in December 2016. "This will have no impact whatsoever on postproduction or the release of the film," said an unnamed source at the studio. But an individual who works in the VFX space says Passengers could be among the films impacted by the ruling. "They have to reassign the work now," that individual told THR. Story continues "A lot of the studios rely on MOVA," said that source, who declined to be identified, "The legal decision puts a lot of projects on hold. People are pretty much freaking out." As part of the injunction, DD3 was required to move the MOVA assets to a location chosen by the defendant in the federal case - Rearden Inc., which was created by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Perlman - until the case goes to trial sometime later this year. According to a legal filing on June 29, the parties to the lawsuit have agreed upon a location, and are working out the details of having the assets moved. A judge has agreed to hear motions on July 8. Until that time, neither DD3 nor Rearden will be able to use the MOVA tech. Other Digital Domain projects, including work it does on holograms, video games and a VR project, could also be affected. Another big project for Digital Domain is Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which has also used MOVA. But much, if not all, of the facial motion capture work on that project has already been completed, clearing the way for the project to go ahead. Digital Domain has so far declined to respond to requests for comment. Read More: Digital Domain's New Legal Setback Freezes VFX Tech Used by Major Studios By Hilary Russ July 1 (Reuters) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ordered a halt to non-essential road, bridge and mass transit projects late Thursday after lawmakers failed to reauthorize the state fund that pays for them. Christie's executive order calls for the state Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit to devise a plan before midnight Saturday for the "orderly" shutdown of projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund. Federally funded projects will continue, he said in his executive order. The state is expecting to receive an estimated $906 million of federal transportation aid, according to the state treasurer's annual report. New Jersey's ability to borrow for new transportation projects ran out on Friday, the start of the new fiscal year. The trust fund already has about $16 billion of outstanding debt for existing road projects. Christie ordered the remaining money in the fund to be held only for the most essential projects "in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare" of New Jerseyans, he said. Christie had hatched a late-night deal earlier this week with the Assembly to raise the state gasoline tax by 23 cents to 37.5 cents per gallon to replenish the fund. In exchange, the statewide sales tax rate would shrink by 1 percentage point to 6 percent, which could lead to an annual $1.7 billion shortfall in future budgets. But the Senate ended its session on Thursday without reauthorizing funding for the program, which is expected to run out of new money in August. Senators were pushing their own bill to hike gas taxes, which would have phased out the estate tax on wealthy residents instead of reducing sales taxes. Christie's plan also cut income taxes for retirees. He said 81 percent of them would end up paying no tax on retirement income. The deal would provide New Jersey families with two broad-based tax cuts that exceed the plan's proposal for a dedicated gas tax increase, Christie said on Thursday in a statement. Christie also stripped several items out of the legislature's budget, signing a reduced $34.5 billion budget for fiscal 2017 that is just 2.1 percent higher than that for fiscal 2016. (Editing by Bernadette Baum) (Adds details about other financing discussed, comment from state Department of Transportation and lawmaker) By Hilary Russ July 1 (Reuters) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie ordered a halt to non-essential road, bridge and mass transit projects late Thursday after lawmakers failed to reauthorize the state fund that pays for them. Christie's executive order calls for the state Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit to devise a plan before midnight Saturday for the "orderly" shutdown of projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund. Federally funded projects will continue, Christie said in his executive order. The state expects to receive an estimated $906 million of federal transportation aid, according to the state treasurer's annual report. New Jersey's ability to borrow for new transportation projects ran out on Friday, the start of the new fiscal year. The trust fund already has about $16 billion of outstanding debt for existing road projects. The fund has roughly $80 million left, said Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski, who called Christie's executive order "pure theater." Without new appropriations or bond proceeds, the authority cannot pay vendors for construction. Projects at any stage - procurement, design and construction - are affected by Christie's order, the Department of Transportation said. About a month ago, lawmakers discussed issuing grant anticipation revenue bonds, or so-called GARVEEs, as a stop-gap measure, but the idea was never acted upon, Wisniewski told Reuters. The flow of federal money backing those bonds is often uncertain from year to year. "You can't do an annual capital program on GARVEE bonds," he said. Christie ordered the remaining money in the fund to be held only for the most essential projects "in order to protect the health, safety and welfare" of New Jerseyans, he said. Christie had hatched a late-night deal earlier this week with the Assembly to raise the state gasoline tax by 23 cents to 37.5 cents per gallon to replenish the fund. Story continues In exchange, the sales tax rate would shrink 1 percentage point to 6 percent, which could lead to an annual $1.7 billion shortfall in future budgets. But the Senate ended its session on Thursday without replenishing the program, which is expected to run out of money in August. Senators were pushing their own bill, which would have phased out the estate tax on wealthy residents instead of reducing sales taxes. Christie also stripped several items out of the legislature's budget on Thursday, signing a reduced $34.5 billion budget for fiscal 2017 that is just 2.1 percent higher than that for fiscal 2016. (Editing by Bernadette Baum and Leslie Adler) UPDATED: For Starz, the long road to its $4.4 billion sale to Lionsgate this week began on Jan. 14, 2013, the day its stock began trading as a standalone entity spun off from Liberty Media. The spinoff was designed in large part to make the company more digestible for another suitor. Liberty Media CEO and Starz chairman Greg Maffei never tried to assert otherwise. The union of the premium cable group and Lionsgate seemed a fait accompli after the companies were linked in early 2015 by the investment maneuverings of Maffeis boss, Liberty mogul John Malone. Now that the full-blown Starz-Lionsgate acquisition pact is inked, the deal marks an uncharacteristically big bet by Malone in the film and TV content arena, as it expands his ownership interest in Lionsgate. With his preferred shares in Starz Malone controls about 32% of the voting power in Starz set to be converted into a mix of voting and non-voting shares in Lionsgate, the media magnates personal stake in the studio rises to about 7.5%, up from 3.4%. He took a seat on the Lionsgate board last year along with the CEOs of two Malone-affiliated companies, Liberty Globals Mike Fries and Discovery Communications David Zaslav. Although Lionsgate was the obvious suitor, the fact that Malone has interests on both sides of the deal through his Starz holdings and as a board member of Lionsgate made it important that the sale process involve discussions with third-parties in order to set a market price for the premium cabler. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing released Friday, Lionsgate disclosed that the deal includes breakup fees of $150 million, $175 million and $250 million, depending on the reasons for calling off the wedding. Lionsgate would have to pay Starz $250 million if it cannot secure the debt financing for the deal. The transaction is projected to close by Dec. 31, but that date can be extended to March 31 if there is a delay in receiving regulatory approvals. Story continues During the past 18 months, Starz got serious in deal talks with CBS, most recently as February. Talks with AMC Networks and AT&T never got as far down the road, but both companies were in the mix at one point. The dealmaker charged with shuttle diplomacy on behalf of Malone and Starz was Aryeh Bourkoff of LionTree Advisors. Malone has kept his banker of choice busy of late with the Charter/Time Warner Cable/Bright House Networks acquisition and now Lionsgate-Starz. AT&Ts interest in Starz was notable because the parent company of DirecTV has a big carriage renewal deal coming up later this year with the premium cable group. With about 26 million subscribers between DirecTV and U-Verse, AT&T is the nations largest MVPD, which means the pact is crucial to Starzs bottom line. The previous deal was valued at about $350 million a year, according to industry sources. Starz undeniably has more momentum with original programming than it did four years ago when the last deal was struck. But AT&T may want to flex its newfound muscle and force a haircut or less advantageous terms on Starz. There was chatter in the biz on Thursday that the outcome of the DirecTV carriage negotiations could impact the ultimate purchase prize for Starz. Another big question raised by the Lionsgate-Starz nuptials is the long-term plan for Chris Albrecht. He is sure to realize a windfall from the sale thanks to his personal holdings in Starz. In discussing the deal on Thursday, Albrecht and Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer voiced enthusiasm for Starz continuing to operate autonomously with Albrecht and his team at the helm. At the same time, Albrecht will have major participation in the leadership of the entire combined company, Feltheimer told investors Thursday. Starz announced a new four-and-a-half-year employment contract with Albrecht on Monday, which was a clear signal that the acquisition pact was zooming to completion 48 hours later. The fine print on Albrechts deal, as disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, is that it has to be renewed on a yearly basis through 2020, meaning that both Albrecht and Lionsgate have an easy out, if need be. It also stipulates that he cannot be fired without cause between today and Jan. 7, 2017 the time frame in which the acquisition is expected to close. Sources familiar with Albrecht say he is engaged and wants to see Starz continue through its transformation into an original content engine. Starz has a slew of new series in the hopper for the next 18 months, including the high-profile drama American Gods, the J.K. Simmons-starrer Counterpart and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritus magical realism vehicle The One Percent. The entrance of Starz into the Lionsgate realm also raises big questions about the future of Epix, the pay TV partnership of Lionsgate, Viacom and MGM. Lionsgates feature film output through its main imprint is committed at present to Epix through at least 2021, but Feltheimer was clear in his comments Thursday that Epix is no longer a priority for the company. Viacom owns the largest share of Epix at 49% while Lionsgate has a 31% stake and MGM owns the remainder. The fact of the matter is that at 31%, Epix is not truly a strategic platform for us and I think our partners over there have known about the possibility of this transaction for some time, Feltheimer told investors. Any movement on the Epix partnership such as Viacom and MGM buying out Lionsgate or even Lionsgate buying out the other two and merging it with Starz is likely to be held up by the larger corporate drama engulfing Viacom. Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman is wrapped up in a intense legal battle with Viacom controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari Redstone. As such, the fate of Epix is undoubtedly a low priority for Dauman at present. In the meantime, while the dealmakers work to close the Lionsgate-Starz transaction, biz watchers will be keeping an eye on Malone and other logical acquisition targets (think AMC Networks, Discovery Communications, Scripps Networks Interactive, even possibly CBS Corp.) to see if Starz-Lionsgate deal is the first domino to fall in the content consolidation push that Malone predicted as inevitable last year. Related stories Lionsgate Seeks Greater Scale in Risky Marriage With Starz Lionsgate Says Starz Deal Makes It a 'Global Content Powerhouse' Kevin Hart to Scout Comedy Talent for VOD Channel at Just for Laughs Fest (EXCLUSIVE) Getty Image Free agency negotiations are finally, officially underway, and the Lakers have retained their most important free agent, according to a report from the Verticals Shams Charania. Jordan Clarkson will apparently be returning to Los Angeles on a reasonable (for this year, anyway) 4-year, $50 million contract. Clarkson would have likely made far more on the open market, but he hit restricted free agency after only two years in the league, limiting what other teams could offer to potentially draw him away or drive up the price. That artificial cap on Clarksons value is why hell be making nearly $15 million less than the Lakers other free agent acquisition, Timofey Mozgov. The size of that deal dropped jaws around the league, making Clarksons contract look like a downright bargain in comparison. Related Links: Without Kobe Bryant, Clarksons usage numbers figure to skyrocket next season, as hell pair with Brandon Ingram as off-ball shooters to complement DAngelo Russell. A Julius Randle-Timofey Mozgov frontcourt likely wont scare anybody, but at least L.A. will be young and fun on the perimeter. That being said, the Lakers might not be done making moves quite yet. (Via The Vertical) MUMBAI (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) said on Friday it has won approval from India's central bank to open three more branches in the country even as most foreign banks are scaling back their operations in India. JPMorgan obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India to open branches in the capital New Delhi, and in the southern cities of Bengaluru and Chennai, it said in a release. The branches are expected to be operational in the next few months, the bank said. "This is another significant milestone for growing our Indian franchise and deepening our banking footprint," said Kalpana Morparia, CEO, South & South East Asia, JPMorgan, in the statement. "The expansion endorses our long-term commitment to India, a key market for J.P. Morgan, as well as for many of our clients," she said in the statement. JPMorgan said it will provide all existing products and services through the new branches, including cash management, trade finance and foreign-currency payments. In the last few years, India has seen almost an exodus of foreign banks from a host of services that they provided in the country. In January, British bank Barclays Plc (BARC.L) said it would shut its India equities business to cut costs and boost profits. Later in May HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA.L) said it planned to close 24 branches in India as part of its strategic review of its retail banking and wealth management business. (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Sunil Nair) A judge has given the okay for a lawsuit to go forward involving the movie Straight Outta Compton After the films release last year, former N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller who was portrayed in the flick by Paul Giamatti - filed a $110 million lawsuit against its producers and director. Heller is depicted in the film as a bad guy who cheated the group out of royalties and made them sign unfair contracts without legal representation. But Heller claims he was negatively and unfairly portrayed and was originally seeking punitive damages for defamation, copyright infringement and breach of contract. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and other defendants in the suit responded by filing an anti-SLAPP motion. Basically, this means that they are protected under First Amendment rights to use free speech and tell their story. In a new development on June 29th the judge said that while he didnt think the defamation charges would hold up in court, Heller can still proceed with the suit by trying to prove that the films producers and writers depicted him with malicious intent. He also dismissed the anti-SLAPP motion. https://livenationpresents.yahoo.com/post/146772583819/judge-rules-straight-outta-compton-defamation Congress calls for holding talks with donors The Nepali Congress, which reached an agreement with the ruling parties on Wednesday on releasing the housing aid in two tranches instead of three, has accused the government of failing to pay attention to the plight of earthquake survivors and not holding formal talks with the donor community for the disbursement of housing grant. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Military-ruled Thailand will buy three submarines worth around $1 billion from China, the defense minister said on Friday, a move that signals warming ties with the regional superpower as relations with the United States cool. Thailand's army seized power in a May 2014 coup following months of street protests, toppling the remnants of the civilian government led by Yingluck Shinawatra. Since then, the military government has sought to improve ties with China which has stepped into the vacuum left by Western governments that have kept the junta at arms length and called for a rapid return to democratic government. That has come as Beijing and Washington jostle for power and influence in Southeast Asia, where China's disputed maritime claims in the South China Sea have has caused tension in recent years. The purchase of 36 billion baht ($1.03 billion) worth of Chinese-made submarines next year was confirmed on Friday by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, after the navy put the plan to the cabinet. Thailand has never had submarines and has tried, since the 1990s, to sign deals with several countries, including South Korea and Germany. Thailand put the deal with China on hold a year ago to review the cost and capabilities of the vessels. Warming ties with China have seen the two countries work toward a massive rail project and holding joint air force exercises. Thailand's defense spending is set to rise to around 214 billion baht ($6.10 billion) in 2017, up 16.6 percent from 2014. (Reporting by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Simon Webb and Nick Macfie) In Hollywoods alternate history of World War 2, Tom Cruise tried and failed to assassinate Adolf Hitler in the loosely fact-based Valkyrie, as did Walter Pidgeon in Fritz Langs thoroughly fictional Man Hunt, before Brad Pitt finally managed to get the job done with the help of his fellow Inglourious Basterds. Now, in the most historically accurate of these big-screen resistance feats, Fifty Shades of Grey heartthrob Jamie Dornan takes aim at one of Hitlers top lieutenants, SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Reinhard Heydrich, who oversaw both the Reichs claim on Bohemia and Moravia (now the Czech Republic) and the Final Solution. Anthropoid, which derives its sci-fi-sounding title from the Czechoslovak army-in-exiles real-life operation to assassinate Heydrich, capitalizes on the facts of this little-known act of heroism, casting two dreamy stars (Dornan and Cillian Murphy) as expat soldiers Jan Kubis and Josef Gabcik, who parachute back into their Nazi-occupied homeland to carry out the mission. The trouble is that for all the narrative intrigue and excitement such an endeavor might suggest, director Sean Ellis less-than-dramatic recreation of this daring act of defiance proves surprisingly stiff all starchy costumes, shaky camerawork and thick Slavic accents (the latter borrowing from the by-now-laughable trend of British actors playing foreigners as if they have mastered neither their native tongue nor our own) barely redeemed by an even more surprisingly intense finale. Ellis, who conducted extensive research into Operation Anthropoid before writing the screenplay with Anthony Frewin, clearly felt that the story would be most engaging if audiences had the chance to identify with this handful of seemingly normal people who dared to target a high-ranking Nazi officer. Perhaps we have been fooled by the long tradition of bold Hollywood heroes, which tend to give us a vicarious sense of confidence when psyching ourselves up for such missions on-screen, but being confronted by frayed nerves and self-doubt tends to more frustrating than universal. Sure, our hands would probably tremble as well if asked to shoot a soldier in the back, but watching Dornans character struggle to do his job merely makes one want to scream or else elbow him aside and pull the trigger himself. (Ellis, who should really consider hiring another d.p., applies the same unsteadiness to his own camerawork, but instead of adding grit and realism, it leaves us feeling dizzy and disoriented.) Such impatience extends to a long digression in which Jan and Josef enlist two attractive Czech women, Marie (Canadian beauty Charlotte Le Bon) and Lenka (Anna Geislerova, star of the similarly resistance-themed, but otherwise superior Czech Oscar nominee Zelary), to pretend to be their girlfriends so they might circulate in public. Both men fall for their beards, which ought to humanize them, but instead suggests that theyve each lost sight of the mission at hand. Boredom may be the biggest enemy we have here, one of their conspirators mutters after the deed is done or at least attempted and Jan, Josef and the other soldiers involved have taken up hiding in the basement of an Eastern Orthodox church in Prague. Ironically, by this point (perhaps two-thirds into the film), even the most WW2-interested audiences will have been battling boredom, and its only after the characters wind up stuck in hiding that this thriller becomes thrilling. Until then, Anthropoid is a peculiarly wooden period piece, as timid characters try to muster the courage to do what is asked of them. Even the mission itself which borrows from the Union Station scene in The Untouchables (which in turn borrows from the Odessa Steps sequence in Battleship Potemkin), baby carriage and all is a clumsy, badly choreographed muddle. That may have been Ellis intention, as Jan and Josef evidently planned their approach on the fly, were forced to adapt when one of their collaborators didnt show, and had to improvise when confronted with glitchy weapons and other last-minute surprises. All of that should actually make the shootout more exciting, but instead it serves as an early anti-climax, leading to quite the surprise when the boredom of hiding out in Karel Boromejsky Church yields an suspenseful, Alamo-style standoff between an understandably nervous clutch of resistance fighters and what appears to be an inexhaustible supply of Germany soldiers. In other words, just when we think the movie should be over, it finally kicks into gear, as the Reichs reaction to the attempted assassination of one of its top dogs is to crush any and all rebellion including the off-screen destruction of an entire Czech town thought to be involved in the plan, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent women and children. Though directed by a Brit, Anthropoid was mounted by Czech producers, including director David Ondricek (In the Shadow) and Krystof Mucha, executive director of the Karlovy Vary film fest (where the film had its world premiere), and the entire experience feels geared toward Czech audiences. Kubis, Gabcik and the seven other soldiers who helped carry out the mission are local heroes, and the movie embodies lingering anti-Teutonic outrage and patriotism, especially toward the civilians who had taken the risk to abet them: Marie, Lenka and the conspirators ill-fated host family, the Moravecs. While that focus suggests the project might fare better on Czech television than it will chasing after Fifty Shades of Grey fans, the production does make excellent use of Barrandov Studios and various historic Prague exteriors. Murphy and Dornan bring less to the table, subsuming their star qualities in an attempt to humanize their still-mostly-flat characters. But if Ellis intention was to remind what these real soldiers actually accomplished, as opposed to selling some revisionist Hollywood fantasy of Nazi opposition, then mission accomplished. Related stories Film Review: 'Original Bliss' Jamie Dornan's 'Anthropoid' Opens Karlovy Vary With a Bang Why Hollywood Stars Matter to Film Festivals Like Karlovy Vary Variety speaks with German director Sven Taddicken about his latest feature, Original Bliss, an adaptation of Scottish author A. L. Kennedys 1997 collection of short stories, which has its international premiere in competition at Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The film, which stars Martina Gedeck and Ulrich Tukur, revolves around a woman in a failing marriage who embarks on an unlikely romance. Original Bliss is produced by Frisbeefilms, Cine Plus Filmproduktion and Senator Film. Picture Tree Intl. is handling world sales. Taddickens works include Getting My Brother Laid, his debut feature, and Emmas Bliss. When hes not making films, Taddicken teaches directing and writing at the Met Film School Berlin. He has also taught in Kenya as part of fellow German filmmaker Tom Tykwers One Fine Day film-training initiative in Nairobi. What was it about A.L. Kennedys novel that inspired you to adapt it for film? I once listened to the novel more or less by accident while being stuck in a traffic jam on the German Autobahn. A.L. Kennedys story starts out as a funny odd-couple-romance. Then it gets darker and darker, and guides you through the unexpected depths of its characters: the famous psychologist Eduard Gluck and his weird sexual longings, and housewife Helene Brindel, who is stranded in a dangerous marriage with her violent husband, asking herself: Is the loss of faith the result of my situation or did it actually cause it? In the end the story releases you with such a cheeky barefaced happy ending that you never expected to be believable but it is. I was so moved that I wrote myself a note that I would like to make a film like that. It seems like a crazy and fateful coincidence that Alexander Bickenbach from Frisbeefilms rang me up a couple of weeks later to offer me the chance to write and direct this novel. Needless to say that this was the most enjoyable traffic jam I remember. What do actors Martina Gedeck and Ulrich Tukur bring to this particular story? They are both extremely experienced actors, in fact the most experienced actors Ive ever worked with. They fully dedicated themselves to their characters and both gave a unique performance that is far from routine. Martina Gedeck approached Helene Brindel in a very serious and thoughtful way, which made this fragile character believable. And Ulrich Tukur approached Eduard Gluck in a very playful and charming way, which makes Gluck lovable, in spite of his uncommon interests. Story continues The book is set in Scotland what kinds of changes did you have to make to the story for a German adaptation? I guess it helped that the main characters have German-sounding names? Well, the book takes place in Glasgow, London and Stuttgart, Germany, where the two main characters meet for the first time at a conference on psychology. I changed these locations to Konigswinter (in the film an anonymous town in the west of Germany), Berlin and Hamburg, and made the story take place completely in Germany, for mainly practical reasons: In our situation this was the only way to get the film financed in Germany. And yes, A. L. Kennedy references to the German language are quite funny, especially giving Eduard Gluck a last name that actually means happiness (Gluck) in German. You have made a broad range of films but relationships and intimacy seem to be elements in a number of your works are you attracted to stories of couples coming together, of human connection? For sure. I guess a question that drives me is: Do I deserve love? Or do we deserve love. While working on this film I realized this for the first time. Its the same question that drives Max, the shy car-salesman in trouble, in Emmas Bliss, or mentally-handicapped Josch in Getting My Brother Laid. The characters Im interested in are often in need of love and are unsure if they are allowed to receive some. What filmmakers would you say inspire you? So many. I take inspiration from the old-new British cinema: Leigh and Loach. I enjoy Almodovars playfulness and his love for cinema and for Original Bliss, Daniela Knapp [the cinematographer] and I watched a lot of Douglas Sirks work from the old days. His combination of romance and violence was a big influence for Original Bliss and gave me confidence to touch these difficult scenes. You also teach film what does it contribute to your professional life? Teaching makes you realize what you actually know and what you dont know. Its a great thing to do, and it even gave me more confidence in directing. Related stories Jamie Dornan's 'Anthropoid' Opens Karlovy Vary With a Bang Karlovy Vary Film Review: 'Anthropoid' Why Hollywood Stars Matter to Film Festivals Like Karlovy Vary Lovely in lace! After attending an overnight vigil to honor the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, Duchess Kate Middleton stepped back out in France on Friday, July 1, in a cream lace peplum dress. PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's Best Recycled Styles The Duchess of Cambridge, 34, teamed the knee-length stunner, which also boasted a Peter Pan collar and black underlay, with a square clutch and pointed-toe pumps. She added a pin featuring both a poppy and a cornflower the combined memorial symbol of WWI and Somme, respectively and one of her favorite black hats by Lock & Co. PHOTOS: 15 Charming Throwback Pics of the Royal Family The mom of Prince George, who will turn 3 on July 22, and Princess Charlotte, 13 months, was accompanied by both her husband, Prince William, and brother-in-law, Prince Harry. The trio attended a commemoration ceremony for the battle at the memorial in Thiepval. When it started to rain midway through, both of the princes popped up their umbrellas, while Duchess Kate, seemingly amused, hid underneath. After the ceremony, Harry, William and Kate toured the local visitor's center, where they unveiled a plaque commemorating the centenary. The duke and duchess also stopped to chat with schoolchildren who were present. PHOTOS: Hats Off to the Royal Family! The night before, the royals (with Kate in a striped Missoni coat) solemnly attended a tribute to the fallen soldiers, while across the Channel, Queen Elizabeth II honored the date at Westminster Abbey. Her majesty chose a sequin slate coat, teamed with a striped hat, for the service. Get celeb fashion, beauty tips, and more delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for the Us Weekly Style & Beauty newsletter now! On Friday morning, the British royal family visited Thiepval, France, to honor the fallen from one of World War I's bloodiest battles. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and Duchess Camilla all attended the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme on the 100 year anniversary. WATCH: Kate Middleton Wears a Stylish Missoni Coat While Commemorating 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Somme More than one million men were wounded or killed during the Battle of Somme, which was fought by the French and British armies against the German Empire from July 1 to Nov. 18, 1916. Getty Images At the commemorative ceremony, actors Charles Dance and Harry Potter star Isaac Rosenberg read poems and passages dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives. And Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently resigned in the wake of the Brexit vote, gave a speech. For the somber occasion, Middleton wore a stunning cream and black matching skirt and top with a brocade print. She paired the look with a black fascinator and black pumps and wore a symbolic red poppy and cornflower pin on her chest. Getty Images WATCH: Kate Middleton Stuns in a Color-Block Dress for Queen Elizabeth's Outdoor Birthday Party When it began raining, her husband and brother-in-law held up clear umbrellas to keep the Duchess of Cambridge covered. The royals honored the somber occasion on Thursday night as well, attending a vigil held in France where Prince Harry read W.W.I. poems. Related Articles Doctors under threat By resorting to hooliganism upon the slightest pretext, people are spoiling Nepals health care environment Kate Middleton is continuing her chic streak in France. The Duchess of Cambridge turned heads once again while visiting a military-led World War I vigil on Thursday at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, which bears the name of over 70,000 British and South African servicemen who lost their lives in the war and have no grave. WATCH: Kate Middleton Stuns in a Color-Block Dress for Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Party Middleton, 34, donned a black, white, and gray zigzag-printed Missoni coat over a black dress for the somber occasion, styling her elegant ensemble with heels, pearl earrings and a black fascinator hat. Getty Images Along with her husband, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, Middleton paid tribute to the Battle of the Somme, which was fought by the French and British armies against the German Empire from July 1 to Nov. 18, 1916. It was referred to as one of the bloodiest battles in human history, as more than one million men were wounded or killed. Getty Images PHOTOS: Kate Middleton Recycles Stunning Jenny Packham Gown for Gala Dinner The vigil was held on the "eve of the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle," as the official Kensington Palace Instagram page noted in a caption of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge taking in "the view across no man's land in Northern France, the scene of terrible human devastation." Prince Harry later read W.W.I. poems to the crowd, including Lieutenant William Noel Hodgson's "Before Action." The piece was written just a few days before Hodgson was killed in battle on July 1, 1916. As the sun sets Prince Harry reads W N Hodgson's Before Action, written just days before he died on 1 July 1916 pic.twitter.com/yKgtS6VPHV Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 30, 2016 Earlier this month, Middleton appeared just as classy as she attended day two of "Britain's most valuable race meeting," the Royal Ascot, in Ascot, England. Story continues WATCH: Kate Middleton Looks Lovely in White Lace Dress for First Royal Ascot Appearance The royal wore a long-sleeved, lacy white Dolce & Gabbana dress to the horse race, which she paired with a head-turning Jane Taylor hat, nude pumps and a box clutch. To hear more on that look, watch the video below. Related Articles As the July 4 holiday weekend approaches, a fire expert has offered some tips on how to keep you and your family safe. Read: Airports Across U.S. Step Up Security Ahead of July 4 Weekend: 'You Have to Be Alert 24/7' Vincent McManus, a fire marshal in Nassau County, New York, told Inside Edition that the biggest safety hazards he sees are with people operating grills. You have to keep the lid up, he said. If you don't keep it up, the gas will build up and then when you light it, boom. He added, Also make sure the grill is clean because old grease can catch fire. McManus said its also important to have a three-foot ring of safety. Read: Assistant Principal Who Wowed With National Anthem Performance Sings in Times Square People have been severely burned using gas grills. ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm was severely burned when she lit a gas grill in her backyard. Fireworks can also be dangerous. Thousands of people are seriously injured each year while handling the explosives. In 2014, 11 people in the U.S. were killed. July 4 will mark one year since New York Giants Defensive Jason Pierre-Paul lost a good part of his hand. He said at the time, I held on to the firework too long. Watch: 89-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Sings National Anthem at MLB Game Related Articles: Keri Russell gave her baby boy such a CLASSIC name Keri Russell gave her baby boy such a CLASSIC name When it comes to celebrity baby names, the general trend seems to be the more unique, the better. Who can forget Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martins daughter Apple? Or Geri Halliwells daughter Bluebell Madonna? So when actress Keri Russell revealed her newborn babys name, we did a double-take. Russell was a guest on NBCs Today yesterday promoting her upcoming movie Free State of Jones, and Matt Lauer congratulated her on her new bundle of joy. Up until that point, Russell hadnt revealed either the babys sex or name, but she decided to share both right on the spot. We had a boy, she told Lauer, and revealed his delightfully classic name: Sam. Hes so good. Hes big and fat and nice. Russell and her partner, The Americans co-star Matthew Rhys, are both pretty private when it comes to sharing details of their personal lives. We doubt well get many more details about baby Sam, but we get it. Its none of our business. Congratulations to the happy couple! The post Keri Russell gave her baby boy such a CLASSIC name appeared first on HelloGiggles. After last weekends crowded slate of high-profile openers, the July 4 holiday weekend is comparatively sparse with new debuts, though audiences seeking Specialty respite from big titles The BFG, The Legend of Tarzan and The Purge: Election Year will have some options, at least on the coasts. Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions is bowing Susanna Whites Our Kind Of Traitor in several hundred locations around the country, starring Stellan Skarsgard, Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris, easily the biggest debut among the weekends Specialty offerings. The Orchard is heading out with doc Life, Animated, a festival favorite the company hopes will emulate the success of its 2015 Oscar-nominee (and quite different) Cartel Land. Music Box Films is opening Anne Fontaines The Innocents, which has been likened to Best Foreign Language winner Ida. And after about two years away from the big screen here, Michel Gondry returns with his latest, road trip pic Microbe And Gasoline. Also opening in limited release this weekend is bromantic comedy Buddymoon from Gravitas Ventures, bowing day and date, starring Flula Borg and David Giuntoli, as well as Roseanne For President! in NYC and LA via IFC Films. Our Kind Of Traitor Director: Susanna White Writers: Hossein Amini, John le Carre (novel) Cast: Stellan Skarsgard, Ewan McGregor, Naomie Harris, Carlos Acosta, Radivoje Bukvic, Doyla Gavanski, Velibor Topic, Alec Utgoff Distributor: Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions Our Kind of Traitor was part of a three picture deal Lionsgate did with Studio Canal at last years AFM, which also included The Commuter and Robinson Crusoe. Our Kind of Traitor centers on English couple Perry (Ewan McGregor) and Gail (Naomie Harris), who befriend a flamboyant and charismatic Russian (Stellan Skarsgard) while on holiday in Marrakech. Unbeknownst to the couple, Dima is a kingpin money launderer for the Russian mafia. When Dima asks for their help to deliver classified information to the British Secret Services, Perry and Gail get caught in a dangerous world of international espionage and dirty politics. The couple is propelled on a perilous journey through Paris and Bern, a safe house in the French Alps, to the murky corners of London and an alliance with the British Government via a ruthless and determined MI6 agent (Damian Lewis). Story continues Its a spy thriller follow-up of sorts to A Most Wanted Man, which we opened in July, 2014 on roughly the same number of screens, said Roadside Attractions co-president Howard Cohen. We had been discussing [this film] at AFM and it fit our slate for the coming year. Its counter-programming and we knew this weekend there would be few new Specialized offerings for this weekend. Roadside Attractions bowed A Most Wanted Man with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rachel McAdams in late July, 2014 in 361 theaters, grossing over $2.68 million its opening weekend ($7,444 average), going on to cume over $17.23 million. Were targeting the smarter, older audience, which is our sweet spot, said Cohen. This is very different from the audience the big three releases are going for. Our marketing is being driven with TV and online advertising Its a spotlight on the British financial system which some reviewers are referencing because of the news lately, though this isnt [a commentary] on its relationship with the E.U. Our Kind Of Traitor will open in 358 U.S. theaters as well as 15 locations in Canada. The feature will expand based on performance its first weekend. Life, Animated Director: Roger Ross Williams Subjects: Owen Suskind, Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried, Ron Suskind Distributor: The Orchard Distributor The Orchard saw Oscar-winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams Life, Animated, at its Sundance Film Festival debut in January. The film follows Owen Suskind, a young man who didnt speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. This emotional coming-of-age story follows Owen as he graduates to adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence. The subject of his father Ron Suskinds bestselling book of the same title, Owen was a thriving three year old who inexplicably went silent and for years after remained unable to connect with people or convey his thoughts. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, Owen found useful tools to help him understand complex social cues and re-connect with the world around him. Its about how movies can inspire and change lives, said The Orchard EVP Paul Davidson. The thing that moved us, and all who watch the film, is that everyone can relate to facing challenges in life and hearing that there are no immediate solutions. But with this, theres a family that figures out [the challenge] for themselves. We were sold on that concept from the beginning because it touches you in a special way. Rights to use the Disney animated films were sorted before The Orchard came on as the features distributor, and Davidson noted that the studio is a supporter of the film, which opens exclusively in theaters this weekend. The company is taking a cue from its 2015 doc release Cartel Land in opening Life, Animated in summer. From a release standpoint, weve been fans of opening docs with audience and awards potential in the summer because its counter-programming, said Davidson. We had a similar release plan for Cartel Land. Its the right timing for an Awards contender. Life, Animated has already picked up a number of prizes on the festival circuit including Audience Awards at the recent San Francisco International Film Festival and Nantucket Film Festival. Williams won the Directing Award at Sundance. We are doing a lot of work with autism groups and theres no lack of support for this film, added Davidson. There are appearances [set] for Nightline, The View, GMA, and Access Hollywood has shown the trailer. Were doing a combination of grassroots outreach along with general marketing. Life, Animated will open at IFC Center and Lincoln Plaza in New York today as well as the Landmark in LA. Roger Ross Williams and family members will participate in Q&As. There is also a planned one-day screening of the film on 50-75 screens across the country via Regal Cinemas, where subject Owen Suskind works. The Orchard expects the film to play the top 50 markets through summer. The Innocents Director-writer: Anne Fontaine Writers: Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial Cast: Lou de Laage, Agata Buzek, Agata Kulesza, Vincent Macaigne, Joanna Kulig, Eliza Rycembel, Anna Prochniak Katarzyna Dabrowska Distributor: Music Box Films Sundances The Innocents by Luxembourg-born director Anne Fontaine (Adore, Coco Before Chanel) heads into theaters this weekend following screenings at COLCOA, San Francisco, Seattle, San Francisco and Provincetown film festivals. The title won the Audience prize at the latter event. In Warsaw as WWII is ending, French Red Cross doctor Mathilde is treating the last of the French survivors of the German camps. When a panicked Benedictine nun appears at the clinic begging Mathilde to follow her back to the convent, she finds something shocking: a nun about to give birth and several more in advanced stages of pregnancy. A non-believer, Mathilde enters the sisters fiercely private world, dictated by the rituals of their order and the strict Rev. Mother (Agata Kulesza, Ida). Fearing the shame of exposure, the hostility of the occupying Soviet troops and local Polish communists and while facing an unprecedented crisis of faith, the nuns increasingly turn to Mathilde as their beliefs and traditions clash with harsh realities. This is different than her previous films. Its an historical drama which she pulled off spectacularly, said Music Box Films Managing Director Ed Arentz. We bought it at Sundance from [French sales company] Films Distribution. We were in tears at the Eccles screening. It has echoes of [Pawel Pawlikoskis Oscar winner] Ida, though not that theyre the same movie, but more that the film spotlights unaddressed traumas. Arrant said that finding the right time to release a title can often come down to simple availability. He noted that ideally he might have picked a slightly later date for The Innocents roll-out, though he ultimately sees the film working regardless of season. I would have frankly preferred to do later in the summer, he said. It will come down to how people are responding to the trailer, etc. I do think its a movie that can play any time of the year though. Music Box Films is working with Atlanta-based Carmel Communications to tap the Catholic community and media. Arentz said the title is not a faith-based film, but instead hints at issues that are not so black and white. I think the art house is highly playable, added Arentz. To the extent that we can play beyond that to a Catholic audience that may not be habitues of art house cinema will also be great. Music Box will open The Innocents at the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza theaters in New York as well as Landmark in Los Angeles this weekend. Added Arentz: For week two, we broaden to about 25 screens in L.A. and New York suburbs as well as in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Detroit. By August 5 well be in 100-plus [locations]. Microbe And Gasoline Director-writer: Michel Gondry Cast: Ange Dargent, Theophile Baquet, Audrey Tautou, Diane Besnier Distributor: Screen Media Microbe And Gasoline is French filmmaker Michel Gondrys first feature since Drafthouse Films Mood Indigo in summer, 2014 ($303,187 North American gross). The feature centers on Microbe, a shy, aspiring artist, has trouble making friends at school until he meets Gasoline, a likeminded outcast. Together they hatch a plan to build a car and spend their summer on an epic road trip across France. We saw the film after its New York Film Festival debut. We knew it hung around for awhile after its French debut, said Screen Medias Tom Yagielski. We struck a deal with Studio Canal soon afterward. Weve been huge fans of Gondrys work over the years, and critics are warming to this film maybe more than the past few. Its his most satisfying since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Focus Features released that title in March 2004, grossing over $34.4 million. Gondrys biggest grosser remains Sonys The Green Hornet, which the studio released in 2011, eventually grossing over $98.7 million. This is a road trip, so we thought it was a nice fit thematically with summer, added Yagielski. With the 4th of July weekend, we saw a bit of an opening in the art house space in New York and Los Angeles. There were a lot of big art house openings last week, so we thought this weekend provided a chance for [Microbe And Gasoline] to have more space It is for the Gondry fan and core art house fans. Screen Media hosted Gondry in NYC this week for various events including a Master Class at IFP, press with AOL Build and Q&As at the Sunshine Theater this weekend. Weve also done a lot of word of mouth screenings including one at [New Yorks] Museum of the Moving Image where we had to turn people away. The film also played a number of regional festivals over the spring. In addition to the Sunshine, the feature will play the Nuart in L.A. this weekend before expanding to a half dozen additional screens on July 15 ahead of more locations throughout the month. Were excited to have a 92% on RT, added Yagielski. We hope that as more reviews come in well see the same kind of reaction. Related stories 'Swiss Army Man' Sharp In Expansion; 'The Innocents' Best Among Slow Starters: Specialty Box Office 'Wiener-Dog' Bows Along With 'Wilderpeople,' 'Swiss Army Man' & Frank Zappa: Specialty Preview Fetish Doc 'Tickled', Colombia's 'Land And Shade' Among Weekend Debuts - Specialty B.O. Preview Photo credit: Tony Barson; George Hurrell - Getty Images From Country Living Olivia de Havilland, who played Melanie Wilkes in the beloved film Gone With the Wind, turned 102 on Sunday, July 1. Acting alongside Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, Olivia is the last surviving principal cast member of the classic movie. "So how do I feel about older age?" the actress mused in a 2015 interview with Entertainment Weekly. "Crazy about it! Wouldnt trade it for anything!" While Olivia is best known for playing Melanie, she has earned two best actress Academy Awards for her work in To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). She is also seen as a pioneer in the acting community for winning a legal battle over Warner Brothers, forcing them to release her early from their seven-year contract. The 1945 ruling made an enormous impact on Hollywood, giving actors the freedom to pick roles and shape their own careers. "I was very proud of that decision, for it corrected a serious abuse of the contract system ... No one thought I would win, but I did," she once said about the case. Photo credit: Ed Clark / Contributor - Getty Images The award-winning actress was married twice, once to author Marcus Goodrich and then to journalist Pierre Galante (she divorced the latter in 1979). She had a daughter, Giselle, with Galente and a son, Benjamin, with Goodrich, but her son passed in 1992 from Hodgkin's disease. Olivia's sister was the late actress Joan Fontaine, and the two had a much buzzed-about feud. Fun fact: They're the only sisters in Academy Award history to both have best actress trophies. In a recent Vanity Fair article, she reminisced on her trail-blazing career, and praised Gone with the Wind, the film that made her a household name in Hollywood's golden era. I didn't identify with Melanie when I first read the book. But when I read Sidney Howard's wonderful script, Melanie seemed like a totally different character...I liked her, I admired her, I loved her!" June 30 marks 82 years since the classic book Gone with the Wind was published. You Might Also Like New York (AFP) - Paul Simon, who has hinted he may hang up his guitar after more than six decades in the music business, performs what could be his last major gig on US soil Friday, in New York where he grew up. He played to a sellout crowd Thursday at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens and follows suit with another concert Friday after telling The New York Times in an interview published this week that he was ready to quit. With his 75th birthday around the corner and a monthlong European tour scheduled to end in Dublin on November 21, he told the newspaper that he felt his career was coming to an end. The Forest Hills Stadium is just across the park from where he grew up in one of a row of almost identical brick homes on a tree-lined suburban street. Inge Newdorf, current owner of Simon's childhood home, says she met the "little short guy" back in 1974 when she came to view the house when Simon happened to be visiting his parents. "My children were very excited. I asked them 'who is he?'" she told AFP. "The mother had, going up in the stairs, she had all these gold records. I told her 'you can leave them,'" she joked. On Thursday, Simon wasted no time on nostalgia or goodbyes, not once mentioning retirement. To fans watching, any question that he may quit seemed unlikely. He showed no fatigue as he performed 25 tracks with a voice almost unchanged by the passing of years -- so much so that those closing their eyes might imagine being transported back 30 years in time. "I can't believe how good his voice still is," enthused fan Caitlyn Brazill at the end of the gig. He played classics such as "Slip Slidin' Away," "You Can Call me Al," "The Obvious Child" and "Still Crazy After All These Years" along with excerpts from his new album, "Stranger to Stranger," which came out in June. - Hometown delight - Other than versions of "El Condor Pasa" and "The Boxer," he left alone the world-famous repertoire of his musical relationship with Art Garfunkel, with whom he is now estranged. The pair met at school in Queens. Story continues He was in full command of his band of nine musicians, directing them with the flick of a finger or mere glance, showing that he has lost none of his exactitude, despite being in his mid-70s. Simon's music for years has been heavily influenced by the blues and sounds from overseas, particularly music from Brazil and West Africa. Along with Peter Gabriel and Sting, he has been one of the top Western musicians to pioneer "world music" and incorporate it into his own music making. At the slightest reference to New York, the home crowd broke into a frenzy such as his lyric about the Statue of Liberty in "American Tune" or Queens neighborhood Corona in "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." Simon appeared to be enjoying himself on stage, indulging in a few dance steps and little bit of mischief to amuse the crowd. He finished by whipping off his jacket to play debut Elvis Presley hit "That's All Right" mimicking the King's voice by way of an encore. "Thank you my friends," he said when it was over, walking off stage. Fans said they respect his decision on calling his career to a close but will follow him to the end. "He's always inventing new things musically and lyrically so if he continues I'll listen," said Diane Simon, whose shared last name is a coincidence. "But I understand from his perspective he wants to let it go a little bit... His lyrics are timeless." Education Minister directs for investigation into Taukhel incident Minister for Education Girirajmani Pokharel has instructed the subordinates for a probe into the fatal incident where two students of Taukhel, Lalitpur-based Pushpanjali Boarding School were killed and 26 others injured, after a land plotting wall collapsed on Friday. The Latest on NHL free agency (all times Eastern): 5:40 p.m. The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Alexander Radulov and goaltender Al Montoya to a one-year contracts on Friday as NHL free agency began. Radulov scored 23 goals in 53 games for CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League last season. The Russian added 42 assists and tied for third in the KHL playoffs with 16 points as his club reached the Gagarin Cup final. Radulov last appeared in the NHL in 2011-12 with the Nashville Predators where he scored three goals and four assists in nine regular season games before being suspended from the team in the post-season. The 31-year-old Montoya was 12-7-3 with a 2.18 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 25 games last year for the Florida Panthers. The Canadiens also re-signed Daniel Carr to a two-year deal. The 24-year-old winger scored five goals and three assists in 23 games for Montreal in 2015-16. The Habs submitted a qualifying offer to Carr on Monday. - Canadian Press --- 5:35 p.m. Free agent forward Shawn Matthias signed a two-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets on Friday with an annual cap hit of $2.125 million. Winnipeg also signed forward Quinton Howden to a one-year, two-way contract that has an average annual salary of $650,000 in the NHL. The 28-year-old Matthias scored 12 goals and 16 assists last year for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. Howden, 24, has spent his entire career with the Florida Panthers since being selected 25th overall in the 2010 draft. - Canadian Press --- 5:33 p.m. The rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs signed only fourth-line winger Matt Martin on the opening day of free agency. Toronto was in the mix to sign Steven Stamkos, but he stayed with Tampa Bay. Martin, formerly of the New York Islanders, joined the club on a four-year deal with a reported annual cap hit of $2.5 million. A six foot three, 220-pounder, Martin has led the league in hits for five years running, chipping in with 10 goals, too, last year. Story continues - Canadian Press --- 5:30 p.m. Ottawa signed several players to one-year, two-way contracts Friday: defenseman Michael Kostka as well as forwards Phil Varone, Casey Bailey, Max McCormick and Chad Nehring. Kostka's contract will carry an annual value of $800,000 in the NHL and $325,000 in the American Hockey League. Kostka played in 15 games with Ottawa last season, recording one assist and four penalty minutes. Varone was acquired by the Senators on Feb. 27 from the Buffalo Sabres. - Canadian Press --- 5:25 p.m. The San Jose Sharks added some needed speed in free agency, signing unrestricted free agent forward Mikkel Boedker to a four-year contract. San Jose often looked a step slow in losing the Stanley Cup Final to Pittsburgh in six games last month. The addition of Boedker should help address that. The 26-year-old tied a career-high with 51 points last season with Arizona and Colorado, scoring 17 goals and adding 34 assists. --- 5:15 p.m. The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Brian Strait to a $600,000, one-year deal. Strait spent the past four seasons with the New York Islanders. In 182 NHL games, the 28-year-old Strait has six goals and 21 assists. --- 4:25 p.m. The New York Islanders moved quickly at the start of NHL free agency, signing forwards Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera on Friday. Ladd agreed to a seven-year contract and Chimera comes to New York on a two-year deal. The Islanders saw two long-time stars go elsewhere as Frans Nielsen signed with Detroit on a six-year pact and Kyle Okposo is headed to Buffalo on a seven-year contract. New York is also expected to let forward Matt Martin go. Ladd totaled 25 goals and 21 assists last season in 78 games for Winnipeg and Chicago. The 31-year-old left win has career totals of 210 goals and 256 assists in 12 seasons. The 37-year-old Chimera had 20 goals and 20 assists for Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington. He has 163 goals and 206 assists in 951 career NHL games spanning 15 seasons. --- 4:05 p.m. The Vancouver Canucks have signed winger Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36 million deal. Eriksson was considered one of the top players available in free agency and got the same $6 million cap hit as Milan Lucic did with the Edmonton Oilers and Kyle Okposo with the Buffalo Sabres. Lucic and Okposo signed seven-year contracts. Eriksson had 30 goals and 33 assists last season for the Boston Bruins. ''Loui is an excellent two-way forward, an elite scorer and playmaker with great defensive instincts,'' general manager Jim Benning said. ''He is an accomplished player who helps our team now and in the future as a leader and role model for our young players to follow. We're excited to have Loui join our team and help us compete every night.'' --- 4 p.m. Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall says the team filled some of its needs on the first day of free agency by signing forwards Dale Weise and Boyd Gordon. Weise, signed for $9.4 million over four years, and Gordon, a one-year deal, push Ryan White out of Philadelphia. Hextall says he tried to re-sign the fourth-liner as late as this morning but couldn't get a deal done. --- 3:55 p.m. Eric Staal is banking on a bounce-back season with Minnesota, after agreeing to a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Wild. The 45 goals and 55 assists that Stall tallied in 2005-06 while leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup title are an improbability, but playing on a line with Zach Parise and perhaps Charlie Coyle ought to at least put him in position to be a productive offensive player. As Staal did when Parise was on the market four years ago, ultimately picking Minnesota on a 13-year, $98 million contract, Parise reached out to Staal earlier this week with a pitch for the Wild. Staal says he ''definitely'' needed to get back to the playoffs. The Hurricanes have qualified only once in 10 seasons since their championship. Staal has three younger brothers who have played in the NHL: Marc, Jordan and Jared. With 2,237 career regular-season games between the quartet, none of them have played for a Western Conference team, until now. Minnesota is the closest NHL market and major city to their hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, about a six-hour drive across the border. --- 3:50 p.m. Thomas Vanek has agreed to sign a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. The agreement was reached a week after the Wild bought out the final year of Vanek's contract and following a disappointing two-year stint with Minnesota. The 32-year-old Austrian is a former 40-goal-scorer and was selected by Buffalo with the fifth pick in the 2003 draft after leading Minnesota to win the NCAA championship. Vanek's 19 goals last season were a career-low, and he managed just 39 goals and 54 assists in 154 games with the Wild. Overall, he has 316 goals and 333 assists in 817 NHL career games. --- 3:40 p.m. The Washington Capitals picked up a depth forward on the first day of free agency, signing Brett Connolly to an $850,000, one-year deal. Connolly had 25 points in 71 games last season with the Boston Bruins. He has 59 points in 210 NHL games with the Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. The signing of Connolly, 24, should help to replace left wing Jason Chimera, who signed a $4.5 million, two-year deal with the New York Islanders. --- 2:45 p.m. The Florida Panthers have another backup goalie behind starter Roberto Luongo. Florida signed James Reimer to a five-year contract Thursday, a week after acquiring Reto Berra in a trade with Colorado. Reimer went 17-14-7 last season with Toronto and San Jose, posting a 2.31 goals against average and .922 save percentage in 40 games. The 28-yer-old Reimer was dealt to the Sharks before the trade deadline and played well as Martin Jones' backup down the stretch with a 6-2 record and 1.62 goals against average. He had three shutouts in eight games with San Jose. The 37-year-old Luongo started 60 games last season for Florida, going 35-19-6 with a 2.35 goals against average. Luongo is under contract through the 2020-21 season. --- 2:40 p.m. The Carolina Hurricanes have given Lee Stempniak a two-year contract. General manager Ron Francis says Stempniak has agreed to terms on a deal worth $2.5 million per season. The 33-year-old Stempniak had 19 goals and 33 assists in 82 games with New Jersey and Boston last season, and has 184 goals during an 11-season NHL career that also includes stints in St. Louis, Toronto, Phoenix, Calgary, Pittsburgh and with the New York Rangers. Francis says Stempniak is ''a veteran, skilled forward who will provide offense ... as well as leadership.'' In 28 career postseason games, Stempniak has 14 points. --- 2:20 p.m. The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Dale Weise and Boyd Gordon. Weise signed for $9.4 million over four years. These deals likely mean the end of Ryan White's time in Philadelphia. --- 2:15 p.m. The New York Rangers agreed to terms on contracts with forwards Nathan Gerbe and Michael Grabner and defenseman Adam Clendening. Gerbe's deal is worth $600,000 for next season, agent Jordan Neumann confirmed in an email to The Associated Press. Gerbe and Grabner bring speed to the Rangers' bottom-six forwards. --- 1:45 p.m. The Minnesota Wild have agreed to terms with center Eric Staal to a three-year, $10.5 million contract, the upgrade to their top two lines they were seeking this season. The deal was done Friday, soon after free agency began. The Wild also agreed to a deal to bring back left wing Chris Stewart for two years and $2.3 million and add goalie Alex Stalock for depth. Staal spent 12 seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes before being traded to the New York Rangers before the deadline. The second overall pick in the 2003 draft has 325 goals and 456 assists in 929 career games. The 31-year-old totaled 13 goals between the Hurricanes and Rangers last season, his lowest total since his rookie year. --- 1:40 p.m. Sharks general manager Doug Wilson didn't wait long to fill one of his biggest free-agent needs. San Jose opened free agency by signing defenseman David Schlemko to a four-year contract in a move that should upgrade the third defensive pair that struggled in the Stanley Cup Final loss to Pittsburgh. Schlemko will likely slot into Roman Polak's role alongside Brenden Dillon. But Schlemko is a better puck mover and has more speed and versatility than the physical Polak. The other big hole for the Sharks is at backup goalie to replace the departing James Reimer. --- 1:35 p.m. The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Dan Hamhuis to a $7.5 million, two-year deal. Hamhuis will count $3.75 million against the Stars' salary cap. Agent Wade Arnott confirmed the terms of the deal in a text message to The Associated Press. --- 1:30 p.m. The Calgary Flames have agreed to sign veteran free-agent forward Troy Brouwer to a four-year, $18 million contract. An eight-year veteran, Brouwer joins his third team in three seasons after playing a significant role in helping the St. Louis Blues reach the Western Conference finals. Brouwer is a three-time 20-goal-scorer and had 18 goals and 39 points in 82 games with the Blues last season. He then added eight goals and 15 points in St. Louis' playoff run. Selected by Chicago in the seventh round of the 2004 NHL draft, Brouwer was a member of the Blackhawks team that won the 2010 Stanley Cup championship. He then played four seasons in Washington. Overall, he has 150 goals and 294 points in 613 career games. --- 1:25 p.m. The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a $63 million, eight-year contract extension. Hedman will count $7.875 million against the salary cap when the deal begins in the 2017-18 season. The 6-foot-6, 223-pound Hedman was in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP when Tampa Bay lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. In 473 NHL games, the 25-year-old has 49 goals and 180 assists. Last season he had 10 goals and 37 assists. The Hedman extension comes on the heels of the Lightning signing captain Steven Stamkos to a $68 million, eight-year contract. --- 1:20 p.m. The New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Ben Lovejoy to an $8 million, three-year deal. General manager Ray Shero announced the deal about an hour into the start of the NHL free agency period. Lovejoy will count $2.67 million against the salary cap through the 2018-19 season. He'll make $2.5 million next season and in 2017-18 and $2.75 million in the final year of the contract. The 32-year-old Lovejoy won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played in all 24 playoff games and recorded two goals and four assists. --- 1:10 p.m. A person with direct knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Calgary Flames have agreed to a one-year contract to sign free-agent goalie Chad Johnson. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Flames have not announced the agreement reached shortly after the NHL's free-agency period opened on Friday. Johnson has six seasons of NHL experience, and showed he has starting potential after enjoying a career-best season in Buffalo last year. In playing a career-high 45 games, he posted a 22-16-4 record in filling in for Robin Lehner after the starter hurt his right ankle in the Sabres season opener. The Flames are re-shuffling their goalies after struggling at the position last season. Last week, Calgary acquired goalie Brian Elliott in a trade with St. Louis. - By John Wawrow --- 1:05 p.m. The St. Louis Blues wasted little time getting down to business in NHL free agency, signing winger David Perron and goaltender Carter Hutton and extending goaltender Jake Allen. The Blues signed winger David Perron to a $7.5 million, two-year deal. He'll count $3.75 million against the cap in each of the next two seasons. Perron spent last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks and had 12 goals and 24 assists. He's returning to St. Louis, which drafted him 26th overall in 2007. In 570 NHL games, Perron has 141 goals and 191 assists. Perron helps replace right wing Troy Brouwer, who signed an $18 million, four-year deal with the Calgary Flames. Allen's extension is worth $17.4 million over four years. It begins with the 2017-18 season. The Blues got his backup in Hutton, who signed for two years and $2.25 million. That $1.25 million cap hit is a significant savings over Brian Elliott, whom the Blues traded to the Calgary Flames at the draft last weekend. --- 1 p.m. Defenseman Brian Campbell has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and is returning to the team he helped win the Stanley Cup. The 37-year-old Campbell played in Chicago from 2008 to 2011 and was part of a team that won it all in 2010 - the first of three titles in a six-year span for the Blackhawks. He spent the past five seasons with the Florida Panthers, appearing in all of the team's 376 regular-season games. He had 28 goals and 147 assists. --- 12:45 p.m. The Edmonton Oilers have signed left wing Milan Lucic to a $42 million, seven-year deal. Lucic will count $6 million against the Oilers' salary cap. Agent Gerry Johannson confirmed the terms of the deal in an email to The Associated Press. Lucic will help fill the void left by Edmonton's trade of left wing Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson. --- 12:30 p.m. The Buffalo Sabres have signed winger Kyle Okposo to a $42 million, seven-year deal. Agent Pat Brisson confirmed the terms of the contract. The Sabres turned to Okposo after Steven Stamkos re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a $68 million, eight-year deal. The Okposo deal was among a flurry of early signings that included Troy Brouwer to the Calgary Flames for $4.5 million person on a four-year deal and David Backes to the Boston Bruins on a $30 million, five-year deal. --- Noon The puck has dropped on NHL free agency. A slew of deals were expected to be done before the sun sets Friday. Steven Stamkos stopped the sweepstakes for his services Wednesday with a $68 million, eight-year contract to stay in Tampa Bay. That deal was announced on the same day as a blockbuster trade that sent defenseman P.K. Subban to Nashville and Shea Weber to Montreal. The Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs were projected to be major players in free agency, hoping to make a splash by signing big-name players. Milan Lucic, Kyle Okposo and Loui Eriksson were among the top players available. The NHL's salary cap went up slightly to $73 million for next season. --- 11:50 a.m. A person familiar with the moves says the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to deals with forward Darren Helm and defenseman Alexey Marchenko. The person spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because the agreements haven't been announced. Detroit retained Helm with a five-year contract, counting $3.85 million against the salary cap each season. The Red Wings are keeping Marchenko for two more seasons, taking $1.45 million off their cap each year. Helm had 13 goals and 26 points last season. He has 72 goals and 90 assists since making his debut during the 2007-08 season. Marchenko is coming off his first full season in the NHL. He played in 66 games last season, scoring twice and adding nine assists. - By Larry Lage The attorney who flouted courtroom protocol during the "Stairway to Heaven" copyright trial has been suspended from practicing law. Francis Malofiy's behavior as an attorney has been the subject of repeated judicial scrutiny, and a Thursday ruling means he won't be doing any lawyering until the fall. An appellate panel upheld a previously recommended suspension of three months and one day, finding Malofiy violated "various rules of conduct" during a copyright infringement lawsuit over Usher's "Bad Girl." Led Zeppelin Wins 'Stairway to Heaven' Jury Trial In 2015, a three-judge district court panel found Malofiy tricked unrepresented co-defendant William Guice into signing an affidavit without consulting a lawyer by hiding that their relationship was adversarial in nature. The prior year, Judge Paul Diamond issued sanctions and ordered Malofiy to pay $28,000 in court costs. Malofiy had argued that he didn't break the rules and, even if he did, the punishment was too harsh. The district court was troubled by the attorney's failure to take responsibility for his actions and his other unprofessional and uncivil conduct during the course of the litigation. On Thursday, the appellate panel agreed and upheld the suspension. His reputation as a rule-breaker preceded him when he took on the recent Led Zeppelin case. In a story previewing the trial, Bloomberg painted a vivid portrait of Malofiy as a "bar-brawling lawyer." Usher Gets Good News in 'Bad Girl' Dispute During the six-day "Stairway" trial, Malofiy racked up more than a hundred sustained objections and multiple admonishments from Judge R. Gary Klausner. After the jury ruled in Led Zeppelin's favor, Malifoy said he lost on a technicality and hinted at an appeal. If Michael Skidmore, the man who sued on behalf of late songwriter Randy Wolfe, wants to appeal soon, Malofiy could be out of a job. While Malofiy's suspension is in Pennsylvania, being admitted pro hac vice in California is dependent on being an attorney in good standing in another jurisdiction. Skidmore still has a lawyer, though. Glen Kulik served as local co-counsel and could take the reins on the case. This article originally appeared in THR.com. The attorney who flouted courtroom protocol during the "Stairway to Heaven" copyright trial has been suspended from practicing law. Francis Malofiy's behavior as an attorney has been the subject of repeated judicial scrutiny, and a Thursday ruling means he won't be doing any lawyering until the fall. An appellate panel upheld a previously recommended suspension of three months and one day, finding Malofiy violated "various rules of conduct" during a copyright infringement lawsuit over Usher's "Bad Girl." In 2015, a three-judge district court panel found Malofiy tricked unrepresented co-defendant William Guice into signing an affidavit without consulting a lawyer by hiding that their relationship was adversarial in nature. The prior year, Judge Paul Diamond issued sanctions and ordered Malofiy to pay $28,000 in court costs. Malofiy had argued that he didn't break the rules and, even if he did, the punishment was too harsh. The district court was troubled by the attorney's failure to take responsibility for his actions and his other unprofessional and uncivil conduct during the course of the litigation. On Thursday, the appellate panel agreed and upheld the suspension. His reputation as a rule-breaker preceded him when he took on the recent Led Zeppelin case. In a story previewing the trial, Bloomberg painted a vivid portrait of Malofiy as a "bar-brawling lawyer." During the six-day "Stairway" trial, Malofiy racked up more than a hundred sustained objections and multiple admonishments from Judge R. Gary Klausner. After the jury ruled in Led Zeppelin's favor, Malifoy said he lost on a technicality and hinted at an appeal. If Michael Skidmore, the man who sued on behalf of late songwriter Randy Wolfe, wants to appeal soon, Malofiy could be out of a job. While Malofiy's suspension is in Pennsylvania, being admitted pro hac vice in California is dependent on being an attorney in good standing in another jurisdiction. Skidmore still has a lawyer, though. Glen Kulik served as local co-counsel and could take the reins on the case. By Aung Hla Tun YANGON (Reuters) - A former monk and influential leader of Myanmar's 2007 anti-junta uprising has been freed from jail and charges against him dropped, his lawyer said on Friday, just a day after new charges were leveled against him. Nyi Nyi Lwin, better known by his ordination name, Gambira, was arrested in January for allegedly entering Myanmar illegally from neighboring Thailand. He had been set to be freed on Friday, but on both Tuesday and Thursday new charges stemming from alleged trespassing in 2012 were brought against him in two separate Yangon townships. Robert San Aung, his lawyer, said on Friday that these charges had been dropped and that Gambira was now free. "They (the judge) just said the he was freed completely after cancelling all the charges against," he said. Gambira told Reuters by phone that he was happy with the decision and would now focus on his health. "I'm very happy to be free again. At the moment I have to receive medical treatment for my mental illness and post traumatic stress disorder," he said. The additional charges this week were brought against Gambira for allegedly breaking into monasteries in 2012 that had been sealed by the government. In 2007, Gambira emerged as a leading figure in a mass protest over living conditions and the oppressive rule of then-dictator Than Shwe that was dubbed the Saffron Revolution. The government cracked down harshly in response, opening fire on protesters and sweeping up those who took part. A report from the United Nations found that at least 31 people were killed by security forces and thousands arrested. Gambira was arrested in 2007 and his sentence of 68 years for his role in the protest turned him into one of Myanmar's most prominent political prisoners. He was released in 2012. Following his release, he said that he had been tortured while in jail, suffering through solitary confinement, beatings and sleep deprivation. Amnesty International has said that he suffers from "serious mental health issues" due to time and treatment behind bars. The group said it was concerned that the additional charges brought this week were "politically motivated" and related to his actions during the Saffron Revolution. (Writing by Timothy Mclaughlin; Editing by Nick Macfie) A meeting with Melissa Yang feels like an elegant housewarming. Drink her prized white tea, which shell tell you is good for your health. Admire the bright decor of her sunlit office, which matches her blinding pearly whites. And dont forget to thank her for the gifts shell attempt to shower you with like knickknacks that bear the logo of her company, Tujia, or home while on a journey in Chinese. It feels over the top, but perhaps this is the price of pleasing everyone. Yang is the posh chief technology officer at Tuija and a world-class voyager in the worlds soon-to-be-biggest travel industry. Youve heard the thundering footsteps of the approaching Goliath: With double-digit growth in outbound tourism, her native China is well poised to take over the world and the hordes will ride tour buses and 747s. The number of newly middle-class Chinese with passports is expected to triple to 12 percent in the next 10 years, according to Goldman Sachs. Soon, fanny packtoting Americans simply wont be able to keep pace. Yangs company is banking on this and on her countrys construction boom that has left some 50 million vacant homes ready to be rented out for peak travel seasons, according to nationwide surveys. Thats more than enough to house all of California. Melissayang tujia photognicolalongobardi 007 The Tujia office looks nothing like Airbnbs. Source Nicola Longobardi for OZY Sound familiar? Yang will be the first to tell you that Tujia is nothing like Airbnb. China is no longer a copycat, she says, referring to the long-standing accusations that the country rips off everything from iPhones to Under Armour. Tujia distances itself from its American rival with a philosophy thats distinct from the self-starter spirit of Airbnb. First, it caters to nouveau riche Chinese travelers who are eager to splurge for a slice of high-class living, with round-the-clock services like daily housekeepers and fancy butlers. Plus, theres the option to lodge at upscale accommodations managed by Tujia, rather than a strangers guest room. Story continues As both a female co-founder and chief technology officer, Yang occupies a sadly rare position in the business world, and the technology she oversees at Tujia has helped the company distinguish itself from its competitors a mobile app before anyone else on the market; an internal system that keeps system bugs at bay and pinpoints performance issues on the site; and a user analytics command center that aggressively identifies what makes customers tick. Yang is the core driving force behind Tujia, says Tujias senior vice president Zhuang Hai. Almost all technical decisions run through her. Now, Yangs razor-sharp focus on customers and culture is helping her company edge out Airbnbs influence in China. She can always point out where the problems are. Moreover, Yang also built the company from the ground up, including interviewing Tujias first chipper employees at a coffee shop, as well as making her company run smoothly from operations to product to technology. Yang is sleek but pragmatic, a fitting trait for a boss lady always on the go. Today, shes dressed in sensible layers after morning yoga: comfy black boots, a loose tunic and a stylish polka dot coat. She evokes the glamour of travel and of her moneyed life. Tujia raised $455 million in funding from big investment firms including GGV Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, as well as other travel titans such as HomeAway and Ctrip in China. It boasts tens of millions of users and 400,000 listings, and just last year, it joined the vaunted league of unicorn companies valued upward of $1 billion. It sounds ambitious: wedging a young company into an already crowded travel market with other travel juggernauts such as Xiaozhu and Zhubaijia in China. But Yang has some 15 years of experience, including as a former development director for Expedia and CTO at Escapia.com, a Seattle startup acquired by HomeAway in 2011. Melissayang tujia photognicolalongobardi 005 Yang is home sweet home at Tujia in Beijing, China. Source Nicola Longobardi for OZY For the bulk of her life, Yang has also been careening down the conveyor belt that produces successful career women. She was the model A+ student who graduated from an elite university in China Tsinghua, which is Chinas MIT and built up her global cache with an education overseas at the University of Washington in computer science. Although she didnt leave China until age 22, shes making up for it now, aggressively expanding into parts of North America, Europe and the rest of Asia, with thousands more listings in the upcoming months. After gleaning business acumen in Silicon Valley for more than a decade, shes back in Beijing to shepherd her countrymen to places that generations before were forbidden to see from behind closed walls. China moves very fast, but [Tujia has] quite a bit of a head start over everyone else, says Yulu Dai, one of Yangs colleagues from her Expedia days. Dai uses Tujia religiously every time she visits China. The startup scene in China has made leaps and bounds since Yang left for graduate school and then Expedia. Beijings Zhongguancun District, now known as Chinas Silicon Valley, was at the time more known for the street vendors peddling pirated electronics. Now, everything is different, she says. People are looking to China for better products and services, not just manufacturing. And, unlike the Airbnbs of the world, Tujia cant bulldoze into cities and worry about litigations later. (Airbnb prefers the term direct people-to-people diplomacy, says Airbnb spokesman Nick Papas, with a greater focus on its outbound travel from China, which has grown a whopping 500 percent in the past year.) Still, Tujia just may have an edge with its insider knowledge, says Yang. Tujia operates in communist China, where the government has a heavier hand in day-to-day business dealings; the startup has signed an agreement with more than 160 citywide and provincial governments across the country. This helps Tujia scoop up Chinese tourists who are traveling domestically too, Yang says. Granted, her favorite postcard getaway is Cinque Terre, the brightly colored cliff-side houses on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. But Yang hopes to discover exotic new vacation spots in her own great backyard of China even if she needs Big Brothers approval. This is the sixth story in an OZY Special Series on The Lady Bosses of China resisting communist rule. Video by Melanie Ruiz. Related Articles By Umberto Bacchi LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Sex workers in England and Wales should not face criminal charges for soliciting and brothels should be legalized, a British parliamentary group said on Friday, calling for local prostitution laws to be overhauled. Countries have been divided over the best way to deal with prostitution with some including Canada, Sweden and Norway introducing laws to punish the client without criminalizing those who have been driven into prostitution. Others like the Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand have legalized or decriminalized prostitution. "Treating soliciting as a criminal offense is having an adverse effect, and it is wrong that sex workers, who are predominantly women, should be penalized and stigmatized in this way," said the Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz. There are an estimated 72,800 sex workers in Britain, of which more than 40 percent operate in London, and up to 2.3 million clients, equal to 11 percent of British men aged between 16 and 74, the parliamentary committee said. It is legal to buy and sell sex in England and Wales, but related activities such as soliciting and kerb crawling whereby drivers cruise the streets for prostitutes, are illegal. Northern Ireland, which has the right to legislate separately on the matter, criminalized the purchase of sex last year in a move advocacy groups said would help stamp out sex trafficking. The Home Affairs Select Committee said it was not convinced by the effectiveness of the so-called "sex buyer law" in reducing demand and tackle crimes and exploitation associated with the sex industry - but would investigate the matter further. The committee also urged the government to legalize brothels saying sex workers would be better protected as a result of working together rather than alone. Vaz said the authorities should maintain a "zero tolerance" approach against forced prostitution and legal changes should not lessen their ability to prosecute criminal gangs involved in sexual exploitation. The report also called for previous convictions to be erased from sex workers' criminal records to improve their chances of leaving prostitution without the stigma attached to it. Pro-legalization campaigners welcomed the findings but urged further action. "There should be an immediate moratorium on arrests, raids and prosecutions," said Laura Watson, a spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes. (Reporting by Umberto Bacchi @UmbertoBacchi, Editing by Katie Nguyen.; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org) EU Trade Commissioner: No trade talks until full Brexit The European Union's top trade official says the UK cannot begin negotiating terms for doing business with the bloc until after it has left. EXCLUSIVE: After staking out a February 23, 2018 release date earlier today, Legendary Pictures is targeting Scott Eastwood for a key role alongside John Boyega in the second installment of its Pacific Rim franchise. Deadline revealed June 6 that Legendary was building the Steven S. DeKnight-directed sequel around the Star Wars: The Force Awakens star, and the company is now casting up in earnest and I think Eastwood will be the next to join the fold if his deal makes. The picture begins production late this year, based on the world created by Guillermo del Toro and Travis Beacham. Boyega will play the son of the character played by Idris Elba in the del Toro-directed original film. It wasnt clear what the Eastwood role would be in a film that Universal will release worldwide, everywhere but China. The 2013 original grossed $411 million. Eastwood, son of the iconic actor/director Clint Eastwood, is fast emerging as a potential star. Deadline broke news in April that Eastwood would join Fast 8 in a new role created for Universals biggest movie franchise which is being helmed by Straight Outta Comptons F. Gary Gray. Eastwood, who will be seen starring in the ensemble of the David Ayer-directed Suicide Squad, which Warner Bros releases August 5, also will appear in the Oliver Stone-directed Snowden, which Open Road releases September 16. UTA reps him. Thomas Tull, Mary Parent, Jon Jashni, and del Toro will produce the action adventure film along with Boyega and Femi Oguns under their Upper Room Productions shingle. Cale Boyter is executive producer. How promising does the picture look now, after Legendary showed the reach of its new owner, Wanda, with the successful launch of Warcraft in China? Related stories 'Pacific Rim 2' Starring John Boyega Gets 2018 Release Date For Legendary Tom Hiddleston Returning To Comic-Con With Legendary's 'Kong: Skull Island' John Boyega Joins Kathryn Bigelow's Detroit Race Riots FIlm With one tweet, Leslie Jones has found the fairy godmother that will dress her for the Ghostbusters premiere. Whos she gonna call? Christian Siriano! After Jones, 48, announced on Twitter that she was having trouble finding a dress for the July 9 red carpet premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the Project Runway alum volunteered as tribute. With the hilarious response of YAAAAAASSSSSS, Jones and Siriano began talking about all the style possibilities. Thinking of a master plan, the Saturday Night Live cast member captioned a photo of the pair on Thursday. Making Magic With My Baby, she wrote along with a funny photo. Up to no good, Siriano said. While we anticipate Leslies big Cinderella moment, let us remind all that Siriano has dressed some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From Kerry Washington to Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker as well as Danielle Brooks, Siriano has made custom looks for many headliners. It shouldnt be exceptional to work with brilliant people just because theyre not sample size. Congrats arent in order, a change is, the designer eloquently stated on his social media accounts following the news that no designer had yet to work with Jones. In the upcoming all female-lead reboot, Jones will portray a MTA employee-turned-Ghostbuster alongside Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and SNL cast mate Kate McKinnon. Ghostbusters hits theaters nationwide on July 15. Karen Mizoguchi Paris (AFP) - It's something that was just not done -- until now. This weekend in Paris, however, rebel brand Vetements will shock the rarefied world of haute couture by bringing Dr Martens boots and Levi's jeans to the catwalk. Traditionally only a small number of the world's richest women can afford the exquisite handmade clothes shown at the couture shows, which only take place in the French capital. But the iconoclastic label led by fashion's designer of the moment Demna Gvasalia -- whose hoodies sell for $1,000 (890 euros) a piece -- is set to cock a snook at convention in his show Sunday. Invited as a guest designer to show alongside the elite coterie of 14 houses that make up haute couture, Gvasalia will unveil a collection made mostly from clothes from casual and sportswear brands such as Schott, Reebok, Carhartt and Champion. In two years, the young Georgian has made Vetements fashion's biggest trendsetter, recutting high street or vintage clothes with his wonky, oversized look inspired by 1990s streetwear, often with long "gorilla sleeves". He made headlines last year when one of his seemingly banal yellow DHL T-shirts became a ironic must-have for fashionistas. Despite it 220-euro price tag it quickly sold out, with even the delivery company's chairman being photographed in one. Vetements told AFP that they were also working with high-end fashion houses Comme des Garcons and Brioni on the show, with shoes from stiletto master Manolo Blahnik. There would, however, also be a series of dresses that were entirely of their own making, the brand insisted. - Urban wheatfield - While Gvasalia -- who is now also creative director at Balenciaga -- has thrown the rulebook out the window, the long established haute couture houses like Chanel and Christian Dior seem if anything to be going back to their roots. Chanel recreated a classic haute couture salon last season for its show, and its new autumn winter collection will be themed on a creator's studio, highlighting the craft and the hundreds of woman hours involved in making every piece. Story continues It even commissioned the artist Gad Weil to turn the chichi Place Vendome in front of its Paris headquarters into a wheatfield to celebrate its founder Coco Chanel's love of the wheatsheaf motif. The same tradition of high elegance is likely to continue at Dior if Maria Grazia Chiuri takes over as creative director there this month. A well-placed source told AFP that the 52-year-old Italian, who has turned around the fortunes of Valentino since she took over with her longtime partner Pierpaolo Piccioli in 2008, will take the post left vacant by the shock departure of Raf Simons last year. Dior's Monday show is being overseen by the Swiss pair Lucie Meier and Serge Ruffieux, who have stepped into the breach since Simon's exit. Only 14 fashion houses have the right to call themselves haute couture -- Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, Giambattista Valli, Franck Sorbier, Adeline Andre, Alexandre Vauthier, Alexis Mabille, Bouchra Jarrar, Maurizio Galante, Yiqing Yin and Stephane Rolland. The haute couture shows run until Thursday. Monrovia (AFP) - Top Liberian and UN officials saluted 13 years of partnership on Friday after Liberian forces took back responsibility for national security, but experts say the west African nation faces huge challenges. At a rain-soaked ceremony in Monrovia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and UN Special Representative Farid Zarif paid tribute to the domestic police and military services which were rebuilt from scratch after 14 years of civil war. "We have talked a great deal about Liberia being a post-conflict success story. This transition process is an important element in ensuring that this success story remains true," said Sirleaf, thanking "all who have worked so hard to get us here". During Liberia's 1989-2003 wars, some of the worst abuses were perpetuated by government forces, who are still accused of being politicised. Sirleaf added she knew "that we have not accomplished all that we had identified to be done", with setbacks to the initial timeframe for the security handover caused by a devastating Ebola outbreak. But she noted the government "understands the importance of security, knowing that without the basic level of citizens' security, there can be no enduring social and economic development." Farid Zarif, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Liberia, described how his troops had diminished from 16,000 uniformed personnel at their peak in 2007 to the 1,240 military and 606 police personnel that will remain in a support role, saluting the "exemplary" work of the Liberians forces. But he cautioned that the Liberian people needed to be able to hold security forces accountable, saying more needed to be done in this area. "Effective community engagement and civilian oversight are cornerstones of building trust between communities and security institutions - which is critical to the long-term success of the security transition," Zarif said. Story continues Dr Thomas Jaye, Liberia security sector reform expert, told AFP that Liberia would face an uphill challenge without the presence of UNMIL. "For a country like Liberia that depends or relies heavily on donor support for almost everything it does, the capacity and ability to provide internal security becomes burdensome, difficult and almost impossible," he said. With police salaries of around $160 a month, many struggle to survive without resorting to some form of corruption, Jaye said. Meanwhile, the top brass remain overly influenced by government. "The history of the Liberian security sector is the history of political interference and lack of independence," he said. Its sadly fitting that in a year when the likely presidential nominees for the two major parties are both as widely disliked as Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, the presence of a plausible challenger from a third party has no effect on the race because supporters leave the two major party candidates in roughly equal numbers. Whether that is how it will play out in November, of course, remains to be seen. Right now, though, according to the RealClearPolitics polling averages, the Libertarian Party ticket is performing better than it ever has in presidential public opinion polls while drawing supporters from Clinton and Trump at roughly the same rate. Related: Could Libertarian Gary Johnson Play the Spoiler in November? The Libertarians have former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson at the top of the ticket and former Massachusetts governor William Weld as the partys vice presidential candidate, and Johnson is polling at about 8 percent nationally -- remarkably high for a Libertarian by historical standards. Relatively little-known to average voters, the Libertarian Party is generally in favor of personal freedom and individual choice, achieved primarily by limiting the size and authority of the government. This puts it at odds with both parties in different policy areas. Libertarians will fight the Democrats on issues like government regulation and spending, but will challenge Republicans just as strongly on government intrusion into the peoples private sexual lives, on abortion rights and aggressive use of the military. Though the Libertarians have had a ticket on the presidential ballot every year since 1972, their high water mark -- really not that high at 1.06 percent of the vote -- came 36 years ago in 1980. Whats particularly interesting about the candidacy of Johnson and Weld, both two-term Republican governors in majority Democratic states, is where they appear to be finding their support. The RCP polling average tracks major national polls on a rolling basis, and when voters have been asked to choose a candidate for president in a two-way race between Clinton and Trump, Clinton has been consistently ahead. The RCP average as of Thursday night had Clinton with 44.6 percent of the potential vote and Trump with 39.8 percent. Story continues However, when Johnson is added to the mix, Clinton falls to 41.4 percent and Trump to 36.5, with Johnson claiming 8 percent. That suggests that Johnson is pulling 3.2 percent of the vote from Clinton and 3.3 percent from Trump, a statistically insignificant difference. Johnson and Weld, to be sure, are trying very hard to appeal to voters from both sides of the traditional aisle, as they do in this advertisement released today. Related: A Cautionary Tale for Donald Trump as Boris Johnson Steps Aside It seems safe to say that, their public professions to the contrary, neither Johnson nor Weld seriously expects to be in the White House next January. So the effect they are having on the race is a bit ironic. While theyve tried to cast Clinton and Trump as two sides of the same establishment coin, even adopting the term ClinTrump to refer to them, its pretty plain that their hearts arent in it. Asked about Clinton during a CNN town hall on June 22, Johnson called her a wonderful public servant. When his turn came, Weld referred back to the time when they were both staff members on the commission investigating the Watergate scandal. Old friend, he said. Nice kid. Knew her in her 20s. We shared an office in the Nixon impeachment, real bond, lifelong. Seriously. Not kidding. Related: Clintons VP List May Have Just Gotten a Little Shorter They couldnt manage anything close to the same for Trump. Asked to describe him in one word, Johnson waffled, Im sure theres something good to say about Donald somewhere. Im sure. When he was asked to come up with his one word for Trump, weld didnt hesitate. Huckster, he said. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Tripoli (AFP) - Libyan pro-unity government forces said they seized a key central district of the Islamic State jihadist group's coastal bastion of Sirte on Friday. Fighters allied to the Government of National Accord took control of a residential area called the "700 housing units" near Ibn Sina hospital and the city's Ouagadougou conference centre, the GNA's forces said on social media. They said the jihadists were also coming under air strikes. A field commander, Siraj Daw, said that fighting was getting closer to the Ouagadougou centre which IS has been using as its field headquarters. "The resistance has been fierce but we have dealt with the (IS) snipers and wiped them out... We've captured many vehicles and weapons," he told reporters. "They have many dead," he said, without giving figures. Since May 12, pro-government forces from the west, Libyan naval forces and eastern militias have pushed the jihadists back into a residential zone inside Sirte. But their early advances slowed when they entered Sirte on June 9 and reached built-up central and northern parts of the city. IS has hit back with suicide car bombs and sniper fire. The jihadists overran the city, around 450 kilometres (270 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, in June last year. Pro-government forces retaking Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq. Nearly 200 anti-IS fighters have been killed and more than 600 wounded since the start of the offensive, according to medical sources. Pro-government forces, commanded out of Misrata 190 kilometres to the northwest, are mostly made up of western militias established during the 2011 revolt that overthrew dictator Moamer Kadhafi. A militia set up to guard the country's main oil facilities has also been advancing on IS from the east. Tripoli (AFP) - Libya's UN-backed unity government said on Friday that four of its ministers had been sacked just three months after it set up office in the capital Tripoli. Their departure is a new setback in efforts to unify the North African country which has a rival administration in the east. "The dismissed ministers were absent from their work and refused to take up their duties in the Government of National Unity... for over 30 days," the GNA said in a statement on its website. The justice, economy and industry, finance and national reconciliation ministers -- all easterners -- were dismissed from their posts on Thursday, it added. That is three months to the day since Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, a businessman from Tripoli, sailed into the capital under naval escort. Mohamed Eljarh, a Libya expert with the Atlantic Council think tank, said the sackings were a sign of the GNA's failure to win support in the east of the country. "I believe that the fact that they are from the east is significant... The situation for the GNA in the east is that of rejection, no confidence, no trust," he said. The GNA, the result of a UN-backed power-sharing agreement in December, took control of several ministries in April. But it has yet to receive a vote of confidence from the country's elected parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk that would give it authority over the whole country. In March, just over half of the parliament's members signed a statement of support for the GNA, but a formal vote of confidence has been repeatedly delayed. Sarraj named a cabinet of 18 ministers in February. He gave several important portfolios to easterners -- including Colonel Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, a popular military figure who is defence minister. The GNA faces a fearsome set of military, economic and political challenges in a country that has faced chaos since the overthrow of veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. GNA-allied forces have been fighting the Islamic State group in its stronghold of Sirte for the past seven weeks. Libya's oil-dependent economy has also been hit hard by the sharp fall in world prices. Anyone who has been in the U.K. over the past week will likely have drawn the conclusion that it's been one of the most peculiar seven-day periods in recent history, with the country's surprising vote to leave the EU resulting in markets crashing around the world, British politicians dropping like flies and few people really being sure what the hell is going on. One of the strangest Brexit moments, however, concerned Lindsay Lohan, who has been spending some time in London lately. As the votes were counted on the evening of June 23, the actress decided to vent her frustration on Twitter, tackling topics such as the value of the pound and the effect the EU has had on workplace fatalities. The tweets were later deleted, but one stuck in the mind of the residents of a small town 83 miles north of London. "Sorry, Kettering where are you?" she asked as the town was revealed as being among the many to have voted to leave the EU. Read More: Lindsay Lohan Deletes Brexit Tweets After Flurry of Posts In yet another bizarre incident, one member of parliament, Conservative politician Philip Hollobone, addressed Lohan's tweet in a debate among fellow MPs. "On referendum night a week ago, the pro-Remain American actress, Lindsay Lohan, in a series of bizarre tweets, slagged off areas of this country that voted to leave the European Union," he said. "At one point she directed a fierce and offensive tweet at Kettering, claiming that she had never heard of it and implying that no one knew where it was. Apart from the fact that it might be the most average town in the country, everyone knows where Kettering is." Hollobone suggested that Lohan could redeem herself in that most British C-list celebrity fashion: by switching on the Christmas lights in Kettering this December. Adding to the farce, Lohan responded, accepting the offer, returning to Twitter to say she would be "happy" to light Kettering's Christmas tree. Story continues Whether the U.K., Kettering or even Christmas trees still exist by then is another thing. In this post-Brexit climate, nobody is really sure of anything. Read More: Brexit Seen as "Dreadful News" for European Films in U.K. Fertilisers held up at dry port released Himalayan Terminal, the operator of Birgunjs Sirsiya Dry Port, has released chemical fertilisers imported by the Agriculture Inputs Company (AIC) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC). Dina Lohans in the hospital. (Photo: TMZ) The party must go on or something like that. Lindsay Lohans not going to let a little thing like her mom being hospitalized with a mystery illness prevent her from enjoying a lavish birthday bash. The actress, who turns 30 on Saturday, July 2, is set to ring in her next decade in Greece over the weekend despite the fact that Dina Lohan has been in the hospital for nearly a week. According to TMZ, the 53-year-old momager was brought in on June 24, complaining about severe stomach pains. After a workup of MRIs and CT scans, doctors are still baffled as to whats causing the symptoms, which have now progressed to her back and neck as well. Theyre managing her pain with medication, but theres no indication theyre any closer to figuring out its source. In a recent snapshot from her hospital room, Dina flashes a smile and holds up a hot-pink smiley-face toy, but she cant be happy about missing her daughters dirty-30 celebration in paradise. The fete is allegedly being thrown by Lohans fiance, Russian real estate mogul Egor Tarabasov, so its safe to say it will be quite the social event. And Lindsay has likely been looking forward to it for a while. Lindsay and fiance Egor Tarabasov in May. (Photo: David M. Benett/ contributor) Asked by Vanity Fair how ringing in the big 3-0 will be different than other birthdays, she mused, I am actually celebrating it I thought I would be hiding when I realized I was turning 30! Its different because the way I live my life is different, which I am very grateful for. For the record, Lindsay isnt the only one Tarabasov has made an impression on. Back in March before the Russian heir and LiLo were engaged Dina gushed to ET, We love him. He is a sweetheart. The couple dated for a mere five months before Tarabasov popped the question, and they made their red- carpet debut at the Caudwell Childrens Butterfly Ball, looking like the poster-couple for young people in love. Story continues When Vanity Fair asked about how she was feeling about turning 30, the star red-head revealed a more reflective side of herself than she has in the past. I am in the process of writing a book, and I am very excited to share my personal experiences in life and how to overcome obstacles, she mused. I hope that my words will connect with those who need some guidance when [or] if they are in a tough place. I am grateful that I have a voice, which I can now feel comfortable using as a platform to let people know that we all have ups and downs in life, and we can all come up from the downs if we get in touch with our inner self and spiritual side." Her own spiritual journey, however, may have to wait until after this weekend. Following an FBI search of its Los Angeles offices earlier on Thursday, production company LMNO has filed a lawsuit against its former accountant for fraud and embezzlement. The company is behind reality series The Little Couple, which it recently accused longtime partner Discovery Communications of stealing. In the latest twist in the reality TV-style drama, LMNO has accused accountant Paul Ikegami of embezzlement, falsifying books and attempting to extort $800,000 from the company. Also Read: FBI Raids 'The Little Couple' Producer LMNO Amid Embezzlement Scandal The 20-page lawsuit obtained by TheWrap was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Torrance-based Ikegami & Co. and Paul Ikegami, who is the son of founding partner Ben Ikegami, with whom they had developed a trust. From April 2010 to October 2015, Paul Ikegami used his control over LMNOs payment system and accounting system to embezzle funds, and further used his control over LMNOs books and records to falsify entries to hide his embezzlement, the lawsuit states. Then, when Ikegamis behavior became erratic and LMNO decided to hire a new accountant in October 2015, Ikegami tried to hide his theft by withholding LMNOs records, attempting to extort LMNO for more than $800,000, and when his demand was not met, sought to destroy LMNO by dumping its physical records into dumpsters, and then telling lies to LMNOs largest customer about the financial records, over which Ikegami had exercised control for years, and had repeatedly falsified. Also Read: Suge Knight Slaps Chris Brown With Lawsuit Over 2014 Shooting The lawsuit goes on to claim that the company is only now beginning to piece together the full extent of Ikegamis fraud and embezzlement. Virtually everything about Ikegami turns out to be fraudulent, down to the basic and original lie that he was even a CPA. LMNO has discovered more than $1,500,000 in unauthorized payments that Ikegami made to himself through a variety of schemes. Story continues It concludes that LMNO has been damaged to the tune of $1.5 million, with the exact amount to be determined at trial by jury. Los Angeles-based attorneys Stephen Mick and David Nelson of Barnes & Thornburg LLP are representing LMNO. Also Read: Rolling Stone Rape Story: Judge Dismisses Fraternity Members' Lawsuit Previously, LMNO had claimed that Discovery used ripped-off information and shady tactics to squirm out of a business agreement and started to make The Little Couple in house instead. It also accused the publicly traded corporation of weaseling out of arrangements for 7 Little Johnstons, Killer Confessions, Speaking for the Dead, Unusual Suspects and Hollywood & Crime. Click here for more information on the FBI search and prior accusations. Pamela Chelin contributed to this report. Related stories from TheWrap: FBI Raids 'The Little Couple' Producer LMNO Amid Embezzlement Scandal 'Little Couple's' Will Proves to Be a Natural at Lion Dancing (Exclusive Video) 'Little Couple' Takes Train to North Pole, Spends Some Time With Santa (Exclusive Video) Producers of The Little Couple are suing their ex-accountant, claiming he embezzled $1.5 million and extorted them in an attempt to cover it up, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Reality producer LMNO Cable Group sued Paul Ikegami for a laundry list of claims including fraud and conversion on Thursday - the same day the FBI raided LMNO's offices. An FBI spokeswoman tells The Hollywood Reporter the bureau executed a federal search warrant "to seize evidence in an ongoing investigation" and said the warrant was sealed by a judge and that she is prohibited from commenting on the nature of the investigation. She also noted that no arrests were made. "Ikegami used his control over LMNO's payment system and accounting system to embezzle funds, and further used his control over LMNO's books and records to falsify entries to hide his embezzlement," states the complaint. "Ikegami tried to hide his theft by withholding LMNO's records, attempting to extort LMNO for more than $800,000, and - when his demand was not met - sought to destroy LMNO by dumping its physical records into dumpsters, and then telling lies to LMNO's largest customer about the financial records." This comes on the heels of a lawsuit the producers filed against Discovery Communications, claiming the network used the financial vulnerability as an opportunity to steal the show. LMNO hired Ben Ikegami, the defendants' father, in 1995. Paul Ikegami began taking on more responsibility for LMNO's account in 2008 and took over the company when his father died in 2012. "LMNO is only now beginning to piece together the full extent of Ikegami's fraud and embezzlement," states the complaint. Virtually everything about Ikegami turns out to be fraudulent - down to the basic and original lie that he was even a CPA. LMNO has discovered more than $1,500,000 in unauthorized payments that Ikegami made to himself through a variety of schemes." Story continues Those schemes included issuing four to eight unauthorized checks to himself each month, totaling more than $1.5 million over five years, and another $250,000 in credit-card transactions paid to Ikegami & Co. To cover it up, he doctored the company's books. In the summer of 2015, LMNO became concerned about Ikegami's erratic behavior and decided to hire another accountant. The company claims he responded by demanding a payoff of $800,000 in exchange for returning the books. They didn't comply and claim Ikegami dumped one million pages of documents mixed together in several dumpsters in an effort to prevent LMNO from recreating its files. LMNO is seeking actual damages in excess of $8 million, plus punitive damages and restitution. Read More: Discovery Accused of Taking Advantage of Financial Crimes to Steal TLC's 'The Little Couple' One of the most highly coveted gigs in television is still up for grabs. ET has learned that Kelly Ripa's Live! co-host will be announced before the new season starts in September, which could mean bad news for previous frontrunner Anderson Cooper. The CNN anchor is expected to play a heavy role in the news network's coverage of the 2016 presidential election in November, which could eliminate him from consideration. Last month, a source told ET that Cooper, 49, made it clear to executives that he would like to do both Live! and his nightly CNN show, Anderson Cooper 360, if offered the chance. The journalist has been eyed as a potential replacement for Michael Strahan on the long-running morning show almost immediately after Strahan first announced his exit in April. PICS: All of Kelly Ripa's 'Live!' Co-Hosts But ET has learned that a new name has joined the running to be Ripa's co-host -- actor Fred Savage. The former Wonder Years star is booked to co-host Live! three days in a row starting on July 13, and a source tells ET that the 39-year-old actor wants the gig. However, the source also notes that he's reluctant to relocate his wife, Jennifer, and their three young kids -- Oliver, Lily, and Auggie -- to New York City. Another big-name contender is Alec Baldwin, who co-hosted with Ripa last month. The 58-year-old actor definitely didn't shut down the rumors when he appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in May. "I have always said I wanted to do a show where I could stay home," Baldwin told DeGeneres. "And the schedule of being able to stay home with my children is what I'd prefer. I do think about those things from time to time." ET also learned in May that ABC is very much interested in Rob Lowe, after already having chatted with the actor about the position back in 2012, when ABC was looking for Regis Philbin's replacement. The job, of course, ended up going to Strahan. Lowe, 52, had impressed viewers at the time when he guest-hosted for two days. Story continues "I hosted it with Kelly and had the time of my life," Lowe commented when ET chatted with the handsome actor on the set of his upcoming film, How to Be a Latin Lover, that same month. "I love her ... I love being able to talk to an audience every morning like that and just being fun, counter-punching, being silly, and talking about cool stuff." Another celeb who clearly wouldn't mind the gig is former 98 Degrees frontman Nick Lachey, who's successfully co-hosted Live! with Ripa before. "That's probably one of the most coveted jobs for people who are in the hosting space, you know, in the business," Lachey, 42, told ET exclusively at 1010 WINS in New York City on Thursday. "I think it would be an incredible honor to be able to go and work with Kelly every day. I think the world of her and it's a great show, and I'm sure whoever gets that job is gonna be very deserving." "I can only hope I'm on the short list," he added. WATCH: Oprah Appears on 'Live!' After Speaking Out About Michael Strahan's Exit, Reveals Kelly Ripa Sent Her Flowers Meanwhile, Strahan recently broke his silence since making an early exit from Live! in May, and made it clear that he has no regrets. "I really haven't missed it," Strahan candidly told Chelsea Handler during his appearance on her Netflix show, Chelsea. "But I loved it. Don't get me wrong. I loved it. When you get a break, sometimes you kind of go, 'Wow, I kind of needed it.' I needed a break." Watch below: Related Articles By Irene Klotz CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - A rocket company owned by Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) and Boeing (BA.N) said on Friday it cut 350 jobs, with another 400 to 500 layoffs expected in 2017. The staff reductions amount to a quarter of the workforce at United Launch Alliance LLC, the Centennial, Colorado-based company that supplies the U.S. Air Force with Atlas and Delta rockets to launch military and spy satellites into space. ULA wants to position itself to better compete against technology entrepreneur Elon Musk's Space Exploration Technologies and other upcoming commercial launch service companies, such as Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Paul Allen's Stratolaunch Services. SpaceX, as Musk's privately owned Hawthorne, California-based firm is known, in April broke ULA's 10-year monopoly on military satellite launch contracts with an $83-million (62.62 million pounds) Air Force award to deliver a GPS spacecraft into orbit in 2018. The price for a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch is 40 percent less than what the Air Force expected to pay for a ULA Atlas 5 rocket ride, Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves, head of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, told reporters on a conference call after the contract announcement. About two-thirds of ULA's layoffs were voluntary, with another 110 workers receiving notice on Thursday of an involuntary layoff, Rye said. The cuts impact employees in Colorado, Texas, California, Alabama and Florida. (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Sandra Maler) Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT has won a fixed-price with redetermination contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to provide consumable and depot level repairables for a range of weapon systems, which will be used by the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. With an initial term of five years, the contract offers one five-year option and has a ceiling value of $1.75 billion. Contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, VA. Work is scheduled to be complete by Jun 29, 2022 and will be performed in Maryland, Georgia, Texas, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The contract will use fiscal 2017 to fiscal 2022 defense working capital, and operations and maintenance funds. LOCKHEED MARTIN Price LOCKHEED MARTIN Price | LOCKHEED MARTIN Quote The company has won another contract worth $323 million from Navy on Jun 30 to provide a laboratory for the F-35 Lightening II. The laboratory would contain a hardware in-the-loop (HITL)-based system to test and examine mission data file (MDF) performance in an operationally representative environment; a set of tools to manufacture, alter, manage, analyze and issue MDFs and MDF sets, and build and load mission data loads in the HITL, with limited product support elements. Work is scheduled to be complete by Aug 2020. The company will carry out majority of the work in Fort Worth, TX, while the rest will be performed in Orlando, FL; Nashua, NH; El Segundo, CA; and San Diego, CA. Again, the company received a third modification contract from the Missile Defense Agency for the development, support and incorporation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. Work is scheduled to be complete by Jan 31, 2017. The company will carry out the work in Huntsville, AL; Troy, AL; Grand Prairie, TX; and Sunnyvale, CA. With the latest modification, the maximum quantity and order value of the contract has been increased by $205 million, resulting in a total contract value of $995.2 million. Lockheed Martin is the largest U.S. defense contractor, with a platform-centric focus that guarantees a steady inflow of follow-on orders from its leveraged presence in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and IT programs. The companys diverse product offerings allow it to enjoy a consistent stream of orders from the U.S. and allied partners. Lockheed Martin currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Stocks to Consider A few better-ranked stocks in the aerospace and defense space include Engility Holdings, Inc. EGL, Leidos Holdings, Inc. LDOS and Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. HII, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 LOCKHEED MARTIN (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report HUNTINGTON INGL (HII): Free Stock Analysis Report ENGILITY HLDGS (EGL): Free Stock Analysis Report LEIDOS HOLDINGS (LDOS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research * Europeans trying to clip City's wings after Brexit * British banks lobbying to keep access to EU market * Finance sector sets up group to decide strategy * But UK government in disarray, some European ties weak * Bankers turn to headhunters for exit strategy By Sinead Cruise and Lawrence White LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - A week after Britons voted themselves out of the European Union, many London-based bankers and their employers face two options if they are to secure their futures: lobby or leave. Some investment banks, anxious not to stir speculation of an exodus from the historic City of London and its modern counterpart at Canary Wharf, have given out "business as usual" messages since last week's shock referendum result. But beyond the soothing words the wider industry is hastily organising a lobbying effort in the hope London can keep selling financial services across Europe, a right to which it has become accustomed but may lapse when Britain finally exits the 28-nation bloc. The alternative for banks and bankers, growing increasingly insecure in an information vacuum that has developed since the June 23 vote, is to get out. Headhunters report a level of anxious calls they haven't seen since the 2008 global crisis, with bankers asking about prospects in rival financial centres that remain in the EU, or those in Asia and the United States. Banks and other financial firms have rallied together, forming a group to devise a strategy for protecting the turf of an industry that is Britain's biggest exporter and accounts for more than 10 percent of its tax revenues. Even Britain's biggest lenders are relying on the group - led by Shriti Vadera, chairwoman of the UK arm of Spain's Banco Santander who is also a former business minister - for guidance in such uncertain times. "We are looking to them to have an intelligent response," Barclays chairman John McFarlane told an industry event on Thursday. "We neither know the shape or direction of things to come. It's far from certain what we might be able to secure from discussions with the EU." Story continues With the British government in disarray, European politicians are threatening to clip the wings of the London financial centre that is home to more than 250 foreign banks and more than three-quarters of the EU's capital markets activity. French President Francois Hollande has backed calls for London, the world's biggest currency trading centre, to lose its right to clear deals denominated in euros. Likewise, the right of banks based in Britain to operate across the EU under the bloc's financial "passporting" arrangement could also go if it loses access to the single European market. DISTANT SEPTEMBER Britain has yet even to say when it will formally inform the EU of its intention to leave, a move that will start two years of divorce negotiations. Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will resign, but left the formal exit notification to his successor who is unlikely to be installed until September. Leading "Leave" campaigners have also yet to say precisely what they want, beyond stating their desire to control the right of EU citizens to work in Britain - something Brussels says is impossible if the country wants to stay in the single market. So while the financial sector is poised to lobby, it has little idea of whom it must present its case to on the British side. "We are ready to talk, but we don't know who we should be talking to," said a senior banking industry source involved in the discussions. "No-one has defined 'leave', so we don't know what it is that we're dealing with ... September feels a very long way off." Bankers said their message to European officials is that keeping Britain in the single market would be better for economic growth and jobs across the bloc. Fights over where banks do their business and forcing them into major overhauls of their operations would damage the broader financial system, they argue. Some dislike being told what to do, such as HSBC Chairman Douglas Flint, whose bank decided only earlier this year against moving its headquarters from London. "Politicians can't dictate where things are done," he told Thursday's TheCityUK annual conference. Sometimes the relationships needed for lobbying are only now being established. The benefits of passporting have meant that U.S. investment banks in particular have rarely discussed broad market access issues with European officials, meaning they are starting their charm offensive from scratch. WHERE TO GO NEXT Rumours are swirling that banks and other financial firms, which together employ more than 2 million people across Britain, will move staff to the likes of Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin. Investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have moved quickly to quell speculation they are about to do so. But some bankers, especially those involved in mergers and acquisitions, fear a repeat of the heavy job cuts, tumbling salaries and sky-high stress levels during the 2008-09 crisis. "People in UK M&A know they aren't getting paid bonuses this year ... But that's just one of their troubles," said THS Partners Portfolio Manager Xavier Van Hove. "They know banks are going to have to fire people so they are very conscious of that. And the Europeans among them are wondering where they go next." Stephane Rambosson, managing partner for the UK and head of financial services at headhunter DHR International, said he had taken more than a dozen calls from senior London-based investment, M&A and equity capital markets bankers in the past week. The questions they asked were all the same: how safe is my job? Where will I need to move my family? "The last time it happened was during the crisis, when people were equally concerned about job prospects and the direction of their careers," Rambosson said. "People know this is something they have to plan for but there's little for them to go on right now." ESCAPE ROUTES Some in the industry are contemplating leaving Europe altogether. "We are getting more resumes every day from London," said Matthew Hoyle, who runs a financial services headhunting firm in Hong Kong. "I don't think many people in London are very keen to move to Paris, Frankfurt ... English is a problem there and it's really very different from London." Uday Singh, a New York-based partner with consulting firm A.T. Kearney, said he believes London-based financial executives will give serious thought to moving to the United States. "The U.S. actually has a pretty permissive immigration regime where qualified company executives are concerned. It's a matter of a couple of months of visa processing and the job can certainly be done from here," he said. Leaders of British banking remain hopeful that the next government will negotiate continued access to the single market. For that reason, they say they are not yet ready to spend billions beefing up or launching subsidiaries in the EU. "We are all working on multiple scenarios. For many firms, it would be premature to activate all that pre-referendum planning," said Clare Woodman, global chief operating officer for institutional securities at Morgan Stanley. But others worry whether the industry - still tainted by the bank failures of 2008-09, 'fat cat' bonuses and a magnet for public scorn - can secure the backing it needs. "We won't gain much from trying to remind the electorate how important we are to them, we need to get other advocates for our industry," David Sproul, Chief Executive of Deloitte told the TheCityUK conference. Meanwhile, London's rivals are moving aggressively to capitalise on its limbo by wooing bankers. "Finance ministries are getting in touch. I won't say who we're talking to but, well, French-speaking, German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Dutch-speaking, English-speaking countries are all interested," the senior banking source said. "It's very much on the lines of 'we are sorry you got divorced, would you like to go on a date?" (Additional reporting by Dan Freed in New York, Denny Thomas and Sumeet Chatterjee in Hong Kong, Andrew MacAskill, Carolyn Cohn, Huw Jones in London; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and David Stamp) It was 11 years ago today that Sandra Day OConnor announced her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court. On July 1, 2005, Justice OConnor announced her retirement in a letter to President George W. Bush. As President Ronald Reagans first appointee, Justice OConnor joined the bench in 1981 as the first female justice to sit on the nations highest court. At first, progressives around the country applauded the appointment, but feminist enthusiasm quickly cooled when, in her first year on the Court, OConnor earned a reputation for joining the well-established conservative alliance between Justices Warren Burger and William Rehnquist. Throughout her early years on the bench, journalists and commentators consistently described OConnor as a classic conservative. As Chicago Tribune staff writer Stephen Chapman wrote in 1986, she was a member of a three-member conservative bloc, voting alongside Rehnquist and the newly nominated Antonin Scalia, set to replace Chief Justice Burger. However, as her judicial experience progressed, critics and supporters alike began to take note of the justices burgeoning independent streak, and by 1992, with her decisive fifth vote in Planned Parenthood v. Casey striking down a Pennsylvania law requiring spousal awareness for an abortion OConnor established herself as the Courts key swing vote. As she entered the second half of her tenure on the Court, journalists began to identify OConnor as a moderate, and by the last quarter of her judicial career, she was regularly described as a centrist, a moderate centrist, and even, as Lyle Denniston wrote in 1999 for the Baltimore Sun, a moderate establishment progressive. From 1993 to 2005, more than a quarter of all Time and Newsweek articles discussing Justice OConnor labeled her as a swing voter. Such politicized discussions of OConnors jurisprudence coincided with a more general politicization of the Supreme Court in the waning years of the last century. Story continues Scholars Norman Gross and Leonard Vieire point to the nomination proceedings of Judge Robert Bork as the impetus for this shift. President Reagans 1986 nomination of Bork to the Court, they write, was met with unprecedented opposition that played out during his confirmation hearings. The process lasted nearly 87 hours, with Bork himself testifying for more than 30. These hearings, argue Gross and Vieire, became the lens through which subsequent proceedings would be viewed, and created a public perception of the Court that was more highly politicized. The Courts 2000 holding in Bush v. Gore has been cited as evidence for this politicization of the bench. Steeped in controversy, the opinion served to determine the outcome of the 2000 presidential election by stopping the re-count of the Florida electoral ballots and upholding the states ruling in favor of Bush. Prior to this decision, justices had erred on the side of caution and ruled such controversies as beyond the authority of the Supreme Court. As this more political bench emerged, OConnor placed herself at the center, and thus became one of the most powerful justices at the time. Lawyers focused their efforts on persuading her, and the public looked to her as a weathervane for the ideological swing of the nation. Justice OConnors 2005 retirement, then, prompted broader conversations about the need to uphold both the diversity and political stability of the Court, and led to divisive public discussions about her successor. When President Bush nominated Harriet Miers to fill the vacant seat, legislators across the political spectrum voiced unease. While such concerns were often couched in questions of Miers judicial capabilities, many commentators note that it was ultimately controversies over her views on such issues as abortion and affirmative action that prompted the removal of her name from consideration. Though the Supreme Court nomination process has always been political the sitting president, a political figure, is charged with selecting a justice and the legislature, a political body, is charged with confirming in recent years the American public has watched the process with an increasingly critical eye toward implications for social issues. The legacy of OConnor as both the first female justice and as a critical swing vote on an increasingly politicized Court could serve as a barometer for future conversations over the judicial appointment process. Abigail Perkiss is an assistant professor of history at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, and a fellow at the Kean University Center for History, Politics and Policy. Follow her on twitter at @Abiperk. For further reading: Norma Gross and Leonard Vieiri. Supreme Court Appointments: Judge Bork and the Politicization of Senate Confirmations. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois Press, 1999. Recent Historical Stories on Constitution Daily William Howard Tafts truly historic double-double Just which state ratified the 26th Amendment? The history of legal challenges to the Pledge of Allegiance Foreign secretary to leave for China tomorrow Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi will leave for China on Saturday on an official visit. He will meet with Chinese officials in Beijing to discuss bilateral issues. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch (Photo: Nancy Wiechec/Reuters) Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Friday that she will take a step back from the decision whether to charge anyone in the Hillary Clinton private email server probe. But a Justice Department spokeswoman quickly clarified her remarks, telling Yahoo News that top political appointees will remain involved in the investigation and that the attorney general will be the ultimate decider. Lynch told Washington Post journalist Jonathan Capehart in an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival that she will accept whatever recommendations the FBI and career prosecutors make. (Career prosecutors are Justice Department lawyers who were not appointed by the president.) The recommendations will be reviewed by career supervisors in the Department of Justice and in the FBI and by the FBI director. And then, as is the common process, they present it to me and I fully expect to accept their recommendations, Lynch said. But Lynchs remarks, intended to calm a political storm over her impromptu meeting with former President Bill Clinton, did not fully outline the Justice Departments process for handling one of its most politically sensitive investigations in years. The Justice Departments chief spokeswoman confirmed to Yahoo News that at least two political appointees Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin and Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates will review the recommendations of career prosecutors and agents before any final determination is made. They all expect to receive and accept the recommendations, Melanie Newman, the Justice Departments chief of public affairs, said when asked about the role of Carlin and Yates, both of whom are appointees of President Obama. But it is true they will all be in the process. Asked if either Carlin or Yates could overrule the recommendations of FBI agents and career prosecutors, Newman replied: It is unlikely there will be such a circumstance. But, obviously, that possibility exists. And, she added, The AG is the ultimate decider. Story continues The announcement comes after Republicans and some Democrats criticized Lynch for a half-hour meeting on Monday with Clinton. Those critics said the meeting suggested a conflict of interest. What on earth were you thinking? Capehart asked Lynch of her meeting with the former president. Lynch said the meeting at the Phoenix airport was primarily social and that the email inquiry was not discussed. She said they talked about Clintons grandchildren. I certainly wouldnt do it again, because I think it has cast a shadow over what it should not, over what it will not touch, Lynch said, adding that the questions over the Justice Departments integrity have been painful. The FBI is investigating whether Hillary Clinton or others mishandled classified information by using a private email server for official business while she was secretary of state. Some Republicans have called on Lynch to completely recuse herself from the inquiry and appoint a special prosecutor to handle it, arguing that a Democratic appointee cannot fairly head an investigation that potentially has a big influence on the presidential election. This step falls short of that rather drastic solution. A recusal would mean I wouldnt even be briefed on what the findings were, Lynch said. While I dont have a role in those findings or coming up with those findings, I will be briefed on it and I will be accepting their recommendations. The step does mean, however, that Lynch is promising she would not change the outcome of the investigation or attempt to downgrade the recommendations, which attorneys general have done in the past. (Former Attorney General Eric Holder, for example, downgraded the recommended charge for Gen. David Petraeus mishandling of classified information to a misdemeanor.) Lynch said she has long planned to defer to the recommendations of the FBI and career prosecutors but decided she should take the unusual step of announcing the decision to clear up doubts over a conflict of interest. The investigation into Hillary Clintons private email server has been overseen by Richard Scott, the deputy chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Justice Departments National Security Division, who ultimately reports to Carlin. Updated, 1:38 p.m. ET: This piece has been updated to reflect Lynchs announcement and additional reporting. Gangster 'Deepak Manangey' held for extortion Police have arrested notorious gangster Rajiv Gurung alias Deepak Manangey from Kathmandu late on Thursday for his alleged involvement in extortion. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Government ministers from Malaysia, Australia and China will meet in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 to discuss the future of the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported on Friday. Flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, disappeared on March 8, 2014 enroute from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A wing part, known as a flaperon, washed up on the French island of Reunion in July 2015. An underwater search operation for the aircraft, which disappeared two years ago, is underway, spanning 120,000 square kilometers of the southern Indian Ocean. According to Bernama, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the meeting would focus what to do once the search of the designated area is completed. "We (Australia, China and Malaysia) will not call off the search. We are committed to completing the 120,000 sq km search - so far, we have completed 107,000 sq km. "We will make an announcement on the way forward," Liow was quoted as saying. The search, which was originally scheduled to end in June, had been hampered by bad weather and will resume in October, he added.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau had previously said the three countries had agreed not to extend the search beyond 120,000 sq km. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Paris (AFP) - John Malkovich took French daily Le Monde and two of its journalists to court Friday for defamation over a report alleging the US actor had a secret Swiss bank account. Dangerous Liaisons star Malkovich is suing the paper over two articles in February about the tax evasion scheme run by British banking giant HSBC out of its Swiss affiliate. Malkovich, 62, was among several celebrities listed by Le Monde among the "elite tax evaders" to have had a secret Swiss account between 2005 and 2007 -- a claim Malkovich has rejected. "Not only did John Malkovich not defraud tax authorities" he "never had an account with HSBC", Julia Minkowski, one of his lawyers, told a Paris court. The only Swiss account he ever had was a securities portfolio with a bank that was later bought by HSBC, Minkowski added. The actor had declared that account to US tax authorities before closing it on November 30, 1999, a month before the creation of HSBC's Swiss private banking arm, she said. Herve Temime, another of the actor's lawyers, said Le Monde's linking of the actor to the Swissleaks revelations was "shameful", calling his client a "man of great integrity". Prosecutor Annabelle Philippe rapped the two journalists who authored the report, and who were absent from the proceedings, for not having the "decency to come and recognise the lack of professionalism of their investigation". Le Monde's lawyer Christophe Bigot, for his part, accused Malkovich of "creating a fuss" despite having had an account "in a discreet little bank in a country (that was) uncooperative" with other countries on tax matters. The court will rule on the case in October. A devoted husband asked a stylist to dye his hair purple to raise awareness for his wifes Alzheimers disease. (Photo: Getty Images) A Connecticut man took the purple pledge for Alzheimers disease in a very bold and loving way yesterday. Barber and stylist Katherine Rose Kenney was in shock when one of her regular clients rolled into her salon, Roosters Mens Grooming Center in Simsbury, Conn., and casually asked to have his hair dyed bright purple. Just as pink is the color of awareness for breast cancer, purple is the hue used to represent Alzheimers disease an illness that the clients wife has been battling. When Kenney asked the doting husband how long hed like the hair color to last, he responded, Well, weve been married for 47 years, so the longer the better. Kenney tells Yahoo Beauty: It broke my heart. I started tearing up and said, Lets do it! and hopped off the floor with joy. Prior to this encounter, Kenney and her client had only ever made small talk when he visited the salon for a haircut once or twice a year. Hes very quiet and soft-spoken, says Kenney, who, until that moment, had no idea the mans wife had Alzheimers, an illness that afflicts about 5.1 million Americans, according to the Alzheimers Foundation of America. The foundation also estimates that one in four family members acts as a caretaker for someone with the disease. Its also fitting that the man squeezed in his heartfelt gesture on June 30, the very last day of Alzheimers Awareness Month. He found out about it a little late, says Kenney. Although the hair salon doesnt stock bright purple hair dye, the client was fortunate in that Kenney herself actually had a stash of bold hues at home. The only color we offer is simply to camouflage gray hair with their natural color, she said in her Facebook post. Lucky for us, I have an obsession with hair products and bought the whole line of Joico Color Intensity. The client made an appointment for the following day and Kenney brought in one of her favorite colors from the line: an amethyst purple. When I got the color I had said to myself, Im gonna wait to use this on something awesome. So its amazing that this happened. Story continues Kenney was not only happy to be indulging her clients request to support his wife and her illness, but she loved interacting with him in a way she never had before. Its sad how many people are affected by Alzheimers each day and how little funding goes towards it, she wrote in a post on the Love What Matters Facebook account. It weighed heavy on my heart today as we lightly discussed the disease. He looked me in the eyes and told me that he just wanted to feel like he could do something, anything at all to help, and his hair was the only thing he felt that he could control. Kenney told Yahoo Beauty that the mans wife has been battling Alzheimers for six years and is currently living in a medical facility. She told him that as long as he goes to see her, she knows shell be OK. Kenney also learned that the couple has 10 children together. As for the purple hair, Kenney knows people will stare and thats the point. As she put it, if you see an older man walking around Connecticut with vivid amethyst purple hair, realize he is trying to bring attention to himself, so he can bring attention to the cause. This is a man deeply devoted to the love of his life. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. A Connecticut man took the purple pledge for Alzheimers disease yesterday in a very brave and loving way. Hair stylist Katherine Rose Kenney was in shock when one of her regularly clients rolled into her salon and casually asked to have his hair dyed bright purple, according to post shared on Love What Matters Facebook account. Just like pink is the color of awareness for breast cancer, purple is the hue used to represent Alzheimers disease, which this clients wife has been battling. When Kenney asked the doting husband how long hed like the hair color to last, he responded, Well, weve been married for 47 years, so the longer the better. When Kenney agreed to transform the mans graying locks, he actually hopped off the floor with joy, Kenney recalls. Prior to this encounter, Kenney and her client had only ever made small talk when he visited the salon for a haircut one to two times a year. She had no idea his spouse had been waging war with an illness that afflicts about 5.1 million Americans, according to the Alzheimers Foundation of America. The foundation also estimates that one in four family members act as caretakers for people with the disease but were guess very few caretakers would do something so bold as permanently dying their hair to raise awareness. Its also fitting that the man squeezed in his heartfelt gesture on June 30, the very last day of Alzheimers Awareness Month; talk about going out with a bang! The client was very fortunate that Kenney actually stocked the color in the mens barber shop where she works. The only color we offer is simple to camouflage gray hair with their natural color, she said in the post. Lucky for us, I have an obsession with hair products and bought the whole line of Joico Color Intensity. Kenney was not only happy to be indulging her clients request to support his wife and her illness, but she loved interacting with him in a way she never had before. Its sad how many people are affected by Alzheimers each day and how little funding goes towards it. It weighed heavy on my heart today as we lightly discussed the disease, she wrote. He looked me in the eyes and told me that he just wanted to feel like he could do something; anything at all to help, and his hair was the only thing he felt that he could control. As for her the purple hair, Kenney knows people will stare and thats the point. As she put it, if you see an older man walking around Connecticut with vivid amethyst purple hair, realize he IS trying to bring attention to himself, so he can bring attention to the cause. This is a man deeply devoted to the love of his life. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 'Healing' detected in Antarctic ozone hole Researchers say they have found the first clear evidence that the thinning in the ozone layer above Antarctica is starting to heal. ATLANTA (AP) -- Manager Don Mattingly will wait until Friday to announce how the Miami Marlins will use newly acquired closer Fernando Rodney. Making a push to stay near the top of the NL wild-card race, the Marlins traded a minor league pitcher to get Rodney from San Diego on Thursday. Mattingly has yet to express a lack of faith in closer A.J. Ramos, who has converted straight 33 saves opportunities since last season, so it seems likely he would stay in that role for the immediate future. But Mattingly wouldn't say for sure. Rodney, whose 253 career saves are fifth-most among active pitchers, is expected to join the team on Friday in Atlanta. ''Right now, until I get a chance to talk to Fernando, there's nothing I want to talk about role-wise publicly,'' Mattingly said. ''But we'll make sure everybody knows what's going on and then we'll move on.'' Rodney has been outstanding this year, converting 17-of-17 saves chances with a 0.31 ERA in 28 games. The Marlins are his seventh team overall and sixth since 2011. Ramos has worked as a solid setup man for the Marlins in the past and might have begun this season in that role again if Carter Capps hadn't had a season-ending elbow injury in spring training. Mattingly spoke to Ramos before Thursday's game against the Braves, but the manager wouldn't say how they discussed his role. Regardless, Mattingly sees Rodney's addition as a win-win situation. The Marlins began Thursday with a half-game lead over two teams in the NL wild-card standings. ''This is another piece to a really good bullpen right now,'' he said. ''Our guys at the back end have been very good. This just makes us stronger.'' Miami sent right-hander Chris Paddack to the Padres. Paddack, an eighth-round draft pick last year, went 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA in six starts this year for Class A Greensboro. The Marlins coveted Rodney for his experience and the depth he brings to a bullpen that ranks sixth in the NL and 13th overall with a 3.78 ERA. Story continues ''We look at it like we've added a guy who's been rolling this year, has a history of being really good late in games, and we're looking forward to adding that piece to our 'pen,'' Mattingly said. Assistant general manager Michael Berger said Marlins president of baseball operations Mike Hill started talking trade with San Diego last week. ''The ability to access anybody right now is challenging to say the least,'' Berger said. ''A lot of hard work went into it and in the end we got better. It was already a strength for this club. It's one man stronger.'' Rodney's salary is team-friendly. His pays $1.6 million this year and includes a team option for next season at $2 million. Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green are together again. Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green are ready to be a happy family of five. The actress and Green, who split last summer, are calling off their divorce, a source close to the 42-year-old tells PEOPLE. Brian and Megan are living together in Malibu with their boys, the insider says. They have been getting along and seem very happy. They are just waiting for the baby to arrive. Fox, 30, is pregnant with the couples third child they are already parents to sons Noah Shannon, 3, and Bodhi Ransom, 2. The pair have remained close in the months since she filed for divorce after five years of marriage last August especially following Foxs surprise pregnancy revelation. In April, they even jetted off to Hawaii, together, for a family vacation at the Four Seasons Hualalai. During their separation, Brian always hoped Megan would change her mind about the divorce and he is very happy that she did, the source says. They both worked hard to figure out their marriage and things seem great. Of the Hawaii trip, another source previously told PEOPLE that Fox and Green were reconsidering the divorce because They dont want their kids to grow up in a broken home. Foxs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows costars will be excited about the reconciliation news: at the films May premiere, actress Brittany Ishibashi told PEOPLE she hoped the pair would get back together. [Green is] such a sweet guy, Ishibashi said. They are both such sweet people super chill. Theyre very spiritual people, very kind and generous. And shes an amazing mother. She was always talking about her kids and FaceTiming with her kids. And I think Brians a great dad. Theyre such cool people. merrill lynch office The Manhattan district attorney's office has charged more than a dozen people, including high-profile executives, bankers, and accountants, in relation to a massive New York City cocaine sting. Three people were charged with operating the cocaine-trafficking ring out of Manhattan's Lower East Side: Kenny Hernandez, 35; Felix Nunez, 27; and Oscar Almonte, 29. The operation is accused of selling more than $75,000 in cocaine in one year, according to indictment papers obtained by Business Insider. Eighteen others who faced charges were described as "repeat customers," including Christopher Dodson, a client associate at Merrill Lynch; Mark Crumpacker, the chief marketing and development officer for Chipotle; Katie Welnhofer, a Fox Business producer who works on "Mornings with Maria"; and Austin Dodson, an associate at the real-estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. Merrill Lynch, Chipotle, Cushman & Wakefield, and Fox Business did not immediately respond to requests for comment. An 88-page charging document details nearly 200 texts and calls among those accused of being buyers and sellers from June 2015 to June 2016. Fox Business Producer Katie Welnhofer Accused of Possessing Drugs https://t.co/8StSeNbNvs Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) June 30, 2016 Those accused of being buyers were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Customers regularly paid $200 to $300 for the delivery service and bought the drugs in bodegas, hotels, and Duane Reade convenience stores across Manhattan, according to the indictment papers. The Manhattan district attorney's office said: "Members of the ring allegedly used car services to deliver the drugs to buyers, including to delis, restaurants, bars, apartments, hotels, and the buyers' workplaces. The defendants delivered to locations across Manhattan, including the Lower East Side, the Upper East Side, Chelsea, the Financial District, and Midtown, as well as areas of Brooklyn and Queens. Many of the sales took place in delis or Duane Reade and CVS pharmacies. Customers generally paid between $200 and $300 per transaction." Story continues Here are the indictment documents. Sellers indictment by Hayley Peterson Buyers indictment by Hayley Peterson NOW WATCH: EX-DEA AGENT: What I did when a drug dealer tried to bribe me with $3 million More From Business Insider Boomer Robert Phelps, the adorable nearly two-month-old son of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and model Nicole Johnson, is already Instagram-savvy. Since Boomer was born on May 5, his parents have made sure to proudly document the earliest moments of his life. In a Facebook Live video, Phelps explained the origin of his sons name: both he and his wife wanted something different and something cool. The swimmers first image with his newborn garnered more than 106,000 likes, with the athlete exclaiming, Best feeling I have ever felt in my life!!! About a month after his birth, Boomer got his very own Instagram account. And in its first two weeks, it has already amassed more than 15,000 followers. With Phelps breaking records and set to participate in his fifth Olympics this August, in Rio de Janeiro, fans of Boomer Phelps should expect some heartwarming images of Boomer cheering his dad on. Satya Nadella, CEO at Microsoft, has signed a deal with Harper Business to publish his first book that Nadella describes as not your average business book. "Hit Refresh" dodges definition, but has meaning "It is not a 'how to succeed' book, nor is it a memoir." Instead, Nadella's literary debut is described as divided into three storylines: his own personal story, changes within his own company, and the implications of increasingly intelligent technology on humanity. Proposing that Man will need his uniquely human characteristics more than ever in the future, Nadella sees life as a constant quest for "new energy, new ideas, relevance and renewal." As well as representing his personal philosophy, the title "Hit Refresh" has professional implications for Nadella. When he first joined Microsoft in 2014, the company was undergoing a crisis due to unsuccessful mobile computing and internet search technology strategies. His move towards cloud computing has since rejuvenated -- or refreshed -- Microsoft. Satya Nadella: poetry and cricket Despite his educational background in electrical engineering and computer science, Nadella is nevertheless a fan of literature, poetry in particular, even going so far as to quote by heart the 19th century Urdu and Persian poet Mirza Ghalib during a conference in May 2016. The CEO also recently published op-eds in The Financial Times and Slate in which, much like in his forthcoming book, Nadella focuses strongly on the question of transformation and the future. Proceeds to good clouds It has been agreed between Harper Business and Nadella that proceeds from the book will be donated to Microsoft Philanthropies. Launched last year, Microsoft's philanthropic brand announced plans in January to donate $1 billion of resources. Philanthropies will use the profit from book sales "to benefit nonprofits, specifically those working on public cloud for public good projects." "Hit Refresh" is set to be published in Fall 2017. ICSE-2016 begins in Kathmandu The International Conference on Social Entrepreneurship (ICSE-2016) organised by Kings College kicked off on Thursday. The theme of the two-day meet is Rebuilding Nepal through Social Entrepreneurship * Mondelez-Hershey merger would be world's largest cocoa consumer * Barry Callebaut is key supplier of cocoa, chocolate products to both * Market concentration could squeeze middlemen's margins further By Luc Cohen NEW YORK, July 1 (Reuters) - When Olam International agreed to buy rival Archer Daniels Midland Co's cocoa processing business in December 2014, catapulting it into the top echelon of bean buyers, confectioners worried about its outsized power over prices. Now, Mondelez International Inc's audacious bid on Thursday for Hershey Co, to create by far the world's largest cocoa buyer, could hand the bargaining chips in the volatile niche market back to the candy makers. With more buying power, candy makers could demand lower prices from traders already operating on thin margins. Hershey's board of directors unanimously rejected Mondelez's $23 billion takeover bid on Thursday. Even so, the combined company would cushion Mondelez from wild swings in prices of key ingredients. Soaring cocoa, dairy and nut prices forced some in recent years to raise prices, but the sticker shock for sweet-toothed shoppers hurt sales. But the bid also raised the specter of consolidation among chocolate makers, which could create larger buyers of commodities including cocoa and sugar, worrying middlemen who have already seen their margins squeezed. The additional pricing power of the new entity would be "concerning," a veteran cocoa buyer said. Mondelez is already the world's largest cocoa consumer, and after a tie-up with Hershey it would consume 650,000 tonnes per year, 50 percent more than the No. 2 consumer, Nestle SA , according to the Cocoa Barometer publication by nonprofit industry watchdog VOICE Network. Global cocoa demand totals around 4 million tonnes annually. "You create a huge giant as far as cocoa consumption is concerned," said Antonie Fountain, VOICE managing director. The most immediate questions raised by the potential deal concern the companies' relationships with Swiss processor Barry Callebaut AG, which became the world's largest manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products after a 2013 purchase of Petra Foods' cocoa business. Story continues In 2007, Barry Callebaut reached a deal to supply Hershey with chocolate through 2022. Three years later, it agreed to supply Kraft Foods - which spun off Mondelez in 2012 - with the majority of its cocoa products and industrial chocolate globally. It remains a top supplier after the spinoff, sources said. The fact that Barry Callebaut supplies both companies reduces its risk of being squeezed out, but a combined company would likely look for alternatives and exert some leverage on prices, four industry experts each with decades of experience said. "If it were me, I would look to diversify away from Barry," said one of the sources. They spoke only on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to comment to the press. Representatives of Barry Callebaut and Cargill Inc both declined to comment. Cocoa processor Blommer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Growing purchasing power in the downstream sector would squeeze already-tight margins among processors, one trade source said. Grinders and processors have consolidated in response to tight competition amid stagnant demand. "This makes them one more powerful buyer in an already consolidated industry," said a sugar trader with a global firm. (Additional reporting by Chris Prentice and Marcy Nicholson in New York, and Nigel Hunt in London; Editing by Matthew Lewis) More and more women are getting this deadly yeast infection and its drug-resistant More and more women are getting this deadly yeast infection and its drug-resistant Dont freak out, BUT maybe sit down before you read this. The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has just released a clinical alert informing the U.S. that there is a new kind of infection-causing yeast spreading around called Candida auris and its resistant to antibiotics. Although it hasnt reared its ugly head yet on American soil, the CDC is warning us now because they are concerned that C. auris will emerge in new locations, including the United States. Yikes. This isnt your run-of-the-mill, everyday, average jane yeast infection were talking about. According to the data weve got so far in our hands, 60 percent of the people who have been diagnosed with this yeast infection have actually died. Experts arent entirely sure whether these individuals were battling other illnesses at the time of infection, though. Tom Chiller, the CDCs top fungus expert, told the Washington Post, What concerned us is that it is potentially resistant to one or two, if not all three of the main antifungal drugs generally used to treat yeast infections. Furthermore, this particular infection doesnt just spread from person to person. This one seems to get into hospital settings and stay there, Chiller says. It can be caught through contaminated surfaces. The first time weve caught wind of this yeast was in 2009 in Japan. Since then, its been seen in South Korea, India, South Africa, Kuwait, Pakistan, Colombia, Venezuela and the United Kingdom, and the CDC believes it to be present in other countries where they dont have the tools to recognize it and its not being reported. The CDC recommends that hospitals contact public health authorities immediately if they think they have a patient with this yeast infection. Also, its highly recommended that patients with this yeast are quarantined in their own rooms so the risk of spreading decreases. The important thing is to be extra careful in washing your hands and staying clean down there (as in, change your undies regularly, be careful when you wear super tight pants, and change outta your swimsuit once youre done swimming). You can read up more on yeast infection prevention here. And also keep an eye on what the CDC has to say about this in the coming months. Hopefully that monster yeast doesnt make its way over to us! The post More and more women are getting this deadly yeast infection and its drug-resistant appeared first on HelloGiggles. Every few months, I examine a patient with malaria; I see patients with dengue fever maybe twice a year. As an infectious disease specialist, I expect to examine a patient with Zika virus at some point as well. Zika, first identified in humans in 1952, is getting a lot of attention this year, but much older mosquito-borne infections including malaria, dengue and others are also still around -- and some have even been a problem in the U.S. Modern transportation, environmental changes and global travel have increased the potential for mosquito-borne diseases to strike in the United States. In fact, the patients I examined are ones who brought the disease here after contracting it when visiting other countries. Besides being annoying pests, mosquitos can be dangerous insects to humans. They are responsible for 1 in every 6 infections worldwide and kill many people (725,000 annually, according to one estimate). Three mosquito species are especially threatening in the U.S. Here are descriptions of each, followed by my advice on avoiding contracting a mosquito-borne illness from any of them, and how to help stem the spread of disease. While the U.S. government and other public officials are preparing to aggressively fight Zika, there's a lot you can do as well. [See: How to Avoid Summer Pest Risks -- From West Nile to Chikungunya Virus.] Species Mosquitos have been on earth for thousands of years. They now number more than 3,500 species worldwide, and about 150 can infect humans. Only females can transmit infections, because only females bite. They drink our blood for a protein they need to reproduce, unwittingly transmitting harmful viruses that they carry. Mosquitos are attracted to our sweat and carbon dioxide from air we expel. They are fast, with some tracking us from hundreds of yards away. Culex pipiens, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the three most threatening species in North America. -- Culex pipiens, the common house mosquito, can transmit West Nile Virus or its close cousin, Japanese encephalitis. The female Culex prefers to feed after mating, usually in the evening. It reproduces by laying larvae in stagnant water -- think water in flowerpot trays or old tires. Story continues -- About half of the mosquitos in the U.S. belong to the Aedes genera, including the aegypti and albopictus species. Aedes mosquitos transmit yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue and Zika. Females lay eggs at waterlines or on dry ground, hatching in small amounts of water such as water found in tires or downspouts. -- Aedes aegypti, out of Africa, are now thriving in the southeastern U.S. They often bite in the morning or afternoon, preferring humans to other animals. -- Aedes albopictus, nicknamed the Asian Tiger mosquito because of their white stripes and origin, have now spread around the eastern and Midwestern U.S. They were first detected in the U.S. in 1985 and bite anytime. All of these mosquitoes live only about a month and can produce millions of offspring each season. But they have different life cycles, including reproduction patterns -- making them especially difficult to manage. They all can transmit multiple diseases, feeding especially in impoverished, overcrowded areas where people do not take precautions to prevent bites. They have not transmitted viruses en masse in the U.S. in decades, with the exception of West Nile, which infected more than 2,000 people in 2014. Dengue virus also has been transmitted in Florida, Texas and Hawaii, but this is uncommon. In recent years, weather changes due to La Nina have created more mosquito-friendly warmer climates in North America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Aedes aegypti may have spread over the entire southern half of the U.S., and nearly the entire eastern half of the U.S. could now be home to the Aedes albopictus. [See: Your Guide to Stylish Sun Protection.] How to Protect Yourself While the potential for the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S. is concerning, you can take steps to not only protect yourself but also slow down the spread of the disease-carrying species. To prevent being bitten by an infected mosquito, follow the CDC's recommendations: -- Wear long-sleeved clothing, socks and pants, or clothes with insecticide (permethrin) built in. -- Apply mosquito repellant (containing DEET, Picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil) to intact skin, making sure not to spray it directly into your face or onto cuts. (To apply it to your face, spray it on your hands and pat gently.) If applying sunscreen as well, put on the sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply the repellent. (I don't recommend using combination products because you need to reapply sunscreen frequently). -- Keep screens on open windows and doors. -- Finally, wash often with soap to rid yourself of the odor attractive to mosquitoes. If you travel to areas with high rates of mosquito-borne illness -- such as Africa, Asia or South America -- consult your medical provider beforehand about the proper vaccinations and medications to take. The CDC is concerned about travelers returning to the U.S. with mosquito-borne diseases. To further counter mosquito spread, empty containers with standing water every day and use spatial repellents such as mosquito coils to take away their habitat. You may also try buying mosquito-eating fish if you have a pond. Most jurisdictions don't recommend bombing yards with environmental sprays, in part because mosquitos can develop long-term resistance to these toxins. If you are bitten, and develop a fever within a few days, contact your health care provider. For now, those are the only measures I can suggest with near certainty for fighting mosquito-borne illnesses. Researchers are studying other macro options, including introducing genetically modified or infected species into the mating pool -- or even killing off whole species. Evidence is only emerging about these tactics; we simply don't know if they will influence virus transmission by mosquitoes outside the lab long term. In the meantime, if you follow the established guidelines for preventing mosquito bites, and consult with your health care provider when necessary, you and your family will not likely suffer. Don't let the Zika threat ruin your summer. [See: 10 Classic Health and Safety Risks Among First-Time Campers.] Mimi Cameron, MD, is a board-certified infectious disease specialist with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group in the Washington, D.C., area. Dr. Cameron focuses on HIV/AIDs, general infectious diseases and travel medicine -- in addition to infection control. She is a fellow with the Infectious Diseases Society of America and American College of Physicians, and is certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases. She has published research studies, written guidelines and policies, and given presentations for medical institutions on infectious diseases. She is the physician advisor for infection control and serves on the credentials committee for Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring, Maryland). Dr. Cameron also sees patients with Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States at her Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Capitol Hill Medical Center (Washington, D.C.) offices, and at hospitals in Bethesda (Md.) and Washington. Many, many Christians believe they are subject to religious discrimination in the United States. A new report from the Public Religion Research Institute and Brookings offers evidence: Almost half of Americans say discrimination against Christians is as big of a problem as discrimination against other groups, including blacks and minorities. Three-quarters of Republicans and Trump supporters said this, and so did nearly eight out of 10 white evangelical Protestants. Of the latter group, six in 10 believe that although America once was a Christian nation, it is no longera huge jump from 2012. Polling data can be split up in a million different ways. Its possible to sort by ethnicity, age, political party, and more. The benefit of sorting by religion, though, is that it highlights peoples beliefs: the way their ideological and spiritual convictions shape their self-understanding. This survey suggests that race is not enough to explain the sense of loss some white Americans seem to feel about their country, although its part of the story; the same is true of age, education level, and political affiliation. Peoples beliefs seem to have a distinctive bearing on how they view changes in American culture, politics, and lawand whether they feel threatened. No group is more likely to express this fear than conservative Christians. One aspect of American fear thats been talked about a lot during this presidential-election cycle is fear of the other, from the Mexican immigrants who would be kept out by a wall to the Muslim refugees who would be banned from fleeing here from their homes abroad. That fear seems to fade, though, if Americans recognize a religious kinship with people they perceive as foreign. Forty-six percent of those surveyed said immigration from Mexico and Central America has been too high in recent years. When asked the same question about immigrants from predominantly Christian countries, though, only 10 percent of people said immigration has been too high. The irony is that this is essentially the same question, phrased two different ways: Latin American countries are overwhelming Christianin many places, even more so than the United States. When Americans think of those immigrants as Christians, rather than foreign nationals, theyre more likely to open their arms in welcome. Recommended: Culture Is Replacing Class as the Key Political Divide Attitudes toward Muslims are slightly more complicated. Even though some Muslims have been in the United States for longer than many of the Protestant and Catholic descendants of German, Italian, and Irish immigrants, most Americans still believe Islam is at odds with American values and way of life. That includes 74 percent of white evangelical Protestants, 66 percent of white mainline Protestants, 63 percent of white Catholics, and 54 percent of Hispanic Catholics. The way the question is phrased, invoking American values, is a bit of a cipher. The people being surveyed might have thought of anything from hard work to liberal democracy to white picket fences. But especially to those who believed that America was once a Christian nation, the question may have seemed to refer to Christianitythe soft religious vibe that has often been in the background of American politics and popular culture. For many of the people who believe Islam is un-American, it seems likely that they see those beliefs and practices in tension with Christianityand perhaps a threat to it, as well. This suspicion may be compounded by the changing demographics of American Christianity. While the U.S. is still a nation of faith, with roughly 71 percent of adults identifying as some kind of Christian, religious organizations of all kinds are struggling with lower levels of attendance and declining participation in ritual practices. More and more people say theyre not part of any religion, and this is especially true of young people in their 20s and early 30s. If religious people believe their institutions are decliningwhich, demographically speaking, they arethey may feel more threatened by what they perceive as the growing numbers of people in the country who have a different kind of faith. Recommended: How American Politics Went Insane Theres evidence of this in the strong nostalgia many people seem to feel for the pastan elusive time when Americans felt more of a consensus about their values and beliefs. Strong majorities of white evangelical Protestants and white Catholics believe America has changed for the worse since the 1950s, as do a slim majority of white mainline Protestants. None of this quite explains why many Christians believe they face discrimination, though. Suspicion of those who are different, along with a yearning for an idyllic past, are different from the perception that American Christians are penalized for their faith. Many Christians seem to worry about their future religious liberty in the face of changing cultural and legal standards. When Donald Trump met with more than 1,000 predominantly evangelical leaders in New York City in June, religious liberty was apparently the number one topic of interest for the audience, out of tens of thousands of question submissions. This topic has consistently come up in statehouses around the country, especially in the last year; legislators feel the need to pass protections for business owners and individuals who object to gay marriage, abortion, and other acts that raise their religious concerns. Recent Supreme Court decisions have no doubt added to that feeling of urgency. The same-sex marriage decision last summer set off a wave of state-level religious-freedom bills, and decisions just this week on abortion and birth control have raised objections from conservative Christians. Recommended: Can the Freedom of Information Act Be Fixed? Surveys are a blunt instrument for understanding culturemore of a weather vane than a Doppler radar. While its undeniably true that the country is becoming more accepting of cultural mores that are at odds with many conservative Christians teachings, its also not exactly right to say that conservative Christians are losing. The Supreme Courts 2014 decision in Hobby Lobby was a strong defense of private business owners right of conscience, and state legislatures have successfully passed protections for religious people in recent sessions. The more important point is that these questions are now in play: More and more cases, legislation, and trends in public opinion are challenging the religious teachings and practices of conservative Christians. In all of this, the standard caveats about polling apply. No single identity factor can explain why people answer surveys the way they do. Education, for example, makes a huge difference in how people responded to the question about discrimination against Christians: Only 38 percent of college-educated whites agreed that discrimination against Christians is a problem, compared to 62 percent of their working-class peers. Shorthand about religious groups can also be misleading. While its useful to look at trends and patterns among one denomination or population subset, theres enormous diversity in how even conservative Christians approach questions of cultural change and religious disaffiliation. Surveys are a blunt instrument for understanding changes in culturemore of a weather vane than a Doppler radar. And yet, these results are a reminder that peoples beliefs matter. Religious convictions shape peoples specific fears about cultural change and newcomers, and they have those fears partly because they care about being able to practice their faith freely. Those who disagree with these Americans might offer easy explanations, from bigotry to xenophobia to stupidity, to explain their feelings of fear, but those reasons dont seem sufficient. America is not just changing demographicallyits becoming more religiously and ideologically diverse. Some Christians seem to feel that change acutely, and wonder whether the new era of diversity will leave room for what was once assumed to be the standard of American belief. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. A top aide to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton had a college friend who was in Benghazi the night of the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attacks there. The chairman of the Republican-led special committee looking into the events of that night asked a former senior defense department official a series of seemingly irrelevant questions about his business dealings after leaving government. A request for Marines to change into civilian clothes then back into their regular gear, then into civilian clothes again appears to have delayed their deployment to Libya. And when a former senior intelligence official became the first to tell Congress publicly that terrorists connected with al-Qaida were likely behind the attacks, Clinton called Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to express surprise that he did so even though she had suggested as much in private communications days before. These are some of the intriguing issues that stand out after a close reading of depositions collected by the Republican-run House Select Committee on Benghazi and made public by the panels minority Democrats. Rather than reading through rival reports from either side, Yahoo News dug into the testimony lawmakers collected during their two-year investigation. Not all of the transcripts have been released, but those that have make for sobering, fascinating and sometimes bewildering reading, even to those who have covered the tragedy and its aftermath for years. Here are some of the most perplexing, eye-opening and little-covered passages. Huma Abedins mention of a mysterious college friend Abedin, who served as Clintons deputy chief of staff at the State Department and is now vice chair of her presidential campaign team, had one of the more curious exchanges in the voluminous testimony. Abedin faced questions about Clintons exclusive use of a private server for official business during her entire tenure as the top U.S. diplomat. She broke little, if any, new ground in her testimony. But one brief exchange, on page 113 of her deposition, raised more questions than it answers. Story continues The committee Republicans deputy chief counsel, Sharon Jackson, zeroed in on an October 29, 2012, email from Abedin to Clinton. The message, read aloud by Jackson, said: Had a long visit with my friend who was in Benghazi. Will download in person but think very important for you to call [redacted], the injured DS officer. He is now well enough to talk. Who was that? Jackson asked. DS in this context stands for diplomatic security, the State Department division charged with protecting diplomatic compounds. I had a friend from college who was in Benghazi that night, replied Abedin, who attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. On the night of the attack? The night of the attack? Jackson followed up. Yes, maam, Abedin responded. Was your friend a witness in any way to the attacks? Jackson asked. I am not able to discuss that, Abedin said. Her lawyer, former Clinton advisor Karen Dunn, stepped in to tell Jackson that they should discuss the matter off the record without a transcript. Jackson agreed. Whatever they discussed seemed to satisfy Jackson, who did not return to that line of questioning. Spokespeople from the Republican and Democratic sides of the committee declined to offer any additional details on the record. Dunn did not return a phone call seeking comment. While peculiar, theres no reason to believe that the exchange concealed anything nefarious, as evidenced by the apparent Republican decision not to stay on the subject after the off-the-record discussion, or to highlight it in public. Clintons surprise that officials blamed terrorists The night of the attacks, Clinton emailed her daughter, Chelsea, that an al-Qaeda-like group had killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and information officer Sean Smith. A day later, President Obama linked the Benghazi attack to the original 9/11 attacks and declared that acts of terror would not intimidate the United States. For a while after that, however, top U.S. officials stayed away from explicitly blaming terrorists for the attacks. Then, on Sept. 19, National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that the events in Benghazi were a terrorist attack and that U.S. intelligence was looking at possible connections between the perpetrators and al-Qaeda. Not long after, Olsen told the Benghazi committee, according to page 83 of his deposition, he heard from Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Clapper said that hed heard from Secretary Clinton, you know, of some surprise about me saying that it was a terrorist attack, according to Olsen. Hed gotten a call or had heard from Secretary Clinton about surprise that one of his guys was talking about this being a terrorist attack. Olsen, asked whether Clapper had spelled out why Clinton was surprised, replied: No. A detour into questions about hiring practices at a private company The House of Representatives gave the Benghazi committee a broad mandate to look at the before, during and after of the attacks. But Rep. Trey Gowdy, the South Carolina Republican who chaired the panel, seemed to go in a curious direction in the deposition of Jeremy Bash, former chief of staff at the Defense Department under Secretary Leon Panetta. Starting on page 121 of Bashs deposition, Gowdy asked Bash a string of questions about his consulting firm, Beacon Global Strategies who his partners were, what government positions they held before joining the company, and when they discussed working with him. Gowdy seemed particularly interested in former Bush national security council aide Michael Allen, whose last job in government was as the Republican staff director on the House Intelligence Committee. Gowdy asked when Bash and Allen first discussed going into business together. At one point, the committees Democratic staff director, Susanne Sachsman Grooms, complained that Gowdy has gone afield of the panels inquiry and said she did not understand the connection between Bashs firm and the Benghazi investigation. By the time my questioning is over you might understand it better, Gowdy shot back. He never spelled the connection out. But the Republican lawmaker went on to note that Allens discussions about joining the firm must have occurred while he was still serving on the House Intelligence Committee. Gowdy is known to be sharply at odds with former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, whose panel also looked into the Benghazi attacks. Gowdy thinks Rogers pulled punches and ultimately failed to conduct a properly thorough investigation, according to knowledgeable sources. And the Benghazi committees final report includes a scathing assessment of Rogers probe, criticizing the number of witnesses to whom it spoke, and calling his conclusion that there were no intelligence failures overly broad. Gowdy also asked when Panetta and former CIA deputy director Michael Morrell joined the firm in an advisory capacity. Morrell and Panetta, himself a former CIA director before he became defense secretary, were both in the administration when the Benghazi attacks occurred. Bash did not return an email seeking comment. Democratic committee aides referred Yahoo News to their Republican counterparts. Republican committee aides did not respond to a request for comment on the issue. The U.S. embassy in Tripoli was not secure either U.S. military assets did not make it to the Benghazi in time to save the four Americans who were killed there: Ambassador Chris Stevens, information management officer Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. But the military dispatched a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, or FAST, to Tripoli to secure the U.S. embassy there. On Sept 13, 2012, a Marine captain leading FAST troops surveyed the embassy compound and found the security conditions there lacking, to say the least. It was referred to as the villas, because they were just that, the officer, whose name is redacted on his deposition, told the committee. They were a series of villas inside of a gated compound. I mean, each villa had a pool. After giving the area a thorough look, the commander assessed the security of that [compound] was extremely poor, according to page 61 of his deposition. The closed-circuit security cameras did not have a full 360-degree view around the compound. It was so easy to get a clear line of sight into the facility from surrounding buildings and natural features that an untrained marksman could easily have wreaked havoc on personnel within, as could a person armed with a mortar. There were gaps in the perimeter wall that people could just walk over and a fence that a child could climb over. The unidentified Marine carried out extensive security improvements, and said that he found the State Department very cooperative. Marines changed into civilian clothes, then uniforms, then back again before deploying The FAST officer testified that his teams departure from Rota, Spain, to Tripoli was delayed because of a debate about whether they should wear uniforms or civilian clothes and whether they should carry weapons. We were told multiple times to change what we were wearing, to change from cammies into civilian attire, civilian attire into cammies, cammies into civilian attire, the officer said, according to page 41 of his deposition. The Marines had civilian clothes with them, and changed aboard their fully loaded aircraft on the tarmac in Spain. Its not clear whether the debate over weapons and uniforms was the cause of the three-hour delay. At another point, a lawyer for committee Democrats asked whether the disagreement over attire affected the Marines ability to complete their mission, and the officer replied, Absolutely not. The FAST team was bound for Tripoli, not Benghazi, and only left Spain after the attacks in Benghazi were over. And its trained to secure a facility, not to rescue hostages. Still the delay could have had a serious impact if the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli had come under attack. Admiral Kurt Tidd, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified that the request for the Marines to be in civilian clothes came from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli. Given the urgency of deploying the FAST team, Tidd said he wanted to make sure that the Marines had civilian clothes with them and that they would not have to go back to their barracks. What I wanted to know is: Is it more important to get them there or to have the signature in civilian clothes? he testified on page 25 of his deposition. As it turned out, it didnt matter, because they had the civilian clothes with them already. Still, the debate appears to have delayed the deployment. The embassy communicated with the State Department in Washington, which spoke to the Pentagon, which contacted the regional AFRICOM that oversees U.S. military forces in the region. You can imagine its about six phone calls to work what do you want? and work your way back through. Andrew Bahl and Susanna Heller in New York City provided additional reporting. July 1 (Reuters) - The following financial services industry appointments were announced on Friday. To inform us of other job changes, email moves@thomsonreuters.com. STANDARD CHARTERED PLC The bank appointed Srinivas Siripurapu regional head of private banking for ASEAN and South Asia region. EVERCORE PARTNERS INC Federico Montero has been named head of Evercore's European real estate portfolio solutions team. TOWERGATE FINANCE PLC The Insurance company appointed Kay Martin as its commercial director. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEPOSIT INSURERS Kumudini Hajra has been made senior policy and research adviser to the International Association of Deposit Insurers. (Compiled by Amrutha Penumudi in Bengaluru) By Alison Williams LONDON (Reuters) - Second seed Garbine Muguruza, gunning to add the Wimbledon crown to her French Open title, was sensationally beaten in the second round on Thursday by a Slovakian qualifier, removing one of the biggest obstacles to Serena Williams defending her title. Jana Cepelova pulled off the shock of the tournament so far, downing the Spaniard 6-3 6-2 in a nerveless Court One display. Spaniard Muguruza, who lost to Williams in last year's final, looked lacklustre and struggled with the accuracy of her powershots that had thrilled the French crowds. "I think my energy was missing a little bit today," she told reporters. "Today during the match, and after the match, I'm like, it's a tough day today. I feel empty a little bit, and I start to be sick. But I think it was a little bit of a combination." Muguruza had laboured in the first round against Italy's Camila Giorgi on Monday, eventually winning through in three sets, but had not lost against a player ranked outside the top 100 since last August on the hardcourts of Cincinnati. However, Cepelova, ranked 124th and having come through three rounds of qualifying, had served notice that she could cause an upset, having a two-two record over top-five players. The 23-year-old brought all the pedigree that helped her down then world number three Simona Halep in the first round last year, racing through the match in 59 minutes. "I like to play on the big courts and today and also last year, my performance on the big court was pretty good. I think I played today well," Cepelova told reporters. She broke Muguruza at the first opportunity, forcing a backhand error, and never looked back, sassing her opponent at the net, outdoing her on the baseline and sealing both sets on the first set points. "I think she played great, with no fear. She was trying a lot of stuff that was working. My energy was not really there. I was trying, but didn't work at all," Muguruza, 22, said. Her defeat removes one of the major challengers to Williams's bid the equal Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 grand slams by lifting the trophy next Saturday. Muguruza had achieved the rare feat of overpowering world Williams to claim her maiden grand slam title on the Paris clay with a 7-5 6-4 win over the world number one and many had thought she could go all the way at Wimbledon. She ruefully dismissed Thursday's defeat as no drama, and the sunny, relaxed demeanour that has won her legions of fans was still in evidence. She scotched suggestions she had buckled under pressure heaped on her after her Paris triumph. "No, not pressure. I think for sure more expectations from other people. But honestly, for me, I just was very clear it was going to be a rough tournament for me after winning a grand slam and coming here. Everybody like looking at me," she said. "One day it's going to go my way, another day no. Hopefully, my consistency will improve and I'll be able to be deep in all the tournaments." (Editing by Ed Osmond) By Irene Klotz CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - NASA's Juno spacecraft hurtled closer toward Jupiter on Friday headed for a July 4 leap into polar orbit around the solar system's largest planet to analyze how it formed and helped set the stage for life on Earth. During a 20-month study, Juno is expected to circle the gas giant in 37 egg-shaped orbits to measure microwaves radiating from inside the planet's thick atmosphere, map its massive magnetic field and conduct other experiments. Scientists are particularly keen to learn how much water Jupiter contains, a key to unlocking the origins of the largest celestial body in the solar system after the sun. Jupiter currently orbits the sun at a distance about five times farther away than Earth, but it may have formed in a different location and migrated, gravitationally elbowing aside other planets along the way. "Something happens that allows a star to be born and then afterwards the planets ... That eventually leads to us," said the mission's lead scientist, Scott Bolton, a space physicist with the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. More than half of the material left over from the formation of the sun 4.6 billion years ago ended up in Jupiter, which has a circumference nearly 11 times bigger than Earth's and is itself orbited by 67 known moons. Jupiter is made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, the two simplest and most abundant elements in the universe, but the planet's enormous mass generates such high pressure that the materials behave in unexpected and unknown ways. "We're working in a new environment," said Frances Bagenal, a planetary scientist with the University of Colorado in Boulder. "We don't know the physics of how things work at these high pressures. The Juno probe is named for the ancient Roman goddess, who was the wife and sister of Jupiter, the mythological king of gods, and had the power to see through clouds. From vantage points as close as 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from the planet's cloud tops, the spacecraft is to not only search for water but assess whether Jupiter possesses a dense core beneath its atmosphere. Story continues "We're about to embark on an incredible journey," Bolton said during a news conference from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Juno, careening toward Jupiter at more than 160,000 miles per hour (25,750 kph), over 200 times the speed of sound, has been programmed to fire its braking rocket at 11:18 p.m. EDT on Monday (0318 GMT on Tuesday) in order to slow its course. The rocket must be precisely positioned and burn for 35 minutes to reduce its speed enough to allow it to be captured by Jupiter's gravity and swing into orbit. "If that doesn't all go just right, we fly past Jupiter," Bolton said. Only one other spacecraft, NASA's Galileo space probe, has orbited Jupiter, circling the planet for eight years before colliding with the gas giant in 2003. The first spacecraft to fly past Jupiter was NASA's Pioneer 10 in 1973. Juno, which will arrive at Jupiter after a journey of five years and nearly 2 billion miles (3.2 billion km), is expected to end its mission as the Galileo probe did, crashing itself into the planet to avoid possible contamination of Jupiter's ocean-bearing moon, Europa, with any microbes carried by the spacecraft. (Editing by Steve Gorman and Sandra Maler) Israeli girl stabbed to death by Palestinian inside bedroom An Israeli girl has been stabbed to death at a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank by a Palestinian. Federal highway safety regulators are investigating the first deadly crash in a self-driving car. Read: Mom Accused of Texting Seconds Before Deadly Crash Acquitted in Death of Daughter, 2 Nieces Joshua Brown, a Navy SEAL, was driving his Tesla vehicle near Gainesville, Florida, when his car slammed into a tractor-trailer on May 7. Brown, 40, served in the fabled SEAL Team Six, the elite unit that killed Osama bin Laden. In a statement, Tesla said: "Neither autopilot, nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied." One question hanging over Brown's death is why it just came to light. Tesla said it had notified federal officials immediately after the crash happened. Read: Watch Granny Freak Out While Driving A Tesla on Autopilot According to several reports, the truck driver said Brown was watching a Harry Potter movie when the crash occurred. But the truck driver told Inside Edition that never happened. Brown, a thrill-seeker, loved the futuristic car's autopilot self-driving feature. He was such a fan that he posted several videos on YouTube of his travels in the car. He even gave it a nickname: "Tessy." He had one close call with his Tesla. It avoided an accident when a truck pulled into his lane. "Tessy did great," he said on his YouTube channel. "I am very impressed." It was the last video he ever posted. Telsa's founder, billionaire Elon Musk, tweeted, "Our condolences for the tragic loss." Car safety expert Lauren Fix warmed of the self-driving technology. It is not a toy, it is not a game, she said. Watch: Bus Driver Saves a 5-Year-Old Boy's Life After Choking on a Penny Related Articles: We're off and running! You're going to see all sorts of rumors on our Player News Page, so it might be a little information overload for those looking just to see what deals are done at a quick glance. If you just want to see the agreements, this is the place for you. Remember, players can't officially sign anything until July 6, but it should be considered as a done deal -- no DeAndre Jordan Emoji Day this year, right? Here are the agreements so far: July 8 11:43 a.m.: Marreese Speights has agreed to a deal with the Clippers for the league minimum. July 7 9:22 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Festus Ezeli has reached an agreement on a two-year, $15 million deal with the Blazers. 7:29 p.m.: The Lakers will re-sign Marcelo Huertas on a two-year deal. July 6 7:40 p.m.: Dwyane Wade has agreed to a two-year, $47.5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. 2:05 p.m.: Nene agreed to a one-year, 2.9 million deal with the Rockets on Wednesday. July 5 7:34 p.m.: Jason Smith will sign a three-year, $16 million deal with the Wizards. 9:40 a.m.: Dirk Nowitzki agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal to stay with the Mavs. July 4 10:07 p.m.: Seth Curry agreed to a deal with the Mavericks on a two-year, $6 million contract. 7:58 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Roy Hibbert agreed to a deal with the Hornets. 7:58 p.m.: Lance Thomas agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks. 7:22 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Zaza Pachulia agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Warriors. 4:45 p.m.: The Knicks will sign Brandon Jennings on a one-year, $5 million deal. 2:52 p.m.: The Mavs and unrestricted free agent Harrison Barnes have agreed to a four-year, $94 million deal. 2:39 p.m.: Pau Gasol agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal with the Spurs. 2:34 p.m.: The Celtics will keep unrestricted free agent Jonas Jerebko on a $5 million deal. 2:21 p.m.: The Hornets agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with unrestricted free agent Ramon Sessions. 2:04 p.m.: The 76ers agreed to terms with Sergio Rodriguez on a one-year, $8 million contract. Story continues 11:40 a.m.: The Warriors and unrestricted free agent Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $54.3 million deal (player option for second year). July 3 (newest on top, all times EDT): 11:08 p.m.: Deron Williams and the Mavericks have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal. 11:02 p.m.: Dwight Powell and the Mavericks have reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth at least $37 million. 8:26 p.m.: The Kings agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with Matt Barnes. 4:47 p.m.: Tomas Satoransky has agreed to a deal with the Wizards. 4:14 p.m.: The Kings and unrestricted free agent Garrett Temple agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal. 3:48 p.m.: The Hawks and Malcolm Delaney agreed to a two-year deal. 12:48 p.m.The Wolves and unrestricted free agent Cole Aldrich agreed on a three-year, $22 million deal. 12:15 p.m.: The Nets will offer restricted free agent Tyler Johnson a four-year, $50 million offer sheet. (Note: WOW. The Heat can match after Johnson signs it on Thursday, but it's unlikely. It will be a massive cap hit in the last two years) 10:58 a.m.: Unrestricted free agent Andrew Nicholson and Wizards agreed to a four-year, $26 million deal. 2:05 a.m.: The Grizzlies agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent James Ennis on a two-year, $6 million deal. July 2: 11:31 p.m: The Clippers and unrestricted free agent Wes Johnson agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal. 8:42 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Eric Gordon has reached a deal with the Rockets on a four-year, $53 million contract. 8:10 p.m.: The Wizards and unrestricted free agent Ian Mahinmi agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal. 8:01 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Austin Rivers will re-sign with the Clippers on a three-year, $35 million-plus deal. 7:45 p.m.: The Knicks and unrestricted free agent Courtney Lee agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal. 7:15 p.m.: Unrestricted free agent Al Horford will sign with the Celtics on a four-year, $113 million deal. 5:56 p.m.: The Kings and unrestricted free agent Anthony Tolliver agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal. 5:37 p.m.: The Hornets and unrestricted free agent Marvin Williams agreed to a four-year, $54.5 million deal. 4:44 p.m.: The Rockets and unrestricted free agent Ryan Anderson agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal. 4:01 p.m.: The Nets and unrestricted free agent Trevor Booker agreed on a two-year, $18 million deal. 3:12 p.m.: The Magic and unrestricted free agent Bismack Biyombo agreed on a four-year, $72 million deal. 2:52 p.m.: The Kings and unrestricted free agent Arron Afflalo agreed to a two-year, $25 million deal. 1:53 p.m.: The Pistons and unrestricted free agent Jon Leuer agreed to a four-year, $42 million deal. 8:18 a.m.: The Lakers and unrestricted free agent Luol Deng agreed on a four-year, $72 million deal. 12:51 a.m. The Jazz and unrestricted free agent Joe Johnson agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal. July 1: 10:48 p.m.: The Hawks and unrestricted free agent Kent Bazemore agreed on a four-year, $70 million deal. 10:41 p.m.: The Knicks and unrestricted free agent Joakim Noah agreed on a four-year, $72 million deal. 10:15 p.m.: The Suns and unrestricted free agent Jared Dudley agreed on a three-year, $30 million deal. 10:07 p.m.: The Pelicans and unrestricted free agent E'Twaun Moore agreed to a four-year, $34 million deal. 8:30 p.m.: The Nets and free agent Justin Hamilton agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal. 6:57 p.m.: The Grizzlies and unrestricted free agent Mike Conley agreed to a max five-year, $153 million deal. 6:38 p.m.: The Hawks and unrestricted free agent Dwight Howard agreed to a three-year, $70.5 million deal. 6:34 p.m.: The Magic and unrestricted free agent Jeff Green agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal. 6:30 p.m.: The Nuggets and unrestricted free agent Darrell Arthur agreed to a three-year, $23 million deal. 4:15 p.m.: The Pelicans and unrestricted free agent Solomon Hill agreed on a four-year, $52 million deal. 3:52 p.m.: The Bucks and restricted free agent Matthew Dellavedova agreed on a four-year, $39 million deal (Note: Cavs will have three days to match after Dellavedova signs the offer sheet; LeBron James already tweeted "Good luck in Milwaukee!") 3:25 p.m.: Restricted free agent Evan Fournier received a five-year, $85 million extension to stay with the Magic. 3:25 p.m.: The Blazers and unrestricted free agent Evan Turner agreed on a four-year, $70 million deal. 3:19 p.m.: The Grizzlies and Chandler Parsons agreed to a four-year, $94 million max deal. 3:02 p.m.: The Bucks and unrestricted free agent Mirza Teletovic agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal. 2:05 p.m.: The 76ers and unrestricted free agent Jerryd Bayless agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal. 12:29 p.m.: The Pacers and unrestricted free agent Al Jefferson agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal (Note: Exact terms still being discussed). 10:49 a.m.: The Wizards and restricted free agent Bradley Beal agreed to a five-year, $130 million deal. 10:04 a.m.: The Nets and unrestricted free agent Jeremy Lin agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal. 9:10 a.m.: The Heat and unrestricted free agent Hassan Whiteside agreed to a four-year, $98 million deal (Note: Terms may change with Heat looking to sign additional players, per Ethan Skolnick of the Miami Herald). 4:20 a.m.: The Pistons and restricted free agent Andre Drummond agreed to a five-year, $130 million deal. 4:05 a.m.: The Hornets and unrestricted free agent Nicolas Batum agreed to a five-year, $120 million deal. 3:58 a.m.: The Lakers and restricted free agent Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal. 3:53 a.m.: The Magic and unrestricted free agent D.J. Augustin agreed to a four-year, $29 million deal. 3:34 a.m.: The Pistons and unrestricted free agent Ish Smith agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal. 2:05 a.m.: The Raptors and unrestricted free agent DeMar DeRozan agreed to a five-year deal worth at least $139 million. 1:15 a.m.: The Lakers and unrestricted free agent Timofey Mozgov agreed to a four-year, $65 million deal. Getty Image Simple systems of government can be deeply appealing, especially when people arent really feeling the system of government theyre currently working with. And Neil DeGrasse Tyson has just proposed a new form of government, which is deeply appealing to rational people: Policy will be based on evidence. But there are a few problems. What Is Rationalia? Really, Tyson summed it up best himself: Earth needs a virtual country: #Rationalia, with a one-line Constitution: All policy shall be based on the weight of evidence Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) June 29, 2016 In other words, if you want to pass any sort of policy, it has to have real scientific evidence behind it. And this would seem, at first, appealing. Instead of arguing relentlessly, politicians would have to prove their statements. Theyd have to use science to do it! And whats more rational, considered, and careful than science? Nothing, when its done by robots. Unfortunately, science is done by humans, frail, messy, complicated humans, and that in turn makes science frail, messy, and complicated. In fact, if you want to see just how bad rational policy can get, all you really have to do is look at the past mistakes of science, and the sometimes horrific uses politicians have put it to. Science Is Supposed To Get It Wrong In the 1700s, if you asked a rational man how things burn, hed carefully explain that burning things are full of phlogiston. That theory would endure for a century before being debunked. Right around the time phlogiston was being disproved, Franz Joseph Gall, a German doctor, was developing the theory of phrenology, which boils down to figuring out whats wrong with a persons brain by feeling the bumps on their heads. Its worth noting that both of these theories were credible at the time because they best explained what we were observing. Once we discovered oxygen and its properties, scientists accepted phlogiston was a crock, and as neuroscience developed, phrenology was quietly set aside. Frankly, screwing up is an accepted, even celebrated, part of science. Two classical physicists, in the early 1900s, helped discover quantum physics by making a mistake. The man who theorized the existence of Pluto, Percival Lowell, got all the astronomy and physics wrong, but turned out to be right anyway. Story continues The simple fact of the matter is that science is messy. In fact, science is supposed to be messy. Scientists are constantly correcting each other, checking each others results, and holding each other accountable. Little, if anything, is settled in science, and that makes it a poor foundation for policy. Any laws based on science would have to be just as constantly reviewed, questioned, and analyzed as science itself. Every conviction, every regulation, every decision would go under the scrutiny of lawyers. And this assumes the science in question would be objective and not carefully chosen to support what a few people want. Science Can Be Misused Since the turn of the century, scientists have been, more and more, raising concerns about the politicization of science. The Bush Administration was repeatedly accused, from within and without, of cherry-picking the results they wanted to hear and ignoring the rest. Furthermore, this assumes the scientists themselves are honest. There are plenty of occasions where theyre not, and they rely on the ignorance of the general public and politicians to give them cover and, in more than a few cases, make them rich. Even if scientists are completely honest, they can still get it wrong and that error can take on a life of its own. The man who spawned the anti-gluten fad has disproven his own research, but youll notice people still think gluten is dangerous. Whenever some dude calls himself an alpha male, hes referring to the research of L. David Mech, who has since determined he got it wrong and has pleaded with his publisher to take his claims off bookstore shelves to no avail. Science Is A Starting Point, Not An End None of this is to say that well-executed, peer-reviewed science shouldnt be involved in policymaking. Politicians should call on scientists more and listen closely to what they have to say in issues where its relevant. But at the same time, we need to remember that new tools, new theories, and new ways of thinking can change what we know to be true in science in a heartbeat. Science is not stone, but ever-shifting sand, and if a branch of science collapses, scientists just take what they need from the wreckage and start building again. Government, though, holds the lives of the governed in its hands, and when lives are at stake? You build on stone. A Nevada man has been charged with neglect in connection with the June death of his autistic adult daughter, who he allegedly left in a hot RV without power or running water alongside her autistic twin sister, PEOPLE confirms. Roger Killam, 52, allegedly left 25-year-old twin daughters Tammara and Brooke Killam in his RV in Clark County on June 21, as punishment for them going through the his girlfriend's belongings, according to an arrest report obtained by PEOPLE. Roger allegedly gave the women nothing but bread and water to eat and allegedly gave them a large bucket for a toilet, Brooke told police, according to the report. The Clark County Coroner's Office said the temperature inside the RV was 108 degrees that Tuesday and Tammara's body temperature was 105 degrees, according to the report. It was not immediately clear if Roger allegedly allowed his daughters to leave the RV, or for how long if so. Roger allegedly rented a room in a nearby hotel with his girlfriend so they could have privacy, according to the report. Brooke who officers said appeared to have diminished mental capacity said she woke up that Tuesday and found Tammara unconscious on the bathroom floor about 9 a.m. local time, according to the report. Tammara was pronounced dead at the scene. (It was not immediately clear how much mental capacity Tammara had.) 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. Because she had no minutes on her cell phone, Brooke did not call for help, she told authorities, according to the report. Help was not summoned until their father and his girlfriend returned to the RV about 10:30 a.m. When questioned by authorities, Roger allegedly said he takes good care of his daughters, and that they know to dial 911 in an emergency, according to the report. He allegedly asked if the line of questioning was "a witch hunt." Brooke, who allegedly told authorities she hadn't showered in a week, was taken to the hospital with severe dehydration, according to the report. Tammara allegedly appeared as if she hadn't bathed for weeks, according to the report. Lawyer: Gillam is 'Distraught' and 'Loves His Daughters' Killam is charged with one count of neglect resulting in death for Tammara and one count of neglect resulting in substantial bodily harm for Brooke. Roger is in custody and bail has been set at $600,000, a spokesperson for the Clark County District Attorney tells PEOPLE. His lawyer, special public defender Joseph Abood, says Killam will plead not guilty to all the charges. "He's distraught he loves his daughters," Abood tells PEOPLE. He says that Killam "has spent most of his adult life taking care of these kids." "There was no pattern of neglect over time. This sounds like an unfortunate situation to me," Abood says. "And quite frankly, not everybody can afford to have an A.C. on their motor home that's working all the time." The most recently discovered extinct human species may have lived less than 1 million years ago, researchers have discovered. This finding suggests that a diverse range of human species might have lived at the same time in Africa, just as they might have in Asia, researchers said. In 2015, scientists reported South African fossils of a hitherto-unknown relative of modern humans that possessed an unusual mix of features, such as feet adapted for a life on the ground but hands suited for a life in the trees. The fossil's discoverers named the species Homo naledi, and noted that although the early human had a brain about the size of an orange, these humans may have performed ritual burials of their dead. [See Images of Homo Naledi Discoveries] Frustratingly, the age of H. naledi remains unknown. "This has been one of the biggest points of consternation for other researchers," said study co-author Mark Collard, a biological anthropologist at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Since scientists don't know when H. naledi lived, it's difficult to determine how exactly the species fits into the family tree of hominins, those species composed of humans and their close relatives. Given some of H. naledi's primitive, ape-like features, some researchers argued that the species might not be a member of the human lineage Homo, but might have belonged to Australopithecus, the most likely ancestors of humans. Dating H. naledi fossils To deduce the age of H. naledi and the species' relationships to other hominins, Collard and his colleagues developed a computer model analyzing skull, jaw and tooth features of both early and late hominins. For instance, the model includes Homo erectus, the most likely ancestor of modern humans, Homo sapiens. The new model suggests "that the new species, H. naledi, is most closely related to the existing species of genus Homo and the recently discovered South African australopith species Australopithecus sediba, but the data do not allow us to determine which of the species within that group H. naledi is most closely related to," Collard said. Story continues The new model also suggests that H. naledi fossils were about 912,000 years old. For comparison, prior work suggested that modern humans arose on Earth about 200,000 years ago. "The date is surprising, because it's relatively young. Given the small brain size and other primitive characteristics of H. naledi, I think most researchers have assumed that it is considerably older than 900,000 years old," Collard said. This age estimate suggests that H. naledi was a member of Homo and not Australopithecus, the scientists said. The timing also suggests H. naledi fossils were not just unusual specimens of H. erectus, but their own species, the researchers added. Hominin diversity Collard said he expected this new age estimate would draw a lot of skepticism from other scientists. "Their skepticism will be entirely understandable," he said. "Even now, I remain a bit skeptical about it. I think it's well-enough supported to put it out there, but I'm not about to bet my house on it. That said, I think it's worth the field pondering the implications for our understanding of human evolution if the age estimate is about right and H. naledi is around a million years old." For instance, these findings suggest that small-brained human species such as H. naledi may have lived at the same time as larger-brained human species in Africa such as H. erectus. Similarly, recent studies have suggested that small-brained human species such as the "hobbit" Homo. floresiensis and larger-brained human species such as H. erectus and H. sapiens lived contemporaneously in Asia. "One of the questions the possibility of such diversity raises is, 'Who made the stone tools we find in those parts of the Old World where we've got evidence for multiple species of Homo?'" Collard said. "I don't think we can assume that it was just the large-brained Homo species necessarily." In the future, the researchers hope to extend their model to more than just the skulls of hominins, Collard said. This may help better pinpoint which hominin species H. naledi is most closely related to. The scientists detailed their findings in the August issue of the Journal of Human Evolution. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Newmont Mining Corporation NEM and PT Amman Mineral Internasional (PT AMI) have entered into a binding share sale and purchase agreement. The agreement is for the sale of Newmonts interest in PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (PTNNT), which operates the Batu Hijau copper and gold mine in Indonesia. Newmont will sell its 48.5% stake in PTNNT for $1.3 billion. While $920 million from this will be paid in cash at the closing of the deal, the remaining $403 million is tied to the metal price upside and development of the Elang copper reserve. Nusa Tenggara Mining Corporation, majority owned by Sumitomo Corporation, has also agreed to sell its stake to PT AMI. Newmont has taken this decision to lower its debt and create shareholder value by funding highest margin projects. The deal is expected to conclude in the third quarter post regulatory approvals and fulfillment of other conditions. Some of the conditions to be considered include the governments consent over the transfer of PTNNT shares, a valid export license at the time of closing, simultaneous conclusion of PT Multi Daerah Bersaings (PTMDB) sale of its 24% stake to buyers, the decision regarding certain tax-related concerns, and the lack of any material event that could negatively impact the future value of Batu Hijau. PT AMI has a significant presence in the oil, mining as well as finance industry in Indonesia. Newmonts management is confident in the ability of the PT AMI team to operate the mine successfully with the help of the Batu Hijau teams expertise. NEWMONT MINING Price NEWMONT MINING Price | NEWMONT MINING Quote Shares of Newmont rose 4.1% in the trading session on Thursday, closing the day 3.8% higher at $39.12. Newmont recorded adjusted earnings of 34 cents per share in first-quarter 2016, down 26.1% year over year due to low realized prices of gold and copper. However, revenues increased 3% from the prior-year quarter to $2,032 million. Both figures beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. At the end of the reported quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $2,461 million and debt of $5,369 million, both lower by roughly 5.3% and 13.7%, respectively, year over year. Story continues Newmont saw higher production of gold as well as copper in the first quarter. Newmont sees attributable copper production in the range of 120,000160,000 tons in 2016 and 2017. Newmont currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked companies in the mining space include B2Gold Corp. BTG and Sandstorm Gold Ltd. SAND, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and IAMGOLD Corp. IAG, holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 NEWMONT MINING (NEM): Free Stock Analysis Report IAMGOLD CORP (IAG): Free Stock Analysis Report SANDSTORM GOLD (SAND): Free Stock Analysis Report B2GOLD CORP (BTG): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research (Reuters) - Brazilian striker Neymar has extended his contract with Barcelona until June 2021, the Catalan club said in a statement on Friday. The 24-year-old has a buyout clause of 200 million euros ($222.4 million) for the first year of his contract, 222 million euros for the second, and 250 million euros for the remaining three years. Neymar, who joined Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos in 2013, scored 31 goals in all competitions last season to help Barcelona win the La Liga title. ($1 = 0.8994 euros) (Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond) Jeep knocks down elderly A man was killed when a Bolero jeep hit him at Madhyapur Thimi in Bhaktapur on Wednesday night. ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged community leaders from the Niger Delta to pacify people in the restive southern region, which has been hit by a series of attacks on oil and gas facilities in the last few months. Nigeria, an OPEC member which was until recently Africa's biggest oil producer, relies on crude sales for around 70 percent of national income. Most of its oil comes from the impoverished swampland Delta region. Militants, whose attacks pushed oil production to 30-year lows in recent weeks, have called for a greater share of the country's oil wealth to be passed on to the region's communities and for authorities to clean up areas blighted by oil spills. "When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people," Buhari told a delegation of community leaders at his residence in the capital, Abuja, adding that he wanted "as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta". "We intend to rebuild this country," said Buhari. "A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient." Comments made to the group during the meeting, which lasted around an hour, were detailed in an emailed statement issued by the presidency titled "We'll rebuild the Niger Delta". Earlier this month it was announced that the government's military campaign in the Delta would be scaled down, after having been built up a few weeks earlier, to pursue talks with militants. Last week petroleum ministry sources said a month-long truce had been agreed with militants but the Niger Delta Avengers, who have claimed responsibility for most attacks, later said they did not "remember" agreeing to a ceasefire. However, the Avengers have not carried out an attack since June 16. Following Thursday's meeting, Buhari's spokesman Femi Adesina said an amnesty agreed in 2009 to end a previous insurgency was "being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled". If there were any outstanding issues, these would be addressed, he said. The president angered former militants earlier this year when he cut the budget assigned to the amnesty programme, which offered militants cash and job training in exchange for stopping attacks, by two-thirds. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Editing by Mark Trevelyan; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram) An Afghan man reads a local newspaper on May 25 with photos of the former leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo: Rahmat Gul/AP) Gingerly pulling back the curtain on one of President Obamas most controversial national security policies, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper disclosed on Friday that as many as 116 civilians have died in U.S. drone strikes or manned air attacks since January 2009. The president believes that our counterterrorism strategy is more effective and has more credibility when were as transparent as possible, White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily briefing. There will be a little bit of negative press coverage in the short term, but over the long term it will build the kind of credibility that is critical to the ongoing success of these efforts. There were sizable gaps in the government data, which covered only strikes outside areas of active hostilities away from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria from Jan. 20, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2015. The bulk of drone strikes have fallen on remote tribal regions of Pakistan that have long sheltered extremists, but Obama has also bombed places like Yemen, Libya and Somalia. Independent estimates of civilian casualties from U.S. strikes in those theaters have ranged between 200 and 1,000. Most notably, the figures released Friday were not broken down by year or by country, making it impossible to determine whether civilians are dying in greater or fewer numbers. Aides to Obama had previously said that diplomatic sensitivities like concerns about fueling anti-American sentiment in Pakistan would shape the disclosure. Officials said the United States compensates victims or their families when doing so is feasible, but they did not say how many times this has happened, estimate a total dollar figure or say what dollar value the government places on an individual human life. And the timing of the release Friday afternoon, before the long, Fourth of July holiday weekend, halfway through Obamas final year in office sent rather a different signal about transparency than the one broadcast by top presidential aides. Story continues Clappers figures showed that U.S. forces carried out 473 strikes outside war zones, killing between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants and 64 to 116 civilians. The data seemed designed to shore up Obamas contention that the drone program has been effective while playing down deaths of noncombatants, which erode support for the United States in key countries. We are accepting responsibility, a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call, which was held on condition that he not be named. We feel its important to accept responsibility, and any time we inadvertently cause the death of a civilian, it is something we deeply regret. The White House also released an executive order, signed by Obama, requiring federal agencies to work together to minimize civilian casualties. The disclosure came more than three years after the president promised in a speech at the National Defense University that he would bring greater transparency to his national security strategies and would work to get the United States off a permanent war footing. (Yahoo News assessed his promises, including those about drones, in May.) In his 2013 remarks, Obama said this of civilian casualties: For me, and those in my chain of command, those deaths will haunt us as long as we live, just as we are haunted by the civilian casualties that have occurred throughout conventional fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. But he also justified his decisions. As commander in chief, I must weigh these heartbreaking tragedies against the alternatives. To do nothing in the face of terrorist networks would invite far more civilian casualties, he said. So doing nothing is not an option. Still, as Yahoo News noted in May, Obamas very first experience with a drone strike rattled him. Four days into his presidency, the CIA was targeting al-Qaida and Taliban commanders in South Waziristan along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. But the strike went badly awry, killing an innocent tribal elder and several members of his family. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email use is being handled completely independently of the White House and President Barack Obama, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Friday. Obama and the White House were "not at all involved" in the decision announced by Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Friday that she would accept the Justice Department's findings on the investigation, Earnest told a daily news briefing. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; Writing by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) By Ayesha Rascoe WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday said Congress must end its deadlock on funding to combat the Zika virus before lawmakers head out to recess later this summer. "The good news is we feel fairly confident that we can develop an effective vaccine for Zika," Obama said after a meeting with U.S. health officials in the Oval Office. "The problem is right now that money is stuck in Congress." Obama met with the heads of the Health and Human Services Department, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the nation's response to the mosquito-borne virus. Earlier this week, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican proposal to provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat Zika. Democrats and the White House said the plan fell short of Obama's $1.9 billion funding request and included measures that would take funds from other important health initiatives. "We have not seen the House (of Representatives) and Senate come together in a sensible way to put forward the dollars that we have requested to get the job done," Obama said. "I expect Congress to get this funding done before they adjourn, as part of their basic responsibility." U.S. lawmakers typically go on recess in August to go campaign for re-election in their home districts. Following the deadlock, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have accused each other of playing politics with the health crisis. Zika has caused concern throughout the Americas due to an alarming rise in cases of the birth defect known as microcephaly and other severe fetal brain abnormalities linked to the virus reported in Brazil, the country hardest hit by the outbreak. Infants with microcephaly tend to have abnormally small heads and may experience potentially disabling developmental problems. While Obama said there have not been any cases reported of local transmission of the virus in the continental United States, he said the nation is home to mosquitoes that carry the virus. "It is absolutely critical for the United States government, working in concert with other governments in the hemisphere, to be pushing hard right now to get this situation under control," Obama said. As of June 23, there have been seven babies born in the United States with microcephaly or other Zika-related birth defects such as serious brain abnormalities, and five lost pregnancies from either miscarriage, stillbirth or termination. (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Jonathan Oatis) Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Thursday signed into law a bipartisan bill allowing Puerto Rico to restructure its $70 billion debt, just one day before the island would have careened into default. Obama signed the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), which establishes a financial control board to restore fiscal discipline on the island. It also blocks potential litigation between the island and its creditors. Puerto Rico already had missed several payment deadlines and the signing came just hours before the island was expected to default on some $2 billion in debt payments due Friday. "We've got millions of our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico who have been suffering under one of the worst financial crises, fiscal crises in memory," Obama said at a White House signing ceremony. The president added that the measure, while "not a perfect bill, at least moves us in the right direction." As a result of its economic crisis, "you've seen hospitals unable to operate, ambulances shutting down, basic services shutting down, and government workers not being paid. It has brought enormous hardship to Puerto Rico," Obama said. Lawmakers spent weeks debating the rescue package for the US territory, which has been locked in recession for more than a decade. Increasingly unable to service its debt, Puerto Rico is blocked by US law from getting formal bankruptcy protection, which would allow a court to force creditors to write off large amounts of its debt. Critics however condemn the measure for imposing "colonial"-style restrictions on the island, and draconian austerity measures including rollbacks of minimum wage and overtime protections. Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama urged Congress Friday to advance $1.9 billion in emergency funds to fight the Zika virus, saying Republicans should set aside politics to tackle the fast-moving disease. "This is not the time to play politics," Obama said in remarks delivered in the White House Oval Office following a meeting with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases chief Anthony Fauci and other officials. "Congress should not leave, should not adjourn, until they get this done," he added ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika, which is actively spreading in about 50 countries and territories, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Experts have warned the continental United States will likely see mosquito-borne transmission this summer. "The good news is we feel fairly confident that we can develop an effective vaccine for Zika," Obama added. The Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. On Tuesday, Florida reported its first case of a baby born with microcephaly after the child's mother, a Haitian citizen, was infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes but can also be spread by sexual contact. Four infants have been born with birth defects related to the Zika virus in the United States, including in Hawaii and New Jersey, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have also been four US pregnancy losses involving Zika, and one in the US territory of Puerto Rico, the agency said, without offering details on whether the cases involved miscarriage or abortion. Karnali Tourism Entrepreneurs Society formed Entrepreneurs from the Karnali region have announced formation Karnali Tourism Entrepreneurs Society amidst a ceremony in Kathmandu. Olivia de Havilland in To Each His Own (Everett) Olivia de Havilland, one of the last living links to Hollywoods golden age, turns 100 on July 1. Like Napoleon, she is a diminutive giant born to conquer. Rather than invade and occupy nations, the doe-eyed brunette with the plummy contralto annexed hearts and minds. In the screen roles of Maid Marian in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Melanie in Gone With the Wind (1939), her chief weapons were beauty and conviction. While she would win Academy Awards as the unwed mother in To Each His Own (1946) and the eponymous spinster in The Heiress (1949), de Havillands real-life 1944 lawsuit against Warner Bros may have had a more lasting impact. Talk about conviction. The actress maintained that she had fulfilled her seven-year contract signed in 1936. The studio argued that seven years included only her time before the cameras not the months she was on suspension for rejecting insubstantial parts. De Havilland called it peonage. On Feb. 3, 1945 the California Supreme Court agreed. Not only did winning the suit liberate the actress to choose the roles that earned her kudos and cinematic immortality the De Havilland Law also protected future actors and musicians from being treated like corporate assets. While I admire her activism, the quality I admire most about de Havilland is nuance. Though most of her films are black-and-white, she projects a color spectrum of emotion and intelligence. In an era when females on screen either were prudes or whores, her virtuous characters, like Melanie in GWTW and Emmy Brown, the schoolteacher in Hold Back the Dawn (1941) radiate honor, not prissiness. De Havilland and Montgomery Clift in The Heiress (Everett) I also admire that she cared more about character than costume. The type of thing I was looking for, the other ladies wouldnt have played, she once said. De Havilland was secure enough in her looks that she often played unglamorous and ended up looking radiantly natural next to her made-up costars. As the freethinking plain Jane to glamor-puss Rita Hayworth in Strawberry Blonde (1941), the frowzy mental patient in The Snake Pit (1948), and the dowdy daughter in The Heiress, she didnt allow decorations to distract from her performance. I dont remember what she wore, but I remember those women. Story continues Movie careers, especially those of actresses, tend to be short, but de Havilland was active on screen for more than 50 years, evolving from the dewy Hermia in A Midsummer Nights Dream (1935, made when she was 18) to the doughty Queen Mum in the TV movie The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana (1982). (If youre curious, you can see the full evolution on Turner Classic Movies, where shes the star of the month for July.) In 1998, in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of Gone with the Wind, I was fortunate to interview de Havilland for The Philadelphia Inquirer. With the exception of her sister, the late actress Joan Fontaine (the two were famously estranged), its hard to think of another screen star that aged so gracefully. De Havillands spun-silver hair was like a halo over impish eyes and apple cheeks. De Havilland and Errol Flynn in The Adventures of Robin Hood (Everett) The stories she could tell! Alas, the onetime intimate of Howard Hughes, James Stewart and John Huston (she liked them tall, skinny, and smart) is the soul of discretion. She married twice, once to novelist Marcus Goodrich (they divorced in 1953) and a second time to French journalist Pierre Galante (they divorced in 1979). Since 1955, de Havilland has lived in Paris, where she wrote her droll 1962 memoir Every Frenchman Has One. In honor of her centenary, the book has been reissued with a new afterward from the author in which she said that 60 years in France have taught her the importance of tact, restraint and subtlety. On that score, I think de Havilland gives far too much credit to her years in France. In every screen performance shes given since she was a teenager, shes exhibited those traits in abundance. Watch her make a grand Oscar entrance in 2003: A (very brief) de Havilland screening guide: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) It has action, adventure and romance, and the dashing Errol Flynn and the incandescent de Havilland. Offscreen, the leads were besotted with each other. Alas, Flynn was married. As she told it, to get her attention he snuck into her dressing room and put a dead snake in her underdrawers. That was the only way he would ever get into my pantalets, she said with a mischievous smile. (Available on iTunes) Hold Back the Dawn (1941) One of the great romances. Charles Boyer, a Romanian gigolo, is in a Mexican bordertown, hoping to emigrate to the U.S. He is enmeshed with old pal Paulette Goddard who urges him to marry an American to get citizenship, as she has. He meets unsuspecting schoolteacher de Havilland, cynically professes his love and then something shocking happens. (Airing on TCM July 22 at 1:45 a.m.) To Each His Own (1946) During World War I, de Havilland falls for an aviator who dies before she learns she is pregnant. A scheme to give birth and adopt the baby backfires, leaving a hole in her heart. She becomes a successful businesswoman. During World War II, she tells her story to a stranger in a London bomb shelterand then something shocking happens. (Airing on TCM July 15 at 12:15 a.m.) The Heiress (1949) and My Cousin Rachel (1952) Two great literary adaptations, the former of Henry James Washington Square in which de Havilland plays a drab woman without mystery, the latter of Daphne Du Mauriers gothic novel, in which de Havilland plays a woman of mystery. She exquisitely underplays them both. (The Heiress: available on DVD and airing on TCM July 15 at 10 p.m.; My Cousin Rachel: available on Google Play) Watch her collect her Oscar in 1950: Matt and Jessica Johnson were the typical American couple until they sold their house and cars, hunkered down for three years to save $100,000, and then quit their jobs to sail around the world on an extended vacation. For the past four years, they have spent most of their time on a sailboat traveling to places like Peru, Guatemala and the Virgin Islands. The couple says anyone can do what they're doing. "You don't have to be special; you don't have to be rich," Matt said in a video he shared with CNBC. "I really want to show people that you can live an adventure. You can live a life that's a little different." Before trading dry land for the open water, the Michigan-based couple had an annual income of approximately $125,000. Matt was working at a local car dealership and Jessica at an insurance company. "We started saving for this trip as soon as we decided it was something we'd like to do, back in early 2009," Jessica told CNBC in an email. The couple sold their house and cars and moved back in with Matt's parents. They spent a total of three and a half years there to save up approximately $100,000. They cast off in August 2012, with a Sabre 34 Targa and a budget to spend about $25,000 per year. Other than one temporary gig teaching sailing lessons and another helping to deliver a boat, the duo hasn't worked since 2012. They've lived almost exclusively on their savings. "We did not have any other kind of financial net such as a trust fund or inheritance," Matt told CNBC in an email. "We've just been able to live a very frugal life since we began saving, and also as we continue to travel." Their next stop? The Arctic Circle. Currently, they are in Florida while their new boat, a Trisalu 37 built in Quebec, gets fitted for the long trip. They expect to set sail again in four months. "Really anyone can take on this lifestyle if you just have the drive and determination and a little common sense," Jessica said. Story continues "There's really nothing to stop you from just throwing off the lines and sailing to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world." More From CNBC From Road & Track All of AMG's engines are special by their hand-built nature, but some are more special than others. Namely, a the 6.2-liter V8 used in the AMG GT3 race caryes, a version of the same motor used in the old SLS AMGand the 6.0-liter V12 that goes in the Pagani Huayra. These ultra-limited production engines are put together in this small corner of the factory by a team of only four mechanics. It looks unassuming in pictures, but this small space is where some of the greatest engines in the world are built. On a trip to Europe with Mercedes-Benz, I had the opportunity to tour AMG's facilities at Affalterbach, and it's as much an industrial altar to the gods of speed as you think it is. Where the rest of Mercedes has a reputation for being conservative, AMG is where everyone lets their hair down, as it were. The entire factory where AMG's mighty engines are built by hand is impressive, but this section is truly special. Every mechanic in Germany goes through three years of apprenticeship before two months of additional training if they're hired by AMG, but just four employees get to build these ultra-limited production motors. Two are trained to build the Huayra engine, and three build the GT3 engine. The man pictured working here is Michael Kubler who's the only AMG mechanic who builds both. This arguably makes him one of, if not the most important person in AMG's Affalterbach factory. Everything about these two engines is unique within the world of AMG, both in their rarity, and all of the extra time it requires to build each. Where it takes only a few hours to build the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the C63 and the AMG GT, it takes around two and a half days to build the AMG GT3's engine. Since it's installed in a real-deal GT3 race car, every single detail needs to be reported back to the FIA with exact detail, lest their be any suspicions of cheating. Patience is a requirement here. Story continues Unlike the GT3's engine, it only takes around a single day to build the engine in the Huayra, but seeing one on the workbench is an event in and of itself, since Huayra production is so limited. Interestingly, AMG recently decided to outsource V12 production to a Mercedes factory up the road because it was too busy building V8s, but the Huayra's V12 is the sole exception. Currently, Kubler and his colleagues are cranking out GT3 engines at a rate of around six per week, but it seems that Huayra engine production is waiting to ramp up once again when the specifications of the hardcore Huayra BC are finalized. When I spoke to Pagani representatives at the BC's U.S. unveiling in New York this spring, they said to expect 800 horsepower. Or more. What's striking about this small piece of real estate in AMG's factory is how uninteresting it appears at first glance. It seems no different from the rest of AMG's relatively small assembly line, but it is. Unless someone told you what was built here, you'd be none the wiser. By Randi Belisomo (Reuters Health) If you have an advance directive that cherry-picks the interventions you want to receive if your heart suddenly stops, you might want to rethink your choices, according to physicians writing in JAMA Internal Medicine. As patients and families increasingly recognize the value of specifying their wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate, they need to better understand the implications of their decisions, the doctors say. People who prepare for the possibility of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by specifying selected options - everything but intubation or everything but defibrillation dont realize what that can mean, they warn. Dr. Paul Rousseau of the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina describes a 77-year-old man with advanced cancer whose code status that is, the orders in his chart for how he was to be managed if his heart stopped called for a partial code, with no intubation. So while doctors were able to restart his heart, they couldnt place a breathing tube in his lungs per his written wish. Without the breathing tube, he didnt get enough oxygen, and as a result, he suffered severe brain damage. He remained comatose in the intensive care unit for another two weeks before he died. Delivery of selected options during CPR attempts is a troublesome and increasingly frequent preference that often stems from good intentions among families balancing desires to save a life and limit suffering, Rousseau wrote in his paper. Many staff, Rousseau recounts, felt that despite honoring this patients advance directive, they had actually harmed him. Others worried that the patient had not understood the likely outcomes. You do everything you can to return functioning, or you dont, Rousseau told Reuters Health. If you are a baker and not using the main ingredient, the food will not come out okay. Rosseau would like to see partial codes banned. When patients survive, it can often portend messy and emotional futures for families as well as physicians, not to mention financial repercussions for hospitals, he said. In a separate paper, Dr. Josue Zapata and Dr. Eric Widera, both from the University of California, San Francisco, say partial codes are symptomatic of communication failures. A partial code likely represents a partial understanding by a patient or a partial assessment of their priorities by a provider, they write. Zapata and Widera advise doctors to ask patients what they hope their treatments will achieve. Providing a list of choices may in itself be misleading in that a patient may falsely believe that if a given intervention is offered as an option by a presumably expert and well-intentioned physician, there must be at least some sort of benefit, they say. Outcomes after partial codes in hospitals are hard to study; scant research exists. Large-scale studies show that after a full-out resuscitation effort, including intubation, 17 percent of patients live long enough to be discharged from the hospital, according to Zapata and Widera. For patients with advanced cancer, that rate is probably no higher than 5 percent. Bioethicist Craig Klugman from DePaul University in Chicago agrees that partial codes should not be offered. There are many times in medicine when one thing requires a second thing, and to separate them undermines the chance of benefit, Klugman told Reuters Health. To offer a choose your own adventure procedure violates the oath to do no harm. But Dr. Patrick Cullinan, former medical director of an intensive care unit in San Antonio, Texas, disagrees. Cullinan told Reuters Health that when patients request a partial code without intubation, he often uses either bag masks or BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure), which are noninvasive breathing therapies, instead of intubation. Partial DNRs (Do Not Resuscitate orders) are helpful in allowing families to feel empowered and have some input, Cullinan said. Those staunchly all or nothing dont understand subtleties in providing the most compassionate and appropriate care. By placing an unwanted tube, you steal their last opportunity to talk to their family, to tell them I love you. Dr. Melissa Bregger, a chief internal medicine resident at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago who has extensively studied CPR and advanced life support, says that while little data exists, emerging research showing improved outcomes using bag masks instead of intubation is somewhat promising. Among critically ill patients, however, not much evidence supports noninvasive measures. It depends on what caused the code, and thats one of the hardest things to figure out during a code, Bregger told Reuters Health. If patients code due to dangerous heart rhythms, partial codes may prove as effective as full efforts. However, such patients would be unlikely to have participated in planning discussions to request limited measures. Its a really hard question, she said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/298pjNp and http://bit.ly/295q3Dj JAMA Internal Medicine, online June 13, 2016. By Dan Levine SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A California jury ordered Oracle Corp to pay Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co $3 billion in damages in a case over HP's Itanium servers, an Oracle spokeswoman said on Thursday. Oracle said it would appeal the verdict. The Itaniuum processor is made by Intel Inc . Oracle decided to stop developing software for use with HP's Itanium-based servers in 2011, saying that Intel made it clear that the chip was nearing the end of its life and was shifting its focus to its x86 microprocessor. But HP said it had an agreement with Oracle that support for Itanium would continue, without which the equipment using the chip would become obsolete. In the first phase of trial in 2012, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg ruled that there had been a contract. The jury on Thursday decided damages. "HP is gratified by the jury's verdict, which affirms what HP has always known and the evidence overwhelmingly showed," John Schultz, executive vice president and general counsel of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, said in an e-mailed statement, saying that Oracle's decision to stop the software development "was a clear breach of contract." In a statement, Oracle general counsel Dorian Daley said the company had been providing all its latest software for Itanium servers since Kleinberg's decision. "Now that both trials have concluded, we intend to appeal both today's ruling and the prior ruling," Daley said. (Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco, additional reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler and Leslie Adler) San Francisco (AFP) - A California jury ordered business software giant Oracle to pay Hewlett Packard Enterprise $3.1 billion for backing off a promise to support data servers powered by Itanium chips. Oracle said it had acted properly in the situation and that it planned to appeal to a higher court. "Two trials have now demonstrated clearly that the Itanium chip was nearing end of life, HP knew it, and was actively hiding that fact from its customers," Oracle general counsel Dorian Daley said in a released statement. "Five years ago, Oracle made a software development announcement which accurately reflected the future of the Itanium microprocessor." HPE argued that Oracle breached a contract when it decided in 2011 to stop offering products running on HP servers powered by Itanium chips made by Intel. Oracle contended it never believed it had a contract to indefinitely make its software work on Itanium servers, noting that HP and Intel stopped developing the systems years ago. An initial trial four years ago ended with a state court judge ruling that there had been a contract. The jury decision on Thursday in a California state court in Silicon Valley focused on damages in the case. Daley said that Oracle has been making its software available on Itanium servers since that judge's ruling. The jury verdict requires Oracle to pay $3.1B in damages to HP for breach of contract and lack of good faith and fair dealing, according to HPE. "We very much appreciate the dedication and effort that the jury gave to this case for over 5 weeks of trial," HPE general counsel John Schultz said in an email response to an AFP inquiry. Schultz said that the verdict affirmed HP's stance that "Oracle's decision to stop future software development on the Itanium server platform in March of 2011 was a clear breach of contract that caused serious damage to HP and our customers." HP has since split off its enterprise division. HPE maintained at trial that Oracle was out to get customers to switch to servers from Sun Microsystems, which Oracle bought in 2010 in a move that added hardware to its software offerings. Ankara (AFP) - An organiser of a deadly suicide attack in Ankara in February that left at least 28 people dead has been killed in counter-terror operations in Kurdish-majority southeast Turkey, a Turkish official said on Friday. "Mehmet Sirin Kaya, a mastermind of the February 17 suicide attack against military personnel in Ankara has been killed in counter-terrorism operations in Lice, Diyarbakir," the official told journalists, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) -- a radical splinter group of the better-known Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) -- claimed the suicide bomb attack in Ankara, saying that it was in response to security operations in the southeast. Turkey has remained on high alert after a wave of attacks on its soil blamed on not only Kurdish militants but also Islamic State (IS) jihadists. At least 44 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's international airport on Tuesday, with the government pointing the finger of blame at IS jihadists. Washington (AFP) - Rating firm Standard & Poor's said it was prepared to cut Puerto Rico's credit rating to default as it expects the US territory will fail to make a crucial payment Friday. Puerto Rico already has missed several payment deadlines. The Caribbean island was expected to default on some $2 billion in debt payments due Friday, despite a rescue plan signed into law Thursday by President Barack Obama. "Puerto Rico, in our view, will likely default" on the debt payments, the rating firm said in a statement. In that case, S&P said it would declare Puerto Rico in default on Tuesday, the first business day after Monday's Independence Day holiday. S&P noted that Puerto Rico's governor, Garcia Padilla, had signed an executive order on Thursday declaring a debt moratorium. According to S&P, the territory's government is due to pay $780 million in capital and interest on general obligation debt. The island's constitution requires general obligation debt payment to take priority over other spending. The bipartisan measure that Obama signed into law Thursday allows Puerto Rico to restructure its $70 billion debt, but it does not prevent default. The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act establishes a financial control board to restore fiscal discipline on the island. It also blocks potential litigation between the island and its creditors. "The willingness of the PROMESA oversight board to impose a forced debt restructuring, or impose meaningful financial controls, will depend on the makeup of this board, whose members are currently unknown," S&P said. Qalandia (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - The Palestinian health ministry said on Friday that a middle-aged man had died from tear gas fired by Israeli forces during a clash in the occupied West Bank. "A man in his 50s died of tear gas asphyxiation after (Israeli) soldiers used tear gas against Palestinians at Qalandia," the ministry said in an Arabic-language post on its official Facebook page. "He arrived dead to Ramallah hospital," it said, without naming him. AFP journalists at the Qalandia crossing between the West Bank city of Ramallah and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem said that Palestinians waiting to cross to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound began throwing stones at Israeli security forces who responded with tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Israeli police said in a statement that three members of the security forces were injured by stones but it reported no Palestinian casualties. The statement said that Israeli forces used unspecified riot dispersal means. It was the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when worshippers flock to Al-Aqsa for midday prayers. A mosque spokesman said that 280,000 attended and he expected more in the evening. Violence since October has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. #KritiStoleBob escalates, both films removed from YouTube The copyright saga involving two short films stuck at a standoff with both directors refusing to back down from their authenticity claims Jerusalem (AFP) - A Palestinian woman attempted to stab an Israeli guard at a flashpoint West Bank shrine on Friday and was shot dead, Israeli police said, the third violent incident in two days. They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that a young Palestinian woman who arrived at a security checkpoint at an entrance to the shrine, revered by both faiths, aroused the suspicions of border police. "Officers took the suspect into a side room to carry out a thorough check," she said. "Suddenly she drew a knife and tried to stab the policewoman who was searching her." "Another officer who was there saw what was happening He responded with fast and precise fire at the terrorist until she was neutralised," she added. Palestinian security officials named the dead woman as Sarah Tarayra, 27, a relative of Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, who on Thursday fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Mohammed, like Sarah from the nearby Palestinian village of Bani Naim, was shot dead by settlement security guards. Friday's incident was the third in Israel and the Palestinian territories in two days and came as Muslims neared the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. On Thursday evening, in the Israeli seaside town of Netanya, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. Hebron has been prominent in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. Kiryat Arba lies on the outskirts of the city and has a population of more than 7,000. Story continues On Thursday evening, hundreds of settlers there buried 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel, in accordance with Jewish custom which requires speedy interment. The victim's family said she was attacked in her sleep that morning, and the military released a photograph of her blood-spattered bedroom. "To see Hallel's room, to see the bloodstains next to her bed and the books and clothes of a little girl, is shocking," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a condolence visit to the family home on Friday. "It reminds us again who and what we are up against," his office quoted him as saying. The violence since October has killed at least 213 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. - Police reinforcements in Jerusalem - In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they had deployed thousands of officers "in and around the Old City" in preparation for the fourth and final Friday prayers of Ramadan. "Thousands of (Muslims) are expected to make their way to the Old City for prayers," a police statement said in English. "Police and border police will be patrolling the different areas to prevent -- and respond to if necessary -- any incidents." In an effort to cap rising tensions, Israeli authorities announced on Tuesday that they were closing Jerusalem's hypersensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound to non-Muslim visitors after a series of clashes between worshippers and police. The decision will apply until the end of Ramadan next week, a police spokeswoman told AFP. Clashes between Muslims and police broke out on Sunday over Jewish visits to the compound, with youths throwing stones and security forces firing tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Islamic officials accused Israel of breaking a tacit ban on non-Muslim access to the site during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The period, which began on Sunday, is the most solemn for Muslims and attracts the highest number of worshippers. Non-Muslims, including Jews, are allowed to visit the site during set hours but are barred from praying to avoid provoking tensions. Revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, the mosque compound is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. From Harper's BAZAAR Ten years ago today, The Devil Wears Prada premiered in theaters, and fashion has never been the same. From "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.", to "That's all.", the movie shined a glamorous-if not slightly brutal-light on the glossiest of industries. The woman behind the glamour? Super stylist Patricia Field (also of Sex and the City and Ugly Betty fame). Below, she opens up to HarpersBAZAAR.com about the legacy of the film and how she created the style of its iconic characters: Harper's BAZAAR: I can't believe it's been 10 years since The Devil Wears Prada came out. How do you think the fashion industry as a whole has changed since then? PF: I think the fashion industry, as a result of globalization, has undergone a uniformity. I'm not saying that's good or that's bad but that is my observation. HB: How you were able to create individual personalities through the clothing of the main characters: Miranda, Andy and Emily? PF: There's a formula you start off with and it starts with the script, because in the script it describes the characters and there's dialogue, and you learn about the character, who is fictitious, that we are creating. So that's step one: the script. Step two: character. Step three: Meet the actual human being, the actress or the actor. It's extremely important to have a relationship with the actor. I always feel my job is to support the actor who is creating this character. The more information you have, the better you're able to have success. Part of that relationship is getting to know one another. You need to develop a respect, a trust for each other so that you're comfortable in this collaboration. So that's the general rule for all filmmaking for me. With Miranda Priestly, who is a chief editor, my idea was to create Miranda Priestly, not any other real chief editor, because it has to be an original for it to be interesting. Even though Devil Wears Prada originated as a book and it was in reference to Anna Wintour, I was not trying to recreate Anna Wintour. By no means. I was putting together a new formula that included very strongly the script and Meryl Streep. After meeting with her and talking with her, having a dialogue back and forth, you start to educate yourself . It's really important. Dressing is personal. I'd like to think that part of my formula, if possible, is finding any parallel lines between the character and the actor. If I can abstract those parallel lines and stay with them it becomes more organic and believable. Meryl had very good ideas that I liked very much, including her white hair, because I felt the white hair was a great palette. I could put anything to it. It was dynamic. That's an example of the kind of collaboration that I'm talking about. Some actors come with many ideas, some actors come with less ideas and say, "You're the expert, dress me, I don't know anything about fashion." Getting back to Meryl Streep, I wanted to create a fashion editor portrayed by Meryl, so it was very important that I understood her body, her ideas, and so on. After this so-called "research," I came up with-based on Meryl Streep-I went into the archives of Donna Karan, because when she started in the '80s and the '90s, her silhouettes were classic, they held up in time, they fit women, they flattered women, they weren't difficult. You can't start putting difficult clothes on a person. They're actors: they have to move, they have to feel real. And Donna said "Yeah, go to my archives." I went to New Jersey where she has a warehouse and I went through racks and racks, and I brought a lot of pieces out from there, and we used a lot of those piece. I was really happy because they weren't recognizable. The allowed Meryl to create her style, and I knew that fit-wise they would be good. They wasn't constricting or an outlandish shape or something like that. Story continues HB: And Donna is famous for her workwear anyway. PF: Absolutely. And the fact that I was in the archives, it was not recognizable. It wasn't Donna Karan 2016. It was very important for me be in that zone because I wanted, when people saw Meryl in these outfits, for it to look completely as her original style and not be distracted by the current trend. HB: It's timeless. PF: It is and I think timelessness is a very important factor in whatever I do. That's what makes a classic. It's obvious what's timeless and what is not timeless, but you need time to find that answer. I used it a lot for her workwear-she wore other designers, of course-but that was the foundation. It allowed me to create a style around it because it didn't dictate the style. It went with everything, you could wear it so many ways. So that is one of the main factors about Meryl as Miranda Priestly-that she have her own unique style. Style has become very important, the whole idea of style, what your personal style is. It's your identity, and that's what we're creating here. When it came to Annie Hathaway, of course I went through the same exercise. I met her-I had never met her before-she was a young girl, just graduated out of being a princess for Disney-other than her role in Brokeback Mountain, which I thought she did a really good job in-so she was excited and open to this new stage in her life as an actress. She was optimistic, she was happy. I took on whatever information I received from her, and it was all positive. So the story is, she's a writer and all of a sudden she gets this job as this big deal fashion editor and she has no background in fashion at all. She starts out looking a bit grungy, non fashion-conscious. And along the storyline she develops into a little fashionista. After my meeting with her and understanding her personality, I got the idea that she's a Chanel girl. And when I spoke to Chanel-and here we go again: classic-when I spoke to Chanel they were very happy. They wanted to put their clothes on a young girl. They were very happy to work with me, which was great because there's nothing like cooperation when you're trying to paint a picture and you have all your paints there, and in this case the paint was Chanel. So her transition from the beginning to the end fit her persona. So there's that parallel line that I was talking about-it's believable about her, her whole persona. She's not Versace, for example. The expression comes in the styling and how you handle it. You take the classic and you take it on a little styling trip and then it becomes individual, original, interesting. Emily Blunt, she's another one, I love her. She's very outspoken, her lines are underscored, she can handle extremes very well. Just based on my meeting her-I would bring her things and how she would react to it-she was my actress who I could be a little bit more expressive. I could take some chances, some liberties, because she could handle it within the way she delivered this character. She delivered it boldly and very expressively, so I linked that up with the wardrobe. And Stanley, I really didn't have a clue about this character. I went to my wardrobe fitting and I walked out understanding this character 100%. That was wonderful. He's fantastic, he can play anything. He and Meryl are the same in that sense. They can do any role and I so respect the two of them for that. They're not typecast in anyway. That is an actor, as opposed to a type that becomes a celebrity. HB: Did Meryl offer any other input into what her character was wearing, aside from the white hair? PF: Yes. Basically the process is, if she needs an outfit for a scene, I'm not gonna bring her one thing or she's gonna tell me this is what she wants. Based on the range of what she expresses and the range of what I bring her, I might bring her 10 different options she can choose. I think collaboration is extremely important in the process. And at the end of the day, I'm not on camera. Meryl is. The actor is. I think it's very important that they're involved. I never think of an actor as a model. A model wears what you tell them to wear, that's their job. An actor is different. It's important to work with the actor because in the end that's who the audience sees and that's the success that you need. Believable, great to look at, but it all has to come together. I notice a lot of people don't understand that aspect, they think it's more like fashion. I love to do fashion. I always put fashion in all of my storytelling because that's what I am, but I'm not selling clothes, I'm telling a story. HB: Were those montage scenes particularly challenging? Gathering all those clothes and making sense as a whole? PF: David Frankel, who is the director and writer and someone who I've worked with many times in the past-who I have a close relationship with-he would come into my office and say, "I just wrote a scene. It's a montage. Meryl is coming into the office and each time she comes into the office she throws another coat down and another coat down." And I go, "David, ca-ching ca-ching ca-ching!" Anyway, we did it. Those and the Annie montages in the street, those are some of the most remembered scenes. They were written after the main film script was written. They were add-ons as we were preparing. Also, I took David to Paris with me to couture. I said, "Come on, this is what you're gonna be shooting. You gotta come and see." We went and that really worked out very well. It inspired him. HB: Did you design anything yourself for the film? PF: I was asked to design a bag for Annie. It shifts into a clutch and has a circular handle that's part of the shape of the bag and it's got some fringe on it. HB: Were there any designers that you were adamant about working with? Prada, ChanelValentino himself makes a cameo in the film. PF: That was great, his cameo in the film. I love Valentino. I love his spirit, his love of life, his enjoyment of the whole experience. He's wonderful. I just landed on the designers as I got into the script and the actors. There were no imperatives. I used other designers besides the ones that I mentioned. But the main thing is, it's not about the designer as much as it's about the piece. Concerning Annie Hathaway, because she's in so much wardrobe, she had to have a style and I came up with the Chanel idea and that worked out. She didn't only wear Chanel. Same for Meryl regarding Donna Karan. Meryl wore some Prada, she wore different things. There wasn't just one thing. When Meryl went to work a lot of it was from the Donna Karan archive. It was important to me because in trying to create a style for this character, I didn't want the clothing to be current, on the runway or in the magazines, and be recognizable. I wanted it to be all Miranda Priestly, individual and original. It's like Anna Wintour has her own style, she's the original of it. Carine [Roitfeld], she has a completely different style, it's her style. HB: What was your favorite look to put together? PF: Going back I liked them all, but based on the reaction, I know that when Anne does that Chanel transformation with the mini checked skirt and the thigh-high boots, people loved it. I put a twist on Chanel but the Chanel was there. HB: How was designing for The Devil Wears Prada different from Sex in the City, a very fashion-heavy series? PF: Well it was a different story. It was a different situation. You had different actors. You have to deal with each of them individually and the characters they're playing. It's hard to compare them because they're entirely different. It's really difficult to in any way to compare them. They're much easier to contrast than to find similarity. Again, it depends on the actor. You have somebody like Sarah Jessica Parker, who is a fashionista. She loves fashion. And that's a perk! And she can come with ideas because she's thinking about it. She loves fashion. So the collaboration yields a bonus that way. She loved her role as a supermodel. She loves that. That's like a gift. It's not fashion first, it's storytelling first. And then I throw my fashion and style into it because that's what I know and that's what I do. When you have actors who can support it, it's great. Sarah Jessica could be wearing a pair of five-inch heels and she's running down the street and her feet don't touch the ground. That's a beautiful thing to see. I can't make that happen. That has to come out of the actor. I can only recognize it and utilize it, but if it's not there I can't make it happen. You have to deal with a certain reality and expand it in anyway you can. JK: Are you surprised by the staying power of the film and how beloved and iconic it is ten years later? PF: I'm very happily surprised. I never thought that this would become a classic on its own. I never really thought about it going in, "I'm gonna make this the most unforgettable movie." I just go in and do my job and be positive and have fun with it. If I'm not enjoying it, it doesn't happen. By Hilary Russ NEW YORK, June 30 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a $31.6 billion spending plan on time on Thursday, a dramatic turnaround from the political gridlock last year that left schools starved for funding during a nine-month budget stalemate. But the plan is only half the budget battle because lawmakers must still agree on how to raise the revenue for the $1.6 billion, or 5 percent, of increased spending over the current budget. In Pennsylvania, the tax code is contained in separate legislation. The bill will become law in 10 days unless Governor Tom Wolf signs or vetoes it before then. The blueprint, which increases basic education funding by $200 million, came in just before the deadline for the start of fiscal 2017 on Friday. Last year at this time the Republican-led legislature was in a bitter stalemate with Wolf, a Democrat, in part over his proposed tax hikes, including a new tax on natural gas extraction. Republicans in the House and Senate later disagreed over budget details, extending the crisis. The impasse lasted nine months and halted the flow of funds to school districts, which collectively had to borrow at least $1 billion to survive until money started flowing again. Some House members on Thursday cautioned against approving spending without also finalizing the source of additional revenues, with Representative Daryl Metcalfe calling the bill a "spendaholic" budget. But others said the plan was a positive step forward and that there was still time to enact the tax code. "We don't have to do it this very second," said Representative Mark Cohen. (Reporting by Hilary Russ; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Irish students Alice and Megan, decided to start a vlog in 2016. One of the aims of their videos was to talk about mental health, and promote positive mental health. This video shows a project they did in Maynooth University Students Union where they told random students that they were beautiful, with some really interesting reactions and backstories. Credit: YouTube/TheOneYearProject2016 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged communist rebels to start killing drug traffickers, adding another layer to a controversial war on crime in which he has warned thousands will die. Duterte won May's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by his pledge to end crime within six months, promising to do so by unleashing security forces with shoot-to-kill orders. In his inauguration speech on Thursday, Duterte insisted his adherence to the rule of law was "uncompromising", apparently seeking to assuage concerns from human rights groups that he planned to orchestrate mass extrajudicial killings. But on Friday, Duterte called on communist rebels waging one of Asia's longest insurgencies to hold their own guerrilla court hearings and then carry out executions. "Drugs have reached the hinterlands... what if you use your kangaroo courts to kill them to speed up the solution to our problem," Duterte, a lawyer and former city prosecutor, said in a speech before the military's top brass in Manila. The communists' armed wing, the 4,000-strong New People's Army, is known for assassinating civilians deemed to have committed so-called crimes against the people. However its courts and summary executions are illegal. In a late-night speech on Thursday to a slum community in Manila attended by only a few journalists, Duterte called on ordinary Filipinos to kill drug addicts, which is also illegal. "If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself," Duterte told a crowd of about 500 people. Duterte also vowed to kill drug traffickers, using foul language he promised in recent weeks to "tone down" as president. "These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don't go into that, even if you're a policeman, because I will really kill you," said Duterte, 71. A former mayor of the southern city of Davao, Duterte had alternately denied and confirmed running death squads there that summarily executed suspected criminals. Story continues Human rights groups say the squads -- made up of local police, former communist rebels and hired assassins -- have killed more than 1,000 people. - Bullet-riddled body - Amnesty International said Friday it is encouraged by Duterte's inauguration pledge to honour the country's obligations under international law. "But now he is in power, he needs to lend substance to those words and break with his earlier rhetoric," Rafendi Djamin, the rights group's director for South East Asia and the Pacific said in a statement. Before dawn on Friday a bullet-riddled body was found in a Manila slum with a sign on it that read: "I am a Chinese drug lord," local police said. The murder bore all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing, which would make it the first of Duterte's presidency. Manila police district deputy director for operations Marcelino Pedroso told AFP the death was being considered a summary execution because the victim was apparently killed due to alleged involvement in drugs. He said there were no suspects. With Duterte's encouragement, police had already killed dozens of alleged or suspected drug traffickers in the time between his May 9 election victory and Thursday's inauguration. New Philippine police chief Ronald Dela Rosa on Friday accused unnamed officers of trafficking drugs they had confiscated in anti-narcotics raids, and ordered them to turn themselves in by Sunday. "I'm giving you 48 hours to voluntarily surrender to me," he said in a speech. "This has to stop right now or I will stop you from enjoying your evil life." Meanwhile at least 300 officers in several Manila police precincts underwent surprise urine tests Friday to check if they had been using illegal drugs, an AFP photographer on the scene said. The results were not immediately known. * New minister to evaluate if Philippines is safe from mining * Miners expect crackdown on environmental grounds * Only 3 pct of Philippine mineral reserves is being mined * Philippines is biggest nickel ore supplier to China (Adds comment from lawyer of industry group) By Manolo Serapio Jr and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA, July 1 (Reuters) - The Philippines will review all mines operating in the country, the new mining minister said on Friday, as the committed environmentalist vowed to determine whether the industry is hurting the Southeast Asian nation. Regina Lopez's appointment to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has sent shockwaves through the mining sector, which fears a nationwide crackdown. "I'm not against the mining industry but I'm against suffering," Lopez told reporters on her first day in office as part of the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. "I do want to evaluate if the country is safe from mining," she told a briefing where videos were aired showing environmental harm from mining along with testimonies from farmers and fishermen opposed to the industry. Lopez said the review would take a month. Her stance suggests a tough regulatory road ahead for Philippine miners, whose nickel ore producers are the biggest suppliers to China. A mining industry lawyer said he was worried a ban on new mining development permits in place since 2012 may not be lifted if the minister's review drags on. "Our concern is that if Secretary Lopez's initiative to review all mining operations will take another four years, and no new mining permits are issued, that will effectively kill the industry," said Ronald Recidoro of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. President Duterte has warned that he could cancel projects causing environmental harm, though he told business leaders last week that he was not against mining per se. The country's mining sector, one of the world's largest in the 1970s, has since struggled partly due to environmental rules and policy flip flops, missing much of the mining boom in recent decades and now facing much lower commodity prices. Story continues Lopez has described as "madness" even to consider open pit mining - a method used by many miners in the Philippines and elsewhere - because of the environmental impact. The minister declined to say on Friday whether she would ban it, but said the industry "has to shift its method of operations." The Philippines has suffered a number of environmental disasters caused by mining, including a 1996 tailings leak at Canadian-owned Marcopper Mining Corp's copper mine in Marinduque that contaminated rivers. RISK OF POLICIES BACKFIRING? Miners say hardline policies could backfire particularly as the Philippines has become the biggest nickel ore supplier to China after previous top exporter Indonesia banned shipments of unprocessed minerals in 2014, shipping 34.3 million tonnes last year. Recidoro said metal output could drop if no new mines are allowed. "If we do not get new mines online then there will be a gap as the older mines run out of ore," he said. Mining contributes less than 1 percent to the Philippine economy. Of 9 million hectares identified by the government as having high mineral reserves, only 3 percent is being mined. The challenge is how to lure back foreign investors. Commodities giant Glencore Plc last year quit the $5.9 billion gold-copper Tampakan project in the southern Mindanao island, that has failed to take off after the province where Tampakan is located banned open-pit mining in 2010. There are only a handful of foreign investors involved in mining currently, including Australia's Oceanagold Corp and Canada's B2Gold. It's going to take some time to reassure foreign investors, which have the capital and technology, that "the risk is not too high," said business consultant Peter Wallace. (Editing by Ed Davies) From ELLE Doom and gloom have reigned over current affairs of late, and the world-or, at least, the internet-has been waiting for something to remind us that the essential nature of existence is all goodness and light. Thankfully, this incredible Facebook post stepped up to the plate: Yes, that's President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto you see there. The leaders met in Ottawa this week for the North American Leaders' Summit. Facebook user R. Eric Thomas annotated this immediately classic red carpet moment with a thirst, humor, and fervor that delighted the internet. "Whoever took this photo deserves a GD Pulitzer Prize. We may be two minutes from doomsday but thank the Lordt we still live in a universe where three world leaders can strut into a room like they're the new interracial male cast of Sex and the City. Like I have ALREADY prepurchased tickets to this film. Out here in these streets looking like Career Day Ken. Looking like Destiny's DILF. Looking like the Alternate Universe version of our Current Political Universe. Looking like Tom Ford presents The Avengers." Also, somebody please make all those movies. Scott Rudin, where are you. This is just too fantastic. Twitter had its own take on the image: But they are not the ones who cannot handle this. If anyone can't handle this, it's ME. Good-bye from the grave! It's been nice knowing you. MPs draw government's attention for providing relief to flood-affected Parliamentarians have drawn the government's attention to the need of providing relief in a prompt manner as various places of the country have been affected by flood and landslide. A Palestinian girl prays in Jerusalem A Palestinian girl prays on the last Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalems Old City July 1, 2016. (Photo: Ammar Awad/REUTERS) A Palestinian girl prays on the last Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Jerusalems Old City, a Thai National Park official feeds lalang leaves inside a cage at Khaozon Wildlife Breeding Center in Thailand and British Military personnel stand at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior during a vigil to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey in London are some of the photos of the day. (AP/EPA/Getty/Reuters) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. Pragya, who is also in Singapore for SIIMA, attended the Business Achievers Awards on Wednesday evening and day one of the Awards on Thursday. Wednesday evening, the actor wore a strapless Theia Couture gown with earrings from Isharya and gold ankle-strap sandals. Thursday saw her in a red Shriya Som gown, one that she wore with a bold red lip and a side-swept do. Between the two, much preferred the Theia look. She looked great there! Its not that she didnt look good in the red gown, I just found the waterfall-like sequin detail below the waist really odd. South Indian Business Achievers Awards SIIMA 2016 Day One Photo Credit: Viral Bhayani The post In Twos appeared first on High Heel Confidential. July 1 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - Apple Inc is in talks to acquire Tidal, a streaming-music service run by rap mogul Jay Z, according to people familiar with the matter. http://on.wsj.com/29aBeYu - Mondelez International Inc made a roughly $23 billion bid for Hershey Co in an effort to create the world's largest candy maker at a time when both companies' sales are under pressure. http://on.wsj.com/29aBHtO - Nearly half of Williams Cos board members quit Thursday after they failed to oust the company's chief executive following its collapsed merger deal with rival pipeline operator Energy Transfer Equity LP. http://on.wsj.com/29aBLK5 - U.S. auto-safety regulators are investigating what is believed to be the first fatal crash involving a Tesla Motors Inc car that was driving itself, an incident that is likely to ratchet up scrutiny of a technology that has been evolving with little oversight. http://on.wsj.com/29aBAyj - A jury in Silicon Valley on Thursday delivered a resounding victory to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co finding that Oracle Corp should pay the computer maker $3 billion in damages - the full amount it sought for actions that contributed to the decline of a once-lucrative line of high-end computers. http://on.wsj.com/29aBQxx (Compiled by Vishal Sridhar in Bengaluru) In a series of commemorative events to remember those lost in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago, Princess Kate gave a subtle nod to the past with her style choices. Wearing a grey and black zig-zag patterned coat from Missoni over a black dress and wearing a new pillbox hat by one of her favorite London milliners, Lock & Co, Kate evoked comparisons to another fashion icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.A Kate even wore a hair net over her low chignon during Thursday's night's vigil at Thiepval Memorial, adding another vintage element to the look. The pillbox style hat gained popularity in the 1960s after the former first lady chose to wear one to her husband's presidential inauguration in 1961. Since then, many royal women have favored the look, including the late Princess Diana. Princess Kate Perfectly Channels Jackie O. in France| The British Royals, The Royals, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Kate Middleton Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter. Kate memorably chose a similar hat stepping off the plane in New Zealand for the royal tour in 2014, when she wore a red pillbox hat by Gina Foster. Princess Kate Perfectly Channels Jackie O. in France| The British Royals, The Royals, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Kate Middleton Princess Kate's Hairdresser Richard Ward RemembersA the Hair Gig of the Century Princess Kate Perfectly Channels Jackie O. in France| The British Royals, The Royals, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Kate Middleton On Friday, while visiting a war memorial, the royal shopped from her own closet when it came to her millinery, opting for black perching hat with ostrich feather detailing, also from Lock & Co. The newlywed wore it back in 2011 for her first Trooping of the Colour, just two months after her wedding to Prince William. She also wore it to a wedding that same year.A Enticed by work in China, hundreds of poor young Myanmar women are instead being forced into marriage, and left to scramble to get back across remote borders before they are compelled into life with husbands they have never met. In April Kyi Pyar Soe, 22, vanished from her community of squatters, who live in tents and flimsy bamboo lean-tos an hour outside of Yangon, the largest city in impoverished Myanmar. "She didn't say anything. She left after she argued with her younger sister. Her mother told her off and she left," her father Mya Soe told AFP from the family's shelter in Hlaing Thar Yar township. He could not have known that his daughter was on her way to China, enticed along with another woman by job offers as maids paying $210 a month -- several times more than what they could make at home. Gifted a free journey by brokers to the shady Myanmar border town of Muse, in eastern Shan State, the pair were able to cross legally. But once on Chinese soil, the deal swiftly unravelled. "They were taken to a Chinese woman's house and the woman brought some Chinese men to have a look at them," a police officer, from Kyi Par Soe's township told AFP, requesting anonymity. "She told them that they have to marry a Chinese man." Demand for Myanmar brides is high in China, where a one-child policy has led to a massive gender imbalance. Myanmar has drawn international praise in recent years for democratic reforms that have loosened the military's repressive grip and paved the way for the human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi to lead an elected government. But the fledgling democracy faced a diplomatic setback Thursday when the United States branded it one of the world's worst centres for human trafficking. The government has failed to meet the minimum standards for combating people smuggling, the US State Department ruled in an annual trafficking report that downgraded the country to the lowest "Tier 3". Story continues "Burmese women are transported to China and subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude through forced marriages to Chinese men," the report said, adding there is reason to believe that government officials "are occasionally complicit in this form of trafficking". - Thousands trafficked - More than 3,000 people were trafficked to China between 2006 and 2016, according to official figures. "Two thousand of them are women... four hundred are children who are under 18-years-old," said Police Major Ye Win Aung, of the Yangon-based Anti-Trafficking Task Force. "They were offered job opportunities in China but instead they were sold to be wives of Chinese men when they arrive on the other side," he added, saying some 800 cases have been recorded so far. Non-governmental organisations say the real figure is likely to be much larger, especially once northernmost Kachin State is included where poverty and war drive thousands across the border. Neighbouring Thailand is also an immediate draw for millions of Myanmar people seeking work on its construction sites, in restaurants and factories. But migrants are prone to exploitation there too, especially if they lack work permits. In the end, Kyi Pyar Soe and the other woman were lucky. The pair met an old Myanmar woman in the Chinese town who helped them back across the border before they could be married off to the strangers. They are now in a government-run woman's refuge in Yangon where they are receiving job training -- vital to prevent Kyi Par Soe, who never went to school, from repeating her journey. MPs worry about relief, resettlement Lawmakers speaking at the Legislature-Parliament on Thursday voiced their concerns about the snail-paced post-quake reconstruction works and the delays in relocating the settlements that are at risk of landslides. Naantali (Finland) (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday backed a call for all military aircraft overflying the Baltic region to be barred from turning off the devices that allow them be detected. Speaking after talks in Finland with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto, the Russian leader said that "not only Russian planes fly over the Baltic Sea without their transponders on but NATO countries' planes also do the same." Niinisto suggested that all flights in the region be required to activate their transponders, to allow them be detected by air traffic control. "I will bring this issue up at a joint council meeting between Russia and NATO in Brussels," Putin promised. Finns have been alarmed by reports of stealth flights over the Baltic region, where NATO has been building up its presence following Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The flights are seen as a safety hazard for commercial airliners. The Finnish and Russian leaders were meeting a week ahead of a NATO summit in Warsaw on July 8-9, which Niinisto is to attend despite Finland not being a NATO member. Finland -- which shares the European Union's longest border of 1,340 kilometres (830 miles) with Russia -- was attacked by its powerful neighbour during World War II but has since tried to maintain friendly relations with Moscow. But since the events of 2014 the Nordic country has also been increasing its cooperation with NATO. NATO announced this month that it would deploy four battalions to the Baltic nations and Poland to counter a more assertive Russia. Russia bitterly opposes NATO's expansion into its Soviet-era satellites and has said it will create three new divisions in its southwest region to meet what it has described as a dangerous military build-up along its borders. A big-power diplomatic coalition monitoring Middle East peace efforts called on Israel to halt its expansion of settlements, warning that the policy, combined with persistent Palestinian terrorist attacks, is severely undermining hopes for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The Middle East Quartet, which includes representatives from the United States, Russia, the United Nations, and the European Union, wrote in an eight-page report that it remains seriously concerned that the status quo will make the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state increasingly remote. It called on both sides to de-escalate tensions and take all necessary steps to prevent violence. The reports release comes at a time of deep international pessimism over the prospects for peace in the Middle East. Several years of shuttle diplomacy by the Obama administration have failed to resolve the decades-long conflict. Diplomatic efforts by France and New Zealand to harness the influence of the Security Council in prodding the parties into restarting stalled talks have encountered resistance from Israel, the United States, and the Palestinians. The Palestinians, meanwhile, failed to secure enough votes in December 2014 for the passage of a resolution that would have required Israel to seal a Middle East peace deal within a one-year timetable. During the past year, U.S. officials, frustrated by what they see as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus retreat from his prior commitment to a two-state solution, have repeatedly floated the idea of introducing a resolution in the U.N. Security Council aimed at coaxing Israel into pursuing a deal. But they have repeatedly backed down from the idea. And senior U.N.-based diplomats say it remains highly unlikely Washington will take up any new initiatives at the U.N. before the U.S. presidential election. A senior State Department official, Reuters reported, said Friday that the United States is open to having the Security Council welcome the report, but thats all at this point. Were not looking for serious, substantive, U.N. Security Council action on this report. The report spelled out three major threats to the peace process: the ongoing violence, including a wave of Palestinian knife attacks against Israeli civilians; Israels settlement expansion; and the ongoing militancy of Hamas, along with the steady growth of its weapons arsenal. Despite a 2014 cease-fire, Hamas continued in Gaza to build tunnels, smuggle in weapons, and produce missiles that are still being launched at Israel, the report found. Continuing violence, terrorist attacks against civilians, and incitement to violence are greatly exacerbating mistrust, the report stated. The continuing policy of settlement construction and expansion, designation of land for exclusive Israeli use, and denial of Palestinian development is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution. The report also said the illicit arms buildup and militant activity, continuing absence of Palestinian unity, and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were feeding instability and hindering efforts toward a deal. In a statement, Netanyahu welcomed the portions of the report that recognized the centrality of Palestinian incitement and violence to the perpetuation of the conflict. But Netanyahu faulted the Quartet reports conclusion on settlements, saying it perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace. When Israel froze settlements, it did not get peace. The Palestinians also criticized what they say is the Quartets effort to draw equivalence between Israeli and Palestinian conduct. It does not meet our expectations as a nation living under a foreign colonial military occupation, Palestine Liberation Organization General Secretary Saeb Erekat said in response to the report, according to the Washington Post. The Quartet, he added, attempts to equalize the responsibilities between a people under occupation and a foreign military occupier. The report comes at a violent time. Since October 2015, the report found Palestinians have carried out more than 250 stabbing, shooting, and bombing attacks against Israelis, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 Israelis. In the most intense period, there were three to four attacks per day, the report found, adding that the perpetrators were mostly young unaffiliated individuals. During the same period, 140 Palestinians who either perpetrated such attacks or were suspected of having done so were killed. The Israeli security forces killed another 60 Palestinians during crackdowns on protests and in other military operations. The report found violence has subsided significantly during 2016 largely as a result of stepped-up enforcement operations by the Palestinian Authority, which has successfully thwarted attacks, seized weapons, and arrested suspected extremists. But recent terrorist attacks, including a bus bombing in Jerusalem in April and the shooting deaths of four Israelis at a Tel Aviv cafe in June, highlighted the ongoing bloodshed. And on Thursday, a 13-year-old American-Israeli girl, Hallel Yaffa Ariel, was stabbed to death in her sleep by a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. Israel has responded to the attacks by expanding administrative detentions and demolishing the homes of suspected terrorists. Even some senior Israeli officials have expressed concern about the excessive use of force in such operations. But the Quartet focused particular attention on Israels policy of expanding settlements. Since the Oslo peace process began in 1993, the population of Israeli settlements has more than doubled, with more than 570,000 settlers, including at least 85,000 who live deep inside the West Bank. This raises legitimate questions about Israels long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state, the report found. The Quartet report called on Israel to cease its settlement policy and accelerate ongoing restrictions to and from Gaza. The Quartet expressed alarm at ongoing attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including a 2015 arson attack that killed three and the burning death of a Palestinian boy in 2014. It noted, though, that the number of settler attacks has declined over the past three years. It also faulted Hamas for publicly glorifying terrorists as heroic martyrs. Hamas and other radical factions are responsible for the most explicit and widespread forms of incitement, the report stated. These groups use media outlets to glorify terrorism and openly call for violence against Jews, including instructing on how to carry out stabbings. Even officials from the more moderate Fatah faction, which is led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have publicly supported attacks and their perpetrators. Photo credit: SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images Saint-Lo (France) (AFP) - Nairo Quintana says he's trained specifically to resist any early attacks from chief rival Chris Froome at the Tour de France. Froome won the Tour in 2013 and last year, with Colombian climber Quintana finishing second to him on both occasions. Froome started faster each time and built up a lead before Quintana pegged him back in the final week. Both times, though, he ran out of road. Last year, Froome made his move on the first summit finish of the Tour in the 10th stage, gaining more than a minute on Movistar's Quintana. And in 2013, it was stage eight up to Ax 3 Domaines where Sky's Froome made his move and Quintana couldn't follow. "I've trained to be able to respond to those strong attacks from Froome. When he starts, it's really difficult to stop him, like we saw at La Pierre Saint-Martin last year -- I couldn't follow him," said the 26-year-old at Friday's press conference in Saint-Lo. "I hope this year to be able to hold onto him." For many experts, this year's Tour is likely to turn into a two-way battle between the two favourites, although Alberto Contador may also manage to turn back the clock and add a third title after wins in 2007 and 2009. - 'Keep focused' - But Quintana feels there are others who could cause an upset, although he acknowledges that the mountain-heavy route could play into his hands. "I think I'm happier than other years. The mountains are good for me, I like them... so I'm definitely happy," said Quintana, the 2014 Giro d'Italia champion. "I have to keep focused not only on the big favourites like Froome and Contador but also dangerous riders such as (Thibaut) Pinot and (Fabio) Aru, who've already proved to be tough rivals." Quintana was a revelation at the 2013 Tour when only 23, but he was tactically naive at the time. On that stage eight won by Froome, the Colombian attacked too early and paid for it later. Story continues Since then he's developed a habit of saving his strength for the final week of Grand Tours. But Froome has changed his training this year to try to finish the Tour stronger, and Quintana says that may make him harder to beat than ever. "I've not seen any weaknesses (in Froome), maybe the one is that he's less strong in the last week but I have heard he has prepared especially for the third week in this Tour, so it won't be a weakness." Still, Quintana has come on a long way and feels he is better able to gauge his own efforts than in previous years. "I've learned many things: to control my strength, not only my own strength but also my team's strength," he said. "Also, to be more relaxed during the race and how to recognise dangers in the road." All the talking and musing is over now with the Grand Depart set for Saturday. "I have prepared for the Tour as best as I can to finally achieve my yellow dream!" said Quintana. When we contemplate that nationalistic day of revelry known as the 4th o July, many all-American images spring to mind: bovine flesh roasting on the BBQ grill, human flesh roasting in the sun, all sorts of hazardous explosives roasting up whats left of the ozone layer. But when it comes to flag-wavin summer fun that even an obsessively SPF 70-slathered vegetarian can appreciate, theres really no better way to paint the town red, white, and blue than with a playlist of patriotic pop. Here are our personal picks for star-spangled tunes truly worthy of your pledge of allegiance. Its quite a musical melting pot, with mainstream girl-pop, bizarro shock-rock, and obscure powerpop tossed into the mix but really, only a diverse list would accurately represent this great, diverse country, right? 1976, Redd Kross The theme song for the hilarious David Cassidy/Leif Garrett/Redd Kross/Devo bicentennial cult flick Spirit of 76 will have you boogie-ing till youre seeing stars. This soundtrack really needs to be back in print again. America, Neil Diamond In his 1980 classic, Neil welcomes the downtrodden immigrant masses to our fair shores with so much blustery Broadway bravado, its surprising that he doesnt scare all the new green card-carrying arrivals into getting right back on a train, plane, or automobile and returning to their native lands. But Neils anthem definitely has a certain naive, celebratory charm. American Boy, Estelle with Kanye West Not only does the British-born Estelle like boys on this side of the pond, but she has a thing for short men, too (her crush in this song is 5'7", and hes just her type). Good for her for not discriminating! American Girl, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers A fine slice of sour-apple pie from one of Americanas finest songwriters, this down-home tune is wistful, gritty, and sad, yet still retro-poppy enough to slip into the tape deck while cruising in the ol Mustang convertible. Tom Petty is nothing less than a national treasure. Story continues American Idiot, Green Day Want your friends to pogo like idiots at your Indie Day party? Then crank this up. Heck, even the Broadway version would work. American Kix, Candy Before Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in the ever-mutating Guns N Roses lineup, before he was doing the Stonesy rock thing in his little-known Kill for Thrills or going the reality-TV route on Rock Star: Supernova, there was Gilbys bubblegum pop band, the appropriately named Candy. Candys one disposable fluffball of an album contained sticky-sweet treats like this teen-power party anthem, all about having fun while youre still too young and foolish to know better. Conjuring high school memories of ditchin class, breakin curfew, and guzzlin plain-wrap brew in the Circle K parking lot, this song sounds like an outtake from the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack, and we cant think of anything more party-hardy American than that. American Music, Violent Femmes The Femmes trademark creeped-out, geeked-out nerd-rock has always had a certain folksy, from-the-heartland, disturbed-boy-next-door quality to it. If this singalong campfire ditty didnt have that one line about taking too many drugs, wed almost say it was downright wholesome. America Must Be Destroyed, GWAR Heres a marvelous example of free speech in the States. Once upon a time, a bunch of art students dressed up as cardboard gargoyles, simulated sex n slaughter onstage, and advocated the overthrow of our government. But did they get thrown in the stockade for treason? Nope. They racked up gold records and even got nominated for a Grammy! You gotta love America. (Side note: Rest in peace this 4th, Oderus Urungus. Enjoy those fireworks at what is sure to be the best heavy-metal Independence Day party in the sky.) Firework, Katy Perry Yes, its an obvious choice. So? This makes up for Candy, GWAR, X, and Redd Kross being on the list. If I Was President, Wyclef Jean Wyclef, who actually filed for candidacy in the 2010 Haitian presidential election, may have been born in Haiti, but his protest anthem from 2006 feels like traditional American rebel music. Fourth of July, X Like the Waitresses with Christmas Rapping or Adam Sandler and his Hanukkah Song, back in the mid-'80s, Los Angeles punks X did the savvy thing and released a single that would guarantee them radio play at least one day per year. Unfortunately, the groups Exene Cervenka recently ticked off a bunch of Americans when she exercised her freedom of speech in the craziest way possible, with some controversial remarks about the UCSB shootings. That was unfortunate. But she did apologize, and this is still a great song. So this 4th, give X their one deserved day in the (big black) sun, and turn this tune up. Im Afraid of Americans, David Bowie with Trent Reznor OK, so this isnt the most patriotic of tunes. But what more of an ego-boosting reminder of U.S. omnipotence and supremacy is there than the ultra-cool Bowie one of Britains coolest rock stars of all time actually claiming God is an American? Kids in America, Kim Wilde Kims not from around these parts, which may explain her sketchy geographical references in this 1981 hit. New York to East California? Has anyone reading this ever heard of a region commonly known as East California? (Thats almost as bad as Journeys reference to South Detroit.) And what was Kim trying to say that the New Wave sensation sweeping the nation stopped just short of the West Coast? Anyhoo, this anthem is still a sure hit at any American backyard blowout, in any part of the country. You can also check out the Muffs rendition, off the Clueless soundtrack, which retains all the sass and geographical cluelessness of Kims original but tosses in a little all-American punk snottiness for good measure. (You can skip No Secrets Radio Disney version, however.) Living in America, James Brown The late, great JB will always be a bona fide American icon, along with Rocky Balboa, the hero of Rocky V (or Rocky IV, or VI, or XIIIIIVXC, or whatever), the flick in which this strident power-jam made its triumphant debut. Come to think of it, Weird Al Yankovic, who remade this tune as Living With a Hernia, is an American icon, too. Only in the USA, right? Magic America, Blur This limeys vision of the American Dream seems like a flattering enough depiction, what with its references to the all the beautiful people on this side of the Atlantic. But something about singer Damon Albarns cheeky delivery makes us suspect that hes just confirming American hipsters worst fear: that Brits just might be cooler than us Yanks. National Anthem, Lana Del Rey This one makes the list mainly for its amazing, robbed-at-the-VMAs music video, in which Lana bravely takes on the roles of possibly the most worshipped female American icons of all time: Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy. The almost eight-minute mini-movie, which stars A$AP Rocky in the John F. Kennedy role, begins with Lana serenading A$AP with Happy Birthday (mimicking Marilyns famous 1962 performance for JFK), before going on to chronicle the glamorous life of what has to be the hippest, sexiest, swinging-est First Couple ever to rock the White House. Party in the USA, Miley Cyrus Admit it. You like this song. Put your hands up, nod your head like yeah, move your hips like yeah, and just sing along. Heres Mileys post-Bangerz makeover version, live in London. Paul Revere, Beastie Boys Hey, kids! Rap can be educational! Youll totally ace your next American Revolution exam if you just memorize Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCAs 100 percent historically accurate lyrics here. Yankee Rose, David Lee Roth American hero/horndog Diamond Dave managed to sexualize something as pure and sacred as our Statue of Liberty, refashioning her as a freewheeling libertine with his vaguely sleazy double entendres about her flag unfurling and making the men salute. Apparently Lady Liberty must carry a torch for Dave (heh), but can you really blame her? You Can Still Rock in America, Night Ranger Night Ranger arent doing as much rocking in America as they used to (although guitarist Joel Hoekstra has played in Rock of Ages and with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which kind of rocks). But theyre still around, and the proud and simple message of their unofficial national anthem still rings true. Young Americans, David Bowie Whaddya know: Bowies the only guy to make this list twice, and hes not even a Yank! But his 1975 appropriation of the American genre known as blue-eyed soul is still thoroughly convincing especially since he once had national treasure Luther Vandross helping him out on backup vocals. We miss them both. You Shook Me All Night Long, AC/DC This isnt a song about America per se, and its by an Australian band. But who can ignore this tunes homage to the fleshy assets of our nations cornfed beauties i.e., knockin me out with those American thighs? Certainly not the cornfed beauties in the recently reunited Veruca Salt, who named their 1994 debut album after that classic line. Schoolhouse Rocks America Rock" This 1970s infotainment TV series helped an entire generation scrape through history class. The most memorable and memorizable of all Schoolhouse Rock musical lessons had to be Im Just a Bill, although the frisky No More Kings, righteous Shot Heard 'Round the World, easy-to-recite Preamble, utopian Great American Melting Pot, and feisty hot-mama rocker Sufferin Till Suffrage also made learning fun. You might want to skip the paternalistic and lamentably outdated ode to Manifest Destiny, Elbow Room, though Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Amazon, Tumblr, Vine, Spotify London (AFP) - Five candidates are hoping to replace David Cameron as leader of Britain's ruling Conservative party and prime minister following the June 23 vote to leave the EU. Here are some key facts about the contest: - Timetable Cameron set the ball rolling with his resignation the day after the referendum, and the Conservative party's 1922 Committee set out the timetable a few days later. Candidates had only a few days to declare before Thursday's deadline, a rapid process likely to favour frontrunners. Five threw their hats into the ring. Conservative MPs will hold a first vote next Tuesday to eliminate the least popular, and will continue until they have whittled down the race to two. The final pair will be put to party members in a postal ballot, with an estimated 150,000 members eligible to vote. The winner will be announced on September 9 and will automatically become prime minister once Cameron steps aside, without any need for a general election. - Candidates - Five candidates have declared: Cabinet ministers Theresa May, Michael Gove and Stephen Crabb, junior minister Andrea Leadsom and former minister Liam Fox. Former London mayor Boris Johnson, the Brexit campaigner widely viewed as the frontrunner, pulled out after Gove sensationally withdrew his support at the last minute. THERESA MAY - Interior minister since 2010, the 59-year-old backed Britain staying in the EU but was barely involved in the campaign and is painting herself as the candidate who can unite a divided party. Seen as an effective, hard-working operator, she stresses her sober public image as a benefit in turbulent times, and is currently the favourite among Conservative MPs. MICHAEL GOVE - The justice secretary is an intellectual and ideologue who has not always had popular support, but his lead role in arguing for Britain to leave the EU has won him many fans among Tory party members. The 48-year-old has long been distrustful of the EU and his decision to back Brexit, which severely strained his once close friendship with Cameron, was driven by his desire to reassert national sovereignty. Story continues STEPHEN CRABB - Appointed as work and pensions minister only in March, the Welsh MP has a low profile but his working-class background gives him an advantage in a party often seen as elitist. The 43-year-old, a committed Christian raised in social housing by his single mother, is seen as a long shot, particularly given his support for the EU -- but commentators note that anything is possible these days. ANDREA LEADSOM - The former banker and fund manager was virtually unknown outside Westminster before the referendum but her strong performances in television debates backing a "Leave" vote raised her profile. The 53-year-old was first elected to parliament in 2010 and was made a junior energy minister last year. LIAM FOX - The former defence minister and one-time family doctor lost out to Cameron in the 2005 Tory leadership race, and only has an outside chance this time. The 54-year-old right-winger campaigned against the EU and has support from some sections of the Tory membership. Beirut (AFP) - Islamist rebels captured and killed a Syrian air force pilot after his plane crashed near Damascus on Friday, the army said. A monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said earlier that the plane went down in the mountainous region of Qalamun, northwest of the capital. The pilot ejected and landed near the town of Jayrud, 60 kilometres (35 miles) northeast of Damascus, it said. The army, quoted by state news agency SANA, said the pilot landed in an area controlled by Jaish al-Islam rebels after his plane developed "a technical problem during an exercise". "This crime committed by the terrorists of Jaish al-Islam will not go unpunished," it said. The Saudi-backed rebel group claimed it had hit the plane -- identified as a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-22 -- and captured the pilot. Jaish al-Islam's spokesman, Islam Alloush, posted a photo and a video of the pilot on his Twitter account, saying he belonged to the Alawite sect of President Bashar al-Assad. He later said that a jihadist with Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, had executed the pilot. Several government aircraft have been shot down by rebels or crashed because of technical faults since Syria's civil war began five years ago. The conflict has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions. On March 31, 1776, as the crescendo of war drums sounded towards American independence, Abigail Adams wrote a letter to her husband, John Adams, who was attending the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to finish work on the Declaration of Independence: I desire you would Remember the Ladies, she wrote. If perticular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation. Adams articulation on behalf of the ladies was indeed revolutionary, and has become one of the more famous statements on behalf of early American womens rights. As writer Virginia Woolf observed in her book A Room of Ones Own, one significance of the end of the 18th century was that middle class women began to write. However, within an 18th-century context, the ladies referred to an exclusive sorority of white elite female patriots, a concept that, much like the statements all men are created equal and We the People, excluded much of the population of British North America. Its hard to fault Adams for advocating on behalf of the women of her own class, but womens experiences during the Revolutionary era were far more diverse than is often assumed. For example, Patriots from the English elite such as Abigail Adams and Esther Reed, author of the broadside The Sentiments of An American Woman, and groups such as the Daughters of Liberty, supported the cause for independence by raising funds for the Continental Army, organizing boycotts of British goods and serving as spies and messengers. Other women, such as Deborah Sampson Gannett, disguised as men and enlisted in the war as soldiers. Meanwhile, thousands of women from the lower classes encamped among the troops performing menial labor and sex work. And all along, as Anne M. Boylan observed in her book Womens Rights in the United States, women sought to change the definition of patriotism to include. . . the right to speak and act on political issues. Story continues Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter The political empowerment English women sought to obtain by law, Native American women enjoyed by custom. In patrilineal and matrilineal tribal societies, Native women were central to tribal politics. As Lisa L. Moore, et. al. in Transatlantic Feminisms in the Age of Revolutions noted, To the Cherokee, a nation that did not honor and enfranchise its women was a disorderly nation, a dangerous nation, a nation capable of harm. Consequently, issues of land and cultural retention proved the deciding factor for Native womens revolutionary-era political alliance; yet as demonstrated by Mohawk Mary Molly Brant (Tekonwatonti/Konwatsi-Tsiaienni) and Cherokee Nancy Ward (Nanyehi), Native women were not a monolith. Mary Brant was the stepdaughter of Chief Brant Canagara Duncka and the wife of Sir William Johnson, British Superintendent of Indian Affairs. She used her political influence in negotiations between her indigenous community and British colonial powers. Brant helped to secure an American defeat at the Battle of Oriskany, N.Y., on Aug. 6, 1777, by passing on information to British/Mohawk loyalists. Fearing retaliation from the Patriots, Brant and her family escaped to Canada, where she became a national heroine. By contrast, Nancy Ward was a Ghighua or Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Nation and supporter of the Patriot cause. During the 1780s, she and the Council of Cherokee Women pressed colonial administrators on three separate occasions regarding land and womens rights, which eroded with each treaty negotiation between Indian tribes and Colonial governments. In a speech delivered in 1781, Nancy Ward chided the U.S. Treaty Commission stating, You know Women are always looked upon as nothing . . . Let your Women hear our words. And poet Phyllis Wheatley, whose remarkable life as a former-slave-turned-international-literary-sensation challenged notions that the liberty trumpeted by the Patriots should not be extended to people of African descent, eloquently addressed the meaning of freedom in a poem to The Right Honorable William, Earl of Dartmouth, who supported the Patriot cause; as well as in a letter and poem addressed to His Excellency George Washington. Wheatley threw her full support behind the leader of the Continental Army. Numerous African American women served as spies and cross-dressed to serve as soldiers. They bravely fought against the British, believing the promise that a Patriot win would mean liberation from slavery. To the contrary, Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mum Bette, did not wait for the conclusion of the war to obtain her freedom. In 1781, two years before the American victory, Freeman filed suit in Massachusetts, in Brom and Bett v. Ashley, arguing that slavery was inconsistent with the states newly ratified constitution. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court agreed. Freeman became the first black woman to successfully sue for her freedom in the Bay state. Her case implicitly ended slavery in Massachusetts. The contribution of women to the American Revolution should not be an afterthought. As we celebrate the 240th birthday of the United States of America, let us remember all the ladies whose revolutionary deeds over the course of our history continues to edge us closer to the American ideals of liberty, justice and equality for all. The Long View Historians explain how the past informs the present Arica L. Coleman is the author of That the Blood Stay Pure: African Americans, Native Americans and the Predicament of Race and Identity in Virginia and chair of the Committee on the Status of African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American (ALANA) Historians and ALANA Histories at the Organization of American Historians. Bill Ackman Bill Ackman's hedge fund has laid off eight lower-level staffers, The Wall Street Journal's David Benoit just reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The cuts, mostly of back-office workers, amount to more than 10% of Pershing Square Capital Management's staff, according to The Journal. The layoffs were unrelated to the hedge fund's recent poor performance and instead were due to the firm's ability to automate back-office tasks like filling out investor forms, according to the report. A Pershing Square spokesman declined to comment. Pershing Square has faced a decline in performance this year as a big investment in Valeant Pharmaceuticals soured. Ackman has said he expects the investment to rebound. Pershing Square's publicly traded fund, which mimics the private hedge fund, is down 20.9% this year through June 21. The New York activist firm in 2015 had its worst year ever, slumping 20%. With performance declines, assets under management have also dropped. The firm managed $20.2 billion at its peak last July, a number that fell to about $12 billion in May. Pershing Square's structure has helped the firm retain assets by preventing a run on its reserves during rough times. Outside investors can pull only one-eighth of their capital every quarter, for example. And the firm's $4 billion closed-end fund is another source of permanent capital, since investors have to sell their shares to redeem. NOW WATCH: 7 amazing maps that show how important Canada is More From Business Insider Now try this Greater investment in scientific research will make a visible impact on national development These rescue dogs have the absolute COOLEST job, and you can go to work with them These rescue dogs have the absolute COOLEST job, and you can go to work with them Samson is an adorable black lab, but his owners got rid of him after realizing how much space he needed to roam and express his energy. He bounced between homes and shelters before landing with his forever-owner, a farmer in Canberra, Australia named Jayson Mesman. After realizing Samson had a crazy-good sense of smell, Jayson brought him to a truffle farm to see if he was able to sniff out the elusive and valuable mushrooms. As Smithsonian magazine reports, within 10 minutes, the gifted pup had found almost 10 pounds of Australian black truffles. Samson and Jayson had found their calling. The dog and his owner now run The Truffle Farm, where they take guests on truffle hunting tours and prepare gourmet meals with their finds. Thats right: you can hunt for truffles with cute rescue dogs and then eat an amazing meal at a gorgeous farm. We are ready to buy our tickets to Australia right now, how about you? The best part of discovering Samsons hidden talent and opening the farm was that it allowed Jayson to help more dogs. When [local shelters] found out what I was doing, they were excited to learn that I was giving these dogs a farm life, says Jayson. Spot the Kelpie...truffle dog in training! #canberratruffles #truffledogs #visitcanberra #cbr #trufflefestival #truffleseason2015 #trufflehunting #truffles #frenchblacktruffles A photo posted by The Truffle Farm (@thetrufflefarm) on Apr 24, 2015 at 4:37am PDT Hes since added five more rescue dogs to his truffle-hunting brood, most of them labs who were put up for adoption for the same reasons as Samson. The dogs love the work, but Jayson is careful not to work them too hard. Although the dogs can work for extended periods, I try to make it a game for them, he says. Once work no longer is fun, we no longer want to do it. So I dont force them to do something when theyre not interested. Amazing, right? While youre saving up for your plane ticket, we highly recommend following The Truffle Farm on Instagram to get your cute truffle dog fix. So much cuteness! The post These rescue dogs have the absolute COOLEST job, and you can go to work with them appeared first on HelloGiggles. Mining giant Rio Tinto has given up control of a mine at the centre of a decade-long civil war on Papua New Guinea's Bougainville, leaving locals angry on Friday that some shares will go to the national government. The huge Panguna mine on Bougainville island has been closed since 1989, when it was forced to shut down after continuous attacks by secessionist rebels in a conflict that cost an estimated 10,000 lives. Panguna is one of the South Pacific's largest mines for copper and gold, and Rio has previously said both the PNG government and Bougainville's leadership were interested in restarting it. A 2014 annual report by Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), which controls the facility, estimated the mine has 19.3 million ounces of gold and 5.3 million tonnes of copper in reserves, valuing the deposits in the billions of dollars. On Thursday, Rio said it would transfer its 53.8 percent controlling share to an independent trustee. Rio said this trustee will distribute the shares "between the Autonomous Bougainville Government for the benefit of all the Panguna landowners and the people of Bougainville, and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea". The deal gives Bougainville's autonomous administration 36.4 percent of BCL, the first time it has owned a stake, but news the national government would hold an equal share of the mine angered local politicians. Bougainville President John Morris slammed the decision as "unilateral" and said locals "cannot accept national government control over the future of Panguna through either majority or equal shareholding in BCL". Bougainville was granted autonomy by the PNG government in June 2005. But the national government has been sensitive about the region, which is expected to hold a referendum on independence in the next few years. "Rio Tinto has shown arrogance and ignorance in ignoring my warning," Morris said according to PNG's Post-Courier, adding that he had met with Rio executives several times on the issue. Story continues "Sitting in their comfortable London offices, they have interfered in Bougainville's affairs by deciding PNG should have equal control of BCL." Rio announced a review of its stake in the PNG mine in 2014, saying a study the previous year had found that some US$5.2 billion would be needed to reopen the site. Bougainville's separatist conflict was the bloodiest in the Pacific since World War II, and ended when the New Zealand government helped broker a truce signed by all factions in 1997. Before it was closed, the mine produced copper concentrate for 17 years, which represented 44 percent of PNG's total export earnings at that time. Arguments over environmental damages and compensation from its operation had been central to the conflict. Rita Ora at the Met Gala in May wearing Vera Wang. (Photo: Getty Images) When Americas Next Top Model was canceled, the long-running show seemed to be going out on a high: Nyle DiMarco, the bisexual hearing-impaired winner of Season 22 was one of the most promising contestants in the series history. But then, VH1 decided it wanted to bring it back but with one major change. Tyra Banks, ANTMs smizing multi-hyphenate wouldnt serve as host. So the question quickly became: Who will replace Tyra? Now we might have our answer. According to reports (and a little bit of our own intel on the matter from employees at Viacom, which owns VH1), Becky with the good hair contestant Number 2, Rita Ora, is set to follow in Bankss size 12 stilettos and reboot one of fashions most successful television franchises. So is Ora the right fit for the job? The thing about Americas Next Top Model is the franchise has never actually graduated a top model in any sense of the word. In fact, most of the contestants make bigger careers acting or in some other path over the fashion industry. The pretense for it all though? Having a host and judges that were inextricably linked to the industry. But will they have that moving forward? Sure, Ora has experience hosting with a gig on the X Factor in the U.K. and fashion credentials including an Adidas collection, she dated a Hilfiger (and the only male Kardashian), and she has appeared in campaigns for brands like DKNY. But is she really that knowledgeable about the intricacies of the fashion industry? Can she really pose as a mentor to a steady stream of model hopefuls who are wanting true insight into the confusing and ever-changing world of couture? Looks like well have to wait to find out. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian police seized 2.5 tons of cocaine worth at least 600 million euros ($667.20 million) hidden in Colombian banana containers that arrived in the Black Sea port of Constanta, the country's biggest ever drug bust. Four Lithuanians and one Colombian were arrested in Romania after a six-month-long operation involving undercover agents and back-up from U.S. authorities, the Balkan nation's anti-mafia police said in a statement on Friday. Traffickers had arranged for the cocaine, which had arrived from Colombia last week, to be transferred to trucks, concealed among construction materials, and transported to the Netherlands, it said. A man with Spanish and Dutch citizenship was also arrested in Spain in connection with the cocaine shipment. (Reporting by Radu Marinas; editing by Mark Heinrich) * Russian rower tests positive for metabolic modulator * Crew banned from Rio Games * New Zealand quadruple sculls elevated to take their place WELLINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) - Russia's men's quadruple sculls crew have been banned from the Rio Olympics after one of their members failed a doping test in May, the world governing body FISA said on Friday. Sergej Fedorovtsev provided a urine sample at an out-of-competition test conducted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on May 17 and tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine, FISA said in a statement. The Russian crew won the 'last chance' qualifying regatta in Lucerne and advanced to the Rio Games. They will be replaced by third-placed New Zealand. FISA said Fedorovtsev's 'A' and 'B' samples tested positive for the substance, which is a banned metabolic modulator. The 'B' sample was tested on Thursday. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Ken Ferris) Istanbul (AFP) - The Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders said Friday he was "confident" ahead of his trial for "terrorist propaganda" after he guest-edited a pro-Kurdish newspaper. Erol Onderoglu was released on Thursday pending his trial, in a case that has stoked concerns about declining media freedom in Turkey. Rights activist and academic Sebnem Korur Fincanci was freed at the same time, while the third person charged over the case, journalist Ahmet Nesin, left jail on Friday. All three have been charged in connection with "terror propaganda" after guest-editing pro-Kurdish Turkish newspaper Ozgur Gundem. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to 14 and a half years after they took part in the newspaper's Kurdish solidarity campaign. Ankara has been waging a military offensive against Kurdish rebels in the southeast after a truce with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) collapsed a year ago. "I'm confident about my situation," Onderoglu told AFP, expressing gratitude for an outpouring of support both in Turkey and abroad. "The courts will have to face up to the facts," he said. "I have had nothing to do with any terrorist propaganda. Over 20 years I've written thousands of articles, I've always supported media freedom and the freedom of journalists of all political persuasions." The veteran journalist said the work of Turkish freedom of expression activists had become "risky", but said they must nonetheless "not give up their fight". Onderoglu's detention on June 20 triggered international outrage as concerns grow over rising authoritarianism under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. His government stands accused of muzzling the independent press, and Turkey currently stands in 151st place in RSF's media freedom ranking of 180 countries. Onderoglu said he was due to go on trial in Istanbul on November 11. Spending a week in Istanbul's Metris prison and three days in Silivri jail in the suburbs, the journalist said conditions behind bars had been "good". "I didn't expect to be released so quickly," he added. Rui En leaving the State Courts after her hearing on Friday morning. The popular actress was slapped with a $700 fine for her traffic offence. (Photo: Safhras Khan/Yahoo Singapore) Television actress Rui En was fined S$700 on Friday 1 July after pleading guilty to one count of careless driving. Appearing before District Judge Carol Ling, Rui En kept her head bowed while the single charge of driving without due care and attention was read to her in English. She arrived at the State Courts at around 9.20am, accompanied by two other women. In court, the actress sat quietly in the last row of the public gallery and avoided looking at the people around her. When asked by DJ Ling for her mitigation, Rui En said she had nothing to say to the single charge. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP), Shahla Iqbal had requested for the judge to impose a fine of between $600 and $800, and disqualify the Hype Records artist from driving for a period between three to four months. DJ Ling however decided not to impose the disqualification, saying no one was injured during the accident. She also added that Rui En was not driving under the influence of alcohol and instead imposed the $700 fine. I hope to improve Speaking to the media after her court session, Rui En said she will exercise more caution in the future and ensure that such an incident will not happen again. To all the people I have caused problems or inconvenience due to this mistake, such as my company, my friends and families, I can just say that I am very very sorry. "Moving on I really hope to improve and I hope to come back better, stronger and to give you guys a new Rui En, she said. Rui En had on 12 April this year knocked over a parked motorcycle in a carpark in Clementi Ave 2 with her BMW at around 4.16 pm. The owner of the motorcycle, Bahrom Sarmiten, 52, claimed the actress said, Do you know who I am? when he confronted her over the incident. The actress later clarified that this was a misunderstanding, and that she should have handled the issue with more tact. She also apologised for the incident during the Star Awards on 18 April. For driving without due care and attention, Rui En could have been jailed for up to six months and/or fined up to $1,000. Saarc Summit to focus on peace, Growth Pakistan has proposed the theme for the upcoming Saarc Summit to be held in Islamabad and circulated it to the member countries for their approval. Moscow (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday for the first time since Moscow and Ankara mended ties shattered last year by the downing of a Russian jet. Lavrov said both sides wanted to "set the right tone for the normalisation of relations" at the meeting on the sidelines of a regional economic cooperation conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. "We can talk with Russia on every issue, positive or negative, because the dialogue that had been cut has restarted and our relations have begun returning to old days," Cavusoglu said after the meeting, in comments aired on Turkish television. The encounter comes after Moscow on Thursday ended a ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey in the first step to ending broader sanctions slapped on Ankara after it shot down a Russian fighter jet on the Turkish-Syria border in November. The diplomatic breakthrough was made on Wednesday in the first phone call since the incident between presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the Turkish strongman sent a letter that Moscow said contained an apology. Cavusoglu said Erdogan could fly to Sochi in August for a face-to-face meeting with Putin. - 'The most difficult issues' - The jet downing slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between the two nations and sparked a bitter war of words between the two leaders. Turkey argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings, but Russia insisted it did not cross the border and accused Turkey of a "planned provocation". The two sides still remain on opposing sides in the Syrian conflict, with Ankara backing rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad who has the backing of Moscow. Lavrov said after the meeting that they had agreed to restart a "working group on fighting terrorism" and that contacts between the armed forces from the two sides could improve. Story continues "I think that contacts will develop along other channels, including between the militaries of the two countries, taking into account the activities of our air force." He said the two sides could discuss "even the most difficult issues", including the "the task of not allowing Turkish territory to support terrorist organisations in Syria". During the diplomatic spat Putin accused Erdogan of profiting from the illegal oil trade with the Islamic State group in Syria. The meeting in Sochi came after at least 44 people were killed in a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's international airport on Tuesday, with the government pointing the finger of blame at IS jihadists. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. By Clement Uwiringiyimana LAKE KIVU, Rwanda (Reuters) - Rwandans blame the "demons" of Lake Kivu for the deaths of fisherman and others who have occasionally disappeared on one of Africa's great expanses of water in the heart of the continent. Now Rwanda is turning the methane gas which can bubble up from the lake bed, sometimes with fatal consequences, into a lifeline by generating electricity to help businesses expand and light up a nation with a chronic power shortage. Across Africa, governments are struggling to increase power capacity and expand grids to meet the demands of growing populations with rising aspirations. Poor electricity supplies are often cited as one of the biggest hurdles to investment. Rwanda's KivuWatt plant, which started in May, is part of a network of projects aimed at providing 70 percent of the 11 million population with power from the grid or off-grid by 2018, up from 25 percent now. Much will come from renewable resources. "The country cannot grow if you dont have power," Jarmo Gummerus, country manager for the plant developed by U.S. company ContourGlobal, told Reuters on the lush shores of Lake Kivu, where a hi-tech barge gathers methane from the depths. Rwanda, one of Africa's poorest nations but also among its fastest growing, is harnessing its limited solar, peat and hydro resources to curb the landlocked country's fuel import bill while keeping power flowing to spur on industry and create jobs. Lake Kivu's methane has now been added to the list of its emerging resources, formed from biogas created by decomposing matter on the bed of the lake that is trapped by a layer of mineral-rich water flowing off nearby volcanic soil. Left untapped, it could one day explode or, as in the case of another lake in Cameroon, poison inhabitants on shore if it bubbles up in large quantities, experts say. Locals say it has already claimed unsuspecting victims on the lake. "There is a story that there are demons in the lake," said Gummerus. Highly-combustible methane is extracted from other toxic gas that is mixed with it, he said. "It just kills almost immediately so its a very dangerous," he added. His company is now carefully extracting the methane to power a 26 megawatt (MW) plant, with plans to increase that to 100 MW by 2020 at a cost of about $500 million to $600 million. Despite that hefty investment, using domestic resources is a boon for a nation which has to truck all imports into the country about 1,400 km (870 miles) through Kenya or Tanzania, often along traffic-clogged roads that are poorly maintained. POWERING BUSINESS "Our power is much cheaper than the alternative which would be putting in diesel or heavy fuel," Gummerus said, adding the methane could also be processed for to sell as cooking gas. Eventually, Rwanda could generate about 350 MW from methane, with a similar potential in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which shares the lake. Congo yet to tap the gas supplies. The start-up of the KivuWatt plant is already benefiting local businesses in the region of rolling green hills and volcanic peaks, which the government wants to promote as a tourist destination. When I built this hotel in 2013, we could have power cuts every three hours, at least, but nowadays we have electricity 24/7, said Jerome Musomandera, owner of the Kivu Plaza Hotel, one of a number next to the lake. Some other hotels said they had yet to feel the benefit, but were hopeful that they would soon be able to unplug private stand-by generators and enjoy lower bills from grid power. As it adds more supply, state-run Rwanda Energy Group (REG) is in talks with the regulator on lowering tariffs to help the poor and support industry, its chief executive Jean Bosco Mugiraneza said. Rwanda now charges 17 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) for industry and 21 cents for others. Mugiraneza did not say how much costs could fall by. Rwanda's installed power capacity is now 190 MW and set to rise by the end of July to 205 MW, once a new peat-burning plant being tested is linked up. The aim is 583 MW by 2018, a goal Mugiraneza admits Rwanda would have to "work hard" to achieve. "The government alone cannot afford to finance those 563 MW; that is why private investments are needed," he said. KivuWatt was a pioneer by negotiating the first private power purchase agreement, helping pave the way for others. Other deals that have been signed include one with U.S. firm Symbion Power, which plans a methane plant too. Another firm, Ignite Power, is helping the government to provide off-grid rooftop solar power panels to 250,000 households by 2018. As well as helping meet Rwanda's national generation ambitions, Gummerus said the KivuWatt plant was boosting the local economy in the Kibuye region around the lake. "If you came here eight years back when I came, there was nothing," he said. "It gives confidence for people to come and invest in Kibuye. (Writing by Edmund Blair; editing by Mark Heinrich) Bernie Sanders delivers his Where We Go From Here speech on June 24 in Albany, N.Y. (Photo: Mike Groll/AP) Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign is still raising funds from supporters despite the fact that presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton essentially locked up the nomination weeks ago. Sanders campaign fired off multiple fundraising requests to supporters on Thursday, ahead of the Federal Election Committees final fundraising deadline. Were going to the convention, one email declared, referring to the Democratic National Convention later this month. When our delegates gather in Philadelphia, theyll have the chance to put the Democratic Party on the record about stopping votes against the TPP, fighting for a $15 federal minimum wage, opposing fracking, and so many more progressive priorities, Sanders campaign manager wrote to supporters on Thursday night Our campaign has earned the right to send almost 1,900 delegates to vote on these important issues, but many of them are working folks and the costs of attending the convention are too high, read another email. So I want to help them get there, because this campaign isnt about Bernie Sanders, its about all of us. Sanders mounted a stronger-than-expected campaign in the Democratic primary. The last contest was on June 12, and a week before that contest, Clinton obtained the necessary delegates to become the nominee. Screenshot via BernieSanders.com Sanders, who has steadfastly refused to concede the race, has started signaling that hes moving toward endorsing Clinton. Last week, Sanders said yes when asked if he will end up voting for her. Im going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump, he said. Still, Sanders seems determined to hang onto his candidacy for as long as possible. While he told MSNBCs Chris Hayes Thursday evening that contrary to what Trump has been saying I do not hate Secretary Clinton, Sanders also pushed back against comments made earlier in the day by Vice President Joe Biden, who told NPR hes confident Bernies going to endorse her. Right now, my hope is that we can reach an agreement on some very important issues and I can go forward to the millions of people who supported me and say, Look, this is the progress that youve made. This is where were going to go as a country, Sanders said. So, I hope it happens. As of this moment, were not there quite yet. By Heather Somerville and Deborah M. Todd SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 (Reuters) - Software startup Zenefits has cut a highly unusual deal with investors to increase their ownership while slashing the once-hot firm's valuation as it seeks to avoid litigation and mend damage in the wake of revelations of cheating. The deal, a concession to investors in the firm's latest funding round, will boost the investors' combined stake to about 25 percent from about 11 percent but cuts the Zenefits' valuation by more than half to $2 billion from $4.5 billion. Investors who will see their ownership rise include mutual fund Fidelity, Insight Venture Partners and private equity firm TPG, who took part in a $500 million financing round last year. These investors, along with Andreessen Horowitz, which made two investments in about six months, have already approved the agreement, Zenefits Chief Executive Officer David Sacks said in a statement on Thursday. In return for a larger stake, investors will "sign a release of claims against the company," Sacks said. Investors in earlier funding rounds will also have some of their dilution offset. Employees will get a special stock grant that vests over one year. "This is a unique situation. We've never seen it before and we don't expect to see it again," a spokeswoman for Andreessen Horowitz said. San Francisco-based Zenefits was once deemed by some investors to be the fastest growing software startup in Silicon Valley history. The company offers human resources software for free to businesses and makes money acting as a health insurance broker, working as the middleman between businesses and providers such as Anthem Blue Cross, and charging a broker fee. But earlier this year the company disclosed that co-founder and then-CEO Parker Conrad had written a software program, called "Macro," that helped employees circumvent state licensing requirements. Regulators in California and Washington launched investigations into Zenefits' business practices. Conrad resigned, and Sacks, a serial entrepreneur who had been serving as chief operating officer, took over. Story continues Sacks has taken a number of steps to push the company into compliance. He said Zenefits self-reported problems to regulators, repaired and improved licensing systems and weeded out people involved in "Macro." The new shareholder agreement does not include a release of claims for the $10 million of stock that Conrad had sold, according to Sacks' letter. Conrad has been largely silent since he resigned. Zenefits has laid off more than 350 employees in recent months, and another 100 employees took a severance offer. (Reporting by Heather Somerville and Deborah Todd in San Francisco; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Edwina Gibbs) Hillary Bill Clinton As a result of Bill Clinton's meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch on the tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, we get to enjoy the treat of another exhausting Clintonworld story about influence, and whether it is or isn't being unduly exerted. It's possible that Clinton and Lynch were just catching up "a social meeting," as Lynch put it Friday. Similarly, it's possible foreign governments donated to the Clinton Foundation because they viewed it as the most efficient available philanthropic opportunity, without regard for the favorable impression it might make on Bill and Hillary Clinton. It's possible Goldman Sachs paid Hillary Clinton $675,000 for three speeches because they thought she would be really interesting, not because they thought the payment might help the bank make a favorable impression on a potential future president. It's possible a major Clinton donor ended up on a State Department nuclear advisory board for perfectly innocent reasons, and that there were no untoward effects from top Clinton staffers being simultaneously on State Department and private payrolls. It's possible Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich and commuted the sentences of the New Square Four because he genuinely believed they were victims of miscarriages of justice. The list goes on and on. My biggest concern is not that anything illegal happened in any of these cases. It is that the Clintons have no apparent concern for appearances of impropriety, as long as they believe their actions cannot get them in trouble with the law. Given how fragile trust in elite politicians and institutions is today, I believe this blase attitude about appearances stands to do much more damage than it did in the 1990s. Some of the scandals that have surrounded the Clintons over the last 40 years have been invented from whole cloth by political opponents and a hostile media. Story continues But others have started from real wrongdoing anything from pardoning the ex-husband of a major Democratic donor to carrying on a sexual affair with a White House intern that a preponderance of the electorate decided to look past, judging that they weren't that important compared to the actual business of the government. AP893854368200 This "hey, it's legal" approach worked when the economy and wages were growing strongly, because voters weren't inclined to be too suspicious about whether Washington politicians really had their best interests at heart. "Clinton scandals" were routinely touted by the right but ignored by the left. No longer Clinton's receipt of speaking fees from Goldman Sachs was a big problem in the Democratic primary, a sign of voters' increasing mistrust of establishment politicians even in their own parties. I worry about this because Clinton is not just the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. She has become a stand-in for establishment forces that are besieged by populism from the right and the left. She has the heavy responsibility of defending institutions that, despite their imperfect performance over the last 15 years, are essential for upholding global economic prosperity and preventing war. If anything goes badly wrong in the world over the next four years not terribly unlikely under any president, given all the upheaval in Europe and China I'm worried that voters will look at the webs of influence surrounding Clinton and be more inclined to be suspicious that problems affecting their livelihoods have arisen because of self-dealing by elites. And I'm worried that voters will then choose candidates in future elections who promise to tear down the useful institutions that many of us will be reluctantly voting for Clinton in the interest of defending. This is no time to be casual about appearances of impropriety a fact that Barack Obama seems to have understood in leading his low-scandal administration. I am worried that Clinton does not understand it, and that the result will be a boost to the damaging populism that is sweeping Europe. NOW WATCH: How Hillary Clinton survived one of the biggest scandals in American politics More From Business Insider Scott Eastwood could be the next young actor headed for The Drift. The Suicide Squad star is in early talks to join Pacific Rim 2, the sequel to Guillermo del Toro's 2013 sci-fi action pic about larger robots battling even larger sea monsters. Star Wars star John Boyega is starring in the project, where he will play the son of the character played by Idris Elba in the first movie. Steven S. DeKnight, the showrunner behind Spartacus and season one of Daredevil, will take over the directing reins from del Toro. Legendary Entertainment's Thomas Tull and Mary Parent are producing with del Toro. Boyega is executive producing with his partner Femi Oguns. Legendary and Universal on Thursday dated the long-delayed project for Feb. 23, 2018. This prospective Pacific Rim role comes a few months after it was announced that Eastwood would be joining another big-budget franchise film, F. Gary Gray's Fast 8. Next up, audiences can see the actor in director David Ayer and Warner Bros.' anti-hero superhero movie Suicide Squad, which hits theaters Aug. 5. Eastwood is repped by UTA and Stone Genow. Read More: 'Pacific Rim 2' Gets New Release Date Software plan languishes as Nepse, Sebon argue The planned upgradation of trading software at the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) has been delayed after serious differences emerged between the bourse and the Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon). Adnan Syed is getting another shot at freedom. The subject of the first season of the widely popular podcast Serial was granted a new trial by a Baltimore judge on Thursday, June 30. PHOTOS: Stars at Court Syeds lawyer C. Justin Brown announced the news on Twitter, confirming that Judge Martin P. Welch of the Baltimore City Circuit Court granted their motion. WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan, Brown tweeted on Thursday. Syed was convicted of the murder of his former girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 2000 and has spent the past 16 years serving his life sentence in prison. The now35-year-olds case gained worldwide attention after Serial dug into the case in 2014 and questioned whether Syed was wrongly accused and if he had received a fair trial. The podcast was downloaded more than 100 million times, The New York Times reports, and won a Peabody Award. PHOTOS: Celebrity Mugshots During a news conference, his lawyer acknowledged the podcast for helping bring new attention to Syeds case. I dont think so, he said when asked if a new trial would have been possible without Serial. Im feeling pretty confident right now, Brown said of his clients chance at freedom. This was the biggest hurdle. Its really hard to get a new trial. The decision comes after Syeds legal team argued that he had received ineffective counsel during the original trial, and after presenting new evidence, including testimonies from alibi witnesses who may have previously been overlooked. Syeds first request for a postconviction hearing in 2010 was denied. According to The New York Times, Welch revealed in a memo his decision to grant the new trial also relied heavily on Syeds original lawyer Maria Cristina Gutierrezs failure to question state expert Abraham Waranowitz about cellphone tower evidence. Syeds attorney Brown argued that the cell tower evidence presented at Syeds original trial was misleading and unreliable. PHOTOS: Celebrity Deaths in 2016: Stars Weve Lost Story continues But despite the good news Thursday, Brown is expecting that the state will appeal Welchs decision. This is obviously an incredible victory, he said during the press conference. We know the state is not going to give up, and were ready. Sign up now for the Us Weekly newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics and more delivered straight to your inbox! Adnan Syed is getting a new trial. After the Peabody Award-winning first season of the Serial podcast sparked widespread interest in the 1999 murder of 18-year-old high school student Hae Min Lee -- for which Syed, her ex-boyfriend, was convicted in 2000 -- a Baltimore, Maryland judge has now granted Syed a new trial, The Baltimore Sun reports. In a statement to ET, Serial told ET of the news, "It's an incredible turn of events. We don't have much more to say than that right now. We spent last night and today reading and talking through Judge Welsh's opinion, to try to understand exactly what it means." The now 35-year-old man is serving a life sentence after being convicted of first degree murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and robbery in the 1999 murder of Lee, whose body was discovered in Baltimore's Leakin Park. In a memorandum, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Martin Welch, who vacated Syed's conviction, said that the legal counsel of his previous attorney was "below the standard of reasonable professional judgment." RELATED: 'Serial' Finale Is Here, and We're Dream Casting If the Podcast Were a Movie! Judge Welch also acknowledged the impact that the popularity of Sarah Koenig's podcast had on the case, writing that Syed's case "represents a unique juncture between the criminal justice system and a phenomenally strong public interest created by modern media." "We have been fighting for this day for, I think it's been about eight years now," said Syed's attorney C. Justin Brown. "And there were times when it looked like we had lost... But we made it. We got a new trial." Brown excitedly broke the news of Adnan's retrial Thursday afternoon, tweeting, "WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan." WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan Justin Brown (@CJBrownLaw) June 30, 2016 MORE: The 13 Stages of Being Addicted to Serial Story continues In addition to granting Syed a new trial, the judge also denied two requests from his attorneys for post-conviction relief. WATCH: 'Making a Murderer' Juror Says That Steven Avery Was Framed as Petition to Free Him Tops 250K Signatures Related Articles MILAN (Reuters) - Seven Italian nationals are thought to be among the hostages taken by gunmen who stormed a cafe popular with foreigners in the capital of Bangladesh on Friday, Italian state television said quoting the Italian ambassador to Bangladesh. Gunmen stormed a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of Dhaka and took about 20 people hostage, including several foreigners, in an attack claimed by Islamic State. State TV RAI quoted the Italian ambassador in Dhaka, Mario Palma, as saying the seven Italians were businessmen. An Italian foreign ministry source said one Italian hostage had escaped. Italian media said the escaped man told police there were seven Italians still inside. (Reporting by Silvia Aloisi, editing by Isla Binnie) NEW YORK, NY / July 1, 2016 / ACCESSNEWSWIRE / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Target Corporation ("Target" or the "Company") (TGT) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, District of Minnesota, and docketed under 16-cv-01485, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Target securities between February 27, 2013 and May 19, 2014 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 Target securities during the Class Period, you have until July 18, 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] Target currently operates general merchandise discount stores throughout the U.S. The Company sells a wide variety of household essentials, music and movies, electronics, clothing, and other items, through its traditional stores, its website, and via direct shipment from vendors or third-parties. On January 13, 2011, Target announced that it would expand its retail operations into Canada, with plans to open between 100 and 150 stores in the country during 2013 and 2014. 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: (1) at the time of the opening of Target's first group of stores in Canada, Target had significant problems with its supply chain infrastructure, distribution centers, and technology systems, as well as inadequately trained employees; (2) these problems caused significant, pervasive issues, including excess inventory at distribution centers and inadequate inventory at retail locations; (3) the excess inventory at distribution centers and lack of inventory at retail locations forced Target to heavily discount products and incur heavy losses; (4) the supply-chain and personnel problems were not typical of newly launched locations in Target's traditional U.S.-based market; and (5) as a result, Targets public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Story continues On August 21, 2013, Target announced its results for the second quarter of 2013, including weak guidance for full-year earnings per share ("EPS") for 2013. Although Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") Defendant Gregg Steinhafel sought to reassure investors that the poor performance was of the same kind that Target saw every time we open a new store here in the United States," Targets stock price declined by $2.45 per share, or 3.61 percent. On November 21, 2013, Target released downbeat results for the third quarter of 2013, including news that the Companys Canadian segment had suffered a drop in operation margin from rates exceeding 30 percent in prior quarters to only 14.8 percent due to the need to aggressively discount merchandise. Although Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") John Mulligan attempted to assure investors that Targets personnel were working to "rationalize" the Companys "inventory overhang," Targets stock price declined by $2.30 per share, or 3.46 percent. On May 5, 2014, Target announced that its Defendant Steinhafel, the architect of the Company's Canadian expansion, would leave the Company effective immediately, without any clear successor. Instead, the Company's CFO Mulligan was appointed interim CEO. On this news, Targets stock price fell $2.14 per share, or 3.45 percent. On May 20, 2014, prior to the trading session, news reports circulated that Target had fired Tony Fisher, the Companys president of Canadian operations. The abrupt termination of Mr. Fisher revealed that the string of weak results from Targets Canadian operations were not simply growing pains associated with normal store openings, but rather due to significant operational issues and were partial disclosures of Defendants fraudulent scheme to conceal the persistent and ultimately intractable problems with the expansion. Eventually, on January 15, 2015, Target revealed the Company would discontinue its Canadian operations and that Target Canada Co. had filed for bankruptcy protection in Canada. In response to this news, Target stock declined $1.63 per share, or 2.1 percent. 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 / July 1, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Oracle Corporation ("Oracle" or the "Company") (ORCL) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Northern District of California, and docketed under 16-cv-02966, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Oracle securities between September 16, 2015 and June 1, 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 Oracle securities during the Class Period, you have until August 1, 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] Oracle develops, manufactures, markets, sells, hosts, and supports database and middleware software, application software, cloud infrastructure, hardware systems, and related services worldwide. Oracle is among the world's largest software makers by revenue. Through its Oracle Cloud offerings, the Company purports to be a leader in the core technologies of cloud information technology environments, including database and middleware software as well as enterprise applications, virtualization, clustering, large-scale systems management and related infrastructure. The Company's Oracle Cloud offerings include Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service offerings. 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) Oracle used improper accounting practices to inflate the Company's cloud computing revenues by millions of dollars; (ii) in violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), Oracle had terminated a Senior Finance Manager for raising the Company's improper accounting practices to the attention of her supervisors; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, Oracle's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Story continues On June 1, 2016, after the market closed, media outlets reported that a former Senior Finance Manager at Oracle, Svetlana Blackburn ("Blackburn"), had sued the Company for terminating her for complaining about improper accounting practices in Oracle's cloud services business. In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Blackburn accused Oracle's upper management of trying to push her to "fit square data into round holes" to make Oracle Cloud Services' results look better. Blackburn's lawsuit accused Oracle of violating the anti-retaliation provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act and alleged that Blackburn was terminated on October 15, 2015, just one month after the alleged wrongdoing began, and two months after she received a positive performance review. On this news, Oracle stock fell $1.60, or 3.97%, to close at $38.66 on June 2, 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 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 1, 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. Story continues 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 publicatio 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 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 1, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Vivint Solar, Inc. shareholders ("Vivint" or the "Company") (VSLR) against certain officers of SunEdison Inc. ("SunEdison"). The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, and docketed under 16-cv-00628, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Vivint securities between July 20, 2015 and March 7, 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 Vivint securities during the Class Period, you have until July 5, 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 a class action] Vivint is a provider of distributed solar energy, which is electricity generated by a solar energy system installed at a customer's location, including residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout the United States. In July 2015, SunEdison and Vivint announced a merger pursuant to which SunEdison would acquire Vivint. On this announcement, Vivint's stock price increased $4.87, an increase of approximately 44.8%, to close at $15.75. On February 24, 2016, at the Company's special shareholders meeting, Vivint shareholders voted to approve the merger with SunEdison. 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) SunEdison would be unable to obtain financing for the acquisition of Vivint; (ii) SunEdison's liquidity was less than Defendants had stated; (iii) SunEdison would not be able to complete the acquisition of Vivint; and (iv) as a result, Defendants' statements about the merger between SunEdison and Vivint were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Story continues On February 29, 2016, after the market closed, SunEdison filed a Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 with the SEC, disclosing that the Company would be unable to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Notification of Late Filing included information that in late 2015, former SunEdison executives had made allegations concerning the accuracy of SunEdison's financial position. On this news, shares of Vivint fell $1.37 per share or over 17% from the stock's previous closing price to close at $6.52 per share on March 1, 2016, damaging investors. On March 2, 2016, during trading hours, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled, "SunEdison's Takeover of Vivint Solar in Jeopardy as Banks Balk" stating that the Vivint-SunEdison merger was in jeopardy. On this news, shares of Vivint fell $1.63 per share or 25% from the stock's previous closing price to close at $4.89 per share on March 2, 2016, damaging investors. On March 8, 2016, Vivint announced that it was terminating the Merger Agreement. Also on March 8, 2016, Vivint filed a lawsuit against SunEdison in Delaware Chancery Court alleging breach of contract. On this news, shares of Vivint fell $1.04 per share or approximately 20% from the stock's previous closing price to close at $5.21 per share on March 7, 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 Sub Inspector faces case on charge of possessing fake certificates The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a lawsuit against a police person on the charge of possessing fake academic certificates. Shahrul Rivera (left) and Ayunni Azman in the Hari Raya outfits they bought this year. (Photo courtesy of Shahrul Rivera and Ayunni Azman) During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Geylang springs to life as many Singaporeans head to the annual Hari Raya Bazaar. This is where many families flock to in search of good food and their Hari Raya outfits. Although many Singaporeans are willing to queue for good food and clothes, some have decided to avoid the hassle by going online for their festive apparel. Production assistant Najiha Hana Zaimuddin, 28, who bought three sets of Hari Raya clothes online this year, said that Web shopping has made it easier to buy clothes compared with the past, when she could only tailor one outfit. I can say that its getting easier and less of a hassle for me to get at least two to three outfits per year with the spread of online shops, she said. Sales associate Ayunni Azman, 27, also turned to online shopping this year. I purchased my lace baju kuring for about $150 from a Malaysian site, she said. Najiha Hana Zaimuddin, who did her shopping online, wearing one of the outfits she bought for Hari Raya this year. (Photo courtesy of Najiha Hana Zaimuddin) Businesses catching on Online clothing shop adlinaanis caters to this segment of shoppers. On top of running her Web store, business owner Adlina Anis also started a pop-up shop a collaboration with four other brands in Changi just for the month of Ramadan. Citing reasons such as accessibility and convenience, the 33-year-old has noticed that her online store tends to do better business than the physical outlet. We are able to reach out to a wider market. Because we have international shipping, many people are able to purchase my clothes. The customers can also shop anytime, she said. Another clothing store, Maison Q, sells childrens clothing both online and at a physical store. Business owner Ana Abdat, 35, said that while some customers prefer going down to the store to feel and try out the clothes, online sales have been doing well. Story continues Online sales are pretty encouraging, I think parents these days are quite modern, so they do hunt online, she said, adding, Some of them just want to avoid the hassle of Geylang Bazaar. Its really quite crowded, so I think the modern parents just want to avoid the crowd. Siti Hanisah Mustafah in the Hari Raya outfit she purchased for $60. (Photo courtesy of Siti Hanisah Mustafah) Careful with their spending Besides the shift towards online shopping, more people have also become thriftier in their spending with some even reusing old Hari Raya outfits. Siti Hanisah Mustafah, for instance, spent just $60 for a baju kurung (traditional Malay costume) this year. I spend less on Raya clothes because I tend to reuse my old clothes. For example, this year I only bought one outfit and I will reuse one of my old baju kurung, said the 18-year-old student. Media engineer Shahrul Rivera says that he typically buys a new set of baju kurung every two or three years. Im only going to wear it for the first day of Raya and it will be sitting in my cupboard for another year, so I spend less than $200 on clothes, the 28-year-old reasoned. Nafisah Anwar, 27, shared this sentiment. The video producer said that she now buys more versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. I care less about being trendy or up to date with fashion I believe that if you stock your Hari Raya closet up over the years with timeless or classic pieces, you will never have less, she said. To cater to the cost-conscious crowd, childrens clothing retailer Maison Q has come up with a reversible baju kurung that offers two looks in one outfit. The response we have been getting has been quite good because parents have been quite pleased that they can buy just one outfit and their children can wear it two different ways, said business owner Ana Abdat, 35. Natasha Sulaiman (left) and Ms Dahlia Mohd, the founders of En Pointe, which brings in Hari Raya outfits from Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: En Pointe) Local retailer En Pointe, which brings in Hari Raya outfits from independent brands in Kuala Lumpur, has noticed that Singaporeans tend to be more conservative in their spending. Dahlia Mohd, 34, who started up the business with her friend Natasha Sulaiman, 31, said: In Malaysia, it is not uncommon to have five to 10 outfits for Raya, especially if you move in certain social circles. Singaporeans on the other hand, have only one day of holiday for Hari Raya As such, there might be a feeling that they should not need to go overboard with the Raya spending. White House drone report. The Obama administration is expected to announce as early as Friday that it believes around 100 civilians have died in nearly 500 U.S. drone strikes since 2009. As part of the disclosure, President Barack Obama is expected to issue an executive order requiring annual reporting of how many civilians have been killed in the strikes, and outlining how the administration tries to protect civilians. The report isnt expected to tell us much about the strikes themselves or the people who were killed, and several organizations that have been tracking American drone strikes offer higher casualty numbers than Washington is expected to, with the bottom range coming in at about 200 deaths, all the way to over 1,000. The report will cover strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia, but not ones in Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. Amnesty International published a statement Thursday saying that the executive order is a vital step in the right direction, as it sets a precedent for how future administrations, and other governments, use lethal drone technology. But Jennifer Gibson, an attorney at human rights group Reprieve, told SitRep that without information on how the civilians were accidentally targeted and killed, the report promises to be a cooked book of numbers but without the names, faces and detail necessary for real accountability to take place. Reprieve also issued a new report Thursday about the Obama administrations drone program. More on drones. Earlier this year, FPs Dan De Luce and Paul McLeary filed a story on the Obama administrations signature strike policy, which allows American drones to strike groups of people who show signs of militant activity. Future tense. There are now no restrictions on who is eligible to serve in the U.S. military. Defense Secretary Ash Carter tore down the last wall on Thursday by tossing out policies that barred transgender Americans from serving, and abolishing rules that demanded involuntary separation for those who were on active duty. Story continues Some on Capitol Hill arent so sure, however. Republican Senator John McCain wants hearings on the subject. McCain said he was never briefed on the change, and I happen just to be the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and its customary in all the years Ive been on it to give members, particularly the chairman, a briefingsomething like this will require some legislation, McCain said. Staying power. For years, militants from the former Soviet Union passed through Turkey on their way to go fight in Iraq and Syria. Now theyre staying behind and hitting soft targets like the Ataturk Airport, FPs Elias Groll, Dan De Luce and Reid Standish report. That new normal raises a pair of new security challenges for a Turkey: Large numbers of migrants from former Soviet nations like Uzbekistan already live and work in Turkey, so militants sent into the country from Syria or Iraq have a tight-knit community of expatriates they can disappear into. Also, Turkish security personnel who have long focused on their countrys restive Arab and Kurdish populations must now look for signs of radicals hiding among their Caucasian and Central Asian communities. Scuttled. After being detained upon straying into Iranian waters this past January, several U.S. sailors cooperated too readily with their captors, the U.S. Navy says, and quickly handed over information like phone and laptop passwords. The Navy released a redacted version of its investigation into the incident on Thursday, and it pulls no punches in heaping criticism on both the sailors on the boats and the officers in their chain of command, FPs Paul McLeary writes. Overall, nine enlisted sailors and officers have been recommended for non-judicial punishment, including three members of the boat crew, which FPs Dan De Luce reported previously. The report quotes Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, as saying he finds the failures highlighted in the investigation are a symptom of a poorly led and unprepared unit thrust into a confusing situation that they were unable to comprehend and react to, until it was too late. Syrian pivot. The Obama administration has offered to work with Russia to target forces from the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front in Syria. Under the plan sent to Moscow on Monday the U.S. would partner with Russia if it agreed to get the Assad regime to halt airstrikes against U.S.-backed rebels fighting the regime. The plan would create zones off-limits to bombing in order to protect rebels, in lieu of the U.S. communicating their exact positions to Russia. Good morning again from the Sitrep crew, thanks for clicking on through for the summer 2016 edition of SitRep. As always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley China China has launched a new spy satellite into orbit, according to Spaceflight Now. The satellite, dubbed Shijian 16, was launched from the Gobi desert atop a Long March 4B rocket. China says the satellite will perform spacial environment detection and technological experiments, but experts believe its bound for less pedestrian work. Based on Shijian 16s orbit, analysts believe the satellite will likely be used to eavesdrop on electronic communications. Taiwan Taiwans navy has accidentally fired off a supersonic anti-ship missile, killing one person aboard a fishing trawler, according to Agence France Presse. A Taiwanese navy missile ship in port in Tsoying mistakenly fired the Hsiung-feng III in a westerly direction towards China, piercing directly through the fishing boat. The missile was fired during an exercise but it remains unclear what the cause of the accidental launch was. Russia The United States is operating two carrier strike groups in the Mediterranean, and over the past two weeks, both have had close calls with the Russian Navy frigate Yaroslav Mudry. The U.S. Naval Institutes San LaGrone discovered that the latest incident took place Thursday, when the Russian ship came within 150 meters of the USS San Jacinto and displayed maneuvers rarely seen by professional mariners at sea combined with an aggressive approach toward the U.S. ship, which is escorting the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as it carries out airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq. On June 17, the Yaroslav Mudry tangled with the U.S. destroyer USS Gravely, which is escorting the USS Harry S. Truman. Moscow complained that the Gravely came within a dangerous distance of nearly 600 feet and violated international and bilateral agreements. American officials say the Gravely was just protecting the carrier, as the Mudry was intentionally trying to interfere with Harry S. Truman operations. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is clearing house within the Russian navys admiralty. Shoigu canned dozens of top officers from the Baltic Fleet, citing dereliction of duty and distortion of the real state of things as the reason for the dismissals. The firings took out Vice Baltic Fleet commander Admiral Viktor Kravchuk and flowed through his senior aides. What, specifically, led to the shakeup remains unclear but Russia has been on a consistent course of confrontation with NATO forces in the Baltics, intercepting American spy planes there and buzzing U.S. intelligence ships. Instagram user @rus_foxhound_rus posts an up-close happy snap of what appears to be a U.S. RC-135U spy plane. U.S. Air Force RC-135s have been the target of harassment by Russian fighter jets recently with the warplanes carrying out what the U.S. has labeled as dangerous intercepts of the aircraft. Armenia is now officially a part of Russias air defense network. Reuters reports that Armenias parliament has okayed an agreement to integrate its forces into a regional air defense network with Russia, which Armenian Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan says will allow us to have serious reconnaissance data. Armenia is locked in a long running conflict with its neighbor Azerbaijan, with the Nagorno-Karabakh serving as a recent flashpoint. The regional air defense network, however, will not cover Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia has accused a U.S. diplomat who was tackled by a Federal Security Service (FSB) guard of being a spy. Sources tell Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the FSB officer broke the diplomats shoulder after sacking him outside the U.S. embassy in Moscow. Russias Foreign Ministry, however, claims that the American is a CIA officer under diplomatic cover who threw an elbow at the FSB guard and denies that his shoulder was broken in the incident. The confrontation comes amid reports from the Washington Post of Russia increasingly harassing American diplomats in Moscow, killing their pets and defecating on their carpets. NATO Canada is kicking in a battalion of troops for NATOs new Eastern European deployment. The other three battalions for the alliances 4,000-strong force near Russias border will come from the U.S., Germany and the U.K. Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said the deployment is meant to signal Canadas displeasure with Russias invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. Nonetheless, Sajjan said Canada also wanted to send an equally strong message that we are open for dialogue with Russia if it wants to cool down tensions in the region. Iceland Iceland has added its name to the growing list of countries in search of closer military relations with the U.S. in the face of Russias more aggressive military posture. Iceland signed an agreement with the U.S. to allow rotation of American troops to the NATO country. The U.S. has been interested in Keflavik air base for some time, recently using it to conduct surveillance flights. The most recent U.S. defense budget includes $21.4 million to upgrade the base to host P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. Iraq U.S. and Iraqi forces carried out a series of massive airstrikes against Islamic State vehicles earlier this week. On Wednesday, warplanes from the two countries struck an Islamic State convoy of 120 vehicles near Ramadi and likely headed to Abu Kamal on the border between Iraq and Syria. In another strike on Tuesday, U.S. planes hit vehicles belonging to the jihadist group near Fallujah, which Iraqi forces recently took back from the group. And finally Fridays marks the centenary of Battle of the Somme, which began on July 1, 1916 and would ultimately claim a million lives drawn from Britain, France, and Germany. Photo Credit: John Moore/Getty Images NAIROBI (Reuters) - At least six people were killed when gunmen sprayed two buses with bullets on Friday in Kenya's Mandera county on the border with Somalia, a regional official said. Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia told Reuters the attack happened at 9:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) as the buses were travelling to Mandera town from the capital Nairobi. "So far we are talking of six dead," he said, noting that the attack had happened on the road between Wargadud and Elwak. The United States on Thursday warned its citizens against travelling to areas near the border with Somalia because of threats from Somali militant group al Shabaab. Shisia said it was not yet clear who was behind the attack. Mandera has been the scene of frequent al Shabaab attacks in which dozens of civilians and security personnel have been killed. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Louise Ireland) NAIROBI (Reuters) - At least six people were killed in Kenya on Friday when gunmen sprayed two buses with bullets near the border with Somalia, a regional official said. The Somali militant group Al Shabaab carried out the attack, said Abdiasis abu Musab, al Shabaab's spokesman for military operations. The attack came at 9:30 a.m. (2.30 a.m. ET) as the buses were traveling in Mandera county to Mandera town from the capital, Nairobi, Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia told Reuters. "So far we are talking of six dead," he said, noting that the attack had happened on the road between Wargadud and Elwak. Abu Musab said one of those killed was a police officer. Mandera has been the scene of frequent al Shabaab attacks, which have killed dozens of civilians and security personnel. The United States warned its citizens on Thursday against traveling near the border with Somalia because of threats from al Shabaab. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri,; additional reporting by Feisal Omar in Mogadishu, editing by George Obulutsa, Larry King) (Adds background on Williams board and ETE offer, additional sourcing) By Michael Erman and Michael Flaherty June 30 (Reuters) - Six of Williams Cos Inc's directors, including the pipeline company's chairman, resigned on Thursday after a failed attempt to oust Chief Executive Alan Armstrong, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The resignations from the company's 13-member board come a day after Energy Transfer Equity walked away from its more than $20 billion deal to buy Williams after months of lawsuits and heated arguments between the rival pipeline companies. Chairman Frank MacInnis, Keith Meister and Eric Mandelblatt were among the directors to step down, according to the sources. Meister and Mandelblatt run two of the company's largest investors, hedge funds Corvex Management LP and Soroban Capital Partners, respectively. Ralph Izzo, Steven Nance and Laura Sugg also stepped down from the board, two of the sources said. The six directors resigned after failing to get majority support to fire Armstrong. Armstrong, himself a director, had the support of the other six board members, one source said. Williams was not available for comment. All the directors who resigned had voted in favor of the Energy Transfer takeover last September, in an 8-5 vote. Armstrong, who is the only insider on the Williams board, was among the dissidents. The merger of Williams and ETE, which had won regulatory approval with conditions, would have created one of the country's largest pipeline companies. A Delaware judge ruled last week that ETE could terminate the deal after Tuesday over tax issues that were raised by the company's lawyers. The deal has been in doubt for months, with Williams suing Energy Transfer, accusing the company of breaching their deal in trying to back out. Williams on Wednesday said it would seek damages against Energy Transfer, believing the company had no right to end the deal. It previously said that damages could be as much as $10 billion. Story continues SPLIT BOARD Williams board meetings have been contentious in the past. Corvex's Meister - a protege of Carl Icahn - and Soroban's Mandelblatt became directors in 2014 after launching an activist campaign against Williams' management in late 2013. The company's former chairman, MacInnis, testified last week to the Delaware court that the hedge fund managers were temperamental and had "occasional outbursts" in board meetings. MacInnis said that he had to ask Mandelblatt, a former Goldman Sachs trader, to "temper his enthusiasm, if you will, in order to avoid giving the impression of bullying." Corvex and Soroban could not immediately be reached for comment. The investors were instrumental in getting board support for the deal. Board member Kathleen Cooper, who voted against the deal, testified that she felt threatened that Meister and Mandelblatt would campaign to have her removed from the board if the deal was not approved. MacInnis, however, said there was never a threat - he said the board merely discussed the possible fall-out from a vote against the deal. ETE Chief Executive Kelcy Warren, a Dallas billionaire, set his sights on Williams last year to transform his company into one of the world's biggest pipeline networks. He made an unsolicited bid last June and reached a deal in late September that was then worth $33 billion. But oil and gas prices dropped significantly after the merger was announced. The companies' shares fell sharply, and investors started to worry that the $6 billion cash portion of the deal would saddle ETE with too much debt. ETE made it clear that it no longer believed the deal was attractive. It slashed estimates for expected cost savings and said it would probably have to cut distributions to shareholders entirely next year if it had to complete the acquisition. It also said it would have to cut jobs in Williams' home state of Oklahoma. Williams' shares were down 1.5 percent at $21.30 in after-market trading. The board resignations were originally reported by The Wall Street Journal. (Additional reporting by Anet Josline Pinto in Bangalore and Mike Stone in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler and Andrew Hay) By Amy Tennery (Reuters) - A sleeping driver and a terrified granny are among the many people who appear in popular YouTube videos using the Tesla Autopilot technology - and not always using the system as intended. It is an unwelcome social media image for the car company as it attends to a federal investigation into a fatal accident involving its Model S car operating in Autopilot mode in Florida in May. It was the first known fatality involving a Model S operating on Autopilot. Tesla and other manufacturers working on systems that allow cars to pilot themselves under certain conditions are seeking to improve road safety by reducing some of the burden on drivers. Tesla issues strict safety protocols for using its Autopilot and stresses that the technology is still in development. Not all users are heeding the warnings. One video, filmed by someone in another car, shows the driver of a Tesla sleeping at the wheel, while his vehicle inches along in gridlock traffic. The footage was uploaded in May and has already been viewed more than 2.3 million times.(http://bit.ly/1NM46bi) Another video, "Granny on Tesla's Autopilot Mode," shows a woman at the wheel of a Tesla shrieking in shock and alarm over the Autopilot feature, as someone in the passenger seat films her. "Oh, there's cars coming!" she yells. "Put me back for me controlling it! Oh, dear Jesus." Several YouTube users have reposted the footage across the video-sharing platform. (http://bit.ly/29hGBan) In another video, posted by the account DragTimes in October, a driver who filmed himself using Tesla's Autopilot feature reads a speeding ticket as the car continues on, explaining that he had been pulled over because the Autopiloted car was going 75 miles per hour (120 kph) in a 60 mph (95 kph) zone. (http://bit.ly/1Pxjfez) A DragTimes spokesman told Reuters he believed the technology has been "steadily improving" since the video was filmed. "The recent death is certainly sad and awakening for Tesla owners to be careful with this technology and only use it as recommended," he added. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday it is investigating 25,000 Model S sedans that are equipped with the Autopilot system, after the death of 40-year-old Joshua Brown in Williston, Florida. Its probe will add to debate within the auto industry and in legal circles over the safety of systems that take partial control of steering and braking from drivers. In a statement on Thursday, Tesla noted its safety warnings. "When drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot 'is an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times,' and that 'you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle' while using it," Tesla said. YouTube is full of videos either showing or discussing Autopilot - a search of "Tesla Autopilot" on the site yields some 27,000 results. Many are not "screaming granny" videos, but the more whacky ones often get far more clicks than the straightforward videos. (Reporting By Amy Tennery; Editing by Frances Kerry) Among the free agents contacted by the Sacramento Kings early Friday morning were Dion Waiters, Ryan Anderson and Matthew Dellavedova, league sources told The Vertical. Dion Waiters (Getty Images) Waiters is considered one of the Kings top targets, a source said. Sacramento has been aggressively trying to reshape its roster in the aftermath of a disappointing 33-49 season. Last week, a draft-day trade with Phoenix netted the Kings center Georgios Papagiannis (No. 13 overall) and forward Skal Labissiere (No. 28), as well as the rights to promising European prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic. Waiters, 24, averaged 9.8 points in a reserve role with Oklahoma City last season. Sacramento has struggled to solidify the two-guard position and Waiters is a slashing scorer who averaged double figures in each of his first three seasons. The Thunder have the right to match any offer for Waiters, who is a restricted free agent. But Oklahoma Citys acquisition of guard Victor Oladipo last month could create an opportunity for the Kings to lure Waiters away with a significant offer. Its unclear how aggressive the Kings will be with free-agent guard Rajon Rondo, who started 72 games for Sacramento last season. Rondo averaged an NBA-best 11.7 assists last season but does not have strong support within the organization, league sources told The Vertical. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand was flat on Friday as worries about Britain's shock decision to quit the European Union hit investors' appetite for riskier assets. On the bourse, stocks were due to open up higher, with the benchmark Top-40 futures index inching up 0.8 percent. By 0645 GMT the rand had gained 0.03 percent to 14.7300 per dollar, surrendering some of the gains that lifted it to a one-week high in the previous session after data showed the widest trade surplus since 2010. Cheered by the unexpected surplus, the rand rallied to 14.6000 overnight, its firmest since last Friday, but failed to break technical resistance around the mark as emerging currencies globally stuttered. "Attention has turned to the potential monetary policy implications of the Brexit vote," said currency strategist John Cairns of Rand Merchant Bank. While dovish comments by the Bank of England on Thursday suggesting the bank would ramp up its bond buying stimulus programme later this year, uncertainty kept investors from making substantial bets. "The result of the talk is that sterling and the euro have weakened further, while risk assets have managed to scrape some gains," Cairns said. Traders said profit taking on the rand after the recent rally would also limit any further gains by the unit. Bonds were firmer in early trade, with the benchmark government issue due in 2026 cutting 7.5 basis points to 8.765 percent. (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana) MADRID, July 1 (Reuters) - Spain will compete with other countries in the European Union to host the headquarters of the EU's London-based bank regulator following Britain's decision to leave the bloc, its deputy prime minister said on Friday. The race to host the European Banking Authority is led by Paris and Frankfurt, the largest EU financial centres, but no decision has been reached and other countries have also put themselves forward in the scramble to give London's agencies a new home. Spain has set up a working group to drive Spain's bid for the EBA and for the London-based European Medicines Agency, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria told a news conference. Santamaria also said Spain would seek to lure international banks based in London which are looking to move their operations to remain inside the European Union. "We will focus intensely on measures that can help us to boost the competitiveness that Spain already has, such as its level of economic growth, so that financial institutions that need a secondary base in the EU move here," she said. An EBA spokeswoman said last Sunday that the European Union would have to decide on relocation and in the meantime the agency would continue to operate in London. Spain currently only hosts minor European agencies such as the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work and the European Fisheries Control Agency. (Reporting by Angus Berwick; Editing by Sandra Maler) Trial and failure Big infrastructure should be prevented from becoming a Damocles sword (Adds quotes from minister, comments on Scotland, Gibraltar) By Dave Graham MADRID, July 1 (Reuters) - Spain's acting government on Friday dismissed as "very bad" a Czech proposal to hold a referendum on its membership of the European Union, barely a week after Britain voted to leave the bloc and sparked political and financial upheaval. "I think it's a very bad idea by the Czech president," acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said in response to Czech President Milos Zeman's call for a plebiscite on membership of the EU and of NATO. Zeman has no power to call a referendum and said he backed his country to remain in both organizations. The Czech government later rejected any suggestion it might hold a referendum on EU membership. Speaking at news conference with his Argentine counterpart, Garcia-Margallo described European referendums as "high risk adventures," listing a series of EU accords rejected by voters including the Maastricht Treaty by Denmark in 1992 and France's rejection of the European constitution in 2005. To avoid "temptations" similar to Zeman's idea, the EU had to be very careful in setting out future relations with Britain and create a bloc "much closer to its citizens", he added. Many Britons who voted to leave the EU objected to a lack of control over EU immigration that came with being part of its single market for goods and services, and said they wanted to recover policy powers shifted to European institutions. Spain, which faces calls for independence among separatists in Catalonia and elsewhere, has sought to head off any notion that the so-called Brexit referendum could enable Scotland, whose voters backed remaining in the EU unlike the much more populous England, to stay in the bloc. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said earlier this week that if the United Kingdom left the EU, Scotland would leave it too. Asked whether an independent Scotland would meet with a different response from Spain's government, Garcia-Margallo said the Scots would need British and U.N. approval before gaining recognition as a state, and that "then we'll see." Story continues "The rest of it is just a midsummer night's dream." Garcia-Margallo also reiterated that following Brexit, Spain would seek joint sovereignty of Gibraltar, saying that was the "only solution" if the British territory wanted to continue having access to the EU once Britain had left it. (Editing by Sarah White/Mark Heinrich) GettyImages-544007546 Jordan Spieth may not have the lead after Day 1 of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but the two-time major winner, desperate to get his season back on track compared to his blistering 2015, was a winner on Thursday. Spieth beat himself, and he shot a 2-under 68 to trail William McGirt through 18 holes at Firestone Country Club. Today was a big round for me. I won the mental battle with myself, Spieth said. Through 14 holes on the round, Spieth was 2 over and languishing eight back of the pace. He was struggling from tee to green, finding himself in jail on the tree-lined course. However, Spieth finally found something for the final four holes, birdieing them all in succession to post one of those kinds of rounds that makes Spieths competition marvel as his ability to grind out a good round. The 22-year-old said the difference in the final four holes was having the comfort of hitting a full approach shot. I had full shots in on the last few holes, he said. I had good numbers. Spieth feels like his swing isnt firing on all cylinders. The Texan said he feels like hes not getting through the ball with the right tempo, leading to keeping the club face wide open on less-than-full shots. He hopes the par saves he was able to manufacture in the first two-thirds of the round might free him up later in the week to go after the ball better. As for Thursday, the former world No. 1 knows he got away with one. This is one of the best rounds, one of the happiest 2-unders Ive ever shot for sure, he said. I wasnt supposed to shoot 2-under today. July 1 (Reuters) - A Spirit Airlines flight out of Detroit was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff on Friday due to possible loss of cabin pressure, the airline said. Flight 417 took off at about 6:30 a.m. local time from Detroit Metropolitan Airport en route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Spirit Airlines said in a statement. Not long after takeoff, the flight turned back to the airport and landed safely "following a possible loss of cabin pressure," it said. No injuries were reported. It was not immediately clear what had indicated a loss of cabin pressure or exactly how long into the flight the issue became evident. Airline officials were not immediately available to provide additional details. People identifying themselves as passengers on the flight posted photographs of themselves to social media with bright yellow oxygen masks affixed to their faces. The masks, which prevent the lightheadedness and unconsciousness cabin pressure loss can result in, are typically deployed during cabin pressure issues. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by James Dalgleish) By Julia Love and Mia Shanley SAN FRANCISCO/STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Apple Inc fought back on Friday against Spotify's claims that the U.S. tech giant had hampered competition in music streaming by rejecting an update to the Swedish service's iPhone app. The two companies have gone head to head in the battle for music streaming customers since Apple Music was launched in more than 100 countries last year. Apple's entry into the field sparked concerns from music streaming companies such as Spotify, which have argued that the 30 percent cut Apple takes of subscriptions in its App Store give its own service an unfair advantage. Spotify General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez reiterated those concerns in a letter to Apple first reported on Thursday as he protested the rejection of the latest version of the Spotify app. But Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell countered that the company deserves a cut of transactions in the App Store for its work operating the marketplace, according to a copy of a letter to Gutierrez seen by Reuters. Sewell insisted that Apple was treating Spotify as it would any other app maker, in keeping with antitrust law. "We understand that you want special treatment and protections from competition, but we simply will not do that because we firmly adhere to the principle of treating all developers fairly and equitably," Sewell wrote. Gutierrez claimed Apple's rejection of Spotify's app raised "serious concerns" under competition law in the United States and Europe and the move was causing "grave harm to Spotify and its customers," according to technology publication Recode. A Spotify spokeswoman confirmed the accuracy of the report. A spokesman for Apple declined to comment. Launched a decade ago, Spotify is the world's biggest paid music streaming service with about 30 million paying users in 59 markets while Apple Music has some 13 million. Companies such as Spotify have sought to sidestep Apple's App Store cut by encouraging consumers to sign up for their services online. Apple forbids developers from promoting alternative payment methods within their apps. Story continues In late May, Spotify submitted a version of its app that removed the in-app purchase feature, which triggers Apple's cut, and included an account sign-up feature that violated Apple's rules, Sewell wrote. Apple rejected the app and asked Spotify to submit again, but the new version had the same problems, Sewell said. Music streaming is a crowded field. Alphabet's Google Music and YouTube also compete with Spotify and Apple Music to attract users prepared to pay for music, as does Pandora Media Inc and rapper Jay Z's Tidal. Amazon.com Inc is also preparing a standalone streaming service, sources have told Reuters. (reporting by Mia Shanley in Stockholm and Julia Love in San Francisco; Editing by Alistair Scrutton and Tom Brown) Here's something you wouldn't even see in Winnie the Pooh. This bear and longtime resident at a California zoo seems to have nothing in common with a small stray cat often spotted scouring the grounds. But their unlikely friendship proves opposites do indeed attract. Read: Meet the Warthog Piglet and Rottweiler Puppy That Became Best Friends After Being Rescued According to zookeeper Amy Van Der Molen, who runs the bear exhibit at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, the first time the black cat was spotted was around 7 years ago. Van Der Molen said she pops up sporadically every couple of years, she can be seen frequenting the zoo. Then, for a few years, she will disappear. But, in the last year and a half, it seems the feral cat has found a new home in the arms of the resident bear. Van Der Molen said Sequoia has been living at the zoo for 18 years, and was moved to the zoo shortly after birth. They often hide dog food around the pen for the bears to find, but one day, they noticed the mysterious black cat hunt down the treats instead. "Of course, we felt sorry for her and we started feeding her canned cat food," she said. Though the feral feline was clearly uninterested in human companionship, she was here to stay not for the food, but for Sequoia's company. So, they named her 'Little Bear.' "Every morning when I come in to check on him, the bear's asleep and she's laying 10 feet next to him," Van Der Molen said. Sometimes, Little Bear may even stretch or rub against a wall next to Sequoia, indicating that she wants a little affection from her newfound friend. Then, she may wander off from the enclosure, and come back as she pleases. As for Sequoia, it seems he is also quite fond of his tiny playmate's company. Van Der Molen recalled the cat sniffing around the bear's food during feeding time. She said the fact that he was willing to let Little Bear have some was indication of his fondness toward her, even though Sequoia seems to be more of the strong and silent type when it comes to their relationship. Story continues Read: Weeks Later, Tiger is Still Best Friends With Goat He Was Supposed to Eat She said the zookeepers were never worried about Little Bear's safety. She said the feline can clearly outrun the bear if anything were to happen, but, "animals know if they can or can't get away with something. She's built up this relationship over a period of time," she told InsideEdition.com. Each day, Little Bear visits for a few hours every day, and the Van Der Molen said the zookeepers hope the pair will keep each other company into their golden years. Watch: Man Becomes Unlikely Best Friends With Baby Squirrel After Saving His Life Related Articles: US opens investigation into Tesla after fatal crash US authorities are investigating the first death potentially caused by self-driving technology. Beirut (AFP) - Separate air raids in northern Syria by regime aircraft and warplanes of the US-led international coalition killed at least 25 civilians on Friday, a monitoring group said. President Bashar al-Assad's air force attacked a crowded market in Aleppo city's rebel-held district of Tariq al-Bab, killing 11 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Another five people were killed in an air raid on the southern rebel-held neighbourhood of Sheikh Said, it said. The Britain-based monitor said rebel bombardment of government-held districts killed two civilians in the city that has been divided since July 2012. It also said a coalition raid on the northern city of Manbij, where US-backed fighters are battling the Islamic State jihadist group, killed two women and their seven children. Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters have been advancing on Manbij, an important waypoint between the Turkish border and Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 280,000 people over the past five years and displaced millions from their homes. Bar Elias (Lebanon) (AFP) - Crouched atop a blue minivan at a refugee camp near Lebanon's eastern border, the Syrians act out tales of pain and hope with which their audience is all too familiar. Gesticulating wildly and engaging with fellow refugees from the makeshift stage, the young actors perform in "The Caravan," a collection of stories about the challenges of daily life as a Syrian in Lebanon. One of them makes a revving noise while another pretends to sit on an invisible motorbike, as the narrator tells the story of a checkpoint at which only Syrian riders are stopped. "When the Lebanese had their civil war (1975-1990), we hosted them with hospitality. Why are they acting this way with us? We are the same people," says Ahmad, 20, the Syrian director of the play. The young actors will use the van to take their show on tour to refugee camps in Lebanese cities and towns, and across its countryside. More than one million Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon from the devastating conflict in their homeland that has killed more than 280,000 people. But once in Lebanon, they face a whole new set of challenges including finding adequate shelter, paying for residency papers, and feeling discriminated against by people in general. Many Lebanese hold deeply rooted prejudices towards Syrians, some as a legacy of the Syrian army's nearly 30-year presence in the country, and others out of fear they will take lower-income jobs and put people out of work. In another scene from "The Caravan," a distressed female narrator calls several Lebanese hospitals to find an incubator for her ailing newborn daughter. But doctors and nurses pass her from one person to the next as she becomes increasingly desperate. "This story really touched me because the woman was not able to hospitalise her daughter, who then died," Ahmad says. - 'It's about us' - The final production is made up of eight plays chosen from nearly 300 that refugees came up with through storytelling workshops in Lebanon, says its artistic director Sabine Choucair. Story continues The 34-year-old Lebanese woman hatched the idea for "The Caravan" as a way for Syrians to engage in group therapy. "We talk a lot about the number of refugees, but rarely about the human side," she says. Choucair says the objective is to promote coexistence between Syrians and Lebanese, "but also with Iraqis, Palestinians, and other Syrians because these stories are about them, too." The project was sponsored by Beirut DC, an association that promotes Arab cinema, and was funded to the tune of 113,000 euros ($125,000) by the European Union and the UN children's agency UNICEF. In the camp near Bar Elias, one of the areas that hosts the most refugees in Lebanon, small children crowd around Choucair to ask when the next performance is. The van that serves as the stage is decorated with orange, green, and red pieces of fabric, bits of wood, and plastic bottles. A crowd of about 100 people, mostly women and children, sit cross-legged on the ground under the summer sun. "Every day, I see Syria in my dreams. I'm with my neighbours at the market in Homs, once the war is over," says Fatima, a mother of two toddlers. "I love this play because it's about us. It gives our children an idea of what we're suffering." Ahmad's mother says she discouraged him from taking part in the theatre production at first. "At the beginning, I would tell my son that it was ridiculous to be in a play. But now I realise that it's good that he can tell these kinds of stories," says Hasna, 48. She sits next to three of her friends, all dressed in black, and wipes away tears welling up in her eyes. "We lost everything: children, brothers, sisters. My son has three children, and I haven't heard anything about him since 2013," she says, her voice cracking. At the end of the play, a microphone is passed around the audience. "We have to succeed in living together. We love the Lebanese and we would like them to love us too," one woman declares as her fellow spectators clap. Taiwans navy has admitted it mistakenly fired a supersonic antiship missile in the direction of China on Friday. The missile ended up landing in the waters of the Taiwan Strait, but it was a frighteningly close call at a time when tensions between Beijing and the government of Taiwan are rising. Agence France-Presse reports that a Brave Wind III missile was fired accidentally by a warship docked in Taiwan during a drill, and flew almost 50 miles before coming down near the Taiwan-controlled Penghu islands, which sit between Taiwan and the mainland. China insists Taiwan is one of its provinces, but the island has been self-administered since it was the last holdout of Nationalist forces in 1949 at the end of their civil war with the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan which unlike China holds democratic elections voted in January this year to elect Tsai Ing-wen, its first female President and the leader of the Beijing-skeptical Democratic Progressive Party, raising fears that cross-strait relations could worsen. After Tsais inauguration in May, the central Chinese government appeared to censure her for not explicitly referring to the consensus reached at a 1992 meeting between the two governments over the principle of one China. [AFP] A Taiwanese warship mistakenly launched a supersonic "aircraft carrier killer" missile towards China on Friday, hitting a fishing boat and killing one person, the navy said, as ties between the island and its once bitter rival deteriorate. The Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) missile flew about 75 kilometres (45 miles) before hitting the trawler in waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese-administered island group in the Taiwan Strait. The skipper on the Taiwanese 60-tonne trawler was killed and three other crew on board, including a Vietnamese and a Filipino, were injured. "An initial investigation showed that the incident has caused the death of the skipper," Taiwan's defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told reporters. "We apologise to the family of the skipper and would like to convey our condolences to them." The missile was fired during a drill at around 8:10 am (0010 GMT) from a 500-tonne missile ship docked at a naval base in the southern city of Tsoying and flew in the direction of China. The navy said the missile, which has a range of 300 kilometres, went through the trawler, but did not explode, nor did it sink the fishing vessel. Television images showed the upper part of the cabin, where the capitan was when the boat was hit, scorched and destroyed. The navy said that the staff sergeant who launched the missile had accidentally chosen "war mode" and "missile loading mode" during the practice drill. "Our initial investigation found that the operation was not done in accordance with normal procedure," Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu told reporters, adding that a further investigation was under way. Helicopters and navy ships were sent to search for the missile, Mei said, adding that the military had reported the mistake to the island's top security body, the National Security Conference. The accident has prompted angry calls from members of parliament for the defence minister to resign. Story continues - Communications frozen - Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles China policy, said it had notified Beijing of the incident through a quasi-official body. Official communications between the council and its Chinese counterpart have effectively been frozen by Beijing over Taiwan's new government refusing to recognise the "one China" concept, agreed by Beijing and Taiwan's then-ruling Nationalists in 1992. "At a time when the mainland repeatedly stressed it wants to sustain peaceful development of the cross-strait ties on the political foundation of '92 consensus', I felt the influence from the event could be very severe," said the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing Zhang Zhijun. "Taiwan needs to come up with a responsible explanation as to what exactly happened," he added. Analysts said Friday's incident drew attention to how damaging the freeze in communications could prove. "This event highlights the importance of communications between the two sides... in order to reduce the possibility of any misjudgement," Professor Alexander Huang from Tamkang University told AFP. "Otherwise, should we wait until a big event happens?" Ties between Taipei and Beijing have deteriorated noticeably since President Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected in January. Beijing is deeply mistrustful of Tsai, whose DPP replaced the China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) party in government, and has warned her against any attempt at a breakaway. China still insists that self-ruling Taiwan is part of its territory -- even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war -- and has not ruled out using force to bring about reunification. According to Taiwan's defence ministry, there are 1,500 Chinese missiles aimed at the island. China launched some of the missiles into waters off Taiwan in 1995 and 1996 in an attempt to deter voters in the island's first democratic presidential elections. Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga have had their fair share of drama, but since she was released from prison, the pair has grown closer than ever. "We're past all the drama and we're back to how we always were," Teresa, 44, tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week's issue. "Everything is amazing." But it hasn't always been the case. Over the past few seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the relationship between Teresa and Melissa, 37, has been a tumultuous one, with no shortage of name-calling and screaming matches. But after serving nearly a year in prison for fraud, Giudice and her sister-in-law have put aside their differences. Teresa Giudice on How She Repaired her Relationship with Sister-in-Law Melissa Gorga: 'We're Right Back Where We Always Were'| The Real Housewives Of New Jersey, People Picks, TV News, Joe Giudice, Teresa Giudice For more on Teresa Giudice's life since her time in prison, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday Teresa Giudice on How She Repaired her Relationship with Sister-in-Law Melissa Gorga: 'We're Right Back Where We Always Were'| The Real Housewives Of New Jersey, People Picks, TV News, Joe Giudice, Teresa Giudice "Fame got in the way," says Giudice. "I don't know if everyone knows that but it's really exactly what happened. "I always accepted Melissa when she came into the family with open arms, and that's it. It's just back to how it was." The Real Housewives of New Jersey returns July 10 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. What of green fields? Not shielding open spaces from urban encroachment has deprived children of all-round development Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f133945%2f1221 In a world first, scientists say they have discovered a massive amphibious centipede that also has an excruciating bite. NBD. The centipede, dubbed Scolopendra cataracta, was discovered in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, and can grow up to 20 centimeters long, or about eight inches for my fellow confused Americans, National Geographic reports. SEE ALSO: Woman finds 16-foot python slithering across her walls Although the creepy crawly was spotted by entomologist George Beccaloni in 2001 on his honeymoon, full documentation of the living nightmare was only recently published in science journal Zoo Keys. Beccaloni tells National Geographic that he discovered the horrifying swimmer by simply lifting a rock near a stream. However, when he uncovered the centipede, it ran towards the river rather than the forest. It was pretty horrific-looking: very big with long legs and a horrible dark, greenish-black color, Beccaloni told National Gepgraphic. Eventually, Beccaloni caught the centipede and brought it back to the Natural History Museum in London for further analysis from experts. Because scolopendra are usually found in dry climates, the expert was skeptical and the specimen sat on a shelf until Gregory Edgecombe and his students found two new centipedes near waterfalls in Laos. This is where the centipede gets its name Scolopendra is a general group of giant centipedes and cataracta is Latin for waterfall." After some collaboration and DNA testing, it was determined that this was indeed a new species, the same that Beccaloni discovered in 2001 on his honeymoon. Additionally, researchers found that the Natural History Museum in London already housed a Scolopendra cataracta, which was discovered in 1928 in Vietnam but was wrongly identified as a more common species. Fortunately, the venomous centipede isn't likely to kill you, but it will certainly hurt. All large Scolopendra can deliver a painful bite, the 'fang' of the venom-delivery system being able to pierce our skin, Edgecombe told National Geographic. Tesla Motors released a statement on June 30 after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into a fatal crash involving a Model S being driven by the cars autopilot. Former Navy SEAL Joshua Brown, 40, of Canton, Ohio, was killed on May 7 in Florida when the autopilot failed to distinguish between a white tractor-trailer crossing the highway and the bright sky. Brown had published a video around one month before the fatal crash where he credited his Tessys autopilot for averting a collision. The video went viral on YouTube attracting over 1.7 million views and was tweeted by Tesla founder Elon Musk. Hands down the best car I have ever owned and use it to its full extent. It has done many, many amazing things, but this was one of the more interesting things caught on the dashcam, Brown wrote in a comment on the YouTube video published on April 5. The Associated Press interviewed the driver of the tractor-trailer involved in the May 7 crash, who said a movie was playing in the car following the crash. Bronson, Florida-based newspaper The Levy Journal reported the top of the Telsa was torn off in the crash on US 27A. This video shows the April 5 near miss captured on Browns dashboard camera. Credit: YouTube/Joshua Brown By Jon Herskovitz AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - A ban on the shark fin trade took effect in Texas on Friday, a move environmental groups hope will end the state's status as one of the main U.S. centers for the product prized as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Texas became the first state on the Gulf of Mexico coast to enact a ban on the trade and joins 10 other states, mostly on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, to prohibit a practice that conservationists blame for a global decline in sharks. Texas had seen a 240 percent increase in its trade in shark fins since 2010 when states including California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and New York enacted bans in their states, according to Oceana, an international advocacy group to protect the world's oceans. Shark finning is illegal in U.S. waters but fins can still be exported and imported out of most U.S. states, it said. With finning, typically the fins are cut off and the live shark is tossed back into the sea. Unable to swim properly, the shark suffocates or is killed by predators. The decline in apex predator sharks can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, Oceana said. "We are now looking at the Gulf as the last frontier to pass these state laws," said Katie Jarl, Texas director of the Humane Society of the United States, which pushed for the ban. The Texas law, passed with bipartisan support in the Republican-dominated legislature, makes it a criminal act to buy, sell, or transport with the intention to sell shark fin. Those convicted can face six months to one year in jail. Other states with bans are Illinois, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware and Massachusetts. According to Oceana, as many as 73 million sharks end up on the global market each year. The main center for the trade is Hong Kong. The global catches of sharks are in excess of 800,000 metric tons per year, and the fin trade alone is worth more than $480 million per year, according to global conservation group Traffic, which has worked to place several species of sharks under international protection. Texas accounted for a small portion of the global trade, with 12.6 tons between 2011 and 2014, Oceana said. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Tom Brown) Kris Jenner Jewelry Line You dont become the worlds preeminent momager by simply sitting back and resting on your laurels. You have to get out there every day and find all new ways to monetize, promote, and get publicity for your clients, i.e. yourself and your nearest and dearest. And no one knows that hustle more acutely than Kris Jenner who continues to blaze trails for entrepreneurial parents everywhere, most recently launching her own line of pearl jewelry in partnership with Debut Networks. But office supply store Staples had some choice words about the Kardashian matriarchs latest necklace design that have set Twitter on fire like Angela Bassett and the car in Waiting to Exhale. On June 28, Kris innocently tweeted about the latest addition to her Kris Jenner Signature Collection line of jewelry, the Elegance pearl necklace, which features eight 14MM white organic man-made pearls strung together on a chain of thin silver links. The necklace quickly garnered comparisons to pearls held together by paper clips, prompting Staples Canada to chime in with a perfectly teed-up burn: My new 'Elegance' necklace is available now, exclusively online! https://t.co/FRcZp2VqjZ pic.twitter.com/2Da4vk51Tp Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) June 28, 2016 RELATED VIDEO: Kris Jenner Wants to Help Rob RELATED PHOTOS: Kopycat Kris! The Many Fashion Faceoffs of Kris Jenner And since then Twitter has absolutely exploded in response to the company throwing such serious shade, with users tweeting a string of GIFs of people screaming and manically laughing while others proclaimed this the front runner for tweet of the year, nay the century. Story continues And given the reality stars radio silence on the subject, it appears Kris has no intention of clapping back anytime soon. Let this be a lesson for all of us: If youre going to come for the office supply jewelry market, you best be prepared for a sick Twitter burn. What do you think of Kriss necklace? Do you think Staples burn was well deserved or off-brand? Sound off below! Emily Kirkpatrick Photo: BBC America If youre looking for some relief from Fourth of July noisiness and cheerful celebration, youd do well to watch the premiere of The Hunt, BBC Americas hypnotizing, exciting new nature documentary series. Sundays opening episode examines predators and prey in Africa, as leopards leap and strain to catch swiftly prancing impala antelopes, orca killer whales sink their razor teeth into the juicy, innocent bodies of baby humpback whales, and a chameleon with a tongue longer than its body laps up insects with a moist, deadly snap! There are scenes of a pack of wild dogs stalking and chasing a wildebeest with such blood-lusting ferocity that they simultaneously remind you of and almost impossibly nearly exceed the relentless pursuit of Hillary Clinton by Rep. Trey Gowdys Benghazi committee. Related: The Hunt: How Producers Made Sure There Are No Villains As overseen by producer Alastair Fothergill and narrated by that most sagaciously veteran of nature narrators, David Attenborough, The Hunt is from the makers of another remarkable documentary series, Planet Earth, and this one is just as impressive. The hours the poor camera operators must have spent squatting in tall grass, waiting for a leopard to get within striking distance of an antelope! The creaky knees and stiff arms the humans must have endured lying in wait, much like the animals themselves, to capture on film chases that frequently result in empty jaws and hungry bellies: Six out of seven leopard hunts end in failure, Attenborough informs us in the sort of mournful tone usually heard only on audiobooks describing the death of Little Nell in a Charles Dickens collection. The footage is truly extraordinary and gorgeous, and, for the most part, artfully edited. In this era of intense concern for animals, it takes great delicacy to provide the essential guilty pleasure of this kind of nature documentary seeing an animal actually catch its prey and consume it and yet it avoids potentially upsetting amounts of blood, teeth, agony, and death. Thus The Hunts cameras pull back with the polite discretion of a priest witnessing a young couple arguing viciously just before their wedding ceremony. Our eyes and Attenboroughs narration confirm that catch-and-kill, even as the actual death and consumption of the animal necessary for the life of both species to endure in locked symbiosis are seen by the merest suggestion of chewing teeth and ribbons of blood and meat. Story continues Related: Check Out Our Complete Shark Week Coverage Subsequent episodes of The Hunt take the viewer to the frigid Arctic (four wolves chase a snow-white bunny dont let the kids stay up past their bedtime) and into steamy jungles, where animals from tigers to chimpanzees seek out their versions of Quarter Pounders, hold the cheese. Dont miss a second of it. The Hunt airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on BBC America. Bryan Cranston in The Infiltrator (Photo: Broad Green Pictures) By Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter Robert Mazur, a.k.a. Bob Musella, is a man living in two worlds: quiet wife-and-kids suburbia and the take-no-prisoners opulence and bloodshed of the international drug trade. That hes played by Bryan Cranston might be dismissed as post-Breaking Bad typecasting. But its also smart casting; as a U.S. Customs agent leading an undercover sting of his own devising, Cranston turns every moment of duplicity, which is to say nearly every scene of The Infiltrator, into an emotionally textured high-wire act. In a movie thats ultimately about the performance aspect of spycraft and its psychological toll, his reactions and feints make for compelling viewing. They dont, however, keep the fact-based intrigue from lapsing into boilerplate crime drama, as it frequently does amid the persuasively unsettling jolts, defusing rather than igniting the storys core conflict. Broad Greens wide release, which reteams the actor with Lincoln Lawyer director Brad Furman, tracks a former accountants knife-edge gambit to take down the Medellin Cartel. Furman, his cast and his behind-the-camera collaborators beginning with screenwriter Ellen Brown Furman, half of a rare mother-and-son creative partnership bring mid-80s materialist excess and moral ambivalence into lurid focus. That the film finally proves less than the sum of its parts is unlikely to dissuade Cranstons fans, or audiences seeking a dark alternative to summer comedies and kids fare, from catching it on the big screen. At its strongest, Brown Furmans adaptation of Mazurs memoir wryly observes the ease with which Colombian drug lords and their stateside representatives secure legit banking channels for their ever-expanding profit. At its weakest, it hard-sells its themes and overdoes the tough-talking dialogue in ways that are so awkwardly self-conscious they stop the action cold. Story continues More: Bryan Cranston to Appear in Philip K. Dick Drama Series for Sony, Channel 4 That action consists chiefly of following the dirty money of Pablo Escobars cartel, rather than taking the more conventional tack of tracing the cocaine flowing into Florida. Its a scheme conceived of by Tampa-based federal agent Mazur, whos promptly paired against his will with Emir Abreu (John Leguizamo), an agent who embraces danger as his drug of choice. Their yin-yang dichotomy couldnt be spelled out more clearly, but it becomes increasingly evident that while their styles may differ, Mazur thrills to the chase no less than Abreu to the chagrin of his understandably anxious wife. Juliet Aubrey is effectively understated in the underwritten role of Evelyn Mazur, whose worries take on new dimensions after the young and striking Kathy Ertz (Diane Kruger), an agent on her first undercover assignment, is tasked with playing her husbands fiancee. In addition to his glamorous girlfriend, Mazurs high-flying money launderer Musella is outfitted with off-the-charts real estate, a Rolls-Royce and bespoke suits. (Given that the sting reportedly was a low-budget undertaking, the government apparently had lots of impounded luxury goods at its disposal.) While Abreu works the streets, Mazur/Musella works his way up the cartels chain of command with the help of a trusted informant, Dominic (Joe Gilgun), who spouts graphic descriptions of the various ways the cartel could kill Mazur if hes found out. If his predictions dont quite pan out, a series of shocking killings does transpire as Mazur readies the nets for a bust of unprecedented proportions. After gaining the trust of the flamboyantly unstable Javier Ospina, scion of a Colombian political family played with caricature-evading flounce and menace by Yul Vazquez, Mazur makes his way into the good graces of Escobars chief distributor, Miami-based Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt, suavity epitomized). The double-date friendship that arises between the faux engaged couple and the Alcainos (Elena Anaya plays Gloria) is designed to deliver an emotional charge that never arrives. Rather than letting the tensions play out in the layered performances of Cranston and Kruger, the movie hammers them home. Did we really need Bratts Alcaino wielding a chefs knife on an unsuspecting onion while speaking emphatically of the importance of trust? With Krugers Kathy sparking to her role-playing in decisive ways and the sting culminating in an elaborately staged fake wedding, the storys complications and paradoxes are clear enough without such heavy-handed nudges. So is the sense of complicit indulgence amid the private jets and lavish gifts. The screenplay uses a lighter touch in depicting the ways a full-service bank accommodates criminal enterprises, and wisely refrains from turning its glimpses of the wider-picture backdrop Reagan vs. Panamas Noriega into history lessons. More: Cannes: Diane Kruger to Star in German-Language Film 'In the Fade As a doomed informant, Michael Pare gets to deliver a colorful spiel on politics that works as a concise character portrait. There are a number of memorable supporting turns, among them Simon Andreus low-level money handler, who watches Mazur with unspoken suspicion. He figures in a key worlds-colliding scene that finds Mazur trapped between his two identities, with explosive results. But not every role resonates. Though Olympia Dukakis plays Mazurs mob-savvy aunt with tough-cookie oomph, the part feels tacked on, while Amy Ryan and Jason Isaacs are utterly wasted as, respectively, Mazurs hardboiled supervisor and a prosecutor. The storys mix of high and low comes through in Dinah Collins costumes, the production design by Crispian Sallis and the dynamic lighting. Cinematographer Joshua Reis experience on horror movies serves him well in his first major theatrical feature: from the garish palette of a bowling alley to set-piece interiors of the ostentatiously wealthy to the terrifying murk of a Santeria ritual that ends very badly, he finds the dread in each widescreen composition. Mostly its in Cranstons eyes, ferociously undimmed, even when the screenplay and direction get in the way. Distributor: Broad Green Pictures Production: Broad Green Pictures presents a Good Films and Miriam Segal production in association with Road Less Traveled Productions and George Films and Lipsync Cast: Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Yul Vazquez, Juliet Aubrey, Elena Anaya, Amy Ryan, Joseph Gilgun, Olympia Dukakis, Said Taghmaoui, Art Malik, Ruben Ochandiano, Simon Andreu, Jason Isaacs, Michael Pare, Nabil Massad Director: Brad Furman Screenwriter: Ellen Brown Furman, based on the book by Robert Mazur Producers: Miriam Segal, Brad Furman, Don Sikorski, Paul M. Brennan Executive producers: Martin Rushton-Turner, Camela Galano, Peter Hampden, Norman Merry, Kate Fasulo, Jill Morris, Scott Lastaiti, Bryan Cranston, Robert Mazur Director of photography: Joshua Reis Production designer: Crispian Sallis Costume designer: Dinah Collin Editors: David Rosenbloom, Luis Carballar, Jeff McEvoy Composer: Chris Hajian Casting: Gail Stevens, Jeanne McCarthy Rated R, 127 minutes [Photo: Giphy] Booze: Its a magical substance that gives us the ability to feel happy, warm, and to let go of our inhibitions. Just a shame that its so bad for our health, right? Admittedly as a general rule, it isnt great, especially when we binge away. But drank in moderation one drink a day for women and two for men there are several surprising health benefits it can bring us. It can reduce the chance of heart disease [Photo: Pexels] Yep. Unless you already have signs of heart disease (obvs), more than 100 studies have shown that moderate drinking can protect against cardiovascular disease in both men and women by 25-40%. According to Harvards School of Public Health, moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - or good cholesterol - and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease. Whoda thought it? It can reduce the risk of diabetes [Photo: Flickr/PracticalCures.com] Its the last thing youd expect alcohol to help, but according to a Dutch study, moderate drinking could reduce ones risk of developing type two diabetes by 30%. Non-drinkers and binge-drinkers, meanwhile, are at greater risk than their low-level-drinking counterparts. Itll keep your cold at bay [Photo: Flickr/Tina Franklin] Perhaps you shouldnt swear off a visit to the pub when youre feeling sniffly. Apparently, by drinking a moderate amount of beer or wine which are polyphenolic-rich alcoholic beverages you prevent the suppression of your immune system, and you could be less prone to infections as a result. Thank you, Department of Metabolism and Nutrition at Madrid. And make your existing cold more bearable [Photo: Flickr/L.A. Foodie] Sadly, booze isnt the cure for the common cold, but it can relieve you of your symptoms. Dr. William Schaffner, chair of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee, told ABC that alcohol dilates blood vessels a little bit, which makes it easier for your mucus membranes to deal with an infection. Story continues He also said that warm moisture from a steaming drink helps too, so bring on the hot toddies. It can improve your sex life [Photo: Pexels] This ones for you, gentlemen. While a night of drinking will make you as horny as ever but er affect performance, the long-term effects of alcohol upon impotence are a bit different. In a study conducted by the University of West Australia, those who drank experienced rates of impotence 25-30% below that of teetotallers. In other words, booze could help you perform in the long run even if it can lead to disappointment on the night. Itll make you more creative [Photo: Pexels] Alcohol may worsen our memory and our general awareness, but due to this loss of focus, were also able to think more creatively. In one study on alcohol and creative problem solving by the University of Illinois, two groups were asked to complete a series of word association tests. One group drank, the other didnt, and guess which group answered more questions both correctly and more quickly. Yup, it was the intoxicated ones. They were also more likely to perceive their solutions as the result of a sudden insight in other words, they had a eureka moment. Inspirational. It can make you live longer [Photo: Pexels] Good news for wine lovers: In a 40-year study of almost 1,400 men by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, those who drank a moderate amount of wine daily lived up to five years longer than those who didnt drink alcohol. Those who drank a mixture of boozes such as beer and spirits as well as wine extended their lives by around two years in comparison to teetotallers, too. Good news all round. But before you crack open the red wine, remember to drink responsibly, folks. Does the occasional glass of red make you feel healthier? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK. Theres A Reason Your Hangovers Feel So Much Worse When Youre Older At Last - A Bottomless Prosecco Restaurant Is Opening In London A big friendly giant and the king of the jungle are among what's headed to theaters this weekend in The BFG, The Legend of Tarzan and The Purge: Election Year. Read on to find out what The Hollywood Reporter's critics are saying about the weekend's new offerings. The BFG Steven Spielberg brings Roald Dahl's fictional tale to life in a highly anticipated film starring Ruby Barnhill as a young girl who befriends a dream-catching giant (voiced by Mark Rylance). THR film critic Todd McCarthy writes in his review, "An uncanny thematic mirror to E.T. some 34 years later, Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison's The BFG emerges as a conspicuously less captivating, magical and transporting experience than its classic forebear." Read the full review here. The Legend of Tarzan Director David Yates' new live-action film features Alexander Skarsgard as Tarzan. McCarthy writes in his review that the big-budget Warner Bros. film "isn't half-bad; actually, it's pretty good." Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, and Margot Robbie also star in the film. The Purge: Election Year While the U.S. is in the midst of election chaos, the third follow-up to the horror franchise gets political as well. THR film critic Justin Lowe writes that the title is "a speculative but frightening political scenario." Read the full review here. Our Kind of Traitor Naomie Harris and Ewan McGregor are a couple who get caught up with a Russian mob while vacationing in Morocco. THR film critic Leslie Felperin regards the film as "high-toned but ho-um" and writes, "Traitor suffers somewhat in comparison with Night Manager: Feature length doesn't always suit the longform, dense storytelling of Le Carre's work." Read the full review here. Roseanne for President! Michael Moore collaborator Eric Weinrib helmed a documentary/satire following Roseanne Barr's decision to run for President in 2012. The feature highlights the comedian's working-class humor as she touches on her comedic career, why marijuana should be legalized and her run as a Green Party candidate and the Peace and Freedom party ticket (she appeared on the ballot in California, Colorado and Florida). "I told her if she was going to run she should film it," said Moore. Read More: Roseanne Barr on Trump "Playing the Heel for Hillary," Pot and Being a Farmer var el = document.getElementById('targetParams');if (el !== null && typeof(el) != 'undefined') {var srcParams = $('.advert iframe').attr('src');var addParams = srcParams.split(";");for (i=1;i<=addParams.length - 1;i++) {if (addParams[i] != '=null' && addParams[i] != 'dcopt=ist' && addParams[i] != '!c=iframe' && addParams[i] != 'pos=t' && addParams[i] != 'sz=728x90') {el.value += addParams[i]+";";}}}brightcove.createExperiences();>>>>>>> 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 No, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars Vote View Results SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Thousands of structures were threatened and hundreds of people fled their homes ahead of a wildfire ravaging in a section of the Eldorado National Forest north of Sacramento, federal officials said on Friday. Firefighters have been able to carve containment lines around 12 percent of the so-called Trailhead Fire, which started on Tuesday afternoon and has grown to blacken 2,151 acres, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Jennifer Chapman said. The wildfire is moving slowly through mixed conifer and hardwood in the forest about 65 miles north of the state's capitol toward more favorable terrain for the roughly 2,000 fire personnel battling the blaze, Chapman said. "Right now, the weather is hot but the winds are light, which is good news," Chapman said. "It doesn't look like we're going to have a massive, rapid growth right now." Still, some 1,650 people in Placer and El Dorado Counties have been forced to flee their homes due to the flames and about 2,600 structures are still under threat, Chapman said. No homes have been damaged or destroyed, she said. Two people working on the fire suffered minor injuries and have since been treated, Chapman added. The wildfire season in drought-stricken California officially began in May but a string of major fires over the past two weeks marked the first widespread outbreak of intense fires this year. In central California, firefighters have increasingly gained control over a larger blaze that killed two people. Crews had cut containment lines around 80 percent of the so-called Erskine fire by Friday morning, which has blackened about 75 square miles (195 sq km) in the foothills near Lake Isabella in Kern County, about 110 miles (180 km) north of Los Angeles, fire officials said. Meanwhile, two other bodies were found on Wednesday in a rural area of San Diego County charred by a major wildfire, sheriff's officials said. The Border Fire, which broke out on June 19, blackened more than 7,600 acres in southern San Diego County near the Mexican border before it was fully contained on Thursday, fire managers said. (Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Bernard Orr) From Popular Mechanics The U.S. Air Force made its first Atlantic crossing with the F-35A-the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the Lightning II used by the USAF-on Thursday June 30. Three F-35A's will participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the largest airshows in the world, at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, from July 8 to 10. The Joint Strike Fighter will fly with an F-22 Raptor and a P-51 Mustang acting as the warbird of the formation. "It's a milestone," said Major Will Andreotta, the F-35A Lightning II Heritage Flight team commander, upon landing his fighter at RAF Fairford. "It really is an honor to be a part of it. A lot of people have never seen this aircraft. They have read about it, both positive and negative things, and this is our chance to bring the F-35 to the people for the first time." During the transatlantic flight, each of the three F-35A's received seven aerial refuelings-three from a KC-135 Stratotanker that turned around to head back to the United States, and four from a KC-10 Extender that accompanied the fighters all the way to England (see above). Even though the F-35A holds 18,000 pounds of fuel-the aircraft will be used to penetrate deep into enemy territory undetected once it enters service-the Air Force makes sure that during an ocean crossing, each of the fighters is constantly topped up so that in the event of a malfunction, either in one of the fighters or in the tanker, each aircraft has enough fuel to get to an airport for an emergency landing. Three F-35B's-the short takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant used by the Marines-arrived in England on Wednesday June 29, one of which was operated by the Royal Air Force. The very first F-35's to travel to Europe were deployed by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to Leeuwarden two weeks ago. The arrival of the F-35 Lightning II in Europe marks the beginning of the aircraft's participation in many high-profile airshows, as the Pentagon has finally decided to show the world what the Joint Strike Fighter can do. MADRID (Reuters) - Three people from Pakistan were arrested in Spain on Friday, accused of promoting Islamist militancy through social media, the interior ministry said. The three shared a home in the northeast city of Lleida from where they are accused of distributing content justifying Islamic State executions and supporting the Taliban and Pakistani groups, the ministry said. Authorities have not yet determined if they were part of a larger network, it added. Spain has now detained 29 people suspected of belonging to or acting for Islamist militant groups since the beginning of the year. (Reporting by Paul Day; Editing by Andrew Heavens) NAIROBI (Reuters) - Three Kenyan police officers have been detained over the disappearance of a lawyer and his client who had lodged a complaint about alleged mistreatment by the police, newspapers and broadcasters reported on Friday. Rights groups have said they believe foul play is behind the disappearance of the men and their taxi driver - and demanded an investigation into that and other allegations of police corruption and heavy-handed tactics. A police spokesman had no immediate comment on the arrests reported by Standard newspaper and other media outlets - or separate media reports on Thursday that the bodies of the missing men had been found in a river. The men included lawyer Willie Kimani and his client Josephat Mwendwa who had filed a complaint that he was shot and injured by police in April. Mwendwa was then charged with a range of offences, including possessing drugs, gambling in public and resisting arrest, rights activists said. They went missing with a taxi driver who picked them up after a June 23 court hearing. The office of the police Inspector General said on Thursday that efforts to trace the men continued and if any crime was uncovered with links to police officers or others "the law will doubtless take its own course". "There is credible evidence the men were, at some point, in the custody of Kenyas Administration Police and may be victims of an enforced disappearance," New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Thursday. Members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) marched to the Inspector General's office on Thursday to demand an investigation. "It is becoming a pattern that people are disappearing without any trace and with no person taking responsibility," former LSK chairman Ahmednasir Abdullahi told Reuters. (Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by George Obulutsa and Andrew Heavens) By Edmund Blair NAIROBI (Reuters) - Three Kenyan police officers have been detained over the disappearance of a lawyer and his client who had alleged mistreatment by the police, newspapers and broadcasters reported on Friday. A rights group said the bodies of the lawyer and his taxi driver had been found in a river northeast of the capital. Rights groups have said they believe foul play is behind the disappearance of the men and their driver, and demanded an investigation into that and other allegations of police corruption and heavy-handed tactics. A police spokesman had no immediate comment on the arrests, which were reported by the Standard newspaper and other media. Lawyer Willie Kimani and his client Josephat Mwendwa had filed a complaint alleging that Mwendwa had been shot and injured by police in April. Mwendwa was then charged with a range of offences, including possessing drugs, gambling in public and resisting arrest, rights activists said. Both men went missing along with Joseph Muiruri, a driver who picked them up after a court hearing on June 23. The U.S.-based International Justice Mission (IJM), which Kimani and Muiruri worked for, said their two bodies had been found in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River to the northeast of the capital. Mwendwa's whereabouts were still unknown. Police could not immediately be reached for comment on the bodies. The office of the police inspector general had said on Thursday that efforts to trace the men continued, and that if police officers or others were implicated in any crime, "the law will doubtless take its own course". The New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Thursday that there was "credible evidence the men were, at some point, in the custody of Kenyas Administration Police, and may be victims of an enforced disappearance". Members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) marched to the inspector general's office on Thursday to demand an investigation. "It is becoming a pattern that people are disappearing without any trace and with no person taking responsibility," former LSK chairman Ahmednasir Abdullahi told Reuters. (Editing by Kevin Liffey) Yenagoa (Nigeria) (AFP) - Suspected pirates have killed three men working for the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in the West African country's restive swamplands, a security official said Friday. The workers were ambushed on Wednesday while doing repairs on pipelines operated by Agip, a subsidiary of Italian oil company Eni, in the creeks of southern Bayelsa State. A security source, who asked to remain anonymous, said two engineers and a driver were killed. The source said the attack occurred in "a notorious place where gunmen operate freely." Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commandant Desmond Agu told AFP that the army, navy and civil defence had sent out a joint search team Thursday. "At about 1100 hours (Thursday), the dead bodies of two killed personnel were discovered in Oguama River," Agu said. The body of the third victim had yet to be found. Security has deteriorated in parts of Nigeria as the military focuses on beating back the Boko Haram Islamists that have devastated the northeast. There has been increasing violence in the oil-producing south, with new militant groups attacking oil infrastructure to press their demands for a greater share of crude revenues and political autonomy. Its shaping up as the nations hottest governors race, but the two actual candidates in North Carolina are not the ones controlling the conversation. Instead independent groups not affiliated with Republican incumbent Gov. Pat McCrory or Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper are fighting proxy battles on the swing states airwaves, spending more than 47 times as much on political TV ads as the candidates. Eleven entities the most in any single state-level race so far have spent more than an estimated $3.7 million for TV airtime about the environment, economy and controversial legislation such as the transgender bathroom law. They include some of the usual suspects: the Republican and Democratic governors associations, conservative bastion Americans for Prosperity, as well as a potent North Carolina environmental coalition thats played in past elections. McCrorys own campaign has spent just $78,000, while Coopers campaign doesnt appear to have aired any broadcast TV ads as of June 27, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of data from media tracking firm Kantar Media/CMAG. Kantar Media/CMAG offers a widely accepted estimate of the money spent to air each spot. The figures do not include ads for radio, the internet, direct mail or TV ads that aired on local cable systems. And the estimates do not include the cost of making the ads. This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series. Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. Outside group advertising isnt new for North Carolina, which has been an early test case in the trend of millionaire donors bypassing traditional routes and pouring cash into groups with neutral-sounding names such as Real Jobs North Carolina instead. But what may be most surprising this year is the scale of the ads and how early theyve started to appear: The majority of the spending has occurred since Cooper and McCrory handily beat their opponents in the March 15 primary yet still months before most voters start focusing on who they will pick on Nov. 8. Story continues Both candidates, meanwhile, appear to be saving their firepower, having booked millions of dollars in TV airtime in the fall, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of Federal Communications Commission ad contracts for 25 broadcast stations. According to recent polls and experts, its a tight race, so every dollar matters as Democrats try to tip the scales in a GOP-controlled state. While McCrory and groups aligned with him spent more than $1.2 million propping up the incumbent or attacking his opponent, Coopers allies on the left aired $2.6 million worth of political ads against McCrory. North Carolina has always been a pretty politically competitive state, and both Democrats and Republicans feel its winnable this year, said Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. It is also one of the only states that should be competitive for the governors, senatorial and presidential races in the state, so expect a boost of outside and dark money there. Nationally, candidates, political parties and outside players have so far pumped more than $53 million into TV broadcast ads about state-level races from governor to legislator in 30 states. Outside groups account for almost 40 percent of all the TV ad spending, pouring $20.7 million into political ads this cycle. Donors are increasingly going to these groups so they can hide their identities and give more money without any accountability, said Ian Vandewalker, counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for campaign finance reform. Related: Outside groups dominate TV ads about North Carolina governor's race About one-fourth of the outside players this election cycle are so-called dark money groups, entities that aren't required to disclose their donors. The flood of outside groups is not a surprise to experts in North Carolina, a purple state where big donors and groups have experimented with outside money since 2010. That year, Art Pope, a billionaire former legislator who later became state budget director, pushed a coordinated strategy with such groups that helped turn the statehouse in Republicans favor, gaining a net total of 11 seats in the Senate and 15 in the House. These campaigns were very successful, and because of that success, it became a new mode of operation, said Bob Hall, the executive director of Democracy North Carolina, a voting rights nonprofit. Of the North Carolina gubernatorial ads from outside groups, 96 percent had a negative tone attacking one of the candidates, according to Kantar Media/CMAG. Outside groups are helpful because candidates themselves are more reluctant to put out attack ads, because thats basically saying Yes, I endorse this attack on someone else, instead of taking the moral high ground, Vandewalker said. Its much easier to have groups with no accountability pop up for that purpose. Environmental groups have latched onto this strategy, decrying so-called cozy relationships between McCrory and the Charlotte-based electric and gas giant Duke Energy. For 29 years, McCrory worked for the states largest utility, an economic powerhouse that has been steeped in controversy after a devastating coal ash spill in 2014. And Duke Energy is one of the top donors to McCrory's biggest advertising supporter, the Republican Governors Association, which seeks to elect GOP governors nationwide. (Duke Energy has also contributed to the Democratic Governors Association but has given the RGA three times more money in the past five years, according to Internal Revenue Service records.) The North Carolina Environmental Partnership, a coalition of eight environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Southern Environmental Law Center, spent the most money on ads in North Carolina, $1.6 million so far, that slammed McCrory for trying to cut solar energy use, endangering drinking water and those Duke Energy connections. Tying Gov. McCrory to Duke Energy one of the state's largest employers is something far-left environmental groups have been trying to do since the last election, but the reality is that he has been the toughest governor on Duke Energy, said Ricky Diaz, a spokesman for McCrorys campaign. Meanwhile the Durham-based North Carolina Waste Awareness & Reduction Network urged Cooper to change Duke Energys corporate charter in a series of TV ads and is running an online campaign calling on voters to force the candidates to stand up to the energy giant. Related: "That money has to go somewhere" Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. Frankly, the opportunity is wide open for either McCrory or Cooper to distinguish himself by providing some actual leadership instead of just coddling Duke Energy, said Jim Warren, executive director of the 28-year-old watchdog group. We have gotten absolutely no special treatment in any way from regulators, said Tom Williams, a spokesman for Duke Energy. Coopers campaign did not return calls for comment. National organizations on the right such as the Republican Governors Association and Americans for Prosperity bought ads directly under their names, while the Democratic Governors Association played one layer below the surface, putting money into NC Families First, which sponsored the ads. The DGA often partners with in-state organizations to bring an important local perspective on gubernatorial campaigns, said Jared Leopold, the DGAs communications director. In total, the Republican governors' group leads with $664,000 worth of airtime in the North Carolina race compared with the DGA-funded group's $558,000. With four months of campaigning to go, expect to see record levels of cash spent, especially because of a fractured GOP base. There are a lot of conservative groups that really don't like Donald Trump and aren't inclined to spend on the presidential race, Kondik said. One wonders if some of that money will be redirected to more down-ballot races, which are easier for these outside interests to influence. The political system as a whole is overflowing with money, and that money has to go somewhere. Data reporter Ben Wieder contributed to this story. This story was co-published with TIME. This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series. Related stories Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C. Less than three months have passed since Tinsley Mortimer was arrested for allegedly trespassing on her ex Nico Fanjul's property and a source tells PEOPLE the socialite is "seeking counseling with other abused women." "Tinsley became so isolated during her relationship with Nico," says the source. "They would have these explosive fights and then he would apologize and it was an endless cycle." "She was in denial," adds the source. "I think she believed he would change." According to the source, "counseling has been really helpful for Tinsley. She just wants to move on with her life." When reached by PEOPLE, Fanjul declined to comment, and Mortimer's attorney Matt Morgan told PEOPLE Mortimer had no comment at this time. Meanwhile, further details about their volatile relationship continue to emerge. A police report obtained by PEOPLE details an alleged incident of domestic violence between Mortimer and the sugar heir, which occurred on Mortimer's birthday in 2014. Police were called to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at around 5 a.m. in reference to what the officer described in the police report as "an altercation between a man and a woman." When the officer arrived at the scene, hotel security had already separated Mortimer, now 40, and Fanjul, now 30, in separate rooms. The officer reported to Mortimer's room and described the star has having "swelling on her lip, an abrasion on her cheek and a scratch on her right hand." According to the report, Mortimer claimed Fanjul had caused her injuries and had "attacked her" after they started arguing in their room again. (Earlier in the day, the couple was kicked out of the W Hotel in the city for "causing a disturbance at the hotel bar," the police report outlined.) Officers made contact with Fanjul in his room. According to the report, he was "highly intoxicated and had some scratches on his face and back." Fanjul reportedly refused to answer questions about what happened and asked for a lawyer, according to the police report. The report stated Fanjul was ultimately arrested after one of the officers reportedly discovered cannabis in his bag. Mortimer was "adamant about not pressing charges" and signed an affidavit with her refusal. Due to this, the officer "did not develop probable cause to make an arrest in regards to the battery," reads the report. The report stated that Mortimer and Fanjul were then escorted out of the hotel and left in separate taxis. The Ft. Lauderdale police report follows previous incidents of alleged domestic violence between the two: In 2013, Mortimer was hospitalized for a head injury and two police reports from June 2014 revealed further altercations between the couple in which Fanjul allegedly smothered Mortimer with a pillow and pushed her head to the pavement, according to the police report. Most recently, Mortimer called authorities to Fanjul's home in April and asked for a civil standby because she said she wanted to retrieve belongings from his home. Authorities informed Mortimer that she was trespassing on the property in regards to a previous trespass warning issued in October, and the star was placed under arrest. At the time, Mortimer's attorney Morgan told PEOPLE in a statement: "She attempted to enlist the support of law enforcement to help retrieve her personal items. It was never her intent to cause any problem." "This matter is highly personal and emotional for her," Morgan continued. "Ms. Mortimer hopes to resolve this misunderstanding. She will not be making any other statements at this at this time." Mortimer was previously married to oil legacy Topper Mortimer and starred in her own CW reality show High Society in 2010. Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f13350%2fce32495b530e4b3d8ed0139a920c5837 Way back in March when a small bird offered its Bernie Sanders endorsement at an Oregon rally, the internet lost its mind. Things have since changed for Sanders, who's stated that he'll vote for likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in November. SEE ALSO: Bernie supporters considering a Trump vote: WTF are you thinking? But though Sanders' chances of nabbing the nomination are slim to none, the Birdie Sanders meme lives on, as evidenced by this little guy: Fly on, little meme. TJ Dillashaw reacts after his fight with Dominick Cruz at a UFC Fight Night event on Jan. 17, 2016. (Getty) UFCs bantamweight division has quietly become one of the most competitive weight classes in the entire promotion. With established fighters destined for the hall of fame (Urijah Faber), seasoned veterans champing at the bit for a shot at the title (Bryan Caraway), and up-and-coming talent that represents the future of the division (Cody Garbrandt), the class of fighters at 125 is an intriguing group. Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is amongst that group of fighters jockeying for a crack at the champion Dominick Cruz. Dillashaw tangled with Cruz back in January and lost his title via narrow split decision. Immediate rematches are seemingly tough to come by these days so Dillashaw must get past Raphael Assuncao at UFC 200 to stake his claim. Its a rematch of their 2013 fight where Dillashaw also lost a narrow decision that he still believes he won to this day. The two split decisions that hes lost still leave a bad taste in the Californians mouth and he hopes to avenge them both before the year is over. I felt I won that fight three years ago and Ive grown leaps and bounds since then, Dillashaw told Yahoo Sports. I believe I was the better fighter back then and even more so now. I feel like the champion of the division. Dillashaw believes hes best bantamweight on the planet. Unfortunately, he doesnt have the hardware to prove it anymore. And the more he sees Cruz parading around a title that he doesnt feel he deserved, the more frustrated he gets. I miss being champion of the world and it makes me angry when I see someone walking around like they are the champ when they thought they lost the fight, Dillashaw said. Dominic Cruz came up to me after the fight and he pretty much insinuated that I had won that fight. And then you watch the behind the scenes and you hear his cornermen in the fourth and fifth rounds telling him that he has to knock me out because I was ahead. But now hes acting all cocky like hes the actual champion when he knows hes not. Story continues Dillashaw is the consummate competitor. He doesnt take losing well and the fact that hes not the champ is eating at him. It also doesnt help that hes caught up in an awkward triangle of animosity with Cruz and the man who he used to call his friend, Urijah Faber. Dillashaws highly publicized departure from Fabers Team Alpha Male has led to some acrimony between the two fighters who once shared a common enemy in Dominick Cruz. But now that Dillashaw is gone, he has enemies on both sides and it left him in the awkward position of rooting against both fighters when Cruz handily defeated Faber at UFC 199. When asked if he thought he could see himself burying the hatchet with both fighters years from now, Dillashaw explained that the Cruz feud was built on competition while his rivalry with Faber is far deeper. The feud with Urijah and I is a totally different story, Dillashaw said. It appeared that the fences could be mended with a conversation until Faber suggested that Dillashaw could have been using performance-enhancing drugs in an April interview. For him to be as selfish as he was and to try to bring my name down especially trying to say that Cruz and I were on PEDs was a little ridiculous. He crossed the line with me. It really, really pissed me off with the way he handled things and tried to discredit who I am. Hes definitely going to have to do some big apology for me to ever be friends with that guy again. But Dillashaw doesnt think that him leaving Team Alpha Male was the problem. He believes that the issues started once Dillashaw accomplished what Faber never could. And that is capture UFC gold. I had something that he was never able to accomplish in four tries and I think thats where it started, Dillashaw said. Hes definitely a guy that, no matter what it is, has to one up you. He wants to be the guy who has everything and if its something that you do to your house he has to do it better. It ultimately came down to how jealous he was of me being the champion of the world. He wanted to bring me down and it shows he was never my friend to begin with. But the awkward triangle beef aside, Dillashaw is aware of the stakes heading into UFC 200 and promises that his eyes remain on the prize. After he avenges his loss to Assuncao in a fight three years in the making, Dillashaw hopes that his actions speak louder than his words and a victory will earn him the rematch. The talkers get a lot more attention than the doers and thats definitely unfortunate, said Dillashaw, without calling out any names in particular but aware that some fighters have talked their way into a fight rather than earn it with action. I should have received my rematch right away. And after that Cruz-Faber fight I think the UFC knew that I should have been the one fighting for the title. Cruz blew him out of the water and made him look like an idiot. If I go in there and do my job I dont feel like you can deny me of my title shot. Hajime Tokido Taniguchi (Rose Silvestre) Tokido! Tokido! Tokido! After a difficult and often disappointing start to the Capcom Pro Tour, Hajime Tokido Taniguchi celebrated his victory over Razers Seon-woo Infiltration Lee in the wrestling ring as the CEO 2016 crowd chanted his name. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he had punched his ticket to Capcom Cup with a win months in the making. Tokido is a fighting game legend, a Street Fighter god, a veteran of numerous battles spanning well over a decade. Despite being one of the clear favorites in any Street Fighter V competition, Tokido went through a change as a player that started roughly a year ago. Necessary change Late last year, Tokido expressed his desire to change up his play style in Ultra Street Fighter IV. He needed to improve in a more fundamental, grounded style with Street Fighter V looming. It seemed crazy to attempt a full style change mid-season, especially years after he invented and popularized the Akuma vortex, a technique used after a knockdown that gave Tokido a variety of options to get in on his opponent, forcing them to guess at how to defend against it. His new grounded play style didnt work out so well at Tokyo Game Show 2015, where he was bounced out in 25th place. But it was evident the new style was much more refined a little over a month later at Canada Cup 2015, a tournament he won (commentators James Chen and David UltraDavid Graham even noted the difference in Tokidos approach to USF4 on the live stream.) The change prepared Tokido for Ryu in Street Fighter V, a much more honest game than USF4, and one lacking Tokidos trademark Akuma. If it werent for Infiltration, Tokido would be the worlds consensus number one Street Fighter V player. Unfortunately, Infiltration has spent the bulk of the CPT and international events terrorizing the competition with his ridiculously tricky Nash. Seeing Tokido haunted by a demon in Street Fighter is strange hes usually the one doing the haunting but it was clear after he lost to Infiltration at Final Round and NorCal Regionals (both CPT Premier Events), Tokidos play style needed to evolve even more. Story continues Tokido vs. Infiltration (Rose Silvestre) The issue? Tokido lost because he just couldnt keep up with Infiltrations movement. Infiltration mesmerizes opponents by dashing in and out of their space. One second hes triple-dashing away from Tokido to give himself plenty of neutral space to work with, and the next hes dashing right back in for a throw. This doesnt even factor in Nashs ability to escape with V-Reversals and his V-Trigger. Infiltration is a master at mixing up the timing on these escape maneuvers, and Tokido couldnt get a read on any real pattern. How do you beat someone you cant catch? The faced each other yet again in April at Red Bull Kumite, and Tokido showed the gap was starting to close by using different defensive options. Most Ryu players save their meter to activate V-Trigger for its combo extension or faster fireballs that knock players down. Tokido chose to V-Reversal far more than he had in previous events (the biggest advantage of V-Reversal is to relieve the pressure from a player like Infiltration, who is great at keeping a player locked down with well-timed normal attacks.) Tokido also kept Ryus parry in his back pocket, but at previous events, he would use them in situations where he couldnt follow up with a punish. Despite taking the first set in grand finals 3-1, Tokido just couldnt overcome his demon, losing the next set 3-1 and his third straight major event to Infiltration. Zen Tokido When I first saw Tokido during Street Fighter V pools on the Saturday of CEO 2016, he said he felt good about the tournament, that he was going to winmaybe. He laughed it off because the last thing he wants to do is put even more pressure on himself by guaranteeing a win. Im not sure I believed that maybe part. Having spent a great deal of time around Tokido, I could sense something different about him. He seemed more focused and part of me believed him when he said he felt he could win CEO. At one point Sunday morning, I caught Tokido sitting against a wall, legs crossed, eyes closed, and hands folded in his lap. Id never seen him do that before. Later, he told me he was practicing breathing techniques because he felt like he was getting away from that in the middle of matches. It would prove to be a fruitful exercise. Slaying demons As has become the norm in major Street Fighter V tournaments, Tokido ran into Infiltration in top 8 and lost again. He climbed out of the losers bracket by beating a couple other Street Fighter gods in Red Bulls Daigo The Beast Umehara, Majestic Youdeals Tatsuya Haitani, and Evil Geniuses Yusuke Momochi. The opponent awaiting him in grand finals? Who else Infiltration. Tokido didnt win the first game of their set, but he set the tone early in the second round when he parried Infiltrations Critical Art and punished him. It resulted in a dizzy and Tokido won the round convincingly. The crowd went nuts and even Infiltration laughed it off and gave Tokido a thumbs up out of respect. Tokido simply nodded his head, closed his eyes, and collected himself. Over the course of the first set, Tokido utilized his V-Reversals to again keep pressure off of himself, while also applying more pressure on Infiltration. In the final round of the fourth game, Tokido executed a perfect parry on Nashs EX Moonsault Slash. He even threw out a crouching jab in between the second and third hits, likely to make sure his timing was right on the third parry. This was a different Tokido. The momentum had swung to Tokidos side and he didnt let up. Tokido was the demon that night. He chased Infiltration and locked him down. He used all of Ryus offensive and defensive options to maximum effect. Between every game, he would close his eyes and take a breath. For all of the impressive things Tokido did throughout the set, nothing could top winning the final round in the final game with a perfect, and thats exactly what he did. Its intimidating for a well-regarded pro player to switch up styles after all, they became well-regarded for a reason but Tokido managed to face a hard truth and overcome it. He changed the way he played Street Fighter while still playing an older game in anticipation of a newer game. He changed his approach to competition. Hes laser-focused now, and that makes him dangerous to the competition. Finally, he said told Yahoo Esports. Finally, I won a Capcom Premier tournament. And finally, Tokido is going to Capcom Cup 2016. Michael Martin played stick caddy for Tokido after his big win at CEO 2016. Follow him on Twitter @Bizarro_Mike. After the world learned that the UK voted to leave the European Union in the so-called Brexit vote, financial markets reacted violently sending stock tumbling. In just two trading sessions, the S&P 500 plunged an eye-popping 5.4%. But as many market experts warned of the perils of this newfound uncertainty, a handful of pros told their clients something they didn't want to hear: buy stocks. FundStrat Global Advisors' Tom Lee was among the Wall Street strategists telling clients to think opportunistically, saying that "we believe this pullback will ultimately need to be bought." A week has gone by since the vote, and the stock market has nearly recovered all of its losses. It's been a wild ride for the S&P 500. So what's Lee saying now? In a new 22-page research note to clients, Lee makes the case for the stock market rally to continue citing 5 bullish factors: The bull market has experienced worse things than Brexit. "Clearly, the UK will have some future relationship with EU (which model is not clear, Norway, Swiss, etc) and timing is unknown. In fact, timing arguably works in favor of less bad outcomes. But alsoa 2% UK recession (peak to trough) subtracts $56b from global GDP. When crude fell to $26 ($42 drop from 2-yr avg), the negative drag on commodity producers was $1.6T annually. In other words, just a $1.60 change in oil is roughly the same GDP impact as a UK 2% recession." Political anxiety has come to a head. "Policyuncertainty.com shows that on 6/25, policy uncertainty surged to a 7-std deviation high (n=22 since 1985) this has historically marked a low for equity marketsin other words, its a contrarian signal. The average 6m forward gain for S&P 500 is 12% (>5-std dev surge) with an 86% win-ratio. The only failure of this as a contrarian signal was 9/30/2008, when policy anxiety surged 7.5 std dev on TARP I failure." Big sell-offs lead big rallies. "Of the 50 instances when SPX tumbled, 16 took place when the index was above either its 50-day or 200-day moving avg (bull phase). On 6/23, the S&P 500 was above both its 50-day and 200-day, only 9 times previously (before a tumble). ...9 of 9 times, the S&P 500 rallied 3 months later with an avg gain of 7%. In other words, buy this tumble." Market volatility has collapsed. "...VIX fell 39% in the past 4 days, 3rd biggest since '91 and any decline >30% marks absolute bottom of sell-off...the S&P 500 has already established its bottom. Cash is waiting to enter the market. "There is a lot more cash on sidelines than the bears can appreciateit only took 2 days to position square. Margin debt is still falling yoy, down 10% last month, and every major market high has seen margin debt rise >40% yoy. In the meantime, the global search for carry brings investors to US assets every week." Story continues Of course, it's no sure thing that the markets will continue to rally. Lee warns that there could be some systemic financial concerns being reflected in the sell-offs of Europe's biggest banks. The idea of buying stocks after a big rebound in the face of all of this uncertainty is certainly an uncomfortable idea. But Lee would be the first one to tell you that some of the best investment decisions are the uncomfortable ones. Sam Ro is managing editor at Yahoo Finance. Read more: A few Wall St. pros are telling clients something they really don't want to hear A single word explains why financial markets everywhere are nosediving Veteran investors know there's one smart way to trade a Trump presidency Tom Lee: The best investment decisions are characterized by 1 word Now's a great time to reread Warren Buffett's op-ed he wrote after one of history's worst sell-offs Merrill Lynch chief economist nails the truth about risk in a perfect 3-word sentence By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. traffic deaths rose 7.7 percent in 2015 over the previous year to 35,200, the highest number of people killed on U.S. roads since 2008, the government's preliminary estimate reviewed by Reuters shows. The report was compiled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and submitted to Congress. It shows the percentage increase in traffic deaths in 2015 was the highest annual jump since 1966. U.S. officials cite an increase in vehicle miles traveled, lower gas prices and an improving economy as part of the reason for the increase. The rise in traffic deaths was significantly higher than the overall 3.5 percent increase in U.S. vehicle miles traveled in 2015 to a record high 3.15 trillion miles. The fatality rate rose to 1.12 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in 2015 - the highest rate since 2010. The report said deaths among bicyclists rose 13 percent, pedestrians 10 percent and motorcyclists 9 percent. Fatal crashes involving young drivers were up 10 percent. Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, called the increase "alarming." "The good news is that the solutions to reducing traffic deaths aren't a mystery. They include strong laws coupled with highly-visible law enforcement and robust public education campaigns," Adkins said. His group represents state highway offices that implement safety programs on roads including prevention of speeding and alcohol impaired driving. The increase in deaths in 2015 - 2,525 more deaths than in 2014 - is one reason why U.S. officials are working to provide guidance this summer to states and automakers on the deployment of autonomous vehicles. NHTSA says the technology could dramatically decrease traffic deaths - in part because 94 percent of all road deaths are attributed to driver error. News of the increased road deaths came as NHTSA is investigating the fatal crash of a driver in Florida who was using Tesla Motors Inc's Autopilot mode in its Model S sedan. Tesla said the crash was the first fatal crash in the more than 130 million miles that the semi-autonomous driving system has been used. Story continues "As the economy has improved and gas prices have fallen, more Americans are driving more miles," NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind said in a statement. "We know we need to focus our efforts on improving human behavior while promoting vehicle technology that not only protects people in crashes but helps prevent crashes in the first place." Driving is far safer now in the United States than it was in the past. In 1966, the fatality rate - measured as deaths per miles driven - was five times higher than today. In that year, nearly 51,000 people were killed on U.S. roads. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Bill Trott and Frances Kerry) Transition Therapeutics Inc.s TTHI shares were up 110% after the company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement under which it will be acquired by Opko Health, Inc. OPK in an all-stock transaction. Terms of the Agreement The transaction is valued at approximately $60 million, or $1.55 per share of Transition Therapeutics common stock. Transition Therapeutics shareholders will receive approximately 6.4 million shares of Opko common stock. The transaction is slated to close in the second half of 2016. The deal will add Transition Therapeutics lead metabolic candidate, TT401, to Opkos pipeline. TT401, a once- or twice-weekly oxyntomodulin, is being developed for the treatment of patients with type II diabetes and accompanying obesity. Opko will add two other candidates to its pipeline TT701 and ELND005. TT701 is being developed in a phase II study for the treatment of androgen deficiency while the company has completed phase II studies on ELND005 for the treatment of Alzheimers disease and Down syndrome. Our Take The decision to be acquired by Opko is a big and strategic deal on Transition Therapeutics part. With a strong pipeline, Opko will be able to offer increased value to Transition Therapeutics stockholders in the future. Moreover, Opkos position in the market should facilitate the development of Transitions pipeline candidates and their commercialization. TT401 is expected to complement Opkos existing oxyntomodulin candidate, MOD-6031, which is currently being evaluated in a phase I study. Opko has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), while Transition Therapeutics carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Investors interested in the health care sector may consider Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY and Pfizer Inc. PFE. Both stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). 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 BRISTOL-MYERS (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report OPKO HEALTH INC (OPK): Free Stock Analysis Report TRANSITN THERAP (TTHI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Trump this morning, via NY Post. In July, 1948, the 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman, took an overdue step toward equal opportunity, equal dignity, and more perfect union with Executive Order 9981, ordering desegregation of the military. In July, 2016, the aspirant to be the 45th President, Donald Trump, said he would look into a step in the opposite direction, by potentially replacing TSA agents who were Muslim and wore hibby-jobbies. The term hibby-jobbies was from a questioner and presumably meant the veil or head cover known as hijab. But Trump did not resist or object to it, as he frequently has with other questions whose framing he dislikes. (He let it slide, as CNN put it in a headline.) Instead he said he would look into this concept of religion-based scrutiny of public employees. You dont have to go back to Harry Truman to see how extraordinary and odious this is or to the Truman-era War Department film I mentioned yesterday. Eight years ago, John McCain earned boos from a partisan crowd, but increased respect in historys eyes, for rejecting a questioners premise that his then-rival, then-Senator Barack Obama, was really an Arab. Recommended: Why I'm Still a Republicanand Will Fight to Reclaim My Party In this cycle, McCain is still a Vichy Republican, officially backing Trump for the presidency. *** Yesterday Trump also joked that a small plane overhead might be Mexican, because theyre getting ready to attack. In retrospect it will seem remarkable, and it deserves more notice even now, how even-tempered the Mexican government and most Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and Latino-background Americans in general have been about all of this. Think of the likely reaction if a presumptive major-party nominee had been turning against [blacks / Catholics / Jews / Baptists / Asian-Americans / etc ] the repeated off-hand slurs Donald Trump keeps issuing against Muslims and Mexicans. Story continues Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. KSOUR ESSEF (Tunisia) (AFP) - Saida Bayoudh's only son joined the Islamic State group and her husband Fathi flew from Tunisia to Turkey to bring him home. Instead the father returned alone to be buried Friday, a victim of the Istanbul airport attack. Hundreds of men and women, many of them in tears, turned out for the funeral of Saida's husband, Fathi Bayoudh, who was laid to rest in the cemetery of his home town of Ksour Essef, south of Tunis. He was among the 44 people killed in Tuesday night's gun and bomb spree at Istanbul's Ataturk airport. Fathi Bayoudh's body was flown back to Tunis and received in a military ceremony on Thursday. Turkish officials have pointed the finger of blame at the Islamic State jihadist group, although no one has claimed responsibility for the carnage. Late last year, Saida and her husband learned that their only son Anouar, 26, had joined IS in Iraq and then in Syria, like thousands of other young Tunisians. But the young man had a change of heart after he realised the jihadists were "monsters", his mother told AFP earlier as friends and relatives gathered to pay their condolences. Her face pale and drawn, she recounted how over the past two months her husband, who headed the paediatric unit of Tunis military hospital, did everything in his power to bring Anouar home. "My husband... did the impossible to save his son," Saida said. For two months, Fathi Bayoudh, who took an unpaid leave of absence from his job, travelled back and forth between Tunisia and Turkey to try to track down his son. Anouar, who had turned himself in to the anti-regime Free Syrian Army after realising that he no longer wanted to be part of IS, was arrested and jailed in Turkey. On the day before the attack that claimed his life, Fathi finally received word that Anouar was on Turkish soil. For the couple, the nightmare was almost over. Saida flew to Istanbul for the reunion and Fathi was at Ataturk airport to greet her when the attackers struck. Story continues "He was extremely happy... and he asked me to come quickly to Turkey," she said before sighing deeply. "On Tuesday, he was at the airport to meet me." - 'They were monsters' - She recalls how stunned she was when she first heard that Anouar had joined IS and how it affected her and her husband's health. Saida suffered two mild heart attacks since October and her husband lost 20 kilos (44 pounds) in weight within weeks. "My son left Daesh (IS) because he wanted to escape and return to Tunisia. He found out that they were monsters," she said. Anouar studied medicine but was unemployed and, according to his mother, was not a devout Muslim. "He never prayed regularly but he was respectful," she said. In October, Anouar told his parents he was going to Switzerland for an internship, but less than a month later he telephoned to say he was in Iraq where he had joined IS. But his commitment quickly crumbled. "He asked his father to rescue him... He was very afraid of these people," she said. "In the messages he sent his father, Anouar described them as monsters and would say that Daesh was a sham," she said. After Tuesday's carnage, Tunisian authorities confirmed that their consulate in Istanbul had been in contact with the Bayoudh family since December. They have since said that Turkey had agreed to allow Anouar to return home soon. Anouar still does not know that his father was killed trying to save him, according to his mother. "He'll be back in 24 or 48 hours," she told reporters on Friday. "Parents need to be more vigilant" about their children joining jihadist groups, she said, adding: "No one is immune." By Daren Butler and Margarita Antidze ISTANBUL/TBILISI (Reuters) - Two Russian nationals have been identified as suspected Islamic State suicide bombers in the attack on Istanbul's main airport that is thought to have been masterminded by a Chechen, Turkish media said on Friday. Forty-four people were killed in Tuesday's bombings and shootings, which targeted one of the world's busiest airports. Prosecutors have identified two of the three suspected attackers as Russians Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, state-run Anadolu Agency said. Turkish officials declined to comment. One government official had previously said the attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper has said the organizer of the attack, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in NATO-member Turkey this year, was suspected to be a Chechen double-amputee called Akhmed Chatayev. Chatayev is identified on a United Nations sanctions list as a leader in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. He was arrested in Bulgaria five years ago on a Russian extradition request but freed because he had refugee status in Austria, a Bulgarian judge said. A year later he was wounded and captured in Georgia but again released. Turkish police on Friday detained 11 foreigners in Istanbul on suspicion of belonging to an Islamic State cell linked to the attack, Anadolu reported, bringing the number of people detained in the investigation to 24. A police spokesman could not confirm the report. In a separate operation, 17 Islamic State militants were detained in the southeastern city of Gaziantep on Friday, the city's governor office said in a statement. Turkish officials have not given many details beyond confirming the attackers' nationalities. They have previously said that forensic teams were struggling to identify the suicide bombers from their limited remains. Yeni Safak has said one of the bombers was from Dagestan, which borders Chechnya where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and Islamist militants since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. BATTLE WOUNDS Chatayev lost his arm after being captured by Russian forces during fighting in Chechnya in 2000 and later claimed he was tortured, according to a 2010 statement from Amnesty International, which had called on Ukraine not to extradite him to Russia at the time. In a statement on Friday, Amnesty said it condemned the attack on the Istanbul airport and said it had opposed Chatayev's extradition on the grounds he faced torture, which was against human rights law. In 2012, Georgian officials said Chatayev had been wounded in a special forces operation against an unidentified group in the remote Lopota Gorge near the border with Dagestan. The group was believed to be made up of Russian Islamist insurgents fighting against Moscow's rule in the North Caucasus. Chatayev, whose foot was later amputated due to his injuries, was arrested on charges of weapons possession. He denied this and said that he had been sent to the gorge as a negotiator at the request of Georgian officials. He was released on the orders of a Georgian court later that year and cleared of all charges in January 2013. "He was released lawfully, whether it was a mistake or not," former Georgian interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said this year. In 2011 he was detained by Bulgarian police at the country's border with Turkey as Russia wanted him for "participation in an armed group and for the recruitment of persons for terrorism and for financing terrorism", a Bulgarian judge told Bulgarian national radio on Friday. However, the Bulgarian court refused to extradite him, saying his refugee status, which had been granted to him in Austria in 2003, remained valid in all countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which includes Bulgaria. Separately, Turkish security forces detained four Turkish citizens on Wednesday at the Oncupinar border crossing with Syria on suspicion of membership of a terrorist group, the local governor's office said in a statement. The four were attempting to return to Turkey from a conflict zone in Syria under Islamic State control, it said. (Additional reporting by Angel Krasimirov in Sofia; Olzhas Auyezov in Almaty and Ece Toksabay in Ankara, Writing by David Dolan, editing by David Stamp and Anna Willard) ryan-jimmo Getty Image Two men have been arrested by the Edmonton Police today for Sundays murder of former UFC fighter Ryan Jimmo. Sometimes described by the press as a hit-and-run incident, it turns out that Jimmo got into a parking lot argument with someone in a truck and was walking away from the confrontation when the truck accelerated and ran him over. Security cameras got footage of the vehicle as it fled the scene and police tracked it down on Wednesday. The Edmonton Police Service released the names and charges of the accused this afternoon on their website. 23 year old Anthony Getschel has been charged with second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and fail to stop at scene of accident involving death. 21 year old Jordan Wagner is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Related Links: According to the police, Jimmo and the men did not know each other before the fatal confrontation. Its a sad closing to a completely unnecessary tragedy what could possibly have been said in that brief argument with Jimmo that would justify running him down? Based on the charges laid, they could receive up to life in prison for Ryans death. These two men killed someone over nothing and have destroyed their own lives in the process. BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian prosecutors have charged two Romanians with human trafficking, saying they tried to smuggle more than 100 migrants from Hungary to Austria in a lorry last June but left them trapped in the summer heat. One of the men was also charged with attempted murder and excessive cruelty against several people, including children, a statement from Csongrad county prosecutors said on Friday. The two men squeezed at least 106 illegal migrants into a lorry near the Hungarian village of Morahalom close to the Serbian border in late June 2015, the prosecutors said. The migrants were crammed in a space of 10 square meters, with no ventilation. A few minutes after departure, they started banging on the locked doors. The two men left them to their fate shortly after departure, and drove off in another car toward Romania, without opening the locks. The prosecutors said the migrants managed to escape only after they forced open one of the doors. "There were children and babies as well inside the lorry ... the people could have died within 20-25 minutes after departure," the prosecutors said. "The doors could not be opened from inside, and several people had already fallen unconscious and were in a life-threatening state due to the lack of oxygen," they added. The two men are currently in detention and the Szeged court will rule in the case. In August 2015, 71 people were found dead in an abandoned refrigeration lorry in Austria. The refugees had been crammed in the lorry and suffocated. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Dominic Evans) Washington (AFP) - A coalition air strike near the Islamic State bastion of Mosul in Iraq has killed two of the jihadist group's senior military leaders, the Pentagon said Friday. "Coalition forces conducted an air strike against two ISIL senior military commanders on June 25 near Mosul, Iraq, resulting in their deaths," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement, using an acronym for the IS group. "The precision strike killed Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari, ISIL's deputy minister of war, and Hatim Talib al-Hamduni, an ISIL military commander in Mosul." Cook said al-Bajari was a former Al-Qaeda member who joined the IS group and oversaw the June 2014 offensive to capture Mosul. He "also led the ISIL Jaysh al-Dabiq battalion known for using vehicle-borne IEDs (homemade bombs), suicide bombers and mustard gas in its attacks." Al-Hamduni was a military commander in Mosul and the head of military police in the region, Cook said. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and became the IS group's de facto Iraq capital. Iraqi security forces have in recent weeks made significant progress against the IS group, including the recapture of the city of Fallujah this month. Attention is now shifting to Mosul, where a battle to liberate the city is expected to unfold in the coming months. "Removing these terrorist leaders from the battlefield shapes the environment for Iraqi forces to ultimately liberate Mosul with support from the international coalition," Cook said. Tyga and Kylie Jenner have gotten super close lately, and the rapper is about to get even closer to Jenner's famous family. A source confirms to ET that the 26-year-old rapper just signed the lease on a new home, one street away from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Bel-Air estate. WATCH: Kylie Jenner Calls Tyga Her 'Husband' In Manicure Snaps According to the source, Tyga's new pad comes at the steep price of $46,500 per month, but the "Ride Out" rapper is definitely getting his money's worth. The 12,800 square foot home comes fully loaded with a pool, gourmet kitchen, fire pit and elevator. Of course, before news hit that the rapper and 18-year-old reality star had rekindled their relationship, it appeared as if Jenner wanted a fresh start. Just last month, the Kylie Lip Kit creator moved out of the $2.7 million home she bought while in a relationship with Tyga -- and into a $6 million mansion closer to sisters Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian. Jenner's new home in Hidden Hills, California, boasts 7,040 square feet, complete with six bedrooms and seven baths -- plenty of room if Tyga wants to visit. Things have moved fast for the couple since they reconciled last weekend. The pair first kept things all about family -- spotted back together at the premiere of Kanye West's "Famous" music video. Just a few days later, Tyga and Jenner displayed a little PDA, as the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star kissed her on-again beau in photo booth shots from Khloe Kardashian's birthday party. NEWS: Kylie Jenner and Tyga Reunite For Another Date Night in Los Angeles Since then, it seems the two have gotten even more serious, as they went shopping for luxury cars on Tuesday. Maybe Jenner is helping Tyga pick out a new ride to go with his new pad. See more in the video below. Related Articles By Jonathan Stempel July 1 (Reuters) - A U.S. grand jury has charged a Spanish investor with lying to regulators probing insider trading ahead of an August 2010 hostile bid for Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc, even though he had been cleared of charges over his own trading. An indictment announced on Friday by federal prosecutors in Chicago charged Luis Martin-Caro Sanchez, 42, of Madrid, with one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of perjury. The U.S. Department of Justice said Sanchez lied in a July 2011 Securities and Exchange Commission deposition when he denied knowing other people who bought Potash securities before Potash revealed Anglo-Australian mining company BHP Billiton Plc's unsolicited $38.6 billion takeover bid. Prosecutors said Sanchez in fact made several calls to two of those people in the days before the offer became public. They also said he concealed information about a Swiss bank account he maintained, and to which a friend had wired 100,000 euros of proceeds from selling Potash stock options. Prosecutors said the SEC did not discover the account and the transfer until January 2014, long after a federal judge in December 2011 dismissed that regulator's own civil insider trading case against Sanchez. The Justice Department said it will seek Sanchez's extradition. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the obstruction charge. It is unclear whether Sanchez has a lawyer. A lawyer who defended him in the SEC case on Friday said he does not represent Sanchez in the criminal case. The SEC had accused Sanchez of insider trading after he allegedly made $496,953, equal to a 1,046 percent return, in just five days by investing in Potash call options, but the judge found insufficient evidence. Potash's share price rose more than 25 percent on Aug. 17, 2010 when it revealed and rejected BHP Billiton's takeover bid. Canada ultimately blocked the takeover on the ground that it did not provide a "net benefit" to the country. The case is U.S. v. Sanchez, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 16-cr-00426. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Tom Brown) By Kouichi Shirayanagi WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The summer crab season has begun on the mid-Atlantic seaboard and supplies of the crustaceans in the largest U.S. estuary are improving, according to a survey, meaning crab lovers will enjoy bountiful feasts. A study released by the Chesapeake Bay Program this week said the "blue crab" population in the bay is growing, though numbers are below healthy target levels. State and federal agencies have been monitoring a variety of environmental problems in the bay that are thought to have hurt wildlife, resulting in higher water temperatures. The report did not draw conclusions on the reason for the current uptick in crab populations. The total population of blue crabs increased from 411 million in 2015 to 553 million in 2016, according to the survey. The population peaked at around 800 million in the 1990s and in 2012, it said. "It is encouraging to see adult females rebound from a depleted state only two years ago," said Glenn Davis of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Bob Higgins, owner of Higgins Crab House North in Ocean City, Maryland, said the rising crab population has allowed him to offer his customers "heavier, larger crabs - the type most in demand." Higgins, in the business for 50 years, said he expects to sell 565 bushels of crabs over the July 4th weekend. (Reporting by Kouichi Shirayanagi; Editing by Dan Grebler) By Matt Spetalnick and Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has placed Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Sudan and Haiti on its list of worst human trafficking offenders, drawing guarded praise from some human rights groups following criticism that last years State Department report was politicized. While more than two dozen countries were downgraded in the closely watched Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report announced on Thursday, Thailand was removed from the bottom rung despite what the State Department described as widespread forced labor in the countrys vital seafood industry. Other nations demoted to the lowest ranking were Turkmenistan, Djibouti, Papua New Guinea and Suriname. But the Philippines, a key U.S. ally widely known for its thriving sex industry, was moved up to the top tier the same level as countries like the United States and Germany even though the report said sex trafficking there was still a significant problem. Despite that, some human rights groups especially welcomed downgrades for Myanmar and Uzbekistan, strategically important U.S. partners, and said those decisions may reflect an effort to restore credibility to the annual report, which grades countries in the fight against modern-day slavery. Critics had contended that politics trumped human rights in some of last years key ranking decisions. On the whole, this years trafficking report accurately reflects and critiques the record of countries around the world in addressing human trafficking and forced labor, unlike the report issued last year, which was marred by strong indications of political interference, said Sarah Margon, Washington director for Human Rights Watch. But she also said Thailands upgrade, which the report linked to legal reforms and increased prosecutions, was "problematic." Still, it could smooth U.S. relations with the military-run government at a time when Washington seeks Southeast Asian unity against China in the South China Sea. "Were not doing it (tackling human trafficking) for anybody, but its your duty to do so," Thai Prime Minister and junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters in Bangkok. "We dont need anyone to force us. The State Department demoted Uzbekistan to the bottom ranking just a year after giving a higher rating to the central Asian country, where state-orchestrated forced labor underpins its vital cotton industry. Turkmenistans downgrade was also based on its policy of forcing citizens to work the cotton fields. The report also downgraded Hong Kong from "Tier 2" to the "Tier 2 watchlist" and the local government in the Chinese territory said it "vehemently and categorically" rejected the decision. "We cannot accept that Hong Kong is a destination, transit and source territory for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor," the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said in a statement. NOT INFLUENCED BY POLITICS Secretary of State John Kerry said ranking decisions were not influenced by politics or other factors. There are some tough calls. In the end they come down to an element of discretion, but not much," he said. A Reuters investigation published in August found that senior diplomats repeatedly overruled the State Departments anti-trafficking unit and inflated the grades of 14 strategically important countries. The State Department denied any political considerations but U.S. lawmakers raised questions about the reports credibility and called for reforms. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, expressing dismay over Malaysia and Cuba retaining higher rankings, vowed to introduce legislation to address "flaws" in the ranking process - a threat he issued last year but which has yet to translate into action. The downgrade for Myanmar appeared aimed at prodding the countrys new democratically elected government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, and its still-powerful military to further curb use of child soldiers and forced labor. It was also meant to underscore U.S. concern about continued persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the Buddhist-majority nation. The reprimand came despite U.S. efforts to court Myanmar to help counteract Chinas rise in the region. The Myanmar foreign ministry called the downgrade regrettable. "Myanmar has been addressing the TIP issue as a national priority and making tangible progress," it said in a statement. "It is hoped that steps can be taken to ensure that restrictions associated with Tier 3 countries will not be allowed to hamper cooperation between the United States and Myanmar." In the Philippines, Darlene Pajarito, executive director of the government's Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, said she was elated at her nation's premier ranking. "They must have recognized our work throughout the years and they must have seen that we have sustained all efforts to stop trafficking and prosecute people behind these activities," she said. The report also highlighted the Syria refugee crisis and reiterated that almost all sides in the civil war there, including government forces as well as U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters, were recruiting child soldiers. The report sorts countries into four categories: Tier 1 for nations that meet minimum U.S. standards; Tier 2 for those that are making significant efforts to do so; Tier 2 "Watch List" for those that deserve special scrutiny; and Tier 3 for countries that fail to fully comply with the minimum U.S. standards and are not making significant efforts to do so. A Tier 3 rating can trigger sanctions, but U.S. presidents frequently waive such action. (Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Manuel Mogato in Manila, Pracha Hariraksapitak in Bangkok, James Ponfret in Hong Kong and Aung Hla Tun in Yangon; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Cynthia Osterman and Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - A new indictment against a Macau billionaire developer accused of bribing a former U.N. General Assembly president says he also provided benefits to one or more U.N. Development Programme officials to get support for building a conference center. The indictment on Thursday by a federal grand jury in Manhattan also accused billionaire real estate developer Ng Lap Seng and his assistant, Jeff Yin, of agreeing to pay former U.N. General Assembly President John Ashe even after he left office. The indictment did not say what benefits Ng, 68, or Yin, 30, gave to anyone at the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), a U.N. agency focused on development projects, or how Ashe, who died in an accident last week, was paid after leaving the United Nations in 2014. But the indictment expanded the time frame of the alleged wrongdoing to September 2015, when Ng and Yin were arrested in a separate case, from 2014 previously. That expanded time period overlaps with activities being carried out at the United Nations involving Ng's company, Sun Kian Ip Group, whose foundation in May 2015 provided a $1.5 million contribution to the U.N. Office for South-South Cooperation. The office focuses on promoting collaboration among developing countries. A UNDP audit released in May said the funds were partly used to cover the costs of a conference in the southern Chinese territory of Macau, the world's biggest casino hub, in August 2015 co-sponsored by a foundation connected to Sun Kian Ip Group. Ashe was listed in a brochure for the event as co-chairman of the Sun Kian Ip Group Foundation. The UNDP at the time said that forum participants urged the United Nations-backed conference center's creation. Ng's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment. Yin's lawyer had no comment. Both have previously pleaded not guilty. UNDP representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The revised indictment came after Ashe, a former U.N. ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda who served as General Assembly president from 2013 to 2014, died on June 22 in a weightlifting accident. Story continues He was among seven people, including Ng and Yin, charged since October in connection with a scheme in which prosecutors say Ashe took $1.3 million in bribes from Chinese businessmen. Prosecutors said those bribes included over $500,000 from Ng in exchange for, among other things, Ashe seeking U.N. support for a Macau conference center that Ng's company would develop. Three people have pleaded guilty, including Francis Lorenzo, a suspended deputy U.N. ambassador from the Dominican Republic who prosecutors say was an intermediary for Ng. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) The U.S. military will allow transgender people to serve openly in the military for the first time in U.S. history. This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said Thursday. Were talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We cant allow barriers unrelated to a persons qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission." The new rules will be phased in over the course of one year. Effective immediately, transgender people in the military now will not be discharged. After one year, transgender people will be permitted to join the military, including attending the academies or Reserve Officers Training Corps programs. The decision comes nearly a year after Carter announced the Pentagon would review its policies on transgender service. Back then, Carter called the current regulations an outdated, confusing, inconsistent approach. Recommended: Judge Orders New Trial for Adnan Syed Transgender people currently serve in all five branches of the U.S. military. But the military still recognizes them by their gender at birth, and requires members to adhere to uniform standards of that gender. Under current rules, transgender people are considered physically and psychologically unfit to serve. Rules prohibit those with a current or history of psychosexual conditions, including but not limited to transsexualism, exhibitionism, transvestism, voyeurism, and other paraphilias or those with history of major abnormalities or defects of the genitalia including but not limited to change of sex from serving in the military. The announcement comes amid a national debate over trans rights, particularly in states like North Carolina, where legislators have considered so-called bathroom bills that require trans people to use public restrooms that correspond to their gender at birth. It also comes a day after another historic moment: two transgender women in Utah and Colorado won their primary elections for Congress, a first in U.S. history. Story continues U.S. military policies on service eligibility have undergone significant changes in the last few years. In 2011, the nation ended the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy, allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Carter also opened all military jobs, including combat, to women in 2016. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Jonathan Landay and Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria's government stops bombing moderate rebels, U.S. officials said on Thursday. The U.S. backs the moderate rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them. Many U.S. officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that. It also would require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the U.S.-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government, which they and Washington have accused of most of the ceasefire violations. "If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, immediately the Russians and Assad go kill them," said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. "The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival." "Its staggering to me that anybody even at year five of this civil war thought this would be a good idea," said Harmer. The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. A "HAIL MARY" PASS? That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unraveling of a Feb. 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the U.S.-backed moderate opposition forces. In one sign of their predicament, U.S.-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the United States wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior U.S. officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he "continues to work to advance a political transition," National Security Council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday. (Additional reporting by Ayesha Rascoe, Phil Stewart and Lesley Wroughton; Reporting By Jonathan Landay and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by John Walcott and Clive McKeef) By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK, July 1 (Reuters) - U.S. small-cap stocks have clawed back most of the losses they sustained after Britain's vote last week to leave the European Union rattled market confidence in riskier assets. But investors fret that smaller stocks would be more vulnerable than others to further political or economic uncertainty from the "Brexit," even though small companies seem less directly exposed to foreign economic fallout and appear reasonably priced compared to large caps. "Relative valuation, small caps to large caps - small caps are cheap," said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services in Hammond, Indiana. "But something like this, if the prevailing wisdom is the risk-off trade...that's going to outweigh what would perceive to be the benefit of small caps not having as much exposure to the overseas sector." The Russell 2000, a widely used gauge for small-cap stocks, fell as much as 7.4 percent after the Brexit vote, giving back some of its 24 percent surge since mid-February. The Russell has rebounded, and is now off only 1 percent since the vote, slightly more than the 0.2 percent decline for the benchmark S&P 500 large-cap index. Market crises of the past 20 years hit small caps particularly hard. A Credit Suisse analysis of seven crises, such as the bursting of the tech bubble and the 2008 credit crisis, found a 23 percent average pull-back for the Russell 2000 against 15 percent for the S&P 500. Even in less-severe events that undercut equities, such as the S&P downgrade in 2011 of the United States or last August' s sell-off following the Chinese market collapse, the Russell tended to underperform, according to a Reuters analysis. The international flavor of this shock could act as a buffer. Russell 2000 companies generate 21 percent of revenue from outside the United States, compared to 31 percent for S&P 500 companies, according to FactSet Research. "The big shocks of the last year were China and the UK," said Eric Kuby, chief investment officer with Chicago-based North Star Investment Management. "These are shocks that don't really affect these companies." Story continues Aside from the late 1990s and early 2000s, small cap stocks are the cheapest they have been relative to large caps in more than 30 years, according to a recent Credit Suisse report, based on price-to-earnings, price-to-book and price-to-sales ratios. While small caps may lag initially, "we view any near-term underperformance as a buying opportunity in small caps for the longer-term," the Credit Suisse analysts said. Still at 17.9 times forward earnings estimates as of last Friday, the Russell 2000 looks expensive compared to its historic average of 15.6 times, according to Jefferies & Co. SMIDcap strategist Steven DeSanctis, who said the Brexit volatility only adds to his case that small-caps are poised to underperform over the next six to 12 months. The second-quarter earnings outlook is broadly grim for small caps. Earnings for Russell 2000 companies are expected to fall by 9.6 percent from a year earlier, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S, much steeper than the 4 percent decline projected for S&P 500 companies in the second quarter. Investors also worry about buying at what appears to be the end of a cycle of economic expansion. "Normally, this is the time you want to err on the side of large cap," said John Traynor, chief investment officer of People's United Wealth Management in Bridgeport, Connecticut. "There might be some trading opportunities, but to make a structural shift to small cap - we would be advising against it." (Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf; Editing by David Gregorio) By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - Family members of the people killed in an attack on a South Carolina church last year have sued the U.S. government over an FBI clerk's mistake that allowed the purchase of the gun used in the shooting. Wrongful death lawsuits filed by relatives and survivors of the shooting and reviewed by Reuters allege that at least one of the background check databases maintained by the federal government had information that should have prevented the firearm sale. "At the end of the day, those who were wrong are accountable," one of the plaintiffs, Arthur Hurd, said in a telephone interview on Friday. Hurd's wife, Cynthia, was among nine people killed in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston in June 2015. "Our government should stand up and do for the people what is right," Hurd said. Dylann Roof, 22, has been charged in state court with murder and attempted murder, while federal prosecutors have charged him with 33 counts including hate crimes, obstruction of religion and firearms offenses. Federal Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Susan McKee said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. The FBI runs federal background checks for gun dealers in more than 30 states, including South Carolina. If the agency does not report back to the retailer with a yes or no decision in three business days, U.S. law allows a gun to be sold. FBI Director James Comey has said that Roof was able to buy a gun in April 2015 because of errors in his federal background check. The examiner who conducted Roof's check did not see a February 2015 police report in which Roof admitted to unlawful drug possession, which would have barred him from buying the weapon, Comey said last year. That information did not come to light because Roof's record listed the wrong arresting agency, federal authorities said. Lawsuits filed by the shooting victims' estates on Thursday reject the claim that the FBI did not have access to the arrest report that would have required the gun sale to be denied. "Federal law precluded the government from allowing the firearm sale," said lawyer Mullins McLeod, who represents three of the Emanuel victims' estates. "The victims' civil suit against the FBI seeks to hold the government accountable to the law and demonstrate it is not above the law." (Additional reporting, writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Bernard Orr) * Osborne says must be realistic on budget * Target was seen as challenging even before Brexit * Move by Osborne could help restore confidence - economist (Adds details, background, comments from economist, Labour) By William Schomberg LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - Finance minister George Osborne on Friday gave up his centrepiece policy of turning Britain's budget deficit into a surplus by 2020, faced with potential economic stress following the country's shock decision to leave the European Union. It was the latest setback for Osborne who was once considered a future British leader but who has not put himself forward to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron after the two men failed in their campaign to keep Britain in the EU. "The government must provide fiscal credibility, so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade," Osborne said in a speech on Friday. Even before the referendum, many economists had questioned the ability of Osborne to deliver the surplus by the end of the decade because of the scale of the spending cuts or tax increases that would be required to hit it. Martin Beck, an economist with EY ITEM Club, said Osborne's announcement could help to counter the Brexit hit to confidence in the economy. "This is a welcome step at a time of economic uncertainty. Achieving a surplus was always set to drag on activity over the next few years," Beck said. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Thursday that he expected the central bank would need to pump more monetary stimulus into the economy over the summer. Osborne inherited a deficit of more than 10 percent of gross domestic product when he became finance minister in 2010. Since then, the shortfall has fallen and was just under 4 percent of GDP in the 2015/16 financial year which ended in March. When Osborne announced a new fiscal plan last year, including the 2020 surplus target, he included a clause relieving the government of the requirement to put the public finances in the black in the event of a hit to the economy. Story continues One of the front-runners to succeed Cameron as prime minister, interior minister Theresa May, said on Thursday that she would not stick with the 2020 budget surplus target. Britain's opposition Labour Party has criticised the target. "He should now lay out a programme of government investment and support for businesses, bringing forward shovel-ready projects particularly in those areas hardest hit by long-term economic decline," Labour's main spokesman on the economy, lawmaker John McDonnell, said. (Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa and Andy Bruce/Jeremy Gaunt) From Cosmopolitan Jared Andersen, a senior at Firth High School in Firth, Idaho, began weightlifting in seventh grade, BODYBUILDING.com reports. In fact, his school's weight room was "everything to him." When Andersen was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer last year and received a wish from the Make-a-Wish foundation, he decided not to take a trip or meet a personal hero as many do, but instead to put $100,000 toward revamping the very old and worn-down weight room at his high school. In the video above, Andersen explains he first noticed a lump in his hand last year while he was working out. Assuming it was a cyst, he ignored it for months until he couldn't any longer. He immediately underwent chemo (for a "one in a million" diagnosis, his doctor explains) as those treating him were scared the cancer would spread to his lymph nodes. As his body got weaker, he decided to continue lifting. "'Lifting weights isn't recommended for cancer patients, but I decided to give it a try,'" one of his teachers read aloud from a paper he submitted in the video. "'The results of lifting almost every day made my life better. My outlook of my situation was brighter and more hopeful.'" The renovation, which was done by Make-a-Wish with help from BODYBUILDING.com, was unveiled at the end of April in a major school assembly. Firth High School principal Jeff Gee told ABC 8, "I thought it was very selfless for Jared to be willing, when you have the opportunity to do just about anything you want to do, but to pay it forward to the school, I thought was just unbelievable of him." The new weight room is now beloved by the school's 230 students, Gee said, and is named "The Jared Andersen Weight Room." "It's just cool to know that I was a part of this," Andersen said in the video. "It's kind of like a legacy, that's what I think of it as. Something to be remembered by." Andersen is now in remission. Watch the entire story above. Follow Tess on Twitter. Christy and Jason Sheats were longtime loves from Alabama, raising their two daughters in a suburb of Houston, Texas, on the day Christy decided to load a five-round, .38-caliber revolver and open fire on her family. She killed Madison, 17, and Taylor, 22, on June 24, as Jason watched in horror, authorities said. Police then shot Christy dead in the street, near her daughters' bodies outside their Katy home, after she refused to drop her weapon. How did the Sheats family get from there to here? Authorities know Jason had announced his desire for a divorce the day of the shooting, after years of a crumbling marriage, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls told PEOPLE. Authorities know that, according to Jason, Christy had attempted suicide three times and had been treated at three mental health facilities in the last four years; and that she fought with Taylor and Jason the day of the shooting. And authorities know that Christy began to "spiral" after her grandfather's death in 2012, months before her mother died, and Jason believes she killed their children as a way to make him "suffer," according to what Jason told investigators. But there was no history of Christy being violently unstable, Nehls told PEOPLE. He said that, on that Friday, as the family gathered in their living room before Christy unexpectedly opened fire, Jason expected they would discuss the divorce. She pulled a gun instead. Unraveling of a Family: How a 'Beautiful' Marriage Turned Tragic When Texas Mom Killed Daughters| Crime & Courts, Personal Tragedy, Shootings, True Crime 'Her Parents Had a Really Beautiful Story' Christy and Jason met when they were younger. "And they just knew they were going to be together," Austin Crockett, Taylor's childhood friend, told PEOPLE. They apparently grew up not far apart from each other: Christy was a native of Decatur, Alabama, according to AL.com a 15-minute drive from Trinity, where Jason had lived and attended high school, according to one of his Facebook friends. "Her parents had a really beautiful story," Crockett told PEOPLE. "And they would always tell the story [of their meeting] and they were [Taylor's] heroes." 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. Christy was a devoted mom, too, according to one friend. "She loves her daughters," friend Catherine Knowles told PEOPLE soon after the shooting. "I have no idea what could possibly make a mother who loves her daughters as much as she did what could cause a person to snap?" "The part of Christy that I knew was a very kind, loving mother," Knowles said. "Within 20 seconds of meeting her, we were talking about her being a mom. That was her mission in life, that was her everything her two daughters." Story continues Unraveling of a Family: How a 'Beautiful' Marriage Turned Tragic When Texas Mom Killed Daughters| Crime & Courts, Personal Tragedy, Shootings, True Crime A 'Downward Spiral' By late June, authorities say the Sheats marriage had soured and Jason said he wanted a divorce. The same day as the shooting, his birthday, he told Christy, "This would be the last birthday that you are going to ruin," Sheriff Nehls told PEOPLE. Things turned sour in 2012, Jason told investigators, Nehls said. "He [Jason] believes she had a very difficult time dealing with the death of her grandfather," Nehls said. Christy's mother died two months later. In the four years since, Christy sought treatment at three mental health facilities, Jason told authorities. The family also started a pattern of service calls for authorities to their home, including three calls about Christy's suicide attempts, Nehls said. Jason told authorities Christy was taking several medications for depression and anxiety, but Nehls told PEOPLE he did not have any information about her medication regimen or how it might or might not have affected her stability. The day of the shooting, Christy had an argument with Taylor and wanted to ground her, to keep her from seeing her fiance, Nehls said. Jason disagreed with that decision. He and Christy discussed divorce that day, too, Nehls said. Within hours, both daughters and Christy were dead. Jason, a witness, pleaded with his wife not to shoot, according to 911 audio. "I promise you whatever you want," he can be heard saying on one call. Jason, who was "obviously in a lot of shock out at the scene, spoke at length with authorities a few days later, Nehls said. He has declined, through authorities, to speak publicly. On Wednesday, he resumed posting on Facebook, sharing a compilation of photos of his family: him and his daughters together, smiling. Christy was not included. With reporting by HARRIET SOKMENSUER and JEFF TRUESDELL Washington (AFP) - US Attorney General Loretta Lynch pledged Friday to respect FBI and prosecutors' decisions on whether to charge presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton over her use of personal email while at the State Department. Lynch was forced to make the announcement after she held an impromptu meeting with former president Bill Clinton at the airport in Phoenix, Arizona this week and touched off a political firestorm. The top US law enforcement official admitted that the private encounter had "cast a shadow" over the investigation into Clinton's emails in the runup to the November general election. But Lynch insisted that she, as a political appointee, will not overrule investigators or otherwise interfere in the legal process regarding the probe, and that the integrity of the Justice Department will be upheld. "The recommendations will be reviewed by career supervisors in the Department of Justice and in the FBI, and by the FBI director," Lynch told a conference in Colorado. "And then as is the common process, they present it to me, and I fully expect to accept their recommendations." Republicans have argued for days that the encounter compromised the integrity of the investigation. "If this isn't a conflict of interest, then we don't know what is," the Republican National Committee said on Twitter regarding the tarmac meeting, even before Lynch had finished her remarks. Lynch said her meeting with former president Clinton "does not have a bearing on how this matter is going to be reviewed, resolved and accepted by me." - 'Career agents' deciding case - The case "will be resolved by the team that's been working on it from the beginning ... career agents and investigators" at the Justice Department, Lynch said. She acknowledged that it was "perfectly reasonable" for people to question the encounter. "I understand how people view it," Lynch told a moderator during a session at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Story continues "I certainly wouldn't do it again, because I think it has cast a shadow" over the investigation. Lynch stopped short of recusing herself, saying she will still be briefed on the case. "This raises even more questions about potential political pressure, interference and bias," Clinton's Republican rival Donald Trump's campaign said in a statement. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "This is something that is being handled completely independent of the president and completely independent of the White House." While both Clinton and Lynch have said the meeting was a chance encounter and that they exchanged pleasantries and did not discuss pending cases, Republicans have cried foul. They argue the meeting compromised the independence of an investigation that could have profound election ramifications, and offered yet another signal that the Clintons -- in the US political spotlight for decades -- believe the rules do not apply to them. Several Republicans have called for a special prosecutor to handle the investigation. Lynch was appointed to her post by President Barack Obama, who himself has endorsed Clinton for president and is scheduled to campaign with her on Tuesday. Hillary Clinton, aiming to become the nation's first female commander-in-chief, has apologized for exclusively using a private email account and her own server during her time as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. Opponents argue that this breached rules about protecting classified documents from cyber attack and may have amounted to a crime. The scandal has dogged her campaign for more than a year and has fueled voter concerns that she is not trustworthy. Trump unleashed a tirade against his presidential rival on Friday, accusing Hillary of having "initiated and demanded" her husband's meeting with Lynch. "Bill Clinton's meeting was a total secret. Nobody was to know about it but he was caught by a local reporter," Trump posted on Twitter. "The system is totally rigged. Does anybody really believe that meeting was just a coincidence?" Bill Clinton has known Lynch for years. He nominated her in 1999 to serve as US attorney for the eastern district of New York. DailyFX.com - Talking Points: Yen looks past Asian shares advance, drops alongside S&P 500 futures FX markets likely to look past UK and Eurozone PMIs, US ISM surveys US Dollar may find building support as risk aversion gains momentum The anti-risk Japanese Yen advanced despite continued recovery on Asian stock exchanges, tracking S&P 500 futures downward. This suggested overnight strength in the equities space may have amounted to little more than catch-up momentum after a third consecutive day of gains on Wall Street. Meanwhile, FX markets appeared to look ahead alongside US index futures, where the bias appeared to swing back toward the risk-off side of the spectrum. UK and Eurozone Manufacturing PMI data headlines the economic calendar in European trading hours and the analogous US ISM Manufacturing survey enters the spotlight later in the day. None of these outcomes are likely to generate a meaningful response from investors however because they are unlikely to reflect the impact of post-Brexit vote uncertainty on sector activity trends. With that in mind, broad-based risk appetite trends are likely retain control over price action. US index futures continue to point lower and the Yen is building upward momentum as Europe comes online. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield has fallen to a record low. This seems to point toward continued risk aversion into the end of the trading week. Besides the Japanese unit, such a scenario is likely to prove supportive for the US Dollar. Check out the latest standings for the FXCM $10k trading contest HERE. Asia Session GMT CCY EVENT ACT EXP PREV 23:30 AUD AiG Perf of Mfg Index (JUN) 51.8 - 51 23:30 JPY Jobless Rate (MAY) 3.2% 3.2% 3.2% 23:30 JPY Job-To-Applicant Ratio (MAY) 1.36 1.35 1.34 23:30 JPY Overall Household Spending (YoY) (MAY) -1.1% -1.1% -0.4% 23:30 JPY Natl CPI (YoY) (MAY) -0.4% -0.5% -0.3% 23:30 JPY Natl CPI Ex Fresh Food (YoY) (MAY) -0.4% -0.4% -0.3% 23:30 JPY Natl CPI Ex Food, Energy (YoY) (MAY) 0.6% 0.6% 0.7% 23:30 JPY Tokyo CPI (YoY) (JUN) -0.5% -0.4% -0.5% 23:30 JPY Tokyo CPI Ex-Fresh Food (YoY) (JUN) -0.5% -0.5% -0.5% 23:30 JPY Tokyo CPI Ex Food, Energy (YoY) (JUN) 0.4% 0.4% 0.5% 23:50 JPY Tankan Large Mfg Index (2Q) 6 4 6 23:50 JPY Tankan Large Mfg Outlook (2Q) 6 3 3 23:50 JPY Tankan Large Non-Mfg Index (2Q) 19 19 22 23:50 JPY Tankan Large Non-Mfg Outlook (2Q) 17 17 17 23:50 JPY Tankan Large All Industry Capex (2Q) 6.2% 5.3% -0.9% 23:50 JPY Tankan Small Mfg Index (2Q) -5 -6 -4 23:50 JPY Tankan Small Mfg Outlook (2Q) -7 -8 -6 23:50 JPY Tankan Small Non-Mfg Index (2Q) 0 1 4 23:50 JPY Tankan Small Non-Mfg Outlook (2Q) -4 -2 -3 00:00 AUD CoreLogic House Px MoM (JUN) 0.5% - 1.6% 01:00 CNY Manufacturing PMI (JUN) 50 50 50.1 01:00 CNY Non-manufacturing PMI (JUN) 53.7 - 53.1 01:45 CNY Caixin China PMI Mfg (JUN) 48.6 49.2 49.2 02:00 JPY Nikkei Japan PMI Mfg (JUN F) 48.1 - 47.8 05:00 JPY Vehicle Sales (YoY) (JUN) 3.0% - 6.6% 05:00 JPY Natl CPI Ex Fresh Food, Energy (YoY) (MAY) 0.8% 0.8% 0.9% 05:00 JPY Consumer Confidence Index (JUN) 41.8 41.1 40.9 06:30 AUD Commodity Index AUD (JUN) 89.7 - 90.3 06:30 AUD Commodity Index (YoY) (JUN) 9.9% - -10.0% European Session Story continues GMT CCY EVENT EXP/ACT PREV IMPACT 07:15 CHF Retail Sales Real (YoY) (MAY) -1.6% (A) -2.2% Low 07:15 EUR ECBs Coeure Speaks in Paris - - Low 07:30 CHF PMI Mfg (JUN) 55.3 55.8 Low 07:45 EUR Markit/ADACI Italy Mfg PMI (JUN) 52.4 52.4 Low 07:50 EUR Markit France Mfg PMI (JUN F) 47.9 47.9 Low 07:55 EUR Markit/BME Germany Mfg PMI (JUN F) 54.4 54.4 Medium 08:00 EUR Markit Eurozone Mfg PMI (JUN F) 52.6 52.6 Medium 08:30 GBP Markit UK PMI Mfg SA (JUN) 50.1 50.1 Medium 09:00 EUR Unemployment Rate (MAY) 10.1% 10.2% Medium Critical Levels CCY Supp 3 Supp 2 Supp 1 Pivot Point Res 1 Res 2 Res 3 EURUSD 1.0833 1.0964 1.1035 1.1095 1.1166 1.1226 1.1357 GBPUSD 1.2758 1.3048 1.3179 1.3338 1.3469 1.3628 1.3918 --- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE Contact and follow Ilya on Twitter: @IlyaSpivak 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. Washington (AFP) - The US manufacturing sector shifted into higher gear in June, picking up momentum in the fourth straight month of growth, a private survey showed Friday. The Institute for Supply Management said its purchasing managers index for manufacturing rose to 53.2 in June from 51.3 in May. The nearly two-point jump on the PMI index was unexpected. The consensus estimate was for a marginal increase to 51.4. A 50 reading marks the boundary between growth and contraction. "The manufacturing slowdown is over," said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics. "The headline index is now at a 16-month high, though it remains well below the peaks seen before oil prices rolled over" and battered the oil sector's capital spending, he said. The June gain was broad-based. Growth in production, new orders and new export orders accelerated. Price gains rose at a slower pace and the backlog of orders switched into growth from contraction. Shepherdson pointed out the boost from stronger export orders, which rose a percentage point to 53.5, the highest level since November 2014, reflecting the rebound in import demand from China. "This follows the clear upturn in China's PMI imports index, which also has now been sustained for a few months," he noted. Some manufacturers reported slower growth, but others said growth was steady. A survey respondent in the primary metals sector said that orders from China were slowing, while American customers were "still steady." "Demand continues to be robust," said a person from the plastics and rubber products sector. Shepherdson forecast the ISM figure would rise to a solid reading near 55 by the end of August. "Talk of a manufacturing recession never made much sense, in our view, and we now expect it to fade rapidly," he said. Washington (AFP) - The United States on Friday lifted the lid on one of the most controversial tactics of President Barack Obama's secretive counter-terror campaign, detailing for the first time the number killed in air strikes in countries like Pakistan and Libya. At the same time, the White House released an executive order outlining the steps that should be taken to reduce civilian casualties in America's ongoing battle against violent extremism. In a much-anticipated report, the Director of National Intelligence provided fatality estimates for the 473 strikes between 2009 and 2015 that he said were conducted outside America's principal war zones in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The DNI said somewhere between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in the strikes, and up to 2,581 combatants. Such attacks are typically conducted via drones, though manned warplanes and missiles have also been used. Though the US military routinely releases information on strikes targeting the Islamic State group and other organizations, mainly in Iraq and Syria, it is the first time the Obama administration has published a toll from its strikes elsewhere, in countries like Libya, Somalia and Pakistan. The release comes after rights groups and the media for years demanded a better accounting of such military actions under Obama, and many questioned the legality of the strikes. Critics have long alleged that US strikes -- especially drone strikes -- kill far more civilians than the administration claims, and Friday's release did not appear to change that narrative. Observers also say that without better transparency, it is impossible to gauge the accuracy of US fatality assessments. The American Civil Liberties Union, for instance, welcomed the release of information but said it was too narrow in scope and left the US public unsure the government deploys lethal force legally. "It's hard to credit the government's death count, which is lower than all independent assessments," said Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU's National Security Project. Story continues "The government continues to conceal the identities of people it has killed, the specific definitions it uses to decide who can legitimately be targeted, and its investigations into credibly alleged wrongful killings." Even the DNI seemed to acknowledge the possible weakness of its own numbers. "Although the US government has access to a wide range of information, the figures released today should be considered in light of the inherent limitations on the ability to determine the precise number of combatant and non-combatant deaths given the non-permissive environments in which these strikes often occur," the DNI said in a statement. Often, neither the military nor US intelligence agencies are able to send an operative to the scene of a drone strike, making it all but impossible to definitively assess how many people were hit. - Many details withheld - Laura Pitter, senior US national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, said Obama had failed to explain who the campaign targets and why, so there is no way to verify purported casualty figures. "Unless details are provided on specific incidents, it's not possible to determine if individuals killed were civilians, and thus whether the US is complying with its own policy and with international law," she said. The White House meanwhile released an executive order that sets out best practices that can be applied to future strikes, regardless of where they are conducted. "Civilian casualties are a tragic and at times unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict," Obama's order states. Among its provisions are requirements for the US government to acknowledge responsibility for civilian casualties and to offer condolences and payments to injured civilians and the relatives of those killed. "The US failure to even acknowledge strikes in the past, let alone compensate for harm caused, has generated an enormous backlash in many communities," Pitter noted. The order also undertakes to consider information from other sources, such as nongovernmental organizations, in determining civilian casualties. However, a future president could easily scrap the order, and critics point to the irony of its timing -- coming at the end of Obama's eight-year term, during which he kept his counter-terror strikes under close wraps. "If we can press this administration to make good on the commitments that are in this executive order, it could be huge," said Naureen Shah, a program director at Amnesty International USA. katie ledecky Katie Ledecky can already stake a claim as one of the most dominant athletes alive, even as she heads into her second Olympics appearance at just 19. During the 2016 Olympics trials, Ledecky has qualified for the 200-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle, and is likely to qualify for the 800-meter freestyle, an event that she practically owns as she holds the eight fastest times in the history of the event. Even while swimming the 400-meter at the trials, Ledecky came up one second short of the world record which she owns and it was still the fastest time of the year. Suffice to say, expectations are high for Ledecky in 2016. But, according to Chuck Wielgus, director for USA Swimming, Ledecky's impact on the sport may go well beyond what she does in Rio. Wielgus told The Washington Post's Dave Sheinin: "We're fortunate to be living in this age in our sport, the Ledecky era. I don't think we've ever seen anybody like Katie before. And I think in the future we're going to look back, and the sport's history will be divided into pre-Katie and post-Katie. She'll be this iconic figure by which all future distance and middle-distance swimmers will be measured." Sheinin also spoke to Michael J. Joyner, a researcher for the Mayo Clinic, who fueled the notion that we haven't seen an athlete like Ledecky before. Joyner illustrated what Ledecky's dominance would look like for athletes in other sports: "She's dominating by the widest margin in international sport, winning by 1 or 2 percent. If [a runner] won the 10,000 meters by that wide a margin, they'd win by 100 meters. One or 2 percent in the Tour de France, over about 80 hours of racing, would be 30 or 40 minutes. It's just absolutely remarkable." Ledecky has already become so good that dominance is expected. If things go as anticipated for her in Rio, then we may indeed one day talk about swimming in "BL" and "AL" terms, as Wielgus suggests: "Before Ledecky" and "After Ledecky." Story continues NOW WATCH: Swim with massive sharks at this private island in the Bahamas More From Business Insider In 2014, Vermont became the first state to pass a GMO labeling law for packaged foods that would not require action by other states before it could be executed. The opposition from the food industry and some legislators has been fierce. The law has been the subject of several lawsuits and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to overturn it. That bill was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate. Today, July 1, Vermont's GMO labeling law goes into effect. Still, leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee hope to bring another bill that would preempt it to the Senate floor for a vote. This bill would not only overturn Vermonts law, it would prevent other states from enacting or carrying out their own GMO labeling laws. The bill would require the Department of Agriculture to set a national GMO labeling standard in two years, but it would allow food manufacturers to provide information about GMOs through a QR code that you must scan with a smartphone or a toll-free phone number on the products labels rather than on-package labeling. The Vermont GMO labeling law requires that manufacturers mark their products on their labels as produced with genetic engineering or partially produced with genetic engineering. Surveys have found that consumers overwhelmingly prefer on-package labeling. The Food and Drug Administration released a Technical Assistance paper on the Senates proposed bill that points to some problems with it. Among other things, the FDA notes that the bill would give the USDA authority over food labeling that is otherwise under the FDAs sole regulatory jurisdiction and that the agency is concerned that the USDAs regulations . . . could conflict with FDAs labeling requirements. Several large packaged food companies have begun to label their GMO-containing products in advance of the Vermont GMO labeling law deadline, both in the state and nationwide. We've spotted labels on products in supermarkets outside Vermont from General Mills, Pepsi, and Mars. But some companies might just choose not to market their products in Vermont. For example, as the Consumerist reported, Coca-Cola announced that it will temporarily stop sending some of its less-popular products to the state. Story continues On June 29, a procedural/test vote on the Senate bill passed 68-29. We expect a cloture votein which 60 senators would have to vote "yes" to bring the bill to a final voteas soon as Wednesday, July 6, after the Senate returns from the 4th of July holiday, with a possible final vote on Friday. Consumer Reports has supported mandatory, on-package, easy-to-use GMO labeling, believing that consumers have a right to know whats in their food. If you do too, you can call 855-977-1770 to reach your senators and let them know. 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. The assistant principal whose impromptu performance of the National Anthem at the Lincoln Memorial made her a viral hit has now brought her incredible voice to New York City. To kick off Fourth of July weekend Friday morning, Star Swain performed in Central Park for Good Morning America. Read: Marine Dad Surprises 10-Year-Old Daughter at Atlanta Braves Game After She Sings Anthem After the appearance, she met Inside Edition in Times Square for another showstopping performance. "I'm just blown away by everything," she told IE. "I would never have imagined that I would be kicking off Independence Day in New York." On June 16, Swain stopped tourists in their tracks with her rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner during a family trip to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Swain, who sings in her local church choir, was visiting from Tallahassee, Florida, where she works as the assistant principal of Jefferson County Middle/High School. Now she hopes to sing professionally. Read: Blind Teen with Autism Sings Spine-Tingling National Anthem "I've been singing all my life just waiting for the moment that would cause it to be brought to the whole world, so I guess now is the moment," she said. A video of her performance at the Lincoln Memorial swiftly racked up millions of views on Facebook. "I could not believe it," she said of the attention. "I am so proud to represent our country like this and make people feel so good." Watch: 89-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Sings National Anthem at MLB Game Related Articles: Lots of news today as we head into this holiday weekend-- in Chicago police brace for more violence--more than 330 people have been murdered so far this year--100 more than this time last year. Some expect that number to top 700 by the end of the year. San Francisco (AFP) - An attorney for Volkswagen on Thursday told a US judge that the carmaker thinks it can fix larger diesel vehicles involved in a costly emissions-cheating scandal. Bringing its VW, Porsche, and Audi vehicles with 3-liter engines in line with air quality promises could spare the automaker from having to buy them back. "The company believes it can fix the 3-liter to the standard to which those cars were originally certified," Volkswagen attorney Robert Giuffra said during a status hearing in San Francisco federal court. "We believe that the fix will not be a complicated fix, and we believe it will be one that will not have an adverse impact on performance." Giuffra told US District Court Judge Charles Breyer that the process will take time due to testing to make sure the fix is lasting. Breyer set a July 26 hearing to discuss potential approval of a multi-billion-dollar settlement regarding 2-liter engine vehicles. "It is the responsibility of the court to determine whether this proposed settlement is fair, whether it's reasonable," Breyer said. In a settlement filed in federal court on Tuesday VW agreed to a record $14.7 billion payout in the United States, pledging to buy back or fix 2-liter engine vehicles that tricked pollution tests, and pay each owner up to $10,000. It announced a separate deal to pay $603 million to settle consumer protection claims from US states. US authorities broke the scandal when they exposed how VW had installed software into some of its diesel engines, enabling the vehicles to spew up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides. Volkswagen subsequently admitted that it had installed the suspect software into as many as 11 million vehicles worldwide. Elsewhere around the world, VW is facing a number of regulatory probes and lawsuits filed by car owners who feel they have been duped and investors who are seeking compensation for the massive drop in the value of their shares. "Volkswagen as a company is very committed to regain the trust of its customers, its regulators, and the American public, and we want to make things right," Giuffra said during the brief court hearing in San Francisco. "I think the settlement agreement is an important first step." U.S. stock index futures indicated a flat open on Friday as traders eyed the release of a host of data ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. Markit PMI data is set to come out at 9:45 a.m. ET, with ISM manufacturing data and construction spending due to be released at 10 a.m. Vehicle sales data is also set to come out today. Loretta Mester, Cleveland Fed President, is due to speak at 11 a.m. ET in London at the European Economics and Financial Centre. U.S. stocks rose sharply on Thursday, extending a post-Brexit rally, with the Dow Jones industrial average advancing about 235 point, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq composite rose more than 1 percent. In Europe, the pan European Stoxx 600 Index (STOXX: .STOXX) was up 0.65 percent on Friday. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shinbun: .N225) closed 0.68 percent higher on Friday while in China, the Shanghai Composite (Shanghai Stock Exchange: .SSEC) closed 0.11 percent higher. In oil markets, Brent crude traded at $49.36 a barrel on Friday, down 0.7 percent, while U.S. crude was at $48.04, down 0.6 percent. More From CNBC Warren Buffett Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway now own more than 10% of America's biggest bank. The famed investor applied to the Federal Reserve on Friday to increase his firm's stake in Wells Fargo above 10%, according to a filing obtained by Business Insider. Hitting the 10% level automatically requires a disclosure from the investor in order to hold such a large stake. The filing indicates that Buffett's stake first passed the threshold on March 1 of this year. As of that point Berkshire owned 10.012% of the bank, which is America's largest based on market cap, triggering the review. In the application, Berkshire said that it did not buy new shares, but hit the threshold due to the buyback program of Wells. "Berkshire's purchases of Wells Fargo shares of common stock were made for long-term investment purposes," said the filing. "Berkshire's acquisitions constituted less than 10% of the outstanding shares prior to share repurchases that were effected by Wells Fargo." Going forward, the filing also indicated that Buffett has no plans at the moment to buy more shares of the bank, but has his eye on the stock nonetheless. "Berkshire does not have any present intention to acquire additional shares of common stock of Wells Fargo," said the filing. "However, Berkshire routinely assesses market conditions and may decide to purchase additional shares of common stock of Wells Fargo based on its evaluation of the investment opportunity presented by such purchases." The filing states that Buffett and Berkshire have not purchased shares of Wells since October 21, 2015. He currently holds 506,308,470 shares of the bank, according to the filing. Additionally, the filing said that Buffett and Berkshire have no plans to alter the business strategy of Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo is among Buffett's largest investments, called the "Big Four" stocks, along with IBM, Coca-Cola, and American Express. According to Bloomberg, his investment in Wells is worth $23 billion as of the stock's closing price on Friday. Story continues NOW WATCH: How to invest like Warren Buffett More From Business Insider Christoph Waltz is best known for playing hated villains and hes tired of it. So on Thursdays episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the actor expressed his desperate desire to play the good guy. In this clip form the show, Kimmel tells the audience that, interestingly enough, he ran into the Legend of Tarzan star at the auditions for a Siegfried and Roy biopic. And the host then shared their audition tape with the audience. Also Read: John Cena Endorses Jimmy Kimmel for VP: 'Great Candidate and an Even Greater Man' (Video) The clip kicks off with both Kimmel and Waltz bickering over who gets to play the role of Roy. Since the two magicians are originally German, Kimmel says it might be the perfect time to try on his German accent. Nazi magician? asks the confused Austrian-German actor. The late show host clarifies that hes doing a German accent. Also Read: Jimmy Kimmel's 'Baby Bachelorette' Goes to the Beach for Destination Date (Video) Youve never heard a German accent? says Kimmel. Ive heard German accents, Waltz sarcastically replies. Then, when Kimmels continued antics get to be too much, Waltz comically storms off the set. Watch the video above. Related stories from TheWrap: Jimmy Kimmel's 'Baby Bachelorette' Sends Captain America Home (Video) Old 'Ghostbusters' Team Up With New Cast on Kimmel: 'These Girls Were Funny' (Video) Snoop Dogg Explains the 'Hizzistory of Bizzasketball' to Jimmy Kimmel Viewers (Video) With an aim of increasing market share in commercial lending markets, Wells Fargo & Company WFC completed the acquisition of General Electric Companys GE Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business in Asia. Notably, Wells Fargo sealed the deal with GE Capital, an arm of the Connecticut based company last October. The acquisition comprised CDF assets and 46 team members in Asia Pacific markets where Wells Fargo is currently operating. Notably, Australia, the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and New Zealand segments closure is likely to take place later this year. Previously, Wells Fargo had signed an agreement to buy GE Capitals CDF and Vendor Finance platforms along with its Corporate Finance business. In Mar 2016, Wells Fargo completed the acquisition of commercial lending and leasing businesses in North America. The total purchase includes assets of around $31 billion along with about 2,800 employees. While the latest deal enhances Wells Fargos financial services business, for GE, the move is in line with its efforts to trim down its financial wing and focus more on its core industrial business. Notably, Wells Fargo and The Blackstone Group L.P. BX helped GE in commencing its finance overhaul in Apr 2015 by agreeing to purchase its real estate assets worth about $23 billion. Further, with the recent acquisition of GE Railcar Services from GE Capital, Wells Fargo Rail the railcar finance, leasing and fleet management business of Wells Fargo became the largest railcar and locomotive leasing company in North America with over 175,000 railcars and 1,800 locomotives. Wells Fargo currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Enterprise Financial Services Corp. EFSC is a better-ranked stock in the finance space sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 WELLS FARGO-NEW (WFC): Free Stock Analysis Report ENTERPRISE FINL (EFSC): Free Stock Analysis Report GENL ELECTRIC (GE): Free Stock Analysis Report BLACKSTONE GRP (BX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A poor couple from the Chitoor district of Andhra Pradesh recently approached the Tamballapalle Court asking for permission to kill their eight month old daughter. The infant, is suffering from congenital liver disease, and needs a liver transplant immediately, and, since the family does not have money for further treatment, according to the couple, only option remaining was mercy killing. The court rejected the plea and the Andhra Pradesh government has stepped in to bear all the medical expenses of the baby girl, Gnana Sai. The case for mercy killing Mercy killing is a highly contentious topic the world over, and has seen much debate from both sides. While those supporting the bid for legalising mercy killing, or euthanasia, state that when a person has the right to live, terminally ill patients, who are in excruciating pain, or in a vegetative state, should be given the right to die as well, those opposing it argue that the concept of terminally ill is ambiguous - while some terminally ill patients may live for months, or even years, others may die in weeks. Also, if by any chance an incorrect prognosis has been given, euthanasia would lead to a persons life being taken without any reason. Doctors may also be forced to perform mercy killing at the insistence of relatives who may be unwilling to look after the patient, or in cases of organ transplant, without giving the patient a fair chance to live. In India, mercy killing brings to mind one of the most high profile and tragic cases, and one which lay the groundwork for guidelines for legalising passive euthanasia in the country that of Aruna Shanbaug. Before the former nurse of Mumbais King Edward Memorial Hospitali, died of pneumonia in May 2015, she was the face of the debate on euthanasia in India. After being brutally raped and strangulated by a hospital sweeper, Shanbaug had been in a vegetable state since 27 November, 1973, and was being looked after at the KEM Hospital. Social activist, and Shanbaugs friend, Pinki Virani, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking for mercy killing on Shanbaugs behalf, under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, arguing that continued existence of Aruna is in violation of her right to live in dignity. However, the Supreme Court rejected the case stating that it was for the KEM Hospital staff, who had been taking care of her for so many years, to take that decision and that the staff had expressed their wish that Aruna Shanbaug should be allowed to live. Though the Court did not rule in favour of Viranis plea, the case set the grounds for laying down the guidelines for passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is the withdrawal of life support system for those in a vegetative state, who have no chances of recovery, as opposed to active euthanasia, which means administering a lethal drug to end the patients life. In another case, in September last year, a group of four educated members of the transgender community petitioned to the Tamil Nadu Government seeking permission for mercy killing, on the grounds they wanted to die in dignity rather than being subjected to the discrimination that they have to face daily because of their gender. According to them, both the central and the state governments had not paid heed to their repeated requests for reservations in education and employment, and so, they preferred to die at their own wish, rather than lead a life where they may be forced to start begging, or enter into prostitution, to survive. While the request for mercy killing was a step in the extreme direction, it goes to show the disturbing extent to which the community faces discrimination on an everyday basis. Countries where euthanasia is legal While euthanasia is illegal in most countries, there are a few countries which have legalised it. Netherlands: In April 2002, the Netherlands passed the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (review Procedures) Act, making it the first country to legalise euthanasia. According to the Act, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide will not be deemed illegal if it is done in very specific cases, under very specific circumstances the patient must be suffering unbearable pain, their illness should be terminal, and e/she must be fully conscious of their decision to end their life. Netherlands has also set the Groningen Protocol, a text containing directives with criteria under which physicians can perform active ending of life on infants without being legally prosecuted. The highly controversial decision has been deemed by anti-euthanasia crusaders as a step towards legalising infanticide. Belgium: The second country in the world to legalise euthanasia, Belgium passed the law on euthanasia in 2002. The law states that doctors can proceed with it if the patient is going through excruciating pain and expresses their wish to die, or if they have mentioned so before entering into a coma or a vegetative state. In February, 2014, Belgium also legalised euthanasia for children, under the conditions that they must be conscious of their decision, terminally ill without any hope of medical recovery, and close to death. Colombia: While the Catholic Church in Colombia has been against euthanasia, calling it morally unacceptable, a 79 year old Colombian man suffering from terminal throat cancer became the first person die legally by euthanasia. Though assisted suicide had been approved in the 1997 by the Constitutional Court, it was only in March 2015 that proper guidelines for hospitals administering euthanasia was issued. Luxembourg: The Duchy of Luxembourg adopted a legislation on euthanasia and assisted suicide in March 2009, making it the third European country to legalise it. Patients who are terminally ill can opt for euthanasia after receiving the approval of two doctors and a panel of experts. Switzerland: The country allows assisted suicide where patients can administer a lethal dose of medication on themselves, and doctors can prescribe such medicines. However, it does not allow active euthanasia by a third party. United States: While active euthanasia is illegal throughout the country, assisted suicide has been legalised in Oregon, Vermont, California, Washington, a county in New Mexico and Montana, wherein doctors are allowed to prescribe lethal drugs. The Obama administration opened a small window on the lethality of its drone program Friday, for the first time offering a rough estimate of the number of civilians killed in counterterrorism air raids. But the death toll estimate continues to obscure much more than it illuminates. In a long-anticipated move, the White House said that the 473 airstrikes conducted by the CIA and the U.S. military between January 2009 and December 2015 killed between 64 and 116 civilians, while taking out as many as 2,581 militants. All of those strikes by both drones and manned aircraft occurred outside recognized war zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, though officials would not specify where the bombing raids happened. And administration officials on Friday admitted that those numbers are little more than best guesses. Were not saying we can pinpoint an exact number of civilian deaths from drone strikes outside declared war zones, one senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters Friday in a teleconference. And the official added that there may be a revised estimate somewhere down the road as more information becomes available on who may have been killed in strikes. For years, human rights groups had demanded the administration ease the secrecy around the air raids in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya by revealing details of strikes and releasing the rules that govern the operations. Rights groups on Friday promptly accused the White House of undercounting the number of civilians possibly killed in the drone raids. Independent estimates from monitoring groups have placed the numbers of civilian dead outside of U.S. war zones anywhere from the mid-200s to over 1,000. The bloodless nature of the White Houses release which provides no dates, names, or countries of the dead led some critics to challenge just how transparent Fridays disclosures are. Its been seven years since President Obama launched his first strike a strike that killed 14-year-old Faheem Qureshis family and left Faheem himself severely injured. Where is he in these numbers? Is he in there at all? Jennifer Gibson, a lawyer with the human rights group Reprieve, told Foreign Policy, referring to an air raid in Pakistan. The simple answer is: We dont know. Story continues The White House also announced that President Barack Obama had issued an executive order that essentially codifies the procedures for approving drone strikes that the administration has been honing since 2009. Officials said the order makes protecting civilians a priority for counterterrorism operations, while mandating that future administrations disclose the number of civilian deaths each year. The order which is not binding and can be rescinded by future presidents declares that civilian casualties are a tragic and at times unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict or in the exercise of a states inherent right of self-defense, but outlines some best practices to protect civilians. The executive order also instructs the director of national intelligence to address the gaps between the U.S. governments yearly estimate of civilian casualties and those from nongovernmental organizations or watchdogs. Still, the announcement leaves an array of key questions unanswered. Its unclear how the administration calculated the civilian death toll, where and when the strikes occurred, what went wrong in each case, and whether the casualty trend has stayed steady or declined over time. In short, the White House failed to explain the discrepancy between the governments number and estimates from outside groups or media reports, experts said. This was a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done, said Rachel Stohl of the Stimson Center, who helped write a report urging the White House to be more forthcoming about the drone program. Without contextual data such as geographic location or a year-by-year breakdown of the statistics and absent a clear methodology for counting casualties, the figures cannot be fully understood, she said. The use of drones as the preferred method of waging a global war against terror groups will stand as Obamas legacy in many parts of the world, where the strikes have sowed resentment and have been the calling card of the CIA and the Joint Special Operations Command, known as JSOC. Critics have long charged that the administrations signature strike program, which authorizes bombing raids on groups of people who display signs of militant activity even if the United States doesnt know their identities or have proof they were linked to potential new attacks, has led to the deaths of civilians caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to rights advocates, the tactic transforms all military-age males in certain trouble spots into acceptable targets for U.S. drone operators. We dont consider all military-age males as combatants, another administration official told reporters, adding that a range of factors, from informants to long-term aerial surveillance of subjects, shapes targeting decisions. How those decisions are made, and by whom, has long been a point of contention, especially during the hundreds of drone strikes the CIA conducted in Pakistan during the early days of the Obama administration. The strikes on Pakistan have slowed dramatically in recent years, falling from 117 in 2010 to just three so far in 2016, according to the Long War Journal. The intelligence agency also has handed off some of its drone operations to the JSOC as the White House moves the drone program from the intelligence agency to the military. The disclosure is a crucial shift away from the Obama administrations longstanding policy of concealing information about civilians killed in drone strikes, Amnesty Internationals Naureen Shah said in a statement. It is a vital step in dismantling the dangerous precedent of a global, secret killing program. Speaking about civilian casualties earlier this year, Obama acknowledged that the drone program had lacked a solid legal underpinning. There has been, in the past, legitimate criticism that the legal architecture around the use of drone strikes or other kinetic strength was not as precise as it should have been, and there is no doubt that civilians were killed that should not have been, he said in May. Officials told reporters the policies that had been crafted for drone strikes went far beyond the requirements of the laws of armed conflict, obliging commanders and intelligence officers to have near certainty that an operation would not result in a civilian death. But there was no guarantee that mistakes could be avoided, officials said. Even with strict standards, a senior official said, you can still make an error. Photo credit: MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP/Getty Images Turkeys push to make nice with Russia, as it did this week with Israel, is part of Ankaras drive to shore up as many friendships as it can throughout a region roiled by the Syrian civil war and the rise of Shiite Iran. And, like Turkeys reconciliation with Israel, better ties with Russia could jump-start stalled energy projects in Turkey, from a huge natural gas pipeline to a $20 billion nuclear power plant. The deadly suicide bombings Tuesday at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport, which experts blame on the Islamic State, and which left 44 dead and hundreds hospitalized, have underscored Turkeys need to rebuild frayed friendships to bolster its domestic security. The Istanbul attack, I think, increases the urgency of normalization for Turkey, said Soner Cagaptay, the director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Relations between Turkey and Russia which just two years ago were on track to morph into a strategic partnership, fueled by multibillion-dollar energy deals went into deep freeze last November, when a pair of Turkish jets shot down a Russian plane that violated Turkish airspace near Syria. Since then, Russian restrictions on trade and travel have hammered the Turkish economy, the energy projects have been iced, and the Turkish military has been effectively locked out of northern Syria, where the Islamic State still has a stronghold. This week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered a written apology to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the jet incident, and two days later, Russia responded by rescinding its travel ban. That puts the two countries on a path to normalize relations, much as Turkey did this week after a six-year spat with Israel over the latters attack of relief flotilla headed for Gaza. Erdogan described the olive branches to both Israel and Russia as a win-win for all countries. The driving force behind Ankaras diplomatic push is the disintegrating security situation in the eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East and the need to assemble a stable of like-minded countries that could act as de facto partners in the fight against the militants operating throughout the region. Story continues The Syrian civil war, more than 5 years old, has created a safe haven for a terrorist group that has repeatedly struck at soft targets in Turkey, as well as in other cities in Europe. The war has also flooded Turkey and other countries in Europe and the Middle East with hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians. At the same time, Iran has thrown off years of economic sanctions and international isolation thanks in large part to a nuclear deal inked with the Obama administration and is making a bid to restore its regional leadership by pushing back against Saudi Arabia, the standard-bearer of Sunni Islam. Tehran has actively backed Bashar al-Assads regime in the Syrian war and is supporting groups in Yemen fighting against the Saudis. At the same time, Iran is working overtime to restore its oil industry to the days of glory, boosting production and exports in an open challenge to the Saudis for leadership of OPEC. Turkeys main driver of the reconciliation is the need to contain the expansion of Irans hegemony in the Middle East, said Michael Tanchum, an expert on energy and geopolitics in the region. The reconciliation with Russia is one component of a larger Turkish strategy that includes restored cooperation with Israel and deepening strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, he added. But Turkeys also got some domestic reasons to bury the hatchet with Moscow. Erdogan, with aspirations to be a strong national leader, has struggled to crack 50 percent in any national vote; burnishing his strongman credentials requires defeating both domestic and international terrorist groups that have sown havoc in Turkey in recent years, namely the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) and Kurdish militants known as the PKK. Ankaras decades-old Kurdish problem has only gotten worse due to the Syrian civil war and the seven-month spat with Russia. Moscow is arming some Kurdish militant groups fighting in Syria, and many in Turkey feel the PKK, which had Marxist origins, could end up a Russian proxy, which would make it much harder to stamp out at home. Turkey wanted to delink the Kurds and Russia, and to do that, they needed to make up with Russia, Cagaptay said. And now, the Islamic State has become a much bigger priority for Turkey, after years of halfhearted efforts to combat the group. The terrorists have launched more than a dozen attacks in Turkey, most recently the triple suicide bombing this week at Istanbuls main airport, which Turkish officials said was carried out by men from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Islamic State has thousands of recruits from Russia and former Soviet states, and terrorism experts note the so-called Uzbek battalion is one of the groups toughest. The problem is that since last November, after the shooting down of the Russian jet, Turkey has been all but blocked from carrying out military operations in northern Syria, making it harder for Ankara to tackle the Islamic State at its source. If Erdogan now wants to go after ISIS infrastructure in Syria, he needs Russias blessing, so this makes Turkish-Russian reconciliation even more necessary, Cagaptay said. The question is whether warmer ties between Ankara and Moscow will be enough to resuscitate the huge energy deals that were the linchpin of the strategic partnership the two announced in late 2014. That included a big natural gas export pipeline, dubbed Turkish Stream, from Russia across the Black Sea to Turkey. The two are also working on a $20 billion Russian-built nuclear power plant, Turkeys first, that could help meet the rising demand for electricity. Russia needs to finish constructing the Akkuyu power plant as a showcase to preserve its global market share in civilian nuclear technology from advancing Chinese competition, Tanchum said. Russias state-owned nuclear power firm, Rosatom, has landed scores of deals all over the world, from Hungary to Jordan to Vietnam, but has struggled to actually build the expensive power plants. Meanwhile, China is building more nuclear reactors at home than any other country and is eagerly eyeing the export market. The future of Russian-Turkish gas cooperation is a little trickier. Turkish Stream seemed destined to feed only the Turkish market, rather than serving as Moscow once hoped as an export conduit to the wider European market. But Turkey has also tried to reduce its heavy reliance on Russian energy, especially natural gas. Thats one reason the rapprochement this week with Israel raised hopes around the region: Israel is looking for buyers for the gas from its big offshore gas fields, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed the role Israeli energy exports can play in cementing regional peace, especially with Turkey. I think Turkey has learned a lesson about over-reliance on Russian energy, Cagaptay said. Photo credit: YASIN BULBUL/Andalou Agency/Getty Images Former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson was so unhappy about Fox News decision to keep him out of the first Republican presidential debate last August, he filed an official complaint with the Federal Election Commission. Now, the former dark horse presidential contender is even more upset that it took the agency 10 months to dismiss his complaint after deadlocking on whether Fox News had violated federal campaign finance rules governing the staging of debates. The FEC should either be abolished or entirely redone, Everson told the Center for Public Integrity. Its a bureaucratic waste. His complaint which was dismissed in late May, according to new documents released by the FEC on Thursday has also added fuel to the bitter infighting between the agencys three Democratic-aligned commissioners and its three Republicans. Last year, Everson alleged that Fox News had failed to use pre-established objective criteria, as required by law, to determine which White House hopefuls would appear on stage during the so-called undercard debate in Ohio. Fox News had initially said the top 10 Republicans in the polls would appear at the first presidential debate. Roughly two months before the event, the network announced it would hold an additional debate for other GOP candidates garnering at least 1 percent in the polls. Ten days before the big day, Fox News relaxed that standard to include all declared candidates whose names are consistently being offered to respondents in major national polls. This had the effect of ensuring the appearance of several low-polling, high-profile candidates, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former New York Gov. George Pataki and businesswoman Carly Fiorina. Everson did not make the cut. In a letter to the FEC, Fox News argued its decision-making fully complied with the FEC debate regulation and that Eversons complaint was without merit. Yet based on these facts, the FECs nonpartisan office of general counsel concluded that there was reason to believe that Fox News had violated the law, and could be fined. Two commissioners agreed. Story continues Related: Mark Everson quote This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. Click here to read more stories in this investigation. Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. The office of general counsel said it was a clear violation of our rules, Democrat Ann Ravel told the Center for Public Integrity. My job here is to follow the law. Theres reason to believe there may have been a violation, added independent Steven Walther, who typically votes with the Democrats. It was strictly a matter of what the regs say. Meanwhile, the FECs three Republicans Lee Goodman, Caroline Hunter and Matthew Petersen voted to find there was no reason to believe that Fox News had violated the law. They jointly released a statement calling it astonishing that their own office of general counsel would conclude that Fox News had erred. The commissions debate regulations cannot be used to impose government restrictions on newsroom decisions and to punish, and even censor, American press organizations, they wrote. The government should not punish any newsrooms editorial decision on how best to provide the public information about candidates for office, Goodman added in his own statement. How could expanding debate news coverage from 10 to 17 candidates be against the law? Ellen Weintraub, the commissions third Democrat, voted to dismiss the complaint but didnt go as far as her Republican colleagues, who also said the commission lacks jurisdiction to investigate or punish Fox News activity with respect to the debate. Tim Franklin, president of the Poynter Institute, a journalism-focused educational institution, said the FECs debate regulation harkens back to the Paleolithic Era of the media. Im not sure how that rule fits with a 2016 media landscape, he continued. But supporters say the rules are on the books to ensure that debate sponsors be those companies, nonprofit organizations or media outlets dont cede control to individual candidates, in turn, giving them the equivalent of a corporate contribution. Federal law says debates must not be structured to promote or advance one candidate over another. Now, for the second time in nearly three years, the FECs Republicans have ramped up their argument that the agency should not regulate debate sponsors that are media companies and should more fully respect the press First Amendment rights. Yet the Democratic commissioners stressed that the regulations criticized by their Republican colleagues have been on the books for decades. Media organizations are mentioned specifically in the debate regulations, said Weintraub. Its our job to interpret those regulations Its not the role of the FEC to determine constitutionality of our rules, added Ravel. If our rules are unconstitutional, there needs to be a court decision that says so. The FECs ideological disagreements dont comfort Everson, the Republican presidential candidate who previously served as the head of the IRS under President George W. Bush. Listen, I know bureaucracy a lot better than the Federal Election Commission, with my pedigree, Everson told the Center for Public Integrity. They clearly signaled that they werent interested in looking at things on a contemporaneous basis, he continued. If there was a time to do something, it was many months ago. This story was co-published with TIME. This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. Click here to read more stories in this investigation. Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C. From Esquire In the animal kingdom, survival of the fittest doesn't always equate to meal tickets for predators. In fact, the seven-part documentary series The Hunt, which premieres in the U.S. at 9 p.m. July 3 on BBC America, is less about bloody carnage and more about the wily things potential prey will do to escape their fates. Offering a real-life Bugs Bunny cartoon, this series got creative with angles and filming devices all in an effort to make you actually feel bad for the poor polar bears or Bengel tigers whose hunting success rates may be lower than David Cameron's approval ratings. And between cameras suspended from elephants and helicopters offering panoramic views of killer whale attacks, the majestic world of the wild looks a lot closer than any safari adventure could offer. Ahead of the U.S. premiere, executive producer Alastair Fothergill and series producer Huw Cordey-who collaborated on the 2006 nature series Planet Earth-talked to Esquire about catching these never-before-seen shots, why the elements were more dangerous than the animals for the crew and, since the series is narrated by David Attenborough, their thoughts on Britain's Boaty McBoatface viral sensation. How did you come up with the angle for this project? Alastair Fothergill: As you may know, we worked on Planet Earth and we wanted the series to still have that epic, landmark feel. But we thought there was something fresh to be done about the relationships between predators and prey. There is no doubt it is the most dynamic and exciting behavior in the natural world, but we both felt it had been done the wrong way around in the past. Predators had always been depicted as the villains, but in fact they're the hardest working animals in nature-and they usually fail. We thought that we could shoot it in a more dramatic, edge-of-your-seat type way. Will the other animals escape? Will they get a meal? Will they die? We thought that we could film it like a drama in an attempt to engage a wider audience. Story continues Predators had always been depicted as the villains, but in fact they're the hardest working animals in nature. I don't know who to root for in this series. Who are the protagonists in this tale? Huw Cordey: That's a very good point, and I think what people enjoyed about the series was the unpredictability of it. When you think of predators, we always expect them to always succeed. There are certainly sequences where we wanted people to root for the predator. I think the important point is that you are rooting for one of the other, but we didn't want it to feel predictable. AF: We also found that, even within sequences, people were changing their allegiance. In the polar episode-which features the polar bear, the wolf, and the arctic fox-we return to the polar bear a number of times throughout the episode. We screened it for an audience and people kept rooting for the seals; they didn't want the seals to be caught by the polar bear. Then the polar bear kept on failing and had gotten quite thin, they were all cheering for the polar bear. You watch Discovery's Shark Week and predators are baddies, but actually predators aren't baddies. We really wanted the audience to get under the skin of the animals and understand the hunt for prey. Our goal was to really capture that uncertainty of the life of the predators. There's so much footage for this. What were the outtakes like? I imagine the blooper reel was quite hysterical. AF: Do you mean were there lots of bloody scenes that we took out? Our intention was always to focus on the [waiting] and not always on the kill. The kill isn't as interesting. We don't want this to be a fighting series. We had the shots, but we didn't want to show an audience wild dogs tearing apart a wildebeest because that would have had the opposite impact of what we were trying to do. We made a conscious decision from the start to leave as much as that biting, tooth, and claw stuff out. Can you also talk about the filming strategies? You also used some fancy cameras to get these shots. AF: One of the key things we wanted to do was to put the audience in the footprints of the predators. We were literarily running with the hunting dogs and crawling with the leopards. With Planet Earth, we developed this camera stabling system called the Cineflex, which was on helicopters and effectively allows you to stabilize a very powerful lens. You can be a long way from the animals and still get the shot you need. For this series, we took it off the helicopters. For the hunting dogs, we mounted it on a Jeep going 40 miles an hour. You can be running along side and have a full close-up of the dogs. With the polar bears, we launched a small boat. You also mounted a camera to an elephant to film Bengal tigers. How did you manage that? AF: In the national parks in India, there are tame elephants. We built special scaffolding so that the camera was on the ground. The cameraman was on top. That allowed us to go off road and ride into the thickness of the jungle. The great thing about an elephant is that a tiger doesn't view an elephant as a threat, and an elephant doesn't particularly view a tiger as a threat. It was also dangerous for your crew. One of your camera operators, Rolf Steinmann, was chased by a polar bear. Was this a concern for you when you were filming it? AF: I think that was probably the most tricky habitat we worked because the sea ice in the summer was breaking up. No one had really filmed the summer trek of the polar bear. Yes, we were attacked by a polar bear but we're very experienced with working with polar bears. We had very experienced arctic guides. We had rifles. We had flares. But the biggest danger was the ice itself and getting stuck in the ice. We did lose one snow machine in the ice. You have to be very careful when you're working in the ice. HC: I was more worried about dropping into a porcupine borough [in another scene]. There are a lot of first-time-seen-on-TV events, such as the footage of the blue whales or the Australian Abdopus octopus. Did you set out trying to find footage like this? Did you know it was going to be so time intensive? AF: We had two strategies. One was to really tell the story of the habitat, so we knew that if we were talking about the African planes you had to show leopards, lions, and hunting dogs. But we were definitely going to show fresh stories. There's a lot of natural history out there, but people really want to see fresh stories. I think Huw and I are particularly proud of the blue whales. I've been trying to film blue whales since [documentary series] The Blue Planet all the way back in the late 1990s. And nobody had filmed blue whales speeding along the water like this before. It's the largest animal on our planet, and it's an amazing challenge. We had helicopters in the air and stabilization systems on fast boats and divers jumping into the water-we did everything to get that story. It's really a wonderful climax. We knew it was going to be very time consuming. We only had so much money, so the job we had was to balance the risks. Each episode had at least eight sequences and at least two were completely new. When they were set up, we didn't know if we were going to get it. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="true" headline="" customtitles="BREAKING: Boaty McBoatface Is Dead in the Water" customimages="" content="article.43190"] David Attenborough is the narrator of this project. What do you think of the Boaty McBoatface controversy that recently went down in England when online voters chose to give a new research vessel a silly name instead of naming it after the famed naturalist? (They both laugh) HC: To be honest, I think the National Environmental Research Council in the UK [which held the contest] is that familiar with the world of online. But everybody was delighted for David. It was more of a frustrated story than a real story. On the morning after the Brexit vote I started getting calls from Americans, private equity partners I've been working with to create a digital film fund (more on that later). Their response was the same: "Great, how do we get in [to the U.K. film business]?" Then I read the British press and it was filled with British filmmakers saying: "Oh God, we're f - ed." Well that's not the feedback I'm getting, and that's not how I see it. Don't get me wrong: I'm very pro-European. My new film is up for best picture at the Milan Film Festival. But I think Brexit is a great opportunity for British filmmakers if it means the British industry will look directly to American and international investors, as opposed to thinking the only way to get films made is through some kind of bureaucratic subsidy route. The problem now, under the pre-Brexit EU subsidy system, is that all the EU funding rules are based on an old filmmaking model. But technology has changed. The whole process of filmmaking and distribution is so much cheaper now. Projects that might have seemed niche a few years ago are quite viable now. If you can make a movie for between $500,000 and $3 million, there's probably a global audience for it that can generate a return. That's why private equity is rushing back in. Read More: Brexit Is "Major Blow" to Film, TV Industries In a lecture about film financing, director Kevin Smith noted that under the old model, you make a $4 million movie and it has to make something like $49 million before anyone sees a profit. But because the distribution model has begun to change - and in the next 4-5 years it will be unrecognizable - you can take a $2 million movie and make $2.5 million from it. This change has coincided with the whole Brexit campaign. America has already stepped up to this new digital world. Brexit might be the push for U.K. filmmakers to do the same. Ricky Gervais, who recently released the film Special Correspondents on Netflix, said this is going to be the new age of the auteur, and I think he's right. Story continues Now saying this will get me in trouble, but the arts in Britain have a long and noble tradition of being supported by the state or lottery funding. It can be a Kafkaesque, labyrinthine kind of system. And what you find is that the people who are good at getting lottery funding get things made. There is a certain type of artist that finds it easier to navigate the world of the subsidy system, and they can often be the most vocal. There are people putting up things on YouTube that are way ahead of what their subsidized brethren are doing. There is a lot of creativity and a lot of storytelling out there. But the subsidy system means you get people who know how to game the system, creating projects they know will be subsidy-friendly. But what I'm arguing is that the money isn't going to go away after Brexit; it's just a change of revenue stream. It isn't the government or the EU that creates that money, it is private equity. It is either private equity via taxation being passed onto the filmmaker or directly from private equity to the filmmaker. Instead of getting your funding via some subsidy body you could get it directly from Amazon or HBO or Netflix because they are on the ground looking for these projects. Read More: Will Ireland Be Brexit's Big Winner? That's my optimistic hope. What I think the British film industry lobby should now be doing is to go in and play hardball with the the next U.K. government and insist on conditions that will make Britain as attractive a location as somewhere like Mexico or Louisiana, with their tax incentives. Instead of complaining about a change, moaning about a train that has left the station, they should be using that leverage and the attention they are attracting to insist that the U.K. is a utopia for filmmakers. This is an English-language, European location. It has thrived in the commercial world for big movies forever. The U.K. could do all the small movies as well now. I think it is a huge opportunity for the U.K. to realize its full potential. We used to have the Ealing Studios; there used to be a thriving industry producing low-budget movies. I was planning to launch my $100 million digital film fund next year, but after the Brexit thing happened, I emailed my investors and said we should launch right now, in London. I was expecting a lot of caution, but the feedback was "Let's do it!" They could see the opportunity. They were gung-ho. So, with our first $30 million tranche of funds we are starting to back movies - including British movies and European movies - right now. We have three projects already greenlighted, including a Welsh film (I'm Welsh, as it happens) called Black Mountain Poets starring Dolly Wells and Alice Lowe, which we are looking to remake. Read More: Brexit: Who Stands to Win (or Lose) in Hollywood After the Vote? This is completely apolitical on my part. I'm just trying to take out a layer of bureaucracy. Even if Brexit doesn't actually happen - there are some that now say the U.K. won't go through with it - this is a huge opportunity for European filmmakers to make a shift in the business culture toward investors and the digital world. Film is not some basket case that needs to be spoon-fed and subsidized because it can't make it on its own. British films made something like $2 billion last year. This is a huge sector made up of a large number of small businesses. They can stand on their own. Brexit might be just the push they need to do so. As told to Scott Roxborough. Paul Duddridge is the director of Mothers and Daughters starring Selma Blair, Christina Ricci, Courteney Cox and Sharon Stone, currently on release in the U.S. through Screen Media Films. Read More: 'Mothers and Daughters': Film Review Im at the doctors and my usual physician is on vacation, so theyve sent me in to see a replacement to whom I believe Rachel from Friends would refer as cute-boy doctor. Im 35, happily married, and reasonably sensible, all of which make it worse that I immediately feel my cheeks start to redden when he introduces himself to me, then spend my entire appointment distracted from my tonsillitis symptoms because Im concerned that I look like a doll with huge pink cheeks drawn on. Its not an entirely unfamiliar feeling, this flush. I've always been prone to rosy skin. At its best, I like to think it lends me a Shakespearean modesty; a maiden blush bepaint my cheek. At worst, it feels like my face is on red alert, throbbing with heat and garnering all the wrong kinds of attention. And there always seems to be that one helpful soul happy to point it out. "Why have you gone red?" Recommended: Culture Is Replacing Class as the Key Political Divide Often, there's no answer to this question. I have blushed during inexplicably mundane conversations with postmen and bank clerks and shop assistants as well as with handsome medical types. Yes, sometimes I blush when I'm talking to boys I likebut almost as often I blush when talking to the ones I don't. Concentration, praise, and sudden attention all also can spark the slow-burning pink glow. Its something Ive learned to live with over the years, but with this acceptance has come curiosity. Why do people blush? What does it mean? And what, if anything, can I do about it? The science of blushing is straightforward, if not entirely comprehensive. Not much more is known now than it was when Charles Darwin first referred to blushing as the most peculiar and most human of all expressions, in The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Physiologically, blushing occurs when adrenaline causes the capillaries that carry blood to the skin to widen. Many scientists explain blushing in terms of the fight or flight response; people wear the stress of a difficult or confusing situation directly on their faces, in circumstances where throwing a punch or making a run for it arent feasible reactions. Story continues For psychologist Ray Crozier, the small amount of information that is known about blushing simply raises more questions. Blushing is a ubiquitous yet little-understood phenomenon, he writes in The Puzzle of Blushing. It is a visible change in our most conspicuous feature, yet it can occur when we least want to be noticed and, indeed, can draw attention to our behavior. We redden when we make a faux pas but also when we are praised or thanked. A blush is involuntary and uncontrollablean actor might simulate a smile, laughter or a frown, but not a blush. Sadly, real-world blushers seem more likely to suffer from blushings impact on their lives. Regardless of cause, blushing often does serve as a signal or a message to the outside world, Crozier points outeven if its a message a person may not be consciously choosing to send. This rings true to me: I see blushing as a loud-mouthed friend who insists on telling the world exactly what youre thinking, and worse, often explains it badly. Yet in the literary world, at least, blushings ambiguity can be an incredibly useful device; a writer can paint a characters face red and leave readers to figure out the meaning. Blushing appears in everything from Shakespeare, to the Romantic poets, to Rudyard Kipling, whose 17-year-old ingenue in My Rival cannot check her girlish blush, much to her annoyance. Even Salman Rushdie in his (perhaps aptly-named) novel Shame includes a character whose stinky blushes are so hot they smell of petrol. Shes a character he imagines as so responsive to the social pressure to blush for others that she blushes for the whole world, says Mary-Ann OFarrell, the author of Telling Complexions: The Nineteenth-Century English Novel and the Blush. But literary characters blush not only when they are embarrassed or ashamed but when they feel anger or pain or mortification, when they flirt, when they cover secrets and when they tell them, when they acknowledge love or try to deny that they are feeling it, when they feel the social pressure to behave well and when they notice someone else isnt. Recommended: How American Politics Went Insane In other words, blushing might be primarily an emotional message, but the variety of its content can vary from Im attracted to you to What dreadful manners you have! Decoding these nuances is not always straightforward. Little surprise then that Jane Austens heroines are particularly prone to blushing, relying on their pink cheeks, in OFarrells words, to reveal things about themselves that would be difficult for themliving, as they do, in a highly-mannered worldto reveal in speech. Unsurprisingly, theres a gendered element to this, as well. Blushing is not just a common response, but perhaps a desirable one for young ladies, insofar as it demonstrates their innocenceor the opposite. If a woman is supposed to blush in the presence of a risque remark, as the old conduct literature suggests, does her blush means she is innocent and mildly disapproving, or is she guilty of something by virtue of getting the joke? OFarrell asks. Sadly, real-world blushers seem more likely to suffer from blushings impact on their lives. Its not quite the social disaster that it was in the 1930s, when the theories of Viennese psychologist Ernst Bien linked red cheeks to necrophilia, repressed cannibalism, and even mens vicarious desire to experience menstruation. But online forums devoted to blushing reveal many people for whom turning red is still a source of frustration and embarrassment, to the extent that the blushing has its own associated phobia: erythophobia, the fear of going red. For some people, blushing is a self-perpetuating cycle: The worry about blushing becomes precisely the thing that brings it on. Recommended: Most American Christians Believe Theyre Being Persecuted I spoke to one man whos a frequenter of a blushing support forum, and he believes his life-long blushing has severely limited his ability to form relationships and progress at work. Im lucky to have a wonderful and understanding wife now, but for a long time blushing made it really hard to meet anyone, he says. People think its cute if youre a woman, but just off-putting if youre a man. Im sure Id be in a very different position in my career now if I didnt feel I had to avoid any kind of public scrutiny. Even speaking up in small meetings makes me uncomfortable and anxious. And when I blush my face actively hurts. There are some treatment options. Hypnotherapy, counseling, and breathing exercises all have had some success in reducing blushing (or at least reducing anxiety about blushing, because its also often hard to be sure whether the turning red itself is the chicken or the egg). The most extreme modern solution is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, a surgical procedure where the nerves that cause the facial blood vessels to dilate are cut. Its extremely effectivethe success rate is 95 percentbut its potential side-effects include facial nerve damage and excessive sweating. This indicates exactly how serious the problem is for people willing to take the risk. Its not all bad news for people who frequently blush, though. In theorizing about what evolutionary advantages blushing might present, Darwin suggests turning red is a phenomenon that marks sensitivity in its sufferers. Infants dont blush, he says, because their mental powers are not yet sufficiently developed. Blushing and shyness may not inevitably go hand in hand, but perhaps blushing and self-awareness do? On a similar positive note, a study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that people who blush not only appear more generous and trustworthy, but actually may be more generous and trustworthy. The researchers asked 60 students to recount embarrassing moments and rated them according to how many signs of embarrassment they showed, including blushing. Afterward, when the students were given 10 raffle tickets to keep or share as they chose, it turned out that those who blushed more were also more likely to share their tickets than non-blushers. For me, acceptance has been the key in coming to terms with my own status as a blusher. Theres a comfort of sorts in keeping company with a long line of literary heroines, and my husband, at least, always says he was first attracted to me because of a certain glow. Its not the most painless flirting technique ever, but it has on occasion proved a useful one. Theres a moment in Jane Austens Emma when her heroine, Emma Woodhouse, blushes and laughs at the same time when she catches herself doing something, OFarrell says. Those of us who blush a lotI admit it!can sometimes take a little pleasure, as Emma does, in that moment of being caught. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Why people are upset about this characters weight in Disneys new movie Moana Why people are upset about this characters weight in Disneys new movie Moana There are so many reasons to look forward to fall: the crisp autumn weather, the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet, Thanksgiving meals, and the highly anticipated new Disney movie Moana! Were so excited to welcome a new character to the Disney Princess canon, especially one as cool as this Polynesian heroine. Unfortunately, the film has been met with some recent controversy concerning one of the other characters. According to People, Maui, a character voiced by Dwayne Johnson, is being criticized for his weight, saying his character perpetuates stereotypes about Polynesians. New Zealand Parliament member, Jenny Salesa, was one of the people unhappy with Mauis appearance. When we look at photos of Polynesian men and women from the last 100 to 200 years, most of our people were not overweight, and this negative stereotype of Maui is just not acceptable, Salesa wrote in a Facebook post. No thanks to Disney. maui 1 Some took to Twitter to voice their opinion on Mauis weight. @guardian Maui was always described in the legends as 'beautiful' attractive & a warrior. This *is* offensive ugly stereotyping. Joolz Denby (@JoolzDenby) June 27, 2016 @guardian @EleanorAingeRoy omg that's terrible. Polynesians were fit warriors. I don't blame anyone for being angry. Nozrati (@Nozrati) June 27, 2016 Others defended Maui, such as Leah Damm from The Spinoff. Personally, I dont look at the animated Maui and think unhealthy, she writes. I get more of a strong, bodyguard-type vibe. She also points out that many have said Maui reminds them of their fathers and uncles. Imagine what this might mean to Polynesian kids, to have a brief escape from their Dads likeness being limited to anti-smoking campaigns, and finally seeing an iteration of large, strong Polynesian men on the big screen, navigating oceans and bringing joy to young audiences. Story continues moana maui 2 Many on Twitter agreed with this side, as well. I'm holding back a rant about how people who think Maui in Disney's Moana is obese HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT A STRONGMAN LOOKS LIKE Big Fat Iguana (@fossilfriendly) July 1, 2016 Internet is saying that Maui from Moana looks "obese". (He does not look obese). pic.twitter.com/vzXz0UbpWJ Jessie Velociraptor (@jessiesarah) June 29, 2016 so Polys are mad about the character Maui in Disney's Moana because...he looks like...your uncle/dad/brother..? lol okay Neni (@TheAwesomerNeni) June 30, 2016 Samoan comic illustrator Michel Mulipola also came to Mauis defense. If you study animation, youll notice that each character has a distinctive shape to their design to not only distinguish who is who but also to portray personalities through their look, he wrote on Facebook. Im not phased by the way Maui is designed in this film, Mulipola continued. In Polynesian mythology, Maui is the demi-god who inspired many myths and legends. In this film, he would of done a lot of those amazing feats but hell be a blow hard braggart who can be a bit of an idiot. Theres a reason the upcoming film is called Moana and not Maui. In another post, he explained how he saw Mauis design as being powerful, strong and protective. Lets hope that by November, the critics have put their differences aside and appreciate the strong sidekick and skilled navigator that is Maui even if he doesnt have the same rippled biceps as the actor who voices him. The post Why people are upset about this characters weight in Disneys new movie Moana appeared first on HelloGiggles. satya jeff When Social Capital partner Chamath Palihapitiya woke up to the news that Microsoft bought LinkedIn for $26 billion, he was stunned. And it wasn't just because of the price tag. Palihapitiya told Business Insider: "One, that's immense courage by Microsoft to basically put themselves out there. "Two, that's a really courageous thing for Jeff [Weiner, LinkedIn's CEO] and Reid [Hoffman, LinkedIn's founder] to basically decide that they could do more for their employees by giving them a buffer and safe harbor of being a part of the Microsoft family." Palihapitiya had watched as LinkedIn's stock "collapsed on basically air" in February, falling 43.6% in one day and shaving off $11 billion from its market value. Its public investors showed "tremendous fickleness," in his opinion. LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner ended up selling to Microsoft to give the company a chance to control its own destiny and avoid the outside craziness of the markets. While Palihapitiya was amazed by and supported the transaction, he also thought that LinkedIn would've been fine on its own. The collapse of the stock and subsequent acquisition "robbed a bunch of others, including me, of the opportunity to own what is just a fantastically useful, well-run, quasi-monopoly," Palihapitiya said. He added: "[Warren] Buffett tells you that these are the kinds of businesses you want to own forever. For me, I was disappointed that it was acquired only because it means I can't own it anymore, and I'm not a particularly enthusiastic Microsoft shareholder only because it doesn't meet my growth targets." NOW WATCH: The Secrets Behind Getting Your Profile Viewed On LinkedIn More From Business Insider Why wasnt Daisy Ridley invited to join the Academy while her male co-stars were? Why wasnt Daisy Ridley invited to join the Academy while her male co-stars were? As you may know, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been under a lot of pressure lately to diversify its member roster. So, we were surprised to see that break-out star Daisy Ridley was not included in this years list of invitees while her (male) co-stars Oscar Isaac and John Boyega were. Yes, both Isaac and Boyega are BRILLIANT actors (who we love), but Daisy Ridley, aka Rey I kicked the crap out of that whiner Kylo Ren no-last-name, is THE LEAD ACTOR AND HERO in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. So this news made us scratch our heads. We decided to get technical and take a look at some of the Bylaws on the Academys website in regards to Membership within the Actors branch. First, it says that you have to have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits[]of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy. Okay, fair, Daisys only film credit that really matches this criteria is The Force Awakens. Meanwhile, Boyega and Isaac definitely have more film credits. But, hold on a second, lets take a look at the third OR option. oscars membership Here it says have [] otherwise achieved unique distinction, earned special merit or made an outstanding contribution as a motion picture actor. HMMMM. In our opinion, this describes exactly what Daisy Ridley achieved in The Force Awakens. Consider these facts: 1. Daisy Ridley was the lead actor in Force Awakens. 2. The Force Awakens is the top earning film of ALL TIME in North America. 3. It also became the ONLY film to cross $900 million domestically (and in only fifty days). 4. Daisy Ridley WAS A TOTAL BAD-ASS in the film. lightsaber gif Disney / 5ummit.tumblr.com So, why is it the LEAD ACTOR in the biggest film EVER cant get an invite to the Academy??? What about this achievement doesnt scream, made an outstanding contribution as a motion picture actor? What else does it take? Story continues Considering there was NO Rey merchandise in all of the (early) Star Wars merchandise, this just feels like another blow to the woman whos currently at the center of the biggest film franchise ever. And while we may never really know why Daisy was not invited to join the Academy this year, we know that Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs has made several statements saying she was committed to doubling the number of woman and minority members. And hopefully one day one of those women will be the incredible Daisy Ridley. daisy ridley gif The post Why wasnt Daisy Ridley invited to join the Academy while her male co-stars were? appeared first on HelloGiggles. Prince William, Princess Kate and Prince Harry attended a somber memorial to honor the fallen on Friday morning 100 years after the bloodiest day in British history. The trio traveled to northern France to pay tribute to the 60,000 British soldiers who died in the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916. Red, white and blue confetti fluttered down from a vast war memorial on a hill above a former battlefield and schoolchildren each placed a posy at 600 white gravestones during the moving remembrance ceremony. The reflections on the sacrifices made 100 years ago had begun for the royal trio earlier in the day when they viewed the two 30-yard-long tapestries depicting the battle, and met British and French schoolchildren at the visitor's center. Kate, in a cream peplum top and matching pencil skirt and Lion Tamer hat by Lock & Co., said she was finding the visit "emotional" and "very moving," Poppy Hodgson, from Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, told reporters. Harry then said it was "important for us to remember older history as well as more recent history. I'm actually quite jealous of you guys getting to spend five days here learning all about it." William, Kate and Harry Pay 'Emotional' and Somber Tribute to the Fallen on 100th Anniversary ofA Britain's Bloodiest Battle| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William The royals then took their place at the gigantic Memorial to the Missing at Thiepval, high above the fields where so many young men fell on that fateful day. Prince Charles, who attended the service with wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and actors Jason Isaacs, Joely Richardson and Charles Dance read poignant stories and letters of the fallen at the memorial. William, Kate and Harry Pay 'Emotional' and Somber Tribute to the Fallen on 100th Anniversary ofA Britain's Bloodiest Battle| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter. After the sounding of the "Last Post" by buglers, the royals walked among a group of 300 French and 300 British and Irish schoolkids, who stood quietly at the gravestones. William, Kate and Harry Pay 'Emotional' and Somber Tribute to the Fallen on 100th Anniversary ofA Britain's Bloodiest Battle| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William At a poignant vigil on Thursday, William read a piece by the author of the WWI novel Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks. "We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life," William said. Prince William, Princess Kate and Prince Harry Launch Their 'Heads Together' Campaign "It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation. Tonight we think of them as they nerved themselves for what lay ahead.A William, Kate and Harry Pay 'Emotional' and Somber Tribute to the Fallen on 100th Anniversary ofA Britain's Bloodiest Battle| The British Royals, The Royals, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, Prince William "We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war." Prince Harry also spoke at the event, reading the poem "Before Action," by Lieutenant WN Hodgson of the 9th Battalion the Devonshire Regiment, who wrote it before he was killed in action on July 1, 1916. Before the vigil, the royals climbed to the top of the newly-renovated monument to view the battlefield. In the 1980s, Lal Krishna Advani coined the term pseudo-secularism to describe what he believed was tokenism towards members of Indias minority communities. When he did so, he had no idea that one day, the Hindutva mothership, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, would itself dabble in the practice. On July 2, the RSS Muslim wing, the Rashtriya Muslim Manch, will throw an iftar party for ambassadors from Muslim countries. The proposed event has already caused a controversy with the RSS invitation to the Pakistan ambassador being withdrawn after the June 25 Pampore attack in which eight Indian paramilitary personal were gunned down by militants a rather late realisation of the role Pakistan plays in Kashmir. Iftar is the sunset meal at which Muslims break their fast during the month of Ramzan. In India, though, the meal has been raised from this rather utilitarian consideration and made into a political event. Politicians have used this to court the Muslim vote, even signalling their predilections sartorially: wearing prayer caps, scarves and other assorted seemingly Muslim clothing. The case against iftar parties This practice has been attacked by Hindutva supporters, who bristle at what they see as appeasement i.e. pseudo-secularism. So effective was the criticism that this year, the Congress party gave up hosting an iftar party altogether. Its also frowned at by secularists who see the states adoption of theological symbols problematic. Why should politicians court people with religious symbols rather than, say, better roads, schools or sewers, they argue. This is an argument not without merit for a secular state. If the state is to rise above ascribed identities such as faith, it must surely give up pandering to their symbols. But heres the conundrum: what if the state has given up on being secular? In a post-Modi era, when the Indian state is moving towards endorsing Hindu symbols, Hindu theological laws and religious worship-as-a-political-event, even the tokenism of the iftar party could maybe be a good thing, balancing out majoritarianism that lurks beneath the surface. Story continues Congress pseudo-secularism Iftar parties as a political event are a legacy of Indira Gandhi a part of her overall strategy to employ communal symbols to outmanoeuvre both Hindu and Muslim communitarian parties. As historian James Manor pointed out, the most astonishing development of the early 1980s was the adoption by Indira Gandhi of themes that have traditionally belonged to the Hindu chauvinist right. In the 1980s, this back and forth between Hindu, Muslim and even Sikh tokenism would send the Congress party into a communal tailspin. The police under Congress governments were openly partisan, as a wave of communal riots swept Uttar Pradesh. Indiras successor, Rajiv Gandhi, in turn, backed the Ramjanmbhoomi movement, which wanted to demolish the Babri Masjid. As the other side of the coin, the Congress made a show of denying Muslim women alimony in the Shah Bano case and adopted tokenism: hosting iftar parties, putting on the stereotypical Muslim clothes, visiting Sufi shrines and the such. The Congresss tightrope act didnt last too long. Rather than outflanking Hindu chauvinists, it ended up boosting them. The BJP, the main political beneficiary of this period, grabbed the opportunity to attack this tokenism. Worse than the disease Of course, while the BJPs attacks on the Congress tokenism might have had some substance, the cures it held out were often worse than the disease. The BJP, for example, appeared to ostensibly back Muslim womens rights in an attempt to oppose to the Congress attitude towards the Shah Bano case. But all it really did was to vilify Muslims and use the issue to drum up anti-Muslim sentiment. The BJP is also openly majoritarian. While measures like debarring Muslims and Christians from Dalit reservations meant the Congress did plenty to encourage Hindu chauvinists, post a full BJP majority in 2014, matters have reached a fever pitch. After his 2014 election win, for example, Narendra Modi performed a religious ceremony in Banaras and ensured that it was telecast live on television to underscore the political import of the move. Public religious worship has also been a part of Prime Minister Modis tours to neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. The open use of religious worship as a tool of political propaganda by a person no less than the prime minister is alarming. In several states, BJP governments have ensured that the religious taboo on eating beef observed by many Hindus has been codified into draconian laws. In September 2015, when a Muslim man was beaten to death by a mob on the suspicion of eating beef, a Union government minister condoned the murder, calling it an accident. The chief minister of Maharashtra, Indias most prosperous state, wanted to expel from India anyone who refuses to say Bharat Mata ki Jai, victory to mother India a slogan many Muslims consider unIslamic. Recent reports suggest that Yogi Adityanath might even be considered for a cabinet post in the Union government. Adityanath, a religious priest and member of parliament from Uttar Pradesh, is an extreme right winger by even the BJPs standards, being accused of communal rioting and letting lose a torrent of anti-Muslim hate speech such as comparing actor Shah Rukh Khan to Pakistani terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Assuaging minority fears In these circumstances, how should one judge Muslim tokenism? If the Union government is itself openly majoritarian, does a charge of minority appeasement even make sense? On the other hand, the pseudo-secular act of, say, throwing an iftar party or visiting a dargah could actually act as a powerful signal to Muslims, assuaging their fears in a system that is increasingly shutting them out. This phenomenon is not unique to India. In Bangladesh, Hindus have agitated successfully for a national temple as a counter to the countrys national mosque. In Pakistan, its parliament declared Holi and Diwali to be observed as national holidays. In Canada, Justin Trudeau made it a point to celebrate the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, posing for photos in a bandana with the Sikh Khanda symbol on it. Of course, this does not mean Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh will not face majoritarian discrimination or that there will not be anti-Muslim prejudice in North American. But even this tokenism is welcomed by minority communities, given that in any political system, even public signalling has meaning in parallel, rather than as a binary, to actual physical security and development. In a situation in which powerful groups use their identity to extract concessions from the state, using signals such as iftar parties to give minorities a toehold in the Indian political space are useful. After all, they help counterbalance the stranglehold of dominant groups just a little. Trending By Darrin Zammit Lupi ABOARD THE TOPAZ RESPONDER (Reuters) - The first reports came in at dawn. A growing number of flimsy rubber dinghies, packed with migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, in difficulty in the Mediterranean Sea. By the time the ship Topaz Responder arrived on the scene, some 20 nautical miles (37 kms) off the Libyan coast, on June 23, its crew counted 21 inflatable boats. By the end of the day, the vessel and other ships had plucked about 5,000 people from more than 40 boats, according to the Italian coastguard. One person died before they arrived. "I was on the boat for five hours at sea ... I didn't feel good because it wasn't safe," said Afigu Barrie, 20, a student from Sierra Leone rescued by the crew of the Topaz Responder. "Now I'm comfortable. I appreciate this so much. I thank God." Europe's worst immigration crisis since World War Two is showing little sign of a slowdown in the flow of people heading across the sea from North Africa to Italy. According to the International Organisation for Migration, 225,095 migrants and refugees have arrived in Europe by sea so far this year. There have been 2,889 deaths in the Mediterranean compared with 1,838 in the first six months of 2015. Last week, thousands of people were pulled from international waters in just several days, according to the Italian coastguard, as people smugglers increased operations in good weather. Many set off from Libya. Reuters photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi on board the Topaz Responder, operated by the privately funded Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), witnessed one major rescue operation, also involving other humanitarian and navy ships and the Italian coastguard. MOAS was founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Christopher Catrambone and his wife Regina in response to the tragic death of several hundred migrants who drowned when their boat sank off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa in October 2013. It says it has since rescued more than 15,000 people. "The pressure is there, it hasn't abated in any way. You still have a very strong and steady flow of Africans coming on the central Mediterranean route," Ian Ruggier, MOAS head of operations, said. "I think nothing has happened since last year to change that ... There is still a significant number of people wanting to leave Libyan shores." For pictures, click on http://reut.rs/29bgb8n PRAYERS AND SLEEP The Topaz Responder had been at sea for six days conducting patrols before it was called to help late last week by the Rome Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Upon arrival, it launched one of its two Fast Rescue Daughter Craft (FRDC), named after Syrian brothers Aylan and Galib Kurdi whose deaths while trying to reach Greece from Turkey last year made global headlines. The crew on the smaller vessel, including two rescue swimmers and a medic, approached the nearest overcrowded dinghy and began throwing life jackets to those on board. The Topaz Responder drew closer and the FRDC nudged the dinghy against the ship, allowing the migrants to scramble aboard. Many dropped to their knees in prayer while waiting to be frisked by security personnel before the ship headed on to help another dinghy. "I feel so good," said Osman Kalokoh from Sierra Leone. "So relieved." In total, 382 migrants, most from West Africa, were rescued that day by the Topaz Responder, including babies. People hugged one another and others cried loudly. Then they slept, exhausted by a journey that had begun months before in the hope of finding a new life in Europe. Later they were transferred to an Italian coastguard ship bound for Sicily. "Being in Europe now, I want to continue my education. I want to learn something better," Barrie said. "I want to be better tomorrow." (Additional reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Janet Lawrence) A woman asked presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump to get rid of the heebie jabbies at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and replace them with veterans, leading to an awkward exchange during a New Hampshire event on Thursday. Why arent we putting our military retirees on that border or in TSA? she said. Get rid of all these heebie jabbies they wear at TSA. Ive seen them myself, the woman added, apparently referencing the hijab, the veil most commonly worn by Muslim women. We are looking at that. We are looking at that, Trump responded. Were looking at a lot of things. Trump came under fire after his December call to to enact a complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, though his campaign has recently been vague about the details of such a ban. When asked asked about whether Burkas should be banned in schools, courts, and bordered checkpoints in the United States during a February interview with Boston Herald Radio, Trump said Im okay with it. I know youre shocked to hear me say it right? Im okay with it. From Country Living Star Genleah Swain, a 34-year-old assistant principal from Florida, was visiting the Lincoln Memorial on vacation when her friends dared her to belt out the "The Star Spangled Banner." Not only did she follow through, but she managed to completely steal the spotlight from the world-famous monument. Luckily, a friend of Star's captured the performance on video. Star starts off by telling the camera, "I'm scared." But it certainly didn't show, because as soon as she sings her first note, the space filled with chattering tourists falls silent. Soon more and more people gather around her, all in complete awe of her moving rendition of the National Anthem. At the end of the clip, the growing audience, including the police standing guard, applaud and congratulate her. One woman was even brought to tears, Star told the Tallahassee Democrat. "People just started saying: 'That was awesome. Thank you,'" Swain told reporters. The praise didn't stop there though: A week after her jaw-dropping performance, the video was posted to Facebook, where it has now garnered over 15 million views. Earlier this week, Star posted on her personal Facebook page: Hello, everyone! I am so wonderfully overwhelmed by the love and support shown by millions of people all over the nation and world. I love you all and have official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages for you to follow and continue to show your love...it means so much...look forward to hearing from all of you! #StarSpangledBanner #Star Swain #IamStarSwain See her breathtaking performance above, and prepare to get goosebumps. Follow Country Living on Pinterest. One of the toughest aspects of being a celebrity is that they rarely get time to spend with their family because of their tiresome schedules. Its way more difficult for actress Jacqueline Fernandez, whose family resides in Sri Lanka. Recommended Read: This Funny Video Shows How Jacqueline Impersonates Lisa Haydon! A source close to the actor informed a popular daily, First, Jacqueline was busy with the shoot of Housefull 3. Now, she is working on an untitled film with Sidharth Malhotra. Her family often asks her to visit them, but she hasnt had the time to do so. Jacqueline informed the popular daily, Its been a tough few months. I have been working on different films simultaneously. Im planning to visit my family for Christmas, as thats the only free time I have. It is difficult when you have no family around, and it can get stressful at times. I de-stress when Im with my family. Im looking forward to December. British Treasury Secretary George Osborne warned on Friday that the United Kingdom economy was exhibiting clear signs of economic shock in the wake of a majority of voters advocating to leave the European Union, signalling that the fallout from Brexit has begun in earnest. Clear signs of economic shock in aftermath of Leave vote. Will require supreme national effort but we can come through this challenge George Osborne (@George_Osborne) July 1, 2016 There is indeed clear evidence for some of the shocks. The value of the pound has fallen from $1.49 to $1.33 since the vote, and the FTSE 250 group of U.K.-focused companies fell by more than 7% before staging a slight recovery. But it is not yet clear when the impact will filter down to ordinary people. One clear disadvantage for Britons already apparent is that buying dollars and euros is much more expensive, which will make holidays more costly. The devaluation of the pound will also increase the price of imported goods and anything made from them. John Van Reenen, head of the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics, said that Britains Brexit decision will have both short-term and long-term consequences. There is a lot of uncertainty about the new arrangements, which will lead to less investment, slower growth, lower pay and higher unemployment. In the long run, we will not have the same access to the European single market, which will mean lower exports, less foreign investments. It will mean that we are all poorer. Some effects will take months but others will be noticed in days, he said. The effect on the pound is noticeable now and this will quickly be seen in the price of fruit and vegetables for example. Prices of goods that use foreign components will take longer to increase, says Van Reenen. Story continues There are signs that property prices are set to fall. Singapore-based United Overseas Bank suspended loan applications for London residential properties because of fears that investors could lose money and find it difficult to repay loans. Major developers are also reviewing residential and commercial projects. Mark Farmer, chief executive of Cast, a real estate consultancy, told the Financial Times that most London real estate deals would be reexamined. The centre of the storm is going to be commercial property and speculative residential for sale, he said. Anything that has planning consent that hasnt been committed, or anything that [has construction ongoing] on site but is a phased project, is in harms way at the moment. Falling property prices are unlikely to benefit ordinary homebuyers in a stuttering economy, Van Reenen says. A lot of people might say that a fall in property prices is a good thing but the prices will be falling for a bad reason; because there is less money around, property will still be as unaffordable. U.K. unemployment, which currently stands at 5.1%, is also expected to rise. Soon after the result of the referendum was announced, Siemens suspended plans to export wind turbine blades from a new factory in in the northeastern city of Hull. Juergen Maier, the Siemens UK chief executive, told the BBC that any investment decisions, especially relating to exporting to the E.U. would be put on ice. There were also reports of companies such as easyjet, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan moving headquarters or large numbers of staff from Britain to the E.U. The loss of such jobs combined with a reduction in economic activity, could lead to a decrease in government revenue and force it to cut spending, further depressing the economy. Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, said that many people would feel poorer and less secure. In a speech on Thursday, he said: Today, uncertainty has meant an inchoate sense of economic insecurity for many people, despite generalised economic prosperity. Across the advanced economies, employment appears less secure, wages more subdued and inequality more pronounced. The fallout from Brexit could also have a cumulative effect, leading to a vicious circle of consumers reacting to an economic slowdown by consuming less and thus exacerbating the slowdown. Van Reenen concluded: With the pound falling, this will lead to higher import prices and the cost of living will go up. As our trade goes down this will lead to lower productivity and higher prices. When faced with a crisis, people cut down on demand, which has a multiplier effect leading to greater unemployment, and further pressure on demand. Osborne said that overcoming the worst of the economic fallout would take a supreme national effort. Britain had better hope that whoever takes over from Prime Minister David Cameron in the autumn can rise to the challenge. When disaster strikes in the form of lightning, tornadoes, or other freak occurrences, theres really only one thing you can do to help save (or rebuild) your livelihood, instead of just watching it helplessly burn away or get flung to an adjacent county. And thats having homeowners insurance. But if you dont have coverage? Well, it can get ugly out there. If you dont believe us, just check out these unfortunate situationsand the hard-won lessons learned as a result. Your dryer could go haywire and burn down your home Before leaving for work in February, Celyna Rosiles of San Antonio, TX, popped some clothes in the dryer so theyd be ready to fold once she was home. But thats not what happened. Heres what did: She got a call later in the day from authorities informing her that she had a major house fire on her hands. According to San Antonio News 4, the heat from a dryer ignited lint, which became tinder for a conflagration. Rosiles did not have homeowners insurance, so she had to shell out for repairs herself. Lesson learned: Over 15,000 house fires are sparked in laundry rooms every year, and these tragedies could be mitigated with insurance. And heres a safety tip: Never leave your home unattended with the dryer on. Got it? This minor time-saving measure is simply not worth the risk. A tornado could breeze through the area In May, a tornado struck Boswell, OK, destroying at least 21 homes. One of those belonged to Jose Rubio, who fled to his neighbors storm cellar before the twister tore his place apart. Hed lived there for 35 years. I lost everythingno insurance, no nothing, Rubio told KXII News. So I feel sick, but Im still alive. Lesson learned: Many people, even those who live in high-risk areas of the countryso-called tornado alleys, earthquake-prone areas, hurricane regionsdont think it will happen to them, explains Loretta Worters, vice president of communications at the Insurance Information Institute. Well guess what? It can. Tornadoes and other freak weather occurrences can hit anyone, anytime, so its best to arm yourself with insurance in case youre next. Story continues Lightning could strikeand once is enough After lightning stuck a Miami familys condo last year, they were left with nothing because they only thought they had insurance. According to CBS Miami, Maria Zapatas son was home when lightning struck the home, setting the kitchen on fire. I was laying down on the phone talking to my girlfriend. It literally knocked me off the bed, Julio Zapata told the news outlet. No one was harmed, but everything inside the home was ruined. Lesson learned: Granted, the odds of lightning striking your home are rather slim, but if it does, the damage is considerable. Lightning protection systems exist but theyre expensive, which is why many experts say that in low-frequency storm areas, comprehensive homeowners insurance is the more budget-friendly option. Review your policy to make sure you have the right type and amount of insurance, Worters says. You could develop a whole new love for your neighbors In October 2015, Saunda Williams and her two children were visiting their grandmothers house when they heard a news report about a fire on her block in Muncie, IN. It turned out to be her houseand the fire ate everything. Williams told the Muncie Star Press that she had no insurance and less than a thousand dollars in the bank. In short, the fire left her family homeless. But not for long. The community banded together, donating furnishings for a new house. A counselor at a local school started a GoFundMe page. In two months, it raised enough money for a down payment, according to a follow-up article. Lesson learned: Its good to hear that tight-knit communities and caring neighbors have helped families get back on their feet, and crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe are making that easier than ever. Still, theres no guarantee your neighbors will step up and help, which is why homeowners insurance is a better safety net. Watch: Is It Smarter to Rent or Buy? The post Heres What Can Go Wrong When You Dont Have Homeowners Insurance appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com. Related Articles Information technology services provider Xerox Corporation (XRX) recently revealed its plans to lay off 95 employees in its healthcare division in Orlando. Although the company did not divulge the reason behind the strategic decision, it refused to attribute the lay-offs to its split into two independent entities. The affected employees are part of the Xerox State Healthcare LLC unit in Orlando. This Xerox subsidiary offers healthcare program administration services and administers Medicaid, state children's health insurance programs, long-term care programs, and pharmacy benefits management programs. It also offers care coordination and management services along with health information analysis and fraud and abuse protection services. Corporate Statement In a statement issued by the company, the affected employees were encouraged to seek possible employment opportunities in other business divisions. The statement read, "Unfortunately, due to a business decision of a single client, we are making the necessary yet difficult decision to reduce our workforce. We realize this affects individuals and every effort is being made to ensure that all employees are treated fairly. Such unfortunate yet bold decisions seemed to be the call of the hour as the company aimed to improve its revenues and lower the operating costs. Grappling with Challenges Xerox has been grappling with slow demand in its printing business for years, while its attempts to leverage the business process outsourcing market also failed to lend growth momentum. The company also endured a number of slip-ups in its Medicare and Medicare information services for several government agencies across the U.S. In 2015, the company conducted a review of structural options for its portfolio and capital allocation. On the basis of this review, it decided to split into two independent, publicly traded entities in the first quarter of 2016. The process is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. The separation will see Xerox segregating its hardware operations and its services business. While one would comprise the Document Technology and Document Outsourcing business, the other its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) business. Both these entities would likely feature among the Fortune 500 companies and will be leaders in their respective markets. With a strategic focus on various markets, Xerox expects to capitalize on the unique strengths of its Document Technology and BPO businesses and capture the value-creation opportunities, post split. As part of the restructuring, Xerox has decided to execute a three-year strategic transformation program to improve its productivity and reduce costs across the businesses. Impact from Brexit Despite the prudent efforts, Xerox is expected to feel some impact of the Brexit fallout as 5% of its total revenue reportedly comes from the U.K. Further, Xerox has a significant number of manufacturing and engineering facilities in the U.K. The company has also high pension obligations in the U.K. Pension Plan for salaried employees. The revamped market dynamics from the Brexit referendum are expected to affect Xerox that has a significant trade relationship with the U.K. The company is likely to be stifled by the renegotiated deals and restrictions imposed on trade with other European Union members. Brexit could further result in higher tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between the U.K. and the European Union, lowering productivity of the company. Xerox currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked stocks in the industry include ExamWorks Group, Inc. (EXAM), InnerWorkings Inc. (INWK) and Rentokil Initial plc (RTOKY), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). (We are reissuing this article to correct a mistake. The original article, issued yesterday, June 30, 2016, should no longer be relied upon.) 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 EXAMWORKS GROUP (EXAM): Free Stock Analysis Report INNERWORKINGS (INWK): Free Stock Analysis Report XEROX CORP (XRX): Free Stock Analysis Report RENTOKIL IN PLC (RTOKY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research For Immediate Release Chicago, IL July 01, 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 iShares Treasury Bond ETF (TLT), Vanguard Treasury Bond ETF (VGLT), SPDR Gold ETF ( GLD) and iShares Gold ETF (IAU). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Thursdays Analyst Blog: Should You Buy Gold & Bond ETFs Post-Brexit? Britains decision to leave the European Union caught the market flat footed last Friday. The sterling got pounded to a 31-year low and stocks plunged after the vote. Jittery investors piled into so called safe haven assets including government bonds and gold. At one point, gold saw its biggest spike since the financial crisis of 2008. Gold is now at a 2-year high. The 10-year note yield is now not far from the 1.38% record low reached in July 2012. Both these safe haven assets have been in favor with investors this year due to global economic and political uncertainties. Two popular long term government bond ETFsiShares Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) and Vanguard Treasury Bond ETF (VGLT) are up almost 15% year-to-date while the popular gold ETFs SPDR Gold ETF (GLD) and iShares Gold ETF (IAU) are up about 24%. One of the important takeaways from this vote was that markets can be unpredictable and so investor portfolios should be prepared for all scenarios by being diversified. In our articles and videos, we have emphasized the importance of diversification in portfolios many times. Diversified portfolios, which include stocks, bonds, foreign assets and gold, always outperform the market on risk-adjusted basis over longer-term. Investors however now question if these safe haven assets can rise further after these strong gains. Markets hate uncertainty and we already had a lot of global macroeconomic and political uncertainty and Brexit has added a lot of it. Uncertainly may continue to induce investors to invest more in safer assets including gold and Treasury bond ETFs. Lower for longer rates benefit bonds and gold but a stronger dollar could present some headwinds for gold. Further, US Treasury bond yields look very attractive compared to those in other major countries. Due to negative/ultra-low rates in Europe and Japan, foreign demand for US Treasuries is now at all time high levels. 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 >> Story continues Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. About Zacks Equity Research 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. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today. About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com 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. 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 ISHARS-20+YTB (TLT): ETF Research Reports VANGD-LT GOV BD (VGLT): ETF Research Reports SPDR-GOLD TRUST (GLD): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-GOLD TR (IAU): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL July 01, 2016 - Stocks in this weeks article include: ReneSola Ltd. (SOL), Southern National Bancorp of Virginia Inc. ( SONA), Braskem S.A. (BAK), Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (HQCL) and Trinity Industries Inc. (TRN). Screen of the Week of Zacks Investment Research: Beyond Bargain Hunting: 5 Stocks with Rising P/Es Stocks with low P/E are always investors darlings as it speaks of undervaluation. The ratio, which is obtained by dividing a stocks current market price with its historical or estimated earnings, measures how much an investor needs to shell out per dollar of earnings. The lower the P/E of a stock, the better for a value investor. This is because value investors believe that the stock's current market price is not reflective of its historical/future earnings and therefore chances of outperformance are higher. Naturally, there are very few investors who pay attention to stocks with an increasing P/E. But this often overlooked trend can prove worthwhile in finding great stocks. Lets dig a little deeper. Rising P/E: An Useful Tool Investors should note that stock prices move in tandem with earnings performance. If earnings come in stronger, the price of a stock shoots up. Solid quarterly earnings and the forward guidance in turn boost forecasts for the expected earnings, leading to stronger demand for the stock and an uptrend in its price. So, if the price is rising steadily, it means that investors are assured of the stocks fundamental strength and expect some strong positives out of it. Also, studies have revealed that stocks have seen their P/E ratios jump over 100% from their breakout point in the cycle. All these make the case for a rising P/E a lucrative investing criterion. The Winning Strategy In order to shortlist stocks that are exhibiting an increasing P/E, we chose the following as our primary screening parameters. EPS growth estimate for the current year is greater than or equal to last years actual growth Story continues Percentage change in last year EPS over the prior year should be greater than or equal to the previous year (These two criteria point to a positive or flat earnings growth trend over the years.) Percentage change in price over four weeks greater than percentage change in price over 12 weeks Percentage change in price over 12 weeks greater than percentage change in price over 24 weeks (These two criteria show that price of the stock is increasing consistently over the said timeframes.) Percentage price change for four weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500 Percentage price change for 12 weeks relative to the S&P 500 greater than percentage price change for 24 weeks relative to the S&P 500 (Here the case for consistent price gains gets even stronger as it displays percentage price changes relative to the S&P 500.) Percentage price change for 12 weeks is 20% higher than or equal to percentage price change for 24 weeks, but it should not exceed 100% (This criterion indicates that a 20% increase in the price of a stock from the breakout point gives cues of an impending uptrend. But a jump of over 100% indicates that there is limited scope for further upside and the stock might be due for a reversal.) In addition, we place a few other criteria that lead us to some likely outperformers. Zacks Rank equal to 1: Only companies with a Strong Buy rating can get through. Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000: High trading volume implies that the stocks have adequate liquidity Just these few criteria narrowed down the universe from over 7,700 stocks to just five. Here are all five stocks that made it through the screen: ReneSola Ltd. (SOL) : Headquartered in Jiashan, the Peoples Republic of China, this solar power products companys estimated earnings per share (EPS) growth rate for this year is 320%. Southern National Bancorp of Virginia Inc. (SONA) : It operates as the bank holding company for Sonabank that engages into commercial banking services. It has an expected EPS growth rate of 9.33% for this year. Braskem S.A. (BAK) : This producer and seller of thermoplastic resins is likely to see a negative EPS growth rate of 3.73% this year, but it has a top VGM score of A. Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (HQCL) : This South Korean solar energy company makes and sells solar cells and photovoltaic (PV) modules globally. It has an expected EPS growth rate of 394.1% for this year. Trinity Industries Inc. (TRN) : This Texas-based products and service provider to the energy, transportation, chemical, and construction sectors in the U.S. and worldwide has a negative expected EPS growth rate of 57.8% for this year, but it has a good VGM score of B. You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today . Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance Zacks Restaurant Recommendations: In addition to dining at these special places, you can feast on their stock shares. A Zacks Special Report spotlights 5 recent IPOs to watch plus 2 stocks that offer immediate promise in a booming sector. Download it free Sign up now for your free trial today and start picking better stocks immediately. And with the backtesting feature, you can test your ideas to see how you can improve your trading in both up markets and down markets. Dont wait for the market to get better before you decide to do better. Start learning how to be a better trader today: https://at.zacks.com/?id=111 Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. About Screen of the Week Zacks.com created the first and best screening system on the web earning the distinction as the "#1 site for screening stocks" by Money Magazine. But powerful screening tools is just the start. That is why Zacks created the Screen of the Week to highlight profitable stock picking strategies that investors can actively use. Each week, Zacks Profit from the Pros free email newsletter shares a new screening strategy. Learn more about it here https://at.zacks.com/?id=112 About Zacks Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Click here for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZacksInvestmentResearch Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Contact: Jim Giaquinto Company: Zacks.com Phone: 312-265-9268 Email: pr@zacks.com Visit: https://www.zacks.com/performance Zacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer . 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. 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 RENESOLA LT-ADR (SOL): Free Stock Analysis Report SOUTHN NATL BCP (SONA): Free Stock Analysis Report BRASKEM SA (BAK): Free Stock Analysis Report HANWHA Q CELLS (HQCL): Free Stock Analysis Report TRINITY INDS IN (TRN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A teenage girl who was fired from her job at a Kansas City pizzeria after asking her boss why she wasn't paid the same as her male co-worker says she wasn't trying to make a political statement. She just wanted to know what happened to her $0.25 an hour. Jensen Walcott, 17, become fodder for national headlines when Hillary Clinton tweeted about her, commending her for standing up for herself and women's rights. "Good for you, Jensen. Every woman deserves equal pay, no matter what her age. Keep up the hard workaand courage!" the presumptive Democratic nominee wrote, signing the tweet with an "-H," meaning she wrote it herself. Walcott, who already followed Clinton on Twitter but won't turn 18 in time to vote for her in November, tells PEOPLE she's happy to be held up as an inspiration for women. "I think the gender pay gap is a very serious topic. Obviously women should be paid an equal amount as men, I mean what's the difference? A person's a person," she says. In 2015, women in the United States earned 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the Institute for Womenas Policy Research. Some online trolls have responded to the headlines about Walcott by saying she's spoiled and calling her a "brat" who deserved to be fired. And not everyone in "conservative" Bonner Springs, Kansas agrees with what she did. "Some people won't agree with what I did, but I know that I did the right thing in my mind, so the negative comments don't really bother me," she says. Despite reports in other media outlets that she demanded a raise after learning she was paid $8 while her male friend who was hired at the same time made $8.25, Walcott tells PEOPLE she never asked for more money she just wanted to know why she was being paid less. She says she and her friend Jake Reed were excited at first to get their summer jobs at Pizza Studio. "Then afterwards when we found out he was making more than me, we were both like, 'Well that's not right,' " Walcott says. She decided it was best to call her manager, who is a woman, and ask if there was a reason for the pay gap. "I was just innocently asking the question," she says. "One of my friends just got hired an hour before me and he's making 25 cents more and I don't know if that was a mistake or if I heard you wrong when you told me what [salary] I was starting at." According to Walcott, the manager put her on hold, called back five minutes later and told her she was fired. "She didn't give me an answer, she just told me I was fired for discussing wages," Walcott says. In a statement released to FOX 4 Pizza Studio CEO Samit Varma said: "We were very disappointed to learn about the actions of our manager, who was not acting in accordance with company policies and procedures and we have since parted ways with her. We absolutely do not tolerate any kind of discrimination in our stores including gender discrimination. We fully support and promote the role of women and minorities (like myself) within Pizza Studio." Republish from July 2015 Criminals and state-sponsored hackers attack networks around the world every minute of every day. Most of the time those attacks are thwarted by the networks cyberdefenses. But when attacks succeed, they usually do so in a big way. Read: How to Watch Worldwide Cyberattacks Live! With increasing regularity, it seems, attackers hit the jackpot and gain access to information on millions of individuals, including passwords, email addresses, and credit card numbers. Odds are high that at least some of your personal information is in the hands of these thieves. These are some of the biggest computer hacks of the past five years. 1. Adobe (October 2013) Number of people affected: 150 million Information stolen: Email addresses and passwords for 150 million users, according to security vendor Sophos, as well as credit card data for 2.9 million users. A data dump discovered on the AnonNews website contained the usernames and passwords of some 150 million Adobe customers. (Sophos) How it happened: Hackers gained access to Adobes networks, though exactly how they did it has yet to be publicly revealed. In addition to stealing user information, attackers also downloaded the source code for a handful of Adobe programs, which essentially forms the foundation of the software. Aftermath: Adobe offered free credit monitoring to individuals who had their credit card information stolen. Others were told to reset their passwords for Adobe products. Password management vendor LastPass set up a site where you can check to see if your email address was one of those stolen; you can find it here. 2. eBay (May 2014) Number of people affected: 145 million Information stolen: Customers usernames, encrypted passwords, email addresses, and other personal data. No payment information was taken. Photo: eBay How it happened: Attackers used compromised employee login information to get into the companys network. Aftermath: EBay issued a statement asking all of its users to change their passwords out of an abundance of caution. The company said it would also work to improve security. Story continues 3. Target (January 2014) Number of people affected: 110 million Information stolen: 40 million credit and debit card numbers, as well as 70 million consumer email addresses. Photo: Yahoo News How it happened: According to Bloomberg, hackers used credentials from an HVAC contractor working within Target to then gain access to the retailers network. Aftermath: Six months later, company CEO Gregg Steinhafel was forced to resign over the breach. In March, Target settled a class-action lawsuit for $10 million with individuals who had their credit and debit cards stolen. 4. Home Depot (September 2014) Number of people affected: 109 million Information stolen: 53 million email addresses and 56 million credit and debit cards for shoppers at the $80 billion home improvement chain. Photo: Yahoo News How it happened: Home Depot said hackers used a vendors login information to access the network and install malware on the retailers self-checkout systems, which fed the attackers information on credit card customers in the U.S. and Canada. Aftermath: Cleaning up after the breach cost Home Depot an estimated $62 million. The company offered free credit monitoring to any customers who used a payment card at a Home Depot store after April 2014. 5. Anthem (February 2015) Number of people affected: 88 million Information stolen: Social Security numbers, employment details, and other personal information maintained by the nations second largest health insurer but no medical data. Photo: Yahoo News How it happened: Investigators speculate the intrusion began months earlier and was perpetrated by Chinese government-sponsored hackers, who are also suspected of breaking into the networks of United Airlines and the U.S. governments Office of Personnel Management. Aftermath: Anthem offered free credit monitoring services to those affected by the attack. 6. JPMorgan Chase (July 2014) Number of people affected: 83 million Information stolen: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of account holders at the $2.6 trillion financial services giant. Photo: Yahoo Screen How it happened: According to the New York Times, hackers gained access to JPMorgans network via an employees credentials. Aftermath: Investigators recently arrested four individuals suspected of taking part in the hack. 7. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (June 2015) Number of people affected: 22 million Information stolen: Social Security numbers and other personal information for former and current U.S. government employees. Photo: Yahoo News How it happened: Attackers suspected to be from the Chinese government stole login information from the employee of a third-party government contractor. Aftermath: OPM Director Katherine Archuleta resigned, and the agency suspended its background check system until further notice. A few weeks ago, I started receiving incessant notifications on my iPhone that my iCloud storage was nearly full. You won't be surprised to learn that a vast majority of that storage space was being taken up by photos and videos I hadn't sorted through in months, so I proceeded to scroll through the list and delete the ones I didn't want, one at a time. Had I known about Magic Cleaner, this process would have been much easier. DON'T MISS: Watch the first 10 minutes of Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition right here Magic Cleaner is a free app for iOS and Android that analyzes all of your photos in batches of 500 and sorts them into categories such as Greetings & Memes, Screenshots, Scans, Quotes and Cartoons. Once all your photos have been sorted, you can choose to delete all of the "junk photos" that the app has discovered. My phone had recently been purged, so I didn't have too many photos to sort through, but the Doctor Kleen (the app's mascot) managed to find 44 junk photos during his search through the annals of my phone. Each and every one of those 44 photos should probably have been deleted the first time around: screenshots (accidental and intentional), receipt scans and funny memes were taking up precious megabytes on my device. The sorting was less than perfect, with several screenshots slipping into other categories, but not a single actual photo got caught in the app's algorithm. So before you start scrolling through your camera roll, trying to pick out every pointless image taking up storage space on your phone, give Magic Cleaner a try. Related stories Google Maps for Android is getting the desktop feature you've been waiting for Don't fall for this Android malware that pretends to be Uber, Facebook, or WhatsApp Facebook is tracking your phone's location to recommend friends More from BGR: Video: Teslas Model S rarely rolls over, but its catastrophic when it does This article was originally published on BGR.com In a bid to expand its security portfolio, Cisco Systems CSCO recently announced its plans to acquire a cloud-based security company, CloudLock, for $293 million in cash and stock. Cisco expects the acquisition to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. CloudLock will be incorporated into Cisco's networking and security business group under the leadership of senior vice president and general manager, David Goeckeler. Waltham, MA-based CloudLock provides a cloud platform that offers online security solutions for business users. CloudLock uses application programming interface (API) management tools to let enterprises apply and monitor security on documents and other content that they share and store in cloud-based applications. It works with major platforms, such as Amazon AMZN AWS, Google GOOGL Apps and Microsoft's MSFT Office 365, among a plethora of other apps and software. In 2015, the company's revenues totaled to $13.2 million. It has about 130 employees, with offices in San Francisco, Washington D.C., London and Tel Aviv. CISCO SYSTEMS Price CISCO SYSTEMS Price | CISCO SYSTEMS Quote The buyout will enhance Ciscos current cloud security offerings through increased visibility and threat awareness of CloudLocks cloud delivered platform. The purchase will help the network equipment maker to broaden its efforts and meet the changing compliance and security needs. The acquisition comes at a time when the Internet security market is evolving rapidly and Cisco is aligning its long-term growth strategy to capitalize on the Internet of Everything trend. As cloud computing and various mobile devices gain popularity, the need for secure networks for data transfer and related services also increases. Additionally, enterprise IT teams are facing great challenges to detect potential threats from these unmonitored and potentially unsecure entry points into the network, creating tremendous security risk. Therefore, Cisco aims to target this endeavor by looking for integrated hardware/software/services solutions to deal with security threats. Cisco Systems is the leading provider of IP-based networking services and other products. For several years, the company has been expanding its security portfolio through in-house development. It has also made several acquisitions such as OpenDNS, Neohapsis, Virtuata, Sourcefire, Cognitive Security and ThreatGrid to bolster its offerings. We believe that this acquisition will broaden Ciscos customer base and security network offerings, providing it with a significant competitive edge. Cisco currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 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 CISCO SYSTEMS (CSCO): Free Stock Analysis Report AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report MICROSOFT CORP (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research From Popular Mechanics The trans-Pacific submarine cable system, better known as "FASTER," is officially live today. Six international companies including Google linked up with NEC Corporation to make this $300 million underwater internet cable a reality. The trans-Pacific cable is made up of more than 5,500 miles of wires linking the U.S. (Oregon, specifically) to two ports in Japan, Chiba and Mie. The FASTER cable can provide up to 60 Terabits per second and will increase internet service to major Asian cities as well as some U.S. west coast metros like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The collaboration of China Telecom Global, Global Tranist, China Mobile International, KDDI, Singtel, and Google announced their plans for FASTER back in August of 2014. NEC implemented the use of 100Gbps digital coherent optical transmission technology to create this cable, which is 10 million times faster than a cable modem. Source: Engadget TipRanks Markets are rewriting the same story weve been looking at all summer investors are skittish, and wary of the headwinds. Those headwinds are enough to spook even the most experienced traders. High inflation is making everyone nervous, the Feds turn to higher interest rates to combat inflation brings with it the risk of recession, and macro data on the economy is starting to show declines in the housing markets and consumer confidence and spending. As if all that wasnt enough, now add in Ji Lee, creative strategist at Facebook, believes that humor and standing out is what makes a personal initiative successful and allows you to stand out from the crowd when landing your dream job (AFP Photo/Jonathan Nackstrand) (AFP) San Jose (AFP) - Standing out from the crowd in today's digital economy isn't easy, but the key might be pursuing personal projects more than polishing CVs, according to a senior member of Facebook's creative team. Diving into a passion and making it public can bring valuable exposure and teach more skills that any amount of corporate ladder-climbing, Ji Lee, creative strategist at Facebook and its Instagram unit, told a conference in Costa Rica on Thursday. "Today every individual, if you have a cellphone in your hand you have a superpower," Lee said. "You have access to billions of people in the palm of your hand." Lee, who was born in South Korea, raised in Brazil and now a longterm US resident, was able to break out of a dispiriting entry-level New York advertising job thanks to a quirky project he did on his own time and dime 15 years ago called The Bubble Project (www.thebubbleproject.com/). That involved sticking blank cartoon speech balloons on New York advertising billboards that invited the public to write whatever they wanted. Lee was fined several times for vandalism and given warnings from advertisers' lawyers. But the experience won him the attention of a boutique ad agency -- and then years later landed him a creative director job at Google. He ended up being poached by Facebook six years ago -- where he ensured he kept up with personal projects as a priority. "My Facebook interest just supports what I do, because they understand what I do, that the whole stuff I learned in my personal projects brought me to Facebook," he told AFP. Indeed, he has turned his whimsy to the social networking giant, whose feeds that mix news, ads and user posts he admitted can be an "overwhelming experience sometimes." He started what he called a "white feed," which posts empty white space onto followers' Facebook feeds, injecting little oases of nothingness in the incessant flows of messaging. Story continues Lee agreed there was "an act of rebellion" in a lot of what he does. But he believes humor and standing out -- not trying to sell anything -- are what makes initiatives like that successful. "I think there's plenty of reasons to be angry and to rebel against things," he said. "My approach is doing it through humor because when people smile their barrier goes down and they're more susceptible to messages." From Popular Mechanics Spotify claims that Apple is playing favorites in the streaming music wars, giving itself unfair advantages in the California-based company's lucrative App Store. Horacio Gutierrez , Spotify's General Consul, has sent a stern letter to his counterpart at Apple, Bruce Sewell. By rejecting an update to Spotify's iOS app, Gutierrez says, Apple is raising "serious concerns under both U.S. and EU competition law." Gutierrez claims that this rejection "continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors." The two companies have been trading punches back and forth since it started one year ago, changing pricing options and models in a fierce competition. Spotify has also garnered a reputation for sending out aggressive public letters, with founders Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon blasting the business environment in their home country of Sweden. But now, they've seemingly also got Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on their side, who, while discussing anticompetitive businesses practices by Google, Amazon and Apple recently said that "Apple has long used its control of iOS to squash competition in music." In terms of sheer numbers, Spotify is winning the streaming wars against Apple Music with 30 million followers to Apple's 15. But because of Apple's App Store dominance in the mobile marketplace, any change to the iOS approval process comes under close watch. Source: Recode The Christian society in Ghana remains one of the religious sect with the most recorded cases of scandals from men of God to congregants. In this piece, we bring your way a list of the most "scandalous" men of God in Ghana in recent times. Bishop Daniel Obinim: Talk of one of the most controversial and scandalous self-proclaimed pastors in Ghana and founder of the International Gods Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim's name would definitely pop up. The scandals reported by Obinim remain endless - from stomping his feet on the belly of a heavily pregnant woman in the name of deliverance to the brutalizing of a journalist who had made a reportage against his church. Just recently, Obinim was seen on live television laying hands on the genitals of men who had been suffering from sexual impotence. Owusu Bempah In the wake of seeming religious scandals, the self-professed prophet always finds himself in the wrong side of the public through most of his ''disturbing'' and ''controversially partisan'' prophecies. Just recently, this controversial man of God revealed that he would burn his Bible should President Mahama be retained as president after the November 7 general elections. Prophet Opambour Founder and leader of the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Center, Prophet Opambuor has not been in the news of late not until his disturbing verbal assault against a radio personality of Adom FM. In what has been seen as a very shameful verbal assault unbefitting of a so-called man of God, Prophet Opambour was heard stating that ''his wife's butt was nicer than the face'' of the said news presenter. The biggest came in 2008 when he and fetish priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam challenged each other to a spiritual contest at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi. On the agreed date, Kweku Bonsam arrived at the Jubilee Park for the spiritual battle, but Opambour was nowhere to be found. The prophet later announced that he thought the agreed venue was the Independence Square in Accra, so he had traveled all the way from Kumasi to the capital for the show. Prophet Kumchacha Prophet Nicholas Osei, also known as Kumchacha got arrested by the police for allegedly attempting to rape a married woman at a hotel in Kumasi. Being the leader of Heaven Gate Ministries, he is reported to have told a 21-year-old woman that the Holy Spirit had directed him to exorcise an evil spirit that was tormenting her in the genitals and thwarting her efforts at making any progress in life. The Minister of the Gospel reportedly attempted to use his male organ to exorcise the evil spirits but the woman resisted the action and raised an alarm, which attracted many people to the Sanbra Hotel, where he was engaged in a counseling session. Source: YEN.com.gh Today, July 1, marks Ghana's 56th Republic Day. But what does it mean and how did it come about? 1. Ghana became a republic on July 1, 1960. Three years after gaining political independence, the queen of England's governor general left the shores of the country to signify that the Black Star of Africa had taken charge of its own affairs. This marked the end of British colonialism in Ghana. 2. Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah was then sworn into office as the first president of the country, after leading the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) to win the general election. Kwame Nkrumah 3. The day is a statutory public holiday and by convention, Senior Citizens Day. 4. Several pensioners will be invited to the State House in Accra to dine and wine with one another and top government officials, including the president. 5. The occasion also presents an opportunity for 25 million Ghanaians to reflect on the political strides the country has made from being a one-party state at the beginning of its republican status in 1960 through military interventions to its current burgeoning democracy, which is applauded by the international community. How are you celebrating the day? Let us know in the comments section. Source: YEN.com.gh Another Member of Parliament has been kicked out of the House. Forum for Democratic Changes Apollo Kantinti becomes the 13th legislator to lose his seat after the High Court in Kampala nullified his election as MP representing Kyadondo East Constituency over non-compliance with electoral laws by the Electoral Commission. This is after Presiding Judge Isabirye Kaweesa found guilty the Wakiso District Returning Officer Sarah Bukirwa of disenfranchising voters and failure to ensure safe custody of election materials. She is also said to have failed to account for the where abouts of Declaration Forms for 7 polling stations in the constituency. Justice Kaweesa also faulted Bukirwa for failing to file a police report in relation to the said 7 polling stations whose results she unfairly and unilaterally cancelled. The Judge further expressed concerns over the competence of presiding officers citing a one Sempebwa Kato at Manyangwa TC polling station who confessed on oath that he signed DR forms before the commencement of the voting exercise . He therefore ruled that in such circumstances of erroneous entering of results in DR forms, it was very difficult to ascertain the winning margin between contenders in election where Kantinti was declared winner with 9,005 votes and Sebalu as runner up with 8,600 votes. The judge has thus ordered fresh elections in the constituency and that the Electoral Commission and its Returning Officer Sarah Bukirwa pays costs of this petition. NRMs William Sitenda Sebalu sued Kantinti, the Electoral Commission and the Wakiso District Returning Officer Sarah Bukirwa for conniving to commit several irregularities which affected the outcome of the parliamentary election in Kyadondo East in a substantial manner. Story By Ruth Anderah The Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission Dr. Tanga Odoi has threatened to drag the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) to court over the high number of its MPs being thrown out of the house. Addressing journalist at the party Secretariat this morning, Dr. Odoi said 9 of the NRM members have so far been thrown out of the house over lack of academic qualifications, yet their papers where approved by UNEB and National Council for High Education. He says the image of the NRM electoral body has been tarnished as many members of the public have accused him of taking bribes from members to be nominated with fake papers. Relatedly, a petition challenging the election of Henry Makumbi Kamya as MP representing Mityana South constituency has been re-allocated to another Judge. The case file has been given to Justice Joseph Murangira to hear and determine. This part-heard petition was forwarded back to the High Court Deputy Registrar after presiding Judge Vincent Okwanga stepped down. Okwanga excused himself from hearing this petition citing lack seriousness of the respondents lawyers yet he was given a specific time frame within which to handle these petitions. Kamyas political rival DPs Richard Lumu wants court to nullify his victory saying he committed several electoral offences which affected the outcome of the election in a substantial manner and that he is not a voter of the said constituency. Justice Murangira has now summoned both parties to appear tomorrow for a pre-hearing session. Story By Damali Mukhaye By John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS It's a deal! The Islamic Republic of Iran is set to buy 100 American made Boeing civilian airliners for a price tag near $25 billion. The sale which has been quietly in the works for some months now, can be directly linked to last Summer's Iran nuclear accord reached in Vienna by the United States and five other powers which in effect trades Tehran's presumed nuclear transparency for a lifting of stifling economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Why am I not surprised? So here we see the business bottom line to the nuclear accord; opening Iran's alluring marketplace to the flood of commerce from America, Europe and the Far East. The final step came back in January after the Obama Administration gave a green light to formally lift sanctions on sales to Iran's civil aviation. The landmark agreement is the biggest business deal between Iran and the USA since 1979 when the Islamic revolution of Ayatollah Khomeini toppled the reformist rule of the Shah installing a radical anti-American regime whose heirs remain in power to this day. The aircraft are slated for the national airline Iran Air, the oldest airline in the Middle East and once a top notch civilian carrier whose fleet has aged and needs serious renovation. Most of the new passenger planes will be long range 777's or leased short range 737's. Currently most of Iran Air's fleet consists of pre-1980 Boeings and twenty newer but second hand Airbus craft. Naturally, the Chicago-based Boeing adds the usual legal caveat, "Boeing will continue to follow the lead of the U.S. government with regards to working with Iran's airlines, and any and all contracts with Iran's airlines will be contingent upon U.S. government approval." But let's be frank: opening the lucrative Iranian market, especially the near U.S. dominated aircraft sales sector, was one of Washington's key objectives in last year's nuclear agreement between five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany in which the Islamic Republic purportedly stopped its nuclear weapons program in return for a lifting of sanctions. The European consortium Airbus also plans to sell planes to Iran. Why expansion now? Iran Air is now looking to widen its route network beyond the Middle East and Europe to include the USA, Canada, and Australia. Plans include serving the huge Iranian diaspora which fled after the 1979 revolution and are numerous in California and New York as well as an expected surge of other American tourists which are expected to visit this ancient land once relations improve. Though there's a growing potential among Iranian-Americans based on nostalgia, there's little doubt that Iran Air which brands itself as "the Airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran," clearly needs to remake its slogan and image. Iran Air continued to fly its routes to the USA even after the revolution but service was suspended after Islamic militants seized and trashed the American Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 leading to the subsequent Hostage Crisis during the Carter Administration. Not surprisingly, there's growing opposition to a Boeing deal with the national airline of a state sponsor of global terrorism, a supplier of troops and weapons to the regime side in the Syrian civil war, not to mention a flagrant persecutor of its own people. Congressman Peter Roskam R-IL, stated that members of Congress from both Illinois and Washington State where Boeing has its manufacturing facilities, nonetheless oppose the deal and shall try to block it. "If this moves forward, Boeing and terror will be intertwined," he stated adamantly. Congressman Roskam added, "It's tragic to watch such an ionic American company make such a terribly short-sited decision. If Boeing goes through with this deal, the company will forever be associated with Iran's chief export: radical Islamic terrorism." In his "No Dollars for Ayatollahs Act," introduced by Rep. Roskam, the congressman stresses in a statement, "My bill will prevent Iran from accessing U.S. dollars in any manner by imposing a 100% excise tax on any transactions which directly or indirectly enable the Islamic Republic to make financial transactions in American currency." The U.S. State Department continues to list Iran as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism." Naturally, there's plenty of rationalization in the Obama Administration about creating American jobs and exports never mind assisting what Washington likes to imagine as a reformist Rohani government in Tehran as trying to open to the West after years of sanctions and isolation. Yet there's a touch of irony too for any new Boeings flying to Iran; they will be landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran. John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism: The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China." Contact him at jjmcolumn@earthlink.net. Iran is "completely" complying with the latest resolution that the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) adopted in the wake of North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests earlier this year, Iran's top diplomat in Seoul said. Hassan Taherian also said that Iran will submit its own action plan that will specify how Tehran will implement its sanctions in the near future in tandem with the ongoing efforts to put pressure on the North to abandon its provocative behavior. "We are completely complying with that resolution and we are making all those restriction or limitation... based on that resolution," Taherian said in a recent interview with Yonhap News TV, a broadcasting unit of Yonhap News Agency. The interview is to air on Friday. "We're preparing the report of our activity and our efforts for the implementation of that resolution and later on we are going to submit that report to the security council," he added. In response to a follow-up question asking if it will be submitted in the near future, he said, "Of course." It is very rare for Iran to submit any kind of implementation reports in connection with resolutions imposed on North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations. In March, the UNSC asked the 193 member countries to draw up their own plans on how to enforce the sanctions on the North under its latest resolution adopted in the wake of Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test and a long-range missile launch in January and February. They were required to submit the plans within 90 days of the UNSC adopting the resolution. That fell on June 2, though it is not a mandatory deadline. China, the biggest ally to North Korea, recently submitted its own report, joining more than three dozen countries in compiling their action plans including the United States and Russia. Mentioning Tehran's experience of managing to reach a landmark nuclear deal with global powers last year, which has been leading to the lifting of years-long sanctions on itself, the ambassador said that situations are quite different between Iran and North Korea, but there might be one thing that they share on how to resolve the matter--"diplomacy." "From the first day we said that we didn't want to have any nuclear weapon and we are already in the way of the peaceful use of nuclear activity... It is completely different from our situation with the North Korea situation because they said they want to have nuclear weapon and already four times they tested nuclear weapon," he said. "But altogether from the discussion... or the nuclear deal we had with those powers, I can say that the negotiation... or we should let diplomacy work. We should let negotiation work and hopefully the Korean issue also will be resolved through the negotiation... Hopefully this is the things we can get. This is the message we can get from the nuclear deal we had with those countries," he added. On the relations with South Korea, the ambassador emphasized that both countries have enjoyed "very good" and "friendly" ties for a long period of time and the future remains quite bright. "We have a long record of connection between Iran and Korea and after 1962 the establishment of the diplomatic relations also we are enjoying very good and very friendly relation with your country," Taherian said. "The atmosphere is very friendly for having good relations with your country." The ambassador praised South Korean companies for maintaining a high level of integrity in Iran by always making good on promises, a key element he cited as a reason to be optimistic for their future outlook in the Iranian market. "They are very committed and they are finishing the project and they are transferring the project to the Iranian on time and for the Korean products, their quality is very good and pricewise competitive," he said. "It means that Korean companies or Korean brands they are very popular, they are very famous and they are very reputed in Iran and they can enjoy all these assets when they want to work and increase their engagement in the Iranian market," the envoy added. Iran's top diplomat in Seoul also expressed hopes that not just businesses, but also tourists and even young job seekers would tap into the Iranian market where they would enjoy more safety, stability and hospitality than they might experience in other regions. "I don't see any difficulty for the Korean youngsters and workers to go to Iran and to work in Iran. I'm sure that they will enjoy the new society or different society from Korea and with a good atmosphere. I'm sure that they can enjoy and have a good time when they're staying in Iran, residing in Iran and working in Iran," he noted. (Yonhap) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has voiced his "willingness" to develop relations between Pyongyang and Beijing in his message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the North's state media said Friday. The North's leader delivered such remarks in a congratulatory message to Xi in a bid to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of China's communist party, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "We have a willingness to develop together with the Chinese comrades the DPRK-China friendship with long historical roots as required by the new century ... and defend peace and security in Northeast Asia," Kim was quoted as saying by the KCNA. The DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. The move is seen as part of the North's efforts to mend strained ties with China ahead of their key anniversary this month. North Korea and China will mark the 55th anniversary of the signing of a military treaty on July 11 amid the possibility that Beijing may send a high-ranking official to Pyongyang in return for the latest visit by the North's party official Ri Su-yong to China. South Korea on Friday condemned North Korea for making nuclear threats, warning that Pyongyang will face deeper isolation if it does not give up its illusion that it is a nuclear power state. Seoul's reaction came a day after the North's state committee on inter-Korean affairs claimed that Pyongyang is a nuclear weapons state equipped with smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear warheads. A spokesman at the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification warned the United States and South Korea that the more desperately they resort to sanctions and pressure, the more accurately the North will target them with its ultra-modern strike means. Seoul's unification ministry called North Korea's insistence on calling itself a nuke state sophistry, urging Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program. "North Korea should awaken from the illusion that it is a nuclear state and take actions to show the commitment to denuclearization," ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said in a regular press briefing. He warned that if the North sticks to its nuclear arsenal, it will face deeper international isolation. The North's committee issued its first statement on Thursday after it was elevated to a state-level organization at the country's parliamentary meeting held the day before. Since the party congress ended in May, the North has proposed holding military talks with South Korea on several occasions. But Seoul has rejected the North's dialogue offer as a propaganda ploy, saying that denuclearization steps should be prioritized as a precondition for dialogue. (Yonhap) Courtney Zuehsow of Garrett shared this photo of Caden, 8, who found a four-leaf clover on his birthday. He finds about six of them every day, she said, so it was not so unusual for him. It is a strange skill to have. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results ALBION An Ohio man will spend five years in prison for a failed attempt at robbing a Kendallville bank. Kevin Anthony Schulz, 24, of Celina, Ohio, pleaded guilty to a Level 5 felony charge of attempted robbery in Noble Circuit Court. He was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison, with 300 days credit. Schulz walked into Peoples Federal Savings Bank in Kendallville on Aug. 26 and passed a note to a teller demanding money from the cash drawer. The teller, who wasnt sure if Schulz was attempting to rob the bank, fetched another teller and tripped the bank alarm. When they returned to the window, Schulz told them to never mind and fled the bank without any money. He never displayed a weapon of any kind during the attempt, Noble County Prosecutor Eric Blackman said. Schulz later was arrested in Darke County, Ohio, and connected to three other bank robberies in Bluffton, Albany and Centerville. The Level 5 felony charge has a sentencing range of between one and six years in prison, with an advisory sentence of three years. Prosecutors negotiated a plea agreement and got Schulz to agree to a five-year term behind bars, Blackman said. Schulz had a long criminal history prior to the string of bank robberies in northeast Indiana, Blackman said. Judge G. David Laur also gave a sentencing recommendation that Schulz go through drug treatment programs while in the Indiana Department of Correction, since he clearly has a long and severe history with substance abuse. Blackman applauded the work done by Kendallville Police Department detectives to investigate and track down Schulz, even after he escaped from the bank thats located just two blocks north of the Police Department. Kendallville was contacted by the Centerville Police Department after it received a tip about Schulz. By then, Schulz already had been arrested in Darke County and was being held in its jail, where Kendallville police were able to serve his local arrest warrant and have him transported back across the state line. It was just good, old-fashioned police work, Blackman said. It was an excellent job by Kendallville Police Department. Many half-staff orders reflected the dangerous work and poignant deaths of police, first responders and members of the military. Oklahoma honored the first American soldier to die in combat against Islamic State militants in Iraq; Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler helped free approximately 70 Iraqi prisoners from captivity in an October raid. Several other states lowered flags for veterans whose remains were identified only recently after their deaths in action as far back as World War II. One, Cpl. Lee Brown of Oregon, was killed just seven days after being deployed in the Korean War, at age 17. Delton Daniels also was in his first week in his position, as a sheriff's deputy in South Carolina's Marlboro County, when he was killed in an on-duty car crash. Dennis Rodeman , a Lansing, Michigan, firefighter, was run down in a street while collecting donations. Police said the motorist told them he was angry the charity drive was tying up traffic. One honoree's story later had a startling twist. When Illinois lowered flags for Charles Joseph Gliniewicz , a police lieutenant in the Chicago exurb of Fox Lake, authorities believed he'd been killed after pursuing three suspicious men into a swamp. But two months later, investigators concluded he killed himself because he had embezzled from a youth program and feared being found out. Minnesota officials have charged an Ettrick man with attempted murder in connection with the stabbing of a woman, a child and a dog in La Crescent. According to a criminal complaint filed in Houston County District Court, 27-year-old Sean Kasten attacked the 23-year-old woman and 3-year-old before stabbing himself while they were driving Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses said they heard a Ford Taurus screech to a halt on Juniper Street and saw a woman jump out screaming for help; Kasten got out of the passenger seat and collapsed, according to the complaint. Police arrived to find Kasten, the woman and the child all covered in blood as bystanders tended to their injuries and a bloody pit bull wandered around the scene. The unnamed woman told police Kasten had stayed at her home the night before and she was giving him a ride when he began acting strangely, so she decided to go to a friends house in La Crescent. While driving on Juniper Street, she said, Kasten began hitting her and stabbed her with a folding knife. He then attacked the child and dog, who were in the back seat. We were driving, and he went crazy, she told police. According to the complaint, the woman was stabbed six times in the torso and suffered two collapsed lungs. The child was stabbed in the leg and neck and needed surgery to repair damage to an artery. The dog was stabbed twice and was stitched up by a veterinarian. Kasten, 27, faces two counts each of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and animal mistreatment. According to La Crescent police, he remains hospitalized. His condition has not been disclosed. The child has been released from the hospital and is in the care of relatives, said La Crescent Police Chief Doug Stavenau, who added that the dog is healing up nicely. A Neenah, Wis., man was convicted Friday of sexually assaulting an unconscious high school student two years ago in his La Crosse apartment. A jury of five men and seven women found Benjamin Wendler, 32, guilty of second-degree sexual assault after deliberating for about two hours at the conclusion of a 1-day trial in La Crosse County Circuit Court. According to a criminal complaint, on May 3, 2014, Wendler took the 18-year-old and a friend to a party in La Crescent, Minn., where she drank until she got sick. Friends told police they later helped her into bed at Wendlers State Street apartment because she was unable to walk. The woman said she woke up to find Wendler sexually assaulting her. Wendlers attorney argued the sex was consensual and that the womans testimony was inconsistent with what she told police. Assistant District Attorney Noel Lawrence said the victim would not have gone through the ordeal of a trial if she were lying. This is not about whether she gave consent. This is about whether she was even capable of giving consent, Lawrence said. He had sex with her unconscious body. Wendler was charged in July 2014 with the same offense stemming from a 2013 encounter with an intoxicated college student, but prosecutors dismissed that case after a judge ruled it could not be tried at the same time. Wendler, who faces a sentence of up to 40 years, remains free on bond. He is scheduled to be sentenced in late September. Western Technical Colleges Business Division will host an information session for the Online Business Analyst program. The session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, in room 107 of the Business Education Center at 405 N. Eighth St. The program is an online offering designed to bridge business needs with sound solutions, facilitate real decisions and help build better organizations. This program was created as part of the INTERFACE Project, in which Wisconsins 16 technical colleges were awarded a $23.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2013 with the goal of assisting TAA-eligible workers, veterans and other adults in obtaining education and joining the workforce to build a pipeline of workers in IT-related career fields. For more information, contact businessanalyst@westerntc.edu or businessonline@westerntc.edu. WINONA, Minn. Winona National Bank celebrated the 100-year anniversary of its historic downtown location Friday afternoon with reflections on the century and a new centerpiece. The event featured the unveiling of a new piece of stained glass designed and created by Melissa Janda and Willet Hauser Architectural Glass. Bank president Jack Richter spoke before the unveiling and talked about the significance of the banks history in Winona and the stained glass art the building showcases. Weve been a cornerstone of Winona for many years, Richter said. A big thing people like is the stained glass ... its an iconic piece of the building. Ben Knuesel, marketing assistant, talked about the time and changes the building and its staff has seen with the city. So much has changed in the world around us, but the building has remained the same, he said. Janda, the stained glass artist who designed and created the piece, said shes proud to be a part of the history and contribute to the stained glass on display. Its cool to combine the history of stained glass with the history of our town, Janda said. Im honored to be a part of it. The piece she created contains 1,923 pieces of glass. At the center is a front view of the bank, centered by an image of the bank vault lock. The perimeter of the piece contains colored lotus flowers and opalescent glass. An Ashland County man is accused of selling ads in a bogus publication to at least half a dozen small businesses in the La Crosse area. According to a criminal complaint, 45-year-old Thomas Mayotte used a fake name to peddle ads in the Wisconsin Directory of Unions, which he said provides information about prevailing wages for union labor. Police began investigating Mayotte in April when the president of the Government Employees Credit Union said a man calling himself Bill Dailey had asked for $189 for a business card ad. Police interviewed Mayotte when he returned the next day to pick up his check. Mayotte said he did not have any copies of the publication, which he runs from his residence in Odanah, Wis., and did not have a website. He told investigators he had four employees but declined to name them. According to the complaint, he showed police a binder of receipts with only a Yahoo email address as his contact. He had checks from the credit union as well as several other local businesses and $1,800 in cash. Investigators contacted the owner of the Union Labor Directory in Madison, who said Mayotte had worked for her in the 1990s and had been scamming customers ever since. She then asked whether he had used Daileys name, saying he had recently retired after more than 20 years. According to the complaint, Mayotte was investigated for similar crimes in Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties, where he was convicted of misdemeanor attempted theft in 2007. Police found five other local businesses that had bought phony ads from Mayotte, including a local funeral home that had records of eight checks totaling more than $2,200 since 2009. According to the complaint, Mayotte approached at least five other local businesses that declined to purchase ads. Mayotte, who is free on bond, is charged with identity theft, fraud against a financial institution and 10 counts of misdemeanor theft. He also was charged with possession of THC for a bag of marijuana police found in his vehicle. Remember when bucking Republican elites was how Donald Trump demonstrated backbone and independence? Thats coming back to bite him. A new Washington Post/ABC News poll offers some useful clues about conservative voters evolving views of the presumptive GOP nominee, and how they believe co-partisans ought to treat him now that hes risen from petty insurgent to powerful party standard-bearer. In one particularly revealing question, the poll asked Republicans and Republican-leaning independents how they think GOP leaders should respond when Trump says something they disagree with. Should these leaders speak out, or should they avoid criticizing the partys likely nominee? Nearly two-thirds 62 percent said that party leaders should speak up and criticize Trump. At first blush, this might seem surprising. Typically, after a party nominee emerges, theres pressure to circle the wagons and defend him, warts and all. Or at the very least, to avoid weakening him. Those who do anything to hurt the partys November chances could be branded traitors to the cause. An earlier Post poll, conducted in May, asked parallel questions of partisans about how confident they were that their party would come together in the name of defeating the opposing candidate in November. Among both Republicans and Democrats, strong majorities (at least eight in 10) said they believed such defensive party unity was in the offing. The responses were similar in a comparable poll question asked in May 2008. And yet now Republicans seem to be actively rooting against wagon-circling. There are two likely reasons for this. For one, the candidates warts have grown bigger, uglier and potentially more cancerous. Unlike predecessors John McCain and Mitt Romney, Trump has proudly and repeatedly insulted Hispanics, women, blacks, Muslims and other demographic groups that the party knows it needs to attract to have any chance of long-term survival. Its one thing to try to spin a secretly recorded comment about the mooching 47 percent, or an insensitive gaffe about self-deportation; its another to defend remarks that most Americans deem racist, such as Trumps comments about a judge of Mexican heritage. Second, and perhaps more important: Republican politicians including, most recently, Trump himself have turned criticizing political elites into a virtue. And like it or not, Trump is now part of the political elite. Personal attacks on party leadership, reluctance to toe the party line and open revolt against any top-down agenda-setting are no longer considered disloyal, even when they lead to embarrassment, dysfunction and concessions of power. The tea party insurrectionists, among others, recast these behaviors as evidence of ideological purity and independence, even bravery. Trump has capitalized on this new measure of character. He declared that his departures from party orthodoxy and rhetoric (on trade, entitlements, immigration reform) and his unwillingness to show deference to party darlings (former presidential nominees, Fox News journalist Megyn Kelly) proved he was his own man. A maverick, even. He couldnt be bought, co-opted or forced into the straitjacket of public civility (or political correctness, rather) despite demands and pleas from his partys elder statesmen. Now the tables are turning. With Trump as party ringleader rather than piddling rebel, the GOP hierarchy has inverted. Thus far his fellow Republican politicians have for the most part avoided criticizing him overtly going so far as hiding in elevators or feigning deafness to duck questions about him perhaps because they wrongly believe the base demands wagon-circling. This latest Post poll, however, suggests that conservative voters are not just forgiving but encouraging of intraparty anti-Trump rebukes. At least one down-ballot Republican politician has already realized this. Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois earlier this month became the first Republican to publicly issue a Trump undorsement that is, a retraction of his earlier endorsement of his partys presumptive presidential nominee. And last week Kirk, embroiled in a tight re-election campaign, specifically touted this decision as evidence of his inability to be cowed by party elites. Mark Kirk bucked his party to say Donald Trump is not fit to be commander in chief, a new ad for the senator boasts. It concludes: Mark Kirk, courageous and independent. Trump for his part has been ordering fellow Republicans to fall in line as he once proudly refused to do himself and show some respect to their newly elevated leader. Just please be quiet. Dont talk, he admonished Republicans whod half-heartedly showed disapproval of his Orlando comments. But dont be surprised if more down-ballot Republicans find it newly advantageous to recover their voices and spines. Americans have always valued competition and choice. It is no wonder that when politicians expanded a program statewide for parents to pick the schools that their children attend, it sounded like common sense. All children, no matter where they live, deserve the best opportunities to succeed, and that includes great schools. The problem is that Wisconsin taxpayers have been sold a lie. Parents of public school students have demonstrated that they have made their choice, and that choice is neighborhood public schools. The vast majority of private school voucher subsidies have not been used by public-school parents. This past school year, 75 percent of new vouchers went to families already enrolled in private schools. Voucher schools also have not improved students' academic performance. Private schools only recently were required to report their test scores. When they finally were, we found public school students often outperform their voucher peers in reading and math. Private schools that receive voucher money are not held to the same standards as public schools. Public schools educate all children, regardless of disability. Private schools do not always educate students with disabilities, especially the most severe disabilities, which require the most support for children to succeed. A little over a year ago, a tree blew down on my boulevard. When the city truck picked it up, the driver told me that the city would be by to Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier 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. Activists are voicing concerns about a new United States government report on human trafficking. The State Department released its 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Thursday. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to reporters at the departments headquarters. He said human trafficking remains a major problem in some areas of the world. Human trafficking has been described as organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions. The new report explores issues such as the use of modern slavery, child soldiers, and forced marriage. It also describes steps taken by governments around the world to fight trafficking. The State Department and rights groups estimate that the trafficking industry earns about $150 billion dollars a year. They say 20 million people leave their home countries and go overseas to be abused as laborers. The report rates countries, placing each in one of three tiers, or groups, and also to a watch list. In the first tier are countries that meet minimum standards for dealing with human trafficking. The second tier is made up of countries that do not meet the minimum levels, but are making efforts to comply. Tier 3 is the group of countries judged to do the least to fight human trafficking. Thailand has been at the center of trafficking groups that operate across Southeast Asia. Activists are criticizing the State Departments decision to move the country from Tier 3 to its Tier 2 Watch List. The U.S. ambassador to Thailand is Glyn Davies. He says the countrys higher ranking is a sign of better efforts against trafficking. But some activists disagree. Kristen Abrams is the director of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking, a group known as ATEST. She said, The conditions are worsening in that country for migrant workers. There continues to be egregious labor abuse, particularly in the seafood industry. Abrams said she believes Thailand should be in Tier 3. She also disagreed with Malaysias ranking in the Tier 2 Watch List. Malaysia was upgraded one step last year. The Migrant Workers Rights Network said it supported the upgrade for Thailand, saying it had made significant improvements. The group claims to have 4,000 members in Thailand and Myanmar. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha also praised the upgrade. Weve done much better than in previous times, he said earlier this week. Prayuth, a former general in the Thai military, ousted Thailands civilian leadership two years ago. He has used his powers to try to reduce trafficking in Thailand. Thailands eastern neighbor, however, was downgraded in the new U.S. report. Myanmar, the country also known as Burma, was placed in Tier 3. The report said Myanmar had not done enough to stop the use of child soldiers and forced labor. It also noted the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country. Myanmars government has faced criticism for not doing enough for the group. In fact, the government refuses to use the word Rohingya when talking about the group. Myanmar considers them Bengalis who are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmar is now in its first year of a largely democratically elected government. The TIP report places Myanmar with Iran, North Korea and more than 20 other countries said to be the worst in dealing with the trafficking of humans. The State Department describes the report as a tool to work with foreign governments on the issue of human trafficking. Im Mario Ritter. Steve Herman and Ken Bredemeier reported this story for VOANews.com. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story exploit v. to use, usually involving misuse or mistreatment minimum standards n. the most basic qualities that meet required needs comply v. to do what has been asked or ordered egregious adj. very easy to notice, very bad This week, our U.S. National Parks journey takes us to the eastern city of Philadelphia, an important place in American history. Philadelphia sits along the Delaware River in the northeastern state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, often called Philly, served as the nations capital from 1790 to 1800. Earlier, it was the capital of the American colonies during the war for independence from Britain. Philadelphia became the central meeting place for the men who created the United States government. The buildings where the founders worked still stand in an area called the Old City. The National Park Service protects much of Philadelphias Old City. In honor of Americas Independence Day, we visit the birthplace of the United States: Independence National Historical Park. The national historical park is 22 hectares. It covers 20 city blocks of Philadelphias historic area. Within these city blocks are some of the most important places in American history. The main site in the park is Independence Hall. It is here that colonial leaders declared independence from Britain. Later, they debated the creation of a government for the new country, and signed the U.S. Constitution. The building that is now Independence Hall was completed in 1753. It was originally the site of Pennsylvanias colonial government. But 22 years later, Independence Hall would become the site of something much bigger. The Pennsylvania legislature loaned its Assembly Room to those in the Second Continental Congress in May of 1775. The second Congress included delegates from the 13 colonies. The men gathered just weeks after gunshots fired in Massachusetts marked the start of the Revolutionary War. The Congress prepared for war. It also approved George Washington as the first Commander in Chief of the new army. And, the men worked to produce a statement of American independence from Britain. On July 2, 1776, they voted to approve the resolution for independence. On July 4, they approved a document written by five of the founders, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. That document was the Declaration of Independence. It includes these famous words: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. During the summer of 1787, the Assembly Room had another important use. Delegates held a federal convention there and wrote the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours National Park Service guides will take visitors through the Assembly Room, where the two historical documents were signed. It is a popular place among tourists. Visitors must order entrance tickets ahead of their visit. The Assembly Room also held important relics of American history. The Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell arrived from England in the middle 1700s. It was to hang in what was then the Pennsylvania statehouse. But the bell cracked soon after it arrived. So in 1753, it was melted and reformed. The new bell was rung many times for public announcements, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the 1830s, a group that was trying to ban slavery in the United States began calling it the Liberty Bell. On it are words from the Christian holy book, the Bible. They read, "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." In 1846, the Liberty Bell cracked again. No one knows why. The Liberty Bell has not been rung since. It remains cracked and still served as an important national symbol. About 2 million people visit Independence National Historical Park each year. They come to view history, celebrate independence, and walk in the footsteps of the nations founders. Reminders of these men can be found all over the park, from the statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall, to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Visitors can also search for the sign that marks where Abraham Lincoln once stood outside Independence Hall. He arrived there in February of 1861, as a president-elect on his way to Washington. Soon after, he took office as the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln gave a speech inside Independence Hall. It centered on freedom and liberty. He said that day, "I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence." I'm Caty Weaver. And I'm John Russell. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story loan - v. to give (something) to (someone) for a period of time evident - adj. clear to the sight or mind relic - n. something that is from a past time, place, culture, etc. spring from - phrasal verb. to start from or be caused by (something) sentiment - n. an attitude or opinion Austria will have its second presidential election this year in September or October. That is because the countrys highest court overturned the results of the presidential election in May. The court pointed to problems in the counting of ballots sent in the mail. In the May election, former Green Party leader Alexander Van der Bellen defeated Norbert Hofer, leader of the Freedom Party. Hofer lost by about 31,000 votes -- or less than one percentage point. The Austrian Constitutional Court ruled that more than two times that number of votes were subject to questionable counting. The courts ruling halted plans for Van der Bellen to be sworn-in as president on July 8. It also gives Hofer another chance to win the election. Hofer has campaigned openly against immigration. He reportedly carried a gun during campaign appearances. Public support for anti-immigrant parties has been rising in some European countries in recent months. The Austrian courts ruling raises concerns in the European Union, one week after a British vote to leave the EU. Hofer has called for an Austrian vote on the countrys EU membership within a year unless the organization makes major reforms. Van der Bellen strongly supports keeping Austria in the European Union. The office of president is mostly a ceremonial position. The head of government is the chancellor, a position now held by Christian Kern of the Socialist Democratic Party. But the president has the power to dismiss the chancellor and call for new elections. Hofer has said he would use that power and others to push his agenda for stopping immigration and blocking free trade agreements. In its ruling, the Constitutional Court said some mail ballots were counted earlier than permitted under the law. It also said some ballots were counted by individuals without power to do so. The courts president, Gerhard Holzinger, said the judges found no evidence of cheating. The decisiondoesnt make anyone a loser or a winner, he said. It should only serve one purpose to strengthen trust in our legal system and therefore our democracy. Im Bruce Alpert. Esha Sarai and Isabela Cocoli reported this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted their reports for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story inaugurate v. to introduce a newly elected official into a job or position with a formal ceremony agenda n. a list of things to be considered or done cautious adj. careful about avoiding danger or risk Five years ago, police stopped Veronica Razo on a street in Mexico City and took her to federal prison. She was beaten, tortured with electrical shocks and raped. Today, she is still awaiting the finish of her trial. She is one of a large number of women who were tortured after their arrest, according to a report by Amnesty International. The rights group said its report is based on meetings with or statements from 100 women who were jailed in Mexico. All of them reported torture or other abusive treatment, it said. Thirty-three reported being raped while in detention. Erika Guevara-Rosas is a human rights lawyer and Amnesty Internationals Americas Director. She said the jailed women are victims of what she calls Mexicos so-called war on drugs. They are usually seen as easy targets by authorities who are often more eager to show they are putting people behind bars than to ensure they are finding the real criminals, she added. Guevara-Rosas said that, in Mexico, sexual violence has become a routine part of how police question criminal suspects. Veronica Razo was charged with being part of a kidnapping ring. Amnesty International asked why it has taken so long for a court to decide her case. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto traveled to Canada this week for talks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama. The Mexican leader said his government is making progress on human rights. Our government has made an important effort to advance issues related to human rights, he said. We still have work to do. However, I think we are moving in the right direction towards having human rights being fully respected. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported on the talks. It said Philippe Couillard, premier of Quebec Province, expressed concerns about human rights during a meeting with Pena Nieto on Monday. Couillard said that Mexico is moving in the right direction. When Razo was arrested, her daughter was seven and her son was 13, according to Amnesty International. They are now 13 and 18. Amnesty says the son is unable to go to college because of all the money it has cost to pay lawyers defending his mother. Amnesty International provides other examples of women it says were abused after their arrest. It said that Tailyn Wang was seven months pregnant when federal police officers broke into her house in 2014. The police took her to a police station. After being beaten and sexually abused by the police, she miscarried, Amnesty International said. The fetus was not yet viable and died. Im Ashley Thompson. VOANews.com reported on this story. Bruce Alpert adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story authorities n. people who have power to make decisions and enforce rules and laws eager adj. very excited to do something ensure v. to make something sure, certain, or safe routine adj. done very often ring n. a group of criminals who plan and carry out crimes together advance v. to move forward viable adj. capable of living or of developing into a living thing You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close We all know healthcare costs an arm and a leg, and in South Africa if you can afford it, you are basically held to ransom by medical aid companies and private healthcare pricing. If you can't, then you face the hell of the inefficiencies and long queues at state hospitals. And although the minister of health preaches universal cover and a national health insurance, it is seriously a long way off, given that there is not even suggestions on how it will be financed yet. Mobile innovations So, for now, its going to be clever thinking that brings the cost of healthcare down. That great disruptor, technology, is making just as big an impact on healthcare as it is on other sectors and, as in the banking industry, mobile is set to be the enabler. Already there a number apps designed aimed at addressing challenges such as medicine delivery and diagnosis in remote areas of the continent. Remote diagnostic tools According to an article on AfricaMentor.com, some Kenyan doctors came up with Teleradiology, a technology that erases the boundaries between image acquisition, reporting and referring doctors. It speeds up the process of getting the images before the knowledgeable eyes of licensed radiologists for a proper diagnosis. Then theres MedAfrica, which is a virtual library of medical information available on a smart phone for validating a doctors credentials, locating a specialist, and finding possible diagnoses for symptoms. While a Cameroonian entrepreneur developed the Cardiopad, a computer tablet that performs heart examinations like ECGs. It utilises electrodes, fitted with bluetooth, that are placed on the patients chest sending a signal to the touch screen tablet that can then wirelessly transfers the readings to one of the few cardiologists who is normally located in the capital city. Getting back to health insurance, Zandre Campos, CEO of Angola Capital, Investments wrote in the Huffington Post that Africa needs affordable pre-paid private health insurance. Kenyan model He said that Kenya launched a successful private programme that provides basic quality medical care at low cost. Costs are lessened by keeping medical tests to a minimum and using doctors time efficiently, with nurses performing tasks doctors dont need to do. The Kenyan programme costs about $11 a person, compared to $30 - $40 per patient the WHO estimates for a basic medical system. One of our healthcare portfolio companies, Sphera Bluoshen, has developed an innovative solution called M Health that is being implemented in Russia and elsewhere, and will be soon be tested in Africa. The technology allows mobile consultation 24/7 for paediatric and general medicine through its mobile app. Weve found that it provides easier access to healthcare, with better quality, increased efficiency and reduced costs." "Patients can communicate easily with their doctors, receive medical information to which they never before had access, and essentially control their own health., he concluded. MADRID, SPAIN: Google's offices in Madrid were being searched in a tax probe on Thursday, 30 June 2016, an internal source said, just over a month after police raided the Internet giant in Paris in a similar investigation. The US firm is one of several multinational corporations that have come under fire in Europe for paying extremely low taxes by shifting revenue across borders in an often complex web of financial arrangements. "We obey Spain's tax legislation as we do in every country that we operate in," the company said in an official statement in reaction to the raids. "We are cooperating with authorities in Spain to respond to all their questions, as always." According to the El Mundo daily, which broke the story, authorities suspect Google of not declaring part of its activities in Spain. It said that the probe centres on the payment of VAT and a tax on the income obtained by companies or people in Spain that are not registered as residents in the country. Google's European headquarters are in Ireland, which has some of the lowest corporate tax rates on the continent. A source close to the tax probe, who refused to be named, confirmed the raids were taking place but would not give further details. The news comes just over a month after police and two dozen computer experts raided its Paris offices in a fraud probe. And in January, Google agreed to pay 130 million (157 million euros, $175 million) in back taxes in Britain after a government inquiry sparked by a public outcry. Italy has also demanded more than 200 million euros from Google, which is accused of perpetrating tax fraud there for years. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has defended the firm's tax practices in the past. "We're advocating strongly for a simpler global tax system," he said in Paris early this year. But authorities in the United States and several European countries have begun cracking down on so-called "tax optimisation" practices thought to rob their coffers of billions of euros in potential revenue every year. The European Union has also been investigating "tax rulings" by some member states that benefit multinationals. Brussels is probing online retailer Amazon's tax arrangements in Luxembourg, for instance, one of a series of such probes targeting major global firms, including Apple, Starbucks and Fiat. Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge This is how the Donald Trumps and Subramanyam Swamys of this world are made acceptable by letting political correctness run amok. Specifically, the shrill outrage at Salman Khans admittedly tasteless and insensitive rape remark. It is a remark that everyone, the superhero included, now wishes had remained unsaid. It is also a remark that has evoked a firestorm that may singe the womens cause more than the star. No one has ever accused the macho hero of being metrosexual. Even his over-protective father will concede sensitivity is not his sons forte. That may be considered a handicap for an actor but not for Bollywoods hero number 1 he simply lets his rippling muscles do the emoting for him. If then, his imagining of the horrors a raped woman experiences doesnt go beyond the rigours of a demanding shooting schedule, surely thats only to be expected? To ask for more is like expecting Swami Adityanath to empathise with the LGBT community. Stupidity and thoughtlessness are no excuse of course. Especially when rape is the issue. Even if we set aside (for now) whether rape is the worst that can happen to a woman though that is what lies behind the anguished response of the feminists it is no ones case that rape or talk about rape should be taken lightly. Still, for us to get so steamed up over a smart-alecky comment, albeit by an A-list celeb, politicians demanding chastisement, traditional media condemning loudly, social media going into overdrive, the usually supine National Commission for Women (NCW) swinging into action, honestly, this, as we Bengalis say, is like firing a cannon to kill a mosquito. Gender sensitivity, sensitisation to the enormity of rape is hardly engendered by such uproar. Rather, it puts peoples backs up, as it seems to have done in the case of Salman Khan who is obdurately refusing to offer a satisfactory apology to the NCW. But he has mumbled some words of regret. More, his objective does not seem to have been to trivialise rape and rape culture or belittle or disrespect women. Rather, he was, in his own inadequate, crude way, sympathising with the lot of women who have been so violated. It was an unfortunate choice of simile no doubt, but the spirit was discernible. Surely intentions count? Why else are we asked to take seriously the prime ministers fulsome praise for Raghuram Rajan after the RBI governor has bought his one-way ticket to Chicago? His intentions may have stood Bengals superstar, Dev, now a Trinamool MP, in good stead too. Overwhelmed by the huge crowds coming to see him at his rallies before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Dev had blurted out that its like being raped, if you cant fight it, enjoy it, or some such disgusting words. Now that was truly offensive. Yet, he won massively. He had also had the sense to apologise. Salman Khan is preferring to hide behind his battery of lawyers and making things worse for himself. But it is not Salmans fate we need to worry about. He is quite capable of dealing with his karma, as some pavement dwellers in Mumbai know all too well. It is our reaction to his careless comment that is of concern. Every casual remark cannot and should not be treated as a matter of life and death. Thats crazy (though I run the risk of hurting the feelings of the mentally imbalanced). As Pooja Bedi tweeted, Is @BeingSalmanKhan controversy justified? If I say I fee FAT as an elephant will @PetaIndia file a case? is India getting OVERSENSITIVE? Pooja Bedi (@poojabeditweets) June 21, 2016 The fusillade of tweets her tweet evoked made her backtrack somewhat but her point is well taken. So, dear feminists, cut some slack. Not Salman Khan but yourselves. Pahlaj Nihalani need hardly be your role model. Benign neglect may serve your cause better. If not, we may be headed the American way where political correctness has mutated into a swear word and a whole election campaign has been fashioned around these two words. The Washington Post is not alone in saying, In the 2016 presidential primary season, political correctness has become the all-purpose enemy. Britain, too, it has been written, broke free from the European Union because it had become a wellspring of politically correct fanaticism. Donald Trump is offering it as the explanation for every threat he can comprehend: terrorism, illegal immigration, whatever. I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct, he has said repeatedly while rolling out his hateful plans against Mexicans, Muslims, others. It is also, therefore, the all-purpose excuse to say the inexcusable, make racist, sexist comments, and triumph. Hes the tough guy who speaks plain truths a surefire seller and how. America was ripe for his picking. You had to be very careful in your choice of words lest you hurt the feelings of someone. Hence the coinage of words like vertically challenged, hearing impaired, good thoughts and positive waves (instead of non-secular prayers), companion animal (in place of pets) and certainly not pet owner (as the companion animal may not like the idea of being owned), the list is endless. What began as a movement to prevent causing hurt to minority or ethnic groups by replacing, say, the demeaning Negro with African-American like Dalit instead of untouchable or Mahatma Gandhis appellation Harijan in time it became a rigid, suffocating system that had evidently driven powerful sentiments underground but not expunged them. Beliefs remained unchanged. The suppressed feelings came bubbling to the surface the moment someone uncorked them. Something not unlike what happened in India during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and which is gaining in force with the likes of Subramanyam Swami wielding words as swords. The ongoing battle for minds cannot be won by making mountains out of molehills. Of course, maybe, as someone has tweeted, Salman Khan never said it. it was his driver. Mumbai: Amid the controversy over Salman Khan's "rape comments," his friend superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he cannot judge statements made by others as he himself has made some inappropriate remarks in the past. When asked if Salman should apologies for his comments, the 50-year-old Fan actor said, "In the last few years, I have come to realize that I have made so many inappropriate comments myself. I don't think I am someone to sit in judgment for somebody else's comment. Bollywood celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Sona Mohapatra have condemned the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star's remarks, while his brother Arbaaz, Sonu Sood and Subhash Ghai among others have come out in his defense. However, Shah Rukh doesn't believe in taking sides. "It is not about taking a side or not taking a side. I myself talk a lot so who will sit, judge and decide who should do what," he said. "Those who want to do something they should decide it for themselves. Personally speaking, I don't think I am anyone to be making a comment. I am so inappropriate myself," Shah Rukh said. Salman's rape analogy to describe the grueling shoot for his upcoming film Sultan has led to a controversy. Not satisfied with the written reply from the actor, the National Commission for Women yesterday summoned him to appear before it on July 8. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan posted an image of him and Salman on social media. And as they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. With inputs from PTI After facing series of markdowns in recent past, India's e-commerce giant Flipkart has been subject to yet another markdown, this time by a mutual fund managed by the US-based investment firm Vanguard Group. The move once again signifies the crazy billion-dollar valuations most of the E-commerce firms commanded at the height of the e-com boom despite a lack of strategy on the profitability front. Vanguard joined four other investors by slashing the holding value of its investment in Flipkart by as much as 25 percent in the quarter through March, a VC Circle report said citing the filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). With this, Flipkart has faced its sixth valuation markdown this year. Besides this, a fund managed by Morgan Stanley reduced the value of its investments twice while Fidelity Rutland Square Trust II, Valic Co., and T. Rowe Price also each lowered the value once, the report said. From $136.87 a piece Vanguard bought on 30 September, 2015, the US-based investment firm slashed its value to $102.65 as on 31 March, 2016. Following the markdown, the overall valuation of Flipkart now stands at around $11 billion. The fund also brought down the value of the shares it bought in the second tranche to $106.71 apiece from $142.23. The markdown comes at a time when Flipkart has repeatedly said that it is not looking at any fresh round of funding in the immediate future. On the markdown in the valuation of Flipkart from $15.2 billion to $9.3 billion by few of its investors like Morgan Stanley, T Rowe Price, chairman Sachin Bansal said, I do not think much of the markdowns. We should just focus on execution and keep our heads down on serving our customers," the Financial Express report said. Earlier in May, Morgan Stanley Mutual Fund Trust, a mutual fund investor in Flipkart Ltd, had lowered its estimate of the online retailers valuation by 15.5 percent for the second successive quarter in a row. The fund marked down the value of its Flipkart shares to $87.9 per share as of 31 March from $103.97 per share as of 31 December. The December value marked a 27 percent fall from $142.24 per share in June 2015, a Mint report said. Following the markdown, Morgan Stanley valued Flipkart at $9.39 billion, after the online retailer was valued at $15 billion when it received $700 million from Tiger Global Management, Qatar Investment Authority and other investors midway through last year. In May itself, small mutual fund investors Valic Co 1 marked down Flipkarts value by 29.4 percent as of February compared with August 2015, while Fidelity Rutland Square Trust II marked down Flipkarts value by as much as 39.6 percent as of February compared with last August. In April, T. Rowe Price disclosed in a filing that it cut the value of its stake in Flipkart by 15 percent. Meanwhile, in a major step aimed at charting out a profitable route in the near-to-medium term, Flipkart is reportedly taking measures to cut costs by around 30 percent. As a part of its planned measures, the E-commerce major will be resorting to merging departments, keep hiring at a minimum and undertake centralising purchases, the Economic Times report said. As part of the excercise, Flipkart will be merging the engineering departments of the logistics arm Ekart and the advertising and E-commerce units, while independent categories such as large appliances, small appliances, furniture, home decor, kitchen and furnishing will be clubbed into one home, the report said. Further, the company is also merging procurement for all functions such as media buying, promotions, IT, supplies and warehousing based on the assumption that the centralised unit will be in a better position to negotiate deals with vendors rather than multiple teams doing so individually. So, is it the start of such cost-rationalisation measures to be undertaken by other major players to turn profitable going ahead? Industry experts feel unless these companies create a sustainable business model, rising competition will force many of these firms to shut shop. Tech investor T V Mohandas Pai early last month said, "E-tailers are realising now they can't go on using capital to subsidise consumers to give deep discounts and grow the topline because the moment they withdraw the discounts, the topline falls. "So they have to create a sustainable model where the top line keeps growing because they give better goods and better efficiency at decent prices," the former Chief Financial Officer, HR Head and Board member of Infosys had said. "Next one-two years, there will be very tough competition for e-tailers. We may see some people failing," added Pai. Pai had indicated that even big guys could fail, and hence it is more important for these e-tailers to cut costs, and make their money go a longer way to create sustainable models. Despite gaining market share and winning customers, India's E-commerce startups continue to post huge losses. The losses of the top 22 online start-ups in the country soared by 293 per cent at Rs 7,884 crore for a combined revenue of Rs 16,199 crore for the financial year ended March 2015, a Business Standard report said. While the top three e-tail players, Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon, posted a massive combined loss of Rs 4,984 crore, revenue growth outpaced the growth in losses, the BS report said. According to a report by Boston Consulting Group and Retailers Association of India cited by ET, India's E-commerce firms are coming under pressure from investors that have poured billions of dollars into them, banking on the potential of Indian market, which is pegged at $40-50 billion by 2020 from $8-12 billion now. New Delhi: Hit by a fire incident at one of its key vendors, the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) today reported 13.9 percent drop in total sales in June at 98,840 units as against 1,14,756 in June 2015. The company's domestic sales also tumbled 10.2 percent during the month to 92,133 units as against 1,02,626 in June 2015. Sales of mini segment cars, including Alto and WagonR, declined by 19.3 per cent to 27,712 units compared with 34,336 in the year-ago month, MSI said in a statement. The company said sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire and Baleno too slid 12.5 percent to 39,971 units in June as against 45,701 units a year ago. Sales volume for compact sedan Dzire Tour came in at 2,068 units in June, down 28.5 percent year on year. Mid-sized sedan Ciaz met with the same fate, whose sales fell 24.3 percent to 2,800 units during the month. In contrast, sales of utility vehicles, including Gypsy, Grand Vitara, Ertiga, S-Cross and compact SUV Vitara Brezza, went into top gear, surging 75.5 per cent to 9,708 units in June from a year earlier. Sales of vans -- Omni and Eeco -- declined 5.6 percent to 9,874 units in the said period. Exports during the month came down by 44.7 percent to 6,707 units as against 12,130 in June last year, MSI said. For the April-June quarter, the company said its total sales rose 2.1 percent to 3,48,443 units from a year ago. During the quarter, the company said its domestic sales rose 5.4 percent to 3,22,340 units as against 3,05,694 units in the same period of 2015-16. "The growth in sales in the quarter is despite the disruption in production during June 2016, due to the unfortunate incident of fire at Subros, a key vendor of the company. The company expects to recover the production loss during the course of the year," MSI said. The company together with its vendors is stepping up production of newly launched models Baleno and Brezza to service the pending demand. 30 people were killed, following a cloudburst in Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand on Friday. Houses in Gopeshwar, along the banks of the river MandakiniCloudburst in Uttarakhand kills 30 people; PM Modi offers condolenceswere washed away, as the state continued to witness heavy rainfall, reports The Indian Express. #Uttarakhand cloudburst: 30 people dead, major rivers flowing above danger level mark (Visuals from Chamoli) pic.twitter.com/0s8VGWje7o ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 The cloudburst in Pithorgarh district on early Friday morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in aregion of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials All major rivers in the state have swollen after receiving 54 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours, reports International Business Times. The Thal-Munsyari road was cut-off, leaving a number of vehicles stranded. The Yamunotri highway, near Kharadi too was left damaged, due to the torrential rains, causing the traffic to come to a halt, according to Hindustan Times. The Met department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in pockets of Uttarakhand, especially in Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours, as reported by International Business Times. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is is Delhi at the moment, expressed grief at the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the families of the victims. "Many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought by the heavy rains. ITBP, SDRF and paramilitary personnel are involved in rescue work," he said. Centre rushed rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force to the disaster hit areas of Uttarakhand hill state to provide all necessary help. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Chief Minister Harish Rawat on phone and took stock of the situation. Spoke to CM U'khand Shri Harish Rawat regarding the situation post the cloud burst in the state. Centre is providing all possible assistance Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 Singh assured Rawat of all possible assistance to deal with the situation. "NDRF teams have been rushed to the areas affected by cloudburst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert," Singh said. The Home Minister also expressed his deep pain at loss of lives and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed grief over the loss of lives due to the cloudburst and heavy rains in Uttarakhand and hoped normalcy would return there at the earliest. "I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst & heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families," he tweeted. "My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest," Modi added. With inputs from PTI. In a major milestone in the military aviation in the country, the first squadron of home- grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into IAF with two fighter planes joining the force here. State-run HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF, which makes up the first squadron named 'Flying Daggers', at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. The light combat Aircraft Tejas inducted into the Indian Air Force. pic.twitter.com/N1W6qlO8cg ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 Bengaluru: Multi-religious prayer ceremonies being held at the induction ceremony of Tejas aircraft into IAF. pic.twitter.com/yojmtfohGt ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 A Tejas aircraft flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari performed a sortie during the induction ceremony, attended by Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command and senior HAL executives. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in Tejas, had given the thumbs up to the "desi" aircraft, terming it "good" for induction. IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said here "next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned. This will go into initially replacing them." "LCAs are better than MiGs which are old and parts are difficult to get," he had said. All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the "Initial Operational Clearance" and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over delay. The first LCA squadron will be based in Bangalore in Karnataka for two years before shifting to Sulur in Tamil Nadu, according to IAF. Starting with two aircrafts, the squadron will get six more jets by 2017 to make it fully operational. The LCA is far superior to Pakistan's JF-17 built jointly with China, the IAF added. The indigenous fighter jet, which is still to get full operational clearance, is expected to get into combat role next year, officials said. IAF's squadron number 45, 'Flying Daggers', has to its credit the shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 kilometres northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. The squadron, which was based at Nalia airbase in Gujarat, was flying MIG-21 Bis at that time. "It is an excellent platform with proven airworthiness and superb safety record ever registered by any fighter jet in the world," a senior IAF official said. "During its 3,000 hours of sorties in the development phase, the LCA registered more than 2,500 hours of exceptionally clean flights," he added. The first Tejas squadron will consist of 20 aircraft, with four in reserve. Officials said the second LCA squadron will be raised with improved capabilities, including critical necessity of missile firing to Beyond Visual Range. The IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications, known as Tejas 1A. In the coming years, altogether 120 Tejas jets are to be inducted, replacing MiG-21s, which perform the role of close combat support. "Tejas is far, far better than MiG-21s in terms of safety as its fly-by-wire system is the state-of-the-art in the world," an IAF official said. The improved Tejas-1A will be far more superior than the first two squadrons, since these will have mid-air refueling, modern internal radar warning receiver and external self-protection jammer pod to enhance survivability and an active electronically scanned array radar, the officials added. With inputs from agencies Recent arrests of Hyderabad-based youths by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with their links to the Islamic State, signal the deepening presence of Islamic terror organisations in the country. In the recent years, the terror organisation has had a visible change in its operative strategy in the recent years to use internet to attract youth. The NIA, on Wednesday, took 11 persons into custody after identifying them as Islamic State operatives. They came under the scanner after behavioural changes were noticed in them. On the basis of information passed on by the locals, the NIA kept a tab on their activities", The Hindu quoted an official as saying. More worryingly, those arrested were also found to be in possession of ammonium nitrate and other chemicals that are used in making highly destructive IEDs, The Hindustan Times reported. The development is also critical since at least two of those detained were engineering graduates while one is believed to be a management graduate. Their handler, Yusuf al-Hindi, is reported to be in Syria. Add to it, the city of Hyderabad is increasingly becoming the terror back office of India. Besides the Islamic State, in the last few years, militants belonging to Islamic terror outfits such as Lashkar and SIMI have also been caught in Hyderabad. Building a homegrown breed of militants seems to be the new strategy of the terror outfit. Up till now, 54 suspected IS sympathisers have been arrested across India. The prospect of "freelance jihadists" is worrying intelligence agencies. "ISIS modules being set up in India is more dangerous than some youth wanting to travel to Syria," a counter-terror official was quoted by the India Today as saying. In January this year, the NIA arrested six suspected IS sympathisers from across the country. Union Home Ministry officials also believed that they might have been radicalised online, The Hindu reported. The report also added that several low intensity explosives, detonators, wires, batteries and hydrogen peroxide and other material that can be assembled into IEDs. The Islamic State has repeatedly invoked the 2002 Gujarat riots, Babri demolition, Kashmir and the 2013 Muzzafarnagar riots to incite Muslims to revolt against the dispensation. In a video released in May this year, the Syria-based terror group for the first time trained its guns against New Delhi. We will return,but with a sword in hand, to avenge the Babri Masjid, and the killings of Muslims in Kashmir, in Gujarat, and in Muzaffarnagar, Aman Tandel, a Mumbai based student who escaped to Syria was seen threatening. According to Intelligence Agencies, six Indian nationals have been killed in Iraq and Syria. A total of 23 Indians have gone to Syria, while only two of them have returned. On 1 July, Friday, India celebrates National Doctors' Day honouring the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1961. Millions of twitter users on Friday, in India expressed their gratitude to their doctors using the now trending hashtag #IThankMyDoctor. Here are some of the tweets celebrating National Doctors' day: She the people.tv paid tribute to Dr. Saroj Sanan in her fight against drug addiction. Dr Sanan cured more than 3,000 addicts; now launches a book to continue her fight against drugs https://t.co/Ou7Vxq93at#IThankMyDoctor SheThePeople (@SheThePeopleTV) July 1, 2016 Union Minister Maneka Gandhi tweeted about India's first woman physician. While some called their doctors 'gods', others lauded their doctors over their strong commitment to their patients. #IThankMyDoctor Your comforting words of support gave me much more reassurance than the antibiotics during my illness. @Chevroletindia Oye_Sonali (@Oye_Sonali) July 1, 2016 Doctors are the only God here. Life saviour's #IThankMyDoctor Manpreet Singh (@Manpreet278) July 1, 2016 .@chevroletindia What good could have been life minus a great eyesight? #IThankMyDoctor Dr. Nandish Shah #ad Malik Sumrani (@ImSumrani) July 1, 2016 #IThankMyDoctor for the countless times he chose me and others like me over family and friends. For the lack of sleep, working over time.. Ayesha (@Ayeshaspeaksnow) July 1, 2016 Happy #Doctorsday Good physician treats the disease; great physician treats the patient who has the disease. William Osler #IThankMyDoctor DHANIL K (@myblackboard) July 1, 2016 Some tweets chose to be funny instead, in order to mark the occasion. Doctor : "How are u ? " Patient: "I'm fine." Doctor : "You shud take a scan."#IThankMyDoctor What the WTF (@OnlyLikethat) July 1, 2016 As doctors became the heroes of the day, other professionals rallied for their profession too. Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday stayed the Central Information Commission's order asking the Gujarat University to provide information on the degree earned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice VM Pancholi accepted the varsity's demand for stay. It also issued notices to Central Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu, the union government and Kejriwal seeking their responses and posted further hearing to 6 September. The university had approached a single judge bench of the High Court last week seeking to quash the CIC order. However, justice SH Vora only issued notices to the three respondents but did not stay the CIC order. The University then moved the division bench. Senior counsel Tushar Mehta, representing the GU, on Friday argued before the division bench that the varsity was not a party to proceedings before the Information Commission and no hearing was given to it before passing the order, in violation of principles of natural justice. On 29 April, CIC directed Delhi University and Gujarat University to provide information on degrees earned by Modi to the AAP leader. CIC's order came a day after Kejriwal wrote to Acharyulu saying he does not object to government records about him being made public and wondered why the Commission wanted to "hide" information on Modi's educational qualification. AAP had questioned Modi's BA and MA degrees, alleging discrepancies in certificates. In response, BJP president Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released copies of the Prime Minister's degrees. New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday congratulated DRDO and IAF on the successful test-firings of a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had on Thursday carried out two successful test-firings of the new missile, with a strike range up to 70 km, from a defence base off Odisha coast. The missile for IAF was again test-fired on Friday. Parrikar rejected report in a section of media that the second test had failed to accomplish the desired targets and said "it was perfect". He said that of the two different tests carried out on Thursday, one was at a higher altitude and the other shorter altitude. "But the real and challenging test was today which was accomplished successfully. The MRSAM successfully hit a manoeuvring target, replicating a possible real life scenario," Parrikar said. PTI New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning 7 July, with an aim to further deepen India's engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The prime minister's visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate India's ties. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India's current trade with Africa is around $75 billion and it has granted a whopping $7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modi's first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on 7 July to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from 8 to 9 July, Modi will be in South Africa, where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. South Africa was among very few countries which was known to have some reservations over India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The prime minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. India's ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On 10 July, the prime minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The prime minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners," said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. On Thursday, Somya Gurjar, the Rajasthan Womens Commission member, who posted a selfie with a rape victim, resigned after facing flak on social media platforms and in political circles for her actions. According to a report by NDTV, Gurjar was also reprimanded by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. The selfie clicked by Gurjar with the rape victim courted controversy, prompting the chairperson of the commission to seek a written explanation. Interestingly, the chairperson Suman Sharma is also in the selfie, along with Somya Gurjar. The selfie was clicked by Gurjar on Wednesday, when she along with Sharma had gone to meet the victim in Mahila police station (Jaipur North). "I was talking to the victim when the member of the commission clicked these selfies. I am not aware when she (Somya Gurjar) clicked. I do not favour such act and has sought a written explanation from her. She has been asked to submit the explanation by tomorrow," Sharma said. Interestingly, two pictures, in which Gurjar is seen clicking the selfie, went viral on WhatsApp. Both Gurjar and Sharma are in the frame of the selfie, and pictures (of the selfie) were clicked by someone standing near them in the chamber of the police officer. In the pictures, Gurjar is seen holding the mobile device, while the chairperson, who is also in the frame (of the selfie) is seen holding the hand of the victim. In an incident at Alwar district, a 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her husband and his two brothers who tattooed expletives on her forehead and hand for not giving Rs 51,000 as the dowry. On Monday, an FIR was registered under sections of 498-A (Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act), 376 (punishment for rape) and 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) of IPC and an investigation in the case has been initiated. With inputs from PTI Mumbai: Immediately after Sheena Bora's murder and the subsequent disposal of her body on 24 April, 2012, key accused Indrani Mukerjea allegedly threatened her then driver Shyamvar Rai, who has now turned approver, saying "it won't be good" for him if he disclosed the incident. In his confessional statement, which was unsealed by the special CBI court on Friday, following a Bombay High Court directive Thursday, Rai has submitted that Indrani had 'implicated' him in an arms case by planting a gun on him soon after Sheena's murder. The petition seeking copy of Rai's confessional statement was filed by Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna through his lawyer Shreyansh Mithare. "Kisi se kuch kahna nahi, nahi to tumhara bhi thik nahi hoga. (Don't tell anything to anybody (about the murder) or else it won't be good for you," Rai stated quoting Indrani. Rai's arrest by Khar police here under Arms Act in August 2015 had blown the lid off the murder. The trial court recently allowed him to turn approver in the murder case and become a prosecution witness. According to prosecution, 24-year-old Sheena was murdered on 24 April, 2012. Indrani, Khanna and Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car. Her body was later found in a forest in Raigad. The crime, which came to light last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings. In his confession recorded last year by a magistrate, Rai had said that Indrani gave him a parcel and asked him to keep it carefully. "After the murder, Indrani gave me a parcel and asked me to keep it carefully. Later Indrani's secretary Kajal gave me advance salary of three months and asked me to leave the job", Rai stated. He said that when he opened the parcel, he found that it contained a a country-made pistol. Rai said he failed to dispose of the gun on two occasions as he developed cold feet. He said he was arrested when he tried to get rid of the gun for third time. About his arrest in August last year, Rai said when he was dumping the gun he suddenly saw some cops around and tried to flee. However, police stopped him and the gun was found on him. "Later they took me to the police chowky where I narrated the incident (about Sheena Bora case)," he said. Rai said that in March 2012, a month before Sheena's murder, Kajal had told him that Indrani asked her to open a Skype account for him as she wanted to speak to him (Rai). "Indrani told me that you are my trusted servant. I want to talk to you. You don't reveal anything to anybody. Then she said she will take care of my children's school as well as family's medical expenses and promised me to make my job permanent", Rai stated. According to Rai, Indrani told him that her son Mikail and daughter Sheena are maligning her by addressing her as their mother. She also told him that she is locked in a property dispute with her children. "Sheena has an affair with Rahul (son of former media baron and Indrani's current husband Peter Mukerjea who is also arrested in the case) so I want to kill Sheena and Mikail. You don't worry... your job is of a driver. Another person from Kolkata will do the job (murder)", Rai said quoting Indrani. He stated that Indrani later came to Mumbai and asked him to tell Mikhail to come to the city. "She asked me to tell Mikail that she (Indrani) has a lot of wealth and if he comes to Mumbai then they (Rai and Mikail) both can have lot of fun", Rai said. "I followed Indrani's instructions but Mikail refused to come," Rai said in his confession, which runs into 14 pages. He stated that Indrani left Mumbai after some days before handing him a doctor's prescription. Rai said Indrani told him that she would let him know later about what to do with the prescription. As per Rai, Indrani again contacted him on Skype and directed him to collect a parcel from a person coming from Kolkata. She also told him to buy six bottles of the prescribed medicine and contact her after reaching Delhi. "When I reached Delhi, Indrani told me that the person to whom the medicines have to be handed over could not be contacted and hence asked me to come back to Mumbai", Rai claimed. He said that Indrani later instructed him to go to Kolkata with the medicines and hand them over to a person at the airport there. "On 22 April, 2012, Indrani told me to hire a car and go to Lonavala taking old route and later come back to Mumbai via Khandla and Khopoli. She asked me to park the vehicle at her residence (Marlow building at Worli)", Rai stated. Next day, I was told to pick up Indrani from airport and we reached home. He said Indrani asked him to take her to Lonavala through the same route on that day. "Upon reaching there, Indrai asked me to purchase a 20-litre petrol can. When we reached Khandala she ventured out of the vehicle and scouted some places, saying it is perfect for Mikail. "Then she called Mikhail and spoke to him over phone. After that when we reached Khopoli she asked me to take Pen route, did the same thing, and remarked that it was a nice place for Sheena. Remember these places we have to come back tomorrow (24 April, 2012)", Rai said. He claimed that on 24 April, Indrani first visited a medical store, then a wine shop and handed him over a packet. "She told me that she will return after going to a parlour," he stated. Rai stated the packet contained a vodka bottle, two bottles of mineral water, six bottles of medicines and a liquor bottle along with hand gloves. He further stated that Indrani later mixed the medicines in water and liquor bottles. "On that day, Indrani left her home for suburban Bandra and picked up (Sanjeev) Khanna and Sheena from outside National College. She gave Sheena one of the water bottles and after some time when I saw from the rear mirror the girl had dozed off. "After a while, Indrani told me to park the vehicle roadside and asked Khanna (who was sitting alongside Rai on front seat) to shift to back seat", Rai stated, adding Indani also asked him to come to back seat and gag Sheena. "I saw Khanna grabbing Sheena by her hair and Indrani strangulating her after sitting on her lap. When I gagged her, Sheena bit my finger and it began to bleed. However, later she dropped down on the seat", Raid stated. Rai said that Indrani told him that Sheena now "got a three-bedroom flat". As per Rai, Indrani also told him that since Rahul was continuously calling on Sheena's mobile phone, she (Indrani) would send him a message (from Sheena's phone) "to shut him up". "Indrani and Khanna stuffed Sheena's body into a bag and asked me to keep it in garage", Rai stated. He said when they returned to Indrani's house, he saw Mikail sitting there and having drinks. "Indrani told me that even after drinking so much liquor, Mikail has still not lost his senses. At this, Khanna said that Mikail can be taken care of later as there would be a problem in carrying two bodies", Rai stated. He disclosed that Indrani called him in early hours of 25 April and told him to take out the bag (containing Sheena's body) from the garage. He said Indrani also asked him to keep the petrol can in the car dickey. "Indrani and Khanna then made Sheena's body sit on the back seat. I was driving the car with Khanna by my side and Indrani sitting next to the body. Indrani asked me to drive towards Pen. Khanna purchased 10 litre petrol on the way and by that time Indrani was busy applying makeup to Sheena", Rai stated. At Pen, Indrani asked Rai to stop the car at the location chosen by them to dispose of Sheena's body. "Khanna and Indrani pulled Sheena out of car and I helped them. We placed her near a bush in the forest. Indrani covered the body with a sari and also threw the gloves on her. In the meantime, Khanna poured petrol on the body and Indrani set it on fire", Rai claimed. CBI had filed a chargesheet against Indrani, Khanna and Rai for murdering Sheena and disposing of her body, on 19 November last year. As per the chargesheet filed by CBI against Peter in February this year, Sheena was killed as her relationship with Rahul was disapproved by the former media baron and Indrani. Since her arrest, Indrani has been lodged in a women's jail in Byculla in South Mumbai, While Peter, arrested last November on charges of being part of the murder conspiracy, and Khanna are in Arthur Road jail in the city. On 27 June, 2016, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that India had joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) as the 35th member, after receiving the decision of the MTCR Point of Contact in Paris. The information about accession to the regime came through three embassies the Embassies of France, The Netherlands and Luxembourg based in New Delhi. The Indian membership of the MTCR was confirmed by a press release from the US government and even the official website of the MTCR as well. India had put its application for the membership in June 2015. The October 2015 plenary discussed it but did not approve because of the Italian objection. In a group like the MTCR, any decision is taken based on the principle of consensus. The official website of the MTCR noted: As all formal procedures for membership have now been finalised, the Chairman of the joint Netherlands-Luxembourg Chairmanship of the Missile Technology Control Regime, Ambassador Piet de Klerk (NL), in close consultation with the French MTCR Point of Contact, has announced today that the Republic of India now formally is the 35th member of the Regime. The MTCR formal press statement released on 27 June, 2016 also endorsed the completion of all the formal procedures for membership. The press release added: Indian membership has been thoroughly discussed over the years, ultimately resulting in a consensus decision by all MTCR members to offer India membership in June 2016. That India will become a member of the MTCR became clear when no country had objected to its candidature in the so-called silent procedure as reported in the media. Indication of such a breakthrough was first announced by Roald Naess in his 6 June, 2016 tweet. Ambassador Naess is the previous chairman of the MTCR and the current ambassador of Norway to Ireland. In the tweet, he said: Mission almost accomplished. Only some procedural formalities remain before India becomes member of MTCR. The 7 June, 2016, joint statement, issued during Prime Minister Modis visit to the US, mentioned Indias imminent entry into the MTCR. The public posture was restrained but quite confident about the membership to the MTCR. The general expectation was that the formal announcement would come during the plenary meeting to be held in October. Some were apprehensive that an informal regime such as the MTCR has highly flexible procedural arrangements, and a couple of countries may put some hurdles in the plenary meeting in October. However, the regime threw a surprise and expedited the process of formally granting and announcing the membership. It certainly boosted the morale of the Indian establishment and the people who were somewhat greatly demoralised by the outcome of the 23 and 24 June plenary meeting of the NSG in Seoul. Thanks to the wide media coverage, the multilateral export control regimes, otherwise a highly technical and dry subject, entered popular culture. Even before the official announcement, media started discussing about the meaning, gains, implications, next steps of the MTCR membership. Writers and speakers on the subject, too, enlightened the people about the meaning and implications of the joining the regime. Analyses based on facts and fiction circulated in the media. Some listed gains and benefits; most of which are not. The first outcome of the MTCR membership is that India will participate in the next plenary meeting in the Republic of Korea in October 2016. India is part of the decision-making process for governing the global commerce of goods with implications for both missile and space development. A multilateral export control regime such as the MTCR, which operates through guidelines as well as technology and goods list serves as reference points for even non-member countries. The MTCR has a grouping adherent. An adherent country may unilaterally use guidelines and technology annexes in its national export control system. Theoretically, the MTCR maintains that its guidelines are not legally binding, yet in practice, the member countries and aspirant countries are expected to complete harmonisation of their national export control systems with MTCR guidelines and its annex. Moreover, the MTCR list or annexure has two categories, and the MTCR expects its members, called as partners, to forbid any transfer that may contribute to production facilities for Category I of MTCR Annex items. Under the MTCR classification, Category I items include complete rocket and unmanned aerial vehicle systems (including ballistic missiles, space launch vehicles, sounding rockets, cruise missiles, target drones, and reconnaissance drones), capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km, their major complete subsystems (such as rocket stages, engines, guidance sets, and re-entry vehicles), and related software and technology, as well as specially designed production facilities for these items. So, India along with other countries will work for setting the international standard for responsible missile non-proliferation behaviour. Unfortunately, the media overwhelmingly reported and even several commentators stated that because of the membership of the MTCR, India may procure missiles and drones, including predator drones from the US and may sell Brahmos missiles to friendly countries. This is misrepresentation of reality. All these transactions are independent of the Indian membership. The sale and purchase of missiles are guided by national rules and regulation of the supplier countries, as well as procurement procedures of the recipient countries. The MTCR categorically asserts that the MTCR guidelines do not distinguish between exports to partners and exports to non-partners. Moreover, the MTCR partners have explicitly affirmed that membership in the Regime provides no entitlement to obtain technology from another partner and no obligation to supply it. Partners are expected to exercise appropriate accountability and restraint in trade among partners, just as they would in trade between partners and non-partners. The MTCR is not an export promotion body. It is a multilateral export control body that encourages its member country to adopt the best practices for transferring any item which may contribute to Weapons of Mass Destruction carrying missiles. Then comes the question: what are the constraints or obligations that India will have to take after becoming the 35th member of the MTCR? India, in fact, had taken almost all the obligations of the MTCR because of its commitment given in the 18 July, 2005, India-US joint statement. The joint statement asked India to harmonise its export control system with the guidelines and technology annexes of the MTCR and the NSG. India completed the harmonisation. However, as a member country, India may have some special obligations. It is obliged to follow a no-undercut policy. Under this policy, India needs to consult other members before giving license to export of any MTCR item that has been notified as denied by another partner pursuant to the MTCR guidelines. On any other issue of MTCR compliance, India can consult any member country or other member countries to find a solution. As a member country, it is supposed to contribute not only to the plenary meeting but also to its forums such as the Licensing and Enforcement Experts Meeting and and the Technical Experts Meetings. It is also supposed to share information regarding missile technology trends and proliferation threat. Now comes the questions: what are the real gains from the membership of the MTCR? There are several short-term and long-term gains. Indias impeccable non-proliferation record has, as of now, helped India in getting the membership, as the US state Department in its press release noted: India possesses substantial missile-relevant technology and has excellent nonproliferation and export control credentials. Its accession bolsters substantially the Regimes effectiveness and objectives. India is a valued nonproliferation partner. We look forward to working with India in the MTCR in support of our shared nonproliferation goals. As discussed, India will participate in the virtual decision-making body. Narasimha Raos end was swift, the fall steep. He was encircled by legal cases almost immediately after he resigned as prime minister in May 1996. On 21 September, a judge summoned Rao as an accused in a corruption case filed by a London-based pickle maker, Lakhubhai Pathak. There was every chance that the former prime minister (who was still party president) would be arrested. There were predictable puns about pickles, and newspapers termed it The beginning of the end for Rao. He decided to resign as Congress president. His astrologer, NK Sharma, told him that once he stepped down, all these people who are worshipping you, they will start kicking you. Sharma says that Rao replied, If tomorrow I am arrested, I dont want the [newspaper] headline to read Congress president goes to jail. It took almost no time for the astrologers prediction to come true. When Rao organised a tea party for his Congressmen on 25 September 1996, soon after his resignation as party chief, it had to be cancelled because not a single invitee was willing to attend. Years later, unwell and ignored, Rao was visited by Congress leader Salman Khurshid and his wife. You know, Salman, Rao said with a pause, I am accused of not taking a decision . . . the only decision I took in a hurry was resigning as Congress president.Look what has happened. Apart from Lakhubhai Pathaks allegations, Rao was accused of forgery in the St Kitts case, of corruption by stockbroker Harshad Mehta, and of conspiring to bribe MPs from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to vote in his favour in Parliament. He was eventually convicted in one of those cases the JMM affair before being acquitted by a higher court. His son Prabhakara was arrested in connection with allegations of irregularity concerning the purchase of urea, before investigating agencies found no evidence against Prabhakara and the charges were dropped. The legal bills mounted, and in urgent need of 23 lakh rupees to pay his lawyers, the former Prime Minister considered selling his house in Hyderabad. Characteristically, Narasimha Rao turned even this court trauma into a learning experience, making detailed notes on the legal documents, originals of which are still mountain-stacked in his private archives. His lawyer, RK Anand, remembered, Rao himself used to study law books. His knowledge was immense. Meanwhile Congressmen had moved on, turning once again to the Nehru-Gandhis to rescue them from political irrelevance. When Sonia Gandhi took over the party in 1998, she was determined to erase Rao from the party pantheon. That man is not a Congressman, Rahul Gandhi told a senior Congress leader, because of him we have lost UP forever. Raos son Rajeshwara complains, I have been waiting for a full decade for a meeting [with Sonia Gandhi]. She refuses. He was a sad man. Only a few Congressmen visited him, Swamy remembers. Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherjee and [MS] Bitta were some of the few. Exile was not new for Narasimha Rao. Excerpted from 'Half-Lion: How PV Narasimha Rao transformed India' with permission of Penguin Books India. Lucknow: Former BSP leader in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Swami Prasad Maurya, on Friday held a meeting of his supporters and hinted at floating a new political outfit soon. Maurya had last week quit the BSP charging Mayawati with auctioning tickets for the elections. Claiming the support of over 10 sitting BSP MLAs, he said they were in touch with him and will come out in the open at an opportune time. At the meeting, 25 to 30 former MLAs, MPs and ministers who had either quit or been expelled by BSP, were present on the dais. Addressing them, Maurya was equally critical of both the Samajwadi Party and BJP. "We will present an alternative before the people of the state," he said. Launching a sharp attack on BSP chief Mayawati, he said there will be a full-scale war. Swami Prasad Maurya took a dig at Mayawati saying she had the wrong impression that only she could fill up the biggest rally ground in the state capital Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan. "We will hold a rally on 22 September and all will come to know that it is not just Mayawati who can hold a massive rally," Swami Prasad Maurya said. Besides some BSP MLAs who had been recently expelled by Mayawati, some others who claimed that they had been given tickets for the coming polls after "complying with all the conditions" and their tickets were later withdrawan, were also present in the meeting. Within a week of Maurya leaving BSP, RK Chaudhary, another senior BSP leader and a close lieutenant of Mayawati, quit the party levelling similar charges against Mayawati. Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday came out in defence of his brother-in-law and state Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) officer Dilip Malvankar who was arrested by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) in an alleged graft case. "Just because he (Malvankar) is my relative (it) does not mean (that) he should get more punishment. There is a law of the land and it will take care of any wrongdoing, be it by me or any of my relative," Parsekar told reporters here. Malvankar, a field officer in the state-run GIDC, was arrested last August for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs one lakh that he had sought for "allotting" land in Tuem industrial estate in North Goa. However, he was reinstated early last month, evoking sharp criticism from various political parties including Congress and AAP who accused Parsekar of "interference". ACB is yet to file a chargesheet against Malvankar. Parsekar, who had denied any interference on his part in the probe against Malvankar, said, "It was me who had decided to suspend Malvankar soon after the allegations against him surfaced. But the suspension has to be reviewed after every three months". "Even courts have said that instead of giving full salary to a suspended employee let him do some work," he added. Responding to a claims that he was behind the transfer of ACB officials who had trapped Malvankar as alleged by AAP, Parsekar said, "... Are there no transfers happening in ACB? ... Transfer of SPs and DSPs or any other officer after every two years is a routine affair. How can you link it to just one case?" In the case against implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in India, it is often argued that since India is a secular, democratic republic and since its Constitution guarantees minorities the right to follow their own religion, culture and customs, implementing a common code of personal laws covering property, marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession would go against India's secular fabric. This argument which opponents of UCC repeatedly fall back on, is specious. In fact, by conveniently conflating several issues, bodies like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) seek to actually undermine democracy's basic duty, i.e., protecting the rights of minorities, thereby going against the fundamental principle of any constitutional democracy. If that sounds self-contradictory, it isn't. But a word first on the context of the present argument. The Centre has reportedly asked the Law Commission, which has an advisory role on legal reform, to examine the implications of implementing a uniform civil code. Though the BJP has long argued for a national debate on this issue, despite being in power it has so far been unwilling to pick up the topic. This move, as reported by Economic Times on Friday, would therefore be the first time that a government has begun to investigate UCC's on-ground implications. According to the article, the law ministry has written to the Law Commission to examine the matter in relation to uniform civil code and submit a report. The ministry has also sent related documents to the Commission, which is currently headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan. The panel will submit a report after discussions with experts and stakeholders. The Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu, had recently favoured a debate on "common civil code" and had said the government would move forward only after a broad consensus and nothing will be thrust upon anyone. "What is best in every religion, in every society should be taken out. I am of the firm view, marriage, divorce, inheritance and right to property these things should be common. Other things, of course, what is the way of worship, what is the way of other practices should be left to individuals. There is nothing against any religion in common civil code," he said, adding that he favours the term "common" civil code over "uniform" since "Uniform conveys a different meaning". The minister's statement goes at the heart of the debate over Uniform Civil Code. What bodies like AIMPLB have done is that they have approached the debate as a Hindu-Muslim binary and from there, launched a polemic against the move to have a common set of laws. And parties have latched on to this argument to turn UCC into a political debate with clearly drawn faultlines. UCC, goes the dominant narrative, is a clever attempt to homogenize minorities which is largely used to denote the entire Muslim community and erode their identity. This patently dubious and morally repugnant argument needs to be called out. In a recent move, resisting the Supreme Court's suo motu decision to test the legal validity of triple talaq, the AIMPLB has said that the country's top court has no jurisdiction to undertake the exercise as Muslim personal law is based on the Quran and not on a law enacted by Parliament. "Muslim personal law is a cultural issue, it is inextricably interwoven with the religion of Islam. Thus, it is the issue of freedom of conscience guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 read with Article 29 of the Constitution," it said in an affidavit filed in court in March this year. To argue that Article 25, which confers right to religion militates against a common civil code is a red herring. It is invalid and a spurious conflation. Right to worship or to practice religion should not be confused with individual rights relating to inheritance, marriage or divorce. In fact, attempts to keep personal laws out of the ambit of judicial scrutiny all the while subjecting individual rights to its interpretation is doing grave injustice to real minorities within the religion-based divisions of communities. What the debate over "secularism" often misses is that minority rights cannot be defended by separating it from human rights. The whole concept of minority itself is an artificial construct, because it is relative. In a group of 200, 25 maybe a minority but within this group, 20 is a majority. The 25 who claim minority status in a larger majority, cannot deny human rights to their own internal minorities (5) what they claim as minority rights. The secularism debate, which reflexively seeks a ban on any debate over Uniform Civil Code, fails to take into account that in the name of protecting Muslims or other minorities' rights, communal rights have been prioritized over human rights of individual within minority groups. The defining feature of a functioning democracy is its adherence to the theory and practice of the fundamental principles of equity, justice and inclusion for all. That "all" includes women, men, young, old, able-bodied and disabled alike, and regardless of race, class, religion or sexual orientation. The most handy example of how vulnerable these groups, for example women, are, within the larger minority groups became clear during the recent raging debate over triple talaq. Thousands of Muslim women have recently sought support to abolish the "heinous" practice of 'triple talaq', which they have termed an "un-Quranic" practice. A Times of India report says "over 50,000 Muslim women and men have signed a petition seeking a ban on triple talaq. The petition, spearheaded by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), has sought the National Commission for Women's intervention to end this "un-Quranic practice". BMMA co-founder Zakia Soman said a national signature campaign was under way in different states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, MP, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala and UP. The report quotes a recent BMMA study which found that 92 per cent Muslim women supported an end to this practice where unilateral talaq is being frequently given over phone, text message and even email with women mostly at the receiving end. Farah Faiz, Rashtrawadi Muslim Mahila Sangh (RMMS) president, recently gave a speech before a Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice A M Khanwilkar on how the AIMPLB and Muslim bodies had started operating sharia'h courts to impose rigid practices on unsuspecting Muslims. "Women's rights are equally protected by the Constitution. But these sharia'h courts and qazis do not allow women to enforce their rights. Defiance invites ostracisation. AIMPLB is attempting to give a religious tone to the debate on the validity of 'triple talaq' by terming it a practice ordained by Quran," she said. The line taken by the AIMPLB isn't surprising. According to a report carried by Indian Express, the board feels the matter of triple talaq was "not an issue" among Muslims and that it had been brought up to implement a uniform civil code in the country. "The so-called movement against this law has been started to introduce a uniform civil code in the country. It is more of a media hype the issue is of no importance among Muslim women and there is no need to bring about any change in the laws. When positions are this hard and conflated, the natural reaction is shy away from even moving towards a common set of laws that upholds human rights, as has been the case. But then it is also India's failure as a democratic republic. The government is right to move towards initiating at least a debate. As an officer serving in the Special Protection Group (SPG), I had the privilege of working with four successive prime ministers Rajiv Gandhi, VP Singh, Chandra Shekhar and PV Narasimha Rao. By 'working', I don't mean I enjoyed unbridled access to the prime ministers but I oversaw various aspects of their security from close quarters and that exposed me to some facets of the four VIPs. Among them, I found Chandra Shekhar most simple, caring and accessible to the SPG personnel who remained concerned about the wellbeing of the officers and men guarding him and his family members. Even though he lasted for a very short period, he was known for his decision-making based on sound reasoning. Once, a group of young civil service aspirants came to VP Singh requesting the enhancement of the age of candidates and pressing for an increase in the number of maximum attempts to appear for the entrance exams. VP Singh would always be evasive to their pleas and tacitly convey that their requests could be met, thereby raising false hopes typical of a politician! Now the same group of young men met Chandra Shekhar when he succeeded VP Singh. Without committing himself to their demands, he asked the cabinet secretary to examine the issue, and once it was made clear that the relaxation was not possible, Chandra Shekhar, during his subsequent meeting with this group, plainly told them that it couldn't be relaxed. The group protested and raised anti-prime minister slogans. Undeterred and unfazed, Chandra Shekhar shouted at them and also counselled that the time wasted by coming to the prime minister's home time and again could be better utilised in focussing on UPSC preparations and that way, the protesters would stand greater chances of success. Chandra Shekhar never practiced politics of cheap populism. His decision was for the larger interests and he did not care for any brownie points, which politicians normally go for. Another important anecdote that comes to mind is about an Assam cadre IPS officer, whose wife was slain by Ulfa terrorists and he was next on their hitlist. The Ministry of Home Affairs had deputed him to Bihar as a temporary reprieve. This officer's elder brother, an inspector-general with the UP police, was detailed to oversee the prime minister's security bandobast when the latter was camping at his hometown of Ballia. The I-G requested me to facilitate a meeting with the prime minister, wherein he could make a request to have his brother from the Assam cadre permanently transferred to Bihar, away from the Ulfa threats in Assam. As soon as the prime minister heard this request, he said on compassionate grounds, "I can have his deputation period to Bihar extended by a year or so but I can't have him permanently transferred to Bihar." The I-G reiterated his plea and said "Sir, the terrorists have even sneaked into Bihar and may kill him, and Assam is a sure-shot deathtrap". Without taking a second, Chandra Shekhar crisply responded, "I-G sahib, once your brother has joined the IPS, these occupational hazards will continue. If every police officer keeps seeking a transfer because of the fear of terrorists, how will the police function?". The I-G did not have any counter argument and took his leave immediately. He knew his decision would evoke mixed emotions, but sometimes hard decisions have to be made. That was Chandra Shekhar. National interests were always uppermost in his mind and decisions he took were quick and conclusive. It's very rare to find prime ministers not wanting to stay in their designated bungalow. But, Chandra Shekhar was satisfied by continuing to stay in his MP's accommodation at 3, Safdarjung Lane. Never did he attempt to occupy his official residence on to which he was certainly entitled at 7, Race Court Road. He lived with his extended joint family and would eat sitting on the floor with the entire household, plus his personal staff. Simple vegetarian food amid discussions on a wide range of topics. Chandra Shekhar was very caring of the security detail. In peak winter season, SPG personnel deployed at his house were served hot tea at regular intervals. On festivals like Holi and Diwali, everyone was served sweets. Such gestures were unprecedented and that they were coming from the Prime Minister of India made all the difference. Further, whenever he went out to a marriage or party, he would bluntly tell the host to look after his security detail first . He invariably spared time to talk to his security complement more often than not, keeping them in good humour. That was characteristic of Chandra Shekhar. Once in 1990 while at Ballia, he asked me about his next programme. Hearing that it was Allahabad and I was going to cover it and knowing that my parents were living there, he directed his staff to load several kilos of sweets and fruits for my aged parents in addition to hand-woven sarees and dhotis . Such noble gestures were frequently witnessed and I was not the exception. There are endless accounts of Chandra Shekhar's benevolence, generosity and large-heartedness. His term lasted only six to seven months but the impact he left behind is profound and will last for ever. 1 July is his birthday and these anecdotes are a tribute to that Young Turk rustic in appearance but packed with so much finesse. The author is a retired IPS officer who was in the SPG when Chandra Shekhar was prime minister. Views are personal The Congress has played out its hand with Robert Vadra and former Haryana Chief Minister B. S Hooda using the impending Justice SN Dhingra Commission report to present themselves and the Congress Party, as victims of persecution and vendetta. Just hours before the scheduled submission of the Justice SN Dhingra Commission report to the Haryana government, Hooda, Vadra and the Congress party launched a three-pronged attack on the state government, which includes playing political victim, alleging the constitution of the Commission to be illegal (on grounds that it was done without Cabinet approval), and going so far as to accuse Justice Dhingra himself of seeking and becoming a beneficiary of the states' largesse. The strategy gives one a dark sense of deja vu - given its unimaginatively striking similarity with tactics earlier used by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to subvert the Justice J.C. Shah Commission which was appointed by the government in 1977 to inquire into the excesses committed during the Emergency (1975-77). Like Hooda, Indira Gandhi disputed the legality of the Commission and refused to cooperate during the deposition. Like Hooda and Vadra, she used the Shah Commission to present herself and her son Sanjay Gandhi as victims of political persecution. However, Justice Dhingra has perhaps unwittingly spoilt the Congress game. Late on Thursday, 30 June 2016, he quite unexpectedly requested Chief Minister M L Khattar for an extension of six weeks to submit his report, ostensibly because he needed to examine a surprise gift of a bunch of sale deeds from an anonymous individual about benami transactions of beneficiaries of Hoodas licensing policies. This sounds more and more ominous for the Congress Party and may make them more desperate in the run up to the submission of the report. The Dhingra Commission report, when submitted, will contain detailed findings on Hoodas role in the illegal grants of licences to hundreds of private companies, including the Robert Vadra case, involving Vadras company Skylight Hospitality and real estate major, DLF. Lets take up the three allegations thrown at the government and Justice Dhingra one by one and examine them against official documents that knock the bottom off this vicious, if wasted, pre-emptive strike by the Congress. Charge 1 - Dhingra Commission illegal The Dhingra Commission was constituted on 14 May, 2015 under Section 3 of The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Over a year later, on Wednesday, 29 June, 2016, the eve of the submission of its report, Hooda suddenly woke up to write a letter to Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, accusing the constitution of the Committee itself to be illegal, on grounds that Cabinet approval had not been obtained for it. He further alleged that the terms of reference were changed midway to target him and other Congress ministers and officers who served under him between 2004-14. Unfortunately for Hooda, its been almost too easy to call his bluff, since his allegation itself is ludicrously false. According to state government sources, the Terms of Reference of the Dhingra Committee were issued on 29 May, 2015 and approved by the Cabinet on 1 June, 2015. The notification was later amended on 14 August, 2015 to extend the scope of the commission to four villages including Shikohpur, Sihi, Kherki Daula and Sikanderpur Badha which brought sector 78 to 86 of Gurgaon under its ambit. Detailed justification for this has also been provided. Since not a single license application mentions the sector, but names these four villages, the Commission felt the notification, too needs to be amended to include these villages as the areas of the licences to be considered. It was also modified in respect of nature of license as even in residential licences, commercial licences were granted. Therefore the notification should be in respect of licences granted in above four villages whether residential, commercial or composite. Commission of Inquiry by Firstpost This amended notification, too, was cleared by the Cabinet - on the very same day, but only after getting the changes first approved by the Advocate General, Haryana and vetted by the Legal Remembrance department. Given the expansion of the brief, the Haryana government on 7 December, 2015 further extended the term of Justice S N Dhingra Commission for six months till June 30, 2016. The Commissions of Enquiry Act 1952, shows that the government is perfectly within its right to do all of this, especially given the seriousness of the charges against Hooda and Vadra and its desire to introduce remedial measures for systemic improvement, with a view to preventing loss of revenue to the public exchequer and undue private enrichment in future. According to the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1952, Section 3. Appointment of Commission. (1) The appropriate government may, if it is of opinion that it is necessary so to do, . appoint a Commission of Inquiry for the purpose of making an inquiry into any definite matter of public importance and performing such functions and within such time as may be specified in the notification, and the Commission so appointed shall make the inquiry and perform the functions accordingly. Appointment of Commission by Firstpost Its too bad that Hooda, after 10 years of rule as CM in Haryana still doesn't know that the law states that none of what he has alleged is illegal. While it may not augur well for Hooda, what the present state government is doing is an essential and appropriate exercise towards eventually taking corrective action and meeting the ends of justice. Charge 2 - Vadra victim of political vendetta On Friday, 30 June, 2016, Robert Vadra, chose to play up the victim card, his only defence since he first came into the public eye for his questionable business/land dealings, by posting on Facebook: "Almost a decade of governments false and baseless accusations on me! They cannot prove anything without proof, and there is nothing there to prove I will always be used for political gains, I know ... But I will walk with my head held high, as in time and with the truth which will conquer incorrect perceptions, that are created about me." Vadra playing victim is grossly unfair - considering his over-the-top lifestyle and regular release of videos and photos of himself to the media, building his body in one five-star gym or the other. Vadra has not been made to take even a single break from his 7-star schedule to depose before the Dhingra Commission - a stark contrast to the frequent day-long interrogations inflicted on Sanjay Gandhi - also a civilian/private individual like Vadra - by the Shah Commission in the 70s. In any event, Vadra would have been better advised to wait for the release of the Dhingra Commission report before deciding it had no proof. Everyone knows that government records do not lie and most of the records in Vadras particular case are not just incriminating but already in the public domain. Charge 3 - Justice Dhingra is compromised The third strategy, to muddy the waters by sullying the reputation of Justice Dhingra himself, has been the most vicious and laughable at the same time. Hooda has alleged out-of-turn favours/benevolence extended by the Haryana government towards a Gurgaon-based charitable trust headed by retired Justice Dhingra after he was appointed head of the Commission. Take a quick look at this document before we proceed to examine the Congress partys charge that Justice Dhingra has been bribed by the government to tailor his findings to fix Vadra and Hooda: Dhingra's Letter by Firstpost This document confirms that Justice Dhingra did indeed make a request to the deputy Commissioner, Gurgaon, to construct a paver-blocks road in place of a kachcha road leading to a school for the underprivileged children. The school is run by a trust headed by Justice Dhingra. But it doesnt show any illegality or impropriety in the grant of this permission. While Rs 95,40,000 was sanctioned for the construction of the road, Rs 47,70,000 has been sanctioned so far. It is the governments mandate to build roads and launch welfare schemes and developmental projects and no rules were bent in this case. Further, Justice Dhingra is not the beneficiary of the money released by the state government to build the road. If this is bribe, one wishes more bribes are given and taken! The Congress spin-machine, it seems, will drag even a school for the underprivileged into the debate, if it helps to undermine the judge and the commission and thus helps Robert Vadras case. Brace for more of this in the weeks to come when the contents of the report become public. This story was updated to include images of documentary evidence Pakistan is yet to respond to an invitation by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated body, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), for an international Roza Iftar party on Saturday for which representatives of more than 60 nations have already confirmed their presence. As part of its Muslim outreach efforts, the MRM will be hosting a Roza Iftar party in New Delhi, ostensibly to crease out differences between the Muslims and non-Muslims under a conducive and friendly atmosphere. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their Ramadan fast at sunset. Till date, we have sent personal invitation to 61 Muslim nations and they have confirmed their presence for the Almi Roza Iftar event. However, we havent got any response from Pakistan, despite sending an invitation by email and courier. There were rumours about the MRM withdrawing the invitation, which are false. As per our countrys tradition and values, we dont turn back or withdraw after inviting someone," said Girish Juyal, national convener (organising), MRM. "There is no political ploy or diplomacy behind this Iftar party. Its purely to spread the message of universal brotherhood and ensure that people from all religions live together peacefully. Now, its on a particular country to decide whether it will participate or not, Juyal said. Though this is only the second year when the MRM has hosted the Roza Iftar party on an international scale, the organisation has been holding such events at local levels (Mohalla level) in various districts across the country for the last 14 years. In the last 14 years, we have organised 9333 Roza Iftar gatherings during the holy month of Ramzan across India at the Mohalla level. Besides ensuring exchange of greetings and establishing communal harmony between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, we give a set of four messages to our Muslim brothers, added Juyal. During Iftar parties at local levels, the MRM emphasises on four aspects: - Maintaining purity of body (Zehan) and world (Jahan); plantation of a herbal, medicinal trees in the locality. - During 30 days of Roza, propagate teachings of Indian seers, saints and spiritual personalities belonging to all religions. - To encourage communal harmony, trust between religious communities and remove misunderstanding and friction between them. - MRM workers ensure that the last man in the row (poorest of poor) among Muslim community gets an opportunity to keep Roza with dignity, and gets due respect. Indresh Kumar, a senior RSS pracharak (functionary), is the mentor (Margdarshak) and guiding force behind this Muslim national forum MRM but doesnt hold any formal position in the organisation. He started working among the Indian Muslim community under the direction of former RSS chief (Sarsanghchalak) late KC Sudarshan. According to an RSS pracharak, the Sangh Parivar follows the wishes of its former Sarsanghchalaks and thus Kumar was allowed to work for the cause. MRM was formed after a group of nationalist Muslims and some senior RSS functionaries met in Delhi on 24 December 2002, on the occasion of Eid Milan. The object was to bridge the widening gap between Hindu and Muslim communities in India, the pracharak said. I have personally appealed to all Muslim nations to shun from violence and discourage fundamentalism and terrorism, as its bringing a bad name to Islam and Muslim community as a whole. None of the terrorist organisations like Islamic State, Al-Qaeda or Taliban have done any good for the society and instead it has killed its own fellow Muslims. The need of the hour is universal brotherhood, respect for every religion and to maintain communal harmony. Hence, our effort through this Roza Iftar function is to bring Muslims and non-Muslims closer. The core objective is to bring social, cultural, religious and spiritual understanding between them, Indresh Kumar told Firstpost. Weve received confirmation on invitation from many Muslim nations, but there are a few countries whose embassies or representatives are not in India, so no communication could be established with such countries, added Kumar. Meanwhile, after rumours started making rounds on the motive behind organising such an Iftar party by a right-wing organisation, the RSS has distanced itself from the event and clarified that it has not organised the event. RSS is not organising any such party. Its Muslim Rashtriya Manch, an independent body, is organising it to create national awareness and the RSS shares the views of MRM on national issues and supports its national cause, said Manmohan Vaidya, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS in his statement. Washington: President Barack Obama says a vaccine for the Zika virus could be developed in "fairly short order" if Congress acts quickly to pass a bill to prevent the spread of the disease. Obama says researchers are beginning to develop and test a vaccine for the mosquito-borne virus. He says that if the effort is well funded he's "fairly confident" an effective vaccine could be developed before the virus spreads to the continental US. Obama made the remarks today after being briefed by top health officials at the White House. The president is trying to pressure Congress to pass a Zika-prevention bill that has been stalled for weeks. He criticised lawmakers for "playing politics" with public health. He says lawmakers should not take their summer recess before passing a bill. Washington: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the leading candidate to be picked as Donald Trump's running mate, followed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a media report has said. According to The Washington Post, the campaign of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has asked both Gingrich and Christie to submit documents for the vetting process and answer more than 100 questions from attorney Arthur B Culvahouse, who has been tasked with the job. Gingrich (73), who has experience of successfully running the Congress as Speaker of the House of Representatives when Bill Clinton was the president, was a presidential candidate in the 2012 elections. Last year, he had helped launch Republican Hindu Coalition PAC, and was among the first few US leaders to have supported Narendra Modi when he was BJP's prime ministerial candidate. 53-year-old Christie was himself a presidential candidate this election cycle, before dropping out early in the primaries. He has maintained a strong relationship with the Indian-American community who constitute a strong political group in New Jersey. He was one of the few American politicians to have met Modi during his first visit to the US in September 2014 after becoming the Prime Minister. Both Gingrich and Christie are advocates of a strong India-US relationship and have a close ties with the Indian-American community. Despite media speculation, the Trump campaign has not thrown up any hint on his running mate. Trump, 70, on Thursday described both Gingrich and Christie as "great guys". In the recent past, Trump has said he plans to announce his vice presidential running mate around the Cleveland convention later this month. The Washington Post, however, said Trump might announce his running as early as next week. Among others reported to be in the short list are Senators Jeff Sessions and Bob Corker. A few other names are also floating around Senators Richard Burr, Tom Cotton, John Thune and Joni Ernst and Governors Mike Pence and Mary Fallin. The Washington Post said Gingrich has an edge over Christie as of now. "Given Trump's unpredictability, campaign associates caution that the presumptive Republican nominee could still shake up his shortlist," the daily said. Auto refresh feeds According to CNN-News 18, 20 police officers injured in the gunbattle with terrorists in Dhaka's upscale restaurant. Dhaka hostage crisis: Eyewitnesses to media say 5 gunmen killed, 1 captured, 2 unaccounted for (visuals of security) pic.twitter.com/X8WJaZLhjV Dhaka hostage crisis: Visuals of the security forces from the restaurant location, ambulance also seen at the spot. pic.twitter.com/qMsJDBNIHU Gunbattle has stopped after 100 commandos stormed the restaurant in Dhaka's high-security Gulshan diplomatic area. Eyewitnesses say that several of the hostages have been rescued and taken to the hospital. Unconfirmed reports suggest that five gunmen have been killed in gunbattle. According to witnesses and media reports, ambulances were seen coming out of the Gulshan Road, the scene of the hostage crisis, carrying wounded hostages. Around 13 hostages have been rescued from the restaurant. A police officer, on condition of anonymity, said two of the rescued persons were foreigners. The military-led rescue operation was launched jointly by a navy commando squad, paramilitary BGB, elite anti-crime RAB along with special police units. The sound of two big explosions has been heard from inside the Dhaka restaurant where security forces battled militants holding dozens of hostages, and a police official says five bodies were seen lying in pools of blood. Security forces stormed the restaurant early Saturday to end the 10-hour standoff with militants, according to AP. Lt Col Tuhin Mohammad Masud told Bangladesh media that 13 hostages were rescued some of which were of a foreign nationality. This included Japanese and Indian nationals. Various ambulalance were seen carrying the injured. The gunbattle has ended, but commandos are still present inside the restaurant, reported Indian news channel Times Now. According to US media reports, Islamic State has claimed responsibility of the attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka last night, reported PTI. But according to CNN, senior US officials believe that the attack has been probably carried out by Al Qaeda. The US has said it cannot yet confirm the Islamic State terror group's claim owning responsibility for the hostage crisis in a restaurant in Dhaka's high security diplomatic area. "We have seen Islamic State claims of responsibility, but cannot yet confirm and are assessing the information available to us," State Department spokesman John Kirby said. Cannot yet confirm IS involvement in Dhaka attack After 13-hour seige, the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka has been cleared by the Bangladeshi security forces. Around 13 hostages were rescued from the bakery. Commandos storming the restaurant discovered five bodies lying in blood, a police official who was not identified told Channel 24 TV station. Indians, Italians, Argentine and Bangladeshis among the nationals rescued, according to Bangladesh media. Reports suggest that one terrorist have been captured alive and six have been killed in the gunbattle. Adopting it "would show that the international community is determined and pledges to take concrete actions on counter-terrorism by filling in the gaps that are there in the existing regime," he said. After the terror in Dhaka, India called for quick action to adopt the long-stalled Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and expressed disappointment that the General Assembly failed to push for its early adoption, according to IANS. Speaking at the General Assembly while Islamic State terrorists were carrying out an attack in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave and taking hostages, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " The perpetrators of terrorist attacks as well as the States that support and sponsor or provide safe havens to terrorists or terrorist groups must be made accountable." Adopting it "would show that the international community is determined and pledges to take concrete actions on counter-terrorism by filling in the gaps that are there in the existing regime," he said. After the terror in Dhaka, India called for quick action to adopt the long-stalled Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and expressed disappointment that the General Assembly failed to push for its early adoption, according to IANS. Speaking at the General Assembly while Islamic State terrorists were carrying out an attack in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave and taking hostages, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said, " The perpetrators of terrorist attacks as well as the States that support and sponsor or provide safe havens to terrorists or terrorist groups must be made accountable." A hostage situation is fast developing in the Gulshan diplomatic zone in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka as police is reportedly exchanging fire with suspected gunmen. According to PTI, police said that several foreigners are believed to be taken hostages inside the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in the diplomatic zone in the Bangladeshi capital. The bakery turns into a Spanish restaurant at night. The casualty is likely to be high as the initial burst of gunfire is believed to have wounded many cops. According to Times Now, at least 30 people are injured. It also said the head of the Banani police station is reportedly dead. A witness who spoke to Reuters said from his house he could hear gunfire and it "looked quite bad". The US. Embassy in Dhaka said on its Twitter feed there were "reports of shooting and hostage situation". https://twitter.com/usembassydhaka/status/748922774614188033 Local newspaper The Daily Star reported that about five assailants entered the restaurant on Road 79 and opened gunfire around 9:20 pm (Bangladeshi time). The authorities have deployed the Rapid Action Battalion and local cops to tackle the evolving the security situation. Footage available with the CNN network but not aired due to editorial concerns on the nature of bloodshed have reportedly showed many people wounded due to gunshots. The Dhaka Tribune, which is running a live blog on the evolving situation, quoted the head of the Rapid Action Battalion on how the authorities are trying to deal with. "Dubbing the ongoing incident a hostage situation, the RAB Director-General Benazir Ahmed told reporters on site: "We would like to resolve the situation peacefully. And I urge everyone to remain calm and not to panic." He declined to provide further information on the development." The newspaper also quoted from the Facebook page of Lori Ann Walsh Imdad, principal of American Standard School. "Terrorists broke in and shot the Italian baker and his wife and took about 20 foreigners hostage. This is a block from my place so I have a front row seat to the police action." There is no confirmation on the exact number of hostages being held inside, though unconfirmed reports suggest 20-60. The US State Department has also confirmed the incident in a tweet. The attackers hurled bombs and were firing intermittently, injuring some policemen and people. A kitchen staff of the bakery, who managed to escape, said several armed men entered the restaurant around 8:45 PM and took the chief chef hostage, local media reported. "They set off several crude bombs triggering panic," he said. Earlier on Friday, a Hindu priest was hacked to death in the country by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest murder in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Bangladesh has of late seen a series of attacks, mostly using machetes, targeting bloggers, atheists and religious minorities. Geneva: The UN's top human rights body has decided to appoint an expert to monitor violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In a narrow 23-18 vote with six abstentions, the Human Rights Council on Thursday called for the creation of a three-year position for an independent expert to look into wrongdoing against gays, lesbians and transgender people. The expert is expected to be appointed at the next meeting of the 47-member, Geneva-based body in September. "This is truly momentous," said Micah Grzywnowicz of the Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights in a statement. "This is our opportunity to bring international attention to specific violations and challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming persons in all regions." While the resolution received strong support from Latin America and the West, countries like India and China voted against it with many African and Middle Eastern countries. The expert's duties will include assessing international human rights laws, raising awareness of violence based on sexual orientation, and engaging in dialogue with member states and other stakeholders. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association hailed a "turning point" that will boost international scrutiny of wrongdoing against people for their sexual orientation and gender identity. Washington: The Pentagon said on Thursday that it will let transgender personnel serve openly, a major milestone for America's vast military, and said it would pay for related medical treatment. Lifting the ban on transgender service members "is the right thing to do for our people and for the force," Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement. "We're talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can't allow barriers unrelated to a person's qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission." Up until five years ago, the US military still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The new transgender policy will be phased in during a one-year period, but effective immediately, the military can no longer discharge or deny reenlistment to troops based solely on their gender identity. Transgender service members currently on duty can now serve openly. By 1 July next year, the services will begin allowing transgender personnel to sign up, assuming they have met the necessary physical and mental standards to do so, the Pentagon said. The US military has about 1.3 million service members. According to a RAND study, about 2,500 of these active-duty service members are transgender, as well as about 1,500 out of approximately 825,000 reserve troops. The military will start paying for medical treatment related to being transgender no later than 1 October, Carter said. Carter last year ordered all military roles including combat positions to be opened to women. Beijing: A Taiwanese warship on Friday "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for Taiwan. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday for the first time since Moscow and Ankara mended ties that were shattered by the downing of a Russian jet last year. "We hope that this encounter will set the right tone for the normalisation of relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency at the start of their meeting on the sidelines of a regional economic cooperation conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The encounter comes after Moscow on Thursday ended a ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey in the first step to ending broader sanctions slapped on Ankara after it shot down a Russian fighter jet on the Turkish-Syria border in November. The tourism move was agreed in a breakthrough phone call by leaders Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, after the Turkish strongman sent a letter that Moscow said contained an apology. Turkey has argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings, but Russia insisted it did not cross the border and accused Turkey of a "planned provocation". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today's talks were expected to help pave the way for a meeting between Putin and Erdogan that could take place either before or at a G20 summit in China in September. The jet downing slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between the two nations and sparked a bitter war of words between the two leaders. Putin has now ordered his government to hold talks on lifting an embargo imposed on some Turkish food and to restore full trade ties with Ankara. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Indian nationals, Mangipudi Sai Srinivas and Anish Sharma, have allegedly been kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria on Wednesday. The civil engineers work for Dangote cement plant in Gboko town. The family of Sai Srinivas, who hails from Visakhapatnam, has approached the district collector N Yuvaraj seeking help for their release. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Lalitha, Srinivas wife, said, I tried to reach my husband on Wednesday, but in vain. I called up the officials of the cement plant and they responded on Thursday morning and informed me that my husband and Anish Sharma had been kidnapped. The New Indian Express report further states that the engineers were travelling to work in a car, when at a traffic signal some men surrounded their vehicle, got the driver out and hijacked the car. Yuvaraj has assured the family that they have sought Ministry of External Affairs help and search operations have already begun. The company management has not received any ransom demands from the kidnappers as yet. After the present tenant of the object, the Libertas Essen GmbH, decided not to extend the lease after 30th June 2016 and ceased operations on 26th June 2016, the future of the traditional Hotel Arosa at Ruttenscheider Strasse 149-151 in Essen-Ruttenscheid remained unclear. The manager of the property's new owner, Gunnar Marx of MARX City Investor GmbH & Co. KG, explains: Our know-how and expertise lie in unambiguously in retail and housing when it comes to the real estate economic area in the past, we have utilized our acquired, mixed-use objects including hotel operations for other uses, after leases ran out. This is also true for the rooms of Hotel Arosa, where we intensely checked other, different utilisation possibilities, such as residences, offices and retail stores. The alternative planning is now complete." The hotel Arosa in Essen-Ruttenscheid is known to every local citizen in 1966, the hotel was founded where Franziskastrasse and Ruttenscheider Strasse meet. The brightly shining building is respresentative for the whole part of Essen-Ruttenscheid. Prominent guests like the Rolling Stones stayed in the hotel in the past. "To us, having the best interest of our employees was a matter of heart", says Gunnar Marx, "which was also one of the reasons why we decided to continue operating the hotel at this point. " The new tenant of the property is the NOVUM Hotel Group which will operate the hotel under the name "Novum Hotel Arosa" in the near future. "We love hotels steeped in tradition", explains David Etmenan, Chief Executive Officer and Owner the NOVUM Group, regarding the takeover. "In October 2016, we start with the Hotel Handelshof in Kettwiger Strasse where the parents of Heinz Ruhmann had already led this traditional house - and the Rolling-Stones have stayed at the Arosa. Tradition is very important to us!" The whole hotel is going to be modernised. Among other changes, 64 old bathrooms are to be renovated, in order for the rooms to be up to date with today's standards. The reception will be moved to the first floor and the hotel will receive a new, modern entrance on the side of Franziskastrasse. The NOVUM Hotel Group is already operating the Novum Hotel Ambassador, the Handelshof follows in October 2016 and next year, the new building of the Novum Style Hotel Essen within the Europacenter will complement the portfolio in Essen. "With that, we are represented in Essen with four hotels and can generate appropriate synergetic effects ", explains David Etmenan further. There is a seamless crossing: The NOVUM Hotel Group takes over the hotel Arosa on 1st July 2016. "Despite already operating eighty hotels throughout Europe, we were never able to negotiate a lease so quickly before like the one for Hotel Arosa. This is because we are a family office and our lessor, the MARX City Investor GmbH & Co. KG as a tenant - also a Family office has nearly identical structures to ours. If both partners know precisely what they want, then even nowadays, an agreement can be reached pretty fast", according to David Etmenan. The building at Ruttenscheider Strasse 149-151 is thus completely rented: On the ground floor, the catering trade companies Baba Green and Vapiano will open individual branches and the travel agency First will remain as a tenant within the object. "We are now only waiting for the planning permission then the rebuilding can begin on the ground floor and then we can start turning our ambitious plans into reality" explains Gunnar Marx, managing companion of MARX City Investor GmbH & Co. KG. About the MARX City Investor GmbH & Co. KG Headquartered in Castle Baldeney in Essen, the company specialises on real estate development throughout Germany. Regarding the company's projects, they prefer a more cautious approach. Their motto: "We would rather be in the land register than in the press." About the NOVUM Hospitality With currently 151 hotels and over 17,000 hotel rooms at over 65 locations in Europe, the family-managed NOVUM Hospitality is one of the largest hotel groups in Germany. Founded in 1988 and on a steady growth curve since 2004, NOVUM Hospitality under the management of CEO David Etmenan is extraordinarily dynamic. The hotel portfolio comprises three and four-star hotels, all in central locations, which are run under the brands NOVUM Hotels, Select Hotels and niu. In addition, NOVUM Hospitality operates as a franchisee of the InterContinental Hotels Group, AccorHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts und Choice Hotels. Novum PR PR & Communications Coordinator +49 40600808400 NOVUM Hospitality Radisson Blu, the iconic hotel brand driven by innovation and design, is delighted to announce its latest addition in Ordu, Turkey. Located on the Black Sea and surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches, rivers and mountains on the coast, the hotel has opened its doors to guests on 29 June 2016. The upper-upscale property is a semi-conversion and brings Rezidor Hotel Group's portfolio in Turkey up to 23 hotels, with more than 4,000 rooms in operation or under development. Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Elie Younes, said: "We are delighted to arrive in Ordu and to add another major city in Turkey to our network. This will further increase brand awareness for Radisson Blu which is already the largest upper-upscale brand in Istanbul and in Europe." "Hotel conversions support our accelerated growth strategy in our focus markets since they join the portfolio relatively quickly and generate immediate revenues." The Radisson Blu Hotel, Ordu is situated on a hilltop with panoramic views over sea and city. The city center and beaches are just 15 minutes away and easily reachable by car or aerial lift, which is adjacent to the site. Besides the 129 guest rooms, the hotel offers a restaurant and bar, a 1,000sqm ballroom, meeting rooms and pre-function area, spa, pool, gym, hair dresser, and parking bays. Ordu is not only an attractive holiday destination for domestic and regional travelers, but also an important industrial hub: the city is the largest hazelnut producer in the world, accounting for 70% of global production. So the hotel is designed to cater for both leisure and business guests. About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 550 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Keum Roling Corporate Brand & Communication Manager Radisson Hotel Group Buoyed by recent high-profile endorsements from the public and private sector, Clean Line Energy, developers of the Grain Belt Express transmission line from Kansas wind farms, submitted a new application for the projects approval on Thursday. The fate of the project now rests in the hands of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which scuttled the projects original application last year amid concerns from farmers and other landowners in the projects path. The renewable energy transmission project would bring power 780 miles from wind farms in western Kansas to Illinois and Indiana, with some electricity then being sent through the grid to metropolitan centers farther east. While about 85 percent of its electricity is destined for other states, the project would power about 200,000 Missouri households. Of the four states that the projects overhead transmission lines would pass through, only Missouri has yet to approve the project. Kansas, Illinois and Indiana have already done so. Missouri-based support for the project is gaining momentum. The transmission line secured an endorsement from Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday, and has also won support from a number of municipalities and businesses within the state. In his statement, Nixon touted the jobs that the projects construction would provide and the enhanced landowner protections that have been put in place. Prominent members of the business community, meanwhile, have expressed interest in the improved access to cost-competitive, renewable energy that the project would provide. A press release announcing Grain Belt Express new application filing listed General Motors, Procter & Gamble and Nestle among influential employers backing the project, as well as the Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers association. But hurdles still exist for the project to come to fruition. The PSC first needs to agree to review the new application, and will then need to determine that sufficient safeguards are in place to reverse its 3-2 decision issued in 2015. Opponents of the project released a statement Wednesday that was sharply critical of Nixons endorsement. We feel Governor Nixon needs to let the Public Service Commissioners he appointed do their jobs free from political pressure, said Jennifer Gatrel, a spokesperson for Block Grain Belt Express, a grassroots organization. In the statement, Gatrel expressed lingering concerns about the impact the project could have on farmers and ranchers and their property rights. Some are optimistic, however, that Clean Line Energy has been diligent about addressing concerns from landowners and other stakeholders and that the project merits a second look from the commission. Clean Line has made arrangements for an on-the-ground agricultural inspector to help supervise construction and minimize its impact to local farms. The company has also committed a sum of $32 million to affected landowners. I hope that the PSC will hear Clean Line again considering the changes theyve made, said Josh Campbell, executive director of the Missouri Energy Initiative, a nonpartisan organization based in Jefferson City. (Mark Lawlor, the director of development for Clean Line Energy, is a board member for the organization.) I think the vast majority of elected officials support Clean Line, Campbell added. I think Clean Line has gone out of its way to address the concerns of that vocal minority. Austrias highest court has overturned the results of presidential election, citing procedural irregularities and ordered a rerun to be held in September or October, an unprecedented decision in the country's post-war history. The final vote count showed former Green Party politician, ecologist Alexander Van der Bellen narrowly ahead of anti-immigration Freedom Party (FPO) candidate, Eurosceptic Norbert Hofer 50.3 percent to 49.7 percent. After the British referendum to depart from the European Union, some fear that a win by Hofer would encourage similar movements in Austria and beyond. Jeffrey Rathke, a deputy director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told VOA Hofers win would only have an impact in Austria and it would boost support for his party in the next parliamentary elections. Since the president holds a largely ceremonial post in Austria, Rathke said, and does not have policy-making authority, a comparison with Brexit is wrong. The exit polls in May showed the 45-year-old Hofer leading, but final results after a count of absentee ballots put the 72-year-old Van der Bellen ahead by a margin of little more than 30,000 votes. The FPO said that the law had been contravened in one way or another in most of the 117 electoral districts and challenged the result in the Constitutional Court. The court found no evidence the result was manipulated, but said that various rule violations on the counting procedure were sufficiently serious and widespread for the May 22 voting to be declared null and void. Announcing the courts decision, Chief Judge Gerhart Holzinger said it had only one aim, strengthening trust in the rule of law and democracy. "The procedure in front of the constitutional court revealed that the federal election authority on election day, on May 22 of this year, from around 1 p.m. -- in other words before polls closed -- systematically passed on election results electronically to selected recipients, especially the media and polling institutes," he said. "This publication violates the policy of a free election." Holzinger said the court called for a rerun because the irregularities potentially affected nearly 78,000 votes, more than twice the margin separating the two candidates. The lawyer for the FPO and former justice minister, Dieter Boehmdorfer, said the court ruling was not a democracy decisive issue. "If there is a clean-up it's a benefit and not a damage," said the lawyer. "Nothing happened. This was not an election on the EU, this was an important, but not a democracy decisive issue, not something that decided the fate of the country. But it was an important election. And now there is the demand by the constitutional court to obey election laws in future." If elected, Hofer will become the first far-right head of state in the European Union. Until the rerun the Austrian presidency will be run jointly by the country's three parliamentary presidents, one of whom is Hofer. Russias parliament has approved a package of controversial amendments to its existing counterterrorism laws despite strong criticism from human rights activists, including the head of the Russian presidents rights council. The amendments were passed last week by the State Duma, the parliaments lower chamber, and on Wednesday by the Federation Council, the upper chamber. President Vladimir Putin must sign the legislation in order for it to become law. The amendments make it a criminal offense to incite unrest, armed rebellion and terrorism in mass media or online. They also require mobile phone companies and Internet service providers to store all telephone conversations, text and picture messages for six months and give authorities access to them. Companies that provide such services as websites, social networks and messenger apps are required to help authorities decipher encrypted data. Prison sentences In addition, the legislation, for the first time in post-Soviet Russia, introduces prison sentences for people who fail to inform the authorities about serious crimes, and increases the number of crimes for which Russians as young as 14 can be prosecuted. Mikhail Fedotov, the head of the presidents human rights council, denounced the amendments, saying they included provisions that are not thought-out, ill-conceived, imprecise. He said he would appeal to Putin not to sign the legislation. The Congress of the Intelligentsia against War, Russias Self-Isolation and the Restoration of Totalitarianism, a group that was formed in March 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and includes some of Russias leading human rights activists, also called on Putin not to approve the amendments. These amendments can only be characterized as an increase in political repression, members of the group wrote in an open letter to the Russian president. Additionally, the legislation would tighten restrictions on religious missionary activities and includes a ban on such activity in residential premises. These provisions were strongly criticized by politicians and clergy in Tatarstan, which has the largest Muslim population among Russias 85 federal regions. Loss of Citizenship Sergei Lukazhevsky, director of Moscows Sakharov Center, which is named after the Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, told VOA that while one particularly draconian amendment, allowing the authorities to strip Russians of their citizenship, was dropped from the package, the legislation is still characterized by dehumanization and violates both the principles of freedom of conscience and Russias constitution. I would include the section dealing with the so-called limitations on missionary work among the documents contraventions of the constitution, Lukazhevsky said. And here, as we know, the political and religious figures of Tatarstan have voiced their criticism of the project." Olga Gnezdilova, a prominent Russian human rights lawyer, told VOA that while amendments giving the authorities the power to strip Russians of their citizenship was dropped because it was absolutely unconstitutional, the provisions which were approved by parliament, including the one allowing people as young as 14 to be prosecuted for certain crimes, are a matter of serious concern. Gnezdilova also cited a provision among the amendments passed by parliament exempting the authorities from having to pay compensation for houses destroyed during counterterrorist operations, saying it violates property rights. On the whole, she said, the package of amendments to Russias counterterrorism laws passed by the parliament contravene generally accepted international standards and the European Convention on Human Rights. The legislation has also caused consternation within Russia's telecommunications sector. Prior to its passage by parliament, the heads of leading Russian mobile phone operators MegaFon, VimpelCom, MTS and Tele2 warned that if the legislation were to become law, the federal budget would lose billions of dollars in tax revenues from mobile phone companies. South African journalists took to the streets of Johannesburg and Cape Town Friday to protest what they say is an attempt at censorship by the nations public broadcaster. The South African Broadcasting Corporation has come under fire for a series of recent decisions and events, including edicts telling reporters not to cover violence and destruction of property during protests, and not to air criticism of the broadcaster. At least six SABC journalists have been recently suspended for either disobeying, disagreeing or liaising with the media without authorization. That last violation means journalists aired their grievances to other news organizations. Earlier this week, the broadcasters acting chief resigned, saying, in his public resignation letter, What is happening at the SABC is wrong and I can no longer be a part of it. The SABC has repeatedly denied it is trying to impose censorship. The broadcaster dominates the nations airwaves, with 19 radio stations and four TV channels. William Bird, director of Media Monitoring Africa, says the attempts at limiting the news remind him of the dark days of apartheid, when the government tightly controlled the media. Were seeing self-censorship on the increase, were seeing threats against journalists internally, were seeing management actively and openly saying that they dont want journalists to think, they want them to do what they tell them to do, he told VOA News. So its very, very worrying trends, especially as we approach local government elections. South Africa votes August 3, and it is clear that the ruling African National Congress party sees the SABC as a political battleground. The broadcaster has been previously accused of favoring the ruling party. Last year, the nations communications minister announced the broadcaster should be seen as a state-owned company and that she should have the right to appoint or suspend its leaders. That debate centered on the figure in the middle of this maelstrom, SABC chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Motsoeneng, who earned criticism for proposing that all journalists be licensed and that SABC journalists wear uniforms, landed in hot water when the nations anti-corruption czar discovered that he had lied about having a matric certificate which is equivalent to an American high school diploma. Protesters are calling for Motsoeneng to resign. He did not answer calls from VOA seeking comment on Friday. Dhashen Moodley is the host of Midday Live on SAFM radio. On Friday, as protesters were gathering outside his office before his show started, he did what any journalist would do: he followed the news. After the show, he liaised with VOA News, and explained that he was just doing his job. There were concerns from my staff members, from my producers who work on my show that this would be a story that would bring us unwanted criticism from within the company, he said. But again, were journalists. And criticism come hell or high water we cover stories. It was, Moodley says, a no-brainer: Tell it like it is, so people can decide for themselves. Otherwise, he said, whats the point of journalism? Recruiters came to Angelas town in Syria offering paid work in restaurants in Lebanon. She accepted to leave her war-torn country, but found herself subjected to sex trafficking along with dozens of other girls. They were locked in hotels and sometimes forced to see 20 clients each day. The traffickers also raped and tortured the girls into submission. Angela finally escaped with help from police. Angelas case was one of the stories told in the State Departments 2016 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which highlights issues of modern slavery, child soldiers, forced marriage, and domestic servitude. It also unveils efforts by governments from 188 countries and territories around the globe, including the United States, to combat human trafficking. In this years report, eight countries were added to the blacklist of nations considered the worst offenders in human trafficking, the so-called Tier 3 list. The new nations added include the former Soviet states of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan along with the fledgling democracy of Myanmar, Haiti, Djibouti, Papua New Guinea, Sudan and Suriname. A Tier 3 rating can trigger sanctions limiting access to American and international aid. Watch video report from VOA's Zlatica Hoke: The State Department said despite sustained anti-trafficking efforts, millions of individuals are bound by mental, physical, and financial coercion and manipulation by traffickers who exploit their vulnerabilities for profit. Modern day slavery that still today claims more than 20 millions victims on any given time, all 20 millions are people they have names, they have or had families, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, calling human trafficking an industry that makes billions of dollars each year. WATCH: Anti-trafficking hero tells one victim's story Political considerations Kerry said political considerations did not figure into the ranking determination, though that assertion has been met with some criticism. Kristen Abrams senior advisor at Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking, a coalition of 13 U.S.-based human rights organizations told VOA that political motivations seem to have influenced the State Departments decision-making in regards to the trafficking report. The Trafficking in Persons report matters if it's released with integrity. Other countries and other stakeholders can rely on the State Departments unbiased ranking, and I think that the State Department can do so by relying exclusively on credible evidence and facts on the ground, but not politics, said Abrams. While continued efforts in protection and prosecution are essential, human trafficking prevention strategies deserve commensurate resources, said the report, which is urging governments around the globe to work with civil society to prevent human trafficking. State Departments Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Susan Coppedge told VOA Thursday the report provides a roadmap for improvement for countries to follow. There are recommendations as to what that country can do to improve the fight against trafficking within their borders. It also allows the U.S. to engage in bilateral diplomacy with countries on the issue of trafficking in persons, said Coppedge. While in many ways human trafficking victims suffer at the hands of their traffickers, they also may suffer from treatment by governments, including by the criminal justice systems that should protect them, according to the report. The purpose of issuing the report is neither to scold nor to name and shame, but to encourage people to change for better, according to Secretary of State John Kerry. Honorees named Nine men and women were honored for their tireless efforts that have made a lasting impact on the fight against the modern slavery. Among them are anti-trafficking activists Biram Abeid and Brahim Ramdhane from Mauritania, a country where slavery was not formally outlawed until 1981. Abeid and Ramdhane are both the children of slaves, and they have chosen careers focused on confronting injustice in Mauritania. Oluremi Banwo Kehinde is a Russia-based anti-trafficking activist. Despite personal threats to his life, Kehinde tirelessly works to assist and protect Nigerian and other African victims of sex trafficking. This years report marks the 16th year the Trafficking in Persons Report has been produced, which was mandated under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, or TVPA. In this years report, 36 countries and territories are on Tier 1; 78 countries and territories are on Tier 2; the Tier 2 Watch List contains another 44 countries and territories; and Tier 3 is comprised of 27 countries and territories. Libya, Somalia and Yemen each are listed as a so-called Special Case because a stable government does not necessarily exist in those countries to implement policy. Somalia has been a special case for a while, Yemen and Libya are new to that category this year, Coppedge said, because if there isn't a government thats stable in the country, it's hard to evaluate their efforts, so we move them to the special case category. Countries ranked as Tier 1 are considered in full compliance with minimum standards of the TVPA, but the designation does not mean trafficking has been eradicated in those countries. A Tier 2 ranking means countries do not meet the minimum standards, but they are taking significant efforts to do so. The Tier 2 Watch List means a country is making significant efforts, but the absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is significantly increasing, and they are failing to provide evidence of increased efforts. Kuwait and Thailand were moved off the lowest Tier 3 ranking of the annual listing and promoted to the "Tier 2 Watch List." A court in southern Vietnam has sentenced an Australian citizen to death for heroin trafficking. Tuoi Tre newspaper said Nguyen Thi Huong, 73, was convicted of trafficking 3.5 pounds of heroin by a court in Ho Chi Minh City in a trial that lasted half a day. Huong, who was originally from Vietnam, was arrested in December 2014 when checking in for a flight to Australia after the heroin was found hidden in 36 bars of soap in her luggage. The court rejected Huongs statement that a woman gave her the soap bars and that she did not know that they contained the heroin. Vietnam has some of the worlds toughest drug laws where trafficking even small amounts of heroin is punishable by death. A former president of the U.N. General Assembly awaiting trial in a bribery scandal linked to Macau died in a weightlifting accident when a barbell he was lifting from a bench dropped on his neck, an autopsy revealed. John Ashe was declared dead last week by a paramedic who responded to his Dobbs Ferry home. Dr. Kunjlata Ashar, Westchester Countys medical examiner, said the cause of death traumatic asphyxia was determined during an autopsy, though she did not perform the procedure herself and did not have additional details. It was deemed an accident based on a combination of information from the autopsy and an investigation by the Dobbs Ferry Police Department, officials said. The police department said in a statement that the death appears accidental, but provided little information otherwise. Ashe, the former United Nations ambassador from the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, was arrested last fall and had pleaded not guilty to tax charges related to a bribery scandal. His attorney said he was planning to go to trial. In an earlier statement, current U.N. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft described Ashe as a hard-working and popular member of the diplomatic corps in New York and at the United Nations before he faced the unproven allegations. He had said Ashe died of a heart attack. Prosecutors said Macau real estate developer Ng Lap Seng and others had funneled over USD1 million to Ashe while he served as president of the 193-nation assembly from September 2013 to September 2014. Ng Lap Seng, two diplomats and a humanitarian organization officer were among others charged in the case. Ashes attorney, Jeremy Schneider, called his clients death a tragic loss for his family and the community. MDT/AP Five representatives of the Association of Gaming Professionals (AGP) yesterday delivered a letter to the Legislative Assembly (AL) voicing their concerns over the availability of smoking lounges in Macaus casinos. The letter was addressed in particular to Ho Iat Seong, the chairman of the AL. At the end of May, the Second Standing Committee of the AL revealed that seven of its nine members supported the continuation of smoking lounges in casinos. The committee claimed that the rooms could be arranged if the casinos can guarantee that the smoke will not spread to other areas. AGP president Cloee Chao told the Times that the association members are aware that the issue has been forwarded to the AL for further discussion. We hope he Ho Iat Seng knows about our opinions, said Chao. In the letter, the AGP writes that it is unacceptable to us, the casino employees to allow the existence of smoking lounges in the casinos we come to work, not to sell our [lives]. According to AGP vice president Lei Man Chao, the association currently has around 60 members. Staff reporter The opposition Mongolian Peoples Party (MPP) has won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections in the landlocked nation where a fall in commodity prices has sent the economy into a sharp decline. The head of the national election commission said yesterday that the MPP won 65 out of 76 seats in the national legislature, formally known as the State Grand Khural. The ruling Democratic Party won just nine seats while independents and smaller parties won two seats. The MPP is the former communist party that ruled Mongolia for 70 years before the countrys transition to democracy and a free market economy after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Under Mongolian law, the majority party in parliament forms a new government and appoints the prime minister and speaker of the legislature. The Mongolian people have put their trust in the MPP, party chairman Enkhbold Miegombo said in a speech early Thursday. We understand there is a huge responsibility behind this trust. We will work hard to improve the current economic situation and falling reputation of Mongolia in the international arena, he said. Enkhbold Zandaakhuu, speaker of the parliament and head of the Democratic Party, accepted the result, saying the Mongolian people have made their choice. We will respect this choice. It was the seventh parliamentary election since the country peacefully transitioned to democracy in 1990, and the result puts the MPP in a prime position to retake the presidency in a vote next year. Rising unemployment, billions of dollars in government debt and disillusionment with the political system were considered major factors in the election in the nation of just 3 million sandwiched between China and Russia. Mongolias mining- and animal herding-dependent economy has been dragged down by weak domestic demand and a sharp decline in exports, impoverishing thousands of former herders who had moved to its few cities looking for jobs. Economic growth has slipped from 17.5 percent in 2011 to just 2.3 percent last year, leaving one-fifth of the population in poverty. Amid declining demand for coal, copper and other mineral resources that make up 94 percent of Mongolias exports, growth is forecast to fall below 1 percent this year. Foreign loans begin coming due next year, posing another potential crisis. With the decline in resource prices, foreign investment has slowed to a trickle, although mining giant Rio Tinto in May announced the launch of the next stage of a multibillion-dollar gold and copper mine. Mongolias lively democratic system is a rarity in a region characterized by one-party states and authoritarian leaders, although its integrity was questioned after the ruling party recently offered citizens 300,000 tugriks (USD155) each to buy back 30 percent of their promised shares in the state-owned coal mine, leading to accusations of vote buying. AP The High Court of Hong Kong has banned around 40 pre-sale buyers of the Pearl Horizon residential complex from entering the Pioneer Centre building, according to Hong Kong media. The tenants of Pioneer Centre successfully appealed to the court to ban the demonstrators from entering the building. After several hours of protests on Tuesday, the tenants asked the court to extend the ban. The protestors had demanded to meet the chairman of Polytec Assets at the aforementioned facilities, where Polytec subsidiary Kowloon Development Company Limited was holding a function. Canidrome experiences sharp decline in profits The Canidrome greyhound racing track, in its 2015 review, saw a downturn in its annual profits for the sixth consecutive year. The operator, controlled by a company owned by Stanley Hos group, saw betting revenue fall by 14 percent last year. According to a notice published in Wednesdays Official Gazette, Macau Yat Yuen Canidrome Company posted a profit of just MOP4.9 million last year, a decrease of 81 percent from the profit recorded for 2014. The Canidrome has also drawn global criticism from animal rights groups. The tracks concession ends in December. Street performances call attention to traffic rules The Transport Bureau (DSAT) will arrange performances at the citys crosswalks and traffic lights junctions every Sunday of July and August. DSAT said the performers will demonstrate how to cross the street. Nine performances will be presented, each split into two 30-minute sessions. Passers-by are encouraged to interact with the puppets. Since 2010, DSAT has conducted road safety-themed performances every summer at the citys crossroads. Rodrigo Duterte was sworn yesterday as president of the Philippines, with many hoping his maverick style will energize the country but others fearing he could undercut one of Asias liveliest democracies amid his threats to kill criminals en masse. The 71-year-old former prosecutor and longtime mayor of southern Davao city won a resounding victory in Mays elections in his first foray into national politics. He has described himself as the countrys first leftist president and declared his foreign policy would not be dependent on the United States, a longtime treaty ally. The frugal noontime ceremony at Malacanan, the Spanish colonial era presidential palace by Manilas murky Pasig River, was a break from tradition sought by Duterte to press the need for austerity amid the countrys pestering poverty. In the past, the oath-taking had mostly been held at a grandstand in a historic park by Manila Bay, followed by a grand reception. Vice President Leni Robredo, a human rights lawyer who comes from a rival political party, was sworn in earlier in a separate ceremony in her office compound. Vice presidents are separately elected in the Philippines, and in a sign of Dutertes go-it-alone style, he has not met her since the May 9 vote. Duterte, who began a six-year term, captured attention with promises to cleanse his poor Southeast Asian nation of criminals and government crooks within six months an audacious pledge that was welcomed by many crime-weary Filipinos but alarmed human rights watchdogs and the dominant Roman Catholic Church. Dutertes inauguration address, before a crowd of more than 600 relatives, officials and diplomats, was markedly bereft of the profanities, sex jokes and curses that became a trademark of his campaign speeches. There were no menacing death threats against criminals, but he pressed the urgency of battling crime and graft, promised to stay within the bounds of the law and appealed to Congress and the Commission on Human Rights to mind your work and I will mind mine. There are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, the sale and use of illegal drugs and corruption. They say that my methods are unorthodox and verge on the illegal, Duterte said. He added: The fight will be relentless and it will be sustained. As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to the due process and the rule of law is uncompromising, he said to a loud applause. Shortly after Dutertes election win, police launched an anti-drug crackdown under his name, leaving dozens of mostly poor drug-dealing suspects dead in gunfights or in mysterious circumstances. The killings provided a fearsome backdrop to Dutertes rise. After his resounding victory, he promised to mellow down on the vulgarity and promised Filipinos will witness a metamorphosis once he becomes president. Days before his swearing in, however, he was still warning If you destroy my country, I will kill you, in a speech this week. In a country long ruled by wealthy political clans, Duterte rose from middle-class roots. His brash style has been likened to that of presumptive U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, although he detests the comparison and says the American billionaire is a bigot and hes not. Duterte is also the first president to come from the countrys volatile south, scene of a decades-long separatist insurgency by minority Muslims. He has said he would direct security forces to refocus on fighting Muslim and Maoist insurgents a reversal from his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, who shifted the military to take charge of territorial defense while police handle the insurgencies. Duterte has suggested he will keep the U.S. at arms length and has shown readiness to mend frosty ties with China. Those potential shifts have raised the specter of another difficult phase in more than a century of a love-hate relationship between the Philippines and its former American colonizer. A senior Philippine diplomat said American and Australian officials are curious how the new president will handle relations with their governments, which have enjoyed strong ties with Aquino, who bolstered security relations as a way to counter Chinas assertiveness in disputed South China Sea territories. Jim Gomez & Teresa Cerojano, Manila, AP MONGOLIA The opposition Mongolian Peoples Party has won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections in the landlocked nation where a fall in commodity prices has sent the economy into a sharp decline. More on p12 AFGHANISTAN Taliban militants launched a twin suicide attack yesterday, targeting a convoy of buses carrying Afghan police cadets outside of the capital and killing 37 people, mostly policemen, and wounding 40, an Afghan official said. The attack took place in Paghman district, some 20 km west of Kabul. Four civilians were among those killed. PAKISTAN Gunmen have ambushed army and police patrols in the Pakistani city of Quetta, killing eight security forces, officials said. THAILAND-USA The United States removed Thailand from its human trafficking blacklist yesterday, though forced labor remains widespread in the nations lucrative seafood industry. The State Department made the assessment in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which examines 188 governments efforts in combating modern-day slavery. VIETNAM announced that a Taiwanese-owned steel plant was responsible for massive fish deaths along the central coast that put many fishermen out of work. Formosa Plastics Group was responsible for an estimated 70 tons of dead fish that began washing ashore along more than 200 kilometers of coastline in early April. Officials said a subsidiary will have to pay USD500 million to compensate affected people, clean up the environment. USA More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, but the level of jobless claims remains low enough to suggest that most workers enjoy job security. The Labor Department said that weekly U.S. applications rose by 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 268,000 in the week that ended June 25. TRUMP A new multi-nation survey finds that confidence in Donald Trumps ability to manage foreign policy should he become U.S. president is rock-bottom in a host of countries in Europe and Asia. More on p15 UK The race to become Britains next prime minister took a dramatic, unexpected turn as former London Mayor Boris Johnson [pictured] ruled himself out of contention after the defection of a key ally. Justice Secretary Michael Gove abruptly withdrew his support for Johnson and announced he would run for the Conservative Party leadership himself. MARKETS Asian shares were mostly up yesterday as markets continued to gradually get over the shock set off by Britains vote last week to leave the European Union. RUPERT The Minidoka County coroner has confirmed police suspicions that a double shooting Sunday was a murder-suicide. Coroner Lucky Bourn ruled Kelli Joann Yorks death a homicide and Lauren Jacksons death a suicide. On Sunday, officers responded to a 911 call about 7:30 p.m. and found York, 47, dead from multiple gunshot wounds and Jackson, 57, dead with a single gunshot wound. Police would not say who made the call. York and Jackson previously dated but family said the relationship was strained. York moved away to Twin Falls and then North Carolina before moving in with her grandparents in Gooding last year, her family said. In October, she had gone back to Jacksons house to get back a yellow Labrador she left behind when she was living out of state. Surveillance footage from the Jacksons home showed her going into the home with a key she still had and then getting back into her car with a yellow dog, according to court records. Jacksons neighbors said she had been staying at Jacksons home in recent weeks. Neighbors said they didnt know of any fights between the couple, but Yorks family said it was a sometimes violent relationship. According to a statement released Monday by the city, detectives suspected the deaths were connected to a domestic dispute. Yorks Honda Civic was found the same day near the Lincoln-Minidoka county line, Rupert Detective Jeff McEwen confirmed on Wednesday. McEwen and Chief James Wardle were not available for further comment. Bourn took the bodies to Boise on Tuesday for autopsies. He said the pathology report is not complete and could take another week. BURLEY Police disassembled a pipe bomb Thursday found at a gravel pit southeast of Burley. The bomb had a half-burned fuse and was full of black powder. A call came into the Cassia County Sheriffs dispatch at 1:57 p.m. from Rob Carson, Burley Highway District supervisor who said there was an object that looked like a pipe bomb at a gravel pit at 800 S. 150 E. roads, according to a sheriffs office statement. Officers were sent to the pit and reported that it looked legitimate. The Twin Falls Police Department bomb squad was called to assist with the device and the team used a robot to disassemble it. TWIN FALLS Prosecutors have moved to dismiss the rape charge against KMVT meteorologist John Jack William Holland based on additional information they got from witnesses who came forward after the preliminary hearing. The case has essentially been closed. Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs filed the motion to dismiss the charge Friday, 10 days ahead of a scheduled pretrial conference for the 24-year-old Holland. The motion read: As part of its continuing duty to investigate this case, the State has interviewed additional witnesses who have come forward since the preliminary hearing, and thoroughly reviewed their statements and other evidence as it relates to the testimony presented at preliminary hearing. It is the States conclusion based upon close analysis of all the facts now available about this incident that Mr. Holland did not commit the crime of Rape . Accordingly, the State moves to dismiss the charge against the defendant. Hollands attorney, Chuck Peterson, said his client was thrilled with the news. Hes with family in Florida, and theyre all relieved about the prospect of not having to face a jury trial, Peterson said. Even when youre innocent, a jury trial can be a daunting prospect. Loebs said the case will be dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors retain the right to refile charges if the evidence changes, but he did not believe it was likely the charge would be refiled. We dont plan on refiling a rape charge or any other charge in this case, Loebs said Friday. The prosecutor also said charges would not be filed against Hollands accuser unless something changed. Were not filing charges against anybody at all in this matter, Loebs said. Unless new evidence comes to light, this case is over. Holland was charged Feb. 1 and accused of raping a woman in his Twin Falls apartment after theyd met for a date. The case was bound over to district court March 10 despite conflicting reports from the alleged victim and her friend. We always felt good about the case, Peterson said. After the preliminary hearing, our investigator obtained some more information, and I know the state was doing additional investigating. Loebs offered few additional details about the new information his office obtained but echoed what he wrote in the motion. After the preliminary hearing, additional witnesses came forward who werent known to us before, Loebs said Friday. The information they had made it clear this wasnt a crime. During the preliminary hearing March 10, the accuser in the case testified Holland was outgoing and personable when they met for their date, but that he turned very demanding when they went back to his apartment for drinks and dinner. She said he gave her more alcohol at his house and attacked her on his couch and in his bedroom. But the womans friend and coworker, Emily Jackson, testified that she spoke with the accuser shortly after she left Hollands apartment, and the woman never told Jackson she was raped. Instead, Jackson testified the woman told her she hooked up with Holland but felt bad about it because she was still in love with her ex-boyfriend. Jackson, who is a nurse, also emotionally denied that she told the woman not to report the alleged rape. Im a sexual assault victim, Im a nurse and Im a mandatory reporter (of sexual assault), Jackson testified, her voice quivering. I would never tell her not to report something. Magistrate Judge Rodger Harris said acknowledged Jacksons testimony but bound the case over anyway saying conflicting testimony was an issue for trial, not a preliminary hearing. Despite the charge being dismissed by prosecutors, Hollands attorney said the case had still come at a huge cost to his client. He essentially lost his job, and an argument could be made that he lost his career, Peterson said. Holland was still employed by the TV station at the time of his preliminary hearing, KMVT news director Chris Huston said March 10. But it is unclear whether Holland is still employed at the station. He hasnt been on air since his arrest, and Huston said in a phone message Friday he couldnt comment on personnel issues. A pretrial conference was scheduled for July 11, and a trial was set to begin Aug. 1. Holland and his family were planning to travel from Florida next week to begin preparing for the trial, his attorney said. Now theyre probably just thankful and enjoying life, Peterson said. TWIN FALLS County Commissioner Leon Mills is demanding a recount of votes for several precincts in the race he lost against Twin Falls City Councilman Don Hall. The votes in Filer Precinct 3, which covers a large area southwest of Filer, and Twin Falls precincts 2 and 10, which cover downtown and the eastern end of the city, will be recounted Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. A candidate has 20 days from the date of the recanvassing of the vote, which was on May 23 this year, to file with the attorney generals office to ask for a recount. Mills requested one on the last day, County Clerk Kristina Glascock said. Hall beat Mills 4,532 to 2,824 countywide in the May Republican primary, and Hall won 265-158 in the precincts in question, with a majority in all three, according to the numbers on the county website. Twin Falls Precinct 10, where Hall got 72 votes and Mills got 55, according to the current totals, was the closest of the three. If the recount of those three precincts shows Mills to be ahead, though, a countywide recount would be triggered. Mills didnt return calls for comment Thursday. Hall said he didnt know why Mills asked for a recount. I dont understand it, he said. Mills represents District 2, which mostly covers the city of Twin Falls. Commissioners are supposed to live in the district they represent but are elected at-large by everyone in the county. Unless an election is extremely close, Idaho code says, the person requesting a recount pays for it. If Mills were to end up ahead in the three precincts after a recount, though, the county would pay for a countywide recount. BOISE July 1 is the day most laws passed during the years Idaho legislative session take effect. So whats new? Guns With a few limited exceptions, Idaho residents wont need a concealed carry permit anymore. As of July 1, the requirement for a permit to carry concealed within city limits goes away. In 2015, the Legislature clarified the code to make it clear that a permit isnt needed outside of city limits. (It had been ambiguous before.) This year, lawmakers mostly got rid of the requirement within city limits as well. Ditching the permitting requirement, called constitutional carry by its supporters, has been a longtime goal of the pro-gun rights group the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance. For decades, Vermont was the only state where you didnt need a concealed carry permit, but the idea of doing away with them has been gaining traction with firearms advocates in recent years and has been passing in other gun-friendly statehouses, becoming law in West Virginia, Idaho and Mississippi in 2016 and bringing the number of permitless carry states to 10. The bill passed in Idaho with most of the Republicans in favor and the Democrats opposed, although a few Republicans, including local Reps. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, and Fred Wood, R-Burley, voted no. Only Idaho residents 21 and older can carry concealed without a permit within city limits. If you live in another state or are between 18 and 21, you will still need a permit. Outside city limits, though, anyone 18 and older who can legally have a gun can carry concealed, Idaho resident or not. An enhanced carry permit will still be required to carry in the areas of a college campus where its allowed, and prohibitions on carrying guns in places like courthouses, jails and schools are still in effect. The state law also doesnt have any impact on regulations at federal facilities. Ryan Horsley, the general manager of Reds Trading Post in Twin Falls, said more and more Idahoans are interested in carrying concealed weapons, especially women. He said he has also been getting a lot of questions from customers about the new law. Horsely said his views on constitutional carry have evolved over the years. He was against it originally but came to support it about six years ago. Ive definitely changed my opinion on it, he said. Despite his support for the new law, Horsley still strongly encourages anyone interested in carrying concealed to get training. He recommends the enhanced permit the class includes shooting practice and training in self-defense law, and it lets you carry in some states, including neighboring Nevada and Washington, that dont recognize Idahos basic permit. Its not just strap on a holster, youre good to go, he said. Are people still getting the training? In Twin Falls County, the number of people applying for concealed weapons permits dropped from four or five dozen a week to about two dozen a week after the law was passed, but it has recently started to go up again as people realize they will still need a permit to carry out of state, said county sheriffs spokeswoman Lori Stewart. In Jerome County, Sheriff Doug McFall said his office has actually seen a slight increase in the number of people getting permits recently. McFall also always recommends people apply for the enhanced permit rather than the basic. Both Stewart and McFall said nothing is really going to change for their deputies when the new law takes effect. I really dont think theres going to be a big change, Stewart said. Maybe just an added awareness. McFall said they approach every car as if the occupants are armed whether one of them has a concealed weapons permit or not. Quite frankly, the guys that are shooting my deputies out there on the street are not going to have a concealed weapons permit anyway, so what would it matter? he asked. Crisis center funding July 1 is when the 2016-2017 budget bills kick in, and that means the funding for a planned behavioral health crisis center in Twin Falls gets released. Lawmakers approved $200,000 in one-time funding for the Twin Falls crisis centers capital costs and $1.013 million in ongoing funding, which will be paid out as reimbursement to the agency running the crisis center and is expected to be enough for eight months of operation. Lawmakers are expected to appropriate more during the 2017 session. Three mental health services providers have applied for the contract. The Region 5 Behavioral Health Board is expected to choose between them the second week of July, and then the winner will get to work for its anticipated December opening. New animal cruelty law Amendments to the states animal cruelty law that define torture and draw a distinction between companion and production animals will take effect. Before sentencing, an individual convicted of violating the animal cruelty law will now be required to go through a psychological evaluation as part of a pre-sentencing investigation. A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation for torturing a companion animal will now be guilty of a felony, as will someone convicted of a first violation if they have been convicted within the past 10 years of a felony involving physically harming a human intentionally. Federal lands and catastrophic public nuisance Starting on July 1, a county commission chairman or sheriff will be able to declare a catastrophic public nuisance on federal lands if they believe the way the land is being maintained poses an increased wildfire risk or other threat to public health or safety. The bill, modeled on one in Utah that in turn is modeled on a bill from the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, sets up a procedure for counties to lodge a complaint and seek redress with federal land management agencies. The bills supporters said at the time that counties cant force the feds to do anything, so the law would serve more as a way to make people aware of maintenance issues, outline a procedure in state law that counties can follow and to shame federal agencies that dont respond. Abortion, fetal tissue Lawmakers passed two new abortion related restrictions this year one to ban harvesting organs and tissues from aborted fetuses, and one requiring abortion providers to, before an abortion, provide a list of places where a woman can get a free ultrasound. The first measure, called the Idaho Unborn Infants Dignity Act, was inspired by last years controversy over videos taken by a conservative group that purported to show Planned Parenthood officials selling fetal tissue for profit, which is illegal. Planned Parenthood countered the videos were deceptively edited. The group doesnt have a fetal tissue donation program in Idaho. As for the second bill, its supporters said it would ensure women have access to more information before getting an abortion women wont be required to get an ultrasound, just given a list of free places to get one while its Democratic opponents said it will steer women toward pregnancy crisis centers run by groups that oppose abortion for the free ultrasounds. New stalking protections People who are being stalked or harassed will now be able to get a civil protection order from a judge regardless of their relation to the perpetrator. Previously, these orders had been limited to people who are in family or intimate relationships, leaving a gap where someone stalked by a stranger or acquaintance was unable to get a civil protection order. The bill was largely crafted by Sen. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise, and carried in the House by Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, both of whom were inspired to act by constituents who were stalked. For Burgoyne, it was the story of a Boise woman who was shot by a stalker in her backyard, and for Clow it was a Twin Falls woman who was stalked and threatened last year by a man she had met through work. Plastic bags and minimum wage Cities and counties in Idaho will be barred from setting their own minimum wage laws, and neither will they be able to set regulations banning plastic bags, takeout boxes or other auxiliary containers. Neither of these measures are going to repeal anything that exists now, as there arent any Idaho cities with either a local container ban or a local minimum wage. However, there have been attempts to do both in a few places. Both bills were generally supported by the Republicans and opposed by the Democrats. Rep. Clark Kauffman, R-Filer, sponsored the container preemption bill in the House, and Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, carried it in the Senate. Food stamps Starting July 1, food stamps will now be posted to peoples benefit cards on a staggered basis over the first 10 days of the month, rather than on the first for everyone. What day they are issued will depend on the last digit of the birthday of the primary beneficiary someone born in 1986 will get their food stamps on the sixth, someone born in 1990 will get them on the 10th. Youths in breweries People under 21 will legally be allowed in brewery tasting rooms. (Its still illegal for them to drink, though.) They were already allowed in wineries. Public defense Lawmakers passed a number of reforms to the states public defense system, which is currently the subject of a class-action lawsuit charging it is unconstitutionally inadequate. The changes include $5.5 million in funding, statewide standards and grants for counties to help pay public defense costs. TWIN FALLS Art Hoag made it to New York, dogs in tow. Hoag and his dogs, Bear and Sister, were welcomed Thursday to the Chobani plant in New Berlin two days ahead of schedule, logging 3,300 miles on his bicycle after departing the Twin Falls Chobani plant on April 30. His wife, Bonnie, followed him in an RV. If Bonnie didnt have to go back to work, Id keep on riding, Hoag said. Chobani sponsored his bike trip and its donation will help cover the upkeep of Mary Alice Park in Twin Falls while he was gone. Mary Alice Park opened in 2008 and is dedicated in memory of Hoags first wife, Mary Alice Nolan Hoag. In 2009, the park was donated to the Art Guild of Magic Valley. The park, 436 Main Ave. N. in Twin Falls, is open to the public. Employees lined the hallway in the New Berlin plant Hoag rode his bike down the hall waving pom poms and Chobani banners. The scene was similar to the send-off he received nearly two months ago. He was presented with a Home to Home banner signed by Chobani employees in Idaho and in New York. Hoag was born in Morris, N.Y., and his family moved to Twin Falls in 1947. His last trip home was in the 1980s. He also received a birthday cake emblazoned with the Home to Home logo, and employees sang Happy Birthday to him after a short address. Hoag will celebrate his 71st birthday on Saturday, the original day he was scheduled to arrive in New York. Hoag said they arrived early because it was difficult to find places to park the RV along the way. Basically, we moved along faster than expected, Hoag said. It just turned out we covered more miles during the day than we initially thought. Instead of traveling 50 miles a day, Hoag sometimes went 60 to 70 miles. He had one flat tire and took several detours. Hoag said he met interesting people along the way, many with connections to Twin Falls and Chobani. His journey is chronicled on a daily blog he kept on maryalicepark.org. This part of the country got really hilly, Hoag said. I didnt need that extra 40 pounds. Hoag plans to take his time going back, stopping in a few areas to bike, but spending most of his time resting his legs. SHOSHONE The mother of a 3-year-old boy found wandering alone in Shoshone will be charged with marijuana possession and two counts of child endangerment, police said. The 3-year-old walked into a neighbor womans home about 10 a.m. Friday in the 200 block of West Fourth Street, Shoshone Police Sgt. Rene Rodriguez said. The woman immediately called police and reported finding the boy, whose age and identity she didnt know. Police canvassed the homes in the area and quickly sought the publics help to identify the boy and his family, posting information on social media and alerting the media. After knocking doors for nearly two hours in the neighborhood where the boy was found, officers found his mother, Pamela M. Lopez. Upon an inspection of the home by (the Department of Health and Welfare), which is mandated by Idaho statute, the childs mother was found to be in possession of marijuana, a controlled substance, Rodriguez said in a statement. Lopez was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana and two counts of injury to a child as there were two children in her care, a 3-year-old and a 10-year-old, Rodriguez said. The children were released to their father, and Health and Welfare will continue to assist in implementing a comprehensive safety plan, Rodriguez said. Lopez is expected to be formally charged Tuesday in Lincoln County Magistrate Court. As we join with family and friends to commemorate this Fourth of July, we celebrate 240 years of independence. The honoring of this cherished American holiday is a reminder that our country was founded on the principles of freedom, individuality and self-government. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that, in July 1776, an estimated 2.5 million people lived in our newly independent nation. The committee of five important Founding Fathers, who penned the Declaration of Independence, laid the bedrock of freedom that has persevered over the years and is now enjoyed by more than 323 million current Americans. Our founding document also serves as an inspiration and marker for people around the world struggling for their own independence. Our form of government has withstood challenges because our inspired founders constructed a durable U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, based on the principles of freedom and a limited federal government. Americans have long cherished and protected these freedoms from attack. With the signing of the Declaration, the 56 signers, who ranged in age from 26 years old to 70 year old, put their lives at risk, declaring independence from the British crown. Reflecting that brave stance, many men and women have fought since that time to preserve our freedoms for ourselves and future generations. We all owe them a debt of gratitude. As inheritors of a tremendous legacy, we can honor the sacrifices for our freedoms by never giving up on safeguarding our liberties. We celebrate our independence by rejecting tyranny in all its forms. This means achieving thoughtful solutions instead of reactionary policies that corrode our constitutional rights. This means never losing sight of the exceptionalism of American ideals and working diligently to set our nation on a sound path, rooted in self-governance. Former President Ronald Reagans words from 33 years ago continue to ring true today: The American dream lives not only in the hearts and minds of our own countrymen but in the hearts and minds of millions of the worlds people in both free and oppressed societies who look to us for leadership. As long as that dream lives, as long as we continue to defend it, America has a future, and all mankind has reason to hope. We are a nation of thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, fighters and leaders. The grit at the heart of our nations founding endures. May the year ahead be filled with the courage and fortitude celebrated this holiday and needed to carry us through the challenges ahead. This appeared in Thursdays Washington Post. All that wild-eyed talk from Donald Trump about a total and complete banning of the worlds 1.6 billion Muslims from setting foot on American soil? Not to worry, folks: It turns out Trump did not mean itmaybe. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who in December proposed an unequivocal shutdown on Muslims entering the United States, even as visitors, has suddenly gone squishy. Mindful, perhaps, of GOP grandees (among others) who regard the idea as loopy, strategically disastrous, an affront to the Constitution and American values, or all of the above, Trump has lately modified his approach, or at least his rhetoric. Rather than a blanket prohibition on those who profess a single faith, Trump and his campaign now propose a bantemporary, they say, but of indeterminate lengthbased on a geographic test rather than a religious one. I dont want people coming in from the terror countriesyou have terror countries! he said last weekend. It is possible to guess that he means refugees from Syria and Iraq, for starters, who would have been banned from entering the United States by legislation passed with bipartisan support by the House of Representatives after the terrorist attacks in Paris in the fall. (The bill died in the Senate.) Yet it is useful to remember that the known Paris assailants were French and Belgium nationals, born and raised there, even though they had visited Syria and at least one posed as a Syrian refugee. Would Trump ban Muslim tourists and immigrants from France and Belgium, or from other U.S. allies, such as Britain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, all of which have produced citizens who carried out or attempted terrorist attacks? Trumps dwindling ranks of Republican apologists, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Carl Paladino, a one-time GOP gubernatorial candidate in New York, insist, against the evidence of the candidates own words, that he never called for a total ban on Muslims coming to the United States. That risible assertion serves no other purpose than to confirm that his own allies realize that Trumps proposal was politically toxic. The underlying fact is that Trump suggests different things on different days, according to his whim, or the exertions of his advisers, or the questioner, or his polling numbers. He has said his proposed ban was just a suggestion; that frankly a lot will be banned; that he would exempt peaceful Muslims; and that the ban would be temporary, until a proven vetting process was in place. Oh, and meanwhile, Trump said, he would authorize spying on mosques in the United States, albeit respectfully. The idea of respectful spying on residents and citizens at worship in this country is gibberish, of courselike much of what passes for policy proposals from the Trump campaign. Amid the incessant incoherence, it may be possible to discern a pivot. Yet how could any voter believe that todays pivot wont be supplanted tomorrow by another. Despite sneers from the Republican National Committee leadership, the number of players and the amount of activity associated with the #NeverTrump forces organizing a delegate revolt at the Republican convention suggest a fulsome effort is underway to dislodge Donald Trump. As The Hill reports, A coalition of delegates, lawyers, rules experts and PACs has formed in what participants say is the most coordinated effort to date to dump Trump from the Republican ticket. Kendal Unruh, a Colorado delegate, is organizing at the Rules Committee, trying to drum up support to include a conscience clause allowing delegates to withhold votes for Trump on the first ballot. She is far from the only one: Colorado conservative activist Regina Thomson, who runs a PAC called Free the Delegates, is organizing a floor fight irrespective of the Rules Committees decision. . . . Another group called Delegates Unbound, led by GOP strategist Dane Waters, is overseeing a national lobbying campaign focused on contacting delegates before they arrive in Cleveland to urge them to vote their conscience. His group has raised $2.5 million and has already run a $150,000 spot on Fox News Channel. Waters said he will have a staff of 15 regional and state directors manning his national whip operation. Those three groups [Unruh, Thomson and Waters] are now strategizing together and sharing data. They claim to have secured enough money to launch a legal defense fund and invest in communications technologies that will keep them in contact with one another on the convention floor. They will have a presence at the convention. (They say they started bringing volunteers on as full-time employees this week and that they will have lawyers and convention experts on the ground in Cleveland. Thomson says 350 to 400 delegates and alternates have already inquired about how they can help. An organizing conference call on Sunday night hit maximum capacity of 2,000 participants.) The RNC is placing faith in Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort (!) who is supposed to be experienced in such matters. In fact, he has not had a substantial role in presidential campaigns for decades. Manafort, of course, has yet to organize competent fundraising, data collection and ground game operations so the RNCs reliance on him seems foolish. The RNCs arrogance and dismissive tone toward its own delegates only increase the latters feistiness and determination. It is they who now are battling the party establishment. Every day that passes where Trump isnt raising money, isnt able to match [Hillary] Clinton on TV and isnt making his long-promised pivot is another day for nervous delegates to continue to organize, says veteran GOP consultant Rick Wilson. Its always been a game of long odds, but he keeps them alive, and his soft polling numbers continue to keep win in their sails. The absence of a big name Republican Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., or one of the 2016 contenders is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the delegates lack a figure to pull the strands of the rebel effort together. There is no specific candidate for them to embrace as Trumps replacement. On the other hand, the rebels cannot be accused of being a stalking horse for any candidate, who would quickly be pummeled by pro-Trump flacks. The big question remark is Mitt Romney. Hes declined to run as a third candidate, positing such a figure would have little chance to beat the GOP nominee. But we are now past that point. This is about whether he would be the nominee if Trump gets booted. Sure enough, hes popped up to let it be known that his family still wants him to run. At the very least, Romney should publicly endorse the delegate effort and indicate hed stand behind whomever the delegates support. That might get the ball rolling, and encourage others to do the same. In any event, anyone who says definitively what will occur at the convention is engaged in wishful thinking. The Trump revolt has taken on a life of its own. The U.S. Supreme Court made it crystal clear this week that states can go only so far in restricting a womans access to an abortion. In a 5-3 ruling, the court struck down several laws in Texas that effectively shut down all but about 23 of the states 40 abortion clinics. The laws required clinics to meet impossibly strict medical standards, including requirements that clinic doctors have admitting privileges at local hospitals. Unable to meet the standards, dozens of clinics closed, making it incredibly difficult for women to have an abortion in Texas. In its ruling, the high court said the laws placed an undue burden on women. Republican legislators who approved the laws said they were simply looking out for womens health; the court saw through the ruse and said the laws were actually meant to curb access to abortions, a right thats repeatedly been upheld since Roe v. Wade. Idaho lawmakers should read the ruling carefully. The GOP-led Legislature in Idaho has increasingly tried to limit abortions using the same kinds of tactics that drew the ire of the Supreme Court, including insisting on waiting periods and counseling, and forcing physicians to provide women with literature about ultrasounds. Sen. Lee Heider, R-Twin Falls, introduced an admitting-privileges bill like the one in Texas in 2015, but it didnt pass. One Idaho bill that did pass, which would have restricted abortions after 20 weeks, was struck down by a federal court. With only two abortion clinics in Idaho one in Twin Falls, one in Meridian access to abortions is already limited. Efforts to make it even more difficult are sure to raise questions for judges in light of the Supreme Court ruling in the Texas case. Abortion-bill lawsuits have cost Idaho nearly $1 million and thats just in attorney fees. In August, the state even had to dip into its Constitutional Defense Fund, for $500,000 to pay plaintiffs lawyers in abortion-law cases. Regardless of the moral debate, the courts have spoken and the legal lines in the sand are much clearer after Mondays ruling. Idaho lawmakers would be well served to note those lines and beware not to cross them. Idaho taxpayers have already spent too much defending abortion laws that dont meet legal muster. Major General Ismail al-Mahlawi of the Iraqi army said the last stronghold of Daesh (Arabic acronym for the Islamic State) as part of the Fallujah liberation process has been recaptured. The stronghold is the al-Hasai district lying five kilometers south of the city and was described by Mahlawi as one of the most important strongholds for the militants of Daesh outside the center of Fallujah. The offensive on the city began in June and had been going on for the past five weeks with the Islamic State believed to have registered heavy casualties. A video footage released by Iraqs defense ministry showed alleged IS militants fleeing Fallujah before they turned into flames following airstrikes. Army Commander Lt. Gen. Hamid al-Maliki stressed that no other force took part in the operation other than Iraqi forces and more than 20 helicopters took part in the mission destroying more than 138 vehicles. Iraq has been silent about the number of casualties it has suffered during the offensive but the Middle East Eye reported that at least 394 security forces and 3,808 were wounded in battles which started on May 23 and ended earlier this month; citing a senior security official under the condition of anonymity. Medical and other military sources claim that the figures are higher, estimating the death toll at more than 900. Officials have declined to reveal the number of deaths in their ranks and General Hadj Erzaje, deputy of the Fallujah military operations commander acknowledged that there are casualties but not that many and since the war is ongoing, we cannot reveal such information. The battle to end the caliphate established by the IS since 2014 has been fatal but its existence in Iraq is now in jeopardy as Mosul is its ultimate stronghold in the country. According to the UN, more than 3.4 million people are now displaced in Iraq (more than half of them children) while more than 10 million are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. According to press reports, the city inhabitants who fled their homes could be allowed to return by mid-August. Less than 48hours after losing the Hamdan airport base to the New Syria Army (NSA) early Wednesday morning, the Islamic State launched a counter-attack and recaptured it Friday signaling the strategic importance of the base, close to the city of Al-Bukamal. A spokesman for the NSA said more than 40 of their forces were killed and they retreated to avoid further losses, as the ISIS radical group brought huge military reinforcements to the area. The rebels are said to have been taken by surprise in an ambush. A released statement from the NSA explained that their forces successfully departed at the conclusion of the raid to their base in al-Tanf but vowed that operations to remove the extremist group will continue. The rebel group has also tried to downplay the loss of the Hamdan airport base with spokesman Muzahem al Saloum stating that the goal was not to take over the town of al-Bukamal but to engage Deash in the deserts and strike a blow against them near the city. The extremists determination to retake over the base highlights its importance to them because controlling the area has helped to erase physically the border between their controlled territories in Iraq and Syria. It also serves as a main transit point. Amaq news agency, a media house affiliated to IS, reported that spies working for the NSA have been beheaded and 15 rebel fighters have been captured. The NSA offensive on Bukamal earlier this week also included other rebel groups. NSA is said to have been created 18months ago and its troops trained by the U.S. U.S. President Barack Obama urged DRC President Joseph Kabila to favor the first peaceful and smooth democratic transition in the largest African country, Jeune Afrique reports. We stand with the people of DR Congo and we support the first imminent smooth and democratic transition, Obama wrote in a message he addressed Tuesday to Kabila on the occasion of Independence Day of the central African country. We are much looking forward to future relations with a democratic and prosperous Democratic Republic of Congo, Obama further wrote. Tension has risen between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of Congo over the suspension of the democratic process and the attempt by the ruling party to change the constitution to allow President Joseph Kabila to stand again for new mandate even though the constitution bars him from a new term. Kabila took over power following the death of his father in 2001. He was elected President in 2006 and re-elected in 2011 for another five-year mandate winding up December 19 this year. The U.S. is closely following the political developments in the country and fears that President Kabila and his party will amend the constitution to allow him to remain in power. Fears grew further in May after the countrys high court ruled that the President could stay in power in the event Presidential elections scheduled for November fail to take place. Also in May U.S. senate members called on President Obama to impose sanctions on Congolese officials for violence and rights violations amid rising political tensions. The opposition has called on international community to press Kabila and his circle to abide by the constitutional timeline so that elections could take place with Kabila stepping aside. The Continental body, the African Union, has appointed former Togolese Prime Minister Edem Kodjo to mediate the crisis but dialogue has reached a stalemate. About 10 people were killed and several injured in a suicide bomb attack on Wednesday in a town in the Far North region of Cameroon. A Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated himself in the night at Djakana close to the Nigerian border, killing ten people, AFP reported quoting local sources. At the time, seven people died, including the bomber. Four wounded people died later. The other injured people are at the hospital. We fear a rise in the number of victims, the source was quoted as saying. No group or individual has so far claimed responsibility for the Wednesday attack, but the Nigeria-based Boko Haram terrorist group has carried out similar assaults in the northern parts of the country over the past months. Cameroon has joined a regional military alliance alongside Niger, Chad and Nigeria in the battle against Boko Haram. The central African nation has lost some 1,200 people to attacks by Boko Haram, which spread its campaign of terrorism to the country in 2013. The Boko Haram militancy began in Nigeria in 2009, when the terrorist group started an armed rebellion against the government. At least 17,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million made homeless ever since. Senior journalists at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Wednesday threatened to down tools following the resignation of acting CEO Jimi Matthews from the public broadcaster. Economics editor Thandeka Gqubule, RSG executive producer Foeta Krige and senior journalist Suna Venter were suspended last week after questioning a decision not to cover a protest led by the Right2Know campaign against SABC management in Durban, Cape Town and Joburg, condemning the ban on protest coverage and editorial policies implemented last month. The three reporters say the situation has reached a stage where their journalistic integrity has been called into question and public criticism is mounting. The SABC journalists warn that sudden changes to editorial policies are in direct contravention of both existing editorial legislation and the South African Constitution. The reporters have expressed grave concern over what they have described as the victimisation of their colleagues Press freedom groups argued that the ban contradicted the legal and regulatory framework that governs the SABC and made a formal complaint to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). The SABC countered that it had a responsibility not to place its journalists in danger and also a duty to protect children from images of violence. The Chief of staff of Nigerian Army, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, said the whereabouts of the over 200 abducted girls remained unknown. He made the comments while responding to a wide range of questions at a press briefing as part of Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2016. Lt-Gen Buratai reiterated the resolve of the military to rescue the abducted Chibok girls while decrying the politicized nature of their abduction two years ago. In his words, the issue of the Chibok schoolgirls has been politicized. Ours is professional duty. We will keep looking out to rescue more. Were still searching for them and by the grace of God, if they are still alive, we will rescue them. Today, nobody knows their whereabouts. The military is very much interested in information that would enable us to rescue the girls, he said. Under Buharis command, and aided by Nigerias neighbors, the army has recaptured most territory lost to Boko Haram. But the jihadist group, which last year pledged loyalty to the Islamic State, still regularly stages suicide bombings. Boko Haram captured 276 girls in a night-time raid on Chibok in April 2014, its most high-profile assault. Some girls escaped in the melee but parents of the remaining 219 accused then-President Goodluck Jonathan of not doing enough to find their daughters, whose disappearance led to a wave of global outrage. @doug_hanks Miami-Dades largest coalition of labor unions has endorsed Raquel Regalado in her challenge of county Mayor Carlos Gimenez, with the South Florida AFL-CIO knocking the incumbent for his effort to hire for-profit companies to run government services and facilities. To public-sector unions, Gimenez has consistently said he wants to privatize government, said Cynthia Hernandez, spokeswoman for the AFL-CIO, an umbrella group that includes all county unions except for the ones representing fire and police employees. Weve seen departments that are under-staffed and not functioning well. The endorsement gives Regalado, a two-term school board member, the backing of the political apparatus behind Miami-Dades largest labor group about two months before the Aug. 30 nonpartisan primary that could decide the mayoral contest. With 60 days till Election Day, this unified endorsement affirms the viability of my candidacy by those most impacted by who is Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Regalado said in a statement. Gimenez, who came to office in 2011 championing a tax cut that helped lead to a string of austerity budgets, was an underdog for winning the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, which represents county unions that have battled the mayor administration on contract concessions and spending cuts. But his camp hoped to keep the coalition group neutral in the mayors race, and then try for endorsements from individual unions seen as more favorable to Gimenez. @doug_hanks Daisy Black, a former El Portal mayor who was Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonsons lone challenger in the District 3 race, died Wednesday after collapsing during a candidate forum with local labor unions, according to multiple people close to Black, including the head of Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Today the candle went out on the life of a woman that has inspired myself and countless others. Mayor Daisy Black was an incredible leader and fixture in the Democratic Party, State Sen. Dwight Bullard, chairman of the county Democratic Party, posted on his Facebook page. She made Miami-Dade County a better place to live by her mere presence and will be so missed by me and those who were blessed to know her. Friends who gathered at Hialeah Hospital Wednesday afternoon were told of her death, Edmonson said, but the hospital declined to comment on Blacks condition Wednesday night. The 68-year-old was finishing up her appearance before a panel of interviews for the AFL-CIOs high-stakes candidate screening on Wednesday when she collapsed around 11 a.m. , according to multiple accounts from the event. A senior member of the firefighters union performed CPR on Black until paramedics arrived. @jamesmartinrose Sen. Marco Rubio criticized the State Department for treating Cuba, China and Thailand too leniently in its 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, an annual look at forced prostitution, childhood slavery and other abuse around the world. The State Department places every country in one of three tiers based on its governments efforts to comply with "the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking," as spelled out in the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. Congress first passed that legislation, and President Bill Clinton signed it into law, in 2000, and lawmakers have reauthorized it four times since then. It requires the State Department to evaluate all nations, including the United States, in annual reports to Congress. "When we talk about human trafficking, we're talking about slavery -- modern-day slavery that still today claims more than 20 million victims at any given time," Secretary of State John Kerry told ambassadors, trafficking victims and other guests Thursday during a State Department ceremony marking the release of the new annual report. Kerry said he had personally made many phone calls to foreign ministers, presidents and other leaders to push them to combat human trafficking. In its report last year, the State Department moved Cuba up from Tier 3, the worst level, to Tier 2, and kept Cuba at Tier 2 in the current report. "(It's) a ranking not justified by the facts on the ground, but rather reflective of the Obama administration's pursuit of normalized relations with the Castro regime at any cost," Rubio said after the report's release. The United States and Cuba re-established diplomatic ties in July 2015 after a 54-year break grounded in the Cold War. Kerry said the rankings of Cuba and other countries "don't take into account political and other factors." In its section on Cuba, the new State Department report concludes: "The government of Cuba does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so." The Cuban government prosecuted 18 sex traffickers in 2014, the most recent year for which data was available, and released a report on its anti-trafficking efforts last October. "The Cuban government was more transparent in providing details of anti-trafficking efforts and the government's overseas (forced) medical missions program," the State Department said. "However, the government did not prohibit forced labor, report efforts to prevent forced labor or recognize forced labor as a possible issue affecting its nationals in medical missions abroad." Noting that the government is the primary employer in Cuba, the State Department said 84,000 Cubans work overseas on medical missions. "Some participants in foreign medical missions and other sources allege (that) Cuban officials force or coerce participation in the program," the report said. "However, the Cuban government and some participants say the program is voluntary and well paid compared to jobs within Cuba." The State Department used similar broad language to justify China's Tier 2 ranking, saying it has significant trafficking problems but is "making significant efforts" to meet minimum standards for its elimination. Rubio criticized that ranking. "While the internal State Department deliberations for this year's report are not yet known, there is no indication that China's trafficking track record has improved," the Miami Republican said. The report acknowledged: "State-sponsored forced labor continues to be an area of significant concern in China." While the government closed most "Re-education Through Labor" camps last year, it continues to use forced labor at government rehabilitation and detention centers, the report said. "Chinese women and girls are subjected to sex trafficking within China," the State Department found. " The United States was one of 36 countries that received a Tier 1 ranking, along with most European nations. Israel was the only Middle East country to get the top grade, while Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines were the only Asian nations. The full State Department report can be read here. @PatriciaMazzei How ex-U.S. Rep. David Rivera, now a Republican candidate for the statehouse, became a million-dollar man in his three years out of political office remains an enigma. The most obvious explanation has been that he inherited his newfound wealth from his late mother, who died in 2013. Daisy Magarino, who also went by Daisy Rivera, left no will, according to records in Miami-Dade County probate court. But she did keep a safety-deposit box at a Doral bank. What was inside? Who knows? Like much of David Riveras finances, what was inside the lockbox remains a secret. Its contents could solve the puzzle of what happened to her estate. But theres no public accounting of them, even though a judge ordered one. Magarinos daughter, Diana Rivera McKenzie, asked the judge for permission to open the box. Her reasoning: A will might be inside. Her brother, the former congressman, raised no objection. Go ahead, Judge Michael Genden said. In December 2014, he ordered the box unlocked. Eighteen months later, there is still no record of what the Riveras found or even if they opened the box. Despite the judges order that an inventory of the boxs contents be immediately filed with the court, no such list has been turned in. Did Magarino leave behind a will? Jewels? Property deeds? Gold doubloons? Nothing but personal mementos? More here. Photo credit: Charles Dharapak, Associated Press From the Center for Responsive Politics, a non-partisan organization that examines political spending: Super PACs can churn through a lot of money. Exhibit A: Jeb Bushs Right to Rise USA. Led by veteran GOP operative Mike Murphy, Right to Rise was excoriated in the press for burning through $87 million in independent expenditures in support of Bush (and tens of millions more in operating expenses $104 million total) without any discernible evidence that the super PAC moved the needle for the former Florida governor. We cant say what the super PAC did wrong, if anything. There are too many moving parts in a political race. A campaign is built around a candidate, and in debates and on the trail, the wonkish Bush never connected well with sufficient numbers of voters. He withdrew from the race in late February after months of low poll ratings. Maybe there was nothing Right to Rise could have done to save him. What we can do, though, is perform a post-mortem on how Right to Rise spent tens of millions of dollars. More here. From Bloomberg Politics: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is looking to project party unity in the Hamptons next week, when he'll huddle with Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus at a fundraiser featuring top donors to some of his former rivals. Pepe Fanjul, a Florida sugar baron and longtime patron of Senator Marco Rubio, is part of a host committee for the Trump and RNC fundraiser at billionaire investor Wilbur Ross home in Southampton on July 9, according to a copy of the invitation obtained by Bloomberg Politics. Jeb Bush backers Duke Buchan III, founder of the hedge fund Hunter Global Investors, and his wife, Hannah, are also among the co-hosts. The Buchans were on Bushs national finance committee for his 2016 presidential bid. Lunch with Trump and Priebus will cost $25,000 per person, or $100,000 per couple (which will also earn a spot on the host committee). More here. via @alextdaugherty It didn't take long for someone to file a complaint against Bruce Kaplan. Switching parties a day before the end of qualifying -- as Kaplan did -- is a no-no when it comes to running for office, and now Kaplan faces a lawsuit to get him off the ballot. Christian Ulvert, a Democratic political consultant working for Kaplan rival Jason Pizzo, filed the lawsuit in the 11th Circuit Court of Florida on Thursday afternoon. "On information and belief, Kaplan only changed his voter registration from Republican to Democrat in the days before filing and qualifying to run for State Senate, District 38," the suit says. "As Kaplan does not meet the requirements of 12. 99.021 of the Florida Statutes, he can not run for State Senate as a Democrat and must be removed as a candidate." Kaplan, 56, filed to run as a Democrat in the District 38 state senate race even though he was registered as a Republican until June 23. Election law in Florida requires candidates to switch parties one year before the start of qualifying. "By lying on his party loyalty oath and failing to disclose that he was not a member of the Democratic Party until the day before the qualifying period ended, Bruce Kaplan has shown a clear disregard for the law and complete disrespect to all the voters in Senate District 38," Ulvert said in a statement. Kaplan, a former Miami-Dade county commissioner, is one of seven Democrats who qualified for the heavily Democratic seat that includes Miami Beach and North Miami. He resigned from his commission seat in 1998 after pleading no contest to charges of falsifying his financial disclosure forms in 1993 and 1994. Kaplan's wife, Janitza Kaplan, unsuccessfully ran in the special election to replace her husband. "In order to cause as little disruption to our Supervisor of Elections as possible, I have instructed my attorney to move swiftly in order to ensure this matter is resolved before the ballots are printed and further harm is inflicted on our voters," Ulvert said. --ALEX DAUGHERTY A 33-year-old man is in Missoula County jail after leading law enforcement on an 84-mile-long, high-speed chase early Thursday that started at the Wye and ended west of Plains. Trooper Luke Burson with the Montana Highway Patrol said the incident began just before 1 a.m. when he stopped Robert Allen Clark at the intersection of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 93. Burson said the license plates on the Pontiac Grand Prix Clark was driving matched a Honda Prelude. Clark allegedly gave the trooper a fake name, which had an arrest warrant attached to it. Burson said after Missoula County deputies arrived, he went back to the vehicle and told Clark to get out. Clark refused, and when Burson tried to open the car door he found that Clark had locked it. Clark then drove away northbound on Highway 93. Burson said the ensuing chase reached speeds of up to 105 miles per hour. Around mile marker 24 in the Ravalli area, officers from the Flathead Tribal Police Department were able to put out spike strips which flattened three of Clarks tires. As the chase continued northward, the three tires that had been hit fell off Clarks vehicle, and he turned west onto Highway 200 on one tire and three rims, Burson said. We were down to about 55 miles per hour at that time, and he was throwing up a shower of sparks as he drove, the trooper said. Burson said law enforcement called in the Plains fire department to be on standby in case the sparks caught the grass on the sides of the road on fire. The chase continued through Plains and out to the area of mile marker 62, where Burson said Clark started having engine problems and the pursuit slowed to around 15 miles per hour. Another Highway Patrol trooper used their vehicle to push Clarks vehicle off the road, and Clark got out and ran, Burson said. A female passenger was taken into custody. There was a foot pursuit, he dove into the grass and tried to hide from us, Burson said. While officers were searching for Clark, Burson said the vehicle started on fire and became fully engulfed in flames. There was a gun in the car. We could hear the rounds popping inside the vehicle, Burson said. Clark was eventually found and arrested at 2:49 a.m., more than an hour and a half after he started the chase. Burson said he has a $100,000 warrant from Lake County for felony drug possession and a no bond warrant from Washington for possession of methamphetamine. His female passenger was released and has not been charged. In addition to his warrants, Clark is also charged with felony criminal endangerment and six misdemeanor and traffic offenses. He is scheduled to have his initial appearance in Missoula County Justice Court on Friday. The Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead Tribal Police Department, Plains Police Department and deputies from Missoula, Sanders and Lake counties all assisted in the pursuit, Burson said. In all, the chase went on for 84 miles. Thats the longest pursuit Ive ever been in, Burson said. The Obama administration told a U.S. Senate Committee on Wednesday that it likes the framework of the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Water Compact but not the cost. Alletta Belin, senior counsel to the deputy secretary of the Interior, told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs that the $2.3 billion cost of the bill is a significantly higher price tag than any enacted water settlement to date. The Department of Interior cannot support the bill as introduced, Belin said. However, when asked by the bills sponsor, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., whether the administration supports coming to a final result and getting a final settlement," Belin said, Most definitely, yes. The CSKT compact is unique and complicated, Belin told the committee. We have to protect diversions out of streams, and we have to protect the flows in streams, she said. Thats very challenging. Asked by Tester if the compact was the proper place to address a century of wrongdoing with an irrigation project that uses water from streams on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Belin said yes again. Its a far better structure for solving this problem, she said. Litigation does not solve these kinds of problems. I cant even count how many lawsuits there have been over the decades, and the problems are not solved. So we all know that doesnt work. *** The Indian Affairs hearing kick-starts a process at the federal level that will include negotiations between CSKT and Interior, Tester spokesman Dave Kuntz said. Tester is co-chairman of the committee, and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., is a member. CSKT Chairman Vernon Finley also testified, and said The compact reflects what can happen when stakeholders work in earnest to seek resolution that can bring a true measure of justice and satisfaction to the parties involved. The Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, Finley said, dissected every steam in the Mission Valley, severely affecting the tribes rights as granted in the Hellgate Treaty of 1855, and violating the federal governments trust responsibilities to CSKT. Daines asked Finley which benefits of the compact were most important to the tribes. The benefit for everybody is it provides certainty, Finley said. It provides certainty, as opposed to decades and decades of litigation. Thats really the primary advantage. In his remarks, Daines said he fully understands the value of such water compacts. They resolve conflict between Indian and non-Indian water users, he said, they clear the burden of liability from state and federal governments, and they allow the tribes to access and develop their water resources. Most importantly, these settlements are a key component of the federal governments tribal trust responsibility, Daines said. However, Daines said, There is a lot of passion on this settlement back home. He noted its narrow passage in the Montana Legislature, and added, Im glad were having this conversation, and examining the costs and benefits of this legislation. *** Finley and two of the senators on the committee drew laughter when the CSKT chairman began his five-minute statement by saying hed had his doubts whether Tester would represent Indian Country when Tester was first elected in 2006, calling him this rancher from over the mountains with the flat-top. Im honored to testify I was proven very wrong, Finley said, prompting Tester to inquire whether a fellow committee member, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., had been paying attention. It was wonderful testimony, McCain deadpanned. Can I restart my five minutes? Finley asked. Belin said the administration strongly supports the resolution of Indian water rights claims through negotiated settlements, but added the Interior Department has not yet completed a full and robust analysis and discussion of the proposed CSKT compact. Daines asked Belin why she felt the CSKT compact was the most contentious she had seen. The whole issue of tribes water rights to instream flows on the reservation, and the fact that water projects got constructed for largely non-Indian use, she replied. It creates a whole set of issues for trying to protect existing use of water-project water, at the same time to restore health of instream flows. Its quite complex. Tester wanted to know if Belin thought the tribes and Interior could come to an agreement in the next two to three years, and if new guidance from the Office of Management and Budget could slow the process. Slower is not a direction Im crazy about heading, Tester said. Belin said there was no reason to think the new OMB guidelines would add time to the process. While she didnt think people in the Interior Department would be happy if she committed to the two- to three-year period, I think, given the fact that weve come so far, barring unforeseen developments, I dont see why we couldnt do it in that time frame. Call it the Great Texas Air Rush. Weeks after American Airlines landed its first flight from Dallas/Fort Worth in Bozeman, officials in Missoula and Billings received word Thursday theyll receive $600,000 and $750,000, respectively, in federal grant money to court nonstop air service of their own to and from the Lone Star State. Theyre two of nine small communities to receive $5.15 million in grants from the Small Community Air Service Development Program, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced. Its kind of the first step in making that service to Texas a reality, Missoula airport director Cris Jensen said. While Billings specifically targeted American Airlines service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Missoula is casting a wider net. We left ours open to where we could either go to Houston with United or Dallas-Fort Worth with American, said Jensen. The announcement came on the heels of one earlier in the week in which Allegiant Airline would expand to year-round its non-stop service to Los Angeles. In May the airport received $1.3 million in federal funding to construct a new taxiway. Missoulas $600,000 grant goes toward a revenue guarantee to assure an airline won't lose money by coming to town. In addition, itll be used for marketing, fee waivers and ground handling for the airline. The $600,000 must be matched with $400,000 from the community. The airport will kick in another $200,000 worth of services for a total package of $1.2 million. Jen Ewan of the Missoula Economic Partnership said pledges to cover the communitys commitment are in. Now its a matter of collecting them from backers in Missoula and the surrounding area, including Seeley Lake, Philipsburg and the Bitterroot Valley. Jensen said the earliest the Texas connection will start is next summer. He is heading for Dallas to meet with airline officials. It takes some time to get everything figured out, he said. Missoula International Airport previously received a Small Communities grant to bring in nonstop service to San Francisco in 2008 and has continued to apply for the grant to expand its services. The project description of this years application stated: In light of its isolation and dependence on air transportation, the community seeks to address what it sees as a lack of adequate service to the southern United States with its proposal. The community notes that Missoula-Texas passenger numbers have increased greatly in recent years, and that additional service is needed to meet this demand. The important thing for people to understand is itll only be as successful as they let us be, Jensen said. New competition into the market will drive prices down. Wed have another legacy carrier with American in the market, so well really want people to take advantage of it. The Billings grant of $750,000 will be used for a revenue guarantee and marketing program for American Airlines for non-stop service to Dallas/Fort Worth. The community states that it is isolated and has experienced service reductions, and seeks to address these issues with its proposed new service which, it states, will benefit local businesses and industries, and in particular the oil and gas industry, the Billings project description said. The Small Community Air Service program was started in 2002. In 2016 the Department of Transportation received 36 grant applications from communities in 24 states seeking more than $18.5 million. Other cities receiving the funding: Bullhead City, Arizona; Inyokern and Stockton, California; Hailey, Idaho; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas, and Port Angeles, Washington. Robust, dependable air service plays an important role in every communitys ability to connect to the national and global economies, Foxx said in announcing the grant awards, adding the program has a tremendous record of making a lasting impact. When Norman Maclean wrote eventually, all things merge into one, in his novella A River Runs Through It, river ecologist Ric Hauer didnt expect to take the idea so literally. But in 2013, Hauer was giving a lecture on gravel-bed rivers at a Yellowstone To Yukon conference, and he saw one of the regions foremost grizzly bear biologists slap his head in amazement. Im going to have to change my entire research program based on what you just told me, Hauer recalled Mike Proctor saying. Because youre explaining, from a standpoint of a major feature of the landscape, why my bears are doing what the bears are doing. A year later, University of Montana elk-and-wolf expert Mark Hebblewhite had an identical experience after hearing the same talk. He told Hauer he needed to completely rethink what his elk and wolves were doing. So did Clint Muhlfeld, who studies fish habitat at the Flathead Lake Biological Station. Hauer himself has been studying river ecology for the past 40 years. Now the director of UMs Center for Integrated Research on the Environment, hes considered one of the leading experts on how rivers in the northern Rocky Mountains function. But as he spent more time with a growing network of regional scientists, he became increasingly convinced that new discoveries are best sought where his field touches the boundaries of other disciplines. *** What Hauer said what produced these eureka moments around the roundtable goes like this: People tend to think of rivers as water running down a rain gutter. Sometimes it dries up. Sometimes it overflows. But its just a ribbon running between two walls. That perception is completely wrong, said Harvey Locke, co-founder of the Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative and co-author of the scientific paper where this all comes together. Its more like a wet sponge," Locke said. "Imagine that whole system from valley wall to valley wall being a big gravel sponge. Sometimes that sponge is half-full of water. Sometimes its totally soaked. When its totally soaked, thats a flood. When its drying, you wont see any water in the channel at all. But its not about the channel. Its that whole wide system. The influence of gravel-bed rivers like the Clark Fork or the Bitterroot extend far beyond their banks. Hauers research showed the water seeps through the cobbles and boulders underground for hundreds, even a thousand meters beyond the riverbank. In spring runoff, the water spreads out and nourishes plant and microbe communities throughout its floodplain. Water flowing back into the main channel leaves behind impurities as it filters its way through the gravel. That underground flow stays insulated from the surface weather, staying cool in summer and unfrozen in winter. Interfere with that process, and a delicate web of life unravels. *** Missoula offers an easy-to-see example. Compare the new growth carpeting the rebuilt floodplain above the Clark Fork Rivers former Milltown Dam to the decrepit and collapsing cottonwood stands in the city center, where the riverbank has been fortified for most of a century. Without access to the underground floodplain water exchange, those shoreline forests cant support saplings and regeneration. Flatland rivers running on compacted silt and sand don't show this effect. They still flood over their banks, but only penetrate the fine sediment a meter or two a day. Gravel-bed rivers spread water underground hundreds of meters a day. The difference can be seen on the Flathead River up- and downstream of Kalispell. Above town, biodiversity in the gravel-bed channel is significantly greater than between Kalispell and Flathead Lake, where the river runs over an ancient delta of packed silt. There, the riparian ecosystem barely gets beyond the riverbanks. Why does this matter? Because in the Rocky Mountains, gravel-bed rivers make up about 3 percent of the landscape. But theyre home to 60 percent of the plants and animals that live here. Of the 235 bird species native to the northern Rockies, 200 of them spend a significant portion of their lives on riverbeds. About half of those nest there. So when Muhlfeld, the fish expert, looked at where bull and cutthroat trout were spawning eggs, it was always on gravel-bed streams where underground seeps brought fresh oxygen to the egg redds and flushed away the waste that might suffocate the embryos. When Proctor checked his grizzly satellite collars in spring, the locations were always in floodplains, where bears were grazing on the first plant shoots. When Hebblewhite plotted his wolf den locations, they all fell within short distances of river bottoms. So did most of the kill sites where they took down elk. Three weeks ago on a trip to Yellowstone National Parks Lamar River Valley, he and Locke watched a wolf take an antelope fawn to a den near Slough Creek, just off the gravel-bed floodplain. There are other flat places they could be, but theyre not, Hauer said. Theyre on the floodplains. The floodplain is the arena. Its not just a corridor where animals go up and down. *** Hauer and Locke had worked together for several years building support for the Transboundary Flathead River that flows out of British Columbia into Montana along the western edge of Glacier National Park. That campaign eventually produced a memorandum of understanding between the province and state that was later ratified by both the Canadian and U.S. governments, protecting the Flathead from future mining and energy development. As they built their arguments justifying the Flatheads significance, they realized how much the flowing water sloshed into other scientific disciplines beyond their own. So in February 2015, they got together with Proctor of Birchdale Ecological in British Columbia, riparian botanist Stewart Rood of Alberta's University of Lethbridge, and UM colleagues Hebblewhite, Muhlfeld, conservation biologist Victoria Dreitz, amphibian expert Winsor Lowe and restoration ecologist Cara R. Nelson. The group outlined their collective vision of a research paper and got to work. They had a final version drafted by November. You cannot submit to a higher profile journal than the Science AAAS journals, Hauer said, refering to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. A typical paper in Science Advances magazine is three pages - max, maybe four if theres lots of graphics. This is a 13-page paper. That is monster. An emailed statement from Science Advances editorial staff said the paper highlights future directions of interests for not only the scientific community, but policymakers and the public. In their review, Hauer and colleagues evaluated decades of research pointing to gravel-bed rivers and their floodplains as hotspots of biodiversity, the editors wrote. Their final analysis implies a need to modify development so that it is less impactful on these important ecosystems. "It does not proscribe development per se, but rather, should lead to development approaches and designs that are creative and adaptive to environmental efforts that seek to protect biodiversity. This kind of information is really helpful understanding how river systems are connected to upland systems, said Yvette Converse, coordinator of the Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative, which brings together government and private land managers. This paper shows how they relate to the timber industry, the mining industry, to roads and transportation. It helps us understand the changes we see developing dams and water storage. Rivers arent just the water that comes down them. Most of the authors of the paper limited their comments to the data and observations developed in their research. But Locke allowed himself to go a few steps further on those directions of interest. This is like having a new pair of glasses for seeing how rivers work, Locke said. And they show our relationship with the natural world is wrong and we need to fix it. Those relationship problems extend from local zoning rules about building houses in floodplains to plans in India, Nepal and China over hydroelectric dams on Himalayan rivers. They include new awareness of what threatened species like bull trout and grizzly bears need to survive from gravel-bed rivers. They affect how the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes manage flows out of Kerr Dam to restore the lower Flathead River, and what might happen if Congress approves requests to renovate Gibson Dam on the Rocky Mountain Front near Choteau. When we stabilize a gravel-bed river that should be mobile and dynamic, were locking it into place, Hauer said. If we lose the functionality of a gravel-bed river, we drastically lose the natural heritage we have in western Montana. HAMILTON Christine Elaine Cochell-Kay, 57, of Hamilton passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from breast cancer in the loving care of her daughter, son and grandchildren. She was born March 15, 1959, in Oregon City, Oregon, the daughter of Ronald and Lorene Cochell. With no formal education Christine had successful careers as a nurse, seamstress, cake decorator, answering service representative, business owner and home maker. Christine also worked as a receptionist and care counselor for Ravalli Services. She loved to shop and she devoted her time to loving her children and grandchildren. One of Christines favorite pastimes was playing Bingo. She passed time coloring adult coloring books to reduce anxiety brought on by the breast cancer. Christine is survived by two sons and one daughter, Benjamin Cox and wife Sheila, Jason Falk and wife Nicole and Jennifer Peak and husband Tarikh; three granddaughters; eight grandsons; three great-grandchildren, and many foster and stepchildren. Christine will be remembered for her loving spirit and her life long love of being a mother. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 2, at noon at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. There will be a reception following the services in the Daly-Leach Chapel Community Room with a slideshow of her life and times. The family asks that any donations be made to Daly-Leach Chapel for assisting with the funeral. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel. Two men with outstanding warrants, including one who ran away from police who were attempting to arrest him on Thursday, are in Missoula County jail. According to a court affidavit, the incident began when a Missoula police officer who was on patrol recognized Gregory Ike Borja Quitugua, 29, who had a warrant out for his arrest from Idaho. The officer made contact with Quitugua outside of his apartment building on the 1600 block of Russell Street where he lives with 31-year-old Brandon James Ramsey, who also had an active arrest warrant from Lake County. When Quitugua was talking with the officer, he said he needed to use the restroom, and was allowed to go into his residence. Quitugua told the officer Ramsey was in the shower, and the policeman informed the man of his warrant. While Quitugua was being put into a patrol car by a second officer, Ramsey allegedly took off running, losing the officers who chased him on foot by heading through the Hollywood trailer court. Police eventually saw him coming out of the back of a residence, and ordered him to the ground at gunpoint. The man who lived in the home Ramsey had come out of said he had been watching television when Ramsey ran inside and closed the door. The resident said Ramsey left after he started yelling at him. In Missoula County Justice Court on Friday, Justice of the Peace Marie Andersen set Quituguas bail at the $40,000 requested on the drug possession warrant from Idaho. Ramsey had $25,000 bail on the Lake County warrant for drug possession imposed, as well as an additional $30,000 after Missoula County prosecutors charged him with felony escape and misdemeanor trespassing for fleeing from the arresting officers. Bowls of huckleberries to the Missoula Food Bank, which held its fifth annual Empty Bowls, Full Souls dinner Wednesday and brought anti-hunger advocate and author Janet Poppendieck to the event as the featured speaker, as well as other members of the community to share their experiences with hunger. The Clay Studio of Missoula donated 175 bowls decorated by local artists, and Two Sisters Catering and Le Petit Outre filled those bowls with good food. The dinner helped draw attention to the increasing number of people relying on the food bank for their next meal, as well as the factors that lead to hunger in our community. Chokecherries to the Montana Department of Transportation and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for their slow action on resolving a longstanding problem with elk crossing Interstate 90 between Drummond and Gold Creek. MDT is finally beginning to explore a possible $1.5 million fencing project to guide elk to the four underpasses used by other wildlife to safely navigate the eight-mile stretch of road. This comes too late to help Duane Carlton, a retired Army lieutenant colonel from Bozeman who died in the early morning hours of June 6 when the Harley Davidson motorcycle he was driving hit an elk on the interstate about three miles east of Drummond. Huckleberry sundaes to Jakers Bar and Grill, which celebrated its reopening this past week, four months after a fire on Feb. 24 forced the Missoula restaurant to shut down. The fire, which ignited a gas line in the kitchen, caused extensive smoke damage and required extensive renovations. Meanwhile, Jakers owner Justin Philbrick committed to paying his entire staff of about 60 employees their full wages as well as their average tips. As a further generous gesture, the restaurant is inviting anyone whose birthday falls between Feb 24 and June 23 to enjoy a half-price meal and a free sundae until July 21. Heres a business that knows how to inspire loyalty among its employees and customers! Chokecherries to Glacier National Parks shrinking ice fields. While its been known for some time that the glaciers for which the park is named are gradually melting away, two new animations from NASAs Earth Observatory track the loss over three decades using satellite images. The number of glaciers in the park has dropped from about 150 in 1850 to only 25 today, and the parks last moving ice field is projected to be gone by 2030. Huckleberries to the dozens of volunteers who turned out to help St. Ignatius build a new elementary school playground, and still more huckleberries to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana for footing 90 percent of the bill. Last weekend more than 150 volunteers helped put together the playground equipment from the nonprofit KaBOOM! Thanks to their efforts, hundreds of children in the St. Ignatius area will be able to enjoy an outdoor attraction designed and approved by their very own community. As head of the Apple Computer Corporation, CEO Tim Cook moved the company to Ireland to stop paying taxes on the company as well as his $368 million salary. Besides the billions Apple saved by leaving America, Tim Cook found time to honor Congressman Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, with a special dinner last week to persuade the Republican Party to abandon their own nominee. Cook's calculated profiteering, constitutional obstruction and theft should be dealt with. Apple Computer, now a transnational company of the European Union with profits larger than some third-world countries, wants to control our election. Tim Cook and Ryan should be on a watch list by the Transportation Security Administration or the American electorate. Ryan thinks he's in for a free lunch, but may eventually find out he's on the menu. Britain succeeded in splitting the European Union. More nations will follow, and soon it will collapse. Millions of illegals will be left in Europe, unemployed, creating chaos and radical confusion. Yet, unhindered, Tim Cook flies into Washington because he sees his gross domestic product endangered. He has no national or party loyalty, only money. He bribes politicians with impunity, steals constitutional rights of Americans, and expects impunity. Even if our presidency is stolen, Americans will resist the bogus outcome. They will not obey the federal government. If the official Republican nominee is sabotaged, Americans have no choice but to resist, either by buying gold for security, or buying a rope and a scaffold. Mike Donohue, Kalispell What if Donald Trump never intended for things to get this far? What if he actually only intended to destroy the Republican Party and things got out of hand? There could be many reasons, unknown to me, for The Donald to want to destroy the Republican Party. They might have crossed him in one, or more, of his many atrocious, zany business deals. In any event, he may be seeking revenge upon the party. (That, of course, would be a good thing.) I have been thinking about this for months. Why else would he act so crazy and appear to be throwing the race to someone, anyone, else? Not so strangely, he has broad appeal to all the crazies of America who share his particular insanity. They take him at face value, for being real, and would follow him anywhere. Wont they be shattered if and when the truth finally comes out? If America proves to have a majority of nitwits, what will Trump do if he wins? He would be president of the United States of America, and that would be terrifying for him. And, it would be terrifying for all of the sane people who refused to vote for him, should he accept and be inaugurated to the office. We would need to do away with the Department of Homeland Security, dissolve the U.S. Border Patrol, and all secretly hustle across the border to hide out in Canada for the rest of Trumps term in office. But what if Trump refused to surrender the office after losing the following election? Uh oh! Bill Baum, Kalispell Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4775, a bill so harmful to clean air protections that it was nicknamed the Smoggy Skies Act. Im disappointed that U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke voted in favor of this dangerous attack on public health. Air pollution is dangerous and some people can be especially vulnerable, such as Montanas 17,000 children and more than 89,000 adults with asthma. The United States has made great progress in cleaning up dangerous ozone and other pollutants, thanks to the Clean Air Act. But with millions of Americans, including Missoulians, still living in areas where the air is unhealthy to breathe, we still have work to do to protect our families and neighbors. Weakening this highly successful public health law is absolutely a step in the wrong direction. The bill that the House of Representatives passed is harmful in two ways not only would it block more protective limits on ozone for years, it would also permanently weaken the Clean Air Acts health safeguards. Im disappointed that my representative, Congressman Zinke, voted to make it harder to protect people from asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and premature deaths from air pollution. I call on U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines to do the right thing and oppose the Smoggy Skies Act. Elisabeth Ristau, Missoula As a queer woman, Stonewall is very important to me. The site itself represents the beginning of a very important movement in this nations history. Much like Seneca Falls is remembered as the location where the womens rights movement first officially began, the Stonewall Inn is where the fight for LGBT+ rights first famously began. The weeklong uprising in June of 1969 that involved queer men and women changed the course of history for LGBT+ people in America. Without those brave individuals, I would not be able to be as out and proud as I am today. There are currently national monuments dedicated to the Native American civil rights movement, the African American civil rights movement, and the womens rights movement, all of which are still going on. It would mean so much to the LGBT+ people of America if our struggle was recognized in the same way. By establishing a national monument in Greenwich Village to commemorate this historical event, the president would show that he supports the struggle of LGBT+ people in this nation. It was best said by then-assistant of the Interior John Berry in 2000: Let it forever be remembered that here-on this spot-men and women stood proud, they stood fast, so that we may be who we are, we may work where we will, live where we choose, and love whom our hearts desire. It is so important to recognize the work and activism of this incredibly brave group of people who risked arrest and further discrimination to stand up for what they knew was right. Katherine Cowley, Missoula Gov. Steve Bullock allowed 875 bills to become law during his first term, but the 129 measures he vetoed highlight core differences with Republican legislators that have been the topic of repeated campaign attacks. The Legislature holds lawmaking authority, but the governors job, in part, is to drive the divided group toward solutions on key issues. Some, like infrastructure funding, are priorities for both parties that will pass or fail because of details, such as whether to use cash or go into debt. Other proposals, like lowering the income tax, are sought by one party but denounced by the other. Whether Bullock wins reelection or loses to Republican Greg Gianforte will set the tone for 2017 lawmaking. Some bills vetoed by Bullock likely would become law if Gianforte is elected to lead the state, while some measures passed by a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans, such as Medicaid expansion and tightened campaign finance laws, could be more susceptible to repeal or revisions. The possibility has fueled speculative attacks by Democrats, who highlight contributions by Gianforte to organizations that lobbied against some of those measures. Likewise, Gianforte has repeatedly denounced many of Bullocks vetoes as failed leadership. He declined to name specific policies he knows he would veto if they reached his desk. At a simplistic level, Im going to sign the good bills and veto the bad bills, Gianforte said, saying he would have supported tax reductions, infrastructure funding, regulation tweaks to strengthen natural resource development and bills to expand gun rights. *** Bullock has a different definition of good bill. A Lee State Bureau review of his vetoes shows where Bullock has drawn the line on favored Republican proposals. He has consistently vetoed bills to lower income taxes, citing the need for a balanced budget, and those that would loosen water regulations to encourage new development but potentially harm water quality. With nine vetoes, Republican Sen. Cary Smith of Billings has had more bills killed by Bullock than any other legislator, including proposals to expand monitoring for welfare fraud that the governor called redundant, a measure to define the scope of sex education in schools that Bullock said is a decision best left at the local level, a measure to limit the time window patients have to file malpractice lawsuits that would have set a different standard from other negligence suits, and bills to allow out-of-state insurance companies to sell policies in Montana which Bullock argued would be tough to monitor. Greg (Gianforte) would be certainly a governor more on the same lines of policy that I am, Smith said. Republican Sens. Roger Webb of Billings and Duane Ankney of Colstrip ranked second, having accrued 5 vetoes apiece for measures that ranged from barring state health officials, for privacy reasons, from collecting basic identifying information about home health workers aiding the elderly to adding a new definition of a natural stream that likely would have helped Arch Coal permit the proposed Otter Creek mine. Lucky me, Webb laughed. You cant write an article big enough. That man seriously is such a detriment to the people of Montana and most of that stuff is common sense stuff. Man, this things been looked at by 150 people. What gives one guy the right to say its not a good bill when 150 people said it was? Webb said he spoke with Gianforte about all his vetoed bills and received a favorable response. Ankney admitted that one of his vetoed measures, which would have provided $35 million to local governments in eastern Montana stretched thin by the Bakken boom, was one of several spending bills given to Bullock to test the governors commitment to a $300 million rainy day fund, which Republicans called excessive. That was a bad one, Ankney said. Because all indications were he was signing that bill, so I was really surprised. Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, said that if Gianforte is elected other proposals might surface that legislators have not brought forward with a Democrat in the governors office. Ive heard from other people, Why go through all the trouble of getting it through both chambers to put it on his desk if hes just going to veto it? he said, unsure of what those proposals might be. Bullock said some bills that he vetoed, like the 2015 proposal to lower income tax rates, likely were pushed through the Legislature for political posturing. By the Legislatures own balance sheets, they were already upside down $500 million. But maybe that bill was chosen so they could say, That governor is vetoing tax cuts, he said. Maybe in 2013 they said, Well really show him. Well hold all these bills and put them on his desk the last day, so they left me no choice but to veto them or sign them even if it busts the budget because the amendatory veto window had (run) out. *** The number of gubernatorial vetoes spiked in recent years from a handful to several dozen each session. In 2009, Democrats controlled one chamber and fellow party member Gov. Brian Schweitzer vetoed 11 bills. In 2011, when Republicans gained majorities in both the House and Senate, Schweitzer registered veto as a brand, burning the word into dozens of printed-out bills on the Capitol steps, a tally that would reach a 20-year high of 80 vetoes. Bullock, who inherited the same divided government, issued 73 vetoes in 2013 and 56 in 2015. If you have a governor from one party and both houses of the Legislature are controlled by the other party, its not surprising that the Legislature is going to pass some bills that the governor isnt going to like, University of Montana political scientist Robert Saldin said. The other thing is that our parties have become more polarized. The Republican party has become more conservative and the Democrats have become more liberal over time, so there are fewer of those people in the middle who can broker compromises than there were several decades ago. In a more general way, to me, the fact theres a lot of vetoes isnt necessarily a problem. Vetoes can be an important part of reaching a compromise, too, Saldin said. That can be part of the negotiation process of how governments function. I dont think weve gotten to the point where the governor refused to sign anything and we have a standoff. Bills do get passed. Most bills that fail to become law are killed by the Legislature. Committees kill them, the House or Senate votes against them or the measures fail to move to the next chamber by transmittal deadlines. When Bullock had 56 vetoes in 2015, 677 bills died in the Legislative process and 454 became law. About a third of the passed bills were sponsored by Democrats, including some priority pieces of legislation that only passed because the governor helped broker a coalition with some moderate Republicans. I think Democrats will pick up seats and I think the primary fight in the Republican party, the outcome of that helped him, Montana State University political scientist David Parker said, noting that moderate Republicans were not unseated by more conservative challengers that would be less likely to compromise with the governor. Theoretically, Gianforte going on should have more of his Legislative packages passed, but Bullocks always going to have more vetoes because the Legislature starts from a position where theres less agreement. Saldin agreed, but said that even if Gianforte is elected, the bipartisan coalition might remain. It would put those moderate Republicans a little bit more in the drivers seat, he said. They could just as easily work with more conservative Republicans as they would the Democrats. *** At the Republican partys recent platform convention, Gianforte called for party unity, saying if elected he would work to bring GOP legislators together. But if a coalition-backed bill crosses his desk, he might be left in the position of deciding which faction of his party to support. If Gianforte is elected governor and Republicans maintain control of the Legislature, they will probably see eye-to-eye on economic issues and tax issues, Carroll College political scientist Jeremy Johnson said. On other topics, It depends on which line Republicans push. GREAT FALLS (AP) A former member of the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council has pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the tribe and failing to pay income taxes for several years. The plea agreement calls for Brian Kelly Eagleman to pay $683,000 in restitution to the tribe and the Internal Revenue Service, according to federal court records. Eagleman, 53, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Great Falls to embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization, theft from an Indian tribal organization and income tax evasion. He is to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris on Oct. 6. His case is among about two dozen brought against tribal leaders and outside businesses and businessmen involving the misappropriation of federal funds, kickbacks and bribery in awarding tribal contracts. Eagleman acknowledged receiving $50,000 from an illegal finder's fee paid after the tribe's construction company purchased an overpriced and unneeded asphalt plant from a Billings contractor. Eagleman was among those approving the $1.7 million purchase as a member of the tribal business council and he received the $50,000 as a cashier's check payable to the IRS, prosecutors said. However, in early 2013, he conducted several bank transactions with the cashier's check and took the full amount in cash, leaving his debt to the IRS unpaid, court records said. Eagleman also acknowledged exploiting a tribal loan program to which he owes more than $243,000, court records said. Eagleman owed $246,000 in unpaid loans to the tribe in January 2012, but continued to borrow money despite new rules that said borrowers couldn't have an unpaid balance of more than $1,000 and the maximum individual loan was $500, prosecutors said. Between January 2012 and November 2015, Eagleman borrowed an additional $37,650. And finally, Eagleman pleaded guilty to failing to pay income taxes from 2003-2008 and in 2010. The total taxes owed were just over $60,000, but with penalties and interest the total due the IRS is nearly $123,000. The plea agreement also requires Eagleman to pay $410,000 in restitution to the tribe in the loan case and $150,000 in the kickback case. Any other sentences for the three charges are to be served concurrently, under the plea agreement. HAMILTON As firefighters work to shore up the most vulnerable edge of a nearly 1,000-acre fire southwest of Hamilton, the Ravalli County Commission took a step to reduce the fire danger in the valley below Thursday. Open burning in Ravalli County will close effective at one minute past midnight Friday. Hamilton Fire Chief Brad Mohn said the decision to close open burning was supported by all the fire chiefs in the valley. We think its time, Mohn said. With a large fire burning in an area that could potentially threaten homes, Mohn said the countys volunteer firefighters do not need any other fires to fight. People still will be allowed to have small backyard campfires under the terms of the closure. *** The Observation fire had grown to 971 acres by Thursday morning. Crews worked through Wednesday night to finish laying hose along the southern edge of the fire just north of the Lost Horse Creek Road. Darby District Ranger Eric Winthers said firefighters are pumping water out of Lost Horse Creek to help protect that southern edge. On Wednesday night, they used a burnout operation to create a black line on the north side of the road. Two dozer lines have been created. One runs southeast of Observation Point and connects in with a rock cliff. The other runs along the important eastern flank of the fire. Winthers said there could be additional dozer lines put in. Initial plans call for keeping the fire west of the 496 Road, south of Hayes Creek and north of the Lost Horse Creek Road. Firefighting efforts have been focused along the eastern flank of the fire to keep it from spreading toward residential areas closer to the valley floor. Aircraft dropped about 56,000 gallons of retardant on the eastern flank Wednesday. Additional water drops were made Thursday. They have been working that eastern flank pretty hard, Winthers said. Overall, things are looking pretty good. As of early Thursday afternoon, most of the fire activity was moving west into the goat rocks. West is a good direction for it to go and things are looking promising on the east, Winthers said. *** We dont know whats going to happen at this point, said Public Information Officer Anne Rys-Sikork. If we get rain on it, it will be great. If we get wind on it, it wont be so great. Management of the fire will be turned over to a Type 1 team Friday. Winthers said the decision to ask for those additional resources was due to the complexity of the fire and difficult terrain, its rapid growth, and proximity to residential areas. The Forest Service is hosting a community meeting at the Darby Community Center at 7 p.m. Friday. We want people to come and ask their questions, Rys-Sikork said. We will tell people what we know and what we think about this fire. A small town theater will host Hollywood royalty Friday. Actor Bill Pullman will attend the showing of his new movie, "Independence Day: Resurgence," at the Star Theatre on Main Street in Whitehall. Doors opens at 7 p.m.; the movie follows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be $5. The theater seats about 200, and seating is first come, first served. Pullman is expected to participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience after the movie. A silent auction during the event will benefit Whitehall's community library and pool. Signed posters and other items will be available for the auction. Pullman owns a ranch outside of Cardwell. He has family who live in the area. Pullman and his wife, Tamara, are in town to participate in Buttes Fourth of July parade. They will be on a float with other family members. Whitehalls Star Theatre is unique. Its reel-to-reel projector dated back to the 1930s. The theater was forced to close two years ago when movie suppliers began distributing movies in digital form only. But an effort led by locals to save the theater enabled the theater to purchase a digital projector and stereo sound equipment and do some other renovation work on the historical building. The Star reopened a few months later. According to Wikipedia, the science fiction film "Independence Day: Resurgence," is the sequel to the 1996 film "Independence Day" and also stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward, Judd Hirsch and Vivica A. Fox. The film focuses on the battle between Earth Space Defense, an international military defense organization, and the returning alien invaders during the 20th anniversary of humanitys first victory against the latter on July 4 the same date as the Independence Day in the United States. As the new BSW, Inc., executive director, Don Berryman aims to fill 18 current Butte openings at the nonprofit corporation, 845 S. Wyoming St. Competition from private and other group homes in the area takes its toll on BSWs staff. Its always been kind of a struggle, said Berryman, who replaced former Director Mary Jo Mahoney in March. We always have a few openings, but I think its a little higher at the moment. Most of the current openings are for habilitation aides, who provide clients or consumers, as corporate calls the disabled and special-needs people it serves. Other openings are in day programming and the BSW group home. Habilitation aides guide clients through every-day goals and life skills. They follow the consumers plans of care, said Leslie Bracco, BSW human resources director. Our goal is to help them live as independent as they can, based on their ability. Berryman said a recent wage increase boosts hourly salary for entry-level habilitation aides, day programmers and group home employees from $9.15 an hour to $10 an hour, starting July 9. You need a high school diploma or a GED and you have to pass our background and Medicaid dispensing tests, he said. The BSW Thrift Store, 2310 Cobban St., will pay employees a starting wage of $8.90 an hour also an 85-cent per hour increase starting July 9. The Dillon BSW and the Anaconda BSW each have three openings, too. To apply, see information box. Berryman also wants to boost marketing of the longtime local sheltered workshop and refine data collection. Were looking at some kind of performance improve or quality improvement, said Berryman. Some data collection so we can make better decisions. Formerly the Acadia Montana principal, he hopes to upgrade statistical data and expand marketing. Better publicity is high on his list, too. We want to market BSW better, he said. Were kind of an unknown entity in town. Not everybody knows were a nonprofit and we want the public to know what we do. Despite its low profile, BSW has a long-standing tradition of serving the community. A BSW board member for 10 years, Berryman is well acquainted with the governance end of the job, but he concedes that he still has a lot to learn. For instance, the process it takes to get clothing donations to the sales floor at the BSW Thrift Store, 2310 Cobban St., intrigues him. The community supports us really well with donations, but I dont think people know what it takes to get that donation to the racks, he added. I just want to let people know how it works. Its really fascinating to me. Special needs consumers enroll in day programs, manufacturing jobs and processing at BSW headquarters, 845 S. Wyoming St. They learn myriad hands-on skills, such as: making womens neckties for the Air Force via a Department of Defense contract producing firewood bundles, in collaboration with a local company, to sell at Butte locations building picnic tables and chairs in the wood shop building wooden stakes used in surveying jobs repairing protective jumpsuits for REC Silicon employees BSW has about 120 clients among the three locations: Butte, Anaconda and Dillon. WASHINGTON -- Et tu, Trey? A day after the House Benghazi committee released a final report that left Hillary Clinton relatively unscathed, conservative activists -- the conspiracy-minded ones who pressured House leaders to appoint the committee in the first place -- rounded on Chairman Trey Gowdy for failing to deliver the goods. "To say I was disappointed would be an understatement," retired Adm. James "Ace" Lyons complained at a meeting Wednesday afternoon of the Citizens' Commission on Benghazi, a coalition of far-right foreign-policy types. "Chairman Gowdy is not a stenographer. ... He was there to make findings and conclusions. He had the information. He copped out, which is consistent that we've seen with all our congressional leadership." Retired Gen. Thomas McInerney agreed that "the American people want to know from a group that spent almost two years on it what the conclusions are. That's what we pay you for, Mr. Gowdy." Charles Woods, the father of Ty Woods, one of the four Americans killed in Benghazi, lamented that "I really don't have closure as far as who made the decision not to rescue." And Roger Aronoff of Accuracy in Media, which convened the Citizens' Commission at the National Press Club, complained that "they put a bunch of transcripts in there, interviews, but they didn't weave it all together." There were murmurs of agreement from participants when Lyons said of Gowdy: "Regretfully, I don't think he measured up yesterday." A woman in the crowd floated a new Benghazi conspiracy. "Has someone in the GOP leadership gotten their fingers involved in watering down some of this to benefit Secretary Clinton?" she asked. Nobody rebutted this idea. Herein lies a lesson for Republicans who are perpetually trying to appease the far right: It's a fool's errand. They went to the tea party -- and now they're taking Donald Trump to the prom. Likewise, then-House Speaker John Boehner named the Benghazi committee because activists were dissatisfied that seven previous congressional investigations had failed to uncover major scandal material. Now an eighth has produced more of the same -- and the agitators are as agitated as ever. Two GOP members of Gowdy's own committee were dissatisfied enough to write their own narrative drawing more sweeping accusations against Clinton and President Obama. Gowdy must feel the need for some cover: A day after delivering what was supposed to be the definitive account of Benghazi, his committee called in another witness for an interview. Democrats pointed out that the interviewee had just removed from his Facebook page the hashtag #IfYouVoteForHillaryYouAreBeyondStupid. The Citizens' Commission on Benghazi, which held Wednesday's event, is not the most reputable outlet. It dropped "former CIA officer" Wayne Simmons as one of its 11 members after the former Fox News commentator, who it turns out had no military or intelligence experience, pleaded guilty to fraud charges this spring. Even without Simmons' creativity, the group managed to produce a 73-page Benghazi report this week full of inventive accusations. They found "troubling evidence that Obama and Clinton were deeply and knowingly involved in running guns to al-Qaeda in Libya," as well as "a clear case of official U.S. government submission to the Islamic Law on slander." They wrote that Clinton blocked U.S. military forces from attempting a rescue mission, and they attributed the decision to oust Libya's Moammar Gaddafi in part to financial interests of the Clinton Foundation. They judged that Obama -- one speaker referred to him as "Barack Hussein Soetoro Obama" -- had "an ideological commitment" to expanding the Muslim Brotherhood. They even gave longtime Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal credit for the administration's "support for the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood-led al Qaeda militias." In one elaborate theory, they tied those guarding the U.S. facilities in Benghazi both to Blumenthal and to the wife of a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. They even faulted Ambassador Chris Stevens, who died in Benghazi, saying he "rather romanticized the Libyan jihadis." "We see a field of smoking guns," Aronoff said. Clearly. But the Benghazi committee didn't. Gowdy "notably refrained from assigning blame or demanding accountability," Clare Lopez, of the Center for Security Policy and an adviser to the Ted Cruz presidential campaign, told the gathering. "He also did not draw a connection between the dots." Why? "I think he had his reasons -- political," McInerney said. He speculated that congressional leadership had approved "black operations" to run weapons from Benghazi to Islamic State forces in Syria. "That's the dirty little secret that nobody wants out," he said. Aha! So Gowdy himself is in on the Benghazi conspiracy. Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, @Milbank. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group My columns try to call for a common sense perspective in our government and politics. While I approach things from a progressive or liberal bent, in my comments I try to bring facts and reason to bear. In that vein, I believe the impact of Montanas current medical marijuana legal situation on over 12,000 patients calls for the immediate application of some common sense from our state courts. First, a brief disclaimer: my daughter and son-in-law own and operate a small medical marijuana dispensary that provides specific help to nearly 100 Montanans -- just 7/10th of one percent of the 13,640 patients statewide. She tells me that each of their patients has individualized medical needs that are met by use of medical marijuana in specific forms designed to address their individual problems, ranging from glaucoma to rheumatoid arthritis, cancer to epilepsy, Crohns disease to AIDS. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday said that it would not take up a legal appeal of the Montana legal action, just as it does not consider 97-99 percent of the appeals sent its way. That US Supreme Court rejection throws the legal ball totally back into Montanas Court System, where some good government common sense needs to be applied. Earlier this year data from the state Department of Public Health and Human Services showed 13,640 as the statewide number of medical marijuana patients, ranging from 18 to over 90 years old, and an average patient age of 47 years from nearly every county. Those patients were served by 471 medical cannabis providers, ranging from 1 to over 700 patients. Therein lies the rub and the common sense challenge. The February 25, 2016 Montana Supreme Court decision restricted each provider/dispensary to three patients, effective August 31st. The most patients the 471 providers in Montana could provide medication to would then be 1,413 patients, leaving 12,227 patients without a provider. Most likely, many providers will have to close down. What business or medical provider could operate with just three legislatively-mandated patients? So the number of unprotected Montanans will likely be even higher -- more than 12,227 Montanans left hanging, swaying in the wind, come August 31. That might be the way it is as they say, but there is an intervening fact. Just 70 days later all Montanans will decide at the ballot box whether or not to too reenact a new and improved responsible and accountable administration of our medical marijuana program. Initiative 182 turned in 42,156 signatures to Clerk & Recorders by the deadline, way more than the 24,175 signatures needed and likely to qualify in 40-50 legislative districts (34 districts required). Based upon history (62 percent voted FOR medical marijuana in 2004) and current strong current support, its likely that every one of those 12,000 plus Montanans ruthlessly thrown off their medicines August 31 will be able to sign up come November. But, life disruption to what purpose? Thats the common sense challenge. Does this life-altering situation for 12,000 Montanans jolting them in and out of their important medical regimes for 70-90 days seem to be the best way to handle this technical deadline issue. After all, the implementation of this draconian statute has been in limbo for more than 5 years. Delaying it another 70-90 days to avoid serious disruption in the lives of over 12,000 Montanans seems to be a no-brainer. Our courts need to enforce the law, but our system has room for the humane administration of justice. District Judge James Reynolds, who now has the case, or the Supreme Court itself, should do the common sense and humane thing and delay the deadline until after the election. Attorney General Tim Fox ought to also apply common sense and compassion not further appeal anything. In fact, he should remove his objection to the current post-election date appeal and show some respect and concern for the 12,000 Montanans who need his help. In this case, justice delayed will not be justice denied. It will be the demonstration of compassion and common sense by elected officials who ought to know whats right. There is no reason to subject 12,000 of our fellow Montanans with cancer and other debilitating diseases to anything but common sense. -- Evan Barrett, who lives on the Butte Hill, recently retired after 47 years at the top level of Montana government, politics, economic development and education. The Department of Interior has placed a sweeping moratorium on new federal coal leases in the United States. The stated objective of the moratorium is to pause the leasing in order to conduct a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) of this program. But there are strong suggestions that the true aim of Interiors move is to simply place a permanent stop to all federal coal production. Even environmental groups, Interiors usual allies, agree that this is more than a temporary pause as they laud the decision as a means to kill coal jobs. Interior recently completed a series of public listening sessions to collect comments on their PEIS process. They held sessions in a number of coal-producing Western states, but they conspicuously avoided Montana, arguably the state most impacted by their decision. Oh, but they did find time to hold a hearing in Seattle though Washington produces no federal coal and is not impacted by the proposal. Interiors snub prompted Senator Daines to hold his own listening session for Montanans, the comments from which will be put on the record with Interior. Hundreds of people turned out for Dainess hearing on June 21 in Billings, with opposition to Interiors decision outweighing the supporters by about four to one. There was so much opposition to Interior because the elimination of federal coal leasing in Montana is a really big deal. Montana holds the largest coal reserves in the country, but more than half of that coal is owned by the federal government. That means there are thousands of jobs in Montana directly dependent on federal coal. Interiors decision to stop coal leasing will eventually destroy all those jobsat the mines, on the railroads, and in generating facilities. This is going to be an enormous economic hit to the state of Montana. And though its centered in southeastern Montana in places like Colstrip, itll have a ripple effect that touches every community in the state. Montanas budget depends a great deal on coal production. Federal coal is especially valuable because half of the royalty revenues collected by Interior are returned to the state, amounting to about $50 million per biennium for the state General Fund. That revenue is in addition to all the other taxes paid by coal companies on federal productiontaxes on property, business equipment, payroll, and income. Simply put, our state budget is very dependent on coal productionespecially production of federal coaland undermining that industry will make it more difficult to fund education, law enforcement, infrastructure, and other core functions of government. Production of tribally-owned coal is also put in jeopardy by Interiors decision. Already, the Crow have laid off hundreds of workers due to the political attacks that have undermined the industry over the last two years. Interior has claimed that the leasing moratorium is necessary so they can determine if coal companies are paying their fair share for the federal coal they produce. That excuse rings hollow. Recent data indicate that coal producers pay five times as much in federal royalty payments as they make in profit from mining that coal. The real objective of Interiors leasing moratorium is fairly obvious: put a stop to federal coal mining. When taken together with the plethora of other federal regulations aimed at killing coal, the picture becomes clear. The biggest threat to Montana coal is not soft marketsits entirely political. And thats why we need our political leaders to fight back. Senator Daines deserves a big thank you from all Montanans for protecting their interests in this matter. Its a fight we cant afford to lose. -- State/ Senator Duane Ankney, R-Colstrip, represents Senate District 20. He serves on the Senate Energy Committee. When Donald Trump becomes President of the United States, there will be many changes. The White House will be known as the Trump House and it will be painted gold. The first order of business will be to build a big, large, huge wall across the border of the United States and Mexico. But at the same time Canada will be building a big, large, huge, wall across the border of Canada and the United States to keep out the millions of U.S. citizens who will want to immigrate to Canada. President Trump will set up many new cabinet positions. 1. The Secretary of Women's affairs, which will relate to concerns of affairs of women past, present and future. 2. Secretary of all lies which will become the truth. The truth will be at the decision of the President. Not debatable. 3. Secretary of how the rich an get out of paying taxes because they are good at this and Mr. Trump knows how it is done to his satisfaction. 4. Secretary of how to use the B word in a most injurious way as not to insult certain people but just the ones who deserves to be called a B---h. 5. Secretary of how to make fun of disabled people because we can, and protocol is on record as naught. 6. Secretary of the truth which will not conflict with the Secretary of all lies but will be forced to manipulate4 the upside of the downside without wavering. 7. Secretary of controversy and words, which will directly report to the Department of Politically Correct, which will report to the Secretary of, "I don't give a Damn." 8. Secretary of intolerance of others which will not use the words, bigot, sleezeball, freaks, lunatics, nuts of loony unless needed. All citizens will have to be Trumped including aliens from some other country or some other planet before the full moon. -- LaVon Brillhart, Dillon MUSCATINE, Iowa Betty Collins, the children's librarian at Musser Public Library, will step out of her comfort zone to direct the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra on the Fourth of July. "I'm feeling a little bit of fear. I'm not a musician, but I was happy to agree to be part of the battle to earn money for the orchestra," Collins said. The Battle for the Baton fundraiser for the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra began in February, and more than $5,000 was raised. Five local celebrities, Bob Allbee, retired educator, Dave Bakke, naturalist/park officer, Betty Collins, youth services librarian, Gerardo Gomez, freshman music major at UNI, and Kas Kelly, Muscatine County Supervisor, all competed. Shelley Lawson, who organized the fundraiser, said while Bob Allbee took an early lead, Collins was victorious. "I was surprised because, although I am a well-known face and know tons of people, most of those people are under four-feet-tall," she joked. Collins will conduct a song at dusk, approximately 8 p.m., at the Fourth of July MSO concert on the riverfront. In case of rain, the performance will be held at Wesley Methodist Church. She said she is glad the orchestra members are professionals, because her experience as a musician has been limited to playing some piano, but she feels lucky to have a symphony orchestra in Muscatine. "It's fantastic that we have one, I'm more than willing to make a fool of myself to raise funds for them," Collins said. Collins is looking forward to the new experience. "I'm terrified, but thrilled. I'm sure this will be a once in a life time experience," she said. For more information about the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra visit http://www.muscatinesymphony.org/. MUSCATINE, Iowa Central Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Muscatine-based CBI Bank & Trust and Galeburg, Illinois-based F&M Bank, has purchased Brimfield Bank in Brimfield, Illinois and merged it into F&M Bank. The transaction, which was announced in March, was completed on July 1, 2016. The transaction has gone very smoothly, said Greg Kistler, President and CEO of Central Bancshares, Inc. By bringing this bank into our organization, weve grown our company to nearly $850 million in total assets and over a dozen banking locations. The Brimfield location will operate under the name F&M Bank. No action is required on the part of customers, and account numbers, checks, debit cards, automatic payments and similar items will not change. Further information is included in a mailing that has been sent to account holders this week. Were extremely pleased to have the Brimfield Bank employees join our banking family, and were excited by the opportunity to serve our new clients, said Doug Sanders, President and CEO of F&M Bank. We have three locations in Galesburg and one in Peoria, Sanders added. This will provide them with additional options for conducting banking transactions. It also enables us to bring a wider range of services mobile banking, commercial cash management, and trust and investment services, just to name a fewto the Brimfield clients. The Brimfield location will change over to F&M Banks computer system later this year, and clients will then be able to enjoy full account support at all five F&M Bank locations. Central Bancshares, Inc., is the privately-held parent company of two wholly-owned subsidiary banks: CBI Bank & Trust, based in Muscatine, Iowa, and F&M Bank, located in Galesburg, Illinois. Together they serve approximately 40,000 households and businesses through 13 banking centers located in Muscatine, Wilton, Washington, Coralville and Kalona, Iowa, and Galesburg, Peoria, Brimfield and Buffalo Prairie, Illinois. A fourteenth location will be added with CBI Bank & Trusts pending acquisition of the Davenport, Iowa office of MidWestOne Bank, which is scheduled for completion in early August. MUSCATINE, Iowa No arrest has been made in the armed robbery of the Muscatine Check into Cash location on Park Avenue Thursday evening. Lt. Tim Hull of the Muscatine Police Department said they are retrieving surveillance video hoping that a member of public will recognize the suspect. They have released the video. The suspect is described as a thin black male with an African dialect. He was wearing green pants and covered his face with a black ski mask. The robbery was reported at 5:19 p.m. Thursday. Check into Cash is located at 1903 Park Ave. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Lt. Hull at 263-9922 ext. 608. Peggy Senzarino of the Muscatine Journal WILTON, Iowa The Wilton United Methodist Church, 1401 Maurer St. will hold Vacation Bible School July 11-12. Preschool age children will attend from 9 a.m. to noon. Children in kindergarten through sixth grades will attend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, call the church office at 563-732-2084. There is no charge. Lunch will be provided. The theme of this year's program is "Surf Shack: Catch God's Amazing Love." It is a Bible-based program involving a variety of activities including art projects, music, science and recreation. 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 [] Crime is influencing nearly every sector of South Africas society, forcing people to live behind high walls and implement extreme measures to limit their chances of becoming a victim. South African businesses, especially brick-and-mortar stores selling high-value electronic goods, also have to take measures to stop theft. Apart from the scourge of shoplifting and armed robbery, shops also have to guard against theft by their employees. It is now commonplace for electronics stores to have full-time security guards who check every purchase as shoppers leave the shop. This, however, is not always enough. Many stores keep valuable items like smartphones and tablets under lock and key, where the item can only be fetched after payment. While we have grown accustomed to this treatment in SA, it can ruin a shopping experience which should be easy and pleasant. The graphic below, which uses a prominent South African technology retailer as an example, shows how crime has influenced your shopping experience in the country. More on crime Mall of Africa security in place to fight crime Mall of Africa gets huge Wi-Fi network See the huge queues at the Mall of Africa Grand Opening photos MTN South Africa will not renew certain labour broker contracts when they expire on 31 July. The decision will affect 63 temporary staff at its Midrand warehouse. MTN SA is streamlining and modernising its Midrand warehouse operations to improve efficiencies and customer service, it said. MTN SA has provided the labour brokers notice of its decision not to renew the contracts and has also provided an undertaking for payment to the labour brokers and their staff for the notice period. More on MTN MTN SA CEO gets R5.2 million in shares MTN hits back over its white CEO Afrihost buying back controlling stake from MTN Questions you can expect in an MTN job interview MTN to pay R25-billion fine WorleyParsons strongly objects to any speculation that it is affiliated with Russian nuclear firm Rosatom, saying there is no conflict of interest in performing its services to the Department of Energy (DoE). This follows a picket by environmentalist outside the offices of WorleyParsons in Johannesburg on Thursday, as a result of its alleged links to Rosatom while providing advice to the DoE on the 9.6 GW nuclear programme. Announcing the picket, Earthlife Africa (ELA) Johannesburg called on the DoE to rescind its decision to contract WorleyParsons because it is a conflicted party by its relationship with Rosatom. In addition, it wants the DoE to make public the scope of WorleyParsons appointment and at what cost to the South African taxpayer. However, WorleyParsons refuted any relationship with Rosatom. WorleyParsons confirms that it is not in any way affiliated with Rosatom or any of the technology vendors, and always acts in support of and is committed to its clients interests and objectives, it said in a statement on Friday. WorleyParsons has never been and is not in any conflict of interest in performing its services on the various nuclear projects around the world and strongly objects to any speculation in that regard. It said it has advised the South African public sector on a number of energy matters including nuclear projects for nearly 40 years. Employing over 1 000 people in South Africa, WorleyParsons said its eschews all forms of improper business practice. It strongly opposes any actions, statements and allegations that challenge WorleyParsons high standards of integrity and business ethics in all its project works, business dealings, and relationships with clients and partners. WorleyParsons revealed it is working directly with the DoE on the nuclear project. The company has advised these owners on their dealings with a range of technology vendors, it said. WorleyParsons said it is one of the leading consultants in the nuclear field. We are actively involved in many nuclear programmes around the world, it said. WorleyParsons has worked on, and continues to work on nuclear development and construction projects in various countries. This has allowed WorleyParsons to develop unique and unrivaled expertise and experience for the benefit of its clients. Specifically WorleyParsons has expanded its nuclear advisory practice as more countries consider nuclear power generation as an option to meet their energy demands, it said. Fin24 More on Rosatom South Africas nuclear build will cost less than R1 trillion: experts South Africas nuclear deal put on hold Why South Africas nuclear deal will end in junk status South Africa must optimise nuclear deal for cheap electricity Standard Bank says an investigation into a R300m ATM fraud hit in Japan is at an advanced and sensitive stage. On May 15, about 100 people reportedly used forged Standard Bank credit cards to withdraw 1.8bn (over R250m) from 1 400 ATMs in Tokyo and other areas in Japan. Standard Bank later confirmed the incident and estimated that it lost about R300m in the crime. But a report this week in the Japan News has further linked the crime to the alleged hacking of a computer system belonging Standard Bank South Africa. Japan News reported that an analysis of the computer system revealed that a program in the system was operated with no authorisation early in the morning on May 15, shortly before the withdrawals were made. Standard Bank, in responding to the report, said the investigation into the crime is still ongoing. The current investigation has reached an advanced and sensitive stage, Standard Bank spokesperson Ross Linstrom told Fin24 in an email. Standard Bank is cooperating and assisting authorities both locally and abroad. Due to the sensitivity of the investigation and the multi-jurisdictional nature of the enquiry it would be inappropriate for Standard Bank to comment on speculation regarding this matter, add Linstrom. The bank further reiterated that no customer losses occurred as a result of the ATM fraud in Japan. Immediate action taken by Standard Bank contained any further losses, and as communicated in May, the gross loss to Standard Bank is still estimated at R300m, said Linstrom. Complex, organised crime South African officials also reportedly flew over to Japan in the middle of June while 10 people have been arrested, according to Japan News. Meanwhile, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) has indicated that it is not investigating this matter itself but that it is supporting both Standard Bank and law enforcement with their investigation. Sabric couldnt disclose the kind of support it has been offering Standard Bank and law enforcement agencies. We dont do investigations as part of Sabrics work. We support the banks, we support law enforcement on behalf of the banks in terms of any investigation, and we obviously have certain roles to play in terms of coordinating thats Sabrics role in this, Sabric CEO Kalyani Pillay told Fin24 by phone. It is ongoing; the investigation has not been completed we cant make any statement or comment around this, Pillay added. Pillay further said that law enforcement agencies in both countries are working together. She further said that the crime is clearly highly organised and sophisticated with syndicates involved and that the investigation is complex. This incident was the first of its kind that weve ever seen in this country, said Pillay. Fin24 More on banks Standard Bank was hacked in R300 million fraud hit: report FNB warning SARS eFiling scam in South Africa ROCKY FORD, Colo. Peggy Sheahan's rural Otero County is steadily losing population. Middle-class jobs vanished years ago as pickling and packing plants closed. She's had to cut back on her business repairing broken windshields to help nurse her husband after a series of farm accidents, culminating in his breaking his neck falling from a bale of hay. She collects newspaper clippings on stabbings and killings in the area one woman's body was found in a field near Sheahan's farm as heroin use rises. "We are so worse off, it's unbelievable," said Sheahan, 65, who plans to vote for Donald Trump. In Denver, 175 miles to the northwest, things are going better for Andrea Pacheco. Thanks to the Supreme Court, the 36-year-old could finally marry her partner, Jen Winters, in June. After months navigating Denver's superheated housing market, they snapped up a bungalow at the edge of town. Pacheco supports Hillary Clinton to build on President Barack Obama's legacy. ___ EDITOR'S NOTE This story is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society. ___ "There's a lot of positive things that happened obviously the upswing in the economy," said Pacheco, a 36-year-old fundraiser for nonprofits. "We were in a pretty rough place when he started out and I don't know anyone who isn't better off eight years later." There are few divides in the United States greater than that between rural and urban places. Town and country represent not just the poles of the nation's two political parties, but different economic realities that are transforming the 2016 presidential election. Cities are trending Democratic and are on an upward economic swing, with growing populations and rising property values. Rural areas are increasingly Republican, shedding population and, as commodity and energy prices drop, suffering economically. "The urban-rural split this year is larger than anything we've ever seen," said Scott Reed, a political strategist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who has advised previous GOP campaigns. While plenty of cities still struggle with endemic poverty and joblessness, a report from the Washington-based Economic Innovation Group found that half of new business growth in the past four years has been concentrated in 20 populous counties. "More and more economic activity is happening in cities as we move to higher-value services playing a bigger role in the economy," said Ross Devol, chief researcher at the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank. "As economies advance, economic activity just tends to concentrate in fewer and fewer places." That concentration has brought a whole host of new urban problems rising inequality, traffic and worries that the basics of city life are increasingly out of the reach of the middle class. Those fears inform Democrats' emphasis on income inequality, wages and pay equity in contrast to the general anxiety about economic collapse that comes from Republicans who represent an increasingly desperate rural America. These two different economic worlds are writ large in Colorado. It is among the states with the greatest economic gap between urban and rural areas, according to an Associated Press review of EIG data. The state's sprawling metropolitan areas from Denver to Colorado Springs is known as the Front Range. As it has grown to include nearly 90 percent of the state's population, it has trended Democratic. Rural areas, which have become more Republican, resent Denver's clout. In 2013, a rural swath of the state unsuccessfully tried to secede to create its own state of Northern Colorado after the Democratic-controlled statehouse passed new gun control measures and required rural areas to use renewably generated electricity. In Denver, City Councilman Rafael Espinoza elected to Denver's last year as part of a group of candidates questioning the value of Denver's runaway growth. Espinoza has seen his neighborhood of modest bungalows occupied by largely Latino families transformed into a collection of condominiums housing affluent professionals. "Money just drives the discussion. In the presidential, Bernie Sanders was my guy for that one reason," Espinoza said. In contrast, Bill Hendren is desperate for money. He has about $4 in coins in a plastic cup he keeps in the cottage on a small farm where he lives, rent-free. Hendren's truck was stolen 18 months ago and he was unable to travel to perform the odd jobs in Otero County that kept him afloat. He's now functionally homeless and a Trump backer. "I don't ever see a president caring about anyone who's living paycheck to paycheck if they did they'd have put the construction people back to work," Hendren said. "Trump's got the elite scared because he doesn't belong to them." If bad luck and geography conspired to impoverish Bill Hendren, it's an excess of money that's to blame for Robin Sam's plight. Sam, 62, left one apartment counting on moving into another one being built in the rapidly-gentrifying and historically black neighborhood where he grew up. But that facility raised its rent over the threshold of Sam's $1,055 Section 8 voucher, and he's been living in a homeless shelter all year, unable to find a new place in Denver's fiercely competitive housing market. "I feel like I'm being pushed out," said Sam, who is black. He recalls houses and apartments being barred to blacks in his youth decades ago, but senses something else at play now. "It's money and money changes everything," he said. Despite a wildfire that destroyed one of its buildings on June 28, Calistogas Old Faithful Geyser escaped destruction and remained open for business, workers said. The major exhibits were not damaged. But it was a close thing. The first sign of trouble was a loud pop followed shortly by a louder bang that startled employees working in an office at Old Faithful Geyser late in the afternoon of June 28. Tim (Widoff) yelled Weve got a fire, said Alston Cole who works in the Geyser office for another company owner Koray Sanli owns. I started to grab all my things and then Tim said, Alston, your car, Cole said. Coles car was parked in the parking lot just feet away from where the fire was raging. It was scary, she said. It was a mad dash for Cole and others as they were forced to wait for oncoming traffic and firefighting equipment to clear to get out of the parking lot. The call came in to dispatchers at 4:50 p.m. as the fire raged in a maintenance shop connected by a carport to the gift shop, which is also the visitor entrance and office building. The fire was just inches away from the main building, Sanli said. He said he shouted at a man in the parking lot who Sanli thought was getting dangerously close to the flames. Embers from the fire blew east across Tubbs Lane, moving away from the Geyser and the Old Faithful Farm animals, and landed on both sides of Myrtledale Road racing toward Duffys Rehab. Most of the damage done at the Geyser occurred in the one building and vegetation, including some large cacti, a bamboo forest and other trees and bushes. The fire burned several PG&E poles leaving 1,675 customers without power, but power was restored to all but 289 customers by 9 p.m., said J.D. Guidi, a PG&E representative. The Geyser is still without power and probably will be for another week or so. They are making arrangements to get a gas-powered generator to run the electricity. About 8 acres of land was blackened and the fire sent a plume of thick white smoke over the whole region. Tubbs Lane from Highway 128 to Highway 29 was closed until 4 a.m. Wednesday. Calistoga Fire Department was assisted by crews from all over the county that included 13 engines, three water tenders, three volunteer companies, an ambulance, and a total of 75 personnel. Two air tankers dropped fire retardant from the Geyser and across the road, and a helicopter and one air attack plane, with 6 personnel helped battle the blaze, Cal Fire officials said. The bright pink stripes on Tubbs Lane and charred trees stand out starkly against the blackened remains. Cal Fire reports that 11 homes were saved by crews during the containment, which was reported at 6:54 p.m. Tuesday. The fire is under investigation but is thought to have started from something electrical in the maintenance structure. Cal Fire estimates damages at $150,000. An insurance representative was at the Geyser Thursday afternoon. With no damage to the Geyser or other attractions at the tourist attraction Old Faithful Geyser was open for business Wednesday. Were fortunate, Sanli said. Life goes on. When David Shawn Blaziek, 45, saw someone breaking into his truck last March, he never thought confronting the criminal would end with gunshots, nor did he think he would be charged himself. Although the nine rounds he fired down the 2500 block of Wimbledon Street didnt hit anyone, Blaziek has been charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. He this this charge is unfair, he said on Thursday. It was 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7 when Blaziek saw someone in the drivers seat of his truck and was shocked when he realized it looked like the person was trying to steal it, he said. When I seen him in my truck, my heart was in my throat, he said. He grabbed his pistol just in case and headed outside, he said. I got him out of my truck at gunpoint, Blaziek said. I was going to try to make a citizens arrest. Moments later, the criminals apparent accomplice was heading toward him in a Porsche, Blaziek said. He said he didnt realize that the vehicle was heading toward him until it was about 20 feet away. It was crazy, he said. She was going to run me over. It was reaming right at me, he said. It was then that, although he was able to get out of the way of the vehicle, he started shooting. My adrenaline was so high, I was scared and before I knew it my gun was empty, he said. The whole experience was surreal. The suspects involved with the attempted theft, thwarted by Blaziek, were arrested later that day after a police chase. Just before noon, an American Canyon police officer spotted a silver Cayenne roaring southbound on Highway 29, passing other vehicles on the right shoulder. The officer tried to stop the Porsche, but it continued south at speeds up to 80 mph, police said. The car, traveling on a flat rear tire, hit two vehicles when it tried to get through the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 37. Thats when the officer rammed the Porsche, forcing it stop. The driver, the same man Blaziek found in his truck, was identified as Sean Ryan Veitch, 29, of San Francisco. His female passenger was identified as Rachael Leilani Salvador, 33, of Novato. The Porsche had been reported stolen days earlier. Veitch and Salvador were arrested and booked at the Napa County jail. I dont feel like I did anything wrong, Blaziek said of his actions. I was scared. Blaziek was not arrested for shooting his Glock 26 pistol on a city street, but the District Attorneys Office did file a misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon charge against him in Napa County Superior Court. Blazieks attorney, Jeff Hammond, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf in court on June 16 before Judge Monique Langhorne. Hammond would not comment on the case since it is still quite new and Blaziek has only had one court appearance. Blaziek, though, said that they intend to fight the charges. I was defending myself, he said. These people are bad and I just dont feel like I should have to pay for that. The DAs Office is not seeking any jail time, said Deputy District Attorney Allison Haley, who would not comment any further on the case. If Blaziek takes an offer from the DA to plead guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor assault before the trial setting conference, he will serve no jail time, no probation and will have to pay standard fines, according to court documents. An assault is punishable by a fine of no more than $1,000, according to California law. If Blaziek does not take the plea offer and is convicted of misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, he may face a fine up to $10,000. A settlement conference is scheduled for July 26. Since the incident, Blaziek said that most people he has talked about it with support him and his actions. One of those supporters is his neighbor, Jerry Underwood, who said he was disappointed to learn that the DA filed charges against Blaziek. He should get a medal, I think, Underwood said on Wednesday. Blaziek was just defending himself and his property, he said. Underwood even credits Blaziek for helping get the suspects arrested. They had no regard for the safety of anyone else driving on the highway or the safety of the neighborhood, he said. You have two sides to every story, he said. Underwood, who has lived in the neighborhood nearly 40 years, said that the neighborhood is usually pretty quiet. Who knows? He may have reacted differently if there were a sidewalk full of children. Blaziek said that no one was on the street when the shots were fired he knows because he was yelling for help, he said. It was a ghost town. Children were at school and most adults were at work, he guessed. Spring break for Napa Valley School District was still two weeks away. But Jessica Titus, who lives down the street from Blaziek, said that her two children had been playing outside only 10 minutes before the incident. She and her children, ages 1 and 3 at the time, were sitting inside by their front window when they heard a few pops, she said. Titus said that some of the shots were fired directly in front of her next-door neighbors house, meaning that the bullets traveled passed her own home. She was terrified, she said pointing to her daughter, now 4, who was holding an Elsa doll. Titus said that she made sure her kids were safe and then called 911. I completely understand arming yourself but [shooting] in a neighborhood down the street is insane to me, she said. He (Veitch) wasnt harming anybody, he was stealing he was no threat to anybodys life. Titus was relieved to find out that Blaziek had been charged, even if it was only a misdemeanor. He was the worst person in the situation, she said. He should not have a right to carry or have any guns whatsoever, Titus said. If they were (children) were playing hopscotch on the street, I wouldve never shot, Blaziek said. In fact, he said, he didnt expect to be shooting anyone, but nearly being run over was a game-changer. Im not a criminal, he said. Blaziek, who has lived on Wimbledon Street for 19 years, is a homeowner and business owner with no criminal record, he said. I just dont think its fair. I sat down for the seminar ready to learn about and taste wines from the Republic of Georgia. It is a region that I knew very little about and was excited to begin the exploration into wine from what might be the oldest wine-making region on earth: Georgia has been making wine for 8,000 years. But little is known about the wine here in the United States. Despite the 8,000 vintages they have been producing wine, the industry has been affected by the history of the country. Since the Middle Ages, Georgia has been invaded by other countries. Each time a new invasion came in, the vines were ripped out. But each time, the families would save some of the vines and plant them in their backyards, propagating them. When the Soviet Union took over, they restricted Georgia to grow only two grapes (rkatsiteli and saperavi) and made them sweet for the Russian market. Again, it was lucky that individuals would hold onto the vines, producing hyper-artisanal wines in their homes and not for commercial use. This history is a key part to understanding Georgian wine, Taylor Parsons, wine director of Republique in Los Angeles, explained at the seminar. Parsons recently returned from a first-time, 10-day visit to the county. Parsons also did not know what to expect on his visit as his knowledge of Georgian wine was elementary at best. But, while he says he is still a neophyte, he came home amazed and says that Georgian wine has a place in what we do. In order to find this place for Georgian wines, it is important to start to understand the wines, for which there is little information available. It is also important to understand the wines in context to the legacy of the country. There is a skewed proportion of small producers to large producers. There are no mid-sized wineries in Georgia. Most of the wineries are making 2,000-3,000 bottles per year. There are approximately eight producers who make 7 million bottles per year, about the same production amount as the 10th biggest winery in the United States. I knew tasting the wines of Georgia would be different. But as they came around and poured the wines, a wine novice would question what was in front of them. Instead of the bright lemon or golden colors of white wines, the white wines ranged from yellow and golden to pale peach and orange. The red wines, however, are more the typical shades of purple, ruby and garnet that we are familiar with. The wines are made in large vessels called qvevri, which means below. These are concrete tanks built underground. If you are a fan of The Amazing Race, you will understand what I am talking about as this past season the teams were required as one of their challenges to clean out grapes skins from the qvevri at a winery in Georgia. Georgia is a predominantly white wine culture, and the variance found in white wines is diverse. In many cases, the white wines are made like red wines and are macerated on their skins. This is what is unique to Georgian white wines. The grape juice can be macerated with stems or without them. It is up to the winemaker if and how much of the skins they use and for how long. But the with skin contact, there are notable tannins found in the white wines. In addition, many of the white wines are not filtered or fined so they have a hazy look. Here are some of the key grapes to look for: Rkatsiteli This is the most widely planted white grape in Georgia, especially on the east side of the country. Mtsvane The name means green and is one of the varieties that has been continuously cultivated for 24 centuries. Chinuri A grape from Kartli in the center of Georgia. Kisi This grape variety was almost extinct as of 2006, but today, while rare, is it more widely planted. It produces a round, fruity, friendly wine that can be likened to viognier in style. TsolikouriThis high-acid grape is the most planted white wine grape in the west of Georgia. Aladasturi This rare grape produces a red wine that is light in color, making the wine almost look like a rose. Otskhanuri Sapere A rare variety that produces a very dark variety, perfumed, high in acid, age-worthy and sought after by Georgians in the know. Saparevi This high-tannin wine, which means to dye, is the main red wine from Georgia. This is a grape on which not just the skins are red but the juice is tinted. If you were to translate saparevi to French it would be teinturier. A few wine favorites from the tasting: - Niki Antadze Rkatsiteli 2014 (fermented in gvevri, no skin contact) This tangerine orange-colored wine is hazy and looked like iced tea. On the nose, it had aromas of lemon and orange peel and on the palate had notes of tangerine, orange skin, dried strawberry and tart pineapple. (imported by Terrell Wines). Niki Antadze Rkatsiteli 2014 (fermented in gvevri, 6 month skin contact) In comparison to the first wine, this wine was a tawny color and had notes of peach pit, nectarine skin, tobacco, smoke and black tea. (imported by Terrell Wines) Orgo Kisi, Kakheti 2013 (fermented in gvevri, skin contact) A hazy peach color, this wine had aromas of dried peach and dried flowers, and on the palate notes of black tea and pear. (imported by Georgian Wine House) Gotsa Family Wines Chinuri, Kartli 2013 (fermented in gvevri, skin contact) This high-acid wine has herbal and black tea notes and has grippy tannins on the palate. (imported by Blue Danube) Gogita Makaridze Aladasturi, Terjola, Imereit 2014 (fermented in qvevri, no skin contact) Cherry pink in color, this high-acid wine had notes of strawberry and red cherry as well as an herbal note. (imported by Terrell Wines) Lagvinari Gvino Saperavi, Kakheti 2011 (fermented in stainless steel) This ruby red wine has aromas of berries, dry plum, cherry and pepper with a chocolate bitterness on the finish. (imported by Corus) Amiran Vepkhvadze Otskhanuri Sapere 2014 This wine is an intense ruby color with dark berry and dried floral notes, has firm tannins and high acidity. (imported by Blue Danube) There is so much for us to learn about Georgian wine. As Parsons explained, the real challenge is how do you take an insulated culture and make it another sphere of the wine world. Georgian wine has its own place and we need to find it and include it in the wine universe. Hyde de Villaine has bought the winery and vineyard in Napa that have been its rented home since 2003. It bought the 33.5-acre parcel at the corner of Silverado Trail and Trancas Street in May. The property contains 24 acres of vineyard, a 3,750-square-foot winery and a residence. Hyde de Villaine plans to retrofit the existing crush pad to meet current Napa county standards and to replant parts of the vineyard over the next several years. The replanting will include the addition of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, chardonnay and a small amount of sauvignon blanc but the winery will continue to focus on pinot noir and chardonnay from Hyde Vineyard. General Manager James Eyer said, We have no plans on changing. Fully 95 percent of our fruit will continue to come from Hyde Vineyard; we are merely taking advantage of an outstanding opportunity. Hyde de Villaine is a partnership between the Hyde family, owners of famed Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, and the de Villaine family, owners of A&P de Villaine and co-director of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti in Burgundy. Hyde de Villaine was established in 2000 with a focus on Burgundian winemaking philosophies and exclusively sourcing fruit from Hyde Vineyard. Hyde Vineyards adds winery In related news, Larry Hydes wine brand Hyde & Sons is building a new winery on Los Carneros Road near Sonoma Highway. The building sits on one of the famed Hyde vineyards in Carneros. Hyde owns about 200 acres in a number of sites in Carneros. He sells most of his famous grapes to renowned producers, but does make about 1,200 cases under the Hyde name. The new winery will allow him and his son and managing partner Chris to offer tastes and sell the wines, a boon for them as well as a welcome addition in Carneros, which has few wineries to show off its excellent wines. Most Carneros grapes go to wineries outside the region. The permit is for 12,600 cases, 10 times current production, and the building is far larger than needed. They expect to conduct custom crushing there, too. About half of Hydes production is pinot noir, but they also make chardonnay, merlot and viognier. The cool area is rightly known for its chard and pinot, but it hits the sweet spot for elegant merlot, syrah and viognier, too, as other esteemed Carneros growers like Truchard and Hudson have found. The Hydes hope to crush this harvest, though the wet early winter delayed construction. This effort is distinct from HdV, the joint venture between Hyde and his brother in law, Aubert de Villaine of famed Domaine de la Romanee-Conti in Burgundy (See above). Acacia reborn as Liana Estates The Peju family from Peju Province Winery bought the former Acacia winery and vineyards (not the brand or inventory) from Diageo and will reopen it as Liana Estates. The name has been used on some Peju wines. Its a contraction of the first names of sisters Lisa and Ariana Peju. As its in Carneros, it will naturally make chardonnay and pinot noir wines. Peju focuses on Bordeaux varieties. Abdullah Vural is president of both Liana Estates and Peju Province Winery. Huneeus family sells Veramonte in Chile The Huneeus family of Napa Valley, which owns Quintessa Vineyards here and recently sold the Prisoner wine brand, has sold its controlling interest in Veramonte winery in Chile to Gonzalez Byass from Jerez, Spain. The winerys brands are Neyen, Primus, Ritual and Veramonte, and are distributed in 37 countries in the premium Chilean category. Veramonte is made up of two winemaking facilities and 600 hectares of vineyards spread across some of Chiles most renowned wine producing areas, such as the coastal Casablanca Valley and Colchagua Valley, as well as the Apalta Valley. The Huneeus family will keep more than 6.750 acres of land in the Casablanca Valley, including significant vineyard holdings. Organic Winegrowing Conference Napa Valley Grapegrowers will hold it 2016 Organic Winegrowing Conference at Grgich Hills Estate Yountville Victorian at 7059 Washington St. on Thursday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Napa Valley Grapegrowers website or contact the NVG office at info@napagrowers.org or 944-8311. Wines & Vines Packaging Conference The third annual Wines & Vines Packaging Conference will be held on Aug. 17 at Lincoln Theater in Yountville. It features experts in wine packaging, bottling and practices to talk about new wine packaging. It will include a trade show of suppliers, speed dates with designers and the package design contest. Get details at www.wvpack.com. After CMA Fest, we dubbed Charlie Worsham the coolest guy in country music. He continues to live up to that reputation, announcing a scholarship fund for his hometown to benefit the arts. Called the Follow Your Heart Scholarship, the charity will go to students in his hometown of Grenada, MS who possess uncommon talent and desire to achieve great things in the arts. Worsham announced the news on Facebook, writing: ok.. so a lot more official stuff is still in the works, but Im home in mississippi & drove past my high school alma mater today & I cant hold it in any longer. heres the unofficial/please-forgive-me-for-announcing-this-before-Im supposed-to deal.. my friends in Grenada, MS & Nashville, TN are helping me establish a scholarship in my hometown that will benefit students who wish to pursue a career in the arts. there. thats it. we have a website up & a sweet logo to reveal & an invitation-only acoustic performance & dinner gala scheduled in Grenada, MS this December. and next year we are gonna help a young person from this town follow their heart to great things. Ive been given so much in this life, & this is the least I can do to pay that forward. not asking you to contribute or anything, just want you to know how excited I am about this. and you can read about the inspiration behind the#followyourheartscholarship at the link in my profile. For more information and to donate to the Follow Your Heart Scholarship, visit the official page here. US State Department: Armenia-Azerbaijan direct dialogue is key to resolving issues, reaching lasting peace Armenia MOD: No wounded soldiers in military hospitals who are in severe or critical condition 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 Armenia MOD: No wounded soldiers in military hospitals who are in severe or critical condition 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 Champions League: Inter win and reach 1/8 finals, Mkhitaryan's goal (video) Awkward lunch: Macron humiliates Scholz in Paris Polish government prepares for 'potential use of nuclear or chemical weapons' by Kremlin Champions League: Starting lineups of Barcelona and Bayern are known 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 Champions League: Henrikh Mkhitaryan leads Inter (video) 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 Second part of 'The Batman' with Robert Pattinson may come out in 2025 White House tones down its previous optimism about the midterm elections Ford Motor leaves Russian market by selling its stake in Sollers joint venture Johnny Depp may return to 'Pirates of the Caribbean' CRISPR/Cas12 genome-edited monkeypox virus test created 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 Alligator back panel, turning photos into NFT in one click: Vertu presents new luxury crypto-smartphone for $41,000 Commander of Lithuanian Armed Forces against transfer of howitzers and air defense systems to Ukraine Bayern Munich to make offer to Manchester City midfielder 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 Preparing for deal with Musk and own cryptocurrency wallet: What is going on with social network Twitter Armenia ruling party convention to be closed to media Erling Haaland is injured 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 Russian brand of budget smartphones Inoi leaves Russia Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death, study claims 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 8 GB RAM, USB-C port, 10x zoom camera: What features will iPhone 15 Pro have? Netflix releases trailer of film adaptation of Remarque's novel Christophe Galtier says PSG played fantastic game Legislature head on chances of Armenia leaving CSTO: There is very little time left for us to make decision New antibiotic against resistant bacteria developed Mercedes confirms intention to leave Russia Armenia parliament speaker: No document on table Air-raid alarm sirens to be installed in Estonia Judo European Championship U-23 : Armenia will be represented by five athletes 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 An assistant for marketers: Hexact launches Hexospark, its fourth product on market Armenia parliament speaker: We have 240 casualties as result of Azerbaijan attack Sean Penn will receive Bob Hope Humanitarian Award 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 European Championship: Armenia surpasses Turkey in gold medals 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 Lionel Messi sets unique achievement Biden: Russia would be making serious mistake to use tactical nuclear weapon Margarita Simonyan says she is banned from entering Armenia Bitcoin, NFT CryptoPunks, El Salvador enter Guinness World Records Newspaper: Artsakh Public Council establishment causes concern in political arena Barca former manager heads Villarreal First sneakers for horses created in US Germany and the EU are doing everything so that that Georgia could receive a visa-free regime with the EU as soon as possible, Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated during a visit to Tbilisi on Friday. According to him, the matter is not whether citizens of this country will go to Europe without visas, but when it will happen, RIA Novosti reported. Liberalization of the visa regime is connected with certain formalities of European Parliament and does not depend only on Germany. Consultations, hearings in committees are conducted, allegedly, at the end of July all procedures will come to a end, and within September, probably, they will receive results, Steinmeier said at the joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Janelidze. German Foreign Minister said that Georgia has passed a long way to achieve success and fulfilled all the obligations. The European Commission (EC) stated in December 2015 that Georgia has fulfilled all conditions for visa liberalization with the EU. In March 2016, the European Commission issued a legislative initiative on the abolition of visas for citizens of the republic. The authorities of Georgia planed that the EU will abolish visas for the citizens of the country this summer, but consideration of this issue was postponed in early June. Process was dragged out, because of fears of Germany and France. YEREVAN. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Shavarsh Kocharyan, spoke to Armenpress news agency, and with respect to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Below is the text of this talk. Mr. Kocharyan, how would you comment on the statements constantly voiced in Baku, that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved within the framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan? It is enough to distort the essence of the negotiation process. It is high time the Azerbaijani leadership understands, that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will be resolved within the framework of implementation of the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination and Azerbaijans responsibility for the aggression against the self-determined Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. And how would you comment on the statement of the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan regarding a meeting on the highest level being held in August in Paris? We highly value the efforts of all the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at organizing meetings on the highest level. However, to say the least, it is improper, when not France - the inviting side, but one of the invitees voices the French proposal which is still under consideration. YEREVAN. We should not allow the politicization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), its transformation into a platform for political confrontation. The Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, on Friday stated the aforesaid at the 34th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the BSEC member countries, in Sochi, Russia. He noted this commenting on the fact that the Azerbaijani delegation attempted to politicize the BSEC plenary session by reflecting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that Nalbandian specifically stressed: Unfortunately, today we witnessed the attempts of the Azerbaijani delegation to politicize the Plenary Session for their narrow-minded propagandistic goals. In regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, I would like to remind, that the Vienna and St. Petersburg Summits first and foremost were aimed to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone in the aftermaths of large-scale military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in April. First of all, it is a necessity to implement what was particularly emphasized and agreed upon in the frameworks of the Summits in order to create conditions for the continuation of the negotiation process; i.e. the exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict, the unconditional adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, which have no time limitations, the creation of mechanism for the investigation of ceasefire violations, the expansion of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. YEREVAN. Ardshinbank signed a US $10 million loan agreement with the World Business Capital (WBC) on June 30, 2016, under the guarantee of the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation - OPIC. T he funding will be channeled to finance Ardshinbanks small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients. Under the project, Ardshinbank will extend loans to its SME customers with rates starting from 11% and a tenor of up to 10 years. World Business Capital is a commercial finance company, which provides loans to support SMEs globally. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is the U.S. Government's development finance institution, which supports US private investments in more than 160 countries in the world. Ardshinbank is among the leaders of the banking system of Armenia and has one of the broad sales network comprising of 55 branches. Ardshinbank is the only private entity in Armenia that issued Eurobonds in the international financial markets and has ratings from two international major rating agencies (Moodys and Fitch) equal to the rating of Sovereign. YEREVAN. Karabakh people should completely realize their right to self-determination, said Armenian Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov during a meeting with the Greek Ambassador to Armenia Ioannis Taghis. Vice President of the parliament highly assessed the traditional friendly relations between Armenia and Greece and stated a solid contribution of the Ambassador Ioannis Taghis to further developing those relations. The parties stated that the people of Armenia and Greece share many similarities. In recent years the inter-parliamentary works have become more active; the field of cooperation has expanded. Speaker of the Armenian-Greek relations assessed the bill adopted by the Greek Parliament that penalizes the denial of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the statement made by the Parliament of Armenia that condemns the genocide of the Greeks and Assyrians who had lived in the Ottoman Turkey, as critical. The Vice-Speaker attributed importance to the statement recently made by the Parliament of Karabakh on recognizing and condemning the genocide of the Pontic Greeks in the Ottoman and Kemalist Turkey. The Ambassador Ioannis Taghis thanked the Armenian parliament for adopting the declarations unanimously and for officially commemorating May 19 as the Pontian Greeks genocide day. The parties discussed the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Sharmazanov expressed his satisfaction for a balanced position of the OSCE member Greece on that issue. He stressed that the Armenian side has always been and remains committed to its position to settle the issue peacefully and within the OSCE Minsk Group. The ambassador Ioannis Taghis supported that viewpoint and noted that the recent meetings between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan were encouraging in that respect. In this context, the Vice President said the Nagorno-Karabakh people should completely exercise their right of self-determination. The holding of the referendum by the Nagorno-Karabakh people, the exercise of that right is inscrutable, as the world goes that way. The Artsakh people have the same right of disposing their own destiny through referendum, as people of any other country. During the meeting, the parties also referred to the war that took place in April. In that context, the Vice President referred to the visit of the Greece MPs to Armenia and Artsakh, assessing that step as a manifestation of democratic principles and a sign of friendship and loyalty. YEREVAN. - On June 30, a symposium on the Employment and building capacity of the disadvantaged and people with disabilities in the RA was held in Yerevan, which aimed at discussing the results and achievements of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project implemented by Mission Armenia NGO, funded by the Japan Social Development Foundation (JSDF), supported by the Government of RA and the World Bank. Jemma Baghdasaryan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, H.E. Eiji Taguchi, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan in the RA,, Ms. Laura Bailey, the World Bank (WB) Country Manager for Armenia, as well as Ms. Marina Petrovic, Senior Social protection Specialist from the WB, Aleksandra Posarac, Lead Economist from the WB and ex-president of International Council on Social Welfare, leading international expert of the sector Solveig Askjem participated in the discussion. During the symposium, the goals and the issues of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project, implemented activities under the project components and achievements were presented and summarized. Besides, key issues and their possible solutions on raising awareness concerning important social key problems of people with disabilities were discussed. I am happy that the representatives of state and local self-governing bodies, international and local organizations, sector experts and persons with disabilities are participating in the discussion. Together we are building a road leading to social inclusion, which demands will, potential, time and resources and which will enable people with disabilities to create and lead a worthy life, said the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jemma Baghdasaryan, greeting the symposium participants. Mission Armenia representative, Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project coordinator Sophie Nersisyan greeted the participants on behalf of Mission Armenia NGO president Hripsime Kirakosyan, expressing words of appreciation and wishing them productive work. Our symposium is a great opportunity to share the results, appreciate the achievements of Strengthening the Livelihoods and Voice of the Poor and Vulnerable Persons in Armenia project, to highlight the reached benchmarks, as well as discuss the key issues, she noted. For her part, Sophy Nersisyan, expressed special thanks to the project initiators, state and private sector colleagues, project experts, as well as the professional team implementing the project for their dedicated and professional work. In her speech Jemma Baghdasaryan also spoke about the key problems of people with disabilities in the RA. Social policy in the field of disability has been recognized as a priority by the RA Government. The Government has announced 2016 as a year of equal opportunity for people with disabilities. In 2016, it is planned to pass a law on Protection of rights of persons with disabilities and social inclusion, whose draft has been presented to the Government. It implies a clear definition of mechanisms for implementing the provisions in the relevant secondary legislation. I am convinced that social inclusion will be promoted due to the work that has been carried out and will be done in future, noted Jemma Baghdasaryan. According to the World Bank Country Manager for Armenia, Ms. Laura Bailey, this kind of support is really tangible; in order to assess the work done it is enough to speak with a person with disability. Certainly, today we need to improve laws and allocate funds, but the most important thing is the comprehensive and constructive approach towards the evaluation and satisfaction of those persons needs, said Ms. Laura Bailey, the World Bank Country Manager for Armenia. Eiji Taguchi, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to the RA, noted that Japan highlights the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society and public work, since it has a positive impact on economic liberalism. The symposium was also attended the representatives of state, private and public sectors, donor organizations, media, colleagues, project beneficiaries, sector experts and researchers. TBILISI. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is working towards increasing the powers of the office of Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday stated the aforementioned at the 25th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which is convened in Tbilisi, the Armenian News-NEWS.am special reporter informed from the capital city of Georgia. In his words, the OSCE and its tools for strengthening dialogue and cooperation are indispensable in such critical times for security. Steinmeier noted that there was a recent escalation of tension at the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, and that this led to numerous victims. But he was silent about the fact that Azerbaijan was the initiator of this escalation of tension in early April. He went on to say that when Germany assumed the OSCE Chairmanship, it formulated two clear components, the first of which is the fact that prolonged conflicts cannot be resolved at once. The German FM stressed that the risk of escalation of tension at the Karabakh conflict zone is too great, and that they seek to restore the stable situation with solid grounds in Karabakh and that the conflicting parties do not posit complicated conditions for negotiation. As per the diplomat, now, they are negotiating on the mechanisms to investigate incidents along the line of contact of the Karabakh conflict zone, and they seek to restore the greater synergy between the parties to the conflict. Frank-Walter Steinmeier added that the second component of Germanys OSCE Chairmanship refers to the formats of negotiations and the avenues for debates, so that they can actually move forward toward the settlement of conflicts. YEREVAN. - Armenian PM Hovik Abrahamyan visited the U.S. Embassy in Armenian Friday on occasion of the Independence Day. The head of the Government congratulated Ambassador Richard Mills, the embassy staff and friendly people of the U.S. on the 240th anniversary of the countrys independence. In his congratulatory message, the PM specifically said: On behalf of the Republic of Armenia (RA) and personally myself, I congratulate you, Mr Ambassador, the embassy staff and the friendly people of the U.S. on the 240th anniversary of the U.S. independence. We attach great importance to our friendship with the United States and are happy to have raised our bilateral partnership to a qualitatively new level through joint efforts. The American people deeply value this holiday, since the U.S. has not only gained its independence through fighting against the colonial orders, but also shares the values mentioned in the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Those values are universal and were important not only 240 years ago, but also now. The Armenian people also started declaration of their independence by expressing commitment to those principles. We are grateful to the U.S. Government and people for the invaluable humanitarian and technical support provided by the U.S. government and people since Armenias independence. The United States was the first county to establish its embassy in Armenia. The Armenian-American interstate cooperation has been continuing for 25 years. Today we have rich agenda of cooperation with the U.S. a dialogue on international and regional security issues, as well as close cooperation in areas of economy, democracy development, defense and energy. The Government of the Republic of Armenia attaches great importance to the expansion of the American involvement in Armenias economy, and we strongly believe that our economic development will enter a new phase. The Armenian-American cooperation also greatly contributes to our compatriots residing in the U.S., who not only contribute to the political, economic and cultural life of the United States, but also have an invaluable input in establishing and strengthening the friendship between both our peoples. Armenia highly appreciates the continuous support of the United States as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair aimed at the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The U.S. stance on introducing the incident investigation mechanisms of ceasefire violations and expansion of the Personal Representative of OSCE the Chairperson- in-Office is important in terms of ruling out the escalation and continuing the peaceful settlement process. We highly appreciate the mediation efforts introduced by the U.S. Government and expect them to maximally contribute to maintaining peace in the region. Finally, I once again congratulate the entire nation of the United States of America on Independence Day and wish you peace and prosperity. I also wish long-lasting friendship to both our peoples. YEREVAN. - The people of the Nagorno-Karabakh have as many rights to solve their issue via a referendum as any European nation. Vice President of the Armenian National Assembly (NA) Eduard Sharmazanov told the aforementioned to journalists after the Supreme Body session of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), recalling the British and Scottish referenda. According to him, the RPA Supreme Body session addressed inter-political, foreign policy and inter-party issues. Reference was also made to the Karabakh conflict settlement. I must once again reconfirm that Armenia has a specific stance; the issue should be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, there being no alternative to the full exercise of the Artsakh peoples right to self-determination, he said. Nagorno-Karabakh can under no status be part of Azerbaijan. The Azeris like speaking about Nakhchivan. The latter is a good example why Artsakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan: This used to be an area settled by the Armenians, but no Armenians live there [now] as a result of the Azerbaijani rule. The Azeris cannot even be tolerant to material and cultural heritage, let alone people, he said. According to Sharmazanov, the meeting between the presidents is possible, considering that there are still five months left before the end of the year. The image soars high above the ground a young man frozen in a joyful, belly-first leap, arms thrown back, a thick rainbow of birds exploding from the soles of his dark sneakers. And the message soars, too, simple and inspiring: Rise Above... For artist-scholar Fahamu Pecou, the public art installation that has taken shape this month on a 70-foot wide and 40-foot tall exterior wall of the King Memorial Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) station on Decatur Street in southeast Atlanta easily represents his largest canvas yet. Formally unveiled at a community celebration on June 29, the King Memorial mural is the first in a series of large-scale art installations that hes been chosen to create at four MARTA stations. The public art projects are coordinated through WonderRoot, an Atlanta-based non-profit arts and service organization that unites artists and communities to inspire social change. Funded through a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program, the project is a collaboration between MARTA, WonderRoot, Fulton County Arts and Culture and The Transformation Alliance, with additional support from the Georgia Council for the Arts. For Pecou, who is in his fourth year of PhD studies in Emorys Graduate Institute for the Liberal Arts and Laney Graduate School, the project offers an opportunity to explore true public scholarship, creating art that engages area residents, stimulating both thought and dialogue. Ive always described this project as art installations that present teachable moments, works that are aligned with not just elevating the conversation and narrative around the cultural, social and political climate of the city, but engaging with it, says Pecou. Though his work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, Pecou knows this project may well generate his largest audience to date. As much as Im interested in wanting to explore public scholarship, this is my first time doing something this public, he chuckles. While my work in galleries and museums is technically public, this is out there whether you want to see it or not. Inspired by Kings words Over the past decade, Pecou has made a name for himself as an up-and-coming visual artist who blends his observations on hip-hop, fine art and popular culture, with a particular focus on contemporary representation of black masculinity a focus of his studies at Emory. His work is featured in national and international collections including the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American Art and Culture, due to open in September on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Atlanta's High Museum of Art, and Societe Generale in Paris, among others. But when he was selected as the lead artist on the MARTA En Route project, he seized the challenge of not only enlivening public spaces but also creating something that engaged with the community and tapped into social issues. For the initial installation, Pecou had conversations with area residents and community leaders to help inform the final design. Given that it would be based on MARTAs King Memorial station, he knew there was an expectation that the work would somehow depict the famed civil rights leader. Many anticipated this would be a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but I resisted that, Pecou says. While I truly believe that Dr. King was a very important figure in our cultural landscape, larger than the man is the message he represented and how today we have to act on his message, recognize our own agency. That was one of the challenges, to convince people to allow this piece to be something more than another portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., instead allowing it to be something that could speak to our contemporary times. Instead of presenting an image of King, Pecou decided he would celebrate his words, bridging community expectations with his own artistic vision by paraphrasing one of King's quotes: An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. I thought it was really powerful," Pecou explains, "allowing us to be engaged and activated by the message as opposed to thinking that we have to wait for someone to do these things instead of doing them ourselves." Painting for the public Work on the large-scale installation began on June 4 and was completed in five days, with Pecou serving as lead artist with assistance from Atlanta area artists Fabian Williams and Joe Dreher. They began the process by inviting people from the community to attend a photo shoot to capture the perfect jump. Once they had a model, a digital mock-up of the image was superimposed over a photograph of the building to determine scale. The stations facade offered a natural grid pattern, so, for example, we could determine that the bend in his knee happens halfway up a certain block in the wall we really had to eyeball it, Pecou says. A rough outline was sketched on the building using aerosol spray paint, which provided a base for the final image. Working with a wall 20 feet off the ground at its tallest, the mural is 65 feet high the artists painted from an aerial lift that could raise them as high as 80 feet in the air. That was actually a lot of fun, Pecou laughs. Fabian and Joe are good friends, so there were lots of jokes and singing, never a dull moment. And I have to compliment the crew from MARTA, the two engineers who were operating the truck and moving us around. By the second day it was if they could anticipate our movements. Pecou enjoyed seeing public interest in the project grow as the image took shape. Every day we had a crowd who would gather and watch us paint or cheer us on, he says. Somebody was joking that they might have to put in a special traffic lane for people slowing down to take a look. Overall, its been a good way of bringing people together. The next En Route installation will be created at the Oakland City MARTA station, with work scheduled for mid-September through early October . Next up for Pecou is what he believes may be his biggest, most ambitious exhibition ever: Do or Die: Affect, Ritual, Resistance, a solo exhibit that runs Aug. 26 through Oct. 8 at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina. On Saturday, Aug. 27, Pecou will be at the gallery for a walk-through and lecture that is free and open to the public. His new body of work engages with what I call the spectacle of black male death, Pecou says, offering a resistance to that spectacle while seeking to empower black lives to see themselves without fear and the stigma of death and destruction that have plagued black bodies for centuries. Given that Pecou spent much of his childhood in South Carolina and that the exhibit will be presented near the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where nine African-American parishioners were shot last summer in what authorities have called racist killings, the venue is especially meaningful. With themes definitely conversant with the Black Lives Matter movement, the exhibit also represents a culmination of a lot of my work and research at Emory and complements my dissertation, he explains. According to a Foreign Office statement, the list contained names of 55 civilians and 463 fishermen. This step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India signed on May 21, 2008 under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each others custody twice a year on January 1 and July 1, respectively, the Foreign Office said. The Indian government would also hand over to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi a list of Indian nationals languishing in Pakistani prisons. Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are often arrested for transgressing into each other's maritime areas since the Arabian Sea border is not clearly defined and many boats lack the technology to fix their precise location. --IANS ahm/rn/dg ( 162 Words) 2016-07-01-19:08:14 (IANS) US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Tom Shannon on Friday said he was "very impressed" with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and underscored her commitment in facilitating India's policy towards Bangladesh. Shannon, who on Thursday met Banerjee at the state secretariat, invited her to Washington for scouting for potential American investment in the state including in the port sector. "I was very impressed by the chief minister. She is a strong leader and she has got a very clear vision about what she wants to accomplish," Shannon said at a media roundtable here. "We like strong partners, we like to work with people who have a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish, because then we can figure out how we can participate and where we might be able to be of assistance. "I came away with the meeting with the chief minister impressed by her visions and admiring her political skills, especially in the aftermath of her re-election," said Shannon, profuse in his praise for the Trinamool Congress supremo. He also hailed Banerjee's role in facilitating communication with the Bangladesh government and addressing "some of the cross-border transportation issues" to promote movement of goods. "I came away impressed by the chief minister's understanding of politics inside of Bangladesh, impressed by her relationship with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. I am convinced that the chief minister is committed to using her presence in state government to facilitate national policy towards Bangladesh," said Shannon. While the duo did talk about the Indo-Bangladesh border, Shannon said there was no discussion on the contentious issue of the Teesta river water sharing pact. On the investment front, Shannon said the discussion hovered around foreign direct investment (FDI) and the areas where American companies can invest including in the port sector and green industries. "What was striking for me yesterday (Thursday), was to listen to her describe what she has accomplished in fairly short order, and how she and her team are looking for enhanced foreign direct investment and a commercial presence in the region," he said. "She described some of the port projects (in Bengal). We have several large port authorities that have great expertise in the management of large ports, managements of industrial complexes and we believe some of them could be of real interest to her government," he said. "We talked about how to attract hi-tech investment both software development and light manufacturing, we talked about green industries," he said. "She has a really interesting vision for what Kolkata could become, building on its strong education base, it's obvious intellectual accomplishments, and how connecting with hi-tech industries and building of infrastructure, it can become a major commercial and development hub for the entire region. "And for this reason, as we look at our broader policy in South Asia and South East Asia, having a kind of Kolkata that the chief minister described, would be really positive for India, and really positive for us," said the diplomat adding that the presence of American investment in the region was "not as big as other parts of the country". Shannon also said he had invited Banerjee to the US. "We agreed through our consul general to work with her team to explore what her visit to Washington would look like and how we could ensure that it met her interests in identifying potential American companies or port authorities that might be interested in working with her government," he added. He also visited local cultural sites including the Ramakrishna Mission headquarters at Belur and the Missionaries of Charity's Mother House where he paid homage to Mother Teresa's tomb. --IANS ssp-and/vd ( 619 Words) 2016-07-01-20:16:02 (IANS) Amid tight security, Bollywood film 'Shorgul' is all set to hit the screens today. The filmmakers of 'Shorgul' met Uttar Pradesh director General of Police Javeed Ahmed yesterday to thank him in maintaining the law and order situation in the state. "We have come here to thank the Uttar Pradesh DGP. The way they have tackled the issue is really appreciable. If you get any help from the administration, it should be appreciated," actor Narendra Jha told ANI. Actor Eijaz Khan said it's a very important film for today's time. "There was some problem. The producer got some phone calls. The film was supposed to be released on June 24, but it is now releasing on July 1. No one has been blamed in the film and no religion has been put in bad light. It is a very important film for today's time. I think, all must watch this film," he added. An alert was issued earlier on June 23 to all the Superintendents of Police in Uttar Pradesh for maintaining the law and order situation. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court earlier on June 7 quashed the plea seeking ban on release of the movie . The petition, filed by a social worker, had sought stay on the release of the movie alleging certain scenes in it threatened to disturb social harmony. The social worker, who as per reports is a local leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Meerut, filed the PIL after seeing the movie's trailer. The movie was first scheduled to be released on June 24 but was later on postponed to July 1. The movie, which features Jimmy Shergill and Ashutosh Rana in lead roles, is based on friendship between a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl that snowballs into a political issue leading to unrest and chaos in society. (ANI) The 'Top Gear' bosses are reportedly searching a new producer to help turn the show around as the viewers are gradually losing interest in it. The revamped motoring show, which was launched last month, has failed to impress the viewers and critics and, therefore, the BBC has reportedly advertised for a new 'Top Gear' producer to take control away from the main presenter Chris Evans, reports Channel.24. "Chris was in complete creative control for a long time and it hasn't worked. The fact that the BBC is now hiring shows real intent, that it's about being an ensemble and not all about Chris," a source was quoted as saying. The source added, "They are clearly very embarrassed by all of this and are not advertising the job externally." In a statement, a spokesperson for Top Gear said, "We're adding a Series Producer to the team because Top Gear is a huge show and we have even greater ambitions for the next series." Meanwhile, it is being said that Matt LeBlanc, who joined the show alongside Chris earlier this year, would quit if his co-host does not leave the show first. A source said, "Matt has already indicated that he won't continue on any further series if Chris remains a part of it. And he is far from the only one who isn't happy." Earlier, Lisa Clark quit the show allegedly due to clashes with the 'Captain America: Civil War' star. (ANI) A 26-year-old student developed lead poisoning from taking Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicine, write doctors in the online journal BMJ Case Reports. During a trip to India, he took the herbal medications to treat his low back pain. On returning to the USA, he began to use them regularly, but developed pain in the upper central region of his abdomen, weight loss, dark stools, nausea and vomiting. A blood test showed he was suffering from anaemia and a high level of lead in his blood. No other source of lead exposure was evident, so doctors advised him to discontinue use of his four different types of Ayurvedic medications. He was given morphine and medications for nausea and vomiting. Treatment to remove excess iron, known as chelation therapy, was initiated, and within months the patient's symptoms resolved. "This case follows similar reports in the USA of acute lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medications produced in India," wrote Dr Judith Green-McKenzie, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. "Concern regarding the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines originates from their easy availability, increasingly international use and global reach, lack of focused scientific research and the possibility of abuse in an unregulated industry," she concluded. (ANI) The Trinamool Congress on Thursday claimed that Tripura will be free from the Left parties by 2018 adding that under the leadership Sitaram Yechury the left-wing parties will become irrelevant in the country. Mukul Roy, TMC national vice-president, while addressing people at function here likened the Sitaram Yechury led- CPI (M) to that of Communist Party in Russia under Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership. "In 2018 Tripura will be free from Left. You can note it down that in coming five years CPIM will turn in to rare tribal species and people will say there was a thing called CPIM," Roy said. "As under Mikhail Gorbachev leadership, the Soviet Russia's Communist Party went down, similarly under Sitaram Yechury the Communist Party will become irrelevant in India.. there will be no Communist Party here," Roy said during a public address after inaugurating a TMC party office here. He further said the CPI-M is an irrelevant party and it has lost the status of a national party now. "It (CPI-M) has forgotten class struggle and does not raise the slogan of people's democratic revolution, it would become extinct under its general secretary Sitaram Yechury," he said. Roy further praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for being the leader, who could throw out Left Front out of power in the state. "The CPI-M is again waiting for splitting vertically and I can foresee that in coming days, people here will walk with posters that I no more support CPIM," he added. The TMC leader said his party will wrest power from Left Front in the 2018 assembly elections in Tripura to provide development and good governance in the state. Roy said TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Tripura on August 9. He also attended an 'iftary' party on the occasion of Ramadan here which was attended by various senior leaders here including the MLAs of Congress, who recently joined TMC in protest against the 'Congress-CPIM' alliance in Bengal. (ANI) Decades of war in Afghanistan has dismantled peace and security in that country, so much so, that many Afghans had to flee from their homeland to safer places. Today, Afghans find India to be one of the most secure destinations to sustain themselves and earn a livelihood. The influx of Afghan refugees in Delhi is quite high. ANI spoke to some Afghan women in Delhi. Their stories are heart breaking, but their spirit unconquered and appreciable. Salma Gul, a 30-year-old Afghan refugee who was volunteering for 'Young Women for Change', a platform for women's rights, was forced to flee from her homeland after she received a lot of criticism from the government and threats from the Taliban. She said that she has come to terms with life in Delhi. Salma's support for and uplift of women was widely acknowledged back home. She even set up a factory where women were taught stitching and tailoring and encouraged to become self reliant. Gul says that she first encountered the Taliban in 2013 while organizing a fashion show in Afghanistan. Fundamentalists then forced her cancel the event and leave. Today, she teaches yoga to several women refugees in Delhi after undergoing professional yoga training with the NGO ACCESS. Gul supplements her earnings by stitching crochet designs on clothes. "I do not have class to teach people, but sometimes I help my friends in my house. Most of the women who are refugees in India are in a state of depression. I have told them to avoid medicines and learn yoga to be healthy mentally and physically," said Gul. Seventeen-year-old Noorma Shakeela was left in an impoverished state when she was shot in her face by her husband who is associated with the Taliban. She fled her homeland in 2013 and is now living with her sister and mother. She aspires to become self reliant. "I was forcibly married when I was a thirteen-year-old. My husband was associated with the Taliban and when I raised my voice and was about to inform the police, I was shot in the face by my husband," Shakeela revealed. As per the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report around 14,000 Afghan refugees are living in Delhi. (ANI) Expressing disappointment over India's move to abstain from voting in the UN Human Rights Council to appoint an independent investigator to help protect the rights of homosexuals and transgenders worldwide, the LGBT community members today demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and speak about "inclusive society". Throwing light on the fact that the Private Member Bill brought by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was unanimously rejected by the Parliament, Transgender activist Akkai Padmashali said it reflected 'intolerance' on the government's part. "That is very disappointing. When the United Nations Human Rights Council had a special session on sexual orientation and gender identity, India took a strange stand, which is very disappointing. This is not the first time. When Mr. Shashi Tharoor of the Congress presented a Private Member Bill in the Parliament on 377, the Parliament unanimously rejected it. That shows intolerance," Padmashali told ANI. "India not supporting it in UN shows you are homophobic and a biphobic. I demand the Prime Minister to break his silence to speak about inclusive society. Any kind of fundamentalism and criminalism is unacceptable," Padmashali added. Rajesh Umabharti of the Sangama Orgaisation for LGBT said the government's stand in this regard was not surprising as it reflected the 'fascist' mindset. "It is really not surprising. It is the second time it has happened. With the present government, it is not at all surprising. This government is anti-minority; it comes from a fascist kind of mindset. Prime Minister doesn't take a stand on LGBT matters. It is stupendously stupid on part of this government to abstain from the issue," Umabharti told ANI. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state forum overcame strong objections by Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries to adopt a Western-backed resolution by a vote of 23 states in favour and 18 against with six abstentions. The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. (ANI) "As part of routine checking, a car was intercepted this morning at Panama Chowk and on suspicion, frisking was conducted," police here today said. They said four packets (one kg each) were recovered from the vehicle, which were later found to be heroin. Three people identified as Mir Haider, Ishtiyaq Hussain of Tangdhar and Altaf Hussain of Kupwara were arrested on the spot. A case under NDPS Act has been registered against them, while three mobile phones and cash worth Rs 25,000 was also recovered from their possession.UNI VBH RJ 1815 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-814769.Xml Union Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has strongly pitched for US investments in urban sector in India explaining the opportunities under new initiatives of the Government to a host of US policy makers, officials and corporate. Mr Naidu, who is on a visit to the US, held a series of meetings and interactions in New York yesterday giving details of the process of urban renaissance set in motion in India under new urban missions viz, Smart City Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), a Ministry statement here said. Mr Naidu held extensive discussions with Mr Arun Kumar, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, former New York Mayor and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies Mr Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor of New York Ms Alicia Glen, officials of US Trade Development Agency, Chief Executives and senior officials of several leading corporate like AECOM, KPMG, IBM and Master Card besides addressing US-India Business Council.Mr Naidu explained the paradigm shift introduced for a concerted effort for urban development in India by empowering citizens and urban local bodies. Mr Bloomberg, whose Bloomberg Philanthropies is associated with holding Smart City Challenge competition in India and others acknowledged the new vigour and enthusiasm in India for recasting the country's urban landscape and stated that it is a win-win situation for all.Mr Naidu held detailed discussions with the Deputy Mayor and officials of New York City on the innovative approaches and adoption of technology for delivering quality services to the citizens. The Minister gave a detailed account of similar efforts being made under Smart City Mission under the component of mandatory Pan-city solutions to enable better public information and service deliver and effective use of infrastructure.US companies have informed Mr Naidu that they are working on project proposals to take advantage of invest opportunities under Smart City Mission and other initiatives.UNI NY AE SB 1913 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-814892.Xml Haryana Health department has issued show cause notices to three laboratories of renowned hospitals of Gurgaon and sealed two of these labs following allegations of over-charging for dengue tests. Health Minister Anil Vij said show cause notices have been issued to Lala Patoo Chand lab, KKR diagnostic lab and the laboratory of Fortis Hospital, which were allegedly charging morethan the rate of Rs 600 fixed by the state government for dengue tests conducted in private laboratories. KKR diagnostic lab and the laboratory of Fortis Hospital have been sealed and their records over seized. An inquiry has also been ordered to look into it, he added. Mr Vij said that the local Sub-divisional Mmagistrate, along with health department officers, visited the laboratory of Fortis Hospital as a decoy patient and was asked to pay Rs 1,725. He was given a receipt for the same amount, on the basis of which the laboratory was sealed and records were seized. The Minister said that orders have been issued to civil surgeons across the state to conduct raids and maintain strict vigil over such laboratories in their respective districts.UNI DB PS PR NS2030 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0132-815184.Xml Renowned Pakistani author and journalist Farahnaz Ispahani on Thursday tendered her resignation from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) post vilification compaign against her husband Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to the United States. In a strongly-worded letter addressed to PPP's chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Ispahani said that she cannot find a place for herself in a party where space for many schools of thought, faiths, castes and creeds has shrunken. "It is with a heavy heart that I write these words. I entered politics at the urging of your mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. I hope to always follow in her path of dignity and the politics of conscience. However, with distance and thought I find that I cannot find a place for myself in today's PPP. Therefore, I tender my resignation from the party," she said. "What made the party different to others was the space for so many schools of thought. For so many faiths. For so many castes and creeds. That space has shrunk. The years distancing us from the life of my leader have affected the core of the party and there are too many in the leadership for whom being in power is the only politics they understand," she added. Ispahani, who has written a book on the plight of minorities in Pakistan, further asserted that the way in which many party loyalists, including Haqqani Sahib, who worked with the chairman's mother and the party were treated was appalling. "My husband and I plan to continue with our scholarship and public life outside the PPP. I will always be there for you and your sisters if you ever need me in any way. May God bless you and always keep you safe," she said. In 2008, Ispahani joined the National Assembly of Pakistan as a Member from the PPP, representing the Sindh province in the reserved seats for women. This development comes after the PPP had last week disowned Hussain Haqqani. Yesterday, Pakistan has extended registered Afghan refugees' Proof of Residency (PoR) cards for six months, until December 2016. The uncertain residency status of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan has encouraged police harassment, threats, and extortion, said the Human Rights Watch report. "The Pakistani government's move to extend Afghan refugees' residency until the end of 2016 sends an important signal to police and local officials not to harass or coerce Afghan refugees to leave," said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch adding that an extension to the end of 2017 would allow more time for the situation in Afghanistan to stabilize, so that the refugees can return in safety. The report added that threats by Pakistani officials over the past year have exacerbated the Afghans' insecurity. On May 24, 2016, Balochistan's provincial Home Minister, Sarfraz Khan Bugti, said, "Either the Afghan refugees can return voluntarily, with respect and dignity, or the people of Balochistan can humiliate them and throw them out of the country." On June 27, Pakistan's minister for SAFRON, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch, announced that Pakistan would undertake a "new tougher policy" toward Afghan refugees. Kine said the Pakistan's government should protect Afghan refugees from vindictive reprisals linked to cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.(ANI) Pakistan has said its armed forces fully support democratic process and were not against normalisation of ties with India. Addressing a weekly media briefing yesterday, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said,''No amount of effort can create a wedge between the civil and military leadership of Pakistan. Armed forces of Pakistan fully support the democratic process," Pakistan Daily Dawn said. His comments came in response to a recent statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he had said it was hard to decide whom to talk to in Pakistan on peace process whether to the democratically elected government or 'other actors'. In an interview with television channel TimesNow, Mr Modi said: "The first thing is that with whom in Pakistan you will decide about laxman rekha (red line) with an elected government or with other actors?" "We feel that dialogue is the best option for both sides to resolve their issues. We have said this earlier also that we remain open to dialogue. We will be ready whenever India is ready," Mr Zakaria said. Referring to Mumbai terror attacks trial about which India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of tardiness, Mr Zakaria said Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary had written to his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for the evidence. "The foreign secretary had written to the Indian foreign secretary regarding evidence required for early conclusion of Mumbai trial and we have said that we required additional evidence. The response of the Indian side is still awaited." In a foreign policy briefing earlier this week, Adviser to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had also accused India of hindering progress towards resumption of dialogue. "Indian narrative has remained unchanged. They do not want to give us credit (for our actions against terrorism) and keep an excuse for not starting dialogue," the spokesman said, adding that India wanted normalisation on its terms, which was not acceptable to Pakistan. UNI XC SV ADG 1155 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0103-813806.Xml In an interview on Thursday with a Kabul-based English daily, Pushtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chief Achakzai said that "K-P belongs to Afghans and they can live there without fear and irritation". Achakzai added "I will not allow anyone to harass Afghan refugees in their own land. If Afghans are harassed in other parts of Pakistan, they should come to K-P where no one can ask them for refugee cards, because it also belongs to them," reports the Express Tribune. Lashing out at Achakzai's comments, K-P Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak said the PkMAP chief has 'humiliated all Pakistanis'. "The people of K-P gave their verdict in favour of Pakistan, not Afghanistan, in 1947," Khattak said Chief Minister Khattak adding "Does Mehmood Khan Achakzai still envision a Pakistan without K-P?" As Achakzai's remarks sparked condemnation in Pakistan, he issued a clarification and insisted that he had been referring to K-P's historic background before the Durand Line agreement and did not say the province belonged to Afghans. (ANI) Leader of the National Participation Party of Afghanistan and former lawmaker Najibulllah Kabuli has urged Hezb-e-Islami militant group leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar not to act on the instructions of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) which has been accused of supporting Afghan militant groups. Speaking at a press conference in Kabul on Friday, Kabuli asked Hekmatyar to answer to the demands of the Afghan people and return to the country to join the peace process. Kabuli added "Our message to Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is to refrain from listening to ISI instructions if you are truely an Afghan son and love Afghanistan," and added that Hekmatyar will prove he is working for ISI if he did not join the peace process and refrain from violence. The remarks by Kabuli come as Hekmatyar published an article in a magazine run by the group and said that peace talks with the Afghan Government have entered into a deadlock and is effectively dead. Hekmatyar said the Afghan Government must be dissolved, claiming that the majority does not accept it, the Khaama Press reported. Earlier, an official of the group said Hekmatyar had issued new demands for a peace deal, including cancellation of pacts with the United States and a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Hekmatyar is the former Prime Minister of Afghanistan and a designated "global terrorist" by the United States following his militant opposition to the U.S.-led campaign in Afghanistan.(ANI) A 27-year-old Sarah Tarayrah was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Hebron city, Xinhua news agency reported. A border security officer, while conducting a security check, foiled a "terrorist attack by a Palestinian woman in Hebron city" after she tried stabbing him with a knife. The officer was not hurt, but the woman was fatally shot, local media reported. A Palestinian man in his fifties died as a result of tear gas grenades thrown by Israeli forces towards Palestinians at a military checkpoint connecting Ramallah to East Jerusalem. --IANS ask/dg ( 123 Words) 2016-07-01-17:56:04 (IANS) JOHANNESBURG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- President Jacob Zuma promised on Thursday that all informal settlements would have electricity in the next five years. Zuma, who is also president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), made the promise while addressing a crowd at Thembelihle informal settlement, southwest of Johannesburg in a bid to seek votes for the ANC in the local government elections, scheduled for August 3. Thembelihle is one of the impoverished areas with no water, electricity or toilets. The place has illegal electricity connections crossing roads and overhead, posing danger to the local people. There have been reports about children being electrocuted while playing in the area. "I am glad the Mayor (of Johannesburg Parks Tau) said every informal settlement in Johannesburg will have electricity in five years time. In the next five years, every citizen of Johannesburg will have electricity authorised and connected by the government. People have been connecting themselves. We do not want to criminalise poverty by saying it was an illegal connections," Zuma said. Zuma said the poor should not be marginalised in the country. James Mgandi, a local resident, said they are grateful with the provision of electricity which will improve their lives and help reduce crime. "We are robbed at night because it's dark here and we think this will end when there is electricity. We also think our children will no longer be shocked to death. Women were also shocked while putting clothes on the wire to dry up. We are grateful with what the government has done and it will definitely change our lives," Mgandi said. However, the Thembelihle Crisis Committee dismissed the electrification of the area as an election campaign gimmick. Bhayiza Miya, who has led violent protest in the area, told Xinhua that the government's help is coming late. "As you see I lost six teeth in one of the protests. The police beat and arrested us when we asked the government to provide service like water, electricity and sanitation. We appreciate there is electricity in some parts but we question the timing of the provision when we are near elections," he said. The ANC and the opposition parties are criss-crossing the country canvassing for votes. Also on Thursday ANC General Secretary Gwede Mantashe was in Eastern Cape while the party's Treasurer General Zweli Mkhize went to Northern Cape to seek votes. Enditem BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday that 3.6 million Iraqi children need urgent action to protect their rights amid increasing violence in the country. The UNICEF report titled "A Heavy Price for Children" revealed one child in five in the country is at serious risk of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups. The number of children in danger of these violations has increased by 1.3 million in 18 months, the report said. The report finding also showed that 4.7 million children need humanitarian aid, or a third of all Iraqi children, while many families are facing deteriorated conditions due to the ongoing violence and military operations in Fallujah and the areas around Mosul in northern Iraq. It showed that almost 1.5 million children, or 10 percent of the Iraqi children, have been forces to flee their homes because of violence since the beginning of 2014. Most of them were displaced multiple times. Consequently, nearly one in five schools is out of use due to conflict and almost 3.5 million children of school-age are missing out on an education, according to the report. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative in Iraq said "children in Iraq are in the firing line and are being repeatedly and relentlessly targeted." "We appeal to all parties for restraint and to respect and protect children. We must help give children the support they need to recover from the horrors of war and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq," the report quoted Hawkins as saying. The report also said that a total of 1,496 children have been kidnapped in the country over the past two and a half years, or about 50 children abducted each month, with many forced into fighting or sexually abused. "The kidnapping of children from their homes, their schools and from the streets is horrifying," said Hawkins. "These children are being ripped from their families and are subjected to sickening abuses and exploitation." The UNICEF called for an urgent action to protect children's rights in the war-torn Iraq. It also appealed for humanitarian access to all children across Iraq, including in area under control of Islamic state (IS) militants, in order to improve education and to provide psychological and recreation programs. The UNICEF also called for the international community to increase funding its activities, as resources are running short. It said it is seeking 100 million U.S. dollars for its response in Iraq for 2016. Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups such as the IS group on the United States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the country. The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, but no WMD was found. Enditem MINSK, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) positively assessed reforms in Belarusian economy, but it was necessary to deepen and accelerate them, head of the IMF mission to Belarus, Peter Dolman, said on Thursday. Recession in the Belarusian economy was expected to continue next year, followed by a gradual economic recovery, Dolman told local media. In the medium term, the economic growth may exceed 4.5 percent -- under condition of the acceleration of reforms, Dolman said summing up the results of an IMF staff visit to Belarus. "We believe that the most important task is to reform state-owned enterprises," Dolman said, saying that it was necessary to improve the efficiency of these enterprises. He also urged Belarus "to ensure competition and ensure the development of private enterprises." Belarus has paid off a 3.5 billion U.S. dollars loan it received from the IMF in 2009-2010. The Belarusian government began to discuss a new 3 billion dollars program with the IMF last year after the warming of relations between Minsk and the West. Enditem UNITED NATIONS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed China's accession to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), saying that he believed China will make a valuable contribution to IOM. "China becoming a member of IOM is particularly important at this crucial time, when the issue of migrants and refugees needs more attention and action than ever before," said Ban in a statement. Earlier this month, China submitted an application letter for membership in the Geneva-based IOM. The organization approved China's application on Thursday. IOM was born in 1951 out of the chaos and displacement of Western Europe following the Second World War. It has broadened its scope to become the leading international agency working with governments and civil society to advance the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. Since China became an observer of the IOM in 2001, the two sides have had extensive pragmatic cooperation on the capacity building of migration management and overseas consular protection, Lu Kang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Once China joins the IOM, it will play a bigger role in international migration, and contribute Chinese wisdom to enhancing international cooperation on migration, he said. JERUSALEM, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A knife-wielding Palestinian wounded two people in central Israel before he was shot dead by a civilian passerby on Thursday afternoon, in an incident believed to be a "terror attack," police said. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the incident took place in Netanya, a city north of Tel Aviv. A young Palestinian man from the West Bank city of Tulkarem stabbed a 62-year-old woman and a man in his forties, before a civilian shot and killed the assailant, Samri said. Israel's medical teams said the injuries were evacuated to a hospital in a moderate-to-serious condition. Samri said the incident was "an apparent terror attack," but the police are still checking the motive for the stabbing. It was the second Palestinian attack in less than a day. In the morning, a Palestinian broke into a family home in the settlement of Kiryat Arba and killed Hillel Yafa Ariel, a 13-year-old girl, while she was still in her bed. The assailant was shot and killed by security personnel after he managed to stab one of the guards. Palestinian media identified him as Mahmoud Traira, 17, of the Bani Naim village outside Hebron. Hebron has been a focal point of much of the nearly nine-month-long wave of attacks. Several hundred Jews live there in a settlement enclave under heavy military guard amidst 200,000 Palestinian, a constant source of frictions. Kiryat Arba resides just next to Hebron, and it is one of the largest settlements, with a population of about 7,800 people, according to Israel's bureau of statistics. In the wake of the deadly attack, Israel announced it imposed a closure on Bani Naim, revoked work permits of members of the attacker's extended family, and began the procedures to demolish his family home. At least 211 Palestinians and 33 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, an Eritrean asylum seeker, and a Sudanese asylum seeker have been killed since the start of the Palestinian unrest in mid-September. The Israelis were killed 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 -- or trying to carry out -- attacks against Israelis. Israeli leaders accuse the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" the unrest, while the Palestinians say it is the result of 49 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, home to more than five million Palestinians, where they wish to establish their state. Enditem KATHMANDU, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank (WB) has raised a serious concern over the Nepalese government's plan to distribute housing grant to the earthquake affected people in two installments instead of current arrangement of three installments. The WB, which leads Multi Donors Trust Fund (MDTF), administering over 500 million U.S. dollar fund to support the housing grant for the earthquake affected households, wrote a letter to Nepalese Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel on Thursday reminding him about the principles under which which donors agreed to provide assistance while warning against breaching those principles. The Nepalese government has announced providing 1846 U.S. dollar (Nepalese rupee 200,000) for each household affected by last year's deadly earthquake. As per the agreement reached with the donors, grant will be distributed in three installments based on the four principles of equity, safer construction, ownership and transparency. However, on Wednesday, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli told the Parliament that the government would discuss with the WB-managed fund to alter the current arrangement in favour of providing two installments. But, in a letter to Finance Minister WB Country Manager for Nepal Takuya Kamata has reminded that the principles of grant distribution under which grant should be disbursed in three installments first as fast tranche release upon certification of eligibility while the subsequent two disbursements will be made upon achievement of defined milestones in reconstructing houses. "These are the modalities through which the World Bank is authorized to provide financial support to the program." "Each payment will be subject to certification by competent technical personnel in order to ensure that the grants are used to build houses according to safer standards using local materials and enhanced traditional construction techniques," reads a letter obtained by Xinhua. A senior World Bank official told Xinhua that the use of word authorized' in the letter means the WB is not authorized to provide funds going against the agreed principles. "The WB is concerned that converting the three phases of payments into two could result in breach of the principle of building back better as people would seek to build houses without following parameters of making houses earthquake resistant," WB official said. The multilateral donors has also reminded that other development partners involved in the rural housing reconstruction programJapan International Cooperation Agency (Jica),US aid agency (USAID), Switzerland and Canada also follow the same principles and modalities in their respective support. With WB showing concerns over the government's new plan, the Nepalese government has also planned to hold talks with the donors regarding the issue. "As the donors are important stakeholders in reconstruction process, we will take final decision after consulting with donors," said Dr. Govinda Nepal, chief economic advisor at the Finance Ministry. Enditem ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday backed call by Turkish President Teyyep Erdogan for international efforts to fight against terrorism after deadliest suicide bombings at the Istanbul airport killed dozens. Sharif telephones Turkish President Teyyep Erdogan and reiterated his condemnation of the suicide blasts at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, the PM office said. While reiterating his determination to fight the war against terrorism the Prime Minister said that joint and well thought out efforts at international level are crucially required to eliminate the menace of terrorism which has become a serious global challenge now, a statement said. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had blamed Islamic State for the attack that killed more than 40 people and injured over 200. The Pakistani Prime Minister conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of precious lives during the attacks and said the government and people of Pakistan share the grief of their Turkish brethren and stand in complete solidarity with them at this critical moment. The Turkish President thanked the Prime Minister for expressing solidarity with Turkey at this critical juncture and said that Turkey values the support from the government and people of Pakistan at these disturbing moments, the statement said. Enditem YAOUNDE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- About eleven people were killed and four seriously injured in a suicide bomb attack on Wednesday night at Limani, a town in the Far North Region of Cameroon near the Nigerian border, Cameroonian national radio reported Thursday. The attack took place on Wednesday at around 9:30 p.m. local (8:30 p.m. GMT) in a video room where a group of young people are celebrating the break of the fast during the time of Ramadan, said Far North Region Governor Midjiyawa Bakari. It "resulted in eleven deaths and four serious injuries," added the governor in a statement read by national radio, without specifying the identity of the suicide bomber. Military and community sources said at least 28 people were killed and many injured in the attack, but the place of the attack they mentioned is in Djamkana, another town in Far North Region. According to sources, the attack, which has not been claimed by any organization, but is suspected to be made by Nigerian Islamic sect Boko Haram, was committed by a woman who blew herself up after dark on a crowd in a lively square in the populated town of Djamkana where majority of residents are Muslim. In his statement, the governor of the Far North Region has announced a ban on people gathering together to prevent such acts from happening again. Since July 2015, more than 100 people were killed in similar attacks in this part of the territory of Cameroon and the last attack dated back to February of this year. Enditem by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Greek lawmakers ratified on Thursday with an overwhelming majority the landmark concession agreement with China's COSCO Shipping for the acquisition of a majority stake in Piraeus Port Authority (PPA or OLP in Greek). During a roll call held in the plenum, 223 MPs of the ruling coalition as well as opposition parties voted in favor of the bill on the approval of the sale, while 25 legislators voted against. A total of 248 legislators participated in voting which was broadcast live on the parliament's channel and 52 MPs were absent. The ratification of the contract for the privatization of Greece's largest port came a few hours ahead of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' first official visit to China. The Greek leader is scheduled to travel to Beijing on Friday, heading a large delegation of officials and businessmen, aiming to further develop bilateral ties. The changing of hands at Piraeus port under the deal approved on Thursday has been hailed by both sides and international experts as a milestone in the friendly Sino- Greek relations which will benefit Greece, China and the world. After the Greek parliament's green light, under the agreement sealed in April this year, COSCO will pay to Greece's privatization fund, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), 280.5 million euros (311.52 million U.S dollars) for the 51 percent of shares in PPA and the management of the port. Following investments of another 300 million euros total worth in infrastructure works within the next five years, under the deal, the Chinese investors will pay HRADF an extra 88 million euros to acquire an additional 16 percent of shares in PPA. COSCO was declared in February preferred investor for the sale of the controlling stake in Piraeus port after winning an international tender. In March, the Court of Audit approved the deal, while earlier this June the contract was cleared by the general assembly of PPA's shareholders and the Greek Competition Commission. Greek and Chinese officials and entrepreneurs as well as independent analysts have welcomed from the beginning the controlling of PPA by COSCO as a win-win cooperation step. The privatization of PPA is expected to help debt-laden Greece boost growth to exit the six-year debt crisis through the transformation of Piraeus into a leading transit hub for products and services from Asia to Europe. Piraeus port holds a key role in China's Belt and Road Initiative for the construction of a modern Silk Road to promote international multi-faceted collaboration. PPA's privatization will add a total of 1.5 billion euros to the Greek economy until 2052, when the concession deal expires, and help create 125,000 jobs, according to a survey of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE), one of Greece's leading think tanks. The ground to reach the landmark agreement was paved by the remarkable results of COSCO's presence at Piraeus in recent years. Since autumn 2009, COSCO's subsidiary Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) has been operating Piers II and III at Piraeus port under a 35-year concession agreement. By taking over also Pier I, operated by PPA until today, the Chinese investors promise to work hard to post impressive results soon and to turn the vision for Piraeus into reality. BRATISLAVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia will work hard to keep the European Union(EU) united during its Presidency of the Council of the EU and thereafter, Slovak President Andrej Kiska said on Thursday. In his speech delivered at the Presidential Palace to members of the European Commission College, Kiska said the presidency is a historic moment for Slovakia. Slovakia will take over the EU's rotating presidency on July 1. "I sincerely wish to see the EU in a better condition and a more cheerful spirit in six months, when Slovakia will be handing over the presidency to Malta," he said. He then went on to say that he wished Slovakia to assume the EU presidency in less turbulent times, and expressed regret over the result of the referendum on Britain's exit from the EU. Nonetheless, according to Kiska, growing nationalist sentiments in individual EU countries are frequently being fed by emotions and myths. Citing polls, Kiska stressed that a "safe majority" of Slovaks currently wouldn't vote for their country leaving the EU. "Nevertheless, they wouldn't decide this way because they believed that the EU is a good project, but because they viewed Slovakia's exit as too risky and costly. So, it's necessary to revive people's enthusiasm for the so-called European project, which is a task for political leaders," pointed out Kiska. Juncker in his following speech praised Slovakia for a "warm welcome". "We're in the palace of a real European nation," he told Kiska, describing the Slovak president as a European in both head and heart. Juncker described the beginning of Slovakia's EU presidency as a historical moment that will, apart from other things, boost its people's knowledge of the EU. Enditem by Xinhua writer Gu Zhenqiu UNITED NATIONS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- To people flying the flag of Red Cross, get access to people trapped in armed conflict is very difficult and in most cases very dangerous, but "we need to work with close proximity to people affected by war," a senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview. Yves Daccord, director-general of the ICRC, said that to get access to people affected by war is a big challenge for his organization at present. "As a humanitarian organization, we need to work with close proximity to people affected by war," said Daccord, who was at UN Headquarters in New York to attend a UN meeting on humanitarian affairs, a thee-day event which concluded on Wednesday. When working in a warring country, the ICRC staff are "not just in the capitals, (or) sit in a hotel, No! No! We want to be close," he said. For example, in Syria, the ICRC workers are not just in the capital Damascus, they are also in Aleppo and Homs, where armed conflicts are going on, he said. "In Afghanistan, we are in Jalalabad and other places which is very close to what is happening." "Accessing people today is very complicated because the issue is difficult, because they are in war," Daccord said. At the same time, "we work in a very close partnership with national Red Cross or Red Cresent," he said. "In every country, you have a Red Cross or a Red Cresent, we have the same emblem, the same structure, and we work very closely together." "We work with an ambition of close proximity," he said. TRANSPARENT AND NEUTRAL The requirement from the organization is transparency, Daccord said, "so that the government knows exactly what we are doing. We can not impose actions on people, we have to be transparent on what we really want to do." "As an organization, we have to really demonstrate that we are radically neutral and impartial," he said. "People do not trust you anymore if you say 'I'm the Red Cross, you have to trust me because I'm good.' No! Prove to me that you are good!" "As an organization, we have to make sure everyday, everywhere we demonstrate that we are a very impartial and independent organization," he said. "That is very, very important." The ICRC, based in Geneva, is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and provide them with assistance. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geveva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates the international activities conducted by the movement in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Daccord said that his organization is different from other humanitarian bodies and relevant UN agencies because "we are mainly focusing on the armed conflict, which is out of reach to most people." "We are absolutely radically humanitarian," he said. "So our interest is about the humanitarian need of the people, and only that. So we don't have as an organization a social agenda or a change agenda." "We don't want to change the country, not at all," he said. "We are very careful (as) we are invited into the country. We are very specific on the humanitarian affair." Meanwhile, he said, "We are a very discreet organization. So we are in favor of talking behind closed doors with the government, we don't talk to the media before talking with the government." "So if you want to be trusted, you really have to show that you are able to be very serious of being trusted," he said. RISK MANAGEMENT On risk management, he said, "We agree that the risk is the same for our locally hired staff as well as our international staff. We do not want just our local partners at risk while our international staff are nicely in the capital. No! No!" In fact, the ICRC's local staff and their international counterparts are both in dangerous areas to stay close to the people in the conflict, he said. "We have security management to train people to do the job in dangerous environments." "We have a very, very sophisticated training program to support our team in order for them to do the best," he said. The team on the ground has to assess the security situation constantly, he said. "We work without weapons. So our fragility is our strength." STRONG TIES WITH UN "We have a very strong relationship (with the United Nations), at the same time we are totally independent," Daccord said. "We are a Swiss-based organization with an international mandate. We have this mandate coming from the Geneva Conventions, signed by all the parties, including China, which is a very important party to the Geneva Conventions." "The Conventions gives us a mandate to intervene in an armed conflict and a war," he said. In the United Nations, the ICRC has observer status, its representatives participate in the UN debate, and "we are there to coordinate and collaborate with the UN on specific issues," he said. For example, the ICRC was at the UN Security Council two months ago to ask the 15-nation council that it could adopt a resolution on health care in danger. On May 3, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to condemn attacks on medical and humanitarian personnel in violent conflict while demanding relevant parties facilitate safe and unimpeded passage for those engaged in medical duties. Over the past three years, 2,400 targeted attacks had been carried out against patients and health care workers, transport and centers in 11 countries. The targeting of medical centres resulted in deep effects in both the immediate and long terms. Bombing hospitals meant hundreds of thousands of people losing access to health care and the erasure in seconds of decades-long efforts to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and fight disease. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the ICRC and other humanitarian partners as reliable partners playing a unique and vital role in conflict and disaster areas. REALISTIC BUDGET Daccord said that the ICRC keeps a realistic budget, which takes into account the need of people in armed conflict and financial constraints which came from economic difficulties in wake of the global financial and economic crisis over the past years. "These days, we are living in a world with economic difficulties and pressure," he said. "We ask our people when they present the budget, to present a budget based on the need of the people, but also on the constraints. Our objective of the budget is to spend 100 percent, so I do not ask for billions that we do not receive. It is a very, very well calculated budget." "So we are very transparent, precise and very clear about our budget," he said. "I prefer to have something which is to be targeted, integrates the need with constraint. We do not have a large budget whose financial resources can not be met." HAPPY WITH ICRC-CHINA COOPERATION "I'm very happy with the ICRC's cooperation with China," he said. "We have a very strong and long relationship with China. China is a very important country which signed the Geneva Conventions." China has a lot of experience in peacekeeping in the region and around the world, he said. "China has been working with us in implementing the international law. The other element which broadens our cooperation is that we have joint programs." "You know, China has a lot of citizens in Africa," he said, adding that for several times, the ICRC was able to help the Chinese citizens freed as hostages in Africa. "Over time, we've been really able to cooperate with China very, very well," he said. "In the coming years, I am looking forward to seeing China to be one of the main donors supporting our organization. We really welcome China to be a very strong factor for our organization." Daccord, born in 1964, held the post of the ICRC director-general since 2010. A former journalist, TV producer and international relations expert, his ICRC career has spanned more than two decades in a variety of posts and challenging contexts, including Israel and the Occupied Territories, Sudan, Yemen and Georgia. Enditem BRASILIA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian construction company Delta was accused by police on Thursday of money laundering with funds destined for the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center, built in 2006 for the 2007 Pan-American Games and which will host swimming, diving and water polo at the 2016 Olympic Games. Police investigators on Thursday arrested Delta's main shareholder Carlos Augusto Ramos in the city of Goiania, they announced in a press conference. They added that Delta laundered 370 million reals (115 million U.S. dollars) through 18 fictitious companies. Delta laundered money obtained in projects through fraudulent tenders, overbilling, embezzling of public funds and irregular payments, said the police. "In each project that we identified, Delta obtained some advantage. For the Maria Lenk center, the fraud was evidently in the tender. There were even projects where the works never took place," said investigator Leandro Mitidieri at the press conference. A total of 23 people have been denounced as part of this investigation but one of Delta's owners, Fernando Cavendish, has fled the country despite an arrest warrant against him. Enditem PUERTO VARAS, Chile, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Pacific Alliance has achieved initial progress in seeking regional integration, Colombia's Trade, Industry and Tourism Minister Maria Claudia Lacouture told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. The minister has been participating in the preparatory meetings ahead of the Alliance's 11th Presidential Summit to be held in Chile on Friday. Presidents of the member countries of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru is scheduled to attend as well as delegates from the 49 observer countries. "Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia are united in the Pacific Alliance," Lacouture said. She said the alliance seeks to promote trade and integration, such as lifting visa requirements to promote the free movement of citizens between the four member nations. According to Lacouture, the thing that attracts the attention of the Pacific Alliance's 49 observer countries is that "we have reached an agreement, on a strategy and on a work structure which will allow concrete steps to be outlined in order to continue progressing with economic growth." Australia, China, New Zealand, Spain and other European nations are among the 49 observer countries. Argentina and Costa Rica have also expressed an interest in becoming members of the Alliance. The Pacific Alliance seeks "to internationalize" the micro, small, and medium-sized companies in the four countries and facilitate trade in goods "because without this the work of governments can't progress." Lacouture explained that the basic premise for the Pacific Alliance is freeing up the movement of people and trade in goods, services and capital. On May 1, the elimination of tariffs on 92 percent of the basket of products marketed between the four countries came into operation This means "an injection of productivity and competitiveness" for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which "allows the Pacific Alliance to be the place to see this growth specifically when it comes to continuing progress in building global value chains," said the minister. "The agreement includes establishing a single template for trade and facilitating trade with new border regulations and we are working on improving infrastructure, which will generate more undertakings," said Lacouture. The minister highlighted the support given to the Pacific Alliance by international financial organizations, such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), with the purpose of generating development, trade and best practices as well as exchanging information. "This opens up more markets for our companies and all of this contributes to a better integration, which goes far beyond commercial operation," added the minister. Lacouture also highlighted that her country focuses its work on "promoting non-traditional exports in potential markets, attracting direct foreign investment and positioning Colombia as a world-class tourist destination." Enditem by Larry Neild LONDON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- With the race finally underway to find a successor to David Cameron as prime minister, the first official steps were announced Thursday to pave the way for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). Cabinet member and Business Secretary Sajid Javid was named as chair of a new business engagement inter-ministerial group established Thursday. The group will bring together leader ministers from across the government to coordinate engagement with the business community. The new group will hold its first meeting next week. Chaired by Javid, membership will include the Energy Secretary, Environment Secretary, Culture Secretary, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Trade and Investment Minister. Government officials say the group will provide an opportunity for ministers to discuss the views, thoughts and concerns from businesses in all sectors across Britain. It will feed into the new EU Referendum Unit established within the Cabinet Office. Javid said Thursday: "Now more than ever, businesses need certainty so it's vital that the government maintains an open and continuous dialogue. We must work together to make sure the world knows that the UK is still open for business and remains an attractive place with which to trade and invest." He said the group will make sure ministers are providing businesses with the information they need and how they can limit the uncertainty in the transition period of Britain's exit from the EU. Meanwhile Britain's interior minister, the Home Secretary Theresa May, has emerged as frontrunner to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister when he steps down in the fall. May is one of five Conservative politicians, bidding to become the new leader of the party. Rising star in politics, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb is also standing, along with cabinet member Andrea Leadsom and former Defense Secretary Liam Fox. Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who campaigned for Brexit alongside Johnson, said Thursday he had decided at the last minute to stand in the contest. He said he chose to run for the leadership after deciding "reluctantly but firmly that Boris Johnson was not capable of uniting the party or the country". Johnson supporters responded by claiming Gove had betrayed his Leave campaigner. A process will now start to narrow the field of contenders to just two. On Tuesday Conservative MPs will hold a secret ballot to eliminate the person with the fewest votes. Further secret votes will take place until there are just two. The winner will be decided by a vote among party members across the country to select their choice from those final two. Most of the reaction across Britain Thursday evening was not about the five bidders, but the fact that hot favorite Boris Johnson sent shockwaves around the political community by announced he would not stand for the top job. He was seen as the main cheerleader for the Brexit camp in the recent referendum over Britain's EU membership. Another victim of the Brexit fallout Thursday was the future of a planned third runway at Heathrow, the favored choice for government proposals to increase air transport capacity in the London area. Rival airport Gatwick was also in the race for the investment. Regarded as a huge political hot potato in the London area, the final decision has now been delayed until at least October. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced the delay saying it would be up to the next government to decide a new timetable, once the new leader to chosen. Meanwhile the turmoil continued in the main opposition Labour camp, with no decision yet on whether one of its MPs would prompt a leadership challenge. Corbyn, under siege from his own MPs has said he has no intention of quitting as leader, and said if he does face a challenge he will fight in any election to hold on to his job. Although 172 of his own MPs have voted that they have no confidence in his leadership, Corbyn has widespread grassroots support. PUERTO VARAS, Chile, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) views the Pacific Alliance "positively," ECLAC's Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena said here Thursday. The ECLAC representative told Xinhua, during the Alliance's 3rd Business Summit held in the city of Frutillar, southern Chile, that "the four Pacific Alliance member countries are very important in terms of their internal policies." "They have made significant agreements in such a way that inter-regional trade has increased some points between the four countries (Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico) and training among the populations has also increased, which we call 'intangible capital,'" said Barcena. The Pacific Alliance "has had big profits in this 'intangible capital,' as well as the exchange of people, increasing capabilities, eliminating visas and forming financial markets, through consolidating the Integrated Latin American Market (MILA)," the official said. Barcena highlighted the regional bloc's progress in free trade and reducing tariffs as well as the widespread interest from regional partners. "I feel that there are countries in our region that are very interested in being part of the Pacific Alliance. Up until now, there are over 40 observer countries in the Alliance," said Barcena. The Mexican biologist noted that the presidents of Argentina and Costa Rica, Mauricio Macri and Luis Guillermo Solis, respectively, will attend the Alliance's 11th Presidential Summit on July 1 in Puerto Varas, southern Chile. The four Pacific Alliance member countries account for seven percent of the world's fisheries exports and have suitable conditions to satisfy an important part of the growing global demand for these products. Barcena said this could range from creating sectoral brands and an exportable fishing supply catalogue for the Alliance, up to establishing a joint organization entrusted with marketing fisheries products. The Pacific Alliance is a regional integration process created on April 28, 2011. It brings together a population of 214 million people. The regional bloc's Framework Agreement came into force on July 20, 2015. The four member nations have a gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.1 billion U.S. dollars which represents 37 percent of Latin America and they also account for 50 percent of Latin American trade with the world. RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack near Kabul, Afghanistan, earlier in the day, which killed at least 30 people and wounded nearly 60 others . The Brazilian government vehemently condemns the attack against police cadets on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, said the ministry in a statement. "By reaffirming repudiation to every and any sort of terrorism, the Brazilian government expresses its solidarity to the wounded, to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Afghanistan," the government added. Taliban has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. It was not the first terrorist attack in Afghanistan this month. Last week, an attack on a bus resulted in 14 deaths, while another in a market killed eight and injured 18 others. by Liu Yongqiu, Chen Zhanjie ATHENS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's upcoming visit to China will provide an important opportunity for the two countries to advance bilateral relations, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli said in a recent interview. Tsipras is scheduled to visit China from July 2 to July 6. During his visit, a number of agreements are expected to be signed between China and Greece to boost cooperation in sectors of investment, finance, shipping, science and technology, culture, and tourism. The second China-Greece Maritime Cooperation Forum, which was initiated in 2014, will also be held during Tsipras's visit, according to official sources. Zou believes the Greek Prime Minister's visit will be an important one against a profound background. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Greece. Zou said such partnership conformed to the long-term and important interests of both countries and was assuming increasing regional and global significance. Just prior to Tsipras's visit, Greek lawmakers ratified on Thursday with an overwhelming majority the landmark concession agreement with China's COSCO Shipping for the acquisition of a majority stake in Piraeus Port Authority. Zou said the Piraeus project was a fine example of China-Greece cooperation, the significance of which went beyond economic cooperation and bilateral scope and had assumed great importance for promoting regional peace and development. Greece is becoming an important knot on China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Piraeus project has made Greece a key link between 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, according to Zou. Greece is an ideal partner for China to carry out international maritime cooperation, according to Zou, adding Greece's experience and openness in marine-related sectors has made maritime cooperation between the two countries at the forefront of China-Europe cooperation. The ambassador added that China was ready to make joint efforts with Greece in the following areas: First, to continue to render mutual support to each other on issues of core interest; second, to use maritime cooperation as a "dragon head" to lead to practical cooperation in various areas; third, to promote dialogues between different civilizations; and fourth, to enhance coordination and cooperation in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East. According to Zou, the four areas reflect the features of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries more than 40 years ago, Greece has rendered valuable support to China at crucial moments like the Beijing Olympic Games and the evacuation of Chinese citizens from overseas, Zou said. It is fair to say that Greece has all along been China's reliable partner within the EU, said the ambassador. Zou said China would like to see Greece continue to act as a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations. To step up cooperation between China and Greece in this area has global significance and value. SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A driver riding on a road in Williston, Florida, southeastern United States, has become the first fatality operating a Tesla electric vehicle on "autopilot" mode. The accident took place on May 7, and U.S. automaker Tesla, based in northern California, said Thursday it learned the evening before that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is opening a preliminary evaluation into Tesla vehicle's autopilot feature. In a blog on its website, the company acknowledged that in the fatal crash involving a Tesla S, a luxury model, "neither autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer (turning in front of the vehicle) against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied," resulting in the sedan to "pass under the trailer." While citing the trailer's high ride height, its positioning across the road and "extremely rare circumstances" of the impact as elements leading to the driver's death, Tesla assumed that had the Model S impacted the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury "as it has in numerous other similar incidents." It defended itself with statistics that there is a fatality every 94 million miles, or 151 million kilometers, among all vehicles in the United States, and the Model S case was the first known fatality in over 130 million miles, 209 million kilometers, where autopilot was activated. Tesla noted that its autopilot feature is disabled by default and the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase. Claiming that it informed NHTSA about the incident immediately, Tesla emphasized that the federal agency's action is "simply a preliminary evaluation." However, NHTSA clarified in a statement on Thursday that a preliminary investigation does not mean it "believes there is either a presence or absence of a defect in the subject vehicles." Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang gives a piano show in front of the Iguacu waterfall in Brazil on June 30, 2016. (Xinhua) FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang led six Chinese torchbearers participate in the Rio Olympics torch relay on Thursday in the famous Iguacu waterfall city. This Thursday, 30 June, the Rio Olympics torch relay continues its journey across Brazilian Parana state. The distance covered, including transits, 170 km and some 140 torchbearers. Foz do Iguacu is the last town on the Olympic Flame' s route today. Invited by the Coca-Cola sponsorship, six torchbearers including Lang Lang and actress Jiang Yiyan lit the passion of local people. As No. 75 torchbearer, Lang Lang was welcomed by both warm Brazilians and Chinese. Numerous people accompanied him during his 200-meter torch relay journey. "It's my third time to be a summer Olympics torchbearer this time. To get in touch with Olympics and its spirit one more time, I feel more powerful and it will lead me to go forward," Lang Lang said. Lang Lang is a celebrity in classical music circles. He was the first Chinese pianist to join the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic, and was also a UNICEF ambassador. He has created educational projects in Europe and Asia, been an advertising icon for famous brands, and represented China on the Western cultural scene. Earlier on Thursday, Lang Lang also gave a piano show just in front of the Iguacu waterfall, one of the most famous natural landmarks the country has to offer. His show attracted lots of tourists. A Tesla Model S with version 7.0 software update containing Autopilot features is seen during a Tesla event in Palo Alto, California October 14, 2015. (REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach/Files) SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A driver riding on a road in Williston, Florida, southeastern United States, has become the first fatality operating a Tesla electric vehicle on "autopilot" mode. The accident took place on May 7, and U.S. automaker Tesla, based in northern California, said Thursday it learned the evening before that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is opening a preliminary evaluation into Tesla vehicle's autopilot feature. In a blog on its website, the company acknowledged that in the fatal crash involving a Tesla S, a luxury model, "neither autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer (turning in front of the vehicle) against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied," resulting in the sedan to "pass under the trailer." While citing the trailer's high ride height, its positioning across the road and "extremely rare circumstances" of the impact as elements leading to the driver's death, Tesla assumed that had the Model S impacted the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury "as it has in numerous other similar incidents." It defended itself with statistics that there is a fatality every 94 million miles, or 151 million kilometers, among all vehicles in the United States, and the Model S case was the first known fatality in over 130 million miles, 209 million kilometers, where autopilot was activated. Tesla noted that its autopilot feature is disabled by default and the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase. Claiming that it informed NHTSA about the incident immediately, Tesla emphasized that the federal agency's action is "simply a preliminary evaluation." However, NHTSA clarified in a statement on Thursday that a preliminary investigation does not mean it "believes there is either a presence or absence of a defect in the subject vehicles." A pedestrian shelters from the rain beneath a Union flag themed umbrella as they walk near the Big Ben clock and the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament in central London on June 25, 2016, following the pro-Brexit result of the UK's EU referendum vote. (AFP PHOTO/JUSTIN TALLIS) WASHINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday warned that significant uncertainty over Britain's vote to leave the European Union (EU) is likely to dampen economic growth in Britain, Europe and the rest of the world. "I would say Brexit has created significant uncertainty, and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK but with repercussions also for Europe and the global economy," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said at a regular press briefing. Rice said "one notable source of this uncertainty" concerns the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU and how the new relationship will impact business. Following a decision to exit the EU, Britain would need to negotiate the terms of its withdrawal and a new relationship with the EU. "Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in consumer and business confidence would mean even lower growth," he said, noting that policymakers in the UK and the EU "have a key role to play" to make a smooth and predictable transition and help reduce the uncertainty. Rice said market movements immediately following Britain's referendum last week "were large but not excessively disorderly," and the IMF strongly supports the commitments made and the steps taken by major central banks to "provide liquidity and curtail excess financial volatility." "More broadly, we think policymakers need to stand ready to act should the impact of financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty threaten to materially weaken the global outlook. Decisive policies will make a difference," he added. The IMF had warned before the referendum that the British economy could shrink 0.8 percent in 2017 if it leaves the EU. Spillover from the British exit would be felt mostly by EU countries that have close trade and investment links with the country, including Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, the Netherlands and Belgium, according to a report released by the IMF earlier this month. CANBERRA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Over 800,000 Japanese-made cars -- including almost every Mitsubishi model sold in Australia over the past decade -- have been recalled in the past two days over serious driver safety concerns. Mitsubishi Motors Australia has had to recall nearly 500,000 vehicles, while Toyota Australia has ordered back 324,000 of its models, over a host of safety faults including defective headlights, airbags and possible fuel leaks. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), an independent authority of the Australian government, have overseen the process, which has resulted in the highest number of recall notices ever issued over a two-day period in Australia. According to a NewsCorp report on Friday, some of Mitsubishi's most popular models, including the Triton ute, Lancer Sedan, Outlander, Pajero four-wheel drive, Colt Hatchback and the iMiev electric car, have been summoned back over electrical problems which can affect indicator signals, windscreen-wipers and headlights. The ACCC said the Mitsubishi Lancer's defect includes the handbrake cable, which can interfere with the fuel tank, causing it to rust and leaving it exposed to a possible fuel leak. Among the Toyotas recalled are the Prius hybrid, the Corolla sedan and hatch, and the Rukus vehicles built between October 2008 and February 2015. Toyota said the recall of its cars is due to the possibility that"a crack may develop on the fuel suction plate assembled to the fuel tank." "If this occurs, the crack could expand over time and fuel may eventually leak when the vehicle has a full tank of petrol. Fuel or fuel vapour in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a vehicle fire," Toyota said in a statement on Thursday. Toyota has also issued a second, airbag-related recall for the Prius model because "some (airbag) inflators could have a small crack in the weld area joining the chambers ... and one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle. If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury." The owners of the 800,000 affected Mitsubishi and Toyota cars will be notified by mail and will have their repairs made free of charge. The recall notices are a further hit to the motor industry, as it struggles to keep up with the replacement orders of the potentially deadly Takata airbags in 1.3 million cars across Australia. SYDNEY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An Australian woman is set to face kidnapping charges in Lebanon following a botched child recovery operation with an Australian television network, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Friday. Mother Sally Faulkner and those hired to carry out the child recovery mission face kidnapping charges and up to seven years in jail. The crew of 60 Minutes, a flagship news program for Australia's Nine Network who were filming the story in Lebanon will escape the saga with only a fine. Faulkner and the 60 Minutes crew returned to Australia in April after the Nine Network secured their release. The operatives hired to carry out the child recovery effort however were not included in the deal. Faulkner's lawyer is hopeful the charge will be dismissed on appeal. The lawyer representing Adam Whittington, the man from a British-based international "child recovery" agency who attempted to bring Faulkner's children back to Australia said an appeals court had to approve or overturn the decision. "We are fully confident with the Lebanese criminal justice system that whenever it goes to a trial we will reach to the right appropriate decision, where they consider a kidnapping of a child by his mother is not a kidnapping," lawyer Joe Karam said. Channel Nine confirmed the charges against its staff had been downgraded in a statement. "There will still be a trial on a date to be determined and out of respect for the Lebanese legal process we will not be making any further comment while the matter is still before the court," they said. Lebanese authorities alleged in April that the Australian TV crew, who were filming the recovery operation as part of a story, paid the British-based recovery agents 115,000 Australian dollars (85,686 U.S. dollars). Faulkner's two children currently reside in Lebanon with their father. BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday that 3.6 million Iraqi children need urgent action to protect their rights amid increasing violence in the country. The UNICEF report titled "A Heavy Price for Children" revealed one child in five in the country is at serious risk of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups. The number of children in danger of these violations has increased by 1.3 million in 18 months, the report said. The report finding also showed that 4.7 million children need humanitarian aid, or a third of all Iraqi children, while many families are facing deteriorated conditions due to the ongoing violence and military operations in Fallujah and the areas around Mosul in northern Iraq. It showed that almost 1.5 million children, or 10 percent of the Iraqi children, have been forces to flee their homes because of violence since the beginning of 2014. Most of them were displaced multiple times. Consequently, nearly one in five schools is out of use due to conflict and almost 3.5 million children of school-age are missing out on an education, according to the report. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF representative in Iraq said "children in Iraq are in the firing line and are being repeatedly and relentlessly targeted." "We appeal to all parties for restraint and to respect and protect children. We must help give children the support they need to recover from the horrors of war and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq," the report quoted Hawkins as saying. The report also said that a total of 1,496 children have been kidnapped in the country over the past two and a half years, or about 50 children abducted each month, with many forced into fighting or sexually abused. "The kidnapping of children from their homes, their schools and from the streets is horrifying," said Hawkins. "These children are being ripped from their families and are subjected to sickening abuses and exploitation." The UNICEF called for an urgent action to protect children's rights in the war-torn Iraq. It also appealed for humanitarian access to all children across Iraq, including in area under control of Islamic state (IS) militants, in order to improve education and to provide psychological and recreation programs. The UNICEF also called for the international community to increase funding its activities, as resources are running short. It said it is seeking 100 million U.S. dollars for its response in Iraq for 2016. Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups such as the IS group on the United States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the country. The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, but no WMD was found. CANBERRA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Australia's federal election is on a knife's edge, with the last opinion poll before Australians head to the voting booths revealing that, after preferences, the coalition and the Labor opposition both have 50 percent support. The Fairfax-Ipsos poll, published on Friday just a day before the election, showed that Australia is yet again heading for a hung parliament, despite the coalition government holding a commanding lead in the primary vote. The Turnbull government has support of 40 percent of Australian voters, while Labor has 33 percent, but after preferences Labor surges ahead to draw neck-and-neck with the coalition. The poll also revealed that less than 20 percent of voters believe Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will win the election despite the fact about 50 percent intend to have Labor in as either their first or second preference. Strikingly, the Fairfax poll showed 27 percent of voters remain intent on supporting Greens and other independent candidates, something which Turnbull said was a recipe for disaster. The coalition's Leader of the House, Christopher Pyne, urged Australians to shun the Greens and independents in favor of a vote for the major parties, as voting independent would "cast (Australia) back to the darkness" of the minority Labor government in 2010. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese agreed, but said he didn't expect voters to follow through with independent votes when polling stations open on Saturday. "It doesn't mean that is the way they vote," Albanese said. "I think when people get in the poll booth they know they can have Bill Shorten or Malcolm Turnbull tomorrow night as prime minister." Both major party leaders were given crucial breakfast TV air time on Friday, in a last concerted push to win over the swing voters; Turnbull spruiked his history as a successful businessman, and told Australians he knows "what makes the economy hum." He said his party's policies, which include tax cut incentives for small and innovative businesses, would boost the nation's economy, as free trade deals -- such as those with China -- would provide boundless opportunity for Australian business. "We have opened up some of the biggest markets in the world with our export trade deals," Turnbull told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Friday morning. "We're promoting business and investment. We're encouraging employment and strong employment growth, particularly for women and were seeing most of the jobs created last year were for women." The prime minister said Labor actively opposed the China free trade agreement, and said it was "extraordinary" that Labor wants to "stand in the way" of global economic growth. "I have to remind you the Labor party oppose one of those export deals, that has created jobs across the country, particularly in regional Australia, they oppose the China and Australia free trade agreement," Turnbull said. Meanwhile, Shorten promised a Labor government would listen to and represent all Australians, and said he would fight to protect the nation's publicly funded universal health care scheme, Medicare. He said the Turnbull government was planning to privatize Medicare which would result in a more costly trip to the doctor for everyday Australians. "There is nothing more important than the health of our fellow Australians. The Labor party believes in the healthcare of all Australians, and that's why we're defending Medicare," he said on Friday. Labor has also promised to actively fight climate change and fund widespread education reform, while Shorten also said he would increase the humanitarian intake of refugees from Syria so they can resettle in Australia. Shorten said his party would fight for a fair go for all Australians, and said Turnbull's talk of "unity" and a "stable" government was rubbish, considering Turnbull was considering taking money out of healthcare, education, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme 0 which Shorten said would affect "millions." "There's a lot of discussion at the moment about stability, what I say is you cannot have stability when literally millions of Australians are missing out," he said. Australians head to the polls on Saturday. by Xinhua Writers Qu Junya, Ling Shuo BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Convention on the law of Sea (UNCLOS) has not resolved every past global dispute and neither will it for the South China Sea arbitration the Philippines has unilaterally initiated in The Hague. China has elaborated on the reasons why in a position paper released in Dec. 2014. For one, the arbitration involves issues of territorial sovereignty over which UNCLOS has no jurisdiction. Hence China's non-acceptance of and non-participation in the arbitration is justified. China supports international law and that is why it rejects the Manila initiative. This stand is taken to ensure that international law is safe from political abuse and manipulation. However, China's stance has been labeled as being in contempt to and non-compliance with international law by some Western governments and media. In fact, respect for international law should not mean being forced to accept an arbitration that goes beyond UNCLOS' scope. Any arbitration ruling is unlikely to hold. This is partly because no international dispute concerning national sovereignty has so far been settled by a single arbitration based on international law, with the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict as an example. But international law is limited too. For disputes where multilateral interests instead of territorial claims are concerned, international law has hardly worked. So often, mechanisms under international conventions or pacts alleviate humanitarian crises but without eliminating their roots, as we see with the recent refugee influx into Europe. Prof. Jack Goldsmith of Harvard University and Prof. Eric Posner of Chicago University write in the book, Limits of International Law, that international law is based on and restricted by national interests. The South China Sea issue is an exact showcase of their opinion. The issue is a complex one with political and historical factors to address. Negotiating a peaceful solution is the way forward in consideration of history, diplomacy, culture, energy, security and transportation. To this end, an effective mechanism is necessary for consultation, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea approved in 2002 by China and all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations needs to be reinforced. China is not opposed to rules but safeguards them and calls for rules that are rational. However, rules to solve the South China Sea issue should not be set thousands of miles away by oceanographers or legal experts of a five-member arbitral tribunal mainly from on the basis of geological structure or the natural quality of reefs. Neither should any conclusion on any complex regional issue be drawn one-sidedly. UNCLOS needs the protection of every member to keep it from being reduced to a geopolitical tool, and its reasonable use relies on cooperative diplomatic and political efforts. The work of the tribunal in The Hague on this front has been a huge disservice. Related: China reaffirms non-acceptance of South China Sea arbitration BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China reaffirmed on Thursday that it will not accept a third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on the Arbitral Tribunal's claim that it would soon issue the so-called final award of the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. Full story Consultation is way to keep peace, stability in South China Sea: Greek party official ATHENS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Amicable consultation is the only way to resolve the escalating tension in the South China Sea, a Greek party official and expert in international relations told Xinhua on Wednesday. Vassiliki Souladaki, deputy secretary of international relations department of the socialist PASOK party and an expert in foreign policy affairs, urged for honest dialogue between sovereign states on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, to put an end to the dispute. Full story Commentary: Manic South China Sea arbitration melting foundation of int'l order BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China is defending not only its territorial sovereignty but world peace and stability when fighting against the obstinacy displayed in the South China Sea arbitration. The Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration, established at the unilateral request of the Republic of the Philippines, claimed on Wednesday that it would issue the final "award" on July 12. Full story Spotlight: Int'l experts criticize Hague arbitration tribunal over South China Sea BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- International experts criticized an arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction for its plan to issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. The government of outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino III filed the arbitration against China in 2013, despite the agreement his country had reached with China on resolving their South China Sea disputes through bilateral negotiations. Full story Commentary: Ill-grounded S. China Sea arbitration to only worsen disputes among neighbors BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines does not hold water from a legal standpoint and will not put an end to the South China Sea disputes, but only worsen them. Full story Law-abusing tribunal to issue award on South China Sea arbitration THE HAGUE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- An arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction will issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague said on Wednesday. Full story Backgrounder: Timeline of Philippines' unilaterally initiated South China Sea arbitration case NAY PYI TAW, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar government and eight signatory armed groups to the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) have agreed to hold the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference by the last week of August under equality and non-secession basis. The agreement was reached between State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and the eight groups following a coordination meeting between the two sides on Tuesday. The armed groups voiced support for Suu Kyi's policy of holding the conference which aims at achieving peace and national reconciliation. The Panglong conference calls for building a federal union with unity and non-secession spirit, Suu Kyi stressed. Meanwhile, the Panglong Conference Preparatory Committee is working hard to ensure that those non-ceasefire signatory armed groups can take part in the gathering. Some of the non-ceasefire signatory armed groups will come in days for talks with the state counselor in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. They include the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Arakan Army (AA) and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The Naga Group is also being invited for talks in Yangon for the participation in the Panglong conference. Suu Kyi has invited all nationalities residing in the country to establish a genuine federal democratic union, saying it is the sole aim of the new government. Meeting with the Ethnic Armed Organization's Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) in Nay Pyi Taw, led by Saw Mutu Sae Poe of the Kayin National Union (KNU), Suu Kyi expressed her belief that if working for peace actively, it would undoubtedly overcome the armed groups' anxiety in face of changes, inviting all stake-holders to help establish the union with trust and respect. "Myanmar can only develop when there is peace and it should explore a way of peace based on unity," she said, adding that "the country will be prosper only when peace is achieved." In his meeting with the PPST on Wednesday, Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing assured that the armed forces would not deviate from the NCA and will cooperate for the success of the Panglong ethnic conference. Two of the non-ceasefire signatory groups - the UWSA and the NDAA made a decision to attend the Panglong conference following a meeting in Mongla last week with the Panglong Conference Preparatory Sub-Committee-2, led by Dr. Tin Myo Win, who is the government's peace negotiator. On June 3, the committee also met with the United Nationalities Federal Council's (UNFC) delegation for political negotiation in Chiangmai, Thailand. The preparatory committee also plans to meet with other non-signatory armed groups such as Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The preparatory committee, in a four-day meeting in Yangon in June, claimed that it has won a breakthrough in revising the framework for political dialogue, inviting non-signatories to the NCA to participate in the Panglong conference. Myanmar former government and eight ethnic armed groups out of 15 signed the NCA on Oct. 15, 2015. After that a union-level Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee was formed along with a tripartite Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee which was to draft a framework for holding political dialogue as part of the implementation of the NCA. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is delivering a speech at a grand gathering in Beijing marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Related: China marks 95th founding anniversary of CPC BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing Friday morning. NAY PYI TAW, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar and Thailand have voiced affirmation that the two countries will cooperate to show their relations as exemplary not only within the region but also in the international community. It was proposed by Myanmar State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi when she met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan in Nay Pyi Taw during the latter's two-day visit which ended on Thursday. The border between the two countries does not suggest a division but sharing the development, Suu Kyi stressed. They discussed matters relating to promotion of amity between the two peoples to brotherly ties. At a follow-up meeting, Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw emphasized the need of respect for and adherence to laws, rules and regulations by each others' citizens working in each other's countries. In addition to stressing border stability and development, the two also pushed for an early completion of the Myawaddy Friendship Bridge to facilitate trade activities. They also vowed to raise the two countries' bilateral trade to 20 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. Wongsuwan also had talks with Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing on military cooperation, border security, cracking down on terrorists and drug trafficking, boundary demarcation and labor affairs. Wongsuwan's visit was preceded by Aung San Suu Kyi's trip to Thailand on June 23-25 which was made at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. In May, Min Aung Hlaing also visited the neighboring country, bringing the two countries' military cooperation to a new high. Thailand is a key trade partner of Myanmar with about 4.5 billion U.S. dollars bilateral trade in 2015-16, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Statistics also show that Thailand's investment in Myanmar stood at 10.5 billion U.S. dollars as of March, accounting for 16.48 percent of the total and ranking the third in Myanmar's foreign investment line-up after China and Singapore since Myanmar opened its door in late 1988. Myanmar and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1948 when Myanmar regained independence. MANILA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wanted a "conversation" with China on the South China Sea in a bid to work out a "win-win relationship" with the country, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Friday. "Basically he's being friendly toward China. I think it's an indication on how he wants to handle the relationship, not to be adversarial but to really work out a relationship that will be win-win for both," Abella said in an interview with the television ANC. "I think the point of the president is ... we are not in a position to engage military operations and stuff like that. So, it really makes common sense," he said. A few hours after taking office as the country's 16th president Thursday, Duterte told a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace not to "flaunt" a possibly favorable ruling in a case filed by the Philippines at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The tribunal has said that it would be handing down the ruling on July 12. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday that the tribunal, "established on the basis of illegal conduct and claims of the Philippines," has no jurisdiction over the case and the relevant subject matter, and should not have heard the case or render any award. Duterte brought up the issue during the televised meeting. While the decision on the arbitration case might be favorable to the Philippines, "it would also put the country in an awkward position especially with China (in terms of relations)," Duterte said. "God knows I really do not want to declare any fighting with anybody. And if we can have peace by just talking, I would be very happy," he added. Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay also informed Duterte during the meeting that he was "averse" to issuing a "strong" statement in case of a favorable ruling, rejecting suggestions by foreign representatives. Related: China reaffirms non-acceptance of South China Sea arbitration BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China reaffirmed on Thursday that it will not accept a third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on the Arbitral Tribunal's claim that it would soon issue the so-called final award of the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. Full story Consultation is way to keep peace, stability in South China Sea: Greek party official ATHENS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Amicable consultation is the only way to resolve the escalating tension in the South China Sea, a Greek party official and expert in international relations told Xinhua on Wednesday. Vassiliki Souladaki, deputy secretary of international relations department of the socialist PASOK party and an expert in foreign policy affairs, urged for honest dialogue between sovereign states on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, to put an end to the dispute. Full story Commentary: UNCLOS unable to solve complicated South China Sea row BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Convention on the law of Sea (UNCLOS) has not resolved every past global dispute and neither will it for the South China Sea arbitration the Philippines has unilaterally initiated in The Hague. China has elaborated on the reasons why in a position paper released in Dec. 2014. For one, the arbitration involves issues of territorial sovereignty over which UNCLOS has no jurisdiction. Hence China's non-acceptance of and non-participation in the arbitration is justified. Full story Commentary: Manic South China Sea arbitration melting foundation of int'l order BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China is defending not only its territorial sovereignty but world peace and stability when fighting against the obstinacy displayed in the South China Sea arbitration. The Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration, established at the unilateral request of the Republic of the Philippines, claimed on Wednesday that it would issue the final "award" on July 12. Full story Spotlight: Int'l experts criticize Hague arbitration tribunal over South China Sea BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- International experts criticized an arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction for its plan to issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. The government of outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino III filed the arbitration against China in 2013, despite the agreement his country had reached with China on resolving their South China Sea disputes through bilateral negotiations. Full story Commentary: Ill-grounded S. China Sea arbitration to only worsen disputes among neighbors BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines does not hold water from a legal standpoint and will not put an end to the South China Sea disputes, but only worsen them. Full story Law-abusing tribunal to issue award on South China Sea arbitration THE HAGUE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- An arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction will issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague said on Wednesday. Full story Backgrounder: Timeline of Philippines' unilaterally initiated South China Sea arbitration case BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday called on his comrades to "stay true to the mission" taken up by the CPC 95 years ago. "One who wants to stride ahead should not forget the path that was trodden. No matter how far we will travel and to whatever bright future, we should not forget what we have done and why we set out to do it," said Xi, at a rally marking the 95th founding anniversary of the CPC in Beijing. He called on CPC members to "uphold the fighting spirit" of the Party's founding members and their commitment to the people. Related: Xi: China to contribute wisdom to global governance BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The world order should be decided not by one country or a few, but by broad international agreement, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Friday. Full story Xi stresses supply-side reform in CPC anniversary speech BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for intensified efforts in supply-side structural reform on Friday, in a speech at a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Full story China will not flaunt military power: Xi BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China will not resort to the threat of force at will, nor will it "flaunt its military power on others' doorsteps at the drop of a hat," said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Friday. Full story Xi reiterates opposition to "Taiwan independence" BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations at a rally on Friday. Full story Xi: strengthen confidence in China's social system BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Socialism with Chinese characteristics should be evaluated not by "people with tainted glasses," but by the Chinese, based on facts, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Full story Xi urges innovative application of Marxism BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) should adapt Marxist principles to the current realities in China, and be innovative both in theory and practice, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Friday. Full story China marks 95th founding anniversary of CPC BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) convened at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing Friday morning. Full story Xi Jinping addressing rally marking CPC's 95th founding anniversary YANGON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Nay Pyi Taw Council has vowed to completely settle seized farmland cases within six months. Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman Dr. Myo Aung made the promise following the return of 85.69 hectares of farmland to the original owners in Zeyarthiri township in the capital Thursday. The farmland returned was among over 130 hectares confiscated in 2004 and 2005 for the construction of the Ministry of Information's newspaper building and printing houses, according to reports. Scrutiny is going on with other pieces of farmland in dispute. In June, more than 2,500 hectares of seized farmland in Myanmar's southwestern Ayeyawaddy region were returned to 324 farmers in two townships of Pantanaw and Pyapon, according to an earlier official report. Meanwhile, plans are also underway to return over 445 hectares of land to farmers in Mandalay region. SEOUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The sixth case of Zika virus infection in South Korea has been found in a 28-year-old woman who recently came back from Dominica, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said on Friday. The woman, who had stayed in the Central American country from June 2014, came back to South Korea on June 23 via the United States and China's Taiwan, according to the KCDC. She was confirmed positive with the mosquito-borne virus last night after developing a rash, and joint and muscle pains from Monday. It marked the sixth case of the country's Zika virus infection since the fifth one was detected some 50 days ago. Among the total, one came from Brazil, one from Vietnam, one from Dominica and three from the Philippines. The KCDC said the sixth patient is not pregnant, noting that it has been conducting an in-depth epidemiological investigation. Zika is a virus that is primarily spread by mosquito bites, particularly risky for pregnant women as it is thought to be linked to a rare birth defect - microcephaly that causes newborn babies to have unusually small heads and damaged brains. The Zika virus is believed not to be spread by ordinary touches between humans, but it can be transmitted through sex and blood transfusion. Cases of sexual transmission from travelers to their sexual partners had been reported from the United States and Europe. The KCDC has advised pregnant women not to travel to Zika-infected countries, while recommending fertile women delay pregnancy for at least two months after returning from such nations. Zika was first found in Africa and spread to Asia and Latin America. Ahead of the Brazil Summer Olympics, the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus outbreak a global emergency. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The complete ban of sales and use of fireworks stands, said the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF). The RBPF said Thursday that no permits have been issued to any companies in Brunei for the sale of fireworks, even in the upcoming Hari Raya festival celebration. The move, said Acting Director of Operation Senior Superintendent Pg Hj Muhammad in a press conference held at the RBPF Headquarters, was to further ensure the safety of the people during the celebration. Fireworks played late at night also disturb the community's peace, he said, as there may be people who need the silence to rest. The acting director reminded members of the public that the selling, owning or importing of firecrackers and fireworks is an offence under Brunei's Chapter 58 of the Firearms and Explosives Act. "It is an offence liable to a jail term of not less than five years and not more than 15 years, and a minimum of three strokes and maximum of 12 strokes of canes, as well as a fine up to 3,000 Brunei dollars (2,230 U.S. dollars) if found guilty," he said. Xinhua file photo shows a man make a vow in front of the flag of the Communist Party of China. (Xinhua) BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Yu Jing has promised not to leave a poverty-stricken village in Anhui unless she is sure that the 400 villagers are self-sufficient. Leaving her son and daughter with her husband in Jinzhai County, the 33-year-old Communist spends all day in Dawan Village of Shihua Township, helping locals find ways to make money. "I just want to do my part and make sure no one is left behind when China becomes a moderately prosperous society in 2020," she said. After ruling China for 67 years and becoming the world's largest political party, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has launched a series of campaigns encouraging its 87.7 million members to give something back to society. Xu Yaotong with the Chinese Academy of Governance said the CPC must continue to improve people's lives and address public demands. Poverty alleviation, technical innovation, anti-corruption and intra-Party democracy are all significant tasks facing the 95-year-old party, he said. In Dawan Village, where Yu lives now, local farmers have attracted investment and built a photovoltaic power plant, some began to plant bamboo and explore specialty farming with the assistance of volunteers from cities. Yu, a computer technician with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Jinzhai, said her first job was to survey the economic situations of each family and analyze their advantages and disadvantages to figure out tailor-made poverty-eradication solutions. Pan Dongxu, secretary of the Jinzhai County Committee of the CPC, said that grassroots cadres have a lot of responsibility, because they face the public every day. "We are stressed but confident," he said. Across the country, there are still 55.75 million impoverished people in rural areas, earning a per capita net income of less than 2,800 yuan a year. In next five years, all will be lifted out of poverty. Calling the target "a decision with no parallel," Pan Dongxu said he thinks of no other country that could make such a pledge, considering the giant population. "This decision shows the courage and duty of the Party's leadership," he said. For Du Jiangfeng with the University of Science and Technology of China, the Party's other commendable decision is to make technical innovation a national strategy. "I think China has entered its best period for scientific research, and intellectuals are having their best time," he said. China's new supercomputing system, Sunway-TaihuLight, was named the world's fastest computer at the International Supercomputing Conference in Germany, which greatly boosted the morale of Chinese scientists, he said. As the Party is to celebrate its 95th anniversary on July 1, some Party members have offered suggestions on how to strengthen the governance capacity of the Party. Dai Yanjun with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee maintains that learning is essential as the Party must deal with new challenges in this era of quick changes. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee has studied topics covering a broad sphere from the rule of law, anti-corruption, diplomacy, military to free trade zones. Such learning will help the leadership adapt to new developments and make prudent, better decisions, Dai said. Fei Kanru, former deputy curator of the Zunyi Meeting Museum in southwest China's Guizhou Province, stresses the need to uphold the Party's tradition of self-criticism. Flawed decision-making and unwise military tactics resulted in a forced expedition of the Party's troops in 1934, a march of over 12,500 km that was full of hardships, bloodshed and battles. It was at the Zunyi meeting in January 1935 that the Party undertook self-criticism and established the principle of seeking truth from fact, Fei said. He said it is good to see grassroots organizations hold similar meetings to conduct open-minded and frank discussions among Party members and advocate integrity. On Tuesday, the leadership of the CPC adopted a regulation on Party officials' duty of care, under which Party officials will be held responsible for serious consequences caused by their negligence or poor work performance, undermining the Party's governance and harming the people's interests. Li Junru, former vice president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said that the Party has kept its vitality over the past 95 years by sticking to the principles of serving the people and pursuing truths. "But the most important advantage of the Party's governance lies in the tradition of cementing consensus through constant study and broad discussions," he said. NEW DELHI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has offered 1 billion U.S. dollars in loans to India for its solar generation plans, said local media on Friday. The projects now under preparation include solar rooftop technology, infrastructure for solar parks, bringing innovative solar and hybrid technologies to the market, and transmission lines for solar-rich states of the country, said local daily The Hindu. The commitment includes an agreement for a 625 million U.S. dollar loan for grid-connected rooftop solar programme for financing the installation of at least 40 megawatts of solar photovoltaic installations, said the report. The agreement was reached by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. "We are doing all we can to support Prime Minister Modi's personal commitment to renewable energy, especially in scaling up solar energy,"Kim told local media on Thursday after meeting Modi. He also praised India for having become a leader in implementing the promises made in Paris for COP21 and the efforts against global warming. DAFANG, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers work at the accident site after a rain-triggered landslide hit Pianpo Village, Dafang County in the city of Bijie, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 1, 2016. The landslide on Friday morning buried 29 people in the village. Nine people have been out of the rubble, but one of them was dead. The other eight have been rushed to hospital. (Xinhua/Wang Wei) GUIYANG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A rain-triggered landslide killed one person and left 20 others missing in a village in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Friday morning. The landslide at around 5:30 a.m. buried 29 people in Pianpo Village, Dafang County in the city of Bijie, according to the local government. Nine people have been out of the rubble, but one of them was dead. The other eight have been rushed to hospital. The rescue work is ongoing, and the local government has dispatched personnel to relocate residents to avoid secondary disasters. Rainstorms have battered the region over the past few days. WELLINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's biggest meat cooperative and China's biggest meat processor have agreed to postpone their tie-up deal by three months as New Zealand regulators continue to assess it. Silver Fern Farms said the new deadline for gaining regulatory approval for the 50-percent sell down to Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co. Ltd. (Shanghai Maling) was now Sept. 30. Silver Fern Farms was unable to meet original date of June 30 because New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office (OIO), which vets foreign purchases of New Zealand assets, was seeking more information on the deal, chief executive Dean Hamilton said in a statement Friday. OIO approval was the only outstanding condition in the sell-down, but more time was also needed for government ministers to consider the application, said Hamilton. "We continue to believe that the investment will be approved given its substantial merits," he said. "The agreement to the new date reflects positively on the ongoing commitment of both parties to the transaction." On the basis of the revised OIO date, the parties had agreed to a completion date of Jan. 4, 2017. The deal has been beset by controversy with Silver Fern shareholders staging a revolt and demanding a new vote on its approval after claiming the board and executives misled them on its debt levels. The board has vowed to ignore the result of the second vote, which was set for July 11, but it also announced Friday that the special meeting for the new vote had been put back to Aug. 12 so it could update materials in view of the new OIO condition date. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA), the market watchdog, in May cleared the board of issuing misleading or deceptive documents, but New Zealand lawmakers who lodged the complaints described the investigation by the FMA as "less than competent." The complaints said documents led shareholders to believe only weeks before its financial year-end balance date that the sale to Shanghai Maling was necessary to prevent receivership or liquidation. However, 25 days after voting, shareholders learned that net profit after tax was 85.8 percent higher than in the document, while the debt range in the document was overstated. In October last year, shareholders voted 82.22 percent in favor of selling a half stake to Shanghai Maling, which is 38-percent owned by China's Bright Food Group, for 261 million NZ dollars (186.59 million U.S. dollars). BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for intensified efforts in supply-side structural reform on Friday, in a speech at a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The economy should be developed in a more effective, equitable and sustainable fashion and with higher quality, said Xi at the event in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing. China should foster an atmosphere in which the principles of innovation, coordination, green development, openness and sharing are upheld in order to expand economic power as well as overall national strength, he said. Xi stressed that development is the top priority for the Party. BEIJING, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers a speech at a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China's (CPC) power comes from the public, so "their enthusiasm, initiative and creativity must be brought into full play," Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said on Friday. The CPC stands with the people, which is a fundamental political stand of the CPC and a salient feature distinguishing Marxist political parties from other political parties, Xi told a rally in Beijing marking the CPC's 95th founding anniversary. The Party should value the people, serve them and safeguard their interests in order to "maintain the sustaining power source," he said. The general secretary stressed the need to improve people's livelihoods and win the fight against poverty, calling for making more fruits of reform and development fairly benefit everyone. Xi also said the party will attract more people, including talent from abroad and from outside the Party, to participate in the cause of the Party and the people. MANAMA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A Bahraini woman was killed and three children injured in a roadside bombing in East Eker village in Bahrain. Officials on Friday said the car in which the four persons were travelling was hit by shrapnel from the blast. "A terrorist bombing killed a Bahraini woman and injured three children who were with her in the car," the Interior Ministry said in a statement. The crime scene team and other security authorities responded to the blast area shortly after the case was reported to the Operations Room on Thursday night." The Ministry said they have launched an investigation to identify and arrest those involved in the bombing. A policeman was killed in a "terrorist attack" in the village of Karbabad in April this year after a police patrol was attacked with firebombs. SALVADOR (BRAZIL), April 27, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo provided by Brazil's Presidency shows Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff speaks during the handover ceremony of housing units, in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, on April 26, 2016. (Xinhua/Roberto Stuckert Filho/Brazil's Presidency) RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, currently suspended from office due to a controversial impeachment process, managed to raise over 369,000 reals (115,000 U.S. dollars) in one day to pay for her travels around the country in a bid to strike back at what she called "an attempted soft coup." Two longtime friends of Rousseff started the "Journey for Democracy" crowdfunding campaign on Wednesday, and by Thursday evening, it had raised the bulk of a planned 500,000 reals (155,000 U.S. dollars), according to online figures. Some 5,300 Brazilians -- only citizens can contribute, not companies -- pledged money to Rousseff's campaign. Contributions went from 10 (3.1 U.S. dollars) to 5,000 reals (1,556.8 U.S. dollars), and most people contributed with amounts up to 100 reals (31 U.S. dollars). The goal is to raise money for Rousseff to keep on traveling around the country to advocate the illegitimacy of the impeachment process. The first female leader of the country has been accused of breaking budgetary rules to help win re-election. Rousseff was suspended on May 12 when the Senate voted to put her on trial. Since then the leftist leader has been traveling around the country wooing support, but interim President Michel Temer prohibited her from using official planes, forcing her to resort to chartered flights. Rousseff's stance on the impeachment being a coup gained strength over the past few weeks, as recordings of opposition politicians referred to the impeachment as a move to stop ongoing corruption investigations. Earlier this week a team of experts called by the Senate to analyze the impeachment accusations declared that Rousseff committed no crime in the budget irregularities of which she is accused. Senate President Renan Calheiros said Thursday final vote on the impeachment was scheduled for a day between August 25 and 27. Newspaper surveys of senators suggest Rousseff is likely to be found guilty. If so she would be permanently replaced by interim President Michel Temer, her former deputy. PYONGYANG, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo provided by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on July 1, 2016 shows top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un (C) meeting with head of a delegation of the Cuban Communist Party Salvador Valdes Mesa (3rd,L), vice president of Cuba's Council of State and a special envoy of Cuban President Raul Castro, in Pyongyang, DPRK, on June 30, 2016. Kim Jong Un said on Thursday that the DPRK-Cuba friendship and cooperation "will grow stronger," the official news agency KCNA reported Friday. (Xinhua/KCNA) PYONGYANG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un said on Thursday that the DPRK-Cuba friendship and cooperation "will grow stronger," the official news agency KCNA reported Friday. Kim said this when meeting head of a delegation of the Cuban Communist Party Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa, vice president of Cuba's Council of State and a special envoy of Cuban President Raul Castro. He said that although the DPRK and Cuba are far away, they are fighting the common struggle against imperialism, and that the Workers' Party of Korea, the government and people of the DPRK always stand by the side of the Cuban party, government and people. Valdes Mesa said that developing friendship and cooperation with the DPRK is the steadfast policy of the party and government of Cuba, and that bilateral friendship has grown strong under the special care of Kim and Castro. The Cuban delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday for a three-day visit. Tourists join locals to enjoy roasted meat with naan in Khan Bazaar in Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) URUMQI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- When the sun began to set, tourists and locals crossed from China's largest mosque, Id Kah Mosque, and headed to the night market. "Anyone who comes here can eat like a king," said Nurmamet Mametmin, who sells cold noodles in Khan Bazaar (King's Market) in Kashgar City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The 30-meter square is full to bursting with stalls selling the best of Kashgar cuisine: Roasted lamb, fried fish, pilaf, noodles, rice pudding with yogurt, and more besides. The "city of bazaars," Kashgar has 20 large markets. Streets and alleys here have seen merchants and travelers for two thousand years, as China's western-most city first rose to prominence as a trading post on the ancient Silk Road. Many locals have provided food and accommodation to travelers for generations. Mametmin learned how to cook cold noodles from his father, who set up the stall in Khan Bazaar two decades ago. Mametmin sells cold noodles to tourists before dusk. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) The sun had not yet set, but Mametmin's stall was already crowded with customers. He busied himself with sprinkling chopped pepper, mashed garlic, sauce and vinegar on top of noodles before serving the dish to his ravenous customers. "People eating at this hour are mainly tourists and residents who are not observing the holy month of Ramadan," he said. "More customers will come after dusk for iftar." An old man sells nuts and dried fruits in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) During Ramadan, the Islamic season of fasting and spiritual reflection, which lasts from June 6 to July 6 this year, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Many ethnic minorities in China, including the Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz, observe the holy month. Xinjiang, with 24,000 mosques, is home to more than 13 million Muslims. After serving a group of tourists, Mametmin, who had not eaten or drunk since sunrise, leaned on his stall, resting and waiting for more business. Customers enjoy sausage in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) When the sun went down, restaurants and stalls along the bazaar were crowded with Muslim customers who had fasted amid the summer heat. "Ramadan is an occasion for us to learn to cherish and endure, and to cultivate peace in our mind," said local Eli Erken. A woman eats watermelon in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) As night fell, the shouting vendors, chatting customers, sizzling pans, bubbling pots and clinking tableware filled the sweet, smokey air. "I don't want to leave the city now -- the food is just so delicious," said tourist Jiang Tian, whose favorite Kashgar snack is roasted egg with honey. A little boy enjoys roasted eggs in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) Rice pudding with yogurt is popular among female customers in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) Mamut Aji sells fried fish in Khan Bazaar. (Xinhua photo/Ma Kai) "As tourism booms, our business does, too," said Mamut Aji. The fried fish vendor takes home 3,000 yuan (451 U.S. dollars). As the sun began to rise and the call to prayer echoed across the city, Muslims welcomed another day of Ramadan. TOKYO, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Japan's government pension fund has suffered a massive loss of more than 5 trillion yen (48.6 billion dollars) in fiscal 2015 for the first time in five years, local media reported. The loss was incurred largely due to a fall in the stock market as the fund has been shifting its assets from low-yielding bonds to riskier stocks since October 2014 as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's growth strategy, said Japan's Kyodo News. The 140-trillion-yen Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest of its kind, decided in October 2014 to increase its allocation to domestic and foreign equities from some 24 percent to about 50 percent of the portfolio, while cutting its allocation to domestic bonds by nearly half to 35 percent. The reallocation, aiming at paying the soaring pension bill and relieving pressure on the public budget, however, has also raised concerns on financial safety, especially after it logged a loss of some 7.9 trillion yen for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 following the turbulence in global stock market. The GPIF, supervised by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, has not confirmed the 5-trillion-yen annual loss, as it has delayed releasing its annual investment performance report from early July to July 29, saying it is taking the time to prepare for report on a detailed stock portfolio. The main opposition Democratic Party, however, criticized the government for delaying the report so as to minimize its negative impacts on the July 10 Upper House elections. Japan's upcoming Upper House elections, with half of the 242 seats up for grabs, are also seen by many as a referendum on Abe's faltering economic policies. JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli security forces said they shot and killed a Palestinian woman in the flashpoint city of Hebron in the West Bank after she tried to stab police officers near a military checkpoint on Friday morning. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that the woman, armed with a knife, approached a Border Police post near Ibrahimi Mosque, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, who revere it as the "Cave of the Patriarchs." According to Samri, the suspect attempted to carry out a stabbing attack before one of the officers "identified her, shot at her and neutralized her." Israeli authorities announced her death later. Her name was not disclosed. No Israeli officers were injured in the incident, Samri said. In Jerusalem, police were on high alert with hundreds of officers deployed throughout the city for fear of clashes due to the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of the Ramadan. Tensions were running high after two Palestinian attacks on Thursday, including a knife attack in the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, in which a 13-year-old girl was killed in her bed. The attacker was shot dead after he stabbed another civilian on the settlement's security patrol, who rushed to help the girl. In the evening, a Palestinian from Tulkarem stabbed and wounded two Israeli in the market of Netanya, a city north of Tel Aviv. He was shot and killed by a civilian passerby. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "always fight the terrorists." Speaking at the 4th of July event at the U.S. Ambassador Residence, Netanyahu said Israel will hunt down the attackers and those who incite and sponsor the violence. A military spokesperson said on Friday night that the army marked overnight the home of the Kiryat Arba killer, ahead of its planned demolishing. The spokesperson also said that ten Palestinian "suspects" were arrested overnight. One is suspected of participating in clashes with soldiers and the others are allegedly members of the Islamist movement of Hamas. At least 211 Palestinians and 33 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, an Eritrean asylum seeker, and a Sudanese asylum seeker, have been killed since the start of the Palestinian unrest in mid-September. BEIJING, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivers a speech at a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) should adapt Marxist principles to the current realities of China, with innovation in both theory and practice, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Friday. "The changes in the times and the range and depth of China's development are far beyond the imagination of classical Marxist writers," Xi said at a rally marking the 95th founding anniversary of the CPC. Socialism has been practiced in China for only a few decades and is still in its primary stage, Xi said, adding that new conditions and problems would emerge with the development of the socialist cause. Under these circumstances, "we need to explore boldly and continuously make theoretical breakthroughs," Xi said. "Marxism is never the end of truth. It opens a path toward truth," Xi said. Xi stressed the Party's continued devotion to Marxism. "Deviating from or abandoning Marxism, which is the fundamental guiding theory for both the Party and the country, our Party would lose its soul and direction," he said. He also called on all Party members to strengthen their belief in the ideals of communism and socialism with Chinese characteristics. Socialism with Chinese characteristics should be evaluated not by "people with tainted glasses," but by the Chinese, based on facts, Xi said. "CPC members and the Chinese people are fully confident about providing a Chinese solution to humanity's exploration of better social systems," said Xi. The whole Party should strengthen confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said. "In the current world, if there is any political party, country or nationality that could be confident, the CPC, the People's Republic of China and the Chinese nation have the most powerful reason to claim confidence," Xi said. As an advanced system with obvious Chinese features, institutional advantages and strong capacity for self-improvement, the socialist system with Chinese characteristics is the basic institutional guarantee for the development and progress in modern China, Xi said. Xi stressed adherence to the Party's basic line of taking economic development as the central task, upholding the Four Cardinal Principles and the reform and opening up policy, saying it is "the country's lifeline and the people's line to happiness." Taking economic development as the central task is vital to invigorating the nation, while the Four Cardinal Principles are the very foundation on which to build the country, and reform and opening up are the path to a stronger China, Xi said, adding that even the slightest deviation from the line should not be allowed. The Four Cardinal Principles refer to keeping to the socialist path and upholding the people's democratic dictatorship, leadership by the CPC, and Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. MANILA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a lawyer as minister of the newly-created Department of Information and Communication Technology, Malacanang, the presidential palace, said Friday. Duterte has named Attorney Rodolfo Salalima as head of the department and described Salalima as "an information technology expert, an activist advocating the rights of the poor, and a long-time government servant are among the experts in their respective fields who have joined my Cabinet." Salalima was a former executive of a private Philippine telecommunication firm, serving as its chief legal counsel and as senior vice president for corporate and regulatory affairs until his retirement in 2008. He represented the country's information and communication technology industry as Asia Pacific representative and vice chair of the International Telecommunication Union council working group, which crafted the amendments to the International Telecommunication Union constitution and convention in Geneva, Switzerland. The new department was created following the enactment of Congress and approved by former President Benigno S. Aquino III shortly before he stepped down from office. LAHORE, Pakistan, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese home appliance maker Haier has been lighting up the lives of a lot of Pakistanis for many reasons. "I have learnt a lot from the Chinese technicians, and my current income is enough to support an eight-member family," said Pakistani worker Shehzad at a Chinese refrigerator factory in the suburbs of Lahore. The factory belongs to the Chinese household appliance giant Haier, which teamed with the Ruba company of Pakistan to set up the Haier-Ruba Economic Zone in 2006, China's first economic zone overseas. "Of the total of hundreds of Pakistani workers in the workshop, only 40 can work on all the production lines and I am one of them," Shehzad said. The refrigerators from Shehzad's factory have been specially designed for the Pakistani market, which helps to make Haier the largest foreign household appliance provider since it first entered the country in 2001. Pakistan's temperature can reach over 50 degrees Celsius in summer, which spells an enormous demand for ice and cold drinks. So Haier has developed high-power refrigerators and freezers, which are popular among local consumers and occupy the second-largest market share in Pakistan. Another example is Haier's washing machines. As Pakistanis are accustomed to using many blankets and wearing traditional shalwar kameez dress, which amount to quite a lot of laundry for housewives to wash at one time, Haier has enhanced the capacity of its washing machines. Moreover, Haier's washing machines have an "auto-start" function, enabling them to restart when the power supply is resumed after a power cut, a frequent occurrence in Pakistan. Besides refrigerators and washing machines, air conditioners, TV sets and microwave ovens are among Haier's products. They are very popular among locals and account for 32 percent of the 3 billion-U.S.-dollar market value of Pakistan's household appliances. "I have bought my mom a Haier refrigerator in 2009. Despite the poor electricity supply in Pakistan which can do great harm to household appliances, the refrigerator has functioned well up to now," said Bhaddi, a resident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. Bhaddi added that his mother, his older sister and himself are all using Haier products. A total of 20 Chinese technicians and 3,800 local workers are working in the Haier-Ruba Economic Zone, with a floor space of 330,000 square meters. In the eyes of Pakistani consumers, Haier Group is not only a high-quality provider of electrical appliances, but also a contributor to the friendship between China and Pakistan. Haier has donated 150,000 dollars to help Pakistan's flood victims in 2010. It has also provided food and built shelters for the homeless after the earthquake in 2005. Moreover, it has run a social organization which provides lengthy humanitarian aid for Pakistani hospitals. The CEO of Pakistan's Ruba company, Javed Afridi, said that apart from Haier, his company has signed cooperative agreements with 11 Chinese-funded companies. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a gold mine," Afridi said. The CPEC, a major pilot project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting energy, transport, the Gwadar port and industrial cooperation at the current stage, has formed the "1+4" layout, and will seek to expand cooperation to such sectors as finance, science and technology, education, poverty alleviation, and urban planning. The Belt and Road Initiative 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 other Asian countries, Africa and Europe by sea routes. SEOUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has disregarded its legal duty in international law by unilaterally bringing the case of South China Sea dispute to The Hague, which has no jurisdiction over issues of territorial sovereignty, a South Korean law professor said. "The Philippines disregarded all of its legal duties in international law and, unilaterally brought the dispute before the (Arbitration) Court even without consideration of the 1992 Declaration," Kim Hyun Soo, law school professor in South Korea's Inha University and visiting professor of China's Wuhan University, said in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday. According to Kim, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members signed the ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea in 1992, declaring that they shall use friendly consultations and negotiations to resolve territorial disputes. In 2002, ASEAN members and China signed a political statement known as the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), confirming the friendly negotiations contained in the 1992 declaration. The Philippines is required to proceed to an exchange of views, the professor said, to settle the dispute through negotiations or other peaceful means in the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), but the Southeast Asian country took the unilateral action, which is not in line with the international agreement between China and ASEAN members in 2002. A disputing party may bring a case before the international court or tribunal, but the disputing parties have a legal duty to consult with each other before filing the cast to the court, Kim said, noting that peaceful settlement through dialogue should be favored because all parties to the UNCLOS shall settle any dispute by peaceful means. According to the UN Convention, any peaceful means chosen by the parties shall be respected, so the Philippines' unilateral action has no legal ground in international law including a regional declaration between China and the ASEAN in 2002, the professor said. "The People's Republic of China has already declared it does not accept compulsory procedures of disputes regarding maritime boundary delimitation and military activities in article 298 of the UN Convention," said Kim. Kim said China has no any legal duty to attend in the legal procedures of the arbitration court or accept the award of the court, and that China has a legal authority to deny the court's legal procedures. The UN Convention clearly prescribes the parties have the right to declare optional exceptions to applicability of compulsory procedures entailing binding decision, so the government of the Philippines and the arbitration court should respect the declaration made by China in 2006 based on the convention, the professor said. Asked about the U.S. pivot-to-Asia strategy, in which U.S. navy assets are increasingly deployed around South China Sea, the professor said the United States seem to want to secure a safe and unhindered passage in South China Sea for their strategic and military purposes and interest. Kim noted that most of the areas in South China Sea are disputing and overlapping claimed zones among the concerned parties and that all ships need to carefully gain approval in order not to penetrate into claimed countries' territorial seas or internal waters. The professor added that claims for the free passage of ships, particularly warships, even in the exclusive economic zones or territorial waters of foreign countries would be harmful to resolve the South China Sea dispute because regional countries including China may feel threats by the foreign warships' free passage through their territorial waters. FLASH: AT LEAST SIX KILLED IN GUN ATTACK ON BUSES IN KENYA'S MANDERA COUNTY: REPORTS ISTANBUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's counter-terrorism teams on Friday detained 11 foreigners, including a Russian, in connection with the deadly bombing attacks on Istanbul's Ataturk airport, local media reported. Tuesday's triple suicide attacks on Ataturk Airport left 44 people dead and more than 200 others injured. The 11 suspects were captured in Istanbul's district of Basaksehir, the Haberturk daily said. So far, 24 suspects have been detained in Istanbul. On Thursday, police arrested at least nine others in Turkey's western city of Izmir. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Turkish authorities blamed it on the Islamic State. MANDERA, Kenya, July 1 (Xinhua) -- At least six people have been killed and several others injured on Friday when Al-Shabaab ambushed two commuter buses in the restive Mandera county near the Somalia border. Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the two buses were heading to Mandera town from Nairobi when the militants sprayed bullets with passengers on board in Elwak area. "Preliminary investigations indicate that at least six people have been killed and several others injured when suspected Al-Shabaab fighters attacked two passenger buses this morning. We will provide more details later," Shisia told Xinhua. The latest incident comes after the authorities called on non-locals living in Mandera not to travel by bus until the end of the Ramadhan period due to security threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants. The regional authorities said this was a temporary measure aimed at reducing tension and allow for the reorganization of security operations. The authorities said the decision was taken due to the security situation in Mandera after the loss of five police officers on June 20 as they were escorting a bus in Kotulo. Security in Mandera remains volatile with the militia who crossed over from their neighboring country responsible for the numerous attacks that have rocked the area. This is not the first bus attack in the region. Since the November 2014 incident where 28 people who were travailing from Mandera to Nairobi were killed by Al-Shabaab militants, the government stepped up its efforts to improve security among them having all buses coming to and from the area escorted by armed police officers. Al-Shabaab then claimed responsibility for the dawn attack in a statement saying that it was revenge for the raids that were carried out by Kenyan security forces on mosques in Mombasa. by Matt Burgess SYDNEY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Despite significant reductions of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the Western Pacific, more needs to be done to grapple the deadly disease that risks spreading with global population movements. Tuberculosis, one of the world's worst bacteria pathogens affecting the lungs, accounting for 1.3 million deaths worldwide annually, has been ravaging the Western Pacific. Despite significant achievements in reducing the disease's prevalence - by up to 50 percent in some Pacific countries - it still claims more than 100,000 deaths each year in the region's poor and vulnerable communities. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has deemed its most recent outbreak on the small island of Daru and in the capital city Port Moresby as a "national emergency", with almost 30,000 new infections each year, mostly from multi-drug resistant TB strains. "For years, the health sector has been underfunded, which means that TB services could not reach populations that were without access (due to geographical difficulty), and the program has also had funding difficulties over the years," World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative to PNG, Pieter van Maaren told Xinhua on Friday. "That doesn't mean no progress has been achieved. At the moment, a good national TB control program is in place." PROGRESS BEING MADE The WHO is currently aiming to end the global TB epidemic by 2035 through five-year national control plans to focus on the most cost-effective, high-impact treatment and pre-emptive measures. In PNG, USAid has partnered with U.S. drug company Janssen Therapeutics to provide Bedaquiline, the world's first anti-TB drug in 40 years, and a rapid diagnostic machines for PNG's control plan to help combat the current drug-resistant TB outbreak. "It's a significant advantage," van Maaren said, noting the GeneXpert machine reduces pathology time to a matter of hours, rather than weeks to confirm diagnosis. "The earlier you can get patients on treatment, the faster you interrupt the transmission of the disease. You cut down the time that people are infecting others." Global research into combating TB are beginning to bare fruit after U.S. researchers modelled the formulation of Tuberculosis granulomas - the non-active form of infection found in over two billion people worldwide - in host's the lung. The granulomas develop as the host's immune system attacks the TB bacteria, but are unable to remove it. By modelling the granulomas and understanding their complex life-cycles, researchers may be able to identify new antibiotics, antibiotic targets, and biomarkers that can predict the transition from being inactive to a potentially deadly infection. "Discovering the factors involved in granuloma control versus those not able to control bacterial growth is a critical step in potentially developing treatments that could 'freeze' granulomas into a protective state in the two billion latent carriers," U.S. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) program director Dr Grace Peng said in a statement. "Computer modelling, also known as in silico modelling, of such a complex disease allows us to work toward potential treatments much more rapidly." GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY WORRIES Transmission however have authorities worried, as a large proportion of PNG's multi-drug resistant cases are identified from Daru Hospital in PNG's southwest, a key stepping point for the peoples of the Australia's Torres Strait. At its closest point, PNG is just four kilometers from the Australian territory of Saibai Island in the strait. "It's not just a matter of worrying for Australia, I think everyone should be concerned when there is an outbreak of drug resistant TB," van Maaren said. "Yes people move across borders, but people move to the Philippines, people move to New Zealand (as well)." "Once people cross borders, there is always a chance that a disease gets transmitted as we've seen with Ebola, we've seen it with SARS, we've seen it with the Zika virus. " "With the current way of people's movement across the globe, you cannot prevent transmission or limit transmission to just one country." Multi-drug resistant TB is less susceptible to even the most effective known TB medication, proving eradication of the disease will be highly problematic. "The TB disease, once a significant proportion of the population is infected, it will take many decades before you really see a situation where you get close to elimination," van Maaren said. The WHO is currently undertaking a cost analysis examining how much money will be needed over the next five years to combat TB in PNG alone, but it's anticipated to be in the millions of dollars. "Australia and now the U.S. and also several international NGOs are already providing support in assisting the (PNG) government with its TB program," van Maaren said. DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An array of jihadi groups succeeded early Friday in retaking a strategic town north of the coastal city of Latakia, just four months after the Syrian government forces captured it, a monitor group reported. The rebels' First Coastal Division, the Turkey-backed Ahrar al-Sham, the Saudi-backed Islam Army, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front among other rebel factions, have retaken the town of Kinsabba, which was the last major rebel stronghold to return to the government troops last February in the countryside of Latakia. The rebels also retook control of around 13 villages in northern Latakia, as part of a wide-scale offensive they unleashed on the northern countryside of Latakia on June 27. The army forces backed by Russia recaptured Kinsabba last February, in an operation aimed at dislodging the jihadi groups from northern Latakia, the hometown of President Bashar al-Assad and the heartland of the minority Alewite group. The Russian air force played a key role in restoring Kinsabba and other key rebel strongholds in northern Latakia. Still, Kinsabba has a special importance as it enables the Syrian army to reach the western countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib, another bastion of the jihadi groups. Meanwhile, a Syrian military source told Xinhua that the terrorist groups infiltrated into Kinsabba with the aim of controlling it. He added that battles are still raging in the town between the army and the rebels. "The military forces will fight to defeat the assailants in Kinsabba and to restore peace to that town," he said on condition of anonymity. The civil servants take a group photo with Chinese and Kenyan officials in Nairobi before their departure to China, June 30, 2016.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) NAIROBI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Forty professionals from Kenya's public sector left Thursday for China for a training program aimed at improving their skills and competence. Speaking at a forum in Nairobi before their departure, Kenyan officials said the training program will strengthen efforts to re-invent the civil service through capacity development. Grace Otieno, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, said the latest beneficiaries of China-sponsored training program are expected to champion reforms and quality service delivery in the civil service. "The trainees will acquire critical skills while in China, and we expect them to participate in design and execution of programs that advance transformation in the public sector once they come back," Otieno said. She revealed the 40 civil servants to benefit from the China-funded program are drawn from health, security, agriculture, fisheries and ICT sectors. "We are sending these public servants to China to obtain knowledge that can be harnessed during implementation of flagship vision 2030 projects," Otieno said. She commended the latest China-supported training program for Kenyan civil servants that will focus on public health and counter-terrorism. Wang Xinjiang (C), a Chinese engineer, works with Kenyan workers at the T-beam factory on section six of Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway project, near Makueni,Kenya, on March 16, 2015. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei) "Training on anti-terrorism is particularly crucial as we deal with a menace that is a major threat to our security and economic growth. Likewise, civil servants trained on urban public health will help us deal with outbreak of contagious diseases," said Otieno. The Chinese government has supported development of human resources in Kenya through training and research since the 1950s. Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya who also attended the forum, said the blossoming Sino-Kenya bilateral cooperation has been extended to critical areas like education, public administration, ICT, health and security. He revealed that China will increase the number of scholarships for Kenyan public servants as the two countries deepen bilateral ties. CHENGDU, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A giant panda gave birth to a pair of twins at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province during the early hours of Friday. The female cubs, the fifth pair of panda twins born at the center this year weighed 110 grams and 101 grams respectively, according to the center. The mother, named Qiyuan, has given birth four times in the past. Her appetite began to decrease in late May and her water broke at around 4:30 a.m., said Wu Kongju, a panda expert at the center. "After giving birth, she caressed and licked the babies, developing strong maternal and nursing experience," Wu said. Pandas are in the high season of reproduction, and experts at the center said they have gone to great lengths to take care of the mothers and their babies. According to official figures released in May, there are more than 1,300 wild pandas in Sichuan, 15 percent more than 10 years ago. The number of captive pandas in Sichuan is more than 360, accounting for 86.3 percent of all captive pandas nationwide. WUHAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Eleven tourists who lost their way in a forest in central China have been found safe and sound, local authorities said Friday. Contact was lost with the group of photographers, from east China's Zhejiang Province, at 7:20 p.m. on Thursday, while they were exploring an unpopulated area in Shennongjia Forest District, Hubei Province. They were in the company of a local tour guide, according to the local fire department. Two rescue teams consisting of more than 30 people battled thick fog and rain to search a steep hillside. The group, although disorientated were not injured, was found around 11 a.m. Friday. GARISSA, Kenya, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government on Friday kicked off voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast part of the country. A total of 180 refugees drawn from different camps left for Dobley in Somalia aboard buses to the Liboi border point where UN refugee agency and the Somali government will take over their transport home. Northeastern Regional Coordinator Mohmud Saleh said on Friday the government has also started the verification exercise of the refugees at the camps. Saleh said the actual repatriation may take up to one month because of the huge number of refugees that is involved. Somali refugees who have been living at the Dadaab camp for years had decided to voluntarily leave and not wait for the government to repatriate them. "We fear that the exercise might end up being inhuman and that is why we have opted to go by ourselves," said Mohamed Abdi, a refugee from Ifo 2 camp. Those who left were destined to Kismayu, Baidayo and Luuq in Sothern Somalia. They are provided with information about places they are going to resettle. Each family is given a stipend of 2000 U.S. dollars to start off a new life. Kenya, UNHCR and Somalia have laid down plans to repatriate about 150,000 Somali refugees by the end of 2016. The plan was revealed last week in a statement issued after the Tripartite Commission for the Voluntary Repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya held a meeting over the weekend. The commission consists of officials from Kenya, Somalia and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). The statement said the voluntary repatriation has seen the return of more than 16,000 Somali refugees to date, and will be implemented with continued support from Kenya, Somalia and the partners. "The parties noted the prospect of the reduction of the population in the Dadaab camps by 150,000 individuals by the end of 2016 as a result of voluntary returns to Somalia, relocation of non-Somali refugees, the de-registration of Kenyan citizens who registered as refugees, and a population verification exercise," they said on June 26. According to a source, the number of refugees who have been going back home voluntarily since the government announced plans to repatriate them has increased. Asha Hussein, 34, who has been living in Ifo 2 camp for the last six years, said she and her husband decided to go back to Somalia since they have been told that the state of security in Somalia has improved more that it was before. "We also have cattle there, we decided to go back to continue with our normal life although we are not so sure whether it's the security has really improved, refugee life is also not good," said the mother of two before she boarded the UN hired buses. Located in northeastern Kenya, Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp, was set up more than 20 years ago to house people fleeing conflict in Somalia. The Dadaab closure process will also involve the identification of non-Somali refugees who will be taken to Kenya's Kakuma camp and local citizens who live in the camp will obtain humanitarian assistance. This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2015 shows uniquely beautiful winter scenery of the Zhaoshu Island in the South China Sea. (Xinhua file photo/Zhao Yingquan) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Whilst an arbitral tribunal itself in dispute will decide on the South China Sea case on July 12, observers believe that the arbitration will not help solve the dispute, and that the problem will not be resolved until the Philippines returns to the negotiating table. "The South China Sea dispute is beyond jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal," according to Yi Xianhe, an expert on international law from China's Wuhan University. Yi said the dispute, essentially about territorial and maritime delimitation, does not concern the interpretation or application of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China made an optional exceptions declaration in 2006 pursuant to the Convention, excluding disputes concerning, among others, maritime delimitation from the UNCLOS third party dispute settlement procedures. Some 30 countries have made similar statements. The tribunal's jurisdiction over the claims is "thoroughly erroneous" and "essentially a political decision," according to a statement by the Chinese Society of International Law. China and the Philippines had previously agreed to settle disputes through a series of bilateral instruments and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. "The Philippines' resort to arbitration has obviously breached the doctrine of estoppel," said Jia Yu, deputy director of China Institute for Marine Affairs. HISTORICAL FACTS Zhang Zuxing, an associate professor with Sun Yat-sen University in South China, said that the South China Sea issue concerns China's historical rights, which can be excluded from mandatory arbitration according to Article 298 of UNCLOS. Chinese activities in the South China Sea date back to over 2,000 years ago. China was the first country to discover, name, explore and exploit the resources of the South China Sea Islands and the first to continuously exercise sovereign powers over them. Since the 1970s the Philippines has occupied a number of China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, including Mahuan Dao, Feixin Dao, Zhongye Dao, Nanyao Dao, Beizi Dao, Xiyue Dao, Shuanghuang Shazhou and Siling Jiao. "If you look at the history of the South China Sea, you'll see there is enough evidence to prove that those islands belong to China," said Mam Sait Ceesay, a journalist from Standard, a Gambia newspaper. He believed that the intention of the Aquino III administration, filing the arbitration in 2013, was to seek support from its western allies and to ramp up political pressure on China. The tenure of Benigno Aquino III ended on June 30 and Rodrigo Duterte took over as new president of the Philippines. While the Philippines has already filed the arbitration, China has its right to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Victor Burikukiye, a senior official from Burundi's ruling party, National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy(CNDD-FDD). He reiterated support from his party and government for China's stance on settling disputes through bilateral dialogues and consultations, as any forceful means by a third party is infeasible. As to the arbitration, scores of governments and political parties have voiced their support for China's stance on South China Sea issue, and the number is still growing. Over the weekend, China and Russia signed a declaration on promoting international laws, in which they emphasized the importance of integrity of the legal regime established by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It was seen as a latest move of Russia to show its support for China on the South China Sea issue. Settling disputes bilaterally through dialogues and negotiations is in line with the UN charter, which is also best for fundamentally solving the issue, said Jan Kohout, foreign policy adviser to the Czech president. U.S. INTERVENTION UNHELPFUL Observers said the United States, yet to sign the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, has played a negative role in the South China Sea issue. Mohamed Abdelaziz Mustufa, a journalist from Alsudani Newspaper in Sudan, said the major problem is not between China and the Philippines, but "maybe between China and the United States." He regarded the United States' intervention in the South China Sea as making things more complicated, just like "putting oil onto fire." The United States deployed two aircraft carriers on a "training mission" in seas east of the Philippines last week, which is not the first time that the U.S. flexes its muscles in the South China Sea. U.S. officials have also repeatedly pressed China to accept the arbitration. Hani Mohamed Kamel, a journalist from youm7, an Egyptian media outlet, believes that it is the abundant resources as well as the critical geographic location that has drawn outside intervention. "The United States is strategically squeezing China in the South China Sea," he said. Ironically, China is often described by the U.S. side as "militarizing" in the South China Sea and hampering "freedom of navigation" there. "We have not seen any move made by China in restricting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Freedom of navigation has not been threatened at all," said Burikukiye. Kazi Ahmed, senior additional secretary of the central working committee of Bangladesh Awami League, expressed appreciation for China's matured position by maintaining peace in that region. "We strongly believe and hope that good sense will prevail," he said, expecting the countries concerned will be able to resolve the South China Sea issue through consultations. KIGALI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Government of Rwanda Thursday described as a gross misrepresentation of the reality the claims contained in this year's State Department's report on Trafficking in Persons (TIP). Rwanda is a source, and to a lesser degree, a transit and destination country for a limited number of women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking, according to the report published Thursday by the U.S. State Department. The report puts Rwanda in Tier 2 Watch List, meaning governments do not fully comply, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance, as well as other negative indicators. The report said Rwandan girls and boys are exploited in domestic service through extended family networks; some of these children experience physical or sexual abuse and non-payment of wages. Myanmar, Sudan and Haiti are currently among the worst offenders for human trafficking, according to the report. On Rwanda, it said, "The government's law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking continued, though some officials were complicit in sex trafficking and the recruitment of Burundian refugees into armed groups." However, a government statement said what the report says about Rwanda has nothing to do with reality or facts on the ground. "It has much more to do with politics serving some purpose, played by some known groups and interests," Rwanda's Ambassador to Washington, Mathilde Mukantabana said in the statement. The statement said vague and subjective standard of "lack of continuing improvement" has been used to downgrade Rwanda, despite ample evidence to the contrary, some of which the report itself documents. More than any government in similar circumstances, it said, the government of Rwanda has deployed significant means to protect and ensure the well-being of refugees. Rwanda is home to more than 162,000 refugees, mainly from DR Congo and Burundi. "Our efforts to provide for our brothers and sisters from the region who sought refuge in various parts of Rwanda are based on our long-standing values rather than any external reports," added Ambassador Mukantabana. The Government insists it has exerted serious efforts to protect its citizens from the menace against human trafficking. "This announcement is a deliberate misrepresentation of how these issues are being addressed in Rwanda. It ultimately damages the international effort, to which Rwanda is no less committed than the United States, to protect people especially women and girls from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. I categorically reject this report, its conclusions and the false allegations to support them," said Mukantabana. As the report was being released in the U.S., Members of Parliament in Kigali called on the government to step up campaigns at the grassroots level to educate young people about the dangers of human trafficking and protect them from prostitution, drug trafficking and forced labor. Speaking at a meeting with the MPs, Rwanda's Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana said 74 cases of trafficking in human beings were received in the last fifteen months from 2015 up to March 2016. JUBA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN humanitarian agency said Friday about 8,350 refugees from Sudan have fled into South Sudan since January due to five-year war in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest report that South Sudan currently hosts 270,000 refugees, mainly from Sudan. South Sudan is itself home to some 1.69 million internally displaced people. "Nearly 90 percent of new arrivals are women and children. One child in every ten is alone or without a family member," the UN said. It said more than 7,500 out of 8,350 Sudanese refugees have settled in Ajoung Thok refugee camp in Pariany County in Unity, while others arrived at Maban camp in Upper Nile, Lasu settlement in Central Equatoria and Makpandu in Western Equatoria. "After arriving at Yida transit centre, refugees are transported after a few days by bus to Ajuong Thok, a camp established in 2013, where they are provided with household items, plastic sheeting and poles to build a temporary home," the UN said. The UN said children who are unaccompanied or separated from their families are reunited with their families or placed in foster care. "With nearly 41,000 Sudanese refugees already living in Ajuong Thok, the camp has almost reached its capacity. The construction of a new camp is underway at Pamir, some 50 kilometres south of the border, to receive new arrivals and refugees who have been living in Yida for the past five years," OCHA said. The report says the UN Central Emergency Reserve Fund has allocated 6 million U.S. dollars to support the relocation of more than 76,000 refugees from Yida to the new camp in Pamir. TIRANA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Three armed men robbed what is believed to be several millions of euros from an armored cash-transport vehicle at the Tirana International Airport on Thursday, the Albanian Daily News reported Friday. The robbery happened on the runway when the money was being transferred from the armored vehicle to a plane which was supposed to leave for Austria's capital of Vienna. The money belongs to companies operating in the bank sector. The robbers, wearing masks, managed to escape with the money and then burned the vehicle they had used, close to the place known as the Bridge of Tapiza. Officials said it was difficult to get any useful clue upon checking the burned vehicle. The incident occurred at a time when police at the Tirana International Airport had increased security following the terrorist attack at the Istanbul airport on June 28, according to the report. MADRID, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Civil Guards arrested three men in the city of Lleida, northeastern Spain on charges of "glorifying terrorism and the distribution of propaganda for several terrorist groups over the internet". The three men are of Pakistani origin, aged 25, 29 and 31, and shared a flat in the city where they were arrested, the Spanish Interior Ministry said Friday. Among the material they spread over the internet was propaganda for Daesh, the Taliban and other Pakistani organizations. Investigators highlighted that the trio had been able to involve an ever-growing circle of acquaintances in their activities and the justification of acts of violence, helping spread jihadist propaganda through Spain. Investigations are continuing to discover if the three men arrested were acting on their own initiative or whether they were part of a wider network. DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A Syrian warplane crashed Friday east of the capital city of Damascus due to a malfunction, state-run TV said. The war jet crashed in the eastern countryside of Damascus, after the pilot succeeded to eject himself, said the report. It added that search is ongoing for the pilot. The report further said that the plane was on a training mission in the eastern countryside of Damascus. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the war jet crashed over the town of Jairud in the Qalamoun region, adding that the pilot was captured by the rebels. The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on ground, stopped short of giving details whether the plane was downed or crashed after a technical fault. The rebels' Jaish al-Islam, which controls large swaths of territory in the eastern countryside of Damascus, reportedly claimed responsibility for downing the plane, further posting an online photo purporting to show the captured pilot. The rebels have downed several planes during the five-year-old crisis. Last month, a warplane was also crashed in the central province of Hama, in what the official media reports said was a malfunction. The report comes as the Observatory accused the government forces of killing 18 people by shelling the town of Otaya in eastern Damascus on Thursday amid an ongoing military operation in parts of the Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus. QUEZON CITY, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) puts a new hat on National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa during Ronald dela Rosa's assumption of command ceremony in Quezon City July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Philippine top police and military officials formally assumed office on Friday, a day after new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte assumed his post. Duterte, at respective ceremonies at the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, made his marching orders to Police Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa and Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya. "So beginning from now, I will not tolerate, have zero tolerance, for abuses committed by the law enforcement agencies including the National Bureau of Investigation," he told the policemen. He reiterated his strong stance against criminals and drugs syndicates. "Do not taint yourselves in the company of known criminals and criminal syndicates. You will be sorry," Duterte added. In his speech in the military headquarters, the president said the military would help in the fight against illegal drugs. "The problem on illegal drugs is the worst. And I have to call in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help," he said. Duterte also said that it is his job to bring peace in the country by talking to rebel groups. "My job is to talk to the enemies of the state, to the Communist Party of the Philippines, to the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), and to the men, and see if I could make a difference in our lives," he said. But as to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, the president said, "I am not warning Abu Sayyaf but I said there will always be a time for reckoning." HEBRON/RAMALLAH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian health ministry declared Friday that two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank. Early on Friday, 27-year-old Sarah Tarayrah was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Hebron city, south of the West Bank. Israeli public radio reported that a border security officer, while conducting a security check, foiled a "terrorist attack by a Palestinian woman near Al-Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron city" after she tried stabbing him with a knife. The Israeli radio said that the officer was not hurt, but the woman was fatally shot. Around Friday noon, the Palestinian health ministry said a Palestinian man in his fifties died as a result of tear gas grenades thrown by Israeli forces towards Palestinians at the Qalandia military checkpoint connecting Ramallah to East Jerusalem. Hundreds of Palestinians attempted to enter East Jerusalem on the last Friday of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. This year, the last Friday coincided with "Laylat-Al-Qadr" the eve, in which Muslims believe the holy Quran was recited to Prophet Mohammed in Mecca. Israeli forces limited access of Palestinians into Jerusalem to those above 45 years of age. Mounting tensions between Palestinians and Israel since last October have led to killing over 200 Palestinians and 35 Israelis, according to official reports. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Relentless rain across south China since June 27 has resulted in 14 deaths, 20 missing and damaged swathes of farmland, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. As of 9:00 a.m. Friday, 133 counties in 11 provincial-level regions -- including the provinces of Hubei, Jiangsu and Zhejiang -- had reported floods, landslides and mud flows. Some 120,000 people have been displaced and 40,000 were in need of aid. More than 3,600 homes collapsed and 19,900 hectares of crops destroyed. Direct economic losses hit 3.14 billion yuan (about 471.6 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said. The weather authority on Friday again forecast heavy rain and warned of severe floods in parts of Anhui, Hunan, Guizhou and Tibet from Friday night through Saturday. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) and the Ministry of Water Resources asked local authorities to monitor weather and take all necessary precautions. The NMC also issued an orange alert for storms. As much as 180mm of rain is expected in parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan and Guizhou over the next 24 hours. China has a four-tier color-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Russian President Vladimir Putin (Xinhua file photo) MOSCOW/SOCHI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, before this year's G20 summit, scheduled for September in east China's Hangzhou City, the Kremlin said Friday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow did not rule out the possibility of such a meeting before the G20, but added that he is now not sure where this will take place. Putin and Erdogan had a telephone conversation on Wednesday after the Turkish president had offered apologies for the downing of a Russian warplane in November 2015. Moscow said it accepted the apology, signalling its readiness for mending bilateral ties that soured after the incident. Peskov said he expected a month of intense contacts of Russian officials with their Turkish colleagues, since the government has been ordered to start the process of a step-by-step lifting of restrictive measures imposed by Moscow against Ankara. On Thursday, Putin signed a decree canceling the ban on charter flights between Russia and Turkey. Earlier on Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. The parties discussed the process of organizing a series of meetings between officials of the two sides aimed at restoring ties, Lavrov said at a press conference after the meeting. Lavrov also discussed with Cavusoglu the situation in Syria, including the necessity to prevent delivery of supplies for terrorists via Turkish territory, with the two sides agreeing to restart the work of a Russian-Turkish anti-terrorist commission, which has been frozen over the last seven months. Lavrov said the two sides have reached consensus on what groups should be considered terrorists in Syria, which "are, under the United Nations Security Council resolutions, the Islamic State, the Jabhat al-Nusra and other smaller groups affiliated with them." Noting that his talks with Lavrov was "constructive," Cavusoglu said the improvement of Ankara's relations with Russia and Israel will have a positive impact on the whole region. PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana has requested the National Assembly to strip two opposition lawmakers of their immunity following a prostitution case involving their deputy leader Kem Sokha. In a request sent to National Assembly president Samdech Heng Samrin on Thursday and released to the media on Friday, the minister said that Tok Vanchan and Pin Ratana, both are lawmakers from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), have been suspiciously involved in a prostitution case. "The Ministry of Justice would like to request Samdech President of the National Assembly to check and take next procedures to remove the immunity of lawmakers Tok Vanchan and Pin Ratana," he said. According to the Kingdom's penal code, the prostitution charge could be imprisoned for between two and five years. Under the Constitution, a lawmaker may only be prosecuted, arrested or detained with the permission of the National Assembly or by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly between sessions, except in case of flagrant offences. The legal action against the two lawmakers came after 25-year-old hairdresser Khom Chandaraty, an alleged mistress of CNRP deputy leader Kem Sokha, admitted to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in April that the two lawmakers had arranged two trips for her to have sex with Kem Sokha in Bangkok in November last year and February this year. Khom Chandaraty, better known by her nickname Srey Mom, also sued Kem Sokha for a compensation of 300,000 U.S. dollars. She accused Kem Sokha of breaking his promise to give her 3,000 U.S. dollars, to buy her a house and to open her a shop in exchange for sex. The alleged sex scandal between Srey Mom and Kem Sokha came to light in February when leaked audio clips of telephone conversation between them went viral on the Internet. In the clips, they discussed sex, pregnancy and paying for an apartment. Since the scandal broke out, Kem Sokha has not publicly commented on the veracity of the audio recordings. PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Friday called on fishermen to suspend their fishing activities during the annual moratorium season on commercial fishing from July to October. "I'd like to urge people not to catch fish during the spawning season. If we were to eat one fish with eggs inside, we were to have killed tens of thousands of baby fishes to be," he said during the celebration of the 14th Fish Day at a reservoir in southwestern Kampong Speu province. "Should we leave those mother fishes to breed and wait for time to catch them when the fishing season arrives, we would have a good catch." The prime minister also called on people not to destroy inundated forests, which were habitats for fish to spawn, and not to use illegal fishing tools. "Forbidden tools for electrocuting fish and other banned nets are very dangerous for fish resources," he said, advising farmers to expand fish raising in order to reduce the catches of natural fish. On the occasion, Hun Sen released hundreds of thousands of aquatic creatures, including fish, shrimps, tortoises, turtles, frogs and eels, into the reservoir. DAMASCUS, June 30, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Aid convoys enter a war-ravaged town in eastern Ghouta countryside east of Damascus, capital of Syria, on June 29, 2016. Aid convoys entered on Wednesday into two besieged rebel-held areas east of the capital Damascus for the first time in four years. (Xinhua/Ammar) DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Friday that the consecutive U.S. administrations have only created troubles in the world without resolving them. In an interview with the Australian SBS TV, whose content was also released by state news agency SANA on Friday, al-Assad said that since the 1950s of last century, the successive U.S. administrations have only created turbulences and had never resolved any problem. Al-Assad gave the example of Iraq, saying former President George W.Bush had invaded Iraq and succeeded to occupy it within a few weeks, 'but what was the next step. What did they want to achieve? they have achieved nothing. They failed in Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Syria and everywhere." "They have done nothing but fomenting chaos, and thus if the United States wants to create more chaos it could, but could they resolve the problems they create? No," the president remarked. Still, the leader, whose country has been gripped by a deadly five-year-old conflict, said he wasn't against cooperating with the United States. "We are not against the cooperation with the United States, but such a cooperation should address and discuss the mutual interests and work on applying them, but not to put their interest over ours," the president said. Meanwhile, the president pointed out to the double standards of the Western countries in general. CHENGDU, July 1 (Xinhua) -- When Wang Hong was elected party committee chief of Gudu, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the village was notorious for drug trafficking. Bordering Yunnan Province, the remote village lies on a trafficking route stretching from the "Golden Triangle" in Southeast Asia into China. Heroin spread like a virus along the route after border trade opened in the 1980s. Villagers had been struggling to make a living for generations. Wang, now 48, recalled that he and his five brothers did not even have shoes to wear as children. A number of villagers were lured into the drug trade, while others became addicts. "There might have been five or six families in my village that were dealing drugs back in 2007. Users from nearby villages all came here to buy," said Wang. He began waging a personal war against drugs when he was recruited by the local committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and won the village Party chief election. "The village was deserted. Those who dealt drugs got arrested, some of whom were sentenced to death and others spent many years in jail. Those who used drugs either used up their money or contracted HIV. Either way, their elderly parents and young children were left without care," he said. "I just could not continue to stand by and do nothing." Wang, who ran a quarry, had been one of the few villagers to find a clean way to make money. Even before he took the Party chief post, he had tried to help former addicts and offered them jobs. After his rise to authority in the village, Wang increased his anti-drug efforts. He persuaded village elders to publish a village pact banning the use and trade of drugs. He also set up a vigilante team, which worked closely with the police to report suspected drug activity. As more villagers tried to make an honest living, Wang took it upon himself to help them. Ar'erniuniu, a former small-time drug dealer, could not find work after serving ten years in jail and returning to Gudu a few years ago. Knowing that he had learned to drive a tractor in prison, Wang helped him get a loan of 20,000 yuan (about 3,000 U.S. dollars) to buy a tractor and start a transportation business. "It is really much better to earn the money in an upstanding way. You don't need to watch your back," said Ar'erniuniu, who has paid back the loan and rebuilt his house. Over the past decade, Wang has helped more than 80 villagers secure loans. "I feel much prouder seeing the whole village change for good than making money myself," he said. He quit his quarry business after taking the Party job. Today, drug use and trafficking have disappeared from Gudu. In 2012, using government funds and some money raised by residents, the village built modern houses, paved the roads and upgraded other infrastructure. Many grass-roots officials like Wang are trying hard to make a difference at their posts, but some are not competent. The CPC leadership is aware that the abilities of officials at this level may significantly affect governance, especially in less developed regions. Last year, the CPC Central Committee dispatched 176,000 Party officials to villages, mostly in remote and less developed regions. It also distributed about 116 million yuan (17.44 million U.S. dollars) to 680 poverty-stricken counties to train village party officials. ACCRA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen people died in two separate grisly accidents near Konongo in Kumasi, some 260 km north of the capital, a senior police officer confirmed to local media on Friday. Twelve persons died instantly Friday dawn after a 23-seater fully loaded mini bus rammed into a stationary timber truck. Superintendent Bossman Ohene Boadi, the Divisional Police Commander for the area, said the bus may have crashed into the truck because it was packed in the middle of the highway. An earlier accident at the same spot killed five people Thursday night, he confirmed, saying his unit was doing their best to get the stationary trucks out of the road to prevent further deaths. PARIS, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong speaks at the third meeting of the China-France High-level Mechanism for Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges held in Paris, France, June 30, 2016. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) PARIS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong and French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault have agreed to take steps to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between China and France. The two senior officials made the agreement when jointly chairing the third meeting of the China-France High-level Mechanism for Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges here on Thursday. The mechanism has developed steadily since its establishment, with broader cooperation in more creative and diversified forms as well as fruitful results, Liu said. Liu said that the mechanism has become a third pillar mechanism to promote China-France ties, following the China-France Strategic Dialogue and the China-France High-Level Economic and Financial Dialogue. Liu said that cooperation and friendship between China and France requires active engagement between the two peoples. The two sides should gather the wisdom of the two peoples to further their participation in people-to-people exchanges, in order to make it an institutionalized and long-term mechanism. As measures to contribute to the new era of a close and long-lasting China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, Liu called on the two sides to elevate, expand and deepen bilateral people-to-people exchanges, and further enhance practical cooperation in education, science, culture, public health, sports, media and tourism, among others. Ayrault said the France-China High-level Mechanism for Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges has achieved a positive development and fruitful results. It has become an important part of the France-China relations, he said. He said the two sides should further promote people-to-people exchanges to achieve more results and bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Prior to the meeting, Liu and Ayrault held small-scale talks. After the meeting, a series of cooperation documents in the fields of culture, public health, education and media were signed with their presence. They also signed a joint declaration. JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- One Israeli was killed and at leat two were wounded Friday afternoon when their cars came under gunfire near the West Bank city of Hebron, local media reported. TOKYO, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A group of Korean residents in Osaka filed a complaint against hate speech targeting the ethnic Koreans on the Internet on Friday, the first day when an ordinance to deter racist propaganda came into effect in the city. The ordinance, the first of its kind enforced by a major city in Japan, defines hate speech as communication which defames and aims to exclude an individual or a group from society based on race or ethnicity, and incites hatred and a sense of discrimination toward them. According to the ordinance, Osaka could publicly disclose on its website the names of individuals or groups engaging in hate speech as punitive measure. The Korean residents group in Osaka filed a complaint Friday against eight individuals and one group who have uploaded hate speech footage to video websites such as YouTube or repeatedly posted discriminatory remarks on social media such as Twitter. The complaint will be looked into by a hate speech examination committee consisting of five academic and legal experts, and the mayor of Osaka will decide whether the case constitute hate speech based on the committee's evaluation. The first meeting of the committee will be convened as early as in July, and the whole process of the judgment could take several months, according to the city of Osaka. The Osaka Municipal Assembly passed the ordinance in January following confrontations in recent years between anti-Korean groups and those opposed to the discriminatory activities. Hate speech in Osaka drew international attention in 2013, after an anti-Korean group held a rally in the city's Tsuruhashi district, home to many ethnic Koreans, and a video of the group attacking ethnic Koreans with insults and racial slurs was posted on YouTube. VIENNA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Austria's constitutional court on Friday accepted a challenge filed by the anti-immigration Freedom Party over the run-off presidential election on May 22, and ordered the election to be held again. Constitutional Court President Gerhart Holzinger said in a statement released here that the vote will be held nationwide, not simply in some electoral districts as media had speculated may happen. "Voting is one of the fundamentals of our democracy," Holzinger said, adding that it is the duty of his court to protect it. He said that while the decision "makes no one a winner and no one a loser," it serves one primary purpose -- to strengthen trust in the rule of law and, as a result, in democracy. No evidence of vote manipulation has been found by the court, but a number of instances of lax vote counting, particularly in the postal vote system where envelopes were often opened early and not in the presence of relevant authorities, were what led the court to its decision. The result comes in favor of the challenge put forth by the far-right Freedom Party, whose candidate Norbert Hofer narrowly lost the election to challenger Alexander Van der Bellen by just over 30,000 votes out of more than 4.5 million ballots. COLOMBO, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An increase in tourists mainly from China and India will help strengthen Sri Lanka's frail economy as tourism is poised to become the largest foreign exchange earner, an official said on Friday. Tourist arrivals from China and India had increased in the recent years and due to the prevailing crisis in Europe, Asia had become an ideal destination, Felix Rodrigo, Advisor to Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister, told Xinhua. He said that tourists mainly from China had also spent large funds due to their spending power which had benefitted several sectors in the island nation including the gem industry and small time businesses. "India and China are one of our main markets and we will conduct more promotional programs to attract tourists from these two countries in the future. Currently the average money spent by a tourist per day is valued at 165 U.S. dollars which is good," Rodrigo said. He added that while tourism was currently the No. 3 foreign exchange earner, it would soon lead as a higher number of tourists were selecting Sri Lanka as an ideal tourism destination. China, which has become the second largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, has helped improve the island nation's tourism industry once heavily scarred by a 30-year civil war between the government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels which ended in May 2009. Latest statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau showed that tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lanka increased 31.5 percent in May. Last year, Sri Lanka was able to attract 200,000 Chinese tourists. An estimated 1.8 million tourists arrived in Sri Lanka last year, contributing to 2.98 billion U.S. dollars of earnings to government revenues. The government said it hoped to attract at least 3 million tourists by the end of this year, and it has set a target of 4 million by 2020. BEIJING, June 30, 2016 (Xinhua) -- File hoto taken on Sept. 28, 2014 shows a train running on the Nagqu section of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway turns 10 on July 1, 2016. The 1,956-kilometer-long railway, which began service in July 2006, is the world's highest and longest plateau railroad and also the first railway connecting the Tibet Autonomous Region with other parts of China. Ecological protection measures taken during and after the construction of the railway have ensured it was built as "a green railway". Noting that environmental pollution has been brought under effective control, it said the alpine vegetation ecosystem has been effectively protected, the permafrost environment has been stable for years, the eco-function regions have been doing well and the plateau landscape remains intact. (Xinhua/Wang Song) LHASA/XINING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's highest rail system, marked its 10th anniversary on Friday. The 1,956-km railway links Tibet with neighboring Qinghai Province. The system put an end to Tibet's inaccessibility when it opened on July 1, 2006. At 10 a.m., a full Z323 train from the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing arrived at Lhasa Railway Station in the region's capital, where peak tourist season has begun. "This is my first time in Tibet. I saw flocks of sheep and cattle as well as magnificent snow-covered mountains from the train windows," said Liao Xueyin, a tourist from southwest China's Sichuan Province. Zhu Binyu, conductor of a Z917 train that left the northwestern city of Lanzhou for Lhasa on Friday, said she felt honored to be on duty for the 10th anniversary. Zhu, 26, said the train crew will share a big cake with passengers to celebrate. There were no high-profile official celebrations scheduled for Friday. Qinghai Post held a small ceremony on Friday morning at Xining Railway Station for a newly issued commemorative stamp. "For us railway workers, the 10th anniversary is a glorious moment," said Lei Zengxiang, a veteran railway worker who bought a set of stamps. The Qinghai-Tibet railway, which began construction in 2001, is the world's longest railway built on a plateau, with its highest point 5,072 meters above sea level. Losang Jamcan, chairman of the regional government, said in an interview with Xinhua on Friday that Tibet will continue to expand its railway network until 2030. "By then, Tibet will be better connected with and opened up to the surrounding areas and South Asia," he said. "Tibet is an important open area along the border. It is a key portal along the economic corridors of China, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. Jamcan said Tibet will build more transportation lines linking South Asia. Railway network will be extended to the Jilung, Yadong and Burang ports along the Chinese borders with India and Nepal, he said. ROAD TO PROSPERITY Wang Fuhai, a truck driver, still remembers the hardship of driving from Xining, capital of Qinghai, to Lhasa before the railway opened. "Tibet was then a remote paradise. It could take half a month to drive there if there was heavy snow," said the 52-year-old driver, adding that each journey was a risky venture. Now it only takes 22 hours to reach Lhasa from Xining by train, greatly lowering transportation costs. The railway currently transports 75 percent of freight in Tibet. Before the railway opened, a chicken could cost as much as 110 yuan (16.5 U.S. dollars), and the purchasing power of 100 yuan in Tibet was equivalent to just 54 yuan in coastal areas, said He Gang, a researcher with the Tibet Regional Academy of Social Sciences. "The price of soap has been cut in half to six yuan now, almost the same as in the inland regions," said Nyima Ngoezhub, who traveled by train in 2006 to Chengdu's Southwest University for Nationalities for college. Shopping online has also been made easier now that packages can be sent by train, said Nyima Ngoezhub who currently works in Xigaze, the second-largest city in Tibet. Tibet, with a population of about 3 million, topped the country in mobile payments in 2015, with 83 percent of online purchases in the region done through mobile phone. Tibetans' per capita online payments averaged 32,000 yuan in 2015, according to Alipay, the payment arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. "The Qinghai-Tibet railway broke the transportation bottleneck in Tibet's social and economic development," said He. As of the end of May, 115 million passengers and 448 million tonnes of freight had been transported via the railway, driving an economic boom in the region over the past decade. According to Tibetan government statistics, GDP surged from 25 billion yuan in 2005 to 102.6 billion yuan in 2015, with an annual growth rate of over 10 percent that led the country for years. The figures in Qinghai also rose, from 64 billion yuan in 2005 to 241.7 billion yuan in 2015. Thanks to the railway, many hard-to-reach natural wonders such as Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon and Mount Qomolangma are now accessible to visitors. In 2015, 20.2 million tourists visited Tibet, 11 times more than before the railway opened. Tourism revenue last year exceeded 28 billion yuan, 15 times more than a decade ago. Xi Yuxiu, who opened a small restaurant along the train line, is happy the peak tourism season is coming. "It will be no problem earning 80,000 yuan in the summer," said Xi from Xiaozhuang Village in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai Province. In addition to spurring growth in the plateau region, the Qinghai-Tibet railway has played a pivotal role in boosting trade with South Asia. A Lanzhou-Xigaze-Kathmandu international freight line combining railway and road transport opened in May. "The Qinghai-Tibet railway not only promotes the integration of the Tibetan economy with the whole country but is becoming a pivot point in China's economic ties with India and Nepal," said Sun Yongfu, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Tibet will add an extra 2,000 km of railways with total investment of 160 billion yuan in the next five years, according to the regional government. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Zhijun, the Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief, has urged Taiwan authorities to give a "responsible explanation" for its military's fatal missile misfire. The island's authorities confirmed on Friday afternoon that the navy fired a missile in error on Friday morning and hit a Taiwan fishing boat in waters off the island, killing one and injuring three. Authorities blamed the misfire on failure by personnel to follow procedures during a test. "The incident occurred and caused severe impact at a time when the mainland has repeatedly emphasized safeguarding peaceful development of cross-Strait relations based on the political foundation of the 1992 Consensus," said Zhang, head of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, later on Friday. Responding to media questions, Zhang said "the Taiwan side should offer a responsible explanation of the matter." MOSCOW, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Visa-free tourist exchange between Russia and China rose dramatically in the first five months of this year, Russia's Federal Agency for Tourism said Friday. A total of 130,100 Chinese tourists visited Russia in the January-May period of this year under the visa-free exchange program, which was a 50 percent increase year-on-year, according to the agency. Meanwhile, the number of Russian tourists visiting China reached 89,600 in the same period, tantamount to a 40 percent rise year-on-year, it added. "The number of tourists from China to Russia exceeded 1 million last year for the first time, and this year it will be even bigger," the head of the agency, Oleg Safonov, said. Safonov believes that the rise resulted from an increase in the number of tour operators working within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement on visa-free travel which was signed in 2000 and amended in 2006. The agency said China has approved a new list of Russian tour operators authorized to implement visa-free travel, which covers 363 companies including 134 first-time participants. Iranian protesters shout slogans during a parade marking al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day in Tehran on July 01, 2016. Tens of thousands joined pro-Palestinian rallies in Tehran, as the annual Quds Day protests take on broader meaning for a region mired in bitter disputes and war. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) TEHRAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians held rallies on Friday marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day in solidarity with the Palestinians and condemning Israel 's continued occupation of Palestinian lands. In the capital city of Tehran, the ralliers chanted anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans and carried banners underscoring "resistance against the atrocities of Israel" and the return of dislocated Palestinians to their homeland. Al-Quds Day, an annual event that began in Iran in 1979, is observed on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic republic as well as in several Muslim countries. Senior Iranian government officials, including President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, as well as military commanders participated in the rallies in Tehran. Iran will stay by the side of Palestinians, Rouhani told reporters, adding that "today, the message of Iranians is the Islamic republic will remain on the side of the oppressed people and the Palestinians are not alone." The Muslim and oppressed people of Palestine are away from their homeland for 70 years, as the occupiers have seized their lands and are not bound to any international law and any humanitarian principles," he said. The Iranian president slammed what he called terrorism and extremism which have overshadowed the cause of Palestine in the region and in the world. With no doubt, the Muslims will gain victory thanks to their resistance" against Israel and its regional plots, he added. ZHENGZHOU, July 1 (Xinhua) - On a cool, rainy afternoon in Dafeng Village of Wuzhi County, despite the continuous pitter-patter, laughter could be heard from a courtyard packed with old people enjoying a piece of traditional Yu Opera. The piece was performed by a volunteer, one of many who work in the village's senior care system. A number of such courtyards in rural Henan Province are answering the call for more social support in the care of China's old people. "We've been here for about four months now," said Xu Chunqi, head of the charity courtyard. "We want to make sure that everyone receives good care and lives happily." PREMIER LI'S VISION Most elderly care institutions in China are run by local governments, but change is now the order of the day. In August 2013, Premier Li Keqiang spoke of how charities and businesses could participate in China's elderly care and in Henan, Li's vision is gradually taking shape. Apart from looking after their quotidian needs, Xu organizes birthday parties, shows, excursions and massage for his charges, helped by donations from local people of money and groceries, mostly vegetables as courtyard residents are strictly vegetarian. One of the characteristics of his courtyard is that it is the old people themselves who are in charge and traditional Chinese culture plays a big part. Banners and posters around the village preach filial piety in the form of poems, aphorisms and couplets. "Relations between villagers and their relatives have improved since the yard opened," said Miao Zhenxuan, 81, who lives in the courtyard. "I'm really happy here, and the vegetarian lifestyle makes me feel stronger." These charity yards are not the whole story in the county. Wuzhi Elderly Care Center was funded by Wang Xiaoming, a local entrepreneur who spent over 70 million yuan (10.5 million U.S. dollars) on the business in 2014. The center opened in 2015 and quickly attracted many fans. The center's bright and well organized reading room with an abundant collection of books has become a favorite haunt for local old people. Zhao Qingxin, 76, is one of the regulars. "I come here twice a day," he said, without raising his eyes from the book he was reading. "When I'm here I feel rich, and very much at home." "This is what's cool about running an institution like this," said Wang. "We're more in touch with people's needs, and more flexible in what we can provide. We value the spiritual fulfillment of our customers." His thoughts are shared by Lee Chen Changyan, CEO of Ourliving Seniors Care Management. "We do what we believe is best for our business here," said Lee, who, after 16 years in the business in Taiwan, runs a center in the provincial capital Zhengzhou. "We go out and about to absorb new ideas, and that's our advantage," he explained. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE The new mode of the care industry is not without its critics who claim the government can still do more. "Sometimes it can take too long to get permission from the government," Wang admitted. "The procedures are unnecessarily long and complicated at times." Lee agrees. "The government offered us a lot of financial support, but it could be more efficient. We are often hindered in improving our facilities by cumbersome procedures," he said. There are well over 2OO million over-60s in China today, around the total combined populations of Germany, France and Great Britain, and the number will at least double in the next twenty years. There are roughly 50,000 elderly service institutions nationwide and around 300,000 specialist geriatric nurses, nowhere near enough to meet demand. In rural areas, the problem is even more acute. "Personnel training needs to improve," Lee said. "If policy, training and facilities can be better combined, things will improve dramatically." Practitioners are optimistic. Xu Chunqi, a professional, and his team of volunteers bring not only innovative ideas to the sector, but also a workforce which the county needs. "We are professionals. The industry will definitely be better with us playing a bigger part, especially in rural areas." Xu claimed. Wang Xiaoming, the entrepreneur, has faith in policy. "The government backs our participation. This is already a foundation for a better future. "As long as the opportunities keep coming, more investors and more practitioners will join us and our industry, along with our elderly people, will prosper." JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- One Israeli was killed and three others were wounded after a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a car in the West Bank on Friday afternoon, a military spokesman said. The incident occurred on route 60, near the city of Hebron, when a Palestinian on a vehicle opened fire at an Israeli car, causing it to overturn, the spokesman said. One man was killed and three others were seriously wounded, and they were all from one family, Israel's emergency medical teams said. Israeli troops are searching the area for the shooter. The incident was the latest in a renewed string of fatal attacks against Israelis in the West Bank and Israel. Since Thursday, two Israelis have been killed, including a 13-year-old-girl, and five others were injured in attacks. Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces amidst attacks or alleged attempted attacks. NEW DELHI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and more than 30 others feared buried on Friday in landslides triggered by cloudbursts and heavy rains in northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, officials said. The landslides hit Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts, east of Dehradun city, the capital of Uttarakhand early Friday. "A major tragedy has struck Pithoragarh and still so many people are buried," Harish Rawat, chief minister of the Uttarakhand, told media. "We have sent teams of state disaster management force, paramilitary and other volunteers to the affected areas to carry out rescue operations." Officials said they have sent rescue teams and issued an alert, however the rains are impeding the rescue efforts. "So far six bodies have from retrieved from Pithoragarh and four bodies from Chamoli districts," a disaster management official told Xinhua. "There are reports that some people have been washed away and some are buried underneath the landslides." The Meteorological department officials have predicted more rains in the next 72 hours in Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar, Champawat, Almorah, Pauri, Haridwar, Tehri and Dehradun. The rains have pushed up water level in the rivers and waterbodies. Reports said landslides have blocked Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway at many places, and long queues of stranded vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway. The local government has announced a monetary relief of 2,971 U.S. dollars to each victim family. Uttrakhand has a rugged terrain. Landslides are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains. In June 2013, nearly 6,000 people, including Hindu pilgrims and tourists, were killed by floods and landslides in the state. MOGADISHU, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Somali police on Friday arrested 13 Al-Shabaab suspects in a security swoop in Bardhere town in Gedo region southwest Somalia. Bardhere district Police Commander Mohamed Ahmed Hassan told reporters that the operation was conducted following deadly terrorist attacks there in the past days. "Police forces carried out operation against Al-Shabaab militants in Bardhere town this morning, they arrested over 13 people suspected to be fighters of the militant group of Al-Shabaab. We will further investigate them and release the innocent," Ahmed said. The police commander added that the operation came after deadly terrorist bomb attacks occurred in the town early on this week. Al-Shabaab militants often carry out roadside bomb attacks in the strategic town of Bardhere in Gedo region. Somali National Army backed by the African Union peacekeeping troops have been fighting the militants and have liberated several regions in the Horn of Africa nation. PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian immigration police arrested 93 illegal Vietnamese immigrants, including 34 females, during raids on their rental houses in the capital of Phnom Penh on Friday, a senior police official said. "They were arrested for living in Cambodia without passports," Uk Heisela, chief of the General Department of Immigration's (GDI) investigation and procedure department, told Xinhua, adding that they had crossed border into Cambodia illegally. "They will be deported to their birth country within a week," he said. According to the GDI, Cambodia expelled 4,424 illegal foreigners last year, 90 percent of them are Vietnamese nationals. Under the country's immigration law, any alien living in Cambodia without valid documents such as passports, visas, or work permits are subject to deportation. NAIROBI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Failure to fully adopt space technology education is to blame for Africa's slow development, a university don has said. Dr. Faith Karanja, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Department of Geospatial and Space Technology said the universities need to make a paradigm shift and incorporate practical oriented courses such as space technology to change the development path of the continent. "We have to develop curricula that stand to address local problems such as space technology to address the needs of the continent's growing population," Karanja said on Friday at the conference on space technology in Nairobi. She said that even though space technology is costly to adopt, it has long term benefits that is capable of revolutionizing the continents development. The university don noted that elsewhere space technology has been used in producing a flare that safely destroy land mines by reducing propellant waste without negatively impacting the environment. "Space technology has created new markets and new technologies that have spurred global economy and changed lives in many ways. Africa should not be left behind in adapting this technology too," Karanja told the delegates. She called on the universities to consider overhauling their curriculums and stop teaching traditional theoretical subjects by replacing them with the once that are capable of promoting innovation, adding that the success of a university is determined by how it impacts on the society. The don revealed that space technology is now generating profits for businesses in a multitude of other markets such as medical innovations, coming up with engineering solutions and wildlife technology. "The universities must start repositioning by redesigning the curricula with the aim of solving local problems since the global market currently requires graduates who are creative and innovative," she added. Karanja revealed that only a few universities out of the registered 24 public universities in Kenya are offering courses on engineering, geo-informatics, remote sensing, natural resource and earth science but not space technology. All the public universities in Kenya are also offering computer sciences courses while the private universities who lack capacity in teaching hard sciences only offer social science courses. "Due to the unavailability of resources, all that African universities need to do is to develop partnerships for technical support and continental linkages," she said. He revealed that the University of Nairobi (UoN) has developed a new charter on how long a curriculum takes before it is reviewed. This trend has reduced time for review and helps put the curriculum in practice. The University of Nairobi is currently partnering with Rome University by funding studies in space science. According to Professor Fabio Santoni of the Rome Universities Department of Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering, the program started in last year and will take three years. "Students from UoN and Rome will be interchanging during the period to define needs for their own countries," he added. Through this partnership, Kenya is in the final stages of establishing a space centre, the equivalent of National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) agency, a project that will propel Kenya to the elite club of a few countries in the world that own earth observation satellites. The presence of the centre within Kenya involves the possibility to carry out launch activities, data acquisition from satellites, remote sensing and training activities both in Kenya and in Italy. Delegates at the conference observed space technology is capable of detecting unusual human presence in national parks and could allow anti-poaching units to identify, locate and ultimately arrest poachers. They called for the adoption of high resolution radar satellites to help combat wildlife crime by detecting vehicles and other equipment as they move under forest cover, or during the night. Syrian rescuers search the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported Syrian government forces attack at the Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood in the rebel-held area of the northern city of Aleppo on June 20, 2016. The Syrian war has killed more than 280,000 people. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An array of jihadi groups succeeded early Friday in retaking a strategic town north of the coastal city of Latakia, just four months after the Syrian government forces captured it, a monitor group reported. The rebels' First Coastal Division, the Turkey-backed Ahrar al-Sham, the Saudi-backed Islam Army, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front among other rebel factions, have retaken the town of Kinsabba, which was the last major rebel stronghold to return to the government troops last February in the countryside of Latakia. The rebels also retook control of around 13 villages in northern Latakia, as part of a wide-scale offensive they unleashed on the northern countryside of Latakia on June 27. The army forces backed by Russia recaptured Kinsabba last February, in an operation aimed at dislodging the jihadi groups from northern Latakia, the hometown of President Bashar al-Assad and the heartland of the minority Alewite group. The Russian air force played a key role in restoring Kinsabba and other key rebel strongholds in northern Latakia. Still, Kinsabba has a special importance as it enables the Syrian army to reach the western countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib, another bastion of the jihadi groups. Meanwhile, a Syrian military source told Xinhua that the terrorist groups infiltrated into Kinsabba with the aim of controlling it. He added that battles are still raging in the town between the army and the rebels. TAIPEI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- One fisherman has died and three others were injured after Taiwan's military launched a missile by mistake during a rehearsal early Friday, said the island's military. The missile was launched from a corvette in Zuoying Harbor in Kaohsiung at 8:15 a.m. due to human error, it said. It fell into the waters off Penghu Island at 8:40 a.m. after hitting a fishing boat. The captain was killed. Three of his crew were injured. Taiwan military authorities apologized for the casualties caused by the missile blunder at a press conference late Friday. BERLIN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A German man was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Friday after being found guilty of the attempted murder of a pro-refugee mayor candidate in Cologne last year. The 45-year-old man, identified as Frank S, stabbed Henriette Reker in her neck with a knife at a campaign event on Oct. 17, the day before Reker was elected the mayor of Cologne. A court in Duesseldorf ruled on Friday that Frank S was guilty of attempted murder. "He wanted to send a signal to the refugee policy of the federal government," said Judge Barbara Havliza explaining the verdict, "He wanted to create a climate of fear and to influence politics." Frank S admitted that he stabbed Reker for her pro-refugee stance, but said he had no intention to kill her. According to authorities, the defendant was active in right-wing circles in the 1990s. Prosecutors had called for a life prison sentence. File photo taken on Sept. 28, 2014 shows a train running on the Nagqu section of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Wang Song) LHASA/XINING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's highest rail system, marked its 10th anniversary on Friday. The 1,956-km railway links Tibet with neighboring Qinghai Province. The system put an end to Tibet's inaccessibility when it opened on July 1, 2006. File photo taken on July 1, 2006 shows local residents welcoming a train from Golmud at the bridgehead of Tuotuo River bridge near the Qinghai-Tibet railway, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua photo/Chen Xie) At 10 a.m., a full Z323 train from the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing arrived at Lhasa Railway Station in the region's capital, where peak tourist season has begun. "This is my first time in Tibet. I saw flocks of sheep and cattle as well as magnificent snow-covered mountains from the train windows," said Liao Xueyin, a tourist from southwest China's Sichuan Province. File photo taken on Oct. 23, 2011 shows Tibetan wild donkeys near a passing train on the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Hou Deqiang) Zhu Binyu, conductor of a Z917 train that left the northwestern city of Lanzhou for Lhasa on Friday, said she felt honored to be on duty for the 10th anniversary. Zhu, 26, said the train crew will share a big cake with passengers to celebrate. File photo taken on Jan. 24, 2016 shows a staff member helping passengers at the Xigaze Station of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Jigme Dorje) There were no high-profile official celebrations scheduled for Friday. Qinghai Post held a small ceremony on Friday morning at Xining Railway Station for a newly issued commemorative stamp. "For us railway workers, the 10th anniversary is a glorious moment," said Lei Zengxiang, a veteran railway worker who bought a set of stamps. The Qinghai-Tibet railway, which began construction in 2001, is the world's longest railway built on a plateau, with its highest point 5,072 meters above sea level. File photo taken on July 1, 2006 shows the passenger train passing the Tanggula Mountain Pass with an altitude of 5,072 meters above sea level. (Xinhua photo/Gaesang Dawa) Losang Jamcan, chairman of the regional government, said in an interview with Xinhua on Friday that Tibet will continue to expand its railway network until 2030. "By then, Tibet will be better connected with and opened up to the surrounding areas and South Asia," he said. "Tibet is an important open area along the border. It is a key portal along the economic corridors of China, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. Jamcan said Tibet will build more transportation lines linking South Asia. Railway network will be extended to the Jilung, Yadong and Burang ports along the Chinese borders with India and Nepal, he said. File photo taken on June 22, 2016 shows a train passing by Lake Cona along the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Purbu Zhaxi) ROAD TO PROSPERITY Wang Fuhai, a truck driver, still remembers the hardship of driving from Xining, capital of Qinghai, to Lhasa before the railway opened. "Tibet was then a remote paradise. It could take half a month to drive there if there was heavy snow," said the 52-year-old driver, adding that each journey was a risky venture. File photo taken on Oct. 25, 2006 shows a train passing the Nagqu section of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Chogo) Now it only takes 22 hours to reach Lhasa from Xining by train, greatly lowering transportation costs. The railway currently transports 75 percent of freight in Tibet. Before the railway opened, a chicken could cost as much as 110 yuan (16.5 U.S. dollars), and the purchasing power of 100 yuan in Tibet was equivalent to just 54 yuan in coastal areas, said He Gang, a researcher with the Tibet Regional Academy of Social Sciences. "The price of soap has been cut in half to six yuan now, almost the same as in the inland regions," said Nyima Ngoezhub, who traveled by train in 2006 to Chengdu's Southwest University for Nationalities for college. File photo taken on July 21, 2006 shows local children waving to a train running on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Duilong Deqing County of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Chogo) Shopping online has also been made easier now that packages can be sent by train, said Nyima Ngoezhub who currently works in Xigaze, the second-largest city in Tibet. Tibet, with a population of about 3 million, topped the country in mobile payments in 2015, with 83 percent of online purchases in the region done through mobile phone. Per capita online payments in Tibet averaged 32,000 yuan in 2015, according to Alipay, the payment arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. "The Qinghai-Tibet railway broke the transportation bottleneck in Tibet's social and economic development," said He. File photo taken on June 22, 2016 shows workers working near Tanggula Station of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (Xinhua photo/Wu Gang) As of the end of May, 115 million passengers and 448 million tonnes of freight had been transported via the railway, driving an economic boom in the region over the past decade. According to Tibetan government statistics, GDP surged from 25 billion yuan in 2005 to 102.6 billion yuan in 2015, with an annual growth rate of over 10 percent that led the country for years. The figures in Qinghai also rose, from 64 billion yuan in 2005 to 241.7 billion yuan in 2015. Photo taken on June 26, 2016 shows a train running on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway through a wetland of Northern Tibet, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (Xinhua photo/Purbu Zhaxi) Thanks to the railway, many hard-to-reach natural wonders such as Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon and Mount Qomolangma are now accessible to visitors. In 2015, 20.2 million tourists visited Tibet, 11 times more than before the railway opened. Tourism revenue last year exceeded 28 billion yuan, 15 times more than a decade ago. File photo taken on June 20, 2016 shows a train running on the grand bridge of the Lhasa River along the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region (Xinhua photo/Purbu Zhaxi) Xi Yuxiu, who opened a small restaurant along the train line, is happy the peak tourism season is coming. "It will be no problem earning 80,000 yuan in the summer," said Xi from Xiaozhuang Village in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Qinghai Province. File photo taken on May 14, 2016 shows a train running on Lhasa-Xigaze railway, an extention railway of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua photo/Zhang Rufeng) In addition to spurring growth in the plateau region, the Qinghai-Tibet railway has played a pivotal role in boosting trade with South Asia. A Lanzhou-Xigaze-Kathmandu international freight line combining railway and road transport opened in May. "The Qinghai-Tibet railway not only promotes the integration of the Tibetan economy with the whole country but is becoming a pivot point in China's economic ties with India and Nepal," said Sun Yongfu, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Tibet will add an extra 2,000 km of railways with total investment of 160 billion yuan in the next five years, according to the regional government. Young refugees take a tour at the archaeological site of Acropolis, Athens, Greece on May 9, 2016. Refugee families stranded in Greece visited the Acropolis hill in Athens on Monday as part of celebrations for Europe Day under an initiative aimed to raise awareness on the refugee crisis. (Xinhua/Lefteris Partsalis) GENEVA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ma Zhaoxu, highlighted Thursday the need to adopt constructive and positive-thinking policies going forward to deal with the unprecedented number of people forced to leave their homes today. "Due to wars, armed conflicts and natural disasters, forced migration has hit record high. In some countries and regions, exclusion against migrants is on the rise," Ma remarked in the IOM's Council first special session, which celebrated China's accession to the organization Thursday morning. "We need to discard the 'zero-sum' mentality and fully recognize the important role of migrants as bridges and belts in the economic, social and cultural development of their countries," he added. According to the diplomat, migration directives should be assimilated into national development strategies, with developed countries providing financial and technical assistance to developing states. Migration policies must also be in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "enabling migration as positive-energy' in the promotion of global economic and social development." Ma also called for holistic approaches to address the root causes of migration. Europe saw over 1 million migrants and refugees reach its shores last year because of protracted unrest in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. In light of complex challenges, Ma stressed that push-factors including armed conflicts, social unrest, extreme poverty should be dealt with through peaceful negotiations and pragmatic approaches which strive for common development. On a national level, Ma reminded that Beijing's expanding reforms and opening-up has also led to an increase in the level of exchanges with people hailing from foreign countries. With China now a country of origin, transit and destination, new challenges have arisen, Ma explained, with the number of entries and exits by foreigners reaching 51.92 million last year. The official also reminded that China has the largest diaspora in the world, with over 62 million Chinese living overseas. "The Chinese government attaches great importance to migration management and is devoted to the promotion of orderly and sound movement of migrants," Ma said. "However, China still faces quite a number of challenges in promoting the integration of migrants, reducing irregular migration, combating human trafficking and smuggling. We would like to enhance exchange and cooperation with the international community to jointly address the challenges in an effective way," he added. Created in 1951, the purpose of the IOM is to help ensure adequate migration management, promote international cooperation on migration issues and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants including refugees and internally displaced people. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Legislators on Friday called for better regulation of cultivation and breeding to ensure that food safety begins at the source. While deliberating an inspection report on the implementation of the Food Safety Law, lawmaker Huang Huahua suggested that farmers should be given better guidance on pesticides, veterinary drugs, chemical fertilizers and feed additives. "In China, a rather low proportion of farmers know how to use pesticides appropriately. Unfettered and excessive use of pesticides has contaminated ground water and soil," said lawmaker Li Xiaohong. Li stressed making legislative efforts to strictly regulate the use of pesticides, veterinary drugs and other related substances. The report, which was submitted Thursday to an ongoing bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China's food safety situation remains "severe," and risks exist in this initial link of farming. Lawmaker Xu Weigang suggested developing and promoting improved varieties of crops, livestock and aquatic products, which can resist diseases, thus reducing the use of chemicals. Cuba's President and First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party Raul Castro (C), Second Secretary Jose Ramon Machado Ventura (L) and First Vice President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel attend the 7th congress of the party in Havana April 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Emilio Herrera/Prensa Latina) HAVANA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China' s Communist Party (CPC) has played a "vital role" in guiding its people towards building a prosperous society and will continue to do so in the future, Jose Ramon Machado, second secretary of Cuba' s Communist Party said here on Thursday. "It' s undeniable the fundamental role the CPC has played to guide the Chinese people in its process of reform and opening up and our party, government and mainly our people are joyful of its 95th anniversary," said Machado to the Chinese media after a political event in Havana to mark the occasion which falls on July 1. The senior party official said the relations between the CPC and Cuba' s Communist Party (PCC) are at its best and will continue to deepen for the benefit of both nations. A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) "Our party and government deeply appreciate the win-win cooperation between our two nations and our priority is to deepen those links in every sector," added Machado, who is also Cuba's vice president. The senior PCC official said it is important for Cuba to learn from China as the island is "updating" its social and economic models to overcome the crisis it faced after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Present at the event were top PCC officials and government leaders, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Zhang Tuo. The CPC is the world' s largest ruling party with more than 88 million members. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Friday urged Turkey to be prudent in its investigation into anti-dumping claims concerning PV products from China. The comments came after Turkey's Ministry of Economy opened an anti-dumping investigation into photovoltaic (PV) products imported from China earlier Friday. As important renewable energy products, PV cells and modules are attractive to countries in the fight against climate change and will help them meet their emission reduction goals, said the MOC. If Turkey was to impose anti-dumping measures on Chinese PV products, it would harm the interests of the Chinese side, while not being in the interests of the Turkish side. The MOC also said China has always been against abuse of trade remedy measures and hopes Turkey will cautiously deal with the case to maintain healthy trade cooperation. BEIRUT, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag stressed Friday the importance "of national unity and vigilance to maintain the security and stability of Lebanon in this very volatile and challenging period." Kaag's made the remarks following her meeting with Lebanon's Prime Minister Tammam Salam. During the meeting, the UN official discussed areas "where additional support is needed, for the security apparatus and the Lebanese Armed Forces." She pointed out that "very few countries could continue to provide this level of security against such threats, so nothing but high praise and respect for the entire security apparatus, but more support is needed." "I believe this is a particularly difficult period for Lebanon, and I would of course like to offer and reiterate my condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks, but also hope for the quick recovery of those who were injured," she added. The northeastern border town of al-Qaa was subject to a series of suicide attacks on Monday leaving 5 people dead and more than 25 others injured. She also stressed the UN's support for Lebanon to elect a new president, which will ultimately provide the new impetus and level of stability and security to citizens. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended on May 25, 2014 and the parliament failed in 41 consecutive times to convene to elect a new president because of lack of quorum. PRETORIA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Friday launched the Green Paper on International Migration which sets forth some core principles for better management of international migration. The Paper defines South Africa's national interests in accordance with constitutional principles, socioeconomic development objectives and national security, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said at the launch ceremony in Freedom Park, Pretoria. The Paper balances the primary imperatives of economic development, national security, international and constitutional obligations, according to Gigaba. South Africa, he said, has a sovereign right to manage international migration in its national interests. "We must manage international migration in a way which promotes human rights, advances the National Development Plan, takes into consideration our circumstances and resource constraints, and ensures all persons residing in South Afric, citizens and foreign nationals alike are and feel safe," the minister said. South Africa's international migration policy must be oriented towards Africa and must speak to the nation's foreign policy, Gigaba said. "Our foreign policy throughout the democratic period, has recognized South Africa as an integral part of the African continent, and our national interest as being inextricably linked to Africa's stability, unity and prosperity," he said. Such policy must equip South Africa to work with regional partners, to progressively liberalize movement, in line with the aspirations of the people of our continent, for Africans to be able to move freely in Africa, Gigaba said. "The movement of people is a core issue of regional integration in Africa and other regions globally," the minister said. "Migration is of course a moral issue, concerning as it does, how we treat our guests in the form of visitors as well as regular and irregular immigrants, as well as vulnerable asylum seekers and forced migrants," he said. Politically, a country's ability to determine who may enter and exit its territory, and on what terms, is a core aspect of national sovereignty which all of the 200 or so countries in the international state system retain, Gigaba said. He said individuals visiting, transiting and residing in the territory of a country are entitled to the protection of as well as humane treatment by the host country. By virtue of their presence in a territory, they may also make various claims on the host state, and thus destination countries are entitled to know who a prospective visitor is, and what their needs, circumstances and intentions are before they enter a country's territory, according to Gigaba. People can also become citizens of other countries through naturalization, he said. "So when governments manage migration, they do so in the awareness that they are not merely considering entry of a temporary resident, but also a potential future citizen," Gigaba explained. The movement of people is a core issue of regional integration, in Africa and other regions globally, Gigaba said. In a globalized world of dynamic, interconnected economies, the ability to manage the flow of people is critical to economic competitiveness, he said. "Increasingly, the ability of a country to attract and facilitate the easy entry of tourists, business people, conference attendees, skilled workers and investors is a key component of economic competitiveness. "However, international migration is not just about the affluent strata of the economy. "It is a development issue," Gigaba noted. African migrants sent approximately 35 billion US dollars home in 2015, an amount almost equalling the total amount of development aid Sub-Saharan Africa received from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries the previous year (36 billion dollars in 2014), and only 25 percent less than Africa received from all countries (47 billion dollars in 2014), Gigaba cited figures as saying. According to the World Bank, there are 250 million international migrants in the world, three percent of the world's population, more than ever before. International migration is a natural, largely positive phenomenon which if well managed can, does and will make a crucial contribution to growing the African economy and transforming Africa as envisioned in Agenda 2063, a development blueprint set by the African Union, Gigaba said. Fishermen deal with the last batch of fish goods before the moratorium at a wharf in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 16, 2016. China banned fishing from May 16 to Aug. 1 in the South China Sea, a measure taken for the 18th consecutive year. (Xinhua/Sha Xiaofeng) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday called on the Philippines to work with China to use the power of negotiation to solve disputes on the South China Sea. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to remarks made by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during the first meeting of his cabinet after his inauguration Thursday. "God knows I don't want to declare any fighting with anyone. If we can have peace by just talking I'll be really happy," said Duterte, who had previously said that he was open to talking with China about the maritime disputes. Philippine presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Friday that Duterte wanted a "conversation" with China on the South China Sea to work out a "win-win relationship" with the country. Hong said the disputes are ultimately issues between China and the Philippines. The South China Sea arbitration initiated by former President Benigno S. Aquino III is invalid and illegal, he said. "The disputes between China and the Philippines can only be solved via bilateral negotiation on the basis of fully respecting historical facts and in line with international laws," said Hong. "We hope the Philippines can work together with China and meet each other halfway so that the disputes are solved properly," he said. Alberto Encomienda, former secretary-general of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center of the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department, said recently in an interview with Xinhua that the Philippine government had been behind the increasing tensions in the South China Sea. "China has championed negotiations all along, but at the beginning we were not," he said. Hong said these facts revealed by the former Philippine diplomat "show once again the Aquino III government lied" for the unilateral initiation of the arbitration on the South China Sea at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The tribunal said it would issue a ruling on July 12. Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the Arbitral Tribunal has no jurisdiction over the case and the relevant subject-matter, and that it should not have heard the case or rendered the award. Related: U.S. behind rising tension in South China Sea: S African commentator JOHANNESBURG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. intervention in the South China Sea issue has aimed to serve its purpose to impede China's rise, a well-known South African commentator said on Friday. America's objective is to contain a rising power, which presents itself as a major challenge to US global hegemony, said Shannon Ebrahim in a commentary published in The Star newspaper. Full story China reaffirms non-acceptance of South China Sea arbitration BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China reaffirmed on Thursday that it will not accept a third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on the Arbitral Tribunal's claim that it would soon issue the so-called final award of the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. Full story Consultation is way to keep peace, stability in South China Sea: Greek party official ATHENS, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Amicable consultation is the only way to resolve the escalating tension in the South China Sea, a Greek party official and expert in international relations told Xinhua on Wednesday. Vassiliki Souladaki, deputy secretary of international relations department of the socialist PASOK party and an expert in foreign policy affairs, urged for honest dialogue between sovereign states on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, to put an end to the dispute. Full story Commentary: UNCLOS unable to solve complicated South China Sea row BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Convention on the law of Sea (UNCLOS) has not resolved every past global dispute and neither will it for the South China Sea arbitration the Philippines has unilaterally initiated in The Hague. China has elaborated on the reasons why in a position paper released in Dec. 2014. For one, the arbitration involves issues of territorial sovereignty over which UNCLOS has no jurisdiction. Hence China's non-acceptance of and non-participation in the arbitration is justified. Full story Commentary: Manic South China Sea arbitration melting foundation of int'l order BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China is defending not only its territorial sovereignty but world peace and stability when fighting against the obstinacy displayed in the South China Sea arbitration. The Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration, established at the unilateral request of the Republic of the Philippines, claimed on Wednesday that it would issue the final "award" on July 12. Full story Spotlight: Int'l experts criticize Hague arbitration tribunal over South China Sea BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- International experts criticized an arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction for its plan to issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. The government of outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino III filed the arbitration against China in 2013, despite the agreement his country had reached with China on resolving their South China Sea disputes through bilateral negotiations. Full story Commentary: Ill-grounded S. China Sea arbitration to only worsen disputes among neighbors BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines does not hold water from a legal standpoint and will not put an end to the South China Sea disputes, but only worsen them. Full story Law-abusing tribunal to issue award on South China Sea arbitration THE HAGUE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- An arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction will issue an award on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague said on Wednesday. Full story Backgrounder: Timeline of Philippines' unilaterally initiated South China Sea arbitration case TEHRAN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians held rallies on Friday marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day in solidarity with the Palestinians and condemning Israel's continued occupation of Palestinian lands. In the capital city of Tehran, the ralliers chanted anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans and carried banners underscoring "resistance against the atrocities of Israel" and the return of dislocated Palestinians to their homeland. Al-Quds Day, an annual event that began in Iran in 1979, is observed on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic republic as well as in several Muslim countries. Earlier, Iranian senior officials had called for solidarity with Palestinians on Al-Quds Day rallies. On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed hope that massive demonstrations would be held across Iran and the Muslim world on Friday in support of people in Palestine. Also, President Hassan Rouhani urged Muslims worldwide to participate in the rallies to pronounce "unity and solidarity" among Muslims worldwide in support of Palestinians and "the liberation of Al-Quds." On Friday, senior Iranian government officials, including Rouhani and his cabinet members, as well as military commanders participated in the rallies in Tehran. Iran will stay by the side of Palestinians, Rouhani told reporters on Friday, adding that "today, the message of Iranians is the Islamic republic will remain on the side of the oppressed people and the Palestinians are not alone." The Muslim and oppressed people of Palestine are away from their homeland for 70 years, as the occupiers have seized their lands and are not bound to any international law and any humanitarian principles," he said. The Iranian president slammed what he called terrorism and extremism which have overshadowed the cause of Palestine in the region and in the world. With no doubt, the Muslims will gain victory thanks to their resistance" against Israel and its regional plots, he added. Also, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said Friday that the issue of Palestine is the Muslim world's number one priority. He slammed some measures to sideline the cause of Palestine and said that worldwide demonstrations by Muslims on the Al-Quds Day is a move to bring Palestine back to the top of the Muslim world's list of priorities, Shamkhani told reporters, according to Tasnim news agency. Besides, a senior Iranian commander on Friday highlighted the growing might of resistance against Israel and warned that "today, the grounds for the annihilation and collapse of the Zionist regime (of Israel) are provided more than ever." "Today, more than 100,000 missiles are ready to fly from Lebanon, whenever the Zionists attempt to repeat their past mistakes. The missiles will be fired and hit Israel and will lead to new developments," deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hossein Salami was quoted as saying by Tasnim. In addition, there are "tens of thousands of destructive long-range missiles" in some other Islamic regions, which are pointed at the entire Israeli-occupied territories, ranging from Haifa to Tel Aviv, he said. In the statement read at the end of the rally, the demonstrators announced the country's all-out support for the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli pressures in the occupied lands. A Chinese dancer in Liverpool (photo courtesy of IFB2016 Liverpool) LIVERPOOL, Juy 1 (Xinhua) -- A delegation from China's city of eternal spring brought a huge helping of color and dance during rain showers in Liverpool Wednesday as part of the world's biggest business festival. Vice Mayor Li Zhigong from Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan province is heading a 40-strong delegation to the International Business Festival taking place in Liverpool. He told Xinhua: "We are here in Liverpool to discuss business opportunities, but also to let people know more about the tourism potential of our beautiful city." "We are known as the city of eternal spring because of our year-round climate. Most people have heard of our big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, now we want them to hear about Kunming and all it has to offer to tourists," said Li. Musicians and dancers from Kunming Folk Song and Dance Theater are performing as part of a two-day exhibition of culture taking place in the heart of what is one of Europe's biggest shopping centers. Thousands of shoppers braved occasional rain showers to watch the dance spectacular, while a range of cultural, business and artistic exhibits were in a specially designed marquee. Yi dancers are performing fire dance in Liverpool. (Photo/Larry Neild) The exhibition is part of a business and cultural delegation to Liverpool from Kunming, aimed at boosting bilateral trade between the two cities. The delegation is the largest of 25 from China attending the ongoing International Festival of Business (IFB) in Liverpool. The performers from Kunming are regarded as cultural envoys, having performed in more than 40 countries worldwide before national leaders and foreign heads of state. Kunming is known for its rich and diverse ethnic and cultural heritage and is at the heart of one of China's most important tourist areas. The delegation is also holding a range of business activities and a civic reception at Liverpool Town Hall. The delegation to Liverpool follows the signing of a Friendship Partnership Agreement between the two cities that will see them building on existing ties and working together to create a positive, mutually beneficial relationship. The agreement is the result of dialogue between the Kunming Municipal Government and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson in Chengdu in September 2015. Yi dancers are performing fire dance in Liverpool. (Photo/Larry Neild) Vice Mayor Li said: "Our visit to Liverpool reflects our very positive relationship with the city and desire to create new business and cultural opportunities for companies, schools and artistic organisations both here and in Kunming." Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said: "Kunming is one of the most dynamic city regions in China and is regarded as a gateway to southwest China and the wider southeast Asia region." "Alongside the opportunities to further our trade links with China, there is fantastic potential to share and explore each other's diverse cultural heritage, creating a rich, vibrant dialogue and positive exchange of ideas," Anderson said. JOHANNESBURG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of South Africans on Friday picketed outside the headquarters of national broadcaster the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in Johannesburg, calling for the reinstatement of the six suspended journalists and change of editorial policy. This came after the SABC suspended three journalists for reporting about the looting and destruction of property in Pretoria a week ago during protests over a mayrol candidate for the local government elections, scheduled for August 3. The other three were suspended on Thursday for questioning the editorial policy of the national broadcaster. The demonstrators called for the unconditional re-instatement of the suspended journalists. Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum Mpumelelo Mkhabela said the country's constitution must be defended. "SABC is important to all of us and belongs to all South Africans. The national broadcaster provides a channel and platform for South Africans to exchange views. I would encourage the society to join and support the journalists; it's not about the media thing but about defending our democracy and our Constitution," he said. Mkhabela said many people paid with their lives for the democracy which the country enjoys and South Africans should guard against losing their gains. SABC economics editor Thandeka Gqubule said South Africans should protest against what is happening at the SABC. "My colleagues and I have decided we can't do this silently. We needed to tell our colleagues in the industry. It is freedom of expression that gave us this vocation, do not allow the sun to go down on us," she said. Gqubule said the broadcaster have not transformed from the Apartheid era to be independent and balanced. "Now we are at that moment again as we approach a highly-contested election where forces of darkness are trying to bend the public asset, the public broadcaster, to their own ends," she added. Some members of labour union Solidarity also joined the picket. Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann told Xinhua that they will take the matter to the labour court if the SABC continues with the disciplinary action against the employees. "SABC was supposed to give them (journalists) more than 24 hours' notice to appear for a hearing but that was not done. They also did not allow the employees to have legal representation. This is a sophisticated matter and we are going to make a constitutional argument and say the instruction given to the employees was unlawful," Hermann said. Two legislators from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) threw their weight behind the protesters. DA legislator and national spokesperson Phumzile van Damme told Xinhua that the SABC favours the ruling African National Congress in its coverage of news. Van Damme said, "We expect them to be neutral, professional and tell South Africans the truth. We want a public broadcaster which is professional and journalists working without fear or favour." The suspended journalists have approached the Constitutional Court and asked for their matter to be heard urgently. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli attend a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Parties and leaders of China's neighboring countries have sent messages of congratulations upon the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The central committees of the Cambodian People's Party, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam sent messages respectively to the CPC Central Committee, to congratulate the CPC and the Chinese people on their achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. They hailed particularly the achievements made in China's opening-up and reform and its modernization drive, and wished the CPC greater achievements in its cause of building China into a moderately prosperous society and the realization of the "two centenary goals" and the Chinese Dream at an early date. In his message to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jong Un extended warm congratulations to Xi, the CPC Central Committee, all CPC members and the Chinese people on the CPC's 95th founding anniversary. He wished the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC, greater achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics and in realizing rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party Enkhbold Miegombo, in his message, also sent warm greetings and wishes to Xi, the CPC Central Committee and all CPC members. He expressed the belief that the CPC will score greater achievements in leading China into a prosperous future. KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's exports dropped by 0.9 percent year-on-year in May, latest statistics showed on Friday. In May, Malaysia's exports decreased by 533.6 million ringgit (133.9 million U.S. dollars) to 59.95 billion ringgit (15 billion U.S. dollars). Imports rose 3.1 percent to 56.66 billion ringgit (14.2 billion U.S. dollars), resulting in a 1-percent growth in total trade. A trade surplus of 3.26 billion ringgit (0.8 billion U.S. dollars) was recorded, according to the trade figured released by tne international trade and industry ministry. During the month, exports of manufactured goods increased by 2.7 percent. Higher exports were also recorded for E&E products, chemicals and chemical products, optical and scientific equipment, machinery, equipment and parts, processed food, transport equipment and manufactures of metal. Lower exports were recorded in agricultural goods and palm oil. Exports of refined petroleum products dropped 17.2 percent due to the decrease in both average unit value and export volume. Exports of LNG slumped by 13.5 percent due to the decline in average unit value despite the export volume rose 4.9 percent. Among Malaysia's major trading partners, trade with China accounted for 16.3 percent of Malaysia's total trade, higher by 1.2 percent. Malaysia's exports to the United States grew by 18.7 percent to 6.36 billion ringgit (1.6 billion U.S. dollars). BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- In the HR department at Jabil Huangpu, a cubicle is marked with a sign that reads "demonstration post of Party member" to honor a star employee. The Communist Party of China (CPC), which celebrated its 95th birthday on Friday, is the world's largest political party, boasting 87 million members. CPC branches at foreign companies are not common, although the Party constitution stipulates that organizations of more than three members should have one. However, their numbers are growing. Guangzhou-based Jabil Huangpu, established in 2001, is the first China subsidiary of Jabil, a global electronic parts supplier headquartered in the United States. The company has 16,000 workers and six CPC branches, with a general branch in charge of them. Huang Lu, a manager in the company's HR department, is secretary of the company's general Party branch. According to Huang, there are 106 members in the Jabil Huangpu general CPC branch, most in their mid-twenties. One third of them work in management, another third are key technicians, and the others are line workers. STAR EMPLOYEES "Although there are not many demonstration Party member posts, those who have them have played a role as star employees," Huang said of employees like the one with the sign in the HR department. "We have set up three such posts, which have been recognized by our U.S. bosses," she said, adding Party members are competing for the honor, and non-Party-member employees strive to keep pace with them. Those who earn the honor must be recommended by the Party branch and reviewed by the general branch. They may hold the title for a year, then undergo further evaluation to retain the recognition. Over the past 19 years at the company, Mei Lianzhen has ascended through the ranks from assembly worker to manager of the manufacturing department. She is also a probationary CPC member at one of the company's party branches. To join the CPC, a prospective member must send an application letter as well as recommendations from two Party members. After approval, he or she must complete a year-long probation period before becoming an official Party member. "My recommenders and the Party branch leaders say I need to improve myself more because a CPC member has to be excellent in both work and life," she said. The company's general Party branch is under the direct leadership of the CPC Guangzhou Development District Committee. In addition to organizing CPC training and meetings, the committee helps Party branches of private companies establish member archives and release CPC documents for study. Companies from nearly 60 countries have investments in the Guangzhou Development District, contributing 95 percent of the district's economic output. According to an official from the district's Party affairs, more than 300 CPC committees, general branches and branches, consisting of more than 6,500 Party members, have been established. All private companies in the district, including foreign ones, now have branches. At Mitsubishi Electric (Guangzhou) Compressor Co., Ltd., the number of CPC members exceeds 100, and nearly half of the managers above the team leader level are CPC members at the Japanese company. "The star employees show the excellence of Party members, and they are also recognized by the Japanese management," said Li Hui, deputy director of general affairs and also head of the company's Party committee. The committee also leads the company's union to bring workers' complaints and claims to management. "The Japanese managers respect our proposals very much, and usually will respond to us in a timely manner," she said. Chen Kailong with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee said foreign companies are increasingly supportive of establishing Party branches because they help with the enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations and mediation in labor disputes. Chen advised local Party organizations to help develop CPC branches in foreign companies by sending cadres to the branches and addressing their demands. DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Two years after declaring the Caliphate in Syria, the Islamic State (IS) terror group is moving toward its declination, not expansion, analysts say. Unlike the first year of its Caliphate in Syria, when the terror group was on long-standing offensives in several Syrian areas, during which it controlled 50 percent of the Syrian territories, the second year was the beginning of end for the terror group. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitor group, said the terror-designated group had established footholds in nine Syrian provinces, namely the central province of Homs, eastern Deir al-Zour, northern al-Hasakah, central Hama, the capital Damascus, and northern Aleppo province, and most of all the northern province of al-Raqqa, which became the de facto capital of the terror group. True that large parts of the 50 percent space IS held were desert, but the terror group's presence in 2014 was one of the worst things that happened during the country's long-standing conflict. However, the second year of the Caliphate was not as promising as the first one, said the Observatory. The UK-based watchdog group, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said all of the IS achievements in the first year have largely shrunk during the second one. After depending on unleashing broad, and prolonged offensives, the IS now depends on swift short attacks against its enemies, amid indications that the terror group is now on the defense more than the offense. The shrinking influence of the IS in the second year of its self-declared Caliphate is due to several reasons, mainly the U.S. air support to the Kurdish-led groups in northern Syria, which according to the Kurds was essential in expelling the IS from key areas in the northern Syria. The U.S.-led anti-terror coalition started pounding the IS positions in northern Syria in late 2014. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) expelled the IS terrorists from many predominantly Kurdish areas and other key cities in northern Syria with the help of the United States. Now the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed rebel group, which is led by the YPG, is advancing against the IS in the key city of Manbej in northern Syria, one of the few key stronghold the IS group still holds near Turkey. Also, the Russian air force joined the fight against the IS, but on the side of the Syrian government forces, whose troops have scored constable victories against the terror group. With the help of the Russians, the Syrian army recaptured the key ancient city of Palmyra last March, the first key victory against the IS in Syria. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said last month the IS group has continued losing control over territory across Iraq and Syria. "Right now in Iraq about 45 percent of the territory they once held has been recovered," Cook said, adding that "the number in Syria is anywhere between 16 to 20 percent." The declination in the influence and control of the terror group is not also confined to the U.S. and Russian intervention, but also as a result of attacks carried out by other rebel factions in Syria against the positions of this terror group. Economically, the IS has witnessed a sharp decline in the revenues as the anti-terror coalition led by the United States has struck key gas and oil fields the IS was using to fund its militants and their operations. The Observatory said the IS control in Syria has shrunk from 50 percent to 30. Maher Murhej, a Syrian politician and head of the Youth Party, told Xinhua that the IS is now in the age of demolition. "At the beginning, the terror group succeeded in drawing attention to itself by committing the atrocities and the gruesome executions, which eventually led to a world unity on fighting it," he said. Still, Murhej expected that the terror group will try to foment violence by its sympathizers in other countries, including Western ones to deliver a message of defiance to the world. Another analyst, Osama Bilal, said the international community has realized the threat of IS, following the repeated attacks in Europe, whether those in Paris or Belgium, as well as the United States. "The superpowers, except Turkey, have finally realized the risk of having this entity in the Middle East, that's why they are fighting now to eradicate its threat to protect themselves, before protecting Syria or Iraq, because the IS had drew in fighters from Western countries and the return of those fighters extra radicalized to Europe will be catastrophic," he said. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with an Australian TV aired Friday that retaking the IS capital of al-Raqqa in northern Syria is not difficult, but he noted that Turkey must curb its support to the terror group. "So, reaching al-Raqqa is not that difficult militarily, let's say. It's a matter of time. We are going in that direction. But the question when you talk about war is about what the other side, let's say the enemy, could do, and that's directly related to the effort of Turkey... in supporting those groups," he said. "If you talk about Syria as an isolated military field, you can reach that area within a few months or a few weeks, let's say, but without taking into consideration the Turkish effort in supporting the terrorists, any answer would be a far cry from the reality, an un-factual answer," he continued. The Syrian government has repeatedly accused Turkey of supporting the IS and other jihadi groups in Syria, holding Ankara responsible for much of the bloodletting in Syria as a result of the foreign support to the terror groups. The Observatory said as many as 4,287 people, including soldiers and rebel fighters, were killed by the IS since June 29, 2014 till the same date of 2016. Related: IS claims credit for Bangladesh restaurant attack DHAKA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen have shot dead two police officials, police said, in the first attack on a foreign restaurant in Bangladesh claimed by Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. Around five hours into the attack, according to a jihadist threat monitoring portal, SITE Intelligence Group, IS claimed its responsibility of attacking the Spanish restaurant . Full story Security forces free new areas from IS militants in Iraq BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Thursday freed several areas and villages from the Islamic State (IS) militants in central and northern Iraq, security sources said. COPENHAGEN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Danish government has launched a new subsidy scheme to distribute more than five million Danish kroner (750,000 U.S. dollars) to projects that will drastically cut food waste in the country, according to a statement released on Thursday. Data show that the average Dane wastes more than a kilogram of food every week, and an average household throws away food worth 3,200 kroner every year. The scheme, launched by Danish Minister for Environment and Food, Esben Lunde Larsen, aims to combat food waste from food production to consumers' homes. "Each year, consumers and retailers alone waste enough food to fill 9,730 supermarket trolleys every day. And there's more, because food waste arises in all parts of the chain from production to businesses, to wholesalers, to supermarkets and to homes," Larsen said in the statement. "Throwing away such valuable food is a waste of money and it is an environmental problem. Therefore, we'll be supporting projects that can minimise food waste," he added. The ministry of environment and food has previously supported the development of teaching materials about food waste, conducted campaigns about date labeling for consumers, and supported collaboration between food producers and industrial kitchens so that vegetables that would otherwise be rejected because they are the wrong shape or size are used in cooking. Furthermore, a new global framework aimed at combating food waste was launched during the 2016 Global Green Growth Forum held in Copenhagen in June. The latest figures showed that Denmark's food waste has been reduced by 25 percent since 2010, a European record which is only followed by the United Kingdom's reduction of food waste with 21 percent during the years 2008 to 2013. (1 U.S. dollar=6.7 Danish kroner) Enditem Armed men in uniform identified by Syrian Democratic forces as US special operations forces ride in the back of a pickup truck in the village of Fatisah in the northern Syrian province of Raqa on May 25, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP) DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Two years after declaring the Caliphate in Syria, the Islamic State (IS) terror group is moving toward its declination, not expansion, analysts say. Unlike the first year of its Caliphate in Syria, when the terror group was on long-standing offensives in several Syrian areas, during which it controlled 50 percent of the Syrian territories, the second year was the beginning of end for the terror group. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition monitor group, said the terror-designated group had established footholds in nine Syrian provinces, namely the central province of Homs, eastern Deir al-Zour, northern al-Hasakah, central Hama, the capital Damascus, and northern Aleppo province, and most of all the northern province of al-Raqqa, which became the de facto capital of the terror group. True that large parts of the 50 percent space IS held were desert, but the terror group's presence in 2014 was one of the worst things that happened during the country's long-standing conflict. However, the second year of the Caliphate was not as promising as the first one, said the Observatory. The UK-based watchdog group, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said all of the IS achievements in the first year have largely shrunk during the second one. After depending on unleashing broad, and prolonged offensives, the IS now depends on swift short attacks against its enemies, amid indications that the terror group is now on the defense more than the offense. The shrinking influence of the IS in the second year of its self-declared Caliphate is due to several reasons, mainly the U.S. air support to the Kurdish-led groups in northern Syria, which according to the Kurds was essential in expelling the IS from key areas in the northern Syria. Syrian families, who fled the assault launched by Arab and Kurdish forces against Islamic State (IS) group fighters in the town of Manbij, arrive at an encampment on the outskirts of the town, 20km away from the center, on June 4, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP) The U.S.-led anti-terror coalition started pounding the IS positions in northern Syria in late 2014. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) expelled the IS terrorists from many predominantly Kurdish areas and other key cities in northern Syria with the help of the United States. Now the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed rebel group, which is led by the YPG, is advancing against the IS in the key city of Manbej in northern Syria, one of the few key stronghold the IS group still holds near Turkey. Also, the Russian air force joined the fight against the IS, but on the side of the Syrian government forces, whose troops have scored constable victories against the terror group. With the help of the Russians, the Syrian army recaptured the key ancient city of Palmyra last March, the first key victory against the IS in Syria. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said last month the IS group has continued losing control over territory across Iraq and Syria. "Right now in Iraq about 45 percent of the territory they once held has been recovered," Cook said, adding that "the number in Syria is anywhere between 16 to 20 percent." The declination in the influence and control of the terror group is not also confined to the U.S. and Russian intervention, but also as a result of attacks carried out by other rebel factions in Syria against the positions of this terror group. Economically, the IS has witnessed a sharp decline in the revenues as the anti-terror coalition led by the United States has struck key gas and oil fields the IS was using to fund its militants and their operations. The Observatory said the IS control in Syria has shrunk from 50 percent to 30. Maher Murhej, a Syrian politician and head of the Youth Party, told Xinhua that the IS is now in the age of demolition. Iraqi children who fled with their family the northern province of Nineveh following the advance of jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group, are seen in a refugee camp in al-Hawl located some 14 kilometers from the Iraqi border in Syrianortheastern Hassakeh province, on May 31, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP) "At the beginning, the terror group succeeded in drawing attention to itself by committing the atrocities and the gruesome executions, which eventually led to a world unity on fighting it," he said. Still, Murhej expected that the terror group will try to foment violence by its sympathizers in other countries, including Western ones to deliver a message of defiance to the world. Another analyst, Osama Bilal, said the international community has realized the threat of IS, following the repeated attacks in Europe, whether those in Paris or Belgium, as well as the United States. "The superpowers, except Turkey, have finally realized the risk of having this entity in the Middle East, that's why they are fighting now to eradicate its threat to protect themselves, before protecting Syria or Iraq, because the IS had drew in fighters from Western countries and the return of those fighters extra radicalized to Europe will be catastrophic," he said. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with an Australian TV aired Friday that retaking the IS capital of al-Raqqa in northern Syria is not difficult, but he noted that Turkey must curb its support to the terror group. "So, reaching al-Raqqa is not that difficult militarily, let's say. It's a matter of time. We are going in that direction. But the question when you talk about war is about what the other side, let's say the enemy, could do, and that's directly related to the effort of Turkey... in supporting those groups," he said. "If you talk about Syria as an isolated military field, you can reach that area within a few months or a few weeks, let's say, but without taking into consideration the Turkish effort in supporting the terrorists, any answer would be a far cry from the reality, an un-factual answer," he continued. The Syrian government has repeatedly accused Turkey of supporting the IS and other jihadi groups in Syria, holding Ankara responsible for much of the bloodletting in Syria as a result of the foreign support to the terror groups. The Observatory said as many as 4,287 people, including soldiers and rebel fighters, were killed by the IS since June 29, 2014 till the same date of 2016. BUCHAREST, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Organized crime police in Romania announced Friday they had made a record-breaking drug bust in the Black Sea Port of Constanta, where some 2.5 tons of cocaine were seized. The drugs, with an estimated value of over 600 million euro (668 million U.S. dollars), had been concealed in four containers downloaded from a ship and were to be transported by road in cargo trucks to the Netherlands, chief prosecutor Daniel Horodniceanu told a press conference. It was the biggest cocaine bust in Romania and one of the largest in Europe, added Horodniceanu, without disclosing the date of the seizure. Six people have been arrested in this case. Five of them, Colombian and Lithuanian nationals, were apprehended in Romania, while the head of the trafficking network, a Morocco-born citizen of the Netherlands and Spain, was arrested in Spain. Enditem DAMASCUS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Rebels Jaish al-Islam executed a Syrian pilot whose warplane crashed east of the capital Damascus on Friday, according to the rebel group. Jaish al-Islam captured the pilot after his war jet crashed earlier on Friday over the town of Jairud in the Qalamoun region east of Damascus. At first, the group posted online photos showing the young pilot alive in captivity. Hours later, the radical group posted a photo showing the pilot laid face down, with blood trickling out of his mouth, while the back of his head was blurred in the photo, but appeared to had taken a shot in the back of his head. The General Command of the Syrian Army said the warplane crashed over a rebel-held area as a result of a malfunction. It confirmed the death of its pilot by the hand of Jaish al-Islam rebels. It identified the pilot as Lieutenant Colonel Nawras Hasan, who, SANA said, parachuted over a rebel-held area after a technical fault befell his warplane. The general command said the pilot was on a training mission when his plane malfunctioned. "This heinous crime will not pass without a tough retaliation, as the army will continue to strike the terrorist positions across the country," said the military statement. The rebels' Jaish al-Islam, which controls large swaths of territory in the eastern countryside of Damascus, as well as other rebel groups have downed several planes during the five-year-old crisis. Last month, a warplane was also crashed in the central province of Hama, in what the official media reports said was a malfunction. Enditem BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's weather authorities on Friday warned of possible geological disasters in the south and west of the country as heavy rain in the region showed little signs of abating. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) and the Ministry of Water Resources warned of high risks of mountain torrents in parts of Anhui, Hunan, Guizhou and Tibet from Friday evening to Saturday evening, suggesting residents take necessary precautions. The NMC on Friday evening renewed its orange alert, the second highest of the four-tier warning system, for storms, forecasting torrential rain in parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou on Friday and Saturday, with precipitation expected to reach up to 180 millimeters in some places. China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Heavy rain caused a landslide in a village in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Friday morning, killing 11, while 12 remain missing, local officials said. Heavy rain across the south has resulted in heavy casualties in June, while a powerful tornado and hailstorm in Yancheng City in China's Jiangsu Province on June 23 left around 100 dead. DAFANG, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers transfer an injured person at the disaster site after a rain-triggered landslide hit Pianpo Village, Dafang County in the city of Bijie, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 1, 2016. The landslide on Friday morning has caused 11 people dead and 12 missing. (Xinhua) GUIYANG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Eleven people have died and a dozen remain missing after a massive landslide swept through a village in southwest China's Guizhou Province Friday morning. A total of 30 people were buried by debris when intense rain triggered a mud-slide around 5:30 a.m. Friday in Pianpo Village, Dafang County, in the city of Bijie. Seven people were pulled alive from the debris, while 11 were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the county government. More than 800 soldiers and rescuers are working with excavators to find the 12 people who remain missing. The landslide involved more than 95,00 cubic meters of mud flow. Rain and storms have wreaked havoc across south China since June 27, leaving at least 34 people dead or missing nationwide, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The Yangtze River reported its first flood peak this year on Friday. Around 8:00 p.m. Friday, heavy rain swelled the Jushui River, a 170 km-long tributary of the Yangtze. Floods from swollen rivers forced more than 12,000 people to relocate overnight, the Hubei provincial disaster relief headquarters said. Nationwide, 133 counties in 11 provincial-level regions -- including the provinces of Hubei, Jiangsu and Zhejiang -- have reported floods, landslides or mud flows. Some 120,000 people have been displaced and 40,000 are in need of aid. More than 3,600 homes collapsed and 19,900 hectares of crops destroyed. Direct economic losses hit 3.14 billion yuan (about 471.6 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said. The weather authority on Friday again forecast heavy rain and warned of severe floods in parts of Anhui, Hunan, Guizhou and Tibet from Friday night through Saturday. The National Meteorological Center and the Ministry of Water Resources asked local authorities to monitor weather and take all necessary precautions. ISTANBUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) is "most likely" behind the triple suicide bombing attacks on Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday. "You see what happened at the airport, and it was most probably Daesh," Erdogan said in Istanbul, using the Arabic name for the extremist group. "They say they do such a thing in the name of Islam but Islam has nothing to do with them," he added. "Their place is in hell." Tuesday's triple attacks left 44 people dead and more than 200 others injured. Istanbul police have identified two of the suicide bombers as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, who both held Russian passports, the state-run Anadolu agency reported. The three bombers were identified on Thursday as Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Russian nationals. Turkish police have detained at least 33 suspected IS militants in relation to the bombings, including more than a dozen foreigners. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Turkish authorities blamed it on the IS. Enditem This picture taken on June 30, 2016 shows cloves left by airport employees next to killed airport employees pictures at Ataturk airport international terminal in Istanbul on June 30, 2016 two days after the triple suicide bombing and gun attack occurred at Istanbul's Ataturk airport. (Xinhua/AFP) ISTANBUL, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) is "most likely" behind the triple suicide bombing attacks on Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday. "You see what happened at the airport, and it was most probably Daesh," Erdogan said in Istanbul, using the Arabic name for the extremist group. "They say they do such a thing in the name of Islam but Islam has nothing to do with them," he added. "Their place is in hell." Tuesday's triple attacks left 44 people dead and more than 200 others injured. Istanbul police have identified two of the suicide bombers as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, who both held Russian passports, the state-run Anadolu agency reported. The three bombers were identified on Thursday as Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Russian nationals. Turkish police have detained at least 33 suspected IS militants in relation to the bombings, including more than a dozen foreigners. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but the Turkish authorities blamed it on the IS. BAGHDAD, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said Friday that 662 Iraqis were killed and 1,457 others wounded in terrorism, violence and armed conflicts in June across Iraq. The figures included 382 civilians killed and 1,145 others wounded, while 280 security members were killed and 312 others wounded, the UNAMI said in a statement. The UNAMI figures excluded the casualties in Iraq's western province of Anbar as it was extremely difficult to verify the casualties in the province where fierce clashes are underway as the security forces freed the main stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) militant group in the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, after fierce clashes with the terrorist group. The statement said the UN envoy to Iraq and the UNAMI chief Jan Kubis regretted that the violence and the casualties among civilians continued during the holy month of Ramadan. "We had hoped for a period of calm during holy Ramadan, a month of peace and compassion, but unfortunately the violence continued to take its toll on civilians. The terrorists did not spare an occasion to strike at markets, mosques and areas where people gathered in order to exact maximum casualties among civilians, despite the religious occasion and in total disregard of the values of Islam. In addition, tens of thousands of civilians also were forced to flee their homes in Fallujah as a result of the fighting there," Kubis said. He also reiterated his call on the concerning parties to undertake every effort to protect the lives of civilians. A month ago, the casualties registered 867 people killed and 1,459 others injured in terrorist attacks and violence across the country. The latest UN figures came after security forces and allied paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured Fallujah on June 26, following a month of intense battles, while the troops continued their advance in the northern part of Salahudin province to free the remaining areas from IS militants in the northern the province, before attacking the major IS stronghold in the city of Mosul, some 400 km north of Baghdad. Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups such as the IS group on the United States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the country. The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, but no WMD was found. Enditem DAR ES SALAAM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday called for the consolidation of economic ties between his country and Tanzania. On the first leg of his two day tour of Tanzania, President Kagame said the two countries stood to record high economic growth with their abundant natural resources. "We have people with talents who could do wonders in propelling these countries to prosperity," said Kagame accompanied by his host, President John Magufuli, at the official opening of the 40th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. More than 650 firms from over 30 countries across the world, including China, are participating in the week-long trade fair showcasing businesses from across the world. President Kagame urged public and private sectors to work together for the benefit of the people in the two countries endowed with abundant natural resources which could contribute heavily to the growth of their economies. He added that the two countries have been working closely in removing obstacles in trade with a view to boosting integration between the two countries, and among member states of the East African Community (EAC). President Magufuli assured President Kagame of his government's resolve to improve the performance of the Dar es Salaam port to facilitate movement of goods to the landlocked hilly country. He said it was sad to learn that trade in Tanzania contributed to less than five percent to the world economy while the EAC regional bloc contributed only 20 percent. According to him, Europe, Asia and South America contributed to 70, 52 and 50 percent to the world economy, respectively. "Trading among East African countries is still low. Maybe it is because we sell raw materials, we don't promote our products, we are not versed with competitive business, and we have weak cooperation among ourselves," said President Magufuli. Charles Mwijage, Tanzania's Minister for Industries, Trade and Investments, said the east African nation was well prepared in improving and advertising investment opportunities as well as acquiring technology from other countries. Enditem COSCO SHIPPING PANAMA docks at Piraeus port, Greece, June 11, 2016. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) by Maria Spiliopoulou, Liu Yongqiu ATHENS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The enhancement of Sino-Greek cooperation is a strategic choice, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Xinhua in a written interview here before departing for his first official visit to China from July 2 to July 6. "Our peoples have a long history and ties for thousands of years. Based on our traditionally excellent relations, we consider the strengthening of our bilateral cooperation, which has been governed by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2006, our strategic choice," he told Xinhua on the development and prospects of Sino-Greek relations. SIGNIFICANT VISIT The visit to Beijing and Shanghai marks the "mutual will of Greece and China to take a big step forward starting with our outstanding cooperation in the port of Piraeus at the base of a new mutually beneficial agreement and the conclusion of the Maritime Cooperation Year," the Greek premier said. The visit marks the mutual will to "truly become strategic partners with upgraded trade and investment relations in a series of sectors, but also to develop a new level of political dialogue at a very critical juncture in international and regional developments," he noted. "We seek the upgrading of the political dialogue with China on international and regional issues of mutual interest, for which we very often share common approaches and principles. The Mediterranean and the Far East may be far away geographically, but in a globalized world, the challenges we have to face are often common and increasingly interlinked," the Greek leader said. "Secondly, we look forward to a closer cooperation with China in the economic sector -- a partnership with a global economic power," he stated. Bilateral trade relations are already at a very good level, he noted, explaining that the Greek government aims particularly at further increasing the already significant exports of Greek products in the large Chinese market, especially in the agro-food sector as well as boosting Chinese investments in Greece -- mainly in transport and infrastructure. "The expansion of cultural and educational exchange, the transfer of new technologies and the increase of tourist flows, with the launch of direct air link, are also among our immediate targets," he added. Asked on the agenda and expectations of the visit to China, the Greek premier highlighted that it comes at a crucial time for the development of the Greek economy, but also in a difficult time for the international community and the European Union. With a view to promoting bilateral relations, the two sides will discuss the content of the Sino-Greek strategic partnership and specific political issues that concern Greece and China, he said. BILATERAL COOPERATION Regarding bilateral collaboration under the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Tsipras underlined that Greece's geographical and geo-strategic location makes the country a gateway for Chinese products and a bridge of understanding and trust between China and Europe. The Greek government's plan to make Greece a transit hub and the "Belt and Road" initiative converge can lead to mutual benefits to both sides in the maritime, air and inland transport sector, in logistics, but also in processing, he said. As both Greece and China are maritime nations it is natural to consider cooperation between our two countries in the shipping and transport sector, critical, he stressed, noting that in this context 2015 was declared as Year of Greece-China Maritime Cooperation. Tsipras said more than half of the seaborne transfer of oil imports, raw materials and consumer goods to China is carried out by Greek-owned ships, while Greek ship owners are the second largest customers of Chinese shipyards. In parallel, Greece has competitive expertise in the fields of ship repair and production of marine equipment. "Our cooperation in the field of port infrastructures, commencing from the successful presence of China COSCO Shipping at the port of Piraeus, is a typical example of the possibilities for cooperation which lie ahead of us," he stated. "In addition, given how much Chinese people appreciate the Greek history and culture, there is equally remarkable dynamic to increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting Greece through the launch of direct flight connection," he added. INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST Referring to bilateral cooperation at Piraeus port, the Greek leader stressed that COSCO Shipping's investment in Piraeus has made the port one of fastest growing ports in the European area. "The Greek side welcomes the Chinese interest for new investments in infrastructure of strategic interest in the transport sector, which was certified by the purchase of a majority stake in OLP (Piraeus Port Authority or PPA) by COSCO Shipping," he said. On Thursday, the Greek parliament ratified with an overwhelming majority the landmark concession agreement with China's COSCO Shipping for the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPA. "We expect that this presence will contribute both in funding and know-how, which are necessary for the development of the port and the upgrading of its position in the international transport sector," Tsipras said. This prospect is linked with the broader prospect of linking the port of Piraeus to Budapest, through a rapid railway line which will minimize times for the transfer of products to central Europe, he explained. These projects upgrade both the role of Piraeus to a combined transport center as well as the wider region, focusing on the Thriasio Plain, he noted, referring to plans to create a major center for the transshipment of commercial goods unloaded in the port of Piraeus to the rest of Greece and other European countries. "It is undoubtedly a mutually beneficial cooperation, since it can ensure both better access in Europe for Chinese goods, as well as inward investment and job creation in Greece. Moreover, the synergies between the trans-European networks and the land and maritime Silk Road 'Belt and Road' consolidate the international role of Piraeus as a geo-strategic knot between Europe and Asia," the Greek leader underlined. MULTIPLE CHALLENGES Addressing the refugee and debt crises, Tsipras noted that Europe faces three parallel crises -- economic, refugee and security -- which test its endurance. "Indeed, Greece has been the focus of the first two crises, for reasons that often exceeded our country's responsibilities and will, such as its geographical position at the EU external borders. Nevertheless, Greece has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness and ability to respond and deal with crises, committed to its values and producing results," he said. "Despite the given budgetary constraints, we mobilized the state mechanism, we coordinated with the citizens and the social organizations and we were able to manage refugee flows which very often exceeded the numbers of the local population with respect to international law, human rights, security, and responded effectively and humanely to the challenge of the refugee crisis," he said. Tsipras added that these actions, however, cannot address the root causes of the refugee crisis, which are found in Syria and the wider region. Despite its size, Greece has taken a number of initiatives for consultation and cooperation in the region and supports the efforts for peace and stability in Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Afghanistan, he said. "Moreover, we seek dialogue and cooperation both with our Euro-Atlantic partners and with global and regional forces such as China, Russia, Israel, Egypt and Iran, as part of our multidimensional foreign policy," he underlined. Regarding the economic crisis, the Greek leader said that systematic efforts are made to overcome it. "After a difficult negotiation, we achieved a viable agreement. We achieved for first time to open the dialogue on the sustainability of the Greek debt at the highest level, we are implementing a series of reforms, we have promoted a new investment law and the first results are already visible," he said. "The economy and employment are recovering; the country is gradually restoring its credibility and soon we will be advancing with positive growth rates. Certainly, much remains to be done in order to recover our lost national wealth. But in any case, the hardest are behind us," he stated. STRONGER TOGETHER Concerning bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues when Greece and China have the same or similar standpoints, Tsipras stressed that "Greece as a member state of the EU and NATO can become a bridge of friendship and closer cooperation and understanding between China and the West." "Respect for international law and the preservation of peace and stability are the basis for the strengthening of our cooperation," he said. "In parallel, in a series of issues of special interest for each country, such as the 'principle of one China' for the Chinese side or the Cyprus issue for the Greek side, the common approach of the two sides is long standing. This common approach and the participation of Greece and China in important multilateral organizations make our broader collaboration even more necessary, fruitful and productive," he said. JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli rabbi who heads a West Bank yeshiva was killed, his wife and children were injured after a Palestinian gunman opened fire on their family car near the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, a military spokesperson said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Peter Lerner said that a full closure will be imposed on the Hebron area in the southern West Bank in the wake of a surge deadly Palestinian attacks over the past two days. Two additional battalions will also be brought into the Hebron area, according to Lerner. In addition to action on the ground by the IDF and the security forces, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli authorities to deduct the amount of money being transferred by the Palestinian National Authority to families of attackers or suspects that were killed by Israeli fire. "Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," a statement by the Prime Minister's Office said. Netanyahu blasted the Palestinian Authority for "transfering funds to terrorists by various laundering methods, the more severe the acts of terrorism, the greater the amount of funds." Netanyahu also announced the security cabinet, Israel's top decision-making forum, will convene on Saturday for a security consultation. The ministers will discuss, among other topics, a demand by Naftali Bennett, leader of the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, to ban Palestinians from using Route 60, a major north-to-south road that crosses the West Bank. Israel troops were on a manhunt on Friday afternoon for the Palestinian gunman who shot at the Israeli family driving in the West Bank, killing the father, Rabbi Micheal Mark, and wounding his wife and two teen children. The military said a "terrorist" carried out the shooting in a vehicle the shooting on Route 60. Mark lost control of the car after he was shot and the car had crashed. The suspect fled the scene. Medical officials said that Havva Mark, wife of Micheal Mark, who was sitting next to him, has been severely injured. Their 13-year-old daughter sustained moderate-to-serious injuries, and their 15-year-old son was lightly wounded. Mark, 48, was a resident of the settlement of Otniel in the southern Hebron Hills. He was the head of the Otnial Yeshiva, an ultra-nationalist Jewish seminary in the area, and a former CEO of the "Southern Hebron Hills Development Company," a corporation for the development of construction projects in the Jewish settlements in the Hebron region. He was also a cousin of the head of the Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency. Mark and his wife had 10 children, including the two that were traveling with them in the car. Friday's shooting attack followed two earlier incidents in the area of Hebron, a region that has been a focal point of much of the attacks during the nearly nine months of a Palestinian uprising. Several hundred Jews live in a settlement enclave in Hebron under heavy military guard amidst 200,000 Palestinian, a constant source of frictions. On Thursday, Mahmoud Tarayreh, 17, of Bani Naim entered a home in the settlement of Kiryat Arba and killed Hallel Yaffa Ariel while she was still in her bed. He had stabbed another Israeli civilian before security personnel shot and killed him. Later on Thursday, a Palestinian from Tulkarem stabbed and wounded a man and a woman in the marketplace of Netanya, a city north of Tel Aviv. Local media reported that people were throwing objects at him in an attempt to stop him before a civilian passerby shot and killed him with his personal gun. On Friday morning, an Israeli Border Police officer killed a Palestinian woman after she allegedly attempted to stab another officer during security checks outside a flashpoint holy site in Hebron, said police spokeswoman Luba Samri. The site is known to Muslims as Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the "Cave of the Patriarchs." The Palestinian Ma'an news agency identified the woman as 27-year-old Sarah Tarayreh. She was a member of the same extended family of the Kiryat Arba killer, but it was not clear if there were any connection between the two incidents. A few hours later, a Palestinian man in his fifties died of heart attack during clashes that ensued in Qalandia, west of Jerusalem. Palestinian media reported he was not involved in the clashes and died due to inhalation of tear gas fired by the security forces. An unnamed military official told the Hebrew Ynet news site that the recent flare-up is attributed to the expected end of the Muslim holy month of the Ramadan, which would be concluded next week. In a statement responding to a report released by the Middle East peace "Quartet," Netanyahu welcomed the "Quartet's recognition of the centrality of Palestinian incitement and violence to the perpetuation of the conflict." However, the statement added that "it is troubling" that the Quartet adopted the position that the presence of Jewish settlers in the West Bank prevents reaching a two-state solution. "Israel rejects any attempt to draw moral equivalence between construction (of settlements) and terrorism," Netanyahu said. The Quartet released on Friday a much-awaited report on ways to revive the stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. The Quartet entities -- the UN, the U.S., European Union and Russia -- urged Israel to stop the expansion of the Jewish settlements in the West Bank and called on the Palestinians to halt "violence, terrorism and incitement." The report also blamed Israel of "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." At least 211 Palestinians and 33 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, an Eritrean asylum seeker, and a Sudanese asylum seeker, have been killed since the start of the Palestinian unrest in mid-September. Israeli leaders accuse the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" the unrest, while the Palestinians say it is the result of 49 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, home to more than 5 million Palestinians, where they wish to establish their state. Enditem LAGOS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A Nigerian Federal High Court in southwest Lagos on Friday said two former ministers under probe are to remain in prison till July 4, 2016 as it reserved ruling on their bail applications. Spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wilson Uwujaren said Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister and Nenadi Usman a former finance minister were arraigned alongside Danjuma Yusuf and Jointrust Dimensions Nigeria Limited. The accused persons are alleged to have diverted about 4.9 billion naira (over 17 million U.S. dollars) belonging to the government of Nigeria for political and personal uses. They had pleaded not guilty. Fani-Kayode and Usman, both directors of media and finance respectively of the former ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organization in the 2015 general election, were on June 28, 2016 arraigned by the commission before Justice M. S. Hassan on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, corruption and making cash payments exceeding the amount authorized by law. Consequently, their counsels moved the motion for bail, having filed separate applications in which they prayed the court to release their clients on bail. But the prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said he needed time to respond to the applications. Justice Hassan consequently adjourned proceedings to July 1 for hearing of the bail applications. At the resumed hearing on Friday, counsel to the defendants argued the applications. Justice Hassan consequently adjourned to July 4, 2016 for ruling. Enditem LAGOS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Unknown gunmen on Friday kidnapped Sierra-Leonean Ambassador to Nigeria, Maj-Gen. Nelson Williams (Rtd) along Abuja-Kaduna Express way, a competent security source told Xinhua. The envoy was kidnapped on his way from Abuja, the nation's capital city to central city of Kaduna to attend the graduation ceremony of Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, near Kaduna State, the source said. Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also a special guest at the graduation ceremony in Jaji. The Senior Course of the military institution is an annual event, which marks the end of a 12 months training for the senior cadre of the officers drawn from the armed forces, ECOWAS countries, among them, Sierra-Leone. The state police command was yet to confirm the incident as the police spokesperson, Abubakar Zubairu was not reachable. No group has by far claimed responsibility for the abduction of the envoy or place a ransom on him. The abduction came barely three months when a senior military officer in the Nigeria Army was abducted along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. Colonel Samaila Inusa, who was serving at the School of Infantry Jaji in Kaduna State, was found dead two days after he was abducted. Enditem LUSAKA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's telecommunication regulator on Friday refuted claims that it intends to shut down mobile phone services and other communication devices during the counting of votes for the August 11 polls as part of plans to help the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) win the polls. On Thursday, the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), said it will use parallel vote tabulation as part of efforts to protect the votes. Charles Kakoma, the party's spokesperson, said the party had information that the Zambia Information and Communication Technology (ZICTA) will switch off communication devices during the voting and counting period. But ZICTA Spokesperson Ngabo Nakonde said it was not true that the telecommunication regulator intends to shut down communications devices during the election period. She said the regulator has no access to communication networks and has no plans of jamming phone services. "It is not possible. We don't have any access to any communication network as ZICTA so can't even do that," she was quoted by the Lusaka Times as saying. Enditem LUSAKA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government has expressed concern that only about 50 percent of the country's population know their HIV status, state media reported on Friday. Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde said in an address on state television that as of 2015, only 50 percent of the country's population went for HIV testing. "I call upon all of us to go for HIV testing because it is the gateway to HIV prevention, treatment and care," he said when launching the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) commemoration held on Thursday. The government, he said, will continue to put in place measures aimed at ensuring at last 90 percent of the people know their HIV status in the next five years. This year's VCT Day was held under the theme "HIV Testing Key in Reaching 90, 90, 90 Targets". The Zambian minister said the ambitious but achievable target means that the country should ensure that 90 percent of its population living with HIV are tested and know their HIV status, adding that this year's theme also means that 90 percent of people who are HIV-positive should receive treatment and that 90 percent of those receiving treatment live healthy lives. The government will continue to put in place practical measures to achieve the 90 percent target, he added. Zambia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rate in sub-Saharan Africa with 14.3 percent of its population aged between 15 and 49 years living with the HIV virus. Enditem DHAKA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Several people including foreign nationals are believed to be held hostage after police at a Spanish resturant in Bangladesh capital Dhaka's diplomatic enclave Gulshan exchanged fire with a group of criminals on Friday night. Sources said five to six unidentified miscreants entered the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant where usually foreigners go for eating food and opened gunfire around 9:20 p.m. (local time). As huge number of policemen cordoned off the restaurant , the miscreants opened fire at the law enforcers. Police retaliated with bullets for about half an hour. At one stage of firing, the attackers hurled bombs at policemen, leaving at least three people including two cops injured. It is not immediately known whether the injured people included a foreigner. "We're trying to end the hostage crisis peacefully," Rapid Action Battalion (RABB) Chief Benzir Ahmed told journalists in his brief comment. He could not tell immediately how many people are caught up inside the restaurant. Enditem WASHINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The White House announced on Friday between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in U.S. strikes outside areas of active war zones from 2009 to 2015. In its first public assessment of civilian casualties of U.S. counterterrorism strikes, the White House said in a summary released on Friday that as many as 473 U.S. strikes were conducted in Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and North Africa. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria were not included in the summary. Few details were offered about the strikes and the people who were killed, provoking criticism from human rights groups which called for more transparence into the U.S. counterterrorism strikes, especially the U.S. drone program. On the eve of the first public assessment of civilian casualties by the White House, the human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday welcomed the rare step, but also argued that without more details, it would remain to be impossible to assess the accuracy of the federal data. "Our independent investigations certainly tell a different story," said Amnesty International in a statement, citing a case of a female civilian called Mamana Bibi, whose death caused by a U.S. drone strike in front of her grandchildren while gathering vegetables in a field had "never been acknowledged or explained by the U.S. government." The drone war, initiated in the wake of 9/11 terrorist attacks by former U.S. President George W. Bush, continues to be one of the Obama administration's trump cards. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), a British non-profit, the Obama administration conducted its first drone strikes shortly after Obama began its presidency in 2009. Although there were reports of alleged "militants" killed, said the group, at least 14 civilians were also killed that day. Up till Friday, the U.S. government had kept almost all information relevant to its drone attacks classified, including the civilian casualties. US Air forces AH-64 Apache helicopter participates in Saber Strike military exercise at Central pylon in Tapa, Estonia on June 20, 2016. Saber Strike is an annual U.S.-led exercise of land and air forces. (Xinhua/Sergei Stepanov) WASHINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The White House announced on Friday between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in U.S. strikes outside areas of active war zones from 2009 to 2015. In its first public assessment of civilian casualties of U.S. counterterrorism strikes, the White House said in a summary released on Friday that as many as 473 U.S. strikes were conducted in Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and North Africa. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria were not included in the summary. Few details were offered about the strikes and the people who were killed, provoking criticism from human rights groups which called for more transparence into the U.S. counterterrorism strikes, especially the U.S. drone program. On the eve of the first public assessment of civilian casualties by the White House, the human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday welcomed the rare step, but also argued that without more details, it would remain to be impossible to assess the accuracy of the federal data. "Our independent investigations certainly tell a different story," said Amnesty International in a statement, citing a case of a female civilian called Mamana Bibi, whose death caused by a U.S. drone strike in front of her grandchildren while gathering vegetables in a field had "never been acknowledged or explained by the U.S. government." The drone war, initiated in the wake of 9/11 terrorist attacks by former U.S. President George W. Bush, continues to be one of the Obama administration's trump cards. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), a British non-profit, the Obama administration conducted its first drone strikes shortly after Obama began its presidency in 2009. Although there were reports of alleged "militants" killed, said the group, at least 14 civilians were also killed that day. Up till Friday, the U.S. government had kept almost all information relevant to its drone attacks classified, including the civilian casualties. ISLAMABAD, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and India on Friday exchanged the lists of nationals of each country lodged in the jails of the other country consistent with the provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said Pakistan handed over a list of 518 Indian prisoners (55 civil and 463 fishermen) in Pakistan to the High Commission of India in Islamabad. This step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, respectively, a statement said. Pakistan and India also exchange lists of nuclear installations under a bilateral agreement that bars them from attacking each other's atomic facilities on January 1 every year. Enditem BRATISLAVA, July 1, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Slovak Prime minister Robert Fico (R) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker attend the press conference after bilateral meeting in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, on July 1, 2016. Slovakia officially took over a six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from the Netherlands on Friday. (Xinhua/Andrej Klizan) BRATISLAVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- After 12 years of EU membership, Slovakia began its first presidency of the Council of the EU on Friday, marking a tough beginning with Britain voting to exit the EU on June 23 and the ongoing migration crisis. The majority of British citizens choosing a Brexit in their country's referendum has created a tough job for Slovak diplomacy. It will be probably the hardest start of an EU presidency since the gas supply crisis in 2009. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico doesn't perceive the outcome of the British referendum as a tragedy, but rather as tough reality and the result of the British reacting to European politics. "The EU must answer the question as to what happened and what was wrong," stated Fico about the state of the EU. He stressed the need to start a discussion on what EU citizens wanted. Fico declared he wanted to launch informal talks on the bloc's future during the presidency. The Brexit challenge, however, is an opportunity for Slovakia to prove itself as a responsible leader of the EU, said Fico. Currently, the EU hasn't any models to follow concerning how to manage talks on a member country's withdrawal, according to former chief of the Slovak diplomacy and currently Member of the European Parliament Eduard Kukan. "We would be pioneers in this field," said Kukan. A few weeks ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also expressed support for Slovakia, saying she had no doubt Slovakia would master its agenda. Nevertheless, some doubts exist surrounding another important EU issue: the migration crisis. The crucial question is whether the current opinion of the Slovak government, which rejects migrant quotas and has filed a lawsuit at the European Court of Justice concerning the matter, will influence Slovakia's presidency. But Fico stressed that the majority of proposals coming from the European Commission had the full support of the Slovak government. "It is one of the duties of the presiding country to create the widest possible scope for discussion and find compromise," said Fico, adding the main difficulty was regarding the reform of the Dublin Regulation, wherein the first EU member state an asylum seeker enters is responsible for asylum procedures. "The Slovak government wants to be an honest mediator in the issue of migration," stressed Fico. One of the consequences of the migration crisis last year was the reestablishment of border controls within the Schengen area, an issue Slovakia must also deal with. The European Commission at the beginning of March became worried about the shortcomings in Greece's external border protection and so proposed reintroducing temporary border controls on selected internal borders. The plan now is to move back towards Schengen ideals. "The 'Back to Schengen' program will be of utmost priority for Slovakia's presidency because the opposite has a negative impact, not only on the free movement of people, but potentially also on the EU economy, particularly in border regions," stressed Peter Javorcik, Slovak ambassador to the EU. Besides migration and Back to Schengen program, there are three other key priorities of the Slovak presidency: an economically strong Europe, the modernization of the single market, and a globally committed Europe. In terms of an economically strong Europe, the Slovak presidency will focus on creating a favorable environment for investments and job creation. This includes the deepening of the economic and monetary union and the union's capital markets. As for the single market, Slovakia wants to put attention on a single digital market. Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak said he envisions possible progress in the field of digitization and e-commerce. "We want to focus on reducing barriers in data transfer as well as geo-blocking and international roaming. We want to establish the freedom of data movement," explained Lajcak. Slovakia will also contribute to the creation of a reliable and competitive Energy Union by strengthening energy security, regional cooperation and solidarity. The vice president of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, Slovakian Maros Sefcovic, aims to introduce a new design of the electricity market in the EU this autumn. Slovakia also wants to strengthen the EU as a global player and complete the ratification process and preparations for signing the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, as well as talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United States. The ability to cope with this hefty agenda is up to Slovakia to prove at the EU summit in Bratislava on Sept. 16. "Undoubtedly, this summit will be the highlight of the Slovak presidency," said Fico, due to the fact it will be an informal meeting of the remaining 27 EU member countries during which they will discuss the future of the European project. DHAKA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Two senior police officers have been killed in a gunfire exchange between police and gunmen who stormed a Spanish restaurant in Bangladesh capital Dhaka's diplomatic enclave Gulshan on Friday night to take hostages. At least 30 people including two more senior police officials were injured in the incident. "Salahuddin Khan, officer-in-charge of Banani police station in capital Dhaka, was shot dead as the gunmen opened fire at the law enforcers after taking hostages at a Spanish restaurant," a police official told Xinhua. The official who did not like to be named said around midnight, another senior officer identified as Robiul succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the fire exchange. Several people including foreign nationals are believed to be held hostage after police exchanged fire with the group of criminals. Sources said five to six unidentified miscreants entered the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant where usually foreigners go for eating food and opened gunfire around 9:20 p.m. local time. As huge number of policemen cordoned off the restaurant, the miscreants opened fire at the law enforcers. Attackers also hurled bombs at policemen. It's not immediately known whether the injured people included a foreigner. "We're trying to end the hostage crisis peacefully," Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Chief Benzir Ahmed told journalists in his brief comment. He could not tell immediately how many people are caught up inside the restaurant. It's not known what the gunmen have been demanding to free the hostages. Sources said Islamist militants may have involvement in the attack. Syrian refugees are seen at the Mrajeeb Al Fhood refugee camp, east of the city of Zarqa, Jordan, May 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Mohammad Abu Ghosh) UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Xinhua)-- The United Nations and its partners continue to call for the immediate provision of life-saving assistance to more than 85,000 Syrians estimated to be stranded along the Syrian and Jordanian border area in makeshift tented settlements,a UN spokesman told reporters here Friday. The proposed humanitarian assistance included water, food and basic health care, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. As of July 1, the northern border with Syria remained sealed following the June 21 terrorist attack on a border command post in northeast Jordan that killed seven soldiers and injured over a dozen. "The provision of water through a partner of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the only assistance that has been provided since the attack, but due to disruptions within the community and insecurity, water has not been delivered consistently enough to keep pace with needs," Dujarric said. "In the extreme heat, delivery of life-saving water, food and basic medical care is absolutely critical," he said. The United Nations and its partners are calling for immediate facilitation to provide life-saving assistance to 62,000 people besieged in the Syrian towns of Zabadani, Foah, Madaya and Kefraya, most of whom are women and children. While the government of Syria has approved the delivery, differences between the parties to the so-called "four towns agreement" continue to bar our teams from delivering assistance, the spokesman added. Families from Al Mawsil arrive in west Arbil, Iraq, Aug. 8, 2014. About 400,000 peole fled home because of the severe conflict between militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the Kurdish armed force in northIraq. (Xinhua/Shang Le) UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Xinhua)-- A total of 662 Iraqis were killed and another 1,457 others injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in Iraq in June, a UN spokesman said here Friday. Those numbers include 382 civilian deaths and 1,145 wounded civilians, Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, citing casualty figures from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The overall casualty figures dropped over the previous month of May, but the casualty figures for June are likely to increase due to the combat to liberate Fallujah in Anbar Governorate, said UNAMI. The UN secretary-general's special representative for Iraq, Jan Kubis, said that although there had been hope for a period of calm during Ramadan, unfortunately the violence continued to take its toll on civilians. "We had hoped for a period of calm during holy Ramadan, a month of peace and compassion, but unfortunately the violence continued to take its toll on civilians," said Kubis. He noted that terrorists did not spare an occasion to strike at markets, mosques and areas where people gathered in order to exact maximum casualties among civilians "in total disregard of the values of Islam." WASHINGTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said on Friday she "fully" expected herself to accept recommendation by FBI investigators on whether to bring charges related to Hillary Clinton's personal email setup. However, Lynch refused to recuse herself from the case. The remarks came as disclosure of a private meeting early this week between former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Lynch had provoked bipartisan disapproval and concerns about a potential conflict of interests while Mrs. Clinton was still under federal investigation. The 30-minute private meeting happened on Monday night at the Phoenix International Airport in Arizona, and was described by Lynch as primarily social. According to ABC News who first disclosed the meeting, Mr. Clinton waited for Lynch's arrival after being notified that Lynch would be arriving at the same airport. Mr. Clinton approached Lynch and initiated the unplanned chat. Speaking at Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado, Lynch on Friday indicated her regrets about not having turned down the former president, admitting that the episode "cast this shadow" on the independence of the ongoing investigation into Mrs. Clinton's personal email setup during her stint as U.S. secretary of state. "I certainly wouldn't do it again," said Lynch. "It's important to make it clear that that meeting with President Clinton does not have a bearing on how this matter will be reviewed and resolved." At a press conference in March, 2015, Clinton acknowledged that she had exchanged about 60,000 emails from her private email account during her stint in the Obama administration, among which about half were personal and thus deleted. In response to requests from the State Department, the Clinton camp turned over the other half, roughly 30,000 emails in total, to the State Department in December 2014. The controversy surrounding Clinton's email practices again burst into public view in August, 2015 after the inspector general for the U.S. intelligence community revealed that two of the thousands of emails held by Clinton contained top-secret information. Currently, federal investigators were probing into whether Clinton had mishandled classified information, and the investigation was expected to be wrapped up anytime in the near future. NAANTALI, July 2, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russia n President Vladimir Putin (L) and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto attend a joint press conference after holding talks in Naantali, Finland, on July 1, 2016. Putin said here on Friday that Russia would respect Finland's choice whether to join NATO, but he painted a dire picture for Finland if it would be a NATO member. (Xinhua/Li Jizhi) NAANTALI, Finland, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said here on Friday that Russia would respect Finland's choice whether to join NATO, but he painted a dire picture for Finland if it would be a NATO member. Putin described the losses Finland would suffer as a NATO country. He said that NATO would be keen on fighting against Russia "to the last Finnish soldier alive". Putin warned that Finnish defence forces would no longer be independent but be part of NATO infrastructure that would reach the Russian borders. Putin made the remarks at a joint press conference after holding talks with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto. He arrived at Niinisto's summer residence in Naantali on Friday afternoon for a one-day working visit. On his part, Niinisto said small steps could be taken to enhance confidence, referring to the situation in Ukraine and the tension in the Baltic Sea area. Niinisto tied the possible dismantling of sanctions against Russia to the progress in peace talks on Ukraine crisis. Putin claimed that Russia never provokes, and he said the West created the situation in the Crimea and Ukraine through provocations. He said attempt is also being made to increase tension in the Baltic Sea. When asked about revitalizing trade between Russia and the West, Putin said western companies should invest in Russia and thus compensate the decline in exports. The talks continued late over the dinner, in which Finnish and Russian ministers responsible for economic development and environment issues also took part. JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a southern Israeli city near the border on Friday night, amidst a renewed surge of Palestinian attacks. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the rocket fell near an empty kindergarten in Sderot city, causing damages to the building. Magen David Adom rescue service said there were no injuries. A military spokesperson released a statement confirming that a single hit has been identified. The fire came after amidst a nine-month-long wave of Palestinian unrest. At least 214 Palestinians and 34 Israelis, two U.S. nationals, an Eritrean asylum seeker, and a Sudanese asylum seeker, have been killed since the start of the Palestinian unrest in mid-September. The fire also followed Israel announcing a closure on the Hebron area in the West Bank and cuts in monthly tax payments made to the Palestinian National Authority after a recent two-day surge in the attacks. Enditem LA PAZ, July 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 people were killed and 10 others injured in two separate road accidents on departmental motorways in Bolivia, a senior police officer said Friday. Marco Miranda, transit commander for the central department of Quillacollo, told local media that the first incident occurred on the western Cochabamba-Oruro highway, when a local mini-van carrying passengers crashed head-on into a bus. The second accident happened on the southern Potosi-Sucre highway, where a Trans Azul bus overturned after going into a ditch. When talking about the first accident, Miranda said "so far we know that the accident was caused by lane invasion. Fieldwork is currently being carried out along with gathering statements. We will formally announce the findings later." The bus driver said on local television that the mini-van lost control and that its roof practically directly hit his bus. "I was unable to dodge it. The driver (of the mini-van) said he didn't know the road. He was travelling towards Oruro for the first time," said the driver. There were 12 people aboard the mini-van and 10 of them died. Five of the deceased were minors, according to initial reports. Two survivors are the driver and a five-year-old child who is currently being attended to at a local hospital. The mini-van driver was unharmed. "The small passenger vehicle was travelling from Cochabamba to Oruro and the bus was heading in the opposite direction, The impact was so strong that the bodies are unrecognizable," said Miranda. When discussing the second accident, the police commander said eight people died and at least seven were injured. The injured were taken to the nearby Daniel Bracamonte hospital. The police and fire department were at the scene of the accident to recover the bodies and help the injured. Enditem KHARTOUM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese government on Friday warned the armed groups against exploiting the government's declaration of end of military operation in Darfur to carry out military acts to achieve gains, official SUNA news agency reported. "Last April the Sudanese government declared end of the military operations in Darfur, where the Sudanese Armed Forces, including the Rapid Support Forces and the People's Defense Forces, to stop offensive operations," the agency quoted Abdul-Ghani Al-Naeem, Sudan Foreign Ministry Under-secretary, as saying. "Any attempt to exploit this situation via entry of any armed groups in Darfur, or use of this situation to achieve any gains will be regarded as hostile acts and the armed forces will have the right to respond with the appropriate force," he noted. Last April, shortly before the conduction of the Darfur administrative status referendum, the Sudanese government declared the end of military operations in Darfur region. The announcement came after the Sudanese army controlled the last stronghold of the rebels at the strategic area of Jebel Marra following battles that lasted for about two months. The major rebel groups in Darfur refused to sign the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, which was reached in 2011. Enditem BUENOS AIRES, July 1 (Xinhua) -- In the age of disposable everything, Argentina's "doll doctor" gives broken toys a second chance of life. Working out of his "clinic" in the traditional Boedo district of the capital Buenos Aires, Julio Roldan, 52, is also helping to keep alive the ancient craft of mending antique or old porcelain dolls. Dressed in a white doctor's lab coat, Roldan told Xinhua his profession is similar to an actual physician's in that he helps his patients "recover," only instead of recovering their health, they recover the "affection" of their owners. "I inherited the trade from my late father," said Roldan, surrounded by a collection of antique dolls. "There must be 400, 500 (dolls), and no two are alike," he said. Many of the porcelain dolls he fixed are between 80 and 130 years old, and were originally manufactured in France or Germany. "I make grandmothers and great grandmothers happy ... because they want to leave their dolls to their grandchildren," Roldan once said in an interview with Argentinian TV. Born in Tulumba, Cordoba, Roldan recalled learning the tricks of the trade at the age of 13 or 14, when he was first brought to Buenos Aires. "I work with celluloid, acetone, toluene, chalk, starch" to make the pastes and parts he needs, said Roldan, adding "all the products, I make, because you can't find them already made." Roldan is one of the few craftsmen left in his field, but he's not lacking for work. "They bring me a lot jobs," he said. One of his favorite "patients" was a French doll dating from the late 19th century. "A lady brought her in," said Roldan. "She was a 140-year-old doll, an automaton, which is what they are called because you wind them up and they move their arms, their hands, and they are musical." "I asked her to leave the doll with me to see if I could fix the problem, and as she was leaving the doll she said she was leaving a part of her life," recalled Roldan. When she came back to pick her up, "she couldn't believe how I had restored her," he said. "Dolls have an incredible affectionate value. They are part of my life, they are my livelihood, they helped me form my family, which I love. I have two children and a grandchild. I love dolls," said Roldan. RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Health Ministry announced Thursday that the number of H1N1 flu deaths in 2016 in the country stood at 1,121, a new high since 2009 when the disease broke out globally. The death figure skyrocketed from 2015, when Brazil registered 36 deaths from H1N1 flu in the entire year. Although authorities voiced concern about the rise, there was no clear explanation on the reason for the higher number. According to the ministry, Brazil registered 5,871 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases in 2016. SARS can be a complication of the infection by H1N1 flu. This year, deaths from H1N1 flu were reported in 22 out of the country's 27 states, with the southeastern and southern regions seeing the highest casualty numbers, at 594 and 286, respectively. Sao Paulo state, the most populated in the country, led the states with 475 deaths, while Rio de Janeiro state, which will host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in five weeks, registered 46 deaths. China's meteorological authority on Thursday evening issued an orange alert, the second highest of the four-tier warning system, for storms across southern and eastern regions. It is the first time that the National Meteorological Center has issued an orange alert for rainstorms this year. In June, storms in the south and a tornado in eastern Jiangsu Province killed more than 100 people. Over the next four days, parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei and Hunan will be hit by torrential rain, the center said in a statement. Rainfall is expected to reach up to 400 millimeters in these areas, coupled with gales or thunderstorms. The center advised people living in the affected areas to take precautions against possible landslides and mud-rock flows while those living in mountainous areas should move to safe places in advance. Local governments along the Huaihe River should prepare for possible floods, the center cautioned. China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Labour, business disagree on Code Both men were addressing a national stakeholder consultation on the basic terms and conditions of work code hosted by the Ministry of Labour at the NESC Auditorium, Rivulet road, Couva yesterday. Cabrera, who spoke on behalf of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) said they were opposed to item 2 (of the Code), in terms of accessibility because not every worker can afford an attorney. How is this person to go to the Industrial Court, he asked. However, in a power point presentation, Driver, stated that things which the Chamber was in favour of was the, emphasis on individual employment rights as well as the widening of the Industrial Court jurisdiction that employees may choose not to be represented by a union. Drivers power point presentation was also criticised by Cabrera who wondered how the Chamber head was able to source a draft copy of the Code while the union members had not received a copy until that morning. However, Driver also raised some areas of concern asking how the Code would fit with the IR ACT as the Code needed to take into account that we now have an Act, (Executive Summary predates the Act). Need to be careful about the issue of dependent contract employment as there are many legitimate circumstances in which a contractor may work primarily for one but is clearly not an employee, he stated and adding that the Code needed to be clear that it will be written in plain English (not just for lawyers to interpret). Meanwhile, Cabrera also expressed concern about the slow pace of labour reform legislation and pointed out that another concern was the delay by the Recognition Board to recognise the union to represent bank workers. PNM would have won anyway The UNC is contesting the seats of San Fernando West, Toco/ Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph and Moruga/Tableland, but Douglas Mendes, SC, submitted yesterday that even if the votes cast between the extended hours of 6 pm to 7 pm, were subtracted, assuming that those persons all voted for the PNM, the successful candidates would have still won their seats. The PNM received 52 percent of the vote and won 23 of the 41 seats in the House of Representatives, but the UNC has challenged the electoral process in five marginal constituencies, alleging corrupt practices and breach of election rules by the decision of the Election and Boundaries Commission to extend the polls by one hour in Trinidad due to inclement weather. Mendes, who began his submissions before Justice Mira Dean-Armorer yesterday, said there was a respectable turnout of voters on September 7. An envious level of participation in the process was achieved. There was a resounding expression of preferences in the five constituencies. Even if you were to subtract the votes in question, assuming they all voted for the PNM, theyd still win the election with a resounding approval rating in those constituencies, Mendes said. Mendes provided a table of the votes cast between the disputed hour; the margin of victory as well as the percentage of victory in those constituencies. In the other five constituencies, all won by PNM candidates, the margins of victory were: 1,633 votes (St Joseph); 3,615 (Tunapuna); 533 (Moruga/Tableland); 3,310 (San Fernando West) and 3,904 (Toco/ Sangre Grande). This represented a percentage of victory of 1.08 percent (St Joseph); 1.71 percent (Tunapuna); .96 (Moruga/Tableland); .59 percent (San Fernando West) and 1.61 percent (Toco/Sangre Grande). In those constituencies the number of votes cast between 6 pm - 7 pm were 212 (St Joseph) ;135(Tunapuna); 203 (Moruga/Tableland); 101 (San Fernando West) and 329 (Toco/Sangre Grande). The actual turnout of voters in percentage in those constituencies in 2015 were 71 percent (St Joseph); 71 percent (Tunapuna); 76 (Moruga/Tableland); 70 percent (San Fernando West) and 68 percent (Toco/Sangre Grande); while the highest ever turnout of voters in the same constituencies were 75 percent (St Joseph); 79 percent (Tunapuna); 77 (Moruga/Tableland); 78 percent (San Fernando West) and 72 percent (Toco/Sangre Grande). Mendes also pointed to instances where UNC election officials communicated to the EBC asking for an extension of time for voters to exercise their franchise. He said attorney Nyree Alfonso wrote to the Chief Election Officer on behalf of the UNCs candidate Dr David Lee asking for an extension as some polling stations were not opened on time; while Sushilla Ramkissoon-Mark, on behalf of St Joseph candidate Vasant Bharath, threatened to take the EBC to court for an extension of the polling time. He also pointed to instances where he said the UNCs election agents aided and abetted in the commission of what they (the UNC) has described as an offence by asking for an extension of time and also encouraging supporters via Twitter and email to take advantage of the one-hour extension. Yet they are saying with a straight face to void the election because of that. It cannot be the case where these candidates encouraged persons to vote, they lose and then they challenge the election. Presumably if they won they would not have challenged the election, he said. Mendes said the evidence showed that UNC was complicit and ought to be embarrassed to ask the court to set aside the election results. He also said the petitions havent supported their allegations of corrupt practices by election officials. Mendes also said if there was a real concern on the part of the UNC that the Parliament was tainted by corruption because of the electoral process on September 7, then they should have challenged all 39 seats contested in Trinidad. Appearing with Mendes for the five PNM MPs are Michael Quamina, Ravi Nanga, Celeste Jules, Vanessa Gopaul and Elena Araujo. The UNC petitioners are represented by Queens Counsel Timothy Straker, former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, Anand Ramlogan, SC, Kent Samlal, and Jayanti Lutchmedial while Russell Martineau, SC, Deborah Peake, SC, and Ravi Heffes-Doon appear for the EBCs returning officers. The election petition hearing continues on Tuesday of next week. Appeal Court orders new trial for Dumas Two appellate court judges yesterday set aside Dumas conviction of having allegedly struck a Trinidadian man, Roger Simon, also known as Abdul Jabar, in his face with his (Dumas) licensed firearm knocking out several of Simons teeth. But, in an oral ruling, after allowing Dumas appeal, the judges ordered that he face a new trial as the allegations against him were quite serious and justice required it. Dumas, also known as Stretch, of Plymouth, Tobago, was found guilty on two counts assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault, in April 2013 by Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John in the Scarborough First Court. On the charge of common assault Dumas was fined $3,500 or nine months hard labour, and on the charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, he was fined $15,000 or two years in jail. It was alleged that Dumas struck Simon, who was then reportedly employed as a security officer at the YMCA Swimming Pool at Courland. He allegedly struck Simon across the face with his licensed pistol knocking out several of Simons teeth during an altercation over the alleged theft of property belonging to Dumas at a site at Arnos Vale Road, Plymouth, on June 1, 2011. Dumas was represented at the appeal by former Attorney General, John Jeremie SC, instructed by Keith Scotland. Elaine Greene appeared for the State. Appellate Court judges, Alice Yorke-Soo Hon and Mark Mohammed, who heard the appeal on Wednesday, in their ruling yesterday held that the magistrate failed to take into account Dumas good character evidence. They held that the prosecutions case against Dumas as not overwhelming, with no circumstantial evidence, or disinterested witnesses or admissions and the failure to take into account good character evidence which went to the issue of credibility was a material omission which fatally compromised the fairness of the proceedings. They also found that the magistrate placed the burden on Dumas to prove his innocence and held that it appeared that the main reason she found him guilty was because she did not believe his defence. We have seen this error being repeated by magistrates, Yorke-Soo Hon said. She said the legal burden was for the prosecution to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. At the appeal, Dumas attorneys raised the unfairness of the magistrates decision to convict, and faulted her for failing to take into consideration their clients good character evidence. They also argued that she failed to consider Dumas defence of self-defence as he was not the aggressor. In her decision, the magistrate held she believed Simon was struck with the firearm, and not cuffed (struck with the fist) by Dumas, as contended by the defence Attorney: Its a mad scene Boodram reappeared yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates court having been brought from St Anns Hospital following her last committal seven days ago . Boodram is facing fresh charges of fraud, and, is in custody having been denied bail . When on June 9 she was first committed to St Anns by Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John, it was on the submission by her attorney Jackson, who said that based on certain medical records, he wanted certainty about her state of mind before taking instructions to defend her on the charges . The new charges against Boodram, laid in March while she was before the courts on earlier charges, involved a concert starring a top actor from India . Money laundering charges and fraud charges amounting to 110, relate to tickets sold to hundreds of persons in Trinidad and Tobago, from her travel agency, Boodram Travels and Ship Ahoy, for a North-Atlantic cruise which never materialised . The charges relating to alleged money laundering involve the purchase of a Mercedes Benz sedan and property in Palmiste, near San Fernando . When on June 16 Boodram was brought back before Forde- John from St Anns, the magistrate was told by attorney Perusha Lord, instructing Jackson, that the hospital needed an extra seven days. The magistrate obliged and committed Boodram back to the institution to reappear yesterday. Once again, the court police prosecutor, Sgt Dianath Harricharan, told the court that he was informed that a further seven days had been requested by St Anns . Jackson said that he was ready to start the case, but wondered whether the delay in assessing Boodram, was related to a shortage of medical doctors, or, was linked directly with an issue the doctors were having with his client. The attorney said that it is his hope that a proper evaluation is done of the issue, as to why for the second occasion, a further seven days was requested . The magistrate committed Boodram for a further seven days to return to court next week Thursday . Dont play Russian roulette with peoples lives Saying that such a small fine does not amount to even a slap on the wrist, Justice Frank Seepersad slammed State-owned Petrotrin for playing Russian roulette with the lives of residents living along the beach in La Brea where an oil spill occurred three years ago. The judge said that this country lacks cohesive legislation and regulations to govern the operations of oil entities such as Petrotrin. In delivering a judgement against Petrotrin, Seepersad stated that it was in December 2013, when an oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Paria near La Brea. A large volume of crude oil washed up on the shoreline. Several families were displaced and Petrotrin hired contractor Hookmally Limited to have a single excavator cut channels along the shore, so as to trap the oil residue into pools. The excavator, just one, also had to scrape the oil deposits off the beach. The oil silt had spread onto a wide area and fishing activities were curtailed. Residents fell ill and a pregnant woman was hospitalised. Young children had to be nebulised due to the fumes which emanated from the oil silt and cooking was prohibited. Petrotrin provided food for the several affected residents. Seepersad, in delivering a 17- page judgment in a lawsuit filed by Hookmally against Petrotrin for breach of contract, stated in his 17-page ruling that Petrotrin was aware that the contractor was not registered to engage in oil spill clean-up operations. The excavator was operated under the direct control of Petrotrins personnel. The excavator became stuck in the mud on the shoreline at low tide. But Hookmally was only informed about the incident some five hours after when by which time, the excavator had become submerged in sea water. The judge ruled that Petrotrin was liable for Hookmallys excavator and ordered that damages be assessed by a judge in Chambers. He stated that the oil spill clean-up operations should have been undertaken by skilled persons with the requisite degree of specialisation. But the system employed by Petrotrin, the judge added, appeared to have been ad-hoc, arbitrary and antiquated. He stated, The evidence left the court with a sense of unease as the impression was created that the defendant (Petrotrins) approach as to its operations, was analogous to a game of Russian Roulette. Attorney Lisa Francis argued the case for Hookmally Ali Ltd. Cops probe sexual touching of girl, 3 The girls mother who lives with the child in Maloney, went to the West End Police Station on Tuesday with her daughter and reported the incident to WPC King. The child was questioned by officers of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) but told them the man, who is her mothers boyfriend, did not do anything else apart from wiping her private parts with petroleum jelly. She said she was told not to tell her mother anything about the incident but felt afraid that the man would do it a second time and decided to inform her mother. Newsday understands that officers of the CPU took a statement from the childs mother and attempted to interview the suspect who could not be found up to yesterday. Police advised the woman to stay away from the mans house and to desist from making any contact with him. In an unrelated incident, a ten-year-old Standard One primary school student reported to her mother on Friday last that her 34-year-old step-father had raped her at their Sangre Grande home. The girls mother went to the Sangre Grande Police Station and reported the matter, prompting officers of the CPU to carry out enquiries. The girl was medically examined by the District Medical Officer who confirmed that she had been sexually active. The suspect has been detained in connection with the incident. TRINI ISIS BLOWN UP The Trini was identified yesterday as Chris Steve Lewis also known as Abdool Rahim. He also had the alias Fig Man because he provided bananas for high end supermarkets locally. Newsday understands Lewis worshipped at the Jamaat Al Muslimeen compound in St James but in August 2014, told Jamaat members and relatives that he was going to England to do guard duties and make a better life for himself. However, Lewis travelled to Syria with his wives and children and carried out guard duties for ISIS rebels. While in Syria, he married a third woman. On Friday last, he went to work and received a phone call stating that another person who was supposed to turn up for duties failed to do so and he was asked to do a second shift. Lewis accepted the offer to work a second shift and it was while on guard duties, US aircraft bombers fired missiles at the compound where he was stationed. Lewis and other ISIS members were kiled. Lewis first wife contacted relatives in Trinidad shortly after the bombing attack informing them of his death. The funeral for Lewis was expected to take place yesterday in Syria and Newsday understands that authorities in Syria contacted Interpol in Trinidad and informed them of his death. It remained unclear how many others were killed in the bombing attack. His Trini widows and children are now contemplating returning home. On Wednesday, another USled attack bombed a convoy of ISIS vehicles in the Iraqi city of Fallujah with 250 ISIS terrorists being killed. A TT Special Branch source told Newsday that Lewis was on a list of 35 persons known to have left this country to fight for ISIS in Syria. An attack in Istanbul earlier this week, which left 41 dead, has been blamed on ISIS. Lewis was red-flagged as being an ISIS supporter and his name was given to US authorities as being linked to ISIS and checks were made to verify if he had made any attempt to return to this country. Newsday understands that Lewis kept in contact with many friends and relatives in Trinidad but never told them he was in Syria. Yesterday, his brother Dennis told Newsday that the family was saddened over Lewis death but denied reports that his brother was linked to ISIS. He said that based on his own information, his brother was doing guard duties in Syria. He said his mother was left traumatised at the news that her son was killed in such a horrendous manner. She is really hurting, and we are trying to comfort her because she really believes that Chris was in England making a good life for himself and his family, only to be told that he was killed in a bomb attack in Syria, really shattered her, Dennis said. What is equally painful for the family, Dennis said, is the fact they wont get to say a final farewell to Lewis before his burial today. Yesterday, Richplain residents who knew Lewis said he was a Good Samaritan who was always willing to assist persons in need and always looked out for those he was close with. They added that he was an astute businessman who worked around the clock in his banana trade and was a devout follower of Islam. An official of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen yesterday said the Jamaat members were saddened at Lewis death and said they remember him as a regular attendee at the Mosque. Special Branch sources said if Lewis widows return to Trinidad they will be interviewed and kept under surveillance. There is no law banning the women and children from returning to this country. Yesterday, both Head of the Special Branch Snr Supt Ainsley Garrick and head of the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) Alana Wheeler claimed no knowledge of Lewis death in Syria. Principal: Discipline, the true meter I urge you to ensure, that as you go along, remember that discipline is the true meter, the true standard, that will allow you really to discover and achieve your true potentials, Mootoo urged. He is the acting principal of the San Fernando West Secondary School popularly known as Ole Tech. Mootoo made the remarks yesterday at the schools leaving ceremony held at the Naparima Bowl Auditorium at San Fernando. Theme of the event was The world lies before you; discover your potential. In his speech, Mootoo highlighted some of the achievements s well as problems being faced at the secondary school. He recalled that sporting and Carnival activities, planned at the school, were cancelled this year due to students indiscipline. He added: Once again I stress the need for discipline in everything we do. So much work had gone in those two activities by staff and even by the students themselves. So that it was difficult to hear that the these highlights of the schools life were cancelled. The school, Mootoo added, continues to experience, infrastructural woes, which in turn present many challenges not only to the administrative staff but students alike. He noted that while remedial and repair works continue, the school is still without an auditorium and a proper playfield. Despite challenges at the school, students continue to excel, academically and culturally, Mootoo charged. The school participated in the Best Village competition for the first time this year and students took part in five categories. The school also participated in the NGC Sanfest competition and the National Junior Chutney Monarch and the Junior Ex-tempo Monarch competitions. Tamika Ramkissoon of (class 5.5) received the most prizes for her academic excellence. She received seven prizes for various subjects as well as the principals prize award. Radha Sookram of 5.1 received a special award for the most improve student while Jade Prince, for sports. Former student, Nikoli J?an- Paul Edwards delivered the feature address and recalled some fond memories, including his love for box lunches as a student at the school. Edwards, a journalist and youth ambassador, encouraged the Form Five students to be the best they can in whatever they do. He told the students that each one of them has potential. However some people do not know how to harness that potential and as such are seen as being rebellious, being disruptive. Rowley: NO TREXIT That was the position of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday as he said this country remains resolute in our commitment to Caricom, in the face of indications of disturbances within the Caribbeans regional block after Britains stunning Brexit vote. As Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago I hear the winds of disturbances in the Caricom, Rowley said at a post Cabinet media briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair. Trinidad and Tobago is resolute with respect to our commitment to Caricom. The Prime Minister said he had a message for Caricom. When your neighbours house is on fire, wet your own, Rowley said. There is value and strength in Caricom. As a unit we are stronger together. Rowley announced a mission will re-open at Barbados and this would be one expression of that commitment. This mission, he said, will also serve the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) block. Additionally, diplomatic offices at Uganda will be phased out, the Prime Minister said, given the history of the location and the changes in the international profile of where this country would like to be. TT will be better served with a mission at the Emirates, Rowley announced. This would be appropriate, he said, given the importance of the Middle East. The mission will be at Abu Dhabi, and there is intention for a presence in Dubai. On the effect of Brexit, Rowley said even Britain is not certain. Brexit is a work in progress, the Prime Minister said. Not even the British understand. It is still unfolding. It is changing by the hour. However, he said if the developments trigger a recession in the UK this would have an impact on tourism. And if it spills over into the US markets, the value of the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund would be affected. He also said exports could be affected. Jamaica has already set up a commission to review the benefits of its association with Caricom. Rowley noted he is due to pay an official visist to Jamaica from July 17 to July 21. However, this falls after a heads of government meeting due early this month. In other foreign affairs matters, the Prime Minister also said Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi is working on legislation to make TT compliant with the Foreign Account Tax Complaince Act (FACTA) of the United States. The Bankers Association on Wednesday warned the legislation is needed to combat tax evasion. The Prime Minister said a draft had been prepared but said the matter may not be a punitive kind of arrangement. Of a deadline of September 30, Rowley, said, We will make our best efforts to keep this deadline. Asked why this matter, pending since 2010, had not been dealt with, he said, Every morning the sun comes up, then it goes down: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. That is the cause. Time rolls on. Time and tide wait for no man. We are getting it done. We can only do so much in a day, a week, a month. This Government is nine months old. Govt reviewing Privy Council ruling The Government will review the courts decision against the history of this whole matter and an appropriate statement will be made in the Parliament as soon as we are able to, the Prime Minister told Newsday moments after turning the sod at a $100 million car park project in the capital being built by Furness Trinidad Ltd. The ruling is said to affect the fate of 1,500 people who had not assented to the Governments deal to close the matter and instead awaited the Privy Councils ruling and who therefore will not be entitled to 100 per cent of their assets. But some yesterday disagreed with that assessment. This is an academic exercise as the Central Bank has already decided to pay all 100 per cent, said Peter Permell, a Clico policyholder spokesman. He cited a notice by the Central Bank last November which stated a three-phase payment would occur. The first phase involves 85 percent payment, and the second 15 percent payment (making up 100 percent), with the funds for the second phase due to come from MHTL Holdings. (A third phase related to creditors.) Still, lawyers have noted the implication of the ruling is that governments do not have to abide by promises, particularly during difficult economic times. This, they say, means even last Novembers Central Bank plans will not be binding. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister further disclosed that a second statement will also be forthcoming in Parliament on the Clico issue. As a matter of fact, the Government will make two statements to the Parliament on this overall issue, Rowley said. Prior to Wednesday, the Prime Minister and Government had been criticised for not disclosing the Sir Anthony Colman Report into the collapse of CL Financial (CLF) and Clico, and for not making a formal statement on the receipt of the report in Parliament. Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the Government would be responsible. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi last week disclosed he had recused himself from consideration of the matter and handed over deliberations to Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Stuart Young. Al-Rawi noted there were concerns from Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC in relation to pre-trail publicity years ago. Questions have also reportedly been asked by lawyers representing former CLF boss Lawrence Duprey who declined to appear before Colmans inquiry over Young handling the matter. Young was an attorney at the Colman inquiry for Ernst & Young, a firm of auditors that worked on unravelling the Clico scandal. Tuesdays ruling by the Privy Council saw the court criticise the first instance judge, Justice Joan Charles, for not giving any real weight to former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessars statement in October 2010 that the government could not deprive citizens who did not invest in Clico of spending on health, education and security. The judge also failed to take into account the fact that compliance with the assurances would not simply have meant topping up the fund, but would have had serious cash-flow implications for the government, the court said. The judge further failed to take into account an impediment to an important component of the implementation of the arrangements which had been part of the basis upon which the assurances had been given. The MHIL shares remained with Clico. However, the court also said, In fairness to the judge, it should be added that the way in which the Attorney Generals case was put before her appears to have been rather different from the way in which it was put before the Court of Appeal and the board. Opposition Leader Persad-Bissessar yesterday said her administration treated with the Clico matter differently. The Clico headache was caused by the PNM administrations failure to take preemptive action until it was too late, Persad-Bissessar said in a statement. They ignored the distress signals and those who had the responsibility for supervising at the Central Bank fell asleep at the wheels. The Peoples Partnership administration made full and frank disclosure to the public and indicated that it could not honour these reckless PNM promises. The court did not determine whether the PNM Government under Patrick Manning had made a promise that was clear, unambiguous and devoid of relevant qualification to policyholders. Instead, it assumed this was the case but ruled a Government was entitled to go back on an assurance in certain circumstances. Cuffie to public servants: Work harder, please Cuffie said he hoped the spanking new premises will reflect a new attitude in the Public Service which he deemed pivotal to delivering the Governments goals such as Vision 2030. I am convinced the Public Service of Trinidad and Tobago has at its core a large number of technically competent, hard-working and loyal staff, said Cuffie. What we need is to fashion the right environment so that they can unleash their full potential. Todays ceremony is an important step in that direction. He recognised that the Public Service has its detractors. While new buildings do not automatically translate into new attitudes and behaviours, I expect that the reality of not having to ingest mould and bacteria, for example, or run from rats, as the staff of the Ministry of Education has had to do, would ultimately lead to a new paradigm in terms of the delivery of services to the public, he remarked. Cuffie sought the support of trade unions representing staff at the new buildings, namely the Public Services Association, the TT Unified Teachers Association and the National Union of Government and Federated Workers. As your members will now occupy these new premises, I urge your support in encouraging them to take care of it, as if it were their very own, because in a very real sense it is. I am advised by Udecott that the buildings have passed the required air quality tests, and are OSH Act compliant, he said. I urge your support in encouraging them to work even harder than they did in the buildings they previously occupied, now that those deficiencies no longer detain them. I urge your support in leading them to properly manage these buildings, not only for themselves now, but for the next generation of public officers. Cold War II: Russia building spy station in Nicaragua (NationalSecurity.news) Moscow is constructing an electronic eavesdropping and intelligence-gathering station in Nicaragua as part of the Russian militarys effort to bolster its spy activities in the Western Hemisphere. The SIGINT site is part of a deal Russia signed recently with Managua involving the sale of 50 T-72 tanks, officials familiar with the deal told the Washington Free Beacon. The tank sale along with the construction of the spy facility has raised red flags with some officials in the Pentagon, as well as other nations in the region, about a military buildup under Left-wing leader Daniel Ortega. Disclosure of the deals came as a trio of U.S. officials were expelled from Nicaragua last week, the WFB reported. The three officials, from the Department of Homeland Security, were picked up by Nicaraguan officials and driven to the airport where they were put on a plane bound for the U.S. without any of their belongings. John Kirby, a spokesman for the State Department, called the June 14 expulsion unwarranted and inconsistent with the positive and constructive agenda that we seek with the government of Nicaragua. Such treatment has the potential to negative impact U.S. and Nicaraguan bilateral relations, particularly trade, he continued. Analysts observed that the Nicaraguan treatment of U.S. officials signals that President Obamas recent diplomatic outreach to Cuba has not led to better relationships with dictatorial Left-wing regimes in the region. Ortega has remained close to the communist Castro regime in Cuba and the Left-wing government of crumbling Venezuela. Ortega was once part of the communist Sandinista dictatorship, and after winning his countrys presidency in 2006 shifted towards socialism. The WFB reported that no details of the Russia spy site or its location and when it would be completed could be learned. More: NationalSecurity.news is part of the USA Features Media network. Get caught up on ALL of the days most important news and information here. Submit a correction >> Hindu priest hacked to death while picking flowers, Islamic extremists claim responsibility Shaymanonda Das killed in front of temple south west of capital Dhaka, police say, in latest in spate of attacks. (Article by Al Jazeera) A Hindu priest has been hacked to death at a temple in Bangladesh, police and senior administrative officials said. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was killed on Friday in the Jhinaidah district, 300km south west of the capital, Dhaka. He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and three young people came by on a motorbike, killed him with machetes and fled away, Mahbubur Rahman, the head of the local administration, said. The nature of killing was similar with the local militants, but we cannot say more at the moment, Mahbubur told the Reuters news agency. Police said they did not know the motive behind the killing and that a local member of the Jamaat-e-Islami group had been arrested. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks in recent months on liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups. Al Jazeeras Maher Sattar, reporting from Dhaka, said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings but officials deny that those groups have any involvement and blame local organisations. The characteristics of the murder three men on a motor cycle, hacking to death, these are similar to a number of attacks that have taken place in Bangladesh over the past few years, he said. Hindus are the largest minority group in Bangladesh and comprise about nine percent of the population. But this is a number that has dwindled since Bangladesh was formed and many Hindus weve been told have tried to make their way to India or are thinking about what their future might be. Read more at: www.aljazeera.com Submit a correction >> U.S., Israel sign beefed-up cyber defense cooperation agreement (Cyberwar.news) The United States and Israel have signed a cyber defense accord along with dozens of other nations as a means of thwarting the use of technology as a weapon, Israel21c reported. Nearly 5,000 government, industry and academic representatives from 45 countries met in Tel Aviv from June 19-23 for the sixth annual International Cybersecurity Conference, part of which involved signing the new joint cyber defense cooperation pact. Among the many events over the course of the week were the first-ever CyberStorm Startup Competition as well as individual roundtable discussions on commercial, academic and governmental cybersecurity cooperation between Israel and Spain, Singapore, China, India, Italy and the United Kingdom, Israel21c reported. Israel will be among the first nations in the world to join the DHS Automated Indicator Sharing initiative, a system designed to create an automated platform between governments and private industry for efficient, rapid sharing of information in order to defend against or stop cyber attacks. The U.S.-Israel declaration demonstrations that a international coalition of countries, research facilities and industries can more efficiently deal with cyber threats to each or all of them, in order to protect critical infrastructure. The multilateral declaration builds partnerships with the private sector and research institutions to better aid in the development of critical cyber defense and detection technology. In September, Fortune reported that Israel had become a leader in cyber security, if for no other reason than out of need to protect itself and give it offensive cyber capability to strike back. Fortune noted: A regional power devoted to ensuring its own survival, Israel has burgeoned into a high tech epicenter built around Internet security, anti-virus software, and other cyber defense technologies. Much of this is an extension of its self-reliance, and the added fact that since the creation of modern Israel, the nation has faced enemies on its borders. The challenging environment Israel faces in the Middle East in the physical world has reflections also on the cyber world, Dudu Mimran, CTO of the Cyber Security Research Center at Ben-Gurion University, located in Beer Sheva, Israel, told the web site. Security is a subject that can be taught theoretically, but nothing is a substitute for a real hands-on experience and weve got lots of it. More: Cyberwar.news is part of the USA Features Media network. Get caught up on ALL of the days most important news and information here. Submit a correction >> Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu formally launches NIVARAN portal New Delhi, Fri, 01 Jul 2016 NI Wire Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in a programme held today i.e. 30.06.2016 at Rail Bhawan formally launched NIVARAN portal, an online system for redressal of service related grievance of serving and former railway employees. Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha was specially present to grace the occasion. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member Staff Railway Board, Shri Pradeep Kumar, other Railway Board Members and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Representatives of Railway Federation and Union were also present. Speaking on the occasion Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that we are trying continuously for the grievance redressal of the Public. We had already launched the Portal for the Public Grievance Redressal. It is an external Grievance Redressal Portal. This Portal is successful because of the work of Railway Employees. Today we are launching the Portal for the Grievance Redressal of Railway Employees. This new initiative is a portal for the internal Grievance Redressal of Railway Employees & Former Railway Employees and in future we will launch this portal in regional languages also. He further said that by the help of this portal we will try to improve the system by collecting feedback also. Speaking on the occasion Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha said that it is a good initiative and by this Grievance Redressal Portal the grievance of Railway Employees and Former Railway Employees will solve quickly. He also said that by launching this Portal Employees and Former Railway Employees will satisfied because their grievances will solve quickly. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SERVICE LAUNCHED : - Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has been laying great emphasis on importance of manpower in the organisation and holds that dedicated employees are our biggest strength. Their hard work makes the Indian Railways run. He has been personally directing path-breaking HR interventions such as directly reaching out to the employees through Greetings on their birthdays. Today under his directions, Ministry of Railways has taken another seminal measure by launching NIVARAN, an online system for redressal of service related grievance of serving and former railway employees. Railways being the single biggest civilian employer in the country with over 1.3 millions strong workforce, have created a well structured multi layered enterprise wide mechanism for addressing staff matters. This online system facilitates the employees to lodge their grievances and also monitor their progress. The system would also provide facility for lodging appeal to the higher authority in case the decision is not found satisfactory. Highest controlling authorities shall also be able to monitor the progress of grievance redressal by field offices. The Application is developed by CRIS, the IT arm of Indian Railways, on the basis of process designed by Establishment directorate of Railway Board which deals with staff matters and technical guidance of Computerisation and Information System directorate. Source: PIB Hindi Movie Mohenjo Daro Bollywood, Fri, 01 Jul 2016 NI Wire Hrithik All Set To Cast The Spell With Mohenjo Daro while actress Pooja Hegde is making her debut with this period drama. Does history excite you? Are you a history lover? Well, whether you like history or you dread it, Bollywood loves it for sure and soon you will be enthralled to see history from the perspective of Lagaan director Ashutosh Gowariker who is coming up with Mohenjo Daro. The film as its name suggests dates back to the pre-historic era of Mohejo Daro in 26th century and it will take you through the wonderful journey of this ancient civilization. It's a periodic romantic drama starring Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde in the lead roles. It is said that Hrithik Roshan charged 50 crores for this film, while actress Pooja Hegde is making her debut with this period drama. Karen Goulekas who had designed sets for Hollywood films like Day After Tomorrow is the one who has designed set for the film. Let us take you through more facts and details about Mohenjo Daro. Plot Film's story revolves around an orphan boy who stays with his uncle near the area close to Mohenjo Daro. He learns of a fair in Mohenjo Daro and plans to visit the place as a trader. At the fair, he bumps into the beautiful Channi played by Pooja Hegde and falls for her at first sight. Channi is the daughter of Mohenjo Daro king, played by veteran actor Kabir Bedi. Kabir's character in the film is shown as the one responsible for the death of Hrithik Roshan's father and this gives the film a revenge turn. Actor Arundoy Singh also plays a trader who loves Hegde's character. The film is said to have some intense romantic scenes along with one nude scene given by Hrithik Roshan. Cast Other than Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi, Arunoday Singh, the film also stars Suhasini Mulay, Nitish Bharadwaj, Kishori Shahane, Sharad Kelkar and Piyush Mishra among others. Production Mohenjo Daro is themed on romance through cultures and ancient civilizations. It has been reported that Ashutosh Gowariker took nearly three years to develop Mohenjo Daro with the help of several archaeologists who had documented the discovery of Indus Valley civilization. The film is majorly shot in the areas of Bhuj and Mumbai with short schedules in Jabalpur and Thane. Film's principal photography started in Bhuj on 27 January 2015. Its first schedule was of 101 days and got over 23 May 2015. The second schedule of it began in Jabalpur on November 2, 2015, where a fight sequence with Flying crocodiles was completed. The third schedule started in December 2015 at Film City in Mumbai. Film's climax was shot on April 4, 2016 at China Creek in Thane. Music The film's album and film score are composed by legendary A. R. Rahman while the lyrics are all penned by Javed Akhtar. The album hasn't released as of yet but with Rahman onboard, we can expect something soulful. Trailer & Release The film's trailer was released recently and it got mixed response from all over. The visual effects and cinematography is indeed eye pleasing, but film's plot appears a little dicey as it appears way too modernized in comparison to the ancient Mohenjo Daro civilization. The film will hit the screens on August 12, 2016. Mohenjo Daro Trailer Hrithik Roshan & Pooja Hegde In Cinemas Aug 12 Bollywood Movies releasing in August 2016 Share Tweet The data storm already raging that is compelling mobile and fixed network service operators to transition their networks to all-IP and virtualize as much as possible while doing so continues to be well-documented. However, what tends to be over-looked is the equally, some might argue more forceful, data storm that is impacting the global communications underlying signaling capabilities. The reasons are simple; all of those apps on our smart devices are constantly getting pinged. This is why signaling traffic is increasing as impressive exponential rates. However, when looking out over the near horizon, it is not just those apps that need to concern operators. The advent of massive IoT deployments and the urgency of putting in next generation signaling solutions to assure the ramping rollout of voice over LTE (News - Alert) (VoLTE) and voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFI) only add to the challenges of accommodating the unabated surge in signaling traffic. It is why the market for next generation signaling solutions like Diameter Signaling, projected to be over a $2 billion market by 2020, to say the least has outstanding growth prospects. In an effort to help communication service providers (CSPs) deal with the issue of unprecedented signaling growth Nokia (News - Alert) has launched the Nokia Dynamic Diameter Engine (DDE). This is a cloud-based solution, and the industry's first virtualized solution to incorporate Nokia's Agile Rules Technology (A.R.T.)which is described by Nokia as being, backed by more than 150 patents, A.R.T. helps operators apply intelligent rules and ensure performance in complex signaling control scenarios. A control plane traffic cop Nokia is highlighting the fact that the DDE serves as a control plane "traffic cop." In this capacity, its rules-based engine reduces operational expenses by allowing operators to quickly create and modify rules. This is non-trivial as it is a requirement for being able to effectively manage all of that signaling traffic efficiently, effectively and securely. Another attraction is that the Nokia DDE can run on commercial off the shelf hardware but is designed to run in the Telco Cloud. In fact, it is integrated with Nokia's CloudBand portfolio that hosts, orchestrates, automates, and manages virtualized network functions and services. Bhaskar Gorti, president of the Applications and Analytics Business Group at Nokia: "There are plenty of established signaling control solutions that do the job as required today. However they typically are not built for virtualization and often lack the flexibility needed for the signaling requirements of IoT and VoLTE. In contrast, Nokia DDE was built for the Cloud and is ready to support emerging signaling requirements." Sue Rudd, Director Service Provider Analysis at Strategy Analytics (News - Alert): "Signaling traffic is escalating as new services, IoT devices and complex new use cases demand highly flexible and scalable handling. Operators must be able to vary control plane and signaling capacity instantly for new Diameter traffic flows. The only cost effective approach is for operators to virtualize their network signaling resources. Built for virtualization, the Nokia DDE Diameter signaling controller and its embedded Agile (News - Alert) Rules Technology addresses the need for intelligent scalability and adds the extensibility of a Cloud-based solution." The Nokia DDE is a part of a growing portfolio of policy and charging products. It is deployed in the labs of a North American Tier 1 service provider and will be generally available this month. Edited by Stefania Viscusi We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. A new Moroccan ferry company has been set up to enhance the North African countrys maritime connectivity with neighboring European countries. This initiative has been highly commended by tourism professionals and businessmen. Dubbed Africa Morocco Link, the company was established by BMCE Bank of Africa, a leading Moroccan and African banking group and Greek Attica, a subsidiary of Marfin Investment Group. According to the agreement sealed by the stockholders, Attica Group gets a 49 pc participation in the new company, while 51 pc will be held by a group of Moroccan shareholders led by BMCE Bank Of Africa Group. The launching of this new company marks a strong comeback of BMCE Bank in maritime transports, said Head of BMCE Bank group Othman Benjelloun, noting that Morocco Africa Link will have a fleet of six boats for the transport of passengers and vehicles. Mr. Spiros Paschalis, CEO of Attica Group, said We are delighted to collaborate with BMCE Bank Of Africa Group, one of the leading banking groups across Africa, in the newly established operator AML. We are confident the new maritime company will become very soon the leading ferry player linking Morocco and Africa to Europe. Attica Group is honored by the trust vested in our Group by BMCE Bank Of Africa, he added. We have no doubt that our extensive experience in the ferry industry, combined with the top quality service that we offer to our customers, will lead to the upgrade of existing services in the market and to the development of Moroccan maritime personnel skills to the highest possible standards, achieving the operational excellence of both BMCE Bank Of Africa and Attica Group, stressed Mr. Spiros. He also said that he is convinced that the agreement will usher in a new promising start and strengthen the ties between Morocco and Greece. The annual traffic volumes between Morocco and Europe are estimated at around 4 million passengers, 1 million private vehicles and 260,000 freight units, with great potential for further growth. The company has launched lately the Tanger Med (Morocco) Algeciras (Spain) route with the vessel DIAGORAS, followed a few days later by a second vessel. Additionally, a number of preparatory initiatives are currently underway for the launch of additional routes between Morocco and Europe including Nador (Morocco)-Almeria (Spain) and Tanger Med (Morocco) Sete (France). The establishment of this new company coincides avec the start of Operation-Marhaba 2016 destined to ensure the best travel conditions for Moroccans living abroad who come home for their holidays. IS-affiliate Islamists killed a Christian priest and two security personnel in turbulent North Sinai in separate attacks on Thursday, authorities said. The Coptic priest named Raphael Moussa, 46, was reportedly gunned down by a militant who shot him in the head as he was standing next to his car in al-Arish, the capital of North Sinai. The Islamic State (IS) group in Sinai claimed responsibility for the attack accusing the priest of combating Islam, reports add. Islamists have since 2013 launched and stepped up attacks against the army for the removal of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi by then army general Fattah al-Sisi. They have also launched attacks against Coptic whom they accuse of backing governments crackdown on Islamists. The Islamists in 2013 killed another priest, Mina Aboud. Two security personnel were also killed in two separate attacks in the province capital. A bomb blast reportedly killed one policeman and wounded two others outside al-Arish main hospital. Another security force was killed in an ambush laid by the Islamists near the border town of Rafah, a security official speaking under condition of anonymity reported. The attacks come as the regime Thursday marked the third anniversary of President al-Sisis military coup against first democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi. Al-Sisi and his supporters Thursday marked what regime calls June 30 Revolution claimed by al-Sisi as a move that helped millions of Egyptians to regain their identity. Warplanes flew over Cairo to mark the public holiday. Rome is driving its own peace initiative to help rival Libyan camps to end distrust and rebuild the country as the UN-backed unity government struggles to impose its authority. High key talks between Prime Minister-designate Faiez Serraj-led Government of National Accord (GNA) and rival Beida-based government supported by Trobruk-based Parliament have taken place in Tunis under Romes auspice to end tension between the opposed groups, the New Arab reports. Meetings have been held with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who have expressed their support for the proposal, a source from within the GNA told the London-based Qatari media. Beida-based government has refused to relinquish power to Serraj-led cabinet, which moved in Tripoli last March. The Beida-based government and god-father House of Representative (HoR) based in Trobuk have rejected the GNA which they deem a west-imposed cabinet on Libyans. The aim of the Italian initiative is to end distrust between the rival seats of power and encourage militias to hand over their weapons through a comprehensive amnesty program. It will span five years, beginning with reconciliation then the rebuilding of state institutions in a manner that ends the east-west divide and excludes no parties, the GNA source said. Meetings have been taking place and the future meeting will include Tobruk-backed army general Khalifa Haftar and other militia leaders backing the GNA. Meanwhile, four members of the GNA have reportedly submitted their resignations to the Presidential Council on Thursday evening and their resignation has been accepted. The resigning Ministers are those of Finance Fakhir Muftah Bouferna, of Justice Jumaa al-Dersi, of National Reconciliation Abdel Jawadd al-Abadi and of Economy and Industry Abdel Matloub Bouferwa. The reasons behind their move are yet to be known, but given that all the four ministers are from the eastern bloc, analysts believe that there could be regional tensions within the GNA. Hashed out of the Libyan Political Accord signed in December in Morocco, the GNA failed to receive official endorsement from the HoR. Division between rival camps has also impeded coordinated assault against the Islamic State group militants in control of the coastal city of Sirte. Moroccos central bank will start very soon granting permits to Islamic banks due to start operations in the North African Kingdom in 2017. So far several applications have been submitted to the Moroccan financial authorities for approval to open local branches. Among the applicants, two are from the Gulf region bidding to set up their own Islamic bank branches in Morocco, while the other four banks want to establish joint financial institutions with local banks. Three other applications are seeking approval to sell Islamic banking products to Moroccan clients. The move comes after the Moroccan Parliament had approved a bill to allow the creation of sharia-compliant banks and let private firms issue Islamic debt. By launching Islamic banking services, Morocco, a tolerant country, seeks to attract investment to fund its rapid sustained growth, socioeconomic development and boost savings. We will start licensing shortly Islamic banks, said central bank officials, noting that these banks would be required to report periodically to authorities on their activities. According to some experts, Islamic banking has started looking more attractive than those of conventional financial services. The last decade has seen a sharp rise in Islamic banking services. Across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Islamic banking has grown to become a prominent means of financial management, while it is also emerging in Western economies that have not typically been associated with it in the past. The size of the Islamic finance market ranges from $1.66 Trillion to $2.1 Trillion with expectations of market size to be $3.4 Trillion by end of 2018. The Islamic funds and sukuk grow annually 14 pc and 11 pc respectively. Other key sectors of the Islamic economy have experienced success too. Islamic banking, which embraces risk-sharing, offers a plethora of products for customers or investors looking to participate. Sharia law prohibits engaging in activities or transactions that are considered harmful to people, society or the environment. This ethical approach is at the core of Islamic banking and avoids transactions involving usury, interest, speculation, gambling, or industries contrary to Islamic values. Islamic bankings emphasis on shared responsibility and community also creates a more inclusive economy. Representative Patrick Murphy. Photo: Bill Clark/ 2016 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. After losing the Republican presidential primary to Hillary Clintons dream opponent, then saying, like 10,000 times, that he was getting out of politics, then taking it back and deciding to run for reelection after all, Marco Rubio is now hoping for a dream opponent of his own in the Florida Senate race. With the Establishment Democrat in the race, Rep. Patrick Murphy, defending himself against allegations that he had generously padded his resume, the GOP is working to boost his opponent, Alan Grayson, in the primary set for August 30, Politico reports. Murphy has been doing damage control since last week, when CBSs Miami affiliate aired an investigative report in which reporter Jim DeFede revealed that the 33-year-olds claims to have been a small-business owner and an experienced accountant before going into politics may have been exaggerated. Some of DeFedes allegations wilt under further scrutiny, according to PolitiFact, but the storys legs may be strong enough to kick Murphy where it hurts. Still, a poll released this week found Murphy and Rubio tied with 43 percent of the vote. On average, Murphy trails Rubio by just three points. Grayson, on the other hand, is a liberal firebrand who plays well to primary voters, but is the subject of several ethics investigations (sound familiar?), as well as allegations that his family profited from slave labor in Africa so naturally, Republicans would much prefer to pit Rubio against him. I think anybody would rather run against Grayson, Nevada senator Dean Heller, a vice-chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told Politico. So in attacking Murphy over the CBS story, the GOP hopes not only to poison him for general-election voters, but maybe even also to cost him the primary, ensuring Rubio an easier race in the fall. Democrats maintain that they are confident of their chances in Florida, that Grayson has no chance of winning the primary given his significant cash disadvantage against Murphy, and that Rubios negatives combined with the Trump effect make this a tough race for him. The arguments against Rubio are far stronger and will cut more persuasively with the voters than any of this stuff, New York senator Chuck Schumer said. Rubio has his own long-shot primary opponent in wealthy real-estate developer Carlos Beruff, whom the Orlando Sentinels Scott Maxwell calls the Florida version of Donald Trump. Trump beat Rubio in the presidential primary in his home state, but Beruff is pulling only 11 percent in the latest primary polls, compared to the senators comfortable 63 percent. Maybe dont let this drive. Photo: Stan HondaSTAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images2013 AFP Good morning and welcome to Fresh Intelligence, our roundup of the stories, ideas, and memes youll be talking about today. In this edition, never send a car to do a drivers job, Donald Trump goes off the rails, and Puerto Rico finally gets some relief. Heres the rundown for Friday, July 1. WEATHER It should be a rainy Friday for much of the country with storms all along the Eastern Seaboard and inland toward the Ohio Valley, with even more storms in the Rockies. New York City will not be spared, with thunderstorms all day and into the night. [USA Today] FRONT PAGE The Inevitable Occurs: Driver Killed in First-Ever Fatal Self-Driving Car Accident It emerged last night that an accident in which the driver of a Tesla Model S was killed in Florida last May occurred when the car was in self-driving mode. Federal regulators are investigating the accident, which may be the first involving a self-driving car. The driver had previously posted a video, which went viral on YouTube of a near-accident when the car was driving itself. EARLY AND OFTEN Trump 2.0: A Long Day of Ranting and Placating Racists If this is the Donald turning over a new leaf, it turns out both sides of the leaf are about the same. He quickly changed course from calling NATO obsolete to saying he would use it to defeat ISIS. Then he pointed at a commercial airliner flying over one of his rallies and speculated that it was a Mexican jet coming to attack us. Then, he responded to a woman who said we should get rid of all these hebee-jabis they wear at TSA obviously her words, not ours and replace them with veterans, saying that it wasnt a bad idea. Will someone please introduce her to a Muslim veteran so we can watch her head explode? Military Lifts Ban on Transgender Service Members At long last the Pentagon announced yesterday that the military was lifting its ban on transgender people openly serving in the military. Within 90 days, commanders will receive new guidelines on transgender soldiers and, within a year, openly transgender people will be able to enlist as long as they have been identifying as the same gender for 18 months. There may be as many as 11,000 transgender Americans serving in the military in active duty and the reserves. With this decision, the United States joins 18 other countries that allow transgender people to serve openly in the military. [Reuters] Obama Signs Off on Puerto Ricos Rescue Package Obama wasted little time in signing the long-awaited Puerto Rico relief package yesterday. And Puerto Rico wasted even less time just a few minutes, in fact before suspending payments on its massive $70 billion debt. Had the president waited even one more day, the island territory would have had to pay a $1.9 billion debt payment, throwing its economy into further disarray. The new bill will set up a controversial federal-oversight committee, which will help Puerto Rico restructure its obligations and effectively take control of the islands finances, an outcome that Puerto Ricans have accepted with understandably mixed feelings. [Reuters] Donald Trump Returns to His Roots: Firing People In case the full day of incoherent speeches didnt tip you off that Donald Trump wasnt ready to become the more-presidential candidate that his party keeps begging him to be, he topped everything off by firing his new digital strategist Vincent Harris, the one he hired just a few days ago and who was supposed to represent a new, more professional era for the Trump campaign. Apparently Harris was fired for leaking his own hiring. The brief era of the mysteriously well-punctuated Trump tweet is over. [Politico] THE STREET, THE VALLEY Jury Orders Oracle to Pay HP $3 Billion A jury in California has found that tech giant Oracle must pay Hewlett-Packard $3 billion in damages after the company stopped making software for Intels Itanium processor, though it apparently promised HP that it would continue to do so. Oracle is appealing. [Reuters] Sweet Nothings: Mondelezs Hershey Acquisition Not to Be Hershey, Americas most nostalgic chocolate company, has rebuffed a major offer from the Illinois-based global chocolate company Mondelez to acquire the company for $23 billion. Hershey claims Mondelez undervalued its share price. This all comes down to Mondelez wanting to take over the distribution and production of Cadbury brand chocolates in the United States, which were surprised is even that lucrative a market because everyone knows only British people actually like Cadbury. [Reuters] Well, It Could Have Been Worse After an embarrassing social-media campaign asking people to name their favorite N word yes, this really did happen, and, yes, it turned out exactly how youd expect Google finally has decided on a name for its new Android mobile-software system: Nougat. The name is Nougat. [CNet] So Tidal Was Just About Money Two pioneers in bizarre, self-serious advertisement may become one, as it is being reported that Jay-Zs Tidal music-streaming service is in talks with Apple over a potential sale. Tidal was launched as a service owned by artists, and designed for artists at a time when it was perceived that streaming services were unfair to musicians. Tidal has found recent success with exclusives from artists like Beyonce and Kanye West. [WSJ] MEDIA BUBBLE Adnan Syed Retrial a Victory for Podcasts Adnan Syed, the subject of the investigative podcast and cultural phenomenon Serial, has been granted a new trial according to the Baltimore Sun. Syed has been serving a life sentence since 2000 for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee. When Sarah Koenigs podcast took on the case, it brought public attention to the many discrepancies in the original investigation and, especially, in Syeds trial. Syed was awarded a new trial based on the failings of his lawyer Cristina Gutierrez, a name that will be familiar and potentially anger-inducing to fans of the podcast. Unexpected Mass Layoffs Hit IBT Media In an unexpected move yesterday, IBT laid off more than half of its staff, letting go 32 people and shutting down its international business, media, technology, and media and culture news desks, as well as its copy desk and even its graphics team. Laid-off employees who cant find new jobs in two weeks will be paid out one weeks salary for every year they worked at the company. For most that will amount to less than four weeks pay. Grim. [Politico] Gay Talese Learns That You Really Cant Trust Creepy Sex Criminals Gay Talese will not promote his new book about a motel owner who spied on his guests having sex over decades. An excerpt of the book in The New Yorker earlier in the year caused quite a stir, and apparently Steven Spielberg, who already secured the film rights, thought the whole thing would make a great movie dont ask us, were not the genius. But now, after revelations that the creepy sex criminal at the center of the book might have been less than honest, Talese is disavowing it and wont promote it saying its credibility is down the toilet. PHOTO OP These Two! We really hope they keep going on adventures together after this year is over. Stretch it out and get readythe fundraising deadline is tonight. https://t.co/Ke22u7JHCa pic.twitter.com/rwNuTtdgKA Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 30, 2016 MORNING MEME This Is When Wed Put Our Grandfather in a Home And the nurse is stealing from me! Trump Points Out Plane, Says Its Mexico Getting Ready To Attack https://t.co/D58RptBQbe https://t.co/0R0AwXJPGL BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) July 1, 2016 OTHER LOCAL NEWS Cheese Bandit Strikes Again, Illegal Fondue Parties the Only Explanation Another massive cheese heist has taken place in, you guessed it, Wisconsin. This time burglars, perhaps super-intelligent mice or Frenchmen, made off with a semitrailer full of 20,000 pounds of cheese in Oak Creek. That much cheese could get up to $46,000 on the street. Police are on the case, but this sentence from a local news report does not inspire much hope: Oak Creek police are actively looking for the white semi trailer with no specific markings on it. God speed, everyone. [Fox] Maine Police Really Get Our Sense of Humor Police in Westbrook, Maine, had to turn to Facebook to assure residents that they were not joking when they warned of a large beaver-eating snake on the loose. There is in fact a large snake on the loose, and it did really eat a beaver. Also it is ten feet long and can swim. Whos laughing now, Westbrook? [UPI] HAPPENING TODAY Prepaid iPhones Now a Thing The rollout of iPhones on T-Mobiles prepaid MetroPCS plan begins today. As of now, the prepaid iPhones are only available in Florida, but they are expected to be made available in other states soon. [9to5 Mac] A Great Day for Lovers of Laws, Rules, and Regulations New laws come into effect today in many states. In Virginia, that means that more out-of-state concealed-handgun permit holders can carry their guns, but those with permanent protective orders cannot; in Indiana, established customers at local pharmacies can now buy pseudoephedrine over the counter; and in Florida, absentee ballots are now called vote-by-mail ballots. Some real revolutionary stuff, guys. No longer on the runs, though. The alleged author of a disturbing criminal spree is now in police custody, after cops arrested a man in Brooklyn Friday morning tied to two poop attacks on the Upper East Side. (Yes, poop attacks.) The reign of terror was brief but stomach-turning: It began Monday afternoon, when the man threw feces at a 33-year-old womans head and body while she was walking on East 91st Street and Park Avenue. The suspect ran, and the woman was, at least physically, unhurt. Then: A few hours later, the man came up behind another 27-year-old female making her way down East 74th Street and First Avenue. Surveillance video shows the suspect tailing her. He quickly reaches out and grabs her waistband and shoves a bag of poop down her shorts. The victim struggles with him, and he pushes her aggressively away. The suspect jogs off, but not before he removes his latex surgical gloves and throws them to the side. The woman apparently fled to a parking garage. She couldnt speak, an attendant at the garage told the Daily News. She was shaking. She couldnt even call 911. She tried twice. The identity of the suspect, whos in his 40s, hasnt been released. Hell be arraigned for his (number) two crimes later Friday. Photo: Michael Balsamo/AP Just in time for the Fourth of July holiday: Fake Buddhist monks are back. New Yorks new squeegee men of 2015 are apparently not only still hanging around but actually having a bit of a resurgence in the citys tourist meccas, including Times Square and especially around the High Line. In case youre unfamiliar, heres how the racket works: People dressed in the garb of a Buddhist monk approach people (tourists) and try to hand them a medallion with a peace message, or a beaded bracelet in exchange for a donation, usually for a made-up temple. If the monks dont get the cash, they start following and pestering people relentlessly. It also turns out that this is a global scheme, and the fake monks have been spotted in a bunch of other cities, including San Francisco, and in countries such as Hong Kong, Australia, and Nepal. Theyre all reportedly using the same gold medallions that advertise lifetime peace. How to Get Rid of the High Line "Monk" Infestation https://t.co/e9n10xKSE4 pic.twitter.com/gncbf18I3c Viewing NYC (@viewingnyc) June 25, 2016 Signs, like the one above, warning against the monk scam are up around the High Line, and administrators of the elevator park told CBS 2 earlier this month theyre also looking for a legal recourse to evict the fake monks. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images For the first time in its long debt crisis, Puerto Rico will default on debts guaranteed by its constitution. On Friday, $1.9 billion worth of debt payments were due, including $780 million in constitutionally guaranteed, general-obligation bonds. The islands governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, issued an executive order suspending debt payments, as funds for the territorys basic services had reached dangerously low levels. Under these circumstances, these executive orders protect the limited resources available to the agencies listed in these orders and prevents that these can be seized by creditors, leaving Puerto Ricans without basic services, the governors administration said in a statement obtained by Reuters. The default was long anticipated, and provided much of the impetus for the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, which president Obama signed into law on Thursday. The law does not provide Puerto Rico a bailout, in the sense of allocating federal funds to expunge its debt. However, it provides the island access to a bankruptcy-like debt-restructuring process, while, controversially, placing the territorys finances under the control of a federally appointed board. The legislation also halts litigation against Puerto Rico, which would otherwise have quickly followed Fridays default. That reprieve is critical for an island with little money to spare on protracted court battles. If youre still fuzzy on the basics of the Puerto Rico debt crisis, heres a quick primer. Best friends? Not yet. Photo: Getty Images Will Bernie Sanders ever concede defeat to Hillary Clinton? Will he endorse her and campaign for her, even after their often rancorous primary battle? These are among the big questions on Democrats minds as Clinton looks to unite the party behind her when she accepts the nomination in Philadelphia next month and they remain unanswered, despite murmurs on Thursday that the Vermont senator was finally ready to do so. On Thursday afternoon, NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Rachel Martin tweeted that Vice-President Joe Biden, in an interview that will air this Sunday, had told her: Ive talked to Bernie. Bernie is going to endorse her. This teaser raised hopes that the great show of party unity many Democrats believe is necessary to consign Donald Trump to the dustbin of weird presidential-campaign history was finally imminent. Alas, it may not be so. Appearing on MSNBCs All In With Chris Hayes on Thursday evening, Sanders declined to confirm that he was prepared to endorse Clinton or that he ever would. Asked about Bidens statement, Sanders replied: Look, on that issue, we are trying to work with Secretary Clintons campaign on areas that we can agree on, before reciting a laundry list of those issues, including free public college and universal health care, on which his supporters wanted to reach said agreement. Pressed repeatedly by Hayes, Sanders fell back on his talking points, never giving a yes or no answer to the question of whether he would properly endorse the presumptive Democratic nominee. Im going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump, he insisted, but when Hayes asked if that meant he would actually endorse, stump for, and do the kind of thing thats standard to support Clinton, he again declined to answer straightforwardly, saying only that his campaign was working to ensure that the Democratic platform was the most progressive platform in the partys history. We are working with the Clinton campaign, trying to be able to come forward to my supporters and say: You know what, heres the progress we have made. This latest equivocation comes mere days after Sanders dropped an op-ed in the New York Times in which he echoed many of Trumps criticisms of free trade, claiming (incorrectly) that globalization was a raw deal for working people around the world, not only in the United States, and warning that working-class resentment of the uneven gains from free trade could carry Trump to the White House if the Democratic Establishment didnt start confronting inequality more directly. Sanders was categorical, however, in rejecting Trumps claim that he despised Clinton personally. We have disagreements on issues, he told Hayes, but to say that I hate her is absolutely untrue. Photo: ARO/Getty Images Its probably not surprising that two of the most popular domestic-tourism spots for American travelers last year were California and Florida, states known for among other things their beaches. A beach getaway is a blank canvas of a trip, a destination that can be shaped in wildly different ways: Families get their sandcastle-and-Sno-cone wholesomeness; partygoers get their spring-break rowdiness; surfers and other water-sports adventure-seekers get the thrill of the waves and the open water; those looking to relax get the pleasure of a quiet afternoon with nothing but a book and the ocean breeze. Its a place, in other words, thats easy for pretty much anyone to like. But as Daniela Blei explained in Smithsonian last week, it wasnt always that way: Todays beloved rite of summer was yesterdays nightmare. No wonder Dantes third circle of hell is lined with sand, she wrote: Up until the 18th century, beaches, in the Western cultural imagination, overlapped with death and disaster: The coastal landscape was synonymous with dangerous wilderness; it was where shipwrecks and natural disasters occurred. Where a biblical flood engulfed the world. In classical mythology, the wrath of the ocean is a major theme; the beach a bearer of misfortune. Tears flow on Homers shores while monsters lurk in the surf: Scylla surrounded by her barking dogs and Charybdis swallowing the sea only to spit it out again in a boiling whirlpool The specter of Leviathan or Kraken gave the beach its threatening aura, but so did real hazards that arrived on the shore: pirates and bandits, crusaders and colonizers, the Black Death and smallpox On the beach, terror strikes Robinson Crusoe, the first of many castaways to confront destiny on the sand. That began to change with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the accompanying upper-class fixation on health and hygiene. The European elite viewed workers, whose numbers were multiplying in factories and new industrial towns, as strengthened through labor, Blei wrote, a stark contrast to their own self-diagnosed delicateness. Over time, they began to turn to the sea as a cure, using a dip in the cold ocean water as a sort of medical prescription for hardiness and vigor and then for other things, too. Eventually, a trip to the sea was thought to treat a wide range of conditions, from leprosy to impotence to melancholy. At the same time, ideas about nature itself were changing as Romanticism began to take hold, fear of the ocean was supplemented and transformed by a sort of awestruck appreciation for its power and beauty. Romantic writers and artists at the turn of the 19th century who added emotion and wonder to the act of strolling along the beach or watching the tide turn, she wrote. The coastal landscape, once dangerous and deadly, became a site of transformative experience, where the individual was immersed in nature. The window for that type of immersive natural experience, though, was short-lived. As transportation became more accessible, the beach and the concepts of the beach town and the beach getaway boomed, gaining popularity across Europe and then the U.S. Over the course of the 19th century, historian John Gillis told Blei, The seashore went from being a source of food and where journeys began and ended, to a site of amusement and recreation. Eventually we got to Coney Island and the sport side of the beach: surfing, and so forth. Its been a long journey, in other words, from sea monsters to sunscreen. Seems like a pretty good trade, but still, its strange to think of todays beaches the boardwalks, the brightly colored umbrellas, the sticky, sandy kids and think about the fear, and then the reverence, that they used to command. Photo: WIN Initiative One of the uncomfortable facts of life is that some countries and within the U.S., some states are more violent than others. Figuring out what makes societies and communities more violent is a big-time quest for social scientists, since if you know what leads to killing, youll have a better shot at defusing it. Drawing on a host of studies, a new paper in Behavioral and Brain Sciences lead-authored by Paul A. M. Van Lange of Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam proposes a model for understanding violence with the only somewhat forced-sounding acronym CLASH, short for CLimate, Aggression, and Self-control in Humans. The authors argue that climate in the form of the culture it gives rise to is the primary driver of aggression. Basically, the authors say that living in a place with greater seasonality and lower temperatures prompts people to be more future-oriented and more greatly value self-control, which the researchers call the slow life strategy, as opposed to the fast life strategy associated with hotter, less seasonal places, many of which are clustered around the equator. Climate is one of the broad and ubiquitous variables that is likely to be a powerful cause of culture (how groups organize, the norms they share, and how individuals think and behave), Van Lange wrote to Science of Us in an email. they are less strict about time, they have less use of birth control, they have children earlier and more often Climate shapes planning lots of ways, he says, like in how you hoard for the winter or plan for the next season as individuals, families, and communities. And while winter kills off lots of environmental threats, hotter places have more venomous animals and infectious diseases, adding to their unpredictability. We do acknowledge that various other factors are linked to climate such as prosperity and they are also partially caused by climate, Van Lange said. According to CLASH, violence comes from people assuming that theyre going to have shorter lifespans, less planning for the future, and less self-control. 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, study co-author Brad Bushman said in a statement. The data around violence and climate is serious. A 2013 meta-analysis analyzed 60 studies on the relationship between climate and human conflict, and the authors found that for each standard deviation, the median effect was a 14 percent increase in conflict between groups and a percent increase for individuals. And as Van Lange and his colleagues argue, theres a general trend between proximity to the equator and violence. They cite a 2013 UN global homicide report that finds startling regional differences: There are 26 homicides per 100,000 people in Central America and 18 per 100,000 in Middle Africa, compared with 5 per 100,000 in Europe and Northern America. You find it at the regional level as well: southern Europe (Turkey, Albania, Montenegro) has more murders than Scandinavia, and in the U.S., the South has more crime than the North (with the notable exception of Alaska, where there are outlier levels of rapes and aggravated assaults). Indeed, the authors report, there are even more mafia-related killings in Southern than Northern Italy. (But, you have to note, Africa and Central America are way poorer than North America and Europe, and the inequality another strong correlate to violence within those countries is astounding.) This isnt the first model to attempt to explain the link between temperature and violence. The General Aggression Model argues that warmer temperatures put people into more highly aroused states, which primes impulsive, potentially aggressive behavior. Routine Activity Theory contends that crime goes up with temperature because people are more likely to be out in public spaces, making them more exposed to potential conflict. Van Lange and his colleagues argue that these models are incomplete: the General Aggression Model suffers from evidence indicating that heat-induced hostility isnt really that common (according to CLASH, the climate creates the culture, and the culture creates the predisposition to violence its not people reacting directly to the heat, in other words). The Routine Activity Theory founders, they argue, since so much violence happens between friends and family inside the home, and because people getting together in public places actually increases social cohesion, among other factors. (But, zooming out a little, it does seem that CLASH and Routine Activity Theory are compatible with one another how could people spending more time outside decrease the odds of public violence?) There are lots of limitations to Van Lange and his colleagues paper. For one, its presenting a model in the form of argument, rather than presenting original empirical research (with the logic that such a model will help frame further research). Beyond that, the most obvious thing is theres something quixotic in trying to reduce the complexity of human-on-human violence to a single variable. Its kind of like a radical leftist saying that the violence so present around equatorial states is simply the legacy of imperialism and colonialism, or a neoconservative saying that if we could only get all of these countries to be democracies, then wed arrive at democratic peace. There are so many inputs into violent acts (and violent cultures like the honor culture ethnographers have described in the American South) that attributing violence mostly to a single variable seems like a reach. Also, theres ample evidence that contradicts the temperature shapes culture which shapes violence argument that animates CLASH. Just look at seasonal American cities: murders spike in Chicago and New York in the summer, and a Governing analysis of 384 law-enforcement agencies found that major offenses went up by 10 percent between June and August compared to the rest of the year. Its not like every June Chicagoans suddenly transform to low-trust, fast life strategies and then go back to slow life long-term planning when the temperatures plunge in November. Something more short-term is taking place. Finally, theres the matter of saying that peoples behaviors are a product of their regions, which is awful close to saying that behavior is a product of their ethnic culture. When I asked Van Lange how CLASH avoids that determinism, he replied that he and his co-authors think it is ultimately climate that is an important cause of culture, and therefore social and individual thinking and behavior, noting research that finds that people who move from warm climates to colder climates adapt quickly to their new cultural environments. For example, research has shown that people who immigrate from a low-trust nation such as Turkey to a high-trust nation in Northern Europe will rapidly show greater trust in people in general, he argues. People are in that sense very adaptive and we think that what research has shown for trust will be also be largely true for long-term orientation and self-control. But while research does indeed find that immigrants (and especially their kids) adapt to the social-trust norms of their adopted country, theres a jump in the logic to say that its the climate thats doing the work. People adapt to cultures, but thats not proof that climate shapes violence. Photo: Christopher Bonanos He was, of course, the New York Times man, though virtually every fashionable New Yorker had an attachment to Bill Cunningham, who died last weekend at 87. In 1976, though, he was not yet a staple of the Sunday Times, and New York published an eccentric, delightful set of his photographs. Editta Sherman, his longtime neighbor in the studios atop Carnegie Hall, posed for Cunningham in period dress, each portrait at a time-specific location: Victoriana at the Statue of Liberty (1886), full flapper fringe at the Chanin Building (1929), puffed sleeves and double cape at a Greek Revival brownstone in Chelsea (1830). And, this being the Bicentennial summer, she even wore full George Washingtoniana outside St. Pauls Chapel, where George himself attended services. Cunningham, incredibly, did not rent costumes or borrow them from archives; this was before the age of obsessive fashion collecting, and he simply bought them all himself, at flea markets and auctions. Once the world caught up with him, part of that collection ended up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo: Christopher Bonanos Photo: Christopher Bonanos . There is footage of him harming himself in custody, but police won`t release it because it`s evidence. Hmm Reply Thread Link i was gonna ask what happened there Reply Parent Thread Link he said it was in retaliation for being beaten up Reply Parent Thread Link Wtf how did he have the strength to do that after allegedly being fucked up? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link it was in a 'blind rage' after he got beaten up Reply Parent Thread Link he got beat up and was left "slumped" by the white car then "In a moment of devastation, anger and blind rage I kicked the wing mirror of the attacker's car until it broke and then ripped it off with my hands. I also scratched the front of the car with the broken wing mirror before returning back to The Abbey for help." Reply Parent Thread Link I think he was on drugs. In his mind he was getting beaten up and defending himself, while everyone is watching him hit this car lol. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Damien Nichols claims to be one of the three men that McSwiggan has accused of attacking him outside the Abbey. He's popped up on social media and in several stories about the incident. Nichols spoke to The Advocate over the phone Wednesday and said, "Hes abusing this 'hate crime law, hes just insane complete madness, he was completely drunk and obliterated, acting a fool, acting crazy." Nichols said he was shocked to hear McSwiggan's version of events. "The next morning I come to find out that he said it was a hate crime and that the person who owned the car bashed him." At the courthouse Wednesday, when asked about Nichols, McSwiggan said, "I don't know that name." On Tuesday, the day McSwiggan posted that hospital bed selfie on Facebook and Instagram, alleging he was the victim of a hate crime, Nichols responded to the post with this comment: "WTF MAN! you were smashing peoples cars, you keyed my friends car! you stole a fucking bottle from the abbey. No one beat you up! you were the one acting crazy! You need to apologize for this, honestly we have gay bashing all over this world, every day. Young men and women are killed, for being gay. Don't cry wolf!" hmmm Edited at 2016-07-01 02:08 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Just because there are no physical markings on my face other than the broken teeth Reply Thread Link mte gagi Reply Parent Thread Link mte. all he'd have to do is post a picture of that and it would clear so much of this up. Reply Parent Thread Link only if a pic was taken pre-jail. for all we know he broke his teeth after when he hit himself with the phone. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I am confused why this wasn't the first picture he posted. Reply Parent Thread Link Why aren't there pics of these alleged broken teeth? Reply Thread Link Because its evidence!11! Reply Parent Thread Link MESS Reply Thread Link Giving the gays a bad name Reply Thread Link honestly this is such a mess i hope he gets a fair sentence and then goes back to Britain, deletes his youtube channel, and lives a peaceful life Reply Thread Link can someone post the facebook screen caps from his "alleged attacker" telling his friend what happened after he left? Reply Thread Link A mess. Reply Thread Link iMess Reply Parent Thread Link Stop posting about this til we find out the details, honestly. Reply Thread Link ...these are the details Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Lol Reply Parent Thread Link all the details* Reply Parent Thread Link lol Reply Parent Thread Link i mean t b h i've looked worse tripping over my dog Reply Thread Link Something smells fishy with this kid Reply Thread Link i don't understand why did he do that Reply Thread Link probably a mixture of drugs, booze, attention seeking, and maybe some underlying mental illness. Reply Parent Thread Link i need that gag reel now Reply Thread Link Same, it better be 5 minutes long (which half of it just revolving around the car scene). Reply Parent Thread Link Mte. I also need that scene that was supposedly deleted of Steve, Bucky, and Sam holding the shield. Reply Parent Thread Link Wait, that was a thing? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link If I don't get Mackie and Seb cracking up after the "No" from the car, I will revolt. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link let's hope it's better than the last couple of gag reels they've done by that I mean where is my footage of seb walking into a fridge? Edited at 2016-07-01 02:53 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link It better be non stop Stan and Mackie shenanigans because we were ROBBED of Seb walking into fridges and falling off cars Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It better be half an hour long. Reply Parent Thread Link Lmao this is being released when I'll be on vacation. Winter Soldier was released when I was vacation also. I bought it at a Wal-Mart in Florida. Reply Thread Link I'm so ready for those extended scenes Reply Thread Link Well, can't wait for the Blu-Ray rip to hit kickass.to then! Except for the Cumberstrange stuff of course, fuck that movie. Reply Thread Link you had me at gag reel Reply Thread Link hopefully those extended scenes will be the character development that was lacking with steve and bucky (sharon, peggy, basically everyone but tony) but even that would be too much to ask for Reply Thread Link ohhh this means i can stream it now with decent quality Reply Thread Link The steelbook is epic too: I hope there's slipcovers from Walmart like with TWS, except I think they'd probably do two with the teams, as opposed to 12 different ones for characters. At least I hope, since I'd want... most of them. The 3D cover is the best, thank god:The steelbook is epic too:I hope there's slipcovers from Walmart like with TWS, except I think they'd probably do two with the teams, as opposed to 12 different ones for characters. At least I hope, since I'd want... most of them. Reply Thread Link yesss I'm gonna try and get the steelbook Reply Parent Thread Link I'm definitely getting both versions above. And that's not including the South Korean Novamedia ones that will be announced, which I'll totally also get. And if they did slipcovers I'd get them as well if I liked them. Gimme them alllll. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I want the steelbook version. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm still waiting for retail exclusives to be announce otherwise I'm definitely getting that steelbook. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Needs less Iron Man and more Captain America. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link oooo i love the steelbook. i have one for catching fire and i love how it looks. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Come to me, steelbook Reply Parent Thread Expand Link That steelbook version is SEXAY~! Why oh why have I only been informed of such blessed version this year? WHY? *sobs* Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Is the bonus feature a version with less Iron Man? Reply Thread Link i hope they include the car scene takes Sebastian talked about with him putting Mackie in a chokehold lol Reply Thread Link omg Reply Parent Thread Link Ha, that would be amazing. Those two are the best. Reply Parent Thread Link fuck yes pls Reply Parent Thread Link gdi I was about to go to bed uggggh I wish strange wasn't taking up disc space. The gag reel and extended/deleted scenes better be great. Reply Thread Link Sleep is for the weak Good stay up Sleep is for the weak Reply Parent Thread Link That's a mesmerizing gif and not only because the location reminds me of Amsterdam central station. Reply Parent Thread Link NO I GOTTA SLEEP NO I GOTTA SLEEP Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i have high hopes for the gag reel. it better not disappoint Reply Parent Thread Link Yes. This pleases me. Reply Thread Link If Sebastian isn't in the gag reel, I will go to Disney myself and demand the damn footage. It was a crime that he wasn't in the CA2 gag reel. You mean to tell me his pants ripped open and he ran into a fridge and tripped up a car and none of that made it? Blasphemy, lol. Reply Thread Link i was so upset those weren't in the cap 2 gag reel Reply Parent Thread Link UGH MTE. I'm forever mad about that, why can't we see the winter soldier being dumb?? Reply Parent Thread Link They had to keep The Winter Soldier's ~cool and mysterious~ aesthetic going. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I always love seeing the super serious characters muck up on gag reels, so him being on TWS one would've been amazing. But I don't remember him getting a single scene in it, which was so disappointing. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yep, heads will ROLL if he isn't in it Reply Parent Thread Link If a Canadian film opens in Canada and no one sees it is it still canadian? Very much so! Here are 10 Canadian classics you probably haven't seen because no one cares about our film industry! Goin' Down the Road directed by Donald Shebib (1970) While the Quebec film industry was always pretty good, Goin' Down the Road is really what launched English language films as being watchable (not that Canadians actually watched it, but y'know). The film is about two guys from Nova Scotia who want to see what's going on in Toronto. After one long road trip they quickly settle in but life in the big city is hard and depressing. It's actually very good and has some of the hallmarks of Canadian cinema like low/no budget, scenes of the cruelty of Canadian winter and a hatred for the harash city life of Toronto. There was a sequel made in 2011 but it looks terrible so I haven't seen it. Mon Oncle Antoine directed by Claude Jutra (1971) Jutra is so revered in Canada that the Quebec Oscars, the Jutras were named after him (more on that later). Mon Oncle Antoine is his most famous movie and it's easy to see why. Taking place over the Christmas season in a small mining town where everyone is poor and bitter it follows the teenage protagonists as he is introduced to both a sexual awakening AND death over the same weekend. What fun! The movie has been tainted by the 2016 accusations that Jutra was a pedophile, but the Quebec film industry did the right thing and decided to rename the Jutra awards (new name still pending) as well as stripping Jutra's name off of several streets and parks that had previously honoured him. Also he's dead so if you watch the movie you won't be financially contributing to him in any way. Dead Ringers by David Cronenberg (1988) Some of you might only know Cronenberg through his more recent less Canadian work but he's been making weird movies since the 70s. While his early films featured stuff like a woman with a penis like stinger coming out of her armpit or a guy developing a vagina-like wound (no I am not making that stuff up), Dead Ringers hit the sweet spot of being commercial but also weird as fuck. It stars Jeremy Irons as a pair of gynecologist twins who are split aprt when one of them finds love with a woman. Aside from Irons it also stars a lot of well-known Canadians like Genevieve Bujold as the woman who upsets the twins' lives and Jacqueline Hennessy, along with her twin Jill, making her film debut as a hooker. The Sweet Hereafter directed by Atom Egoyan (1997) Based on Russell Banks novel of the same name, The Sweet Hereafter is a depressing Canadian tale about how a town gathers together for a class action after a bus full of children crashes leaving only one survivor. It also features one of the most Canadian-y casts ever including teenage Sarah Polley, Bruce Greenwood, Tom McCamus (AKA the guy from Room who played Joan Allen's boyfriend) and Alberta Watson. The film actually did really well internationally winning prizes at Cannes and getting nominated for Academy Awards. It was also sadly the last good film Egoyan made though that hasn't stopped Telefilm from continuing to fund his increasingly abysmal movies. C.R.A.Z.Y. directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (2005) C.R.A.Z.Y. was a huge phenomenon the year it came out. It was so good that Canadians actually saw it! The film follows Zachary, a young gay man growing up in the 60s and 70s his relationship with his father who is reluctant to accept him. It's actually quite touching and sweet although most people only saw it because even though it was a low budget movie it had a pretty great soundtrack that included Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. Martin Scorsese even planned to remake it at one point resetting it in an ultra-Catholic family in Boston. The film stars Michel Cote as the disapproving father, a man otherwise best known for his play Broue, about a bunch of dudes in a bar getting drunk that is so successful it has been playing since 1979 (yes, I have actually seen it, no, it is not that great). Water directed by Deepa Mehta (2005) Water is a film about a child bride in India whose much older husband kicks the bucket condemning her to the miserable secluded life of a widow for the rest of her life. There's also a subplot about Indians striving for independence under British colonial rule. It also co-stars Canadian Lisa Ray as one of the widows. True story: I saw her in Paris once and she is even more beautiful irl than she is in pictures or film. I know what you Americans are thinking: what's so Canadian about a movie set entirely in India? EVERYTHING. If you're a Canadian you know that nothing is as Canadian as our arts industry which is made up of super talented immigrants. And do you think any self-respecting Canadian would actually watch a Canadian movie unless they were tricked into it? The fact that it's entirely set in India is only a plus! Deepa Mehta has made a ton of movies, some of which are set in Canada, but Water is probably her best known film which was also nominated for Best Foreign Language film at the Oscars representing Canada. Not bad, eh? Passchendaele directed by Paul Gross (2008) Canadian actor Paul Gross announced in the early 2000s he was going to make Canada's most expensive movie ever, a WWI epic about the battle of Passchendaele. The movie was budgeted at 20 mil, something Hollywood execs would probably sneeze at but a ridiculous sum for a country with only 30 million inhabitants most of whom are completely indifferent to our home grown film industry (except Quebecers who have their own thing going on). Canadians treated this like the Hollywood knockoff vanity project it was and pretty much avoided it in theatres. Unfortunately for us even the fact that it was an epic flop has not stopped Gross's terrible directing career. Pontypool directed by Bruce MacDonald (2008) Bruce MacDonald is one of the most notorious Canadian filmmakers out there. He currently has 72 directing credits on imdb. When he won a $25, 000 award for one of his films he promised to spend it on buying a huge chunk of hash. He once exchanged a pair of cowboy boots for the rights to a novel he wanted to film. And he's actually a really good filmmaker. Pontypool is the type of movie Canadians do best: lowbudget genuinely creepy horror. Set in one location it's a zombie thriller about a world where people slowly start losing their language. Stories We Tell directed by Sarah Polley (2012) If you grew up in the 80s/90s Sarah Polley was a huge cultural figure. At the tender age of 11 she became Canada's sweetheart when her mom died the same year she landed a starring role in Road to Avonlea, a TV series set in P.E.I. based on one of Anne of Green Gables author L.M. Montgomery's short stories. Her father Michael Polley was a lesser known jobbing actor of English origin who you'd probably recognize if you've ever watched anything Canadian. As young Sarah grew up she famously turned down Hollywood opportunities to slog away in the Canadian film industry then turned her focus on directing and disappeared for a bit. Then out of nowhere she popped up with Stories We Tell, a documentary about how her father Michael Polley wasn't even her biological father. The movie is a sad and sweet look at how she and her family coped with the news but is also interesting for this tiny tidbit: when Canadian gossip journalists found out about the scandal Polley just called them up and asked them nicely not to publish it. They actually complied. Rhymes For Young Ghouls directed by Jeff Barnaby (2013) Okay this one isn't a classic yet, but I really want it to be. A stylish heist thriller it's set in a small Mi'kmaq community on a reservation where a young girl turns to a life of crime as a drug dealer to avoid residential school. For everyone who thinks Canadians are so nice it's a reminder of our ugly not-so-distant colonial past that isn't sentimental or soul-crushing. ExxonMobil and its partner Hess Corp. have announced that the major discovery off the coast of Guyana, is a discovery that is much larger than previously expected. The Liza field could turn out to be the largest oil discovery reported in two years and the companies say that it could cost $18 billion to develop. Exxon describes it as a world-class discovery with a recoverable resource of between 800 million and 1.4 billion oil-equivalent barrels. That could amount to as much as half of the entire volume of oil discovered across the entire industry in 2015. We are excited by the results of a production test of the Liza-2 well, which confirms the presence of high-quality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that we saw in the Liza-1 well completed in 2015, Steve Greenlee, president of Exxon Mobil Exploration Company, said in a statement. We, along with our co-venturers, look forward to continuing a strong partnership with the government of Guyana to further evaluate the commercial potential for this exciting prospect. Related: Double Digit U.S. Rig Count Increase Impacts Oil Prices The Liza 2 well is located 120 miles off the coast of Guyana, and comes after Exxon made an initial discovery last year from its first well drilled in the Liza field. It is getting harder and harder to make large oil finds, Leta Smith, a director at consultancy IHS, told the Houston Chronicle. One of the things that has been troublesome over the past several years is each year we see fewer discovered volumes, since 2012. A lot of the big finds have been gas, rather than oil. The Houston Chronicle notes that there have only been five discoveries of over 500 million barrels or larger in the past four years. This exploration success demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment approach, as well as our technology leadership in ultra, deepwater environments, Exxons Greenlee said. By Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chevron Corp, ExxonMobil Corp, Shell, Phillips 66, Valero Energy Corp. and Tesoro have all received subpoenas from California Attorney General Kamala Harris. The subpoenas are part of an inquiry into why gas prices in the state are higher than those in other states. The California AGs office wants information regarding maintenance shutdowns at refineries as well as pricing, as they may relate to shortages that drive up prices. Chevron and Valero have pledged their cooperation, while Exxon and Phillips 66 have not commented on the subpoenas. Tesoro and Shell had yet to respond as of Thursday. The Western States Petroleum Association said that its members would cooperate as well. Association President Catherine Rehies-Boyd stated that she expected the findings to mirror those of the past: that prices in California are driven by the market. In 2006, the California Energy Commission (CEC) conducted an investigation similar to the one launched by Harris. That investigation did not uncover any evidence that oil companies had manipulated prices. The CEC has had an advisory panel review gas prices in the state over the last few months in order to determine if the state needs to take action to protect consumers. Related: Is Raymond James $80 Oil Realistic? California is located on the coast and is reached by few pipelines. Additionally, in February of last year, an explosion at the ExxonMobil plant in Torrance caused damage to a gasoline producing unit that produced approximately 10 percent of the states gas supply. However, during that time, refineries in California recorded net incomes, while gas prices fell elsewhere in the nation. Critics have also accused the companies of price-fixing. Gordon Schremp, who is a senior fuels analyst for the CEC commented There have been all kinds of major allegations, Ive seen [attorney general investigations] with all kinds of price spikes. I dont know of an incidence where theyve come back and said, yes weve found manipulation in the gasoline market. Lincoln Brown for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: For the second time this year, Chevron has stopped production at its Gorgon liquefied natural gas operation in Australia. The plant had to be evacuated after a gas leak was detected. Chevron will make the necessary repairs to the plant before restarting production next week. The plant is a joint venture with ExxonMobil, Shell, Osaka Gas, Tokyo Gas and Chubu Electric Power. The terminal, which is also owned in part by Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell, will still load cargo during the interim. Matt Howell of Wood Mackenzie Ltd noted: Another short delay is relatively inconsequential for a project that Wood Mackenzie estimates will generate cash flows of nearly $7 billion a year for the partners over many decades, but this latest event does introduce doubts about the facilitys reliability and ability to produce at capacity for that extended period. The operation has had a history of difficulties. In April, immediately after its first shipment of liquefied natural gas, Chevron had to stop operations to address a malfunction in a propane refrigerant circuit. On top of everything else, the company began shipping product to Asia during a severe energy slump. This week, Chevron is repairing the low-pressure flare system and acid-gas removal system. The company anticipates restarting production next week. Related: Oil Outages Come Back Online, Cause Large Downside Risk The Gorgon plant is the largest in the history of Australia and cost $54 billion. It is located off the countrys northern coast. According to the companys website, it is developing the Gorgon and Jansz-Io gas fields. The project will handle 15.6 million-tons-per-year. The first and third cargoes will reportedly go to Chevron, while the second and fourth will go to partners Exxon and Shell, respectively. Chevron executive vice-president of technology and projects, Joseph Geagea had previously stated that the company expected to reach full production within six to eight months after the plant began operations. 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. Last month, in honor of National LGBT Pride Month, we kicked off a weekly series on the hidden LGBT history of Milwaukee. Here is another installment... The 600 North block of Broadway may be sleepy today, but in times past, it was quite the sizzling strip. Marble Hall, one of the city's oldest buildings, most storied whiskey saloons and "the toniest gambling den in town," operated at 625-631 N. Broadway from 1867 to 1947. Founder Fred Snyder was a rugged pioneer: He survived both the Lady Elgin disaster and the Newhall House Fire, and hosted reunions for survivors every year until his death in 1897. In time, the Old Hall became a big-league betting market, setting the odds for the entire city on games, on races, on elections, on everything. Governors, businessmen, judges and councilmen brokered deals at the marble bar for decades. Well-connected owner Alfred Pawinski didnt take Prohibition too seriously until he was fined $40,000 (adjusted 2016 dollars) and sent to jail for a year. While Marble Hall closed temporarily, celebrated bartender "Broadway Pete" set up a not-so-secret speakeasy above 625 N. Broadway that continued until 1933. Liquor returned later that year, but business was never quite the same. "Whiskey that the old patrons would have scorned now passes over the bar," said critics. The gig was up. In 1947, the last incarnation of Marble Hall (631 N. Broadway) was absorbed into the long-running Phillip's Cafeteria next door. "Perfect ladies never gathered there," remembered The Milwaukee Journal. "Marble Hall was exclusively a masculine preserve." And that's exactly the vibe Marvin and Harold Klein were gambling on. On Aug. 5, 1958, Phillip's Cocktail Lounge closed for remodeling. Marble floors and fixtures were covered with red velour; ancient brass fixtures were replaced with soft pink sconces. "(The manager) says he's going to try to build up the night business," said the Milwaukee Sentinel. "Anyone who knows how dead N. Broadway is after 8 o'clock can realize this is a stupendous undertaking." Two weeks later, the Pink Glove opened for business. Decades ahead of its time, it is believed to be one of the first "concept" gay bars in Milwaukee. Rather than just a place where gay men gathered, the Pink Glove deliberately marketed to the gay community. "[Marvin Klein] pointed out that homosexuals were orderly people and usually good spenders," reads an FBI report from the era. "He brought in a gay couple from Chicago to promote the idea of a gay bar ... He denied that the Pink Glove was part of a national operation catering to homosexuals. He did state, however, that pink is a color used as a signal for sex deviates." Wisconsin LGBT History Project contributors remember that white and black men openly mingled at the Pink Glove years before this was socially acceptable elsewhere in Milwaukee. The Pink Glove made an astonishing $15,000 (adjusted 2016 dollars) in its first week. Business was good. There was just one problem: The remodel came at a higher cost than the Kleins expected. FBI reports state that the Kleins received remodel assistance from sponsors of "Italian and Jewish extraction." Based on witness reports, emerging crime boss Frank Balistrieri may have been one of those sponsors. One week after the Pink Glove opened, FBI agents reported that Balistrieri was "sending men into the bar to check the cash register." On Sept. 4, 1958, Marvin Klein and Frank Balistrieri were seen arguing at the Belmont Hotel. Soon after, Milwaukee police began bombarding the bar with raids. Marvin Klein had already been under strict license review due to his association with "amusement machine distributor operations." In October 1957, he rescued his liquor license by promising to "divorce" himself from the 48 jukeboxes he operated in town. Why would the Common Council even care about jukeboxes? At the time, organized crime syndicates operated most jukebox, cigarette and vending machines, and often used these licenses to strong-arm bar takeovers from within. In 1958, businesses could lose their licenses just for allowing homosexuals to congregate. Any evidence of "deviate behavior" something as innocent as two male strangers sitting next to each other at a bar was enough to justify police attention. Anything more physically intimate could result in violence, arrest, shame and life-changing defamation. Within eight weeks, the Pink Glove had gone from an unusually safe space to a definite danger zone. Ultimately, the City of Milwaukee ordered the Pink Glove to close or face further charges. The bar closed forever on Oct. 25, 1958, and Klein relinquished his liquor license to the Common Council on Nov. 11, 1958. "[Marvin Klein] fully expected the police to close the place up in time," said an FBI informant. "He could have avoided this situation if he had paid the right people, but he made no attempt to do so." The FBI noted that Tony's Riviera Cocktail Lounge (401 N. Plankinton) had operated from 1952-1964 as a well-known gay bar without any known police intervention. Freddy Jordan, former owner of the Empire Lounge (716 N. Plankinton Ave.,) took over the operation. In February 1959, a completely remodeled bar and grill opened at 631 N. Broadway. Not even a hint of pink was left behind. Seven known gay bars operated in 1950s Milwaukee. While no trace of the other six LGBTQ landmarks remains, the long-vacant Pink Glove open only for 67 troubled days in 1958 awaits its next adventure at 631 N. Broadway. Explore decades of Milwaukees hidden history at the Wisconsin LGBT History Project website, supported by Milwaukee Pride, Inc. The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OnMilwaukee.com, its advertisers or editorial staff. Now that the school reform effort called the Opportunity Schools Partnership Program has exploded in mid-air like the fireworks at the Big Bang, the question is where do we go from here? The plan, passed by the state legislature in the last budget after being championed by two surburban Republican legislators, Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. Dale Kooyenga, called for Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele to appoint a commissioner to take over struggling MPS schools and run them as he saw fit in order to improve educational outcomes. This plan, which many viewed as the right wing continuing to try and chip away at MPS, didnt have much of a chance of working from the moment it was unveiled. Abele appointed a commissioner, Demond Means, an MPS graduate and the superintendent in the Mequon-Thiensville district. Advisory boards were empaneled, and plans were drawn. Means presented a detailed plan that he said met the requirements of the state law while doing the least harm to MPS. There's an old joke: "Man plans, God laughs." In this case, God was the MPS board and the teachers' union, both of which were unalterably opposed to the plan that came their way. Instead, the board proposed an alternate plan that called for the commissioner to start an early-childhood center. One big problem was that Darling and Kooyenga failed to include money to fund any of these plans. When the dust settled Wednesday, Means had resigned, Abele was resigned and the union was exultant. Several conservative think tanks jumped out excoriating the union and the school board. Now, Abele has 120 days to appoint a new commissioner. The governor and mayor are supposed to give him a list of suggestions, then hell pick someone in the fall, and well start this all over again. If we just go through this whole mess again, the legislature may not be happy when it returns to business in January. Twenty-five years ago, I was a part of what may have been the first serious effort to reform MPS, as a part of the superintendency of Robert Peterkin. For three years, we focused on ways to improve educational outcomes for children. At that time, the battle was between the school board and the union. When Peterkin left, he was prophetic in one of the articles written about his tenure. "We're talking about a school system that essentially hadn't changed in three centuries,'' Peterkin said. "That was part of the paradox of Milwaukee. Internally, people thought we were moving much too quickly. While externally, the governor, the legislature, the mayor and parents who were concerned about the achievement of the youngsters were pressing the administration to go even faster and to be more radical." Not much has changed in those 25 years. The legislature wants to jump into the fray. The school board doesnt want the legislature to do anything except provide more funding for MPS. Abele undoubtedly wishes he could get out of this whole mess. The union doesnt like the legislature, the OSPP or the school board. There are no winners in this thing, so far, but its pretty clear who the losers are. Those children of MPS who are so unsuccessful in the classroom are just going to be stuck where they have been. This was an opportunity, flimsy though it was, to at least try something different. If it didnt work, then it could be ended. But if somebody found something that might actually help something besides more funding it would have been worth it. The OnMilwaukee Summer Festivals Guide is presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Create your summer story by participating in casino wide promotions with the chance to win big. This summer I will own it! Click here for more details. On our way home from seeing Styx at the BMO Harris Pavilion tonight at Summerfest, I asked my husband what he thought of the show. "It was great. They're always great." And I have to say, he's right. Before we got bogged down with kids, my cousins and our respective significant others used to have an annual CousinFest, where we did the Sprecher Brewery Tour, had dinner at Hoffbrau Haus and then headed to an Admirals game. We always picked a game with a band similar to Styx giving a post-game concert. We've seen Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and, of course, Styx (Journey and Kansas are still on the must-see list). All were good concerts, but Styx was my favorite. So when my husband and I saw that Styx was playing at Summerfest, we didn't hesitate to start looking for a babysitter. Of the six current members of Styx, two James "JY" Young and Chuck Panozzo were founding members, with Tommy Shaw joining four years later in 1976. For a band that's been recording albums and performing for almost 45 years, that's an impressive feat. Even the newest member, Ricky Phillips on bass, has been with them for 13 years. Which explains why they consistently put on such a kick-ass show. Since 1999, Panozzo only joins the band when his health permits, as he battles HIV. Fortunately, he was able to join the rest of the band in Milwaukee, though he only played for a handful of songs. Despite heavy rain blowing in through the back and onto the stage, the band came out playing "The Grand Illusion," which immediately got the crowd on their feet and cheering. There's no doubt that they are all talented musicians, but watching them, it quickly becomes apparent that they are just as much performers. Young and Shaw mugged and posed for the cameras the most, but they are all showmen who clearly love being in the spotlight. At times, while pounding out an incredible guitar solo, Shaw would toss his head back, his long blond waves falling down his back (sidebar: I have complete hair envy of Shaw) and a look of elation on his face. I mean, that is some beautiful hair, am I right? For the third song, "Fooling Yourself," Panozzo joined the rest of the band on stage. While he is noticeably slower moving than his bandmates, and only remained on stage for the one song, the respect and camaraderie the men share was apparent. And while he couldn't strut around the stage like the rest of the band, from the grin on his face, it was clear he enjoys the lights and the crowd as much as the rest of them. And as a personal bonus, at the end of the set he tossed his guitar pick into the crowd, and it landed at my feet. Souvenir! So this was pretty awesome. Two especially poignant moments occurred later on when the band played "Space Oddity" in tribute to David Bowie, then later part of "1999" in honor of Prince. As keyboard player and vocalist Lawrence Gowan said while introducing "1999," this year has reminded us just how vulnerable some of the greats are. Perennial favorite "Crystal Ball" had the crowd singing along, but it wasn't until Styx pulled out "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" that everyone got back on their feet. Most stayed that way through "Come Sail Away," during which Panozzo was again able to join them, and the two-song encore. Once the music was over, again showing they have more than four decades as performers able to connect with their fans and bring them back for the next concert, they spread to the edges of the stage, high fiving the audience and tossing guitar picks deeper into the crowd. As we headed back to the car, the downpour thankfully having ended thanks for that Mother Nature my husband and I agreed that we'd made the right choice to get a sitter and spend the night with Styx. As he said, "They were great. They're always great." Set List: "The Grand Illusion" "Too Much Time on My Hands" "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" "Lady" "Light Up" "Man in the Wilderness" "Miss America" "Space Oddity" (David Bowie cover) "Crystal Ball" "Suite Madame Blue" "Lights" "Suite Madame Blue" encore "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" "1999" (Prince cover) "Come Sail Away" Encore: "Rockin' the Paradise" "Renegade" If you haven't been hiding under a partisan rock for the past several years, you're aware that President Barack Obama has given himself the sort-of legalish right to murder anyone anywhere with missiles from drones. He's not the only one who wants that power. Yes, President Obama has claimed to have put restrictions on whom he'll murder, but in no known case has he followed any of his self-imposed non-legal restrictions. Nowhere has someone been arrested instead of killed, while in many known cases people have been killed who could have easily been arrested. In no known case has someone been killed who was an "imminent and continuing threat to the United States," or for that matter just plain imminent or just plain continuing. It's not even clear how someone could be both an imminent and a continuing threat until you study up on how the Obama administration has redefined imminent to mean theoretically imaginable someday. And, of course, in numerous cases civilians have been killed in large numbers and people have been targeted without identifying who they are. Lying dead from U.S. drone strikes are men, women, children, non-Americans, and Americans, not a single one of them charged with a crime or their extradition sought. Who else would like to be able to do this? One answer is most nations on earth. We now read news stories from Syria of people dying from a drone strike, with the reporter unable to determine if the missile came from a U.S., U.K., Russian, or Iranian drone. Just wait. The skies will be filled if the trend is not reversed. Another answer is Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders, but not Jill Stein. Yes, those first three candidates have said they want this power. Another answer, however, should be just as disturbing as those already mentioned. Military commanders around the world want the authority to murder people with drones without bothering to get approval from civilian officials back home. Here's a fun quiz: How many zones has the United States divided the globe into for purposes of complete military domination, and what are their names? Answer: Six. They are Northcom, Southcom, Eucom, Pacom, Centcom, and Africom. (Jack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack were already taken.) In normal English they are: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Western Asia, and Africa. Now here comes the hard question. Which of those zones has a new would-be commander who was just encouraged by a prominent Senator in an open Congressional hearing to acquire the authority to murder people in his zone without getting approval from the U.S. president? Clue #1. It's a zone with the empire's headquarters not even located in the zone, so that this new commander speaks of killing people there as playing "an away game." Clue #2. It's a poor zone that does not manufacture weapons but it saturated with weapons made in the United States plus France, Germany, the U.K., Russia, and China. Clue #3. Many of the people in this zone have skin resembling people who are disproportionately targets of U.S. police department killings. Did you get it right? That's correct: Africom is being encouraged by Senator Lindsay Graham, who a short time back wanted to be president, to blow people up with missiles from flying robots without presidential approval. Now here's where the morality of war can wreak havoc with humanitarian imperialism. If a drone killing is not part of a war, then it looks like murder. And handing out licenses to murder to additional people looks like a worsening of the state of affairs in which just one person claims to hold such a license. But if drone killing is part of a war, and Captain Africom claims to be at war with Somalia, or with a group in Somalia, for example, well then, he wouldn't need special permission to blow up a bunch of people with manned aircraft; so why should he need it when using robotic unmanned bombers? The trouble is that saying the word "war" doesn't have the moral or legal powers often imagined. No current U.S. war is legal under either the U.N. Charter or the Kellogg-Briand Pact. And the intuition that murdering people with a drone is wrong can't be a useful one if murdering people with a piloted plane is right, and vice versa. We actually have to choose. We actually have to set aside the scale of the killing, the type of technology, the role of robots, and all other extraneous factors, and choose whether it's acceptable, moral, legal, smart, or strategic to murder people or not. If that seems too much of a mental strain, here's an easier guide. Just imagine what your response would be if the ruler of Europe Command asked for the authority to murder at will people of his choosing along with anybody too close to them at the time. A Black Agenda Radio commentary by executive editor Glen Ford (Image by Black Agenda Report) Details DMCA "They like the house that slavery and genocide built, and where global capitalism now rules." We can be sure that the British exit from the European Union represents a profound crisis for the global capitalist order. We know this because the Lords of Capital and their political minions and media all over the world are in panic over Brexit. The capitalist order is built on five centuries of European plunder, enslavement, and extermination of the rest of humanity. Blood oozes from every edifice of the European Union -- and yet, the victims, and the descendants of the victims of this horrific and ongoing capitalist carnage, often behave as if they have some kind of stake in keeping the old order intact. Like Malcolm X's house Negroes, their first instinct when they see the master's house on fire, is to put the fire out. If the master gets sick, they start sneezing. And, when the referendum went against Britain staying in the European Union, house Negroes of all colors on both sides of the Atlantic acted like their own worlds were coming to end. On Comedy Central's Daily Show, this week, host Trevor Noah interviewed Cynthia Erivo, who plays Celie in the Broadway production of "The Color Purple." Noah lampooned those Brits that voted to leave the EU as a bunch of Donald Trumps with Cockney accents. He said nothing about the EU's pro-corporate, pro-banker austerity policies -- maybe because there's nothing funny about those policies, or maybe because he works for a rich corporation. Noah drew Ms. Erivo into the Brexit discussion. She was born in London to parents who emigrated from Nigeria. She explained her opposition to Brexit, saying, "If my mom didn't get to the UK, I probably wouldn't be here right now, on that stage on Broadway." "By colonizing Nigeria, the Brits saved her from being born an African." Cynthia Erivo is grateful that her West African parents were allowed into Britain, so that she could be born in London and pursue a successful career. Her parents were permitted to settle in Britain because Nigeria was a British colony, and later became part of the British Commonwealth. It actually had nothing to do with the European Union. By Cynthia Erivo's logic, it was a good thing that Britain invaded, plundered, enslaved, and stole her parent's homeland. By colonizing Nigeria, the Brits saved her from being born an African. The millions who died in the British conquest of Nigeria, and in the Middle Passage to the America's, or on the plantations of Virginia or Jamaica, or in forced labor to the British in Nigeria, or who die today in the oil soaked wasteland of the Niger River Delta -- all of this past and present suffering and human degradation is balanced out by the fact that a daughter of Nigeria gets to star in a Broadway show. This super-exploitation of Africa made Britain and France and Spain and Belgium and the Netherlands and other members of today's European Union rich -- but Cynthia Erivo and Trevor Noah, the South African, come to the defense of the European Union. They like the house that slavery and genocide built, and where global capitalism now rules. They fear anything that might create disorder in the House of Europe, just as their counterparts in Black America fear anything that might disturb the tranquility of the U.S. ruling class and its institutions. The House Negroes are truly international, always ready to put out fires in their masters many houses around the globe. For Black Agenda Radio, I'm Glen Ford. On the web, go to BlackAgendaReport.com. What is it with Austria? Why does it appear so difficult for this small nation in the heart of Europe to once and for all get rid of its Nazi heritage? Although every European country has a far-right party, Alternative for Germany , also known as the Freedom Party was founded by former Nazis and nationalists shortly after World War II, in which former Austrian citizen Adolf Hitler devastated Europe. In 1986, Austria elected Kurt Waldheim , a former United Nations secretary general who had served in the Wehrmacht during World War II as president, while the party's leader, Georg Haider made Europeans uncomfortable until being killed in an accident in 2008. Today, Austria's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Freedom Party's claim of 'irregularities' in the vote count that narrowly gave the presidency to the Green Party candidate. On the surface there is nothing reprehensible about demanding a recount in a very close race. What is disturbing here is that the 'irregularities' recognized by Austria's highest court consisted of either opening mail-in ballots before the official time, or starting the count before all election officials were present, neither of which could materially influence the results. The decision to hold a new election in the fall leaves Austria with a represen-tative troika instead of a regular government, while details of Britain's exit from the EU are being negotiated, and the US closes in on its own election date. The Austrian presidency has traditionally been seen as largely ceremonial. but Norbert Hofer plans to change that, and it's anybody's guess what that means. His strongest plank is virulent opposition to Muslim refugees, while his counterpart in France, Marine Le Pen, prepares to enter the 2017 Presidential race and the US could find itself with Donald Trump as president. (Image by Egberto Willies) Details DMCA President Obama did not mince words as he admonished those who continue to buy into and define Donald Trump's faux populism as populist. It was clear the President was referring to Trump even though he never used his name. "If you would allow me," President Obama said. "I want to say one last thing because it has been a running thread in a bunch of questions. And that is this whole issue of populism. I am not prepared to concede the notion that some of the rhetoric that's been popping up is populist." The President then went on to define and contrast populism and the faux populist. Obama made it clear that he considers himself a populist. The President said that he would be doing more public service when no longer in and went into an entire monologue about caring for people and wanting everyone to get the opportunities afforded to him. Obama wanted to leave no doubt that Trump was no populist. "Somebody else who has never shown any regards for workers -- has never fought on behalf of social justice issues," President Obama said. "Or making sure that poor kids are getting a decent shot at life, or have health care in fact worked against the economic opportunity for workers and ordinary people, they don't suddenly become a populist because they say something controversial in order to win votes. That's not the measure of populism. That is nativism or xenophobia or worse. Or it's just cynicism. I would just advise everybody to be careful of suddenly attributing to whoever pops up at a time of economic anxiety the label of that they are populist. Where have they been? Have they been on the front lines working on behalf of working people? Have they been carrying the laboring oar to open up opportunity for more people?" The President then pointed out that Bernie Sanders was in fact, the populist. He said Bernie has been in the field fighting for the issues. He concluded that he took the prerogative of being a President at the end of his term to rant. Reprinted from Consortium News The memorandum by 51 State Department officials calling for U.S. military intervention in Syria has been treated in news media coverage as a case of "dissent" from existing Syria policy by individual officials involved in Syria policy. But the memo has all the earmarks of an initiative that had the blessing of the most senior officials in the department -- including Secretary of State John Kerry himself -- rather than having been put together by individual officials entirely on their own. And it may mark the beginning of an effort to take advantage of the presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton. The memo called for a "more militarily assertive US role" in the Syrian conflict in the form of "a judicious use of stand-off and air weapons, which would undergird and drive a more focused and hard-nosed US-led diplomatic process." That is precisely the policy option that Secretary of State Kerry has been widely reported to have championed privately for years. As the story in the New York Times, which published the supposedly confidential memo , noted, "[H]igher-level State Department officials are known to share their concerns." The submission of the memo through the State Department's "dissent channel" appears to have been a device to make it appear entirely independent of senior officials in the department. According to the State Department regulation on the "dissent channel," it is to be used only when dissenting views "cannot be communicated in a full and timely manner through regular operating channels or procedures" or "in a manner which protects the author from any penalty, reprisal, or recrimination." But there is no reason to believe that the officials in question had any problem in expressing their views on Obama's Syria policy over the years. The names of the signatories were not included in the document published by the New York Times, but all 51 officials claimed to have been directly involved in the making or implementation of Syria policy, according to the report. That would certainly encompass the vast majority of those who have worked on Syria over the past five years. It is inconceivable that those officials have not participated in innumerable policy discussions on Syria in which their personal views were freely expressed. The Kerry Line The supposed dissenters knew very well, moreover, that Kerry has been advocating essentially the same policy they were articulating for years. Kerry began making the case for sending large-scale, heavy weapons to armed opposition groups and carrying out cruise missile strikes against the Assad regime's air force in 2013. He continued to advocate that military option in meetings with the President, only to be rebuffed, according to the account by The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg published in April. ntion during the U.S. national anthem as the First Lady stands in the background with other officials on Jan. 27, 2015, at the start of Obama's State Visit to Saudi Arabia. (Image by (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)) Details DMCA Obama became so irritated by Kerry's recommendations for cruise missile strikes in Syria that he decreed that only the Secretary of Defense would be permitted to recommend the use of force. Since mid-2013, Kerry has been the leading figure in a political-bureaucratic coalition favoring a more aggressive military and covert action role in Syria. The coalition also includes the CIA's National Clandestine Services and civilian leaders in the Pentagon who are loath to see the United States cooperating with Russia and relying on its military power in Syria. The arguments made by the purported dissenters are in line with some of Kerry's public talking points. Although he has not called for U.S. attacks on Assad's forces explicitly, Kerry has strongly hinted that there is little or no hope for progress in the political talks on Syria without some U.S. leverage on Assad. The memo sounds the same theme: "While the regime maintains the advantage," the authors aver, "an undeterred [Assad] will resist compromises sought by almost all opposition factions and regional actors." Kerry frequently reiterates in public statements that the Islamic State (also known as ISIS or Daesh) cannot be defeated as long as long as Assad remains in power. The memo echoes his argument, asserting: "The prospects for rolling back Daesh's hold on territory are bleak without the Sunni Arabs, who the regime continues to bomb and starve." The Nusra Question The memo presents missile strikes as a way of responding to Assad's "egregious violations of the ceasefire." The idea that Assad is responsible for the breakdown of the ceasefire, which ignores the well-documented fact that many of the groups that Kerry calls the "legitimate opposition" openly sided with al-Nusra Front (Al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate) in deliberately and massively breaking the ceasefire, is also part of the Kerry State Department public posture. Articles Listed By Date List By Popularity Search Title Date Between Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Any 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Any 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Page 1 of 2 First Last Back Next 2 View All (1 comments) SHARE Democrats - Use Labor Day as an Action Day to Highlight Workers Rights The Democrats have not been taking advantage of the one national holiday dedicated to working people. Friday, August 19, 2022The Democrats have not been taking advantage of the one national holiday dedicated to working people. (3 comments) SHARE The New Corporate Dictators - Super-Rich & Super-Immune The dictatorship over consumers is most unprecedented. Whereas the old dictatorial bosses pre-unions had control over worker's lives at the workplace, today's corporate dictators can ply their power 24/7. Wednesday, May 18, 2022The dictatorship over consumers is most unprecedented. Whereas the old dictatorial bosses pre-unions had control over worker's lives at the workplace, today's corporate dictators can ply their power 24/7. (1 comments) SHARE Commercial Defrauding of Uncle Sam - Biggest Booming Business The biggest business in America is stealing and defrauding the federal government, Uncle Sam, and you the taxpayers. In terms of sheer stolen dollars the total amount is greater than the annual sales of Amazon and Walmart. Monday, March 21, 2022The biggest business in America is stealing and defrauding the federal government, Uncle Sam, and you the taxpayers. In terms of sheer stolen dollars the total amount is greater than the annual sales of Amazon and Walmart. (1 comments) SHARE Biden Neglects to Make the Crucial Request to the Citizenry for His Program You know their names, their phone numbers, and their emails. Let them hear from you! Or you can call the Congressional switchboard. Thursday, March 10, 2022You know their names, their phone numbers, and their emails. Let them hear from you! Or you can call the Congressional switchboard. (1 comments) SHARE Congress - Collectively Less Than an Inkblot I'm referring to Congress collectively. There are some good legislators who are honest and knowledgeable but they are nowhere near as assertive and networked as they need to be given the super serious urgencies of our country and the tormented world around it. Tuesday, September 14, 2021I'm referring to Congress collectively. There are some good legislators who are honest and knowledgeable but they are nowhere near as assertive and networked as they need to be given the super serious urgencies of our country and the tormented world around it. (5 comments) SHARE Ralph Nader: Our Leaders Are Doing Nothing to Quash Corporate Crime As the size and severity of the corporate crime wave surges, Congress is asleep at the switch. The mostly captive Capitol Hill Gang has sat on an antiquated federal criminal code, starved the budget of regulatory health, safety, and consumer/labor protection agencies, and let corporate crooks routinely get away with their crimes. Tuesday, August 3, 2021As the size and severity of the corporate crime wave surges, Congress is asleep at the switch. The mostly captive Capitol Hill Gang has sat on an antiquated federal criminal code, starved the budget of regulatory health, safety, and consumer/labor protection agencies, and let corporate crooks routinely get away with their crimes. (2 comments) SHARE Until the people collar the Congress it's the iron collar of the corporate state It's your Congress People! Reclaim it from the corporatists. It's in your hands. Lives, healthcare, livelihoods, your descendants and the planet will be so much better off if you spend a fraction of the time you spend on your hobbies holding your two senators and representatives accountable to the people first. Monday, June 21, 2021It's your Congress People! Reclaim it from the corporatists. It's in your hands. Lives, healthcare, livelihoods, your descendants and the planet will be so much better off if you spend a fraction of the time you spend on your hobbies holding your two senators and representatives accountable to the people first. (1 comments) SHARE Democrats Disarm Themselves Before Trump's Senate Impeachment Trial Will Trump overcome the Democrats on this last clear chance for our Constitution to prevail and for the assault on Congress, its legislators, staff and other employees to be answered with justice? Tuesday, February 9, 2021Will Trump overcome the Democrats on this last clear chance for our Constitution to prevail and for the assault on Congress, its legislators, staff and other employees to be answered with justice? (3 comments) SHARE Go Vote Yourself a Raise, Georgia - You've Long Earned It All political eyes are on Georgia's runoff election on January 5th, 2021. Two Senate seats are up for grabs and will decide whether the evil Trumpster and corporatist Senator Mitch McConnell stays in total control of the U.S. Senate or not. Saturday, December 12, 2020All political eyes are on Georgia's runoff election on January 5th, 2021. Two Senate seats are up for grabs and will decide whether the evil Trumpster and corporatist Senator Mitch McConnell stays in total control of the U.S. Senate or not. (3 comments) SHARE Can the Democratic Party Landslide the Criminal Tyrant Trump? Why can't the Democratic Party landslide the serial corporate criminal and government outlaw Donald Trump? He is a servant of Wall Street and, by his deeds favoring the powerful, a proven "enemy of the people." Sunday, September 6, 2020Why can't the Democratic Party landslide the serial corporate criminal and government outlaw Donald Trump? He is a servant of Wall Street and, by his deeds favoring the powerful, a proven "enemy of the people." (2 comments) SHARE Speaker Nancy Pelosi Writes to Me! I received two fundraising letters from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Elected politicians long ago stopped writing their own appeals for campaign dollars. Monday, August 3, 2020I received two fundraising letters from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Elected politicians long ago stopped writing their own appeals for campaign dollars. (4 comments) SHARE Fed Guarantees Unproductive Debt and Perilous Speculation This authoritarian Central Bank with its own bulging red ink balance sheet is turning its massive injections of "liquidity" into a narcotic for Big Business. Monday, July 27, 2020This authoritarian Central Bank with its own bulging red ink balance sheet is turning its massive injections of "liquidity" into a narcotic for Big Business. (1 comments) SHARE The Enduring Case for Demanding Trump's Resignation It is our obligation as citizens to organize and demand Trump's resignation and focus millions of voters on turning out the Trumpsters and their four-year Dark Age that is wrecking America Monday, July 13, 2020It is our obligation as citizens to organize and demand Trump's resignation and focus millions of voters on turning out the Trumpsters and their four-year Dark Age that is wrecking America (2 comments) SHARE Moving Street Protests from Futility to Utility No matter how many books, articles, documentaries expose this aggregate life under "The New Jim Crow," little changes. Even concerned politicians routinely break their promises to communities of color. Monday, June 15, 2020No matter how many books, articles, documentaries expose this aggregate life under "The New Jim Crow," little changes. Even concerned politicians routinely break their promises to communities of color. (1 comments) SHARE Trump vs. Sanders: A Concise Comparison for Voters (and Why Bernie Wins Hands Down) Consider an election where Bernie is up against Trump. The differences are night and day. Start with the all-important issue of character. Trump lies every day, tweeting misinformation and falsifying what is and what is not going on in our country. Friday, March 6, 2020Consider an election where Bernie is up against Trump. The differences are night and day. Start with the all-important issue of character. Trump lies every day, tweeting misinformation and falsifying what is and what is not going on in our country. (4 comments) SHARE Pelosi's Choice - Enough for Trump's Impeachment but not Going All Out for Removal There is still time for Pelosi to instruct her colleagues to immediately publicize the other ways Trump has shattered our Constitution and warn him that a second round of impeachments could be around the corner. Saturday, January 25, 2020There is still time for Pelosi to instruct her colleagues to immediately publicize the other ways Trump has shattered our Constitution and warn him that a second round of impeachments could be around the corner. (5 comments) SHARE Will Constitutional Outlaw Trump Implode With Lies Before He is Impeached? Trump regularly calls legislators investigating him "sick," "treasonous," "crooked," and "low-IQ." Truthfully these are descriptions of him. Just about every day he is a constitutional outlaw Saturday, September 28, 2019Trump regularly calls legislators investigating him "sick," "treasonous," "crooked," and "low-IQ." Truthfully these are descriptions of him. Just about every day he is a constitutional outlaw SHARE Big Business Lies Taught a Watchful Donald Trump A few times, companies, caught engaging in false advertising, were compelled by the FTC to announce the correction in their forthcoming ads and apologize. Those days are long gone. Saturday, September 14, 2019A few times, companies, caught engaging in false advertising, were compelled by the FTC to announce the correction in their forthcoming ads and apologize. Those days are long gone. (3 comments) SHARE Trump's Effective Intimidation of the Powerful Federal Reserve The Fed entrenches the power of the banks without accountability inside Washington. Trump has been pounding the Fed and threatening to take away Chairman Powell's Chair for months. He is demanding sharp reductions in interest rates. Presidents almost never do this publicly to the Fed. Friday, August 2, 2019The Fed entrenches the power of the banks without accountability inside Washington. Trump has been pounding the Fed and threatening to take away Chairman Powell's Chair for months. He is demanding sharp reductions in interest rates. Presidents almost never do this publicly to the Fed. SHARE Look How the Real Trump is Endangering America Special Counsel Robert Mueller spent almost two years to produce a $25 million report that is a flat tire. Still unreleased in full to the American people. What a farce and distraction this whole exercise turned out to be! Mueller's assigned subject was Trump. So, does this prosecutor demand to interview Trump, to subpoena Trump? No. Does this special investigator conclude with any legal recommendations at all? No. Wednesday, March 27, 2019Special Counsel Robert Mueller spent almost two years to produce a $25 million report that is a flat tire. Still unreleased in full to the American people. What a farce and distraction this whole exercise turned out to be! Mueller's assigned subject was Trump. So, does this prosecutor demand to interview Trump, to subpoena Trump? No. Does this special investigator conclude with any legal recommendations at all? No. Page 1 of 2 First Last Back Next 2 View All Cybercrime bill to give PTA power to block Internet 01 July, 2016 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Are Slot Developers Important for players? Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Ways that Players Used to Take Advantage of Slot Sites ISLAMABAD: The governments new cybercrime bill may finally give the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) power to manage, block or remove content on the Internet, an oversight the authority has worked around for nearly a decade. During a subcommittee meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on Wednesday, senators and stakeholders took up section 34 of the proposed Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB) 2015, which deals with the Power to manage online information etc. Since 2006, PTA has blocked websites containing pornographic and/or blasphemous content, as well as blogs and social media websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. But the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act 1996 under which the PTA was formed and from which it derives its authority does not expressly empower the authority to regulate, manage or block Internet content. The task used to lie with the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Evaluation of Websites, which was disbanded by the PML-N government in March 2015. Now, under section 34, titled Power to manage online information, the PTA is being given the power to manage information and issue directions for removal or blocking of access of any information through any information system. And while the subcommittee did not object to the PTA acquiring these powers, senators and stakeholders insisted the change should come through an amendment to the PTA act rather than the PECB. Despite the insistence of Committee Convenor Senator Osman Saifullah and PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar, officials from the Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT) seemed reluctant to consider this alternative and insisted that there was no harm in empowering the PTA through the new cybercrime law. Earlier, Senator Saifullah had been adamant that the special protections for minors against sexual exploitation or blackmail, enshrined in section 19 of the PECB, be retained. This should not be clubbed with anything else because we cannot afford to lower the bar when it comes to minors. We also want to send a signal...many of us are parents and we are aware [of the sensitivities]. We can task [the ministry] to explicitly include safeguards that apply to all the clauses, that will be satisfactory, he said. However, he was not pleased when MoIT officials told him they had limitations and asked the committee convenor to provide them with the exact phrasing of the clause he wanted to insert. We think this is the best possible formulation, Rizwan Bashir Khan, the MoIT additional secretary quipped, prompting Senator Saifullah to ask whether he should wind up the meeting since the ministry was refusing to do its job. Didnt the same happen when you went to the National Assembly? You went in with what you thought was the best possible draft, but amendments were made by members. Now, were asking you to do the same, the convenor said. The MoIT officials continued reluctance led Senator Mohsin Leghari to observe that they were simply toeing the line that was drawn by the minister, referring to Anusha Rehmans stubbornness at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology held on June 22. At the time, the minister had in so many words said that her ministry wasnt prepared to budge too much from the National Assembly-approved version of the bill. In short, her message to the senators was that while they could introduce all the amendments they wanted, her ministry would have the final word. Her message was Senate ki aisi ki taisi. That is the attitude we were offended by, this is why were being aggressive. Tussi aukhay howo ge tey aisi hor aukhay ho jawaan ge, he quipped, in Punjabi. Sensing that something had to give, the MoIT secretary softened his tone, saying: If you still think this formulation should be changed, please tell is what you would like done. We can put the finishing touches on it later. But by then it was too late. Senator Babar told the convenor that he would come up with alternative language for the relevant clauses himself. Senator Saifullah then chided the MoIT team, saying: Im sorry I must insist on this. This is the task the committee is assigning you. All we want is that you explicitly tie in the defences that are already contained in other statutes, into this law. He then asked both Senator Babar and Ms Sohail to draft alternative versions of section 18. Trying to explain the need for incorporating a defamation clause in the PECB, Ameena Sohail criticised the existing defamation ordinance. How are those laws put into practice? How many culprits have been brought to justice under them, she asked, before concluding that the problem was in our investigation system. If there is a weak law offline and a strong law online, all youre doing is encouraging people to switch mediums, noted Senator Saifullah. Although this was the second subcommittee meeting on the issue, most stakeholders and civil society had not prepared alternative formulations of clauses, as per the convenors instructions a day earlier. Wahajus Siraj of the Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (ISPAK) told the committee that he would provide them after Eid holidays since his legal consultant, Babar Sattar, did not have time to help draft them at the moment. Asad Baig of Media Matters for Democracy (MMfD) was the only one who came prepared with text for a clause that would extend protections to journalists, whistleblowers and others working for the public good. The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured Ghanaians that when the NPP is voted into office in this years elections, the Industrial revolution of Ghana is going to take place, so that we can create jobs for the hundreds of thousands of young men and women in this country. According to Nana Akufo-Addo, unless Ghana industrialises with the goal of adding significant value to her primary products, the country cannot create the necessary numbers of high-paying jobs that will enhance the living standards of the mass of Ghanaians. He stressed that raw material producing economies do not create prosperity for the masses, adding that the only way to the goal of ensuring access to prosperity is value addition activities in a transformed and a diversified modern economy. Nana Akufo-Addo made this known in the evening of Wednesday, June 29, when he addressed a mammoth gathering at Kade, at the commencement of his 5-day tour of the Eastern Region. In the presence of party stalwarts from the Eastern Region, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that a leader who has love for his or her country, and has the vision or foresight of where he wants to take his or her country is the one who can help transform the lot of his people. He, therefore, reiterated his commitment towards the setting up one factory in each of the 216 districts, assuring that, we (in the NPP) are going to do it. It is those who do not believe in the can-do-spirit of the Ghanaian who always try to say it cannot be done. Nana Akufo-Addo cited the example of Cote dIvoire, a country which emerged from civil war some six years ago, which resulted in 100,000 displaced people and 3,000 dead as a result of an election dispute, as evidence of how purposeful leadership can transform a country. Because they have a good leader, Cote dIvoire is now the envy of her peers in West Africa. The number one investment destination in Africa now is Cote dIvoire. It has happened because they have a leader who has a vision and courage to move the country forward, he said. The NPP flagbearer, thus, appealed to Ghanaians to give him the opportunity to do for Ghana what Alassane Ouattara is doing for Cote dIvoire. We have to change Ghana, by building a new Ghana where the young people will have hope in the future of our country. This year, let us use our thumbs to change the fortunes of Ghana. I want the youth of our country to have hope that the poverty that has engulfed Ghana is not what God destined for us. I know if God gives us (the NPP) the opportunity, we will truly make Ghana the Black Star of Africa, he said. He assured the thousands gathered that he will assemble a first class government made up of men and women with experience and wisdom. Entrust Ghana into the hands of men and women who have done things with their lives, and you can be sure that when you put things in their care, they will take good care of it. Massive crowds welcome Akufo-Addo at Asamankese, Akwatia En route to Kade, Nana Akufo-Addo also toured the Lower West Akim and Akwatia constituencies. On his arrival at Asamankese, in the Lower West Akim constituency, business and commercial activity came to a complete standstill as thousands of residents lined the principal streets to catch a glimpse of the NPP flagbearer, amidst ringing chants of yeresesamu. Accompanied by the NPPs parliamentary candidate for the Lower West Akim constituency, Eyiah Kyei Baffuor; and incumbent MP for the constituency, Hon. Gifty Klenam, Nana Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on the newly enstooled Chief of Asamankese, Osabarima Adu Darko II. In Boadua, in the Akwatia constituency, Nana Akufo-Addo was equally met by thousands of residents who defied the heavy downpour in order to welcome the NPP flagbearer into the constituency. Addressing the gathering, Nana Akufo-Addo urged them to vote massively for the NPPs parliamentary candidate, Mercy Adu Gyamfi, as she had shown that she has the welfare and concerns of the people of Akwatia at heart. Source: Akufo-Addos Office 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. Featured Video Photo taken on July 1, 2016 shows residential houses surrounded by floods triggered by rainstorm in Wujiadian Township of Jinzhai County, east China's Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - China's weather authorities on Friday warned of possible geological disasters in the south and west of the country as heavy rain in the region showed little signs of abating. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) and the Ministry of Water Resources warned of high risks of mountain torrents in parts of Anhui, Hunan, Guizhou and Tibet from Friday evening to Saturday evening, suggesting residents take necessary precautions. The NMC on Friday evening renewed its orange alert, the second highest of the four-tier warning system, for storms, forecasting torrential rain in parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan and Guizhou on Friday and Saturday, with precipitation expected to reach up to 180 millimeters in some places. China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Heavy rain caused a landslide in a village in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Friday morning, killing 11, while 12 remain missing, local officials said. Heavy rain across the south has resulted in heavy casualties in June, while a powerful tornado and hailstorm in Yancheng City in China's Jiangsu Province on June 23 left around 100 dead. Common topics frequently come up on the campaign trail, said Democratic congressional candidate Mike Derrick. Topic No. 1 is our North County economy and how do we build it out, he said, in an interview in Glens Falls on Tuesday. National security is another frequent topic voters ask about, he said. Weve got Fort Drum. Weve got all these great veterans across the North Country. They are deeply concerned about the state of the world and the state of our nation, he said. Dysfunction in government is another common topic, he said. Weve got a Supreme Court that was deadlocked multiple times last week because we have, as a Congress, as a nation, failed to consider, failed to follow the (appointment) process that the Constitution calls for. People are frustrated with that, he said. Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County, is running in the 21st Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls. DEAR ABBY: Im concerned about a photo my uncle posted to Facebook. It features my two female cousins, ages 6 and 2, shirtless. I know no harm was intended in posting the photo, as they are both adorable girls. However, I find it inappropriate that the 6-year-old who is going into first grade was shirtless in the photo. Now that it is on the internet, it could be easily seen by a pedophile. How do I express my concern to my uncle about this without coming off like I am trying to parent for him? NIECE IN COLORADO DEAR NIECE: Because you are nervous about approaching your uncle about this, consider discussing your concerns with the childrens mother. If your uncle is a single parent, then mention it to your own parents and, if they agree with you, ask them to mention to your uncle that his semi-nude pictures on the web may endanger his daughters. DEAR ABBY: My neighbor is taking care of her grandchildren. She seems responsible and the courts have allowed her to be their foster mother. Her own children not only steal, but are also physically abusive. The court ordered the mother of the kids (my neighbors daughter) to have no contact with them. Their father is in prison. I am friendly with this neighbor and her grandchildren. I wish I had a way to tell her that her constant shouting and screaming at the kids is unhealthy. Should I just come out and say whats on my mind that yelling at them undermines their self-esteem? KIND NEIGHBOR IN MICHIGAN DEAR KIND NEIGHBOR: Have a chat with your neighbor about it, if you can manage it without coming across as judgmental (i.e., accusing her of undermining their self-esteem). When you do, tell her you know she is carrying a lot of responsibility on her shoulders and she may be yelling because shes stressed. Then offer to watch the grandchildren for her once or twice a month, so she can have some quiet time for herself. DEAR ABBY: Im 28 and have been a licensed practical nurse since 2007. Although Ive been a nurse for nine years, I feel incompetent and like I havent learned much over the years. I pray every day I go to work that no serious situations arise because Im afraid I wont be able to handle them correctly. Many people have suggested I further my education and become an RN, but I dont feel smart enough. What should I do? WARY IN OHIO DEAR WARY: I think you should challenge yourself and take some of those classes to further your education. If you do well in them, continue. If not, you can look for another line of work then. However, before you do anything else, please talk with a licensed mental health professional to get to the reasons for your low self-esteem. GLENS FALLS The story is about one little mouse, but for Devin Goodman, Stuart Little is a big opportunity. The recent University of Rochester graduate is an artistic intern at Adirondack Theatre Festival this summer, so he acts as assistant director for all the shows, fills in wherever something is needed and much to his joy will direct Stuart Little for PB&J Cafe, a new arm of ATF that stages a two-week run of a childrens show to introduce a young audience to theater. The program is in its sophomore year. The project is about empowering kids as they get into theater, he said. The show opens Tuesday and runs through July 21. Admission includes a lunch provided by 190 Grille. Inspired by the interactivity of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Goodman is creating hands-on elements for the show, including guests creating goody bags with props they can then use during the performance. After the show, he will invite the audience to stay to talk with the actors. Its my hope that the kids see this and take some excitement and want to get involved with theater, Goodman said. Stuart Little is about an extraordinary mouse living in an ordinary family, whose life becomes a series of adventures when his best friend disappears. The show is about the power of imagination, and the ability to do anything, no matter what you start out as, Goodman said. That speaks a bit to the interns heart. He started college as a physics major, but somewhere along the way, fell in love with theater. The University of Rochester doesnt have a theater program, but Goodman wasnt deterred. He chased after every opportunity he could to work with guest artists in any theatrical genre. I have a fair amount of experience for someone at this stage, he said. But he knew he needed an internship like the one ATF offers. It gives Goodman the chance to rack up assistant directing and directing credits at a professional level something that would have been difficult to do elsewhere. So while his schedule is packed with responsibilities for the mainstage productions, hes relishing the chance to lead a crew of interns and five actors to put on Stuart Little. He talked excitedly Thursday morning about the costumes, the props and the set. Its a visual treat, he said. Its a wonderful show. Three state legislators from the local area have received failing grades from a gun control advocacy group that ranks New York senators and Assembly members based on their voting records. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence gave a rating of failing to senators Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, and Kathleen Marchione, R-Halfmoon, and Assemblyman Dan Stec, R-Queensbury. All three voted in 2013 against the New York SAFE Act, which the group supported. Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, received a grade of needs improvement. Woerner did not take office until 2015, so did not vote on the SAFE Act. The groups list included how members of the Assembly voted on a 2015 bill known as Nicholass Law, named for 12-year-old Nicholas Naumkin of Saratoga Springs. Naumkin was accidentally killed in December 2010 by a friend while playing with a handgun belonging to the friends father. The gun had been left unlocked in a dresser drawer in the friends house. Stec and Woerner both voted against the bill, which would have made it a Class A misdemeanor to leave a firearm improperly stored. The bill defined proper storage of a firearm as being secured in a locked cabinet or with a trigger lock. The bill also would have made it a Class E felony for the owner if an improperly stored firearm caused injury or death to any individual. The bill passed the Assembly, but died in the Senate. A similar bill was defeated in the Senate Codes Committee in March. Yet another version of the law, called the Childrens Weapons Accident Prevention Act, is in committee in the Senate. Stec said it was legality and practicality that influenced his opposition to the bill. The biggest argument against (the bill) was it was unconstitutional, Stec said. Im not arguing that it did not have a noble intent. According to Stec, the issue that came out during debate was that the bill violated the 2008 Supreme Court ruling of District of Columbia v. Heller, which struck down a law in the District of Columbia requiring the safe storage of firearms within private homes even when the weapon was in the possession of the rightful owner. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, the original sponsor of Nicholass Law, said the bill was different from the District of Columbia law, as it only required a gun to be secured when not in possession of the owner. Stec said the bill would have applied to all gun owners, even those without children, which didnt make sense. Enforcement also would have been difficult, he said. There is a way to promote responsible behavior without having a law for everything, Stec said. Of his failing grade from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Stec said, We are all entitled to our own opinion and conclusions. For someone who is intent on breaking the law, one more law isnt going to stop them, he said. Woerner said the bill went too far. She said most of her constituents who own firearms do store them safely, but the bill outlined a very specific manner in which to do so. Having a law on the books isnt going to make anyone more responsible than they have been previously, Woerner said. Little said there is no way to enforce a law that requires gun owners to secure guns within their own homes. The problem with mandating it is: how do you enforce it? Little said. The emphasis should be on education, she said. Paulin, in defense of Nicholass Law, said it lays out what is expected of responsible gun owners. What Nicholass Law does is it outlines how you should safely store your gun, Paulin said. Paulin admitted enforcing such a law would be difficult, but compared it to the enforcement of seat belt laws. Thats the way the law works, Paulin said. Its an encouragement to do the right thing. Similar laws are in place in New York City, Buffalo, Saratoga Springs and Westchester County. Marchione did not respond to requests for comment. Toward the end of the legislative session, Woerner said she introduced a bill that would allow individuals seeking a pistol permit to handle a pistol under the supervision of an instructor during their licensing course. At present, not all counties allow those seeking a pistol permit to handle a pistol during their permit course. Woerner said this would ensure those being issued permits were able to handle a pistol safely. Woerner said the measure had bipartisan support and the approval of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, but with the Orlando shootings and the end of the legislative session, legislators ran out of time. Should I be re-elected, we will try again next year, Woerner said. Two local state troopers received honors recently during the State Police's annual awards ceremony. Investigator Warren Law, who is assigned to the Queensbury station, was chosen as "investigator of the year" for Troop G, which encompasses 11 counties. Law has been with the State Police for 20 years, 11 of them with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He has been the lead investigator in a number of homicide and serious felony cases in his years at the Queensbury station. Trooper Justin Olsen, who works from the Wilton station, was named "trooper of the year" for Troop G's Zone 2, which covers Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. The two local troopers were among eight State Police personnel honored at the agency's annual ceremony. At first, people driving by Mill Pond in Horicon thought it was nice that a loon was swimming around the pond in recent days. When it was there for more than a week, some started to wonder. It turned out the loon was stuck on the pond, which is too small for it to take off. Loons need a long runway to get airborne. We all thought it was kind of neat until he was there for a week or so. Then we found out the pond is too small for it to take off, said Horicon Supervisor Matt Simpson. A loon rescue group was called in Thursday to try to capture and relocate it, but the volunteers were unable to catch the bird. So as of Friday morning, the loon remained on the pond off Route 8, pending more relocation efforts. Don Lehman Board member leaves After participating in meetings via teleconference for the past several months, SUNY Adirondack Board of Trustees member Mark Bulmer attended last weeks meeting in person. It was bittersweet, however, as it was his last meeting. Bulmer is resigning, because he is moving out of state to take a job at Meridian Property Services in New Jersey. He had been executive vice president for financial services at Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. Bulmer had been on the board since 2003, and was its second most senior member. He was chairman from 2011 to 2015. His fellow trustees gave him a good sendoff with the gift of a rocking chair and a designation as trustee emeritus. Trustee Harry Booth thanked Bulmer for his devotion to the college and for keeping it on the pulse of what is needed. We certainly appreciate all of your efforts. We are sorry to see you go, Booth said. Bulmer said he appreciated all the work the staff and faculty do at the college. You should be damn proud of what you do. Youre special and you make a difference, and this community and anybody who walks through these doors have benefited from it, he said. Michael Goot College gets moving SUNY Adirondack students and staff were on the move this past school year. Sixty people on campus participated in a wellness challenge in which they calculated how many steps they walked and calories they burned. Collectively, they walked about 13.5 million steps nearly 6,800 miles and burned more than 400,000 calories, according to Charissa Sutliff, coordinator of student development. Michael Goot Changing guard The hiring of a new math teacher helped bridge the transition from the Daniel Starr era to the Mark Stratton era at Corinth school district. Stratton took over as superintendent on July 1 from the retiring Starr. At Starrs last board meeting Tuesday, the school board appointed Olivia Williams as a math teacher for grades 7 through 12. Starr pointed out to the board that Williams was a student of Strattons during the time he was principal at Glens Falls High School. Stratton said he came in at the tail end of the interview process, but that the board had made an excellent choice. Youre not going to get a better student and a great girl, great family. If you go with Glens Falls, youre not going to go wrong, he said. Williams said she student-taught at Corinth and is excited to work for the district. Starr thanked the board and staff for their leadership and guidance. Its been a great 10 years, he said. Michael Goot Girls learn civics Five local girls are representing their schools at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State event that wraps up Saturday. A total of 360 young women are attending the 75th annual event held at SUNY Brockport from June 26 to July 2. Students are chosen from their local school districts to learn about the inner workings of state, local and county government, according to a news release. Participating students include Alexandra Samson of Hadley, Brooke Passino of Glens Falls, Samantha Markham of Hudson Falls, Hannah Kenney of Pottersville and Rebecca Daniels of Lake Luzerne. Students held mock legislative sessions in which the girls wrote and debated bills. They also elected officials and heard from guest speakers, who talked about patriotism and the sacrifices of the American military. Michael Goot Student competes Lake George High school freshmen Lynnaya Preuss represented the district at the Future Business Leaders of America speaking competition held in Atlanta June 29 to July 2. More than 8,500 students across the country competed. Preuss placed first in Public Speaking I at the district meeting held in February in Lake George. She advanced to the FBLA State Leadership Conference held in the Rochester Riverside Convention Center April 13 to 15. Twelve of the 14 students who competed placed in the top eight in their respective events. Three qualified for the nationals. In addition to Preuss, freshmen Mattie Williams and Thomas Cole Varney also placed in the top four to qualify but were unable to attend because of prior commitments. Michael Goot Collecting trash Volunteers from Battenkill Conservancy and the Clearwater Chapter of Trout Unlimited were out along the Batten Kill and Route 313 last weekend, but they were not looking for fish. For the second time in two months, the groups were combining on a highway trash cleanup, and for the second time, they collected eight large, orange Department of Transportation garbage bags of trash. A dozen volunteers worked for about an hour to collect trash along the 5-mile stretch of the highway. The next Keep It Clean highway clean up is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 27. Volunteers will meet at the State Line Route 313 rest area. Bill Toscano Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether Read more Alaska is such a funny, interesting place, says Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of The Smell of Other Peoples Houses (Random/Lamb, Feb.), when describing her home state and the setting for her debut novel. Some details [in the book] speak so loudly to Alaskans. People in Alaska ask how it makes sense to those outside. Yet the YA novel, which is structured as a series of stories in which the characters ultimately intersect, has reached far and wide: The best feedback I got was from a kid in a detention center in Bellingham [Wash.], Hitchcock says. One letter read, Youve done a great job, we think you should keep writing, but I have just one problem with your book. Dont you think [the ending] was a bit convenient? In reference to the ending, when two characters serendipitously cross paths, Hitchcock can only laugh. Its actually a little annoying, youre always bumping into everyone here, she says. I get on the plane in Seattle and the flight attendant will say, Didnt you date my brother? So I wrote to [the kid] and said, Youre such a great reader, and I hope youll keep reading. These characters needed each other at that time, and I hope someday that happens for you, too. The Smell of Other Peoples Houses appeared when the author was 51 years old. Previously, she had a long public radio career in her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska, though writing fiction was an unattainable dream. I was producing a show called Independent Native News, and when it lost its funding, I was in a position to switch gears. She got an M.F.A. from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., a low-residency program that allowed her to work on radio stories while writing. Houses was her creative thesis. Hitchcock is a self-described introvert and cites social media as a means of leveling the playing field for authors seeking to break into publishing. By following YA agents on Twitter, she was able to spend time seeking the agent she felt shed fit with best, and eventually queried Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency. [We] really did have the same sensibility on books, the author says. Hitchcock queried Hawn about a novel in verse. Hawn declined the book, but said shed like to see anything else Hitchcock had written, so the author sent her a book of related short stories, which eventually became Houses. Wendy Lamb acquired the book for her Random House imprint based on just the first five chapters, and it was simultaneously acquired in the U.K. by Alice Swan at Faber and Faber. So, in another unusual move for a first-time author, Hitchcock revised her novel with notes from two editors. The book changed significantly during the editorial process, Hitchcock says. It was much darker, it was a murder mystery. And she was encouraged to add an element of hope. I tend to write pretty dark, she says. I think when people ask what makes it a YA book, [the answer is that] it has to come from the first person, not a flashback, and it has to have an element of hope. Hitchcock has tried to stay out of the loop on the books reception following its release. I really think that the book is now out in the world, and it should just be about the readers responses to it, she says. As a journalist, youre never part of the story. I try to keep it that way. Its lovely and wonderful to hear about something in the book that resonated with [readers]. Currently, Hitchcock is at work on another novel, though its not yet under contract. Rather than just have five chapters, I really want to have a finished manuscript next time, she says. Though Ive been traveling so much, its slowing me down. Following the publication of Houses, Hitchcock went on tour throughout Alaska, the American West, and to London, where she was on BBC Radio several times. I felt more in my element, though [I prefer] to be on the other side of the mike, she jokes. This fall she will participate in the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Publication hasnt changed Hitchcocks life too significantly, however. If Im surprised by anything, she says, its at how many people have read my book. This has been necessitated by the spate of microfinance fraud cases that have been recorded in the region over a year or two. All attention was on the Brong-Ahafo Region in 2015 and the early parts of 2016, when customer descended heavily on DKM Microfinance, Jasta Motors, God is Love Fun Club and others for squandering their deposits, running into hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis. READ MORE: According to President John Dramani Mahama and the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, DKM Microfinance alone had squandered about 77 million Ghana Cedis of the their customers deposits. The Bank of Ghana has therefore, set up the new office to keep a keener eye on operations of microfinance companies in the region in order to forestall a recurrence of the situation.Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Kofi Wampah under whose tenure the building was constructed, officially commissioned the ultra-modern edifice on June 30, 2016, under heavy securities as there were fears of irate customers of the listed microfinance companies in the region attacking the ceremony. READ MORE: Volta Star Company gets GHC6 million capital injection In addition, the company claims decline in sales, therefore the need to layoff some workers. Their contracts were terminated on Thursday June 30. In March, the President of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) Terry Darko told journalists in Accra legitimate textile companies in Ghana are struggling to compete with counterfeit and pirated goods circulating in the local market. He said the situation is impacting negatively on employers and is stifling innovation and creativity. READ MORE:EDAIF to support Volta Star Textiles President Mahama while addressing members of the Clergy and the Business Community in the Ashanti Region on Thursday said Often when elections are coming up, the political rhetoric ratchets up and very careless and unfortunate statements are made, like the one made recently that everybody is talking about. ...And when things happen like that and gets a bit hot, it is you the clergy and our traditional leaders who must come and call all the politicians to order. Your role as arbiters means you must be independent and neutral because when the clergy takes sides then we lose the moral authority to arbitrate and so it doesnt matter if its NDC that is ratcheting up intemperate language, you must feel free to point it out to that party.It doesnt matter if it is the NPP, we must call them to order. And it is only when we do that, that we can have the moral authority to be able to arbitrate in this political regime. Ghana is bigger than any politician."And so sometimes when our heads get hot, it is your duty to call us to order and let us remember that Ghana will exist long after all of us are gone. Meanwhile, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has called on the Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong to apologise unreservedly for making abusive language against the chairperson of the Electoral Commission Charlotte Osei. 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! The excited actress took to Instagram yesterday, June 30, 2016 to announce her news to followers and fans. ALSO READ: Chioma Akpotha Actress remembers late mum Sharing photos from the event, she captioned it, "I was all smiles today as the Speaker Of The Lagos State House Of Assembly Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa decorated me as a "Women Arise Anti Gender Based Violence and Violence against Young Person" Ambassador at the Lagos State House of Assembly Alausa Ikeja , Lagos. Thank you sir, it was sure an honor and thank you @drjoeodumakin and the entire team of the "Women Arise for Change Initiative. #Ambassador #LendingMyVoice #StopViolenceAgainstYoungPersons #StopGenderBasedViolence #SayNoToViolence #SpeakUp #StopViolenceAgainstYoungPersons #DontDieInSilence #ZeroTolerance" The actress along with other celebrities had a Walk against Gender Based Violence and Violence Against Young Persons yesterday, June 30, 2016. ALSO READ: Chioma Akpotha Actress opens up on alleged beef with Mercy Johnson Fellow ambassadors, Ali Baba, Kate Henshaw, Foluke Daramola, Dayo Amusa, Saidi Balogun and comedienne Princess were also present to lend their support to the cause. "Our Baby Girl decided to enter the world The Day Before Her Daddy's Birthday !!!! Thank You, Jesus!!!! The feeling is even more amazing than I would have ever guessed!!! #July1stBaby #July2ndDaddy!!! #Miracles #Gratitude #Family #Love.. God's plans are always the best!!!! Thank you, Lord!!!!!!" she shared alongside a photo on Instagram. She also shared a short clip of herself writing, "4 weeks ago, I was filming this. Today, I am exhausted yet hyper. Overwhelmed yet eager!! Sore yet Strong!! I have all these mixed emotions because I thought I knew what I would feel, but I wasn't even close. Hubby and i are so freakishly in awe of this miracle God has granted us! The entire journey, family's support, everything!!! I'm not going to go all pastor on y'all but dang it, I LOVE GOD!! We appreciate Him sooo much. And by His grace, we will do well by our little darling Baby Girl!!! Blabbing over. Bye. #Avizzle #BabyGirl #JesusRocks #GodGives #BabyShower" The event in partnership with AFWN 2016 is set to hold on July 1st 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites promises to be a good time of finger foods and bubbly, games, networking and a proper introduction to the hair care range. The event comes after the 'Textile and Garment Manufacturing Conference' to kick off the fashion week later today from 10am, themed 'Making Nigeria the Fashion Production Hub of Africa' the conference will host fashion entrepreneurs, development finance institutions, and textile industry groups among others. To attend RSVP to info@nelspruitcomms.co.uk or info@africafashionweeknigeria.com Details: Date: July 1st 2016 Time: 6pm- 8pm Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, V.I About Cantu Shea Butter "Cantu Shea Butter is one of the fastest growing haircare brands in the USA. Every day, there are people out there embracing their natural, beautiful, textured hair and owning their unique style. Cantu is here to celebrate these strong, gorgeous women and the glory that their hair embodies, because perfect natural is what Cantu is all about. It was learnt that 27-year-old Anochie was kidnapped through the collusion of some of her friends, who wanted to make money from her family but luck however run out on the gang as a female undergraduate of a university in Lagos who is her friend, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command in Lagos and she is assisting the operatives with useful information in their investigations. Anochie, a graduate of Nursing, rounded off her programme in May, and graduated from the private university in June 2016. She was said to have returned to her off-campus residence at Ilishan, where she was abducted. The case was reported at the Ikenne Police Division and was later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The kidnappers, it was gathered, had contacted the family, demanding the payment of N10 million as ransom and after negotiations, the money was reduced to N5 million. The victims sister, Judith Nze, narrated that efforts by the family to persuade the suspects to take the sum of N300,000, has been futile, as the abductors threatened to kill her sister if the family did not withdraw the case from the police. She has finished her programme in the school and was just waiting for some clearance. I learnt that the place she stays is isolated. She was taken on Sunday and since then we have all lost our peace. I have stopped going to the office because I cant concentrate. Initially, we thought it was a joke until the kidnappers contacted us and demanded N10m as ransom. They later reduced it to N5m. They have refused the N300,000 we offered them, insisting that they would kill her if we dont pay the money. They also said we must withdraw the case from the police as a condition for her release. My mother spoke with her and she did not sound good. We are afraid they might harm her. We are just appealing to them to release her. A police source said investigations has so far shown that the victim was kidnapped based on information from an insider, adding that a female undergraduate of a university in Lagos had been linked with the abduction. It was an organised crime. Based on preliminary investigations, it appeared that her friends conspired against her. It was a set-up. According to a statement by NDLEA's Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, the evangelist was revealed as a South African based Nigerian whose name was given as John Vincent Arinze. On interrogation after his arrest in a Lagos hotel by the men of the NDLEA, Arinze, who hails from Ara village, Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, accepted ownership of the illicit shipment. The statement further revealed that the drugs were concealed in foodstuff and cosmetics such as Garri packs, noodles packs, Knorr and Maggi food seasoning packs, yam powder, Malt drinks, pepper, Milk, Herbal Hair Cream and Golden Morn cereals. Other items in the container are Damatol Hair Cream, bags of Melon, Kegs of palm oil, Beans, Biscuits, Sardine and Cartons of Orijin bitters. "During examination of the containers marked MSKU 388274-1 and MSKU 424717-0; anti-narcotic officials detected 20kg of Methamphetamine and 50kg of Ephedrine inside the first container and 72Kg of Methamphetamine and 23Kg of Ephedrine in the second container. The total weight of the drugs is 165kgs," Ofoyeju revealed. "I am an evangelist living in Durban South Africa. My late wife was into drug trafficking before she died a few years ago. I made a mistake venturing into her business. It is all my fault," he stated. Following the seizure and arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that the seizure has significant influence on the campaign against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In his words, "This is a product of careful planning and meticulous tracking of narcotic drugs movement. The consignments were closely monitored by our undercover agents and intercepted at Apapa Seaport, Lagos following the detection of narcotics by NDLEA sniffer dogs during screening operation. This will definitely have a positive influence on Nigeria's drug control efforts." Continuing, Abdallah said, "I am very happy with the success recorded in this operation. The Agency will remain painstaking and professional in the fight against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse. We hope to unmask the drug syndicate behind this shipment and make more arrests soon." ALSO READ: Pet dog mauls owner to death The police reveals that the mother of the child had thought the two dogs which are shar-pei and pit bull mixes owned by her 30-year-old brother, were chained in the yard and did not pose a threat to the little girl. Sgt. Dan Macias of the Fresno Police Department disclosed to the Fresno Bee, saying: "She left the door open because it was hot and she thought the dogs were tied up." The tragic incident is reported to have taken place on Monday, June 27, 2016 at about 12:30 a.m. The toddler was reportedly rushed to the Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The owner of the dogs, one of which is reported to have always been aggressive, has reportedly surrendered the dogs to the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where they were due to be euthanized. Lawal made the revelation on Thursday while being led in evidence by the prosecution led by Mr Adebayo Haroun. "She dumped the corpse of her biological son in a canal at Mowe in Ogun on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. "After she gave me her statement being a mother also, I immediately swung into action by trying to locate the corpse of the boy. "All efforts to locate Tundes body proved abortive and we charged her to court and thereafter forwarded her case file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice, Lawal said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 36-year-old Odunlade of No 17, Emmanuel St., Maryland, Lagos, is facing a charge of misconduct relating to corpses which is contrary to Section 163 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Lawal, who is the Investigating Officer in the case, said that on Aug. 7, 2014 the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba. "The complainant was one Mrs Wuraola Sunmola, the former mother-in-law to the defendant and we summoned the defendant who volunteered to give a written statement. "The defendant said the deceased had called her to say he was being beaten and maltreated by his father, her ex-husband in Ijebu-ode, Ogun, and wanted to come to Lagos for a holiday. "The defendant then brought the late Tunde to Lagos and kept him with her sister one Yemi Odunlade at Mowe, Lagos for the holiday. Lawal said that while Tunde was at his aunts place he complained of pains in the leg which made his mother go to Ijebu-ode to inform her former mother-in-law and to solicit for financial assistance for medical attention. "Her mother-in-law gave her N3, 000 cash, drugs and some foodstuff for the deceased and she returned to Lagos, Lawal said. Lawal further told the court that a few days after the trip, Oduntan received news from her sister that Tunde had died. "Immediately she heard the news, she made a trip to Ijebu-Ode to inform the complainant about the death of Tunde. "Her mother-in-law upon receiving the bad news got a bus and three men to go to Lagos with the defendant to retrieve Tundes corpse, Lawal added. She said that the trip was terminated half way by the driver and the three men because of heavy traffic. "The driver and the men headed back to Ijebu-Ode leaving the defendant behind and she headed to Mowe, on her own. "She said when she got to her sisters home, she was in a state of confusion and so she along with her sister hired a motorcyclist to convey the corpse from the house. "The motorcyclist conveyed the corpse of the deceased and his mother and on the way, she told the motorcyclist to drop her and the corpse at an undisclosed location where she dumped the body into a canal. "I and my team took the defendant to Mowe to retrieve the body, but our efforts were futile because the defendant claimed she could not remember the exact place where she dumped the body. After Lawal had given her testimony, the prosecutor sought to tender the confessional statement of Oduntan as evidence. The Defence led by Mr K.O Adebisi of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), however, objected to Oduntans statement being tendered as evidence because it was made involuntarily. "She was taken to the police station in handcuffs, threatened and not cautioned by the police as to her right to have a counsel present, Oduntan said. The prosecution, however, maintained that the statement was made voluntarily. Justice Sedotan Ogunsanya agreed with the prosecutions request and ordered that a trial- within-trial should be held on the next date of adjournment. The accused, whose address is unknown, faced a one-count charge of stealing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Innocent Uko, told the court that the accused committed the offence at No. 24, Palace Road, Ijanikin area of Lagos State. Uko said that the accused stole the generator of the complainant, Mr Mufutau Ajadi. "The accused was walking by and saw the generator placed outside a house with no one around there. "He took the generator away but he was apprehended by the neighbour who smelt foul play because he had never seen the accused in the area before," he said. The prosecutor noted that the offence was punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence. Counsel to the accused, Mr Debo Adewale, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the accused in liberal terms, noting that the accused would always attend court hearings. The Magistrate, Mr Abiodun Etti, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a surety, who must provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government. This is the companys way of encouraging consumers to take action in line with the spirit of Ramadan through the ongoing Ramadan campaign for her flagship Lipton Yellow Label tea brand. The Lipton Ramadan campaign is about reaching out to Muslims and encouraging them to #ThinkLessDoMore by taking actual, concrete actions this season without expecting anything in return. The campaign kicked off first week in June with some popular social media celebrities using the hashtag #ThinkLessDoMore on their twitter and Instagram handles and will continue throughout the Ramadan period on television, radio, social media and other communication channels. Speaking about the rationale behind the campaign during one of the mosque activations, the Category Manager Tea and Spreads, Vivian Ihaza explained that the Ramadan period is a very important one for Muslim Lipton consumers across Nigeria. It is not only a time of reflection and prayers but also a time to reach out to someone in need. She added that It is a fundamental human truth that we all have good intentions and thoughts that are related to social goodness but most times, our busy lives get in the way of turning these thoughts into actions. Since the campaign started, the Lipton mobile Lounge has visited Muslim faithfuls in various mosques spread across Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja, Kano and provided refreshments to Muslim faithful at Iftar in the evenings. This week, the Lipton Ramadan Lounge will be open to Muslims at select mosques in Ilorin, Yola and Sokoto with many more cities to be activated before the end of the Ramadan fasting period. There was a lot of excitement and smiles on the faces of the Muslim faithfuls, as they received their refreshments from the Brand Ambassadors and they wished all other brands would emulate them because it is in line with observing Allahs injunction of giving and sharing during Ramadan. As the Lipton Brand Manager, Tayo Adesokan also pointed out, Its not just about Lipton preaching but also taking concrete actions too. This is Liptons way of also Doing in line with the campaign idea. For more information, visit Sani who was 24 at the time he was incarcerated, was accused of stealing a mobile phone valued at N18,000, and was said to have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court sometime in 2006 when the incident happened, before the case was referred to the high court and was remanded in prison custody after he could not meet his bail conditions. Respite came the way of the Ore, Ondo State indigene, when the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD), waded into his case and secured his release after no witness showed up for the case during the period, especially after the matter got to the high court in 2013. An official of the OPD said: Sani was arrested in 2006. However, the matter was filed at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, on March 27, 2013. That means he spent seven years in custody before his case got to the high court. In the three years that the matter was in court, there was no witness. Three suspects were actually arraigned, but the others secured their bail in 2006 when the incident happened. He also didnt have any legal representative. We were just checking on the cases in court when we came across his matter and we decided to stand for him. Even the court was surprised that he had spent 10 years. We asked the court that the matter be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution and the Chief Judge, , struck out the matter. Sani who expressed his shock at his release, said he just got married and that his young wife was pregnant at the time he was incarcerated. Court documents revealed that Sani and two others, Ezekiel Oriyomi and Bashiru Olaide, were arraigned for robbery and according to police record, Sani, and others, on July 7, 2006, dispossessed one Chike, of his mobile phone valued at N18,000, at Oluti bus stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Lagos. But in maintaining his innocence, Sani said that he did not steal the phone. I am a tailor by craft, but when I saw that my earnings were not sufficient to cater to the need of my wife, whom I just married, I decided to start riding a motorcycle to augment my income. While coming from my house at Idi-Iroko, Sango, on July 6, 2006, two men asked me to carry them to Agege. On the way, some officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, started flagging me down. When I stopped, the two men on my motorcycle jumped down and started to run, but they were quickly arrested. I was also taken to the SARS office at Ikeja. I asked them what my crime was and they said I was among the robbers who always snatched peoples bags. I denied and told them my wife was pregnant and I was just looking for my daily bread, but they refused. Sani said he and the two other men were later arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates Court and they were admitted to bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum, adding that while the two other defendants met the bail conditions and were released, he could not meet the conditions and was, therefore, detained. My marriage was barely a year old then. My wife, , was pregnant, and my father, who was aged, lived in Ondo. When I saw that my incarceration was affecting my wife, I told her to stop coming to see me and use the little she had to take care of herself and the pregnancy. Her parents also promised to assist me in taking care of the child. The two other suspects stopped showing up in court while I was being taken to court without trial. There was no witness in the case and going to court became just a routine. I never believed I would be released. I thought it would be the usual routine, until the DPPs lawyer showed up and pleaded for me. Omale told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday that other causes of congenital cataract are metabolic problems, diabetes, trauma and inflammation or drug reactions. "Without early intervention, congenital cataracts cause `lazy eye or amblyopia. "This condition then can lead to other eye problems such as nystagmus, strabismus and inability to fix a gaze upon objects. "Such problems can profoundly impact learning ability, personality and even appearance, ultimately affecting a child's entire life. "For these and many other reasons, make sure your child's eyes are examined regularly and as soon as possible after your baby is born, Omale said. He said congenital cataracts could occur during pregnancy when the mother develops infections such as measles, chicken pox, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, poliomyelitis, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, syphilis and toxoplasmosis. Omale said older babies and children also can be diagnosed with cataracts, known as paediatric cataracts, for similar reasons. He identified trauma associated with events such as a blow to the eye which he said accounted for cause in 40 per cent of cases of cataracts in older children. Omale also identified other types of congenital cataracts to include anterior polar, posterior polar, nuclear and cerulean. "Cataract surgery may need to be performed as soon as possible to ensure that vision is clear enough to allow normal development of your baby's vision system. "Once the cataract is removed, it is absolutely vital that your child's eye be corrected with a surgically implanted lens (intraocular lens), contact lens or eyeglasses. "Without vision correction following cataract surgery, the eye will have poor vision, and normal infant vision development will be impeded, he said. Kinshasa's 12 million people - twice as many as there are doses of yellow fever vaccine anywhere in the world - are largely unprotected against this sometimes deadly but easily preventable illness, which has killed at least 353 in Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbour Angola. And though the mosquito-borne virus has yet to gain momentum in Africa's third largest metropolis, officials in Congo's government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are racing to avoid a repeat of the kind of urban epidemics that decimated Western cities like New York and Philadelphia in centuries past. With three weeks to go before they start a vaccination campaign for 11.6 million people against the hemorrhagic virus in three Congolese provinces, and only 1.3 million doses of the vaccine on their way to Congo, time is not on their side. "The epidemic has become something that can exponentially reinforce itself. It's not that easy to reverse," Doctors Without Borders (MSF) head of operations Bart Janssens said. "The risk is ... (significant) that this could become a big epidemic ... That's what we'd like to avoid at all costs." There are currently just six million doses of vaccine in the world, and the method of making more, using chicken eggs, takes about a year. As an emergency measure, health officials have decided to split the doses into fifths, enabling them to cover more people, although only for a year rather than a lifetime. "Kinshasa has millions of inhabitants. We cannot allow the epidemic to spread there," Congo's health minister Felix Kabange told Reuters by telephone. "We realised that if we gave the full dose, the time needed to manufacture all those vaccines would risk allowing the epidemic to embrace the whole country." SLOW BURN CRISIS Yellow fever was once a big killer in the West, wiping out about a tenth of the population of New York and Philadelphia in the 18th century. Then, 80 years ago, a vaccine was created and the virus was quickly eradicated in the rich world. In Africa it mainly persists in remote rural areas, and not since the 1970s has it threatened a major city. The current outbreak, with 3,464 suspected cases so far, about a third of them in Congo, began in Angola in December. Hitching a ride on popular trade routes from the capital Luanda, it jumped the border into Congo, then to its megacity capital. A small but significant fraction of those who catch the disease die from jaundice, bleeding and multiple organ failure. In Kinshasa, a city whose tin-roofed shanty towns encircle the skyscrapers of its business district, the fear is palpable. "I don't even want to touch people from Angola because that's where it came from," he added, revealing that the government also has work to do explaining how it is transmitted. Unlike the Ebola virus, which has killed 11,300 people in West Africa since 2013, yellow fever initially spreads slowly, as the mosquitoes carrying it don't travel more than 100 metres from where they are born, health officials said. That may give some breathing space for the response. The response in Angola was at first somewhat lumbering, the MSF's Janssens said, but officials raised their game when it reached Congo, mobilising resources and implementing mass vaccinations. Yet the bigger risk with a city, he said, is that the mosquitoes themselves start passing the virus on to their own larvae, enabling them to become a resevoir for the disease. And, as with Ebola, a worry is that aeroplanes can carry the virus to other more distant cities. Asia has never had yellow fever, despite being home to the mosquitoes that spread it. But this year 11 Chinese expatriates working in Angola contracted it and brought it back to China. Erin Staples, epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said there have been "a lot of phone calls in the past two weeks between the WHO and countries in southeast Asia" about how to prevent the disease spreading there. Many have started active screening at airports, she said. Even with dose fracturing and a faster mobilisation, the campaign in Congo is expected to continue well into next year, said Eugene Kabambi, WHO spokesman for Congo. Charged along with Moro are the former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Anastasia Nwobia and a Deputy Director in the ministry Mr F.O Alayabami. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Mr Paul Erokoro(SAN), a member of the defence team, crossed examined the former Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr David Parradang. When Erokoro sought to know if the recruitment was initiated by the minister or permanent secretary, he said "I do not know. Parradang had on June 8, while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Mr Yusuf Aliyu, told the court that he was not aware of the recruitment exercise. Parradang, who was the first prosecution witness, told the court that he was shocked when he saw reports in the media about a recruitment by the Service. ``In September, I was referred to a publication in one of the dailies that NIS was recruiting officers into assistant superintendent, inspectorate and assistant inspectorate cadres. ``I was surprised about the recruitment exercise because as a comptroller-general I was not aware of it, he said. The former NIS boss had also told the court that there was no budget for the said recruitment. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NIS conducted recruitment on March 15, 2014 that led to the death of 15 applicants, while several others were wounded. Fintiri was charged along with Mayim Construction and Properties Limited. Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the Commissions Head of Media and Publicity, made the disclosure in a statement he issued to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja. The statement said that Fintiri, a former Speaker, who served briefly as acting governor, allegedly laundered monies through his Naira and dollar accounts domiciled in one of the new generation banks. It added that he made large cash payment for the purchase of a property in Abuja on Oct. 9, 2014. The statement said that Fintiri indirectly disguise the origin of the aggregate sum of N550, 000,000 (five hundred and fifty million naira) through a loan of twelve months purportedly granted him by the bank. "Fintiri pleaded not guilty, while a plea of not guilty was also entered for Mayim Construction and Properties Limited, pursuant to the provisions of Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. "In view of the pleas by the accused, counsel to EFCC, requested for a date for commencement of trial and that the defendant be remanded in prison custody. "However, counsel to the first and second defendants, informed the court that he had a pending motion dated June 24, 2016 and filed on June 27, 2016 seeking for release of the defendant on bail. It further added that it was a criminal trial and it was fundamental that all processes before the court carried the appropriate parties. China-UK relations will stay strong on despite Britain's decision to leave the European Union, said Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the UK. Liu, who was speaking on Thursday at the Young Icebreakers 8th Annual Dinner, said China respects the choice of the British people, and Britain's choice for its own development path, and hopes that the UK and EU will consult and negotiate and reach an early arrangement that is acceptable to both sides. In particular, he said China's relationship and business exchanges with the UK will stay strong, and the two countries' cooperation to tackle issues of global significance will continue. "Firstly, China values its relations with the UK. This position remains unchanged whether the UK is in the EU or out of the EU; we will take strategic long-term perspective. China and the UK are countries of global influence. A healthy, stable and win-win partnerships between China and the UK serves not just the fundamental interests of our two peoples but also peace and prosperity of the world," Liu said. "We hope that regardless of any British domestic political changes, a positive relationship with China will remain the consensus for both the UK government and also the opposition political party." Secondly, China is committed to business cooperation with the UK, and this position remains unchanged, said Liu. "Given the immediate market fluctuations and uncertainties, Chinese businesses will inevitably need to be more prudent and stay cool-headed. But in the long run there is no way our bilateral collaboration should be allowed to go down. We are respectively the world's second and fifth largest economies, that means we have much to offer to each other and there is huge potential for cooperation," said Liu. Liu said that as testimony to this booming business relationship, in June two direct flights between China and the UK have just been launched. The first is between Beijing and Manchester, operated by Hainan Airlines, and the second is between Tianjin, Chongqing and London, with Tianjin Airlines. "These business moves sent a clear message that Chinese businesses have confidence in the British market. China is taking a long term perspective. I'm confident Britain will do all it can to strengthen its economic understanding to attract foreign investors and to keep business open to Chinese investors," Liu said. Thirdly, China continues to attach importance to its cooperation with Britain on global issues and this position remains unchanged, Liu said. China and the UK are now engaged in comprehensive global strategic partnerships for the 21st Century based on the two countries' international responsibilities and commitments. China will host the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, where it will work with other G20 members to boost global growth and improve global economic governance, and China will also look forward to Britain's contribution to the summit, Liu said. "It is also our hope that China and the UK will reinforce our cooperation on serious global issues including sustainable development, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, anti-microbial resistance, etc. China and the UK working together have a great deal to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the world, and sustainable deployment of the world." Liu also said that China and the UK's cooperation so far this year is very strong, demonstrated through government exchanges, business cooperation and cultural exchanges. Examples of flagship collaborations this year he mentioned include the Chinese Ministry of Finance's issuance of the first sovereign renminbi bond in London, and a cultural project to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the deaths of the great Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu and Britain's William Shakespeare. "I hope China-UK relations will sail steadily forward in the right direction, and China and the UK will continue to ride new charters for the golden era of our two countries. In this way we will bring benefits to the peoples of both countries and beyond," Liu said. To contact the reporter: cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com The president gave the reassurance at a breaking of Ramadan fast with members of the Diplomatic Corps in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He stated that the nation security agencies had been provided with all necessary equipment to make their job much easier in further decimating the terror group. "I assure you we will remain firm in our determination to completely eliminate the terrorist group and shall continue to count on the support of the international community as clearly demonstrated during the recently held Regional Security Summit. "We are not letting off our efforts to secure the release of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls "We are living daily with the pains of the forcible abduction of these schoolgirls, he said. According to the president, his administration, in collaboration with international partners, is mobilizing all available national resources to address the challenges of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He said efforts had reached advanced stage to relocate the IDPs back to their respective towns and villages in the North Eastern states of the federation. "The government has taken measures to make sure that the IDPs are settled in their communities within the shortest possible time. The president also revealed that his administration was addressing the problems of the Niger Delta region occasioned by the activities of the militants in the areas. He, therefore, assured that the destructive activities of the militants would not deter his administration from engaging with interest groups in finding solutions to the challenges facing the areas. On the ongoing crusade against corruption, President Buhari acknowledged that his administration had received tremendous cooperation from Nigerias development partners in the recovery of looted fund. He, however, called on them to ensure speedy repatriation of the affected fund to Nigeria to assist the country in achieving its desired developmental goals. Speaking on behalf of members of the Diplomatic community in Nigeria, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Cameroon's High Commissioner in Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, commended the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling the problem of Boko Haram insurgency in the country and beyond. Nigeria, an OPEC member which was until recently Africa's biggest oil producer, relies on crude sales for around 70 percent of national income. Most of its oil comes from the impoverished swampland Delta region. "When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people," Buhari told a delegation of community leaders at his residence in the capital, Abuja, adding that he wanted "as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta". "We intend to rebuild this country," said Buhari. "A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient." Comments made to the group during the meeting, which lasted around an hour, were detailed in an emailed statement issued by the presidency titled "We'll rebuild the Niger Delta". Earlier this month it was announced that the government's military campaign in the Delta would be scaled down, after having been built up a few weeks earlier, to pursue talks with militants. Last week petroleum ministry sources said a month-long truce had been agreed with militants but the Niger Delta Avengers, who have claimed responsibility for most attacks, later said they did not "remember" agreeing to a ceasefire. However, the Avengers have not carried out an attack since June 16. Following Thursday's meeting, Buhari's spokesman Femi Adesina said an amnesty agreed in 2009 to end a previous insurgency was "being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled". If there were any outstanding issues, these would be addressed, he said. The President made the call at the graduation of Senior Course 38 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Kaduna. ``You must therefore carry along these values and virtues wherever you find yourself. The President, represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the course had been structured to prepare participants for command and staff responsibilities in full scale war and other military operations. ``Some of you might find yourselves operating with your colleagues from sister African countries. ``As you are conferred with Pass Staff Course (PSC), note that you should now be better officers and commanders. ``Your actions particularly during ongoing counter insurgency, is crucial and must be guided by the armed forces procedures or rules of engagement as the case may be. ``I implore you all to guard against all forms of ethnic and religious sentiments in the discharge of your duties; as these could compromise the integrity and virtues of this noble profession. ``We remember that the greatest danger to our democracy and freedom lies in the peril of ethnicism and religious intolerance. ``These evils threaten our very existence as one sovereign and indivisible nation, the President said. Buhari congratulated the commandant and the entire staff of the college for successfully turning out yet another batch of graduands. Nigeria, an OPEC member which was until recently Africa's biggest oil producer, relies on crude sales for around 70 percent of national income. Most of its oil comes from the impoverished swampland Delta region. Militants, whose attacks pushed oil production to 30-year lows in recent weeks, have called for a greater share of the country's oil wealth to be passed on to the region's communities and for authorities to clean up areas blighted by oil spills. "When you get together with other leaders, please pacify the people," Buhari told a delegation of community leaders at his residence in the capital, Abuja, on Thursday, June 30, adding that he wanted "as much intelligence as possible on the situation in the Niger Delta". "We intend to rebuild this country," said Buhari. "A lot of damage has been done, so I want you to tell the people to be patient." Comments made to the group during the meeting, which lasted around an hour, were detailed in an emailed statement issued by the presidency titled "We'll rebuild the Niger Delta". Earlier this month it was announced that the government's military campaign in the Delta would be scaled down, after having been built up a few weeks earlier, to pursue talks with militants. Last week petroleum ministry sources said a month-long truce had been agreed with militants but the Niger Delta Avengers, who have claimed responsibility for most attacks, later said they did not "remember" agreeing to a ceasefire. However, the Avengers have not carried out an attack since June 16. Following Thursday's meeting, Buhari's spokesman Femi Adesina said an amnesty agreed in 2009 to end a previous insurgency was "being studied with a view to determining what had been fulfilled". If there were any outstanding issues, these would be addressed, he said. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, reiterated the commitment after Jumaat prayer as part of the activities to mark the 153rd Nigerian Army Day celebration in Abuja. Buratai also said he was delighted by the ratings of the Nigerian Army as one of the best in the world. ``For us to succeed, we must continue to seek the intervention of God so that our country will continue to be united and give us the strength to continue to do our constitutional responsibility effectively. `` This is very important because of the security challenge the country is facing, especially the activities of the insurgents, Buratai said. The COAS called on religious leaders as well as traditional leaders to educate their followers and subjects that terrorism was not a religious issue. He said terrorism was a misguided doctrine hinged on unfounded Islamic principles. Buratai added that there was every need to also appeal to the conscience of the terrorists which would go a long way to de-radicalising them. This, he said, would enable the society to erase the wrong notion in them that they were fighting a just cause. ``It is a satanic cause and we call on our leaders to really work on their psyche so we can avoid any future occurrence. ``We give glory to God for keeping us alive to see today. We earmarked today as the day for Muslim prayers, as part of the activities to mark the Nigeria Army since its establishment 153 years ago. ``This calls for celebration and sober reflection as well, because of our experience in the past. We fought several wars and battles, he said. The Director of Islamic Affairs, Mogadishu Cantonment, Nigerian Army, Col. Shehu Mustapher, congratulated the army as it celebrated her 153rd anniversary. Mustapher urged all officers and men to continue with the good work they were doing in order to move the country forward. He also urged Muslims to take their time to study the Holy Quran very well and make it their companion for better understanding of the religion. ``Unless we read the Holy Quran and understand the content very well and apply it, there will always be problems of misinterpretation. The lawmakers held a protest to show solidarity for the Ekiti Governor, Ayo Fayose, and also condemn the blocking of his bank account. Fayoses bank account was blocked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, June 20, 2016. A statement signed by the Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun said: We are not surprised about the shameless theatrics of the rubber stamp Ekiti State House of Assembly members because they are behaving true to type as we predicted during their inauguration that nothing good would come out of this assembly because of the character and quality of individuals. It is a disservice to representative government that a group of lawmakers, who are expected to be loyal to their constituents, have jettisoned that cardinal principle of democracy and replaced it with loyalty to an individual whose greed is inflicting untold sufferings on the people of the state. We challenge the lawmakers, who have shamelessly constituted themselves to a nuisance by shifting their plenary to the streets of Ado-Ekiti in protest against the Federal Government, to go to the EFCC office in Abuja to prove their innocence. The EFCC also alleged that Fayoses account was used to siphon funds meant for the purchase of arms. Iwuoha made the disclosure on Thursday in Umuahia while addressing newsmen. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had removed Ikpeazu as governor and ordered INEC to issue Certificate of Return to Ogah. INEC complied with the order and issued Certificate of Return to Ogah on Thursday. Iwuoha told newsmen that the restraining order was issued by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu of an Abia High Court, sitting in Osisioma. "The 3rd respondent, any other judge of the court or any judicial officer are hereby restrained from swearing in the 1st respondent, while the claimant remains in office pending the determination of Motion on Notice," he said. Iwuoha said the court also ordered the INEC not to issue Certificate of Return to Ogah in line with Section 143(1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). In his remarks, Dr Eme Okoro, the Secretary to the State Government, said that a stay of execution order and order of appeal had been filed. Okoro said that both motions were delivered at the appropriate quarters to ensure that due process to becoming a governor was followed. Kanar stated this on Friday in Maiduguri while addressing newsmen. Kanar explained that the gesture was aimed at tackling shortage of accommodation in IDP camps in the state. "The Federal Government has ordered the Presidential Initiative for the North East to construct 500 tents in each satellite IDP camp in Borno. "The initiative will also construct 1,500 tents for camps in Maiduguri,'' he said. Kanar said that the construction work had already started. "They have already finished the construction of tents in Dikwa satellite camp. "They are now in Konduga, they will soon move to Monguno, Damboa, Bama and other places,'' he said. Okowa in a letter to the House appealed for reconsideration of Section 4, Sub-Section 1 of the Delta State Anti-Kidnapping Law, 2016, which made provision for death penalty for anybody convicted of kidnapping. The Right Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of the House are aware that death penalty is globally no longer fashionable as it breaches human right to life and torture, both of which are protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Besides, there is heightened campaign and overwhelming support for the abolition of death penalty globally, Okowa in the letter. Since the world is a global village, Delta State cannot be an exception, hence the passionate call to the House to reconsider the Section under reference and change the death sentence prescribed therein to life imprisonment." Premium Times reports that the chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Sunday Adeleye, said they got a firm commitment from representatives of the government. He also added that there was no other choice but to ask the workers to resume work. Adeleye said We have only suspended the strike and not called it off. During the four weeks strike, angry workers clashed with the Ondo state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and prevented him from entering the Government House. The All Progressives Congress (APC) also slammed Mimiko for travelling to the United Kingdom despite his inability to pay salaries. Workers in Ekiti state also ended their strike after reaching an agreement with the state government. This was made known by Tony Opuiyo in a statement issued on behalf of the DSS on the activities of the secret police in recent time. The arrested member was identified as Chidiebere Onwudiwe, a Mechanical and chemical engineering graduate. Sequel to increasing threat posed to public peace by the activities of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), this Service arrested one , a graduate of Mechanical and chemical engineering and known member of IPOB, on 22 June, 2016," Opuiyo said. Continuing, he said, Onwudiwe and his associates within and outside the country were planning to carry out coordinated attacks against religious bodies/edifices, police-check points and the computer village in Ikeja, Lagos state, with Improvised Explosive devices (IEDS). The suspect was apprehended while making logistics supplies for their nefarious plan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three persons were also arrested for unwholesome practices during the exercise. The bakeries sealed included God's Will, Life is Good, Our Daily Bread and Stone bakeries located on Sapkonba Road in Benin. Speaking on the essence of the inspection/surveillance exercise, the Edo Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr David West, said it was in line with the agency's mandate of safeguarding the health of Nigerians. He said that the exercise was geared towards achieving three objectives of registration of bakeries, good hygiene practice and non-use of prohibited dough ingredients. "We have three teams carrying out this exercise in different locations in Benin today. The DSS recently arrested an associate of wanted ex-militant, Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo and other suspected militants, TheCable reports. ALSO READ: Militants give FG conditions for dialogue It was further reported that following the militants' recent attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta, DSS activities to nab the members yielded results in the arrest of Selky Torughedi and Christian Oluba aka Sensor in June 2016. In a bid to stem the activities of vandals in the Niger Delta, this service effected the arrest of Selky Kile Torughedi, on 17 June, 2016, in Calabar, Cross River state, the statement issued by Tony Opuiyo on behalf of DSS said Continuing, the statement reads, Torughedi is an ex-militant and suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), and was arrested for planning to assassinate one MB Yahaya, a serving military officer. Torughedi, who is a close associate of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), had already conducted surveillance at the residence of Yahaya in Kaduna, preparatory to his plot when he was intercepted. He is also fingered as a sponsor of pipeline vandalism in some states in the south-south region. Suspect is currently assisting the service, with critical leads. Christian Oluba aka Sensor is also a suspected member of the militant group and was arrested while perfecting plans to carry out explosive attacks on critical oil and gas pipelines, including critical storage points, Opuiyo said. For today, July 1, 2016 THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER Confusion in Abia as court stops swearing-in of Ogah Thursdays issuance of a Certificate of Return to Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja has complicated the dispute over the governorship seat of Abia State. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had, on Monday, ordered the removal of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and ordered INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Ogah, who was the first runner-up in the state governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party. Justice Abang had ordered the removal of Ikpeazu after finding him guilty of not presenting relevant tax certificates along with his forms submitted to INEC. READ MORE Bad habits to avoid while using computer The following bad habits that people indulge in while operating the computer can be harmful, both to the computer and their personal security. You may lose years of work, risk the security of your online accounts, or expose sensitive personal information. READ MORE I support Buharis anti-graft war, will return N400m Metuh A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, has said he is in support of the President Muhammadu Buharis anti-corruption war. He stated that he was in search of money to return to the Federal Government the N400m he was paid by the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan for image laundering. Metuh is currently being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly collecting the sum from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.). READ MORE --------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NATION NEWSPAPER Stalemate in Abia There was anxiety yesterday in Abia State after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah a certificate of return as governor-elect. But Governor Okezie Ikpeazu told residents to stay calm and insisted that he remained the governor. The INEC action followed Mondays judgment by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, that following discrepancies in Ikepazus tax papers, he should not have run as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 election. READ MORE AGF to Senate: You cannot summon me The ongoing war of attrition between the Presidency and the Senate got messier on Thursday. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, said the Senate lacks the power to summon him for questioning. The AGF, who was invited by the Senate to appear before its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, said that he is not answerable to the lawmakers. He said that the Senate did not appoint him and therefore lacks the jurisdiction to summon him. READ MORE Oil price drops as Nigerias output rises Oil prices dropped more than three per cent yesterday due to return of Nigerian and Canadian crude output from outages and as traders booked profits at the end of the best quarter in seven years. According to Reuters, the market soared more than 25 per cent in the second quarter, as part of an 85 per cent rebound since hitting 12-year lows early this year, as unplanned production cuts from Canada to Nigeria eased the glut that prompted the worst price rout in a generation. However, production in Nigeria has risen to about 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.6 million, due to repairs and a lack of new major attacks on pipelines in the Delta region, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation said. READ MORE ------------------------------------------------------------- THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER National Assembly adopts confab report for constitution review The House of Representatives has given a tacit endorsement to the 2014 National Conference Report as it adopts the document for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. But yesterday, the Senate was silent on its own plans, though it emerged that the upper chamber had adopted the report of the fourth alteration on the Constitution which former President Goodluck Jonathan did not sign into law before leaving office. Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Adhoc Committee on review of the Constitution and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu yesterday, were futile as he did not pick calls placed to his two lines. READ MORE Court strikes out certificate suit against Buhari The suit challenging the eligibility of President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2015 election on account of his alleged lack of an academic certificate has been struck out by an Abuja High Court following a notice of discontinuance by the plaintiff, Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaiwe. Justice Adeniyi Ademola had reserved yesterday for ruling on an application asking the court to stay execution of a judgment it earlier granted against the defendants. When the matter was called yesterday, NwokochaAhaiwes counsel, Chikordi Okeorji informed the court that the plaintiff had on June 27, filed a notice of discontinuance pursuant to order 50, Rule 2 (1) of the Federal High Court Rules. READ MORE Court halts Ogahs swearing-in as Abia governor Victory dance by Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah who an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Okon Abang on Monday ordered to be issued a Certificate of Return as Abia State governor to replace Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has stopped for now. Despite the Certificate of Return issued to Ogah, Ikpeazu has told people of the state that he remains their governor by virtue of the notice to appeal and motion for stay of the execution of the order he has filed at the Appeal Court. Also, a State High Court sitting at Osisioma Ngwa yesterday pronounced an order of injunction restraining INEC from issuing a Certificate of Return to Ogah while Ikpeazu remains governor of the state. READ MORE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER Abia: One state, 2 govs? Constitutional chaos broke out in Abia State, yesterday, after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, issued a certificate of return to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship claimant, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah. The commission said its action was on the basis of a court ruling, Monday, by an Abuja Federal High Court which removed Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from office as governor of the state, allegedly for failing to fulfil requirements expected of a candidate for the governorship. READ MORE Zenith, FirstBank, GTbank, 7 others make Top 1,000 World Banks ranking Ten Nigerian banks have made the 2016 Top 1000 World Bank ranking by Financial Times. Seven, however, featured in the top 25 Africa Banks going by their shareholders fund position. The banks are Zenith, which tops the Nigeria bank list with $2.837 billion shareholders fund. It was ranked the seventh top bank in Africa and 325th globally. FirstBank ranked the second top bank in Nigeria with a shareholders fund of $2.036 billion, 11th top bank in Africa and occupied the 417th position in the global ranking. READ MORE Forgery: Senate walks out Buharis aide, as AGF again shuns Senate summon The crisis rocking the Senate over alleged forgery of the 2015 Standing Order yesterday took another dimension as the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters walked out the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecution, Okoi Obono- Oblo. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Emmanuel Okeh, the Corps Spokesperson on Friday in Abuja. The commandant general assured Nigerians that in spite of the uncertain security situation in some parts of the country, adequate security would be provided. Muhammadu said adequate preparations had been made to protect critical areas such as places of worship, markets, schools, among other soft targets. He noted that the NSCDC was prepared to protect critical national assets such as telecommunication masts and oil pipelines, among others, in collaboration with other security agencies. He added that ``in our efforts to fight miscreants and criminal-minded individuals who see festive periods as time to perpetuate their nefarious activities, all hands must be on deck in the area of intelligence-gathering. ``There is also the need for citizens to report suspicious behaviours to relevant security authorities for prompt action.'' Pulse recalls that the EFCC operatives on Monday, June 27, arrested the Assembly Speaker, Terkinbi Ikange; his deputy, James Ikefe; the Majority Leader, Benjamin Adanyi; Deputy Majority Leader, Nick Eworo; the Minority Leader, Sule Audu and 10 other lawmakers. They were however released on bail on Wednesday. It was gathered that the anti-graft agency has summoned another seven members of the House, who are expected to appear before its panel of investigators on Friday, July 1. Ortoms, who spoke to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said there would be no sacred cows in the ongoing anti-corruption war. He also vowed to recover N107 billion looted from the state treasury by the Gabriel Suswam administration. Yes it is a good thing, it is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC. From day one I brought up a slogan that if you chop money, money will chop you," he said. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law. If you do wrong, you will go your own way. As far as Im concerned, they are under investigation. Lets see the outcome we would have. As far as Im concerned, my government will not shield anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. From myself as governor and every other lieutenant, we are opened to scrutiny. According to him, an indicted person has agreed to return N355 million to the state government. The justice Kpojume commission came out with a report that N107 billion should be retrieved from 52 persons including the former governor and I am leaving no stones unturned to ensure that we recover this money because we need it for the development of Benue state. Already someone who was indicted has already offered to refund N355 million which we gave the approval in council on Wednesday." The Senate on Thursday, June 30, said its leaders have no reason to resign as they were not mentioned by the petitioners in the case. Lawal in his statement had cautioned the accused leaders of the Senate to stop portraying their arraignment as if the entire Senate is facing trial. But as contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Upper Chamber insists that the forgery charges is an attempt to intimidate the legislature. We disagree with him on this position and we maintain our earlier stand that it is the Senate that is the target of the present attempt to intimidate the legislature to force a leadership change in the Senate," the statement said. Mr. Babachir Lawal should tell us how reasonable it is to conclude that when the President of Nigeria and the Vice President are being jointly tried in a suit whose outcome can remove them from office, it is not the Buhari government that is being targeted? It is also imperative to clearly state that contrary to the claim by the SGF, neither the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, nor Senator Ike Ekweremadu was mentioned by the petitioners, the statements by those interviewed by the police or even the police report." The EFCC had arraigned Fintiri on a five-count charge bothering on money laundering. Fintiri was accused of laundering an aggregate of about 1.9 million between October 2, 2014 and July 2015. The former governor pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was remanded at the Kuje prison Abuja on Thursday, June 30, 2016. Delivering judgement on the matter, the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed granted him bail of 500 million with two sureties. Both sureties must be Nigerian citizens with properties in the federal capital territory, Abuja. The multiple award winning filmmaker was unveiled as the main focus of the initiative which is being driven by Sahara Foundation, the Groups corporate responsibility vehicle. Speaking at the event, The CEO producer noted that he's looking forward to seeing the creativity and brilliance of budding filmmakers in Nigeria. Explaining the process of the project, the group Communications head of Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma revealed that the initiative intends to directly impact on 12million beneficiaries in the next four years. "The initiative will be implemented via a competition that will require young film makers in Nigeria channel their creativity into celebrating entrepreneurship in Nigeria by shooting a 15-minute documentary that captures entrepreneurs at work across the nation," Obioma began. Speaking further, he said, "The theme of the documentary is: My Nigeria, My PlatformNigeria through entrepreneurs eyes. Whilst the documentaries will help shape a positive narrative about Nigeria - one that captures our enterprise and productivity as a people - we also plan to use this platform to create a hub of shared creativity and thinking in the film industry that will promote and sustain growth." In his conclusion, Obioma said, "Multiple award winning and leading filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan is the lead faculty for the project. Kunle will over-see the process of shortlisting entries and grooming the eventual winner for six months." On his part, Anthony Youdeowei, MD Sahara Group said that the initiative seeks to promote a hub of enterprise that connects budding film makers with stakeholders that can help hone their skills to enhance productivity, excellence and sustainability in their careers. ' 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: Saturday - Thursday: 2:25PM, 6:30PM, 8:40PM Friday: 12:10PM, 2:25PM, 6:30PM, 8:40PM Friday - Thursday: 10:30AM, 12:20PM, 5:20PM Sunday: 12:20PM, 5:20PM 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: 8:10PM 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: 10:00am, 1:45pm 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: 9:15PM Friday: 12:25PM, 2:15PM, 2:20PM, 4:30PM Saturday - Thursday: 2:25PM, 2:15PM, 4:30PM 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: Friday - Thursday: 8:45pm Friday - Thursday: 11:50AM, 4:20PM 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: 11:45am 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: 9:20PM Friday - Thursday: 12:00PM, 2:20PM, 4:40PM, 7:00PM, 9:20PM Fri-Thur: 5:00pm 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: 3:35pm Monday - Thursday: 6:25PM, 9:05PM 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: 2:50pm, 7:15pm, 9:15pm Friday - Thursday: 2:20PM, 6:50PM Friday - Thursday: 12:50PM, 3:00PM, 5:10PM, 7:20PM, 9:30PM Fri, Sat & Mon - Wed: 5:00 PM, 7:25 PM, 9:50 PM Sun: 7:25 PM, 9:50 PM Thu: 5:00 PM, 9:50 PM (--VIP SHOWS--) Daily: 3:05 PM, 5:35 PM Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman Synopsis: Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough? Showing: Fri-Thur: 2:35pm, 4:00pm, 6:10pm, 7:00pm[2D] Fri-Thur: 1:45pm, 8:00pm[3D] Friday - Tuesday: 10:30AM, 3:00PM, 7:05PM Wednesday - Thursday: 10:30AM, 3:00PM Friday - Thursday: 12:10PM, 2:30PM, 4:50PM, 7:10PM 9:30PM Daily: 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:15 PM, 9:45 PM (--VIP SHOWS--) Daily: 8:00 PM, 10:30 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: 6:20pm Friday - Tuesday: 12:40PM, 4:35PM Wednesday - Thursday: 12:40PM Friday - Thursday: 1:50PM, 6:40PM, 9:10PM Friday - Thursday: 9:20 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-Thur: 11:25am 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: 8:50pm Friday - Thursday: 2:30PM Friday - Thursday: 4:10PM Fri & Mon - Thu: 1:00 PM, 5:40 PM Sat & Sun: 7:00 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: 12:00PM, 4:10PM Friday - Thursday: 4:15pm, 6:30pm 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: Friday - Thursday: 10:00am Friday - Thursday: 5:00PM 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: Friday - Thursday: 3:15 PM, 7:55 PM Friday - Thursday: 12:45PM, 9:10PM Monday - Thursday: 12:40pm 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: 4:30PM, 9:10PM Daily: 10:25am Friday - Thursday: 11:30AM, 4:20PM 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: 9:20PM Friday - Thursday: 2:20PM, 6:50PM, 8:50PM 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 Fri - Thu: 2:25 PM Starring:Alexander Skarsgard, Rory J. Saper, Christian Stevens Synopsis: Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. Showing: Tuesday and Wednesday: 4:50pm, 7:00pm Wednesday and Thursday: 4:30PM, 6:40PM Wednesday and Thursday: 6:00PM, 8:10PM Thursday: 7:25 PM Starring:Alexander Skarsgard, Rory J. Saper, Christian Stevens Synopsis: Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. Showing: Fri-Thur: 10:20am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 4:15pm[2D] Fri-Thur: 11:50am[3D] Monday - Thursday: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 3:10PM Monday - Thursday: 12:10PM 2:10PM, 6:10PM Fri & Mon - Thu: 10:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:50 PM Sat: 10:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:50 PM, 5:40 PM Sun: 11:30 AM, 1:40 PM, 5:40 PM Starring:Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry Synopsis: After facing Shredder, who has joined forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman and henchmen Bebop and Rocksteady to take over the world, the Turtles must confront an even greater nemesis: the notorious Krang. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:25pm, 1:30pm, 3:40pm, 4:50pm, 6:00pm, 8:10pm Monday - Thursday: 10:40AM, 2:55PM, 5:05PM Sunday: 2:55PM, 5:05PM Monday - Thursday: 12:20PM, 2:30PM, 4:40PM, 6:50PM, 9:00PM Fri & Mon - Thu: 12:00 PM, 2:20 PM, 4:40 PM, 7:00 PM A stay of execution would have stopped INEC from issuing a certificate of return to Uche Ogahas the new Abia Governor. INEC said as a matter of policy, they had to recognise Ogah, based on the Abuja High court ruling ordering Ikpeazu to vacate office. This is coming after the Attorney General of Abia State, Umeh Kalu slammed INEC for saying they did not receive the Abia Governors appeal. According to Premium Times, the spokesman of INEC said I discovered that INEC received Mr. Ikpeazus notice. However, it did not contain a motion or order of stay of execution. In the circumstance, and in deference to the previous court order, INEC as a responsible regulatory (body) has no recourse than to issue Mr. Ogah the certificate of return. By law, a certificate of return is supposed to be issued within one week. Also, the commission has decided as a matter of policy to obey all subsisting court orders. That means if the court were to issue a contradictory order, INEC has no option than to obey. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal high court, Abuja, had on Monday, June 27, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Ogah, a certificate of return after he held that Ikpeazu was not fit to be governor. Ogah was listed as first defendant in the application; INEC as second defendant, and the chief judge of Abia state as third defendant. The restraining order, signed by Justice C H Ahuchaogu, reads in part: It is hereby ordered: That an order of injunction is hereby made restraining the second defendant from issuing a certificate of return to the first defendant while the claimant remains in office in accordance with section 143 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice. It is further ordered: That the third defendant or any other judge of the court or any judicial officer are hereby restrained from swearing in the first defendant while the claimant remains in office in accordance with section 143 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and pending the determination of the motion on notice. This decision is in tandem with the as one of the issues resolved after their congress in a press Conference with Journalists in Ife, Osun state on Thursday, June 30. It is expected that a letter detailing the resolution of the congress will be forwarded to the congress of the university on the clamour for a new VC after which the students will be welcomed back on Campus. Notwithstanding, the Unions have continued to plead with the Students to understand their plight in spite of the ongoing protest and persevere for a better future in the University. ALSO READ: Comrade Wole Odewunmi and Comrade Adegoke from NASU and SSANU respectively urged the students to support the agitations of both Unions, saying: The ongoing protest is one we have to fight till the end and if won will improve the welfare conditions of the University. We are fighting imposition of a new VC and mismanagement of funds, and we want to ensure that the University has a stable Calendar but we cannot currently achieve this with those in power at the moment. The telecom company said it has paid the first of six instalments to settle a $1.671 billion fine in Nigeria and has also won an auction for a 10-year spectrum licence in the country. According to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, MTN Nigeria CEO Ferdi Moolman said that the first N30 billion payment towards the settlement has already been disbursed to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Earlier this month, South Africa-based MTN reached a settlement with the NCC and agreed to pay the government 330 billion naira ($1.671 billion) for the penalty. The original $5.2 billion fine was imposed on MTN last October for failing to meet a deadline to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards in the country. The fine was later reduced by 25% to $3.9 billion. "We are also delighted that the matter of the fine imposed by the NCC was amicably settled in the interest of all parties," said Moolman, MTN Nigeria CEO. The N330 billion settlement amount which MTN agreed with the NCC includes a "good faith payment" made by MTN in February when it was still trying to settle the fine. Per the settlement agreement, MTN is due to pay the outstanding N280 billion in six instalments over the next three years. The first instalment, which MTN Nigeria says it has already paid, was due for payment on 8 July. Rights groups have said they believe foul play is behind the disappearance of the men and their taxi driver - and demanded an investigation into that and other allegations of police corruption and heavy-handed tactics. The men included lawyer Willie Kimani and his client Josephat Mwendwa who had filed a complaint that he was shot and injured by police in April. Mwendwa was then charged with a range of offences, including possessing drugs, gambling in public and resisting arrest, rights activists said. They went missing with a taxi driver who picked them up after a June 23 court hearing. The office of the police Inspector General said on Thursday that efforts to trace the men continued and if any crime was uncovered with links to police officers or others "the law will doubtless take its own course". "There is credible evidence the men were, at some point, in the custody of Kenyas Administration Police and may be victims of an enforced disappearance," New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Thursday. Members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) marched to the Inspector General's office on Thursday to demand an investigation. The presidential council, the leadership body of the government, said it had accepted the resignations of the ministers of justice, reconciliation, finance, and economy and industry, but gave no reason for them. All four are from the eastern region, where hardliners have so far not accepted the U.N.-backed government, supposed to replace two rival administrations that have been operating in Tripoli and the east. Zeman said on Thursday he would back his country staying in the EU and NATO. He has no power to call a referendum but is an influential leader in a country where euroscepticism is widespread. The Czech Republic joined the bloc in 2004. "I disagree with those who are for leaving the European Union," Czech Radio quoted Zeman as saying at a meeting with citizens in the eastern town of Velke Mezirici late on Thursday. Britain's 52 to 48 percent vote on June 23 in favour of quitting the EU has emboldened eurosceptic groups across Europe and raised concern other member states may consider leaving. The Czech government responded swiftly to Zeman's suggestion. "Membership in these organisations is a guarantee of stability and security," Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka's spokesman said in a statement. "The government is not considering taking any steps which would question in any way our membership and the long-term orientation of the Czech Republic's foreign policy. Therefore it does not envisage any referendum." Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party that rules with Sobotka's Social Democrats in the centre-left cabinet, said a referendum would be damaging, according to news website Novinky.cz. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, the acting foreign minister for Spain, which wants to prevent the autonomous region of Catalonia from breaking away, also called Zeman's referendum suggestion "a very bad idea". A referendum would require a constitutional amendment stipulating that the winning side must have a minimum 60 percent of the vote in both houses of parliament, a margin highly unlikely in the current parliament. FALLING SUPPORT Czech satisfaction with EU membership fell to 25 percent in an April survey by the CVVM institute, down from 32 percent the year before. In neighbouring Slovakia, the far-right People's Party launched a petition on Friday to hold referendums on EU and NATO membership. The chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday he would vote to leave the EU or would abstain if a referendum were held, but added there were no plans for a vote. The EU's handling of a migrant crisis over the past year has angered many in formerly communist eastern Europe, where some governments reject migrant quotas proposed by the European Commission. Zeman faces re-election in 2018 after winning the Czech Republic's first-ever direct presidential vote in 2013. As president he has been a vocal opponent of taking in migrants, most of whom are Muslim and have fled conflicts or poverty in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa. 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. A 51-year-old Rock Island man is facing a mandatory minimum of 20 years in federal prison after a federal jury found him guilty of trafficking in heroin resulting in death. The jury deliberated for two hours Friday before finding Phil Trent guilty of one count of distribution of heroin resulting in death, three counts of distributing heroin and one count of conspiring to distribute heroin resulting in death. Trents trial took four days and was held in U.S. District Court, Rock Island. U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow scheduled sentencing for Nov. 3. Trent could be sentenced to life in prison for the trafficking charges involving death. According to a news release issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, Central District of Illinois, evidence the government presented at his trial showed Trent conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Rock Island area from July through September 2014. Evidence also was presented that Trent distributed the heroin that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Tyler Corzette on Aug. 29, 2014. Two other co-defendants in the case, Kyle Hull and Curtis Land, pleaded guilty May 19, to one count each of heroin distribution resulting in death and heroin distribution. Sentencing for the two men is set for July 21. Genesis Health System debuted an enhanced behavioral health unit Friday at its West Central Park campus in Davenport, unveiling 10 more in-patient beds for adults and another three for children and adolescents. In a courtyard outside the unit, where hospital staff and others had gathered for the occasion, hospital officials said they are working hard to expand not only bed capacity but psychiatric staff, a particularly competitive arena in the medical field. "This is the culmination of an expansion of services, but certainly not the end," said Dr. Jeffrey Weyeneth, medical director of Genesis Behavioral Health. Additional mental health services has been identified by government and health care officials as an acute need in the Quad-Cities. In December, Genesis opened up five beds for children and adolescents, and Friday's additions will bring to 28 the number of beds open to adults and eight for children and adolescents. Next year, the hospital said, it will add another 24 beds catering to older people, bringing to 60 the number of in-patient beds aimed at meeting behavioral health needs. The hospital also has added a psychiatrist at the hospital and has another coming on board this year to do outpatient work, Weyeneth said. In addition, other behavioral health specialists have been added. Genesis' opening of its expanded unit comes amid a debate that began last year about whether the state should approve a Tennessee-based company's plans to build a 72-bed psychiatric hospital in Bettendorf. Strategic Behavioral Health, which operates hospitals in several states, has argued that, even with the expanded services, which Genesis says have been in the planning stages since 2013, there is room for additional services. Genesis and UnityPoint Trinity have opposed Strategic's plans, saying they would undermine their own efforts. A state panel is expected to hear the matter this fall. At the unveiling Friday, a Genesis Health System official said it now offers the largest adolescent unit in eastern Iowa. "Combined with the extensive services of the Robert Young Center and again our colleagues at UnityPoint, we believe that the region is now well served in this area," said Ken Croken, Genesis' vice president for communications and advocacy. Since the opening of the five child and adolescent beds in December, there has been an impact, said Lori Elam, the director of Scott County's department of community services, who was on hand for the opening Friday. Fewer children from Scott County have had to leave the area to get services since it opened, said Elam, who praises Genesis' additional services but also backs Strategic's application to open here. "I truly think there's more of a need that has been identified," she said. Genesis said rooms and common areas have been renovated in the unit. In addition, a courtyard has been renovated to offer outdoor activities and space for patients. Emma Lennon, a 17-year-old from Maquoketa, was at the opening Friday, along with her mother, Beth. The teenager said she has battled a major depressive disorder for years and had been bullied. In May, she said, she broke down and was referred to Genesis by her therapist in Maquoketa. Over 36 hours at the hospital, Emma said, Genesis staff and other patients helped her. She praised the treatment she got, saying when she left, "I wasn't the same person as when I came in. I just felt happier, I guess." Her mother added that there were follow-up calls to check on Emma and that the hospital staff still is available to help if needed. Genesis officials said Friday's opening of the additional beds is the completion of the first phase in a two-phase plan to expand behavioral health services. The second phase, which will involve opening the geriatric unit next year, also includes adding additional providers, as well as opening an outpatient crisis stabilization unit. Springfield's budget compromise drew only limited praise in the Quad-Cities on Thursday, as officials waited to hear more details and worried about what will happen in six months when stopgap funding for a big chunk of government operations runs out. State lawmakers approved a full year's funding for K-12 education Thursday. That will ensure that schools will open in the fall. In addition, the state DOT was notifying contractors they should report to work Friday. However, that lawmakers were able to muster a deal to cover only six months spending for things such as higher education and human services left many in the Quad-Cities offering just tepid praise for Springfield. "This is a step in the right direction, but before our representatives pat themselves on the back too much, they must understand that paying 65 percent of a debt is not a reason to celebrate," said Mark Mathews, executive director of the Child Abuse Council, headquartered in Moline. Mathews said he understands only 65 percent of contract amounts will be covered with the money allotted in the stopgap measure for social service agencies. Already, he said, the state owes the agency $250,000. Matt Bierman, the budget director for Western Illinois University, said "we are thrilled and appreciative of the legislators for coming together." But he added, "we're a long way from being made whole." Western has been tapping reserves and laying off workers to make its finances work. Bierman said the stopgap will mean $36 million in funding for Western, including for MAP grants. An official at Black Hawk College said it is waiting to find out how community college funding in the package is distributed. Steve Frommelt, the college's vice president for finance and administration, said a short-term funding measure approved in the spring didn't mean as much money as the college initially expected. So, he is waiting for more details. Still, Frommelt said the college is "pleased the governor and legislators are talking and working together." Meanwhile, Kristin Humphries, the superintendent of the East Moline School District 37, said that while the budget compromise brings "much needed certainty" to schools and communities across the state, he pointed to the state's flawed funding formula, urging that it be fixed. "Illinois has one of the most inequitable funding systems in the country," he said. "Our system is broken, outdated and unfair. Illinois still falls short in upholding its obligation to provide all students with equitable resources regardless of ZIP code." Quad-City area lawmakers all supported the stopgap measure Thursday. Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island, and Reps. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, and Pat Verschoore, D-Milan, all voted for it. And while Anderson and Smiddy said separately that it wasn't ideal to provide funding for only part of the year for parts of the government, it was a start. "A stop-gap budget is not our first choice we have supported the ongoing efforts of working groups to find an agreement on a balanced budget with some reforms. But such is the nature of compromise. This budget breaks the impasse and gets us moving in the right direction," Anderson said. "Right now, its probably the best deal we can come to," Smiddy said. The budget that Illinois lawmakers passed and Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law on Thursday includes funding for a passenger rail connection between the Quad-Cities and Chicago, area lawmakers and economic development officials said Friday. It's not clear how much money was set aside in the legislation, but a state Department of Transportation official said Friday it will cover "pre-construction activity" in fiscal year 2017. Last week, the Rauner administration ended months of uncertainty by saying it was committed to moving forward on the rail project. The Obama administration awarded the state a $177 million grant in 2010 to connect Chicago and the Quad-Cities, but the project has been delayed, and after Rauner was sworn into office, the rail project along with other projects was put on hold. The grant had been scheduled to expire June 30, but when the state said it had informed the Federal Railroad Administration it was interested in moving forward, that drew a sigh of relief from local officials. As of Friday, it didn't appear the state had formally requested an extension of the grant. But in an email Friday, Guy Tridgell, a DOT spokesman, said the commitment "has not changed as both sides continue to formalize an amendment to the earlier grant agreement that provided federal funding for the project. Those discussions will likely continue in the coming weeks and will not jeopardize the status of the project. As always, protecting the best interests of Illinois taxpayers remains our top priority." Neither Tridgell nor local officials said how much money was in Thursday's legislation for the Chicago-to-Moline link. Henry Marquard, director of government relations for the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, said a section of one of the budget bills the governor signed Thursday that had $100 million for rail projects included enough funding for the Quad-City project to secure the federal grant. And, he said, he expected there would be construction on the project in 2017. Varying figures have been used to describe the state's commitment, although a DOT official said the state's initial commitment was $45 million. Illinois Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milian, who had been pushing to get funding for the project, said Friday that he has been assured there are funds in the budget for the rail project, but he, too, didn't know how much. A major faith event expected to draw hundreds of worshipers to Rock Island will be hosted by Second Baptist Church, its members and pastor, the Rev. Joseph Williamson III. The Wood River Baptist District Association's 177th annual session is July 11-15, with most activities at the church at 919 6th Ave. "We welcome Wood River back to the Quad-Cities," Joe Taylor said. Taylor, president and CEO of the Quad-Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, noted the group had been in town a few years ago. Local people who host events such as this are able to explain and talk about the Quad-Cities better than anyone, Taylor said. "We are behind this convention 100 percent." Williamson is stepping down as the moderator, or head, of the historic association. The 34 Illinois churches in Wood River represent the oldest continuing religious organization, irrespective of color, in North America, the minister said. The Wood River organization dates to 1839, before the Civil War, and one important part of the July session will be to decide where its documents and artifacts will be housed. The organization started in Alton, Illinois, and Williamson, a native of East St. Louis, actually favors a location in Alton. Officials also are considering Springfield. The nearly two centuries of existence means the association has been a continuing influence on Baptists in Illinois, from the antebellum period to the present. The annual meeting will attract visitors from throughout Illinois and many from Iowa as well. The convention hotel is the Holiday Inn Rock Island Hotel and Convention Center. Williamson reflected recently on his leadership in the group, which spanned four years. "It was a wonderful tour of duty. It was a labor of love, and we are anxious to pass the torch," he said, laughing. Williamson worked hard on transparency in the Wood River organization, in letting members of the convention know just how it actually works, he said. That, in fact, is the theme of this year's session: "Transparency to the End," from 2 Timothy in the Bible. Highlights of Williamson's tenure included the 175th anniversary event, which was held in Alton. This year, the session moves to Rock Island for the first time in eight years, and Williamson appreciates he can step down from the moderator position in the town where he lives. Deborah Taylor, event coordinator, said the 2016 version is based to an extent on what Rock Island did in 2008. She was the coordinator then, too, and kept a blueprint on her computer. Event planning began last year, and now involves 75 volunteers from the church, as well as others in the Quad-Cities. Some things have been changed for this year, however. Williamson noted that event security has been beefed up, and the security personnel will wear new vests all week long. There also are new classrooms built at Second Baptist Church that will host most of the adult programming classes. Topics include: "Understanding Young Adults and College Students," "Being Christian, Single, Divorced and Happy," "The Challenge of Being Christian in America," as well as a seminar for ministers' wives. Most visitors will stay at the Holiday Inn, Deborah Taylor said, and shuttle buses will move people between the hotel and the church. In addition, local churches are helping out: Olivet Baptist Church in Rock Island will host classes for youths, and Third Missionary Baptist, Davenport, is donating use of the church vans, also for transportation needs. Coordinating the event is difficult but exciting, Taylor said. She enjoys seeing the Rock Island church family come together as hosts. "That involves both young and older church members," she said. Because it's also Williamson's last year as moderator, Taylor said some special activities are planned. "We were happy he was put in that position, but are also happy to see it end," she said. "We are excited to help him celebrate." The Wood River district of 34 churches includes much of Illinois: the Quad-Cities on the west, south to East St. Louis and east to Danville. It includes the Illinois cities of Lincoln, Quincy and Springfield. CEDAR FALLS, Iowa The Iowa Board of Regents will hire a search firm to assist in the process of hiring the next University of Northern Iowa president. It announced Friday it is soliciting requests for qualifications from search firms and hopes to select the successful firm by the end of July. It is important that we get a search firm in place so when we have our full process defined, we can move forward as quickly as possible with the selection, said Katie Mulholland, regents president pro tem, who is leading the search process. Northern Iowa President Bill Ruud announced in May he would be leaving the Cedar Falls university for the private Marietta College in Ohio. His last day is Saturday, and Provost Jim Wohlpart will begin filling in as interim president on Sunday. Mulholland said having a search firm is a key component in developing the timeline and process for hiring the next president. The board's process, as identified in the request for qualifications, should have a short list of firms identified by July 22. It will conduct interviews with the finalists between July 25 and 27 and anticipates awarding a contract on July 29. The firm will be expected to "assist and advise" the regents in its selection of the next president by assisting in the selection of the search committee members; in advertising the position; in ensuring the search process follows affirmative action/equal opportunity requirements; in conducting a background search on the final prospects; and in recommending a final group of three to five candidates. The firm will submit its fee structure as part of its submission to the regents, so the cost of hiring a search firm is not listed in the request for qualifications. Mulholland stressed the board has been and will continue to reach out to the various constituency groups within the university community. We want to get their input on what characteristics the next UNI president should have, as well as on the search process, Mulholland said. She said the board is in the early stages of developing a search committee as well, although the size and makeup of it has not been determined. The process of hiring a search firm follows the boards most recent presidential searches, those that led to the hiring of University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld last year, Ruud in 2012 and Iowa State University President Steven Leath in 2011. Those three searches netted the same consultant firm of Parker Executive Search of Atlanta, Ga. Opponents of a plan to inject salty groundwater and chemical-laden fracking wastewater deep beneath Sioux County won a decisive battle this week. A judge ruled Wednesday that the Sidney-based Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission overstepped its authority when it approved turning an old oil well north of Mitchell into a disposal well. But the war is not over. The other side has 30 days to appeal Cheyenne County District Judge Derek Weimer's order. It is a celebration, but a cautious one. It is not over yet, said Jane Grove, who along with neighboring land owner Hughson Flying A Ranch asked the judge to review the commission's decision. They argued the Oil and Gas Commission exceeded its authority in April 2015 when it approved the project request from Broomfield, Colorado-based T-Rex Oil, formerly known as Terex Energy Corp. Weimer agreed. The state Legislature authorized the commission to regulate disposal of oil waste including saltwater produced in Nebraska, but not wastewater from outside the state. The Commissions authority is expressly limited by the statutes which create and empower it, Weimer said in his court order. The Court finds that in this instance, the Commission overreached. Sidney attorney Tom Sonntag, who served about a decade on the commission, represented Grove and the Hughson ranch and said theirs is the type of case the Nebraska Supreme Court might be interested in hearing. Im pretty sure the Supreme Court would hear it because it involves interpretation of a (state) statute, he said Thursday. Commission Director Bill Sydow said the judges decision failed to take into account the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution and authority delegated to the Oil and Gas Commission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate wells. I think if the judge would have considered our federal authority in this, which he did not, I dont think, it might be different because that federal law is going to supersede our state law, Sydow said. The commission has overseen injection wells under the Safe Water Drinking Act since the 1980s and is required to have regulations at least as strict as federal rules and file regular updates of its injection well monitoring program with the EPA. Sydow said a decision on whether to appeal will be made after consultation with the EPA and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, which represents the commission and is reviewing the decision, said spokeswoman Suzanne Gage. T-Rexs application said the well would have the potential to process 80 trucks, or about 10,000 barrels of water, a day, much of it from Colorado and Wyoming. That would have made it the largest disposal well in the state. Company officials later backed away from the figures, saying the actual amount processed could be much less. The Oil and Gas Commission argued that opening a disposal well in Sioux County could encourage oil production in the northern panhandle by making it cheaper for companies to get rid of wastewater. Weimer listed three problems with the justification. * There already are disposal wells in the panhandle. * Historically, there has been little oil production in the area where the disposal well would be. * Evidence suggests most of the wastewater would come from out of state. Last year, 965 barrels of oil were produced in Sioux County compared to 840,365 in Hitchcock County Often called produced water (industry insiders try to avoid the term wastewater because of negative connotations), it generally comes from two sources. Some is salty water that was trapped underground naturally and brought to the surface with oil. The other is liquid pumped underground to create pressure to free up oil and gas and then comes back to the surface with it. Nebraska produced 2.7 million barrels of oil and 54.2 million barrels of wastewater in 2015 and already has about 120 disposal wells. Grove, a fourth-generation rancher who has an oil well on her property, said she isnt opposed to oil production or disposing wastewater from Nebraska wells. Her problem is with accepting large quantities of liquid from other states. Jane Kleeb, founder of the advocacy group Bold Alliance, hailed the ruling that disposing of out-of-state wastewater should be banned. She said its time to stand up to oil and gas companies who have bullied landowners and elected officials for years. "We are in a new era where landowners are standing up to protect property rights and our water from fracking and tar sands pollution, Kleeb said. It is now time for our government to put in place comprehensive laws that end eminent domain for private gain, protects our water supplies and pushes our state forward on the clean energy transition. Dave Haack, who owns a commercial disposal well near Kimball, said produced water has moved back and forth across state lines for decades. He worries bad publicity and misinformation could hurt the states fossil fuel industry, which contributes to the economy. The water from Colorado or Wyoming, its the same as water here, Haack said. Oil and gas companies dispose of their water at the closest facility, he said. Its pure economics. But the T-Rex project proved highly unpopular, with neighbors testifying against it for hours at a hearing at the commission's office in Sidney in March 2015. They worried about damage to local roads, the danger of an increased number of trucks driving past local schools, the possibility of spills. Numerous local governments wrote letters opposing the project, including Scotts Bluff County commissioners, Sioux County commissioners, the village of Harrison, city of Mitchell, Mitchell Public Schools, North Platte Natural Resources District, Panhandle Public Health District and the Rosebud Sioux and Oglala Sioux tribes. The annual meeting of the Meade School Board will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, in the board meeting room of the Williams Administrative Building, 1230 Douglas Street, Sturgis. Agenda items up for action include the budget and tax request for 2016-17, financial reports, contract with Harlows School Bus Service, memorandum of understanding with ABC for its Sturgis Area After-School Program, change order from Architecture Inc. for the remodeling project at the high school, and school board policy JFCK Threats. Board members will also vote on the proposal by City of Sturgis to purchase land at Sturgis Brown High School and to swap other land. Discussion items include bus route change requests. Prior to the reorganization of the new board, a presentation to outgoing board member Curt Nupen will take place, and oaths of office will be administered to re-elected board members Bob Burns and Bryce Richter, and new member Curt Johnson. Once the old board adjourns and the new board is seated, the first order of business will be the election of officers and a variety of organizational items that, pursuant to state law, need to be handled at the annual meeting. The new board will also set the rates and fees for the coming year, authorize the publication of salaries and set a special meeting for July 25. The new board will discuss committee assignments, attendance at the joint convention of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota and School Administrators of South Dakota, student laptop handbook, SBHS student handbook and graduation requirements. The agenda, background information and attachments can be viewed on the Meade School District website at http://www.meade.k12.sd.us/index.php/school-board/agenda-information/. SPEARFISH | There are no students now in the Black Hills State University dorms. Yet the Spearfish campus is abuzz with about 500 active visitors. The change from summer sedate to bursts of frenzy happened a week ago, thanks to a lightning strike on nearby Crow Peak. Most of the wildfire crews 512 at last count now stay at the university. Its a moving target, Michael Isaacson, vice president of student affairs, said Thursday of the rotating overnight guest count. Last night, we housed 480 and were expecting 480 to 510 tonight. We get about a days notice. But even they (fire managers) dont know very far in advance. The wildfire in the rugged remote Black Hills National Forest west of Spearfish is burning across 1,350 acres, about two square miles. Its not that tidy. Fire behavior in steep terrain is unpredictable. To protect firefighters, crew managers are directing specified back burning, clearing with bulldozers and aerial fire retardant and water drops. At last estimate, the fire is about 8 percent contained. Black Hills National Forest officials have issued a temporary closure order for the fire area for public safety. Fire crews have filled the schools Crow Peak Complex, including the new Crow Peak dorm, Thomas Hall and Heidepriem Hall. Two arriving 20-member hotshot crews were to move into Humbert Hall Thursday night, Isaacson said. Fortunately, this July we can help them out because our summer camps right now don't need all the beds, he said. Black Hills State has 850 on-campus dorm rooms but firefighters may not need them all. Fire managers are signaling their efforts to reign in the blaze will soon pay off. Unless conditions change, the crews expect to have the fire contained next week, allowing a reduction in forces that will mop-up hot spots inside the fire control lines. But for now, the fire fight continues full bore. Fire crews are living rotating work schedules and consume specified 3-a-day, high-calorie meals on the fly. They are voracious eaters, Isaacson said. School food service personnel work overtime, along with dorm workers and summer students, in prepping 400 to 600 daily breakfasts and dinners and pack 700 field lunch bags. Dining service workers says thats possible because of volunteers from other school departments. That work is on top of serving 100 to 150 cafeteria customers on campus for other functions. Ron Showman, director of dining services, says the firefighters' lunch sacks weigh about 10 pounds, packed with sandwiches and high-energy snacks. The kitchen staff works from 4:30 in the morning until after 10:30 p.m. Meals have larger-than-usual portions but the emphasis is on high protein quality. Its fantastic having them (the firefighters) here, Showman said. The community truly supports them, and it takes a village, you know? Black Hills State served as fire camp during the 2002 Grizzly Gulch Fire at Lead-Deadwood and during other incidents since. Isaacson said the school has a standing arrangement with the South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire to help crews, and is reimbursed by the federal government. We view this duty as a community service, Isaacson said. STURGIS | A Sturgis woman was injured in a one-vehicle rollover accident east of Sturgis on Interstate 90 Wednesday night. The South Dakota Highway Patrol said Crystal Nelson, 44, suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries in the accident. She was listed in good condition at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Thursday. Nelson was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry westbound on Interstate 90. The vehicle hit a wire guard rail, continued over the guard rail and rolled several times before coming to rest in the left lane of westbound Interstate 90. According to the Highway Patrol, both westbound lanes were closed for a time and traffic was diverted. As the vehicle rolled through the center median, the gas tank was punctured, causing two small grass fires in the median. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and a spokesman said charges were pending. The Meade County Sheriffs Office, Sturgis Fire Department and Piedmont Fire Department assisted at the scene. Breaking my two-month-old vow not to watch the news from any source I caught a couple of talking heads on Wednesday. Both were identified as journalists, both work for bigfoot media. Each repeatedly faced the correct camera on cue; each parried the others remarks with light humor and incandescent smiles so effervescent they made the screen glare. Clearly they thought well of each other; Tracey and Hepburn, they were, cocktails afterward, perhaps? So why watch? The subject was Benghazi and the long awaited majority report by the House Select Committee. Id been following the story of the murders of four very good and brave Americans in service to our country since Sept. 12, 2012 the day after it happened. Right out of the gate, the official line was the slaughter was about a video. Immediately, I had that old boarding school premonition we were being lied to. On the tarmac, in front of the bodies of their children, though they damn well knew the truth, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama extended the lie directly to the grieving faces of heartsick mothers and fathers. Why? Pure political calculation and career expediency. Every aspect of every Democratic official in Washingtons response on Benghazi has been more of the same since. I can neither ponder on nor fathom this. It sickens me. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton got their 3 a.m. phone call in broad daylight. Both yawned, made a few phone calls, worked on the narrative of the cover story, then rolled over and went back to sleep. Visions of an ever eager to help media, like sugarplums, dancing in their dreams. Surely they smiled up from their pillows. Ten hours after the attack on the annex started, not a finger had been lifted to save our men. But not to worry, Barry and Hillary had the Sominex of an adequate (they thought) cover story and a supine press. Its good to be a progressive liberal, it means never having to say youre sorry, it means you believe all the most very right things believed by all the most very right people. So, no matter how messy life gets, just keep saying, But I believe all the most very right things and so do my friends. Hush now, America, dont think of it, Hillary will make sure the story fits; and if her answers seem a pack of lies, Shell give amnesia a mighty try. So it sadly goes. And what did those two fine TV journalists conclude from the House Select Committees majority report: There was no smoking gun, Biff. And Biffs reply: Thats right, Muffy, nothing new to see here, lets just move along. Now for the latest poll! No smoking gun just a set of smoking State Department embassy buildings, just a smoking CIA Annex, just the smoking bodies of four dead Americans, one the first American ambassadors murdered in the line of duty in 33 years oh, and two sleeping politicians with their phones off the hook. Domodedovo airport owner released from house arrest MOSCOW, July 1 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Friday ordered release of the Domodedovo airport owner Dmitriy Kamenshchik charged in the case over 2011 terrorist attack from the house arrest, RAPSI reported from the courtroom. The court granted therefore a cassational protest filed by Russian Deputy Prosecutor General Vladimir Malinovsky demanding to free the billionaire. However, the criminal case against Kamenshchik remains under investigation. Earlier, lawyer Igor Trunov said that victims in the case had withdrawn all lawsuits over damages compensations against the airports management. On June 7, Domodedovo airport reported start of payments to the injured persons through a specially established charity fund. The Domodedovo airport owner Dmitriy Kamenshchik and several other ex-managers have been charged in the case over 2011 terrorist attack. According to investigators, they have not provided sufficient security level that let the suicide bomber freely enter the arrival lounge and set off an explosive. A suicide bomber detonated a bomb in the Domodedovo Airports international arrivals hall, killing 37 people and injuring 172, on January 24, 2011. Doku Umarov, Russias most wanted terrorist at the time, claimed responsibility for the attack. Altogether, 28 men connected with the terrorist organization called the Caucasus Emirate were linked to the attack, according to the investigators. Seventeen of them were killed in special operations in 2011, and four were detained. In November 2013, a Moscow Region court sentenced three men to life in prison and a fourth man to 10 years for their role in the suicide bombing. A judge said this week developers and other parties can make their case to be paid money they fronted to Mountain Water Co. an estimated $22 million in all for infrastructure upgrades. In court, Mountain Water had argued the court should dismiss claims from the developers, the city, Missoula County, and other parties, but Judge Leslie Halligan sided with the parties requesting repayment. Last year in a separate case, the city of Missoula won the right to use its power of eminent domain to buy the water system, and the defendants appealed the matter to the Montana Supreme Court, where it is pending. In the developers' case before Halligan, the petitioners want the court to decide how they will be paid if the city takes possession of the water system. In motions to dismiss, the water company argued the matter was premature and hypothetical because the city hasn't taken over yet, and Mountain hasn't defaulted on any payments. But the judge disagreed, allowing developers, the city and the county to make their cases. "Although the condemnation case is not concluded and some uncertainty exists as to the ultimate outcome, the Court finds the threatened injury sufficiently likely to happen and not too contingent or remote to support present adjudication," the order said. The ruling is significant for the developers who advanced some $11 million to the water company so it could improve infrastructure, said Rob Bell, a lawyer representing the developers. "The importance of this order is it acknowledges that the developers, the county and the city are able to go forward on their claim," said Bell, with Reep, Bell, Laird, Simpson & Jasper, P.C. "And it's not going to be dismissed at an early stage by the court. We get to deal with it on the merits." Developers had fronted the money or built the water infrastructure themselves, and in return, Mountain had provided water service to their projects, the order said. Typically, contracts require Mountain Water to reimburse payments over 40 years, but the status of the contracts became murky in the condemnation case. "In the fight between Mountain Water and the city, it was very unclear on how these obligations were going to be repaid to our clients," said Cory Laird, a lawyer also representing the developers. Now, the parties will get to make their cases in court. Last November in a separate court proceeding, water commissioners set the value of Mountain Water at $88.6 million. Should the state high court uphold the city's right to buy the water system, the parties will argue over whether the money owed developers should come out of that payment. "We are expecting that our clients would be paid out of the condemnation money itself, or alternately, that the city would assume the obligation of those contracts," Bell said. Earlier this year, the previous owner of Mountain Water, global equity firm The Carlyle Group, sold the water system to the subsidiary of a Canadian company, Liberty Utilities. In an earlier court brief, Mountain Water argued its valuation experts took into account the money owed to developers in their planned testimony of the company's worth. "The liability for the developer agreements is, in fact, being assumed by Liberty Utilities and is therefore included in the implied value to Mountain Water from the transaction," the brief said. (Josh Rogin) , , , . , . , -, - , . , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , - , . , - . , -, , , . , , . - , , ? F-16 . , , . 51 , . , , , , , . t , . , - , , . -, , , (Andrew Tabler). , , . -, , . , , ( . .). . , . , , . , , , , , . . , . . , - , . . ( ), . , . , . , , . , , . , , , . , , . ? , , . , , , , . , , . , , . , , , . , , . , - , . , , , . . http://inosmi.ru/politic/20160701/237043010.html Obama proposes new military partnership with Russia in Syria By The Obama administration has proposed a new agreement on Syria to the Russian government that would deepen military cooperation between the two countries against some terrorists in exchange for Russia getting the Assad regime to stop bombing U.S.-supported rebels. The United States transmitted the text of the proposed agreement to the Russian government on Monday after weeks of negotiations and internal Obama administration deliberations, an administration official told me. The crux of the deal is a U.S. promise to join forces with the Russian air force to share targeting and coordinate an expanded bombing campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas branch in Syria, which is primarily fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Under the proposal, which was personally approved by President Obama and heavily supported by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the American and Russian militaries would cooperate at an unprecedented level, something the Russians have sought for a long time. In exchange, the Russians would agree to pressure the Assad regime to stop bombing certain Syrian rebel groups the United States does not consider terrorists. The United States would not give Russia the exact locations of these groups, under the proposal, but would specify geographic zones that would be safe from the Assad regimes aerial assaults. Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter was opposed to this plan, officials said, but was ultimately compelled to go along with the presidents decision. For many inside and outside the administration who are frustrated with the White Houses decision-making on Syria, the new plan is fatally flawed for several reasons. One big flaw is that its clear that the Russians have no intent to put heavy pressure on Assad, said former U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert Ford. And in those instances when the Russians have put pressure on, theyve gotten minimal results from the Syrians. Theres not enough reliable intelligence to distinguish Jabhat al-Nusra targets from the other rebel groups they often live near, Ford said. And even if the Syrians agreed not to bomb certain zones, there would be no way to stop Jabhat al-Nusra and other groups from moving around to adjust. Moreover, increased bombing of Jabhat al-Nusra would be likely to cause collateral damage including civilian deaths, which would only bolster the groups local support. It makes no sense to me, said Ford. If they are trying to destroy al-Qaeda in Syria, do they really think bombing them is the way to do it? F-16s do not solve recruitment problems with extremist groups. One administration official complained that the plan contains no consequences for the Russians or the Assad regime if they dont hold up their end of the bargain. Fifty-one U.S. diplomats Kerry has been threatening for months that if Assad doesnt respect the current cease-fire, known as the Because most Jabhat al-Nusra fighters are fighting Assad, if the plan succeeds, Assad will be in a much better position. Meanwhile, the other Sunni Arab groups that are left fighting Assad will be in a much weaker position, said Andrew Tabler, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The strategy could allow Assad to capture Aleppo, which would be a huge victory for his side in the civil war. If the U.S. and Russia open up on Jabhat al-Nusra, that changes the dynamics on the ground in Aleppo and Idlib, he said. It would definitely benefit the Assad regime and it could potentially benefit the Kurds and ISIS. For Russia, the deal is not just about Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees increased military cooperation as an acknowledgment of Russian importance and a way to gradually unwind Russias isolation following the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. Thats why Carter was initially opposed to the plan, officials said. The Russians have made it very clear that they want military-to-military cooperation with the U.S., not just to fight terrorism, but to improve their world standing, said Tabler. It is a way to be welcomed back into the fold. State Department spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal but defended its basic principles. We have been clear about Russias obligations to ensure regime compliance with the cessation of hostilities. We have also been clear about the danger posed by al-Qaeda in Syria to our own national security, he said. We are looking at a number of measures to address both of these issues. For the White House, the priority in Syria is not solving the Syrian civil war, which most White House officials believe is intractable, or forcing the ouster of Assad. Senior administration officials admit that Russia and Assad are violating the cease-fire and failing to show the will to advance the political process. But the White House has decided not to go back to the plan of increasing pressure on the Assad regime. Analytically speaking, the path of military escalation by one side or the other is not likely to lead to a final outcome in Syria, one senior administration official told me. Its essentially a stalemate. The White House wants to keep the cease-fire in place for as long as possible, despite the violations, and wants to keep the political process going, despite the lack of progress. We want to keep the violence as low as possible for as long as possible, the official said. What we have to look at is, what is the alternative? And the alternative is either the levels of violence that we saw months ago . . . or we could see the violence get even worse. CIA Director John Brennan said Wednesday in remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations that Russia is trying to crush anti-Assad forces and that Moscow has not lived up to its commitments regarding the cease-fire or the political process in Syria. Nevertheless, Brennan said, the United States needs to work with Russia. Theres going to be no way forward on the political front without active Russian cooperation and genuine Russian interest in moving forward, he said. If the price of getting Russia on board with the Syrian political process is to further abandon the Syrian rebels and hand Assad large swaths of territory, its a bad deal. Its an even worse deal if Russia takes the U.S. offer and then doesnt deliver on its corresponding obligations. The Obama administration is understandably trying to find some creative way to salvage its Syria policy in its final months. But the proposal that Obama offered Putin will have costs for the U.S. position vis-a-vis Russia as well as for the Syrian crisis long after Obama leaves office. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/obama-proposes-new-military-partnership-with-russia-in-syria/2016/06/29/8e8b2e2a-3e3f-11e6-80bc-d06711fd2125_story.html?mc_cid=be016236ad&mc_eid=33e81e9590 (Josh Rogin) , , , . , . , -, - , . , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , . , , - , . , - . , -, , , . , , . - , , ? F-16 . , , . 51 , . , , , , , . t , . , - , , . -, , , (Andrew Tabler). , , . -, , . , , ( . .). . , . , , . , , , , , . . , . . , - , . . ( ), . , . , . , , . , , . , , , . , , . ? , , . , , , , . , , . , , . , , , . , , ., - , . , , , . .By Josh Rogin June 30The Obama administration has proposed a new agreement on Syria to the Russian government that would deepen military cooperation between the two countries against some terrorists in exchange for Russia getting the Assad regime to stop bombing U.S.-supported rebels. The United States transmitted the text of the proposed agreement to the Russian government on Monday after weeks of negotiations and internal Obama administration deliberations, an administration official told me. The crux of the deal is a U.S. promise to join forces with the Russian air force to share targeting and coordinate an expanded bombing campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas branch in Syria, which is primarily fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Under the proposal, which was personally approved by President Obama and heavily supported by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the American and Russian militaries would cooperate at an unprecedented level, something the Russians have sought for a long time. In exchange, the Russians would agree to pressure the Assad regime to stop bombing certain Syrian rebel groups the United States does not consider terrorists. The United States would not give Russia the exact locations of these groups, under the proposal, but would specify geographic zones that would be safe from the Assad regimes aerial assaults.Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter was opposed to this plan, officials said, but was ultimately compelled to go along with the presidents decision. For many inside and outside the administration who are frustrated with the White Houses decision-making on Syria, the new plan is fatally flawed for several reasons.One big flaw is that its clear that the Russians have no intent to put heavy pressure on Assad, said former U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert Ford. And in those instances when the Russians have put pressure on, theyve gotten minimal results from the Syrians. Theres not enough reliable intelligence to distinguish Jabhat al-Nusra targets from the other rebel groups they often live near, Ford said. And even if the Syrians agreed not to bomb certain zones, there would be no way to stop Jabhat al-Nusra and other groups from moving around to adjust. Moreover, increased bombing of Jabhat al-Nusra would be likely to cause collateral damage including civilian deaths, which would only bolster the groups local support. It makes no sense to me, said Ford. If they are trying to destroy al-Qaeda in Syria, do they really think bombing them is the way to do it? F-16s do not solve recruitment problems with extremist groups.One administration official complained that the plan contains no consequences for the Russians or the Assad regime if they dont hold up their end of the bargain. Fifty-one U.S. diplomats signed a dissent letter this month calling on the White House to use targeted military force against the Assad regime as a means of increasing the pressure on Assad and giving the U.S. real leverage.Kerry has been threatening for months that if Assad doesnt respect the current cease-fire, known as the cessation of hostilities , that there was a Plan B of increasing arms to the Syrian rebels. But the White House has now scuttled that plan in favor of the proposed Russia deal, which could actually leave the rebels in a far worse position.Because most Jabhat al-Nusra fighters are fighting Assad, if the plan succeeds, Assad will be in a much better position. Meanwhile, the other Sunni Arab groups that are left fighting Assad will be in a much weaker position, said Andrew Tabler, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The strategy could allow Assad to capture Aleppo, which would be a huge victory for his side in the civil war.If the U.S. and Russia open up on Jabhat al-Nusra, that changes the dynamics on the ground in Aleppo and Idlib, he said. It would definitely benefit the Assad regime and it could potentially benefit the Kurds and ISIS.For Russia, the deal is not just about Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees increased military cooperation as an acknowledgment of Russian importance and a way to gradually unwind Russias isolation following the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. Thats why Carter was initially opposed to the plan, officials said. The Russians have made it very clear that they want military-to-military cooperation with the U.S., not just to fight terrorism, but to improve their world standing, said Tabler. It is a way to be welcomed back into the fold.State Department spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal but defended its basic principles. We have been clear about Russias obligations to ensure regime compliance with the cessation of hostilities. We have also been clear about the danger posed by al-Qaeda in Syria to our own national security, he said. We are looking at a number of measures to address both of these issues.For the White House, the priority in Syria is not solving the Syrian civil war, which most White House officials believe is intractable, or forcing the ouster of Assad. Senior administration officials admit that Russia and Assad are violating the cease-fire and failing to show the will to advance the political process. But the White House has decided not to go back to the plan of increasing pressure on the Assad regime.Analytically speaking, the path of military escalation by one side or the other is not likely to lead to a final outcome in Syria, one senior administration official told me. Its essentially a stalemate.The White House wants to keep the cease-fire in place for as long as possible, despite the violations, and wants to keep the political process going, despite the lack of progress. We want to keep the violence as low as possible for as long as possible, the official said. What we have to look at is, what is the alternative? And the alternative is either the levels of violence that we saw months ago . . . or we could see the violence get even worse.CIA Director John Brennan said Wednesday in remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations that Russia is trying to crush anti-Assad forces and that Moscow has not lived up to its commitments regarding the cease-fire or the political process in Syria. Nevertheless, Brennan said, the United States needs to work with Russia. Theres going to be no way forward on the political front without active Russian cooperation and genuine Russian interest in moving forward, he said.If the price of getting Russia on board with the Syrian political process is to further abandon the Syrian rebels and hand Assad large swaths of territory, its a bad deal. Its an even worse deal if Russia takes the U.S. offer and then doesnt deliver on its corresponding obligations. The Obama administration is understandably trying to find some creative way to salvage its Syria policy in its final months. But the proposal that Obama offered Putin will have costs for the U.S. position vis-a-vis Russia as well as for the Syrian crisis long after Obama leaves office. Tags: , , , AP MOSCOW, July 1: Russia's Emergencies Ministry says one of its firefighting planes with a crew of 10 is missing in Siberia. The ministry said the Il-76 plane disappeared Friday while on a mission to fight forest fires in the Irkutsk region. It said that seven aircraft have been searching for the plane, which went missing in the Bayandayevsky district near Lake Baikal. Officials said the crew hadn't reported any problems before disappearing. Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov said the search was complicated by heavy smoke from forest fires. The plane that disappeared is a firefighting version of the Il-76 four-engined heavy transport plane, capable of carrying 42,000 liters (11,000 gallons) of water. KATHMANDU, July 1: The notorious gangster, Deepak Manange, has been arrested on charges of abduction, threat and extortion. The Nepal Police busted the gangster from the capital city's tourist hub Thamel last night, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bikram Singh Thapa of Metropolitan Police Range Office, Kathmandu. The don was arrested with his helper Rajiv Kumar Singh. The police have intensified action against gangsters accused of murder, kidnapping, extortion and threats. As part of the bid to tackle mafia rule which remains mandatory for maintenance of peace and security in the country, SSP Thapa vowed to initiate action against anyone involved in criminal offenses. RSS Kathmandu, Nepal: At least two students killed and about one and half injured when a compound wall of Pushpanjali Secondary School caved in at Bodegaun, Godawari of Lalitpur district on Friday. According to the B and B hospital, the deceased students have been identified as Kripa Rai, 9 9 and Anjana Pun Magar, 10. Both the girls of class 3 had already breathed their last while they were taken to the hospital. It is said that the accident had occurred after the compound wall of adjoining building caved in due to torrential rainfall struck the wall of the Class III and VIII of the school building. Among the injured students, four are reported to have critical in condition. According to the hospital four students are kept at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) out of 18 students. Fire Season begins July 5 in West Oregon District Open burning has been banned in Benton and Polk counties. Owyhee Canyon Fire was reported the afternoon of June 5. Cause: lightning. Photo: ODF (PHILOMATH, Ore.) - Due to increasing fire danger, the Oregon Department of Forestry has officially declared that fire season will go into effect at 1 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, in the West Oregon District. This area includes private, state, county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and southern Yamhill counties. Fire season requirements will be in effect for industrial operations occurring in the West Oregon District. Operations are required to have fire prevention and firefighting equipment at the operation site and provide a fire watch on each operation after equipment is shut down. This includes: fire tools and fire tool box for the operation as well as fire tools and extinguishers for vehicles. Operations must meet the requirements for: water supply, pumps, power saws, spark arresters, and cable operations. In addition, open burning has been banned in Benton and Polk counties. These bans are implemented in cooperation with local fire defense boards and ODF, and will remain in effect until significant rains begin in the fall. Fire season is declared each year based on weather conditions and fire danger. As forest vegetation dries due to warmer temperatures and less rain, fire danger increases. As the fire season progresses, further restrictions will be put in effect on both public and forest operations to reduce the chance of wildfires. Extra precautions need to be taken by forest users and forest workers to prevent fires from starting. For more information on fire season requirements, contact the West Oregon District at these locations: 541-929-3266 Philomath Office 503-934-8146 Dallas Office 541-366-2273 Toledo Office Or, visit the Oregon Dept. of Forestry website at: www.oregon.gov/ODF Source: Oregon Department of Forestry _________________________________________ Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Donna Polizzi is a regional travel expert and founder of Keys2TheCoast.com. Keys 2 The Coast is a travel resource for Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties, offering recommendations on local choices of the best places to wine, dine, explore and more. Heres a message to the song that has been proclaiming for 58 years now, Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do. But there ain't no cure for the summertime blues. That message is, not so fast. There's no need to wonder what you're going to do, because a t least through August there WILL be a cure for the summertime blues around here. Thats because summer at Laurel Park begins today. Thats right, its opening day for the summer meet at the tracks by the tracks after the curtain came down on at Pimlico for the Preakness meet last week. A Laurel Park that is basking in the glow of more than $20 million of renovations over the last year. Were talking 2 months of 3 days a week racing at the track that boasts one of the nations most talked about turf courses. Were talking about a summer of racing at the track that boats some of the best purses and breeders incentives in the business. Were talking about not having to pay for either admission or general parking. We're talking about a brand spanking new HD video board that will make your head spin. Were talking about eight Friday twilight programs will 3:40 p.m. first post-times featuring live music from 4 to 8 p.m. with casual food drink specials. Were talking about 24 Friday, Saturdays and Sundays (with July 4th Monday traded for Jul 8th Friday) of summer fun that only Laurel Park can deliver. And do you think those in the know in the racing business were chopping at the bit for things to get started this summer on the turf and dirt at the track bordered by Route 1, Route 198 and Race Track Road. Get this, for opening day today alone a total of 94 horses were entered. Thats an average of 10.4 starters per race topped by 16 in the finale, a $22,000 maiden claiming event for 3-year-olds and up at 5 furlongs on the Dahlia Turf Course. And heres a tip any handicapper would love to get their hands on for opening day. A chance, to see a a much talked about young Maryland homebred. Thats right, highlighting the card is a $40,000 maiden event at five furlongs on the main track for 2-year-old fillies in Race 7 featuring the debut of Sagamore Racings Rileys Choice in the silks of the Kevin Plank stable. And the hits just keep on coming. On Sundays this summer, Laurel will offer brunch as well as a Kids Zone with pony rides, crafts, a petting zoo and weekly guest speaker. Brunch is $22 for adults and $11 for kids ages 3-11. Laurel will play host to the FEGENTRI International Federation of Gentlemen & Lady Riders race on Saturday, July 23. Founded in 1955, FEGENTRIs main purpose is to promote international races for male and female amateur riders. Frances Lara Le Geay (above) won the last FEGENTRI race in Maryland aboard 30-1 long shot No Delay June 9 at historic Pimlico Race Course. Friday, Aug. 12 is Crab Feast at Laurel, serving up all you can eat crabs, chicken, corn on the cob and more from 4 to 8 p.m. for $45 per person. And to end the summer at Laurel Park before things move to Timonium for a few weeks for the State Fair, youll want to get out your red, white, black, and gold for Maryland Pride Day on Saturday, Aug. 20 with t-shirt and horse tattoo giveaways. So this blogger says, despite waht the song may say, YES there is a cure for the summertime blues, and its Laurel Park. Veteran screen adapter Hossein Amini (The Two Faces of January, Drive) teams up with famed author John le Carre for yet another big screen espionage thriller joint with Our Kind of Traitor. Le Carre, who serves as executive producer, brings his typical granular approach to Government and institutional betrayal his novels are famed for. The focus is on Dima (Stellan Skarsgard), a career criminal for the Russian mob who has decided to betray his comrades when he learns that his financial know-how of the business has put him and his family in the cross-hairs of Prince (Grigoriy Dobrygin) his ruthless leader. When a chance encounter in Morocco with the unhappily married British couple Perry and Gail (Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris) gives Dima the chance he is waiting for, the repercussions escalate into a tense waiting game through waves of political corruption. The strengths of Aminis screenwriting; complex portrayal of relationships, sudden thrilling moments and organic location and scene building, are not as evident in Our Kind of Traitor. There are lazy conveniences in the plot that are hard to overlook and as a result the kind of complexity a Le Carre film craves is sorely lacking. Initially the divisive relationship between Perry and Gail has promise, and their embroiling in Russian mafia business and the secrets they are supposed to keep is rife for dramatic exploitation. Soon after introducing their predicament however, their sense of isolation is used merely as cookie crumbs to meet this unlikely larger-than-life character Dima during their sojourn to Morocco. The plot keeps the intrigue and potential for double or triple crosses fresh though, as statecraft and politics in the film elevate proceedings despite an obvious disconnect from the main narrative. Questions of what a traitor is in a contemporary global economy and the repercussions of loyalty and tradition in such a context is expertly conveyed by the films B-plot, wherein Damien Lewis plays a stiff-upper lip Brit Hector fighting corruption and helping Dima within the realistic means that he can. Skarsgard as Dima gives an over-the-top but charming performance as a career criminal worth caring about. His dire situation and apparent sincerity and desperation is played perfectly by the veteran actor who must remain thick-skulled but also smart enough to elude the British Government and his vicious Russian cohorts. Dima becomes the centre of the film, and it is easy to emphasize with him. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the supporting cast who are just filler between moments of thrilling espionage and quiet drama. Dimas family are empty husks; his children and wife feel grossly underdeveloped even though this is what Dima is fighting for. Naomie Harris as the wife of McGregors Perry also does not match up to the substantial stakes of the plot, nor is a convincing paramour as the screen chemistry is less than convincing. Ewan McGregor sleep-walks through his role as a Professor delivering a competent but uncomplicated performance as his actions are never really justified by his attitude, and some moments are simply unconvincing as a result. Director Susanna White under the executive producing powers of Le Carre maintains a typical globetrotting tone, particularly in moments of technical spycraft, but does not quite nail the sense of thrill and urgency these beautiful locations should convey. This is further hindered by the cinematography which feels slightly off due to its choice of artificial lighting. Our Kind of Traitor is intriguing enough and a decent adaptation thats carried mostly by Skarsgard, and manages to comment on important matters of white collar and governmental corruption, even though some generic screenplay elements and a weak supporting cast lessen the impact. Our Kind of Traitor is in limited release across cinemas Australia-wide. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 82F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. News today of a tragic first for electric-car company Tesla, as KRON4 reports that a driver died in a crash that occurred while his vehicle was in autonomous mode. The man was reportedly driving a Model S with the self-driving "autopilot" feature enabled when a semi-truck turned in front of him. Neither the driver, nor the autopilot, were able to stop in time. The crash took place on May 7 in Williston, Florida, and Forbes reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun a preliminary evaluation of the autopilot feature. According to the paper, the deceased is Joshua Brown, a former Navy SEAL and electric-car enthusiast. In an announcement on its blog, Tesla addressed the death and noted that this "is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles where Autopilot was activated." Autopilot, the company stresses, is still in a "beta phase," and drivers should never take their hands off the wheel while it is engaged. "What we know is that the vehicle was on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S," explains the blog post. "Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S." Tesla's autopilot feature has been in the news before, like when the feature saved an Uber driver from a crash, or when a driver was captured on video apparently asleep at the self-driving wheel. This, however, is the first reported death involving the new feature. Assuming its popularity and use continues to grow, it may not be the last. Related: Video: Watch That Google Self-Driving Car Crashing Into A Bus Thanks to voters' passage of Proposition J in 2014, San Francisco's minimum wage increased 75 cents today from $12.25 to $13. ABC 7 reports that this increase is one step in the larger process of raising the city's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2018. It will increase by a dollar in July of next year, and then another dollar again on July 1, 2018. This increase is separate from California's minimum wage increase, which is set to reach $15 an hour by 2022. Despite protestations from businesses over the years that a rising minimum wage would be the death of them, the Chronicle reports that while the minimum wage has increased 21 percent since 2014, San Francisco unemployment has actually fallen during that time from 5 percent to 2.9 percent. At the same time, the paper notes, the labor force has grown. One small business owner, Christan Evans of Booksmith, shared her thoughts on the wage increase with CBS 5. What we see is that low-income workers actually spend the money that they earn, and so its great to have those dollars going to people who are going to spend it," said Evans. "Itll actually boost the economy." San Francisco business owners have made a huge stink about a rising minimum wage before, with one of the owners of Abbot's Cellar, Nat Cutler, going so far as to partially blame his restaurant's closure on the wage hike. It wasn't too long after that, however, that Uptown Almanac noticed Abbot's Cellar's other co-owner, Christian Albertson, acknowledged the restaurant closed for another reason entirely it couldn't draw crowds. "It was too big, and ultimately were a fine dining place and were competing with the hundreds of other fine dining places that are kind of like us," Albertson explained on The Beer Curmudgeon's Podcast. "And we didnt differentiate ourselves. [...] It wasnt enough to bring in enough people fast enough." While predictions of doom and gloom are certainly overblown, you should expect some businesses to raise prices as a result of the increase. One such business, Andytown Coffee Roasters, explained the logic behind the increase in a letter posted to their cafe window. "By paying a little more for your coffee," the notice reads, "you get to increase the quality of life for our team and keep these hard-working and multi-talented people living and working in the beautiful city we all call home." This, right here, is how to run a business in San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/D53fHt5Uaf Eve Batey (@eveb) June 28, 2016 Meanwhile, the Chronicle helpfully informs us (as if we needed the reminder) that, according to PayScale, the cost of living in SF is 63 percent higher than the national average. So, enjoy that extra 75 cents. Related: California Becomes First State To Pledge Minimum Wage Hike To $15/Hour (By 2022) Founded in 1959, San Francisco Mime Troupe have been jam-packing Dolores Park for a July 4 show for years and years. But they weren't always called the San Francisco Mime Troupe," they didnt perform outdoors, and they were, in fact, originally performers of silent mime. In advance of Mondays July 4th SF premiere of the troupes 2016 offering Schooled, we look back on the 57-year history of this political satire musical theater ensemble that launched the careers of Bill Graham and many others, and has brought so much joy to decades of summer holiday weekends. 1959: The RG Davis Mime Troupe The troupe was founded in 1959 and performed at standard indoor theaters at the 11 p.m. Sunday night slot, when respectable shows had already finished. Their performances were silent, experimental movement pieces. Founder RG Davis soon came to favor the Italian commedia dellarte style, incorporating outlandish, stereotypical characters and lowbrow political comedy. Game Of Thrones fans will recognize this style from the theater group that Arya has recently mixed up with. The troupe started performing outdoors in Washington Square Park with their 1962 production of The Dowry and took on the name San Francisco Mime Troupe. As part of the deal, SF Rec and Parks had to read and approve the scripts before approving the performances. Rec and Parks would typically request changes, which the mime troupe would routinely ignore. This arrangement continued without incident. For three whole years. 1965 image via San Francisco Mime Troupe 1965: The SF Mime Troupe Gets Arrested The summer 1965 production Candeliao made extensive use of phallic humor, and Rec and Parks was pissed. After three performances, the permit was canceled though shows were still scheduled in Pacific Heights Lafayette Park. With the certainty of being arrested, the players incorporated their arrest into the show by beginning it with the following dialogue: Ladieees and gentlemen... Il Trupo di Mimo di San Francisco Presents for your enjoyment AN ARREST! And that is exactly what happened. The actor was promptly arrested and the production shut down. Lawrence Ferlinghetti and others grabbed microphones and read the rest of the play out loud, but the troupe had still had the legal problems to contend with. In response, the groups business manager, a plucky young fellow named Bill Graham, wrangled a three-month old band called Jefferson Airplane to play a benefit show to cover the legal fees. The event made a whopping $4,000 ($30,000 in todays money) and Bill Graham quickly realized that he could not make that kind of money in the community theater racket. Graham left, but the troupe acquired an actor named Peter Coyote, whom youll recognize from E.T. and the narration of Ken Burns documentaries. American Dreamer, 1972 image via San Francisco Mime Troupe 1970's Bring Music, Fame and Feminism The troupes new notoriety brought international tours, and their repertoire turned to wacky, original musical satires when founder RG Davis left the group. The group abandoned its formula of refurbished Brecht and Beckett plays to do zany, topical satires with names like San Francisco Scandals of 1973 and Frijoles or Beans To You. The cast intentionally incorporated more women and people of color, the topics covered equal rights and the secret CIA drug trade, and the troupe began to resemble the San Francisco Mime Troupe that we know today. City For Sale, 1999 image via San Francisco Mime Troupe 1980's: Reagan Years Bring Cutbacks The earliest San Francisco Mime Troupe holiday weekend shows that we can document happening in Dolores Park occurred in the 1980's, when economics forced the mime troupe to scale the project back. But they also became the first US theater troupe to perform in communist Cuba, received their first NEA subsidy in 1984 (a grant fought by the Jesse Helms-era congress) and won a Tony award in 1987. "Making A Killing", 2007, Velina Brown and Ed Holmes, image via San Francisco Mime Troupe 2000's: W. Bush Years Bring A Dick Cheney Look-Alike In 2001, longtime troupe member (and St. Stupids Day Parade founder) Ed Bishop Joey Holmes faced a conundrum he was a left-wing activist who looked just like Vice President Dick Cheney. But the troupe used him to great effect in their aughts-era productions 1600 Transylvania Avenue (2001), the Josh Kornbluth-penned Mr. Smith Goes To Obscuristan (2002), Veronique of the Mounties (2003), and Making A Killing (2007). Holmes memorably played Cheney several times, alongside Velina Brown (as Condoleezza Rice) to create a 1-2 punch running satire of the W. Bush administration in which a W. Bush character never once appeared. "Freedomland", 2015, George P. Scott (Nathaniel Haywood), Michael Gene Sullivan (Cadet), Hugo E Carbajal (Chief Parker), image Roger Franklin via SF Mime Troupe The SF Mime Troupe Today Condoleezza Rice impersonator Velina Brown is still with the SF Mime Troupe and starring in the new production Schooled, as is 1980's-era member Keiko Shimosato Carreiro.The SF Mime Troupe celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 and has left an indelible mark with 20 years of its Youth Theater Project in addition to decades of great, free 4th of July shows in Dolores Park. Schooled plays Monday, July 4 at 2 p.m. in Dolores Park, with shows Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 at 2 p.m. in Berkeleys Cedar Rose Park. Additional shows are scheduled throughout the summer, all shows are free. 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. 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 | Kelly Taylor laid on a gray, leather exam table while Briar Cliff University physical therapy student Sara Panek touched the bottom of his right foot with a monofilament, a small tool applied to the skin to assess sensation. "Can you feel anything?" she asked. "No," he responded. Taylor, 60, of South Sioux City, suffered a stroke eight years ago. His daughter, Kandace Burton, who is a student in Briar Cliff's physical therapy program, said the right side of his body is basically paralyzed as a result. She said she brought her father to the pro bono clinic staffed by Briar Cliff physical therapy students to help manage his pain. "His physical therapy, especially after eight years, is limited," she said. The patients Briar Cliff University's pro bono physical therapy clinic serves have no insurance or they've used up the number of physical therapy sessions authorized by their insurer and can't afford to pay for additional visits out of pocket. An hour-long evaluation can cost anywhere from $180 to $360 at most physical therapy clinics, according to Heidi Nelson, director of clinical education for Briar Cliff's doctor of physical therapy program, which is currently in candidacy status. She said patients can easily rack up $2,000 in bills after just six weeks of ongoing treatment. "It's a huge expense for somebody who's very burdened by those financial concerns," she said. "I'm really glad we're able to offer this." Nelson came up with the idea to open a pro bono physical therapy clinic after noticing a need in Siouxland that she thought Briar Cliff could help meet. Nelson, who lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before coming to Sioux City, said the community's diversity surprised her. "I was really surprised that there were as many homeless people in the area as there are and as many underserved individuals in the area," she said. Patients don't need a physician's referral to be seen by Briar Cliff students, who can offer physical therapy for a variety of conditions from stroke to back pain to hip issues. They work under the direction of faculty members who specialize in areas such as pediatrics and neurological impairment. Nelson got the pro bono clinic up and running in January. In April, the clinic reverted to a student-run model. Students, who are in their second of three years of physical therapy training, have a hand in everything from marketing to patient scheduling and treatment. In a spacious treatment room at Briar Cliff University at Mayfair, 4280 Sergeant Road, students work in teams of two. They see patients from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. "I think it's an awesome opportunity for us," said physical therapy student Jordan Huffman, of Sergeant Bluff. "We get our feet wet a little bit." On a recent Thursday evening, Huffman and fellow student Clare Erlbeck were working with Jason Panek, a 24-year-old business analyst from Sioux City who suffers from back and neck pain. Panek, who was attending his second session of physical therapy at the pro bono clinic, said the exercises the students showed him are improving his condition. "I noticed my neck pain went down quite a bit," he said. Applying what they've learned in a textbook to a patient with a real condition, Nelson said, will give Briar Cliff students an edge over their peers who don't receive hands-on training ahead of the clinical experience. "It's so important for their confidence," she said. "They're learning all of this material in the classroom and usually students don't have a chance to really apply it until they go out into the clinics of our community partners." Nelson said the pro bono clinic not only benefits patients and students, but she said it also helps other medical facilities in the community that lose money when patients can't pay for services. The clinic has received referrals from Siouxland Community Health Center, Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's. Taylor chuckled as Sara Panek, student Britney Heine, of Winot, Nebraska, and his daughter took turns providing resistance as he pushed and pulled up with his right arm under the guidance of faculty member Sue Klappa. Klappa reassured Taylor he was "doing great." "I'm happy about it," Taylor said of the treatment he was receiving. SUTHERLAND, Iowa | A hose break at a hog farm in O'Brien County caused 5,000 gallons of liquid manure to flow into a nearby creek and cause a fish kill. DNR staff was called to the manure spill five miles northeast of Sutherland, Iowa, Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, they found high ammonia levels in Barry Creek that caused stressed and dying fish, the DNR press release said. The DNR said flows in the creek are too high to dam or to pump, so staff expected the fish kill to continue moving downstream. The DNR was monitoring the progress of the fish kill and the cleanup. Fisheries staff will conduct a fish kill count. The release said the DNR will seek appropriate enforcement actions. -- Alex Boisjolie ORANGE CITY, Iowa | For 40 years, Jake Rens resided in Oregon. The name of his town: Boring. Life, however, was anything but that for a Sioux County native always hunting for John Deere green. Rens kept his eyes on farm groves, his ear on coffee shop conversation and his fingers leafing through newspaper classified ads in search of auctions, estate sales and more. From 1978 to 2008, he acquired dozens of antique John Deere tractors. When he and wife, Sharon Rens moved back to rural Orange City in 2008, they hauled many of their household possessions home. Thirty-five antique John Deere tractors also made the trip, some 1,650 miles. "You have to remember, diesel fuel cost something like $5 per gallon back in 2008," Jake Rens says with a chuckle. "We had semis that carried four to five tractors each. Our own goose-neck trailer carried two. And, we prevailed upon friends to bring some of our tractors to Iowa." "If someone was coming out to visit us, we made sure they didn't come empty," says Sharon, smiling and stressing how grateful they remain to their friends. Friends. That's what this couple will make starting today as Jake and Sharon host an open house at their residence over the long holiday weekend. The public is invited to come examine 35 John Deere tractors in the Rens collection. Jake will stroll the acreage offering historical tidbits of each model and make, as well as how each ended up in his hands. Sharon, who enjoys spinning as an avocation, may demonstrate her skill at the spinning wheel while tending to repeated batches of fresh cookies. (I recommend the fig cookies!) "We're trying to be neighborly," she says of their open house. Listen closely to Jake and you'll pick up tips on agriculture, mechanics, history and world commerce. For example, the 1930 Model D he shows might be his next restoration project. (He does all his own work.) "It's an Argentine tractor," he says, offering information on how John Deere sold many of these tractors to Argentina in late 1929. Then, after the stock market crash and the Depression gripped parts of the world, 400 of these units sat on a dock in Argentina, unable to be sold. "Deere agreed to take 400 tractors back from Argentina, but only if the British importer Agar & Cross, would pay the shipping both ways," Rens says. "This tractor was one of the 400 that came back to the U.S. It didn't sell until 1934, when it was sold out of Minneapolis." A John Deere BO Lindeman crawler is named for the Lindeman brothers, who left Iowa and set up shop in Yakima, Washington, manufacturing crawler units with blades that became useful in the orchards of the Pacific Northwest. Rens kept driving by a lean-to in rural Oregon years ago and making mental notes about this unit. "I stopped to ask the guy about it several times," he says. "And then one time I noticed he had it covered with plywood." Rens stopped and the two settled on a price. Rens is happy to have it here in Sioux County as it's one piece Iowa farmers don't often see. "I'm not charging for this," Jake Rens says of the open house. "I'm not showing off, either. I figure people would enjoy seeing some of these, especially the ones they might not see in Iowa. I really just want to share." While this Iowa brand put its stamp on the country and the world, the familiar green and yellow scheme always helped link Rens to his roots near Hull, Iowa, where his father, Roy L. Rens, raised Chester White pigs and won top honors at the Clay County Fair the year his son started this collection in Boring. "As a kid, we lived north of Hull and I drove this 1939 John Deere Model A for Emory Pals," Jake Rens says. "Emory's daughter, Arlene Meerdink, of Hartley, bought it and had it restored. I ended up buying it from her as it has ties for me. I remember helping Emory cut silage." He and the tractor, you might say, came of age in those Sioux County summers six decades ago. To see both readying for a holiday weekend, among friends, new and old, brings about a sense of fulfillment and excitement. For Deere lovers, it's anything but boring. SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City woman is facing several drug charges after police found her concealing drugs during a traffic stop Wednesday evening. According to court documents, officers stopped a white 1994 Chevrolet S-10 truck at the intersection of 13th and Douglas streets around 5 p.m. Wednesday for a broken windshield. At that time, the passenger, 36-year-old Kimberly K. Sweet, of Sioux City, began making large movements. Documents say the vehicle's driver, Tony Smith, who documents say is a well-known drug dealer in the area, told officers Sweet was hiding drugs on her person. After searching Sweet, documents say officers found her in possession of 14 baggies of crystal meth with a total weight of 6.3 grams, three rolled marijuana cigarettes, several pills and a digital gram scale. Kimberly K. Sweet, of Sioux City, was charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, carrying a weapon, possession of prescription drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar. Crossroads of America Scout Band: The nations oldest Scout band will present 3 p.m. concert at Betty Strong Encounter Center, 900 Larsen Park Road. A reception will follow. All members of the band are registered Scouts and Scouters from throughout central Indiana. Call 712-224-5242 or visit www.siouxcitylcic.com for more information. Backstage Pass Exhibit Reception: Enjoy music, refreshments, and more as you experience this nationally touring exhibit of Rolling Stone magazine photographs. Performance by Port Nocturnal and students from the Sioux City Conservatory of Music 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Sioux City Public Museum, 607 Fourth St. Visit www.siouxcitymuseum.org or call 712-279-6174 for more information. The Big Parade and Mardi Gras Festivale: The Big Parade kicks off on downtown Fourth Street at 6:15 p.m. After the parade, head to the Sioux City Convention Center for the Mardi Gras Festivale with a Cajun sit-down dinner and Mardi Gras costumes. Free seats for the show are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, no tickets required! Fireworks around 10 p.m. WASHINGTON -- They celebrated outside the Supreme Court after Monday's surprise decision reaffirming abortion rights. They danced to Michael Jackson ("I want to love you ..."), as they had earlier to the Spice Girls and to Harry Belafonte's "Jump in the Line." In the front row, facing the marble temple, a young woman held up a homemade sign: "Roses are red Violets are blue Abortion is legal So f -- you." Justice Anthony Kennedy didn't use those words, but that was, essentially, the valentine he delivered to the anti-abortion movement. The justice, siding with the liberal bloc, lent his name to Justice Stephen Breyer's resounding defense of abortion rights in his 5-to-3 majority opinion. In doing so, Kennedy put an end to any thought of banning abortion in America anytime soon -- even if a future Republican president names a conservative to fill the late Antonin Scalia's seat. The Republican-controlled Senate refuses to consider President Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, but a fifth liberal justice has arrived anyway. Kennedy, a Reagan appointee and the longest-serving current justice, surprised many last week by joining the liberals in defending race-based affirmative action. In earlier terms, he provided the key vote in legalizing same-sex marriage. It's not that Kennedy has become a bleeding heart (he sides with the conservatives on gun rights, campaign finance and Obamacare) but that he has split with conservative colleagues such as Samuel Alito who, by temperament, are disinclined to find consensus. You could see it Monday morning in the chamber, where, for the second week in a row, Alito took the unusual step of reading aloud from his dissent in a case that found Kennedy on the opposite side. While Breyer read the majority opinion in the abortion case, Alito was a study in agitation. He shook his head, raised his eyebrows, clenched his jaw, rocked in his chair and carried on a silent conversation with himself -- apparently rehearsing, in his head, his dissent. When Breyer finished, Alito pulled up his microphone and delivered a bitter rebuttal, even citing Breyer by name. He had the acidity of Scalia's legendary dissents, but he lacked Scalia's neutralizing humor: "No justification. ... Obviously wrong. ... Contrary to a cardinal rule. ... This is an abuse of our authority. The majority in this case has not done what a court of law must do." During this performance, Kennedy sat calmly, reading and rocking gently at times. But mostly he sat, lips pursed, staring directly ahead of him -- as still and silent as the stone likenesses of Hammurabi, Moses, Solomon and Confucius on the frieze above him. He's no King Solomon, but Kennedy, the perpetual swing vote, may be the dominant lawgiver of his day. Unlike Alito and Clarence Thomas (and, to a lesser extent, Chief Justice John Roberts), he recognizes the importance of public consensus on cultural issues, such as the growing acceptance of gay marriage. On abortion, which chronically divides Americans, Kennedy has avoided destabilizing change. "No one who follows the Court can doubt that he finds abortion very troubling," the Atlantic's Garrett Epps wrote earlier this year. "But no one also doubts that Kennedy takes the Supreme Court, and its place at the center of American law, seriously as well. His head here may conflict with his heart." In Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt -- the Texas case, decided Monday, that would have forced abortion clinics to close by imposing near-impossible restrictions on them -- the appellate court brazenly ignored the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, which Kennedy co-wrote. He was having none of it. He didn't merely agree to strike down the law on technical grounds; he joined a full-throated affirmation of abortion rights. Justice Elena Kagan looked toward the press and gave a satisfied smile as Breyer said they had declared the Texas law unconstitutional because it imposed an "undue burden" on abortion seekers. Breyer ridiculed the idea that abortion needed stricter regulations than procedures such as childbirth (which is 14 times as deadly), colonoscopies (10 times as deadly) and liposuction (28 times as deadly). Alito was grim. Leaning forward, his lower jaw protruding, he informed the majority that they are encouraging the view that "if at first you don't succeed, sue, sue again." He said that the sort of thing that occurred in the case could have qualified as "abusive litigation." He accused the majority of being lazy and of ignoring "the normal rules." His discouragement is understandable. The Senate's refusal to confirm Garland was supposed to prevent a liberal majority on the court. But, somehow, it happened anyway. CEDAR FALLS, Iowa | The Iowa Board of Regents will hire a search firm to assist in the process of hiring the next University of Northern Iowa president. It announced Friday it is soliciting requests for qualifications from search firms and hopes to select the successful firm by the end of July. It is important that we get a search firm in place so when we have our full process defined, we can move forward as quickly as possible with the selection, said Katie Mulholland, regents president pro tem, who is leading the search process. UNI President Bill Ruud announced in May he would be leaving the Cedar Falls university for the private Marietta College in Ohio. His last day is July 2, and Provost Jim Wohlpart will begin filling in as interim president on July 3. Mulholland said having a search firm is a key component in developing the timeline and process for hiring the next UNI president. The board's process, as identified in the request for qualifications, should have a short list of firms identified by July 22. It will conduct interviews with the finalists between July 25 and 27 and then anticipates awarding a contract on July 29. The firm will be expected to "assist and advise" the regents in the selection of the next president by assisting in the selection of the search committee members, in advertising the position, in ensuring the search process follows affirmative action/equal opportunity requirements, in conducting a background search on the final prospects and in recommending a final group of three to five candidates. The firm will submit its fee structure as part of its submission to the regents, so the cost of hiring a search firm is not listed in the request for qualifications. Mulholland stressed the board has been and will continue to reach out to the various constituency groups within the UNI community. We want to get their input on what characteristics the next UNI president should have, as well as on the search process, Mulholland said. She said the board is in the early stages of developing a search committee as well, though the size and makeup of it has not been determined. The process of hiring a search firm follows the boards most recent presidential searches -- those that led to the hiring of University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld last year, Ruud in 2012 and Iowa State University President Steven Leath in 2011. Those three searches netted the same consultant firm of Parker Executive Search of Atlanta, Ga. BALTIMORE (July 1, 2016)Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith announced today a final decision was issued in the case against the Southern Maryland Veterans Association and its director, Daniel T. Brashear. The final decision upholds multiple violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act, including misleading potential donors to a charitable organization, using false and misleading advertising in connection with a solicitation, and failing to register with the Secretary of State before soliciting, all of which Mr. Brashear must adhere to."I applaud the Secretary of State's final decision in this case," said Attorney General Frosh. "This case highlights why strong enforcement is needed to safeguard the generosity of Maryland donors and legitimate veterans charities.""A charity that cannot show it operates within the law will not be permitted to solicit charitable donations," said Secretary of State Wobensmith. "This decision is a victory for those who were misled and mistreated by this organization."The final decision follows a lengthy administrative review process to determine whether the charity could continue soliciting the public for charitable donations to run its programs.Earlier this year, the Secretary of State issued a cease and desist order against the charity, its principal, Daniel T. Brashear and an alleged former associate, Norman Randolph McDonald. Both Mr. Brashear and Mr. McDonald requested hearings to overturn the order, which were held March 9-10, 2016 before the Office of the Secretary of State.On April 19, 2016, proposed decisions upholding the cease and desist order against both Mr. Brashear and Mr. McDonald, as well as the charity, were issued by the Secretary of State's designated hearing officer, Kathleen Smith. Mr. McDonald did not object to the proposed decision, which became final on May 5, 2016.Mr. Brashear and the charity objected to the hearing officer's proposed decision. On June 7, 2016, Mr. Brashear presented his objections in person before the Secretary of State at an exceptions hearing. As explained in the final decision announced today, the Secretary of State decided to uphold the cease and desist order against the charity and Mr. Brashear.The charity had been a visible presence outside grocery and retail stores in Southern Maryland prior to the cease and desist order. In response to multiple complaints, an investigation by the Secretary of State's Charities and Legal Services Division, aided by the Office of the Attorney General, showed that the organization was allegedly not assisting with the housing needs of veterans as claimed in marketing materials distributed at these various locations. The charity was also not registered with the Secretary of State.The Office of the Secretary of State registers and regulates charitable organizations that solicit charitable contributions in Maryland. The Office works to ensure that charitable contributions made by Marylanders go to qualified charitable organizations and are used for the intended purpose.Anyone who is solicited by this organization, or any representative on behalf of this organization, is encouraged to contact Michael Schlein, Investigator, Charities and Legal Services Division at 410-260-3879. To check if a charity is registered or to report other suspected violations of charitable giving law, please call 410-260-3879 or 1-800-825-4510. More information on charities can be found on the Secretary of State's charity home page: http://www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/SearchCharity.aspx FRAUD: State Shuts Down So. Maryland Veterans Association 'Charity', February 17, 2016So. Md. Veterans Assoc. Director Appeals Cease & Desist Order, March 20, 2016 The South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN) functions as the networking and advisory body for the Florida-Department of Health, Ryan White Care (FL-DOH RWC) grant in Broward County. Its monthly meetings are open to the public. The Florida State Minority AIDS Coordinator, Ron Henderson, began the meeting. He spoke about the high risk for HIV infection among Blacks and Latinos. This is especially true among women. In Broward, 82.5 percent of all women living with HIV are Black. With this high risk, increased HIV testing and linkage to HIV treatment among Blacks and Latinos have become critical to controlling the epidemic. Henderson reported that Blacks had low levels of awareness of Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Henderson then discussed plans to improve HIV services for Blacks and Latinos. Florida has hired Ricardo Jackson of Palm Springs as the Statewide Black Mens Sexual Health Coordinator. Plans to improve Latino services emphasize learning. Health planners will rely on Latino focus groups throughout Florida to improve the states HIV plan. A Latino Technical Consultation will occur in Orlando to obtain feedback from this community. Henderson linked the high risk of Blacks and Latinos with structural barriers. The segregated health care system used to exclude Blacks while public health workers failed to treat Blacks for syphilis in the Tuskegee experiment. Experiences like those built distrust. Current barriers include HIV stigma, lack of access to health care, and personal history of past racial hostility from medical staff. Immigrant Asians, Blacks, and Latinos may face language and documentation barriers. Yvette Gonzales reported on the PROACT program that works to improve linkage to HIV care. The staff of the PROACT program includes an Adherence Nurse, linkage coordinators, and HIV disease intervention specialists (DIS). The Adherence Nurse works with clients to help them take their HIV meds as directed. For example, a client, needing glasses, was unable to read the prescription label. That nurse obtained glasses for the client. The linkage coordinators work to link people with HIV care. The HIV DIS workers contact people living with HIV who have dropped out of care. Trudy Love of Black Treatment Advocates raised questions about aggressive Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) workers. STD workers would come looking for people at their homes when Loves clinic was already providing them with STD treatment. Love felt that this aggressive outreach was unnecessary and excessive. Loves clients felt that this aggressive outreach stigmatized them further. Several people at the meeting expressed agreement with Love. Gomez, however, lacks control over STD workers. As this could become an important problem, people from the Health Department wanted to resolve this issue. The STD workers manager will attend an upcoming SFAN meeting. Justin Bell of Fl-DOH-Broward RWC presented a table showing the documents that the Health Department requires for certification. Bell then reported on new intake processes for Broward Addiction and Recovery Center (BARC), the RWC residential substance abuse program. If an agency feels that BARC had unjustly denied its client admission, they should contact the FL-DOH-Broward RWC. According to Bell, BARC served 34 RWC clients between June 3, 2015 and June 3, 2016. These 34 clients included one lesbian, 16 gay or bi men, and zero transgender clients. Announcements Next SFAN Meeting: Friday, July 8 at 10 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. Newcomers are encouraged to attend. The United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) will occur in September in Hollywood, Fl. If you would like to volunteer, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/USCA16. A survey for people living with HIV is now available https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCHIV2016. Care Resource (954-567-7141) has hormone therapy vouchers available for transgender clients. The United States has identified a new enemy. In response to several nefarious incidents, the U.S. State Department on Thursday designated al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) a Foreign Terrorist Organization. AQIS has claimed responsibility for an attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi, Pakistan and the murder of the publisher of the only LGBT magazine in Bangladesh. The United States also designated AQIS leader, Asim Umar, a foreign terrorist. This designation prohibits Americans from engaging in transactions with Asim Umar and pledged members of the group. On April 25, AQIS directed an attack on the headquarters of Roopbaan, Bangladeshs LGBT magazine. The attack resulted in the murder of well-known gay activist and U.S. State Department employee, Xulhaz Mannan. The Washington Blade reports Mannan was hacked to death and had his eyes gouged out by the terrorists. In the LGBT community in Bangladesh we dont have any power, Mannans longtime friend Abul Kalam Azad, seeking asylum in Montreal, told the global news organization Fusion. But Xulhaz was involved in the U.S. embassy and his cousin is the top leader of the Awami League, the ex-prime minister of our country. So we thought he was quite well connected, well established, and secured. But that person being targeted and being attacked, we are surprised and afraid. AQIS announced formation in a video released in September of 2014. Five people were killed in its attack on the magazine headquarters in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka. Its finally summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, which means priorities are about to shift to slow weekends and cook-outs. In case you were about to begin to plead that its too hot out for coffee, were here to show you a totally different way to rotate coffee in your summer menu: coffee BBQ rubs. We hear you mumbling Wut? at your screen. Dont get weird, get excited, because ground coffee adds a new dimension to your meat that simple salt and pepper cant achieve. A good rub accentuates and clarifies the flavors already present in the meat youre barbecuing, but a great rub gives the meat something extra enhances the flavor and the overall eating experience. So says Tim Midyett, creator of Midyett Premium, a BBQ rub made with salt, pepper, coffee, and sumac, blended with beef and game meats in mind. Rubsmade with a huge range of ingredients limited only by imaginationhave been making slow-cooked meat better for centuries. Without a layer of seasoning, the outside of the meat chars up over heat, but a thick layer of mix creates a crunchy, salty crust on the meat which adds an intriguing twist to the experience. When rubs are made with just salt and pepper, only the pepper chars, but adding coffee can create a deeper more complex flavor. Herb-based rubs cant accomplish this because herbs are more delicate and dont shine when cooked that way. The thing about coffee is that its already roasted, so it already has that deep complex flavor, Midyett points out, which is what BBQ lovers are typically looking for in their summer steaks. So how do you bring this to your table? Midyett recommends starting with darker roasts and heavier flavors, something that has notes of a dark berry, or tobacco flavors. A coffee thats too light can impart a more vegetal flavor profile on red meat, which can be unpleasant, but Midyett also pointed out that light roasts might be okay for chicken or fish. Rebecca Combs, the chef behind Spirited Cooking and the delicious coffee dinners profiled previously on Sprudge, agreed. Something about [adding coffee] just gave the meat an earthier taste, she said of her pulled pork rub. I decided to pay a personal visit to her kitchen to get serious about a recipe I, with my limited cooking skills, could try for dinner. Midyett had recommended a starting point of two parts salt, one part pepper, and Combs advised picking additional ingredients based on ones goal flavor profile. A little heat, a little smoke, a little acid, a little sweetI like having all four of those components, Combs recommends. Key is trying the mix before you put it on meat: Take a little dab of it after its all mixed, and think, Is that too much, do I like the flavor? Dont leave a coffee rub on your meat too long before cooking, Combs warns, because coffee has such a strong flavor, you dont want it to take over the meat. She recommended letting coffee sit on the meat for only half an hour before cooking. Also important is your grind settingtoo fine and the coffee will turn to sludge when the fat on your meat starts melting, but too thick and the grinds get caught in your teeth. Aim for a coarseness similar to what youd use for a pour-over or batch brew. Armed with this expert advice, I worked with food blogger Erin Parker Skinner of The Speckled Palate to arrive at a rub recipe wed be proud to call our own. 1 tablespoon salt tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon coffee (we used a medium-roast coffee from Panama) 1 tablespsoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon chili powder Spread on a pork tenderloin, sear, then bake until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit Paired with some mashed potatoes and zucchini? Thats an ideal summer dinner, one Ive had dreams about since. When you make your own rub at home, keep experimenting and taste as you go. And in case you fall on the sauce side of the great rub versus sauce debate, heres a bonus idea: brewed coffee makes an excellent BBQ sauce base. Valorie Clark (@TheValorieClark) is a freelance journalist based in Texas. Read more Valorie Clark on Sprudge. Occupied Aaiun, June 30, 2016 (SPS) - Moroccan occupation forces intervened violently to disperse a Sahrawi protest against the presence of the Polish company Geofizyka Krakow in Western Sahara, working for Morocco, said Wesdnesday the Sahrawi news agency SPS. "The company has been contracted by Morocco to conduct seismic studies in the occupied territories of Western Sahara," said the Ministry of Occupied Territories and Sahrawi Community Abroad, quoted by SPS. The participants were peacefully protesting against the plundering of the natural resources and the presence of foreign companies, like the Polish firm Geofizyka Krakow, in Western Sahara, in violation of the international law and the right of Sahrawi people to benefit from their natural resources, added the source. On Tuesday the Central Bank of Norway has excluded two oil companies (Cairn Energy and Kosmos Energy) contracted by Morocco to operate off Western Sahara, because of the "graves violations of the fundamental ethics." Western Sahara, Africa's last colony, has been occupied by Morocco since 1975. SPS 125/090/700 PARIS (Sputnik Press-Office) Sputnik France is celebrating having been on the air and online for one whole year. During this time it has created a quality, modern product that is popular among listeners, well-known politicians, experts, and public figures. "During the year, we have made it to the Top 100* online news outlets in France," Sputnik France editor in chief Natalya Novikova said. "This shows that interest in an alternative viewpoint in the country is high and Sputnik France has excellent prospects for development. Sputnik France is a popular news site in French, an online FM radio service broadcasting from its own studio in Paris and live videos and reports on Facebook and Periscope. Sputnik France has a top-notch team of professionals who regularly appear in debates organized by other media outlets. Sputnik journalists include such well-known figures as columnist and political commentator Rachel Marsden and the prominent French economist Jacques Sapir. "The vote expressed the anger of British people at the lack of principles in politics. They are fed up with lies and they are fed up with the doublespeak of those elected to represent them," Barker said. The referendum decision on June 23 was a condemnation of the EUs failed economic policies, as well as a way of passing judgement on the austerity policies of successive British governments, Barker maintained. "In this respect, the leaders of the British left, who wanted to stay in Europe, made a huge miscalculation. By sidling up to the forces of world capitalism [they] joined and supported the enforcers of the oppressive status-quo," he said. The Brexit vote had thrown British domestic politics into confusion, Barker observed. A general election could offer a huge opportunity for the left and trade union movement to rally working class anger in a direction that could change society, Barker suggested. "They have the chance to create a mass movement against austerity that could hold the super-rich accountable and defend the rights of workers and immigrants," he argued. Draitser added that Russia had a lot of leverage when it comes to Turkey, because Erdogans vision of extirpating Syrian President Bashar Assad from power and replacing him with a compliant Muslim Brotherhood-led government has become a "pipe dream." The United States and NATO were using Turkey as their frontline in the "on again, off again" new Cold War against Russia, Draitser said. Meanwhile, recent signs indicated that Turkey might want to return to their previous status as a "nonaligned" NATO member, which Washington had resisted because they wanted Ankara to be a compliant ally, he added. "Turkey is perfectly positioned to play both sides of the ongoing East-West conflict," Draitser said. "But it cant do that unless it warms relations with Russia." St. Johns University Professor of Government David Kearn told Sputnik that Erdogan is one of the most difficult leaders to read especially given his "discombobulated," foreign policy. "The double game of allowing a pipeline of European volunteers into Syria to fight for ISIS [Daesh, outlawed in both Russia and the United States] and also being in the anti-ISIS coalition has clearly backfired, which was entirely foreseeable," Kearn said. The mending of relations between Russia and Turkey "was a long time coming," Kearn added, albeit the recent terrorist attack at the Ataturk international airport in the largest Turkey's city of Istanbul would likely spark greater support for Ankara and might even serve to reinforce NATO unity. As far as the rationale behind NATOs deployment of Patriot systems in Turkey, there are legitimate reasons why Ankara might want to strengthen its defense shield, Kearn said. "I wouldn't dismiss the threat [from Syria] out of hand Syria is still thought to possess approximately 100 road mobile SRBMs [short-range ballistic missiles] mostly based on older SCUD models," he added. Woodrow Wilson Center scholar Michael Kofman told Sputnik that it was inevitable that Russia and Turkey would reach a compromise that would allow both countries, and more importantly their leaders, to save face regarding the downing of the Russian jet. "The political fallout was quite costly for both sides [Turkey and Russia]," Kofman said. "I suspect the previous degree of cooperation and trust will not be restored." On Thursday, Russia's Ambassador to Syria Alexander Kinshchak said if Moscow and Ankara agreed on a common approach to fight terrorism as part of the rapprochement, Turkey would close its border with Syria. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) "As it turned out, the New Syrian Army operation was complete operational fiasco, which resulted in the Islamic States acquisition of yet more US arms," Syria expert and historian Helena Cobban said. The US proposal, sent to Moscow on Monday, calls for sharing targets and coordinating an extended bombing campaign against the terrorist organization al-Nusra Front, according to a US media report citing an Obama administration source. The United States reportedly also proposed that Russia pressure the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad to stop carrying out strikes against US-supported rebels. On Wednesday, Daesh smashed an attack by the US-backed New Syrian Army forces seeking to recapture Abu Kamal, a crucial border crossing between Syria and Iraq. The terror group also seized crates of US ammunition, mortars and a vehicle. "If the Obama team cannot be honest about the innocent people slain by the United States since 2009, there's no reason to expect honesty about the women and children who perish in future carnage approved by the White House," Bovard commented. Institute for Public Accuracy Communications Director Sam Husseini noted that Obama had tried to minimize media coverage of his new order by issuing it at the very beginning of the Fourth of July holiday weekend when media coverage in Washington was minimal. "Burying lowball numbers of civilian drone kills on Friday afternoon before July 4 is the height of [the adage that] patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels," he stated. Veteran US foreign policy analyst and author Joe Lauria sad the executive order would prove to be meaningless since the White House and its senior commanders would not disclose details of future directives that could result in heavy civilian casualties in future military operations. Obamas executive order, furthermore, would not bind his successors, especially as the president now has less than half a year to exercise power, Lauria noted. "It is a welcome step to reveal civilians killed if it is not whitewashed but Obama's successor might not follow suit, so we will never know if there will a reduction in civilian deaths," he pointed out. The US government previously had refused to document or acknowledge accurate numbers of civilians killed in recent wars, Lauria added. "Washington says it does not keep such statistics. It only counts their own dead. That tells you one thing: they don't care," he stated. The US government had never issued its own estimates on the number of Vietnamese, Iraqis, Libyans, Panamanians or Afghanis killed by the United States, Lauria recalled. Research conducted by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that over 3,000 people, including nearly 500 civilians, have been killed by drones under the Obama administration. Deploying the Patriot systems "makes no sense from a military point of view: None at all," she said. Turkey was going along with the ploy to win favor in both Washington and Brussels, Caldicott explained. "Turkey wants to be part of the European Union," she added. The move was puzzling since Turkey has been a NATO member for 60 years and enjoys the umbrella of protection the alliance provides, she recalled. AntiWar.com senior analyst Jason Ditz agreed that the deployments of the Patriot missiles in Turkey, which began following the June 2012 shoot-down of a Turkish warplane off the Syrian coast, could best be described as a political deployment. "What that really means is that there's no strategic reason for such deployments, and no real point to having them there, except for showing that NATO is doing something to support Turkey in theory," he explained. The weapon system has been rotated in and out of Turkey for about four years, Ditz recalled. The incident at Kastrup marked the first time that the notorious provision has actually been used. Under the bill, passed in February, the new arrivals were only allowed to keep their mobile phones and objects of sentimental value. The "jewelry law" was universally seen as a "scare measure" amid Denmark's efforts to tighten its migration policy and look less attractive for would-be asylum seekers. The Danish government defended the law from both home and overseas criticism by arguing that its primary goal was to help accommodate asylum seekers without financial means. However, the draconian "jewelry law" infuriated international humanitarian groups earlier this year. Many critics drew suggestive parallels with the Holocaust, when gold and valuables were confiscated from Jews by the Nazis. The US watchdog Human Rights Watch labeled the law as "despicable" and "vindicative," whereas The Guardian published a cartoon depicting Danish PM Lars Lkke Rasmussen in a Nazi uniform. Lkke repeatedly brushed off international criticism by stating that Denmark had "nothing to be ashamed of." Last year's unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants from the war-torn Middle East and the restless Northern Africa saw Denmark accept over 21,000 asylum applications, which is a 44 percent jump from 2014. The ongoing refugee crisis has forced the Nordic country, renowned for its social benefits, to tighten its immigration policy. Danish politicians also lashed out against the European Union for the lack of security at the bloc's external borders. According to the prosecution, the father acted in order to restore the family honor, as the daughter obviously had a boyfriend without parental permission. In many Mid-Eastern countries, it is common for parents to marry off their daughters, regardless of their social status. A deal with the prospected bridegroom's family is often seen as a source of oncome. Marrying cousins to each other is common, and is considered an appropriate way to keep the property within the family, the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet pointed out. Besides, the bride must be a virgin before marriage to ensure that no "illegitimate" children inherit property. A family's "honor" is therefore largely based on the notion of the woman's "purity." Suspicions of promiscuity may cast a shadow on the whole family and may result in violence. This concept of honor still plays a morbid role for many Afghans who have become Swedish citizens. By the Afghan diaspora's own admissions, suspicions may be raised by photos on social media and other things that can lead to gossip among relatives. The Swedish law on forced marriages, which may punish the perpetrator with up to four years in prison, has only existed in the penal code for two years and has never been enforced before. Despite a large number of suspected cases, no charges have been filed until now, the simple reason being that they may end up with daughters testifying against their own families. The excavation of the Viking fortress Vall Borgring outside the Danish city of Kge has revealed that the settlement was in fact deliberately destroyed by arson. Following this revelation, archeologists requested help from Danish police. "Hopefully, they can say more about how the fire was started. We generally have good experience of cooperation with the police. For instance, we have previously used their sniffing dogs to dig out bones from the earth," Sanne Jakobsen, communications manager at Southeast Museum Denmark told Danish Radio. "All signs indicate that a fire was set at the gates of the castle. The outer posts of the East Gate are clearly charred, whereas the inside is burned," archaeologist Jens Ulriksen, who is in charge of the excavation of Viking fortress outside Kge, told Danish Radio. In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government was defeated by the Communists and had to flee from continental China to Taiwan, where it formed a separate government and declared itself to be the Republic of China. Since then, relations between China and Taiwan have been strained, as China refuses to recognize Taiwan as a separate and independent political and diplomatic entity. China to Abide by 'One Country, Two Systems' Principle for Hong Kong, Macau China will adhere to the "one country, two systems" principle in relations with Hong Kong and Macau, Xi Jinping said. "The policy of 'one country, two systems' has showed its efficiency in practice. Despite any difficulties and challenges we should not lose faith and confidence in this principle and we will firmly stick to this principle so that the Hongkongers rule Hong Kong and the Aomens rule Aomen [another name for Macau]." He noted that China would support special administrative regions so that they developed the countrys economy and raised living standards. China gained sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997 and over Macau in 1999. Both administrative regions were granted legal, economic and political autonomy from Beijing under the "one country, two systems" principle formulated by Chairman of the Central Advisory Commission of the Communist Party of China Deng Xiaoping in early 1980s. New Delhi (Sputnik) According to Secretary in India's Department of Atomic Energy, Sekhar Basu, "Right now US have offered us reactors that do not have a reference plant. So we will not buy a reactor that does not have a reference plant." As per the Indo-US nuclear commerce deal GE Hitachi has signed an agreement for supplying reactors for an atomic power plant at Kovvada in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. But India is wary of GE nuclear reactors as they have not been tested before. During my four-year stint in Japan Ive learned much about that country. Even though I mostly stay in Tokyo, Ive still managed to travel to many parts of the country and learned that life in the regions often differs from what you can find in the capital, Afanasyev said. He underscored the importance of dialogue saying that the more serious the problem you deal with, the more you need to talk to each other and listen to each others opinion. Im glad to see our leaders resuming their active dialogue, which is very important. We have wasted two years due to these sanctions, which could have been put to better use and promote this top-level dialogue. We are neighbors and we need to have stable relations of mutual trust and friendship. The Indian Ministry of Commerce has proposed visa-free entry for business visitors and tourists from BRICS countries to boost business and tourism within Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. But the Indian Home Ministry has shot down the ambitious proposal of the Commerce Ministry due to security reasons. According to Home Ministry sources, Due to security concerns its not feasible for us to extend visa-free travel to these countries. We understand the objective of the Commerce Ministry but for us security is of primary concern. The Home Ministry can make travel easier by better and faster visa processing which we are doing. The planetary colonies, situated on Mars, Mercury, Venus, the Moon or in the Asteroid Belt, should be as "Earth-like as possible." The teams of students developed an infrastructure of the settlement, including sections for business or industry, colonists' education and jobs and medical systems. Meeting the needs of colony's citizens, the participants have to arrange transportation system, computer networks and different robots, designing even their appearance and functions. The team of twelve Indian students selected from grades 10 to 12 of the Delhi Public School to compete, earlier won the first part of the contest, the Asian regional round against teams from China, Japan, Korea, and Pakistan. ANKARA (Sputnik) On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express regret and send condolences for the November 2015 downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in Syria by Turkey. On Wednesday, the two leaders held a phone conversation for the first time in more than seven months. Following the talks with Erdogan, Putin ordered the government to prepare to lift administrative restrictions against Turkey in tourism field. "The idea to open such a park was put forward by Kemer Mayor Mustafa Gul simultaneously with the idea to give a house to the family of Oleg Peshkov. At a meeting of the city's civic organizations, he suggested to commemorate Peshkov with a stela, which will serve as a reminder of the tragedy and a crisis in Russian-Turkish relations that followed [the incident]. Money for the monument will be allocated by the mayor's office," Nadezhda Pelit from the International Association of Culture and Solidarity told RIA Novosti. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form." The exchange comes amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Beijings construction of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago has sparked condemnation from the US and its Pacific allies. While Washington has accused Beijing of attempting to establish an air defense zone, China maintains it has every right to build within its own territory and that the islands will be used for primarily humanitarian purposes. A highly contested waterway through which nearly $5 trillion in trade passes annually, most of the South China Sea is claimed by China, but there are overlapping claims by Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. SOCHI (Sputnik) Bulgaria wants to cooperate with Russia in the energy field, but only in compliance with rules set out by the European Union, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said Friday. "Bulgaria is interested in energy cooperation that would be coordinated with the European Commission and comply with EU rules," Mitov told RIA Novosti. The Bulgarian minister said he was planning to discuss energy cooperation, as well as the consequences of Brexit, with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during their upcoming meeting in Russia's Sochi. SOCHI (Sputnik) Russia attaches great importance to increasing cooperation within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) and firmly stands for keeping its work non-politicized, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday. "Russia, standing at the origins of the BSEC, attaches great importance to increasing cooperation within the organization and consistently advocates a non-politicized nature of its work, " Lavrov said at the opening of the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Sochi. On Friday, the foreign ministers of 12 BSEC member states are convening for a biannual meeting in the Russian resort city of Sochi. The meeting is set to focus on mutual economic and political initiatives. With both Russia and Turkey being BSEC members, the summit is serving as a venue for the first high-level meeting between Russian and Turkish top diplomats since relations between the two countries deteriorated following the downing of a Russian jet over Syria in November 2015. Despite protests from around the world, Norway opened three areas for oil drilling in the vicinity of the Arctic archipelago in the Barents Sea. Statoil was awarded drilling rights within the so-called "Svalbard box," an area around the archipelago, which counts as a free economic zone. Russia is currently spearheading the protests against Norway's alleged breach of the Svalbard Treaty. "If oil is struck in this area, many states will be interested in taking the matter to the court in The Hague," professor of Polar Research at the Norwegian Academy of Sciences Willy streng told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The bone of contention is how far Svalbard's economic area stretches. Many, including Russia, believe that Svalbard has a shelf of its own. However, as its borders have not yet been established, the coordinates, which are stipulated by the treaty and constitute the so-called "Svalbard box" are used. Should the existence of Svalbard shelf be proved, Norway must cede equal access of the area's resources to all treaty members. Additionally, the local Svalbard tax is to be distributed equally among the archipelago's settlements, to the delight of Russian companies. TURKU (Sputnik) On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express regret and send condolences for the November 2015 downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in Syria by Turkey. On Wednesday, the two leaders held a phone conversation for the first time in more than seven months. Following the talks with Erdogan, Putin ordered the government to prepare to lift administrative restrictions against Turkey in tourism field. "The [Russian] government will enter negotiations [with Turkey] on various issues, especially economic and trade ones, in the near future, I hope," Ushakov said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The ambassador added that the calls of the Austrian Foreign Minister to gradually lift anti-Russian sanctions amid the countrys steps toward fulfilling the Minsk agreements on Ukrainian reconciliation reflect the general mood of the Austrian business circles and society. "Amid sanctions and our [Russias] relations with the European Union, including Austria, during the past two years we could feel the sharp fall in mutual turnover, more than 50 percent across the European Union But what is positive even given the turnover decline is the fact that over 600 Austrian companies are operating on the Russian market and I am not aware of any examples of any of those companies stopping its operations or leaving Russia. It is an important sign of stability of our trade relations. Moreover, mutual investments are increasing," the ambassador said. Innovations, IT-technologies, privatisation it is all clear. Weve conquered all of them. But everything is very simply, one should get undressed and work, Lukashenko said during a speech on the economy. The president meant to say develop themselves, but the phrase closely translates to get undressed in Russian the language spoken by 72% of the population. Just over 10% of the population speak Belarusian, despite it being the official language. A photo posted by @keshakedysh on Jun 28, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT # # # # A photo posted by (@museum_brovka) on Jun 24, 2016 at 4:51am PDT Thousands of Belarusians mocked his statement by getting naked at work and posting photos to social media using the hashtag # (#getnakedatwork). (@Daily_minsk) June 24, 2016 The president said this was necessary, one Instagram user remarked. Hiding their private areas with various work supplies, including everything from laptops to slabs of concrete, workers from a variety of fields stripped down across the nation, causing the racy, viral flashmob to go viral globally. ASTANA (Sputnik) A group of extremists detained in a special operation in Kazakhstan's Karaganda region were planning an attack on a Russian military unit near the city of Balkhash, a source in Kazakhtan's security services said Friday. "They were planning to attack the Russian military unitafter the attack, the detained were planning to travel to Syria," the source said. Kazakh authorities said Thursday that six extremists plotting a terrorist attack had been detained in a special operation in Karaganda. However, the psychologist underscored, it would be incorrect to describe this haste as a divorce trauma. "Usually, in the event of divorce, the people are shocked. Then they realize the situation and try to save it, but its too late. On the contrary, Brexit was not unexpected. The vote was announced long ago, and polls showed there was a chance of Britain leaving the EU. We can say that Britain has expressed discontent of its relations with Brussels. But its too early to say what both parties will do after the procedure is completed," he pointed out. Lauenstein said that British eurosceptics came up with emotional arguments during their campaign and this is why they won. "It was like a collision of two different worlds. On the one hand, those calling to remain in the EU used rational arguments and they were right. On the other hand, eurosceptics used emotional arguments that often were weak or even false. But emotional arguments always win in the short run," the specialist explained. According to the psychologist, pro-EU activists should have utilized in their campaign the notion of Europe not only as a political and economic union, but first of all as a common cultural and historic space. "Research reveals that those identifying themselves with Europe also think about such values as freedom, peace, and cooperation of different cultures. At the same time, those against the EU think about economy, politics, and European institutions. But people should understand that first of all Europe is about common cultural values," he said. Now, Europe is seeing an unprecedented rise of nationalist and populist movements. After Brexit, a number of anti-EU politicians have said they would like a similar vote in their country, including in France and the Netherlands. Thus, the EU has faced a serious challenge. TBILISI (Sputnik) The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union was a "terrible" choice that is likely to unpredictably affect both London and the remaining EU member states, the head of the UK delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) told Sputnik on Friday. "I think it was a terrible decision and I regret it very much indeed. I am very fearful of the effects that we would have on the United Kingdom and on the 27 members of the European Union. I have no doubt that the other 27 members of the EU will, however, want to do everything to ensure the European Union continues. I am just very sorry we won't be a part of it," Lord Peter Bowness said on the sidelines of the 25th annual OSCE PA session that kicked off earlier in the day in Tbilisi, Georgia. When asked when the United Kingdom would follow through on the vote to actually leave the European Union, the lawmaker noted that the formal procedures of Brexit would be a matter for whoever becomes the next prime minister. Bahattin Yucel welcomed President Erdogans letter of apologies to Russia as an important and positive step, but was pessimistic about any overnight rebound in his countrys tourism industry, hard hit by the recent crisis in bilateral relations. Our tourism sector needs serious help. Despite the thaw in our relations with Russia, the 2016 tourist season has already been lost. Russian tourists normally return home already before August is out. During the period between May 1 and 15, when the summer season is normally planned out, our resorts were empty and remained so until the very end of June, Bahattin Yucel said. He also mentioned the economic downturn in Russia and, above all, the loss by Turkey of its image of a safe and secure place. "The summit on Brexit due to be held in Bratislava on September 16 will be one of the top points of our presidency. At this informal meeting of state leaders we hope to hold a frank discussion on the further direction of European integration," Fico added. Slovakia is no stranger to euroskepticism, being part of the Visegrad group along with the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland which has been staunchly opposed to the mandatory relocation of refugees, as proposed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Slovak PM told reporters, as he took over the presidency: "A vast majority of Europeans disagree with the current state of migration policy in Europe." He described the Commission's proposal to fine member states US$278,000 for every refugee they refused to accept as "absolutely irrational." Iron Curtain Fico's government is deeply protective of its borders and culture and the Visegrad group, along with Bulgaria and Macedonia, declared it would erect an "iron curtain" around its borders to prevent refugee flows. #Migration will significantly influence #EU2016SK, says #Slovak PM #Fico. We want to be honest broker focused on positive agenda. EU2016SK (@eu2016sk) July 1, 2016 He told Slovakian news agency TASR, in May: "When I say something now, maybe it will seem strange, but I'm sorry, Islam has no place in Slovakia. I think it is the duty of politicians to talk about these things very clearly and openly. I do not wish there were tens of thousands of Muslims." Recently, during his visit to London, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed to consider the rotating presidency only of France and Germany in the eurozone. However, French lawmakers of the Republicans center-right party led by Sarkozy are skeptical about his proposal. Establishing a eurozone presidency or a eurozone chief treasurer is not the way to revive the economic bloc, Jacques Myard from the Republicans center-right party told Sputnik. "The real problem is that euro is obsolete. The eurozone is a dystopia. The terms of such a monetary union cannot be equal for all members. For example, we have Germany, an industrial power, but also there are tourist countries like Portugal or Greece. This system should be dismantled, but without a system shock," Myard said. The reform proposed by Sarkozy is unlikely to be supported by other EU members, especially small states such as Belgium, and Southern European countries like Italy and Spain, lawmaker Nicolas Dhuicq said. "The future of the EU will depend on two main factors. First, it is the main EU institutions the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council. The limiting factor is the European Commission which does not account for anything to the people," he said. The second factor is the vision of the future the EU would choose. The lawmaker added. "As for me, I support rapprochement with Russia. I would like Europe spanning from the Atlantic to the Urals, like Charles de Gaulle wanted. This idea is opposite the vision of Europe limited to only France and Germany," Dhuicq said. The deal brokered in March was designed to encourage Turkey to stem the flow of migrants crossing from Turkey an into Europe via the Aegean and Mediterranean seas and via the so-called West Balkan Route. As part of the deal, "irregular migrants" those refused asylum who arrived in Greece after March 20 would bet returned to Turkey, in return on a one-for-one basis for Syrian refugees from Turkey being relocated to EU member states. #EUTurkey Accession Intergovernmental Conference: Roundtable https://t.co/q8OwWOwzOM EU Council TV News (@EUCouncilTVNews) 30 June 2016 Media Clampdown Contingent with the deal was the agreement that the EU would speed up Turkey's accession into the EU and that Turkish citizens would enjoy visa free travel within the EU by the end of June 2016. However, Turkey also had to fulfil a number of other commitments, chiefly on human rights, documentation, security and refugee humanitarian needs. But the stumbling block has been over Turkey's refusal to tighten its anti-terror laws that critics say have been used to silence journalists and media organizations. The latest example was the arrest of three journalists, Sebnem Korur Fincanc, Erol Onderoglu and Ahmet Nesin, who are all accused of "making terror propaganda" after having edited the Kurdish daily newspaper Ozgur Gundem. ANKARA (Sputnik) The uncorroborated identities of the two passport-holders were said to be Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, according to Dogan. At least 44 people died, including 19 foreigners, and 239 were wounded in coordinated bombings and shootings at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport late Tuesday. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said preliminary evidence suggested Daesh's involvement. Earlier reports said Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Dagestani nationals carried out the suicide bombings at the airport. The newspaper added that at the same time, a Eurostar one-seat civil aircraft was taking off from a local airport, as there were "no hazards," according to the airport administration. The Eurostar and Eurofighters almost collided when they found themselves at one height at the moment of the incident, the newspaper added. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia scored the lowest out of all European countries east of Germany on the S&P Brexit exposure ranking, having the least economic links to the United Kingdom, while Lithuania ranked as most exposed, the agency said in an analysis published on Thursday. Exports to the United Kingdom make up 2.5 percent of all Lithuanian exports, UK contribution to EU funds and investment received by Lithuania comes to 1.5 percent, over 5 percent of the Lithuanian population lives in the United Kingdom and remittances from this diaspora make up 1.2 percent of Lithuania's GDP, according to the analysis. The Latvian figures were marginally lower, followed by Hungary and Poland. Russia scored zero across all four parameters, while 0.1 percent of Turkey's GDP came from exports to the United Kingdom. "The drug dealing in Athens has been there for quite some time, but right now the feeling of the people is of let's say despair and anxiety, because the vast majority really can't cope maintaining their way of living. There is widespread poverty and desperation about the future. The young people are emigrating." "On the other hand, the middle class wanted an agreement that would keep Greece in the Eurozone and give some light at the end of the tunnel for the country to start growing again. But this is not the case yet. Supposedly, this will come by the middle of 2017, but until then, there is a recession that is closing down shops and medium-sized companies. People are afraid for their jobs every day," Koutsomitis told Sputnik. Grexit Following Brexit? There have been calls for Greece to pull out of the Eurozone and go back to the drachma especially in the light of the result of the UK referendum on membership of the EU, which was for a Brexit. However, Koutsomitis told Sputnik a Grexit was not on the cards. "The same political parties that were for Greek exit from the Eurozone have been voicing again their resistance against the membership of Greece in the Eurozone the far left and far right parties. But I don't see a shift in the mainstream parties in their position for Greece remaining in the Eurozone for the foreseeable future." MOSCOW (Sputnik) On June 20, a Turkish court ordered the arrest and pre-trial detention of Onderoglu and his two colleagues, Ahmet Nesin and Sebnem Korur Fincanci, who have been charged with spreading terror propaganda while participating in a campaign of solidarity with the Kurdish Ozgur Gundem daily which has recently been pressured by Ankara. "I welcome the decision of the court to release Erol Onderoglu from prison," Mijatovic wrote in a letter to Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, as quoted in the press release. "I trust that it signals the willingness of the authorities to revisit his case and that of his colleagues, and to attribute the necessary importance of media freedom and freedom of expression in their considerations." Mijatovic stated her concern that charges against Onderoglu remained in place, which means that he faces between two and 14 years in prison if found guilty. Earlier, German authorities expressed their readiness to deploy Bundeswehr soldiers in Lithuania as part of NATO's mission aimed at "containing" possible Russian aggression. According to German magazine Der Spiegel, in this regard Berlin has been a subject to strong pressure from Washington. Wolfgang Ischinger, German diplomat and chairman of the Munich Security Conference, recommended NATO to avoid hard approach in dealing with Russia. In an interview with German media, he said NATO should adhere to a moderate approach. According to him, NATOs strategy may result in the "escalation" of the current security situation and "military hostilities". NATO should abandon its policy aimed "only at demonstrating military strength" and establish dialogue with Moscow, Ischinger said, cited by Der Spiegel magazine. MOSCOW (Sputnik) In October, Reker, who was then a candidate for the post of the mayor, received a severe stab wound in the neck. Another four people were injured while trying to stop the attacker. Reker was then responsible for the accommodation of refugees in Cologne. After the attack, she was in critical condition and spent several days in an artificial coma. "He intended to send a signal against the federal government's immigration policy. He wanted to create an atmosphere of fear and to influence policy," presiding judge Barbara Havliza said, as quoted by the Spiegel magazine. According to the publication, the convicted once spent three years in prison over a series of violent acts. The study also estimates that the annual value of provisionally seized/frozen assets in the EU is around US$2.6 billion, with about US$1.3 billion finally confiscated each year at EU level. In recent years, EU Member States and European institutions have focused their efforts on countering and preventing organized crime activities. The recovery of confiscated assets is considered one of the most important measures for fighting organized crime. In addition to national efforts, the European Commission, through the EU Directive (2014/42/EU) on the freezing and confiscation of proceeds of crime, set important standards for the recovery of criminal profits/benefits. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, Zeman said he would support a possible EU membership referendum in the country but would vote against withdrawal. The Czech government, however, ruled out taking any steps on questioning the countrys EU membership. "Svobodni want referendum on the Czech Republics membership of the European Union since their start (2009). Svobodni support Czexit," the party spokeswoman, Katerina Kasparova, said. According to the Czech president, the republic's membership of the European Union is very beneficial to the Czech Republic, as it receives $8.3 billion annually which is more than it contributes. "The sentence, however, [] has not entered into force due to the pressure of international intelligence agencies, primarily American ones, which insisted that the case should be sent to archive," Medojevic said. So far, the Montenegrin authorities have not reacted to the recent publication of the journalists which appeared several days ago. In Vesovic's opinion, the authorities might also try to deny the allegations saying that all the laws and customs procedures have been met. "Formally, it is true, but the Montenegrin supervisors did not check how product loading was carried out and who the final recipient was. If they would have checked this, they would have revealed that the product goes to territory controlled by the Islamists," the journalist stated. "The Customs Administration is aware of this all, but does nothing to prevent the obvious funding of terrorist and criminal groups. If the supreme prosecutor's office were truly independent, then someone would be held responsible for this. I am absolutely convinced that Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic is personally responsible for what's been happening," the journalist stated. According to Vesovic, documents to which only the country's authorities have access could reveal other controversial details of illegal supplies. "It is striking that not a single state has received even a similar volume of cigarettes from Montenegro, as Libya. Why Libya we can only guess," the journalist said. EDINBURGH (Sputnik) The result of the EU membership referendum in the United Kingdom should be "recognized" but Scottish lawmakers obligation is to pursue the retention of EU membership for Scotland, a member of Scottish parliament from Scottish Green, John Finnie, told Sputnik on Friday. "We want to explore options for Scotland to retain EU membership and a priority is to work collaboratively because a lot of the challenges we face do have a European dimension to them The result [of the Brexit referendum] must be recognized but people must understand the obligation placed on Scottish parliamentarians that is to pursue what is in the best interests of their constituents. It is the constituents, the voters who have made it clear that their interests are better served by membership of the EU," Finnie said. The lawmaker accused pro-Brexit politicians of being "naive" if they believed they could still retain the benefits of EU membership following an exit from the trading bloc. Although other German politicians don't support Speckin's point of view and the position of his party, Speckin doesn't seem to be bothered about it. "We just put them before the fact," he said. "We don't have to convince anyone. This has almost come true. We're just the very embodiment of the turbo-politics. We have fulfilled the will of the people. Now we can reap the fruits of our fame," Speckin said. Results of the British referendum have inspired supporters of disintegration all across Europe and made everyone wonder who will be next. On June 23, 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. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Earlier on Friday, the Austrian Constitutional Court ruled that the country should stage a re-run of the second round of the presidential election following a complaint by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) about "irregularities and failures" during the vote counting. "We are ready to work with any democratic political power, with any president elected by the Austrian people," Dmitry Lubinsky said. He stressed also that the decision to re-run the second round of the presidential election is a democratic practice and a sovereign decision of the Austrian court. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russian diplomats that Moscow must increase its efforts to counter information attacks amid increasing attempts across the globe to influence public opinion. The situation as it is shown in Austrian media is not a constant. I am working as the ambassador for almost a year and I must say that during this period the information field regarding Russia has become more objective, as I can see. Of course, there are some critical publications but the most important thing is for the publications to become more objective, and that there would be an opportunity to present the Russian point of view, Lubinsky stressed. He added that the Russian embassy in Vienna is actively working on making sure that the Russian stance is presented in Austria. "As part of the preparations to the 2017 tourism cross-year, the opening of the Russian Tourism Bureau in Vienna will become an important event. We believe we can it finish it by the year-end," Lubinsky said. He stressed that tourism is a very prospective area as it is interlinked with business, medicine and many other spheres. The ambassador added also that the program of the 2017 cross year is now being elaborated and will include not only the capitals of Russia and Austria, but also the feral lands of Austria and Russian regions. "These events will be accompanied by a vast cultural program, because tourism is an all-encompassing area that is interlinked with business, business and leisure," Lubinsky said. The tourism office in Vienna is expected to boost the number of Austrian tourists in Russia. In 2017, the two countries will mark 500 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Austria. NATO is deploying missile defense systems in Turkey under the pretext of a non-existent threat of missile attacks from Syria, Russian Ambassador to NATO Alexander Grushko told Sputnik earlier on Thursday. Pierce said the Obama administration remained committed to finding whatever justification it needed to expand its military forces in the region with the goal of toppling Syrian President Bashar Assad. "That is what the Syrian war and proposed takedown of Assad is really about: rolling up any potential Russian allies," he explained. Pierce pointed out that deploying the Patriot systems was an unnecessary move as Turkey faced no direct threats of missile attacks. "Does deploying these Patriots systems in Turkey make any sense at all for Turkey's national security? Absolutely not: Who is going to attack them? Bulgaria?" he asked. The Patriots deployment appeared to be part of NATOs policies to encircle Russia with increased military deployments, Pierce stated. "It is definitely not about protecting the Turkish people It is directed at Russia in some way because there is no other potential opponent in the area," he continued. Herbst also noted that the United States and Russia had similar interests in Syria, and could cooperate. "It may be possible to cooperate, but there is a very serious problem in this area, and that is, most of the Russian military activities are directed against not the Islamic extremists, but against the very weak forces that are supported by the United States," he claimed. However, if Russia stopped supporting military action against US-backed groups in Syria, the way would be open for greater cooperation between Washington and Moscow, Herbst maintained. "If Russia were to stop doing that, I think it is possible for the United States and Russia to work together against ISIS [Daesh] against Jabhat al-Nusra and other extremist Islamists," he added. Since the beginning of the Syria civil war more than five year ago, the United States and some of its allies have supported the allegedly moderate Syrian opposition, calling for Assad's resignation, while Russia and Iran recognized Assad as the only legitimate Syrian authority. AL RISAFA (Syria) (Sputnik) Russian servicemen delivered about 2.5 metric tons (around 2.8 US tons) of humanitarian aid to the Syrian province of Hama, Ruslan Tokarev, spokesman for the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation at Hmeymim airbase told journalists. "The aid for Al Risafa residents contains primarily food products and presents for children for beginning of the school year. So that children can peacefully start their schooling. A total of 2.5 tons of humanitarian aid [was delivered]," Tokarev told journalists. He added that local residents were given packages with individual rations: canned fish and meet, flour and groats. Along with presents for beginning of the school year children also got sweet treats. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) A military aircraft has crashed in the Damascus region of Syria, a military source familiar with the matter told Sputnik on Friday. "A military aircraft crashed in Qalamoun in the Damascus governorate," the source said. According to the source, the aircraft was carrying out a training task and the pilot managed to eject himself, though his fate remains unknown. The United Kingdom has no plans of changing the visa regime with Russia after leaving the European Union, Bristow said. "There are no plans to change the visa regime. We have visa regimes with many countries, Russia is one of them." "Our visa regime aims to do two things: attract visitors and protect our border. We want Russians to come to the UK for tourism, for business, for studies. I hope Russians feel welcome in the UK. Perhaps, the cheaper pound will encourage more to come," he added. The Brexit referendum was held on June 23, 2016. Roughly 52 percent of the British citizens voted to leave the European Union. The relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union will not be affected by Brexit negotiations between London and the European Union, Bristow said. "The most important thing for us here is, we intend to remain open to trade and investment with all of our major trade and investment partners. For example in financial and legal services, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, education, creative industries," he told RIA Novosti. "We have a negotiation that we have to do with the European Union about our future relations with the European Union, but that's not about Russia," he added. SOCHI (Sputnik) The situation in Syria is not very promising and countries need to work together to help solve the crisis, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday. "Unfortunately, the situation in Syria is not very promising, but if we work together and if a sustainable ceasefire is in place, the humanitarian situation will get better as well," Cavusoglu told reporters following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "A political solution is the only right decision. Therefore, talks in Geneva should be resumed as soon as possible. We have agreed on close coordination with Russia on deliveries of humanitarian aid and on responding to all other challenges in Syria," he added. SOCHI (Sputnik) Turkey's direct fight against Daesh (banned in Russia) makes it a goal for the terrorists, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday. "IS [Daesh] attacks Turkey because Turkey directly fights IS [Daesh], including by helping the coalition and hindering foreign terrorists. We are truly killing the ideology of this terrorist organization," Cavusoglu told reporters following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous opposition factions and Islamic extremist groups. BEIRUT (Sputnik) The source said foreign mercenaries deployed earlier from across the Turkish border took part in the attack. "Numerous terrorist groups attacked the army and militia positions at 4:00 a.m. [01:00 GMT]. The assault came from settlements on the border and Idlib province. The army and us sustained losses. We were forced to regroup and are now preparing a counterattack," the source said. Describing the total lack of comfort, resources and supplies, Mr Goldring highlights that the trip not only opened his eyes to the immense poverty but also to the fact that this is a never-ending cycle and the likelihood of an solution coming fast is non-existent. In one night I lost everything my neigbours, my friends Cities have become frontlines in #Yemen.https://t.co/zIrAyBZs8H ICRC (@ICRC) 1 July 2016 "Back in Sanaa, the capital, I've seen damage and destruction, boy solders manning road with guns that was as big as they are. Cars with bullet holes right thought them, but most sadly of all, I have seen ordinary people having to flee their homes and they have had to flee with nothing at all camped on rocks with the minimal food and shelter," Goldring told Sputnik. Goldring commended the agencies and other charities working in the Yemen for trying to support the people an bring about some kind of normality to their lives. However, he stressed that the situation was not going to get better overnight people had no food. The struggle in Yemen was different, he said, in comparison to the Syrian conflict. The Yemeni people have been left all alone. "There are many people who are hungry, the ports have been bombed and food is not getting imported as it was before. Everyone is suffering and it is a sad story of a country that was already the poorest in the Middle East and now the world is looking away. There isn't the challenge like in Syria, the people of Yemen are being left to struggle alone. We have got to do better," Mark Goldring told Sputnik. Over the past 15 months, more than 6,400 people have been killed. Bombardments, landmines and shelling have destroyed schools, clinics, businesses, farms and markets with one in four companies having closed, and 70 percent of the workforce laid off. Severe food insecurity widespread in #Yemen: "This is one of the worst crises in the world" https://t.co/G7D11czSvQ pic.twitter.com/1ht7pMv8mp Oxfam International (@Oxfam) 30 June 2016 The country's economy is in crisis, with food prices up to 60 percent higher on average than before the conflict, pushing the basics beyond the reach of many. Three million women and children under five are suffering from malnutrition. According to Oxfam, the solution is obvious enable Yemen to remain connected to the financial system and help to establish peace in an already volatile situation. "It's futile to imagine we can help people to survive without securing peace and immediately halting arms sales to all participants of the war. The UK and western powers need to put all efforts into the current peace talks. Governments must also ensure that Yemen remains plugged into the global financial system. It's only government intervention that will restore trade and prevent Yemen falling further into catastrophe," Goldring told Sputnik. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) In Syria, the airstrikes were near the towns of Mara and Manbij, and destroyed a Daesh bulldozer, five tactical units and two Daesh fighting positions. "Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seven strikes in Syria," the release stated on Friday. "Bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted nine strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraqs government." The airstrikes in Iraq were carried out near seven towns, including Ramadi and Mosul, and destroyed a Daesh bunker, cave entrance, tactical units, machine guns, vehicles and rocket rails. MOSCOW (Sputnik) It underscored that "unilateral actions by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community." "The Quartet stresses that while a permanent status agreement that ends the conflict can only be achieved through direct bilateral negotiations, important progress can be made now towards advancing the two-state solution on the ground," the report states. Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations which make up the Quartet urged both countries to demonstrate "genuine commitment for successful negotiations" through policies and actions. Jihad Against Jihad Officially, during the last stage of liberation of Fallujah, Shiite militia did not participate because of the noisy campaign which was launched by the Sunni opposition in the media, but the victory over Daesh in this city is credited to them. Daesh fights very fanatically and if it wasnt for Al-Sha'ab Hashd and the religious feelings of Shiites instilled by religious authorities, Daesh most certainly would have possessed all of Iraq by now. But right now their morale is not what it used to be as it has been broken by numerous failures, one of the leaders of Al-Sha'ab Hashd, Hadi al-Amiri, told RIA correspondent Rafael Daminov. Al-Sha'ab Hashd was formed in the summer of 2014, when Daesh troops, who were already at that time capturing large areas in the north and west of the country, took full control of the second largest city in Iraq, Mosul. The continuous defeat of the soldiers of the government army, who simply fled the battlefield, leaving the entire arsenal of American weapons, surprised the political leadership in Baghdad. The fanatics were merciless and executed peaceful citizens. Baghdad itself was under threat of terrorism with militants located twenty kilometers from the village of Abu Ghraib threatening to fire at the international airport of the capital. Satisfied by their easy victories militants seriously discussed the possibility of capturing sacred to all Shia world cities of Karbala, Samarra and Najaf. It is in Najaf, which houses the mausoleum of son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad and the fourth Caliph that a call for a general jihad to protect the country from terrorists was made. It was announced by a spiritual leader of the Shiite community of Iraq, Ali al-Sistani. On the appeal of the spiritual leader tens of thousands of people responded to join in fight against Daesh to protect Iraq from falling. The Main Iranian Saboteur Significant assistance to the new formation has and continues to be provided by Iran, which has the same ideological reference point and acts as a financial sponsor for the majority of Shiite groups in Iraq. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The Middle East Quartet noted, however, that the recent terrorist attacks, including the Jerusalem bus bombing in April and the shooting in Tel Aviv cafe in June, demonstrated that the violence in the region continues. "The frequency of attacks and clashes declined significantly in 2016," the report said. "This slowdown is due in large part to the effective efforts of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, who have successfully thwarted attacks, seized weapons, and arrested suspected extremists. Continued security coordination between both sides has also played a key part in reducing violence." WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State John Kerry, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented a report on Friday. The report focused on major threats to achieving a negotiated peace and offered recommendations to advance a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. "Hamas and other radical factions are responsible for the most explicit and widespread forms of incitement," the report stated. "These groups use media outlets to glorify terrorism and openly call for violence against Jews, including instructing viewers on how to carry out stabbings." The report pointed out that Palestinians carrying out terrorist attacks are "often glorified publicly as "heroic martyrs." TEL AVIV (Sputnik) Israeli transfers of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority amount to about $100 million monthly, accounting for a considerable part of the authority's budget. "The Palestinian Authority transfers funds to terrorists by various laundering methods; the more severe the acts of terrorism, the greater the amount of funds. Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," the prime minister's press service said. The decision, which took effect "immediately" was taken in response to the recent wave of violence conducted by Palestinian terrorists against Israeli nationals. At least two civilians, including a 13-year-old girl from the United States, were killed and six got injured in a series of terrorist attack in Israel earlier this week. In addition to the documents, which include notebooks, notes, diaries, lists of names of militants, maps, the Democratic Forces also found mobile phones, laptops and memory cards. Manbij City is located approximately 360 kilometers north of Damascus and 80 kilometers east of Aleppo. On June 23, 2016 the Democratic Forces of Syria announced their assault on the city to liberate it from the clutches of the terrorists. SDF fighters rescued thousands of refugees from the Daesh-seized surroundings of Manbij and Mascana. Among the refugees there are women, children and the elderly. It was earlier reported that Manbij is a strategic town where Daesh militants come to from Turkey. The restoration of control over the town would also facilitate the liberation of Aleppo Province. Iranian expert and member of the Scientific Council at the Department of Research at Tehran University, Fouad Izadi, spoke with Sputnik in an interview about the incident and how the US reaction to the incident was fairly predictable. Firstly, when in January this incident took place, anti-Iranian rhetoric by many US officials only intensified. They presented this in such a twisted way, saying that supposedly American sailors went off course and accidentally entered the territorial waters of Iran and the Islamic Republic immediately arrested them, Izadi said. Some members of the Congress even went as far as saying that if within a few hours the sailors are not released, the United States reserves the right to save its citizens by resorting to military action against Iran, he added. In general, the American side demonstrated an extremely aggressive reaction. Now that the situation has changed over time, it shows what actually happened in January and demonstrates that Iran is not to be blamed, as it was reacting within the framework of international law, according to the expert. The perpetrators of this incident are the American sailors themselves, for that they must be punished, Izadi said. The second point that should be noted is that the United States wants to exercise the utmost strictness on the US sailors. Talking about the reason behind this decision, the expert said, When the incident occurred, senior Iranian military officers stated that the US sailors were very upset by what had happened, they cried and repented admitting that they made a mistake. Naturally, this fact puts the US in a spotlight because, the United States likes to talk about its power and might and the knowledge of US soldiers crying and acting cowardly doesnt correspond well with the US image. Xi announced last September that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would cut its ranks by 300,000 to total 2 million troops by 2017, still maintaining its lead as the worlds largest army. The countrys defense budget ranks second in volume to that of the United States. Chinas military expenditures neared $130 billion last year, a 12.2 percent year-on-year increase from 2013. China Not to Tolerate Violations of Country's Sovereignty, Security China respects interests of other countries, but will defend its rights and will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and security interests, Xi Jinping said. "China does not infringe on the rights of others countries, is not envious of their development, but at the same time we would not renounce our legitimate rights. The Chinese nation is not afraid of both evil and troubles. Any state should not hope that we will trade with our vital interests, should not hope that we would tolerate violations of our sovereignty, security and interests of the development." NEW DELHI (Sputnik) In May, the plane's manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said that the IAF Chief Marshal Arup Raha had carried out a test flight of Tejas, becoming the first IAF head to test the fighter. "Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, inducted the LCA [Light Combat Aircraft] Tejas at Indian Air Forces Aircraft Systems and Test Establishment in Bengaluru," the Indian Air Force said in a statement. Tejas has become part of the IAF's new Flying Daggers squadron. The squadron will get 18 more Tejas aircraft in 2018. TBILISI (Sputnik) Montenegro's NATO admission is beneficial because of the country's geopolitical position and its strategic geography, the head of the Canadian delegation to the OSCE PA told Sputnik Friday. "I really think that in many instances contribution of countries that coming as allies not so much because of the numbers they contribute but because of their geopolitical position, their strategic geography that makes them feel they need to be a part of some things that is a protective force," Hedy Fry said. On December 2, 2015, NATO invited Montenegro to join the military bloc, in its first expansion into Eastern Europe in six years. Podgorica accepted the invitation the following day, which triggered protests in the Balkan nation. VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) Russia on Friday held a ceremony of laying the keel of Rezky corvette at the shipbuilding plant in the Far Eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the press service of the Khabarovsk Territory's government said in a statement. "Today the official ceremony of the beginning of construction of a new ship Rezky multipurpose patrol corvette of a littoral zone took place at the Amur Shipbuilding Plant. The event was dedicated to the 80th plant's anniversary," the statement said. "Matua is large enough to have an airfield with a good operative capacity. It is also suitable as a naval stationing base. All of this could be built within three years," Sivkov said. He added that construction of a large-scale naval base including a repair facility, houses for personnel, and warehouses for ammunition and equipment, would take up to 20 years. However, it is necessary to explore the island because there may be stockpiles of Japanese ammunition from the WWII period. "There is a lot of military scrap metal on the island, especially in the underground facilities. At the same time, former Japanese fortifications could be used by the Russian military. Anyway, a new naval base of the Pacific Fleet on Matua is very positive," the analyst concluded. The new Russian naval facility would significantly change the military and political balance in the Pacific Region, Ivan Konovalov, director of the Center of Strategic Environment, underscored. "A new base will be a concern for the United States. President Barack Obama announced a strategic shift to the Pacific. This is why Washington will not be happy about a new Russian base in the region," he said. At the same time, the base will not affect relations between Moscow and Tokyo, especially over Japans claims for the so-called Northern Territories in the Kuril chain. On June 29, United States Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones and Iraqi Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari signed a declaration according to which the US will provide Iraq with a $2.7 billion loan. The money will help enhance the capabilities of the Iraq Army. According to military expert and journalist Alexei Frolov, the current shipments of Russian weapons to Iraq do not require Russian specialists to actually get involved in the combat themselves. "Those weapons were already delivered to Iraq back in the era of Saddam Hussein. As for armored vehicles, Iraq may receive flamethrowers, mine clearing vehicles, probably T-72 tanks, because the T-90 is too expensive, BMP-3 combat vehicles, and armored personnel carriers," he suggested. "As for artillery, there may be shipments of D-30 122-mm howitzers and Giatsint-B 152-mm cannons as well as ammunition," he added. The analyst underscored that Russia delivering weapons to Iraq is a big success for the Russian defense industry. On June 30, the Iraqi government announced a new offensive on the city of Mosul, the capital of the Daesh caliphate in Iraq. An offensive on Mosul was already declared on March 24, but shortly after it failed and forces were redeployed to Fallujah. TURKU (Sputnik) Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he accepted his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinistos proposal to develop aviation security measures in the Baltic region. Putin said he would instruct the foreign and defense ministries to raise the issue at the next Russia-NATO Council. "We agree with the proposal of the President of Finland. Moreover, on return to Moscow, I will instruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense to put this issue on the agenda during the forthcoming Russia-NATO Council meeting in Brussels," Putin said at a press conference in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku. "Today's casualty data release and issuance of the executive order is a concrete step in the right direction, but more information is still needed for the public to meaningfully evaluate the lawfulness and effectiveness of the targeted killing program," Human Rights First's Rita Siemion said in a statement. The report comes as part of an executive order that urges the US to act to "reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties" and also directs that the US acknowledge its responsibility for civilian deaths and offer condolences and compensation. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura met in Washington, DC on Thursday and discussed the next steps in the technical talks in the Syrian peace process as well as the importance of improving the cessation of hostilities, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby told Sputnik. "UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura met with Deputy Secretary Antony Blinkin today at the Department of State," Kirby told Sputnik. "Special Envoy de Mistura shared his thoughts on the Syrian political negotiations and his plans for next steps in the technical talks with the parties and regional partners." Blinken reaffirmed US support for de Misturas ongoing political negotiations and expressed support for efforts "to ensure that relevant Syrian parties continue to have a voice in the process." Speaking with Brian Becker of Loud&Clear , Okuyan, whos on trial in Turkey for criticizing the president, said that Erdogan policies have led the country to political standoff with the US, Israel and the EU as well as Russia. Ankara has also traditionally had strained relations with Iran, Greece and Armenia that havent improved. As a result Turkey became the country that has problems with all the world and regional powers. The Erdogan administrations unsuccessful policies, along with its stance on Syria, split public opinion among the Turkish population, Okuyan says. Nearly half of the countrys citizens still support the president, while the other half oppose him. The Turks are fighting Erdogan, although they have supported him for a while, he says, explaining that the more progressive part of society opposes Erdogans policies that combine nationalism and regionalism into what Okuyan describes as Ottomanism. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) A new US proposal to step up military cooperation with Russia leaked to the media reflected a growing desperation by the Obama administration to deliver the appearance of success in Syria, retired CIA counterterrorism officer Philip Giraldi told Sputnik. "It is clear what the US government wants," Giraldi said on Thursday. "They desperately need a win in Syria to help [Democratic presumptive presidential candidate] Hillary Clinton in November and only Russia can help deliver that." The US government has proposed a new agreement in Syria to Moscow to boost military cooperation between the two countries against some terrorists in exchange for Russia getting the government of Syrian president Bashar Assad to stop bombing US-supported rebels, the Washington Post reported also on Thursday. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) When asked whether he believes the sanctions might be lifted within this year, Herbst stated, "No." "Because unless the Kremlin decides to fulfil its obligations under Minsk, I dont believe that Chancellor Merkel will agree to sanctions being eased, and I dont think President Obama will agree to sanctions being eased," Herbs explained on Thursday. US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that companies both in the United States and the European Union have born a burden of sanctions, and economies in EU member states have done worse than they could otherwise have. Erdogan's decision to mend ties with Russia and Israel is part of Turkey's new foreign policy vision, Professor Demir added. But it appears to have come at a cost. "Daesh has clearly been deeply concerned with these developments. [These worries] played a major part in making a decision to carry out" the latest terrorist attack in Istanbul. The suicide bombing, the first of its kind at a Turkish airport, took place on June 28, leaving 43 killed and more than 230 wounded. Although Daesh has not claimed responsibility for the assault, authorities and experts agree that indirect indicators suggest that the brutal group is behind it. Al-Monitor's columnist Metin Gurcan suggested that Turkey's drastic foreign policy change could have been a major factor, echoing Professor Demir's assessment. "This group's motive could have been to intimidate Ankara because of its Syrian policy choices and sharp U-turns in relations with Russia and Israel, sending Ankara the message: 'Watch out. If you push us, you will pay a high price,'" he said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted Russia's ban on charter flights to Turkey and ordered the government to negotiate the revival of trade between the two countries. "The actions of the Turkish authorities over the last two days have created the prerequisites for turning the critical page of our relations. However, Turkey must carry out serious work on ensuring the safety of those arriving in the country, especially in the light of the recent tragic events in Istanbul," the source told the Izvestia newspaper. The Russian Federal Agency for Tourism had previously said that Moscow and Ankara were reestablishing cooperation in tourism, but stressed that Russia would put special emphasis on security of Russian tourists traveling to Turkey. TBILISI (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, the 25th Annual Session of the OSCE PA kicked off in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. "Clearly a dialogue between all parties to all disputes is something that we would encourage. In this organization, we welcome dialogue and we welcome normalization of relations between individual parties," Lord Peter Bowness said, answering a question about his reaction on normalization of ties between Russia and Turkey. He noted, however, that it was "far too early" to predict the results of the process to restore bilateral ties. This policy change, should it truly happen, will come in sharp contrast to NATO's increasing assertiveness in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as the Baltic region, that has become a common fixture following Crimea's democratic reunification with Russia and the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis. The bloc's senior officials, most notably former supreme allied commander General Philip M. Breedlove, made a point of calling Russia the key threat to the alliance and the global world order. The alliance, according to the analyst, no longer views this approach as viable due to Russia's reaction. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Thursday, The Washington Post reported that the Obama administration has proposed Russia to cooperate against some terrorist groups in Syria, if Moscow gets the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad to stop alleged attacks on US-backed opposition forces. "No comment on this topic," Peskov told reporters a day after news broke, citing sources close to the Obama administration, of the alleged offer. The US Department of State declined to discuss ongoing diplomatic conversations with Russia. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Kremlin is not excluding that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could take place before the G20 summit in September, though there are no decisions yet regarding the time and venue, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. "Indeed, we are not excluding that the two leaders could decide to meet ahead of the G20 summit in China. I cannot say yet where this might happen, but we are not excluding this possibility, that there will be a meting before the G20," Peskov told reporters. Moreover, Moscow and Ankara will engage in intensive dialogue over the next month on the gradual lifting of Russia's restrictions against Turkey. "We hope that these contacts, taking place after the letter that president Putin received from President Erdogan following talks over the phone, will set the right tone for practical efforts on normalizing our relations," Lavrov said during the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, taking place in the southern Russian city of Sochi. "As you mentioned, your president spoke on the phone to our president. The conversation was very constructive, they instructed us to normalize relations and reach the due level of our relations. I am very happy for this opportunity to meet you. I think this summit is very successful, thank you for the invitation," Cavusoglu said ahead of the closed meeting. Cooperation between Russia and Turkey in the anti-terrorism field is particularly relevant in light of the recent terrorist attack in Turkey's Istanbul, Lavrov said. Lavrov stated that a decision had been made to resume the work of the two countries' working group on counterterrorism. "The work of this group has been suspended for the last seven months, but we agreed today to promptly resume it," the Russian minister said. Earlier this week, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the European Union should provide "legally binding" assurances to address the concerns of the Dutch people who voted against the association deal ratification in the April referendum. In 2014, the European Union signed an agreement with Ukraine to deepen political association and economic integration. Ukraine has had to implement a series of political and economic reforms to gain free-trade access to the EU market. In April, the Netherlands held a referendum in which 61 percent of Dutch voters rejected the ratification of the deal. Currently, the Netherlands is the only EU state, which has not yet ratified the agreement. The Hague insists on a legally binding and acceptable to all parties solution on the EU-Ukraine Association deal, Stephan Schrover said. As was indicated during the June European Council, we are seeking a solution that is legally binding and acceptable to all parties, and which addresses the concerns that were expressed in the debate, Stephan Schrover said. Schrover stressed that the Dutch government cannot just proceed with ratification without addressing the outcome of the referendum. MOSCOW (Sputnik) If the situation in Syria deteriorates, this will trigger a domino effect in all countries in the region, Assad said. "This is the misinterpretation, or lets say the misconception in the West, and maybe part of the propaganda, that Russia and Iran supported Assad, or supported the President. Its not like this. Its about the whole situation. The chaos in Syria is going to provoke a domino effect in our region, thats going to affect the neighboring countries, its going to affect Iran, its going to affect Russia, its going to affect Europe, actually. So, when they defend Syria, they defend the stability and they defend their stability, they defend their interest," Assad said in an interview with SBS TV, as quoted by SANA news agency. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Several cabinet members quit the Syrian administration as a result of pressure from countries like Saudi Arabia and France, President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Australian television. "Actually, they defected because theyve been asked to do so by, some of them, Saudi Arabia, some of them by France, it depends on the country they belong to," Assad told SBS in an interview whose transcript was published by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) Friday. Assad ordered a cabinet reshuffle on June 22 under Electricity Minister Imad Mohammad Deeb Khamis' leadership. Key members of the administration were said to retain their posts. Russia and Turkey agree that opposition groups in Syria should make clear that they are not terrorists by withdrawing from areas controlled by extremist groups, Lavrov said. "Our Turkish colleagues confirmed today that they absolutely agree with this logic." "Those who don't want to get hit [by Russian and Syrian airstrikes] need to leave positions occupied by Jabhat al-Nusra and IS. If the patriotic opposition, constructive opposition remains in areas controlled by terrorists, it needs to withdraw its units. Otherwise it will be considered an accomplice." Cavusoglu agreed with his Russian counterpart, stating that he doubted the two countries had different opinions on the matter. "If these disagreements do exist, we need to meet and discuss them with our Russian colleagues," the Turkish minister said. Russia hopes that Moscow and Ankara would be able to achieve tangible results in resolving the Syrian crisis, including stemming the flow of terrorists along the Turkish-Syrian border, Lavrov said. "We can specifically discuss everything in the framework of our bilateral dialogue, even the most difficult issues, including the task of preventing the terrorist infiltration into Syria from abroad, the task of preventing the use of Turkish territory in support of terrorist organizations in Syria," Lavrov said. The Treaty of Rapallo was meant to normalize relations between Germany and the Soviet Union, who also agreed to "cooperate in a spirit of mutual goodwill in meeting the economic needs of both countries." Moscow and Berlin, in Baquiast's opinion, could work together on developing northern territories and the Arctic, foster cooperation within the BRICS format and "negotiate with China as equals." "Staying away from such an alliance would have disastrous implications for France. It would become a nation with limited power despite its resources. But as part of a Paris-Berlin-Moscow group, France could develop and use all resources available," he observed. It turned out Thursday that the Obama administration has offered Russia a deal for joint military cooperation in Syria. "Under the proposal, which was personally approved by President Obama and heavily supported by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the American and Russian militaries would cooperate at an unprecedented level, something the Russians have sought for a long time," Josh Rogin of the Washington Post writes. In exchange, Washington wants Russia to pressure the Syrian government into halting air strikes against Islamists whom the US "does not consider terrorists." While Washington would not provide exact locations of these groups to Moscow, it would specify "geographic zones" that "would be safe" from aerial assaults from the Syrian Arab Army and its allies. On the one hand, it is clear that Washington continues to persuade Moscow not to target anti-Assad Islamist groups such as Jaish al-Islam or Ahrar al-Sham, despite the fact they are consistently violating the ceasefire regime in Syria. These episodes are well-documented by the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria. Furthermore, many of these groups have been spotted colluding with al-Qaeda's affiliate al-Nusra Front. On the other hand, Washington is seemingly at pains to establish the much-discussed "buffer zones" or "safe zones" in Syria, which could be potentially carved out from Syria by "opposition groups," as Bangkok-based geopolitical analyst Tony Cartalucci has repeatedly warned. At the same time, NATO has been deploying Patriot missile systems in Turkey under the pretext of a non-existent missile threat from Syria. According to historian and retired US Army Maj. Todd Pierce, the deployment of Patriot anti-ballistic missile interceptor batteries to Turkey could be aimed at provoking a new crisis in the region. "It is definitely not about protecting the Turkish people It is directed at Russia in some way because there is no other potential opponent in the area," Pierce told Sputnik. By hook or by crook Washington's foreign policy establishment is pursuing its geopolitical plan to topple Bashar al-Assad and split Syria up. Simultaneously, the White House is seemingly seeking public approval for bolstering US military actions in the region. BEIRUT (Sputnik) Assad maintained that the danger of terrorists groups like Daesh "is not about what land they occupyIts about how much of their ideology can they instill in the mind of the people in the area that they sit or live in." "Reaching Raqqa is not that difficult militarily, lets say. Its a matter of time. We are going in that direction," Assad told SBS in an interview as quoted by SANA on Friday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The sanctions include limited access to EU capital markets for a number of Russian financial institutions, as well as energy and defense companies, a ban on arms trade, and limited access for Russia to certain oil production technologies. "On 1 July 2016, the Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2017," the Council said in a press statement. "Moreover, Speaker Naryshkin confirmed that Russia firmly respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, and that it won't support the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo," Gojkovic said. While negotiating with the EU, Serbia never broke off friendly and economic ties with many countries outside the EU, including Russia. In an interview with Sputnik, Gojkovic denied media reports claiming that Russia hinders Serbia's integration with the EU and also commented on Serbia's plans to enhance cooperation with the countries in the Black Sea region, in particular in the framework of the organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). "Members of the BSEC have different political and social systems, but we are united by a desire to cooperate in various fields. It is important to do this through concrete projects. When we chaired in the organization in 2010, we advocated concrete steps as well as strengthening of the international positions of the organization. It is necessary to develop economic ties, and if they succeed, we will also be closer in political terms," Gojkovic stressed. The BSEC is a regional organization aimed at strengthening political and economic cooperation in the Black Sea region. The organization consists of 12 member states, including Russia and Serbia. TBILISI (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, the Council of the European Union prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of Russia's economy until January 31, 2017. "It is a rather complicated topic. Like with every measure we have to see whether it is working or not and whether it is causing necessary effects or not. Until now, I think, if the Minsk agreements are not implemented from both sides, these sanctions are not productive," Marietta Tidei said when asked whether she agrees with the prolongation of the EU sanctions against Russia. Italys economy has been particularly hit by the anti-Russian sanctions and the subsequent food embargo introduced by Moscow, with many Italians publicly protesting against the prolongation of the restrictive measures by Brussels. In November 2015, Amnesty International said that civilian infrastructure in Yemen was destroyed by the Saudi-led coalition using a UK-made cruise missile. Later in the month, The Independent reported that the UK government could be prosecuted for war crimes after more evidence emerged of the use of UK weapons sold to Saudi Arabia against civilian targets in Yemen. In March, the UK Parliaments Committees on Arms Export Controls announced that they would carry their own investigation into the use of UK arms in Yemen, as a Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Arab states had been carrying airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in that country. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia expects Turkey to take exhaustive measures to ensure that Russian citizens planning to travel to Turkey are safe, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday. "We expect Turkey to take all the best possible comprehensive measures to ensure the security of Russian citizens who intend to visit Turkey," Zakharova said in comments published on the ministry website. She urged Russian citizens planning trips to Turkey to exercise caution, assess the situation and potential threats in view of the existing danger in the tourist destination. SOCHI (Sputnik) On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting restrictions on travel by Russians to Turkey, specifically a ban on charter flights to the country and a recommendation for Russian travel agencies to stop selling tour packages to Turkey. "The first tactical step taken by President Putin, he signed a decree which we are ready to implement. And my home town Antalya is ready to host Russian guests and I know that our Russian friends will be very happy to visit Turkey. Thus, the tourism agencies, travel agencies and airlines should prepare themselves as the decree is already signed and we have the will to implement it," Cavusoglu said following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, when asked how the work on restoring tourists numbers is progressing. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The European Union continues its short-sighted policy with the extension of sanctions against Russia, mistakenly holding Moscow responsible for carrying out agreements to settle the Ukrainian conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministrys press service said Friday. "Another extension by the European Union of the illegitimate from the viewpoint of international law anti-Russia sectoral economic sanctions until January 31, 2017, is perceived as an extension of Brussels short-sighted policy," the ministry said. Moscow deems it "absurd to link these discriminatory measures against Russia, which is not a party to the internal Ukrainian conflict, with the implementation of the Minsk agreements by it." ROME (Sputnik) On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express regret and send condolences for the November 2015 downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in Syria by Turkey. On Wednesday, the two leaders held a phone conversation for the first time in more than seven months. Following the talks with Erdogan, Putin ordered the government to prepare to lift administrative restrictions against Turkey in tourism field. "Ten years of Brussels' closed doors did not help [Turkey to get closer to the European Union]. Now, there are two positive facts. The first is the migrant agreement The second is the warming of relations between Ankara and Moscow," Gentiloni told La Stampa newspaper. Modi said that, India was not reluctant to engage with Pakistan. Our approach has created difficulties for Pakistan, and they find it hard to respond on the matter in the international community. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that, It was Prime Minister Modi who first invited Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his oath taking ceremony. Thereafter it was again External Affairs Minister who traveled to Pakistan and held a meeting which led to the start of a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. The Foreign Secretary was quite prepared to go to Pakistan in January this year to hold initial discussions on the modalities of the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. However, the Pathankot terrorist incident intervened, spokesperson added. India-Pakistan relations have deteriorated further after the Pathankot Airbase attack as India wants a concrete investigation from the Pakistani side. A series of NATO war games in close proximity to Russia's borders as well as the Alliance's decision to deploy four battalions in the Baltic states and Poland have prompted European politicians and scholars to accuse the bloc of worse than useless muscle-flexing on Russia's doorstep. In his June interview with the Bild am Sonntag media outlet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned Europe and NATO against "saber-rattling and war cries." "What we should not do now, is inflame the situation with loud saber-rattling and war cries. Anyone who thinks that symbolic tank parades on the Eastern border of the alliance create more security is mistaken," the German foreign minister stressed. TBILISI (Sputnik) The United States expects that its military cooperation with Turkey will not be affected by warming in relations between Moscow and Ankara, a US senator and a deputy head of the US delegation to the OSCE PA told Sputnik Friday. "Let us understand what normalization of ties between Turkey and Russia means, the substance of it. Turkey is a valuable ally of the United States militarily. We expect that not to change. It is understandable that two neighboring nations want to have best relations possible but I think it is not quite certain exactly what that means in terms of policy going forward in short term and long term," Rodger Wicker, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said. Relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated when the Russian Su-24 attack aircraft was shot on November 24, 2015, by a Turkish fighter near the Turkish border in Syria. Following the incident, Moscow imposed a number of restrictive measures on Turkey and has repeatedly said that Ankara should apologize for downing the plane. TBILISI (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova When asked about the main issues on the Polish summit agenda, Wicker stressed that the alliance would focus on the implementation of the Minsk deal on Ukrainian reconciliation. "With regards to Georgia, it seems that, perhaps, their fondest desire will not be realized at the Poland conference," Rodger Wicker, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said. In 2008, Georgia applied for membership in NATO. Since then a NATO commission has monitored Tbilisi's progress in matching the standards of the bloc. On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to express regret and send condolences for the November 2015 downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in Syria by Turkey. Russian tourists should be given the chance to travel to Turkey this holiday season, but security concerns should be addressed in light of recent terrorist attacks in the country, Medvedev said. "The idea is to give the opportunity for our people who love to spend vacations in Turkey to do so in the current tourist season, subject however to one major condition: Turkey suffered a terrorist attack, unfortunately not for the first time, so the issue of security must still be advanced to the forefront," he said. Another reason is the upcoming European discussion on the extension of anti-Russian sanctions. There is a growing number of politicians and officials in Europe calling to ease or remove sanctions. Brexit may radically change the power balance. Brussels would deal with its internal problems. All of the above makes the removal of sanctions increasingly possible, political analyst Pavel Svyatenkov told Svobodnaya Pressa. "White Houses statements on the isolation of Russia and success of Obamas foreign policy are also a message to European allies. The EU is not as united as before on sanctions and Washington wants to remind Europe of its obligations," he pointed out. "But first of all, such rhetoric is an attempt to show some good results, even if its not true," he added. Specialist in the US foreign policy, Viktor Olevich said that such statements by the US presidential administration are wishful thinking. "In fact, US sanctions have failed to hurt the Russian economy. They have also failed to force Moscow to change its policy. However, in order to support Hillary Clinton Washington needs to justify its policy towards Russia," the analyst said. TURKU (Sputnik) Russia has repeatedly expressed its concern about the creation of a US-designed ballistic missile defense system in Europe, approved at the 2010 NATO summit in Lisbon. Poland and Romania joined Spain and Turkey in agreeing to deploy elements of the system on their territories. "Now they are saying about the deployment of the same system of radars and interceptors in Poland, that is the Baltic Sea region. What are we to do? How are we to stop these threats? We will have to act accordingly," Putin said alongside his Finnish counterpart. Putin addressed a series of confirmations by NATO allies, Canada being the latest this week, to each contribute 4,000 troops in Eastern Europe. The Soviet Type 705 Lira (Alfa in NATO's classification) attack submarine is still causing quite a stir in the West although all Lira-class vessels have been out of service since the mid-1990s. A February interview given by an unnamed Russian defense industry source to Lenta.ru and quoted by Sputnik immediately evoked memories of the Cold War-era innovative underwater craft in Western media. "We spent twenty years using the Lira (Project 705) subs during the 1970s through 1990s It was a very promising project but it was eventually shelved due to the abundance of new technological ideas simultaneously implemented in one boat," the defense source told Lenta.ru, adding that now the Russian Navy is considering the creation of new robotic nuclear submarines. The Finnish president said that he had held a very interesting and constructive meeting with Putin. "We held a very interesting and constructive conversation. And the fact that we intend to continue talks at the dinner is telling of the volume of our bilateral issues," Niinisto said at a joint press conference in the southwestern Finnish city of Turku. Putin expressed hope, on his part, that Moscow and Helsinki would continue constructive negotiations during a wide-format meeting. Earlier this week, the resolution was adopted by a wide margin, but failed to gather support among all political representatives. "Liguria historically had close relations with Russia, especially in the tourism sector. Russians are attracted to our nature, Mediterranean cuisine, our agricultural products. And it is agriculture that has been hit by the sanctions most of all, not to mention the reduction of the tourist inflow," Piana said. Today, Italian newspaper La Stampa wrote that thousands of Italian farmers took to the streets of Verona to protest against anti-Russian sanctions. Protesters came from all over the Veneto region to oppose further confrontation with Russia. "Putin, let's make peace," some farmers wrote on their lemon-yellow banners, the article said. According to Piana, the resolution calls for the creation of a special committee on the withdrawal of anti-Russian sanctions, and suggests that the national government should condemn the EU's foreign policy with regard to Crimea. The document also specifies that the anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the EU have cost Italy 3.6 billion. "It is well-known that the decision of the regional government has no legal force. But on a political level, this initiative means a lot, and it is impossible to ignore it. And when a special committee is created in the National Parliament, we will see also more concrete steps in the future," the politician stressed. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will try to start a dialogue with NATO about the safety of Baltic airspace. "I did not see exactly what President Putin was suggesting but in the context of the NATO summit, I am not aware of any specific or prominent Russian role or negotiation that will be started," Earnest stated. TURKU (Sputnik) Earlier in the day, Niinisto met with Russian President Vladimir Putin who arrived in Finland at his invitation. "During our talks I brought up the issue that there is a vicious circle that is hard to break in the world we live in. It is the situation in Ukraine as well as the challenges we are facing in the Baltics," Niinisto told reporters. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Carter has recently told reporters that the Russians had taken a wrong stand on Syria by announcing the fight against terrorism and the assistance to peace process as goals, but not doing either, which prevented Washington from cooperating with Moscow at a deeper level in Syria. "We were surprised to hear such a loose interpretation of the goals and nature of Russia-US agreements on ceasefire and peace process in Syria," ministry's spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in a statement. "Since the beginning of the Russian operation in Syria, the Russian military has been fighting against international terrorist groups that had been swallowing a UN member-country in front of the whole world, including the US," Konashenkov stressed. Dr Roberts explains his view about Brexit and the future of the EU: The British vote to leave the EU is not binding, so I think most of the discussion about the effect of Brexit is premature, because Washington is not going to allow the British to leave the EU. The EU is a CIA initiative, and Washington has worked for 60 years to put all of the European countries in a bag that is easily controlled. Some of the 28 countries in the EU have some accountably left to their peoples. Not very much, as Greece has proven, but some still do. So it is much more convenient if all of these countries are put under the control of an unaccountable, unelected, European commission where only a handful of people make decisions, making it very easy for Washington to control. From Washingtons standpoint, the British will simply not be permitted to leave, and if the process takes two years, they will never get out, because that is two years for Washington to punish the British economy, two years for propaganda against the vote, and the very process of emerging from the EU will require all sorts of agreements to remain part of the single market, and those agreements will tie the British down, so if they leave they will leave in name only. To the question that we see other countries throughout Europe wishing to leave, including France where we have a general election coming up in less than a year and, where Marine Le Penn could win they cant all be controlled by Washington can they? Dr Roberts replied: The CIA is capable of stopping all of these countries leaving if they want to. It only takes a few bribes or a few threats, plus the propaganda is so complete. Look at the propaganda against the British vote. It is overwhelming. People are being told that they are racists, that they wreck the economy, that they have wrecked the future of Britain, and the media never stepped in and asked why? In France, only a nationalist like Le Penn, could lead an exit. These people are demonised, they are racists. Furthermore, it is not clear that the CIA will allow Le Penn to be elected president. You might remember what happened to Dominique Strauss-Kahn. The IMF president who was tipped to be the next President of France. He was set up very well [by the CIA]. A number of people who are astute and pay attention have said that the CIA will simply assassinate Le Penn. documents were released from the National Archives 16 years ago which show that the EU was a CIA initiative. Essentially, a way of putting a barrier up to Russian expansion and as a way for Washington to control European foreign policy. These are official documents that were released. you cant say that America which spent 60 years setting this up will simply stand aside whilst it falls apart. Remember what happened when George Soros attacked the British pound. Just one man. What do you think the federal reserve can do to the British pound? Paschos Mandravelis said that Greeks are afraid right now, that the world is globalising so fast that they are unable to keep up and cope with it. The elite in Greece, he said, cannot explain what is happening to the Greek people, the problem being that technology is transforming the economy too quickly. Dr Roberts disagrees and feels that it is not technology that is the driving force behind globalisation. Globalisation is driven by global corporate profits. Globalisation benefits absolutely no-one but the corporations themselves. It undermines all of the social reforms that the European countries had achieved over the past centuries. Look at what is happening in France right now. We have a government which pretends to be socialist, but in fact is neoliberal. It is destroying workers rights. Some of the people understand that globalism is not in their interests, and thats why they are in the streets in Paris and all over France, resisting. We also see resistance against the TTIP, which is another grab for power by global corporations. Europeans realise that it is hard enough holding their own government responsible, but they have no chance of holding the people in Brussels responsible. What the EU does is take people out of the process of government, they no longer have any input. The President of the European parliament, Martin Shulz made this absolutely clear recently in response to the British vote to leave: It is not the EUs philosophy that the crowd can decide its own fate. The view amongst the political elite in Europe is established that the people are not qualified to make political decisions. And this is why I think that the vote in Britain does not mean anything. To discuss the situation in Puerto Rico, Brian Becker is joined by Cate Long of Puerto Rico Clearinghouse. Arch Neo-conservative Republican leader Robert Kagan is hosting a major fundraiser not for the Republicans but for Hillary Clinton. NeoConservatives ruled the roost under George W. Bush and now they see Hillary Clinton as the continuation of their hyper-interventionist dream. Brian is joined by journalist, author, historian and policy analyst Gareth Porter. Frances foreign minister says sanctions against Russia should be lifted as soon as possible. Will European countries break free from US domination in their foreign policy? International security and policy analyst Mark Sleboda joins the show. MOSCOW (Sputnik) An Il-76 aircraft circling territories stricken by forest fires in Russia's Irkutsk region failed to report back to rescuers at the scheduled time, a source in the local emergency services said Friday. "The aircraft with rescuers on board should have made contact at 6:30 Moscow time [3:30 a.m. GMT] but failed to do so," the source told RIA Novosti. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the incident, noting that a rescue helicopter had been sent on a search mission. The ministry has also dispatched an additional rescue mission from near Moscow, equipped to conduct search operations in difficult terrain. We agreed to intensify our political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and information contacts, and put the organizations enlargement on a practical footing with India and Pakistans accession. This really was a significant political step. I would also like to say that this was possible only through the unprecedented level of cooperation and trust in the relationship between Russia and the Peoples Republic of China, Putin said. Radio Sputnik asked Sergei Luzyanin, Acting Director of the Institute of the Far East in Moscow, who took part in Tashkent summit, to share his thoughts about the presents state of Russian-Chinese relations. During President Putins recent visit to Beijing, our two countries signed 32 agreements and made three joint statements. All this bodes very well for further progress in our relations. There will be more windows of opportunity opening for Chinese investments in Russia. Our two countries have agreed to better coordinate their foreign policy and promote their regional integration efforts, Professor Luzyanin said. In his meeting with the ambassadors Vladimir Putin said that during his visit to Beijing, the two countries had agreed to launch negotiations on establishing a comprehensive trade and economic partnership in Eurasia as the first step towards creating a broad Eurasian partnership to involve the EAEU members, other CIS states, China, India, Pakistan, and in the future also Iran. Let me add that this idea also received the support of Southeast Asian leaders at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Sochi in May, Putin said. The town of Kemer is a seaside resort on Turkeys southern Mediterranean coast. It is a part of the Turkish Riviera, known for its pebble beaches and large marina. On June 28, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalyn said that the country is ready to consider the matter of compensation for the relatives of Peshkov, if the request comes from them. In an interview with Sputnik, mayor of Kemer, Mustafa Gul, said, During the meeting with the Russian consul in Antalya we made this proposal on behalf of the civil society groups of Kemer: taxi associations, merchants, the Union of Young Entrepreneurs, travel agencies and all employees of the tourism industry in the region. The mayor further said, We very much want our relations with Russia to normalize as soon as possible. As we know, after the plane was shot down, the Russian pilot was subjected to a brutal attack and was killed. In connection with this tragic incident, we have expressed a feeling of deep regret and sorrow to the pilots family and made a proposal to give his family a house in Kemer. We hope that this offer will be accepted by Moscow and the family of the pilot. Earlier, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, in his message to his Russias President Vladimir Putin, apologized for shooting down the Russian Su-24 in November 2015 and expressed condolences over the death of the pilot. Erdogan also said that Turkey did not want to ruin relations with Russia. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Earlier this week, Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration Constanca Urbano de Sousa requested Russia's Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov, who is on a working visit to Lisbon, to service the country's fleet of six Ka-32A11BC helicopters that were purchased in 2006. "During the meeting, Russian Helicopters confirmed its readiness to directly support the airworthiness of the Portuguese Interior Ministry's helicopters. The sides reached agreement on sending the companys experts to monitor and evaluate the current state of the fleet and keep up its operability," the press service said in a statement. The Ka-32A11BC helicopter is designed for search and rescue operations, firefighting missions and providing support in law enforcement operations. It has a payload of up to five tonnes, is equipped with modern electronic systems and has low operating costs as well as a prolonged service life. "I have, obviously, a laptop, personal laptop. I put a piece of tape over the camera. Because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over their camera." Satnam Narang, senior security response manager at the global data security firm Norton by Symantec, calls malware "creepware" He points out that it doesnt require much effort to tape over a camera and doing so could ultimately help make people safer. "Its not bad advice, per se. The effort it takes is very minimal," he said. The end goal is to steal information. You can sell that information en masse. The extortion part and the Peeping Tom part is a small subset. Balint Seeber, who directs vulnerability research at Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm Bastille, points out that the light that typically comes on when a webcam is operating wont necessarily come on if a person is hacked. "Its been shown that there is software that is able to disable the little light and still activate the webcam," he explained. Well, that's exactly what the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) has warned US citizens about in their latest video on how to keep safe from "foreign government" intrusions and personal data thieves alike. Cue music well, muzak, scene one, it's a "foreign airport" where the blue shirt and chino wearing gormless business traveler has had his passport checked. Now it's a hotel lobby and the gormless US traveler who we now know is called Frank, has checked into room 612 while the mischievous receptionist text messages her mate (who's wearing a leather jacket) his hotel room number. Scott directed the Department of Environmental Protection to open a telephone reporting hotline for citizens affected by the algae bloom, and has deployed water-sampling teams in areas to calculate toxicity, among other measures. The algae has been described as "guacamole thick" and "thick like paint," with one Miami resident remarking, "The only way to describe how it smells is like a hundred dead animals that have been sitting in the street for weeks." Exposure to these toxins can cause vomiting, skin rashes, respiratory issues and also destroy native aquatic flora and fauna. The Federal Aviation Administration has regulations and warnings in place advising pilots to not fly within 400 feet of buildings and to stay at least 400 feet above ground. State law enforcement spokesman Mark Keel said, "they have got our attentionDrones flying over any critical infrastructure, government facility, military base with the environment we are living in today, would be a concern to law enforcement and homeland security officials." Tom Clements, director of the nonprofit Savannah River Site Watch, has been questioned by the FBI, in part due to aerial photos his organization has taken of SRS in the past, particularly the mixed oxide fuel plant contained within the boundaries of the facility. Clements has maintained that his photos were taken from an airplane operating within FAA regulations. Since the group has been monitoring the facility for several years, Clements is at a loss to explain the agencys logic in questioning him. "During the initial days of the [fictional] conflict, F-35s occasionally return to their bases only to discover several are heavily damaged from enemy missile attacks," the report characterizes. Sophisticated computer networks on the the F-35 and F-22 give the planes greater flexibility, the report predicts, by allowing the aircraft to land in civilian airfields without the need of an air traffic control network. This, in turn, allows a fifth-generation fighter to be stationed closer to enemy territory. Networking capabilities of the F-35 and F-22 also provide an advantage, the report claims, as the fighters can retrieve targeting information en route. "Theres going to be a huge reliance on all that data," Marisko asserted. While the report does not mention Beijing by name, the defenses used in the fictional scenario are only possessed by the US, Russia and China. Given that that the speculations include Australia as a waypoint, this appears to rule out Russia, as being out of range. After pleading guilty to the Silk Road theft in December 2015, former agent Shaun Bridges was sentenced to 71 months in prison for stealing $800,000 in bitcoins while investigating the online drug bazaar. The number of cases that Mr. Bridges contaminatedas well as investigations across the country that his conduct led to have to be shut downis startling," assistant United States Attorney Kathryn Haun said in court during his sentencing. There was another investigation into [website] Mt. Gox that had to be shut down. I can tell you that Mr. Bridges learned there was a criminal investigation afoot with Mt. Gox, and what did he do? He turned around to the [asst US attorney] and did a civil seizure warrant to [Mt. Gox founder Mark] Karpeles. But two days before he did that, he made sure to get all of his money out. Bridges didn't want a criminal case to proceed because if the government got the records, they would have seen his name." On Thursday, an affidavit was unsealed revealing that Bridges is suspected of stealing cryptocurrency from a Secret Service account on two occasions. The larger bitcoin theft was valued at approximately $700,000. Hannah Cohen, 19, is partially deaf, blind in one eye, paralyzed, and prone to confusion. Damage from radiation treatments and the removal of a brain tumor limit her ability to speak, walk, stand, see, hear, care for herself, learn and work, think, concentrate, and interact with others, a lawsuit details. The incident occurred on June 30, 2015, as she was returning home from Tennessee with her mother after completing treatment at St. Jude Hospital. Cohen, unarmed, set off a metal detector at the security checkpoint. "When she started running for Senator, she became almost automatically a centrist, and therefore was aligned with the viewpoint of the Kaganites, the neoconservatives, on Iraq, and ever since then has been very willing to collaborate and work very closely with Kagan and the neoconservatives." Porter said. He also noted that Kagan is married to State Department official Victoria Nuland, known for escalating the conflict against Russia, the main voice in the Ukraine crisis, and one who distributed snacks to anti-government protesters on Maidan square in Kyiv. She is also quoted as saying that "a new day has arrived for Ukraine," after then-President Yanukovych was forced to flee the country in a coup. "Definitely, one has to be extremely concerned about the kind of foreign policy that would emerge toward Russia, should Nuland in fact be the Secretary of State," Porter warned. "This is something that I think deserves a great deal of scrutiny in the news media as we get into this campaign." He added that Clinton is much more extreme when it comes to foreign policy than Robert Gates, US Secretary of Defense in 2006-2011, who himself is a strong supporter of military force. "What is most concerning about a Hillary Clinton administration is precisely that she was the cheerleader not only for the intervention in Libya but even more significantly at this moment for a military commitment by the United States in Syria." Porter said. Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition had been listed in the UN annual report on children and armed conflict as being responsible for 60% of child deaths in Yemen. However, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon removed the country from the blacklist after Saudi Arabia threatened to cut off considerable financial contributions to the organization. Riyadh has denied these accusations. Saudi Ambassador to the Human Rights Council Faisal Trad has said that he rejects accusations from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. "We are absolutely certain in our facts." Bennett asserted. "We don't doubt the conduct of Saudi Arabia and we think that they have disqualified themselves as a member of the Human Rights Council." "We consider that the Human Rights Council is an important organization to defend human rights globally, and its credibility is in the balance if it allows a serious violator of human rights like Saudi to remain as an influential member of that council." Members of the UN Humans Rights Council are elected for a three year term. Saudi Arabia is in its final year of membership. Only a two-thirds majority vote of the UN General Assembly can suspend the country from the council. "It is not an easy call, but that's not the reason for us to refrain from making it." Bennett said. "We believe that the issue ought to be raised in the General Assembly." The map was created by NYC-based entrepreneur Max Galka, who noticed that if an online conversation on any topic lasted long enough in recent years, it inevitably led to someone mentioning immigration as "the cause, result or solution of everything." At the same time basic statistics has largely been absent from the debate. Brexit is a fine case in point. Immigration featured prominently as one of key topics in the months leading to the UK's EU referendum. The Leave campaign promised that Britain will have more control over immigration outside of the European Union at a time when continental Europe has been struggling to tackle the massive influx of refugees. "What strikes me as interesting is how small a portion of the UK's net immigration is actually coming from Europe," Galka noted. Iraq and Syria also present interesting case. Both countries have been ravaged by sectarian violence and both are partially controlled by Daesh. But while Syria saw more than 4.685 million people fleeing the country between 2010 and 2015, Iraq welcomed approximately 1.320 million immigrants. Syria grabbed Galka's attention too. "Many Middle Eastern countries have been criticized for allegedly accepting few Syrian refugees. In Qatar and the UAE, the net migration appears to actually be negative. Though of the Middle Eastern countries that are accepting Syrian refugees, the numbers they are dealing with are orders of magnitude higher than in the West," he commented. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul has previously stated that Chechen man Akhmed Chatayev masterminded the suicide bombing attack on the airport that killed more than 40 people on Tuesday. "Ive seen some of these reports. Im not in the position to confirm them at this point," Earnest stated when asked about the Chechen extremists involvement. "This is a Turkish-led investigation." Turkish media reported on Friday that two of the three suicide bombers were beleived to have Russian passports. "Even if the drone campaign was limited in its killing of civilians, which it is not, it would still be a failed and counterproductive policy," Hoh observed. The White House estimate of between 64 and 116 civilians killed by drone strikes is nothing less than a deliberate lie, Hoh argued. The US estimates represent the worst type of government propaganda designed to cover up the deaths of innocent people, Hoh claimed, because numerous well-respected human rights groups, journalists and policy organizations have reported much higher figures. "We know from US government whistleblowers that 90 percent of those killed by US drone strikes are not targets and that the US government considers all men in the drone strike areas, who are not children or elderly, to be viable targets," Hoh noted. Equally galling, Hoh suggested, is the White House accusation that those who disagree with the official US government position are guilty of recirculating terrorist group propaganda. "That's vitriolic nonsense characteristic of despotic and repressive regimes and unfit for a nation like the United States," he concluded. Research conducted by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that more than 3,000 people, including nearly 500 civilians, have been killed by drones under the Obama administration. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is launching a consultation regarding the future of horse racing regulation in Ontario. This consultation is directed at racetracks, owners, drivers and jockeys, trainers, grooms, veterinarians, agents, breeders, teletheatre locations and any other individual or entity that requires a horse racing licence from the AGCO. It is also directed to equine welfare organizations, horseplayers, industry associations, as well as businesses and government bodies whose mandate relates to Ontarios horse racing industry. Below this notice, please find the consultation paper entitled Moving Ahead: Horse Racing Regulation in Ontario. The AGCO is encouraging you to provide written submissions no later than August 26 2016, directly to the AGCO in any of the following ways: Email your written submission to the AGCO at: [email protected] Fax your written submission to the AGCO at: 416-326-8054 Mail your written submission to the attention of Hyla Zeifman, Senior Advisor of Strategic Engagement, at: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M2N 0A4 In the months ahead, the AGCO will also be holding in-person discussions with businesses, agencies and stakeholders to solicit feedback and generate discussion on particular reforms on a more in-depth basis. The AGCO would like to thank everyone for taking the time to participate in this consultation. The AGCO is looking forward to working with Ontarios horse racing industry as it moves forward with this process. (with files from AGCO) The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club received a ton of great action shots for Junes Zoom Challenge Driver Fever. Now its up to you to select one of these photos as determined by contest officials so we can establish the winner!...read on HRF Applauds Hong Kong Bookseller's Defiance of Dictatorship NEW YORK, July 1, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- Human Rights Foundation (HRF) commends previously detained Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing Kee's courage to give a public account of his detention in China. At the end of last year , five employees and owners of a bookstore that published books critical of the Chinese regime were disappeared. Lam, founder of the bookstore, was abducted on October 24, 2015 when he crossed the border into mainland China and was taken to a detention compound in Ningbo. On June 14, the "central special unit," the operative unit responsible for Lam's abduction, asked him to return to Hong Kong and bring back a list of the bookstore's customers. Instead, he defied the unit's orders and held a press conference. Lam gave a harrowing account of his 18-month experience in detention. "Lam Wing Kee's courage to speak out should be applauded by the international community, especially when his previously detained colleagues would not say a single word about their own extrajudicial detention, presumably due to fear of the Chinese regime," said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. "The dictatorial Communist Party must come clean about the despicable abductions it has conducted to suppress dissent, and the international community must be persistent in calling on the regime to answer for its wrongdoings," added Halvorssen. Lam spent five months in solitary confinement in a 200 to 300-square-feet room, and guards monitored him 24 hours a day. He was not allowed to contact his family or a lawyer. He also stated that his televised " confession ," which aired this past February on a Chinese channel, was fake and scripted. Evangelist Alveda King: Pray for a Blessed Independence Day Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277ATLANTA, July 1, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- On July 4, 1776, America declared independence from British rule. The extraordinary Declaration of Independence remains the centerpiece of the Fourth of July holiday which is still observed in America today.This year as we celebrate Independence Day in America, we have much to celebrate and even more to pray for. There is unrest within and without our borders. Reports of terror and want flood our airwaves. And yet all is not lost.Now is the time to turn our eyes to Heaven and our hearts to God in prayer for leaders who will agree with George Washington in 1776. "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."As we celebrate the holiday this year, please let us pray for repentant hearts, godly leaders, the sanctity of life and family, civil rights for the unborn, freedom from tyranny within and without our borders, and the cessation of violence and strife among the members of the beloved community.My Uncle Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: "The Declaration of Independence proclaimed to a world, organized politically and spiritually around the concept of the inequality of man, that the dignity of human personality was inherent in man as a living being. The Emancipation Proclamation was the offspring of the Declaration of Independence. It was a constructive use of the force of law to uproot a social order which sought to separate liberty from a segment of humanity."Uncle M. L. also said that when we regard the human personality, we won't murder people. There is too much hatred and violence in the world today and not enough love. Let's transform our nation this holiday, with a commitment to uphold life, liberty and righteous Justice. Prosecutors sought to discredit Phil Lovingfoss girlfriend, a key defense witness, on the third day of his trial for allegedly intimidating a judge. Lovingfoss, the 51-year-old owner of the historic Monticello Hotel, is accused of making drunken threats against District Court Judge Ed Putka on July 11. According to police, Lovingfoss longtime girlfriend, Ginger Allred, asked that Lovingfoss be taken to the hospital because, while drunk at his 12th Avenue office, hed threatened to kill her and himself on the night of July 11. Following nearly an hour of questions from defense attorney Jim Morgan, a teary-eyed and nervous Allred admitted to Deputy Prosecutor Eric Bentson that she lied to police when she told them hed threatened to kill her and himself. Why did you tell the police he said those things? Morgan later asked. Because I wanted them to take him to the hospital, Allred said. My motivation was to get help for Phillip Guy Lovingfoss. Before she stepped down from the stand, prosecutors used Allreds admission to impugn her motives for testifying. The reason you told police things that werent true was to help Phil, he said. Youre testifying today to help Phil? Yes, she answered. Morgan began Wednesday mornings trial by asking Allred to paint a picture of what life was like with Lovingfoss following his March 2015 arrests for DUI and hit-and-run charges. Unpredictable, depressing and maddening, Allred described. She spoke about his heavy drinking and extensive medication regimen which included six anti-psychotic prescriptions and two painkillers prescribed by his dentist. She recalled the time when Lovingfoss left home sometime late in the night or early in the morning without warning, then told her hed gone to the hospital. Later that day, she said she found him driving around in circles in the Old West Side in his truck. On July 11, the day he reportedly threatened Putka, Allred said Lovingfoss was completely out of it. It wasnt Phillip, she said. I was so worried. I thought he was dying. But Bentson continued to poke holes in Allreds testimony, this time calling into question her recollection of a July hearing in which she and Lovingfoss ex-wifes niece testified about whether Lovingfoss had violated his pretrial release conditions for his DUI charge by consuming drugs or alcohol (as his niece suspected). Did you tell the court he was taking a lot of prescription medication? Bentson asked. Allred concurred. What you said was he was on medication for cholesterol and high blood pressure? he said. I dont remember, she said. You said (they were) medical (prescriptions), but at the hearing you never said for a psychiatric problem? he asked. I dont remember, she answered. Morgan returned to questioning her in an attempt to shore up her credibility. He offered that while she may have lied to police about Lovingfoss threatening to kill her and himself, she was being honest when she told police she was deeply concerned for Lovingfoss welfare. The trial resumes 9 a.m. Friday, and is expected to end the same day. J.D. Rossettis seat in the 19th District is proving to be a hotly contested race. One of the candidates, Teresa Purcell, has raised $10,000 more than the incumbent despite only announcing herself as a candidate in April. She also received more than triple the amount of small contributions. Purcell leads the 19th District Position 1 race in campaign contributions with $41,000 as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Rossetti has raised $31,500. Jim Walsh, a Republican, has raised nearly $19,000. Purcell has the most small contributions of all candidates with $815, though Walsh closely follows her with $772. Rossettis small contributions added up to $227. Its been nearly 20 years since a member on the 19th District first joined the Legislature as an elected representative. I have a lot of people who are excited to see me running, Purcell said. I think its a little bit of a testament to me having good relationships. Rossetti said hes not worried. He said he still has a stronger grassroots effort and get out the vote plan. I will continue to keep fundraising and keep making sure that Im putting my best foot forward, he said. Walsh said he has not made seeking big money a part of his race, though he wouldnt refuse it either. He said there is an established system in place for financing campaigns that is not democratic. We all know what it is. ... The word corruption gets thrown around a lot, Walsh said. My money is all from the people. Walsh said despite the lack of representation from Republicans in the district, he said hes optimistic that people want change. Purcell said she thinks the area is dissatisfied with the districts process of choosing candidates. The 19th District is the only one out of the states 49 districts in which all current legislators were appointed, not elected. Republican representatives are few and far between. Its also been decades since the district had a female legislator. I think people would like to have a choice, Purcell said. For so long, it has been that a small group of people get to decide who our representatives are. Rossetti said the elections or even precinct committee officer votes arent a locked-in deal. He said commissioner questions are more district-specific in the process, and candidates should give 100 percent through the whole race, not just the first part of the sprint. Rossetti was appointed to the 19th District in October after commissioners ignored the PCOs, who picked Tiffany Turner. Weve had some great legislators come out of the appointment process in our history, Rossetti said. They have been very well-respected not only within our district but within Olympia, and I think that those folks all wanted to do what they thought was best. ... Thats the same thing I would like to do. Purcell and Walsh both criticized Rossetti for taking a campaign contribution from Millennium Bulk, a company that is currently trying to push through its permitting process for the coal terminal export facility in Longview. Rossettis largest contributions came from several companies including Rayonier Inc., Southwest Washington Electricians PAC and Millennium. Purcells largest contributions came from the Adam Smith for Congress Committee and individuals in Tacoma, Lakewood, Seattle and Seaview. Purcell and Smith, a legislator for the 9th District, became friends when they worked on a campaign together in the 1980s. Walsh said her campaign fundraising in Seattle will work against her in the votes since she is perceived as a Seattle liberal, despite her having grown up in Longview. I dont think that her hands are completely clean either, but they are certainly cleaner than J.D.s, Walsh said. Im kind of the Bernie Sanders of this race. Purcell said criticized the comments for being a political ploy. I was born and raised in the 19th District and the idea that my values dont align with the 19th District, its almost offensive to me, she said. Valerie Tinney, a Republican, has raised $11,700. Tim Sutinen is also running as a Democrat despite running as a Republican in the past, and has only raised $50, according to the PDC. In 2012 he ran as an Independent. Candidates with the most votes will face off in the general election, even if they are on the same party, after the primary in August. Eight months after creditors foreclosed on the Rutherglen Mansion, a prospective investor is in talks to buy and refurbish the historic building. But there are some hitches to overcome. Nothing is finalized, but Pat Esposito has offered the asking price of $550,000 for the mansion on the slopes of Mount Solo about a quarter million less than its assessed value. Esposito is from Cleveland, Ohio, and she recently purchased a home in Silver Lake. She and her real estate broker, Ed Sheckard, have been negotiating with the current owner, Valley High Investments, for about four months. I had a vision immediately of what I could do with it, Esposito said, recalling her first time seeing the mansion. Its a diamond in the rough. However, if Esposito wants to resume using the mansion as an event venue, Cowlitz County could require her to add an elevator and indoor sprinkler system. Those could add up to $175,000 to the investment and could kill the deal, Esposito said, but shes hoping to get the requirements waived because of the mansions historic status, or else find additional investors. Rutherglen technically is a single-family dwelling that could be run as a small bed-and-breakfast with up to five guest rooms, said Cowlitz County Fire Marshall Mike Wilson. But if Esposito wanted to have a bigger bed-and-breakfast, or turn it into a large venue space, it loses its status as a single-family dwelling, Wilson said. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, the mansion would need a way for someone in a wheelchair to get up to the second and third floors via an elevator, ramps or platform lifts. State law would require an indoor sprinkler system. Wilson couldnt explain why the mansion operated as an event center for 40 years without a sprinkler or elevator, but he said now that there is a clear break in ownership, the county should enforce it. Built in the late 1920s by Long-Bell executive J.D. Tennant, Rutherglen is on the east slope of Mount Solo and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1976, owner Reuben Grendahl leased the mansion to the county as a home for at-risk girls. Later, Diane Armstead and Donna Bosl converted it to a bed-and-breakfast in the 1980s, but Grendahl took over management in 1997. Throughout the decades, the mansion was a popular spot for weddings and events until it closed in February 2015. Its historic status does give it some leniency on installation methods and materials for construction, Wilson said, but when it comes to fire life safety its pretty black and white. During a fire, a persons chance of surviving plummets when they are in unfamiliar settings, Wilson said. Esposito said shes working with architects to develop a final cost estimate on the sprinklers. She still wants to buy the mansion even if it is only run as a small bed-and-breakfast, which would not require the sprinklers or elevator. Real estate broker JoAnn Crayne, who represents the sellers, is cautious about the deal, adding that no one has signed any agreements and that no earnest money has been put down. Crayne said Espositos offer shouldnt dissuade other potential buyers. Esposito also estimates she would invest between $10,000 to $20,000 in cosmetic repairs and upgrades. Although the deal isnt final, she said shes looking for suggestions from the community about potential ideas for the mansion. She can be reached at thenewrutherglen@gmail.com. Everyone Ive talked to in the community has expressed a real happy desire to have it back, she said. Superior Court sentencings Glenda Denise Beam, 38, Longview, 30 days in jail, a year in community custody and $800 for vehicular assault /disregard for the safety of others on March 28, 2015. Guilty plea June 6. Britten Dean Bartlett, 23, four months in jail and $1,600 for two counts of second-degree theft and fourth-degree assault on Oct. 23 and Nov. 5. Guilty pleas June 6. Kyle Taylor Carriker, 20, Kelso, 15 days in jail and $800 for second-degree theft on Jan. 20. Guilty plea May 31. Brian Scot Nowacki, 21, seven days in jail and $600 for forgery and making a false statement to a public servant July 30. Jury verdict June 1. Richard Eugene Bartholic, 49, a year in jail and $600 for three counts third-degree theft and two counts first-degree criminal impersonation between Aug. 28 and Sept. 2, 2015. Guilty pleas June 7. Antonio James Guzman, 29, Longview, 32 months in prison and $600 for second-degree theft and violation of a protection order Feb. 16. Guilty plea June 7. Richard Bert Leonard, 46, Longview, three months in jail, a year in community custody and $600 for second-degree assault on March 27. Guilty plea June 7. Spencer L. Ward, 55, Longview, five days in jail and $500 for fourth-degree domestic violence assault on March 6. Guilty plea June 9. Kevin McDowell, 49, Longview, two months in jail, a year in community custody and $600 for domestic violence criminal mischief on March 10. Guilty plea June 9. Chad Lewis Bagley, 26, Kelso, 10 days in jail and $600 for second-degree theft on March 31. Guilty plea June 9. Michael Larkin Edwards, 33, Rosburg, 36.75 months in prison and $600 for domestic violence residential burglary, domestic violence felony violation of a no contact order and obstructing a law enforcement officer on Feb. 13. Guilty pleas June 9. Caesar Dale Atchley Jr, 20, Castle Rock, 40 hours of community service and $800 for second-degree theft on March 12. Guilty plea May 23. Joshua David Bighaus, 20, Kelso, three months in jail and $600 for second-degree theft and first-degree criminal impersonation on Sept. 12. Bench trial on June 7. Three Rivers Christian School will host an all-church, all-ministry worship event called One Body from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Martins Dock on Sunday. All area churches have been invited to participate as to pray for blessing on the many non-profits who daily show Jesus to Cowlitz County. Worship will be led by the Three Rivers Christian High School worship band and Pastor Chris Toms from Fathers House. Pastor Mark Schmutz from Northlake Baptist Church and Pastor Chris Lyons from Longview Community Church will be leading the message and giving opportunity for the One Body of Christians in Cowlitz County to come together to pray for the area and ministries. As a visual element, a dozen area non-profits will be flying flags representing their ministries around which people will be encouraged to gather and pray. This is a small visual representation to help remind people that our community is richer because of these organizations spreading the love of Jesus in our community, says school administrator Erin Hart, who worked with area pastors to form the service. Non-profit and church participants include Caring Pregnancy Center, Community House on Broadway, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Cowlitz Chaplaincy, Three Rivers House of Prayer, Construction Workers for Christ, Love INC, New Song, Younglife, Campus Towers, Love Overwhelming and Three Rivers Christian School. hidden Qualcomm Inc has filed 17 fresh complaints in China against Meizu Technology Co, stepping up its battle with the Chinese smartphone maker after the two were unable to reach a licensing accord in the U.S. tech giant's biggest market. The patent infringement complaints by Qualcomm, submitted to intellectual property courts in Beijing and Shanghai on Thursday, mark the second time in a week it has taken legal action against Meizu, one of China's top 10 handset suppliers. It filed its first complaint in Beijing last Friday. Qualcomm is seeking to uphold terms of its landmark 2015 anti-trust settlement with China's economic policy panel, the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC). The San Diego-based firm agreed to pay a fine of $975 million in the settlement, the largest in China's corporate history. The 17 latest patent infringement complaints cover a range of features and technologies used in smartphones, Qualcomm said, including those relating to 3G (WCDMA and CDMA2000) and 4G (LTE) wireless communications standards. "Meizu is attempting to obtain an unfair and improper cost advantage over its competitors," said Qualcomm's general counsel, Don Rosenberg, in an e-mailed statement to Reuters. The company's vice-president, Li Nan, was quoted by the South China Morning Post as saying at a news conference on Tuesday that the terms of a patent license offered by Qualcomm were neither fair nor reasonable. 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 accounted for 53 percent of Qualcomm's 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. 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. Reuters Naina Khedekar Google has been following a similar pattern the last couple of years with its Android naming process. They go sequentially down the alphabet and you guess the name. There are suggestions and requests made and then finally, Google releases the name after some months of pondering. Well, this time was no different, except that the company claims that they were open to suggestions. The name is, and no, it's not Nutella or Nankatai, it's 'Nougat'. We didn't see a lot of applause coming in for that, now. Just in case you're unsure, here's how you pronounce it: nu. https://twitter.com/Android/status/748547400210472961 Not-so-long-ago, Google invited its fans to suggest names for the upcoming iteration of Android OS. While Nutella and New York Cheesecake made it to the top of the list, many Indians also petitioned Sundar Pichai for Nankatai, Neyappam (there was also a androidneyyappam.com, seemingly a full-fledged campaign) and so on. But, none were picked and the company went ahead with Nougat, which makes us wonder if that was the only option to begin with! Now, Nougat isn't particularly and arguably popular, and Twitter reactions will vouch for it. In the past too, we have seen a group of students from IIT-Kharagpur which also happens to be Pichais alma mater lobbying for Android to be named Lassi. The yogurt-based drink was proposed by the group in an open letter. Not that we were rooting for Nankatai, but we also have doubts about Nougat being a poll-driven choice. Now, you (and me) may not like the new name, but some are definitely rejoicing over their favourite dessert. https://twitter.com/LaurenGoode/status/732995129665970176 And, then again, what's in a name? As long as Google gives us a refreshing change and some nifty features with the new OS, which is now in a stable beta, why would we care? So what does Android Nougat have to offer? Here are some of the highlights. Split-screen multitasking The highlight of Android N is split-screen multitasking. This means that the device screen can show two different apps simultaneously, and video apps will support picture-in-picture mode. The system fills the screen with two apps, showing them either side-by-side or one-above-the-other. The user can drag the dividing line separating the two in order to make one app larger and the other smaller. Manufacturers of larger devices will be able to choose to enable freeform mode, allowing users to freely resize each activity. If the manufacturer enables this feature, the device offers freeform mode in addition to split-screen mode. Notifications You can now reply directly from notifications and the interface will let you see more app information than what you did previously. The Direct Reply feature will let you quickly respond to text messages or update task lists within the notification interface. The inline reply action is an additional button attached to the notification. There is also something called Bundled Notifications that groups notifications from the same app together. Grouped notifications can be expanded into notifications by tapping the new expansion button or a two-finger gesture. Project Svelte reducing RAM usage Project Svelte is an ongoing effort by Google to minimize RAM use by system and apps across the range of Android devices in the ecosystem. In Android N, Project Svelte is focused on optimizing the way apps run in the background. Quick Settings In Android N, Google has expanded the scope of Quick Settings and added more room for additional Quick Settings tiles that can accessed across a paginated display area by swiping left or right. Google also lets you choose which Quick Settings tiles appear and where they are displayed, allowing users to add or move tiles just by dragging and dropping them. Android TV Android N will add the ability to record and playback content from Android TV input services via new recording APIs. Android for Work Android for Work has been updated with a new feature and APIs for devices running Android N. Profile owners can specify a separate security challenge for apps running in the work profile. So, they can set distinct password policies for the work challenge how long the PIN needs to be, fingerprint can be used to unlock the profile and likewise. Users can turn off Work mode, which will shut down the work profile and related activities. It now also includes the Always on VPN feature to ensure the work apps load only via a specified VPN. What do you think of the new name: Andorid Nougat? Let us know in the comments section below. P.S.: As CNET's Brian Tong points out, this might be the real reason we have an Android Nougat: hidden Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday dedicated to the nation an indigenously-developed converged communications network for the armed forces -- a major step towards ensuring their network centricity. The state-of-the-art, fully secure Defence Communication Network (DCN), developed by IT major HCL Infosystems, is the largest single satellite network in the Indian defence forces, spread across the country, a company statement said. This integrated communication architecture between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force "bolsters the prowess of the defence forces during both critical operations and rescue missions. DCN is a major step towards ensuring network centricity across the three services, the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) headquarters and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC)", the statement said. This integrated communication architecture between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force "bolsters the prowess of the defence forces during both critical operations and rescue missions. DCN is a major step towards ensuring network centricity across the three services, the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) headquarters and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC)", the statement said. Speaking on the occasion, Premkumar Seshadri, Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, HCL Infosystems Ltd.. said: This is a moment of great honour for us. HCL Infosystems is proud to design, develop and deploy the first ever converged tri-service communication and IT network for the Indian Defence Forces." "The network has been entirely designed and developed in India. We have made significant investments in creating defence communication technology practice, involving "The network has been entirely designed and developed in India. We have made significant investments in creating defence communication technology practice, involving design of critical technology systems for military communication. HCL Infosystems is privileged to have the opportunity to successfully partner in yet another mission critical programme of national importance," Seshadri added. HCL Infosystems has had a long association with the Indian defence sector. The company has closely worked with the Indian Air Force to deploy the Air Force Network (AFNet) and AFCEL (Air Force Cellular Network). AFNet is the first network of its kind for Indian defence institutions, which interlinks major installations throughout the country on a high bandwidth network. It incorporates latest traffic transportation technology in the form of internet protocol. IANS hidden Spanish officials raided Google's Madrid offices on Thursday in a tax probe, authorities said, barely a month after the internet company had its headquarters in France searched on suspicion of tax evasion. A spokeswoman for Google said in a statement the company complied with fiscal legislation in Spain just as it did in all countries where it operated. The company was working with authorities to answer all questions, the spokeswoman added. Google is under pressure across Europe from politicians and the public upset at how multinationals exploit their presence around the world to minimise their tax bills. Thursday's raid was approved by a court in the capital and followed a request by the Spanish tax authorities, according to a brief statement by the Madrid High Court.Google, part of Alphabet Inc, pays little tax in most of Google, part of Alphabet Inc, pays little tax in most of Europe because it reports almost all sales in Ireland. This is possible thanks to a loophole in international tax law and hinges on staff in Dublin concluding all sales contracts. The Paris raid aimed to establish whether Google Ireland has a permanent base there, and whether the firm was meeting its tax obligations. It was part of a probe into aggravated tax fraud and organised laundering of the proceeds. Reuters hidden Saudi Arabia will introduce electronic identification bracelets for all pilgrims to Mecca starting this year, Saudi media said on Thursday, as part of a safety drive a year after the annual Islamic rite suffered its deadliest disaster in a generation. As many as 2,070 people died in a crash when thousands of pilgrims converged on a walkway intersection near the Muslim holy city of Mecca last September, according to a Reuters count, the highest loss of life at the annual pilgrimage since 1990. That death toll is based on figures of fatalities provided by countries who repatriated the bodies of their citizens, but Saudi Arabia had put the official death toll at just 700. Containing personal and medical information, the bracelets will help authorities provide care and identify people, the official Saudi Press Agency SPA said. Water-resistant and connected to GPS, the devices will also instruct worshippers on timings of prayers and a multi-lingual help desk to guide especially non-Arabic speaking pilgrims around the various rituals of the annual Islamic event. Saudi Arabia oversees the annual pilgrimage to Mecca by more than two million Muslims from around the world. The haj, the world's largest annual gathering of Muslims, has witnessed numerous deadly stampedes, fires and riots in the past with authorities having only limited ability to control the masses. Nearly a thousand new surveillance cameras were installed this month at Mecca's Grand Mosque and linked to control rooms staffed by special forces monitoring pilgrim movements for the event scheduled for August, Saudi newspapers reported. Safety during the pilgrimage is also at the heart of a dispute with the kingdom's regional arch-rival, Iran, which lost 400 of its citizens to last year's stampede. The two countries have failed to strike a deal for Iranian pilgrims to attend this year's haj, given their lack of diplomatic relations. Iran's leadership said in May it remained "very concerned" for the safety of Iranian pilgrims. Reuters tech2 News Staff Spotify has sent a letter to Apple's top lawyer accusing Apple of causing grave harm to Spotify subscribers who use Apple devices. Spotify is accusing Apple of using the App Store rules as a active measure against competing music streaming services. The letter followed Apple's rejection of a Spotify App Update on the App Store. A report of the letter and the tiff was put up on ReCode. The measures taken by Apple to suppress other music streaming services, are a violation of EU and US competition laws, according to Spotify. Copies of the letter were distributed to Congressional workers in the US capital, Washington DC. This is just the latest in a series of vocal protests by Spotify in both US and EU against what it calls unfair App Store policies by Apple, giving preferrential treatment to Apple's own Apple Music service. Apple does not allow apps to bill subscriptions independently from the store, as Google does, from within the app. It however, does not require the apps to use its own billing service, that charges a 30% cut every month. Apple does allow apps to process subscriptions on other devices, such as a laptop, but does not allow the promotion of such offers to iOS users. Apple is in talks to buy Tidal, and there is a way and is incentivising subscriptions for developers. Hindu monastery attendant killed in Jhenidah Shymananda Das Jhenidah, July 1 (UNB)-Now has fallen victim to secret killing an attendant of a Hindu monastery in Jhenaidah, showing the unabated trend of the savagery. In the same style as in other such killing missions, three bike-riding miscreants killed Shyama Nanda Das Babaji,65, an attendant of Modhupur Kastsagra Radha Madan Gopal Moth at North Kastasagra village in Sadar upazila early Friday. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of sadar police station, said three miscreants riding a motorcycle intercepted Shyama Nanda while he was plucking flowers for worship from beside a road near the monastery around 5:30am and stabbed him indiscriminately, leaving him critically injured. Later he was rushed to Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 6am. Shyama Nanda, hailing from Chaulia village in Narail district, had been serving for the monastery for the past several years, said police. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Superintendent of Police Altaf Hossain visited the spot. The incident took place three weeks after the killing of a Hindu priest, Ananda Kumar Ganguly,66, by unidentified miscreants in the same fashion in Karatipara area of Sadar upazila of the district on June 7. DU registrar removed over souvenir scam Demonstrations in front of VC house as souvenir mentions Zia as 1st president UNB, Dhaka: Dhaka University acting registrar Syed Rezaur Rahman was relieved of his duty on Friday as its souvenir book mentioned Ziaur Rahman as Bangladesh's first president. Amid protests by leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League at the house of DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, the university authorities also decided to seize the souvenir book published marking its 95th founding anniversary. Campus sources said Syed Rezaur Rahman was removed as the registrar in the afternoon through an office order signed by the deputy registrar. As part of the founding anniversary programme, a discussion meeting started at 11 am at TSC auditorium with the DU VC in the chair. When copies of the souvenir book were distributed among the guests, general students, leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League students, turned furious as Ziaur Rahman was mentioned as the 1st president of Bangladesh in it. The souvenir also mentioned 'Jagannath Hall' of the university as a residential hall of the students of minority groups. The agitated students confined the acting registrar of the university to his office and torched a copy of the souvenir book in front of it. Later, university Proctor Prof Amzad Hossain rushed in and rescued the acting registrar, witnesses said. Some BCL activists, led by DU BCL president Abid Al Hasan and general secretary Motahar Hossain Prince, surrounded the VC house, staged demonstrations in front of it and vandalised the vehicle carrying the VC. However, Dr Arefin Siddique remained unhurt. Meanwhile, the removal order of the registrar reached the VCs residence around 4pm when Arefin Siddique distributed it among the reporters. Following the development, the BCL men withdrew their protest programme for the time being. However, they resumed demonstrations in front of the VCs house demanding his immediate resignation. The DU BCL general secretary said they will paralyse all activities of the university from Saturday if the VC does not resign by 8pm today (Friday). Later, they put the gate of the VCs house under lock and key. Meanwhile, VC Arefin Siddique said action will be taken against those responsible for the incident. Speaking at a press conference at his residence in the afternoon, he also said they relieved the acting registrar of his duty in this regard. He said action will also be taken after investigation against those attacked his vehicle. Brexit uncertainty a top risk to global economy: IMF The European Union and Britain face negotiations on the Brexit that are expected to be difficult and protracted. AFP, Washington :The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that Britain's shock vote to leave the European Union a week ago has created uncertainty that poses a major threat to the global economy."We see the uncertainty right now as probably the biggest risk to the global economy," said IMF spokesman Gerry Rice, calling on European leaders and other policymakers to take "decisive" actions that could lower the threat. The European Union and Britain face negotiations on the Brexit that are expected to be difficult and protracted.European Union leaders say that until Britain formally begins exit proceedings, no talks can begin -- formally or informally -- on resetting Britain's ties with the EU, a process meant to last two years.British Prime Minister David Cameron, who resigned after the June 23 Brexit vote, has resisted pressure to immediately activate the Article 50 mechanism to leave the EU, saying he is leaving it to his successor, who will not be named until September 9."Brexit has created significant uncertainty and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK but with repercussions also for Europe and for the world economy," said Rice in a regularly scheduled IMF news conference."We need to be ready, all of us policymakers, with decisive actions that can help mitigate that as much as possible."Meanwhile, EU institutions especially the European Commission share some blame for Britain's vote to leave the bloc and should forget about any urgent push for deeper integration, Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek said on Thursday.The top Czech diplomat wrote in the Financial Times that Britain's exit negotiations and EU reforms must be approached with humility and that acting too quickly would be dangerous.He said it would be dishonest to pin all the blame for the British vote on the country's politicians and voters, calling the Brexit "a symptom of a wider crisis of trust and the collapse of the EU's political capital.""The (EU) bodies that are meant to instil a sense of common purpose have become symbols of alienation," Zaoralek wrote in a FT commentary that his ministry posted on its website. "Instead of protecting the unity of the EU, they have contributed to national division and public mistrust, especially in their response to the refugee crisis."The Commission has irked the central and eastern EU states with efforts to impose fixed quotas on taking in some of the 1.3 million refugees and migrants who reached Europe last year. The central European countries of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic called this week for more powers to be repatriated from Brussels to EU capitals and for a reduction in the role of the Commission, with many politicians critical of its integrationist chief, Jean-Claude Juncker.On Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said states like his that joined the bloc after 2004 need to have more involvement in the EU's future as this could not be decided by just two or three powerful Western members.Zaoralek said he was "truly baffled" by proposals for further EU integration in the wake of the British vote. "The only thing more dangerous than a federalist push would be moves by member states to reclaim national sovereignty," he wrote.Zaoralek called evolution toward a more diversified EU a fact of life. He said his country wanted to be a core part of it if the process remains inclusive and added that EU institutions should have a leading role in the process. RANGPUR: Rangpur Chamber President Abul Kashem handing over a pay order to Government Zakat Fund through ADC( Gen) Dr ATM Mahabubul Karim at his office on Thursday. BARISAL: RAB-8 arrested 11 miscreants and recovered arms- ammunition, drugs, mobile phone sets from different areas on Wednesday and on Thursday. Possession once surrendered is absolute Appellate Division : (Civil) Nazmun Ara Sultana J Syed Mahmud Hossain J Hasan Foez Siddique J Judgment November 10th, 2015. Israil Kha and others .............. Appellants vs Syed Anwar Hossain and others ...................... .......... Respondents Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882) Section 116 Provisions of section 116 of the Act are applicable where the tenant remains in possession of the lease-hold property after determination of the lease granted to the tenant and his continuing possession is assented to by the landlord. A tenant, who surrendered possession, does not come within the meaning of the words "remains in possession. It is crystal clear that the plaintiffs miserably failed to prove their title to the suit land. Admittedly, the plaintiffs filed Title Suit No. 63 of 1954 for declaration of title in respect of the suit land which was dismissed. Subsequently, the plaintiffs filed Title Appeal No. 64 of 1957 before the learned District Judge, Sylhet, which was also dismissed. Therefore, it appears that instant Title Suit No. 112 of 1972 filed by the plaintiffs is hopelessly barred by limitation. ...... (16 & 19) Jagabandu Basak vs Karim Mondal, (1956) 8 DLR 366 and Wswini Kumar Poddar vs Taraq Chandra Rajbangish, (1954) 6 DLR 652 ref. Abdul Quiyum, Senior Advocate (Ali Reza, Advocate with him), instructed by Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Advocate-on-Record-For the Appellants. Al Mohammad Ali, Senior Advocate (M Khaled Ahmed, Advocate with him) instructed by Md Aziz Taufique, Advocate-on-Record-For the Respondents. Judgment Syed Mahmud Hossain J : This appeal, by leave, is directed against the judgment and order dated 21-7-2008 passed by the learned Single Judge of the High Court Division in Civil Revision No. 3850 of 1998 making the Rule absolute and setting aside the judgment and decree dated 9-11-1997 passed the then learned Subordinate Judge, Second Court, Moulvi Bazar in Title Appeal No. 175 of 1986 allowing the appeal and reversing the judgment and decree dated 31-8-1986 passed by the then Upazila Munsif, Kulaura, Moulvi Bazar in Title Suit No. 354 of 1983 decreeing the suit. 2. The facts, leading to the filing of this appeal, in brief, are: The respondents as the plaintiffs filed Title Suit No. 354 of 1983 for declaration of title and recovery of khas possession in the Court of the then Munsif, Kulaura, Moulvi Bazar. The plaintiffs' case, in short, is that the suit land belonged to their predecessor. The plaintiffs have been possessing the suit land as khas khamar and graveyard. On Chaitra, 1378 BS, the plaintiffs went to the local Tahsil Office for payment of rent and came to know that the suit land appertaining to plot No. 1/2 was recorded in the names of the defendants. Having learnt the above wrong record, the plaintiffs filed Title Suit No. 112 of 1974 but the plaint of the suit was returned to the plaintiffs. After that, on Baishak,1388 BS, the defendants in collusion with each other dispossessed the plaintiffs illegally from plot Nos. 1,2 and 4 of the suit land. After that, the plaintiffs went to the local Tahsil Office and came to know that disputed plot Nos. 2 and 3 were wrongly recorded in the names of defendant Nos. 1 and 2 and plot No.4 was recorded in the name of defendant No.3. The plaintiffs approached the defendants for correction of record of right and recovery of khas possession of the suit land in plot Nos. 1,2 and 4 but the defendants denied the claim made by the plaintiffs. Hence the plaintiffs have filed this suit for declaration of title and recovery of khas possession of the suit plot Nos. 1,2 and 4. 3. The defendants contested the suit by filing written statement denying the material statements made in the plaint. Their case, in short, is that the plaintiffs were landlord (Mirasdar),who used to settle land in favour of different persons. The suit plot No.4 was settled in favour of Md Maznu by a registered kabuliyat by plaintiff No.1 on 1st Baishak, 1350 BS. After that, Md Maznu sold the said property in favour of defendant Nos. 1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 4-3-1949. Suit plot Nos.2 and 3 were owned and possessed by the plaintiff and his 2 sisters, Sundani Bibi and Dudu Bibi, who sold the same to Md Salim in Baishak, 1353 BS. After that, Md Salim also sold 24 decimals of land in favour of defendant Nos. 1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 13-4-1946 and the plaintiff had the full knowledge about that transfer. Thus the defendants became the owners and possessors of the suit land. However, the plaintiffs out of ill motive filed Title Suit No. 63 of 1954, which was dismissed on contest. After that, Title Appeal No. 64 of 1957 filed by the plaintiffs before the learned District Judge, Sylhet, was also dismissed. As such, the defendants-petitioners prayed for dismissal of the suit. 4. The trial Court after hearing the parties by its judgment and order dated 31.08.1986 decreed the suit. Against the judgment and decree passed by the trial Court, the defendants preferred Title Appeal No. 175 of 1986 before the learned District Judge, Moulvibazar. On transfer, the appeal was heard and disposed of by the then learned Subordinate Judge, Second Court, Moulvibazar, who by his judgment and order dated 30-10-1997 allowed the appeal setting aside the judgment and decree of the trial Court. 5. Being aggrieved by and dissatisfied with judgment and decree of the Appellate Court, the plaintiffs filed a revisional application before the High Court Division and obtained Rule in Civil Revision No. 3850 of 1998. After hearing the parties, the learned Single Judge of the High Court Division, by the judgment and order dated 21-7-2008 made the Rule absolute. 6. Feeling aggrieved by and dissatisfied with the judgment and order passed by the High Court Division, the leave-petitioners moved this Division by filing Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal Nos. 2337 of 2010, in which, leave was granted on 24-11-2013, resulting in Civil Appeal No. 15 of 2014. 7. Mr Abdul Quiyum, learned Senior Advocate, appearing on behalf of the appellants, submits that if an under-raiyat has been allowed to continue occupation after expiry of his term of lease, his tenancy can only be terminated in accordance with Bengal Tenancy Act and that in the case in hand, the defendants continued as lawful tenants by holding over and that after acquisition of rent receiving interest under the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, the defendants became tenants directly under the Government and that the High Court Division failed to consider this aspect of the case and, as such the impugned judgment should be set aside. He further submits that the defendants have been in possession of the suit land for more than 40 years and that the plaintiffs had failed to prove the story of the possession followed by the dispossession by adducing evidence and that the suit has been filed within the statutory period of limitation and, as such, the impugned judgment should be set aside. 8. Mr AJ Mohammad Ali, learned Senior Advocate, appearing on behalf of the plaintiffs, on the other hand, supports the impugned judgment delivered by the High Court Division. 9. We have considered the submissions of the learned Senior Advocates of both the sides, perused the impugned judgment and the materials on record. 10. Before entering into the merit of this appeal, it is necessary to go through the grounds, for with, leave was granted. The grounds are quoted below: The appellate Court being the last Court of fact, the High Court Division committed error in interfering with the findings of the appellate Court in the absence of any infirmity in those findings. Even if an under-raiyat has been allowed to continue occupation after expiry of his term of lease, his tenancy can only be terminated in accordance with the Bengal Tenancy Act [8 DLR 366, 6 DLR 652] and that in the case in hand, the defendants continued as lawful tenant by holding over and after acquisition of rent receiving interest under the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, the defendants-petitioners became tenants directly under the Government and, that the High Court Division failed to consider this aspect of the case. The High Court Division failed to consider that the rent receipts and record of rights have got evidentiary value and that the defendants-petitioners had been possessing the suit land for more than 40 years within the knowledge of the plaintiffs respondents and, as such" the impugned judgment should be set aside. The defendants-petitioners have been possessing the suit land for more than 40 years and the plaintiffs-respondents had failed to prove the story of possession followed by dispossession by adducing evidence and that the suit has been filed within the statutory period of limitation and, as such, the impugned judgment should be set aside. The High Court Division committed error in failing to reverse the finding of the appellate Court that the plaintiffs earlier filed Title Suit No. 63 of 1954 for declaration of title in respect of 4 plots of the suit land and that the said suit was dismissed after hearing both the sides and that the present suit being Title Suit No. 63 of 1954 in respect of the suit land is barred by res judicata as well as limitation and, as such, the impugned judgment should be set aside. 11. The plaintiffs-respondents claimed that they are the owners of the suit land by way of inheritance. The plaintiffs further claimed that they went to the Tahsil Office for payment of rent and came to know that the suit land appertaining to plot No. 1/2 was recorded in the names of the defendants. On Baishak,1388 BS. The defendants in collusion with each other dispossessed the plaintiffs illegally from the suit plot Nos. 1, 2 and 4 of the suit land. The defendants contended that that the plaintiffs were the landlords (Mirasdars), who used to settle land in favour of different persons. Plaintiff No. 1 settled suit plot No.4 to Md Maznu by a registered kabuliyat dated 1-1-1340 BS. After that, Md Maznu sold the said property in favour of defendant Nos. 1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 4-3-1949. Suit plot Nos. 2 and 3 were owned and possessed by the plaintiff and his 2 sisters, Sundani Bibi and Dudu Bibi, who sold the same to Md Salim in Baishak, 1353 BS. After that, Md Salim also sold 24 decimals of land in favour of defendant Nos.1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 13-4-1946. The plaintiff filed Title Suit No. 63 of 1954 which was dismissed on contest and Title Appeal No. 64 of 1957 filed by the plaintiffs before the learned District Judge, Sylhet, was also dismissed. 12. Plaintiff No.1 settled suit plot No.4 to Md Maznu by a registered kabuliyat dated 1st Baishak, 1340 BS (exhibit-B) for a period of 8 years'. Before expiry of 8 years, Md Maznu sold the suit land to defendant Nos. 1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 4-4-1949 (Exhibit-C). The trial Court came to a finding that before expiry of the tenure of lease Md Maznu sold the suit land to defendant Nos. 1 and 2 and that Md Maznu did not have the right to sell the land of suit plot No.4 to defendant Nos.1 and 2 violating the terms of the kabuliyat. The Appellate Court, however, came to the finding that defendant Nos. 1 and 2 acquired title to the land of suit plot No.4 by way of holding over. 13. The plaintiffs did not state anything in the plaint about the registered kabuliyat dated 1st Baishak, 1350 BS which was for a period of 8 years. Admittedly, before expiry of the tenure mentioned in the kabuliyat Md Maznu sold the land of suit plot No.4 to defendant Nos. 1 and 2. This purchase is of course subject to right of plaintiff No.1 to get the property back. Since the kabuliyat was for a period of 8 years, the plaintiffs could take step to get back the land of plot No.4 from defendant Nos. 1 and 2 soon after expiry of the tenure of the kabuliyat. There is even no statement in the plaint that defendant Nos. 1 and 2 surrendered possession of suit plot No.4 to the plaintiffs after expiry of the period of lease. By the purchase dated 4-3-1949, defendant Nos. 1 and 2 became tenants under the plaintiffs. After expiry of the tenure of lease defendant Nos. 1 and 2 remained as lawful tenants under the plaintiffs by holding over. 14. In this connection reliance may be placed on the case of Jagabandhu Basak vs Knrim Mandal, 8 DLR 366, in which, it has been held that if an under-raiyat has been allowed to continue occupation after expiry of his term of lease, his tenancy can only be terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Bengal Tenancy Act. 15. We have already found that the plaintiffs did not take any step to get back the land of plot No.4 after expiry of the period of lease mentioned in the kabuliyat. Defendant Nos. 1 and 2, the under-raiyat, continued their possession in suit plot No.4 as lawful tenants under the plaintiffs by holding over and after acquisition of rent receiving interest, they became tenants directly under the Government. 16. Reliance may also be placed on the case of Awswini Kumar Poddar vs Taraq Chandra Rajbangish, 6 DLR 652, in which, it has been held that the provisions of section 116 of the Transfer of Property Act are applicable where the tenant remains in possession of the leasehold property after determination of the lease granted to the tenant and his continuing possession is assented to by the landlord. A tenant, who surrendered possession, does not come within the meaning of the words "remains in possession" of this section. 17. In the case in hand, the plaintiff could not make out any case that after expiry of the tenure of lease defendant Nos. 1 and 2 surrendered the land of suit plot No.4 to the plaintiffs. Therefore, defendant Nos. 1 and 2 continued their possession in the land of suit plot No.4 and became tenant under the Government after wholesale acquisition of superior interest by the Government. 18. Suit plot Nos. 2 and 3 were sold by plaintiff No.1 and his two sisters to Md Salim, who sold 24 decimals of land in favour of defendant Nos. 1 and 2 by a registered deed of sale dated 13-4-1946 AD. 19. From the discussion made above, it is crystal clear that the plaintiffs miserably failed to prove their title to the suit land. Admittedly, the plaintiffs filed Title Suit No. 63 of 1954 for declaration of title in respect of the suit hind which was dismissed. Subsequently, the plaintiffs filed Title Appeal No. 64 of 1957 before the learned District Judge, Sylhet, which was also dismissed. Therefore, it appears that instant Title Suit No. 112 of 1972 filed by the plaintiffs is hopelessly barred by limitation. 20. The defendants have. produced the records of right standing in their names in respect of the suit land and also the rent receipt showing payment of rent to the Government. Having gone through the evidence of the witnesses, we find that the defendants had been in possession of the suit land for more than 40 years within the knowledge of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs-respondents failed to prove the story of their alleged possession followed by dispossession by adducing convincing evidence and they also failed to prove that the suit has been filed within the statutory period of limitation and, as such, the suit was barred by limitation on this score also. 21. In the light of the findings made before, we find substance in this appeal. Accordingly, this appeal is allowed without any order as to costs and the impugned judgment delivered by the High. Court Division is set aside and the judgment and decree passed by the Appellate Court is restored. 3 hurt as cops, criminals exchange gunfire at Gulshan Police and alleged criminals exchanged gunfire at a restaurant in the citys Gulshan area on Friday night, leaving at least three people, including two policemen, injured. Injured constables Alamgir, 26, and Pradip, 28, and Abdur Razzak, a microbus driver, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. An assistant commissioner (patrol) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) told UNB that the gunshots broke out at Holy Artisan Bakery on Road-79 of Gulshan-2 around 9:30pm. It was not clear whether anyone got trapped inside the restaurant. Police cordoned off the restaurant and all the surrounding roads were blocked. --UNB, Dhaka. Setback in human development is undesirable THE human resource development in Bangladesh slipped five points down to 104 in 2016 from 99 in the previous year as per Global Human Capital Report published by World Economic Forum on Thursday. What the report made clear is that we are moving backward in this vital area despite spending huge budgetary resources in education and other skill development programmes. We believe that the nation must spend much more to properly educate the population and train them in high productivity skill and professionalism, but what the report says is that the government is failing to ensure proper use of the available resources when manifold corruption and misuse of fund at all levels are detracting vital projects in the field. It appears that the government's claims of huge progress in education and manpower development are highly misleading and it is not acceptable at all. The report has covered 124 countries, which altogether account for 98 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Products. Such report annually quantifies how the countries are developing their manpower and deploying the human capital to achieve higher socio-economic development. It evaluates the levels of education, skills and employment available to people in five distinct age groups from younger generation to up to 65 years of age. What is noticeable from the report is that the country witnessed significant drop in enrolment at primary level and quality of education in the age group of 15-24 where the rank slipped to 99 from previous 91. In the age group of 25-54 the decline is sharper as the rank came down to 122 from previous 111. It appears that when Bangladesh lost the vital points some other countries have shown better performance pulling down our rank at global level and this is where our leadership is showing their total failure and ineptness when other countries are making progress. In our view there should be an objective review of the situation and immediate remedial steps must be in place to put the trend upward. Out of five countries of South Asia dealt in the report Sri Lanka and Bhutan are ahead of Bangladesh while India, Nepal and Pakistan are lagging behind on an average. What is noticeable is that the decline in Bangladesh's rank was mainly due to poor performances in educational outcomes with low levels of skill diversity among their university graduates. India and Pakistan are also suffering with Bangladesh from insufficient educational enrolment and poor-quality primary education. We know human resource development is a strenuous effort to be made in many fronts at a time to attain the holistic results. The government must have the clear target and commitment to attain it. We can't go backward when other nations are moving ahead. Mad rush of home-goers Gabtali Bus Terminal counters were overcrowded as thousands of home-bound people waiting hours together for long route buses to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr for 9 days with their family members. This photo was taken on Friday. Staff Reporter : Tens of thousands of passengers were seen in the different bus and railway stations, and launch terminals on Friday from dawn to nightfall. They were in a bit hurry their belongings and family members for going homes to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr with relatives. This year the nine-day government holidays will make their Eid celebration more joyful as their return journey will be more comfortable. The Shawal moon will be sighted either on Tuesday or Wednesday. The nine-day long Eid vacation began from Friday. The first two days of July are weekend and July 3 is another holiday on account of Shab-e-Qadr. The next three days will be official holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr followed by another weekend on July 8 and 9. As a result, about 1.3 million public servants will enjoy their vacation from July 1 to July 9. Though the holidays began from Friday, most of the holiday makers left the city on Thursday after discharging the office duties. A supervisor of Shyamoli bus counter told this reporter that 40 per cent of the city residents left the city on Thursday. As the Jumatul Wida prayer was very important to them, they started for different bus terminals in the afternoon," said Khalid Mahmud. Visiting Sadarghat launch terminal, this reporter found different scenery. The holiday makers for Southern part of the country rushed there from early morning. Not only the terminal, but also the adjacent area became a sea of people. Traffic gridlock halted the movement from Gulistan to launch terminal. The traffic was seen from Jatrabari to Bahadur Shah Park. People even could not walk on the pavement for the hawkers and makeshift shops. Some passengers alleged that the traffic system in that area was so sub-standard that they could not move easily with their belongings. Mahbub Ahmed, a passenger bound for Barisal, said, "I came from Uttara. I did not face any traffic jam on the way, but I faced difficulty while entering the terminal. The traffic was so packed that I had to wait for hours." he said. Some launches destined to Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur and Bhola were anchored on the Pantoon, but they were not leaving the terminal because of passengers crisis. Some Staff of the launch said, passengers mostly prefer journey in the afternoon.. If we get sufficient passengers, we will leave the terminal. The launch owners association said, this year the passengers will not face any difficulty. The rush is simple this year, as the passengers will have sufficient time in hand to get prepared. "The rush could be seen on the last day before Eid," he anticipated. Around 190 launches are operating in 41 river routes of the country. Beside this, there are special services. Sanjit Kumar, a manager of Hanif Paribahan, said, they are maintaining time table regardless of passengers' number. "We departed 10 buses till now. Around eight to 10 seats were vacant in every bus. The Khulna-Barisal route buses were hit by scarcity of passengers, an impact of the long vacation," he said. There was no rush at the Kamalapur Railway Station also. A railway officer said, after every 40 minutes one train was leaving the station. Till now, 14 trains left Dhaka. But Sabbir Ahmed a government official said that they reached the station well before the departure time of the train. Nasrin Akter said, "We are sitting here for hours for train. It is very disgusting." Garment worker found dead in Gazipur UNB, Gazipur :A garment worker was found dead in Kolabadha area of Kaliakoir upazila on Friday morning.The deceased was identified as Mahmudur Rahman Dipu, 30, son of Jahirul Islam, a resident of Gorai area in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail district and a worker of Rahmat Textile Mills Limited.Sub-Inspector Faizur Rahman, in-charge of Mouchak Police outpost under Kaliakoir Police Station, said locals spotted the slaughtered body of Dipu in the area in the morning and informed police.Later, police recovered the body and sent it to Gazipur Shahid Taj Uddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital for autopsy. 'Mastermind' of Madaripur college teacher attack held UNB, Dhaka : Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested the alleged mastermind behind the attempt on the life of Madaripur college teacher Ripon Chakrawarty from city's Demra area on Thursday night. Tipped off, a team of CTTC conducted a drive in the area and arrested Khaled Saifullah in the night, said Deputy Commissioner (Media) of DMP Masudur Rahman. Briefing reporters, Manirul Islam, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and chief of the CTTC, said they arrested Khaled Saifullah from Badsha Road in city's Matuail area at around 10 pm. During primary interrogation, Khaled said he is an active member of banned militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), said Manirul. Khaled is involved in promoting religious fundamentalism and encouraging JMB members in creating anarchy through secret killings across the country, said the CTTC chief. Besides, Khaled also admitted that he bought four sharp weapons-two chapatti, one Chinese axe and one knife-at a cost of Tk 2700 from Puranbazar in Kamarpotti area of Madaripur district and those were used in the attack, he said. Detectives came to know about the plan after scrutinizing 'telegram' aps, which was installed Khaled mobile phone, Monirul Islam said. Ripon Chakrabarty, a mathematics lecturer of Madaripur Government Naziumuddin College, was chopped by some assailants at his residence in the district town on June 15. A group of three miscreants knocked on the door of Ripon's residence at College Road behind the college. As soon as the college teacher opened the door, the attackers started chopping him. Locals caught Fahim while fleeing after the attack and handed him over to police. Following the incident, SI Auyb Ali of Sadar Police Station filed a case accusing Golam Faizullah Fahim, Jahim, Mejbah, Raihan, Polash and Salim on June 17. Later a court placed Fahim, on a 10-day remand in connection with the murder attempt. On June 19, Golam Faizullah alias Fahim was killed in a reported gunfight between his associates and police at Miarchar in Sadar upazila. Gove `standing out of conviction not ambition` BBC Online :Michael Gove has said his decision to stand to become Conservative leader is driven by "conviction" about what is right for the UK not personal ambition.The justice secretary said that when he concluded Boris Johnson was not the "right person", his "heart told him" that he should put himself forward. Under his leadership, he said the UK would leave the EU's single market and immigration would be reduced. But Mr Gove is facing calls to step down to ensure party unity.Sources have told the BBC ministers are urging Mr Gove to make way so the party can "unite" around Theresa May ahead of the first round of the contest next week. Launching his leadership bid, Mr Gove said he had done "everything he could" not to be a candidate, insisting that he had worked "day and night" to make Mr Johnson's candidacy work. But despite Mr Johnson's "formidable talents", he had concluded that he could not take the UK down the "path of change" opened up by the Brexit vote, saying what was needed was "not to muddle through and make the best" but "embrace the change that people voted for"."I am standing not as a result of calculation but because I have burning desire to transform this country," he said. Mr Gove said he knew his own limitations but he had "a clear vision of what our future must look like" and had a track record to show he could deliver it. He pledged to end free movement rules by leaving the EU and investing at least 100m extra a week in the NHS by 2020. Ruling out a snap election if he became prime minister, he insisted the "best person" to take the UK out of the EU was someone who had argued for it during the referendum campaign. But he said he would not begin official talks with the EU over the UK's exit, by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, before the end of the 2016, saying "we control the timing and we will do it when we are good and ready". He pledged to end free movement rules by leaving, to get immigration down, the EU and to invest at least 100m extra a week in the NHS by 2020.However, with the Conservative Party still in shock over Mr Gove's decision to split with Mr Johnson, the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said there was a strategy emerging among some ministers to ensure Home Secretary Theresa May overwhelmingly wins the first ballot of MPs next Tuesday. This, it is said, would allow the party to rally round her and cut short the contest. Mrs May so far has received more pledges of support from Conservative MPs than Mr Gove and the other three candidates - Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom. The five contenders have until Tuesday to build support among the 329 Conservative MPs before the first round of voting. The MP with the fewest votes will be eliminated, one at a time, until two remain. They will then go to a vote of the wider party membership. The winner of the contest is set to be announced on 9 September. Mr Gove decision to throw his hat into the ring was met with incredulity by the media and many of Mr Johnson's supporters. Asked whether he had been betrayed by Mr Gove, Mr Johnson told reporters as he left his home that "unfortunately he couldn't get on with what he wanted to do" and it was now "up to somebody else". Dominic Raab, a former supporter of Mr Johnson who has now switched his support to Mr Gove, said to outsiders the move would look "ugly, horrific and Machiavellian" and insisted Mr Gove and others had tried to make their alliance with Mr Johnson work.He told BBC Radio 5Live that Mr Gove was now the "change candidate" in the contest, and MP best-placed to "seize the opportunities" offered by Brexit given his track record of "reforming zeal" and also his ability to deliver. Mr Gove, who launched his own #Gove2016 Twitter account on Friday, has also been backed as a man of "principle and conviction" by the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale.But former Conservative chancellor Ken Clarke said the justice secretary should now reconsider his shock decision to enter the contest, saying he "would all do us a favour if he stood down now and speed up the process". Mr Gove had been an outstanding cabinet minister, he said, but his conduct in recent weeks had not been "encouraging". "I do think one of the first priorities for a leader of a party and certainly a prime minister is that you should have the trust, as far as possible, of your colleagues," he told Radio 4's Today. "This kind of public performance is more suitable for the student union than it is to be prime minister of this country at a time of grave, grave potential crisis." Asked whether he was now backing Mrs May, he said she was "in the right class of contender" but he wanted to hear from her and the others how they would execute the process of leaving the EU. Mrs May has been boosted by the support of the Daily Mail and Cabinet colleagues including defence secretary Michael Fallon. Liam Fox said the focus should squarely be on how the UK negotiated its exit from the EU and got the best possible deal, saying anything else was a serious distraction."We're in the process of electing a prime minister who will actually take us out of the European Union, and yet we seem to be permanently distracted by what can only be described as the politics of the Oxford Union in recent days," Radio 4's Today."I think it was a distraction, we need Brexit for grown-ups and we need to be talking about the big issues."And Mrs Leadsom said that while Mrs May was a "totally brilliant home secretary", she believed the next prime minister should be someone who "really believes that the UK would be better off once we leave the EU"."The clear priority is to deliver on the referendum," the energy minister told ITV's Good Morning Britain."We have been given an instruction, we now have to get a grip and get on with it." BD turned into `corrupt state`, says Fakhrul UNB, Thakurgaon :BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that the government has turned into Bangladesh into a 'corrupt state'.Talking to reporters at his residence here, he also alleged that the government is trying to eliminate BNP by implicating its leaders and activists in 'false cases' and sending them to jail."The government has turned the entire country into a corrupt state. It's now legitimising corruption as it has no accountability to people," the BNP leader said.He said, the banking sector has been destroyedthrough plundering and corruption. "A bank MD has been removed while its DMD asserted on charge of corruption. Even, the Finance Minister said there has been a massive plundering in the banking sector."Mentioning that Bangladesh is passing through a very tough time, he said the government itself is making the country unstable by resorting to various plots and carrying out secret killings in a bid to cling to power.About the recent countrywide combing operation conducted by law enforcers, Fakhrul said the aim of the drive was to arrest BNP leaders and activists instead of tracking down militants.He said, the government is going ahead with its plan to establish a one-party rule by suppressing its opponents.The BNP leader called upon all to get united to save the country and restore democracy and all basic rights. Acting Registrar removed Zia as first President wrongly mentioned at DU souvenir': DU VC asked to quit soon, his car vandalized; Demo staged in front of his residence: Culprits for mistake to be brought to book Bangladesh Chhatra League staged demonstration in front of the official residence of Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique demanding his resignation by 8pm on Friday as the University\'s souvenir published marking its 95th Founding Anniver Staff Reporter :Leaders and workers of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of ruling Awami League, on Friday staged demonstrations on the Dhaka University campus as the University's souvenir, published marking its 95th founding anniversary, mentioned Ziaur Rahman as the first President of Bangladesh.In the wake of the incident, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University AAMS Arefin Siddique was attacked and its Acting Registrar Syed Rezaur Rahman was removed.The aggrieved BCL activists attacked the car of VC Arefin Siddique and smashed its window and in front of his residence while Arefin was inside the car. The VC, however, escaped unhurt. They also issued an ultimatum to quit him from the post of VC immediately. Otherwise, they will call an indefinite students strike on the DU campus from today (Saturday).However, BCL shelved its move over Dhaka University's yearbook after assurance that the culprits behind a printing "mistake" will be brought to book.After daylong agitation, demonstration and vandalism, the ruling party's student front reconciled after a meeting with University authorities yesterday evening.Witnesses said as part of the founding anniversary programme, a discussion meeting started at 11:00am at the TSC auditorium with Vice-Chancellor Arefin Siddique in the chair. When copies of the souvenir were distributed among the guests, students including some BCL leaders turned furious as Ziaur Rahman was mentioned as the first President of Bangladesh in it.The souvenir also mentioned 'Jagannath Hall' of the University as a residential hall of the students of minority groups.The BCL men also locked the main gate of VC's residence and continued to stage demonstrations in front of it. They announced that they would continue their agitation until resignation of the VC. Showing firearms when the bodyguard asked the BCL men to leave the spot, they (BCL men) became furious and started ransacking the car carrying the V.C. Later BCL President Abid Al Hasan and General Secretary Motahar Hossain of Dhaka University unit, tried to control the situation. However, VC Arefin Siddique managed to enter the house. At one stage, the agitated BCL leaders and workers also confined Acting Registrar of the University Syed Rezaur Rahman to his office and torched a copy of the souvenir in front of it at about 3:30pm. Later, the University Proctor rushed to the spot and rescued the acting registrar, students and witness said. Following the incident Acting Registrar Syed Rezaur Rahman has been suspended. The souvenir has also been forfeited. Besides, the committee formed to publish the souvenir, has also been cancelled. In the face of massive protest when the University authorities suspended the Acting Registrar Syed Rezaur Rahman, the agitated BCL men withdrew their siege programme. But the BCL men later took position around the VC's residence at about 4:00pm and started staging demonstrations there. Talking to journalists AAMS Arefin Siddique termed the incident as an unfortunate, saying he formed a probe body to investigate the incident. He said that he would not take the responsibility.Saifur Rahman Sohag, President of BCL central unit, said it is not a mistake."Stern action will have to be taken against those involved in such distortion of the history," he said.BCL President of DU unit Abid Al Hasan said the VC cannot avoid his responsibility. "We think VC himself is involved with the incident," he said. BCL General Secretary of DU unit Motahar Hossain said the VC must go by Saturday. Grenade attack, gunfight at Gulshan restaurant Many feared dead: Banani OC killed: Foreigners among those trapped: Efforts continue to rescue hostages Staff Reporter :At least 20 persons, including 10 police personnel, were injured when a gang of armed Islamist militants blasted grenades and opened fire indiscriminately inside a jam-packed restaurant in the city's Gulshan diplomatic enclave on Friday night.Four persons, including officer-in-charge of Banani police station Salahuddin Ahmed Khan, were reportedly killed in the gun attack. Besides, several people, including 20 foreigners, were kept hostage there by the attackers. Members of the law enforcement agencies, including police, RAB, BGB and Ansar kept cordoned the spot till the time of filing of this report at 11:45 pm. Of the injured, the condition of Additional Police Commissioner Ahadul Islam and two other policemen was stated to be critical. They were rushed to Dhaka Medical College and other hospitals.According to witnesses, a gang of 5-6 armed miscreants, believed to be members of a militant outfit, suddenly entered, a Spanish eating house, Holy Artisan Bakery Restaurant at Road no-79 at about 9:15 pm. They opened fire and blasted grenades shouting 'Allahu Akbar'. Director General of RAB Benjir Ahmed said: "A gang of four miscreants took control of the restaurant. There were several customers including foreigners. We got a picture of inside the restaurant getting information from those who have managed to come out of the restaurant."Replying to a query, the RAB Chief said, "We're trying to establish a contact with the offenders. We want to talk with them .We want to know what their demand is. We are trying to solve the crisis peacefully. Every life is important to us."On the other hand, Supervisor of Artisan Bakery Restaurant Suman Reza told the newsmen that 8-10 armed militants entered the restaurant all in a sudden. "One of them was carrying a sword and others were equipped with modern firearms and explosives. They at first carried some blank shots shouting Allahu Akbar. I and another employee who is an Italian citizen managed to come out jumping from the rooftop."He said four of their staffs are foreigners. Of them, one Argentinean was missing. Sources said, the militants at first locked the main gate of the restaurant and then started firing bullets indiscriminately from their automatic firearms. The restaurant is usually visited by foreigners and affluent business persons of the city. The armed hooligans were locked in a fierce gun battle with the police when teams of five nearby local police stations rushed to the spot to tackle the situation. The entire area turned into a battle field after the police and miscreants both sides started trading gunfire. Panic gripped the residents of local area when miscreants blasted grenades one after another Deputy Commissioner of Police [Gulshan Zone] Mostaque Ahmed said: "The miscreants taking position inside a restaurant opened fire targeting policemen. Two police personnel and a pedestrian were injured in the fire. They were rescued and sent to DMCH."The DC said that the terrorists have taken shelter in a clinic near when the number of law enforcers increased in the area. Duty Officer of Gulshan Police Station Zahid Hossain said that the incident took place at a restaurant near Lake View Clinic adjacent to Gulshan -2 crossing at about 9:15 pm. "A police team has been sent to the spot. It's still not clear what is going on,' he said. Some witnesses staying near Nordic Club said they heard sound of around 50 bullet fire."We don't understand what was happening there. We heard sound of bullet fire one after another from lake side," said a pedestrian who was crossing the area at that time. Police rushed to the spot after half an hour of the incident. Sources said that police have put barricades to block the roads towards Gulshan circle-2. Huge contingents of law enforcers, including RAB, have been employed at different points of Gulshan to tackle further untoward situation. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Dhaka in a twitter message asked their citizens to stay inside their homes and remain alert over the hostage situation. Two Shibirmen killed in gunfight with cops Jhenaidah Correspondent :Two local leaders of the Islami Chhatra Shibir were killed in a 'gunfight' with police during the small hours of Friday at Jhenaidah. Three policemen were also injured in the incident, claimed the police. The 'gunfight' took place at Tetulbaria village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila at about 2.30 AM. Firearms, ammunitions and bombs were also recovered from under their possession. The names of the deceased were Shahid Al Mamun and Anisur Rahman, the police said. Additional Superintendent of Police of Jhenaidah said that the police got information that miscreants were organizing at Tetulbaria village to create unwanted incidents and reached the spot in a van. Sensing their presence, the miscreants opened fire and the police men retaliated in self-defence. The exchange of fire continued for about 20 minutes. Gunshots ending, police recovered the bullet-hit bodies and seized a shooter gun, two rounds of ammunition and five bombs. Three policemen namely Sub- Inspector Prabir Kumar, constables Rabbi and Tarikul were also injured and admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar hospital. The dead bodies are at Jhenaidah Sadar hospital for post mortem, the police said.Contrarily, the Islami Chhatra Shibir alleged that Mamum and Anis were missing 15 days ago. The organisation programmed to stage countrywide demonstration on Saturday in protest. ICS President Atiqur Rahman and Secretary General Yasin Arafat said it in a statement released on Friday. Yet another Ashram attendant killed Jhenaidah Correspondent :A Jhenaidah temple sebayet (attendant) was hacked to death early morning on Friday. He was identified as Shyamananda Sarker, 67, the sebayet of Kastasagra Radhamadan Math temple.Three unidentified miscreants hacked him to death at 5.30 AM when he was plucking flowers to perform rituals (Puja) under Hindu custom, Officer in-Charge of the Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station, Hasan Hafizur Rahman, said. However, none claimed the responsibility of the killing till the time of filing this report Friday evening. Locals said, three miscreants came to the temple gate by a Discovery motorcycle, chopped him and left the area quickly. Doctors declared him dead after the locals rushed the severe injured sebayet to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital. "I was passing by the Ashram area at about 5.30 AM on Friday. The shebayet (Shyamananda Sarker) was plucking flowers for performing puja. He asked me where I was going in the early hours. I was going tonearby field to pluck some vegetables, I replied. But within a moment when I passed the area, the sebayet cried out 'save me'. When I looked behind, I saw three young men with caps on head chopping the sebayet's shoulder and head severely. I dived into a nearby ditch to save myself. When I regained my sense, I saw me in the bed of my house," said Dipali Rani, 45, a neighbour and the lone eye witness of the killing.Shyamananda Sarker alias Prodyut Sarker, son of Kiran Sarker from Mushuria village of Narail Sadar upazila had been working as sebayet at the temple for four years. The family members of Shyamananda said, they would take the body to his village home for seen by his mother and relatives. Later the body will be brought back for funerals.Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Friday said those who were involved in the sebayet Shyamananda Sarker killing, must be tried. He said this while talking to journalists in his residents in the city."I hope, the killers will be nabbed very soon, as there is an eye witness of the incident," the Minister said. Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikyo Parishad, Jhenaidah unit President Narayan Chandra Biswas, Radhamadan Math temple General Secretary Milan Kundu and Vice President Swapan Ghosh expressed their deep concern over the incident. They were shocked as the miscreants were killing the Hindu religious priests one after another. But they could not see any visible progress into the investigations, they said. The Parishad leaders also demanded immediate arrest of the killers and produce them before the law.Additional Superintendent of Police, Jhenaidah, Azabahar Ali Sheikh said, they have been investigating the matter to know whether there is any involvement of militants behind the killing incident.Earlier, on June 7, Ananda Gopal Ganguli alias Nando, a Hindu priest was killed in the same district's Mohishar vagar village. He also was hacked to death by miscreants. After the killing of the priest Ananda Ganguli, a number of ministers Mohammad Nasim, Hasanul Haque Inu and Rashed Khan Menon , two high officials of Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, leaders of Bangladesh Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikyo Parishad in Dhaka and other political party leaders including BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP central leader Nitai Roy Chodhury, Jayanta Kundu and Biren Sikder visited the spot and house of victim and assured them utmost cooperation for the safety of the family as well as other minority group people.Nearly 50 attacks on minority Sufi, Shia Muslims, Ahmadia community, Hindus, Christians and foreigners took place in the past three years. Militancy suspects were blamed and also claimed responsibility for such killings and attacks.US-based SITE Intelligence Group said that Islamic State militants claimed responsibility of killings and attacks. The government, however, denied the presence of Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in the country and said that some homegrown 'militants' were behind the crimes. AL leader hacked to death in Bandarban bdnews24.com :A local Awami League leader has been hacked to death at Bandarban's Naikhyangchharhi Upazila.Mongshoilung Marma, 56, was the vice-president of the ruling party's Ward No. 1 unit at the Upazila's Baishari Union. He and his family lived in the union's Dhabongkhali Parha.Baishari police investigation centre In-Charge Sub-Inspector Anisur Rahman said Marma came under attack in the union's Shoshankhola area on Thursday night while returning home from a local bazar."Unidentified assailants had hacked him with sharp weapons from behind, leaving him dead on the spot."His body was later sent to the Bandarban Sadar Hospital for autopsy.Naikhyangchhari police OC Abul Khayer said they would soon lodge a case over the murder.Police say, they are still in the dark about the murder motive but Marma's relatives feel a land dispute may have been the reason. Local Awami League leaders have demand the immediate arrest of Marma's killers. UK workers in Germany fear for future BBC Online :On a sun-soaked street in central Leipzig, a union jack flag flies at half-mast.Its owner, Dr Sonja Weingarten, runs Der Englandladen, a shop that sells a huge range of British products - from Marmite to Mars bars - to the large local expat community. "They are asking us whether our shop will still be here," says Dr Weingarten, a committed anglophile. "All of them thought the 'remainers' would win."Foreign investment has been vital in transforming this city, once part of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), and now often referred to as the "boomtown of eastern Germany".In recent years, business behemoths such as Amazon and Porsche have established bases in Leipzig, occupying rows of warehouses that were derelict and decaying.Highly skilled workers from across Europe followed in their wake, including Philip Rooke, the British chief executive of Spreadshirt, a thriving e-commerce firm that was founded in the city, and which now has offices and production facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as in the US. "We have 22 nationalities working in our office here - it's a very multicultural world - and I feel my home country cutting itself off from that will lose all of those values." Having access to the EU's open borders has been vital for Spreadshirt, which last year shipped 3.6 million made-to-order T-shirts, mugs and hoodies to more than 180 countries.For smaller countries outside the EU's economic bloc, Spreadshirt has been forced to offer a reduced service."Where we don't have open borders, with Norway and Switzerland, it gets very difficult," says Mr Rooke, "and we end up doing a poor service, and we end up making fewer sales." The same may soon apply to the UK, he warns. "This kind of global sales environment would not be possible without open borders. The complexity if we don't end up with open borders, or we end up with the Norwegian system, will go up, and therefore we'll put less effort into the UK." Mr Rooke, who hails from the English county of Wiltshire, spent many years building up e-commerce companies back in Britain, and is worried about the sector's future."There are many of the people I know in the investment community, who are not considering UK e-commerce businesses now, because they would prefer to invest in European ones that can reach a much larger audience in a much easier way. That hurts." "Possibly not," he says, after a thoughtful pause.Jesse Wragg, a fellow Brit working in Leipzig, is slightly more optimistic. UK nationals working in Germany have been hit by the vote, he says, but he's hopeful that the two countries will find a way to maintain freedom of movement. His clients, 60% of whom are based in Britain, "didn't want to talk" on the morning after the Brexit decision, but on Tuesday, it was back to "business as usual", says Mr Wragg."People haven't given up on Europe as a whole," he says. The impact of Brexit is not confined to businesses in the area with British staff and clients. Birgit Stodtko, the international director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the neighbouring state of Saxony-Anhalt - which represents more than 57,000 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) - says local firms "are all worried" by the result.Some 1.2bn (986m) worth of goods were sold by SMEs in the region to the UK last year, including chemical and pharmaceutical products, food stuff and metals. "Great Britain is number two in our export ranking," she says, "and in the last five years we've doubled our exports to the UK."Now, Mrs Stodtko adds: "Everything will be very difficult, especially the bureaucracy, red tape and administrative burden." Businesses also need Britons to come and work in the area, she says, as Saxony-Anhalt "needs specialists in every area of the economy". Yet there are strong indications that skilled UK workers might well continue to work in the country's commercial centres. Carrie King, who works for job search company Jobspotting in Berlin, says there has been a clamour for information on how Brits can ensure their future in Germany. Blog posts she wrote explaining British expats' options were read so widely on Friday, she says, that the volume of traffic almost crashed the firm's servers. "The mood is one of disbelief and shock, people are in limbo - they are disappointed and are wondering what is going to happen in the coming months."Back in Leipzig, Dr Weingarten is hoping Britons in this part of the world find a solution, if only for the sake of her English goods store. "I hope that it will exist," she says. "Otherwise, we'll change it into a Scottish or Irish shop." Public banks in bad shape Experts call for handing over to private sector Kazi Zahidul Hasan :Banking experts on Friday urged the government to handover public banks to private sector management immediately since their financial condition is deteriorating rapidly as a result of reckless misconduct and inefficiency of senior management officials.They also suggested the government to form a 'banking commission' to make the banking bosses accountable for their misconduct and abuse of power while granting loans to various business groups and trade entities."Public banks are now in bad shape thanks to an overload of bad, defaulted and non-performing loans in their overall credit portfolios," former Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told The New Nation yesterday.He said bad governance, inefficiency and reckless misconduct of the senior management officials are responsible for the current state of public banks."The increasing bad loan, big loan scams and corruption charge against the bosses of public banks is a wake up call for the public banks and the government. The government must decide immediately whether it would provide additional fund to the sinking public banks or privatize them," said Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.Public banks struggling have failed to raise their capital for a long time despite the government efforts to recapitalize them time and again. They are now rapidly losing ground to the younger breed of private banks due to capital shortfall affecting their very existence.In this situation, he said, only the change in the governance structure for public banks may not be effective for their last effort to damage repair. The best option for the government would be to hand over them to private sector management. Hailing the BB to remove Agrani Bank's managing director from his post, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the initiative of the central bank may help bring discipline in banking sector and make accountable of banking bosses from errant practices.State-owned banks have now accumulated over 50 per cent of the total defaulted loans of the banking sector, posing a potential threat to their financial health.According to an official figure, the defaulted loan amount of the banking sector now stood at Tk 60,000 crore and of the amount Tk 32,000 crore owed to eight public banks.Terming the growing defaulted loans as an 'ominous sign' for the financial health of public banks, former BB deputy governor Dr Khandoker Ibrahim Khaled told The New Nation yesterday that the situation only arise from the corruption of bank officials, aggressive lending, misappropriation of funds in guise of loan and politically appointed directors in the boards of these banks. "This has led them to a critical situation and therefore reduced their lending ability and affected profitability to a large extend," he added.Expressing dismay over the performance of state-owned banks, Dr Ibrahim Khaled said that they (public banks) have become the worst banks in the country. Unscrupulous businessmen use these banks to siphon off their funds ultimately making them 'pauper'."Since the government is unable to control these banks and fail to restore discipline there, it should just keep Sonali Bank and hand over the rest to the private sector," he suggested. "The government now in a fix over running the public banks because of their rising capital shortfall and default loans and massive misappropriation of funds from big loan scams," former finance adviser of the caretaker government Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam told The New Nation on Friday. He observed financial health of these banks has deteriorated over the past seven years when they faced massive financial scandals. Dishonest businessmen took away over Tk 10,000 crore from Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali and BASIC banks throughout this period."Political appointment to the bank boards is another reason for the loan scandal," he said.Dr Mirza Aziz said, the government by this time provided with a capital of nearly Tk 5,000 crore through budgetary allocation but it brings nothing good to them. The problem of the banks is in governance structure. Besides, corruption of their top management officials further deepened the crisis. Addressing the problem seems to be a difficult task for the government. So, he advised the government to hand over the banks to the private sector to come out from the problem. Lailatul Qadr tonight UNB, Dhaka : The holy Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest and most blessed nights for Muslims, will be observed across the country tonight with due solemnity and religious fervour. Muslim devotees will spend the night seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. According to the holy Quran, this is superior to a thousand nights as the Quran was revealed to the greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in this glorified night to show mankind the path of worldly and eternal emancipation. The devout Muslims usually pass the night offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, holding milad mahfil, zikr, and other religious rituals at mosques and in their houses. They will also visit graveyards to seek divine blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones. Special prayers and sermons will be arranged at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and other mosques across the country on the holy night. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, while newspapers will publish special articles highlighting the significance of the night. On the eve of Lailatul Qadr, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the country's people and the Muslims across the world. In his message, the President said, the holy Lailatul Qadr, better than thousand months, is a much sanctified night full of virtues. "Allah has revealed the holy Quran at this night. So, the significance of this night is immense to the Muslim Ummah," Abdul Hamid said. He prayed to Allah to fulfil everybody's life with His limitless blessings at the holy night. In her message, Sheikh Hasina said, the holy Quran was revealed at this night to show mankind the right path of emancipation. "We can get the proximity of the almighty Allah and unlimited divine blessings and forgiveness at this sacred night through prayers." She prayed to Allah for the continued progress, peace and welfare of Bangladesh and the Muslim Ummah at this holy night. 2 cops killed as gunmen take many hostages at city restaurant Two senior police officials were killed and around 53 people, including several policemen, were injured in an exchange of gunfire between police and gunmen who stormed into a Spanish restaurant in the citys Gulshan area on Friday night and took inmates hostage. The deceased were identified as assistant commissioner of Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Rabiul Islam and officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station Salauddin Khan. Salauddins nephew Mishuk Hasan and Rabiuls father-in-law Shahjahan Miah told reporters at the gate of United Hospital that the police officers succumbed to injuries they suffered in the gunfight. At least 50 of the injured, including Additional Deputy Commissioners of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Sheikh M Maruf Hasan and Ahad, were rushed to the United Hospital. Three other injured -- constables Alamgir, 26, and Pradip, 28, and Abdur Razzak, a microbus driver -- were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Witnesses said several gunmen barged into Holey Artisan Bakery, which is popular with foreigners, on Road-79 of Gulshan-2 around 8:45pm. An assistant commissioner (patrol) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) told UNB that the gunshots erupted at the restaurant around 9:15pm after police rushed in on information. He said the criminals opened fire and threw grenades at the law enforcers from inside the restaurant, leaving many injured. Restaurant employee Sumon Reza said he was on the first floor when the gunmen barged into the restaurant. He said at least 20 foreigners were inside the eatery when the criminals, maximum eight in number, entered it. Reza said he along with 12-15 other employees went to the rooftop and climbed down outside through pipes. Members of law enforcement agencies, including police, Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh, went to the spot and cordoned off the restaurant. All the surrounding roads were also blocked. Basic Engineering Limited director Hasnat Karim, who along with his wife and son got trapped inside the restaurant, told his family members over mobile phone that they are safe, his uncle Anwar Karim told UNB. Hasnat, however, cried for rescuing them. Meanwhile, a 30-member Navy commando team reached the spot around 1:15 am on Saturday apparently to launch a drive in order to end the hostage crisis. Talking to reporters at the spot around 11:15pm, Rab Director General Benazir Ahmed said several gunmen barged into the restaurant after evening. Benazir said they would try to talk to the criminals and resolve the problem in a peaceful manner as it is their first choice. He also called upon television channels not to telecast the drive live in the national interest. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque visited the injured at United Hospital. --UNB, Dhaka. Lebanese Christian Women Take Up Arms After Deadly Suicide Bombings All women in Qaa have reportedly begun carrying weapons. ( Reuters) Christian women in Lebanon are arming themselves in the wake of a series of devastating suicide attacks on Monday. Five people were killed and more than two dozen wounded after eight bombers blew themselves up in the predominantly Christian village of Qaa, a few kilometres from the border with Syria, on June 27. At least two of the attacks took place in the evening outside the Mar Elias church, where mourners had gathered for a vigil in honour of those killed earlier in the day. According to Arabya English, the bombings "triggered fear and panic among Qaa's residents", and photos released by Reuters on Tuesday showed Christian women holding guns to protect themselves from future attacks. "We will not allow Lebanon to become a new Iraq. We will not flee, we have weapons and are ready to protect ourselves," one woman from Qaa told Assyrian campaign group A Demand for Action (ADFA). She said that all women in the village have decided to arm themselves. "Jihadists think they go to hell if they are killed by women, we will send them straight to hell," she added. Advertisement The priest of Mar Elias church, Rev Elian Nasrallah, told the New York Times via telephone on Monday that the residents of Qaa were "living in terror". "People are stuck in their houses, not daring to go out and fearing more suicide bombers," he said. Melkite Catholic Archbishop Elias Rahal of Baalbek told Catholic News Service: "We pray, we pray, we pray for the dead, for the injured... We are here for the families and for their children". The Archbishop travelled to Qaa after the first suicide bombing on Monday, and insisted that Christians would remain in the region "despite all that has happened". "We are here and we are here to stay," he added. President of the Syriac League of Lebanon, Habib Afram, told ADFA the world needed to wake up to "the growing Islamic anger against Christians. "This is not the first time and not the last time," he said. "For how long is the west going to ignore the fact of the ongoing genocide in Syria and Iraq that terrorists now also try to extend to Lebanon?" No group has yet claimed responsibility, but officials suspect ISIS was behind the attacks. Unlike our friends in Iberia Parish, Lafayette has been fortunate to have a sheriff who has valued integrity and innovation for nearly two decades. Outgoing Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom Photo by Robin May For the last 16 years, weve been fortunate here in Lafayette Parish to have a forward-thinking sheriff like Mike Neustrom. Just look south to Iberia Parish for an idea of what Neustroms polar opposite would have brought, namely a growing sense of embarrassment as seen playing out in recent months with the federal civil rights scandal currently faced by longtime Iberia Sheriff Louis Ackal for his role in a series of alleged inmate abuse cases. Ackals story, in fact, just got even juicier with the recent revelation of secret recordings in which hes heard making anti-Semitic comments and threats like this one: I said the only thing Im gonna give you f**king shoot you right between your goddamned Jewish-eyes-look-like-opossum bastard. Ackals comments, according to this report from The Advocate, are believed to have been regarding a U.S. Justice Department attorney whod met with the Iberia sheriff in the lead-up to his federal indictment on criminal civil rights violations. (For more on the craziness that led to Ackal's troubles, check out The Advocates coverage of the issue here and here.) Back to Neustrom, whos set to step-down as Lafayette Parishs top law enforcement official after 16 years. Today, in fact, marks his last official day as our sheriff. And its been a good run, one that will hopefully leave a lasting impression on the way we approach law enforcement in this parish. As weve reported since his retirement announcement last year and during the ensuing election that ended in November with the election of Mark Garber as our next sheriff, the legacy Neustrom will leave is one of a progressive-minded law enforcement official willing to take the path less traveled when compared with the majority of other agencies in Louisiana. His administration will mostly be remembered for the leaps taken in redefining our approach to corrections, replacing the punishment-driven models of old with new ideas, namely rehabilitation and diversion. This required bringing on the right people for the job and getting to the bottom of why a person has been incarcerated: Was it drugs, mental illness, or did they end up in jail because they just didnt have the money to pay off a ticket or fine resulting from some minor offense? Neustrom, as many of his peers will attest, has helped change the conversation about crime and punishment not just here in Lafayette Parish, but among agencies throughout the state. While Neustrom spoke with us briefly this morning, he was caught up dealing with everything that goes on in the last day of a 16-year administration and therefore unable to dedicate the time required for a thorough interview. So we instead reached out to Rob Reardon, Neustroms longtime director of corrections whos also leaving office at days end (read more about that here). In talking with Reardon, we wanted to know what hell take away from his 16 years working alongside Neustrom, and his thoughts on the legacy Neustrom will ultimately leave behind once hes gone. Heres what Ill tell you: Sheriff Neustrom was an apolitical sheriff, he didnt play the politics game, says Reardon. Over the course of dealing with all the sheriffs Ive dealt with in my 27 years, I always ask Why do you want to be sheriff? He told me because I want to make it better. And from him thats genuine. He wants to make society better. And I told him, Well, youre a terrible politician, and he just laughed in that way he does. For Reardon, one of the major reasons he stuck behind Neustrom till the end has centered on his open-mindedness to new ideas. He was always pushing the envelope to be open to different possibilities. He was always talking to me and the other division heads, saying, Hey, can we do this or why cant we do this, or can we try this? says Reardon. Hes somebody who really changed the culture and environment of what law enforcement and corrections can be. And just a good example of that is all the people since my resignation coming from all over the state and even other states saying Yall have a model here, and then asking me to come work there. Hes the one that allowed all that to happen. Hes someone that really facilitated teamwork, and its going to be interesting to see what happens next. So if the Garber administration should take anything from Neustroms example, Reardon recommends maintaining that open-minded approach to new ideas. That lock em up ideology has been demonstrated not to work for the last 200 years, and thats not Rob Reardon director of corrections talking, thats Rob Reardon professor of UL talking to you, he says. Mark [Garber] in a lot of ways will change the organization, but Im sure there will be similar paths and a similar vision as well. It has to be similar. Number one: taxpayers arent willing to afford just locking up people just simply because of the strain that puts on the community, and socially. I dont think the community would be willing to do that. It costs a lot of money to lock people up, and theres better ways to do it. Weve been demonstrating that for the last 15, 16 years. And as far as Neustroms legacy goes? Rob Reardon (left) and Neustrom Photo by Robin May Reardon: Sheriff Neustrom has really just been so far ahead of other systems Im not saying people but just in his vision about how a system could operate better, that there are better ways to manage mental illness, drug abuse, low level misdemeanors. So when we remember Neustroms 16 years as sheriff, we should consider ourselves fortunate, not because he proved to be so vastly different from that guy down in Iberia Parish, but because hes set such a high bar for anyone following in his footsteps from here on out. For more on Neustrom's successes as sheriff, check out some of our past coverage here and here. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Louisiana's income forecasts have been adjusted to reflect recently-passed tax increases, providing a balanced budget for the state's 2016-17 fiscal year, which starts Friday. But that balance could be short-lived, as more financial problems loom for state government. Economists have warned the state could close the books for the current fiscal year with a deficit as large as $200 million. Also, Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration says Louisiana might have to take out a short-term loan to keep cash flowing and government services operating until taxes are collected. The Revenue Estimating Conference which creates the income forecasts for state tax, license and fee collections met on Thursday to adjust the state's income projections to account for the $263 million in taxes raised in the just-ended special session. The group also updated revenue forecasts with new fee hikes passed in the earlier regular legislative session. Total adjustments added up to about $371 million. Adding a level of uncertainty, the Legislature's chief economist Greg Albrecht noted that the impact of some of the approved tax increases and reworked tax breaks were indeterminable and, therefore, not included in the new forecasts. "We have upside potential," Albrecht said. "And we have downside risk as well." The tax hikes did not spare state agencies from budget cuts. The budget going into effect on Friday includes reductions to K-12 public education, the TOPS college tuition program and corrections programs. State agencies are also being urged to keep in mind the size of a potential deficit from the current budget carrying over to the new financial year. The deficit for the 2015-16 budget could be as much as $200 million, but Albrecht said until the books for that period are officially closed in the fall, the exact size of the gap is unknown. The governor has asked agencies to set aside 5 percent of their budget allocation in reserve in case midyear cuts are required to close a deficit. The Edwards administration, the treasurer's office and legislative leaders also are in talks about the possibility Louisiana may need to take out a short-term loan in September to pay bills in the new budget year. The state usually borrows from its own savings accounts until tax collections, fees and other payments roll in to the treasury. But former Gov. Bobby Jindal and lawmakers raided many of those accounts to patch together prior budgets, leaving the state with fewer reserves for short-term borrowing. "We're in a real upside-down position," said Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, Edwards' chief budget adviser. First Assistant State Treasurer Ron Henson said local governments regularly use short-term borrowing options to finance services as they await tax collections. The last time state government took out a short-term loan to pay for operations, however, was thirty years ago. The Louisiana Legislature has been ideologically partisan, no doubt, but never more so than in a little-known resolution that was quietly passed in May. Much has been made about the ideological calcification of the Louisiana Legislature, a hardening most evident in the three grueling legislative sessions that began back in February as a new Democratic governor commenced his awkward waltz with flat-footed, hard-right House Republicans. See Pearson Crosss column for a summary. Increasingly our Legislature mimics a do-nothing Congress paralyzed by partisanship. But the most ideological event over the four-month slog happened during the regular session, and it got little press coverage: lawmakers in May signed off on Senate Concurrent Resolution 52 calling for a U.S. constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints upon its activities, and limit the terms of office that may be served... SCR 52 is just a resolution symbolic in broad strokes but its terrible policy in service of ideological bona fides. It represents a trend by GOP-controlled legislatures around the country that could trigger a never-used means of constitutional amendment. (Heretofore, all 27 amendments to the Constitution going back to the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 have relied on a second method; its a bit complicated, but trust me, whats being pushed now has never been done before, ever, in the history of our republic.) If 34 of the states file petitions like SCR 52 to Congress, it could in theory pave the way for that constitutional convention, and by my most recent tally 28 states have now petitioned Congress. Thats close to possibly again, so much of this is theoretical be cause its never been done before setting in motion what could become an American Brexit: symbolism driven by scare tactics and ideology with sobering, long-term consequences. So lets unpack that for the purpose of phrase cited above. Ive long been keen on the idea that elections themselves impose term limits: If youre ineffective you get voted out. But the cancer of money in politics allows even bad lawmakers to serve decades for no other reason than a fat wallet and the cronyism it engenders. Its the other two aims of the resolution to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government [and] impose fiscal restraints upon its activities that should cause chills. In January Texas Gov. Greg Abbot, a rabid social conservative, urged lawmakers on the other side of the Sabine River to pass a similar resolution to limit the power of the federal government through an amendment that would require a supermajority of the Supreme Court seven of nine justices to invalidate a state law (according to U.S. News & World Report). Why? To let stand anti-LGBT and anti-abortion laws passed in red states of course. The final piece, imposing fiscal restraints, is the most pernicious. Its aim is a balanced budget amendment, which many economists including some with Nobel Prizes and history on their side agree would be disastrous during a recession, triggering devastating cuts to federal safety-net programs. But thats the ultimate goal. Louisiana has a balanced budget amendment. Look where its gotten us. Indeed, $19 trillion in federal debt is concerning and something has to be done, but it can be managed over time with bipartisan cooperation and common sense. Stop laughing. The real goal of a balanced budget amendment is the end of Social Security, Medicare and other social safety-net programs that the financier wing of the Republican Party has vilified as socialism since FDR and the New Deal. They just dont quit. Yet opponents of the safety net no longer talk of its destruction the programs are too popular with Americans of all political stripes so they talk about reform. But just as our state, with its balanced budget amendment, has eviscerated higher education and health care for the poor, so too would a federal balanced budget amendment destroy much we cherish in common, and it floats on the fallacious notion that raising the yacht uplifts the dinghy. Save Were conditioned to believe if its prescribed by a doctor its OK, but opioids, while legally available, are as dangerous as heroin. Tootie Landry is an unlikely addict. No one in her family was an addict. Even sitting across from her it seems a strange label. The Lafayette woman exudes a kind of brash optimism. This is not the stuff of rainbows and unicorns birthed in naivete. It is the stuff of people who have seen the darkness in others, in themselves and come out the other side of it with an entirely new perspective. I didnt even know I was an addict, Landry tells me. When I ask Landry, 12 years sober, at what point she realized she was an addict, I expect several answers. Not the one she gave: When I was in rehab. Landry is one of an estimated 1.9 million people each year who has a substance use disorder involving prescription drugs. She was a financial adviser. She handled millions in investments for her clients. Tootie Landry Photo by Robin May Landry was prescribed opioids by a doctor. At the time, she had everything from depression and anxiety to fibromyalgia. After years on the pain medication, she developed a raging addiction (unbeknownst to anyone on earth, including herself). At one point she was out of pills and decided to not seek a refill. She says what ensued nearly killed her. I had never even heard the word detox, she says. On New Years Day, I decided no matter how sick I got Im not going to take any meds. She was in a semi-coma with seizures for three days. She has no memory of the time. She told people she was sick, maybe the flu. But her daughter began to realize something was amiss. She believed her mother had far more than the flu and they headed to the hospital. Landry went to rehab and in that place learned about more than addiction. She learned who she was. And she came out the other side with a knowledge that was contagious. Addiction is a disease of the brain, Landry says. And opioids, whether a pill prescribed by a doctor or an illicit drug, are just a symptom, she adds. More and more, people are beginning to acknowledge addiction as a disease and not a moral failing. And that could change the face of how we treat it. The pill is the symptom, she says. Its anything that helps you escape. Its about changing the way you feel. But the opioid epidemic (as the president of the National Safety Council calls it) sounds like a different animal than say crack or heroin or stimulant dependence. It often doesnt follow the traditional pattern of gateway drug to addiction. The answer is simple. Opioid use doesnt often start illicitly. People in legitimate pain are prescribed a pill, necessarily. But opioid use in pill form is particularly dangerous because when the pills run out or no longer do the trick, users turn to street drugs, and the illicit drug in the same family is heroin. Opioid use is very individualized, says psychiatrist Scott Myers, who works at Phoenix Behavioral Hospital in Crowley and Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette. People should use as little medication as needed to relieve pain over as little time as possible. The problems arise when people arent reassessed to see if they need the medication, and they continue to get them, adds Myers, who also works for the Lafayette Parish Sheriffs Office and at Rayville Recovery. In the U.S., an estimated 19,000 deaths a year can be attributed to opioid overdoses, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control, although some estimates go as high as 28,000-plus when heroin is included in the figure. Even President Barack Obama acknowledged it in a rare appearance with popular Same Love rapper Macklemore, himself a recovering opioid addict, that it was time for the nation to look at this particular drug. Obama proposed a $1.1 billion effort to address the prescription opioid abuse and heroin use epidemic. According to the White House website, More Americans now die every year from drug overdoses than they do in motor vehicle crashes. New data from the CDC shows that opioids were involved in 28,648 deaths in 2014. The sharpest increase in deaths has involved heroin as well as opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl is offered in a patch form. According to Myers, fentanyl is no less dangerous but generally less accessible (on the street especially) than more common and long used opioids in pill form. It was linked to the 2009 death of Michael Jackson and, this year, to the death of Prince. Part of Obamas proposed plan includes tools like the overdose reversal drug naloxone, which only recently became available over the counter in some states (including ours). Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking receptors, and while its controversial, it certainly saves lives. Its long been available in emergency rooms and for first responders, but the growing epidemic of overdoses has opened the door for wider availability. When it comes to availability of opioids, it would seem this is the first step in creating a culture that doesnt need overdose drugs readily on hand make it harder to get the pills to begin with. And its been happening. Scott Myers Its an unfortunate situation because you run the risk of denying medication to patients that need it and thats part of the challenge who is appropriate for narcotics and who is not? Myers asks. Its a tough sell either way. Awareness is clearly growing, and the result has been fewer prescriptions written in the last two to three years. And, yet, the death toll remains the same. Some say its because those once accessing pills have gone to heroin, which is a greater risk for overdose. According to a Bloomberg.com article from June of this year, four out of five new heroin users report having misused prescription pain relievers. And if youre wondering just how many heroin users were talking about half a million, which is up from 161,000 in 2007 with triple the number of overdoses in four years. In 2015, nearly every state addressed the opioid addiction by targeting doctors and pharmacies that dispense too many. The problem, it would seem, goes back to Landrys original assessment the pill or the heroin or whatever the drug is merely the symptom. And while our society moves toward holistic health in some ways, many people still want to take a pill to fix it (whatever it might be from physical to emotional pain or mental illness). Myers agrees. There are people who want a pill to fix all their ailments and quickly, he says. For some people its easier to take a pain pill than to do physical therapy or take a pill rather than lose weight for back pain. When it comes to emotional health, Landry says there is a crossover between physical pain and emotional pain. When she was taking pills, she had been in legitimate pain coupled with diagnoses of depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia. No one questioned her need for pills. She didnt realize she was using them to escape. She was entirely unaware that she lacked coping skills or needed help. In fact, when she returned from rehab months later, no one could guess where she had been. She, however, wasnt afraid to share. Landry found herself helping other addicts she met via support groups and then a friend of a friend would hear she had a way of talking people into rehab all of which led to a major career shift. She went from handling millions in investments to going back to school to help others with their addictions. Today, as a counselor at Acadiana Intervention, she specializes in interventions and shes fully awake, aware, coping and not taking a single pill. There is so much hope, says Landry, who was able to turn her life around within the three months of rehab and subsequent 12-step programs. I woke up to life, she says. My whole perception changed. But Landrys story isnt the norm. According to the Health Research Fund, some statistics show up to 90 percent of opiate addicts will relapse within the first year of completing traditional treatment. The pull of opioids can be particularly powerful because they affect the regions of the brain involved in reward, and, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research shows deterioration of brain matter after heroin use, which can impact decision-making, the ability to regulate behavior and the responses to stressful situations. It all adds up to a gray area for research and a push for prevention and awareness. People think because its from a doctor its OK to take it rather than thinking about what the pill is actually doing, Landry says. There is nothing wrong with taking a pill. The problem is the abuse. The Connector process has drawn robust public participation from both supporters and skeptics, all of whom must now wait for a resolution. Photo by Robin May A rumbling groan leapt out of Lafayettes Old Guard when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced a new round of studies on the I-49 Connector. No. Not this again. Not another delay. Officials with the state transportation agency have stumped loudly on avoiding this exact scenario reopening the more than decade-old Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and threatening the 2003 Record of Decision that defines the project. Many in the business community blame the latest delay on advocacy for an ambitious design concept a buried and easterly shifted interstate modification slanged 6F which they say pushed the project too far. Weve come a long way in the past eight months from an utterly hideous preliminary design, and thats caused some growing pains. Fundamentalist Connector supporters have looked at each round of debate and to date 19 sanctioned design modifications as yet more dithering. They argue that reopened studies make the project more vulnerable to a litigious opposition and wastes valuable time. But some transportation experts counter that long cues for federal funds makes rushing to a design pointless, and assert that additional studies provide the best route to legal protection given the projects age. Eric Sundquist, managing director of the State Smart Transportation Initiative, a Wisconsin-based transportation policy center, says the presence of an alternative like 6F could have forced a lawsuit if DOTD didnt consider the idea, even if supplemental studies ultimately rule it out. If theres a viable alternative out there that the EIS doesnt address, people can take them to court and hold things up for a long time, Sundquist says. They scoped it years ago. Technology changes. Land use changes. Environments change. Connector project manager Toby Picard indicated in an email to City-Parish Councilman and 6F champion Bruce Conque that DOTD intends to study the 6F refinements in the context of the supplemental studies, which will conclude in 2018. Moving the mainline 150 feet east to flatten the trans-interstate hump, as 6F suggests, would not have been possible without supplemental studies and amendments to the Record of Decision. No matter what, lawsuits await aged-out projects like the Connector at every turn, according to a former senior transportation official who asked not to be named for this story. Moving forward without further environmental studies is only acceptable if nothing in the environment has changed, and the Connectors Record of Decision is long past its three-year window for actionability. Had DOTD gone headlong into the 18-month itinerary begun last fall, opponents could have legally challenged DOTD and had reasonable expectations of success for not conducting supplemental studies. Since the ROD was signed, the Freetown neighborhood received national historic designation, Downtown experienced an upturn in economic development, oil boomed and recently busted. Whats more, additional studies wont delay the process any more than federal funding schedules will. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson recently said the Connector is like an elephant, the sort of thing you eat one bite at a time. But we havent seen the Connector show up on the states menu yet, even with a signed ROD in place. Louisianas current State Transportation Investment Plan ends in 2019, meaning the Connector would likely have to wait until that point to get in line for some of the states cut of federal apportionment through the FAST Act. You could argue that the STIP schedule pressures DOTD to get a new ROD signed in time to make the next four years of funding. Even then, the Connector would have to fight for a piece of a shrinking pie. Louisiana receives around $700 million a year for transportation projects, a list that never seems to stop growing. Nearly half of Louisianas FAST dollars are unavailable to projects like the Connector. Early estimates for the unacceptably destructive preliminary design for the Connector hover around $400 - $600 million. Barring some impressive pork barreling, widespread taxation or a windfall federal grant, the likelihood that a shovel-ready Connector gets funded any time soon is slim. All of that rushing would thus have been for a party not yet ready to start. Supplemental studies dont kill projects. Lack of funding does. This is a long-term project. And its still not clear that an urban interstate is a transit solution that will prove a real asset to Lafayettes quality of life. There are many who would argue, including some of the nations top transportation wonks, that the age of the urban interstate is over. If theyre right, then whats the rush? In one of the last major initiatives of his 16-year administration, Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom turned the office's focus toward changing our approach to the mentally ill. Outgoing Sheriff Mike Neustrom Photo by Robin May In one of the last major initiatives of his 16-year administration, Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mike Neustrom turned the office's focus toward changing how the criminal justice system approaches the mentally ill. The initiative started in October 2015 when the LPSO was selected as one of only 64 communities nationwide to participate in the Data-Driven Justice Initiative at the White House in Washington, D.C. The effort, according to a press release issued Thursday by LPSO, is aimed at "using data-driven strategies to divert low-level offenders with mental illness out of the criminal justice system and to changing approaches to pre-trial incarceration so that low-risk offenders no longer stay in jail simply because they cannot afford a bond." Overcoming these issues has been a focus at LPSO for many years under Neustrom's watch. Yet, as Neustrom and his outgoing Director of Corrections Rob Reardon will attest, there is still much work to be done on this complex problem. And that's where the partnership with the White House and its Data-Driven Justice Initiative come into play. According to figures provided in Thursday's press release, about 4.2 percent of adult residents in Lafayette Parish are living with a "serious mental illness." That's about 7,500 adults living among us. These are our neighbors, friends, family members. And what makes these figures more alarming is the fact that more than 60 percent of these people statewide have received no treatment for their mental illness, which in many cases will end up in their eventual incarceration. "This costs taxpayers more money than if these individuals were receiving appropriate care in the community," says Reardon. That cost to taxpayers shouldn't be ignored. According to figures provided by LPSO, a single incarceration costs an average of $54 a day, and if that individual remains the full 60 days, which is the case for the great majority, that ends up coming to a grand total of $3,240. Yet if we instead diverted that mentally ill inmate from jail into a treatment program like Tyler Mental Health Clinic, the cost would ultimately come out to $2,750. That's a savings of $490, which does not include the potential for an emergency room visit had that inmate stayed incarcerated, which would cost a minimum of $580. "During our time with the White House Administration, we had the opportunity to meet with national leaders who have successfully implemented strategies that reduced incarceration rates, improved public safety and provided mental health services to those in need," says Neustrom in a prepared statement issued Thursday. Fifteenth Judicial District Judge Marilyn Castle also weighed in on the benefits of these efforts, which have since culminated in the creation of a local Mental Health-Criminal Justice Collaborative. "Our local collaborative has developed a streamlined process to complete sanity evaluations on these individuals on an expedited basis," Castle says in a prepared statement. "This improved process will keep our community safer, protect our jail personnel and more quickly get these individuals with significant mental health needs access to treatment in a secure environment." So with Thursday marking Neustrom's last day as sheriff, how will his successor approach this effort? Mark Garber, who was sworn in Friday morning, says during the transitional period he has kept up with both the work of the local collaborative and the federal Data-Driven Justice Initiative. "I know that the improvements being implemented through them will positively benefit the sheriff's office and the community," Garber says in the same release. For more on our recent coverage of the sheriff's office and Neustrom's retirement, click here. Rien Fertel, left, and Denny Culbert Photo by Christiaan Mader It doesnt strike me until much later how metaliteral it is to observe Rien Fertel and Denny Culbert barbecue a whole hog. They take turns shoveling wood coals into an ad hoc pit made of stacked brick, iron grating and a sheet of weathered tin for a cover. Fertel gets on his knees with a shovel-full of irradiated coals, sliding them under the hidden hogs through a portcullis cut out of the brick fortress walls. Fertel takes his coffee the morning after a 12-hour barbecue shift. Photo by Christiaan Mader You want to hear the sound of barbecue? he asks, and beckons me the ground. Its a blissful tune. A sizzle here and crackle there as the pork fat sparks the flame, set against a fugue of white noise from the burning wood. This is the first time Ive done this and Ive watched it being done for hours, countless hours. Enough to write a book, he laughs. Within 55 minutes I was getting really nervous. Are we doing this right? I am Fertels gadfly a hanger-on to his maiden voyage as a pit master. In his new book, The One True Barbecue, Fertel plays the exact role I play here with an unknown pantheon of not-so-legendary pit masters. The book chronicles his travels, often accompanied by photographer Culbert, through Americas forgotten highways and ashen-work barbecue stops in Tennessee and the Carolinas. He inserts himself into the prosaic work of everymen, turning a reporters aggrandizement on what is the reality of other mens lives. But where other reporters and food writers revel in the role of the observer, Fertels book captures the often awkward role of the culinary interloper. I had two guys say, both of them African-American pit masters who have been at it for over 30 years, working at white-owned establishments, If I had a dollar for each one of you who came and wanted to talk to me and sit up all night long, I could buy my own restaurant, Fertel tells me. A Tulane-educated doctor of history, Fertel patches together a keen social history of the South, with a backdrop of racism, poverty and cultural hopelessness integrating what otherwise would be an anthology of how-to-barbecue vignettes. While the mostly black, male pit masters alone are worthy character studies, Fertels sensitivity to the often unjust origins of the hogmans trade becomes a subtle centerpiece to what otherwise excels as a fine piece of observational food journalism. His conversations with tragic Tennessee barbecue genius Ricky Parker glow with perfunctory affection, using his genuine concern for the man as a narrative reprise throughout. Fertels relationship with Parker, an alcoholic, James Beard-celebrated braggart and pit master, etches the books emotional keystone. Sure, Fertel is a stranger in a strange land, but he has a gift for crossing the divide. The sumptuous spoils of a barbecue all-nighter Photo by Christiaan Mader At no point in the book, rife with literary allusion and hyper-detailed scholarship, does Fertel forget himself. All too often, culinary adventurers shed the pretense of observation in an effort to demonstrate a gift for cultural immersion. Fertels yarns unfold terminally aware of the loquacious absurdity of food-writing. He takes frequent detours to deprecate his proselytizing. This all sounds like a bunch of hogwash, hyperbole written for a laugh, he writes. But of course all barbecue writing is hyperbole. Thats an astute observation from a heady observer. Food writing in general is an absurd enterprise when taken at anything above face value. Its an attempt to formalize or document a human sensory experience thats so fundamentally subjective it bears little relationship to reality. While Fertel excels at capturing the burnt aroma and grease-toothed flavor of these pits, often in unflattering detail, his narrative account of racism, both institutional and disgustingly personal, grounds the chronicle in an unpleasant but fascinating reality. Watching Fertel hack his way through a charity barbecue, waxing sociological on the nature of practice, I realize I have a lot to learn about our shared craft. For budding foodwriters, The One True Barbecue is a great place to start. Lovers of barbecue and consumers of social history alike will find plenty to digest in the Lafayette natives book. If nothing else, its a quick-reading guide to a great American culinary art whole hog barbecue. Save For the last year, spoken word poet and Lyrically Inclined founder Alex PoeticSoul Johnson has been in and out of the Lafayette Juvenile Detention Center to rally the voices of more than 30 detained children into one threeminute poem. Spoken-word artist Alex Johnson has opened a door to creativity at the Lafayette Juvenile detention Center. Photo by Robin May For the last year, spoken word poet and Lyrically Inclined founder Alex PoeticSoul Johnson has been in and out of the Lafayette Juvenile Detention Center to rally the voices of more than 30 detained children into one threeminute poem. Produced as part of the class at LJDC, the poem is only one of a myriad of projects Johnson helped the detainees, ages 11-17, create in order to channel their emotions into something productive and creative. I find that the incarcerated students the students who are from low-level income places or grew up in southern Louisiana like opportunities to educate themselves, be educated and progress, especially when it comes to the creative side of things, the artistic side of things, Johnson says as she shuffles through her folder, which brims with students works and stage directions. They dont have that channel to let that aggression and emotion out. She presented the final product, a piece called Eyes of the Sun at the 2016 Split This Rock Poetry Festival on April 15 in Washington, D.C. Johnson says the students scraped and sculpted the script to ensure a nuanced performance. The class later received a video message from Split This Rock Board Secretary Susan Scheid: We loved your video, and were sending you back big love and acceptance, she writes. Keep up the good work. We took it line by line, Johnson says. You know, When I hear click clack, what do you want me to do? How do you want me to say that? You want an aggressive tone? The class convenes every Friday for an hour, save for center lockdowns. She teaches one to 10 kids at a time, often beginning the day with a video before delving into lessons and what she calls lab and studio times. The 29-year-old Johnson says the key to her class is co-creation: She allows the class to change certain aspects of lessons to better fit their interest. The sense of ownership they receive from the collaboration process, she says, unifies her students no matter race or socioeconomic background. The students also become invested, and they expect no less of their instructor. In working on this poem and the video, there have been times where I have come to class and I have not rehearsed; I have not rehearsed and Im forgetting words I dont know, and the class collectively has said, You know what? Dont come here like that again. Practice, she says. Like her students, Johnson says she comes from the chaos of a non-conventional family and socioeconomic strife, and she tries to convey to her students that their hardships do not warrant self-destruction. I wanted to show them that you can take this life and turn it into something beautiful, she declares. Some of her students attend only two classes before being released from the center. Some of them, she says, are students who leave LJDC only to return weeks later. According to a press release, 80 percent of LJDC detainees are people of color, almost double the non-white population of Louisiana on the whole. Nationally, 24.5 percent of incarcerated children will be incarcerated again within three years. Im really impressed with what Alex has been doing with the students. Shes been able to show them how to express their views and opinions about various things in a more positive manner, says Delores Roberts, an employee within the LJDC. Johnson says of all her students, her favorites are incarcerated kids because she enjoys turning problems into art and enabling cooperation among inmates from different gangs, backgrounds and family settings. For her, the payoff is watching the students experience the beauty of their words. I still remember when I put it in class for the first time, they sat there and they were like, Oh, thats dope, clapping and stuff. They were proud of themselves, and they should be. See a video of Johnson performing Eyes of the Sun on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF-x-qGSeUg&feature=emshare_video_user. SaveSave From the point of view of Louisianas colleges and universities, hospitals and health care providers, public schools and governmental agencies, a depressing sameness pervaded the second special session of the Louisiana Legislature. Although there have been major changes to the leadership and membership of the House and Senate, legislation has traveled in well-worn channels leading to familiar outcomes: cuts, cuts and more cuts. Louisianans are used to this drill, having rehearsed its elements under Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal. The only surprise this year is that this threadbare act continued despite a new governor and a sympathetic Senate. The Houses intransigent anti-tax stand in this second special session requires the state to accomplish its vital mission with even fewer resources than last year. Seen from another point of view, however, this session is different from previous sessions in degree if not in kind. What is different about this session is the willingness of legislators to cut popular programs. The best example is TOPS. Ferociously defended by Jindal, TOPS has been cut by 30 percent, becoming just one more item in the budget. The willingness of a majority of legislators to stand up to the governor and, in some cases, defy their own leadership in pursuit of their vision is also new in Louisiana politics. Of course, this independence was foreshadowed by the Houses rejection of the governors choice for speaker, Democrat Walt Leger, and the eventual selection of Republican Taylor Barras. For those who have long wondered, as I have in this space, when the Legislature would finally start acting like an independent institution, I guess we have our answer. Despite some hints that it was forthcoming, this outbreak of legislative independence has caught many by surprise. Even Attorney General Jeff Landry, who has spent most of his brief time in state office picking fights with the Edwards administration and burnishing his credentials for a run for governor in 2019, has complained about cuts to his office. Landrys complaints have been echoed everywhere the budget ax has landed. But this time, Senate President John Alario has been unable to pull a rabbit out of his hat and will probably once again rely on a handkerchief, if he has any tears left for TOPS, healthcare partnerships, higher education and everything else cut in this budget. Of course, those resisting the call to raise more taxes for state institutions will attest to acting on principles, much as the head of the Republican Delegation, Rep. Lance Harris, did recently when he avowed that he would not consider tax increases outside a fundamental economic reorganization of the states finances. Considering all temporary taxes and expedients as unworthy of consideration, those in Harriss camp preferred to let the states affairs suffer, thus increasing pressure for fundamental financial reevaluation and reform. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Cameron Henry crowed we havent given government all that it wants, conflating the government he is a part of with some imagined fictional entity to which he ascribes emotions. Henrys and Harris stand on principles is a fraud for two reasons: Our budget was shaped by Jindal, and there is a good bit of money available if the Legislature were serious about reforming our states financial situation. Legislators seem to have forgotten that Jindal held sway in Louisiana for eight years. If cuts could be made to fundamental Louisiana institutions and services, he made them. Using higher education as an example, support from the state general fund shrunk from a high of $1.5 billion in 2008 to less than $700 million today. Institutions of higher education, desperate to survive, have shifted the burden to students and families. It is possible to replicate this story in nearly every area of state government except one: that related to tax exemptions and exclusions. Here the state continues to spend like a drunken sailor, throwing money at privileged businesses and individuals while cutting safety-net programs and services. The Exemption Budget (find it at revenue.louisiana.gov under news and publications), a 403-page document published every year by the Department of Revenue, details the extraordinary variety of ways in which businesses and individuals are exempted from paying taxes to the state of Louisiana. The total amount of exemptions listed in the 2014-15 document is $8.2 billion, larger than the total amount of tax revenue collected. The three largest categories of exemptions are sales tax exemptions ($2.9 billion), those extended to individuals ($2.4 billion), and those extended to corporations ($2.2 billion). Despite their claims to the contrary, state legislators have muffed chance after chance to address the most egregious examples of waste, preferring to balance the budget by squeezing revenue out of higher education, health care, K-12 education, criminal justice and other state agencies. To claim principled resistance to raising taxes while refusing to address the lavish and unwarranted largess given to individuals and corporations is a betrayal of the public trust, which no posturing on principle can disguise. The Legislature has forgotten its priorities and failed in its most fundamental obligation: to protect the well-being of the state and its citizens. Its members should be recalled, or at least, recalled to duty. _ Pearson Cross is an associate professor in the Political Science Department at UL Lafayette. He holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1997), and his principal areas of teaching are state and local politics, and Southern politics. Cross interviews local politicians and newsmakers on his radio show, Bayou to the Beltway, which airs on KRVS 88.7 FM at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Contact him at [email protected] _ 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 Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... 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. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... 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. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... 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. CRAINVILLE Two-year-old Deloufleur Decor and Design is expanding. The business has outgrown its current location at 1615 Landing Drive and will build a new store near the old location, but a little closer to Illinois 13. A groundbreaking was held in mid-June for the project, which will be south of Illinois 13. Crainville Mayor Ron Mitchell said the construction is the first TIF project in Crainvilles TIF district that runs from Main Street to Wolf Creek Road. The district covers a mile and a half area on the north and south sides of Illinois 13, and has been in place four or five years. Clark said looking around the current location, it is easy to see why the business needs more space. The showroom is a little crowded, making it harder to see individual room designs. The new store will have three times the space. We will have a warehouse, too, Fann said. She added that the new store will be very unique in its design, featuring a French design with lit trees and elements that will surprise customers. I feel like we have a need for a nice store that recreates what you want in your home, Fann said. The store will features a full line of quality home furnishings that are built to last and will highlight the talents of the designers. We can help a customer from needing a recliner to furnishing a whole home, Clark said. In 2013, Denise Fann and Sandy Clark found themselves unemployed after their longtime employers decided to retire and close their West Frankfort Furniture Store. We were without a job and this really is the only thing we know, Fann said. Deloufleur has customers that drive from all over the area because they were customers of Coleman-Rhoads and are very loyal to Fann and Clark. I've had an overwhelming, huge response from the people of Southern Illinois. They are excited to see progress and the store moving forward, Fann said. Even road construction has not detoured Fann. Construction of a diamond exchange on Illinois 13 at Wolf Creek Road has made Deloufleur harder to find, but Fann said it has not decreased the amount of business they have. For a long time, I really thought I wanted to be in Marion, but I think this is where I am supposed to be. Im excited for the people of Crainville and Carterville, Fann said. She is already making plans to plant flowers at the new location. CARBONDALE A Washington-based nonprofit watchdog group has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Democratic congressional candidate C.J. Baricevic. In the complaint filed Tuesday by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), the group alleges that a Belleville law firm Keefe, Keefe & Unsell PC used low-level employees as straw men to fund Baricevics campaign balance. Baricevic, of Belleville, is running against U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, for a seat in the U.S. House representing the 12th District. The watchdog group says on its website it is dedicated to promoting accountability, ethics and transparency in government and civic arenas. In the complaint, the group points out unusual contributions by six employees of the law firm, saying the firm is attempting to donate more money than the federal campaign contributions allow. The Federal Elections Commission has regulations that limit an individual person from contributing more than $2,700 per election. The FEC also prohibits anyone from making a contribution in the name of another person. FEC records show each employee gave the maximum $2,700, on the same day March 2 to Baricevics campaign. The complaint alleges the law firm was reimbursing the employees to make the donations, or directing an unlawful bonus drawn on the law firms account. The complaint shows that three secretaries, two legal assistants and a receptionist donated the maximum amount. According to the complaint, the average salary for similar administrative positions in Illinois is about $31,000 annually. If these six employees make the average salary, then they donated about 9 percent of their salaries, the complaint alleges. [T]he likelihood that these contributions were made by these employees, in these amounts, and on the same day without reimbursement or direction by the partners at (the law firm) defies logic, says the complaint. A more reasonable conclusion is that the partners or (law firm) reimbursed each of these employees for contributions made to Baricevic, in violation of federal law. Baricevics camp calls the complaint a partisan attack. It also said the group has been funded by Gov. Bruce Rauner, whom Baricevic's opponent Bost helped to get elected in 2014. This baseless attack from a shadow group funded by Bruce Rauner is retaliation for CJ standing up to the Rauner/Bost agenda, Baricevic Spokesperson Barzin Emami said Thursday. Bost helped Rauner get elected and this is his payback. Mike Bost is a sellout and should be ashamed of himself. In 2014, the Chicago Sun-Times, reported that Rauner donated $700,000 to Donors Trust, an organization that says it was established to ensure the intent of donors who are dedicated to the ideals of limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise. In April 2016, Opensecrets.org, a website dedicated to following campaign funds, reported that FACTs funding $600,000 in 2014, according to a tax return came entirely from Donors Trust. When asked about the donations from the low-level employees in correlation to their salary, Emami said he couldn't comment because the complaint nor himself has factual information regarding the salary of those employees. Kendra Arnold of FACT said this was not a personal attack on Baricevics campaign. A lot of our complaints come from citizens or journalists who have noticed something and have written about it, she said. One of the goals of our group is to act on those things. The hope is that the FEC will open an investigation and take a look at the allegations. The second objective, Arnold said, is to have Baricevic return the donations. I think if campaigns take illegal donations, they should be returned, she said. Julia Queen, public affairs specialist for FEC, said the enforcement process is confidential, but it could confirm that it has received the complaint. She couldnt confirm whether or not the FEC was going to investigate. BENTON Investigators say the body of a 24-year-old Christopher woman was pulled from Rend Lake Thursday afternoon, and they are unclear if her death was intentional or accidental. The woman was identified as Alicia Rae Anglese, according to a news release from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The investigation into her death is continuing to rule out foul play, the release said. The Sheriff's Office was alerted to Anglese's body in the lake around 4:10 p.m. Thursday, after an angler reported finding her body. Her body was found in shallow water, near the shore, adjacent to the South Marcum boat launch, according to the news release. Anglese's vehicle was found further from the shore, completely submerged, the report indicated. The Franklin County Coroner's Office has planned an autopsy for 1 p.m. Saturday. Assisting the sheriff's department in the investigation were the coroner's office, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois State Police Crimes Scene Services and the Rend Lake Dive Team. The driver who was freed from his vehicle Thursday morning by four "good Samaritans" after crashing into a pond off Hafer Road died Thursday. According to a Thursday news release from Williamson County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Murrah, 38-year-old Martin L. Counts of Carterville was flown to an Evansville-area hospital after the crash. Information provided to The Southern Friday by Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin said Counts died at Deaconess Hopsital in Evansville, Indiana. The Sheriff's Office confirmed Counts' death Friday. Murrah said at about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Counts' vehicle left the roadway, overturned multiple times and came to rest on its roof in a private pond. Counts was submerged. Counts was freed from the vehicle after four motorists stopped. All four motorists whom Murrah called "good Samaritans" entered the pond and were able to remove Counts from underwater, Murrah said. Murrah said Counts was the only person in the vehicle. Hafer Road was closed for about two hours after the crash. The crash is being investigated by the Williamson County Sheriffs Office. Williamson County Ambulance, Williamson County Fire Protection District, Carterville Fire Department and Herrin Police Department assisted with the call. The Southern Laborers' International Union of North America Local Union 773 has started a GoFundMe account for two members who were injured when scaffolding collapsed Thursday morning on a Herrin Hospital construction site. According to a post on the Laborers' Union's public Facebook page signed by Business Manager Kevin L. Starr, Shane Hale and Devon Patterson, both members of Local Union 773, were airlifted by Life Flight Helicopters to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and St. Marys Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. The post says their injuries were extensive and will require several surgeries. The spending portion of the plan was approved by votes of 105-4 in the House and 54-0 in the Senate, and Rauner signed it and related legislation Thursday evening. The action came as Illinois was on the brink of starting a new fiscal year Friday without a budget in place after going an entire year without a complete spending plan. Flanked by Republican lawmakers at a news conference shortly after the deals passage, the first-term Republican governor praised it as a small step in the process of making Illinois strong and healthy and vibrant. Echoing comments from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Rauner said there is still much work to be done on a complete budget for the new year. This is an attempt at good-faith compromise to set up the possibility for a grand bargain, he said. Thats what this is about. The stopgap spending portion of the agreement largely reflects the work of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that has been negotiating for weeks. Its a $75 billion package in all, with the vast majority of the money coming from special state funds dedicated to specific expenditures. Of that total, $25 billion will cover expenses from the fiscal year that just ended, and the remainder will be for the new year. The agreement will get money to some areas, such of social services and state agency operations, that werent funded at all during the past year. While Republicans and Democrats agreed that more money should be spent on elementary and secondary education next school year, how much more and how much of that would go to Chicago Public Schools was a major roadblock. The two sides finally agreed to spend $7.5 billion in general revenue on schools, including enough to guarantee that no districts receives less state money than it did last year and an added $250 million directed to high-poverty districts. A separate part of the agreement will allow Chicago to increase property taxes to pay down unfunded liabilities in its teacher pension fund, and another will have the state pay $215 million to pick up the employers share of city teachers pensions, something it does for the rest of the state. The latter will be contingent on the Legislature approving additional pension reforms. The deal also includes $1 billion in additional funding for public universities, community colleges and grants to low-income students. Republicans said the lesson to be taken from the accord is that compromise can be reached when the minority party is given a seat at the table. I hope that this can be the breakthrough thats needed, Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said, adding that he hopes leaderships sees what can be accomplished when rank-and-file members of both parties work together. Democrats, meanwhile, took a different lesson, arguing that the way was cleared for a deal when Rauner agreed not to tie it to his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda. Many previous efforts to implement a more comprehensive budget failed due to the governors insistence on the inclusion of his agenda that would drive down middle-class wages and standards of living, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said in his closing remarks of the extended spring legislative session. The difference today is that the governor has dropped his demand that his agenda be considered before a budget could be approved. Members of both parties agreed that theres much more work to be done when lawmakers return to Springfield after the Nov. 8 election. Sens. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, both praised what the agreement does for elementary and secondary education. But they also called for changes in the way the state distributes money to schools, something theyve both been advocating for several years, although with different approaches. The newfound concord on a temporary budget is a welcome reprieve after 18 months of partisan battles, but it is unlikely to last long as the fall campaign gets underway in earnest. During comments on the House floor Thursday, Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said he wouldnt recount what led to the states yearlong budget impasse because mark my word that it will be articulated during the fall. Noting Durkins comments, Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, a top target for Republicans, said he doesnt see the stopgap compromise as a sign of good things to come. Thats not a good way to start off a compromise to get a full years budget, Smiddy said. Following month after frustrating month of inaction, Sen. Dave Luechtefeld said he was relieved to see the temporary budget fix that passed the House and Senate on Thursday, but cautioned his colleagues against engaging in too much back-slapping as this was hardly a fiscal year of which lawmakers should be proud. It gets us through another few months, said Luechtefeld, R-Okawville. Theres still some huge hurdles ahead of the state. The only full fiscal year budget passed by the General Assembly was for K-12 schools, quelling fears of parents, teachers and administrators that schools may not start on time or have enough money to make it through the school year. The deal ensures that no school will lose funding in fiscal year 2017. It includes an additional $250 million equity grant for schools that serves large pockets of students living in poverty. And it provides for each school to receive what it would have this fiscal year if lawmakers had fully funded the school funding formula prorated in prior years even if the first two items dont get them there, according to an early analysis by the schools-focused nonprofit Stand for Illinois Children. The deal includes an increase of more than $330 million in general state aid to fulfill this, according to state Sen. Gary Forbys office. Chicago Public Schools will receive the largest chunk of the equity grant about $100 million but the vast majority of schools in Southern Illinois will also see funding increases. While throwing water on an all-out celebration of this week's budget action, Luechtefeld said this is a positive for area schools. For a state thats bankrupt, its a great budget for K-12, Luechtefeld said. Matt Donkin, a regional superintendent of schools whose office oversees 22 public school districts in Franklin, Johnson, Massac and Williamson counties, said he knows that many school administrators, teachers, staff and parents of school-age children are thankful for the full-year funding deal. I believe this now gives assurance that schools will start on time, he said. But Donkin said hes acutely aware that other agencies in the region including many that intersect with the school system providing services to at-risk youth and their families have been hurting for a long time, and will continue to despite the short-term stopgap budget approved for social services. Donkin also said he hopes to see continued work on rewriting the school funding formula to send more money to areas where the need is greater. Many area administrators hoped that might happen this year, but after talks fell apart in May, shifted their focus to pushing for enough money to start school on time, Donkin said. Joshua Stafford, Vienna High Schools superintendent, called the budget deal great news and a win for all schools in Johnson County. Fully funding the foundation level is no doubt a move in the right direction, but as Ive said before we still have a lot of ground to recover, he said, in an emailed statement. He, too, addressed talks of reforming the states funding formula, saying the circus in Springfield will start flying high again" when those debates are renewed. In a news release, Forby, D-Benton, also praised passage of funding for the Illinois Department of Transportation to allow capital projects to continue, saying the vote was about thousands of construction workers keeping their jobs and making sure infrastructure projects, which are vital to our local economy, continue. That will allow several road projects in Southern Illinois to continue, as well as construction at the Williamson County Regional Airport with the release of federal pass through funds, Forbys aide said. Forby also noted that the budget fix includes funding to keep the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center open, $5 million for flood recovery in Alexander County, and several Capital Development board projects in the region, including upgrades at Vienna Correctional Center; replacement of the roofing systems for Shawnee Correctional Center; and upgrades for the primary and emergency electric generators for the Illinois Youth Center in Harrisburg. A Forby aide said money included for the Illinois Department of Corrections also should provide some relief to communities owed hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state for utility services gas, water and sewage to prisons in their communities. To a city the size of Chester, it hurts us and it creates some extreme difficulties in moving money around and paying our bills, said Chester Mayor Tom Page, of the more than $1 million the state owes the small community for utilities provided to Menard Correctional Center. The stopgap measure included about a billion dollars for higher education across the state. That will fund SIU at 82 percent compared to fiscal year 2015 -- the last year for which there was a full higher education budget passed. The SIU system, which includes the campuses in Carbondale, Edwardsville and the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, is expected to see roughly an additional $106 million in the deal, in addition to the roughly $57.5 million the system received in the stopgap higher education budget approved in April. To put it into perspective, SIU President Randy Dunn said that over that 18-month period the two stopgap measures cover, SIU would have expected about $300 million in normal budget times, compared to recent years, but will instead receive about $160 million under the agreement. In a statement, Dunn said it has been a long year, and that SIU has worked very hard to make ends meet as we have operated without a full years budget. He called the actions in Springfield this week a real bipartisan breakthrough and said that although its not everything SIU wants, it ensures the university will continue to successfully support our core academic programs with fewer disruptions through the end of the calendar year. He also noted that it reimburses SIU for covering spring 2016 Monetary Award Program, or MAP grants, upon which thousands of students rely. The deal included $151 million for statewide MAP grant reimbursements for fiscal year 2016, of which about $8.4 million should go to the SIU system. No money was included for fiscal year 2017 MAP grants, according to Forbys office. Additionally, the stopgap budget deal includes about $114 million for community colleges, and $650 million for social services, which have largely been left out of previous stopgap budget deals. The only social services that have been receiving state funding were those programs covered by consent decrees the state was required to fund. Centerstone, among the largest social service providers in Southern Illinois, recently announced its plans to eliminate several state contracts that were for operating at-risk youth services, crisis stabilization services, and psychiatric medication funds, among others. CEO John Markley said the decision was made because of the risk involved in these uncertain times for the state. On Thursday, Centerstone Director of Advancement Kathryn Sime said the agency is still in the process of reviewing how the stopgap measure may affect its operations. The agency is appreciative of the collaborative efforts on display Thursday, she said. While we dont completely understand the impacts of the stopgap budget on Centerstone and other Illinois human service providers, we believe this is an important first step, she said in an emailed statement. We look forward to learning more about the stopgap appropriations bill and determining what this means for Centerstones clients, staff and the communities we serve. CARBONDALE Southern Illinois Healthcare offered the opportunity to tour ICU rooms and other areas in a new four-story expansion during an open house Thursday at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. The $56 million dollar project included the addition of three new operating rooms, a new suite of private pre-op, post-op and recovery rooms, the first modernization of the hospitals intensive care unit in 30 years, creation of a new eight-bed cardiovascular ICU, ongoing modernization and renovation of seven existing operating rooms and future expansion space on the fourth floor. SIH President and CEO Rex Budde said basically the job of SIH is to take care of the people in Southern Illinois, so they looked at how SIH could improve the level of care offered by the organization. Every time we do one of these events, more people can be cared for without having to be loaded in a car and taken to St. Louis, Budde said. Bart Millstead, administrator of Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, said the expansion also gives the hospital some much-needed space, not only for patient beds, but also work space for staff. We finally have enough space for the specialists we have recruited to come to Southern Illinois, Bart Millstead, administrator of Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, said. Dr. Suven Shankar, surgical oncologist, added that the new space allows physicians to treat more patients and more complex cases. With fellowship trained surgeons, the number of cases have gone up exponentially, Dr. Shankar said. Three new operating rooms were put into service earlier this year. As part of the overall project, seven existing operating rooms will be taken out of service one at a time for renovation and modernization. Registered Nurse Adam Benns, OR and packaging manager, said one big change for patients is the amount of privacy offered in the new surgical suite. Pre-operative and post-op bays have walls and doors, instead of curtains. "We will be able to have difficult conversations in a more controlled setting, which will increase the level of patient satisfaction," Adam Benns said. Same Day Surgery is located on the second floor, and will include everything from registration to recovery. Registration will be private. The patient rooms are set up to allow efficient flow of staff while offering comfort for patients and families. The new floor has 23 patient rooms with 26 beds. Three rooms are set up for two beds. In addition to a main nurses station, additional work space is located throughout the unit for nurses and physicians. Its really going to provide an ideal environment for patients to heal after surgery, Dee Benns, nurse manager, said. The third floor houses a new cardiovascular intensive care unit. Dr. Mohammed Al-Zoubaidi, endovascular surgeon, said patients who have had cardiac and complex vascular procedures will be able to recover in a state-of-the-art facility by nurses who have additional training in cardiac and vascular care. Patients who need complex care will be able to get that care in Carbondale because of the hybrid operating room and specialized ICU. Theres no doubt we are keeping patients here rather than sending them out of the area, Dr. Al-Zoubaidi said. Patient rooms are large and can accommodate multiple machines while allowing nurses and physicians to move around the room. The rooms also are equipped for dialysis, and three rooms have lifts to protect staff from back strains. Three rooms will be dedicated to patients recovering from open heart surgery. The expansion is expected to go into service on July 14. For us, its about progressing medical care in our community, Millstead said. AVA Russell Eaton is a proud American. And until recently, hes been a proud Illinoisan too. At his home in rural Jackson County, just a few miles northeast of Ava, Eaton has long displayed three flags: the American flag, an Illinois flag, and a POW-MIA flag. Not long ago, Eaton said he realized his flags were showing signs of wear, and he decided he needed to order new ones. But as he was preparing to make this purchase, Eaton said it struck him: He was really embarrassed of the state of Illinois. I got to thinking, Im ashamed to even fly an Illinois flag as far as the way theyre treating everybody with the budget stuff, he said. So what did Eaton do? He added a Missouri flag to his order, and when the flags arrived, hoisted that one in the place of Illinois. We do a lot of business in Missouri, said Eaton, who works as a coal miner and farmer. Eaton said he makes many of his business-related and personal purchases across the state line in Cape Girardeau. Eaton said he wants it to be clear that he loves where he lives. He doesnt want to move. His decision, he said, could be likened to a quiet one-man protest of the political shenanigans in the states capital city that led to an unprecedented budget stalemate. I like Illinois, he said. Its just the idiots weve got running it is not working out for us," Eaton said. With his order, Eaton said he also bought a new Illinois flag. He plans to keep it in the wrapper until Illinois changes its ways. If they get things straightened out, and act like normal folks, Id be glad to put it back up, he said. Eaton said hes kept up with the news he said hes aware that some temporary budget fixes are being ironed out. Perhaps thats better than nothing. But Eaton said the way he sees it, lawmakers have still avoided their primary responsibilities making the long-term, difficult decisions necessary to secure Illinois financial health and future. Illinois new fiscal year 2017 begins Friday. For many in this state Eaton included it marks the beginning of another unhappy new (fiscal) year in the Land of Lincoln. Today marks an unhappy anniversary for millions of Illinois residents. Since July 1, 2015, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has held our state hostage by refusing to sign any budget that doesnt include brutal cuts to healthcare and other vital social services. By playing political games with the state budget and rejecting calls to finally make millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share, Gov. Rauner has compromised after-school care, transit, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health services and services for people with disabilities. He has made life harder for millions while giving the fortunate few a free ride. And for 24,000 home child care workers like myself, a year of Gov. Rauners budget brinksmanship has meant poverty pay, slashed benefits, and devastating cuts to services for the people we care for and care about. Home healthcare and childcare providers play a special role in our state; we provide basic and vital services to Illinois most vulnerable residents. Whether its taking care of a six-month old child for working parents or providing for a person in the final stages of cancer, home health and childcare workers offer quality care when it counts most. We work in our field because we have big hearts, but having a big heart doesnt help us pay the bills or make rent. The average salary for a childcare provider in Illinois is just $15,000 per year, and the average home healthcare worker is paid $12,678. My salary isnt enough to live on, so I work two jobs a day to make ends meet. From 5:30 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon I provide quality childcare to families in my community, and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. I work a factory shift. And thanks to Gov. Rauner, it has gotten much harder for me and my fellow caregivers to get by over the past year. Rauner has tried to slash our already low wages and strip us of basic benefits like health insurance. Governor Rauner should spend a month in our shoes trying to make ends meet and feed his family, and then come back and tell us we dont deserve health insurance or a living wage. Governor Rauners attacks on childcare and healthcare workers have a ripple-effect throughout our communities and place a significant burden on the people we serve. In 2015, there were 182,442 children enrolled in the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps low-income working families afford daycare. One year after the Rauner budget blowup began, that number has dropped to 126,638. Thats 55,000 children who no longer have access to quality childcare. Tens of thousands of parents are paying more out of pocket for daycare, and at least 5,000 parents were forced to drop out of the workforce altogether. And all of this has been done to protect the people at the very top. Governor Rauner has repeatedly refused to support a millionaires tax and he has also refused to renegotiate rip-off deals with big banks that are costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year, funds that could go to pay for vital services. Fortunately, the Illinois General Assembly is stepping in to fill the void in leadership. Legislators last month passed Invest in Illinois, a common sense new package of bills that would reverse devastating cuts, expand basic services Illinois residents need and ensure care providers can earn a decent wage that supports a family. The package includes paying home healthcare aides $15 an hour, expanding the Child Care Assistance Program, saving the Community Care Program from huge budget cuts, and protecting health insurance and training for home care and child care providers. Now the Invest in Illinois package sits on the governors desk, and he has one more chance to reverse course. If he wont, it will be up to our legislators to stand up for the working families of our state by overriding his veto and ensuring our state works for everyone, not just the wealthy or well connected. The people of Illinois dont have another year to wait. Lisa Gladney is a home child care provider in Mt. Vernon. George Edward Smith of the Rivers Bridge community near Ehrhardt is fighting a rare and potentially dangerous chronic disease called Brucellosis, or undulant fever, that doctors believe he may have contracted while butchering a wild hog. The avid hunter and woodman, who is known by friends as "Swamp Rat," has undergone multiple surgeries, suffered a heart attack and lost a tremendous amount of weight. He is currently a patient at Select Specialty Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Contacted there last week, Smith says he still has "a long way to go." I have a disease they say I will have for the rest of my life, and I will have to take antibiotics for the rest of my life," he said. Because Smith has butchered as estimated 200 feral hogs in addition to other types of wild game as a hunting guide, he says he will never know for sure if the disease came from a wild hog. However, he said he remembers cutting his hand while butchering one particular wild hog back in 2013 and suspects that's when he contracted Brucellosis because he became ill shortly after that. Smith said he was alone in his boat in the Salkehatchie Swamp when the huge hog swam rapidly up to him, something he had never experienced before. Wild hogs usually run from humans unless cornered, he said. Smith said he had his pistol with him and shot and killed the feral hog. He then dragged it onto the bank, loaded it into his pickup using his hog wench and took the animal home to butcher it. According to WebMD, "Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Brucella. The bacteria can spread from animals to humans. There are several different strains of Brucella bacteria. Some types are seen in cows. Others occur in dogs, pigs, sheep, goats and camels. Recently, scientists have seen new strains in the red fox and certain marine animals, including seals. Brucellosis cannot be cured in animals." The website notes, "Brucellosis is rare in the U.S. because of effective animal disease control programs. Fewer than 200 people get sick with the disease each year in the U.S." The Clemson Livestock Poultry website notes that Brucellosis in humans is called undulant fever. Symptoms include a recurrent fever, chills, night sweats, weakness, headaches, pains in muscles or joints, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms can disappear for weeks and then reappear, according to the website. Hunters who have been exposed to wild pigs and become ill or exhibit those symptoms should consult their doctor about Swine Brucellosis, the site advises. The Clemson website notes that hunters of wild pigs in South Carolina run the risk of exposure to Brucellosis as they can catch the disease when they dress and slaughter wild pigs. It recommends that hunters take the following precautions: Wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves and eye protection when dressing and cleaning wild pigs Avoid direct contact with wild pigs' blood and reproductive organs As soon as possible, wash your hands with soap and hot water Burn or bury gloves and the remains from dressed wild pigs Cook meat from wild pigs thoroughly South Carolina State University trustees met in a special called teleconference on Thursday to ratify their selection of a new president. The board named Vice Chair James Clark president of S.C. State during a special Wednesday meeting. On Thursday, trustee Jeff Vinzani made the motion that This board has appointed James Clark for a four-year term as president of South Carolina State University. The term begins July 1, 2016. ... A mutually agreeable written agreement prepared between Mr. Clark and the university will be followed through at a subsequent board meeting. The board unanimously approved the motion. The next board meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 12. During the Wednesday meeting, the university announced Clarks resignation as trustee and the resignation of Dr. W. Franklin Evans as interim president. The board then approved Clark for a four-year term as president. Trustees selected Evans to lead the university beginning in February 2015, following the removal of Thomas Elzey as president. Evans led the institution as it balanced its budget for the first time in a number of years and had its probationary status removed under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Clark has served as a trustee since the legislature replaced the entire board in May 2015. He is a Columbia businessman whose career includes being vice president of a $1 billion division of AT&T. He served on the Benedict College board for 18 years and has been chair of the University of South Carolina Research Foundation for three terms. WASHINGTON -- With Britain's vote to leave the European Union, did Donald Trump just win the presidential election? On the surface, this may seem an odd question, but the concerns that led a majority of Brits to vote "leave" on Thursday are similar to those that have catapulted Trump to the Republican nomination -- immigration, refugees, underemployment. Also similar have been reactions to Brexit and to Trump's political rise. Analysts and market speculators were shocked that the prediction models they used were wrong. Overnight, the political playbook seemed to have become a relic of some distant past. The biggest gambler of all was Prime Minister David Cameron, who held the referendum despite his preference to "remain." His resignation essentially marked the death of the establishment and a rebirth of people who have risen in protest of a world they refuse to accept. The populist, anti-establishment movement we've been witnessing in the United States isn't purely local. Other countries, especially in Europe, are feeling similar stresses to their psychic as well as their material infrastructure, leading to renewed calls for nationalism. Already, other nations are queuing up to join merry old England on the exit ramp. The ground has shifted and, with it, global markets. Immediately, the pound plunged along with stock values. Rattled investors tried to regain their equilibrium. The world gaped in breathless wonderment as a new, upside-down landscape took shape. All, that is, except for Donald Trump. Conveniently in Scotland to visit his Turnberry resort, the brand-brandishing baron of bombast opined that Brexit was "a great thing." Never mind that the "Scotch," as Trump recently referred to his Scots heritage, voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU and likely will hold a referendum soon to separate from Britain. What matters is that Trump saw in Brexit an opportunity to profit. Because that's what Trump does. One impoverished fellow's home foreclosure is Trump's business opportunity. One nation's lost cause is his tourist bonanza. You probably thought Brexit was about national independence, didn't you? Trump thought it was about him. The pound's decline, he explained, could mean more travelers to his resorts -- and what could be better than that? Trump further explained that it was great the British people are taking their country back, just as Trump supporters are hoping to do in November. Indeed, in many respects, Trump is America's "Trexit" -- a ticket to leave the establishment and entrenched bureaucrats whom Trump's admirers -- and Britain's leavers -- see as responsible for their respective nation's problems. This message, though we've heard it a thousand times, has taken time to penetrate the minds of commentators and analysts who now humbly acknowledge that they didn't see "it" coming -- neither Brexit nor Trump. It was easier to name the manifestations -- xenophobia, racism, sexism, "fear of the other" -- than it was to recognize the root causes, which, distilled, amount to a looming sense of lost identity. The smartest thing Trump has said during his campaign was in a recent speech. Citing Hillary Clinton's slogan "I'm with her," he said his slogan is "I'm with you, the American people." Brilliant. When Trump frames things this way, he wins. When his critics point to his xenophobia and racism, legitimate though these observations may be, he wins again. To his fans, the critics don't get it. When Trump supporters hear post-Brexit analysts say the "leavers" suffered "fear of the other," they hear fools ignoring the realities of unsecured borders, possible terrorists posing as refugees and illegal immigrants demanding entitlements. A majority of Brits apparently heard the same thing. Their retreat isn't only away from the European Union and, inferentially, from globalization, concubine of the New World Order. It is rather a turning back toward home, the idea as well as the place. Home is who we are, the values we share, the traditions we practice and the one flag to which we all pledge allegiance. This is the red meat of the matter. Those who miscalled Brexit haven't -- or hadn't -- fully grasped the gravity and intensity of the identity imperative. Trump, love him or hate him, grasped it, embraced it, gave it a helicopter ride and promised to respect it in the morning. He placed all bets on the power of nationhood and on his unique power to harness and reinvent globalization in his own image. Clinton would do well to heed these identity concerns lest she become America's Cameron to Trump's Trexit. I was pleased to see the editorial in The T&D about Charles Williams (June 19). He is indeed all that you have said. I was the local chairman of Quail Unlimited that you mentioned. Williams was indeed selected to be the conservationist of the year by our organization. He was always a sponsor to the local, state and national units of that organization. I think it bears saying that Williams has always supported all of the conservation organizations in our local area such as Quail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, S.C. Waterfowl, Coastal Conservation and the Wild Turkey Federation. He has also been a great supporter of the Boy Scouts. I remember as a boy on the farm, a hawk, whether a Cooper's or red-tailed, was prey to be shot on site. They were a threat to the chicken yard and other small farm animals. I'm sure that is a great part of the reason that the numbers of these hawks dwindled and they were put on the protection list. The truth be known today, they like the alligator have rebounded and should not need that protection. If you travel anywhere into the countryside, you'll likely see a hawk flying over a field or perched atop a light pole. They still like chickens and, of course, quail. I understand from my upbringing why Williams would want to protect that which he has raised and the investment made to cultivate a huntable population of quail. If the wildlife agencies are genuinely concerned about wildlife, they need to have a plan to support all wildlife. I can remember a meeting with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources concerning what was then the Webb Wildlife Center and the quail populations there. Quail at the center were declining just as they were everywhere else, although the center was managed for small game. We found that while they were managing for quail, they were doing nothing to control predators. The S.C. Quail Committee was spending big dollars to support quail to feed the hawks and other predators. Farmers are allowed to kill deer in large numbers, in season or out, day or night, buck or doe, in order to control damage to their crops. It is their livelihood and they have to control the losses as much as possible. Was not Williams doing the same thing? I know farmers have the permission of DNR and, of course, deer are not protected. But they may be if DNR keeps doing things the way they are doing them now. They need to be working to control or eliminate coyotes. I have heard DNR say at one time coyotes were not hurting the deer population only to contradict themselves when trying to promote the deer tag system. Coyotes are also starting to put a hurt on turkey populations. Enough said. I commend Charles Williams on his conservation work. He truly has the heart of a conservationist and sportsman. I thank him for his support in the past and am sure he will continue to support all organizations in the future. I certainly hope so because we all need his support. -- John W. Smith, Elloree My flag is flying About a year ago, a journalist received a phone call and when he answered, "Hello" a woman's voice questioned, "Is this Daniel?" He replied, "No, this is Paul." "Well that's a good name and I would like you to help me send a prayer request to ... America. And just so you'll know my name is Margaret Dunn and I'm from McComb, Mississippi, and I am 99 years old and I have talked audibly to the Lord." Naturally, all Paul could say was, "Yes, ma'am, if you talk to the Lord, then certainly I will listen to you." And "talk" they did with ongoing conversations for more than a year. Now Paul is trying to be a small part of Margaret Dunn's prayer request to have citizens and businesses fly the Christian flag by the thousands and millions by writing about the project. She has done live interviews on three major TV networks and several live radio interviews. A video has been produced and a song written and recorded by Gary Jolly in Nashville, Tennessee, and a video animated by Jake Sager of Florida. (see YouTube "Fly This Flag, Ms. Dunn). On July 2, she will celebrate her 100th birthday at her church in McComb. Paul hopes her prayer will be answered by millions so folks will take notice that a Christian nation, America, will stand no matter who is elected president in November. Flags are available online and in most flag stores. Paul asks you to help make this 99-year-old devoted prayer warrior for American happy. My flag is flying. I'll be watching for yours. -- M.W. Best, Orangeburg We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Azerbaijan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have explored ways of developing cooperation as Azerbaijan`s permanent representative to the UN agencies in Rome Mammad Ahmadzade met with IFAD president Kanayo Nwanze. They particularly exchanged views over current relations between the government of Azerbaijan and IFAD, and implementation of joint projects. Ahmadzade highlighted Azerbaijan`s economic potential, the role of agriculture in the development of the country`s non-oil sector and diversification of economy. Nwanze hailed the attention paid in Azerbaijan to agriculture. /By Azertac/ /By Azernews/ By Fakhri Vekilov Despite only two years pass of Azerbaijan's ceremonial launching of its first national satellite Azerspace-1, the government assures it has justified expectations. Launching of the first Azerbaijan telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1 justified its economical expediency, said Deputy Minister of Communications and High Technologies Elmir Velizade said to journalists on June 30. Azerspace-1 took his place on the global market of satellite systems. Currently a whole bunch of countries use its resources and their number increases rapidly, he added. Everything began in 2008 when Azerbaijan that strives to evolve each existing industry, decided to subdue "Space Olympus". Satellite launched with collaborative efforts of the U.S., France and Guiana on February 7, 2013. Its always incredible to see the flying through the sky rocket like a firework. The same view was observed on that day when French rocket Ariane-5 with an Azerspace-1 inside of it launched into orbit from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana at orbital position of 46 degrees east. It provides services in Europe, Africa, Middle Asia, Caucasus and Middle East. The satellite has an anticipated life service of 15 years. Just for June-July of 2013 satellite's profit consisted of US$ 5 million. According to plan its overall income should be US$ 600 million through the whole period of its service. "Satellite proved its significance during the First European Games held in Azerbaijan. Azerspace 1 is one of four satellites that got a right to broadcast contests. Being a dish fit for Gods Azerspace-1 compete at the same level with the world satellite operator systems acting as the first achievement of national satellite system. Moreover, after we launch the second satellite, their activity will become more effective," said Velizade. Currently Azerbaijan is constructing the second telecommunication satellite Azerspace-2 which will launch into orbit in 2017. Azercosmos and Arianespace signed a contract for the launch of Azerspace-2 on December 2, 2015. As its previous fellow, Azerspace-2 will launch by French Ariane-5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport at orbital position of 45 degrees east. Despite first satellite was built by the U.S. company Orbital Sciences Corporation, Azerspace-2 rented from Intelsat (the world's leading provider of satellite services). In its turn Intelsat will rent 45.9 percent of satellite resources. The second satellite program will be funded by long-term and preferential credit line of the Canadian credit-export agency Export Development Canada (EDC). The service area of new satellite will cover Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia. Geostationary satellite aims at providing digital broadcasting services, access to Internet, creation of multi-service networks VSAT( a very-small-aperture-terminal) and it will satisfy escalating demand in DTH( Direct-to-home television is a method of receiving satellite television by signals transmitted from direct-broadcast satellites) and etc. /By Azernews/ By Laman Ismayilova Russian Information and Culture Center (RICC) based in Baku will celebrate the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness on July 8, Trend Life reported. The event, organized by the Russian Embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Azerbaijan with the participation of Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church will be attended by prominent public and art figures, heads of Russian compatriot organizations in Azerbaijan and many others. The event will feature the award of gold medals "For Love and Faithfulness" to the couples who have been married for more than 20 years. Celebration will be followed by a concert program. The Day of Saint Peter and Saint Fevronia, known as the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness was officially introduced in Russia in 2008. Pyotr, a nobleman, married Fevronia, a peasant girl, in the 12th century. The couple died on the same day and were buried separately, but their bodies are said to have miraculously reappeared in one coffin. Celebrated on July 8, the holiday aims at promoting traditional values amongst couples and families alike. The holiday was broadly celebrated in Russia. It's was believed that the saints Peter and Fevronia are the patrons of marriage and family, as well as the symbols of love and fidelity. On this day it was common to go to church, where the people asked for love and family grace.The symbol flower for the holiday is chamomile. In olden times, chamomile was a love oracle and now it is a symbol of a happy marriage. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Turkeys Ambassador to Baku Ismail Alper Coskun June 30, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend. It was noted during the meeting that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all spheres is flourishing on the basis of principles of brotherhood and strategic partnership. Mammadyarov said he sent a letter of condolence in connection with the terrorist attack committed on June 28 at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral relations development and on the issues of regional and international agenda. Page Not Found It looks as though the page you're looking for doesn't exist or the link you followed was incorrect. Please ensure that you have input the correct address or contact us to let us know the bad link and we will endeavour to fix it as soon as possible. State-controlled utility Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has obtained $1.5 billion in financing from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of the largest loans ever extended by a Chinese bank in the Gulf. The loan from ICBC, the world's biggest bank by assets, underlines growing business ties between China and the region. In January, China and the GCC nations said they aimed to conclude a free trade agreement this year. The five-year "direct commercial funding agreement" was signed on June 29 and will be used to finance some of SEC's capital projects, the company said on Thursday without giving financial terms. The loan was unsecured, meaning Saudi Electricity did not need to pledge any collateral, a source close to the deal told Reuters. With state revenues slashed by low oil prices, Saudi Arabia's government and state-run firms are increasingly turning to borrowing to fund themselves. The low oil price environment provided an opportunity for liquid Chinese banks to chip in with funding at a time when liquidity was more constrained in the region's financial sector, said Hongbin Cong, managing director, Invest Dubai at Falcon and Associates, a strategic advisory firm. Since it opened a branch in Riyadh last year, ICBC has sought to position itself to benefit from economic reforms designed to cut Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil. Earlier this month, the kingdom unveiled a five-year plan which is to involve SR270 billion ($71.99 billion) of state spending on projects in housing, mining, renewable energy and other areas. ICBC has the largest presence of any Chinese lender in the region, with offices in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait. Earlier this year it provided a $230-million unsecured loan to Emirates National Oil Company in the UAE, and participated in a $1.7 billion club loan to Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest bank.-Reuters Iran said on Thursday it was under no obligation to buy A380 superjumbo jets, state news agency IRNA reported, raising further questions over part of a landmark deal with European planemaker Airbus. The order for the double-decker jetliners grabbed attention in January as part of a preliminary deal signed in Paris for 118 Airbus planes worth $27 billion. Iran has also provisionally agreed to buy or lease 109 Boeing jets. Reuters reported on Monday, however, that Tehran was having second thoughts about whether to take delivery of the order for a dozen A380 superjumbo jets. "We have freedom to choose ... we have no obligation and commitment to buy A380 planes," Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi said, according to IRNA. Discussing the Airbus order in February, the chairman of national flag carrier IranAir said the A380 would not arrive for another five years and the airline would in the meantime monitor the expansion of Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport. "This is part of a five-year plan for Iran's aviation ... and the Iranian official in charge of buying such planes will decide then," Akhoundi said. The United States and Europe lifted sanctions in January under a 2015 deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear programme, but U.S. sanctions unrelated to the nuclear issue remain, banning dollar transactions with Iran and making it harder for firms to access finance for business in the Islamic Republic. Iran needs an estimated 400 jets to renew its fleet after decades of sanctions and to prepare for projected growth, according to Iranian and Western estimates. Pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani's success in ending Iran's the prolonged standoff with the West has intensified a power struggle among the country's faction-ridden elite. "Rouhani has been criticised by his (hardline) rivals publicly and in private meetings over the deals made to buy or lease new airplanes," a senior official, who asked not to be named, said. "The government is determined to renew the air fleet. However, we prefer to avoid political conflicts. Safety of our people is the most important issue for us," the official said. A spokesman for Airbus said it could not comment on any details of commercial agreements. - Reuters Turkish police detained 11 foreigners suspected of being members of an Islamic State cell in Istanbul linked to the suicide bombers who staged the attack this week at Istanbul's main airport, broadcaster Haberturk said on its website on Friday. The arrests in the dawn raid, by a counter-terror police squad in the Basaksehir district on the European side of the city, brought the number of people detained in the investigation to 24, it said. A police spokesman could not confirm the report, which was also carried by other media. Three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers killed 44 people in a gun and bomb attack at Istanbul's main airport on Tuesday, the deadliest in a string of attacks in Turkey this year. The suspected suicide bombers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official said on Thursday. Separately, security forces on Wednesday detained four Turkish citizens at the Oncupinar border gate in southeast Turkey on suspicion of membership in a terrorist group, the local governor's office said in a statement. The four were attempting to return to Turkey from a conflict zone in Syria under Islamic State. - Reuters Government ministers from Malaysia, Australia and China will meet in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 to discuss the future of the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported on Friday. Flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, disappeared on March 8, 2014 enroute from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A wing part, known as a flaperon, washed up on the French island of Reunion in July 2015. An underwater search operation for the aircraft, which disappeared two years ago, is underway, spanning 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean. According to Bernama, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the meeting would focus what to do once the search of the designated area is completed. "We (Australia, China and Malaysia) will not call off the search. We are committed to completing the 120,000 sq km search - so far, we have completed 107,000 sq km. "We will make an announcement on the way forward," Liow was quoted as saying. The search, which was originally scheduled to end in June, had been hampered by bad weather and will resume in October, he added. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau had previously said the three countries had agreed not to extend the search beyond 120,000 sq km - Reuters The Palace hotel on Gudaibiya Avenue in Manama, formerly known as the Ramada Palace hotel, has signed a new franchise agreement with Swiss International, with effect from today, said a report in Gulf Daily News, our sister publication. To read further, please visit GDNonline. Multiple young bighorn sheep that wandered in and near Casper recently will be monitored by Wyoming Game and Fish officials, and some may ultimately have to be killed. When bighorn sheep come into contact with domestic sheep or goats, they can contract fatal illnesses such as pneumonia, said Casper Game and Fish wildlife management coordinator Justin Binfet. Wildlife managers worry young bighorn sheep who wander into areas with domestic sheep or goats can pick up a bacteria and bring it back to their herds, spreading the disease and killing populations. Biologists arent sure where several of the bighorn sheep originated, Binfet said. One of them had a yellow ear tag showing it came from a herd in the Sybille canyon area near Wheatland. Theres been cases, multiple cases in the western U.S., of a wandering ram or two coming into contact with sheep or goats and going back to the herd and the entire herd is decimated, or substantial portions of them, Binfet said. If we have reason to believe theres a significant likelihood they came into contact with sheep and goats, we have to euthanize them. The rams sighted in or near Casper wont necessarily be killed, Binfet stressed. He hopes to trap the animals and put radio collars on them to track their movements. If they dont come near domestic sheep or goats, they wont be euthanized. The decision to kill the animals would not be made lightly, he added. Unfortunately, thats about the best thing you can do, said Steve Kilpatrick, executive director of the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation. We have to sacrifice a few to save the core, the herd. Disease transmission is real and has been well documented to occur and does occur. Studies show almost 30 percent of young rams wander from their herd on what are called forays. One from Colorado showed up in the Casper area a few years ago, Kilpatrick said. If a ram doesnt find a female to mate with, or another herd to join, often it will return to its original herd. When you look at the big picture, I guess I have to think about populations and having stable, viable populations across the state, he said. If we have to sacrifice some younger males, unfortunately thats what we have to do. But contact with domestic animals is not the only reason the animals may be removed, Binfet said. Wyoming is divided into management areas, with some sections designated for bighorn sheep and others for domestic sheep and goats. In bighorn sheep areas, preference is given to the wild animals. In areas designated for domestic livestock, preference is given to the domestic creatures. The states Bighorn Sheep/Domestic Sheep Interaction Plan was recently codified into state law after more than a decade of work by bighorn sheep and domestic sheep advocates and various government agencies. Theres a lot that went into how the management areas were selected and part of that is where domestic sheep and goats occur in conjunction with bighorn sheep habitat, Binfet said. Through this agreement, this end of Casper Mountain is not in a bighorn sheep management area. Its really frankly never going to be a suitable place to manage for bighorn sheep populations because of all of the urban sprawl and rural subdivisions. The Laramie Peak bighorn sheep herd is well established south of the Laramie Range. The next closest herd is in the Seminoe Mountains south of Casper. As Wyomings bighorn sheep populations grow, more sheep are wandering into urban areas. Biologists dont have an efficient or effective way to live-test the sheep for health issues to relocate them, he said. There also isnt room at Game and Fishs research center in Sybille Canyon. If any of the rams are killed, the meat will be donated, Binfet said. While Kilpatrick supports removing bighorn sheep that wandered into domestic sheep or goat areas, he cautions that continuing to remove the outliers can also prevent genetic diversity. Mother Nature had this set up to give diversity in genetic makeup of herds. If we stop this process, what do we do in the long run? he said. Theyre doing what theyre supposed to do. While were killing them to save the greater herd, were also jeopardizing the greater herd. A law enforcement officer shot and killed a man in Douglas on Thursday, authorities there confirmed. Converse County Undersheriff Justin Scott said the man, whom he did not identify, was shot by an officer from a non-local law enforcement agency. Scott did not identify the agency. A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper, meanwhile, was flown to a hospital with injuries after another driver turned in front of him while he was responding to the Douglas shooting. His injuries were not life threatening. Authorities offered few details about the incident in Douglas. But a witness said it took place in the parking lot of St. James Catholic Church in Douglas. Will Turner, who lives in a house kitty corner to the church, was setting up a fence in his backyard when he heard several gunshots around 3 p.m., he said. Turner described hearing someone say get down on the ground, and when he went to the front porch, he saw every police car in the town coming to the scene. The 19-year-old said a funeral had taken place just before the shooting, and that mourners exited the building and began leaving as police arrived. Authorities blocked off the immediate area around the shooting, and Converse County sheriffs deputies stood watch. A reporter also saw agents who appeared to be with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation walking around the area. They were in plain clothes, but wore badges. A message left for DCI officials inquiring about the shooting was not returned Thursday afternoon. Scott, the Converse County undersheriff, said the local officers were providing scene security for agencies investigating the incident. They would leave as soon as the scene is safe, he said. At 3:30 p.m., the Converse County Sheriffs Office reported that the courthouse, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and Douglas City Hall were on lockdown. The report, which came via the departments Facebook page, did not offer a reason for the lockdown. A woman who identified herself as a housekeeper at the hospital said she arrived there shortly after 3 p.m. A sheriffs deputy told her she couldnt enter and asked her to sit across the street until further notice. The Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper who was injured while responding to the shooting was traveling east near Glenrock on U.S. Highway 20-26 when he collided with an SUV. The trooper was just east of Glenrock with his emergency lights activated when the SUV turned left in front of him while he was attempting to pass it, said Highway Patrol Capt. Shawn Dickerson. The patrol said the crash occurred about 2:30 p.m. A helicopter flew the trooper to Wyoming Medical Center, where hes now in stable condition, Dickerson said. The driver of the other car was taken by ground ambulance to the same Casper hospital. Both were expected to recover. The troopers patrol car rolled multiple times in the crash, according to the patrol. He was wearing his seat belt, Dickerson said. The crash temporarily blocked a section of U.S. Highway 20-26 near Glenrock, the Wyoming Department of Transportation reported. Wyoming law enforcement agencies are reminding residents over the July 4th weekend to drive sober or get pulled over, according to press releases from multiple departments. Local agencies are using grants to pay additional officers to patrol the roads. Police will primarily be looking for impaired driving and speeding. I would imagine were going to have our hands full, said Casper police Sgt. Scott Jones. Just be safe. Casper police will have additional officers patrolling CY Avenue in west Casper as residents travel to and from Alcova Reservoir, where a fireworks show is planned for Monday. Natrona County Sheriff Gus Holbrook said there will be an increased deputy presence throughout the county, especially at Alcova and Pathfinder Reservoirs. Deputies with the Converse and Platte County sheriff offices will be patrolling in and around Glendo Reservoir throughout the weekend. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming State Park rangers will be assisting. The Wyoming Highway Patrol is asking drivers to report suspected drunk driving by calling 1-800-442-9090. Callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, its location and its direction of travel. The Mills Police Department will be out in full force, the department said. Jones reminded Natrona County residents that fireworks are illegal in the county. While sparklers are permitted, he suggested anyone using them keep water nearby to prevent a fire from starting and spreading. Federal agents were trying to apprehend a fugitive from Colorado when a U.S. marshal shot and killed him outside a Douglas church, authorities said Friday. Jasen Scott Ramirez, 44, died Thursday after being shot in the parking lot of St. James Catholic Church. Agents were attempting to arrest Ramirez, who was was wanted on drug charges. Authorities released more information about the incident on Friday, but several questions remain unanswered, including whether Ramirez was armed and what led to the shooting. Local and state authorities referred most questions to the U.S. Marshals Service, which released a one-paragraph statement and said it could not provide further comment. The Marshals Service said it would not be releasing the names of the deputy marshals involved in the shooting until all investigations into the incident are concluded, as a matter of the agencys policies. Sheriff deputies and Douglas Police Department officers responded to the church at 2:43 p.m. Thursday and found Ramirez lying unconscious on the ground, the sheriffs office said. Emergency personnel took him to Memorial Hospital of Converse County, where he later died. A witness told the Star-Tribune he saw people who had been attending a funeral leave the church shortly after the shooting. Multiple local agencies were called to the scene Thursday afternoon to create a security perimeter while the shooting was investigated. An unconfirmed threat made against law enforcement prompted the Converse County Courthouse, Douglas City Hall and the hospital to be placed on lockdown until the threat was investigated, the sheriffs office said in a statement. The statement did not specify the nature of the threat. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation is looking into the shooting, said Frosty Williams, its deputy director of operations. Williams referred additional questions to the Converse County Attorneys Office. A message left at the office Friday morning wasnt returned. A reporter at the shooting saw officers with shirts with the acronyms HSI and ICE. Those acronyms typically refer to Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, respectively. ICE officers and HSI special agents routinely assist in law enforcement operations as requested, said Carl Rusnok, spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rusnok did not say how the officers and special agents assisted in Douglas. Ramirez faced federal charges for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to federal court documents. He faced life in prison. An indictment was filed against Ramirez on May 18 in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming. An arrest warrant was issued the next day. A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was injured while responding to the shooting. He was flown by helicopter to Wyoming Medical Center and was expected to be released from the hospital sometime Friday. The patrol on Friday identified the trooper as Joel Eldred, a 12-year veteran based in Glenrock. He was driving with lights and sirens to Douglas when he attempted to pass a Jeep SUV on U.S. Highway 20-26 just east of Glenrock. The SUV turned left into a driveway in front of Eldreds patrol car, and the trooper steered into a ditch to avoid a crash, according to the patrol. The two vehicles still collided, and Eldreds patrol car rolled at least four times. Investigators credit Eldreds seat belt, bulletproof vest, the patrol cars design and its prisoner cage for minimizing his injuries. Robin Belgrad, a Louisiana woman driving the SUV, was treated for her injuries and released Thursday from the hospital. No citations have been issued related to the crash, the patrol said. A woman who witnessed the crash told the Star-Tribune the patrol car came out of nowhere, giving Belgrad no time to react. Michelle Lambert was driving a pickup just in front of Belgrads Jeep and said Belgrad was trying to turn into a commercial yard and had used her signal. I didnt see him at all, Michelle Lambert said. CHEYENNE A huge cut in the Wyoming Department of Healths budget is likely to have serious consequences across the state. Last months, Gov. Matt Mead announced $90 million in budget cuts for that department alone. However, federal dollars are tied to money the state spends, so the department is estimating it will lose about $43.4 million in federal funds as well. Department of Health Director Tom Forslund told members of the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that about 90 percent of the departments budget ultimately filters down to private health care facilities like pharmacies and hospitals. That means officials estimate about 677 private-sector jobs will be lost because of the cuts. In all, dozens of programs will be cut or reduced. Some, like the Public Oral Health Program, and dental and vision coverage for Medicaid recipients, will be completely eliminated. Other cuts include reduced funding for cancer programs, suicide prevention and mental health programs. Forslund also said Tuesday the proposed reduction in some of the reimbursements for Medicaid could mean some health care providers will no longer accept Medicaid patients. The cuts have also exposed other funding issues in the Department of Health. One example is with the Title 25 program in Wyoming that covers court-ordered hospitalizations for mental health and substance abuse patients. The State Hospital in Evanston is not big enough to house all of its clients, so the state contracts with private hospitals to house those people. However, an increase in Title 25 patients has resulted in the department outspending its budget to house clients as required, and the department will not have the money to cover that expense in the future. Forslund said the department has budgeted about $4 million for the program, but has spent about $17.4 million. We will be unable to pay for the anticipated Title 25 cost overruns for the next biennium, Forslund said. Im telling you we cannot handle it for 2017-18. Another issue is with the Life Resource Center, a state-run residential health care facility in Lander, which still does not have a head director. Mead said Tuesday that no one qualified for the job has applied. The job has a $120,000 budgeted salary that Mead said is too low. We still have to fund talented and skilled employees, and we must pay them appropriately, Mead said. We do have to have competitive salaries to fill these positions. Forslund said the pool of applicants for that job has been dismal. Instead, in the meantime, the state has contracted with a private company to provide an interim director and consulting services, which Mead said costs $30,000 per month, or about $360,000 per year. Expanding Medicaid in Wyoming would have saved the state millions of dollars and would have lessened the effect of the cuts, Mead said. LANDER Sixty-three years have passed since Joseph Kruljac served in the Korean War. On Thursday, the 85-year-old sat in a crowd at the community center here, surrounded by many who also fought. To see people you never knew that went with you, Kruljac said, glancing around the room. You really start to think back. And you wonder, what happened to the guys that were with you? Most of the guys I was with were from New England. Kruljac was part of a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans. Gov. Matt Mead was on hand, as well as Consul General Shin Chae-Hyun of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco, to present the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal to those who served in the war. Two similar ceremonies took place in Cheyenne and Casper on Thursday. Kruljac served on the 11th Airborne Division in the National Guard. On Thursday, with his family in attendance, he received a medal he thought was long overdue. We needed this, Kruljac said. We always wondered why we went over there, but you never know the reason. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The U.S. came to the Souths aid, while China and the Soviet Union assisted North Korea. The fighting ended when an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953. More than 36,000 U.S. soldiers died during the conflict in Korea. Its long been considered the Forgotten War, as it hasnt received the same attention as other wars. Yeah, thats what they call it, said Paul Talkington, wearing a Korea veteran hat at the ceremony in Lander. We certainly havent forgotten. The 87-year-old Army veteran served in the war from 1950 to 1952. He sat front row beside his wife, listening to both counties national anthems and speeches by Mead and the Consul General before receiving his medal. While it is oftentimes labeled the Forgotten War, I can assure you there is not a Korean vet here, there is not a Korean vet anywhere in this country, thats forgotten, Mead said, whos father served in the Korean War. If you look at the contrast between North Korea and South Korea, if you look at the partnership South Korea has with the United States of America, you Korean vets, you did your job, the governor said. You made a difference, and were proud of each and every one of you. The first time I came to the United States was 1995, the Consul General said. At that time, I was surprised as a Korean diplomat hearing the United States people who called the Korean War the Forgotten War. I could not agree at the time, and I have not been able to agree, and today I cannot accept that title at all. Roughly 70 medals were handed out on Thursday. Some were accepted on behalf of the deceased. Family members recorded the event, snapping photos on iPhones and cameras, honoring their veterans. Kruljac and Talkington smiled when their names were called. They walked to the front of the room while the crowd applauded. Consul General Chae-Hyun draped a medal around their necks, and Mead shook their hands, both men repeating the same words. Thank you. NASA has awarded Tucson-based Paragon Space Development Corp. a contract for the full-scale development of a water-purification system to be demonstrated on the International Space Station in 2018. The system is designed to increase the rate of water recovery from the urine of astronauts aboard the space station. The contract is valued at $5.1 million for the delivery of one processor assembly, and is sponsored by NASAs Advanced Exploration Systems Division, NASA said. Work on the contract will be performed at Paragon Space Developments Tucson facilities. NASA said the technology, currently scheduled for flight in 2018, will undergo a test demonstration on the space station to verify it further closes the water loop, with a goal of achieving at least 94 percent recovery of water from urine. A water-recovery system already used on the station captures and processes astronaut urine, but additional unrecovered water remains in the resulting effluent, which will be put through the new system for further reclamation. Paragons says its Ionomer-membrane Water Processor will provide the platform for up to 98 percent water recovery in future deep-space-exploration missions. The contract follows a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract awarded by NASA to Paragon earlier this year for IWP development. We are looking forward to increasing the ISS water cycle closure, thereby significantly reducing expensive water deliveries from Earth and saving valuable taxpayer dollars, Grant Anderson, Paragon president and CEO, said in a news release. Paragon will follow up this work with operational systems for many future missions that NASA and the private sector have in their plans. Paragon is actively working with other contractors that are preparing to supply the future habitats for low-Earth orbit and long-duration missions. Paragon said its water-purification system has several applications on Earth, including water recovery and purification of briny water such as that recovered from oil wells, fracking and other industrial processes. WOMAN BOUND AND HER HOME SEARCHED Three Mexicans Perpetrators of Act; May Be Bootleg Plot Why Mrs. G. H. Lerg, of East Sixth street, was tied hand and foot in her own home by three Mexicans Thursday evening, while her house was ransacked, still appears to be an insoluble mystery, although county officers worked on the case Thursday evening and all day yesterday. The most tenable theory is that Mrs. Lerg had information about some bootleggers who attempted to scare her away. Sheriff Forbes refused to give out any information about the case yesterday, but it is known that county officers worked all day trying to discover the identity of the three Mexicans who are alleged to have visited the place Thursday evening, and also the identity of a man who has claimed that he had a prior lease on the place rented by the Lergs. Leg himself is in Phoenix, it is said. Thursday afternoon the authorities were informed that Mrs. Lerg was being annoyed and a deputy was sent to the place to investigate. It appeared that some man had been coming to the place and annoying Mrs. Lerg, claiming that he held a lease on the house which had not expired. Mrs. Lerg wanted the place protected, and when deputies went there Thursday evening for that purpose they were surprised to find Mrs. Lerg tied by the hands and feet. She said three Mexicans had come to the house and tied her up, but had not offered her violence in any other way. They ransacked the house but did not appear to have taken anything. Although officers refuse to discuss the affair, it is said that they theory that they are working on is that there was a party of bootleggers nearby whom Mrs. Lerg had information about and that they wanted to scare her away. To accomplish this they resorted to the expedient of tying her up. Whether the Mexicans who did this were the bootleggers themselves or whether they were hired by the bootleggers is unknown. Mrs. Lerg is in a highly nervous state and is at the Tucsonia. Tucson police detectives are asking the public for information about a vehicle that may be connected to a homicide. On Tuesday, Enrique Bracamonte, 30, was shot and killed in the 3100 block of North Richey Boulevard, said Sgt. Kimberly Bay, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman. Detectives learned that some people who left the area during the incident were possibly associated with a gray 2013 to 2015 Honda Civic four-door sedan. When the car left, the driver struck a fence and the front bumper of the vehicle was left behind, Bay said. Investigators ask that anyone with information about the car, or the fatal shooting, call 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline. The slaying occurred in a neighborhood near East Fort Lowell Road and North Dodge Boulevard. Officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired shortly after 8 p.m., and located Bracamonte in the roadway with obvious signs of gunshot trauma, Bay said. Tucson Fire Department paramedics transported Bracamonte to Banner-University Medical Center Tucson with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival, said Bay. Homicide detectives found out that a fight took place at a party at the residence where people were using narcotic drugs, Bay said. Bracamonte was shot at the residence before fleeing and collapsing in the street, Bay said. A person at the party remained at the scene and spoke to detectives. The others who were there left before the police arrived. No arrests have been made. A local nonprofit wildlife rescue organization is offering a reward for an arrest and conviction in a shooting of a coyote in a neighborhood on the east side. Supporters of Tucson Wildlife Center have donated about $400 for the reward fund as of Thursday, said Lisa Bates, executive director of the center. On Tuesday, Arizona Game and Fish received a report of an injured coyote at the corner of North Tanque Verde Loop Road and East Speedway, said Bates. She said officials of the state agency called the wildlife center for help. The injured female coyote is about 7-months-old. She was tranquilized and transported to the center for treatment. The coyote was shot several times and has wounds to the neck and abdomen. She remains in guarded condition. She is sedated and a decision was made to "not operate because it can do more damage," Bates said. "It is a wait and see situation and we are hoping she can recover to be released back to her coyote parents. Right now she can't even get up," Bates said. "We do our best to give animals a second chance." Bates said it is illegal to shoot a weapon within a quarter mile of a residential area, and a shame "to shoot an animal in her own home territory." Donations to the reward fund can be made by calling 290-9453 or go to the center's website at www.tucsonwildlife.com If there is no arrest or conviction in the coyote case, the donations will remain in the fund for future cases, said Bates. An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent was injured when the government vehicle he was driving was rear-ended by a suspected drunken driver, authorities say. Diego Garcia, 28, of Tubac, was speeding along Interstate 19 north of Nogales early Friday when he slammed into the agent's car, the Arizona Department of Transportation says. Garcia's car then hit the guardrail and concrete barrier on the east of the road before heading into the median. Garcia was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and other charges, Trooper Kameron Lee said in a Twitter post about the wreck. Border Patrol officials say the agent was driving home from work when the crash happened. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released from the hospital. An Uncertain Future for Minorities in a Post-ISIS Iraq Assyrian refugees from Baghdede. The world first woke up to the increased danger of the Islamic State (also known as ISIS or ISIL) in June of 2014 when its fighters swept through Northern Iraq, capturing Iraq's second largest city of Mosul and reaching the gates of Baghdad and Erbil. The Iraqi Army all but collapsed against the ISIS advance with soldiers simply leaving their posts and military commanders abandoning their troops on the front lines. That June, the Kurdish Peshmerga forces were also pushed back and ISIS was quickly threatening Erbil, the Kurdistan Regional Government's capital city. Both advances were held off with help from American Air Force. Much has changed in the last two years. The Iraqi Army and Kurdish Peshmerga are not the same as they were. They both have learned and adapted to the unique military tactics ISIS deploys and are now on the offensive, having recaptured more than 50 percent of ISIS held territory in Iraq. But the Iraqi Army and Kurdish Peshmerga are not the only forces engaged in the fight against ISIS in Iraq. The Shi'ite-dominated Al-Hashd Al-Sha'be, or Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), has claimed many victories against ISIS, as has the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK). Iranian and American Special Forces both operate in Iraq, as do, to a limited capacity, the Canadian Special Forces. Many of the aforementioned groups have little love for one another and in the past were openly engaged in battles against one another, however ISIS has brought them all on the same side, for now. Just as the great Allied powers of World War II were eyeing each other warily even while fighting Nazi Germany, sounds of a future post-ISIS conflict have resonated from various anti-ISIS leaders. Masoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), has stated that the Kurds will not give back to the Iraqi government one metre of land they capture from ISIS. Similarly, Barzani's son and the chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, Masrour, has also stated that the future of Iraq will either be a loose confederation of three different states or all out independence of the Kurdistan Region from Iraq. These threats are not taken lightly by the Iraqi government and Shi'ite militias who try to combat ISIS as well as attempt to quell Kurdish advance into previously Iraqi government controlled lands. Caught between fragile fault lines With all these factions, militias and power plays, the minorities are largely ignored. Those minorities include the Yazidis, Assyrian and Armenian Christians, Shabaks, Turkmen, Sabian Mandaeans and more. What complicates things for Iraq's minorities is that they live in the fault lines between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region Government lands. Both the Iraqi Government and the KRG claim the lands and both governments have largely abandoned the minorities that live there. For example, after the fall of Mosul in June 2014, the Peshmerga entered the Assyrian Christian-dominated Nineveh Plain (east of Mosul) and Yazidi-dominated Sinjar guaranteeing inhabitants they would be protected from any ISIS advance, and that the small militias present would be disbanded. These minority groups were asked to turn over all their personal weapons to authorities. Then, on Aug. 2 and Aug. 6, the Peshmerga retreated from their posts in Sinjar and Nineveh Plain respectively. As a result, an ISIS offensive killed 5,000 Yazidis, thousands of Yazidi and Christian women were sold into the sex slave trade, and up to 500,000 Yazidi and Christians from Sinjar and Nineveh Plain were displaced. It was only with the help of PKK (and Syrian YPG) Kurdish forces, with support from the U.S. Air Force, that the remaining Yazidis were saved from starvation and thirst on the Sinjar Mountain. Since the fall of Nineveh Plain and Sinjar, both the Yazidis and Assyrians have formed their own militias in order to take back their land and provide security for their own people and land. Realizing the lack of support for the Iraqi Army and Peshmerga amongst the minority groups, the central government, the KRG and even the PKK have begun funding their own minority militia groups in order to shift the region into their sphere of influence. These power plays have resulted in armed conflict in Sinjar as the Yazidi Protection Force, a militia group claiming to be loyal to the KRG, and Sinjar Resistance Units, an offshoot of PKK, have engaged in sporadic engagements against one another. After tensions between the two Yazidi groups increased, they joined forces and formed a neutral Sinjar Alliance Force. However, this has brought increased criticism from the KRG as it has tried to assert its dominance of Sinjar, asked for PKK and all affiliated groups to leave Sinjar region, and has arrested prominent Yazidi commander Haider Shasho in the past. Similarly, the Assyrians formed their own militia called the Nineveh Plain Protection Unit (NPU), which has since been partially funded by the central Iraqi government. After the creation of NPU two other Assyrian Christian militias, Nineveh Plain Forces (NPF) and Tiger Guards, were created and funded by the KRG and Peshmerga. "We want to be the force that will protect our people in our lands and towns," Athra Kado, a member of the NPU, said in an interview. "The Iraqi Army failed to protect us in Mosul and the Peshmerga failed to protect us in Nineveh Plain, it's time that Assyrians protect ourselves, it's our right." Neither the Iraqi central government nor the KRG want to lose the vital lands in Nineveh Plain and Sinjar, and both are attempting to divide the fragile communities into their own political spheres of influence in order to shape the future of the regions. Other ethno-religious minorities such as the Shabaks and Turkmen, who also have large demographic concentrations in the disputed territories, are caught in the central and Kurdish governments' conflicts. Earlier this year, in the multi-ethnic town of Tuz Khurmatu, which is within the disputed territories, the Peshmerga and Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces exchanged intense fire, resulting in many citizens fleeing their homes. The town is one of the remaining areas with a large concentration of Turkmen minorities. After negotiations between the two groups it was ordered that both the Peshmerga and the PMU would leave the town and local citizens would provide security for themselves. What's next for Iraq, and for minorities? Within Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution, a referendum of the inhabitants living in the disputed territories, which include Kirkuk, Ninveveh Plain, Sinjar and other regions, will determine the future of the lands and the minorities within. The referendum was scheduled to be held before Dec. 31, 2007, but amid security concerns and increasing demographic changes the referendum has still not occurred, nearly nine years later. The calls for the referendum are once again being heard. Barzani stated in a Rudaw News interview on May 23 that the Kurdistan region will hold a referendum some time in 2016 because it is "ripe for independence." However, many minority groups have shared their concerns. They are afraid that the referendum will not reflect their interests, but rather only the interests of the Iraqi and Kurdish governments. "The referendum will inherently be unrepresentative of the Yazidis and other minority groups if the only choice given is between the Kurdistan Government or the Iraqi Government," Mirza Ismail, the president of the Yezidi Human Rights Organization-International, said in an interview. "We are demanding an alternative option be give, one where the minority groups in the disputed regions are able to govern themselves as autonomous states and determine their own futures." In a future Iraq, there are two models the partition of the country can take. The first and most desirable one would be the Czechoslovakia model. Following the bloodless Velvet Revolution, the state of Czechoslovakia dissolved into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which have had an extremely fruitful border ever since. Although the aforementioned partition is more desirable, the trends in Iraq seem to follow another more popular European partition, Yugoslavia. With ethnic enmity, rampant sectarianism and a history of ethnic cleansing campaigns and genocides, Iraq seems to be following the model which boiled over into an armed conflict resulting in thousands of deaths and continued enmity between all states involved. The second model is what the minority groups are most fearful of. If the partition of Iraq is not a peaceful transition then the minority groups will be stuck in the middle of yet another conflict between regional powers, forced to choose a side in a conflict they do not want to be a part of and one where they are not represented. "I would like for the minorities to be able to protect themselves and determine our own future, not be told by others what our future is," said Kado, with the Nineveh Plain Protection Unit. "We have learned that we should protect ourselves because no one else will." But some, like Ismail, of Yezidi Human Rights Organization-International, feel the international community could do more to understand the plight and ensure the safety of these groups. "If we aren't given a place where we can provide our own security, economy and well being...then our future will remain just as it is now, full of fear, emigration and being treated as pawns of others, second class citizens or worse." 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. Help India! By Shiva Thorat, TwoCircles.net Mumbai: The idea of working for your community does not necessarily mean that you have to be at the forefront of something revolutionary: even simple ideas and honest effort in addressing the issues at hand can go a long way in helping the downtrodden sections of society. Santosh Thorat is a person who may not own much, but when it comes to giving back to his community, his efforts are second to none. Thorat is a 46-year-old resident of Mandala area of suburban Eastern Mumbai, where we find the dumping ground in close proximity to the Vashi creek. The family of Thorat, a Matang (Dalit), migrated from Ghetuli village, Jalna district of Marathwada 30 years back because of the drought in their area. He sustains himself by doing odd jobs like that of a security guard, operator, and garment suppliers and so on. But it is his efforts beyond his regular schedule that is inspirational. Support TwoCircles Thorats foray into helping others came after a personal tragedy that has for long affected thousands living in Mumbai; Thorats house which was in Annabhau Sathe Nagar of Mankhurd was demolished by the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) in 2004. Since then, he has been a part of the Ghar Bachao, Ghar Banao Andolan (Save the House, Built the House Movement) started by Medha Patkar, a social activist, also known for Narmada Bachao Andolan. Santosh. Mankhurd area forms one of the essential core areas for this initiative. On a rainy day in Mumbai, Thorat, in a meeting with this correspondent explained the issues of education and its importance to the area. He says, It is because of illiteracy that real estate goons take advantage of the residents. Thorat interacts with nearly 500 residents of his area every day, and this in part explains why residents of the area also approach him to solve their domestic problems like ration cards, voting card, Aadhar (UIDAI) card or school admission. An urban centre like Mumbai where 70 percent of the migrated probably cannot afford housing, Mankhurd becomes important for the migrated masses, he explains. How does he connect to the Ghar Bachao, Ghar Banao Andolan? He responds. Wherever demolition happens I reach the place, help the residents take their goods and help them build another house. At the time of demolition, the owner of the residence does not know how to act to the government or real estate goons. But Thorats role goes beyond the initial help. He has emerged as an impactful and powerful personality to the area of Annabhau Sathe Nagar, where 60-70 percent of the residents belong to the Dalit community and others are Muslims. He is the rising leader who addresses the day-to-day problems of the Annabhau Sathe Nagar, says Abhishek Tiwari, Editor of the monthly magazine The Sabha. Lot of people think I am a Buddhist, I am not a Buddhist but I believe in Buddhism. They actually think I am from the Mahar community, but in reality I belong to the Matang community. There are few differences between both these communities. Among the differences, education is the most important indicator. Here in Annabhau Sathe Nagar, literacy is low, I want to increase this rate, he expressed. It was for this reason that Thorat, with the help of Smile Foundation of Mumbai initiated computer classes for the disadvantaged children of the area. Now he has a class of 30 children. In future, Santosh Thorat plans to work systematically and make the area a substantial base for education. Related: TCN Positive page Luxury Festival Glamping This Is How To Camp At A Festival Like a Boss Festivals can be messy, smelly affairs no matter how big or small. Take Glastonbury. Glastonbury is the creme de la creme of #festivallife. It is THE biggest festival in the UK, if not the world, with the planets biggest and most successful musicians lining up to play to a crowd of around 200,000 festival-goers. It takes over an hour to walk from one side of the festival to the other. Over 500 food stalls pitch up to feed you. Its MASSIVE. In every sense. That also means youve got a crowd of people the size of a small city, even an entire island (in fact, Icelands population is only marginally larger than that of Glastonbury each year), packed into the same place; green fields become muddy bogs, toilets become horrific open sewage pits and the bar is packed tighter than a gnats arse. Then theres the camping which, lets be honest, can suck no matter how macho you are when sleeping on the cold, hard floor of a damp tent is your daily. RELATED: The Expert Guide To Surviving A British Music Festival But it doesnt have to be this way. There are ways and means of doing a festival that can make your hangover, well, better. Theres some pretty exclusive stuff out there on the festival circuit right now, from affordable weekend passes to glamp-style showers and massage tents to full-on pop-up hotels (the ones the A-listers use). Where better to put all this to the test than Glasto, the worlds best. We did, so you can make sure you do the rest of this summers festivals like a boss. Standard camping Lets set the scene. At the very basic level, your festival view every morning will look like this: Although it could look like this: Someone in need of a tent-xtension #glastonbury2016 A photo posted by Kerry G (@realkerryg) on Jul 1, 2016 at 6:55am PDT And, whilst the stench of the loos may make you gag every time you need a wee (or worse a no.2, make sure you practice your squat game), at least youll have had a good nights sleep. For, if you bring a plush airbed in with you and a fresh sheet, you can still kind of DIY glamp. But getting progressively smellier and greasier isnt for everyone and there are enough people walking around looking fresh as a f**king daisy to make you wonder what on earth should you have brought with you to make living in a tent a lot easier (and cleaner). Answer? Below. A Weekend Shower Pass Well, nothing. Instead, you can buy yourself a weekend pass to a glamping site like ZooLoos (offering showers at Cornbury Festival and V-festival next). Although mainly a portable luxury loo provider, at some festivals they do provide glamping accommodation and The Powder Room, a suite of tents that will rid you of any horrific grime; warm showers, flushing toilets, a grooming tent (hair dryers, straighteners, hair products) and lots of empty plug sockets for phone charging (can you imagine a festival where youre phone doesnt run out of battery?). To this, they offer affordable day access for people that like being in the thick of it (in standard camping) but also dont want to smell. Theres also hot food without the queue, bean bags and sofas in a chill-out area and a comparably empty (but fully-stocked) bar its like a little oasis in a field of mud. . It was off-site at Glasto and could have been up to an hours walk away depending on where youve camped but its seriously worth it. And, by the way, these guys provided the Royal Loos for the Queen at an outdoor event last month so now you can claim a royal throne too. Check out ZooLoos here. Spa Treatments I racked up 60 miles in just 4 days at Glasto. Aching quads, tight IT bands, sore hips and knees; these are all the things youre bound to experience at a massive festival. You might also grow an unwanted hair or appear dishevelled the whole time. But the glamping circuit has recognised this and, in its infinite wisdom, provided us with pop-up spas. At ZooLoos, you can grab yourself a full body or leg massage in a luxury teepee complete with the works; oils, incense, relaxing music. Time to give those aching legs a bit of TLC in between acts. And then theres your face and your scalp. At celeb glamping venue The Pop-Up Hotel (you have to stay there to have treatments, Ill come to this shortly), they had a pop-up spa for Glasto that housed a barbers and a salon, as well as a large, quiet area to, well, groom yourself. They usually bring a pool (yes, a proper pool!) with them but this year the rain made excavating the soggy ground almost impossible. The barber shop was put on by Dutch grooming brand Reuzel who, although just launching in the UK, have men in the Netherlands going batsh*t crazy over how good it makes their hair look. Reuzel (originating in Rotterdams classic barbers Schorem Haarsnijder En Barbier) is all about bringing the experience of getting your hair chopped back to its old school roots; vintage chairs and barbers dressed in bowler hats and braces, the use of tonics and oils, luxuriating in a classic cut-throat wet shave. Think hipster, think quality. Loved having my man @acebarberkelly keep me looking sharp at #glastonbury2016. Awesome cut and wet shave, see you in Brighton old bean... Styled with @reuzeluk at @thepopuphotel #glamping #win A photo posted by @m_chaps_ on Jun 26, 2016 at 6:39am PDT And lying back for a shave in the middle of a dirty festival is going to feel like bliss. Plus, youll look sharper than the rest down at the headline act, which can have its perks with the ladies Check out Reuzel here. Glamping Like An A-Lister And then theres luxury glamping, for the man whos done a tent in the mud many times over and, after that big job promotion, is now ready to splash some cash on a little luxury. Of course, there are many VIP glamping destinations to pick from at any festival but heres one thatll have you rubbing shoulders with the A-listers. #Reception area at our #popup for #glastonbury2016 - love that quirky lamp! A photo posted by Team Popup (@thepopuphotel) on Jun 30, 2016 at 10:25am PDT The Pop-Up Hotel is, well, exactly what it says: a pop-up hotel. Its rooms are made up of luxury teepees right the way through to full-on tenthouse suites and it has a reception, a bar, a dining area with a head chef serving proper food and a spa too. At Glasto, the celebs I saw ranged from Daisy Lowe to Steve Davis although I heard rumours of many others, ahem 1Ds Niall, that planned to pay a visit (naturally it was all hush hush). But I didnt see them. Put it this way though, celebs hire this whole thing out for private parties all the time; Guy Ritchie hired the Pop-Up Hotel for his wedding and the team have had the likes of Angelina Jolie and David Beckham staying in their tents. So, yes, book here and you might stay in Becks old bed! Slightly random couple of weeks I have to say, was asked by a mate to do a few weeks work and ended up doing the build and now the pack down for Guy Ritchie and Jacqui Ainsley's wedding, hope they had a lovely day and their guests enjoyed the accommodation. #jaxguyjuly #thepopuphotel #bonkers A photo posted by LoKo (@lokouk) on Aug 3, 2015 at 11:09am PDT This is a place that is often off-site from the festival, as it was at Glasto, so the peace and quiet gives it a real sense of tranquillity and privacy. Plus, its away from all the drunk people inside the gates. Thats a big part of why the A-list elite flock to the hotel. The white canvass tents are obviously already pitched when you arrive and collect your fresh towels, which is a luxury in and of itself. But inside is also a treat. At the lowest rung, the teepees, lit by fairy lights, house a top of the range airbed with fresh linen duvets and pillows, some bean bags and luxury toiletries. Then there are tented cabins, that have their own en-suite toilet and shower, a proper bed, wardrobe and sofa. Like, you know, a proper hotel room. And at the top rung (there, of course, many more rungs in between: tenthouses, yurts, lotus belles) is the tenthouse suite. This is the ultimate in crazy festival luxury. Inside youve THREE fully furnished bedrooms that sleep 6, a dressing room, proper lounge with sofas and a flowers and lots of other nice things and a flippin HOT TUB! Even the canvass you sleep under is patterned like a wallpaper. You really would never guess you were actually just in a field. Of course, there are hot showers and luxury loo cabins and, as mentioned above, a whole spa dedicated to making you look and feel better. Never before will fresh towels have felt sofluffy. In the mornings, the restaurant serves up a full English to soothe any painful hangovers and a fresh coffee truck straight out of East London (or somewhere like that) is on hand to deliver powerful espresso shots and flat whites to perk you up before you don your wellies. And the little touches are what make this luxury festival hotel a popular destination too; chilled ciders on offer ready for the walk back into the festival, fresh bottled water on your way in at 2am, free Bloody Marys the morning after. Stunning #sunset over the hotel for #glastonbury last night. #Beautiful #sunshine between the showers. A photo posted by Team Popup (@thepopuphotel) on Jun 25, 2016 at 11:45pm PDT The Pop-Up will obviously be back at Glastonbury next year but travels on to Cornbury Festival next and will be offering rooms at V-festival too, among others. Check out the Pop-up Hotel. 'Sun Come Up' examines fate of Pacific Islands of Carteret The 2011 Academy Awards documentary film categories were filled with nominees who have focused on controversial environmental themes. 'Sun Come Up,' by Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger, was an early favorite in the documentary short category examining the fate of the Pacific Islands of Carteret whose people have become the globes first climate refugees. The Carteret Islands are located off the coast of Papua New Guinea and were home to approx. 2,500 people. Havent heard of them? Dont worry, you dont need to brush up on your geography. Most people havent heard of them. Barely visible on most maps, in a few short years, they will not be on any at all. Some scientists and experts believe volcanic activity and earthquakes are responsible for the sinking of the islands. Others point to the fluctuating nature of the natural life cycle of an atoll (an island that it constructed of coral and encircles a lagoon). Past removals of mangrove trees that kept the shoreline solid and acted as protection against the ocean have also contributed to the environmental destruction.Whether the situation on the Carteret Islands is because of rising sea levels from climate change or a shifting of the Earth is uncertain. What is certain? The people who live there, will not be living there much longer. CARE International warns that displacement due to global warming will be unprecedented A report by UN Universitys Institute for Environment and Human Security, CARE International and Columbia Universitys Center for International Earth Science Information Network warns that displacement due to global warming will be unprecedented. It estimates that by 2050 there may be 200 million environmentally-induced migrants. However, the exact number of people that will be on the move by mid-century is unknown.Today there are over 214 million migrants globally -- that substantial migration has now given rise to border conflicts and national security concerns. Carteret Islands one of the first to be displaced by climate change While human migration and displacement is usually the result of multiple factors, the influence of climate change in peoples decision to give up their livelihoods and leave their homes is growing, Bougainville, says Dr. Charles Ehrhart, CARE Internationals Climate Change Coordinator and one of the reports authors. The Carteret Islands of Papua New Guinea is one of the first island communities to be displaced by climate change and is currently being relocated to the large Bougainville. The relocation efforts have suffered from a lack of funding and resistance from receiving communities.For now, climate refugees are not recognized by international law because they dont meet the requirements of the 1951 Geneva Convention which considers refugees to be someone fleeing violence or persecution." Today, many experts want the Geneva Convention to be revised to legally recognize the status and conditions of climate refugees. This would force countries to legally recognize their status and condition, and would then be bound to look after this group of people.However, recognizing that some people are climate refugees means acknowledging responsibility and asking who is to blame. Something many people are finding it hard to deal with. Xi eyes joint bid to boost Manila ties Updated: 2016-07-01 02:06 By DENG YANZI,AN BAIJIE(China Daily) President sends congratulatory letter as new Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte takes office New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) watches as outgoing president Benigno Aquino steps down from the dais during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday at Malacanang Palace in Manila. Bullit Marquez / Agencies Beijing would like to improve relations with Manila through joint efforts, with bilateral ties facing important opportunities for growth, President Xi Jinping told the Philippines' new president, who was sworn in on Thursday. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, took the oath of office at Malacanang Palace in Manila, becoming the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people. Ties between the two countries have nose-dived since a unilateral arbitration case over the South China Sea dispute was brought by outgoing Philippine president Benigno Aquino. Unlike his predecessor, Duterte, the first local mayor to be directly elected as president of the Philippines, is expected to take a pragmatic approach to the South China Sea dispute with China, analysts said. Xi said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte that China and the Philippines are neighbors, and being friendly is a tradition of the two countries that has endured for more than 1,000 years. This course is the right one and should be adhered to, he said. In his inaugural speech, Duterte promised a relentless and sustained fight against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, but did not mention his government's policy toward China. During a speech in Davao City on Monday, Duterte said he would refrain from commenting on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, pending the decision in the arbitration case, which will be announced on July 12. In May, he said he wanted China to help improve his nation's poor infrastructure by building a railway system linking the entire country, especially on the southern island of Mindanao, which is seen as a new area for economic growth. Wilson Lee Flores, a Philippine political columnist, said: "President Duterte is a very pragmatic and politically clever leader. I really believe he can normalize China-Philippine relations." He said Duterte is likely to focus more on "win-win" economic advantages for both countries, rather than small misunderstandings and differences. "I hope the Chinese government reciprocates vigorously and enthusiastically," he added. Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn China to join International Organization for Migration Updated: 2016-07-01 20:42 By Wang Qingyun(chinadaily.com.cn) Joining the International Organization for Migration will strengthen China's management of migration affairs and help the country's socioeconomic development, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Friday. The IOM held a special council in Geneva on Thursday and approved China's application to join the organization. Hong said, "China joining the IOM will help China draw on the international community's advanced experience in managing migration affairs, strengthen its ability to manage migration and provide consular protection, as well as help China's socioeconomic development." It will also help the country better take part in global governance regarding migration issues and contribute its wisdom and strength to the field, Hong said. On June 13, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao submitted China's application for IOM membership to IOM Director General William Lacy Swing in Beijing. Established in 1951 and focusing on helping to manage migration issues around the world, the IOM now has more than 160 member states. The United Nations issued a statement on Thursday, saying that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomes China joining the organization. Tales from Normandie Apartment Updated: 2016-07-02 04:54 By Zhou Wenting in Shanghai(China Daily USA) Driven by their passion for preserving heritage, Chen Danyan and her team of writers and professors are due to showcase a compelling narrative of one of Shanghai's most iconic residential properties The Normandie Apartment was and still is a favorite with foreigners because of its rustic beauty and unique architecture. A 40-minute documentary and a collection of manuscripts and photos about the Normandie Apartment, a French Renaissance style, flatiron building constructed 90 years ago in the former French Concession in Shanghai, will be exhibited at the Shanghai History Museum next year. This documentary project, which took two years to complete, was the brainchild of Shanghai-based writer Chen Danyan, who had grown up in the area where the building is located. She had enlisted the help of a group of writers and professors who are similarly passionate about the city's historical structures. "Apart from preserving the physical qualities of this property, we must also preserve the spiritual part of it. It is only with the stories of the residents in such old buildings can we get an accurate account of the history of the place," said Chen during a media briefing about the project in Shanghai on May 18. "There are 64 streets in Shanghai that have been banned from being widened and more than half of them are within the former French Concession, a place which bears so many stories. Different communities in Shanghai have unique personalities and you can even recognize which community a person is from just by looking at his or her facial expressions. The community within the former French Concession in particular has a very strong cultural inheritance," Chen added. The Normandie Apartment, which became known as Wukang Building after the 1950s, is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece by Hungarian architect Laszlo Hudec, the same person behind other iconic Shanghai buildings such as the Park Hotel and the Grand Theater. The building was in 1953 taken over by the Shanghai Municipal Government and renamed Wukang Building. In 1994, the property, which was then home to about 140 families, was listed as a city-level historical building. Sha Yongjie, a member of the project team and a professor at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning of Tongji University in Shanghai, praised the design philosophy of Wukang Building. "The gate of the building looks inconspicuous, which is a way to show modesty to the surroundings. Also, the spacious lobby can be seen as a sign of respect to the residents," said Sha. The project includes invaluable input from a dozen residents, including senior managerial staff at foreign enterprises, university professors, doctors and nurses, as well as foreign residents who have lived in the eight-story apartment building. Chen said that the enthusiasm of her interviewees surprised her. "We had to set up large video cameras and lighting in their rooms and the interview would take the whole afternoon but instead of feeling inconvenienced, they were happy to be making a contribution to this project," said Chen. Xi eyes joint bid to boost Manila ties Updated: 2016-07-01 07:52 By Anbaijie In Beijing And Deng Yanzi In Manila(China Daily USA) President sends congratulatory letter as new Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte takes office Beijing would like to improve relations with Manila through joint efforts, with bilateral ties facing important opportunities for growth, President Xi Jinping told the Philippines' new president, who was sworn in on Thursday. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, took the oath of office at Malacanang Palace in Manila, becoming the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people. Ties between the two countries have nose-dived since a unilateral arbitration case over the South China Sea dispute was brought by outgoing Philippine president Benigno Aquino. Unlike his predecessor, Duterte, the first local mayor to be directly elected as president of the Philippines, is expected to take a pragmatic approach to the South China Sea dispute with China, analysts said. Xi said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte that China and the Philippines are neighbors, and being friendly is a tradition of the two countries that has endured for more than 1,000 years. This course is the right one and should be adhered to, he said. In his inaugural speech, Duterte promised a relentless and sustained fight against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, but did not mention his government's policy toward China. During a speech in Davao City on Monday, Duterte said he would refrain from commenting on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, pending the decision in the arbitration case, which will be announced on July 12. In May, he said he wanted China to help improve his nation's poor infrastructure by building a railway system linking the entire country, especially on the southern island of Mindanao, which is seen as a new area for economic growth. Wilson Lee Flores, a Philippine political columnist, said: "President Duterte is a very pragmatic and politically clever leader. I really believe he can normalize China-Philippine relations." He said Duterte is likely to focus more on "win-win" economic advantages for both countries, rather than small misunderstandings and differences. "I hope the Chinese government reciprocates vigorously and enthusiastically," he added. Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn Bio March 28, 1945: Rodrigo Roa Duterte born. His mother was a public school teacher and his father a government worker. 1968: Graduates with Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Lyceum of the Philippines University. 1977 to 1986: Serves as special counsel and later as city prosecutor in Davao City. 1988: Wins mayoral election in Davao City and serves as mayor for seven terms, lasting more than 22 years. May 9, 2016: Wins landslide victory to become Philippines' 16th president and the first local mayor to be elected directly as president. SOURCE: PRESIDENT.GOV.PH New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) watches as outgoing president Benigno Aquino steps down from the dais during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday at Malacanang Palace in Manila. Bullit Marquez / The Associated Press (China Daily USA 07/01/2016 page1) Philippines hindered efforts to talk, former diplomat says Updated: 2016-07-01 07:52 By Xinhua In Manila(China Daily USA) The Philippines government has been behind the intensifying tensions in the South China Sea, a former diplomat for the country said on Wednesday. "China has been for the negotiations all along, but from the beginning we are not," said Alberto Encomienda, former secretary-general of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Center of the Philippines' Foreign Affairs Department. Although the Foreign Affairs Department has said it conducted more than 50 consultations and negotiations with China from 1995 to 2012, those did not happen, said the diplomat, who was then in charge of the negotiations. Encomienda said China "has been sending quiet feelers to improve relations". "Prior to 2005's APEC (summit), China sent two delegations to the Philippines, and invited delegations from the House of Representatives to Beijing. We never gave this much attention. After the summit, China sent feelers to the Philippines again. We never responded," he said. Encomienda also said that China should not be demonized over the South China Sea issue, since it was the Philippines that first engaged in reclamation activities in the sea, building airstrips on China's Zhongye Island. He said the airfield on Zhongye Island "was built on top of live coral reefs". Encomienda also lashed out at the United States for its military presence in the South China Sea and what he described as its purpose to set the Philippines against China on the issue. After President Benigno Aquino III's first state visit to the United States in 2010, "everything that came up as the Philippines' South China Sea position has something to do with 'rule-based' and 'legal framework'. But these are a rule basis determined by the US," said Encomienda. The former diplomat said the Philippines "is in urgent need of an independent foreign policy". (China Daily USA 07/01/2016 page3) Beijing immune to Manilas arbitration Updated: 2016-06-30 10:40 By YANG ZEWEI(China Daily) File photo of South China Sea. [Photo/Xinhua] An arbitral tribunal with widely contested jurisdiction will issue a ruling on July 12 on the South China Sea case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague said on Wednesday. Rodrigo Duterte, the president-elect of the Philippines has sent signals that China and the Philippines deserve better ties. But to ensure that bilateral ties improve, Duterte has to take a new approach to Manilas disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea, especially because the Permanent Court of Arbitrations ruling on the arbitration case unilaterally filed by Manila will further deteriorate China-Philippines relations. Irrespective of what The Hague-based court says, however, the ruling will not have any impact on China. Complicated as they appears to be, the South China Sea disputes between Beijing and Manila are essentially about territorial claims and maritime delimitation, which are beyond the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Philippines has illegally laid claim on some reefs and islets of Chinas Nansha Islands, including Zhongye Island, since the 1970s, and renamed them Kalayaan Island Group. It also opposes Chinas inherent sovereignty over Huangyan Island, which it used to call Scarborough Shoal. But these disputes are neither reflected in the Philippines arbitration nor related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In 2006, China exercised its right under Article 298 of UNCLOS by making a declaration excluding compulsory arbitration; more than 30 countries have made similar declarations. In other words, Beijings refusal to accept or participate in the so-called arbitration is in accordance with international law, whereas Manilas unilateral behavior is unlawful and unreasonable. For decades, the Chinese government has been making efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region while trying to resolve disputes through negotiations and consultations between the states that have territorial or maritime disputes with Beijing. The successful maritime delimitation of Beibu Bay with Vietnam in 2000 is a case in point. As for China and the Philippines, their territorial disputes should be addressed peacefully by the two sides themselves through consultation and negotiation, according to Article 4 of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was agreed in 2002. Their joint statement on the South China Sea issue in 1995, too, makes similar propositions, which means the arbitration case unilaterally filed by Manila is a violation of the international law. In addition, the ruling of the arbitration court will not be legally binding on the Beijing-Manila disputes over territorial claims and maritime delimitation in the South China Sea, simply because the Manila has not moved the court on the disputes. China discovered and named the islands in the South China Sea about 2,000 years ago. Its territorial rights are clearly declared by the Declaration of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Territorial Sea of 1958 and the Law of the People s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone of 1992. These two documents make it clear that Dongsha Islands, Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands and Nansha Islands belong to China, and therefore will legally nullify the arbitration courts ruling. The author is a professor of law at Wuhan University, Hubei province. Traditional Chinese medicine is welcomed after a practitioner joins medical team sent to South Sudan A visit to a Chinese acupuncturist has opened a whole new world of medicine for Issa Justin, a young South Sudanese man who is both a patient and medical student in Juba, capital of the world's newest nation. Justin, 28, a second-year student in clinical medicine at Juba Teaching Hospital, sought treatment for a severe case of facial pain and paralysis, first trying more conventional therapies, but without success. Ding Xiangming trains locals and imparts knowledge and skills about acupuncture. He says that in South Sudan it is not easy to disseminate TCM knowledge. Gong Yidong / For China Daily Then he went to see Ding Xiangming at the hospital's Physiotherapy Department. Ding is from China's Anhui province and specializes in Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion, the burning of a small amount of mugwort herb on the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point. Together with 12 other doctors, Ding arrived in Juba in late February to replace the third Chinese medical team sent to the country. Beijing began to send medical teams to the country after South Sudan won independence from Sudan in a referendum in 2011 after years of fighting. It was the first time that a traditional Chinese medicine doctor was added to the team, with an aim to diversify medical services to the patients. In December, Justin says he developed facial paralysis as he was brushing his teeth on a Sunday morning. All of a sudden, he had trouble rinsing his mouth with water. Pain started to shoot through the right side of his face, extending to the ear and the mouth. His eyes became swollen so much that he had trouble closing them, he says, and he had trouble eating. Tears ran down his eyes as he chewed his food. Even the way he talked changed. "The pain lingered. I felt like my face was being burned by fire," Justin says. Justin sought conventional physiotherapy at the department, including faradic stimulation - applying a small amount of electric current - and facial massage. The treatment lasted for four months, but there was no substantial improvement. In April, he decided to see Ding and started undergoing a daily, 30-minute therapeutic session every morning. "Before then, I had heard of the word 'acupuncture', but I had no idea how it works." He says that to his surprise, the "magic Chinese needles" took effect in a week's time. Needles were applied to a few major points on his face. "I was feeling the flow of blood around the facial areas where the needles entered, as if water were running along the channels," he says. By the end of the first week, Justin was able to fully close his eyes. After a month's treatment, he was once again able to laugh and talk with ease. He was pleased with the results, and advised one of his friends to take her daughter Sarah to be treated by Ding. The 8-year-old girl had symptoms similar to Justin's. Acupuncture and moxibustion are not only applicable to facial paralysis or acute pain. Ding says most of the chronic pain cases seen at the physiotherapy department are treatable with the most common therapeutic methods he uses on a daily basis. These methods include needles, moxibustion and cupping, which is using cups to create suction on the skin for the purpose of mobilizing blood flow to promote healing. Lower back pain is one type of chronic pain that is common among many South Sudanese. Instead of firm mattresses, many South Sudanese use nylon string beds that do not provide good support for the spine, says Jimmy Onge Owun, a South Sudanese physiotherapist at the department. The extended rainy season, from April to November, also contributes to many pain symptoms, Ding says. Trauma and accident cases that require rehabilitation also are common at this, the largest public hospital in South Sudan, where civil war continued after independence. "Acupuncture and moxibustion can play a significant role in one's physical recovery," Ding says. Every day, Ding sees nearly 30 patients with a wide range of illnesses, including back pain, knee pain and strokes. Justin Lukudu, a 52-year-old agricultural specialist from the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Agriculture, had a stroke last year that affected his right side. His brother recommended he see Ding. "I feel that the blood in my body is opened every time the needles are inserted into my body." Aside from regular acupuncture and moxibustion, Ding says he treats him with "fire needles," or heated needles, to enhance the therapeutic effect. Lukudu says it is still difficult for him to raise his right arm as high as he'd like, but he is feeling better after a couple of sessions. It is not, however, easy to disseminate TCM knowledge to South Sudanese patients, Ding says. Although South Sudan is rich in traditional medicinal plants, conventional biomedical treatment still dominates at hospitals and clinics, leaving limited space for alternative treatments. For many, TCM or acupuncture is something unheard of or associated with pain. Even for those who have attended medical school, acupuncture is not considered a primary medical approach by physicians. Onge recalls his days at Makerere University Medical School in Kampala, when Chinese acupuncture was briefly mentioned by a Swedish lecturer in class. Onge was trained as an occupational therapist with six years' professional experience in physiotherapy. But after having witnessed with his own eyes the improvement of patients treated by Ding, Onge says he is convinced of the effectiveness of acupuncture, especially its pain-relieving effects. Acupuncture and moxibustion are also cost-effective and resource-friendly, Onge says. Like all the governmental organizations and businesses affected by South Sudan's power shortages, Juba Teaching Hospital experiences repeated power outrages day and night, making it barely possible to use electronic physiotherapy equipment like infrared rays. In these cases, moxibustion can effectively serve as a source of heat. "This is a way of critical thinking," Onge says. In March, Onge started to observe and assist in Ding's clinical practice. Under the system of apprenticeship in traditional Chinese medicine, Ding became Onge's shifu (teacher) and imparted knowledge and skills. Later, a couple of interns from St. Mary's Medical School also joined in. Under Ding, they studied the basic theory behind acupuncture and moxibustion, such as jingluo (channels and collaterals) and yinyang (positive energy/negative energy). They also learned how to apply needles to specific sites where qi (vital energy) and blood are transported to the body's surface. "It resembles running water. If you stimulate the nerves, qi and blood will travel smoothly in the channel systems of the body, reaching a state where yin is balanced and yang is firm, and a coordinated spirit is guaranteed," Ding says. The efforts have paid off. Onge has successfully treated a patient with severe back pain by integrating muscle exercise with Chinese acupuncture. The pain had disappeared by the time the patient completed nine sessions. Still, more work and time is needed before acupuncture is widely accepted by South Sudanese patients. Su Guiping, head of the Chinese medical team, says he hopes to secure an independent treatment room on the premises of Juba Teaching Hospital so that more needy patients can have access to acupuncture and moxibustion. Ding also notes that physical treatment also involves mental care. Ding says he observes Hippocrates' oath "to cure sometimes, to treat often and to comfort always" as part of his medical ethics. "South Sudan has been ravaged by civil wars for too long. You need to go beyond diseases and treat the patients with dignity, care and respect. This is an invaluable lesson of traditional Chinese medicine." For China Daily China-UK ties to remain strong despite Brexit, envoy says Updated: 2016-07-01 07:35 By Cecily Liu in London(chinadaily.com.cn) China-UK relations will stay strong on despite Britain's decision to leave the European Union, said Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the UK. Liu, who was speaking on Thursday at the Young Icebreakers 8th Annual Dinner, said China respects the choice of the British people, and Britain's choice for its own development path, and hopes that the UK and EU will consult and negotiate and reach an early arrangement that is acceptable to both sides. In particular, he said China's relationship and business exchanges with the UK will stay strong, and the two countries' cooperation to tackle issues of global significance will continue. "Firstly, China values its relations with the UK. This position remains unchanged whether the UK is in the EU or out of the EU; we will take strategic long-term perspective. China and the UK are countries of global influence. A healthy, stable and win-win partnerships between China and the UK serves not just the fundamental interests of our two peoples but also peace and prosperity of the world," Liu said. "We hope that regardless of any British domestic political changes, a positive relationship with China will remain the consensus for both the UK government and also the opposition political party." Secondly, China is committed to business cooperation with the UK, and this position remains unchanged, said Liu. "Given the immediate market fluctuations and uncertainties, Chinese businesses will inevitably need to be more prudent and stay cool-headed. But in the long run there is no way our bilateral collaboration should be allowed to go down. We are respectively the world's second and fifth largest economies, that means we have much to offer to each other and there is huge potential for cooperation," said Liu. Liu said that as testimony to this booming business relationship, in June two direct flights between China and the UK have just been launched. The first is between Beijing and Manchester, operated by Hainan Airlines, and the second is between Tianjin, Chongqing and London, with Tianjin Airlines. "These business moves sent a clear message that Chinese businesses have confidence in the British market. China is taking a long term perspective. I'm confident Britain will do all it can to strengthen its economic understanding to attract foreign investors and to keep business open to Chinese investors," Liu said. Thirdly, China continues to attach importance to its cooperation with Britain on global issues and this position remains unchanged, Liu said. China and the UK are now engaged in comprehensive global strategic partnerships for the 21st Century based on the two countries' international responsibilities and commitments. China will host the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, where it will work with other G20 members to boost global growth and improve global economic governance, and China will also look forward to Britain's contribution to the summit, Liu said. "It is also our hope that China and the UK will reinforce our cooperation on serious global issues including sustainable development, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, anti-microbial resistance, etc. China and the UK working together have a great deal to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the world, and sustainable deployment of the world." Liu also said that China and the UK's cooperation so far this year is very strong, demonstrated through government exchanges, business cooperation and cultural exchanges. Examples of flagship collaborations this year he mentioned include the Chinese Ministry of Finance's issuance of the first sovereign renminbi bond in London, and a cultural project to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the deaths of the great Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu and Britain's William Shakespeare. "I hope China-UK relations will sail steadily forward in the right direction, and China and the UK will continue to ride new charters for the golden era of our two countries. In this way we will bring benefits to the peoples of both countries and beyond," Liu said. To contact the reporter: cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com Poll before Australian election shows result 'on a knife's edge' Updated: 2016-07-01 15:45 (Xinhua) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses young Liberals during a rally at Robotic Automation in the Sydney suburb of Newington, July 1, 2016 on the eve of Australia's federal elections. [Photo/Agencies] CANBERRA - Australia's federal election is on a knife's edge, with the last opinion poll before Australians head to the voting booths revealing that, after preferences, the coalition and the Labor opposition both have 50 percent support. The Fairfax-Ipsos poll, published on Friday just a day before the election, showed that Australia is yet again heading for a hung parliament, despite the coalition government holding a commanding lead in the primary vote. The Turnbull government has support of 40 percent of Australian voters, while Labor has 33 percent, but after preferences Labor surges ahead to draw neck-and-neck with the coalition. The poll also revealed that less than 20 percent of voters believe Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will win the election despite the fact about 50 percent intend to have Labor in as either their first or second preference. Strikingly, the Fairfax poll showed 27 percent of voters remain intent on supporting Greens and other independent candidates, something which Turnbull said was a recipe for disaster. The coalition's Leader of the House, Christopher Pyne, urged Australians to shun the Greens and independents in favor of a vote for the major parties, as voting independent would "cast (Australia) back to the darkness" of the minority Labor government in 2010. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese agreed, but said he didn't expect voters to follow through with independent votes when polling stations open on Saturday. "It doesn't mean that is the way they vote," Albanese said. "I think when people get in the poll booth they know they can have Bill Shorten or Malcolm Turnbull tomorrow night as prime minister." Across America Updated: 2016-07-01 10:06 (China Daily USA) Bigger and better - Panama City COSCO SHIPPING chairman Xu Lirong speaks with the media as the company's vessel COSCO SHIPPING Panama makes its way through the newly expanded Panama Canal on Sunday. Xu said that the expansion embodies the industry's efforts to follow the "trend of mega-ships amongst the background of globalization". Amy He / China Daily In the works - houston Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (left) and Janice Evans, director of communications at the Office of the Mayor, share a laugh with reporters on Tuesday at city hall. Turner invited the press from different communities in Houston to discuss the city's economic and political issues. He also said he was planning a business promotion trip to China for early 2017. May Zhou / China Daily Investment in focus - new york From left: Derrick Do, senior vice-president and director of commercial real estate for East West Bank; Wendy Cai-Lee, executive vice-president for East West Bank; and Ji Tao, editor-in-chief and president of China Daily USA, discuss Chinese investment in the US at an East West Bank presentation in New York on Tuesday. Provided To China Daily Historic protest - washington California Congressman Ted Lieu (right) takes part in the Democrats "sit-in" on the House floor on June 22. Lieu said "enough is enough", and placed blame on House Republicans and the NRA for stonewalling gun safety legislation. Provided to China Daily New services - San Francisco Han Liang, sales manager of Air China San Francisco, introduces new services the airlines will have in place in the fall on Tuesday. Air China will start direct service between San Jose and Shanghai beginning Sept 1, said Han. provided to China Daily Interns ready - washington New York State Congresswoman Grace Meng (in purple dress), poses with more than 40 students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) in front of the nation's capitol in Washington on June 24. CCIP, a summer internship program administered by FUSIA Communications, has served over 850 exchange visitors from Asia since 2008. Provided to China Daily New stars - Stanford Entrepreneurs join the speakers of a panel on China Entrepreneurshipduring the Global Entrepreneurship Summiton June 23 at Stanford University. More than 700 entrepreneurs and 300 investors from around the world gathered at the summit with the goal of building prosperous communities through fostering entrepreneurship around the world. Lia Zhu / China Daily Beijing hopes Manila will meet it 'halfway' Updated: 2016-07-02 02:33 By ZHANG YUNBI(China Daily) After new Philippine Cabinet members struck a conciliatory tone on the upcoming ruling in the arbitration case against China, Beijing said disputes with the Philippines could only be properly managed and resolved "through negotiation and consultation", not arbitration. "The South China Sea arbitral case raised by the Aquino administration is illegal and invalid. It is hoped the Philippines will meet China halfway and properly tackle relevant disputes," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news conference on Friday. The administration of president Benigno Aquino III unilaterally initiated arbitration proceedings against China in 2013, leading to Beijing's refusal to be part of the arbitration. The ruling by the Aribitral Tribunal affiliated with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will be announced on July 12. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sworn in on Thursday, told a Cabinet meeting not to "flaunt" a ruling if it is favorable, and said there should be "a soft landing" in disputes with China about the South China Sea, according to Xinhua News Agency. Philippines Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay was quoted by Xinhua as saying he was "averse" to issuing a "strong" statement if the ruling is favorable. Beijing has reiterated its objection to arbitration, partly because Manila's arguments in the case pertain to sovereignty and maritime delimitations, which China says are not subject to arbitration. Xue Li, a researcher on international strategy studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China will not sit by if the Philippines calls on China to enforce the ruling. Instead, dropping the result of arbitration and resuming two-way negotiations with Beijing to resolve disputes "may serve as a turning point in the icy two-way ties", Xue said. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. HA NOI Vietnamese consumers spend, on average, 24 hours and seven minutes online per week, an equivalent of three working days - an increase of almost nine hours from 2014, according to a recent Nielsen report. The Nielsen Vietnam Cross-Platform Insights Report 2015 provides a comprehensive view of the way Vietnamese consume digital media in todays cross-platform environment. The report was conducted in nine Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, India, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In all markets, 1,000 frequent online users aged 16 and above were sampled using an online survey methodology. According to the report, nine out of ten consumers in Viet Nam (91 per cent) own smartphones, compared to 82 per cent in 2014. In Asia, consumers in Singapore are the most digitally active, averaging 25 hours and 9 minutes per week. Vietnamese between the ages of 21 and 29 are spending the most time on the internet, up to 27 hours and 2 minutes per week. Next is the age group of 40 and over, spending around 22 hours and 6 minutes online. Regarding devices used for internet connection, 31 per cent of consumers access the web via smartphones and 38 per cent use laptops to browse. The rapid up-take of connected devices, especially smartphones and tablets, is instrumental in media consumption shifting beyond traditional media formats such as broadcast TV, notes oan Duy Khoa, Director of Consumer Insights of Nielsen Vietnam. For media owners, it is becoming increasingly important to understand consumers viewing habits in order to deliver the right content at the right time, working in partnership with advertisers to uncover new opportunities to connect with and engage consumers to build brand awareness, affinity and loyalty, he adds. HA NOI International arrivals to Viet Nam reached more than 4.7 million in the first half of 2016, a year-on-year increase of 21.3 per cent. The figure for June was 700,446, down 7.5 per cent from the previous month but up 29.8 per cent from one year ago. Foreign arrivals by air reached over 3.92 million, up 26 per cent year-on-year while arrivals by road saw a yearly rise of 31.3 per cent to 710,000. However, arrivals by sea declined 27.8 per cent to 75,000. The number of tourists visiting Viet Nam from several Asian countries and territories saw strong growth: mainland China, up 48 per cent; Thailand, up 35 per cent; South Korea, up 34 per cent; Hong Kong, up 28 per cent and Laos, up 21 per cent. Growth was also recorded in the number of tourists from Italy, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, as well as Russia, Germany and France. According to the General Statistics Office, the local tourism sector also served some 32.4 million domestic travellers in the six-month period. Total revenue for the period was estimated at VN200.3 trillion (US$9.1 billion), up 22.1 per cent year-on-year. This year, Viet Nam has set a goal of 8.5 million foreign and 60 million domestic travellers, which is expected to bring in VN370 trillion for the sector. Viet Nam is considered one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Southeast Asia, driven by the entrance of international hoteliers, an improved visa policy and investment in key infrastructure. Concern in Thailand The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is concerned that Viet Nam, a rising star in ASEAN, will draw more South Korean tourists away from the Kingdom, The Bangkokpost reports. South Korea is a top-five East Asian tourist market for Thailand, while Thai tourists are ranked fourth among outbound tourists to South Korea. In 2015, South Korean tourist arrivals to Thailand grew 22 per cent to 1.37 million, while Viet Nam welcomed 114,740 South Korean travellers, a surge of 131 per cent. Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director of the TATs Seoul office, said the average hotel room rate in Viet Nam was higher than in Thailand because of limited supply. Viet Nam will be Thailands key rival for the South Korean tourist market in the next five years. Its tourism infrastructure is developing so fast, its products are fresh and tourist safety is good. Moreover, Viet Nam is an investment destination for South Koreans," she told The Bangkokpost. VNS HA NOI Government policies must be business-friendly to encourage investment, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said at a dialogue on the 2016 investment policy on Tuesday. Dung said the development of the legal system aims to inspire an environment of support and openness for corporations. Only when firms see the support and consistency of the governments policies will they feel confident about spending their money here, Dung said at the dialogue co-organised by Viet Nams Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) and KPMG Viet Nam. The Government wants to hear more opinions from business leaders in order to create appropriate policies. The Government is taking drastic steps to improve the business and investment climate in line with Resolutions 19 and 35, Dung said. With the Vietnamese economy stable in the first half of this year, but still in need of firm ground for growth, Dung said the role of the business community was of great importance. In the remaining months of this year, Dung urged businesses to be more dynamic in helping drive the economy forward. Businesses must enhance co-operation to help each other overcome difficulties. Competition should not be about winning or losing, but about improving, Dung said. Increasing labour productivity is of key importance to Viet Nams development and for avoiding the mid-income trap, Dung said. Dung said business must adapt to the rapidly changing and integrating world markets and prepare to grasp opportunities as they arise. Quach Ngoc Tuan, deputy director of the ministrys legal department, said business should be more proactive in offering their opinions on draft laws in order to improve the business climate. Warrick Cleine, Chairman and CEO of KPMG in Viet Nam, said the Government should enhance efforts to open up the economy. Chairman of VAFIE, Nguyen Mai, said policies to promote the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are needed. Mai said tax incentives would help SMEs accumulate capital for investment and technological innovation. Dung said it was important to promote the development of Vietnamese firms now in order to keep up with the dynamics of the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector. Stressing the role of FDI enterprises, Dung said they were critical for the development of Viet Nams parts supply industry. Dung said he expects foreign-invested firms to create conditions for domestic firms to participate in their supply chain. Local firms cannot develop the parts supply industry alone, Dung said. Statistics of the Foreign Investment Agency show that Viet Nam attracted more than US$11.2 billion worth of FDI in the first half of this year. VNS HCM CITY A Korea-Viet Nam forum to strengthen co-operation between their electrical industries was held in HCM City yesterday with more than 40 firms taking part. The Korean firms attending the event specialise in manufacturing equipment like transformers, solid reclosers and energy storage systems besides advanced OMR/AMR (offsite meter reading/automatic meter reading) solutions, billing systems and others. Luan Quoc Hung, deputy director of EVN HCM Citys technical department, said his companys System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), a measure used as a reliability indicator by power utilities, has improved from 28.85 times in 2010 to 6.72 times last year. Its average outage duration per customer served has also reduced from 3,964 minutes to 720, he said. The company wants to bring that down to 1.5 times and 150 minutes by 2020 to match neighbouring countries like Thailand, he said. Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco)s SAIDI is currently only 11 minutes, the conference heard. EVN also aims to reduce power losses from 4.66 per cent last year to 3.5 per cent by 2020, Hung said. For these efforts, it hopes to acquire equipment and technology, including from Korea, he said Tran Khiem Tuan, deputy general director of EVN HCM City, said his company would upgrade the network and deploy sophisticated technologies to serve customers better. The forum provided a platform for businesses from the two countries to exchange information and seek closer co-operation, he said. Park Kwon Sik, executive vice president of Kepco, said with its technological advancement, Korea could help develop Viet Nams electricity industry. The market offers Korean firms a good opportunity, he said. He said the Vietnamese Government should roll out policies to attract investment in this sector and establish a park exclusively for the electrical sector. The forum was organised by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in HCM City, Kepco and the Korea Electrical Manufacturers Association. - VNS The HCM City will create favourable conditions and develop a sound investment environment by amending or creating policies to help businesses overcome challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. VNA/VNS Photo HCM CITY All enterprises should have equal access to city resources, regardless of size, type or industry, the deputy chairman of HCM Citys Peoples Committee said. Nguyen Thanh Phong spoke at a conference in HCM City on Wednesday. He said the city will create favourable conditions and develop a sound investment environment by amending or creating policies to help businesses overcome challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. At the conference which discussed local companies competitiveness, Phong said startup activity and improvement of competitiveness will be strongly supported by the city. Enterprises and investors have made huge contributions to the countrys development and modernisation. In HCM City, we dont just consider businesses something to manage. They need support and conditions to develop. Their growth corresponds to the citys development, Phong said. He said ideas from enterprises and investors are welcome, as this will help the city and its departments solve social and economic issues. At the conference, companies in different sectors spoke about ways to help the business community. Vu uc Giang, chairman of the Viet Nam Garment and Textile Association, said the city lacks skilled textile and dye workers, creating challenges for the industry. The shortage of raw material suppliers in the city is another obstacle. Giang proposed that the city create a stable regulatory system to help businesses develop. Vu Kim Hanh, chairwoman of the Association of High-Quality Vietnamese Goods, suggested the city enhance companies knowledge about international integration. "They should help companies adapt to market change," she said. To create strong national brands, connections must be developed among managers, big companies, banks and small- and medium-sized enterprises, Hanh said. In recent years, HCM City has worked to create a more favourable investment environment. At present, 180,000 are operating, accounting for 31.7 per cent of the total number of companies in the country. VNS Viet Nam Gold Trading Association (VGTA) asked the State Bank of Viet Nam to allow local producers of gold jewelry and fine art to import gold materials. Photo laodong.com.vn HA NOI Viet Nam Gold Trading Association (VGTA) asked the State Bank of Viet Nam to allow local producers of gold jewelry and fine art to import gold materials. VGTAs chairman Nguyen Thanh Long said when the local gold prices were higher than the international prices, firms needed to import gold materials so that they can have better prices to make their products. Since the Government issued Decree 24 on management of gold trading in 2012, which enables the central bank to directly intervene in the local gold market, the market has become stable. Gold traders decreased sharply from 12,000 units then to 38 now. However, Long said that the decree which also made SBV the only gold importer in Viet Nam, was making a lot of trouble for local gold jewelry manufacturers when they could no longer have reachable gold material market for importing. SBV only allowed a few firms to import gold materials under their strict supervision. Without permission, others must buy gold from unofficial markets, which encouraged gold smuggling into the country. At the same time, according to data from HCM Citys Jewelry Association over 70 per cent of producers were faced with the tight regulation of SBVs on credit loans for manufacturing. Thus, the association suggested the central bank grant import licenses to gold jewelry and fine art manufacturers with SBV permission. In a further development VGTA also asked for the Government to let local firms borrow gold materials from people for their production. Chairman Long said the Law on Credit Institutions in 2010 did not stipulate the conditions for mobilising gold while SBVs circular No11/2011 / TT only terminated the mobilising capital in gold of the credit institutions. Thus, Long said corporate gold mobilisation should be adjusted under the Investment Law 2014, Law on Enterprises 2014 and the Civil Code 2005. Long said under the Investment Law 2014, the gold borrowing from local organisations and individuals for production were not listed under the conditional investment. Long added that the activity was not on the gold business activities as stipulated in Decree No 24/ND-CP because, the gold loans were only to serve the production of gold jewelry and fine art, not for trading for profit. So the association suggested the central bank and the Ministry of Justice not to consider the mobilisation as the profitable trading that needs a license. As a response, deputy director of the HCM City State Bank branch, Nguyen Hoang Minh told local media that the production of gold jewellery and fine arts were one of the traditional handicrafts that brought profit to the city and created jobs for local people. Thus, Minh said, SBVs branch has been collecting information on the matter to see if the bank could solve the problem, adding that without a timely solution, there were chances for gold smuggling in the country when local manufacturers had to buy gold from the unofficial market. While Minh did not mention about the gold loans from local sources for their production in May, SBV refused the VGTAs proposal to mobilise privately owned gold. An anonymous official from the central bank told the local media it would be very risky in terms of the price movements it might cause, claiming there has been no precedent by any government in the world in this regard. VNS Viet Nam News presents an article written by the Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam, David Devine, to honour the National Day of Canada today. Hello! Bonjour! I am so happy to be speaking to you on Canadas 149th birthday. Just one more year until Canadas 150th and already the preparations have begun! Canada Day gives Canadians at home and abroad the chance to take the time to celebrate their patriotic pride with their friends, family, and neighbours. Today, Canadians believe in a tolerant, peaceful pluralism; in protecting rights; in gender equality; in internationalism; in a democratic society; and helping those in need both in Canada and abroad. I am heartened to see how Canada and Viet Nams partnership has progressed during my three years here, and I am confident about the upward trajectory of our relationship moving forward. I am pleased to tell you that Canada and Viet Nams bilateral trade continues to grow by leaps and bounds, totalling over C$4.7 billion in 2015. Viet Nam is now the number one trading partner for Canada in ASEAN. Canadian firms look favourably upon Viet Nams potential for investment, including its economic growth, natural resources, and competitive workforce. The steady growth of trade between our two countries is a strong indicator of good trade relations for years to come. This past year again saw many important visits by Canadians to Viet Nam, proving that Viet Nam is an important bilateral partner to Canada, and that our relationship is growing continuously stronger. Notably, we enjoyed visits by our Deputy Ministers of Labour and of Foreign Affairs, and Canadas new Minister of International Development, Marie-Claude Bibeau, who chose Viet Nam as her first overseas visit as Minister, and announced the US$18 million Strengthening the Peoples Credit Fund Network project to help farmers expand their businesses and increase access to rural financing. The Minister also visited Ha Tinh province to meet with project partners and beneficiaries of an agricultural development project, and brought forward Global Fund projects related to TB and HIV/AIDS. As for my own travels in Viet Nam, I have been fortunate to have the occasion to travel to several provinces and to meet with and learn more about the many diverse ethnic groups in Viet Nam, and how the Vietnamese Government is working toward changes that will support them in their interests more effectively. I was also proud to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Training Centre for Advanced Management in HCM City last October, a state-of-the-art facility that offers leadership and management training to Viet Nams future educational leaders. This work, toward the protection and advancement of rights of individuals, such as LGBTI rights and womens rights, is a key priority for Canadas foreign policy and we have been happy to support initiatives here in Viet Nam which build capacity toward these. Canada firmly believes that gender equality is essential for sustainable development, social justice, peace and security all necessary factors for a strong and prosperous society. Through our work and programming, the Embassy of Canada has been proud to support over the past decades local organisations and government in the implementation of projects promoting and supporting these important rights, and I have been inspired by the passionate advocates for these issues in Viet Nam. The Embassy of Canada is pleased to support, every year, the Hanoi Run for Children which last December, together with the Canada-Vietnam Friendship Association, Hanoi Union of Friendship Association as well as 10,000 fellow residents of Ha Noi, raised over VN1.5 billion to help disadvantaged sick kids in Viet Nam receive treatment for heart disease and cancer. We have been fortunate to welcome many renowned Canadian artists and musicians to Vietnam through our active public diplomacy program. This year, we were honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the talents of the globally-accomplished Canadian violinist Ms. Veronique Mathieu in the concert Canada and Viet Nam in Harmony as well as the highly acclaimed Slam poet David Dufour in the cultural exchange le francais, jadore! to kick off the Month of the Francophonie in March. We are proud of the development of strong relations between Canada and Viet Nam in the past years, and I am sure the coming year will be one of continued growth between the two countries. As Canadians here in Viet Nam, we have much to celebrate as Canadians and Vietnamese continue to work hard together for a better future for both our countries. Happy Canada Day! Bonne fete du Canada! HA NOI China and Viet Nam will continue to promote tourism between the two countries to enhance better mutual understanding, experts said at a conference yesterday in Ha Noi. The conference which was jointly organised by Henan Tourism Administration and Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) to promote tourism in Henan, Chinas 5th largest provincial economy. Henan is the birthplace of Chinese civilization, with over 3,000 years of recorded history. It was Chinas cultural, economical, and political center until about 1,000 years ago. The ruins of the Shang Dynasty capital city Yin, the Shaolin Temple, and four of the eight great ancient capitals of China - Luoyang, Anyang, Kaifeng and Zhengzhou - are all in Henan. Kou Wu Jiang, director of Henan Tourism Administration, said at the conference that in 2015, two million Vietnamese tourists visited China, demonstrating Vietnamese interest in Chinas landscapes and culture. Last year Viet Nam launched its biggest ever promotional campaign in China, its largest visitor market, and brought a new wave of Chinese tourists to Viet Nam, said Nguyen Van Tuan, director of VNA. The coastal city of Nha Trang in central Viet Nam remains a top destination for Chinese travelers. VNS HA NOI Nguyen ang An, winner of the Global Taste of Korea Contest in Viet Nam will be the Vietnamese entry at the Global Taste of Korea Contest, which is to be held from July 12 to 21. An, 25, a graduate from the Ha Noi National Universitys Faculty of Oriental Studies, made traditional Korean japchae to beat nine others at the contest held in Ha Noi on Wednesday. Japchae is a dish that has glass noodles with mixed vegetables. It is usually eaten in the summer in Korea, An said. At the contest, An made japchae, which was better than the other contestants, including a new version of japchae for the cold weather. An prepared japchae in a traditional manner with Vietnamese nam huong (a kind of mushroom). He boiled water with the Vietnamese bamboo leaf and flowers of the spring onion to steam the japchae. I used Vietnamese nam huong in japchae because it has much more flavour than the Korean mushroom, An said. The scented steam from the boiled Vietnamese ingredients will keep people warm while enjoying japchae in the winter, An said. One of the jurors asked me if she could drink the water and I replied the water could be drunk to treat a cold. It was not only his creativity in the japchae that convinced the jurors, but the panel was also highly impressed by his use of the spring onion leaf. Spring onion leaf is one of the ingredients used in traditional japchae. Nowadays, however, not many young Koreans use the leaf. An learnt this tip while doing some extra work at a restaurant in Korea. He had intended to do his masters in Korean culture but was instead charmed by the countrys culinary tastes. During the trip to Korea, An will vie with contestants from 19 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the US and China, as well as Japan and some South American countries. An will also get the chance to learn more about Korean cuisine and experience the country. The five best contestants will compete to be the global winner and take home the US$10,000 cash prize. Last year, Vietnamese winner Phan Ngoc Anh was among the top five at the contest in Korea. The Vietnamese contest was held by the Korean embassy in Viet Nam and had 10 finalists, comprising cooks, students and members of the general public interested in Korean cuisine. VNS a Nang The Viet Nam Book of Records, VietKings, has recognised a marble milestone of Truong Sa ong Island on the mainland as the biggest of its kind in Viet Nam. The Viet Nam Record Association said the marble milestone was a copy of the Vietnamese landmark on Truong Sa ong, one of the islands in the Truong Sa archipelago (Spratlys) of Viet Nam. The 6m-high milestone, which was carved by craftsmen from the Non Nuoc Stone Art Village in a Nang Citys Ngu Hanh Son District, is made of concrete and steel with marble tiles on the outside. Craftsmen from the village over a period of many months used 12m of marble to pave the milestone. The milestone is made according to the original design, with four marble facades and the Vietnamese written letter reaffirming Viet Nams sovereignty over the island. It is installed at the stone art centre on coastal Hoang Sa Street, connecting a Nang and Hoi An. The milestone is an attraction for foreign and domestic tourists, who have come to see the stone sculpture and learn about its story. The owner of the Xuat Anh stone art centre, Tran Van Xuat, a former naval soldier protecting the island from 1983 to 1987, said he erected the stone stele, dedicated to the island, in front of his house in memory of the time he served there, and as a place for his comrades to meet up every year. The marble stele has become a place of pilgrimage for his 32-man company every April the month the company first stepped off the boat and onto the island in 1984. "It was difficult to contact all the comrades because it was so long ago and they live far away in different provinces across the country," he explained. The milestone is a landmark of my stone art centre and a notice to all my former comrades. It also sends a strong message to the world that Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracels) Islands belong to Viet Nam, he said. Thirty-three years ago, Xuat and 31 other soldiers were sent to protect Truong Sa ong islet a 200m-long coral reef located 260 nautical miles off Cam Ranh Port in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa. Xuat also reserves a corner of his workshop for souvenirs that remind him of Truong Sa ong Island, including his military bag, uniform, handmade knives and shells taken from the island. VNS Next week: Formosa will pay Viet Nam US$500m in compensation for the recent mass fish deaths. What do you think? The Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation officially apologised yesterday afternoon to the Vietnamese Government and people for killing tonnes of fish in the central coastal provinces since early April. The company has promised to pay US$500 million in compensation to Vietnamese people. Do you think the compensation is enough to remedy negative impacts on the marine environment? For developing countries like Viet Nam, what in your opinion should be given first priority in protecting the environment? Please reply by email to: opinion@vnsmail.com, or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 79 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ha Noi. Replies to this weeks questions must be received by Thursday morning, July 7. VNS Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers speech at the start of a two-day Cabinet meeting yesterday. Photo zing.vn HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, speaking at the start of a two-day Cabinet meeting yesterday, urged officials to ensure the speedy formulation of high quality legal documents, after presentation of a Ministry of Justice report on the implementation of the Governments law and ordinance programme. According to the ministry, the majority of the laws and ordinances take effect on July 1. However, it conceded that the submission of a number of bills and ordinances has been delayed. As of June 28, 56 documents guiding the implementation of laws have been issued, accounting for 32.5 per cent of the programme goals. Meanwhile, 49 out of 50 regulations on business and investment conditions have been submitted to the Government. Until the end of this year, 114 documents are scheduled to have been issued, some relating to laws that take effect on July 1, and 81 related to the implementation of 12 laws that take effect after July 1. Citing the lesson of the delay in enacting the Penal Code 2015, the PM asked ministries to stay the course toward their goals. The PM hailed the engagement of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, organisations, agencies, businesses and experts and citizens in the drafting of the documents. When necessary, the Justice Ministry should send officials to other ministries to help with legal document formulation, he said, asking head of the Government Office to meet with ministries to solve problems and speed up the work. The Government leader also emphasised the need to ensure the quality of legal documents, in particular the guiding documents, to boost administrative reform, and create a favourable investment environment. It is crucial to openly collect ideas from experts and people to enhance the quality of the documents, he urged. Cabinet members also discussed a number of bills, including the revised Railway Law and the law on amending and supplementing some articles of the Technology Transfer Law. VNS Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives the World Banks Country Director for Viet Nam, praised Victoria Kwakwa in Ha Noi yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung HA NOI Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, speaking at a farewell reception in Ha Noi yesterday for the World Banks Country Director for Viet Nam, praised Victoria Kwakwas attainments during her seven-year term. The Party chief congratulated Kwakwa on her new post, the WBs Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific, describing it as an acknowledgement of her outstanding contributions, capacity and experience. Kwakwa said she was personally grateful for the support provided by the Party chief, as well as the Party, Government and people of Viet Nam of the WBs programmes in the country. She said the support, apart from helping the lender to accomplish its tasks of providing policy consultancy and financial assistance, had benefited Viet Nams growth. Kwakwa spoke highly of Viet Nams achievements in stabilising the macro-economy, responding to climate change, implementing social security policies and developing the private sector. She pledged to continue assisting Viet Nam in promoting its achievements and realising its goals. Party General Secretary Trong said he was pleased with the multi-faceted and result-oriented partnership between Viet Nam and the lender. He expressed his hope that in her new capacity, Kwakwa will make important contributions to national development strategies of regional countries, including Viet Nam, as well as to the relations between Viet Nam and the lender. VNS HA NOI - Nearly 900,000 students nationwide yesterday registered for the national high school exam, the most important exam after 12 years of study, which takes place from today until July 4. According to Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), 98.22 per cent of applicants went to exam venues to register yesterday. Since last year, high school graduation and university entrance exams have been combined into one national exam. The results of the national exam will be considered for both the high school graduation and university admissions. According to MoET, the number of candidates registered this year decreased by about 120,000, equal to 12 per cent, compared to last year. About 32 per cent of the candidates will take the exam to get results for their high school graduation only. The ministry has set up plans to send experienced officers to support testing centres in disadvantaged regions such as central region, Central Highlands region or exam venues managed by universities for the first time and managed by local education department, Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said. Bui Van Ga, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said that the test structure this year is not different from last year with the content focusing on 12th grade programme. The questions will not be tricky and not require students to learn knowledge by heart. The ministry will also set up 14 inspection teams to conduct both scheduled and unexpected inspections at exam venues. There will be also other 120 inspection teams set up by exam councils, localities and other ministries. The MoET will work closely with police to identify hi-tech cheating during the exam. In Ha Noi which has the highest number of registered candidates, despite heavy rain in the early yesterday morning, more than 76,000 students showed up on time at 8 am at testing centres to register for the exam. The citys youth volunteers have been mobilised to give support to candidates and candidates relatives in the hope of smooth national exams. Traffic police officers have also been sent to the venues to ensure no congestion occurs during the four-day exam. More than 20,000 volunteers in HCM City are part of the programme organised by the HCM City Student Assistance Centre between June 25 and August 12 to support students during the exam period. The University of Technology and Education gave VN65 million (US$2,888) in funds from sponsors to Binh Thuan Provinces Communist Youth Union to hire buses to transport disadvantaged students from its districts to Phan Thiet City. All of the 12 exam venues are in the city, where 11,599 candidates will take the tests. In the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, there are 12 national high school exam venues with 13,212 candidates. Six-hundred volunteers are working for the provinces candidate assistance programmes. Hoang Xuan Quang, deputy rector of An Giang University, said the university had provided addresses for accommodation, food stores and other places on https://www.agu.edu.vn/tsmt2016/index.php to help candidates and parents find accommodation near exam venues. The university is also working with companies to offer free meals and drinks to candidates and their parents. Students will be tested on four subjects, which comprise three compulsory subjects of mathematics, literature and a foreign language, and an optional subject. The optional subjects that the students can choose from are physics, chemistry, biology and history, as well as geography. The students can take extra tests in other subjects for better chances of getting admission to universities and colleges. The test marking is scheduled to take place no later than July 20. - VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved rules for the management and operation of Cam Ranh International Port in central Khanh Hoa provinces Cam Ranh Bay. Parts of the port, which serve both civilian and military vessels, were completed and unveiled in March this year. Once completed, Cam Ranh International Port, with an investment of VN2 trillion (nearly US$89 million), is expected to become the biggest port in Viet Nam in terms of wharf length, able to handle 18 ships at one time and accommodate ships of up to 110,000 DWT. It is capable of receiving 185 ships each year and is designed to protect ships against level 8 winds and storms. Cam Ranh Bay holds a strategic position in the East Sea due to its proximity to international navigation routes and the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagos, as well as to the oil and gas areas in the southeast continental shelf of Viet Nam. The newly-issued rules relate to the port boundaries, services, arrivals and departures of Vietnamese and foreign nationals and cars. According to the new regulations, Vietnamese military vessels operating within the port boundary will be managed and overseen by the Ministry of Defence. Foreign military vessels arriving at Cam Ranh Port on official visits, for training or drills are subjected to a Government decree on foreign vessels in Viet Nam. Conventional marine services are available at Cam Ranh International Port, including goods and passenger transportation by sea, shipping and port agents, marine brokerage, marine rescue, maintenance and supplies or equipment for vessels, and storage services. Additionally, Cam Ranh International Port also offers underwater security, and will host crews and tourists traveling by sea, marine fairs and foreign military activities. VNS HA NOI Ha Noi will crackdown and strictly fine those providing early gender indications of foetuses through ultrasound scans, said Nguyen inh Lan, deputy head of the citys Population and Family Planning Department. The city authorities have also tasked district-level agencies with regularly inspecting State-owned and private obstetrical health centres and clinics to ensure no illicit gender preference is practised. The planned August-September crackdown is not the first effort by the city to deal with the gender imbalance in the capital. In 2015, a private obstetrical clinic in Ha ong District was fined VN40 million (US$1,900) and forced to suspend operations after informing parents of the gender of their foetus. However, Lan said investigations at health centres are difficult. The city only prosecuted two cases in 2015, while the real figure of violations must be higher. To solve the problem, traditional attitudes about the role of women in family and society must be changed, womens autonomy must be encouraged as well as leadership roles for women in and outside the family. Lan said the gender imbalance at birth in the capital city of Ha Noi continues to increase, while the gender ratio at birth is consistently higher than the countrys average. The current gender ratio at birth in the city is 114.4 boys to100 girls, against the country average of 112.2 boys to 100 girls. Since 2009, the ratio in Ha Noi has fluctuated between 114-118 boys to 100 girls, while the country ratio has changed from 106.2 boys to 100 girls- to 112.2 boys to 100 girls. In Ha Noi, the number of births has declined but the rate of third children is still high (accounting for 7.53 per cent of total births). The desire of more and more two-girl families for a son to maintain the continuity of the family line is the main cause for the sex imbalance in Ha Noi, according to Lan. The official said the unbalanced sex ratio at birth would negatively affect Viet Nams population makeup in the future, resulting in an excess of men. VNS ONG NAI Enterprises located in key economic areas of the south where the industry and supporting services are developing have raised concerns over the lack of soft skills of graduates despite the enhanced co-operation between universities and colleges, and enterprises. Rose Chu, director of the Human Resources Department of the G&G Fashion Viet Nam Company which is based in the Loc An - Binh Son industrial zone in the southern ong Nai provinces Long Thanh District, said that most students are now mainly trained in the profession but they still lack important soft skills. After graduation, many students are still weak in foreign languages, computer skills and communication, she said. They are shy and do not express their abilities well, she added. Nguyen Thanh Tai, assistant to the human resources department of the Posco E&C Company in Nhon Trach District, said, apart from good academic knowledge, students also need to develop soft skills to meet demand, particularly English, he said. Because soft skills like communication in English are seen as the key to getting good jobs and promotions at work, he added. Chief Executive Officer, Nguyen Huu Nghia, Mirai Human Ltd Co, said for the labour market in Japan in particular and developing countries in general, Viet Nams labour force still lacks necessary soft skills. He said that the first thing that businesses need is foreign language for communication, then discipline in work, time management and teamwork, while these skills are not given much attention in universities and colleges in Viet Nam, he said. Even though many graduates have good academic knowledge, they are clumsy in work and lack confidence, an official of the personnel department of Pousung Viet Nam Company said. This has limited the job opportunities of students, he said. Universities and colleges are in regular contact with businesses to help their students find internships and employment opportunities, Rose Chu said. However, it is not enough, she said. The teachers also need to come to businesses for practice because this aims to help teachers get practical knowledge, she said. They would find what businesses need and more importantly they would learn necessary skills that are needed in the work place to impart to their students, she said. Luu Phuoc Dung, Headmaster of Sonadezi College based in Bien Hoa II Industrial Zone, said his school is drafting a set of soft skills to apply in the training programme to have high-quality human resources to meet the demand of businesses. Accordingly, all students are required to pass specialised training courses and soft skills to achieve the certification of the school, he said. - VNS ONG NAI The southern province of ong Nai has reported a remarked high of cases contracting foot-hand-mouth disease in June alone, with over 50 cases every week, Vietnam News Agency reported. The number of children suffering from the illness in the province has increased compared with the previous months, the provincial Preventive Medicines Centre said. The increase was 20 per cent against the same period last year, it added. More than 200 children were affected by the disease in June. Cao Trong Nguong, director of the centre, said the children were off from school for their summer holidays and their parents sent them to private daycare houses where not much attention was paid to hygiene. Inspection by the centre showed that most of the sick children were the ones staying at home or sent to private daycare places. Before 2014, ong Nai was one of the countrys hot spots of the disease. Last year, the number of patients decreased and no casualties were reported. Foot-hand-mouth disease, which is infectious, often occurs in children between the ages of one and three. The province has witnessed more than 1,000 cases of the disease since the beginning of this year in all 11 districts in the province. Bien Hoa City led the list with more than 300 cases. VNS A NANG The central city plans to establish a tourism police force as a pilot project to boost security for tourists and the tourism environment in the 2016-20 period. The citys administration said in a statement yesterday the plan was proposed at a meeting with the party Central Economic Committee on Thursday. It said the tourism police would deal with tourism-related problems harassment, traffic, emergencies, support and security for tourists, especially foreign tourists. Vice chairman of the citys Peoples Committee Ho Ky Minh asked the central government to create a favourable policy on investment and finance for a Nang to develop as an economic and tourism centre in the central region. Minh said the city had been seeking funds for the development of fishing ports, forest protection, food safety and tourism promotion. Director of the citys tourism department Ngo Quang Vinh said the central government should create a preferential mechanism for tourism investors as the industry was a major breadwinner for the city. The city also asked the central government to allow it and neighbouring Hue City and Quang Nam Province to open representative offices abroad to promote tourism and grant visas on arrival to tourists. The city has also proposed a pilot project to launch a double-deck bus system to ease traffic congestion and serve tourists. a Nang hosted 4.6 million tourists last year, of which 1.25 million were foreigners. The city has developed 521 resorts and hotels with 19,000 rooms. Tourist real estate remains a favourite investment magnet in this central city, attracting 25 foreign direct investment projects worth US$1.8 billion. The city has so far developed 16 tourist property projects consisting of 749 villas, of which 609 are for sale and 140 for lease. VNS by Gia Loc Propelled by wind power, blades made from plastic basins erected on steel pillars are providing electricity for families in a fishing village on the Red River near Ha Noi. The power systems are installed on boats owned by households in the Su fishing village on the Hong River off Tay Ho District, Ha Noi. The systems measured wind speed is 3 metres per second, sufficient to generate electricity, which is stored in battery accumulators. One resident in the village told online Zing.vn newspaper that the wind turbines turn all day, generating enough electricity for a 9-watt LED light for four to five hours. Most of the 10 families earn a living by transporting pottery or buying waste materials. Before the environmentally friendly system was installed, the familiess power costs were VN200,000-VN300,000 (US$8.9-$13.3) each month. An interior architecture company, which does not want to be named, installed the system in co-operation with non-governmental organisations Plan International and Live & Learn in Viet Nam, and the Australian Agency for International Development. VNS SYDNEY - Australias leaders made last-gasp pitches today to wow voters on the eve of elections as polls pointed to a cliffhanger and the media swung behind "reformer" Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Liberal Turnbull and Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten both campaigned in Sydney on their final day on the hustings as a poll in The Sydney Morning Herald showed them locked in a dead heat on a two-party basis. But the survey of 1,377 people also said that when all candidates were included, 27 per cent planned to vote for the Greens or other minor parties and independents. This raises the prospect of a hung parliament where no side commands a majority in the 150-seat lower house. Another poll in the Sydney Daily Telegraph had the ruling conservatives 51-49 per cent in front on two-party basis. Turnbull, who has capitalised on the instability sparked by Britains decision to exit the European Union, said the uncertainty of a hung parliament would be a disaster as he appealed for voters not to go down that road. "We have seen that film before. Its not a pretty one," he said, referring to the 2010 elections where a similar scenario occurred after Julia Gillard failed to win majority rule. "Right now, Australia needs strong majority government, a clear national economic plan. Thats the economic leadership only the coalition can deliver." He added that the alternative was "chaos, uncertainty, dysfunction, higher deficits, higher debt, higher taxes, less investment, less jobs". "Thats what Labor and the Greens and independents are offering," he said. Economic management has been a key election battleground with last weeks shock decision by Britain stoking anxiety about pressures facing Australias economy. Money on Turnbull The countrys major newspapers are backing the ruling conservatives, with News Corp Australia and Fairfax Media mastheads citing the need for stability. Rupert Murdochs The Australian said Turnbull offered "a path to national economic success", a stance backed by its tabloid stablemate The Daily Telegraph. "The prime minister has demonstrated he knows the importance of a firm rein on public spending and offering a leg up for private sector growth," The Australian said in an editorial of the former banker. "Mr Turnbull may be just the leader to urge the nation back on the path of meaningful reform." The Fairfax-owned Sydney Morning Herald also endorsed Turnbull on its front-page. "Given the choice between a coalition led by the socially progressive economic reformer Mr Turnbull, and a Shorten-led Labor party backed by reform-resistant unions, we support the election of a Turnbull government," it said. One punter is so confident Turnbull will get back in that they staked Aus$250,000 (US$186,000) on it Friday, according to Luxbet, which said it was its biggest ever political bet. "The good news for this punter is that all the money is coming in for the (Liberal-National) coalition, so they arent the only one who thinks Malcolm Turnbull is a safe bet," said Luxbets Shaun Anderson. Ex-union chief Shorten has campaigned on improving health and education while pledging more renewable energy and a fairer tax system, and remained upbeat that Labor could cause an upset. "I hope that weve done enough... It really is now in the hands of the people of Australia," he said. Voting is mandatory in Australia and by mid-week some 2.2 million of the 15.6 million enrolled voters had already cast their ballots at pre-polling stations and via postal votes, the electoral commission said. AFP UNITED NATIONS, United States The UN General Assembly on Thursday elected Italy to the Security Council under a deal that will see the Netherlands take over the seat in a year. The two countries agreed to split the two-year term on the council after five rounds of voting earlier this week ended with a tie. Under the deal, Italy will take up the seat on January 1 and then make way for the Netherlands to take over in 2018. The arrangement is rare but not unprecedented at the United Nations. The last split term was in 1964-65 between what was then Czechoslovakia and Malaysia. Italy was elected with 179 votes in the General Assembly, which has 193 member states. During elections on Tuesday, Kazkahstan was elected to the council for the first time along with Bolivia, Ethiopia and Sweden. The newly-elected countries will take their place alongside the five permanent council members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The other five non-permanent members are: Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay. AFP Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. After Britains referendum in favour of exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU), the central government intends to begin negotiations with that country for signing a Preferential Treatment Agreement (PTA) for duty-free garment export. Iraqi and US-led coalition aircraft decimated the Islamic State group's forces fleeing the area, destroying hundreds of vehicles and killing dozens of jihadists, officials said. Fallujah, a city west of Baghdad, was wrested from IS by Iraqi forces on Sunday after more than two years under the group's control. The strikes which the Iraqi government said took place from Wednesday to Thursday compounded what was already a major defeat for the jihadists. The Pentagon estimated that coalition strikes destroyed some 175 IS vehicles, while Iraq's Joint Operations Command said the country's forces destroyed 603. Those figures could not be independently confirmed. "Over the last two days, the Iraqi security forces and the coalition conducted strikes against two large concentrations of (IS) vehicles and fighters," Pentagon spokesman Matthew Allen said. Allen said the coalition destroyed an estimated 55 vehicles from a convoy that gathered in areas southwest of and a further 120 in an area northwest of the city. "We know the Iraqi security forces destroyed more," he said. Iraq's Joint Operations Command said the air force destroyed 96 vehicles and killed "a large group" of fighters from June 29 to 30, while army aviation destroyed 507 and killed "dozens" over the same period. While the JOC did not provide precise figures for the number of jihadists killed in Iraqi strikes, it said coalition bombing left 349 dead. It was not clear how the dead were counted and identified. The defence ministry released aerial footage showing dozens of vehicles being targeted, and JOC spokesman Yahya Rasool said commandos had also seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition. The strikes targeted massive convoys of IS vehicles including pickup trucks, minibuses and cars. "This is a desperate attempt on the part of the terrorists to flee to their areas in Al-Qaim near the Syrian border and Tharthar," said Anbar Operations Command chief Staff Major General Ismail al-Mahalawi. Pharmaceutical shares are in focus with the Nifty index set to post its biggest weekly gain in past six months after US drug regulator successfully inspected manufacturing facilities of three companies. Pentagon ending transgender ban WASHINGTON (AP) Saying its the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday transgender people will be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces. Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so, said Carter, laying out a one-year plan to implement the change. Under the new policy, by Oct. 1 transgender troops already serving should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identifications in the Pentagons personnel system. And, a year from now, the military services will begin allowing transgender individuals to enlist as long as they meet required standards and have been stable in their identified genders for 18 months. Carters announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders the department is moving too fast. Palestinian kills sleeping Israeli girl JERUSALEM (AP) A Palestinian youth sneaked into a fortified Jewish settlement in the West Bank on Thursday, broke into a home and stabbed to death a 13-year-old Israeli-American girl as she slept in bed before frantic security guards arrived and killed him. The girl, identified as Hallel Yaffa Ariel, became the youngest Israeli victim of a nine-month wave of violence that has seen dozens of Palestinian attacks. The early-morning stabbing, carried out by a 17-year-old Palestinian high school dropout, was among the most brazen attacks so far. Gingrich, Christie eyed as Trumps veep WASHINGTON (WP) Donald Trumps campaign has begun formally vetting possible running mates, with former House speaker Newt Gingrich emerging as the leading candidate, followed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. But there are more than a half-dozen others being discussed as possibilities, according to several people with knowledge of the process. A number of senators including Jeff Sessions (Alabama) and Bob Corker (Tennessee) are also being reviewed. A longer shot on Trumps radar is Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Suicide by job: Farmers top the list NEW YORK (AP) Farmers, lumberjacks and fishermen have the highest suicide rate in the U.S., while librarians and educators have the lowest, according to a large study that found enormous differences across occupations. The study didnt explore the reasons behind the differences, but researchers found the highest suicide rates in manual laborers who work in isolation and face unsteady employment. High rates were also seen in carpenters, miners, electricians and people who work in construction. Mechanics were close behind. Crystal Pepsi returns for summer PURCHASE, N.Y. (AP) PepsiCo is bringing back the 1990s this summer with an eight-week release of Crystal Pepsi, one of the iconic beverages of that decade. The clear cola was originally rolled out nationally in 1993 with a high-profile campaign that included Super Bowl ads featuring Van Halens Right Now. The product was widely regarded as a flop along the lines of New Coke after missing sales targets. WATERLOO An air of potential business swirled around Cedar Valley TechWorks on Thursday afternoon as the University of Northern Iowas Metal Casting Center and Hawkeye Community College, as well as TechWorks, hosted dozens of manufacturers at an open house for their new Additive Manufacturing and Design Center. Organizers say the Additive Manufacturing and Design Center is the most technologically advanced 3D printing and design center in the United States. Jim Howard, plant manager at Hampton-based casting and parts manufacturer Seabee Corp., agreed with them. His company already has done business with the Metal Casting Center, which has been operating for two years. Ive known about the 3-D technology for about 20 years, but the technology hasnt been available to the common manufacturers, Howard said. Since the patents ran out, its become more available because the technology is getting a lot better. Travis Frush, the Metal Casting Centers project manager, was there to offer insights. I was talking about the opportunities to plan different aggregates to deal with a casting issue hes got; we can do that here, Frush said. The Metal Casting Centers Advanced Manufacturing Lab has considered TechWorks Campus its home since 2013, but the addition of the Design Center will allow for greater capabilities and outreach, Pilkington said. The location focuses on additive manufacturing and is home to the Ex-One S-Max, the largest 3D printer of its type in North America. At the open house, tours and demonstrations were given every 30 minutes all afternoon to give the community an opportunity to witness the future of manufacturing and the opportunities now available to students and industry professionals in the area, organizers said. Center directors and UNI students explained the technology, showed printers in action and presented some finished designs, as visitors listened and asked questions. A good blend of smaller to large manufacturers were expected to have representatives at the open house, said Randy Pilkington, director of UNI Business and Community Services. Well also have others from the community that just want to see the progress weve made with this facility, adding the design component, he said as the event got underway. Technology The Defense Department still uses 1980s-era 8-inch floppy disks on computer systems that handle part of Americas nuclear umbrella, including ballistic missiles. Also, according to a May report by the Government Accountability Office, systems using 1970s-era COBOL programing language are still used for key functions of the Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service and Veterans Affairs for tracking beneficiary claims. Agencies have reported recruiting retired employees to return to fix glitches in operating systems long since abandoned by Microsoft and others. Sad but true A watchdog agency monitoring charities revealed in May its choice for worst among those helping U.S. veterans: The National Vietnam Veterans Foundation raised more than $29 million from 2010 to 2014, but wound up donating about 2 cents of every dollar toward actual help. The other 98 cents went to administration and fundraising. Similarly troubling, according to the watchdog, is that the CEO of NVVF is a staff attorney at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is your last chance Suspected drug possessor Darius Dabney finally confessed after a protracted confrontation with the judge in a Cincinnati courtroom in May, a showdown initiated when the judge noticed an overwhelming smell of marijuana accompanying Dabney as he entered the room. Upon extensive questioning, Dabney swore that he had no drugs though the penalty for lying would be immediate jailing, but producing the drugs voluntarily would result only in their being confiscated without charges. One more chance, the exhausted, super-patient judge implored, just to be sure. Dabney then sheepishly pulled out a bag of marijuana. Finally, you come clean, said the judge. Are you sure (now)? Dabney then pulled out another bag. Oh, my lord, said the judge, who still kept his word and only found Dabney in contempt for coming to court high. Crime scenes The Massachusetts attorney general disclosed in May that state crime-lab chemist Sonja Farak, who was fired in 2013, worked high on drugs every day in the lab in Amherst, beginning around 2005. Among her preferred refreshments: meth, ketamine, ecstasy and LSD. Farak worked at a different Massachusetts crime lab than Annie Dookhan, imprisoned in 2013 for improvising damaging lab results on at least 20,000 convicts. Wait, what? Erick Pork Chop Cox, 32, in an angry construction-site clash in DeBary, Fla., in June, used his front-end loader to dump two heaps of dirt onto his boss, Perry Byrd, 57, burying him up to his waist before co-workers intervened. Cox said Byrd had taken the first swing and that he had only accidentally engaged the loader when trying to turn it off, but Byrd claimed that Cox was laughing during the episode. Cox was arrested. WATERLOO Authorities are on the lookout for a man who fled work release while he was serving time for stealing a purse from a home in 2006. David Michael Sherwood, 47, was placed on escape status on Friday after he failed to return from an appointment, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections. Sherwood is described as a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes. He is about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 213 pounds and has tattoos on both arms and his right hand. Sherwood was arrested in June 2006 after he allegedly forced open the door to a Waterloo home, pushed down the woman who lived here and took her purse. He was convicted of first-degree burglary and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was paroled in 2013 but later returned to prison a year later. He was placed on work release in August 2015 and then paroled in October 2015. On June 27, 2016, he was returned to work release following a parole revocation, according to the Department of Corrections. CEDAR FALLS Valley Lutheran High School junior Ardis White has been named a Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student. White is among 14 high school students from across Iowa who are finalists in the 19th annual Uncommon Student Award program based on her project A Microbusiness for Syrian Refugees Living in Jordan. She is the daughter of Robert and Linda White of Waterloo. White will receive a $1,000 award and speak to a selection committee Oct. 12 about her project, which focuses on refugee women producing greeting cards and hand-dyed fabric to become more self-sufficient. Three students will be chosen based on their presentations to receive $5,000 college scholarships. The program, sponsored by the Hoover Presidential Foundation in West Branch, is named for a speech given by the Iowa native and 31st U.S. president. For more information on the program, contact Delene McConnaha at 643-5327 or DMcConnaha@HooverPF.org. DES MOINES Immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with a crime resulting in serious injury or death would be detained automatically by federal officials under legislation introduced Thursday by a group of Republican U.S. senators, including Iowas Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley. The legislation is named Sarahs Law, after Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Council Bluffs woman who was killed by a drunken driver who is accused of living in the country illegally. Eswin Mejia, the accused driver, was not detained after the incident; he was released on bail and fled. Authorities have not been able to locate him since. We have an illegal immigrant who has been able to use the system and abuse the system and not be brought to justice, Ernst said at a news conference announcing the legislation. She was joined by Grassley and Nebraskas Republican senators, Ben Sasse and Deb Fischer. The legislation would require federal officials to take custody of anyone who entered the country illegally, violated terms of their immigration status or had their visa revoked and is charged with a crime resulting in death or serious injury. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials declined to place such a retainer on Mejia, enabling him to post bail. ICE officials told The Des Moines Register they did not retain Mejia because he was not an enforcement priority, having no criminal convictions. If this administration had their priorities right, this legislation wouldnt even be necessary, Grassley said. Because they have a priority of people theyre going to take custody of or not take custody of, and somehow (Mejia) didnt fall into this priority here we are with this person out on the street (who caused) this death as a drunk driver. Sasse piled on federal officials, saying the proposed legislation would make sure ICE never makes this ridiculous decision again. Its ridiculous, Sasse said. "Its a miscarriage of justice, and it should never happen again." A spokeswoman for ICE said the agency is not able to comment on proposed or pending legislation. DECORAH The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors has accepted the resignation of Jeff Chopper Albert, information technology director. Although hes a county employee, the city of Decorah shares Alberts services and pays half of his salary. He has been the IT director since July 2012. In his resignation letter, Albert said it had become increasingly obvious his value and contribution to the county had not been acknowledged or appreciated and never will be. He said Supervisor Dean Thompson had made it his personal endeavor to ensure I have not been valued based on my contribution. At Mondays supervisors meeting, Albert updated supervisors on the status of projects hes been working on and his attempts to wrap up details before his last day. Albert also told the supervisors he wanted to address rumors surrounding his resignation. He said he was not resigning due to the amount of his salary, although Thompson was heavily involved in the way he was treated with regard to pay. Albert also said he had heard Thompson said he was insubordinate. Albert said he attempted to call a meeting to find out what the supervisors issue was with him, but he never responded. Thompson did not comment on any of Alberts statements. After the meeting, Thompson said, An at-will employee of the county and city voluntarily resigned. The county the employer of record today accepted the tendered resignation. Representatives of the city of Decorah were at Mondays meeting, and board chairman John Logsdon asked them how they wanted to proceed following Alberts resignation. City Manager Chad Bird asked supervisors if they intended to hire a replacement who would be shared with the city as Albert had, and Logsdon responded the arrangement seemed to be working to everyones satisfaction. Bird suggested a joint committee convene to review how the job opening will be posted and to review and update a job description. WATERLOO Drivers did double takes in downtown Waterloo and beyond when Rick Stumpff rode his high wheeler through town Friday afternoon. Stumpff, along with his wife, Darla, started their journey with the high-wheel bicycle June 23 in Canada. They are headed to New Orleans on a fundraising adventure. Their ride is in memory of Kody Essary and in honor of Adam Gasper, both past campers of Camp Barnabas, a Christian summer camp in Purdy, Mo., dedicated to providing summer camp experiences to people with special needs, physical or intellectual challenges and their siblings from throughout the United States. The Stumpffs own a funeral home in Kimberling City, Mo. They couple are hoping people will donate to the camp through their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/highwheelrick/. The Cedar Valley has done a commendable job in honoring its veterans with perhaps one possible exception. But first, lets give credit where credit is due. We have regular Honor Flights to Washington, D.C., of veterans from World War II through the Vietnam War. Veterans organization in Waverly have joined forces to create a combined veterans post scheduled to be completed later this year. The Grout Museum has had a year-long exhibit 365 Days and Counting: Iowans in the Vietnam War, commemorating the 50th anniversary of that conflict. Cedar Falls, home to the largest AMVETS post in the state by membership, is finishing improvements to an expansion of Veterans Park along Waterloo Road. Like Cedar Falls with Veterans Park, Waterloos Veterans Memorial Hall regularly sells commemorative bricks to finance the upkeep of that hall and surrounding Soldiers and Sailors Park. The hall celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Veterans in Waterloo also have started a fund drive to replace street flags and brackets on downtown light poles for display during patriotic holidays. After some fits and starts, a new relocated Waterloo Becker-Chapman American Legion Post 138 opened in Waterloo last year. Traditional veterans holidays are faithfully observed as well as special programs commemorating anniversaries of major conflicts. Yet, one anniversary recently passed quietly, at least locally. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, when a U.S.-led coalition of nations drove the forces of Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. The Cedar Valley committed some of its finest to that conflict. The Waterloo Marine Reserve Delta Battery artillery unit, part of the 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, was called to active duty. All 135 Marines returned without a scratch after four months in the Middle East. Pretty good considering D Battery was the first U.S. field outfit to enter Kuwait during the Allied invasion of the small, oil-rich country. During the 100-hour ground war, they stood toe-to-toe with some of Iraqs most trained combat troops. After D Battery landed in Saudi Arabia, veterans said there were plenty of tense moments, from being shelled and taking small arms fire to a British jet accidentally dropping a bomb in the middle of their makeshift compound. It was nonstop action. We were either moving or shooting, Kurt Schreiber, a Cedar Falls police officer who served in the unit, said after returning. They (military officials) expected it would take seven weeks to be in range of Kuwait City. We did it in 24 hours. Waterloos D Battery Marines performed so well they were allowed to bring back a captured Chinese-made Iraqi howitzer, still displayed outside of the reserve center on Burton Avenue. Many local law officers also served in an Iowa Air National Guard military police unit guarding Iraqi prisoners. Mark Saucer, a career U.S Army Special Forces soldier, a 1981 graduate of East High School and the son of late Courier Managing Editor George Saucer, participated in clandestine military operations behind Iraqi lines in advance of the ground assault. The Green Beret was in a picture with U.S. Ambassador Edward Gnehm Jr. raising the flag over the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on Feb. 28, 1991. The 1991 Gulf War may have been eclipsed by later, post 9-11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it should not be ignored. Many Gulf War veterans live and work in our community. Many still deal with the same physical and emotional challenges as veterans of other conflicts. The Iraqi howitzer Delta Battery captured sits near the AMVETS Post in Evandale. It was moved there after the Marine Reserve unit was deactivated following a 2005 deployment to Iraq. One Delta Battery Gulf War veteran has proposed cleaning up that piece and organizing a reunion around it. We support that. Like veterans of our other conflicts, before and since, Gulf War vets deserve recognition and our thanks. Waterloo City Council MINNIE ANDERSON WATERLOO The article about the personality issues present within the council chambers is fascinating that a city mayor shouldnt attend a national conference of mayors. (Steve) Schmitt, (Tom) Lind and (Bruce) Jacobs know better than to spit out ignorant statements. Why was no explanation offered during the meeting? Ticked at the elections outcome? Steve, are you jealous you were not elected mayor? You guys wont be able to rest on your laurels with the new mayor? You could gain respect by telling the truth, or are you afraid that the citizens of Waterloo may be vindicated in thinking three council members would rather spend the citys time being petty and immature? No other mayor has attended this conference, Mr. Schmitt? Do you often speak without doing your due diligence? As a new Waterloo resident who generally votes conservative, I will remember your names and make sure you dont get my vote. I know a mature, intelligent, well spoken 7-year-old who listens well and has very good comprehension. Mr. Schmitt, your lousy attitude is making Waterloo the laughingstock of Iowa. My folks would say Straighten up and fly right! Mayor Hart is doing exactly what he should be doing. Waterloo City Council DENNIS HARBAUGH WATERLOO I dont know Waterloo councilmen Bruce Jacobs, Tom Lind and Steve Schmitt personally, and have no ax to grind with them. But I find their recent behavior bizarre. Recently its become clear this trio has decided to vote as a block against any idea supported by Mayor (Quentin) Hart or other councilpersons. Their intentions are now obvious, and spell trouble for Waterloo residents. Last week they refused to pay for Hart to attend the U.S. Mayors Conference. But after Hart decided to pay his own way because he felt it would benefit Waterloo if he attended, Jacobs, Lind and Schmitt attacked him for that too. Jacobs claim the sponsoring organization is hyper-partisan is simply false. The conference organization president is a Democrat and the vice president leads the national Republican Mayors Association. One gets the impression if Hart announced his support for motherhood and apple pie, this troublemaking trio would criticize him for disrespecting fathers and encouraging unhealthy eating habits. A friendly word of advice to councilmen Jacobs, Lind and Schmitt: Stop. You are embarrassing yourselves. The future of Waterloo is too important to be playing these petty, partisan games. A tree falls BOB BLACK WATEROO Last night a tree fell. This tree had provided a safe environment for all sorts of creatures, to live and prosper for years. I examined the tree and discovered that it had rotted in the center. How similar to a nation I thought. Our nation is grappling with out-of-control legal and illegal drugs (28 million addicted); gun violence (30,000 dead each year); politicians who gain office for the sole purpose of enriching themselves and granting favors to those that pay them the most; and Americans working two or more jobs just to stay above the poverty line. We now live in a society that constantly buries its noses in some electronic device, unable to comprehend the creeping rot around them. There are intelligent solutions to these problems, some hard, some easy, but it takes unity not division. Rod Blum works for Iowa MIKE MCCRARY JANESVILLE -- Monica Vernon says shes a pragmatic voice of leadership as a city councilwoman. It was shocking to learn that she was unable to think of anything off the top of her head that (Congressman) Blum has done in office that she supports. Rod Blum is a staunch proponent of bipartisan reforms including introducing term limits for elected officials and instituting a lifetime lobbying ban on congressional members. He has returned over $100,000 of his operating budget to Iowa taxpayers. Hes backed manufacturers through his support of the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. He has supported veterans by holding career fairs, and honored those such as Iowa Guardsman Terryl Pasker who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Monica Vernon cant bring herself to support even one of these common sense actions? Disagreement on matters of policy is one thing; the decision to casually emb! race hyper-partisan rhetoric for political advantage is inexcusable. If we want better than the petty gridlock we see in Washington, we need an independent voice willing both to work across the aisle and stand up to their own party. Rod Blum has demonstrated he can be that voice. Can the same be said of Monica Vernon? While President Barack Obama ordered flags lowered nationwide after such attacks as the terror strikes in Parisand San Bernardino , California, governors also recognized victims of mass killings and casualties including the shootings of nine black Charleston, South Carolina, churchgoers in what authorities say was a racially motivated massacre; the deaths of 33 mariners when the freighter El Faro sank off the Bahamas in a hurricane; and an assault by radicals on a luxury hotel in Bamako, Mali, in which an aid worker from New Jersey was among the 19 people killed. 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29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) PaulCraigRoberts.org http://www.paulcraigroberts.org The Collapse of Western Democracy Paul Craig Roberts Posted By pcr3 On June 29, 2016 @ 1:04 pm The Collapse of Western Democracy By Paul Craig Roberts Democracy no longer exists in the West. In the US powerful private interest groups, such as the military-security complex, Wall Street, the Israel Lobby, agribusiness and the extractive industries of energy, timber and mining, have long exercised more control over government than the people. But now even the semblance of democracy has been abandoned. In the US Donald Trump has won the Republican presidential nomination. However, Republican convention delegates are plotting to deny Trump the nomination that the people have voted him. The Republican political establishment is showing an unwillingness to accept democratic outcomes. The people chose, but their choice is unacceptable to the establishment which intends to substitute its choice for the peoples choice. Do you remember Dominic Strauss-Kahn? Strauss-Kahn is the Frenchman who was head of the IMF and, according to polls, the likely next president of France. He said something that sounded too favorable toward the Greek people. This concerned powerful banking interests who worried that he might get in the way of their plunder of Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. A hotel maid appeared who accused him of rape. He was arrested and held without bail. After the police and prosecutors had made fools of themselves, he was released with all charges dropped. But the goal was achieved. Strauss-Kahn had to resign as IMF director and kiss goodbye his chance for the presidency of France. Curious, isnt it, that a woman has now appeared who claims Trump raped her when she was 13 years old. Consider the political establishments response to the Brexit vote. Members of Parliament are saying that the vote is unacceptable and that Parliament has the right and responsibility to ignore the voice of the people. The view now established in the West is that the people are not qualified to make political decisions. The position of the opponents of Brexit is clear: it simply is not a matter for the British people whether their sovereignty is given away to an unaccountable commission in Brussels. Martin Schultz, President of the EU Parliament, puts it clearly: It is not the EU philosophy that the crowd can decide its fate. The Western media have made it clear that they do not accept the peoples decision either. The vote is said to be racist and therefore can be disregarded as illegitimate. Washington has no intention of permitting the British to exit the European Union. Washington did not work for 60 years to put all of Europe in the EU bag that Washington can control only to let democracy undo its achievement. The Federal Reserve, its Wall Street allies, and its Bank of Japan and European Central Bank vassals will short the UK pound and equities, and the presstitutes will explain the decline in values as the markets pronouncement that the British vote was a mistake. If Britain is actually permitted to leave, the two-year long negotiations will be used to tie the British into the EU so firmly that Britain leaves in name only. No one with a brain believes that Europeans are happy that Washington and NATO are driving them into conflict with Russia. Yet their protests have no effect on their governments. Consider the French protests of what the neoliberal French government, masquerading as socialist, calls labor law reforms. What the reform does is to take away the reforms that the French people achieved over decades of struggle. The French made employment more stable and less uncertain, thereby reducing stress and contributing to the happiness of life. But the corporations want more profit and regard regulations and laws that benefit people as barriers to higher profitability. Neoliberal economists backed the takeback of French labor rights with the false argument that a humane society causes unemployment. The neoliberal economists call it liberating the employment market from reforms achieved by the French people. The French government, of course, represents corporations, not the French people. The neoliberal economists and politicians have no qualms about sacrificing the quality of French life in order to clear the way for global corporations to make more profits. What is the value in the global market when the result is to worsen the fate of peoples? Consider the Germans. They are being overrun with refugees from Washingtons wars, wars that the stupid German government enabled. The German people are experiencing increases in crime and sexual attacks. They protest, but their government does not hear them. The German government is more concerned about the refugees than it is about the German people. Consider the Greeks and the Portuguese forced by their governments to accept personal financial ruin in order to boost the profits of foreign banks. These governments represent foreign bankers, not the Greek and Portuguese people. One wonders how long before all Western peoples conclude that only a French Revolution complete with guillotine can set them free. Article printed from PaulCraigRoberts.org: http://www.paulcraigroberts.org URL to article: http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2016/06/29/the-collapse-of-western-democracy-paul-craig-roberts/ 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. 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There is a new video in a series of tutorial videos on the page that will assist new users in navigating the platform faster and getting down to work sooner. Jul 1, 2016 | By Benedict Engineers at the University of Sheffield in England have developed an inkjet 3D printing method for printing silk micro-rockets, microscopic swimming devices which can be used in biological environments. The devices could be used for drug delivery or locating cancer cells. Silkworms / Image: Fastily Do silk rockets in flight = additive delight? A group of researchers from the Chemical and Biological Engineering department at the University of Sheffield seem to think so: their newly developed, 3D printable silk micro-rockets, which are biodegradable and harmless to human bodies, could someday be used to combat cancer. And although these microscopic rockets wont be heading to the Moon any time soon, they could represent an important breakthrough for the medical world. Microscopic swimming devices are already used in the human body and other biological environments, but are often fraught with problems. Existing devices can be expensive, difficult to manufacture, and made from materials (polystyrene beads, carbon nanotubes, metals) which require a platinum external layer (or something of the sort) to be able to swim properly. These new 3D printed silk micro-rockets, on the other hand, do not require any platinum armbands to swim through a biological system, and are much safer because of this. To the potential ire of NASA, these tiny rockets, which measure 300 by 100 microns, actually create their own thrust, enabling them to swim through bio fluids. How? A form of inkjet 3D printing is used to deposit a solution of dissolved silk mixed with an enzyme called catalase. Layers of this solution are built up by the printer (a MicroFab drop-on-demand machine equipped with Jetlab software and four 60 m single-nozzle print heads) which also deposits a layer of methanol. A chemical reaction between the methanol and the solution forms the rigid rocket shape of the device, trapping the enzyme within a silk lattice. The catalase then reacts with fuel molecules, producing bubbles which propel the rocket forward. According to the researchers, using silk and a catalase enzyme is much safer than using other substances, making the device a viable option for medical uses, such as locating cancer cells and drug delivery: By using a natural enzyme like catalase and silk which are fully biodegradable, our devices are far more biocompatible than earlier swimming devices, said Dr Xiubo Zhao from The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Sheffield. The inkjet printing technique also allows us to digitally define the shape of a rocket before it's produced. This makes it a lot easier to optimise the shape in order to control the way the device swims. The researchers paper, titled 'Reactive inkjet printing of biocompatible enzyme powered silk micro-rockets, has been published in the journal SMALL. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Jul 1, 2016 | By Alec If youve ever visited a 3D printing conference, such as this weeks Additive Manufacturing Europe 2016 in Amsterdam, youll have noticed that the 3D printing market is becoming saturated and increasingly chaotic. There are dozens of available desktop models, many with comparable characteristics and price classes. Whats more, layers are still as much a problem as ever before, and 3D printing largely remains a one-color affair. Fortunately, a cost-effective alternative is now available on the European market, as Belgian 3D printing service providers 3Dee have begun distributing the Taiwanese 3DPandoras, a multi-color gypsum 3D printer that costs just a third of comparable 3D Systems models. 3Dee, for those non-Belgians out there, is an Antwerp-based 3D printing service that has been making a big name for itself. Started in 2013 as a pop-up store, they have since moved into a 400 m2 experience store in the cultural heart of Antwerp and are becoming a force to be reckoned with. In particular, they stand out for offering 3D printing, 3D scanning and 3D design services to private consumers and businesses (B2B). As co-founder Deepak Mehta explained, they also provide numerous ways for completely inexperienced professionals to explore 3D printing and thats one of the keys to their success. We are not just working on 3D prints, but are helping customers expand their services, he explained to 3desr.org. The idea is, we ask the question why is our customer not 3D printing? We find the restrictions they have, and find ways for them to overcome them. What also happens is that other companies have clients that require 3D design or 3D scanning services, and they send them on to us. But as Mehta explained, they are still largely a B2B business. If you tell a consumer we can 3D print anything you want, they simply get lost. They dont know what they could build. B2B knows what it wants. For instance, there are a lot of designers and architects in the creative industry of the Antwerp museum district. They walk in and know exactly what they want, he says. In an attempt to provide fuller services to those professional clients, 3Dee has even begun distributing 3D printers, including BigRep. More remarkably, they have recently signed a distribution deal with the Taiwanese developers of the 3DPandoras gypsum 3D printer. With this 3D printer, we aim to lower the bar for companies who want to get started with 3D printing, Mehta explained. The 3D printer fits in the philosophy of getting people to adopt 3D printing, because it offers a professional solution that is affordable for a wide range of customers. Its the first powder-based 3D printer in this price range, which allows you to have design flexibility as well as rapid prototyping in house. Of course that 3D printer has been around since 2014, but 3Dee is now the first to bring it to Europe. But even nearly two years after its release, the 3DPandoras is still very impressive. Comparable to the Z-corp gymsum 3D printer (now part of 3D Systems) in many ways, it 3D prints very detailed multi-colored gypsum parts and is perfect for, among others, 3D printed full-body selfies and other very visually-oriented prints. And as Mehta explained to 3ders.org, the quality is excellent. The 3DPandoras actually does the same as the Z-corp does, so gymsum, multi-colored 3D printed powder. Geometry wise, its 100 percent comparable to the Z-corp. Color-wise, it has a higher saturation, so the colors come out more intense. The greens are more green, the reds are more red and the clients like that. We are also working with a company to calibrate the colors for optimal performance, he revealed. But most importantly, its very accessible, starting at 17,000 excluding taxes. Thats a third of the cost of the Z-corp, and material costs is an average of 0.16 per cubic centimeter, which is half of the competitors costs. That enables a new set of business models. A 3D printed selfie costs just 25 euros to print instead of 40, for instance. And that, he adds makes 3D printing much more commercially interesting. From our own perspective, we saw that many 3D printing applications werent mass-marketable. So once we got in touch with the 3DPandoras people, we found that a lot more was possible, Mehta argued. Whats more, its also very practical in use as the 3DPandoras is easy to operate and doesnt even need support structures. As such artists, museums, architecture firms and design studios are all among 3Dees targets right now. If youre interested, check out 3Dees website here. We distribute all over Europe, from Croatia to the UK, Mehta concluded. 3D Pandoras specifications: Layer Thickness0.08 - 0.2 mm (0.1 mm recommend) Input Data File Format: STL, VRML, WRL (PLY, 3DS, OBJ can be translated) Color Basic K+Full CMY Number of Jets4608 Number of Printhead1 Power Supply90-10, 8A | 110-120, 6A | 200-240, 4A Build Volume Size: 300 * 292 * 140mm3 ( or 11.8'' * 11.5'' * 5.5") Resolution: 9600 * 2400 dpi Prototyping: 5-10 mm / hr ( or 0.2-0.4 inch / hr) Machine Size: 100 * 80 * 170 cm3 ( or 39.4'' * 31.5" * 66.9'') Weight: 120 kg ( or 265 lbs) Materials: Gypsum Powder, Clear Binder, Curing Agent, CMYK Ink Posted in 3D Printer Maybe you also like: Lhawang N wrote at 11/1/2018 7:54:18 PM:3D Pandoras have not sent me any Printer yet after more than 4 years now. I paid more than 12.000 US$. Are the any other guy who also having same problem like me? Please contact me. I just wanted to know how many people out there facing same problem like me at adanala@ymail.com Jul 1, 2016 | By Andre When I was tasked to write about concrete business cards and how 3D printing can help make them happen the first thing that crossed my mind was what? But then as I started into the Instructables entry that dealt with the topic I was relieved by its opening: Ever see those concrete busines cards online? Ah, yes, the internet. Of course there is such a thing as concrete business cards so why shouldnt an intructable be made to assist in the making of them? The premise is to create a very thin concrete sheet that is strong enough to take a little bit of handling and flex without instantly shattering into pieces. To complete this task, Singapore based Instructables user UCN casted concrete directly into 3D printed moulds and a variety of 3D printed meshes to act as a reinforcement structure hidden within the card. From a technical perspective, the moulds were printed on a standard FDM filament based 3D printer using PLA plastic. With overall card dimensions of 90x50x2.5mm and with little concern about print resolution he went with 0.5mm layer height and a 20% fill. From what Im seeing, any number of combination of print settings would have produced similar workable results so it makes sense to save a bit of time with a low layer height. The meshes themselves were done at the same setting. In this case, its possible that the thicker layer height would increase the strength of the mesh vs. a higher resolution (more layers could mean inconsistency in fusing plastic and thus a weaker overall structure, but in all likelihood any layer height would have sufficed from a 3D print perspective. Once the printed parts were complete he was ready to move into card production. By using a consistent 4:3 cement to water ratio and a silicone sprayed 3D printed mould, he poured the concrete and let it sit overnight (while making sure the surface was flush and smooth). The next day, he was able to bend the PLA plastic mould out and thanks to the silicone lubricant it separated without too much trouble. After settling another day, experiments on load testing commenced. Almost immediately, and without much surprise, the pure concrete sample card broke with a load of just 160g. The version with a diagonal 3D printed mesh on the other hand didnt begin to crumble and bend until 595g. A third effort with a square mesh buckled at 670g but it was the fourth attempt that began to yield the results he was after. Using the same card dimensions as before, but this time the design file had a frame incorporated right in, the fail-weight averaged out at 1680g. An entire KG more than the second most successful effort! The problem, unfortunately is that the frame showed through the card and lacked the seamless structure he was after. As the Instructables continues to explain his project, he suggests ABS might be a better alternative than PLA and that non-3D printed meshes (such as mosquito netting) might yield similar findings. And while the end-result of his experimentation might seem impractical to some. He hopes that what is learned during this process can be translated into other projects such as RC building. In the end, trying new things and experimenting with failure is never a bad thing, and at the very least he can impress his friends with his very own concrete business cards. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Don S wrote at 7/9/2016 7:51:01 PM:Nick is spot on ...first thing I noticed was too much water, his mix suggestions would yield an end product twice as durable, but likely way beyond what was achieved in a shorter curing cycle....But was a neat experimentNick Gencarelle wrote at 7/1/2016 8:29:31 PM:Too much water and he could try a geopolymer or UHPC version with a basalt scrim. Roslyn Fuller and Andrew Sullivan in the LA Review of Books: ANDREW SULLIVANS RECENT New York magazine essay,Democracies End When They Are Too Democratic, rattled many a reader and provoked a heated debate that spilled over to the pages of The New York Times, among other publications (seehere). Sullivans provocative thesis is that the United States, in this election year of the Trump candidacy, may be perilously close to a collapse into tyranny precisely because it is too democratic drawing on Platos critique of the instability of a government by the people. To the exact contrary is the view of LARB contributor Roslyn Fuller, whose recent book Beasts and Gods: How Democracy Changed Its Meaning and Lost Its Purpose takes the American system to task for modeling itself on the Roman Republic instead of the Athenian democracy; that is, for not being democratic enough. We invited Roslyn Fuller to offer a riposte to Sullivans views, and gave Andrew Sullivan an opportunity to reply which he embraced. What follows is Fullers all-out attack on the notion that we may be suffering from a surfeit of democracy and Sullivans reply. Don Franzen, Los Angeles Review of Bookss Law Editor America Needs More Democracy, Not Less by Roslyn Fuller It is said that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and nowhere was this more apparent to me than when reading Andrew Sullivans recent article inNew York magazine. In it, Sullivan uses a smattering of knowledge about ancient Greece to declare that the United States is falling apart because it has too much democracy. In Sullivans view, just like the ancient Greeks, we have become a permissive and disorganized society, incapable of passing any judgment on ourselves and decaying from within. The final proof: Donald Trump. It would be a much more convincing argument if ancient Greek democracy had decayed from within or if it had looked anything like what passes for democracy in the United States of America. But while Sullivan complains about others lack of judgment, he falls into the opposite category judging in ignorance. More here. Mary L. Dudziak in Dissent: As the Obama administration announced plans to step up its military campaign against ISIS this spring, a twenty-eight-year-old army officer, Captain Nathan Michael Smith, took President Barack Obama to court. He argued that the war against ISIS is illegal because Congress has not authorized it. Smiths action highlights persistent problems with the legal basis for the military campaign, and has generated interest and support from leading legal scholars. And so President Obama, a law professor turned president who pledged to bring in the rule of law to restrain presidents use of force, finds himself the target of a lawsuit arguing that his own military initiative is unlawful. Captain Smith is stationed in Kuwait, as part of the American military effort to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. His claimed injury is that fighting an illegal war requires him to violate his oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. His lawsuit challenges the fractured logic of the legal basis for the military campaign, including the idea that the Authorization for the Use of Military Force against those who perpetrated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and their supporters somehow extends to an organization that did not exist at the time. But something more fundamental underlies this dispute. The reason the president has been unable to get Congress to pass a new war authorization isnt because Congress opposes military action against ISIS, and it isnt a simple matter of partisan stalemate. It is because there is no real political constituency for military matters. Faraway conflicts upend lives on the battlefield. As long as someone elses family does the fighting, U.S. military operations have little impact on Americans at home. Most Americans are protected from the costs of armed conflict. There is no required military service since Congress eliminated the draft in 1973. Other changes in the way the country wages warrelying on contractors to reduce the number of troops, and on technologies that make war appear more precise and less destructivecontribute to a buffer between American civilians and the wars their country is fighting. Without voters paying attention, neither the president nor Congress is held accountable. More here. Hillary Chute reviews Bart Beaty new book in Critical Inquiry: The cultural legitimization of comics; it is a topic that I, a scholar of contemporary literature and visual culture who has focused on comics, find singularly boring. It can feel backwards looking, instead of forward thinking. I certainly note this issue constantly, a natural impulse, as I track the public discourse around anything that compels me, but I have found that today the question of how and if comics is legitimated is often the least interesting avenue of inquiry one could consider about the form. I am, however, fascinated by the question of what constitutes art, as a practice and as material iterationand how the form of comics has presented a productive challenge, particularly in the post WWII period, to conceptions of art and literature, and how and where they meet. Bart Beatys Comics versus Art, with its polemical title and 1978 Gary Panter illustration of a cape and beret-sporting superhero on the cover, appears a welcome and exciting contribution; finally someone, I thought, will wade right into these murky waters for the length of entire monograph, unfolding connections and possibilities; the title must just be a hook. Beaty, an English professor at Toronto who published the excellent studies Frederic Wertham and the Critique of Mass Culture (2005) and Unpopular Culture: Transforming the European Comic Book in the 1990s(2007), among others, has also translated some of the most sophisticated French scholarship on comics by Thierry Groensteen and Thierry Smolderen. But the simplicity of the title is the real critical framework here. Beaty interrogates the specific historical and social processes that have led to the devaluation of comics as a cultural form and takes note of the recent rise to art world prominence of (certain kinds of) comics. . . . In an increasingly postmodern world in which the distinction between high and low culture is often assumed to have been eroded, outmoded biases continue to persist (p. 7). Beaty argues throughout, predictably, that the art world hasnt accepted comics on its own terms, yet. Specifically, Beaty is interested in analyzing comics from a sociological perspective as its own distinct art world and network. Inspired by Howard Saul Beckers 1982 Art Worlds (along with Pierre Bourdieu and a smattering of Friedrich Nietzsches theory ofressentiment), he disputes what he suggests are formalist definitions of comics that ignore the comics world and its relation to cultural value. More here. Daniel E. Ho and Becky Elias examined whether peer review for public servants can make the law more consistent in Boston Review: Like many good arguments, this one started over a stiff drink. An Earl Grey MarTEAni, to be precise. In January 2010, Nathalie Louissaint, a New York City health inspector, visited Pegu Club, an upscale cocktail bar. She watched as the bartender mixed the signature tea-infused drink. Borrowing a technique from the nineteenth century, the bartender added raw egg whites, which give the drink a silky body and an alluring layer of foam. Louissaint decided that the raw egg warning on the menu was insufficient and cited the bar for a health code violation. The citation outraged many. Paul Clarke, a Seattle-based food writer, was perplexed by the departments rigid position on raw eggs, writing on the website Serious Eats, Does this mean the health department will begin targeting restaurants that serve raw eggs in a Caesar salad? Others decried the health departments seeming mandate to use pasteurized eggs, but those, said Pegu Club owner Audrey Sanders, impart this really funky wet-diaper nose. One bartender, who insisted on anonymity for fear of reprisal, told the New York Times, If they make it illegal to serve egg-white drinks, that would be Hurricane Katrina for us. In response to the uproar, the health department overruled the inspector. This confusion is no outlier. Nationwide, implementation of health codes varies dramatically across inspectors and health departments. In Seattle, two inspectors observed Caesar salad dressing prepared with raw (unpasteurized) eggs in the same restaurant, but disagreed about whether to cite a violation. Contrary to New York City health department guidelines, New York States website doesnt mention menu warnings, instead admonishing, Consider using commercially pasteurized eggs in recipes that use eggs or consider removing the item from your menu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) document that 80 percent of restaurants nonetheless use unpasteurized eggs. When it comes down to it, the marTEAni fight is not so much about eggs as it is an endemic challenge across government. From airport security checkpoints and routine traffic stops to home construction permits, citizens and government interact frequently through individual officials. At times, the decisions of these frontline government officials can seem disturbingly arbitrary. More here. Ara H. Merjian at Bookforum: Setting out in his Fiat 1100 from the Ligurian coast in June of 1959, Pier Paolo Pasolini spent the next couple months wending his way around Italys seemingly endless shoreline, arrivingat summers endin the northeastern seaport of Trieste, not far from the Slovenian border. Commissioned by the magazine Successo, Pasolinis spirited travelogue appeared in successive issues, illustrated with shots by the photographer Paolo di Paolo of chaises longues and beachside cafes, the holiday jet-set and throngs of teenagers clad in swimwear. Expertly translated by Stephen Sartarelli (whose renderings of Pasolinis poetry came out from University of Chicago Press in 2014), this handsome English-language edition of Pasolinis features photographs by Philippe Seclier, who retraced Pasolinis journey, taking images that provide striking counterpoints to the text and update di Paolos repertoire in a more personal, intimate vernacular. A notoriously heretical Marxist and sworn enemy of modernity, Pasolini calls to mind anything but the bourgeois trappings of success. His verse, cinema, journalism, and theater waged, in fact, tireless opposition against Italys neo-capitalist transformation, in nearly every medium imaginable. Yet here, just as the countrys post-war economic miracle picks up steam, we find Pasolini waxing enthusiastic about its future, reveling in those countless pockets of dialect and regional culture that still marked the peninsulas coast, from sprawling resort towns to tiny fishing villages. more here. Kevin and Loni met three years ago through Loni's roommate. They both love to escape the busy city and head to Lake Tahoe on the weekends to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. On one of their trips up to South Lake Tahoe, they decided it would be wonderful to get married barefoot on the sand in Emerald Bay. They live in San Francisco with their golden retriever, Sierra, who is their biggest joy and was even a part of the wedding walking down the aisle in her big blue ribbon to match Loni's. The wedding was very much a DIY event. Loni and her friends made most of the decorations including the cute burlap signs and table runners. They had a super cute candy table full of all their favorite sweets for guests to fill up in their burlap bags to take home as gifts. The cake was absolutely beautiful topped with lovebirds and plated on a big wooden board to match the Tahoe trees. Loni wore a beautiful Lian Carlo dress with detailed lace and a thick blue ribbon around the waist. So chic! Her make up was done perfectly natural for a summer wedding on the sand by the talented Annie Miller from Benefit Cosmetics. Photographer:Ashley Paige Photography Hair Stylist:Etch Salon Floral Designer:Rose Petals Reception Venue:Rockwater Murphy's Irish Pub Cake Designer:The Cork & More Makeup Artist:Benefit Cosmetics Living in the Bay Area means that our average, everyday views are some of the best in the world. Here are five of our favorite short hikes with spectacular vistas along the way. Hike San Francisco's Lands End Trail Been talking about doing this one for a while and still haven't made it out to the northwest corner of San Francisco? Bite the bullet and head to Lands End this weekend, where four miles of beautiful, well-maintained trails will give you views of China Beach, Sutro Baths, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hike isn't strenuous at all, so it's a good place to bring family. Learn more. Inside Tip: While you're on the Coastal Trail, look for a turnoff to Mile Rock Beach. Follow the signs and you'll find yourself at a large stone labyrinth created by artist Eduardo Aguilera in 2004. Take in Epic Coastal Views in Marin It takes no time at all to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach, and the sunset views that await you at the Muir Beach Overlook make the jaunt worth your while. The overlook is set a mile north of the main beach; park in the nearby lot, walk five minutes, and you're there. So, definitely more view than hike on this one. On a clear day, you'll be able to see miles up and down the coastline and all the way to the Farallon Islands. This overlook also provides a pretty spectacular spot to take in the sunset, but be sure to bring layers; it quickly gets chilly when the sun goes down. Learn more. Inside Tip: From December through spring, thousands of gray whales migrate from their Arctic feeding grounds down to Baja, Californiaand they hug the California coastline the entire way. Head to the overlook and there's a good chance you'll see some passing by. Hike to the Peak of Angel Island The largest island in the Bay, Angel Island is a short ferry ride away and full of hiking trails and campsites not to mention spectacular views of San Francisco. Hike the five-mile perimeter loop, which gets you a 360-degree look around the bay and takes you to the top of Mt. Livermore, the highest point on Angel Island. Learn more. Inside Tip: Enjoying island life? Reserve a campsite and stay overnight to see San Francisco all lit up. *UPDATE July 6, 2020: Campsites on Angel Island are currently closed due to COVID-19. Please check the official website for updates. Hike and Picnic at Tank Hill Want the views of Twin Peaks without the crowds of tourists? Then Tank Hill is for you. Tucked away in Cole Valley, Tank Hill is something of a hidden gem it's hard to find unless you know it's there. Drive to the eastern dead end of Belgrave Avenue and follow the small path up to the 650-foot summit, where you'll get views spanning from the Marin Headlands to the southern end of the East Bay. Learn more. Inside Tip: There's only one bench up there, but more than enough space to spread out a picnic blanket. Grab supplies at the market on Cole Street and lunch alfresco. Climb the East Bay's Tallest Peak We might have said these were short hikes, but the climb up Mt. Diablo is a bit more than that. At 3,849 feet tall, this is the East Bay's highest peak, and the trail leading up to its summit is 6.8 miles long which, of course, leaves another 6.8 miles for you on the way down. Bring hiking boots, lots of water, and snacks, and know that your effort will be rewarded with spectacular Bay views once you get to the top. Learn more. Inside Tip: Walnut Creek's L Beercafe & Bottle Shop(1541 Giammona Dr.)is open for to-go beers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent efforts on the judicial and legislative fronts to make flag burning illegal again have failed. Myth #6: It's illegal to wear clothing bearing the flag Wearing clothing made from an actual American flag would be a breach of etiquette, according to the American Legion, but it said you wouldn't be breaking the law by wearing clothing bearing a flag design: People are simply expressing their patriotism and love of country by wearing an article of clothing that happens to be red, white, and blue with stars and stripes. There is nothing illegal about the wearing or use of these items." Myth #7: A flag that touches the ground must be destroyed According to the Flag Code, the American flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, the floor or the water. People have taken that to mean that if it ever does that, then it should be destroyed, said Jeff Hendricks, deputy director of Americanism at the American Legion. However, that's not necessarily the case. Flags should be destroyed only when they are no longer in good enough condition to be displayed. If touching the ground didn't render the flag unfit for display, then it shouldn't be destroyed. Once a flag is unfit for display, burning it is the preferred method of destruction. Myth #8: The flag should never be flown at night Although it's customary to display the American flag from sunrise to sunset, the flag can be displayed 24 hours a day as long as it is illuminated through the night, according to the Flag Code. "What we've taken that to mean is that it must have sufficient light that the average passerby can readily identify it as the flag of the United States, Hendricks said. Myth #9: Only a veteran's coffin can be draped with the American flag "Nowhere in [the Flag Code] does it say that the flag may only cover the casket of a veteran, said Hendricks, noting that the myth may stem from the fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides flags for the services of veterans and active-duty service members. However, there's nothing in the language of the Flag Code that would prevent anyone else from having a flag that covers their casket." When a flag is used to cover a coffin, it should be placed with the union the blue field with stars at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground. Myth #10: The flag must always be folded into a triangle for storage Folding a flag into a triangle for storage, with only the blue union and stars visible, is part of tradition, said Hendricks, not a requirement of the Flag Code. Flags on a staff are properly stored in an entirely different manner that doesn't involve folding. "Flags that are affixed to a staff are typically rolled around the staff and then a burlap case is placed over the flag and staff, he said. So, at that point, you can handle it like luggage. It's been properly stored." Editors note: This article, originally published July 2, 2020, has been updated with additional information. Outstanding Drilling From Essex Perth, July 1, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Blackham Resources Ltd ( ASX:BLK ) ("Blackham") is pleased to announce the latest results from extension drilling at the Matilda Gold Project in Eestern Australia. Highlights: - Successful extensions to high grade shoots at the Essex deposit: o 6m @ 3.47g/t Au from 104m, o 6m @ 8.99g/t Au from 119m, o 19m @ 6.71g/t Au from 128m and o 18m @ 4.88g/t from 181m WURC0009 o 5m @ 10.8g/t Au from 134m WURC0008 - Resource updates underway with latest drilling results - Follow up drilling planned for September quarter to test both open pit and underground potential - Mineralisation is within 30m of existing underground access Three RC holes for a total of 720m have recently been completed at the Essex deposit (Figure 1 in link below). Holes were designed to test areas close to existing underground development to ensure that any extensions to mineralisation could be rapidly converted into the mine plan. Drilling has returned outstanding results including 5m @ 10.8g/t Au from 134m including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au in WURC0008, 6m @ 3.47g/t Au from 104m including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au, 6m @ 8.99g/t Au from 119m including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au, 19m @ 6.71g/t Au from 128m including 5m @ 19.7g/t Au and 18m @ 4.88g/t Au from 181m including 7m @ 8.81g/t Au in WURC0009. Follow up drilling is currently being planned and a revision of the resource estimate at Essex is underway. Blackham's Managing Director, Mr Bryan Dixon commented: "Blackham's strategy is to chase open pit and shallow underground mineralisation close to existing infrastructure. The latest Essex drilling has confirmed there is further high grade shallow mineralisation along the Wiluna East Lode Fault. Leveraging off the existing data is allowing Blackham to add significant ounces to its mine plan very cheaply." ESSEX RC DRILL RESULTS Essex is typical Wiluna style shear hosted sulphide mineralisation. Historical drilling has returned broad high grade intercepts which remain open along strike and down dip including 16m @ 19.1g/t Au and 12m @ 12.1g/t Au. A program of three RC holes has been completed targeting extensions of mineralisation in close proximity to existing infrastructure (Figure 1 in link below). All holes targeted extensions of mineralisation within 150m of existing infrastructure at depths of less than 500m from surface. Due to the proximity to infrastructure, any economic mineralisation intersected will require limited additional capital development to access and is likely to allow rapid conversion into the mine plan. Exceptional results have been received from two holes (WURC0008 and WURC0009) in a number of lodes within a southerly plunging zone. WURC0009 (Figure 2 and Figure 3 in link below) intersected 6m @ 3.47g/t Au from 104m (including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au), 6m @ 8.99g/t Au from 119m (including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au), 19m @ 6.71g/t Au from 128m (including 5m @ 19.7g/t Au) and 18m @ 4.88g/t Au from 181m (including 7m @ 8.81g/t Au) and WURC0008 intersected 5m @ 10.8g/t Au from 134m (including 3m @ 16.4g/t Au) (Figure 3). The third hole, (WURC0007) intersected the Essex structure above the southerly plunging shoot (Figure 3). Results of all assays received testing the Essex deposit are given in Table 1. The underground development is accessed via the Creek Sheer decline and an exploration drill drive to within 30m of the high grade mineralisation. An exploration drive off the Happy Jack Underground was used to drill the historical holes EDH00010 16m@ 19.1g/t Au and EDH00014 10m @ 4.3g/t Au (Figure 2) however these holes have never been followed up. The current mineralisation is currently being re-modelled and shows both underground and open pit mining potential. Matilda Gold Resources The Matilda Gold Project has an updated Mineral Resource of 48Mt @ 3.3g/t for 5.1Moz (48% indicated) of all within a 20 kilometres radius of Blackham's 100% owned Wiluna gold plant capable of processing up to 1.7Mtpa for over 100,000ozpa gold production. Measured and indicated resources now total 22Mt @ 3.4g/t for 2.4Moz (refer to BLK ASX release dated 27/06/2016). To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/Q908872X About Wiluna Mining Corporation Ltd Wiluna Mining Corporation (ASX:WMC) (OTCMKTS:WMXCF) is a Perth based, ASX listed gold mining company that controls over 1,600 square kilometres of the Yilgarn Craton in the Northern Goldfields of WA. The Yilgarn Craton has a historic and current gold endowment of over 380 million ounces, making it one of most prolific gold regions in the world. The Company owns 100% of the Wiluna Gold Operation which has a defined resource of 8.04M oz at 1.67 g/t au. In May 2019, a new highly skilled management team took control of the Company with a clear plan to leverage the Wiluna Gold Operation's multi-million-ounce potential. Exploring local and indigenous ingredients is what Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. aims for when making its beer. The aesthetically pleasing 15-barrel brewpub features a cozy, rustic Southwestern-inspired atmosphere. It has been in business about four months and boasts an impressive 11 taps of its staple beers and seasonals, including Tumbling Water American Wheat; Sun Dagger Belgian Saison; Flint & Grit English Mild Hybrid, which features local blue corn; Crossed Arrows Scotch Ale; Hoka Hey India Pale Ale; Jemez Field Notes Golden Lager; Bison Eye Rye Pale Ale; Wayward Arrow Hefeweizen; Rustic Oak Robust Porter and Wildorado Unfiltered Wild Rice Pale Ale. I enjoy getting to mess around and push the boundaries within a style, which has been kind of fun, head brewer Luke Steadman said. Honestly, it depends on my mood and what direction I feel like heading. Its really difficult to say, because theres seasonal reasons to drink them; it just depends on the time of year; it just depends on the mood and the day, things like that. Theyre all good to celebrate with, so thats the main objective. Steadman recently released a seasonal named SouthZest Citrus Lager. This one is another version of our golden lager called Jemez Field Notes, he said. This one is essentially the same malt build, which has the same kind of backbone to it, but we added more hops, and then on top of that we added an abundant amount of orange peel and lemon peel and that kind of gave it some citrus aromatics and changed the bitterness of it a little bit so its got a little tartness to it. Steadman, 28, begin brewing professionally at age 19 at Sprague Farm & Brew Works in Pennsylvania, which grew and used its own ingredients, including hops and barley. Steadman later traveled around, brewing at different places until he took the head brewer position at Bow & Arrow. Bow & Arrow is the creation of Shyla Sheppard, a Stanford graduate who left her job in social impact investing to start and operate Bow & Arrow and Missy Begay, internal medicine physician at the University of New Mexico. We love craft beer, not only drinking it but really kind of exploring it, pairing it with food and brewing it and really getting the sense of the ingredients and the characteristics they impart on beers, Sheppard said. All of us are really curious people. With my business background, I started paying attention to the industry and the regulatory environment that we have here in New Mexico, and I just couldnt help to start to think about how it might come together as a business. We also really love design and entertaining people and took the opportunity to create a space for people to come and enjoy our products. SANTA FE A federal court jury this week cleared two former executives of Thornburg Mortgage of five counts and was was unable to decide on five others after a month-long trial on civil accounting fraud charges. The now-defunct Santa Fe lender was once New Mexicos largest publicly held company. The Securities and Exchange Commission, in a 2012 lawsuit, maintained that Thornburg executives Larry Goldstone, Clarence G. Simmons III and Jane E. Starrett hid the companys deteriorating financial condition at the onset of the housing market collapse by issuing misleading statements, including hiding a $428 million loss in a 2007 annual report. Starrett, who was Thornburg Mortgages chief accounting officer, reached a settlement with the SEC late last month, just before trial in front of U.S. District Judge James O. Browning in Albuquerque. She agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty and cant practice as an officer or director in a publicly traded company for three years. The claims against Goldstone, who was CEO, and Simmons, the chief financial officer, proceeded to trial. After Wednesdays verdicts, the SEC could retry the counts on which the jury couldnt reach unanimous consent, which include the most serious allegation of fraud or lying to auditors. Our hope is that reason and rationality will prevail and the SEC will drop the case, said Randall Lee of Los Angeles, who is among the attorneys representing Goldstone and Simmons. I think the verdict sent a pretty resounding message about the weakness of the SEC case as whole, Lee added. Were gratified that the jury apparently saw through the overblown and overhyped nature of the case. Of Goldstone and Simmons, he added, The fact that this case has been hanging over their heads for eight long years is a travesty. He said both still live in Santa Fe and work in consulting. SEC Enforcement Division Director Andrew Ceresney said in statement: We believe strongly in our case and we will continue to explore all options, including a prompt retrial. Goldstone and Simmons have always disputed the charges, calling them wholly without merit when the case was filed. The said they had been singled out for not having the clairvoyance to anticipate an unprecedented financial system crisis. The SEC sought unspecified fines and restitution from all three and wanted them to be barred from serving as officers or directors of any public company. Thornburg Mortgages 2009 bankruptcy filing, listing $36.5 billion in assets, was among the largest in U.S. history. Donald Hoerl, director of the SECs Denver Regional Office, said in 2012, Thornburgs executives schemed to drop a disingenuous annual report into the public realm at the most opportune moment possible while knowing it was merely the calm before the next storm. Garrett Thornburg, the mortgages companys namesake founder and board chairman before the collapse, was not named as a defendant in the SEC action or otherwise implicated in the case. Thornburg Mortgage changed its name to TMST Inc. in the midst of its collapse, in an effort to separate still-thriving Thornburg Investment Management from the mortgage lenders problems. SANTA FE Missing hiker Robert Goldsbury was found near Lake Katherine in the Santa Fe National Forest Wednesday evening after a day-long search, according to State Police Search and Rescue Resource Officer Bob Rodgers. Rodgers said Goldsbury, 70, was found fine and well around 6 p.m. Wednesday after Goldsburys hiking partner reported him missing at 4:35 a.m. Wednesday morning. The two got separated Tuesday afternoon while hiking the Winsor Trail, Rodgers said. Rodgers said three ground crews and a helicopter searched for Goldsbury Wednesday. A scheduled vote recount of a southwest New Mexico legislative primary race will move forward as planned Friday, after the Supreme Court rejected one of the candidates request for a delay. Scott Chandler, a Deming Republican, had asked the Supreme Court to halt the automatic recount, arguing the procedures for the recount had not been properly laid out. But the Supreme Court denied the petition this afternoon in a unanimous one-page ruling. Based on unofficial vote results, Chandler had 16 votes less than his Republican opponent, Vicki Chavez of Deming, with a total of 1,768 ballots cast in the House District 32 race. However, the margin was narrow enough to trigger an automatic recount under state law one of two House primary races to meet that definition. The State Canvassing Board approved the recounts in both races at a meeting earlier this week. Blair Dunn, Chandlers attorney, lamented the Supreme Courts decision in a statement released this afternoon. We are disappointed they did not help ensure the publics confidence in the election process by requiring transparency and due process of the law for the candidates, Dunn said. We will try to do the best we can in the recount , after having been stonewalled for information and procedures to be followed by the Secretary of State. Chandler, who owns Tierra Blanca Ranch in Sierra County, was the target of a barrage of hard-hitting campaign mailers sent in the days leading up to the June 7 primary election. The mailers were sent by Advance New Mexico Now, a Super PAC run by Gov. Susana Martinezs political adviser, Jay McCleskey, and highlighted past abuse allegations against a youth program run by Tierra Blanca Ranch. Pigs dont have the greatest reputation. The word is probably used more as an insult than as a reference to a real animal. If you meet a pig, though, you might feel differently. People will come and volunteer with us and most of them have never been around pigs, says Jen Reid, manager of Marshalls Piggy Paradise at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. They go away smitten. Their fans say pigs are funny, smart and full of personality. So then why do they end up in a sanctuary? Time and again its the same story: People say, We bought a pig a year and a half or two years ago, and the breeder told us it would not get larger than 40 pounds, Reid says. Then the animal grows to 150 or 250 pounds or more. Thats what happened to Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter, whose Esther the Wonder Pig is now famous online. Theyve written a book (Esther the Wonder Pig: Changing the World One Heart at a Time, with Caprice Crane, Grand Central Publishing, 2016) about the tiny piglet who grew up to weigh 650 pounds. Pigs are curious and strong. That became clear long before Esther was her full size. When Esther was about 250 or 300 pounds, she stuck her nose under the couch and lifted the whole thing in the air with us sitting on it, Jenkins says. Their jaw strength is just as impressive. When she was only about 100 pounds, Esther got into a cupboard full of canned goods. She crushed those cans like they were butter, he says. Pigs can be housetrained, but Walter calls their experience memorable. We were going through a rainforest worth of paper towels, he says. Imagine throwing 3 gallons of water on the floor how many towels youd need. They tried to train her to use a litter box indoors, but eventually even a kiddie pool wasnt big enough. When they switched to outdoors, she tried to train them: Shed ask to go out constantly, pretend to pee, and then come running for her treat. Having a pig in the house changed everything and not just in the house. Before Esther, the house was immaculate, the yard was immaculate, says Jenkins. But one of a pigs fundamental needs is to root around in the dirt. She didnt want to just eat the grass, she wanted to flip it over because she likes the roots, he says. If none of that puts you off and youre still passionate about having a pig, first check zoning regulations. If they define pigs as livestock and youre not zoned for livestock, your pet is illegal as Esther was, in their first home. Then, be very careful about what youre getting. Candace Croney, associate professor of animal sciences at Purdue University, says it is possible to breed pigs in the 40- or 50-pound range that some breeders claim to offer, but you should ask about the parents size and the average adult size of their previous litters. Be prepared to maintain a healthy weight for a pet pig. Many of those that come to Best Friends Sanctuary are grossly overweight. Remember, says Croney, that pigs are both very smart and genetically programmed to spend most of their day looking for food. The ones that are really good pet pigs, that are offering us cute behaviors, will learn very quickly that thats how you get extra food out of people, she says. And because pigs were domesticated and bred to be meat animals, they tend to put on weight quickly. Having pigs with other pets can also be a challenge. Pigs are social animals, but their interactions are particular to their species. They have little posturing, challenging matches its part of their innate behavior, says Reid. And what we see is that only other pigs can relate with them in the same way. When they start doing that with people it turns into aggression, and when they try it with dogs, either the dog can get hurt, or it prompts an attack from the dog. Jenkins and Walter agree that caution is essential. Weve seen some sad and scary situations of pigs and dogs getting into fights, says Walter. Esther is used to the dogs she was raised with, but shes not allowed to play with them. When she wants to, the humans intervene and redirect her to play with them instead. To meet pigs social needs, Best Friends only adopts them out in pairs or to homes where there is already a pig companion. From what weve seen and experienced here, pigs do best when they have the opportunity to live with other pigs, says Reid. An apartment isnt a suitable home for a pig, she says, but you dont need a farm either. Columnist Amy Goodman is absolutely correct that Australia shows some gun bans work in Australia. This is the same thing we hear from so many gun-control advocates, up to and including our president and his recently-anointed heir Hillary Clinton. They would like us to believe that Australian society is no different from ours, that Aussies are just Americans with funny accents, that what works for them will work for us. Forget the myth that Australians are all descended from convicts, exiles and indentured servants. While many American colonists had left England and elsewhere to escape what they perceived as oppressive rulers, most Australian emigres were grateful to the Crown for having assisted them in reaching and exploiting a new land of opportunity. British troops were regarded as a protective police force rather than as an army of occupation. Our antipodal cousins, like our northern neighbors, have always been much closer to Great Britain socially and politically; even today, as part of their beloved parliamentary system of government, the Queen of England is their Head of State. Indeed, Australia a continent with a population smaller than Californias is in fact a far different place from America. Otherwise, Australians would not have so readily acceded to their anti-gun governments world-class knee-jerk overreaction to the 1996 Port Arthur shooting. Of course, Australian gun owners had little to fall back on as the documents establishing their nation did not include a Second Amendment guarantee of a right to keep and bear arms. Not only did their government ban the type of semiautomatic rifle the Port Arthur shooter used, but nearly every firearm available to law-abiding Australians. Yes, guns are legal to own in Oz, but very few types of guns and its not easy to get one. The Australian ban included pretty much any long-arm capable of multiple shots without reloading. Not just semi-autos, but even pump-action shotguns. The pump shotgun is the most common hunting gun in America, quite possibly the world. To own one in Australia you must be licensed as a commercial or competitive shooter. Please remember that fact when Obama, Clinton or any other gun-control advocate tries to assure you that they dont want to take away your hunting guns while calling for Australian-style gun laws in the United States. Goodman also conflates gun bans with restrictions upon purchase such as background checks. Yes, more comprehensive checks such as they conduct in Australia might have prevented the Orlando shooter among others from obtaining a firearm, but that could be done without banning a particular gun or class of guns. Her opinion might gain more traction if she did not believe that We need a ban on semi-automatic guns, which are no more than weapons of mass destruction designed to efficiently kill as many people as possible. That view might apply to rifles based on military arms, but most of the semiautomatic long-arms that were included in the 1994 assault weapons ban are only appropriate for hunting or target shooting. Indeed, the first semi-automatic rifles available in the U.S. over 100 years ago were sporting arms. Our military only began using semi-automatic battle rifles during WWII, and other than the AR-15, essentially all American semi-automatic sporting rifles are based on commercial, not military designs. Perhaps Goodman should bone up on American society, history and gun laws before lecturing us about how someone elses solution might work for us. The construction of a health clinic for Albuquerque Public Schools employees is languishing but not dead. Voters approved the $4.9 million clinic in a February bond and mill levy election, and in March the APS Board of Education approved a Tennessee company, Premise Health, to run the facility. District spokeswoman Monica Armenta, after speaking with Superintendent Raquel Reedy, said that for the moment, APS has decided to step back and review the sites proposed, look at the facts and gather more input. Contract negotiations with Premise have not been completed, Armenta said, but this is not an indication that APS is backing away from the project, which has been highly criticized. Detractors have panned the project as being too costly, a diversion of funds that could be used for teaching students and providing in-class resources, and an unnecessary duplication of health services already available to APS employees through district insurance plans. APS will proceed in a thoughtful manner, she said, adding that there was no timetable for making a decision. Armenta also noted that the person spearheading the clinic effort, Chief Operations Officer Ruben Hendrickson, died in May while hiking on La Luz Trail. In addition, a number of other top APS administrative positions had been vacant until last week. The employee health clinic project comes at a time when APS is dealing with a $9.5 million budget shortfall by consolidating and rearranging some central office departments, scaling down an employee mental health program and leaving vacant teacher positions unfilled. In the weeks before the bond/mill levy election, APS officials estimated the yearly operational cost of the clinic at $1.5 million. Revised estimates subsequently put the operational cost of the clinic at about $2.7 million the first year, rising to about $4 million by the fourth year. Peggy Muller-Aragon was the only board member to vote against contracting with Premise Health. She came out strongly against the employee health center, calling it a white elephant that does not benefit kids. SANTA FE Attorney General Hector Balderas office is declining to release the records of a New Mexico Senate ethics investigation into former Sen. Phil Griego, claiming the documents are confidential law enforcement records. The Journal had requested the ethics probe records earlier this week under the states Inspection of Public Records Act, after a district judge had ordered the Legislative Council Service to hand them over to the AGs Office. In denying the request, Patricia Salazar of the Open Government Division of the Attorney Generals Office said the records there are 92 of them contain confidential law enforcement records received or compiled in connection with a criminal investigation or prosecution. Law enforcement records that reveal confidential sources, methods or information can be withheld under the states open records law, as one of several allowable exceptions. The law enforcement exception has been validly used because criminal evidence must be preserved to protect the integrity of an active investigation and prosecution, AGs office spokesman James Hallinan said. However, Susan Boe, executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, said that the exception is not meant to be broadly construed and that the AGs Office has demonstrated a pattern of withholding all documents related to its investigations. I guess its not surprising, but it is troubling, Boe said Thursday of the decision not to publicly release the ethics probe records. The records in question include the original ethics complaint against Griego and some correspondence about the investigations findings. The documents have long been off-limits to the public, as formal complaints against New Mexico elected officials are reviewed and investigated confidentially in a closed-door process. Proposals to change the system have failed repeatedly in recent legislative sessions. Balderas has previously blasted the Legislatures attempt to fight a subpoena for the ethics investigation records and for asking a judge to excuse state lawmakers and legislative staffers from having to testify in the criminal case against Griego. Specifically, he said the Legislative Council Services legal stance on lawmakers testifying sacrifices justice on an altar of secrecy. Griego, a Democrat from San Miguel County, is accused of using his position as a legislator to make money in the sale of a historic state building in downtown Santa Fe. He resigned from the Senate in March 2015 instead of facing possible discipline as a result of the ethics investigation into his role in the building sale. The AGs Office filed bribery, perjury and other criminal charges against Griego in February, and the preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to start next week. Griego has pleaded not guilty to the charges; he could face up to 28 years in prison and more than $40,000 in fines if convicted of all counts. SANTA FE New laws going into effect today in New Mexico run the gamut from new sentencing requirements for drunken drivers to stepped-up financial disclosures for lobbyists. The state is also entering a new budget year that calls for reduced general fund spending as revenue lags amid low energy prices. A longer list of laws took effect in May, including a new legal framework for ride-hailing companies such as Uber and rules that allow judges to access juvenile records for certain criminal defendants when considering bail or terms of release. Here are some notable regulations that start today: Public safety State Police say they are ready to start issuing public emergency-response alerts for developmentally disabled people who vanish and could be at risk. A custodian or immediate family member must be consulted for an alert to go out. Notifications are similar to alerts already used to help locate missing children and the elderly. Also, tougher sentencing guidelines will apply to some repeat driving while intoxicated convictions and for homicide by vehicle while under the influence. For an eighth DWI conviction, the law provides for a 12-year sentence, of which 10 years cannot be suspended. Campaign finance Political lobbyists must file periodic disclosure reports on expenditures, even if it is a statement that no activity took place. The new regulations add a reporting deadline in October, closer to general elections. Under the new law, lobbyists will also have a little more room to spend on meals, drinks and political contributions without public disclosure $100 rather than $75. The provisions are the first small steps toward a new standardized reporting system for campaign finances that will allow filings by candidates, lobbyists and political committees to be searched, cross-referenced or downloaded for analysis. That system wont be in place until the end of 2017, with funding decisions still pending before the Legislature. Health care Legislation sponsored by Las Cruces-based surgeon and Rep. Terry McMillan is designed to prevent Texas doctors who treat New Mexico patients from being sued in New Mexicos patient-friendly courts. Texas health care providers can have their New Mexico patients sign statements accepting jurisdiction in Texas courts. Supporters of the legislation feared malpractice premiums might drive away services by Texas doctors. Drinking water The state will contribute $1.8 million to help the federal government fund low-interest loans for local drinking water infrastructure projects. Beer In a nod to the growing popularity of craft beer, licensed liquor stores will be able to fill and sell carry-out jugs of beer, or growlers. Independence Day travel could be some of this decades cheapest, thanks to falling gas prices. They are on track to be at a 13-year low this Fourth of July holiday. As of Thursday, the national average for gasoline was $2.29 a gallon. Thats 48 cents cheaper than last year on the same date and 4 cents cheaper than a month ago. Throughout 2016, prices nationally averaged $2.07, compared with $2.43 in 2015, $3.36 in 2014 and $3.50 in 2013. The drop in price is a reflection of the huge worldwide surplus in crude oil. Production in the United States has jumped as companies used a process called fracking to extract oil from shale, while Iran saw its exports soar with the lifting of economic sanctions after it agreed to reign in its nuclear program. Irans reentry into the global market came as Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf region players continued to pump freely as well. The demand for all that oil, however, has not nearly increased at that same rate, as growth in China slowed and business elsewhere around the globe sputtered. Analysts once suggested that prices might level out by the years end, but the United Kingdoms vote to leave the European Union last week has put a damper on those hopes. Crude fell in the New York Mercantile Exchange by 6.5 percent on June 24, the day after to vote totals were announced, to under $48 per barrel, the biggest one-day drop since October. Prices briefly recovered, before falling 3 percent on Thursday to $48.38 a barrel. New factors are pushing down supplies. The United States reported this week a smaller oil yield than forecast, and strikes by Norwegian oil workers and the economic crisis in Venezuela had curbed supplies. Still, production remains relatively robust, and the result is low gas prices. It ranged this week from $1.99 a gallon in South Carolina up to $2.90 in California. Gas prices tend to be higher in the Washington area than the nation as a whole. Within the District of Columbia, the average on Wednesday was $2.54 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.com, a website that tracks gas prices at 130,000 stations in the United States and Canada. Just over the D.C. border in Bethesda, Maryland, prices topped $3. Prices were hovering around $2.40 in Silver Spring (Maryland) and $2.30 in Tysons Corner (Virginia). Gas in Manassas, Virginia, is averaging above $2 and around $2.20 in Annapolis, Maryland. Its below $2 a gallon in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The American Automobile Association noted earlier this week that the cheap gas should fuel near-record holiday weekend travel. AAA spokesperson Michael Green said an estimated 36 million Americans are projected to drive 60 or more miles this weekend. Its clear that the cheapest gas prices this year are motivating Americans to travel and experience the Fourth of July away from home, Green said. Cheap gas prices can help motivate people to hit the road and travel in ways that maybe didnt happen a few years ago. Some of the unsung heroes of the Dog Head Fire relief efforts were the volunteers. Those tireless individuals who kept the shelters going and kept animals fed. Volunteering is a thankless endeavor in which participants work long hours to be paid in snacks, if at all. Many of the volunteers came from East Mountain Community Emergency Response Team. We couldnt have asked for a better response, East Mountain CERT Coordinator Vicki Voyles said. I would like to thank everyone in the community for their support. Everybody worked together very well. There were about 25 CERT volunteers helping with the relief efforts at the Torrance County Fairgrounds. There are over 40 who have been trained, Voyles said. The group was launched in Torrance County in July 2015 and this was the second time it was activated. The first time was during the blizzard last December when three shelters were opened for those stranded during that storm. CERT is a group of trained volunteers that helps with shelters for humans and animals including livestock should an evacuation be necessary. Often times we dont have a cadre of trained volunteers at our disposal, Torrance County Emergency Manager Javier Sanchez said last July. CERT is operated through FEMA and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and can only be activated by the Torrance County Office of Emergency Management. We would like to have a (training session) in August. We need 10 to 15 students before we can give the class, Voyles said. The training class is 20 hours and teaches students how to be ready to be self-sufficient for 72 hours in the event of an emergency, Voyles said. The class also teaches basic first aid and basic search and rescue techniques. Several other organizations helped at the Torrance County Fairgrounds totaling more than 130 volunteers. These included members of the United Methodist Church in Estancia, who provided meals and assistance with the animals; state Sen. Ted Barela, who brought food for the evacuees; volunteers with local 4-H groups and others. One of the other organizations that helped was The People Church in Moriarty. We were sending people every morning and evening to the Torrance County Fairgrounds to help with the animals, People Church Pastor Dennis Garcia said. Garcia said that he called Sanchez to inquire about what was needed and Sanchez told him that they needed help with feeding and watering the animals as well as cleaning the stalls. Around 25 to 30 individuals went over the course of the week. A few went every day, Garcia said. Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal U.S. Forest Service officials are expected to announce today the preliminary findings of an investigation into the cause of the Dog Head Fire in the Manzano Mountains. Meanwhile, absent official word, some area residents are placing the blame on a federally funded wildland brush and wood clearing effort designed to prevent fires. The Dog Head Fire, which charred nearly 18,000 acres, forced widespread evacuations of people, pets and livestock and destroyed 12 homes in the Manzano Mountains. It was reported 95 percent contained by Thursday. Officials have said it was human-caused but refused to release information this week about which agencies responded and when. The Bernalillo County emergency communications center cited a Forest Service request this week to withhold dispatch records and recordings of the radio communications in the hours before the fire was first reported by a Forest Service lookout at Capilla Peak on June 14. The press conference today is set for 11:30 a.m. at the Chilili Gym, about one-quarter mile east of the church on N.M. 337. Along with discussing the cause of the fire, federal officials also will address the fire response and rehabilitation and recovery efforts, according to a news release. Some area residents werent waiting for official word about how the fire started. Thats been the word on the street from the get-go, said East Mountain resident Debbie Battaglino, that the Isleta Pueblo was chipping wood and thats what caught on fire. Multiple sources told the Journal on Thursday that a heavy-equipment masticator chipping or clearing wood and brush malfunctioned, sparking the blaze. A Cibola National Forest Service spokeswoman wouldnt comment on those specific reports when asked to do so on Thursday. A Journal call to Isleta Pueblos lieutenant governor asking for comment on the same reports wasnt returned Thursday. Forest Service officials have previously told the Journal before the fire started, a Bureau of Indian Affairs crew had been working in the area on a project in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. The BIA also didnt return calls seeking comment. The fire reportedly started in or near what is known as the Isleta Project Fuelwood Area, where up until the fire broke out, the public could apply for permits to cut firewood. Those permits are no longer available, a receptionist at Sandia Ranger District said Thursday. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture website, the Isleta Project is one of 39 projects funded nationwide through the $40 million Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership. The Isleta Project, the only one funded in New Mexico, has had a goal of reducing the potential for uncharacteristic wildfires and aimed to protect community, cultural, and natural resources by accelerating hazardous fuels treatments where the Isleta Pueblo, Chilili Land Grant and Cibola National Forest meet. In fiscal year 2014, its first year funded, Local crews were employed and trained on thinning practices, and 500 cords of wood thinned from the area was returned to the Pueblo to be distributed to elderly and underprivileged community members, the website says. Journal staff writer Maggie Shepard contributed to this story. Through this weekend and coming week, youll have more opportunities than ever to boogie to free outdoor music. Of course, you know music and pancakes will be on tap for the Fourth on the Plaza. Hang out and meet your friends. But come back when the Santa Fe Bandstand kicks off its season at 6 p.m. Tuesday with Lone Pinon, a Santa Fe trio that plays New Mexican and Mexican roots music, leading into Nosotros at 7:15 p.m., longtime favorites billed as salsa/hot Latin dance. More acts follow through the week; check out the schedule at santafebandstand.org. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Detroit Lightning will be playing a tribute to the Grateful Dead in the Railyard Plaza. Dont forget to bring your tie-dye. FLYING BUST: Trapeze and clowning and stilts oh, my! Those of us who like to keep our feet on the ground can revel in our more daring cousins this weekend when participants in the six-week circus intensive at Wise Fool New Mexico show off what they learned in Bust! And theyre not just kidding around. The description for the show says it will explore notions of strength, build community, examine femininity, deconstruct the gender binary, and uncover deeper layers of thought and embodiment that inform the world around us and the ways we make art. All righty. Shows will be held at the Wise Fool Studio, 1131 Siler Road, at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, with an added 2 p.m. show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 to $15 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and younger; get them at BUST2016.brownpapertickets.com. PIPING COOL: Heres another case of students showing off what they learned. Participants in the Santa Fe Flute Immersion, a master class presented by the New Mexico Performing Arts Society, will present a standing-room-only program at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the Immaculate Heart Chapel, 50 Mount Carmel Road. Instruction was led by Bart Feller, Susan Levitin and Linda Marianiello, plus Phillip Haozous and Hyda Maria on American Indian flutes. KEEP WINING: The Santa Fe Wine Festival is coming to El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the living history museum in La Cienega, this weekend. You can sample wines from a legion of New Mexico vintners, as well as listen to music, and shop the food and arts and crafts vendors. Anyone under age 21 must have a legal-age guardian in tow. Expect to have your ID checked if you want to sample or buy any wines. The event runs noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The $13 admission for adults includes a festival wine glass; admission for ages 13-20 is $5; anyone younger can attend for free. With peoples attention increasingly being sucked into their laptops, smartphones and other digital devices, contemporary artists are trending toward pulling people back into the here and now, asking them not just to look at their work, but also to actively interact with it. Its a global art movement but, in Santa Fe, it has been showing up more and more at the Center for Contemporary Arts not necessarily because the CCA is seeking it out, but because thats what artists are interested in producing, said Angie Rizzo, visual arts curator. It all stems from the artist, she said. The world has become a digitized place and artists are interesting in connecting people more. So, with the recent The Breaking Ring by art collective M12, which closed June 12 at CCA, the wooden enclosure was considered a social sculpture, with different groups holding activities within the piece, ranging from yoga to a sewing circle. In Love Letter to the World, offered earlier this year, Edie Tsong and Michael Lorenzo Lopez invited writers to chat with visitors, asking them to whom they would like to express their love and learning a little bit about that person. In turn, the writers would produce a somewhat poetic message, with a copy for the visitor and another to be posted on the wall to become a part of the entire art installation. The two exhibitions opening tonight also ask the audience to become part of the art, although in a less formalized way. Ellen Babcocks C to See is an installation of various architectural sculptures that act as lecterns in the Munoz Waxman Gallery. Each will include written texts with themes relevant to the style of the lectern, with the entire piece considered complete when viewers step up and begin reading the text aloud. The tallest sculpture, for example, will have readings related to verticality, Rizzo said. Another, designed to look like a crib with branches overarching it, will include readings with a feeling of protection and safety, she said. Another, made up of platforms only an inch or two tall to resemble an island archipelago, will have writings related to expansiveness. A former Santa Fe resident who now lives in Albuquerque and teaches sculpture at the University of New Mexico, Babcock has produced collaborative work in the past based around abandoned public signage. In the Spector Ripps Project Space, opening the same night is Cannupa Hanska Lugers Everything Anywhere. The installation will be centered around a large, disembodied head made of ceramic shards attached to a wire form, almost like beadwork, Rizzo said. In a sense the construction echoes the idea of human interaction with art, with all the small parts connected and making a whole, she said. In this case, people will be able to whisper or speak as loudly as they would like into the heads ear, creating soft reverberations that answer back. Fibrous threads will represent hair coming out of the head, extending out to form a cave-like entry to the piece, according to Rizzo. You can touch anything, she said. Its supposed to be a very kid-friendly sculpture in a nurturing environment. The soundscape, for example, will include sounds similar to a mother cooing to her child, she added. Born in North Dakotas Standing Rock Reservation with mixed heritage, Luger is represented by Blue Rain Gallery and has exhibited at Indian Market, Rizzo said. But a lot of his work is quite subversive to the whole system, she added. Some of that subversive sense might be reflected in two of the public programs scheduled in conjunction with the installation. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, La Pocha Nostra, a cross-disciplinary arts organization based in San Francisco, will stage Uroborus VS Corn Man 3.0, in which the performers use their bodies to reconfigure the dreams and nightmares of our current times, according to a written description. It includes Corn-Man, a contemporary form of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of corn and deviant arts, and the Phantom Mariachi (Madonna of the Bohemian Others), who combats erasure of identities and eviction, according to the groups website. On Aug. 21, Dancing Earth, which bills itself as an indigenous intertribal dance ensemble, will present a dance and multimedia performance, Origi-Nation: Roots And Seeds. The work carries a sense of ancestral wisdom, seasonal shifts, and the wellness of the planet and its peoples, according to the groups website. As we saw during the Bundy Ranch standoff in 2014 and earlier this year at a wildlife refuge in Oregon, violent extremism is not limited to war-torn countries thousands of miles away from the United States. Armed militias have expanded in size and sophistication, and now present a threat to public safety and national security. These homegrown militias threaten our public lands, the American people who want to enjoy them and the public servants who manage them. Although much of the news coverage of those incidents painted a sanitized picture of people who just want their land back, a June 15 congressional forum on these groups made it clear that the reality is much darker. The consequences of their anti-government activism much of which stems from their hatred of President Barack Obama go much deeper than a few newspaper headlines. Some of the men and women involved in the Nevada and Oregon standoffs have openly called for the death of federal land management officials and they continue to harass them largely without punishment simply for doing their jobs. These extremists encourage each other by publicizing pictures of the faces of federal officials, along with their vehicles license plates. At our congressional forum, Tim Blount, the executive director of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, described how he needed a police escort just to move safely around his home community in Oregon. As David Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, pointed out in his testimony, creating this climate of fear and ignoring democratically established laws can never be considered patriotic. This is why it is so important that extremism and violence on our public lands be unequivocally rejected by Republicans and Democrats alike, and that addressing this growing problem be a bipartisan endeavor, he told us. He is absolutely correct. The threat these groups pose deserves a full congressional hearing with Republican lawmakers in attendance. As the top Democrats on the Natural Resources and Homeland Security committees, we have asked for such a hearing. The Republican majority has ignored our request and consistently refuses to take this issue seriously. Instead, as we heard at our forum, some Republican lawmakers employ the same anti-government rhetoric that fuels these radicals. Chairman Rob Bishop, R-Utah, has co-sponsored a bill by Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, to remove federal law enforcement authority from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, turning those functions over to local police and county sheriffs who lack the relevant training. Anti-government extremists didnt always direct their ire at public lands agencies. That changed, in part, because a group of Western congressmen, state legislators and county sheriffs built their careers by advocating the transfer of millions of acres of federal land to states or counties, even though no state or county had ever owned the land in question or could afford to manage it now. In the guise of giving land back, these lawmakers and the extremists who now use this campaign as a rallying cry have undermined the very idea of public lands as a shared and cherished resource. Anyone who has visited a national monument lately need only imagine it replaced by a mine or strip mall or blocked off by no trespassing signs to understand what this campaign truly represents. Our public lands and the people who protect them enjoy enormous public support. Garett Reppenhagen of the Vet Voice Foundation spoke movingly at our forum about how access to our national forests helped him recover psychologically after his multiple tours of duty overseas, and described what it would mean to him and other veterans to lose that access. And, for perhaps the first time ever, 32 former federal employees including former heads of the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management recently signed a letter urging Congress to act against the threat of the self-described patriot movement. Congress and the American public cannot afford to turn a blind eye to ISIS or other foreign terrorists that mean us harm. But its high time we acknowledged that our nations own homegrown terrorists also threaten public safety. Tolerating them or, even worse, encouraging them as part of a campaign to hand our public lands over to the private sector is a dangerous and short-sighted strategy. The writers are contributors to Writers on the Range, an opinion service of High Country News. Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., is the ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is the ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. ARIZONA Huge bronze statues of three horses greet visitors to Chino Valley, Ariz., and now, thanks to a contest, they all have names associated with firepower: Lock is the horse facing west toward the valley, Stock is the one looking east toward the town of Jerome and Barrel is the rearing and kicking steed that greets drivers coming from Prescott. In her essay, contest winner Mamie Timlick wrote that she always thought the statues represented the guardians of the town of 10,000. If ever there were a more popular device to guard ones home since this town was erected, she said, it was the firearm, owned and operated by cowboys in pursuit of happiness. So far, no one seems to have mentioned the dubious hospitality of welcoming visitors at gunpoint, however metaphorically, perhaps because, as one resident put it, Everyones pretty pro-firearms here, reports the Chino Valley Review. WYOMING Watch out: Video cameras can record your adventures, but might also reveal you to the world as an absolute jerk. After four men from Canada left a boardwalk at Yellowstone National Park to walk out onto the clearly off-limits, ecologically fragile hot spring known as Grand Prismatic, other tourists quickly took videos of the trespassers to park rangers and also provided pictures of the guys recreational vehicle, reports the Jackson Hole News&Guide. In fact, the law-breakers themselves initially posted boastful selfies of their crime on their Facebook page, High on Life SundayFundayz. The men, all connected with the Vancouver-based clothing company High on Life, have since apologized and promised to donate up to $5,000 to the park. But if they dont return and face the misdemeanor charges against them, they could be arrested if they try to re-enter the United States. Meanwhile, a video of a woman petting a bison near Old Faithful Lodge appeared on Facebook, causing one commenter to note: I predict there will be a rash of low-flying tourists in Yellowstone this year. Good grief! COLORADO Cat lovers should probably not read the following tidbit, which we discovered in one of those colorful free publications for tourists, this one called Travelhost: Four Corners Region. The Montezuma County Historical Societys one-page offering stood out, because it featured a woman homesteaders vivid recollections of pioneer life in the late 19th century. In a 1934 interview, Carrie Smith Dunham told local historian Anna Florence Robison how she and her husband settled on the Dolores River in what is now Montezuma County in the southwestern corner of Colorado. There, she became known for her needlework, trading her chokecherry jam to the Indians, who called it coyote medicine, for buckskin, which she turned into embroidered gloves for cowboys, at a dollar a pair. But, one day, after an acquaintance named Jim Moore bought a place down the river with 50 housecats on it, she got the opportunity to sew something different. Moore bought the ranch on condition that the owner would kill all the cats hed collected. He did so, and Mr. Moore tanned the 50 hides and brought them to me to make a robe. I took a great deal of pains to arrange the cat skins by size and color so that it would look as well as possible, Dunham recalled, but it wasnt the sort of thing I would personally want to have about. Later on, she learned, a tourist bought the cat-coat for $50. THE WEST Summer is here, and Western resorts are tweaking their tried-and-true tourist activities. Near Ten Sleep, Wyo., for example, the Red Reflet Ranch is adding classes in roping and ranch skills to its luxury options of a zip line and climbing wall, reports dropbox.com. And Portland, Ore., now has a restaurant featuring British Colonial Cuisine, which includes molasses cookies and sausage rolls. Willamette Week says the restaurant picked the perfect neighborhood: North Williams is the center of the controversy around Portlands gentrification and the pricing out of black residents. Its almost a historical re-enactment! Chef Sally Krantz says she doesnt understand the backlash: Im just trying to make food. Meanwhile, near Telluride, Colo., a boarding facility called Wash-N-Watch Dogs just wants to continue doing what it does so well. Co-owner Lane Conrad, who acts as the alpha of her temporary pack of 40, told the Telluride Daily Planet that if an animal gets aggressive, she responds swiftly: The dog needs to understand this is not their house. Without a trace of irony, Conrad adds that she sometimes needs to train her clients, as well: Many owners in Telluride dont understand the idea of boundaries and rules, but they see very quickly this method does work. Her goal, she says, is harmony between dog and owner: What were all about is teaching the dog what we want so the dog can succeed and the dog can make us happy. Betsy Marston is the editor of Writers on the Range, an opinion service of High Country News (hcn.org). Tips and photos of Western oddities are often shared, betsym@hcn.org. These are some of the embroidered fabrics available from Kandahar Treasure. (Courtesy of Rangina Hamidi) Khamak embroidery is a traditional form used in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Rangina Hamidi) A girl holds up a dress with embroidery available from Kandahar Treasure. (Courtesy of Rangina Hamidi) This is a detail of an embroidered shawl from Kandahar Treasure. (Courtesy of the International Folk Art Alliance) An Afghan woman is surrounded by children as she sews for Kandahar Treasure in her home. (Courtesy of Rangina Hamidi) Afghan women embroider fabrics for Kandahar Treasure. (Courtesy of Rangina Hamidi) Rangina Hamidi. (Courtesy of the International Folk Art Alliance) Prev 1 of 7 Next In the 11 years that Rangina Hamidi has been bringing textiles with the traditional khamak embroidery created by women in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan to the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, a lot has happened. Her father, mayor of Kandahar City, was assassinated in 2011 by a suicide bomber. Expressing a loss of hope for improvements in the country after that, Hamidi, who has met with Afghan presidents and been interviewed by international news media both on the status of Afghanistan and on the economic advancement of women, returned to Virginia as her base. But then the withdrawal of the U.S. military at the end of 2014 led to a collapse of the markets for the business she founded, Kandahar Treasure. I live here now, Hamidi emailed from Kandahar. With the markets drying up and the local management team being unable to expand further, I had to come back to (Kandahar Treasure) to make it survive! Its a discouraging setback for a dream she turned into reality, drawing upon the areas traditional embroidery to form an economic development project that would give women a source of income along with a bit of self-empowerment within the boundaries of the culture. This is the kind of economic development, especially among women, that is encouraged by the International Folk Art Market|Santa Fe. It is bringing more than 180 artists from 60 countries who will display their wares next weekend on Museum Hill. The festivities open with a procession of artists 6 p.m. Thursday at the Plaza, followed by music from Mali by Mamadou Kelly. While the market is replete with stories from countries struggling to expand their economic base, market officials have long encouraged shoppers not to look at it as charity, but as a chance to enjoy and buy beautiful work by accomplished artists. Hamidis Kandahar Treasure will be in booth 31. A safe place Hamidi herself does not stitch the embroidery. She fled Soviet-occupied Afghanistan as a small child with her family, first to Pakistan and then to Virginia, where she was educated. But she returned to the country of her birth in 2003 after the arrival of the U.S. military; with hopes for stability and progress, she formed Kandahar Treasure. First operated as a Womens Income Generation Project for Afghans for Civil Society, Kandahar Treasure was transformed into a for-profit business intended to be self-sustaining. But its run into roadblocks. With the reduction in aid from the international community and the local/national economy hitting a low, many people (men and women) are jobless and desperate for opportunities to earn a living for their families, Hamidi wrote in an email about the current situation in Afghanistan. Many families are illegally sending their young sons abroad (taking the risk of being killed) to have a source of income for themselves. So we are in a dire economic situation while our security is still unstable. One example of that insecurity hit close to home yet again: last October, Hamidis friend who worked in the United Nations office in Afghanistan was assassinated on her way in to work, said Mary Lutrell, a Santa Fe author who is working on a book with Hamidi and was visiting her at the time. The killing caused Lutrell to leave Afghanistan two days earlier than planned. These women take their lives in their hands every time they come to work, Lutrell said. While most artisans work out of their homes, some staff do report to a Kandahar Treasure office, which provides them transportation to and from home, she said. They take off their burqas once they enter the female-only workshop, which also provides lunch and a prayer room. She has created a safe place that honors the way men believe women should be treated, Lutrell said of Hamidi. No hindrance But fewer of the women are working these days. Despite donations of about $10,000 from family and friends last fall to keep the business afloat, we have cut down expenses drastically here just to make ends meet! Hamidi wrote. The most painful one being putting our 300 women artisans on call at the moment. Some 200 women still are getting work orders through Kandahar Treasure, but those other 300 are awaiting enough orders to get back to work, she said. Such work can be key for a familys survival, said Lutrell, who visited one family whose seven daughters produced embroidery that was a really important contributor to the family eating, she said. Many households had fathers who were killed in the war, leaving other family members to find a way to support themselves, Lutrell added. The silk-thread embroidery itself dates back centuries, using forms such as flowers, trees and leaves, as well as intricate geometric patterns common in Islamic art. Through years of war, though, fewer and fewer women had the time and resources to learn and practice the art. What (Kandahar Treasure) has done is revive traditional designs that were lost during the years of conflicts and wars, and we continue to expand our designing capabilities and surprise our customers with new designs, Hamidi wrote. Despite what we hear in the West about cultural limitations on womens activities in traditional Muslim cultures, Hamidi said there is absolutely NO hindrance on women doing the home-based work. In fact, many families (husbands, fathers) support this work as it is very much in line with their culture and traditions, she added. LAS VEGAS Media organizations can argue for the release of documents that federal prosecutors want to shield from public view in a criminal case involving Nevada rancher Cliven Bundys 2014 armed standoff with government agents, a judge decided Friday. An order by Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen didnt immediately open the court filings sought by The Associated Press, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and rural Nevada newspaper publisher Battle Born Media. But she said media lawyers will be allowed to oppose prosecutors contentions that disclosing evidence could expose witnesses to intimidation and court officials to possible violence from Bundy supporters. The case has generated considerable public debate about the constitutional role of the federal government in owning large amounts of land in the western United States, Leen wrote. The court finds that allowing intervention will promote transparency and the integrity of the judicial proceedings. U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden and prosecutors in the Bundy case didnt immediately respond to messages. They could appeal Leens order to U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro. A temporary order currently requires defense lawyers to keep confidential the evidence that the government shares with them. Most defense teams have also filed documents opposing the proposed gag order. Attorney Margaret McLetchie, representing the media organizations, argues its an infringement on First Amendment free speech and press rights. Bundy and 18 other defendants have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, obstruction, weapon, threat and assault charges in the tense gunpoint standoff in April 2014 against government agents and cowboy contractors. All 19 are in custody, with trial scheduled next February. Cultivating Coders is taking its training boot camps for aspiring web developers to under-served communities in Albuquerque with help from the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. The two entities are partnering to help 21 disadvantaged individuals gain access to Cultivating Coders intensive eight-week training course, which prepares students for high-wage jobs in website and software development. The first class begins July 19, and will be primarily aimed at helping disabled individuals who qualify for government educational assistance through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), said Charles Ashley III, co-founder and president of Cultivating Coders, an Albuquerque-based startup that launched in late 2015. Assistance can pay for part or all of the standard $7,950 per student tuition. The company has Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act certification, allowing low-income students and people in under-served areas to receive federal aid for training. Students will come out able to build fully-functioning websites as junior developers, Ashley said. Theyll know all the front-end design and all the back-end stuff that makes it function. They will become full-stack developers. The Hispano Chamber hopes the partnership will help minorities and disadvantaged people obtain high-paying jobs in a growing, career-oriented field. Its all about job creation, said Synthia Jaramillo, the chambers chief operating officer. Theres a growing need for coders everywhere, and theres a lot of need to make this kind of training accessible in under-served communities all over the state. The chamber will do marketing and promotion for classes, to be held at its state-of-the-art computer labs at the chamber headquarters in Albuquerques Barelas neighborhood just south of Downtown. Those labs accommodate nearly two dozen people. Apart from seating 16 students who qualify for DVR-backed assistance, Cultivating Coders is making five scholarships available through the chamber for select individuals who want to participate in the first class. Students will get hands-on experience through a new Cultivating Coders project dubbed ABQ 30 in 30 that aims at constructing websites for 30 local businesses for free. Students will assist Cultivating Coders staff in building them. Well build one website each day for 30 days in September for free, Ashley said. The businesses selected to participate will receive hosting and domain services, plus graphic design and photography services related to their websites for one year at no charge. The chamber hopes to convert future classes into bilingual Spanish-English training. Thats our long-term goal, Jaramillo said. Theres a huge need among limited English-language speakers from under-served communities who often dont have funds to attend expensive coding boot camps. For more information, go to cultivatingcoders.com. Police have identified the man who was fatally shot in the backyard of a vacant house near Louisiana and Central Wednesday as 53-year-old Antonio Zaragoza, a Navajo man. Officers were called to the house on the 200 block of Espanola NE around 9 p.m. to find Zaragoza with a gun shot wound to the leg, according to a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department. He died at the scene. Detectives are actively investigating this case and are urging anyone with information about this case to contact 242-COPS or CrimeStoppers, said Officer Tanner Tixier. Zaragozas sister Antoinette Zaragoza said he had worked as a chef in Corrales, Albuquerque, Arizona and Nevada and owned a house in Rio Rancho before he fell on hard times a couple years ago. She said he had been homeless and struggling with mental health issues ever since. I talked to him about three days ago, Antoinette said. We were always listening to news and worrying about him. She said her family has been passing out fliers in the neighborhood where Antonio was killed, asking for people with information about the shooting to come forward. They plan to hold a vigil at the vacant house and give out food and water Saturday evening. A lot of people know him. They said he used to walk with a cart to bring food and clothes to other homeless people, Antoinette said. We talked to one neighbor that said he was really shocked. He said Tony used to come over and drink coffee and talk. WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas A North Texas city council has voted unanimously to reinstate Browser the cat to his job as live-in mascot of the citys public library. KRLD-AM in Dallas-Fort Worth reports the governing council of the Fort Worth suburb of White Settlement voted 3-0 to let Browser stay at the library two weeks after voting 2-1 to give the tabby 30 days to check out. Mayor Ron White had said the move against Browser was a response to officials denial of permission to an employee to bring a puppy to work at City Hall. But he says he was overwhelmed with more than 1,000 messages on social media, all in support of keeping Browser on the job. The vote was taken without hearing from Browsers supporters who jammed the council chamber. ___ Information from: KRLD-AM, http://dfw.cbslocal.com New Mexico State Police identified the man they shot and killed on the Laguna Pueblo Monday as 26-year-old Travis Vierra. The incident started around 7:20 a.m. when two Laguna Police Department officers found a truck stuck in a ravine near exit 126 off Interstate 40, according to a State Police spokeswoman. She said the truck matched the description of one that had been reported stolen from Belen a few hours earlier. The Laguna conservation officers then located a male subject that was in the immediate area who was armed with a handgun, Sgt. Elizabeth Armijo said. The conservation officers gave verbal commands to the male subject who fled from the officers. She said the conservation officers told investigators the man, later identified as Vierra, fired at them so they backed off and asked State Police for help. State Police officers arrived and shots were fired, Armijo said. Vierra died at the scene. She did not say whether Vierra fired at the officers, how many officers fired at him, or identify the officers involved. Vierra had absconded from the state Department of Corrections Probation and Parole and he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest, Armijo said. ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost. IMGCAP(1)] The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA)recently announced that they have awardedGrimbleby Coleman CPAs, of Modesto, the Society's 2016 Public Service Award for Firms. CalCPA presents the award each year to recognize a California firm for its philanthropic contributions to the local, state or national level. The staff Grimbleby Coleman CPAs participated in approximately 1,680 hours of community service in 2015 alone. The firm is present on the boards of more than 25 local nonprofits, including Love Modesto, the Stanislaus Community Foundation, United Samaritans, Historic State Theatre and Community Hospice. "Grimbleby Coleman strongly believes in improving the Modesto community through its involvement in numerous activities that benefit the public," said Lynette Atchley, chair of the public service selection committee, in a statement. "They set a standard that other CPA firms should strive for." Grimbleby professionals regularly participate in Love Modesto's "Teddy Bear Stiches of Love," in which they put together teddy bears given to children who are accident and fire victims. The firm also conducts a Christmas gift drive for underprivileged families. For more on the Public Service Award, head to CalCPA's site here. The Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Tax Court are seeing their caseloads pile up as taxpayers, interest groups, tax attorneys and Congress let loose with a volley of lawsuits and legal challenges. IRS and Tax Court officials addressed some of the issues at New York Universitys 8th Annual Tax Controversy Forum in New York last week. IRS Chief Counsel William Wilkins delivered a keynote address in which he discussed how his office has been seeing an uptick in Tax Court cases involving relatively small amounts of money that resulted from document mismatches detected by the IRS. While the number of Tax Court petitions has remained relatively consistent in recent years, Wilkins has needed to deal with constant staff turnover and budget cuts. Hence, the Office of Chief Counsel has been expanding a pilot program in which it brought in term attorneys who are limited to a two-year term, with a possibility for one two-year extension, dedicating them to the docket of comparatively small cases, while limiting the number of permanent hires. Its not only the legal caseload thats a big concern for Wilkins. Legal challenges from advocacy groups have also slowed down rulemaking at the IRS. What Im particularly watching now are trends that threaten to tie up the regulatory process in ever more red tape and litigation, Wilkins said. As tax practitioners, we have come to expect that the IRS and Treasury will get tax regulations proposed and finalized relatively soon after enactment of major tax legislation and in other cases relatively soon after serious problems are identified and prioritized for action. And we have come to expect that the ability to challenge the final regulation will be confined to taxpayers with an actual tax controversy. In the tax world we have not expected tax regulations to be subjected to lengthy executive branch processes involving scientific research, economic impact studies, cost/benefit analysis and routine involvement of the Office of Management and Budget. We havent expected the courts to accept tax regulation challenges filed by advocacy organizations as soon as the regulation is published. When a case does proceed on the merits, we have expected the courts to analyze regulations based on the quality and reasonableness of the legal interpretations, the quality of the regulatory deliberations and fair consideration of significant comments. We generally have not seen the courts holding the IRS and the Treasury to requirements of fact findings, scientific review, economic analysis and the like, but yet all of these things exist in the rest of the federal regulatory ecosystem. There are more than a few straws in the wind that should make us less certain that the tax regulatory system can resist becoming more like the world of the EPA or SEC or DOL regulation. Meanwhile, the Office of Chief Counsel has needed to deal with complicated tax cases that can also strain the IRSs resources. In recent years, weve litigated more complex cases with foreign multinational taxpayers marked by long trials and heavy use of experts on both sides, said Wilkins. This kind of trial activity appears likely to persist for a number of years to come, and both the Office of Chief Counsel and the LB&I [Large Business and International] Operating Division are reviewing resource allocations to address the need to develop and litigate these cases properly. Criminal tax enforcement has also been an increasing focus of our office through our Office of Criminal Tax Counsel, CT. Recent developments have heightened the sensitivity and impact of this criminal law, from offshore accounts to refund crimes to employment tax crimes. IRS and Justice have overseen development of new and better approaches to dealing with criminal noncompliance. Our counsel attorneys at CT continue to play a leading role in the legal, tactical and strategic development of all of these approaches. The Office of Chief Counsel has also needed to devote resources to responding to Freedom of Information Act cases, congressional investigations and other litigation calling for collection, review and production of voluminous IRS internal documents. For the moment, we are past the time when we had over 100 attorneys working on responses to congressional investigations, said Wilkins. However, outside demand for IRS documents seems likely to persist as a general matter, so we have accordingly expanded the number of employees devoted to electronic discovery matters and the Freedom of Information Act. Also at our request, the budgeters and IT planners in the IRS are prioritizing upgrades in our technological capacity to retain, search, store and manage voluminous electronic document projects. Wilkinss office also works on the IRSs annual Priority Guidance Plan. He noted that the most recent plan was the first in many years to have well under 300 projects as opposed to well over 300. He anticipates the number of guidance projects will remain under 300 in plans for the foreseeable future. Our guidance priorities are always going to be heavily influenced by enactment of new tax legislation, said Wilkins. The 2010 enactments of the Affordable Care Act and FATCA have been the most important drivers of guidance activity during my tenure as Chief Counsel. At this point there are far fewer published guidance projects being driven by these statutes than in prior years. International guidance work in particular has shifted significantly away from FATCA towards other projects grounded in basic income tax rules. Beyond implementing new legislation we expect to focus significant short-term effort on finishing what has already been started in a number of areas. He pointed to several items where there are either proposed regulations that need to be finalized or notices that need to be turned into proposed regulations. These include the Net Investment Income Tax regulation, regulations affecting key definitions for real estate investment trusts and publicly traded partnerships, some significant partnership regulations, inversion guidance, debt equity guidance, rules for spinoffs, international projects such as country-by-country reporting, some Section 367 issues and regulations under Subchapter K of 721(c), and following up on preliminary guidance thats already been issued under recently enacted statutes. Partnership audits are certainly at the head of the line in this area, said Wilkins. Theres a revived program for special health care credits for workers affected by trade agreements and the use of private debt collectors. Later in the day, a panel discussion focused on Collection Due Process cases and the representation of taxpayers who cant or wont pay their outstanding taxes. I always want a pro se taxpayer to feel like theyre being treated fairly and that Im giving them an honest explanation of where they are, said Michael Matos, a senior attorney at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. They go before the court and tell their version of events and their story, so I always want to make sure they understand whats at issue so they are in the best position to have that opportunity. National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson pointed out that many pro se taxpayers dont understand the process and she believes Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics can be helpful in representing them in Collection Due Process cases. Weve been pushing the IRS to include notification of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinics on the CDP notice, so they have the opportunity from the start to be able to have representation, she said. It will change the dynamics of the case. In her most recent annual report to Congress, she noted this was the highest year ever since the Taxpayer Advocate Service began counting CDP cases in 2001 of cases being ruled in favor, either in whole or in part, for the taxpayer. Its a 14 percent rate, so its the lowest rate of cases being decided for the government, said Olson. Its surprising, and 14 percent of the cases that were decided for the taxpayer were pro se. I think thats very impressive so they are doing something right. Theyre getting some points in front of the judge for them to be able to make their cases. She has been making efforts in her own office to encourage employees to stick with cases involving taxpayers who are going through a Collection Due Process. Mark Allison, an attorney at the law firm Caplin & Drysdale, moderated the discussion and asked U.S. Tax Court Chief Judge L. Paige Marvel if the court can help with such cases, short of going to trial. Marvel believes the court has a strong incentive to ensure that as many cases as possible get resolved at the earliest possible time. But lets talk reality, she added. By the time the court gets these cases, they have gone through the administrative process. They have gone through the administrative hearing. Many of us know that by the time that happens, at least in some circuits, the record has been fixed. And by fixed, I dont mean that there is some illegal activity. I mean that the base on which the court has to act has been determined, and those circuits where the circuit has made clear that the Administrative Record Rule controls the universe that the court has to act on, we have very limited options, even in those cases where the taxpayer did not know enough to tee up certain issues during the administrative hearing. There is very little that we can do. The court has got to be creative in some cases by utilizing the exceptions to the Administrative Record Rule, but its hard. A roundup of recent expansions, additions, new services and other news from firms across the country. CALIFORNIA [IMGCAP(1)]The California Society of CPAs gave Grimbleby Coleman CPAs, Modesto, its 2016 Public Service Award for Firms. Employees of Grimbleby Coleman CPAs participated in 1,680 hours of community service in 2015, and serve on the boards of more than 25 local nonprofits, including Love Modesto, the Stanislaus Community Foundation, United Samaritans, Historic State Theatre and Community Hospice. The firm has sponsored more than 60 community-related events in conjunction with Modesto Rotary, the United Way, Salvation Army, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and other nonprofits. Intacct, San Jose, was named a Top Workplace in the Bay Area for 2016 for the sixth year in a row by the Bay Area News Group. Sensiba San Filippo LLP is relocating its Pleasanton office from 4900 Hopyard Road to a new space at 5960 Inglewood Drive, Suite 201. Twenty volunteers from HMWC CPAs & Business Advisors, Tustin, served on June 26 as part of St. Pauls Episcopal Churchs Sunday Supper program. HMWC volunteers helped prepare food, serve guests at their tables, and organize and provide take-home groceries to guests in need. About 90 guests attended. CONNECTICUT Filomeno & Co. PC, West Hartford, is marking the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1966 by the late Joseph Filomeno. It has been owned and operated by the Filomeno family for two generations, and is now led by Filomenos son, Thomas Filomeno, and principals Tina Faggaini, Mark Piatkowski, Judith E. Saunders and George M. Thomson. The firm will be performing 50 Acts of Kindness throughout the region to mark the milestone. BlumShapiro Consulting, West Hartford, a division of Blum, Shapiro & Co. PC, has earned Microsoft Partner Competency in Cloud Platforms, its fifth overall competency recognition from Microsoft. FLORIDA CPAConnect, a companion association of CPAmerica International, welcomed five new members in 2016: Scalco Johnson Leahy & Dudek CPAs PLLC, in Austin, Texas; Kevin J. Deedy CPA LLC, in Foxboro, Mass.; The Wealth Building CPA, in Beltsville, Md.; DC Anderson & Co. PC, in Irvine, Calif.; and Marshall Vander Linden CPA PLC, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Thomas Howell Ferguson PA CPAs, Tallahassee, Fla., has joined independent firm association CPAmerica International. MASSACHUSETTS Rodman & Rodman PC, Waltham, has rebranded and officially changed its name to Rodman CPAs, and unveiled a new firm graphic identity. NEW YORK Initial public offering activity in the second quarter saw a healthy increase, but still lags behind 2015 IPO figures, according to new research conducted by CohnReznick LLP. The full study will be available this month at www.cohnreznick.com/capitalformation. Two thirds (65 percent) of chief executives surveyed acknowledge that the next three years will be more critical for their industries than the past 50, according to a study released today by KPMG LLP. The 400 U.S. CEOs surveyed in the KPMG U.S. CEO Outlook 2016 report did, however, express a high degree of confidence over the longer term. OHIO Rea & Associates Inc., New Philadelphia, has been named the 2016 Member Firm of the Year by Manufacturing CPAs, a subsidiary of The Rainmaker Alliances. TENNESSEE Blackburn, Childers & Steagall PLC, Johnson City, has joined the North American Region of PrimeGlobal. TEXAS The Texas Society of CPAs is concluding a year-long celebration of its centennial anniversary by holding its annual meeting in Galveston, where its founding members first met. Its 100 Years Strong Campaign has recognized the organization's many milestones over its century of existence. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP is opening of a new location in Austin. WISCONSIN [IMGCAP(2)]Schenck has refreshed its branding and launched a new logo. The firm has created a video highlighting the key features of the new logo and Schencks brand personality. Send your firm announcements to AcToday@SourceMedia.com. For many small and midsized businesses, getting their feet wet in the global economy is an economic necessity. Their domestic market may be becoming saturated, or they may find a demand for their product be it goods or services abroad. But the opportunities to sell overseas come with a number of pitfalls as well as potential benefits. It is necessary to be aware of the value-added tax or goods and services tax that many other jurisdictions apply, noted Ryan Dudley, a partner and practice leader of the International Tax and International Services Group of Top 100 Firm Friedman LLP. These are often broader than the sales tax in the U.S., so businesses often find themselves with small amounts of sales but with significant compliance obligations for filing the VAT, collecting and remitting VAT, and also just the registration for VAT. So that can be a significant burden, particularly if someone is selling relatively small amounts of goods and services overseas. Some of the other pitfalls that come up include significant reporting requirements in the U.S., Dudley observed. For example, if you were to set up a foreign subsidiary to manage sales, it would need to be reported on your U.S. tax return, he said. If there is a foreign bank account involved, [Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act] reporting may be involved. There can be very severe penalties in the U.S. for failure to file these information returns, as well as the cost of filing the additional information. The question of foreign exchange gains and losses can create an additional level of accounting compliance that many small businesses are not set up for, Dudley said. Then theres the pitfall of creating nexus in a foreign jurisdiction for income tax purposes. Simply selling to another country will not create any income tax liability in that country, but if sales people are involved or if there is a more permanent presence, then you have to be concerned about paying taxes in that foreign country. That has its own compliance costs, as well as the issue of getting credit in the U.S. for the foreign taxes you paid. There are, however, some positives associated with expanding offshore, Dudley indicated. Where a U.S. manufacturer is exporting goods overseas, it may be entitled to IC-DISC [Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation] status, which can provide a reduced rate of tax on the income, particularly for closely held corporations. And of course, there are benefits from structuring a business offshore that allows for income to be earned offshore and not subject to tax in the U.S. until it is remitted to the U.S., Dudley noted. There is a lot of complexity, red tape and pitfalls, but with a little planning and organization upfront these can be avoided, he said. But for smaller businesses these can involve significant costs relative to the total amount of business they expect to do overseas in the short term. Roger Harris, president of Padgett Business Services, agreed. The complexity of getting into some markets requires that you have a good deal of business to justify the amount of research necessary to understand what youre getting into, and the enhanced compliance costs, he said. You have to be a certain size to understand how to make the product, sell it overseas, ship it overseas, and get paid in another currency and convert it. These are all the things that you dont have to deal with if youre selling to just one place in another state in the U.S. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS There are surprises around every corner, cautioned Josh Ehrenfeld, corporate tax partner in the Nashville office of Burr & Forman LLP. Every business model is different, and every jurisdiction is different. When a company comes to us and is getting ready to dip into international waters, and wants to know what the project might entail, we need to understand where theyre doing business and what the project is. We cant get a full picture of what they are doing unless they give a full picture of where their revenues are coming from, where their expenditures are going to occur, and where the counterparts theyre engaging with are overseas. It snowballs from there, he continued. You have to do a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction approach to understand what your needs are. ... Foreign issues are very country-dependent. In the European Union, you get a little of both tax rates are still country by country, but you do get some efficiencies on other regulatory issues. A lot depends on two key issues, he said. Are we talking about an active sale or manufacturing business, or a more passive investment model; and whats the business plan for earnings to retain them overseas and grow the company, or repatriate the earnings and invest them here in the U.S.? U.S. companies operating overseas will always be at a disadvantage relative to their foreign competitors, he said. Thats because we dont have a territorial system of taxation; instead we have a worldwide tax, so companies need to be cognizant that they will have to overcome some of those issues when they structure their business model and when they organize their operations. The issue of Subpart F income comes up immediately as soon as you start earning revenue outside the U.S., Ehrenfeld noted. Generally, U.S. tax on the income of a foreign corporation is deferred until the income is distributed as a dividend or otherwise repatriated by the foreign corporation to its U.S. shareholders. But the Subpart F (named after Subpart F of the Internal Revenue Code) tax treats certain shareholders of controlled foreign corporations as if they currently received the income. The point of Subpart F is to prevent deferral, by forcing you to recognize that income as its earned overseas, unless the business falls into certain carve-outs or exceptions that are meant to allow an active business to function in the jurisdictions where they are organized, said Ehrenfeld. Those beginning to dabble in foreign transactions need to be aware of outbound tax rules on the U.S. side, noted Selva Ozelli, a New York-based CPA and international tax attorney. These would cover withholding taxes, information tax returns, and various other information returns. If they are making sales through a foreign subsidiary, there are specific rules that apply, in addition to the transfer pricing rules. Then, in addition to the U.S. outbound rules, they need to be very aware of the foreign tax rules that would apply. These companies are facing layers and layers of U.S. and foreign tax rules they would need to comply with, making it much more complicated. SIZE MATTERS Amy Morgan, a senior product manager at Avalara, sees her mission as trying to cut through the complexity of overseas trade and make it palatable for the small or midsized firm. I spent the last 16 years in international trade compliance at Nordstrom, Costco, Amazon and Microsoft, she said. Large companies are very reliant on international activity. They know they have exposure when it comes to tax, customs duty and trade regulations. A large company knows they have to hire specialists, licensed customs brokers and freight-forwarding specialists. To make matters easier for smaller businesses, Morgan is developing Avalaras LandedCost solution, which aids users to calculate the true cost of a product when it reaches its destination at the customers door. Landed cost includes the price plus shipping and the import duties and taxes that are required for a shipment to cross an international border, said Morgan. Depending on each individual country, there may be specific import taxes or fees that the customer is responsible for. When customers have to pay more than they were aware of, some just reject the shipment. They wont pay extra just to have it delivered, so the poor retailer is out the transportation costs and the poor customer experience. In addition to taxes and import fees, some products are prohibited from being shipped into another country, Morgan said. Also, each country has its own de minimis threshold. In the U.S. its $800 any shipment shipped into the U.S. that is less than that doesnt require any duties and taxes to be paid, but in Canada the threshold is $20. All of these add to the complexity. Though a little slow on the uptake, programmatic buying has been gaining grounds in India as an efficient way to buy advertising inventory. Ashish Shah, Founder & CEO, Vertoz, writes about the challenges as well as the various positives of programmatic advertising for different stakeholders. Vertoz is a leading programmatic company that offers engaging and innovative advertising and monetising solutions. It monetises traffic from all verticals and geographies to earn the best ROI for its customers. The Challenges Viewability has always been a thing to worry about in the online advertising world. Ad impression does not guarantee whether or not the ad will be looked at or have an impact on the viewer. Privacy and transparency is another challenge that the industry faces. Customers want their data to be safe and the buying and selling to function with complete transparency. Buyers wish to know that their ads are being served to the right audiences, at the right time, in a brand-safe environment and are not being misused. A growing number of brands are falling prey to ad fraud and that is a major issue for the advertisers. Many ad tech companies have partnered with fraud detection companies and are trying to tackle this problem, however the problem has already made many advertisers impatient and untrustworthy towards online advertising. Probably the biggest issue that the industry is currently facing is ad blocking. With 198 million Internet users actively using ad block plugins, online marketers are facing loss at an extensive rate. The Positives For Advertisers / Brands: Advertisers have a great opportunity of effectively targeting their audience in real time with the help of programmatic advertising. By blending trend targeting with demographics, the advertisers can reach their prospects with creative and relevant messages based on what the reader is viewing and sharing about a topic in real time. This approach helps a brand to achieve long-term success. Targeting enables advertisers target audiences based on location, age group, gender, etc. It also helps advertisers to retarget their audience on other websites, thus helping advertisers keep a track of them and target them again and again. It gives advertisers a choice of publishing their ads on websites relevant to their brand and business, which increases the chances of audience taking interest in the advertisers products/ services. Online advertising is more cost effective than traditional channels and helps advertisers to save a lot of money. For Publishers/ Content Owners: For publishers, the advantage of working with multiple brands/ advertisers has always been a great thing. Programmatic advertising offers the right type of advertisers to publishers content and thus, it helps in increasing rank on the publishers content in search engines. Publishers can choose relevant advertisers based on the type of content published on their website helping them to earn more. There is always an added advantage of earning more by keeping the consumers engaged on their website. Sectors that prefer to go for programmatic advertising are FMCG, Automobiles, BFSI, Food, Real Estate, m-commerce and e-commerce. India Today Television today announced the launch of its news quiz show News Wiz. The show will be hosted by journalist, anchor and author Rajdeep Sardesai and has been designed by producer-director Siddhartha Basu of Kaun Banega Crorepati and Dus ka Dum fame. The show is already garnering support of the advertisers and has Tata Motors on board as the Presenting Sponsor. Each episode of News Wiz will be an hour long and will air every Sunday at 11 am, starting July 24, 2016. News Wiz will see participation from students across the country from classes IX till XII. From an extensive list of 1,500, 60 schools were shortlisted through an online test. The list was further trimmed to 27 schools who will participate in the 13 episode series featuring three teams consisting of two participants in each episode. To make the format of the show more fascinating, the teams will be provided with a phone-in helpline, where they can seek help on their answers from a journalist of the concerned field. The quiz show also has a Web Guide station where one team member can look up the answers and assist the other team member who will be attempting the question in an allotted time. Celebrities and news makers from all walks of life are also expected to be special guests during the shows. Commenting on the launch of the new show, Kalli Purie, Group Editorial Director (Broadcast & New Media), India Today Group, said, At India Today TV, we have always strived to introduce fresh and innovative content on the channel. Our aim is to encourage bright young minds to dig deeper, learn more and connect with the news on a much larger and wider scale. Commenting on his association, Siddhartha Basu said I am extremely happy to be associated with India Today TV, a channel for which I have great regard and look forward to a strong and fruitful relationship. Hosting and producing quiz shows has been an integral part of my life for over three decades. The launch of Newz Wiz is a major step that underlines the channels thought leadership and their consistent effort to break new grounds. Commenting on the launch of the new show, Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor, India Today Group, said, The show is a first of its kind in the Indian news industry and it presents me with an exciting opportunity to become a quiz master for the first time in my journalistic career. The quiz show has a unique concept, which is designed to educate and entertain the audience while keeping the focus on the ignited minds of the school going teenagers. Oxemberg, a brand from the house of Siyarams, has appointed Isobar India, the digital agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, as their digital agency of record. The mandate is for the full service digital business of Oxemberg and will see Isobar India handling all digital creative, social and media for the brand. For the record, it was a direct pitch. Confirming the news, Gaurav Poddar, President & Executive Director, Siyaram Silk Mills said, "The digital medium has acquired critical importance given the rapidly changing media consumption patterns. Social media has today become the de facto medium for interacting with the consumers and getting real time feedback. The digital platforms are todays media vehicles for engagement and interactivity. We are delighted to have Isobar as our online agency. Their understanding of the digital ecosystem and their in-depth digital knowledge will help us to achieve our media and business objectives. Shamsuddin Jasani, Managing Director, Isobar India said, Oxemberg is really poised to have a great impact in the fashion space. Isobar is very happy to partner Oxemberg on this journey to really make a mark and help Oxemberg use digital to achieve business success. We are very excited with the opportunity that Oxemberg has given us. Team Indus, a space technology startup and the only Indian team competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, on Wednesday, announced the launch of Lab2Moon, a competition to challenge the brightest young minds globally to think beyond our planet and create an experiment to fly on board the TeamIndus spacecraft to the Moon in 2017. This will mark the first opportunity for a non-government experiment to fly to the moon since 1976. As part of Lab2Moon, youngsters between 14 and 25 years have to imagine, design and build a project that would catalyse the evolution of mankind as a sustainable multi-planetary species. TeamIndus believes that in the future, mankind will not be bound only to earth. Lab2Moon will look for experiments in sustainable living that will have benefits both on earth and beyond. Lab2Moon seeks to challenge students to come up with unique experiments for their projects - which could range from investigating how seeds can grow in space through to examining new possibilities in renewable energy. Rahul Narayan, TeamIndus Fleet Commander, said, "The Team Indus mission is designed to be democratic, inclusive and driven by the people. Lab2Moon reflects that ethos. We hope that a generation of youngsters will be inspired to become change-makers and help create a better tomorrow. Registrations open today on L2M.teamindus.in. Teams of up to three members will be required to write a 300 word overview of their project, share drawings and upload a 2-minute video explaining why it should go to the Moon. The last date for registering teams is the 20th of August, 2016. A jury of internationally-renowned scientists and technologists including Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of ISRO, will shortlist 20 teams by the 25th of August, 2016. These teams will then develop a working prototype by the turn of the year. In January 2017, the 20 shortlisted teams will be flown to Bangalore to showcase their project to the jury. The winner will be declared on 26thJanuary, 2017. Norway's best and brightest future air traffic controllers have graduated from the specialist NATS training college in Fareham. The student controllers have spent the last nine months being put through their paces by NATS specialist instructors preparing them for handling real aircraft. The course took them through all the key aspects of air traffic management, including aerodrome, approach and area control training using NATS state-of-the-art simulators. Having passed the initial course at NATS they will now return to Norway to complete their in-country training and final validations before becoming fully fledged controllers. Anders Kirsebom, Managing Director of Avinor Air Navigation Services, said: We are pleased to welcome our new students. They have received world-class training from NATS, which will now be completed at Avinor so they can start their careers providing an outstanding service to Norwegian airports and airspace users. Clare MacDonald, NATS Head of Training, added: NATS has years of experience in training our own controllers but I am especially proud to see the first class of Norwegian students do so fantastically well. I have every confidence that each of them will go on to be outstanding controllers once they complete their training in Norway. Last year NATS won a multi-year contract with the Norwegian air navigation service provider, Avinor to train its future controllers, with the first group arriving in September. Recruitment for UK air traffic controllers is currently open and applications can be made on the NATS website at: nats.aero/careers. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. 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Coalition leader talks airpower effects The head of U.S. Air Forces Central Command took time June 28 to discuss the impact airpower has had in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and throughout the region during a visit with the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. Airpower allows us to apply pressure, to execute the mission, and also helps to deter and defend the region from other potential adversaries or contingencies, said Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Well into the wings 14th year at its undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, a change of command ceremony in which Brig. Gen. Daniel Orcutt passed the reigns to Brig. Gen. Charles Corcoran presented Brown with an opportunity to highlight the 380th AEWs contributions to the AFCENT mission. Ive got three priorities: deliver airpower, defend the region and develop relationships, Brown said. Delivering airpower comes in many different forms, and the 380th touches every mission set, whether its strike, whether its air refueling, whether its command and control, or (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). We really cant do many of the things we do without all those capabilities, and the 380th has all of them and they do great work. With a diverse inventory of fighter, refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, the 380th AEW has flown over 72,000 hours, delivered 253 million pounds of fuel to the air coalition, imaged 142,000 targets, and employed over 4,000 weapons with a 98 percent hit rate since June 2015. The air coalition can deliver a precision strike with multiple weapons inside of 10 feet and roughly 99 percent of the weapons employed in Operation Inherent Resolve are precision guided, according to Brown. This capability enables the coalition to strike more lucrative targets such as logistics, command and control, weapons manufacturing areas, ISIL financial resources, and oil facilities with greater effect. Precision-guided munitions allow us to do several things. One -- to hit the target were aiming at, and two -- to minimize civilian casualties. Thats something we spend a lot of time and energy on in planning and execution, and by being precise we dont have to employ as many weapons, Brown said. Thats hugely important to moving the campaign forward. Operating daily alongside coalition partners, the 380th AEW achieves U.S. Central Command mission priorities across the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. The 380th provides AFCENT and CENTCOM with a potent complement of Airmen, joint and coalition partners, that are instrumental to the delivery of precise airpower effects that are not only affecting (ISILs) capabilities, but are also having an impact in a number of operations across the region, Brown said. Legislative liaisons enhance mobility relationships, future During an election year, many service members are extra cautious about any political affiliations. While this is important, Airmen have the right to reach out to their congressional representatives. Some Airmen even work directly with the politicians. Each major command has dedicated personnel, known as legislative liaisons, responsible for communicating with Congress through the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison office. Along with ensuring Air Force leadership is aware of relevant congressional activities, legislative liaisons evaluate, report and disseminate pertinent information to the Air Force and/or their command. The Air Mobility Command has two legislative liaison officers, Maj. Yancey Walker and Fe Haase, who are responsible for formulating and executing the congressional engagement strategy in support of the rapid global mobility enterprise. AMC leaders are responsible for providing the best military advice to civilian leaders, including members of Congress. The legislative affairs team acts as a conduit for this, which requires Walker and Hasse to be informed participants in conversations. Timely and accurate communication with members of both the Senate and House of Representatives is the best way any command in the Air Force can advocate for policy and funding that support its overall strategic objectives, Walker said. This AMC legislative affairs team also has to respond to congressional requests for information on behalf of command, Walker said. We have to know what each congressional members agenda and concerns are so we can know how to better inform them on priorities and requirements of the Air Force and Air Mobility Command. Answering congressional inquiries requires the legislative affairs branch to maintain open channels of communication with AMC leadership at all levels. We dont know what issue will spark congressional interest, but when a member raises a concern, we have to know who to contact within the command to get the answer, Hasse said. Knowing who the subject matter experts are in AMC allows the commands legislative liaison team to address concerns in a timely and informed manner. Congressional inquiries can also spark topics of interest that military leaders may need to address when testifying before one of the Big Four defense committees, which include the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and the Senate and House Defense Appropriations Committees, Walker said. AMC, as the air component command of U.S. Transportation Command, provides an assessment of airlift and air refueling readiness for inclusion in USTRANSCOM's posture statement, which is delivered annually to Congress, Walker said. If requested, the AMC commander could be called to testify in support of the USTRANSCOM commander. Testimonies provide an opportunity for leaders to highlight the successes, priorities and needs for the mobility mission. However, leaders are not the only members allowed to address government -- all Airmen have this right. Another role Walker plays is that of an educator. He teaches a course on Congress and mobility as part of the Air Force Expeditionary Operations Schools Rapid Global Mobility III course, which educates Airmen on government operations. Walker is a firm believer that Airmen must educate themselves so they can make informed decisions. Walker said one of his favorite quotes comes from George Washington who said, A primary objective should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of knowledge can be equally important? According to Title 5, U.S. Code Section 7102 and Title 10, U.S. Code Section 1034, states Air Force personnel have the legal right to petition and furnish information to, or communicate with Congress. Airmen, as citizens of this country have the right to reach out their congressional representative if they need help with a matter or have a question involving the Defense Department. Airmen can participate in the political process in a variety of ways. They can contact their congressional members directly or join groups such as the Air Force Sergeants Association and Military Officers Association of America, which advocate to Congress on behalf of their members. First USAF F-35A takes overseas flight to England The Air Combat Command F-35A Heritage Flight team accomplished Americas first transatlantic flight in an F-35A Lightning II, with refueling support from a KC-10 Extender, when it touched down here June 30. This historic flight, which brought the team to England from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, was a first for not only the F-35A; it was also the KC-10s first time refueling the fighter jet transcontinentally. Any time there is a first in the United States Air Force and you get to be a part of it, is a real honor, said Capt. Daniel DeRusha, a 9th Air Refueling Wing KC-10 aircraft commander. Our crew is just like any other KC-10 crew; they are all more than capable of performing this mission. The fifth-generation fighter traveled to England in support of the Royal International Air Tattoo, the worlds largest military air show, which takes place July 14-16 at Royal Air Force Fairford. The event features joint, coalition and civilian flight teams, aerial acts and static displays. While the KC-10 is not staying for RIAT, the F-35 will join a P-51 Mustang and F-22 Raptor in a heritage pass showcasing the past, present and future of airpower. The heritage team will also be on the ground before and after the pass to answer attendees questions about the U.S. Air Forces newest fighter jet. (When) we can be a part of something that promotes the capabilities of the Air Force as well as the capabilities of our integration with our foreign allies, is a wonderful opportunity, DeRusha said. Everyone on the crew understood the importance of that, and were very thankful that we got to be a part of it. For the lead F-35A pilot, this historic flight and opportunity at RIAT not only showed the jets airpower but also the strength of the Air Force. It really shows the teamwork that went into it; not only the logistics support, but the maintainers to the tanker units -- it really was a team effort, said Maj. Will Andreotta, the ACC F-35A Heritage Flight team commander. Being able to go international with the F-35 is a huge honor. Its something that we can now bring out to people and say, This is what the Air Force in the United States is going to offer in the future and this is what your country is going to offer as well." No management, no mission With operations happening night and day on Bagram Airfield, the flightline gets plenty of use as aircraft and vehicles traverse its concrete course. As with everything else that gets constant use, the flightline needs continual care and upkeep. As a significant contributor to air support in Afghanistan, the airfield here at Bagram needs to be managed with scrutiny and attention to detail. The Bagram Airfield Operations team works 24/7 providing airfield management to maintain operational readiness and ensure flightline safety. This team is headed by Leslie Ellis, an Air Force retiree who has supported the mission at Bagram for 11 years. We maintain the airfield and make sure aircraft can get in and out of here safely, said Leslie Ellis, air traffic manager. We inspect runways, taxiways, ramps and manage the airfield driving program and identify things that need to be fixed so that they are in compliance with the regulations. The team also makes sure FOD (foreign object debris) checks are completed by those traveling on the flightline. One of the biggest issues we have on the airfield is FOD, said Ellis. FOD can be anything blowing on the airfield that can be ingested by aircraft engines. Theres an ongoing fight against FOD on the airfield. Airfield managers are known as the eyes and ears of the flightline, so when they recognize discrepancies such as broken signal lights or cracked concrete, they often call on other organizations for help. CE [Civil Engineer] plays a big role in what we do, said Ellis. Everything we identify has to be fixed by somebody and that would be civil engineers. If you have ever driven on the flightline, chances are you have encountered an airfield manager. Airfield driving authorization is only granted after individuals have received training from airfield managers. This training consists of day and night time driving on the flightline for familiarization of the safety and operational guidelines. We try to manage through education. There are about 300 units on this base that we provide airfield driving training for, said Ellis. Its a big task to make sure people are doing what they are supposed to be doing and 99 percent of the time, they do. Aircraft do not move on Bagram without the approval of airfield management and operations. Bagrams ability to maintain air operations is attributed to the airfield management teams sustainment of a safe airfield. When asked what makes him most proud of the work he does, Ellis simply said It contributes to the mission in the fight against terror. It still feels good to support that. Film trade journalism for Film Information led much the sought after writer, producer turned director, Rajeev Chaudhari, towards the business of publicity and PR for established production banners and film stars. Chaudhuris projects, by far, carry his trademark on the concept, script, production and direction. Rajeev has served as a secretary of IMPPA, followed by another, similar term at the FMC. He has produced and directed a Bollywood movie thriller Gunaah, under Rajeev Choudhari Creations. Rajeev Chaudhari spoke to KV Raman, in a candid conversation, about his ambitious film Beiimaan Love and his future plans. What is Beiimaan Love all about? Beiimaan Love is a dark love story. Leads Sunny Leone and Rajneesh Duggal have tremendous shades and colours in their roles. They have acted brilliantly and the chemistry between them is intense and palpable! It is a love story exposing the beiimaani of todays love! It is based on the women of today who prioritize work and career over love and miseries of emotions and domestic slavery. What made you sign Sunny Leone for this strong headed womans role? I believe Sunny is a very intelligent and a strong headed actor. After watching her performance in Ragini MMS, I sensed the potency in her and was convinced that she could do justice to this role. With the image that Sunny carries, do you think she will be able to do justice to the film? Sunny will take you into the character of the role right from the first frame in this film. She is a luminous actor and has done an extraordinary work in the film. How has been your journey, by far? After having worked for a popular trade weekly as a journalist, I ventured into Film PR business and have handled PR for many big films, including Rajshris Maine Pyar Kiya (starring Salman Khan), Dev Anands Awwal Number, Garware and others. I have been a hard-core film trade man with film distribution exhibition experience. I also learnt a lot through IMPPA and FMC during my stint with them as Secretary. Whats next on the roll, after Beiimaan Love? I am planning another film called Ishq Firangi with an established female actor (name to be disclosed soon). Besides that, I am working on a film in the USA called, The Inner Storm. It will be in English and has been written by me. American writer, Miguel Duran, has penned down the dialogues. It will be a crossover festival film, which will be shot in Los Angeles and New York. A woman was killed and three children wounded when their car was hit by shrapnel from a bomb in a restive Shiite-majority district outside the Bahraini capital Manama, police said today. The evening blast struck in the village of East Akar yesterday, one of a string of suburbs of the capital that have seen persistent unrest since the Gulf states Sunni minority rulers crushed Shiite-led protests for a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister in 2011. Most of the disturbances have involved demonstrators throwing petrol bombs at police, who have deployed heavily in Shiite areas as authorities have carried out an intensifying crackdown on the majority communitys leaders. A police statement carried by the official BNA news agency gave no other details of the explosion. A courts decision last this month to strip the kingdoms Shiite spiritual leader, Sheikh Isa Qassim, of his citizenship sparked protests in his home village outside Manama. The authorities crackdown has drawn criticism from key ally Washington, which has called repeatedly for reform and reconciliation with the Shiite-led opposition. Tiny but strategic Bahrain lies just across the Gulf from Shiite Iran and is connected by a causeway to Sunni Saudi Arabia. It is the home base of the US Fifth Fleet. Actor Irrfan Khan gave bold observations on Ramzan and Muharram. He questioned whether the essence of fasting during Ramzan and sacrifice had been lost. He believes that the Muslims have made Tamasha (scene) of the rituals. He was very vocal in explaining that the Qurbani means sacrificing something close to your heart and sharing with others. Today, you buy a goat from the market for sacrifice. It is something to think about, it is a matter of common sense, we all should ask ourselves how sacrificing another life earns us any goodwill, not only that but [inlinetweet prefix= tweeter= suffix=]Mr. Khan stressed that it is important to understand the meaning of rituals and festivals or they can be misused[/inlinetweet]. He thinks his community has made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and they take out processions. He also criticised Muslim leaders for not speaking up on terrorism. The controversy angered many Muslim leaders; they came in defending the rituals and warned him to refrain from spreading half knowledge on the Internet. Meanwhile, if we go in depth, its not only Muslims but even Hindus and other faiths also believe in the concept of sacrifice, which according to me is also really meaningless. Killing an innocent animal in the name of God cannot be holy event and Im no god wants lacerates of its own creation by another invention. Muslims from all over the world anticipate the annual three-day celebration of a historical event that took place thousands of years ago during the time of Prophet Abraham. This occasion, known as Eid-ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a representation of two significant Islamic events: the culmination of the Hajj (or pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia), and the sacrifice that God (Allah) commanded to Prophet Abraham of his beloved son, Ismail. Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While Muslims all around the world celebrate this day, it has particular significance for the pilgrims performing the Hajj. In order to understand the context of Eid-ul-Adha, one must describe the Hajj with which it is associated. Allah had made the Hajj mandatory upon mankind initially during the time of Prophet Abraham: [inlinetweet prefix= tweeter= suffix=]And make a proclamation of Hajj to mankind; they will come to you on foot and on lean camels from every distant quarter.[/inlinetweet] (Quran: Ch 22, v27). Over time, however, the spread of idolatry across Arabia caused the rituals of hajj to become extremely distorted. With the advent of Islam and Prophet Muhammad, Allah had reinstated Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, and described the correct manner in which it was to be performed. In addition to signifying the completion of the Hajj, Eid-ul-Adha honours the enormous sacrifice that was to be made by Prophet Abraham. The story narrated behind scarifies follows as, Abraham was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his dearly beloved son, Ismail, as a test of obedience. Abraham willingly submitted to Allahs command, wherein Allah, by His Mercy, replaced Ismail at the moment of sacrifice with a lamb. Abrahams selfless act of obedience is honoured by the sacrifice of a domestic animal such as a lamb, sheep, cow, or goat, the meat of which is then distributed to relatives, neighbours, and the poor. Eid-ul-Adha demonstrates the charitable instincts of Muslims in their communal effort to see that no one is left deprived of the sacrificial meat. It further embodies the values of discipline and self-denial, and submitting to the will of Allah. However, nowadays they cut the either goat, sheep or camel (as one can afford). They feed the animal for few days and take care of it and finally cut its throat. However, there is no emotional attachment with the animal, the very purpose of bringing that cattle is to sacrifices. The festivities begins in the morning after Fajr (morning) prayer, where Muslims, dressed in their finest clothes, attend the congregational prayer followed by a sermon. Upon completion of the services, people greet each other with the blessings of Eid. The question of the perceived cruelty to the sacrificial animal may disturb some people. As Irrfan Khan said, Muharram is for mourning but not for processions. However, Muslims believe that the Ashura is an ancient adherence, which is recognized, differently in the two major sects of Islam the Shia and Sunni communities, for different reasons. Nevertheless, the day of Ashura remains of great importance to both the communities. Sunni Muslims observe the day by fasting. Shias flagellate themselves during a Muharram procession. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed around the world for 10 days of mourning in remembrance of martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. These are rigid religious beliefs, as many other religious philosophies, if we really keep on debating on right and wrong then believe me, we will find everyone wrong and no one will be declared as doing or believing right faith. Actually, religion has no conscientious understanding; its just a conditioning and one need to go with it. (With Inputs From Various Sources) (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) Even though the Maharashtra government had taken an initiative to plant 2 crores plants across the state citizens and NGOs were more interested in garnering publicity by clicking selfies. Thus the tree plantation drive turned into a photo-op moment and its real purpose of increasing the green cover was not realised. In Mumbai NGOs had undertaken the afforestation drive at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kamala Nehru Park and Aarey Colony but these areas already have a huge green cover. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had urged housing societies to plant five trees in the compound. The civic body will also provide free saplings to housing societies to undertake this drive. On the other hand, Mumbaikars are not sure how will the afforestation drive succeed in a city where there is dearth of open spaces. Most of the open spaces are being encroached by slum dwellers. People only talk about conserving the environment but they dont take any initiative to plant trees. Even if citizens undertake afforestation drive who will take care of the saplings as many of them will dry due to lack of water. There is lack of monitoring mechanism to see how many trees have survived, said Ramesh Singh a Dahisar resident. The tree plantation drive was undertaken at such places where there is huge green cover. Instead the officials could have planted saplings at such areas where lesser number of trees exist, said Sameer Shah a business man from Kandivali. The BMCs initiative to ask housing societies for planting trees in the compound wont succeed as most of the area of my building is being concretised with very less space available for tree plantation, said Satish Rohankar a Borivali resident. In our housing society more priority is being given to allot space for parking cars. In such a scenario, how will I plant trees in the compound of my building? Today people are more interested in building concrete structures everywhere instead of planting trees, said Anish Sen a Kandivali resident. The afforestation drive to increase the green cover by planting two crore saplings was inaugurated by Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao. The event in which schools, colleges, corporates, government departments and the defence establishments participated, marked the beginning of the state governments ambitious project to plant 50 crore saplings in the next three years. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, and state Environment Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar were present on the occasion along with top government officials and 3,500 students at the five-hectare Mahim Nature Park. The defence authorities also joined in the drive by planting around 8,000 saplings at various establishments in Colaba, Kalina and Kandivali with the participation of defence personnel and their families. In perhaps the biggest move since it came to power, the central government is mulling the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code and has asked the law commission to submit a report to see if implementation is viable in the near future. Responding to the demand, the law commission has promised to consult stakeholders and political parties before taking a decision. Commission head Balbir Singh Chauhan said he would speak to the stakeholders before submitting a report. Sources however admit the decision would be difficult given the upcoming UP election in 2017. In the history of Indian Independence, this is the first time that a government has asked the Law Commission to look into the Uniform Civil Code. Bharatiya Janata Party led governments move is expected to raise a huge political storm as such a code is often twisted together with a debate on secularism. If the Act is passed by the Parliament, it would ensure same common personal laws for all citizens. At present, there are different personal laws for Hindus and Muslims. Personal law covers issues like property, marriage and divorce, inheritance and succession. Muslim personal laws, on the other hand, stipulate that divorced women could either take financial support from their parental family or from the community. Gandhis move angered a large section of Hindus and feminists. This time, Congress adopted a cautious stance while reacting to the Modi governments pitch for the uniform civil code. The party, which is passing through one of its worst phases in its political history, welcomed the centres step but with a rider: wide-ranging consultations on the touchy issue. It is a welcome step but there should be discussion on all aspects of the uniform civil code, said party leader Sandeep Dikshit. He though accepted many countries have successfully unified their personal laws. The move asking the law panel to examine the issue assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of triple talaq, which many complain is abused by Muslim men to arbitrarily divorce their wives. June 30, 2016 The Egyptian Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) decided earlier this month to ban certain TV ads by Juhayna Dairy Products, Al-Ahram Beverages Co., and Cottonil and Dice underwear companies, saying the ads are immoral or designed to deceive children. Some members of the advertising industry say the action isnt warranted and is based on nebulous concepts of what moral means. A draft law wending its way through the legislative process could help address that objection. Consumers complained about the ads, the CPA said in a June 11 statement on its website. The CPA said the Juhayna ads promoted false information by saying the companys milk is better than breast milk. Also, ads by Al-Ahram, Cottonil and Dice included overt sexual references, CPA said. Karim Imam, who directs TV ads, told Al-Monitor that the successive decisions to stop airing creative artistic content make such ads formulaic and mundane. Imam said that ads require innovative ideas that are of interest to the public, but that the agency is trying to impose moral control on society. The agencys primary role, he said, is to prevent harmful commodities from being traded and to keep the prices of goods and services from being manipulated. According to Imam, the agency isnt doing its job because harmful goods are being traded in the market. Also, some movies and soap operas contain explicit phrases that he finds more offensive to public decency than the banned ads. Ads are mainly aimed at drawing attention, Imam pointed out. This is why imposing excessive restraints in this regard will only lead to [repetitive commercials]. Most communities do not impose prohibitions on commercials except when such ads deceive children or humiliate a particular class or group which is not the case with any of the banned ads, according to Imam. He predicts that advertisers will gradually start using more electronic platforms and social networking sites for their ads. When the commercials of the mentioned companies were banned on TV, the ads were not deleted from the companies' official YouTube accounts. CPA head Atef Yacoub disagreed with Imams arguments. The decision does not restrict creativity and innovation. Misleading information is being spread, the law is being violated and commercial standard specifications are being disrespected, he told Al-Monitor. Yacoub also charged that the banned ads violate the Consumer Protection Law of 2006 as well as specifications from 2005 covering advertising requirements for products and services and advertisements aimed at children. The law stipulates advertising must respect consumers religious customs, traditions and values. The CPA is entitled to monitor any irregularities in commercial activities, including ads, and can ask offenders to pull the ads. The 2005 specifications state ads should be ethical and moral and should not include any audio or visual content that is contrary to public morals. Also, ads should not contain false information that can deceive children or encourage them to engage in dangerous activities. Yacoub accused most media outlets of airing ads without ensuring any compliance with the law and conformity with the standards. Therefore, he said, media outlets share the responsibility for the spread of objectionable ads. Yacoub stressed that he called on representatives of advertising agencies to tighten self-censorship on advertising content. Ad writer Hazem Hassan told Al-Monitor that during the five years he has worked in the field, he has never been aware of standards defining moral prohibitions on advertising texts and video and audio effects. Hassan stressed that he makes such decisions based on his knowledge of what is accepted or rejected by society. It is impossible to have consensus over any artistic content, Hassan said, pointing out that the diverse cultures of audiences cause some to admire one ad idea when others might find it contrary to morals and custom. He said this cultural diversity contributes to the creation of innovative ideas that develop the ad industry in general. Huwaida Mustafa, a media professor at Cairo University, called for the standards to be reviewed and defined more clearly. We have no clear rules that explain ethics and morals in this regard, she told Al-Monitor. Mustafa also said that the expression violation of public morality is vague, which makes it inevitable that some ads will be banned while others are aired despite their disregard for the values of some communities. The public in general is offended by ads that contain overt sexual references or insults, demean women by portraying them as commodities, ridicule a certain sect or religion, or deceive children, she said. She allowed, however, that ads should not be subject to severe restrictions because they are mainly based on continuous innovation to attract viewers. Mustafa stressed the need to leave room for creative freedom, provided it doesnt turn into a tool to spread profanity or obscenity. She noted that the ad industry in Egypt is witnessing a boom and the levels of quality and ideas are continuously evolving. Overregulation of the ad industry could cause significant losses in the economy as a whole; advertisings evolution reflects the strength of competition among advertisers to provide goods and services that satisfy the consumers, she added. To an extent, ads regulate themselves, said Hassan Imad Makkawi, former dean of the faculty of mass communication at Cairo University. Ads should be moral and truthful, and those that dont meet minimum standards of taste and civility drive viewers away, even when they provide accurate information, he told Al-Monitor. A draft law making its way to parliament proposes, among many other things, formation of a supreme council to regulate the media to set standards for evaluating the content and artistic quality of ads aired in all media outlets. Makkawi predicts that, once applied, the press and media regulation law will impose more specific ethical controls. He emphasized that the obvious presence of such controls ones that fit the culture of the Egyptian society will limit violations that could lead to an ad being banned. June 30, 2016 BAGHDAD As the armed conflict with Islamic State (IS) in Anbar province ended with the liberation of Fallujah, a political conflict emerged there over posts, influence and economic interests. This started even prior to the reconstruction of destroyed Anbar cities and the return of the displaced. Iraqi forces announced June 17 that the government complex in Fallujah, which was the last IS stronghold in Anbar, had been liberated. Yet a conflict was triggered in the Anbar provincial council between the Islamic Party with which Anbar Gov. Suhaib al-Rawi is affiliated and which is backed by the Solution (al-Hall) bloc and led by Jamal Karbouli and the Reform bloc, which consists of 17 out of 30 members of the Anbar provincial council. These 17 members are of the Loyalty to Anbar bloc and the Arabic Coalition and are backed by the leader of the Sunni Endowment Establishment, Abdul Latif Hamayem, and by the head of the Sahwa Party, Ahmed Abu Risha. Deputy head of the Anbar provincial council Faleh al-Issawi told Al-Monitor that the Loyalty to Anbar bloc and the Arabic Coalition are supported by Abu Risha and seek to interrogate the leader of the provincial council, Sabah Karhout, whom they accuse of corruption. They also demand that Rawi be dismissed as governor, which prompted the Solution bloc and the Islamic Party to demand that the Iraqi parliament dissolve the Anbar provincial council and hold an early local election. Issawi added, The reason behind the conflict is the competition for posts and to share the pie in the reconstruction of Anbar, where there is talk that the Iraqi government, the United States, and Arab and Western countries intend on providing aid for the reconstruction of the province. The conflicting parties in Anbar are seeking to obtain construction bids, which will only happen when they control all official posts. He explained, This conflict involves clans supporting this or that party depending on how close they are to it or based on their common interests. This also applies to the construction companies, which wait for the parties they endorse to give them the green light in the reconstruction process. The Solution bloc demanded in a statement June 15 that the Anbar provincial council be dissolved due to its preoccupation with political disputes and partisan competition for posts, neglecting the displaced dossier and hampering the liberation of the rest of the cities. In a statement to Al-Mada Press on June 20, Mohammed Farhan, who is a member of the bloc backing the governor, accused the Reform bloc of "wanting to bring back Jassim al-Halbusi, former head of the Anbar provincial council, to office. Halbusi, who heads the Reform bloc, is the former head of the Anbar provincial council. He was dismissed on Aug. 16, 2011, due to his mismanagement and abuse of his post, the dismissal decision said. Farhan, a member of the Anbar provincial council, said, Its been three years that Anbar has not received the funds for the reconstruction. The entire budget is used for the war and displaced. Farhan said the Reform bloc members left thousands of displaced from Anbar province without shelter, while working to have access to posts and seeking to gain the money coming from donor countries and organizations for the reconstruction of the province. Reform bloc parliament member Abdul Rahman al-Luwaizi told Al-Monitor over the phone, The Anbar provincial council Reform blocs objective is to end the monopoly of political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood [the Iraqi Islamic Party] over power in Anbar. Change will be brought about through democratic means, by interrogating and dismissing Gov. Suhaib al-Rawi, head of the provincial council Sabah Karhout and other officials in the province. He added, The Muslim Brotherhood is behind all of the security and political problems in Anbar in recent years, because it failed in the provincial management and reconstruction. The political conflict in Anbar seems to have reached a peak between the Reform bloc on the one hand and the Islamic and the Solution bloc on the other. This would hinder the reconstruction process and the return of the displaced to the province, particularly in case the provincial council and its leader are dismissed or if early elections are held. At the same time, the post-IS era in Anbar requires that the local government deal with the federal government and international donors in the absence of accusations of corruption leveled by rival parties in Anbar. The conflict will certainly not be limited to Anbar. The Iraqi parliament has the power to dissolve the Anbar provincial council. It is up to parliamentary blocs to discuss the reasons for the dissolution and decide on whether to keep the situation as is by rejecting the dissolution, which implies a triumph for the Islamic Party and the Solution bloc or to agree to dissolve it and set a date for early elections, which the Reform bloc seeks to achieve. Under such circumstances, the reconstruction process of the distressed city is not expected to be launched anytime soon, not to mention the displaced returning to their homes. June 30, 2016 RAMALLAH, West Bank Bilateral relations between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel seem to be currently at their best, as coordination and cooperation on official levels are ongoing between the two sides. However, the Palestinians disagree as they want the nature of the relationship with Israel to be defined. In this context, Ahmed Majdalani, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organizations (PLO) Executive Committee, participated in the 16th Herzliya Conference on Israeli security that was held on June 14-16. Majdalanis participation raised the ire of the Palestinians, as Palestinian factions and boycott committees demanded to hold him accountable for participating. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine noted in a June 16 statement that Majdalanis participation is a stab in our peoples back. We need to take a serious stance and hold him accountable. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine issued a statement on the same day noting that Majdalanis participation was offensive to the struggles of our people and the sacrifices they have made. It challenges the boycott of the Israeli occupation economically, militarily and culturally which requires taking the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such practices. A Hamas statement issued June 18 described Majdalanis participation as a national failure that legalizes the occupations crimes and disregards the Palestinian peoples struggle. Palestinians criticize the Herzliya Conference for the importance the Israelis attach to it; they consider it one of the most important strategic think tanks on the future of Israel. The conference has been devoted to discussing the most crucial issues facing Israel, identifying emerging issues and trends, and assessing the threats posed on Israel in the Middle East. The Herzliya Conference, in reference to the city of Herzliya where the conference is held, was launched in 2000 on the initiative of Uzi Arad, a former officer in the Israeli Mossad and former political adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conference holds importance because the participants include military figures, politicians, academics, diplomats and strategic experts from Israel and abroad. Its importance also lies in the regional and international issues that are discussed and that are highly influential for Israel, as well as the security risks and challenges facing it. Majdalani believes the criticism against him to be exaggerated. He told Al-Monitor, This was an official participation that was required of me. This is neither the first time, nor will it be the last as it reflects the PLOs approach, stance and vision by representing the Palestinian position in all forums. The PA, which receives an invitation as a signatory of the 1993 Oslo Accord, has participated in the Herzliya Conference on several occasions since 2004. At the recent conference, the participants which included the ambassadors of Jordan and Egypt, as both countries also signed peace agreements with Israel discussed the PAs political stance and its vision for the future as well as the developments in the region. The PA first participated in the 5th Herzliya Conference in 2004, where it was represented by former secretary-general of the PLOs Executive Committee Yasser Abed Rabbo. Former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad participated in the conference in 2007 and 2010, and former Minister of Prisoners Affairs Ashraf Ajrami and member of Fatahs Central Committee Nabil Shaath both participated in the 2014 conference. Majdalani said, We want to confront Israeli society and its political and security elite with our political vision to prove that we support peace based on a two-state solution, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. He added, The Herzliya Conference is an arena of political engagement [that allows us] to represent the Palestinian position. This is why the [current] Palestinian debate should be about the content of my speech in the conference, instead of where I delivered it. Majdalanis speech at the conference did not add anything new as it was aligned with the Palestinian political rhetoric that reiterated the importance of peace accords and the two-state solution. He called on the conference to adopt the peace strategy, starting from the Arab Peace Initiative and based on the two-state solution, and to establish equitable relations among the countries in the region, including Israel. For his part, PLO Executive Committee member Wasel Abu Yousef told Al-Monitor, The Palestinian participation in the Herzliya Conference is wrong and unacceptable, because this conference is held to ensure the occupations political, military and economic future. How can we be part of that? He added, This participation in light of Netanyahu's right-wing government, the blocked political horizon and the expanded boycott campaigns against Israel constitutes a lifeline for the Netanyahu government to ease the isolation it is facing and give justifications for Arab and regional countries to normalize relations with Israel. Abu Yousef added, The Executive Committee did not ask anyone to participate President [Mahmoud] Abbas did. But the principle of an Executive Committee member participating in this conference is completely unacceptable and it is condemned by the Palestinian people and factions, as was every previous participation. The Palestinian participation in the conference disregarded the international boycott of Israel, which has been expanding lately, and the progress it has achieved. In a statement June 16, the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) National Committee demanded holding Majdalani accountable, dissolving the Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society that was formed by the Palestinian leadership in 2012 to communicate with different components of Israeli society, and putting an end to security coordination and normalization with Israel in all its forms. BDS general coordinator Mahmoud Nawajaa told Al-Monitor, The Palestinian and Arab participation is a form of normalization that Israel takes advantage of to escape the isolation imposed on it. Israel uses this [Palestinian participation] to fight the BDS movement as well as to cover up its crimes before the world and claim that bridges for peace with Palestinians still withstand. He said, The PA wants normalization with Israel and it has formed a communication committee [Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society] to lead the normalization, noting that within one or two weeks the Palestinian factions and the PLOs Executive Committee will organize a popular mobilization in Ramallah to pressure the political leadership to revoke all forms of normalization with the occupation. However, Majdalani responded to accusations claiming that his participation was a blow to the BDS movement, saying, [These are] delusions and lies. My participation was political and was only limited to delivering a speech at the conference. We do not engage in negotiations or discuss business deals. He added, We support the BDS movement, but it should not promote false claims against us. The BDS movement against Israel should not turn into a political party in opposition of the Palestinian leadership and the PLO. For his part, author and political analyst Khalil Shaheen told Al-Monitor, The PA did not support the BDS movement, and its position is to maintain a relationship with Israel, on all levels, and to promote normalization with it. He said, The relationship between the PA and Israel built under the [1993] Oslo Accord reinforces normalization and economic and security dependency in a way that makes the PA seem more of a security, economic and administrative agent for Israel. While the BDS movement against Israel expands, the PA participates in the Herzliya Conference, which aims at strengthening Israels political, security and economic immunity. This is why the PLOs Executive Committee should implement the resolutions the PLO Central Council took in March 2015 on defining the relationship with Israel. Majdalanis participation is a blow to the credibility of the PLO Executive Committees decision issued on May 4 in regard to the immediate launching of the implementation of the [PLO] Central Councils resolution issued in March 2015 on defining the political, economic and security relations with Israel. The PAs failure to define the relationship with Israel according to PLO resolutions, as well as its failure to keep this relationship limited to political, economic and security coordination, will lead to more bilateral meetings and Palestinian participation in conferences such as the Herzliya Conference in the future. All the while, Palestinian factions, organizations and popular movements are unable to pressure the PA to change its policies that orbit around the signed agreements between it and Israel. June 30, 2016 AMUDA, Syria Interior Minister of Syrias Jazeera canton Kanaan Barakat, who hails from the city of Girke Lege in Hasakah governorate 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Qamishli, worked as a lawyer until the proclamation of the democratic autonomous administration on Jan. 21, 2014, in northern and northeastern Syria, known as Rojava, the Kurdish region of Syria. Appointed in May 2014 as head of Jazeera cantons interior committee, which is a position equivalent to that of an interior minister, Barakat is in charge of security, police and transportation in Jazeera canton. Al-Monitor interviewed Barakat about the recent developments in the Kurdish region of Syria. The text of the interview follows: Al-Monitor: How is it possible to govern the Kurdish region given the large swathes of land you control, both Kurdish areas such as the cantons of Jazeera, Afrin and Kobani, and the Arab areas such as the town of al-Shadadi, and others? And what about the northern Syrian town of Manbij [50 miles northeast of Aleppo]? Barakat: The autonomous administration of the three Kurdish provinces Kobani, Afrin and Jazeera cantons expanded its functions. Some areas with Arab components were taken also from the Islamic State [IS], leading many Arab youths such as members of the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF] to join the autonomous administration. Security, military and service apparatuses are all organized locally. The administration as well as the councils are organized by people from all these regions; such organization will make it easier to overcome the challenges we are facing. Al-Monitor: How are your security forces with their modest experience able to ensure stability in Rojava? Is this possible amid the current internal divisions between the autonomous administration and the Kurdish National Council? Barakat: Although established only four years ago in 2012, our military and security forces known as the People's Protection Units and aided by the SDF have over the past few years of the Syrian crisis been able to ensure stability and protect the people in Jazeera canton and within the areas under the autonomous administrations rule in an unprecedented feat thanks to the collective efforts of those who collaborated with us. We have prevailed against the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, parties who claim to be Kurdish, as well as terrorist groups of the opposition such as IS and Jabhat al-Nusra, which have been trying since the outbreak of the revolution to spread panic in the three cantons through suicide attacks. Now any citizen of Rojava can move safely and at any time between the town of Derika Hemko [al-Malikiyah], Sere Kanye and Hasakah. Is that possible in any other Syrian city outside Rojava? I dont think so. This is why I can honestly say that we are doing our best to preserve security in our Kurdish regions. Al-Monitor: Concerning news about your battles with the remaining regime forces in Qamishli between April 19 and April 22, and your seizure of the Allaya regime prison, what were your motives behind this? What will happen to the liberated prisoners, as well as the soldiers you are detaining? What are the reasons behind your attack on Raqqas northern countryside, specifically in Qamishli? Are you planning on entering the city [of Raqqa]? Barakat: The SDF is the armed wing of the Syrian Democratic Council. These forces are liberating all Syrian cities and Rojava as people seek their help to force terrorist groups out. In this respect the decision to enter Raqqa is completely up to the armed forces. There is also the ongoing campaign in Manbij to root out IS fighters from Rojava and the rest of northern Syria, which will be part of the future federal regime including all the areas under its rule. Al-Monitor: Are Kurdish forces capable of taking control of these areas including the northern countryside of Raqqa and Manbij, with smaller Arab factions in these areas fighting alongside the SDF? Barakat: Many Arab youths are joining these factions in their respective areas, especially since these factions enjoy great popularity there. We are organizing these groups in the same manner as the SDF, and this is also entrusted to the armed forces. Al-Monitor: What are you expecting to accomplish after restructuring the autonomous administration in Jazeera canton, thus bringing to an end a period of its rule? Barakat: Of course, when the democratic autonomous administration was first established, there was only the head of the executive committee, whereas now a joint presidency is established and representatives were appointed to this executive committee in order for the democratic autonomous administration to intensify work, expand its functions and meet popular demands given its increasing responsibilities and the internal restructuring of all the committees. The two operate jointly with three representatives, each in charge of an area within the committee. In the interior committee tasks are distributed among representatives and heads. We have seen a remarkable advance in this regard because work is demanding and the expansion of these institutions requires further efforts. The organization we have adopted proved efficient and led to larger development. Al-Monitor: Given that border crossings between the areas controlled by the democratic autonomous administration, Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey are closed, how are you managing to meet the peoples demands in your zone of control amid higher food prices? Barakat: We are under complete siege, and naturally this affects the residents living conditions. We are also in a state of war and facing major challenges. Nevertheless we managed to ensure a degree of stability amid the ongoing siege. We are doing our best to supply our citizens with the necessary tools for agriculture and local production in an attempt to find a way out of this situation. But it is worth noting that food prices in Rojava are a lot cheaper compared to the rest of the cities in Syria. Al-Monitor: How would you describe your relationship with the Syrian regime? What are the limits? Barakat: We dont currently maintain any relations with the regime, as we refuse to engage with it. The democratic autonomous administration and the regime, however, discuss subjects related to the future and Syria, Rojava and the administration. We are ready for an open dialogue in the presence of neutral legal and international delegations. Therefore, we cannot speak of a relationship, but rather a dialogue with the purpose of finding a solution for the Syrian crisis. June 30, 2016 The winners of Britains June 23 referendum used Turkey as a bogeyman to boost their case to leave the European Union. To what extent the Turkey fear swayed their victory remains unclear, but one thing is for sure: The outcome has pushed Turkey farther away from the European Union. A month ahead of the vote, the leave block made Turkey a central topic in its campaign, linking it deliberately to the refugee crisis that threatens European institutions and democracy. Stoking popular fears, the Brexiteers claimed, Since the birthrate in Turkey is so high, we can expect to see an additional million people added to the UK population from Turkey alone within eight years. They went as far as to suggest that because of the EUs free movement laws, the government will not be able to exclude Turkish criminals from entering the UK. To soothe his compatriots, Prime Minister David Cameron felt compelled to declare that at the current rate of progress [Turkey] will probably get round to joining in about the year 3000. Now, a week after the Brexit vote, Turkey is opening a new chapter in its EU accession talks Chapter 33, titled Financial and Budgetary Provisions. The inauguration, scheduled for June 30, was agreed as part of the refugee deal package that Turkey and the EU sealed March 18. So, does this debunk Camerons assertion that Turkey is a thousand years away from EU membership? Are the conservative and nationalist Brexiteers right after all? Is Turkey really on the way to membership? The answer is no. The opening of Chapter 33 has no added value in terms of energizing Turkeys accession process, for it covers post-membership arrangements on contributions that countries make to the EU budget once they have joined in. In other words, it has no transformative impact that brings the candidate country closer to membership like other chapters that go by the titles Agriculture and Rural Development, Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, Justice, Freedom and Security or Environment. Camerons millennial prognosis for Turkey may have been a hyperbole, but the snail-paced progress or rather the lack of progress in Turkeys accession talks is a fact. Since the negotiations started in October 2005, Turkey has managed to open talks only in 15 out of the 33 policy areas it must complete, including only three in the past six years. Only one of those chapters has been concluded and closed. Lying at the heart of the deadlock is the Cyprus conflict. Back in December 2006, EU leaders froze eight chapters for Turkey and decided it can open talks in other policy areas but cannot formally complete them as long as a major dispute over Cyprus remained unsolved. The sanctions came in response to Ankara's failure to open its seaports and airports to the use of Cypriot vessels, a commitment it had made under a customs union accord with the EU. The row stems from Ankara's refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, represented by the Greek Cypriot government in the south of the island, which enjoys international recognition. In 2004, the EU admitted Cyprus as a divided island. In a unilateral move, Cyprus or the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus as Ankara calls it has blocked another six negotiating chapters for Turkey. From a technical point of view, one could conclude the Cyprus problem is the obstacle snagging Turkeys accession talks. Hence, resolving the problem would be expected to unclog and revitalize the process, but the matter is not that simple. In the decade after the de facto suspension of Turkeys accession process, both Turkey and the EU have changed a lot, gravitating away from each other. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has built an authoritarian, Islamist regime that shows little respect for human rights, has largely crushed media freedoms and abolished checks and balances, dragging Turkey away from the rule of law, democracy and secularism. Erdogan has increasingly demonstrated he has little intention to make Turkey an EU member not only with his actions, but also with open outbursts against the EU. Take for instance his response last week to European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who said Erdogans own policies stood in the way of the EUs planned visa waiver for Turkey. Speaking on the day the leave camp triumphed in Britain, Erdogan said Turkey could hold a similar referendum to ask its people whether the accession talks should continue or not. Europe does not want Turkey in because the majority of its population is Muslim, he said. Yet, the Brexit vote is bound to hurt Turkey-EU relations, regardless of how much the Erdogan regime cares for them. First, Turkey is losing Britain as its only powerful ally in the EU. Past experience shows that a candidate countrys accession depends on this prerequisite: not only none of the EU heavyweights should oppose its bid, but at least one of them should be providing strong political support. For Turkey, Britain was the sole supportive heavyweight. It is now left alone with France and Germany, which are both averse to its membership. Second, the EU has displayed a tendency for introversion in times of crisis, buckling under the weight of its problems. Clearly, this is a huge disadvantage for Turkey, which is already a tough and controversial candidate. Frances rejection of the EU Constitution in 2005 had created a similar atmosphere, but the crisis is much deeper this time. Europes refugee crisis obviously a major factor in the Brexit phenomenon is likely to trigger other Brexit-like secessionist movements in Europes far-right and nationalist quarters. Turkey, in this context, is in a very hapless position, being the embodiment of Europes three biggest fears: radical Islam, immigration and the challenges brought about by enlargement. With the threats of radicalism and immigration on the rise, the EUs popular masses and political elites are bound to grow even more averse to Turkey. June 30, 2016 Turkey has been the target of Islamic State (IS) bombing attacks seven times since the general election a year ago. But the IS attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on June 28 that killed 42 people and wounded 239 others needs closer attention for its target selection, timing and possible links to regional developments. The attack came after Turkish officials had taken steps to improve relations with Russia and hoped Russian tourists would start returning; Israel and Turkey had just struck an agreement to normalize relations. Pro-government media immediately concluded that the airport attack was meant to sabotage Turkeys peace process with its neighbors. Nobody seems to question Ankaras bankrupt Syria policy that provided guns, training and logistics support to dangerous organizations over the past five years and granted border crossing privileges to jihadis. The pro-AKP daily Sabah, under the headline Treacherous ambush of peace, commented, Gangs of betrayers exposed themselves as [Turkey was] reconciling with Israel and Russia. Pro-government media was overflowing with comments that linked the airport attack to attempts to surround Turkey, to hinder its progress and to isolate it. But there is not the slightest indication that IS is uncomfortable with Turkey normalizing relations with Israel. The countries' return to the old days of good ties has no bearing on IS operations in Iraq and Syria. To the contrary, Israel is delighted with Turkeys contribution to a proxy war against its top enemy, Syria. IS might have reasons to be concerned with the Russia-Turkey reconciliation. Even though its relations with Moscow are improving because of economic imperatives, Russia could pressure Turkey to modify its Syria policy. This could be bad news for IS and Turkeys friendly revolutionaries in Syria. Yet claims that IS has targeted Russian-Turkish peace aren't very credible. This most recent attack must have been planned long ago. No wonder CNN Turk openly reported that Turkish intelligence had informed the state institutions 20 days ago of a list of targets that IS could attack, including Ataturk Airport. On June 27, the United States listed 16 city names for its nationals to avoid when traveling to Turkey. According to media reports, three attackers from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Dagestan of the Russian Federation entered Turkey on May 25, went to Istanbul, rented a flat in the Aksaray neighborhood and prepared for their attack. The preparations there took at least a month. Naturally, Turkish officials, to avoid debates on intelligence and security flaws, sought salvation by resorting to their now-classic but bizarre measures. First, they banned reporting about the attack and imposed restrictions regarding Facebook and Twitter. There was a stern warning that those using social media to share material that could trigger societal reactions would face penalties. Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentarian Samil Tayyar, thrashing those criticizing the reporting ban, said, I hope they get killed in such an explosion. Yigit Bulut, a senior adviser to the president, said, Are you growing taller by writing about the explosion? If timing is considered significant, there are other issues we must look into. Although Turkey did not abandon its policy of declaring red lines to the Kurds and therefore provided protected areas to IS Ankara was under local and foreign pressure and had no choice but to hasten efforts to round up suspected IS members. According to official figures in the first five months of 2016, 989 IS suspects were detained and 228 of them were eventually arrested. In June, 50-60 more people were arrested. Although IS militants continue to cross into Turkeys Gaziantep and Kilis from Syrias Jarablus and al-Rai areas, security forces at the border are more vigilant, making life difficult for IS. There is another cause for IS anger with Turkey. To prevent IS from capturing positions held by its friendly opposition forces on the Azaz-Marea front, Turkey has been following a three-pronged strategy: supporting organizations such as Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat al-Nusra with artillery fire; helping those groups with arms and logistics; and providing special forces teams on short-term missions to boost the groups' operational capacity. The measures Turkey is taking against IS even though they are at times hypocritical and for show only are enough for IS to terrorize Turkey with suicide attacks. Another timing issue to be noted is that IS had called on its militants and sympathizers to launch attacks throughout the month of Ramadan. The attack at the airport coincided with the second anniversary of IS' declaration of a caliphate. As for target selection, Istanbul Ataturk Airport is the third-busiest airport of Europe. This attack hit Turkeys lifeline while promoting the global effect of terror, as the attack was a message to the entire world. IS shifted its target selection, compared with earlier attacks. At Suruc, the targets were leftist youths helping in Kobani. In Ankara, it targeted the parties and unions criticizing the governments strategy against the Kurds. Yes, they were Syria-related issues, but they also had a lot to do with Turkeys domestic politics. Then there were attacks in Istanbuls Sultanahmet and Taksim neighborhoods, when foreigners were targeted. Recent attacks in Gaziantep and now in Istanbul tell us that IS has shifted to attacks that will rattle Turkey in its entirety. Until now, Ankara strove to refocus the anger against IS on Kurdish groups. This was Ankaras hope of making the Kurds into a target of the international anti-IS coalition. The latest attack proved, however, that the government can no longer dilute the Syria issue by adding other organizations to be blamed alongside IS. Although the pro-government media incredibly appear to be worried about IS' losing Manbij, they can no longer add Kurdish groups to their favorite terror cocktail narrative. These direct attacks against Turkey by IS point to the imperative of making changes in Ankaras policy in Syria. June 30, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had their first phone conversation in seven months. After the 42-minute talk, Putin, speaking at a government session, said the pair had agreed to resume bilateral relations. The news came just hours after Turkey suffered a terrorist attack June 28 at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. In only one day, the image of Turkey in the Russian media was transformed dramatically from accomplices to victims of terrorists. Certainly the letter sent from Erdogan to Putin the day before gave the process a boost. The letter, with apologies for the Nov. 24 downing of a Russian warplane, was the culmination of numerous attempts by Turkish leadership to reconcile with the Kremlin. But the U-turn in Russian rhetoric and policies is even more amazing, taking into account the reaction that letter first spurred ranging from victorious bravado to restrained contentment. The letter, even though addressed personally to President Putin, is an important sign for Russia as it essentially signals that the line of behavior our country chose proves it was 100% correct and accurate, said Sen. Konstantin Kosachev, formerly Putins private envoy for post-Soviet states. The most common explanation among one group of Russian experts and decision-makers was that Erdogans move was driven by Russias economic blow to Turkey. Turkish tourism and commerce have suffered severely as Russian tourists, who were once the prime visitors and consumers of all things Turkish, took their business elsewhere after Russia imposed widespread boycotts. Meanwhile, Turkish construction companies lost millions of dollars because their presence in the Russian market was critically limited. Russian information agency Interfax reports that only 3,500 Russian tourists visited Turkey in the first two weeks of June 98.7% fewer than during the same period in 2015. The overall assessed loss to the Turkish economy from Russian sanctions amount to at least $9 billion. Economic sanctions were widely perceived as a stronger means than political threats and military action. In this sense, its no wonder Putins first and so far only goodwill response to kick off the reconciliation is to lift the administrative barriers for air carriers and tourist companies to let them win tourists back. At the same time, there seems to be a firm decision by both leaders to defrost talks over the Turkish pipeline project something in the interests of both states. As for the letter, Erdogan sought to draw Moscows attention to a number of items critical to Turkish-Russian relations. First, the strategic needs of both states: Russia is a friend and a strategic partner and weve never wanted to spoil relations, wrote the Turkish president. Second, the letter called on Moscow to appreciate Ankaras initiative in managing the consequences of downing the jet: We bore all the risks and invested heavy efforts in claiming the body of the dead pilot from Syrian opposition groups and taking it back to Turkey. Finally, Erdogan emphasized his readiness to do everything possible to restore the traditionally friendly relationship between Turkey and Russia and set a vision for the future to jointly react to different crises in the region [and] fight against terrorism. While some in Moscow interpret these words as surrender, others think they arent worth a cent. These apologies arent enough. If they believe Russian tourists will surge to their shores after these half-actions, thats too bad. We dont trade our national interests and dignity, a prominent Russian military expert told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, who is frequently quoted on thorny issues in Russian foreign policy, said, Its better to be friends with Russia over centuries than spoil the relationship once and for all. Between June 27 and June 29, the date the Putin-Erdogan conversation took place, Turkish authorities did not seem firm in their standing, sending contradictory signals. On June 28, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim backtracked on his statements from the previous day about Ankaras readiness to pay compensation to the family of the dead Russian pilot. Similarly, announcements that the alleged suspect in the killing of the Russian pilot, Alparslan Celik, is now again being charged this time for the death of the Russian marine killed trying to rescue the pilot arent confirmed by his lawyers. The lawyers argue that Celik will face trial next week only for illegally keeping and using arms. Previous charges against Celik were dropped May 10 after Ankaras attempt to reach out to Moscow failed. Turkeys moves look more like bargaining chips than a precondition for reconciliation. At the same time there was concern whether the Kremlin would be able to get an accurate read on Erdogan. Ankaras relations with Europe arent working out the way he planned. Syria and the Kurds remain a prime headache, while the Turkish president simply has no chemistry with Washington. Moreover, in recent years Turkey has wasted some of the vast soft-power resources it had without obvious gains for itself. These arguments, often voiced in Moscow, created a perception that Erdogan was cornered. The common perception is: It took Erdogan a long time to understand his own situation and now its up to Putin to pardon him. But basing ones logic and subsequent policies on the premise that Erdogan was cornered might create a more serious crisis later on. Erdogan is indeed an impulsive politician whose ambition for power and influence frequently clouds his judgment on Turkeys strategic interests. But it doesnt necessarily mean he will desperately bend over backward for Putin. Expecting public apologies, family compensation and acknowledgement of guilt is understandable and legitimate from the Russian perspective. The question is whether Moscow has a long-term game plan, once and if its technical, swallow-your-pride conditions are met. We are now also expecting the Turkish government to rethink its policies in Iraq and Syria, said Kosachev. The statement is characteristic of the thinking of Russian decision-makers, since they see Syria as the core of the bilateral contradictions. But this could be exactly where the rubber meets the road again. The plane crisis has become an unfortunate point in the relationship between the two states. After Nov. 24, both sides went too far with personal attacks and galvanizing their respective constituencies, further shrinking the window of opportunity for restoring relations. It looks like Turkey and Russia will fully reconcile, but dont expect the process to occur with head-spinning speed in the next few weeks. Something Al-Monitors Ben Caspit said regarding the seeming reconciliation between Turkey and Israel could easily be applied to the future of Turkish-Russian relations: The relationship would never be what it once was. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens. June 30, 2016 TINDOUF, Algeria The international community is pushing for an independent census to determine the number of Sahrawi refugees living in Algeria, but the effort is meeting considerable resistance. Estimates of the number of Sahrawis the indigenous people of the Moroccan-occupied territories in disputed Western Sahara living in Algerian camps vary greatly. The Sahrawi political-military movement Polisario Front places the figure at 160,000. Morocco, which controls most of the disputed territory in which the refugees once lived, says Algeria is sheltering at most 50,000 refugees. An accurate count needs to be established so countries that contribute aid know how much is actually needed amid allegations that Algeria and the Polisario Front have inflated the need and are embezzling excess aid. The Polisario, on the other hand, says Morocco is low-balling refugee numbers to undermine their case for an independent state. The Polisario Front declared a state in the disputed North African desert territory that it calls the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976. Morocco controls more than 75% of the area. Algeria allows the front to administer the refugee camps. The census dispute revolves around who would do the counting. Morocco is pressuring Algeria to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to conduct the census. But Algeria appears unwilling to circumvent the Polisario Front's system of governance, ministries and administrative resources. The Polisario Front already has a statistics database in Rabuni, the administrative center of the camps. In addition, SADR was a founding member of the African Union in the early 1980s. As an ally, Algeria is reluctant to marginalize it by bringing in an international organization to conduct a census. The debate is heating up as international pressure steadily grows for a precise count. European officials have been increasingly vocal about the need for a recount since the release last year of a blistering report by the European Unions fraud watchdog accusing Algerian and Polisario Front officials of embezzling vast quantities of European aid over many years. And Moroccan allies in the US Congress this month slipped language in the pending foreign aid bill urging Secretary of State John Kerry to get behind calls for a census. The refugee population definitely has been rising in the camps near Tindouf. Most camps have been expanded and the birth rate has been increasing slightly. The average family consists of four to five members. But the Polisario Front cant prove this to the satisfaction of the international community without consenting to an independent census. The United Nations has not yet organized any referendum. If it moves to restrict its aid, the Sahrawis are likely to see it as a conspiracy to get them to give up their goal of an independent state by starving them. "It would be a policy to make us kneel as refugees in need of food, not as a people with a just cause, Ahmed Mohamed, a young refugee living in the Boujdour camp, told Al-Monitor. Morocco also claims the Polisario Front's population figures include people from Mali and Mauritania in the camps. According to the president of the Sahrawi Red Crescent, Buhubeini Yahya, there are no Malians in the camps. Yahya also told Al-Monitor that when the UNHCR conducted a pre-registration process in 1999 based on a United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) list of eligible voters in the planned referendum, no Malian or other non-Sahrawi foreigners were included on that list. Regarding Mauritanians, there are ties between Sahrawi and Mauritanian families because they share the same Hassan culture, so Sahrawis of Mauritanian origin form a tiny minority. The Sahrawi people have a long history with the word census. It was first introduced during the Spanish colonial era when a referendum was to take place in 1974. At that time, the Spanish estimated the Western Sahara population to be 74,000. However, that number is quite inaccurate because of political machinations. When Spain was ruling Western Sahara, it created a pro-Spanish movement that included only its supporters in the census. Sahrawi nomads who formed the majority were excluded. Because of those deficiencies, a second census was organized as part of a referendum to allow the Sahrawis their right of self-determination in 1991. The UN at that time estimated the number of eligible voters at 81,000. The census issue is raging even as the outlook for a peaceful resolution to the conflict appears as dim as ever. As most of the UN Sahara missions staff has left after being expelled by Morocco in March, the UN is stuck with working to reconcile with Morocco while calming down the front. Morocco has succeeded in turning the UN goal from reviving negotiations to just keeping its mission on the ground. While Morocco and the Polisario Front play their cards, the people of Western Sahara await the outcome. Little change is expected, especially not until the Polisario Front elects a new leader July 9 following the death of Secretary-General Mohamed Abdelaziz on May 31. Therefore, it doesnt look like there will be any census taken in the near future. Indeed, the sides involved in the conflict havent sat at the same table in more than eight years. Maintaining the status quo is temporarily providing a peaceful environment in the region. While changes take place in most conflicts, the Western Sahara stays frozen without much effort to solve the issues. July 1, 2016 ERBIL, Iraq The leader of a major Iranian Kurdish party has vowed to gradually step up his group's fight against Iranian security forces, as the group ends almost two decades of a unilateral cease-fire with Iran after a series of recent clashes between the two sides. The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistans (KDPI) armed wing, known as the peshmerga, have clashed with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on at least five occasions over recent weeks, resulting in dozens of casualties on both the IRGC and KDPI sides although both parties dispute the counts. "Our forces are now moving around [in Iranian Kurdistan], making contacts with people, and are ready to act in self-defense only if attacked. But in future stages, our forces will move to the attack mode. This is a process that will gradually unfold," Mustafa Hijri, the KDPI secretary-general, told Al-Monitor. He said his forces have not yet initiated attacking IRGC units and only engaged in self-defense. Hijri noted that his party's increased activity and military presence in the Kurdish areas of Iran is justified as the Iranian government "has stepped up pressure on Kurds and has not left space for meaningful civic or political work [inside the country]." He added that his party's attacks are also meant to "show the world that Iran is not what it claims to be and that it is vulnerable." The first clashes occurred in Oshnavieh, which, according to Hijri, marked the first major confrontation between Iran and the KDPI since the mid-1990s when the KDPI peshmerga withdrew from the Qandil Mountains on the Iran-Iraq border to a camp in the town of Koya in Iraqi Kurdistan, according to a KDPI statement June 17. The skirmishes between Kurdish and Iranian forces signify the KDPI's intention to re-establish its military presence inside the Kurdish areas of Iran, which span the western provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan and Elam. Since March 2015, the KDPI has dispatched several teams of its fighters and political cadets into Iranian Kurdistan. The KDPI has a tense history of relations with Iran. Its two former leaders, Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou (killed in 1989) and Sadegh Sharafkandi (killed in 1992), are believed to have been assassinated by Iranian government operatives in Europe. Several Kurdish activists have been hanged by the Iranian government in recent years for alleged affiliations with Kurdish opposition parties. Iran's constitution bans the followers of Sunni Islam from attaining higher offices such as president. The majority of Iran's ethnic minorities such as the Kurds, Baloch and Turkmens are Sunni, while Kurdish areas are economically among the most underdeveloped in the country, with their governors often chosen from other parts of the country. Regardless of what objectives the KDPI pursues, its armed struggle might in practice lead to further militarization of the Kurdish areas, stricter restrictions by the government on the population there and further deterioration of economic conditions. Responding to the rising level of KDPI activity and seeking to increase pressure on Iraqi Kurdish government and factions to curb the KDPI, Iran's artillery shelled the border areas of Sidakan and Haji Omaran inside Iraqi Kurdistan on June 26, injuring at least five people. As a result, 10 local villages have been abandoned by their residents fearing future attacks by Iran. Seeking to dissuade further KDPI activity, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of IRGC land forces, has threatened to launch attacks on the KDPI bases in Iraqi Kurdistan if the Kurdish government fails to contain Iranian Kurdish forces, according to Fars news agency. In July 1996, exploiting the civil war among Iraqi Kurdish parties and its close relationship with the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Iran attacked the KDPI bases in Koya. Hijri said his party takes Iran's threats seriously and is prepared to deal with it. Following the clashes in Oshnavieh, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Expediency Council and former IRGC commander, accused Saudi Arabia of supporting KDPI activities in Iran. But the Saudi Consulate in Erbil has denied the accusations as "baseless and untrue." The resurging conflict between the KDPI and Iran has raised questions over how this might affect Iraqi Kurdistan that hosts the Kurdish parties opposed to the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran. Realizing the liability that rising KDPI activity inside Iran poses to its interests, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) put out a statement expressing its concerns over the attacks by both Iran and Turkey, which has regularly bombed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) positions in Iraqi Kurdistan. "We object the use of Kurdistan Region's territories and borders by some of the Iranian opposition groups and the [PKK] to launch attacks against the neighboring countries," the KRG statement released June 26 read. Hijri said that Iranian attacks on Iraqi Kurdish border areas are unjustified, adding that KDPI fighters have not attacked Iranian forces from Iraqi Kurdistan's border areas and have been operating deep inside Iran's territory. "We are thinking, when the right time comes, to gradually move our forces out of here [Iraqi Kurdistan] so that Iran will not have any excuses to create problems for the [KRG]," Hijri said. The KDPI is one of a number of Iranian Kurdish opposition parties currently based in Iraqi Kurdistan. But with the exception of the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), which is affiliated with Turkey's PKK, the KDPI and other groups have silenced their guns for the past couple of decades largely out of consideration for Iraqi Kurdistan's relations with neighboring Iran. As the KDPI has decided to step up its presence in Iran, many have been wondering about the reasons behind the decision and its timing. "It's largely due to internal Kurdish dynamics. There is a competition between the KDPI and other groups such as the PJAK," Mamand Roja, a Kurdish researcher and analyst, told Al-Monitor. Roja added that the group also seeks to energize its base and draw international attention to its cause by stepping up its fight against Iran. In recent years, the PJAK has clashed with Iranian forces on a number of occasions, most recently on June 13, trying to establish itself as the Kurdish party challenging Iran's security forces. Now, the KDPI seeks to regain its traditionally dominant position in the Iranian Kurdish scene. But given several strong competitors and internal splits within the party in recent years, it's not clear if the KDPI can retain its former strength. Kurdish movements across the region have traditionally relied on support from a regional country against the government they have fought. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran's Kurdish opposition was backed by Saddam Hussein's government and Iraq's Kurdish parties were supported by Iran. The overthrow of Saddam and the domination of Baghdad by groups friendly to Iran in recent years have dealt a blow to the KDPI's position, according to Roja. In addition, the Islamic Republic appears to be currently at the peak of its strength since its founding in 1979. Yet some believe the current regional turmoil might present an opening for the KDPI. "The regional rivalries between Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have created an opportunity through which Iranian Kurdistan can become part of the bigger regional picture," Roja said. July 1, 2016 DIYARBAKIR On June 15, news came out of the Iranian town of Shino, a Kurdish city in western Iran, that an armed group had clashed with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that both sides lost six fighters. The armed group was soon identified as peshmerga fighters who belong to the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI). Reports claimed further clashes in many towns in the area, including Piranshahr. Iran responded by shelling the KDPI camps along the border. Why has the KDPI, which has not taken up arms against Iran for roughly 20 years, suddenly become active? The KDPI was engaged in an armed struggle with Tehran from the time it was established in 1945, but ceased the fighting in 1996 so as not to inflict any hardships on the Kurds of Iraq when Northern Iraq came under Kurdish rule. The KDPI that was invited to the region by Iraqi Kurdish leaders Jalal Talabani and Massoud Barzani moved its armed forces to Iraqi Kurdistan. KDPI members who gave up militancy and who for years lived in the refugee camps in Iraqi Kurdistan with their families could not have imagined that one day they would re-enter into a military confrontation with Iran. The clashes that erupted in Shino trace back to 2015, when the KDPI decided to return its armed force to Iran. Peshmerga fighters were to establish new camps and politically engage in the towns. The plan was put into motion and the peshmerga fighters began returning to Iran in groups. Clashes with Iranian forces were not long in coming. What prompted the KDPI's sudden change in course? Most people believe that regional countries or global powers are behind the resurgence of the Kurdish activity. Iranian-Kurdish political activist Hadi Azizi believes the KDPI is engaged in legitimate self-defense against Iran. He told Al-Monitor that he does not believe that external elements were instigating these attacks, saying, No doubt Iran doesnt have a major say in Middle East politics. They dont always have the support of international powers. Iranian Kurds are ready to rise." How will this conflict affect the autonomous Kurdish Region of Iraq, which just signed new economic deals with Iran? Azizi believes the clashes will not affect the Kurdish government in the region. He said, South Kurdistan [the Kurdistan Regional Government] is not like it was before. They have relations now with world powers. The peshmerga fought [the Islamic State] and served humanity. They have good support. They cant forever stand idle to just preserve their interests." However, political analyst Siddik Hassan Sukru, who lives in Erbil, Iraq, thinks otherwise. Sukru told Al-Monitor that the clashes are conjunctural and signal the beginning of a new era. He said, In Iran you dont see a Kurdish strategy that uses weapons to ensure rights. They dont seem to have a loud voice within ideology and human rights. Their conservative policies continue as before. I dont think they can sustain a war. They have good relations with Turkey and Saudi Arabia and also the KDP of Northern Iraq. There is a historical conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Iran wants to be the leader, just like the Saudis. Israel operates in secret in the area. They wanted to redesign the Middle East through [IS] but that didnt work. [IS] has lost. It hasnt become a power in the Middle East and the world, but remained a terror outfit. Those who supported them now want to get rid of them. Now they want to consolidate the Kurdish conservatives in Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq under the guise of Kurdishness, but it is too late." He added, It will not work. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and some European countries supported such a redesign with Turkey as a model. But the project collapsed when Islamist terrorists emerged. Now they only rely on the possibility of an independent Kurdish state. Erdogan, Israel and the Saudis made them promises. They wanted to set up a Salafi Wahhabi state against Iran in Syria and Iraq. Turkey wanted them to fight against the [Kurdistan Workers Party] while Israel and Saudi Arabia wanted the Kurds to fight Iran. It didnt work. As the clashes continue, the KDPI said in an online statement that it will step up its attacks. Sukru does not believe this is feasible. He said, I dont think they can conduct major operations, given the military and political realities. They had relations with Iran throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Iran has a major influence on the KDP in Iraq. They are not all that strong among the youth. It is a migrating movement. They fight for two months and then go home. They can launch a guerrilla war. Iran so far has not responded against Iraqi Kurdistan, although the Iranian Kurds have been using that territory [to launch attacks]. Iran has been careful not to damage its ties with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq." The KDPI announced that it killed seven Iranian soldiers, including a general, in clashes in Sakiz on June 27. The effects of the clashes on the region are so far mere speculation, as regional countries and international powers have not yet commented on the clashes. Although the KDPI says it will continue with its attacks, when winter comes it will have to cease them again for an extended period. A chemical manufacturing plant will grow in a major way with the expansion of its facility in Decatur. OCI Alabama. (www.ociperoxygens.com) OCI Alabama will spend more than $2.65 million to build an on-site warehouse for storage and distribution and install automatic packing equipment on 1455 Red Hat Road. The project will create approximately three new jobs with an average annual salary of $30,160 per employee before benefits. Jeremy Nails, president and CEO of the Morgan County Economic Development Association, said OCI was one of the first site location projects he worked in economic development in 2000. "We appreciate OCI's continued investment in Decatur-Morgan County," he told AL.com. "Anytime one of our existing industries expands, it helps solidify their presence in our community. We thank them for this new investment." Nails said the expanded plant should be in service by the end of 2017. Forty-one people work for OCI's Decatur site, which has an annual payroll of about $3.36 million without benefits. An application for tax abatements said the expansion "would enhance the security of all jobs on the OCI site and would help to secure the future of OCI's operations in Decatur." The Decatur Industrial Development Board voted Thursday to approve tax abatements for the OCI expansion of approximately $9,050 per year in Alabama, Morgan County and City of Decatur in non-educational property taxes for 10 years. The expansion is expected to create about $11,200 per year for 10 years in new City of Decatur, State of Alabama, Morgan County and City of Hartselle school taxes. The abated State of Alabama and City of Decatur sales and use taxes requested during construction will be $82,500. The estimated amount of Morgan County sales and use taxes created during construction will be approximately $10,375, which will benefit the Decatur, Hartselle and Morgan County school systems, according to the agreement. OCI makes oxygen-based sodium percarbonate, a dry bleach used in laundry detergent, bleach and automatic dishwashing agents. Other uses include toothpaste, denture cleaning tablets, dental bleaching products, hard surface cleaners, pulp processing, water treatment, water and soil remediation and more. Since opening its Decatur site in 2001, OCI can now produce 64,000 metric tons of sodium percarbonate. The company said it strives to be the "safest, most efficient provider of inorganic chemical solutions." In late March, Nucor said it will make a capital investment of $4.4 million this year at its steel manufacturing plant in Decatur. The company will buy new equipment for Nucor's hot mill pickle line, allowing for a broader range of products to reach additional markets and attract new customers. Decatur-Morgan County was recently named one of two Alabama metros for attracting business in Site Selection magazine, which based the ranking on the number of projects announced in 2015. Auburn-Opelika had 10 last year, with Decatur-Morgan County following behind at eight. Kateri Pic 6.jpg The actress Sabrina Villalobos portrays the first Native American canonized a saint in the 90-minute film 'Kateri,' produced by Alabama-based EWTN Global Catholic Network. (EWTN) An EWTN original movie about the first Native American canonized as a saint, "Kateri," recently won an award at a Catholic film festival in Rome. "To think that Kateri - this little Mohawk girl from the wilderness - would have had her name and image displayed in Rome at the Vatican 400 years after her death is pretty amazing," said the film's director, James Kelty. Kelty was in Rome to accept the Capax Dei award on June 23 at the Mirabile Dictu International Catholic Film Festival at the Vatican's Palazzo della Cancelleria. The actress Sabrina Villalobos, left, portrays Kateri, and Laurelle Barnett, right, plays Anastasia in EWTN's movie version of the life of the first Native American canonized a saint in the Catholic Church. "'Kateri' was screened earlier in the week at the Vatican's Palazzo Cesi to great reviews," said EWTN Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. "We are honored that one of EWTN's original films is now included in the roster of previous Capex Dei award winners, such as 'For Greater Glory,' and Bishop Robert Barron's 'Catholicism.'" Kateri Tekakwitha, also called "the lily of the Mohawks," was the daughter of a Mohawk warrior and an Algonquin mother who had been captured in a raid. Tekakwitha, her given Mohawk name, witnessed war and torture as a child. A smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of her mother, father and brother, and left her with a scarred face and poor eyesight. Kateri was born in 1656 in what is now upstate New York but was then French territory. She was orphaned at four and adopted by relatives. The French attacked Mohawk villages when she was 10 and a peace treaty allowed Jesuit missionaries to set up a village. She met three missionaries when she was 11. In 1669, Mohican warriors attacked the Mohawks and she helped one of the missionaries tend the wounded, bury the dead and carry food and water to the Mohawk warriors defending the village. She converted to Catholicism at 19, took on the name Kateri (a Mohawk version of Catherine), and lived the last five years of her life in a Jesuit village. She died at 24 in 1680 in Quebec, Canada. She was canonized a saint by the Catholic Church in 2012. The actress Sabrina Villalobos portrays Kateri in the 90-minute film. The film used 100 actors. Winter scenes were filmed in Canada, where a foot and a half of snow fell just in time for three days of shooting. Other scenes were shot in California, with the help of extras from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Mendota. "The film shows the courage (of the missionaries) to introduce a new religion to the natives, the courage to withstand the rigors of the climate for their faith and, above all, Kateri's courage to oppose her tribe and its traditions for Jesus," said Liana Marabini, president of the Catholic film festival. "We need today testimonies of courage related to the faith. We westerners have become the champions of faded passions by dint of being politically correct. I think history obliges us to find again the courage of our predecessors, those solitary missionaries who, centuries ago, made a better world, risking their own lives. We must make a better world of ours before it sinks into nothingness. We have to give up the desire to please everybody and to stick to the truth. Let's take the example from Kateri." The movie aired last year on EWTN Global Catholic Network and will show again at 3 p.m. on July 14, the feast day of Kateri. James Kelty, left, director of the EWTN-produced original film 'Kateri,' accepted the Capax Dei Award on June 23, 2016, at the Mirabile Dictu International Catholic Film Festival in Rome, along with EWTN News Rome Bureau Chief Alan Holdren. This was the first dramatic full-length motion picture produced by EWTN, and another is coming. Kelty is working on a new film based on the life of Father Vincent Capodanno, the subject of the book, "The Grunt Padre." Capodanno was a U.S. Navy Catholic chaplain who received the Medal of Honor for heroic action during the Vietnam War. He was killed in battle in 1967. "I'm going to Vietnam at the end of August," Kelty said. "We will shoot with Father Daniel Mode, author of 'The Grunt Padre,' and three of the Marines who were with Father Capodanno the day he died." EWTN Global Catholic Network has its headquarters in Irondale, Alabama. Bryan Jerabek in Rome.jpg The Rev. Bryan Jerabek, shown here in a philosophical library in Prague, is the new pastor at St. Paul's Cathedral, effective July 1, 2016. (Courtesy of Bryan Jerabek) St. Paul's Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, has a new pastor. The Rev. Bryan Jerabek began work as rector on July 1. He officiated his first Mass and preached his first sermon as cathedral pastor on Friday. "The first thing is prayer and trying to see what the Lord wants," Jerabek said in an interview with AL.com. "Prayer is the first thing, then collaboration and cooperation, seeking out counsel. I don't want to do everything for myself." The Rev. Bryan Jerabek Jerabek has served the past two years as pastor of the tiny Holy Rosary Church in Gate City and of St. Barnabas Catholic Church in East Lake. He baptized about 50 babies in two years at St. Barnabas, mostly Hispanics. Jerabek speaks fluently in Spanish and Italian. "Driving away from St. Barnabas yesterday, I was tearing up a little bit," Jerabek said. "The overwhelming thing for me lately has been gratitude, the goodness of people." St. Paul's Cathedral has about 500 member families and draws attendance of about 1,000 to 1,200 weekly. "I know a lot of people here at the cathedral," Jerabek said. "I do know quite a few parishioners. I know it's a great parish." Before becoming a priest, Jerabek worked for AmSouth Bank. "I was in a branch, then a telephone banking supervisor," he said. "I worked in the Harbert tower, in the corporate tax department." Business experience helps a pastor in terms of church administration, he said. "It's helped me a lot," Jerabek said. "There's many things we don't learn in seminary about finance and supervising employees. I was a supervisor. That was a valuable experience for me. I worked for very good people. I still draw upon the example that my bosses set for me." Yet church is very different too. He hopes to leave much of the business side to others and focus more on the spiritual. "We run the risk of falling into the business mindset," Jerabek said. "We have to find the balance." Jerabek succeeds the Rev. Kevin Bazzel, who left to take a job with the Vatican in Rome. Bazzel has been appointed to serve as an official of the Congregation for the Clergy of the Holy See. The diocese is fortunate to have a thriving downtown cathedral, Jerabek said. "It's really a testament to the work of Father Bazzel and his predecessor, Father (Richard) Donohoe," Jerabek said. "Many that come here have to drive past other churches." St. Paul's will host an official welcome July 9-10, with a reception for Jerabek following each Mass. Jerabek was born Sept. 6, 1978 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 1999, he moved to Birmingham to work for AmSouth Bank. "When I came to Birmingham I got back into my faith," he said. After working at the bank, he decided to go to seminary. "I was at a point in my life I wasn't sure what I wanted to do," Jerabek said. In 2004, he received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Ave Maria College, and then a master of divinity degree from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained a priest on June 7, 2008, at St. Paul's Cathedral. He was assigned as parochial vicar priest for Hispanics at Holy Spirit Parish in Huntsville and was chaplain at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. He went to Rome to study for an Ecclesiastical License in Canon Law, which he completed at the Pontificial University of the Holy Cross in June 2014. He became administrator of St. Barnabas and Holy Rosary parishes, then pastor a year later. He worked with the Hispanic community at Our Lady of Lourdes in Huffman. He has worked in Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and is now a judge of the tribunal and chancellor of the diocese. In addition to serving at the cathedral, Jerabek will also be pastor of St. Stephen's University Parish at UAB. The Rev. George Maniangattu, a priest from India, takes over as the new pastor at Holy Rosary and St. Barnabas. As Australians prepare to elect a new federal government, we ask if it will reflect the racial diversity of the country. Melbourne, Australia On July 2, Australians will go to the polls to elect a new federal government. But the range of candidates from which they will choose will not reflect the diversity of the country. According to data compiled by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library in 2014, there were five MPs of Asian descent thats just 2 percent of the parliament. There are four Indigenous MPs. Australia was largely established along racial divisions. Aboriginal Australians were not officially counted as citizens until 1967 and the White Australia Policy banned migrants from non-European backgrounds from entering the country until 1973. But today, people from China and India form the two largest migrant groups, followed by the UK. In fact, 2011 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 8.4 percent of the population comes from five Asian countries India, China, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. University of Queensland researcher Jen Kwok told Al Jazeera that because Austalian politics is dominated by two parties the ruling conservative Liberal Party and the centre-left Labor Party they are able to act as gatekeepers to the political scene. Those political parties are more clubs than civic institutions. They have a particular culture which contributes to the disengagement, not only from Asian Australian populations, but entire very large groups of Australians of different education and economic backgrounds, said Kwok, who is also a cofounder of a non-partisan group called Asian Australian Democracy Caucus. The reason that we need diversity in parliament is that that diversity is symptomatic of the health of the political system and the way that democracy works. Multiculturalism Even with only four Indigenous MPs in parliament, Aboriginal Australians are better represented now than they have ever been. But Aboriginal activist Michael Mansell said that in the rare instances when an Indigenous candidate is elected, it doesnt necessarily translate into Indigenous issues being given greater significance in parliament. The problem with Aboriginal people being elected to the parliament through a major party is that they have split loyalties: They are expected to represent the interests of the party over their communities, Mansell said. Political parties might get Aboriginal people in there, but it is just window-dressing, he added. Mansell advocates that Australia adopt something similar to the system in New Zealand, where there are seven dedicated parliamentary seats for the countrys indigenous Maori people, with Maori citizens voting on who they want as their representatives. READ MORE: The aboriginal people There has, however, been little discussion about introducing similar quotas in the Australian parliament, even though the Labor Party introduced its own quotas for female candidates in 1994, increasing the number of women in parliament as a result. But Tim Watts, a federal Labor MP of Anglo descent, said a quota system for cultural diversity would be more complicated to implement than a gender quota. The lack of cultural diversity is not unique to politics, he said, pointing to a similar problem in business and the public sector. What we imagine when we think of a leader doesnt have an Asian face because we dont see them at the moment. So it is about making the case that diversity matters and supporting young people who may want to enter politics, Watts said. Power is not given, power is taken Wesa Chau and Jieh-Yung Lo are two young aspiring Labor Party politicians. Chau has previously run as a federal candidate. Last year, they established a group called Poliversity with the aim of pushing for greater diversity within the party. When we think about multiculturalism we still think of welfare, and that needs to change, Chau told Al Jazeera. READ MORE: Australias Lost Generation Jieh-Yung said that families who had migrated to Australia were often too busy establishing themselves in their new country to consider things such as engaging in politics. But, he added, it is often the second generation children of migrants, like himself, who are more eager to get involved. Alex Bhathal is of Indian descent and is running for a federal seat in Melbourne for The Greens, a left-wing party. She believes all parties have serious issues with cultural diversity and that it stems from social inequality and the Australian governments visa programmes, which make it difficult for families to migrate together. Bhathal doesnt support the idea of race-based quotas for candidates whose families came from elsewhere, but she does support them for Indigenous people. The Greens and every other party in Australia has a long way to go in terms of creating a level playing field for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their structures and within their parties. Australia is lacking a great contribution from those people, a really important voice missing from parliament if we cant get those people in there, Bhathal said. Both the Labor and Liberal parties have been accused of engaging in racist and xenophobic scare campaigns to garner support for harsh policies on refugees and the blocking of Chinese foreign investment in Australia. Hong Lim, the only Chinese Australian MP in Victorias state parliament, told Al Jazeera that such campaigns make Asian Australians hesitate before entering politics. We have an entrenched culture whites feel entitled to enter politics, born to rule. Both political parties are only interested in raising funds from the Chinese communities but are not interested in considering them for safe seats, Lim said. It is incumbent upon young people from diverse backgrounds to demand change, Lim said. In this game, power is not given, power is taken, Lim reflected. You can follow Jarni on Twitter @jarniblakkarly An online petition against triple talaq has been signed by 50,000 Muslim men and women across the country. Twenty five-year-old Salmas* life crumbled one morning when her husband forced her and her two young children, aged three and two, from their house in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Salma had married in 2010, just after graduating from high school. Her parents were overjoyed when the son of an influential religious leader from their community proposed to her, a humble girl from a poor family. The wedding, she says, was a happy occasion. After the wedding, Salma left her parental home and went to live with her husband and his family. Her husband was the imam at the nearby mosque and owned a shop that sold religious books. She busied herself with household chores. But, in the days that followed, their marriage took an unexpected turn. She says her husband and his family turned violent and began to subject her to constant abuse. They would beat me up for the pettiest issues, Salma says. My in-laws always felt that I wasnt worthy of them, and frequently threatened me by saying that my husband would divorce me and marry someone who is equivalent to their status, she told Al Jazeera in a telephone interview. At times, she says, the family withheld food and medical care as punishment, even from her children. Salma didnt want to worry her parents, so she kept quiet about the abuse. One day my father-in-law convinced my husband to divorce me by uttering the word talaq thrice, she says. So, a few years into their marriage, Salmas husband threw her out of the house, using the triple talaq to divorce her. According to this practice, a Muslim man may divorce his wife by speaking the word talaq, which means I divorce you, three times in quick succession to her. The practice has been outlawed in many Muslim majority nations, but is permitted in India under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act 1937 ( PDF ). According to this act, in matters of personal disputes, the state will not intervene and a religious authority will instead pass judgments. According to a survey conducted by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), a womens rights advocacy group, which is campaigning against triple talaq, 59 percent of divorced Indian Muslim women were divorced through triple talaq. Left to fend for herself and her children, Salma turned to the BMMA for support, after hearing about it from friend who is a member. Salmas case is just one of those that the BMMA has been highlighting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the hope of drawing attention to the thousands of women rendered destitute because of the practice. Ban on oral divorce India does not have a uniform civil code. Every religious community has its own set of laws pertaining to personal issues such as marriage, divorce, property, adoption, inheritance and maintenance. While Muslims, Christians, Zoroastrians and Jews have separate personal laws , Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs are governed by a single law known as the Hindu Law. The BMMA has worked in 15 states across India since its establishment in 2007, focusing on socio-economic issues such as the education and livelihoods of women. The group started an online petition to ban the triple talaq practice. So far, 50,000 Muslim men and women across the country have signed it. In the course of our work, we have regularly been approached by our sisters, complaining about mistreatment and misuse of the oral talaq system. In most cases, men go scot-free and believe their action is approved by the Quran, says Zakia Soman, one of the co-founders of the BMMA. The BMMA has received several reports of women being divorced by husbands who have sent them a triple talaq message via SMS or other forms of digital media. None of the Quranic guidelines of discussion, arbitration, witnesses, specified time period or even a genuine attempt to resolve differences are being followed. In such circumstances, the question of alimony or the rights of children doesnt arise, said Zakia in an email to Al Jazeera, explaining why the BMMA is calling for a ban on this type of divorce. In the course of our work, we have regularly been approached by our sisters, complaining about mistreatment and misuse of the oral talaq system. by Zakia Soman, Co founder of BMMA , Figures are false and baseless But the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) a non-governmental organisation that aims to educate Indian Muslims on the protection and application of Islamic laws, disagrees with the BMMA. Dr Asma Zehra, a member of the core committee of the AIMPLB, says that triple talaq is not one of the most gripping issues facing the Muslim community in India, and that there are many other significant issues that need to be addressed, such as eradicating poverty, and improving education and livelihoods for women. The petition and survey figures which are being provided by BMMA are false and baseless, Zehra says. If one does not agree with the Muslim Personal Law Board, they are free to get married under the Special Marriage Act. The Special Marriage Act of 1954 was enacted by the Indian parliament to provide a special form of marriage for the people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries irrespective of ones religion or faith. It attempts to protect the rights of individuals from different communities who wish to marry and are not permitted by their respective personal laws. Although Zehra acknowledged that divorce someone via social media may not be the best way to go about it, she says it is still valid under the Muslim personal law. India does not need to revisit [its] divorce laws, Zehra says. And she believes the alternatives may not always be better. Our judiciary is overburdened. Several women have had to wait for years for their [divorce] cases to be heard. The lengthy legal procedures would only multiply social and economic hardships for women. Reform to Muslim personal law The Shariat Application Act 1937, which states that Muslims will be governed by Islamic laws, does not, however, clearly define the contents of these laws. This means that codified laws do not exist in disputes dealing with personal law and that the law is open to the interpretation of the religious authorities. This may explain why the Muslim community is often presented with multiple views on many issues, including triple talaq. Women are being divorced for the flimsiest of reasons and denied their basic rights. The Muslim Personal Law Board are given a lot of significance by government institutions and seen as the ultimate representatives of Muslims in the country, says Safia Akhtar, another BMMA member who is working on the triple talaq campaign. The BMMA has sent a letter to Indias prime minister, Narendra Modi, demanding that the Muslim Family Law be codified. Muslim women have never been heard in matters concerning their lives. Certain orthodox and patriarchal men have dominated the debate on rights of Muslim women and have stone-walled any attempt towards reform, reads the letter, which has been signed by the organisations members. Recently, 35-year-old Shayara Bano, who was divorced via a letter, has asked the Indian Supreme Court to declare the triple talaq practice illegal, as she said that it violates her right to life, personal liberty, equality before the law and prohibition against discrimination fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian constitution ( PDF ). The Indian Supreme Court has asked the Indian government to file before it the report of a committee which was formed to look into aspects of personal laws in various religious minorities. Maneka Gandhi, union minister of the Ministry of Women and Child Development , which deals with the matters of rights, care and protection of women and children in India, stated that she does not want to voice an opinion on the triple talaq practice until a consensus emerges on the issue. The Indian government established The High Level Committee on the Status of Women ( PDF ) in India in May 2013. The committee recommended a ban on the practice of oral, unilateral and triple talaq in a report published in June 2015. It makes wives extremely vulnerable and insecure regarding their marital status, the report reads. Salma is happy that the government is taking action. Its the life of a woman that becomes miserable. I want an end to this unilateral divorce practice and my children to get what they deserve, she says. Fights take place between a husband and wife, but this is no way to resolve it. *Name changed to protect identity. The relationship between the US and the Taliban from the late 1990s onwards was defined by one thing: ignorance. In the seventh part of his Chronicle of a Caged Journalist series, Egyptian war correspondent Yehia Ghanem explores the relationship between the United States and the Taliban, and the misunderstandings he believes are at the heart of it. There is a saying that man is an enemy to that of which he is ignorant. It seems to perfectly sum up the relationship between the Taliban and the US during the late 1990s. I recall in the autumn of 1997 interviewing the Talibans acting prime minister, Mullah Mohammed Hassan Akhund. He would later become the deputy to Mullah Omar, the spiritual leader of the Taliban. During our conversation, he received what seemed to be a very important phone call. Wanting to give him some privacy, I stood up to leave the room. But he motioned to me to remain and then put the call on loudspeaker. READ PART 1: Into the cage a journalist on trial in Egypt The person on the other end of the line appeared to be appealing to him to issue a travel permit for Osama bin Laden, so that he might move from the capital Kabul to Kandahar, in the south of the country. The answer was: No. When the call was over and we returned to our interview, I thought it impolite to inquire about the implications of the conversation I had overheard and, indeed, why he had wanted me to hear it. But, with the faintest of smiles on his face, he told me: I bet you wonder why I allowed you to listen. Then, he continued: I just wanted you to be a witness to the real status of Sheikh Osama here in Afghanistan. He is a dear guest until the end of time. Yet, as much as we are honoured to have him among us, he must know that he is to be protected by us Afghans; we are the only masters of this country. READ PART 2: Crocodiles in a court of law At that time, Bin Laden had hardly any influence over the Taliban beyond some agricultural and infrastructure projects he was financing. But just as the Western media had been unwittingly misinformed about the relationship between the Taliban and Osama bin Laden, so too had it failed to grasp the ideological differences between the Taliban and Osama bin Ladens al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda was Wahhabi, a Sunni movement that calls for a return to the earliest sources of Islam, including the Quran and the Hadith, the sayings of the Prophet Mohammad. It began as a popular revivalist movement instigated by the 18th century theologian, Mohammad Ibn Adb al-Wahhab, aimed at reversing what he perceived to be the moral decline of Muslim societies and the innovations in Islam. He felt that there was a gulf between the established and clearly defined teachings of Islams religious texts and the popular practice of the faith, including religious festivals, mourning ceremonies and the mystical teachings of Sufism. READ PART 3: Inside the cage the writing on the wall But Sufism is deeply ingrained in Afghan society and the Taliban were not immune to this. There were many instances when I witnessed members of the Taliban participating in practices that would have been anathema to the Wahhabis venerating saints and visiting shrines. If asked, they wouldnt have identified themselves as Sufis, but the influences seemed clear to an outside observer. The West, however, seemed unaware of this, assuming that the Taliban were Wahhabi and, therefore, influenced by al-Qaeda and its leader, Bin Laden. It was an error that would deepen the rift between the West and the Taliban, eventually turning imagined enemies into real ones. READ PART 4: Chasing a childhood friend, a fighter in Afghanistan But this wasnt the only difference between al-Qaeda and the Taliban. They also had fundamentally different aims. While the first sought to establish a unified State of Islam that crossed existing borders, the second wanted to establish an Islamic state within the borders of Afghanistan. Where ones aspirations were global, the others were only national. During a conversation in 1996 with a prominent Pashtu tribal chief and leader of the Hezb-e Islami political party, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who was not a member of the Taliban but whose ideology was similar to theirs, about being allied with Wahhabis in the fight against the forces of Soviet ally and former president, Mohammad Najibullah, he told me: Once we finish with Communism, we will focus our war on Wahhabism. READ PART 5: Afghanistan a crossroads for US-Arab relations But it wasnt until 1998 that the Taliban grew hostile towards the US, after Washington instigated a series of UN Security Council resolutions condemning it. To make matters worse, this coincided with the return of the foreign mujahideen who had fought in the war between the Serbs and Bosnians. Many would join the ranks of al-Qaeda. I had met some of them in Bosnia, growing to know them well and witnessing the way in which their attitudes towards the US started to shift. But theirs is a story for the next instalment. READ PART 6: Under Taliban skin Chronicle of a Caged Journalist is a series of excerpts from an upcoming book. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policies. Daniel Kanyarahuru was imprisoned for 15 months in torturous conditions but was rescued and now lives happily in the US. Daniel Kanyarahuru hid in the roof of his home when forces loyal to Congos President Laurent Kabila stormed his village in Kasai-Oriental province hunting for ethnic Tutsis. The teenagers brother, his wife, and their one-month-old baby were taken away by soldiers. It was the middle of the night. There was a lot of brutality. I saw they were killing people, beating people, Kanyarahuru recalled. The next day, after coming out of hiding, he decided it was best to be with his family even in detention and a neighbour took him to a military camp where they were held. A commander was enraged that Kanyarahuru had evaded capture. He was taken to a dark room, stripped naked, and tied up. He saw a man who appeared to be his brother. I didnt recognise him, his face was so swollen. Then Kanyarahurus own beatings began. It got to the point where I felt it wasnt me being beaten any more. I woke up three days later, he told Al Jazeera. UN peacekeepers protecting DR Congo civilians For the next 15 months, Daniel Kanyarahuru suffered daily torture, had to scavenge for food, and lost his ability to walk and talk. Every time there was a new guard, there was a lot of brutality. People looked like skeletons, he said. Kanyarahurus brother, sister-in-law, and their baby all died and he lost all hope. You stop feeling bad for those who die you feel envious. Theres no hope for life any more. The only thing I could do was try not to show fear of my captors, because thats exactly what they wanted to see. Rescue that nearly didnt happen NGO worker Sasha Chanoffs life changed after being sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2000 as part of a small US rescue team deployed to evacuate Tutsis from the massacres they faced. Then-president Laurent Kabila said at the time that all Tutsis were enemies of the state who needed to be hunted down after neighbouring Rwandas Tutsi-led government invaded eastern Congo. Tutsis in DRC were rounded up and imprisoned. Jails were turned into death camps. Executions and starvation became commonplace. Chanoffs boss at the International Office for Migration in Kenya called him into his office and handed over a list with 112 names on it. They were Tutsi survivors who had been pre-approved for extraction by the Congolese government. It was the last such rescue mission permitted. Under the deal, anyone not on the list would not be allowed on to the plane, his boss said, otherwise Congolese officials could step in and bar all from leaving meaning certain death for those remaining. Chanoff and his colleague Sheikha Ali arrived at the military compound outside the capital Kinshasa, registered the 112 survivors, and prepared to depart. But someone working there urged them to look into a nearby tent before they left. Sheikha went into that tent and I followed her. In there were 32 widows and orphans who had been in a prison camp for 15 months, where many of their family members had lost their lives, Chanoff told Al Jazeera. They looked traumatised and emaciated and near death. It was an irreconcilable dilemma for the rescuers: if they took the 32 along, they would put in jeopardy the escape of the 112 survivors cleared to leave. But ignoring those in the tent would certainly mean their demise. Sheikha and I argued all night, and she finally convinced me that we had to try and take them, said Chanoff. We called our boss and said, Youve got to do this. He said You cant and he got very upset. But Chanoff persisted. His boss eventually said since it was an American rescue operation, the US ambassador to Congo would have to sign off. Fortunately for those 32 people he did. Ending the ordeal Among the group of 32 gaunt survivors in that tent was 15-year Daniel Kanyaruhuru. I remember the day they rescued me. I could see Sasha and Sheikha on the phones. I could see their frustration. We could tell they cared and didnt want us to stay there, Kanyarahuru recalled. Chanoff remembered meeting the emaciated teenager among the starved group. He was so traumatised by the torture that he didnt talk any more. The 144 survivors and their rescuers flew from the DRC to safety at a camp in Cameroon. Kanyaruhuru was later granted asylum in the United States. It was a life-changing event for Chanoff, who wrote a book about the experience, From Crisis to Calling: Finding your Moral Center in the Toughest Decisions. He also founded an innovative aid organisation for refugees called RefugePoint. Despite his freedom and new American life, it was some time before Kanyarahuru recovered from his horrific ordeal. It took a while to begin speaking again. All the torture that Ive seen it becomes very clear when I close my eyes. I couldnt sleep, he said. But Kanyarahuru eventually turned things around. He became a track star in high school, winning many awards, and later attended college. Now in his 30s, he has a family and works at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Kanyarahuru told Al Jazeera by phone that it is impossible to put into words how he feels towards those who helped him escape. For them to take me out of that moment, they gave me my life back, he said. Nearly 70,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, are being denied food and water by Jordanian authorities. More than 30,000 Syrian children are facing starvation in Jordan after authorities in Amman suspended life-saving food and medical aid to refugees living along its northeastern border with Syria. Between 60,000-70,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, have been denied access to food and safe drinking water during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting from dusk till dawn, after Jordanian authorities blocked emergency aid supplies to an area known as the berm last month following an attack by members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. Shortly after the attack, Jordan declared the porous border area, which houses the sprawling Rukban refugee camp, a closed military zone, and warned that any movement in the area would be treated without leniency, despite pleas by aid and humanitarian groups that this would put the lives of refugees at risk. At a time of year when temperatures can exceed 35C, Al Jazeera has learned that harsh conditions in the camp have forced some Syrians to head back to Syria. Jordan has blocked all food and medical aid to these people - over half of whom are children. Jordan has allowed a limited amount of water, but that is nowhere near enough by Gerry Simpson, Senior refugee researcher, Human Rights Watch, Were getting terrible stories of people deciding to go back into Syria because of the appalling conditions they are facing in this desolate and remote desert area, Gerry Simpson, a senior refugee researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera on Friday. Syrian refugees stuck on Jordan border have nothing What these people need right now is water and food Jordan has blocked all food and medical aid to these people over half of whom are children. Jordan has allowed a limited amount of water, but that is nowhere near enough. The medical aid charity Doctors Without Borders called the situation a massive failure of the international community and warned of increasing cases of malnutrition. Of the 1,300 children under five years old in the area that it screened for malnutrition, 204 were suffering from moderate malnutrition and 10 were severely malnourished. It also said that 24.7 percent of the children seen by medical teams had acute diarrhoea. There are an estimated 650,000 Syrian refugees registered by the United Nations in Jordan, and the countrys northern border is the only access point through which they can enter the country. It was hell: Syrian refugees share stories of torture Jordan isnt the only country that is treating Syrian refugees this way, Simpson said. Turkey has closed its border for a year and half now, and shoots at asylum seekers as they try and cross. Lebanon has severely restricted access and so Syrians arent able to escape there either. Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey are all trapping Syrians inside this awful crucible of war. The International Community, particularly the European Union should be doing far more to reassure these counties that they are going to take in more Syrians and resettle them out of the region thereby giving Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey no excuse but to continue to protect these vulnerable people, he added. Jordan already has a large refugee population with more than 300,000 Palestinians living in refugee camps. Many Iraqis also sought refuge in Jordan following the 2003 US-led invasion and occupation, and since the emergence of ISIL. Rights groups and activists welcome the UN resolution, but they call for concrete actions to hold Eritrea accountable. The United Nations rights council has called on the African Union to investigate Eritrean leaders over alleged crimes against humanity after a damning report by a UN commission. In that report, the UNs Commission of Inquiry (COI) for Eritrea said the government of President Isaias Afwerki had committed heinous crimes since independence a quarter-century ago, including the enslavement of 400,000 people. Many of those abuses are allegedly linked to a harsh national service programme in the secretive Horn of Africa state, which for many is almost impossible to escape and which the COI compared to lifetime enslavement. In a resolution that passed on Friday with consensus by the bodys 47 members, the Human Rights Council said it strongly encourages the African Union to follow up on the [COI] report. The AU should set up an investigation with a view to examining and bringing to justice those responsible for violations and abuses of human rights identified by the commission of inquiry, including any that may amount to a crime against humanity. READ MORE: Diaspora Eritreans protest human rights abuses The AU, based in Addis Ababa, capital of Eritreas bitter rival Ethiopia, has no prosecutor or court system. But the AU played a leading role in setting up a special court to prosecute former Chadian military ruler Hissene Habre, who was sentenced to life in May for war crimes and crimes against humanity over his 1982-1990 rule. Huge blow Rights groups and activists have welcomed the UNs calls for an investigation into allegations against Eritrea. Suleiman Hussein, chairman of the London-based Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea, said the UN councils resolution constitutes a huge blow to the Eritrean government. It is also a very strong message to those who operated with total lawlessness for so long and that it wont be long before the days of impunity and the rule by terror come to an end, he told Al Jazeera by email. I hope they now know that they cannot get away with a systematic and widespread abuse of this magnitude which is rarely seen elsewhere in the world. Daniel Rezene Mekonnen, an Eritrean human rights defender, described the resolution as fair enough, but added that he hopes for more concrete measures in the future. READ MORE: Everyday Eritrea Resilience in the face of repression Overall, seen against the fierce diplomatic campaign of the Eritrean regime of the last four weeks, I believe the resolution we have now is fair enough in laying down the necessary ground work for tangible accountability mechanisms for crimes against humanity in Eritrea, he told Al Jazeera. Experts said that model could be replicated, including to avoid the involvement of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which many African leaders have condemned for allegedly focusing excessively on the continents leaders. The rights council resolution broadly endorsed the COIs findings and urged Eritrea to resolve a range of systematic abuses. Those include extrajudicial killings, torture and indefinite detention allegedly committed by people at the top of Isaiass government. Eritrea has rejected the COIs findings. Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel dismissed the resolution as muddled and bereft of ethical [and] moral standards. But, in an obvious exercise of political horse trading to mollify the US the principal architect of the resolution it ventures into some areas that are incompatible with the acknowledged flaws, Ghebremeskel told Al Jazeera. Widespread cases of rape, torture, and killings reported by refugees and migrants in new report. Amnesty International, the UK-based human rights organisation, has documented horror stories of migrants and refugees who faced killings, torture, rape and starvation mostly at the hands of traffickers in Libya. The report, released on Friday, was based on interviews with more than 90 refugees and migrants at reception centres in the Italian cities of Puglia and Sicily who had made the journey across the Mediterranean Sea from Libya over the past few months. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa have fled Libya to escape war, persecution or extreme poverty, often in the hope of reaching nearby European countries. While armed groups including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or ISIS) and criminal gangs in Libya were blamed for many of the severe abuses, the majority of victims were abused by human traffickers., Victims told Amnesty International smugglers as soon as they entered the country or were sold to criminal gangs. READ MORE: UN backs EU military action against human traffickers According to the report, migrants and refugees reported facing or witnessing widespread sexual violence, torture, or exploitation by their captors. Some victims were shot dead and others left to die as a result of illnesses or ill-treatment. Mass rape Amnesty said some of the women they interviewed reported mass rape. An Eritrean woman, who was not named, said that she witnessed other women being sexually abused, including one who was gang-raped because the smuggler wrongly accused her of failing to pay the fee. They took her away and she was raped by five Libyan men. Amnesty quoted the Eritrean woman as saying. READ MORE: Libya grapples with migration crisis Ramya, another Eritrean woman, said she was raped more than once by the traffickers who held her captive in a camp in north-eastern Libya last year. The guards would drink and smoke cannabis and then come in and choose which women they wanted and take them outside. The women tried to refuse but when you have a gun pointed at your head, you dont really have a choice if you want to survive. I was raped twice by three men I didnt want to lose my life, she said. Antoinette from Cameroon said that the traffickers, who held her captive last April, used to rape even pregnant women. People held hostage for ransoms Amnesty said a large number of the interviewees, who were held captive for ransom payments, were kept in squalid conditions, and denied food and water while being beaten frequently. Semre, 22, from Eritrea, said he saw four people including a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman die from illness and starvation while he was held captive for ransom. Saleh, another Eritrean man, said he witnessed how one man who could not pay died after being electrocuted in water. Magdalena Mughrabi, Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa deputy director, called for Libyan authorities and the European Union to take the proper steps to protect migrants and refugees from being abused. Their experiences paint a terrifying picture of the conditions many of those who come to Europe are so desperate to escape. The Libyan authorities must take urgent steps to restore the rule of law and protect the rights of refugees and migrants. The EU should focus less on keeping migrants and refugees out and more on finding safe and legal ways for those trapped in Libya to access a place of safety. Mughrabi said. Three children also wounded in explosion near al-Eker village that authorities called terrorist attack. A woman has been killed and three children wounded when a roadside bomb exploded south of Bahrains capital, Manama, the interior ministry said in what it called a terrorist attack. The woman was reportedly driving on the opposite side of the highway near al-Eker village on Thursday night when the bomb detonated, causing shrapnel to hit her car. It was not immediately clear who the bomb targeted, and no one claimed responsibility for the attack. The police vowed that the hands of justice would reach those responsible. READ MORE: Was Bahrains uprising worth it? Sporadic violence and bomb attacks largely aimed at Bahraini security forces have become the norm since mass, Shia-led pro-democracy protests were put down by the government in 2011. In July last year, two policemen in the Shia village of Sitra were killed in a blast that authorities said involved the use of explosives smuggled from Iran. Tehran denies interference in Bahrain but openly supports opposition groups seeking greater rights for the Shia majority. Tensions have increased in the Gulf island country in recent weeks after the closure of the main opposition party, Al-Wefaq, the detention of a leading rights activist, Nabeel Rajab, and the revoking of citizenship of Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, the countrys top Shia religious figure. At least six people have died after the shooting in Mandera, near Kenyas border with Somalia. At least six people, including children, have been killed in an attack on two buses in the county of Mandera in northern Kenya. The killings on Friday, which occured 900km from the capital Nairobi, came just a day after a roadside bomb attack on a bus left at least 18 people dead in neighbouring Somalia. Al Jazeeras Mohammed Adow said gunmen opened fire on the first bus, which failed to stop, and then on the second resulted in the casualties. There are a number of injuries that have been taken to the Mandera district hospital about 100km from where the attack occurred, he said. The attack happened close to where five policeman were killed by al-Shabab fighters 10 days ago. No group has claimed responsibility for Fridays attack. As Moroccos ban on plastic bags comes into effect, green campaigners worry consumers will need time to change habits. Rabat, Morocco As a ban on the production and use of plastic bags comes into effect across Morocco on Friday, green campaigners say that the countrys consumers may need years to fully comply with the new law. A landmark bill passed by the Moroccan parliament last October banned the production, import, sale and distribution of plastic bags across the country. The bill, which became law on July 1, is part of a larger environmentally conscious effort across the North African country to go green. Morocco ranks alongside Costa Rica, Bhutan and Ethiopia as one of the worlds greenest countries, a fact partially due to its ambitious goals to crackdown on carbon emissions. Recent sustainability measures have turned the country into a green leader among developing nations, and the city of Marrakesh is due to host a global climate change conference in November 2016. But as the July 1 deadline approached, shops, street sellers and retailers across the country scrambled to stockpile reserves of reusable bags. The change, they say, will not be easy. READ MORE: Moroccos colonial heritage in higher education The countrys battle with the plastic bag has been in the works for years. Efforts in 2009 to ban the production and use of black plastic bags, which litter the countrys streets and beaches, were only partially successful, as authorities struggled to curtail informal production of the bags. Morocco is the second-largest plastic bag consumer after the United States. It uses about three billion plastic bags a year, according to the Moroccan Industry Ministry. That means, on average, that each one of Moroccos 34 million people uses about 900 bags a year. A blanket ban on the use of plastic bags will take some getting used to, says Jennie Romer, a New York-based lawyer. Its a big cultural shift with that type of broader law, she said. As long as the government has the motivation to really enforce that. There is a lot of potential. The government entity that is implementing it has to be completely on board in order to make that really happen in practice. While Industry Minister Moulay Hafid Elalamy, the initiator of the bill, did not return requests for comment, he said on his Twitter account that several alternative solutions will be made widely available, such as bags made of paper and fabric. He added that freezer bags were excluded. For weeks now, awareness campaigns throughout the country have been warning Moroccans against the use of bags, which take hundreds of years to degrade. Their message is simple: plastic bags are unhealthy and dangerous for the ecosystem in a country that struggles to clean its streets and where fields of rubbish plague the local environment. They do it to promote the image of Morocco as an environmentally friendly country, which is partly true, but not completely, Mamoun Ghallab, a sustainable development consultant, told Al Jazeera during a recent beach clean-up event in Casablanca. Ghallab said the government hasnt done much to raise environmental awareness. Some campaigns about littering have been done, he added, but their cartoonish design made them only marketable to children. If citizens are not aware of the concerns and the challenges were facing, things will go much slower, Ghallab said. Everything begins and ends with the citizens. But the UN Environmental Performance Review of Morocco, which has analysed the countrys environment protection progress since 2012, reported that Morocco fails to address environmental challenges, which can gradually become economic and development challenges. Moroccan cities only collect 70 percent of solid waste, according to a 2013 study released by the German Society for International Cooperation. And the World Bank has reported that less than 10 percent of collected waste is disposed of in an environmentally and socially acceptable manner. Yassine Zegzouti, 30, president of local advocacy organisation Mawarid, said it is possible for Morocco to totally ban plastic bags, but that changing consumer habits will be the most challenging part. The government has shown a commitment to putting the ban into practice, he said, not only through TV spots encouraging citizens to change their habits, but also by investing millions of Moroccan dirhams into encouraging the industry to transform their production of the bags. The formal sector will need four to five years to comply with the new law, said Zegzouti. But the use of plastic bags is anchored in [consumer] habit, said Zegzouti. All actors need to change these habits to not have any damage in the future. This story was produced in association with Round Earth Media. Elaina Zachos contributed reporting. ISIL claims responsibility for hostage situation and shooting reported in Gulshan area of the Bangladeshi capital. A group of as many as nine gunmen have attacked a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, killing at least two policeman. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group claimed responsibility for Fridays attack in Gulshan area. At least 20 civilians, mostly foreigners, were held hostage inside OKitchen restaurant. Two of them, a chef and an electrician of the restaurant, were later rescued from adjacent building by special forces. The remaining hostages were thought to include Italian citizens. Italys Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter he was closely following the situation in Dhaka, adding he was anxious for Italians involved and expressing solidarity with their families. Benazir Ahmed, the head of the elite Rapid Action Battalion, an anti-crime unit, said on Friday night that his team was working to try and save the lives of the people stuck inside the restaurant. We would like to resolve the situation peacefully, he said. And I urge everyone to remain calm and not to panic. READ MORE: Bangladesh Extremism and shrinking space for dissent A large contingent of security personnel had cordoned off the area around the restaurant and members of the local polices were on site. Some of our people have been injured. Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside, the security chief said. Sumon Reza, a supervisor at the Holey Artisan bakery that operates in the same building as the restaurant, escaped the attack. He told the Dhaka Tribune that he saw two slim attackers who appeared to be under 30 carrying small firearms and at least one had a sharp weapon with him. Reza said the attackers were shouting Allahu Akhbar God is the greatest in Arabic. Al Jazeeras Maher Sattar, reporting from Dhaka, said: Its a place where you have a lot of foreigners you have a lot of Bangladeshi elite and is quite popular among the diplomatic corps. That makes one wonder if thats the reason why it was chosen. The US Embassy in Dhaka said on its Twitter feed that there were reports of shooting and hostage situation. Reports of shooting and hostage situation in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. Please shelter in place and monitor news. U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) July 1, 2016 Bangladesh has recently seen an upsurge in violence in recent years. Nearly two dozen atheist writers, publishers, religious minorities, social activists and foreign aid workers have been killed since 2013 by attackers. Edward Rees, the peace and development advisor at the UN in Dhaka, told Al Jazeera the attack on the restaurant is a new twist on an old story. Bangladesh has a history of these type of problems, but also has had a history of resolving them to some extent over the last 10 or 12 years, he said. Talha Ahmed, a commentator on Bangladeshi affairs, told Al Jazeera that ISIL has claimed responsibility for at least three previous attacks, but that the Bangladeshi government has continued to deny the group has any presence in the country. There were at least three other previous incidents where ISIL claimed responsibility, [but] the Bangladesh government continued to deny that ISIL could have any connection or presence in Bangladesh. So if ISIL wanted to make a statement that [they] are in Bangladeshthen this is probably their perfect opportunity. Shaymanonda Das killed in front of temple south west of capital Dhaka, police say, in latest in spate of attacks. A Hindu priest has been hacked to death at a temple in Bangladesh, police and senior administrative officials said. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was killed on Friday in the Jhinaidah district, 300km south west of the capital, Dhaka. He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and three young people came by on a motorbike, killed him with machetes and fled away, Mahbubur Rahman, the head of the local administration, said. The nature of killing was similar with the local militants, but we cannot say more at the moment, Mahbubur told the Reuters news agency. READ MORE: Bangladesh extremism and shrinking space for dissent Police said they did not know the motive behind the killing and that a local member of the Jamaat-e-Islami group had been arrested. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks in recent months on liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups. Al Jazeeras Maher Sattar, reporting from Dhaka, said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings but officials deny that those groups have any involvement and blame local organisations. The characteristics of the murder three men on a motor cycle, hacking to death, these are similar to a number of attacks that have taken place in Bangladesh over the past few years, he said. READ MORE: Bangladeshs soft targets Hindus are the largest minority group in Bangladesh and comprise about nine percent of the population. But this is a number that has dwindled since Bangladesh was formed and many Hindus weve been told have tried to make their way to India or are thinking about what their future might be. Death in May and subsequent federal probe fuel debate on safety of autonomous driving software and self-driving cars. The US government has launched an investigation into the safety of automaker Teslas autonomous driving system after what may be the worlds first known death involving self-driving technology. A driver of a Tesla Model S car operating the system, which is called Autopilot, was killed in a collision with a truck two months ago, prompting the probe, which was disclosed on Thursday. The investigation comes as Tesla and other automakers are gearing up to offer systems that allow vehicles to drive themselves under certain conditions across a wide range of vehicles over the next few years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was now investigating 25,000 Model S sedans that were equipped with Autopilot. The accident, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, killed Joshua Brown on a clear, dry roadway on May 7 in the state of Florida. The crash will add fire to a debate within the auto industry, and in legal circles, over the safety of systems that take partial control of steering and braking from drivers. Sky too bright The NHTSA said preliminary reports indicated the crash happened when a tractor-trailer made a left turn in front of the Tesla at an intersection. The luxury electric car maker said in a blog on Thursday that neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. Tesla shares fell as much as 3 percent in after-hours trading, on news of the crash and investigation. The company emphasised the unusual nature of the crash and said it was the first fatality in more than 130 million miles of use. Tesla said in a statement on Thursday that customers were required to give explicit acknowledgement that they realise Autopilot is new technology still under development, otherwise the system would stay off. When drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot is an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, and that you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle while using it. The NHTSA said the crash called for an examination of the design and performance of any driving aids in use at the time of the crash. The agency said it had opened a preliminary investigation, which it said was the first step before it could seek to order a recall if it was to find the vehicles were unsafe. Israeli leaders call for expansion of settlements in West Bank as two Palestinians and an Israeli killed on Friday. Two Palestinians and an Israeli settler have been killed in the occupied West Bank, as Israeli leaders threaten to build more Jewish-only settlements in the territory. Tayseer Habash, a 63-year-old Palestinian from the Nablus area, died on Friday due to excessive tear gas inhalation, according to the Palestinian Authoritys Ministry of Health. The incident took place at the Qalandia checkpoint near Ramallah as Israeli troops fired tear gas during clashes with Palestinian youth. There were lots of people because its the last Friday of Ramadan, Erab al-Fuqaha of the Palestinian Red Crescent told Al Jazeera by telephone. There was some pushing, and the Israelis fired a lot of tear gas. In a video posted on social media by the Activestills collective photo agency, Israeli soldiers are seen hitting Palestinians with batons, throwing sound grenades, firing tear gas canisters and threatening to use force. READ MORE: Israels stop-and-frisk law blatant racism In the southern West Bank city of Hebron, a Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli forces during an alleged stabbing attempt, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld wrote on Twitter. Outside Otniel, a nearby illegal Israeli settlement, an Israeli man died and three of his relatives were injured when their car flipped after allegedly coming under fire by a Palestinian assailant on Friday afternoon, Israeli media reported. Although unable to comment on the Qalandia clashes, an Israeli army spokesperson told Al Jazeera the three people injured in the crash near the settlement were evacuated to a hospital. Forces are now searching the area for the assailant, the spokesperson said by phone on Friday afternoon. Threats Fridays violence came just a day after a Palestinian teen was shot dead after entering the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron and stabbing to death Hallel Yafa Ariel, a 13-year-old Israeli girl. Within hours, Israeli forces blockaded Bani Naim, the assailants village near Hebron, activist Issa Amro told Al Jazeera on Thursday night. On Friday, the Middle East Quartet the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations published a report calling on Israel to stop building settlements. Israels policy of usurping Palestinian land in order to expand existing settlements and build new ones is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution, the Quartet said in the report. Yet, at the girls funeral in Kiryat Arba on Friday afternoon, several Israeli politicians vowed to expand Jewish-only settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory, Israeli media reported. READ MORE: Theres always an Intifada inside the Israeli prisons Referring to areas in the West Bank and present-day Israel, Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, said: We will build in Sarona and Kiryat Arba, in Jaffa and Jerusalem, in Itamar and Beersheba. Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, the girls cousin and a key figure in the Israeli settlement movement, said building settlements was needed now more than ever and called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. Yehuda Glick, a far-right Israeli politician, called for Israel to annex the West Bank and Jewish-Israelis to increase their excursions into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site for Muslims. More than 530,000 Israelis live in settlements considered illegal under international law across the West Bank, according to the Israeli rights group BTselem. Obama administration admits that drone strikes have killed civilians but limits the number to between 64 and 116. The White House has said that up to 116 civilians have been killed by drone and other US strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya since Barack Obama took office in 2009, a figure that has been slammed by watchdog groups as an underestimation, which suggests that the real figure could be as high as 1,100. Published by the director of national intelligence on Friday, the report said that between January 20, 2009, and December 31, 2015, the United States carried out 473 strikes, which killed up to 2,581 combatants and anywhere from 64 to 116 civilians. The civilian casualties disclosed in the report were from nations not recognised as battlefields, and did not reflect US air attacks in areas of active hostilities such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. Watchdog and rights groups have long claimed that the US administration does not know how many civilians it has killed and does not do enough to prevent civilian casualties when carrying out counterterrorism operations. WATCH Afghanistan: Living Beneath the Drones Reprieve, an international human rights organisation, said that the US governments previous statements about the drone programme have proved to be false by its own internal documents. It said that the Obama administration has shifted the goalposts on what counts as a civilian to such an extent that any estimate may be far removed from reality. In US drone operations, reports suggest all military aged males and potentially even women and children are considered enemies killed in action unless they can posthumously and conclusively prove their innocence, it said. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism estimates that anywhere from 492 to about 1,100 civilians have been killed by drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia since 2002. Shortly after the report was published, Josh Begley, a research editor at The Intercept published a list of 212 civilians killed in Pakistan alone. 116 civilians killed in drone strikes? Here's a list of 212 just in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/2uLxxbNRlm Josh Begley (@joshbegley) July 1, 2016 Al Jazeera cannot independently verify the casualty figures. In October, an eight-part investigation published by The Intercept as The Drone Papers , reported that 90 percent of those killed by drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia were not the intended targets. The investigation, which included a cache of secret military documents, suggested that strikes are often carried out on thin evidence and the majority of those killed are not the intended targets. The report contradicted claims made by Obama on May 2013 that before any strike is taken, there must be near-certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured. Do drone strikes create more terrorists than they kill? Seeking to create a precedent for his successor, Obama signed an executive order on Friday that details US policies to limit civilian casualties and makes protecting civilians a central element in US military operations planning. The order requires an annual release of casualty estimates. It says the government should include credible reporting by non-government groups when it reviews strikes to determine if civilians were killed. But the directive wont necessarily be binding on the next president, who could change the policy with an executive order of his or her own. The US drone programme has been criticised by several former high-ranking government and army officials. In an interview with Al Jazeera last year, Michael Flynn, the former head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency, called it a failed strategy that was creating more enemies than [it is] removing from the battlefield. When you drop a bomb from a drone you are going to cause more damage than you are going to cause good, the retired three-star general told Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeeras Head to Head. Supersonic anti-ship missile launched accidentally fired towards China comes down in Taiwanese waters. A Taiwanese navy patrol boat accidentally launched a supersonic anti-ship missile on Friday, killing a local fisherman, the military said. The Hsiung Feng III missile struck waters off the Penghu Islands, in the Taiwan Strait, around 8:40am (0040 GMT), hitting a Taiwanese fishing boat operating nearby, according to the Ministry of National Defence. The captain, surnamed Huang, was killed and three other fishermen were injured in the accident, National Defence spokesman Major-General Chen Chung-chi said in a news conference broadcast live nationwide. Were very sorry about that. We will do our best to compensate them, Chen said. Chen said that the three fishermen left a hospital in southern Taiwan after receiving treatment. A preliminary investigation showed that missile operators probably failed to follow proper procedures, the official Central News Agency said. READ MORE: Taiwan votes Can democracy work in a Chinese culture? A full investigation was under way, while the navy sent a helicopter and boats to search for the missile, the report said. Can Taiwans president maintain stable China relations? Weve found that the crew did not follow standard operating procedure, said the navy command headquarters Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu. The 500-tonne patrol boat, called Chinchiang, was undergoing a drill inspection at Zuoying military base in southern Kaohsiung City when the missile was launched by mistake, Mei said. The missile travelled for more than two minutes before falling into the waters, about 40 nautical miles [75km] northwest of the military harbour, Mei said. It did not cross the middle line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said. Both Beijing and Taipei respect the virtual middle line in the Taiwan Strait, and the two sides do not cross the line with their respective warplanes or ships. The narrowest part of the strait is 130km wide. READ MORE: The new Taiwan crisis The firing coincided with Beijings celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the partys top leader, delivered a speech on Friday calling for the peaceful development of relations between Beijing and Taipei. Tensions across the strait have escalated since Tsai Ing-wen of a pro-independence party was elected president earlier this year. Tsai has refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation, and Beijing cut off contact with Taiwans liaison office when she was inaugurated in May. Beijing sees Taiwan as a renegade province after a civil war, although the island has functioned as an independent country and does not acknowledge Beijings claim of authority over it. Tens of thousands of Iranians march in Tehran alone, condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have staged anti-Israel rallies across the Islamic Republic to mark al-Quds day, the countrys annual Palestinian solidarity day, which falls on the last Friday of Ramadan. Footage from Iranian state television showed massive crowds demonstrating in the capital Tehran, chanting Death to Israel Many at the protest in Tehran from young children to elderly ladies sported red bandanas with I love fighting Israel written on them, while others burned a replica of the Statue of Liberty with a Star of David on its head. WATCH: Ex-Israeli spy chief says Iran isnt an existential threat Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, attending the rally, said regional conflicts were making it increasingly difficult to address the Palestinian issue and called for greater unity between Muslims. Iran does not recognise Israel and has marked al-Quds day since the start of its 1979 Islamic revolution. Al-Quds is a historic Arabic name for Jerusalem, and Iran says the day is an occasion to express support for the Palestinians and emphasise the importance of Jerusalem for Muslims. In Lebanon alone over 100,000 missiles are ready at all times to fly at the heart of the Zionist regime, said General Hossein Salami, deputy chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards, in a speech before Friday prayers at Tehran University. Tens of thousands of other missiles have been planted across the Islamic world and are awaiting orders so that with the push of a button a sinister and dark dot on the political geography of the world disappears forever, he said. Is there a future for the war-torn countries of the Middle East and beyond? If so, who will build it and what will it look like? In an attempt to provide an answer, business leaders and government officials came together last week for an event spearheaded by the White House the 7th Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which was held in Silicon Valley. There, hi-tech investors, innovators and political representatives from around the world assembled to exchange ideas, contacts and concepts that, in their mind, could lead to a constructive future. But how meaningful is the concept of entrepreneurship for those who live with civil war, mass migration and sectarian conflict? And how is the Obama administration responding to critics, including those who work inside the State Department, who feel the White House has been ineffective in dealing with these conflicts? To discuss all this, we spoke to US Secretary of State John Kerry, the official face and voice of the administrations foreign policy, and Ben Rhodes, President Obamas deputy national security adviser, who led efforts behind the scenes to achieve the nuclear deal with Iran, at the summit in Silicon Valley. But this kind of entrepreneurial activity will be critical to the rebuilding of Syria, the rebuilding of Yemen, the rebuilding of Libya, and I think that's what's exciting about the possibilities here. by John Kerry, US Secretary of State They spoke to us about the Obama administrations role in the battle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), the war in Syria, what they hope to achieve in the next six months under the current administration, and why they believe this kind of entrepreneurial summit is a long-term investment critical to rebuilding Syria in the future. Kerry underscores the point that entrepreneurs are the people who create the jobs, and the summit presents a vision of the future. You have to have a place you want to go, and leaders need to be providing people with that vision. Now, obviously, we have to end the war [in Syria]. Were trying, very hard, working with Russians, with our 66 nations in the coalition we are trying to find a political path to end the war, he says. But this kind of entrepreneurial activity will be critical to the rebuilding of Syria, the rebuilding of Yemen, the rebuilding of Libya, and I think thats whats exciting about the possibilities here. Kerry says his energy is focused on the now and talking with Russia and other countries about how we guarantee that we have clarity about a genuine cessation where we know whos responsible for breaking it and people will be held accountable for breaking it, and thats what were working on. The pressure to end the war in Syria, he says, doesnt come from the critics. I feel pressure from the children I see getting killed. And the women and the innocent civilians in Syria. Thats the pressure. The pressure I feel is what motivated me to go to Vienna last November and begin to put together the International Syria Support Group and work towards peace. I mean, five years of war and 450,000-plus people dead and people tortured, and gassed and barrel-bombed thats enough pressure. Thats enough motivation to get something done. Kerry says the current administration believes there is ample time to accomplish many things before the Obama presidency ends on January 20, 2017. They are making steady progress in certain talks and in the battle against ISIL, he says. Im hopeful that the next six months will actually produce some progress thats definable, tangible, and has an impact, positively, he says. Rhodes speaks to us about the Iran nuclear deal and why the administration is investing in a platform for global ideas and innovation where entrepreneurs can come together. In the long term, the question is what is going to rebuild societies. What is going to bring greater opportunity to countries. And in fact, some of the drivers of grievances in countries, has been a lack of opportunity, a lack of opportunity for young people, in countries with huge youth populations. And we believe the long-term solution to that is in large measure having the type of environment and the type of value on entrepreneurship that can allow people to build businesses and to connect and succeed in a global economy. Rhodes also discusses the diverse set of tools the US brings to challenges around the world, where, for example, in countering ISIL and the Assad regime, there is military know-how, influence in the global financial system, diplomacy and political leadership, and humanitarian assistance. In addition to these current tools, he says: We also are showing people everywhere that we want to connect them to long-term opportunity and the hope is that obviously you want the situation resolved, you want to transition to a new government. We would hope that five years from now, 10 years from now, 15 years from now, as Syrians are rebuilding, that they are able to benefit from the types of skills, connections and opportunities that are represented here [at the summit]. We know thats not whats going to be most relevant to people in the near term, but its one part of how we engage people around the world. You can talk to Al Jazeera too. Join our Twitter conversation as we talk to world leaders and alternative voices shaping our times. You can also share your views and keep up to date with our latest interviews on Facebook. We speak to Londons mayor, and ask fmr Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso why he supports impeaching Dilma Rousseff. In this weeks UpFront, we ask London Mayor Sadiq Khan whos to blame for the rising xenophobia gripping the UK. In the Reality Check, we look at the threat of antibiotic resistance. And in a special interview, we ask former Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso about why he supports the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff. Headliner Sadiq Khan: Leave camp must explain rising xenophobia Just a week after Britains vote to exit the EU, the UK is facing a potential economic downturn, a political crisis and a spate of racist attacks. During the referendum, those on both sides of the debate accused each other of lies, smears and racism, but with Islamophobic and racist abuse now on the rise, who is to blame for the spike in attacks? In this weeks Headliner, Mehdi Hasan speaks to London mayor Sadiq Khan, who says the leaders of the Leave campaign must explain why there is now a sharp increase in racist attacks. You cant escape the fact that the [Leave] campaign was horrible, he adds. When asked how best to combat Islamophobic rhetoric, the London mayor says the country must beat it one person at a time, one newspaper at a time, one media outlet at a time. Watch more of Mehdi Hasans interview with Sadiq Khan, in which they discuss the political crisis facing the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn. Reality Check: Why you should be afraid of an antibiotic apocalypse We are in a post-antibiotic era, World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan declared earlier this year. Her warning echoed a recent report that found antimicrobial resistance was responsible for more than 700,000 deaths worldwide in 2014 alone and could kill more than 10 million people each year by 2050. Despite the warnings, antibiotic use in humans and livestock continues to grow in many countries. Scientists say misuse and overuse of the drugs are two of the main contributors to resistance. In this weeks Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan highlights the real threat of antimicrobial resistance. Is Brazils Dilma Rousseff a victim of a coup? Just weeks ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Brazil is facing a major political and economic crisis. Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is awaiting a final vote on her ongoing impeachment trial over charges that she broke budgetary rules during her re-election campaign. Supporters of the leader, however, say she is the victim of a coup. In a special interview, Mehdi Hasan speaks to former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso about why he supports Rousseffs impeachment. This is a crime against the constitution. This is a political crime. It is a lack of responsibility, Cardoso says. The former president also expresses concern over how Rousseffs impeachment proceedings might affect Brazils image at time when Rio will be hosting the summer Olympic Games. I would prefer to have a more sound nation to show the world, Cardoso says. Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook. 2005 .. English News Vantage Mezzanine Fund III Invests R250 Million ($16.6 Million) in Vumatel, a Leading Fibre-To-The-Home Network Operator in South Africa Alwihda Info | Par Luc Albinski - 1 Juillet 2016 Vumatel was established in 2014 to supply affordable high-speed fibre optic network connectivity to homes in South Africa The Vantage mezzanine facility was structured in two equal tranches of R125 million ($8.3 million), to be drawn by Vumatel upon the achievement of certain operational and financial milestones by the company. Since concluding the transaction in April this year, Vumatel has rapidly expanded its network and has exceeded the milestones required to drawdown both tranches of the R250 million facility from Vantage. Vumatel was established in 2014 to supply affordable high-speed fibre optic network connectivity to homes in South Africa. Vumatel began deploying its open access FTTH network in October 2014 in Parkhurst, a Johannesburg suburb. Since then, the company has rapidly expanded its network to cover 22 suburbs, reaching more than 33,000 homes. Driven by strong customer demand for reliable high speed internet, Vumatel has a robust pipeline of additional suburbs for further network deployment. Despite having one of the highest GDP per capita ratios in Africa, South Africas average broadband speed is one of the lowest on the continent. Vumatel was founded to address this large deficit in high-speed broadband services for residential users in South Africa. The company contributes to greater high-speed broadband adoption through the deployment of an open access fibre optic network. Open access means that the Vumatel network can be used as a platform by multiple internet service providers, such that customers can benefit from a variety of choices to suit their needs. Vumatels founding shareholders include Niel Schoeman, Johan Pretorius and Richard Came successful industry veterans who have been key players in establishing and operating several well-known telecommunications and technology businesses including Dimension Data, Dark Fibre Africa, Conduct Telecom and the Birchman Group. Together, the team is especially well suited to scale the Vumatel network and to meet the growing demand for access to high-speed residential broadband in South Africa. Luc Albinski, Managing Partner at Vantage Capital, said the provision of high-speed, quality broadband has been shown to have positive social and economic benefits for a country. Vantage is proud to support Vumatel to expand their network and to facilitate the provision of high quality broadband to more South Africans. Yaw Keteku, Associate Partner at Vantage Capital, added Vumatel is laying the foundation for South Africans to participate in a world that is increasingly data-driven, and we are delighted to be partnering with an excellent management team as they make this goal a reality. Niel Schoeman, CEO and co-founder of Vumatel said we required a forward-thinking financial partner, able to understand the industry opportunity and to structure an optimal funding solution for our stage of growth. We are pleased to partner with Vantage in what we consider to be one of the most exciting growth opportunities in the South African telecommunications industry. This is Vantages 22nd mezzanine investment and the 4th investment in Fund III, which is targeting a final close of R4 billion ($270 million) and has a 40% allocation for South Africa. Vantage Mezzanine Fund III supported the Servest buyout last year, and recently concluded a $20 million investment in Landmark (a Nigerian property group), as well as an N$80 million (R80 million) investment in UAG (a Namibian Hospitality and Property Group). Werksmans Attorneys and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr acted as legal counsel to Vantage and Vumatel, respectively. Distributed by APO on behalf of Vantage Capital Group. Media Contacts: Luc Albinski Managing Partner Vantage Capital luc@vantagecapital.co.za Tel: +27 11 530 9104 Yaw Keteku Associate Partner Vantage Capital yaw@vantagecapital.co.za Tel: +27 11 530 9111 About Vumatel: Vumatel ( About Vantage: Vantage Capital Group ( Vantage has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and targets mezzanine debt opportunities in a number of high-growth African countries including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Mezzanine is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the most risky. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 1, 2016/ -- Vantage Capital ( www.VantageCapital.co.za ), Africas largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it has disbursed the second and final tranche of a R250 million ($16.6 million) expansion capital facility to Vumatel ( www.Vumatel.co.za ). The funds will be used for the on-going expansion of Vumatels fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network in a growing number of Johannesburg and Cape Town suburbs.The Vantage mezzanine facility was structured in two equal tranches of R125 million ($8.3 million), to be drawn by Vumatel upon the achievement of certain operational and financial milestones by the company. Since concluding the transaction in April this year, Vumatel has rapidly expanded its network and has exceeded the milestones required to drawdown both tranches of the R250 million facility from Vantage.Vumatel was established in 2014 to supply affordable high-speed fibre optic network connectivity to homes in South Africa. Vumatel began deploying its open access FTTH network in October 2014 in Parkhurst, a Johannesburg suburb. Since then, the company has rapidly expanded its network to cover 22 suburbs, reaching more than 33,000 homes. Driven by strong customer demand for reliable high speed internet, Vumatel has a robust pipeline of additional suburbs for further network deployment.Despite having one of the highest GDP per capita ratios in Africa, South Africas average broadband speed is one of the lowest on the continent. Vumatel was founded to address this large deficit in high-speed broadband services for residential users in South Africa. The company contributes to greater high-speed broadband adoption through the deployment of an open access fibre optic network. Open access means that the Vumatel network can be used as a platform by multiple internet service providers, such that customers can benefit from a variety of choices to suit their needs.Vumatels founding shareholders include Niel Schoeman, Johan Pretorius and Richard Came successful industry veterans who have been key players in establishing and operating several well-known telecommunications and technology businesses including Dimension Data, Dark Fibre Africa, Conduct Telecom and the Birchman Group. Together, the team is especially well suited to scale the Vumatel network and to meet the growing demand for access to high-speed residential broadband in South Africa.Luc Albinski, Managing Partner at Vantage Capital, said the provision of high-speed, quality broadband has been shown to have positive social and economic benefits for a country. Vantage is proud to support Vumatel to expand their network and to facilitate the provision of high quality broadband to more South Africans.Yaw Keteku, Associate Partner at Vantage Capital, added Vumatel is laying the foundation for South Africans to participate in a world that is increasingly data-driven, and we are delighted to be partnering with an excellent management team as they make this goal a reality.Niel Schoeman, CEO and co-founder of Vumatel said we required a forward-thinking financial partner, able to understand the industry opportunity and to structure an optimal funding solution for our stage of growth. We are pleased to partner with Vantage in what we consider to be one of the most exciting growth opportunities in the South African telecommunications industry.This is Vantages 22nd mezzanine investment and the 4th investment in Fund III, which is targeting a final close of R4 billion ($270 million) and has a 40% allocation for South Africa. Vantage Mezzanine Fund III supported the Servest buyout last year, and recently concluded a $20 million investment in Landmark (a Nigerian property group), as well as an N$80 million (R80 million) investment in UAG (a Namibian Hospitality and Property Group).Werksmans Attorneys and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr acted as legal counsel to Vantage and Vumatel, respectively.Luc AlbinskiManaging Partner Vantage CapitalTel: +27 11 530 9104Yaw KetekuAssociate Partner Vantage CapitalTel: +27 11 530 9111Vumatel ( www.Vumatel.co.za ) was established in 2014 by Niel Schoeman, Johan Pretorius and Richard Came. It launched its pilot project in Parkhurst, a Johannesburg suburb, in October 2014 and following a very successful roll-out has expanded to over 22 suburbs reaching more than 33,000 homes. Vumatel operates an open-access network using the latest Active Ethernet technology. The company is headquartered in Johannesburg and employs over 500 people.Vantage Capital Group ( www.VantageCapital.co.za ) was established in 2001 and currently manages over R8 billion (over $500 million) of investments in its mezzanine debt, renewable energy debt and technology funds.Vantage has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and targets mezzanine debt opportunities in a number of high-growth African countries including South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Mezzanine is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the most risky. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity. SOURCE Vantage Capital Group Multimedia content Dans la meme rubrique : < > China brings new hopes to Tanzanian villagers through maize-corn intercropping program Chinese hybrid rice technologies contribute to Philippines' agricultural development CIIE makes huge Chinese market a big opportunity for world Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) AR's Editor Joe Shea Talks About Elections On Iranian TV Bear Stearns Saved By Fed As Lehman Bros. Falters; Major Bank Failure Looms Over Wall Street, Sends Markets Into 200-Pt. Dive Lie Upon Lie Five Years Into the Iraq War The Administration Still Churns Out Lies by Randolph Holhut A Small Tragedy Even at 90, As Friends Turn Cool She Knows the Show Must Go On by Joyce Marcel I'll Take Me Imagine John Wayne or Arnold In Heels, Silk and a Girdle by Elizabeth Andrews Sen. Nelson Calls For New Fla. Primary; Gov Crist Backs 'Do-Over' Who'll Win? Ask Spock Spock.com Engine Predicts Winners By Site Searches; It Can be Wrong by Jay Bhatti Chatting Up The Cat God Gave Me Dominion Over Him But I Think He's a Non-Believer by Constance Daley Death of a Thug The Life and Horrors of Suharto by Andreas Harsono ___________________________ This Just In Sierra Club: McCain Ducked All 15 Key Votes On Green Laws (AR) A Work By AR's T.S. Kerrigan Is Chosen As 'Best Poem' By Wordpress Site Murder At Mile 63 The Deadly Assault and Bush Administration Cover-Up by S. Eben Kirkesby and Andreas Harsono 5427 14th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 $6.99 Fish Fridays! Manatee Co.'s Only 24-Hr. FREE Wi-Fi Paid Advertisement On Native Ground AFTER 5 YEARS, WE'RE STILL LIED TO ABOUT IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Next week is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And it is likely that sometime in the next couple of weeks, the 4,000th American soldier will die in Iraq. [MORE] Momentum OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - It's 1931, and a 14-year-old girl is standing alone on a stage. She's small and lively with dark curly hair, widespread hazel eyes, slender wrists and an open, eager face filled with the wonder of performing. Her name is Rose, and one day she will be my mother. But now she is performing an Eugene O'Neill monologue called "Before Breakfast" for a ladies' club in a wealthy suburb of Long Island. [MORE] One Woman's World COMFORTABLE WITH MYSELF by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I'm not sure but I think I may be socially incorrect. [MORE] On Native Ground ENOUGH FOR A WAR, NOT FOR A PEOPLE by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Last week, the National Governors Assn. met in Washington, D.C. One of the tasks the NGA had on its agenda was to ask President Bush to increase federal spending on roads, bridges and other public works projects as a way to stimulate the economy. He rejected their pleas out of hand, claiming that infrastructure projects wouldn't offer any short-term economic boost. [MORE] Brasch Words BEWARE THE SELF-REVERENTIAL PRESS by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Shortly before the primary votes this past week, Newsweek's Jonathan Alter called Sen. Barack Obama's surge to the Democratic nomination "inevitable." It also called for Hillary Clinton to "start her campaign for Senate majority leader." [MORE] Constance A CONVERSATION WITH MY CAT Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Normally, when the cat starts his evening rant of meowing continuously until he makes his point, I just take it as long as I can, pick him up, and put him in the garage for the night. He doesn't want to go, but the meowing stops and I don't care if he likes it or not. [MORE] Momentum OUT OF STRUGGLE, ART by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Here we are again at the crossroads of art and social change, having the opportunity to watch good and great films about the lives of women in support of the Women's Crisis Center. [MORE] Campaign 2008 HOW TO PREDICT SUPER TUESDAY II WINNERS? ONLINE SEARCH by Jay Bhatti NEW YORK, March 4, 2008, 7:00PM ET -- With the outcomes of the Texas, Vermont, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries to be decided tonight, how possible is it that online searching can predict who will win tonight's primaries? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T VOTE; IT ENCOURAGES THEM by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Call me angry and disgusted but don't call me un-American because I won't be voting come November. [MORE] On Native Ground BUSH AND THE KEYBOARD COMMANDOS by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- As the days tick down toward the eventual departure of President George W. Bush from the White House, it's a hopeful sign that most Americans are no longer moved by his Administration's constant exploitation of terrorism for political gain. [MORE] Momentum WHICH AMERICA DO YOU LIVE IN? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- It's a little confusing. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] On Native Ground FIDEL RETIRES: NOW THE COLD WAR IS REALLY OVER by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Maybe now, we can finally say the Cold War is over. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] One Woman's World POLITICS IS NO PARTY by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Are you having a hard time focusing your eyes? Do you have faint red spots all over your body? Is there a ringing in your ears and do you see wavy lines when you look at your television set? Do your hands shake when you try to hold a cup of coffee? And have you recently been forgetting what day of the week it is - or what year? [MORE] Make My Day FOR BETTER OR WORSE ... A LOT WORSE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- "Marriage: It's Only Going to Get Worse." [MORE] Constance YOU CALL THESE RIGHTS? by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- When you express an opinion you hope to persuade others to your point of view. It doesn't always happen but still, opinion writers try. [MORE] Momentum THE BRIDGE WOMAN by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - Out there in America - yes, still - is a generation of women who were born in the 1940s, raised in the 1950s, and who came to radical consciousness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I am one of them. Hillary Clinton is one of them. [MORE] On Native Ground OBAMA AND MY GENERATION by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- I originally planned on voting for Dennis Kucinich in the Vermont Primary on March 4. [MORE] The Willies: WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY MURDER YOUR FRIENDS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla. -- You've heard the warnings, haven't you? Stop Prozac and you may take a shotgun, an Uzi or an AK-47 and mow down your family and friends, or even a whole classroom full of your fellow students. You didn't? Well, that warning is not on the bottle, but like countless mass-murder incidents before it, Friday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings that killed 32 last year, was probably precipitated by the effect of stopping medications that suppress anger and other powerful emotions but do not relieve the underlying cause. Isn't it time we started warning people - or stopped prescribing these medicines? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I wish I could feel delight in my poet's mansion being like Grand Central Station all the time, but I can't. And I wish my place was such a place that someone would one day write: "Her door was always open and she always made you feel all fuzzy and warm in her presence. She could make a cup of coffee seem like a banquet." [MORE] Reporting: Panama PANAMA'S VIOLENT LABOR UNREST INTENSIFIES Mark Scheinbaum PANAMA CITY, Panama, Feb, 15, 2008 -- After just one day of relative calm, wildcat construction strikes by some members of Panama's largest union flared up again Friday morning, four days after a police sniper shot one worker. More than 140 demonstrators have been injured and at least 500 arrested, authorities say. [MORE] Brasch Words TO STIMULATE ECONOMY, BUY A CHINESE-MADE U.S. FLAG by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Walking down Main Street, pushing a grocery cart loaded with clothes, toys, and appliances was Marshbaum. Fastened to the right front corner of the cart was an American flag tied onto a three-foot ruler. [MORE] Make My Day THE TOOTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To commemorate the death of noted shark exploder Roy Scheider, and the "Jaws" movies that resulted in Erik never setting foot in the ocean again, we are reprinting this column from 2003. Shark Experts 0, Sharks 1 [MORE] Momentum THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - As I write this, it's raining ice. Maybe a half a foot of snow and ice has already landed up here in the woods of Dummerston. Our cars are encased in it, and the door to the house is blocked. The satellite dish that brings in our Internet service quit about 20 minutes ago - frozen solid. [MORE] The Willies AMERICA TO HILLARY: GET OUT! by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton has adopted the Rudy Giuliani strategy, and it's working - for Sen. Barack Obama. It turns out to be the strategy all Democrats are seeking - an exit strategy. But it's not for Iraq. It's for her exit from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. [MORE] Constance CONFESSIONS OF A DISAPPOINTED VOTER by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- A week ago at just about this time, I completed an article and was about to submit it as scheduled to The American Reporter. I was feeling rather elated, ready to show up on Super Tuesday morning, firmly touch the X next to Rudy Giuliani's name and get on with my day. He was my choice; he would get my vote. [MORE] Reporting: Florida SIERRA CLUB SET TO SUSPEND FLA. CHAPTER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 10, 2008 -- The national Sierra Club is set to suspend its Florida chapter after years of divisive infighting, the president of the national club told Florida members in a letter delivered to some this weekend. It is the first time in its 116-year history that such a step has been considered by the club, according to news reports. [MORE] One Woman's World PLANT A NEW WORLD THIS SPRING by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- For a little while, the men will just have to toss and turn in their fear-free-women beds. For a small space of time Hillary Clinton will just have to trudge on toward the White House without my faint applause in the background. [MORE] On Native Ground VERMONT AND THE 5 STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- First, Vermont tried to convince the nation to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. [MORE] Make My Day REBEL WITHOUT A TONGUE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Kids' brains work in amazing ways. At times, they can grasp complex concepts and make impressive discoveries. Other times, you have to wonder how we ever survived as a species. [MORE] The Willies FOR DEMOCRATS, NOW IT'S ABOUT RACE, INCOME AND GENDER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Feb. 6, 2008 -- It's not a good time to be a Democrat. As the Super Tuesday results demonstrated, the presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has divided the partly along clear racial, income and gender lines - the very distinctions the party has sought to erase in principle but has emphasized in its pursuit of diversity. [MORE] Momentum SUPER TUESDAY BLUES by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Super Tuesday has come and gone and I still can't get excited about the upcoming presidential elections. [MORE] The Willies ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY, YOUR PUSH IS NEEDED by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 5. 2008 -- I'm expecting a sea change tonight. I believe that for the first time in this nation's history we will once and forever banish racism as the deciding factor in the destiny of African-Americans, and indeed adopt diversity as our path to the future. [MORE] Campaign 2008 AT 88, EVERY VOTE REALLY COUNTS by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Pearl Turner will caucus for Mitt Romney tonight in Denver. [MORE] One Woman's World STAND BY YOUR WOMAN by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- The black vote. The gay vote. The fundamentalist vote. The Hispanic vote. [MORE] An AR Special SUSPECTS IN BENAZIR ASSASSINATION HAVE TIES TO MUSHARRAF by Ahmar Mustikhan WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When Gordon Brown this past Monday feted coup-leader-turned-President Pervez Musharraf at 10 Downing Street, Britain's new prime minister probably didn't ask the Pakistani dictator a question that is now on many minds: Did you order the murder of Benazir Bhutto? [MORE] Momentum TO THE VERMONT DELEGATION: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR US LATELY? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. Back when President George W. Bush and Dick Vice President Dick Cheney were building up to their loathsome war in Iraq, very few people were brave enough to call the bullies' bluff. [MORE] On Native Ground IF BUSH HAS HIS WAY, WE'LL NEVER LEAVE IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. - In his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, President Bush cautioned against accelerating U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq, saying that it would endanger the process that has been made over the past year. [MORE] Campaign 2008 CLASH OF COMMENTS AND PROTESTORS AT CLINTON, OBAMA RALLIES IN DENVER by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 1, 2008 -- At least four presidential campaigns of both partiers rolled into in Denver this week ahead of the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries in 22 states, but it was the Democratic presidential contenders who drew the big crowds and duked it out Wednesday. If sheer numbers are any indication, Sen. Barack Obama - preceded by a buoyant and beautiful Caroline Kennedy - won the round handily. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the Colorado primary next Tuesday. [MORE] The Willies WHY THE FLORIDA PRIMARY STINKS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- I was with my wife and daughter driving the back way from Miami home to Bradenton when we stopped at a McDonald's in Clewiston, the only big town along the vast shore of Lake Okeechobee, the state's precious freshwater reservoir. The McDonald's had three televisions at a central seating area, each tuned to a different network, and our table was in front of CNN as the very first election results started to pour in around 7:30PM. With them, almost as counterpoint, suddenly came such an overwhelming odor of cow plop that my wife started to throw up as we all ran to the parking lot. [MORE] Passings: Suharto DEATH OF A KEMUSU THUG by Andreas Harsono JAKARTA - A few minutes after hearing that former president Suharto had died in his hospital bed, Marco, a militia leader in downtown Jakarta, raced to Suhartos house, wearing his jungle camouflage and began guarding the Suhartos residence on Cendana Street. [MORE] Constance I REMEMBER YOU by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.. -- It seems to be more often lately that the sentiment is spoken but it's always been out there: "You never get over the death of your child." This is true. But the heartfelt expressions come from some who cannot fathom the notion of losing a child; their own child is who is in their mind, not another mother's child. [MORE] The bitcoin blockchain poses a negligible competitive threat to legacy institutions, but the technology could open up new markets for financial services, says a new report by Citigroup equities analysts. The technology could help card networks like Visa or MasterCard and money transfer services like Western Union operate more efficiently, the June 30 report says. More importantly "the power behind an open network like Bitcoin is the possibility of incorporating it with other technologies to bring about true innovation." For example, the bitcoin blockchain allows mobile phone providers, especially in regions with high populations of financially excluded people, to help "provide the unbanked with low-cost digital banking products," the Citi analysts wrote, highlighting the work of bitcoin startups Circle, which provides a peer-to-peer payments app; Abra, a remittance service focused on financial inclusion; and BitPesa, a payment and trading platform for Africa. "Cryptocurrencies' potential impact will likely be more from its ability to open up new markets and reach new customers," the report said. Further, although the report doesn't deem cryptocurrencies disruptive, it said a central bank issued digital currency could, in theory, threaten private-sector banks' role in the payments system, "but this seems to be a very long tail risk." The Citi report also dismissed the internal "digital currency" being developed at Mitsubishi UFJ Group as one that's effectively a currency backed token amounting to nothing but prepaid money. This was Citi's third blockchain research report. The previous two focused on use cases in securities settlement and global transaction banking. Shore Bancshares in Easton, Md., has merged its two banks under a new brand. The $1.1 billion-asset company said in a press release Friday that it had combined its $492 million-asset CNB in Centreville, Md., and the $615 million-asset Talbot Bank in Easton, Md., to create Shore United Bank. The company plans to keep the employees at both banks' branches. Shore United will continue to operate a loan production office in Maryland and a wealth management office in Delaware. Community banking Shore Bancshares Unit Freed from FDIC Order The $1.1 billion-asset company said in a press release Monday that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation had terminated a May 2013 order against its Talbot Bank. May 11 The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation in May terminated a 2013 consent order against Talbot Bank. Lawyer misbehavior caused a judge to torpedo American Express' interchange-fee settlement with retailers, a decision that imperils a similar settlement with Visa and MasterCard. Disclosure of confidential client information by the retailers' lead counsel "fatally tainted" the 2013 settlement between American Express and a group of retailers, Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S District Court for New York's Eastern District ruled Tuesday. Garaufis tossed out the settlement, which had allowed retailers to add surcharges to accept Amex cards but was widely considered favorable to the card company. The settlement had been controversial since it was signed, and many retailers had urged the court to reject it. Calls to toss the agreement intensified in recent months after it came to light that Gary Friedman of the Friedman Law Group, who was the merchants' lead counsel in the Amex case, had been exchanging confidential client information by email with Keila Ravelo, formerly an outside counsel for MasterCard in a similar antitrust suit between Visa and MasterCard and major retailers. Friedman also represented the plaintiffs in that case, but in a lesser role. The correspondence between Friedman and Ravelo created "a risk that Friedman, with Ravelo in his ear, negotiated settlement terms that are worse for class members than the terms he might have negotiated absent that conflict," Judge Garaufis wrote. "This risk requires the court to deny approval of the settlement." Friedman and Ravelo discussed their clients' litigation strategies extensively, Garaufis wrote. Friedman's emails showed he was well aware that their discussions were confidential writing in at least two cases, "Burn after reading," and in another, after acknowledging that an email he was forwarding to Ravelo contained confidential information, adding "hahahahahaha." Judge Garaufis ruled Wednesday that this correspondence had corrupted the settlement talks. He removed Friedman as the lead counsel and denied his fees. Garaufis ordered all the parties in the case to meet on Oct. 5 to discuss what to do next. The decision undoes the four years of work it took to reach a settlement and leaves Amex in a quandary. The company has said it intends to take action against Friedman, Judge Garaufis wrote in his opinion. A company representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Judge Garaufis' decision is a bad sign for the Visa-MasterCard class-action settlement, which retailers are also trying to have thrown out on the basis of Friedman's emails. The judge in that case has not yet ruled on whether the settlement will be rejected. A Visa representative declined to comment. "Today's ruling does not have an impact on us," a MasterCard representative wrote in an email Tuesday. "We believe our settlement will stand." Garaufis' opinion suggests that the two settlements, Amex's and the joint Visa-MasterCard settlement, are tightly linked. Both were settled in late 2013, and the negotiations were conducted at the same time. The emails between Ravelo and Friedman "appear to reveal Friedman's own understanding that the two settlements were substantively linked," Garaufis wrote, and that settlement terms in one case could affect the other. The correspondence between Friedman and Ravelo came to light after Ravelo, a former partner with Willkie Farr, was arrested last year for allegedly setting up fake legal-services companies that she and her husband used to collect around $5 million in fees from MasterCard and her firm for work they didn't perform. She and her husband pleaded not guilty. After her arrest, Willkie Farr discovered her correspondence with Friedman during an internal review, and then informed the court. The firm handed over 4,000 emails, which have been reviewed by the parties in each case but have not yet been made public. It's not clear what motivated Friedman and Ravelo to exchange confidential client information. Court documents show they were very close, having been friends since working together as junior associates in the early 1990s. Pinnacle Financial in Elberton, Ga., has agreed to buy Independence Bank of Georgia in Braselton. The $685 million-asset Pinnacle said in a press release Friday that it will pay $32.8 million in cash for the $184 million-asset Independence. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Independence has two branches, $136 million in loans and $151 million in deposits. "This transaction will allow us to partner with an excellent financial institution that shares our commitment to serving our northeast Georgia communities," L. Jackson McConnell Jr., Pinnacle's president and chief executive, said in the release. "Our partnership with Independence furthers our strategy of targeted expansion in growing markets such as suburban Atlanta and continued organic growth in our current markets." Pinnacle was advised by SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and Bryan Cave. Independence was advised by Banks Street Partners and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. A Suspicious Meeting in Phoenix Probably Means FBI Charges Against Clinton On Tuesday Attorney General Loretta Lynch met former President Bill Clinton at a Phoenix airport where they held a discussion that lasted at least thirty minutes. Lynchs explanation for her meeting with Clinton was that it was entirely coincidental and they mainly discussed his two infant grandchildren. This is unconvincing if not preposterous. When Loretta Lynch opens her mouth to speak on a public policy issue, she, like her boss the president, is not likely to be telling the truth. So we can pretty confidently presume that something else topped the agenda, to wit: a forthcoming referral of criminal charges against Bills wife in the ongoing email scandal. Meeting Clinton coincidentally or otherwise was risky a risky and ill-advised thing for Lynch to do unless she -- and likely Obama -- thought it absolutely necessary. Lynch is a political hack but not a fool. Merely meeting privately with the former president when she is presumably impartially overseeing the criminal investigation of his wife stinks to high heaven, and compromises her sufficiently that there are already calls for her to recuse herself from the matter. Lynch is an experienced and politically savvy prosecutor, appointed by Bill Clinton to the plum position of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, a traditional stepping stone to her current job. When it comes to managing her career and the politics of it, she is sure-handed. Lynch would not have risked the meeting, coincidental or otherwise, unless she had something important to say. Likewise, if Bill Clinton spends more than thirty seconds a day thinking about his diapered progeny as opposed to his own more personal interests, Id be shocked. That even the glib Clinton could spend thirty minutes on the topic defies belief. On the other hand, it is likely that investigation of Hillarys email scandal is at or near completion. As it is, the investigation has lasted far longer than necessary for competent FBI investigators to make determinations as to Hillarys criminal liability in the email matter, at a minimum with regard to her preservation of government records and handling of classified material. It is also probable that sufficient evidence has been compiled to make similar judgments about whether Clinton attempted to obstruct justice. Whether Clinton engaged in pay for play involvement by the Clinton Foundation during her tenure as secretary of state might be a more involved matter, but that the FBI should have come to conclusions on at least the other matters is highly probable. Hillarys closest aides have been interviewed, albeit under relatively friendly circumstances. Her former IT man (Brian Pagliano) who set up the private server in Clintons Chappaqua, New York home has received some form of immunity. The FBI has an interest in interviewing Clinton herself, but theres been no acknowledgement that this has yet occurred. Certainly Clinton, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, has plenty of excuses to make herself unavailable, but the fact is she does have days without campaign events and is not above cancelling appearances. Its even conceivable that she has been interviewed already. If she has not, there seems little reason why it could not be soon. Two parallel investigations have no doubt put at least some professional and ethical pressure on the FBI. The State Departments inspector general excoriated Clinton for her private email practices and violation of Department policies. The report did not implicate Clinton criminally, but that was not the purpose of the investigation, and considering it was produced by the department Clinton led, and that has bent over backward to delay probes and protect her, it is telling. The other investigation by the private group Judicial Watch is civil under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA.) Hillarys aides have also been interviewed in that case, with Brian Pagliano, the IT guy, asserting his 5th Amendment right not to incriminate himself over 125 times during his deposition. Hillarys right hand gal, Huma Abedin, confirmed in her testimony what was already clear from numerous emails that have slowly come to light under the investigations -- that if nothing else Hillary repeatedly lied and misled the public as to the reasons behind the establishment of the private server. There is now not a scintilla of doubt that the system was set up to avoid federal record keeping requirements and exposure to FOIA. It is impossible to believe that an honest FBI investigation would not at a minimum find Hillary criminally responsible for violating statutes governing retention of official records and maintaining and securing classified material, at least based on gross negligence, but now with convincing evidence that her deliberate course of conduct demonstrates clear criminal intent. Hillarys blatant lies and obfuscations through the course of the various investigations, along with the erasure of the servers memory also present a clear case of obstruction of justice. It is hard to square Paglianos repeated invocation of the 5th Amendment with anything but that. Maybe FBI Director James Comey is like Lynch, nothing but a political hack and will do nothing until after the election. But that carries its own risks. If Hillary wins, Comey and scores of agents within his agency will be working for a president they know is a national security risk and a criminal. It would require an extraordinary degree of corruption within the agency to maintain such a posture, which is possible but unlikely. If Trump were to win Comey would be toast. I speculated previously that Comey wanted to deliver his report before Hillary got the nomination to mitigate the political impact, and that the rush to proclaim her the nominee was in part an effort to complicate his job. I am speculating now too, but still reasonably. Assuming Comey was on a timetable to deliver the report shortly before the convention, it would be ready or very nearly ready now. He would so inform Lynch and if not deliver the final report, give her a preliminary finding or the agencys conclusions. It is highly unlikely that Lynch will move to indict Hillary, but the political effects of an FBI referral would be serious. She could not very well consult with the target of the investigation and so did the next best thing, seeking out the ex-president, delivering the bad news, probably along with assurances that regardless of the FBI conclusions, she will not move forward. Either that or she and Bill just bumped into each other thousands of miles from Washington and New York and interrupted their busy schedules chat about his grandkids. Some background first. I spent many years teaching at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign and while I no longer live there, I still keep up thanks to a steady stream of e-mail messages from my old employer. When I first arrived decades back I immediately observed a large underclass African American population living about a 20-minute walk from the campus. Like similar ghettos elsewhere, it is a hotbed of crime. American race relations daily grow more bizarre yet things keep occurring that seem even more beyond belief. Consider how the University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign has reacted to two recent instances of alleged racial insensitivity, one involving a cultural appropriation at a frat party, the other was a pro-Trump chalking. U of I students were often the target of assaults from this population and even if newspaper accounts (or e-mail alerts) fail to identify the perpetrators race, the location and details of the crime made the perpetrators race black -- obvious. That landlords rented apartments close to these criminally infested areas to newly arrive naive students exacerbated the black-on-white crime. This crime was especially commonplace during summers since local blacks felt more comfortable roaming Campustown polar bear hunting, playing the knockout game and otherwise preying on white students. All and all, hardly an unusual situation and many urban campuses have similar problems. As fitting our PC era, the university has done little beyond the legal minimum in shielding students from this criminality. Yes, the university has finally, finally installed security cameras but admits (p. 12) that these currently do not cover well-known high crime areas. A further new anti-crime measure is monitoring social media like Facebook and dealing with community groups. There is even something called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, among other measures. Much of the anti-crime effort just focuses making students aware and, of the utmost importance, carefully tip-toes around the race issue. Not even feminists with their Take Back the Night marches could bring themselves to openly acknowledge their fears -- black predators. When I followed events in the local and school newspapers, along with what I could observe personally, I failed to observe any aggressive policing to let local thugs know that they were being monitored and that criminal acts would be punished severely. To be sure, this aggressive policing, for example, stop and frisk, might have occurred, but if it did, it was never publicized. From all outward appearances, at least to me, regular robberies, assaults, occasional rapes and the like were comparable to sporadic bad weather -- something that happens, and within historical limits, a condition to be tolerated. But matters are quite different when the victims belong to a protected class. Here, regardless of how slight the harm, even if invisible to most observers and unambiguously lawful (including First Amendment protected), the U of I switches into overdrive to protect hypersensitive at-risk students. The first triggering incident occurred when two Greek organizations hosted a Spring Break party and some students wore culturally-themed apparel -- traditional Arab Keffiyehs and Mexican sombreros, behavior deemed culturally insensitive and racist by campus activists. Then, supposed Trump supporters chalked Build the Wall and Trump Deportation Force near the Latino/Latina building. There were also claims of somebody posting up a swastikas and a university employee leaving a noose on a table in a work area As a result of these allegedly threatening, tension-producing behaviors, the University is now requiring all students to take at least one course in Non-Western/U.S. Minority Cultures as part of their General Education requirement needed for graduation. These courses, according to The College Fix, will substantially address the experiences, conditions, and perspectives of U.S. racial minority populations. Included topics will be sexuality, gender, religion and disability. Courses already approved to fulfill this requirement include Muslims in America, Race and Cultural Diversity, and Black Music and Social Justice (to decipher its focus, read here). And lets not forget Leadership Ethics and Pluralism that explores power, oppression, and privilege Whether such exposure will prevent future cultural appropriations let along using chalk to express constitutionally protected speech is an open question though I am doubtful (having taught at the U of I all I can say is good luck at imparting anything to todays students). But pedagogical issues are irrelevant, at least here. The real dare-not-speak-its name issue is the double standard -- black crime, much of it violent -- can safely be addressed passively while anything perpetrated by whites, no matter how innocuous and perfectly legal, requires university action to stop a supposedly incipient a race riot. Indeed, the schools Interim Chancellor when condemning the chalking used the phrase an attack though, of course, no physical act occurred and the perpetrator is still unknown (and theres a fair chance that it was a hoax). Heres the overarching principle: the feelings of most sensitive person on campus drives policy and protecting bruised feeling outrank physical harm depending on skin color and ethnicity. What if matters were reversed -- drunken frat boys late at night driving into black neighborhood searching for inebriated African Americans to go Black Bear hunting? How about a black fraternity putting on a skit in white-face mocking whites as crude, foul-mouthed racists? The latter would surely go unnoticed but the former might ignite demonstrations, even Department of Justice investigations of the Urbana police department to ferret out police bias. Conceivably, even a failed black bear hunt would be sufficient for a campus Day of Dialogue to award activists a soapbox to condemn White Privilege and all the rest. Pushing this alternative reality yet further, envision white and Asian students organizing a self-defense gun club, building a practice shooting range and seeking open carry permits so as to patrols crime hotspots currently neglected by the local police? What if co-eds embraced armed self-defense leaving their feminist sisters to inconsequentially march and chant to condemn date rape? Worse, what if the university itself offered gun-based self-defense and made it a graduation requirement? No doubt, the Black Lives Matter folk would have a field day depicting it as a genocide-in-the making, a prelude to swarms of angry white students pouring into black neighborhood to exterminate communities of color. Perhaps even more unPC would be to compel young ghetto blacks to attend classes teaching them the downside of violent criminality. Contemporary American race relations have sadly come to show signs of collective mental illness. A frat boy who wears a sombrero becomes a threat and thus an expensive excuse for the university-mandated political indoctrination under the guise of soothing some vague racial tensions. Nor, outside of a few skinflints, does anybody worry that the cost of the brainwashing will undermine the universitys well-deserved reputation in the hard sciences, engineering, and agriculture. After all, whats the point of perfecting a SuperComputer (a U of I specialty) if insensitive young men wear sombreros? Meanwhile, black-on-white crime is treated with kid gloves and largely passive policing lest the University of Illinois-Urbana be accused of racism by effectively stopping criminal acts against its own students. I would like to say that matters cant get any crazier but well have to wait. As America panics following yet another terrorist attack in yet another "gun-free zone," the inevitable occurs: the left calls for guns to be banned and for more ineffective regulations to be passed. These measures haven't worked in the past, and they won't work in the future. Instead, America should be focused on another path: let's make our country safer by deputizing America. Admit it: when driving through a high-crime neighborhood, you feel safer with a police car driving next to you. When taking the subway late at night, the sight of a transit policeman with his trusty German Shepherd makes the trip less stressful. And the thought of a sky marshall protecting your plane at 30,000 feet is comforting, even if you don't know who he is or where he is sitting. Now, picture if the U.S. had 3,000,000 more properly trained, thoroughly screened defenders around the country. Think how comforting it would be if there were several armed, trusted individuals protecting each high school building...a hundred or more on each college campus. How would things have turned out if there were trained and armed individuals in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando? In an era of soaring murder rates in our big cities and accelerating radical Islamic attacks across the country, such a vision could become a reality if, rather than trying to disarm your trusted friends and neighbors, the country embraced them. What if, rather than debating whether to reinstate the ridiculously flawed and statistically useless 2004 Assault Weapon Ban, Congress approved a "Public Defender" law allowing citizens who meet specific criteria to carry their weapons anywhere and at any time? Once trained and certified, these card-carrying Public Defenders would be allowed to protect not only themselves, but their neighbors whenever and wherever a dangerous situation arose. Much like police officers, qualified individuals would be permitted to bring their weapons into buildings currently labeled gun-free. Those qualified under the federal program could carry their weapons throughout the country without having to navigate the ridiculous maze of state regulations currently in place. I am not suggesting that these individuals have the power to issue speeding tickets or make arrests. But by being allowed to carry their weapons into current gun-free zones or cities, or states they would have the power to defend against evil if encountered. Much like sheriffs in the old west, deputized trusted citizens when overwhelmed by criminals or threats, our country would call for trusted citizens to assist its under-resourced police units in protecting citizens against increasing lethal threats. Effectively, under this plan, our country would change its focus from passing regulations that limit good guys from protecting others to passing a law that encourages good guys to protect their neighbors. Of course, to secure the hypothetical Public Defender permit, applicants would need to meet a high threshold. Let's start with simple requirements such as those instituted by many urban police forces. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age, have no criminal history, have no history of domestic abuse, have no drug use or addictions, have attained a high school diploma or GED, and have good eyesight and general health. Layer onto those requirements added trust-builders that are also required in most of our law enforcement officers: pass a polygraph test, successfully complete an interview, and pass a psychological assessment. And, most importantly, of course, pass testing in firearms knowledge, safety, and proficiency. What reasonable person other than the most ardent of left-leaning true believers could possibly believe that having well-trained, well-screened, well-adjusted citizens being armed to protect others is a bad idea? It would be like having a few million more police officers focused on protecting our citizens, only without the cost. According to the Crime Prevention Research Center (crimesearch.org), currently there are nearly 13 million concealed carry permit holders in the U.S. This represents 5.2% of U.S. adults. In some states, including my home of Indiana, more than 10% of adults are licensed to carry concealed. Nationally, this total would be dramatically higher if federal law superseded draconian laws in left-leaning states. Currently, concealed carry rates in high-population states such as California (0.12%), New York (0.09%), Illinois (0.34%), New Jersey (0.02%), and Maryland (0.31%) are nearly nonexistent, since laws effectively stop individuals from defending themselves. If carry percentages in those states rose to the national average due to the Public Defender program, over 4 million more concealed carry permits would be issued. And if only 20% of concealed carry permit holders applied and were qualified via the Public Defender program, there would be more than 3 million good guys allowed to protect us. Soft targets would evaporate, as a terrorist would no longer know he was the only armed person in a building. And even if an attack occurred, deaths and injuries would be decreased with Public Defenders in the area. It isn't hard to picture whom these individuals might include: your college business professor, your grade school 's nurse, the National Guard member tending bar at a nightclub, the retired Navy SEAL who works in your office. Heck, maybe even your God-fearing pastor, who literally does want to cling to both his Bible and his gun. These aren't people we should fear; these are the people we should thank and trust and deploy. Of course, the left would hate this idea. They would undoubtedly claim that Public Defenders would create more risks and equate such a program with vigilantism. But such arguments would be disingenuous, as the program would require that Public Defenders be trained, screened, and well qualified. They would be citizens we could trust. They are citizens we should trust. Members of the right might also object under the theory that the 2nd Amendment should give Americans the right to carry their weapons everywhere without such special licensing. But now is not the time for more philosophical debates that go nowhere. As lone wolf terrorism expands and as inner-city violence soars, we need action to address the expanding threats. Now is the time to empower our trusted friends and neighbors. Now is the time to "deputize" good Americans in our fight against violence and terrorism. John L. Podczerwinski, a proud concealed carry permit holder, recently retired after serving as President of De-Sta-Co Industries. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and his B.S. in accounting from the University of Dayton. His columns have been published in numerous sites including American Thinker and The Federalist. The recent sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in Twin Falls, Idaho, and the reaction by public officials and the media amounting to a cover-up dramatically illustrate, yet again, how the West battles against the harsh reality of unlimited Islamic immigration. The incident occurred June 2 at the Fawnbrook Apartments in Twin Falls where prosecutors allege a 5-year-old girl was sexually assaulted. Two juvenile suspects, boys, ages 14 and 10, were detained, charged and released. A third, a 7-year-old boy involved in the incident, 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. Public officials released few details about the incident, stating that the suspects are juveniles about whom information is routinely withheld. This only caused outcry from locals who were incensed by the incident itself, failure of officials to provide information, lack of media attention and release of the boys from a juvenile detention center within six days of their arrest. Outraged residents reignited calls to close the Twin Falls refugee center, a drive that failed a year earlier. Further outrage occurred when the Justice Department stepped in, allegedly to address the concerns of distressed residents. Obama-appointed U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson threatened the community and media with federal prosecution if they spread false information or inflammatory statements about the perpetrators. Although Olson later explained that her comments were made because Twin Falls City Council members had received threats of violence against them, her statements convinced many critics that she was attempting to silence the community and not merely quell outrage or assuage the concerns of locals that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The crisis in Twin Falls is understandable given its history of refugee immigration. The small city has only about 47,000 residents, yet is has became a beachhead for Muslim immigration as a result of the work of a refugee center there managed by the College of Southern Idaho. The CSI refugee center dates back to the 1980s and is one of four agencies in Idaho working with refugees over the years. Together they have brought in refugees from countries spanning the globe, including Czechoslovakia, Vietnam, the Congo, Bhutan and more recently, Iraq and Afghanistan. Some put the total number of refugees in the state at 20,000 since 1970. Since September 2001 alone, the U.S. State Department has sent more than 11,000 refugees to Idaho, more than 96% Muslim, from Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan and Syria. This wave of immigration raises questions as to why Idaho, and especially the self-proclaimed ultraconservative town of Twin Falls would become a harbor for such large numbers of refugees, especially, the more recent Muslim immigrants. The answer could be linked to one of the towns major businesses, Greek yogurt producer, Chobani. In 2012, Chobani, America's top selling yogurt brand, opened the world's largest yogurt manufacturing plant of 1 million square feet on 200 acres in Twin Falls. A sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team since 2012, Chobani was founded in 2007, has over 2,000 employees and an estimated value of up to $5 billion. At the plants grand opening ceremony, Idaho Governor Butch Otter welcomed the extended Chobani family to the area. Chobani's corporate policy includes support of local farmers, creation of local jobs and community outreach. Governor Otter affirmed the depth of Chobani's integration into the region by stating, there's no question that the economic effect of Chobani's new site will run deep throughout Southern Idaho, benefiting family farms as well as our dairy and construction industries. A major boost to Chobanis bottom line was the USDA selection last year of Chobani Greek yogurt as the meat substitute in the nations schools, overhauled as part of Michelle Obamas Healthy Schools Program. This bright picture of Chobani extends to the firms founder and CEO, billionaire Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish-born Kurdish Muslim. From a dairy farming family living in a small village in Turkey, Ulukaya came to the United States in 1994. His business success earned him the World Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young in 2013. Ulukaya has criticized the red tape involved in refugee resettlement and donated $2 million to the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, which is a partner in the U.S. refugee resettlement program and identifies those refugees most in need of resettlement. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this year, Ulukaya called on CEOs everywhere to join him to help fund and lobby for the humanitarian efforts to employ refugees from Muslim countries. So far, MasterCard, IKEA, LinkedIn, Western Union and UPS have agreed to support refugee employment, training and assistance. This is happening at a time when Obama is increasing the number of refugees - 100,000 in 2017 - and lowering screening standards. Given the gloss of Ulukayas humanitarian activism and the economic boost to Idaho by his yogurt plant, its not surprising that local media have largely followed the official version of events and Snopes has rated the incident as mostly false, while the national media has remained largely silent on the issue. Indeed, at last count, the State Department program has assisted few non-Muslims. According to a CNS News report less than 4% of those admitted were Christians. Despite widespread Christian persecution by Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa, the State Department has refused to prioritize their entry to the U.S. Meanwhile, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Muslim Brotherhood front and un-indicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation/Hamas funding trial continues to scream about anti-Muslim and anti-refugee bias in America. The West continues to ignore the reality that this new wave of Muslim immigrants actually represents a modern-day Hijira, the Muslim flight to Medina led by Muhammad in 622 A.D., ostensibly to escape religious persecution, but ultimately to establish a base from which to launch the spread of Islam and dominate other cultures. The Twin Falls cover-up, coupled with the designs of influential Muslim-American Ulukaya, raise the specter of a modern-day Hijira, the doctrine of immigration modeled by Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina. Far from being a romanticized melting pot immigration wherein newcomers gratefully search for opportunities for a better life in liberty and freely offer their talents and loyalty to benefit their new homeland, Hijira is immigration for Islamic expansionism. It employs ethnic separatism to gain special status and privileges within the host country and is designed to subvert and subdue non-Muslim societies and pave the way for eventual, total Islamization. The cover narrative is that Americans should feel sorry for poor Muslims leaving Islamic war torn areas of the Middle East and North Africa imposed by their coreligionists. But totally lacking is sympathy and willingness to provide succor for persecuted Christians and non-Muslim minorities of the region. To aid these equally beleaguered populations would be to sidetrack the Hijira and slow the forces of Islamization. Hence, Muslims do not raise their voices for these groups and the West willingly keeps silent and goes along with its own demise. A previous version of this story contained inaccurate statements regarding Hamdi Ulukaya the Chairman and CEO of Chobani, LLC. Those statements have been corrected and American Thinker regrets the error. So let me remind you. This is directly from the U.S. Constitution : From ObamaCare to executive orders legalizing illegal immigrants, President Obama has shown us that he does not understand the role of the executive branch under our Constitution. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." The president is the chief executive officer. He must enforce and obey the laws of the U.S. He does not avoid the ones he dislikes and enforces the ones he likes. The U.S. embargo is apparently a law that President Obama does not like. Therefore, he must enforce it or call on Congress to repeal it. On immigration, we see a similar situation. President Obama does not like that Congress has not passed the immigration reform that he likes. So he is going around Congress and running into the Supreme Court. We just read that a U.S. company is going to run a hotel in Cuba. They are partners with the Cuban government because that's the only option for a foreign company in Cuba. I agree with Capitol Hill Cubans: This week, the agreement between the U.S.-based hotel company, Starwood, and the Cuban military's tourism entity, Gaviota, was consummated. Under the deal, Starwood will manage the Hotel Quinta Avenida in Havana for the Cuban military. First and foremost, this arrangement is clearly inconsistent with U.S. law -- it's illegal and should be challenged as such. Moreover, it proves Obama has not been forthcoming. Allowing U.S. companies to partner directly with the most repressive security apparatus in the Western Hemisphere neither "empowers the Cuban people," nor "promotes their independence from the Cuban authorities." It's simply repulsive. Obama claims his Cuba policy shows the "Cold War is over" -- yet his policy harkens back to the darkest days of the Cold War, when the United States partnered with repressive regimes throughout the hemisphere. This is indeed a violation of the embargo. Furthermore, what Cuban family or foreign investor had this property stolen from them years ago? There are two problems here: President Obama and many Democrats don't have the votes to repeal the embargo so they just dance around it with executive orders; and, this new hotel is a joint venture with Castro Inc. and not an enterprise that will make Cuba more prosperous. Two entities will benefit from this deal: The Castro family and Starwood. Cubans may work in the hotel but they will likely be paid by the Cuban government and not allowed to form a union to negotiate with management. The Obama-Castro deal shows everything that is wrong with this administration. Obama is naive about dictators and shows little respect for the laws of the U.S. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. In 1976, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's older brother Jonathan was killed leading the IDF raid to rescue 100 passengers taken hostage by terrorist groups protected by Uganda's Idi Amin. Because IDF officers physically lead their units into combat (the cry is "Aharai!" "After me!"), Jonathan Netanyahu was the most exposed Israeli soldier, and he therefore became the only casualty of the Entebbe rescue raid. That lightning paratroop raid worked because soldiers and officers understood that they were totally dependent on each other. Strong mutual trust is the only way special operations can be carried out. The troops had to trust and obey instantly, and their officers had to be in the lead to show that their troops could trust them. These are standard rules of combat for assault troops in the IDF, U.S. armed forces, British SAS troops, and similar combat units. All civilized armies understand the concept. The new 800-page House Benghazi report adds more details, but it fails to address White House, CIA, and State Department failures of command responsibility not just on Sept 11, 2012, but months prior to the attack, when Ambassador Stevens and his protective detail were left exposed to jihadist attack, in spite of repeated requests for adequate protection. The House report lacks credibility on a number of points. USA Today reports that two House members published a dissent, "alleging the U.S. government bureaucracy took steps to protect Obama and Clinton's foreign policy legacy instead of focusing on a rescue. [Rep.] Pompeo said Clinton's leadership throughout the ordeal was 'morally reprehensible.'" "We expect our government to make every effort to save the lives of Americans who serve in harm's way. That did not happen in Benghazi[.] ... Politics were put ahead of the lives of Americans, and while the administration had made excuses and blamed the challenges posed by time and distance, the truth is that they did not try." Because of Christopher Stevens's flag rank as ambassador, communications about the attack had the highest priority. Hillary as SecState was in the chain of command for State Department employees like Ambassador Stevens. U.S. teams were standing by to rush in, rescue Stevens and other threatened personnel, and repel the jihadist attackers with helicopters and Spectre gunships. Ambassador Stevens called for help, but help never came. It has been clear since 2012 that that failure of command responsibility had to come from the top, from both Obama and Hillary. The House report on Benghazi does not explain why carefully prepared rescue procedures were blocked at the crucial moment. Officers who fail to defend their units are normally relieved of command. But this was not a local command failure. The stand-down order involved Hillary and CIA director Brennan and therefore had to come from the top. This raises the possibility of not just command failure, which could be due to many things, but also deliberate command betrayal. Even with an 800-page House report, we still do not know why the stand-down order came from the White House, the CIA, and the State Department. Since Hillary is running for president at this very moment, there is no more serious question in U.S. politics than her fitness to serve. Benghazi shows that she is morally unfit, and her subsequent health problems indicate that she may be mentally unfit. She cannot be trusted. Because the lethal dangers to U.S. personnel in Libya were well known to the State Department, the CIA, and the White House, the question has to be asked about deliberate, not accidental, failure of command responsibility. There is only one place where CIA and State Department can be ordered to block standard protection policies for high-level personnel. That place is the White House. The House committee has confirmed the basic facts, but the obvious questions of command failure and possible betrayal are not being asked. The media are acting as if the report has now settled those crucial questions. It has not. The months of prior warnings, of high-level refusals of requests for better security, all suggest premeditation. This was not a spontaneous mistake. White House and State refusals to protect Ambassador Stevens happened over and over again. Now the question is no longer what happened, but why? These are serious questions, bearing directly on the president's and SecState's fitness to serve. They have not repeat: not been answered. House Benghazi Committee chair Trey Gowdy implies that the committee knows the answer but has refused it in public. Hillary is now running for president, and nobody has told us why Christopher Stevens and his team were left unprotected for months. In the British Parliament, ministers who are potentially guilty of command failure will resign or be fired. Hillary's famous answer to the fiasco at Benghazi was "What difference at this point does it make?" Benghazi was swept under the rug, past history, no longer relevant. Now she is running for president of the United States, and nothing is more relevant. Based on past behavior, she cannot be trusted to act properly if she is elected. British Conservative author Peter Hitchens, brother of the deceased ex-Trotskyite author and raconteur Christopher Hitchens, weighed in with a well thought out piece for the Daily Mail pondering Brexit and what it portends for the U.K. and, incidentally, the U.S. The U.S. equivalent for Brexit is the race for the White House between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. The slugfest has already created the most entertaining and opinionated presidential contest in living memory. And like the U.K. and EU breakup, the growing schism between Democrats and Republicans will end in tears, probably soon. Parliament, the David Cameron cabinet, and the BBC the so-called "elites" were reportedly completely unprepared for the vote to leave the EU. Government hotshots and the media were out of touch with the people they serve. As Hitchens put it about British leaders: Thursdays vote shows that the House of Commons is hopelessly unrepresentative. The concerns and hopes of those who voted to leave the EU -- 51.9 per cent of the highest poll since 1992 -- are reliably supported by fewer than a quarter of MPs, if that. Ludicrously, neither of the big parties agrees with a proven majority of the electorate and neither shows any sign of changing its policies as a result. American Republican leaders are also "hopelessly unrepresentative" of their grassroots rank and file, demonstrated by the obtuse response to Donald Trump, their own party's candidate. But the GOP appears not to care if the ruinous socialist solutions of the past nearly eight years will continue under Hillary Clinton. Some Republican leaders would rather scheme against the winner of the party's primaries, which has even political amateurs scratching their heads in dumbfounded disbelief. The anti-Trump clique is allegedly led by the defeated traditional head of the party in this case, the wooden Mitt Romney, who lost in 2012, causing the curse of Obama's second term. Then there is the neocon William Kristol of the Weekly Standard magazine. Kristol had the chutzpah to put forth his very own candidate, David French, an unknown writer employed by National Review, founded by the erudite conservative William F. Buckley. The inheritors of Buckley's creation were so wigged out that Trump was winning the early primaries that they published an entire issue featuring a slew of conservatives criticizing Trump. Columnist George Will, the oldest elephant in the conservative columnist zoo and a Fox News talking head resigned from the GOP over Trump's candidacy in order to show he too can be a vain, petty, stuck up smartass egghead. In the continued comparison of Republicans in the U.S. trying to kill off Trump, despite trouncing 16 primary opponents and winning enough pledged delegates to sew up the nomination, the anti-Brexit establishment is braying that the vote should be held again because the Leave supporters are "working-class" who did not attend college and therefore morons who, in their ignorance, have set the U.K. on a wrong path. In the U.S., Republican snobs are saying the same thing: that Trump cannot be the nominee because his supporters, a huge percentage of Republican voters, are blue-collar, did not attend college, and should not be allowed to decide the GOP nominee. The anti-Trump, anti-Brexit nabobs on both sides of the pond do not realize they are way past their sell-by dates. They should have paid attention to former P.M. Tony Blair's success at dodging public demands to hold a vote on resigning EU membership, because he knew that it would pass. Blair knew the mood of the country; David Cameron did not. It gets worse for Cameron's legacy. He thought British subjects agreed with Angela Merkel, Germany's prime minister, that EU member nations were for large quotas of Middle Eastern refugees. Britain was not perhaps the tipping point for the Brexit vote to leave the EU. Neither are Americans in favor of loose immigration policies perhaps the tipping point to vote for Trump. The tipping point in the U.K. for Brexit came with Merkel pushing EU member states to follow her lead and accept quotas of Middle East refugees. The tipping point that will usher Trump into the presidency is voter approval to disallow all Islamic immigrants until they are vetted before entering the USA. In the 2005 film Lord of War, Nicholas Cage portrays a prominent Ukrainian-American gun-runner by the name of Yuri Orlov, who makes immense profits peddling helicopter rockets, grenades, and AK-47s following the collapse of the former Soviet Union. At one stage in the movie, his wife attempts to coax him into diversifying into a more legitimate (and moral) business operation. She feels appropriately guilty that they live such an extravagant lifestyle as a result of her husband's business dealing in the tools of destruction. He heeds his wife's request but summarizes his disgust with earning a living through more pious means with the following exclamation: "the only problem with an honest buck is they are so hard to make. The margins are too low. Too many people are doing it." He is right. As much as I like the idea of free-market capitalism, I think the days of adequately disseminated Western profits, which through the division of labor help to maintain a robust middle class, are coming to an end. Sure, if you toe the party line (the virtue-signaling leftist one), then you will get fed a little more via the parasitic public sector, but the days of achieving true riches for even the most hardened ass-kissers who were not born into wealth are over. People will be kept in line by adverse economics, rents eating up half of people's paychecks, foreign competition, technological upheaval, the fear of losing one's job for speaking out, and the impending poverty that follows because they dared to speak out. (Free Speech + Free "Google Resume" = Free Soup Kitchen.) Nowhere else can this be more relevant and important than for the shills and fellow travelers of Big Brother, big banks, and big government. They are the globalists and their lackey foot soldiers. For instance, how many people do you think work for the TSA because they take pride in improving the "national security" of the United States? Or is it simply because they want the paycheck, which does not require any tertiary education or skills, and pays roughly twice as much as McDonalds? I would assume in 95% of all the applicants for the job, it would be for the latter. People will sell their dignity and their soul as long as the almighty dollar is a powerful enough lure. Unless a man is able to still make a living (with emphasis on a good living) a decade or two into the future via entrepreneurship, or from doing some pre-approved social activity for their presumably leftist corporate paymaster, his ingenuity will count for naught. It will be the bankster, the military-industrial complex cronies (the Yuri Orlovs), and the George Soros-funded social justice agitators like DeRay McKesson (offered $165K-per-year job with the city of Baltimore for being a race-baiting Twitter bandit) who will win at the expense of everyone else who wants to make an honest and morally pure living. The pursuit of wealth unfortunately involves selling out your soul to a degree that is, assuming that a person has any principles left in the kind of world we are currently residing in. Not to mention the roller coaster ride of a destination that the country is heading, with globalism, feminism, Islamic migration, and the great transgender bathroom debate, among other things. Think about it. Things are now so topsy-turvy in the U.S. that former no-go places like Colombia are actually turning into desirable expatriate destinations for Americans who wish to escape the dog-eat-dog circus at home and set up profitable businesses abroad. A couple days ago, I discussed how Judge Richard Posner of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit has advocated that no judge should spend even a few seconds "studying the Constitution, the history of its enactment, its amendments, and its implementation." Such a public statement appears to be in contravention of 28 U.S. Code 453, the oath of judges, which requires all judges to "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent ... under the Constitution and laws of the United States." Writing over at the American Bar Association Journal's website, Debra Cassens Weiss has brought to light some additional and equally troubling statements by Posner, this time made to The Dallas Morning News about his disdain for the doctrine of precedent (stare decisis): They [precedents] should be applied very infrequently. Here's the problem: The law, for whatever historical reasons or other reasons, tends to be very backward-looking. The lawyers are preoccupied with the decisions made, statutes drafted, constitutions written long in the past. The original Constitution, the original Bill of Rights -- that's what, 220 years ago or more? It's unrealistic to think that 18th-century people who wrote the Constitution -- they were very smart people, but they couldn't foresee the 21st century. ... This is true with decisions hundreds of years old or 50 years old or it could be even 10 years old. ... I don't think judges should pretend that they're obtaining guidance from old statutes, constitutional provisions or decisions when they're not. Because those old rulings are obsolete. No Constitution and no precedents. The dream of every authoritarian. If Posner's idea of a modern American justice system were brought into force, banana republics would look like beacons of stability and fairness. What next? Should we complete the task and also toss out codified law as well and take ourselves back to that utopian period of human history before the Code of Hammurabi? One of the greatest problems with the much cherished moderate/radical Muslim dichotomy is that its entirely based on Western assumptions that have nothing to do with the realities of Islam. This came out in a study published in Arabic (my recent translation here): Islamic researchers are agreed that what the West and its followers call moderate Islam and moderate Muslims is simply a slur against Islam and Muslims, a distortion of Islam, a rift among Muslims, a spark to ignite war among them. They also see that the division of Islam into moderate Islam and radical Islam has no basis in Islam -- neither in its doctrines and rulings, nor in its understandings or reality. In keeping with various disturbing polls, the study found that everything associated with radical Islam adherence to Islamic law (sharia), subordinate position for women and non-Muslims, draconian punishments, jihad to spread Islam, and opposition to democracy is a reflection of authentic Islam. Objectively speaking from a doctrinal, historic, and even contemporary perspective such observations are hard to deny. Yet the idea of the moderate Muslim continues to allure and resonate with many in the West. Why? Because growing numbers of Western people are unaware that they belong to a distinct civilization and unique heritage. Rather, they arrogantly see themselves as the culmination of all human history supposed rational thinkers whove left all cultural and religious baggage behind. Such was the thesis of one much touted book the prophecy of which remains unfulfilled: The End of History and the Last Man. Forgotten (or suppressed) is that Western civilization did not develop in a vacuum. All values prized by the modern West religious freedom, tolerance, humanism, gender equality, monogamy are inextricably rooted to Judeo-Christian principles, which, over the course of some 2,000 years, have had a profound influence on Western epistemology, society, and culture. While they are now simply taken for granted as universal values, its not for nothing that they were born in Christian not Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, or Shamanistic nations. This is why there are no moderate and radical Christians. Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant, Christians dont have to moderate their religion to coexist peacefully in the secular West. The teachings of their holy book comport quite well with the laws governing society (unsurprisingly so, since many of these laws are based on the principles of that book). All this is missed by those ignorant of the spiritual and intellectual roots of Western civilization. They embrace notions of relativism and multiculturalism, the idea that all religions and cultures are the same and, more subtly, that they are destined to develop like the West, the supposed natural culmination of human history. If the boons of Western civilization are not a distinct product of Christian culture, then they must be standard for and appreciable to civilizations. According to this view, the Muslim is ultimately an embryonic Westerner. Whatever his religion seems to say whatever he says surely he appreciates the need to practice it privately, respect religious freedom, gender equality, and so on. Thus is he made in our image (except, of course, we forget the roots of our image). Overlooked is that the Muslim has his own unique and ancient worldview and set of principles which in turn prompt behavior deemed radical by Western (falsely assumed universal) standards. Such thinking is further arrogant and ethnocentric two things liberals always warn against yet constantly do. While the conservative acknowledges that Islam has its own principles, the liberal ignores these, believing instead that Muslims are just like us. This view, which arrogantly brushes aside Islams role in the Muslims life, doesnt seem ethnocentric because the us is believed to be not particular (Western or Christian), but universal. This arrogance has gotten to the point that whenever Muslims behave in radical ways antithetical to Western standards but consistent with traditional Islam the West concludes that they must be mentally insane. Faith in moderate Islam is faith in the notion that a human can be both secular and Muslim at the same time. Portraying what at root is a Christian paradigm as universal, and then applying it to an alien culture like Islam, is doomed to failure. Christians can and always have lived and thrived in secular or even anti-Christian environments because Christian teachings transcend the law and render unto Caesar what is Caesars and unto God what is Gods. Conversely, Islam and the law are one and the same; without the law, Islam is meaningless. The Arabic word Islam literally means submit. Submit to what? Allahs commandments as codified in sharia and derived from the Koran (literal words of Allah) and Hadith (words and deeds of Islams prophet Muhammad). And these commandments from death to the apostate and blasphemer to jihad and subjugation for the infidel are anything but Western. In the final analysis, moderate Islam is really nothing less than an Islam without Islam or Western Islam, an oxymoron explaining why it is viewed with great scorn outside the West (even Londons first Muslim mayor disparagingly refers to moderate Muslims as Uncle Toms). The idea that Muslims can be true to their religion and yet naturally fit into Western society is false and built on an equally false premise: that Christianity, Islams historic archenemy, somehow also had to moderate itself to fit into a secular society when, in fact, Christian principles were fundamental to the creation of the West. On the same day in January that sailors captured by Iran were released, a $1.7 billion payment was made to Tehran, ostensibly a settlement of a longstanding legal dispute. So says the White House. The fact that the announcement of the payment was made almost simultaneously with the release of the hostages was just "coincidence" says the administration. Congress is demanding certain documentation on the legal settlement that the administration is refusing to supply. This has fueled speculation that the payment was, indeed, ransom that the White House doesn't want made public. Washington Free Beacon: Congressional efforts to compel the Obama administration to come clean about the payment have yet to yield results, prompting a separate effort to determine whether the White House overpaid Iran and is now withholding information that would prove this claim, according to documents obtained by the Free Beacon. Lawmakers suspect that key records relating to the $1.7 billion payout were not properly maintained over the years and are now seeking to force the Obama administration to hand over the evidence. The timing of the March legal settlement has raised questions on Capitol Hill among lawmakers who view it as part of the Obama administrations effort to free 10 U.S. sailors who had been abducted by Iran. It also is suspected that the payout was another byproduct of last summers nuclear agreement with Iran. Earlier this year, the administration announced a $1.7 billion settlement to a case that had been pending for 35 years before the [International Claims] Tribunal, claiming it was in the American publics best interest to settle, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R., Fla.), one of the lawmakers spearheading the disclosure effort, told the Free Beacon. But weve never seen the documents and we dont know why a settlement was announced, conveniently, the day after restrictions were lifted on Irans Central Bank. The Obama administration denies all charges that the payment was related to Irans release of the U.S. hostages. The settlement, the administration maintains, was part of an effort to resolve decades-old legal disputes with Iran over several arms deals that were canceled in 1979, following the installation of Irans hardline Islamic government. One congressional adviser who has worked on the issue told the Free Beacon that the Obama administration continues to hide information about the source of the $1.7 billion payout, which was taken from a taxpayer-funded legal account maintained by the Treasury Department. The entire payment has been shrouded in mystery from the beginning, the source said. The administration had to be badgered into even revealing where the money was coming from, and only now were finding out why they were so reluctant to reveal details: half of what theyre claiming contradicts the other half. But they cant admit they paid a ransom to Iranian hostage-takers, because that would undermine their claims about how diplomacy with Iran works. The narrative must be saved at all costs. The administration touts the benefits of their opening to Iran while making a grubby, backroom deal - a bribe - to free our illegally held sailors. The Iranian government sees the payment as ransom, so the administration's denial rings hollow, indeed. Congress should know by now that if the administration wants to keep something from them, they're not going to get it without taking them to court and getting a federal judge to order the release of the relevant documents. This is a process that usually takes years as the Justice Department does everything in its power to delay disclosure. Even then, the administration stonewalls the judiciary by claiming they can't find something or other documents don't exist or have been destroyed. We'll probably never discover for sure where that money came from and what its real purpose was. But at least the narrative will remain intact and the president's legacy will be secure. After the horrific terrorist attack in Istanbul, is there a sentient American remaining who thinks President Obama cares a whit about this global nightmare? Clearly he does not. When Obama does respond, generally days after the fact, he is relaxed, calm, and wholly unruffled. These attacks do not bother him! He thinks they are "incidents" that we can "absorb," acceptable collateral damage for a country that has so offended the Third World. The dead and injured are out of his sight, out of mind. There is something very wrong with this man. He referenced the attack for a few moments yesterday from his summit in Ottawa, but it was climate change and monarch butterflies that energized him, not the loss of life and limb in Turkey. It is time for Americans to come to grips with the fact that we twice elected a man who lacks even the most basic gene for empathy the kind of empathy most of us feel for an injured animal not our own. He does not have normal emotional responses. He does exhibit anger, but it is entirely reserved for his critics, for those who question his brilliance, his judgment, not for the vermin who have been slaughtering innocents across the Middle East and Africa and now Europe and America. His "brilliance" is most certainly in question. His judgment has been proved very, very flawed. Americans are in more danger on our home turf than ever before. The Middle East is a killing field. Obama has betrayed Israel. Meanwhile, the terrorists of the world are operating with seeming impunity. They are most certainly here. And that is not the only sign of Obama's lethal intent. One of Obama's policies has been to release thousands of illegal alien criminals onto our streets, into our communities. They go on to commit more murders, more crimes. He does not ICE to deport them; he approves of sanctuary cities. Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America (undocumented Democrat voters) have been invited to come here and are welcomed by this president, despite their attendant diseases and illiteracy. He uses taxpayer dollars to settle them, to give them all manner of benefits. He is bringing as many refugees from the Middle East as he can and is settling them in towns without consulting the residents or even their governors or mayors. His judiciary thumbs its nose at those states who dare to resist the imposition of unvetted refugees on their communities. And while the administration tries to control media reports of the resulting problems of the criminal behavior of some of these refugees, reports are seeping out to the public sphere. Thankfully, the episodes of violence here have yet to be as numerous or as serious as in Germany or Sweden, or the other nations that have taken in hundreds of thousands of immigrants, but they are indicative of what is to come if Hillary Clinton becomes President. She is campaigning on her promise to import tens of thousands more people from the Middle East. Ninety-nine percent of them are Muslims who support sharia law. That in itself does not indicate danger, but the ten percent among them who do intend violence threaten us all. And of course we must all be disarmed and left without any means of defense against those who do mean us harm. The left wants only the criminals to have guns. Loretta Lynch, who was apparently a fine U.S. attorney for New York, has become a figure of ridicule as Obama's attorney general. She was loath to admit that Orlando was about Islamic terrorism despite Omar Mateen's clear words to that effect. After she redacted any words that indicated that Islam was his motive, she said we should combat terrorism with unity and love. How can she be trusted? She met privately with Bill Clinton recently on a plane in Phoenix. She insisted that this was not inappropriate. (Did he promise her a few million dollars in a Swiss account if she does not indict Hillary?) John Kerry represents another level of lunacy altogether. The more people ISIS, al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab, etc. murder in the most gruesome, barbaric ways, the more they embark on their genocidal campaign against any and all infidels, the more territory they claim, the more Kerry tells us how desperate they are because they are losing! The man is an incompetent idiot. Like his oligarchal pals here and the Remainers in the U.K., he assumes we peons are all stupid and easily duped, that we do not believe our own eyes and ears, that only elites like himself are fit to lead and to prescribe how we will live and who will be our neighbors. These people Kerry, Lynch, Obama, Clinton do not lead. They work only to impose their version of Marxism on us all and to maintain their positions of power and prestige. Secretary of Defense Carter is proud to announce the new policy of welcoming men who think they are women (and vice versa) into our military, which would obviously put them in the gravest danger in a war against radical Islamists. This is consistent with Obama's diversity-above-all agenda, no matter how insane as insane as mandating restroom use to accommodate a tiny groups of persons who suffer from gender dysphoria, a mandate that will surely be abused by perverts. We are not in good hands. We are living in disorienting times, thanks to a president and a radicalized left that have lost any semblance of common sense. Obama's promised "transformation of America" has been largely accomplished: gay marriage, unrestricted abortion, erasure of gender, the eradication of free speech on university campuses, the criminalization of some speech, the mystification of math by Common Core, the wholesale abrogation of the Constitution, the facilitation of terrorism by refusing to name it, the destruction of our medical system, the imposition of thousands of regulations on small businesses that they cannot afford. This has happened with the willing acquiescence of the Republican establishment. We have them to thank for the candidacy of Donald Trump. We are not in good hands, people. Ever since Hillary Clinton's private email server became public knowledge, there has been speculation about whether any foreign governments had been able to penetrate the inadequate security and hack into the system. Clinton herself and the State Department insist no such hacks took place. But US intelligence officials are convinced that, at the very least, Russian hackers were able to steal the contents of the server. The recent hack of Democratic party servers by Russians, as well as the penetration of the Clinton Foundation email account points to a concerted effort on the part of someone in Russia - perhaps Putin himself - to get dirt on Hillary and Bill Clinton. Now US intelligence has seen indications that the Russians may be ready to release at least some of the emails. Bill Gertz at the Washington Times fleshes out the story: A U.S. intelligence official told Inside the Ring that the indications of the email release are being closely watched, although the veracity of at least two postings on the matter could not be confirmed as authoritative. A State Department official has said Russia is one of at least three foreign governments likely to have obtained the full content of the former secretary of states server through covert hacking operations. The other two are China and Israel. Russian intelligence agencies are suspected of cyberintrusions that obtained sensitive political information contained in Democratic National Committee networks. Last week, reports surfaced that computer networks of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation were also compromised, also by Russian hackers. Russian intelligence is considered to be the most capable nation-state cyberespionage and cyberwarfare power, and its intelligence-gathering operations in the U.S. are said to be going at Cold War levels. Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former KGB intelligence officer schooled in the black arts of covert operations, would be the top authority to order the release of the Clinton emails, if in fact Moscow has obtained the tens of thousands of private emails. A possible Russian motive for making public all the emails would be to undermine any Justice Department influence in the ongoing FBI investigation of the private email server, an investigation said by FBI sources to have expanded into whether the server was used improperly to boost the fortunes of the Clinton Foundation. [...] Mr. Putin may being calculating that the release of some of the highly classified information within the emails could be used against Mrs. Clinton to influence the U.S. presidential election. Alternatively, Mr. Putin could use his access to the emails for blackmail should Mrs. Clinton win the election in November. Gertz is a top notch national security reporter with excellent sources. The story may or may not be true, but it's clear that US intelligence officials believe it to be so. A legitimate question being asked is wouldn't Putin gain more by hanging on to the emails to use as leverage against Hillary if she becomes president? It depends on what's in the emails. If it would only embarrass Clinton, it may be more to Putin's advantage if he released them. But if it's something criminal, Putin would almost certainly hang on to the documents looking to gain the advantage over a President Clinton. It's going to be a long, hot summer for Hillary Clinton. Truth and reality are our friends in the fight against the left. They will be what eventually dooms the left, which is why the left is now so terrorized by them. Look at Orlando. The Obama administration and its sycophants in TV and print journalism have labored mightily in fact, desperately in the past two weeks to convince us that the Orlando shootings are a simple case of anti-gay/homophobe hatred fostered by easy access to guns. One might think this is because the administration and the left are so wedded to LGBT rights and a repeal of the 2nd Amendment. This is true, but it is monumentally dwarfed by the real reason. The real reason hangs above the heads of the left like a garlic clove at a vampire dress ball. The issue that the left is desperate to avoid is simply that Islamic extremists are jubilant about massacring gays and that their religious underpinnings support it. This pits the administrations protected fair-haired child, Islam, against one of the lefts core support groups, gays. There is real desperation to have American liberals not see the rotting corpse at their feet that they have lent their sympathy, understanding, and support to two irreconcilable, implacably opposite, cosmically opposed groups: gays and the followers of Mohammed. The latter group is awake and aware of its goals and taste preferences. But the left is desperate to keep the former group, gays, dreaming peacefully. And one cannot argue that if one is carnivorous, it is good to keep the meat dish sleeping up until dinnertime. We were incredulous as children to read of storybook characters that would blithely and blindly walk into a crocodiles open mouth. Yet here is the same in real life, right before our eyes. Pass this along to anyone you know who is gay, the friend of gays, or the relative of gays. The left is apparently just fine with sacrificing one of its favorites. And it is not the group with the curved swords. It's hard to fathom the depth of corruption in Hillary Clinton's State Department, largely because the documentation that would expose it is lost; deleted; or, as in the case of emails sent from Hillary Clinton aides to the Clinton Foundation and Taneo Corporation a corporate partner delayed. Someone might want to ask Mrs. Clinton how it is that her top aides were sending 700 emails a month to the Foundation. In a standard work week, that's about 35 emails a day. Didn't these people have work to do? The Justice Department has filed a brief on behalf of the State Department asking for more time to gather together the 34,000 emails sent from Huma Abedin, Cheryl Mills, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michael Fuchs, and Ambassador at Large Melanne Verveer to the Foundation over the course of Clinton's tenure. How much time? DoJ picked a nice, round, number: 27 months. You might recall that both Abedin and Mills were double-dipping working for the Foundation or Taneo Corporation while drawing their full salaries from the State Department. Were they conducting private business on the taxpayers' time? Daily Caller: The State Department originally estimated that 6,000 emails and other documents were exchanged by the aides with the Clinton Foundation. But a series of errors the department told the court about Wednesday evening now mean the total has grown to 34,116 potentially responsive documents. During Clintons four years as Americas chief foreign diplomat, her aides communicated with officials at the Clinton Foundation and Teneo Holdings where Bill Clinton was formerly both a client and paid consultant, on the average of 700 times each month, according to the Justice Department filing. David N. Bossie, president of Citizens United, which requested the documents under the Freedom of Information Act, called the delay totally unacceptable and charged that the State Department is using taxpayer dollars to protect their candidate, Hillary Clinton. The American people have a right to see these emails before the election, Bossie told the Daily Caller News Foundation. U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras, a President Obama-appointed judge, had previously ordered the State Department to release the requested documents by July 21. But Department of Justice lawyers informed Contreras Wednesday night that the [State] department discovered errors in the manner in which the searches had been conducted in order to capture documents potentially responsive to plaintiffs request. The motion was filed by Justice Department attorney Joseph Borson on behalf of the State Department. Borson also provided new details about how few resources the State Department has devoted to answering 106 separate Freedom of Information Act requests that are pending before it, many of them ordered by federal judges. Only 71 part-time retired foreign service officers are being used to review all of the pending FOIA requests. Not a bug a feature. They draw out the FOIA requests for years and then complain that the process is taking too long. It's a game plan that's working to perfection. And if Hillary Clinton is elected president, they will find a way to slow the process down even more. What's remarkable about the DoJ request is that they're not even trying to be subtle about hiding their corruption. They believe that the judiciary and the public will accept their foot-dragging as a matter of course, and, no doubt, many of those emails will have been "accidentally" deleted or lost. That's been the pattern in the past with the IRS, FEC, and other agencies. This from the "most transparent administration in history." Tucked away between the Ketmen and Ulken-Bogut mountain ridges in the southeast corner of Kazakhstan, close to the border with China, lies the Grand Canyon of Central Asia an impressive gorge about 90 kilometers long carved by the fast-flowing Charyn river (also spelled as Sharyn) during its northward journey from its headwaters in the Tian Shan Mountains across the arid semi-desert east of Almaty. Parts of the canyon are up to 300 meters deep. Several millennia of weathering action has revealed multiple layers of colored sediment deposits on the walls of the canyon. Of particular interest is a dry side ravine, about kilometer or two in length, called the Valley of Castles, where one can see towering rock formations which resembles, with some imagination, pillars and castles. The fairy-tale sandstone formations through the canyon have also been given names such as Notre Dame, Penguin, Donald Duck and Winnie the Pooh. This part of the canyon is about 100 meters deep and there is a path running down the base. This is the spot tour operators usually take tourists to when they visit the Charyn Canyon. Photo credit: Andrew/Panoramio Photo credit: Andrew/Panoramio Photo credit: Andrew/Panoramio Photo credit: Anna Pronenko/Panoramio Photo credit: Torekhan Sarmanov/Flickr Photo credit: Jan Svetlik/Flickr Photo credit: mariusz kluzniak/Flickr Photo credit: Mr Hicks46/Flickr Photo credit: mariusz kluzniak/Flickr Photo credit: Roman Stetsenko/Panoramio Photo credit: Alexander Schardt/Panoramio Photo credit: mariusz kluzniak/Flickr Take any famous monument around the world, and look up pictures of it on the Internet, or at your own albums, if you have visited the place. Dont they all look the same? Sure, there are all sorts of angles, but the cameras are all pointed towards the landmark. But if for once, someone were to turn their backs, point their cameras away from the landmark in the opposite direction, and snapped a picture, would you be able to guess where it was taken? Photographer Oliver Curtis has been doing this for the last four years. It started in 2012, when he was visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo. Curtis turned away and looked back in the direction he had come from. What he saw fascinated him so much that he has since made a point of turning his back on some of worlds most photographed monuments and historic sites, looking at their counter-views and forgotten faces. Taj Mahal, Agra, India Oliver feels that despite the landmark not being present in the photograph, the images are still suffused with the aura of the construction. The camera lens effectively acts as a nodal point and, by giving the photograph the title of the unseen partner, this duality becomes a virtue. Oliver Curtis unusual photographs will be on display at an exhibition called Volte-face in London in September. Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., USA Reichstag, Berlin, Germany Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel Mao Mausoleum, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris, France Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, Mexico Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, USA Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK White House, Washington D.C., USA Colosseum, Rome, Italy Great Wall of China, Mutianyu, China Back in March, Google began the hype train for Android N by releasing the first of five developer previews. It was pretty exciting, as any new version of Android typically is. Today, Google officially announced the name for Android N, as Android Nougat. They also debuted the new statue for Android Nougat at their headquarters in Mountain View, CA; and announced that it will officially be Android 7.0 Nougat. This name was in the list of the most popular names for this new version of Android, but to be honest, they missed a prime opportunity here. For starters, if you look around the internet at the posts about Android Nougat, many people dont even know what a Nougat is, while the rest think its pretty boring. For those that dont know what a Nougat is, its a family of confections made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, whipped egg whites and sometimes candied fruit according to Wikipedia. Not the most popular tasty treat, although it does sound pretty tasty. Many were hoping that Google would go with Nutella, and put together a partnership with Nutella like they did with Nestle for KitKat back in 2013. Which that name was a complete surprise, and was done at the last minute. Since Key Lime Pie was still prominent throughout the OS when it was released (this was before Google started doing developer previews). But Google decided not to strike a partnership with Nutella there are also jokes going around that Nutella sounds to close to Satya Nadella who is the CEO of competitor, Microsoft. Nutella would have also been a much more exciting name than Nougat. Its also something that is very popular, and without a doubt, most people have had before, or at least heard of. When it comes to Nougat, theres more people that havent heard of it, than those that have. Advertisement Another option would have been Neapolitan, which would have actually been a perfect name for this new version of Android. Since Android has been using the whole Be Together. Not the Same slogan in the past couple of years, what tasty treat exemplifies that slogan? That would be Neapolitan. Neapolitan is in reference to ice cream and has a block of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. All together, but not the same. It would have been perfect, and definitely much more exciting than Nougat. And likely much more tasty than Nougat. Neapolitan was also a popular choice among Android users for the next version of Android, but Google decided that it wasnt meant to be, unfortunately. It would have made for a pretty interesting statue too. Many believe that Android N is going to be a pretty boring update, especially after seeing what is coming to Android with the first four developer previews keep in mind we may still see some surprises with the final version of Android Nougat in the next few months. And the name matches that boring update. While there are a few pretty cool features coming in Android Nougat, they are all things that could have been added in a .1 update to Android. The biggest feature coming in Android Nougat is definitely the multi window feature, something that Android has needed for quite some time. Its a feature that many OEMs have added into their overlays that are on their devices and are proprietary, so they dont work with every app that is available on Android. The rest of the changes are either under-the-hood changes or minor UI changes like the changes to the notification shade, lock screen and settings app. That doesnt mean its a bad update, its still an update that many users will definitely be excited to get on their device even though many wont see these changes due to the skins that many manufacturers use, like Touchwiz, Optimus UI, and Sense. Advertisement Based on the information that Google has made public about Android N or Android Nougat, we should be seeing the final release in August or September with the fifth and final developer preview in about a week or two, and Google did mention that it would be available in Q3. The final release also means that well be seeing new Nexus devices, as we always have Nexus devices released with new versions of Android so that Google has something to show off the software on, which the specs recently leaked out for both devices. Showing us that we arent too far away from these two devices being made official. Of course, they will be the first devices running Android Nougat and will launch with the new version of Android. Additionally, Android Nougat will be heading to all of the Nexus devices that currently have the Developer Preview which includes the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus 9 LTE, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and the General Mobile 4G (Android One device). It may also come to the Sony Xperia Z3, but remember that Google didnt release the preview for this device, Sony did, even though it is listed on the Android N Developer Preview website. And where the Xperia Z3 is almost two years old now (released in the fall of 2014), it may not get the update to Android Nougat. HTC has also confirmed that the HTC 10, HTC One A9, and HTC One M9 will be updated. As for other smartphones, we havent had any confirmation from manufacturers just yet on what will get updated, but its likely that most flagship smartphones from 2015 and 2016 will be updated. The Android Nougat statue is also pretty boring, but it does look like Google is going in a new direction when it comes to these statues now. Where Lollipop and Marshmallow featured the Android mascot holding a Lollipop or Marshmallow in his hand, and now with Nougat, they are surrounding him. With KitKat, they built the Android mascot to look like a KitKat bar, Honeycomb was a brick of Honeycomb with the Android mascot hanging out of it. With Cupcake and Donut just being a large Cupcake or Donut. Its a rather simple statue, and it appears that is what Google was going for here with Nougat. And that wont stop Android users from wanting to visit Building 51 when they are in the Bay Area. As the lawn has become pretty popular and crowded over there, with this being the 12th version of Android the 12th version that got its own name, remember Jelly Bean was the name for Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. Advertisement Android Nougat may not be the name that we all wanted, but its the name we all got. Well have to live with referring to this new version of Android as Android 7.0 Nougat for the next year or so. Its not the end of the world, really, but theres many other choices that would have been better for Google to use here. But then again, many people wont even see Android Nougat within the next year, unless they are using a Nexus or a HTC device (since HTC has been updating their devices fairly quickly, to the latest version of Android, lately). Heck most people are still on either Android 4.4 KitKat (31% as of June 2016) or Android 5.0 Lollipop (35% as of June 2016) both of which are over 2 years old already. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xn9iq3lG_w Not too long ago, a study came to light that showed what a sampling of the population thought of self-driving cars. It turns out the majority of those surveyed did not trust self-driving tech enough to entrust their Saturday drive or Monday commute to it. That attitude is still quite prevalent, but a survey conducted by Volvo seems to show that people are beginning to come around. As self-driving cars become more and more widespread, a good chunk of the population in some areas may have even managed to catch a glimpse of self-driving cars in action. According to the survey, what it boils down to is, quite simply, people like driving; driving is a people activity, and theyre not ready to give it up to machines. The fair majority of respondents viewed it as a luxury, about 72% of them, to be exact, saying that it must be preserved. While this attitude is still not in favor of Googles approach, which lacks pretty much any human input from inside the vehicle, its quite the positive change from I dont trust a self-driving car. Volvos survey hit 31 markets and around 50,000 people. Of those, only 55% clamored for a steering wheel. Let that sink in for a second; when an automaker surveyed a massive swath of their own market, 45% of those, close to half, said that they were fine with having pretty much no control whatsoever over their drive. While almost all self-driving cars seem like theyre going to at least come with a way for the human inside the car to commence an emergency stop. In some of these models, when the car needs human help, it will likely be provided from the outside, meaning that even in an uncertain situation, these people would still not be in control, although they would be in a fellow humans hands and not a robots. In any case, this alone shows vastly increased acceptance of ceding control of a drive. Advertisement 86% of those surveyed say that lawmakers are dragging their feet when it comes to getting a legal framework laid out for self-driving cars. Naturally, many tech companies and even the US DOT chairman wholeheartedly agree. Part of the issue, as far as law goes, is liability. Interestingly, 79% of the survey group believe that the automaker should have to pay if a car in autonomous mode manages to crash, rather than the cars legal owner or the tech company that created the software. This seems to indicate that, talking about failure situations for self-driving cars, most seem convinced that if any catastrophic failure were to happen, it would be due to a hardware failure. Of course, this could also have something to do with the 72% of respondents who believe that an automaker, rather than a tech company, will bring self-driving technology into the mainstream. In those cases, the automaker would be in charge of both hardware and software, except in cases of partners using a tech companys software, like Ford. With those numbers of respondents, though, 100% overlap is impossible and the percentage who want automaker liability is larger. This means, factually, that at least some people out there have more faith in self-driving software than in car makers hardware. Taken by and large, all signs point to more trust in the tech companies working on the software for self-driving cars, and increased willingness to give up the controls. While 50,000 is a bit of a narrow group on the world stage and may not be an accurate microcosm of everybody that could have a chance to sit in a self-driving car in the next decade, its also sizable enough to be taken with relatively few grains of salt. Put quite simply, there is a legitimate worldwide shift going on in consumers perception of self-driving cars. Whether that shift in perception will be any help in getting the cars live, past lawmakers and into market is all up to the tech companies, ridesharing companies, and automakers pushing the technology forward. Google announced that the next version of Android would officially be named Nougat, and it would be Android 7.0, yesterday. Which also meant that they updated all of their Android web pages. We already reported on these changes yesterday when they were made. But one change that was missed, was the fact that the Android One section is now missing from the updated Android site. The redesign shows the different parts of Android, including Android on a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, TV and in the car. Giving users a way to see all of the potential that Android has to offer. With Android One missing from the newly redesigned site, does this mean that Android One is over with? Possibly, but probably not. Android One was announced back at Google I/O 2014, and it was a way for Google to reach the next billion users. Working with smartphone makers in emerging countries to create cheap smartphones that still offered a great experience and saw updates directly from Google. The Android One platform hasnt been a huge success for Google, as many customers appeared to be going for other phones, like the Xiaomi Mi 4i in India, which was around the same price, but offered a lot more in terms of features. Google has relaunched Android One before, and expanded it to more countries. But perhaps this is the end of Android One. Google likely wont confirm whether it is or not. And the only way users will know if Android One is truly dead in the water, is if Google doesnt release anymore Android One devices. Advertisement Android One was met with a lot of competition, which is likely the reason that it hasnt done all that well. In emerging markets, you have a ton of cheap smartphones although they typically dont get updates, or quick updates which made it tough for Google to compete. It was a great idea though, and it would be nice to see it come to other places, like the US. Where smartphones are typically over $500, and most people either buy on a payment plan or sign a contract for a new smartphone. Bang & Olufsen is a Danish consumer electronics company that designs and manufactures audio products, telephones and other electronic devices. The company is best known for their high quality headphones and speakers. The Danish company also regularly partners with other companies to release products, such as their Hi-Fi audio module released for the LG G5, under the LG and Friends project. Since then, Bang & Olufsen had released the Beoplay H7, a set of over-the-ear wireless headphones which can be connected to devices via Bluetooth. That being said, the company has announced a new product, the Beoplay H5, which is essentially a pair of in-ear wireless earphones, which is a first for the company. In terms of specs, the Beoplay H5 features a 6.4 mm speaker which has electro-dynamic capabilities which can deliver Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound. It also has two 50 mAh batteries, one in each earpiece which brings the total battery capacity to 100 mAh. On a full charge, the batteries will be able to provide up to 5 hours of usage at a moderate level. It will take approximately 2 hours of charging to bring the batteries to a full charge. These earphones, which were designed by Jakob Wagner, are made out of aluminium and rubber, and users will have the choice to pick between two colors, Black and Dusty Rose. As far as connectivity is concerned, the earphones feature Bluetooth 4.2 and support aptX, aptX-LL and AAC codecs. With the aptX codec, users can expect to experience high quality sounds even though this is a Bluetooth headset. Advertisement These earphones can connect to Bang & Olufsens app, the Beoplay App. With the app, users will be able to do a multitude of things such as enhance B&O Play experience by adjusting tonality, sound staging and much more. The app also allows users to track the battery life of the earphones. The earphones can also be stored easily as the earpieces are magnetic and can be clicked together, by doing so, the earphones will power off. For those wanting to get their hands on these premium and stylish wireless earphones, the Beoplay H5 can be bought for 199 in the UK, while they can be purchased for $249 in the US through Amazon. One of the best-loved and yet, more controversial features of Android is the freedom it affords device manufacturers and software developers to play around with the user interface the way they feel. That being the case, no two Android interfaces are the same, with Samsungs TouchWiz, say for instance, varying widely from ASUS ZenUI, while LGs custom UI (LG UX) looks vastly different from Xiaomis MIUI. While skinning their Android GUIs allow vendors to differentiate their products from those of their competitors, users have often complained about the lack of uniformity when shifting loyalty from one brand to another, even though the underlying operating system as well as its basic tenets remain fairly similar for the most part. Sense UI is the proprietary user interface found on HTCs Android handsets, including its latest flagship offering, the HTC 10. Like most proprietary Android skins, it has thus far been available exclusively on HTC devices, although that is likely to change in the near future, with HTC last week e-mailing invitations to HTC Preview members to test out Sense Home 8 on non-HTC devices. Reports now seem to indicate that that the Taiwanese company has finally started rolling out a pre-release version of the software to willing volunteers who might have signed up to be beta testers. However, only users with compatible devices running Android 4.4 KitKat or newer versions of the OS are eligible to take part in the beta test. While that qualifies quite a few devices going around, screenshots of the Sense 8 Home reportedly from a Galaxy Note 5 are already doing the rounds of the internet as can be seen from the image below. Advertisement Of course, HTC wouldnt be the first company to make its Android Launcher available on devices from competing brands, with companies like Xiaomi already having released its Android-based MIUI 7 for devices from other manufacturers, like the Samsung Galaxy S5, Nexus 5, LG G3, HTC One (M8), OnePlus One and many more. As mentioned already, ASUS also recently made its ZenUI Launcher available for non-ASUS hardware, so HTC is right in line with the trend of manufacturers trying to get more people acquainted with their software so as to make them consider jumping ship when its time for these users to upgrade their smartphones. Xiaomi is, as many of you know, not only a smartphone manufacturing company. This China-based company tends to release various smart devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets all the way to smart scales and fitness trackers. The company had already introduced a number of devices this year, including their Mi 5 flagship smartphone, a smart rice cooker, and an electric bicycle. Xiaomi is also planning to announce their very first smartwatch later this year, and their very first notebook will also land at some point. Speaking of which, the companys first notebook has been rumored for a long, long time. Inventecs exec had confirmed a while back that the device is coming sometime this year, and a rumor dating back to March claimed that the device will launch in the second half of this year. Well, according to the latest info that surfaced in China, the companys CEO actually confirmed that the laptop is coming by saying that he cannot speak about it, yet. He, allegedly, did not say anything else on the matter, but this is yet another confirmation that the device is coming, soon. The Mi Notebook (as it will probably going to be called) is expected to ship with Windows 10 OS pre-installed, and if rumors are accurate, we can expect both 12.5 and 13.3-inch variants of this device to hit the market. Advertisement Now, in addition to Lei Juns confirmation, also came a leaked image of the device. If you take a look at the image above, youll get to see the alleged Mi Notebook laptop. The device actually resembles one of Apples MacBook laptops, and the Mi branding is quite visible on the top. Due to the angle from which this device was photographed, we cannot see what ports will it ship with, unfortunately. It seems like the Mi Notebook is made out of metal, though that was to be expected. In addition to all this, the Mi Notebook is rumored to arrive in September, just in time for the beginning of the school season. The Mi Notebook is, presumably, going to be quite affordable, which could make it the perfect piece of tech to buy your kid for the beginning of the school year, at least in China, considering Xiaomi will almost certainly launch this device in China first. Our smartphones are getting more and more advanced. Our batteries are getting larger and larger. But most smartphones still cant last us an entire day, unfortunately. With many smartphones going the route of sealing the batteries inside, many users have had to go the route of getting an external battery pack. Its actually a better solution, seeing as these battery packs can charge anything that uses USB. While an extended battery would only work for one particular smartphone. Anker has released a new battery pack in their PowerCore lineup, and this one features Quick Charge 3.0 technology available on a select few smartphones right now. Weve been using it with an LG G5 for the past couple of weeks, so how does it stack up to the competition? Is it better than just a standard battery pack? Lets find out. Advertisement First things first, this is the Anker PowerCore 10000 battery pack, and as you can tell by the name, it has a capacity of 10,000mAh. Its actually fairly small, even with a 10,000mAh capacity. In fact, the picture above shows this PowerCore 10000 versus the PowerCore 10000 from last year that featured Quick Charge 2.0 technology. Its shorter, lighter and even a bit thinner. This battery pack features a somewhat rugged design. Its rugged, but doesnt look ugly. Allowing you to still have a great looking battery pack, but one that can take a drop or two that doesnt mean we condone dropping this battery pack though. We have a power button on the side, which will illuminate the four LED lights on the front of the PowerCore 10000. These four LED lights represent how much power is left with each one representing roughly 25%. On the top, there is a micro USB port, which is used for charging the PowerCore 10000. And we have the full-sized USB port next to it. Quick Charge 3.0 is one of my favorite features to be added in smartphones this year. It makes topping off your smartphone so much easier and quicker. With Quick Charge 3.0, you can go from 0 to about 80% in roughly 35 minutes. With my experience with the LG G5, I can go from under 20% to 100% in just over an hour, with a Quick Charge 3.0 wall adapter. Now with the Anker PowerCore 10000, I had roughly the same experience. I was able to get a complete charge in about 75 minutes. When you think about it, thats still pretty darn good. Quick Charge 3.0 is only compatible with a few smartphones right now (including the HTC One A9, HTC 10, LG G5, Xiaomi Mi 5, Lenovo ZUK Z2 Pro and a few others). For those that own a device that doesnt support Quick Charge 3.0, dont worry. As was the case with Quick Charge 2.0 and Quick Charge 1.0, this technology is backwards compatible. So if you own the Samsung Galaxy S7, which is compatible with Quick Charge 2.0, you can still charge your device with the Anker PowerCore 10000 without risking damaging your smartphone. Advertisement When it comes to portability, you wont find another power bank that is as portable at this capacity than the Anker PowerCore 10000. Not only is this power bank nice and small and compact, but it is also fairly lightweight. This means you can keep it in your pocket (or ladies, in your purse) and use it when needed. And because it does have a 10,000mAh capacity, it means that youll be able to charge your smartphone roughly three times before it runs out of juice. That of course depends on your smartphone. Something like the Galaxy S7 Edge, with a 3600mAh battery, will only see about two full recharges. But the LG G5 with a 2800mAh battery saw a little over 3 full recharges. While I was traveling this month, I took this power bank with me, and it made it easy to top off my LG G5 while on a plane, so that I had a full charge by the time I needed to get off. And because of how small it is, it was able to fit in my bag without taking up much space. Anker has always put out some rather high-quality products. Even something as simple as a power bank, looks and feels rather high-end. Its something that they have become known for, and thats definitely not a bad thing. The Anker PowerCore 10000 continues that trend. Theres not much to dislike here, the PowerCore 10000 has actually replaced the older Quick Charge 2.0-compatible PowerCore 10000 that I used to carry around which shouldnt be a surprise. But, its worth noting that this power bank isnt for everyone. The main reason is due to Quick Charge 3.0. Currently, Quick Charge 3.0 isnt available on most smartphones. Weve even seen a few smartphones opt to not include the technology like the Sony Xperia X, Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. However that likely wont be the case for long, especially with Summer and Fall upon us. Right now the list of Quick Charge 3.0 devices is fairly short, listing less than ten right now. So wed have to say that if you dont have a smartphone that utilizes Quick Charge 3.0, or dont plan on picking one up that supports it, you may not want to pick this PowerCore 10000 up. Simply because it is more expensive than traditional power banks and even Quick Charge 2.0 power banks. So you can save yourself some cash and get something cheaper. However, if you are picking up a smartphone with Quick Charge 3.0, or already have one with that technology, then its definitely worth picking up. Advertisement This power bank is still fairly cheap, when you think about it. Anker sells it exclusively on Amazon for just $21.99. In the box you get a micro USB cable as well, so you are able to charge up the power bank. Anker also gives you a pouch, thats pretty useful for traveling. Additionally, you get an 18-month warranty from Anker, so that if anything should happen, youll be taken care of. Anker has also built-in a slew of safety measures to ensure that whatever device you have plugged into your Anker PowerCore 10000 will be safe, and wont overcharge. Or in a worse-case scenario, catch on fire. To a lot of us, Samsung is the name that adorns the back of our smartphones and perhaps makes the TV in our living room, and a lot more in the realm of consumer electronics. It should come as no surprise however, that Samsung is so much more than that, and in South Korea the Samsung Empire makes up much of the nations economy. Samsung SDS, which is the part of Samsung that deals with IT Infrastructure and such, is partnering with industry giant SAP to work together on Cloud-based solutions for big enterprises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The two firms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see Samsung SDS and SAP work together to create a focused and comprehensive Cloud-computing solution. Its said that Samsung SDS as well as other parts of Samsung Electronics use SAP themselves in their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and this new partnership will see Samsung offer Cloud solutions based on SAPs software. Samsung SDS Chung Yoo-sung said that this will be the opportunity to expand the enterprise cloud business market of the cooperation with SAP in the Korea and Asia Pacific. Advertisement This follows on the heels of a similar decision that Samsung has made to work with IBM on Cloud-based solutions as well, albeit security-focused ones rather than the financial and sales focus of this deal with SAP. If anything, this is just another example of how strongly Samsung want to expand into all other areas outside of just consumer electronics, and partnering with the likes of IBM and SAP is a smart move. It will not only give their services credence in the industry, but help Samsung to become familiar with what their clients expect from such services. SAPs Bernd Leukert said that he was proud to work with Samsung and said that diverse solutions [like these] designed for various lines of business, we will further support our customers and partners. Its interesting to see how big names like these make money outside of their core consumer electronics businesses, and with Samsung looking to become dominant in the Internet of Things space, understanding the Cloud and networked solutions much better will only go to them in that endeavor. The Snapdragon 820 SoC is currently amongst the most powerful mobile processors out in the market. This is Qualcomms 64-bit quad-core processor which has been utilized in many smartphones this year, including devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, HTC, LeEco, Motorola, etc. That being said, weve been hearing rumors regarding the Snapdragon 821 and 823 for quite some time now, and one such handset had surfaced on AnTuTu quite recently. A new LeEco handset was listed along with the Qualcomm MSM8996pro processor, which could be either the Snapdragon 821 or Snapdragon 823, we cannot say for sure. That being said, two new variants of the Snapdragon 820 surfaced on Zauba, the Indian import and export site. Zauba frequently reveals new devices that are being imported into India for testing, and now we have a pair of Qualcomm-branded chips, it seems. The Qualcomm MSM 8996SG (001-Y8) is the more powerful of the two, this SoC is clocked at 2.35GHz, and its Adreno 530 GPU runs at 653MHz, while it also includes second-gen Hydra cores, just like the other chip well talk about in a second. This chip also offers support for LPDDR4 RAM, 3x CA at 60MHz, and CDMA (just like the other variant). The other chip comes with the MSM8996SD (001-Y8) model name, and it is clocked at 2.15GHz, while it ships with the Adreno 530 GPU which runs at 624MHz. Advertisement Both of these processors have been imported from the U.S., and it seems like were looking at either the Snapdragon 821 or 823 CPU variants here. Qualcomm still did not officially announce either of these two chips, but the announcement might come soon considering how many leaks are we seeing at this point. The Xiaomi Mi Note 2, Mi 5S and the recently leaked LeEco smartphone are all rumored to be fueled by one of these two chips, and were sure that more Android manufacturers are planning to do that very same thing in the coming months. Judging by the leaked info, the Snapdragon 821 and 823 wont be that much different than the Snapdragon 820, though they will be somewhat more powerful. Either way, stay tuned, well report back as soon as more info surfaces, as usual. Verizon Wireless is Americas largest carrier and offers a coast to coast high performance LTE data network with a choice of the latest smartphones. The company has repeatedly stated that it is concentrating on the better quality of postpay customer, meaning those able and willing to pay for Verizons comprehensive service. As such, Verizon Wireless have largely (but not completely) ignored the prepay market and do not partake in as many special deals or promotions are some of their competitor carriers. This written, the company has announced today that it is bringing its national trade-in event back. From today, customers taking a new device or line activation can trade-in their old device for a value of up to $300 as a down payment on a new device or instead, can take a Verizon account credit or gift card alternative. For customers buying the Motorola-made Droid Turbo 2 or Maxx 2, Verizon will accept a trade-in with a cracked screen, otherwise the device must be in good working and cosmetic order. Verizons blog on the trade-in explains that the quickest way to obtain the savings off a new contract or line is in a store or an on-the-spot credit. Customers can also complete the trade-in application using the Verizon Wireless website rather than in the store if they prefer. Advertisement There are eight devices eligible for Verizons trade-in deal and these are the Apple iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, the HTC 10, LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge and Note 5, the Droid Turbo 2 and the Maxx 2. Customers could receive the full $300 trade-in value if they are bringing in a Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge or Edge+, Note 5, the HTC One M9, iPhone 6, LG G4 or LG V10 devices other smartphones are worth less as a trade-in. For customers new to Verizon in general, the company is offering up to $650 in order to pay off the old phone contract providing customers are trading in the old handset for a new one; this includes the $300 maximum trade-in, so Verizon is offering up to $350 in the shape of a prepaid card to cover another carriers early termination charges. India is the second largest smartphone market in the world, only the Chinese market trumps India. That being said, India is the fastest growing smartphone market around, the Chinese market is quite saturated at the moment, and India is still kicking strong, not to mention theres plenty of room for progress as well. Indian government launched a couple of projects which certainly helped the company to grow, their government had launched the Make in India program a while back in order to lure in companies to manufacture devices in India. As part of this program, manufacturers get various benefits if they manufacture in India, and due to that fact, a number of companies opted to join the Make in India program in the last couple of months, including Xiaomi. China is still the number one priority for Xiaomi, but the company is doing their best to expand their presence in India as well. Theyve been selling various devices in India, and it seems like theyre trying to expand their production capacity in the country. Xiaomi and Foxconn are in talks with a couple of state governments in India, and are trying to set up new manufacturing plants in the country. We are looking to expand capacity and set up more lines and plants. We are proactively looking at it and are working with our partner Foxconn. Currently, discussions are on with different governments. We have also been increasing the capacity at the existing plant, said Manu Jain, Head of Xiaomi India. Advertisement The Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime was launched in India last year, and that was the companys first Make in India smartphone. Now, the company had to import the Mi Max phablet into China (a device which launched in India yesterday), and theyre aiming to avoid that moving forward. It would make things so much easier (and more profitable) if they could set up a couple of new manufacturing plants in India. As a side note, the company had also applied for opening single brand retail stores in India back in March, but the papers are still not approved, India is asking for more documentation, at least according to the latest reports. Xiaomi is currently manufacturing around 75% devices in India, the devices they sell in the country, which leaves more room for improvement, and a new plant in India would probably let Xiaomi avoid importing devices from China altogether. Transfer balls: Manchester United get Zlatan and close in on Paul Pogba Manchester United are all over he tabloids backpages. The Star leads with news that Paul Pogba is on his way to United in a deal worth 80m. Looking for facts to support the story is like looking for one of Jeremy Corbyns Jewish friends. You get the words without the facts to support them. The Star says United are closing in on the deal for Pogba. How close? The Star doesnt say. But its sister organ, the Daily Express, has told us Juventus and Barcelona agree pre-contract deal over Paul Pogba sale and PAUL POGBA has agreed in principle to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the Sun reports, is on his way to Old Trafford. Time to let the world know, said the ageing star before one last tour. My next destination is @manchester united. He then added the sticky-fingered hastag to #iamcoming. As Zlatan catches sight of his reflection and reaches for the tissues, the Sun says the Swede can be Uniteds next Cantona. Only better. After all, Zlatan is a black-belt in martial arts, whereas Canton was a mere amateur enthusiast. But, like Cantona, Zlatan is shy and retiring, stating: The legend can still deliver. As the Mirror adds, The ego has landed. And on 220-a-week, he can come and go as he please. The Mail is less sure. It wonder is Zlatan is the new Cantonaor Falcao. Hes agree to join United or a year. And whoever he is or isnt, it will be interesting. Anorak Posted: 1st, July 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Brexit cancelled: experts say the result was a draw Dont press the button! Brexit never happened. The EU referendum was a 2-2 draw says London School of Economics expert (but not in democracy) Dr Jo Murkens. He says because Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, while voters in England and Wales opted to leave, the result is 2-2. It was a draw*. In effect, the vote never happened. Hes not berating you for doing the wrong thing in voting out. Hes just stating the facts as his expert eye sees them. There would be no country left if we leave the EU, Dr Murkens tells the Evening Standard. I see no way in which the UK can leave the EU and survive. Were all dead by teatime. Hey, hes the expert. I just try to put his wisdom into words you slack-jawed mouth breathers can understand. He adds: Theres no political will in Scotland and Northern Ireland to remain in the UK if it leaves the EU. No political will? What of The Democratic Unionist Party, who campaigned for an out vote in Northern Ireland? What of the 17,410,742 people who voted to leave the EU? Not all were English and Welsh. In Northern Ireland, 349,442 people voted out. In Scotland, 1,018,322 voted out. The expert adds: I can see no Prime Minister who would want to preside over the break-up of the United Kingdom. Is Nicola Sturgeon likely to be PM? And we didnt vote on breaking up the United Kingdom. It was a vote on staying in the European Union. The Indy adds: After defeat in the 2014 Scottish referendum, the Brexit vote which altered the political status quo and galvanised support gave nationalists a renewed opportunity to push for independence. Now hands up who wants another referendum? In votes count twice *Has it gone to extra-time and then penalties? If it has, anyone think we can beat the Germans? Anorak Posted: 1st, July 2016 | In: Politicians, Reviews Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink Music: Florence's Maggio Musicale at El Jem Fest Prestigious Italian orchestra in Tunisia on July 30 (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, JULY 1 - ''It is a great emotion to be able to welcome the participation of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at the international festival of symphonic music of El Jem. The Orchestra of the Maggio Musicale is an excellency of our territory and our country and its participation in such an important festival, which has reached its 31st edition, fills us with pride. It is further proof of relations connecting Florence to Tunisia'', said the councilor for cooperation of international relations of the City of Florence, Nicoletta Mantovani, in relation to the participation of the Orchestra of Florence's Maggio Musicale in international symphonic music festival El Jem read in Tunis by the general consul of Tunisia in Florence, Gualserio Zamperini at a press conference to present the festival of El Jem running from July 9 through August 20 at the Roman amphitheater of El Jem (also called the little Colosseum), which was declared in 1979 a World Heritage Site. The participation of Maggio Musicale in the festival on July 30 is part of a cooperation between the municipalities of Florence and Tunis, signed in January 2016 by mayors Dario Nardella and Seifallah Lasram. The concert in the night of July 30 is the high point of a rich program including, among others, performances by the Orchestra of the Ukrainian national radio and the Wienner Opernballorchstrer from Vienna, attracting every year thousands of people, including foreigners. As of this year, festival tickets are sold on line and it is possible to reach the area of the concerts with two special trains from Tunis. One used to belong to former president Habib Bourghiba, which has been renovated and can be booked through a local operator offering a package including the trip and an entry ticket for the festival. (ANSAmed) Italy: Confindustria sees lower growth after Brexit Employers warn of recession if reform referendum fails (by Paul Virgo). (ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 1 - Italy's GDP will rise by 0.8% this year and by 0.6% in 2017, the CSC research centre of industrial employers' confederation Confindustria said Friday after revising down its forecasts following the Brexit. In December it forecast growth of 1.4% in 2016 and 1.3% in 2017. "The effects of the Brexit will be more evident in 2017," CSC said. Confindustria's research unit also said that a recession could ensue if the government's package to overhaul Italy's political machinery is rejected in a referendum this autumn. "The failure (of the Constitutional reform referendum) could interrupt the recovery and send the Italian economy back into recession," it said. Premier Matteo Renzi has pledged to resign if the package, which features the controversial transformation of the Senate into a leaner assembly of local-government representatives with limited powers, is rejected. In that case Italy could face the sort of political crisis Britain is currently enduring. Indeed, some political pundits have compared Renzi's decision to put his reform package to a referendum to outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron's call for a vote on EU membership - which backfired. There was good news for the Italian economy too on Friday. Italy's unemployment rate was 11.5% in May, according to provisional data released by Istat. This compares to 11.6% in April, after the national statistics agency revised the figure for the previous month. Istat says that the proportion of people in employment rose to 57.1%, an increase of 0.1 of a percentage point. It said that the youth unemployment rate was steady at 36.9% of the 15-to-24-year-olds who are actively on the labour market. Istat said there were 299,000 more people in work in May that in the same month last year and 175,000 fewer people on the dole. The number of people who are 'inactive' as they are not considered to be on the labour market dropped by 2.2%, it said. It said that, in total, 22.677 million people were employed, and 2.95 million were unemployed in May. (ANSAmed). ROME - A reported 30,052 Italians returned home last year while 102, 259 others were cancelled from the registry office of the city where they were residing to move to another country, according to a study carried out by the institute for political studies ''S. Pio V'' presented in Rome. It was a significant exodus that has a precedent only in 2004 (with 102,000 emigres), a situation which brings Italy back 40 years, said the research, called 'Qualified migrations in Italy: research, statistics, perspectives' (Edizioni Idos). The study, carried out by Benedetto Coccia and Franco Pittau, as explained by Antonio Iodice, president of the Institutte of Political Studies S. Pio V, is to spark a debate ''and make institutions understand that training, research and the preservation of our resources are a serious thing and the utmost should be done'' for them. Data from last year - said the research presenting an overview of studies conducted on qualified migrations, and completing the available data with the most recent - brings the country back to the past. In 1974 alone, the study recalled, expats exceeded 100,000 units, while over the post-WWII phase and after 1961 (with a record 387,000), the Italians who chose to leave their country exceeded 200,000 units. A mass exodus that resumed with the characteristics that were absent before: ''in current flows, young Italians are mainly involved, especially high school and university graduates''. At the start of 2000, in fact, migrants with a high school or university degree were a sixth of the total while they are today half of the overall number. Has the mentality has changed or is the phenomenon caused by a need to emigrate? What is certain is that Italy, the study denounces, perseveres in its inability to adequately exploit its graduates and qualified personnel. However, balancing the emigration of qualified citizens is a positive circulation of qualified personnel from abroad, able to ''contain the emigration of Italian talents'', noted the study. Italy ''exports intelligence and imports foreigners - high school and university graduates - who are actually as prepared or even more qualified than expected'', said Benedetto Coccia during the presentation of the book. It is thus untrue that Italy attracts unqualified foreigners. ''The level of education is very similar, in particular after the introduction of the short university degree'', warned Pittau, recalling that there were some 500,000 foreign university graduates in Italy in 2014. The common ground is that they are ''scarcely employed and scarcely promoted''. There is also little public and private investment in scientific research and scarce investment in education (only 4.1% of GDP against an EU average of 4.9%). Lack of employment, including qualified jobs, illegal jobs and scarce value given to merit are leading factors of emigration. The only way to change things is ''recreating a lively and open environment for Italian researchers and those coming from abroad''. (ANSAmed) Turkey: Rsf representative released after 10 days Charged with 'terrorist propaganda' (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JULY 1 - A court in Istanbul has ruled to release, pending trial, the representative in Turkey of Reporters sand Frontieres (Rsf), Erol Onderoglu, and of academic and human rights activist Sebnem Korur Fincanci, who were arrested on June 20 with charges of ''terrorist propaganda'' for taking part in a solidarity campaign in favor of pro-Kurdish daily Ozgur Gundem. Journalist and writer Ahmet Nesin remains in jail. He was arrested with them but is being tried by another court. Over the past few days, Rsf had launched a campaign for their release, defining the arrest as ''illegitimate'' and judging it as an attempt to intimidate journalists and opposition media. Prosecutors are seeking a 14-year jail term for the three activists. The arrests, criticized by the EU, raised the alarm on freedom of expression in Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey. At least 33 journalists are currently in jail in Turkey, according to Hurriyet. (ANSAmed) A trip to Samos, where refugees don't go anymore Landings from Turkey down, Aegean island relaunches tourism (by Gaetana D'Amico) (ANSAmed) - SAMOS (Greece), JULY 1- Samos is a green, lush island, known for being the birthplace of Pythagoras, for its muscat wine as well as for its rich history and archaeological sites. Yet over the past year, it has made headlines due to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean. The north-eastern Aegean island's closest tip to Turkey is just 1.2 kilometers away from the Anatolian coast. And this closeness has led to many migrant landings, mainly Syrians and Iraqis who were fleeing war and trying to reach the easiest entry point to Europe, choosing Samos, along with Chios and Kos as the first leg of their journey. The island, like must of Greece, has been a transit point of migrant flows mainly last year and tourism has suffered. But today Samos (32,000 residents who become 130,000 during the summer) wants to change its image as a point of entry for immigrants and is seeking to relaunch a sector that is one of the main revenues for the local economy. The Greek tourism agency is making an effort with the international press to get the message across. ''You can say the summer season has just started'', said Jorges, one of the owners of a restaurant along the beach of Pythagorio. ''Many tourists were influenced by reports on television and the papers, by the images of immigrants in Lesvos's hotspots, or the lifesavers found at sea and they thought they would find a similar situation here. But there are no more refugees in Samos'', he added. The only migrant center in the island was hosting just a while ago 1,400 immigrants. Only 400 are left now, waiting for their asylum application to be approved in order to leave the island and be transferred. Last year, local authorities said, as many as 100 migrants arrived every day. But after the agreement between the European Union and Turkey, the number of landings has gone down, if not disappeared. ''Refugees? We haven's seen them'', said Yiannis Parassiris, from the union of cooperatives of wine producers in Samos. And he added: ''Compared to last year, the situation has improved a lot. Tourism has suffered for sure. Who could have wished to come here amid the refugee crisis? But, little by little, we are going back to normal''. ''There has been a problem with migrants in Samos'', explained Giorgos Perris, president of the area of Kokkari, one of the municipalities of the island. ''Not like in other islands for sure, but it has affected us and the general trend to raise the alarm has not helped either''. ''When they arrived en masse we helped them with first aid, food and water, because it is in our nature to be hospitable. We managed the situation in a sensitive way. Tourism has gone down but is now recovering and, according to estimates by hoteliers, there will be an increase until October. The 2016 summer season has started in a positive way - continued the president - and all those who come here to spend their vacations can say that the situation is absolutely calm'', he added. And, confirming his words, the seafront of Kokkari is filling up with tourists arriving for a drink before lunch: Dutch, German and British tourists are part of the island and some have even bought a house. ''They are our best ambassadors'', confirmed Perris. (ANSAmed) Nota de Aporrea: A nuestra redaccion llego esta carta que por su contenido consideramos interesante dar a conocer a quienes viven en los Estados Unidos de Norteamerica y a dondequiera que lean Aporrea, que solo hablan ingles y que estan sometidos a un bombardeo mediatico inmisericorde contra Venezuela. Caracas, June 2016 Debbie: First of everything please receive my salutes with the best wish that your sense of humour is keeping alive your craziness as a valid resource to hold up our self in this wild world. Also and beside, I hope your interest and patience could be enough to follow my english wording. Any way Ill take revenge in case you write back something in spanish. Do you remember the studies at the beginning of 70s regarding the limits to grow? .. for that time the world population was around 2.1/2 thousand millions and now is more than 7.1/2 thousand, so certainly few things had change, by example the methods and systems to govern, manage, conduct, manipulate, and/or living or surviving in the planet, in different territories and countries, societies, communities, families, and also changes in the interrelation with the social-political-environmental diversity inside and outside our circles of action. We cant be rigid about it unless we get unconscious of it. Look to me that more and more people are getting conscious, but not the majority, and its an important reason so as there are evolutions in certain things as the technological one, so as there are involution in many others, creating uncomodities, confrontations, untolerations..between sociopolitical living modes. Following with your question about what the press said that is going on in Venezuela, I dont know exactly what you got, but I can image in some way its just a brush stroke of the terrorific, intentional and pointedly mediatic campaign that as part of a bigger plan to provoke socioeconomic unbalance, as a first step, to the actual venezuelan government from the different interested parties and lobbies that play in the geopolitical war of fourth generation up to day , and where the media is the more bastard mode for the strategic use of a reverse psychology that prepare the way to others subsequent modes. Its used, as we can perceive, in the present USA presidential campaign, in the venezuelan political situation and at most of others countries even cotidiantly through the publicity and the cibermediatic psicopenetration, pretending to weaken or to take out governments or persons that not act in favor of the interest of who impulse this campaigns. Regarding USA and in my personal opinion, I sympathy with the profundity implicit in a note that you pasted a few weeks ago that said something like that: I dont think America (USA) should elect any president in 2016. We need to be single for a few years and find ourselves.Look to me there is a pressure to decide between two traditional options that not represent the whole interest of an USA important percentage of population, nor an opportune, evaluative and evolutive move to adjust certain internal and external socio political issues and running policies in the middling time ahead, for the equidad and wellbeing of his own people and his equilibrate participation in the whole planet. But this is the reality, the maturity of countries social changes where the economic (energy modes, minerals and bio extractives, productivity, financing modes,..) and environmental aspects (population grow, contamination, water resources, deserting, feeding, global warming,..) are determinant factors which take more time that the time for the majority of the individual persons, elitestic o special groups to impulse a move to change. At this point, Im curious and will appreciate your opinion about: The economic and social reality of USAmerican society at the actual moments?..Even if I can imagine your tendency, what do you think of D. Trump, H. Clinton and B. Sanders.. how each of them can influentiate positive o negative the future of USA and/or the planet ?..If its there a desire for good, exist a brake o inflection point in curse ?.. What about the jewish, christian, Bilderberger, Gun National Association and some others similar or powerful lobbies influence in the decisions of USAmerican political strategies?.. What can do a new USAmerican president o government to improve the respect, goodwill and integral relationship with the latin american diversity ? .. Regarding Venezuela, the foreign economic and mediatic pressure , almost a blockade, with his internal o local lobbies and oppositers, together with the actual government limited operative capacity to confront and administrate a non-control ineffectivity to handle the problems of domestic security, so as the provisions and supplies dependency from the external products or industrial manufacture ones, in an almost mono productive country ( 90 % ingress from petroleum industry) which make difficult his capacity for respond to them, and also limited in the prospective vision for the middling terms. I can said that really we are inside a hard economic and mediatic war, but with the advantage that we are not Cuba 60s to 2000, and we (VNZ) are handling with economic natural (petroleum, mining,..) resources (external developed technologies) so as certify reserves (Many of us are getting very conscious its not the more convenient for our integral development and fortress) to palliate the day to day difficulties, beside the historical experience and solidary actitude of venezuelans in previous situations. Fortunately, for this actitude, we are not isolated in the world concert and these are resources in game just right now. In here, there is a good quantity of citizens that are not pushing for none of the extreme poles in conflict (opposition-government) because really their interested parties are the problem to superate. The change and evolution that I consider we need is not to fall in this radical limit of one or the other one, it should be to oxygenate the feasible alternatives to get out of the actual problematic and real crisis. To arrive and recognize a crisis is an opportunity to make personal and collective conscience of the problems, to be obligated to confront them and develop actions and solutions to overcome them and keep going. Let said to be a part of the participative solutions and not become as a part of the problem. Well my dear Debbie, so far I start to sound as a politician dreamer !.. so take the residues of this words and please in a moment of catharsis let move the windmills of your mind ! , at least it could be a good exercise to avoid any premature sign of Alzheimer ! . . oooommmmmmhhhhhh!!!.... En ingles ha sido casi un parto, en espanol seria mas directo, conciso y resumido. Por favor dale mis saludos a Daniela, Lara, family and friends , and to all your fans. Un fuerte abrazo !..., Manuel. We are delighted to announce our daily flights from to Bucharest, said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer of Flydubai. At flydubai, we are committed to expanding connectivity to destinations that have historically been underserved from Dubai. Since the launch of our Bucharest route in 2012, we have witnessed increasing demand from GCC passengers visiting the city and Romanian expatriates using our hub in Dubai to connect and visit family and friends around the world. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The 5th plane of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry carrying another 50 Armenian citizens arrived in Yerevan on July 1 at 13:20 from Beslan City of North Ossetia, Armenpress was informed by the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The medical and psychological personnel of the Ministry of Emergency Situation of Armenia are attending the passengers in the airport. Earlier on June 23, the Emergency Situations Department of the Interior Ministry of Georgia reported that 600 meters of the highway leading to the Upper Lars checkpoint (2km away), has completely collapsed as a result of flooding of the Terek River. The Russia-Georgia checkpoint was closed as a result, and transportation via the highway was put on halt. Overall, 5 aircrafts of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry have landed at Zvartnots international airport in Yerevan, transporting Armenian citizens who remained in Russia due to the closure of the highway. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on June 1 the USD exchange rate was 476.83 AMD which is an increase of 0.15 drams compared to the previous day. Armenpress reports that the Euro decreased by 0.79 drams forming 529.66 drams. British pound dropped by 6.47 drams forming 634.76 drams, Russian ruble decreased by 0.01 drams reaching to 7.43 drams on July 1. The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 281.47 AMD, gold-20,247.68 AMD, and platinum-15,315.11 AMD. YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The 6th flight of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations landed in Zvartnots airport, carrying 42 Armenian citizens. The passengers were welcomed by Colonel Hovhannes Khangeldyan, head of the National Center of Crisis Management and the medical-psychological personnel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The passengers were accompanied by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, led by Colonel T.S. Bazdirev and representative of the Emergency Situations of the Armenian Embassy in Russia Artak Ghazaryan. In total 234 Armenian citizens and 13 Russian citizens have been transported to Armenia by 6 flights. As a result of the agreement between the Armenian and Russian governments, special flights are transporting Armenian citizens to Armenia after the Upper Lars checkpoint has been closed due to the destruction of a part (600 meters) of the highway 2 km from the checkpoint (Georgian territory). Best Business Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Business category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. Best Home Improvement Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Home Improvement category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. All the latest Ashbourne news. Ashbourne is an historic market town in Derbyshire. Situated on the southern edge of the Peak District, it is known as the 'Gateway to Dovedale' and the 'Gateway to the Peak District'. Ashbourne is famous for the annual Royal Shrovetide Football Match, which has been played since at least 1667, although its origins may date back centuries earlier. Ashbourne became a Fairtrade town in March 2005. The popular Tissington Trail, which follows the route of the former Ashbourne to Buxton railway, starts on the edge of town. Keep up to date with the latest news from the town by signing up for our newsletter. Shaymanonda Das, 45, worked at the Radha Madan Gopal Temple. He was hacked to death while preparing morning prayers with flowers. His murder resembles similar killings elsewhere in the country claimed by Islamic groups. More than 40 people have been killed since February 2013, including 12 people in the last fourteen weeks alone. Dhaka (AsiaNews/Agencies) Early this morning, another murder against members of minority communities was consumed. A Hindu priest, Shaymanonda Das, 45, was hacked to death in front of the Radha Madan Gopal Temple in Jhenaidah district headquarter, 300 km south west from the capital. Even though nobody claimed his killing, Jhenaidah SP Sheikh Altaf Hossain said this murder resembles similar killings elsewhere in the country, where Islamic militants have targeted members of religious minorities as Hindu priests, Buddhist monks, Christian pastors, and secular bloggers, Lgbt activists, students, professors, foreigners. "He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and that time three young people came by a motor bike and killed him with machetes and fled away," said Mahbubur Rahman, the chief of Jhenaidah district administration. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks by Islamist extremists. At the beginning of June, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in the same Jhenaidah district. Two days earlier, a Christian businessman was also hacked to death by unidentified machete-wielding men while he had just returned from Sunday Mass. More than 40 people have been killed in attacks blamed on Islamist militants in Bangladesh since February 2013, including 12 people in the last fourteen weeks alone. Islamic State claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina denies the Sunni militant group has a presence in the country, saying homegrown extremists are behind the attacks. Analysts say the killing of Hindu religious leaders in Bangladesh is a focused attempt to trigger a Hindu exodus to India and create misunderstanding between the two governments at a time when bilateral relationship between Delhi and Dhaka is at its peak. For Fr Paul Karam, Lebanons religious and cultural ethnic mosaic is at risk. Region-wide plans and international efforts are needed. Fundamentalism is fuelled by deteriorating conditions in refuge facilities. Beirut (AsiaNews) Lebanon is paying a heavy price for what others have done, and could lose the ethnic, religious and cultural character that has constituted its specificity for decades, said Caritas Lebanon director Fr Paul Karam. For the past four years, the Catholic charity has played a leading role in helping refugees from Syria and elsewhere fleeing war. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Karam noted that Lebanon is not a big country, and cannot accommodate an uninterrupted and unsupervised flow of refugees whilst other nations take in few as by Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi pointed out during a recent pastoral visit to New York. Refugees, the prelate said, are a heavy burden that threatens Lebanons identity and future, and the countrys limited capacity to host refugees is compounded by the need to help poor Lebanese. Some of those limits are political, due to the failure of the small nations National Assembly to elect a president for the past two years. Under Lebanons confessional constitution, the post goes to a Christian. For the Maronite patriarch, Lebanese Christians and Muslims have a "shared identity", albeit based on "different cultures and traditions", and founded a nation based on secularism and religious freedom according to the principle of "unity in diversity". In the past few years, millions of refugees have arrived from Syria and Iraq, but this "heavy burden is threatening the nations character and future. Since the outbreak of civil war in Syria, almost 1.6 million Syrian refugees have poured into Lebanon, which has to cope with the demographic, economic, political, and security imbalances that this entails. According to the United Nations, about 1.2 million Syrians are presently in the country. There are also some 700 Christian families from Baghdad, Mosul and Erbil, as well as thousands of Palestinians from Syria. Lebanon's population stands at about 4.4 million people and the country is increasingly hard-pressed to manage the emergency. Speaking to AsiaNews, Caritas chief Fr Karam warns that the country "cannot pay for what others have done. Some states have accepted 5,000 refugees over five years. The Lebanese have shown a "great spirit of hospitality" towards the Syrians, as well as other refugees. Since 2003, after Saddam Husseins fall in Iraq, the flood gates opened. We are enduring the effects of choices made by some in their own self-interest in the Middle East and the West. In line with what Pope Francis said, "we try to give back some justice and dignity to people, Fr Karam said. But difficulties accumulate over time. Caritas facilities are doing the utmost, but there is not enough for everyone, and what there is is a but a drop in the ocean. Waves of refugees, poor border controls, and growing security concerns have led to violence, as evinced by recent events in Al-Qaa, a predominantly Christian border town. "This is what you get if no one checks who the refugees are, Fr Karam explained. Extremists become more active, not only here, but also in Istanbul, Paris, Belgium . . .. At many points along the border between Syria and Lebanon people are coming and going. "We should not generalise, because not all refugees are criminals. Many work and only ask to live in dignity. But the degrading condition at the [refugee] facilities, the hardships and the sense of abandonment favour fundamentalist ideologies." "After all, when food, schooling, and work are lacking, when people are denied the right to live, and are locked up in the camps, the risk of radicalisation is real and who pays the price is innocent people." by Christopher Sharma Under opposition pressure, Prime Minister Oli wants to speed up aid distribution. The World Bank, which administers a US$ 500 million fund, is against it, and could pull out. Fifteen months after the quake, thousands of families are still living in makeshift shelters. Kathmandu (AsiaNews) NGOs and donors helping Nepals post-earthquake reconstruction have threatened to pull out if the government does not change its policy of handing out aid without checks. On 29 June, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that his government accepted opposition demands to renegotiate the World Bank-led Multi Donors Trust Fund (MDTF), which administers a US$ 500 million fund, in order to change the current arrangements in favour of two instalments (NRP 15,000 and NRP 50,000) rather than three of NRP 50,000, NRP 80,000, and NRP 70,000. We would try to convince the government against the large payments, Ivan Vuarambon, Swiss Development Cooperations leader on the MDTF said, But if the negotiations fail, we may decide not to continue with the programme. The phased payment is related to the quality of the construction and the inspection process to ensure it. It goes against governments own Post-Disaster Recovery Framework, Vuarambon added. Howver, for Dilendra Prasad Badu, spokesman for the Nepali Congress (main opposition party), Earlier we agreed to provide the fund in more instalments and all the instalments were supposed to be completed within a year. But its already more than 15 months and victims have not yet received first instalments. So, we asked government to give the fund quicker without waiting for more instalments. So, we are not politicizing [the issue, but] rather we are asking for peoples rights. According to World Bank, current committed financing includes US$ 200 million from World Banks IDAs Crisis Response Window, US$ 100 million credit from JICA for parallel financing, about US$ 200 million by NGOs, and US$ 100 million from other donors. In the latters case, Nepali authorities and NGOs continue their tug-of-war. More than a year after the earthquake reconstruction is still at an impasse. The government has targeted groups that are not coordinating their action and acting on their own. Meanwhile, thousands of families are still living in makeshift shelters in the monsoon season. Extremist militias view non-Wahhabis as enemies to attack, says Fr Rafic Greiche. The Sinai has a long history of violence, with churches and priests seen as legitimate targets. It is no accident that a Coptic priest was recently killed on the anniversary of Morsis ouster. Cairo (AsiaNews) In the Sinai, "Christians have been targeted by Wahhabi-inspired terrorists for some time. For the latter, religions minorities and other Muslims groups are enemies to fight, said Fr Rafic Greiche, spokesman for the Egyptian Catholic Church, who spoke to AsiaNews after a Coptic priest was gunned down yesterday in the peninsula. "This area has already seen Jihadi violence, with the killing of soldiers, policemen, and soldiers, the clergyman said. Local churches, priests and religious are considered legitimate targets." The Islamic State (IS) group appears to be behind yesterdays murder of Fr Raphael Moussa, 46, who was shot in the head. A pro-IS website claimed responsibility for the murder. He was standing next to his car in the city of El-Arish, a coastal town and capital of the province of North Sinai, only 20 km away from the border with Gaza. The area remains lawless overrun by militias and gun runners. After he celebrated Mass, the priest, a married father of two, had taken his car to a mechanic for repairs. Within minutes of his arrival at the garage, he was shot dead. He had been serving at the St George Parish in El-Arish since 2012. On social media, the pro-Caliphate group claimed that he was punished for combating Islam. "This mind-set is rooted in these groups, Fr Greiche said. They must be fought militarily, but also by educating new generations. This process takes time, but it is necessary." Raphael Moussa came to the area with Fr Mina Aboud, another Coptic priest who was killed in July 2013 by extremist militias, at a time when violence spiked following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, who was backed by the Muslim Brotherhood. Yesterday's murder coincides with the anniversary of the large-scale demonstration on 30 June 2013 that led to Morsis ouster by current president, General al-Sisi, and the banning of the Brotherhood. Islamist groups have never forgiven Coptic Christians for siding with al-Sisi, who today is the guarantor of national unity and defender religious freedom, although critics accuse him of using force to repress dissent and violate civil rights. For Fr Rafic Greiche, the attack against the priest and the anniversary are no accident. Yesterday. some Christian homes were burnt in Minya." These violent incidents could be "revenge from Morsis supporters, who want to attack Christians because they did not support the president". In any event, "whenever there is a recurrence or a sensitive anniversary attacks occur." The international airport is a focal point for pilgrims to Mecca. Many young people from the Caucasus and Central Asia stop in Istanbul before traveling to Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria to fight the jihad. The death toll of the attack is now 43, of which 19 foreigners. Tourism in Turkey severely hit. Istanbul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The three-suicide bombers who attacked the Istanbul international airport on June 28th evening, came from Russia (from Dagestan), Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan: a government personality who kept anonymous confirmed yesterday evening. Until now there has been no claim, but authorities point the finger at the Islamic State (IS). Meanwhile, the number of victims has been updated: 43 deaths, of which 19 foreigners. In addition, there are at least 239 wounded. On the lack of claims, some analysts think that it never will be because many of the victims are Muslim and this would increase the criticism and contempt towards the Islamic state. The Istanbul Ataturk Airport is the most important hub for all pilgrimages to Mecca during the year. This aspect is also what favours the concentration of young people from all over the Islamic world - and even from the Caucasus and Central Asia - which pass through Istanbul to go and fight the jihad (holy war) in Iraq or Syria. Very often they go first to Saudi Arabia or Syria, or Egypt to receive religious and military instruction. Yesterday the Turkish police detained 13 suspects of supporting the IS in 16 different places of Istanbul. A notable victim of this terrorist wave in Turkey is tourism. Due to a series of attacks from Islamists or Kurds, Turkish Airlines, the national carrier, reported a loss of 421 million dollars in the first quarter of 2016. by mons. Thomas Menamparampil* Ethnic insurgencies in the seven sister states" of Indias north-east goes back a long time. In 1996 local Churches set up a Joint Peace Mission Team. The former archbishop of Guwahati describes what makes a good peacemaker. Peacemaking succeeds if mediators can sympathise with both sides. Appealing for peace must be sincere, excessive publicity can be harmful, and influential people can come together. The power of prayer is a key lesson. Jowai (AsiaNews) North-eastern India includes the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Known as the seven sister states, they have been the scene of violent insurgencies for decades. Recently, some rebels fighting for local autonomy have surrendered. This has gone largely unnoticed by Indias mainstream media. Mgr Thomas Menamparampil, apostolic administrator in Jowai (Meghalaya) and Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati (Assam), spoke to AsiaNews about this exceptional event. Since 1996, the local Church has been involved behind the scene through the Joint Peace Mission Team. Violence in this region left 413 people dead in 2014, far more than the 193 people killed in Indias Kashmir, and yet the latter has received greater international coverage. Peace efforts got a boost recently after representatives of various religious groups, as well as activists, and political and social organisations met in late May in Tura, Garo Hills District (Meghalaya). Mgr Menamparampil was one of the participants. Today he is happy that the insurgency situation has been peacefully resolved. The latter goes as far back as Indias independence, and worsened after the State of Meghalaya was created out of Assam. Titled The way to peace is painful, we publish the archbishop's comments on the importance of being "peacemakers" in India. Tragedies Gave Rise to Peace Initiatives in Northeast India The peace initiative of the Joint Peace Mission Team of Northeast India won much attention when recently a number of Garo young men surrendered arms in a reconciliation ceremony in Tura. The event took place soon after the Peace Team had made an earnest appeal for peace. This has aroused a new interest in the history of this low profile Peace Team, locally referred to as JPMT. The JPMT came into existence in 1996 in answer to a clash between the Bodo and Adivasi tribes in Assam which had driven over 250,000 people into more than 47 refugee camps. The tragedy took place soon after an election and the Government was too busy distributing portfolios. There was no choice for the Christian Churches in the region but to plunge themselves into relief work with all their heart, coming to the aid of people in the most wretched condition. Fortunately, the Church leaders decided to cooperate and not compete, which made their collective effort most effective. Out of that spirit of cooperation and the eager expectation of the suffering communities emerged the present Peace Team. The JPMT brought representatives of the conflicting groups together and facilitated a dialogue. With a few rounds of talks and intense visits to villages peace came, the atmosphere improved, relationships were re-established, and life returned to normal. The successful handling of this unmanageable problem brought the Government to appreciate Christian contribution to peace more than ever. JPMT Extends Its Services Ever since, during the last 20 years the JPMT has been invited to help in more than a dozen inter-community conflicts in Northeast India, each unique in its own way with its own causes and characteristics, and its own different path to reconciliation. We never claimed that peace came from our work alone, but we rejoiced that we made a small contribution towards the cause of peace. All we claimed was that we generated good will, elicited cooperation, pointed the direction. But the decisions were made by the affected parties themselves, generally under the guidance of the Administration. Our usual strategy was to avoid excessive publicity lest we evoked jealousy or opposition. We never built up formal structures or go for elaborate fund-raising programmes. We concentrated on building up brotherly bonds among the Church leaders which we sought to strengthen whenever we came together. For, the path to peace is painful. But as members of the JPMT, we learnt many lessons during our determined effort for peace. The Fighter is the Hero Today The peacemaker today is a non-entity in our times. I say that because for over a century we have been fed on philosophies of struggle (Darwin, Marx, Nietzsche, propagators of the Fascist, Nazi and Communist ideologies and their milder versions, ethnic loyalties, religious fanaticisms), and are so inspired by the ideals of fighting and struggling for justice and rights, that our combating spirit has grown and our reconciling skills have sagged. Christian communities themselves have been influenced. For example, In recent years, some Latin American Liberation theorists have proposed, The Christian must love everybody, but not all in the same way; we must love the oppressed, defending and liberating him; the oppressor, accusing and combating him (Frost, Brian Frost, The Politics of Peace, Darton, Longman and Todd, London, 1991). No wonder, then, that the fighter is the hero today, not the peacemaker. What makes news is action, explosion, confrontation, collision, mutual destruction. What is expected of a committed activist is to condemn, denounce, expose, challenge, humiliate. When he does that best, he emerges a hero. But we forget that condemnation alienates, scatters; sympathetic understanding gathers. We are Forgetting Traditional Reconciling skills Consequently, we are in danger of losing certain basic human skills embedded in all cultures, like paying respectful attention to the other persons (tribes, communitys) point of view, trying to understand them, showing sympathy for their goal or at least some aspect of it; dialoguing, explaining, arguing amicably; negotiating, avoiding aggressive language, making an effort to convince; yielding, conceding, tolerating, forgiving, evoking collaboration, insisting on gentler solutions, and inviting compromise. o, the first lesson that our Peace Team learnt was that everyone who desires to be a peacemaker needs to unlearn some of these earlier mentioned skills of confrontation and develop the skills needed for reconciliation, and teach others to do the same. That is what we sought to do ever since the Bodo-Adivasi clash at Kokrajhar of 1996. Causes of Conflicts Causes for conflicts in different parts of the world may be: ethnic, regional, national, religious, ideological grievances. Here, ethnic grievances dominate. Recent statistics show that there are more instances of violence in a society with a high proportion of young people than in others. Young people tend to be idealistic, eager for peer approval, ready to take risks and naively open to simplistic ideological explanations. Over 60% of the population in Northeast India are young. It is they who come forward to defend the interests of their own people when there is a perceived sense of injustice along ethnic lines. The grievance may be linked to claims of the sons of the soil, ownership of land, crops, transit and marketing facilities, or political representation. Internal migration for land or jobs aggravates the situation. Politicians Misuse Youth Energies for Their Own Purposes Unfortunately there are leaders who wish to use the exploding energy of youth for political mobilization; and not rarely, for campaigns against outsiders. They connive at their acquisition of arms. And young people who are dropouts from school, marginalized in economy, ignored in society, suddenly feel empowered when they get a deadly weapon in their hands. Those who take up arms in the pretext of defense of their own people, slowly develop aggressive ways, extort money first from businessmen from outside, then from their own people, serve the political interests of leaders to get social acceptability, and gradually grow unwilling to give up that way of life finding it comfortable. And violence of various levels of intensity remains on, as it has been happening in the Garo Hills in recent years. Such explosive material is ready for a clash at the slightest provocation. There are too many groups in the region in such a state of preparedness All Fighters are Fighting for What They Think is Right Now a word about how to intervene helpfully in times of conflict. If we take it for granted that one side is definitely right and the other side totally wrong, that one is a demon and the other a helpless victim, we shall not succeed to become mediators between two groups in conflict. For, both contenders in a fray are convinced that they are fighting for a good cause. We listened to the endless lamentations of the Kukis and Paites of Manipur after they came into conflict in 1998. The situation was so terrible that people were digging trenches in their own houses to get a bit of sleep. A free bullet could come through the window at any time of the night. Both groups were fighting for justice, each community for its own understanding of it. Thus, perceptions of justice clashed. When justice clashes with justice, the peacemaker finds himself in a helpless position. Excessive preaching and repetition of pacifist platitudes at the early stages of the dialogue when the contestants are still in an aggressive mood, will sound extremely annoying and humiliating to contestants. Hasty condemnations will enrage them. The Peacemaker Must Understand, Sympathize The peacemaker will not be in a position to initiate a reconciliation-dialogue with contending groups, unless he/she has a measure of sympathy for their cause in his heart. Even if he believes that their claims are exaggerated, unless he can empathize with them at depth and are touched by the passion they have for their goals and the sense of justice that motivates them, or at least some aspect of their cause, he will not be able even to initiate a dialogue. But if the peacemaker is profoundly struck by the magnitude of their grievances and are able to understand (not necessarily approve) the excesses to which their legitimate anger has driven them, they will gradually begin to respond. The same will be true of the other party as well. Neither group is asking the Peace Team to condone their immoderation; they are asking them only to understand how they felt compelled to go to such painful lengths to defend their cause. They are not asking the peacemakers to say much, but to feel much. That is how peace came to the Dimasas and Hmars in Haflong after a severe clash in 2003 through the intense efforts of the Peace Team. Listening had a healing power. Fighters Long for Peace at the Deepest Level We cannot forget that there is a profound longing for peace even in the heart of the sternest combatant. The Peace Team could see that during the conflict between the Kukis and Karbis in 2003 at Diphu. The dispute was over the profit made by migrants on ginger-trade. What the parties were asking was: Peace, yes; but at what terms? At whose terms? Not certainly at the cost of their central interests, including their collective image. And yet, even the fiercest fighters are looking forward to a formula of peace. It is this hidden entry-point that the peacemaker tries to target. But ultimately the Kukis and Karbis mellowed, and agreed to come to an understanding. The most important thing for the peacemaker is to make an acceptable presence in the subconscious of the warring groups. His ability to build up confidence-generating relationships with the parties concerned is the key to success. He has to be fair to all parties concerned, consistently avoiding ego-claims, establishing warm-hearted relationships with people and being known for his sensitivity and universal outlook. Our Peace Team had to keep this in mind when we intervened in the conflict between the Bodos and the Muslims at Udalguri in 2010. A commitment to humanity that comes through in ones words, deeds and relationships is far more convincing about a peacemaker than some techniques that he may have picked up in a recent conflict-resolution seminar. This should combine with sensitivity to human pain no matter who suffers. Bringing Together Thinking People When an inter-community battle broke out, our toughest challenge was to bring the right people together for negotiations. Now, who are the right people? It is not easy to bring frontline fighters together for peace-talks; their skills lie in another direction. I would describe the persons who matter in a peace-dialogue at the first stage as thinking people, sensitive leaders, persons who are respected on both sides. It may include intellectuals, thinkers, writers, teachers, social workers and people who inspire society and whose words are noncontroversial. That is what we did during the Garo-Rabha clash at Mendipathar in 2011. And the communities responded promptly. The Peacemaker Remains a Facilitator It is best if the peacemaker remains merely a confidence-builder, facilitator and helps to create a serene atmospherean atmosphere in which interactions become easy. He may suggest a step forward at key moments, invite deeper reflection, whisper a solution, allowing the contestants themselves to thrash out their differences. If he remains inconspicuous and keeps a low-profile, his long term contribution can be greater. The less he interferes with the natural flow of things and the normal processes of discussions, the better. Finally a word about making compromises. Living together always means being prepared for compromises. This is true of a family, a village, a nation and the international community. The most valuable contribution the peacemaking team can offer is to lead opposing parties towards a gradual understanding and acceptance of this great truth. Winning headlines may be flattering, but the fruits therefrom may not be lasting. Premature publicity can be fatal. Those who oppose peace may track down the peacemaker at any stage and make him trip over. Doing things as though not doingthat is the role of the peacemaker in complex situations. One should feel free from having to play to the gallery. That is why the JPMT is little known outside the Northeastern region. Its contribution to the lift of a four-month economic blockade in Manipur five years ago remains unknown even within the region. The Peace Appeal Must Sound Sincere What our Peace Team does at the end of the dialogue(s) is to make an appeal for peace together with the representatives of the two groups concerned. And if the appeal is respectful, carefully phrased, well balanced and corresponding to realities and needs, they usually evoke a good response. The participants in the dialogue sessions can make an effort to organize meetings at local levels and generate the same atmosphere of goodwill. If there is wide acceptance of the proposals in the communities, the community leaders may move on to the final round of negotiations in the presence of Civil Authorities, in which the Peace Team need not be present at all. If, in the process, the Team is clean forgotten or marginalized, we rejoice, for it is in the order of things that ultimately peace is restored to a community by the concerned people themselves. In 2015 the Adivasis of Uriamghat returned to their homes from where they were driven out several months earlier. Healing of Historic Memories The hardest to heal are memories of historic injuries. May be that is specially true in places like the Middle East. But even in our region memories of injuries received can remain alive in peoples hearts and negative stereotypes of each other haunt the minds of the two contending groups for a long time. If no healing takes place, hostilities may be renewed at any time. That is why the healing of historic memories and the demolition of stereotypes form a great mission for the Peacemaker. Our Peace Team Has Withstood Serious Negative Experiences Experience tells us that there are many things in a complex situation that can discourage the Peacemaker. The representatives of the warring groups may refuse to turn up for dialogue. Their ears may be poisoned against him and his initiatives. Follow-up efforts after reconciliation may never take off. People may get discouraged from the recurrence of violence even after a peace-agreement. Collective anger may be rekindled if a member of their community is hit again unexpectedly. Malicious rumours may be deliberately spread. The press may inflate the number of victims, interpret issues wrongly, ignore the Peacemakers initiatives and successes. They may feel left alone to struggle. But then, quite unexpectedly, the truth reveals itself, and peace returns. And the Peace Team wins unexpected recognition as it did in 2015 when the German based Berghof Foundation held up its methods for international attention. The Mysticism of the Brief Moment: In God Nothing is Lost One last learning for a Peacemaker who is a religious believer: he/she will have to have confidence in what I have chosen to call the mysticism of the brief moment, in the power of prayer. Prayer is the source of strength in moments of anxiety, tension, opposition, discouragement, failure, and humiliation. It is with this strength that he builds bridges across communities and cultures, sorts out differences, persuades people to forgive, join hands together and strive on to create a better world. He also remembers that peacemakers in different parts of the world did not always succeed, that some lost their lives, and that some of their stories read like a tragic waste. Even being fully aware of these facts, the Ecumenical Joint Peace Team of Northeast has never lost hope. And when our small successes are added up, they do not seem to be insignificant. For, in God nothing lost. Peace comes in its own good time. There are many ways in which God makes people beat their swords into ploughshares (Is 2:4). Our Peace Team is immensely happy if they have played a small and humble role towards it. * former archbishop of Guwahati, apostolic administrator of Jowai Ongoing construction one of three "negative trends" that must be quickly reversed, Un diplomat says. Violence, incitement and the Palestinian Authority's lack of control over the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip also "severely undermine hopes for peace. Quartet findings the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Israeli girl stabbed to death by Palestinian inside bedroom. Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A much-awaited report by the Middle East quartet demands that Israel take urgent steps to halt the expansion of settlements in Palestinian territories, the UN envoy said Thursday. Nickolay Mladenov told the Security Council that ongoing Israeli construction in the West Bank was one of three "negative trends" that must be quickly reversed to keep the hope of an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal alive. Violence, incitement and the Palestinian Authority's lack of control over the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip also "severely undermine hopes for peace," Mladenov said. The full report prepared by the quartet -- the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations -- is expected to be released on Friday after months of delays, mostly over of the thorny issue of settlements, diplomats said. Its findings and recommendations are to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US peace initiative collapsed in April 2014. Mladenov said the report outlined a "reasonable set of steps" that could set Israel and the Palestinians "firmly along a navigable course towards establishing a comprehensive peace with historic implications for the entire region. The UN envoy asked the Security Council to endorse the report recommendations in a move that would turn the document into an internationally-agreed roadmap for Israeli-Palestinian peace. As the council discussed the new peace plan, a Palestinian attacker stabbed and killed a 13-year-old girl in her home in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Hallel Yaffa Ariel, 13, who had US citizenship, was attacked as she slept inside her bedroom in Kiryat Arba. A security guard who responded to the incident was wounded before the attacker was shot dead by other guards. The Palestinian health ministry identified the Kiryat Arba assailant as Mohammed Tarayreh, 19, from the nearby village of Bani Naim. "The horrifying murder of a young girl in her bed underscores the bloodlust and inhumanity of the incitement-driven terrorists that we are facing," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Since it began, 207 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans and one Sudanese and one Eritrean have been killed. Most Palestinians were killed trying to stab or fire on passing cars or soldiers. The others were killed during demonstrations or clashes with the military. Faced with this escalation of violence that culminated in the attack in Tel Aviv on June 8, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to step up the demolition of the homes of Palestinian assailants. A measure which, according to critics, is a "collective punishment" which ends up exacerbating the tension. Low M&A activity is likely to plague Australian business for the remainder of 2016, according to an analysis by professional services firm Grant Thornton released this week.But demand for Australian businesses from off-shore acquirers is likely to increase again when the Brexit headwinds inevitably subside.According to the study, 26% of deals completed in Australia involved international buyers, 15% of which were from the UK, with companies here likely to find more global buyers and investors looking down under, as they seek less volatile markets in the Asia region.Offshore demand for Australian businesses is being driven by a number of factors, including close access to high growth Asian markets, stable political and economic environment, low sovereign risk and opportunities to acquire innovative products and services that can be deployed into their home markets, national head of Corporate Finance at Grant Thornton Australia Paul Gooley told Australasian Lawyer.Should we see a clear election result in both houses this weekend, we would expect that to be a positive for wider sentiment and deal activity and likewise once the short term volatility subsides from Brexit, the result can only lead to Australia being a more attractive investment destination for offshore buyers looking to diversify away from Europe. Herbert Smith Freehills partner Philippa Stone said that while this years M&A activity doesnt quite match 2015s mega deals, she expects Australias M&A activity to remain steady.Markets always oversell on a significant event like Brexit and in the short term investors may hesitate, she said.However, I dont expect Brexit will have any lasting impact on Australian M&A. If anything, offshore investors looking for a safe market are likely to be more drawn towards Australia.In the short term, the report predicts that currency markets may add to the slower momentum of the M&A and Private Equity markets but that the mid-market is likely to see plenty of Private Equity funding available once the volatility subsides.In the ongoing low yield environment, Private Equity as an asset class, particularly investments focussed in the mid-market, continue to provide above market returns, Gooley said.With the deleveraging that has been occurring since the GFC and the volume of retirement savings that are accruing in the system, high growth medium size businesses will in many cases have a gap in their funding structure that is well suited to private equity funding.Proposed changes to ASX listing requirements is likely to reduce Australias inflated IPO market, which saw record levels up until the end of 2015, Gooley said.Since this time, equity market volatility and uncertainty on the local economic and political fronts have certainly been the main factors in reduced IPO activity, he added. A measles alert has been issued after a Victorian woman who travelled on a Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was diagnosed with the highly-contagious disease.Keep take care of your self.Thanks Hey everyone! I'm in a situation and looking for anyone that might have been in a similar situation to help calm my nerves and anxiety. I was in Australia on a visitor visa (I'm from Canada), which I extended once, and then wanted to again the day before my extension was about to expire. The cost of the extension was significantly high (over $1000AUD) and was over my daily use of credit limit. I called the IMMI phone number to see if there is any way to split tender between two cards but they said no and that I should go to the office next day and they will fix the issue and I won't have to worry. Next day, I was told I was unlawful but was granted a bridging visa E for two weeks to make appropriate travel arrangements to leave the country. Unfortunately I was an idiot and waited until a few days before to book the flight out and unfortunately fell Ill (acute maxillary sinusitis, I'm prone to it from previously working as a flight attendant) and know I am unfit to fly for at least a week in fear of bursting an ear drum. Again though, I was an idiot and did not think to get a doctors note to prove my case. I became unlawful for the second time. Luckily the officials were very kind and offered me another chance since I had a flight ticket booked out of Sydney to NZ. My issue is rare I realize, but I spoke to an immigration agent because I want to come back into Australia. I have filed for a Working Holiday Visa (417) with the agent and explained my circumstances to the government. It has been only two days but I realize my case would be considered high profile so I'm not expecting an answer soon. I was just wondering if anyone has been or knows someone who has been in a similar situation of breaking conditions, and still being granted a visa. Help calm my anxiousness! I did try to fix my situation but unfortunately it has all gone down hill. I have never had any previous convictions and have always respected my australian visa conditions (my boyfriend lives in Australia so I visited often for over two years) If anyone has anything to share, I'd love to hear it, cheers! NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration After further testing a subset of inflators in certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, theannounced an urgent call to have these cars repaired. The intriguing detail regarding this announcement is that the said vehicle population has been recalled in 2008 and 2011 over the same niggle.So what in the name of all things holy prompted the peeps over at theto recall these vehicles a third time? According to American Honda Motor Company, 313,000 vehicles with this dangerous defect remain unrepaired, accounting for roughly 30 percent of the population.With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous airbag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately, explains U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge. That 50 percent change of rupture is no laughing matter, to be honest, especially if you take into account that other Takata inflators show rupture rates of at less than one percent. That's worrying, to say the least.The high-risk inflators in question equip the 2001 - 2002 Honda Civic, 2001 - 2002 Honda Accord, 2002 - 2003 Acura TL, 2002 Honda CR-V, 2002 Honda Odyssey, 2003 Acura CL, and 2003 Honda Pilot. Owners can check if their vehicles are recalled by visiting SaferCar.gov or by contacting the nearest dealership.As of June 17, no less than 8,867,284 Takata driver and passenger airbags have been replaced in the U.S. By 2019, the NHTSA estimates that nearly 70 million Takata airbag inflators are or will be under recall. The American brand has opened order books for several special edition models of the Viper , which will have its final year of production. These cars are bound to be collectibles as long as their drivers do not crash them, but we hope the vehicles will have a long and safe existence.Each of the cars below honors a special version of a previous model, or a particular accomplishment of the American muscle supercar.We are writing about just 28 units of the 1:28 Edition ACR, which was sold in just 40 minutes, 31 units of the VoooDoo II Edition ACR sold in two hours, and the Snakeskin GTC edition.The Snakeskin GTC had 25 units available, and they sold out in two ordering days, just like the next special edition, the GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACRs, of which 100 units were available.Meanwhile, the 22 units of the Dodge Dealer Edition ACR sold out in five days, and the automaker has chosen not to show it with the other cars and only offer it through selected dealers. The success of these cars has made Dodge add a new special edition, called the Dodge Viper Snakeskin ACR.The 2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR will come with a Snakeskin Green exterior, an ACR Package, the Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes, ACR interior, a serialized instrument panel badge, and a custom car color. The last of the items will match the exterior paint scheme and will also feature the customers name above the drivers side door.The 2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR will only be made in 31 units, and order books will be open mid-July. The color of the car was inspired by the 2010 Snakeskin ACR, which was also built in only 31 units.Those that have not managed to snag a special edition Viper will still get the chance to have a unique car, as the 1 of 1 Viper Customization program is still available for the 2017 model year. Two customers cannot order identical cars through this program in the same model year. The 1995 Camping World Truck Series champion wrestled his truck across the 1.12-mile course, completing the Hillclimb run in 50.44 seconds. You can check out the racing driver's adventure in the piece of footage at the bottom of the page.And since the clip mixes the in-car view with an exterior take on the matter, you'll be able to get a good taste of just how extreme the wrestling action was - it almost seemed like the blue collar NASCAR machine wanted to oversteer its way through every corner.The clip also offers us a timing comparison between the Toyota racecar and the McLaren P1, with Tundra topping the Woking halo car. The only problem was that the battle was held on the Mac's home turn, which meant the P1 could turn to its big brother, the P1 LM.Developed as the ultimate incarnation of the P1, the LM is an evolution of the street-legal P1 GTR racecar. The P1 LM was deployed at this year's Festival of Speed wit the aim of setting a new record for road-legal machines, which it did. Manhandled by Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack, the P1 LM completed the task in 47.07s, thus avenging its "standard" sibling.Nevertheless, the P1 LM also got its insane-aero rear end kicked, with a Subaru Impreza WRX STI time attack racecar driven by Olly Clark, the son of the late British rally legend Roger Clark, covering the course in 46.29.However, in the end, everybody was happy. The Scooby climbed to the podium for the second year in a row, the P1 LM grabbed second place and aced the record mentioned above, while the NASAR Toyota Tundra completed the podium, while winning its class for the third year in a row. And they all hooned happily ever after. Photo: Chery The Iran leg of Chery Arrizo 5 Global Media Test Drive recently been wrapped up. In addition to Iran, the test drive covered markets in Chile, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the UAE, and Peru. As Chinas largest auto exporter, Chery took root in Iran early more than 10 years ago. After nearly 10 years of localized operation and management, Cherys joint venture in Iran has become Irans largest foreign-funded automaker, and Cherys cumulative car parc in Iran has been nearly 200,000 units. In the first five months of 2016, Chery sold 18,015 units in Iran, up 8.6 percent year on year, according to the automaker. In January 2016, when Tongyao YIN, president & CEO of Chery, accompanied Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit to Iran, Chery signed an agreement with Iran on expanding the Iran Auto Industry Park, marking the first step of Cherys Globalization Strategy 2.0 in 2016. Based on the existing plant with an annual output of 60,000 units, Chery Iran Industry Park will increase the annual output of the plant by 100,000 units and initiate the manufacturing of parts, to make the park more competitive. While building a regional manufacturing cluster, Chery will supply parts to other automakers in Iran. With the construction of the park, Cherys competitiveness and market share in Iran will be further enhanced, according to the automaker. 1 July 2016 11:05 (UTC+04:00) Armenian armed forces have 4 times violated the ceasefire with Azerbaijan on the line of contact over the past 24 hours, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry reported on July 1. Azerbaijani positions took fire from the positions near the Gorgan village and nameless heights of the Fizuli district. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 17:15 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Camal Last day of June saw another failed attempt of Armenian mothers to achieve a justice and soothe the soul of their deceased sons. A group of parents, who have been holding protests for years demanding fair investigation into their sons' deaths gathered once again near the Presidential Palace on June 30. Hopeless parents of Armenian soldiers, who were passed away or killed in non-combat conditions, made another attempt to catch up the attention of the Sargsyan regime and demand justice. The protest participants wished to be informed as to why their addresses to the president are left unanswered by the Presidential Palace, but, in vain. The protest in Yerevan was dispersed by police officers. The guardians of law and order once again did not let the protesters to approach the gates of the Presidential Residence. The police pushed back the parents and dispersed the rally. The mothers expressed dissatisfaction with police arbitrariness. They, as Gohar Sargsyan claimed, simply wanted to walk by the presidential office. "I am a citizen who wants to walk on the sidewalk. Am I deprived of this right because I am a mother in mourning clothes? "- said Gohar Sargsyan, the mother of soldier Tigran Ohanjanyan who died in 2007. Even the Ombudsman Office failed to reach out to the Palace to help the parents. Members of the Ombudsman offices quick response team led by Rafael Poghosyan arrived on the scene after Gohar Sargsyan phoned the office. The representatives of the Ombudsmans office asked for clarifications from the police coordinator for dispersal of the rally, but it didnt help. "Maybe they did it due to birthday of Serzh [Sargsyan]," suggested Irina Ghazaryan, mother of the deceased Arthur Ghazaryan, mentioning that the president, who was marking his birthday on June 30, seems unwilling to spoil his day. The parents stressed that they have held multiple protests in front of the Presidential Palace before. But, every time the Palace was deaf. Meanwhile indiscipline and arbitrariness take deeper roots in the Armenian army and unmilitary losses increase. A number of facts of death and injury as a result of violation of weapon usage rules were recorded in the Armenian army in 2015, while the number of suicide attempts and suicides is also on rise. Human rights groups contend that most army suicides are in reality homicides, and that army officers often tamper with evidence and cover up these crimes. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 17:48 (UTC+04:00) By Fakhri Vekilov OSCE has intensified its activities to find a solution to bloody Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as the issue was top on agenda during the Baku visit of Chairperson-in-office, Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He met with IDPs from Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on June 30. During the meeting Steinmeier said that Germany as the OSCE chairing country seeks to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Addressing the meeting, chairman of the Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh Public Union, head of Shusha District Executive Authority Bayram Safarov highlighted the history and outcomes of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan. "Armenia continues its aggressive policy despite the resolutions of international organizations," he said. Members of the Public Union, rector of Baku Music Academy Farhad Badalbayli and MP Rovshan Rzayev spoke about the Armenian occupation. They stressed necessity of enhancing efforts of the international community and organizations to put an end to the existing status-quo and ensure the repatriation of Azerbaijani IDPs. They also made an emphasis on Armenia's refusal from fulfilling four resolutions adopted by the United Nations. The UN Security Council adopted 822, 853, 874 and 884 resolutions in 1993 concerning unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from occupied territories. Rzayev claimed that living together with Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh does not seem so unbelievable for Azerbaijanis. Even today, despite difficult circumstances and war, more than 120,000 Armenians live safe on Azerbaijani territory, which indicates the strong will of the nation for coexistence in peaceful conditions. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 10:26 (UTC+04:00) By Joschka Fischer The decision by the United Kingdoms voters to Brexit the European Union is not an example of the British black humor that I love. Its not Monty Pythons Flying Circus, Yes, Prime Minister, or Fawlty Towers; its just Boris, Michael, and Nigel and their disastrous political reality show. Given the UKs economic, political, and military significance, Brexit will leave a gaping hole in the EU. But it will not destroy Europe. At the moment, the same cannot be said of the UK. Will the country remain united, or will the Scots leave, with Northern Ireland seeking unification with the Republic of Ireland? Has Brexit paved the way for the decline of one of the EUs most dynamic economies and the end of Londons reign as a global financial center? The UKs withdrawal from the EU is a hitherto unprecedented move and will no doubt throw up many unpleasant surprises. Until now, with the exception of Greenland, the EU has experienced only enlargements, which is why no one really knows how Brexit will take place, how long it will take (Greenlands exit took three years), and what implications it will have for the UK and the EU. In any case, one thing is certain: the British decision even if implemented in the fastest conceivable way has initiated a long period of political and economic uncertainty and European preoccupation with its own affairs, even as the world around it changes dramatically. If only rational reasoning was the basis of decision-making, the remaining 27 member states would, in line with their interests, move to strengthen the EU by taking immediate steps toward stabilization and enhanced integration. But there seems little hope of that. Differences over strategy and tactics between the key members of the currency union, especially Germany and France, and between the eurozones northern and southern members, simply run too deep. Everyone is aware of what needs to be done: find a new compromise within the currency union between the stubborn German-led focus on austerity and the Mediterranean countries need for increased spending to restore growth and boost competitiveness. But Europes political leaders seem to lack the courage to pursue this. As a result, no sign of strengthening or of a new start for the EU can be expected. On the contrary, despite many loud assertions after the initial Brexit shock that things must change, there are many indications that business as usual will prevail. But the underlying causes for the rejection of Europe run much deeper than current conflicts. Resurgent nationalism has revived the myth of a bygone golden age of ethnically and politically homogenous national states free of external constraints and not exposed to the negative consequences of globalization. I write this a few days before the centenary of the carnage at the Somme on July 1, 1916. Apparently, the myth-busting power of two terrible world wars, once sufficient to forge a common Europe and establish the EU, is no longer enough to sustain the post-1945 European integration project. The words spoken by former French President Francois Mitterand in his last speech before the European Parliament Le nationalisme cest la guerre! seem to have sunk into oblivion. Today, nationalism is rising in almost all European countries, and it is directed primarily against foreigners and the EU. These two targets were also used by the UKs Leave campaign. Brexit advocates appealed almost exclusively to nationalist myth, whereas the Remain side often sounded like accountants. The bloodless bean counters didnt stand a chance. The reversal of the positive vision of Europe not only ignores the past. It is also a symptom of European or, perhaps more precisely, Western decline (at least in relative terms), which has resulted in deep-seated distrust of the elites. Europe is not alone in this regard: in the United States, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump welcomed Brexit and is pushing many of the same nationalist buttons. For many Western citizens, entities such as the EU, no less than the rise of major emerging economies such as China and India, are perceived as agents of this decline, rather than as a source of leverage to influence global power shifts and react in accordance with its values and interests. Thus, salvation is sought in the nation-state. Unfortunately, as the UK will demonstrate, this strategy amounts to nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy of decline. The rising tide of nationalism cannot be pushed back unless the European idea regains its positive visionary power. This will require not only a new European narrative (which the UKs natural experiment in self-destruction could help to create), but also a renewed EU. First and foremost, it must be made clear to millions of Europes citizens where the real power within the EU lies: not in Brussels and Strasbourg, but in the hands of national governments. The EU institutions are blamed for all kinds of problems: globalization, immigration, welfare cuts and Thatcherism, youth unemployment, lack of democracy, and much more. In fact, by preventing the EU from addressing these issues, the national governments helpless to tackle them effectively on their own have made these problems worse. For now, the governments of almost all member states are maintaining a contradictory stance, rejecting further integration while insisting that the EU must deliver. Just what the EU should deliver, and how, in the absence of further integration remains unexplained. But even in Europe, no one can have their cake and eat it. There still may be time to reverse current trends in the West. We do not need a victory by Trump, or by National Front leader Marine Le Pen in next years French presidential election, to know where the nationalism underlying the Brexit vote leads. Copyright: Project Syndicate: Reawakening Europe --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 09:46 (UTC+04:00) The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry phoned Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 30, Azertac reported. They discussed recent work on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They noted that the Vienna and Saint Petersburg meetings gave a new dynamics to the negotiations. The US Secretary of State and the Azerbaijani President discussed prospects of the talks to find a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Successful development of Azerbaijani-US ties was hailed during the phone conversation. They also exchanged views over future cooperation prospects. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Turkeys Ambassador to Baku Ismail Alper Coskun June 30, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend. During the meeting, the sides noted that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in all spheres is flourishing on the basis of principles of brotherhood and strategic partnership. Mammadyarov said he sent a letter of condolence in connection with the terrorist attack committed on June 28 at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral relations development and on the issues of regional and international agenda. The death toll from a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk airport rose to 41 dead and 230 injured. Five Saudis, two Iraqis and citizens from China, Jordan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Iran and Ukraine were among 13 foreigners dead. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 17:31 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The normalization of relations between Turkey and Russia will not affect the growth of the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia. "Azerbaijan and Russia have wide economic relations including trade turnover which does not depend on the relations between Turkey and Russia," Sahib Mammadov, Azerbaijans deputy economy minister told reporters. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia increases every year, and this is mainly due to the quality of Azerbaijani products and their already well-established place on the Russian market, deputy minister added. Breakdown of the Russia -Turkey relations has resulted in the increased demand in Azerbaijani agro-products. Azerbaijan managed to enter the top 3 suppliers of agricultural products to Russia among the CIS countries following the sanctions which were imposed on Turkey by Russia. After deterioration of relations Russia imposed a ban on the supply of agricultural products from Turkey. Turkey that has long ago established its positions as a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to Russia faced with embargoes. The volume of food imports from Turkey to Russia in the first four months of 2016 cut down by $274.6 million as compared to the same period in 2015 and decreased to zero, RBC business newspaper reported. The list of banned products included fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, grapes and apples, as well as chicken products. Rejection of Turkish tomatoes became one of the critical problems in the food industry of Russia as about 70 percent of the product in the countrys market is imported. Previously, Azerbaijans Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ilham Guliyev said that the country has managed to record a five-fold rise in tomato supply to Russia. Russia which is considered to be one of the main trade partners of Azerbaijan has always been Azerbaijans main export market for agricultural products. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia totaled $739.8 million in January-May 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. The country is in the first place among importers from Azerbaijan with a share of 18.3 percent ($609.6 million), while in the list of exporters Russia ranks the 8th with the amount of $130.2 million (with specific weight of 4.27 percent). Diplomatic relations between Russia and Turkey soured after a Russian SU-24 trespassed Turkish airspace and was shot down by Turkish F-16 fighters on November 24, 2015. The incident shattered friendly ties between the nations both politically and economically. Recently, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin June 27 over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. Now the two countries are expected to bring the relations to their level soon. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 11:43 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerpoct, Azerbaijan's government-backed postal service provider is engaged in the development of mechanisms of micro crediting services. Elmir Valizade, countrys Deputy Communications and High Technologies Minister announced about this while talking to reporters on June 30. The deputy minister added that this will allow to expand the list of financial services of the postal operator. Currently, Azerpoct implements its operations under the license of the CBA which enables to render financial services in restrained terms, he said. Previously, the World Bank has expressed its readiness to allocate a $20 million credit with the terms of 20 years to Azerpoct. The funds are envisaged for the provision of micro crediting services by the postal operator. The total volume of the micro credits cannot exceed $ 5,000. The issue should be decided on a governmental level as the funds can be allocated only under guarantee of the government. Azerpoct launched the process of financial services rendering in April 2012. The entity which is eligible to implement all types of banking services except credit issuance and attraction of bank deposits. Integration of the entity into the banking sector of the country is expected to raise competitiveness in the market. The number of branches and post offices of Azerpoct is more than 1,600. As much as 37 banks are currently operating in the country which the number of branches amounts to 700. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 10:32 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have explored ways of developing cooperation as Azerbaijan`s permanent representative to the UN agencies in Rome Mammad Ahmadzade met with IFAD president Kanayo Nwanze. They particularly exchanged views over current relations between the government of Azerbaijan and IFAD, and implementation of joint projects, Azertac reported. Ahmadzade highlighted Azerbaijan`s economic potential, the role of agriculture in the development of the country`s non-oil sector and diversification of economy. Nwanze hailed the attention paid in Azerbaijan to agriculture. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized UN agency based in Rome - the UN's food and agriculture hub. IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, it has provided about $15.8 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached some 430 million people. The agricultural sector is important not only for increasing Azerbaijan's export potential, but also for restoring and protecting the country's food security. Protecting the quality and price of food stuff produced in Azerbaijan and producing them in accordance with quality standards are among the top issues of the country's food security. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 12:50 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has submitted a proposal to the Azerbaijan Banks Association on provision of services of the PayPal system in the country. Market participants have already expressed their interest in the project, mentioning that one of the main issues is determination of terms of the services, Day.Az reported. The system enables individuals and businesses to send and receive electronic money online as well as provides other financial and related services. For businesses, PayPal has turned into the industry standard for accepting digital payments from customers. One can send or receive a payment in a variety of currencies. PayPal has over 137 million active accounts in 193 markets and 26 currencies around the world, which makes it easy to transfer and request payments. Nevertheless not all of the countries have a full access to the system. In Azerbaijan, customers may only send money while the service of payments receiving is not available. Citizens of Azerbaijan are not eligible to sell goods abroad and get payments to their PayPal accounts. Previously economist Vugar Bayramov told Echo.az that the problem is that the CBA and PayPal have not yet reached an agreement on a technical part of the issue. The citizens of Azerbaijan will get a right to receive payments should the relevant infrastructure be adjusted and the issue of financial control by the Bank be decided, according to him. Being one of the worlds largest online payment companies the PayPal system is also considered to be one of the most useful and fast among the other systems of e-payment. One of the other advantages of the system is law tariffs, which makes the system very attractive for the customers. The system provides a guarantee of security to both sellers and purchasers. Online money transfers which serve as an electronic alternative to the traditional paper methods like checks, cash payments are widely used in a whole world. The system has introduced a PayPal.me service that allows creation of private pages for the payment reception. Full deployment of the system will allow Azerbaijanis to sell goods in international internet shopping services such as Amazon, E-bay, Etsy. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 18:17 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Ukraine has presented Azerbaijan a draft agreement on creation of international transport corridor Baltic sea-Black sea-Caspian sea. Gennady Zubko, Ukraines Vice Prime Minister and Minister of regional development, construction, housing and communal services announced about this while addressing the 11th meeting of the joint intergovernmental Azerbaijani-Ukrainian Commission on economic cooperation held in Baku. The large transport corridor which synchronizes several routes will have a huge importance for the strengthening of trade and economic relations. Single management body is expected to be created within the framework of the project to form a comprehensive strategy for the development of freight transportation operations in the region, he said. He also underlined that Ukraine and Azerbaijan are continuing transport cooperation on the Silk Road route mentioning that the results of the testing trip of the container train on route Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China have proved technical and technological capabilities of such transportation. Ukraine and Azerbaijan cooperate within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) which is a part of the Silk Road. The route which is designed to provide transport connections between the East and West of Eurasia, runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then to Europe via Turkey and Ukraine. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Ukraine decided to apply the competitive feed-in tariffs for cargo transportation via the TITR in January, 2016. Single competitive rate was introduced in the framework of the route starting from June 1, 2016 with the view to reduce the costs of international cargo transportation. The first test container train on route Shihezi (China)-Dostyk-Aktau-Alat, arrived in Baku international sea trade port on August 3, 2015. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine amounted to $ 92.3 million in January-May 2016 according to State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. As much as $ 83.5 million falls to a share of import from the country. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 18:22 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Boosting economic potential between Azerbaijan and Ukraine was on the spotlight of the 11th session of the joint intergovernmental Ukrainian-Azerbaijani commission for economic cooperation held in Baku on July 1. Prior to the session co-chairs of the commission, First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov and Hennadii Zubko, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Regional Development, Building and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine held a meeting. Following the meeting, the session started with the participation of Azerbaijani ad Ukrainian delegations. Speaking at the event, Hennadii Zubko noted that Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed the prospects of torganization of the Azerbaijani oil supplies to Ukrainian refineries and its transit to European countries. Ukraine is interested in supplies of Azerbaijani oil to Ukrainian refineries and to European countries through the territory of Ukraine. Today we have created all the necessary technical capabilities. In addition, we discussed the possibility of investing in oil and gas industry of Ukraine by Azerbaijan," he said. The sides discussed the prospects of organizing the supply of light oil through the southern branch of Ukrainian oil pipeline "Druzhba" to refineries of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, according to Zubko. They confirmed their interest in the speedy implementation of this issue. Following the meeting, the sides signed a protocol of the XI meeting of the Joint Ukrainian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation. Ukrainian delegation also plans to hold meeting with various ministries and agencies of Azerbaijan, as part of the visit. Sharing his opinion regarding the event, the Ukrainian vice prime minister called the session very important for the development of bilateral ties. We have defined the road map, which should give an answer to a simple question: how to increase export and import trade turnover between our countries. Our countries have great potential. And those four areas that have been identified at the commission meeting such as transport, energy, agriculture and engineering are the potential that can develop relations between the two countries, he emphasized. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 10:08 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Russian Information and Culture Center (RICC) based in Baku will celebrate the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness on July 8, Trend Life reported. The event, organized by the Russian Embassy and Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in Azerbaijan with the participation of Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church will be attended by prominent public and art figures, heads of Russian compatriot organizations in Azerbaijan and many others. The event will feature the award of gold medals "For Love and Faithfulness" to the couples who have been married for more than 20 years. Celebration will be followed by a concert program. The Day of Saint Peter and Saint Fevronia, known as the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness was officially introduced in Russia in 2008. Pyotr, a nobleman, married Fevronia, a peasant girl, in the 12th century. The couple died on the same day and were buried separately, but their bodies are said to have miraculously reappeared in one coffin. Celebrated on July 8, the holiday aims at promoting traditional values amongst couples and families alike. The holiday was broadly celebrated in Russia. It's was believed that the saints Peter and Fevronia are the patrons of marriage and family, as well as the symbols of love and fidelity. On this day it was common to go to church, where the people asked for love and family grace.The symbol flower for the holiday is chamomile. In olden times, chamomile was a love oracle and now it is a symbol of a happy marriage. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 12:00 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The National Museum of History has expanded its colorful collection with chukha, a sample of national male humeral outerwear, Trend Life reported. Chukha , which is detachable on the waist, was sewn of red cloth. Its collar, sleeves and hem are decorated with "tekelduz", embroidery that was widespread in Sheki in the Middle Ages and still popular. The Hijri calendar 1275 and words "Mashallah, Mubarak Bahat" is depicted on the red chukha. Related to the mid-nineteenth century, chukha bears great historical and cultural importance. The national costumes were basically the same in all historical ethnographic zones of Azerbaijan. The double breast Arkhaliq, the humeral outerwear Gaba and Chukha were the noteworthy male dresses of Azerbaijan. Mens costume always represented the class affiliation of its owner. The prominent fabrics used in the traditional dress for men in Azerbaijan were silk, cashmere and satins. Papaq was the most popular headdress for men which was usually stitched with lamb fur and it was a symbol of dignity and prestige. Men never took off their papaqs or hats and, in general, it was considered shameful to go out without a hat. Thats why if someone wanted to offend somebody, he tried to knock his hat off his head. The most popular headgear worn both by men and women -- arahchin made from silk fabric and decorated with gold embroideries -- well-known today for many thanks to souvenir shops across the country, was a typical traditional headgear of Azerbaijanis, widespread in the Middle Ages. Women's dress of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century consisted of lower and top dresses. The top wear consisted of top shoulder and belt wears. Women's top shoulder dress is top shirtdress, back dress and chapkan, a dress consisting of lining and false sleeves. In the cities, women wore a veil over skirt when going outside. The most remarkable element of Azerbaijanis costume is its underwear. It (both female and male) sewn from linen and cotton. The rich families' beautiful underwear is sewn from silk. During the recent archeological excavations, some needle and spoke, made of bronze, from the early Bronze Age were found in Azerbaijan. These findings prove that the ancient population of Azerbaijan could sew clothes. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 12:14 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The fifth Republican Festival of National Minorities wrapped up at the Music Theatre named after Rashid Behbudov on June 30, Trend Life reported. The festival, organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry was held under the motto "Azerbaijan, the native land". First Deputy Culture Minister Vagif Aliyev, addressing the event, underlined the importance of the festival. He noted that the state has always paid a great attention to the culture of national minorities living in Azerbaijan. The culture of national minorities and ethnic groups living in the country is protected and developed as an integral part of Azerbaijani culture. The official reminded that 2016 was declared the Year of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan, adding that this will help to further boost the countrys tradition of multiculturalism. Then, the festival continued with a concert of art collectives. Moreover, a photo exhibition entitled "In one family" reflecting the life of national minorities was held at Azerbaijan Carpet Museum on June 30. The event also featured 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 guests enjoyed fantastic concert with participation of talented musicians and dancers. The performance of choirs of national minorities and ethnic groups form different regions of the country aroused great interest among the public. Each performance was greeted with thunderous applause. 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. Azerbaijan can be truly called a land representing a wide range of ethnicities. According to the 2009 census, ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan represent 8.9 percent of the population, including Lezgins (the largest minority group, making up 2 percent of the population), Russians (1.3 percent) and others, such as Talysh, Tats (Muslims and Judeo-Tats), Avars, Georgians, and Ashkenazi Jews, which comprise the remaining 3.9 percent. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 18:04 (UTC+04:00) Russia is still interested in Turkish Stream pipeline project, which envisages Russian gas supplies to Europe via Turkey, bypassing Ukraine, but it is unlikely that the project will be implemented, Amanda Paul, analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC) and expert on Turkey believes. The Turkish Stream project was suspended due to sharp deterioration of relations between Moscow and Ankara after the incident with downed Russian air bomber on the Turkish-Syrian border in November 2015. On June 27 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to his Russian counterpart in which he expressed deep regret for the issue and expressed profound condolences to the family of the Russian pilot who was killed in the accident. Two days later the two leaders held the first phone conversation in six months and agreed on the resumption of trade and economic cooperation. Gazprom spokesperson, Sergey Kupriyanov, has said that Gazprom is "open for dialogue" on the Turkish Stream project. However given there were already big question marks over the viability of the pipeline before the crisis with Russia I am rather skeptical that Turkey will be desperately trying to relaunch the project, Paul told Trend in an email on July 1. She also noted that given the rather vulnerable situation that Ankara found itself in, in terms of its energy security, Turkeys priority is likely to remain energy diversification routes and sources in order that it can further reduce its dependence on Russian gas. Turkish officials have repeatedly talked about the need to reduce energy dependence on Russia, which supplied 26.6 bcm of gas from 43.6 bcm of gas consumed in Turkey in 2015, according to BP. Furthermore, given the state of the Russian economy, I doubt the Kremlin has billions of dollars to throw at this project either, the expert said. 1 July 2016 10:26 (UTC+04:00) Turkey has commissioned a bridge which will link the Kocaeli and Yalova provinces in the countrys north-west, TRT Haber news channel reported. The opening ceremony was attended by Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. The new bridge has been named after the founder of Ottoman Empire Osman Ghazi. The foundation of the bridge across the Izmit Bay was laid on March 30, 2013. The bridges length is 2,682 meters and it is the second longest bridge in Europe. The bridge across the Izmit Bay of the Sea of Marmara is a part of construction of the Gebze-Orhangazi-Izmir motorway which will make it possible to reduce the travel time from Istanbul to Izmir to 3.5 hours. The project cost $9 billion. Addressing the opening ceremony, Erdogan said that the transit across the bridge will be free until the end of the Ramadan holiday. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 17:09 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Energy-rich Turkmenistan is currently engaged in the construction of gas chemical plant in the countrys Balkan region, Neutral Turkmenistan reported The project is implemented jointly with the consortium of Japanese TOYO and South Korean LG and Hyundai. Implementation of the project is expected to meet internal requirements of the country and expand its export potential As much as 16 foreign and national subcontracted organizations are participating in the construction process. More than 1,000 units of construction equipment is involved in the process. The project is expected to be focused on processing of hydrocarbon gas into chemical products including annual production of 81,000 tons of polypropylene, 386,000 tons of polyethylene which are widely used in the production of polyethylene tubes, packaging products, textile fiber, synthetic covering. Approximately 49,000 tons of pyrolysis gasoline will be produced in the plant as a minor product. The plant is expected to be a unique complex on the refinery of raw gas into polymer including such processes as purification of gas, fractional separation, as well as polymerization of ethylene and propylene. The installation of manufacturing and auxiliary equipment is scheduled to compete at the end of 2016. The total amount of the project is $3.4 billion. The plant is scheduled to operate from September, 2018. the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, Export-Import Bank of Korea, as well as syndicates of the participating financial institutions of Japan, Germany, France, Korea, China, Italy, Austria and Switzerland render financial assistance to the project. The project is considered to be of great importance for the economy of the country as it may give an impetus to the process of turning the country into a major exporter of chemical products. The plant is expected to raise export potential of the country by means of output of the production which is in high demand in the world market. Turkmenistan has abundant reserves in the energy resources and plans to diversify the routes of gas deliverance. The country is one of the key players in the energy industry of the Caspian region. Being the forth in the world in terms of the volume of natural gas reserve the country is considering the European market as one of the most promising areas of gas supply. The construction of modern oil and gas facilities is considered to be an important step for the further development and successful implementation of the energy strategy of the country, diversification of the national economy, strengthening of its positions in the world markets. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 1 July 2016 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan is a beautiful land that can provide a lot of fun and pastime for tourists. The name of its marvelous capital Baku has long been familiar to many thanks to its unusual and unique atmosphere and prestigious competitions that the city hosts for the past years. The rapid development of tourism sector affects not only Baku, but also its picturesque regions. Ganja, the second largest city in Azerbaijan after Baku with about 313,300 residents, also has tourist potential. The city with its ancient history of more than 4,000 years, has many amenities that offer a wide range of cultural activities, drawing both from a rich local dramatic portfolio and an international repertoire. The region is famous for its nature, namely for majestic Goygol Lake and reserve. A large mountain lake surrounded by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus was formed as a result of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the mountain Kapaz in the 12th century. Azerbaijan Tourism Association Chairman Nahid Bagirov said that Ganja and the surrounding areas have the greatest travel possibilities. Its necessary to fully and effectively use this potential to build hiking trails, vast and constantly promote the tourist potential of Ganja. In addition, it is necessary to prepare competent guides, develop excursion programs, carry out various tourism fairs, exhibitions, festivals and other events, so many tourists have a chance to learn about the history, literature, cuisine and folklore of Ganja. All of this work can have a positive impact on the tourism development of the city in the future, he told Day.az. Bagirov expressed hope that the ongoing work in tourism, favorable tour packages, will turn the city into one of the leading tourist destinations. Ganja has all possibilities to become the tourist hub, even there is potential for the development of thermal tourism, the expert said. To solve all these problems relevant city agencies should work together with travel and medical institutions. It is necessary to work closely with Azerbaijan Tourism Association and the Association for Support of health and thermal tourism. Ruslan Guliyev, the head of the Medical Support and the Thermal Tourism Association, for his part, noted that the number of tourists coming to Ganja is increasing in the past five years. Ganja has good opportunities for the development of a tourist destination, and we must not lose sight of this fact, he stressed. The close proximity of Ganja with Naftalan, famous worldwide for its wellness centers, as well as opening Goy Gol reserve offers tourists the opportunity to visit this city. Another reason making the city attractive is that this year Ganja has become the eighth European Youth Capital. The title will allow the city for the period of one year to showcase, through a multi-faceted program, its youth-related cultural, social, political and economic life and development. Holding such events and festivals will contribute only to improvement and development of tourism sector in Ganja, Guliyev said. The city is known for its famous metal handicrafts industry during the Middle Ages. The most notable works of that period includes Gates of Ganja and Ancient Ganja Gate. It is one of the science and education centers of Azerbaijan. The city has four public higher education institutions. Among other ancient monuments are bridges, the palace of Sultan Darus, towers, mosques, madrasas, baths, caravanserais and complex of buildings Imamzade. There is also the first parliament of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan with its large city park in front of it. To learn more about the history of the prominent city tourists can visit the local museum which has more than 30,000 artifacts located in the 18 exhibition halls. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Burtons Biscuits, owner of Jammy Dodgers and Maryland Cookies, has launched a new snack pack for its Cadbury Chocolate Fingers. Speciality packaging manufacturer Parkside played an important part in the launch of the Snap & Go packs, which comprise 4x31g trays with complementary lidding films. These tap into the on-the-go snacking market, while offering portion control features for consumers and strong on-shelf aesthetics for retailers, according to the biscuit maker. Pete Ford, new business development manager at Parkside, said: This was a challenging pack solution to develop, mainly because of the complex nature of the lidding film, which needed to easily snap along the perforation, without compromising the seal of other trays. This functionality was needed for the pack to address the on-the-go snacking requirement set by Burtons Biscuits. We are really pleased with the final look of the pack. It offers great shelf-standout and is unlike anything else on the on the biscuit aisle. It is unmistakably created for Cadbury Fingers, enforcing strong branding. Last month Burtons announced it would reintroduce Chicken n Chips, its 1980s savoury snack brand. A team of staff from independent food ingredients manufacturer Macphie took part in the Pretty Muddy race to raise money for Cancer Research. The event took place at Camperdown Park, Dundee, with 4,000 women taking on a 5km muddy obstacle course to raise money for charity. Zoe Smart, research and development technologist at Macphie, said: The event was great fun and a fantastic way to get to know colleagues from different departments. Were already planning other events to take part in later in the year. Each year, Macphie donates a percentage of annual profits to local and national charities. Employees are also encouraged to take part in a range of fundraising events. This year, Macphie has so far donated over 3,000 to charities including Crohns and Colitis UK and Marie Curie. In May, Macphie announced a new Belgian chocolate filling would be added to its existing luxury range. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company. The information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers. Compare the best travel credit cards of 2022 Card name Rewards highlights Welcome offer Annual fee Bankrate review score Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where youll get Capital Ones best prices on thousands of trip options Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening, equal to $750 in travel $95 4.6 / 5 (Read full card review) Wells Fargo Autograph Card Unlimited 3X points for travel purchases, at restaurants and gas stations, for transit, popular streaming services and phone plans Limited time offer: 30,000 points when you spend $1,500 or more in the first 3 months, offer expires 1/10/2023 $0 4.0 / 5 (Read full card review) Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where youll get Capital Ones best prices on thousands of trip options. 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The annual fee is a modest $95, which will appeal to a broad range of travelers who dont need a luxury experience. : It offers an easy way to earn travel rewards and comes with a generous sign-up bonus and several travel and purchase protections. The annual fee is a modest $95, which will appeal to a broad range of travelers who dont need a luxury experience. Who this card is good for : Travelers who want to earn flat-rate rewards on all of their purchases but want to maintain flexibility in how they redeem their miles. : Travelers who want to earn flat-rate rewards on all of their purchases but want to maintain flexibility in how they redeem their miles. Travel benefits : Get an up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, transfer your miles to 15+ loyalty programs and earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. : Get an up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, transfer your miles to 15+ loyalty programs and earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Alternatives : You could squeeze a lot more value out of your points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which offers bonus rewards in everyday spending categories and the chance to up the value of your rewards by 25 percent when you redeem for travel through Chase. : You could squeeze a lot more value out of your points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which offers bonus rewards in everyday spending categories and the chance to up the value of your rewards by 25 percent when you redeem for travel through Chase. Compare this card with: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Read our full Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details. Wells Fargo Autograph Card: Best for no annual fee + boosted rewards What we love about the Wells Fargo Autograph Card : This card earns a solid rewards rate for purchases in popular categories like gas stations and dining at restaurants, which are great additions to a card that also rewards generously for travel purchases. Some issuers typically limit bonus rewards to travel purchases made exclusively through airlines or issuer portals. The Wells Fargo Autograph is a flexible option for cardholders who want to shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and earn extra rewards. : This card earns a solid rewards rate for purchases in popular categories like gas stations and dining at restaurants, which are great additions to a card that also rewards generously for travel purchases. 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Read our full Wells Fargo Autograph card review or jump back to offer details. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for flexible travel miles with no annual fee What we love about the VentureOne Rewards card : This entry-level travel rewards card comes with a nice sign-up bonus, the chance to earn unlimited miles, and a good amount of travel and purchase protections. : This entry-level travel rewards card comes with a nice sign-up bonus, the chance to earn unlimited miles, and a good amount of travel and purchase protections. Who this card is good for : Beginner and occasional travelers looking for flexibility and savings. Cardholders dont need to worry about maximizing rewards to offset an annual fee or travel rewards redemption restrictions. : Beginner and occasional travelers looking for flexibility and savings. Cardholders dont need to worry about maximizing rewards to offset an annual fee or travel rewards redemption restrictions. 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Compare this card with: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card. Read our full Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for mid-level travel perks What we love about the Sapphire Preferred card : For a $95 annual fee, this card is packed with features. On top of an outstanding sign-up bonus, you get travel and purchase protections, as well as a rewards program that earns points, not only on travel purchases but also on everyday purchases like groceries and streaming services. : For a $95 annual fee, this card is packed with features. On top of an outstanding sign-up bonus, you get travel and purchase protections, as well as a rewards program that earns points, not only on travel purchases but also on everyday purchases like groceries and streaming services. Who this card is good for : This is a great travel card for anyone willing to put in a bit of work to get the maximum value out of their rewards. Be sure to take advantage of Chases hotel or airline transfer partners or book your travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal, where points are worth 25 percent more value. : This is a great travel card for anyone willing to put in a bit of work to get the maximum value out of their rewards. Be sure to take advantage of Chases hotel or airline transfer partners or book your travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal, where points are worth 25 percent more value. Travel benefits : Redeem points for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to get a 25 percent boost to the value of your points. Additionally, a $50 hotel credit further curbs your expenses while you earn 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. : Redeem points for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to get a 25 percent boost to the value of your points. Additionally, a $50 hotel credit further curbs your expenses while you earn 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Alternatives : Travelers who dine at restaurants regularly or cook at home both benefit from rewards rates available on the Citi Premier Card. It has a comparable sign-up bonus and the same annual fee as the Sapphire Preferred, but also earns 3X points for purchases at gas stations, air travel and hotels. : Travelers who dine at restaurants regularly or cook at home both benefit from rewards rates available on the Citi Premier Card. It has a comparable sign-up bonus and the same annual fee as the Sapphire Preferred, but also earns 3X points for purchases at gas stations, air travel and hotels. Compare this card with: Citi Premier Card. Learn more: Why expert Jordan Bishop loves the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to offer details. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best value for premium travel What we love about the Venture X card : This card offers top-of-the line benefits, including complimentary lounge access and a high rewards rate for both travel and non-travel purchases. It also comes with a fairly affordable annual fee compared to other luxury travel cards on the market. : This card offers top-of-the line benefits, including complimentary lounge access and a high rewards rate for both travel and non-travel purchases. It also comes with a fairly affordable annual fee compared to other luxury travel cards on the market. Who this card is good for : Travelers looking to sample luxury benefits without paying a huge annual fee. The premier perks youll get with this card arent quite as luxurious as those found with other premium travel cards, but Venture Xs annual fee is far more modest and can be quickly offset thanks to an annual credit and anniversary miles bonus. : Travelers looking to sample luxury benefits without paying a huge annual fee. The premier perks youll get with this card arent quite as luxurious as those found with other premium travel cards, but Venture Xs annual fee is far more modest and can be quickly offset thanks to an annual credit and anniversary miles bonus. Travel benefits : The card includes up to $300 back annually as statement credits for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel. You also get access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide. : The card includes up to $300 back annually as statement credits for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel. You also get access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Alternatives : The Platinum Card from American Express is for frequent travelers looking for the best of the best when it comes to premium travel experiences. From an impressive sign-up bonus and annual credits to luxury lounge access and everyday benefits, this card packs it all in. : The Platinum Card from American Express is for frequent travelers looking for the best of the best when it comes to premium travel experiences. From an impressive sign-up bonus and annual credits to luxury lounge access and everyday benefits, this card packs it all in. Compare this card with: Platinum Card from American Express Learn more: Why our expert Ana Staples loves the Capital One Venture X Card. Read our full Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details. The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for luxury travel What we love about the Amex Platinum card : With a $695 annual fee, the Amex Platinum card doesnt come cheap. But it will be worth it for those who can take advantage of all the high-value benefits packed in this card. That includes a welcome offer, annual statement credits worth well over $1,000, and complimentary access to the expansive American Express Global Centurion Lounge Collection. : With a $695 annual fee, the Amex Platinum card doesnt come cheap. But it will be worth it for those who can take advantage of all the high-value benefits packed in this card. That includes a welcome offer, annual statement credits worth well over $1,000, and complimentary access to the expansive American Express Global Centurion Lounge Collection. Who this card is good for : Frequent travelers who enjoy luxury travel benefits and elite status with select hotels. : Frequent travelers who enjoy luxury travel benefits and elite status with select hotels. Travel benefits : Take advantage of an up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 in Uber Cash, an up to $189 CLEAR credit and a host of other non-travel credits that more than make up for the cards annual fee as part of the Amex Platinums expansive benefit offerings. Plus, youll earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). : Take advantage of an up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 in Uber Cash, an up to $189 CLEAR credit and a host of other non-travel credits that more than make up for the cards annual fee as part of the Amex Platinums expansive benefit offerings. Plus, youll earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). Alternatives : Thanks to the Capital One Venture X card, its possible to get a taste of luxury for far less than the cost of the Amex Platinum card. For $395, travelers get a card packed with high bonus rewards categories, a higher base rewards rate, complimentary lounge access, as well as travel credit and anniversary miles. : Thanks to the Capital One Venture X card, its possible to get a taste of luxury for far less than the cost of the Amex Platinum card. For $395, travelers get a card packed with high bonus rewards categories, a higher base rewards rate, complimentary lounge access, as well as travel credit and anniversary miles. Compare this card with: Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card from American Express. Read our full The Platinum Card from American Express review or jump back to offer details. Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card: Best Bank of America travel card What we love about the Premium Rewards card : The one-time sign-up bonus and annual chance to earn up to $200 in travel statement credits enhance the value of this easy travel rewards credit card. : The one-time sign-up bonus and annual chance to earn up to $200 in travel statement credits enhance the value of this easy travel rewards credit card. Who this card is good for : Frequent travelers who are also Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. Eligible Bank of America customers can boost their rewards rate by up to 75 percent based on the size of their accounts. : Frequent travelers who are also Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. Eligible Bank of America customers can boost their rewards rate by up to 75 percent based on the size of their accounts. Travel benefits : Receive up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually as well as TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100 every four years. : Receive up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually as well as TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100 every four years. Alternatives: The Capital One Venture Rewards card might be a safer bet. The bigger sign-up bonus, higher flat rewards rate, and supersized hotel and rental car bonus categories come packed in a card with great travel benefits and flexible redemption options. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card. Read our full Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card review or jump back to offer details. Discover it Miles: Best for earning unlimited miles What we love about the Discover it Miles : Discover will match every Mile youve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder. Its like essentially earning 3X Miles instead of 1.5X Miles during your first year. : Discover will match every Mile youve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder. Its like essentially earning 3X Miles instead of 1.5X Miles during your first year. Who this card is good for : Travelers who want simplicity. There are no complex redemption programs and cardholders are free to redeem rewards for statement credits they can apply to recent travel purchases. : Travelers who want simplicity. There are no complex redemption programs and cardholders are free to redeem rewards for statement credits they can apply to recent travel purchases. Travel benefits : Earn miles for every purchase you make whether its travel related or not. Youll also benefit from Discovers 99 percent acceptance rate nationwide, making it an ideal choice for the traveler who ventures to a variety of places. Also, redeem your miles as cash or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases. : Earn miles for every purchase you make whether its travel related or not. Youll also benefit from Discovers 99 percent acceptance rate nationwide, making it an ideal choice for the traveler who ventures to a variety of places. Also, redeem your miles as cash or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases. Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card wont make you wait as long as the Discover it Miles to earn your sign-up bonus. The VentureOne card also has more than a dozen transfer partners, which can help increase the value of the rewards you earn. Learn more: Why experts Holly Johnson loves the Discover It Miles Card. Read our full Discover it Miles review or jump back to offer details. Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for qualifying travel purchases What we love about the Bank of America Travel Rewards card : Unlike other travel rewards cards, this card counts more than just airfare and hotel rooms as travel. You can redeem points for statement credits to cover purchases at zoos, art galleries, aquariums, travel agencies and more. : Unlike other travel rewards cards, this card counts more than just airfare and hotel rooms as travel. You can redeem points for statement credits to cover purchases at zoos, art galleries, aquariums, travel agencies and more. Who this card is good for : Occasional travelers looking for a no-annual-fee travel card that offers a simple flat rate for all purchases. : Occasional travelers looking for a no-annual-fee travel card that offers a simple flat rate for all purchases. Travel benefits : Points dont expire and you can book any airline, any hotel any time without blackout dates. You can also flexibly redeem points for statement credits to pay for travel or dining purchases like flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, as well as restaurant and take out purchases. : Points dont expire and you can book any airline, any hotel any time without blackout dates. You can also flexibly redeem points for statement credits to pay for travel or dining purchases like flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, as well as restaurant and take out purchases. Alternatives : The Chase Freedom Flex takes a little getting used to, but its rotating and fixed categories earn bonus rewards in travel and everyday categories, which could bring in more value than a flat-rate travel rewards card. : The Chase Freedom Flex takes a little getting used to, but its rotating and fixed categories earn bonus rewards in travel and everyday categories, which could bring in more value than a flat-rate travel rewards card. Compare this card with: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Read our full Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to offer details. American Express Gold Card: Best for travel rewards on dining What we love about the Amex Gold Card : Amex gives users plenty of chances to offset the high annual fee of $250. This includes annual credits and high-earning bonus categories that will reward your spending in numerous areas, including dining, U.S. supermarkets and flights. : Amex gives users plenty of chances to offset the high annual fee of $250. This includes annual credits and high-earning bonus categories that will reward your spending in numerous areas, including dining, U.S. supermarkets and flights. Who this card is good for : Travelers who want to earn rewards for dining out and ordering in. The generous rewards rate on dining at restaurants and Uber Eats in the U.S. makes it easy for foodies to rake in a lot of points. : Travelers who want to earn rewards for dining out and ordering in. The generous rewards rate on dining at restaurants and Uber Eats in the U.S. makes it easy for foodies to rake in a lot of points. Travel benefits : Receive up to $240 in annual credits combined between Uber Cash and dining credits as well as a boosted 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel Portal. : Receive up to $240 in annual credits combined between Uber Cash and dining credits as well as a boosted 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel Portal. Alternatives : If the American Express Gold Cards annual fee doesnt fit your budget, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.Its a great alternative because it also earns high travel and dining rewards but for a much lower annual fee. : If the American Express Gold Cards annual fee doesnt fit your budget, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.Its a great alternative because it also earns high travel and dining rewards but for a much lower annual fee. Compare this card with: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Learn more: Amex Business Gold Benefits Guide. Read our full American Express Gold Card review or jump back to offer details. Citi Premier Card: Best for travel rewards on everyday purchases What we love about the Citi Premier : This mid-level travel card packs a punch thanks to high-earning travel- and household-related bonus categories, an annual hotel credit and a modest fee of $95. : This mid-level travel card packs a punch thanks to high-earning travel- and household-related bonus categories, an annual hotel credit and a modest fee of $95. Who this card is good for : Occasional travelers who want to earn travel rewards for all their grocery, gas and dining purchases. : Occasional travelers who want to earn travel rewards for all their grocery, gas and dining purchases. Travel benefits : You can earn a $100 Hotel Savings Benefit when you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more through Citi online or by phone. The card also carries no foreign transaction fees. : You can earn a $100 Hotel Savings Benefit when you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more through Citi online or by phone. The card also carries no foreign transaction fees. Alternatives : Depending on your spending habits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have the everyday value of the Citi Premier, but it does outclass the Citi card when it comes to travel value, especially when you use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to redeem points for travel. : Depending on your spending habits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have the everyday value of the Citi Premier, but it does outclass the Citi card when it comes to travel value, especially when you use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to redeem points for travel. Compare this card with: Chase Sapphire Preferred Learn more: Why expert Erin Gobler loves the Citi Premier Card. Read our full Citi Premier Card review or jump back to offer details. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for travel redemptions What we love about the Sapphire Reserve : Even with an annual fee of $550, this premium travel rewards card is in demand and for good reason. The card comes loaded with short- and long-term value, including one of the highest cash back sign-up bonuses around, annual travel credit, bonus points for travel and dining purchases and complimentary airport lounge access. : Even with an annual fee of $550, this premium travel rewards card is in demand and for good reason. The card comes loaded with short- and long-term value, including one of the highest cash back sign-up bonuses around, annual travel credit, bonus points for travel and dining purchases and complimentary airport lounge access. Who this card is good for : Frequent travelers who can take advantage of the top-of-the-line travel benefits. : Frequent travelers who can take advantage of the top-of-the-line travel benefits. Travel benefits : Earn an additional 50-percent value for your points when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and benefit from 1:1 point transfer with leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. Chase also provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide after one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. Also receive up to $100 as a statement credit every four years to cover the cost of Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck. : Earn an additional 50-percent value for your points when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and benefit from 1:1 point transfer with leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. Chase also provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide after one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. Also receive up to $100 as a statement credit every four years to cover the cost of Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck. Alternatives : Travelers who dine at restaurants regularly or cook at home both benefit from rewards rates available on the Citi Premier Card. It has a comparable sign-up bonus and the same annual fee as the Sapphire Preferred, but also earns 3X points for purchases at gas stations, air travel and hotels. : Travelers who dine at restaurants regularly or cook at home both benefit from rewards rates available on the Citi Premier Card. It has a comparable sign-up bonus and the same annual fee as the Sapphire Preferred, but also earns 3X points for purchases at gas stations, air travel and hotels. Compare this card with: Citi Premier Card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve review or jump back to offer details. Credit One Bank Wander Card: Best for fair credit What we love about the Credit One Bank Wander Card : Few unsecured credit-building cards let you earn rewards on travel, much less such at such a high rate and in so many categories. This makes the Wander card a uniquely good fit for frequent travelers who want to get in on the travel rewards game but dont have the score needed to qualify for elite travel cards. : Few unsecured credit-building cards let you earn rewards on travel, much less such at such a high rate and in so many categories. This makes the Wander card a uniquely good fit for frequent travelers who want to get in on the travel rewards game but dont have the score needed to qualify for elite travel cards. Who this card is good for : Frequent travelers looking for a way to earn rewards while they work on their credit score. Youll also need to spend $950 to $1,900 in the cards bonus categories to offset the annual fee, so make sure that fits with your spending habits. : Frequent travelers looking for a way to earn rewards while they work on their credit score. Youll also need to spend $950 to $1,900 in the cards bonus categories to offset the annual fee, so make sure that fits with your spending habits. Alternatives: If you dont mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card that could help earn rewards on travel as you work on your score. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is one great option. It earns 3 percent cash back in a category of your choosing (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (bonus rewards in 3 percent and 2 percent categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined spending per quarter). Plus, once you build your score with responsible use, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured Bank of America travel or rewards card. Learn more: Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit Read our full Credit One Wander Card review or jump back to offer details. What is a travel credit card? Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more. The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flighttravel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance, annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members. How do credit card points and miles work? Credit card points and miles are two of the three types of credit card rewards, in addition to cash back. Credit card points and miles have slight differences but work in mostly the same way: You earn rewards by making purchases using your credit card and storing up those points for travel, gift cards and other options. How do credit card points work? General-purpose travel rewards cards typically earn credit card points on all purchases, but some cards, like the Capital One Venture lineup of cards, earn miles. These cards arent tied to any particular airline or hotel rewards program, which gives you more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. Youll find that most of these cards have a variety of redemption options beyond travel, like statement credits, gift cards, shopping and more. Your redemption options, including for travel, are typically valued at the same rate of 1 cent per point, though some cards may decrease the value for certain options, such as for gift cards. For even greater flexibility, a number of the top travel cards let you transfer your points to frequent-flyer and hotel-loyalty programs, sometimes at a 1:1 rate. The real world value of airline and hotel points can vary dramatically, so its smart to seek out transfer options that go above a 1-cent value and avoid options that are worth less. How do travel miles and points work? Co-branded credit cards tie their rewards to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program. These types of travel cards tend to be less flexible because theyre often only redeemable for travel with the airline, hotel or one of its partners. But these cards often have specific benefits you wont find with a general-purpose travel card, along with multiple partners or brands for travel bookings, which can make up for the lack of flexibility. On top of the chance to earn higher rewards rates for airline or hotel purchases, you may also have an easier time reaching elite status with your favorite hotels or airlines. This can help you score cost-saving benefits like free nights, companion passes, free checked bags or priority boarding. Want to learn more? Read our full guide on how travel credit cards work. Types of travel credit cards As with other types of cards, travel credit cards offer you a lot of variety to choose from. Notable features include issuer travel portals with boosted rewards value, hotel and airline loyalty status and credits for some of your favorite products and services. To zero in on which card might best fit your needs, consider the different categories of travel cards. General travel cards Issued by a credit card company, bank or other financial business, a general-purpose travel card typically offers the most flexibility for how you choose to travel and redeem your rewards. The easiest option is to redeem rewards directly through the issuers travel portal program, which ensures theyll always have the same value or may even increase the value of your points (depending on the issuer). Some cards also let you transfer rewards to the issuers travel partners (usually airlines and hotel chains but sometimes cruise lines as well). You may even be able to increase the value of your card points or miles by transferring to certain airlines. Examples: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card from American Express. Co-branded airline cards A travel card co-branded by an airline and a credit card issuer is known as an airline rewards card. You can earn miles or points by using the card to book flights with the airline, make in-flight purchases and so on. You redeem the rewards through the airlines loyalty program. You may even receive complimentary loyalty status with the brand tied to your card. Examples: Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Co-branded hotel cards A co-branded hotel credit card is similar to an airline card, except with a hotel chain instead of an airline. Likewise, using the card to book stays at the hotels properties earns points that you redeem through the hotel loyalty program. Like airline cards, some co-branded hotel cards also include complimentary elite status, an excellent benefit that can provide you with higher rewards rates or perks like room upgrades. Examples: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card and Hilton Honors American Express Card. Pros and cons of travel credit cards Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards. Pros Rewards optimized for travel : Rewards categories are often designed to earn more points or miles for purchases directly related to travel, mainly expenses such as airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. : Rewards categories are often designed to earn more points or miles for purchases directly related to travel, mainly expenses such as airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Travel-friendly benefits : Many travel cards offer perks such as travel insurance, free checked bags, lounge access and credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. : Many travel cards offer perks such as travel insurance, free checked bags, lounge access and credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. High reward rates : Travel credit cards typically have some of the most generous rewards rates. Its not uncommon to see travel purchases earn 5X, 6X, 7X or more points or miles. : Travel credit cards typically have some of the most generous rewards rates. Its not uncommon to see travel purchases earn 5X, 6X, 7X or more points or miles. The convenience of travel portals: Many card issuers have their own online travel portals where you can book travel and redeem your rewards toward those purchases in one session. Sometimes, using these portals may even boost your rewards value. Cons Credit score requirements : The typical baseline credit score requirement for a travel card is good-to-excellent, which could make it difficult to qualify with a credit score below 670. : The typical baseline credit score requirement for a travel card is good-to-excellent, which could make it difficult to qualify with a credit score below 670. Using rewards can be complex : Youll frequently have to calculate points, check for eligibility requirements for flights and hotel stays and otherwise navigate the process to get full value of your rewards. : Youll frequently have to calculate points, check for eligibility requirements for flights and hotel stays and otherwise navigate the process to get full value of your rewards. Annual fees : Some of the top travel credit cards have annual fees starting in the $95 to $100 range. Upper-tier hotel and airline cards and luxury travel cards could have annual fees exceeding $200 or even $500. : Some of the top travel credit cards have annual fees starting in the $95 to $100 range. Upper-tier hotel and airline cards and luxury travel cards could have annual fees exceeding $200 or even $500. Losing value on non-travel redemptions: Points or miles typically lose value when redeemed for cash back, gift cards or merchandise, rather than travel. Who should get a travel credit card? A travel credit card is almost always a good idea if you want to offset the cost of future travel. If you are able to save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, youre on your way to saving significantly on travel costs. The right travel card will vary depending on your travel habits, but there is at least one that can fit your travel style and budget. Frequent travelers Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you dont have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Card (cardholders earn 2X miles). Travel beginners If youre new to travel or just researching how to cut costs of future travel plans, a good place to start is with a travel card that earns straightforward rewards for purchases youre already likely to make, in a program thats easy to navigate and offers cardholders simple redemption options. Once youve gotten the hang of things, you can explore a travel card with a more complex rewards program that may require more in fees but offers more lucrative travel rewards. Brand loyalists Some people like to fly with the same airline whenever possible or stay at the same hotel brand wherever they go. If you belong to a loyalty program, a co-branded travel card will probably provide the best value. They often feature brand-related purchases as a bonus rewards category and other perks for loyal customers. For example, the Hilton Honors Amex card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earn points redeemable for Hilton and Delta purchases, respectively. Business travelers Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards. Whether youre a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. Examples include the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard credit card and the Capital One Spark Miles for Business. International travelers If you travel out of the country frequently or want to book that trip abroad youve always talked about, a card with no foreign transaction fees like the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. And if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards provide statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Luxury travelers If youre really looking for a luxury travel experience, you need a top-tier travel card. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and The Platinum Card from American Express provide cardholders with a ton of value. Perks like priority boarding, and access to lounges at airports all over the world are the small touches that make traveling a much more luxurious experience. While the best travel credit cards also tend to charge annual fees, you can compensate for the cost if you take full advantage of the trip insurance, travel credits and other perks. Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs. How to choose the best travel credit card for you A good travel credit card can make traveling easier and more affordable. The best travel credit cards earn cardholders free or heavily discounted trips, assist during travel emergencies and keep fees to a minimum (or skip them altogether). With the right information, you can find the best travel credit card for you and your travel habits. When deciding on a travel credit card, keep the following in mind: Airline or hotel loyalty . A co-branded credit card will carry the name of a specific airline or hotel. Youll get the most value out of its rewards when redeeming them with that particular airline or hotel. While your options for redeeming points are limited, these cards also give you access to exclusive perks, like priority boarding or free room upgrades with the carrier or chain in question. . A co-branded credit card will carry the name of a specific airline or hotel. Youll get the most value out of its rewards when redeeming them with that particular airline or hotel. While your options for redeeming points are limited, these cards also give you access to exclusive perks, like priority boarding or free room upgrades with the carrier or chain in question. Travel protections . Many credit card issuers offer cards that provide protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage in case of an accident, emergency assistance, lost luggage insurance and concierge services. . Many credit card issuers offer cards that provide protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage in case of an accident, emergency assistance, lost luggage insurance and concierge services. Annual fee . Most luxury travel cards carry a steep annual fee. This cost can typically be offset by lucrative rewards and added perks, such as airport lounge access and free checked bags. To see if an annual fee is worth it, compare a cards cost with the value you receive from its rewards, statement credit offers and added perks that you plan to use. . Most luxury travel cards carry a steep annual fee. This cost can typically be offset by lucrative rewards and added perks, such as airport lounge access and free checked bags. To see if an annual fee is worth it, compare a cards cost with the value you receive from its rewards, statement credit offers and added perks that you plan to use. Sign-up bonus . A good sign-up bonus could translate into free airfare or other travel purchases. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be. Before you sign up, ensure that you can reasonably cover the spending required to earn the bonus. . A good sign-up bonus could translate into free airfare or other travel purchases. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be. Before you sign up, ensure that you can reasonably cover the spending required to earn the bonus. Travel rewards vs. cash back rewards. Credit card rewards generally come in two varieties: cash back or travel. You should get a travel credit card if you purchase plane tickets or hotel stays several times per year and youre comfortable with paying an annual fee (in many cases) in exchange for higher rewards rates and travel perks. A cash back credit card is a better fit if you dont travel regularly but still want to earn decent rewards on your spending. Lightbulb Bankrate insight Airbnb and VRBO offer travelers the feeling of a home away from home, but thats not all. You can also earn miles or points if you book your stay with travel cards that reward eligible vacation rentals. What are your points and miles worth? Reward redemption values vary greatly, and since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that can adjust prices at a moments notice, it can be hard to know if youre getting a good deal. Finding the best way to use points for travel starts with knowing how much your rewards are worth. When you know the value of your points and miles, you can make better travel decisions. Budget shoppers who use a travel card with transferable points will have a better idea of how to shop around for the best rates. Travel hackers will have an easier time knowing when to use points or save them for another trip when theyll be more valuable. To make sure youre getting maximum value for your rewards, divide the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This will show you the cash value of your points or miles. Then take a look at Bankrates latest points and miles valuations and compare that value with our estimate of what your points or miles should be worth on average. When to use rewards vs. cash Heres an example: We estimate American Airlines Aadvantage miles are worth 1 cent. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1 cent, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight. But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our 1-cent baseline valuation, youre coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight. In the News: How inflation is impacting travel Inflation is curbing the value of your dollar and adding financial stress to consumers across the country. While the federal reserve spikes interest rates to combat it, navigating your expenses is likely to grow more difficult, forcing many to find ways to cut expenses out of their budgetincluding vacations. But before you cancel your travel plans, it may be worth considering some of the ways a credit card can fight inflation. Since most travel cards earn rewards for some of the hardest hitting categoriesgas and groceriesstockpiling rewards for your next trip could potentially soften the rising costs. Plus, some cards, namely the American Express Gold Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and the Citi Premier Card have recently begun offering increased bonuses, which can help to further drive down the costs of travel. If a vacation is an important part of your life, now may be the perfect time to sign up for one of these travel cards. How we chose our list of top travel rewards cards Bankrate evaluates credit cards on a 5-star system that factors in attributes such as annual fees, APR, rewards value and welcome bonuses. To make our list of best travel rewards cards, our writers and editors pay particular attention to: Rewards structure The best travel card for you will allow you to earn the most rewards for your specific spending habits. The cards in our lineup cover a variety of programs geared toward hotel lodging, dining, air travel costs and other factors. In general, the best travel cards reward you with two to three points per dollar on bonus categories. Travel perks The top travel rewards cards offer travel-specific benefits that take the hassle out of travel. Some perks we looked for are designed to save you money, including trip cancellation insurance, delayed baggage insurance, rental car insurance, checked bag discounts and travel credits. Other perks are all about making your experience more comfortable, such as airport lounge access, flight and hotel upgrades and concierge service. Annual fees Annual fees are common among travel credit cards, but our top picks that charge these fees make it easy to get your moneys worth. Some luxury cards with very high annual fees might be worth the expense for frequent travelers who put a premium on comfort. Sign-up bonus Though long-term value should always be weighed the most heavily, travel credit cards often come with sign-up bonuses that can be worth a flight or two. We highlight the most competitive offers so that, all other factors equal, the better sign-up bonus can help you make a decision. Foreign transaction fees Foreign transaction fees can make or break the value of a travel credit card, especially if you travel outside the country often. This fee typically tacks on an extra 3% to purchases made overseas, so our top-rated travel cards tend to be of the no-foreign-transaction-fee variety. Video guide: What is a travel credit card? Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate. Amazing aerial video shows new side of Hamilton Pool, a hidden gem of Texas By Madalyn Mendoza Updated 2:53 pm, Tuesday, July 5, 2016 1 3. Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall. Photo via Farran M on Yelp. Photo: Yelp Photo: Yelp Image 4 of 16 3. Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall. Photo via Farran M on Yelp. If your reservation isn't currently on the books for Travis County's Hamilton Pool Preserve, you're out of luck until July 11, but thanks to an Austin photographer, stunning views of the "legendary swimming pool" are available until you stake your spot on the waiting list. RELATED: Aerial progression photos show Central Texas' Lake Travis' two-year, drastic transformation Mike Holp, of Holp Photography Amazing aerial video shows new side of Hamilton Pool, a hidden gem of Texas By Madalyn Mendoza Updated 2:53 pm, Tuesday, July 5, 2016 1 3. Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall. Photo via Farran M on Yelp. Photo: Yelp Photo: Yelp Image 4 of 16 3. Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall. Photo via Farran M on Yelp. If your reservation isn't currently on the books for Travis County's Hamilton Pool Preserve, you're out of luck until July 11, but thanks to an Austin photographer, stunning views of the "legendary swimming pool" are available until you stake your spot on the waiting list. RELATED: Aerial progression photos show Central Texas' Lake Travis' two-year, drastic transformation Mike Holp, of Holp Photography This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If your reservation isn't currently on the books for Travis County's Hamilton Pool Preserve, you're out of luck until July 11, but thanks to an Austin photographer, stunning views of the "legendary swimming pool" are available until you stake your spot on the waiting list. RELATED: Aerial progression photos show Central Texas' Lake Travis' two-year, drastic transformation Mike Holp, of Holp Photography, told mySA.com he flew a drone near the pool on Monday to capture the photos. Pictures of Hamilton Pool are usually taken at eye level, but Holp's shows the grotto in full, with a radiant turquoise hue. "I'm really happy with the outcome," Holp said. "It's (the photo) is true to how it looks." RELATED: 14 under-the-radar spots to get away from summertime tourists in San Antonio Travis County describes Hamilton Pool Preserve as a "legendary swimming hole" on the website. However, swimming is prohibited until July 2, at the earliest, due to high bacteria levels in the water. RELATED: Central Texas storms open flood gates, opportunities for drone footage of 'hazardous conditions' Under a new reservation policy lasting from May 15 until Sept. 30, the pool is booked until July 11. Travis County advises visitors to call its public information hotline, (512) 264-2740, which is recorded daily with updates on reservations and swimming restrictions. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Lamar State College-Port Arthur has been selected to participate in a federal pilot program to expand prison inmates' access to college degrees, signaling growth for a long-running program as the government pays for well-behaved prisoners to obtain two-year degrees in classes like automotive mechanics. The U.S. Department of Education pilot program will make Pell grants available to inmates for the first time in decades. It aims to cut into recidivism, lower prison costs and give 12,000 inmates access to a certificate or degree in a nation that has the world's highest incarceration rate. LSC-PA is the only local college participating in the pilot and among 13 in Texas and 68 across the U.S. Elsewhere, certificates and two-year and four-year degrees will be offered through the program. LSC-PA faculty will teach inmates at low- and medium-security federal units and the state prison in greater Beaumont. They offer associate's degrees in automotive mechanics, heating and air conditioning, applied science and academic studies, said Gary Stretcher, the school's vice president for academic affairs. The college could see as much as $970,000 in Pell grant-covered tuition per year, according to federal data. That would equate to nearly half the $2.2 million the college budgeted for tuition income last year. Because most participants won't be enrolled as full-time students, the boost to tuition won't reach that level, Stretcher said. The benefits will nonetheless extend to the rest of the college's offerings, president Betty Reynard said. "It allows us to provide more services and programs for the students that we serve," Reynard said. "We're always interested in expanding opportunities and meeting the needs of our student population. That gives us the wiggle room to do that." Up to 243 federal and state inmates at Beaumont prisons are eligible to participate, according to the Department of Education. The pilot focuses on prisoners scheduled for release within five years and requires students to have good behavioral records and high-school degrees or equivalencies, Stretcher said. Inmates haven't been eligible for Pell grants since the 1994 crime bill. At the time, 0.6 percent of the grants, which are based on financial need and not repaid, went to inmates, according to USA Today. LSC-PA has offered classes to inmates since the early '90s, about one year before the Pell grant reform, Stretcher said. The pilot program is expected to last four years, but that is subject to change, he said. Jefferson County Criminal District Judge John Stevens said one-third of people on probation in the county lack a high-school diploma, indicating education is one of the factors driving crime. "It sounds to me like a great opportunity to make a better quality of life for the whole community," Stevens said. U.S. Education Secretary John King Jr. told reporters last week the program does not lift Congress' restrictions on Pell grant funding. "That ban remains in place until Congress acts," King said, according to Inside Higher Ed. King said the Education Department is using authority to bypass rules in order to test the idea. "Second Chance Pell will allow us to measure the costs and benefits of this approach," he said. Proponents have also pointed to a 2013 Justice Department-funded study that found four to five dollars are saved on reincarceration costs for every one dollar invested in prison education. The nation's jails and prisons hold about 2.2 million people, according to the federal government, a problem that has been the target of bipartisan reform talks. The Second Chance program will make available about $30 million in Pell grants, according to the Education Department. EBesson@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/EricBesson_news Britain's decision to leave the European Union immediately had an international ripple effect. British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned, politicians in other EU countries called for their own referendums and stocks worldwide quivered, according to U.S. News & World Report. But what does the decision mean for American healthcare companies? Here, Dimitri Drone, global deals leader for pharmaceuticals and life sciences at PricewaterhouseCoopers, provides four thoughts on how Brexit will play out in the U.S. 1. American healthcare could be a good place to invest. Regardless of international politics, people are still going to need healthcare, according to Mr. Drone, but Britain's exit provides a stronger value proposition in the U.S. as the value of the pound plummets. In the short-term, the deterioration of the British pound could increase the relative value of U.S. dollar revenues, according to Mr. Drone. Looking at the long-term, people will always need healthcare, so regardless, companies looking to invest should consider managed healthcare and healthcare facilities. "If you know people are going to be sick and need treatment, it's a good place [for institutional investors] to think about from a long-term investment standpoint," he says. 2. American healthcare companies with global operations in Europe will face challenges. Mr. Drone says American healthcare companies with global operations in Europe those that have at least $50 billion in market capitalization may not necessarily see their values go down as a result of Brexit. However, they will experience challenges obtaining fundraising and regulatory approval. "A process that was previously seamless and was able to be conducted in regular course of business now will be harder," he says. 3. Life sciences companies could have a harder time raising capital. Quite a few life sciences companies are in need of constant capital replenishment. In challening financial markets, these companies may raise capital at more expensive terms then they did prior to Brexit, says Mr. Drone. "Biotech for instance, as a sector, they'll need years and years worth of capital to go from their idea to something that's a commercially viable product. That's hundreds of millions of dollars and up, so those thatdon't have the most sought after technology and assets have a harder time getting financing than they did before," he added. 4. M&A could be impacted. There's always a lot of money that could be made during a period of uncertainty, meaning share prices are going to come down temporarily. However, if an American healthcare company looking to merge with or acquire another company feels bullish on the sector in the medium or long-term, the prices will rebound. "Will CEOs be more incentivized to buy something when it's on sale, when the market's down, or will they kind of look at the overall uncertainty and say, 'Even though I might be able to make some profits in the meantime, I'm going to pass,'" Mr. Drone says. "Which view will win out probably falls on a company-by-company level. Some will decide not to proceed with M&A and others will decide to go after it in a more aggressive way." As of July 1, Louisiana will expand Medicaid, allowing an estimated 375,000 people to become eligible for federally sponsored coverage, according to The Times-Picayune. Louisiana is the 31st state in the U.S. to expand Medicaid and the first state to receive approval from the federal government to tie eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps. Enrollment for the program, which was renamed "Healthy Louisiana" in May, began in early June. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) signed Medicaid expansion on his first day as governor. He described Healthy Louisiana as a key policy initiative of his administration, and emphasized the need to educate state residents about the newly expanded program. "When we talk about positive impact, we don't just mean for healthcare, we mean for the economy and the budget," Gov. Edwards said, citing the $180 million savings his administration has projected, according to the report. "We want to make sure the public gets all the information they need." Here are 11 new medical education schools, programs or departments announced or launched in the first half of 2016, beginning with the most recent. 1. Med school for engineers in the works at Texas A&M College Station-based Texas A&M University plans to establish an engineering medical school at Houston Methodist Hospital, pending various approvals 2. UPenn rolls out joint MD-JD degree program For students who are interested in both law and medicine, look to Philadelphia the University of Pennsylvania is offering a new joint MD-JD program. 3. University of Nebraska Medical Center to add dermatology department Omaha-based University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Medicine is launching its second new department in a year, this time establishing a department of dermatology to help address a statewide shortage. 4. UCF medical school seeking applicants for new emergency medicine residency program The University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando is teaming up with Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, Fla., to launch a new graduate medical education training program this July. 5. MountainView Hospital OB-GYN residency program receives accreditation Las Vegas-based MountainView Hospital received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to create an obstetrics and gynecology residency program. 6. University of the Incarnate Word scores medical school accreditation San Antonio-based University of the Incarnate Word received accreditation for its medical school by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. 7. University of California adds healthcare policy master's for med students University of California, Riverside is adding a Master of Public Policy to its graduate offerings to involve more physicians in developing healthcare policy and reform. 8. MountainView Hospital's General Surgery Residency Program receives ACGME accreditation Las Vegas-based MountainView Hospital's General Surgery Residency Program received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. 9. UW, Gonzaga sign agreement for medical school partnership In late February, there were hints of a potential medical school partnership between Spokane, Wash.-based Gonzaga University and Seattle-based University of Washington. Now the schools officially announced their partnership. 10. Despite concerns, first medical school in Idaho gains approval Idaho will officially have its own private medical school: the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. 11. Lincoln Memorial University creates Doctor of Medical Science graduate program Harrogate, Tenn.-based Lincoln Memorial University formed a new Doctor of Medical Science graduate program. The following hospital mergers, acquisitions and general transactions took place or were announced in June. 1. Hallmark Health to join Wellforce Medford Mass.-based Hallmark Health's board of trustees approved a letter of intent to join Burlington, Mass.-based Wellforce. 2. UW Health and UnityPoint Meriter explore joint operating agreement Leaders from UW Health and UnityPoint Meriter in Madison, Wis., signed letters of intent to explore a joint operating agreement that would deepen their existing clinical collaboration and combine their health insurance businesses. 3. Prospect's acquisition of Crozer-Keystone clears final regulatory hurdle The Delaware County Orphans Court approved the sale of Springfield, Pa.-based Crozer-Keystone Health System to Prospect Medical Holdings, a for-profit hospital operator based in Los Angeles. 4. Baptist Health to acquire Floyd Memorial Hospital for $300M Louisville, Ky.-based Baptist Health moved forward with its purchase of Floyd Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Ind. 5. Kindred Healthcare completes another swap arrangement for hospitals Louisville, Ky.-based Kindred Healthcare completed the acquisition of an additional long-term acute care hospital operated by Mechanicsburg, Pa.-based Select Medical Holdings Corp. and sold an additional LTAC hospital to Select. 6. FTC approves ProMedicas plan to spin off St. Luke's as independent hospital The Federal Trade Commission approved Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica Health System's plan to divest Maumee, Ohio-based St. Luke's Hospital. 7. Duke LifePoint eyes acquisition of Good Shepherd Health System Longview, Texas-based Good Shepherd Health System signed a memorandum of understanding to be acquired by Brentwood, Tenn.-based Duke LifePoint Healthcare. 8. California approves St. Joseph-Providence merger, but with conditions The California Attorney General's Office conditionally approved a merger between Irvine, Calif.-based St. Joseph Health and Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services a deal that would create the third-largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. 9. Metro Health to join University of Michigan Health System Metro Health, a single-hospital system in Wyoming, Mich., and University of Michigan signed a letter of intent for Metro Health to join U-M Health System in Ann Arbor. 10. HCA buys Dallas hospital HCA North Texas, part of Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America, acquired 84-bed Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas from FPMC Realty Partners III and BT Forest Park Realty Partners. 11. Hackensack, Meridian receive legal approval to merge After waiting more than a year, Hackensack (N.J.) University Health Network and Neptune, N.J.-based Meridian Health received final legal approval to merge and form Hackensack Meridian Health. 12. Texas Health Resources acquires Atrium Medical Center Arlington-based Texas Health Resources purchased Atrium Medical Center in Corinth, Texas, with plans to convert the long-term acute care hospital into an inpatient and outpatient behavioral health hospital. 13. St. Joseph Health to form joint venture with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals St. Joseph Health which includes Santa Rosa (Calif.) Memorial Hospital and Petaluma (Calif.) Valley Hospital and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco signed a joint venture agreement to enhance and expand neonatal and pediatric services. 14. Kern Medical Center transferred to new hospital authority Ownership of Bakersfield, Calif.-based Kern Medical Center transferred to the Kern County Hospital Authority, a newly created and independent governing body. 15. CHRISTUS Health expands further into North Texas Irving, Texas-based CHRISTUS Health finalized a joint venture agreement with Hopkins County Hospital District, a one-hospital system in Sulphur Springs, Texas. 16. UPMC's takeover of WCA Hospital moves forward The Public Health and Health Planning Council within New York's Department of Health approved a plan to merge 317-bed WCA Hospital in Jamestown, N.Y., into Pittsburgh-based UPMC. 17. Cuba Memorial Hospital affiliates with Kaleida Health Cuba (N.Y.) Memorial Hospital and Buffalo, N.Y.-based Kaleida Health entered into an affiliation agreement. 18. Oaklawn Hospital, Borgess Health partner to create new organization Marshall, Mich.-based Oaklawn Hospital and Kalamazoo, Mich.-based Borgess Health Alliance created a new organization called THINK Health. 19. Cascade Valley Hospital joins Skagit Regional Health's network Mount Vernon, Wash.-based Skagit Regional Health began leasing and operating Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics in Arlington, Wash. 20. TeamHealth acquires operations of Tri-City Emergency Medical Group Knoxville, Tenn.-based TeamHealth, a physician services organization, acquired the operations of Oceanside, Calif.-based Tri-City Emergency Medical Group. 21. Sale of Southern Winds Hospital closes: 4 things to know Southern Winds Hospital in Hialeah, Fla., was sold to 4225, an affiliate of Millennium Management in Miami. The Delaware County Orphans Court has approved the sale of Springfield, Pa.-based Crozer-Keystone Health System to Prospect Medical Holdings, a for-profit hospital operator based in Los Angeles. With the last regulatory hurdle cleared, Prospect will pay $300 million for Crozer-Keystone. That figure includes up to $120 million in pension fund liabilities, $15 million in liability insurance coverage and the assumption of $160 million in long-term debt obligations, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Prospect and Crozer-Keystone inked a definitive agreement in January. Under the deal, Crozer-Keystone's five hospitals, its physician network and other facilities will become part of the Prospect Network. More articles on healthcare industry transactions: 7 recent hospital transactions and partnerships FTC approves ProMedica's plan to spin off St. Lukes as independent hospital Duke LifePoint eyes acquisition of Good Shepherd Health System A federal judged validated a lawsuit filed by Texas General Hospital in Grand Prairie against Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare seeking more than $104 million in unpaid and underpaid medical bills, Bloomberg BNA reported. In October 2015, Texas General sued UnitedHealthcare for "drastically underpaying" the hospital and not paying for care provided to UnitedHealthcare members. In November, UnitedHealthcare motioned to dismiss the lawsuit. Chief Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas denied UnitedHealthcare's motion on June 28. The judge's dismissal allows Texas General to pursue its claims for benefits and relief under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. It also allows the hospital to bypass the payer's internal appeals procedures for all 1,969 patients and head straight to federal court, Bloomberg BNA reported. Texas General can also pursue state law claims over non-ERISA plans, as well as its accusations UnitedHealthcare violated ERISA by not adequately reviewing the hospital's claims. However, Ms. Lynn did dismiss Texas General's claims that UnitedHealthcare breached ERISA's fiduciary functions. The case is Texas General Hospital L.P. and Texas General GP L.L.C. v. UnitedHealthcare Services Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Co. Orange Park (Fla.) Medical Center is facing a lawsuit from a former patient's family after maggots were found in the patient's mouth during a post-surgery stay, The Florida Times-Union reported. According to the lawsuit, 76-year-old Dorothy Mooneyham was admitted to the hospital for a routine procedure in November. She encountered complications and was in the intensive care unit for 17 days when a hospital staff member discovered maggots in her mouth. Then, a few days later, another maggot was found on Ms. Mooneyham's inner thigh and in her bed, her family says. Ms. Mooneyham later died. The maggots were identified at the University of Florida as the blow fly, which are attracted to decaying meat, according to the Times-Union. The blow fly's gestation period is roughly 24 hours, meaning the maggots are likely linked to Ms. Mooneyham's hospital stay. The lawsuit filed by the Mooneyhams seeks damages for abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the report. In a statement to the Times-Union, Orange Park Medical Center's interim director of public relations and communications called the allegations "outrageous and inaccurate," going on to say, "While we understand the grief of losing a loved one and we offer our condolences to this family, we are proud of the skilled and compassionate care our team provides every day to our patients, and we will vehemently defend this case in court." A federal jury has found Pennsylvania physician William J. O'Brien III, DO, guilty of causing a death through the illegal distribution of controlled substances, according to the Department of Justice. The jury found Dr. O'Brien guilty of two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of controlled substances resulting in death as well as 117 counts of distribution of controlled substances, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud and making false statement under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club were charged in the conspiracy with Dr. O'Brien. Evidence presented a trial showed that Dr. O'Brien conspired with members of the Pagans to distribute large quantities of controlled substances for profit. Through the scheme, patients were recruited and would pay Dr. O'Brien $200 cash for prescriptions for medically unnecessary controlled substances. After filling the prescriptions, the patients would give the pills to Pagan members and associates, who would sell the pills to drug dealers. Evidence presented at trial showed that Dr. O'Brien generated at least $20,000 per week in illegal cash proceeds from his drug dealing activities. Between March 2012 and January 2015, Dr. O'Brien wrote prescriptions for 378,914 oxycodone pills and about 160,492 methadone pills given to his co-conspirators for resale, according to the DOJ. The jury determined Dr. O'Brien's prescribing practices led to one patient's death. In 2013, Dr. O'Brien prescribed a deadly combination of oxycodone, methadone and cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxer, to 36-year-old Joseph Ennis, who subsequently died from the combination of these substances. Dr. O'Brien had medical offices in Philadelphia and Levittown, Pa. "We are thankful the jury saw the obvious that the defendant is a dangerous person exploiting his medical license to operate as a drug dealer," said Special Agent-in-Charge Nick DiGiulio. "We look forward to the day he receives a long prison term." Dr. O'Brien faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison with a maximum sentence of life. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5. More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits: Advocate-NorthShore request expedited appeal in merger case UW Medicine hospital broke charity care law, class-action suit claims 18 recent lawsuits involving hospitals In the biggest birth injury verdict ever in Cook County, a jury awarded a 12-year-old boy and his mother $53 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against University of Chicago Medical Center, according to a Chicago Tribune report. Lisa Ewing filed the suit in 2013, alleging physicians and nurses mishandled her pregnancy and her son Isaiah's birth. Isaiah has cerebral palsy, and his mother needs to feed, bathe and help him go to the bathroom daily. According to the Ewings and their lawyers, clinicians didn't carefully monitor the mother and baby, didn't perform a timely cesarean section and weren't aware of signs indicating the baby was in distress. "The University of Chicago has been, for the last 12 years, completely unapologetic, and even though the evidence was overwhelming that they caused Isaiah's brain damage, they refused to accept responsibility," Geoffrey Fieger, one of the Ewing's lawyers, said, according to the Tribune. University of Chicago Medical Center had filed for a mistrial before the case went to the jury, with the hospital's lawyer saying Mr. Fieger's closing argument "shattered the line between zealous advocacy and improper prejudicial comments, rendering it impossible for defendant to receive a fair trial," according to the Tribune. A spokeswoman for the hospital told the Tribune the University of Chicago Medical Center is sympathetic toward the Ewings but disagrees with the jury's findings. She told the paper that "Isaiah was born with normal oxygen blood levels" and the "injury occurred before the care Mr. Fieger criticized." The hospital maintains Isaiah had an infection that caused the cerebral palsy. A judge still has to enter judgment on the verdict, because there are pending motions for mistrial. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona will end coverage in 2017 for 44,000 members who purchased health plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the Phoenix Business Journal reported. The Phoenix-based insurer is pulling out of Maricopa and Pinal Counties, which represent Arizona's most populous region. Depending on regulatory approval and hospital participation, the insurer will offer plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace in the remaining 13 of Arizona's 15 counties. "As a local company, we couldn't overlook that several counties would have no options or very limited access if we didn't find a way to stay in the market. Yet, we had to strike a balance between how we serve the market and the losses these plans incurred. We lost $185 million on individual ACA plans in just two years," BCBSAZ President and CEO Rich Boals said. "After months of working through scenarios, we believe we have found a mix of plan types and benefits changes that will make these ACA plans sustainable for at least another year." Virginia Mason's accreditation trouble with the Joint Commission, CMS' proposed rule around antibiotic stewardship programs and an emerging, deadly yeast infection captured the attention of readers last month. The following are the 10 most popular stories from Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality from the past month, starting with the most-read. 1. Joint Commission denies Virginia Mason full accreditation after discovering safety issues 2. Virginia Mason under investigation after accreditation trouble 3. CMS proposed rule for hospitals: Reduce antibiotic use or exit Medicare 4. Dirty scopes infect 16 Huntington Hospital patients, including 11 who died 5. CDC warns hospitals of emerging, deadly yeast infection: 7 things to know 6. State body investigates University of Louisville Hospital after physician complaints 7. Second untreatable superbug infection in US identified by researchers 8. University Hospitals' organ transplant program put on probation 9. 3 ways leaders are burning out nurses (and how to prevent it) 10. Surgical tech involved in needle-swapping scandal tests positive for HIV The 2016-17 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals rankings, scheduled to be published in August, will place less emphasis on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Safety Indicators when assessing hospitals for quality. The current U.S. News hospital rankings equally weigh seven AHRQ PSIs to generate a hospital's patient safety score, and that score accounts for 10 percent of the overall score that determines a hospital's ranking across 12 specialties. After conducting a review of medical literature, an internal data analysis and considering input from clinicians, researchers and healthcare administrators, U.S. News decided to make changes to the role PSIs play in their assessment of hospital quality. Here are five things to know about the new U.S. News hospital ranking methods. 1. Due to billing in accuracies related to the PSI measure for pressure ulcers, said measure will no longer be considered when assessing a hospital for safety. 2. The patient safety score's weighted influence on overall quality will be reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. 3. The 5 percent weight reduction from PSIs will be offset with added weight to risk-adjusted survival, increasing this measure's significance from 32.5 percent to 37.5 percent. 4. Data from CMS will no longer be used when calculating PSI scores for Maryland hospitals because CMS reportage regarding these institutions contains incomplete patient admissions data. CMS data will be used to calculate PSIs for all states other than Maryland. 5. U.S. News will now use CMS's Standard Analytical Files instead of Medicare Provider Analysis and Review File when analyzing data on procedures. The SAF contains the date on which procedures are linked to a PSI event. This information will enable U.S. News to conduct a more sophisticated analysis by identifying events not incited by hospital error. More articles on quality: Rehabilitation therapy doesn't reduce length of stay for ICU patients, study finds 3 tactics to prevent death, brain damage in newborns One-third of patients receive unnecessary care at end-of-life, international study finds Someone always has to do it first, so neurosurgeon Juan Torres-Reveron, MD, PhD, of Premier Health's Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, volunteered to take that leap of faith into the realm of robotic-guided spine surgery. In April 2016, Dr. Torres-Reveron performed the nation's first spine surgery using Montpellier, France-based Medtech's ROSA Spine. The technology guided him as he performed a spinal fusion, allowing him to make 1.5 inch incisions and adjusting for patient movement. Dr. Torres-Reveron became acquainted with ROSA technology back in his residency and fellowship days at Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital. "We used ROSA Brain during the time I was at Yale, so it was a natural extension," explains Dr. Torres-Reveron. "It was an easy transition, and during training I did a lot of minimally invasive surgery." Dr. Torres-Reveron believes robotic spine surgery is positioned to transform how surgeons perform minimally invasive spine surgery, and predicts ROSA Spine will follow the success of ROSA Brain, which the FDA approved in 2012. "With everything in technology, there is always a flat curve at the beginning," Dr. Torres-Reveron says. "But surgeons will push forward to do more surgeries in other areas of the spine [with the technology]." Currently, ROSA Spine is only approved for lumbar spine surgery. To match its surgeons' talent, Miami Valley Hospital stays at the frontline of new technology. The hospital acquired the first ROSA Spine in the United States after it received FDA clearance in January 2016. The hospital's Brethen Center for Surgical Advancement in Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery offers visiting surgeons a chance to test out their curiosity of cutting-edge technology. Interested surgeons may take an immersive robotics course on workflow and learn how to use the technology. "We have to do the leap of faith," says Dr. Torres-Reveron of performing the first ROSA Spine cases. "[Other surgeons] just have to come and watch." If performing MIS cases, Dr. Torres-Reveron doesn't believe the robotic-guided surgery learning curve is too steep. And if not performing MIS cases, he says robotics will help surgeons learn the MIS approach faster. "It's just a computer," says Dr. Torres-Reveron. "If anything, the hardest part is going to be trusting. You have to trust the robot and believe it's going to be correct." San Diego-based NuVasive settled its patent litigation with Dublin, Ireland-based Medtronic. Here are six things to know: 1. The two companies will enter into a definitive settlement agreement within 15 days. 2. NuVasive and Medtronic agreed on the settlement terms of patent infringement lawsuits stemming from 2008. 3. NuVasive will make a one-time payment of $45 million to Medtronic and some of its subsidiaries. 4. The settlement releases both companies from any liabilities noted in the litigation. 5. NuVasive and Medtronic also agreed to halt patent litigation and instead, implement a dispute resolution process to deal with any patent infringement allegations in the future. 6. The settlement also offers both companies specific licenses for some products. NI Legion members finish memorial walk: Seven Royal British Legion members from Dromore completed a 100-mile walk to the Somme yesterday - a mile for every year since the battle. Dressed in replica military uniforms, the group, which has raised more than 3,000 for charity, marched up to the Ulster Memorial Tower at the end of their journey from Boulogne in northern France, with onlookers' applause in their ears. For Colin Ward and Adrian Hawthorne, it was a personal quest. Colin said: "I lost my great-grandfather, William Fitzgerald, who died at the Somme on July 1,1916. My son, Alistair, is wearing his medals" Adrian's great-great grandfather, John Byrne, from Dublin, and his great-uncle John Hawthorne, from Banbridge, also died in the battle. The money raised by the group is going to the Poppy Appeal and to the MacMillan cancer nurses. Orangemen remember their fallen brethren Orangemen held a symbolic meeting yesterday in Thiepval Wood, from which members of the Order went into battle at the Somme. Members of the 1916 Thiepval Memorial Orange Lodge also unveiled a new banner beside the trenches. After prayers, the lodge's lay chaplain dedicated the banner, which replaces one dedicated on the same spot two decades ago. After the service, the Orangemen marched to the Ulster Memorial Tower as police stopped traffic for them. The former Orange Grand Master, Robert Saulters, said the trip was emotional for him because his father, David, had survived the Somme. 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 Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A gun salute during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memoria on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo bt Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Britain's Prince Charles (R) and Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron attend a a memorial ceremony on July 1, 2016 at the Thiepval Memorial, northern France, during which Britain and France mark the 100 years since soldiers emerged from their trenches to begin one of the bloodiest battles of World War I (WWI) at the River Somme. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Francois MoriFRANCOIS MORI/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 01: War graves at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme during Somme Centenary Commemorations on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. Today marks exactly 100 years since the beginning of the battle of the Somme. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Getty Images BEAUMONT-HAMEL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales lays a wreath at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial during a Ceremony of Remembrance hosted by the Government of Canada to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme on July 1, 2016 in Beaumont-Hamel, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Niall Carson - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: French President Francois Hollande meets British and French school children during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memoria on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo bt Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne MP attends a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme. July 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. Services are being held across Britain and the world to remember those who died in the Battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago on July 1st 1916. Armies of British and French soldiers fought against the German Empire leading to over one million lives being lost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Handout photo issued by the MOD of a gun salute by 206 (Ulster Battery Royal Artillery) at the Somme Memorial in Thiepval Barracks, Northern Ireland, to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday July 1, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme BelfastEvents. Photo credit should read: Kellie Shattock/MOD/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Royal british Legion standard bearers attend a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme. July 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. Services are being held across Britain and the world to remember those who died in the Battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago on July 1st 1916. Armies of British and French soldiers fought against the German Empire leading to over one million lives being lost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, attends a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme. July 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. Services are being held across Britain and the world to remember those who died in the Battle of the Somme which began 100 years ago on July 1st 1916. Armies of British and French soldiers fought against the German Empire leading to over one million lives being lost. (Photo by Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Press Eye handout photo of the Band of the Irish Guards taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Belfast City Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of he Somme. PA PA Press Eye handout photo of Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Belfast City Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of he Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Serviceman watch footage of soldiers from the battle of the Somme during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Chris Radburn - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Serviceman watch footage of soldiers from the battle of the Somme during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Chris Radburn - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Standard bearers during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Chris Radburn - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: A view of the wreath laying ceremony during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Chris Radburn - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: A Union flag and French tricolour fly during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Chris Radburn - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images A man dressed as a First World War soldier in Walthamstow, London, to mark 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. The imitation soldiers surprised onlookers by stopping to pose and sing wartime songs, and when not singing, the men remained silent, handing out cards with names of those who had died to members of the public. See PA story HERITAGE Somme Tributes. Photo credit should read: Nitya Kanoria/PA Wire PA THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: The Prince of Wales at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, France, during a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Niall Carson - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Wreaths at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, France, during a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Niall Carson - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Men dressed as First World War soldiers in Euston station, London, to mark 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. The imitation soldiers surprised onlookers by stopping to pose and sing wartime songs, and when not singing, the men remained silent, handing out cards with names of those who had died to members of the public. See PA story HERITAGE Somme Tributes. Photo credit should read: Sarah Perry/PA Wire PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tour the new Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Visitors Centre in Thiepval, France. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme Royals. Photo credit should read: Ian Jones/PA Wire PA (left to right) French President Francois Hollande and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive to open the new Thiepval Memorial to the Missing Visitors Centre in Thiepval, France. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme Royals. Photo credit should read: Ian Jones/PA Wire PA THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Detailed view of the note on the wreath left by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the Stone of Remembrance after the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Andrew Matthews - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Actress Joely Richardson speaks during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Steve Parsons - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Detailed view of the note on the wreath left by Prime Minister David Cameron at the Cross of Sacrifice after the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Andrew Matthews - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are given a tour at Beaumont-Hamel, France, following a Ceremony of Remembrance, hosted by the Government of Canada to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday July 1, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: (L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prime Minister David Cameron during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Steve Parsons - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: School children take part in a procession in the rain holding flowers a wreaths during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memoria on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo bt Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Steve Parsons - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JULY 1: Poppies fall on a Military Service person during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Steve Parsons - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JUNE 30: Soldiers take part in a vigil at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme during Somme Centenary Commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II attend a Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images War graves are lit during part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing, as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA Wire PA LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Five civilians and five members of the military undertake a Vigil at Grave of the Unknown Warrior after the Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images War graves are lit during part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing, as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PA PA THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JUNE 30: Major General Peter Kelly, Head of the New Zealand Forces takes part in a vigil at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme during Somme Centenary Commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Getty Images Soldiers stand at the Stone of Remembrance during a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing, as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire PA Soldiers take part in a vigil at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme during Somme Centenary Commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Getty Images Prince Harry gives a reading as part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing, as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire PA LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha arrive to attend a Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JUNE 30: Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing in June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Photo by Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JUNE 30: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing in June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. The event is part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. (Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images THIEPVAL, FRANCE - JUNE 30: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge take part in a vigil at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme during Somme Centenary Commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Five civilians and five members of the military undertake a Vigil at Grave of the Unknown Warrior after the Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Queen Elizabeth II lays a wreath made of roses and bay leaves on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at a Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha speak before a Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn attends a Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images Soldiers take part in a vigil at the the Stone of Remembrance as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire PA ALBERT, FRANCE JUNE 30: A general view of the Thiepval Memorial as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Somme Centenary commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Albert, France. (Photo by Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, FRANCE JUNE 30: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Somme Centenary commemorations at the Thiepval Memorial on June 30, 2016 in Albert, France. (Photo by Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing, as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry receiving a historical briefing on the battlefields of the Somme from the top of the Thiepval monument in France to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Tim Rooke/PA Wire PA Security before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry received a historical briefing on the battlefields of the Somme from the top of the Thiepval monument in France to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: Tim Rooke/PA Wire PA Lance Sergeant Stuart Laing from the Welsh Guards rehearses the Last Post on a bugle that was sounded at the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, England. The bugle will be played from the Lantern Tower at Westminster Abbey during a service on the eve of the Battle of the Somme centenary attended by the Queen. The bugle is kept at the Welsh Guards Regimental HQ at Wellington Barracks in London and was used daily along the reserve line as an efficient way of communicating orders. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownards. The sound of bagpipes filled the air at Helen's Tower, as lone piper, Grahame Harris, played a lament. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownards. The sound of bagpipes filled the air at Helen's Tower, as lone piper, Grahame Harris, played a lament. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownards. The sound of bagpipes filled the air at Helen's Tower, as lone piper, Grahame Harris, played a lament. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Westminster Abbey in London for a service to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. PA PA Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha Cameron attend Service on the eve of the centenary of The Battle of The Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images) Getty Images Jeremy Corbyn and his wife Laura Alvarez arrive at Westminster Abbey in London for a service to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. PA PA An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownards. The sound of bagpipes filled the air at Helen's Tower, as lone piper, Grahame Harris, played a lament. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownardsy. Starting at 7pm on Thursday evening, the vigil will end at 7.28am on Friday morning, to the blowing of whistles. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan ALBERT, FRANCE - JANUARY 30: A memorial is seen in the town in front of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebieres on January 30, 2016 in Albert, France. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the World War One Battle of the Somme and a number of commemorations are planned to mark one of the bloodiest battles in military history. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum and Heritage Centre outside Newtownardsy. Starting at 7pm on Thursday evening, the vigil will end at 7.28am on Friday morning, to the blowing of whistles. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: The Abbey Choir rehearse after Lance Sergeant Stuart Laing from the Welsh Guards rehearsed the Last Post on a bugle that was sounded at the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey on June 30, 2016 in London, England. The bugle will be played from the Lantern Tower at Westminster Abbey during a service on the eve of the Battle of the Somme centenary attended by the Queen. The bugle is kept at the Welsh Guards Regimental HQ at Wellington Barracks in London and was used daily along the reserve line as an efficient way of communicating orders. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) Getty Images People in kilt play bagpipes during a ceremony to commemorate the centenary of the battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest of the World War I (1.2 million killed, missing and wounded in five months), on June 30, 2016 in Albert, northern France. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS NASCIMBENIFRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Colour Sergeant Trevor Ross takes delivery of wreaths from the Mayor of Thiepval, at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, France, ahead of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. Thousands of soldiers from across Ireland died at the Somme, including many from the 36th Ulster Division on the first day of battle. See PA story HERITAGE Somme NIreland. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum outside Newtownards. Pictured at the vigil is, Jim Shannon MP, John Morrison of the Royal British Legion, military bugler, Grahame Harris of Harris Piping, and Kingsley Donaldson, secretary of the Northern Ireland 1st World War centenary committee. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan An overnight vigil at the Somme Museum outside Newtownards. Pictured at the vigil is, Jim Shannon MP, John Morrison of the Royal British Legion, military bugler, Grahame Harris of Harris Piping, and Kingsley Donaldson, secretary of the Northern Ireland 1st World War centenary committee. Picture: Philip Magowan / PressEye Philip Magowan ALBERT, FRANCE - JANUARY 30: A memorial is seen in the town in front of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebieres on January 30, 2016 in Albert, France. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the World War One Battle of the Somme and a number of commemorations are planned to mark one of the bloodiest battles in military history. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images Liam Mercer, 20, from Elm Park, in Hornchurch, Essex, of the 10th Essex living historians group, in the uniform of a British soldier from WW1, prepares to march through Albert, in France, as part of the of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme, in France. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 30, 2016. See PA story HERITAGE Somme. Photo credit should read: David Wilcock/PA Wire PA ALBERT, FRANCE - JANUARY 30: A memorial is seen in the town in front of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebieres on January 30, 2016 in Albert, France. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the World War One Battle of the Somme and a number of commemorations are planned to mark one of the bloodiest battles in military history. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Headstones of fallen British servicemen are seen in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on May 17, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will see the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme with a series of major ceremonies planned across the UK and France on July 1 to mark its centenary. The Somme was one of the bloodiest battles of World War One with more than one million casualties over 141 days. The fighting began just before 7.30am on the morning of July 1, 1916 and was to become known as the British Army's bloodiest day. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, ENGLAND - MAY 17: A poppy is left besides the names of fallen soldiers in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on May 17, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will see the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme with a series of major ceremonies planned across the UK and France on July 1 to mark its centenary. The Somme was one of the bloodiest battles of World War One with more than one million casualties over 141 days. The fighting began just before 7.30am on the morning of July 1, 1916 and was to become known as the British Army's bloodiest day. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, FRANCE - MAY 17: The 51st (Highland) Division memorial is seen at the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel on May 17, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will see the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme with a series of major ceremonies planned across the UK and France on July 1 to mark its centenary. The Somme was one of the bloodiest battles of World War One with more than one million casualties over 141 days. The fighting began just before 7.30am on the morning of July 1, 1916 and was to become known as the British Army's bloodiest day. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Headstones of fallen British servicemen are seen in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on May 17, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will see the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme with a series of major ceremonies planned across the UK and France on July 1 to mark its centenary. The Somme was one of the bloodiest battles of World War One with more than one million casualties over 141 days. The fighting began just before 7.30am on the morning of July 1, 1916 and was to become known as the British Army's bloodiest day. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, FRANCE - MAY 17: The remains of trenches are seen in the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel on May 17, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will see the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme with a series of major ceremonies planned across the UK and France on July 1 to mark its centenary. The Somme was one of the bloodiest battles of World War One with more than one million casualties over 141 days. The fighting began just before 7.30am on the morning of July 1, 1916 and was to become known as the British Army's bloodiest day. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images ALBERT, FRANCE - JANUARY 31: A view of the Gordon Cemetery, Mametz is seen on January 31, 2016 near Albert, France. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the World War One Battle of the Somme and a number of commemorations are planned to mark one of the bloodiest battles in military history. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A gun salute during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memoria on July 1, 2016 in Thiepval, France. (Photo bt Yui Mok - Pool/Getty Images) Former Newtownabbey mayor Frazer Agnew added yesterday was an important milestone for the lodge. "For it to meet here is highly emotional," he explained. Family secret of ex-serviceman A Chelsea Pensioner who travelled to the Somme for yesterday's commemoration has revealed he was 65 before he discovered his grandfather had fought in the battle. "He never mentioned it - not once,"said San Cameron (72), who is originally from Tigers Bay in north Belfast. He added that he stumbled on the discovery after a cousin spoke about it as he examined his family tree. "I visited my grandfather twice a week, but his wartime service never featured in the conversations," Sam explained. "Knowing now what happened here, why would anyone want to talk about it? I went to London and found his military record. It was scary stuff" The former serviceman said he had visited the scene of the battle to pay homage to his grandfather and all the soldiers who failed to make it back home from World War One. Man overcomes hatred of flying for ceremony A Newtownards man who hates flying jetted to Europe to attend a ceremony to mark the start of the Battle of the Somme, at which his grandfather was injured. Stephen Beattie, a member of the Raven Somme Memorial Association in east Belfast, said: "The Somme is very special to me and to all the other members of our association. "We have 25 members and 16 of us are here for the service at the Ulster Tower. We have also been visiting a number of other memorials and cemeteries. "I have been to the Somme three or four times, and it is always very emotional." Mr Beattie's grandfather Malcolm Deane, from Bushmills, Co Antrim, was wounded in the arm during the horrific battle. He was one of six brothers from the same family who fought in the Great War. Father and son's emotional journey A man has made a poignant trip to the graveside of his relative near Thiepval to play the Last Post in an act of remembrance for the Somme. William Sayers, from Dunnamanagh and his father, George are on a visit to Belgium and France in memory of Samuel Sayers, who fought from 1914 until 1916 before losing his life. Ten years ago, William and his father discovered Samuel's final resting place. William said it was important that they visit again because it might be their last chance. "I play the bugle, so I brought it with me and I will play the Last Post at Samuel's grave while my father lays a small poppy on his grave," he added. "Being here hammers home in a dignified way man's inhumanity to man. I think it is so important for people to never take for granted the peace we have that men like Samuel gave their lives for." Unions have stepped up their support for the delayed Hinkley Point nuclear power station, saying that confirming the financial go-ahead will be the first big "litmus test" for infrastructure projects following the EU referendum result. The GMB, Unite, Ucatt, and Prospect unions have written to the chief executive of EDF Energy, Vincent de Rivaz, saying it is "vital" that a final investment decision is made. The letter said: "UK trade unions are 100% in support of Hinkley Point C and believe that it is vital to make a final investment decision in a timely fashion soon after the consultation process (between EDF and the French unions) is completed (on 4 July). "Nuclear new build is already behind the curve. We cannot afford further delay and it is vital for EDF to make a final investment decision now." The unions said the 18 billion project, which would generate 7% of UK electricity demand, was vital in providing thousands of jobs and "keeping the lights on" in the years ahead. The letter continues: "From an energy perspective, the UK needs the electricity. We are rapidly losing capacity and this process will continue as the UK coal stations and nuclear stations reach the end of their operating lives. "At the same time, we are committed to making a transition to a carbon-neutral balanced energy policy in the UK, including nuclear and renewables. "It would be a tragedy, in both France and the UK, if all this work and the extraordinary opportunities it provides were to be lost. "The moment to make the decision is upon us and we have a genuine fear that any further delay will lead to the unravelling of all that we have fought so hard to achieve." Justin Bowden, national officer of the GMB, said: "The decision to get on and build Hinkley Point C must be made now, without further delay. The UK is already at growing risk of power shortages from our over-reliance on unpredictable renewables, and our energy needs have not changed since last week. "The UK must have a balanced, low carbon energy mix including renewables, gas and nuclear power if we are to keep the lights on, our homes heated and the economy functioning." Kevin Coyne, of Unite, said: "The final investment decision by EDF Energy in Hinkley Point will be the first litmus test following the Brexit vote that much-needed investment in large infrastructure projects is still coming on stream." Brian Rye, acting general secretary of Ucatt, said: "This is a vitally needed and groundbreaking project. The decision on the final go-ahead on Hinkley will demonstrate whether foreign-owned companies are still prepared to invest in the UK. The Government needs to ensure that they get this deal over the line." Apple is reportedly considering a potential takeover bid for Jay Z's music-streaming service Tidal. The technology giant is exploring the idea of acquiring Tidal because of its strong ties to popular artists including Kanye West and Madonna, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sources told the newspaper that "exploratory talks" were continuing and they may not result in a deal. But a Tidal spokesman denied its executives had discussed a deal with Apple, the Wall Street Journal said. Jay Z joined forces with a host of music stars in March last year to unveil Tidal as a rival to Spotify, following criticism of the amount they pay acts in royalties. Swedish technology company Aspiro, which owned Tidal, was bought out by the rap mogul for 56 million dollars (42 million). Jay Z was joined at a launch event in New York by West, Alicia Keys and his wife Beyonce, who have stakes in the company, along with fellow Tidal co-owners Calvin Harris and Chris Martin, who appeared via video link. Last month West used Tidal to unveil the controversial video to his song Famous, featuring depictions of a host of naked celebrities including Taylor Swift. Madonna's video for the track B**** I'm Madonna was also shown exclusively on the service for 24 hours before being released to the wider public. Tidal is also the only streaming service offering the back catalogue of the late music superstar Prince, who died in April after an accidental overdose. The site's flagship 19.99 monthly subscription fee - which includes high definition audio and HD music videos - is double the amount of the highest Spotify monthly cost. Tidal also offers a 9.99 monthly deal in line with its rivals. Electronica kids Metronomy supply the tunes on new record Summer 08, American producer DJ Shadow presents The Mountain Will Fall and Copenhagen punk trio Less Win share their debut LP, Trust. We round up the best of this week.s releases. METRONOMY SUMMER 08 Metronomy are masters of the jaunty arrangement and experts at producing sprightly electronica ensembles knitted together with real instruments. This concept album, their fifth record to date, peers back towards the last summer that founder member Joseph Mount had free, which is as good a reason as any to create a collection of songs as zippy and chirpy as this. Opener Back Together sounds like a Courtney Barnett tune, all dry comments conjuring up bland every day images with panache (Ill need your credit card and maiden name), while the track most likely to snag in your brain is the supremely catchy, bounding Hang Me Out To Dry which prominently and brilliantly features Swedish pop queen, Robyn. Night Owl is shot through with bouncing indie riffs and soft edged vocals, and first single Old Skool (the video for which stars Catastrophe actress Sharon Horgan in a Seventies dinner party nightmare) is raucously good. Thoroughly natty and fun. 7/10 Ella Walker LESS WIN TRUST Danish band Less Wins debut British album harks back to the early Eighties when exciting things were rising out of the embers of punk. Spiky guitars, rumbling bass, sparse drums and urgent, surly vocals are the order of the day for this experimental Copenhagen trio. They cite influences as varied as Public Image Ltd, John Coltrane, Ravel and Shostakovich, but their raw sound and attitude makes you think of post punk. Bury The Heart is a melee of howling vocals and discordant guitars with a jazzy interlude, while on Mare something tender and thoughtful emerges after a sonic assault on the ears. Theres a pattern to their songs; they seem like theyre going to be thrash-fests but mutate into something more interesting and unexpected. Joy Division, Bauhaus, Mclusky and even James spring to mind at times, but Less Win are ploughing their own furrow very impressively. 7/10 Darryl Webber DEAD BUTTONS SOME KIND OF YOUTH White Stripes, The Black Keys and Royal Blood have all demonstrated the power of duos. Add to that list Korean indie-rockers Dead Buttons. Formed in 2013, they got rid of their bassist and scrapped all their songs in 2014 and now sound full of ideas and angst. Some Kind Of Youth bursts with angry energy that marries the blues rock of Led Zeppelin with a punk attitude. 16-22 comes on like The Hives garage rock with plenty of sardonic snarl and the rest of the album follows that tuneful, snotty template. Its great fun. The songs that work best are shorter, sharper slabs of angular indie-pop like Nothing But You. Useless Generation offers slower, melodic introspection before parting tracks, Want It and Witch, re-establish the raucous, infectious riffs. Your new favourite garage band? Maybe. 8/10 Darryl Webber DJ SHADOW THE MOUNTAIN WILL FALL Its been 20 years since DJ Shadows seminal album Endtroducing, made entirely from samples, and in that time the American DJ has sought to show theres more to him than a cut and paste crate digger with fast fingers. Results have been mixed, but The Mountain Will Fall, his first long player for five years, focuses that adventurism into a rewarding whole. There are glaring jolts in style here, from the epic soundscape beginnings of the title track to the heavy metal meets car alarm urgency of Depth Charge, but like a mix tape from your coolest friend, it works. Similarly, the somnambulant seriousness of ambient tracks such as Ashes To Oceans and Bergschrund, a collaboration with neoclassical auteur Nils Frahm, are undercut by The Sideshow, a burst of deranged old school scratching and Nobody Speaks, a wild Tarantino meets Tijuana team-up with rap duo of the moment, Run The Jewels. This album is all over the place, but wonderfully so. 8/10 Mark Edwards MARTHA BLISTERS IN THE PIT OF MY HEART Dont be fooled by the melancholic title of Marthas second album, Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart. Whilst the Durham-based quartet do tackle some big issues opener Christine is a love song filtered through anxiety and night terror the sun-soaked melodies and harmonised guitar riffs make it a great accompaniment to a heavy dose of vitamin D. The punk pop album kicks off with Christines guitar thrashing intro but quickly mellows, while Precarious embraces love in a supermarket washing powder aisle yes, really. It climaxes with Do Nothings two minute, toe stomping guitar solo, capping off an album more than capable of overcoming the dreaded sophomore slump. 7/10 Jared Tinslay The pages of local newspapers are filled with the images and stories of some of the thousands of students who are graduating from Northern Ireland's two universities this summer. For them it is the culmination of three years or more of hard work, dedicated studying and, in many cases, getting their first taste of independent life. Armed with their degrees, they are now setting out into the real world where they face the challenge of getting a job. For some their career path may be laid out for them by their qualifications in disciplines such as law or medicine, but for others it will be a case of finding meaningful employment that may have little relevance to the degree they obtained. We talk to three people about their memories of their graduations and how their dreams panned out, and three writers tell how university shaped their lives. Frances Burscough: We were known around town as the Fashionettes I graduated in 1986 from Manchester Metropolitan University, although in those days it was still called Manchester Polytechnic. My degree was BA Hons fashion/textile design and it had taken three years plus an initial foundation course of a year before that, so by graduation I was 24 years old. The course was based at the All Saints Campus at Oxford Road in the city and there were 15 of us in the year. It was quite an intimate group and we all socialised together in a little clique that was known around town as "the Fashionettes" because we were all very trendy and outlandishly dressed, like fashion students usually are. The final year had been a whirlwind of excitement for us all. Instead of finishing with a thesis and/or exams, a degree in fashion is marked largely on a final degree show that is just like a professional fashion show with a catwalk, loud music, models and an audience at a large venue. We chose Manchester Town Hall, no less, for our degree show and each of us spent the final six months of the course designing and making a collection of six outfits to be unveiled that afternoon. Mine was a collection of women's eveningwear inspired by the pomp and ceremony of the Vatican, so the colours were black, ruby red, emerald green and purple decorated with ornate gold and jewelled trimmings and included sweeping gowns, capes and sashes topped with mitres and birettas. One even carried a staff, like the Pope. It got a great reception and rapturous applause, so I couldn't have been more pleased. The following day we took our show - lock, stock and barrel - to the famous Hacienda Club where hundreds of people turned up to see all the budding new designers make their debuts. Members of the band New Order were there along with the producer Tony Robinson and a few other celebs too, so it was a really exciting night all-round. Afterwards our outfits were graded and all of us, bar one, were given a disappointing 2.2, an average mark, nothing to write home about per se, but a pass at least. The joke at the time was to call a 2.2 score "a Desmond", as in Desmond Tutu. So I got a Desmond for all my hard work, but luckily I also got offered a job on the strength of it. As I was the only one in my year who came away from college with a career lined up, it was actually a great success. The graduation ceremony took place at Manchester Free Trade Hall. Mum and dad came and we went for a meal afterwards to the Dutch Pancake House, but like so many pancakes, the day felt like a bit of a flop after all the excitement of the shows. I got a photograph taken of me in my cap and gown but it was so hideous that I waited until the novelty had worn off and then threw it away. Mum and dad never noticed because I was just one of their eight kids who all graduated over a short space of time. For the next few years I worked my way up from an assistant in a small design studio to designing womenswear for Marks and Spencer in London. However, I moved to Northern Ireland in 1990 to concentrate on fashion journalism. Alex Kane: Everything valuable that Ive learnt I did so in the real world I remember crossing the stage of the Whitla Hall with my black gown flapping like an embarrassed crow as I reached out to receive my degree - a joint honours in politics and philosophy. There's then a few seconds while you walk back down the steps, scroll in hand, and get a proper look at the audience. I remember thinking: "I'm going to rule this country one day and people will listen to what I say." But 38 years later I don't even rule my own house, and my daughters treat almost every utterance with a smile, a snarl, or a slam of the door. That was July 1978, a time without fees and when only about 10% of the population went to university or a polytechnic. It was also a time when most of us walked straight from the degree ceremony into a job. We dared to dream back then because we knew we were a blessed generation: unencumbered by debt, fought over by potential employers, loved by bank managers (those were the days when they came out and shook your hand) and with a career path helpfully laid out in front of us. Yet, if I could do it all again I would go back and tell myself to take a different path. About two weeks after I left school, in 1974, I was offered a job with a local newspaper. I turned it down because I thought I was much too clever to start at the bottom with the "sort of people" who had to cover local councils, school speech days and church fetes. I should have started there, because it's only by working your way up that you learn the most important lessons in life and the most useful tricks of the trade. You get to know people. You get to realise that there's more collective wisdom in those "ordinary people" than in the self-referencing, self-serving babble of those who live in the bubbles occupied by the professional classes. University serves a purpose, particularly for law, medicine, careers in research and so on. But in my lifetime I've seen a university education transformed into an expectation rather than a necessity or a reward. However, 40 years on and the one thing I know for certain is that everything valuable I've learned I learned in the "real" world. Fionola Meredith: 'All PhD students know it takes up your entire life' I graduated three times from Queen's University Belfast, and on each occasion the gowns got fancier. By the time I received my doctorate in English and scholastic philosophy in 2001 it was very swanky indeed: a vision in silky purple and red. But that seemed fair enough to me. After four years of intense intellectual labour I was happy to get the glad-rags on. As anybody who completes a PhD knows - and I'm talking about real ones, not the instant, honorary kind - it takes over your entire life. The only way to get it done is to immerse yourself in your topic - obsessively, passionately, exclusively - and wave goodbye to the outside world for a few years. Probably wave goodbye to your mental health as well: I'm still feeling the after-effects of it. So when the day came to formally accept my PhD, I was more than ready. All I remember of the graduation days themselves is a confused impression of academic processions, organ voluntaries, strategically-placed safety pins, and strawberries and cream in the quad afterwards. But I do know how proud I was to take my place as an alumna of Queen's, and that's something that never leaves you. I was privileged to be taught by true scholars and intellectuals - increasingly rare these days - such as Dr Hugh Bredin and Dr Jennifer FitzGerald, my PhD supervisors. They shaped, nurtured and challenged my thinking, sharpened my wits and sustained me with great friendship throughout. That never leaves me either: their influence is in everything I write and say. I started Queen's as an 18-year-old, straight out of school, and by the time I left I was married with two young children. My son, now 21, was born in the second year of my undergraduate degree and I gave birth to my daughter during the first year of my doctoral study. I have wonderful memories of summertime classes out on the lawn in front of the Lanyon building, my little boy playing in the daisies by my side. I used to take my baby daughter into the library in her back-pack (I don't think they'd have let me in with a pram) and we'd go up together to the 11th floor, where the philosophy books were kept. Quickly working out what it was all about, she would reach for books from the highest shelves, take them down and prop them on the back of my head as she leafed through them. My daughter is a woman now, and I still think of those days and smile. I worked for an IT firm for a while but liked the sound of a journalism course Rebecca McKinney (29) is a personal stylist and co-hosts the Cool FM breakfast show with Pete Snodden. She says: "I have a law degree from Queen's University and a Master's degree in communications, advertising and public relations from what is now Ulster University. I went to both my graduation days and I loved them. I was so excited about the day and graduating from Queen's my friends and I all tried to get dresses that would match the colour of our hoods. I ended up with an orange dress that I probably wouldn't have worn in a thousand years, but I loved it that day. When I graduated from Queen's I still very much wanted to be a solicitor and fully intended to pursue that route. I took the exams to get into it and ended up on a waiting list, so in the meantime I did my Master's. I had always had an interest in media and when it came to choosing my degree it was a toss-up between journalism and law. Doing the Master's degree really got me excited about the media so it ended up enticing me down that path. 'My degree has been invaluable as I've worked in fashion and I really understand how fabric works' Sara O'Neill (36) is a stylish and designer of Eadach scarves. She lives in Portrush with her fiance Al Mennie. She says: "I graduated from the University of Ulster in Belfast with a BA (Hons) in fashion and textiles. I went to my graduation and got dressed up in the gown, entering into the spirit of it all. It didn't massively stick out in my mind because we had a fashion show at the Waterfront Hall a few days before graduation and that involved a lot of hard work. On graduation day I really didn't want to be a designer - the nitty gritty bits about it bored me - but I did want to be a stylist or an illustrator. It was a very small industry, particularly back then in Northern Ireland in the days before social media. I ended up working as a waitress for a year and seriously considered becoming a teacher. I interviewed for places on courses and spent three months helping out at my primary school with arts and crafts. Then I met Gavin Miller, the photographer, who asked me to style a shoot for him and it all snowballed from there. It was only a couple of years ago I finally ended up being a designer with my Eadach print range. My degree has been invaluable as I've worked in fashion and I really understand how fabric works. I didn't have the formed ideas for designing when I left university, but they've come with experience." 'I loved my graduation day and I had all my family over for it' Barra Best (33) is a TV presenter for BBC Northern Ireland. He says: "I went to Edge Hill University in Ormskirk just north of Liverpool and I studied information systems with media and communications. I always had a knack for IT and computer systems as well as media so I wanted to keep both of those things together. I loved my graduation day and I had all my family over for it. Back then I wanted to work in IT so I came back to Belfast and worked for an IT firm for 18 months. It was pretty good - my first job in the real world. I did enjoy it but a friend of mine started talking about doing a Master's in broadcast journalism and I really liked the sound of it. I decided I wanted to do something a bit more creative so I ended up doing a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. When I finished that course I came back to Belfast and worked at local radio station for nine months before getting a job at the BBC nine years ago and I've been there ever since." Interviews by Kerry McKittrick French President Francois Hollande said any second thoughts about the Brexit outcome have come too late The UK's withdrawal from the European Union "cannot be delayed or cancelled", French president Francois Hollande has said. Mr Hollande was speaking after talks with David Cameron, during which he assured the Prime Minister of his continued commitment to allowing UK border guards to carry out checks on ferry and train passengers on French soil after Brexit. The president said that following last week's historic referendum vote to quit the EU, British voters are "beginning to understand" what they stand to lose. But he indicated that any second thoughts about the outcome have come too late. Mr Hollande told the AFP news agency: "Being in the European Union has its advantages and I think that is what the British are beginning to understand, what those who are tempted by the Brexit are going to reflect upon. "But the decision has been taken - it cannot be delayed or cancelled. Now we must take the consequences." A survey by Opinium Research found 7% of Leave voters now regret their choice, while a BMG poll for the Evening Standard found 13% regret their vote to some degree. The BMG survey suggested that Remain would win a referendum held now by a margin of 45%-40%. Opponents of UK withdrawal warned during the campaign that Brexit could lead to border controls being shifted to the British side of the English Channel, with the danger of a migrant encampment like the Calais "Jungle" springing up in Dover. In the wake of last week's result, Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region which includes Calais, called on Mr Hollande to revoke the 2003 Le Touquet treaty which allows so-called "juxtaposed controls" on either side of the Channel. Read more Read More But Number 10 said that in talks on the margin of First World War commemorations in France, Mr Hollande and the Prime Minister affirmed their shared commitment to keeping the arrangement. And they said both sides continue to support the long-delayed Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, which is due to be built and part-financed by the mainly state-owned French company EDF. In a statement, Downing Street said: "They agreed the bilateral relationship between the UK and France was enduring and strong, and that our defence and security co-operation in particular would continue to go from strength to strength, based on the solid foundation of the Lancaster House Treaty. "They agreed a mutual commitment to continue working closely together to protect our shared border in Calais and to maintain the so-called 'juxtaposed controls'. "They discussed Hinkley and agreed that there was continued UK and French support for the project. "The Prime Minister also reiterated his view that the United Kingdom should seek the closest possible relations with the EU and in that context, the need for constructive post-referendum negotiations." George Osborne has ditched his cherished plan to run an absolute budget surplus by 2019-20, as the economy deals with the economic shock of last weeks Brexit vote. The Chancellor has said the UK must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of the decade. The economy is widely expected to slow down rapidly in the wake of last week's vote - and possibly enter another recession - which would hit tax revenues and make it impossible for the Government to hit surplus in four years time in the absence of further spending cuts or tax rises. "As the governor of the Bank of England said yesterday, the referendum result is as expected likely to lead to a significant negative shock for the British economy" the Chancellor said at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. "How we respond will determine the impact on peoples jobs and on economic growth. The Bank of England can support demand. The government must provide fiscal credibility, so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade." "That's exactly what our fiscal rules are designed for. The bookies favourite in the Tory leadership race, Theresa May, said yesterday that she would not stick to the controversial target, which was widely criticised by economists even before the referendum result for being economically incoherent and potentially damaging. In his March Budget Mr Osborne set out plans to run an absolute budget surplus of 10.4bn in 2019-20 as part of his updated fiscal mandate. To reach this he had enacted further sizeable cuts to public service spending and a host of stealth tax rises. The fiscal mandate allowed the budget surplus target to be suspended if the UK's year on year growth rate, as forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility fell below 1 per cent. The OBR is scheduled to deliver its next round of forecasts in October - and is widely expected to slash its forecasts in line with most other economic organisations. A large number of economists had criticised the design of the Chancellor's fiscal mandate, which requires the Government to run an absolute budget surplus in 2019-20 and every year thereafter, because it did not carve out an allowance for state capital infrastructure spending, which enhances the economy's long-term productivity. They argued that there was no economic justification for absolute budget surpluses (as opposed to surpluses on day-to-day or "current" government spending) and that the Chancellor's framework was liable to result in less capital infrastrucutre spending than the country needs. Independent Access to the single market is the main priority for Northern Ireland business following the vote to leave the EU, it has been claimed. Michael Hall, managing partner of EY in Northern Ireland, said clients had been surprised by the result and some had been hit by the fall in sterling. He claimed the result would have no impact on EY's plans to take on 486 staff in business consultancy roles - a move announced two years. But he added there was concerns among clients and said: "Now we're seeing a vacuum and volatility in the short-term, so currency fluctuation is a concern. Some clients might have hedged, some may have not. "But in the medium to long- term, the political volatility needs to be settled, and hopefully we'll have more clarity on negotiations and on timing." He said "entrepreneurial" companies with an eye on exports were feeling concerned about the future, even if in the short-term, UK exports were cheaper. But he said he did not think Brexit would put off others from launching new businesses. "Clearly there's an uncertainty and fear of the unknown, but I'm but not getting a sense of a dip in confidence," he explained. And he said the prospect of a two-year negotiation period between the UK Government and the EU - in which the status quo would prevail - had ensured a certain amount of calmness. "It is as it is," he said. "There will be uncertainty over trade agreements and the impact on consumer confidence in time - but that just as to unfold." For now, firms feel a lower rate of corporation tax, to be introduced in 2018, will ensure Northern Ireland is attractive to investors, he added. Myleene Klass scrubs up to work with nurses in the Royal. Myleene Klass's visit to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast is to feature as part of a BBC series on the National Health Service. The show Matron, Medicine And Me: 70 Years Of The NHS, documents how the service revolutionised healthcare in the UK since its birth in 1946. To mark the anniversary, Lucy Alexander, Myleene Klass, Oritse Williams, Miriam Margolyes and Eric Knowles go on a journey to meet the doctors, nurses, porters, cleaning staff and carers who have kept the service going against all the odds, and the patients whose lives have been saved by them. Read More They look at the NHS then and now, seeing how things have changed and evolved through the decades. Former popstar Myleene visited the Royal and scrubbed up to work with the nurses. Her mother Magadalena, from the Philippines, worked in the NHS for 40 years. And Myleene got a chance to see first hand the invaluable role of staff from overseas do for the service. The series begins on BBC One on Monday at 9.15am and is on every day of that week. Police officers outside the shop in Crossgar where owner Trelford Withers was shot dead A family-run butcher in Co Down where one of the final IRA victims of the Troubles was shot dead is to close its doors after three decades. Trelford Withers was the last serving Royal Irish Regiment soldier to be murdered before the Provos declared their ceasefire in late August 1994. The father-of-five was standing in the doorway of his shop in Crossgar when a gunman shot him dead. Members of the Withers family continued to run the butchery business over the last 20 years despite the devastating memories of that tragic day on August 8, 1994. His daughter Joyce, who has managed the shop with her husband John, has made the difficult decision to pull the shutters down for good tomorrow. It appears the business has become a casualty of supermarkets opening up in the area. Following the murder of the popular butcher, his wife Jean won widespread admiration by pleading for no retaliation. She was presented with a special People of the Year award in Dublin later that year. He left behind his five children: Joyce, Hazel, Claire, Mark, and Dawn. At the inquest into his murder in 1996 an assistant in the Downpatrick Street shop said that he had enjoyed an ice cream with the victim shortly before the shooting. He was standing in the shop with the owner at the doorway at around 2.15pm when the gunman approached. The witness told the inquest: "Suddenly I just saw this arm reaching out holding a gun and heard two shots. I saw sparks coming from the gun. "I saw Trelford falling off the step into the back room. I froze for a moment." Five shots were fired and the victim was hit twice, in the side and in the head. A year later Mrs Withers unveiled a memorial to her husband at Kilmore Presbyterian Church. She died in April 1996. His daughter Claire also joined the Army, and in 2006, aged 30, she received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross on behalf of the Royal Irish Regiment in a ceremony to honour those who served during the Troubles. She said then that she thought about her father every day. "I was obviously thinking of him today as well, but I was also thinking of everyone else in the regimental family who has lost a loved one over the years," she said. Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association chief executive Glyn Roberts said it was sad to see an independent retailer shut in a small community. "A lot of independent retailers have had to close over the years due to various reasons, whether it be rates, out-of-town superstore developments or the recession," he explained. "But we have also seen in recent years that people are going back to independent stores, people are not doing the big shop anymore, and butchers have been in the growth area, so it's sad this butcher wasn't able to carry on." In this article I am going to explain twelve things you should know about the extreme-right hate group called Britain First. ... A Northern Ireland car dealer has been fined for misleading a customer and faking their signature over the sale of a Vauxhall. The Coleraine Vauxhall dealer, Roadside (Garages) Ltd of Somerset Road in the Co Londonderry town was fined 3,000 plus costs at in court on Friday. Roadside (Garages) Ltd was found guilty of failing to inform the consumer during the sales negotiation that a Vauxhall Insignia was an ex-rental car despite having this information available. Had the consumer been made aware of this fact he would not have purchased this vehicle. Roadside (Garages) Ltd was also found guilty of falsifying the consumers signature on a document which they presented to Trading Standards Service. This is the third case brought by the Department for the Economy (formerly Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) Trading Standards Service against Roadside (Garages) Limited, a franchised Vauxhall and Kia dealer. Sharon Muldoon of the Trading Standards Service said: Consumers should be provided with comprehensive and accurate information to help them make informed decisions when purchasing goods. "The onus is on the trader to provide this information to the consumer whether it is requested or not. Material information such as the previous ownership of a vehicle should not be omitted. "Anyone who believes they have been misled regarding the purchase of a vehicle should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or visit the website at www.consumerline.org In a statement Roadside (Garages) Limited said: "Roadside (Garages) Limited can confirm that after hearing all the evidence concerning their recent case, the Judge dismissed three of five charges brought by Trading Standards against the company. "The Judge commented that Roadside Garages Limited has a high reputation within the local community. He also said that it is unfortunate that this reputation has been blemished by the actions of a rogue ex member of staff. "The Judge further commented that neither the consumer nor any member of the public suffered any loss in this matter." A spokesman for the company said that when the actions of the employee came to light, the matter was dealt with as quickly as possible and the employee was dismissed. He added that the company exercised stringent controls and processes to ensure customer service and integrity is of the highest standard. "It is disappointing and apologised that on this occasion the company fell short of what is expected and will be working to ensure that further controls are put to in place to ensure that such a case does not arise again." A Co Down couple must pay a mammoth 150,000 in fines and now face the prospect of tearing down part of their Greyabbey home after a judge convicted them of planning breaches. As well as fining Roberta and William James Young 75,000 each at Downpatrick Magistrates Court, District Judge Greg McCourt ordered the couple to pay 750 in costs. And he warned that every day the offending building remained standing "is a continuing offence". The judge's decision is the latest stage in a long-running saga that began in 2004. Since then the case has been referred to the County Court, the High Court in Belfast and even the Supreme Court as the Youngs sought to cast doubt on the legalities of the enforcement against them. The couple, from Carrowdore Road in Greyabbey, were not in court yesterday. And although they had chosen to represent themselves despite the fact they had been granted legal aid, Judge McCourt said they had been "made fully aware" their trial would be proceeding either with or without them. The judge heard that "as long ago as 2004" the couple had been served with an enforcement notice by the planning authorities as a result of property being built at their home that was in breach of planning permission. They had been allowed to build a single-storey structure, but instead built an extra storey on top of that, the court heard. A prosecuting lawyer told the court that since its inception in January 2004, the case "has been before the Magistrates Court, twice", all through the higher courts "all the way to the Supreme Court", and that at each and every stage the courts had deemed "there is nothing wrong with the enforcement notice and that the law has been applied correctly". "An inspection has been carried out more recently," said the lawyer, adding that the offending building remains standing - meaning "the enforcement (notice) has not been complied with". "I have considered the evidence from enforcement officer Barker about failure to comply with the enforcement notice and I'm accepting that both parties have failed to comply, so there will be convictions," said Judge McCourt. Ordering the couple to pay the 150,000 in fines, Judge McCourt warned the Youngs were continuing to offend "for every day the offending building remains standing". The Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, will reopen in August almost two years after it closed. Northern Ireland's only aquarium was saved earlier this year after Ards and North Down Borough Council approved a 1.5m rescue package for the Portaferry attraction. After undergoing refurbishment, it will open on August 15 under a new operator. It had been shut in late 2014 as the council attempted to draw down funding from Stormont to refurbish the facility. In September 2013, the previous Ards Borough Council voted to give it two months to find funding or face being sold off. A number of councillors argued that at 600,000 a year to run, the aquarium was too expensive for ratepayers to retain. It had been council-run since it opened in 1987. The decision sparked an outcry among supporters of Exploris, who staged protests outside council meetings and gathered petitions to keep the facility open. 914,000 was secured from the Department of the Environment and the rest of the 1.5m package was secured from the council and the new operator Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd (CRG) . The company are responsible Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, which has become one of Northern Ireland's top visitor attractions. It will operate the aquarium and seal sanctuary on behalf of the council. Naoufal Fassih is awaiting a date for his extradition hearing at the High Court and will remain in jail in the Republic of Ireland until that case is resolved A Dutch mobster with links to a gang involved in the beheading of a rival criminal in Amsterdam, has been jailed for a month at Dublin District Court. Naoufal Fassih (35), who is of Moroccan origin and an associate of the Christy Kinahan cartel, pleaded guilty to having a forged Belgian ID card and possessing cannabis worth 40 when he was found in an apartment on Lower Baggott Street on April 7 last. He had already spent two-and-a-half months in custody on remand prior to his sentence hearing at Cloverhill District Court yesterday. The feud in Holland which Fassih's associates are involved in has already led to the beheading of a criminal on March 9 this year. The severed head was left outside an Amsterdam cafe. Read more Read More A woman was also shot dead in front of her children as part of the bloody gang feud. It is understood 16 victims have already been murdered as part of the Dutch feud that kicked off in 2014, compared with seven in the Hutch/Kinahan feud, which started with Gary Hutch's murder in Spain last September. Dutch media have previously reported that Fassih was a suspect for a shootout in the Staatsliedenbuurt area of Amsterdam in 2012 that led to two murders and kicked off the Amsterdam feud, but he has never been charged in relation to that. Instead, Dutch authorities want to extradite the criminal back to Holland to face separate charges. These include charges of assault, money laundering and possession of false documents. Fassih is awaiting a date for his extradition hearing at the High Court and will remain in jail here until that case is resolved. Yesterday, Garda Eoin Kane, of Kevin Street Station's Drugs Unit, told Judge John Lindsay that Fassih has 12 prior criminal convictions for serious offences in the Netherlands dating back to 1998. In 2014, he was sentenced to 20 months, in 2002 he was given a three-and-a-half year sentence and in 2000 he was handed a two-year jail term. His earlier crimes include two counts of unauthorised use of weapons, ammunition and explosives as well as extortion and attempted extortion, embezzlement, assault, openly joining forces to commit violence against other people and drugs offences. Fassih, once described in court as a "man of means", was wearing 800 runners and allegedly had three designer watches worth more than 80,000 when arrested. Gda Kane had also said that the man was arrested during an operation targeting members of the Kinahan gang. He added that during the search of the apartment, three Rolex watches were found with one - an Audamars Piguet Royal Oak limited edition Michael Schumacher watch - valued at 40,000. The two other watches were valued at 35,000 and 8,350. They also found 12,825 (Stg) and 300. Fassih told gardai his name was Omar Ghazouani and he had a Belgian ID card with that name and it had his photo. Gardai also discovered a passport in another name and cannabis in the form of herb, resin and oil worth 40. He continued to maintain his name was Omar Ghazouani when he was detained for questioning at Kevin Street Garda Station and during a subsequent court hearing. However, gardai established his real identify through the assistance of Interpol and Fassih was refused bail on April 15. Former NIO minister Angela Eagle, who is expected to announce a bid for his job Jeremy Corbyn defiantly continued to cling on as Labour leader in the face of a Jewish backlash, fresh calls to quit and another frontbench resignation. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led condemnation of Mr Corbyn after he drew comparisons between Israel and Islamic State. The Opposition leader was also accused of creating a party that was not safe for Jews by one of his MPs. As hundreds of Labour councillors added their names to the MPs, peers and MEPs who have called on him to quit, his dwindling frontbench team took a further hit. Despite the party meltdown, Mr Corbyn attempted to show it was business as usual by holding a Press conference on the findings of an inquiry into anti-Semitism. But the event did little to strengthen his beleaguered leadership, fuelling calls for him to quit and sparking anger among the Jewish community. Labour's Ruth Smeeth called on the leader to stand aside to make way for "someone with the backbone to confront racism and anti-Semitism" after he failed to stand up for her when one of his grassroots supporters launched a verbal assault on her during a question and answer session. The Chief Rabbi hit out at the Labour leader's "offensive" comments linking Israel and IS. Rather than rebuilding trust among the Jewish community, Mr Corbyn had caused "even greater concern", he said. Meanwhile, Rob Marris resigned from his role in the shadow Treasury team during the committee stage hearings on the Finance Bill. There were further calls for Mr Corbyn to quit with a letter signed by 540 Labour councillors posted on the LabourList website saying he was "unable to command the confidence of the whole party nor of many traditional Labour supporters we speak with on the doorstep". Angela Eagle is delaying her expected leadership challenge to Mr Corbyn. The former shadow business secretary had been expected to declare that she was going to run as a "unity candidate" at a 3pm news conference yesterday. However, sources said she had decided to hold off because of the turmoil engulfing the Conservatives following the shock withdrawal of Boris Johnson from the leadership race. "She is still up for it. She has the signatures," one source said, referring to the number of nominations from Labour MPs and MEPs needed to mount a challenge under party rules. Ms Eagle had been expected to announce she was challenging Mr Corbyn after deputy party leader Tom Watson failed to persuade him to stand down following an overwhelming vote of no confidence by Labour MPs. Her decision to wait gives the rebels more time to intensify the pressure on Mr Corbyn to quit of his own accord. Mr Corbyn admitted facing a "torrid few days" but defiantly insisted his mandate was stronger than the vote for the candidate who will become the next Prime Minister. He called on the party to "unite" after the "tumultuous" week after the Brexit result. "The last year, with all its highs and lows, has left me with every confidence that Labour has the potential to be a powerful and transformatory movement capable of winning the next general election, whenever that comes." He added: "But my confidence and optimism are not naive. "We all know that despite the overwhelming mandate I was given by Labour Party members and supporters last year, we have all had a torrid few days, well, at least I have." Theresa May appears to have built a commanding lead in winning the support of MPs as the candidates to be the next Tory leader and Prime Minister began the work of wooing colleagues. The five hopefuls have until Tuesday to build sufficient support not only to survive the first round of voting - but also hopefully to demonstrate an overwhelming momentum towards the final cut. One pool of potential support that will be the focus of early attention will be those who had prematurely nailed their colours to the Boris Johnson mast before he abandoned his bid after the last-minute decision by Michael Gove to enter the race. Kwasi Kwarteng switched his support from Mr Johnson to Mrs May, accusing Mr Gove of "student politics". "I think that Michael Gove has behaved in an extraordinary way," he said. "I feel very let down." Nadhim Zahawi, who had been a prominent supporter of Mr Johnson, also switched his support to the Home Secretary after the former mayor abandoned his leadership bid. He said: "This is a time for experience, and Mrs May has the most of those on offer." Whichever of the hopefuls proves least popular among their 329 colleagues will be eliminated in the first round, with the contest then progressively whittled down to just two people. Bookmakers have made Mrs May the odds-on favourite to be the next PM, with Justice Secretary Mr Gove the favourite to be her rival. They also predicted that Liam Fox would attract the fewest backers, behind Andrea Leadsom and Stephen Crabb. The Conservative party has collapsed into accusations of betrayal and treachery as the party's first leadership contest in a decade gets under way. Tensions are high after Boris Johnson sensationally dropped out of the race at the first hurdle following a shock intervention against his leadership bid from Cabinet minister Michael Gove. The abrupt end to the former Mayor of London's campaign came after an acrimonious EU referendum campaign during which he was perceived as waging a proxy war for the leadership against David Cameron. In an extraordinary tirade, Michael Hesletine, a former cabinet minister, said Mr Johnson had caused chaos in the country only to back down at the last minute. "I have never seen anything like it," he added during a visit to a conference in Manchester. "He's ripped the Tory party apart. He has created the greatest constitutional crisis in peacetime in my life. He's knocked billions off the value of the savings of British people. "He's like a general who marches his army to the sound of the guns and the moment he sees the battleground he abandons it. I have never seen anything like it, and he must be answerable for the consequences. But the pain of it will be felt by all of us, and, if it doesn't get resolved shortly, by the generations yet to come." Tensions were also short on Mr Johnson's own side, however. Jake Berry, a Conservative MP in the inner circle of the former mayor's leadership campaign, tweeted with reference to Mr Gove: "There is a very deep pit reserved in Hell for such as he." It followed accusations of betrayal by Mr Johnson's father, Stanley Johnson. Asked about Mr Gove's intervention, he quoted Caesar's supposed last words after he was stabbed by his former friend Brutus. "'Et tu Brute' is my comment on that," he told BBC Radio 4's The World at One. "I don't think he is called Brutus, but you never know." Mr Gove yesterday afternoon again repeated accusations that Mr Johnson could not provide the "team captaincy" required to lead the Conservative party and the country. Home Secretary Theresa May also took an apparent swipe at the former London Mayor yesterday morning, writing: "Some need to be told that what the Government does isn't a game - it's a serious business that has real consequences for people's lives." Mr Johnson's departure from the race leaves Ms May as the favourite to win the race. She launched her leadership campaign yesterday morning. The shock news came after George Osborne, who was previously seen as the anointed successor to David Cameron, ruled himself out of the race following the public's decision to back a Brexit in the EU referendum. Though Mr Johnson is popular among Conservative party activists, the party's internal electoral system allows MPs to pick which two candidates their members can vote between. Other candidates to declare in the race so far include Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, former defence secretary Liam Fox, and Andrea Leadsom. The leadership election was called after Mr Cameron announced his resignation in the aftermath of the EU referendum result. The Prime Minister said it was right that a new Prime Minister should steer Britain's exit from the European Union and invoke article 50. The five contenders THERESA MAY A quiet Remain backer who is seen as a steady hand to calm the party after its post-Brexit turbulence. The current Home Secretarys campaign will be run by Chris Grayling. The Maidenhead MP is viewed as the favourite to succeed Mr Cameron. She said: My pitch is very simple. Im Theresa May and I think Im the best person to be prime minister of this country. MICHAEL GOVE At Mr Johnsons side for much of the Leave campaign. Mr Gove appeared to be throwing his support behind Mr Johnsons leadership bid, before performing an incredible U-turn and running himself, saying he did not believe Mr Johnson could provide the leadership the Tories needed. Only a three hours after the Gove statement, Mr Johnson quit the contest. STEPHEN CRABB Hugely popular among Conservatives and with the sort of ordinary background that chimes with voters. The Work and Pensions Secretary says the party should be led by someone "who understands the enormity of the situation were in and who has a clear plan to deliver on the expectations of the 17 million who voted to come out last week. ANDREA LEADSOM Widely praised on for her effectiveness at getting to the bottom of the scale of mismanagement in banking during MPs questioning of Barclays chief Bob Diamond, the Energy Minister gave an assured performance for the Brexit side in the referendum campaign. The former banker and fund manager announced she was in the running, tweeting: Lets make the most of the Brexit opportunities! LIAM FOX Mr Fox, who unsuccessfully sought the top job in 2005, was the first to confirm that he was considering a fresh bid. An outspoken supporter of Brexit, he would hope to win over the Right of the party. The former defence secretary resigned from the front benches in 2011 after allowing his friend and best man Adam Werritty to take on an unofficial and undeclared role as his adviser. PHIL FITZPATRICK YOU ALWAYS KNEW you had a book in you and now youve written it. Youve polished it until it shines and youve given it to all your friends to read. Tell me the truth, you tell them. If its no good, please tell me! Its wonderful, they all say, you should get it published. A year or so later you look at all the publishers polite rejection letters in your desk drawer and wonder whether your friends were having you on. Then you see an advertisement. Looking for a publisher? Send us your manuscript. Youve never heard of the publisher and you dont recall ever seeing any of their books but you decide to give it a go anyway. You send off your manuscript and a little while later you receive a glowing report they want to publish it! Unbeknown to you youve entered the murky world of self-publishing. The realisation comes when you receive their proposal. They will edit your book, design a cover for it and print it. All for the bargain price of anything between $1,000 and $25,000! You procrastinate for a while. Youve listened to your friends and told them you plan to publish your book. They are expecting it soon. Heres a way to save face. You decide to cough up the money and get it published. All goes well and you receive the advance copies. They look great. You cant get over seeing your name in print. You are well and truly hooked. You order 200 copies at a special one-off price. Another year goes by. Youve personally sold six copies and given a heap of signed copies away to your friends. There are still 150 copies in the box in the wardrobe. Somehow you feel jilted. You feel like a sucker who has been taken for a ride. Never again you vow. You curse your silly and expensive pride. In this digital age with print-on-demand technology and e-books there are reputable companies who provide a service to would-be-authors that is both upfront and honest. The above is close to a worst-case scenario. There are also a lot of sharks whose prime interest is ripping you off. Reputable or shark they all make their money out of charging you for their services. They dont make money out of selling books like a conventional publisher. Self-publishing has been around for a long time. It used to be called vanity publishing. Vanity publishers prey on peoples egos. They specialise in charging to print poorly written books that no one will ever read. Most self-publishing companies try to avoid the terminology and all its connotations. Self-publishing companies invariably point out that many famous authors started out publishing their own books. This is true but for every successful self-published writer there are millions who never make it past that first book. Many self-publishing companies advertise generous royalty payments, typically 25% and upwards. Trouble is, theyve already made their money out of you and have no interest in selling your books. One self-publishing company that I contacted while researching this article told me, Oh yes, we publish many books by Papua New Guineans. Thats strange, I thought, how come Ive never seen them in the bookshops? ALBERT, FRANCE JUNE 30: A general view of the Thiepval Memorial as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Somme Centenary commemorations on June 30, 2016 in Albert, France. (Photo by Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images) At 7.28am today, silence reigned over what was once the scene of the bloodiest battle in modern warfare. As the dignitaries, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, and the descendants of those who fought and died at the Somme stood in solemn reflection at the Thiepval Memorial, the thoughts of so many turned to that exact moment 100 years ago when the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division went over the top and into a withering hail of fire. When the day was done, upwards of 2,000 soldiers from the province were dead - men from every part of the region and from both sides of the community. It was the most disastrous day in the history of the British Army. Even now, a century later, the scale of that horror is embedded in the DNA of so many families and communities. At this remove, it is almost impossible to imagine the death and destruction that is forever associated with the name the Somme. Modern warfare is equally brutal in the savagery of its conflict, but it is also warfare waged almost clinically, with precision bombing, drones and long-range artillery. But we only have to look at the old, grainy photographs or watch some of the fledgling films of the Battle of the Somme to realise that those who took part were thrown into a living hell. The conditions in the trenches were awful. Above, between the opposing lines, the land was blasted until barely a living object could be seen. It was a desert of mud and death. Today, the land around the Somme has grown over those killing fields, but nothing can ever erase what happened there or the anguish that came to so many homes in Northern Ireland as the fateful telegrams telling of hundreds of deaths were delivered to families who had seen their menfolk depart such a short time before. Now they would never return, either buried in a foreign grave or lost forever in an unknown resting place. The war may have been fought over imperialist ambitions, but it was hugely personal and intimate for many people here. It has taken until now for a truly shared remembrance to occur. Initially, nationalist Ireland, engaged in its own conflict, shunned those from that tradition who fought and died under the colours of the British Army. It was an attitude that was - shamefully - to prevail for much of the following century. Astonishingly, today's anniversary, which was regarded until a very short time ago as a potentially divisive date in the calendar, has proved something else is possible. There is now an acceptance that the Somme was a horror visited on every section of the community, and that those men who fought and those who died deserve to be remembered with honour. The decision by Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and other party members to go Flanders Fields last month to lay a wreath in memory of the fallen was a significant gesture and a recognition that our society is more than the simple Orange and Green divide so often portrayed. It is much more complex, and with the modern thirst for tracing family trees there is a recognition that our past is intertwined much more closely than most of us imagined. Look again at those old photographs. They were men captured in a moment of time, men who did not look exceptional, but who showed exceptional bravery and resolve. It is right that they are remembered, and their descendants who went to Thiepval for today's ceremony were hoping that they could make some kind of connection with those lost souls by simply treading the same earth they fought over. Fittingly, today, that eternal symbol of remembrance, the poppy, grew proudly out of that same ground. This week we reflect on the legacy of Cecil, one of Zimbabwe's best-known lions, who was callously snuffed out by a trophy hunter one year ago. The outrage at Walter Palmer's slaughter of Cecil has shown wildlife killers that there are grave consequences for pursuing their lust for blood. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will continue to fight for wild animals to be left in peace. JENNIFER WHITE People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals As a Remain supporter - though like many in the Green Party not uncritical of the EU - the last week has gone from cautious optimism that the UK would vote Remain to the cold reality of a victory for the Leave side. As a member of a progressive party, I'm used to being on the losing side. But I have been deeply affected by this decision, even more so than when I lost by three votes in the 2007 local elections. Perhaps I am overreacting and things will not be as bad or negative as I currently assume. However, nothing in the post-Brexit chaos, whether the downgrading of the UK's credit rating, businesses talking of relocating to Europe, the political in-fighting within the Conservative and Labour parties, or the rise in racism and xenophobia, has yet convinced me that the sick feeling in my stomach is completely unwarranted. Predictably, the Brexit-backing DUP leader and First Minister Arlene Foster refused to "do a Cameron" and resign given a majority of Northern Ireland voted Remain. I have never signed more Irish passport applications as I have done these past few days, and this reaction of local people, who had no mind to apply for Irish passports and therefore Irish citizenship, is an indication of the shock people are making in the wake of Brexit. We now have the phenomenon where "British unionists" are voting with their feet to become Irish (and therefore EU) citizens. While this, of course, should not be viewed as a prelude to unionists supporting a united Ireland, it is better perhaps viewed as a sort of individual-level "reverse Greenland". This allows people in Northern Ireland to remain part of the EU by becoming Irish citizens, while also being citizens of the (dis)United Kingdom. It is far too early to tell what will be the long-term impacts of leaving the EU. Westminster elections look likely and I welcome that to give a new Government a mandate to implement the referendum decision. We should not rush to trigger Article 50 to formally begin withdrawal negotiations. If there's one thing the (dis)United Kingdom is not now ready to do, it is to start negotiations about the shape of our future relationship with the European Union. CLLR JOHN BARRY (GREEN PARTY) Ards and North Down Council First Minister Arlene Foster, who's leading the Northern Ireland commemorations of the Battle of the Somme in France today, has said it's impossible to underestimate the significance of the Great War to Europe and to the province. And she added remembering the sacrifices of the 36th (Ulster) Division in the First World War was of paramount importance. The DUP leader has already attended a series of events across Northern Ireland to mark the centenary of the start of the infantry battle on July 1, 1916, when thousands of Ulstermen were killed or wounded. In east Belfast, Mrs Foster unveiled a memorial to the dead of the Somme, which replaced a loyalist paramilitary mural on the Newtownards Road. She was also presented with a specially minted coin commemorating the Somme by the Orange Order. But, on a personal level, Mrs Foster's thoughts have also been with a member of her husband Brian's family - for his great-uncle, Sergeant Robert Devers, who fought and died during the Great War. She said: "While I will be at the Somme today, representing the people of Northern Ireland, I will also be there to remember a family member and an individual, who - like so many others - went over the top on that fateful day a century ago. "While the name of my husband's great-uncle appears on a headstone in Lisnaskea, like so many others, his body rests in France." War records show that Sgt Devers, who was the son of William and Sarah Devers of Lisnaskea, was killed in action on January 29, 1918, at the age of 29. He's listed as the husband of Margaret Devers from Clifton Lodge, Liskeard in Cornwall. But Mrs Foster said the archives didn't tell the whole story of Sgt Devers, who served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. For he was initially injured at the Somme and, after he went home to recuperate, insisted on returning to the front line, where he was fatally wounded. Expand Close Robert Devers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Robert Devers He's buried at St Sever cemetery extension in Rouen, a city which had a large number of hospitals within its boundaries. "Robert Devers was a member of Carson's volunteers, who joined the 36th Ulster Division and was posted to the Western Front," Mrs Foster said. "He chose to serve not just once, but having been injured at the Somme, he recuperated before volunteering to return to France, where he later was killed in action. Robert's story is similar to the many thousands of other young men who left our shores and did not return. "A print of the famous painting by J P Beadle that depicts the 36th Ulster Division going over the top at the Somme on July 1, 1916, hangs on the wall of my office, and I was delighted to help launch the project by the Ulster Scots Agency to present every school in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic with a copy of that picture and one marking Victoria Cross winners with links to Ulster." Mrs Foster said that it was only right and proper to remember and honour "the brave young men who sacrificed so much to give us our freedom". "The scale of sacrifice is difficult for us to comprehend, with Ulster casualties per head of the population being almost three times higher than that suffered by the rest of the nation," she added. "The grim news returned to nearly every town and village that much of a generation was wiped out in defending freedom. "It is right that we pause to mark this momentous event and to take pride in the legacy they left behind. The famous words of Captain William Spender on the day after that terrible slaughter have been often quoted, but they still carry powerful emotion a century later: 'I am not an Ulsterman, but yesterday, the 1st July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world'." Earlier this year, Mrs Foster attended a Church of Ireland-organised historical discussion in Dublin about the Easter Rising of 1916. She had already said she wouldn't be going to any commemoration of the Rising, but added that the discussion at Christ Church Cathedral was a serious historical reflection. She said that she'd been struck by the revelation that, for every Irishman who was involved in the Rising, 17 were out fighting in the Great War. A picture tweeted by Courtney Cox of herself and Snow Patrols Johnny McDaid after their arrival in the Republic, where she is due to film in Kerry with Co Down-born adventurer Bear Grylls Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid have landed in Ireland. The Hollywood star is in the country with her Snow Patrol musician beau as she prepares to enter Bear Grylls' newest show, Running Wild. The 52-year-old Friends actress took to Twitter to share the news. In Ireland as my love @johnnymcdaid sends me off into the wilderness for the @beargrylls show. It's already raining! pic.twitter.com/ghHds6XQcV Courteney Cox (@CourteneyCox) June 29, 2016 The brunette beauty shared a photo of the pair alongside the update, looking ever the happy couple since reuniting after ending their engagement last year. Courteney will star in the survival show alongside champion ski racer Lindsey Vonn for two days of gruelling tasks. "It is raining and windy - the adventure with @courteneycox is going to be a big one!" wrote Co Down native Bear on Twitter, leaving no doubt that the challenges the stars endure will be intense. The Emerald Isle has been reported to be a potential venue for the couple as they prepare to walk down the aisle, with Ashford Castle in Co Mayo being named as a previous choice. Many Americans are familiar with the Himalayan nation of Nepal as the home of Mt. Everest and a popular destination for Western pilgrims seeking enlightenment amid the vibrant spiritual life and religious heritage of its capital city, Kathmandu. But in recent weeks, political unrest throughout Nepal--the world's only Hindu kingdom--has brought attention of a different kind to Nepalese society. Democracy protesters took to the streets to oppose the king's absolute power, and though the demonstrations were a times met with violence by the authorities, the pro-democracy movement scored a major victory last week, when the king re-instated the parliament that had been suspended four years earlier. Tilak P. Pokharel, a Nepal-based journalist, took time out from covering the rapidly changing developments in that country to answer questions about the role of faith in the current unrest and in Nepalese society in general. What does it mean that Nepal is a "Hindu kingdom"? The Constitution of Nepal specifies that Nepal is a "Hindu kingdom" and that its monarch must be a Hindu. As a consequence, about 20 percent of the country's population--those citizens who aren't Hindu--is never represented by the king, who is a descendent of an 18th-century Hindu warrior. Almost all Hindu festivals are observed as official national holidays, while holidays of the other religions in the country are hardly recognized by the state. This adds to the mounting disgruntlement among the religious minorities (mostly Buddhists, with some Christians and Muslims). Nepal's status as a Hindu kingdom, therefore, leaves little space for non-Hindus to fully take part in civic life. Even killing the sacred animal--the cow--is punishable by law. This has created a lopsided hierarchy among the people living in Nepalese society. However, ardent supporters of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom argue that this status stems from the country's history, and they point out the uniqueness of Nepal as the only Hindu kingdom in the world. This argument is often used by the royalists to justify the Hindu king's power and his actions. How or to what extent are Hindu principles supposed to be incorporated into the governance of the country? Hinduism is the source of power in Nepal, and the monarchy, as the power center, plays the most important role in designing Nepal's state affairs. Since the king is considered, among many Nepalis, an incarnation of the Hindu Lord Vishnu, his actions may never be questioned by an individual or by any civilian authority. This remains the case despite the fact that the number of people who actually consider him a God has gone down remarkably in recent months, thanks to the king's own unpopular actions. The latest spate of peaceful street protests seeks to officially bring down the king from his "almighty" status. Some argue that the idea of the king as a deity is not intrinsic to Hindu faith, since Hindu scriptures do not specify that all monarchs are gods, and obviously, the majority of the world's Hindus, who live in India and other parts of the world, do not have such a king. So, this line of thinking goes, the king's status a god can be eliminated--clearing the way for free and open political activity--without damaging the nation's Hindu heritage and identity. How do we explain the violent repression of pro-democracy demonstrators by the government, if it is supposed to be based in Hindu values such as non-violence? The violent repression of pro-democracy demonstrators by the government in recent weeks has been aimed at preventing anti-king sentiments among ordinary citizens to grow further. But it didn't work. Instead, it backfired and the protests spread quickly--with the voices on the streets calling for abolition of the monarchy itself, something that was unthinkable until the king usurped absolute power 14 months ago in a bloodless coup d'etat. Religion didn't play an explicit role in these protests, nor did religious groups have any connection with these activities. But, until last week, when the king conceded his defeat, the Hindu monarch, as an absolute ruler, was the law in himself. Though the Hindu religion advocates for non-violence, royalists argue, the "repression" of the protests was necessary to stem the street violence that threatened the king's divine rule. Are Hindu religious leaders involved in the pro-democracy movement? No such leader is known to have participated directly or indirectly in these protests. However, the king's government arrested a Hindu astrologer for allegedly predicting a dark future for the king and the royal family. He was later released. Barring a few Hindu extremists, who actively support the king, other Hindu religious leaders prefer to remain apolitical. But legends in almost all Hindu holy books talk about kings and their deeds, and these teachings implicitly include contemporary monarchy, giving the king the patina of religious approval. So it can be argued that all the Hindu religious leaders of Nepal, by transmitting these stories, are at least passive supporters of the king. If they become active pro-king activists, they risk being socially ostracized by the majority pro-democracy activists. That's already been the case with some outspoken pro-king religious leaders. How do Nepal's Hindu citizens understand the pro-democracy movement from the perspective of their religion? Even many Hindus are not happy to see their country being branded as the "only Hindu kingdom in the world," because most Nepalis want their country to be officially secular. Since the anti-monarchy movement is backed by Maoist rebels who shun religion and hate the "Hindu king," many Hindu and non-Hindu citizens feel that if the movement achieves its final goal of absolute democracy, it can ensure a higher degree of religious equality in throughout the society, giving greater voice and freedom to the country's minority religions and individuals' freedom of choice. Rio Tinto has been reviewing its BCL shareholding for almost two years. Yesterday, Rio announced the transfer of its BCL shares to an independent trustee, which will oversee the PNG and Bougainville governments getting a stake of 36.4% each in BCL. The remaining 27% of equity is held by small shareholders. President John Momis, angered by yesterdays surprise announcement by the global resources giant, has sought a crisis meeting with prime minister Peter ONeill to discuss how best to defuse the dangerous situation created by Rios decision on its shares in BCL. RIO Tintos decision to quit its stake in Bougainville Copper has set up shock waves that could provoke a political crisis between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Papua New Guinea. Rio Tinto has made a unilateral decision, Dr Momis said. It failed to consult the Bougainville government about distributing its shares. At meetings with senior Rio officials in July 2015 and February 2016, I warned strongly against transferring Rios shares to PNG. Bougainvilleans cannot accept national government control over the future of Panguna through either majority or equal shareholdings in BCL. We are open to PNG remaining a BCL shareholder; that may assist us find responsible partners and financiers for possible future operations at Panguna. But we cannot accept Rio Tintos interference in seeking to give PNG equal control over Panguna. There is no possibility of progress on resolving the future of Panguna on that basis. Dr Momis accused Rio Tinto of showing arrogance and ignorance in ignoring my warning. Sitting in their comfortable London offices, they have interfered in Bougainvilles affairs. Bougainvilleans are united in rejecting what Rio Tinto seeks to thrust upon us, he said. Dr Momis also expressed deep anger at Rio Tintos refusal to accept responsibility for the environmental and other damage done by the Panguna mine. Rio is deeply hypocritical in its blatant disregard of the higher corporate responsibility standards it says it has adopted, he said. It now seems Rio has no commitment to social responsibility or sustainable development principles. It talks those principles only when that helps its profits. But it throws them out when costs to its bottom line could be involved. Now Rio Tinto proposes to walk away from responsibility for the effects of the injustice of its highly profitable operations. Rio cannot rely on grossly unjust past laws to escape its contemporary responsibilities for what we now know was wrong. Corporate social responsibility means responsible companies accept that their responsibilities go beyond the legal requirements of the day. Dr Momis said he is writing to the managing director of Rio Tinto asking him to reconsider not only the Rio decision about its shares, but also its refusal to deal with its Panguna legacy responsibilities. I am also writing to the International Council of Metals and Mining asking them to end Rio Tintos membership because of its failure to honour the ICMMs 10 Principles for Sustainable Development Performance, he said. Updated at 5:58 p.m. ET on 2016-07-01 A Hindu temple worker was hacked to death Friday in southwestern Bangladesh, police said, bringing to five the number of minority Hindus slain by suspected extremists nationwide in separate attacks since April 30. The victim of Fridays attack in Jhenaidah district, Shyamananda Das, was the third Hindu killed in an attack apparently motivated by religion in less than a month, according to police. Apart from two killings of Hindus in June alone, a Hindu college lecturer in mathematics last month survived an attack by machete-wielding assailants, and the head priest of an Indian Hindu mission in Dhaka also received a death-threat letter from suspected militants, officials said. Despite the recent killings, Bangladesh, an majority Muslim nation, has long been known for relatively peaceful relations between Muslims and Hindus. The style of killing is similar with the previous killings: three motorcyclists came and hacked on head and shoulder and left quickly. This is a targeted killing. The priest was a very good person who had no enemies, Azbahar Ali Shaikh, the additional superintendent of police in Jhenaidah, told BenarNews, referring to the latest killing. Das, 50, had worked at the Sri Sri Radhamodan Gopal Bigroho Moth temple-school in Jhenaidah, some 200 km from Dhaka, for a year and a half, Shaikh said, adding that militants were suspected of being behind the attack. But until the investigation is over, we cannot pinpoint that the militants killed him, he added. Meanwhile, SITE Intelligence, a U.S.-based website that monitors extremist communications online, said that Amaq, the news agency of extremist group Islamic State, was reporting via social media that IS fighters had assassinated the Hindu man in Jehanaidah. Also on Friday, police in Dhaka said they had arrested a suspected militant and mastermind of the June 15 non-fatal attack on college math lecturer Ripon Chakraborty. Militant leader Khaled Saifullah, who allegedly planned the machete attack on the professor, was arrested Thursday night, Monirul Islam, the chief of the Bangladeshi polices counter-terrorism unit, told a news conference. Escalation in anti-Hindu attacks The killing of Das followed the slayings of four other Hindus by suspected militants, according to police: Nitya Ranjan Pandey, 60, who was killed in Pabna district on June 10; priest Anand Gopal Ganguly, 69, who was killed on June 7 in Jhenaidah district; trader Debesh Chandra Pramanik in Gaibandha district on May 25; and tailor Nikhil Joarder, 50, who was killed in Tangail district on April 30. On Friday in New Delhi, Indias Ministry of External Affairs commented after the latest killing. Our High Commission in Dhaka closely monitors incidents targeting the religious, socio-economic and political freedom of the minorities in Bangladesh and raises these issues with the Bangladeshi authorities appropriately, said Vikas Swarup, a spokesman for the ministry. The Government of Bangladesh has assured us that they are fully committed to safeguarding minority rights, that many of the incidents are not communal in nature and arise from disputes of a political or private nature and that stern action would be taken against the culprits, he added. The killings of the Hindus have taken place amid a spate of murders carried out in Bangladesh since February 2013 by suspected militants who have targeted religious minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and, gay-rights activists and foreigners. IS has claimed some of these killings but Bangladeshi officials have consistently rejected those claims, saying that the group has no presence in the country and that home-grown radicals instead have carried out such attacks. The killings are aimed at creating disturbances in the country, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told BenarNews, referring to the escalation of attacks targeting Hindus in recent weeks. Rohit Wadhwaney in Gopalpur, India, contributed to this report. People carry an injured man near the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant during an attack by unidentified gunmen in Dhaka's high-security diplomatic district on July 2, 2016. Updated at 5:00 p.m. ET on 2016-07-01 Armed men shouting Allahu Akbar stormed a restaurant in Dhakas diplomatic zone late Friday, taking dozens of hostages, including at least 20 foreigners, and killing two policemen, officials said. At least 25 people were injured in the attack. As of early Saturday morning (local time), about 50 people were still being held inside the Holey Artisan Bakery, a restaurant on Road No. 79 in the Gulshan 2 neighborhood, local station Jamuna TV reported. According to Reuters, the Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack, and its Amaq news agency said in a tweet that more than 20 people had been killed, but that report could not immediately be verified. They will kill us if police open fire on them, Hasnat Karim told his uncle by phone from inside the bakery at around 10:41 p.m. Hasnat, who was with his wife and two children, could not be reached again after 11 p.m., Bangladesh newspaper Prothom Alo reported. Earlier, a police officer in riot gear told reporters to stay back as attackers fired shots whenever law enforcement agents approached the restaurant. The two slain policemen were identified as Salahuddin Ahmed Khan, an officer-in-charge of the Banani police station, and Robiul Islam, an assistant commissioner, said Sheikh Nazrul Alam, deputy commissioner of the detective branch. He said at least 25 people had been injured. Sumon Reza, a restaurant supervisor, said that as many as eight attackers entered the restaurant around 8:45 p.m. He said they opened fire to create panic and then took the guests hostage. About 20 foreign guests were in the restaurant, said Reza, adding that the restaurant had foreign staff, too. They entered the restaurant and started shooting and attacking the guests. They were chanting Allahu Akbar [God is great] while executing the attacks. One of the attackers had a machete in his hand, he said. They have taken the guests hostage. I called their phones but they did not receive the calls. I do not know what has happened to them, Reza said about two hours after the attack began. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Benazir Ahmed called on Bangladeshi media to end live broadcasts from the scene. After evening, some distracted youths attacked a small Spanish restaurant where foreigners frequently come, Ahmed said. We want to resolve the hostage crisis in peaceful manner. We want to talk to the attackers, too. Every life is important for us, he said. I want to tell you that many of the attackers have been watching TV. Please stop the live telecast. In a tweet, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka asked people to shelter in place and monitor the news amid reports of shooting and hostage situation in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. In Washington. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby told a Friday afternoon (local time) press briefing that all American staff at the embassy had been accounted for. In New Delhi, Indias Ministry of External Affairs issued a similar statement. All Indian High Commission officials are safe. We are closely monitoring the situation, the ministry said. Shahriar Sharif in Dhaka and Rohit Wadhwaney in Gopalpur, India contributed to this report. If you stick a pin into the middle of Papua New Guinea it will poke through my first school a one teacher operation at an outpost called Kundiawa in the central highlands. Twelve years before then, at first light on a Friday in November 1963, the DC6 carrying 40 new teachers landed in Port Moresby after the overnight flight from Sydney. I was 18, Id never before flown and, along with my colleagues, Id recently passed my final exams to become a primary school teacher. In my mind, I am still that young man, mysteriously inhabiting a 71 year old body. A reverse Dorian Gray where the portrait remains young but the person gazing at it is inexorably falling apart. PNGs independence from Australia was just three months away and a mood of joy and excitement infused the occasion. I recall that typically sweltering Port Moresby day so well; even that the royal blue Arts gown sat crooked on my shoulders. Around this time 41 years ago, and at about the same time of day, I received my arts degree - politics and economics - from the University of Papua New Guinea. In this address I gave yesterday to the graduating year of Central Queensland Universitys Noosa Campus, I decided to reflect on the lessons Id learned as a result of my 55-year association with Papua New Guinea. At that time, Papua and New Guinea were separate Australian colonies and the Minister for Territories, a Queenslander named Ceb Barnes, was saying Australia would be overseeing them for 100 years. As it happened Ceb was out by only 90 years. Id come to New Guinea after a reality check in the sand hills of Sydneys Palm Beach on an otherwise promising morning in January 1961. With the Sydney Morning Herald resting across my knees, I read my Leaving Certificate results. They occupied little space. They revealed I had undertaken many years of schooling with few signs of academic accomplishment. It was an outcome Id anticipated. A few months previously, when recruiters from the Department of Territories visited my school looking for young Australians to teach in New Guinea, they had found a willing collaborator in me. My real passion was for journalism. Even as a 14 year old I was writing sport for the Nowra News. But journalism would have to wait while I pursued teaching. My parents were in no mood to offer a subsidy to enable me to gain a foothold in the Sydney newspapers and the lone reporter at the Nowra News was in robust good health. Teaching was not my preferred lifeboat but at least it would enable me to paddle away from Nowra. A letter duly arrived accepting me into the Australian School of Pacific Administration in Sydney, where I would train for two years to prepare me to teach in New Guinea. I felt a great sense of relief to have this document in my hands; a feeling eclipsed only by the emotions of my parents in seeing it there. I sensed also that New Guinea just might open up the chance of the career in journalism I coveted. I settled into my one-teacher school and its dozen pupils then wrote to the ABC and a couple of newspapers which were happy to appoint me their freelance correspondent and pay me for each story published. In Kundiawa there was plenty of action - tribal fighting, strange rituals, frontier-style bar brawls - and no journalists. Except, now; me, the teacher. I realised that the opportunity of New Guinea my first chance to make an important and independent call about my life - had already sort of paid off. I was moving towards the career I wanted. I saw how a life could be seized and managed. I was to grasp later that, being catapulted into teacher training, rather than being a second best option, had provided me with skills that would be useful no matter which way my career turned. Skills and experiences are adaptive. They can be flexed and contorted and pushed into shapes we never think possible as we acquire them. For me, back then, that I could manage my career and adapt my skills were transformational thoughts. I learned also that frustrated aspiration does not represent defeat; it can be a launch pad. Driven by the incentive of a strongly desired goal, a dash of opportunism, a bit of risk taking, a sideslip here and there, solid preparation, and youre on the way. Young people quickly adjust to change and so did I to life in New Guinea. I became quite the young colonialist with my new abilities in Pidgin English and in managing servants. It was a life that suited me at the time but which normalised in me habits and attitudes I would soon have to prise myself away from. In particular, I fell into colonialisms worst trap that of believing that to be in charge is to be innately superior. Over time, I found it increasing difficult to reconcile the contradiction between the casual racism of many expatriates and the warmth and kindness of Melanesians towards me, a young man finding his way. I learned much in those early, contradictory years in New Guinea. At first I believed I was entitled. Later I understood I was privileged. Then, as I embarked on a career in broadcasting, married, had a child and began to study at university all in New Guinea - I acknowledged I had every reason to be grateful. This emergent nation of 800 tribes and more languages had allowed me experiences, opportunities and understandings that changed me for life. I worked in Papua New Guinea for 13 years, my broadcasting career flourishing and taking me into journalism, where I had wanted to be, and then into management which I hadnt realised was an actual job. In 1976, a year after independence, I left PNG to pursue my career in media management in Australia and Asia. I knew at the time that I would never return to PNG to live, but my association with the place was so integral to my being that its reverberations have stayed with me for life. In those early years after leaving, Id sometimes wish I was back in those remote, misty, mystical mountains where people smeared themselves in pig fat, slotted bones in noses, wore pearl shell necklaces and donned skirts of leaves. These people had treated me like the son of an ancestor and protected me from harm and I still feel indebted to them. My relationship with Papua New Guinea oscillated over succeeding years, but never disappeared. I went on to do many things in my profession in Australia and overseas; in the ABC and in the company I built myself and was immensely proud of - but New Guinea was always there. And so 10 years ago - as I began to scale down the stressful, competitive part of my life - I began a blog called PNG Attitude. At first it was something of a nostalgia trip but soon evolved into a daily account of the confronting and sometimes confusing politics, economics and sociology of Papua New Guinea. Today, three-quarters of the blogs 60 regular writers are Papua New Guinean, which delights me because, in the beginning, I found it incredibly difficult to persuade my wantoks that it was OK to stick their heads above the parapet and adopt a public voice. It soon became apparent that the PNG literary culture that blossomed at independence had died. Authors were not encouraged and could not get published; and readers could not read stories about their own land and people. So six years ago, PNG Attitude and its great collaborator Phil Fitzpatrick established PNGs national literary awards, the Crocodile Prize, and, soon after that, Pukpuk Publications, which has published 37 books in the last five years including an annual anthology of the nations writing, which we distribute free to schools and libraries throughout the country. This year weve initiated a fellowship program to fund study tours to Australia for prominent PNG writers. The first three will be here in September for the Brisbane Writers Festival after visiting Noosa for a workshop and to meet with local writers. And so my long affair with Papua New Guinea, now remarkably in its 55th year, continues. This may seem to you to be sentimental, and it is in part. But I observe with dark feelings the sinister malady inflicting todays body politic in Papua New Guinea. PNG Attitude reports just about every day on the combination of corruption and incompetence that characterises Australias nearest neighbour. Without some dramatic shift, Papua New Guinea seems to be moving inexorably towards rule by oligarchs for whom the rule of law is just an unfortunate and temporary impediment to getting what they want. Issues like this absorb me and galvanise me to act. We should all be passionate about something. We should all be advocates for the best interests of others. In a sense, in addition to a career, we should all have our own New Guinea. So where does this leave us? The university - as a crucible of learning, knowledge and intellectual freedom also provides values that equip us to act in the common good. This is where it all comes together in the connection between the desire to know, to understand, to continue to learn - doctrina perpetua - and the desire to live a good, satisfying, productive life. A career should be inclusive not constricted; outward-looking not insular. It should say yes ahead of no. It should be accepting not rejecting. It should look at experimentation and risk as opportunities not threats. And it should have a high regard for every human being not just those who look or speak like you. Life is a negotiation. Zero sum games, where winners take all and losers can do as they please, can be very damaging. If we cant learn to compromise, we can end up with a hell of an awful life. So I hope the credential youve secured today has provided you not only with a commendable body of learning and a profusion of techniques to support a career, but also with a strong desire to use what you have attained not just for material comfort but for social progress. I also hope it has instilled in you a respect for fact, evidence and rationality. It seems we live in an era where such principles are considered optional; a period in which opinion and assertion have somehow gained some equivalence with truth. Our society needs educated people, it needs people of learning who are willing to speak out, and it needs people who are willing to act in the best interests of others. I feel my own life, attitudes and career always took a turn for the better whenever I chose to allow what I was experiencing to render some change in myself. I hope your studies at Noosa campus will do something similar for you. Top photo: Di Siune, mankimasta and great mentor, and me; Goroka High School, January 1964 Tugboat Charles 001 prepares to dock at Semayang Port in Balikpapan, Indonesia after seven of its crew were taken hostage in the Philippines, June 25, 2016. Indonesia doesnt need to involve convicted terrorist Umar Patek in efforts to negotiate the release of seven Indonesians being held hostage in the southern Philippines, a senior counterterrorism official and a military historian said Thursday. Patek is currently serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the 2002 Bali bombing that killed 202 people. He fled to the Philippines after the bombing and joined Abu Sayyaf, a ruthless group known for taking foreigners hostage and killing some of their captives. Involving Umar Patek right now is not so effective. A team representing the government is already there, Wawan Purwanto, a staff expert at Indonesia's National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), told BenarNews on Thursday. Patek was arrested in Pakistan in 2011 and repatriated to Indonesia the same year. A plan to use his help negotiating with Abu Sayyaf following the kidnapping of 14 Indonesian sailors in March and early April was dropped after being leaked to the media, a source told BenarNews. The men were freed in May. I knew them well. Based on a sense of humanity, I offer myself to help the government. This is because the Indonesian governments calls to the group, with support from the Philippine government, will not be effective. Abu Sayyaf considers the Philippines an enemy, The Jakarta Post quoted Patek as saying in April. Armed men snatched seven Indonesian sailors from their tugboat on June 20 in waters near Tawi-Tawi island, as they sailed home after making a coal delivery. In Jakarta on Monday, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo told reporters that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 200 million Philippine pesos, the equivalent of almost 65 billion Indonesian rupiah (U.S. $4.9 million). He said the hostages were likely being held on Jolo island in the southern Philippines. Authorities believe two different groups are involved. Iwan Ong, an author and expert on military history, outlined initial steps usually taken in hostage negotiations: establishing contact with hostage-takers, gaining their trust while researching who they are, and demanding evidence that the hostages are still alive. "While this is going on, there should be media management and a single information source that can satisfy public curiosity without jeopardizing the rescue operation," Iwan told BenarNews. He dismissed the idea of Indonesia turning to Umar Patek for help. "There are many people as qualified as Umar Patek with the ability to understand the dialect and the local conditions in the southern Philippines, he said. Boundary crossing clarification Indonesias Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi travelled to the Philippines Thursday to discuss efforts to release the seven sailors. She delivered a letter of congratulations from Indonesian President Joko Widodo to the new leader of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, who was sworn in Thursday. Duterte said earlier this week he would consider negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf, which recently beheaded two Canadian hostages after ransom deadlines passed. "The letter also mentioned the hope that the two countries can work together more strongly in the future, including cooperation on the safety of the vessels sailing through Sulu waters," an Indonesian foreign ministry statement said. On his last day in office, outgoing Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin clarified that the Philippines had not given Indonesia permission to enter its territory to free the sailors. "They can only conduct operations of pursuit within our area if the incident occurred within their waters, based on the principle of hot pursuit," Gazmin said Wednesday, according to Philstar.com. Gazmin was responding to a comment by his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu after the two men met in Manila on June 26, according to Indonesian media outlet Kompas.com "The Philippine government allows the pursuit of pirates and terrorists in the southern Philippines and crossing the sea border between Indonesia and the Philippines. All will be conducted within the framework of ASEAN spirit, namely the security and stability of the region," Ryamizard reportedly said at the time. The 1975 Border Crossing Agreement between the two countries allows Indonesias military to enter Philippine waters when chasing pirates from Indonesian waters, and vice versa. Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak, pictured at a Ramadan event in Putrajaya on June 25, 2016, could add to his recent political victories by calling for an early election next year. Updated at 3:22 a.m. ET on 2016-07-02 Buoyed by fresh electoral wins along with ridding his party of rebels and charging vocal critics in court, Prime Minister Najib Razak is unlikely to face a serious challenge amid weak opposition, according to Malaysian political and social analysts. Following a disastrous 2015 that included fending off calls for his resignation amid corruption allegations over deposits into his private bank accounts of nearly U.S. $700 million in money linked to a state investment fund, Najibs fortunes have seen an upturn in the past few months. His winning streak includes Mays elections where the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition extended its decades-long rule over the eastern Malaysian state of Sarawak with a decisive legislative win, followed by Junes Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar constituency by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia. The BN coalition has ruled the country since independence in 1957. The comfortable wins tightened Najibs grip on BN founding member United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and kept at bay his most vocal critics former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah state Chief Minister Mukhriz Mahathir. On June 24, Najib and UMNOs supreme council sacked both Muhyiddin and Mukhriz the son of Najib foe and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Three days later, he reshuffled his cabinet, rewarding loyalists who had defended him against corruption allegations with ministerial posts. On Wednesday, Najibs fiercest critic and Malaysias longest-serving prime minister, Mahathir, was questioned by the police for the fourth time within a year for likening Najib to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. The next day, another Najib staunch critic chief minister of the northern state of Penang and secretary-general of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) Lim Guan Eng was charged with two counts of graft. Lim claims the charges are politically motivated. Political and social analysts expect Najib to call for an early election in 2017 and remain in power. The 14th general election is scheduled for 2018, according to the nations five-year cycle. Najib chose to keep reporters guessing about what he might do during a press conference on June 27. It depends when the next general election will be held. I dont know yet, Najib said. BN remains peoples choice Speaking to BenarNews, Political and Social Sciences professor Ahmad Atory Hussain said BN would be the peoples choice and continue to rule the country as evidence seen in the recent elections. But more importantly, the biggest factor is the opposition is disunited, he said. Penang Institute political and social sciences chief Wong Chin Huat agreed. UMNOs triumphs should not surprise anyone, he said. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak political science assistant professor Jeniri Amir went even farther, suggesting that opposition infighting was strengthening BN. If they want to beat BN, they need to be under an umbrella like what BN has been doing for 70 years, Ahmad Atory told BenarNews. Instead, the opposition is in disarray as dissidents within the faith-based Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) formed the National Trust Party (PAN) and joined the already existing opposition bloc that included the Peoples Justice Party (PKR) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP). PAS left the bloc in June 2015 and insisted it would remain as a second opposition bloc against BN. Opposition needs a game changer Analysts claim that voters are not interested in hearing about scandal-plagued state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad, which has featured prominently in the oppositions anti-Najib platform. The opposition needs game-changing plans to turn around election results, they say. In rural areas, the bread-and-butter issue of development holds greater impact, Jeniri said. A majority of Malaysians are not politically literate, so the opposition must find other issues to change votes, he added. Chin Huat pointed out that BNs recent wins were caused by the time-tested tactic of patronage politics, using development projects to garner votes. Save Malaysia movement must name candidate In addition, according to analysts, the Save Malaysia movement formed by civil rights groups and individuals to bring down Najib must be more coherent and, more importantly, name a candidate for prime minister. It is absurd for them to say Najib must resign, but they dont care who will be the successor. This is not a vacancy for an office boy. It is the top position for our country, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, chief executive of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, told BenarNews. Wan Saiful said the movement should name either jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahims wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, or Selangor state Chief Minister Mentri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali as a candidate if Muhyiddin does not think he could muster enough support. While the movements main demand has been widely discussed, other important demands such as removing those associated with Najib, abolishing laws and policies that violate human rights and initiating institutional reforms have been forgotten, according to Wan Saiful. Hata Wahari, Dennis Wong and Haireez Azeem Azizi contributed to this report. An earlier version of this story contained inaccuracies in paragraph 17 regarding PAS. Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York. This week, we spotlight Chelsea. Q. Who is your best friend? A. I actually have several BFFs! They are my handsome Maddox and sweet Sadie and Gypsy! We all came here from the same place. I get to see them every once in awhile when a volunteer is taking them out for walks. Oh, walks we live for walks and runs in the play yard! And our volunteers rock! Q. What has been your worst experience? A. Why don't we talk about best experiences this time? I will have to disagree with my little feline friend Gretchen. Remember her? You interviewed her last week. In all honesty, coming here has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I came from what is almost a hoarding situation, and I was really never going to get out of there until I was, shall we say, "discovered." No! This is the best experience I have had in a long time, if not in forever! Thanks for asking! Q. If you could have a job, what would that be? A. Job? My dear friend, I am looking at retirement in the near future and collecting all those bones that are owed to me and having time to do all the things on my bucket list! Q. If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be? A. Speaking of bucket lists, I would like to visit Hawaii and spend some time at the very nice Hawaii Kai Dog Park. I understand it is wonderful there. And, did you know that Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the United States? It is, and it would be very safe for me (and you too, if you want to go with me) to visit there! Q. If you could meet someone famous, who would that be? A. I understand there is a special dog here at the shelter and he is very famous in some circles. He is the shelter mascot, he gets some very special privileges and he is otherwise treated like a king! I have not met him yet, and most of us probably won't ever meet him. His name is Jed. All of us would give just about anything to meet Jed. Q. Do you have an interesting fact to share? A. Here's a good one for you! Did you know that spiked dog collars were invented in ancient Greece and were originally intended to protect a dog's throat from wolf attacks? Hmmmmm. This is, in fact, a fact! Q. Do you have any advice for our good Citizen readers? A. You bet I do and this is very timely! Please, good friends out there in readerland, keep your pets safe and secure this Fourth of July holiday weekend! Did you know that more pets go missing, get hurt or worse on this particular holiday. Fireworks, firecrackers and loud noises make us very unhappy, and we try to get away from them and even break out of windows trying to escape from them. Please keep your pets safe! All of us dogs and cats at the SPCA thank you for doing that! Thank you and love, Chelsea and friends. Five years after starting a grief support group in the wake of her sister's death, Amy Dolan said she's ready to dive deeper into her nonprofit's mission. Dolan, executive director of Auburn-based organization HUGs from Cara, said group volunteers are looking to involve themselves more with schools to reach students in their mission to help others understand and cope with grief. To date, HUGs from Cara offers monthly support meetings at the First Presbyterian Church on South Street and supplies relevant materials and storybooks to any parents or individuals in need. But with the help of money raised through an upcoming fundraiser at the Fingerlakes Mall, Dolan said HUGs from Cara will look to expand its services more into schools starting this fall with an insightful play and puppet show for teenagers and younger students. "Our goal is to get into the school and educate more about grief," she said. Saturday, July 9, HUGs from Cara will host a 21-and-over event at the Aurelius shopping center featuring New York, NY Dueling Pianos, a musical act that promises to mix musical comedy with audience interactivity. The events is described as an adult-oriented party with fun, toasts and drinking songs as the dueling pianists play through a range of genres and artists Jimmy Buffett, Katy Perry, Elvis, Metallica and more. Dolan said HUGs from Cara wanted to organize a fun and unique fundraiser where people could enjoy themselves for a good cause. "I was trying to think of something that nobody had done around here that would be fun," she said. Funds from the event will go to the organization, helping HUGs from Cara produce the material and props needed for the play and puppet show, Dolan said. She said she feels the time is right to dedicate more of her time to the HUGs from Cara mission after years of recovering from her sister's death. Cara Zentner died in 2011 from injuries related to falling down a set of stairs at her home. She is survived by two children. Dolan said Cara's namesake nonprofit formed from funds donated to the family following her death. Dolan, now a certified grief recovery specialist, plans to teach non-credit courses at Cayuga Community College this coming fall one on grief recovery methods for adults dealing with any sort of loss and another for adults who work with children that are grieving to continue with what has become a passion for her. "People say helping others helps you and that's definitely true," she said before adding, "It just helps me relate more and understand really what you're feeling. I think until you go through that, you can't really understand how it affects people." I had the pleasure of attending the Dawn to Dairy Tours at the Twin Birch Farms in Skaneateles, owned by Dirk Young and Karen Young. This farm is in the Owasco Lake Watershed. I am someone who grew up on Owasco Lake and loved every second of it! I had my boating license by the time I was 10 years old and, with restrictions, I was driving a boat (albeit a very slow boat) on Owasco Lake every possible day until I left for college in Boston 18 years ago. Fast forward 18 years, living in Boston and Chicago, attending graduate school, getting married and having children. My husband and I decided that we wanted to move to Auburn to raise our young family for three reasons: To be closer to family and friends, to allow our children the utopian experience of growing up on a lake, and affordability. The life I led before leaving for college was blissfully ignorant about the health of the lake, global warming, GMOs, eating healthy, farming and how they all work together. Today, coming back to Auburn with a bit of life under my belt, I understand that my growth curve on all of these topics is still pretty steep. That said, I am very interested in all of it and see the importance of being interested in it for myself, my children and hopefully someday my grandchildren. We all know that dairy farmers are also businessmen and women. Therefore, they want to get the most yield (milk) out of each wet cow. I learned, which then seemed obvious, that for cows to produce the most milk, they need to drink clean water (about 50 gallons per cow per day), they need to eat healthy and highly regulated food, they need to be stress-free (living close to their friends, or herd) and they need to be comfortable. As a member of OWLA and someone that cares deeply for Owasco Lake, the need for clean water stood out to me and, like in a cartoon, a lightbulb went off over my head. Large dairy farmers need the lake to be clean, too. The health of the lake is important to them as well! This was great news to me! 'We're getting there:' Owasco Lake Day highlights work and successes OWASCO On the back porch of the Emerson Park pavilion Wednesday afternoon, acoustic folk m Of course, Twin Birch Farms is extremely innovative in its approach and has spent a lot of time and money trying to be a good to the environment, the community and the cows. The farm has done everything possible to reduce the waste of the nutrient-rich manure, therefore limiting the runoff to the lake and streams, as well as minimizing the smell for the neighbors. The farm is also trying to minimize the leachate by having a pond that captures most of it. As I listened to the panel, which consisted of Dirk Young from Twin Birch Farms, Doug Kierst from the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Pete Write from Pro-Dairy and Marcus Richards from a neighboring large farm, I found that they all agree that the larger farms have more resources available to focus on how to farm in a way that is more environmentally friendly. As Richards said (I am paraphrasing), Farming is an industry where what is good for the environment is good for the bottom line. I walked away from this experience feeling that I am happy to live in a place where, when I have questions about farming, I can ask a farmer. I am appreciative of the work that the agricultural industry has done, specifically Twin Birch Farms; however, I am asking the agriculture industry to do more. We know that about 70 percent of the phosphates in the lake come from the agriculture industry, and blue green algae (cyanobacteria) growth is greatly enhanced by phosphates in the water. Blue green algae is dangerous in our water source. It can make the water unable to drink and/or unsafe to use for recreational purposes. The good news is we know that removing additional phosphates from entering the lake will help to control blue green algae. OWLA will be using much of its $600,000 grant to help manage the phosphates from getting in the water. Of course, this is just the beginning and we can use all the help we can get! I am hopeful that everyone in our community farmers, lake people and urbanites alike can continue to work together to ensure that the Owasco Lake is clean, so we can all enjoy it for generations to come. But, arguably more importantly, so that we all have clean water to drink. If you are interested in helping to preserve, protect and restore Owasco Lake, then join Owasco Watershed Lake Association. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@owla_owasco) and/or donate to OWLA. According to police at the time, Meza had provided a false first name and date of birth after officers approached his vehicle parked behind a business on Grant Avenue. He then tried to flee on foot after police found 2.9 grams of marijuana in his possession, and a 19-inch machete fell from Meza's pant leg during the chase. Officials said the defendant had reached for the machete when an officer used his taser to stop Meza. First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Protein microarrays like this allow the investigation of thousands of proteins in a single experiment. Microarrays are only a few centimeters in size and host thousands of individual test spots... Since the completion of the human genome an important goal has been to elucidate the function of the now known proteins: a new molecular method enables the investigation of the function for thousands of proteins in parallel. Applying this new method, an international team of researchers with leading participation of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) was able to identify hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins. The human genome and those of most common crops have been decoded for many years. Soon it will be possible to sequence your personal genome for less than 1000 Euros. At yet, there is a well-kept secret: for thousands of the roughly 20,000 - 30,000 proteins encoded in the genome it is not clear what they do in the body, which function they have. This makes it difficult to interpret many upcoming data and understand the underlying molecular processes - and this is the case in diverse fields such as medical research, plant research or the development of alternative energy sources. The function of a protein is a composite of many different aspects: with which proteins does it work together? How are its functions regulated and which processes are affected by it? Even for the reference plant thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) the function for about 10,000 proteins remains enigmatic. Filling this knowledge gap will take a long time using current methodologies. Elucidating these molecular functions is therefore of preeminent importance. Microarrays enable the Investigations of Thousands of Proteins Protein microarrays allow the investigation of thousands of proteins in a single experiment. Microarrays are only a few centimeters in size and host thousands of individual test spots on very small space. To produce standard protein microarrays small amounts of proteins are printed to a glass slide and chemically fixed in each spot where they are then available for experiments. However, this approach requires the prior production and purification of thousands of proteins, which is time consuming and expensive. Together these costs have prevented the widespread use of protein microarrays despite their enormous potential. The research group of Pascal Falter-Braun of the Chair of Plant Systems Biology at TUM together with colleagues from the USA and Japan now achieved a possibly decisive breakthrough: DNA, which is much easier and cheaper to produce, is printed instead of proteins and the protein arrays are subsequently 'developed'. DNA contains the information that specifies the shape of proteins. After printing the DNA on the array the latter is submerged in a reaction mixture that synthesizes the proteins specified by the printed DNA. A chemical anchor that is attached to the glass surface rapidly and tightly captures the so developed proteins, which are then available for functional studies. The method is called 'nucleic acid programmable protein array' which, in conjunction with the employed capture agent, is abbreviated Halo-NAPPA. By using the new capture chemistry the researchers were able to increase the density of the arrays such that it is now possible to accommodate all proteins encoded in a genome on just a few arrays. The scientists could demonstrate the potential of the protein arrays in the context of plant hormone signaling pathways, which, for example, mediate responses to drought stress or against pathogens. 1000 novel Protein-Protein Interactions discovered For the study now published in PNAS interactions of 38 of some of the most important transcription factor proteins of thale cress were investigated. Transcription factors determine which genes are active at what time and in which conditions and consequently have a critical role in organisms. The transcription factors themselves can be activated or inactivated by interacting with other proteins - in the present study nearly 1000 new interactions for the investigated transcription factors were detected using the protein microarrays. "Many of the now observed interactions have never been documented. They will help us to understand how biological systems and the underlying molecular networks function", says Falter-Braun. Proteins in plants and in man do not act in isolation but have mutual regulatory relationships and act together in complex networks - the research focus of the TUM team around Falter-Braun. In all organisms proteins have key roles and execute nearly all biological processes. "Possibly, the new method is a milestone towards understanding which proteins interact with which other proteins or other molecules in cells. Because it is cheaper and simpler a wider range of researchers can now work with these protein arrays to investigate protein functions" says Falter-Braun. The scientist is convinced that the new method will also help to accelerate research in the research on renewable energies and the understanding of diseases. Source: Technical University of Munich (TUM) A 3-D model of adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid structure: AAV capsid sixty subunits assemble to generate the icosahedral symmetric virus capsid. The viral asymmetric unit of the capsid is bounded by 5-fold, 3-fold, and 2-fold symmetry axes. The capsid external surface features are formed by the subunit hyper-variable loops. The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has launched a new program, called AAV 3.0, to create new viral vectors to find quicker and better treatments for an array of diseases. James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, a professor of Medicine and director of the Orphan Disease Center, will lead an interdisciplinary team of over 30 scientists to create this new technology platform with support provided by the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The current wave of clinical applications of gene therapy is largely based on a new family of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors -- the most commonly used viral vectors today -- developed over 10 years ago by Wilson's laboratory at Penn. AAVs are used to ferry corrected genes and other small nucleic acids into cells. Translation of AAV gene therapy into the clinic has largely been in the treatment of disabling and lethal rare genetic diseases where the need is the greatest. "I am optimistic that successful technologies will continue to emerge from our existing AAV vectors to help patients suffering from severe inherited diseases," Wilson said. "However, we believe it is possible to significantly improve the performance of future AAV vectors to expand their clinical utility for gene therapy and to help usher in therapeutic applications of genome editing." Penn has been a catalyst for the scientific, clinical, and commercial development of AAV gene therapy through an extensive network of private and public collaborations. A dozen biopharmaceutical licensees including two companies Penn helped to form -- REGENXBIO and Dimension Therapeutics -- are currently using earlier AAVs involving over 26 diseases. "With this newest program in AAV technology, Penn Medicine continues to build upon its groundbreaking work to facilitate the development of next-generation vectors and therapies, as well as the clinical translation of those efforts," said J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. The University and Penn Medicine have long contributed to pioneering work in the clinical translation of cell and gene therapy. Examples include the treatment of patients with inherited blindness with gene therapy by Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, the F. M. Kirby professor of Ophthalmology and director of Penn's Center for Advanced Retinal & Ocular Therapeutics, and the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to treat patients with leukemia by Carl June, MD, the Richard W. Vague Professor of Immunotherapy in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and director of Translational Research in the Abramson Cancer Center. In addition, the first gene therapy product approved in the Western hemisphere, used for the treatment of a rare genetic form of pancreatitis, uses a vector developed by Wilson. "Our current successes in cell and gene therapy represent decades of work by our scientists and unwavering support by the institution," said Ralph W. Muller, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. "We stand prepared to do what is necessary to make sure these life-saving therapies are made available to our patients." A proposed waste disposal law brought before the Seneca Falls Town Board has some area businesses concerned about its reach and future implications. The local law was introduced at a May board meeting, and states that the "present solid waste management activities in the Town of Seneca Falls generate offensive and unreasonable odors." It also cites truck traffic, health and safety hazards, detriment to water quality, noise, dust and pollution as other reasons for the law. To prevent these things, the law aims to restrict solid waste management operations, and while there are some exemptions, it would prohibit the future construction of any solid waste management facility in the town. The penalties for violating the proposed law include being charged with a Class A misdemeanor, with the potential for up to one year in jail and up to a $10,000 fine. One of those concerned about the draft law is Ann Marie Heizmann, president of the Seneca County Farm Bureau. Since manure management, fertilizer and composting come with the territory of farming, there are parts of the law that are too vague for Heizmann's liking. It's also a smelly business sometimes, so Heizmann said farmers are concerned that if they spread fertilizer on their fields, they'll be slapped with a fine or even jail time. "Truly, if you can divert food waste and yard waste from the landfill, that's a lot better of a way for it go back into the earth and be reused," Heizmann said. "We definitely want to see the agricultural parts taken out of it." The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets sent a letter to Seneca Falls Town Supervisor Greg Lazzaro on June 14. In that letter, Division Director Michael Latham said the provisions of the proposed law around farm operations may violate a section of the Ag and Markets law. The law, Heizmann said, was proposed by Seneca Falls Town Board member Annette Lutz. Neither Lutz nor Lazzaro could be reached for comment. Kyle Black, district manager of the Seneca Meadows Landfill, said the law had him very concerned. "It sets a bad precedent," Black said. "It targets a lot of land use industries." While Black acknowledged the landfill has had trouble controlling the smells more recently, he said the state Department of Environmental Conservation monitors the air quality, and they have never had a violation in his 17 years working there. According to the Seneca Falls Town Clerk's office, the board has postponed a public hearing on the law. The board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, July 5, but the local law is not on the agenda. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia After 13 weeks of intensive networking, mentoring and development, 10 companies have showcased their innovative fintech businesses at a demo day in Cape Town, as the first cohort of the Barclays Accelerator in Africa concluded. The three month fintech accelerator programme was hosted by Barclays Africa's open innovation hub Rise in Cape Town. The Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is an intensive startup programme designed to capture, shape and scale the next generation of innovative fintech businesses. The programme draws upon mentors from across Barclays and the Techstars network. An audience of more than 400 including investors, industry experts, fintech specialists, as well as Absa and Barclays executives attended the demo day to hear how the startups are tackling different challenges on the African continent and ultimately help shape the future of financial services across insurance, payments and agriculture. According to Yossi Hasson, managing director of Techstars in Cape Town, this Africa class will now join the Techstars global ecosystem which spans 15,000 community leaders, mentors, founders and investors across 137 countries. Commenting on the programme, head of open innovation at Barclays Africa, Paul Nel said: At Barclays Africa we are committed to driving leading fintech innovation that translates into lifestyle-enabling products and services for our customers, and creates greater financial inclusion across the continent. The 10 companies that presented at the demo day were: Asoriba (Ghana): Simplifies church administration for leaders and improves engagement with members via mobile apps. BenBen (Ghana): A solution for governments to convert physical land titles to digital copies or an irrefutable platform secured on the blockchain. Additionally they provide citizens with a mobile application, website and USSD platform for them to manage their properties. Beyonic (Uganda and United States): Enable businesses to quickly deploy and manage two-way mobile money payments to eliminate the need to make payments using cash. Through the use of web services and application programming interfaces, businesses can access payee and workflow management systems that greatly reduce fraud. iNuka Pap (Kenya): A mobile platform that partners with credit cooperatives to allow their members to conveniently deposit, withdraw and access instant micro-loans as well as access other credit services. Jamii (Tanzania): A mobile micro-health insurance company aimed at providing low-cost health insurance to the low income and informal sector from $1 per month. ReAble (Lebanon): Provide tools and apps that empower the financial literacy and inclusion of people with special needs. The ReAble Wallet uses technology such as optocal character recognition to allow users to conduct transactions by simply taking a picture of the receipt. The app then scans the receipt and informs the user of the total amount to pay, the optimal combination of bills and then validates the change received. SimbaPay (Kenya and Nigeria): Enables the sending of money to family and friends' bank accounts and mobile wallets conveniently and cheaply. Customers can also use their bill settlement technology to pay merchants in Africa. It also enables individuals to open a bank account back home using the app. Social Lender (Nigeria): A lending that determines credit worthiness based on social reputation on social media platforms. The platform is licensed to financial institutions. Tech4Farmers (Uganda): Provides farmers with real-time access to market information through an electronic commodity exchange and electronic warehouse receipt system. WizzPass (South Africa): Complete parking solutions app allowing entry and exit to shopping malls, airports, commercial property, office parks, residential property and gated communities via a smartphone. A ballsy integrated effort between FCB Cape Town and digital agency, Hellocomputer, was recently recognised by the Cannes Festival of Creativity with two Silver Lions in the Health and Wellness Category for online video. These big cats are impressively shiny and heavy, but also represent the most distinguished global award for advertising, communications, data and innovation. And Testi-monials, the brave campaign for CANSA, is nothing less than stand-out. Faced with the challenge of getting men to talk about testicular cancer (in a country where personal stuff is rarely shared), FCB Cape Town decided to go right to the source and find some wrinkly representatives to do the talking for them, convincing the male market to #HaveTheBalls to do the same. With Hellocomputers world-class 3D animation skills, and some pretty impressive video production, the team brought these wrinkly characters to life, causing quite a bit of discomfort, all round. With a microsite that answered all FAQs, social shout-outs that certainly surprised some celebrities and several translations for others around the world, guys started to talk about their balls. Winning at Cannes is an achievement weve aspired to for many years and knowing that its for such a worthy cause like testicular cancer makes it mean that much more. Our collaboration with partners FCB Cape Town really proves we are an integrated force to recon with and we couldnt be more proud of this combined achievement, said Simon Spreckley, Executive Creative Director. This is a significant first for Hellocomputer but definitely not a last, as together with FCB, they continue to reimagine what is possible. Check it out for yourself: http://www.testi-monials.co.za/. Albany has launched a new D'light range of breads that are infused with delicious flavours, such as Cinnamon & Popcorn, Butter, and Raisin & Cinnamon. The response has been phenomenal so far, said Thabile Gwiji, brand manager of Albany Bakeries. All the mums and families we've spoken to have been very impressed by the change of pace, the taste and the excitement the D'light breads offer. They bring a bit of zing to a part of family life that can get a bit dull for everyone, at times. So, how does a brand go about creating such exotic and innovative new flavours? Who dreams up something like Popcorn & Butter flavoured bread? It all stemmed from our community actually, said Gwiji. We talk a lot to our consumers, and they've been telling us for a while that it would be great for families to have access to a range of breads that cater to special moments and everyday moments when a snack is required. To celebrations, Sunday mornings, long weekends and after-school snack time. South Africans told us they would love a bread that adds fun and flavour to special family times. Based on this insight, Albany set its team of bakers to work. They emerged with a range that is clearly stimulating taste buds across the country. The launch has been a wonderful experience, concluded Gwiji. We're delighted - pun intended! - to have given nurturing mums new options when it comes to giving their families healthy exciting lifestyle options. For more information on Albany Dlight, recipes and competitions, follow Albany on Facebook. Albany's new D'light-flavoured bread range is available at selected supermarkets and retailers across the country. There are three strategic approaches that can help manufacturers capitalise on key changes transforming their industries. These strategies offer the potential of increasing revenues and profits, while simultaneously delivering added value to new and existing clients. 1. Selling capabilities, not just products Changing from a product- to a service-centred approach can boost manufacturing growth: typically, manufacturers who incorporate useful services into their products realise average business growth of 5% to 10% a year. As a successful manufacturer of printers, for example, your focus would be on selling the machines capabilities, not just the machine itself: With this machine you can print 10,000 sheets per day rather than, this machine does x, y and z. Tying service contracts in (consumables, training, maintenance, repairs etc.) to your product sales creates growth across the board. The disposal of products is offered as a service by a growing a number of manufacturing companies. This way, customers can always be sure that the product will be recycled in a sustainable way at the end of its life cycle. One proof point of the strong connection between manufacturing and services is that every job in manufacturing creates another 2.5 new jobs in local goods and services, and for every 1 USD invested in manufacturing, 1.37 USD of added value is created in other sectors. Service contracts also cement long-term customer relationships. Seventy-four percent of manufacturers said their principal motive for offering services was to create closer relationships with their customers (2015). Build your strategy around your customers' needs, not around historical requirements. Talk to them. Find out how open they are to buying contracted services, as well as physical units. Youll need to ensure that everyone has the right technological platform in place - an enterprise solution that can handle the services being delivered, record and control them and schedule people (including subcontractors) to carry out and record services in the field. 2. Identify your problem We still tend to think of IoT as something that happens out in the field, but many manufacturers are finding that smart manufacturing or Industry 4.0 is as effective. Smart manufacturing is a method of building greater, more effective digital interconnectedness internally, between supply and production chains, by incorporating the latest advances in sensors, robotics, big data, controllers, and machine learnings. Like all technologies, IoT is basically a tool, and its always better to figure out what you want to fix before deciding which tool to use. My advice to customers caught up in the ongoing hype of IoT is to focus on the problem before you start exploring solutions. Ask yourself: What exactly am I trying to solve? Write it down. Quantify it. Nine times out of 10 it comes down to I need to make something more efficient, or I need to save money. Figuring out the exact time and cost savings gained from connecting machine X to machine Y allows you to calculate the investment needed, and what your exact ROI will be. Then is the time to ask: Is IoT the best solution here? before rushing to buy extra servers that will only end up gathering dust. One example is an innovative German manufacturing customer of IFS. It uses the CAD System Pulsonix to create Bills of Materials (BOM) directly into IFS Applications, then showing the assembled Printed Circuit Board (PCB) while sending the BOM to the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line. The results have made the companys operations more cost and time efficient. Was this solution based on IoT? No. Did it solve the clearly identified problem efficiently, cutting costs and saving time? Yes. 3. Smart tech needs smart people Emerging technologies need new talent to drive and develop them. Almost 70% of respondents in a survey last year saw the availability of resources as the main obstacle to increasing their service portfolio, according to The annual Manufacturing report 2016. Over the next 10 years, manufacturing will need almost 3.5 million skilled jobs, but only 2 million of them are expected to be filled. A combination of factors makes the skills shortage a pressing problem: Baby Boomer retirement, negative images of manufacturing amongst younger generations, a lack of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) skills, the decline of technical education programmes in many public high schools and the loss of embedded knowledge due to an increasingly mobile experienced workforce. But, meanwhile, technology gets ever more complex and mind-to-market product cycles shorter. Focusing on finding, keeping and growing skills to harness new technology will be as vital as the new technology itself. Todays modern manufacturing workers need a rich skills range. Problem solving to, for example, autonomously adjust robots and production systems in real time. They need maths skills for applied competencies in measurement and spatial reasoning; technical skills for areas like metallurgy and technical system operations, such as fluid power electrical controls; algorithmic and advanced computing skills to develop advanced technologies, such as 3D-modelling and advanced robotics. As product development and manufacturing systems become more interwoven and cycle times shorten, workers need to have higher levels of STEM and analytical skills to influence design changes as well as production efficiency. The good news is that technological advance tends to go hand in hand with educational advance: The more we invest in new technology, the more we learn; the more we learn, the more new technology we create. New forms of machine-to-machine and artificial intelligence will transform our industry, but human intelligence will always create and drive it. One day, in the Land of Edgardale (as the story goes) Birgitt Gebauer, former CE of the Edgars chain - after a feverish exchange with newly appointed Edcon boss Bernie Brookes - turned on her heels, and blasted off, never to be seen again. An associate of previous CEO Jurgen Schreiber, she was brought in to revive the ailing chain using her more than 28 years of retail expertise. Her departure was notarised earlier this year in a terse two-paragraph statement naturally devoid of details about her spectacular exit. It simply said she had left the group. The same communique named Brookes as her replacement (hes also the overall boss of Edcon, which owns CNA and Jet) and Andrew Levermore was named COO. Fresh eyes often herald a change in strategy its hardly unusual. Over at Woolworths, CEO Ian Moirs makeover of its Australian chain David Jones has not been limited to overhauling its frumpy-looking stores and archaic systems. At least eight long-serving David Jones execs have been let go. Heres a bit of skinner. The climate in there is toxic, the culture is ruthless. Anyone who stands in the way of what the South Africans want for David Jones is being eradicated ... one by one, a former David Jones senior executive told senior journalist Andrew Hornery, the man behind The Sydney Morning Heralds Private Sydney column. At NYSE-listed Ralph Lauren, Stefan Larsson is wasting no time showing people the door his first big hire is a former H&M colleague. Brookess plan (along with installing a large Australian contingent at the company) for Edgars essentially pays homage to its high-margin private label roots a total 180 from Schreiber and Gebauers international brand push which was a horrid and expensive fail. There are times, however, when bidding adieu is a great big red flag. Take the getaway of Edcon CFO Toon Clerckx this month. Edcon has now named its third CFO in four years. The company is not, and has not been, in good financial standing for some time. Its been buckling under its debt load since its R25bn leveraged buyout by Bain Capital, just before the global financial crisis. Steve Binnie, who served as CFO for nearly 12 years, left to join Sappi soon after Edcons book was sold to Absa (which essentially shut off the lending taps) and his replacement Mark Bower retired. Along with one-time Edcon CEO Steve Ross, the trio were known as the dream team. Edcon is now a shadow of its former retail glory, and has fallen prey to heightened competition in the sector, in a tough trading environment. And with an ever more precarious debt obligation, it would seem that being its CFO might just be SAs toughest corporate job a bastion to a burning castle. Already, the group is three weeks late in publishing its 2016 results. Could Edcon have found itself in a boat not unlike PPC, whose auditor couldnt draw a conclusion on the cement producers ability to continue as a going concern? There is some speculation that Edcon is having difficulty signing off its financial arrangements with lenders. It got bondholders to defer interest in April basically skipping payments (till December) to use the cash for its turnaround. Few are optimistic about Edcons fate. Brookes is one of them, but then he came from what was an unsteady ship Australian chain Myer before taking the helm at Edcon, when many thought it would be more fitting for him to retire. A quote comes to mind. I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder. I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that, Edward J Smith, captain, RMS Titanic, on the maiden voyage of the Adriatic, in New York, 1907. Local trend sweaters have taken a liking to Fitbit products, but difficulties in repairing the devices may dampen the appetite of consumers. The ticker symbol for Fitbit is displayed on the floor of the NYSE, New York, the US.Picture: Reuters/Brendan McDermid The Fitbit platform combines connected health and fitness devices with software and services. Devices come with a year-long warranty, restricted to the original purchaser of the product, and it is only valid if the device was bought from an authorised retailer. One customer, who did not want to be named, said they had acquired a product from a registered retailer. The product began to fail, and the customer was told the device was out of warranty, and that the supplier did not repair Fitbit devices. "I was told to contact Fitbit in the US directly, which I did." The customer said, after lengthy talks, a new device was sent from the US. Nikki Friedman, brand manager of Fitbit in SA, said units were not fixed, but replaced when they malfunctioned while still under warranty. "However, in some instances, customers damage (the) unit themselves, and even though they are not entitled to a warranty, we will put them in touch with Fitbit International, since in exceptional cases they are willing to replace a self-damaged unit." Under the limited warranty, Fitbit will not replace the device if the software embedded in the product stops working. Physical damage other than wear and tear will not be considered as falling within cover. At a coffee shop in a small mall a few weeks ago, I noticed that the waiters suddenly became agitated and animated by something that was happening outside. I immediately assumed that some crime had taken place and started preparing my family to crawl under the table, when we noticed that a man had walked past with a huge snake draped over his shoulders. What happens when a customer has brought in a pet dog, cat, monkey, lizard, hamster or even a snake into your store? As he nonchalantly walks around pretending that everything is perfectly normal, you notice that some customers find it all quite interesting and cute, but there is also a look of disapproval, disgust, or horror on the faces of some other customers. What can you do? Disability If the pet owner is somebody disabled, then perhaps you dont need to be worried about the so-called 'service animals'. In most cases, working dogs are incredibly well trained - they will never attack anyone and will certainly never mess your store with their toilet habits. These incredible dogs have been proven to stick with their owners, even through the most horrific events - like terrorist attacks. In any event, there are laws enshrined in our constitution that protect disabled people being allowed to bring in their pets, and you also dont want a PR disaster if you discriminate or refuse to allow a disabled person to bring his guide dog (or similar) into your business no matter what your staff or customers think or want, but if the pets owner has no visible disability he is just a customer or a family member - with a 'comfort' pet either constrained by a leash, or running around freely - then the answer is not so obvious. It seems to become more and more common today, and some customers have even claimed that their disability is an invisible physical, emotional or psychological problem like diabetes, hearing loss, depression, anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Its not just businesses that deal with food, what about doctors rooms and other places of medical therapy, hospitals, movies, schools or playgrounds, office spaces, airplanes, hotels, and similar sensitive places? Of course, it doesnt help that the media often reports on horrific attacks by animals on people that resulted in serious injury or even death. And it also doesnt help that many cultures and religions reject animals becoming too close to human beings, as with Muslim people and pigs. Just to further confuse the situation, a lawyer who deals with disabled people told me that one isnt allowed to ask too many questions of a disabled person and his pet. Generally speaking, you are only allowed to ask two questions: Is that animal required because of a disability? and What training for a work or task has the animal received? What happens when the fur starts to fly? To complicate things further, what happens when the fur starts to fly? Bearing in mind that you can only ask those two questions, carefully observe the persons answer. A legitimate disabled person will probably give you a straightforward response; the animals behaviour, health, grooming and appearance seems acceptable; and he may even offer notes from a medical professional and/or a competent organisation (like SA Blind Dogs Association,) that has trained the pet. The pet will be properly controlled with a leash, for example, and I have even seen a monkey with a nappy strapped around its waist. On the other hand, if the animal runs around freely, makes a toilet mess, sniffs and licks other people, responds to the 'likes' and growls at the 'dislikes', or if customer trivialises the situation, gets impatient or aggressive with you, or if he is uncertain about his reply, there's a good chance that he is taking liberties with a favourite, albeit unnecessary, pet. Again, if he wants to make an issue from this by claiming you have offended him, (or insulted his pet), avoiding a PR nightmare or a social media disaster should encourage you to be sensitive, and to show empathy and flexibility on a case-by-case basis. Being hard line is probably not a good idea: you dont want to be seen as a bully. What else can you do to avoid trouble? Your people need to be briefed and trained to deal with these situations. Consider discussing issues around disabilities, cultures and religions, and animals. Promote a better understanding of these and address their fears or beliefs. Train them to observe signs that are positive or negative about pets and their owners. Help them to deal with their own stress and/or views. Brief them about the laws of the land with respect to disabled people and pets, and avoiding litigation. And, most of all, ensure that they have the skills and confidence to deal with the polite interpersonal interaction. (Do it now, before a crisis hits your business even if you risk losing a handful of stubborn customers!); Some decent signs outside your business, or communication with your customers, can also make a difference. Explain exactly what your policy and beliefs are. Use written communication and posters, your website, letters and emails, and special conversations if needed. Avoid being defensive, but rather be positive and reactive. (By the way, does your business actually have a policy and procedures in place?); In addition, you can also provide special facilities for pets, as many restaurants and business have been forced to do with anti-smoking legislation. If it is a regular event, then all the more reason to make it a priority. This is especially true when customers or your staff claim to have an allergy, or if their fear of animals is debilitating. Reasonable modifications like good protective floor and furniture coverings for easy cleaning, and proper ventilation are a start, but you can also provide special cleaning/hygiene facilities for people with sanitised towels and a disinfectant spray, for example. I have even seen one business with a separate entrance for pet lovers, and once the customer left, the cleaners came in immediately to sanitise the waiting room. Ive also heard of a supermarket that has 'pet-friendly hours' once a week at the end of the day when all other customers have left. (On the subject of allergies, its quite hard to not get personal. For example, are you going to ban perfume, nuts, and cat hair on clothes because some of your customers are allergic?); and When something goes wrong, be prepared. If an animal bites another person, or is really badly behaved, treat the victim with a sense of urgency and respect, and impress other customers and staff with your ability to deal with these delicate situations. You may have to expel the customer and his pet firmly. Decide now who will deal with this, and what that person will do and say. Have the telephone numbers of security, police and the local SPCA easily available. Record exactly what happened, for later reference. (By the way, if the animal and/or owner are particularly unruly, you will find that other people support you completely, and there shouldnt be a backlash.) These are not solutions that will help you avoid all problems, especially with pet lovers who dont respect other people, or who have issues with their egos, but they may help you to avoid most problems that may come up. And if all else fails, maybe its time to get a really hungry crocodile to lie down outside your main entrance and help you get rid of those pesky cats! Anheuser-Busch InBev's acquisition of SABMiller was approved by the Competition Tribunal on Thursday with a few amendments to the conditions proposed by the Competition Commission. Material changes to the conditions include the timing of SABMiller's disposal of its Distell shares. The details are confidential, the tribunal's statement said. The tribunal also tweaked rules regarding access rights of rivals to fridge space supplied to outlets by the merged group. At a three-day hearing held before the tribunal last week, legal counsel for wines and spirits maker Distell argued that the commission's recommendation that SABMiller sell its 27% stake in the company over a three-year period after the merger had raised shareholder concerns regarding the outlook, which posed a threat to the share price. They argued that the disposal period should be quickened. The tribunal set a five-year period during which the merged group may not retrench staff. Five years was also set for its rules on fridges, during which they have to allow 10% of the space to be used by competitors' products. During the hearings, Heineken, SA's second-largest brewing company, argued that the condition imposed by the commission giving small craft brewers 10% of Megabrew's fridge space should also be extended to it. They argued that SABMiller, which owns about 90% of SA's beer market, would have an unfair advantage once it merged with AB InBeV as it would gain in excess of 200 new brands. This would make it hard for the Dutch brewer to market its products, which also include Amstel. To ensure the various promises made by AB Inbev and SABMiller are kept, the tribunal said a six-member implementation board is to be created. Three government ministries - Economic Development, Trade and Industry, and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - will each nominate a member of the implementation board. The tribunal said the parties were entitled to request the "waiver, relaxation, modification and/or substitution of one or more of the conditions". AB InBev issued a statement indicating it was unlikely to challenge the outcome. AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito said in the statement on Thursday: "We are delighted by the Competition Tribunal's decision to approve our proposed combination with SABMiller in SA, a market that would play a critical role in the combined company. "We recognise South African Breweries' important contribution to the country's economy and society and look forward to building on this through the commitments we have made on jobs and employment, localisation of inputs and production, support for small suppliers and the promotion of black economic empowerment." AB InBev said it had now obtained approval in 16 jurisdictions. Clearance decisions, with or without conditions, have now been obtained: in Asia-Pacific (Australia, India and South Korea); in Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia); in Europe (the EU, Albania, Turkey and Ukraine); and in Latin America (Chile, Colombia and Mexico). Approval in Ecuador is subject to certain conditions. The $108bn transaction still hinges on approval from China and US. AB InBev is in a race against time to get final approvals by August 12, when SABMiller is scheduled to pay shareholders its dividend. AB InBev will receive the payout if the deal is completed by then. Source: BDpro via I-Net Bridge NEW YORK - Hershey said on Thursday it had rejected a $23bn takeover bid by Mondelez International that would seek to expand the latter's limited US footprint and create the world's largest confectioner. A Hershey's chocolate bar is shown in this photo illustration in Encinitas, California, US in January 2015.Picture: Reuters The snub underscores the challenges Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld faces in wooing Hersheys controlling shareholder, the Hershey Trust, a $12bn charity created by the eponymous companys founder a century ago. The maker of Hersheys Kisses and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups saw its shares trade above Mondelezs bid of $107 per share in cash and stock, indicating investors expected a new offer. A merger of two of the worlds top five candy makers would add Hersheys strong US business to Mondelezs global footprint. Earlier, a source said that Mondelez had sought to provide assurances to Hershey that it would keep its name and preserve jobs. Mondelez sees little antitrust risk given the limited geographic overlap of the two companies businesses, the source added. "The board of directors of the company unanimously rejected the indication of interest and determined that it provided no basis for further discussion between Mondelez and the company," Hershey said in a statement. Hershey shares ended trading on Thursday up 16.8% at $113.49, while Mondelez rose 5.9% to $45.51. Mondelez, the maker of Oreos cookies, is the second-largest confectionery company globally, while Hershey ranks number five. Their merger would put them in the top place at 18% of the market, according to market research firm Euromonitor International. The combined company would leapfrog Mars, which has 13.3% of the global market. A fusion of the two would give Mondelez control over the production and distribution of Cadbury brand chocolates in the US, which Hershey currently holds the license to produce, paying royalties to Mondelez. It would also give Mondelez the US production and distribution rights for Kit Kat, one of the most popular chocolate brands in the world, which industry sources said would be a significant boost to Mondelez. Nestle SA manufactures Kit Kat worldwide, but Hershey has the rights in the US, paying Nestle royalties from sales. Mondelezs bid could put pressure on Nestle to consider its own bid for Hershey. Upon change of control at Hershey, the license would revert back to Nestle for free, depriving value for a potential acquirer. Hershey trust trouble The bid pits Deerfield, Illinois-based Mondelez against the Hershey Trust, one of Pennsylvanias wealthiest charities. The trust has about 81% of Hersheys voting rights and in 2002 prevented the Hershey, Pennsylvania-based company from being acquired by William Wrigley Junior Company for $12bn. Pennsylvanias attorney general also sued to block the Wrigley deal, arguing it would hurt the local community. Created by Hershey founder Milton Hershey to provide for the Milton Hershey School, a private school for children from low-income families, the trust has been the subject of an investigation recently by Pennsylvanias attorney general over conflicts of interest and mismanagement. The trusts chief compliance officer was put on leave last month after a leaked memo showed the board had spent nearly $4m investigating conflicts of interest and insider-trading accusations against board members. A top trust official was also sacked in May and pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Starting point Tigress Financial Partners analyst Philip Van Deusen said he expected the offer price to increase, given the rise in Hersheys shares. "I think ($107) is a good starting place," he said. Analysts have been sceptical of takeover bids for Hershey in the past. "The Trust ... is outwardly very committed to keeping the company independent," Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard said in June last year. "So its pretty much impossible for an activist to get involved or for the company to be bought." Last year, William Ackman revealed his activist hedge fund Pershing Square had built a stake worth about $5.5bn in Mondelez, in what was seen as an attempt to push the company to boost earnings or sell itself. Ackman joined fellow activist Nelson Peltz as an investor in Mondelez. Reuters The City of Tshwane received international recognition by winning the World Wi-Fi Day Award for Most Innovative City or Government Program to bridge the Digital Divide, in Liverpool, England. An award in this category recognises cities, governments and organisations that develop local and national plans to bridge the digital divide. Shortlisted projects must evidence the successful implementation of comprehensive Wi-Fi solutions which innovatively overcome the challenges and complexities associated with these large-scale deployments. The Tshwane Free Wi-Fi has brought 1.8 million citizens in the capital city online in the biggest deployment of municipal free Wi-Fi on the African continent. The roll-out has been made possible through the citys collaborative partnership with Project Isizwe. Together Tshwane and the South African NGO have built relationships and developed innovative and feasible financial and technical solutions to make the roll-out possible. The World Wi-Fi Day Awards were presented at the Wireless Global Congress currently being held in Liverpool. The awards celebrate the success stories across the world that are connecting the unconnected and contributing to global socio-economic development. The City of Tshwane, with Project Isizwe as the implementing partner, was shortlisted in this category alongside Intersection and Liquid Telecom, two internationally recognised providers in the deployment of Wi-Fi. Internet is a human right "Our free Wi-Fi project has radically undermined the adverse effects of unaffordable internet access by narrowing the hitherto glaring digital divide," said incumbent Tshwane Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa. We will continue to be a shining example of what it means to employ the use of technology to lead the way towards a South Africa that is democratic, inclusive, united and prosperous ours will be the global cyber capital," said Ramokgopa. An award in this category, showcases the need for relationship building and partnership with local government in the provision of free Wi-Fi for South African citizens. Just like electricity and water, internet is a human right which we are working closely with municipalities to enable, said Project Isizwe CEO, Zahir Khan. Project Isizwe was also shortlisted in the category: Best Wi-Fi Deployment to Connect the Unconnected in Rural Environment for the organisations Limpopo project. The prize in this category was awarded to Liquid Telecom for their free Wi-Fi project in Nakuru County, Kenya. The hole in the ozone layer over the Antarctic has begun to shrink, signaling good news for the environment several decades after an international accord to phase out certain pollutants, researchers said on Thursday, 30 June. The study found that the September ozone hole has shrunk by four million square kilometres since 2000 - an area about the size of India. "It's a big surprise," said lead author Susan Solomon, an atmospheric chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in an interview with Science magazine. "I didn't think it would be this early." The ozone hole was first discovered in the 1950s. It reached record size in October 2015, but Solomon and colleagues determined that this was due to the eruption of the Chilean volcano Calbuco. The overall trend toward recovery became apparent when scientists studied measurements from satellites, ground-based instruments and weather balloons in the month of September, not October when the ozone hole typically peaks in size. "I think people, myself included, had been too focused on October, because that's when the ozone hole is enormous," said Solomon. "But October is also subject to the slings and arrows of other things that vary, like slight changes in meteorology." The study attributed the ozone's recovery to the "continuing decline of atmospheric chlorine originating from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)," or chemicals that were once emitted by dry cleaning, refrigerators, hairspray and other aerosols. Most of the world signed on to the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which banned the use of CFCs. "We can now be confident that the things we've done have put the planet on a path to heal," said Solomon. Source: AFP More than half of the world's population lives in cities, and the United Nations projects that this share will rise to 70 percent by 2050. During the daytime, these expanding urban areas absorb more solar energy than the surrounding countryside. At night they radiate the heat back to the atmosphere. Higher temperatures in cities compared to the areas around them create what are known as urban heat islands (UHIs). Urban heat islands threaten urban sustainability and public health in cities. The heat island effect raises death rates, increases energy demand for cooling, and makes life uncomfortable even for healthy residents. It affects various communities differently: poor and elderly residents and small children are most vulnerable, followed by people who live in highly industrialized areas. In a recent study conducted by the University of Notre Dames Environmental Change Initiative, we examined whether green roofs, which are covered with plants, and cool roofs, which are surfaced with reflective materials, could reduce UHI effects in Chicago. These roofing strategies are widely used across Europe and have recently been adopted in multiple U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Developing cities in Asia, such as Indore in India are also implementing cool roofs to mitigate UHIs. Author provided We found that these roofing strategies did reduce the urban heat island effect, but their impacts were not uniform within the city. They also reduced breezes from Lake Michigan and altered regional air circulation in ways that could offset some of their cooling and air quality benefits. While the roofs still had a net cooling impact, urban planners will need to understand impacts on energy consumption and air quality to maximize benefits from installing green and cool roofs. Why cities are getting hotter The worlds urban areas are rapidly expanding, and the density of city populations is increasing as they grow. In 1950, 746 million people lived in cities; in 2014, that number had risen to 3.9 billion. By 2045 more than 6 billion people may live in urban areas. Urban heating is caused by many factors. They include the properties of building materials such as thermal conductivity, thermal mass and thermal resistance; air emissions produced by building heating and cooling systems and motor vehicles; urban designs that trap heat in street canyons, preventing it from radiating back to the atmosphere at night; and body heat produced by residents themselves. How green and cool roofs can help Our research showed that green and cool roofs helped to reduce UHI effects in Chicago. But we also observed important regional- and local-scale effects that affected how well these systems performed. First, the impacts of green and cool roofs on UHIs varied at different locations. We found that green and cool roofing strategies reduced daytime peak urban roof temperatures across the Chicago metropolitan area by about 2-3 degrees Celsius. However, in downtown Chicago they lowered roof surface temperatures by 7-8 degrees Celsius. This dramatic difference indicates that green and cool roofs are most efficient in highly urbanized areas. Second, because green and cool roofs lowered rooftop temperatures in the city, they reduced the relative temperature difference between air over Chicago and air over adjoining Lake Michigan, which is typically 4-5 degrees Celsius cooler than air over the city during daytime in summer. By doing so, they weakened the strength of breezes that blow from the lake to the shore in warm weather and help to cool shoreline neighborhoods. Urban planners can offset this effect by designing streets so that they channel air easily instead of blocking natural flow patterns. Vaughan Weather/Wikipedia, CC BY-SA Third, we found that these rooftop surfaces did not just reduce temperatures immediately above the urban rooftops. Their impact extended into the lower atmosphere, up to altitudes of about 2.5 kilometers. This affected regional weather patterns by reducing local convection a process in which warm air rises into the atmosphere, removing heat from earths surface. Overall, our analysis suggested that large-scale installation of green and cool roofs could actually decrease wind flow in Chicago by lowering horizontal wind speeds and reducing vertical air mixing during daytime. This may lead to air stagnation near ground level, and potentially could reduce air quality. We are investigating these possibilities now. Choosing between green and cool roofs Green and cool roofs each offer advantages and disadvantages. Installed on a large scale, green roofs could add a substantial amount of green space to cities and provide habitat for plants and insects across urban areas. Additionally, plants can improve urban air quality by removing solid and gaseous pollutants from the air. On the other hand, cool roofs do not require watering and cost less than green roofs to install and maintain. Green roofs also increase local humidity: moisture is released when plants are watered, and plants release more water to the atmosphere from their leaves. Many other issues will also influence decisions about where to install green and cool roofs. One important consideration is environmental justice. Low-income and minority neighborhoods are disproportionately vulnerable to negative health impacts from extremely hot weather, so planners may choose to focus heat reduction strategies on these areas. It is also important to note that human thermal comfort is governed by many variables, including time spent outdoors, social and economic behavior, and access to cooling resources, such as air conditioning and swimming pools. Planners should consider these factors as they apply heat mitigation strategies at the local scale. Getting more insight into the effects of green and cool roofs can inform city planning initiatives, such as the Chicago Wilderness Green Infrastructure 2040 Vision, by identifying where green and cool roofs will work most effectively. Cities in northern latitudes, such as New York, Portland and Toronto, can benefit from green roofs because they have adequate water to irrigate them. In contrast, cool roofs are more appropriate for cities in arid and semi-arid environments such as the southwestern United States. Cities in a warming world In the words of John Wilmoth, director of the United Nations Population Division, Managing urban areas has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century. The worlds urban population is growing, and climate change will add to urban heating. Unless societies act to mitigate UHIs, rising urban temperatures will threaten human health, strain energy resources, and reduce economic productivity. Green and cool roofs are excellent choices to mitigate urban heat island effects, and can be applied at a city-wide scale or block by block. Together with other strategies such as adding more parks, lawns, ponds, trees and other green infrastructure they can help to keep temperatures in the worlds cities livable. According to a new assessment, individual country pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would need to be strengthened in order to limit future climate change to well below the 2C limit included in the Paris climate agreement. Pledges made for the Paris Agreement on climate change last winter would lead to a global temperature rise of 2.6C to 3.1C by the end of the century, according to a new analysis published in the journal Nature. In fact, the entire carbon budget for limiting warming to below 2C might have been emitted by 2030, according to the study. The Paris Agreement was a historical achievement for the worlds response to climate change, aiming at limiting warming to below 1.5C and 2C. It puts in place a flexible framework for a long-term transformation towards a low-carbon society. But our analysis shows that these measures need to be strengthened in order to have a good chance of keeping warming to well below 2C, let alone 1.5C, says lead author Joeri Rogelj, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). 10 independent studies UCT academic, Harald Winkler, a researcher at the Energy Research Centre at UCT, was part of the multi-author international team that conducted a meta-analysis of 10 independent studies. While some uncertainties, like the temperature response uncertainty, are virtually irreducible over the coming years, uncertainties about what the INDCs add up to in terms of emissions are not. Immediate future work should therefore focus on a better understanding of what the INDCs (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) mean and how they link to other socio-economic objectives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winkler further pointed out that while this single journal article focused on mitigation, analysis of the adaptation gap required further work as well as consideration of distributional impacts and their (in)equity. The 2C target aimed to limit future climate change to an average temperature increase of below 2C above preindustrial levels, as research suggested that this could help avoid some of the most dangerous impacts of climate change. The target was agreed upon by 190 countries at the Cancun climate meeting in 2010. In Paris last December, countries strengthened this target by requiring temperatures to be limited to well below and furthermore agreed that they should strive to limit temperature rise even further, to 1.5C. Some studies suggest that even 2C of warming would lead to unacceptable impacts, particularly in vulnerable countries such as island nations and least-developed countries. Analysis of Paris pledges The new study provides an in-depth analysis of the pledges which countries submitted at the Paris climate meeting in December, the INDCs. In order to assess what would happen after the pledge period ends in 2030, the researchers assumed that emission reduction efforts would be continued at the same level of effort after 2030. Based on these projections, and using a variety of different models, they estimated that median global temperatures would reach 2.6C to 3.1C by 2100. The researchers also examined what additional measures would be necessary after 2030 to limit future temperature rise to 2C or 1.5C in 2100. Niklas Hohne, a researcher at the NewClimate Institute in Germany and Wageningen University who also worked on the study, says: To go the rest of the way, we would need to assume much more stringent action after 2030, which leads to emissions reductions of about 3-4% per year globally. But in practice, switching to such stringent reductions right after 2030 would be challenging, and require time that means that in order to ensure a chance of meeting these targets, we need significant further action from countries before 2030. Winkler adds: This article provided a systematic overview and identification of the most promising options to reduce emissions in the short term to reduce the challenge after 2030: implementing national measures to overachieve INDCS, increase international cooperation, taking action by companies, cities and sub-national governments into account. Analysis of uncertainties The study also provides a careful analysis of the uncertainties surrounding future emissions and temperature targets. For one thing, the emissions reductions from the INDCs remain uncertain, since the INDCs themselves are not consistently framed, and some of the pledges include conditional statements, for example, that a country will only implement ambitious emissions reductions if it receives funding from others. Comparing the possible emission levels that the INDCs could imply, the researchers found a range of uncertainties of 6 billion tons of CO2 equivalent, or roughly the entire emissions of the United States in the year 2012. The other major uncertainty lies in how much temperatures will rise in response to various emission levels. For this reason, temperature targets are often interpreted in terms of probabilities, with the aim to have a 66% likelihood of keeping temperature to below 2C above pre-industrial levels. The study also found that the same INDCs would only avoid 2.9C-3.4C of warming with a 66% chance and 3.5C-4.2C of warming with 90% chance until 2100. IIASA Energy Program Director Keywan Riahi says: Our study clearly shows that the current national (INDC) plans are too incremental and thus inconsistent with the long-term ambition from the Paris Agreement. If we want to keep 2C within reach, well need much more rapid and fundamental changes. The hope is that the post-Paris policy process can deliver this. The study was carried out by a team of international researchers representing institutions from Africa (Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa), Europe (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, ETH Zurich, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, NewClimate Institute, and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact research), the US (World Resources Institute), Latin America (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro COPPE/UFRJ, Brazil), Asia (National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, China), and Oceania (The University of Melbourne, Australia). African mezzanine fund manager Vantage Capital, announced today that it has disbursed the second and final tranche of a R250 million expansion capital facility to Vumatel. The funds will be used for the ongoing expansion of Vumatel's fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network in a growing number of Johannesburg and Cape Town suburbs. wklzzz via 123RF via 123RF The Vantage mezzanine facility was structured in two equal tranches of R125 million, to be drawn by Vumatel upon the achievement of certain operational and financial milestones by the company. Since concluding the transaction in April this year, Vumatel has rapidly expanded its network and has exceeded the milestones required to drawdown both tranches of the R250 million facility from Vantage. Vumatel was established in 2014 to supply affordable high-speed fibre optic network connectivity to homes in South Africa. Vumatel began deploying its open access FTTH network in October 2014 in Parkhurst, a Johannesburg suburb. Since then, the company has rapidly expanded its network to cover 22 suburbs, reaching more than 33,000 homes. Driven by strong customer demand for reliable high speed internet, Vumatel has a robust pipeline of additional suburbs for further network deployment. Broadband deficit Despite having one of the highest GDP per capita ratios in Africa, South Africas average broadband speed is one of the lowest on the continent. Vumatel was founded to address this large deficit in high-speed broadband services for residential users in South Africa. The company contributes to greater high-speed broadband adoption through the deployment of an open access fibre optic network. 'Open access' means that the Vumatel network can be used as a platform by multiple internet service providers, such that customers can benefit from a variety of choices to suit their needs. Vumatels founding shareholders Niel Schoeman, Johan Pretorius and Richard Came have been key players in establishing and operating several well-known telecommunications and technology businesses including Dimension Data, Dark Fibre Africa, Conduct Telecom and the Birchman Group. This is Vantages 22nd mezzanine investment and the fourth investment in Fund III, which is targeting a final close of R4 billion and has a 40% allocation for South Africa. Vantage Mezzanine Fund III supported the Servest buyout last year, and recently concluded a $20 million investment in Landmark (a Nigerian property group), as well as an N$80 million (R80 million) investment in UAG (a Namibian hospitality and property group). The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged 24 billion US dollars as an investment to ensure the implementation of the continent's agricultural transformation agenda, a statement has said. USAID Africa Bureau Wikimedia Commons The total investment for the Feed Africa, a strategy for agricultural transformation on the continent is estimated at between 315-400 billion dollars over the next 10 years, with annual returns of 85 billion dollars when fully funded. Last week, the bank approved the strategy that will set Africas agricultural sector on a path of a competitive and inclusive agribusiness sector for the creation of wealth and improving lives of citizens, the statement added. The Feed Africa strategy makes a strong case for reversing the situation of a continent that spends 35.4 billion dollars on food imports annually despite being home to 65 percent of the worlds undeveloped arable land, it added. According to the banks figures, some 70 percent of Africas population and about 80 percent of its poor who live in rural areas depend on agriculture and non-farm rural enterprises for their livelihoods. The strategy will focus on scaling up agriculture as a business through value addition, led by the private sector and enabled by the public sector, and using innovative financing mechanism. It aims to end hunger and rural poverty in Africa in the next decade. Source: naija247news.com AGRI AFRICA PARIS, FRANCE: Hedi Slimane, the former creative director of French fashion house Saint Laurent, is to receive $13 million in a contractual dispute over his departure from the company, his lawyer said on Wednesday, 29 June 2016. The ruling was made by a Paris commercial court after Slimane took the label's parent company Kering Group to court. Saint Laurent announced in April that Slimane was leaving after a highly profitable four-year stint during which he remade the brand in his grungy rock star chic image. However Slimane had been accused by some of denigrating the hallowed legacy of the fashion house's founder Yves Saint Laurent. Belgian designer Anthony Vaccarello was named as his replacement within days. Kering said it planned to appeal the court's decision, which it called an interim ruling concerning non-competition obligations, a normal device to restrict executives from working for competitors for a certain amount of time. Kering said it had lifted the clause at the end of Slimane's contract, thus freeing the designer from the employment restraint. Now, the group, said 47-year-old Parisian Slimane was requesting that this clause be applied, along with the financial compensation that goes with it. Slimane's lawyer Herve Temime said the court ruling was great news and "perfectly natural". Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge The chief investment officer of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Dan Matjila, says he has briefed lawyers to advise him on the confidentiality issues at stake in disclosing the PIC's unlisted shareholdings, following his recent undertaking to do so to Parliament's standing committee on finance. The DA has been at the forefront of a battle to force greater transparency in the PIC, particularly of its unlisted assets which make up 30% of its R1.8-trillion portfolio. The PIC manages the assets of the Government Employees Pension Fund as well as the government's social security funds. In a letter to DA finance spokesman David Maynier, Matjila again provides assurance he has every intention of complying with the undertaking but hints that confidentiality clauses with the companies involved could limit this disclosure. "The PIC has to ensure that in disclosing information to third parties it is not in breach of legal agreements ... binding on the PIC. This view was also echoed by the chairman of the standing committee on finance and the PIC was subsequently requested by the committee to seek the necessary legal advice ahead of disclosing the ... information. The PIC has since briefed lawyers on the matter to consider the legal aspects of our disclosure obligations and we are awaiting their final opinion." In the past, the PIC has insisted it cannot provide details on its unlisted assets because of confidentiality agreements. It was only after the chairman of the board, Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, said that the information should be provided, that the PIC relented. Maynier said that the letter was cause for concern. "We welcome the fact that Dr Dan Matjila has kick-started the process to disclose information about the R50bn-plus unlisted portfolio held by the PIC. The fact that the PIC has shifted its position following a hammering by the finance committee is a positive development. However, it seems clear that confidentiality agreements are going to be used as legislative fig leaves behind which at least some investments will be hidden by the PIC." As the asset manager and investor of government funds, the PIC is continually under pressure to finance transactions for political rather than commercial reasons. It makes transparency of its unlisted portfolio increasingly important. Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge As the market transitions and more inventory becomes available to buyers, sellers will find themselves in a far more competitive environment. For some time conditions have favoured sellers, with high demand and a low supply of inventory, however the market is slowing shifting as buyers are adopting a wait-and-see approach to the market. As a result, sellers now have to be aware of the competition they face in their own neighbourhood, before they decide to list their property. Here are a few aspects that sellers should consider about their neighbours before they list their homes: Who is renovating? If possible, it would be advantageous to tap into the neighbourhood grapevine and see who is renovating their kitchen and upgrading their bathroom fixtures. These upgrades generally add value to a property and attract a buyers attention. A real estate professional who specialises in the neighbourhood will be able look up the listing and sale prices of those homes to find out if the updates made a difference to the bottom line. How long are homes sitting on the market? Before listing, sellers should keep an eye on how long it takes for a home to be sold in the neighbourhood. This will give some important insight into how long they can expect their home to be sitting on the market and plan accordingly. The FNB Price Index indicates that, on average, a home is on the market for around 12 weeks before it is sold. Depending on the neighbourhood, properties available and buyer demand in the area, it could take less time or in some cases a bit more. It all depends on the specific circumstances that surround that particular trading environment. Other factors can also come into play such as pricing the home correctly at what is perceived to be fair market value for the area. Take stock of the available inventory It can be difficult to obtain a competitive price when inventory is high and buyers are few. All the sellers in a particular neighbourhood will be competing against one another for the same pool of buyers. If there are several homes for sale within a relatively small radius, it might be worthwhile to wait for a while before listing the property. An experienced agent will be able to provide vital information with regard to the current market trends and the best time to list the property. Stay up-to-date on any area planning and zoning news While buyers want to purchase a property that is within proximity to amenities, they wont want to stay there while major construction is underway. Sellers should keep au fait with any upcoming public projects that could impact their property listing timing. If there are any potential projects, the seller can discuss a selling strategy with their agent to work around possible issues. A real estate agent with extensive working knowledge of the local market will be able to put all aspects into perspective when considering selling. Sellers will benefit from using an agent that has an understanding of the unique dynamics surrounding their specific neighbourhood. The BON Hotels group has announced that it will not continue with the lease and management of 3-star BON Hotel Shelley Point, situated on the Cape West Coast. BON hotels took over marketing and management of hotel operations after being instrumental in the successful business rescue in 2014. In an interview in Cape Town, Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, said that regrettably, despite their best efforts, the industry has seen a decline in the conference and corporate business that has been difficult to overcome. The 88 room hotel enjoys strong support from the leisure market, however, according to Stehlik, Notwithstanding its wonderful aesthetics and resort-like feel, the lack of midweek business has made sustainable targets a challenge. Commenting on the announcement, Stehlik said that while it had been a very difficult decision to make, after lengthy meetings and consultations with business and hospitality experts, we have been advised to make this decision as the most responsible thing to do. I myself will be available to staff, guests, suppliers and booking agents to answer any questions. There are fewer than fifty landlocked countries in the world but no less than ten form an interconnected chain across sub-Saharan Africa. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia form a band across the continent without any access to the coast. In a world in which 90 percent of all trade is shipped by sea, this is a major obstacle to their prosperity and development. Facing long delays and increased costs to move goods to and from global markets, these countries can struggle to meet the needs of their citizens. This, in turn, can have a damaging impact on their peace and stability. Djibouti's strategic importance It is not possible, of course, to alter geography. But by providing access to world-class port facilities, these countries can be connected to global trade routes and helped to provide more opportunities for their people. This is the role that Djibouti is determined to play. We may be a small country, no larger than the American state of New Jersey, but we understand that we have a big responsibility to the wider region. Situated at the mouth of the Red Sea and at the gateway to the Suez Canal, Djibouti is a place of huge strategic importance. Uniquely, our country already plays host to the military forces of five members of the G7: France, Italy, Germany, Japan and the US. China will soon be added to this list. The naval forces of Spain, South Korea, the UK and many others are also frequent callers at our ports. Our location puts us at the centre of world trade routes, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Port activities and related sectors already account for over 70% of Djiboutis GDP but we are investing $15 billion more over the next five years to improve facilities and transport links to maximise the benefits of our people, the wider region and the global economy. Investments in transport links and infrastructure This includes two new railways which are being developed. They will link Djibouti City and Tadjourah with Ethiopia, one of the largest and fastest growing economies in Africa with a double digit GDP growth rate over the last two decades. Djibouti already handles the bulk of Ethiopias maritime trade, transported on 1,500 trucks a day. The two new airports being built, along with the super highway to Ethiopia, will help to strengthen the links between Djibouti and its hinterland. Even more ambitious is the Trans-African Railway project which will stretch across the continent to Dakar. This will build a corridor for goods and people, stretching from the east to the west and providing the countries it crosses with access to a world-class port. Our strategic location and world-class facilities have also seen Djiboutis importance as a trade hub recognised globally. China has selected Djibouti to be a key part of its maritime Silk Road project. This links Asia to Europe and the Middle East and will give a new boost to global economic growth. And it is easy to see why China wants to strengthen its trade routes with Africa. Our continents GDP is predicted to double by 2035, with the population expected to reach 2.5 billion over the next thirty years. Djibouti is ready to play its part in unlocking Africas vast economic potential. Aboubaker Omar Hadi is the chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) Women make up an increasingly powerful and lucrative target market that cannot be ignored. However, winning with women can be tricky. The modern South Africa woman is complex, shaped by an ever-changing world, filled with tensions and paradoxes. Her reality is plagued with demands of society, family and, sometimes, her pivotal role as a mother. Understanding her and the world she lives in is critical for your business to succeed. Here are my top five insights to help you win the heads and hearts and rands of the South African woman. 1. She is juggling many balls and needs business to help lighten her load. South Africa has an unprecedented number of single mothers, placing most of her women under significant pressure. The typical South African woman is a mother, father, employee, part-time business owner, nurse and teacher all in one! This makes her time-poor, yet open to finding new efficient ways to deliver on her multiple roles successfully. The businesses which win with her are those that make it simpler, better and faster. They acknowledge and celebrate her ability to perform all these roles. 2. She is balancing traditional and modern ways of doing things, and needs businesses to live in both these worlds with her. The South African woman is deeply proud of her heritage and traditions which shape her identity and values. However, the modern world brings new, fresh ways of doing things that can sometimes conflict with the traditional way. She is often caught between how her mother would have done something versus what is portrayed in most media channels. Everything, from how to raise her kids to how to cook meals and run her home, is always subject to this traditional versus modern tension. The businesses that win are those which understand and appreciate tradition, and yet offer modern solutions that work without being condescending. Is your business and its offering or culture in conflict with traditional ways? How can you help to resolve this conflict and make things simpler, not more complicated? 3. She values inter-dependence over independence and needs business to help her access the right networks. Globally, businesses and brands have been quick to jump on the girl power and independent woman bandwagon. This approach of aggressive individualism could be quite flawed in the South African context. because South African women value community, interdependence and uBuntu a philosophy that says people are people through other people. However, the world is changing and the South African woman needs new types of communities and networks, as the community she comes from and her existing networks may not be enough for her to progress. As the modern South African womans journey becomes ever more complex, she needs businesses and brands to help her connect to the right networks. What is your business doing to help support such structures? 4. Her children will live out the dreams she could not, and she needs business that can help enable this. South Africas ugly political history was rooted in white patriarchy, which meant that most South Africa women could not freely live out their dreams and destinies. This left them with a desire to create a better world for their children, a life in which they can accomplish so much more than their mother ever could. South African women have made many sacrifices to make this new world possible, devoting all the resources at their disposal into their childrens future. How could your business play a supporting role to mothers raising the next generation of South Africans? 5. She does not want to be spoken at. Businesses and brands need to engage her in meaningful conversations. Gone are the days of businesses and institutions dictating and shouting out messages to submissive women. The modern South African woman has a lot to say and wants brands and businesses to engage her in meaningful conversations. Ignore this at your peril. Young South African women were the leading face of the #FeesMustFall movement, speaking their minds and being heard. The businesses that win with these young ladies are those geared up to engage in a dialogue with customers. Is your business open enough to listen and agile enough to respond to South African women? *Note that Bizcommunity staff and management do not necessarily share the views of its contributors - the opinions and statements expressed herein are solely those of the author.* South African owners of Toyota cars will be affected by the Japanese manufacturer's latest massive global recall of vehicles to fix faults in key components. However, Toyota SA said it would only know the full scope of the local recall on Thursday. Toyota Motor Corporation headquarters. Image via Wikimedia Toyota Motor Corp announced on Wednesday that 3.37-million cars needed checking for possible cracks in airbags and exhaust emission-control units. The airbag defect could cause units to inflate partially and suddenly, while the emission-control problem could cause fuel leaks. The company said no injuries had been reported from either problem but there had been several incidents of airbags inflating in parked cars. It said certain Prius hybrid car models suffered from both the airbag and emissions unit defect. Other vehicles potentially affected by the latter included Auris and Corolla cars built between 2006 and 2015. The airbag issue extended to Toyota's luxury Lexus brand - specifically CT200h models produced from 2010 to 2012. Reports from Japan said the faulty airbags were supplied by a Swedish company, Autoliv, which had won Toyota business after an earlier airbag recall involving Japanese supplier Takata. Toyota SA said some SA customers would certainly be affected and that it would release a statement with details. While Auris, Prius and Lexus cars are all imported, the Corolla is manufactured at Toyota SA's Durban assembly plant and some components are sourced from local suppliers. Standard practice Safety-related vehicle recalls have become standard practice among nearly all manufacturers, sometimes in response to reported faults and sometimes as a pre-emptive move. Huge financial penalties for not reporting issues have persuaded companies not to take risks. In 2014, Toyota paid a $1.2bn fine, the biggest yet, for not owning up to problems with accelerator pedals, and General Motors later had to cough up R900m for not sorting out faulty ignition switches. Both issues were blamed for multiple deaths. US transportation authorities report that in 2015, 51.26-million vehicles were recalled throughout the world. Takata, which supplied airbags to several manufacturers, was involved in more than 17-million. Its products have been linked to at least eight deaths and up to 100 injuries after they deployed with excessive force, firing metal scraps into the car interior. Source: Business Day The Kouga Wind Farm has announced that it will be injecting more than R800m into community economic development projects over the course of its 20-year lifespan. The wind farm, which was one of the successful bidders in the first round of governments Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), connected to the national electricity grid in March last year. The R2bn development consisting of 32 turbines each generating up to 2.5MW produces enough power to supply electricity to approximately 50,000 average South African households annually, mitigating over 270,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Kouga Wind Farm CEO Lukhanyo Ndube (second from right) chats to pupils from the North West (from left) Thabang Mere (19), Patience Pitso (16) and Amantle Makubalo (17) visiting as part of a Department of Energy Learners Focus Week programme. Chief executive Lukhanyo Ndube addressed 150 high school pupils on site in June as part of the Department of Energy Learners Focus Week programme. Ndube later launched the R2.2m programme to rebuild a creche which was razed in a fire in 2013 in the nearby Kwanomzamo community. A key focus for Kouga Wind Farm is uplifting the communities in which the wind farm is involved, said Ndube. Over the course of its 20-year lifespan, Kouga Wind Farm will inject approximately R140m in socio-economic development spending and a further R660m in enterprise development spending on the communities within a 50km radius of the project. To date the wind farm has spent R5.5m on health, childcare, food security, education, sport, transport and infrastructure development in the neighbouring communities. The wind farm also provided Sandwater Primary School in Umzamowethu with a solar-powered computer lab and assisted the Jeffreys Bay Healthy Mom & Baby Clinic with vital equipment and supplies. Drivers Licence Programme Currently, 39 community members are undergoing training under the wind farms Drivers Licence Programme, with three bird and bat monitors involved at Kouga Wind Farm having recently been awarded their drivers licences. Enabling community members to pass the gruelling learners licence and drivers licence exams not only equipped them with the essential skill to drive, but it also vastly improved their employability, said Ndube. Finding the right projects to fund is vital in order to enable Kouga Wind Farm to work towards creating a sustainable legacy in this region, said Ndube. Addressing the maths and science pupils, Ndube encouraged entrepreneurship. The South African renewable energy sector needs more local expertise especially if the sector is to attain governments target of supplying 42% of the countrys energy needs, he said. The renewable energy sector also needs entrepreneurs in order to improve technology and innovation in the industry. The Nkqubela Creche in the Kwanomzamo community in Humansdorp was razed in a fire in 2013. There is a vast range of job opportunities within the renewable energy sector, said Ndube. These ranged across the research and development phase, the design, manufacturing and construction phase, the operation and maintenance phase, through to the decommissioning phase at the end of each projects lifespan. Speaking to the importance of rebuilding the Nkqubela Creche in Kwanomzamo, Ndube said: Our aim is to rebuild this facility into one of the leading centres for early childhood development in the Kouga region. The 120 children attending the creche have been moved to a temporary facility which lacks the required classrooms and play area appropriate for a facility of this nature, so completing this project as soon as possible is vital for the community. Johannesburg-based mobile application startup iDWork was crowned the winner of the Seedstars World national finale held in Johannesburg last night. After pre-selection events in Cape Town, Soweto and Durban wittled finalists down to nine, iDWork was selected as the tenth wildcard entry to compete in the SA final. The iDWork mobile app allows users who need assistance with home improvement projects to find a preferred service provider, manage the home improvement project through a dedicated WhatsApp group, and review the service afterwards. As the overall winner of South Africa, iDWork will be participating at the Seedstars Summit taking place in Switzerland in March 2017 - a week-long training programme with the opportunity to meet the other 60 winners as well as investors and mentors from around the world. Traditionally, the final day of the Summit will be dedicated to pitching in front of audience of 1,000 attendees, with the possibility of winning up to $1m equity investment. The other nine startups that made it to the national final were: online crew booking service Crew Pencil, e-courier service Pargo, logistics startup WumDrop, safety tracking device Guardian Angel Safety Solution, online parenting platform You, Baby and I, wearable medical device Vitls, communication-centric organiser Sortd, free calls provider UmoyAir Communications, and micro-insurer Riovic. The startups pitched in front of a jury that consisted of Jayshree Naidoo, head of incubator at Standard Bank; Polo Radebe, chief executive officer at IDF; Ravi Naidoo, executive director for economic development and tourism at City of Johannesburg; Charmaine Padayachy, principal at Omidyar Network; Fritz Milosevic, managing partner at Dotadvisors; and Marcello Schermer, regional manager for Africa at Seedstars World. Seedstars World worked with Standard Bank for the event, which was hosted at the banks incubator in Rosebank, Johannesburg. With a decade's experience working across TV, radio, print and online media, Eleni Giokos was appointed last year as a business correspondent at CNN International. Here, she shares insights into the breaking news process and the importance of mentoring and motivating others in achieving personal business success. Based in the CNN International networks Johannesburg bureau, Giokos reports on news and business success stories, and across CNNs African feature programmes, including Marketplace Africa and African Voices. Born in Greece and raised in South Africa, shes got a finger on the pulse of what makes local media tick and has covered breaking news tragedies such as the killing of Reeva Steenkamp by Oscar Pistorius, and Kenyas Westgate Mall attack in her time as anchor and correspondent. Eleni Giokos, business correspondent at CNN International. With such a paradox of highs and lows forming part of her daily news cycle, its little wonder that she lists travelling and meeting incredible newsmakers across different sectors around the world as a highlight of her average workday, adding: Theres nothing like interviewing passionate people that are impacting society positively. As much as I enjoy spending time with leaders, speaking to people on the streets gives you an even better perspective. Shifting from the boardrooms to the streets is an exciting part of my work. Adlibbing news, as it happens Its a deadline-driven environment, so she hates it when interviews fall through, but quickly bounces back. When a story breaks, she says journalists in the newsroom work together to verify facts and create content; theres a shift in energy and adrenaline kicks in. Covering the story in the studio or from the front lines is a big responsibility, as you need to sort through facts and treat sensitive information fairly. In those situations, you have to be very careful as youre reacting to constantly evolving stories and adlibbing news as it happens. It tests your journalistic skills and ability to inform and analyse in a pressurised environment. Then, with Mandela Day synonymous with July media coverage in South Africa, I asked whether she feels too much emphasis is placed on this month of businesses doing good or if its not enough. She responded: Its never enough. Doing good should be an everyday mantra not just in the month of July, especially in a country that is plagued with high unemployment and inequality. Its so important to consider the people that cant integrate themselves in the economy. Everyone should help in any way possible, as often as they can. The uplifting power of motivational speaking Motivational speaking is another big topic for #MandelaMonth. Giokos is experienced in this regard, having chaired debates at the World Economic Forum, International Monetary Fund, African Finance Corporation and the Africa CEO Forum, as well as motivational speaking at local public schools, and has even trained aspiring journalism students. She says that breaking the cycle of negative thinking is tough, especially when you come from a hard background. Thats because, Children exposed to financial strain and toxic relationships are less likely to believe they can be successful. And like parents, teachers have a profound impact on children thats why theres nothing she enjoys more than telling children to dream big and work hard. Your background might impact you and can even slow you down, but it doesnt define you. You are the master of your destiny and learning to create and grab opportunities is half the battle. Giokos feels some people fail, because they lack the drive and ambition to succeed so motivating youth can actually pull children out of that negative cycle. Thats why she says the best thing you can do for youth is to constantly motivate them through #MandelaMonth and beyond. Her tip is to tell inspiring stories and remind them that they can beat all odds. Her own story is motivational. To follow in her business footsteps, Giokos says, Dont take No for an answer. I was relentless when I first started out, Im sure I irritated many managers and HR directors, but No didnt exist in my vocabulary. I hustled, begged and even struck deals to get my first break. That said, Giokos recommends creating your own opportunities in a way that doesnt take those opportunities away from colleagues. She worked all day and night to learn about the trade, and says the right attitude can get you a long way. You have to ask yourself what differentiates you from other journalists? Building a bank of information will definitely set you apart, as will finding a few mentors you can rely on and tap into every week, as talking things through with inspiring people is vital. Consider me motivated! For more on Giokos, click here and follow her career highs on her Twitter feed. Check Point Research shows corporate-targeting malware families continue to grow, while African countries demonstrate volatility in threat rankings. Threat research for May 2016 also found that banking or financial malware families are both increasing. Image by 123RF Check Point Software Technologies has published its latest Threat Index for May 2016, revealing that the number of active global malware families increased by 15% in May 2016. The May Threat Index presents a mixed view of Africa, with several countries making quite strong moves up and down the index - the higher their relative ranking in the index, the greater the threat of cyber-attack. There are four African countries in the top 10of the index, including Malawi which currently sits at third (improving by one position from the previous month). The others include Djibouti, Namibia and Angola. Just outside of the top 10, at 11th, sits Botswana. There are 112 countries on the overall Index. West African technology and economic hub, Nigeria is currently ranked 19th a significant improvement on Aprils 11thposition. While, in a reversal of fortunes of sorts, east African powerhouse, Kenya shifted a massive 46 positions to sit at just 37th. Globally, Check Point detected 2,300 unique and active malware families attacking business networks in May. It was the second month running Check Point has observed an increase in the number of unique malware families, having previously reported a 50% increase from March to April. The continued rise in the number of active malware variants highlights the wide range of threats and scale of challenges security teams face in preventing an attack on their business critical information. Most notably: Banking malware Tinba became the fourth most prevalent form of infection last month in Kenya, and ninth in Nigeria. This Trojan allows hackers to steal victims credentials using web-injects, activated as users try to log-in to their banking website. Tinba ranked second in the overall international threat list. The top malware in Nigeria in May was also a financial threat. Gamarue is a modular bot that hides in trusted processes and can be used to harvest financial information. Attacks against mobile devices also remained a high priority as Android malware HummingBad persisted in the overall top 10 of malware attacks across all platforms during the period. In both Kenya and Nigeria, Hummingbad ranks as the fifth most common malware form. Despite only being discovered by Check Point researchers in February, it has rapidly become commonly used; indicating hackers view Android mobile devices as weak spots in enterprise security and as potentially high reward targets. Rick Rogers, area manager for East and West Africa at Check Point Software Technologies, believes that both of these threats are significant in the African context as Android phone sales and banking inclusion continue to climb. As Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) continues to be a trend and smartphone penetration on the continent grows, companies are at an increased risk from Hummingbad in particular, and other malware. Combined with the growth in malware family numbers overall, this represents a significant business risk. Enterprises of all sizes must educate themselves on the security threats they face and invest in solid measures to protect their networks and corporate data, Rogers said. In May, Sality, Virut and Conficke3 were the top malware families in Kenya, while Gamarue, Sality and Dorkbot featured in Nigerias top three. Internationally, Conficker was the most prominent malware family, accounting for 14% of recognised attacks. The top 10 families were responsible for 60% of all recognised attacks around the world. When Lindsey Combe, the operations director at the Flagstaff Family YMCA was approached by a transgender member unhappy with the bathroom options available at the facility, she knew she could make a change to make the facility more inclusive. It seemed like such an easy win, she said. I mean, theyre bathroom signs. Combe said she was first approached about a year ago about the two single-person restrooms on the upper level of the facility, which were originally labeled womens or mens. She said a member of the facility who identifies as a transgender man approached her and said the two options did not promote an inclusive environment. We were just going to add signs that had a male and female symbol, but apparently those are also offensive to people who dont identify as either one, Combe said. They decided to post a sign with just a picture of a toilet and a handicapped symbol, indicating the restroom is available to people of any gender as well as people with a physical disability, Combe said. Combe said the member and his family were so moved by the steps taken to make the facility more inclusive that they nominated her for the LGBTQIA at Northern Arizona Universitys Ally of the Year award, and she won. I was kind of baffled when I got it because it seemed to me like such an easy fix, she said. His parents came into my office and they were crying because this was a place where he felt comfortable. Combe said the change was a no-brainer when she was approached with the concern, and said there has not been much negative reaction since the change. Both gender neutral restrooms are single-occupancy, eliminating some peoples worries about sharing a space. Clearly it meant a lot to people in that community, Combe said. Its humbling to receive the award. Matthew Tombaugh, the former chairperson of the LGBTQIA Commission at NAU, said Combe was the fourth recipient of the Ally of the Year award. The Ally of the Year award is meant to recognize individuals or groups that have demonstrated support for the LGBTQIA community during the previous year or regularly over time, Tombaugh said in an email. In the nomination form for the award, Tombaugh said the commission was impressed at Combes quick response when the problem was presented. Lindsey acted courageously to move the YMCA forward on this issue and we think that this kind of response from someone out in the community is deserving of recognition and reinforcement, Tombaugh said in the nomination form. Tombaugh said for the LGBTQIA community, having bathroom options available means more than a comfortable space to use the restroom. Labeling private bathrooms as gender neutral or unisex reaffirms that these are welcoming places for all identities, particularly those within the trans or non-binary community, Tombaugh said. Organizations that provide additional options such as these send a visible message that they are thoughtful toward the needs of all their constituents, and in the case of existing private or single-user restrooms, usually only requires the changing of signage. Flagstaff City Council will have 17 candidates to choose from to fill two open positions on the citys Board of Adjustments. Council will be making a decision at its July 5 meeting. The last day to turn in an application for the board was Wednesday. The board is a type of appeals commission that a developer or a resident can go to after a decision made by the citys Community Development staff on a project or if there is an issue with zoning for a project. A developer or member of the public can appeal any decision made by the Board, within 30 days after its decision, to the Coconino Superior Court. The makeup of the seven-member board will be important, because Stand Up for Flagstaff and 120 Cottage Place, LLC have filed an appeal of city staffs approval of The Hub, a 591-bed apartment complex geared toward college students and that is slated to be built on 2.39 acres at the corner of Mike's Pike and Phoenix Avenue. Stand Up and 120 Cottage Place state in their appeal that city staff failed to apply the citys Zoning Code properly to the project and that the project is too large and too tall for the area. Most of the buildings in the area are about two stories tall, The Hub would have three and five-story sections. The appeal could come before the board as early as its July meeting. In its first report on the first iteration of The Hub, city staff agreed that the building was out of scale for the surrounding neighborhood, but met the zoning code regulations and would represent the first of probably many new buildings of that height in the neighborhood. The 17 candidates for the Board of Adjustments include: --Ande Burke, a 14 year resident of Flagstaff, who runs her own marketing firm, A.B. Marketing Solutions, LLC. --Will Carlstrom, a 15-year resident, who is an architect. He served as a project manager and campus architect for Northern Arizona University for five years. --Patrick Canning, a 14 year resident of Flagstaff and a lecturer at Northern Arizona University. He is also former high school history teacher and recently served as the interim president of the Townsite Community Land Trust. The trust is a nonprofit that is working to repair/preserve four historic homes on Aspen Avenue and Bonito Street and turn them into permanently affordable, owner-occupied homes. --Guillermo Cortes, a 24-year resident of Flagstaff and vice president of Shephard Wesnitzer, an engineering firm. He served on the Clarkdale Board of Adjustments in the 1990s. --Jared (J.B.) Dewitt, a 14-year resident, and the manager of marketing for the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. He is a member of Flagstaff Leadership Program and supports nonprofits such as Friends of Flagstaffs Future and Local First Arizona, a group that encourages customers to frequent Arizona businesses. --Donna Hanley, a 19-year resident and retired city planner with a masters degree in urban planning and public policy. --Stephen Jenner, a 45-year resident, who is retired from the U.S. Forest Service. --David Monihan, a 40-year resident and a project manager for Shephard Wesnitzer. He is a member of the Northern Arizona Building Association and was involved in the last two updates of the zoning code and regional plan as a private individual. He is also a previous member of the Board of Adjustments. --Kevin Ordean, an eight-year resident and CEO of Roots Composting. Roots picks up compostable waste from customers and turns it into quality compost that is sold back to the public. He is the current vice-chair of the citys Sustainability Commission. --Mary Riek, a 14-year resident and employee of W.L. Gore. She has worked with the city on several development projects for Gore and private developers. She has also worked with NAU on the development of student housing and educational buildings in the past. --Glenn Rink, a 37-year resident and a botanist. --Richard Rummel, a 12-year resident, who is retired and served three terms on the citys Historic Preservation Commission. --Jonathan Schulman, a 38-year resident and former owner of Busters Restaurant. --Constance Taylor, a 25-year resident and owner of Bellaterra Services, a planning and consulting business for food, culture and agriculture. She is the secretary/treasurer for Flagstaff Townsite Historic Properties Community Land Trust. She has a doctorate in environmental design and planning. --Susan Thomas, a 43-year resident and retired NAU assistant professor of Practice in Construction Management. She was a member of the Regional Plan 2000 committee and a former project manager for the city of Flagstaff and NAU. --Susan Weitzman, a 46-year resident and owner/broker of Linton Real Estate. --Margo Wheeler, a one-year resident. She teaches city planning at NAU. She has served as a planning director in several California cities and Las Vegas. Editor's note 070116: Guillermo Cortes has withdrawn his application for the Board of Adjustments. PHOENIX -- The campaign to allow recreational use of marijuana is on amid questions of whether the measure would allow people to legally drive while under the influence of the drug. Supporters on Thursday today submitted what they said were petitions with 258,582 signatures seeking to change the law. That is more than 100,000 more than the secretary of state's office needs to declare valid to put the issue on the November ballot. But amid the nearly 10,000-word proposal is language saying that individuals cannot be penalized solely because they test positive for not just marijuana metabolites that are left over weeks after using the drug but the actual "components of marijuana.'' And that would include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element of the drug. Despite that, attorney Ryan Hurley who represents the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol insisted this would not permit drugged driving. He pointed out that the measure also says the law would not immunize someone from being charged with operating a motor vehicle "while impaired by marijuana or a marijuana product.'' But Hurley acknowledged that there is nothing in the proposal to define what level of marijuana makes someone "impaired.'' He said the legislature could enact a specific standard at which someone is presumed impaired. That's the situation with alcohol, where a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 is considered a "per se limit'' which allows a court, absent any other evidence, to conclude someone was driving while impaired. "No they can't,'' countered Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, a foe of legalized recreational marijuana. He said the language of the ballot measure itself precludes that. "It says you can't be penalized solely on the basis of the presence of the metabolites or marijuana,'' he said. "A per se limit does exactly that,'' Montgomery said. "It says if you have this much THC (in) nanograms per milliliter or over (in your blood), you are impaired.'' And there's something else: Even if lawmakers would approve a presumptive limit, the actual number could be challenged by supporters of marijuana use as arbitrary. In Colorado, which legalized recreational use of the drug, the law says drivers with five nanograms of active THC in their blood can be prosecuted for driving under the influence of drugs. "However, no matter the level of THC, law enforcement officers base arrests on observed impairment,'' according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Much of the debate that will play out between now and the November election will be on the pros and cons of legalized recreational use of the drug. That will include debate over whether marijuana is better or worse than alcohol which, like marijuana would be if this measure is approved, is legal for adults. But there's another issue that is likely to generate some opposition. The measure would limit the number of places where marijuana could legally be sold to something in the 150 range, at least until 2020. That is based on a prohibition capping dispensaries at no more than 10 percent of the number of places that can sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Potentially more significant, the initiative gives first preference for these limited number of licenses to the owners of the 99 medical marijuana dispensaries already in operation. And more than a dozen of the five-figure donations that have come in to put the measure on the ballot are from these dispensaries. But J.P. Holyoak, who chairs the initiative campaign, said this is not any sort of restraint of trade. "This is in no way, shape or form an oligarchy or a cartel,'' he said. Holyoak said the limit exists to protect neighborhoods. "Do we want marijuana stores or dispensaries on every other corner?'' he said. "Or is this something that should remain in a taxed, regulated and limited basis so that it's not on every other street corner?'' By was of comparison, the web site Potguide.com lists about 170 dispensaries in Denver, though it says 71 of these sell only to medical marijuana patients. Holyoak said initiative organizers here believe that's too much and that 150 for the entire state is sufficient, at least for the time being. "I think marijuana should be available and accessible for adults who want it,'' he said. "But it should not be shoved in our faces like we've seen in Denver.'' Holyoak denied that the limits, which could result in some areas having only one dispensary within driving distance, would result in consumers paying more because of the lack of competition. He said there already is "extreme competition'' now among the fewer than 100 medical marijuana dispensaries. And Holyoak said if lack of competition drove prices up, the new Department of Marijuana Licenses and Control that the initiative would establish has the ability to issue new licenses -- but not until 2020. Holyoak said campaign donations are coming from beyond the existing dispensaries. He said there is backing from the construction industry which sees the new stores as a business opportunity as well as the tourism community which believes that legal marijuana will result in more visitors from other states. But a report prepared by Patrick Moran of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee suggests the effects of marijuana tourism would be limited here. He said there are estimates that anywhere between 2 and 4 percent of marijuana sales in Colorado are made to out-of-state residents. But Moran said Arizona should not expect anything like that, as it would be competing for those same tourists. Proponents also claim that legalizing marijuana by adults will not result in more illegal use by teens. That is backed by a recent report by the Colorado Health Department which found that the trend for current and lifetime marijuana use among high schoolers there has remained "stable'' since 2005. Kathy Inman, executive director of MomForce AZ, did not dispute that more adults using recreational marijuana could mean more access to the drug by children, much in the same way that teens can drink their parents' liquor. But Inman, whose group is focused on preventing abuse of other illegal drugs and legal prescription drugs, said she's not concerned. And she derided anti-initiative measures that said young children will overdose from their parents' edibles. "If a child comes across that cookie, they're going to possibly sleep for a couple of days,'' Inman said. "If a child comes across some pills, they could perish, they could die.'' Karuna Bhikku, the abbot of Basabo monastery in Dhaka confirmed receiving the letter at around 12.30 pm from the individual. The letter says,You (chief priest of Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery) will be hacked to death brutally within a month. The golden portrait of Gautam Buddha cannot protect you. Receiving the information, Dhaka police additional deputy commissioner visited the monastery and ordered to tighten the security of the locality. Sabujbagh police station in-charge Abdul Quddus stated that the case has been registered following the incident. Sai Moe, one of the villager elders in Mong Yaw, said the five men were identified as those who were arrested by a government battalion on Saturday after an incident in the village of Long Mon. He said the murders had been reported to the relevant authorities in Mong Yaw. We found their bodies yesterday [29 June], he said. We have reported it to the police, but do not know what to do next. On 25 June a Tatmadaw [Burma Army] unit with insignia identifying soldiers as from Division 33 were accused of arresting five villagers: Aik Hseng, 23; Aik Lod, 39; Aik Maung, 27; Sai Mon Awn, 17; and Sai Aik Maung, 23. The arrest followed an incident whereby the soldiers had fired for no known reason at workers in a field. S.H.A.N. reported that at least one villager was killed, while three were injured, in addition to the five men who were detained by the government troops. S.H.A.N. has now learned that one of those injured has since died, making a total of seven persons apparently killed in cold blood. The five bodies uncovered on Wednesday were buried in two shallow graves: three bodies in one hole, two in another, according to Sai Leng, a relative of the victims. Photo by: Citizen Journalist- Villagers dig out the dead bodies of five victims on June 29, 2016. They were just civilians who were working legally and doing their jobs, he said. But when we uncovered their bodies, they were wearing soldiers uniforms. Sai Wan Leng Kham, an Upper House representative from the Shan National League for Democracy (SNLD) who recently visited the scene, said he had received a report about the killings. He said that his team is investigating, and that the case will proceed to the next step. According to an official from the Northeast Region Command in Lashio Township, Burmese government forces have been beefed up in the Mong Yaw area as they were intent on pushing out the various independent militias. However, he declined to comment on the case of the five bodies uncovered yesterday. A source closed to Lashio-based Infantry Battalion 68 told Shan Herald that the government units did not want to move to the areas of Pang Keng Long, Pang Keng Awn and Wan Mak, so he speculated that they created a false flag incident. He said they were afraid that if they were relocated to those areas they would be in life-threatening danger of attack by ethnic armed groups. In and around Mong Yaw town, only the Manpang Peoples Militia, led by Bo Mon, is active. But about 30 miles out of the town, other ethnic armed groups are actively operating, including: the Kachin Defense Army (KDA) Peoples Militia, led by Matu Naw; the Kachin Independence Army (KIA); the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA); and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA). It looks like you have reached this page in error ... The content you are looking for has either moved, or if you typed in the address there might have been a mistake. If you believe there has been a technical error please let us know. Most Popular Destinations A a la carte breakfast is available daily at the aparthotel. Hollywood Beach is 200 metres from Hyde Beach House, while South City Beach Park is 600 metres away. The nearest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 16 km from the aparthotel. I was concerned about all the bad reviews I read on the website. There was good ones and bad ones, specially related to the elevator. I was not on the mood to wait 30 minutes the elevator. Besides that, everything looked good. I took a shot and decided to booked half of the days I should stay in Miami, just in case. In the moment that I arrived at the room, I extended to all my days right away. Everything was great, from the attendant in reception (people very warm and friendly) to the awesome room. There was not a single day I had to wait the elevators more than 1 minute. Pool is fabulous. Much better than I expected. And I travel a lot, specially to resorts. I strongly recommend this hotel. Stan, Miguel and team, thanks a lot. Show more Show less 1 It starts with a booking It starts with a booking The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property. 2 Followed by a trip Followed by a trip When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more. When the Slide Fire broke out at the edge of Oak Creek in May 2014, many peoples first thought was that the flames would turn the vibrant canyon and creek into a sterile wasteland. Two years later though, officials familiar with the area say it continues to recover remarkably well. Negative long-term effects on aquatic life and water quality havent come to pass and the canyon vegetation has bounced back to the point that erosion, runoff and flooding concerns have dropped to levels comparable to before the fire, forest, weather and wildlife experts said. The watershed is still recovering but we're well on our way to see that post-fire recovery, said said Amina Sena, hydrologist on the Red Rock Ranger District, which encompasses Oak Creek Canyon. Key to recovery has been the fact that over the past two years, the burn area has avoided heavy monsoon rains that would have caused severe flooding, said Marie McCormick, executive director of the Oak Creek Watershed Council. Instead, moderate moisture boosted new plant growth leading to excellent recovery, said Rory Steinke, retired Forest Service soil scientist who led the agencys Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team on the Slide Fire. Grass, ground cover and shrubs within the burn scar have regrown to the point that their ability to prevent accelerated erosion and runoff is nearly the same as before the fire, he said. That means flood risk and threat to the creeks water quality has been substantially reduced, he said. Also good news is that soils have lost their hydrophobic crust so water infiltration into the ground is similar to prefire conditions, Steinke wrote in an email. The recovery looked so good last spring that the Forest Service decided against doing another monitoring assessment of the area this year, Steinke said. Coconino Countys emergency managers have been looking closely at the Oak Creek Canyon area since hearing from experts in the summer of 2014 that the post-fire flooding potential was so severe that the county should be prepared for fatalities, said Rob Rowley, emergency management director. The county collaborated with other agencies to install an emergency alert system that involved reviving the canyons old sirens which sounded whenever the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the canyon area, Rowley said. Considering the burn area conditions, the Weather Service initially lowered the threshold for flash flood warnings to one quarter of the rainfall that normally triggers a warning. Four flash flood warnings sounded that first monsoon season after the fire, according to the Weather Service. Thanks to the areas better-than-expected recovery, the Weather Service raised that threshold last year and this year has set it back at normal (more than one inch of rain in 15 minutes), said Brian Klimowski, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service Station in Bellemont. GOOD NEWS FOR SNAKES The fire did do some good in the area, catalyzing growth in the woody shrubs and bushes that are a major food source for game animals like bears, elk and turkeys in the Oak Creek corridor, said Lee Luedeker, Game and Fishs wildlife manager for the Sedona area. Habitats with low forage potential gained that, Luedeker said. Other staff with the Arizona Game and Fish Department are specifically monitoring the upper portions of Oak Creek and the lower portions of West Fork to evaluate the short-term effects of the Slide Fire on the fish, aquatic insects and aquatic snakes. Brown trout, rainbow trout, gila trout and Sonora sucker are among the fish that make their home in the creek. Up to this point, the departments annual monitoring hasnt shown any measurable changes to the fish, aquatic insect or aquatic gartersnake community in upper Oak Creek Canyon or in the lower 3.5 miles of the West Fork of Oak Creek, according to Matt Rinker, native aquatics specialist with the department. In addition, Erika Nowak a biology professor at Northern Arizona University, has been conducting surveys of the federally threatened narrow-headed gartersnake in Oak Creek since the 1990s and said she, too, hasnt seen any noticeable change in the detection rate of the snakes between pre-fire and post-fire. The amount of silt and debris flow wasn't sufficient to cause fish declines -- the snakes food source -- through the system, Nowak said. During this summers snake surveys, Nowak said she and others have seen thousands of larval fish, noticeably more than last year. Luedeker confirmed that much of the silt that did get washed into the creek has now discharged downstream, reexposing rocky, gravelly beds that fish need to spawn. The silt had much less impact than it could have, he said. For its part, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality didnt do any testing of Oak Creeks waters specific to the fire, but test results from August 2015 showed no elevated signs of constituents like total dissolved solids, arsenic and nitrogen that are markers of fire, said Jason Jones, supervisor of ADEQs monitoring and assessment unit. Increased levels of burn-area ash and sediment flowing into the creek did have a short-term impact on water quality however, said Sena, with the Red Rock Ranger District. Sediment correlates with E.coli, so as sediment levels increased during the summer following the fire so did E. coli, leading officials to issue public health warnings, Sena said. In 2014, E. coli levels were found to be up to 10 times federal limits and last year they also exceeded acceptable levels a few times. This year, all readings taken so far have met health standards, Sena said. We've really lucked out, Sena said. The usage of Elevator is main problem. it has 48 floors and 4 lifts. it stops all the floors. we stayed in 17th floor and have to wait for 30 - 45 mins to get in to Elevator as it always have people between all floors. They did not program between the Elevators to limit the floors. Somes times we used the stairs to walk down. Also the same lift been used by House Keeping with their large trolleys and so its always busy. Think about your floors before booking. After booking, i was Informed that I need to pay $35 per day as resort fee for using the pool, gym, private beach and this is mandatory. Also for car parking we need to pay $33 per day. All this will be charged with tax seperately Rest all good.....great location and beach is near. Walmart is near by....but never go there for shopping any time. its always crowded and you have to stand for more than one hour for billing. Also check the status of the beaches in Miami as all beaches were occupied with sea weeds in this season (mother nature claening the ocean) and so you cannot enjoy much on water due to sea weeds. Show more Show less Situated 4.6 km from Belair Estates, 4.6 km from Golden Gates Estates and 5.7 km from Millar Heights, lovely and spacious 2 bed 2 bath home near beach features accommodation set in Nassau. Home Away From Home is located in Nassau, 2.4 km from Bel-Air Park, 3 km from Mermaids Pool, as well as 3 km from Mermaids Pool (Blue Hole). Offering a year-round outdoor pool and spa centre, The Island House is located a 6-minute drive from the closest beach, Nirvana. The hotel has a terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.... This luxury hotel features 2 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, on-site Chocolatier and its own cigar company. Graycliff Hotel is a restored mansion from 1740 and overlooks the Government House. Offering a year-round outdoor pool and spa centre, Sandals Royal Bahamian - Couples Only is set in Nassau in the New Providence Region, 9 km from Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park. Situated in Nassau, less than 1 km from Saunders Beach and 1.8 km from Junkanoo Beach, Sandelwood Studios' features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with an... Situated less than 1 km from Saunders Beach, Tropical Hideaway offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. BELL At The Airport Suites - Adults Only features a garden, as well as accommodation with a kitchenette in Nassau. Free WiFi is provided. Boasting an outdoor pool, The Oasis Retreat in Nassau offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. Located just a 15-minute drive from the Lynden Pindling International Airport and 10 minutes' drive from Nassau Cruise Port, the 42 units Colony Club Inn & Suites is nestled in a beautiful garden... Offering two outdoor pools, numerous food and beverage options, SLS at Baha Mar also features free WiFi access is available throughout. Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas All-Inclusive is an Adults Only 4 star resort on Paradise Island. It sits on Nassau Harbour and features 250 guest rooms and a private harbour beach. This iconic towers lobby features The Dig and Ruins Lagoon, a large open-air marine habitat. Located in the Atlantis Paradise Resort and Casino, it offers colorful rooms with a flat-screen TV. Showcasing a year-round outdoor pool, gym and free WiFi, Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach is located in Nassau on the island of New Providence. 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Middle East Eye Once close allies, Egypt and Turkey fell out after Ankara condemned what it calls the 'coup' that toppled president Mohammed Morsi Egyptians take part in demonstrations against then-president Mohammed Morsi in 2013 (AFP) Egypt has welcomed moves by Turkey to repair relations between the two countries, but is demanding that Ankara recognise what it calls the 30 June revolution. Turkey and Egypt, once close allies, have fallen out in recent years after an Egyptian popular-backed military takeover ousted the countrys first democratically elected president in 2013. This week, however, Turkey signalled its willingness to thaw relations with Egypt, with Prime Minister Binali Yildirim telling state television on Monday that he wants to see economic and political links strengthened. Investors can go to Egypt, and strengthen their investments, Yildirim told the TRT Haber channel. In the future, this could lead to an environment in which relations are normalised, and possibly even to ministerial relations there is nothing to stop this happening. However, Yildirim reiterated Turkeys stance towards the controversial events in Egypt that led to the ousting of president and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi on 30 June 2013. We are very clear when it comes to Egypt there was a coup against democracy, and a coup against Morsi, who was brought to power by elections. Relations between Ankara ruled by the AKP which supports the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood - and Cairo were officially cut off after Morsi was ousted, which was backed by millions-strong popular protests across the country. Egypt expelled the Turkish ambassador in November 2013, accusing officials of backing unnamed organisations that were aiming to destabilise the country. The Egyptian ambassador was then expelled from Turkey, and neither diplomat has been restored. Responding to Yildirims comments this week, Egypts Foreign Ministry welcomed the possibility of normalising relations, but insisted that the starting point for any rapprochement must be a Turkish acknowledgement of the revolution that toppled Morsi. It must be clear that the recognition of the legitimacy of the Egyptian people's will, represented in the June 30 revolution, is the starting point for improved relations with Turkey, foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement on Tuesday. Egyptian Streets The arrival hall is empty at the Sharm el-Sheikh Airport in south Sinai, Egypt, Monday. Airbus executives say they are confident in the safety of the A321 that crashed Oct. 31 in Egypts Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. Photo: AP Egypts Minister of Civil Aviation Sherif Fathy welcomed a recent decision to lift the Sinai Peninsula from worldwide no-fly zones. According to state-media Al-Ahram, the International Civil Aviation Organization lifted the Sinai from the Notice to Airmen warnings, which warns airliners and pilots of hazards and safety issues from flying over an area. The decision may mean the return of airplanes flying over the Sinai Peninsula, as opposed to looping around most parts of it. Large airliners have stayed away from the Sinai since the crash of a Russian airplane in October 2014, which killed all 224 passengers on board. Terrorism, according to numerous security officials and Egypts President Sisi, resulted in the crash which has severely impacted Egypts tourism industry. Egypts North Sinai fell into chaos and violence following the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi in July 2013. The majority of deaths from terror attacks have occurred in North Sinai, with military operations killing more than 200 suspected terrorists in the first few months of 2016. Shishumar Class Submarine. Photo: Indian Navy. NEW DELHI (PTI): India has signed an over Rs 262 crore deal with Germany's ThyssenkKrupp Marine Systems to retrofit anti-ship American Harpoon missiles on two Shishumar Class submarines. The retrofitting of the new weapon suite will be carried out on INS Shankush and INS Shalki at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai and is backed by a training package to support and operate the system. "It is a key milestone in our long-standing commitment towards India. We have the capacity to integrate any weapon system that is selected by the Indian Navy, onto our submarines," Gurnad Sodhi, Managing Director of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' operations in India, said. The company, which is also eyeing the over Rs 60,000 crore P75 (I) project under which six conventional submarines are to be built in India, said it has successfully carried out such integration on similar boats for other navies across the world. Emphasising on the company's commitment towards India, Sodhi said ThyssenKrupp is also ready to integrate any weapon system, including 'Brahmos' on to the latest 214 Class Submarines for the upcoming project P75 (I) project. "We fully support the 'Make and Made in India' policy which would encompass inter-alia Transfer of Technology (ToT), training and meeting all offset obligations. We are awaiting the government's decision on the Strategic Partner chapter of the new DPP 2016, after which we will begin our negotiations with an Indian shipyard for the P75(I)", he added. Cooperation between Indian Navy and ThyssenKrupp dates back to more than three decades. The existing HDW Class 209/1500 submarines have been performing well, without any inherent problems and the Indian navy has been satisfied with their performance, despite their vintage, the company said in a statement. The US had in 2014 decided to sell anti-ship Harpoon missiles to India costing some USD 200 million to enhance India's defence capability and strengthen Indo-US strategic ties. The entire package under the foreign military sale route includes a dozen odd UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Encapsulated Missiles, 10 UTM-84L Harpoon Encapsulated Training missiles, and two Encapsulated Harpoon certification training vehicles. A file photo. NEW DELHI (PTI): India's first integrated defence communication network was on Thursday launched here enabling the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Special Forces Command to share situational awareness for a faster decision-making process. The Defence Communication Network (DCN), a strategic, highly secure and scalable system, has a pan-India reach -- from Ladakh to the North East to island territories. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who inaugurated the network at South Block, emphasised on the need to keep the network completely secure all the time. He said a false sense of security and safety should not creep in and the Standard Operating Procedures should be followed. Parrikar said this network is a step towards jointmanship that the government is pushing for in the armed forces. While all the three forces have their own command, communication and intelligence networks, this is the first time when there will be a dedicated network for greater synergy. "Technology decides how the wars are fought these days. The network has a pan-India reach and is a testimony to the fact that Indian Army and the Corps of Signals are well placed to meet any challenges and responsibilities which come their way," Lt Gen Nitin Kohli, Signal Officer in Chief, said. Built by HCL under a nearly Rs 600 crore project, DCN offers high quality voice, video and data services covering 111 entities spread across the country. It is capable of working on terrestrial as well as satellite mode of communication and has also been fixed onboard different military vehicles. The Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile. An MBDA photo ROME (BNS): European missile maker MBDA has signed a contract worth over 1 billion euros to supply missile systems for new surface ships of the Qatari Navy. The new ships are to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Under the contract signed on June 29, 2016, MBDA Italy will supply the Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles as well as Aster 30 Block 1 and VL MICA air defence missiles for the naval vessels. Under a Government-to-Government agreement signed between the Defence Ministries of Qatar and Italy on June 16, 2016, the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces will receive seven new surface ships -- one Landing Platform Deck (LPD) and two Off-shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from Fincantieri. The vessels will be deployed for maritime surveillance and patrolling duties in territorial waters and in the exclusive economic zone of Qatar. Construction of the ships will begin in 2018. Ronald D. Liebowitz takes office as ninth Brandeis president Photo/Mike Lovett Ron Liebowitz Ronald D. Liebowitz, a recognized leader in higher education, began his term as the ninth president of Brandeis University today. I am honored to become the president of Brandeis University, Liebowitz wrote in a welcome message to faculty, students, alumni and staff. Despite its relative youth, Brandeis has grown to become one of the most important and consequential research universities in the United States, having excelled early on across the curriculum. We boast many illustrious alumni and a distinguished faculty. As we look to the future, we must celebrate and draw upon our rich, if comparatively brief, history. Liebowitz was named president by the Brandeis Board of Trustees on Dec. 17, 2015. Over the intervening months, he has been on campus weekly, having conversations with students, faculty and staff. An Inaugural Ceremony to mark his new presidency will be held at Brandeis on Nov. 3, 2016. Ron is a proven leader in higher education. He has demonstrated that he can bring all communities within a university together to rally around and commit to a set of high aspirations and ideals, and he can build and lead a team to get results, said Larry Kanarek '76, chairman of the Brandeis University Board of Trustees. The board and I have every confidence that Ron will do that at Brandeis and he has our full support. We warmly and enthusiastically welcome Ron, his wife Jessica and their family into the Brandeis community. Prior to his appointment at Brandeis, Liebowitz, 59, served as president of Middlebury College for 11 years. He joined the colleges faculty as a geography professor in 1984 and became provost in 1997. Under his leadership, Middlebury made enormous academic, programmatic, reputational and financial gains. A native of New York City, Liebowitz received his BA in economics and geography from Bucknell University and a PhD in geography from Columbia University. Early in its history Brandeis was called a young university in a hurry. It still is and must be in order to face the challenges and seize the opportunities before higher education today, said Susan P. Curnan, associate professor at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and chair of the Faculty Senate and Council. Ron conveys a sense of energy, determination and a spirit of innovation necessary to accelerate the pace of change at Brandeis, while honoring the universitys principles of social justice, excellence in education, research and community building. The senate is eager to collaborate with Ron and the Board of Trustees to realize our shared goals for a diverse, sustainable, safe and excellent center of learning for all students, staff and faculty. Liebowitz succeeds Interim President Lisa M. Lynch, Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy. She will return to her previous position of provost and chief academic officer at the university. The board and I are grateful for Lisas leadership as interim president, said Kanarek. She led Brandeis with a deft combination of a deep knowledge of Brandeis values, concern for those who make up the wider Brandeis community and a willingness to listen to everyone before making a decision. In doing so, she always put the interests of Brandeis first. The board is thrilled that we will still be working with Lisa as provost. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/06/2016 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A good vibe. Thats the feeling you get when you walk through the doors of one of Brandons newest businesses. The beach decor, the bright colours and the upbeat surf music takes you away far, far away to a warm, paradise-like island. The business at 728 18th St. is called Island and creating a unique shopping experience is exactly what owner, Marie Ironstand, wanted to accomplish when she started her new venture. As Brandon becomes more and more culturally diverse, my store builds on this multicultural trend by partnering with talented designers from different countries and cultures, Ironstand said. Island is primarily a clothing store with some accessories and shoes for women, men, young adults, teenagers and children. It also has uniform scrubs, maternity clothes and plus sizes. While some of the designs are custom-made, Ironstone also has partners from Mauritius, Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, Canada, Pakistan and Ukraine that help to supply her with a culturally diverse selection of items. Ironstand moved from Mauritius eight years ago to work at Maple Leaf Foods. After two years, she trained as a health-care aide and worked in the field until she launched her clothing business at the beginning of April. She was trained and worked professionally as a seamstress in Mauritius and decided to put those skills to work in Canada. It has been unbelievable. My clients are doing my marketing for me and they are amazing. The response has been very positive and Im so glad people appreciate my store as much as they do, Ironstand said. I started the business with the help of my husband on a shoestring budget. My goal is to provide a fashion trend that is suitable for everybodys wallet and to have a store that is welcoming and positive. Along with her diverse product line, Ironstand also provides alteration services. Any item purchased in the store comes with free alterations, but she also fixes and repairs clothing that is brought in everything from patching a pair of jeans to altering grad and wedding dresses. Ironstand also pointed out that they are the only place in Brandon that offers Henna-style body art and that she has a very talented artist who can create amazing designs. Visit Island in the Thomas Mall, call 204-728- 3989 or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Watch for details on their grand opening at the end of July. Farewell Im sure, like myself, many of you are still surprised by the news that Patmore Nursery Sales at 1307 18th St. North is closing after 133 years in business. I planned on reminding you that their closing out sale ends on July 9, but after chatting with owner Marci Bomford, she said that the initial response to the sale was so immense that they dont have enough inventory to remain open until July 9. Therefore, they are officially closed as of Saturday, June 25, at 5 p.m. An asset liquidation sale will be held on Monday and Tuesday, and a complete asset list is available on their website patmorenursery.com. At first we were somewhat worried that we wouldnt be able to sell all of our remaining inventory, but we literally had hundreds of people within the first three days, which we just werent at all expecting, Bomford said. At times, customers waited for two and a half hours in line to pay for their discounted merchandise and that was with three cash registers running. Everything in the store, from fertilizer and annuals to trees, shrubs and birdhouses was discounted at 50-75 per cent off. It was such a very difficult decision (to close). I think were all still processing it, Bomford said. What has made it just a little bit easier though is all the support weve received from so many people through messages, calls and personal interaction, not to mention all the food and beverages that were delivered to help us get through those first few days. We are so grateful and appreciative. Its a loss to so many people, Im glad that we had a chance to say goodbye. For those who may still have outstanding gift cards, please email marci@patmorenursery.com as soon as possible to make arrangements. Best of luck to Marci and her family in starting a new chapter in their lives. Update: Shauntel Humphrey has been located safe and well. Earlier: Gardai are appealing for help in tracing a missing teenager from Dublin. Thirteen-year-old Shauntel Humphrey has not been seen since Wednesday when she was in the Crumlin area. Shauntel is described as being 5 foot 1 in height, of slim build with long sandy blonde hair and green eyes. When last seen, she was wearing a knee-length, black jacket that has a fur-lined hood. Shauntel's family and gardai are concerned for her welfare. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sundrive Road garda station on 01 6666600, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda Station. A Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has said the Brexit debate will rumble on for some time before a solid plan is put in place. Hayes made his comments after Boris Johnson officially ruled himself out of the race for the leadership of Britain's conservative party. Theresa May is now the British public's preferred candidate to be the next prime minister. She has said she will work to retain the common travel area between Ireland and the UK. Brian Hayes has said the EU needs to move fast to protect our economy. Our economy is sound, we come through a very difficult period since 2008-2009, said Hayes. We have used the last number of years to reposition the Irish economy, but we do need Europe to take stock. We need Europe to get through this and we need the British to come to a view as to what they want. We have got to be a fundament part of a negotiated settlement because our economy is so dependant on the UK economy, so this will go on for quite some time. A section of the N3 Navan Road in Dublin has reopened this morning, following a serious crash last night. It was closed outbound between the Baggot Road Junction and the Ashtown Roundabout to facilitate a Garda technical examination. Update 1.50pm: President Michael D Higgins has laid a wreath in memory of Irish soliders killed in the battle of the Somme. Thousands of Irish men died in the over 100 days of battle at the French site in 1916. This morning President Higgins joined the French President and leaders of the UK at a ceremony in Thiepval to mark the centenary of the battle. A two-minute silence was held to mark what stands as one of the bloodiest conflicts of the First World War. Earlier: Commemorations are taking place in Ireland and in France to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme. President Michael D Higgins will attend a series of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the French battle today along with Minister Heather Humphreys. Humphreys, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has said it is a poignant time in Irish history. I have been very keen during our 2016 centenary year that we remember those who died fighting aboard, as well as those who died fighting during the Rising here at home, said Humphreys. Its 100 years on from both (the) Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme and we are hearing all of the narratives on the Irish experience, and the impact the events of that year had on our culture, our society and indeed our psyche. Western nations publicly critical of Bashar Assad's regime have been quietly sending security officials to collaborate with his government, the Syrian president said. In an interview with Australia's SBS news channel, Mr Assad (pictured) accused Western governments of hypocrisy for criticising him while working with him behind the scenes. "This is the double standard of the West in general: They attack us politically and they send us their officials to deal with us under the table, especially the security, including your government," Mr Assad told SBS. "They all do the same. They don't want to upset the United States. Actually, most of the Western officials, they only repeat what the United States wants them to say. This is the reality." US president Barack Obama is opposed to armed intervention in Syria's civil war, which has left at least 250,000 people dead and contributed to a global refugee crisis. Although he blamed Mr Assad for using chemical weapons in 2013 and threatened military strikes against Syrian forces, he has so far only authorised strikes against Islamic State and other US-designated terror groups in Syria. Mr Assad said that while he had no dialogue directly with the US, there was indirect communication between the countries through back channels, including "businessmen going (and) travelling around the world and meeting with the officials in the United States and in Europe". "But there's nothing serious," he said. "Because we don't think the administration, the American administration, is serious about solving the problem in Syria." Mr Assad said he was not opposed to working with the US, but criticised America for creating problems that it fails to solve. "(Former President George W.) Bush invaded Iraq; in a few weeks, he could occupy Iraq. But then what's next? It's not about occupying. This is a great power. We're not a great power," he said. "So, it's not about America occupying Syria. What's next? What do they want to achieve? "They haven't achieved anything. They have failed in Libya, in Iraq, in Yemen, in Syria, everywhere. They only created chaos. "So if the United States wants to create more chaos, it can... but can they solve the problem? No." Mr Assad said he was not concerned about a recent internal memo from more than 50 US State Department officials urging US military action against Syria's government. The diplomats who signed the "dissent channel cable" said that targeted US attacks could increase leverage over Mr Assad in diplomatic negotiations that have repeatedly failed. "Warmongers in every American administration always exist," Mr Assad said. "It's not something new." Amnesty International has published "horrifying" accounts by migrants of exploitation and abuse in Libya, including Christians who were abducted by Islamic State militants and forced into sexual slavery. In a report titled "Libya is full of cruelty", the rights group collected the testimonies of 90 migrants, including 15 women, interviewed in reception centres in Italy and Sicily after escaping Libya in recent months. Amnesty said that sexual abuse is so widespread that some women take contraceptives before their sea crossing. "From being abducted, incarcerated underground for months and sexually abused by members of armed groups, to being beaten, exploited or shot at by people smugglers, traffickers or criminal gangs - refugees and migrants have described in harrowing detail the horrors they were forced to endure in Libya," said Amnesty's Magdelena Mughrabi. Libya is home to some 250,000 refugees and migrants. The UN refugee agency estimates that since April 19 2015, a total of 4,937 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. The group urged the international community to take action to tackle the root cause of migration, and to increase the number of people who are resettled overseas or given humanitarian visas. Libya fell into chaos following the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled for over 40 years before a 2011 uprising that descended into civil war. Despite a UN-brokered political deal in December, the country remains politically divided between weak ruling bodies and rival armed groups. Amid the lawlessness, people-smuggling has become a lucrative business and all parties involved, including coast guards, are extorting migrants for money, Amnesty said. Those who fail to pay are likely to suffer the worst treatment, according to the group. The migrants and refugees told Amnesty International about people who were killed by smugglers or who died from thirst or starvation. Some were shot or electrocuted and in one case, a disabled migrant was dumped in the desert by people smugglers. "They had no heart," said a 20-year-old Eritrean named as Saleh, who entered Libya in October. Women in particular are at risk of rape and sexual exploitation. "Their experiences paint a terrifying picture of the conditions many of those who come to Europe are so desperate to escape," said Ms Mughrabi. A 22-year-old Eritrean woman identified as Ramya told Amnesty that she was raped more than once while in captivity in a remote area near the town of Ajdabiya, in eastern Libya. "When you have a gun pointed at your head, you don't really have a choice," she said. Another woman described how one migrant woman was gang-raped by people smugglers when she failed to pay her smuggling fees. In one of the most striking incidents, Amnesty cited a 21-year-old Eritrean woman identified as Amal who said she was among a group of 11 Christian women from Eritrea who were abducted by IS militants in July 2015. They were kept in underground detention for nine months, forced to convert to Islam and used as sex slaves. A surrogate mother with learning difficulties has won a legal fight to keep a baby she carried for a same sex couple. The woman, who is in her early 20s, is better placed than the two men to meet the little boy's emotional needs, a UK High Court judge has concluded. Ms Justice Russell said the boy had an "undiagnosed illness affecting his brain". She said it was in his best interests to remain living with the woman. The judge had analysed a dispute over the boy's future between the woman and the two men at a private hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London. She said, in a written ruling, that no-one involved could be identified. Ms Justice Russell said the two men had been introduced to the woman through a Facebook surrogacy site. The woman had signed an agreement in a fast-food outlet. She had decided that she did not want to hand the baby to the men some months before he was born. Ms Justice Russell said the case was "yet another example" of the difficulties created by unregulated surrogacy arrangements. She said the woman was of "limited income" and lived with a man who did manual work. The two men were "professionals" and in a "much more secure" social and economic position. Ms Justice Russell said the boy would be able to stay in contact with the men, one of whom was his biological father. The judge did not give the baby's age - but said he had been born in the summer of 2015. She said the case had been "distressing" for all involved. "It is yet another example of the difficulties that arise out of the unregulated market in surrogacy," she said. "(The men) were introduced to (the surrogate mother) through a Facebook surrogacy site." She said there had been no screening, and she added: "This unregulated form of surrogacy means that there are, on the one side, vulnerable surrogates, and on the other commissioning parents who are legally unprotected from unpredictable outcomes." Ms Justice Russell said that after analysing evidence, she had decided that it was in the little boy's best interests to stay with the woman. "She is better placed to meet his emotional needs," said the judge. "She is, quite apparently, more emotionally available and has a greater instinctive understanding of his emotional needs." Ms Justice Russell said the woman would be able to treat the men in a "open and generous way" and allow the little boy to develop a good relationship with them. The judge had heard legal argument from barristers Deirdre Fottrell QC and Richard Jones - who represented the woman, and barrister Marisa Allman - who represented the men. Barrister Seamus Kearney had represented the interests of the baby and had been instructed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass). Senior Tories have lined up behind Theresa May's leadership bid as rival Michael Gove prepared to set out his case for becoming UK prime minister. UK cabinet colleagues Michael Fallon and Patrick McLoughlin declared their backing for the May's campaign as the candidates to replace David Cameron as Tory leader and UK premier jostled for support. Britains justice secretary Mr Gove will set out his case for the leadership in a speech on Friday after his last-minute decision to enter the race effectively torpedoed Brexit campaign ally Boris Johnson's hopes of entering Number 10. Setting out his support for the May, Mr Fallon said: "As Defence Secretary, I've worked closely with Theresa on security and she is the right person to steer Britain through the serious challenges we now face. "Theresa is the best person to lead our exit from the EU so that we reduce immigration and regain sovereignty while protecting our hard won economic growth. "She has the track record, the temperament and the commitment to unite both the party and the country behind a clear plan for our future." UK transport secretary Mr McLoughlin, writing in The Sun, said Mrs May would be able to do the required deals in Brussels as the UK negotiated its exit from the European Union. Suggesting Mrs May had "the 'it' factor", he said: " We know that the next prime minister needs to forge a deal from the EU as we shape our brighter future in the rest of the world. And her track record shows that when Theresa arrives in Brussels, Europe's bosses sit up and listen." UK cabinet office minister Matt Hancock pledged his support to Mrs May, telling BBC Two's Newsnight: "I think we need somebody with a steady hand on the tiller who has got proven leadership credentials." Mr Johnson's shock decision not to stand catapulted Mrs May into pole position, with Mr Gove positioning himself as the leading Brexiteer in a field of five contenders also including work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb, energy minister Andrea Leadsom and former defence secretary Liam Fox. Mr Gove will set out further details of his plans for the premiership in a speech in Westminster on Friday. He revealed he decided to run late on Wednesday night after coming to the conclusion that fellow Vote Leave campaigner Mr Johnson could not provide the unity or the leadership to take Britain out of the European Union. Mr Gove said: "In the last four days I had a chance to see up close and personal how Boris dealt with some of the decisions we needed to make in order to take this country forward. "During that period I had hoped that Boris would rise to the occasion because inevitably when you have a leadership election, people are tested, questions are asked of them, tests are set. "Boris has formidable qualities but I saw him seek to meet and not pass those tests. I also thought ultimately, can I recommend to my friends that this person is right to be prime minister?" Mr Gove has repeatedly denied having leadership ambitions in the past and his late intervention in the race drew criticism from supporters of Mr Johnson. MP Kwasi Kwarteng, who has now switched to back Mrs May, accused the UK justice secretary of indulging in "student politics" while Jake Berry said: "There is a very deep pit reserved in hell for such as he." Mrs May also won the support of the Daily Mail newspaper and appeared to have taken an early lead in the crucial race to win the allegiance of MPs to secure her place on the shortlist of two that will be voted on by party members. TOKYO: Solid wage growth, not a spiralling yen, is likely to be the trigger that drives the Bank of Japan away from... LONDON: Rishi Sunak looked set to become Britains next prime minister after his rival Boris Johnson quit the race,... Canberra designer Emma O'Rourke is taking her brand The Label international after being asked to showcase at Vancouver Fashion Week in September. O'Rourke said she was surprised and "very, very excited" to get an email from the event's designer manager asking if she was interested in participating. Local brand The Label focuses on garments designed and constructed using minimal waste techniques. Credit:Janina Fleckhaus "They're a fashion week that actively seeks to showcase emerging designers and they want to show designers from all countries so they really try to get international designers on board," she said. "It can be a really multicultural event." The Label, which was founded last year, focuses on garments designed and constructed using minimal waste techniques. Friday saw the biggest switch up on Canberra television in 25 years, with WIN and Southern Cross switching content. It's a somewhat confusing move for Canberra TV viewers. But it's a monumental move for news presenter Sandra Sully, who will now have presented on all of our commercial stations. News presenter Sandra Sully at WIN's network launch at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Credit:Karleen Minney Initially from Brisbane, Sully moved to Canberra for two years early in her career, working for Prime when it first switched on. She arrived just in time for aggregation in 1989, when Canberra and other regional areas went from having one commercial channel to three overnight. The man who murdered Canberra woman Daniela D'Addario made dozens of internet searches, including about murder, chemicals to knock people out and videos of rape, court documents reveal. Josaia Vosikata, 29, strangled his former girlfriend to death in her Bruce apartment in April last year before placing her body in the boot of a car and driving to the NSW south coast. Daniela D'Addario, who was murdered by Josaia Vosikata, before being placed in a boot of a car and driven to the NSW south coast. He pleaded guilty to her murder in March and is due to be sentenced next month. Court documents reveal Vosikata became increasingly obsessed with the 35-year-old after she ended their two-month relationship in March last year. Gaming Minister Mick Gentleman will not legislate next month to allow pokies in Canberra Casino, dismissing suggestions from Clubs ACT to the contrary. Aquis, the casino's owner, has lodged its revised business case to operate up to 200 poker machines at the Civic precinct, a move that has riled community clubs dependant on pokies for revenue. An artist's impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Aquis Canberra casino, as proposed two years ago. Clubs ACT, the peak body, are vehemently opposed to the move, and have begun reaching out to as many as 200,000 members in a targeted campaign against the plans. In early May, Chief Minister Andrew Barr rejected Aquis' bid for 500 pokies in the casino, but said he would accept another bid for 200, subject to a revised proposal. The poster of ACT Greens Senate candidate Christina Hobbs had been vandalised to depict her with several teeth blacked out and a moustache. Defaced posters of Christina Hobbs and Carly Saeedi of the ACT Greens were duct-taped inside Senator Zed Seselja's campaign van, according to a woman who walked by his office and videoed inside the van. Credit:Violet Cully ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja has been accused of condoning "rape language" after derogatory pictures of two female Greens candidates were seen taped to the dashboard of his campaign van. While Senator Seselja said he was unaware of the posters and unequivocally condemned them, Ms Hobbs said the word "railing" was slang for term for violent sex and was often associated with rape. "When you put your hand up to run for parliament you are told to expect a certain level of potential harassment. When you're a female candidate you understand it's going to be particularly vile and often sexual in nature. But what you don't expect, is that your male political opponent is somehow going to be 'in on the joke' - busing around a group of young men who seem set on harassment and intimidation," Ms Hobbs said. "There is no way that the Senator can deny seeing these images, this is his campaign bus, parked outside his campaign office. Many of us have seen him getting in and out of this van over the past week and whether he was in the front seat or the back seat, these pictures stuck to the dashboard would have been hard to miss." But Senator Seselja said the first he knew of the posters was when media contacted him for comment on Friday morning. Britain needs to build a new international model for financial services after its decision to quit the European Union, a top banker representing an industry lobby group said on Thursday. John McFarlane, chairman of TheCityUK, which promotes Britain's financial services sector, called for stable and effective political leadership and clarity on what the UK wants from talks with the EU after its "self-inflicted wound". Barclays chairman John McFarlane called for stable and effective political leadership and clarity on what the UK wants from talks with the EU. Mr McFarlane, who is also chairman of Barclays, said "we neither know the shape or direction of things to come". "It's far from certain what we might be able to secure from discussions with the EU," he told TheCityUK annual conference. Chef Jamie Oliver at one of his Australian restaurants in 2014. Credit:Katherine Griffiths But the sudden collapse this week of Sydney food and pub group Keystone, which runs the Australian franchise of Oliver's Jamie's Italian, has delivered a blow to Oliver's high-flying image. "I'm so proud of Jamie's Italian," the celebrity chef says, inviting patrons to try his fare. "Our amazing team is like a big family they'll look after you while you tuck into simple delicious food Great food, great value, beautiful surroundings." Keystone, which also owns a suite of popular Sydney pubs and popular lunch haunts, including Cargo Bar, Bungalow 8, Sugarmill and Kingsley's, fell into the arms of receivers this week when its international lenders, who are owed nearly $80 million, pulled the plug. All venues remain open for business while Ferrier Hodgson tries to sell the businesses, either standalone but more likely as a break up of disparate businesses around the country. Food and beverage group Keystone are selling their waterfront icon Cargo Bar. Immediately, mutterings on the impact of Sydney's lockout laws and expensive weekend penalty rates were whispered as contributing to the collapse. In reality, a far simpler story emerges overreach in the competitive world of food and beverage and too much debt. Sydney's pub and restaurant industry has witnessed endless boom and bust over the past decade. For every success story like the Hemmes family's Merivale, there's a front bar filled with despairing investors drowning their sorrows over what went wrong. Australia's largest construction union has faced a scathing rebuke for its long record of lawlessness, which a federal judge has labelled an "embarrassment to the trade union movement". On the eve of the federal election, the judgment lands at an uncomfortable time for Labor, of which the militant Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is a major affiliate. The CFMEU was penalised nearly $180,000 on Friday for illegally blockading a Melbourne work site in an attempt to force building giant Grocon to cede to union demands. Justice Christopher Jessup slammed the CFMEU's extensive history of violating workplace law. It has never been entirely clear why so many people like to draw penises on ballot papers. What is it, exactly, about being asked to turn a tiny wheel of our grand democracy that prompts this response? The best description I have seen of the kinds of messages scrawled on voting forms came from the ABC's Antony Green: "anatomically improbable suggestions". Of course male genitals are very popular with ballot artists not just here but in other gloriously free western democracies; hence the prolonged chortling over the term "hanging chad" in the 2000 US election. In the UK, there was some confusion this week about whether a penis drawn in a box by a "cheeky voter" in West Dunbartonshire could count as a vote for the Remain campaign. After some dispute between rival campaigns, it was decided that as the member was erect, it could be properly counted as a "positive endorsement". But the Remainers stopped laughing when they realised if they had enticed more people to doodle inside the voting boxes and more younger people to turn up at all then they might have had entirely a different result. All week, people have been shaking their heads at the fact that three quarters of young people wanted Britain to stay in the European Union, but only a third of them bothered to vote. Head-smack. Before Gough Whitlam became the shining light for the Labor Party, there was Jack Lang, the only premier ever sacked by a governor. In 1964, pity the lecturer who questioned his defiance of the state's debt obligations during the Depression. Historian Heather Radi did when she taught at the University of New South Wales in the 1960s. Students responded by hissing and booing and even walking out of the lecture theatre. Heather Radi was a biographer and mentor and paved the way for the study of Australian history. The next week when she gave her second of the series, sticking to her analysis of Lang, students applauded. Not because they necessarily agreed with her; but because she had the courage of her convictions. Meanwhile of her all-girl tutorial, she joked of "the convent" she was teaching. Heather Radi, groundbreaking historian and mentor, was born at Tambourine Mountain, Queensland in 1929. In her contribution to a volume of essays Against the Odds, she thanked her father, Densel Curtis, a beekeeper. He had insisted on close of observation of the natural world. Eucalyptus curtisii had been named for him. She thanked her mother, Florence, for encouraging her to pursue a profession beyond rural teaching. More than any other country, Turkey shows that geography is destiny. Anatolia and the Bosphorus jointly embrace so many great junctions of the world that listing them all is a challenge. Europe and Asia, the Middle East and the Western world, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean and therefore Russia and the southern half of the planet all converge in Turkey. No wonder that Istanbul Ataturk airport, the target of three suicide bombers on Tuesday, should also be a global hub, handling more than 60 million passengers last year. When the genial intellectual Ahmet Davutoglu served as foreign minister in Ankara, he would remind visitors that however you drew the map of the world, Turkey would always be at the centre. Photographs of victims of the Istanbul attack at a memorial at Ataturk Airport. Credit:AP But there is a dark side to being in the middle of everything: Turkey is also the hub of the world's most intractable problems. Migration, terrorism, the West's tormented relations with Islam, the quest for peace in the Middle East, the future of the European Union even Russia's confrontation with Nato all of them meet in Turkey. Somewhat to his surprise, William Hague found that the capital he visited most often as foreign secretary was Ankara. It has never been more pivotal than today. The fact that Turkey is one of his prime targets shows that even Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-styled Islamic State, is determined to shape events there. E is for the economy, stupid. Labor tried valiantly to make it about education but Turnbull and his team were relentlessly unwavering with their economic message. It was boring for journalists and voters alike but it appeared to do the trick no one can be in any doubt about the Coalition's focus. F is for Feeney, David. As in, how the F did you forget you owned a $2.3 million house? The battle for Batman was always going to be close but Feeney's poor campaign beginning with his failure to properly declare the Northcote house and capped with a trainwreck TV interview certainly didn't help him. G is for Greens. Speaking of the battle for Batman, the Greens have a chance of making it their second lower house seat. They're also taking the fight up to the Coalition's Kelly O'Dwyer in Higgins and Labor's Anthony Albanese in Grayndler. Preferences didn't go their way but the Greens are still making gains. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten Credit:Alex Ellinghausen H is for Hanson and Hinch. It's notoriously difficult to predict the Senate vote and this one is harder than most because it's a double dissolution and the first under the Coalition's new voting rules. But one thing appears clear: there will still be a crossbench and Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch could well be on it. I is for immigration. It wouldn't be an Australian election campaign without at least some focus on asylum seeker boats. With the boats now stopped, many Australians have moved on from the issue but the Coalition did all it could to remind us of Labor's record and exploit divisions between its factions. The competitors: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten Credit:Alex Ellinghausen J is for jobs and growth. A three-word slogan in search of a verb. We heard it approximately 134,038,339 times in eight weeks that's about 1600 times a minute. Okay, slight exaggeration but we'll all be glad when this campaign is over and we never need to hear this meaningless nonsense again. K is for Katter, Bob. He gave the campaign its most tasteless moment when he ran an ad in which he shoots two people dead, one wearing an ALP shirt and the other wearing an LNP shirt. Poor form at the best of times but coming just a day or two after the Orlando nightclub massacre it was particularly appalling. L is for local. They say all politics is local but for the Coalition this election really was. It's strategy was not to win over the nation but rather to sandbag those 20 or so marginal seats they needed to keep out of Labor hands. They did so with good old-fashioned pork for things such as sporting facilities and roads. M is for Medicare, or should that be "Medi-scare"? Labor had a lot of ammunition to fire at the Coalition over cuts to public health but still it felt the need to invent or at least heavily embellish a Coalition policy to "privatise" Medicare. It was effective though, prompting the Coalition to hit back hard on boats. N is for the NBN. The national broadband network burst on to the campaign agenda early on when the AFP raided Labor offices and homes as part of a media leak investigation. NBN Co boss Ziggy Switkowski's decision to pen an opinion piece that many judged to have breached caretaker conventions kept it on the boil. O is for opinion polls. It could be Turnbull, it could be Shorten but one thing's for sure: the real winners this election were the pollsters who given we've had a new poll roughly every other day for the past 55 days must have made a motza. Most suggest a strong national vote for Labor but not enough in the key marginals. P is for Parakeelia. How did a little-known software company become a key feature of the campaign? Because it appears as if Parakeelia is being used as a "washing machine" to channel taxpayer-funded entitlements into Liberal Party coffers. It's been a thorn in Turnbull's side and again shows the need for political donation reform. Q is for quitters. Every campaign has them: the candidates who dream of a bright future in politics maybe I'll be prime minister one day! but don't even make it to polling day. Both the major parties had quitters this campaign but the most spectacular has to be Victorian Liberal John Min-Chiang Hsu, a massage therapist who resigned amid allegations he owned a brothel called Paradise Playmates. R is for Richard Di Natale. Both Di Natale and the two men that follow in this list were leading their parties through an election campaign for the first time. As usual, the Greens leader struggled to get traction in the mainstream media except when the debate turned to preferences but if the party picks up an extra lower house seat or two it will do wonders for Di Natale's authority in the party. S is for Shorten, Bill. Shorten is expected to come up short but that's not to say he's run a bad campaign. He's performed better than many people expected, delivering a disciplined, gaffe-free offensive that zeroed in on his opponent's weaknesses. If indeed he does lose the question becomes: will he get another shot? T is for Turnbull, Malcolm. The Prime Minister barely broke a sweat this campaign, running a slow, methodical and entirely unspectacular race. Rather than trying to win votes, he was trying not to lose them to simply stop the bleed in his popularity that began six months ago. And it appears to have worked. U is for uninspiring. So neither major party leader ran a bad campaign but nor did they provide any inspiration. Turnbull didn't even try; Shorten tried his best but just wasn't able to energise people the way Labor leaders Whitlam, Hawke, Rudd must to get people excited about change. V is for vengeance. One of the two great independent vs establishment fights in this election campaign is the Battle for Indi. Cathy McGowan has been a popular, effective local member but Sophie Mirabella's quest to reclaim the seat has the backing sort of of the powerful Liberal machine. Will she get her vengeance? W is for Windsor, Tony. The second of these two great fights is the Battle for New England. The independent comeback kid Tony Windsor may not win but he sure has given Barnaby Joyce, the once-maverick now-insider a run for his money. It's been one of the most fascinating, and bitterly fought, contests of the campaign. Labor senator Sam Dastyari has hit back at speculation of pre-election disunity over the leadership of the Labor Party, pledging his "unequivocal" support for Bill Shorten. The final two days of the ALP campaign have been hindered by speculation that some in the caucus are already looking to Anthony Albanese as the next Labor leader. Senator Dastyari, a former general secretary of the NSW ALP and influential member of caucus, was linked to the chatter. The Sydney Morning Herald "But having assuaged the right so much, can Mr Turnbull be trusted to argue for same-sex marriage, Indigenous recognition, multiculturalism, and a republic? The answer to most of these questions is yes, and reassuringly Mr Turnbull has grown stronger in proclaiming, and articulating, his support for some of these key social policies during the course of the campaign." The Age "Mr Shorten has, however, presented the nation with a legitimate choice. But we believe Mr Turnbull deserves the chance to deliver on the potential that stirred the nation when he came to power less than a year ago." The Canberra Times "Mr Turnbull's reluctance to fully embrace budget repair and the need for overdue tax reform notwithstanding, the Coalition promises stronger, more effective government than Labor." The Australian Financial Review "[Mr Turnbull] is not, in policy terms, the damaged goods that Mr Abbott had become, unable to explain or persuade. Mr Turnbull remains a popular figurehead who can still transmit the messages the country needs to hear. He and the Coalition deserve the backing of the Financial Review and the Australian people. The Australian "If he stays true to the foundation stones of the Coalition's modest success thus far, overlaying it with his own businesslike approach and obvious optimism, he could be the man for these times. The Prime Minister has demonstrated he knows the importance of a firm rein on public spending and offering a leg up for private sector growth." The Daily Telegraph "Australians face a simple choice. Either commit to a Prime Minister and a government that largely recognises the problems we must confront, or opt for an alternative that will blow spending through the roof." The Herald Sun "Mr Shorten has campaigned hard, but Labor needs to spend at least another three years on the opposition benches to get its policy and cultural house in order. The Herald Sun believes Australia's future is best served with a vote for Mr Turnbull and the re-election of the Coalition." The West Australian "Mr Turnbull and his leadership team have provided a clear vision for the future and they should be given the opportunity to execute that plan and, if re-elected, the Prime Minister needs to listen attentively and get on with leading the country." The Courier Mail "Mr Shorten and Labor have managed to put their past behind them to offer a broadly credible alternative, but on balance Mr Turnbull and the Coalition are a more coherent prescription in an era that demands experience, stability and certainty." The Advertiser "It's vital Australia has a decisive leader who can deliver a strong plan for the nation's people and our economy. A vote for Mr Turnbull and the Coalition is the best way to ensure we are on a clear path to prosperity." Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston's very sudden and very public parade of love (from Rhode Island to Nashville to England to Italy) has raised eyebrows around the world, not even because of the fact that they're dating. She's an attractive celebrity; he's an attractive celebrity. She's due for a new album; he wants to be James Bond. Yeah, seems about right. The unusual part is the way it's being presented. While Swift has had a slew of high-profile relationships, from Jake Gyllenhaal to her recent split with Calvin Harris, she's also one of the most image-savvy stars around. Taylor Swift's latest romance has been a lucrative game for photographers. Credit:Getty Images Her public displays of affection are a relatively new phenomenon, which is why the Internet went ballistic two weeks ago when The Sun released photos of the couple making out on a rock in Rhode Island. Since then, the web has been flooded with pictures of Swift and Hiddleston kissing, cuddling and hand-holding all over the globe as they dance at a Selena Gomez concert, tour the Colosseum and meet each other's parents on the beach. Are they really just that in love? It is at all pure publicity? Is it, as gossip blog Dlisted suggested, a "performance art piece and Taylor's artistic commentary on how her relationships are perceived by the media"? "Disciplined investors need to block out the noise and make rational decisions based on a company's underlying fundamentals," he says. Financial services companies with big exposures to Britain and the rest of the Europe have taken the biggest hit, but some of these have had their share prices hit without much justification, analysts say. QBE Insurance was trading at more than $11.50 just before the Brexit vote of just over a week ago. Its shares are now trading at about $10 a drop of 13 per cent. Just under $1 billion of QBE's premiums are written in Britain for customers in continental Europe. QBE will likely have to renew those insurance contracts through entities licensed in the European Union countries before Britain leaves the EU. But the two-year timetable for Britain to negotiate its exit from the EU gives QBE time to make the transition. Ratings agency Standard & Poor's says those premiums make up less than 5 per cent of QBE's group gross written premiums. Peter Warnes, head of equities research at Morningstar, says it is a "big pull back and overdone". He says at $10 a share, QBE presents an opportunity. Warnes is fairly sanguine about the effects of Brexit on Australian sharemarket and that the stocks favoured by small investors, such as the big banks, remain very strong. He downplays speculation that if credit markets tighten our banks may have to pay more pay more for their overseas borrowings. Hugh Dive, a portfolio manager with Aurora Funds Management, says while our banks rely on "wholesale" funding from overseas they are less reliant on funding from Europe than they were in 2007. Dive says Brexit is unlikely to induce another global financial crisis and that the impact on our banks would be minimal, apart from some selling of shares because of negative investor sentiment. Since the Brexit vote, big bank share prices are down only slightly. Warnes says the banks remain good businesses that generate very good returns on equity. The big banks are on dividend yields, after taking into account franking credits, of about 10 per cent. Brexit may even increase the likelihood of the Reserve Bank cutting the official cash rate from 1.75 per cent to 1.5 per cent or even lower. That would make high dividend yield of the banks more attractive to investors, Warnes says. He says even those listed Australian companies with exposures to Britain and Europe like Ramsay Health Care, Computershare and Flight Centre derive no more than 25 per cent of their revenue from those markets. While they could be some buying opportunities among these stocks, their share prices are only down slightly, he says. D'Amato says companies with the biggest exposures to Britain and Europe include the fund manager Henderson Group and CYBG, which owns the Britain-based Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank. But other financial services companies like the fund manager Magellan Financial Group are being hit unfairly, D'Amato says. Magellan runs managed funds and listed funds that invest in global shares and global infrastructure. Its shares have been hit over concerns that Brexit may lead to lower returns on global markets and a softening of interest from investors in its funds. Magellan's share price has fallen from more than $24 just before the Brexit vote to less than $22 now. D'Amato says: "Magellan has been achieving strong inflows [of money into its funds] and although the volatility on markets will impact the value of its funds, the underlying business remains strong." An injured man was denied tens of thousands of dollars under his income protection policy with ANZ after the bank's insurance arm bungled his paperwork. Steve Lorraine said he was given the wrong policy documents when he claimed on his disability insurance through OnePath, a division of ANZ, which led him to believe he could move from Australia back to his native New Zealand without his payments being affected. Steve Lorraine and his wife Deborah have moved back to New Zealand, triggering a dispute with Mr Lorraine's insurer OnePath. The 56-year-old sales worker was approved for two years' worth of benefits in August because he is unable to work due to osteoarthritis of the knee. He recently asked his lawyers to review the insurance policy to find out if he would still be entitled to the benefits if he moved back to New Zealand. The lawyers told him the move would not affect his payments and his family relocated earlier this year. A second senior police officer has told the Lindt cafe siege inquest a surprise tactical assault deemed a last resort by higher ranks would have been less risky than an emergency response. A NSW deputy tactical commander, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said on Friday he had believed a "deliberate action" strategy, or DA, was the more likely outcome "from the outset". As the December 2014 siege wore on, negotiations appeared to be making little progress, he said. Sunshine and warm weather have tantilised our southern neighbours as Queensland takes out eight of the top 10 regional school holiday destinations in Australia. Data based on geolocation for accommodation demand on Wotif.com for travel dates between June 24 and July 24 found most were opting for a warmer break during the winter school holidays. School holiday travellers preferred seaside locations for their winter breaks. Credit:Tourism & Events Queensland North Queensland, with its balmy winter days, had three of the 10 most-popular holiday spots, with Cairns topping the list. Surfers Paradise came in second, likely thanks to its nearby theme parks. To be or not to be - that is the Queensland Human Rights Act question. Having made the commitment to investigate whether Queensland needed a bill of rights, the parliamentary legal affairs committee set off to investigate the pros and cons for the state. The debate over a Human Rights Act for Queensland remains in the balance. But after a lengthy consultation process, the committee was unable to come to a decision, and split down party and ideological lines. Government members have recommended the parliament explore the issue further, declaring "that it is appropriate and desirable to introduce human rights legislation to Queensland". Non-government committee members "were of the opposite view". Fire has ripped through five shops at the Gold Coast's iconic Nobby Beach dining precinct. Police are investigating the "suspicious fire" that started about 2am Saturday on Lavarack Avenue, gutting Little Beans, Hugo's Burgers, The Protein Place, a kebab shop and a fish and chip shop. Fire has ripped through five shops at the Gold Coast's iconic Nobby Beach dining precinct. Credit:Gary Epstein/Facebook Police said the fire is believed to have started in Little Beans cafe and spread to other businesses, causing extensive damage to the building. A nearby business owner said there were reports the fire had started in the ceiling. A Queensland Fire Service spokesperson said crews first arrived on scene at 1.44am and it took six crews to get the fire under control by 2.34am. A man who claims to have invented the iPhone 15 years before Apple began selling it is suing the tech giant nearly 25 years later for copyright infringement. Thomas Ross of Florida in the US launched the proceedings last week seeking a whopping $US10 billion in compensation, plus forfeit of patents. The claim dwarfs a previously successful patent infringement case in which Samsung paid just $US548 million to Apple. An image from the claim. It all centres around a design Ross came up with in 1992 for an "electronic reading device", which featured a back-lit touchscreen, wireless communication capability, and rounded edges. Ross, a former software engineer who now manages a law firm, told The Guardian he spent more than a year on the design. He filed a US patent for the design in November 1992, but it was marked as 'abandoned' three years later because he failed to pay the required fees. In the absence of a patent, Ross is now pursuing Apple under copyright law. A Melbourne man accused of murdering a baby boy is at risk of harming himself in custody, a court has been told. Dwayne Lindsay, of no fixed address, is charged with the murder of six-month-old Chayse Dearing, who died after suffering injuries to the head and genital area. It is alleged baby Chayse also had ligature marks around his neck. Mr Lindsay, 33, refused to leave the cells to face court on Friday morning, and his lawyer Jasmine Pisasale asked Magistrate Belinda Wallington to refer Mr Lindsay for a mental-health assessment. A measles alert has been issued after an infected young Victorian woman travelled around the state before boarding a Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Brisbane. The woman (who was unaware she had the highly-contagious disease) had been in Geelong, central Melbourne and the bayside suburbs during the incubation period. While infectious, she stayed in Shepparton from June 21 to 25, before travelling by train to Southern Cross Station on Saturday June 25 and then on to Melbourne Airport the same day. Queensland health authorities have also issued an alert after the woman flew on Jetstar flight JQ574, which departed Melbourne about 10.30am. She stayed in Brisbane for three days. Commuters are being warned to prepare for the biggest continuous disruption in Transperth's history as it shuts down the Armadale-Thornlie train line for nine days, starting Friday evening. The line, which transports about 25,000 commuters each day, will be closed from July 1 to 9 for major work to be carried out on the new Perth Stadium Station. During the closure, replacement buses will run between Claisebrook Station in East Perth and Armadale. The shutdown, which will take place during school holidays to minimise impact to commuters, was announced by Transport Minister Dean Nalder in February. Former Murdoch University vice-chancellor Richard Higgott used a work laptop to access pornography almost 500 times, did not follow university protocol when giving one friend a job and then lied to the institution's chancellor in appointing another, WA's Corruption and Crime Commission has found. The CCC today returned findings of misconduct against Professor Higgott, who had joined Murdoch in August 2011 after a stint as a Winthrop research professor at the University of WA. Professor Richard Higgott has had a misconduct finding returned against him by the CCC. Credit:Bohdan Warchomij He resigned from his $785,000 a year job in October 2014. Among the CCC findings were that Professor Higgott had accessed 486 "adult related files" between January 2012 and September 2014 on a university laptop. Perth has recorded its coldest minimum temperature of the year, with the mercury actually dropping after the sun came up to three degrees at 7am. It was even colder at Pearce and Jandakot, which recorded 2.5 and 1.4 degrees respectively, but spare a thought for those at Norseman Airport, who suffered through the state's coldest minimum of -1.6 degrees at 7am. Perth also got the gong for coldest Australian capital at 7am, slipping in just below Canberra's 3.3, and well below the other capitals' 7am recordings, which ranged from 6.4 in Adelaide to Darwin's balmy 23.3. The city's "feels like" temperature, which accounts for factors such as wind chill, was 1.7 degrees. The West Australian's editor-in-chief told staff that the publication's business model was broke and urgently needed fixing - two months before this week's news of a fresh round of redundancies at the state's daily paper. It was reported on Wednesday The West Australian would shift to a new organisational structure that required staff cuts, as Seven West Media moves towards a proposed acquisition of Perth's Sunday Times newspaper. The West Australian has been forced into a round of forced redundancies. Credit:Philip Gostelow There has been talk of the new number of editorial redundancies at The West pushing towards 30 although the company has not released a figure. It can also be revealed that Bob Cronin told editorial staff in April that although he did not want to oversee more redundancies, "cutting costs alone will not save us". The Yarloop community is reeling again, after thieves broke into their temporary Bushfire Brigade headquarters and stole hundreds of items donated by the public after the January bushfire. The bushfire killed two Yarloop residents and flattened their hometown, destroying 162 homes there and in Lake Clifton, Hoffman, Uduc and Wagerup, as it burned through 71,000 hectares. The Yarloop Bushfire Brigade, which fought valiantly during the fire, has been storing the public's donated goods and items in sea containers at its temporary home with the neighbouring brigade in Cookernup, about six kilometres south of Yarloop. On Wednesday night the shed, firefighting vehicles and sea containers were broken into, with numerous items stolen, mainly donated tools and other building equipment. "Gove is a [expletive deleted] who set this up from start," said one, bluntly. Could they be right? Leaving by emergency exit: Former London Mayor Boris Johnson leaves the press conference after he announced that he will not run for leadership of the Tories. Credit:PA It is no secret that Mr Johnson had been broadly supportive of Europe before the referendum campaign began, and that David Cameron had expected to rely on his support for Remain. Mr Johnson, though, fell for the persuasive powers of a certain Michael Gove in deciding he was, after all, in favour of leaving the EU. Stunned: Australian political strategist Lynton Crosby. Credit:Getty At what is rapidly becoming an infamous dinner party at Mr Johnson's home on February 16, Mr Johnson, Mr Gove and their wives sat down with the newspaper owner Evgeny Lebedev to discuss politics. Mr Gove's wife Sarah Vine described how: "Boris was very agitated, genuinely tortured as to which way to go." It seems that by the end of the night Mr Gove, a lifelong Eurosceptic with an "obsession" for getting Britain out of Europe, had persuaded him which side of the fence he should come down on. Dressed in head-to-toe tartan: Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May launches her leadership bid for Britain's ruling Conservative Party in London. Credit:Matt Dunham Mr Johnson knew he was risking everything, but the potential prize was too tempting to ignore: win the EU referendum, and the keys to Number 10 would surely be his. Once he had committed to the cause, Mr Johnson was a formidable campaigner, with his uncanny knack of connecting with voters of every background and every hue. Yet doubts quickly surfaced about just what Mr Gove was up to. Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove joins his wife Sarah Vine as they make their way to vote in the European Union referendum on June 23. Credit:Getty On the first weekend of the referendum campaign, Mr Gove and Ms Vine were not getting down to work with Mr Johnson, but spending the weekend at Dorneywood, the Chancellor's official country residence, as guests of George Osborne. Perhaps Mr Osborne, a keen chess player who loves few things as much as political plotting, was already making his own arrangements for what might happen if the Brexit vote went against him. Mr Gove carried on preparing David Cameron for Prime Minister's Questions. He had weekly dinners with Mr Osborne. Mr Johnson surely wondered why. He got part of the answer on Sunday, when Mr Gove's camp briefed journalists that Mr Osborne could remain as Chancellor in a Boris Johnson Cabinet. Mr Johnson dismissed the claim out of hand, but it was the first outward sign of serious differences in the victorious Leave camp. Justice Secretary and leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove is the darling of the media barons. Credit:Getty Tension had started building the previous night in a phone call between Mr Gove and Mr Johnson. Mr Gove "demanded to be chancellor" in a Johnson government, according to one source. Mr Johnson agreed, but drew the line when Mr Gove said he wanted his chief of staff to be Dominic Cummings, his former special adviser at the Department of Education and a key strategist in the Leave campaign. Mr Cummings is a controversial and at times divisive figure, and Mr Johnson put his foot down. There were further suspicions that Mr Gove was playing games when the Leave campaigners came together at Mr Johnson's Oxfordshire home at lunchtime on Sunday. ITV News cameras showed up to film people arriving, and one journalist let slip that they had been tipped off by Sarah Vine. Still, Mr Gove was saying all the right things. He told Mr Johnson: "I do not have what it takes and I do not have the qualities to be prime minister." No danger there then. On Monday, though, Mr Johnson provided more evidence of differences among Brexiteers with a Daily Telegraph column that claimed Britain would remain a member of the EU's single market. Leave campaigners began to think that Mr Johnson had gone soft on Brexit, though sources close to Mr Johnson insist the article was co-edited by Mr Gove. Was he setting Mr Johnson up for a fall? Mr Gove and, as we now know, his wife considered their next move. With a meeting between Mr Gove and Mr Johnson in the diary for Tuesday, Ms Vine emailed her husband to say: "You MUST have SPECIFIC assurances from Boris OTHERWISE you cannot guarantee your support." The email was leaked to Sky News after being "accidentally" sent to a member of the public, making the rift front-page news. Wednesday brought an even more significant meeting, this time between Mr Johnson and Andrea Leadsom, the highly-regarded energy minister and Leave campaigner. Mr Johnson and his key ally Dominic Raab had been hoping to convince her to give up her own leadership ambitions and throw her weight behind his campaign. Mr Johnson left the meeting believing he had succeeded. Insiders said Ms Leadsom had signed a letter supporting his leadership bid. She would be unveiled as the big surprise at his launch event, with Mr Gove introducing her as the newest convert, and Ms Leadsom introducing Mr Johnson. The invitations to Mr Johnson's launch event were duly texted to journalists by Mr Gove's special adviser Henry Newman. That evening, the Conservative Party's Summer Ball was held at the Hurlingham Club in London. Mr Johnson had 97 MPs unofficially backing him by then, but his supporters were worried it would not be enough if the Tories' 200-plus other MPs united behind a "stop Boris" candidate. Mr Cameron used the ball to make a speech in which he thanked his predecessors for their support, and hoped his successor would enjoy the same relationship (knowing full well that Sir John Major had told the Andrew Marr programme that Mr Johnson should not be PM). After the ball Mr Gove and his wife returned to their home in Ladbroke Grove, west London, with Mr Gove's three special advisers Henry Cook, Henry Newman and Beth Armstrong, as well as a surprise guest: Nick Boles, the business minister and key Boris backer. At 5.30pm that day Mr Boles had been at the home of Nigel Adams MP, working on Mr Johnson's leadership campaign. At 11.30pm, according to one report, he was seen helping Mr Johnson into his car after the ball. Now, as midnight approached, he was deep in conversation with Mr Gove, conspiratorially discussing whether Mr Johnson was a busted flush. According to one account, Mr Boles and Mr Gove also knew by then that Ms Leadsom had changed her mind about backing Mr Johnson. Mr Gove said Ms Leadsom's decision, coupled with Mr Johnson's "Brexit lite" stance in his Telegraph column, had convinced him that Boris had to be stopped, and he was the man to do it. Mr Boles, the first to be told by Mr Gove that he was going to run against Mr Johnson, instantly switched his backing and agreed to chair his campaign. Others involved in discussions about Mr Gove running are understood to have included Oliver Dowden, Mr Cameron's deputy chief of staff until he was elected an MP last year; the former Tory front bencher Lord Maude and Lady Finn, a personal friend of Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne. Mr Gove and those closest to him agreed that Mr Johnson's team would be called at 9am on Thursday. By 9.02 they had emailed journalists to make the formal announcement of Mr Gove's candidature. Mr Johnson is understood to have known nothing until he heard it on the news. "Events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me," Mr Gove said in his statement. "I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead." All of a sudden, the leaking of the Sarah Vine email did not seem so accidental after all. In Westminster, lobby journalists were reminding each other of Lenin's famous comment that: "There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen." Except in this case, the time frame was hours, not weeks. With two hours to go until Mr Johnson's launch event, support for him was starting to collapse. Dominic Raab MP, who had authored an article in that day's Sun newspaper lauding Mr Johnson as a "natural born winner", announced he was switching to Mr Gove. With Mr Boles also gone, one Johnson supporter said: "He hasn't been double crossed, he has been triple crossed. This seems to have been a pretty well developed, quite creepy operation." Sources have told The Daily Telegraph that Mr Gove had told Theresa May about his intention to run even before he told Sir Lynton Crosby, such was the cold-bloodedness of the ambush. Mrs May looked understandably chipper when she launched her own leadership bid at 9.30am. To a standing ovation from around 50 MPs, she entered the room at the Royal United Services Institute on Whitehall dressed from head to toe in tartan, to appeal the better to Scots angry at the Leave vote. Her performance was masterful: if anyone doubted Mrs May had the ruthlessness required to be Prime Minister, they would soon have their answer. She was not, she said, a "showy" politician enamoured of "gimmicks" (instantly conjuring an image of Mr Johnson dangling from a zip wire), she did not go drinking in the Commons bars or tour the TV studios, "I just get on with the job in front of me". No-one needed subtitles to explain who she was referring to. Mrs May also knows that the most devastating thing you can do to an opponent is to turn them into a laughing stock. Asked about her ability to negotiate with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, Mrs May listed her own statesmanlike achievements in Europe, then added "Boris negotiated in Europe. I seem to remember last time he did a deal with the Germans, he came back with three nearly-new water cannon." The room erupted with laughter. Johnson-backer Nigel Evans MP was asked whether Mrs May had stabbed Mr Johnson in the front after Mr Gove had stabbed him in the back. "That's about it," he said. "It makes House of Cards look like Teletubbies." Over at camp Boris, MPs were withdrawing their support by the minute. The 97 backing him were now down to 47, and Mr Johnson's team realised they had been undone by what they referred to as a "cuckoo nest plot". For months Mr Johnson had nurtured Mr Gove's grand plan for Brexit, only to be kicked out when it finally hatched. Mr Johnson, feeling "sad, disappointed and betrayed", according to one source, decided he could not go on. "Boris took the view that he did not want a nuclear war in the Conservative Party between him and Michael Gove," said one insider. "It would split the party." He could muster just 25 MPs to attend his announcement, all of whom arrived in the Cloister Room at St Ermin's Hotel thinking they were backing the next prime minister. None of them had any idea of what was about to happen. Mr Johnson borrowed from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar at the start of his speech, paraphrasing the words of Brutus as he said now was "a time not to fight the tide of history but to take that tide at the flood and sail on to fortune". For those paying attention, Brutus's words were a subtle hint. Et tu Michael? Then fall, Boris. The next Tory leader, he said, would have to unify the party and make Britain stand tall in the world. "But I must tell you, my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punchline of this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that that person cannot be me." "What?!" spluttered some of the MPs who had turned out to back him. Others gasped, some began crying. Mr Johnson did not wait for questions at the end. He left the room, using a door whose emergency exit sign had shrewdly (and probably illegally) been covered up by his team to avoid an obvious photo opportunity. Later in the day Mr Gove spoke to the BBC to explain his actions. He said: "In the last four days I had a chance to see up close and personal how Boris dealt with some of the decisions we needed to make in order to take this country forward. During that period I had hoped that Boris would rise to the occasion - but I saw him seek to meet and not pass those tests. "I also thought ultimately, can I recommend to my friends that this person is right to be prime minister?" The answer was no. He added: "I think I'll be clear to Boris when I explain to him one-to-one exactly why I've acted as I have. But I'm explaining to you and I'm explaining to my parliamentary colleagues and I'll explain to anyone who asks why I think I am the right person to be prime minister." Jerusalem: A Palestinian teenager scrambled over a fence surrounding a Jewish settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, ran into a house and stabbed an Israeli-American girl to death as she slept in her bed on Thursday morning. The perpetrator, Mohammad Tarayreh, 19, was fatally shot after the attack. The victim, Hallel Yaffa Ariel, 13, had been sleeping in after staying up late for a dance performance the night before. Her father found her in her room, according to the Israeli news media and the head of the settlement's volunteer security team. Rina Ariel touches the body of her slain daughter Hallel, 13, during her funeral inside the Jewish West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. Credit:AP The killing, in the Kiryat Arba settlement, was the latest in a series of attacks that surged in October and have left more than 30 Israelis dead. Several of the victims, including Hallel, have been dual citizens of the United States, according to the US State Department. More than 210 Palestinians have also been killed, many while carrying out attacks or when thought to be about to do so. Latest News ANZ to launch digital home loans Full-year results show loan turnaround times 'back to normal' ASIC appeals dismissal of petition against CBA and Colonial First State The case is over allegations of breached conflicted remuneration laws A national broker group has just wrapped up its nation-wide mortgage broking careers seminars, and it says the industry can be confident as to where the new talent is coming from.Speaking to Australian Broker, Graeme Salt, director of Origin Finance and certified mentor with Origins training company, Walker & Miller Training Services, said new entrants are coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds with diverse ways of thinking about the industry.Some are allied professionals, such as accountants, while others are looking for a career change, Salt said.Others see that there is an opportunity to develop a broking business on a part-time basis.Over the past year, Salt and Origin Finance CEO, Doug Daniell, have travelled to each capital city to conduct these mortgage careers seminars, which Salt said attracted strong demand.According to Salt, many new entrants are attracted to the industry after positive experiences with mortgage brokers themselves.Most have had positive personal experience of brokers and see it as a viable career, Salt said.In general, its the remuneration and personal satisfaction [that attracts them].With an ASIC remuneration review currently underway, many in the industry are concerned it may turn new entrants away. However, when asked whether new-to-industry brokers were aware or concerned about the review, Salt said new entrants are more concerned about the property market than the remuneration.Increasingly yes, they are aware [of the review]. However, if there are any negative concerns, its about their local property markets, he said.We had 30 people at Perth who did talk about the property downturn. Similarly, Adelaide attendees were concerned about a flat market. latest news October 3, 2022 Dee Gambit Hundreds if not thousands of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ... UB Dentals clinic on wheels to bring a week of dental care to Buffalo River community The 42-foot dental clinic is outfitted with three dental chairs, an X-ray imaging machine, a sanitization center and more. Photo: Douglas Levere BUFFALO, N.Y. The University at Buffalo mobile dental van is on the move, soon travelling to the Valley Community Center to bring healthy smiles to the Buffalo River community. For five days, the 42-foot dental clinic will provide a range of affordable oral health care services, including cleanings, fillings and educational outreach. The mobile unit is outfitted with three dental chairs, an X-ray imaging machine, a sanitization center and more. The services will be available from July 11-15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Valley Community Center at 93 Leddy St. in Buffalo. Patients of any age are welcome. Medicaid, and Child and Family Health Plus are accepted. The program is provided through S-miles To Go, an initiative led by the UB School of Dental Medicine that aims to deliver access to oral health care to underserved areas in Western New York. The initiative also serves as an opportunity to train dental students and introduce them to the challenges faced by patients who lack access to dental care. The mobile dental van has served the oral health needs of the local community for 15 years, providing more than 38,000 patient visits. For more information about S-Miles To Go, visit https://dental.buffalo.edu/CommunityOutreach/MobileDentalVan.aspx or call UB Dental at 829-2732. Entertainment / Music by Bongani Ndlovu AWARD winning South African group MiCasa are set to perform in Bulawayo for the first time with a show at the Amphitheatre on August 5.Following sold out shows in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia, Zimbabwe will see the Jika hit-makers serenading Bulawayo fans courtesy of Sopranos Coffee Shop of Harare."First Time Ever in Byo MiCasa Live in Concert. SA best house band unlocking Africa. Sold out shows Rwanda, Malawi, Lesotho Byo why should you be any different?"Launch tickets will be out soon and the price will be $10.00 for standard and $20.00 for VIP. There will be a limited amount of launch tickets (200 standard and 50 VIP). Once the launch tickets are sold then the price will be Standard $15 and VIP $25.00. VIP entitles you to near stage seating, VIP bar and toilet, if you purchase a t-shirt you will get a selfie with MiCasa. T-shirts will be sold for $10.00 all sizes," posted Sopranos.Also a debate is raging on its Facebook page on what is the appropriate price for tickets, with many saying $10 for standard and $20 for VIP is the norm in Bulawayo.Sources close to the organisers say preparations for the show have kicked off."The organisers are only waiting for clearance from the relevant authorities so that they can start a full on marketing regime for the show," said the source.The multi SA award winning group consists of three members, Dr. Duda (producer) and pianist, J'Something (vocalist and guitarist), and Mo-T (trumpeter).The band was formed in early 2011 in Johannesburg when all three future members were at a night lounge and decided to perform together.A few months later, they released an album titled Micasa Music, which "went gold" quickly and won several awards at the 18th Annual MTN South Africa Music Awards in 2012.The band has received a lot of praise, attention and recognition since their breakthrough in the late 2011. Their hit single "These Streets" was taken from the album "Mi Casa Music" which showcased their creativity by mixing jazz and house music.The group seems to be stuck at the top and people love their music worldwide with their latest collaboration with DJ Tira and Big Nuz in a song called "Barman" causing waves. 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. Six people convicted of a Beatrice woman's 1985 rape and murder, later tied by DNA to another man, told a jury to send a message to Gage County and those behind the cold-case investigation that it must never happen again. The emotional closing argument Thursday in a federal courtroom in Lincoln ended up being cause for a judge's reprimand, followed by the other side seeking a mistrial after the jury left for the day. "This is not a whiplash in a car crash," attorney Maren Chaloupka told jurors before they began deliberations. This was about throwing away the lives of six people Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Tom Winslow, Deb Shelden, James Dean and Kathy Gonzalez like Kleenex so investigators Burt Searcey and Jerry DeWitt and prosecutor Dick Smith "could look like heroes," she said. Searcey, a county sheriff's deputy, led the investigation; DeWitt, who since has died, was sheriff; and Smith was the county attorney who in 1989 prosecuted the criminal cases surrounding Helen Wilson's rape and murder on Feb. 6, 1985. Jurors could find against each defendant individually or against any of the three plus Gage County, if they believe DeWitt knowingly allowed the reckless investigation or fabrication of false evidence, or that he or the others conspired with Smith to allow it. Chaloupka asked the jury to award the six at least half a million dollars for each year they spent in prison more than $37.5 million total. Jurors began deliberations at 1:30 p.m. and went home at 5 p.m. Thursday without a verdict. They continued their deliberation Friday. Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios, an attorney for Gage County and the investigators, called the $37.5 million figure outrageous, arguing jurors shouldn't even find her clients liable for damages. Searcey and the others were just part of the criminal justice process, not the entire justice system, she argued. "In fact, once the trip began, it was really out of the hands of our clients," she said. Smith was dropped from the suit early on because he has absolute immunity as a prosecutor. He was in the driver's seat, Whittamore-Mantzios said, and DeWitt was just along for the ride. Chaloupka said it was jurors' job to say "that this is not normal, that this must never happen again, that the harm is too catastrophic." Shortly after, she asked the plaintiffs and their supporters to stand. The move later drew a reprimand from Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf, who also took issue with Chaloupka showing jurors a screen that said "Innocent." Guilt or innocence isn't for this jury to decide. Gage County's attorneys then filed a motion for a mistrial over both. Kopf denied the request Friday morning, saying he didn't think any of Chaloupka's actions would "make a whit of difference to the jury." Jennifer Tomka, co-counsel for the Gage County side, said Searcey was just being diligent in his persistence to solve the crime and was limited by the technology available to him in 1989. "Deputy Searcey did the best job he could do with what he had," she said. And Whittamore-Mantzios pointed elsewhere: to the judge who signed affidavits for their arrests; to the Beatrice police, who failed to retest Bruce Smith's blood sample; to the jury that heard White's criminal trial; even to the Nebraska Supreme Court that initially affirmed his conviction. She said this jury could believe the greatest wrong had occurred and still not punish her clients. But if by chance the jury did find in the Beatrice 6's favor, Whittamore-Mantzios said they should limit damages to $1.4 million at most. She downplayed the idea Winslow should get more money because he was sexually assaulted repeatedly in prison after being labeled by inmates as a man who raped and killed an elderly woman. Other things, like how Winslow speaks in "an effeminate manner," marked him as a victim, she said. Chaloupka said attorneys for the investigators could've come in and just defended their thought processes at the time, "but thats not what they did." "Youve seen zero acknowledgment that the convictions were wrongful," she said. Her co-counsel, Jeff Patterson, said all evidence used to convict them was false: Searcey put false and misleading information in affidavits for their arrest without concern for the consequences. Dr. Wayne Price, a psychologist and reserve deputy, got confessions based on the dreams of mentally ill people. And Smith didn't want to do DNA testing or tell defense attorneys about the possibility because he knew what it would show. "The only thing that concerned them was getting pleas and getting convictions," Patterson said. He said they ignored objective, scientific evidence collected from the crime scene in 1984 that said the murderer and rapist had Type B blood and was a non-secreter. They pressured and bullied, and when that failed they brought in Price, he said. The closing arguments ended with Norfolk attorney Doug Stratton, who took White's case when he still was in prison and trying to get the DNA testing that eventually freed him. Stratton said the six were kids in 1989, when their lives were destroyed by the worst miscarriage of justice in Nebraska's history. For the investigators, he said, the aim was personal glory, not justice: "It certainly was not a journey for truth." Accountancy and tax services firm SKS Business Services has secured 48 million in financing to fund its ongoing buy-and-build acquisition strategy. The financing package, comprised of debt and equity, has been provided by European investment company Kartesia. SKS was founded in 2007 and now provides accountancy, tax and finance services to more than 12,000 UK-based SMEs. Over the past ...continue reading In a letter, more than 100 Noble laureates have slammed Greenpeace for opposing biotechnological innovations in and urged the environment NGO to end its opposition to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) technology. In the letter, scientists have claimed that organisations opposed to modern plant breeding, with Greenpeace at their lead, have misrepresented GMOs risks, benefits, and impacts, and supported the criminal destruction of approved field trials and research projects. Mick Minchows tractors are marvels of modern machinery. They have air conditioning, guidance systems, satellite radio and more sensors than he can shake a corn cob at, all kept running by computer systems and software. But there's one thing the Waverly farmer doesn't have: the right to fix his John Deere 8235 R if it goes on the fritz. Gone are the days when farmers could be their own mechanics. Just taking a peek under the metaphorical hood of the computers that run the big tractor could put Minchow in violation of the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Its the same for digital products from cellphones to printers to concrete crushers that rely on computer programs to run. Nebraska is one of four states to consider legislation that would require manufacturers to make diagnostic, service and technical information available to farmers and independent repair technicians. The others are Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York. While the Nebraska Fair Repair Bill (LB1072) failed to gain traction before senators adjourned this spring, the issue is far from dead. It has been referred to the Agriculture Committee for study over the summer, and advocates are pushing for the bill to be reintroduced during the next session. Now, the makers of off-road and farm equipment and many consumer electronics require their products to be repaired by certified technicians. That means if Minchows tractor stops working he has no choice but to call the dealer. He cant check the system codes himself to decide whether its an easy fix like changing a filter or something more complicated. And that grinds the Waverly-area farmers gears. I want it to be my call. I dont want to have to make two trips to the service department -- one to diagnose it and one to fix it, said Minchow, who has been farming north of Waverly for more than 40 years. And as dealerships have closed or consolidated, he said, technicians have gotten further away and service bills more expensive. John Deere, in a 2014 comment to the U.S. Copyright Office, said the people who buy its tractors dont own the software that makes them run. Instead, each has an implied license for the life of the vehicle to operate the vehicle. In some cases, the company said, software could be subject to third-party restrictions and accessing it could violate copyright, trade secret or contractual rights. But farmers work when they can, and every hour matters when storms, frost and mud leave them with few suitable days. A malfunctioning combine can bring the fall harvest to a standstill. Waiting for a dealer to diagnose and fix a problem could mean hours, days or weeks lost. Proponents of Nebraskas Fair Repair Bill say it would let farmers work on their own equipment and allow independent mechanics to help get machines running quicker. The Nebraska Farm Bureau, the states largest agriculture advocacy group, has not taken a stance on the issue but its members are talking about it, said Jordan Dux, the state Farm Bureaus director of national affairs. For the time being, we remain neutral on it but that very well might change as we work through our policy development process, he said during a recent web forum. Some Farm Bureau members, Dux said, are concerned about taking business away from dealerships at a time when the ag economy has slowed and few farmers are buying new machinery. Keeping those dealerships in their communities is important, he said. Repairs are going to be the way a lot of these dealerships are going to make money for the time being simply because folks arent buying a lot of new equipment. Another concern, Dux said, centers on what farmers should do if they buy equipment and find the previous owner made changes to the software they dont like. Kyle Wiens, a software engineer and leading figure in the national Right to Repair movement, said in the same web seminar that new owners of used equipment would have what they need to restore factory defaults if manufacturers provided diagnostic tools and software. John Hansen, president of the states second largest agricultural advocacy organization, the Nebraska Farmers Union, supports the Right to Repair efforts saying farmers should have the same option to get their tractor fixed by an independent mechanic as they do when they need to get their truck fixed. This is a fairness issue. Folks in agriculture shouldnt be singled out and treated differently than the automotive customers or truck customers, Hansen said in the web forum. Competition is what makes our system of economics better. When you take competition out of the equation there is almost always a reduction in choice and quality and an increase in cost to the consumer. Planning to double its 2.5% market share in the smartphone space in India, will be strengthening its premium range of phones in India this month onwards. This move will not just pull up its average monthly sales of 2,00,000 units but will also result in atleast 20% higher price realisation from average sales. Adani Transmission, the countrys largest private power transmitter, will buy into two transmission projects of the GMR group. This comes almost two months after a Malaysian power utility agreed to buy 30 per cent in 10 power generation assets of the debt-ridden GMR Energy Ltd (GEL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure Ltd (GIL), for $300 million. Co said on Thursday it had rejected a $23 billion takeover bid by Mondelez International Inc that would seek to expand the latter's limited U.S. footprint and create the world's largest confectioner. The snub underscores the challenges Mondelez Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld faces in wooing Hershey's controlling shareholder, the Trust, a $12 billion charity created by the eponymous company's founder a century ago. The maker of Hershey's Kisses and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups saw its shares trade above Mondelez's bid of $107 per share in cash and stock, indicating investors expected a new offer. A merger of two of the world's top five candy makers would add Hershey's strong U.S. business to Mondelez's global footprint. Earlier, a source said that Mondelez had sought to provide assurances to that it would keep its name and preserve jobs. Mondelez sees little antitrust risk given the limited geographic overlap of the two companies' businesses, the source added. "The board of directors of the company unanimously rejected the indication of interest and determined that it provided no basis for further discussion between Mondelez and the company," Hershey said in a statement. Hershey shares ended trading on Thursday up 16.8% at $113.49, while Mondelez rose 5.9% to $45.51. Mondelez, the maker of Oreos cookies, is the second-largest confectionary company globally, while Hershey ranks number five. Their merger would put them in the top place at 18% of the market, according to market research firm Euromonitor International Ltd. The combined company would leapfrog Mars Inc, which has 13.3% of the global market. A fusion of the two would give Mondelez control over the production and distribution of Cadbury brand chocolates in the United States, which Hershey currently holds the license to produce, paying royalties to Mondelez. It would also give Mondelez the U.S. production and distribution rights for Kit Kat, one of the most popular chocolate brands in the world, which industry sources said would be a significant boost to Mondelez. Nestle SA manufactures Kit Kat worldwide, but Hershey has the rights in the United States, paying Nestle royalties from sales. Mondelez's bid could put pressure on Nestle to consider its own bid for Hershey. Upon change of control at Hershey, the license would revert back to Nestle for free, depriving value for a potential acquirer. HERSHEY TRUST TROUBLE The bid pits Deerfield, Illinois-based Mondelez against the Hershey Trust, one of Pennsylvania's wealthiest charities. The trust has about 81% of Hershey's voting rights and in 2002 prevented the Hershey, Pennsylvania-based company from being acquired by Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co for $12 billion. Pennsylvania's attorney general also sued to block the Wrigley deal, arguing it would hurt the local community. Created by Hershey founder Milton Hershey to provide for the Milton Hershey School, a private school for children from low-income families, the trust has been the subject of an investigation recently by Pennsylvania's attorney general over conflicts of interest and mismanagement. The trust's chief compliance officer was put on leave last month after a leaked memo showed the board had spent nearly $4 million investigating conflicts of interest and insider-trading accusations against board members. A top trust official was also sacked in May and pled guilty to wire fraud. STARTING POINT Tigress Financial Partners LLC analyst Philip Van Deusen said he expected the offer price to increase, given the rise in Hershey's shares. "I think ($107) is a good starting place," he said. Analysts have been skeptical of takeover bids for Hershey in the past. "The Trust ... is outwardly very committed to keeping the company independent," Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard said in June last year. "So it's pretty much impossible for an activist to get involved or for the company to be bought." Last year, William Ackman revealed his activist hedge fund Pershing Square had built a stake worth about $5.5 billion in Mondelez, in what was seen as an attempt to push the company to boost earnings or sell itself. Ackman joined fellow activist Nelson Peltz as an investor in Mondelez. Tata groups Company Ltd (IHCL), one of the countrys largest and oldest hotel chains, said its subsidiary, Samsara Properties, had sold 5.1 per cent in Belmond (formerly Orient Express Hotels) for $49.57 million (Rs 337 crore). A double-digit decline in sales of the countrys largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, pulled down the growth of the domestic passenger vehicle industry to sub-three per cent in June. The industrys sales had grown six per cent in June last year. The May 2016 growth was identical. June was a mixed bag and growth was limited to Hyundai, M&M (Mahindra and Mahindra), Tata Motors, Renault, Ford, and Nissan. The surprise element was Toyota, with its first double-digit growth in more than a year. All these have launched one or more new products in the past one year. Maruti, which has a 48 per cent market share, saw its first double-digit monthly sales decline in recent history after it lost several days of production due to a disruption in component supply and a six-day maintenance shutdown. The companys domestic sales slipped 10.2 per cent. The companys June domestic sales stood at 92,133 units against 102,626 units in the same month last year. All segments of vehicles barring utility vehicles saw a decline. The companys stock price closed at Rs 4,165.8, down 0.46 per cent from the previous days close while the BSE Sensex gained 0.54 per cent. The company expects to recover the production loss during the course of the year, Maruti said. Maruti Suzuki, the countrys largest car maker, has seen its first double digit monthly sales decline in recent history as it lost production due to disruption in component supply and a maintenance shutdown. The companys sales in the domestic market slipped 10.2% in June, while exports saw a deeper cut of 45%. The impact of decline in Marutis domestic sales will reflect in the overall industrys performance during June as the Delhi-based company enjoys a 48% market share. The service tax department has rejected the online auction of the Vijay Mallyas luxury jet Airbus 319 in Mumbai as a solitary bidder had placed a bid of Rs 1.09 crore. The e-auction for Mallyas private plane closed on June 30. Trafigura Group Pte is in talks to acquire a minority stake in Essar Oil Ltd, Indias second-largest private refiner, in a deal that could value the business at about $6.5 billion, people with knowledge of the matter said. Minority stake is a shareholding of less than 50 per cent of a company's equity capital which is not a controlling stake. 15% stake Trafigura Group Pte is discussing the purchase of at least a 15% stake in Essar Oil Minority stake Is a shareholding of less than 50% of a company's equity capital ... Thirty persons were killed and several others were missing as torrential rains and landslides hit Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts in the wee hours today, burying villages in sludge with many residents trapped under the debris. According to a Times of India report, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to chief minister Harish Rawat on phone and took stock of the situation arising out of the cloudburst and heavy rains in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts. "NDRF teams have been rushed to the areas affected by cloudburst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert," Singh said. Singh assured Rawat of all possible assistance to deal with the situation.While eight persons were killed in cloudburst in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district. Two persons were swept away by the muddy waters and debris rushing down the slopes into Siron village in Chamoli. One person was killed in Ghat block and another in Sithel village in similar circumstances, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said, adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. The cloudburst in Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials. "We have recovered five bodiesfrom Singhali area while threebodies have been recovered from Thal village. The searchfor others is on by rescue partiesconsisting of armyand paramilitary personnel," Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. A scene after a cloudburst hit Singhali area near Pithoragarh. Photo: PTI "25 persons, missing from over seven villages of Singhali area in Didiihat sub division of Pithoragarh district, are being traced with the help of ITBP, SSB andPithoragarh district police," said district disaster management officer R S Rana who was on the spot. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is is Delhi, expressed grief at the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the families of the victims. "Many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought by the heavy rains. ITBP, SDRF and paramilitary personnel are involved in rescue work," he said. "I am personally monitoring the situation from here. Chief Secretary too is keeping tab...We will give them (kin of victims) immediate compensation of Rs two lakh as per norms," he said in Delhi. According todisaster management office sources, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla andThal villages which are under heavydebris with many people feared trapped under it. The rescuers are trying their best tolocate the people, Rana said. The MeT department in Dehradun hadyesterday warned of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hoursstarting this morning. Light to moderate rains are also likely to occur at most places during the period, it had said. Retiring Judge Paul Korslund was honored with the New Hope Community Outreach's Hero Award by President Matthew Shea for his "outstanding moral leadership, selfless acts of services to those most vulnerable in our community and ... for the way he has shaped our community ... way for the past 20-plus years," the organization stated in a press release. A jawan allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself from his service rifle at his camp in the Naxal violence affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Officials said the incident was reported early Thursday morning when constable Tejvir Singh (32) of the 217th battalion of the force allegedly shot himself with his official INSA rifle at the Central Reserve Police Force camp in Konta area. They said Singh was on sentry duty when the incident occurred. The jawan hailed from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and was part of the deployment in the anti-Naxal operations grid in the state. Reversing the stand of his subordinates, and existing regulations, the secretary, tribal affairs ministry, has said forest land can be diverted for mining and other industrial purposes if no claims have so far been lodged for community ownership by tribals and other forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). In a rare public appearance on Friday, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma added a new dimension to the ongoing debate on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the banking system in general. State-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) has signed pacts with two firms for construction of four silos at an estimated cost of Rs 165 crore to store . The silos would have a combined storage capacity of about 1,75,000 tonnes. Two months after successfully renegotiating its tax treaty with Mauritius, the government has successfully come to an agreement with on source-based taxes for capital gains, to take effect from the next financial year. The Maharashtra government is moving to end the compulsion on farmers to sell their produce only at wholesale markets run by Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC). The Tri County Area Blood Drive was held Monday, June 20 at the Plymouth Community Center. The drive brought in 70 potential donors to the area. The American Red Cross was able to collect 66 units of blood. The first-time donors were Ann Rumbaugh and Jim Damrow. There were also several who had not given in many years. The Red Cross offered a "huge thank you" to all those who take the time to donate blood or volunteer time. Without the donors or volunteers, these drives would not be successful. Donors included: Carol Amundson Janet Bock Brenda Ebke Suzanne Heidemann Tana Hofstetter Pat Pohlmann Dave Pohlmann Danielle Schmidt Paul Shada Doug Stokebrand Kenny Ames Kyle Baade Chris Bare Tom Bartels Brian Burger Reynaldo Campos Vickie Christ Ronnie Collins Amanda Connelly Jim Damrow Randy Ebke JNan Ensz Riley Ensz Alex Fehringer Gary Frantz Stacey Freese Anna Gronenthal Don Grummert Robin Hahn Nancy Heidemann Jamie Hespen Jack Holtmeier Mike Holtmeier Les Kolman Shayna Lijewski Greg Meints Ken Meints Fred Meyer Wendy Moeller Jane Niemeier Dani Olberding Arlyn Parde Elaine Parde Erik Pearson Pat Riley Ann Rumbaugh Brett Scheiding Marge Schmidt Sharon Sellenrick David Smisek Gail Smisek Jane Stokebrand Shauna VanWinkle Gary Vorderstrasse Jenny Washburn Barry Weichel Andrea Weichel Vern Weichel Pat Wollenburg Marilyn Kolman Marc Wasserman Elaine Schroeder Angie Zulauf Mardel Priefert Delma Bergmeier Cynthia Dorn Jess Wollenburg Jahzeel Espino-Coats Dennis Werner Joyce Shutts Kelly Pflanz Casey Wehrman Volunteers/Donations: Mary Fanders Elaine Schroeder Lois Meints Les Kolman Allen Schroeder Barry Weichel Amanda Connelly Kay Weichel Farmland Foods St. Pauls Ladies Aid Prairie Egg Ranch Plymouth Improvement Association The communities of DeWitt and Plymouth, together with Tri County Schools, are collaborating to offer six local blood drives. There is a great need for blood and without the time and dedication of these individuals, the area would not be able to offer such opportunities. The next area blood drive is in August at the DeWitt Community Center. More information will be announced closer to the time. Tamil Nadu has retained its position as the country's top tourist destination in terms of visits, both domestic and foreign, according to data compiled by the Ministry of . The total domestic tourist visits to the States and Union Territories in the country increased by 11.63 per cent, while total foreign tourist visits were up 4.4 per cent in 2015, compared to the previous year. According to the compiled by the Market Research Division of the Ministry of on domestic and foreign tourist visits to States/Union Territories (UTs) received from Departments of of various State Governments and UT Administrations, Tamil Nadu has registered 333.5 million domestic tourist visits in 2015. It was followed by Uttar Pradesh (204.9 million), Andhra Pradesh (121.6 million), Karnataka (119.9 million), Maharashtra (103.4 million), Telangana (94.5 million), Madhya Pradesh (78 million), West Bengal (70.2 million), Gujarat(36.3 million) and Rajasthan (35.2 million). Tejas is a 4th generation fighter aircraft indigenously developed in the country after technology gap of around two decades of HF Marut by DRDO. Its development by LCA (Tejas) team at ADA, an autonomous society of DRDO is unique in the light of the fact that there was no infrastructure base and negligible technological base available in the country for undertaking development of a modern combat aircraft. . . Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) programme was actually sanctioned in April 1993. The historic maiden flight of the first Technology Demonstrator (TD1) took place on January 04, 2001. The scope of FSED Phase 1 was to demonstrate the technologies so that a decision could be taken to build operational proto vehicles, at a later stage. LCA FSED Phase 1 was completed on March 31, 2004 with all objectives of technology development achieved. With efficient management of funds, four aircraft (TD1, TD2, PV1, & PV2) have been built within the funds sanctioned for two aircraft development. While Phase 1 programme was in progress, the Government in November 2001 decided to concurrently go ahead with the build of operational proto vehicles in LCA FSED Phase 2 programme. . . The scope of FSED Phase 2 programme was to build three prototypes of operational aircraft including trainers and also to build the infrastructure required for producing eight aircraft per year and build eight Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft. The Phase 2 programme has been split into two phases namely, Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC). Standard of Preparation of operational aircraft was finalized in 2004 with changes in weapons, sensors and avionics to meet IAF requirements and overcome obsolescence. . . LCA has accomplished about 3200 flights, testifies the point that it is a reliable aircraft and that the LCA Programme is now racing smoothly toward achieving FOC after attaining IOC in December 2013. . . Action for induction of Tejas into IAF has been initiated. As of now, IAF has placed order in 2006 for 20 Tejas aircraft in IOC configuration and another 20 aircraft in FOC configuration in 2010. Aircraft build is in progress. Maiden flight of first Series Production (SP1) Tejas aircraft of IOC configuration took place on September 30, 2014 and handed over to the Indian Air Force by the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar on January 17, 2015. Maiden flight of Second Series Production (SP2) Tejas aircraft of IOC configuration took place on March 22, 2016. Further SP aircraft will be delivered progressively by HAL to IAF for induction. . . Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG ADA Dr. S Christopher, said that LCA Programme has been unique in bringing together stakeholders and partners within and outside the country. HAL has been the Principal Partner, with participation and support of IAF, IN, DRDO, CSIR, CEMILAC, DGAQA, PSUs, academic institutions, private establishments, etc." . . He said Team Tejas is proud that an idea in late 1980s is today turning into a reality of having our own fighter aircraft". Dr. S Christopher also further stated that this critical milestone could be achieved only due to the initiative of the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar. . . NW/NAo/Nampi/RAJ PM expresses pride and happiness over the induction of Tejas fighter jet . The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed pride and happiness over the induction of Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force. Prime Minister also lauded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) on the induction of Tejas. . . Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride and happiness. . . I laud HAL and ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills and strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing", the Prime Minister said. . . President of India congratulates DRDO on the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile . The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile. . . In a message to Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development & Director General, DRDO, the President has said, "I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel. . . The nation is proud of the achievement made by the DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost Indias indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas. . . Kindly convey my greetings and felicitations to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, and all others involved in this mission. Our nation is grateful for their hard work and proud of their achievement". . . Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, held a high level meeting to review the preparedness of the Government in prevention and control of Dengue in the country, here today. The Minister said that the Government has taken all the necessary steps to combat dengue in the upcoming monsoon season. He stated the Ministry has already issued ten advisories to the State Governments for prevention and control of Dengue. The Ministry has also has held eight review meetings including two video conferences to sensitize the States, the Health Minister said. . . Taking stock of the situation, Shri Nadda was briefed on the ongoing preparations of the Health Ministry. The Health Minister was informed that for augmenting diagnostic facility for Dengue, the number of Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs) has been increased to 527 till date. These are linked with 15 Apex Referral Laboratories with advanced diagnostic facilities. ELISA based IgM test kits are supplied by GoI through National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. The Health Minister also reviewed the awareness activities of the Ministry and said that there is an urgent need to further enhance them for widespread awareness of Dengue in the country. . . During the meeting the Health Minister directed the officers to conduct supervisory visits to various hospitals in Delhi for assessing the situation, preparedness and to provide on the spot technical guidance to the health authorities. The Minister has also directed to organize meeting through video conferencing with the State Health Ministers to review the situation. The Minister will also hold meetings with the Delhi Municipal Corporation and New Delhi Municipal Corporation to review the Situation in Delhi. . . Shri B P Sharma, Secretary (Health), B D Athani, Special DGHS, and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present in the meeting. . . Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has strongly pitched for US investments in urban sector in India explaining the opportunities under new initiatives of the Government to a host of US policy makers, officials and corporate. Shri Naidu, who is on a visit to the US, held a series of meetings and interactions in New York yesterday giving details of the process of urban renaissance set in motion in India under new urban missions viz., Smart City Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) etc. . . Shri Venkaiah Naidu held extensive discussions with Shri Arun Kumar, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, former New York Mayor and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies Mr.Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor of New York Ms.Alicia Glen, officials of US Trade Development Agency, Chief Executives and senior officials of several leading corporate like AECOM, KPMG, IBM and Master Card besides addressing US-India Business Council. . . Shri Naidu explained the paradigm shift introduced for a concerted effort for urban development in India by empowering citizens and urban local bodies. Mr.Michael Bloomberg, whose Bloomberg Philanthropies is associated with holding Smart City Challenge competition in India and others acknowledged the new vigour and enthusiasm in India for recasting the countrys urban landscape and stated that it is a win-win situation for all. . . Shri Naidu held detailed discussions with the Deputy Mayor and officials of New York City on the innovative approaches and adoption of technology for delivering quality services to the citizens. The Minister gave a detailed account of similar efforts being made under Smart City Mission under the component of mandatory Pan-city solutions to enable better public information and service deliver and effective use of infrastructure. . . US companies have informed Shri Naidu that they are working on project proposals to take advantage of invest opportunities under Smart City Mission and other initiatives. . . United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) already Memoranda of Understanding with the Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh for assisting in developing Allhabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as Smart Cities. . . AAR . July 1,2016 With a third consecutive successful test-firing today, the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) air defence system has achieved a Hat-Trick. The missile was launched at 1020 hrs from the test range of ITR, Chandipur. The objective of todays mission was for maximum range and high maneuvering target. The missile guided by armoured seeker system hit the last minute maneuvering target. . . With this launch, MRSAM system has proved the air defence capability for three different boundary envelopes of the target. The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar congratulated the team DRDO, Air Force, IAI, Israel and associated Industries for the hat-trick success of MRSAM weapon system. . . NAo/Nampi/RAJ The grievous rise of conflict in West Asian country -- Iraq has left 36 lakh children, which is one in five of the countrys children at risk of death, injury, sexual violence or abduction, according to a recent report by United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef). Britain's decision to leave the European Union has created "significant uncertainty" that will have repercussions not only for UK and Europe, but the global economy, the Monetary Fund has warned. IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said the was likely to cause a dampening of growth in the near term, and urged policy makers to act decisively while dealing with the situation. " has created significant uncertainty, and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions also for Europe and the global economy," he said yesterday. Rice said policy makers need to stand ready to act, if the impact of financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty threaten to materially weaken the global outlook, adding that "decisive policies will make a difference." "Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in consumer and business confidence would mean even lower growth and again, policymakers in the UK and the EU have a key role to play in helping to reduce the uncertainty during this period," he said. Rice said the IMF sees the near-term risk for the UK, the EU and the global arising mainly from macroeconomic and financial market impact, and a sizeable increase in uncertainty, including on the political front. "One notable source of this uncertainty concerns the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and these relate to questions about how long it will take to decide those terms, how the new relationship will impact business, and other actors," he said. The IMF has encouraged both the UK and the EU to work collaboratively toward a smooth and predictable transition. He said the IMF "strongly supports" the commitments made and steps taken by major central banks, including the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, the US Fed and the Bank of Japan, among others, to provide liquidity and curtail excess financial volatility. A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday, in by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest murder in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Shymanondo Das was attacked around 6:30 a.m. in Jhenaidah. "Shymanondo was collecting flowers for worship when three assailants riding on a motorcycle attacked him with a machete," Jhenaidah police station officer-in-charge Hasan Hazijur Rahman said. "They hacked him mercilessly and fled the scene," Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying. There have been systematic assaults in in recent months specially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. On Jun 7, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in western Jhinaigah district while he was on his way to a temple. A Christian businessman was hacked to death on Jun 5 by unidentified machete-wielding men near a church, hours after the wife of the top anti-terror police officer was shot dead by religious extremists. In February, militants stabbed to death a Hindu priest at a temple in and shot and wounded a devotee who went to his aid. In April, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. In the same month, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by ISIS militants in his shop and Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. The ISIS and al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. India and have agreed to revise their tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied on sale of shares on investments made after April 1, 2017, thus bringing the island nation at par with Mauritius in terms of tax treatment on investments. According to an agreement reached between India and on June 29, investments made prior to April 1, 2017, will be grandfathered. "The provisional agreement would be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval, subsequent to which the new tax treaty can be signed by the two countries," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The new Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which has been agreed upon by both the countries, would provide for source-based taxation of capital gains on transfer of shares. "A grandfathering clause would be provided for investments made prior to April 1, 2017, in respect of which capital gains would be taxed in the country of which taxpayer is a resident," the statement added. The completion of the negotiation on avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion will also pave the way for the removal of Cyprus from the list of 'Notified Jurisdictional Areas' retrospectively from November 2013. "It was agreed that India will consider rescinding the said notification with effect from November 1, 2013, and will be initiating the process for the same," the statement said. On Thursday, the Cyprus Finance Ministry had issued a statement saying that India and Cyprus have "successfully" completed negotiations on the bilateral tax treaty in New Delhi on June 29. "Upgrading and expanding the network of Double Tax Conventions, is of high economic and political importance and aims to further strengthen and attract foreign investment in Cyprus as its standing an business centre is elevated," it had said. These steps will bring certainty and clarity for FDI investors, said Krishan Malhotra, Senior Partner, Dhruva Advisors. "Respecting the existing investments by introducing grandfathering provisions, considering to withdraw Cyprus as notified jurisdiction, and renegotiating the treaty by providing certainty way forward are very positive steps in the right direction," Malhotra said. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in the meeting, and hoped that it would lead to resolution of all pending matters at the earliest," the Finance Ministry statement said. PwC India Leader (Tax) Gautam Mehra said this will act as another welcome step towards providing certainty in tax. "The intent to grandfather existing investments, which is in line with a similar change proposed in the tax treaty with Mauritius, should provide comfort to existing investors. Further, the proposal to rescind the notification under section 94A with effect from November 1, 2013 is another positive resolution," Mehra said. In 2013, India had declared Cyprus as 'Notified Jurisdictional Area' under the I-T Act for refusing to provide information sought by tax authorities under the exchange of information provisions of the bilateral agreement of 1994. The notification imposed tougher conditions and withholding tax on investments coming from Cyprus. The revised agreement is expected to contribute to further develop the trade and economic links between Cyprus and India and also with other countries. India and Cyprus have a DTAA since 1994. Cyprus is a major source of foreign fund flows into the country. From April 2000 till March 2016, India received Foreign Direct Investment worth Rs 42,680.76 crore from Cyprus. India in May signed revised tax treaty with Mauritius under which capital gains will be levied on investments made after April 1, 2017. Following amendment of the 33-year old tax treaty, companies routing funds into India through Mauritius after March 31, 2017 will have to pay short-term capital gains tax at half the rate prevailing during the two-year transition period. The levy is currently at 15%. The full rate will kick in from April 1, 2019. Russian President Vladimir Putin officially lifted restrictions on tourism in Turkey after mending ties with Ankara over its downing of one of Moscow's warplanes. Putin signed a decree lifting a ban on the sale of package tours in Turkey and ordered the government to allow charter flights to start flying to the country again. The move signals a rapid reversal after seven months of acrimony between Moscow and Ankara over the downing of a Russian fighter jet in Syria last November. Putin pledged to lift the sanctions after speaking by phone to his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the first time since the incident. The Kremlin strongman has also ordered the government to normalise trade ties with Turkey, in a move that should see an embargo on some Turkish food lifted soon. The downing of the Russian plane near the Turkey-Syria border slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between Moscow and Ankara and sparked a bitter war of words between the leaders. The diplomatic breakthrough came after Erdogan on Monday sent a letter to the Kremlin leader that Moscow said contained an apology over the downing of the jet in November. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. The lifting of Moscow's package tour ban came after Turkey was hit by a triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's main airport on Tuesday which left at least 44 people dead. The race by automakers and technology firms to develop self-driving cars has been fuelled by the belief that computers can operate a vehicle more safely than human drivers. US regulators are examining SoftBank Group over allegations about Nikesh Arora's activities, before he resigned as president last week, according to people familiar with the matter. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) office in Los Angeles is looking into whether Arora had conflicts of interest or engaged in questionable behaviour as well as SoftBank's disclosures to investors, said the people, who asked not to be named because the matter isn't public. The opening of an SEC inquiry is typically a preliminary step and doesn't mean SoftBank or Arora, neither of whom ... A Taiwanese warship on Friday, 'mistakenly' fired a supersonic 'anti-ship missile' towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for . The 'accidental launch' of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Strait. Meanwhile in Beijing, figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. In a historic decision, the Pentagon has lifted the ban on Americans to serve in the United States military, a move which is being hailed across the country. "We are ending the ban on Americans in the United States military," Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told reporters at a Pentagon news conference. "Effective immediately, Americans may serve openly and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender," he said. He said the gender identity of an otherwise qualified individual will not bar them from military service or for any accession program. "In taking the steps, we are eliminating policies that can result in transgender members being treated differently from their peers based solely upon their gender identity rather than upon their ability to serve and we are confirming that going forward we will apply the same general principles, standards and procedures to transgender service members as we do to all serviced members," Carter said. According to a RAND study, there are about 2,500 people out of approximately 1.3 million active-duty service members and about 1,500 out of 8,25,000 reserve service numbers are transgender, with the upper end of their range of estimates of around 7,000 in the active component and 4,000 in the reserves. Lifting the ban on transgender Americans serving in uniform is an issue of fundamental fairness, Democrat leader Nancy Pelosi said. "No longer will transgender people in uniform suffer the injustice of being forced to leave the service because of who they are or their gender identity," she said. However the Republican party was critical of the decision claiming the Obama Administration is trying to implement its "social agenda". "Our military is facing historic readiness shortfalls, putting our service members' lives at greater risk. Addressing this crisis should be the sole focus of Obama administration but instead they continue to be more interested in forcing their social agenda through the DOD," Senator Jim Inhofe, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee said. The New York Times welcomed the decision. "For transgender troops who are serving openly now, these changes lift a cloud of uncertainty that held back careers and gave them little recourse when they were subjected to discriminatory and sometimes hostile treatment," the daily said in an editorial. Indian stock markets continued their winning streak for a fifth straight session, with Friday seeing the biggest weekly gain in five, buoyed by foreign institutional investor (FII) purchases and strength in global equities.Expectations of a good monsoon supported the rally, especially in consumer and automobile stocks.On Friday, the S&P BSE Sensex gained 145 points to close at 27,145; on the National Stock Exchange, the benchmark Nifty50 advanced 41 points to end at 8,328, after topping 8,350 in intra-day trade.Among the broader markets, both the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices, up 1.2 per cent and 0.7 per cent each, performed better than the front-liners.For the week ended Friday, the Nifty50 climbed 2.5 per cent; at the BSE, the Sensex rose 2.8 per cent, their biggest weekly gain since the one ending on May 27, brushing off Brexit concerns completely. Gaurang Shah, vice-president, Geojit BNP Paribas said, "The market continues to traverse an uptrend with the Nifty touching 8350 spot levels. Some profit booking was seen at higher levels on last trading day of week and first trading day of July after the F&O contracts expiry." It's the sentencing foul-up that keeps on giving. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has discovered more problems that resulted from a 2014 miscalculation of prison sentences. This spring, a department researcher reviewing sentences that had been riddled with mistakes in prior years found 15 inmates whose sentences were not adjusted, even after they were found to be wrong, Corrections Director Scott Frakes said Thursday. "The corrections were not made to their tentative release dates," Frakes said. "We knew what the problem was. We knew what the solution was. It just didn't get carried out." A prior administration was responsible for ensuring that was done, he said, and there's no trail to explain why it was not. "The people responsible are no longer with the agency," Frakes said. "There's no emails. Nothing else." All 15 people on the list had at one time been released too early, said Corrections Department attorney Julie Smith. And each had committed another crime after being released early. Frakes' staff has been working to come up with a better calculation system, including work done this spring on making sure all corrections had been made. Of the 15 inmates whose sentences prison officials knew were wrong but did not correct, 10 remain in prison in Nebraska. Two are incarcerated in another state. Assam Governor P.B. Acharya has undertaken the initiative to strengthen and reform the education system of the state. Recently, he visited Jorhat district and discussed key issues in the education sector with government officials, NGOs and public leaders aimed at bringing about a reform in the state's education sector. The Governor has asked the Jorhat district administration to pay surprise visits to government schools to ensure efficiency among the teaching staff. "The strength of the chain lies in the weakest link and in our education sector the weakest link is the government schools. So, how to strengthen it? In government schools, poorest of the poor people are coming and they have to be strengthened then only the society will strengthen," said Acharya. "There is no need to strengthen the rich. We just have to strengthen the poor that's why even the government schemes such as BPL are to strengthen the poor," he added. The Governor also talked about taking strict action against some private institutions for commercialisation of education. Expressing concern over the poor condition of government schools in the state, the Governor directed the officials to improve the quality of education imparted in these institutions. "We should be strengthening and supplementing the government education so that the poorest of the poor are benefitted because those children, who are attending the government schools are the poorest of the poor," said Jorhat Deputy Commissioner A. Karoti. "So, it is our responsibility, the society's responsibility and officers' responsibility to strengthen the government schools so that students are benefitted," he added. Emphasizing the role education plays in forming a healthy society, the Governor called for larger measures to improve the quality of education in the state. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is all set to embrace fatherhood for second time. According to a report in Bollywood.Life, Khan's wife Sadaf Khan is in her second trimester and the couple will welcome their second child in October. They already have a son Ayaan Reportedly, after attending the IIFA awards in Madrid, the 'Khoobsurat' actor jetted to his hometown Lahore to spend some quality time with his pregnant wife. Fawad and Sadaf got hitched on November 12, 2005 and welcome their first child in 2010. On the professional front, the actor has wrapped up shooting for Karan Johar's upcoming movie 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and is also rumored to be part of Salman Khan's next home production project titled 'Jugalbandi' . Pakistan should reduce rights violations against Afghan refugees by extending their legal residency status until at least December 31, 2017, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Yesterday, Pakistan has extended registered Afghan refugees' Proof of Residency (PoR) cards for six months, until December 2016. The uncertain residency status of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan has encouraged police harassment, threats, and extortion, said the Human Rights Watch report. "The Pakistani government's move to extend Afghan refugees' residency until the end of 2016 sends an important signal to police and local officials not to harass or coerce Afghan refugees to leave," said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch adding that an extension to the end of 2017 would allow more time for the situation in Afghanistan to stabilize, so that the refugees can return in safety. The report added that threats by Pakistani officials over the past year have exacerbated the Afghans' insecurity. On May 24, 2016, Balochistan's provincial Home Minister, Sarfraz Khan Bugti, said, "Either the Afghan refugees can return voluntarily, with respect and dignity, or the people of Balochistan can humiliate them and throw them out of the country." On June 27, Pakistan's minister for SAFRON, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch, announced that Pakistan would undertake a "new tougher policy" toward Afghan refugees. Kine said the Pakistan's government should protect Afghan refugees from vindictive reprisals linked to cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. India and Cyprus have agreed to provide information for source based taxation of capital gains on transfer of shares. The decision was made during an official level meeting which took place here on June 28 and 29 to finalize the new India Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, wherein all pending issues, including taxation of capital gains, were discussed, and in-principle agreement was reached on all pending issues. During the meeting, it was agreed to provide for source based taxation of capital gains on transfer of shares. However, a grandfathering clause would be provided for investments made prior to April 1, 2017 in respect of which capital gains would be taxed in the country of which taxpayer is a resident. These provisional agreements will now be placed before the Cabinet for its approval, subsequent to which the new tax treaty can be signed by the two countries. Both sides also discussed the issue of notification of Cyprus under Section 94A of Income-tax Act, 1961. It was agreed that India will consider rescinding the said notification with effect from November 1, 2013, and will be initiating the process for the same. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in the meeting, and hoped that it would lead to resolution of all pending matters at the earliest. Muslim cleric Qalam Raza Nuri today condemned Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan over his comment on 'Bakra'-slaughtering in the name of 'Qurbani.' "May be he has made the statement to spread misconception; or maybe he was trying to prove himself knowledgeable. He is absolutely wrong. To speak about a religion, one must know about it first," he told ANI here. Raza Nuri, while explaining the meaning of 'Qurbani,' said that it is practiced to keep up the spirit of fighting social evils. "Qurbani brings forth the passion to fight the evil. It also spread the message that we are ready for Qurbani to demolish evil from the society," he said. "Whatever he has said can be his own perception. Whichever religion it be - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, Qurbani has its own significance everywhere. Somewhere it's named 'Bali' and somewhere Qurbani," added the cleric. For the uninitiated, Irrfan has landed himself in the midst of a controversy following his comment on the traditions of fasting during Ramzan and sacrifice during Bakri Eid. During the promotion of his upcoming flick 'Madari' in Jaipur, the 'Jazbaa' star said "slaughtering of 'Bakra' does not mean Qurbani, the traditional style of sacrifice by Muslims." Elaborating further, the actor told, "The meaning of Qurbani is to sacrifice something which is close to you instead of any goat or sheep which you just buy to sacrifice. Before sacrificing we should share a bond with that thing otherwise just killing of an animal will not serve the purpose. Nowadays we have lost the relevance behind such religious activities and perform these rituals without knowing the meaning behind them." Commenting on Muharram, the actor said that Muslims have turned Muharram to a joke because instead of mourning, people celebrate it like a festival. The three militants who carried out the Istanbul airport attack have been identified as nationals of Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, according to the Turkish government. Senior Turkish officials cited the home nations of the attackers but did not immediately release their names or other details. There has been no claim of responsibility, but Turkish officials have said they believe the Islamic State was behind the carnage at Ataturk Airport, reports the Washington Post. In one of the deadliest attacks in Turkey, three suicide bombers attacked the arrivals hall and a nearby parking lot with gunfire and explosives, killing 44 people and leave 239 others wounded at the Ataturk Airport. Many of the victims killed in the attacks were foreign nationals of Saudi, Iraq, Tunisia, China, Iran, Ukrain, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has faced occasional attacks by Islamist militants since the 1990s, and Kyrgyzstan recently launched crackdowns on suspected Islamic State recruitment. Russia's Dagestan region - alleged home of the third attacker - has been caught up in clashes between Russian forces and Islamist fighters since the late 1990s. Kendall Jenner is all set to settle in her new nest in the heart of West Hollywood, right above the epicenter of the Sunset Strip. According to TMZ.com, the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star got her new pad for 6.5 million dollars from Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. It was, however, listed for 6,950,000 dollars. The house is 4,800 square feet with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a pool and jetliner views. Manoj Bajpayee held a conference today in Mumbai regarding the plagiarism row over Shirish Kunder's recent short film 'Kriti' and stated that none of his films has been copied. The movie's lead actor clarified that the movie's idea was discussed last year on Eid. "It was then we decided to do the movie. Back then it wasn't going to be made into a short film. For me, it was hurtful because I saw everything happening in front of me and then someone comes and says 'Aap chor hai'," he said. "We are being abused on Twitter and Facebook for a short film which is being watched widely. We have invested so much time and worked hard on it. The battle on Twitter is between two countries. I feel bad as he was being victimized by a crook," Bajpayee added. Further speaking about the loss 'Kriti' suffered, the 'Aligarh' actor said, "We didn't monetize it. There is no subscription fee on Muvizz.com and YouTube. We have suffered losses. We wanted to try something new and when we did, we are being abused for it." The plagiarism issue led to the removal of the film that also casts Radhika Apte and Neha Sharma from YouTube. For the uninitiated, 'Kriti,' which has gained huge appreciation, attracted controversy when a filmmaker from Nepal accused Shirish of plagiarism, saying that the idea of 'Kriti' was originally his brainchild and that Shirish had "stolen" his concept. The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies (NAFEA) has accused Ambassador for Malaysia Niranjan Basnyat of shielding illegally operating visa processing companies and demanded his recall by the government. The association alleged that Basnayt is increasing the financial burden on the Nepalis who reach Malaysia in search of employment in complicity with organisations like VLN Nepal, Biometric, Migrame and ICS, involved in the visa processing for Nepali migrant workers. The association appealed the government to shut these organisations as they are, allegedly, operating illegally and overcharging the Nepali migrant workers and, Basnyat is protecting them rather than taking action. At a press meet on Thursday, Association Chair Bimal Dhakal also alleged Ambassador Basnyat of barring its team from for holding meeting with the Malaysian Labour Minister. The team is included in the trip of Minister for Labour and Employment Deepak Bohara, who is presently on a visit to Malaysia. The Association has demanded Nepal to sign a Labour Agreement with Malaysia within next three months to ensure rights of Nepali migrant workers and also rescue the workers who fell victims to these visa organisations and have been sent to jail. Newly sworn in President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, while addressing a crowd in a Manila slum on the evening of his swearing-in ceremony, unleashed threats against drug traffickers and asked the people of the nation to go ahead and kill drug addicts. "These sons of wh**** are destroying our children. I warn you, don't go into that, even if you're a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful," he said on Thursday. Authoritarian firebrand Rodrigo Duterte, 71, won last month's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by threats to kill criminals and tirades against the nation's elite. He has also been accused of links to vigilante death squads in Davao, which rights groups say have killed more than 1,000 people and could spread across the Philippines under him. Duterte had previously outlined a vision for his anti-crime program that included reintroducing the death penalty, reports the Guardian. President Duterte said he would issue shoot-to-kill orders to the security services and offer them bounties for the bodies of drug dealers and also urged ordinary Filipinos to kill suspected criminals. After his election win, Duterte also launched attack against the United Nations. "F*** you UN, you can't even solve the Middle East carnage ... couldn't even lift a finger in Africa [with the] butchering [of] the black people. Shut up all of you," he said. Rollins Follow Rollins Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Across the centuries, Great Britain has given the world many things uniquely British the Puritans, Andrew Carnegie, The Beatles and, as we Americans again celebrate this Fourth of July, the United States. On June 23, it gave the world another significant gift: a big step into the dark abyss of a go-it-alone future in todays ever-globalizing world. Sure, most of the United Kingdoms (UK) citizens who voted late last month to the leave the European Union (EU), or Brexit, had what they thought were good reasons to do so: an incoming tide of mostly poor, often-illegal immigrants; a costly, decidedly Europe-centered Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP; an ever-growing bureaucracy in Brussels; and a river of English money flowing out of the UK and only a trickle of EU funds flowing back in. Now, though, with the step taken, the Leaves have discovered an unpleasant truth: Their politicians didnt tell them the whole truth about leaving. In fact, much that was said was not true. For example: -- The majority of the UKs record setting, net 270,000 immigrants last year were EU citizens exercising their legal right to move freely within the 28-nation bloc -- Love it or hate it, CAP is crucial to UK farmers; from 2010 to 2013, the latest data available, 40 percent of all UK farm income came from Brussels -- EU bureaucracy is relatively tiny, about 33,000 civil servants, compared to the number of UK civil servants, 410,000, according the Wall Street Journal -- The Leaves claim that the UK sends the EU 350m a week (about $465 million) is a lie, according The Guardian, a leading national newspaper in England. A more accurate figure is 136m (or $180 million), less than 40 percent of the amount claimed by Leave proponents. While the vote is not legally binding to Parliament (whose members favored staying in the EU by an almost 4-to-1 margin), UK politicians are dancing carefully as they discuss what to do next. Prime Minister David Cameron, who advocated for a Brexit vote during his 2015 reelection bid, was ambushed by its results; hes out come September. His opposite, the Labour Partys Jeremy Corbin, was soundly gobsmacked by colleagues in a no confidence vote June 28 and he looks to be history, too. So far, the only possible winner, according to one leading Leave advocate, might be British farmers who, claimed the politician, ought to receive the lions share of any former EU duties left after the nation strengthens its national health care system. Even if Parliament agrees a very, very long shot at best no one has any idea if the money will cover the farmers soon-to-go CAP payments or when it might flow. For two years at least, however, CAP will remain the key farm income scheme in the UK. Writing for the blog CAP Reform.eu, Irish ag economist Alan Matthews believes any EU-UK farm program changeover (something, he says, he will deeply regret) will be a long time coming. When it comes, however, the vote means that trade costs will rise because UK exports ... to the EU will no longer be considered internal trade. Even then, he suggests, UK farmers should strive to remain in EU programs like its European Food Safety Authority, the European Chemicals Agency, and the European Emissions Trading Schemes to maintain as much mobility of goods, services, capital and people as possible. Ultimately, however, its people not markets, not politics, not regulations who will be most affected by the dramatic Brexit choice. Nationwide it was a narrow victory for the Leaves; in the countryside, though, farmers voted more than 2 to 1 to go it alone. Possibly, explains economist Matthews, this was because UK farmers are in the older age group.... Well, the oldsters won, and what they won was something they already had yesterday and what they lost could be something far more fleeting: tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit four African nations namely Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya from July 7 to 11. Addressing a weekly press conference, MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "Prime Minister Modi would be visiting Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya from July 7 to July 11. On July 7th, he will have bilateral discussions with President Filipe Nyusi to strengthen our bilateral ties and enhance development and cooperation," Swarup said. "From July 8th to 9th in South Africa, the Prime Minister will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum to enhance our historical relations with South Africa," he added. The MEA official further said that the Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban in South Africa. "On July 10 in Tanzania, Prime Minister Modi will have bilateral discussions with President John Magufuli to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest," he said. On July 11, Prime Minister Modi will be in Kenya to have bilateral discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta. The Prime Minister's visit follows the recent visits to Africa by President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari. South Africa was also one of the few countries that had reservations on India's application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at the just-concluded plenary session in Seoul. India had, last year in October, hosted the India-Africa Summit which saw a participation of 41 of the 54 leaders of the African Union. India's bilateral trade with Africa stands around $70 billion, way behind the figures of China's trade with Africa which has now exceeded $200 billion. New Delhi, July 1 (ANI): Equitas Holdings has received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start small finance bank (SFB) under Section 22 of the banking regulation. The shares of Equitas holdings spurt as much as 7.87 percent to hit intraday high of Rs. 191.70. In June, the Madras High Court had approved the unification of Equitas Micro Finance and Equitas Housing Finance with Equitas Finance. It will be named as Equitas Small Finance Bank, which will carry on the of small finance bank. Equitas Holdings is one of the 10 entities that received in-principle approval from the RBI in September 2015 to set up a small finance bank. And till now, it has served about one percent of the Indian households. "The new SFB is expected to start its operations and we are planning to launch the bank by September or October this year," said Equitas Holdings Managing Director P.N. Vasudevan. He also stated that the new SFB would cost additional Rs. 100 crore a year, but the benefit will be through reduction in cost of funds. However, there are approvals to be obtained from various departments of the RBI and other agencies. On receipt of these approvals, Equitas Small Finance Bank will start operations. As the new SFB will focus on four key strategies, including offering existing range of credit products and small enterprise loans for small commercial establishments, commercial vehicle finance and affordable housing finance, it needs to add another 3,000 people. This alone would cost around Rs. 80-90 crore every year. With Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz asserting that New Delhi was avoiding dialogue with Islamabad, India on Friday responded strongly saying that it has never shied away from any engagement with the hostile neighbour and is prepared to discuss any issue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. "As far as the comments of Sartaj Aziz are concerned, I would say that India has never ever shied away from any engagement with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally, in an atmosphere free from terror and violence," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here. Asserting that it was India which has repeatedly taken initiatives to engage with Pakistan, Swarup added that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who first invited his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony in 2014. "Thereafter, it was again the External Affairs Minister, who travelled to Pakistan in December 2015 and held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference which led to the decision to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue with Pakistan," he said. Adding that it was Prime Minister Modi who yet again took the decision to travel to Lahore on a very short notice on December 25 last year, Swarup stated that Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar was prepared to go to Pakistan in the first half of January this year to hold initial discussions on the modalities of the comprehensive bilateral dialogue, but the Pathankot incident intervened. "After that incident of Pathankot, it was a natural and legitimate acceptation of both the governments and the people of India, that there should be concrete action from Pakistan which has not denied of the involvement of its nationals in the attack," Swarup added. Following Prime Minister Modi's statement where he placed the onus of stalled talks on Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz claimed that New Delhi was avoiding dialogue with Islamabad to avoid negotiations on crucial issues such as Kashmir. Quoting Radio Pakistan, the Dawn reported Aziz stressed that it was India and not Pakistan who was backing away from dialogues. He said that Pakistan had plans for extensive talks with India on issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, economic cooperation, trade, visas and the detainment of fishermen, amongst others. Aziz also alleged that the Indian Army had rejected an earlier agreement regarding Siachen between the two governments, as they had "stakes" in the glacier. In a recent interview to Times Now, Prime Minister Modi had said that due to his diplomatic efforts, India was not reluctant to engage with Pakistan. "Our approach has created difficulties for Pakistan, and they find it hard to respond on the matter in the international community," he said. The Prime Minister also claimed there are "different types of forces operating in Pakistan", and asked in a rhetoric fashion if one has to draw a line or set conditions for dialogue, will it be "with the elected government or other actors?" The dialogue between the hostile neighbours hit a major roadblock after the attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January. In a major milestone for 'Make in India' and indigenization program in the defence sector, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Avionics Ltd. (SA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has accomplished the landmark of supplying 1000 units of indigenously manufactured Multi Function Displays (MFDs) to HAL for induction into frontline Sukhoi30 MKI aircrafts. The proud accomplishment implies that now out of a planned fleet of 272 Sukhoi aircrafts with the Indian Air Force, 143 would be flying with India-made MFDs - a critical component of an aircraft cockpit.It may also be known that SHDS is the only company to receive CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification) Type Approval for MFDs in India. 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 five to six years of arduous efforts, Samtel was able to fully develop the technology and it was envisaged by HAL and Ministry of Defense (MoD) 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 namely Su-30, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) etc. and HAL as the other parent would bring in the market for using these displays on all HAL star platforms. It may be noted that apart from Samtel, 'ruggedisation technology' is available only with six to seven companies worldwide. This successful indigenization has reaped major benefits for the country; some of which include - Competitive price; significant reduction in turnaround time; Reduction in field defects; considerable reduction in lifecycle MRO cost; and continuous improvements of these MFDs as per IAF needs. Divyanka Tripathi will soon be in an ICU, but in reel-life. Basically, this is the producers' plan to explain the 31-year-old actress' absence from the show, as she will be busy with the wedding with beau Vivek Dahiya. Divyanka-Vivek's marriage on July 8 is indeed a talk of the town now. Ishita of 'Ye Hain Mohabbatein' has been granted leave just three days ahead of her wedding and this ICU drama is just to cover that up. Reportedly, in the show, Ishita will be shown committing suicide. So, she will be rushed to a hospital and would be admitted in ICU, reports Bollywood Life. According to the reports on some websites, the reason of her getting admitted in the ICU might also be a tiff with some goons. Whatever it may be, when Ishita will be battling between life and death, Divyanka will be gearing up to start a new life in Bhopal. After its decision to completely seal the 262 km-long India-Bangladesh border in Assam, the Central Government is now mulling on sealing the international border in Tripura. Recently, Susheel Kumar, Secretary of Border Management of Ministry of Home Affairs, paid a visit to Tripura to take stock of border development projects in the state. Bangladesh and India share 4,096-kilometer long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Infiltration and cross border crimes have always been a major issue in the northeast which has often led to disturbance in the region. Kumar visited Tripura to review the cross border situation and progress of border development projects in the state. The review meeting was held in presence of Chief Secretary Y P Singh, DGP K. Nagaraj, Border Security Force (BSF) IG J.B. Sangwan and the District Magistrates of all eight district of the state. "Fence is on requirement basis, like Tripura I have had discussion with Meghalaya, two days back I had discussion with West Bengal. So, everywhere we are trying to complete the fence with the Bangladesh border," said Kumar. "We have already taken a decision that within two years, we are going to seal that border. Assam has much more riverine stretches, but we have decided that we will completely seal that in two years time," he added. It is worth mentioning that to complete the fencing on time and keeping in view the local issues, the government, if required, may raise the issue of fencing at zero points at some spots with Bangladesh. "Wherever fencing is required at zero point because of certain local issues we will certainly explore that. But then we have to get the government of Bangladesh to agree. That dialogue is to be done and we will see that it is done," said Kumar. The Secretary, Border Management, informed that sealing the border with Bangladesh is top priority and along with that fencing will also be raised at few spots on the Myanmar border. "On Myanmar side, the topography is completely different; the requirement is completely different. So, we will adopt different approach on the Indo-Myanmar border," said Kumar. Sealing of the Indo-Bangla border in northeast will not only lead to socio-economic development of the region, but bring an end to infiltration and trans-border movement of militants. The BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre has asked the Law Commission to examine the implications of implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the country. Confirming the news, Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda said that repeatedly received questions about this in the Parliament, following which he has asked the Law Commission to give him a report in this regard. "Repeatedly, I used to get questions in the Parliament. Even the Supreme Court also observed that in the recent judgments. So, I wanted to have a detailed study as far as common civil procedure code is concerned," Gowda told reporters. "I have requested the Law Commission to give me a report with regard to this," he added. The code, if implemented, would mean a set of common civil laws for all citizens in place of multitude of personal laws for different religious groups. Under the Directive Principles of the State Policy in the Constitution, Article 44 says: "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India." The Uniform Civil Code has been a controversial issue and it was the part of BJP's poll manifesto. This move by the Centre assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer to have a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of 'triple talaq'. Meanwhile, the BJP has also called for an open debate over the code maintaining that it is a part of the Constitution. Party Secretary Shrikant Sharma said people who are opposed to it, are adopting intolerant approach towards the Constitution. He said parties have been doing vote bank politics over the issue. On the other hand, Congress has accused the BJP of doing politics over the issue. Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said whenever elections are round the corner, the BJP raises such issues. He however, favoured evolving a near consensus to arrive at any decision on the code. Lenders would need to take hair cuts or cut their losses between 40 and 70 per cent in at least 240 companies which are under heavy debt mostly in steel, construction, power, textiles and infrastructure, an ASSOCHAM-India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) joint study has pointed out. The study to be released at an ASSOCHAM programme in Mumbai tomorrow, suggests asset reconstruction with the help of a revamped Asset Reconstruction (ARCs) sector for achieving a sustainable level of bank debts, going down the non-performing assets (NPAs). Since in the current cycle most of the stress is driven by stretched balance sheet, viability assessment needs to be looked at on a going concern basis. However, a mix of measures such as recognition of sustainable debt, ability to bring third-party investors in Security Receipts (SR) could set the ball rolling for the revival of distressed companies. It suggested encouraging third-party capital to replace banks' investment in SRs. The current model of banks investing in SRs backed by their own distressed debt has its own limitations. The current model could still be useful for cases of liquidation where further capital commitment is not called for. The benefit of the prevailing model was that it allowed banks to capture the contingent upside and also in some cases harmonise the required provisioning by investing in SRs. However, this model has had a number of issues such as misalignment of interest between banks and ARCs, the existence of an unsustainable level of debt delaying the restructuring of companies and banks having to subsist with the problem in their investment books. This problem can be solved if banks are allowed to transact at realistic haircuts with the benefit to amortise the loss on sale as long as third-party investors are ready to fully step into their positions". Asset reconstruction companies need re-positioning; the issue of bad debt amounting to Rs 6 trillion would need ARCs to re-orient themselves, if they are to facilitate the resolution process. With the 15 per cent mandatory investment rule and the capital constraint, ARCs would need to be supported with third-party capital for any meaningful movement on the bad debt issue. The study argues that the current capital position of ARCs can at most take care of 10 per cent of the bad debt in the Indian banking system. Also, a debt-led strategy for investing in SRs that result in the leverage of more than 2x equity could create liquidity issues for ARCs and may not be coherent with the long gestation period for recovery in India. It said the adoption of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is likely to streamline debt resolution. However, it is important that the impact of the new regime is reflected in better recoveries or lower loss given default over a period of time. Currently, India is classified as a Group D country by Fitch with recoveries expected in the range of 30-50 per cent given the level of creditor-friendliness of its insolvency regime. An improved recovery in at least the 50-70 per cent range will be the real achievement of the effective implementation of the code. In developed countries such as the United States, continued operation as going concern after emergence from bankruptcy as reorganised company or via sales of the whole company as a going concern is a much more common outcome than liquidation. While releasing the paper Mr. Sunil Kannoria, President ASSOCHAM said, the number of ARCs has been inadequate vis-vis the need. These ARCs typically have low capital base and their methodology towards addressing needs of troubled companies has an overt financial focus. The average recovery rate for ARCs in India has been around 30 per cent of the principal and the average time taken has been anything between 4 to 5 years. However, that scenario is about to change. In the Union Budget 2016-17, 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) has been allowed for ARCs which is expected to substantially improve their capital base. Moreover, the introduction of the Bankruptcy Code has now positioned ARCs as a very important intermediary between lenders and borrowers, adds its chief. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Shares of Mahanagar Gas will debut on the bourses today, 1 July 2016. The initial public offer (IPO) of city gas distribution firm Mahanagar Gas received bids for a total of 111.95 crore shares and its IPO was subscribed 64.55 times. The shares were allotted to the investors at Rs 421 per share, the top end of the Rs 380 to Rs 421 per share price band for the IPO. The IPO had opened for bidding on 21 June 2016 and closed on 23 June 2016. Auto stocks will be in focus as these companies announce monthly sales volume data for June 2016. Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) announced after market hours yesterday, 30 June 2016, that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)) with Government of Andhra Pradesh, to set up, manage and run Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research at Venkatachalam village in Darsi, Prakasham district of the state. The infrastructure spread across 20 acres of land will be provided by the Andhra Pradesh Government, while Maruti Suzuki will run and manage the institute. The facility to be built as per the MoRTH guidelines shall consist of an institute building, a hostel and training tracks will all required formation. The infrastructure is expected to be complete by 2018. Set up under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model, this will be Maruti Suzuki's first IDTR in South India. Maruti Suzuki will undertake the training on lines of the other IDTRs including All Gujarat Institute of Driving, Technical Training and Research (AGIDTTR), Vadodara. The Company plans to collaborate with the various government departments like Tribal Development Department to promote road safety and driving as an employment opportunity among the tribal youth of Andhra Pradesh. The main focus is to make people employable hence additional training in personality, hygiene, courtesy and communication is imparted to the youth. Bosch's board of directors meet today, 1 July 2016, to consider a proposal for buyback of the company's equity shares. Shares of public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) will be in focus after announcing a decrease in petrol and diesel prices. Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) yesterday, 30 June 2016, announced a decrease in the price of petrol and diesel with effect from the midnight of 30 June/1 July 2016. Petrol price was decreased by Rs 0.89 per litre and diesel price was decreased by Rs 0.49 a litre at Delhi (including state levies) with corresponding price revision in other states. After the latest revision, petrol in Delhi costs Rs 64.76 per litre and diesel costs Rs 54.70 a litre. Aviaition stocks will be in focus as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were hiked by 5.47% to 49,287.18 per kiloliter in Delhi for domestic airlines from midnight of 30 June 2016 and 1 July 2016, IOCL said Godrej Properties will be in focus. The company had earlier anounced about creation of Godrej Fund Management and its managed fund Godrej Residential Investment Program II (GRIP-II). The company announced after market hours yesterday, 30 June 2016, that GRIP II has made its first investment under the platform, whereby it has acquired 80% of the equity share capital in Godrej Greenview Housing (GGHPL), towards investing into the project Vihang, Thane. Pursuant to the above, GGHPL has ceased to be the subsidiary of Godrej Properties. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Maruti Suzuki India rose 0.47% to Rs 4,205 at 09:18 IST on BSE after the company announced signing of a memorandum of understanding with Government of Andhra Pradesh, to set up, manage and run Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 June 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 171.65 points or 0.64% at 27,171.37 On BSE, so far 1,608 shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 80,377 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 4,213.50 and a low of Rs 4,192.25 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 3,202.10 on 29 February 2016. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 4,789 on 23 November 2015. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 151.04 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5. Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) announced that the company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government of Andhra Pradesh, to set up, manage and run Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research at Venkatachalam village in Darsi, Prakasham district of Hyderabad. The infrastructure spread across 20 acres of land will be provided by the Andhra Pradesh Government, while Maruti Suzuki India will run and manage the institute. The infrastructure is expected to be complete by 2018. Set up under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model, this will be Maruti Suzuki India's first Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research (IDTR) in South India. The company will undertake the training on lines of the other IDTRs including All Gujarat Institute of Driving, Technical Training and Research (AGIDTTR), Vadodara. The company plans to collaborate with the various government departments like Tribal Development Department to promote road safety and driving as an employment opportunity among the tribal youth of Andhra Pradesh. The main focus is to make people employable hence additional training in personality, hygiene, courtesy and communication is imparted to the youth. Maruti Suzuki India's net profit declined 11.7% to Rs 1133.60 crore on 12.5% growth in net sales to Rs 14929.50 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015. Maruti Suzuki India is India's biggest car maker in terms of market share. Japanese parent Suzuki Motor Corporation currently holds 56.21% stake in Maruti (as per the shareholding pattern as on 31 March 2016). Powered by Capital Market - Live News Maruti Suzuki India declined 0.43% to Rs 4,167.45 at 11:15 IST on BSE after the company announced that total sales declined 13.9% to 98,840 units in June 2016 over June 2015. The announcement was made during market hours today, 1 July 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 242.93 points or 0.9% at 27,242.65. On BSE, so far 31,255 shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 80,377 shares in the past one quarter. The stock was volatile. At the day's high of Rs 4,213.50, the stock rose 0.67%. At the day's low of Rs 4,130 so far during the day, the stock fell 1.31%. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 3,202.10 on 29 February 2016. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 4,789 on 23 November 2015. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 30 June 2016, gaining 2.75% compared with Sensex's 1.03% gains. The stock had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 12.26% as against Sensex's 6.56% rise. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 151.04 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5. Maruti Suzuki India said that domestic sales dropped 10.2% to 92,133 units in June 2016 over June 2015. Exports slumped 44.7% to 6,707 units in June 2016 over June 2015. Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) said that that there was a disruption in production during June 2016, due to the unfortunate incident of fire at Subros, a key vendor of the company. The company expects to recover the production loss during the course of the year. The company added that together with its employees and vendors, company is gradually stepping up production of newly launched models - Baleno and Brezza to service the pending demand. Separately, Maruti Suzuki India announced after market hours yesterday, 30 June 2016, that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government of Andhra Pradesh, to set up, manage and run Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research at Venkatachalam village in Darsi, Prakasham district of Hyderabad. The infrastructure spread across 20 acres of land will be provided by the Andhra Pradesh Government, while Maruti Suzuki India will run and manage the institute. The infrastructure is expected to be completed by 2018. Set up under the public-private-partnership (PPP) model, this will be Maruti Suzuki India's first Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research (IDTR) in South India. The company will undertake the training on lines of the other IDTRs including All Gujarat Institute of Driving, Technical Training and Research (AGIDTTR), Vadodara. The company plans to collaborate with the various government departments like Tribal Development Department to promote road safety and driving as an employment opportunity among the tribal youth of Andhra Pradesh. The main focus is to make people employable hence additional training in personality, hygiene, courtesy and communication is imparted to the youth. Maruti Suzuki India's net profit declined 11.7% to Rs 1133.60 crore on 12.5% growth in net sales to Rs 14929.50 crore in Q4 March 2016 over Q4 March 2015. Maruti Suzuki India is India's biggest car maker in terms of market share. Japanese parent Suzuki Motor Corporation currently holds 56.21% stake in Maruti (as per the shareholding pattern as on 31 March 2016). Powered by Capital Market - Live News Key benchmark indices continue to trade firm in positive zone in early afternoon trade. At 12:15 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 215.92 points or 0.8% at 27,215.64. The Sensex was currently trading above the psychologically important 27,000 level after regaining that level in early trade. The Nifty 50 index was currently up 62.80 points or 0.76% at 8,350.55. The market sentiment was boosted by data showing further improvement in India's manufacturing sector last month. Strong inflow of funds from foreign portfolio investors into the domestic markets during the previous trading session also boosted sentiment. Gains in Asian stocks also aided the upmove on the domestic bourses. The outcome of a monthly survey showed that manufacturing growth in India pointed to a further improvement last month supported by a stronger increase in new business inflows. The Nikkei India manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 51.7 in June, from May's reading of 50.7. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1107.42 crore yesterday, 30 June 2016, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. In overseas stock markets, Asian stocks edged higher tracking overnight gains on Wall Street. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite was currently up 0.06%. Latest data showed that the manufacturing momentum in the world's second largest economy skidded to a four-month low in June. China's official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came in at 50 last month, against 50.1 logged in May and April. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 Average ended 0.68% higher. The manufacturing sector in Japan continued to contract in June, albeit at a slower pace, the latest survey from Nikkei showed. Manufacturing PMI came in at 48.1 in June, up from May's 47.7. US stocks gained for the third day in a row yesterday, 30 June 2016, recovering from the post-Brexit sell-off. Closer home, the market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was strong. On BSE, 1,528 shares rose and 849 shares declined. A total of 122 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was currently up 1.32%. The BSE Small-Cap index was currently up 0.84%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex. Metal and mining stocks extended previous trading session's gains triggered by the Union Cabinet approving the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) for accelerating the exploration activity in the country through enhanced participation of the private sector. Jindal Steel & Power (up 6.35%), Steel Authority of India (up 2.77%), Vedanta (up 3.34%), Tata Steel (up 2.33%), Hindustan Copper (up 1.22%), Hindalco Industries (up 2.08%), NMDC (up 0.85%), National Aluminium Company (up 0.47%) and JSW Steel (up 0.36%) rose. Hindustan Zinc (down 0.89%) edged lower. Meanwhile, copper prices declined in global commodities markets. High Grade Copper for September 2016 delivery was currently down 0.55% at $2.1835 per pound on the COMEX. IT stocks edged higher. Tech Mahindra (up 1.65%), Oracle Financial Services Software (up 0.27%), Wipro (up 0.88%) and HCL Technologies (up 0.38%) edged higher. TCS (down 0.73%) edged lower. Index heavyweight and software major Infosys was up 0.47% at Rs 1,176.20. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,180.55 and a low of Rs 1,173 so far during the day. Index heavyweight HDFC Bank was up 0.65% at Rs 1,183.60 after the bank said it has launched SM Bank, India's first full-fledged digital banking service for small-and medium enterprises (SME). This will allow clients to access a complete suite of services instantly and round-the-clock on the device of their choice, be it a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile, HDFC Bank said. The announcement was made during market hours today, 1 July 2016. Equitas Holdings rose 3.72% at Rs 184.15 after the company announced that it has received licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to carry on the small finance bank operations in India. The announcement was made before market hours today, 1 July 2016. The RBI has issued licence dated 30 June 2016 to Equitas Small Finance Bank to carry on the Small Finance Bank (SFB) operations in India. Equitas Holdings had on 16 June 2016 announced that the Madras High Court had approved amalgamation of Equitas Micro Finance and Equitas Housing Finance with Equitas Finance from effective date ie the working day immediately preceding the date of commencement of business of SFB. On amalgamation coming into effect, Equitas Finance will be named as Equitas Small Finance Bank which will carry on the business of small finance bank, Equitas Holdings said. Post receipt of RBI license and prior to commencement of SFB business, there are a few other approvals to be obtained from various departments of RBI and other agencies. On receipt of these approvals, Equitas Small Finance Bank will commence its operations of small finance bank, the company said. Data released by the government after market hours yesterday, 30 June 2016 showed that the output of eight core Industries comprising nearly 38% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 2.8% in May 2016 over May 2015. Powered by Capital Market - Live News A group of ABVP and Bajrang Dal activists in Bihar's Begusarai district washed the statue of renowned poet Dinkar with 'gangajal' on Friday to protest against JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, who garlanded and paid floral tributes there. ABVP and Bajrang Dal members also organized a 'hawan' puja and sprinkled 'gangjal' on the ground in Begusarai where Kanhaiya Kumar addressed a public meeting of Communist Party of India on Thursday. ABVP activists shouted slogans that the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president, who has been charged with sedition , has made this ground impure by his presence. However,after a long time, there is a festive mood in Bihat village in Begusarai on Friday as a famous son of the soil is visiting his home for first time after arrested on the charge of sedition and later released on the bail. Kanhaiya's parents, other family members, relatives, neighbours and villagers have been celeberating Kanhaiya's visit to his native village. "It is time of celeberation not only for us but entire village as Kanhaiya has finally arrived after a long wait," said Kanhaiya's father Jaishankar Singh, who is in his early 60s and paralysed on one side of his body. Kanhaiya was welcomed by villagers when he arrived at his native village on Thursday night. Kanhaiya's mother Meena Devi is not hiding her happiness after her son is at home."I am cooking some special desi-dishes for him," said Meena, an angaanwadi worker who earns Rs 3,000 a month. According to her, Kanhaiya will also attend a marriage of a family member during his two day stay in the village. In view of threat perception to Kanhaiya, tough security arrangements have been made in Bihat and around his home during his stay, district police official Ranjit Kumar Mishra said. In April, Kanhaiya visited Patna but did not visit his native village during two-day visit. Kanhaiya arrived in Patna on Wednesday and participated in 'Pratirodh march' here to support the ongoing agitation at college of arts and crafts here. Kanhaiya also addressed a public meeting of CPI in Begusarai on Thursday,where he was given rousing welcome. Kanhaiya, who was arrested on the charge of sedition in February in connection with an event on JNU campus against hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised, was released on bail in March. --IANS ik/vd Denying having protected his brother-in law in a graft case, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday said prompt action was taken in the matter, adding that the accused must not suffer more just because he was his (Parsekar's) relative. Parsekar's reaction came in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's charge that the Goa leader was protecting his brother-in law Dilip Malvankar. "The allegation against my relative was made around a year ago. I took the initiative and called the Goa Industrial Development Corporation chairman. Malvankar and other accused were suspended from service," Parsekar said. Malvankar, a corporation field officer, was arrested in August 2015 along with another colleague by the Goa Anti-Corruption Bureau on charge of accepting Rs 1 lakh as bribe to facilitate allocation of an industrial plot in Tuem village, 35 km from Panaji. However, Malvankar's reinstatement last month, coupled with transfer of key officials, including Police Inspector Nolasco Raposo who is probing the bribe case, triggered a controversy as the opposition parties accused Parsekar of shielding his relative. "Suspension (of a government employee) is reviewed every three months. Even courts say that if suspension is prolonged, the suspended employee is getting salary without working. Those who have committed crime should suffer, but should someone be punished more only because someone is my relative?" the Chief Minister said. "Some say the Superintendent of Police concerned was transferred. All SPs are transferred after their term in a particular post is over. Do they mean to say that the SP or Deputy SP (who were transferred) were investigating this particular case only," Parsekar said. --IANS maya/tsb/dg The Congress reaction even before the Justice (retd) S.N. Dhingra Commission has submitted its report on the land deals during the earlier Congress rule makes one "suspect that something is not right", Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Friday. The Congress was raising objections to the commission more than a year after it was set up, Khattar told the media in Panchkula near here. The commission was set up by the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana in May 2015 to probe the alleged controversial land deals in Haryana, including those involving Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Congress leaders this week questioned the commission's legal validity, saying it was set up in violation of law. On Thursday, the Congress claimed that a trust headed by Justice Dhingra had been extended favours by the Khattar government. "The commission was constituted one year ago. At that time, the Congress had no issues. Even earlier also, the panel's tenure was extended and the approval notified after 10 days. Even then, no one raised any issue. Now also, the government has extended its term by two months," the chief minister said. Khattar said facts in the matter will become clear once the panel submits its report. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda earlier said the inquiry panel was set up "contrary to established rules and norms, without due cabinet approval and prompted by malice and political considerations". He urged Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki "to revoke the constitution of the Commission of Enquiry". The Congress leader said the state government deliberately set up the commission to probe grant of licences to "some entities only in one sector, that is, Sector-83 of Gurgaon". Vadra and others were allegedly granted favours by the then Congress government headed by Hooda in issuing licences to develop commercial properties in Gurgaon's Sector 83. Vadra had termed the inquiry commission as a "political witch-hunt". The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had pointed out that Vadra's firm, Skylight Hospitality, had not submitted documents on financial adequacy. Despite that, the firm was granted a licence. --IANS js/tsb/vt They are ostracised, humiliated and sneered at, and yet India's transgender community continues to battle for their rights amid all opposition. Fida, a member of India's first transgender group -- 6 Pack Band - says the community in the Mumbai region aspires for an "ashram" of its own, but they have yet not been able to get the land for it. According to Fida, an organistion called the Kinnar Maa Samajik Sanstha Trust had requested for a separate ashram for the transgenders in Mumbai, but they are yet to get the work done. "There are a lot of handicapped kinnars (transgenders) who are either homeless, or who have faced acid attacks. Some of them have sustained injuries after being thrown from trains while begging. There are old age ashrams, but there is nothing for the transgenders," she added. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) criminalises homosexuality and activists of the country's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community have been fighting a legal battle asking for the law to be revoked on grounds that it violates their human rights. The Delhi High Court had struck down Section 377 in 2009 but the Supreme Court reversed this in 2013. It heard the matter again earlier this year but stood by its previous judgement. Thereafter, a group of celebrities, including celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia, approached the apex court to quash the penal provision. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to examine the fresh petition, saying it will be placed before Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur. In 2014, the Supreme Court had ordered that transgenders be treated as the "third gender" and be given reservations on the lines of those for OBCs (other backward classes). Last Novmeber, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for treating transgenders with greater sensitivity. "We need to amend and make new laws for transgenders," he had said. Like several others fighting for their rights, Fida said that the trust has been battling for the last five to six years to get permission for the ashram but owing to political issues, they are yet to get this. "We have been fighting to get this ashram for the last five to six years. We have asked for an ashram in Thane," Fida told IANS on the phone from Mumbai. Fida has now gained fame with 6 Pack Band, which won the coveted Cannes Grand Prix Glass Lion at the Cannes Lions Festival. It was given to the group for espousing a social cause. Backed by Yash Raj Films' youth-wing Y-Films, the group has even worked with industry stalwarts like Sonu Nigam and Hrithik Roshan, who have given them support. Fida says that she wants to use this platform to help her community. "Now people know our six-member band, but who knows the thousands of people in our community? Who will be our voice? I want to take the opportunity to play in the band to express the desires of our community in front of the public," she said. Due to the lack of an ashram, Fida rued that the already marginalised transgender community of India is forced to beg on the streets or work at bars. "Those who are rotting on the street are still suffering, those who are working in beer bars are still stuck there. We have been ignored. We will die on the streets. The government is not giving attention to us," she said. Last year, the Kinnar Maa Samajik Sanstha Trust had organised a Pink Rally to demand equal rights for the transgender community in India. Fida said that despite such rallies and the support they garner, India's transgenders are yet to find firm footing in society. "Nobody helped us. We organised the Pink Rally, but after some hulabulloo everything quietened down. Nobody does anything," she lamented. The ostracism for transgenders in the country is so heightened, says Fida, that members of the community even find it difficult to live in rented houses. "Wherever we stay at rent, the people say, 'Why have you kept this hijra?' Then where do we go? That is why we need the ashram so that we can live respectfully with our own community," she noted. (Ankit Sinha can be contacted at ankit.s@ians.in) --IANS ank/rb/vm/hs A Haryana Police Inspector was abducted by four men who dumped him in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district after robbing his mobile, cash and car, police said on Friday. In a sign of rising lawlessness in Gurgaon, Surender Phogat, chief of the Sector 29 police station, was on Thursday afternoon kidnapped in his own private car at a ground near the HUDA City Centre Metro station. Four goons seized Phogat, who was in uniform, and beat him up after he told them to identify themselves. Deputy Commissioner of Police Deepak Saharan said Phogat was going to the DCP East Office when he noticed four suspicious looking persons standing by the road. He stopped his vehicle and questioned them. "One of the men started to run. Phogat immediately got hold of two others, whereupon the third person called back the man who had run away," Saharan said. All the four quickly overpowered Phogat, thrust him into the backseat of his car and held him captive for "many hours". He was then taken to a place near Kosi in Mathura where he was asked to alight after surrendering his mobile phone and money. The kidnapped inspector was on Friday brought back by Haryana Police. --IANS pradeep/mr A Hindu priest was hacked to death in Bangladesh on Friday, in a chilling similarity to the murder of another priest from the religious minority in the southwestern district of Jhenaidah last month. Shyamananda Das, 50, was serving at the Sri Sri Radha Madan Gopal temple at Uttar Kastasagarha in the Jhenaidah district's Sadar Upazila for the past three years, bdnews24.com reported. Police said three motorcycle-riding assailants hacked him down early on Friday, exactly in the manner priest Ananda Gopal Ganguly was killed last month in the same Upazila. Indian Ministery of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the Indian government was concerned over the growing number of attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh and conveyed it to the government in Dhaka. "Our High Commission in Dhaka closely monitors incidents targeting the religious, socio-economic and political freedom of the minorities in Bangladesh and raises these issues with the Bangladeshi authorities appropriately," he said. "At appropriate occasions, our concerns have also been conveyed at high political levels, including during the visit of Foreign Secretary to Dhaka on May 11-12, 2016," the spokesperson added. "Government of Bangladesh has assured us (India) that they are fully committed to safeguarding minority rights, that many of the incidents are not communal in nature and arise from disputes of a political or private nature and that stern action would be taken against the culprits," he informed. Jhenaidah Superintendent of Police Sheikh Altaf Hossain said the latest murder resembles killings across Bangladesh in the past two years in which motorcycle-riding suspected militants shot and hacked down secular bloggers, publishers, writers, Hindu priests, Buddhist monks, Christian pastors and even foreigners. Quoting an eyewitness, Hossain said the murder took place around 5.20 a.m. "Shyamananda was picking flowers for puja (worship) outside the temple when three assailants approached him on a motorcycle and hacked him down," Hossain said. "To make sure he died, they rained multiple blows on his head and neck with sharp weapons." Das, who hailed from Musuridanga village in Narhail Sadar Upazila, was rushed to the Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, but was declared dead by doctors around 6 a.m. The eyewitness told police that the faces of the killers were covered with "gamchha" (a local variant of towel). One of them was carrying a long-bladed machete. Bangaladashi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in Dhaka told reporters that "law enforcers will be able to catch the killers very soon as there is an eyewitness". He claimed the suspected militants and assailants involved in the past similar murders were "under surveillance". "That's why we think we'll be able to catch them (killers) soon." On June 7, priest Ananda Ganguly, 69, was murdered in an identical fashion in Mahishdanga village. The US monitoring group SITE Intelligence has said the Islamic State had owned responsibility for Ganguly's murder. But police say his killers were linked to the Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student affiliate of the Jamaat-e-Islami whose top leaders have been convicted for the mass killing of Hindus during Bangladesh's freedom struggle in 1971. So far, four people, including Das and Ganguly, have been murdered in Jhenaidah alone. --IANS lok/ahm/vt Karnataka has bagged an order to export 1,200 tonne of mangoes to the US this season as its fruit varieties passed through stringent standards, a top official said on Friday. "Though we got the order last week at the end of the mango season, we have enough stocks to export 1,000 tonnes and are procuring remaining quantity (200 tonne) to meet the demand," Karnataka State Mango Development & Marketing Corporation Ltd managing director Kadire Gowda told IANS here. The state-run corporation has tied up with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and Innova Agri Bio Park at Malur in Kolar district to ensure the export variety of mangoes meet the stringent quality standards in the US market. "Gamma radiation treatment of mangoes is mandatory to meet the US regulatory norms for fruit exports from India, like vapour heat treatment for exporting to Japan and hot water treatment for Australia," Gowda said. The five-year-old corporation has exported about 6,000 tonnes of mangoes to Europe, Gulf region and South East Asia without any special treatment this season at Rs 60 per kg, excluding overheads and logistic charges, which are met by intermediary agents. "The export order for the US market includes 500 tonne of Alphansoes and Banganapalli and 100 tonne each of Dusheri and Kesar variety. To promote our fruit in the US, we are charging same rate (Rs 60 per kg) as for other countries," Gowda stated. The corporation has also tie-up with 10 leading mango exporters in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune to secure firm orders for growers and farmers across the state and ensure they are rewarded with high price. "Export to the US market will enable us to get similar orders from other countries like Italy, Spain, Sri Lanka and South Africa, which also have stringent quality control norms," Gowda added. As the third largest producer of the king of fruits after Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka produces 15-20 lakh tonne of mangoes in two-lakh hectares of land across the state, with Srinivasapura in Kolar district being the biggest producer. --IANS fb/vd Film: "Kerry On Kutton"; Director: Ashok Yadav; Cast: Aradhana Jagota, Aditya Kumar, Deep Raj Rana, Satyajeet Dubey, Karan Mahavar, Shivam Pradhan, Prashant Tiwari, Yashwant Singh; Rating: *1/2 "Kerry On Kutton" has the hangover of the "Carry On", franchise - the low budget British comedy motion pictures which were made between 1958 and 1992. Directed by Ashok Yadav, this crazy film is set in a small town named Baliya in Uttar Pradesh. With a meandering, unfocused plot, it tells the tale of four teenagers Kerry (Satyajeet Dubey), Kadambari (Aditya Kumar), Suraj (Karan Mahavar) and Jyoti (Aradhana Jagota), who lead a defiant life. Kerry, the son of a pig breeder Lal Dhaari (Deep Raj Rana), is keen to lose his virginity and every time he makes an attempt, luck evades him. His best friend is Kadambari, the son of a bandmaster who plays at weddings. Kadambari dreams of becoming rich by breeding purebred dogs like his idol Rakesh Chacha. But to realise his dreams, he has to steal a puppy from Bade Babu, a shopkeeper in the village. Suraj, the school master's son, is in love with Jyoti, who is materialistic. When he fails to provide Jyoti with a touch phone, her affection shifts towards Kerry and how she manipulates the duo forms a major chunk of the narration. Packed with action and drama, the script written by Himanshu Onkar Tripati and Ashok Yadav starts with a promise of a sleaze film, but rambles on to be a bawdy drama that is entertaining at times. The coarse dialogues are colloquial and the performances are what keeps you hooked Satyjeet Dubey has a decent screen presence and with his highlighted and unkempt hair slips into Kerry's boots with ease. Aradhana Jagota is equally competent as the coquettish Jyoti. Her stock statement, "Bhoosa mat kato," which means don't make excuses, seems forced and cocky. They are ably supported by the rest of the cast, which include Shivam Pradhan as Hippy Thakur the guy who supplies guns in school and Yeshwant Singh as Suraj's father, the school master. With moderate production values the film is well-mounted. Cinematographer Sushan Prajapati's camera exploits Anjan Gajurel's production designs and the location to the fullest. The songs have the charm of the 90s which in reality are outdated, but goes with the flavour of the narrative. The climax ends on a high, but the denouement disappointingly concludes on a philosophical note, which is not only abrupt, but also pseudo in nature. Overall, this film would appeal to only those who are fond of witnessing crass and crude humour. --IANS troy/nv/vt 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." Around four-five doctors of Indraprastha Apollo hospital will be summoned for questioning in relation to a kidney racket busted on June 2, police said on Friday. Joint Commissioner of Police (South Eastern Range) Rajender Pal Upadhyay told IANS: "We will issue summons in a day or two to all the doctors of the hospital who had carried out the kidney transplants." "There are around four to five doctors who would be summoned to join the investigation in the case," the officer said, adding: "Dr (AShok) Sarin and Dr ((Anshuman) Agarwal too would be called to present their side." Shailesh Saxena, 31, and Aditya Singh, 24, both personal secretaries to the two doctors, were held along with suspected touts Aseem Sikdar, 37, Satya Prakash, 30, and Devashish Moulik, 30, for their alleged involvement in the kidney trade. A senior officer related to the probe said the possibility of more doctors' involvement in the case cannot be ruled out. "Involvement of more doctors cannot be ruled out, we are investigating the case," the officer said. Delhi Police busted the kidney racket on June 2 in Indraprastha Apollo hospital with the arrest of two hospital employees and three suspected touts. The alleged mastermind T. Rajkumar was arrested from Kolkata along with three donors -- two women from Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur and a man from West Bengal's Siliguri district. On June 23, the police also arrested Ashutosh, son of Delhi Jal Board officer Bhule Singh, for receiving a kidney through touts. --IANS aks/rn/vm India on Friday test-fired its medium range surface-to-air missile, jointly developed with Israel, off the Odisha coast for the third time in two days. "The missile (MR-SAM) was fired from Launch Pad 3 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at 10.26 a.m.," defence sources said. On Thursday, the missile was test-fired twice from Chandipur. "A hat-trick by the DRDO with the 3rd consecutive successful launch of #MRSAM weapon system at ITR Chandipur today at 1020 hrs," tweeted India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated the DRDO on the successful test-firing of the surface-to-air missile. "I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel," the President said in a message to Dr S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Director General of DRDO. Mukherjee said: "The nation is proud of the DRDO achievement and looks upon it to make even greater efforts to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas." "I congratulate @DRDO_India, IAI, Air Force and Industries for the hat-trick success of the MRSAM weapon system hitting the targets," tweeted Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The missile, having a strike range of 70 km, is designed to defend against any airborne threat, apart from aircraft and helicopters, and can also intercept supersonic aircraft and missiles. The missile has been jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Israel Aerospace Industries and Israel's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure. An official statement on Thursday said: "The MRSAM system provides reliable air defence at medium ranges." The missile is guided by a radar system and on-board avionics which can successfully hit a pilotless target aircraft. According to informed sources, the missile is a version of the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak-8 and is yet to get a name. It is being developed for the Indian Air Force. Many Indian industries like Bharat Electronics Limited, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Tata Group of companies besides other private industries contributed to the development of a number of sub-systems used in the flight test. --IANS cd/tsb/dg A total of 824,000 Japanese-made cars across Australia have been recalled in the past two days over serious driver safety concerns. Mitsubishi Motors Australia recalled nearly 500,000 vehicles, while Toyota Australia has ordered back 324,000 of its models, over a host of safety faults including defective headlights, airbags and possible fuel leaks, Xinhua news agency reported. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) oversaw the process, which has resulted in the highest number of recall notices ever issued over a two-day period in Australia. According to a NewsCorp report on Friday, some of Mitsubishi's most popular models, including the Triton ute, Lancer Sedan, Outlander, Pajero four-wheel drive, Colt Hatchback and the iMiev electric car, have been summoned back over electrical problems which can affect indicator signals, windscreen-wipers and headlights. The ACCC said the Mitsubishi Lancer's defect includes the handbrake cable, which can interfere with the fuel tank, causing it to rust and leaving it exposed to a possible fuel leak. Among the Toyota's recalled were the Prius hybrid, the Corolla sedan and hatch, and the Rukus vehicles built between October 2008 and February 2015. Toyota said the recall of its cars is due to the possibility that "a crack may develop on the fuel suction plate assembled to the fuel tank". "If this occurs, the crack could expand over time and fuel may eventually leak when the vehicle has a full tank of petrol. Fuel or fuel vapour in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a vehicle fire," Toyota said in a statement on Thursday. Toyota has also issued a second, airbag-related recall for the Prius model because "some (airbag) inflators could have a small crack in the weld area joining the chambers ... and one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle. If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury." The owners of the 800,000 affected Mitsubishi and Toyota cars will be notified by mail and will have their repairs made free of charge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-nation tour of Africa from July 7, it was announced on Friday. Modi will be visiting Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya from July 7 to 11, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here. The Prime Minister will first visit Mozambique on July 7, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Filipe Nyusi to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance development cooperation. Modi will be in South Africa on July 8 and 9 where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders to further enhance India's historical relations with that country, according to Swarup. "With South Africa, we cooperate and work closely... also in multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China)," the Spokesperson said, adding that the Prime Minister was also scheduled to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Modi will be Tanzania on July 10 and will have meetings with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli "to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest". On July 11, Prime Minister Modi will be in Kenya and have bilateral discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta. He will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners which were renewed at the successful IAFS-III (India Africa Forum Summit-III) in October last year," Swarup said. All 54 African nations attended the summit held in New Delhi. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," the Spokesperson added. --IANS ab/dg A day after China reacted strongly over his remarks that Beijing had blocked India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), senior US diplomat Thomas Shannon on Friday reiterated that India was worthy of membership of the elite body and said he had only expressed his disappointment in not getting it into the group. Pointing out that he had never mentioned China in his comments on the NSG, the US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs denied that his words were "aggressive". "The Chinese have reacted strongly to comments that I made in Delhi. It is worth noting that in Delhi, I never mentioned China with regards to the NSG. I just referred to the nature of the NSG meeting that took place in Seoul and the fact that the Nuclear Suppliers Group historically has been an organisation that runs on consensus. "I expressed our disappointment in not getting India into the NSG at this point in time. We thought it was a good moment to do so, we thought India was worthy of that membership and would actually enhance the NSG," Shannon said at a media round-table here. "The fact that we were unable to do so means there was opposition and as I noted in Delhi one of my purposes was to sit down with my Indian counterparts and discuss our diplomatic strategy and how it played down in Seoul and what more we need to do so that when we have the opportunity to once again support India's accession to NSG, that will be successful," he said. China on Thursday slammed the US over Shannon's remarks, saying it had "no regard" for facts, and accused Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Beijing and its neighbours. Shannon had said in New Delhi: "We understand that in a consensus-based organisation, one country can break consensus. But in order to do so, it must be (held) accountable, not isolated." Responding to a media query on Friday, Shannon said: "I don't think my words were aggressive, I was underscoring as far as NSG was concerned. My principle purpose was to underscore our support for India joining the NSG and lamenting the fact that it could not happen." He also said that China's growing economic and geopolitical importance was a threat and opportunity both for India and the US and stressed on the need for peaceful resolution mechanism for the South China Sea issue. "China is an important partner of the US. I am sure that India understands China's economic rise in the same way. But geo-politically we need to find ways to ensure that the partnership isn't undermined or undercut in any fashion. And in that sense I think the US-India relationship is one that makes sense on its own. "India will have to shape its own relations with China. We see a strong India as being an important part of stability of the larger indo-pacific region," he said. On the issue of South China Sea, he said: "This is an issue that we have been working on for quite some time. We want to find a way to underscore the fact that China has much to gain from cooperating with all the countries that border along the South China Sea or use it as a vital internal sea-link. "We believe in international law, respect for freedom of navigation and recognition of peaceful dispute resolution mechanism is more effective way of ensuring free movement of goods and services through the South China Sea and for the peaceful use of that region," added Shannon. --IANS and/vd Rome, July 1 (IANS/AKI) A total of 348 migrants arrived Friday in the eastern Sicilian port of Catania aboard an Italian coastguard vessel - along with the corpses of ten women who died in a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily. The migrants included 86 women and three children and they were plucked from the sea in several rescue operations, the coastguard said. Among the rescued migrants were 107 survivors from Thursday's deadly shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily, over which two people smuggling suspects were arrested, according to sources cited by national news agency Ansa on Friday. The suspects were said to be a Senegalese and a Gambian. Police boarded the wrecked ship overnight in the first phase of an investigation of the tragedy. --IANS/AKI vd Panasonic on Friday launched a new full-HD professional camcorder specifically designed to shoot events like weddings, parties and conferences. The new palm-type HC-PV100 camera was unveiled globally by Yosuke Yamane, Head-Imaging Business Group, Panasonic. "Indian weddings represents the colourful culture of India and deserves to be captured in the most beautiful way. Hence, there was no better place to globally launch our new wedding camera," Yamane said in a statement. Especially suited for night-time parties, the new camcorder has a built-in LED video light. It also makes enhanced and low-light shooting possible with a hand-held type camcorder. The device is equipped with three manual rings, and 2-Channel XLR audio input terminals enabling connection to everything, including microphones requiring a phantom power supply, and audio equipment with +4 dB output. The 2-Channel XLR audio input terminals enables the use of professional-specification and high-performance microphones for recording high-quality sound. It is also loaded with features like two filters, dual SD card slot and 20x zoom. --IANS vr/na/vt Three people including a police officer and two civilians were injured when guerrillas fired outside a mosque after the Friday prayers in Jammu and Kashmir's Badgam district, police said. Police said militants fired pistol shots at Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Rashid outside a mosque in Pakherpora town of Badgam district after the prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan. Two civilians were also injured in the firing. All the injured have been shifted to hospital, police said. --IANS sq/vd President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for successfully test-firing a medium-range ballistic missile, developed jointly with Israel. "I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel," Mukherjee said in a message to Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development and Director General, DRDO. On Thursday, India test-fired twice a medium-range surface-to-air ballistic missile, off the coast of Odisha. "The nation is proud of the achievement made by the DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas," he said in a statement issued here. Mukherjee also conveyed his greetings to the members of the team of scientists, engineers, and all others involved in the mission. "Our nation is grateful for their hard work and proud of their achievement". The missile, which has been jointly developed by DRDO and Israel's administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, has a strike range of 70 km and is designed to defend against any airborne threat, apart from aircraft and helicopters. --IANS ruwa/rn/dg RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will visit Britain in July to participate in a Hindu gathering in a bid to attract British Hindu youths to Indian culture. Bhagwat will stay in a special tent during his week-long visit, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh leaders said. "He will try to inspire people to contribute towards a better future for Hindu Samaj," a RSS leader told IANS. The Britain-based Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh has organised a gathering of over 2,200 Hindus from across the United Kingdom and Europe from July 29 to 31 at Hertfordshire County Show Ground near Luton. The theme of the gathering is "Sanskaar (values of life), Sewa (selfless service) and Sangathan (community spirit)". Inspired by the RSS, which was founded in 1925, the HSS was established in 1966. The HSS is celebrating its golden jubilee. Manmohan Vaiya, the RSS head of publicity department, told IANS: "HSS has invited (Bhagwat). HSS enlightens the new generation towards preserving the cultural heritage of India and Indianness. "He has been invited to encourage this trend among the new generation." RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale will accompany Bhagwat. A number of prominent personalities from the world over will also attend the event and interact with the participants. With a view to generate awareness of environmental sustainability, the venue of the 'Mahashivir' will be a fully-tented township with more than 400 tents. The HSS will also use recyclable materials at the construction of site and during the programme. --IANS bns/mr Russia lifted restrictions on travelling to Turkey after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologised for his counry downing a Russian warplane last November. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on Thursday lifting the ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey and instructed the government to allow the resumption of charter flights between the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Russia's Federal Tourism Agency (Rosturizm) has started restoring cooperation with Turkey. Special attention will be paid to ensuring the security of Russian tourists during their vacation in Turkey, the agency said. Ties between Ankara and Moscow soured after Turkey downed a Russian Su-24 bomber on the Turkish-Syrian border in November, triggering a diplomatic row between the two countries. Russia has imposed a series of economic sanctions on Turkey, including travel ban, suspending the visa-free regime and freezing plans to build a new pipeline to carry Russian natural gas to Europe via Turkey. On Monday, Erdogan sent Putin a message in which he apologised for the death of a Russian pilot of the Su-24 bomber and expressed readiness to do everything necessary to restore the traditionally friendly relations between Turkey and Russia. --IANS ksk/vm Thousand of Muslims across Jammu and offered prayers on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan today. Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar's Nowhatta and at the Hazratbal Shrine to offer prayers. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti joined other devotees at the shrine for the prayers. People from most parts of Srinagar city and its outskirts came out in large numbers despite sweltering heat to offer prayers at the Jamia Masjid and other main mosques in the city. Large congregations were held at all other major towns and cities in the Valley and the Jammu region. In Jammu city, the main Friday congregation was held at the Eidgah on the Residency Road. Reports of large Friday prayer congregations have come in from Rajouri, Poo nch and Doda districts of Jammu region. The holy month of Ramadan ends on July 6. Depending on the appearance of the moon, the Eid festival is likely to be celebrated on July 7. --IANS sq/vd The government on Friday confirmed reports that two Indian nationals have been kidnapped in Nigeria and said that the Indian mission in the West African nation is closely coordinating with local agencies in the wake of the incident. "Yes, in an unfortunate development, two Indian nationals, Mangapudi Srinivas and Kaushal Anish Sharma -- natives of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka -- were abducted on the morning of June 29 in the Benue state of Nigeria," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing. "Both were on their way to work at the Benue Cement company, owned by the Dangote Group," he said. The Dangote Group is a Nigerian multinational industrial conglomerate, the largest in West Africa. Swarup said that the employers of the two Indians immediately informed the Governor of Benue state, the State Commissioner of Police as well as the local head of State Security Service, the internal intelligence arm. "Our mission in Abuja is closely coordinating with these agencies and the company, and we are hopeful of an early resolution to the issue," he said. Stating that no ransom demand has been made, the Spokesperson added: "There is nothing to show that the abductors were from the Boko Haram group and perhaps local criminal elements are involved." --IANS ab/vt At least two students were killed and 19 others sustained injuries on Friday when a compound wall collapsed on prefab classroom structures in a school in Lalitpur district, neighbouring the Nepali capital Kathmandu. Following incessant rain, the boundary wall of an adjoining estate fell upon the prefabricated structure of the private school while classes were on. The bricks and debris struck the classrooms of Grade III and VIII that were closer to the wall, killing two girl students of third grade, The Himalayan Times reported. At least 19 others -- 14 boys and five girls -- were injured. --IANS ask/lok/dg Big Asian countries are cracking down on tax avoidance. Indonesia and India are both doubling down on efforts to lure back funds that citizens have parked overseas in places like Singapore. The stash, from the two countries combined, could amount to over $1.4 trillion based on various estimates from governments and think tanks. It will not be easy for countries to claw that money back but time is on their side. Justice S N Dhingra, who was appointed to probe issues concerning the grant of license(s) for developing commercial colonies in Gurgaon Sector 83 by Haryanas Department of Town and Country Planning, on Thursday asked for more time to submit the report. Holding that BSP cannot be a replacement for SP, BJP President Amit Shah said only his party can provide "an effective alternative" to the two parties and ensure development of Uttar Pradesh as he gave the people of the state "full credit" for BJP getting majority in Lok Sabha. "The full credit for the full majority government at the Centre goes to UP... BSP cannot be an alternative to SP and cannot develop the state... It is only BJP which can be an alternative to these parties," he said at a meeting of the party's booth-level presidents at the Kisan Degree College. Exhorting party workers to take a resolve to "uproot" both BSP and SP, Shah said he was confident that his party will form the government with a two-third majority in the 2017 Assembly election. "For 15 years, turn by turn you gave opportunity to SP and BSP. Now give a chance to BJP," he said. Taking a dig at BSP over quitting by its leaders, Shah said its chief Mayawati will be left alone in the party by the time polls are held next year. Attacking the Akhilesh Yadav government over alleged corruption and failure on law and order front, he said the benefits of various initiatives of the Modi government were not reaching the people because of the SP government. Shah said the UP government was "peculiar" in the sense that instead of giving land to the poor, it was giving it to "goonda" elements in the party. Referring to the Jawahar Bagh incident in Mathura where violent clashes between police and encroachers left 29 people dead earlier this month, he stressed that a government which could not protect its policemen cannot give security to the common man. Blaming the state government for the delay in setting up AIIMS in Gorakhpur, Shah asked the chief minister not to worry about it not as BJP, after it forms the government in the state, will find a way out. One person was killed and 20 others were missing today in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in southwest China. The landslide buried 29 people in Pianpo village, Bijie city of Guizhou Province, officials said. Nine people have been pulled out of the rubble, but one died of injuries. The other eight have been rushed to hospital. The rescue work is ongoing, and the local government has dispatched personnel to relocate residents to avoid secondary disasters, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Rainstorms have battered the region over the past few days. Prince William has paid tribute to a generation lost at the Battle of the Somme, 100 years after the deadliest battle in British history. "We lost the flower of a generation and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared for ever from British life," William said at a ceremony in northern France. "It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation," he added, speaking on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the start of the World War I battle in which some 20,000 British soldiers died on the first day alone. William, his wife Kate and brother Prince Harry attended the start of an all-night vigil at the Thiepval memorial to honour the 1.2 million troops of different nationalities who were killed, injured or listed as missing. Soldiers from the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan will take turns maintaining the vigil until 7:30 AM (1100 IST), the precise time that tens of thousands of troops clambered out of the trenches only to be mown down by German guns. "Tonight we think of them... We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war," the prince, also known as the Duke of Cambridge, said. In addition to around 20,000 British fatalities on that first day, tens of thousands more were maimed or wounded. "It's quite emotional in a way. I feel it's important to remember these things," 73-year-old Irishman William Vernon said earlier as he arrived under rainy skies to attend the main commemoration ceremony today. Vernon said he was coming to remember his great-uncle - also named William - who died aged 26 in the battle. Like the 10,000 members of the public attending, he applied for his ticket online. Vernon's son, William, 33, said he felt it was important to pay tribute to his relative who died "in the most horrendous conditions. It was an absolutely awful war, a pointless war. To be in the trenches was absolute torture", he said. Prince Harry read out a poem, while soldiers at the vigil read out letters from those who had fought in the battle. "I do not want to die. The thought that I may never see you or our darling baby again turns my bowels to water," wrote Captain Charles May of the Manchester Regiment, who did not make it through the first day, in a letter to his wife. Britain's Prince Charles will also attend the main ceremony at Thiepval today, one of six in the Picardy region. Sixteen people were killed and an equal number went missing in heavy rains and landslides in China, officials said today. At least 10 people were killed after heavy rain caused a landslide in Pianpo village in southwest Guizhou Province today. Seven persons have been rescued so far. The landslide hit early morning and buried 29 people under the rubble. Rescuers pulled 17 people out of the rubble, but 10 were pronounced dead, the county government said. The search for the remaining 12 was still on, state-run Xinhua agency reported. The region has seen heavy rain over the past few days. Also six persons were killed and four others went missing after a rainstorm hit central Hubei Province yesterday. As of today, 19,000 people have been relocated to safe places, according to the provincial civil affairs department. A total of 656 homes collapsed and 110,860 hectares of crops were damaged due to storm. Direct economic losses have reached USD 88.8 million, Xinhua said. After cracks were found in a newly-built residential building in Dongbao District in the city of Jingmen, the 316 residents of the building were evacuated last night. Disaster relief efforts are under way. Tents, folding beds, quilts and clothes have been sent to the affected areas. Also 11 tourists who were listed missing while on their way in a forest in central China have been found safe and sound, local officials said. Contact was lost with the group of photographers, from eastern Zhejiang Province, yesterday while they were exploring an unpopulated area in Shennongjia Forest District, Hubei Province. They were in the company of a local tour guide. Two rescue teams consisting of over 30 people battled thick fog and rain to search a steep hillside. The group, although disorientated were safe, the report said. A coalition air strike near the Islamic State bastion of Mosul in Iraq has killed two of the jihadist group's senior military leaders, the Pentagon has said. "Coalition forces conducted an air strike against two ISIL senior military commanders on June 25 near Mosul, Iraq, resulting in their deaths," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement yesterday, using an acronym for the IS group. "The precision strike killed Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari, ISIL's deputy minister of war, and Hatim Talib al-Hamduni, an ISIL military commander in Mosul." Cook said al-Bajari was a former Al-Qaeda member who joined the IS group and oversaw the June 2014 offensive to capture Mosul. He "also led the ISIL Jaysh al-Dabiq battalion known for using vehicle-borne IEDs (homemade bombs), suicide bombers and mustard gas in its attacks." Al-Hamduni was a military commander in Mosul and the head of military police in the region, Cook said. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and became the IS group's de facto Iraq capital. Iraqi security forces have in recent weeks made significant progress against the IS group, including the recapture of the city of Fallujah this month. Attention is now shifting to Mosul, where a battle to liberate the city is expected to unfold in the coming months. "Removing these terrorist leaders from the battlefield shapes the environment for Iraqi forces to ultimately liberate Mosul with support from the international coalition," Cook said. The city police filed a discharge report in a court here as it found no evidence against an accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case who was arrested from Karnataka last month. The 'B summary' report, also known as discharge report, regarding the accused Nasir Rangrez was filed in the special court here last week. Gujarat ATS had arrested Rangrez (38), an auto driver, from Belgaum on June 19 and handed him over to the crime branch of the city police. "We have filed a final discharge report under section 169 of CrPC (no evidence found against accused) as we have not found any substantial evidence against Rangrez. He was in our custody for seven days," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepan Bhadran. Rangrez was released on bail. The discharge application which he has filed will be heard by the court later. A warrant had been issued against him after another accused, Hafiz Adnan, told the investigators that Rangrez was present at a terror training camp allegedly organised by the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in Waghamon forests in Kerala as a part of the blasts conspiracy. "However, other than Adnan's statement, we have not found any evidence (against Rangrez)," said Bhadran. ATS had claimed that Rangrez was a member of SIMI and was a part of a larger conspiracy to spread terror in Gujarat to avenge the killings of Muslims in 2002 riots. As many as 56 persons were killed and over 200 were injured in 20 blasts which had rocked Ahmedabad on July 26, 2008. IM had claimed the responsibility for it. The government's push for regional connectivity may fast track its plans to construct a second airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) as the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport is likely to see an increased load. At present, two proposals in this regard are under consideration of the Civil Aviation Ministry but a final decision on the issue is yet to be taken, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said. Civil Aviation Ministry has at present two proposals -- one for Jewar and other for Bhiwadi (Rajasthan)-- under its consideration in this regard, he said. Of the two proposals, one is from Uttar Pradesh government which has shown its willingness to construct an airport at Jewar in Gautam Budha Nagar (GB Nagar), Sharma's parliamentary constituency. "Delhi airport along with other metro airports will see an increased load due to the (enhanced) regional connectivity. So, we will have to construct a new airport in NCR at the earliest," Sharma said at the release of the Draft Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) here. Stressing that NCR will require another airport "sooner than anticipated", Sharma said "the need for a new airport, that we would have felt after 5-7 years from now, may be felt in the next three years." The Ministry had received three proposals, one each from UP, Rajasthan and Haryana government to set up an airport at Jewar, Bhiwadi and Rohtak, respectively, he added. "Haryana is, however, not following it up now. So, we have only two proposals Bhiwadi and Jewar," he said, adding that the new airport would be constructed at the appropriate site. The Akhilesh Yadav-led Samjawadi Party government in UP had late last year announced setting up of a new international airport at Jewar. It had also said construction at the proposed airport will commence as soon as the state government gets all required approvals and clearances from the Centre. The Ministry, however, received the proposal only in April this year. "Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, has received a proposal from government of Uttar Pradesh in April, 2016 for grant of site clearance for proposed Noida International Airport near Jewar, district Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh," Sharma had informed Parliament in May. In the second accident within a week involving school vehicle, eight persons, including seven girl students, were injured when the bus, they were travelling in, dashed against a road divider here today. The incident occurred at 6.10 am when the bus carrying students of Holy Child School, at Beadon Street in North Kolkata, dashed against the divider of a footway on the opposite flank on Belgachia bridge, a senior police officer said. The bus was carrying 14 girl students. A female guardian of one of the students, who was travelling in the bus, was also injured, the officer said. The injured were taken to R G Kar Hospital where they were released after first aid. The driver is absconding, the officer said. Last Friday, the driver of a pool car of Loreto Convent School in Middleton Street died after the vehicle hit a pillar in Karaya Police Station area. Eleven of the 31 students travelling in the vehicle sustained minor injuries. India's abstention from the United Nations vote on protecting homosexuals and transgenders met with angry reactions from LGBT rights activists, who termed it as "shameful, condemnable and heartbreaking". Founder of Naz Foundation, which has filed a curative plea in Supreme Court on decriminalising homosexuality, Anjali Gopalan said, "It is really unfortunate that we abstained. On one hand we want to be considered a very progressive nation yet when it comes to protecting the rights of our people we don't want to do it." Rejecting the explanation of MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup, who said India abstained from voting because the matter is sub-judice, Gopalan said, "What happened in UN has nothing to do with the case in Supreme Court, which is looking at decriminalising homosexuality. The UN vote is on documenting violence. So, what is the problem with saying yes. The decision to abstain really shows our mindset." Chairman of Mumbai-based Humsafar Trust Ashok Row Kavi said, "I condemn the decision to abstain as it shows that India is against universal human rights. We have signed the human rights charter but we have gone against it by abstaining." However he says there is a silver lining, "This time India abstained, which is a step forward from last time when it voted against rights for same sex couples. This time we abstained which could mean that on a later date India can change its stance." He was referring to India's vote last year against the UN Secretary General's decision to extend marriage benefits to LGBT couples or same-sex couples. Bollywood stylist Rishi Raj, who is a vocal supporter of LGBT rights, dubbed India's move as "heartbreaking". "As heartbreaking as it is I am not surprised because this goes on to show the hypocrisy that we are dealing with in our country. To draw a link between the SC case and UN vote is an excuse to not touch anything remotely LGBT... "It is this pink elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about. This also goes on to show that our country has no plan of evolution for LGBT rights, definitely till this government is in power," he said. Around 330 passengers and crew members of an Air India (AI) flight from Riyadh to the city escaped unhurt today after the plane hit the aerobridge upon landing here. Some ground operators were injured in the mishap which caused partial damage on the aircraft's left engine, an official said. The mishap at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport triggered a blame game between AI and airport authorities. While no passengers or crew were injured due to the accident, some ground operators were injured, a Mumbai airport spokesperson said, adding the incident, involving a Boeing 777-300 ER plane, happened at around 1520 hrs. Confirming the accident with flight AI 922, an airline official said the left engine sustained a minor bump and will be sent for inspection. The aircraft, which had around 330 passengers and crew members on-board, has been towed away to the hangar. The national carrier blamed the airport personnel for the accident. "AI 922 Riyadh-Mumbai flight hit the aerobridge (used by passengers to board a plane) while parking at the arrival bay. The accident happened because the guidance system of MIAL (Mumbai International Airport) displayed wrong information. "Due to this wrong information, which is not compatible with this model of aircraft, the left engine of aircraft got into contact with the parked aerobridge," an Air India official said. But the airport spokesperson vehemently denied their role in the incident. "The accident has nothing to do with the guidance system of MIAL. The aircraft was being marshalled/ guided by Air India staff during which it collided with the aerobridge. The aircraft suffered some minor damage." The MIAL said the accident did not lead to any disruption of operations at the airport, one of the busiest in the country. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has extended support to the central government employees who will go on from July 11 to protest against a 'meagre' pay hike approved by the Union Cabinet. "AITUC Secretariat in its emergent meeting has supported the call given by National Joint Council of Action of Central Government Employees Unions including Railways, P&T and Defence etc. To go for indefinite from July 11, 2016, against the unilateral announcement of the Central government on implementation of recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission," AITUC Secretary D L Sachdev said in a statement. AITUC stated that the minimum wage fixed by the Commission and accepted by the government is too low for Class III employees of the government. It further said that setting up of a committee by the government for streamlining the new pension scheme is also an eyewash. The committee should actually review NPS by replacing it with the old pension scheme. It is for the first time that pay hike is the lowest in the last 70 years. It is unfortunate that the government did not discuss these recommendations with NJCA and announced its decision unilaterally, it said. "It is learnt that Group of Ministers led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh had a discussion with NJCA on June 30, 2016 night and proposed setting up of a minimum wage and fitment committee but no notification to this effect has been issued till now and the Central government employees are fully justified in implementing call for strike," it said. The Central Trade Unions will be meeting on July 7 to chalk out an action plan to express their solidarity with the agitating government employees. AITUC has also given a call for its affiliates to fully support the from July 11, 2016, it added. The office of the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) of India at Patna High Court premises was today inagurated by Acting Chief Justice Iqbal Ahmad Ansari. Senior advocate S D Sanjay is the first Additional Solicitor General (ASG) of India for the state of Bihar. Sanjay was appointed to the post on April 8, 2015, by the Appointment Committee of the union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will represent Government of India's side at Patna HC and Central Administrative Tribunal in matters relating to the Centre. The Centre had created the ASG's post on December 10, 2014 for Bihar, Karnataka, Punjab, Jharkhand and Gujarat after amending the Law Officers Service Condition Rule 1987. Prior to the appointment in these five states, ASGs have already been appointed in Bombay, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Allahabad High Courts. The Bihar ASG will be the overall in-charge of Centre's litigation in Bihar including allotment of work among other union government lawyers. He will be assisted by two teams of lawyers - each comprising 30 of them at Patna HC and CAT, Sanjay said. Earlier, Assistant Solicitor General of India used to look after litigations on behalf of the Union of India in Patna HC. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price was today hiked by 5.5 per cent for the fifth month in a row, but that of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was cut by Rs 11 per cylinder, in line with global trends. ATF, or jet fuel price, in Delhi was increased by Rs 2,557.7 per kilolitre (kl), or 5.47 per cent, to Rs 49,287.18, the oil companies announced today. This is the fifth straight monthly increase in rates -- the last being on June 1 when prices were hiked by a steep 9.2 per cent, or Rs 3,945.47, to Rs 46,729.48/kl. In the five increases, ATF rates have gone up by 25 per cent, or Rs 9,985.87, per kl since March. But the fuel used in aeroplanes is still cheaper than petrol and diesel. A litre of petrol in Delhi costs Rs 64.76 a litre and diesel is priced at Rs 54.70 compared with Rs 49.28 a litre price of ATF. This is mainly because the government took away most of the gains arising out of the drop in international oil prices by way of raising excise duties on auto fuels. ATF rates vary at different airports because of differential local sales tax or value-added tax (VAT). Jet fuel constitutes over 40 per cent of an airline's operating cost and the latest price increase will add to the financial burden of cash-strapped carriers. No immediate comment was available from airlines on the impact of the price increase on passenger fares. Simultaneously, the oil firms cut prices of non-subsidised LPG, which consumers buy after exhausting their quota of 12, by Rs 11 per 14.2-kg cylinder. Non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) now costs Rs 537.50 in Delhi as against Rs 548.50 per cylinder previously. The reduction in rates comes on back of two successive increases - first by Rs 18 per cylinder on May 1 and then by Rs 21 per bottle on June 1. Subsidised LPG costs Rs 421.16 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi. The three fuel retailers -- Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum -- revise jet fuel and non-subsidised LPG prices on the first day of every month, based on the average international price in the preceding month. In a breakthrough in the case of robbery of nearly Rs 9.16 crore from the office of an ATM cash handling company here, police today said they have arrested six persons and recovered Rs 3.12 crore from them. The six persons were arrested yesterday and the hunt is on for around 15 others who were also involved in the robbery that took place in the wee hours of June 28, Maharashtra Director General of Police Pravin Dixit told mediapersons at the police headquarters here. Dixit said the six arrests were made from Thane and Nashik in joint effort by a police team, including personnel of the Crime Branch, who cracked the case. Three four-wheelers, a pistol and a knife used by the accused in the robbery were also seized, and the hunt was on for another weapon and other things like CCTV and DVR taken away by the accused, police said. A gang of seven robbers, wielding knives and chopper, had on Tuesday robbed the office of the ATM cash handling company here and decamped with nearly Rs 9.16 crore. The incident took place when the robbers, who had their faces covered with monkey caps and handkerchiefs, barged into the office in Teen Hath Naka area here when 4 to 5 staffers were engaged in counting the money. The robbers kept the three security guards and staffers at gun-point while some of them stacked off the cash. They also disconnected the CCTV camera and looted it along with some mobile handsets. As per police, the company handled cash for bank ATMs, malls and jewellers. At the time of the incident, the cash collected was kept in the office. The DGP said that without any clue of the crime as the CCTVs were also stolen by the robbers, police worked on technical inputs and human intelligence and cracked the case within 48 hours. He expressed confidence that the others accused would also be nabbed soon. To a question, he said the company had not informed about its functioning in the city and also not intimated the police immediately after the robbery. "Our priority now is to recover the balance cash and also arrest the others accused," he said, adding that later on they will decide on further steps with regard to the company and also work out a system for such cash management firms. To a query, the DGP said after the robbery, the gang members assembled at Wadivare near Nashik and distributed the booty among themselves, with each one taking Rs 10 to 20 lakhs depending on his place in the gang, he said. Those arrested have been identified as - Nitesh Bhagwan Awhad alias Golu (22), Amol Arun Karle (26), Akash Chandrakant Chavan alias Chingya, Mayur Rajendra Kadam alias Ajinkya (21), all residents of Thane, and Umesh Suresh Wagh (28) and Harishchandra Uttam Mathe (30) from Nashik. The entire robbery operation, which lasted for around 20 minutes at around 3.15 AM on June 28, was the result of the inputs provided by an insider, the DGP said. One of the gang members - Aakash Chavan alias Chingya - had worked in the firm and left it in February this year and in his place brought in Amol Karle, who was among those present in the company at the time of the incident. Besides, another arrested accused - Umesh Suresh Wag - is said to be the mastermind of the robbery, police said. As per police, it was a well-planned robbery. The planning went on for two months before its execution and the insiders knew that the large amount of cash, to the tune of Rs 25-30 crores, collected form various sources including malls, was kept in the office and at time of the incident. The robbers took away as much cash as they could carry in three drums, police said. Dixit said that even though the CCTV in the company premises was pulled off and taken away, police had the footage of the recordings in the neighbourhood and account of the eyewitnesses. The intention of the robbery was nothing but to enjoy the big loot, police said. Nearly a dozen police teams were formed which worked round-the-clock and finally zeroed-in on the accused. Some of those arrested and absconding accused are history-sheeters, the details of which are being verified, police said. The Thane police team has spread in Nashik, Goa, Aurangabad, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in search of the others accused, he said. To a question, the DGP lauded the police officials who cracked the case and said they would be suitably rewarded. Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh and his team was present at the press conference where the seized booty was displayed before mediapersons. Millions of Australians were bracing for a key election that pits Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull against Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten who is vying to become the country's fifth premier in three years, with polls indicating that the vote may be too close to call. Over 15 million peopleare expected to exercise their votes tomorrowwith over 1,600 candidates, including five of Indian-origin, contesting fromover 55 political parities. The main contest is between Turnbul and his conservative coalition against a Labor opposition led by Shorten. Britain's decision to leave the European Union prompted Australia's political leaders to re-emphasise their economic security credentials ahead of the election this Saturday. Turnbull has urged the Australians to look for stability and re-elect his conservative coalition which dumped the country's last prime minister less than a year ago. Shorten said ruling coalition is deeply divided so Labor could give more stable government. The polls will elect all 226 members including 150 members for the lower houseof the 45th Parliament after an eight-week official campaign period following thedouble dissolution announcedby Prime Minister Turnbull in April this year. About 10 million people are expected to vote at 7,000 polling booths whereas over 4.5 million people are on track to votein advance. In the 150-seat House of Representatives, Labor currently holds 55 seats, the coalition 90 and five seats are held by minor parties or independents. Majorissues of economy, cost of living,education, climate change, Great Barrier Reef,health, house affordability, gay marriage and asylum seekers dominated the debate between Australia's two major political groups - the Australian Labor Party and Liberal/National coalition. Liberal Party's Turnbull, a 61-year-old self-made multi- millionaire, focused on economy with morejobs and growth while Shorten, 49, of Labor party focused on health, education and climate change. Turnbull has also promised to hold a plebiscite on the issue of allowing same-sex marriage if re-elected to the government. Hours ahead of the electionday, thetwo national survey revealed 'neck to neck'race butdifferent results. While the latest Fairfax-Ipsos poll has shown support for the coalition and Labor deadlocked at 50 per cent each and a possibility of a hung parliament, the thirdGalaxy poll showed the coalition ahead 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis. The Fairfax-Ipsos poll of 1377 voters revealed an even split on a two-party preferred basis but when asked specificallywhich party would receive their second preference, voters gave Labor a 51-49 per cent lead. Turnbull remainedthe preferred choice for prime minister. In the Galaxy poll, the coalition wasahead of Labor 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis. It surveyed 1,768 voters showing thatthe swing against the government waslimited to 2.5 per cent. More than 27 per cent of voterswould support the Greens and other minor parties, according to the Fairfax-Ipsos poll, while the Galaxy poll revealedthe same number of people claiming they would vote for independents. Both main contestants made a final pitch for votes on their last leg of election campaign in Sydney. Five Indian-origin candidates are also contesting the federalelection representing Liberal, Labor and Greens Party apart from few who are contesting as independent candidates. A top official of Bangladesh's state- owned Agrani Bank was arrested overnight by anti-corruption authorities on graft charges, a few hours after he was appointed for the top job following the sacking of his predecessor for alleged loan scams. Acting managing director Mizanur Rahman was arrested alongwith Agrani Bank DGM Akhtarul Alam and AGM Shafiullah on graft charges, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesman Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya said. Rahman was appointed as the top executive of the state-run bank yesterday by the bank's board of directors after they removed his predecessor Syed Abdul Hamid from his position following a central bank order for his alleged role in a number of loan scams. "We arrested him (Rahman) late yesterday along with two other senior Agrani Bank officials on graft charges from the bank's Dilkhusha headquarters in the capital," he said, adding their investigation found that the three officers misappropriated Taka 1.08 billion (USD 1,37,05,934) through false papers relating to a controversial loan. "We have filed a case against Rahman and two others accusing them of embezzling bank money through cheating, misuse of power and criminal breach of trust," Bhattacharya said. "Rahman was arrested few hours after he took the charge as the acting MD but officially we are yet to be informed about that," Agrani Bank Chairman Zayed Bakth said. The sacking and arrest of two top officials of state-owned bank on two consecutive days comes even as the country was still recovering from the cyber theft of USD 81 million from the country's official account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February this year. The Bangladesh central bank governor Atiur Rahman has resigned from his position and three of his subordinates were fired by the government following the embarrassing theft. Bangladesh, which is witnessing violence against Hindu minority members, has assured India that it is fully committed to safeguarding their rights, maintaining that many of these incidents were not communal in nature. They also conveyed to India that investigations have been concluded and arrests made in 25 of these incidents and government is now filing charge sheets in many of the remaining cases. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said "Our High Commission in Dhaka closely monitors incidents targeting the religious, socio-economic and political freedom of the minorities in Bangladesh and raises these issues with Bangladeshi authorities appropriately." He said Bangladesh government has told India that many of the incidents are not communal and were triggered out of disputes. "The government of Bangladesh has taken into preventive custody over 11,000 persons who are suspected to have links with militant organisations or are believed to be sympathiser of radical Islamic ideology being propounded by those carrying out these attacks," he said. A Hindu priest was today hacked to death by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest in a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. A 14-year-old baby girl in the UK was mauled by her family's powerful American Bulldog, forcing authorities to airlift her to hospital, police said today. The as yet unnamed baby was attacked by the family's pet dog at a house in Nelson, Lancashire on Wednesday morning. Officers who rushed to the scene confirmed the tiny youngster was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital before later being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Police confirmed the small child is currently stable and her wounds are described as "serious cuts". Upset neighbours described the shocking incident, with a female resident saying she saw emergency services arrive. "It's terrible to hear about what's happened, you don't expect a young girl to be bitten by a dog around here," she was quoted as saying by the Sun. The American Bulldog is a legal breed in the UK and a powerful working dog. The little girl was attacked by her pet Bully, a type of American Bulldog named after influential breeder John D. Johnson. Banned dogs in the UK are the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro. An investigation has been launched into the incident but no arrests have been made. A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "We were called shortly after 11.30am on Wednesday to a report that a child had been bitten by a dog. "Police and paramedics attended and the child, a 14- month-old babygirl, was taken by air ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital and then transferred to the Manchester Children's Hospital. "Her condition was described as serious but now she is stable. "An investigation into the circumstances is under way and at the moment there's nothing to suggest any criminal offices have taken place. "The girl has not suffered any major injuries, just cuts which were serious but not life-threatening," the police spokesman added. A local court today granted bail to Odisha PCC vice-president Pradeep Majhi and 18 other Congressmen who were arrested for allegedly ransacking a forest range office and beat up an forest range officer during an agitation for land rights for tribals on June 25. The 19 Congress activists, including Majhi, were arrested on the charge of ransacking the office of the forest ranger at Raighar while demanding land rights under Forest Rights Act. The Assistant Sessions judge court, Umerkote, granted bail to them on production of a bailer and a personal bond of Rs 20,000 each. However, they remained in the jail today due to non-completion of certain formalities. On June 25, hundreds of Congressmen led by Majhi demanded settlement of forest lands in favour of tribals under Forest Rights Act. They took out a procession and while demonstrating at the forest range office at Raighar allegedly ransacked it and beat up the forest range officer. The police arrested Majhi, Raighar block Congress president Jotindra Gond, Umerkote block Congress president P Ravana Rao, party Adivasi cell president Akhilo Bhatra and five others in connection with the incident. Congress had in February, 2015 submitted a memorandum to the local tahasildar demanding early settlement of the forest lands in favour of those who had been residing there. Delhi High Court today granted one month interim bail to Nitesh Bhardwaj, facing trial for allegedly killing his billionaire father and BSP leader Deepak Bhardwaj, to enable him undergo a brain tumour surgery. Justice I S Mehta granted the relief to the accused after perusing the reports of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Fortis hospital here, which said that Bhardwaj requires to undergo Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) which is a non-surgical radiation therapy used to treat functional abnormalities and small tumors of the brain. The hospitals' response came on the court's query made two days ago on the accused's plea seeking interim bail on medical grounds. The court enlarged Bhardwaj on interim bail subject to furnishing a bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of like amount. It also restrained him from leaving Delhi or the country without prior permission of the court concerned. The police had opposed his plea for interim bail saying he might escape if he gets out. Bhardwaj, 36, Deepak Bhardwaj's younger son, was arrested in April 2013 for his father's murder at a Delhi farmhouse on March 26, the same year. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader was gunned down by contract killers Sunil Mann alias Sonu and Purushottam Rana alias Monu at his 35-acre farmhouse in south Delhi. He was one of the richest candidates in the 2009 Lok Sabha election, having declared assets worth Rs 600 crore. The six arrested individuals in the case so far are Nitesh Bhardwaj, Shehrawat, a lawyer-cum-property dealer, Purshottam Rana alias Monu and Sunil Mann, the two shooters, Amit, driver of the car used by the alleged killers, and Rakesh, the car owner. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said here this evening that bifurcation of Hyderabad High Court fell in the apex court's purview, and it was not right to create a controversy on it. He was reacting to the ongoing agitation in Telangana by judicial officers and lawyers demanding the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad be bifurcated. "It (division of High Court and its relocation) is in the Supreme Court's purview. It is not right to create a controversy over it when the courts are seized of the matter," Chandrababu remarked, when asked about his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao's letter to the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh demanding bifurcation of HC. The High Court at Hyderabad is currently serving the two states jointly as per the AP Reorganisation Act-2014. "We had foregone everything (following the bifurcation of the state). What's the big issue in foregoing the High Court," the AP Chief Minister said. His government wanted to construct a new building for the High Court in Amaravati as an iconic structure, he said. "It has to be designed. It is an iconic structure and we can't do it just like that," he added. He also found fault with Rao's demand the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi be handed over solely to the Telangana government. "AP Bhavan has been built with the hard work of all. You can't claim sole rights over it," Naidu said. Asking Bangladesh government to ensure security of minorities in the country, BJP today threatened to stop the Dhaka-Kolkata train and hold dharna in front of Benapole-Petrapole border gate if the killing of Hindus did not stop there. "Hindus and other minorities are killed in Bangladesh regularly. Bangladesh government should take steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities. India has played a major role in the independence of Bangladesh. "We (India) share a very good relations with Bangladesh. But if the killing does not stop in Bangladesh, we'll stage demonstration in front of Benapole-Petrapole border gate and stop the movement of 'Maitree Express' (the train between Kolkata and Dhaka). We'll not tolerate attack on Hindus in Bangladesh," BJP's West Bengal President Dilip Ghosh told a rally here. "In Bengal, you will see rallies organised by Communists on various global issues. But it's an irony that when Hindus in Bangladesh are being attacked, we are witnessing a stoic silence from both Communists and ruling TMC here," he said. The rally was organised in protest against the recent killing of minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP national secretary and former state president Rahul Sinha questioned the "silence" of intellectuals on the issue of killing of minorities in Bangladesh. "Why are the intellectuals now maintaining a silence on the killings? Whenever an incident happens in India, they raise a hue and cry. But they are keeping mum on this issue," Sinha said. BJP's rally comes a day after 'Hindu Jagran Manch' had organised a rally on the same issue in Kolkata. President Pranab Mukherjee today congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firings of a medium-range missile and said it should make greater efforts to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities. He said the nation was proud of the achievement made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). "I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel. "The nation is proud of the achievement made by DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas," the President said in a message to S Christopher, Secretary, the Department of Defence Research and Development and Director General, DRDO. Mukherjee said the nation is grateful to all the members -- scientists, engineers and all others involved in this mission -- for their hard work and proud of their achievement. India had yesterday carried out two successful test-firings of the new missile, with a strike range up to 70 km, from a defence base off Odisha coast. It was again test-fired today. Press Release: Contact: Crystal Feldman Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory, North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced today that TekTone Sound & Signal Mfg., Inc. will create 35 jobs over the next five years as it expands operations in Macon County. The company plans to invest $2.9 million in its facility over that time.said Governor McCrory.Founded in 1973, TekTone Sound & Signal Mfg., Inc. opened its manufacturing facility in Franklin, N.C. in 1989. TekTone designs & manufactures wired & wireless nurse call, apartment entry, area of rescue assistance, alert integration and resident wandering systems. TekTone healthcare communications systems are found in hospitals, retirement communities, skilled nursing, and assisted/independent living facilities around the globe. TekTone world headquarters is in Franklin and the company's network of first-rate distributors and representatives stretches worldwide. The privately held company employs an existing workforce of 70 locally."Nothing compares to the manufacturing talent, access to global markets and competitive costs that companies like TekTone Sound & Signal find in North Carolina," said Secretary Skvarla. "These are among the factors that have made us the Southeast's #1 state for manufacturing jobs."TekTone Sound & Signal Mfg., Inc. will add engineers, technicians, and sales representatives among other positions at its new research, development and manufacturing facility. Salaries will vary by position, but will average more than $48,118 per year. Macon County's current annual wages average $30,794.The global market for nurse call systems is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022, according to a 2016 report by Grand View Research, Inc. Trends in healthcare technology, regulation and reimbursement are driving international demand for communications systems.commented Carlos Mira, President of TekTone.The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $90,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. One NC grants also require and are contingent on financial matches from local governments.said N.C. Senator Jim Davis.said N.C. Representative Roger West.Among the allies working with EDPNC and N.C. Commerce on TekTone Sound & Signal's expansion are the North Carolina General Assembly, the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Macon County Economic Development Commission. Since European Union accounts for nearly a fifth of India's engineering exports, the impending exit of the UK from the union is likely to have a deep impact on India, exporters said. "EU, including UK, claims nearly one-fifth of the country's engineering exports to top 25 destinations, and therefore, any upheaval in the largest trading partner following Brexit would have an impact of great magnitude on the exporters who are already in a state of distress," engineering exporters' apex body EEPC India chairman T S Bhasin said in a statement today. India's total engineering exports to top 25 destinations were around USD 7.6 billion for the April-May period of the current fiscal. Of this, the EU members contributed USD 1.5 billion and the UK was at the top of the list, followed by Germany. "Seven of our 25 destinations are from EU. So, any upheaval in the market as a result of political division will have wide economic ramifications on trade, investment and currency movement which should be a cause of worry for us," he said. Bhasin further said that though a two-year window of negotiations for the exit of Britain is available, the current indications point towards extreme political stand by a divided British polity and the EU leadership. India's engineering exports to UK during April-May were USD 372 million and for Germany, the shipments amounted to USD 339 million. The other major trading partners are Italy with engineering shipments of USD 253 million, France USD 191 million, the Netherlands USD 141 million, Spain and Belgium of USD 121 million each. "India too should keep a close watch on the unfolding situation and tweak its strategy on protracted India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations while opening fresh avenues of trade liberalisation with Britain," he said. The government should also work out a strategy to find an effective solutions to deal with the emerging situation, Bhasin added. Britain and France recalled the horrors of the Battle of the Somme today, 100 years after their troops fought and died together in one of the defining offensives of World War I. Britain's royal family, Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande took part in a commemoration at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to remember the one million who were left dead, injured or missing in the 141-day battle. Guests from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, India, Pakistan, Canada and Ireland also attended the event. Guards of honour, bagpipes and military bands accompanied the moving ceremony in the shadow of the imposing memorial inscribed with the names of 72,000 servicemen who went missing in the surrounding fields. However, modern political battles could not be ignored, and Hollande had a brief exchange with Cameron after the ceremony, a week after Britain voted to leave the European Union. "The decision has been taken, it cannot be delayed or cancelled," said Hollande, who made a last-minute change to his schedule to attend the ceremony. Hollande said a speedy Brexit "would avert all the uncertainties and instability, especially in the economic and financial domains. The faster it goes, the better it will be for them." "I want to recall that it is the European idea which allowed us to overcome divisions and rivalries between states, and which has brought us peace for the past 70 years," he said in an earlier statement. During the ceremony narrators, using old letters, poems and songs, took some 10,000 guests -- who scrambled to pull on plastic ponchos as the clouds burst -- through one of the deadliest battles of all time. "There was high explosives, shrapnel, everything you can imagine. Terrific, hurtling death," read a letter from Private Sean Fendley of the British Army of the first time soldiers went "over the top" to face their German enemy. The offensive was launched to ease pressure on French forces taking a hammering at Verdun, and was preceded by the largest artillery bombardment in history, with some 1.5 million shells lobbed at the Germans. However, this was not enough to break German defences, and of some 55,000 soldiers who scrambled out of their trenches, 20,000 would be dead by the end of the first day of fighting -- the bloodiest in British military history. The Battle of the Somme was a tragedy not only for British, French and German troops, but also Commonwealth nations whose soldiers fought for Britain. The commemorations began with the blast of whistles on a former battlefield and in Parliament Square in London at 7:30 am sharp to mark the start of the offensive. The previous night Queen Elizabeth attended a night-long vigil in Westminster Abbey while her grandson Prince William was in France along with his wife Kate and brother Harry for a vigil at Thiepval. Business in India needs new standards of accounting as converging to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) will enhance India's ranking in terms of corporate governance and bring transparency in accounting standards, the ACCA said. Speaking at the two-day national workshop on IFRS, which concluded here today at the University of Calcutta, Md Sajid Khan, Head of International Development, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said the demand for skilled professional accountants has grown exponentially both in India and worldwide. "The workshop will create an opportunity for faculties and experts of Commerce to access global skill share, researches, knowledge base and the best practices that are being followed worldwide by the corporates," he said. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Swagata Sen, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Calcutta, stressed on the need of such a workshop on IFRS for the faculty members of University of Calcutta and its affiliated members. "It will emphasise on the global standards of accounting and will enlighten about the latest trends in the area of IFRS," Sen said. With more and more countries and companies adopting IFRS and the shifting business environment, a globally relevant qualification like ACCA would help students of the University gain competitive advantage through this world class professional qualification, Sen said. The ACCA, in association with University of Calcutta and International Skill Development Corporation, conducted the workshop on IFRS at the Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta, highlighting the latest changes in the area of IFRS to the faculty and Commerce enthusiasts. The workshop was part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between ACCA and University of Calcutta earlier this year, to jointly host events like seminars, conferences, skill development projects, research and exchange programmes. ACCA has collaborated with the University of Calcutta to offer IFRS embedded programme (Including IFRS Certification) to M Com students of the University. ACCA has also offered courses through one of its approved learning partners the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC). A CBI court here today convicted two employees of post office and one of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in separate graft cases. In the first case, Pancharam and Arjunram, who were posted at Phalodi post office, had fraudulently taken out Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh between 2007-2009 from public accounts, according to the prosecution. Terming it an act of "shaking the trust of investors" in institutions like post office, special court (CBI) Judge M R Suthar sentenced the duo to 7 years rigorous imprisonment. A penalty of Rs 22 lakh and Rs 7 lakh was also imposed on Pancharam and Arjunram respectively. In the second case, the court convicted Surendra Kumar Soni, an employee of NHAI, for accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh from a plantation contractor in return for clearing his bills. Judge Sutharsentenced Soni to 6 years imprisonment apart from imposing a penalty of Rs 50,000 on him after public prosecutor Rakesh Kumar pleaded for a harsher sentence. During search of Soni's house after his arrest by CBI on April 29, 2013, expensive imported items had also been seized from his possession. The CBI today registered a case of fraud against five persons including three senior former bank employees for causing a loss of Rs 38 crore to Union Bank of India. The case was registered on the basis of a complaint from the bank on the allegations of defrauding it during 2007 to 2012. The accused have been identified as Y P Gupta, then General Manager, Pune, S G S Pawar, then Deputy General Manager, Nagpur and S B Vishwesra, former Assistant General Manager, Gokulpeth Branch, Nagpur, all working in Union Bank of India, CBI officials said today. Besides, the case of criminal breach of trust and cheating has been registered against Y S S Raju and his wife-- Y Suvarchala--Directors of a Nagpur-based private company-- Leela Ventures India Pvt Ltd, they claimed. "It was further alleged that the cash credit limit and terms loan were sanctioned by the bank officers to private company and the said company diverted the funds to its sister concern. "The company also did not submit bills of suppliers to the bank and mortgaged the property which was already acquired by the government. The collateral security was also not adequate and the said company & its directors did not repay the funds to the bank. An alleged loss to the tune of Rs 38 crores (approx) was caused to bank," a press release issued by the CBI said. Searches were conducted at the premises of accused at Pune, Mysore and Nagpur which led to recovery of certain documents, it said. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh making a case for Centre going in for an appeal against the Madras High Court judgement allowing Sun TV network of Maran brothers to participate in private FM radio auction. The Madras High Court this month set aside the Union Home Ministry's last July order denying security clearance to the Sun Group on the basis of which the Information and Broadcasting Ministry did not allow the group companies to participate in the Phase-III auction process of FM radio. "I believe that judgement and order dated June 14, 2016 is not just a complete wrong reading of the clauses/provisions but also a dangerous interpretation since this judgement can become a precedent for others to rely," Swamy wrote to Home Minister on June 27. He said the the Central Government should file an appeal before the Division bench of the Madras High Court. "The Madras High Court while coming to the conclusion has erroneously held that since the Maran brothers are not convicted and the cases against them are still pending therefore they do not disqualify as per the eligibility clauses," he said. Stating that the High Court had "exceeded its jurisdiction to a field which was an expertise field", Swamy said the Court is itself doing an expert job which is specialised job and within the expertise and domain of Ministry of Home Affairs only. Sun Group was denied security clearance on the ground it faced Aircel-Maxis case linked to 2G spectrum allocation, money laundering charges and alleged illegal telephone exchange case (in which former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother and Sun Group owner Kalanidhi Maran are accused). Alleging massive corruption in PDS and pension schemes in operation in Rajasthan, civil society activists today demanded formulation of an "accountability law". The activists urged the government to enact the "Rajasthan Bhaagidari, Jawaabdehi aur Saamajik Ankekshan Bill", the draft for which has already been prepared by them, to seek the accountability. The Bill attempts to lay out a practical framework of accountability to the people and ensuring that citizens are "empowered to define, participate and monitor" the work of the administration in carrying out of their duties. "The State must be accountable and completely transparent and accountable to the people (and) not to the CAG or to any senior officer or audit party," said prominent activist Aruna Roy. Alleging irregularities in the list of eligible pensioners, the activists claimed in order to show an increase in "savings", the government is declaring people who are still alive as "dead" and denying them pensions. To validate the claims, the testimonials of five people from Chak Hirat village in Rajasthan, who were allegedly declared "dead" by the government officials, irrespective of them presenting themselves in person, were brought forth. The activists alleged that, "10 lakh social security pensioners have been removed from the list of beneficiaries in Rajasthan. Out of these 10 lakh pensioners, 2,95,194 pensions were stopped because beneficiaries were declared to be dead". "My pension was stopped five months back. When I tried to enquire at the Tehsil, the officials informed me that I had died," said 40-year-old Leela. "I was told to re-apply for my pension," she added. Impressing upon the importance of the accountability law, one of the founders of MKSS (Mazdoor Kishan Shakti Sangthan), Nikhil Dey said, "this law is important because when you are declaring 60-70 percent of the people dead and cutting them off from the pension list, the question will be who did it, why they did it and what will be the consequences?" The activists also touched upon the irregularities in the public distribution system operational within the state. Shiv Visavanathan, eminent sociologist, who had visited the 22 day dharna in Jaipur said, "people from rural India theorize about democracy better than anyone else and what is interesting about India is not its population but its 'missing' population". Irrfan's remark questioning sacrifice of animals during Eid-uz-Zoha has invited sharp reaction from Muslim clerics, who have asked the actor to focus on his work, but the star says he is not scared of them as he does not live in a country governed by religious contractors. "Please Bhaiyon, who are upset with my statement, either you are not ready to introspect or you are in a hurry to reach to a conclusion," Irrfan tweeted. "For me religion is about personal introspection , it's a source for compassion, wisdom and moderation and not for stereotyping and fanaticism. Clerics don't scare me !! Thank God I don't live in a country governed by religious contractors (thekedars ) #FREEDOM," the 49-year-old actor wrote. During the promotion of his upcoming film "Madaari" in Jaipur recently, the actor had raised questions over sacrifice of animals during Bakrid. "People should understand the real meaning behind a particular ritual. Animals used to be the prime source of food when the ritual would have started and people sacrificed their food. Today, one buys two goats from market and kill them in the name of sacrifice; then how come it becomes a real sacrifice?" Muslim clerics took strong exception to his comments and asked the actor to focus on his work instead of making his own interpretation of religious customs. "Irrfan is an actor and he should focus on his work only. He has no religious knowledge and he should have contacted some cleric or learnt from them before raising any question regarding Qurbaani or Ramzan," Khalid Usmai, city qazi, told PTI. He said Islam has no vague things and Irrfan should improve his knowledge. Another scholar Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, also said the actor should concentrate on his career instead of speaking about the religion. At least 12 people were killed and 17 trapped under tonnes of debris with little chances of survival, as Monsoon rains today triggered landslides in parts of Uttarakhand. A huge landslide in Chamoli left 70 yatris bound for Badrinath stranded for hours before they were rescued. NDRF teams were rushed from Delhi to the affected areas in both Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts to help in the rescue operations along with along with SDRF, SSB and ITBP and local agencies, officials said. While eight people were killed in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district where two were swept away by a mass of mud and slush rushing into Siron village near Chamoli, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said. One person was killed in Ghat block and another was killed in similar circumstances in Sithel village, he said adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. Eight people were killed as a cloudburst hit Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning flattening homes in over seven villages. "We have recovered 5 bodies from Singhali area while threebodies have been recovered from Thal village. The searchfor other bodiesis on by rescue parties consisting of Army and paramilitary personnel," Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. The entire area is being scoured for people who went missing after the cloudburst which occurred early in the wee hours affecting several villages. According to disaster management officeer R S Rana, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages which are lying under heavydebris with people trapped under it. "The rescuers are trying their best to locate and recover people," Rana said. Pithoragarh disaster management office said the cloudburst brought over 100 mm rains in a space of just two hours in an area spread over 50 square KM leaving a trail of destruction. According to villagers, it is for the first time in 100 years that the region has seen such a cloudburst. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Governor K K Paul expressed grief at the loss of lives in the two districts and asked officials to be on the alert. The crisis could be big as many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought in the wake of the heavy rains and cloudburst. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has suggested raising a 'Dandakaranya' battalion on the lines of the Naga regiment of Indian Army to facilitate entry of tribal youths from Maoist-hit Bastar in the armed forces. "The CM made the suggestion while chairing the civil military cooperation meeting that concluded late last evening at New Mantralaya here," a government spokesperson said today. The Chief Minister said in the meeting that setting up of the battalion would not only help youth from the tribal-dominated Bastar division to serve their country after joining the Army, but it will also create job opportunity for them, he said. Notably, Dandakaranya region, which spreads over the border districts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradeshand Maharashtra, is considered a stronghold of Naxals. The first conference of military, civil administration and police after the state formation in 2000 had discussed enhancing employment opportunities for ex-servicemen. The chief minister also pitched for providing special training to local youths ahead of organising Army recruitment drive so that they can do well in the selection process, he said. State Director General of Police A N Upadhyay, Major General Central India Area Dharam Vir Singh Rana, Major General Central Command Lucknow Pradeep Raj Singh Chaudhary, Chhattisgarh and Odisha Sub Area Brigadier J S Sandhu and Special DGP (anti-Naxal operations) D M Awasthi, besides other senior police and administration officials were present in the meeting yesterday. The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore bench today directed the state government to form a three-member committee to look into the death of two children who were given an anaesthetic agent instead of oxygen at the Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital here. The bench of acting Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice Vivek Rusia said the committee shall have a retired district judge, a representative of the Union Health Department and the dean of Bhopal Government Medical College. The court was hearing three PILs on the issue. Advocate Manish Yadav, representing Pramod Tiwari, one of the petitioners, said the committee would have to submit its report within two months as per the HC order. The PILs have sought criminal proceedings against officers of the state health department who were responsible for the mix-up and compensation to the family members of two children. A pipeline which was supposed to supply oxygen to patients in the newly-built operation theatre at the government-run MY Hospital here was carrying nitrous oxide, an anaesthetic agent. This led to deaths of Ayush (5) and Rajveer (1) on May 27 and 29, respectively. The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hear next week a plea of former Union minister Kapil Sibal's son Amit Sibal against a Delhi High Court order granting exemption from personal appearance to Chief Minister and others in a defamation case. The Delhi High Court in its judgement had asked the trial court to consider the pleas of Kejriwal and others including deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Shazia Ilmi and advocate Prashant Bhishan seeking discharge from the defamation case. Sibal, who has challenged the High Court verdict before the apex court, on Friday vehemently opposed the submission that there was a stay on the trial court proceedings in the case and it be allowed to continue. A bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and N V Ramana said that at present, it would not go into question as to whether there was a stay in the case or not, and posted the matter for hearing on July seven. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Sibal, refuted the submission of senior advocate Jayant Bhushan that the recent apex court judgement, upholding the constitutional validity of 156-year-old penal laws on defamation had stayed the trial court proceedings for eight weeks in this case also. The stay of proceedings was granted by the apex court for allowing the accused to approach the High Court for quashing of defamation case, but in the present matter the High Court has already decided the petitions of Kejriwal and others, Luthra said. Earlier, the apex court had issued notices to Kejriwal and others on the plea of Sibal. The High Court had on January 16, 2014 refused to quash defamation proceedings against the AAP leaders and others but had told trial court to consider their discharge plea. Challenging the order, Amit Sibal said the High Court cannot confer the power to discharge on a Magistrate in a triable case instituted on a private complaint. Sibal had filed a defamation suit against Kejriwal and others for alleging that he had taken advantage of his father's position to represent telecom companies and the trial court had issued summons to them on July 24, 2013. The AAP leaders had moved the High Court seeking quashing of proceedings in the trial court. The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on Monday the plea of government in Delhi seeking a direction that the High Court be restrained from delivering its judgement on issues including the scope of powers of the city government to exercise its authority in performing public functions. A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur will hear the appeal of Delhi government in which it has been claimed that only the apex court has jurisdiction under the Constitution to deal with issues relating to the powers of States and Centre. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the Arvind Kejriwal-led government, mentioned the matter for urgent hearing before the bench that also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud. "No judgement be allowed to be delivered without decision on the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court with regard to the dispute in question," the senior lawyer said. She further said that the dispute is centered around the powers of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) under Article 239A of the Constitution. It has been alleged by the government that it is unable to function as most of its decisions are either annulled or changed by Centre at the behest of Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung on the ground that Delhi is not a complete state. At the outset, the bench was not inclined to accord an urgent hearing saying, "let the Delhi HC come out with its judgement and you (Delhi govt) are free to raise all the issues before this court." "The pendency of this SLP will not come in the way of the Delhi High Court in delivering the judgement. We will examine the issue as and when it comes before us," the bench observed. However, the apex court later agreed to hear the plea of Delhi government on Monday. The Delhi government, in its appeal, has alleged that its power to do public services in the state has been adversely affected. It also raised a question as to whether the Union of India can take over all powers of the state government. There is an ongoing power tussle between Delhi government and the LG on various issues including the control over the Anti-Corruption Branch and power to transfer or retain bureaucrats. The HC had on May 24 reserved its verdict on the plea of the government seeking a stay on the proceedings on the petitions arising out of its standoff with the LG over powers to appoint bureaucrats in the national capital and other issues. The AAP government had sought a stay on proceedings on the ground that the issues involve a dispute of "federal nature" between the Centre and Delhi government and the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to deal with the matter. "If framers of the Constitution had wanted that disputes of federal nature to be dealt with by the various high courts, then there would have been no exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 131 in such issues," it had argued in the high court. During earlier arguments on the application, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain had told the bench that Article 131 does not come in the way of jurisdiction of high courts under Article 226 of the Constitution. He had said that power of high courts cannot be ousted as Article 226 is a part of the doctrine of basic structure of the Constitution. A total of 11 cases arising out of the confrontation between the LG and Delhi government are being heard together by the high court. Delhi government had on May 28 last year approached the high court challenging the Centre's notification of May 21 giving the LG absolute powers to appoint bureaucrats in the city. It had also challenged the July 23, 2014 notification limiting the jurisdiction of the Anti Corruption Branch to Delhi government officials only. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today batted for giving "priority" to Delhi students in admissions to DU and other higher education and technical institutions in the national capital, saying the state government spends hundreds of crores of rupees on the varsity. "There are many options but the sum total is that Delhi students should get priority in admissions at the colleges funded by Delhi government," Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, told reporters. He said Delhi government is concerned with accommodating about 1-1.25 lakh students in higher and technical education institutions who pass out of Class XII every year. "We are not concerned whether there should be reservation for Delhi students at DU colleges but the question before us is how to accommodate 1-1.25 lakh students, who pass Class XII exams in Delhi every year, in higher and technical education institutions here," he said. Each year, around 2.5 lakh students pass Class XII exams of whom half are accommodated in higher and technical education institutions here but the rest have to seek admissions outside Delhi or explore other options. "Delhi government gives hundreds of crores to DU every year and if students of Delhi get priority there the government will be able to utilise its resources in a better way. "There are other options like we stop funding DU colleges and open new colleges for Delhi students. Another option could be to give rebate to Delhi students in cut-off marks of say 5 per cent," Sisodia said, adding DU and other institutions were not ready for these options despite his several efforts for the same. The Deputy Chief Minister also said Delhi government was doing a good job on several fronts and asked the Prime Minister to give credit to the government for it. "The Prime Minister, especially his office and his party, is not allowing Delhi government to work. If Delhi government does anything good they interfere. It is doing a very good job on schools, hospitals, excise, revenue and other fronts and if he (Modi) is taking credit for some of this, it means he feels good work is being done in Delhi. "He should give credit to the government for doing good work in the Delhi, why he is afraid of acknowledging it ?" Sisodia said. He said AAP government supports GST but it will not allow provisions against Delhi traders in the proposed legislation. "On the broad level we also want GST to come but I will not like provisions which adversely affect traders in Delhi to be there in GST," he said, The government is getting input from traders in this regard and it will also work to remove their fears about the legislation if required, he added. The Inquiry Commission, which is probing grant of land licences to some firms including that of Robert Vadra in Haryana, was today given an eight-week extension even as its head Justice S N Dhingra rubbished allegations that a Trust run by him was being favoured by the government. The Haryana government extended the tenure of the Commission till August 31, a day after Justice Dhingra sought six weeks more just before the deadline was coming to an end, contending that he needed extra time to study additional evidence and documents that have come up before the panel. While the extension was granted, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said questions raised by Congress before submission of report by the probe panel makes one suspect that something is not right. The Haryana Governor extended the tenure of the one-man Commission upto August 31 on the same terms and conditions and with the concurrence of state Finance department, an official notification said. The Commission was set up on May 14, 2015 to probe into grant of land licences to some companies including that of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in Gurgaon during the Congress rule in Haryana. Insisting that he is not targeting Vadra, Justice Dhingra rubbished allegations of Congress that a Trust run by him was being favoured by the government. "Anybody is free to make allegations. But he should atleast come forward (and say) what money was given," he said He said the allegations made against the Justice Gopal Singh Public Charitable Trust in Gurgaon, which he runs, are about a request being made for constructing roads in five villages as the Trust intended to start a Skill Centre for village women and a training centre for youth of the area. "The Centre (run by trust) requested the local administration that these villages should also be provided roads. If the administration has acceded to this request and if you say it is bribe or it is a favour being given to the Trust, I would like to have this favour for all villages of Haryana," he said. Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala had alleged that "Justice S N Dhingra has sought favours from government of Haryana pertaining to Justice Gopal Singh Public Charitable Trust in Gurgaon, making him incompetent and unsuitable to deliver any verdict or report in the matter. The Chief Minister, who was in Panchkula, said the Commission was constituted one year ago and at that time the Congress had no issues. Earlier also, the tenure of the Commission was extended and the approval was notified after 10 days, Khattar said, adding "Even then no one raised any issue." The Commission had sought extension for six weeks, but the government has extended it for two more months, he said. To another question, he said the facts would become clear only after submission of the report. Earlier, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had sought scrapping the Dhingra Commission of Inquiry, arguing that it was "contrary to established rules and norms, without due cabinet approval and prompted by malice and political considerations". The BJP government in the state had in December last year extended the Commission's term for a period of six months and on June 17 this year its term had been extended till June 30. "Some more documents were given and I wanted to study them....If some substaintial material is there, I think it is the duty of the Commission to consider them," he said. Talking about the nature of documents that came before the Commission, he said, they are relating to some sale deeds and transactions. (Reopen DEL48) Earlier, media reports had said the Commission headed by Justice Dhingra, a retired judge of Delhi High Court, was ready with its report which was supposed to have gone into mutation of a land deal between a firm M/S Skylight Hospitality owned by Robert Vadra and realty major DLF. The Rs 58-crore deal related to 3.5 acre land in Gurgaon's Shikohpur village which was sold by Vadra to DLF. In October, 2012, senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka had cancelled the mutation of the land deal between Skylight Hospitality and DLF. It was mired by controversy over allegations of undervaluation. The Commission was to probe transfer or disposal of land, allegations of private enrichment, ineligibility of beneficiaries under the rules, and other connected matters, bringing Vadra land deal under the scanner. BJP had made the land deals under the previous Congress government in Haryana a major poll issue during the 2014 Lok Sabha and the state Assembly polls, alleging rules were relaxed to favour a few including Vadra, son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. BJP today attacked Congress for making accusations against Justice S N Dhingra Commission, saying the opposition party was making "hue and cry" as it "fears that the outcome of the panel's report can go against its leaders. "It is like 'Chor ki darhi me tinka' (they have guilty conscience). They (Congress leaders) now feel that something can go against in the (probe panel) report and that is why they are making such baseless accusations against Dhingra Commission. By levelling allegations, they are trying to fight it out," BJP, general secretary and incharge of Haryana, Anil Jain said today. Lashing out at the Congress, Jain said, "whatever commissions they formed (during their regime), they were right and rest of them are incompetent. Congress party's policy has been that its leaders should remain protected," alleged Jain. However, BJP refuted the allegations that the commission was formed to target "particular persons". "If we had to target any particular person or persons, then we would have done it at the initial time (when the government was formed). No particular person was being targeted through the formation of Dhingra Commission. The panel was probing several cases pertaining to grant of land licences," Jain said. Justice (retd) S N Dhingra, head of a Commission probing land deals of some companies including that of Robert Vadra, today rejected allegations that the Haryana government had extended benefits to him through a Trust, which he insisted did not belong to him. He said the allegations made against the Justice Gopal Singh Public Charitable Trust in Gurgaon are about a request being made for constructing roads in five villages as the Trust intended to start a Skill Centre for village women and a training centre for youth of the area. "I do not consider seeking construction of roads for the villages,or working for the education of underprivileged children amounts to accepting a bribe," he told PTI. "The Trust doesn't have the patronage of any govt for the last 43 years," Dhingra claimed. He was responding to allegations made by Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala that the retired Delhi High Court judge had "sought favours from government of Haryana pertaining to Justice Gopal Singh Public Charitable Trust in Gurgaon, making him incompetent and unsuitable to deliver any verdict or report in the matter." Dhingra added, "I or any of the Trust's trustees do nothold any land in any of the villages where construction of road was requested. Neither the Trust pays any of us, any renumeration to do charity work." Insisting that "I do not own the Trust", Dhingra said, "I am merely someone who works to make it more effective for helping the underprivileged." He said he had been writing to the authorities "for the cause of the people of my country even as a High Court judge. I had made complaints in respect of the illegal cutting of trees of the areas wherever I lived." The one-man Commission, headed by Dhingra, was set up on May 14, 2015 to probe into grant of land licences to some companies including that of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in Gurgaon during the Congress rule in Haryana. Discontent within the Karnataka BJP against President B S Yeddyurappa over theappointment of office-bearers refused to die down, with a section of party leaders sticking to their stand of opposinghis "unilateral" style of functioning. After Yeddyurappa made it clear that he will not go back on the appointments made to the post of party office-bearers and presidents of district units, a section of disgruntled party leaders today met under the leadership of former Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa. Speaking after the meeting, Eshwarappa who is also Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, said "Let Yeddyurappa tell that he has made appointments after discussing with state core committee, I will surrender today itself". He said "ours is a party with organisation, it is by workers, it has some practises. Our intention is that, a system which is there has to be followed, we have discussed what has to be done for it." Sources say in the meeting it was decided that they will stick to the stand of demanding re-appointmentof office-bearers and district Presidents, after discussingthe issue in the core committee. Also it has been agreed to discuss these issues with other members of the core committee like Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar, Union Minister Ananth Kumar and others, who have stayed away from the controversy. Speaking at a newly appointed office bearers meeting in Shivamogga, Yeddyurappa said "we have to work together to strengthen the party. We will have to work like brothers; those who haveheld offices earlier and those who are holding it now bothwill have to work together." Hitting back at Yeddyurappa loyalist ShobhaKarandlaje, party leader C T Ravi said no one has got the opportunities that she has got in the short span of time. Responding to a question about her alleged statement regarding an attempt to suppress her through false allegations, he said "I don't know why she is feeling that way. She has been made MP from Chikkamagaluru-Udupi where party has a strong base. We have all worked for her victory, treating her like a sister. Terming the 7th Pay Commission recommendations as the "lowest" till now, the CPI today asked the Centre to discuss the same with trade unions before implementing the emoluments hike. "The Central Secretariat of CPI expresses serious concern over the callousness of Modi government in implementing a proper hike in emoluments of employees. The present hike of 14.3 per cent is the lowest compared to all the earlier pay revisions," the party said in a statement. "The Secretariat urges the government to have detailed discussion with the trade unions before implementing the present decision of the cabinet," it said. The CPI noted that the minimum wage of Rs 18,000 was "much lower" than Rs 26,000 as demanded by the employees and claimed that the difference between the highest and lowest wage has now become "much wider". The Union Cabinet on June 29 approved implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, which had recommended an overall hike of 23.5 per cent. The pay panel had in November last year recommended 14.27 per cent hike in basic pay at junior levels. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) today launched the logistics data services at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai. DMICDC and Japanese IT major NEC Corporation have formed a joint venture -'DMIC Logistics Data Bank'- with 50:50 equity participation to establish a logistics data bank (LDB) that will handle the tracking and viewing of container movement across all ports to the inland container depots (ICDs) and end-users. "The LDB will integrate the information available with various agencies across the supply chain to provide detailed real time information within a single window. "It will also enable real-time tracking of the containers along the western corridor of India, starting from the ports and covering their movement through rail or road, until they get to the inland container depots and container freight stations," DMICDC CEO and Managing Director Alkesh Kumar Sharma said. The service will also provide alerts in the event of delays, enable users to choose the optimal supply chain and generate large volumes of data that will help in more efficient planning and streamlining logistical operations at the port, he said. He further said the service will also help save USD 3.2 billion annually by 2017 by virtue of the lesser inventory carried by the industry. "With LDB offering easy movement of goods, the options to choose transport lines best suited to their requirements, the savings on unnecessary detention and demurrage costs and reduced lead times, manufacturers have an even greater incentive to set up industries along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor," Sharma said. Central and state doctors today observed 'Black Badge Day' demanding revision of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Besides, central government doctors under the banner of Joint Action Council of Service Doctor Organisation (JACSDO) and state government doctors under All India Federation of Government Doctors' Association (AIFGDA), resident doctors under banner of FORDA (Federation of Resident Doctors Association) also joined the protest. "It has become farcical on part of central government to increase the retirement age of doctors while making the job and salary conditions highly unattractive. This will most certainly lead to massive exodus of experienced doctors towards private sector or even abroad. "At a time when the Finance Minister has cited the IIM report to justify employees' salary, why is the government turning a blind eye towards the same IIM report that states that doctors are highly underpaid in the government sector. "Despite repeated meetings and assurances given by various ministers, including the Health Minister and the Finance Minister, the final reports of the 7th CPC have dealt a massive shock to the medical fraternity," JACSDO member Shabarish Dharampal said. "When the 7th CPC was constituted we doctors were very hopeful that our demands will be looked after, which is increasing Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) to 40 per cent from existent 25 per cent, instead it has been reduced to 20 per cent. "The basic pay and NPA were merged together while calculating House Rental Allowance (HRA) earlier, but this has now been omitted and HRA will be calculated only with basic pay resulting in less than the desired salary," said FORDA President Pankaj Solanki. The doctor's body also demanded uniform pay scales, night shift allowances which currently exist for nursing staff in government hospitals and the formulation of a uniform central residency scheme for the resident doctors of India. JACSDO represents 11 organised and unorganised Central Health Services (CHS), Indian Railway Medical Services (IRMS), Indian Ordinance Health Services (IOHS), MCD, NDMC, Delhi administration and ESIC. H.B. 959 rescinds existing highway corridors and places a one-year moratorium on establishing new ones RALEIGH The state's controversial Map Act could be coming to an end, as the House on Wednesday adopted a bill placing a one-year moratorium on any new corridor maps from being filed under the act. House Bill 959 also rescinds all corridor maps that have been filed, freeing property owners from development restrictions placed on them.Rep. John Torbett, R-Gaston, told his House colleagues Wednesday night.The Map Act, enacted by the General Assembly in 1987, allows the N.C. Department of Transportation to file a highway corridor map with local officials. It prohibits local governments from issuing building permits on property within the corridor. It also prohibits property from being subdivided.The intent of the act is to hold down property acquisition costs for road projects by preventing development, NCDOT officials and supporters of the Map Act have said.Earlier in June, the N.C. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the restrictions amounted to an eminent domain taking of property requiring the state to pay just compensation.While the case before the Supreme Court involved property owners in the Northern Beltway corridor around Winston-Salem in Forsyth County, the ruling will affect similar lawsuits in Cleveland, Guilford, Wake, Cumberland, Robeson, and Pender counties.The bill requires NCDOT to notify local governments that the previous corridor maps have been rescinded.Monetary claims and judgments arising from eminent domain cases would be paid by NCDOT and taken from regional allocations where a specific road project was to be funded.The bill also requires the DOT to study a new process for acquiring such property. It also requires the DOT to give quarterly reports to the General Assembly on its progress. It requires a final report to be submitted by July 1, 2017.The Map Act provisions were attached to the conference report of a bill making other transportation law changes. It passed the House by a 90-17 vote. The Senate is scheduled to take up the bill on Thursday. If approved by the Senate, the bill will go to Gov. Pat McCrory. HRD Minister Smriti Irani today faced protest by teachers at Delhi University's Khalsa College when she went there to inaugurate a teaching-learning centre, following which 45 of them were detained by police. DU teachers, protesting against the new UGC norms to ascertain their academic performance, gathered outside the gate and tried to block the entry of Irani into the college. According to police officials, around 45 teachers were detained. The Guru Angad Dev Teaching Learning Centre has been set up under the Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching, an HRD Ministry initiative. The protesting teachers have boycotted evaluation of undergraduate exam papers and stayed away from admission process. The teachers argued that the amendments to UGC regulations will lead to job-cuts to the tune of 50 per cent and drastically decrease pupil-teacher ratio in higher education. The new Gazette notification has increased the workload for assistant professors from 16 hours of "direct teaching" per week (including tutorials) to 18 hours, plus another six of tutorials, bringing the total up to 24 hours. Similarly, the work hours of associate professors have been increased from 14 to 22 hours, they said. ED today attached assets worth Rs 50 crore of a Karnataka don and his associates in connection with its money laundering probe in alleged criminal cases of extortion and hawala transactions against them. The case pertains to Bananje Raja, Hajee Ameen Basha and few others against whom the Karnataka police had also filed a criminal case and charge sheets for "indulging in criminal activities involving life threats, extortion, murder and supplying money through hawala channels for criminal activities." ED said its investigations have revealed that the proceeds of crime acquired through these criminal means were laundered and projected as overseas earnings from Dubai and several properties were acquired in the name of their alleged 'Manager' Lawrence Paul, his wife and his brother. "It was also noticed that Paul is mostly stationed in Dubai and is sending the proceeds of crime to his brother and acquiring various properties in their (accused) names. The properties include Rs 1.21 crore advance payment for acquiring three residential flats, over 18 acres of agricultural land in Mangalore, a mineral water plant and various residential properties. "It was also noticed that the these properties are being projected as if procured from the business earnings of Paul while he was only a 'Manager' in the Dubai-based trading company," the ED said in a statement. The agency has provisionally attached 16 immovable properties with a registered value of Rs 9.28 crore and an advance amount of Rs 1.21 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). "However, the present market value of the said attached properties is about Rs 50 crore," it added. An attachment order under PMLA is aimed to ensure that the accused is not able to derive benefits of his ill-gotten wealth and such an order can be appealed before the Adjudicating Authority of the said Act within 180 days. Government will soon come up with a new policy on non-conventional resources as it plans to take up ethanol blending in petrol to 22.5 per cent and in diesel to 15 per cent, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said. "Next week, we will have a meeting of Petroleum Minister, Rural Development Minister, Agriculture Minister, Environment Minister. We will formulate a new policy for non-conventional resources," Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said on the sidelines of an event here. He said the government is planning to take the blending limit of ethanol in petrol to 22.5 per cent and diesel to 15 per cent, as also second generation ethanol production from bamboo, rice straw, wheat straw, cotton straw etc to power vehicles. "If we start making ethanol from bamboo in North-East, lakhs will get employment and several industries will come up," he said. The minister said recently he saw such successful industries in Italy and as per rough estimates 40,000 litres of second generation ethanol could be produced here easily. He said boost to ethanol production could cut India's huge crude oil imports bill, which is pegged at Rs 7 lakh crore per annum. "Government is ready to purchase the entire quantity of ethanol produced by the industry. It could think of ways for economically viable production of ethanol," the minister had recently told ethanol producers. Chairing a meeting of Indian Federation of Green Energy earlier, the minister had said ethanol could be a game changer as it is economically viable and environment-friendly. Citing the example of flex-fuel cars in Brazil, Gadkari said India was also on the way to promote such vehicles as this could minimise pollution. To augment supplies of ethanol to oil marketing companies (OMCs) under EBP, the policy for procurement of ethanol has been modified to smoothen the entire ethanol supply chain to provide remunerative price of ethanol. In December 2014, the Cabinet had approved usage of non-food feedstocks besides molasses as source of ethanol to be used for blending in fuel. The European Union today formally extended damaging economic sanctions against Russia by six months due to a lack of progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The measures target the oil, financial and defence sectors of the Russian economy and were first imposed after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, blamed on pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine. "On 1 July 2016, the (European) Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2017," the EU said in a statement. The EU said in a tweet in Russian that it was rolling over the sanctions because the provisions of the February 2015 Minsk peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict were "not fully implemented." EU ambassadors agreed on the extension in principle on June 21. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel briefed fellow EU leaders on the progress of the Minsk agreements at a summit this week, officials said. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite warned that the sanctions would go on until the conflict was resolved. "What goes around, comes around. Sanctions continue until Minsk agreements are fully implemented," she tweeted. Russia has hit back with its own embargo against Western food items, which he extended on Wednesday until the end of 2017. The sanctions, as well as Moscow's own embargo, have impacted the Russian economy, with the embargo pushing food prices up and quality down, but also giving a boost for some domestic producers. The sanctions have been controversial from the start, with EU member states such as Germany, Italy and Hungary fearful of getting locked in a damaging stand-off with Russia, a major political and economic partner. Other member states, such as Britain, have taken a harder line, insisting that Russia's intervention in Ukraine and its 2014 annexation of Crimea are a serious breach of international law and cannot go unpunished. But there are questions about how long the sanctions will now last following Britain's shock vote to leave the EU in a referendum last week. France has also been pushing for a "real debate" over the future of the sanctions while Germany's foreign minister has said the EU should consider a step-by-step relaxation of the measures. Five persons were arrested for running a fake call centre from Kaushambi area, which allegedly used to lure people by offering installation of mobile towers and ATMs on their property promising lucrative rent. Acting on a tip-off, police yesterday raided the "call centre" and arrested the five accused. It also seized eight mobile phones, 20 landlines, three laptops and a car from their possession. According to police officials, the gang has cheated over 24 people of several lakhs of rupees on the pretext of paying them hefty rent after installing mobile towers and ATMs on their property. Police said the arrested have been identified as Lakhan, Som Dutt, Amit, Sunil and Rahul. "We are contacting the victims to know the amount cheated from them by the accused," SHO of Indira Puram police station, Gorakh Nath Yadav said. Noted filmmaker Paul Cox had a deep bonding with Kolkata and had an unfulfilled dream to make a film here with thespian Soumitra Chatterjee in the lead role, speakers at the West Bengal Film Journalists' Association recalled here last night. The WBFJA paid tributes to the celebrated Dutch-born filmmaker, lauded as the father of independent cinema in Australia, who passed away on June 18 this year. A special screening of his film 'Island' which interestingly made use of exponent Ritu Guha's Rabindrasangeet as the signature sound-scape of the film was arranged on the occasion. "Being close to Paul, who was so much fascinated about Kolkata, the WBFJA knew he had the desire to make a film here with his alltime favourite Soumitra Chatterjee in the lead role. Sadly that project fell through. But we are lucky he could visit our city during the KIFF 2015 where his latest film 'Force of Destiny' was screened," executive committee member Sajal Chatterjee said. The Indian edition of Cox's 'Tales from the Cancer Ward', was also published under the imprint of the WBFJA at the KIFF venue in the presence of the filmmaker last year, Chatterjee recalled adding ironically the director did not live long after that despite battling the dreaded disease for years since 2008 and even undergoing a liver transplant in 2011. Paul Cox, a filmmaker, author and photographer, having later migrated to Australia, "had also finished scripting of a film encapsulating the fight of three women. But he could not take up that," his long-time friend, associate in several film projects, and noted city publisher Anil Acharya said. Acharya also screened a collage of his works on the occasion. Cox had made 'Man of Flowers' (1983), 'My First Wife' (1984), 'Exile' (1994), 'Innocence' (2000) and 'Human Touch' (2004) among many others. "We have plans to pay tribute to him on a bigger scale later this year," Chatterjee said. The authorities of Nandan, the state-run cultural complex, collaborated in the screening with WBFJA. A German man has taken his grudges to the grave, telling relatives in a posthumous newspaper notice that some of them aren't welcome at his funeral. agency dpa reported today that Hubert Martini published his own obituary in the Trierischer Volksfreund, a newspaper in western Germany. The deceased describes himself as "open, honest and unforgiving" and says his five siblings and their families are forbidden from attending his memorial service. It is unclear what made Martini want to have the last word, but the 64-year-old notes that in life "I have hurt some people and that's good." Dpa quoted a local undertaker, Martina Schmidt, calling the obituary "out of order." "He wanted to settle scores and now the relatives have to live with that," she says. Germany today warned its citizens to exercise particular caution if they travel to Turkey, following this week's deadly Istanbul airport attack. In an updated travel advisory after the bombings and shootings that killed 44 people, the German foreign ministry said "political tensions as well as violent clashes and terrorist attacks must still be expected" in Turkey. "Travellers to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities in Turkey are urged to exercise heightened vigilance," it said on its website. "This applies in particular to public places and tourist attractions and generally to large groups of people and public transportation." Turkish authorities have blamed Islamic State jihadists for yesterday's assault on Ataturk airport and identified a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national as the alleged bombers. Nineteen foreigners were among the dead, with more than 200 people injured. Germany had already warned its citizens to avoid crowds and tourist sites in Turkey in January after an attack in the heart of Istanbul claimed the lives of 12 of its nationals. Greenhouse gases emission through transport, domestic and commercial sectors in Goa's capital is three times more than the national average, revealed a study. The study, which is a part of Smart City Development Mission, was released here yesterday by Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP). According to the study, transport, domestic and commercial sectors are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The total GHG emission in 2013-14 in Panaji city stood at 144,599 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), with transport sector contributing 38.3 per cent followed by commercial and institutional sector which is 30.6 per cent and the residential 25.1 per cent, it said. CCP Commissioner Deepak Dessai told reporters that the transport, domestic and commercial sectors produce GHGs emission, which is almost three times more than the national average. Dessai said waste contributed to around 5.5 per cent of greenhouse gas emission. The study has come up with recommendations cum measures on fronts like transport, renewable measures, energy saving, waste, water resources and others for the city build upon its priorities. The measures include usage of solar water heaters, solar power lighting, solar PV power, low energy LED, Public Bicycle Share, pedestrian network, 100 per cent water connectivity etc. The study was done under a voluntary project 'Urban Low Emission Development Strategies', an European Commission funded project. CCP had inked an MoU with ICLEI--South Asia, a leading association of more than 1,000 metropolises, cities, urban regions and towns, for the project. Panaji is among 33 cities selected for development under Smart City Mission by the Centre. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the leading candidate to be picked as Donald Trump's running mate, followed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a media report has said. According to The Washington Post, the campaign of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has asked both Gingrich and Christie to submit documents for the vetting process and answer more than 100 questions from attorney Arthur B Culvahouse, who has been tasked with the job. Gingrich (73), who has experience of successfully running the Congress as Speaker of the House of Representatives when Bill Clinton was the president, was a presidential candidate in the 2012 elections. Last year, he had helped launch Republican Hindu Coalition PAC, and was among the first few US leaders to have supported Narendra Modi when he was BJP's prime ministerial candidate. 53-year-old Christie was himself a presidential candidate this election cycle, before dropping out early in the primaries. He has maintained a strong relationship with the Indian-American community who constitute a strong political group in New Jersey. He was one of the few American politicians to have met Modi during his first visit to the US in September 2014 after becoming the Prime Minister. Both Gingrich and Christie are advocates of a strong India-US relationship and have a close ties with the Indian-American community. Despite media speculation, the Trump campaign has not thrown up any hint on his running mate. Trump, 70, on Thursday described both Gingrich and Christie as "great guys". In the recent past, Trump has said he plans to announce his vice presidential running mate around the Cleveland convention later this month. The Washington Post, however, said Trump might announce his running as early as next week. Among others reported to be in the short list are Senators Jeff Sessions and Bob Corker. A few other names are also floating around -- Senators Richard Burr, Tom Cotton, John Thune and Joni Ernst and Governors Mike Pence and Mary Fallin. The Washington Post said Gingrich has an edge over Christie as of now. "Given Trump's unpredictability, campaign associates caution that the presumptive Republican nominee could still shake up his shortlist," the daily said. I hate farce. So maybe you are wondering why I would recommend seeing the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks production of William Shakespeares The Comedy of Errors. Its silly, its chaotic, it has actors breaking into rapping rhymes in the middle of a scene. And I loved it. The production debuted last week on the Montana State University campus and plays in Billings on July 22 at 6 p.m. at Pioneer Park. "Richard III" will be performed on July 21. This is Shakespeare at his shortest and silliest. Comedy of Errors was one of Shakespeares first plays, staged initially in 1594, just after Christmas when the actors were thrown into a crowd at a festival and started to perform, almost like the world's first reality show. Shakespeare fathered twins and maybe he was thinking how fun it would be to mix them up one day. Im not a twin, but I know twins who tried fooling their teachers and even their mom. There is a fascination with what-ifs that Shakespeare takes to new heights in this play, creating two sets of identical twins separated at birth. "Comedy of Errors" has not been produced by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks since 2002. MSIP newcomer Chris Duval was tapped from the University of Utah to direct the production. Even though "Comedy of Errors" is appreciated for its ability to make you laugh, rather than think or feel, Duval said he focused on the feel-good reunion of a broken family. It is a deeply human story of what it means to be in love with somebody, Duval said. Shakespeare does a unique job at finding what love is. Our current society thinks of love as just romantic love, but Shakespeare looks at loving a sibling or a friend. Duval set the production in 1950s New York City, where cultures clash just as they did in the ancient city of Syracuse where Shakespeare set the play. The Bozeman company is also touring Richard III, which has never been performed by MSIP in its 44-year-history, said artistic director Kevin Asselin. There's a good reason for that. Its a popular play worldwide, but it has 38,500 words. We have to perform under daylight, a small window of two hours, so myself and a colleague chopped it down to 15,000 words, Asselin said. The company of 10 actors, recruited from all over the country, perform in both productions. Asselin described the effort as crazy at times. A lot of the actors are playing five different characters, Asselin said. "There is one show happening out front for the audience and another show backstage with facial hair and costumes flying. The actors also serve as carpenters, erecting the stage almost every day of their tour, which travels to 61 cities in five states in just under three months. Asselin said they always look forward to performing in Billings, the largest city on the tour, because the company doesn't have to take down the set in between productions. Asselin said Billings is always the biggest audience on the tour, but said it's surprising to see 200 people gathered at the tiniest venue on the tour, Poker Jim Butte near Birney. We try to book shows in places like Hobson and Utica, with the idea of bringing communities together," Asselin said. "I dont know of any other company that has this kind of mission to reach these underserved communities. Asselin was a new actor just out of college when a cowboy approached him at Poker Jim Butte after a production of As You Like It in 2003. Heres this full-on cowboy rancher walking up with the Complete Works of Shakespeare in his hand. He said how thankful he was that we were in his community. Im a young actor from Chicago and to have somebody come up and thank me like that. I never forgot it. An experience like that is what makes our creative team and actors want to come out here. The BJP-led Goa government has objected to Hindi thriller 'Missing on a Weekend', which, it has claimed, projects the state as a haven for drugs and sex trade. "We will write to the censor board and ensure that Goa's image is not affected. The state cannot be projected as narcotics and prostitution destination. We are a tourism state and we need to protect our identity," state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told PTI here yesterday. "How can the filmmaker make comments about Goa which depict the state in a negative light," he questioned. Parulekar said the state will not hesitate in approaching court to get the scenes and remarks depicting Goa in a wrong way deleted. "We have to make sure that overall branding of the state does not face a setback," the minister said. The Abhishek Jawkar-directed film reportedly has some dialogues which claim that prostitutes and drugs are easily available in Goa. The state's apex tourism lobby Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has also condemned any attempt to defame the state and its tourism industry. "It is totally wrong to depict something like that. The crime rate has gone down. There are crackdowns on prostitution rackets, if at all they are found," TTAG president Savio Massias said. The film is slated for release today. Notably, the Central Board of Film Certification and the makers of drugs-themed movie 'Udta Punjab' were recently engaged in a legal battle over the cuts suggested by the CBFC in the Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer film. The film was later released after the Bombay High Court gave its nod with one cut and a modified disclaimer. Zone India and Ontario government's Next BIG Idea contest has partnered Google, HDFC Bank and TCS for the event this year. In its fourth edition, the contest will provide technology an opportunity to tap into the North American market. The contest will select five hi-tech, high potential at an early stage, and provide them a gateway to North America through technology business incubator DMZ. "Corporates have a key role to play in helping start-ups leverage the market opportunity, and hence the contest has always partnered with an industry leader. This year, the contest has become much bigger with Google, HDFC Bank and TCS coming on board as sponsor partners," Ajay Ramasubramaniam, Director, Zone Start-ups said. The contest is being launched today alongside a panel discussion titled 'Think Beyond Silicon Valley', which gives perspectives of global start-up hotbeds in Canada, France and Israel. The next couple of weeks will see Zone Start-ups India host roadshows across 11 Indian cities, to launch the contest pan-India. "This year we have already received over 700 registrations for attending the roadshows," he added. HDFC Bank is seeking to reach out to start-ups across India for its SmartUP Platform and this contest will enhance the bank's visibility within the start-up ecosystem, the statement said. Likewise, TCS is keen to engage with start-ups through their Co-Innovation Network platform, and the contest will help startups connect with TCS, and explore any joint go-to-market strategy, it added. Some of the past winners of the contest include CitrusPay, Vidooly, Konotor, ShieldSquare, Survelytics, and Plackal. The contest is an application-based process, where entries are evaluated on the basis of clarity of concept, innovativeness of the idea, development feasibility and the marketability of the product. The five winners get an all expenses paid, two weeks bespoke programing tailored to their needs for exploring the North American market. The government today eased disclosure norms by companies on their top executive payouts while doing away with the need to explain the link between their salaries and increments with business performance. The yearly remuneration threshold that triggers compulsory disclosure of employee salaries has also been raised to Rs 1.02 crore from the previous level of Rs 60 lakh. With the easing of norms, companies would also not be required to disclose the key parameters for any variable component of remuneration availed by their directors. In this regard, the Ministry has made amendments to the 'Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014'. A company would now only have to disclose salary details of individuals -- employed with a company throughout a financial year -- who have earned at least Rs 1.02 crore annual remuneration. Earlier the same stood at Rs 60 lakh. In the case of a staff, employed for a part of a fiscal, the disclosure threshold would be a minimum of Rs 80.5 lakh monthly salary whereas earlier the level was Rs 5 lakh. Instead of the rule being applicable to any employee getting this quantum of remuneration, the company now has to disclose details of only top ten people in terms of salaries. Under the revised rules, companies would not be required to explain the relationship between average increase in remuneration and company performance or provide comparison of key managerial personnel salary against overall business performance. Besides, the need to disclose variations in the market capitalisation, price earnings ratio and net worth has been done away with. "... Comparison of the each remuneration of the key managerial personnel against the performance of the company" would not be needed to be disclosed now. Earlier, a company was required to file a return of appointment of a Managing Director, Whole Time Director,CEO, CFO and Company Secretary. This was to be done in 60 days from the date of appointment. With the latest changes, CEO, CFO and Company Secretary have been exempted from this requirement. Government has kick-started the process of 12.03% stake sale in India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which could fetch around Rs 260 crore to the exchequer. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), previously known as Disinvestment Department, has invited bids from merchant bankers to assist the government in the disinvestment process of ITDC, which runs a chain of hotels and restaurants. "The government is considering divesting 12.03% paid-up equity share capital of out of its shareholding of 87.03% in domestic market through offer for sale," said the tender floated by DIPAM. The merchant bankers have to submit bids to the government by July 21. Shares of were trading at Rs 253.50, down 3.87%, on BSE. At the current market price, the share sale could fetch about Rs 260 crore to the exchequer. According to the website, the corporation has a network of eight Ashok Group of Hotels, five JV hotels, 1 restaurant, 11 transport units, 9 duty-free shop at airports and seaports. ITDC, which came into existence in October 1966, is also managing a hotel at Bharatpur and a restaurant at Kosi on behalf of the Department of Tourism. In addition, it is also managing catering services at Western Court, Vigyan Bhawan and Hyderabad House, New Delhi. ITDC disinvestment is expected to add to the disinvestment kitty of the government, which plans to mop up Rs 56,500 crore through stake sale in public sector undertakings (PSUs). Of this, Rs 36,000 crore is expected to come in from minority stake sale in PSUs and another Rs 20,500 crore from strategic stake sale in both profit- and loss-making PSUs. So far, it has raised about Rs 2,700 crore from stake sale in NHPC and another Rs 240 crore through employee subscription of IOC stake sale. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said the state government will analyse and act on the Justice (retd) Zora Singh report on the incident of alleged sacrilege in Faridkot district and its aftermath last year. Justice (retd) Zora Singh submitted the report to the state government yesterday. "The state government shall analyse the report submitted by Justice Zora Singh regarding the sacrilege incidents. After looking into the report minutely, the state government will take action on its recommendations," he said. The one-man judicial Commission led by Justice (retd) Singh was set up by Badal in October last year with a mandate to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and its subsequent fallout. Addressing a gathering during a Sangat Darshan programme at Dirbha Assembly segment here, Badal said Punjab had suffered a lot but due to "concerted efforts of the SAD-BJP alliance government the state was put on the part of high growth trajectory". However, unfortunately "some forces" wary to the development of the state were again trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere, he said. Badal said the state government was duty-bound to prevent such forces from raising their head. "I assure you that with your active support and cooperation we will not allow any force to push our state into turbulent times," added Badal. Apprising people about the affidavit submitted by AAP government on the contentious SYL issue, the Chief Minister said Delhi government has said the stand of Punjab government on this issue would "disintegrate" the country. Listing major initiatives taken by the state government, Badal said due to concerted efforts of alliance government, "Punjab is today the only power surplus state in the country". He accused state Congress Chief Amarinder Singh of "misleading" the youth on issue of jobs. He alleged that during his tenure as chief minister, Amarinder Singh had put "blanket ban" on jobs but is now making every promise to get the chair again. Tearing into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of 'zero tolerance to corruption', Congress today dubbed as "greatest myth" the propaganda that BJP governments are scam free. "It is one of the greatest myths which this Government has tried to propagate.... That this is a corruption-free, scam-free Government. "The truth is that not only is it full of corruption and scams but unlike the previous Government, it believes in taking no action at all in regard to what it considers its own", party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters. He claimed that if one was a BJP Minister or Chief Minister or an office bearer of the RSS or the BJP, "then you have an immunity, you have a protective 'kavach' on you, a shield which can't be penetrated." Detailing a number of scams in BJP ruled states, he said if one takes the case of Chhattisgarh, there is the "Rs 36,000 Crore PDS rice" scam and the most recent "conclusive proof" in the Panama Papers context. "Companies directly traced to his son but if you CM of the BJP-ruled State, then you are beyond the law,", he claimed. "Who is Modi talking about as a corruption-free, scam-free Government? Is this not an attempt to mislead, misguide, confuse and confound when you forget VYAPAM," he asked. He said that before this Government talks of 'Swachh Bharat' 'Cleanliness of Bharat', "they have to initiate the cleansing process of BJP State Governments across India, of BJP Ministers and Members of BJP, Office-bearers and sons and sympathizers and Members.". The BJP, he said, has to explain why no action is ever taken if one belonged to the BJP and why action is taken within seconds if you happen to belong to a political configuration which is opposed to the ruling dispensation. Suspected terrorists tonight stormed a popular restaurant in Dhaka's high-security Gulshan diplomatic area and took hostage at least 15 people including foreigners, triggering a fierce gunbattle with Bangladesh security forces in which a policeman was killed and nearly 30 injured. At least nine terrorists shouting "Allahu Akbar" barged into the Holey Artisan Bakery, frequented by diplomats and expatriates, and opened indiscriminate fire at around 9:20 PM (local time). Several foreigners, including Italians and Japanese, are feared to have been taken hostage along with locals inside the restaurant, said police. "We are trying to negotiate with the gunmen holed up inside the restaurant," Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) chief Benazir Ahmed told newsmen. "Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside." The officer in-charge of nearby Banani police station, Salahuddin Ahmed, was killed in the gunbattle. At least 30 people and policemen, including an Additional Commisioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, were injured in the firefight. The attackers hurled bombs from inside the restaurant, and were firing intermittently. Gunshots and explosions were heard from time to time near the restaurant. MEA sources in New Delhi said they were monitoring the situation in Dhaka and trying to ascertain the details. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was in touch with security agencies over the incident. Local media reports said the number of gunmen could be as high as 20 but there was no official word on it. A large number of policemen and personnel from the RAB have cordoned off the area. Security personnel were seen warding off people crowding the cordon. A kitchen staff of the restaurant, who managed to escape, said several armed men entered the restaurant around 8:45 PM and took the chief chef hostage, according to media reports. "They set off several crude bombs triggering panic," he added. It was not clear who the attackers were, but reports said that authorities suspect Islamists to be behind the attack. The Muslim-majority Bangladesh has been fighting a wave of deadly attacks on religious minorities and secular bloggers by suspected Islamist militants. Earlier today, a Hindu priest and a Buddhist leader were brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding Islamic State militants while another Hindu man survived a bid on his life. On June 7, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in western Bangladesh. The ISIS and al-Qaeda in Indian Sub-Continent have claimed responsibility for most of the attacks even though the government has denied their presence in the country. Last month, police launched a nationwide anti-militancy crackdown to halt these attacks. A Haryana police inspector who went to question three suspicious men was allegedly overpowered and looted by them at a village near the state's border with Uttar Pradesh. Inspector Surendra posted inSector-29Police Station, Gurgaon, on information of the presence of three suspicious persons rushed to the spot in his private car. "After making them sit in the car, he drove towards the police station. However after sometimes, the inspector was overpowered by them at Bhiduki village," Mathura SP (rural) Arun Kumar Singh said The three also looted the inspector and assaulted him. "After he was waylaid at the outskirt of Bhiduki village, a border village of UP and Haryana, he walked via Hatana village to Kotban village falling under Kosi Kalan police station of Mathura district. "He finally contacted Hodal police which informed their counterpart in Gurgaon andtook the inspector to police station he was posted," Singh said. The Madras High Court today declined to transfer the probe into the murder of Gokulraj, a Dalit youth who had married a non-Dalit girl, in a suspected case of honour killing to CBI from CB-CID. Justice P N Prakash declined to transfer the case to CBI saying " this court finds that CB-CID has proceeded with the investigation in the right lines and therefore, there is no necessity to transfer the case to CBI". The body of Gokularaj was found on the railway track near Pallipalayam in Namakkal district on June 27, 2015 and it had triggered protests from his family who alleged it was honour killing. A love affair with a girl belonging to another caste was suspected to be the reason for his murder. Gokulraj's mother Chitra submitted that her son was murdered by one Yuvaraj and another henchman on June 23, 2015. The prosecution submitted that after Gokulraj went missing, a case was registered in Thiruchengode police station. Initially, the case was registered on June 24, 2015 for an offence under IPC 363 (kidnapping). However, after the body was recovered, a case was registered by Erode Railway Police under Crpc 174 (suicide). The case was later altered to offence under sections 302 (murder) and 362 (abduction) on July 1, 2015 and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thiruchengode Sub Division, Namakkal district, has taken up the investigation. On the orders of the DGP, on September 19, 2015, the case was again transferred to CB-CID, Namakkal, and the probe was conducted by the Additional Superintendent of Police, CB-CID, Coimbatore. Chitra filed an application for transferring the probe from CB-CID to CBI contenting that Yuvaraj was an influential person and was scuttling the investigation. In his order, the judge said "this court carefully perused the final report and the accompanying documents, including the case diary, and found that there is no serious infirmity in the investigation and no need to transfer the case to CBI. The Madras High Court today directed the city police to register a case against Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar for allegedly erecting banners in Royapuram without the permission of authorities. Justice P N Prakash passed the order a petition by "Traffic" Ramaswamy, a social activist, seeking directions to Royapuram police to register a case against the Minister for erecting banners without permission. After recording the submission of Additional Public Prosecutor that the an inquiry into the matter was pending before the respective police, the court said "the respondent police is directed to register a case on the complaints dated June 02, 2016 and take action in accordance with law and proceed with investigation." The petitioner submitted that he found an unauthorised banner erected at the entrance of Royapuram bridge here without permission from the concerned authorities. When he lodged a complaint with the respective police inspector on June 2, the official refused to issue even a Community Service Register. He said that his complaint has neither been registered nor investigated, Ramaswamy submitted. Hence, he is praying to the court to direct the police to register case and investigate it in accordance with law. Mule deer numbers have climbed in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Region 6 in northeastern Montana and whitetail deer populations are mostly stable, according to recently compiled survey data. Mule deer trends continue to show a steady recovery across the region in the last few years, said FWP biologist Ryan Williamson, of Outlook. Mule deer The post-hunting season surveys in January showed the regionwide mule deer population at 49 percent above average, and 17 percent above the 2015 surveys. The spring surveys showed the region's populations at 47 percent above average, and 29 percent above the 2015 survey. While regional numbers indicate above average mule deer levels overall, differences are seen across the region and in isolated areas. According to Williamson, mule deer trend area numbers in the eastern half of the region (Glasgow area and east) are at or above the average. The western half of the region (Malta and Havre area) is more variable, ranging from below average to above average. This same trend was seen in the deer fawn-to-adult ratios that are also conducted during the spring survey. Fawn to adult ratio is an indicator of over-winter survival as well as new recruitment into the population, Williamson said. The 2016 survey showed 58 fawns to 100 adults across the region, which is slightly above the average of 53 fawns to 100 adults. The eastern half of Region 6 saw the higher number of fawns to adults, with 65 fawns to 100 adults, while the western half was at 49 fawns to 100 adults, indicating a slower growing mule deer population. CWD concerns Data collected during mule deer surveys are only one factor in deer management recommendations, Williamson said. The prior years harvest, weather and habitat factors, as well as additional input gathered from landowners, hunters, the general public and other agencies are all considered by the Fish and Wildlife Commission for season- and quota-setting decisions. Another pressing factor in managing deer populations is the threat of chronic wasting disease that is moving farther south in Alberta and Saskatchewan toward the Montana border. In 2014 FWP initiated a mule deer telemetry study north of Chinook in Hunting District 600 to gather data on the movement of deer between the U.S. and Canada. It is just a matter of when and where CWD will be detected in Montana, Williamson said. Higher deer numbers tend to influence the spread of the disease, so we take that into consideration when developing hunting season regulations. Hunting regs For 2016, all Region 6 hunting districts will be managed under the standard regulation for mule deer, which includes either-sex for a general deer license (A-tag), as well as additional doe/B-licenses. The exception to this is Hunting District 652 which is a limited permit, mule deer buck-only hunting district, Williamson said. Hunting Districts 620, 630, 631, 632, 640, 650, 651, 670, 680 and 690 had a conservative number of mule deer antlerless/B-licenses available this year, with the license application deadline on June 1. Whitetail deer Surveys of whitetail deer have been completed in six areas across Region 6. Due to more uniform habitat the whitetail surveys look at deer density, as opposed to total numbers, for trends. The 2016 surveys show whitetail deer density is at an average of 6.7 deer per square mile across the trend areas, which is about 39 percent below the long-term average of 11 deer per square mile. The 2015 survey showed whitetails at 47 percent below average. White-tailed deer densities continue to recover in the eastern part of the region, but are still 25 percent below average, while the western portion of the region is 58 percent below the average, Williamson said. Prior to 2010, whitetail densities were as high as 40 to 50 deer per square mile in some areas. This was an unsustainable level that was causing problems for landowners and also degrading habitat conditions, Williamson said. EHD outbreaks and other factors in the following years reduced the whitetail population across Region 6 considerably." With whitetail numbers increasing across Region 6, and in accordance with Fish and Wildlife Commission rule setting, a single-region antlerless whitetail B license will be available for over-the-counter purchase starting Aug. 8. The licenses will be limited to one per hunter. The Patna High Court today took cognisance of the alleged manhandling of Gopalganj Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate(ACJM) by policemen and directed Bihar director general of police and principal secretary to the home department to personally appear in the case on Monday. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Iqbal Ahmad Ansari and Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh gave the direction during hearing on the letter sent by Gopalganj district and sessions judge in this regard. The Gopalganj district and sessions judge had annexed the copy of the complaint by the ACJM in which he alleged that policemen had misbehaved with him. The HC treated the letter as a PIL before taking it up for hearing. Principal Additional Advocate General Lalit Kishore told the HC that the state government has asked Saran Divisional Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident and submit a report in this regard at the earliest. The state government has already received a preliminary inquiry report from the district magistrate and superintendent of police in this connection, he said, adding, "We also have a CD that shows that the Judicial Officer became aggressive. We will submit the CD." The court then posted the case for hearing on Monday. The incident allegedly took place yesterday when police personnel deployed at Maunia Chowk near the court in Gopalganj had stopped ACJM Prabhunath Prasad, who reached the place riding pillion on a motorcylce, as the district administration had barricaded the road to facilitate election of the chairman and vice-chairman of Gopalganj district board. A spat between the judge and sub-inspector A K Yadav and constables, who were deputed at Maunia Chowk, ensued over allowing him to go to the court premises through the blocked road. Yadav was allegedly neither ready to talk to the SDPO nor the SP despite the judge's request to do so. The sub-inspector then lost his cool and allegedly slapped the judge. The ACJM had filed a complaint case yesterday itself with Gopalganj chief judicial magistrate, who took cognisance of the matter and issued summons against the policemn involved in the incident. Lawyers and bench clerks (peshkars) in the Gopalgunj court struck work today in protest against the incident and demanded strict action against the policemen. Meanwhile, sub-inspector Yadav, who is the officer-in- charge of Yadavpur police station and was deputed at the collectorate premises along with other policemen, lodged an FIR with Gopalganj town police station against the ACJM, bench clerks and several lawyers for allegedly beating him and constable Pawan Singh. In his FIR, Yadav said that two men on a motorcycle wanted to take the road, which was closed, to enter court premises but the constable stopped them and requested them to take another route. At this, one of the two men on the motorbike abused him and created a scene. The man also slapped him and the constable, the FIR said. A 50-year-old Hindu priest was today hacked to death in Bangladesh by three unidentified machete- wielding assailants, the third priest to be killed this year in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of attacks by Islamists on minorities and secular activists. Shymanondo Das was attacked around 6:30am in Jhenaidah district. "Three motorbike-borne assailants attacked (priest) Shymanondo Das with machetes....Doctors declared him dead at Jhinaidah Sadar Hospital," a police officer told PTI. Officer-in-charge of the nearby police station, Hafizur Rahman said Das was the priest of Radhamodon Gopal Moth. The predawn attack came as he was collecting flowers for worship. He said the killers quickly fled the scene, a pattern which was followed in previous several such Islamist attacks on secular or liberal activists and religious minorities. The attack on Das came days after suspected militants killed a Hindu monastery worker in northwestern Pabna. On June 7, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in the same district while he was on his way to a temple. A Christian businessman was hacked to death on June 5 by unidentified machete-wielding men near a church, hours after the wife of the top anti-terror police officer was shot dead by religious extremists. In February, militants stabbed to death a Hindu priest at a temple in Bangladesh and shot and wounded a devotee who went to his aid. In April, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. In the same month, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by ISIS militants in his shop and Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. The ISIS and al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. Police last month launched a nationwide anti-militancy week-long crackdown to halt these deadly attacks. Actor Hrithik Roshan's former wife Sussanne Khan today filed a petition before the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, seeking quashing of the FIR filed against her, in which she was accused of cheating a real estate firm by posing as an architect. In the petition, Sussanne has also sought the court's directions to the investigators (Panaji police) not to initiate any coercive action against her till the final disposal of the petition. She has pleaded that the court should stay all the proceedings/investigation in the FIR till the final disposal of the petition. Sussanne said that the present criminal proceeding is manifestly attended with mala fide and has been instituted maliciously with ulterior motive. The high court issued notice to Goa government and Panaji police to respond to the petition and fixed the matter for hearing after two weeks. Panaji police had registered an FIR against Sussanne on June 9 after a real estate firm filed a complaint against her for cheating them to the tune of Rs 1.87 crore by posing as an architect. She had been booked under section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of IPC. Real estate firm Emgee Properties' managing partner, Mudhit Gupta had, in the complaint before police, alleged that she represented herself as an architect and designer, and in September 2013, the company executed a written contract with her "for architectural and designing services". The complaint stated that she failed to submit the requisite design in a stipulated period of time and that the designs submitted by her were not of professional standards. However, Sussanne has dubbed the allegations against her as "false" and "defamatory" and a pressure tactic by the firm. Sussanne, who is an interior designer, in the petition before the high court, also pleaded that the bench may pass an order calling for the records and proceedings of FIR registered with Panaji police station and quash it (FIR). She said that she is the sole proprietor of Sussanne Khan House of Design, previously known as Sussanne Roshan House of Design. She claimed that she has been in the business for the last 15 years and has taken up several projects as a design company. The Kerala Human Rights Commission has ordered the state government to make immunisation mandatory for getting admission in educational institutions, including schools, colleges and professional institutions. The direction assumes significance as it came in the wake of the return of diphtheria, a disease believed to have been completely eradicated from Kerala through vaccination, in the northern district Malappuram due to lack of proper immunisation. Two children had died and eight others had been affected with diphtheria in the last one month in Malappuram, where a section of people are reportedly reluctant to undergo immunisation drives, according to health department sources. In his order, SHRC chairperson J B Koshy said denying children immunisation was a crime and the parents, who act so, should be be punished for that. "In the wake of the diphtheria deaths in the state, those who have not been immunised should not be given admissions in schools,colleges or professional institutions,"the order said. It also said the government should immediately consider the suggestion to make mandatory immunisation cards for every child before granting admission in schools. Steps should be taken to examine if the present school going children are fully immunised, it said. The government should also take action against those outfits campaigning against immunisation, the commission added. The SHRC issued the order based on a complaint filed by Dr T M Ananthakeshavan, a medical professional. Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto arrives here on Monday on a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said talks between Swaraj and Szijjarto on July 5 will cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations. He said a number of multilateral issues are also expected to be discussed by the two sides during the meeting. The Hungarian minister will also meet Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and call on Vice President Hamid Ansari. Szijjarto will also meet a group of businessmen. The volume of annual trade between India and Hungary currently stands at USD 600 million. Indian investment in Hungary is around USD 2 billion. Indian investments in Hungary are witnessing an upswing in recent years. The investment flows are spread over several sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, power equipment, auto-components and food processing. A Hungarian court handed jail terms of between one and three years to a group of mostly Syrian migrants today for illegal border-crossing during a riot last year soon after Hungary sealed its border with Serbia. Nine Syrians and one Iraqi were convicted by the court in Szeged (160 kilometres south of Budapest) of participation in clashes with police at the border on September 16, a day after authorities closed the border with a razor-wire fence. The toughest sentence, a three-year jail term, was given to a man who spoke to the crowd with a megaphone during the disturbances. Six other men received prison terms of 14 months as well as four-year expulsions from Hungary. A further two men and one woman received suspended jail terms on account of their ill health. Tough new laws passed last September by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government made it a crime to illegally cross the border, punishable by between one and five years in prison. Today's first-instance verdict brings to a close the first case that came to trial since the laws were introduced, and also the case involving the largest number of defendants. Fast-track trials of those caught crossing illegally have led to expulsion orders for around 3,000 migrants since September, according to court data. On September 16 several dozen migrants demanded to be allowed to cross the newly erected border fence at the Roszke crossing point. Some threw stones, sticks and bottles while police fired tear gas and used water cannon to force the group, which had pushed its way across the border line, back onto Serbian territory. The incident left around 15 police and 100-150 migrants injured. Orban was criticised over the treatment last year of hundreds of thousands of migrants seeking to travel onwards to northern Europe before his government stopped the influx by closing its borders. Rights groups like the Hungarian Helsinki Committee have slammed Hungary for its "complete denial of protection" to migrants. Having backed many Bollywood films over the years, producer Vashu Bhagnani says he is also keen to produce a Hollywood movie in future. Bhagnani revealed he had narrated the idea of his superhit comedy film "Biwi No 1" to a Hollywood producer, but the project didn't happen. "In the future, I will 100 per cent produce Hollywood films. Now I have Eros as a partner so may be it is possible. Many years ago after the release of 'Biwi No 1', I had pitched the idea to a Hollywood producer," Bhagnani told PTI "He was going gaga over it and wanted to make a film. He said a film like that can be made in any language. The problem was, I didn't have the required funds back then to make a Hollywood film," he added. Bhagnani, who most recently produced "Sarbjit", is distributing Hollywood movie "The Legend of Tarzan" under his banner Puja Films across India. The big budget action-adventure film, starring Alexander Skarsgard, Christoph Waltz among others, releases today. "This is the first Hollywood film I decided to distribute because it is a family film, which children can watch too. As a producer, I've always wanted to back projects which are meant for family audience. I can't ever make adult comedies," he said. Despite talks that Hollywood movies are apparently doing better business than Bollywood in the country, the producer feels that the film industry should not be scared. "Hollywood films have a worldwide release on almost 10,000 to 15,000 screens. The cost they spend on their movies is huge. We should not compare Bollywood with Hollywood. "We should not be scared and jealous of Hollywood movies. We have strong content and we are now making big budget movies in comparatively less cost and are taking risks," he said. As per Bhagnani, the motive behind distributing Hollywood films is to blur the lines between their cinema and Bollywood, and look for the overall growth of film industry. The producer says he is planning to distribute four-five more Hollywood films in India. In a major milestone in the military aviation in the country, the first squadron of home- grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into IAF with two fighter planes joining the force here. State-run HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF, which makes up the first squadron named 'Flying Daggers', at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. A Tejas aircraft flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari performed a sortie during the induction ceremony, attended by Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command and senior HAL executives. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the firsttwo years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in Tejas, had given the thumbs up to the "desi" aircraft, terming it "good" for induction. IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said here "next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned. This will go into initially replacing them." "LCAs are better than MiGs which are old and parts are difficult to get," he had said. All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the "Initial Operational Clearance" and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over delay. IMF chief Christine Lagarde should stand trial for her handling of a massive state payout to tycoon Bernard Tapie when she was France's finance minister, a French prosecutor said today. The prosecutor recommended the rejection of a challenge by Lagarde to a December court order for her to stand trial for negligence in the affair, which saw Tapie receive 404 million euros (USD 433 million) in taxpayer money. The ruling is expected on July 22. India has abstained at the UN Human Rights Council voting in Geneva to appoint an independent expert to look into cases of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, a resolution which was passed by a narrow margin. In a 23-18 vote with six abstentions, the 47-member Human Rights Council yesterday called for the creation of a three-year position for an independent expert to look into wrongdoing against gays, lesbians and transgender people. Defending India's decision, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup in New Delhi said India took the decision considering the "legal" reality in the country. "The issue of LGBT rights in India is a matter being considered by the Supreme Court (SC) under a batch of curative petitions filed by various institutions and organisations. The SC is yet to pronounce on this issue. "As such we had to take this into account in terms of our vote on the the UN resolution to institutionalise the office of an independent expert to prevent discrimination against the LGBT persons," Swarup told reporters. The expert is expected to be appointed at the next meeting of the Geneva-based body in September. The resolution was strongly supported by Latin America and the West, while many African and Middle Eastern countries joined China to vote against it. The expert's duties will include assessing international human rights laws, raising awareness of violence based on sexual orientation and engaging in dialogue with member states and other stakeholders. The decision to create the post comes weeks after Afghan-origin Omar Mateen massacred 49 people at a gay bar in Orlando, Florida. Henrys Lake is known by anglers throughout the country for one thing: fish you can brag about. That fishery up there is renowned, said John Sullivan, Henrys Lake State Park manager. Opening day, which is Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, is out of control. But the fishing is excellent. Opening weekend on Henrys Lake is legendary for a number of reasons. On the the one hand it offers the first shot at catching a record-breaking trout. On the other, so many fishermen jump to the occasion that the lake is often so clogged with boats that solitary fly anglers refer to it as combat fishing. Sullivan said even during the hectic times, Henrys Lake isnt jammed to the gills with wake-boarders, jet skiers and other loud recreators as are some lakes in Idaho. Its pretty peaceful, he said. Theyre all fishermen. Fish in the lake have been getting bigger over time because managers have begun putting greater emphasis on the size of the fish in the lake rather than on the raw number of fish. Another reason is that Henrys Lake is naturally high in phosphorus, according to Dan Garren, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Fisheries manager. Theyve got natural phosphorous in the geology out there and it really promotes fish growth, he said. Its similar to fertilizing a farm field. If you have the right balance of nutrients, it promotes plant growth. That leads to more insects and ultimately bigger fish. Mecham said he heard of an 11-pound cutthroat/rainbow trout hybrid caught this year. Henrys Lake State Parks campground is always full opening weekend, said assistant park manager Bert Mecham, and this year, even in mid-June, its regularly been booked. Henrys Lake State Park was purchased by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in 1973, according to an online history put out by Idaho State University. The park doesnt include the lake itself thats handled by Fish and Game but the park does include some of the best access and recreation vehicle camping near the lake. Mecham said the park, which nearly doubled its camping capacity recently, includes 85 campsites with hookups for RVs. The park also boasts three rental cabins, a boat launch and a dock. Those amenities make the park popular. Sullivan said the parks campground has one of the highest occupancy rates of any state park in Idaho between 80 and 90 percent in most years. In addition to lake access, Henrys Lake State Park includes about five miles of trails throughout the 800-acre park that are open to hikers and bikers no motorized vehicles are allowed. For those who dont want to fish there is still beautiful scenery to admire. And its less than a 30-minute drive from the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Its a jumping-off point for Yellowstone National Park, and it has spectacular views of the Centennial Range and the Madison Range, Sullivan said. Shawn Quist and his mother, Tracie Smith, along with their family, were using Henrys Lake State Park for just that purpose recently. Hailing from the Boise area, the family often takes summer vacations in northern Idaho, but this year they decided to head east. Quist said the family had spent the prior day exploring Yellowstone. The rest of the family decided to spend another day exploring there, but Quist and his mother opted for a more laid-back day of casting and waiting for the fish to bite. India on Thursday contested Pakistan's claim that it has asked for additional evidence for the early completion of the Mumbai attack trial, saying it has not received any "fresh" communication from Islamabad. However, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said there could be further communications between the two sides in the coming days, asserting that India was committed to providing all cooperation to Pakistan in expediting the trial and bringing all perpetrators to justice. "Our position is very clear. We remain committed to providing all cooperation to Pakistan in terms of expediting the Mumbai attack trial and bringing all perpetrators to justice. The Pakistan Foreign Affairs spokesperson has claimed that their Foreign Secretary has written to our Foreign Secretary," he said. "No fresh letter has been received in this regard. What he has been referring to is a letter written in September last year. Our Foreign Secretary had replied to that letter. We keep hearing in the media about the list of 24 witnesses which are required by Pakistan to progress the Mumbai case trial... But so far we have not received any communication from Pakistan conveying the details of these 24 people. Because of our commitment to cooperate with Pakistan in bringing the Mumbai case trial to a speedy conclusion, you can expect further communications between the two sides in the coming days," Swarup said. His remarks came a day after Pakistan said it has asked India to provide "additional evidence" for the early completion of the Mumbai attack trial in which LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and six others are accused. "Our foreign secretary has written to India's foreign secretary to provide additional evidence so that Mumbai case trial is competed. The response from the Indian side is still awaited," Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria had said at a press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday. Asked about comments of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that India was "shying away" from talks, Swarup said India has never ever shied away from engagement with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. In fact it is India which has repeatedly taken initiatives to engage with Pakistan - be it Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invite to his Pakistani counterpart to attend oath taking ceremony or External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj going to Islamabad in December or Modi travelling to Lahore last December to wish Sharif, he said. Noting that Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar was prepared to go to Pakistan in first half of this year, he said but Pathankot terror incident happened. Referring to Swaraj's comments at a recent press conference, Swarup said, "After an incident like Pathankot, it is a natural and legitimate expectation of the government and people of India that there should be concrete action from the Pakistani side which has not denied the involvement of its nationals in the Pathankot attack." Therefore, as the minister said we are awaiting a concrete investigation to take place at the Pakistani end. India has strongly pitched for US investments in its urban sector missions, highlighting various initiatives of the government for recasting the country's urban landscape. Addressing the US policy makers, officials and corporate leaders here yesterday, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu listed out various schemes of government under urban sector such as Smart City Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). "Naidu has strongly pitched for US investments in urban sector in India explaining the opportunities under new initiatives of the government to a host of US policy makers, officials and corporate," Urban Development Ministry said in a statement today. Naidu held "extensive" discussions with US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets Arun Kumar, former New York Mayor and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies Michael Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor of New York Alicia Glen and officials of US Trade Development Agency. He also held talks with chief executives and senior officials of several leading companies like KPMG, IBM and Master Card, besides addressing US-India Business Council. Bloomberg, whose organisation is associated with holding Smart City Challenge competition in India, acknowledged the "new vigour" for recasting the Indian urban landscape and said that it is a "win-win situation" for all, the statement said. The US companies told Naidu that they are working on various proposals to take advantage of investment opportunities under Smart City Mission and other initiatives, it said. United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) has already inked MoUs with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh for assisting in developing Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as smart cities. Scoring a hat-trick, India today successfully test fired the new surface-to-air missile developed jointly with Israel from a defence base off Odisha coast in a third consecutive trial of the air defence system. The missile with a strike range of 70 km was launched at 1020 hours from the Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Chandipur, a Defence statement said. "With a third consecutive successful test firing today, the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) air defence system has achieved a Hat trick," it said. "The objective of today's mission was for maximum range and high manoeuvring target. The missile guided by armoured seeker system hit the last minute manoeuvring target," the Defence release said. With this, MRSAM system has proved the air defence capability for three different boundary envelopes of the target, it said. Defence Research and Development Organisation created history by conducting three consecutive successful trials of the missile for Indian Air Force, a DRDO official said. The missile had been successfully test-fired twice yesterday from the ITR. The missile, positioned at launch pad-3 of the ITR, swung into action after getting signal from the radars to intercept a pilotless target aircraft over the Bay of Bengal, DRDO officials said. Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile, they said. "The missile along with MF-STAR will provide the users with the capability to neutralise any aerial threats," said a DRDO scientist. President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated DRDO on the successful test-firings of the medium-range missile and said it should make greater efforts to boost India's indigenous defence capabilities. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar also congratulated the DRDO team, Air Force, IAI of Israel and associated industries for the Hat-trick success of MRSAM weapon system. Tens of thousands joined pro-Palestinian rallies in Tehran today, as the annual Quds Day protests take on broader meaning for a region mired in bitter disputes and war. Israel and its perceived supporters in the United States and Britain are still the main bogeymen of the Quds (Jerusalem) Day protests, which saw thousands more rally across Iran and in allied countries. But the focus has also turned to the deepening rivalry with Saudi Arabia and jihadists such as the Islamic State (IS) group. Sajad Saber, a 24-year-old student, said it was the first time he had attended the rally in Tehran - triggered by the death of a friend who had gone to fight in Syria. "(He) was my buddy and lived in our neighbourhood. He was killed by Daesh recently in Aleppo," said Saber, using the Arabic name for IS. Iran is fighting IS and other jihadist groups in Syria as part of its support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Huge groups of protesters converged on Tehran University under a blistering summer sun. Many - from young children to elderly ladies - sported red bandanas with "I love fighting Israel" written on them. President Hassan Rouhani, attending the rally, said regional conflicts were making it increasingly difficult to address the Palestinian issue. "Today, due to the divisions in the Islamic world, the presence of takfiris (Sunni extremists) and terrorists in the region... We are far away from the ideal of liberating Palestine," he told state TV, calling for greater unity between Muslims. Many in Iran see these divisions as part of a deliberate conspiracy. "Daesh is the creation of Israel. They want Muslims to fight each other and Palestine to be forgotten," said Ali Kotobi, a 63-year-old Iranian born in Iraq, who said his cousins were currently fighting IS across the border. However, much of the vitriol at the protests was also turned on Iran's main regional rival, Saudi Arabia. Tensions between the two powers have plummeted over their support for opposing sides in wars in Yemen and Syria. They have been further soured by the failure to agree on terms for Iranian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj in September. One elderly man at today's rally led a group in shouting "Damned House of Saud, dogs of America!" in reference to the leaders of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. One group carried a fake coffin featuring Saudi Arabia's leaders and slogans against Daesh Sunni extremists. Opposition to Israel and support for the Palestinian cause has been a central issue for the Islamic republic since it took power in 1979. Quds Day was inaugurated by the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and has become a popular way for the Iranian government to rally the faithful. MIM President Asaduddin Owaisi today said his party would provide legal help to the youths arrested by the NIA on charges of involvement in an alleged ISIS terror module, but asserted his party does not support terrorism. Noting that the family members of the arrested youths met him and claimed they are innocent, he said he directed a senior advocate to provide legal help to them. "Give a lawyer, we will do legal help," he said. NIA has arrested five persons from Hyderabad on charges of their alleged links with the ISIS terror module. "Tomorrow, if these boys are found not guilty, who will return their life to them? We don't support terrorism. We will stand in front if somebody attacked India," he said, addressing a gathering at the historic Mecca Masjid here on the occasion of the last Friday of Ramzan. He also asked if the NIA can give it in writing that the officers, who arrested the suspects, would be suspended if the youth are found not guilty. Saying that he was the first in the country to speak against ISIS, he reiterated that the terror outfit has nothing to do with Islam. Hitting out at the dreaded group, he said Indian Muslims would never support such an outfit or leave the country come what may. He also said some sections of media were defaming the Old City of Hyderabad. The Hyderabad MP alleged the NDA government was going soft on Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and others. The horrific atrocities of the self proclaimed caliphs of ISIS violated the fundamental principles of Islam, Sayyid Ibrahim Khaleel Al Bukhari, Chairman of Ma'din Academy said here today. "They are not just un-Islamic, rather anti-Islamic", he said delivering the keynote speech at the annual Ramzan prayer and peace conference hosted by Ma'din Academy, an educational institution, in connection with the 27th night of Ramadan. "Islam is the religion that embodies the values of love, tolerance and respect to all, refuses the infringement of the rights of others. Those barbarous assaults carried out by the ISIS like perpetrating atrocities, persecuting minorities and trapping women and children can never happen from a devout Muslim, rather are great tarnish and besmirch to the exact picture of Islam," he said. "ISIS has given no consensus to undertake the authority of Muslim community to earn them their silly political gains. We will never allow terrorists to hijack our belief", he said. "We Muslims have the history of great leaders who lived for the betterment of society. They were epitomes of promoting peaceful coexistence. In our Kerala, Muslims here were always in the fore front of mutual coexistence. Astoundingly, how followers of a prophet titled mercy to the whole world dare those callous atrocities?" he asked. In the conference, thousands of believers endorsed the pledge against terror administered to them by Sayyid Bukhari. "Even when we take pride in being a Muslim, we respect and honour all other faiths and their followers. We will keep a continuous vigil against forces that work to destroy the oneness of humanity", they said. The meet called for the unity to protect the integrity of India. The annual conclaves have attracted the attention of believers across the country and abroad as well. Established in 1997, Ma'din Academy, one of the premier educational and charity centres in south India, runs 30 educational and charity ventures with 20,000 students on the role. Ma'din is one of the main organisers of the International Interfaith Harmony Seminar every year in connection with UNs harmony initiatives. It has signed MoU with 7 reputed international universities and academic centres around the globe. Israel is to reduce the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today, as part of a measures following deadly anti-Israeli attacks. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," his office said. Israel transfers around USD 127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. The statement from Netanyahu's office accused the PA of supporting the families of militants with funds transferred "by various laundering methods". An Israeli official put the amount of money at "tens of millions of shekels". The decision comes hours after suspected Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli man, and a day after a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death in her home in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. It was announced at the same time the military said it was imposing a closure on and around the West Bank city of Hebron. "Israel believes that the encouragement of terrorism by the Palestinian leadership - in the form of both incitement and payments to terrorists and their families - constitutes incentive for murder," the statement from Netanyahu's office read. Israel should stop building settlements and the Palestinians should cease incitement to violence, the Middle East diplomatic quartet said in a much-awaited report today aimed at reviving peace talks. The United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations - which comprise the quartet -- said settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli confiscation of land were "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use, and denying Palestinian development," said the report. "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," it added. The report's findings and recommendations are to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US initiative collapsed in April 2014. There has been growing alarm that ongoing violence and the construction of Jewish settlements on land earmarked to be part of a future Palestinian state are killing off prospects for a deal. Since the beginning of the Oslo peace process in 1993, the settlement population has more than doubled, with a threefold increase in so-called Area C -- the most sought-after land in the West Bank, said the report. There are currently at least 570,000 settlers living in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians hope to make the capital of their future state. The United Nations has said settlements are illegal. In the recent wave of violence since October, there have been over 250 attacks and attempted attacks by Palestinians that have killed at least 30 Israelis, said the report. The report said that "regrettably," Palestinian leaders "have not consistently and clearly condemned specific terrorist attacks" while streets and squares have been named after Palestinians who have carried out the violence. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," said the quartet. The Israeli army has imposed a closure on and around the West Bank city of Hebron, a military spokesman said today, following a series of deadly attacks in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the army was also deploying hundreds more soldiers in Hebron, in the "most substantial steps on the ground" since 2014, after two Israelis were killed in the region in separate attacks over the past two days. The announcement came hours after suspected Palestinian gunmen shot at the car of an Israeli family south of Hebron, killing the father and wounding three others, and a day after a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death in her home in the nearby settlement of Kiryat Arba. Lerner could not say how long the measure would last, noting that in the recent wave of violence approximately 80 attacks by Palestinians against Israeli civilians and security forces "originated in the Hebron area". At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed since the violence erupted in October. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. An Israeli was killed and three family members wounded today after a suspected Palestinian "terrorist" opened fire at their car south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, the army said. "A terrorist opened fire at a family driving on route 60, near Al Fawar, south of Hebron," the army said in a statement. "As a result, the vehicle crashed, killing one passenger and wounding three more," it said. The army said troops were "searching the area for the gunman who fled the scene". Violence since October has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Stream access proponents are hailing a judges Wednesday ruling as a victory for public access at a long-contested Madison County bridge. District Court Judge Loren Tucker determined that the public easement for the Seyler Lane bridge across the Ruby River extends 5 feet past the bridge abutments. This is a win because people can get to the water, said John Gibson, president of the Public Land/Water Access Association. Opponents PLWAAs opponents in the case seemed less certain of the judges ruling. Its not clear if that grants public access or not, said Reed Watson of the Bozeman-based Property and Environment Research Center, which had sided with Madison County in the dispute against PLWAA. Also intervening on the countys side were the Montana Stockgrowers Association and James Cox Kennedy, the billionaire chairman of Cox Enterprises. Whether the ruling ends a 12-year-long court fight is unknown, but for now the PLWAA is savoring the victory. If we hadnt fought this, Im afraid wed be looking at No Trespassing signs and electric fences across the state, Gibson said. Somebody had to stop these people. 3 for 3? The Ruby River is a small stream that starts in the Gravelly and Snowcrest mountains of southwestern Montana, running about 100 miles north to its confluence with the Beaverhead just south of Twin Bridges. Seyler Lane is one of the last roads across the Ruby before it reaches the Beaverhead. This is the third access case that PLWAA has fought in the county on three different bridges over the Ruby River. The other two bridges were at Duncan and Lewis lanes. All of the cases were instigated when Kennedy tried to block public access at the bridges. PLWAA sued the county to force Kennedy to provide public access and remove fences blocking entrance to the river. If this final bridge case goes in the win column then the PLWAA has won all three. This one shouldnt have gotten this far and it only did because of the resources of the landowner, said Bruce Farling, president of Montana Trout Unlimited, which supported PLWAA in the case. Questions Susan Swimley, a Bozeman attorney who represented Madison County in the case, said shes glad to have the ruling. It will move the case forward. She has yet to meet with the Madison County Commissioners or the attorneys who filed friend of the court briefs supporting the countys previous contention that a much narrower easement was fine at the Seyler Lane bridge. Madison County Commissioner Ron Nye, who lives off Seyler Lane, said he hopes the issue is settled, but has his doubts. I wish we werent involved in (the dispute), he said. Were spending money because we have to because we have the bridge. Swimley said she plans to ask Judge Tucker for a clarification on the ruling since, in her reading, the court order and an attached map arent in agreement. Points mentioned in the ruling do not correspond to ones on the map showing a clear route down to the river, she explained. Kyle Nelson, a Bozeman attorney who represented PLWAA through the Goetz law firm, said his reading of the ruling seems clear on the main point. It confirms that Montanans may access the river from the Seyler Lane right of way, he said. History Stream access has long been a contentious issue between recreationists, like boaters and anglers, and private landowners across the West. Under Montana law all streams and their beds are held in public trust, meaning that the public has the right to use those streams up to the high water mark. Montanas Stream Access Law guarantees public access to streams and rivers from county road right of ways at bridge crossings. But in the Seyler Lane case the Madison County commissioners were willing to confine that public right of way to the bridges width, making it difficult if not impossible for the public to reach the Ruby River. Normally, county roads have a right of way of 60 feet, a public easement that allows for maintenance of the road. But Seyler Lane had no such recorded easement, even though the county had built the bridge. Kennedy, who in the 1990s began purchasing hundreds of acres of property along the Ruby River, including around the Seyler Lane bridge, closed off the bridge to public access prompting PLWAAs lawsuit. In fighting PLWAA, Kennedys attorney has gone so far as to challenge the states stream access law and constitution, arguing that they are a takings of private property. PLWAA had contended that the public had a prescriptive easement across the bridge because of continual public use. Its for the public, thats who we were working for, said Gibson, of the PLWAA. A decision In 2014 the Montana Supreme Court agreed and told Judge Tucker to figure out how wide the public easement should be. That led to Wednesdays ruling where Tucker said: Madison County and the State of Montana via their agents have traveled upon a strip of ground between the abutments and the high water marks of the river extending an average of approximately 5 feet upstream and downstream from the ends of the bridge abutments. These distances inform the court of that which is reasonably necessary for use, maintenance and enjoyment. We needed this precedent where the easements arent recorded, said Farling, of Montana Trout Unlimited. Watson, of PERC, sees the issue a bit differently. Its kind of a sad state of affairs that were getting down to such a technical analysis of a bridge when really all were trying to answer is an issue of access, he said. The suicide attackers who launched the deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported today, as CCTV of the bombers' faces emerged. Turkish officials have pointed blame at the Islamic State jihadist group for Tuesday night's gun and bomb spree at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. "They say they are doing this in the name of Islam," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on a visit to Istanbul. "That has nothing to do with Islam. Their place is in hell." State-run agency Anadolu said 24 people had been detained in Istanbul in a string of raids over the attack over the past two days, including 15 foreigners. Nine other suspected jihadists were rounded up in the western port city of Izmir, but officials declined to confirm a link with the bloodshed in Istanbul. Officials say the three men who carried out the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national. Turkish media identified the strike's organiser as Akhmet Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers. Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. Michael McCaul, chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security, described Chatayev as "probably the number one enemy in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia". "He's travelled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations," McCaul told CNN. The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage inside before carrying out a massacre. But they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. CCTV images released by police show the three alleged attackers arriving, wearing dark coats over their suicide vests - clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Istanbul's towering Camlica mosque will receive its first worshippers today, as Turkey unveils the latest grand project emblematic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's big ambitions. Erdogan personally supervised the controversial construction of Turkey's biggest mosque - designed to accommodate up to 60,000 worshippers and visible to all from its perch on a hill on Istanbul's Asian side. Its inaugural prayers will be held this night to mark Laylat al-Qadr, one of the holiest nights in the month of Ramadan, when sins are forgiven. But as the 15,000-square-metre mosque remains unfinished, with several more months of work ahead, worshippers will pray in the courtyard. Under construction since 2013, the project - which also also includes a library, a museum of Turkish Islamic art, design workshops and conference rooms - has forged ahead despite protests from architects, urban planners and environmentalists. A legal bid to axe it was rejected by the courts, but several separate legal processes against it are still pending. The mosque's minarets reach 107.1 metres into the sky, higher than those of the mosque in Medina. But critics have complained that Istanbul has plenty of mosques already and that its design, by female architects Bahar Mizrak and Hayriye Gul Totu, is nothing special. "In terms of architecture, there's nothing innovative," urban planner Tayfun Kahraman told AFP. He also complained that the mosque has been built on a "protected natural site that has given an identity to the Bosphorous for thousands of years". "It's heartbreaking to see a religious building being erected on top of what God has made more beautifully - nature." But Ergin Kulunk, an official working on the project, said it would regenerate the whole area. "In a few years this place will be more beautiful," he said. "The old buildings will renovated, and it will be greener." Known for his fondness of mega-projects, just a day ago Erdogan inaugurated the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world across the Izmit gulf. The USD 9 billion Osman Gazi bridge is one of several huge infrastructure projects Erdogan defends as symbols of his government's achievements. Pushing for Turkey to become one of the world's top 10 economies by the 100th anniversary of the republic in 2023, he has promoted a string of ambitious infrastructure works. The Centre has directed Food Corporation of India to expedite shifting of FCI godowns from highly-congested Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar to the city's periphery, officials today said. Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to relocate godowns of FCI and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department to decongest the city. The issue to relocate godowns from Shaheed Gunj area in Civil Lines was raised by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti with the Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan who met her here this afternoon. "Mehbooba sought the Union ministry's technical and financial assistance for relocating these godowns to the outskirts of Srinagar to decongest the core area," a statement said. "We have almost all our important hospitals and other critical infrastructure in the vicinity of these godowns and movement of trucks to and from there causes massive inconvenience to commuters," she said adding the government has decided to shift them to the city's periphery. The chief minister said around 100 kanals of land which would be available in Shaheed Gunj area after relocation of FCI godowns can be used to create recreational and parking facilities for the people. It was decided in the meeting that till a permanent site is identified for relocation, the Corporation can for the time being shift the storage facility to Lethpora in Pulwama district where enough space is available. The Union minister asked the Deputy General Manager of FCI to personally visit Shaheed Gunj storage facility on Monday and ensure shifting of these storage facilities to outside the city at the earliest, an official spokesman said. Mehbooba also sought additional foodgrains for the state to meet the requirement for implementing Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) which was rolled out today. The government will be spending around Rs 400 crore on the purchase of grains for distribution among the people at subsidised rates under MMSFES. The other issues raised by her with Paswan included providing funds to the state on a 90:10 ratio under e-PDS scheme for end-to-end computerisation, construction of silos at Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Kathua, Samba and Udhampur, adjustment of CAPD labourers in FCI, and financial support for setting up of 11 food testing laboratories in the state. Paswan assured the chief minister that the issues flagged by her would be addressed on a priority basis, the spokesman said. The minister said he would be convening a meeting in New Delhi next week to thrash out these issues. Refuting plagiarism charges against his short film "Kriti", director Shirish Kunder has accused Nepali filmmaker Aneel Neupane of manipulating the flaw on the video sharing platform Vimeo to build his case. Neupane, a filmmaker from Nepal had recently written on his Facebook page that Kunder's psychological-thriller starring Manoj Bajpayee was a copy of his short movie "Bob" and alleged that the "Jaan-E-Mann" director "practically stole the plot and made it into his film." Neupane wrote that his film was ready in October 2015 and he uploaded it on Vimeo "as a private video to share it with close friends" before releasing it on YouTube on May 12, this year. Kunder's film was released online on June 22 with much fan fare where actress Kangana Ranaut was the special guest. Kunder said anyone could replace an existing video on Vimeo with a new one and manipulate the date on which it was published, even being able to give an older date. "In July last year, we (Manoj and I) talked about the story idea (of Kriti). After finalising the dates and everything, we planned to shoot in February this year and then decided to release in June," Shirish told reporters. "In between, a guy who makes marriage videos, manipulates the flaw on Vimeo, shoots a film on handycam and uses the flaw to put in an old date to claim that the film was made much before ours and we stole," he added. Manoj said he was hurt by people's comments on social media regarding the accusation of "Kriti" being a copy. "In my long career no film has been accused of being a copy. It is so unfortunate that the entire idea came from a lunch party at Eid last year July. I told Shirish if he has any plans of making a short a film. He had a script but he said it was for a young character," Manoj said. "We were talking, he wasn't even making short films. He is known for full length feature films. It is hurtful for me because it was started from my side (the idea to make short films) now people are saying we stole the film. We are being called names on twitter, people are abusing us on Facebook," he added. The "Aligarh" actor also said that he was feeling bad for Kunder who was "being victimised by an ambitious crook. "You read his (Neupane's) bio, he makes marriage videos. Nobody is listening to us. He played the card of being poor and many people went towards him. I was feeling sad that over the years the credibility I have built was of no use," Manoj said. Recently, the makers of "Kriti" sent a legal notice to the filmmaker. Advocate Rizwan Siddiquee said Neupane was yet to reply to it. The 18-minute short film also stars Neha Sharma and Radhika Apte and the tells the story of a mentally ill person played by Manoj Bajpayee. A resolution has been adopted today by the leaders of village council, NGOs and political parties, demanding immediate commencement of peace talks between the state government and Hmar People's Convention (Democratic) militants. The resolution was adopted at a function, held at Vanbawng village to celebrate the 30th anniversary of signing of the historic Mizo Peace Accord yesterday, a press release issued by the village council said. The meeting deliberated on the quest for peace in the insurgency-hit Sinlung Hill Development Council area in the north-eastern part of the state adjoining Manipur. They also demanded the state government and the HPC(D) to reach amicable solution to Hmar problem. Negotiations between the state government and HPC(D) leadership fizzled out after a deadlock was reached on the issue of extension of the period of suspension of operations in August 2013. The outfit has been demanding a separate autonomous district council comprising the north-eastern part of Mizoram adjoining Manipur. A city-based builder was murdered allegedly by his wife and son over some property dispute at RDC 13 in Kavinagar area and his body dumped in jungles at Rishikesh, police said today. Builder Jitendra Singh Tomar had gone missing mysteriously on June 26 following which his daughter filed a complaint with the Kavinagar police station. Based on suspicion, police questioned Tomar's son Amit, and his car driver Praveen. Police said that Amit told them he and his mother, along with the driver, had murdered Tomar over some property dispute and dumped the body in jungle in Rishikesh. While the builder's widow is absconding, police today took Amit and Praveen to Rishikesh and recovered the body. The two have been arrested, police said. Union Minister and animal rights activist has appealed to US President Barack Obama not to attend the "Running of the Bulls" spectacle in San Fermin festival in Pamplona during his visit to Spain this month. In a letter addressed to Obama, the 59-year-old Union Women & Child Development minister said the US President taking a stand against animal cruelty would have "considerable influence" and requested him to skip the "barbaric" event. "The 48 bulls used in the event are struck and terrorised as they slip, fall and injure themselves or human spectators on their way to a violent death in the bullring," NGO People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India quoted Gandhi as saying in the letter. PETA in a statement issued on Friday said that the Union Women & Child Development minister has written the letter in support of request by the affiliates of the NGO urging Obama not to attend the San Fermin festival. Gandhi pointed out that bull-fighting is an archaic display that has lost favour among Spaniards and has been banned in many parts of Spain and other countries. "In your position of power, taking a stand for compassion for animals and against cruelty would have considerable influence. Won't you please skip this barbaric event and speak out against such cruelty?" the letter read. PETA notes that more than 100 towns and cities across Spain, as well as the entire region of Catalonia, have introduced bans on bullfighting events, the statement said. Meghalaya interim police chief Special Director General of Police S K Jain, who took charge today, said the state police will continue to make efforts to take the ongoing anti-insurgent operations to a 'defining stage' as he warned families against colluding with militants. "We want to take it (ongoing Hill Storm Operations) to a defining stage," Jain told reporters while announcing the continuation of counter-insurgency operations against militants and criminal elements in all parts of the state. Jain took over temporary charge as state Director General of Police (DGP) after superannuation of senior IPS officer Rajiv Mehta yesterday. The request put forth by the Chief Minister for extension of the service of Mehta was turned down by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet. Mehta, an IPS officer of 1981 batch belonging to Assam Meghalaya cadre, retired yesterday. Senior IPS officer S K Jain has been given additional charge of the post of DGP. Spelling out his priorities, the interim DGP said, "We will ensure that leaders, commanders and cadres of various groups are neutralized and forced to bow before the law of the land and security apparatus of the state." He informed that he would ensure that the central armed police forces (CAPFs) and state special operations teams deliver their utmost and their concerns, if any, are also addressed effectively with support and cooperation of state government. Meanwhile, the DGP also asked families of militants and criminals to refrain from colluding with their sons/husbands as they became equal partners in their crimes and anti-people activities. A member of a gang allegedly involved in online betting and cheating people of lakhs of rupees was arrested from Mumbai by the Indore Police. The accused, identified as Sanjay Chourasia, was apprehended from Tardeo locality yesterday and 10 computers that were used for betting were seized from his Mumbai-based office, Indore Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Vinayprakash Paul said today. He said Sanjay and other gang members used to accept bets through an Android application online and cheat people. Elucidating the modus operandi, Paul said "the gang cheated people those who were active social media and WhatsApp users. They used to first extract a fixed sum of money from the user and then provide users id and password of the app. Bets were then booked through the app." "The gang controlled the working of the app that was specifically developed for online betting. They chose the winner who would win the bet. Many people have lost of lakhs of rupees through the app," he added. He said police has launched a manhunt to nab Ramesh Chourasia and his son Achal Chourasia, who are key persons in this betting racket. Earlier, police had arrested five persons of the gang from Indore. It is suspected that the gang has links with a gulf country. Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL), which listed on the bourses today, will expand its operations to areas around the city, a senior official said today. Post listing, the value of Maharashtra government's 10 per cent stake in the company has grown manifold to Rs 530 crore. MGL is a major distributor of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) in Mumbai. It is a joint venture between Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), British Gas Ltd (BGL) and government of Maharashtra. Principal Secretary (Industries) Apoorva Chandra said encouraged by the success of MGL, its operations are being expanded to urban areas in adjoining Raigad, Navi Mumbai and Thane. He said laying of PNG pipelines in upmarket localities like Malabar Hill as also slum areas is not feasible because of narrow road widths in these locations. "In December 2014, the Maharashtra government allocated Rs 10 crore for purchase of 10 per cent stakeholding in MGL," he told reporters here at Mantralaya. The MGL stock, which listed at Rs 540, a premium of 28.26 per cent on BSE, closed with a gain of 23.49 per cent at Rs 519.90. At NSE, the scrip ended 23.58 per cent higher at Rs 520.30. Post-listing, the value of the state's holding in MGL is worth Rs 530 crore, he said, adding the company supplies CNG to 4.20 lakh vehicles, 1.90 auto-rickshaws and about 1 lakh taxis. Replying to queries over bringing PNG to more households in the city, he said the government is trying to provide maximum connections. About progress on the MoUs signed during Make In India Week held in Mumbai in February, Chandra said implementation work on 700 to 800 pacts related to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) worth Rs 4 lakh crore is already underway. On progress on Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DIMC), he said the state government has already taken possession of 850 hectares of land at Shendre near Aurangabad. Already, five foreign companies have shown keen interest in participating in the project. The only site in Aurangabad under DMIC - Bidkin - is awaiting environment clearance, he said. In view of water scarcity in Marathwada, he said a Rs 350-crore sewage treatment plant under the Centre's urban renewal scheme JNNURM is being constructed in Aurangabad to recycle water. At the plant, sewage water will be treated, recycled and used for industrial purposes, he said. The battle to save prehistoric fish on the lower Yellowstone River spilled into Billings on Thursday, where a few hundred farmers turned out to make sure they werent pushed to extinction. At issue was a federal project intended to help pallid sturgeon procreate on lower Yellowstone River near Glendive. Biologists say the paddle-nosed dinosaur fish must be able to swim farther upstream so its offspring have a chance at survival. However, theres a weir in the way that diverts water to a canal system that irrigates 58,000 farm acres. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has designed a sort of lazy river that fish can navigate to get around the irrigation structures. Thursdays hearing, and others earlier this week in Glendive and Sidney, are to disclose the environmental effects of the preferred proposal, along with two alternatives. The diversion channel for the fish and a permanent weir in the river for the farmers is expected to cost $59 million. The channel is proposed to provide endangered pallid sturgeon a route upstream in the hopes that extending their habitat will enable spawning in the wild and survival of the hatched sturgeon larvae. Farmers like the Army Corps preferred option, but wildlife advocates say the diversion channel isnt the best option for the sturgeon or other fish on the Yellowstone. The wildlife advocates want the weir ripped out and river pumps installed to feed irrigation canals, a change farmers say will price them out of business Putting pumps in will put an undue burden on farmers, said Ron Edsall, who works for the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project in Sidney. I dont know, if they keep squeezing the farmer out, what are we going to eat? The farmers dominated public testimony for a full hour before that first wildlife advocate spoke. At one point a woman asked everyone who supported the diversion channel to stand up. Maybe a dozen people remained seated. The Sidney community deployed three buses to shuttle farmers 314 miles to attend the Billings hearing. Once they arrived at Lincoln Center for the meeting, several remarked that it was unfair to schedule a hearing that far away. The meeting had been added to the hearing schedule at the request of Trout Unlimited. Sen. Taylor Brown, R-Huntley, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation did a disservice to farmers by scheduling the meeting so far away from home during the crop season when few can take a day off. The diversion channel project has now been delayed two years, which has hurt pallid sturgeon, as well, Brown said. The farmers are siding with the Army Corps preferred option. Environmentalists had sued to stop the project, saying there's no proof the bypass channel will work. The lawsuit was settled earlier this year, and the project review continued. Theres a strong consensus among the biologists in this state that the bypass alternative does not give the fish the highest opportunity for success, said Bruce Farling, Montana Trout Unlimited executive director. Thats why weve asked that you guys take a stronger look. ... Study more alternatives, more options to make sure were comfortable that the decision we make here is the absolute right decision. Militants today attacked a police party in Budgam district of Kashmir, injuring three persons, including an assistant sub-inspector of police, and triggering a gunbattle which was underway. The unidentified militants opened fire on the police party in main market in Chrar-e-Sharief area of Budgam at around 3.15 PM, a police officer said. Two locals and ASI Abdul Rashid were injured in the attack and were evacuated to hospital, he said. The area was immediately cordoned off by the security forces, including Army, the officer said. Intermittent firing between militants and security personnel was going on when the last reports came, the officer said, adding more reinforcements were rushed to the spot and efforts are on to neutralise the militants. No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the incident, he added Kashmir Valley has seen a spurt in militant attacks in past few months. The latest was the attack on CRPF convoy last week, the deadliest strike on security forces in recent years, in which eight CRPF personnel were killed and 21 critically wounded. The government told the assembly yesterday that militants were striking on soft targets because of continuing pressure from security forces. "Due to continuing pressure of security forces and police, militants are now indulging in attacks on soft targets and at crowded places for revival of the waning militancy in the state," Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said in the Legislative Assembly. The attack in south Kashmir took place on a day Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high level meeting in Srinagar to review the security situation in J and K in the wake of recent spurt in militant attacks including the deadly Pampore strike. The review meeting, in which Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was present, comes a day ahead of the start of Amarnath Yatra. Top civil administration and security officials of the state were also present in the meeting. A Station House Officer of a Gurgaon police station, who yesterday went missing under mysterious circumstances, was allegedly taken hostage by four persons who later dumped him in Mathura of UP, police said today. Surender Phogat, SHO Sector 29 Police Station, left for an official meeting in his car yesterday around 12:30 PM but did not reach for the meeting. Deepak Sahran, DCP, East, Gurgaon, said Phogat was on his way to the DCP East's Office in connection with official work when he noticed four suspicious looking persons standing along the road. As the four failed to give any satisfactory answer, Phogat made all of them sit in his car to take them to police station but the accused overpowered him and took him hostage, Sahran said. Thereafter he was held captive for many hours and taken to some place near Kosi in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh where he was late night dumped after snatching his mobiles and car, he said. Phogat, who received minor injuries, informed his senior officials about the incident, Sahran said. A case has been registered against unidentified persons in Sushant Lok police station, the DCP said. Super 30 founder Anand Kumar has got an invite from MIT to join their open online initiative for teaching mathematics. Kumar has got the offer from edx, a massive open online course (MOOC) provider and an initiative of MIT and Harvard University, to be part of it, a statement by Super 30 said here today. Edx hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines, including some free of cost, for students world-wide in English, Mandarin, French and Spanish. It also conducts research into learning based on how people use its platform. Anant Agarwal, Professor, MIT, has written to Kumar as to how his Super 30 initiative was similar to edx and the two by working together could reach out to more and more students. "We would be delighted to explore how we might be able to work together by taking your Super 30 content onto our platform. "Edx is trying to accomplish goals similar to yours by providing opportunity and leveling the educational playing field for millions of students in India and around the world," the MIT professor said. Kumar said it was an honour that institutions like MIT were taking note of his initiative. "It is nice to hear that they too are working for underprivileged students across the globe and making available quality content to them," Kumar, who himself could not go to Cambridge University for want of money, added. Kumar has been running Super 30, an initiative to mentor students from underprivileged sections free of cost for IIT JEE. The program has recorded success for the last 14 years by helping more than 325 poor students crack IIT since 2002. This year 28 out of 30 students of Super 30 got into IIT. Accusing state Congress of unleashing malicious propaganda against the Narendra Modi government, former Chief Minister P K Dhumal today claimed that Himachal Pradesh had received liberal financial assistance and major developmental projects from the Centre in the past two years. "Instead of being grateful to the Prime Minister, the state Congress is organising public meetings, accusing him of discrimination," the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly said. He said the NDA government had always assured development in the state irrespective of the government in power and Himachal Pradesh always got its due. Dhumal said the 13th Finance Commission report which was implemented during the UPA regime gave only 50 per cent hike in deficit grants to Himachal Pradesh while other states got increase of upto 150 per cent but the 14th Finance Commission by the Modi government gave an increase of 228 per cent. Dhumal challenged the state Congress to name any developmental scheme, sent to the Centre along with sworn affidavit, which had not been sanctioned by the centre and claimed that due to "inept" leadership, bureaucracy was not able to prepare the detailed project reports (DPR) in time, causing delay in execution of various projects. He alleged the Congress government was scared of its failures and was trying to mislead people by false propaganda but the people of the state were wise enough to see through their game. Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) has drawn up an ambitious expansion strategy with a plan to infuse Rs 1,600 crore over the next five years. The company said it is planning to invest Rs 430 crore in mining projects, Rs 300 crore in solar and wind energy, Rs 200 crore in new area development and townships each respectively and Rs 300 crore on procurement of machinery, among others over next five years. Already a market leader, the miniratna rated PSU aims to continue its dominance by scaling up production to two million tonnes (MT) per annum, almost doubling its current capacity. Besides ongoing projects where production is being ramped up, MOIL has secured mining land lease of 1,322 hectares in Vidarbha which has rich deposits. In neighbouring Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, the process to get mining licences are progressing at a brisk pace, a top MOIL official said. This will lead to a huge asset creation for the future, taking volume of mining land up by 80% from the existing mines in around 1,564 hectares, the official said. The company, under the Union Steel Ministry, listed six years ago has 6,400 employees. "The board of directors of the company met earlier this week in Bhopal and gave approval for investing Rs 265 crore to enhance capacity of Balaghat mines from 0.3 MT to 0.6 MT by sinking a high-speed large-diameter vertical shaft with depth of 750 meters," MOIL Chairman-cum-Managing Director, G P Kundargi, told PTI. The board also cleared a decision to invest Rs 195 crore for a high-speed shaft at Gumgaon mine in Nagpur district to double the output from 0.7 MT to 1.40 MT per annum. Our long-term plan envisages investment of Rs 2,858 crore by 2024-25 to take up manganese production to 2.5 MT, said Kundargi. Despite a slowdown in the steel sector, which consumes 95 per cent of manganese output, Kundargi is confident that MOIL's capacity increase would be viable and necessary as demand in market is growing at the rate of 10% while domestic production is growing at 2.8%. Kundargi has been at the helm of the company for the last three years and he is due for superannuation in September, this year. Director (Finance) Mukund Chaudhary has been named as successor. The single largest producer of manganese ore which is the main raw material in ferro-alloys, MOIL currently operates 10 mines -- six in Vidarbha (Nagpur and Bhandara districts) and four in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh where it has Asia's deepest mining sites. It has diversified into non-conventional sector and has a 20 MW wind power farm at Dewas near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and now planning a 10.5 MW of solar power production, Kundergi added. Myanmar called sad and regrettable a move by the United States to place the country on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders, while rights groups welcome it as long overdue. The demotion came yesterday when the US State Department released its closely watched annual Trafficking in Persons report, which examines 188 governments' efforts in combating modern-day slavery. It placed Myanmar alongside countries like Iran, North Korea and Syria, and says the Southeast Asian country has failed to meet "the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking." It also removed Thailand from the blacklist despite what the State Department described as widespread forced labor in the country's seafood industry. The downgrade for Myanmar appeared aimed at sending a message to the country's new democratically elected government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, and its still-powerful military to curb use of forced labor, sex trafficking and the recruitment of children as soldiers into the armed forces. Suu Kyi has been criticised for failing to address widespread persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the Buddhist country. Her government criticised the demotion as failing to recognise the country's progress. "We are very sad that we have not been recognized for making positive changes," said presidential spokesman Zaw Htay. "In their report, they didn't mention the progress and development we have made for our country." Myanmar's Foreign Ministry called the downgrade "regrettable" and urged the US not to impose restrictions that would hamper US-Myanmar relations. It also promised to step up efforts to combat trafficking measures. "The issue of human smuggling and trafficking will be addressed vigorously in close cooperation with international partners," it said. President Barack Obama now has 90 days to determine whether to apply sanctions on so-called Tier 3 nations, including Myanmar. But the US often chooses not to, based on its national security interests. Myanmar had faced a mandatory move up or down the rankings after four years on the watch list. Human rights groups applauded the downgrade, noting that Myanmar was evaluated mostly on the basis of what was done under the previous army-backed government. Suu Kyi's civilian administration took power in March. "Myanmar's downgrade is overdue," said Matthew Smith of Thailand-based advocacy group Fortify Rights. "The military has long been one of Southeast Asia's worst perpetrators of human trafficking." There was disappointment in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial center, since the US action virtually precludes trade privileges that would help jumpstart economic growth after decades of ruinous military rule. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to the Delhi Police over reports of delayed action in a case where a 14-year-old boy died under mysterious circumstances after a scuffle with two teenagers near his house in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar area. The Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of media reports that the police delayed taking action in the incident involving the death of a 14-year old boy Rajat Menon. It said that the issue raises serious issues of violation of right to life and right to health in the wake of contraband substances being supplied by the local shops without any preventive and prohibitive action by police. The deceased, Rajat Menon, a class IX student at a private school, had left home around 6 PM on June 29 and did not return. Later it emerged that he had a fight with two teenagers, both sons of a local paan shop owner, a senior police official had said. During investigation, the police came across a CCTV grab in which they could spot Rajat and two of his friends on a scooter. They were approached by two boys and one of them could be seen hitting Rajat twice. Rajat is then seen parking his scooter and going towards a park with two of his friends and the two others who hit him. In another CCTV grab which emerged later, police found the two teenagers rushing Rajat to a hospital, the official had said. Rajat, who is native of Kerala, was found dead nearly 500 metres away from his apartment in phase 3 of Mayur Vihar. However, there were no external injuries on his body. When locals raised an alarm, the two minors, with whom Rajat had a fight, rushed him to a hospital in a motorbike. Rajat was declared brought dead by doctors there but the cause of death is yet to be ascertained, the official had said. Market benchmark Nifty powered ahead to recapture the psychologically important 8,300 mark, its highest level in 10-months, amid a strong buying frenzy which cheered domestic investors for the fifth day in a row. Bolstering expectations of strong reforms to revive investment cycle and help improve domestic and foreign investors sentiment amid continuous foreign inflows largely weighed on the trade. Positive global cues in the aftermath of the Brexit shock on hopes that major central banks across the globe will deliver additional support too kept mood upbeat. It has been an incredibly volatile week in global markets in the wake of the UK's decision to leave the EU, though it was quite spectacular for Nifty with the index surging 240 points or 2.96 per cent. Meanwhile, the monthly PMI survey showed India's manufacturing activity hit a three-month high of 51.7 in June from 50.7 in May, backed by a stronger increase in new business orders. Core sector output grew at a five-month low of 2.8 per cent in May, down from a four-year high of 8.5 per cent in April. In the meantime, Mahanagar Gas made a stellar debut on stock exchanges and settled higher at 520.30 against its issue price of Rs 421. The 50-share index opened firmly higher at 8,313.05 and moved within a range of 8,356.75 and 8,308.65 before ending at 8.328.35, showing a smart gain of 40.60 points, or 0.49 per cent, the level not seen since August 20, 2015. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth net Rs 1107.42 crore yesterday as per provisional data from the stock exchanges. Among the sectoral movers, FMCG rose 1.93 per cent, followed by energy (1.66 per cent), infra (1.29 per cent), pharma (0.98 per cent), metal (0.78 per cent), PSU Bank (0.64 per cent), realty (0.57 per cent), auto (0.35 per cent) and Nifty Bank (0.28 per cent). The midcap index surged 1.14 per cent, while smallcap gained marginally at 0.38 per cent. However, technology and media settled lower. Major gainers were ITC, L&T, ONGC, Axis Bank, M&M, Dr Reddy's, Bharti Infra, Yes Bank, Reliance, IndusInd Bank, BPCL, GAIL, Power Grid, Tata Steel, Cipla, BHEL, Lupin and SBI. Key losers included TCS, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra, Adani Ports, Zee, HDFC Bank, Tata Motors, Maruti and Bajaj Auto. A total of 890 scrips gained, 703 declined while 64 were unchanged. Turnover in cash segment dropped to Rs 19,138.24 crore from Rs 26,625.60 crore yesterday. A total of 12,041.04 lakh shares changed hands in 78,06,757 trades. The market capitalisation of NSE stood at Rs 101,70,119 crore. NITI Aayog will be ready with a roadmap in next three months for developing 20 world class institutions (WCIs) aimed at improving quality of higher education in the country. "We will be ready with a roadmap for developing 20 WCIs in the country to enhance the quality of education in the country in next three month," NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya said after an internal discussion on finalisation of regulatory framework for setting up of 10 private and 10 public world-class institutions. Panagariya said, "There will be more deliberations on the issue and Aayog will consult experts on the matter as it is a very complex issue. There are many regulatory bottlenecks. We need to remove those." Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech in February had announced to frame a detailed scheme to set up world class teaching and research institutions to enhance affordable access to high quality education. He had said, "An enabling regulatory architecture will be provided to ten public and ten private institutions to emerge as world-class teaching and research institutions." Jaitley had also announced to set up a Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) with an initial capital base of Rs 1,000 crore. The HEFA will be a not-for-profit organisation that will leverage funds from the market and supplement them with donations and CSR funds. These funds will be used to finance improvement in infrastructure in our top institutions and will be serviced through internal accruals, he had said. The government is working on different options to create these WCIs which including amendment in UGC Act or having separate legislation or through executive order. These WCIs may be given a lot of autonomy to achieve excellence which includes freedom to grant its own degrees, to generate its own funds and financial autonomy like students fee and salary structure of staff. They will also have academic autonomy. The WCI's may be allowed to design own courses and evaluation systems among other powers. At present, University Grant Commission is responsible for maintenance of standards in institutions of higher education in the country. Besides it also provides grants to these institutions. The Sri Lankan government today said that banking, trade and financial sectors were performing "normally" despite the impasse over its Central Bank Governor who was under fire for his alleged involvement in bond dealings favouring a firm linked to his son-in law. "The government rejects the false propaganda carried on by certain elements that capitalise on the issue of the Central Bank Governor and speak about a market crisis and a break down in the financial sector. Activities in the Banking, Trade and Financial sectors are being conducted normally," Sri Lankan government said a statement. Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran's term ended yesterday. He had said that he was temporarily stepping down from the position until the Parliament's Committee on Public Enterprises investigated and cleared him of any wrongdoings. Mahendran was under a cloud due to dealings of his son-in law related Central Bank primary dealer firm. They were accused of controversial bidding in Central Bank bond issues in 2015 and last May. President Maithripala Sirisena wants to appoint a career Central banker while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe wants Mahendran reappointed. Wickremesinghe said Mahendran should only be removed if he was found guilty in an investigation. The position remains vacant since yesterday and a new appointment would now be possible next week. Mahendran was handpicked by Wickremesinghe to be the bank chief when Sirisena won the presidential election defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa in January last year. 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. HELENA In his bid for Montana governor, Bozeman entrepreneur Greg Gianforte has given his campaign more than $500,000 and more of his personal wealth could stream into his campaign as the Republican ramps up his effort to unseat Gov. Steve Bullock and pours more money into expensive television spots and other advertising. While moneyed candidates can dispense with the chore of fundraising by writing themselves checks, self-funded campaigns don't always translate to victory at the ballot box. "The candidates who rely very heavily on their own money to fund their campaigns have a tendency to lose a lot more often than those who have to raise money from their constituents," said Denise Roth Barber, managing director of the Helena-based National Institute on Money in State Politics. "Even though it's a lot more work, you're engaging with the electorate, who in turn is going to be voting for you" she said. "If you don't have to do that, and all you have to do really is buy a bunch radio ads and TV spots and mailers, you're engaging less with your electorate." State Sen. Matt Rosendale found that out two years ago, after loaning himself more than $1.1 million in a failed bid for Montana's sole congressional seat. This time, Rosendale is running to become Montana's next auditor, a relatively obscure statewide office that few Montanans understand. According to his latest campaign finance statements, Rosendale reported no money raised for November's general election against Democrat Jesse Laslovich. That worries Laslovich, who has about $183,000 in the bank and is expecting Rosendale will begin pouring his personal fortune into the race. "I could spend the last year raising money and then someone can write a really big check that will dwarf what I've raised," he said. "What I really fear is that our elections will only be for those who have the personal means to run for office." Rosendale did not immediately return a phone message or email. Since launching his campaign for governor, Gianforte has raised $1.6 million from about 3,750 individual donors, according to data supplied by his campaign, including contributions that will be reported Friday with the state's Commissioner of Political Practices. Nearly 90 percent of those donors hail from Montana and contributed 81 percent of all money Gianforte has collected from individual donors. Gianforte's campaign spokesman, Aaron Flint, noted that the governor has been raising money toward his re-election since before his first campaign report in August 2013, while Gianforte only began fundraising last August. The money Gianforte has given to his campaign $300,000 in direct contributions, $200,000 in loans and nearly $90,000 in in-kind contributions has helped narrow the governor's fundraising advantage. "Greg has been on the ground, traveling 40,000 miles since last fall meeting with Montanans in cafes and town halls. This guy's not just hiding in a bunker," Flint said. "At the end of the day, if you have a positive message and you go out and meet with folks that's what matters." In comparison, Bullock has raised nearly $2 million from roughly 7,320 individual donors, about two-thirds of that amount from some 5,930 Montanans. "Montanans remember the copper kings," said Bullock's campaign manager, Eric Hyers, repeating an oft-used refrain about the mining moguls who a century ago tried to influence state politics with their wealth. "Our campaign is backed by thousands of Montanans who are not only donating their time but also their money." According to the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign watchdog group in Washington, D.C, two dozen congressional candidates are self-financing their campaigns. A fourth of have lost primaries or dropped out. Among the biggest losers was Maryland Democrat David Trone, who dropped $10 million, perhaps more, of his own money on his failed bid. Two years ago, there were nearly 50 congressional candidates the center identified as self-funders, including Rosendale, who drew about 84 percent of his funding from his own pocket. Rosendale finished third in a crowded primary, behind runner-up Corey Stapleton, who also loaned himself $200,000 in the 2014 race. "It would be much easier to be wealthy and write yourself checks," Stapleton said, "but money doesn't always equal people and votes." US President Barack Obama was today briefed by counter-terrorism officials on an ISIS terror attack at an upmarket restaurant in Bangladesh where several foreigners have been taken hostage, a White House official said. "Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco has briefed the President on the ongoing situation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The President asked to be kept informed as the situation develop," the official said. The State Department Spokesman John Kirby saidthat the US embassy in Dhaka is monitoring the situation. "I can tell you as of now that they have accounted for 100 per cent of the American citizens working under the chief of mission authority," he told reporters. "They're also obviously in constant touch with authorities as they continue to work through this very fluid, very live situation right now," he said. In a major breakthrough, a man suspected to have murdered a 24-year-old woman IT professional here was arrested tonight in Tirunelveli district, police said. After stalking her for months, he allegedly murdered S Swathi using a sickle here last week. Ram Kumar, an engineering graduate, was arrested in Tirunelveli. Kumar, a native of Shencottah near Tirunelveli, was staying in Choolaimedu area in the city where Swathi had resided for quite some time. He was taken to a hospital for treatment after he allegedly attempted to commit suicide, police said. The motive of the killing is being investigated and other probe-related details in the case are being awaited, police said. 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 on June 24. (REOPENS MDS1) A report from Tirunelveli quoting a top official of the local Medical College Hospital, where Kumar is being treated, said he was out of danger. Hospital Dean Sithi Athyia Munavara told reporters that Kumar was brought with a bleeding injury in his neck and in a semi conscious state around 1.40 AM. An emergency medical team immediately treated him and carried out a 45-minute long procedure at the operation theatre during which 16 stitches were made. The man was later shifted to a ward in "good condition" and doctors were giving treatment, she said. It would take seven days for the wound to heal and it would be difficult for him to speak for the next two days. Police said a special police team from Chennai along with local police personnel surrounded Ram Kumar's house in Meenakshipuram village late last night. On seeing the police personnel, the accused, who was sleeping in a shed in front of the house, ran inside and inflicted an injury in his throat region with a blade. Police rushed him to the government hospital in Tenkasi and after first aid shifted him to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. Amid stagnant cashew production in Goa, the state government has decided to provide organic manure to growers to increase the productivity of its trees, a senior official said. "This year, the thrust is on increasing the cashew production. We will be supplying organic manure at subsidised rate to the farmers which will help them have better productivity," Agriculture Director Ulhas Pai Kakode told PTI. The cashew cultivation is spread over 55,000 hectares of land in the coastal state. "This year we will take up around one and half thousand hectares where the growers will be provided with the manure," he said. The department, after consulting agricultural experts, has decided to supply neem cake and rock phosphate to growers at marginal rate through farmers' cooperative societies. Cashew plantation across the state lacks maintenance due to which its yield has been stagnant, Kakode said. "On an average, each cashew tree produces one to one and half kilograms of nuts annually. This productivity can surge up to fifteen to twenty kilograms per tree if the tree is provided the organic manure," he said. Goa produces about 25,000 tonnes of cashew per annum, but despite this the processing industry has to source the nuts from outside the state or African countries, he said. "Cashew is the backbone of Goa's agriculture. Once the production boosts, it will help the state's economy, besides improving the financial condition of the farmers," he said. The parents of an American woman who disappeared in Afghanistan four years ago while pregnant and backpacking with her husband have appealed to the Taliban to release the couple and their two young children. James and Lyn Coleman, who live in Pennsylvania, believe the insurgent group is holding their daughter, Caitlan, her Canadian-born husband Joshua Boyle and two sons, to whom she gave birth in captivity. "We desperately want to be with and old our daughter and grandsons, whom we long to meet and care for," said Coleman in a short video, sitting next to his wife, whose hair was covered in a black veil. Coleman addressed his plea directly to the new leader of the Afghan Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, whose predecessor was killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan in May, and his deputies. He asked them "to show mercy" and release the family. "Please allow Caity and her family to come home," he said. "May God reward your good deed and see that it is returned to you in kind, Eid Mubarak." The Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan -- traditionally a time of mercy -- is due to begin next week. The Colemans last saw their daughter in July 2012, when she set off for Russia on a hiking trip with Boyle that took them through Central Asia and ultimately into war-torn Afghanistan. The Pennsylvanian couple told Circa that they got a letter from Caitlan last November proving that she and Joshua were still alive, and announcing that she had given birth to a second son. The couple were last seen in a video emailed to her parents in 2013 in which they asked the US government and their families to secure their release. The Colemans made the video public after Bowe Bergdahl, a US Army sergeant held captive for five years in Afghanistan, was freed in a prisoner swap. President Barack Obama last month said that he was according greater powers to the US military to go after the Taliban and work more closely with Afghan government troops, ratching up a 15-year conflict he has vowed to end. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte today urged communist rebels to start killing drug traffickers, adding another layer to a controversial war on crime in which he has warned thousands will die. Duterte won May's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by his pledge to end crime within six months, promising to do so by unleashing security forces with shoot-to-kill orders. In his inauguration speech on Thursday, Duterte insisted his adherence to the rule of law was "uncompromising", apparently seeking to assuage concerns from human rights groups that he planned to orchestrate mass extrajudicial killings. But today, Duterte called on communist rebels waging one of Asia's longest insurgencies to hold their own guerrilla court hearings and then carry out executions. "Drugs have reached the hinterlands... What if you use your kangaroo courts to kill them to speed up the solution to our problem," Duterte, a lawyer and former city prosecutor, said in a speech before the military's top brass in Manila. The communists' armed wing, the 4,000-strong New People's Army, is known for assassinating civilians deemed to have committed so-called crimes against the people. However its courts and summary executions are illegal. In a late-night speech on Thursday to a slum community in Manila attended by only a few journalists, Duterte called on ordinary Filipinos to kill drug addicts, which is also illegal. "If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself," Duterte told a crowd of about 500 people. Duterte also vowed to kill drug traffickers, using foul language he promised in recent weeks to "tone down" as president. "These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don't go into that, even if you're a policeman, because I will really kill you," said Duterte, 71. A former mayor of the southern city of Davao, Duterte had alternately denied and confirmed running death squads there that summarily executed suspected criminals. Human rights groups say the squads -- made up of local police, former communist rebels and hired assassins -- have killed more than 1,000 people. Amnesty International said it is encouraged by Duterte's inauguration pledge to honour the country's obligations under international law. "But now he is in power, he needs to lend substance to those words and break with his earlier rhetoric," Rafendi Djamin, the rights group's director for South East Asia and the Pacific said in a statement. Before dawn on Friday a bullet-riddled body was found in a Manila slum with a sign on it that read: "I am a Chinese drug lord," local police said. The murder bore all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing, which would make it the first of Duterte's presidency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen India's engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Minister's visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate India's ties. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India's current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modi's first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. India's ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries -- Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners," said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. Four robbers were arrested after a brief encounter with police at Mohan Nagar area here, police said today. They have been identified as Tariq, Rizvan, Vikas and Amzad, SHO Rashid Ali said, adding the group would rob people at gun point. An expensive watch, two country-made pistols, two knives, two live cartridges and a hatchback car were recovered from them, he said. They have been sent to jail, he added. The police here today claimed to have arrested the serial killer responsible for the murder of three persons with stone in the city since April. Hitesh Ramavat (30), the alleged killer, was arrested in Bedeshwar area of Jamnagar city, Rajkot police commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot said. Ramavat had confessed to bludgeoning three persons to death with stone and also to one unsuccessful murder attempt, Gehlot said. "Ramavat was involved in three murders which took place between April 21 and June 2 in and around the city. The accused crushed the heads of all the victims using a stone," the commissioner said. "We had made a sketch of the suspect from eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage. We received some crucial information from public after we released that sketch. Our investigation also revealed that the culprit exhibited abnormal behaviour and mannerisms," said Gehlot. "Based on this information, we zeroed in on Ramavat. He is originally from Rajkot but was living in Jamnagar for the last five months. He visited Rajkot only to commit the murder and returned to Jamnagar. We are investigating why he committed the murders," said the commissioner. "The people of the city need not be afraid anymore as the culprit has been caught. This was one of the most difficult cases.... Our team's hardwork paid off," he said. On April 21, Sagar Bharwad (28) was found dead near the Bhaktinagar Railway station. On May 25, Pravin Barad, an auto-rickshaw driver, was found dead near the gate of Saurashtra University, while on June 2 Vallabh Rangani (60), a resident of Mavdi Plot, was murdered while on morning walk. All three had been hit by a stone. So the police suspected it to be a case of serial killing. After Rangani's death, police released a sketch of the suspect from CCTV grab of a tall person seen walking with Rangani on that day. The commissioner also announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to the culprit. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today assured of positive outcomes on issues of opening of more LoC routes for trade and business in the coming days. The assurance was given at a high-level meeting held here and attended by Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti besides others, an official statement said. The meeting deliberated upon the strategic issues pertaining to situation in the state with particular reference to development projects of the state. Singh asked the BSF and the Army to step up the vigil at the International Border and the LoC, so that the evil designs of the enemy could be frustrated, the release said. The Home Minister also assured giving permission to foreigners to visit Ladakh including Nubra valley, quick resolution of land related issues, increasing ex gratia payment to families of martyred J&K police personnel at par with the Central Forces and restarting the police modernisation. Singh, who is on a two-day visit to state, asked the agencies to ensure fool proof security in the state, with primacy being to protecting the life and property of civilians. The state government expressed its confidence of maintaining security in the State, including during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Singh expressed satisfaction over the performance of the State Government as well as the Security Forces and complimented them for excellent ground coordination and synergy. The Home Minister also instructed the CRPF and BSF to explore the possibility of conducting special recruitment drives in Jammu and Kashmir, it said. The Home Minister's visit to the state came a week after militants killed eight CRPF personnel in an ambush on a convoy of security forces vehicle in Pulwama district. The Home Minister will visit the cave shrine of Amarnath tomorrow. Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to travel to Pakistan in August to attend the SAARC Home Interior/Home Ministers' conference. Asked whether the Home Minister will travel to Pakistan to attend the SAARC Interior/Home Minister's conference, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the issue was "under consideration". However, a confirmation will come from the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said. During the visit, apart from attending the SAARC meet, Singh is likely to have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other SAARC member-countries, including Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. Singh will be accompanied by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and several other senior officers of the Home Ministry. Key issues like fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace will figure in the forthcoming meeting. The three-tier meeting will begin at the joint secretary-level and then move on to Secretary and Home Minister-level meetings. The meeting will also focus on strengthening networking among police authorities of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies. The last meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers' conference was held in Kathmandu in 2014 when the Home Minister had said that member-nations of the group were facing common challenges and they should cooperate with each other to address them. Singh had said that India was committed to reviving the grouping as a major forum to promote active regional collaboration. The Home Minister had also voiced concern over the new threats of terrorism and violence to South Asia especially and asked SAARC countries to chalk out strategies to check radical groups and extremist ideologies. The superintendent of Huntley Project Schools said there were no surprises when they began the removal and replacement of the roof atop a new building. Superintendent Wes Coy said that when crews began removing the roof, the damage was apparent. "There was a lot of moisture in there," he said. After a study found premature degradation of the structure as the result of moisture invasion, the school went ahead with plans to replace the roof on the 5-year-old building. Contractors that designed and constructed the roof dispute that the damage necessitated a complete replacement of the roof. Attorneys have yet to resolve the matter. The school's board of trustees commissioned a study last year after school officials noticed moisture damage around the building. The roof was designed with space for ventilation, which was supposed to keep foundational components of the roof dry. The Washington engineering company that completed the study suggested that improper construction and design led to excess moisture and that the roof be should replaced. Despite pushback from contractors, the school went ahead with its plans. This spring, the board approved a $580,000 bid for the work, which is being done by contractors that weren't involved in the previous job. The roof was initially designed by JGA Architects, Engineers and Planners. Fisher Construction completed the construction work. Both are Billings companies. The school's report blamed JGA and Fisher equally, citing both design and construction flaws. Both companies deny responsibility, and attorneys have been engaged in mediation sessions. There hasn't been a resolution yet, Coy said. Terry Sukut, president of JGA Architects, said in a statement that his firm has a number of public school works in its portfolio. He said that the company "strongly disagrees" that the problems are related to design. "The districts decision to fully remove and replace the entire roofing system does not seem justified, and the conditions revealed in the tear-off do not support the decision to incur the cost of a new roof," Sukut said. Kevin Funyak, an attorney representing Fisher, was out of the office during the week. He previously told The Gazette that the construction firm followed the design closely. He said that Fisher workers had also done subsequent maintenance on the roof after construction. The dispute may be headed to court, but in the meantime, the school is using its own money for the work. The $580,000 figure covered only the construction, Coy said. After architecture and other costs, the total amount could increase. "So when you add it all in, we'll be well over 7 (hundred thousand)," Coy said. Huntley Project Schools received the money for the initial construction of the high school building, which burned down in 2008 after four teens set it on fire. The teens were later convicted of arson and burglary charges. Construction was completed in 2011, using $13.5 million from insurance and a voter-approved bond issue. Some of those funds are being used in the roof replacement. Work is expected to be completed by the end of July. After China's claim that the plenary meeting of Nuclear Suppliers Group in Seoul did not discuss accession of any specific country, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh today expressed surprise over media reports that Beijing had blocked India's bid for entry in the elite grouping. "The speculation doing the rounds in media regarding China's protest over NSG membership to India is not true," he said on the sidelines of a function here. Singh's remarks came a day after China accused the US of ignoring facts over India not getting entry into the NSG and claimed that the plenary meeting of the elite grouping in Seoul did not discuss the accession of any specific country. China's assertion came in response to the remarks by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Tom Shannon that India failed to get entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) due to China-led opposition. Singh said the NSG meeting was held behind closed doors. "Whether China had opposed India's bid or not could be told only by those present in the closed-door meeting," he said. Singh said deliberations held behind closed doors could not be made public and added that India has been trying for NSG membership since 2008. On a query about relations with neighbouring countries, he said India was making continuous efforts in this direction. He said due to better ties, India could talk to Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and China any time. Regarding Pakistan, he said relations improve through talks, therefore, instead of negative approach, India maintains a positive gesture. Singh said in Pakistan, army, terrorist organisations and the government were running their own system. "It is not clear, who is running the government in Pakistan. We can talk to the elected government, therefore our positive approach is not giving expected results," he said. On whether India's stand towards Pakistan was soft, he said New Delhi was doing whatever was necessary and expected. Raising a banner of revolt, RLSP's Lok Sabha leader leader Arun Kumar today accused the party chief and Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha of running the organisation in undemocratic and autocratic style. RLSP, a Bihar based party, has three MPs in the Lower House and a part of the ruling NDA. Kumar launched the attack on Kushwaha, a day after the latter dissolved the party's Bihar unit headed by the Jahanabad MP. Kumar claimed the party's Bihar unit was to discuss major issues, including some pertaining to shoddy appointments in the organisation, prompting Kushwaha to dissolve it. "Yesterday, I got a call from Upendra Kushwaha saying the Bihar unit has been dissolved. This has been done in a very arbitrary manner by Kushwaha and his coterie," he said. Asked about his future course of action, Kumar said he will be meeting party workers in Patna before making a move. "Let the party workers decide it." Accusing the RLSP leadership of turning the party into a "shop", Kumar claimed people are appointed at posts without any proper background check or consultations. "A fodder scam accused was appointed as party's Bihar president but it was undone after protests from party workers," Kumar said. Organised crime prosecutors in Romania have found more than 2.3 million tons of cocaine stashed away in banana crates on ships with a street value of 625 million euros (USD 694 million). A statement said the drugs came from Colombia and South America and were headed for Western Europe. They were hidden on ships harbored in the Black Sea port of Constanta. Prosecutor Daniel Horodniceanu said Friday it was the biggest ever capture of cocaine in Romania. A Bucharest court ruled that the Moroccan suspected leader of the smuggling ring, as well as four Lithuanians and a Colombian, be arrested for 30 days. A total of 150 Romanian police officers were helped by the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spanish Civil Guard in the investigation. A Russian spy attempted to recruit Lithuanian officials to bug the home of the Baltic NATO state's president, prosecutors said today. The case is the latest in a string of Cold War-style espionage affairs involving Russians in eastern NATO member nations amid intensified East-West tensions. Identified only as Russian FSB security service agent NF, the Russian citizen was charged with espionage, document forgery and illegally crossing the border, the prosecutors' office said in a statement. Recruitment efforts targeted security officials "in an attempt to install special listening devices" to bug President Dalia Grybauskaite at her home and office. The Russian has been under arrest since April 2015 after being detained on his way to Belarus on a train from the Kaliningrad region, Russia's westernmost outpost bordering Lithuania and Poland. The announcement, came a week before a NATO summit set to endorse a military build-up in eastern Europe to deter Russia. The efforts focus on four battalions in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and meddling in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin yesterday accused the US-led alliance of tearing up the military balance in Europe, a claim strongly rejected by Lithuania's Defence Minister Juozas Olekas. "NATO presence restores the balance because for the last decade NATO has reduced its defence resources while Russia increased capabilities(...) and attacked neighbours", Olekas told AFP today. Earlier this year, Russian courts sentenced two Lithuanian nationals to 13 and 12 years in prison for spying on Moscow. Neighbouring Poland, which hosts NATO summit on July 8-9, in May sentenced a high-ranking officer to six years behind bars for spying for Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu today for the first time since Moscow and Ankara mended ties that were shattered by the downing of a Russian jet last year. "We hope that this encounter will set the right tone for the normalisation of relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying by TASS agency at the start of their meeting on the sidelines of a regional economic cooperation conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Encounter comes after Moscow yesterday ended a ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey in the first step to ending broader sanctions slapped on Ankara after it shot down a Russian fighter jet on the Turkish-Syria border in November. The tourism move was agreed in a breakthrough phone call by leaders Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, after the Turkish strongman sent a letter that Moscow said contained an apology. Turkey has argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings, but Russia insisted it did not cross the border and accused Turkey of a "planned provocation". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today's talks were expected to help pave the way for a meeting between Putin and Erdogan that could take place either before or at a G20 summit in China in September. The jet downing slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between the two nations and sparked a bitter war of words between the two leaders. Putin has now ordered his government to hold talks on lifting an embargo imposed on some Turkish food and to restore full trade ties with Ankara. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Russia's Emergencies Ministry says one of its firefighting planes with a crew of 10 is missing in Siberia. The ministry said the Il-76 plane disappeared Friday while on a mission to fight forest fires in the Irkutsk region. It said that seven aircraft have been searching for the plane, which went missing in the Bayandayevsky district near Lake Baikal. Officials said the crew hadn't reported any problems before disappearing. Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov said the search was complicated by heavy smoke from forest fires. The plane that disappeared is a firefighting version of the Il-76 four-engined heavy transport plane, capable of carrying 42,000 liters (11,000 gallons) of water. SBI today said the corporate branches of its five associate banks will "fold up" into the parent bank as part of network rationalisation after their merger. "To a large extent, they will fold up into the corporate branches of the parent. As much as 60-70 per cent of the larger value accounts are common and you need only one relationship manager for that," SBI Managing Director B Sriram told reporters at an event here. He termed the corporate branches of the associate banks as "low-hanging fruit", as a more elaborate plan will have to be prepared for the retail branch rationalisation. SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya reiterated that the merger will take place this fiscal. The SBI Group has five associates -- State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad. She also said the merger of Bharatiya Mahila Bank will also be completed this year. There is no particular bias per se between the unlisted and listed associates, and all the mergers will happen together or in quick succession, she said. "All mergers will be done at the same time. It may not be absolutely on the same day, that may not be feasible. But it will be done in a very short space and all of them will happen almost one after another," Bhattacharya said. Earlier, speaking at an event to mark the 61st foundation day of SBI, Bhattacharya said the lender is stepping into a "very important year" which will see its size grow by a third due to the merger, which will catapult it into the elite club of the world's top 50 banks. SBI's merger with associate banks, which is being opposed by the unions, will create a banking behemoth with an asset base of Rs 37 trillion or over USD 555 billion. Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the merger plan, saying the State Bank of Travancore is core to the state's identity, which will be lost with the merger. SBI alone has close to 16,500 branches, including 191 foreign offices across 36 countries. SBI Group has over 22,000 branches. Bhattacharya, whose name is being touted as a possible successor to RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, said none of the SBI officials are "irreplaceable". "We work very much as a team and therefore anything and everything can be done without any of us, none of us are really irreplaceable," she said. She had said yesterday that SBI has "very good line-up of people" and "work will go on no matter who will be there". Reports also said Bhattacharya may get an extension in view of the ongoing merger process. However, she refused to comment about her possible candidacy for the post of RBI Governor. "Let the social media speculate whatever it wants to," she said. SBI's top echelon has the chairperson and four managing directors -- VG Kannan, B Sriram, PK Gupta and Rajnish Kumar. Kannan will retire by the end of this month. Meanwhile, Sriram said the bank will be relying largely on the retail segment to achieve a credit growth of 12-14 per cent this fiscal. The bank plans to grow its retail book by 20 per cent (as in the previous fiscal), large corporates by 14-15 per cent, and push up the credit growth in the SME, agri and mid-corporate segments to double-digits, Sriram added. The Supreme Court has cleared the decks in a nearly 38-year-old land acquisition matter in Andhra Pradesh, with critical remarks against the courts for showing "undue sympathy" towards the land owners. A bench of justices A R Dave and Adarsh Kumar Goel said it was "not just and proper" for courts to show sympathy by asking the land owners to make representation to the government when it was against legal provisions to withdraw land which has already been acquired. "Be that as it may, the courts were quite sympathetic towards the land owners and therefore, every time the land owners were asked to make a representation to the Government (due to which) these three rounds of litigation have taken place, which, in our opinion, is not fair or justifiable," the bench said. "Such undue sympathy has relegated the land owners to this long drawn litigation which has not helped them at all," it said. The apex court's verdict came on the petition filed by the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority against the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order which had allowed the plea filed by land owners against government's order cancelling a decision regarding withdrawal of acquisition proceedings. While setting aside the high court's order, the apex court said "we are of the view that the acquisition proceedings could not have been quashed by the High Court, especially when the Government had not acted in accordance with law while withdrawing the land in question from the acquisition proceedings." The bench observed that the land was required for widening of road and under the Land Acquisition Act, the government has power to acquire land for public purpose. The first notification regarding acquisition of land in Visakhapatnam was issued by the government on March 20, 1978. The apex court, in its verdict, said "it is very clear that though possession of the land in question was taken on February 20, 1982, the Government wanted the acquisition to be cancelled and, in our opinion, it could not have been done in view of the provisions of section 48 of the (Land Acquisition) Act". The bench said after taking possession of the land from the owners, power under section 48 of the Act could not have been exercised. As per section 48 of the Act, completion of acquisition is not compulsory but in case of non-completion, compensation has to be awarded. The issue arose after the March 20, 1978 notification and after the award was made, the land owners had made a request to the concerned authorities for withdrawal of acquisition. Thereafter, the acquisition proceedings initiated under the Act was ordered to be withdrawn by government's order of February 25, 1982, but subsequently this order was cancelled by another order of November 11, 1983. The land owners then filed a petition in the court seeking quashing of November 11, 1983 order and the plea was disposed of on April 25, 1984 by giving a direction to the authorities to reconsider the issue. The April 25, 1984 order was challenged but the high court dismissed it on February 1, 1989. The government thereafter issued an order on February 27, 1990 requesting the collector to return the land to the owners but this order also was cancelled on April 30, 1998. The land owners again approached the high court against it and the court directed the government to reconsider the matter. They also filed another petition seeking return of land, which was allowed by the high court and the authorities were directed to deliver possession of the land. The authority then approached the apex court which asked the government in February 2006 to reconsider the representation made by the land owners. In pursuance of the apex court's order, the government decided to withdraw the acquisition proceedings, but again in August 2009, the authorities cancelled the decision after which another petition was filed in court which allowed it on February 7, 2011. The state government and Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority filed appeal against the order but their petition was dismissed in January 2012 after which the present matter came up before the Supreme Court. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and IKP Knowledge Park today launched a call for proposals under which shortlisted innovations in the agri-food sector will get funding up to Rs 1.2 crore. The 'Agriculture for Nutrition Grand Challege' is part of the USAID-supported 'Feed the Future India Innovations for Improved Nutrition' programme, implemented by IKP. IKP is a premier not-for-profit organisation and incubator in the country with about 16 years of experience in technology innovation and entrepreneurship development. Under the programme, IKP will identify innovations in the agri-food sector that show measurable impact in improving nutritional status of the poor, IKP Chairman and CEO Deepanwita Chattopadhyay said. The shortlisted innovations will then be funded, developed and adapted in select countries in Africa and South Asia, she said, adding the challenge is open to all until August 31. Each finalist will receive a funding of up to Rs 1.2 crore as well as mentorship support for a period of two years, she said. The total amount available is Rs 9.5 crore. Ambassador Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India, said: "India is a laboratory for innovations. Sharing and transfer of these innovations globally in partnership with the public and private sector for sustained food security gains has been the focus of USAID's food security and climate resilience programmes." "We are delighted to partner with IKP to identify and nurture the smartest and brightest innovations and hope to once again capitalise them to promote healthy and productive societies globally," Addleton was quoted as saying in a release. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in early in June, both the US and India announced their commitment to jointly support global food and nutrition security. "As stated in the US-India joint statement, both India and the US welcome triagular cooperation with African partners, including in areas such as agriculture, and look forward to opportunities to deepen the US-India global development cooperation in Africa, as well as in Asia and beyond," the release added. Senior IPS officer T P Senkumar todayfiled a statement before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) rejecting Kerala government's submission that the stand adopted by him in cases related to Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy and murder of a Dalit woman in Perumbavoor lowered the status of police. The rejoinder submission was made during the hearing on a petition by Senkumar challenging his removal as state police chief by the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government. Senkumar said that he, as the State Police chief, had taken a "very difficult and effective role" in investigating the murder case in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district and the temple fireworks tragedy in Puttingal in Kollam district. He said such allegations are "only belated attempt" by the present state government to "cook up some false stories" against him even disregarding the fact that the then Congress-led UDF government did not find anything wrong in the investigations. The then government upto May 24 this year had never levelled any of the allegations now raised to justify activities under Section 97(2)(e) of Kerala Police Act, he said. In a top-level reshuffle on May 31 after taking the reins of the state following the assembly elections, the LDF government had shifted Senkumar and appointed Loknath Behara in his place. In his petition, Senkumar has contended that the decision appointing him as Chairman and Managing Director of Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation on deputation was illegal. He also said that as per Section 97(1) of Kerala Police Act and in the light of the Supreme Court ruling in the Prakash Singh case, the tenure of the DGP was for two years. The state government had informed the Tribunal that the stand adopted by Senkumar in cases related to Puttingal temple fireworks tragedy in Kollam on April 10 and murder of a Dalit woman in Perumbavoor in April 28 lowered the status of police. Billings Logan International Airport will receive $750,000 in federal funding to help develop and market new air service between Billings and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. U.S. Sen Jon Tester made the announcement Thursday evening. The Missoula International Airport will receive $600,000 from the same funding source, the Department of Transportations Small Community Air Service Development Program. A message left with Kevin Ploehn, director of Aviation and Transit at the Billings airport, was not immediately returned. In a letter to Brooke Chapman, the programs associate director, Tester noted that the airport has partnered with the Billings Chamber of Commerce, the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District and Big Sky Economic Development to encourage American Airlines to open direct, daily service between Billings and Dallas. This grant would be leveraged with the $600,000 in private contributions that are already committed, Tester wrote to Chapman. If its opened, the new route will not only allow Billings travelers to fly to Dallas, it will allow Texans to come and experience the magic of Billings and the surrounding countryside. Given that both destinations produce energy, it is to be expected that many business travelers will take advantage of this service. This grant, Tester wrote, will encourage economic development, boost tourism and attract tourists to enjoy Montanas awesome outdoors. Expensive and high-maintenance, baby elephants have become the ultimate status symbol for Sri Lanka's wealthy elite - a trend that has horrified conservationists and prompted a government crackdown. Elephants are venerated in mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka and capturing them is illegal. Yet authorities say more than 40 have been stolen from national parks over the last decade and are being kept as pets. "The new rich wannabes want an elephant at home for prestige," said Asian elephant expert Jayantha Jayewardene, recalling an old Sri Lankan aristocratic tradition of keeping herds of the wild beasts. "This is for social climbing." Earlier this year, the gift of a baby elephant to the visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key sparked anger from animal rights activists who said it was cruel to separate her from her family, and the incident has not been repeated. Worse, Jayewardene says elephants are almost certainly dying to fuel the illegal trade. "The maternal instinct in elephants is very, very strong," he said. "Poachers can't get at a baby without the mother putting up a fight, and it usually ends with the death of the mother." Guns are used to scare off the mothers, and sometimes to kill them, Jayewardene told AFP. Elephant calves have also been known to be killed by the tranquiliser drugs used to make them more docile for capture. Pubudu Weerarathna, the head of the Species Conservation Centre wildlife group, has been involved in a number of rescues and remembers one young elephant succumbing to an overdose of tranquilisers. Another story had a happier ending - in 2014 he confronted a group of men transporting a baby elephant on the back of a tractor trailer near a wildlife park. The calf had been sedated, but it made a good recovery. Intentionally killing an elephant is considered such a serious crime in Sri Lanka it is punishable by death - though no one has been prosecuted in decades. Two years ago a group of activists reported catching rustlers red-handed with a baby elephant, but no action was ever taken. In 2013, wildlife activists raised suspicions of a cover-up by some in the administration of former leader Mahinda Rajapakse after a registry of domesticated elephants disappeared. The document later re-appeared with entries doctored - the case is being investigated by police. Rustlers are prepared to take such risks because of the huge sums involved - the Species Conservation Centre says baby elephants sell for as much as USD 125,000. The State Sector Bank Employees' Association (SSBEA) has decided to go on a two-day strike from July 12, to protest the move to merge five associate banks with State Bank of India (SBI). Opposing the merger decision, nearly 45,000 employees in the Associate Banks, with 6,700 branches and 9,000 ATMS, will go on strike on July 12 and 13, since the merger will hit the customers and the business badly, SSBEA General Secretary, K S Krishna told reporters here today. The total business of these banks as on March 2016 stood at Rs 900,000 crore with operative profit of Rs 10,500 crores, he said adding that the association will request the government to reconsider the decision. The merger is to make SBI a very big bank of global standards, for the benefit of corporates and big companies. Such banks in USA had collapsed like a pack of cards. "If the merger takes place, the customers will face hardship, as they will be forced to wait for several hours for a single transaction," he claimed. Even the state governments of Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telengana and Punjab, with stake in the banks, have raised concern over the merger, for fear of losing share of profits paid by the banks, he said. Stating that there will be no rectuitment for five years, he said delinking of associate banks from SBI would ensure independence, functional autonomy, further growth and its progress, Krishna added. The managements of the associate banks, including State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad, have given nod for the merger at a meeting held on May 17 last. A DU student was today injured in an alleged clash between two students' groups at Deshbandhu College in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area. The All India Students Association (AISA) alleged that one of its activists was attacked by the members of BJP's student wing ABVP. ABVP, however, denied the charge. "Abhinav Kumar, an AISA leader and last year's DUSU candidate was assisting DU Aspirants in the admission process when half a dozen youths led by ABVP leader Rajat Chaudhary started assaulting Abhinav. He was rushed to AIIMS," AISA's National President Sucheta De said. When contacted, ABVP said a verbal duel took place between the two groups but there was no clash. Police said they have not yet received any complaint in this regard. Super 30 founder Anand Kumar has got an invite from MIT in the USA to join their open online initiative for teaching mathematics. Kumar has got the offer from edx, a massive open online course (MOOC) provider and an initiative of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, to be part of it, a statement by Super 30 said here today. Edx hosts online university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines, including some free of cost, for students world-wide in English, Mandarin, French and Spanish. It also conducts research into learning based on how people use its platform. Anant Agarwal, Professor, MIT, has written to Kumar as to how his Super 30 initiative was similar to edx and the two by working together could reach out to more and more students. "We would be delighted to explore how we might be able to work together by taking your Super 30 content onto our platform. "Edx is trying to accomplish goals similar to yours by providing opportunity and leveling the educational playing field for millions of students in India and around the world," the MIT professor said. Kumar said it was an honour that institutions like MIT were taking note of his initiative. "It is nice to hear that they too are working for underprivileged students across the globe and making available quality content to them," Kumar, who himself could not go to Cambridge University for want of money, added. Kumar has been running Super 30, an initiative to mentor students from underprivileged sections free of cost for IIT JEE. The program has recorded success for the last 14 years by helping more than 325 poor students crack IIT since 2002. This year 28 out of 30 students of Super 30 got into IIT. Aircraft debris found off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar was handed over to the authorities today for analysis to determine if it is from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Fishermen who found the suspected wing fragment last month refused to hand it over until they were given two million Tanzanian shillings (USD 909; 816 euros) as a reward from aviation officials. "The debris will be ferried... To Dar es Salaam on Monday as we wait for experts from Malaysia to investigate whether it is part of the lost airline," said Valley Chamulungu of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2013 between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing with 239 passengers onboard. The plane has not yet been located but confirmed or suspected debris has been found across the Indian Ocean, including in Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa. Separate air raids in northern Syria by regime aircraft and warplanes of the US-led international coalition killed at least 25 civilians today, a monitoring group said. President Bashar al-Assad's air force attacked a crowded market in Aleppo city's rebel-held district of Tariq al-Bab, killing 11 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Another five people were killed in an air raid on the southern rebel-held neighbourhood of Sheikh Said, it said. The Britain-based monitor said rebel bombardment of government-held districts killed two civilians in the city that has been divided since July 2012. It also said a coalition raid on the northern city of Manbij, where US-backed fighters are battling the Islamic State jihadist group, killed two women and their seven children. Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters have been advancing on Manbij, an important waypoint between the Turkish border and Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 280,000 people over the past five years and displaced millions from their homes. A Taiwanese warship today accidentally fired a supersonic anti-ship missile towards mainland China that hit a fishing boat, killing one and injuring three people, on a day China was busy celebrating the 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party. The accidental launch of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese Defence Ministry said the missile hit a Taiwanese fishing boat, killing one person and injuring three crew members. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi Jinping to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeatedMa Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. Tsai has also refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said Tejas, which was inducted into the IAF after a wait of 33 years, meets the critical lightweight fighter aircraft requirements of the force and will also be available for export to India's friendly nations. While two Tejas were today handed over to IAF by state- run HAL, Parrikar said that by 2025, 120 Tejas aircraft will be inducted into the Air Force. "The induction of Tejas is a decisive step towards realising vision of 'Make in India' for the defence sector, he said. Describing Tejas as a "beautiful" 4th+ generation aircraft with high manoeuvrability, Parrikar said it has a glass cockpit and state-of-the-art satellite aided Inertial Navigation System, digital computer based attack system, air- to-air missiles, stand-off air to ground weapons, precision guided munitions (PGMs), fly by wire controls and will also have air to air refuelling capability. "Till date, there have been over 3,000 flights of LCA prototypes without a single accident. By 2025, 120 Tejas aircrafts will be inducted into the Air Force. "It meets the critical lightweight fighter aircraft requirements of the force and will also be available for export to India's friendly nations," he said. Defence sources said that Sri Lanka and Egypt have already evinced interest in the aircraft. Parrikar said there was "no accountability" in the previous government and hence, there was so much delay in induction of the aircraft. He recalled how he had undertaken at least 16-18 meetings to ensure that the IAF, HAL and other stakeholders were on one page. The first squadron of the Tejas has been named 'Flying Daggers'. The commissioning of the planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the firsttwo years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. Helped by the government's special package and marketing plans, India's textiles and apparel exports are expected to touch USD 50 billion mark this fiscal from USD 38 billion in FY16, a senior official said today. The Union Cabinet last week approved a Rs 6,000-crore package for the sector with an aim to create one crore new jobs in three years and attract investments of USD 11 billion while eyeing additional USD 30 billion in exports. "The government has announced a special package and taking elaborate marketing plans to boost exports. We are hopeful of achieving USD 50 billion in exports in the current fiscal as compared to USD 38 billion exports last year," Textile Secretary Rashmi Verma told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of industry body Texprocil here. "We are hopeful that our key markets like Europe and US will continue to grow. We are also looking at exploring new markets such as Iran, Russia and South America to expand reach and diversify products. With the opening of new markets, we are hopeful to achieve our export targets." She said the country is ready to capitalise on falling share of China in textile exports in the international market. The nation's market share has slipped to 38 per cent from 40 per cent due to high wage rate and its entry into high-end tech products. Commenting on Britain's exit from the EU, Verma said, "We export USD 10 billion worth of textiles and apparels to European Union of which nearly 23 per cent (USD 2.5 billion) goes to Britain." "Now we are focusing on entering into PTA (preferential trade agreement) with Britain and it is right time to negotiate its terms." The draft of new textile policy is ready and the package announced last week was a part of it. The policy will go to the Cabinet next month for approval, she added. Meanwhile, The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) today released an Ernst & Young report titled 'Textile industry as a vehicle of job creation for inclusive growth'. Texprocil Chairman R K Dalmia said it is important to finalise FTAs (free trade agreements) with EU, Australia and Canada in addition to negotiating concessional tariff with China to protect domestic suppliers. The report highlighted the employment potential of the textile sector, especially in rural India. The labour- intensive home textiles segment suffers from tariff disadvantages of 9.6 to 16 per cent in markets like EU and Canada. Three persons were today arrested and over four kg of heroin worth about Rs 3 crore in local market was recovered from their possession in Jammu city, a police officer said. A SUV that was on its way to Jammu from Srinagar was intercepted at Panama Chowk in the city and during checking four packets containing the contraband was recovered, the officer said. Three persons, identified as Mir Haider, Istyaq Hussain Shah and Altaf Hussain Shah, all residents of Kupwara district, were arrested and booked under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The trio will be subjected to questioning, he said. The officer said the origin of the heroin seems to be in Pakistan and it was supposed to be sold in Jammu and Punjab. "The estimated cost of the consignment of heroin in the local market is between Rs 2.75 crore to 3 crore," he said. The officer said cash worth Rs 25,000 and three mobile phones were also recovered from the accused. The fatal beating, choking and burning of Roylynn Rides Horse, a 28-year-old Crow Agency woman, has rekindled outrage over violence on Montana Indian Reservations. Now that citizens on and off the reservations are paying more attention to public safety needs in these rural, impoverished communities, one dangerous bureaucratic obstacle has become glaringly apparent: It takes a year to decide to put just one new Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer on patrol. On Monday, Crow Agency Police Chief Jose Figueroa told a Crow Tribal Judicial Committee meeting that he has trouble filling patrol positions because of the time it takes to hire. So The Gazette called the BIA office in Billings for more information. The editorial writer asked to speak to Doug Noseep, special agent in charge, and was told to contact the media person in Washington, D.C. That D.C. spokeswoman, Nedra Darling, said questions had to be submitted in writing, which The Gazette writer emailed. 7 vacancies Heres what the BIA said in reply: Currently there are seven vacancies within District V's direct service agencies. This includes Northern Cheyenne and Crow Agency. Asked why it takes so long to make a police hiring decision, Darling outlined a hiring process that includes preparing the job announcement, advertising on USAJOBS for two weeks, scoring applicants, sending certificates to the BIA district, starting interviews and reference checks, making selections and sending tentative offer letters to applicants. Once the applicant accepts the position, they are sent a packet to fill out and send back to human resources, Darling wrote. This is an area that takes the longest and where we lose applicants. Applicants are not timely in returning the required paperwork or they don't send it back at all. If and when the paperwork is received, the background process is started. This can take up to a year if there are issues in an applicants background. Once the process is started, the applicant has due process to any and all issues that may come up. The BIA said it sometimes can hire without advertising a position, but that process still has the background factor and time issues. Yearlong checks How can any law enforcement agency any agency or business, for that matter function if it requires a year to background check each job candidate that they want to hire? By contrast, consider the Billings Police Department, which presently is hiring to fill 10 patrol vacancies, including five new positions approved for the fiscal year starting today. Up to 10 candidates with high scores on the departments battery of tests will then undergo thorough background checks conducted by the departments trained background investigators. On average, it takes a full week for two BPD investigators to check out one candidate, including a visit to the candidates hometown, checks of criminal, driving and credit records and more. A federal agency such as the BIA may have a different process. But it shouldnt take up to a year. Is there a shortage of BIA investigators or a backlog of investigations? Is there a lack of private contractors or a lack of funds to hire contractors? We dont know. But since Montanas congressional delegation has united to raise awareness of violence against Native American women, we call on them to raise the issue of inexplicably long background checks. There is a need for more law enforcement in reservation communities. Good, enthusiastic candidates lose interest or take other jobs while waiting and waiting for the BIA to decide. Year-long background checks certainly arent the only challenge for law enforcement in reservation communities. Removing this absurdly long hiring delay is one step toward more efficient, effective public safety service. US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon today visited several cultural sites in the city during his two-day visit. During the day, Shanon visited Ramakrishna Mission headquarters at Belur Math where he interacted with senior monks. He then went to the Missionaries of Charity's headquarters 'Mother House' where he paid homage to Mother Teresa's tomb and later on visited the Indian Museum. The senior American government official was on a two-day visit to Kolkata. Yesterday he had made a courtesy call on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her office and discussed the growing ties between US and India and the role of West Bengal in that relationship. He has also invited Banerjee to visit America. Two Myanmar nationals were arrested today for carrying about 221 grams of heroin here, an Excise department official said. Ngunsingluai (43) of Tuicherh village in Myanmar and Kimmenpar (20) of Chawhte village in Myanmar were arrested by Mizoram Excise and Narcotics officials for possession of the contraband, an official release said. The contraband has street value of around Rs 6,75 lakh in the local market, the official said. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said today she will abide by decisions of the FBI and prosecutors on whether to bring charges over presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton's use of personal email while at the State Department. "The recommendations will be reviewed by career supervisors and by the FBI director, and they will present it to me and I fully expect to accept the recommendations," Lynch said at a conference in Aspen, Colorado. The announcement by Lynch was pushed to the fore after her impromptu meeting with former president Bill Clinton at the Phoenix, Arizona airport this week touched off a political firestorm, with Republicans arguing that the encounter compromised the integrity of the investigation. Lynch said it was "important to make it clear that that meeting with President Clinton does not have a bearing on how this matter will be reviewed, resolved, and accepted by me. The US has condemned the terror attack in Kabul that killed 37 police cadets, and underscored its commitment to support the Afghan government militarily and economically. "This incident during the Holy Month of Ramadan underscores the extremists' complete disregard for human life and the harm that they continue to inflict on the Afghan people," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. "Attacks like these are going to only deepen our support for the people and the government of Afghanistan and their efforts to bring security and stability to their country," he said while condemning the "horrific multipart attack". White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the terror attack "is an indication of something that we have long acknowledged, which is that security situation in Afghanistan is quite difficult, particularly in the fighting season". "But what is true, and what continues to be true, is that the Afghan forces are showing great determination and resilience, even in the face of some setbacks," he said. "What is important is the continued commitment of the United States and NATO and other international contributors to the Afghan government and the Afghan security forces," he added. Observing that the US and its coalition partners have good partners in the Afghan government, he said it is important that they continue to support them both militarily and economically as they seek to rebuild the institutions of that country and strengthen security forces. The Department of Defense, he said, is still continuing with its review of the Afghan policy. "The last I heard, which is I guess a week or so ago, is that the conclusions of that review have not been presented to the President at this point," he said. "The President will carefully consider not just the judgement of his military commanders on the ground, but also the other members of his national security as he continues to evaluate our strategy in Afghanistan," Earnest said. The twin suicide attack on a convoy of buses carrying police cadets killed 37 people and wounded 40 others. The attack comes little over a week after 14 Nepali security guards who were heading to work at the Canadian embassy were killed in a massive blast that left their yellow minibus spattered with blood. A US judge has ordered a new trial for a man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, whose case was turned into a global sensation by a hit podcast. Adnan Syed, 35, the son of Pakistani immigrants, was sentenced to life imprisonment 16 years ago for the murder of Hae Min Lee in suburban Baltimore. The case was largely ignored in the media until it was taken up by weekly podcast "Serial" and turned into a blockbuster when an American journalist revisited the story and cast doubt on Syed's guilt. Judge Martin Welch in Baltimore granted Syed's request for a new trial in a court document issued yesterday. "We won a new trial for Adnan Syed," tweeted his defense lawyer Justin Brown. Maryland state prosecutors had fought against the move, insisting that Syed was given a fair defence and there was no need to reopen his case. The podcast, a mix of investigative journalism, first-person narrative and dramatic storytelling, focused its first season entirely on Syed's story in a nail-biting 12 episodes. The show cast doubt on whether Syed received proper representation at trial and whether he had in fact murdered Lee. At trial, prosecutors argued that Syed strangled Lee after school in the parking lot of a Best Buy electronics store, jealous that she was seeing another, older man after they broke up. Both were honor students and children from immigrant families -- Syed's from Pakistan and Lee's from South Korea -- who had concealed their relationship from their conservative parents. The show was downloaded more than 5 million times on the Apple iTunes store. US-based life and health reinsurer Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) has received the first level approval regulator Irdai to set up a branch in the country, a company official said today. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has approved R-1 (requisition for registration) application of the company. The nod was given by the regulator at its board meeting held in Hyderabad yesterday, the official said. The company will now apply for final approval R-2, which is likely to be cleared by Irdai during its next board meeting, the official added. RGA Managing Director and Chief Executive-India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Thomas Mathew, was not immediately available for comment. At present, the company is providing reinsurance cover to 23 of the 24 life insurance firms in the country, including state-owned behemoth LIC. It also provides reinsurance cover to four life insurance companies in Sri Lanka. RGA has clients in over 60 countries. It is the global market leader in life reinsurance with total revenue of USD 10.4 billion and assets of USD 50.4 billion in 2015. RGA is currently operating in the country as a service company through its Ireland-based entity. Last year, the company did a business of Rs 439 crore in India, where it has 37 per cent of the market share in the reinsurance segment. The company follows the January to December fiscal year. Mumbai-based investment and innovation platform Venture Catalysts has secured USD 5,00,000 funding from Zaffiro Ventures. Venture Catalysts (VCats) was valued at Rs 40 crore during the investment process in the six months of its operations, it said in a statement today. "Our aim, since our launch, has been to support and augment the growth of promising startups across the country. The investment from Zaffiro will help us in expanding t multiple cities across India and promote entrepreneurship beyond the metropolitan and tier-1 geographies," Venture Catalysts co-founder Apoorv Ranjan Sharma said. The platform recently expanded its operations to Surat and will be looking to establish its physical presence in five cities in 2016 along with an aim to expand to five more cities in the next two years, VCats said. Venture Catalysts has made seven investments in high-value startups with the total deal size exceeding USD 3 million, and will also be looking to leverage its association with Zaffiro to mobilise local HNIs as mentors and investors by connecting them to global ideas developed by disruptive startups in their incubator programme. The platform already has over 600 angels as a part of its investor network and is looking to add 100 new angels in the next few months, it said. It typically invests USD 1,00,000-2,50,000 in very early stage startups. They have focussed on Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, ad-tech, virtual reality, education, e-commerce and retail so far. The Tata-Singapore joint venture airline Vistara will soon extend its daily flight services from Kolkata, touching some new destinations. Instead of two daily flights between Kolkata and Delhi, Vistara would soon operate seven flights daily from the city touching three new destinations, the airline CEO P Yeoh told a press conference accompanied by West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra after meeting him at the state secretariat Nabanna. "Following this decision, Vistara will connect three new destinations of Guwahati, Port Blair and Bangalore with Kolkata, keeping intact its existing operation on the Kolkata- Delhi sector," Mitra said. If these services were found economically viable, the airline has assured to further enhance its operations by October this year, increasing its number of flights and destinations from Kolkata, the minister added. German auto major Volkswagen today reported marginal decline in sales in India at 4,022 units in June. The company had sold 4,039 units in the corresponding month last year. The brand has registered a steady sales performance on the back of successful launches of special edition models like Polo Select and Vento Celeste and a consistent performance of the marquee products like Polo, Vento, Jetta and Beetle, the auto maker said in a statement. Since the senseless massacre in Orlando, there has been a lot of discussion about gun control. This leads to questions regarding the Second Amendment. The purpose of this article is to look at the history behind the Second Amendment and the current debate surrounding the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment to the Constitution states: 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. Amendment history From the middle ages through the 17th century, every Englishman was expected to have a gun. The King of England did not have a large standing army. Thus, every man had the duty to be ready to defend England at a moment's notice, thus the term minutemen. This idea carried over to colonial America. Many of the early colonial constitutions had a provision about bearing arms to protect the state if necessary. Local groups, called militias, used their own guns to train and utilize in any military events. The British knew this and tried to confiscate guns during the Revolutionary War. In fact, the first battles of the Revolutionary War occurred when the British attempted to capture colony ammunition and weapons at Concord and Lexington. These are the battles of Paul Reveres famous ride and where the shot heard around the world occurred. Two-hundred-forty years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, we sometimes forget the Second Amendment was established not only to protect against foreign enemies, but also to protect against our own government. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it. Noah Webster supported this idea when he wrote: Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops raised in the United States. The Constitutional Convention drafted our Constitution, and then sent it to the 13 states to be ratified. Some, called anti-Federalist, led by George Mason and Patrick Henry, thought the federal government was too powerful in the Constitutional structure proposed. Others, led by George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, called Federalists, supported the Constitution as written. A compromise was needed to gain the necessary nine votes for ratification. Thus was born the Bill of Rights. The Federalists promised the First Congress would pass a Bill of Rights listing specific rights of the people. The Second Amendment is the second of these rights. Latest debate Today some earnestly believe if guns were outlawed gun violence would cease. Others earnestly believe we have a right to defend themselves, not only in our own homes, but also against a foreign enemy or even a destructive government. This debate can further be boiled down to whether the Second Amendment is meant to allow states to have a militia or whether it was meant to allow individual self-defense. The Supreme Court answered this question in 2008 in District of Columbia v. Heller, which stated the right to bear arms is an individual right. The Court held total gun bans were unconstitutional, but some regulation is legal. Rules regarding criminals, the mentally ill, and concealed weapons permits, for example, are allowed. Thats where we stand today. Let the discussion, and the legislative debate, commence. The West Bengal Assembly today passed amendment bills for municipal affairs and education departments. The state government said it proposes to club at least four municipal bodies under an administrator for election and wants to complete infrastructure in the new municipalities. The government today laid the West Bengal Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which sought to extend the term of the board or administrator upto one year. Municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim said it was done keeping in mind the new municipalities where basic infrastructure was not ready and the government wants to complete the development process and then conduct elections. The government also aims to club elections for at least four civic bodies, he said. The Assembly also passed the amendment bills raising the age limit for presidents of boards of primary and secondary education to 65 years from 62 years. India will impress upon China, which had torpedoed its NSG membership bid at the Seoul plenary, that taking care of each other's "interests and priorities" was the basis for forward movement in bilateral ties. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also dismissed suggestions that India, which has become a full member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) earlier this week, will block China's entry into the 35-nation grouping as a quid pro quo. In an oblique reference to China, he said only "one country" opposed India's bid while some other nations raised "process-related" issues which did not mean that they were against India. They just had a different solution about India's entry into NSG, he added. However, he said India would continue "impress upon that country that a relationship moves forward on the basis of mutual accommodation of each other's interests, concerns and priority. This is a matter (NSG membership) which we have been discussing and we will continue to discuss because it is an important priority for India." He also said that India's objective is to enlarge areas of convergence and reduce area of divergence. Asked if India, which has become a full member of MTCR earlier this week, will block China's entry into the 35-nation grouping as quid pro quo, Swarup said India does not believe in such "deal making" approach. Asserting that India granted the membership based on its impeccable non-proliferation record, he said any other country's application will also be assessed on its own merits. He said India's MTCR membership is expected to facilitate high technology tie-ups with Indian industry and ease access to high-tech items for our space and defence programmes. "While membership of the regime would not automatically entail any preferential treatment from other MTCR Partners, it would create the grounds for realignment of India in the export control policy framework of other MTCR Partners," he said, asserting that membership of MTCR will not pose any restrictions on our national security programmes. Further, India has formal space cooperation with 35 countries including several MTCR Partners even prior to joining the MTCR and in the coming days, India can be expected to play an even bigger role as a provider of space applications to the global community, he added. Indian billionaire Gautam Adani-controlled conglomerate plans to build a copper smelter with an eye to furthering its ambitions in the solar sector, said a source familiar with the plan. The company recently sought environmental approval to set up a one-million-tonne-per-year copper smelter in Gujarat, according to an application given by the company which was reviewed early this month by the environment ministry. Green nod recently sought to set up a 1-million-tonne-per-year copper smelter in Gujarat recently sought to set up a 1-million-tonne-per-year copper smelter in Gujarat Rs 10,000 crore or $1.47 billion the smelter is expected to cost or $1.47 billion the smelter is expected to cost Smelter is expected to feed into its proposed solar panel manufacturing capacity The smelter is expected to cost Rs 10,000 crore ($1.47 billion) and will source copper concentrate through imports, the application stated, without providing the reasoning behind the new foray. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the smelter, however, is expected to feed into its proposed solar panel manufacturing capacity, fuelling the company's ambitions of becoming an integrated solar power company. The project will not be an entry into the commercial copper business for Adani, also India's biggest coal importer, but will be primarily for ensuring secure supply of raw material for the group's proposed venture into solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment manufacturing, said the source. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the plans. A second source from an international trading firm familiar with the smelter project said the first stage of 300,000 tonnes is expected to be completed within the next two years. Adani Enterprises, which has interests in coal mining, oil and gas, and logistics, has bet big on solar power riding on prime minister Narendra Modi's solar mission that targets setting up of 100 gigawatts of solar power generation capacity by the end of 2022. As part of the push, the government has also incentivised setting up of exclusive parks for domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules. That would equate to around 600,000 tonnes of additional copper demand based on the thumb rule of 6 tonnes of copper required for one megawatt of solar cell capacity. Adani plans to have a share of 10 percent of the national target by the same time and has said it plans to set up a solar PV module plant in Gujarat. The gamble could also get a boost from the $1 billion loan promised Thursday by the World Bank for India's solar energy programme as Modi sought climate change funds from the international lender. By Karolin Schaps LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Friday as the market's focus returned to oversupply as production from Nigeria and Canada revived, and OPEC output reached a record high in June. Despite Friday's losses, oil prices were on track for the first weekly gain in three weeks after a bullish run this week on strong buying following Britain's vote in favour of leaving the European Union. Global benchmark Brent crude futures were down 17 cents at $49.54 a barrel at 1203 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $48.18, down 15 cents day on day. "Oil has settled down after the initial short covering squeeze earlier in the week," said Ole Hansen, commodity strategist at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen. "A rising contango indicates that the market is getting ready to absorb returning supply from Nigeria and Canada." Militant attacks in Nigeria had brought production to the lowest in 30 years but no new attacks have been carried out since June 16, allowing production to slowly ramp up. In Canada, oil sands output was also gradually increasing after wildfires had curtailed production. As of Wednesday, around 400,000 barrels per day of production were still affected in the Fort McMurray area. Adding to oversupply concerns, a survey showed OPEC production rose to a record high in June. Stronger supply from major Middle East producers, except Iraq, underlined their focus on maintaining market share. Despite growing signs of lingering oversupply, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said on Friday he expected oil supply and demand to balance by 2017. Analysts at Barclays took a different view, cutting their crude price forecasts on the back of expectations for reduced economic growth and oil demand following Britain's vote to leave the EU. The bank trimmed its Brent and WTI price forecasts for 2016 by $3 each, to $44 and $43 a barrel. "Markets have experienced only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the impact of the UK's 'leave' vote," analysts said in a note. (Addition reporting by Henning Gloystein in Singapore, editing by William Hardy and David Evans) Essar Group is exploring the sale of its 405,000 barrel-per-day oil refinery in Gujarat, as the conglomerate seeks funds to reduce its debt, two sources familiar with the matter said. Essar, which is controlled by the billionaire Ruia brothers and has assets in the oil and gas, steel, ports and power sectors, has faced pressure from creditors to reduce borrowing that some analysts estimate at more than $14 billion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a priority of cleaning up the balance sheets of country's banks which carry more than $120 billion in troubled loans. Much of that money is owed by big business to state-run banks. Essar signed a preliminary deal with Russian state oil major Rosneft last month to sell a 49 per cent stake in the refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat, which Rosneft would also supply with 200,000 barrels per day of crude for 10 years. Essar recently proposed to Rosneft the outright sale of the refinery and had hoped to sign a deal at Russia's premier annual economic forum in St Petersburg this month, said a source aware of the matter. "Now the final signing of the deal could take some time as Essar has offered 100 percent to Rosneft," the source said. Before approaching Rosneft, Essar held talks with Saudi Aramco and National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC). Sources said the state oil companies of the two OPEC nations rebuffed the approaches, prompting Essar to start talks with other players. Rosneft, responding to an emailed request for comment, said it still planned to buy a 49 percent stake in Essar Oil, whose main asset is the Vadinar refinery. Essar aims to pay down debts to banks including Standard Chartered, while Rosneft wants to expand into Asian markets. A second source familiar with sale efforts confirmed that Rosneft was unlikely to buy the asset outright. "Would they sell all of it? Yes they would. But would they sell all of it to Rosneft? I doubt it," the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, suggesting that a second buyer may come in. It was not immediately clear what valuation was under discussion, but ahead of last year's preliminary deal Rosneft had estimated it was worth less than $6 billion, a source said at the time. An Essar spokesman said the transaction for Rosneft to purchase 49 percent of Essar Oil was at an advanced stage. "Appropriate announcements will be made in due course as and when definitive agreements are executed. The proceeds will be primarily used to reduce the group's debt exposure," the spokesman said in written comments, describing a question on a possible further stake sale as "speculative". When Olam International (OLAM.SI) agreed to buy rival Archer Daniels Midland Co's (ADM.N) cocoa processing business in December 2014, catapulting it into the top echelon of bean buyers, confectioners worried about its outsized power over prices. Now, Mondelez International Inc's (MDLZ.O) audacious bid on Thursday for Hershey Co (HSY.N), to create by far the world's largest cocoa buyer, could hand the bargaining chips in the volatile niche market back to the candy makers. With more buying power, candy makers could demand lower prices from traders already operating on thin margins. Hershey's board of directors unanimously rejected Mondelez's $23 billion takeover bid on Thursday. Even so, the combined company would cushion Mondelez from wild swings in prices of key ingredients. Soaring cocoa, dairy and nut prices forced some in recent years to raise prices, but the sticker shock for sweet-toothed shoppers hurt sales. But the bid also raised the specter of consolidation among chocolate makers, which could create larger buyers of commodities including cocoa and sugar, worrying middlemen who have already seen their margins squeezed. The additional pricing power of the new entity would be "concerning," a veteran cocoa buyer said. Mondelez is already the world's largest cocoa consumer, and after a tie-up with Hershey it would consume 650,000 tonnes per year, 50 percent more than the No. 2 consumer, Nestle SA (NESN.S), according to the Cocoa Barometer publication by nonprofit industry watchdog VOICE Network. Global cocoa demand totals around 4 million tonnes annually. "You create a huge giant as far as cocoa consumption is concerned," said Antonie Fountain, VOICE managing director. The most immediate questions raised by the potential deal concern the companies' relationships with Swiss processor Barry Callebaut AG (BARN.S), which became the world's largest manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products after a 2013 purchase of Petra Foods' cocoa business. In 2007, Barry Callebaut reached a deal to supply Hershey with chocolate through 2022. Three years later, it agreed to supply Kraft Foods - which spun off Mondelez in 2012 - with the majority of its cocoa products and industrial chocolate globally. It remains a top supplier after the spinoff, sources said. The fact that Barry Callebaut supplies both companies reduces its risk of being squeezed out, but a combined company would likely look for alternatives and exert some leverage on prices, four industry experts each with decades of experience said. "If it were me, I would look to diversify away from Barry," said one of the sources. They spoke only on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to comment to the press. Representatives of Barry Callebaut and Cargill Inc [CARG.UL] both declined to comment. Cocoa processor Blommer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Growing purchasing power in the downstream sector would squeeze already-tight margins among processors, one trade source said. Grinders and processors have consolidated in response to tight competition amid stagnant demand. "This makes them one more powerful buyer in an already consolidated industry," said a sugar trader with a global firm. The Narendra Modi government has been castigated by the Opposition for the "hamhanded" way it handled India's high-decibel attempt to become a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Though India had the support of the majority of the 48 NSG members, it was China which single-handedly blocked a consensus and spoiled Delhi's chances of being admitted during the group's annual plenary meet in Seoul last week. What is little-known though is that China, behind the scenes, had assured our government that it would not oppose India's membership if it did not come in the way of Pakistan's chance of being admitted as a member. The latest issue of India Today carries the inside story of how China then reneged on its promise and blocked India's chances when it realised that a huge majority of the NSG members opposed Pakistan's application. Indian officials revealed that when foreign secretary S Jaishankar flew down for a secret meeting with top Chinese officials, he was told by them that, "We are prepared to look at accommodating India [at the NSG]. But it can't only be about India in the long run." China's message was clear: Our support for your membership to the NSG is linked with you not coming in the way of Pakistan's entry. China's concern was that once India was in the NSG, it would block Pakistan's chances since all decisions have to be taken by consensus and even one dissenting member can block a resolution. It was that secret assurance that made external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj state in her annual press conference in Delhi a day before the NSG met at Seoul that, "China is not blocking India's entry into 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." She then went on to add that as far as the Pakistan application was concerned, "we will not oppose entry of any nation into NSG" and that "each country should be considered on the basis of their merit". India had sent a clear signal to China that it would keep its word. However, during informal discussions at the NSG meet, China realised that there was stiff opposition to Pakistan's application. To thwart India's chances, China then changed its stand from "linkage to blockage", as an Indian official put it. China first pursued procedural tactics and told the chair headed by South Korea, that India's application was not on the agenda and couldn't be discussed. India's supporters hit back by forcing the chair to agree to a discussion. India Today reveals how China then turned the tables on India by entering into a secret agreement with South Korea to make the discussions infructuous. South Korea needed China's backing for the NSG to come out with a strong statement against North Korea's nuclear shenanigans. As a quid pro quo, China persuaded South Korea into passing a killer decision: There would be a discussion on India's application but no decision in this meeting. The moment the NSG chairperson decided the norms, India knew its chances of being admitted in this round were close to nil. China then took a maximalist position for the criteria to admit a new member stating that it must be a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The Chinese knew that India would never join the NPT since it regarded as unfair and discriminatory ever since its inception in 1968. Knowing that waiting for the next year's NSG plenary could create fresh problems, India then successfully lobbied to keep the door open for it with an informal panel being formed to evolve a consensus for its membership application. How China's subterfuge at the NSG would affect its bilateral relations with India remains to be seen. The Reserve Bank of India said it would accept pre-2005 banknotes only at its select branches from July 1 as majority of the old series banknotes have been withdrawn. RBI is pulling out the pre-2005 banknotes because of fewer security features compared to banknotes printed after 2005. The central bank said it has observed that a major portion of the pre-2005 banknotes have been withdrawn from circulation and only a small percentage of these notes remains in circulation. "On a review, therefore, the Reserve Bank has decided that from July 1, 2016 the facility of exchanging the pre-2005 banknotes will be available only at the select offices of the Reserve Bank," it said in a release. The branches are: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Belapur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Patna, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Reserve Bank in December 2015 had set June 30, 2016 as the last date for public to exchange pre-2005 banknotes at the identified bank branches and Issue Offices of the Reserve Bank. RBI also clarified that these pre-2005 banknotes will continue to remain legal tender. Further, RBI said it is a standard international practice that not to have currency notes from multiple series remaining in circulation at the same time. Soliciting cooperation from public in withdrawing these banknotes from circulation, RBI has urged them to exchange pre-2005 banknotes at its mentioned offices as per their convenience. "The Reserve Bank will continue to monitor and review the process so that the public is not inconvenienced in any manner," it said. All establishments, including in private sector, will have to provide 26-week maternity leave to their women employees under a new bill, which the government plans to push in the upcoming Monsoon Session, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said on Friday. While there is already a provision of 26-week or six- month maternity leave for the government employees, most private sector firms offer maximum three months of such leave. Besides, these benefits are not provided at all in many smaller establishments. Speaking to reporters here, the Minister said the new Maternity Benefit Bill, which seeks to enhance maternity leave to 26 weeks from existing 12 weeks, will be shortly taken up by the Cabinet for approval and the Ministry will push it for passage in the Monsoon session of Parliament. He, however, appeared to rule out making it mandatory to provide work-from-home option to the working mothers. "There are certain establishments where they can get (the permission to work from home). But in other establishments they will get the facility of (26 weeks maternity leave) after amendment in the Act," Dattatreya said. He was replying to a query about the steps being taken by his Ministry to promote the concept of work from home to increase women participation in the workforce. Asked about the paternity leave and other benefits for fathers, the Minister said, "The Bill is about mothers and children. It is not about the men." The Minister also said that the model law that allows shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments, to run 24x7 throughout the year will increase women participation in the workforce as it allows them to work in night shits. "The is a pro-women law. Besides, it will help in employment generation. This will help increase women participation in the workforce," the Minister said. The Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday. "The law also allows women to work in night (shifts).. There is provision for all facilities for women like drinking water, lavatory, creche, first aid and security," he said. The Model law also provides for creches if the establishment has 30 women/50 workers. While adopting the model law, the states can modify it as per their requirements. Shares of Equitas Holdings settled the day 3.60 per cent up in Friday trade after the company received final license from Reserve Bank of India to commence operations as Small Finance Bank (SFB). The stock soared as much as 7.85 per cent to Rs 191.50 but settled the day 3.60 per cent up on BSE. The SFB, to be named "Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited", will start banking operations after receiving few other approvals from various departments of RBI and other agencies. Commenting on the development, P. N. Vasudevan, Managing Director, Equitas Holdings Limited said, "It is indeed a proud moment for everyone at Equitas to be a first Private Bank from Tamil Nadu and the city of Chennai. This further takes us closer to our mission of empowering India through financial inclusion." "With our ability to service the informal economy through our reach and efficient process and system, we plan to cater all sections of society. We hope to start operations in next few months with a network of around 400 branches which would be established through the year. Through various innovations, we aim to ease the banking experience of our customers," he further added. Equitas Holdings Limited is a diversified financial services provider focused on individuals and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) that are underserved by formal financing channels. Coal sales are down. Coal mining corporations are declaring bankruptcy. Some coal generated power plants are closing. Quite naturally folks in Colstrip and across Montanas coal country are anxious about threats to their paychecks and way of life. Tax monies for coal mining counties are also at stake. What might be done to help such folks and their communities? Sen. Steve Daines called a town hall meeting at Montana State University Billings on June 21 to address such issues. He claimed Montana was not being listened to in setting coal policy, that the coal leasing moratorium set by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell was hurting coal development, and that the Bureau of Land Managements present policy of coal leasing should not be changed. I believe these claims are off target and dont deal effectively with the realities of the situation. First, the hearings on coal in Billings last August had an impact. The Billings comments helped lead to the program-wide review of coal leasing and the current round of scoping hearings. While it is true that Montana is not included among the six current hearings, it is a disingenuous political ploy to claim Montana has not been heard at all. Market-driven decline Second, the decline in coal sales is a market-driven phenomenon, not the result of a war on coal. Increased domestic production of natural gas due to new technologies like fracking has made gas cheaper than coal. Coals role in contributing to climate change appropriately leads to increased support for cleaner energy sources. Meanwhile, the hoped for coal markets in Asia have not panned out. Cities like Beijing are attempting to clean up coal-polluted air, and while new coal-fired plants are still being built, inefficient plants are being closed. Economic fact: Montanas distance from points of use puts our coal at a competitive disadvantage to closer sources. Third, the pause on coal leasing is not causing any decline in coal production. On average, mines in the Powder River Basin have about 20 years of federal coal reserves. Thus when Sen. Duane Ankney in his June 27 Gazette guest opinion frames an appropriate pause to study best options for all concerned as elimination of federal coal leasing in Montana, he misrepresents the reality. Coal will continue to be mined where it is most economically viable. Coal subsidized Fourth, current practices of federal coal leasing artificially subsidize coal corporations at the publics expense. Coal companies can define the tracts of coal-bearing land they want to lease, and not surprisingly about 90 percent of the leases are awarded with only a single bid being received. This is among several leasing practices that are contrary to a well-functioning market system. The BLM contributes to inefficiency when a leasing process is stretched out in years worth of red tape. What is needed is a fair, transparent leasing practice in which the proceeds of sales and taxes help citizens and communities that are negatively affected by coal mining, shipping and use. What might be done to assist Montana communities? Use royalties from coal to provide economic incentives for entrepreneurs to locate in places like Colstrip. Economic diversification is key to the long-term prosperity of a community. Provide funds for retraining displaced workers, giving them a living wage while they gain new skills. These are among the policies that should be considered by all stakeholders. The rhetoric of blame and resentment is no solution to real problems. Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Friday announced new rules for capping of air fares at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights that connect an unserved airport. "Today, we have given shape to the Hon'ble Prime Minister's Vision of Regional Air Connectivity in India," civil aviation minister wrote in a tweet. As per new rules, passenger fares for flight journeys from unserved and underserved airports will be capped at Rs 2,500 per hour of flying. Fares for other durations will be priced proportionately. Under this scheme, helicopter operations in remote, hilly, island and security sensitive areas with a fare cap of Rs 2500 for a 30 minute flight. The government will also offer concessions to the airlines flying on such routes. #RCS Central Govt major concessions - 2% excise on VAT, Service tax at 1/10th the rate and liberal code sharing for RCS airports - Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) July 1, 2016 Last month, the government released National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 with the aim to take flying to the masses by making it affordable and convenient. Amid reports that she may get an extension, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has said there is enough talent within the bank who are capable of holding the reins. "State Bank has a very good line-up of people. I don't see any reason why people have any doubts regarding succession in SBI. We are very well provided with talent. The MDs are extremely capable. The work will go on no matter who will be there," Bhattacharya said on the sidelines of the bank's annual general meeting for 2015-16 in Mumbai. There were media reports the government was looking at a proposal to extend the first woman chairperson of the country's largest lender by an year after her term ends in September. Her name is also doing the rounds in the list of probable candidates as the next Reserve Bank Governor after incumbent Raghuram Rajan's term ends on September 4. Plantation drive on 1 lakh km of highways under the National Green Highways Mission will create jobs for 10 lakh youth and prove to be a game-changer for the rural economy, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said. Kick-starting the initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways at a cost of about Rs 300 crore, the Road Transport and Highways Minister said it is a unique venture and the government welcomed "start-ups" to join it unlike other programmes where prior experience is a must. Under the mission, the government plans to provide 'green canopy' on NHs at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, which is 1 per cent of the road construction cost of Rs 5 lakh crore till 2019, and may link it with NREGA to boost the rural economy. "We will soon take up the length of National Highways to 2 lakh km from about 1 lakh km and plantation along these is our responsibility. Converting one km of highway into green provides employment to 10 people and today, we launched scheme for 1,500 km which will employ 15,000 people," the minister said at an event here to mark the launch of the plantation drive. Ten states are already on board with the Centre in the initial phase, besides NGOs and other bodies, including four start-ups which will be given the job of greening highways of 10 km each initially. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has adopted NH 31 for plantation and maintenance of trees. Besides, Coal India and other such bodies have shown willingness. Gadkari said plantation will be accomplished on 3,000 km of national highways by the end of July. "Highways aside from environmental and aesthetic aspects have a huge potential to generate jobs and can prove to be a game-changer for agriculture and rural economy. It may even be linked with the NREGA scheme," the highways minister said. Under the framework, the government has made it mandatory to set aside 1 per cent of the total project cost of any NH contract to a Green Fund corpus for plantation. Calling upon government and private agencies to join hands under the initiative, Gadkari also said only serious players need to come forward as the projects will be monitored through satellite technology with payments to be made only after successful implementation. An app to monitor real-time progress of the plantation drive and plants was also launched on the occasion. Yes Bank was the knowledge partner for the project. Of the 10 states that joined hands for plantation, Haryana signed agreement for 415 km, Jammu & Kashmir for 100 km, Telangana for 150 km, Andhra Pradesh for 360 km, Madhya Pradesh for 150 km, and Assam for 50 km. So far, the government has roped in 22 agencies and will scale up the drive soon. Talking about environmental benefits that will flow from greening of highways, the minister said, "The afforestation will help in sequestering approximately 12 lakh mt carbon annually." Gadkari said, "We are confident that the green highways project will go a long way in reinforcing India's commitment made in CoP 21 summit for reducing carbon emissions up to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels and develop additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes through green cover outside forests." He said that unfortunately, not much emphasis was given on the greening of highways earlier. "Farmers can join hands with the government under this initiative and open their nursery. Waste land will be converted into green forest," the minister said. He said a pilot project to provide a canopy of bamboo on "one-km highway stretch" in Nagpur is also being planned. He also said the government plans to set up 1,300 roadside amenities which will house restaurants, washrooms and helipads and have local cuisine and cultural parks to showcase local produce. NHAI Chairman Raghav Chandra said: "We have set aside 1 per cent of our project cost for transplantation, plantation, beautification and maintenance." He added that 10 start-ups have initially shown interest. The programme will be replicated on non-NHAI roads as well, according to Highways Secretary Sanjay Mitra. The Green Highways Mission Director A K Bhattacharyya said initially PwC, IOC and Coal India have shown interest to adopt some highways. Sorry Nutella enthusiasts. Android has finally settled for Nougat. Google on Thursday has finally announced the name of its latest Operating System, Android N. The next version of Android, likely to be Android 7, will be called Android Nougat. Google officially made the announcement on Snapchat and Twitter and also, posted a video unveiling the look of the latest Android mobile software. As the Android naming history goes by, it was widely speculated that the latest version, too, will be named after a sweet treat, following the league of Kitkat, Lollilop, and Marshmallow. So, the new flavour turns out be Nougat. Google had first displayed Android N in March through a developer preview. At Google I/O in May, the company said that the latest version of its Android OS will be named with the help of user suggestions. The name, thus, was intended to be crowdsourced and Google received millions of submissions from all over the world. The Android Nugget comes with a host of new features. It supports multi-window mode, has a better notification system and comes with a newly added VR mode, which will give an extra edge to virtual reality viewers. The users will be able to get its hand on the new Android version in the coming few months. Till then, wait for the treat. Jeena Nilson, 58, arrested and charged with six counts of failing to register as a sex offender, a third-degree felony. LOGAN A 59-year-old Providence woman has pleaded not guilty for failing to update her sex offender registry. Jeena Nilson entered her plea in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon, following a preliminary hearing where a judge found sufficient evidence to bind her over on four counts of failing to register as a sex-offender, a third-degree felony.

Specifically, state attorney Spencer Walsh said she never disclosed her social media accounts, a vehicle, and her employment or volunteer work at Altius Gymnastics Academy. In November 2002, Nilson was sentenced to one-to-15 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sex abuse of a child, a second-degree felony. During Thursdays hearing, Logan City Police Lt. Rod Peterson, who originally investigated Nilsons first case, told the court he began investigating her again in 2015 after receiving multiple complaints of her working with children at the gymnastics school. He presented several witness statements and photographs, showing her interactions with some of the kids. He said, what concerned him most was the gym is the same location where she had found her previous victim. Peterson described how as the investigation continued, he learned that Nilson never reported in her sex-offender registry that she was working there. He also discovered she had a Linked In and Facebook account that was never disclosed, and a Ford Ranger truck that was also never reported. Outside the courtroom, Rozann Moake, owner of the gymnastics school, admitted that her mother worked at the school but said the charges against her are false and spurred by peoples gossip. At the time she was the owner of the equipment, said Moake. So as the owner of her own equipment, she would repair it. When it had a hole, she would go in and sew the mat. When she would get a new piece of equipment, she would go in and set it up. Other than that, the vast majority of the time she was in there was taking care of my kids and being a normal mother or grandmother in the gym. So yeah, people saw her in the gym but she was taking care of her own equipment and my kids. Defense attorney Camille Neider said Nilson reported all 33 times and has corrected her registry since being arrested. She argued that prosecutors should have only filed one charge against her. Judge Kevin Allen said he would be interested in hearing further arguments from attorneys on that issue. He ordered Nilson to appear again in court August 22.

will@cvradio.com Logan City Police detective talking with an employee while investigating an auto burglary at Wilson Motor Company. A man who allegedly broke into a Logan car dealership and stole a truck, before being arrested by law enforcement in Idaho is facing a felony theft charge. Court records show, Derek P. Henderson was arraigned in a Rexburg, Idaho Courthouse last week on one count of theft by receiving stolen property. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 5, when a judge will determine if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to bind him over for trial. Logan City Police detectives claim Henderson broke into Wilson Motor Company early on the morning of June 21. After entering the business, he stole a truck that was in the repair garage and drove it through a door on the eastside of the building. Officers contacted regional law enforcement agencies requesting them to be on the lookout for the truck. It was later found by police in the Idaho Falls area, who conducted a traffic stop, taking Henderson into custody for questioning. Hooley said, dectectives in Idaho were reporting that Henderson was cooperating with them. He had been living in the Logan area at the time of the burglary.

will@cvradio.com HAMILTON As firefighters work to shore up the most vulnerable edge of a nearly 1,000 acre fire southwest of Hamilton, the Ravalli County Commission took a step to reduce the fire danger in the valley below. Open burning in Ravalli County will close effective at one minute past midnight Friday. Hamilton Fire Chief Brad Mohn said the decision to close open burning was supported by all the fire chiefs in the valley. We think its time, Mohn said. With a large fire burning in an area that could potentially threaten homes, Mohn said the countys volunteer firefighters do not need any other fires to fight. People will still be allowed to have small backyard campfires under the terms of the closure. The Observation fire has grown to 971 acres. Crews worked through the night to finish up laying hose along the southern edge of the fire just north of the Lost Horse Creek Road. Darby District Ranger Eric Winthers told the Ravalli County Commission on Thursday that fire crews were out through the night setting up hose lines and pumps along that southern edge. The pumps are all set up, Winthers said. Were feeling pretty comfortable with that. Plans call for keeping the fire west of the 496 Road, south of Hayes Creek and north of the Lost Horse Creek Road. Firefighting efforts have focused also along the eastern flank of the fire to keep it from spreading toward residential areas closer to the valley floor. Aircraft dropped about 56,000 gallons of retardant on the eastern flank Wednesday. They have been working that eastern flank pretty hard, Winthers said. Overall, things are looking pretty good. Management of the fire will be turned over to a Type 1 team Friday. Winthers said the decision to ask for those additional resources was due to the complexity of the fire and difficult terrain, its rapid growth, and proximity to residential areas. A public meeting in Darby is planned Friday. The place and time will be confirmed later Thursday. National farmers union leaders want action on declining farm incomes. We called for corrective action and evaluation of price support levels, including an increase in price supports or economic disaster declarations, so that farm programs serve their purpose of stabilizing farm income during low commodity cycles, said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne. Average net farm income in North Dakota dropped 63 percent last year, from $76,404 in 2014 to $28,600 in 2015. Watne said low crop prices are predicted to continue for the next several years and net farm income is projected to be down by 3 percent this year, putting net farm income at its lowest level since 2002. When family farmers and ranchers struggle to pay their bills, the impact reverberates through communities, he said. Caller-Times file Manny Fonseca carried a flag of Honor, which contains the names of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as he made his way down Ocean Drive on Sept. 11, 2014, during the fourth annual Patriot 5K Run & Walk. Registration for this year's race opens Monday. SHARE By Esther Hackleman, Esther.M.Hackleman@caller.com Many will celebrate the nation's founders Monday with stars, stripes and fireworks, but the Corpus Christi Police Foundation is asking Coastal Bend residents to start the holiday in solemn remembrance of other patriots. The sixth annual free Patriot 5K Run, Walk & Remember will open registration that morning for the race that honors first responders who died Sept. 11. Registration opens at 7:46 a.m. Monday the same minute a hijacked American Airlines passenger jet flew into the north tower of the World Trade Center 15 years ago. "That's a date that will love forevermore with us in history," said Jay Wise, the foundation's president. "But (the race) is a way to thank those who ran toward instead of away from the fires to save lives. This is our small way to pay tribute year after year." Each year, runners are assigned a race bib bearing the badge number of firefighters and police who gave their lives, and many go the extra mile to search online and write the name and story of the first responder on their shirt, Wise said. "It's just a way to remember all the men and women and the first responders that lost their lives on 9/11," Corpus Christi Police Department Assistant Chief Mike Alanis said. This year, race organizers will cap the number of runners at 1,500. Those interested are encouraged to sign up quickly because of the event's popularity in the last two years. "We have had to cap the race because the participation has been so tremendous year after year," said Lisa Hancock, the foundation's board secretary. "When the registration opens, it will cap out within three or four days." In the past, patriotic runners who were unable to register still ran alongside official participants to honor the ground zero responders, and organizers expect that to continue this year. "Others still come out to pay tribute," Wise said. "The walk and the run are secondary to those coming out to say thank you and say prayers for the fallen." The event will start at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, with a moment of silence for the fallen before the 8 a.m. race start. Runners will complete a loop starting at the American Bank Center and continue down Shoreline Boulevard. The free event is sponsored by community sponsors including H-E-B and Ed Hicks, but those interested can donate at www.supportccpd.org. More information on the event and registration is available online at patriot5k.itsyourrace.com. Twitter: @Caller_Esther IF YOU GO What: Patriot 5K Run, Walk & Remember When: Event starts at 6:30 a.m., race starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 Where: North Bayfront Splash Park, 600 N. Shoreline Boulevard Cost: Free Information: patriot5k.itsyourrace.com *Registration opens at 7:46 a.m. Monday SHARE By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times Frankly put, the driving force behind a public forum next week is death, said Frances Wilson, president and CEO of the Women's Shelter of South Texas. "It's a good time to try to galvanize the community and move forward with realistic solutions (to curb domestic violence)," Wilson said. The decision to hold the event Thursday comes after recent killings in Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass. A murder-suicide on Tuesday in Aransas Pass left a man, his wife and 11-year-old stepdaughter dead. Noemi Villarreal was found naked, strangled and burned on June 8 inside a trash can near Oso Bay. Both cases, though unrelated, stemmed from domestic violence. The Coastal Bend Coordinated Community Response Coalition will host its monthly meeting at the usual place, but in light of recent tragedies the group hopes people who don't normally attend join the conversation. The coalition, made up of mostly crime victim advocates and concerned residents, meets at noon on the first Thursday of each month in the recreation building behind First Baptist Church at 3115 Ocean Drive. For more than a year the Caller-Times has examined in the Behind Broken Doors series the effects of domestic violence and explored solutions to curb the deadly trend. Chad Hollenbaugh, the coalition's president, said the group wants to give the public a chance to talk about problems, solutions and answer questions they may have to the ongoing issue. "We are hoping it will be a good size event and be a strong response to what has been going on," Hollenbaugh told the Caller-Times via email. Twitter: @CallerBetty IF YOU GO What: Public forum about domestic violence When: Noon Thursday Where: First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean Drive COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Dawn Melancon (from left), Paco Coglaiti and Tammy Willett bow their heads for a prayer before they take part in the 2016 Angel Run to raise money and awards for Break the Silence against Domestic Violence on Friday. SHARE COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Tammy Willett walks with a small group of people down the beach Friday near Bob Hall Pair on the first day of the 22-day 2016 Angel Run. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Dawn Melancon and Paco Coglaiti walk down the beach at Bob Hall Pair on the first day of the 2016 Angel Run to raise money and awards for Break the Silence against Domestic Violence on Friday. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES A small group of people walk down the beach at Bob Hall Pair on the first day of the 2016 Angel Run to raise money and awards for Break the Silence against Domestic Violence on Friday. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES A small group of people walk down the beach at Bob Hall Pair on the first day of the 2016 Angel Run to raise money and awards for Break the Silence against Domestic Violence on Friday. Related Coverage #BehindBrokenDoors: Coalition hosts second public forum on domestic violence By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times Paco Coglaiti will graduate high school next year without his mother cheering him on. That's what he said has been one of the hardest thoughts to bear since Heather Coglaiti was killed by her ex-boyfriend in February 2015. The 17-year-old called police after Jose Calderon broke into their Flour Bluff apartment, fatally shot Heather Coglaiti and then himself with Paco's two younger sisters in the room. Paco now lives in California with his godparents and said his experience warrants a responsibility to advocate against domestic violence. So he began mentoring youth through a domestic violence prevention program. On Friday, he also walked a mile along the shore near Bob Hall Pier to help raise funds for Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, a nonprofit he said helped him find his voice as an advocate. "I feel like I'm doing my part," Paco said. "(Sharing my story has) helped me, and it's helped many other people." Paco, who was in Corpus Christi visiting family and friends he moved away from, and his grandmother, Dawn Melancon, were Team Heather for the organization's inaugural Angel Run. The nonprofit provides services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. The run/walk event kicked off Friday and runs through July 22. Supporters and survivors throughout the country will run or walk 22 miles in 22 days to honor those whose deaths stemmed from domestic violence. There are 25 teams nationwide each named after a slain victim and about 300 runners participating. Each team is taking donations that will benefit the nonprofit's Grants of Hope Program, which provides financial assistance to survivors. The Caller-Times for more than a year has examined domestic violence's effect on Corpus Christi as part of its Behind Broken Doors series. The series kicked off in an effort to better understand a particularly deadly year 2014 during which about half the city's criminal homicides stemmed from domestic violence. Heather Coglaiti's story is among several that paint a full picture of how victims of domestic violence sometimes fall through the cracks. Coglaiti, like Noemi Villarreal this month, was killed after she sought help. Her ex-boyfriend broke into her home less than 24 hours after she had contacted police for help, because he was harassing her. Calderon told police in a recorded interview that he was not capable of harming her or her children. Police did not have enough evidence to arrest him. "It still upsets me so much," Dawn Melancon said. Six days after reporting domestic violence last month, police found Noemi Villarreal's naked, strangled, burned body stuffed in a trash can near Oso Bay. Her death, as well as a murder-suicide Tuesday by Corpus Christi firefighter Steven Matthew Dolan in Aransas Pass, are the most recent reminders that domestic violence is just as prevalent to the area as it was two years ago. "Let our community wake up and open their eyes," said Tammy Willett during a prayer initiating Friday's event. Willett is a local organizer for Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence. She led Corpus Christi's second Angel Run team: Team Brandi. Willett said advocating with the nonprofit helped her cope with her daughter's death. Brandi Nicole Kubos was killed in La Grange by her boyfriend on Thanksgiving night in 2010. An argument turned fatal when he pulled out a pistol and shot her in the head and then turned the gun on himself. Willett moved to Corpus Christi about three years ago "to start fresh" and has since committed to spending her free time raising awareness on domestic violence. She said the advocacy work she does for the organization helped her overcome depression and was happy to see it have the same affect on Heather Coglaiti's family. Willett has been in touch with Dawn Melancon since her daughter's death and commended her for partaking in the event. "This is the first step for her healing, and I'm very excited," she said. Twitter: @CallerBetty IF YOU GO What: Public forum about domestic violence When: Noon Thursday Where: First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean Drive HOW TO HELP Donate to Team Heather or Team Brandi at www.breakthesilencedv.org/get-involved/angelrun/ or donate by texting RUNBTS to 71777. SHARE By Matt Woolbright of the Caller-Times The annual public meeting on the state of Corpus Christi's water quality will be in less than two weeks. The meeting will cover the 2015 Consumer Confidence Report, which includes the city's water quality. The annual report is a requirement of both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency. This year the regularly scheduled meeting comes on the heels of a third boil water notice in 10 months raised questions about the system's integrity. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. July 11 in the Choke Canyon Room of the Water Utilities Building at 2726 Holly Road. For residents not able to attend, the city will mail copies of the report with the June water bills. Twitter: @reportermatt Krista M. Torralva/Caller-Times Criminal defense lawyers pose for a photo after celebrating the Declaration of Independence at the Nueces County Courthouse entrance on Friday. SHARE By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times When criminal defense lawyer Lisa Greenberg steps foot in the Nueces County Courthouse, she arms herself with words from the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." "Every single day of my life I feel like I am living the Declaration of Independence and stating, 'Hey. You're not going to take away these freedoms without a fight," Greenberg said. More than a dozen members of the Coastal Bend Criminal Defense Lawyers Association rotated to read the document in the entrance of the Nueces County Courthouse on Friday. Across the state, lawyers gathered at the foot of courthouses to celebrate the rights afforded to people in the document. "When we're in court, we're fighting for individuals on a daily basis. We're making sure their rights are protected," said Greenberg, the local organization's vice president. "That's why it means so much to us to read this and not forget." Twitter: @CallerKMT Caller-Times file The Big Bang Celebration during last year's Fourth of July. SHARE By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times Corpus Christi Fire Capt. James Brown hopes everyone who wants to enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July makes plans to attend the city's Big Bang Celebration. Otherwise, he said, they could be facing a fine for setting fireworks off within city limits, which is illegal. Brown said police and the fire department are working together to keep the city safe during the holiday weekend. "That's what we've traditionally done," Brown said. Fireworks pose a danger because they can spark fires, Brown said. But fires aren't the only issue. "There's also injury concerns," Brown said. "Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees. You can get burns on your body and your eyes." Brown said residents who want to report fireworks should call the nonemergency police line at 361-886-2600 instead of tying up emergency resources by dialing 911. People caught using fireworks could face fines up to $2,000 per package, according to city officials. While the fire department is leading the charge on fireworks enforcement, police will focus on other aspects of public safety, including diverting traffic during the fireworks show and DWI enforcement across the city. Cmdr. David Blackmon said officers will have a bigger presence downtown and on the Island because those are the busiest tourist spots. According to a news release from the Padre Island National Seashore, officers will set up a sobriety checkpoint at Park Road 22 on Saturday. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers also will crack down on drunken driving this weekend, according to a news release. Last year, troopers made 496 arrests and issued 7,211 speeding citations during Fourth of July weekend. "DPS is calling on Texans to help keep our roadways and communities safe by celebrating responsibly," DPS Director Steven McCraw said in the news release. Twitter: @Caller_Fares IF YOU GO What: Big Bang Parade When: 11:30 a.m. Monday Where: North Shoreline Boulevard from Power Street to Park Avenue. Cost: Free Information: www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/bigbang SHARE By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times You don't have to break the law to know your Miranda rights. You just have to be a fan of crime drama. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." The Corpus Christi Bar Association honored the constitutional rights during its annual Law Day luncheon Thursday with the theme "Miranda: More than words." This year marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona. U.S. District Judge Hayden Head was this year's keynote speaker. National Law Day was May 1. The day was created in 1958 by President Dwight Eisenhower to celebrate the country's commitment to the rule of law and the importance of the judicial system. The Bar Association also awarded contest recipients. Twitter: @CallerKMT Award recipients Judge Paul W. Nye Award Lucinda J. Garcia Wood, Boykin & Wolter, P.C. Outstanding Mentor Award James McKibben McKibben, Martinez, Jarvis & Wood, L.L.P. Outstanding Young Lawyer Shannon S. White Wood, Boykin & Wolter, P.C. Liberty Bell Award Jim Kaelin Sheriff, Nueces County Boss of the Year Christopher T. Pinedo Hillard Munoz Gonzales LLP Corpus Christi Association of Legal Professionals Legal Professional of the Year Michelle Padilla Wood, Boykin & Wolter, P.C. Essay Contest 1st Place Daya R. Butler 2nd Place Jessica Bang 3rd Place Elle Boyd Photography Contest 1st Place Jessica Bang (1st Place in statewide contest) Poster Contest Kinder 2nd Grade 1st Place Lyla Landreth 3rd Grade 5th Grade 1st Place Grace Canales 2nd Place Rebecca Canales 3rd Place Elena Miller 6th Grade 8th Grade 1st Place Alison Duncan (2nd Place in statewide contest) 2nd Place Ivy Landreth 9th Grade 12th Grade 1st Place Jessica Bang (3rd Place in statewide contest) The land of Israel is a very Holy Land for me as a Christian. It is hard to wrap my finite mind around what I have seen and felt in my short time there. And Im not even sure if I can put what I have experienced into words, because my heart and mind havent yet sorted it out. The Holy Land is a sacred place for three major religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The interactions around these three faiths is intricate and beautiful, but also tense and mournful. Some of these people work well together; others are persecuted. And the secular world of the new city of Jerusalem pushes upon the walls of the Old City, which holds four quarters: Christian, Armenian, Jewish and Muslim. The tension can be felt here, but the atmosphere also holds a sense of devotion and holiness. It is complex. What happened inside me is equally complex. I was able to walk and touch and be in places where I believe God walked on Earth fully as a man and also fully God. I had to try to imagine what these places looked and felt like at the time of Jesus, as 2,000 years has changed much of the landscape. Places of the holiest sites for Christians, of the passion and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, were encased by churches or hidden by new city walls. I spent a night in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place where Jesus was nailed to the cross, died, buried and rose. We couldnt sleep; we couldnt speak. It was me, God, my Bible and my journal. And it was there where I was stripped away from worldly distractions. It was one of the hardest things I have done. Eight hours went by both slowly and quickly -- a multifaceted experience of powerful moments and spiritual deserts. We traveled to the area of Galilee, where Jesus lived during his ministry on Earth. For me, I felt more connected spiritually here than anywhere else, as I could see the land, untouched by human hands just as Jesus looked upon it. The Sea of Galilee and the hills and mountains surrounding it had a peace that settled there. Through this experience, I have been able to place more of the historical and geographical points of my faith. Reading the Bible now, I can picture where these accounts took place. I also got to take in the culture and the land where it all started. But also, as a Christian, I believe the Holy Spirit is inside me; and wherever I go, he is with me at all times. It doesnt matter if I am in Israel or Bismarck. What impacted me the most was how much God loves me, and how often I forget this. The love doesnt change through the years or however many miles I am away from the Holy Land. I was blessed to be able to go on this pilgrimage, but it isnt over yet. It started before I left and will continue throughout my life. In the years of my time on this Earth, I will forever be seeking to draw closer to him who made me. Though my time in Israel is over for now, the pilgrimage has only just begun. | BY Martin Trevaskis | Emily Bull has been researching, writing and compiling the Australiasian Branded Content Market report over the last 6 months. In the report, there is a round-up of great work, trends and a flood of respected industry peoples quotes on the regions work and our blossoming branded content industry. Bull, who is a branded content Executive Producer and strategist with over 15 years industry experience, believes branded content has reached the tipping point in Australasia as more brands clamber aboard and try their hand at engaging audiences with storytelling. Bull (right) finds that viewers in Australia and New Zealand are lapping up branded content. Screen Australias Online and on demand Trends in Australian online video use report reveals that 50 per cent of Internet-connected Australians from all walks of life are watching professionally produced film and television video content via the Internet. According to Nielsens Online Landscape Review, Australians streamed 7 hours and 14 minutes per person with 3.3 billion streams watched. 13,567,000 people were actively streaming online. | BY Martin Trevaskis | Australian swimwear brand, Seafolly, has unveiled its new Spring 16 campaign. Australian supermodel, Shanina Shaik, along with two of her real life best friends and fellow models, Nadine Leopold and Hannah Ferguson, were chosen not only for their natural beauty but also for their close friendship they have formed over the years. This is the first time Seafolly has featured three international models who embody the Seafolly beach lifestyle in one campaign. The Welcome to Seafolly series, created by Ogilvy & Mather, invites you to become immersed in what makes an Australian summer truly unforgettable- the picturesque beaches with warm golden sand and welcoming waves, iconic Seafolly swimwear, and friendly coastal communities. Its a sensibility too good not to share, so with each new season, Seafolly is welcoming you on a journey to some of Australias most iconic destinations. First stop, Bryon Bay. The beautiful slice of idyllic beach lifestyle, that is Byron Bay, played the perfect backdrop for the Seafolly Spring 2016 shoot. Capturing the heart of an Australian summer and the sun-filled memories shared by women everywhere, the Welcome to Byron Bay campaign, follows Shanina Shaik, as she plays tour guide to real life girlfriends and fellow models, Nadine Leopold and Hannah Ferguson, embracing everything Byron has to offer. Their sunny days filled with early morning dips, surf lessons and catch ups with amazing locals, from Long Boarder, Beau Young to Artist, Jai Vasicek and the legendary Stingrays Bryon Bay Swim Club, allowing consumers to experience firsthand, the care-free spirit and passion they share for their beloved Byron. Seafollys Welcome to Byron Bay campaign launches nationally today with a comprehensive campaign inclusive of video, out-of-home, PR, print, digital and social activity running across Seafolly Australia channels Models Agency IMG Model Shanina Shaik Model Hannah Ferguson Model Nadine Leopold Photography credits Photographer Ben Watts Digital Operator Andrei Lucien Dinu First Assistant Luke Dickey Second Assistant Mitch Hay Third Assistant Grant Tyrell Second Photographer Ming Nomchong Hair Sophie Roberts Make-up Noni Smith Stylist Tamila Pervis Agency credits Agency Ogilvy Creative Director Boris Garelja Strategic Planner Heather Sheen Head of Art Sian Binder Business Director Leigh Bignell Account Management Amelia Deakin Video credit Production Company De Republica Director Jack Shanahan @De Republica Producer Myles Mcalister @De Republica Post Production De Republica Editor Lucas Vazquez | BY Lynchy | Many in the ad industry on both sides of the Tasman, and in London, will be saddened to hear of the passing of creative director Andy Firth, co-founder of Sydney-based creative agency Mammal. Prior to co-founding Mammal with long-term art director partner Gary Cunliffe in March 2009, he was creative director at Loud, Sydney for five years. Before that he spent four years as a senior copywriter at Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney. Born in Yorkshire, he started out in 1985 as a junior copywriter at Ogilvy & Mather Direct in London, rising to head of copy before emigrating to New Zealand in 1992, transferring to O&M Direct in Auckland. He then took the CD role at Ogilvy & Mather Wellington in 1994, where he spent the next four years. In 1998 he headed to Australia, switching back to a senior copywriter role for a year at Leo Burnett, Sydney before moving to Saatchis Sydney. This tribute to Firth was posted on the Mammal blog: As an indication of the gruff humour and contrariness of the man, perhaps the most appropriate obituary for him is his own which he wrote on his Facebook wall a couple of years back: Members of the North Dakota Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America visited the Bismarck office of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., on Thursday to advocate for "across the board" background checks on all gun sales, and to ask the senator to go beyond restricting gun ownership to people on the "no fly" list. The group joins other gun safety supporters rallying at the offices of legislators across the country while the U.S. Senate is in recess until Monday. Moms Demand Action is also holding events in New Hampshire, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and Florida. A rally was also held at Heitkamp's district office in Fargo on Thursday, and two more are scheduled in Grand Forks and Minot. The purpose of Moms Demand Action is not to say "no guns for anybody," members said Thursday. "We are an organization that supports the Second Amendment; we're an organization that supports gun ownership. But we really want to keep guns out of the hands of people that are going to do harm," said Lori Listopad, of Jamestown. Last week, Heitkamp was the sole Democrat in the U.S. Senate to vote against legislation that would have allowed the U.S. attorney general to deny the sale of a gun to any person in the federal terrorist screening database. Im disappointed in that, said Jennifer Kross, of Jamestown. Heitkamp did announce her support last week of bipartisan legislation that would deny firearms to people on the no-fly list. "That's a step in the right direction, but we're asking for more," said Kross, a mother of a 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter who supports keeping guns out of the hands of criminals to protect herself and her children. "I'm a mom. I don't want to be afraid to go into public spaces for fear (of a mass shooting)," she said. "There is no way that the Senator can deny seeing these images, this is his campaign bus, parked outside his campaign office. Many of us have seen him getting in and out of this van over the past week and whether he was in the front seat or the back seat, these pictures stuck to the dashboard would have been hard to miss." "This just shows that the advertising isn't over yet. We'll be seeing ads possibly up until as late as 5pm on social media so it's a new frontier." 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. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has said it finds that Bell Canada has failed to demonstrate substantial doubt as to the correctness of the Commissions original decision on the basis of an error in law. In July 2015, the CRTC said that large incumbent local exchange carriers and cable TV operators in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec would be mandated to transition from an aggregated to a disaggregated wholesale high-speed access service model. Under the original ruling, now reinforced by the CRTCs decision to uphold it, rival operators will be able to buy wholesale access to Bell Canadas fibre networks into customers homes. Bell Canada told the CRTC and the Canadian federal government that wholesale access would reduce the return on its investment and suggested that only companies that also build their own fibre networks should be able to buy access to its networks. The government has already turned down Bell Canadas request. The CRTC said: The Commission denies Bell Canadas application. This 12-foot shark was photographed Friday by spotter pilot Wayne Davis as it attacked a gray seal. WAYNE DAVIS PHOTO/COURTESY ATLANTIC WHITE SHARK CONSERVANCY/MASS. DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES Great white sharks have been photographed recently feeding close to shore, so this is a good time to remind beachgoers of the need to keep safety in mind when swimming off the Capes eastside beaches. While shark attacks on humans are rare, one did occur off Truro in 2012, so authorities urge caution whenever swimming in the ocean. These safety tips were issued this week by the Cape Cod National Seashore: Do not swim near seals. Swim close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom. Swim, paddle, kayak, and surf in groups. Do not swim alone in the ocean at dawn or dusk. Avoid isolation. Limit splashing and do not wear shiny jewelry. Follow instructions of lifeguards. Become familiar with the beach flag warning system. Take time to read signage at the beaches produced by the towns of Cape Cod and the Islands, the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. Safety brochures are also available in town visitors centers and elsewhere, and have worked together to produce shark advisory signs for beaches, and brochures that provide education and safety tips for beach users. Brochures about shark information may be obtained at all National Park Service beaches and be seen on the parks website at nps.gov/ caco. The first human case of the West Nile virus in North Dakota was reported Friday. The North Dakota Department of Health announced the case involves a woman in her 30s who resides in Grand Forks County. The patient was not hospitalized for the illness. In 2015, the state Health Department received reports that 23 people tested positive for West Nile virus. Of those, eight were hospitalized and one died. The West Nile virus is not treatable, but symptoms such as high fever can be treated. "It is important that everyone protect themselves from mosquito bites. Its especially important for those at higher risk of severe complications, such as people over age 50 and those with other medical conditions, Laura Cronquist, an epidemiologist with the NDDoH, wrote in a press release. Cronquist recommends wearing insect repellent when outdoors between dusk and dawn. [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept It's a scorpions-in-a-bottle rematch that might be even more bitter than the original bout: Scott Brown-Elizabeth Warren II, a political sting-fest playing out on the national stage between dueling vice presidential auditioners. Brown lost his Senate seat to Warren in 2012, then decamped to New Hampshire and lost a Senate bid there in 2014. Like a boxcar-hopping hobo hitching a lift back to town, he's hoping to climb aboard the Trump Train and ride it back to relevance. Warren, a primary season holdout, has now decided that Hillary Clinton, whom she once considered a big-bank-coddling sellout, is actually a populist battler. And so this week, the Massachusetts senator joined Clinton on the campaign trail, in what is widely seen as a tryout for the No. 2 spot on the ticket. But even as they've gone about their national auditions, the venom has been flying between the two. Full disclosure: I recently had a little set-to of my own with Brown. I asked him some questions at an event in New Hampshire and, in my column, pointed out the vacuity um, make that, illogic of his response. The next day, he took to Twitter to call me a hatchet man and declare that I needed to hit the gym. That said, I'd say Warren is more the instigator here. Since beating Scott Brown in 2012, she's adopted a puzzling public persona: the sore winner. She has, for example, repeatedly used Brown as fodder for St. Patrick's Day breakfast jokes; even in that venue, it's seemed like piling on. Here's her barb from March: "Donald Trump is floating Scott Brown as a possible running mate. . . . It would be the perfect reality show matchup. Celebrity Apprentice meets The Biggest Loser." She recycled that zinger in a June 18 speech to New Hampshire's Democratic Party Convention and landed some other stings as well. Like this one: "I'm here to apologize. See, back when I beat Scott Brown in 2012, I never expected him to pack up his truck, move to New Hampshire, and become your problem. I am soooo sorry." Two weeks earlier, she had needled Brown, and delighted herself in so doing, during a speech to Massachusetts Democrats. All that has obviously riled her rival. Speaking on Herald Radio recently, he said that "it's starting to get a little creepy, the obsession" Warren has with him. (It doesn't rival his obsession with himself, mind you.) Of course, Brown shouldn't be mistaken for an innocent here. Back in May, he suggested one of Warren's Twitter attacks on Trump may have been "drunk tweeting." Brown's latest jab came on Monday, aimed at a Warren soft spot: her unsubstantiated former assertion of Native American ancestry, which became an issue in their 2012 Senate race. Back then, the Brown camp charged that Warren had made that claim to gain an advantage in landing her law school posts. Warren said it was something she had heard from her family and that it hadn't played a role in her hiring. This week, Brown, clearly intent on putting that matter back in play just as Warren was appearing with Clinton, helpfully suggested that Warren "can take a DNA test" or release her employment records to clear up any lingering questions. My advice? Guys, this is off-putting. Not only do you not look presidential, you don't even look vice presidential; after all, it's a ticketmate's job to attack the other party's presidential nominee, not a once and possibly future rival. In other words, give it a rest, please. But I know that's not in the nature of scorpions. 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. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Finishing off with our report today on the Fords Frankfurt Show, Verve Concept, we obtained both the International and UK press releases along with half a dozen of xtra high-res images see more pics here. In case youve been to Mars, the Verve is a city-car concept that previews next years Fiesta which will be based on the new Mazda2s platform. While both Fords press releases avoid going into any mechanical details theyll probably be announced at the Frankfurt Show, we are informed that the Verve Concept is one of three concept vehicles which will debut in key regions Europe, Asia and North America. Thus meaning that we should expect an Americanized version of the Verve in on the upcoming Shows in the States either in LA in November or Detroit in January. -See both press releases after the jump UK Press Release FORD VERVE CONCEPT HINTS AT SMALL CAR FUTURE 24 August, 2007 All eyes will be firmly focused on the Ford stand at next months Frankfurt Motor Show when the manufacturer of the UKs best-loved small car takes the wraps off its vision for the future, the Ford Verve Concept. Ford Verve Concept hints at the new design direction for future compact cars and the company plans to closely gauge public reaction while their designers work behind the scenes creating Fords next supermini generation. The latest in a series of striking show stoppers, Ford Verve Concept follows in the footsteps of the Iosis and Iosis X, whose kinetic design philosophy inspired production models like the critically acclaimed new Mondeo and S-MAX. Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe, explained: Bold, even radical, Ford Verve Concept demonstrates the potential of Fords kinetic design philosophy to visualise a small car that is a chic and modern, and one that makes an individual statement for a sophisticated, fashion-aware generation. Bold and sporty, the front of the supermini is dominated by a large, inverted trapezoidal lower grille with the familiar Ford oval centred in the compact upper opening. Particularly eye-catching in deep magenta with a unique tinted clear coat finish, Ford Verve Concepts sleek lines, 18-inch alloys, panoramic glass roof and B-pillarless structure give it an elegant, coupe-like look. The visual splendour continues inside with a fresh and innovative approach to interior design thats been inspired by the latest mobile phones. Sensuous curves combine with clever technology to create a stylish but user-friendly environment. Fords Convers+ system, which allows quick and easy access to all driver-operated functions, is central to the ergonomically excellent design. A large colour screen displays all essential information while every surrounding button and switch has been crafted with the kind of minute attention typically associated with larger, upmarket vehicles. A new generation of buyers raised with mobile electronic devices would feel right at home in this new automotive interior, one that exceeds the standards typical in the small-car segment, said Niko Vidakovic, Chief Interior Designer, Ford of Europe. Taking its lead from the success of Fords new S-MAX and latest Mondeo, the Verve Concept symbolises Fords ambition to be a leader in small vehicle design by creating individual cars for individual customers. With elements of the Ford Verve Concept almost certain to appear in future production models, small car buyers have some exciting times ahead. International Press Release Ford Verve Concept A bold and colorful concept car to be revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Gives the first hints of Fords future small-car design vision. FRANKFURT, Germany, August 23, 2007 -The significance of the Ford Verve Concept is that its the first physical evidence of the design direction for an all-new small Ford since it was announced earlier this year that the European arm of the companys global Product Development group is taking the design and engineering lead in creating a new small-car portfolio for major world markets. The Ford Verve Concept is the first of three concept vehicles which will debut in key regions Europe, Asia and North America. Ford Verve Concept is presented here in Frankfurt as a bespoke concept car to generate reactions while our production plans are taking shape, said John Fleming, President and CEO of Ford of Europe. Our Design team took an unrestrained approach to how our future small cars could look, and this eye-catching concept was one of the results. If we get the reaction we expect, Im certain that the team will incorporate elements of this advanced design vision into our final production design. This will make the next generation of small cars from Ford very compelling indeed. Finished in rich colours and distinctive materials inspired by the world of fashion and cosmetics, the Ford Verve Concept was created by a team of designers from Fords studios in Dunton, England, and Cologne, Germany. Building on the kinetic design momentum of Fords recent iosis and iosis X concept cars, and the more premium feel of production models like the new Ford Mondeo, the Ford Verve Concept is a bold expression of a small-car vision. As product development of a new generation of Ford small cars continues behind the scenes, Ford of Europe is hoping to gauge public reaction to the Ford Verve Concept during the Frankfurt Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz will launch its top-of-the-line S600 Pullman next year, in an effort to build the worlds most luxurious sedan. Technically, the Pullman will be a 21 foot-long limousine. The armored version (previously known as Guard) will cost $1 million (583,000; 730,000), making it the most expensive sedan in series production. Bloomberg published a report detailing the Pullman, and Daimlers journey to rival the worlds best. It is quite easy to marginalize the model as a dictator special, but there are two interesting things to consider. Though the Pullman will have three rows (the second faces rearward) and seat six, it is only 16 inches longer than a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase. In the context of vehicles this large, that is not a big difference. Furthermore, a possible non-armored version of the Pullman would have a more competitive price. The market launch of a base model is unclear, but Bloomberg specifies that the $1 million figure corresponds to armor plating. Nonetheless, seven figures is a lot of money for any S-Class. It is unclear how much (exterior or interior) design differentiation there will be between the S600 and the S600 Pullman. To split the difference between the long-wheelbase and limousine S-Classes, Mercedes is launching an extra-long-wheelbase Maybach. Unlike the previous effort to establish the brand as its own marquis, however, Maybach will be a trim level for an S-Class rumored to cost between $300,000 and $400,000. It will be launched in November 2014, at the Los Angeles and Guangzhou Motor Shows. In the meantime, Daimler will keep racking up sales of the S-Class models already available. According to IHS Automotive, S-Class deliveries will rise 63 percent in 2014, to a total of 98,600 vehicles. Meanwhile, the Audi A8 and BMW 7-series will sell a combined 88,100 units. Furthermore, analysts estimate the profit margin of the S-Class to be between 12 and 15 percent. The sales figures are incredible for a vehicle as expensive as the S-Class. It is all the more impressive when considering that the cabriolet and ultra-luxury versions of the family will not be on sale until 2015. This demonstrates the clout the brand still has among wealthy clients, even as 30 percent of their global sales are FWD compacts. Mercedes-Benz hopes the neo-Pullman will recall its stature in the 1960s, when it held the mantle of a German super-luxury brand, and did battle with Britains Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The difference is, the 600 was more of a technical achievement, featuring a cutting-edge hydraulic system that automated all of its systems. The same is true today. Those that the UK makes, offer classic styling, boutique craftsmanship, and decades of exclusivity. The Pullman will aim to be the most sophisticated car in the world. The question is not so much which will win? as it is what criteria determines success? There is an added complexity in the Anglo-German rivalry, however. Mercedes turned its back on the ultra-luxury Brits to compete for sales against homeland nemeses BMW and Audi. Now, of course, BMW owns Rolls-Royce, and Volkswagen owns Audi and Bentley. Benz is outflanked in all segments. The new rivals have absorbed the old ones. How well can Daimler defend its standing and launch a counteroffensive? The next year is pivotal in the Mercedes-Benz restoration. The brand seeks to reclaim its stature at the top of the luxury market. Mercedes wants to show that it can do what Audi and BMW simply cannot. It wants to prove that its brand is the most flexible in the world. Audi A3? Porsche 911? Bentley Continental GT? Rolls-Royce Phantom? Mercedes-Benz will have an answer for all of these models. Daimler will argue it can offer the worlds greatest luxury at any price point imaginable. Regardless of whether you think it is the greatest luxury brand in the world, over the next year, Mercedes-Benz will certainly become the most impressive. By Nico Grant Note: Spy Photos and Video below correspond with the S-Class Maybach, not the S-Class Pullman. Photo Gallery VIDEO With around 1,400 HP between them, the new Aston Martin DB11 and the Vulcan track-beast were unleashed on the famous hill climb at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Coming straight from the Geneva Motor Show, where it made its world premiere this spring, the most powerful production DB model ever, the DB11, celebrated its local dynamic debut by unlocking the 600 HP and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of torque produced by the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine on the narrow road on Lord Marchs estate. Having the DB11 breathing on its neck, the Aston Martin Vulcan returned to the UK event, one year after it made its world premiere, to prove that its more than 800 HP, delivered from a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V12 petrol engine, are still enough to send shivers down your spine. While the two high-performance vehicles were being demonstrated on the hill climb, at the Supercar Paddock, Aston Martin had the Vantage GT8 on display, while its more powerful twin, the V12 Vantage S, was showcased in the Michelin Supercar Paddock. VIDEO Hondas compact hybrid coupe, the CR-Z, has never really caught on and now, more than six years into production, it will get the axe. Billed as a spiritual successor of the CRX, the CR-Z lacked a direct competitor and tried its luck on a niche segment by attempting to be both agile and fuel-efficient, but it was eventually surpassed by regular compact cars in both chapters. Honda Performance Development tried its luck in making it more appealing with a supercharger kit that delivered an extra punch, which was limited to version equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. This didnt do the trick and neither did the cosmetically updated version, introduced last November, with its added features, options and fresh trim grade. In fact, by looking at the sales figures, its easy to understand that the CR-Z could have never become a best-seller, as the automaker delivered 5,249 units in North America in 2010. The number reached a peak one year later, with 11,330 examples, only to drop in 2012 to 4,192. In 2013, 4,550 cars found new homes and in 2014, just 3,500 units were sold. The decline continued last year, when Honda moved 3,073 vehicles and as of May this year, the CR-Z accounted for a paltry 970 units. In Japan, Honda has already waved goodbye to the CR-Z with the Alpha Final Label Special Edition that launched last month, which added new colors, different wheels, special badges and a few interior upgrades. H/T to MotorTrend PHOTO GALLERY Contrary to what you may think, a large percent of US motorists would gladly go the extra mile for the fully autonomous technology, or at least thats what a new study suggests. Carried out on 1,517 US drivers by AlixPartners, who were presented with the benefits of self-driving vehicles, 73 percent of them admitted that they would completely give up driving. According to Mark Wakefield, the head of the consulting firms automotive practice, 90 percent of the people questioned stated that they would use the technology on their daily commutes, but only if they could occasionally grab the wheel. Having some sort of control, where you can pilot the vehicle, seems to be quite important to people. They love the autonomous stuff, but they just want the ability to control it in whatever situations theyre imagining they need that, Wakefield said, cited by DetroitNews. Silicon Valley was the top choice (41 percent) when it comes to software development and privacy protection data used in fully autonomous cars, followed by Japanese, US and European car companies, with 26 percent, 17 percent and 7 percent, respectively. A total of 27 percent of consumers would want US carmakers to build the autonomous vehicles, compared to 25 percent who would go for Japanese ones, 24 percent who would choose Silicon Valley companies and 12 percent who want European car manufacturers to do it. PHOTO GALLERY Luis Hernandez traveled to Acton University from Mexico City, where he works as a pastoral coordinator for Anahuac Sur University. He is responsible for managing projects and spiritual activities to help both the university students and the surrounding community. He also holds a degree in Industrial Engineering, and frequently travels throughout Mexico helping communities build churches. He was excited to attend Acton University to learn about ways that communities can take control of their own development. Most notably, Hernandez mentioned the impact of Latin America: New Pathways of Development, and how he will use the sound economics laid out in the course to influence the good intentions of his deeply religious community back home. He plans to share this knowledge with the students he influences, and to encourage them to attend in years to come, and hopes that a tradition will form between Anahuac Sur University and Acton University. The Alabama Center for Real Estate, housed within the the Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama, welcomes the transformational leadership of RealtySouth, the newest member of the ACRE Corporate Cabinet. "We at ACRE are excited to have one of Alabama's most prestigious residential real estate firms in RealtySouth join the Corporate Cabinet," said Grayson Glaze, executive director at ACRE. "Since the initiative began, Cabinet members have been an integral part of ACRE's growth and the fulfillment of its mission to the Alabama real estate industry." RealtySouth is Alabama's largest residential real estate company, with more than 1,000 sales associates and staff across 27 locations. "The company focus is on service. We give our clients and customers the maximum amount of service. Our intention is to provide all the advantages of a large company while maintaining the personal level of service expected from a small company." For more information, visit their website: www.realtysouth.com Review all corporate cabinet member profiles HERE. About the Corporate Cabinet The mission of ACRE Corporate Cabinet is to support ACRE's core purpose of providing relevant resources for the real estate industry of Alabama and the communities it serves. The ACRE Corporate Cabinet will provide the thought leadership & foundational core funding that will allow ACRE to continue to build its multimedia platform and state-of-the-art digital network, designed to effectively disseminate our real estate resources into the marketplace. For more information, contact Grayson Glaze at (205) 348-7714 or click here. Bangladesh seeks duty-free export to Nepal ICR Newsroom By 01 July 2016 In an attempt to boost bilateral trade, the Bangladeshi government is discussing the possibility of duty-free export of cement and other commodities with the Nepalese government. In total, Bangladesh has demanded duty-free access of 56 items and commodities to Nepal, including cement, construction materials, plastic goods and certain food items. In return Nepal demanded duty-free import of machine-processed writing paper, according to the Ministry of Commerce. According to official Nepalese documents, a total of 13 cement plants with a combined 8450tpd capacity have been established in the country, with a further 10 plants under construction. These established plants operate using domestically-sourced limestone. The document also states that the countrys balance of payment is expected to experience a negative effect in the coming years, as a result of increased imports compared to low export volumes. However, the construction of roads and electrical transmission lines leading up to mining areas has resulted in a rise in cement production volume, with domestic cement production now reaching 4Mta (80 per cent of annual demand). This rise in production is in turn causing a decline in cement imports. Published under Catholic Family News A Monthly Journal Preserving our Catholic Faith and Heritage Home Latest Archives Subscribe CFN Media - videos Contact Us CFN Bookstore Oltyn Library Services 2017 CFN Daily Blog Originally started as a daily Blog update of news reports on the Papal Conclave and ongoing news on Pope Francis, it is now a general Blog updated daily on traditional Catholic topics Updated Regularly Book mark this page click here Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise. Popular destinations Breckenridge, CO, United States In Breckenridge, Colorado, there are plenty of places to visit, whether you're a nature lover or thrill seeker. For nature lovers, the Blue River runs right through town and there are plenty of trails to explore. If you're looking for a thrill, Breckenridge is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in town, so you'll never run out of things to do. Breckenridge Luxury Hotels Savannah, GA, United States Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city. Savannah Luxury Hotels Naples, FL, United States Naples is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-class golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and interesting cultural experiences. Here are five places to visit in Naples, Florida: Naples Pier: Stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Fifth Avenue South: This popular shopping and dining district is home to eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively bars. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: This luxurious resort is set on 26 acres of pristine waterfront property and offers superb amenities, including a world-class spa and championship golf course. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: This zoological park is home to more than 700 animals representing 150 species, including flamingos, lemurs, and tigers. Tin City: This eclectic shopping and dining district is housed in a series of restored waterfront warehouses and features eclectic shops, galleries, and award-winning restaurants. Naples Luxury Hotels Naples Luxury Resorts Louisville, KY, United States Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. Louisville Luxury Hotels Galveston, TX, United States Galveston is a Texas coastal town that is rich in history and offers visitors a variety of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include the Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Historic Downtown. There are also a number of museums and other historical landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. Galveston Luxury Hotels Galveston Luxury Resorts Omaha, NE, United States The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park. Omaha Luxury Hotels Columbus, GA, United States Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike. Columbus Luxury Hotels Anchorage, AK, United States Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Anchorage Luxury Hotels Portland, OR, United States Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Portland Luxury Hotels Florence, Italy No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo. Florence Luxury Hotels Florence Luxury Villas Asheville, NC, United States Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States. Asheville Luxury Hotels Asheville Luxury Cottages Long Beach, CA, United States There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge. Long Beach Luxury Hotels Long Beach Luxury Villas Cincinnati, OH, United States Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Cincinnati Luxury Hotels Laughlin, NV, United States Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River. Laughlin Luxury Hotels Laughlin Luxury Resorts Anaheim, CA, United States Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from. Anaheim Luxury Hotels Santa Cruz, CA, United States Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!. Santa Cruz Luxury Hotels Eugene, OR, United States Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area. Eugene Luxury Hotels Branson, MO, United States There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri come visit and see for yourself!. Branson Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach, FL, United States The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Panama City Beach Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach Luxury Resorts Monterey, CA, United States Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area. Monterey Luxury Hotels Norfolk, VA, United States Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station. Norfolk Luxury Hotels Palm Springs, CA, United States Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event. Palm Springs Luxury Hotels Palm Springs Luxury Resorts Palm Springs Luxury Villas Rochester, NY, United States Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo. Rochester Luxury Hotels Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking. Pigeon Forge Luxury Hotels Jacksonville, FL, United States Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. Jacksonville Luxury Hotels Minsk, Belarus Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk. Minsk Luxury Hotels Jaipur, India Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts. Jaipur Luxury Hotels Chicago, IL, United States Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone. Chicago Luxury Hotels Auckland, New Zealand Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Auckland Luxury Hotels Auckland Luxury Villas Amsterdam, Netherlands If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks. Amsterdam Luxury Hotels Berlin, Germany There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss. Berlin Luxury Hotels Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok Luxury Hotels Bangkok Luxury Resorts Bangkok Luxury Villas Bruges, Belgium Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof. Bruges Luxury Hotels Brussels, Belgium Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot. Brussels Luxury Hotels Budapest, Hungary Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side. Budapest Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen, Mexico Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave. Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen Luxury Resorts Playa del Carmen Luxury Villas Denver, CO, United States Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!. Denver Luxury Hotels Dublin, Ireland Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover. Dublin Luxury Hotels Dusseldorf, Germany Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food. Dusseldorf Luxury Hotels Edinburgh, United Kingdom Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants. Edinburgh Luxury Hotels Rome, Italy Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!. Rome Luxury Hotels Rome Luxury Villas New York, NY, United States There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State. New York Luxury Hotels New York Luxury Villas London, United Kingdom London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you. London Luxury Hotels London Luxury Cottages Madrid, Spain Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town. Madrid Luxury Hotels Memphis, TN, United States The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food. Memphis Luxury Hotels Miami Beach, FL, United States There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach. Miami Beach Luxury Hotels Miami Beach Luxury Resorts New Orleans, LA, United States You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!. New Orleans Luxury Hotels Milan, Italy Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco. Milan Luxury Hotels Naples, Italy Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets. Naples Luxury Hotels Paris, France Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. Paris Luxury Hotels Paris Luxury Villas Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. Prague Luxury Hotels Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls. Punta Cana Luxury Hotels Punta Cana Luxury Resorts Punta Cana Luxury Villas Marbella, Spain If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer. Marbella Luxury Hotels Marbella Luxury Villas Marrakesh, Morocco Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!. Marrakesh Luxury Hotels San Francisco, CA, United States San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries. San Francisco Luxury Hotels Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow. Moscow Luxury Hotels Venice, Italy Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Venice Luxury Hotels Vienna, Austria Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife. Vienna Luxury Hotels Zurich, Switzerland Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring. Zurich Luxury Hotels Acapulco, Mexico If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather. Acapulco Luxury Hotels Acapulco Luxury Resorts Acapulco Luxury Villas Nashville, TN, United States One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list. Nashville Luxury Hotels Nashville Luxury Villas Atlanta, GA, United States What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!. Atlanta Luxury Hotels Miami, FL, United States The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique. Miami Luxury Hotels Miami Luxury Villas Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji. Tokyo Luxury Hotels Tokyo Luxury Villas Buenos Aires, Argentina There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out. Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels Hamburg, Germany One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square. Hamburg Luxury Hotels Lisbon, Portugal The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Lisbon Luxury Hotels Lisbon Luxury Villas Malaga, Spain Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Malaga Luxury Hotels Malaga Luxury Villas Munich, Germany When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich these are just a few highlights!. Munich Luxury Hotels Granada, Spain Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia. Granada Luxury Hotels Bucharest, Romania Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania. Bucharest Luxury Hotels Bologna, Italy Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city. Bologna Luxury Hotels Porto, Portugal Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers. Porto Luxury Hotels Cologne, Germany Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list. Cologne Luxury Hotels Istanbul, Turkey If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. Istanbul Luxury Hotels Istanbul Luxury Villas Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes. Dubai Luxury Hotels Dubai Luxury Resorts Dubai Luxury Villas Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo. Antwerp Luxury Hotels Lyon, France Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights. Lyon Luxury Hotels Athens, Greece If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you. Athens Luxury Hotels Athens Luxury Villas Helsinki, Finland While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo. Helsinki Luxury Hotels Vilnius, Lithuania The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening. Vilnius Luxury Hotels Reykjavik, Iceland A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too you wont be disappointed!. Reykjavik Luxury Hotels Glasgow, United Kingdom Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Glasgow Luxury Hotels Los Angeles, CA, United States As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants. Los Angeles Luxury Hotels Los Angeles Luxury Villas San Diego, CA, United States San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego. San Diego Luxury Hotels San Diego Luxury Resorts San Diego Luxury Villas Washington, DC, United States Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. Washington Luxury Hotels Cancun, Mexico Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district. Cancun Luxury Hotels Cancun Luxury Resorts Cancun Luxury Villas Virginia Beach, VA, United States Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please. Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts Beijing, China If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!. Beijing Luxury Hotels Seoul, South Korea Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town. Seoul Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck. South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts Daytona Beach, FL, United States Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars. Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas Jaco, Costa Rica Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option. Jaco Luxury Hotels Oslo, Norway Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord. Oslo Luxury Hotels Lima, Peru If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America. Lima Luxury Hotels Ankara, Turkey Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students. Ankara Luxury Hotels Birmingham, United Kingdom There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market. Birmingham Luxury Hotels York, United Kingdom With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York. York Luxury Hotels Inverness, United Kingdom Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you. Inverness Luxury Hotels Marseille, France The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants. Marseille Luxury Hotels Marseille Luxury Villas Honolulu, HI, United States Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay. Honolulu Luxury Hotels Honolulu Luxury Resorts Honolulu Luxury Villas Bar Harbor, ME, United States Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Luxury Hotels Colorado Springs, CO, United States There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot. Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores. Fort Myers Beach Luxury Hotels Biloxi, MS, United States There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi. Biloxi Luxury Hotels Palermo, Italy If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country. Palermo Luxury Hotels Palermo Luxury Villas Manila, Philippines The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy. Manila Luxury Hotels Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants. Zermatt Luxury Hotels Basel, Switzerland Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Basel Luxury Hotels Copenhagen, Denmark There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen Luxury Hotels Steamboat Springs, CO, United States Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting. Steamboat Springs Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure. Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi Luxury Resorts Abu Dhabi Luxury Villas Bogota, Colombia There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. Bogota Luxury Hotels Cebu, Philippines Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross. Cebu Luxury Hotels Cebu Luxury Resorts Lagos, Portugal Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats. Lagos Luxury Hotels Medellin, Colombia Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church. Medellin Luxury Hotels Genoa, Italy While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor. Genoa Luxury Hotels Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings. Hoi An Luxury Hotels Hoi An Luxury Resorts Baku, Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food. Baku Luxury Hotels San Luis Obispo, CA, United States San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. San Luis Obispo Luxury Hotels Colombo, Sri Lanka Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum. Colombo Luxury Hotels Yogyakarta, Indonesia The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace. Yogyakarta Luxury Hotels Cefalu, Italy Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace. Cefalu Luxury Hotels San Jose, CA, United States San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors. San Jose Luxury Hotels Hong Kong, China Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets. Hong Kong Luxury Hotels Hong Kong Luxury Resorts Orlando, FL, United States Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States. Orlando Luxury Hotels Orlando Luxury Resorts Orlando Luxury Villas Philadelphia, PA, United States If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?. Philadelphia Luxury Hotels Nice, France France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering. Nice Luxury Hotels Nice Luxury Villas Singapore, Singapore Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options. Singapore Luxury Hotels Singapore Luxury Resorts Nottingham, United Kingdom Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars. Nottingham Luxury Hotels Cannes, France Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet. Cannes Luxury Hotels Cannes Luxury Villas Park City, UT, United States Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. Park City Luxury Hotels Park City Luxury Resorts Port Angeles, WA, United States If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries. Port Angeles Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants. The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors. The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!. Fort Lauderdale Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale Luxury Resorts Myrtle Beach, SC, United States Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Myrtle Beach Luxury Hotels Myrtle Beach Luxury Resorts Salzburg, Austria Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy. Salzburg Luxury Hotels Pattaya, Thailand Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Pattaya Luxury Hotels Pattaya Luxury Resorts Pattaya Luxury Villas Dallas, TX, United States Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States. Dallas Luxury Hotels Kolkata, India Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute. Kolkata Luxury Hotels San Antonio, TX, United States San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio. San Antonio Luxury Hotels Seattle, WA, United States There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops. Seattle Luxury Hotels Liverpool, United Kingdom Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock. Liverpool Luxury Hotels Malmo, Sweden Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife. Malmo Luxury Hotels Gothenburg, Sweden Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center. Gothenburg Luxury Hotels Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Ljubljana Luxury Hotels Sydney, NSW, Australia Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney. Sydney Luxury Hotels Sydney Luxury Villas Melbourne, VIC, Australia There's a lot to love about Melbourne its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Melbourne Luxury Hotels Melbourne Luxury Villas Vancouver, BC, Canada The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture. Vancouver Luxury Hotels Toronto, ON, Canada From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!. Toronto Luxury Hotels Montreal, QC, Canada Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year. Montreal Luxury Hotels Seville, Spain Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show. Seville Luxury Hotels Seville Luxury Villas Ocean City, MD, United States Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options. Ocean City Luxury Hotels Cambridge, MA, United States If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common. Cambridge Luxury Hotels Laguna Beach, CA, United States Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic. Laguna Beach Luxury Hotels Hot Springs, AR, United States In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs Luxury Hotels Sedona, AZ, United States There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest. Sedona Luxury Hotels Sedona Luxury Resorts Boulder, CO, United States Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder. Boulder Luxury Hotels Key West, FL, United States Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals. Key West Luxury Hotels Key West Luxury Resorts Key West Luxury Cottages Key West Luxury Villas Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State. Stockholm Luxury Hotels Destin, FL, United States Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!. Destin Luxury Hotels Destin Luxury Resorts Ashland, OR, United States There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter. Ashland Luxury Hotels Seaside, OR, United States One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Seaside Luxury Hotels Newport, RI, United States Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Newport Luxury Hotels Siena, Italy Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia. Siena Luxury Hotels Reno, NV, United States Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues. Reno Luxury Hotels Atlantic City, NJ, United States Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!. Atlantic City Luxury Hotels Atlantic City Luxury Resorts Lake George, NY, United States Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge. Lake George Luxury Hotels Buffalo, NY, United States If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve. Buffalo Luxury Hotels Rochester, MN, United States Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River. Rochester Luxury Hotels Duluth, MN, United States If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer. Duluth Luxury Hotels Maputo, Mozambique Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. Maputo is also home to the Maputo Bay, which offers beautiful beaches and great seafood. Maputo Luxury Hotels Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, located on the northeast coast of Spain, is a renowned tourist destination and one of the most popular cities in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and more. The city is also home to a lively nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country. Barcelona Luxury Hotels Barcelona Luxury Villas Split, Croatia Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. It has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area, which includes the City of Split and the surrounding towns, has a population of over 330,000. Split is a popular tourist destination and is the home of the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan. Split Luxury Hotels Split Luxury Villas Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik Luxury Hotels Dubrovnik Luxury Villas Byron Bay, NSW, Australia Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!. Byron Bay Luxury Hotels Wellington, New Zealand If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!. Wellington Luxury Hotels Saint Louis, MO, United States If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option. Saint Louis Luxury Hotels Bloomington, IN, United States The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse LHA 8 rendering.jpg This artist's rendering shows the LHA 8, the next in the U.S. Navy's line of amphibious assault ships. Ingalls Shipbuilding was awarded the contract today to build LHA 8. (Ingalls Shipbuilding) PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Ingalls Shipbuilding has been awarded a contract to build the next in the U.S. Navy's line of amphibious assault ships, LHA 8. The contract has a potential total value of $3.1 billion. Thursday, Ingalls received a $272.4 million contract for planning, advance engineering and procurement of material. Options on the contract include contract design support for the LX(R) class warship, based on the San Antonio-class LPD amphibious ship, also built at Ingalls. "This award adds to the successful amphibious shipbuilding legacy at Ingalls since the 1950s," said Ingalls President Brian Cuccias. "Our shipbuilders have proven this success by delivering 14 vital and capable large-deck warships to our nation's amphibious fleet. "This contract shows the Navy's confidence in our ability to build these ships to the highest-quality standards and to do so affordably for the American taxpayers. We look forward to delivering another great ship." Ingalls has been the sole builder of large-deck amphibious warships for the Navy and constructed its first, the Iwo-Jima class USS Tripoli (LPH 10) in 1966. Since then, the shipyard has built five Tarawa-class (LHA 1), eight Wasp-class (LHD 1) and the first in the newest class of amphibious ships, the America (LHA 6) which was completed in 2014. Currently under construction is the second of the new class, the Tripoli (LHA 7), which is scheduled to launch summer 2017. Mississippi's congressional leaders were quick to highlight the new contract. "This is a significant contract, which will allow shipbuilders in Mississippi to continue providing the Navy and Marines the modern ships they require," said U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. "It also opens the door for Mississippi shipbuilders to be at the forefront of designing a new class of warships to meet our national security needs." Fellow Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, echoed Cochran's sentiments and praised the quality of Ingalls-built warships. "Huntington Ingalls continues to produce world-class vessels that are essential for naval operations," Wicker said. "Amphibious warships like the LHA 8 send a powerful signal to our adversaries and allies that America's military remains strong. "This is great news for our nation's armed forces and our state, especially the thousands of families across south Mississippi who benefit from the construction and design of these state-of-the-art ships." Funding for the contract was provided for in the 2016 Defense Appropriations Bill, including $477 million in advanced procurement for the construction of the LHA 8 warship. An additional $250 million was appropriated for advanced procurement to accelerate deliver of the LX(R) class ship. "Today's announcement is coming at an opportune time for our Navy and Marine Corps who have continued to express a need for more amphibious ships," said U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo," who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. "The LHA-8 will serve as an asset in allowing them to respond to threats quickly and effectively. And of course it will be one of the best in the world because it's being built right here in South Mississippi at Ingalls Shipbuilding." Cuccias noted the support Ingalls receives not only from the federal government, but from numerous other partners, as well. "We appreciate the partnerships we continue to have with the Navy/Marine Corps team," Cuccias said. "We are also proud of the support we get from a large, nationwide industrial base of suppliers, who remain an essential ingredient to the construction of these capable and survivable amphibious warships. "Ingalls operates in an 800-acre shipbuilding facility that is optimized to build several classes of complex ships simultaneously. As Mississippi's largest manufacturing employer, we also appreciate the stable partnership we've had with the state and the investments they've made in our success throughout our nearly 80 years in Pascagoula." museum one_edited-2.jpg The La Pointe-Krebs House Museum is set for a summer opening. It will express the French Colonial history of Pascagoula and Jackson County. In the spirit of the period are re-enactors Pete Floyd and Therese Demetropoulos who are admiring one of the museum's pieces, a replica of the Krebs Cotton Gin constructed by Joe Krebs, a descendant of the inventor. The museum is supported by funds raised at the annual Fete La Pointe gala. (Joanne Anderson/The Mississippi Press) PASCAGOULA, Miss. - One of the oldest existing French colonial buildings in America with tree rings dating back to 1757 will be opening its museum doors Friday evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Pascagoula. The La Pointe Krebs museum will commemorate all the house has withstood and its historical worth to not only the city of Pascagoula, but also to Jackson County. The La Pointe Krebs foundation, along with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will hold a small program with guest speakers such as the Archbishop of Mobile, Thomas John Rodi, Dr. Grant Hartley, Assistant Professor of Geography and Geology at the University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Greg Waselkov, Director of the South Alabama Archaeology Museum, and Ken P'Pool of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). According to Executive Director Mac Wixon, those who come to the museum can expect to see rich history of Jackson County on display. "The museum is the interpretative center to the history of the house and the local history of the area as well," Wixon said. "We covered history chronologically from the arrival of Native Americans to just about modern times and covered things such as the lumber industry, boat construction, and history of the colonial time period. We not only tried to cover the history of the house, but also the rich history of the surrounding area." After the devastation Hurricane Katrina brought in August of 2005 according to Wixon, the museum was closed and the effort to rebuild was strenuous, but he praised the efforts of the MDAH for their help and guidance into steering the La Pointe Krebs foundation in the right place to its reopening. "We owe a lot of to MDAH for not only providing us with grants and we were able to collect all of the things Hurricane Katrina did not destroy and we tried our best to preserve and restore what we could of it," Wixon said. "We were able to place those things back inside of the museum and the rest of our efforts were geared towards compiling history of the area as well as compiling history of the artifacts that are actually inside the museum." Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to Wixon rebuilt the insides of the La Pointe Krebs museum along with a design team from Jackson helped to install the new exhibit within the museum. Ken P'Pool of the MDAH thinks the museum is important because it provides historical context as to how Pascagoula and Jackson County was shaped by the settlement of Europeans. "Jackson County was one of the earliest portions of the present state of Mississippi that was colonized by Europeans," P'Pool said. "The French were the first of the colonists to land in Biloxi Bay, but later began to settle in and shape the city of Pascagoula." While the La Pointe Krebs House doesn't have a date set for its reopening, P'Pool says the project is accurately described as 'pain-staking.' "The house has sustained a significant amount of damage, but the contractors are doing a magnificent job in its restoration," P'Pool said. Friday's grand opening will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and admission will be free of charge, according to Wixon. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. JACKSON, Mississippi -- In the wake of Thursday's court ruling blocking Mississippi's Religious Liberty Accommodations Act -- House Bill 1523 -- Attorney General Jim Hood issued a statement in which he said state leaders "misled" church pastors and "duped" the churchgoing public. Hood also said the court ruling found that statements made by Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves supported claims that HB1523 was unconstitutional. "In 2014, the state enacted the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act," Hood wrote, "which created a right of citizens to sue the state in state court if they felt that their religious freedoms were being overburdened. The federal court observed that this act was already in law when those officials went for a second victory lap to reinvigorate the support of churchgoing people by passing HB 1523 in an overtly political fashion. "I can't pick my clients, but I can speak for myself as a named defendant in this lawsuit," Hood continued. "The fact is that the churchgoing public was duped into believing that HB1523 protected religious freedoms. Our state leaders attempted to mislead pastors into believing that if this bill were not passed, they would have to preside over gay wedding ceremonies. No court case has ever said a pastor did not have discretion to refuse to marry any couple for any reason. "I hate to see politicians continue to prey on people who pray, go to church, follow the law and help their fellow man." Three separate lawsuits were filed challenging HB 1523. U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves ruled on the first Monday, declining to block the portion of the law which allows Mississippi circuit clerks to cite religious beliefs and refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Hood said his staff will appeal that decision, but are evaluating whether to appeal Thursday's ruling which blocked the entire law. The ruling was handed down shortly before midnight. The law was due to go into effect July 1. "I believe in the free exercise of religion and there will be a case in the future in which the U.S. Supreme Court will better define our religious rights," according to Hood. "This case, however, is not that vehicle. "In consideration of the individual rights of all our citizens, the state's current budget crisis and the cost of appeal, I will have to think long and hard about spending taxpayer money to appeal the case against me. An appeal could cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars." HB 1523 protected three religious beliefs -- that marriage is only between a man and a woman, sexual relations should only take place inside marriage, and that a person's biological sex is determined at birth. In issuing his injunction, Judge Reeves wrote that HB 1523 violated the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause, which holds that a state "may not aid, foster or promote one religion or religious theory over another." "HB1523 grants special rights to citizens who hold one of three `sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions,'" the judge wrote, reflecting disapproval of lesbian, gay, transgender and unmarried persons. That violates both the guarantee of religious neutrality and the promise of equal protection under the laws." Reeves also found that the state had "put its thumb on the scale to favor some religious beliefs over others." Bryant signed HB 1523 into law in April, igniting widespread condemnation from many quarters, including state business and tourism groups and civil rights activists across the country. Those who favored the law, however, said it was necessary to protect Mississippians' 1st Amendment rights regarding freedom of religion. "Religious freedom was one of the building blocks of this great nation," Reeves wrote in his conclusion, "and after the nation was torn apart, the guarantee of equal protection under the law was used to stitch it back together. "But HB 1523 does not honor that tradition of religious freedom, nor does it respect the equal dignity of all of Mississippi's citizens. It must be enjoined. The motions are granted." Hood's statement in its entirety can be read here. After years of explosive growth at Chicago-based online lender Avant, the company is offering voluntary severance packages to all employees as it forecasts a reduction in loan volume. The online loan industry has suffered in recent months as regulators begin to look more closely at lenders and as investors wonder how the lenders might weather an economic downturn. Lending Club, another major online lender, announced Tuesday it was cutting 12 percent of its workforce. In April, Avant employed 950 in Chicago, Los Angeles and London. The company had plans to launch a credit card, but put those on hold in May when it announced it was laying off 60 employees. The company began offering the severance packages to employees Tuesday, spokeswoman Carolyn Blackman Gasbarra said in an email to Blue Sky. The company now employs 760, and wants to cut further to keep pace with reduced loan volume, she said. "As the lending industry faces continued uncertainty in the capital markets and volatility of the online lending category, we are moderating loan volume to focus on the immediate profitability of our core personal loan products, the company said in a statement. We believe Avant is well-positioned to emerge as the leader in the online lending industry over the long-term, but recognize there will be challenges ahead." Avant lends to customers who have an average credit score of 650 and average household incomes between $50,000 and $100,000. The company is one of Chicagos rare unicorns, or privately held companies valued at more than $1 billion. mgraham@tribpub.com Twitter @megancgraham OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- It's less than six years old, but Fort Maurepas Park on Ocean Springs' Front Beach appears to be a facility two or three times that age. Rusted-out BBQ grills, faded or chipped paint, rusted fixtures in the bathrooms, a stall door in the men's room which only opens less than a foot -- the park, which opened in October 2009, appears somewhat run down. Some of it, as Mayor Connie Moran noted Friday, is due to vandalism, which has been a constant source of consternation for the City. Moran noted reports of damage from vandals was particularly high around the time of spring break this year. But rust and faded paint and un-emptied garbage cans drawing flies can't be attributed to vandalism. Those are maintenance issues. "I just don't have the manpower right now," Moran said, noting the City lost the use of six inmate laborers after the state Department of Corrections ended the practice. "We've got (parks and recreation) staff working on improvements to the Highway 57 (sports) complex." The park is located on the site where a replica of the original Fort Maurepas, settled by the French explorer d'Iberville and his party when they landed on the shores of what is now Ocean Springs in 1699 (although archaeologists and historians believe the original fort actually sat where Lovers Lane is now located). Hurricane Katrina, however, virtually destroyed the replica and, through a Community Development Block Grant, along with funding from FEMA, Tidelands funds and various donations, the nearly $600,000 park was built in the fort's footprint. It is used nearly constantly to host birthday parties, 5K runs along the beach and Bay Bridge, free concerts and other activities. When the park was constructed, a sidewalk cutting through the grass stage area of the park had concrete inserts installed depicting the various flags which have flown over Ocean Springs. Those flags have now faded to the point where all that's left is some of the red paint -- now pink. In some cases, the flags have disappeared entirely. "We tried to get the inserts repaired or replaced," Moran said. "We contacted the company which installed them, but nothing's ever happened. We can't fix them -- all we could do is go in there and have to tear out the entire sidewalk." Moran said she hopes to secure a grant to repair or replace the flag inserts. Chicago business-owners will be able to complete the application for a city license entirely online for the first time through a new portal the city said will be unveiled Friday. The Chicago Business License Application System should allow business owners to submit full applications online for 49 city business licenses. It's a service an expert said other American cities made available more than five years ago, and one Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised in 2014, ahead of his reelection, to implement by 2016. Advertisement The city started the project in early 2015 and spent $654,000 on developing the custom system, a spokeswoman said. Business Affairs and Consumer Protection partnered with the Department of Innovation and Technology and Computer Aid, an IT services firm based in Allentown, Pa. "Previously, we did have an online system; however, it wasn't as comprehensive as this new system is," said Maria Guerra Lapacek, Business Affairs and Consumer Protection commissioner. "You could start it on the old system, but you had to come in to finish the process." Advertisement Lapacek said the city wanted business owners to be able to finish applications without having to go to City Hall. With the new system, that's possible for most licenses except those that require fingerprinting, such as tobacco licenses, she said. Later this summer, the city plans to roll out an update to the system that will allow business owners to log into the portal to make changes to their existing licenses, such as updating addresses. She said these process updates would save business owners time and make the process more convenient. She described the system as "smart" compared to standard online forms. "If you identify your business activity, the system then prompts questions that are relevant only to that business license," Lapacek said. "You're only going to get the questions that we need answered for your particular business license." She said individuals without computer or internet access can complete licenses for free online at public libraries or at the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection small business center. Cities across the country are already implementing online business license applications, or planning to, said Todd Sander, executive director of the Center for Digital Government, a California-based research institute. He said financial, personnel and technology resources factor into whether cities offer the service, which is why larger cities may have an easier time making the transition to fully digital applications. "If they're just starting now, they're certainly not ahead," Sander said. "I think they're kind of right at the peak of the curve. I think we're getting to the tipping point where it won't be much longer and the majority, particularly of large cities, will have this available." Best practices for security and running this type of system have been long established by other cities and counties, Sander said. Advertisement He said online business licenses are quicker and easier for the city process than paper or part-digitized ones since the applications are usually checked for completeness by the system. Plus, the applications are already in a usable format, not requiring a person to enter them into the computer system. Chicago isn't the only entity updating its online offerings. Cook County recently gave its website a digital makeover. Although the site does not offer any new services via the internet, it is better organized to help people find services without needing to know which department provides them, a spokesman said. The site is mobile-optimized and will be updated in the future to comply with federal accessibility requirements, he said. aelahi@tribpub.com Twitter @aminamania New York-based WeWork is opening its fourth Chicago coworking space Friday, adding 600 new desks in the River North building that used to house Google's Chicago office. WeWork Kinzie plans to eventually take up five floors of 20 W. Kinzie St., but only two of the floors open Friday. The remaining three floors will be added this fall for a total of 2,000 desks at that location, said Bailey Dodds, community manager. Advertisement The space overlooks House of Blues, and the decor pays homage to Chicagos music scene. There are Kanye West lyrics written into the tile near the elevators, music-themed wallpaper in the conference rooms, and a piano on the 17 th floor in the main event space. The views, amenities and nearly wraparound terrace will likely make the Kinzie location the main WeWork event space in the city, Dodds said. Its current desk count in the city is around 2,000. A dedicated desk costs $520 per month, and private offices start at $750. Available offices can accommodate one to 55 people. Advertisement East Coast general manager Dave McLaughlin said WeWork is seeing a demand for larger office spaces throughout its locations. "While people's perception of the WeWork community is that it's all small companies and startups, the reality is it's much more of a mix of companies, both in terms of verticals and in terms of the company stage and size," he said. Kinzie joins locations in River North, Fulton Market and near Grant Park. The company says a fifth location is coming soon to the Loop, on Clark Street, called WeWork National Building. It has not announced an opening date. Chicago fits right in with WeWork's brand, McLaughlin said. "We look for cities that have strong economies and strong culture, where you have multiple sectors that are strong and there's scale to the economy, and Chicago ticks all those boxes," he said. WeWork, founded in 2010, has more than 100 locations in 29 cities around the world. WeWork is adding to the swell of nationally run coworking spaces bulking up their presence in Chicago. Washington, D.C.-based MakeOffices opened its third location in Chicago in June. In May, Minneapolis coworking company Coco acquired West Loop-based Enerspace Chicago, buying its way into the Chicago market. amarotti@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @allymarotti Boston-based custom menswear brand Blank Label will open a store in the Loop this summer as it tries to debunk the notion that only James Bond can afford a custom-made suit. Blank Label started as an online-only apparel company six years ago, but CEO and founder Fan Bi said the company struggled to convince customers it could provide a quality custom fit without meeting face to face. So Blank Label opened a Boston store three years ago and added a Washington, D.C., shop in September. Bi plans to have four or five locations by the end of the year and double that number next year. Advertisement "We feel there's an opportunity for a more affordable version of custom, which has historically been very James Bond, uber-luxury," he said. "We want to make it accessible." The Chicago shop opens July 11 on the 26th floor of 135 S. LaSalle St. and will sell a range of shirts, suits, denim, chinos and outerwear. Blank Label is "pretty agnostic" on style and fit, Bi said. "It's all about the individual client." Advertisement Fittings are by appointment only, and the garments arrive in two to three weeks. Customers can also buy most items online except for merchandise such as suits or trenchcoats that are more complicated to fit, Bi said. Bespoke, or custom-made, apparel currently accounts for a small slice of the menswear industry, but Bi thinks there's plenty of room to grow. "If you can do it for the same price as off-the-rack, that's an easy switch," he said. Two other retailers on the move: The St. John store at 116 E. Oak St. in Chicago, shown June 30, 2016, is slated to open in early July after moving from Michigan Avenue. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Lanvin's former Chicago boutique on Oak Street wasn't empty long: Luxury women's clothing-maker St. John is moving in July 8. The three-story, 6,097-square-foot boutique at 116 E. Oak St., which Lanvin left last month, will have a VIP lounge and private fitting area, according to a news release from California-based St. John. St. John said it is relocating from its shop at 919 N. Michigan Ave. Armani also left the Magnificent Mile for tony Oak Street, when it closed its Michigan Avenue store last summer and moved to an Oak Street space previously occupied by its Emporio Armani concept. Current/Elliott will bring its vintage-inspired denim apparel to Bucktown this fall. The California brand said it plans to open its second retail location at 1723 N. Damen Ave. in late September. Advertisement Current/Elliott sells casual men's and women's denim and knit clothing. The brand, which has been around since 2008, also has a store in Venice, Calif., and is owned by Dutch, the company behind fashion brands Joie and Equipment. The Bucktown store, previously occupied by children's clothing shop Peek Kids, will be the first foray into the Midwest for any of Dutch's brands. lzumbach@tribpub.com Twitter @laurenzumbach More than 50 Noodles & Co. restaurants in Illinois could be affected by a recent data security breach, the Colorado-based restaurant chain announced this week. Payment information of some customers who used debit or credit cards at certain Noodles locations between Jan. 31 and June 2 might have been stolen through malware, the company said. Noodles restaurants in more than two dozen states were affected, according to information on the company's website, which also lists location addresses. Advertisement The Illinois list has 53 locations. According to the company's most recent annual report, Noodles had 53 company-owned and five franchised locations in the state. On May 17, Noodles said it began investigating unusual activity reported by its credit card processor. On June 2, Noodles discovered suspicious activity on its computer systems that signaled a potential compromise of some customers' debit and credit card data, including cardholders' names, card numbers, expiration dates and the three-digit security codes printed on the back. Advertisement Since then, Noodles said it has been working with third-party forensic investigators to determine how the theft occurred and what information was affected. Credit and debit cards used at the affected locations are no longer at risk from the malware, the company said. It has established a hotline, 888-849-1067, for customers seeking information about the breach. byerak@tribpub.com Twitter @beckyyerak The profit margins are lower at community hospitals, which provide a broad range of medical services, than at psychiatric care facilities. Mental health hospitals are fairly simple operations that don't require expensive equipment and technology. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune 2015) Maryville Academy was days away from closing its psychiatric hospital in Des Plaines in 2014 when it was offered a lifeline from a New York doctor-turned-entrepreneur. Richard Kresch, a psychiatrist, had just started a for-profit company to acquire or start up psychiatric hospitals. Less than two years after closing the deal for Maryville, Kresch is looking to expand by converting a vacant office building in Northbrook into a 100-bed hospital. Advertisement Kresch says he is filling a gap in mental health care stemming from a 25 percent decline in psychiatric hospital beds in Illinois over the last two decades. The loss of beds has meant people with mental health crises languish in emergency rooms waiting to be admitted or, worse, end up in jail, according to mental health advocates. The shortage of beds comes as a complex mix of social and legal forces is driving up demand for mental health services. There is much less stigma today in seeking treatment for a mental problem. Changing attitudes have also led to regulations establishing parity in insurance coverage for treatment of behavioral and physical health. In addition, federal health-care reforms have provided health insurance to more than a million people in Illinois who didn't have coverage. Advertisement The supply-demand imbalance is attracting investors who think enhancing mental health services is not only good for patients but also makes financial sense. A recent change in federal policy also could give the economics of privately owned psychiatric hospitals a boost by allowing them to treat some adults on Medicaid, the nation's insurance program for the poor. Kresch's company, New York-based US HealthVest, announced Thursday that it has secured $50 million in private equity to finance its expansion. The company, launched with $36 million in 2013 from other investors, has two psychiatric hospitals under construction in Washington and Georgia. "We think this (Chicago area) is a good market and that there is a need for our service," Kresch said. "So far, the Des Plaines hospital has been very successful." Despite the demand for mental health services, the arrival of a for-profit player makes some health care advocates uncomfortable. Universal Health Services, the nation's largest for-profit operator of behavioral health hospitals and treatment centers, faces federal investigations of several of its facilities, including three in the Chicago area, according to its regulatory filings. Universal Health closed a residential center for girls in Rockford last year after the Tribune documented dozens of alleged physical and sexual assaults of youths by other residents at the facility. Mark Heyrman, a clinical law professor at the University of Chicago who specializes in mental health, said psychiatric hospitals are relatively simple operations because they don't require equipment and other expensive technology found in community hospitals. The biggest cost for psychiatric hospitals is medical and nursing staff. For-profit operators, which are under pressure to deliver higher profits every quarter, run into problems when they don't have enough staff, he said. "To increase profits, you either have to charge more or skimp on quality of care and provide fewer staff," Heyrman said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Kresch said the Northbrook proposal has received a lot of public support. Suburban police chiefs, ministers, psychologists and social workers have written letters encouraging Northbrook officials and state regulators to approve the project. Advertisement "Community mental health and access to resources is as important as good schools, safe roads and quality education for our children," wrote Susan Resko, president of the Northfield-based Josselyn Center, which provides outpatient mental health treatment on the North Shore. The Northbrook hospital, projected to cost $31.3 million to open, plans to focus on emergency treatment for people who are suicidal or homicidal. The average length of stay would be eight to 10 days. Some have questioned why US HealthVest would open a second hospital only 15 minutes away from its Des Plaines facility and suspect the company may want to close the former Maryville hospital because it is old and prone to flooding. But Kresch said the shortage of beds is acute in the northern suburbs. The Des Plaines facility, now called Chicago Behavioral Hospital, has had to turn away hundreds of patients because of too few beds, he said. The project passed its first regulatory hurdle last month when it was approved by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which reviews all large health care projects. But it faces opposition in Northbrook, in part because the planned hospital is near a private school. "We have a lot to do yet," Kresch said. "Hopefully people will see the value of our operation." Advertisement Kresch, 70, has a lot of experience in health care. US HealthVest is the fourth company he has been involved in, according to his biography on the company's website. In October 2012, he sold Ascend Health, a company he founded that operated nine behavioral health facilities in five states, to Universal Health for $503 million. Investors like the mental health industry because the profit margins are much bigger than those at community hospitals providing a broad range of medical services. At Universal Health, for example, its behavioral health facilities last year had operating margins of 23.3 percent, compared with 11.2 percent for its general hospitals, according to its 2015 annual report. One reason the margins are better is because private psychiatric hospitals have historically not treated mentally ill adults on Medicaid. The federal government reimburses for psychiatric treatment of children and adolescents but not for adults inside specialty facilities. These hospitals have relied on private insurance, which tends to reimburse at higher rates than the government. But the federal Medicaid policy left low-income and uninsured mentally ill seeking emergency treatment at community hospitals, which became a drain on hospital finances. Since 1991, the number of hospital psychiatric beds in the state has fallen by one-quarter, to 4,031 this year from 5,350, according to state data tracked by the Illinois Hospital Association. There's been a slight uptick in beds since 2013 as general hospitals have expanded their psychiatric units because of changes in the way health care is paid for by insurance providers. Under new payment models, if large providers can better coordinate care and keep patients healthier, reducing their long-term use of medical services, the hospitals may also see their bottom lines improve. "The pendulum has swung back in favor of health care organizations integrating mental health," said Theodore Michalke, senior manager at ECG Management Consultants, which specializes in the health care industry. "They are going to be accountable for patients regardless of their physical or mental health needs." Advertisement Alexa James, executive director of the Chicago office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said the state desperately needs more mental health services, but inpatient hospital beds probably should not be the top priority. According to her organization, the state slashed $113.7 million in funding for mental health services from fiscal years 2009 to 2012, which affected community-based agencies that provide counseling and housing services. The state budget crisis has squeezed the mental health system even more as Medicaid has been slow to pay bills. "Inpatient psychiatric treatment does not provide long-term treatment; it's crisis stabilization," James said. "The way people will get better is through community-based care." Kresch started US HealthVest just as several big pieces of the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, were being launched. The health law increased insurance coverage by expanding Medicaid and providing subsidies to individuals to buy private health plans. The reforms have helped increase revenues at many Illinois hospitals, including psychiatric facilities, because more people have coverage. As of January, 622,000 low-income adults in Illinois had insurance through the Medicaid expansion. To help control costs, the new Medicaid recipients are required to enroll in managed care plans. After buying the Maryville hospital, US HealthVest started treating adult patients at the facility. Maryville treated only people up to age 20. Chicago Behavioral still has 22 beds dedicated to adolescents, according to the state. The company recently finished renovating two floors of the 125-bed facility. About 72 percent of the facility's revenue in 2015, its first full year of operation, came from Medicaid, according to public documents. "Medicaid is a fairly decent payer in the state of Illinois, which is why for-profit operators are interested," said Randy Autry, a health care consultant who was CEO of the Maryville psychiatric hospital in 2011 and 2012. Advertisement asachdev@tribpub.com Twitter @ameetsachdev A federal appeals court rejected a $5.7 billion settlement of claims that Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. improperly fixed credit-card swipe fees, potentially renewing years of litigation with millions of U.S. merchants. The ruling is a blow to credit-card firms that sought to put an end to bitter court battles over fees amounting to tens of billions of dollars annually. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of 12 million merchants nationwide, was filed a decade ago after earlier disputes over the fees. The rejection of the deal raises the prospect that it will have to be renegotiated or the case may go to trial. Dozens of big retailers who opposed the accord cheered the decision, in which the appeals court said provisions barring merchants from suing over fees were unfair. The U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan also said that lawyers who represented retailers nationwide didn't do enough to protect their interests. "This is not a settlement; it is a confiscation," U.S. Circuit Judge Pierre Leval said in one of two opinions in the case. The judge said he was particularly troubled by the broad litigation release that "binds in perpetuity, without opportunity to reject the settlement, all merchants who in the future will accept Visa and MasterCard, including those not yet in existence." Visa declined 2.3 percent to $74.94 at 11:58 a.m. in New York, while MasterCard slipped 2 percent to $90.29. The world's largest payment networks were the worst performers in the 68-company S&P 500 Information Technology Index. "We are disappointed by today's ruling," Seth Eisen, a spokesman for MasterCard, said in an emailed statement. "We believe we presented a clear case to the court that the settlement was fair and appropriate based on more than four years of negotiation and the close involvement of the district court. We are reviewing the decision to determine our next steps." Connie Kim, a spokeswoman for Visa, declined to comment. Large retailers including Wal-Mart Stores, Amazon.com and Target, as well as major airlines, health insurers and other consumer businesses, had criticized the deal. On Thursday, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, a trade group that represents more than 200 merchants, praised the ruling, saying the settlement would have denied retailers the ability to bring lawsuits over interchange rules and rate setting. The group had formally opted out and objected to the deal two years ago. "Today's decision is a victory for all merchants and consumers," Deborah White, the group's executive vice president, said in a statement. "The settlement orchestrated by the card networks and banks would have undermined merchants' legal rights forever and would have allowed Visa and MasterCard to impose higher and higher swipe fees." U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in Brooklyn, New York, approved the accord on Dec. 13, 2013, saying he was satisfied with the settlement, which was estimated to be the largest-ever U.S. antitrust deal. Gleeson stepped down from the bench earlier this year. Once owned by groups of major banks, Visa and MasterCard had defended themselves for decades against legal claims that they operated price-fixing schemes. Swipe, or interchange, fees are set by card companies and paid by merchants when consumers use credit or debit cards. The settlement was announced in July 2012. Once worth as much as $7.25 billion, it was valued at about $5.7 billion as of August 2013 after reductions for about 8,000 merchants that dropped out of the damages portion of the lawsuit. In today's global economy, there's no easy way to determine just how American a car is. The American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. The AMI factors in the percentage of parts considered domestic under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. We disqualify models with a domestic-parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor. Advertisement Domestic-parts content stems from Congress' 1992 American Automobile Labeling Act, which groups the U.S. and Canada under the same "domestic" umbrella. It's one of the bill's imperfections, but the 1992 act is the only domestic-parts labeling system car shoppers can find on every new car sold in America. The Toyota Camry topped the American-Made Index for the second consecutive year, while the Honda Accord and Honda Pilot returned to the index for the first time since 2012. Also back are five AMI regulars: the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and GM's Michigan-built crossovers the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. Advertisement 1. Toyota Camry Domestic factory: Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind. Domestic-parts content: 75 percent U.S./Canada, 15 percent Japan 2015 U.S. sales: 429,355 Global headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi prefecture, Japan 2. Honda Accord Domestic factory: Marysville, Ohio Domestic-parts content: 80 percent U.S./Canada Advertisement 2015 U.S. sales: 355,557 Global headquarters: Tokyo 3. Toyota Sienna Domestic factory: Princeton, Ind. Domestic-parts content: 75 percent U.S./Canada, 15 percent Japan 2015 U.S. sales: 137,497 Advertisement Global headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi prefecture, Japan 4. Honda Odyssey Domestic factory: Lincoln, Ala. Domestic-parts content: 75 percent U.S./Canada 2015 U.S. sales: 127,736 Global headquarters: Tokyo Advertisement 5. Honda Pilot Domestic factory: Lincoln, Ala. Domestic-parts content: 75 percent U.S./Canada 2015 U.S. sales: 136,212 Global headquarters: Tokyo 6. Chevrolet Traverse Advertisement Domestic factory: Lansing, Mich. Domestic-parts content: 80 percent U.S./Canada, 15 percent unspecified 2015 U.S. sales: 119,945 Global headquarters: Detroit 7. GMC Acadia Domestic factory: Lansing, Mich. Advertisement Domestic-parts content: 80 percent U.S./Canada, 15 percent unspecified 2015 U.S. sales: 96,393 Global headquarters: Detroit 8. Buick Enclave Domestic factory: Lansing, Mich. Domestic-parts content: 80 percent U.S./Canada, 15 percent unspecified Advertisement 2015 U.S. sales: 62,081 Global headquarters: Detroit Manufacturing plants of the most American-made vehicles, according to Cars.com. (Paul Dolan / Cars.com) Global market After reaching an all-time low of just seven cars in 2015, the AMI is up to eight cars. That's still lower than earlier AMIs, when the index regularly hit its 10-car limit, with dozens of models qualifying as recently as 2011. In a testament to the auto industry's globalization, that list of AMI-eligible cars has dwindled in recent years even as total U.S. light-vehicle production has increased. Five of this year's eight AMI cars are from foreign-based automakers; the last time a Detroit Three vehicle topped the AMI was in 2014, when the Ford F-150 pickup truck ranked No. 1. (This year's F-150, like many other vehicles, fell below the AMI's 75 percent eligibility threshold for domestic-parts content.) Advertisement But in a year when auto manufacturing has been the subject of controversy on the presidential campaign trail, it's important to remember the AMI rates cars, not automakers. American-born When it comes to the latter, the Detroit Three's economic impact in the U.S. is undeniable. The American Automotive Policy Council, a group that represents GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, claims its members employ more than two-thirds of all U.S. autoworkers. The Detroit Three run 25 of the 42 U.S. assembly plants that build light-duty passenger cars bought in the U.S., according to Automotive News. The remaining 17 assembly plants come from nine other automakers: BMW, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen. All but Tesla are headquartered overseas. Auto production has increased, but fewer car models qualify for the American-Made Index, according to Cars.com. (Paul Dolan / Cars.com) Foreign investment But foreign-based automakers contribute plenty. A 2015 study by the Center for Automotive Research, a Michigan-based nonprofit group, found the auto industry accounts for about 3 percent of all foreign direct investment in the U.S. some $74 billion in total. In its December 2015 contributions report, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said U.S. vehicle production from Japan-based automakers has climbed from 2.3 million cars in 1995 to more than 3.8 million in 2014. Advertisement Production drives employment. AMI analysis considers employment and production figures to see how many assembly plant jobs each model supports; it's the same analysis from last year's AMI. The 2016 analysis shows one foreign-based automaker's car the Toyota Camry still supports the most assembly plant jobs of any AMI vehicle by a wide margin. Employees at U.S. assembly plant by vehicle model , according to Cars.com. (Paul Dolan / Cars.com) Jobs Of course, that doesn't illustrate the full effect of each car. Automakers directly employ 322,000 American residents, the research center's 2015 study found. But another 521,000 are employed building parts for those cars, while car dealerships employ another 710,000 U.S. residents to sell and service those cars. In short, a given car doesn't just drive certain direct employment at the assembly plant; it also spurs plenty of jobs at suppliers, dealerships and more. Production The Camry isn't the top car if you take an alternative approach to the AMI. For several years, we've also published what the results would be if the AMI used production numbers instead of sales figures as a barometer of assembly-line employment. That puts the Honda Accord, not the Toyota Camry, up top. Advertisement 2016 Production-Based Index (2016 AMI rank) 1. Honda Accord (2) 2. Toyota Camry (1) 3. Toyota Sienna (3) 4. Honda Odyssey (4) 5. Honda Pilot (5) Advertisement 6. Chevrolet Traverse (6) 7. GMC Acadia (7) 8. Buick Enclave (8) Despite the heightened political dialogue, or perhaps because more time has passed since the GM and Chrysler bailouts, fewer consumers care about buying from an American manufacturer. In a Cars.com survey of 892 respondents, 13 percent said they would consider only an American manufacturer when shopping for a car. That's far less than a year ago, when 28 percent of respondents answered the same way. Still, perceptions trail reality. The vast majority of respondents said models like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford F-150 and GMC Acadia all former or current AMI cars are American-made, but less than half said the same of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. And less than a third of respondents said the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Honda Pilot are American-made. Sources: Automakers; Automotive News; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; www.goodcarbadcar.net; AALA NEW YORK Before Joel Peralta failed Thursday night to protect a 3-1 lead for John Lackey, Cubs president Theo Epstein spoke of the rarity of rebuilding a bullpen with "big-ticket items." In the case of the Cubs, they could use some immediate help from within while Joe Nathan sharpens his pitches during a rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Tennessee while left-hander Brian Matusz regains his old form while in Arizona. Advertisement At the same time, Adam Warren is expected to give a break to seasoned rotation that could latest into the first week of the second half - when trade talks are expected to accelerate. For now, "it helps you find internal solutions," said Epstein, who gave an endorsement to struggling Justin Grimm. "If you look at last year, a number of guys either acquired on the cheap that wouldn't have qualified as deadline moves, and other internal guys who stepped up maybe were better than any trade acquisition we made had we gone big last year. Advertisement "You definteily want to, especially with the number of guys we have rehabbing and working their way back, especially on the pitching end of things, see there's real value to see how those guys throw before you move. "At the same time, if we have a good opportunity now, we wouldn't hesitate because it's a market that's gong to be a lot of competition in the market place late." Epstein won't panic over the Cubs' latest bullpen meltdown, nor will he be able to surrender a marquee talent -- such as Kyle Schwarber -- to acquire a high-profile player. Schwarber, 24, is recovering from season-ending surgery. But the Cubs still have one eye on the future while trying to win a 2016 World Series. Schwarber gives the Cubs a left-handed power hitter that is under team control for several seasons. And should he make a full recovery, he and Willson Contreras would give the Cubs one of the strongest tandems behind the plate for several years to come. "I'm looking forward to Kyle Schwarber coming back and hitting a very big home run in a Cubs uniform sometime very early next season," Epstein said in response to relentless rumors about Schwarber being involved in a trade with the Yankees for Aroldis Chapman or Andrew Miller. If you're looking to get porked at Lollapalooza this year, you're in luckthe new Chow Town offerings include Pork & Mindy's with pig candy candied bacon and The Purple Pig with gyros, along with seven other new guys. The 35-restaurant lineup of elevated local eats was curated again this year by local wonder and former "MasterChef" judge Graham Elliot, who serves a mean lobster corndog at the Graham Elliot Bistro stand. Other newbies includes Momofuku Milk Bar bakery with slices of crack pie; West Loop's Mad Social with chicken and waffles; Greenridge Farm; Harold's Chicken; Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream; La Mexicana; and Bella Bacinos (returning from 2013). Back again this year are Chubby Wieners, Wow Bao, County Barbeque, M Burger and more. See the full list below. Advertisement While the farmers market isn't returning, the fest will include one-stop shop bodegas with quick snacks, such as granola bars, trail mix and fresh fruit, and drug store necessities, like ponchos, bandages and sunblock, located on Columbus Drive at the Jackson Drive and Balbo Avenue intersections. Lollapalooza expanded to four days this year with headliners Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem and J. Cole. See the full lineup here. Advertisement CHOW TOWN 2016 Bella Bacinos Billy Goat Tavern & Grill Cheesie's Pub & Grub Chubby Wieners County Barbeque Connie's Pizza Dark Matter Coffee Dia De Los Tamales Edzo's Burger Shop Franks 'n' Dawgs The Goddess and Grocer Graham Elliot Bistro Greenridge Farm Harold's Chicken Harris Ice Kamehachi Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream La Mexicana Leghorn Chicken Lou Malnati's Pizzeria M Burger Mad Social Momofuku Milk Bar Original Rainbow Cone Pizano's Pizza & Pasta Pork & Mindy's The Purple Pig Robinson's No. 1 Ribs The Smoke Daddy Tank Noodle Wow Bao Windsor Ice Cream Shoppe Shade Tree Organic Lemonade Lifeway Culture Shoppe Sausage Haus Next time you are flying in or out of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport notice the nearby World War II era hangar that was recently restored. The airport administration recently transferred the hangar to the Mississippi National Guard in a lease signing ceremony. Previously, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 and designated a Mississippi Landmark in 2012. "The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority is pleased to see the World War II era hangar restored, and grateful the Mississippi National Guard is able to utilize the facility to enhance its mission," said Clay Williams, Executive Director of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in "Plane Talk News," the airport's newsletter. The nearly $1.7 million exterior restoration began in August, 2015. The hangar had been heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The hangar was the last commercial facility on the military side of the airfield. The transfer of the hangar provides for a contiguous footprint for the National Guard base. Constructed in 1944-45 for use in training combat crews to operate the B-29 Superfortress, it became known as the FBO Hangar and Gulfport Municipal Airport Terminal. Southern Airways and National Airlines provided passenger and cargo service in the early 1950s. According to Wikipedia, in support of the United States entry into World War II, Gulfport Army Airfield was constructed in 1942 to serve as a training facility for aviation units associated with heavy bombers, such as the B-17. In 1944, the War Department expanded the Gulfport Air Field and began constructing the present hangar to accommodate the larger B-29 bomber. The concrete and steel hangar has a large vaulted roof with one-story, lean-to additions, on the east and west sides, along its length. The hangar is approximately 200 feet long, north to south, and 80 feet wide. Two-inch thick gypsum planks were used to cover the roof, and the planks were sealed with bitumen. Access to the hangar was through a series of sliding wood doors, covered in sheet metal. Sheet metal was also used as siding for the structure. When WWII ended, the Gulfport Army Air Field was declared excess property and was transferred by the War Assets Administration to the City of Gulfport in 1949. The western lean-to addition on the hangar was used as the Gulfport Municipal Airport passenger terminal from about 1947 until 1963. The hangar was then leased to various aviation enterprises through August, 2005, when the structure was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Restoration of the hangar began in 2015. Catch up on these recent restaurant openings and coming-soon spots: Mad Boiler Advertisement There are boxes of live crawfish inside the West Loop's newest Cajun place, Mad Boiler. As the name suggests, owners Stanley Liem and Nuchsara Katekaew the husband-wife team that also owns Lincoln Square's Miku Sushi are the latest in town to hop on the seafood-boil trend (following such spots as Angry Crab and Lowcountry). "We've been in the restaurant business all our lives, so we always look for space (and) something to do," Liem said. But when they found an empty storefront on West Madison Street, they didn't want to do sushi again there were already several sushi restaurants in the area. Advertisement Liem already knew someone well-versed in the world of seafood: chef Sittipat "Ong" Satangmongkol, who studied and worked in Thailand before coming to the States about a decade ago to work at a Thai restaurant in New Orleans. While there, he learned to make seafood boils, Santangmonkol said. The seafood served at Mad Boiler comes from around the world, including Louisiana crawfish, Indian shrimp, West Coast Dungeness crab and New Zealand mussels. Visit Friday (July 1) 4-6 p.m. for a discounted $4 shrimp boil. Other boils on the menu include clam and lobster, with sauces such as garlic butter, sweet chili and curry. 1045 W. Madison St, 312-291-8182. Lady Gregory's The Andersonville bar and restaurant named after famed Irish author Isabella Augusta is opening its second Chicago location. The new spot in Old Town won't look much different from the original, said co-owner Martin Cournane. When it opens in spring 2017, expect dark wood, an antique bar, three fireplaces and a library. The menu will likely mimic that of the Andersonville location as well. "It's gonna be cozy, intimate (and) warm with some great Irish hospitality," Cournane said. 1525 N. Wells St., 773-271-5050 Lavergne's Tavern Taking over the location of the former Garv Inn in Berwyn, Lavergne's Tavern held its ribbon-cutting ceremony June 29, though it has been open to the public since June 12. The menu features standard bar fare like burgers and wings, but also includes tofu ramen as well as smoked chicken breast with cornbread flapjacks and bacon-laced kale. 6546 Windsor Ave, 708-956-7405 Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > Tuco and Blondie A new restaurant from chef Todd Stein is scheduled to open in Lakeview this September. Look for American spins on Mexican dishes, plus plenty of types of margaritas. 3358 N. Southport Ave., 773-929-4844 Advertisement In case you missed it: Colectivo Coffee plans to open its first non-Wisconsin location in Chicago. With the towering C.J. Jacobson at the helm, Ema restaurant opened its doors June 30. Luke Creagan, the former chef de cuisine at the late Bonsoiree and executive chef at Pops for Champagne, is now the executive chef at Bistro Campagne. Owen + Alchemy, the Logan Square cold-pressed juice bar, will soon have two new locations: a storefront shop at the historic Lawrence House in Uptown and a location in Lincoln Park's elu boutique. Two dinners are already sold out for the Taste of Chicago Celebrity Chef du Jour, an evening program at the annual food festival where prominent Chicago chefs present multiple-course sit-down meals to ticket-holders at $45 a pop drinks not included inside an air-conditioned tent near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. As of Friday afternoon, no tickets remained for the first two dinners, featuring chefs Graham Elliot and Addison Osta Smith, the fourth season winner of MasterChef Junior, on July 6 and Chef Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn on July 7. Tickets for the remaining dinners were still available. But the wise move would be to order now if interested. (In my trial attempt to buy tickets to the dinner with Trenchermen's Patrick Sheerin, it appeared I would have been getting the last few.) Advertisement RELATED: EVERYTHING WE ATE AT THE TASTE OF CHICAGO PREVIEW "It brings (in) people who haven't been to the Taste for a long time," said Mary May, a Taste of Chicago spokeswoman, of the program. Advertisement Sheerin's menu July 8 includes grilled roasted chuck with roasted carrot panzanella and salsa macha or, for vegetarians, goat cheese gnudi, English peas, local greens and black pepper. Chris Macchia of Nonnina is the chef du jour July 9. His menu will feature, for meat-eaters, rabbit cacciatore with soft polenta, taggiasca olives, fennel and rosemary, and for vegetarians, a summer vegetable crostata, goat cheese, pesto and baby greens. Fat Rice chef Abraham Conlon is doing the last dinner, July 10, with a three-course meal featuring nasi lemak with chicken kapitan or vegetable curry as the second course. The dinners Wednesday through Saturday begin at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The Sunday dinner with Conlon begins at 5 p.m. with doors opening at 4 p.m. A maximum of four tickets may be ordered for each dinner; there are no guarantees that parties can be seated together. Order tickets here. Those who aren't able to purchase tickets may assuage disappointment by remembering that every participating Chef du Jour chef will be taking part in the Lifeway Taste Kitchen Chef Demonstrations. These demos, free and open to all, are at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. wdaley@chicagotribune.com Twitter @billdaley Vivo, the long-running West Loop Italian restaurant, is closing July 3 to make way for a new venture from new owners. AMK Group, known for AMK Kitchen Bar in Bucktown, has bought the space, said Victoria Kent, a representative for the group. A pop-up restaurant featuring riffs on American street food, including a pimento cheeseburger, will be opening in the 838 W. Randolph St. space until a permanent concept is created in 2017, Kent said. The pop-up will be called Nosh & Booze and will be led by AMK Kitchen Bar chef Barney Smith and beverage director Jon Ruiz, she said. Advertisement "We wanted to have a bit of fun and to make food that we really loved, while we prepped the space for our next concept," said Steven Tsonis, AMK Group partner, in a statement shared by Kent. Vivo executive chef Vincente Duran said that when staff members heard the news, they were first told Vivo would stay open a month longer; soon after that, they heard 15 days, and then, this morning, they learned the restaurant was closing Sunday. Advertisement Restaurateur Dan Krasny, who launched Vivo as a partner in KDK Restaurants and who remained as owner, said he had no comment. Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel visited Vivo shortly after it opened in 1991. His review, headlined "Vivo: The Latest Destination for Warm Food and Hot Theatrics," began with this description: "Trendy to the max, hip as they come and pleasant to a fault, Vivo has turned an oddball location into Chicago's newest destination." Later, in a 2005 story, Vettel cited Vivo as the restaurant that "launched the Randolph Street Renaissance." Later, in a 2013 Valentine's Day roundup, he characterized Table 70 at Vivo as "one of the most romantic tables in Chicago." Asked what people would remember about the restaurant, Duran pointed to the atmosphere, the food, "the personality of the place." "It's going to be remembered for sure," he said. wdaley@chicagotribune.com Twitter @BillDaley 1980s press photo for the classic Guns N' Roses lineup (from left): Duff McKagan, Slash, Axl Rose, Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin. (Ross Halfin / Geffen Records) It took more than two decades to reunite Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan on stage, but it only took 44 hours to set up their weekend shows at Soldier Field. Guns N' Roses is set to perform Friday and Sunday, 24 years after the band played a sold-out show at the former Rosemont Horizon as part of its Use Your Illusion Tour. Advertisement "This is extremely bigger than that tour was," production manager Dale Skjerseth said Thursday as crews assembled the framework for the shows, which are both to set to begin at 8 p.m., with Alice in Chains as the opener. Fans can expect video and pyrotechnics, said Skjerseth, who began planning the Not in This Lifetime Tour with the band in January. The initial tour announcement had Guns N' Roses only playing Friday. The Sunday show was announced in late April. Advertisement But concert planners may have overestimated Chicago anticipation. Seats were running as cheap as $59, not including fees, for Friday's show on StubHub Friday morning, and $35 for Sunday's show. From tickets to transportation, the Tribune rounds up what fans need to know about Guns N' Roses at Soldier Field. Crews set up the Guns N' Roses stage at Soldier Field ahead of the band's shows scheduled for Friday and Sunday. (Kristan Lieb / For the Chicago Tribune) Tickets Friday's show is sold out, but tickets were available via the resale market search engine SeatGeek for between $76 and $3,662 on Friday morning. Sunday's show is not sold out, and tickets are much cheaper than the Friday show. Travelzoo offered a deal Thursday for $20 seats for Sunday's show, plus about $25 in fees. Tickets initially cost $30 to $250 on Ticketmaster. Transportation Expect extra traffic this weekend for holiday festivities. Various CTA bus lines are expected to be rerouted as crews set up the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. Advertisement Parking Parking is $49 and open four hours before the shows start. Prohibited items Soldier Field does not allow alcoholic beverages; balloons; beach balls; cameras with lenses longer than 3 inches; cans, bottles or other beverage containers; confetti; coolers; fireworks; smoke bombs; ice chests; illegal drugs; laser pens and pointers; noise-making devices such as horns and whistles; poles to display banners or flags; seat cushions; selfie stickes; electronic cigarettes; strollers; umbrellas; unmanned aircraft systems; video or movie cameras; and weapons. RELATED STORIES: 10 places Guns N' Roses went all rock-and-roll on Chicago Advertisement The time Guns N' Roses squatted in Chicago Archive: Greg Kot reviews Guns N' Roses at Alpine Valley in 1991 Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) Marjorie Leigh Bomben, who started as a Chicago Fire Department paramedic in 1983, has written a book titled "Its Not the Trauma, Its the Drama: Stories by a Chicago Fire Department Paramedic. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) There's a pleasant woman named Marjorie Leigh Bomben, but if you have met her you were probably in serious trouble because for decades she has been cruising the streets of the city tending to those who have been shot, stabbed, overdosed on heroin, burned in a fire, hit by car or otherwise fallen victim of one of urban life's many misfortunes. She is a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department and as such has one of the most demanding, dangerous and potentially dispiriting jobs on the planet. Advertisement "Early on, I did think about quitting," she says. "During those first years on the job, every time I drove to work I felt like I was being transported to hell. The violence, the drugs, the mental illness. It's horrible the way some people in this city have to live." Yet she has not only survived but raised two nice kids (now teenagers), has a happy marriage and a remarkably upbeat attitude: "I do love my job. From one minute to the next I never know what's going to happen." Advertisement She has also written a book, "It's Not the Trauma, It's the Drama: Stories by a Chicago Fire Department Paramedic." It is, as far as either of us can determine, the first written by a CFD paramedic. It is a good book, too. Very good. MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR In it Bomben writes, "CFD ambulances respond to over 300,000 calls per year," and she's been on thousands of those. The vast majority have been non-emergency runs but many have been, and she uses 20 of those to craft the stories that are the foundation of this shocking and sad but also funny and insightful book. She is not a trained writer no college creative writing courses, no book groups but her prose is smooth and direct. She knows a good story and how to tell it. "There are certain stories that have stuck with me all these years," she says. "While I was writing I relived them, every second of what had happened." Those stories feature some disturbing encounters, odd characters named Baby Face and Peg Leg Bob, encounters with naked men and mangled bodies the sort of real-life people and situations not found on television shows. In one chapter, Bomben and her partner arrive at a West Side apartment in response to a 911 call about a sick baby. Bomben asks the mother, "Did you take her temperature?" "No." Advertisement "Why not?" "I don't have a thermometer, I can't afford it." Noticing the track marks on the mom's arms, she clearly could afford her drug of choice." You learn that the baby only had a cold but remain haunted by thoughts of that infant's future. Bomben was born in Massachusetts and lived here when she graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School and went to work as a dental hygienist. One of her patients was a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department; indeed, the woman told her she was the first to hold such a position. She convinced Bomben that the job was not only interesting but one in which she could make an impact. "It was a place where I could do something to help people," says Bomben. So she went to school, got her emergency medical technician license and started working for a private ambulance service. "We were only doing non-emergency calls, but on one of them we encountered a man who went into cardiac arrest," she says. "We called 911 and the Fire Department paramedics arrived and I was so in awe of their speed and skill saved this guy." She started with the CFD in 1983. "I was one of only a few women, and I think a lot of the firefighters thought of me sort of as a novelty," she says. "Many of them had been on the job since the '50s and '60s. But they had such great stories and were good to me." Advertisement She has been married for 24 years to Dan Bomben, himself a firefighter/paramedic. Their daughter Hannah is about to turn 20 and is studying to become an EMT. Son Nathaniel just graduated high school. "As a kid, it was all sort of a blur, what they saw and went through on their jobs," says Nathaniel, who plans to study computer-aided design when he enters college in the fall. "But it wasn't long before I realized that my parents were putting their lives on the line every day." As Bomben captures it in her book: "At all hours of the day or night, it's just the two of us. We have no weapons nothing to defend ourselves with. Sure, we are street-smart and take precautions. ... If someone is giving you a hard time (as you're running to help someone), ask him to do something. ... And never stand in front of a door while you are knocking on it, someone may shoot through it." Bomben is set to retire in November, when she says she will begin in earnest to finish a second collection of stories titled "CFD Shorts: More Stories by a Chicago Fire Department Paramedic." For the past few years she has been a field chief, in charge of nine ambulances and their teams. "These are my people," she says. "I will miss my people. "This has all been an evolutionary experience for me. From that period when I was angry and frustrated I have come to understand that what we are is a social service agency on wheels. "There are more ambulances on the streets, more women in the department. We are able, because there are also more designated trauma hospitals with trauma teams on staff, to make a huge difference in the survival rate of people who have been shot or stabbed or injured in other ways. Most of all, after 33 years, I have come to appreciate my own life. Any troubles I have are really nothing compared to those that others have to face every day and every night in this city." Advertisement "After Hours With Rick Kogan" airs 9-11 p.m. Sundays on WGN-AM 720. rkogan@tribpub.com Twitter @rickkogan MORE FROM RICK KOGAN: Welcome back, Scarface: 'Making of the Mob' resurrects Capone Steve Dolinsky remains as hungry a hound as ever Advertisement Cabrini-Green documentary traces echo of broken dreams Writer Bill Zehme back from 'very dark place' in fight with cancer Watch the latest movie trailers. 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) Before the "Hamilton" juggernaut takes Chicago's PrivateBank Theatre offline for the next 3,000 years bravely shouldering the burden of the westward migration of the George Lucas museum upon its broad shoulders a SweeTart of a show called "The Book of Mormon" has sneaked back into those friendly theatrical confines for seven weeks. It was born of the "South Park" guys (and Robert Lopez). You may have heard of it, and them. Seven weeks might be about as long as the PrivateBank Theatre is called the PrivateBank Theatre, given the recent news in the department of banking mergers and acquisitions. But perchance the brand will abide. "Hamilton" certainly will. And "The Book of Mormon" is not going anywhere either. Thursday night was packed, and this third Chicago run already is heavily sold. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Keeping my ear attuned to the audience this is my fourth time hearing "Hello," "I Believe," "Turn it Off" and (my personal favorite) "Sal Tlay Ka Siti" I detected a good deal of that which sends producers off into the sweet dreams of the wholly righteous. Advertisement Repeat business. Yes, indeed, dear reader, there were paying customers who already know the gags, who giggled in anticipation at General You Might Well Know Who, smirked in advance at the role frogs play in this story of Mormon missionary zeal and who elbowed a seatmate when the all-Caucasian Mormon choir started to sing "I Am Africa." That Bono-spoofing number remains among the best satires of cultural appropriation ever written and is one of the very few sets of lyrics to work in: the winds of the Serengeti, Nelson Mandela, the lost boys of Sudan and "The Lion King." And still make sense. It kills me every time. In my row, more than one set of lips was mouthing the words to "Hello" along with the charming Elders. I've always been impressed with how the real Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played it cool with this show it even snagged thebookofmormon.org URL and it dawned on me Thursday that now the material therein has become familiar, even iconic to some. That its savvy, free-speech-supportive stance might pay further dividends. I know I met a couple of very nice Mormon readers when I first wrote about this show they were suggesting that some semblance of equal time was a reasonable request and I remain glad to know them. But you want to know if the show is as good as when the tour first hit here in 2012. Well, that was with Ben Platt, whose career took off fast. But his replacement in the main comic role of Elder Cunningham, Cody Jamison Strand, is the same very hilarious dude who was here in 2015. He's great. So is Candace Quarrels, who plays Nabulungi and embraces all the sweet satirical pleasures thereof. And although I didn't think Ryan Bondy, the new Elder Price, soared with every note Thursday, he's funny and quite charming. And the physical production is identical. Plenty of fine Local 2 musicians are still in the pit, again, with a score that really is stocked with numbers that land like a homesick Mormon coming in to Salt Lake City International. Actually, there were lot of familiar faces among the Elders "The Book of Mormon" is a great gig, and who would not stick around to meet people like they do at this show? Even if you now have to play Peoria. Just kidding, downstate. Advertisement Here's what popped into my head in the first part of the show, which spoofs the apparent illogicality of Mormon doctrine illogical to the godless, anyway: There really are no secrets in the world anymore. Be the rituals masonic, religious or the work of David Copperfield in Las Vegas, someone wants to spoil the mystery for fun, profit or both. It's sad. Sadder, though, is all the pain in the world since 2012 and the first Chicago "Book of Mormon." On the way to the theater this time around I'd been thinking about the show's use of Orlando as the ultimate safe, bland, pretty destination, where Elder Price wants to pursue his mission (he gets sent instead to Uganda, since the show implies that God can be hard of hearing). Say that word on a stage now and innocence is not what comes to mind. Which all adds to my sense that, although "Book of Mormon" is not for kids or young teens (don't let them talk you into it), it is a communally cathartic experience. For all its lampooning of the all-American religion, "The Book of Mormon" still suggests that we really do need to believe in something. You gotta play defense. Love is love is love is love will do for me. Chris Jones is a Tribune critic. cjones5@tribpub.com Twitter @ChrisJonesTrib Advertisement "The Book of Mormon" 4 STARS When: Through Aug 14 Where: PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes Tickets: $45-$120 at 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com RELATED STORIES: Advertisement A day with Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the 'South Park' minds behind 'Book of Mormon' How young is too young to see 'The Book of Mormon'? 2012 Review: Getting religion by the neck in a hilarious 'Book of Mormon' Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox) Officials use "stinky water" to lure and trap mosquitoes in neighborhoods around Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Chicagoans want to know if they are at risk for the Zika virus, especially with the summer heat drawing out mosquitoes. "There's still been a lot of concern from women," said Dr. Michael Angarone, a Northwestern Memorial Hospital physician who specializes in infectious diseases. Advertisement RELATED: TRENDING LIFE & STYLE NEWS THIS HOUR Chicago health officials are working to inform residents about Zika, which can cause microcephaly, a serious birth defect in which babies are born with heads smaller than expected. Advertisement "Our priority is to protect pregnant women and their babies," said Melaney Arnold, a state Health Department spokeswoman. The virus can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No cases of transmission by mosquitoes have been reported in the continental U.S. And the threat of Zika spreading through Chicago is small, experts say. But still, a few factors two international airports, the potential of a Zika-carrying mosquito surviving in the area and unknowns about the virus have the city preparing. Illinois has 23 confirmed Zika cases, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, some of which are in Chicago. The agency does not reveal city data for policy and privacy reasons. Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services convened officials from nine states at the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make state and federal plans for responding to Zika "once local transmission begins occurring," according to the agency. According to the CDC, 934 people have been infected with the Zika virus in the U.S. Of those, 287 are pregnant women in the continental U.S., as of June 23. Territories, including Puerto Rico, have reported 250 cases. Here's what to know in the Chicago area. Infected Aedes species mosquitoes can spread Zika. The one most likely to spread the virus, Aedes aegypti, is not typically found in Chicago, according to the city Health Department. Because of this, experts say the risk of the virus being locally transmitted by a Zika-carrying mosquito is low. Advertisement The city is monitoring for the Aedes albopictus, which can survive in Chicago. The risk of transmission from the albopictus, however, is low because the mosquito spreads its bites out between humans and animals, health officials say. The Zika virus also can be transmitted through blood transfusion, laboratory exposure and sexual contact. "That's actually playing a larger role in transmission of the virus than we previously thought," said CDC spokesman Tom Skinner about sexual transmission. The CDC still is studying whether Zika can be passed through saliva. And last week, doctors in Brazil reported eye problems connected to Zika. The patients in Illinois were all infected elsewhere, officials said. Outreach around travel is key. The city is planning a public awareness campaign this month, said Dr. Allison Arwady, chief medical officer at the Chicago Department Public Health. The campaign will include installing billboard messages near O'Hare and Midway airports. Advertisement "There are a lot of people who live and visit here ... who are moving back and forth between these parts of the world," Arwady said. Women traveling who suspect they have Zika symptoms should not attempt to get pregnant within two months, said Dr. Chad Achenbach, an infectious diseases specialist for Northwestern's Center for Global Health. Symptoms of Zika include mild fever, rash, joint and muscle pain. Doctors are focusing on testing people, especially pregnant women, who have these symptoms or who have traveled to affected areas. "There is no gold standard for, 'This is what we should do,'" said Angarone. "It's a lot of pressure on the mom." The National Institutes of Health Vaccine Research Center is working on vaccines, added Achenbach, but that could take years. Advertisement Even though warmer states such as Florida and Texas are seeing more Zika cases 162 and 42, respectively the CDC is working with local agencies in every state. "At the end of the day, we can't predict with any certainty where Zika's actually going to transmit locally," Skinner said. City officials say Chicagoans should avoid mosquito bites by using bug spray and emptying old tires and anything else that collects water. A mosquito program, already in place, collects and tests the bugs. Every summer, the city hires dozens of seasonal employees to set about 70 traps, Arwady said. Experts are typically looking for the West Nile virus. This year, they're also looking for the albopictus mosquito. "The good news is, because of West Nile, Chicago is very used to responding to mosquito-borne virus," Arwady said. In 2015, the city put larvicide in more than 100,000 catch basins and tested 16,997 mosquitoes. Local health departments near Chicago are also preparing, similarly using West Nile procedures already in place to monitor mosquitoes. Advertisement Funding and preparedness are important in infectious disease response, according to a 2015 list measuring how prepared states are for outbreaks. Illinois, which ranked in the middle of the list, scored well on factors like laboratory training but could use improvement on vaccinations, said Richard Hamburg, president of the Trust for America's Health which co-published the report. Hospitals are more prepared after the Ebola outbreak, he added, which forced cities to quickly consider testing mechanisms and travel quarantines. "Often in infectious diseases, some of it is prevention, some of it is mitigation," Hamburg said. "We tend to fund emergencies after the emergency occurs." Arwady said outbreaks like Zika and Ebola help the city marshal funds to boost preparedness. Prepping for Ebola improved communication among doctors and spurred training, she said. Congress is still working to reach an agreement on Zika funding, even as officials warned of an alarming number potentially thousands of cases in Puerto Rico. As Illinois faces a major budget crisis, allocating funds for public health is imperative, Hamburg said. Advertisement Zika is here, he added, and states need to prepare. "We know that it will get warmer," he said. "We know that mosquitoes will carry this disease. We know that there will be outbreaks." City officials posted a hotline for providers: 312-746-4835. Patients can visit the city's informational site and should bring questions to a doctor, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. abowen@tribpub.com Twitter @byalisonbowen RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Senate Democrats block GOP's Zika funding bill CDC: Puerto Rico could see hundreds of Zika-infected babies with microcephaly Zika can also strike eyes of adults, report reveals Men using testosterone gel experienced a significant increase in their sexual activity, researchers found in a study funded by the gel's maker. Experts caution, however, that the therapy may not be for everyone. (Plush Studios / Getty Images) Aging men who are losing their sexual pep can receive a love-life boost from testosterone replacement therapy, according to results from the largest "low-T" clinical trial to date. Older men treated with testosterone gel experienced a moderate but significant improvement in their sex drive, sexual activity and erectile function compared with men given a placebo gel, said lead researcher Dr. Glenn Cunningham. He's a professor of endocrinology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Advertisement RELATED: TRENDING LIFE & STYLE NEWS THIS HOUR "We found that testosterone improved all three, which is pretty remarkable, particularly when you're dealing with an older-age population," Cunningham said of the study, which was partially funded by the pharmaceutical industry. Advertisement According to Dr. Brad Anawalt, older men who use testosterone therapy won't find themselves transformed into sexual dynamos. But they will experience a measurable improvement in their sex lives, he said. Anawalt, who reviewed the study's findings, is a professor of endocrinology with University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. "Men treated with testosterone reported an increase in orgasm of about one every week versus one every 10 days," Anawalt said. "That works out to one more orgasm per month compared to placebo. Significant? Up to the man." All men experience a natural decline in testosterone levels as they age. That causes a decrease in energy and sex drive in some, the study authors said. A low testosterone or "low-T" industry has flourished over the past 15 years, with aging baby boomer men looking to testosterone therapy as a potential "fountain of youth." The number of men beginning testosterone treatments has nearly quadrupled since 2000, the study authors noted. But some health experts have remained cautious and even skeptical, arguing that hormone therapy should be reserved for men suffering severe symptoms of low testosterone, such as impotence or muscle wasting. Dr. Landon Trost said the results of the new study show that aging men who experience normal declines in testosterone can benefit from replacement therapy. Trost is an assistant professor of urology and an expert on male sexual dysfunction at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "The study would argue that normal is normal," Trost said. "Even if there's an age-related decline, that should be considered abnormal." Treatment with testosterone gel can cost between $200 and $400 a month, Trost said, while regular testosterone injections run less than $100 per month. Men also can have delayed-release testosterone pellets implanted, which costs about $1,000 every three to four months. Advertisement This study is part of the Testosterone Trials, a series of seven clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health to assess the effectiveness of hormone therapy in men 65 or older with symptoms related to low testosterone levels. For this trial, 470 men older than 65 were randomly assigned to use either a testosterone gel or a placebo gel for one year. All of the men had low testosterone levels due to aging, and low libido. They all also had a heterosexual partner willing to have sex with them at least twice a month. Pharmaceutical company AbbVie, which makes a testosterone gel called AndroGel, provided funding for the study, as well as the testosterone gel and placebo gel used in the study. Men using testosterone gel experienced a significant increase in their sexual activity, the researchers found. Questionnaires revealed improvement in 10 out of 12 measurements of sexual activity, including frequency of sex, masturbation, sexual daydreams, sexual anticipation and nighttime erections. By comparison, men in the placebo group had similar questionnaire responses throughout the study. Despite these findings, testosterone therapy might not be good for every aging man, Cunningham cautioned. The goal of the Testosterone Trials was to figure out if hormone replacement therapy actually worked. Safety concerns weren't investigated. Advertisement Testosterone therapy could potentially increase a man's long-term risk of prostate cancer or heart disease, Cunningham said. The therapy also tends to thicken blood, resulting in an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. Men shouldn't receive testosterone therapy if they have prostate cancer or have had a heart attack or stroke within the past six months, he said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered a clinical trial examining the safety risks of testosterone-replacement therapies. "That trial will be conducted, but it will take probably five or six years," Cunningham said. "We're probably not going to have real good information regarding risk for another six or seven years." The clinical trial results were published online June 29 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Doctors look for ways to prevent suicide among themselves Finding exercise that speaks to you, making it fun Making a life plan based on your DNA Valerie Jarrett, senior White House adviser and "first friend" to the Obamas, has wasted no time in once again dispatching rumors about Michelle Obama's political ambitions, offering an audience in San Francisco "a 100 percent assurance she will never run for elected office." But Jarrett, whose hometown is Chicago, was far more coy when quizzed about her own post-Obama administration future. Advertisement Asked on stage at the Commonwealth Club whether she might run for office after she returns to Chicago, she gave a lengthy and evasive answer that ended with the words "we'll see." Could she be a contender in the 2019 mayoral election, or seek some statewide position? Advertisement "I think I pretty much surely will go home and then I will go to sleep, and then I'll figure out what to do after that," she said at the event last week. "This job is so all-consuming, as it should be, as your taxpayer dollars are counting on it being, and so I can't figure it out, we'll see." Jarrett was less shy about sharing the source of her political expertise, telling the audience that her experiences serving Chicago Mayors Harold Washington and Richard M. Daley were "invaluable." "When you are in local government you are on the ground and you are looking into the eyes and hearts of the people you are there to serve," she said, doing a more-than-passable impression of a politician running for office. "It teaches you to listen, it teaches you to be expansive in the people with whom you talk to and I think that that engagement gives you political judgment." She added that she has "a really good moral compass, which I attribute to my parents" and, with a laugh, that she'd like Kerry Washington, who plays superflack Olivia Pope in the White House melodrama "Scandal," to play her in a movie. Jarrett said Michelle Obama would be "a terrific whatever she decides to be, but she does not have the political part. The politics part of government is enormously frustrating to her." kjanssen@tribpub.com Twitter @kimjnews To understand Chicago's violence, start at Kostner Avenue and Monroe Street and walk west up a one-way stretch of graystones and brick two-flats. There on a boarded-up front door you'll see the red stain of gang graffiti. On the cracked sidewalk below lies an empty heroin baggie. Hardened young men sit on a porch. This single block on the West Side part of the Harrison police district has been the scene of at least six shootings so far this year. A masked gunman shot a teen in the stomach. A father delivering groceries to his daughter was shot before he could escape gunfire. And in late June, police again unspooled the yellow crime scene tape in the alley behind the block after a teen was fatally shot in the head. Advertisement As Chicago heads into the often violent July Fourth weekend, these kinds of stories are all too common in pockets of the West and South sides. At the halfway point of the year, homicides have jumped by 49 percent citywide to 312 through Tuesday, reaching levels unseen since the late 1990s. Shooting incidents have risen by even more, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit increases. While it doesn't rank as the nation's murder capital on a per-capita basis, Chicago is the runaway leader in the sheer volume of killings and shootings. New York and Los Angeles don't even come close. Through June 19, Chicago had more homicides than those two larger cities combined, records show. The two combined had fewer than 1,000 shooting victims during that same period, while Chicago by Tuesday topped 1,900 about 10 a day. Advertisement A closer look at the numbers shows the intractable hold that violence has in some of Chicago's 22 police districts. Two of the city's historically most violent police districts Harrison and Englewood account for fully one-fourth of the homicides and shooting incidents. A complex mix of factors is driving the violence. But much of the bloodshed can be linked to gang conflict over everything from petty disputes to control of drug dealing, as well as the splintering of gangs into smaller cliques fighting over a few blocks at a time and easy access to guns, experts say. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 18 A police detective inspects bullet casings at the scene of a double shooting in the 8700 block of South Sangamon Street on June 18, 2016, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Yet there are deeper societal problems at play as well, including long histories of poverty, joblessness, segregation and neglect in these crime-ridden neighborhoods. The increased violence comes as the Police Department confronts an unprecedented crisis that has Chicago cops under the harshest light. The U.S. Justice Department is leading a wide-ranging probe of police practices in the wake of a video showing a white officer shooting black teen Laquan McDonald 16 times. The department also was forced into revamping its street stop procedures after the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois raised red flags over whether officers were violating citizens' civil rights. All this has led many officers to feel unsure about stopping anyone. Just this week, the president of the police union said many officers feel that "no one has their backs." Other veteran officers agree that Chicago cops are dispirited and have slowed down on the kind of proactive policing that can remove a gun or criminal from the street. The Tribune will be chronicling these issues in a series of stories over the coming summer months traditionally the peak of the violence. Gang conflict: 'Runnin' from God' At 10:30 a.m. last Saturday it was already steamy as the Rev. Marshall Hatch and about six other members of his New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church walked from their majestic edifice in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. One carried a life-sized wooden cross on his shoulder as the group set out to offer prayer. Advertisement As the group wound its way to Monroe and Kostner, the site of the six shootings this year, a young boy buzzed by on a bicycle to find out what they were doing. Neighbors gathered on front steps and side yards. A barbecue was already smoking, and Hatch made his way over to say hello. Hatch, who has worked on the West Side for some 30 years, took a break at a shady spot to talk about the complex problems faced by the neighborhood. As he spoke, a group of young men, as if cued by a movie director, crossed Monroe and streamed toward a home in the middle of the block. Hatch turned to watch. He sighed. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 The Rev. Marshall Hatch, right, of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church walks with parishioners June 25, 2016, as they hand out Bibles and talk to residents about salvation in the parts of West Garfield Park hit hardest by violence. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) "Well, you know, it's painful because its hard to imagine that they are up to anything positive," he said. "Because everything else in the neighborhood is so negative." Unbowed, Hatch walked to the home a few minutes later and passed his business card across the wrought iron fence. The men responded with hard, vacant looks. No eye contact. Then they peeled off, one by one. "You runnin' from God," a woman in front of the house told the young men. Advertisement The makeup of Chicago's gangs has changed dramatically over the years. They once were massive organizations with powerful leaders and hundreds of members who controlled large chunks of territory. Now small cliques battle for control over a few blocks. Veteran officers say the fractured nature of gangs has made life more chaotic on the street, with rivals sometimes living just a few blocks apart. Hatch thinks much of the violence involves retaliatory shootings stemming from so many homicides going unsolved, while police complain of too few witnesses willing to cooperate. "That means you've got a lot of vigilantism going on out there," he said. "They think they have to get (justice) on their own." On the West Side, on a street like Monroe that is minutes from the Eisenhower Expressway, nicknamed the "Heroin Highway" for its easy access for drug-buying suburbanites, fights for the lucrative drug spots are fueling much of the violence. Asked what's behind all the shootings, a resident near the troubled 4400 block of West Monroe said, "Whoever's dealing the drugs." Advertisement On the other hand, shootings by gangs on the South Side tend to be more over controlling turf or seeking retribution, according to police and former gang members. "South Side is about gangbanging," said one former gang member who lives near the Monroe block. "West Side is about money." Experts also agree that personal disputes increasingly are playing a role in the violence. One veteran cop recalled with disbelief recently how a slaying he investigated boiled down to an insult over shoes. Police also said so-called net-banging on social media fuels conflicts. Gang members have been known to post menacing videos on YouTube, showing them furtively entering rival territory, waving guns and issuing threats. Guns: Tools of the trade The third watch in the Harrison District was busy for a Tuesday evening in May, surprising even veteran officers. By the end of the approximately eight-hour shift, at least nine guns had been taken off the street. Advertisement The seizures reflect a persistent problem for Chicago: the proliferation of handguns. Through Tuesday, police had recovered 4,300 guns from across the city, up 30 percent from a year earlier. Gun-related arrests have risen as well, to 1,530, the department said. 2016 shootings in Harrison District Source: Data compiled by Tribune breaking news desk 2016 shootings in Harrison District Source: Data compiled by Tribune breaking news desk Gun pipelines are plentiful for gang members, many of whom cannot legally buy firearms because of their criminal records. Gun shows and dealers operating under less stringent laws are a short drive away in northwest Indiana. Gang members also turn to legal buyers to purchase weapons for them at suburban Cook County and downstate gun shops an illegal practice known as straw purchasing. Guns also are stolen in burglaries. Roseanna Ander, executive director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, who has studied gun issues, said gun seizure records suggest gang members in New York and Los Angeles carry fewer illegal firearms than those in Chicago. "Unfortunately for Chicago, that has the tragic consequence of higher homicide rates and higher rates of shootings," Ander said. That night in May in the Harrison District, the seizures began about 4 p.m. when two men in their 30s were arrested after officers saw them firing at each other near Troy Street and Jackson Boulevard. Officers confiscated a two-tone gray and black Smith & Wesson 9 mm and a Springfield .45-caliber. Advertisement In the next three hours, three more guns would be recovered including one hidden under a vehicle passenger seat and another tucked into the pocket of a hoodie. Ranking officers say reports from the field indicate more gang members are being caught carrying guns than in the past, a troubling trend that could explain in part the surge in shootings. Like his predecessors, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson is pushing for tougher gun laws. In a telephone interview Wednesday, Johnson said repeat gun offenders are driving much of the violence, emboldened by the knowledge that there won't be serious consequences for their actions. "Until they get the message ... that our judicial system is serious about holding them accountable, they're going to continue," he told the Tribune. Poverty: 'Communities dumped on' Johnson said poverty and economic disparity also play a part in fueling the violence in underprivileged areas, including the Harrison District. Advertisement "If you show me people without hope, I'll show you people that's willing to pick up a gun and do something with it," he said. The Harrison District has been among the city's most violent for years and remains so. From the beginning of the year through Sunday, the West Side district led the city with 232 shooting incidents and was a close second with 38 homicides, both more than double a year earlier. The communities in the West Side district have long struggled under the weight of low employment and poverty. Past census data show that far more households in the West Garfield Park neighborhood fell below the poverty level than the citywide average and that its unemployment rate was at times as high as 25 percent. When Chicago Public Schools closed nearly 50 schools in the summer of 2013 because of underenrollment, three were in this lone West Side neighborhood. "These communities are dumped on in a lot of ways," Hatch said. "... It's not just closing schools. It's the disinvestment, the sense of desolation. Who wants to live next door to a boarded-up school?" Rev. Marshall Hatch, center, of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church stands with a group of parishioners as they prepare reach out to residents in parts of West Garfield Park hit hardest by violence. (Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune) (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Other areas are experiencing sharp increases in violence as well. Through Sunday, the Englewood District on the South Side led the city in homicides with 39, the Austin District on the West Side had seen a 142 percent increase in shooting incidents and homicides had risen 145 percent in the Deering District on the Southwest Side. Advertisement These communities share similar socio-economic struggles and entrenched gang problems. Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Police Accountability Task Force, created in the fallout over the court-ordered release of the McDonald shooting video, concluded in its recent report that Chicago's segregation has "isolated" many black communities. It also linked failing social systems to pernicious crime, citing an "alarming lack of jobs as well as a dearth of basic community services and anchors like decent schools, day care, churches, community centers, parks or grocery stores." "These same neighborhoods are ravaged by violent crime," said the report, citing the Austin, North Lawndale, Englewood and Roseland neighborhoods. For many, the lure of a gang and the quick cash of its illicit drug market are too powerful to resist given the economic realities. While the gangs drive violence, failing social systems thwart any chance for meaningful change, said Andrew Papachristos, a Yale University sociologist who has studied the city's crime patterns, particularly in the Harrison District. "You don't see the long-term investment," he said. "When police come out and take out a drug corner or go after a certain drug operation, what investment has been made on the other side to stop the next generation from coming up?" Advertisement Police: Going fetal? The troubling video of Officer Jason Van Dyke fatally shooting 17-year-old McDonald has created a firestorm for the Police Department, touching off weeks of protest, the firing of Superintendent Garry McCarthy and the in-depth Justice Department probe of police practices. Morale plummeted as officers expressed concern about their every move being captured on smartphone video, a Tribune story reported earlier this year. Some have suggested that officers became hesitant to make street stops and arrests for fear of backlash. In a speech Tuesday, Dean Angelo Sr., president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said street stops had plunged by 150,000 so far this year, but he blamed the more extensive paperwork that officers must fill out this year for every street stop, not the so-called Ferguson effect a reference to a slowdown by police nationwide because of increased scrutiny after a fatal police shooting in Ferguson, Mo. Even before the McDonald video was released, Emanuel had said officers in Chicago and across the country had gone "fetal" to avoid being the next viral video. Superintendent Johnson told the Tribune he thinks officers were simply confused earlier in the year about how to fill out the street stop forms, and savvy criminals noticed that cops weren't being as proactive on the street. "And if I'm a criminal, and I'm a good criminal, I'm going to take advantage of the situation," he said. Advertisement Another veteran cop said the forms are so complicated that they take as long as an hour to fill out, keeping officers from street duty and leading many to reconsider whether a stop is worth the effort. It's affected the department's ability to gather intelligence on gangs, he believes. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so by the department. Chicago shootings: 2016 vs. 2015 Cumulative shootings by day, January through June 30 1,500 2016 TOTAL 1,930 1,000 Up 50.5 percent 2015 TOTAL 1,282 500 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Source: Data compiled by Tribune breaking news desk 2016 is a leap year so there is an additional day in February Chicago shootings: 2016 vs. 2015 Cumulative shootings by day, January through June 30 2016 TOTAL 1,500 1,930 Up 50.5 percent 1,000 500 2015 TOTAL: 1,282 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Source: Data compiled by Tribune breaking news desk The ACLU has disputed the notion that fewer street stops contribute to spikes in violence. The group has maintained that the way Chicago police have stopped residents was unconstitutional and needed to be fixed to protect the public. While it might seem logical that inaction by police will lead to increased violence, criminologists caution against a rush to judgment. Instead, they argue that violence typically persists in communities in which relations between police and residents are frayed because of lack of trust and communication. "When communities lose confidence in the police to protect them and to serve their interests effectively, community members often will take matters into their own hands and settle disputes violently," said Richard Rosenfeld, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. "I think that's what you are seeing playing out on the streets of Chicago right now." Emanuel's task force on policing also zeroed in on the lack of trust between police and communities of color as one of the significant issues facing the Police Department. It found that the department's flagship effort to build trust the decades-old Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy had been "significantly damaged after years of neglect." On numerous occasions since taking office in March, Johnson has acknowledged the department's breakdown in trust with the community. Advertisement "Community relationships with CPD are so important," he said Wednesday. "And that's why it's so important for us to re-establish trust and gain trust where we didn't have it before." 'In the blink of an eye' Herbert Lee can remember a few fleeting images as he was parking his Chevy Monte Carlo last February in the 4400 block of West Monroe. Three people standing outside a building. Another crossing the street. A passing car. Then boom. "When I heard the gunshots, I just immediately took off," Lee said last weekend as he sat in his mother-in-law's West Side apartment. "I was trying to get off the block because I didn't know where the shots was coming, where they were directed toward." He got a about a block away before another round of shots shattered his windshield and a bullet hit him in his face. Advertisement A bulge is noticeable on the right side of Lee's neck, where he said the bullet is still lodged. Almost five months later, he is still shaken. "I'm used to the violence. I'm used to hearing gunshots. I'm used to seeing victims. But I'm not used to being shot," he said. "In the blink of an eye, I could have been gone." More recently, on June 23, a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot near the alley behind the Monroe block. Minutes after the shooting, a group of teens and young men lingered as police worked the scene. "Don't ask me (expletive)," one man said to a reporter. Advertisement "Move it along," another said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Farther down Monroe, a woman and her nephew sat smoking in the dark on their front porch behind a wrought iron fence that has been nicked by bullets in the past. "We're concerned," said the 27-year-old nephew, an electrician. "I feel there's nothing we can do about it." Chicago Tribune's Peter Nickeas contributed. asweeney@tribpub.com jgorner@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @annie1221 Twitter @Jeremy Gorner Journalist and humorist Mo Rocca with the 10 National Geographic Bee finalists on May 25, 2016, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Thiessen / TNS) The mother of an Oak Brook student wants a judge to review the sanctions imposed by her son's school, which claimed the mother obtained advance copies of test questions to unfairly boost her child's performance. The complaint for administrative review was filed Wednesday by the mother, an Oak Brook resident who identified herself in the complaint as S. Jain, filing on behalf of her son, who was a fifth-grader this year in Butler School District 53. Advertisement Jain is asking the DuPage County courts to set aside sanctions imposed by the Board of Education, which banned Jain's son from academic contests after it concluded he had cheated in a geography bee and in a vocabulary contest after his mother obtained a advance copies of the questions. Jain's complaint is the second filed by a district family against the Oak Brook school over alleged cheating. Advertisement She has asked the court to set aside all findings and sanctions the Board of Education made in her son's case and to have the school's actions "reversed" because they were "made in violation of due process and the interests of fundamental justice." In a letter filed with the complaint, the school district said it took action against Jain's son after learning that Jain had allegedly obtained the actual test in the WordMasters Challenge vocabulary contest by buying it from the WordMasters organization, then prepped her son with it. The child scored a perfect 20/20 on the test, according to the district, which said the score was "not commensurate with his classroom performance." The district also said Jain had supplied her son with the geography contest questions, which had been obtained by another family at the school. The district said in correspondence that the families were able to acquire the tests by registering as "home schoolers" on the websites of the contest organizations. "The findings of my investigation yielded a clear picture of intentional academic dishonesty and unethical behavior harmful to the district, its students and your child," Superintendent Heidi Wennstrom wrote in a February letter to Jain. The district banned the boy from any future academic contest participation, though it allowed him to continue in any nonacademic extracurricular activities, the letter said. Jain called the punishment "excessive, cruel and unjustified" and said it would negatively affect her son, who Jain said "has a zest for learning." "He was penalized for knowing the correct answers and doesn't comprehend why," the mother wrote. Advertisement Wennstrom said Friday the school district received the complaint Thursday and was reviewing it. The superintendent said when the district initiated its investigation this year she did not believe it would show evidence of cheating. But when it did, the district acted decisively to safeguard its academic reputation, Wennstrom said. "Academic dishonesty really casts a shadow on accomplishment done through hard work," she said. Rahul Julka, a DuPage County surgeon, previously filed a civil complaint against the Board of Education of District 53 and board members on behalf of his children, ages 9 and 11, who also were banned from academic competitions. The complaint asked that a judge repeal the sanctions against the children. A school district investigation determined that Julka's wife, Komal, registered as a "fraudulent" home school provider, and her emails showed she paid for geography bee questions with her credit card after creating a school name and address, according to court records. The competition, known as the GeoBee, was slated to begin Jan. 19 at Brook Forest Elementary School. Word spread among parents that some families may have actual test questions, and administrators began receiving complaints Jan. 15. Advertisement Rahul Julka withdrew his children from the competition that same evening, according to district records. The Julkas have denied any wrongdoing. Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter. Just days before the Fourth of July at Uncle Sam's Fireworks in Hammond, fireworks were flying off the shelves. It's a madhouse this time of year, store manager Matt Bugos said with a smirk. It's like a candy store for pyros. From floor to ceiling, there's Roman candles wrapped in bright pastel wrapping paper, snakes that leap from the ground in a spew of ash when lit and sputtering spark fountains in gold, green, red, white and blue. For $675, there's "The Godfather," a 100-pound box of explosives with a scowling cartoon image of Al Capone, guns pointed forward. Advertisement The image is pure Americana, which is ironic given the obvious "Made in China" label on the front of the box. Also made in China: the "Star Spangled Banner" and "5 American Super Shells: Because in America We Do Everything Big." Bugos said that's true of the entire store. In fact, almost everything that whizzes, fizzes, bangs and booms in America this time of year was imported from China. Advertisement Much like the general trend of manufacturing in the U.S., industry professionals said, domestic fireworks production can't compete with the low prices and lax regulations of the Chinese market. When cities and towns want to put on a patriotic spectacle, Chinese-made fireworks give them more bang for their buck. The American appetite for fireworks is insatiable and growing. Last year, Americans bought more than $1 billion, or 285.3 million pounds, in backyard consumer and professional display fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, a trade group for the industry. Since 1998, the industry has more than doubled its profits. Of those fireworks, China produces 99 percent of consumer fireworks bought in the U.S. and at least 75 percent of shells used in professional displays here. Last year, one large U.S. company imported 2,600 40-foot shipping containers of fireworks to the United States, according to Terry Winkle, an agent for fireworks companies. In 2004, after four years in the fireworks business, Winkle moved to Liuyang, China, where black powder and firecrackers were invented in the 12th century to fend off evil spirits. Today, Liuyang is the world's manufacturing hub for them. His company, Liuyang Flying Dragon Fireworks, acts as a go-between for the factories and companies around the world. Many of his employees speak more than three languages. Cheaper labor from people living in rural areas allows the Chinese companies to cheaply assemble fireworks by hand. Many of the city's 1.2 million people are employed at factories on the outskirts of town, he said. APA Executive Director Julie Heckman said U.S. fireworks manufacturing began to peter out in the latter half of the 20th century, "because it is so labor intensive." Phil Grucci saw the decline firsthand. President of Fireworks by Grucci, a venerated U.S. fireworks maker, he represents the fifth generation of his family to operate the company founded by his Italian immigrant great-great-grandfather more than 150 years ago. Advertisement "When I was young, manufacturing was very popular," he said. "Almost every display company also manufactured, and they only sold their own products." In the 1970s, he said, his grandfather, then president of the company, began importing a small number of fireworks from Japan. It wasn't just the low price, Japanese fireworks were extraordinarily well-made and had a unique aesthetic. When prices soared there, Taiwan became a cheaper, better option. Eventually, China caught up, and eventually became the industry standard. Today, just 40 years later, the company imports about 65 percent of its product from Asia. The story's the same for other companies, he said. Where there were once hundreds of display fireworks manufactures in the U.S., there are now only a handful, Grucci said. That's why Grucci still employs 165 workers and skilled technicians at its factory in Virginia. He wants to keep as much manufacturing in the U.S. as possible and still stay competitive. But because of the significance fireworks play on Independence Day, it's a disappointing reality. "It's kind of sad," he said. "It's not that I'm anti-Chinese, because we have a long relationship with the factories over there. It's more from a pride and patriotism perspective." Grucci would like to see that trend turn around, as long as the U.S. maintains sturdy trade with China. With many younger Chinese workers desiring education, skilled jobs and higher wages, it's possible that change could eventually come, he said. Advertisement For Garry Hanson, the owner of Precocious Pyrotechnics in Belgrade, Minn., the economic realities of the industry have made the job less fun than it used to be. His company had to shut down consumer fireworks manufacturing in 1993, but still produces fireworks for larger shows. He said his company is "one of the dinosaurs," one of the last to make fireworks here. His main grievance is regulation. Hanson said 31 branches of state, federal and local governments "have their fingers" in his business. "Everyone you can think of," including the Environmental Protection Agency; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Department of Transportation; the Occupational Safety Administration and others perform background checks on employees, determine the conditions under which fireworks are made, transported and distributed and test and certify individual products. Hanson thinks regulations have done little to make the industry safer, instead tying the hands of U.S. companies in a market already stacked against them. "You see what rules and regulations do," he said. "They don't help." Grucci doesn't bow to excessive regulation, but views it as necessary and reasonable. His only frustration is with redundant policies. For example, his employees must undergo background checks and fingerprinting from several agencies to work in the factories. Why that information is not shared between departments, Grucci doesn't know. "This industry is transporting and manufacturing explosives," he said. "You can't expect that there will be no regulation. Learn how to be good at it; try to make it manageable. Monitor regulations and push back against the ones that don't make sense." Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > At local stores like Uncle Sam's, most customers don't care much that the fireworks are made on the other side of the world. Bugos said. In 16 years, he's only seen 12 dud fireworks, and only a handful of customers have ever asked if the fireworks were made outside the U.S. People are more worried about kicking back, spending time with family and blowing something up, he said. "It'll keep going as a pastime for families to celebrate," he said. Bugos tells a customer named Mike, who would not give his last name, that the Excalibur mortar, which shoots exploding shells as high as 400 feet in the air, is one of the best fireworks he's got. Mike didn't ask where it was made. Another customer plucks Excalibur from the wall. "Yeah, it's really good," he said, beaming, walking quickly to the cashier. He didn't ask about China, either. Mmccall@tribpub.com Advertisement @MatthewMcCall_ Steven Randy Rueckert, left, and Daniel Herbert, attorneys for Jason Van Dyke, confer with Van Dyke during court Aug. 11, 2017. Van Dyke was at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago for a hearing on the shooting of Laquan McDonald. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) A Cook County judge said Thursday he is still deciding who to name as special prosecutor to try Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke on first-degree murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Van Dyke's attorney, Daniel Herbert, declined to comment after the hearing, saying Judge Vincent Gaughan had issued a "gag order" on lawyers in the case. No such written order could be found in court records, but the judge regularly has held closed-door meetings with prosecutors and Van Dyke's attorneys. Advertisement During the brief hearing, Gaughan said he has sought a volunteer to prosecute Van Dyke by sending letters to Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office, the Office of the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor and every county state's attorney's office in Illinois except for Cook County. The judge, who agreed to appoint a special prosecutor in early June, said he was responding to questions raised by several of the offices. Advertisement The cost of prosecuting Van Dyke would be borne by the agency that takes the case, he said. A coalition had sought a special prosecutor earlier this year while Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez was in the midst of a heated re-election battle. They argued that Alvarez had a cozy relationship with the Chicago police union, creating a conflict of interest. After her resounding loss in the Democratic primary, Alvarez withdrew from the Van Dyke prosecution. She denied any conflict but said a special prosecutor would "provide continuity in the handling of this very important and complicated case." The dashboard camera video of Van Dyke shooting McDonald has caused a firestorm of controversy and led to calls for major reforms amid a U.S. Justice Department investigation of police practices. The shooting took place in October 2014, but the officer wasn't charged until late last November, hours before a judge ordered the release of the video showing Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times as he walked away from police with a knife in his hand. sschmadeke@tribpub.com Twitter @SteveSchmadeke Police searched a Wauconda home for explosives Thursday night after an employee of a nearby business reported a threat a man made allegedly saying he wanted to lure police to his home with the intention of setting off explosives and blowing them up, authorities said. Authorities assumed the threat was credible because the suspect gave a "pretty specific" description of the explosives he said he had, Wauconda police spokeswoman Heather Cognac said. The suspect was in custody early Friday morning with charges pending. Police cleared a 1,400-foot perimeter around the 400 block of Lakeshore Blvd., Highland Avenue and Hill Street and closed Illinois Route 176 between Main Street and Fairfield Road as the Wauconda Police Department, the Waukegan Bomb Squad and the Illinois State Police SWAT team searched the home. ATF dogs also were brought in, Cognac said. Authorities lifted the evacuation order just after midnight, allowing residents who left some three hours before to return home. Investigators continued to process the scene and will keep Lakeshore Blvd. closed to through-traffic between Illinois Route 176 and Hill Street. They will also keep Highland Ave. closed between Lakeshore Blvd. and Clearview Ave. Following the threat, police encouraged evacuated residents to gather at Federation Church of Wauconda on Barrington Road. Judy Reimer, who turns 89 next week, was in her pajamas and walking to her bedroom when her neighbors came to tell her about the evacuation, she said. Minutes later, she said, the police came to her house and she did not have time to change before heading to the church. "I could see all the squad cars and everything and somebody shot off a couple of firecrackers and I thought it was guns," Reimer said. "I knew there was something going on with all the police cars. I didn't know what, though." Lenn Neubauer saw squad cars near his home before getting a call on his landline about the evacuation, he said. His home is about six blocks from the residence in question, and he called his parents, who live down the street but do not have a landline. The three followed police orders and went to the church. "We weren't that nervous, but it's better safe than sorry," Neubauer said. Not everyone in the neighborhood got the information. Brenda Logothetti lives a few blocks down from the house being searched, but said no one came to alert her and her husband who were in bed when the evacuation began. Their neighbor, Dan Miroballi, heard a helicopter circling over the area and wondered what was happening. He said he searched Google for the phrase, "why is there a helicopter over Wauconda," and saw news reports of the bomb search. He then went to tell Logothetti and her husband. "I'm just hoping, I worry over the holiday weekend," Logothetti said. "I don't know what people will do." Angelica LaVito is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. A planned $16 million renovation of St. Adalbert Catholic Church would convert its Italian marble sanctuary into a concert stage for the Chicago Academy of Music Conservatory. (Erin Hooley, Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) The awe-inspiring architecture that for more than a century has housed worshippers at St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church could eventually host young musical prodigies from around the world. The Chicago Archdiocese is in preliminary discussions with the Chicago Academy of Music about purchasing the property and converting the church's adjacent convent into dormitories for students, its rectory into housing for master musicians and its Italian marble sanctuary into a concert stage. Advertisement Yet parishioners, who have been protesting the church's closing for months, plan to file appeals to the Vatican on Friday to keep their Pilsen parish open or, at the very least, hallowed. Their appeals fall on the same day two decrees by Archbishop Blase Cupich go into effect: The first assigns St. Adalbert's parishioners and assets to nearby St. Paul's Catholic Church. The second reduces St. Adalbert to a state that permits activities besides worship, paving the way for a prospective purchase and renovation of the decaying church and crumbling towers. "One of the reasons we're excited about the potential reuse is their intention is to preserve the building, not only physically but as a resource to the community, which quite often is what these churches were," said Eric Wollan, director of capital assets for the archdiocese. "We talk about serving the mission of the church. We have an opportunity to preserve the building for a use that is very positive in the neighborhood." Advertisement Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 40 Organist Ewa Kovak rehearses at St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood before the start of 10 a.m. Mass on June 26, 2016. Parishioners and supporters are holding prayer vigils and rallies to save their century-old parish from closure. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) The "conceptual conversations" between the church and the conservatory could signal a victory for preservationists who initiated the deal in hopes of saving one of the city's endangered architectural gems. As the nation's third largest Catholic diocese reckons with dilapidated buildings it can't afford to maintain, preservationists see the prospective sale as a hopeful sign before a radical overhaul by the archdiocese that could shutter many of Chicago's Catholic houses of worship by 2030. "The archdiocese has been operating at a deficit for a very long time," said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, who introduced church officials to founders of the academy last year amid suggestions that St. Adalbert would be razed. "They have to make some very tough decisions. Our outreach and wrestling with this great dilemma resulted in now nobody talking about demolition." The archdiocese announced Cupich's decision to close St. Adalbert in February as part of a reconfiguration of six Pilsen parishes. Though the process was not intended to be a pilot for the wider consolidation, the community conversations that led to the decision are considered a template for the churchwide reorganization in months and years to come. Still, parishioners have staged weekly prayer vigils, most recently outside Holy Name Cathedral, where Cupich regularly celebrates Mass and lives in the rectory. Though the decree that reduces the church from its sacred status goes into effect Friday, parishioners have been told they can continue to worship there as long as the building remains structurally sound and appeals are under way. Blanca Torres grew up going to St. Adalbert school and lived across the street as a child. Shortly after the archdiocese tried to shutter the historically Polish parish in 1974, her parents, both Mexican immigrants, requested a Spanish-language Mass, which still exists today. "They present it sort of nicely as they have this music school that wants to buy the church and they're offering landmark status," said Torres, who still worships there. "The ones who have access to the church first in canon law are the parishioners. We should be able to say this is what we propose." But preservationists fear the academy might be the only entity that can save the building. For more than a year, scaffolding has been erected to contain the crumbling facades of the two iconic towers. If the parish can't afford to maintain that web of steel on top of the necessary repairs then the scaffolding comes down and so must the church, they say. The Chicago Academy of Music has applied for a multimillion dollar loan from the Illinois Facilities Fund and the Chicago Community Loan Fund two Chicago lenders that finance nonprofit ventures aimed at creating opportunities for low-income and other marginalized communities. Advertisement Map: Parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago St. Adalbert Source: Archdiocese of Chicago The conservatory aims to immerse students in jazz, blues, classical and world music in neighborhoods where children ordinarily might not have access to music education. The academy, where master musicians serve as instructors, offers scholarships for families who can't afford lessons. Faculty include master trumpet improvisers Corey Wilkes and Victor Garcia, pianists Robert Irving III and Edwin Sanchez, guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque and renowned jazz bassist Harrison Bankhead. While the academy has opened a West Loop location in addition to its headquarters inside University Church in Hyde Park, officials hope to make St. Adalbert a flagship campus with a residential component. "For us, it's always been the intent to create Julliard in Chicago," said the academy's executive director Michael Scott Carter. In addition to other revenue streams, the academy has partnered with developers who share space and a percentage of their revenue. Two such developments in the works include the former St. Boniface Catholic Church in Chicago's West Town and Epiphany Episcopal Church on the Near West Side, one of the first examples in Chicago of Richardsonian Romanesque, a dominant architectural style in the latter half of the 19th century. Like the St. Adalbert discussions, both deals were initiated by Preservation Chicago. The St. Adalbert project would be different. The academy would own the property outright and revenue would come from tuition, student housing, a restaurant, a recording studio and cellphone towers. Through partnerships with the DuSable Museum of African-American History and other institutions, the building's iconic towers would house musical archives of Latin and Afro-Latin music. Performance space would feature concerts by local musicians and internationally acclaimed artists. Advertisement Organist Ewa Kovak rehearses at St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood before the start of 10 a.m. Mass on June 26, 2016. Parishioners and supporters are holding prayer vigils and rallies to save their century-old parish from closure. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) The church "was built with a science of vocal sonority," said Kahil El Zabar, executive creative director of the academy. "All of the old churches in their design were made so that acoustic performances would naturally be embellished. It's hard to find that same acoustic sensibility in new structures. ... We're looking at taking what was a space of worship and reinventing it as a sacred space of performance, of creative performance, not only with music but dance and visual art and performance art." Carter said it would be possible for parishioners to continue having Sunday Mass after a renovation was complete, and that the academy already has a history of sharing space with faith communities. But Torres, the parishioner, insists it should be the other way around. "We're willing to work with the music school afterward if we get access to the building," she said. "We would love to have concerts and stuff, but we would have to be the ones who are in charge of our sacred space at the time." In the last month, a group of parishioners working to save the church have formed a nonprofit called the St. Adalbert Preservation Society. With the help of Brody Hale, a lawyer who heads the Catholic Church Preservation Society, they have filed appeals to the archdiocese and contacted a canon lawyer in Rome to argue on their behalf. Hale has drafted the appeal to Rome that will be filed Friday, he said, adding that the Vatican has overturned 34 church closings in seven dioceses since 2011. St. Adalbert resembles many of those examples, he said, but it stands out for its architectural grandeur. "It's an ecclesiastical edifice constructed by people who clearly wanted to leave a tangible testament to their belief and gratitude to God for helping them to be settled in a new land," Hale said. Advertisement Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > While the appeals process prevents any sale of the property, it does not suspend the decrees, which Hale plans to argue in his appeal are flawed. After all, worshippers can't continue to worship in a space that has been decreed unsacred, he said. The archdiocese said it will not stand in the way of the parishioners' right to appeal. But spokeswoman Colleen Tunney-Ryan said for the most part, the parish has been in favor of discussions that could potentially lead to reuse of the buildings. "The appeal process is being driven by a small group of parishioners, supported by organizations outside of the parish," she said. El Zabar said the academy's plans for St. Adalbert sustain at least part of the congregation's contribution to the neighborhood. "We would hope the parishioners would see value in our desire to continue that legacy of gathering in a different way," El Zabar said. "It's using music as a celebration of that through education, through preservation and broader exposure that we believe brings people together." mbrachear@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @TribSeeker An 18-year-old woman is in critical condition after someone stabbed her on the West Side Friday afternoon. The victim was involved in a fight about 3:40 p.m. when the person she was fighting with stabbed her in the chest in the 0-100 block of North Laramie Avenue in the city's Austin neighborhood, said Officer Kevin Quaid, a spokesman for the Chicago Police. Advertisement She was taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, said Quaid. The attacker was not arrested and Area North detectives are investigating. The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund board meets July 1, 2015, with Tim Cawley, chief administrative officer with Chicago Public Schools, far right. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) Chicago Public Schools made a $658 million payment to the teachers pension fund Thursday, a check fund officials say is about $12 million light. The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund says the district owed it about $669 million on Thursday to settle a gargantuan and growing annual pension tab that has hamstrung CPS' ability to make ends meet and prompted considerable debate between city leaders and state government. Advertisement The dispute over how much is owed stems from a difference over how a state contribution to local teacher pensions can be credited to the district's bill. The district's position, a CPS spokeswoman said, was that it paid its full obligation to the pension fund. "I respect them, but I disagree with them," said Charles Burbridge, executive director of the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund. Advertisement The district's payment, while less than the fund thinks it is owned, will not have a significantly adverse effect, Burbridge said. He stressed that the issue is "not an adversarial dispute." "In the scheme of things, $12 million is not a grave issue. It's something that we'll work out," Burbridge said. "It's a heck of a lot better than a pension holiday." Burbridge was referring to the many years the state allowed the district to skip its pension payment altogether. CPS has warned this year's pension payment will leave the district with only enough cash to cover less than two days of business. However, the district acknowledged this week that its short-term cash picture "modestly improved" after a series of cost-cutting measures taken during the past school year. A district spokeswoman said that CPS has roughly $80 million in operating cash after making Thursday's payment. jjperez@tribpub.com Twitter @PerezJr A woman was killed while riding a Divvy bike on the Northwest Side on Friday, July 1. She's believed to be the first person killed riding a bike-sharing bicycle in the United States. (WGN-TV) A 25-year-old woman riding a Divvy bike who died Friday morning following a crash involving a flatbed truck in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood is believed to be the first person killed while riding a bike-sharing bicycle in the United States. The crash happened about 9 a.m. near Sacramento and Belmont avenues, said Officer Jose Estrada, a police spokesman, citing preliminary information. The truck and the bicyclist were both traveling north on Sacramento, when both turned east at Belmont and collided, Estrada said. Advertisement The woman was taken in critical condition to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and later pronounced dead, Estrada said. She was identified by the Cook County medical examiner's office as Virginia Murray, 25, of the 1200 block of North Marion Court in the Wicker Park neighborhood. The woman's death is believed to be the first bike-share fatality in the United States since the first bike-share program started in Tulsa, Okla., in 2007, according to Paul DeMaio, principal of Washington, D.C.-based MetroBike, a bike-share consulting business. Advertisement Flowers lay where a women was killed while riding her bike the day before at the corner of Sacramento and Belmont avenues on July 2, 2016. (Brandon Chew / Chicago Tribune) "This is really unfortunate. My heart goes out to the family members and friends of the person who was killed. Hopefully this will lead to the hastening and the growth of networks of bike infrastructure not only in Chicago but throughout North America." In a joint statement, the Chicago Department of Transportation and Divvy expressed their "deepest condolences to the rider's family and loved ones." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Nearly 8 million rides have been taken on the Divvy system since the bikes were brought into Chicago in June 2013. "It's a tragic reminder that we still have work to do to make our streets safe for everyone," said Jim Merrell, advocacy director for the Active Transportation Alliance, which promotes safe biking, walking and transit. He said the Alliance looks forward to the release this fall of the city's "Vision Zero" plan, the goal of which is eliminating traffic fatalities. "We believe all fatalities on our roadways are preventable," said Merrell. The police department's Major Accident Investigation Unit was investigating. A Mineta Transportation Institute study released in March found the rates of collision and injury among bike-sharing participants were lower than the rates among regular bicyclists. Transportation experts have attributed the lower collision and injury rate to a number of factors, including the shared bike's bulky, heavy design, which cuts speed, discourages risky maneuvers and increases visibility. Advertisement Bike-share programs have proliferated to over 32,000 bikes in about 100 U.S. cities over the last nine years, including Evanston and Oak Park, which got Divvy bikes this week. There have been bike-share deaths in other countries, including Canada and Mexico. Heather Mack, and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, both of Oak Park, sit in a cell before their trial in Bali, Indonesia, on March 12, 2015. (Firdia Lisnawati / AP) They once called themselves "Bonnie and Clyde" but apparently the confines of an Indonesian prison proved too powerful for their young love to last. A former Chicago-area couple imprisoned for killing the girl's wealthy mother during an exotic Bali vacation nearly two years ago has broken up, according to their recent social media posts. Advertisement Heather Mack, 20, is serving a 10-year sentence and gave birth while behind bars to a healthy girl named Stella. She is raising the child in prison per local custom until age 2. Mack's ex-boyfriend and the child's father, Tommy Schaefer, 22, is serving an 18-year term. Recent Instagram posts from both over the last few months indicate an icy divide. They were last photographed together in the prison for their daughter's first birthday party in March. Advertisement Several weeks later, Schaefer began taking to social media to criticize Mack's parenting skills. Schaefer told his followers he has tried without success to persuade Mack to allow family to raise their daughter while they are imprisoned. "Based on (the) way she treats me, my daughter and her own family, I can quite comfortably say that she can rot in hell," he wrote in May. "If she loved Stella as much as I did, she wouldn't let Stella see the place that she is in." Mack's Instagram account is updated nearly daily. She often posts photos and videos with their daughter. Of Schaefer, Mack posted a picture days ago of the two in happier times with the caption, "We made a mess of what used to be love, so why do I care at all?" Mack has had access to a cellphone in prison and has communicated with the Tribune occasionally. She did not respond to a recent request for comment. Mack and Schaefer were convicted in April 2015 of the grisly murder of 62-year-old Sheila von Wiese-Mack, whose badly beaten body was discovered in a suitcase left in a taxi in August 2014. The woman's friends and siblings say von Wiese-Mack planned the trip to Bali with her daughter as a new beginning in their troubled relationship, and von Wiese-Mack did not know Schaefer also had traveled to the island. The murder garnered international attention with each development, including the revelation that Mack, then a teenager, was pregnant. While the criminal proceedings played out in Indonesia, a battle over Mack's $1.56 million trust has ensued in Chicago. Mack's uncle, the trustee, argues Mack should be prohibited from reaping financial benefit from her crime under Illinois' slayer statute, which states that a person who unjustifiably causes the death of another person cannot receive property as a result of the death of that person. Advertisement Stella is next in line for the money. Schaefer, formerly of Oak Park, testified at his Bali trial that von Wiese-Mack was angry when she learned about her daughter's pregnancy. He tearfully testified he repeatedly struck her with a heavy metal fruit stand only after she threatened to harm the unborn baby, made a racial slur and tried to strangle him. Mack testified that her mother upon learning of the pregnancy began searching for a knife in their suite. Mack said she hid in the bathroom after the melee began, which the daughter said her mother initiated, and she emerged minutes later as Schaefer tried to resuscitate her mother. Their testimonies belied emails provided to the Tribune that von Wiese-Mack wrote to friends in which the mother said she was aware of her daughter's pregnancy. Also, authorities have made public several text messages they say Mack and Schaefer traded the morning of the slaying. The couple used the phrase "saying hi" as code for the actual moment of attack, according to federal court records. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In text messages, they referred to each other as "Bonnie and Clyde," a nod to the 1930s outlaw couple. On the day of the murder, at 8:20 a.m., Mack is alleged to have texted Schaefer, "Theres no better time to say hi is there?" Advertisement For the next 37 minutes, Mack and Schaefer set their deadly plan into action. In her frequent Instagram posts, Mack often writes lovingly about her slain mother. Mack also hinted she'll be returning to Chicago soon despite her 10-year prison sentence. Authorities in the U.S. said they had no information about an early release. In a recent post to her more than 1,750 Instagram followers, Mack wrote: "I know all yall haters gettin ready to throw me a home coming party." cmgutowski@tribpub.com Twitter @christygutowsk1 A Cook County judge said Friday a separate special prosecutor will be appointed to investigate Chicago police officers whose account of the Laquan McDonald shooting differed dramatically from a police dashboard-camera video that showed Officer Jason Van Dyke fire the fatal shots as the black teen with a knife walked away from police. Attorneys for the coalition who had sought the appointment expressed hope that investigators wouldn't limit their inquiry to Chicago police but also look for possible ties in the alleged cover-up to City Hall. Advertisement Judge Vincent Gaughan had previously decided he would assign an independent attorney to handle Van Dyke's prosecution after State's Attorney Anita Alvarez withdrew from the case after her resounding re-election loss in March. The decision by Gaughan that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the conduct of other officers at the shooting scene means there will be parallel probes of those officers. Federal prosecutors also have been looking into possible charges against those officers for many months. Citing sources, the Tribune has previously reported that the federal inquiry has branched into possible obstruction of justice by the officers at the scene. Advertisement In addition, the city inspector general's office, which has the power to investigate and make recommendations on employee matters and policies, is also conducting an investigation. The video belied many of the officers' written accounts that McDonald had lunged with the knife before Van Dyke opened fire. The shooting took place in October 2014, but Van Dyke wasn't charged until late last November, hours before a judge ordered the release of the video showing Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. The video has caused a firestorm of controversy and led to calls for major police reforms amid a U.S. Justice Department investigation of the department's practices. In February a coalition of some 25 community groups, prominent attorneys, a member of McDonald's family and some of Alvarez's biggest critics filed a petition in criminal court seeking a special prosecutor be appointed to not only investigate McDonald's shooting but also the officers whose reports contradicted what the video showed. Their petition also alleged that Alvarez had failed too often over her two terms in office to charge police officers who committed crimes and that when her office brought cases, the trials were often botched. After Friday's court hearing, Locke Bowman, an attorney for the coalition, criticized how long it has taken for the county to probe the officers' conduct and stressed how critical it was to appoint top-notch talent to conduct the investigation. He said he has proposed four candidates carry out the effort together: Sergio Acosta, a former federal prosecutor; David Coar, a retired federal judge; Patricia Brown Holmes, a former Cook County judge; and Ronald Safer, a former federal prosecutor. Bowman said the video evidence leaves no doubt that officers at the scene orchestrated a cover-up of how the shooting actually went down. Advertisement "This could not be more important," he told reporters. "If the Chicago Police Department had had its way, if no videotape had surfaced of how that shooting had happened, the false account in the Police Department's official records would have become the quote unquote truth about how Laquan McDonald met his death." "That injustice is so momentous and so horrifically appalling that it frankly has disappointed us that it has taken this long for a process to begin whereby we can be assured there will be an investigation and possible prosecution of the officers involved in the cover-up," Bowman said. G. Flint Taylor, another attorney for the coalition, said the special prosecutor should be free to follow the evidence wherever it goes, even if it involves wrongdoing outside of the Police Department. He said investigators should look into any "criminal conduct' at City Hall for its failure to release the video for more than a year after McDonald's shooting until a court order forced its hand. Taylor said the legal team has seen news reports of a federal grand jury investigation into the officers but have no confirmation of its existence. More than a year ago, federal officials confirmed they were conducting a criminal investigation into McDonald's death. But on Friday Joseph Fitzpatrick, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, declined to elaborate on the status of the federal probe. Chicago police union president Dean Angelo Sr. also declined to comment Friday on the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the other officers at the shooting scene. Advertisement Van Dyke and at least five other officers claimed in police reports that the 17-year-old McDonald moved or turned threateningly toward officers, even though video of the shooting shows McDonald walking away. At least one patrol officer said that McDonald was advancing on the officers in a menacing way and swung his knife at them in an "aggressive, exaggerated manner" before he was shot. Officers claimed, too, that even after McDonald had been shot by Van Dyke, the teen tried to lift himself off the pavement with the knife pointed toward the officers. The officers contended McDonald still presented a threat even though he had been mortally wounded. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Two of the officers including the lead detective whose reports are dramatically at odds with video of the fatal police shooting were taken off the street and placed on desk duty, but only after the city's inspector general recommended the move. Detective David March and Van Dyke's partner, Officer Joseph Walsh, were sidelined in December 2015 at least nine months after the city and police officials knew their accounts conflicted with the dash-cam video. A police spokesman did not respond Friday to whether any internal action has since been taken against any of the other five officers. Walsh and March have been called at least twice to appear before the federal grand jury investigating McDonald's shooting, The Tribune reported in January, citing recently released records. More than 20 other officers had been scheduled to appear before the grand jury at that point, records show. Walsh initially told investigators he repeatedly ordered McDonald to "drop the knife" as the teen approached officers. He said that he was backing up as McDonald drew closer, swinging his knife at police officers actions that did not occur, according to the video. Advertisement On Thursday, Gaughan said he is still deciding whom to name as special prosecutor to try Van Dyke on first-degree murder charges in McDonald's fatal shooting. sschmadeke@tribpub.com Twitter @SteveSchmadeke Gov. Bruce Rauner, joined by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, left, and Sen. Christine Radogno, congratulates legislators on both sides for reaching a deal on a stopgap budget on June 30, 2016. (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 After nearly a year without a formal state budget, the action in Springfield on Thursday was a pleasant surprise to many even if it was only a six-month budget but it's never too early to look at the hard road ahead. While there was some bipartisan praise, there also were warning signs. "Let's be clear, this is just a small step in the process of making Illinois strong and healthy and vibrant," Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner said. "This is a small step in the right direction. This is not a budget. This is not a balanced budget. This is not a solution to our long-term challenges. This is a bridge to reform." Advertisement Gov. Rauner makes remarks following the passing of a stopgap budget. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Reform is Rauner's euphemism for his "turnaround agenda," the business-friendly proposals he wants that are opposed by Democrats because it curtails union bargaining rights and affects civil trial attorneys. The difference of opinion is at the center of the near yearlong Springfield stalemate. The "bridge-to-reform" budget is a bridge to the November election. The heated political rhetoric is likely to return in little time as Rauner has pledged to use his wealth to try to erode the power of his chief political nemesis, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago. Rauner credited both Democratic Senate President John Cullerton and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for showing "flexibility and creativity" in the negotiations that led to the stopgap budget. But Rauner never mentioned Madigan in his postsession remarks. Madigan adjourned the session by noting the Democratic-led chamber has repeatedly passed budget bills "that did not include items from the governor's personal agenda." "We have seen with previous successful budget efforts that we can come together, we can achieve compromise, we can pass a budget when the governor's demands relative to his personal agenda that hurts families are dropped. That happened here today," Madigan said. A full-year budget can be achieved, Madigan said, if "instead of focusing on agendas that would hurt Illinois' middle class, (lawmakers) focus on a budget that improves the quality of life for all Illinoisans." Rauner said he dropped his demand for his agenda items amid "that sentiment, that expression of the possibility of reforms and a true balanced budget" from Democrats when lawmakers return after the November election. But to truly achieve a balanced budget will require additional revenue in the form of tax increases, something that is never easy politically, even after an election. So, to go back to the beginning of the Springfield impasse, Rauner has said he has one condition for agreeing to additional taxes. That is the passage of his "turnaround agenda" in a Democratic legislature. (Rick Pearson) What's on tap *Mayor Emanuel will tout Chicago's minimum wage rising to $10.50 an hour. He also may still be taking victory laps around City Hall, given what he managed to pull out of Springfield on Thursday: CPS bailout, transit TIF districts, etc. Advertisement *Gov. Rauner will attend an evening banquet of an Indian-American group in Rosemont. He will not take reporters' questions. *U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is scheduled to appear Friday afternoon in Maywood to discuss Chicago gun violence. According to Kirk aides, he'll be joined by Delphine Cherry, who lost two children to gun violence and is co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence's Chicagoland chapter. (Katherine Skiba) *Production note: We'll be back on Tuesday, July 5. Happy Independence Day weekend, you guys. Let's roll. What we're writing *Short-lived truce as state lawmakers send Rauner stopgap budget, education funding bill. *Lawmakers hand Emanuel broad powers on transit TIF districts, but City Hall offers few details. *CPS schools will open this fall after budget passes Springfield, Emanuel says. *Preckwinkle: Tax hikes, cuts on table to patch $174 million Cook County budget hole. *Cook County judge to issue remap referendum ruling by July 21. Advertisement *Inspector General Joseph Ferguson calls for better city control of settlement costs in police abuse lawsuits, workers' comp. *Obamas pick New York architects to design Chicago presidential library. What we're reading *Young Oak Park couple convicted in Bali suitcase murder of her mother breaks up. *Jury hits U. of C. with $53 million medical malpractice verdict. *The future is coming unless we stop it: Tesla driver killed in crash while using car's autopilot. From the notebook Advertisement *The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests are Mickey Straub, the mayor of Burr Ridge and author of "50 Capitols in 50 days"; and Ra Joy, executive director of CHANGE Illinois and a supporter of the Independent Map amendment. The Sunday Spin airs from 7 to 9 a.m. Sunday on WGN 720-AM. Follow the money *Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash Beyond Chicago *Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie are leading contenders for the Trump veep slot. Either would make for a ticket not afraid to throw verbal punches. *Republicans blast meeting between Bill Clinton, Attorney General Loretta Lynch amid Hillary Clinton's email probe. *"Brexit" leader Boris Johnson won't run for prime minister. *"Serial" podcast guy gets new trial in murder case. Mayor talks about how he will use money from newly created transit TIF districts -- mainly to help pay for previously announced renovations to north branch of Red Line. June 30, 2016. (John Byrne/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) State lawmakers on Thursday handed Mayor Rahm Emanuel broad authority to create special taxing districts to help pay for four major rail projects, but the mayor and his administration would not detail how much money would be diverted or how it would be spent. The legislation, which lawmakers passed as part of a compromise on a stopgap state budget and an education funding bill, is designed to help City Hall come up with money it needs to match requirements to receive federal transportation grants and loans, Emanuel said. Advertisement But the measure also grants the mayor and City Council wide discretion to create the so-called tax-increment finance districts within a one-mile-wide swath of land along 46 miles of Chicago Transit Authority rail lines throughout the city. The districts, which could remain in place for up to 35 years, would siphon off 80 percent of property tax revenue within their boundaries (with the exception of taxes for Chicago Public Schools) and dedicate the money toward four major transit projects. Those projects are the planned modernization of the CTA Red and Purple lines, an upgraded Blue Line, possible improvements to Union Station and the long-discussed extension of the Red Line south from 95th Street to 130th Street. The taxing districts, however, do not guarantee the city will be able to come up with a way to pay for the four projects some of them far off or just conceptual because much of that is reliant on the federal government. Advertisement Several Emanuel administration officials did not respond to repeated requests for details of how the tax districts would work, how the mayor planned to implement them, how much revenue they might generate and how much in matching money City Hall needs to send to Washington to receive funds Emanuel said already have been earmarked for Chicago. In a late afternoon news conference lauding the state budget deal, Emanuel said the new tax districts would allow the city to tap into $1 billion in federal transportation funding "we can't get any other way." "It's sitting there with the city's, Chicago's, name on it," Emanuel said. The mayor said using the new tax districts to leverage those federal funds would allow the city to finish modernizing the Red and Purple lines from downtown to the Howard station on the Far North Side. Emanuel also said the city would be able to start paying for land acquisition to extend the Red Line, though he did not specify how far the tax districts and federal funds would allow the city to extend the transit line. The mayor also made no mention of how the special tax districts would affect the city's plans for modernizing the Blue Line or making improvements to Union Station, two projects specified in the state legislation. When discussing the bill in Springfield, House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, said the taxing districts would allow Emanuel's administration to secure $800 million in federal funding. The mayor's office did not offer an explanation for the difference between Emanuel's $1 billion number and Currie's $800 million tab. The legislation came together quickly as lawmakers moved to approve a stopgap state spending plan and an education funding bill, and not all lawmakers were pleased Chicago received the plum with little scrutiny or debate. "Where were the hearings? Where are the promises?" asked state Rep. Al Riley, an Olympia Fields Democrat, who referred to the proposal as a "super TIF" because it would run for 35 years rather than the standard 23 years. "Where is the language in the bill to be sure that the right things are being done?" Chicago Tribune's Monique Garcia and Kim Geiger contributed from Springfield. Advertisement bruthhart@tribpub.com Twitter @BillRuthhart Betty Reid Soskin was 94 years old when President Barack Obama hugged her. At the 2015 National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, D.C., Obama embraced her and, as a small token of gratitude for her life of service, slipped a cool, round disc into her hand. Advertisement A commemorative coin from the president of the United States. It was given to Soskin to honor her for being the oldest park ranger in the United States. She works five days a week in the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif. It's a fitting place for Soskin, who worked as a file clerk at the all-African American Boilermakers Union A36 during World War II, according to KGO. Advertisement Soskin cherished the coin. A few days after receiving it, she wrote in her blog, "This small object is dominating every thought and consuming all of the intellectual powers at my command. I can think of little else. I'm still savoring the moment." She continued, explaining the moment the president gave it to her: "As I approached the [Obamas], who were standing between the flags of our country and the United Nations, my president offered his hand in greeting. In that magical moment he took mine and slipped from his palm into mine -- the Presidential Seal! It was done in secret; subtly. No fanfare. Nothing but pure undiluted pride and honor between two people. This is the way I would have wished it to be, were I asked for guidance. She called the moment her 'greatest adventure.'" On Monday night, after punching the 94-year-old in the face and dragging her into her own hallway, an intruder stole that coin, along with her cellphone, iPad, laptop, camera and jewelry. Soskin was asleep in her Richmond home when an intruder broke into her second-floor apartment and entered her bedroom, waking her. She grabbed her cellphone to call the police, but the twentysomething-year-old male in the room grabbed it from her. Then, he punched in in the face. Advertisement Again. And again. He seized her, pulled her from the bed and began to drag her into the hallway. "I fully expected he was going to kill me. He doubled up his fist and hit me a couple of times on the sides of my face with all his might," Soskin told KTVU. "I was terrified. I was terrified. Nothing else I could think of was to scream and scream and scream." She managed to pull away from him and scrambled to the bathroom, slamming the door and locking it. She hid there for 45 minutes, while the intruder presumably sorted through her things, deciding what he wanted to keep. Soskin didn't sit there helplessly, though. She prepared to take action by plugging her iron in. Advertisement "I plugged it in and set it to linen which is the hottest," Soskin told the station. "I figured if he would come in I would brand him and that would mark him for the police." The intruder left without further incident. He remains on the loose. "It's really unfortunate," Lt. Felix Tan, a spokesman for the Richmond Police Department, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's sickening." Tom Leatherman, superintendent of the park where Soskin works, said she's recovering physically. "She's got some bruises. She doesn't really want to see people because she doesn't really want people to see her like that," Leatherman told the San Francisco Chronicle. "She's doing fine, physically. But emotionally, it's difficult." "I don't even like to look at myself in the mirror at this point because I still have a couple black eyes and one is still marked. My lips were split in a couple of places," Soskin told KTVU. Advertisement According to KGO, many residents of the town are furious about the attack. Richmond Mayor Tom Butt even chimed in. "You know Betty, they call her a national treasure, they call her an icon, she's clearly the most famous person in Richmond," Butt told KGO. "So when something like this happens to her, the whole community can't quit talking about it." Of everything Soskin lost, the only thing she truly cares about is the coin. "If I can get that coin back I think I can forgive anything," Soskin told KTVU just after the crime. Quickly, word got out. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell learned of Soskin's situation and informed President Obama. According to the San Francisco Gate, he is sending Soskin a replacement coin, this one also bearing the presidential seal. Advertisement An investigation is underway. Meanwhile, the Rosie the Riveter Trust has set up a fund to support Soskin as she recovers. A robber attacked the nation's oldest full-time park ranger in her San Francisco Bay Area home this week and made off with a coin she received from President Barack Obama, authorities said Thursday. Betty Reid Soskin, 94, who works as an interpretive ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, was awoken by an intruder who punched her several times in the face, police Lt. Felix Tan said. She reached for her cellphone but he grabbed it from her, dragged her out of the bedroom and beat her again, Richmond police said. She was able to crawl away to the bathroom and locked herself inside until the robber left early Monday. "I fully expected he was going to kill me," Soskin told Bay Area news station KTVU-TV. "He doubled up his fist and hit me a couple of times on the sides of my face with all his might." She called the encounter terrifying and said the blows bruised her face and split open her lips. "Nothing else I could think of was to scream and scream and scream," Soskin told the TV station. Police say the thief stole her cellphone, iPad, laptop, camera, jewelry and the coin the president gave her to honor her achievements. Soskin introduced him at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the White House last December. She said most items she can live without, but the coin is special to her. "If I can get that coin back, I think I can forgive anything," she told KTVU. After a life in public service, Soskin became a park ranger about 10 years ago and leads tours at the historical California park and museum honoring the women who worked in factories during wartime. An email sent to a blog believed to be hers was not immediately returned. Police said she did not want to speak to reporters. Park Superintendent Tom Leatherman said the White House is working on a replacement coin. Before her appearance at the tree-lighting ceremony, Soskin made headlines in 2013 when she complained about a government furlough, saying she didn't have time to waste sitting at home at her age. The shutdown began after Republicans demanded the defunding of the nation's new health insurance system in exchange for providing essential federal funding. Associated Press Saying it's the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday that transgender people will be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces. "Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so," said Carter, laying out a one-year plan to implement the change. "Our mission is to defend this country, and we don't want barriers unrelated to a person's qualification to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who can best accomplish the mission." Under the new policy, by Oct. 1, transgender troops already serving should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identifications in the Pentagon's personnel system. And, a year from now, the military services will begin allowing transgender individuals to enlist, as long as they meet required standards and have been stable in their identified genders for 18 months. Carter's announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes. According to defense officials, the military leaders, including Gen. Mark Milley, the Army chief of staff, and Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, said that while they aren't opposed to lifting the ban, they thought the new rules didn't include enough specifics to guide commanders who will have to make decisions about people in their units. Carter said he discussed the plans extensively with his military leaders and that, based on their recommendations, he made adjustments to the timeline. He said he has been told that the services now support the timeline. According to Carter, a study by the RAND think tank found that there are between 2,500 and 7,000 transgender service members in the active duty military, and another 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. "Although relatively few in number, we're talking about talented and trained Americans who are serving their country with honor and distinction," said Carter. Under the new policy, transgender troops would receive any medically necessary care including surgery, Carter said. The new rules give military commanders broad flexibility, noting that not all transition cases are the same. Commanders will have the discretion to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, including on job placement, deployments, training delays and other accommodations, based on the needs of the military mission and whether the service members can perform their duties. For people coming into the military, the plan says that those with gender dysphoria, a history of medical treatments associated with gender transition and those who have had reconstruction surgery may be disqualified as military recruits unless a medical provider certifies that they have been clinically stable in the preferred gender for 18 months, and are free of significant impairment. And transgender troops receiving hormone therapy must have been stable on their medications for 18 months. The policy provides guidelines for transgender service members currently in the military. They will be able to use the bathrooms, housing, uniforms and fitness standards of their preferred gender only after they have legally transitioned to that identity. Over the next year, the military services will develop and distribute training guidelines, medical protocols and other guidance to help commanders deal with any issues or questions about transgender troops. The military policy differs from civilian gender transitions, where transgender individuals often dress, live socially and work fulltime in their preferred gender during the process. Under the new policy, service members would only be able to do that when off-duty and away from their duty station. Last July, Carter said he intended to rescind the ban, calling it outdated. He has long argued that the military must be more inclusive to bring in the best and brightest. At the time, he ordered a six-month study to include extensive medical and scientific research and discussions with other nations and companies with experience in the process. He extended the study because the military wanted more time. Officials said he wanted to ensure there was no impact on military readiness, but over time, he became frustrated with the slow progress. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the House Armed Services Committee chairman, called the announcement another example of the administration "prioritizing politics over policy." He questioned whether the change would affect military readiness and said the committee will push for answers. Others praised the move as historic. Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center, a research institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the decision enhances "readiness as well as core values of honesty and integrity, an enormous accomplishment with a durable impact on all service members." Donald Trump's campaign has begun formally vetting possible running mates, with former House speaker Newt Gingrich emerging as the leading candidate, followed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. But there are more than a half-dozen others being discussed as possibilities, according to several people with knowledge of the process. Given Trump's unpredictability, campaign associates caution that the presumptive Republican nominee could still shake up his shortlist. But with little more than two weeks before the start of the Republican National Convention, Gingrich and Christie have been asked to submit documents and are being cast as favorites for the post inside the campaign. Gingrich in particular is the beneficiary of a drumbeat of support from Trump confidants such as Ben Carson. A number of senators - including Jeff Sessions (Alabama) and Bob Corker (Tennessee) - are also being reviewed as viable picks, although the extent to which they are being vetted is unclear. A longer shot on Trump's radar is Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a heavyweight on the right who could bolster Trump's tepid support among some conservative activists. But Pence is immersed in his reelection race and Trump is said to want a more electric politician at his side rather than a low-profile figure. Most of his primary rivals are reluctant to sign on, and tensions with Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, remain raw. Details of the running-mate search were provided by five people with knowledge of the process who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations with campaign officials. Gingrich, who said on "Fox News Sunday" over the weekend that "nobody has called me" from the Trump campaign about the possibility of being vice president, declined to comment. Campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks also declined to comment. Christie's office did not respond to an inquiry. The contenders under the most serious consideration, such as Gingrich and Christie, have been asked by attorney Arthur Culvahouse Jr. to answer more than 100 questions and to provide reams of personal and professional files that include tax records and any articles or books they have published. Culvahouse, a former White House counsel who is managing the vetting for Trump, was the lawyer who vetted then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the GOP vice-presidential nomination during the 2008 campaign. The narrowing list of running-mate possibilities comes at the end of a turbulent period for Trump, who has struggled to raise money since clinching the GOP nomination and has stumbled through a series of self-inflicted controversies, including a racially charged attack on a sitting federal judge and a continuing outcry over his rhetoric against Muslims and other minorities. The presumptive Republican nominee continues to indicate that he will probably choose someone who could balance his brash populist persona with a political profile that includes deep experience in Washington or ties to the party establishment, the people familiar with the search said. The timing of Trump's announcement was for months expected to happen close to the convention. But campaign aides are now discussing moving it up, perhaps to later next week so the ticket can generate headlines and coverage - and win over party leaders - ahead of the party gathering in Cleveland. With Gingrich, 73, or Christie, 53, the 70-year-old mogul would be joined by a well-connected Republican who shares his combative style and his ease at being an ubiquitous media presence. Both men have won Trump's favor by actively supporting him - Gingrich primarily through television appearances and Christie through behind-the-scenes talks with party leaders and leading GOP donors. Their experience facing down and cutting deals with Democrats has also drawn the interest of Trump, who has acknowledged that he would be a novice at working directly with lawmakers. Sessions and Corker are among the other names mentioned by people who have spoken with Trump officials. Sessions, a conservative populist who was the first senator to endorse Trump last year, has seen many of his trusted aides take on high-ranking roles in the Trump campaign. Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has voiced support for some of Trump's views. Sens. Richard Burr (North Carolina), Tom Cotton (Arkansas) and John Thune (South Dakota) have also been bandied about in Trump Tower as options. Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, who previously served in the House, are two of the leading women in the mix. But shortcomings for many of these candidates have made their chances seem less likely to Trump advisers. Pence, Thune and Burr would bring heft and have held leadership positions, but they are focused on their reelection bids. Corker is well liked by campaign chairman Paul Manafort, but his recent public criticisms of Trump's tone and statements have not been welcomed by the candidate. Cruz is seen as someone Trump would like to bring into the fold because of his political capital with the conservative movement. But their bitter clashes during the primary have left a mark, and Cruz has so far declined to endorse Trump. That has not stopped members of Trump's team from reaching out to members of Cruz's circle and trying for a reconciliation. Trump's desire for a governing partner is not the only factor that has been mentioned in discussions among aides. Contenders' rapport with the mogul and their ability to comfortably communicate and defend his nontraditional platform are also crucial, the people familiar with the process said. Less central have been the candidates' home states or regional influence, given that Trump sees the campaign as a nationalized political war that is largely being fought on television. Trump's inclination toward naming a seasoned figure has been encouraged by Manafort, the longtime GOP insider who has taken full control of the process following Trump's firing of Corey Lewandowski, who had been campaign manager. Yet even as Manafort steers the selection and as members of Trump's orbit - especially his children and son-in-law Jared Kushner - informally weigh in, there is a collective understanding within the campaign that Trump's voice is the only voice that matters. One person involved in the process suggested the ultimate decision will come down to a committee of one: Trump. "This is in his head," the person said. "It's up to him." Robert Jeffress, a Dallas pastor who has become close with Trump during the campaign, said in an interview that while he has not spoken to Trump about the vice-presidential slot, Trump has made clear that he "wants someone who can help get his legislative agenda through Congress." "I think that is how he is going," Jeffress said. "He'd be coming in as an outsider, and that has fueled his popularity. But he is the first to admit that he doesn't know all the ways of Washington. So to actually push what he wants through, he's willing to reach out and get somebody to lend a hand." John Flynn Rooney, a longtime reporter with the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, was honored in 2015 at the Billy Goat Tavern with his byline, at top, being placed above the bar. (Family photo) The son of a Chicago newspaperman, John Flynn Rooney carved out his own reputation as a dogged and ethical reporter in Chicago during an award-winning career spanning more than 30 years. While a reporter at the City News Bureau in 1982, Rooney broke the story about poisoning deaths that were ultimately found to be caused by an unknown perpetrator tampering with capsules of Tylenol. Rooney subsequently spent 27 years as a reporter covering legal affairs for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Advertisement "What a wonderful guy," said U.S. Circuit Court Judge William J. Bauer, who met Rooney when he was accompanying his journalist father. "He was really a nice, nice man who never backed out on his word and was a good writer who dug into facts and wrote things as he saw them." Rooney, 56, died of complications from ALS on June 30 at his Chicago home, said his wife, Meg. He had been a longtime resident of the Beverly neighborhood. Advertisement Born and raised on the South Side, Rooney was the son of Chicago Daily News reporter Edmund J. Rooney Jr., who shared a Pulitzer Prize in 1958. Rooney moved with his family to Beverly when he was in fourth grade. He graduated from Marist High School in 1978 and earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Loyola University in 1982. While in college, he worked as a runner for noted personal-injury attorney Tom Demetrio, whose firm also employed several of Rooney's siblings. "He was quiet and very dependable. He was a professional, and he was a very, very serious young man," Demetrio said. "And I stayed in touch with John once he became a reporter, he did a lot of stories, and I gave him my two cents' worth. He was the same thorough, dot-the-i's-and-cross-the-t's reporter that you all aspire to be." After college, Rooney decided to pursue a journalism career and was hired by the City News Bureau, a wire service that no longer exists. "Our dad showed us that it was an admirable profession and that you could make a difference in other people's lives and hold the public accountable and tell the story of everyday people," said Rooney's brother Tim. "I think John was drawn to storytelling and really being part of life. We were told by our dad that journalism is a front row seat to history." Acting on a tip not long after he joined City News, Rooney began tying together disparate poisoning deaths. He then wrote the first story about what quickly became a nationally followed story that sparked reforms in product packaging. No one ever has been charged in the Tylenol murders. "I remember how lucky he felt that he was there to cover it," his brother said. "It was one of those things where John wasn't real pleased that this had happened, but he was amazed that he became a part of it, and how kind of spontaneously the whole thing happened to him." Meg Rooney said her husband "took a lot of pride in" his Tylenol coverage. Advertisement "For him, it was, 'Here's a puzzle, and I want to find the pieces of the puzzle and see what we can come up with,' " she said. "He was very proud of that work." For his work on the Tylenol murders, Rooney won a Peter Lisagor award from the Chicago Headline Club. His coverage also earned him the first of what would be several Herman Kogan Awards from the Chicago Bar Association. In 1985, Rooney took a reporting job at the Tampa Tribune in Florida. He returned to the Midwest to pursue a master's degree from what then was known as Sangamon State University. After graduating, Rooney, who also worked for a time as a producer for Walter Jacobson at WBBM-Ch. 2, was hired as a reporter at the Daily Law Bulletin by its new editor, Bernie Judge. "I wanted to get John working for me after he got his master's degree because I knew his work from City News Bureau and I knew he was a solid, hard-working, trustworthy and excellent reporter, and I was hoping he would come to work for me," Judge said. "John was a guy you could absolutely rely on. You knew he would always play it straight, and he would have the respect of the people he covered because they would quickly sense that he was somebody who had integrity and was only trying to do a first-rate job, which he did." Rooney covered county courts and the state appellate court before shifting gears and covering the federal district and appeals courts. He returned to covering county courts in 1997, reporting on three Cook County chief judges, Harry Comerford, Donald O'Connell and Timothy Evans. Advertisement "John was so well-informed and asked those of us involved in the legal community questions that were well-informed questions. They were not run of the mill," Evans said. "He took the time to make sure he got all of the facts and the ramifications from the facts before he wrote his articles." Rooney in 2003 began working as a general assignment reporter, focusing on attorney and judicial discipline and judicial elections. In his later years at the paper, he most enjoyed a series of articles he wrote about his own father, his wife said. In 2013, Rooney began experiencing weakness in his left leg. While only a small percentage of ALS cases are hereditary, the disease had claimed Rooney's mother and aunt, and his own symptoms caused him to suspect that it was ALS. A diagnosis in 2014 confirmed it. Ever the journalist, Rooney wrote a May 2014 column revealing the diagnosis and emphasizing that he had no plans to "allow ALS to define me. At age 54, I rely on my faith, along with strong support from family and friends." He retired from the Daily Law Bulletin in August. In a farewell column, he noted that it had been "my great honor and privilege to write about the members of the Illinois legal community." ALS was "not an easy journey for him, but he led us by example like he always did in his life and showed us with great patience and love that he could endure it," his brother said. "I don't know what other gifts he could have given us that would be greater than that." Advertisement Tim Rooney said his brother donated part of his body to continue research into ALS. "People may never even know the influence he'll have in curing the disease," his brother said. "He viewed it like, 'I'm going to do whatever I can.' Knowing that he's doing that provides us comfort." In addition to his wife and brother, Rooney is survived by three sons, Ned, Jack and Dan; two sisters, Molly Kelly and Ellen Martin; and two other brothers, Ed and Peter. Services are pending. Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. States and districts that want to test-drive the next generation of assessments will have the chance, thanks to one of the most buzzed-about pieces of the Every Student Succeeds Act. But, as the state officials who have crammed conference rooms to hear about ESSAs Innovative Assessment pilot are learning, trying out a new testing system in a handful of districts isnt for the faint of heart. The law allows a small handful of states to use local tests in lieu of the state exam, as long as these districts are trying out a system that will eventually go statewide. And ESSA places a number of stringent conditions on the pilot, what the laws architects like to call guardrails. These guardrails are aimed at making sure that the new kinds of tests states develop are of high quality, and that all kinds of studentsincluding English-language learners and students in special educationhave access to them. Those conditions can challenge everything from a states technical know-how to its approach to professional developmentall without additional federal funding, at least for now. Still, experts say, the pilot has the potential of helping to point the way to brand-new methods of measuring student learning, both for the states and districts that decide to give it a shot, and those that dont. We see this as a bridge, said Lillian Pace, the senior director of national policy at KnowledgeWorks, a non-profit that works to better personalize learning for students. Pace has studied the pilot and its implications closely. When lawmakers sat down to write ESSA, the field wasnt ready, she said, to paint the picture of the next generation of assessments"the kinds of tests that can give teachers a fuller, real-time picture of what their students know while still helping states and district improve schools. While states may not be successful on the first try, we expect this to be a learning process for all, Pace said. The goal is for participating states to build and refine a system over time that really transforms student learning. Whats more, the pilot also presents challenges for the U.S. Department of Education, which will have to strike a balance between ensuring that the necessary quality and equity measures are in place, while giving states and districts room to experiment. Where did this idea come from? Its included in ESSA. Check out pages 84 through 92 of the law if you want to read about it first-hand. But the pilot was inspired in large part by New Hampshire, which got permission under the No Child Left Behind Act to begin experimenting with locally-developed performance assessments, in a handful of districts, with the idea of eventually taking the system statewide. (Andrew actually visited the Granite State last year and saw the pilot up close and personal, read about it here .) What kinds of tests are we talking about? Theres a wide range. States and districts can try out performance tasks (like New Hampshire is doing), competency-based tests, and more. How many states can participate in the pilot? At first, at least, the pilot participation is limited to seven states, either working alone, or as a consortium. (In this case, a consortium can only have up to four members) You said at first. Does that mean more states can jump on later? Maybe. The first three years of the program are supposed to represent a demonstration period, allowing the federal government, states, and districts to work through the challenges of setting up and monitoring these new testing systems. After that, the Institute for Education Sciences, the research arm of the Education Department, will write a report taking stock of how everything went. Once that report is out, the education secretarywhoever it is by that pointcan allow more states, even all states, to apply join the pilot. But importantly, thats not a must. The question of whether to expand, or not expand, the pilot, will be up to whoever is in control of the department at the time. How long do states have to get these new systems up and running? States that are selected to participate in the initial pilot get five years to develop their systems, show that the tests are comparable to the state assessment, and bring the whole system statewide. Some experts consider that timeline very ambitious, particularly for a state thats just getting started when it comes to a complex area like competency-based education. So states can ask for a two-year extension. What about those guardrails you mentioned? States that want to participate in the pilot have to make sure that: These tests are valid and reliable, for all students and for particular subgroups of students, including English-language learners and students in special education, two populations that arent always easy to test. The results of these tests are comparable across districts, so that a particular score or outcome means the same thing from one district to the next. New Hampshire does this by having students take the state assessment in certain grades. By the end of the demonstration period, the districts include a representative sample of students from around the state. For instance, a state with a large ELL population (like, say, California) would need to ensure that there were plenty of ELLs taking the tests in the trial districts. These systems have to be able to be scaled statewide, by the end of the pilot period. That last requirement might be the toughest part, said Scott Marion, the executive director at the Center for Assessment, an non-profit organization, which is working with New Hampshire on its performance tasks. The thing that scares ... everybody is scaling statewide, he said. They want you to have these guardrails, so its not like any district could just waltz in to the pilot. You have to earn your way in. But Donna Harris-Aikens, the ESSA implementation lead at the National Education Association, thinks those challenges are surmountable. I think it will be challenging to scale up statewide, she said. But I dont think it will be impossible. There are states that are looking for a different way to demonstrate [student] progress. We are hoping and encouraging people to spend some time trying to figure out if they can do this. Is there additional federal money for this? Probably not. In its fiscal year 2017 budget request, which will fund the first year of ESSA implementation, the Education Department asked for an extra $25 million in new competitive funding to help states improve their testing systems. That money could, theoretically, help the pilot states and districts. But Congress is unlikely to pony up the increase. States looking for funding to try out these systems might be better off working with the foundation community, which has shown interest in the work in New Hampshire and elsewhere. How many states are interested? Good question! Even experts who work with states arent sure at this point. New Hampshire has gotten permission to keep going on its work, since it is in sort of a no-mans land between its waiver from provisions of the NCLB law and the pilot. And Colorado has actually passed legislation saying that it must applybut the state chief, Richard Crandall, recently stepped down. A big group of states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, and Vermont, along with the District of Columbia and more, participated in a webinar that the Council of Chief State School Officers held last month to talk about the pilots potential. But that doesnt mean all those states will applyfolks may just have wanted to learn more about this program. Do states have to participate in the pilot in order to get flexibility on testing? Not necessarily. The CCSSO is advising states to take a look at the testing flexibility already in place in ESSA, to see if they can accomplish what they want on assessments without having to join the pilot. (CCSSO even made a decision tree to help states sort through their options, which you can check out here .) Under the new law, states can try out computer-adaptive assessments or use a series of short-term or interim assessments instead of one big summative testall without having to participate in the pilot. Whats the departments timeline for regulations? Theyre working on it. The department is expected to release draft regulations governing the pilot sometime this summer. Those could touch on tricky issues, like how exactly states and districts show the tests are comparable statewide and how the timeline might work, including potentially giving states time to plan their systems before the pilots clock officially starts. Whats the timeline for actually applying? Its unclear for now just when states will be able to apply for the pilot, and, importantly, whether it will be the Obama administration or a president-and-secretary-to-be-named-later who will decide which states can participate. What else has the department said about this so far? Just that officials are excited to get rolling on this. In fact, Education Secretary John B. King Jr., told the Education Commission of the States they are coming soon. We are looking forward to releasing draft regulations related to assessments under the Every Student Succeeds Act soon, said Takirra Winfield, a spokeswoman for the department in an email. These regulations will help us the seize the new laws opportunity to help states and districts restore the balance on testing, develop innovative assessment strategies, and reclaim the promise of a well-rounded education for every child while maintaining critical information for parents and educators. And in speaking at Education Weeks Leaders to Learn From event earlier this year , King expressed excitement about New Hampshires approach, while making it clear he doesnt think that what works for one state will work for everyone. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Indianapolis, on Sunday, June 26, 2016, on the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, America's economy, and other issues. (Andrew Harnik / AP) In an era of endless military conflict, anti-war sentiment abides among Democrats. In 2004, their presidential nomination went to John Kerry, who was strongly critical of George W. Bush's handling of the war in Iraq. In 2008 they chose Barack Obama, largely because he had opposed that war. This year, 12 million people cast ballots for Bernie Sanders, who voted against it. According to Gallup, 68 percent of Democrats think the Iraq War was a mistake compared with just 31 percent of Republicans. Two out of 3 reject the use of ground combat troops against Islamic State. Advertisement Then there is Hillary Clinton, who will be this year's nominee. Few Democrats have more consistently favored the use of military force. She voted for the Iraq War. As secretary of state, she urged Obama to escalate the war in Afghanistan. New York Times correspondent Mark Landler, author of the new book "Alter Egos: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and the Twilight Struggle Over American Power," told me her aides have told him she favored shipping lethal defensive military equipment to the government of Ukraine after the Russian invasion, something Obama rejected. Advertisement She pushed for U.S. intervention in Libya. She proposed similar action in Syria. She has recounted her advice to her husband in dealing with Serbia in 1999: "I urged him to bomb." Most Democrats, particularly Obama, have learned to be wary of entangling the United States in wars of choice. But not Clinton. Despite the disaster in Iraq, the failure in Afghanistan and the chaos in Libya, she remains a hawk at heart. Landler, who covered Obama and Clinton for the Times, sees a clear difference between her approach to foreign policy and that of the president she served. Obama believes "the United States resorts too readily to military force to defend its interests," he writes. Clinton thinks "that American intervention does more good than harm, and that the writ of the United States properly reaches, as George W. Bush once declared, into 'any dark corner of the world.'" Robert Gates, who was defense secretary under Obama, likes and admires Clinton. But when she pressed Obama to bomb Moammar Gadhafi's forces which Landler says Obama probably would not have done otherwise Gates resisted, arguing that Libya was not a vital U.S. interest and that there was no telling what would happen next. "In meetings, I would ask, 'Can I just finish the two wars we're already in before you go looking for new ones?'" he wrote later. Clinton has gotten endless criticism for her handling of the 2012 attacks on a U.S. facility in Benghazi. She deserves more, but has gotten far less, for recommending an intervention that led to that attack and left Libya in violent turmoil that continues today. The question is why a child of the 1960s, whose husband strenuously avoided being drafted for the Vietnam War, would grow so fond of military power. Obama needs a compelling reason to use force. Clinton needs a compelling reason not to. Landler attributes this bias to several factors, including her conservative Midwestern upbringing, her rapport with generals and, in the words of one staffer, "a textbook view of American exceptionalism." Other reasons come to mind. She saw Democratic senators politically damaged by voting against the 1991 war against Iraq, and she was not about to take the risk of opposing the next one. As a woman, she doubtless has felt the need to demonstrate that she can be as tough as that term is typically defined in American politics as any male leader. Advertisement Obama made the mistake of intervening in Libya, but in a recent interview with The Atlantic, he admitted, "It didn't work," and "Libya is a mess." Clinton, however, has never expressed second thoughts. During Landler's recent visit to Chicago, I asked him about Clinton's ability to confront the possibility she was wrong. "I don't find the same evidence of a learning curve with her," he said. "I would have liked to see a little more introspection from her on that, because I think that's the key case where she led the charge, it didn't go the way they hoped it would and there are some really important lessons to be drawn." In that instance, she apparently didn't learn from the failure and blowback produced by our military intervention. If she becomes president, I'm guessing, she'll get another chance. 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. Bernie Sanders is making a big and potentially dangerous mistake with his continuing insistence on changes to the Democratic Party's rules and platform. I should know. As chairman of Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign, I understand too well where such ideological stubbornness can lead. Back then, many progressives insisted on backing third-party candidate Ralph Nader despite warnings it would undercut the Democratic nominee. Nader received 97,421 votes in Florida, which Gore lost by 537 votes. The result? President George W. Bush, who championed ill-advised tax cuts, the invasion of Iraq and other actions we now deeply regret. Advertisement Sanders made an energetic bid for the Democratic nomination, drawing big crowds and fueling debates on important topics such as income disparity. Although he lost to Hillary Clinton, Sanders is pushing his agenda to the party convention and insisting on "reforms" in a Democratic nominating process he describes as seriously defective. The party should reject Sanders' demands on grounds of fairness, good policy and smart politics. Advertisement Sanders is wrong to suggest the Democratic Party's nominating system is seriously defective. It isn't. It's eminently fair to let party members (i.e., registered Democrats) select the nominee, and to give party loyalists and elected officials ("superdelegates") a modestly bigger say. Start with Sanders' call for open primaries in all states. It might sound little-d democratic on its face, but political parties are not governmental organizations. They are member-run groups that have the right and obligation to set their own rules for picking nominees. It's logical and fair to allow only registered or self-identified Democrats to choose their party's nominee (although numerous states do have open primaries). Letting more non-Democrats choose the nominee doesn't guarantee success in a November general election. And it does nothing to encourage people to join and work for the party. Sanders says it's "really dumb" to refuse to open all primaries to unaffiliated voters. Not surprisingly, he performed better in open primaries than in closed contests. But if a Washington-based Democratic hierarchy can instruct state parties how to run their primaries, let's just have one big national primary. Then there's Sanders' call to eliminate superdelegates. These are the party leaders including all Democratic members of Congress, governors and state party chairmen and vice chairmen who go to nominating conventions unbound by how their states voted, unlike "pledged" delegates. Although he once asked superdelegates to back him, Sanders now paints them as an elite cadre that can thwart the primary voters' will. But superdelegates' enhanced clout is modest. They are careful and mainstream by nature, and they certainly didn't hand Clinton the nomination, despite the claims of some Sanders supporters. They are party loyalists and workhorses who typically have spent years attending party functions, recruiting candidates and firing up volunteers. Just look at the tumultuous Republican Party to see how an unpredictable gadfly can hijack a party whose leaders lack resources such as superdelegates. Key Democratic constituencies, including the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus, strongly support superdelegates. "Our delegate selection process is not rigged," Rep. James E. Clyburn (South Carolina), a senior leader of the Black Caucus, wrote in a letter to colleagues. "It is transparent to the public and open for participation." Advertisement Clinton beat Sanders fair and square. She won more states, more delegates (pledged and super), and 3.7 million more votes than he did. Nonetheless, Sanders insists the party adopt "the most progressive platform ever passed" at its Philadelphia convention. Since when does the runner-up get to dictate the platform? (Or, for that matter, continue to enjoy Secret Service protection at taxpayers' expense?) Centrist voters typically decide general elections, so hard-left or hard-right platforms don't help. And it's hard to argue with recent results. Democrats have won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections. In 2008, after losing a hard-fought primary to Barack Obama, Clinton promptly endorsed him and campaigned for him. In contrast, Sanders who refused to even call himself a Democrat until this election has yet to endorse Clinton. He says she, not he, is responsible for persuading his supporters to back her. Every vote counts. Sanders should accept the primary outcome and enthusiastically rally his supporters to Clinton's side to avoid a catastrophic Donald Trump presidency. Washington Post William M. Daley is a former commerce secretary and White House chief of staff. Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton checks her mobile phone after her address to the Security Council at United Nations headquarters in 2012. The investigation into the presidential candidate's use of a private email server has continued to dog her campaign. (Richard Drew / Associated Press) Houyhnhnms, the noble talking horses in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," had no word for "lie." They did not engage in the petty subterfuge of politics and didn't 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 isn't the case. A genuine lie a lie in the moral sense must be intended to deceive, and must be expressed to someone to whom the truth is owed. You aren't lying if you misstate a statistic without intending to, or if you give a fake name to a prying stranger on the subway. In today's political sphere, the word "lie" is applied to all sorts of things that aren't that. Bush administration officials weren't just wrong about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; they "lied" about it. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., wasn't content simply to disagree with President Barack Obama's assertion in 2009 that his health care proposal would not cover illegal immigrants; he had to shout "You lie!" Advertisement "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 Rubio's complaint about Ted Cruz was typically intense: "He's lied about my record on Planned Parenthood, he's lied about my position on marriage, he's lied about his own record on immigration." Indeed, almost every candidate in this year's 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. What the L-word's promiscuous users don't realize or deliberately ignore is that the language of politics does not lend itself to uncomplicated judgments about truth versus falsehood. In most cases, political language isn't meant to convey information at all, but to preserve careers or avoid trouble; it isn't 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 aren't quite the same as lies. Advertisement Allegations of dishonesty, moreover, make debate impossible. You can't 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 untruth not 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 currently faced with a choice between two pathologically dishonest candidates and we have no word strong enough to call them what they are. Donald Trump's lies are wanton and preposterous, whereas Hillary Clinton's 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 Laden's 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. Clinton's career offers a similarly dizzying array of bogus claims that 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. They're ... well, they're the commonest word in politics. And so not much of anything. Tribune Content Agency Barton Swaim is the author of "The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics." A police detective inspects bullet casings at the scene of a double shooting in the 8700 block of South Sangamon Street on June 18, 2016, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) Americans were appalled when a man with a military-style rifle entered an Orlando gay nightclub on June 12 and began firing. By the time police killed him, he had murdered 49 people and wounded 53. It was one of the worst mass shootings the country has ever seen a spectacular attack from a killer who said he was driven by Islamist militancy. In the days afterward, Americans asked how such slaughter can happen and what it says about the nation's character. Massacres carried out by lone gunmen, an increasingly common event, have become a signature horror of our time. Advertisement But in Chicago, another type of bloodshed occurred that weekend, without much notice except to those directly affected by it or living on streets where it occurred. By the time the weekend was over, 30 people had been shot one every 96 minutes and four of them were dead. That wasn't an especially violent weekend here. It was more or less the norm for this time of year, when warm temperatures pull people outdoors, increasing the chances of vicious encounters. Advertisement Thus far in 2016, more than 1,950 people have been hit by bullets in Chicago, including most of the 315 homicide victims. "We have an Orlando every month in Chicago, and no one seems to raise an eyebrow," Dean Angelo, president of Chicago's Fraternal Order of Police, said the other day. Those are sobering numbers. But they're just numbers. The reality behind them is terror, agony and soul-shredding grief. The deaths erase the lives of some Chicagoans and leave others with pain, fear and regret that will never go away. Most of those struck down are young men in poor neighborhoods plagued by gangs, where minor disputes can turn deadly in an instant and bystanders can be hit at random. The dead and wounded are the victims of a volatile mix of social and economic toxins, inflamed by the easy availability of firearms. It's hard to come up with measures that can prevent a determined person who has not committed a previous crime from obtaining guns and targeting a public venue to kill as many people as he can. It's easier to devise policies that stand a reasonable chance of reducing violence by making it harder for criminals to get the deadly weapons they want. Omar Mateen, the Orlando killer, passed a federal background check to buy his guns. But felons may evade such requirements by purchasing from private sellers, who unlike licensed dealers aren't required to do background checks. They may work with straw purchasers, who buy firearms legally and then sell them illegally. Requiring background checks for all gun sales and stiffening penalties for straw purchasers could curb this sort of activity, raising the risks and costs for those doing business with criminals. Need proof? A 2013 federal gun trafficking case found one man who bought 43 guns from gun shows and stores in Indiana, which has looser gun laws than Illinois, before bringing them to Chicago and selling them to an undercover agent. One defendant, a prosecutor said in court, "would go travel to Indiana, to these gun shows where he would load up literally a duffel bag, go from table to table paying in cash, large amounts of cash before returning right into the worst neighborhoods of Chicago." No one expects such changes in gun laws to make a big difference or a rapid one. But they are likely to do some good with minimal inconvenience to law-abiding gun buyers. Illinois lawmakers also could make a difference by tightening this state's notoriously light sentences for several categories of repeat felony gun offenders. A move in Springfield to do that flopped in late 2013 because African-American lawmakers were concerned that increased incarceration would ill-serve their communities. Advertisement As if the rising tide of young lives snuffed by gunfire doesn't ill-serve their communities. In this especially violent year, the Fourth of July weekend opens with the dread of even more bloodshed. In both 2014 and 2015, it was the deadliest weekend of the year. Last year, 70 people were shot in Chicago over the three-day Fourth weekend, including nine who died. And shootings have been up every month this year compared with the same month in 2015. The nation won't forget the shock of what happened in Orlando last month. But the carnage that goes on all the time here is tragically susceptible to being ignored. We have an Orlando every month in Chicago, and no one seems to raise an eyebrow. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in front of his office at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill., alongside House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, left, and Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, right. (Seth Perlman / AP) There! At last! A bipartisan budget agreement in Springfield. That wasn't so hard, now, was it? Well, actually, it was. Advertisement Getting Illinois Democrats and Republicans to come together Thursday, the last day of fiscal year 2016, was excruciating, bitter and fraught. Our news story noted that Wednesday night's closed-door negotiations were "fueled in part by mutual distrust in which each sought to ensure that the other wasn't laying trap doors into the plan." Advertisement Even when it looked like an accord had been reached, reporters continued to emphasize that it might fall apart at any minute over such issues as funding levels for the Chicago Public Schools. Early Thursday afternoon, a surprise $9 million funding request for minority teachers looked like a deal-breaker until Democrats withdrew it. And remember, this accord is for emergency, six-month stopgap spending not a full-year budget and it doesn't include any hikes in state taxes, doesn't stop the growth in unpaid bills and doesn't include any of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's controversial "turnaround agenda" items that had previously held up talks. Gov. Rauner makes remarks following the passing of a stopgap budget. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Bipartisan budget negotiations are always difficult. They require legislators with often vastly different priorities and philosophies to find common ground on which services government should provide and where the tax money to pay for those services should come from. These questions are complicated by geography, electoral politics and simmering personal animosities. Answering them requires painful compromise all around. Add extra complicating factors, and budget talks become almost impossible. Don't take my word for it. Just look at the year and a half since Rauner was inaugurated, an era during which the hard work of crafting a taxing and spending plan didn't even begin because the governor demanded that the Democrat-controlled General Assembly first pass elements of his pro-business agenda. Only after he dropped that demand "for now" could this week's clustermess under the Dome commence. He now needs to drop it for good. I'll say it again: If Illinois is ever to get a full-year budget, the quickest route to economic stability upon which business relies, Rauner has to take his auxiliary wish list off the table. Not that every item on it is necessarily bad or unpopular, but issuing ultimatums is a lousy way to govern, particularly when you add personal insults to your demands (where did Rauner ever get the idea that calling Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton "corrupt" would soften them to his position?) Advertisement Democrats object on policy grounds to many of the 44 items on the original agenda, particularly those that weaken the power of organized labor and that they see as harmful to the middle class. Rauner has whittled the list down to just three business-friendly changes to the workers' compensation laws, cost-saving alterations to state pension programs and a lifting of state controls over labor costs incurred by local governments and portrayed this as a compromise, even an olive branch. But Democrats object on principle to the idea of the governor demanding major legislation in exchange for the performance of his constitutional duty to take the lead in crafting a state budget. These are complicated matters crafting an equitable workers' comp program, for example, is a multifaceted problem to which many serious people devote their lives not chits to be traded under duress. Are nonbudget items ever used as leverage in budget negotiations? Of course. Grand legislative bargains are built on concession, much of it grudging. They are not, however, built on capitulation. They are not the result of public surrender to the sorts of "or else " threats that Rauner has been administering since Day One of his administration. Those threats may work in the business world Rauner comes from, particularly when you're the big dog with the most money. But they don't work in government, particularly when your party's in the minority. Advertisement Democrats fear they know that if they give in to Rauner and OK the three items just three! he still demands before working out a full-year budget that they'll set a precedent, one that stands to foul the budget process in Illinois for years to come. Once they've shown that they're willing to negotiate with a hostage-taker, they can expect more and bigger demands next time. Let the "turnaround agenda" be a series of bills carefully considered by the General Assembly, not a cudgel used to try to beat the Democrats into submission. Otherwise, we'll be right back here in 12 months, on New Fiscal Year's Day 2018, decrying the gridlock and pointing fingers across the aisle while Illinois drowns in a flood tide of red ink. Twitter @EricZorn The Long Beach, Calif., school board president will serve as the new chairman of the Council of the Great City Schools board of directors. Felton Williams will assume the position this week. Williams succeeds San Francisco Unified Superintendent Richard Carranza , who was one of Education Weeks Leaders to Learn From in 2015. Williams will lead the policymaking body of the national coalition that represents 70 of the nations largest urban public school systems. The councils 140-member board is composed of the superintendent and a school board member from each of the member districts. Outgoing District of Columbia schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson will serve as chair-elect until she steps down at the end of September. Once Henderson departs, a superintendent from the councils 24-member executive committee will be elected to replace her, council spokesman Henry Duvall said. Miami-Dade County school board member Lawrence Feldman will serve as secretary-treasurer. Spray from a boat's wake can be seen in front of the city skyline June 30, 2016, on Lake Michigan. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) Waves on the lakefront are expected to reach up to 7 feet tall Friday, prompting the National Weather Service to urge Chicago beachgoers to stay out of the water and boaters to be cautious. Strong rip currents are expected and can sweep swimmers into deeper water. Waves are expected to reach heights of 5 to 7 feet at Lake Michigan beaches in northeast Illinois, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a beach hazards statement early Friday. Advertisement "Life-threatening waves and currents are expected at the beaches," according to the weather service statement, which noted such conditions were expected to last through 6 p.m. Most of Chicago's 26 lakefront beaches had swimming bans or advisories because of waves and rip tides. Across the city's lakefront, swimming bans were in effect for Fargo Beach and Osterman Beach, according to the Park District's beach website. The only beaches without swimming restrictions Friday afternoon were Oakwood Beach, Rainbow Beach, South Shore Beach, Calumet Beach, 12th Street Beach and 63rd Street Beach. The remainder had swim advisories. Advertisement The lakefront trail remained open despite the waves, said Eric Fischer, manager of beaches and pools for the Park District. Chicago boaters were alerted as well to the weather conditions, which The National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory due to wind speeds expected to create hazardous wave conditions for boats. Winds are expected to reach up to 30 knots and significant waves up to 7 feet, with occasional waves up to 9 feet, according to the advisory. "Inexperienced mariners ... especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions," the advisory said. The small craft advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday for Winthrop Harbor near the Wisconsin border all the way south to Calumet Harbor near the Indiana border. lvivanco@tribpub.com Twitter @lvivanco Ninety-nine percent of the jobs created in the recovery from the Great Recession are going to people with at least some college education, a pattern that increasingly shuts out people with only high school diplomas, a new study finds. Americas Divided Recovery: College Haves and Have-Nots, released Thursday by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , puts an even finer point on the argument that President Barack Obama, his education secretaries, and legions of policy wonks have been making: that young people need at least some college education to thrive in the 21st century economy. Theyve been reflecting the steady accumulation of studies showing an erosion, since the 1980s, of good-paying jobs for those with only a high school education. The new study reports that 11.6 million jobs have been created since 2010, and 11.5 million went to workers who continued their education beyond high school. Of those, 8.4 million went to people who had earned bachelors degrees or higher. Only 80,000 of the post-recession jobs went to people whose highest level of education was a high school diploma. The post-Great Recession economy has divided the country along a fault line demarcated by college education, says the report, written by the Georgetown Centers director, Anthony P. Carnevale, and two co-authors. For those with at least some college education, the job market is robust. ... By contrast, workers with a high school diploma or less hear about an economic recovery and wonder what people are talking about. That schism reflects a milestone: According to the Georgetown center, which has been tracking the jobs market for many years, people with bachelors degrees now make up a bigger share of the workforce (36 percent) than those who earned high school diplomas or never finished high school (34 percent). Workers with more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelors degree make up 30 percent of the workforce. New jobs have been created after the Great Recession, but the landscape has been rearranged, the Georgetown center found. There are far fewer blue-collar and clerical jobs now, and more managerial and professional posts. Manufacturing, construction, and natural resources production used to provide jobs for almost half of the workforce 70 years ago, but now employ only 2 in 10 workers, the study reports. Another big source of jobs for those with only a high school educationoffice and administrative support jobstook a big hit during and since the recession, losing 1.4 million jobs. But industries heavy on managerial and professional workers, like health-care, business, financial, education, and government services, which employed 28 percent of the workforce seven decades ago, now provide jobs to 46 percent of the workforce, the report found. "It's a beautiful holiday to enjoy our freedom," Josafina Luna of Aurora said about the Fourth of July. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News) While people in the Fox Valley are celebrating Independence Day with barbecues, going to parades and watching fireworks, they are also mindful of the meaning of the holiday. "I am reminded of the many opportunities I have living in this great country," said Caroline Williams-Hughes of Aurora. Advertisement She said she planned to celebrate the nation's birthday with family. "I do hope people will pause and reflect about all of the liberties we enjoy in the United States," Williams-Hughes said. Advertisement "Our youth in particular should review our nation's history and consider what people had to endure to make it easier for their lives today," she said of her African-American ancestry. "Our younger generation may not realize how fortunate they are. Our ancestors really did struggle to help us get where we are today." Batavia Fire Department Lt. Steve Smit, a Marine Corps veteran, said the day reminds him of how Americans can exercise their freedoms. "We served our country to protect our freedoms," he said. "It's a day to remember what we have. The reason we have our independence is because our forefathers decided they didn't want people from across the pond to govern us. We celebrate our independence from a foreign power. "The Independence Day holiday is more than just a day off, and that is part of our freedom -- to have the freedom to celebrate any way you want to. If sizzling ribs in the backyard is what people want to do then go ahead and do it. That's the whole idea of freedom and independence," he said. Jaime Garcia, executive director of Centro de Informacion in Elgin, came to the United States with his family from Mexico when he was 9 years old and became a citizen more than 20 years ago. Centro has programming to encourage immigrants to become U.S. citizens, Garcia said. "Looking back at 1776 and the formation of a new nation, I think about the new system of government which they would put in place, one where we, the people, are in charge," he said. "It may not be perfect, but, thank God, it's the best system there is. It's why people from all over the world want to come here, to be a part of it." Ramona Jean Burns of Elgin is Native American by birth and was adopted at an early age. She sometimes jokes that she became Polish and English by adoption. Advertisement "What does the Fourth of July mean to me? For me, this is a day to acknowledge U.S. independence. This is a day set aside for celebration, and if you know me, I'm always up for a good party," Burns said. Burns said the day makes her think of freedom. "Let's take the day to celebrate the successes, large and small," Burns said. "This is an ongoing struggle for us all, whether we want to acknowledge it or not." The bottom line for Burns, though, about the Fourth is, "It means I'll have to console my poor dog during all the fireworks, that's what. And maybe if I'm lucky, a great barbecue." Army veteran Vern Allen and his wife Nellie display their patriotism by flying an American flag outside of their home. The Geneva couple said, despite the tone of the presidential campaign, they have a relatively good feeling about things this year. "The economy is better than it has been," Vern Allen said. Advertisement "We think President Obama responded well to the mess that he inherited," Nellie Allen added. Others who have immigrated to the United States have an appreciation for the nation's birthday as well. "It's a beautiful holiday to enjoy our freedom," Josafina Luna said. The Aurora woman said she was born in Matamoras, Mexico, and came to the United States as a young girl. "This is home for me," Luna said. "I am reminded how we can speak freely and vote for the person we want to guide our nation." Luna said she has happily raised her children in the United States, and now has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. That makes for large family gatherings on the Fourth of July, she said. Preethi Samuel, of Naperville, will be sharing the holiday with her husband and their two children, ages 7 and 12, as well as with family who are visiting from Dubai. The couple were born in India and came to the United States in their early 20s. They have permanent residency status in the United States. Advertisement "We appreciate the country," Samuel said. "We have been to Mt. Rushmore, Gettysburg and Springfield a few times. We love history and visiting the historic places, museums and libraries." Mark Koerner, of Oswego, is reminded on July 4 of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. "There were some brave guys that decided we were going to be independent from England," Koerner said. "The Fourth of July renews our attitude about being independent and a great country. The holiday sheds light on the virtues the United States was founded on. Hopefully people will raise questions if they think we are straying away from what our forefathers intended for our country." Angie DeSimone and her cousin, Marianne Suwanski, both from Batavia, said Independence Day is near and dear to their hearts. "We have the utmost respect for the day. We have members of our local Boy Scout troop place an American flag in our front yard each year. It is a most special occasion," DeSimone said. DeSimone said her father was born in Mola di Bari in Italy and her mother was born in Sicily off the coast of the Italian mainland. She said her parents raised their children to have an appreciation for the liberties in the United States. Advertisement "My father would always say that he was proud to kiss the ground of America. The holiday reminds me of our freedom to speak freely, do what we want and not be scared," DeSimone said. Young residents, too, find July 4 a day to reflect. Maddie Tyranowski, 9, of North Aurora, said she has an understanding of what Independence Day is all about. "We are celebrating the people who were responsible for giving people our freedom," she said. The current contentious presidential election was on the minds of some residents. Lucy DeLap of East Dundee said she is "very disappointed in the American populous this year." Advertisement "How could they possibly want this type of person (Donald Trump) to be representative of the United States on the world's stage? We need a leader who can remind people that what this country is about is bridging the gap and finding the common interests that serve the greatest number of people," she said. "The stronger we are at pulling people together the stronger our country will be." Joel Davies of West Dundee said the election is also on his mind, because of July 4 and the recent vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. "A renewed determination to not cast a bad vote as our cousins over in Britain seem to have just done," he said about his feelings. Dave Nutt of Dundee Township said that ability to cast a ballot is a big thing to celebrated July 4. "The privilege we have if we're willing to participate to vote and elect those people that can make a change to our government for the better," he said. Rich Nichols of Elgin said the Fourth of July is important to him. Advertisement "I'm about as patriotic as they come," he said. "I am a hard-core patriot. It's our Independence Day. We do have freedoms but you have to regulate some things. Politics is too showboaty this year. There has to be a lot that has to be changed and fixed, they just haven't gotten around to it." Freddy Nava of Elgin said the Fourth of July means a "celebration, family reunions and fireworks." The work of the armed forces was also something to celebrate, said Bonnie Lyons of Hoffman Estates. She said it is good to be "celebrating our heritage and how far we've come and the choices we have now because of the freedoms our serviceman fought for." Mike Danahey is a reporter for the Courier-News. Linda Girardi and Erin Sauder are freelance reporters. The Geneva woman accused of killing her husband earlier this year with a poisoned smoothie has nearly $175,000 in bank accounts, and that might mean a change in her attorney situation. Julia Gutierrez returns to court Thursday for her next scheduled hearing in her murder case. She has been represented by the Kane County public defender's office since her January arrest. However, after ordering Gutierrez to explain her assets and liabilities and to "make phone calls regarding representation," Kane County Judge D.J. Tegeler indicated that at Gutierrez's upcoming court appearance he "will address discharging the public defender," according to a court order. Advertisement Geneva police responded to the Crissey Avenue home shared by Gutierrez and her husband, Eduardo, for a well-being check Jan. 28. Officers found Eduardo dead and Julia unconscious in what prosecutors have suggested was a murder-suicide attempt involving the prescription drug temazepam mixed into a smoothie Julia Gutierrez gave to her husband. The couple had been married 31 years, according to court documents. Charged with murder, Julia Gutierrez has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail in Kane County Jail. What prompted Tegeler to request information about 53-year-old Gutierrez's finances wasn't immediately clear, but it resulted in Gutierrez filling out a form in which she described herself as being self-employed for 15 years, earning between $7,000 and $9,000 a year working as a personal assistant and doing random jobs, such as yard work. She references four bank accounts, including one she inherited, yet she didn't indicate their current balances or whether she knew what those amounts were at the time she completed the document. Advertisement Gutierrez references sharing ownership of land in Georgia with a brother and lists debts to Delnor Community Hospital and an ambulance company and various bills associated with her home, the document states. An email sent to Assistant Public Defender Julia Yetter by a woman identified as having power of attorney over Gutierrez's affairs provided greater detail. The woman indicated Gutierrez had two bank accounts with balances totaling approximately $111,000, as well as an investment account with $54,000 in it and $9,000 held for property tax and home expenses in another account, court documents show. Prosecutors, as part of a motion, previously stated Gutierrez sent a "large sum of cash" and a handwritten check in a package to a friend around the time of her husband's death. A note "arguably admitting to the crime and advising of (Gutierrez's) attempt to take her own life" accompanied the package, according to the court filing. Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. Joined by House Republican leader Rep. Jim Durkin, left, and Sen. Christine Radogno, Gov. Bruce Rauner congratulates legislators on both sides for reaching a deal on a stopgap budget June 30, 2016 (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) A stopgap state budget with money for public education, approved hours before Illinois was set to enter its second year without a budget, comes as a relief but doesn't solve school funding issues, one Aurora school official said. Both East Aurora School District 131 and West Aurora School District 129 are expected to receive more money under the plan, which East Aurora school board President Annette Johnson applauded. But in West Aurora, Angie Smith, assistant superintendent of operations, said the district was "grateful" for the measure but it didn't solve underlying concerns with the way the state funds education. Advertisement "We're hoping that people won't be distracted by the shiny object over here," she said, referring to the passage of a temporary budget. Without state funding, Fox Valley school district officials had said they could keep their doors open up to several months next school year. Advertisement But the new measure provides school districts statewide with at least as much money as they got this year and another $250 million to be divided between districts that serve low-income students including East and West Aurora. It also calls for an extra $80 million for early childhood education. While the elementary and secondary education spending will cover the entire year, the bill covers other costs only for the first half of the fiscal year. Under the measure, West Aurora is projected to get about $1.4 million more from the state than it did last year, or $117.17 per student. According to an Illinois State Board of Education forecast, the increase is expected to come from the district's share of the money for districts that serve low-income students. East Aurora is expected to get $5.4 million more from the state, or $422.78 per student. As in West Aurora, the state forecast shows the increase coming from the low-income money. Only Chicago Public Schools and Rockford School District 205 are expected to receive more from that pot of money than East Aurora, according to state board data. Johnson said the state funding was "better than expected" and she was pleased to see money set aside for early childhood programs. While Smith said the state measure would help the district's cash flow, it doesn't address a school funding formula that she called "broken." Both East and West Aurora, along with Chicago Public Schools and several other districts, have been lobbying for changes to the way the state assigns money to districts. Smith also said she was concerned with the possibility of statewide pension reform because the district doesn't know what that might look like or whether it will require the district to pay more. "All this really did is give people breathing room to start school," she said. "Let's just be honest, it's all political." Advertisement sfreishtat@tribpub.com Twitter @srfreish The food pantry in Aurora that Marie Wilkinson created almost 60 years ago is looking for an individual or a group to finish a book about the Aurora matriarch who died almost six years ago at age 101. (Terry Harris / Chicago Tribune) One of my most precious possessions was picked up at an estate sale. But it wasn't the estate sale of just anyone. It was at the home of Aurora's beloved matriarch, Marie Wilkinson, which was opened to the public after her death in August 2010 to give the community she served for most of her 101 years the opportunity to purchase items she once owned. Advertisement I covered the sale for a story, but there was no way I was going to leave without my own concrete memory of this longtime Aurora civil rights and community activist. And the 8-inch statue of the Blessed Mary Marie was a devout Catholic still sits in a place of honor on a shelf in my bedroom. Marie Wilkinson, who was often described as Aurora's "mother," died almost six years ago, but her memory lives on in this community in ways big and small. Advertisement One of the most compelling: the life-sized bronze statue of her that sits in front of the Santori Aurora Public Library downtown as a reminder of her love for children and education. Then there are two of her oldest and most far-reaching legacies: The Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center, founded in 1970; and the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. In the hopes of coinciding with this six-decade milestone, the pantry is spearheading another project to preserve Marie's legacy: a book about her that will cover an incredible life and detail just how much she gave to all of us. It's a project years in the making. Even before Marie's death, an author spent weeks interviewing her, with Marie's own voice captured on a cassette tape. There is also a manuscript that was started which outlines her life story. "There is a lot of material," said the pantry's Executive Director Diane Renner. "And now we are looking to find someone to take all that information and turn it into a historical piece for Aurora so her legacy never dies." Historical is the appropriate word to use here. Marie not only had a major hand in the founding of dozens of social service agencies here in the Fox Valley, including Quad County Urban League and St. Vincent DePaul Center, she helped pass the fair housing ordinance and founded the human relations commission she went on to chair for 40 years. But Marie was also an activist on the national level, and personally knew Rosa Parks, Mamie Till and Mother Teresa. She even received a phone call from Dr. Martin Luther King, personally thanking her for the $12,000 she raised in 1965 mostly through her connections to local churches of all denominations for his iconic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama. Advertisement Her greatest fans, however, are the thousands of people she touched in her 80 years of living in Aurora, most of it in that modest home on View Street she and husband Charles would regularly open to anyone in need. We ran some of those memories of Marie in this newspaper after her death, and the thing that sticks with me after re-reading some of those tributes was the scope of her wisdom, her humor and her seemingly tireless drive to help those less fortunate. As one resident so succinctly put it, "You were a better person because you knew Marie." Renner says the food pantry is not only looking for an author or group to finish the book for a reasonable cost, its board of directors also would like to hear from those who have personal memories of her so those tributes can become part of Marie's book. The hope, added Renner, is this book, much of it guided by her own words, will bring Marie's spirit to life. Her statue is at the library and on my bedroom shelf as a reminder of her courage and goodness. Now we need to place her book there, as well. Advertisement Dcrosby@tribpub.com Three-year-old Deysis Jiron Martinez came from Nicaragua to have surgery at Highland Park Hospital. Healing the Children arranged the surgery, while Martinez stayed with Beth Fournier, left, and her family in Northbrook. On the right is Jeff Degner, who is the president of the local chapter of Healing the Children. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press) While on a volunteer trip to Nicaragua to treat children who couldn't access quality medical care, a Northbrook plastic surgeon recalled how he and a medical team were forced to put the treatment of a 3-year-old on hold. The child, Deysis Jiron Martinez, a brown-eyed, curly hair girl, who does not speak English, was standing in line with her parents for an evaluation one of many who came from the region in December 2015 to a city in southwest Nicaragua to meet the medical team, said Dr. Michael Epstein. Advertisement Martinez had an abnormality on her lip that required surgery to be removed but because of Zika virus fears last winter, the Northbrook-based surgeon and other doctors there opted against treating her at the time, Epstein said. So, they decided to bring the girl to Highland Park Hospital at no charge to the family. Advertisement "We were not sure how prevalent the virus would be, so we took some pause and put it on hold," Epstein said. "We have the facilities and time, so we thought let's bring her up here." Healing the Children, an international nonprofit based in Spokane, Wash., organized Epstein and the team's initial trip to Nicaragua. And the group, with help from a Barrington resident, organized for Martinez to fly to the Barrington area and stay with a local family while she received treatment and surgery to remove the abnormality on her lip. American health care workers who typically work with Healing the Children agree to travel and help kids in various countries who can't access medical care, said Jeff Degner, a Barrington resident and president of the organization's Illinois and Indiana chapter one of 16 chapters in 21 states, according to the organization. Degner accompanied Epstein while on the trip to Nicaragua in December. He also assisted Martinez, who arrived at O'Hare International Airport on June 8 and received nearly two hours of treatment on June 16 at Highland Park Hospital, a part of NorthShore University HealthSystem. She stayed with a host family from Northbrook, and she returned to her home country June 28, Degner said. For his part, Degner said he arranges trips for four or five children a year, and he often escorts the youngsters to America and on their way back home. So far, Degner has helped about 125 children since he started working with Healing the Children 24 years ago. He typically has coordinated and helped children receive care at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. During the past 36 years, the organization worldwide has helped 253,228 children with their health care, said Carol Borneman, national administrator for Healing the Children. Advertisement Jeff Degner is the president of the Illinois-Indiana chapter of Healing the Children. The organization recently arranged a surgery for a young girl from Nicaragua. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press) Degner has met young patients from El Salvador with rapid heartbeats and kids from Nicaragua with foot problems. Many of the patients his chapter works with suffer from heart and lung problems, he said. But the biggest challenge to organizing these health care trips usually is logistics, such as obtaining visas to leave a country, he said. "The United States is tough to get to, especially for teenagers," Degner said. "The governments of these countries have seen teens come here and disappear. Most of them want to stay." For Epstein, the most "unbelievable" result of Healing the Children is the people involved. "When this finally came to fruition, everyone had stepped up to the plate, and it reminded me of why I got into medicine," he said. "Healing is good for my soul." Epstein worked with doctors at Highland Park Hospital to perform the surgery on Martinez. The lead surgeon was Bruce Bauer, a pediatric plastic surgeon who lives in Lincolnwood. Martinez's operation was the first time the surgeons had done work for Healing the Children. Advertisement "For me, personally, I was there and know how to do it smoothly and safely," Bauer said. "This will make a huge difference in her life, something that took less than two hours." Degner also said many people contribute to helping the children who come through the nonprofit. He accompanied Martinez back to Nicaragua. "Healing the Children is like a chain of love with lots of links parents, the kids, doctors, escorts, host families and medical staffs," he said. Beth Fournier, who was the host parent while Martinez received treatment at Highland Park Hospital, recalled how in conversations in Spanish with Martinez after the surgery she didn't think she was "bonita," or beautiful, right after the operation. "But today she said she was beautiful and I was, too," said an emotional Fournier. "I do a lot of volunteer services to thank God for what he has given me salvation." tshields@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter @tshields19 As some area educators see it, an emerging technology has the potential of becoming a school teacher's dream tool. It can let kids wander and explore wherever they want to go because they're not actually wandering anywhere they're still in the classroom. Advertisement That is the potential of virtual reality technology in education, according to some instructors in Lake County. Before the end of the school year, students at Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 in Buffalo Grove were one of the latest groups in the area to receive a trial run with Google Cardboard, the tech company's virtual-reality player. "It has to start with students answering their own questions rather than the question adults are lining up for them," said Tom Donovan, chief technology officer at District 102. "That, to me, is how we leverage the full power of any of these tools." Advertisement Administrators at other area school districts also are beginning to experiment with virtual reality, but some have said the developing technology may not quite be ready to use in their classrooms. Throughout the one-day visit, classes at Tripp Elementary in District 102 spent a period in the library, wearing Google's equipment on their heads. With their peripheries blocked out, the kids looked straight into the screens that hung about six inches in front of their eyes. Virtually, they were all in the same place, Donovan said, riding on a drone helicopter over the Grand Canyon, visiting the museum on Ellis Island or swimming underwater. But each child was free to turn his or her head, as individual screens could show views from all angles. The technology doesn't involve computer graphics, Donovan said, just film of real places recorded by 360-degree cameras. He acknowledged that the virtual-reality equipment amounts to the technological version of field trips to the zoo and other places. But he said he believed it could give the learner a degree of control. "You take the kids to the zoo, and they don't read all the signs," he said. "Schools, historically, have moved students in groups of 20 to 25 through a set of lessons. There needs to be more ways that kids can meet those expectations, that they can have much more control over. Around Lake County, other school districts are starting to pay attention to the possibilities of virtual reality, a multi-billion-dollar industry in waiting, according to some industry experts. So far, though, many area districts haven't earmarked funds or made plans to incorporate the technology into classrooms. "It is something that several of our teachers have talked about, but have not used with students yet," said Mary Todoric, spokeswoman for Vernon Hills-based Community High School District 128. Advertisement Erin Brooks, a spokeswoman for Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214, said teachers have shown interest in the technology, even though it's too early for the district to talk about specific uses. At Stevenson High School, board President Bruce Lubin said the board has not discussed the idea. While at Barrington School District 220, administrators have yet to make any "firm decisions" on incorporating virtual-reality technology into classrooms, spokeswoman Morgan Delack has said. In May, students at Lines Elementary in District 220 received a similar demonstration to the one students at Tripp Elementary recently received all organized by the Google Expeditions program, which can provide educators with virtual-reality kits, according to its website. The one-day virtual experience at Tripp Elementary came at no cost, Donovan said. But if the emerging technology does take off, the district expects the price tag to outfit students with the technology to be a large one, he said. He did not know of any districts saving money for a large purchase of virtual-reality technology. "It's hard to predict timelines because of how fast things can change," he said. "But it's got the 'wow' factor." Advertisement rwachter@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer Washington U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. on Thursday pushed hundreds of state policymakers at this years annual Education Commission of the States National Forum on Education Policy to engage as many stakeholders as possible while creating their education agendas under the Every Student Succeeds Act. This is a great opportunity for states to be unified under one agenda, King said. The panel discussion was part of the groups annual conference that gathered state superintendents, legislators, state board members, and 52 teachers of the year. The conference at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, featured panels on ESSA and pre-K, school accountability systems, school finance, and turnaround models, among other things. It will be held through Friday. King addressed the conference a day after a contentious hearing on Capitol Hill where he defended his departments ESSA draft regulations that many members of Congress and state superintendents say will hamper innovation and revert states to cookie-cutter education models similar to the ones they had under the No Child Left Behind Act. But King did not address those concerns during his short introductory speech and the subsequent panel with Massachusetts teacher of the year and the state superintendents of Pennsylvania and Illinoisall of which lasted no more than 30 minutes. Instead, he focused his remarks on engagment efforts between state education department officials and local stakeholder groups as they draft their ESSA plans in the coming months. He encouraged states to think critically about the sorts of accountability systems they put in place to make sure they push schools to close the achievement gaps between student groups. The civil rights organizations need to be at the table until the very end, King said. Tony Evers, Wisconsins superintendent of public instruction and the president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, didnt let an opportunity pass to voice his concerns over the ESSA draft regulations. Evers in the past has accused Kings administration of being too heavy-handed during the rulemaking process, especially around federal funding of schools, the ratings of schools, and test-participation rates. The last thing we need is for stakeholders to be annoyed with you, Evers said, pointing at King. The stakeholders will say the enemy is over here and thats a huge mistake. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. A Massachusetts court served a major blow to Massachusetts anti-Common Core movement Friday when it ruled that the states attorney general improperly certified a petition to ask voters whether to repeal the standards this November. The ruling essentially kills the ballot initiative effort. Late last year, End Common Core, an activist group based in Worcester, got more than enough signatures to get a question on the ballot this November that asks whether voters want to keep the states common-core standards. The group argues that the standards were secretly put in place by a board that wasnt elected by the people (the states Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, also known as BESE). Since the state adopted the common standards in 2010, the group claims, the states educational outcomes have slumped and local educators no longer control whats taught in the classroom. In January, a group of parents and business leaders who support the Common Core sued the state, arguing that the ballot question does not seek to make a constitutional amendment or new law. According to the Worcester Telegram , the states Supreme Judicial Court on Friday ruled that a portion of the question that requires test item disclosure does not meet the requirement that petitions contain only subjects which are related or which are mutually dependent so that voters can decide on a unified statement of public policy. Board Chairman William Walczak of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education on Friday said in a statement, The current standards focus on the skills and knowledge students need for success after high school. Superintendents, principals, teachers and parents support these standards and tell us they are working for students. The SJC decision will not only save teachers and students from unnecessary upheaval, but also means cities and town will not incur the significant costs that the ballot proposal would have created. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. When Do Police Need an Arrest Warrant? It's easy to imagine after watching a few seasons of police procedurals on TV that you basically get criminal procedure, especially arrests. But you probably don't because even lawyers who practice in court every day have to check legal texts when preparing to challenge an arrest. But understanding arrest is important for all because it can happen to anyone, even those of us who try hard to avoid trouble. So let's consider arrests generally and arrest warrants in particular. When do police need a warrant and what must it specify? What's in a Warrant? When Can a Judge Issue One? An arrest warrant is a document issued by a judge, based on evidence presented by law enforcement in sworn affidavits. The proof must amount to probable cause for arrest, be specific and sworn upon, making arrest reasonable under the circumstances. Once the judge grants a warrant, it allows police to execute the arrest. Probable cause is not precisely quantifiable, and the contours of this complicated concept are always being redefined by criminal case law. But basically it means that police must be able to articulate specific and verifiable facts in support of arrest and swear to their veracity. What is enough differs slightly, or even a lot, depending on each case's specifics. Still, whether or not a warrant is issued, police may arrest a suspect with probable cause. That is true even if no judge has reviewed the facts for sufficient evidence. It doesn't mean police can just do anything -- there is a reasonableness requirement. Spontaneous arrests must also be based on articulated facts amounting to probable cause and officers must swear to them afterward in reports, depositions and in court (as opposed to pre-arrest affidavits when there's a warrant). When to Challenge an Arrest The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of the people to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures of their property and persons. Arrests, whether based on a warrant or an officer's spontaneous assessment of probable cause on the streets, can be challenged during criminal proceedings and may be excluded if the evidence proves insufficient retrospectively. That's why it's important to mount a spirited defense with a capable attorney. A thorough lawyer who examines all the evidence and is willing to challenge even the most minute details can get a case dismissed based on substantive evidentiary issues as well as technical errors. Consult With Counsel If you are accused of a crime of any kind, talk to a lawyer. Many criminal defense attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case. Related Resources: Home of the suspect involved in reported bomb threat from Thursday night that displaced a large amount of neighbors on Lake Shore Boulevard in Wauconda. (Joe Shuman / Chicago Tribune) A Wauconda man faces felony weapons charges following a late-Thursday incident that found investigators searching his home for explosives after fielding a report that a subject wanted to lure police to his residence with the intention of setting off explosives and blowing them up, authorities said. Andreas Stachel, 49, was charged Friday after authorities recovered four illegal explosive devices, numerous firearms and ammunition, and a "large quantity of cannabis," according to a press release from Wauconda police. Stachel is being charged with unlawful possession of explosives or incendiary devices, unlawful use of weapons and unlawful possession of cannabis. Advertisement Stachel was taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation at 2:30 a.m. Friday. He will appear before a judge in bond court once he is released, according to the press release. Friday afternoon's statement from police added that the incident began when an employee at Super Pawn in Round Lake reported Stachel for allegedly saying he was planning on luring police to his Lake Shore Boulevard home with the intention of blowing up the residence and the police with 20 pounds of C-4, an explosive clay-like material often referred to as plastic explosive. Advertisement Authorities assumed the threat was credible because the suspect gave a "pretty specific" description of the explosives he said he had, Wauconda police spokeswoman Heather Cognac said. Police cleared a 1,400-foot perimeter around the 400 block of Lake Shore Boulevard, Highland Avenue and Hill Street and closed Route 176 between Main Street and Fairfield Road as the Wauconda Police Department, the Waukegan Bomb Squad and the Illinois State Police SWAT team searched the home. Agents and dogs from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also were brought in, Cognac said. Also assisting Wauconda officers in the incident were the Wauconda Fire Department, Wauconda Public Works, the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). According to police, ATF agents located a powder they are classifying as flash powder or black powder. Both substances are legal, but it is illegal to have more than one quarter of one ounce of them, and authorities found four separate containers of over one quarter ounce of that powder, according to Cognac. Cognac added that Stachel possesses an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification card, making it legal for him to own the guns found in his home. Police confiscated them for "safekeeping at this point due to his mental status," according to Cognac. The unlawful use of weapons statute pertains to the explosives found, not the firearms. Authorities lifted the evacuation order just after midnight, allowing residents who left some three hours before to return home. Investigators continued to process the scene overnight and kept Lake Shore Boulevard closed to through-traffic between Illinois Route 176 and Hill Street. They also kept Highland Avenue closed between Lake Shore Boulevard and Clearview Avenue, though all roads reportedly were reopened before noon on Friday. On Friday morning, a neighbor across Lake Shore Boulevard from the home searched overnight said Stachel recently has talked to him about having a hatred for "cops, politicians and people in general." He said the suspect talked about this as recently as four days ago and two weeks ago. A Wauconda police statement posted on social media late Thursday also reported that "the suspect said he is terminally ill and hates politicians and the police." Advertisement "He said (that) he had the house wired, stuff like that," the neighbor said. The neighbor said Stachel talked about having explosives like C-4 and "heavy duty" guns in the house, but he never took him seriously because he thought he was harmless and just needed some mental help. "I still don't think he had anything in there," the neighbor said. Ryan Ewald, a next-door neighbor, didn't talk to the suspect "all that much." "He was quieter, so I don't know. It all came kind of, I guess, out of the blue," Ewald said. "I didn't know he would be doing anything." Sharon Mason, who lives down the street, said some neighbors called him "machine shop guy" because he ran a machine shop out of his house. She and her family were asked to evacuate at 6:30 p.m. Advertisement The one neighbor said he watched undercover officers stake out the suspect's home around 4 p.m. and waited until he left to pick up his wife from work at 6:30 p.m., which the neighbor said he does daily. Police report Stachel was taken into custody without incident during a subsequent traffic stop. The neighbor chose not to evacuate and watched investigators. He said the bomb squad arrived to the home at approximately 10 p.m. and left around midnight. Following the threat, police encouraged evacuated residents to gather at Federation Church of Wauconda on Barrington Road. Judy Reimer, who turns 89 next week, was in her pajamas and walking to her bedroom when her neighbors came to tell her about the evacuation, she said. Minutes later, she said, the police came to her house and she did not have time to change before heading to the church. "I could see all the squad cars and everything and somebody shot off a couple of firecrackers and I thought it was guns," Reimer said. "I knew there was something going on with all the police cars. I didn't know what, though." Lenn Neubauer saw squad cars near his home before getting a call on his landline about the evacuation, he said. His home is about six blocks from the residence in question, and he called his parents, who live down the street but do not have a landline. The three followed police orders and went to the church. Advertisement "We weren't that nervous, but it's better safe than sorry," Neubauer said. Not everyone in the neighborhood got the information. Brenda Logothetti lives a few blocks down from the house being searched, but said no one came to alert her and her husband who were in bed when the evacuation began. Their neighbor, Dan Miroballi, heard a helicopter circling over the area and wondered what was happening. He said he searched Google for the phrase, "why is there a helicopter over Wauconda," and saw news reports of the bomb search. He then went to tell Logothetti and her husband. "I'm just hoping, I worry over the holiday weekend," Logothetti said. "I don't know what people will do." Angelica LaVito is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. A teenage girl who was with Ronald Maas the night a police officer shot him in the face during a crash-ridden police pursuit through Lake County testified Thursday that Maas had snorted heroin and was drinking heavily before the chase. The girl, who was 15 when the November 2014 police pursuit started, took the stand during the third day of testimony. Maas, 20, of Ingleside, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated DUI, auto theft and several other felonies. Advertisement The girl, now 17, said she dated Maas and testified he drove to her Lake Villa home Nov. 13, 2014, and snorted heroin there before the two went to a friend's house and began drinking. She said Maas drank "at least half the bottle" of Captain Morgan Rum. Advertisement The two then left, and Maas was going to drive to another friend's home, but "we never made it, though," she said. Hours later, she awoke in a wrecked, burning truck on Route 45 and was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, she said. The run-in with police began about 10:45 p.m. in Round Lake when officers attempted to stop the car Maas was driving for speeding, according to police. The girl reaffirmed police reports and earlier testimony that alleged Maas stopped the car long enough for an officer to exit the police vehicle and approach the car before Maas sped off. Round Lake police discontinued the chase for safety reasons but learned the Ford Fusion that Maas was driving had been reported stolen in Chicago. The girl testified Maas told her he bought the car from a relative. The girl said Maas then flipped the Fusion on Route 83 and she suffered a concussion in that crash. She said the two then made their way through a cornfield, Maas took a pickup truck from a residence and the two drove away. Following another brief police chase, the girl said Mass drove into a neighborhood near Route 134 and eventually toward an intersection that police and prosecutors identified as Forest Avenue and Route 134 in Ingleside. The girl said police had the intersection "blocked off," but Maas still drove from Forest onto Route 134 and struck another pickup truck "head-on." "That's when a cop got out and shot at us," she said. Advertisement Round Lake Heights police Officer Shane Page testified Wednesday that Maas turned onto Route 134, revved the engine and drove straight toward Page, who fired two shots after yelling to stop the truck. Defense attorney Eric Rinehart has asserted since opening statements that Maas never directed the truck toward Page and that the charges of attempted murder should not have been filed. Page testified he was in front of the truck, moving to the left, when he fired the shots, aiming for the driver's chest area. Both shots hit the driver's side of the truck, one going through the driver's window and through Maas' left cheek, according to reports and evidence introduced at the trial. When Rinehart asked about the location of the bullet damage on the truck, Page responded, "I'm not a sniper." Under cross-examination Thursday, the girl testified that Page shot from the side of the truck "at an angle" from about 5 feet away. Advertisement She said when Maas was shot, the passenger-side window shattered as the bullet went by. "I was crying and going ballistic," she said. After being shot, Maas escaped in the truck, and the two ended up briefly parked in a bar parking lot near Route 120, where the girl said she could see Maas bleeding from the mouth and knew he had been shot. She said he then pulled into a neighborhood, stopped again and indicated he wanted to go home. She said Maas was driving on Route 45 back to her home when another police car tried to pull them over. She said Maas was driving about 80 miles per hour when he tried to pass a car moving at a slower rate and struck another car head-on at a curve. The crash, in Lake Villa, seriously wounded the two people in the other car. The girl testified that when she awoke, she was still in the truck, which was upside down and on fire, and Maas was gone. She managed to get out and was taken into custody before being taken to the hospital, where she was treated for an injured hand and diagnosed with a concussion. Advertisement According to police and prosecutors, Maas left the wrecked truck after the crash and attempted to steal a dump truck from a nearby home-business but was arrested by police, who dragged him from the vehicle. He also was taken to Condell Medical Center, where prosecutors said he tested positive for cocaine, opiates and marijuana, and was legally drunk. Lake County sheriff's Deputy Vince Sciarroni, who was at the scene of the shooting on Route 134, testified he saw Page behind the truck Maas was driving after he heard the shots. He also testified he didn't see Page between the truck Maas was driving and a red pickup truck, the spot where Page said he opened fire. Under cross examination, Sciarroni confirmed he saw two shell casings in an area that would have been on the left side of the truck. Page also testified that after he shot Maas, the teen put the truck into reverse and was backing toward him. Page said he had to jump over a guardrail on Route 134 to avoid being struck, and he sprained his knee when he fell into a ditch on the other side of the guardrail. Page, who testified it was the only time he has fired his gun while on duty, was taken to a hospital for treatment. Advertisement Sciarroni said Maas crashed into both the red pickup truck on Route 134 and a police car before escaping. The booming collisions and gunshots could be heard on an audiotape of the encounter played for the jury. The owner of the pickup truck, which was struck twice, testified earlier this week that he got a concussion. The trial is expected to continue Friday. jrnewton@tribpub.com Twitter @jimnewton5 Sparklers, which are legal in Illinois, resulted in 20 trips to the hospital for treatment of burns statewide in 2015. (Monica Murphy / Getty Images) While official Independence Day fireworks displays are held throughout Lake County, some residents prefer to put on their own shows a choice experts call a dangerous decision. Nearly 150 people were injured by fireworks in Illinois between June 23 and July 20, 2015, according to a hospital survey conducted by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. In Lake County, Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center each treated at least one person for a fireworks-related injury last Independence Day, according to hospital spokesmen. Advertisement John Piotrowski, medical director of the emergency department and chairman of emergency medicine at Condell Medical Center, said fireworks-related injuries typically include burns and injuries to the eyes, fingers and hands. Most injuries from fireworks are usually not life-threatening, but tend to be "very significant in terms of causing people disability," Piotrowski said. Advertisement "If you have a very significant hand injury and most people are lighting fireworks with their right hand, or their dominant hand that can have ramifications and consequences for people who work with their hands," he said. Piotrowski said he has seen patients with their fingers "blown off." Others have serious eye injuries or second- and third-degree burns, he said. Robert Romolo, medical director of emergency services at Good Shepherd Hospital, said he has seen similar cases because of people lighting firecrackers in their hand or standing too close to a firework or bottle rocket that hits them in the eye. Adults suffer the majority of fireworks injuries. According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, people ages 22 and over represented 60 percent of those injured statewide, with children ages between 7 and 10 represented 11.72 percent the second largest number. Romolo added that alcohol is a factor in most fireworks-related injuries involving adults. He said he once treated a group who were injured after putting fireworks in a garbage can, which exploded and created shrapnel. "It was pretty stupid on the person's part, and it was a smart person. That's the funny thing," Romolo said. "It was a normal person who just drank too much and thought it would be funny." But even abstaining from alcohol when setting off fireworks does not eliminate the risks. Advertisement "Unless you're a professional, you don't have quality control on these things," Romolo said. "Sometimes it's the fireworks, even if you were sober. You know they got short fuses or long fuses, or they're duds and they don't fire then somebody goes to see why not (and) then it explodes and somebody gets injured." Steven Hodges, an emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, has seen "several" third-degree burns from people lighting a firework fuse then trying to put it out in their hand. "So it's like, 'Oh my gosh, I didn't want to light this firework. I'm going to stop it.' So they put their finger thinking that they'll actually be able to put the fuse out but the fuse actually has a small amount of accelerant on it as well so they typically just burn straight through," Hodges said. Last year, mortars were responsible for 32 injuries in Illinois, while bottle rockets caused 21 injuries and sparklers 20 injuries, according to the fire marshal's office. Last year, Grayslake Outpatient Center treated an 18-year-old boy who suffered a second-degree burn from a firecracker in his hand, while Lake Forest Hospital treated a boy with first- and second-degree burns from a firecracker, said Sheila Galloro, a spokeswoman for Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. "A lot of times what happens is it's a situation where it's a gathering of people together, there's access to fireworks it's ubiquitous. Something, whether it's a bottle rocket or a firecracker, might seem very safe, but it is a small explosive device," Hodges said. "Children might not necessarily have the insight or the education on how to handle those safely, but more importantly, it's the lack of adult supervision that typically leads to injury." Advertisement All three doctors discouraged people from setting off their own fireworks and encouraged them to go and see a fireworks show. They understand some people will still choose to do it on their own, though. Piotrowski asks for those people to abstain from alcohol and follow the directions. Hodges suggests setting them off in a controlled fashion, such as away from houses, trees and power lines, and not letting children use them in an "unsupervised fashion." "There really is no safe advice," Romolo said. "Any time you light a fuse yourself, you're potentially putting yourself in danger. So my advice would be, if you really gotta have a fireworks show, hire a licensed professional to do it for you." Angelica LaVito is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun Many recent college graduates won't be able to purchase a car or home because of their student loan debt a concern even for local students who tried to lower their debt by first attending community college. A recent study by the credit agency Experian found 69 percent of students will have debt upon graduation and 84 percent will not have jobs lined up. Payments for loans begin six months after graduation day. Advertisement Sandra Bernardo, manager of consumer education at Experian, said the study found many recent graduates are stressed about their finances, but remain hopeful about their future and believe their financial situation would improve. "That connection might be because this age group has seen their parents struggling when we had an economic downturn a number of years ago," Bernardo said. "So maybe that's why they are a little bit more concerned with their finances and how things will go after college, and if they will indeed be able to get a job because the job market at that time and for many years after was a little bit difficult." Advertisement Kierstyn Hansen. (Handout) Kierstyn Hansen, 23, of Buffalo Grove, said she has $60,000 in student debt after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2015. After studying molecular and cellular biology, Hansen found employment at a biotechnology company in Florida, which allowed her to pay $600 a month for her student loans, she said. Recent college graduates spend 18 percent of their annual salaries on student-loan payments, according to a recent report from Citizens Bank. Hansen said student loans impact her day-to-day life. "It would be easier if I had worked and gone to community college, or had super-wealthy parents who could pay for my college, but I don't know. I'm torn," she said. "If you want to get a good education, you have to pay for it, but I don't think we should have to pay this much for it." Hansen said paying off the interest on her student loans is the most difficult, and she will pay more than $20,000 in interest alone by the time she is debt-free. And she isn't alone: The average student loan debt is $22,813, according to the Experian study. About 30 percent of recent graduates also have credit-card debt averaging $2,573. Colin Walker, 23, of Grayslake, said he attended the College of Lake County for his associate's degree before transferring to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The university's in-state tuition of $12,036 is one of the highest in the state and can double when mandatory student fees and housing are added. Advertisement "I felt I was ready to take that leap, but I knew I could save a bunch of money staying at home and working part time while taking classes at the local college," Walker said. "It was pretty well-priced, so I saved a lot of money there instead of going to a state school right away." Walker said he is currently a senior at the university studying anthropology and has $50,000 in student loans. He said the loans will affect his future because he won't be able to make big purchases like a house until the debt is paid, but ultimately hopes the education will be an investment. According to the Experian study, 72 percent of recent graduates are concerned about paying off their debt, and 42 percent fear their debt will prevent them from making a major purchase in the future. Both Hansen and Walker claim they did not learn about their loans through their university, and instead relied on federal websites or began to research when it came time to pay them off. "I didn't really know anything about it until I had to start paying it back anyway that's when you really learn how much you owe and how much interest is," Hansen said. According to the study, 71 percent of students said they did not learn about credit and debt management in college and gave their schools a C on preparing them to manage credit and debt after college. Advertisement "Financial literacy should be a mandatory part of college curriculum," said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst with the financial services website WalletHub. "While most universities provide resources and financial centers, very few have it built-in to the actual syllabus." WalletHub recently created a student-loan calculator to help students see how much interest they'll have based on the length of their loan and how much they pay each month. Gonzalez said it is important students know how much they need to borrow, and often borrow more than they need then spend part of the loan on cars or other high-priced items. "We were inspired by the high percentage of student-loan debtors who are now unable to keep up with their payments," Gonzalez said. "According to the Department of Education, about 9.6 million of the estimated 22 million Americans with student debt are either delinquent on their payments or have stopped paying completely as of quarter one of 2016." Colin Walker. (Handout) U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, R-Illinois, recently introduced a new bill to help pay back student debt with the Higher Education Loan Payments for Students and Parents Act. With $1.3 trillion student debt in the U.S., he said the bill would change how the tax code treats employer contributions toward student loan repayments. The bill would allow employers of recent graduates to set up matching funds in a tax-protected 529 college loan repayment fund. Money given to the fund would not count as income when taxes are filed, allowing parents to also set up a college savings account for their child or students to pay back their loans. The bill would provide tax credits for employers based on the amount contributed to the 529 plan. Up to $5,250 could be included in non-taxable income. He said many recent graduates consider this to be one of the best benefits an employer can offer. Advertisement "We view this as a benefit not only for the recent graduate because they are trying to pay down loans as fast as possible so they can start to save, and we want them to get into that behavior," Dold said. "It is a benefit for the employer because the employer is trying to attract top-quality talent and retain them." Dold added the bill will also benefit taxpayers because 10 to 15 percent of loans are going into default within the first three years, and many recent graduates are not setting up 401K savings plans to retire because they cannot afford them. According to the Experian study, 54 percent said they are likely to defer their student loans after graduation. "We understand this is a priority for the students and they want to pay down that student debt before saving for retirement," Dold said, "and that's one of the reasons why this will be helpful because they will be used to saving and putting money aside every week to pay for their student loans, so we want them to continue that behavior and start saving for their 401Ks." Bernardo said it is never too early to start getting informed about student debt and one's credit score. She said many students have their first financial experiences away at college with little information and credit is definitely more than just a number. "After they graduate and start working, they are going to be managing more money and more budget and having other goals such as getting a car and then a home, and those require credit as well, so they need to know how that works," she said. Advertisement mejones@tribpub.com Twitter: @MeganAsh_Jones Two Chicago men have been charged robbing a Lincolnwood gas station with a gun last month. Tyrone Cole, 47, of the 7700 block of South Calumet Avenue; and Michael Hayes, 54, of the 500 block of East 77th Avenue; were both charged with armed robbery with a firearm. Advertisement Police said they walked into the Mobil gas station at 7169 Crawford Avenue at noon on June 21 and held up the cashier with a gun. One of the men, who police did not identify, displayed the gun while the other one acted as a lookout, according to a press release from the Lincolnwood Police Department. Advertisement A spokesperson from the Lincolnwood Police Department Friday did not immediately return calls seeking additional information. Cole and Hayes were arrested a week after the robbery, on June 28, and are being held in Cook County Jail, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Department. A judge set Hayes' bond at $300,000, and Cole is being held on $400,000 bond, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Department. They were both scheduled to appear in court on July 5. Police are investigating the men for possible involvement in other robberies in the Chicago area, according to the press release from Lincolnwood Police. Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Naperville resident Lillian Grace Avery signs Medicare forms at Edward Hospital on July 1, 1966, assisted by her husband Robert, left, and hospital administrator Eugene Morris. (The Associated Press / HANDOUT) When Edward Hospital surgical patient Lillian G. Avery became the first person in the United States to register for Medicare 50 years ago, the Naperville woman gave at least a fleeting thought as to how to parlay that fact into a bit of personal immortality. A Chicago Tribune reporter informed 68-year-old Avery she would be the first citizen to have her bills paid under the then-new program. Her amused reply, "Oh boy! Now I can go to New York and get on the television program 'I've Got A Secret.'" Advertisement It was no secret when Avery signed her Medicare forms in her hospital bed on July 1, 1966, the day the program went into effect for nearly 20 million Americans age 65 or older. In addition to front-page coverage in the Tribune, an Associated Press photographer snapped Avery's picture, which made its way across the country and into numerous other newspapers and publications. And if not necessarily a secret, there is quite a bit of mystery as to what became of Avery. Advertisement Edward Hospital officials report they have had no success in locating any survivors. Similarly, the Naperville Sun failed to turn up any trace of Avery siblings, children or grandchildren. The unsubstantiated story has it Avery's first husband was a physician and that by 1966 she had remarried, after being widowed or divorced. She also might have been childless. All of which couldn't matter in the slightest to Edward officials, who on July 20 will mark the Avery-Medicare anniversary with the unveiling of a plaque and other ceremonies that with luck might yet include guest appearances from the much-sought-after members of Avery's family, hospital spokesman Keith Hartenberger said. One key player in the event is still very much alive and well: former journalist and Chicagoan Duane Carlson. He and his wife, Ann, arrived in Naperville in 1955, and lived there for 31 years. "Edward Hospital, birthplace of Medicare" is how Carlson wryly refers to the event. Carlson is the one who chose Avery for her distinction. "The reason I was given the right to choose was that I was a member of the communications staff at the national Blue Cross Association," Carlson said. He and the head of communications at the U.S. Social Security Administration coordinated Avery's form-signing and photo opportunity. "We both wanted a patient who would be recovering and, since Blue Cross covered nearly all the seniors who had health coverage before Medicare, I wanted the patient to be one of our subscribers," said Carlson, who would go on to become Blue Cross' vice president of communications. Then-Social Security Administration Commissioner Robert Ball saluted Avery in the 1966 press release that preceded the signing. Gene Morris, Edward's administrator at the time, is depicted in the photograph with Avery. Advertisement Carlson worked for newspapers in Warrenville and Downers Grove during his youth, and recalled the population of Naperville at the time of the Avery-Medicare event was 7,500. He said he later "led the work to change Edward from a tax district hospital that had been unprepared for the growth and needs of residents to a hospital which could grow, and do so in a way that it was the center of the area's health needs" President Harry S. Truman proposed compulsory national health insurance in 1945, a cause later taken up by President John F. Kennedy. The idea continued to meet with fierce resistance from the American Medical Association and other opponents of so-called "socialized medicine" until July 30, 1965. That was when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law in Independence, Mo. Truman's hometown with the former president receiving the very first Medicare card. The budget for Medicare in 1965 was around $10 billion. An estimated 19 million people signed up for it during its first year. Individual premiums at the time were $3 per month. wbird@tribpub.com Public Profanity Gets 50 Cent Arrested in St. Kitts Swearing on stage is not allowed in St. Kitts. Although hip-hop is known for its profanity, it is nonetheless expected that rappers keep it clean on the Caribbean island. That is why last weekend, 50 Cent was arrested after an impromptu performance before 40,000 people. In the immortal words of his representative, "The show was a great success and he will make sure for future trips to St. Kitts that he leaves the "motherf*****s" in the United States." The following is a cautionary tale about small charges and doing favors, as reported by the New York Daily News. Small Charges Act Swearing in public is a misdemeanor in St. Kitts. It is punishable with jail and fines, and the offense is listed in the island's Small Charges Act. Note that 50 Cent, officially known as Curtis Brown, is not the first American star to fail to comply with the code and rap appropriately. In 2003, the rapper DMX was fined $376 for a similar offense. In the U.S., there are also prohibitions on public profanity that disturb the peace. For example, you can't shout swears out a car window or other such acts that mar general tranquility. But tranquility is a relative concept and peace is surely more easily disturbed in St. Kitts than in New York City, say. Fines for Rhymes With 50 Cent making so much noise on social media and in court about being broke, even a minimal fine could sting. He is in bankruptcy proceedings. Regardless, the legal matter in St. Kitts was reportedly resolved rapidly. The rapper went to court on Sunday, paid the fine (the amount was not specified in reports), and settled the public profanity case before flying home to the U.S. No Good Deed Unpunished What happened was that 50 Cent was doing a favor for the show's organizer, and performed impromptu, with no prior notice. He was not planning to rap at the event so neither he nor the DJ had considered the profanity prohibition -- he was just supposed to host. But when asked to perform, 50 Cent complied, rhymed, and did what he does best. This graciousness got him arrested after the performance, proving once again that no good deed goes unpunished. Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer). Related Resources: Leave supporters hold banners and flags as they stand on Westminster Bridge during an EU referendum campaign stunt in which a flotilla of boats supporting "Leave" sailed up the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament in London. (Matt Dunham / AP) I wonder if all the debate over the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union has given Britains any insight into the American independence movement and the revolt of the colonies we celebrate this weekend. It should, you know. The reasons they're leaving today are a lot like the reasons we left back then. The British today never felt as though they were adequately represented in Brussels, even though they were taxed to support the EU. And Brussels seemed insensitive to what was important to the British electorate, which was embarrassing and frustrating to the government in London. Advertisement But back then, we also never felt as though we were properly represented in London, and were taxed arbitrarily. Our judges were dependent upon the crown for their jobs, their salaries, and even the length of their service. Colonial sailors were conscripted on the high seas and forced to fight for the Royal Navy. The king would also quarter large numbers of British troops in civilian homes, which infuriated their residents. There's a reason the Third Amendment is so high on the list. Advertisement One of the most objectionable offenses in the eyes of the colonists was that the king forbid the states from passing laws regarding the naturalizing of foreigners. In other words, the British government did not allow the colonies to control immigration. Well, that's perhaps the biggest issue in the current Brexit campaign to leave the EU. Now they know how that feels. Naperville Sun Twice-weekly News updates from the Naperville area delivered every Monday and Wednesday > However, I think the main reason for both the American Revolution and Brexit is the fact that nobody wants to be ruled from afar by someone who appears capricious and insensitive. The British government often forced colonial legislators to convene in distant and uncomfortable places, just to wear them out and make them compliant. A lot of their other laws just seemed weird and unnecessary. Similarly, many of the laws passed by the old men in Brussels seem weird today. Britains can't recycle or compost teabags. Children under 8 are discouraged from blowing up balloons. Residents of the UK can eat horses as long as they're not pet horses, and horse passports must specify in which category any horse belongs. Oddly shaped bananas and "high powered" toasters are forbidden. I think that if the EU falls, the real reason will be the olive oil cruets people who live in cafe societies love to have on their restaurant tables. Brussels banned those, insisting that each diner receive a sealed and unopened bottle of olive oil each time they dined. That's reason enough for many people to revolt. But we learned from Britain's mistakes. We passed a Constitution that effectively prevents tyranny by the majority. We guaranteed free speech, free assembly, and that government could not favor any particular religion. And we guaranteed the right of individuals to bear arms, so neighbors could form a "well regulated" militia, which at the time simply meant one that was functioning properly. While our Bill of Rights is essentially a response to bad British governance, our success as a nation has been largely due to the founding proposition of this country, that people of all kinds are created equal under the law and must be allowed to live their lives as they choose. It is the only thing every true American must wholeheartedly believe, and represents the covenant that guides us toward our ultimate destiny. There is, and will probably always be, a confederation of dunces that deny the genius of the American idea, and who promote xenophobia, resentment and hatred. But on the 4th of July we celebrate those who reject such fearful ignorance, and who bravely bask in the incredible grace God shed on the miraculous country that is the United States of America. This is their holiday. bill.mego@sbcglobal.net A Norridge family whose 7-year-old son was mistakenly left behind by a day camp during a recent field trip to a water park is asking camp organizers to review safety protocols. The Norridge Salvation Army day camp took a group of children to Seafari Springs at the Hanover Park District on June 21. When it was time to board the bus back to the camp, the boy's mother, Gina Rapatas, said her 9-year-old daughter Thalia asked the camp director to wait for her brother Peter, who was not on the bus. Advertisement In a report Rapatas filed with Norridge Police that afternoon, she claims camp staff acknowledged Thalia's attempts to alert the counselors but left the water park anyway. Despite a head count that was taken before campers departed the water park, she said the bus left without the second-grader and had returned to The Salvation Army Norridge community center before supervisors realized Peter was missing. Rapatas said she was on her way to the camp to pick up her kids when Peter called her on her cellphone to tell her he had been left behind at the water park and was waiting with a lifeguard. Advertisement "I was freaking out," Rapatas said. "I wanted to make sure he was with someone safe. He said he was a lifeguard, but I didn't know for sure." By the time Rapatas got the call from her son, camp director Jeff Rowland was on his way to the park to get Peter, and he was returned to his mother at the camp. Rapatas said she never got a call from the camp, however, and wants to see the camp director fired to help ensure that the situation doesn't repeat itself. "We're not against The Salvation Army but it's the camp and the safety of the kids we're concerned with," she said. The Norridge Police Department did not file criminal charges against the camp. Rowland, who is named in the police report as the camp employee Thalia spoke to about her brother not being on the bus, was still employed as of June 30. Salvation Army spokeswoman Melanie Scofield said the organization had spoken with the Rapatas family and was investigating the incident. Describing it as a human resources situation, Scofield released a statement and declined to provide additional comment, citing the ongoing investigation. "The Salvation Army regrets the incident, takes this matter very seriously and is conducting a full investigation into the incident, as well as taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe, positive and educational experience for our day campers this summer," she said in an email. "Salvation Army Metropolitan Division leadership has personally spoken with the family to express our concern and sincerest apology for the distress that this incident has caused the child and his family. We are extremely grateful that the child was unharmed and returned safely home." The Rapatas family was issued a refund for the program costs. Peter and Thalia have been enrolled in a new summer camp. Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. This photo shows Ernest Hemingway in 1918 in Oak Park. With Oak Park hosting the International Hemingway Society's biennial conference for the first time, a litany of events tied to one of the village's most famous residents is scheduled for the month. (Courtesy of Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park) With Oak Park hosting the International Hemingway Society's biennial conference for the first time, a litany of events tied to one of the village's most famous residents is scheduled for the month. "At Home in Hemingway's World" Advertisement The week-long conference "At Home in Hemingway's World," which runs from July 17-22 will celebrate and discuss Ernest Hemingway, whose 117th birthday is July 21. The conference has been held every other year for 34 years in locations that have a connection to Hemingway, like Paris, Madrid, and Key West, Fla. John Berry, chairman of the board of directors for the Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, said the conference is expected to draw more than 325 scholars and Hemingway devotees from around the world, and it's the premiere single-author conference. Advertisement "There seems to be sort of an endless stream of scholarship around Hemingway, not only as an author but as a person," Berry said. "Hemingway is Hemingway. In a lot of ways, his shadow is longer than the rest of them." The conference includes about 50 panels addressing various Hemingway-related subjects, Berry said. Some of the highlights include a keynote talk from Tim O'Brien, author of "The Things They Carried," as well as Ken Burns collaborators Lynn Novick, Sarah Botstein and Geoffrey Ward. "The reason they're here is they're preparing to do a four-hour documentary on Ernest Hemingway to be aired on PBS in 2020," Berry said, "so that's a pretty big deal." Many of the conference events are free and open to the public, or can be attended by purchasing a ticket, Berry said. For more information on the International Hemingway Society's conference, visit www.hemingwaysociety.org. Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park fundraiser Closing out the week is the Hemingway Alive in Oak Park event from 7 to 10 p.m. July 23 at the Oak Park Public Library, which serves as the annual fundraiser for the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. The event is separate from the conference, "but we hope some of the conference folks will stick around for it," Berry said. "This is the endcap of everything that's happening the week before," said Mary Jane Neumann. A foundation board member, Mary Jane Neumann lives in Hemingway's boyhood home, at 600 N. Kenilworth Ave. in Oak Park, where the event's after-party will be held. Advertisement "There's Hemingway the author and Hemingway this larger-than-life presence," Neumann said. "What's unique about Oak Park is this is the town that shaped him." The event will feature live music, food from local vendors, a silent auction and more. Neumann said they'll announce the winners of the short story contest for which more than 70 people submitted stories and the Hemingway Foundation scholarship, which awards an incoming senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School a $1,000 college scholarship and a mentorship with the foundation's writer-in-residence. Another key part of the event: the unveiling of 3D plans for a writing center on the property of the Hemingway birthplace, 339 N. Oak Park Ave. Money raised from the event will generally support the foundation, Neumann said, "but also this will kind of kickstart our capital campaign for the writing center." Tickets are $85 for the event at the library, and $125 for the library event plus after party at 600 N. Kenilworth Ave. For more information, visit www.ehfop.org. "Hacking Hemingway" Advertisement David Seleb, executive director of the Oak Park Public Library and board member for the Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, said the library is nearing the end of a grant period that began last summer, and finalizing the process of uploading digitized Hemingway archives, referred to as "Hacking Hemingway." An $86,900 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White provided the opportunity to have hundreds of photos and other archival documents from the foundation and the library made digital and viewable through the Illinois Digital Archives. The archives offer a glimpse into the lives of young Hemingway and his sister, Marcelline, in the early 1900s in Oak Park. As the Hemingway Alive in Oak Park event will take place on the library's third floor, where special collections reside, it'll offer the first public viewing of the archives and an opportunity to talk about the digitization process, Seleb said. As soon as the special collections team learned of the grant, curator of special collections Leigh Tarullo said they wanted to find a way to involve local students and bring the archives to life. "We wanted it to be more than just placing those items up on the Internet," she said. Alex Nall, digital learning resident for the grant, said students at Julian ad Brooks middle schools drafted six-word stories and created digital comics from Hemingway baby photos. He said students were fascinated by the archival images and the history they brought to life. Advertisement "A lot had heard of Hemingway, but some of them had no clue that he lived right down the street, or went to the same school," Nall said. Emily Reiher, resident archivist for the grant, said all of the close to 300 archival items have been digitized; about 80 items have been uploaded to the Illinois Digital Archives, with two more uploads containing scrapbook items like school and art work and other Hemingway childhood artifacts still to come. The process should be complete by the July 23 fundraising event, she said. "What's really fascinating about these artifacts is we can start to see Marcelline's and Ernest's voices as writers," Reiher said. Nall said all student work is being uploaded to the Hacking Hemingway page, and more than 300 of the students' six-word stories will be printed in a publication called "In Your Time." For more information, visit www.oppl.org/collections-download/special-collections/hacking-hemingway. Oak Park Art League events The "Moveable Feast" exhibit, featuring artwork by Hemingway's mother, Grace Hall Hemingway, and art inspired by the work, home and life of Hemingway, will be on display from July 8 to Aug. 5 at the Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park. An opening reception will be held July 8. For more information, visit www.oakparkartleague.org. Advertisement Hemingway District events Businesses within the Hemingway District will participate in a sidewalk sale from July 14-17, and many restaurants will have Hemingway-related specials, said Jim August, president of the business district board and owner of The Irish Shop. He cited the cost and amount of work as reasons the greater Hemingway block party event will not be held this year. Additionally, the Hemingway 8K Running of the Bulls will begin at 7:45 a.m. July 16 adjacent to Scoville Park. A kids' Running of the Bulls will be held at 9 a.m. in Scoville Park. For more information, visit www.hemingwaydistrict.com or www.hemingway8k.com. Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Informational meetings have been set for parents looking to learn more about plans to create a new type of class schedule at all three Maine Township High School District 207 schools. The meetings will take place July 19 at Maine South High School, 1111 S. Dee Road in Park Ridge; July 20, at Maine East High School, 2601 W. Dempster St. in Park Ridge; and July 21 at Maine West High School, 1755 S. Wolf Road in Des Plaines. Advertisement All three meetings will begin at 6 p.m., said District 207 spokesman David Beery. The locations of the meetings inside the schools have not yet been provided. The meetings will center on a proposal from district administration to create a hybrid class schedule that is part traditional, part block scheduling, the latter allowing for extended class times. Advertisement If adopted by the school board, the new schedule would likely not take effect until at least the 2018-19 school year, Superintendent Ken Wallace said. The proposal as it stands now calls for an eight-period day, three days per week, with four-period days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be 90 minutes long each; classes held on Mondays and Fridays would be 50 minutes each; and classes on Thursdays would meet for 46 minutes each, according to a sample schedule provided by the district on its website. Classes meeting on Tuesdays would not be the same as the classes that meet on Wednesdays, the schedule shows. Wallace told Pioneer Press last month that it is believed the proposed schedule will "improve academic and social/emotional support for our students," in part by providing more time for career and college counseling on the block schedule days. Those days also include "an extended period class of approximately 90 minutes" that can be used for "deeper inquiry learning opportunities, lab experiment opportunities, and/or extended practice opportunities in many performing fine arts classes," according to the district. Instructional time in most classes would increase under the proposed schedule, according to the district, though the sample schedule shows science instruction decreasing by 105 minutes per week. Currently, science classes have a lab component and meet for 70 minutes, four days a week, with a 61-minute class time on Wednesdays, the current schedule indicates. More information outlining the district's proposal can be found at www.maine207.org under the "D207 Schedule Recommendation FAQ" tab. Beery said each of the community meetings scheduled this month will include a presentation by Wallace and the school's principal, followed by a question-and-answer session for parents. jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter: @Jen_Pioneer Managing Brexit Uncertainty, Market Volatility, and Your Business Last week, Britain stunned the world by voting on a referendum to leave the European Union, known as Brexit. Now the stunned world is trying to figure out what the implications of this decision will be for Britain, European Union nations, and the rest of us. Some experts say that Britain's decision could lead to a slowdown in local small business lending by banks and decreased spending by American consumers, which directly impacts businesses. Let's consider why this might be and what Brexit means to you. Market Volatility Although no one knows exactly what will happen next, the Brexit vote has upset world markets and that is usually a sign that banks will become more conservative about lending. When markets are unpredictable and banks lack confidence, it is much more difficult to convince lenders to invest in businesses. The smaller and more innovative the business, the bigger the risk will seem and bankers seek to minimize risk, especially in volatile markets. With much uncertainty ahead as Britain attempts to extract itself from its partnership with the 27 other European Union nations, it is likely that there will be continued market instability for months and maybe even years to come. According to Fox Business, the flow of credit for small businesses in the United States has improved dramatically, and approval rates were on the rise. This trend is expected to wane as banks grow more conservative about lending again due to Brexit-related insecurity and apprehension. Consumer Confidence Concerns CNN Money reports that American businesses could be dealt a blow by Brexit because U.S. consumer spending depends on market confidence. When consumers see stock market volatility they are less inclined to spend at home. "The keys to whether the U.S. economy is affected significantly will be whether equities tumble enough to have a major impact on business and consumer confidence," Jim O'Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, a research firm, told CNN. Keep Calm and Carry On The headaches caused by Brexit are expected to be many. It's simply not possible to predict what this decision will mean for U.S. businesses when Britain and the European Union don't even know yet what it means for them. "We also need to acknowledge we are faced with lots of doubts about the direction of Europe ... not just in the U.K. but in other countries as well," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters. But one thing is certain. Change is coming and change leads to market volatility. If the last week or so is any indication, in the U.S. and other nations we can expect a lot of fluctuations, fear, and predictions and very little clarity on Brexit's significance. For now, the best advice anyone can give you is the guidance given by the British government during World War II. Keep calm and carry on. Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Google+. Related Resources: A Lake Superior Court jury convicted a former East Chicago man of child molesting and two counts of criminal confinement. Jurors deliberated about two hours on Thursday before returning guilty verdicts for Edward Lee Smith Sr., 46, of Gary. Judge Salvador Vasquez ordered Smith held without bail until his sentencing hearing on July 29. Advertisement Evidence presented by deputy prosecuting attorney Nadia Chivers showed that Smith approached a girl on July 11, 2013, as she walked into the back entrance of a building in the 3800 block of Ontario Court in East Chicago, where Smith was living. The girl, who was 11 at the time, was going to go upstairs to visit a friend. Smith had a dog with him and asked the girl her name, age and her phone number. The girl told Smith she wasn't allowed to be around grown men. Smith grabbed her by the arm, pulled her close to him and kissed her face and neck, then took her by the arm and pulled her into his apartment, where he took her to a bedroom, according to a probable cause affidavit. Advertisement Once in the bedroom, Smith exposed himself, then told the girl to do the same, but she refused, documents said. After Smith pulled down the girl's pants and underwear, his wife walked into the room, documents said. The woman asked the girl what Smith had done to her, then slapped him. An argument between the couple occurred, which continued outside the apartment. All three charges are Class C felonies, which are punishable by two to eight years. Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. A Valparaiso man has been charged with attempted murder after an early morning shooting Friday in Valparaiso's Hilltop neighborhood over a dispute about payment for picking up and storing a woman's belongings. Lee Glover Jr., 33, of the 300 block of Evans Avenue, was charged Friday afternoon after deputies with the Porter County Sheriff's Department apprehended Glover and a woman shortly after the shooting on U.S. 30 in Lake County. Advertisement Valparaiso police found the victim, of the 400 block of Union Street, where the shooting took place, lying in the grass in the front yard when they arrived at the home at 3:07 a.m., according to court documents. He suffered a gunshot wound to his side and was taken to Porter Regional Hospital and later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. His condition was not immediately known. Advertisement Police were called to the home for a battery report and told the caller heard what sounded like gunshots. The victim was able to identify Glover to police as the boyfriend of an acquaintance and gave police that woman's name, according to police. When police arrived at her residence, about a block away from the shooting scene, someone at the residence told police Glover and his girlfriend had already left. The victim told police Glover's girlfriend called him around 2:30 a.m. to say she had an argument with her housemate and asked for help picking up her belongings from a vacant residence across the street and storing them at his house. The two negotiated that the woman would pay the victim $40 for the task, according to court documents. An evidence collection kit sits outside a home in the 400 block of Union Street in Valparaiso, which is blocked off with police tape after a man was shot there early Friday. (Porter County Sheriff's Dept. / Post-Tribune) The victim told police the woman had a large number of items stored at the vacant residence and he took them back to his home. When the woman called to ask if he had picked up her things, they negotiated that she would pay him $50 to keep her things there until the next day. The victim told police that Glover, who was with the woman, allegedly yelled that the amount was too much, and the victim told the woman that if it was too much money, he would return her belongings to where they were. Glover allegedly told the victim, "(Expletive) you; you better sleep on the floors tonight." Shortly after that, the victim was outside, still on the phone with the woman, when she and Glover pulled up and both of them got out of a blue 2010 Dodge Charger. The woman began to gather her belongings when Glover allegedly approached him and the victim saw a knife in his hand, according to court documents. Glover allegedly swung at the victim with the knife and missed, documents said. When he tried a second time, the victim punched him in the face and told Glover to get off his property. Advertisement Glover went to his car and pulled out a shotgun from the front seat, the probable cause affidavit said, and shot at the victim but missed. The victim tried to run before Glover shot him on the right side, the document said. Glover told the woman to get in the car and they fled the scene, the document said. Glover, who had no visible injuries, admitted shooting the victim, but said it was self-defense, the probable cause affidavit said. The woman told police Glover and the victim got in an argument and she didn't know what happened because she wasn't in the immediate area and she didn't see Glover shoot the victim, court documents said. Police found a shotgun on top of items stacked in the rear of the Dodge Charger, as well as a knife on the driver's seat. Deputies with the sheriff's department apprehended Glover and the woman at 3:23 a.m. at U.S. 30 and Clay Street in Lake County, Sheriff David Reynolds said. They were taken in for questioning without incident. Advertisement According to online court records, Glover's bond has been set for $50,000 cash and his case has been assigned to Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford. An initial hearing has not been scheduled. Around 7 a.m., two police officers continued to gather evidence at the scene, including dusting for fingerprints on the porch of the gray house with white trim. At one point, a woman inside the home handed police a white trash bag. When John Paul Grdinich left his apartment Friday morning to catch a ride to work, he was greeted with crime scene tape around his neighbor's home two doors down. Grdinich and his girlfriend, Camile Hagadorn, said they've lived in the Hilltop neighborhood for about two months and it's generally quiet. "It's the Hilltop area but there's never anything violent or anything going on that I know of," Grdinich said. Both he and Hagadorn said the house has a constant stream of visitors and other than the occasional wave or saying hello, they had little contact with the home's residents. Advertisement "I haven't lived here very long but the most you see here is drunk college kids," Hagadorn said, referring to Valparaiso University students who live in the neighborhood. Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Dale Johnsen will take the seat of chairman of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors in the wake of the resignation of longtime board member and Chair Victor DeMeyer. Johnsen, who is the Lake County commissioners' appointee to the South Shore CVA, moved from the vice chair post to replace DeMeyer; Megan Cecil, owner of Cecil Real Estate in Gary, was elected to fill the vice chair seat vacated by Johnsen. Cecil is the Gary Common Council appointee to the panel. Advertisement Chareice White, community and public relations director for Majestic Star Casinos and Hotel, remains the secretary, and John Kiernan, president of Calumet Brewery, remains the treasurer. White is the Crown Point appointee, and Kiernan is appointed by the Lake County Council. Advertisement Johnsen, who is retired, said he initially was concerned he may be relocating, but that is not the case at this time, and he looks forward to serving the board. "Seeing how I will still be here, I appreciate the opportunity to stay on the board," Johnsen said. The South Shore CVA board meets at noon the third Thursday of the month in the conference room of the Indiana Welcome Center at 7700 Corinne Drive, Hammond. Meetings are public. Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. With examples in municipalities all around him, Merrillville Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey has had a change of heart. In 2002, when a referendum on changing the town into a city came before the voting residents, Guernsey was dead-set against it. Advertisement "It was a different time back then. The town was growing," Guernsey said. "Now we're not. We're dormant." The referendum was soundly defeated then. Times have changed, he said, the town has changed and so has his opinion. Advertisement He now would like to see someone lead the charge to get the issue on the ballot again, if not in the November general election, then one in the near future. It is most likely too late to be on the November general election ballot, given the Aug. 1 deadline for inclusion. Guernsey looked to Crown Point, which he said has a successful corn roast event every June. "We have ethnic festivals that used to be huge. They're not so large anymore," he said. Guernsey looked at Hobart, where mayors transformed an old middle school into an active senior center and police/court building, and he talked about Whiting's redevelopment. If Merrillville had a mayor with vision, Guernsey said, exciting things could be happening there as well. Guernsey put feelers out about becoming a city and said he only had a few responses. But he's still hoping more people with an interest in becoming a city will come forward. Councilwoman Roxanne LaMarca, D-7th, was in favor of Merrillville becoming a city when it was a referendum question in 2002, but said she believes it's up to the town residents to make the decision. "There are both pros and cons of it becoming a city. It's up to the people to come out and vote if they want it," she said. Advertisement Councilwoman Marge Uzelac, D-4th, was involved in a movement that opposed city status for the town when it was on the referendum. She also said it would have to be up to the residents if the question should return to the ballot in the future. As for herself, she said she has a lot of questions that need to be answered first. "Would the tax rate stay the same? Would we really benefit from being a city? I don't know. I would need to give this a lot of thought before I decide," Uzelac said. She said a lot of people moved to Merrillville because it is a town and has low taxes. With about 35,000 residents, Merrillville is the second largest town in the state landing far behind Fishers with its 88,000 residents, according to the Indiana-demographics website using 2015 Census estimates. According to the website, Merrillville the town, leads local cities Crown Point (28,879), Hobart (28,404) and Valparaiso (32,626) in residents. In a report on the statutory steps, procedures and timeline to transition from a town to a city, attorney Michael Deppe said one key distinction between cities and towns is the ability of cities to annex territory. Some who favor city status said Merrillville would not have lost Southlake Mall and other key shopping plazas to Hobart 20 years ago if it was a city. Advertisement If Merrillville became a city, Deppe said, it would be governed by a full-time mayor and elected City Council rather than a part-time council with a representative from each ward and a full-time town manager appointed by the council. A city could have either an elected clerk-treasurer, like in a town, or the mayor could appoint a controller. A city also has a Board of Public Works and Safety. Deppe said converting to a city has a financial impact, but added it's not quantifiable at this time. "The effectiveness of either form of government will depend upon the citizens and officials of Merrillville. Informed citizens must weigh the facts, the general information and uncertainties in reaching an informed decision on the future of Merrillville," Deppe wrote in the report. He said for a referendum to be placed on a ballot, there must first be a petition signed by a number of registered voters in town that is at least 10 percent of the total votes cast in the last election for secretary of state. Then the town council must adopt a resolution to submit the referendum question no later than 30 days after the petition is filed. A copy of the resolution must be filed with the Lake Count Circuit Court and the resolution must be immediately certified 74 days before a primary election or by Aug. 1 if it is to be placed on a general or municipal election ballot. Advertisement At age 73, Guernsey said he doesn't want the position of mayor himself. But if he was, he would make building a winter park with a bobsled hill one of his priorities. His idea of a good first mayor would be a younger person who grew up in Merrillville, went to Merrillville schools, knows the people living there, loves the community and wants to see it grow. "It would be nice to have a home-grown mayor," he said. Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. A 61-year-old Merrillville woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Tuesday over allegations she shortchanged the federal government on behalf of her tax customers. The case against Gwendolyn Randall involves one count of aiding or assisting in preparation of a false tax return, court records stated. Represented by attorney Scott King, Randall pleaded guilty to the charge and remained free on a $20,000 bond. Advertisement Randall was previously employed at Quick Sam, a tax preparation business in Gary, the plea agreement said. As part of preparing false tax returns, Randall claimed false Schedule C self-employment income for taxpayers, the federal government alleged. This, prosecutors claimed, resulted in taxpayers qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which ultimately qualified them for tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Advertisement Randall's wrongdoing included falsifying Schedule A, including claiming false charitable contributions and false medical expenses, which lowered the customer's tax liability, according to court documents. Randall faces up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine, court records stated. Factoring into her guilty plea, the federal government agreed to a loss amount not to exceed $40,000. Sentencing is Sept. 16 before U.S. District Court Judge Rudy Lozano. Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Lake County Young Democrats' efforts to Register the Region have caught the attention of Porter and LaPorte county party leaders who are joining the initiative. Alfredo Estrada, chair of the Young Democrats organization, said officials from Porter and LaPorte counties reached out for tips and ideas on the mass registration effort aimed at signing up 10,000 new voters before the October registration deadline. Advertisement "For the first time in recent history (the registration push) is happening, it is spreading out to two more counties," Estrada said. Both counties already have experienced people registering voters, he said. Advertisement John Jones, LaPorte County Democratic Party chair, said the Register the Region initiative has an "impressive" level of coordination and sophistication. "We are getting back to our roots: Working precinct by precinct to turn out votes," Jones said. Jeff Chidester, Porter County Democratic Party chair, said Register the Region is a tool for rallying Democratic support in northwest Indiana. Estrada said so far the Lake County effort has registered hundreds of new voters and more importantly has engaged many more voters regarding the fall election. "The amount of contacts face-to-face we are making with people talking about the election is significant," Estrada said. More than 100 volunteers signed up in Lake County during the first week of the initiative in early June, Estrada said. Volunteers are expected to be walking parade routes over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to talk with people about the race for president and the governor's office. Volunteers also will be at some of the festivals with a booth where they will be registering people to vote. Estrada attributed the launch of the voter's registration initiative to Lake County Democratic Party Chairman John Bunicich. "We are, for the first time, deploying a coordinated strategy across the three counties with one goal to elect John Gregg governor in November and help elect Democrats up and down the ballot," Estrada said. Advertisement While the group behind Register the Region supports the Democratic Party, the registration effort is for anyone. Federal voter's registration forms and being used and there is no requirement to identify a party affiliation to register, Estrada said. Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Suing a Family Member for Personal Injury You go to Uncle Joe's house every Fourth of July for an Independence Day celebration to remember all year. But what if something goes wrong one year and people get hurt lighting fireworks or swimming in the pool? As your clan expands and more people join the celebrations, the likelihood of injury and accidents increase. Here are some things to consider before you sue Uncle Joe for personal injury and pretty much guarantee that you'll never attend one of his events again. Family Feud Family members can and do sue each other all the time, so it's fine if you decide to file suit against relatives for personal injury because you need help with medical expenses and other costs. But there are certainly some added practical and emotional considerations when you turn family matters into legal matters. First, the practical issues. If you sue your uncle, can you recover anything? Does this man have money, insurance coverage, or hidden assets only the family knows about? Now, let's get emotional. Assuming you sue and collect money, can you calculate consequences for the family as a whole? Will you end up putting your cousins in jeopardy or anyone else? Since you are family, chances are that problems can come around to haunt you, too. Apart from money problems, the legal dispute will spawn many difficult conversations for the whole clan and possibly cause permanent rifts. Community Minded In light of the fact that families, even ones that are not very close, do rely on the strength of all members, it may well be that the best way to address an injury is with settlement. Maybe your uncle pays medical bills and everyone avoids legal fees. Or maybe your insurer will force you to sue your uncle, as happened to a woman who was injured at her sister's home in Connecticut when her nephew hugged her too effusively. Consult With Counsel If you are injured, by a family member or anyone else, speak to a lawyer. Tell your story and find out your options. There may be a few resolutions. Many lawyers consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to discuss your situation. Related Resources: Valparaiso city officials saw plans for two major public buildings to get additions. Representatives for Valparaiso Community Schools showed what they planned for Cook's Corners Elementary at the end of July and representatives for the YMCA also presented plans for an addition of yoga and multipurpose rooms. Advertisement For Cook's Corners, at 358 Bullseye Lake Road, there will be additions of a gym to the east, administrators' offices on the southwest and classrooms on the south and east, said Donald Torrenga, vice president at Torrenga Engineering of Munster. The current driveway off Bullseye Lake near the intersection with Campbell Street will be replaced with one that comes off Campbell and circles around the north side of the school and connects to Bullseye Lake further east of the intersection. Advertisement City officials suggested making the drive one way, and School Superintendent Ric Frataccia suggested posting a sign that said no left turns onto Bullseye Lake, but they agreed to discuss best options for safety. The development team, which presented improvement plans for Valparaiso High School and Memorial Elementary School earlier this year, said this will be the last school improvement plans for Site Review comments until November or December. They intend to come in with plans for improvements for Northview, Central and Parkview elementaries then. The YMCA plans were for 8,000 square feet to be added to the west side of the building. Representatives for the developers declined to speak about the project. Also at the meeting, Annie and Artie Equiha announced plans to open a Valparaiso branch of their successful Brush and Board Creative Studio in Crown Point. They hope to open the business, where groups of people make craft signs, by mid-July at 3510 Calumet Ave. The Equihas, who are Crown Point educators, intend to have local educators David and Crystal Wagner manage the business. Advertisement James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Are you a closeted working stiff martyr? Several disgruntled workers contacted me after reading my column last month asking readers if we're becoming a "no vacation nation." Most agreed that they, too, are taking less vacation time from their job over the past few years. Advertisement Ironically, I heard from these readers while I was on vacation, my first one of this year. I rarely leave any vacation days unused, though I also rarely use any sick days. The majority of readers agreed that they're losing (or relinquishing) up to one week each year compared to a decade or so earlier in their careers. This surprised me until I also heard from Project: Time Off, an organization whose latest research suggests "America's vacation deprivation era," as they describe it, is not yet over. Advertisement In fact, it may be getting worse. Over the past 15 years, American workers have been taking less and less vacation time, according to the organization's research. Our nation's vacation usage had fallen to 16.2 days in 2015, nearly one full week less than the average between 1978 and 2000, the group says. "This is America's Lost Week," the group's website states. "The way Americans work has irreversibly changed. We are connected like never before, to each other and to the office. It is time to decide whether vacation time will become a casualty of the new working world or if we will take action to win back America's Lost Week." I don't see this happening any time soon. In our digital age, it's becoming much harder to distance ourselves from workplace duties when we are supposed to be off work. So we plug in our devices, pick up our phone calls and continue to produce even when we're off the clock. Even more troubling is that many of us boast about our unused vacation days, as if it's a badge of merit. This badge of merit comes with a price, Project: Time Off warns. American workers are effectively volunteering hundreds of millions of days of free work for their employers, the group says, resulting in $61.4 billion in forfeited benefits. For many, those forfeited days cannot be rolled over, paid out or banked for any other benefit. Keep in mind that those days are purely and permanently lost. Is your job that important? Are you that indispensable? Do you fear not being needed? Advertisement Project: Time Off's latest report, "The State of American Vacation," attempts to explain why so many workers allow this to happen. The report surveyed 5,600 working Americans, asking why more than half willingly left vacation days unused last year. Employees rank their boss not their family as the most powerful influencer when it comes to taking time off. Eighty percent of these employees said they would likely take more time off if they felt fully supported and encouraged by their boss. Do you feel the same way in your workplace? Or is this decision yours and yours alone? A few of the readers who responded to my previous column admitted they're at fault about working so much without taking their earned vacation time. Why? Possibly due to "America's work martyrdom," as Project: Time Off describes it. The organization is trying to change our thinking and behavior about vacation time, something we're likely too busy to ponder while we're at the grindstone each day. To offer a fresh perspective, consider that Americans wasted a record-setting 658 million vacation days in 2015, which could have generated $223 billion in direct spending to boost our nation's economy, the report said. Advertisement To reverse these negative trends, the report offers suggestions to better capture your hard-earned vacation days. First, plan your time off in advance. Circle a week on your calendar. Throw a dart using a blindfold if you have to. Then tell your boss. Don't be timid. You earned it. "Planners have an advantage over non-planners," the report states. "They use more of their time: 51 percent of those who plan ahead took all of their vacation time, where just 39 percent of non-planners did. Vacation time will not happen without dedicated thought and planning." Now is the time to take advantage of this report's findings and schedule your vacation before those earned days flutter through your fingers. Don't whine about not having money to go somewhere. Don't allow the unspoken pressure from your bosses to seep into your plans. Don't procrastinate until it's too late. If you do, maybe you are indeed one of those working stiff martyrs. Unclaimed winning lottery tickets I almost threw away the scratch-off lottery ticket before double-checking my numbers. Advertisement It's a habit of mine with lottery tickets. Check them initially (and excitedly) to see if my numbers match the winning numbers. And then s-l-o-w-l-y double check those numbers just in case I missed something the first time. Sure enough, I missed something on that scratch-off, almost costing me $20. Not a jackpot, but not chump change either. I wondered how many other lottery players allow winning tickets to go unclaimed, for whatever reason. I contacted Hoosier Lottery officials to find out. "The Hoosier Lottery makes every effort to award prizes to players in compliance with our rules and to avoid unclaimed prizes," Hoosier Lottery spokesman Dennis Rosebrough told me. "By Indiana state law (Indiana Code 4-30-11-7), the Hoosier Lottery requires that all prizes be claimed within 180 days of the drawing or game ending date." Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Yes, but how many winning tickets go unclaimed? On average, roughly 1.25 percent of the overall gross sales for each game. But that will equate to an estimated $16.8 million based on the current fiscal year's sales, he said. Again, not chump change. Advertisement If it helps, the Hoosier Lottery was one of the first lotteries to launch an interactive ticket-checking tool on its mobile application. Players can simply scan tickets on their smart phone to determine if it's a winner. "We encourage players to double check their tickets so they do not miss out on any winnings," Rosebrough said. I agree. Your vacation beckons. jdavich@post-trib.com Twitter@jdavich Blake A. Kraiman, 21, of the 200 block of Thorne Grove Drive, Vernon Hills, was charged June 30 with aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse. (Vernon Hills Police Department) A Vernon Hills man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenager he met on Facebook, according to police. Blake A. Kraiman, 21, of the 200 block of Thorne Grove Drive, Vernon Hills, was charged Thursday with aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse. Advertisement Officers were on patrol in the early morning hours of June 29 when they saw two individuals near a parking lot at the corner of Butterfield and Townline roads, according to a news release. One of them was a 17-year-old girl who was crying and distraught, police said. Advertisement Investigators learned the girl met Kraiman on Facebook and they arranged to meet on the evening of June 28, according to the release. Kraiman picked her up and took her to his home where they drank liquor, police said. Make a difference in the story you just read! Police say it was there that the assault allegedly took place. The girl went into to a bathroom and texted a friend to pick her up, police said. Officers worked closely with officials from the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center while investigating the case. "Regardless of anyone's age, this incident underscores the serious dangers of corresponding with strangers via social media," Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer said in a statement. "We strongly encourage all parents to discuss this topic with their children and monitor their children's on-line activity as much as possible." Bail was set at $750,000 and Kraiman is scheduled to appear in court July 14. By Dezan Shira & Associates Editor: Mia Yiqiao Jing Clarifying what constitutes a work-related injury has always been a difficult task for both employees and employers to claim legal rights. In China, problems usually arise from the time and location at which incidents occur, and to what extent they are related to work tasks, making legal processes rather complex for foreign employers and insurance agencies. Occupational injuries and diseases, post-work death, and industrial accidents have generated the most number of law disputes regarding work-related injuries. Since much-publicized cases of Karoshi (death from overwork) at Dell in 2005 and at PwC in 2011, foreign organizations operating in China have been questioned on their abilities to protect employees from overwhelming workloads and to maintain sustainable development, an increasingly hot topic as China expands opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises to operate in the country. In this article, we brief Chinas regulation on work-related injury insurance with a comprehensive guide on conditions for qualification, benefit items, and suggestions for foreign organizations in China to minimize the risk of work-related injuries and law disputes. Chinas Regulation on Work-related Injury Insurance In China, the Regulation on Work-related Injury Insurance applies to all workers under the employment of enterprises, institutions, social organizations, private non-enterprise organizations, funds, law firms, accounting firms, and individually-owned businesses. It ensures that employees or their families receive efficient medical treatment and adequate economic compensation in case of work-related injuries or death. Promulgated by the Social Security Administrative Department of the State Council, the insurance premium is contributed by employers, and the rate is determined based on the risk of work injuries in different types of industries. Determination of Work-related Injuries Since the promulgation of revised regulations in 2011 governing work-related injuries, the Chinese government has expanded their scope to include incidents occurring outside of work premises, such as while commuting and travelling for work reasons under specific circumstances. Employees who contract occupational illnesses, accidentally injure themselves, or die on-site while performing or conducting preparatory work, or within 48 hours after work hours, all fall into the scheme of work-related injury insurance beneficiaries. RELATED: Payroll and Human Resource Services Benefits for Employees under Work-related Injury Insurance Medical benefits Employees undergoing medical treatments, including clinical procedures, pharmaceutical care, and hospitalization required for work-related injuries, are eligible to have the corresponding expenses covered by the work injury insurance fund. Since work-related injuries may deteriorate employees labor capacity to various degrees, the intensity of disability will be graded jointly by the municipal community, the employer, and the health department, ranging from 1 to 10. The associated expenditures on artificial limbs, orthotics, artificial eyes, dentures, and other ancillary costs such as wheelchairs, and any nursing care, will be subsidized by the work injury insurance fund in accordance with the relevant disability grade, at the standard of 50, 40, or 30 percent of the regular monthly wage of the affected employee. There is also a one-off disability subsidy covered by the insurance based on the level of disability certified. For example, employees certified with grade 1 disability the most serious are entitled to 27 months of his/her wage. The amount of allowance decreases with each lower disability level. According to the State Council, employees who are required to stop work temporarily shall continue receive their original wages and benefits monthly during the leave period, which cannot exceed 12 months unless in cases of severe medical conditions. This paid leave due to work-related injuries is not counted towards regular annual paid leave. Employees are therefore still entitled for annual paid leaves such as home-return leave, marriage leave, bereavement leave, and maternity leave. Meal, accommodation, and transportation Benefits Expenditures on meals for hospitalized employees receiving medical treatments for work-related injuries, and on accommodation and transportation for employees who seek medical treatments for injuries while travelling outside of the coordinating regions, are also covered by the insurance fund, with proof documents provided by local hospitals. Benefits for family members of employees who die in a work accident or within 48 hours after work A funeral subsidy, next-of-kin compensation, and a one-off work death compensation covered by the work-related injury insurance will be issued to the family members of employees who die on-site or from overwork within 48 hours. The regulation indicates that the standard for the funeral subsidy shall be six months of the average monthly wage in the preceding year. The spouse will receive 40 percent of the monthly wage as next-of-kin compensation and 30 or 50 percent for dependents, with considerations of financial difficulties. The one-off death compensation is calculated as 20 times the national average disposable income per capita in the preceding year. In cases where employees die or disappear while on emergency response duty or business trips, another three months wages will continually be paid to their families. China hasnt formed a concrete plan handling Karoshi, making its determination of whether such an incident qualifies for work-related injury insurance extremely strict. Employees who die more than 48 hours after work, even if caused by overwork, are not eligible for economic compensation under current legislation. RELATED: What to Do When an Employee in China Gets Injured Suggestions for Foreign Enterprises It is the employers responsibility to submit proof documents including certified forms of medical diagnosis during the regulated time period; foreign enterprises must maintain frequent contact with insurance handling agencies, health departments, and local social security authorities so that insurance funds and subsidies are received and implemented in a timely manner. Employers are advised to pay special attention to employees with issues such as a predisposition to intoxication or suicide as their illness may not be deemed as work-related. Due to the increased competitiveness of foreign enterprises in China, the risk of Karoshi is heightened. It is vital for supervisors to maintain control of reasonable work schedules, ensuring that any extended hours will be approved through consultation with the labor union and shall not exceed three hours per day and 36 hours per month, if employees health conditions permit, according to the Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance. We recommend employers keep timely and accurate records of employees health conditions, and provide necessary health checks, especially for high blood pressure, hyperlipermia, blood sugar, and obesity, which are the most common causes of Karoshi. Historically, industrial explosions generate great losses on economic and labor capacity, such as the Tianjin explosion incident resulting in the death of 170 workers and neighboring residents, RMB 730 billion in economic losses, and approximately US$10 to 15 billion burdened by insurance companies. We particularly remind foreign investors interested in chemicals and logistics industries in China that underdeveloped information systems, talent shortages, and lack of safety awareness are the leading reasons for work-related injuries and deaths in these industries, and their premium rates for work-related injury insurance are expected to increase drastically following Chinas nine major explosion incidents in 2015. Over the past five years, efforts have been made to improve the clarity of what qualifies as a work-related injury. Challenges remain, however, such as the persisting ambiguity over cases like Karoshi. To guarantee timely management and investigation of legal liabilities, foreign employers must ensure consistent compliance with Chinas work safety laws and have a clear understanding of workers rights and entitlements. 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. Human Resources and Payroll in China 2015 This edition of Human Resources and Payroll in China, updated for 2015, provides a firm understanding of Chinas laws and regulations related to human resources and payroll management essential information for foreign investors looking to establish or already running a foreign-invested entity in China, local managers, and HR professionals needing to explain complex points of Chinas labor policies. How IT is Changing Payroll Processing and HR Admin in China In this edition of China Briefing magazine, we examine how foreign multinationals can take better advantage of IT in the gathering, storing, and analyzing of HR information in China. We look at how IT can help foreign companies navigate Chinas nuanced payroll processing regulations, explain how software platforms are becoming essential for HR, and finally answer questions on the efficacy of outsourcing payroll and HR in China. Labor Dispute Management in China In this issue of China Briefing, we discuss how best to manage HR disputes in China. We begin by highlighting how Chinas labor arbitration process and its legal system in general widely differs from the West, and then detail the labor disputes that foreign entities are likely to encounter when restructuring their China business. We conclude with a special feature from Business Advisory Manager Allan Xu, who explains the risks and procedures for terminating senior management in China. Passengers heading from Beijing to Calgary in western Canada can now fly directly to the city, after Hainan Airlines launched a nonstop service on Thursday. The airline is temporarily operating an Airbus A 330-200 on the route, offering flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The frequency will rise to four flights a week later this year. The planned Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operation will begin in early August. It is the first direct flight between a Chinese city and Calgary, Canada's oil capital. Hainan Airlines also operates a direct service to Toronto, the country's financial center. Officials in Alberta, of which Calgary is the biggest city, said the flight will boost Chinese tourist arrivals in the province. "This new nonstop service to China will give our region's business and tourism sectors access to an important world market and bring significant and far-reaching economic benefits to Alberta," said Stephan Poirier, chief commercial officer for the Calgary Airport Authority. One of Canada's biggest attractions, the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, is just 125 kilometers west of Calgary. Tourism agencies in Alberta are holding "China Ready" workshops as they expect an influx of travelers from the country with the launch of the flight. One estimate says the direct service will bring some 20,000 additional Chinese tourists to the province annually. The service is also expected to create hundreds of jobs in Alberta, Poirier said when the flight was first announced in February. A subsidiary of the privately owned HNA Group, Hainan Airlines is China's fourth-largest airline. It flies to more than 200 cities, including eight in North America, which are served by direct flights. "We are delighted to announce our latest nonstop flight from Calgary to Beijing. Calgary is the second city in Canada that Hainan Airlines will serve, after launching the Toronto-Beijing route in 2010," said Hou Wei, vice-president of Hainan Airlines. "This route will further enhance cross-cultural and economic exchanges between China and Canada and it will provide excellent service for our valued passengers." Li Xiaojin, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin, said: "As the traffic rights are tight for routes between major cities, launching direct flights to second-tier cities is reasonable." "Direct flights between first-tier Chinese cities and second-tier foreign cities, as well as second-tier Chinese and first-tier foreign cities, are expected to grow rapidly in the future, given the significant demand for international travel in China." Is Feeding the Homeless Illegal? Feeding a hungry person is good. It is simple and basic in an otherwise morally complex world. Or is it? In many places around the nation, giving food to a homeless person in public is prohibited. Restrictions are reportedly on the rise, and the reason cited generally by those in support of these measures is that homeless people are too visible, which is bad for business and other people's enjoyment of public parks. Let's consider the issue. A Hero Among Humans Feeding the homeless can result in legal consequences including time in jail. For example, in 2014, Arnold Abbot, an aged veteran and retired jewelry salesman who fed the homeless for 20 years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was arrested twice and drew international attention. He challenged the city and the mayor on television and lobbied in Washington; and he made them look pretty bad for punishing him. He vowed to continue feeding the poor until there was no more breath in his body. Abbott refused to comply and by doing so he drew a great deal of attention to a question society avoids mostly. What about those who don't have the most basic things -- food and shelter? The Reasoning Some people who support the anti-giving measures claim that they are actually protecting the homeless by ensuring certain standards for the food they receive and the conditions in which they eat. Some have argued too that they do not want to incentivize homelessness, which free food does. The National Coalition for the Homeless refutes these claims, asserting that people are not homeless because handouts are available, but because they have physical or mental health issues, or grave circumstances that land them in the very awkward situation of needing a meal. As an activist pointed out in Mother Jones, no one regulates the food safety of public picnics, nor demands that attendees be able to wash their hands. No Rest for the Weary A report from UC Berkeley Law School's Public Advocacy Clinic reported a sharp rise in the criminalization of homelessness around California. In 2015, researchers noted that vagrancy laws prohibiting resting or sleeping in public parks were increasingly popular. Californians are particularly sensitive to the issue, with one in five homeless people nationwide residing in the state. Authorities are showing a lower tolerance for poverty in public than ever before and arrests for vagrancy in major cities are frequent. Accused? If you have been accused of a crime of any kind, speak to a lawyer. Many criminal defense attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case. Related Resources: HTC VR equipment are demonstrated at an industry expo in Shenzhen, Guangdong province in 2015. [Photo/Xinhua] HTC Corp plans to set up more than 10,000 "experience sites" on the mainland by the end of the year, as the Taiwan-based technology company steps up efforts to promote its HTC Vive virtual reality helmet. The ambitious plan will be realized in part through a partnership with Suning Commerce Group and Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd, two of the biggest electronic offline retailers in China, said Alvin Graylin, head of HTC's VR business in the mainland, on Thursday. "HTC VR demo stores will pop out in almost every public place over the next couple of months, in shopping malls, internet bars and in karaoke bars," Graylin said, adding the company has more than 1,000 such experience centers now. The move comes one day after HTC set up an alliance that pulls together 28 of the world's leading venture capital firms, to boost the development of the VR industry. The alliance, which includes VC powerhouse Sequoia Capital, will set aside $10 billion of capital to invest in the future of VR and set the direction of where VR is going. HTC is competing with Facebook Inc's Oculus Rift and Sony Corp in the race for the control of the nascent VR market. Its HTC Vive equipment, which hit the streets in April, includes a headset, two wireless controllers and two motion sensors. "We are aiming to bring the best VR products to the Chinese consumers, and all of our innovative ideas and projects will be executed here first," Graylin said. Technology consultancy Canalys estimates that total shipments of VR headsets will reach 6.3 million units by the end of this year, of which 40 percent will go to Chinese consumers. HTC's intensified push into VR is part of the company's broad efforts to offset its tumbling smartphone sales, said She Shuanglin, an analyst at Beijing-based internet consultancy Analysys International. "Though its helmet offers quite good VR experience, the industry is still in infancy and changing rapidly," She said. "HTC needs to pour in more resources to build up VR content on its platform." In April, HTC launched a $100 million Vive X fund to motivate more developers to create VR content. Graylin said so far the company has received 1,200 applications. You are here: Home China plans to invest more than 2.8 trillion yuan ($421.68 billion) into railway construction, building no less than 23,000 kilometers of new rail lines during the 13th five-year plan period (2016-2020), the Economic Information Daily reports. The "medium and long term railway network plan" is aimed at further expanding the country's rail network. It was approved during a State Council meeting on June 29, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. The new plan targets more balanced national rail construction, bringing greater accessibility to more parts of the country. It also aims to build a comprehensive network covering rail, road, water and air transportation. The country experienced a railway boom during the 12th five-year plan period, with total fixed-asset investment reaching 3.58 trillion yuan and putting 30,500 km of new lines into operation. According to the new plan, the country will build more than 23,000 km of new railway over the next five years, with a total investment of at least 2.8 trillion yuan. Wang Mengshu, a Chinese Academy of Engineering academic, told the newspaper China's railway construction was speeding up and driving some related industries, such as metallurgy, machinery, building, computers and precision instruments. He says railway construction creates many jobs and has enormous significance for sound economic growth and structural adjustment. It's one of the best options to ward off economic downward pressure, Wang added. You are here: Home A publication on Karl Marx and Friedreich Engels, and exhibitions profiling the revolutionary history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have been launched to mark the 95th anniversary of the CPC's founding on July 1. The People's Publishing House announced Thursday a reprint of the first edition of the complete works of Marx and Engels, to coincide with the CPC anniversary. A Marxism with Chinese characteristics exhibition opened at Beijing's Cultural Palace of Nationalities on Thursday. The exhibition includes over 1,100 artifacts, literature and manuscripts, some 290 pictures, and more than 20 Marxist-themed paintings, sculptures. Also on Thursday, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage promoted ten exhibitions nationwide to commemorate the anniversary. The exhibitions include one at the China National Museum of Women and Children, which is on female Communist soldiers, and one featuring revolutionary slogans at Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. In 1921, the Party had a mere 50 members, but now it has more than 88 million, resulting in higher standards and more applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Photo by Jiang Jiahong / provided to China Daily Wen Qian feels that she is probably not a "typical" member of the Communist Party of China. "In my opinion, a typical CPC member works for the government or at least a State-owned company, but I am a freelance worker," she said. Since graduating in 2011, the 27-year-old ceramic artist has lived in Jingdezhen, the nation's ceramics capital, in Jiangxi province. Because she doesn't have a danwei, or work unit, her membership was granted by the county-level Party organization in her home province of Jiangsu in East China. People in China's artistic circles don't normally talk about politics, she said, adding that most of her friends don't know she's a Party member. "My father has been maintaining my membership, including paying my membership dues. I have to be present at special times, such as the leadership transition, so I fly home to vote," she said. Li Helin, deputy director of the Beijing Scientific Socialism Research Association, said that since the Party's founding in 1921, the membership has become more diverse, and more young people are joining, especially those with a high level of education or who work in industry. Wen joined the CPC when she was a university freshman. "Many students in my class applied, but only two or three out of 30 applicants were accepted in the first year," she said. "I was working in the student union. The others who were selected for membership were outstanding students." The selection process was serious and intensely competitive. She had to produce reports about her studies and political ideas, including how she would use her knowledge to improve people's lives. Wen's father and two older sisters are also CPC members. "They told me only the best can join," she said. "I was proud to be selected. It wasn't easy." Rising level of education In 1982, only 4 percent of the more than 4,000 county-level Party heads held bachelor's degrees or higher. By the end of last year, 14.4 percent of the more than 500,000 Party village heads had been educated to undergraduate level or higher. Moreover, 44.3 percent of the Party's members have a bachelor's degree or higher, a rise from 30.7 percent in 2006, while the number of members age 35 and younger was 25.4 percent. In 2006, the number was 23.3 percent. According to a report published on Thursday by the State Council Information Office, the proportion of female members has grown to 25.1 percent, from 19.7 percent in 2006. Last year, the number of applications was 22.2 million, but "the selection process was stricter", and although the membership growth rate fell by 0.2 percent, the quality of applicants has risen and become more diverse, the report said. Chen Chunhua joined the CPC as an 18-year-old high school student. She attended a university in China before studying political science in the United States, where she gained a master's degree and was awarded a doctorate this year. "I didn't ask, but I believe that many of the Chinese students on campus when I was studying for my PhD in the US were Party members," she said. "That's because membership is usually given to outstanding people, who are more likely to have the opportunity to undertake higher education or study abroad." Of the 800 students in her grade in high school, only two have been accepted as Party members, she said. Beyond stereotypes Chen said few of the non-Chinese people she met in the US knew much about the CPC, but even when they knew about her membership, she wasn't seen as a stereotypical "red communist". "Most people were just curious, asking why I joined the CPC and whether I believed in the Party's ideology," she said. "Overall, my political choices didn't affect my life and study in the US." Yu Mingcheng, a 33-year-old nurse at a hospital in Sichuan province, said joining the CPC brings no direct benefit. On the contrary, it means shouldering more responsibility. He said CPC members are expected to be role models and to contribute to the community through volunteer work and donations to special causes and funds. "Being selected means you are doing a good job and are distinguished among your peers. It is a badge of honor. I think that's why people from different fields want to join the CPC," he said. Li said the growth of the CPC is one of the reasons for the diverse membership. By the end of last year, membership had risen to 88.76 million from just 50 in 1921. "It is reasonable for such a large political party to have members from different backgrounds," Li said. "Diversity brings vitality to the Party and also presents challenges for the management of the world's biggest ruling party." Legislation on China's civil code has formally begun. Through the code, China hopes to establish a country under the rule of law with better protection for civil rights. During the top legislature's bi-monthly session this week, senior lawmakers reviewed the civil code's draft general rules, which were submitted for a first reading. This week's review marked the formal beginning of the legislative process for the civil code, which is a collection of laws designed to cover private law. According to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, there are two steps needed to codify the laws. The first is to legislate the general rules, and the second is to integrate separate existing civil laws into a code, which is expected to be enacted in 2020. It is important for China to legislate the civil code as part of the country's socialist system of laws with Chinese characteristics, said Yin Zhongqing, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, when deliberating the draft in a group discussion. In 2011, China announced that a "socialist system of laws with Chinese characteristics" had been established on schedule, covering every area of economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development. The right time China aims to make the code as historic as its predecessors, the Napoleonic civil code and German civil code. Unlike the common law systems in the United States and Britain, which have a doctrine of judicial precedent, civil law legal systems are based on codified core principles. Civil codes in civil law systems are considered key indicators in judging the quality of legal systems. In 1952, Chinese jurists began drafting the civil code, but stopped due to political turmoil. And there was no condition for a civil code at that time, as civil law was not compatible with the planned economy of the era. In the 1980s, Chinese jurists and lawmakers integrated a number of civil laws and enacted a simple General Principles of the Civil Law. Rather than compiling a civil code, China has enacted a series of separate civil laws in the past decades, such as the Property Law, the Tort Liability Law and the Law of the Application of Law for Foreign-related Civil Relations. At the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in October 2014, the CPC vowed to build a socialist country with rule of law and to strengthen legislation work, especially the codification of civil laws. Wang Liming, executive vice president of Renmin University of China and a jurist in civil law, told Xinhua after the CPC session that it was the right time to compile the civil code, as China had a relatively complete civil law system with separate civil laws to comprise most of the future civil code. Chinese judges had enough experience and expertise, and a socialist market system had been established, forming a solid foundation for a civil code, Wang added. Guarantee for civil rights Jurists and lawmakers hope the civil code can better protect civil rights and embody the core values of the Chinese nation. Protecting civil rights is the core of civil law. The draft general rules stipulate that personal liberties and human dignity are protected by the law. The draft also stipulates that natural persons enjoy basic rights to life, health, name, reputation, and privacy, among others. "Napoleon once said his glory lay not in his military achievements, but the civil code that would rule after his death. Why is the civil code important? Because the Constitution sets limits for public power, while the civil code upholds private rights," said Qiao Xiaoyang, an NPC Standing Committee member and head of the NPC Law Committee. For ordinary people, the civil code is like an announcement or guarantee letter of their rights, added Qiao. Xu Xianming, deputy head of the NPC Law Committee and a jurist, said civil law is a symbol of a country with real rule of law, and China's civil code must abide by some basic principles of private law. Civil codes originated from ancient Roman law. In modern times, there have been two historic civil codes: the French Napoleonic Code in 1804, which has had global influence, and the German Civil Code, which was enacted in 1900. The separation of public and private law originated in Roman law. Civil laws are private laws. Civil laws protect private matters from interference from public powers -- a key principle of rule of law. This is the common principle from Roman law, and China must abide by it, according to Xu. Xu said that for private matters, freedom means people may do anything that is not prohibited by law. It is one of the most important principles for rule of law. "However, I do not find that principle in the draft general rules, said Xu, adding that the general rules should reflect this principle. "It is the soul of civil law," he added. Xu also suggested that China's civil code specify as many civil rights entrusted by the Constitution as possible in order to ensure those rights are protected by the law in practice, as Chinese courts are not allowed to refer to the Constitution directly in trial. Value and spirit "I am thinking about a question: what is the historical value and the legislative spirit of China's civil code?" said Li Lianning, an NPC Standing Committee member and deputy chief of the NPC Law Committee. Li said that with the French civil code, Napoleon consolidated the results of the French Revolution against old feudal privileges, while the German civil code united the legal systems of the German states and provided a reference for the civil codes of other countries. Li said like the historic French civil code and German civil code, China's civil code should have similar historical significance and reflect the core spirit of socialist values. In the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party put forward a set of "socialist core values," including prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity and friendship. Li and other lawmakers called for reflecting those values in China's civil code. The civil code should help build a complete system to protect citizens' wealth and their lawful rights. The civil code should strengthen the confidence of citizens in their country by respecting their dignity and allowing them to make full use of their abilities. "In my opinion, with a good civil code, Chinese people can be united to achieve the Chinese dream of rejuvenating the nation. That is the historical responsibility and value of China's civil code," added Li. You are here: Home A rain-triggered landslide killed one person and left 20 others missing in a village in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Friday morning. Rescuers search for people buried in a rain-triggered landslide in Bijie, Southwest China's Guizhou province on July 1, 2016. [Photo/Weibo] The landslide at around 5:30 am buried 29 people in Pianpo village, Dafang county in the city of Bijie, according to the local government. Nine people have been out of the rubble, but one of them was dead. The other eight have been rushed to hospital. The rescue work is ongoing, and the local government has dispatched personnel to relocate residents to avoid secondary disasters. Rainstorms have battered the region over the past few days. Relentless rain across south China since June 27 has resulted in 14 deaths, 20 missing and damaged swathes of farmland, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. As of 9:00 a.m. Friday, 133 counties in 11 provincial-level regions -- including the provinces of Hubei, Jiangsu and Zhejiang -- had reported floods, landslides and mud flows. Some 120,000 people have been displaced and 40,000 were in need of aid. More than 3,600 homes collapsed and 19,900 hectares of crops destroyed. Direct economic losses hit 3.14 billion yuan (about 471.6 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said. The weather authority on Friday again forecast heavy rain and warned of severe floods in parts of Anhui, Hunan, Guizhou and Tibet from Friday night through Saturday. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) and the Ministry of Water Resources asked local authorities to monitor weather and take all necessary precautions. The NMC also issued an orange alert for storms. As much as 180mm of rain is expected in parts of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hunan and Guizhou over the next 24 hours. China has a four-tier color-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Before 'The Ox-Bow Incident,' Hollywood placed the American cowboy on a pedestal and celebrated his heroic image. Sure, some bad apples made the West wild, but the majority of cinematic cowboys were depicted as courageous good guys with strong morals and admirable ideals who never hesitated to fight for truth and justice against marauding adversaries. Walter Van Tilburg Clark, however, tarnished that Dudley Do-Right persona and brought dimensionality and ambiguity to the men and women of the range when his provocative novel debuted in 1940. Clark's disturbing tale of a vengeful gang of vigilantes whose warped sense of honor and outrage clouds their judgment and leads to tragedy is regarded as a time-honored classic and searing condemnation of prejudice, arrogance, mob violence, and the abuse of power. Thankfully, director William A. Wellman deeply respected the material, and his exceptional adaptation doesn't soften or sanitize the potent messages. A film noir disguised as a western, 'The Ox-Bow Incident' exposes audiences to the dark side of the American West, a place where suspicion, ambition, and macho sensibilities overshadow reason and righteousness. "Good" characters struggle to stand up to the inflammatory rhetoric of bloodthirsty bullies who prefer to flex their muscles and brandish their six-shooters rather than follow the letter of the law. Wellman's taut, thought-provoking film also paved the way for future substantive westerns populated by complex heroes faced with difficult moral choices, and the unspoiled landscape and primitive frontier towns proved to be fertile ground for exploring issues that tested man's basic instincts and ideals. Without 'The Ox-Bow Incident,' would we ever have had 'High Noon,' 'The Searchers,' or 'My Darling Clementine'? Tough to say. A mere 75 minutes, 'The Ox-Bow Incident' doesn't waste a moment as it chronicles a fateful day in the lives of two cowboys, Gil Carter (Henry Fonda) and Art Croft (Henry Morgan), who amble into the Nevada town of Bridger's Wells in 1885 to look up Gil's old flame, Rose Mapen (Mary Beth Hughes). While drinking at the local saloon, they learn the area has been plagued by livestock theft, and the angry townspeople hope the rustlers will get the retribution they deserve. Almost on cue, news breaks that Larry Kinkaid, a regional rancher, has been killed and much of his herd is missing, presumably stolen by the murderers. The sheriff is out of town, so the frenzied residents form their own posse and embark on a mission to hunt down and lynch the fleeing criminals. To prove their innocence, Gil and Art reluctantly tag along, as does old man Davies (Harry Davenport), who vociferously objects to such barbaric madness and hopes to quell the rabid attitudes fueling the crazed gang. When the posse comes upon a trio of men (Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn, and Francis Ford) traveling with a herd of cattle, they immediately assume they're the outlaws and charge them with the crime, despite their passionate - and reasonable - arguments of innocence. (They don't deny the cattle come from Kinkaid, but claim to have bought them out on the range, which is why they don't have a formal bill of sale.) A hasty hanging is scheduled at dawn, but will clearer heads convince the implacable posse to follow appropriate legal procedures or will the group execute their own twisted brand of "justice"? Clark wrote 'The Ox-Bow Incident' to raise awareness about the atrocities inflicted upon innocent men by dictators like Hitler and Mussolini, and suggest how easy it might be for such a frightening figure to rise to power in America. He chillingly depicts how a rush to judgment and lack of due process coupled with bigotry, arrogance, and a shameless disregard for basic human rights can threaten the foundation of our civilization. The loudest voice in the room, Clark tells us, isn't necessarily the smartest (it may well be the most dangerous), and in this election season, that message, communicated with eloquence and power in Lamar Trotti's screenplay, acquires a greater degree of resonance and relevance. Though shot largely on studio soundstages due to severe budget constraints, 'The Ox-Bow Incident' still exudes an outdoorsy feel, yet a tense sense of claustrophobia and desperation predominates. All the characters are trapped, either by the mob or their own rash philosophies and choices, and Wellman expertly balances economy and artistry to drive home the film's finer points. Trotti's script may favor talk over action, but the words are so important we don't care. With marvelous acuity, Trotti dissects mob psychology and shows how difficult it is to stand up for what's right in the face of blistering adversity, pressure, and derision. Fonda always cited 'The Ox-Bow Incident' as one of his favorite films, and the quiet, forthright character he portrays snugly fits his persona and mirrors a similar voice-of-reason role he would portray a decade-and-a-half later in '12 Angry Men.' Measured, earnest, and deceptively tough, Fonda is completely believable, and his final speech rivals his iconic "I'll be there" monologue in 'The Grapes of Wrath.' All the other actors are impeccably cast and create a tight ensemble, but Andrews especially shines as the tortured family man whose life is turned upside-down in the blink of an eye when he's viciously targeted by the mob. 'The Ox-Box Incident' holds the distinction of being the last film to be nominated for Best Picture - and nothing else - in Academy Awards history. Though Wellman's lean direction, Trotti's script, the cinematography of Arthur Miller, and a couple of supporting performances all deserved Oscar nods, the movie was shut out of all the other categories. Yet such exclusion doesn't diminish the meaning and impact of this superior motion picture that forces us to confront the deficiencies in society - and ourselves - that cultivate ignorance, violence, and hate. 'The Ox-Bow Incident' is a bleak and devastating film, but its importance cannot be overstated. The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats 'The Ox-Bow Incident' arrives on Blu-ray packaged in a standard case. Video codec is 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio is DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. Once the disc is inserted into the player, the static menu without music immediately pops up; no previews or promos precede it. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao) In the last week of June, Tashkent and Seoul were both in the news for events which may have set in motion changes with far-reaching consequences for power equations in Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Hence, the two cities may well be remembered as the trigger-point of developments on which Sino-Russian strategic partnership may have an impact. Seoul was the venue for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) plenary, which frustrated India's attempts to gain entry. Around the same time, although Tashkent was witness to more momentous events, the bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stole the thunder. Only because the Modi-Xi meeting was about India's bid for NSG membership, widely publicized as enjoying unstinted U.S. support. Yet the big picture showing in Tashkent was the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), for which Xi was there primarily. This was a landmark summit, for it was here that the SCO opened its doors to embrace India, Pakistan and Iran as full members. The second big thing in Tashkent, which Washington and U.S.-led nations may have followed with greater interest, is the meeting between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. As important as the meeting was Xi's affirmation that the two countries are pledged to support and defend the core interests of each other. In other words, Russia and China may speak and act as one in the unfolding U.S.-led rebalance strategy in Asia, in Eurasia and Eastern Europe, and in other hot spots such as the South China Sea, the Middle East and Ukraine. While this may not be music to Washington, the U.S. has no reason to be unduly worried, for it shares common interests with both China and Russia. Unlike the U.S., India -- which is entering the China-dominated SCO and hosting the BRICS Summit in Goa in October -- may have to contend with the joint force of Sino-Russian power, should it choose to escalate its confrontation with China (over the NSG membership). The Xi-Putin meeting in Uzbekistan took place on the eve of Putin's state visit to Beijing on June 25. This was Putin's fourth mission to China since Xi became president in 2013. The two heads of state vowed to "unswervingly deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination." They also agreed to step up mutual support and boost "political and strategic mutual trust." This is the 15th year of the China-Russia Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation; and, it also marks the 20th anniversary of the two countries forging the strategic partnership of coordination. "China and Russia should support each other on issues concerning core interests and constantly strengthen political and strategic mutual trust," Xi said. The significance of their pointed reaffirmations cannot be lost on neighboring countries, particularly India with which the U.S. is seeking to strengthen military cooperation. It goes without saying that the two pivotal players may work together in forums such as SCO, BRICS and Russia-India-China (RIC) Meeting where India has high stakes. As Russia and China go about aligning their interests for mutual strategic advantage, India has to take a closer look at its own options and opportunities. For instance, the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) -- with which China is ready to align as proposed by Russia -- shows that the two are looking at big targets. At a time when the European Union is coming apart, the emergence of the EEA combined with China's forays into Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with Russian backing, may challenge some of the settled arrangements in Central Asia as well as Europe. This kind of strategic cooperation and coordination for "striking together" by two big powers is, perhaps, unprecedented. Yet at this juncture, history has turned the tables. Russia, once the greater power, is somewhat overshadowed by China, which is today the world's second largest economy. China is also clubbed with the U.S. as "G2" -- a position once held by the erstwhile Soviet Union though by default. And, China's power is growing. In any partnership, one partner is more equal than the other. While there is no doubt that China and Russia would do whatever it takes to adjust to and accommodate each other's interests, there are areas which might test their resolve and cohesiveness. For example, the Belt and Road project runs through areas that fell within Russia's sphere of influence; as does, Central and Eastern Europe. It is possible, but not necessary to list out such areas, to underscore that China and Russia might have to work harder at reconciling their respective aims and ambitions in the interests of the larger objectives of their partnership. Shastri Ramachandaran, an independent Indian political and foreign affairs commentator, is a Senior Consultant & Editor of China-India Dialogue, published by China International Publishing Group (CIPG). He may be contacted at: shastriji@hotmail.com Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash Ten suspects involved in attacks in Ouagadougou and Cote d'Ivoire's Grand-Bassam early this year have been arrested, Burkina Faso's security minister Simon Compaore said Thursday. "Forty nine people of different citizenship, of which three women, have been arrested. After further investigations, 39 have been released," Compaore said. The official also said six of the suspects well known to security services are actively sought, as they are involved in the Ouagadougou attacks that killed 30 people in January this year. He further said two young Burkina citizens aged 30, who tried to establish jihadist group in the country, are under arrest since 2015. "They have been trained in Niger and took part in several terrorist attacks in Mali, especially attacks against the United Nations' peacekeeping forces in Mali," the minister added. Flash Six Egyptian soldiers were killed Thursday during fire exchange with armed smugglers at the country's western borders, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement, noting the confrontation also killed and wounded some of the smugglers. "Two officers and four soldiers were killed and the armed forces elements are currently combing the area with an air cover provided by the air forces," brigadier-general Mohamed Samir said in the statement. The spokesman explained that in the early hours of the day, the border guard patrols were moving in a desert area at the western borders when weapon smugglers opened fire at them and ran away in the desert after the forces dealt with them. Also on Thursday, a policeman was killed and three others injured as a blast targeted their security patrol in North Sinai's Arish city. On the same day, also in Arish, unknown gunmen shot dead a priest of one of the churches while he was repairing his car, and a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) regional group claimed responsibility for the murder. Over the past few years, Egypt has been suffering growing anti-government militant groups in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula bordering the Palestinian Gaza Strip and Israel and also at the western desert near the borders with neighboring, conflict-stricken Libya. In July 2014, at least 21 Egyptian soldiers were killed and several others wounded in a terrorist attack against security forces at Al-Farafra Oasis in the country's Western Desert. Terror operations grew in Egypt since the military removed former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against Morsi and his currently-blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood group. Flash New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) watches as outgoing president Benigno Aquino steps down from the dais during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday at Malacanang Palace in Manila. Beijing would like to improve relations with Manila through joint efforts, with bilateral ties facing important opportunities for growth, President Xi Jinping told the Philippines' new president, who was sworn in on Thursday. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, took the oath of office at Malacanang Palace in Manila, becoming the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people. Ties between the two countries have nose-dived since a unilateral arbitration case over the South China Sea dispute was brought by outgoing Philippine president Benigno Aquino. Unlike his predecessor, Duterte, the first local mayor to be directly elected as president of the Philippines, is expected to take a pragmatic approach to the South China Sea dispute with China, analysts said. Xi said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte that China and the Philippines are neighbors, and being friendly is a tradition of the two countries that has endured for more than 1,000 years. This course is the right one and should be adhered to, he said. In his inaugural speech, Duterte promised a relentless and sustained fight against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, but did not mention his government's policy toward China. During a speech in Davao City on Monday, Duterte said he would refrain from commenting on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, pending the decision in the arbitration case, which will be announced on July 12. In May, he said he wanted China to help improve his nation's poor infrastructure by building a railway system linking the entire country, especially on the southern island of Mindanao, which is seen as a new area for economic growth. Wilson Lee Flores, a Philippine political columnist, said: "President Duterte is a very pragmatic and politically clever leader. I really believe he can normalize China-Philippine relations." He said Duterte is likely to focus more on "win-win" economic advantages for both countries, rather than small misunderstandings and differences. "I hope the Chinese government reciprocates vigorously and enthusiastically," he added. Flash Iraqi security forces on Thursday freed several areas and villages from the Islamic State (IS) militants in central and northern Iraq, security sources said. In the western province of Anbar, the security forces and allied paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured the areas of al-Hessi and Albu Eifan in southwest of the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, after clashes with the IS militants, leaving at least 17 militants killed and destroying three of their vehicles, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led coalition aircraft bombarded a convoy of IS vehicles in al-Jeraishi area in north of Anbar's provincial capital city of Ramadi, some 110 km west of Baghdad, destroying at least four vehicles and killing 13 militants. Apparently, the convoy in Jeraishi had fled their stronghold in Fallujah earlier and headed toward the desert in north of Ramadi, the source added. Earlier in the day, a provincial security source told Xinhua that hundreds of IS militants were killed and their vehicles destroyed in a series of airstrikes targeting their convoys across the province starting in early Wednesday when they fled Fallujah. The latest heavy IS casualties came after security forces and allied paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured Fallujah on June 26, following a month of intense battles. In northern Iraq, the security forces fought heavy clashes with IS militants and retook control of the villages of al-Derbas and Albu Wawi near the IS-held town of Qayyara, some 50 km south of the IS stronghold in Mosul, leaving 15 IS militants killed, a security source anonymously told Xinhua. In Salahudin province, the troops continued their advance in the northern part of the province which located in northern central Iraq and managed to drive out IS militants from the village of Ramadaniyat in north of the provincial capital city of Tikrit, which itself located some 170 km north of Baghdad, a provincial security source told Xinhua. Meanwhile, the troops advanced toward the IS-held town of Shirqat, some 280 km north of Baghdad, and engaged in sporadic clashes with IS militants that left an officer and a soldier killed and six soldiers wounded, the source said. The troops also continued their advance northward to free the remaining areas from IS militants in the northern part of Salahudin province, before heading to free the militant-seized town of Qayyara in the adjacent Nineveh province, the source added. The operations in the province are part of a major offensive to free areas in south of Mosul, including the town of Qayyara, so as to surround Mosul from the south and east, before attacking major IS strongholds in Mosul to flush out IS militants from the city, 400 km north of Baghdad. In a separate incident, at least three people were killed and 14 wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at a crowded marketplace in Shurta al-Rab'a district in southwestern Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control of parts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups such as the IS group on the United States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 under the pretext of seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the country. The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, but no WMD was found. Flash U.S. Joint Base Andrews in the U.S. State of Maryland said on Thursday it was on a lockdown due to a report of an active shooter. U.S. Joint Base Andrews in the U.S. State of Maryland said on Thursday it was on a lockdown due to a report of an active shooter. [File photo/Xinhua] The report of an active shooter at Malcolm Grow medical facility came at around 9:00 a.m. (1300 GMT), Joint Base Andrews said in a statement. The statement said the incident came as the base was scheduled to conduct an active shooter exercise. Joint Base Andrews is widely known for serving as the home base of Air Force One, the plane used by the president of the country. He also said that mutual trust matters most and that he believes that if all the ethnic armed organizations are united and make a concerted effort for peace and development, success will be achieved in no time. We cannot be dogmatic; we must be flexible. As long as we harbour the union spirit or Myanmar spirit we can reach our goal fast and peacefully, He was quoted as saying. He went on to say that the Tatmadaw has invited all organisations to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement and that if a multi-party democracy and unity among national brethren is really wanted, the NCA must be signed. Flash One out of every five Iraqi children are at "serious risk" of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups, according to a new United Nations report. In A Heavy Price for Children: Violence destroys childhoods in Iraq, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that some 3.6 million children are in danger an increase of 1.3 million in 18 months. The report also states that 4.7 million children in need of humanitarian aid, which amounts to one-third of all Iraqi children, as military operations in Fallujah and around Mosul face deteriorating living conditions. "Children in Iraq are in the firing line and are being repeatedly and relentlessly targeted," said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Iraq Representative. He appealed to all parties for restraint and to respect and protect children: "We must help give children the support they need to recover from the horrors of war and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq." According to the report, 1,496 children have been abducted in Iraq over the past two and a half years. That translates to 50 children abducted each month, with many forced into fighting or sexually abused. "The kidnapping of children from their homes, their schools and from the streets is horrifying," said Mr. Hawkins. "These children are being ripped from their families and are subjected to sickening abuses and exploitation." The report also reveals that almost 10 per cent of Iraqi children more than 1.5 million have been forced to flee their homes because of violence since the beginning of 2014, often multiple times. Among the concerns which also include a lack of adequate health care and poor public service is a lack of education. The conflict has rendered nearly one in five unusable, preventing almost 3.5 million school-age children from learning, UNICEF said. Among the steps that need to be taken immediately include ending the killing, maiming, abduction, torture, detention, sexual violence and recruitment of children, and providing unhindered and unconditional humanitarian access to all children in the country, according to the report. Additional steps include expanding and improving education for out-of-school children through catch-up classes; providing psychological and recreation programmes to help children heal and to reconnect with their childhoods; and increasing funding for life-saving support for children, UNICEF said. Flash Liberian security forces Thursday took full control of their security for the first time since the civil war ended 13 years ago, marking a historic milestone for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and a major benchmark in the country's peace process. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today paid tribute to the determination of the people and the Government of Liberia to work towards lasting peace after the end of the conflict that led to the deployment of the UN Mission, known by its acronym UNMIL, in October 2003. "The continuing improvement in the security and stability of Liberia has enabled the United Nations to enter the final stage of its peacekeeping efforts in the country," the Secretary-General said in a statement attributable to his spokesperson. The achievement is also due to the important role played by partners, in particular the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the Mano River Union, in supporting the consolidation of peace, security and stability in Liberia. Including during the Ebola outbreak, which remains a concern in the region. In his statement, Mr. Ban also welcomed the contributions from troop and police-contributing countries, as well as bilateral partners and multilateral organizations, noting that they "facilitated the considerable achievements made by UNMIL." Since Liberia's civil war ended in 2003, UNMIL has been supporting the West African nation to rebuild its institutions so it can maintain stability without its presence. In 2015, Liberian authorities launched an undertaking to assume full responsibility of the country's security by the end of this June. From this week forward, the UN peacekeeping forces - which will include 1,240 military and 606 police personnel - will have a supporting role only. The Government is taking responsibility for all aspects of Liberia's security, including executive protection, unexploded ordnance disposal and marking of Government weapons, which were handed over in recent months. The details were agreed to by the Security Council in resolution 2239 (2015). Despite the achievements, Mr. Ban called on all partners to stay engaged and to continue assisting the Government of Liberia to consolidate peace and build long-term stability. He stressed that the UN will remain engaged in Liberia, supporting its people and Government. The UN Security Council will decide on the future of the Mission by 15 December. Flash An array of jihadi groups succeeded early Friday in retaking a strategic town north of the coastal city of Latakia, just four months after the Syrian government forces captured it, a monitor group reported. The rebels' First Coastal Division, the Turkey-backed Ahrar al-Sham, the Saudi-backed Islam Army, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front among other rebel factions, have retaken the town of Kinsabba, which was the last major rebel stronghold to return to the government troops last February in the countryside of Latakia. The rebels also retook control of around 13 villages in northern Latakia, as part of a wide-scale offensive they unleashed on the northern countryside of Latakia on June 27. The army forces backed by Russia recaptured Kinsabba last February, in an operation aimed at dislodging the jihadi groups from northern Latakia, the hometown of President Bashar al-Assad and the heartland of the minority Alewite group. The Russian air force played a key role in restoring Kinsabba and other key rebel strongholds in northern Latakia. Still, Kinsabba has a special importance as it enables the Syrian army to reach the western countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib, another bastion of the jihadi groups. Meanwhile, a Syrian military source told Xinhua that the terrorist groups infiltrated into Kinsabba with the aim of controlling it. He added that battles are still raging in the town between the army and the rebels. "The military forces will fight to defeat the assailants in Kinsabba and to restore peace to that town," he said on condition of anonymity. After 12 years of true-crime bullshit and an official twitter account so demented as to be indistinguishable from parody, Nancy Grace is out at CNN sister network HLN. A network spokesperson tells The Hollywood Reporter that a new series one that will "utilize the expertise of the current team" will replace Nancy Grace in the 8 p.m. slot following the airing of the final episode on Oct. 13. The decision was a difficult one, according to Grace, who in an emotional interview with THR admits to being "really mixed" about taking a step she's been "thinking a lot about" for the past three years. Grace's reputation is for shouting down guests and making dubious accusations, at least two of which preceded her targets' apparent suicides. Her professional background was as a supposedly brilliant prosecutor, and her crime-fighting origin story was a fiance's murder, but it never quite added up. The New York Times: Ms. Grace came by her victimhood honestly when her fiance, Keith Griffin, was killed when she was just 19. In her book "Objection," Ms. Grace suggested that a stranger with a criminal record shot Mr. Griffin outside a convenience store, was arrested and denied any involvement. By her recollection, she had to sit through three days of agonizing deliberation and then the prosecutor asked her if the defendant should be given the death penalty. She said no, she had no stomach for it. The New York Observer fact-checked her written account and discovered that Mr. Griffin was killed by a former co-worker with no criminal record who confessed to the crime immediately. At trial, he was convicted within hours and the prosecution did in fact ask for the death penalty, but was denied. Ms. Grace explained the variance by telling The Observer, "I have tried not to think about it." The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today said it is opening a preliminary investigation into 25,000 Tesla Model S cars, following the death of a driver who was killed using the vehicle's Autopilot mode. NHTSA says the crash happened in a 2015 Model S car, which was driving with the automated systems engaged. The agency "calls for an examination of the design and performance of any driving aids in use at the time of the crash." Such an enquiry must first happen before NHTSA can call for a recall, if the vehicles are determined to be unsafe. NHTSA's statement says the man died in an autopilot mode crash on May 7 in Williston, Florida. Early reports say a tractor-trailer made a left turn in front of the Tesla at an intersection just before the collision. In a blog post today, Tesla noted that this is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles of total drive time in Telsa cars where Autopilot was activated. "Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied," the Tesla post reads. Among all vehicles in the US, there is a fatality every 94 million miles. Worldwide, there is a fatality approximately every 60 million miles. It is important to emphasize that the NHTSA action is simply a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the system worked according to expectations. Following our standard practice, Tesla informed NHTSA about the incident immediately after it occurred. What we know is that the vehicle was on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S. Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S. Had the Model S impacted the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury as it has in numerous other similar incidents. It is important to note that Tesla disables Autopilot by default and requires explicit acknowledgement that the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled. The driver was a Navy veteran who owned a technology consulting business. Tesla's statement today described him as a man "who spent his life focused on innovation and the promise of technology and who believed strongly in Tesla's mission." From The New York Times: Mr. Brown posted videos of himself riding in autopilot mode. "The car's doing it all itself,'' he said in one, smiling as he took his hands from the steering wheel. In another, he praised the system for saving his car from an accident. [via Reuters] A jet plane of Hainan Airlines is pictured at the Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou city, South China's Hainan province, 19 March 2016.[Photo/IC] Passengers heading from Beijing to Calgary in western Canada can now fly directly to the city, after Hainan Airlines launched a nonstop service on Thursday. The airline is temporarily operating an Airbus A 330-200 on the route, offering flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The frequency will rise to four flights a week later this year. The planned Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operation will begin in early August. It is the first direct flight between a Chinese city and Calgary, Canada's oil capital. Hainan Airlines also operates a direct service to Toronto, the country's financial center. Officials in Alberta, of which Calgary is the biggest city, said the flight will boost Chinese tourist arrivals in the province. "This new nonstop service to China will give our region's business and tourism sectors access to an important world market and bring significant and far-reaching economic benefits to Alberta," said Stephan Poirier, chief commercial officer for the Calgary Airport Authority. One of Canada's biggest attractions, the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, is just 125 kilometers west of Calgary. Tourism agencies in Alberta are holding "China Ready" workshops as they expect an influx of travelers from the country with the launch of the flight. One estimate says the direct service will bring some 20,000 additional Chinese tourists to the province annually. The service is also expected to create hundreds of jobs in Alberta, Poirier said when the flight was first announced in February. A subsidiary of the privately owned HNA Group, Hainan Airlines is China's fourth-largest airline. It flies to more than 200 cities, including eight in North America, which are served by direct flights. "We are delighted to announce our latest nonstop flight from Calgary to Beijing. Calgary is the second city in Canada that Hainan Airlines will serve, after launching the Toronto-Beijing route in 2010," said Hou Wei, vice-president of Hainan Airlines. "This route will further enhance cross-cultural and economic exchanges between China and Canada and it will provide excellent service for our valued passengers." Li Xiaojin, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin, said: "As the traffic rights are tight for routes between major cities, launching direct flights to second-tier cities is reasonable." "Direct flights between first-tier Chinese cities and second-tier foreign cities, as well as second-tier Chinese and first-tier foreign cities, are expected to grow rapidly in the future, given the significant demand for international travel in China." Zhu Wenqian contributed to this story. RIYADH - The Saudi Electricity Co (SEC) signed an agreement on Wednesday with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) for a loan of $1.5 billion, Al Eqtisadiya online reported Thursday. The five-year loan will fund the Saudi company's capital projects, the report said. Earlier this month, the SEC signed a 900-million-dollar loan agreement with Export-Import Bank of Korea as well as other international lenders to finance the construction of the new Shuqaiq power plant. BEIJING - The drop in China's outstanding foreign debt narrowed in the first quarter of the year, with improving structure and rebounding intercompany loans, data from the country's forex regulator showed Thursday. The debt settled at $1.36 trillion by the end of March, down 3.6 percent quarter to quarter and retreating from 7.4 percent at the end of 2015, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) said in a statement on its website. Affected by lackluster foreign trade, the growth of China's external debt remained in negative territory. But the structure has improved with falling short-term debt and rising long- and medium-term debt, and intercompany loans ended a losing streak with a 7-percent gain, SAFE said. SAFE predicted the debt volume will trend stable and promised better debt management and strengthened supervision of capital flow. A majority of the debt owed to foreign creditors resulted from short-term borrowing, while long- and medium-term outstanding external debt accounted for the remaining 38 percent, data showed. Staff at a startup company discuss their research work at Zhongguancun startup street, which has incubated more than 700 start-up firms in the past two years. [A JING / FOR CHINA DAILY] The coffee shops, internet cafes and startup incubators in the Zhongguancun area of northwestern Beijing are packed with young and aspiring entrepreneurs. The atmosphere feels like the next Silicon Valley. But there are lots of attempts around the world to imitate the innovation nexus of northern California, why has Zhongguancun succeeded where so many others have failed? One factor in the success of Silicon Valley and the much smaller Route 128 around Boston, is the presence of world-class technical universities. Zhongguancun is centered around Tsinghua and Peking universities, which are often called China's MIT and Harvard, respectively. But, the nearby area may also be the biggest concentration of universities in the world. By my count, there are at least 15, many of them technical. Obviously, Beijing companies have to search for and compete for technical talent, but the universities do ensure a good supply. The relative affordability of technical labor also allows startup companies to survive long enough to build their businesses. According to my discussions with Zhongguancun entrepreneurs, typical salaries for qualified engineers range from 8,000 yuan ($1,200) to 15,000 yuan per month. Even newly graduated engineers with bachelor's degrees in Silicon Valley are paid upward of $10,000 per month. So, the Beijing firms are under a bit less pressure to get revenue early. But, technical talent is not enough to build an innovation center. Startup companies also depend upon financing at all stages of the company's life and on having customers for their products. Zhongguancun's software startups target the huge China market, especially for mobile Apps. According to App Annie analytics, revenue from App sales in China will reach $11.8 billion equivalent in 2016, exceeding the United States. Chinese companies are able to access and understand the local demands of this market in ways that foreign software companies cannot, so they don't see themselves as competing directly with US firms. China's ongoing healthcare reform is a special opportunity for Zhongguancun firms, which are now exploring technologies and business models. The government, at all levels, is implementing an expansion of basic healthcare insurance to all citizens and is also investing heavily in medical facilities. According to marketwatch.com, China's total healthcare spending doubled from $254 billion in 2009 to $590 billion in 2014 and is planned to at least double again by 2020.Digital health technology, particularly for dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may provide a leapfrog opportunity for China to provide better care at a lower cost. A big advantage for Zhongguancun software companies, which no innovators outside China can match, is easy access and deep ties to hardware companies, especially the manufacturing clusters in Guangdong province in southern China. Working closely with those companies, Chinese software companies have the opportunity to lead in the development of Apps that process real-time big data from phones and wearables. According to KPMG, China's venture capital investment peaked in the third quarter of 2015 at about $10 billion, slightly less than Silicon Valley's $12.2 billion, amounting to one-quarter of total global VC spending. However, since Chinese firms have lower labor and real estate costs, VC spending might go much further. Government-financed funds, which are partly managed by provincial and local governments, provide infrastructure and are also being used in Zhongguancun to provide loans and contracts to promising startups. Generous government funding may not be sound like a "market" solution. But, it was the key source of revenue in Silicon Valley in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the US government uses contracts and government-funded VC firms, such as In-Q-Tel, to support promising tech startups. Zhongguancun faces competitionnot least from other technical business centers in China. But, its combination of university provided tech talent, lower costs, unique market opportunities, large VC funding, and needed government support means it has a very real opportunity to be one of the few innovation ecosystems that can rival Silicon Valley. As I write, the aftermath of Brexit is being felt around the world Britain's historic exit marking an end to the forty-year membership of the European Union. It's ironic that this should coincide with the launch of The Medusa Chronicles, because the EU, a voluntary nation-states, is a kind of regional prototype of a world government of the kind which we feature in Chronicles, and which featured prominently in Arthur C Clarke's own thinking, and his writing. A world government is there in the background of A Meeting with Medusa, the 1971 novella which we took as our starting point. By the 2080s, we're told, humanity enjoys a "secure and prosperous global society." When Howard Falcon plans his mission to Jupiter it is under the sponsorship of a directorate of "Long Range Planning" and a "Bureau of Astronautics." We extended this model in our sequel even though our utopian world government ultimately crumbles under the pressure of an existential war. Clarke, however, had been writing of world governments at least as far back as books like The Deep Range (1957). A future world government was a common assumption in post-Second World War SF, presumably inspired by the multinational institutions that emerged after that war the UN, the EU. Their purpose was to prevent a war between countries armed with atomic weapons, and to manage such challenges as poverty on a wider scale than the nation-state. You could even find it in children's fiction. In Gerry Anderson's space-opera TV puppet show Fireball XL5 (1962-3), the heroic Colonel Steve Zodiac serves in a World Space Patrol. "We now had the United Nations and I imagined, rightly or wrongly, that there would be a World Government in the future," Anderson said. But the idea of a world government has a longer history. In the nineteenth century Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria, was one perhaps surprising advocate: "We are living at a period of the most wonderful transition, one which tends rapidly to accomplish that great end to which all history points I mean, of course, the realization of the unity of mankind." His way of achieving that aim was to tie together the empires of Europe with bonds of royal marriage, as if one sprawling dynasty ruled all. To that end he arranged the marriage of his eldest daughter "Vicky" to "Fritz," heir to the throne of Prussia, the most militant of the German states. But in the 1870s Chancellor Bismarck dismissed Albert's dynastic fancies; he unified Germany under Prussia by leading it into war with France. Later the First World War slaughtered millions, even though the monarchs of Britain, Germany, Russia and the rest were all related. HG Wells's Modern Utopia (1905) depicted a world state with unified travel and economic management but it was not truly democratic, being governed by "Samurai," a self-selecting elite class. Churchill was an early opponent of this idea, arguing that government should never be left in the hands of "experts." And this kind of dream of scientific control would, unfortunately, have ghastly echoes in Nazi Germany. In the modern world nations are driven to cooperate because we face threats which cross national boundaries, such as the impact of nuclear weapons or climate change. Looking further ahead, space advocates argue strongly for unified governance on Earth before we move into space; a war waged with the huge energies available to interplanetary travellers could wipe out our civilization altogether. But some academics think that even without such external pressures we are naturally evolving towards a world government, as the nation states weaken and barriers between them become porous electronically. The big problem, as HG Wells depicted and as has been played out in the EU, will be democratic accountability. And this is roughly the position taken by Arthur C Clarke. It was in 2061: Odyssey Three, the third book of the Space Odyssey sequence (1987) that Clarke described most specifically this might come about. From the coming of the jet age and of global communications, "the human species . . . was merging together, as the old linguistic and cultural divisions began to blur." The presence of multitudes of each nations' citizens in foreign countries is another binding factor, and a disincentive to war. A minor nuclear conflict requires the big powers of China, the US, and the USSR (the book was written before the fall of the Berlin Wall) to cooperate to contain it. A major nuclear war becomes unthinkable for its sheer devastation, and in an "Age of Transparency" from the 1990s, with global surveillance by governments and private organizations, it is no longer even possible to plan a major war. By 2060, "there was surprisingly little opposition when that popular monarch, Edward VIII, was elected the first Planetary President." An immediate benefit is an economic boost from the 'dismantling of the vast and wholly parasitic armaments industry' just as the founding of the European Community put a stop to the cost, as well as the destructiveness, of war in Europe. And a united mankind turns to the exploration of space as a new grand venture. It's an entrancing idea that world government could simply come about as we become more sane and after all the Berlin Wall did fall more or less painlessly, putting an end to the nightmare of the Cold War. HG Wells foresaw this too, in his own flawed utopian vision: "It is not by assimilation . . . but by understanding that the modern utopia achieves itself." It may be that under the pressure of technological change and global issues, when it comes to a world government, ultimately we may not have much choice, and some day we may wake up and realise it. Maybe Arthur C Clarke had it right after all. Stephen Baxter was born in Liverpool, England, in 1957. He holds degrees in mathematics from Cambridge University, engineering from Southampton University, and business administration from Henley Management College. Since 1987, he has become one of the most preeminent science fiction writers of his generation, having published over 40 books and 100 short stories. A world-renowned bestselling author, Baxter has won literary awards in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany and Japan, including the British Science Fiction Award. He now lives in Northumberland with his wife. His latest novel, The Medusa Chronicles, co-written with Alastair Reynolds, and called "a resounding sweep of a story with rich seams of science and speculation" by Tor.com, is available now from Saga press. Follow Steve on his site. Journalists follow the presentation of Huawei's smartphone, the Mate S, ahead of the IFA Electronics show in Berlin, Germany, in this file picture taken September 2, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] YANGON - Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei scored highest on brand power in Myanmar for its ability to boost sales and gain market share, according to a report released on Thursday. The BrandZ research "Spotlight on Myanmar," released by advertising and public relations company WPP and market research firm Milward Brown, is based on 1,660 consumer interviews and covers 42 international and regional brands. Apple has emerged as the most differentiated brand followed by Coca-Cola and Samsung. Myanmar's local telecom MPT is highlighted as the most loved brand while Norway-based Telenor was seen as the most innovative brand. David Roth, CEO at The Store, EMEA and Asia, said that there are huge opportunities for international brands to be successful in Myanmar, if they get the cultural message right and understand the diversity of the country, particularly in the border areas. The report also highlighted the key trends that will change how brands and agencies should approach the market, such as the country's rapid improvement in infrastructure and the growth in e-tailing. High-level report says some funds for institutes have been wasted, supervision insufficient Around 460 institutes responsible for food testing under China's food and drug supervisory system - about half the total - have not received certification from the government, according to an inspection report from the nation's top legislature that was released on Thursday. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress evaluated enforcement of the new food safety law in 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities from April to May. It found that half the total 921 institutes responsible for food testing are not certified. The new law took effect in October, Meanwhile, redundant testing institutes have been established in some areas, and many different organs may exist in a single district, the report said. "While institutes' establishment funds were duplicated, funds for a few testing bodies at universities or academies were wasted," said Zhang De - jiang, the top legislator. Chen Junshi of the Chinese Academy of Engineering confirmed the problems in establishing the institutes, but said improvement requires some time. "The China Food and Drug Administration was established just three years ago. Institutes under its authority have to be set up and qualified one after another," Chen said. Fan Zhihong, a researcher in nutrition and food safety at China Agricultural University, said it's difficult for food testing bodies in rural areas to get certified, and the problem is widespread. "The categories of food needing to be tested have been rising, but the labor force in these areas, including townships and counties, is insufficient," Fan said. "Plus, food testing requires advanced devices and well-trained institute officers." She said the government should make use of current institutes for food testing at colleges and academies. "We can name some qualified third-party institutes to take charge of the testing in one area. If residents live in a place that has no institute, or no certified one, he or she can deliver the food to a different one," she said. "Our university has a certified institute that can help test the public's food, but the number of testing officers is less than 10, and many have little time," she said. "If such an institute works and can be asked, as a matter of policy, to pay more attention to testing food for residents, I think it will effectively alleviate the difficulty." Besides the food testing, the report also said supervision of food workshops and small restaurants has not been sufficient, and some food producers even put fake or substandard additives into food products. "If these food providers still ignore the problem and local supervisors neglect their duty, the food safety risks will be serious," Zhang said, calling on supervisory departments to play a strong role. caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn Hainan aims to become a world-class medical tourism destination within five years by developing the Boao Lecheng international medical tourism pilot zone, according to a provincial official. Lu Junhua, the deputy governor of Hainan province, made his remarks on Wednesday at the 2016 World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress in Boao, Qionghai. The three-day congress has gathered more than 300 medical tourism industry executives and investors from all around the world. Hainan Boao Lecheng international medical tourism pilot zone, the first of its kind in the country, was approved by the State Council in 2013. It enjoys nine preferential polices, including special permission for medical talent, technology, devices and drugs, and an allowance for entrance of foreign capital and international communications. The pilot zone also has permission to carry out leading-edge medical technology research, such as stem cell clinical research. Since being established, about 20 projects with a total investment of 19.8 billion yuan ($2.9 billion) have been set up in the pilot zone, with another 15 projects approved. Nine investment projects, with a total contract value of 8.4 billion yuan ($1.2 billion), were agreed at the congress in Boao, and five of them relate to the pilot zone. Hainan, with its subtropical climate and coastal scenery, has many advantages that will help with the development of its medical tourism industry, said Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the Medical Tourism Association. However, he cautioned that more international cooperation is still needed, especially in doctor and nurses training. Han Yingwei, the director of Hainans Health and Family Planning Commission, also cautioned that a lack of medical talent and supporting infrastructure may hamper the pilot zones development. However Lu, the deputy governor, said Hainan would overcome these challenges to meet its goal. Tourism on the island has seen rapid growth since its designation as an international tourism destination by the State Council in 2009. Last year, about 50 million tourists visited Hainan. Its mild winters are especially attractive to elderly visitors and the annual Boao Forum for Asia, which is hosted on the island, has proved another draw. WUHAN -- Eleven travelers are lost in a forest in Central China's Hubei province, local authorities said on Friday. The travelers, photographers from East China's Zhejiang province, lost contact at 8:20 pm on Thursday in an unpopulated area of Shennongjia Forest District, said firefighters in Hubei, who are searching for them. Their last known location was on a steep hillside, and heavy rain has made rescue efforts extremely difficult, a rescuer said. CHENGDU -- A giant panda gave birth to a pair of twins at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province during the early hours of Friday. The female cubs, the fifth pair of panda twins born at the center this year weighed 110 grams and 101 grams respectively, according to the center. The mother, named Qiyuan, has given birth four times in the past. Her appetite began to decrease in late May and her water broke at around 4:30 a.m., said Wu Kongju, a panda expert at the center. "After giving birth, she caressed and licked the babies, developing strong maternal and nursing experience," Wu said. Pandas are in the high season of reproduction, and experts at the center said they have gone to great lengths to take care of the mothers and their babies. According to official figures released in May, there are more than 1,300 wild pandas in Sichuan, 15 percent more than 10 years ago. The number of captive pandas in Sichuan is more than 360, accounting for 86.3 percent of all captive pandas nationwide. President vows to safeguard sovereignty, stresses opposition to 'Taiwan independence' and promises that China will neither make nor fear trouble A grand ceremony is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. LIU WEIBING / XINHUA President Xi Jinping vowed with a rare serious tone to safeguard sovereignty and territorial security on Friday, ahead of the decision in the arbitration case over China's maritime claims, as the ruling Communist Party of China celebrated its 95th birthday. "No foreign country ... should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests," said Xi, who is also head of the CPC. He added that China will neither make trouble nor be afraid of trouble. The president's remarks came amid rising tension in the South China Sea. The ruling in the arbitration case that the Philippines unilaterally initiated against China over the South China Sea will be announced on July 12. The decision will be made by the Arbitral Tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. China insists that the court has no jurisdiction over the issue. China will not resort to the threat of force, Xi told an audience including military officers, model workers and ethnic groups, adding that "flaunting power everywhere will not reflect strength, and it will not scare anyone". The president also emphasized the political foundation of opposing "Taiwan independence" and sticking to the 1992 Consensus, which states that the mainland and Taiwan are parts of one China. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said. During the 80-minute speech, Xi also said that corruption is the biggest danger to the CPC. History has selected the CPC to lead China, but if the Party does not manage itself properly and listen to the people, history will discard it, Xi warned. "We must have a staunch will, not let up on our zero-tolerance attitude, investigate all cases and punish those who are corrupt, to give corrupt elements no place to hide in the Party," he added. Xi called on the 88 million Party members to "stay true to the mission" taken up by the CPC 95 years ago and to "uphold the fighting spirit" of the Party's founding members, as well as their commitment to the people. China's anti-graft authorities have taken serious, unprecedented measures to fight corruption since Xi was elected as head of the CPC more than three years ago. A large number of senior officials, including former top security official Zhou Yongkang, have been sentenced since then. In his speech, Xi said China will actively participate in the building of a global governance system and strive to contribute Chinese wisdom to the improvement of global governance. "China will work with people of all countries in the world to push the world order and global governance system toward a more just and reasonable direction," he said. Colin Patrick Mackerras, an Australian scholar who was among the 20 foreign experts invited to attend the ceremony, said that the CPC has made great achievements in the past decades, and the Party is facing more challenges, including corruption. Li Junru, former vice-president of the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC, said that he was impressed by Xi's call to "stay true to the mission and keep moving forward". "The decline of a party always starts with the fading of faith, and to 'stay true to the mission' is to keep faith in mind," Li said. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page This year, ACA Publishing of the United Kingdom will publish the first of a 10-volume collection called Chinese Stories, in association with The People's Publishing House. "Imagine, if the Communist Party of China were a country, its population would rank 21st largest in the world. In addition to developing and organizing its 87 million members, it had to embed them among a population of 1.38 billion people so the Party could lead and guide the world's biggest population to develop from economic backwardness after years of war and destruction to become the second-largest economy in the world in nine decades," said a senior editor at ACA. The People's Publishing House is just one of many publishers telling the story of the CPC and events in China to a global audience. The series Understanding the CPC, published by The Foreign Language Press, planned and written by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, "offers the CPC explaining the CPC", said international strategist Robert Lawrence Kuhn. Liu Yuhong, director of the company's promotions department, said the English version of Exploring the Miracle: the Truths behind China's Modernization was successfully launched in New York last year. A German version of the book will be published this year. "These are not dispassionate, academic critiques, but real-life expositions of how the CPC interprets itself, presenting reflexively what the CPC wants the world to know. The Understanding the CPC (series) is the story of the Party told by the Party. This is how the Party thinks," wrote Kuhn, in an introduction to one of the books. According to Liu, two more books from the series will be launched in German and French. They will focus on the Party's anti-corruption campaign and related issues. In October, Governing China: the CPC's Philosophy in Practice will be available in English, German and French. It will focus on the Party's governing skills and methods of improving them. The Foreign Language Press will also publish two books about the Party's history - one full-length, the other a brief account - in a number of languages. The longer version, written by the Party History Research Center of the CPC Central Committee, was approved by the Central Committee, meaning it will be an authoritative version. Editor Li Huiping, of the Renmin University Press, said the company will publish a book by eight younger scholars from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee to offer the views of the younger generation on the reasons behind the CPC's continued momentum and China's recent success. In addition to histories and books on polemics and strategy, other books - more lighthearted and less academic - are being prepared in the hope that they will appeal to a wider audience. In November, The Foreign Language Press will publish resent China 100: 100 Keywords of the CPC in a number of languages, plus a multilingual graphic book explaining how the CPC selects and recruits leaders at different levels. A new book from The People's Publishing House features famous quotes from the Party's founding leaders, including Li Dazhao and Mao Zedong. Fang Fei, director of the international cooperation department of Time Publishing and Media in Anhui province, said one of the group's new-media publishing branches will launch an e-book featuring about 300 paintings on the theme of key moments in contemporary China. One volume worth special attention is The CPC Members that Get the Most Likes, published by The People's Publishing House, which tells the stories of 12 Party members from a range of professions - rail workers, farmers and the court judges - via interviews and photos, and explains why have been praised by President Xi Jinping as role models. I joined the CPC when I was 20. The competition was intense, and only a few outstanding students were selected. I applied when I enrolled in college, but I finally was admitted the Party just before I graduated. The school's Party branch not only considered my academic record, but also my social activities. Only people with distinguished performance in every respect could be chosen. The Party branch in my hospital organizes Party activities occasionally, including study of the Party's latest documents and medical papers. Every year, the hospital has about 10 sessions of volunteer work, including providing free medical services in rural areas and giving lectures to improve public awareness of health issues. CPC members are expected to participate in those activities and to contribute more than nonmembers. When an earthquake hit Sichuan in 2008, killing more than 80,000 people, we went to the disaster area and saved many lives. That was one of the times when CPC members rushed to the front line and became role models. As a member of the CPC, it's my duty to serve the people. As a nurse it is also my duty to serve the people. I believe the situation is the same in other professions. In 2014, I recommended a colleague for CPC membership. The application process was just as strict as the one I went through in school. Applicants have to be outstanding and pass all the training sessions and exams before they become our comrades. Yu Mingcheng spoke with Peng Yining One would hope that if a two-year-old child spit on a stranger, his or her parents would swiftly apologize and take the child out of spitting range from any other human in the vicinity. But this wasn't the case on a flight from Spain to Liverpool, England. The boy, who was with his parents and siblings, began spitting at people who were ready to board the Ryanair flight from Spain. His parents looked the other way. Then the boy's "unruly" behavior continued on the plane, and when passengers complained, the boy's mother became aggressive and unruly as well. According to Liverpool Echo: "At the baggage carousel, passengers were telling us how a boy had been spitting at people in the Barcelona departure lounge, they'd asked the parents to intervene, and the mum took exception to that. "This behaviour carried on when on the plane, threats were made by her, and there was aggression towards the Ryanair stewards. "It was all pretty surreal." When the plane landed, the family of five was escorted off the plane by police, and the mother was given a "strongly worded warning" from Ryanair officials. Nobody was arrested, but the mother was banned from flying Ryanair again. In 1921, 13 delegates from the CPC's 50 members around China participated in the last meeting of the Party's first national congress, which took place on a boat on Nanhu Lake, Zhejiang province. The delegates, who came from a wide range of backgrounds, paved the way for the generations of Party members who would follow them. Bao Huiseng:Born in Hubei province in 1894, Bao was the son of a landlord. Before he joined the CPC, he worked as an investigative journalist in Hubei. He joined Kuomintang in 1930 and died in Beijing in 1979. Chen Gongbo:Born in Guangdong province in 1892, Chen renounced Marxism shortly after the first national congress. In 1923, he left the CPC and moved overseas to study. He joined the Kuomintang in 1926 and then collaborated with the Japanese army during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). In 1946, Chen was convicted of treason and executed. Chen Tanqiu:Chen was born in 1896 in Hubei province, the son of a respected local teacher. As one of the founders the CPC, he organized students to support a strike by rail workers in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei. He was murdered by a warlord in 1943. Deng Enming:A member of the Shui ethnic group, Deng was born into a poor farming family in Guizhou province. He organized many strikes in Shandong during the early years of the CPC, but was arrested and executed in 1931 at age 30. Dong Biwu:Born in Hubei province in 1886, Dong studied in Japan. He devoted his life to the CPC and was vicepresident of the People's Republic of China. He died at age 90. He Shuheng:Born in Hunan in 1876, He gave up a career as a teacher and joined the CPC. In 1935, he was killed in battle in Jiangxi province at age 59. Li Da:Li was born into a farming family in Hunan province in 1890. At age 23, his good academic record resulted in his being offered the opportunity to study science in Japan. Instead, he decided to stay in China and learn about Marxism, which he believed could save the country from wars and poverty. Li Hanjun:As the son of an intellectual in Hubei province, Li developed an ambition to rejuvenate China when he was a teenager. One of the founding members of the CPC, he was murdered by a warlord in 1927 at age 37. Liu Renjing:Born in Hubei province in 1902, Liu was the youngest participant at the first CPC national congress. He was killed in a car accident in 1987. Mao Zedong:Born in 1893 to a farming family in Hunan province, Mao was one of the founding fathers of the People's Republic of China. Time magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Wang Jinmei:Born in Shandong pro-vince in 1898, Wang was a student when he became a founding member of the CPC. He died from a lung-related illness in 1925 at age 27. Zhang Guotao:Zhang was born in Jiangxi province in 1897. Although he was a founder member of the CPC, he defected to the Kuomintang in 1938. He died in Canada in 1979 at the age of 82. Zhou Fohai:Born in Hunan province in 1897. After studying in Japan, Zhou joined the CPC in 1921, but left to join the Kuomintang in 1924. After the war, he was imprisoned for collaborating with the Japanese. He died in prison in 1948 at age 51. In a Lithuanian forest, an international research team has pinpointed the location of a legendary tunnel that Jewish prisoners secretly dug out with spoons to try to escape their Nazi captors during World War II, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday. The tunnel, located in the Ponar forest, known today as Paneriai, outside of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, is the site where some 100,000 people, including 70,000 Jews, were killed and thrown into pits during Nazi occupation. In the quest to find the tunnel, the team of archaeologists, geophysicists and Jewish historians from Israel, the United States, Canada and Lithuania did not want to disturb any human remains in the mass burial pits at the site. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference in his hometown Davao City in southern Philippines, May 16, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Immediately prior to Rodrigo Duterte's inauguration as the new Philippine leader, The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration announced it would deliver a ruling on July 12 in the Philippines' case against China over their South China Sea dispute. The big question for Beijing is whether or not the leadership change in Manila will bring in someone it can talk with. Beijing has reiterated that the arbitration is illicit in nature, thus the upcoming verdict will not be accepted, or implemented. But it also expressed once again its willingness to engage in one-on-one negotiations with Manila for a peaceful solution. Yet negotiations will not be possible without both parties committing to them. By taking the dispute to the arbitration tribunal, the Benigno Aquino III administration effectively shut the door on meaningful talks. For the flexibility he demonstrated in remarks regarding Sino-Philippine relations, particularly on the South China Sea, Beijing seems to be convinced that will not be true of Duterte. However, Duterte made more-or-less inconsistent statements on some topics, and there were also doubts whether his stance would carry through from Duterte the candidate to president-elect, to the president. That was why Beijing was waiting for any hint about bilateral ties, or the South China Sea dispute, in Duterte's inauguration speech on Thursday. Since Duterte made no mention of either China or the South China Sea in his speech, it remains to be seen whether his previous claim of readiness to talk will materialize. Beijing has drawn a clear line between its refusal of the Aquino-initiated arbitration and its willingness to engage in negotiations with Manila. As President Xi Jinping said in his congratulatory message to the 16th Philippine president, Beijing sees his inauguration as "an important opportunity" for repairing the damaged relationship. The pending ruling by the arbitration tribunal has the potential to further complicate the Beijing-Manila relationship and worsen the present impasse. But that will do no good to political resolution of the dispute. In rhetoric at least, both Beijing and Manila have displayed a commitment to a peaceful solution. The July 12 ruling, therefore, will be a test of that commitment. How Beijing and Manila approach the upcoming ruling, and whether they can avoid being led astray from the otherwise hopeful course of engagement will determine the future of Sino-Philippine relations. As Xi said in his congratulatory message, only "sincerity and goodwill" can build the "mutual trust and cooperation" necessary for relations between the two countries to have a brighter future. Photo taken on Jan 1, 2015 shows an apartment project in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua] IN JULY 2013, Broad Group held a ceremony in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province, to mark the laying of a cornerstone for a proposed 838-meter tower that would be taller than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which it said would be built within seven months. However, the reality is, even today the piece of land where it was said to be standing on has become a fishing pond. Beijing Times comments: Many people are asking whether buying the land was a waste of money. Actually, more problems are involved, such as the land was acquired from local villagers, but it has not been used as promised; should the company return the land? Also, the law forbids companies to run construction programs without environmental impact assessments. The Environmental Protection Bureau in Changsha said it has never received any document from the Broad Group applying for an environmental assessment, which echoes some previous reports that the proposed development is illegal and hasn't gained the necessary approval. There are wetlands near the building plot, and the law forbids the construction of buildings over 40 meters near wetlands, so even if the company had applied for an environmental assessment, it would not have passed. Reports show local officials publicly expressed their support for the project, while some officials even attended the foundation laying ceremony. The building plan of Broad Group should be a lesson to all local government officials never to blindly pursue GDP at the cost of the environment again. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang (Center) speaks at a national poverty reduction teleconference in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2016. Wang Yang said Monday that China aims to lift more than 30 million rural residents out of poverty from 2016 to 2020 through industrial development. [Xinhua/Pang Xinglei] ON WEDNESDAY, the National Audit Office reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, that local governments had misappropriated 151 million yuan ($22.75 million) of poverty alleviation funds and wasted another 870 million yuan. Beijing Times comments: By setting up the national poverty alleviation fund with taxpayers' money, the central government wanted to help the poorest members of society and share the prosperity of the nation. By doing so, it is helping the rest of society, too, because crime rates will rise if social gaps continue widening. That's why the local government officials that embezzle or misuse these funds cause serious negative effects. When they embezzle and waste millions of yuan, that means millions of poor people are deprived of the hope of changing their situation for the better. For the past three decades, over 700 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the poverty alleviation funds that come from taxpayers have played a major role in the process. The next step of the plan, according to the top leadership, is to lift all the remaining 70 million poor people out of poverty by 2020. However, if local government officials continue misappropriating the money, that will hinder achieving this goal. Past reports show that local officials embezzle poverty alleviation money in several artful ways. For example, when the State allocates the fund to a certain city for poverty alleviation, each level of officials keeps a certain amount for their own use, and only a limited part truly goes to the poor people that need it. This is corruption and the officials deserve getting punished for their illegal deeds. That should remind us to not only strengthen the auditing of governments, but also be creative in allocating the funds. For example, the fund should be given directly to the poor families, instead of the officials, so as to leave less space for corruption. Democratic US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at the US Conference of Mayors 84th Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana United States, June 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] US Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made their first joint campaign appearance on Monday, finally confirming the previous speculation that Warren would be picked as Clinton's running mate. For Clinton, to pick Warren as a vice-president will help her gain the support of more progressives who were in favor of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. A recent poll indicates that among 1,200 supporters of Sanders, only 55 percent expressed a willingness to vote for Hillary. This suggests some Sanders' supporters might vote for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump if Hillary does not change her image among ordinary voters. The partnership with Warren is expected to reverse the current course, given that the Massachusetts senator enjoys an approval rate no lower than Sanders among ordinary supporters of the Democratic Party. As a law professor and a self-proclaimed spokesperson for students, the middle class and poor people, Warren has a good understanding of the "institutional problems" in US society. She has been appealing to the government to undertake more responsibilities in income redistribution, such as levying a higher tax on people with high incomes and increasing pension and healthcare subsidies to specific groups. She has also played a role in leading the movement of labor and environmental protection organizations, ethnic minorities and feminists in recent years. And as the Senate's leading voice for tougher oversight of Wall Street, Warren is also expected to help Clinton break with her reputation as being too closely tied with Wall Street and articulate a progressive counter-argument to the Trump camp. However, the problem for Hillary in her cooperation with Warren is how she can effectively avoid the possibility that she may be dwarfed by Warren's unequivocal ideological positions and extensive public approval. Participants discuss NGO's role in Asian development cooperation during the seminar in Beijing, April 19, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] The G20 Summit scheduled for September in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, will mark another step forward for China in global governance. As a powerful group of the international community, especially in the fields of finance and investment, the G20 offers a rare opportunity for non-governmental organizations in China to help realize its global goals. China's participation in global governance, many overseas observers argue, is basically driven by the Chinese government. But that is not the case. True, as manager of the world's second-largest economy, the Chinese government has a decisive say in policymaking. But the rise of NGOs following China's deepening integration into the international community should not be overlooked, especially because some of them hold bigger sway than many local governments. NGOs in China are in general divided into two groups. The first consists of those affiliated to governmental organs or mass organizations, and the second comprises those with different specialties. The first includes the All China Federation of Trade Unions, the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Women's Federation. And the second includes the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the All-China Journalists Association, which normally have very specific strategic focus. Despite their different missions, they all play a pivotal role in communicating with their foreign counterparts and conveying to them China's stance on certain global issues. They do not necessarily represent the Chinese government, but their active participation in transnational exchanges can help other countries better understand the Chinese society. Apart from semi-official organizations, there are a great number of independent associations with no governmental background, such as foundations and think tanks. Among them the diplomatic and security think tank Chahar Institute, the Wenzhou Chamber of Commerce that has been involved in global commercial events, and the Center for China and Globalization that focuses on global talent issues seem to be leading the way. Their operation only requires them to be registered, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs rules, to gain access to discussions on global governance. They also take part in regional affairs, which bears more fruits in Asia and Africa compared with their western counterparts. Chinese NGOs, semi-official or independent, have also served as a bridge between public opinions. For example, the World Peace Forum, an annual event co-hosted by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Beijing-based Tsinghua University has been playing a constructive role in promoting dialogue between former political heavyweights and NGO representatives at home and abroad since 2011. Besides, the NGOs contribute to non-official, peaceful exchanges between China and the rest of the world, particularly in the fields of education, medical care, public health, environmental protection and poverty alleviation. Endorsed by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, more than 600 young Chinese volunteers have traveled to 22 Asian, African and Latin American countries to offer services to local residents for six months to two years since 2002. More of them are expected to embark on such journeys to help other developing countries. Since such attempts have borne fruits, China has every reason to encourage more NGOs to have greater say in global issues as the G20 summit approaches. The author is deputy director of the Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University. A couple at a group wedding for seven same-sex couples from China, in West Hollywood, California, United States, June 9, 2015. [Photo/VCG] It was a year ago, on June 26, 2015, to be precise, when the US Supreme Court ruled that all states should issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages in other jurisdictions. So much has changed since my stay in Hawaii in the early 1990s, when that state tried to become the first in the US to legalize same-sex marriage. It became a reality in the Rainbow State only in 2013. On June 24, US President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn in New York City as a national monument to commemorate the uprising of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on June 28, 1969. The protest that day in response to a police raid ushered in the LGBT civil rights movement. Late at night on July 24, 2011, I was outside the Stonewall Inn 2011 to cover the celebration when the New York state legislature passed the Marriage Equality Act, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo the same day. June is a month of Pride parades and festivals, but this year celebrations are heavy with sadness because of the June 12 shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 people were killed and 53 injured. In Shanghai, the 10-day eighth Shanghai Pride festival ended on June 26.While the Shanghai festival still did not have a parade like many other global cities, the colorful activities this year featured a film festival, stage performances, Pride run, bicycle ride, exhibitions, a conference, awareness campaign, parties and awards. Shanghai is regarded the most LGBT-friendly city on the Chinese mainland, demonstrating the tolerance and acceptance that is required for an international city that Shanghai aspires to become. I happened to be on the China Daily team writing editorials back in 2009 when the piece "Pride of Tolerance" I wrote was probably the first endorsement by a national newspaper. The first Shanghai Pride festival that year was not as smooth as this year's. Some activities had to be canceled because government authorities intervened. The attitude toward the LGBT community in China has improved over the years, but it still cannot be compared with that in the US and many other countries. Same-sex marriage is still not possible in China. On April 13, two gay men lost a court case in Changsha, Hunan province, when they challenged a local civil affairs bureau that had denied them the right to marry. Both vowed to carry on the fight, though. On June 14, a Beijing court accepted a woman's case against the Ministry of Education to revise textbooks that call homosexuality a "psychological disorder". It was the third attempt by the woman with the Sun Yatsen University in Guangzhou. China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from the list of mental disorders in 2001. But less than 15 percent of LGBT people in China choose to open up, even to their close family members, according to a United Nations report published on May 17. The study, conducted by UN Development Programme in China, Peking University's sociology department and Beijing LGBT Center, covered 28,000 people in late 2015. The study found that young people in China were less prejudiced against the group, a good sign for more progress in the years ahead. The LGBT group in China is believed to number between 39 million and 52 million. Sociologist Li Yinhe has been the leading voice for LGBT rights in China. For years, she has helped draft measures for the country's legislature that push for legalizing same-sex marriage. While such bills have not made any legislative progress, Li is optimistic that progress outside China will have a positive impact on the country. Perhaps she is right, for some Chinese-language media outlets covering the 2016 Shanghai Pride cited the long fight in the US, starting with the Stonewall Uprising 47 years ago. The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com Aiming an insightful exploration on the transportation and urban synergy development, International Association of China Planning (IACP) Annul Conference - 2016 Transportation and Urban Synergy Development Forum unveiled in Beijing Jiaotong University on June 30. Attendees of the 10th IACP Conference's Transportation and Urban Synergy Development Forum pose for a group photo on June 30 while the keynote speakers and forum hosts stand in the front. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Both international experience and Chinese practices were discussed at the forum with a foothold on the relationship between the urban transportation and the urban development. Genevieve Giuliano, the senior professor and vice-dean of the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California, shared her studies on rail transit in an auto-oriented city through a case study of Los Angeles. The director of School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Anne Khademian, addressed transportation and urban planning in American mega-regions on a multiple jurisdiction and system basis. Binyam Reja, the China Transport Cluster Leader and Lead Transportation Specialist of the World Bank, discussed his views on PPP (Public-Private Partnership) in his speech at the forum. The interaction between urban rail transits, with urban planning, was the speech topic of Song Minhua, the deputy chair and chief secretary of China Association of Metros. His speech explored the topic through the background to efficiency evaluation indexes while Wu Zhiqiang, a vice-president and professor in Tongji University, contributed to the discussion in his speech with the Chinese practices on the challenges and opportunities emerging in the urbanization of China. Other forum participants included Liu Jun, the vice-president of Beijing Jiaotong University, Han Linfei, a professor of the universitys School of Architecture and Design, Xia Haishan, the dean of the School, and Jason Cao, IACP's president. The forum was the opening event of the IACPs 10th Conference. Founded in Washington D.C in 2005, IACP is an independent non-profit organization which includes scholars, experts, planners and students who are interested in Chinese planning and serves as a bridge for Chinese scholars and experts in urban planning to exchange ideas with their international peers. CNN anchor Richard Quest says he's impressed with the quality of China's business travel market. [Photo provided to China Daily] Richard Quest, the CNN anchor, insists there is nothing fake about his larger than life on-screen personality. "Oh yes, absolutely. You couldn't do it an hour a day, five nights a week and 260 shows a year, if it wasn't the real you," Quest, 54, says. "It might be an exaggerated version, but I am not playing a part. The viewer would eventually see through you as being a fraud." He was in China filming for his show Business Traveller and presenting Quest Means Business live from Beijing. He made his first visit to the country 10 years ago and has returned a number of times since. "But I am a relative newbie in China. I find the place fascinating, absolutely fascinating, particularly the contradictions." The TV presenter, who is also CNN's aviation correspondent, is perhaps best known in China for his coverage of the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines plane that went missing in March 2014, with 12 crew members and 227 passengers on board. There were 152 Chinese citizens on that flight. Quest has just published a book The Vanishing of Flight MH370: The True Story of the Hunt for the Missing Malaysian Plane. He believes the key to finding the aircraft is in being able to further analyze the data, rather than just constantly searching the ocean. "The problem is where do you look? You can't just keep extending the zone. It is too big. Until you can (further) mine that Inmarsat (British satellite telecommunications company) data, all those satellite handshakes, you might as well suspend the search until there is more accurate information as to where it could be to go back out again." Quest says he doesn't support the theory that the plane's captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah committed suicide by deliberately crashing it. "There is no evidence. He had been with Malaysia Airlines for 25 years and for 15 years as captain. In all other previous cases of suicide, the pilots have crashed the plane immediately. They haven't taken it on a long run down to the southern Indian Ocean for seven hours." Quest believes the most likely scenario is that the pilots and everyone on board became unconscious as a result of some catastrophic technical or mechanical failure. "Yes, the ghost plane scenario. Look, I agree it can be quite difficult to come up with that scenario but I think it is the most likely." The journalist was born in Liverpool and partly brought up in Leeds, where he eventually studied law before being called to the bar as a barrister, although he never practiced. He began his career as a trainee with the BBC in 1985 before becoming its North America correspondent in New York, where he established himself as a high-profile broadcaster. He moved to CNN in 2001 and has a regular presence on the network. He divides his time now between homes in New York and London. "I go between the cities, maybe once or twice a month. My mother, who is 86, and my sisters live in London. I like living between the two places. I know people are going to think this sounds like those horrible twee Sunday Times lifestyle profiles. They are going to think what has this to do with the price of fish in Scunthorpe," he says, laughing. Away from work, Quest is a big film buff, one of his favorite movies being The Devil Wears Prada. "It is a film I can watch again and again. I have nearly completed watching every Best Picture movie at the Oscars going back to 1929," he says. One of Quest's reasons to visit China this time was to report on the business travel market. China overtook the United States as the world's largest business travel market last year, according to the Global Business Travel Association. The sector was worth $291.2 billion in China compared with $290.2 billion in the US. He says he is impressed with the quality on offer from both Chinese airlines and hotel providers. "I took a couple of domestic flights, and they were as good as any I have taken in the United States. I went economy with Air China from Beijing to Xi'ana short hop of only two and a half hoursand the plane was full. Admittedly, the food offering was a little unusual but it was no worse than what I get back of the bus on British Airways." He takes a keen interest in the Chinese economy but still remains concerned about the global economy. "We are certainly out of the Great Recession, but I think we are in a much more difficult area. We are into a long hard slow trudge." Elizabeth Warren is on fire in this speech at a New America Open Markets conference on monopolies this week in DC; Senator Warren is pitiless, lucid and laser focused on the way that corruption creates monopolies, and monopolies suborn corruption. Seriously, it's the kind of speech you could play for someone who knows nothing about economics and they'd still get it, and be outraged by it, no matter whether they identify as "progressive," "conservative," or none of the above. Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream The first problem is that less competition means less consumer choice. When consumers can purchase similar products from multiple competitors, they force market players to constantly seek out new ways to reduce prices and increase the quality of goods and services to get their business. But when companies consume their rivals instead of competing with them, consumers can get stuck with few or no alternatives. Prices go up, and quality suffers. Consider Comcast, the nation's largest cable and internet service provider. Comcast has consolidated its position by buying up rivals. Today, over half of all cable and internet subscribers in America are Comcast customers. And last year was Comcast's best year in nearly a decade. But while big telecom giants have been consuming each other, consumers have been left out in the coldfacing little or no choice in service providers and paying through the nose for cable and internet service. Over a third of Americans who theoretically have access to high speed internet don't actually subscribe because the price tag is too high. And the data are clear: Americans pay much more for cable and internet than their counterparts in other advanced countries and, in return, we get worse service. The second reason the decline in competition should cause concern is that big guys can lock out smaller guys and newer guys. Take a look at the technology sectorspecifically, the battle between large platforms and small tech companies. Google, Apple, and Amazon provide platforms that lots of other companies depend on for survival. But Google, Apple, and Amazon also, in many cases, compete with those same small companies, so that the platform can become a tool to snuff out competition. Look at some examples. In 2012, FTC staff concluded that Google was using its dominant search engine to harm rivals of its Google Plus user review feature. Among other things, the staff produced evidence showing that Google promoted its own Google-branded content over its rivals even though those rivals would have otherwise had top billing through its organic search algorithm. The FTC commissioners ultimately sided against the conclusion of their staff, but the European Commission has moved forward with formal charges on similar allegations, and Europeans may soon enjoy better protections than U.S. consumers. Apple has received attention over similar issues. The latest example is its treatment of rival music-streaming companies. While Apple Music is easily accessible on the iPhone, Apple has placed conditions on its rivals that make it difficult for them to offer competitive streaming services. The FTC is investigating those issues and deciding whether to sue Apple for antitrust violations. Family travel is a strong driver behind the summer travel peak. [Photo/IC] Summer will see another travel peak for Chinese as students begin their summer vacation. Almost 60 percent of those polled said they had travel plans, according to a recent online survey conducted by ly.com, a major travel portal in China. Family travel is a strong driver behind the summer travel peak. About 40 percent of those surveyed are choosing July and August because the whole family can travel together when the children are off from school. More than 40 percent of college students choose to travel in summer as they are on summer vacation. Young and middle aged people showed much stronger interest in summer travel than other groups. Among those born after 1970 (aged 37-46) and 1960 (aged 47-56), 77.4 and 70 percent, respectively, said they would travel in summer. The report also showed that more people would travel in July (49.9%) than in August (31.2%). Among those who have travel plans, 29 percent said they travel abroad. About 30 percent of those surveyed set their travel budget over 5,000 yuan ($752), and 17 percent had a budget of 2,001 to 3,000 yuan. More than 60 percent of those who would travel abroad. The survey received a total of 1,604 effective questionnaires. Passengers walk to board a train at Yantai Railway Station in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, July 1, 2016. A total of 560 million rail trips will be made during the upcoming two-month summer travel peak, up 55.5 million from one year earlier, the China Railway Corporation forecast on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua] It might have been one of China's best-kept secrets, but now it's about to be shared with the world. WFMT Radio in Chicago and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra announced they would produce and distribute a 13-part radio program showcasing the world-class orchestra's performances from the current and past seasons. It marks the first time a Chinese orchestra will be heard in a multi-part radio series in the West. WFMT will make the shows available to radio stations in the US, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. "I'm so delighted that the WFMT Radio Network will be able to bring performances by this great Chinese orchestra to audiences in the United States and around the world," said Steve Robinson, general manager of WFMT. Robinson said that the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was one of Asia's premiere destinations for some of the world's most distinguished soloists, conductors and composers, including Lang Lang, Leon Fleischer, Yo-Yo Ma, Sir Andrew Davis, Zubin Mehta, Sir Neville Marriner and Steve Reich. "I have experienced so many unforgettable performances I wished I could share with the world," said Long Yu, conductor of the SSO. "Now, through these broadcasts, we are delighted that so many of China's great performances and the musicians of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra will be available to audiences in the United States and around the globe." "Our collaboration with WFMT is what's making this possible," added Ping Zhou, president of SSO. "We look forward to working with them to present a series of wonderful programs to Western listeners." In addition to the SSO concerts, the series will feature performances by musicians from the Shanghai Orchestra Academy, an affiliate institution that trains post-graduate musicians. It will also feature the inaugural Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition established by SSO that will take place in Shanghai from Aug 16 to Sept 2. More than 30 violinists from around the world will compete for the top prize. The SSO series will be produced by Noel Morris, an independent radio producer who was the founding producer of the network's flagship program Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin. Morris will be traveling to Shanghai this summer to record interviews and other features for the shows. The SSO radio programs are the latest in a series of cross-cultural exchanges by WFMT radio. In January 2015, Shanghai East Radio began broadcasting programs distributed by WFMT on Thursday and Friday evenings. The shows have included performances by the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Live and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Earlier this year, Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin and a jazz program from WFMT began airing on China Radio International on a daily basis. Other programs from China produced and distributed in the West by the radio network include programs from the 2015 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival and New Music Week at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Jennifer Hou Kwong, WFMT's China project consultant, has been a key player in establishing relationships with all of the collaborators in China. "Cultural exchange programs can enhance the understanding and friendship between people in China and the West," said Kwong. "I'm delighted to help make it all happen." FIDEL V RAMOS, former president of the Philippines. [Photo by Kenrick Lee/China Daily Asia Weekly] An improvement in relations between China and the Philippines is in sight through deeper people-to-people engagement, according to former Philippine president Fidel V Ramos, who has urged the leaders of the two countries to meet soon. China-Philippines relations could improve in the coming year, the 88-year-old told China Daily Asia Weekly, but the two countries must promote more interaction among young people in areas such as education, art and music. The new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has proposed to open bilateral talks with China after the ongoing arbitration tribunal announces its ruling on the South China Sea dispute. Ramos noted that the two countries had always been in talks through various informal channels despite the recent turbulence in their diplomatic ties. For example, the business communities of both countries had been engaged in "back-channel" talks to ensure the continuation of trade activities, he noted. Ramos hopes that Duterte will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping soon, preferably in his first year as Philippine president. Their cabinet colleagues should also meet at an early date, in his view. He called for a bigger role for the Philippines under China's Belt and Road Initiative the strategic Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road trading networks that seek to connect China with Europe, Asia and Africa through closer trade, infrastructure and people-to-people cooperation. The Philippines is located between two of the most important oceanic trading routes in the world the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. Hence, it should occupy an important place in the Maritime Silk Road, Ramos said. With regard to the new administration, Ramos believes it is essential for Duterte to build an inclusive economy, which can benefit and empower people in general. Ramos, who served as president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, steered the country during an economic crisis. During his term in office, the annual GDP growth rate averaged 5 percent. The country is now one of Asia's fastest-growing economies and recorded a GDP growth rate of 6.7 percent in the first quarter of 2016. However, as the Philippines continues to be plagued by striking socioeconomic inequality, Ramos is concerned about the yawning gap between the rich and poor in terms of income, housing, education, health and longevity. The Philippine Statistics Authority's figures for 2015 showed that more than 12 million Filipinos, who account for 12 percent of the total population, were living in extreme poverty and unable to afford three meals a day. The top 10 percent of Filipinos controlled 76 percent of the country's wealth, indicating an alarming wealth gap in the country, according to a Credit Suisse report in 2014. In his latest book, 2030: One World, One Community, One Family, Ramos detailed 17 sustainable development goals for the world, advocating initiatives for ending poverty and hunger, to global partnerships for sustainable development. In his view, the Philippines should follow this development agenda in the coming years. If the Philippines can "spread the benefits of growth", and continue to do so for six to 10 years, including throughout the six-year term of the new Duterte administration, the country can successfully improve people's livelihood, Ramos added. iris@chinadailyhk.com Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen as a pragmatist who will focus his administration's efforts on the country's economic development. [Photo/Agencies] Two cardboard figures stand in the 1,500-square-meter showroom of Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD in Mandaluyong City of Metro Manila one of Keith Bryan Haw, a Filipino speed racer; and the other of Warren Buffett, the legendary American investor. With few indications of its country of origin in the showroom, it is not easy to tell that BYD, the world's biggest electric carmaker, is in fact a Chinese brand and a household name back home. "The Philippines is a US-culture market, so we used one of BYD's investors, Warren Buffett, (to sell the brand)," said Mark Andrew Tieng, managing director of Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp, the Philippine distributor of BYD. With six BYD models, including five fuel-powered cars and one hybrid, the dealer sold fewer than 200 units in the Philippines last year less than a third of the sales of Volkswagen, according to Tieng. The distributor uses Warren Buffett as the face of BYD because selling the China story in this market is challenging at the moment. "(The Philippine) people are in denial that Chinese products can be really good," he said, noting that the country's trust in Chinese brands has yet to be established. Tieng said the relationship between China and the Philippines is "fundamentally strong", adding that the two countries have been trade partners for a long time with mutual economic benefits. "I hope both countries can move past their differences and focus on trade." Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office on June 30, is likely to get trade back on track. Observers are optimistic that his pragmatic economic approach can smooth the settlement of disputes between the two countries. And the business community, especially in China, is also hopeful for fresh opportunities, but with a note of caution. Territorial claims in the South China Sea are often to blame for friction between China and the Philippines. In 2013, the dispute escalated when then president Benigno Aquino III filed an arbitration case in a United Nations tribunal, for which a ruling is expected in the coming weeks. Speaking to China Daily Asia Weekly, former Philippine president Fidel V Ramos said: "The best kind of relationship is one that is directly done by the people without the UN, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) or APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). And it begins with trade." Duterte seems to share this notion. Commonly portrayed as a strongman and a pragmatist, he appears to prioritize the country's economic development over its political disputes with China. Deng Jun, country head of the Bank of China's Manila Branch and chairman of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in the Philippines. On the campaign trail in February, Duterte urged the two countries to set aside disagreements, and asked China to help build a railway in the Philippines which will be crucial to the country's economic progress, according to the Philippine news site Inquirer.net. Wilson Lee Flores, a Philippine political columnist, said: "President Duterte is a very pragmatic and politically clever leader. I really believe he can normalize China-Philippine relations." He said that Duterte is likely to focus more on win-win economic advantages for both countries, rather than small misunderstandings and differences. "I hope the Chinese government reciprocates vigorously and enthusiastically," he added. Some of Duterte's more audacious remarks on the South China Sea issue such as pledging to jet-ski to disputed territory and planting the Philippine flag there have not negated his business talks with China since his election. Duterte revealed to the media that China offered to build a railway over two years, from Metro Manila to Clark, a zone northwest of the country's capital, after his meeting with Chinese ambassador Zhao Jianhua. The Chinese Ambassador was among the first envoys Duterte met after he won elections in May. Duterte has also planned to send his transportation chief to China to discuss the railway projects and "to talk about peace and how they can help us". Deng Jun, country head of the Bank of China's Manila Branch and chairman of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in the Philippines, believes the countries are heading in the right direction. "In the long run, closer economic activities between the two countries, as well as friendlier relations, will be an irresistible trend, which will not be changed by a few individuals, because (China and the Philippines) both need it," he said. And infrastructure is not the only sector China and the Philippines can work closer together on. The two economies complement each other in many ways, Deng pointed out. The Philippine market needs products and technology from China, while China needs manufacturing and mineral resources from the Philippines. Trade activities between the countries can be traced back centuries. Even under the Aquino administration, trade volume had been on the rise. In 2015, bilateral trade volume between China and the Philippines reached $45.65 billion, with a 2.7 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to statistics by China Customs. Mark Andrew Tieng, managing director of Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp. China's investments in the Philippines, however, recorded a 58.9 percent drop last year, with $23.71 million of foreign direct investment (FDI), according to China's Ministry of Commerce. In contrast, China's FDI in Indonesia and Singapore in 2015 reached $1.33 billion and $4.96 billion, respectively. "Overall, the businessmen are optimistic," said George T Siy, chairman emeritus of the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs. This is because the business community is pinning hopes on Duterte for a balanced foreign investment policy and a better business environment. The Philippines has been a challenging FDI destination due to its restrictions such as the 40 percent foreign ownership cap, which is expected to be relaxed under the Duterte administration. The president has also pledged to cut red tape, giving the government 72 hours to process business permits and clearances. The World Bank ranks the Philippines at 103 for ease of doing business this year, while the World Economic Forum identified inefficient government bureaucracy as the biggest factor hindering business, followed by inadequate infrastructure. The Bank of China's Deng remains hopeful but said there are challenges ahead. "We are optimistic and confident about the future China-Philippine ties under the new administration. But there are a lot of uncertainties at the moment, regarding how big of a difference it will make, and how long it will take to achieve," he noted. Deng believes that lack of understanding is why the Philippines has been overlooked by Chinese companies and investors despite huge opportunities in the market, in industries ranging from agriculture to e-commerce. "I've always encouraged Chinese companies to send a team to the Philippines, settle down in this market, and study it thoroughly." Chinese companies should move fast for a head start in this currently untapped market, Deng added. iris@chinadailyhk.com A major thoroughfare is clogged with traffic in Manila on Jan 11. The Philippines needs massive investment to improve its weak infrastructure which is hindering economic development. [Photo/Agencies] Filipinos are no strangers to traffic jams, flight delays and port congestion. As the new Philippine government takes office, it is faced with a range of challenges to improve the country's weak infrastructure. Nora K Terrado, undersecretary for the industry promotion group with the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry, said this weakness has deterred many investors. The development of infrastructure projects in the country is similar to "building the plane while it's flying", she said, and cited a local airport as an example: "It is so congested. We have three terminals but only one runway. Those are the kind of things that will take time to solve we are so impatient." Benjamin E Diokno, the country's new budget secretary, recently told The Inquirer newspaper that "the economy is deficient in all types of infrastructure highways and bridges, ports and airports". Despite fresh sources of infrastructure financing at home such as major listings on the Philippine Stock Exchange and fresh public-private partnership deals the country is turning to China for massive infrastructure investment. This was especially evident last December when former president Benigno Aquino III approved the country's membership in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). "We have a big need for high-speed trains, railways, seaports and airports, and that is the expertise of China," said Wilson Lee Flores, a columnist with The Philippine Star newspaper. He shares Terrado's opinion that demand is high for infrastructure, and it should top the agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte who took office on June 30 as most infrastructure projects will take from one to four years to complete. With excessive capital and construction materials in China, Flores added that the Philippines can "benefit a lot" from cooperation with its neighbor. Deng Jun, country head of the Bank of China's Manila Branch, said that China is a possible "white knight" for Philippine infrastructure, particularly in electricity and power equipment, which is China's comparative advantage. "I believe Chinese companies will be able to accomplish something in this sector," he said. "And in this process, it is very important to operate by law and to find good partners." At the AIIB's first annual meeting on June 25, China's Finance Minister Lou Jiwei affirmed that the bank differs from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank and other multilateral development banks, in having the advantage of "keener understanding of the successful experience and lessons of developing countries' years of development". AIIB president Jin Liqun stated that the bank's specific focus on infrastructure sets it apart from others and it is committed to the concept of "international best practice". At the meeting, the AIIB announced its first four deals, worth $509 million, including the renovation of slums in Indonesia and the construction of highways in Pakistan and Tajikistan. A boost to the financial sector in the Philippines, and throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is expected to come from the Belt and Road Initiative, according to Wick Veloso, president and CEO for HSBC in the Philippines. The Belt and Road seeks to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting more than 60 countries across the ancient land and maritime Silk Roads. Business World Online noted that the initiative will help the Philippines identify opportunities to put together a more viable pipeline of infrastructure financing. In addition to the AIIB, China created the $40 billion Silk Road Fund which, so far, is financing a hydroelectric project in Pakistan and a liquefied natural gas project in Russia. The China Development Bank is another major source of infrastructure capital, and plans to invest $890 billion in Belt and Road projects. Such investments are in line with China's aim to boost cooperation in production capacity and equipment manufacturing with other economies. Regarding territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, Wei Ling, director and researcher at the Institute of Asian Studies at the China Foreign Affairs University, said bilateral development is at the core of Chinese national interest and its diplomatic strategies. She said that the Philippines can use China's successful experience in infrastructure, while such supply-and-demand cooperation can close their political gap which "has been taken to an undeserving height". After all, "only bilateral communication can solve the problem", Wei said. She also noted that the two countries should set aside territorial disputes and "think outside the box" in exploiting green energy resources in the South China Sea. Andrew Leung, an international China strategist, suggested that China could help improve Manila's dilapidated subway system and modernize Manila Port. While many speculate on bilateral relations with Duterte in power, George T Siy, chairman emeritus of Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs, said the time is right for China to help the Philippines to develop. Duterte is open to inviting foreign companies to invest in infrastructure projects, he added. The country's new finance secretary Carlos G Dominguez said that the Duterte administration can fast-track the Philippine's membership in the AIIB to widen financing options in line with plans to ramp up infrastructure development. President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli join an audience of more than 3,000 at the concert "Eternal Faith" marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, June 29, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] PYONGYANG - Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the state media KCNA reported. Kim said that the "CPC is conducting a vigorous struggle to strengthen the party, keep social stability, achieve sustainable development of economy and build a comprehensively well-off society." He wished the Chinese people greater success in their efforts to build a socialism with Chinese characteristics and realizing prosperity of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the CPC. "We have willingness to develop together with the Chinese comrades the DPRK-China friendship with long historical roots as required by the new century and thus promote socialist construction in both countries and defend peace and security in Northeast Asia," Kim said in the message. July 1 marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he addresses the Philippine National Police (PNP) Assumption of Command Ceremony at police headquarters in Quezon city, metro Manila, Philippines, July 1, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wanted a "conversation" with China on the South China Sea in a bid to work out a "win-win relationship" with the country, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Friday. "Basically he's being friendly toward China. I think it's an indication on how he wants to handle the relationship, not to be adversarial but to really work out a relationship that will be win-win for both," Abella said in an interview with the television ANC. "I think the point of the president is ... we are not in a position to engage military operations and stuff like that. So, it really makes common sense," he said. A few hours after taking office as the country's 16th president Thursday, Duterte told a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace not to "flaunt" a possibly favorable ruling in a case filed by the Philippines at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The tribunal has said that it would be handing down the ruling on July 12. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday that the tribunal, "established on the basis of illegal conduct and claims of the Philippines," has no jurisdiction over the case and the relevant subject matter, and should not have heard the case or render any award. Duterte brought up the issue during the televised meeting. While the decision on the arbitration case might be favorable to the Philippines, "it would also put the country in an awkward position especially with China (in terms of relations)," Duterte said. "God knows I really do not want to declare any fighting with anybody. And if we can have peace by just talking, I would be very happy," he added. Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay also informed Duterte during the meeting that he was "averse" to issuing a "strong" statement in case of a favorable ruling, rejecting suggestions by foreign representatives. After new Philippine Cabinet members struck a conciliatory tone on the upcoming ruling in the arbitration case against China, Beijing said disputes with the Philippines could only be properly managed and resolved "through negotiation and consultation", not arbitration. "The South China Sea arbitral case raised by the Aquino administration is illegal and invalid. It is hoped the Philippines will meet China halfway and properly tackle relevant disputes," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news conference on Friday. The administration of president Benigno Aquino III unilaterally initiated arbitration proceedings against China in 2013, leading to Beijing's refusal to be part of the arbitration. The ruling by the Aribitral Tribunal affiliated with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will be announced on July 12. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sworn in on Thursday, told a Cabinet meeting not to "flaunt" a ruling if it is favorable, and said there should be "a soft landing" in disputes with China about the South China Sea, according to Xinhua News Agency. Philippines Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay was quoted by Xinhua as saying he was "averse" to issuing a "strong" statement if the ruling is favorable. Beijing has reiterated its objection to arbitration, partly because Manila's arguments in the case pertain to sovereignty and maritime delimitations, which China says are not subject to arbitration. Xue Li, a researcher on international strategy studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China will not sit by if the Philippines calls on China to enforce the ruling. Instead, dropping the result of arbitration and resuming two-way negotiations with Beijing to resolve disputes "may serve as a turning point in the icy two-way ties", Xue said. Madagascar, one of the world's poorest nations, is led by president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who infuriated his people by insisting that the economy was doing well and that naysayers couldn't "provide evidence that the country was getting poorer." Shortly afterward, he appeared at an independence day ceremony with his wife Voahangy Rajaonarimampianina, who sported a pineapple-adorned Doce & Gabana dress valued at $7,745. Thus was born the Madagascar Pineapple Meme. Malagasy social media has become filled with pointed political jokes and cartoons that use the pineapple as a symbol of the president's denial and corruption. As the meme has gained steam, the Rajaonarimampianina is pushing a "free speech and ethics" bill that allows for heavy fines for "libel" online only one of the many incursions on free expression in the bill. The whole conversation on "Pineapple-Gate" comes at a time when a major bill on freedom of speech and ethics online is being prepared by Malagasy authorities. The early returns from insiders on how the bill will shape up hint that it will severely restrict free expression online and will include heavy fines for any materials deemed to be libel. The bill should be submitted to the parliament for approval in the coming weeks. Why Everyone in Madagascar Is Making Jokes About Pineapple [Lova Rakotomalala/Global Voices] (Images: Tananews; Koolsaina) Twitter user LDLDN posted this image of a racist National Front poster on a lamppost in Camden, a neighborhood in north London a relatively affluent, diverse neighborhood dominated by a giant subculture market, two huge train stations (St Pancras and King's Cross), a university, and the British Library. According to LDLDN, the posters lined a whole street, St Pancras Way. In itself, this doesn't mean much: one nutter with a bucket of wheatpaste and an inkjet printer could pull it off. But it's part of a wider trend of reporting on racist incidents in the UK where the aggressors cite the Brexit vote in their tirades against brown people, Poles and other eastern Europeans, and people marked as other in UK society. Again, casual racism isn't new in the UK. Since the advent of social media, there's been a steady drumbeat of videos of racist ranters on public transit and street-corners, hurling abuse at strangers. It's unlikely that social media precipitated this racism. It's safe to assume that the racism existed before social media, but camera phones and Twitter and Facebook made it visible. It's possible that the racists responsible for the post-Brexit incidents would have been shouting at racialised people even if no Brexit referendum had taken place, but without mentioning Brexit and that the reason we're seeing more reporting of Brexit-implicated racist tirades. Perhaps everyone else is just more on guard for manifestations of bias and xenophobia, now that the Brexit referendum has been won by the Leave side, which used literal Nazi propaganda in its campaign materials and whose supporters included a armed racist terrorist who killed a politician in the street while shouting fascist slogans. That's an empirical question that will be hard to resolve. But one thing is obvious from the behavior of the racists themselves: Brexit has validated their worldview. They feel comfortable with the Brexit outcome. They are buoyed by it. Whether or not it emboldened them (I think it probably did), it certainly gladdened them. If I were a migrant in the UK as I was until I year ago, when my family and I got the hell out of London I would be very nervous. In other racism news, these are on nearly every lamppost along StPancras Way in Camden, North london. GRIM AS FUCK pic.twitter.com/01QzPI1M4b L D (@LDLDN) June 30, 2016 (Thanks, Noemi!) (Photo : Reuters) A taxi is reflected on a window at the office of taxi-hailing service Uber in China. Advertisement In China, Uber users are required to open the app for at least 90 seconds after they get into the car they have hailed. While this does not seem to be a long duration, Uber is planning to capitalize on that minute-and-a-half mark by sending out valuable information or even ads to users. In May, Uber launched its UberLIFE project in China. This project creates a mesh of content that include recommendation of dining, sports, and cultural hotspots in the country. These recommendations are based on the data collected by Uber from its users. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Uber's latest strategy is part of the company's effort to maintain is current customer base while trying to lower subsidies. Uber said that it aims to deliver a service that "understand the lives" of its users, and not just their ride hailing habits. While Uber already has a handful of services uniquely tailored for its user base in China, UberLIFE is considered by many tech analysts as a rather risky move for the ride hailing company. The initiative is Uber's first ever foray into providing content for its users. It is important to note that the Chinese government has a rather strict policy when it comes to acquiring, delivering and curating contents. In China, Uber is working with the country's biggest search engine service Baidu. However, even Baidu has not escaped the regulatory claws of the Chinese government. Chinese regulators recently issued a ruling that requires Baidu to clearly identify all of the ads that are presented on its platform. In similar news, Uber recently launched Uber+Travel, a new service exclusive only to China. The newly launched service will allow Uber users in China to request boat rides, and even hot air balloon excursions. The new service was confirmed by Uber China Vice President of Operations, Kate Wang. Advertisement TagsUber, Uber China, china, UberLIFE, Uber 90 seconds, Uber News, Uber feature (Photo : Reuters) Xiaomi is planning to launch a mobile payment service in China. Advertisement At the Summer Davos event held in Tianjin, China on Monday, Xiaomi Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun said that the company is more than just a smartphone vendor. The CEO's statement has led many tech analysts to believe that Xiaomi might be realigning its roadmap for the future instead of just focusing on a single market. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Xiaomi took the smartphone industry by storm by releasing premium grade products at significantly affordable rates. However, the smartphone industry has been experiencing a decline in terms of demands lately. Moreover, the increasing number of competitors in the local market are considered just one of the many reasons why Xiaomi is looking for other sources of revenue. During the event, Lei said, "We are aiming to offer consumers a wide range of products at affordable prices. We need about 40 kinds of electronic products to attract consumers to our online shopping platform and offline retail stores." The latest change in strategy is considered a major shift for Xiaomi since the company that earns a bulk of its revenue from its smartphone business. One of Xiaomi's major strategy shifts is its focus towards offline marketing. Online flash sales have helped Xiaomi's rise to fame. Between 2012 and 2014, the company was known for flash sales that sold out almost in an instant. Lei said that Xiaomi would be establishing around 1,000 experience stores. The plan is to roll out these stores within the span of the next three or four years. Currently, Xiaomi is working with around 50 other companies, more than half of those are still virtually unknown in the market. Regarding its plans to go public, Lei said that it might take another 15 years for the company to achieve that goal. Advertisement Tagschina, China Tech, tech company, Xiaomi, Xiaomi plan, Xiaomi Smartphone, Xiaomi roadmap (Photo : Reuters) HTC's Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance will have $10 billion in funding to invest in VR and augmented reality projects. Advertisement HTC is planning to transform its virtual reality (VR) department into a separate business. Dubbed as the Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance (VRVCA), HTC has allocated $10 billion to be invested in VR and augmented reality projects. The fund is comprised of many popular Venture Capital (VC) that includes early Apple and Google backer Sequoia Capital, Matrix Partners, and 500 start-ups. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The investment will include a number of VR-centric VC houses in addition to more staple firms like Sequoia Capital and Redpoint Ventures. Overall, there will be 27 firms joining HTC Vive in the VRVCA. Alvin Wang Graylin, China Regional president of VR at HTC, will lead the Alliance. This is the first time such renowned VCs are joining hands at this scale to drive the future of a new industry, rather than competing to find the best deals for themselves, Graylin said in a statement. HTC launched a $100 million Vive X accelerator fund in April for start-ups in the virtual reality space. However, the VRVCA is HTCs most significant show of leadership in the VR industry to date. Currently, the VRVCA is accepting submissions for new projects. It will meet six times a year in Beijing and San Francisco. The alliance will invest in a wide variety of technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality Advertisement TagsHTC, Virtual Reality, VR, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality Venture Capital Alliance, alliance (Photo : Getty Images) China's internet czar Lu Wei will be replaced by Xu Lin. Advertisement China's internet czar has stepped down as the deputy head of the Central Committee's publicity department. Lu Wei, 56, the gatekeeper of Chinas internet, will be replaced by his deputy Xu Lin, who is a rising political star. Lu has long been an outspoken and controversial figure within the Communist Party. Analysts say that it is not yet clear whether he has fallen out of favor or will be promoted. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement One explanation is that he is being groomed for higher position, possibly including a senior provincial position or a more influential role within the Central Propaganda Department. A second explanation is that Lu ran afoul of an anti-corruption investigation, said Eurasia Group's CEO Samm Sacks. Under Lus leadership, anonymous postings online have declined as he introduced a new set of requirements for Internet users during their registration of online accounts with their real names and phone numbers, making it easy for Chinese security officials to locate people who make controversial comments online. Lu has been a loyal ally in advancing President Xi Jinpings plans for cybersecurity, leading to an increased heavy internet censorship program China, which is dubbed as the Great Firewall. However, he is also a proponent of the use of social media, urging the 60,000 propaganda officials in Beijing to study and use Weibo for communication. His emphasis on the use of social media pioneered the party utilization of internet propaganda as the population of netizens in China continued to explode. His replacement Xu Lin appears to have same views to Lu Wei when it comes to the party's role in monitoring the internet. The Chinese government censors various internet information, and blocks access to foreign media and social networking sites such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram. Advertisement Tagschina, Lu Wei, China Internet Czar, Great Firewall, weibo, China Lu Wei, Xu Lin, Xi Jinping (Photo : Getty Images) China on Thursday described a top U.S. diplomats statement on the NSG and the South China Sea dispute as utterly "irresponsible" and "factually incorrect." Advertisement China on Thursday slammed a U.S. diplomat's critical remarks about the impasse with India's bid for membership in the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) as well as the South China Sea dispute. China's Foreign Ministry described the comments as utterly "irresponsible" and an attempt to create a wedge between the Beijing and New Delhi. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon, who is currently in India, criticized China for its unreasonable stance on New Delhi's NSG membership. "We understand that in a consensus-based organization, one country can break consensus. But in order to do so, it must be (held) accountable, not isolated," Shannon said at a meeting at the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi. Shannon was apparently referring to China, which singlehandedly thwarted India's NSG membership bid at a plenary meeting in South Korea last week. China was leading the opponent of India's membership in the NSG. About six other countries also had a similar stance. This is the first time that a top US diplomat has commented on India's NSG blockade. Shannon's comment on China's role in the South China Sea dispute was even more provocative, as he described Beijing's recent assertive actions in the disputed maritime territory as "sheer madness." "What China is doing in the South China Sea region is madness. Building airstrips and landing aircraft on that. As far as their navy is concerned, all they are doing is building targets. Our own view is that China can keep the sea-lanes open through its navy in the region. It is our hope that China will be able to follow a rule-based international order," Shannon said. In response, China condemned U.S. Diplomats statements and categorically defended its stance on the NSG and South China Sea. On Shannon's NSG remark, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei described the statement as factually incorrect, adding that U.S. diplomat did not show any "regards for facts." "In the plenary meeting in Seoul (held last week), India's accession was not on the agenda," Hong said. Hong clarified that participants at the plenary meeting last week only discussed "technical, political and legal" issues pertaining to nations that are yet to sign the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In response to Shannon's comment on the South China Sea, Hong said that Chinese government is strongly dissatisfied. Hong stressed that China would continue to maintain its sovereignty and maritime rights in disputed maritime region. He added that Chinese government would continue to press for dialogue and negotiation to resolve the maritime dispute. Hong accused Shannon of attempting to create a wedge between claimant countries by making irresponsible statements. He urged the U.S. to play a more constructive role in resolving the maritime dispute. China is claiming sovereignty over a large portion of the South China Sea. However, China's claim is being challenged by several neighboring countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Most of the other claimants nations are relying on the U.S. for diplomatic and military support to counteract China's growing influence in the disputed territory. Advertisement Tagschina, China and US, South China Sea, NSG (Photo : YouTube Screenshot) JD.com "British Mall" will bring UK premium brands to Chinese customers. Advertisement While some economic analysts have said China will be affected by Britain's decision to leave the European Union, Chinese online retail giant JD.com thinks otherwise. Instead, the company has said it is an opportunity to enhance China's trade and exports. "I think there will be a positive outcome for business in China," Tony Qiu, head of JD Worldwide, said. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The largest Chinese online retailer introduced its British Mall platform on Wednesday, June 29, at a special event in London. The mall is dedicated to helping Chinese shoppers discover and buy a wide selection of authentic and high-quality products ranging from cosmetics, food, and beverage, among others from premium UK brands. The occasion was graced by executives from the Chinese company as well as representatives from Santander Group, Tencent, and Zitra. The British brands to be featured in JD.com's British Mall include Johnnie Walker whiskey, Marks & Spencer clothes, Clark shoes, Cow & Gate milk, to name a few. "As disposable income is rising in China there is an increasing demand for quality and imported products and goods from the UK are the most popular," Qiu said, noting that Chinese shoppers are fond of British products. "From a business perspective there will be an immediate impact because the purchase price will be lower as the pound falls in price," he added. "We will pass this on to the consumers and so as UK products because cheaper, they will have a competitive advantage in comparison to other countries." Aside from displaying products to JD.com's increasing customer base, the British Mall will also lend other support including marketing, logistics and delivery - even without a physical store in China. Advertisement TagsJD.com, brexit, British Mall, Chinese shoppers, consumers (Photo : Getty Images) China has hired rappers to spread the "truth" and boost the country's image abroad. Advertisement Chinese officials have hired rappers to rap about China and boost the country's image abroad by telling foreigners "the truth" about the country. According to BBC News, a rap song is entitled, This is China, was released on the Chinese micro-blogging site called Weibo earlier this week. China's Communist Youth League posted the video, which has been shared for more than 40,000 times. The song features both traditional Chinese singing and modern rap. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The rap song opens with the claim that it wants to restore the good impression that the country had created across the world, which was destroyed by the false image fabricated by the international media. The song says that China has a lot of terrible problems, but despite that, it is a peace-loving and wealthy country which is at the forefront of scientific research. One of the lines of the songs says that China is a developing country and is difficult to manage. Another line stated that the country has gone through a lot like the 2008 Chinese milk scandal. Other lines read: "The power of Chinese people in China are gradually proving/ That we can make a better world as we love peace and harmony/ Meanwhile we can trust the public security/ Cuz the policemen are kind to citizens but crucial to our enemies./ This is China/ We love the country we the Chi-phenomena/ The red dragon ain't no evil/ But a peaceful place/ The beautiful land with rich culture remain." The rap group who performed the song is known as CD Rev. One of its members, Wang Zixin, said that the rap song is for Westerners to better understand China. CD Rev is from Chengdu and collaborated with the Communist Youth League to produce the video, The Guardian reported. Issues about Taiwan and gun control were also included in the song. The track also touches on several topics such as food safety, political corruption, and the problem of smog in China. The rappers said that the government is trying to address these problems. Many Chinese netizens have approved of the video leaving positive comments. Others, however, asked why the video was not in Mandarin as they could not understand it. The rappers said that it was made in English as the message of the song is targeting the Western audience. Advertisement Tagschina, Communist Party, Communist Youth League, CD Rev, boost image abroad, Western audience, rap group, truth about China (Photo : Joseph Vidal/Malacanang Photo Bureau via Getty Images) In this handout image provided by Malacanang Photo Bureau, Outgoing President Benigno S. Aquino III talks to incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the Presidents Hall Sala of the Malacanang Palace during the Departure Honors in Manila, Philippines. China's President Xi Jinping has congratulated Duterte via diplomatic channels. Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Rodrigo Duterte, after he was sworn in as the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday. China's news agency, Xinhua, reported that Xi sent a message to Duterte via diplomatic channels. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei confirmed this during Thursday's daily press conference. He revealed that Xi told Duterte that the good-neighborly relationship between the two countries has lasted for a thousand years, and it is the right direction to take in the coming years. Xi reportedly also told Duterte that he was willing to make efforts to promote the improvement of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. China's relationship with the Philippines under Duterte is likely to be the opposite of what it was during former President Benigno Aquino's reign. The former Philippines President was very critical of China's activities in the South China Sea and initiated a case in the United Nation's Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over the issue. President Xi omitted any mention of the strained relationship between the two countries under the Aquino's administration in his message to Duterte. Since Duterte's election in May, China has been hoping that the new Philippine administration would drop the assertive stance of the past administration over the water disputes, The Diplomat reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a statement months ago that "We hope that the new government of the Philippines can work with us towards the same direction, properly deal with relevant disputes, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound development with concrete actions." China is clearly hoping that the Philippines would abandon its case with the PCA over the South China Sea dispute. But with a ruling expected in less than two weeks, it may be too late for such a move. Duterte said in a statement that if the ruling favors the Philippines, Manila would tread carefully and has no plans of waging a war with China. Advertisement TagsRodrigo Duterte, 16th president of the Philippines, Philippines, china, Chinese President Xi jinping, congratulatory message, sworn into office, South China Sea Dispute (Photo : YouTube Screenshot) China Resources has opposed Baoneng's call to oust the chairman and some board executives of China Vanke. Advertisement After China Vanke's largest shareholder Baoneng Group sought a board meeting to oust the real estate's chairman and 11 other executive directors, its second largest shareholder China Resources has made it clear that it does not support the move. "China Resources objects to the proposal to remove the entire Vanke board of directors and board of supervisors," the conglomerate said on its social media account. Although it did not explain why it opposed an ouster, China Resources said it will consider a future board restructuring "from a perspective that is beneficial to the company's development." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement China Resources, which holds 16 percent of China Vanke's shares, warned that the announced transaction that would dilute their holdings, the Financial Times reported. The statement has somehow relieved some tension that has been building in the company after Baoneng called for a special holder meeting. According to South China Morning Post, the dispute has been disrupting Vanke's daily operations, with some Vanke employees in masks and banners staging a protest in front of the Shenzhen local government office. Baoneng, on the other hand, seems to have pacified its aggressive stance, saying "removing directors does not necessarily mean removing core management." The conciliatory stance followed after China's securities regulator revealed that the bourse would investigate Vanke's plan for restructuring and are probing into the board meeting's development and roles of its independent directors. "The bourse's enquiries have shown that regulators don't only care what is happening at the corporate level, but also care about what is happening at the market level and whether small shareholders are being protected," David Yang, an UOB Kay Hian analyst, said. Advertisement Tagschina vanke, China Resources, Baoneng Group (Photo : Reuters) It is expected that Android Nougat will be launched in the third quarter of the year. Advertisement HTC has announced that it will incorporate the new Android Nougat (N) in its HTC 10, HTC One A9 and HTC One M9 device. On its official Twitter account, HTC posted a tweet promising an upgrade for the current HTC 10 flagship devices shortly after Google announced that Android N would be officially called Android Nougat. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Google has not yet announced when it will launch officially the Android Nougat. As a result, the Taiwanese smartphone maker did not mention any specific date as when these three smartphones would receive the OS update. HTC is known as one of the faster OEMs when it comes to releasing updates for their smartphones. The HTC One A9 was launched with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board, when only a few smartphones outside of Google's Nexus series were using it. The One A9 is a smartphone that is designed for the sub-premium segment of the market. The One M9 was launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop and HTC later updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. HTC also said that its would announce more devices that will receive the update once Google makes Android N available to OEMs. HTC has only confirmed the three devices for now. Android Nougat will feature interface changes, which can mostly be seen on the lock screen, notification shade and settings. Additional features include Multi Window. Although there is no official announcement of the release date, it is expected to be launched in the third quarter of the year. Advertisement TagsHTC 10, HTC One M9, HTC One A9, Google, Android, Android Nougat, Android N, HTC (Photo : Getty Images) In his speech to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping called on officials to practice austerity and warned that no one will be spared in the ongoing anti-corruption crusade Advertisement Chinese President Xi Jinping zeroed in on the government's fight against graft and corruption in his speech to commemorate the 95th anniversary of China's Communist Party on Friday. Despite relative success in the anti-corruption campaign, which was initiated after President Xi assumed power four years ago, the Chinese leader and his top corruption watchdog, Wang Qishan, admitted there is more to be done to cleanse the party of graft. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Political observers have warned that the legitimacy of China's top party may rely heavily on the success of the anti-corruption drive. Xi's anti-graft campaign has netted both low- and high-ranking officials over the past years. Many corrupt officials have also fled abroad to escape the arms of the law. Legitimacy "The party has reached a point where its legitimacy and more importantly, its very existence are at stake," said Wang Yukai, a professor from the Chinese Academy of Governance, according to the South China Morning Post. Wang and university professor Zhu Lijia noted that the party has been struggling in recent years due to the complexity of the current domestic and global environments. Zhu said China and the world have changed a lot since Xi was catapulted into the presidency. Risks He warned that several factors pose great risks to the Communist Party's rule such as the efforts of the Xi administration to rein in corruption as well as its ability to resolve China's slowing economic growth. "That's why the party has rolled out one education campaign after another in a bid to seek unity among the more than 87 million party members and rally public support," Zhu said. Political analyst Zhang Lifan said Xi's speech was aimed at justifying the one-party rule and touting his achievements in a bid to hold power in the party, which is set to conduct a leadership reshuffle next year. "Xi may want to use the propaganda machine as well as his speech to disseminate his messages to the Chinese public that the party under his rule is capable of meeting all sorts of challenges both at home and abroad," Zhang said. Advertisement TagsCommunist Party of China, President Xi Jinping, anti=corruption drive, corruption watchdog Wang Qishan, china (Photo : Getty Images) Vice-Admiral of the Taiwanese Navy said the supersonic missile was launched towards China by operational error. Advertisement A Taiwanese warship "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China on Friday as it celebrated the 95th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. The Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile, which has a range of about 300km and the ability to reach mainland China, was fired from a patrol vessel stationed at a naval base in Kaohsiung, which is located in southern Taiwan. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The "accidental launch" killed one and injured three others after it "pierced through" a fishing boat in the waters off Taiwan's Penghu islands. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," said Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy, according to the South China Morning Post. He added that the ship was carrying out a navy drill when officers failed to observe standard protocol and mistakenly launched the missile. When asked whether the misfired missile would lead to misunderstanding with China, Mei said that the Taiwanese defence ministry was notified of the incident and they would be handling the case accordingly. Mei also noted that the missile did not even make it past the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, which means that China's Fujian province, which was located on the other side of the strait, was not the intended target of the missile. This takes place amid rising tensions between the island and Beijing. Taiwan has been developing missiles like the Hsiung Feng III to counter China, who has threatened to attack the island if it declares independence. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province and has said that it was not afraid to use force to bring about the reunification Advertisement TagsTaiwan, china, missile, Hsiung Feng III, Kaohsiung naval base, Taiwan fires missile, Taiwan missile, Taiwan missile China (Photo : Getty Images) Qualcomm President Derek Aberle speaks at a press event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. Advertisement American multinational chip maker Qualcomm announced on Thursday that it has filed a total of 17 patent infringement cases against Chinese smartphone maker Meizu Technology Co. The patent infringement complaints were filed by Qualcomm in Beijing and Shanghai on Thursday. This is the second time this week that the company has taken legal action against Meizu. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Qualcomm claims that despite negotiating in good faith, one of the top 10 smartphone suppliers in China has refused to sign a patent license agreement, which over 100 other Chinese companies have already signed with the San Diego-based firm. "Meizu is attempting to obtain an unfair and improper cost advantage over its competitors," Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel told Reuters in an e-mailed statement. The latest 17 patent cases filed against Meizu pertain to a number of features used in smartphones including those related to its 3G (WCDMA and CDMA2000) and 4G (LTE) wireless communications standards. Experts say the move shows that Qualcomm is attempting to protect its licensing business, where most of its revenues come from. In a statement released last week, Rosenberg said Qualcomm is "asking the court to assist... and get them in compliance" because "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." Advertisement TagsQualcomm, Meizu, smartphone maker, china, Beijing's antitrust law, copyright cases, copyright infringement (Photo : RT) PLAGF Type 83 152 mm self-propelled howitzers. Advertisement President Xi Jinping urged the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), the army of the Communist Party of China (CPC), to become "contemporary and standardized" so it can defeat potential foes. Xi said the People's Liberation Army that oversees the five branches of the armed forces must ensure the PLAGF is capable of defending the interests of the CPC. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Speaking at the 95th founding anniversary of the CPC on July 1, Xi said the upgrading of the PLA is part of China's policy of active defense. He said, however, that China has no plans to attack anyone. "Creating an army that corresponds to the international status of our country is a strategic goal," said Xi. "We should put together economic and defense development, modernize the army to make it contemporary and standardized ... We should comprehensively promote the military reform to create an army that will be disciplined and able to win." "We will not show up at other people's front doors to flex our muscles. That does not show strength or scare anyone." The largest standing army in the world, the PLAGF has a strength of 1.6 million personnel and a 510,000 strong reserve force. China respects interests of other countries but will defend its rights and will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and security interests, Xi pointed out. "China does not infringe on the rights of others countries, is not envious of their development, but at the same time we would not renounce our legitimate rights. "The Chinese nation is not afraid of both evil and troubles. Any state should not hope that we will trade with our vital interests, should not hope that we would tolerate violations of our sovereignty, security and interests of the development." He said China will continue supporting peaceful development and will foster its relations with other states on the grounds of cooperation and mutual benefits. China opposes interference with internal policy of other countries. In a swipe at the United States, Xi said he did not appreciate Washington meddling in China's affairs in the South China Sea, saying "we are not afraid of trouble." "No foreign country ... should expect us to swallow the bitter pill of harm to our national sovereignty, security or development interests," he stressed. Advertisement TagsPeople's Liberation Army Ground Force, President Xi Jinping, People's Liberation Army, Communist Party of China, South China Sea (Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Tencent games accounted for nearly 45 percent of China's top grossing Android games in May 2016. Advertisement Tencent topped the list of the most installed and highest grossing Android games based on revenues in China for May 2016. The company accounted for a whopping 44.5 percent of all the revenues of China's top 100 highest grossing Android games in May, publishing 23 out of the top 100 titles, according to a joint report by Newzoo and Talking Data. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "King of Glory, a popular MOBA mobile game, continues to be the company's top-performing title in terms of revenues," the report revealed. "The most installed Tencent game is Happy Lord, released at the end of 2015 and is favored by people of all ages and playable across both low- and high-end devices." Other Android games from Tencent included in the top 10 highest grossing list include Happy Elements in fourth place, Crossfire in sixth, Tian Tian Xuan Dou in eighth and Hou Ying Ren Zhen in ninth. Meanwhile, its Myapp store also ranks first among China's distribution channels, with a staggering 24 percent installation rate, leaving Xiaomi's MIUI App Store and 360 Mobile Assistant far behind in second place with only 18 percent. Tencent's dominance in the world's most populous nation is likely to grow more after its deal with Clash Royale and Clash of Clans maker Supercell officially closes this summer. According to Newzoo's report, Clash Royale secured the third and sixth spots on app channel 360 Mobile Assistance and Baidu Mobile Assistance store's top downloadable games lists. "We believe it won't take long for the title to appear in the ranking of China's No. 1 Android app store - Tencent's Myapp store." Advertisement TagsTencent, android game, Myapp, Happy Elements, King of Glory, Crossfire Christian priest gunned down in Egypt by ISIS while waiting for car repair 30 June, 2016 by Reuters , | CAIRO (Reuters) Islamist militants gunned down a Christian priest in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula as he was fixing his car, the Interior Ministry and the Coptic Orthodox Church said on Thursday. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened more attacks in the future. Father Rafael Moussa of the Mar Girgis church in Arish, capital of the North Sinai province, was getting his car fixed when the gunmen shot him, the ministry said in a statement. He was on his way back from prayer, the church said. "Islamic State soldiers were able to successfully target the priest Moussa Azmi, known as Rafael, who fights Islam," the group said in a statement. Orthodox Copts make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 90 million people and are the Middle East's biggest Christian community. They have long complained of discrimination. In a separate attack in Arish, one policeman was killed and three wounded when an improvised bomb exploded as their convoy drove near a police station, the Interior Ministry said. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for that attack. Egypt is battling an insurgency that gained pace after its military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's oldest Islamist movement, in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. Thursday is the third anniversary of the mass protests which started on June 30, 2013 and led to Mursi's ouster. The insurgency, mounted by Islamic State's Egyptian branch, Sinai Province, has killed hundreds of soldiers and police and has started to attack Western targets within the country. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former military chief who led Mursi's ouster, describes Islamist militancy as an existential threat to Egypt, an ally of the United States. Islamic State controls large parts of Iraq and Syria and has a presence in Libya, which borders Egypt. * Reporting by Mostafa Hashem; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein Pentagon lifts ban on transgender troops, effective immediately 01 July, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | WASHIINGTON (Christian Examiner) The U.S. military will no longer prohibit the service of transgender soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has announced. Carter made the announcement at the Pentagon June 30 and said the decision was based on the findings of a study he commissioned last July. He added that the policy was being implemented for three reasons: to be inclusive of transgenders currently serving, to welcome transgenders into military service in the future, and what the Obama administration defines as "principle." "As a result of the yearlong study, I'm announcing today that we are ending the ban on transgender Americans in the United States military. Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly, and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender," Carter said during the press conference. "Our mission is to defend this country," Carter added, "and we don't want barriers unrelated to a person's qualifications to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who can best accomplish the mission." According to the Department of Defense, it is unclear just how many transgenders are in the U.S. military now, but the department has estimated that "7,000 active and reserve transgender service members on the upper end now wear a military uniform." The number is 2,500 on the lower end of the spectrum. Carter said his move is intended to provide clear guidance for commanders in the five branches of the military. The latest iteration of the Obama administration's social experimentation within America's fighting force has earned the universal praise of a broad range of liberal LGBT-support groups. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, for instance, claimed in a statement that Carter's decision was "momentous." "This decision cements major steps that our U.S. military has made in recent years to become a more inclusive environment (most notably concerning the role of women and the inclusion of gays, lesbians, and bisexual service members). The Pentagon's announcement points markedly to an ongoing cultural conversation about gender and asks the American people to shift their thinking about who is deemed acceptable of serving in the armed forces," MRFF claimed. The statement continued: "As a champion of human rights, especially in terms of the freedom of and freedom from religion in the military, MRFF finds it crucial to support the right of individuals to freely express their gender." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also praised the move. James Esseks, director of the ACLU's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & HIV Project, commended Carter for lifting an "outdates and discriminatory policy." However, Press Secretary Josh Earnest deflected questions from reporters about the policy change during a press conference June 29 at the White House. He claimed the president was not involved in the decision making process, though it is assumed that such actions require the prior approval of the commander-in-chief of all U.S. military forces. Earnest said he had not seen the revised policy. "I haven't seen it yet, but I'll get a chance to take a look at it before the end of the day today. And we can either discuss at the end of today or in tomorrow's briefing," Earnest said. Under the new policies, the military will no longer regard transgender service personnel as "medically unfit" for service. But questions on just what role the military will play in helping men transition to women and, vice versa, is still undetermined. It is assumed, however, that the Pentagon will ultimately foot the bill for those who want to "transition" surgically. Pentagon officials also will have to work out policies for soldiers who want to make changes to their official "gender marker" on their birth certificate. Carter claims all of the provisions are being enacted to prevent transgender service members from being treated differently. "And we're confirming that going forward we will apply the same general principles, standards, and procedures to transgender service members as we do to all service members,"Carter said. "I'm 100 percent confident in the ability of our military leaders and all men and women in uniform to implement changes in a manner that both protects the readiness of the force and also upholds values cherished by the military honor, trust and judging every individual on their merits." Of the world's 198 nations, only 18 have militaries that allow transgender soldiers to serve openly. Those include Great Britain, Australia, Canada and Israel. The military is lifting its ban on transgender service members serving openly, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced on Thursday. Carter, who had commissioned a study last July to look into the possible effects of lifting the ban, referred to the change as a matter of principle. Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so. After all, our all-volunteer force is built upon having the most qualified Americans. And the profession of arms is based on honor and trust, he said. Many changes have taken place in the military in recent years with the expanded role of women in the armed forces as well as the inclusion of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals following the repeal of the Dont Ask Dont Tell policy in 2011. Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly. They can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender, Carter said. The military system will also now provide medical care to transgender service members, including hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery if deemed necessary by doctors. A study by the RAND Corporation estimates that the cost for the Pentagon to provide medical care will be between $2.9 and $4.2 million a year. However, the decision to lift the ban has been met with resistance. Chairman of the Armed Services Committee Rep. Mac Thornberry questioned how lifting the ban would contribute to military readiness. "In particular, there are readiness challenges that first must be addressed, such as the extent to which such individuals would be medically non-deployable," he said in a statement. Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson referred to the decision as social experimentation." You know, we have too many important things to do. When our men and women are out there fighting the enemy, the last thing that we need to be doing is saying, 'What would it be like if we introduced several transgender people into this platoon?'" he said, according to CNN. A federal judge in Mississippi struck down the state's Freedom of Conscience Act which permitted clerks to decline issuing same-sex marriage licenses because of their religious beliefs. The judge said that the religious convictions of the district clerks will not be accommodated, and they will have to issue the licenses irrespective of their religious principles. In April, Mississippi governor Phil Bryant signed the bill (HB 1523) into law which said: "The sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions protected by this act are the belief or conviction that: marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman; sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage; and male (man) or female (woman) refer to an individual's immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics at time of birth." "This bill does not limit any constitutionally protected rights or actions of any citizens of this state under federal or state laws. The legislation is designed in the most targeted manner possible to prevent government interference in the lives of the people from which all power to the state is derived," Bryant had said while signing the bill. It gave immunity to clerks and businesses from lawsuits if they were sued for declining marriage-related services to same-sex couples because of their religious convictions. The bill was introduced in response to a series of litigations against Christians over refusing services to gay people because of their religious beliefs, particularly those relating to marriage, after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S. On Monday, the federal district court only struck down a portion of the law from Section 3 (a) which dealt with marriage, and did not rule on other parts of the law, including businesses' rights to hire or terminate employees, and sell or rent properties based on religious convictions. However, on Thursday, the court struck down the law in its entirety. The judge called the law discriminatory, and that the law contradicted the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell vs. Hodges, legalizing gay marriage. "Having reviewed the relevant section of HB 1523, the parties' arguments, and the scope of the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell, the Court finds that (Section) 3(8)(a) may in fact amend Mississippi's marriage licensing regime in such a way as to conflict with Obergefell," said U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves. "There are almost endless explanations for how HB 1523 condones discrimination against the LGBT community, but in its simplest terms it denies LGBT citizens equal protection under the law," Reeves added regarding the decision on Thursday. All 82 circuit clerks in Mississippi will be given a formal notice of the new rule. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had filed a lawsuit against the law on behalf of two homosexual men Stephen Thomas and Nykolas Alford who wanted to marry. "H.B. 1523 has no rightful place in Mississippi or in our history books, and we're hopeful this lawsuit can stop as much of it as possible before it goes into effect," said Josh Block, ACLU attorney. Reeves had earlier overturned the state's ban of same-sex marriage and is expected to soon rule on two other lawsuits over legislation concerning bathroom policies. A Kenyan human rights lawyer who was abducted in Nairobi, along with the client he was defending, and a taxi driver, were found murdered in the northeast part of the city. Willie Kimani, a lawyer working with International Justice Mission (IJM), his 24-year-old client Josephat Mwende, and taxi driver Joseph Muiruir were abducted on June 23. Their were found in Ol-Donyo Sabuk River in Nairobi, the IJM announced in a press release. "We are deeply mourning the loss of our colleague, Willie, and taxi driver, Joseph, and strongly condemn the perpetrators of these murders and the horrific violence inflicted upon these men," said Gary Haugen, CEO of International Justice Mission. "IJM exists to protect the poor from violence, and Willie's life was taken while courageously pursuing that mission." In April last year, a police officer had shot Mwende accidentally at a traffic stop, and then admitted him at a hospital for treatment. But when he complained, the police officer filed charges of six traffic offenses against him, which included riding a bike without helmet. In February this year, new charges were framed against him including a violent robbery, being in possession of drugs, gambling, and resisting police arrest. Mwenda took the matter to court, and received help from IJM. "The police charged our client with what we believe were false charges related to drug possession and possession of a weapon," said Eric Ha, general counsel at IJM. The taxi in which they were traveling was found over 30 miles away at a tea-plantation village on June 24. The police officers at the base claim that they never saw the three men. The New York Times reported that the investigation of this case is being carried out by an elite unit that goes by the name of 'Flying Squad,' which will examine the roadside CCTV footage and phone records to find out how the men were kidnapped and who abducted them. No arrests have been made as of yet. Diplomats in the US and Kenya are also monitoring the case. At a time when many seminaries are merging with other seminaries or related colleges for financial reasons, Erskine Seminary in South Carolina asked its board if it could be a standalone school. Currently, the seminary is part of Erskine College and Theological Seminary, the only college affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC), a small evangelical denomination with fewer than 300 churches. The reason for the requested break-up? Money problems. Unlike Erskine, cash-strapped seminaries tend to go the other way; sharing facilities can be a way for schools to ease tight budgets. More are affiliated with colleges than ever. Thirty years ago, about 20 percent of the members of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)the accrediting body for Erskine College and Theological Seminarywere affiliated with larger institutions, Daniel Aleshire, the associations executive director, told Inside Higher Ed. Now its up to 40 percent. In 2010, Moody Bible ... 1 Evangelist Alveda King: Pray for a Blessed Independence Day ATLANTA, July 1, 2016 / This year as we celebrate Independence Day in America, we have much to celebrate and even more to pray for. There is unrest within and without our borders. Reports of terror and want flood our airwaves. And yet all is not lost. Now is the time to turn our eyes to Heaven and our hearts to God in prayer for leaders who will agree with George Washington in 1776. "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." As we celebrate the holiday this year, please let us pray for repentant hearts, godly leaders, the sanctity of life and family, civil rights for the unborn, freedom from tyranny within and without our borders, and the cessation of violence and strife among the members of the beloved community. My Uncle Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: "The Declaration of Independence proclaimed to a world, organized politically and spiritually around the concept of the inequality of man, that the dignity of human personality was inherent in man as a living being. The Emancipation Proclamation was the offspring of the Declaration of Independence. It was a constructive use of the force of law to uproot a social order which sought to separate liberty from a segment of humanity." Uncle M. L. also said that when we regard the human personality, we won't murder people. There is too much hatred and violence in the world today and not enough love. Let's transform our nation this holiday, with a commitment to uphold life, liberty and righteous Justice. Pray for America. Share Tweet Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277ATLANTA, July 1, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- On July 4, 1776, America declared independence from British rule. The extraordinary Declaration of Independence remains the centerpiece of the Fourth of July holiday which is still observed in America today.This year as we celebrate Independence Day in America, we have much to celebrate and even more to pray for. There is unrest within and without our borders. Reports of terror and want flood our airwaves. And yet all is not lost.Now is the time to turn our eyes to Heaven and our hearts to God in prayer for leaders who will agree with George Washington in 1776. "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."As we celebrate the holiday this year, please let us pray for repentant hearts, godly leaders, the sanctity of life and family, civil rights for the unborn, freedom from tyranny within and without our borders, and the cessation of violence and strife among the members of the beloved community.My Uncle Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: "The Declaration of Independence proclaimed to a world, organized politically and spiritually around the concept of the inequality of man, that the dignity of human personality was inherent in man as a living being. The Emancipation Proclamation was the offspring of the Declaration of Independence. It was a constructive use of the force of law to uproot a social order which sought to separate liberty from a segment of humanity."Uncle M. L. also said that when we regard the human personality, we won't murder people. There is too much hatred and violence in the world today and not enough love. Let's transform our nation this holiday, with a commitment to uphold life, liberty and righteous Justice. Obama Appointed Former ACLU Judge Blocks Mississippi Religious Liberty Law JACKSON, Miss., July 1, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- An Obama appointed, former ACLU, federal district court judge, Carlton Reeves, blocked the Mississippi law, known as "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," moments before it would have gone into effect today. Reeves, who served on the board of the ACLU of Mississippi before he was appointed by President Obama, issued an opinion in which he described the Mississippi law as "state-sanctioned discrimination." The judge-strained opinion also states the law gives preference to religions regarding beliefs about marriage and "gender identity." HB 1523 would have protected natural persons, pastors, and closely-held corporations from discrimination and legal action by the state or state agencies, due to sincerely held religious beliefs or convictions. Marriage-related industries, adoptions, churches and pastors, businesses with private facilities like restrooms and lockers, employer grooming standards, expressive activity of state employees, and clerks and others who perform marriages or issue licenses were also included. This Act was overwhelmingly passed 31-17 by the Mississippi Senate and signed into law by Governor Phil Bryant as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 same-sex marriage ruling. It was one of many similar measures enacted in the United States in the year following that landmark decision. "What do you expect from a former ACLU attorney appointed to the bench by President Obama? Judges need to put aside their ideology and be impartial, but many judges today pass off their personal opinions in place of the Constitution," said Mat Staver (photo), Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "Religious liberty must be protected and is the reason for the founding of America," said Staver. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. News / International by Mandulo Pasichigare More than a dozen Zimbabwean Human Rights and political activists belonging to the original ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights) Zimbabwe, MaZimbabweans Yes We Can (MZYWCAN) and MDC-T staged a joint peaceful demonstration at The Zimbabwean Embassy in London on Thursday 30th June, 2016.According to David Kadzutu of MZYWC (MaZimbabweans Yes We Can), one of the organisers of the demonstration, the demonstration was against the continued human rights abuses by the Mugabe regime. He cited the persecution of human rights and political activists in Zimbabwe by state apparatus, the rampant corruption by senior politicians in the government of Zimbabwe, the demolition of people's homes, the harassment of vendors, the selective application of the law and the general disregard of the Constitution of Zimbabwe by the Zimbabwean Government.One of the cases specifically cited by the demonstrators, is that of Itai Dzamara, a journalist by profession, and mostly known for his Occupy Africa Unity Square movement and his sustained unequivocal campaign for the resignation of the Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe. For being a perceived threat to the continued dictatorial rule of Robert Mugabe, Itai Dzamara was abducted on 9th March, 2015 in Glen View, Harare and has never been seen again since then. The international community, including the UN, the EU and Amnesty International has urged the government of Zimbabwe to investigate the abduction of Itai Dzamara in vain, to date.The other is that of Stendrick Zvorwadza, the founder of ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights) Zimbabwe and Chairperson of NAVUZ, who together with activists from the human rights outfit "Tajamuka" stormed the Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare on Friday 24th June, 2016 and Sunday 26th June 2016 demonstrating and seeking to pester VP Mphoko until he moved out of the expensive hotel accommodation into a $3.5 million worth house availed by the government of Zimbabwe. Mr Zvorwadza and the rest of the activists involved have been hounded by state apparatus since then and in the case of Mr Zvorwadza, after being detained by the Police, is now being frivolously charged with threatening to burn down the Rainbow Towers hotel.Mary Muteyerwa, Delina Mutyambizi and Peter Sidindi, the other of the organisers of the demonstration echoed the same sentiments as David Kadzutu but added, more specifically, how they were saddened by the fact that the people of Zimbabwe in general were under siege from a brutal regime and how, save for a few activists, the people of Zimbabwe seemed to have accepted their fate, albeit in the context of learnt hopelessness.The demonstrators had three petitions to which they solicited signatures from members of the public. One of the petitions was directed at the SADC and the AU simultaneously whilst the other two were directed at the Government of the United Kingdom and the European Union respectively.Lorraine Mudjgiwa of ROHR (Restoration of Human Rights) Zimbabwe, who was part of the demonstration had this to say;- "I find it very hard to stomach the fact that our government postures as a beacon of democracy to the outside world whilst it is a monster to its citizens and that the sad Zimbabwean saga is no longer in the limelight of the international media, despite the fact that there has not been any meaningful change in Zimbabwe for over three decades."Grace Makoni of the MDC-T summarised the Zimbabwean scenario by citing Dr Alex Magaisa's recent article "Welcome to the "rule of law": Made in Zimbabwe" . She said she was fascinated by the fact that, quoting Dr Alex Magaisa, "... even an authoritarian regime can proudly claim to be an adherent to the rule of law whilst at the same time mutilating it".The demonstrators, who also included Mildred Guzura, Egster Chemusora, Chipo Kamhunga, Patricia Chingozha, Sibongile Bvungidzire and Bridget Mupotsa dispersed after mid-day when the Zimbabwean Embassy was closing for the day. home US Atheists to set up anti-God billboard in Mississippi An atheist organization will put up a highway billboard in Tupelo, Mississippi on July 1 that mocks faith in God. "God fixation won't fix this nation," is the message that Freedom From Religion Foundation wants to send to the residents of the state, which the Pew Research Center named as one of the most religious states in the U.S., sharing the top spot on the list with Alabama. Aside from being religious, the magnolia state is also known to have a low quality of life. FFRF pointed out a survey that names it as one of the worst states to live in. These factors a being religious and having a low quality of life a make the message appropriate for Mississippi, the organization said. "We lose sight of human needs when we fixate on gods," Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF's co-president, said in the organization's website. "When we have faith in ourselves, we won't need faith in gods." FFRF said it intends to let the highway billboard, which will be placed at the intersection of Main and Gloster, to remain for a month. The message is an important one especially for the present election year, the organization said. The message is also meant to attract nontheists in the state, where FFRF has about 100 members. "Groups like ours provide comfort and solace to folks whose nonbelief can make them feel like outsiders in their own communities," Gaylor said. According to the Pew Research Center's study, 82 percent of the respondents from Mississippi "believe in God with absolute certainty." The study also showed that almost 50 percent attend worship services at least once a week, and 75 percent said they pray every day. Seventy-four percent said religion is very important in their lives. Mississippi is known for passing controversial laws, like HB 1523 or the "religious freedom law." The law, signed by Gov. Phil Bryant in April, protects the rights of those who refuse services that are against their convictions. This means Mississippi residents can refuse to provide service for situations involving same-sex marriage, transgender people and extramarital sex if its against their beliefs. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the state, saying the law violates the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. home World Cardinal Vincent Nichols condemns 'upsurge' of racism and hatred in Brexit aftermath Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, added his voice in condemning the "upsurge" of racism and hatred that followed the Brexit vote and said this must not be tolerated. According to Catholic Herald, Nichols released a statement Tuesday, June 28 to denounce the explosion of xenophobia in the streets of United Kingdom almost as soon as the country announced it would be leaving the world's largest economic power, the European Union, as a result of an EU Referendum held June 24. "This upsurge of racism, of hatred towards others is something we must not tolerate," said Nichols on the incidences of racism being experienced in the streets. "We have to say this is simply not acceptable in a humane society and it should never be provoked or promoted," he added. Nichols also issued a warning to the country's parliamentarians who are leading the country in the face of financial and political turmoil as a result of the Brexit vote. "If a victory in a referendum remains a point of division, then we become weaker and weaker as a nation," he said. Nichols added that such division would only hinder the U.K. from playing any significant role in the international scene as global problems remain "great and challenging." Baroness Warsi, former chairwoman of the Conservative Party, blamed the leaders of the Leave campaign for causing a divisive and xenophobic campaign and urged them to "make people from all backgrounds feel like they belong." On Saturday afternoon, broadcaster and historian David Olusoga posted a photo on Twitter of National Front demonstrators in Newcastle holding a banner which read, "Stop immigration, start repatriation." "My home town of Newcastle," wrote Olusoga as caption. "This afternoon. I feel like I am back in the 1980s." "I've never had a day of so many people telling me to go back to Africa," Olusaga told The Telegraph. On Sunday morning, Metropolitan Police said they're investigating on an "alleged racially motivated criminal damage" to a Polish cultural center building. The Associated Press also reported on a Facebook group "Worrying Signs" that collected stories and photos of racial intolerance, including "sinister graffiti and broken windows." Immigrants and people of various foreign lineage a Eastern Europeans, Muslims, Americans, Germans, etc. a also told AP of being harassed or intimidated in the streets, of dog feces shoved through a family's mailbox, and even of a man wearing a T-Shirt bearing a message that encapsulated the current atmosphere, "YES! WE WON! NOW SEND THEM BACK." home World UK Christian leader apologizes for calling voters 'stupid,' embarrassed by pro-Brexit Christian voters The Dean of Exeter Cathedral claimed he's embarrassed by the pro-Brexit Christian voters and apologized on their behalf. Yet, he also apologized for initially calling the winning majority "stupid." The Very Revd. Dr. Jonathan Draper made his opinion very clear during the recent European Union Referendum held June 23 where 52 percent of the British voters chose to leave the EU, the world's biggest economic bloc. According to the Express&Echo, Draper took it upon himself to apologize on behalf of the majority of Christians who voted overwhelmingly for the Leave campaign, as indicated by a poll that revealed only 42 percent of Christians voted Stay in contrast to 46 percent of Jewish voters and 70 percent of Hindu and Muslim voters. "As a Christian I am embarrassed and apologise," tweeted Draper after the United Kingdom announced the referendum's results Friday morning. Populous, a polling body, also suggested before Thursday's referendum that Christians were among the most Eurosceptic. Draper apologized once more, this time as an "old person," as another poll indicated that the strongest Remain supporters were the youngest registered voters (18-24) and that the sentiment tended to grow weaker the older the age range. "As a nearly old person I apologize for what we have done to our children and grandchildren," wrote Draper. He added, "Apologized to my children for what the old have done to the young. Truly awful, truly catastrophic #WhatHaveWeDone." Then the dean apologized for what he considered as his "weak moment" when he previously posted, "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." Numerous religious leaders who supported the Remain campaign chose to respond to the referendum's result in a conciliatory message. However, there were also those just like Draper who continued to denounce the Leave scenario even as the Leave camp declared victory. Baptist minister and Oasis founder Steve Chalke also tweeted a poll that showed the youngest voters, ranging 18-24 years old, as the strongest Remain supporters. "The young believe in unity!" wrote Chalke. "A message to our continental European friends: please note that 48.1% of us think this is a very bad idea," tweeted Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson. On another note, Exeter Cathedral's Canon Chancellor Anna Norman-Walker took to Twitter on Sunday, June 26 and said there were "tears tonight from European worshippers." home Faith Franklin Graham's Decision America Tour receives protests from LGBT activists in Wisconsin LGBT activists staged a protest during a rally of evangelist Franklin Graham's Decision America Tour in Wisconsin last month. Graham was greeted by LGBT protesters when he went to Madison, the 28th stop for the tour, to encourage the people to vote for candidates who uphold the teachings of the Bible. "Vote for candidates who stand for Biblical truth," the evangelist addressed those in the prayer rally, according to Christian Today. "We need men and women today in high places who will honor almighty God." He added that he was grieved by the reality that the U.S. has become "a godless nation." Graham also urged believers to stand up for the things of God. He openly preached that homosexuality is a sin and was quoted as saying that those who "continue living like this" will suffer in "the flames of hell." However, the tour rally was criticized for being held just a few days after the Orlando shooting on June 12, where 49 people were shot to death at the Pulse gay nightclub. The protesters, led by atheist organization Freedom from Religion Foundation, said Graham's words promote hatred. Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president, also challenged Graham's teaching that the U.S. has its roots in Christianity. "Contrary to Franklin Graham's hysterical claims, the LGBT community is not a threat to the United States a but his campaign to legislate religion-fostered discrimination is," she said. Rep. Chris Taylor, who supported the protest, said people are "appalled" by the hatred being stirred up by the principles that Graham advocates. She said the protest was meant to send a message that "discrimination, intolerance and hatred are not values we have." FFRF said its protest promotes the separation of church and state. "The purpose is to make sure that the secular voice in opposition to religious fundamentalism gets heard," the organization said on its website. Graham's Decision America tour, which includes 50 states, was launched to encourage Christians to exercise their right to vote, to live out their convictions in every aspect of their lives, and to pray for the nation the way Nehemiah pleaded for God to help them rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and infuse hope to the people once more. home World Japan approves Muslim surveillance and profiling to screen terror suspects Japan's Supreme Court ruling on May 31 signaled its approval of police surveillance to profile suspected and potential future terrorists among its Muslim population. According to Al Jazeera, 17 plaintiffs of mostly Middle Eastern or North African origins lodged two cases of appeal to challenge the police surveillance and profiling among the country's Muslim community. The judges largely ignored the case of police surveillance and profiling while they granted 90 million ($880,000) to the plaintiffs for violations of privacy. "We were told we don't have a constitutional case," the plaintiffs' lawyer Junko Hayashi told Al Jazeera. "We're still trying to figure out, how is it not constitutional?" The cases came after 114 police files leaked in 2010 and revealed a detailed profiling of the country's Muslim residents. The files also dated back in 2008 with at least 72,000 individuals from Organization of Islamic Conference countries already profiled. According to an earlier report by Al Jazeera, researchers believed that the negative stereotyping of Muslims started after the infamous Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. "Police stationed agents at mosques, followed individuals to their homes, obtained their names and addresses from alien registration records, and compiled databases profiling more than 70,000 individuals," said a 2014 Asia-Pacific Journal, "Japan Focus." "In some cases, the police actually installed surveillance cameras at mosques and other venues," read a statement in the article. Although a National Police agency official insisted that "police collected information according to the law" while saying that they could not possibly disclose any information regarding their activities to thwart terrorism, the United Nations human rights committee indicated in their report that it considered the practice a "violation" and a form of "racial discrimination." Hayashi, also a Muslim, expressed concern for the Muslim kids growing up in Japan. "The police have been dealing with them as future terrorists," Hayashi said. home Faith Kansas bishop apologizes to victims of Catholic clergy sexual abuse A Catholic bishop in Kansas apologized to the Catholic clergy's sexual abuse victims during the "Service of Lament" at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, June 26. "I am here to confess, apologize and repent for the sins of those who held the sacred trust of the church, and betrayed that trust," Religion News Service quoted Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. as saying. "As sinful and terrible as this was and is, it is the response of the church that provides a most dire cause for confession," said the bishop. "We at times failed to act, to respond with urgency and integrity. We betrayed your trust. I offer you my deep sorrow and profound regret for what the Catholic people have endured." Dozens of priests also wore purple robes to symbolize penance during Sunday's Service at the cathedral located in downtown Kansas City where an estimated 450 lay people attended. Johnston replaced former Bishop Robert Finn after the latter's resignation in April 2015 following charges of sexual abuse that happened in the diocese and his failure to take action against the reported cases. Finn became the first American bishop to be convicted legally and served two years' probation after pleading guilty in 2012. On June 4, Pope Francis signed a new law that could remove a bishop from office for failure to act on sexual abuse reports as well as empower the Vatican to conduct its own investigations on the bishops, according to National Catholic Reporter. Aside from the apology which Johnston gave not just to the sexual abuse victims but also to the affected families and innocent priests, the bishop also shared his plan to create a program of specially trained spiritual directors to minister spiritual care. He prayed for healing for the molested children and announced that beginning next year, April 26 will be dedicated for the children as a day of care and protection. "I was tore up all over again, but I felt it was handled very well," said one survivor in attendance. "He gets it," the survivor said about Johnston. However, the survivor said about his Catholic faith, "I got one foot out and one foot in. I'm still holding on with a tiny bit of hope, but my faith has been damaged repeatedly." home World Repatriation and ending wars are the solutions to terrorism, says Christian leader Refugees are recruited by terrorists so permanent repatriation and ending wars are the solutions to terrorism and humanitarian crisis, according to the patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church. Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai said the state of depravity among Middle Eastern refugees makes them easy recruits for terrorist activities and that resettling refugees to other countries is not enough. "A political solution to the conflicts ought to be the top priority, and a just, global and permanent peace should be established as soon as possible," said Cardinal Rai, as reported by Catholic News Service. The cardinal spoke at Catholic Near East Welfare Association headquarters in New York on Tuesday, June 28 during his pastoral visit to the United States. "They should also stop wars, because every day we are at war, we're creating new refugees," said the cardinal about what the international community can do to help solve the crisis. He added that "terrorists recruit among the refugees" because the refugees need the money that the terrorists pay for their service. For Cardinal Rai, the root of the Middle Eastern problems is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believes Palestine should be allowed to establish its own state for the conflicts to end. Countries should also observe the separation of church and state. The Maronite patriarch thinks his country Lebanon, which hosts the second largest number of Syrian refugees, is a good model for this system. However, Lebanon has a presidential vacuum since May 2014, something which the Maronite Catholic Bishops decried during their annual synod held June 13-17 at the patriarchal seat of Bkerke, north of Beirut. They also denounced the state of poverty the Christians are subjected to in the Middle East because of the conflicts. "I don't know how Lebanon is surviving," said Cardinal Rai. "It's a miracle it's still functioning. The refugees are living in misery. No human should be subjected to such misery." home World 600 multi-faith volunteers show up in New York to pack aid supplies for Syrian refugees People of various faiths responded to a call for volunteers to pack goods for Syrian refugees whose situation they perceive is only getting worse. Almost a thousand Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus showed up at the 69th Regiment Armory in lower Manhattan on Sunday, June 26, surpassing the number of 600 needed volunteers. The responders filled plastic bags with personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, nail clippers, soap, hand towels, condoms and washable menstrual pads. The volunteers believe that the hygiene products, which came from the New York company Henry Schein, will not just prevent the spread of health problems but also preserve the dignity of the refugees. All in all, they packaged 7,500 hygiene kits that will be delivered to Syrian refugee camps in Turkey. Heart to Heart International, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees organized the event as they recognized the shortage of humanitarian aid reaching Turkey. "There has been a great desire by many people, faith-based and not, who have been frustrated watching the Syrian refugee crisis get worse every year," Rabbi Eric J. Greenberg of the Multifaith Alliance told Religion News Service. Greenberg also explained why more people showed up than they needed. "Helping Syrian refugees really strikes a chord with us," said Simran Jeet Singh of the Sikh Coalition who came with 70 others. "We readily identify with those who are treated less than human." "It's about time Americans took action," said Taiwanese immigrant and board member of Buddhist Global Relief, Sophie Sun of New Jersey. When the Canadian residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta became wildfire victims in early May, the Syrian refugees who settled in Calgary grabbed their opportunity to pay back by pitching in donations for the tens of thousands of evacuees. "We are good people, we want to be a good part of this society," Canadian Syrian refugee Rita Kanchet Kallas told Al Jazeera. Kallas and another refugee, Naser Nader, used social media to organize donations and help from what little that the refugees had for the wildfire victims. "We will do our best to give back the good things [Canadians have done] for us," Kallas said. home Faith India Christians fined for worshipping outside Police in India forced Christians to agree to be fined for worshipping outside their homes after Hindu extremists failed to convert them despite threats and abuse. Christian Dalits and Hindu extremists from Hunter village, Palamu District met together at the Ramgarh police station on May 10 where the police made the Christians sign an agreement that they would only worship within the confines of their homes or pay 10,000 rupees (US$ 150). "We were forced to sign the bond, we have no other choice as we have nowhere else to stay except in the village," Pastor Sanjay Kumar Ravi told Morning Star News. The Dalits are India's lowest social caste or the "untouchables." Aside from the imposed fine, the Hindu extremists also managed to withhold their subsidies of rice, wheat, sugar and other supplies. "Our names were also cut off from the list where houses were allotted to the villagers by the state authorities," Ravi said. The pastor shared that the Christian Dalits are now confined to worshipping inside their homes and feel that their movements are closely monitored by the extremists who previously warned them to leave Christ or be beaten up. The country is predominantly Hindu but Christianity is slowly increasing through conversions especially as it attracts those of the lowest caste. "You're in a religion that for thousands of years said you're something below human, and then a faith comes that says everybody is created equal, that's a very attractive message," Vice News quoted ICC member and expert in South Asia, William Stark, as saying. Stark said that radical Hindu ideology interprets following a foreign religion as "defiling India." The Hindu radicals are infuriated and repeatedly attack the impoverished Christians because they still refuse to abandon Christianity despite being beat up, told to leave, and threatened in multiple ways. home World Pope Francis leads moment of silence for victims of Istanbul terror attacks Pope Francis led a moment of silent prayer for the victims of a suicide bombing attack on Istanbul's Ataturk Airport Tuesday, June 28. The Pope prayed for the victims, families, and Turkish citizens as he called to attention Tuesday night's bombing explosion that killed 42 and injured more than 230 in one of the world's busiest airports. "May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent, and sustain our feet on the way of peace," Vatican Radio quoted Pope Francis as saying. He then asked the crowd gathered at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday morning for the Angelus to pray in momentary silence before reciting Hail Mary. Tuesday's blast has just become Turkey's deadliest suicide bombing incident as the country continues to fight against the insurgent group Kurdistan Freedom Hawks as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) terrorist group. The Turkish authorities suspect that the three suicide bombers who opened gunfire at the airport before blowing themselves up are members of ISIL. However, the group did not yet claim responsibility for the attack. Paul Roos, a 77-year-old South African tourist traveling home to Cape Town with his wife, claimed he saw one of the assailants as he stood 50 meters away. He described the suspect as unmasked, all clad in black, and shooting just randomly. "We ducked behind a counter but I stood up and watched him," Roos narrated to Reuters. "Two explosions went off shortly after one another. By that time he had stopped shooting." He also shared that the man seemed to turn anxiously as he made his way down the escalator. Roos heard more gunfire and an explosion before it all ended. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday as a national day of mourning. "There is an attempt to turn our security forces into guilty parties, but they will not succeed in their efforts because this nation knows full well who is who," said Erdogan, as reported by Al Jazeera. "We will never forget our martyrs." Opinion / Columnist Reference is made to recent divisive statements made by self proclaimed regionalist Moses Mzila Ndlovu (Bukalanga Party President) who was recently quoted saying'' Every Shona guilty of Gukurahundi".Its very sad to know that Mzila who had all my respect has seen it fit and necessary to embark on an evil crusade to criminalize all shona people in Zimbabwe.Zimbabweans should not allow themselves to be divided by such secessionists like him who are too greedy for power and not even ashamed of uttering such statements.Mzila in my view is offside and should be advised not to behave like a kid or think that his proposed Bukalanga people's party will advance the interests of Matebeleland south.We knew his intentions,we saw it coming and is not the only one thinking like that.We know the many chameleons in most opposition leaders who are working on a broad plan to divide pro-democracy forces who are on the verge of launching a bigger inclusive political project to restore sanity and decisively deal with those known to have committed acts of genocide in Matebeleland and Midlands province.We will in the near future name the characters in the PDP,MDCT,MDC,Zimbabwe People First and Zanu pf who are hiding behind devolution yet they are secessionists at heart but scared to declare their satanic agenda for fear of sinking into political oblivion.As citizens of this country we will not fall asleep on duty or get too excited with antics of those chameleons within us.We are also aware of plans to disrupt the building of a broad opposition coalition by some individuals who are Christians during the day and satanists at night.We are sick and tired of criminals who claim to be smart when they are working day and night to destroy people's projects in connivance with one female proportional representation MP for Matebeleland South who in the first place was not qualified to be in Parliament.I mean this fool that has two totems and argues that anyone from any part of the country can be an MP in any province.Rubbish!!!.Kusanyara,not even ashamed to say,'i visited Tsvangirai at night" why not during the day? we are watching all cdes,time shall come to spill the real "sweet". beans.Can someone out there tell this 'small boy' Moses Mzila to direct his hate speech at Mnangagwa,Sidney Sekeramayi, Mugabe,Perence Shiri,Elleck Mashingaidze not all Shona speaking people.What makes him think that he is the most qualified individual to smear Shona people?Gugugu Magorira - gmagorira@gmail.com home Faith Pope Francis should do more than just apologize, demand gay Catholic groups Gay Catholic groups urged Pope Francis on Monday, June 27 to do more than just acknowledge that Christians must apologize to the gays they marginalized. The executive director of Dignity USA, a leading organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, praised the Vatican pope for his statement but demanded more from him. "For a pope to acknowledge that the church has done so much damage to gay people, and that we deserve an apology, is an unprecedented act of humility," Marianne Duddy-Burke told New York Times in a phone interview. Duddy-Burke added, "But a statement of remorse is only as good as the change in behavior that follows." The night before, the Argentine pope spoke with reporters at a press conference during his papal flight back to Rome from Armenia. He said there are many things the church has to be sorry for, including its mistreatment of the homosexuals. "I believe that the church not only must say it's sorry ... to this person that is gay that it has offended," National Catholic Reporter quoted the pope as saying. Francis clarified that when he said "church," he meant the "Christians" because it is the Christians who are "sinners" while "the church is holy." One of the pontiff's own advisers, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, told a conference in Trinity College Dublin a week earlier that the Catholic Church is guilty for marginalizing the homosexuals and that the church and society owe them an apology. The co-executive director of another Catholic group, Call to Action, also expressed the same sentiments as Duddy-Burke's. In a statement, Ryan Hoffman reiterated that Francis needs to turn his words into "just action." "We need the church to understand the reality of our lives," said Duddy-Burke as she pointed out incidents in the U.S. where Catholic schools fired gay employees who married in civil courts. She added that "church teaching and practice has caused so much trouble." home US Patricia Heaton criticizes Supreme Court's abortion ruling Pro-life actress Patricia Heaton slammed the recent Supreme Court's abortion ruling and quoted one of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, to emphasize her point. The Hollywood actress well known for being one of those rare pro-life celebrities took to Twitter to add her dissenting voice on the Court's decision Monday, June 27 to strike down Texas' House Bill 2. With a majority vote of 5-3, the Court ruled out HB 2's impositions that required abortion clinics with surgical center medical safety standards and abortionist doctors with admitting privileges. Heaton tweeted the following day, "Hey SCOTUS: 'The care of human life & happiness, and not their destruction, is the first & only object of good government.'" She also tweeted links to two op-eds written by other pro-life advocates Kira Davis and Kristen Walker Hatten. Davis wrote for Same Page Nation where she agreed with the leading pro-choice advocates Planned Parenthood who argued that the high standards imposed by HB 2 would result in closure of significant numbers of abortion clinics in Texas. "They're not wrong, but isn't that the whole point? If you can't do it right, should you really be doing it in the first place?" asked Davis. She added that the logic is "so incredibly mind-boggling it reaches 'Why is Benedict Cumberbatch a sex symbol' levels of perplexity." On the other hand, Hatten wrote for The Dallas Morning News where she criticized the court's ruling that it upheld the abortion industry instead of women's health. Heaton, the 58-year-old Award-winning actress popularly known for her TV roles on "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "The Middle," is also an outspoken pro-life activist and honorary chair of Feminists for Life. According to the Independent Journal, the Christian actress consistently took to Twitter to speak out against abortion. The news site highlighted at least twelve tweets from Heaton's Twitter timeline where she championed the unborn and exposed any ignorance or anomalies concerning abortion, among others. Just this May, Heaton's pro-life tweet reportedly sparked a Twitter furor where pro-choice advocates heavily criticized her. Heaton explained in an interview with TheBlaze in 2014 that her being a mother was largely responsible for her strong opposition against abortion. "It just bothers me so much. It's almost a natural, it's almost a reflex now," shared the actress and mother of four. Russia's proposed anti-terrorist bill has drawn criticism from various religious leaders and other sectors after Parliament voted to approve it Friday, June 24. According to The Guardian, the lower house of parliament voted 325-1 in favor of the "Yarovaya law," so called because lawmaker Irina Yarovaya authored the amendments. It came about as a response to the bombing attack in October that targeted a Russian passenger jet over Egypt. The controversial draft bill stipulates that individuals should first gain state authorization before they can discuss their faith with others, including casual conversations, emails, or even private conversations held in one's home. Churches will also be held accountable for their members' activities and face restrictions on their contact with foreigners, according to Barnabas Fund. Spokesman for the Seventh-day Adventists' Euro-Asia division, Oleg Goncharov, wrote an open letter of appeal addressed to Putin where he stressed that the bill's impositions are "impossible for believers to comply with." The Adventist believers also observed a day of prayer and fasting Tuesday over the restrictive legislation. "Most evangelicals a leaders from all seven denominations a have expressed concerns," president of Mission Eurasia, Sergey Rakhuba, told Christianity Today. "They're calling on the global Christian community to pray that Putin can intervene and God can miraculously work in this process." Human Rights Watch and other pro-Kremlin leaders also expressed concerns on what American whistleblower Edward Snowden dubbed on Twitter as the "Big Brother Law," especially as the draft anti-terrorist bill also makes it a criminal offense for failing to inform authorities beforehand of any terrorist activities, inciting unrest or expressing approval for terrorist acts on social media, and discussions of protests, among others. "It's very infamous provision of Soviet law they're basically re-enacting, and it's problematic because there's no legal clarity," Russia programme director for HRW, Tanya Lokshina, told The Guardian. Stratfor reported Putin may be pressed with pressure coming from different sides. His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the president may consider pushing back on the legislation after the upper house just voted to approve it Wednesday, June 29. home World No evangelism outside churches? New proposals in Russia would stop Christians sharing their faith A package of new laws being proposed in Russia will prohibit Christians from sharing their faith to others outside of church. The laws are part of the government's strategy for surveillance and countering terrorism, yet are widely considered as the country's most restrictive in post-Soviet history. The laws were unanimously passed in the upper house on June 24 and in the lower house on Wednesday, June 29. The Protestant community in Russia is concerned about the issue and is petitioning Vladimir Putin to not approve the new laws. "Most evangelicals a leaders from all seven denominations a have expressed concerns," Sergey Rakhuba, president of Mission Eurasia, told Christianity Today. "They're calling on the global Christian community to pray that Putin can intervene and God can miraculously work in this process." If the laws are enacted, missionaries will not be able to preach, share the gospel or engage and teach people about the Bible unless they have a permit. Evangelizing will also be limited to certain places, such as church grounds and other places designated for religious activities. This means believers won't be able to share their faith even to friends they invite in their homes. The restriction also applies to online activities, which means sending emails or messages meant to evangelize or share one's faith will not be permitted. The laws, proposed by Irina Yarovaya of the United Russia party, appear to be directed against religious groups that don't belong to the Russian Orthodox Church. And because churches will be restricted from spreading their faith to other people, only the Orthodox Church will be able to reach out to the ethnic Russians. Christians in Russia prayed and fasted this week for the laws to not be approved. Oleg Goncharov, Seventh-Day Adventist spokesman for its Euro-Asia division, wrote an open letter expressing worry over the legislation. "If this legislation is approved, the religious situation in the country will grow considerably more complicated and many believers will find themselves in exile and subjected to reprisals because of our faith," Goncharov wrote. Human rights activisits also opposed the so-called package of anti-terrorism laws and called for amendments for particular measures that go against international law. The Kremlin has not given a response to the churches' appeals. Bangladesh: Hindu priest hacked to death while preparing morning prayers A Hindu priest was hacked to death in Bangladesh on Friday, the latest in a spate of violent killings in the country. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was killed in front of a temple in Jhinaidah district headquarter, 300km south west of the capital Dhaka. Police said they do not know the motive behind the killing, and no one has been arrested. "He [Das] was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and that time three young people came by a motor bike and killed him with machetes and fled away," Mahbubur Rahman, the chief of Jhenaidah district administration, told Reuters. "The nature of killing was similar with the local militants, but we can not say more at the moment." As many as 40 people have been killed over the last three years by Islamist extremists in Bangladesh, either members of religious minorities or secularist activists. While responsibility for the majority of the killings has been claimed by Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, the government has denied that either group is active in the country, blaming home-grown extremists instead. The targeting of Christians in Bangladesh has been branded a "campaign of destruction carried out by local Islamic fundamentalists" by persecution charity Open Doors. Earlier this month, police in Bangladesh arrested more than 5,000 suspected militants. "It may take time, but God willing, we will be able to bring them under control," Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said. "Where will the criminals hide? Each and every killer will be brought to book." Additional reporting by Reuters. Belgian Catholic nursing home has to pay damages for refusing euthanasia A Catholic nursing home in Belgium is reported to have fallen foul of the country's courts after refusing to permit a resident to access euthanasia. The incident happened in 2011 when Huize Sint-Augustinus home in Diest refused to allow an elderly woman's doctor access to see her when it was thought she was about to be given a lethal injection. The home has been ordered to pay 6,000 (approx $6,600 or 5,000) in damaged to the family of the woman. The civil court in Louvain ruled that "the nursing home did not have the right to refuse euthanasia on the grounds of conscientious objection." In this case, the 74-year-old who had terminal cancer received the injection in her own house, rather than in the nursing home. Euthanasia has been legal in Belgium since 2002 and the country is said to have the most liberal assisted suicide laws anywhere in the world. Belgium is held up as an example by campaigners on both sides of the debate over assisted suicide in the UK, US and elsewhere. Local Archbishop Jozef De Kesel, of the diocese of Mechelen-Brussels, had previously said Catholic institutions have a right to refuse abortion and euthanasia. Books for Life: Growing in your faith through reading I remember the day I bought my first Bible. I had become a Christian through a friend explaining his faith to me among the Bunsen burners in our school chemistry lab. I saved up my earnings from my Saturday job and looked up my local Christian bookshop. The elderly owner was a bibliophile and I was a brand-new Christian hungry for anything that would help me grow in my faith, so my visits became a weekly event. I'd finish my shift, collect my paycheck, and go and spend it all on Christian literature. The shop owner introduced me to AW Tozer, John Stott, Matthew Henry, Bilquis Sheihk, Marin Luther, Derek Kidner, John Calvin, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Bruce Milne and many more mentors and heroes. I am grateful for a wise old Christian's passion for books and I wonder where I would be in my faith without his guidance and encouragement. But as a church we are losing the habit of spiritual reading, leaders are struggling to recommend books to their congregations, and Christians simply aren't being encouraged to read. To help play a part in changing this, I've launched a new initiative called "Books for Life". Each month we will release a feature-length video interview with a significant Christian leader. I'll be asking them to name three Christian books that have changed their lives and why. Then I'll take a look at the latest crop of books to hit the shelves and make three recommendations that are well worth a read. It has been a privilege to meet with leaders across the UK and to be inspired by the way that spiritual reading has helped them grow and develop in their faith. I have come across some old treasures that I had missed in my reading as well as being exposed to some of the cutting-edge new books that will equip us for the fresh challenges of today. My first interview is with Canon J.John, one of the busiest people I know. J.John is an irrepressible evangelist and has been constantly travelling and preaching for the past 34 years, yet he talks about being more passionate about Jesus than when he first began. He told me how reading is a vital part of his spiritual life and giving time to reading is as unmissable a discipline in his life as brushing his teeth. I do hope you will enjoy watching his inspiring message, and would encourage church leaders to consider showing these videos in your churches so we might inspire a new generation of readers. I'd love to hear which books have changed your life, so why not join in on Twitter with the #3books challenge. We are encouraging Christians to tweet or post on Facebook the #3books that have changed their lives and then nominate a friend to share the #3books that have helped them. My three recommended books this month are: Simplify by Bill Hybels if, like me, your life is getting a little out of control with business and over-commitment, here's a book that can help us face up to some big challenges to try and live a simpler and more effective life for God. The Lion Comic Book Hero Bible my nine-year-old read this Bible from cover to cover twice. Without being asked, nagged or bribed. She found it exciting and inspiring. Finding Truth by Nancy Pearcey a pithy book that seeks to equip Christians to push back on some of the aggressive atheist rhetoric we see so often in our media. This book will equip you to think more clearly as a Christian but also to speak up for your faith in hostile contexts. J. John's recommended books include: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis t his is one of the all-time classics on spiritual devotion. It is over 500 years old and impaced the lives of leaders such as John Wesley and John Newton. Chasing the Dragon by Jackie Pullinger a page turning biography that centres upon a young woman's mission to reach out to the inhabitants of Hong Kong's most dangerous territory: the Walled City. Dr Krish Kandiah is the founding director of Home for Good. A bibliophile, author and speaker. Follow him on Twitter @krishk and check out the Books for Life site. Christian leaders warn against election violence in South Africa Catholic bishops in South Africa have warned against rising violence as next month's municipal elections approach. Bishop Abel Gabuza, chair of the church's Justice and Peace Commission in South Africa, has called a day of "prayer for peace" next Wednesday across all political parties. In a statement sent to the Catholic Information Service for Africa, he says peace in South Africa can never be taken for granted. He calls for "responsibilitiy" and "political maturity" from all. In the statement he writes: "The peace that we currently enjoy in our country should not be taken for granted. To maintain it, it requires the responsibility of all citizens and political maturity of our leaders, especially during the election period. The current levels of political violence do not reflect this sense of responsibility." He called on politicians to show a "more visible leadership" around pre-election violence. He said: "We are disappointed that our political leaders have not been visible and loud enough in their condemnation of the recent factional violence and political assassinations. "They have not also been vigorous enough in disciplining their candidates and members who are involved in disrupting campaign rallies of other parties and in creating no-go zones." He condemned those "who are mobilising the young people in our communities, especially the unemployed youth, to engage in pre-election violence. He appealed to the young people not to allow themselves to be used by the politicians who, he said, "show signs that their primary interest is greed for power and government tenders." He also called on all those eligible to use their vote, and to elect leaders who brave enough to speak out against the politics of greed and patronage. Elections to South Africa's 278 municipalities take place every five years. They are seen as an opportunity for the disadvantaged and deprived to attempt to gain more political control to improve their lives. In the run-up this year, there have been protests over housing standards, schools and other issues of communal need, according to Municipal IQ which monitors the boroughs. Kevin Allan, managing director of Municipal IQ, told Bloomberg that there is a perception that change can be achieved only through violence. He said: "Violent protest action has mushroomed over the past few years and, unlike previous local elections, they are continuing unabated. The protests, most of which are for legitimate causes, are also easily hijacked by criminal elements, or by people with personal political agendas, and so can easily spin out of control." MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.Porn is almost always a heavily searched term on search engine Google; but as it turns out, sometimes finding out about real life can be more enticing. Such was the case on Friday, June 24, when the term Brexit overtook porn in terms of searches. Brexit is the name given to the referendum put before voters in the U.K. last week on whether to leave or remain in the European Union (a combination of British and exit). The finaland somewhat surprisingresult was 52 percent of voters chose to leave, which had major and immediate implications worldwide. Though news of Brexit might have meant little to anyone outside the U.K. or the EU before the vote, Google searches show it was a hot topic worldwide the day after the vote. In addition to a sharp spike in searches for Brexit, the term EU referendum also saw an increase, though those searches still remain far below the number of porn inquiries. According to Google data, searches for porn typically increase during weekends, and the term once again overtook Brexit on Saturday, June 25. The changes in search popularity were first pointed out by Chris Moran, audience editor at The Guardian in London. Church calls for underage sexual assault victims to be named A Kansas church is asking for the identity of two under-age girls who were the victims of sexual assault at a holiday Bible school to be revealed by the court. Westside Family Church of Lenexa has accused the girls' family of a "Pearl Harbor-styled barrage of negative publicity," Baptist News Global reports, after the family "tactically decided to 'draw fist blood' on the issue publicly" by leaking the story to the press before notifying the church it was being sued. The church has therefore called on the case to proceed without the use of pseudonymns to protect the teenagers' identities. "Ordinarily, defense counsel would stipulate permission to use of an alias in a case involving a minor claiming sexual abuse. Sadly, the minors' parents and attorneys have chosen a different path," the church said. "They should not be able to hide behind pseudonyms after systematically and intentionally initiating a campaign specifically designed to damage Defendant's reputation." The church is being sued by the family after a teenage member of the congregation, Kessler Lichtenegger, was convicted of attempted rape and attempted electronic solicitation with a child under the age of 14 in a case involving their 13- and 11-year-old daughters in 2014. He was sentenced last year to 17 years in prison. The victims' family claim that church leaders behaved negligently in allowing Lichtenegger access to children during a holiday camp as he had previously been convicted of sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl. On June 9, the girls' mother released a statement saying: "We are saddened by the need to file this lawsuit on behalf our daughters and all children at Westside Family Church. We feel that the Church Leaders did not take the steps necessary to protect our children from this publicly known, convicted sex offender. We feel they willingly enabled him to participate in student ministry. "We are hoping this lawsuit will bring awareness of the need for better sexual predator policies to be put into place and firmly administered at Westside as well as other organizations and venues where parents have a right to expect their children are safe." However, the church has denied knowledge of Lichtenegger's crimes. According to the Shawnee Mission Post, Brad Russell, a lawyer representing the church, said that Lichtenegger's father had told pastors previously there was "something going on" with his son, but did not tell them it related to sexual misconduct. The church's decision to file for the removal of protected identities for the victims has been met with severe criticism. Director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and himself a survivor, David Clohessy, told Baptist News Global it was unprecedented for a religious organisation to try to "out" a minor in a sexual abuse case. He branded the move "stunningly callous" and warned that it would deter other victims from coming forward. "It will also rub more salt into the already deep and still fresh wounds of this suffering family," Clohessy said. "It is a shameful move by officials who profess to be 'Christians.'" City orders 'Jesus is Lord' ads removed after receiving one complaint, says it invites hate messaging After receiving just one complaint from a resident, the City of Colorado Springs in Colorado told a church that it had to remove the word "Jesus" from its advertisements. The Charis Christian Center has been running its "Jesus is Lord" ads for three years on transit benches all over the city. "It's a nice way to get the word out; we believe that Jesus is a very positive message of faith," said Pastor Lawson Perdue, according to KKTV 11 News. But the Colorado Springs City Transit Division thinks differently as it informed Perdue that the ads had to go. "I asked them why we could no longer use the name of Jesus. They said it's because, 'If you use the name of Jesus, we must allow hate messaging,'" Perdue said. Later, the city transit office backtracked, saying the ads will be subjected to a review for the time being instead of banning them outright. "The City takes First Amendment issues very seriously, and strives to fully comply with Constitutional Law. This commitment requires that advertisements and policies are regularly reviewed for content and legality," according to CBS Denver. It admitted "that it acted hastily in asking Pastor Perdue to change his messaging." The division is now making a "careful review of both the advertising and Transit's current advertising policy in relation to the requirements of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause." The division said the city attorney's office is working to ensure that the advertising policies comply with the law. "During this review, no action will be taken and Mountain Metro Transit will continue Pastor Perdue's advertisement as they currently appear," the Transit Division said. In a Facebook post, Perdue said the issue is not about not allowing the church to advertise but to bar them from advertising "Jesus." He said it's an attack on the First Amendment rights, freedoms enjoyed by U.S. citizens and "on all who call on the name of Jesus: including, but not limited to: Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, and Charismatics." Egypt: Islamic State claims responsibility for Coptic priest murder Islamic State has claimed responsibility for shooting dead a Coptic priest in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula yesterday. Rev Rafael Moussa, 46, was outside a car repair shop near his church in El Arish, the region's main town, when a masked man walked up and shot him. Witnesses said the man threatened them before fleeing. "Islamic State soldiers were able to successfully target the priest Moussa Azmi, known as Rafael, who fights Islam," the group said in a statement. Coptic Christians make up about 10 per cent of Egypt's 90 million people and are the Middle East's biggest Christian community. They face routine social and legal discrimination and their churches have frequently been attacked by extremists. In a separate attack in Arish, one policeman was killed and three wounded when an improvised bomb exploded as their convoy drove near a police station, Egypt's Interior Ministry said. Rev Boules Haliem, a spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church, said eight Christians had been murdered in the region since 2013 and that the violence has caused some Christians to leave the area for Cairo and other cities. The recent murders are the latest in a series of attacks in northern Sinai, where the Egyptian Army has been fighting an Islamist uprising. The British Foreign Office advises against all travel to the area, saying: "There are regular bomb attacks against government buildings, security forces and energy infrastructure. The al-Arish area has seen many attacks, but the whole of the North Sinai region is at risk." A state of emergency has been declared and there is a night-time curfew. Faith leaders condemn rise in racial hatred after EU referendum The three main faith leaders in Britain have warned against the growing amount of "racial hatred" in the wake of the EU referendum. In a letter to The Times, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, say that in times of uncertainty it is normal for people instinctively to crave the familiar. But they say fear must not be allowed to breed mistrust of "the other". "So many of the political, social and economic consequences of the result of the European Union referendum remain unknown but, in less than a week, increasing reports of intercommunal discord and racial hatred are cause for the gravest concern," they say. Much lies outside individual control, but everyone can conquer their instinct to blame others. The three leaders say: "Today we call upon every citizen of our great country to recognise personal accountability for their every action, rather than avoiding that responsibility by looking for scape-goats, and to challenge racial and communal prejudice wherever it is found and thus ensure that we are, more than ever, a country united." Some reports have described a 57 per cent increase in racist abuse since the referendum. The Prime Minister David Cameron condemned it, saying: "In the past few days we have seen despicable graffiti daubed on a Polish community centre, we've seen verbal abuse hurled against individuals because they are members of ethnic minorities. "Let's remember these people have come here and made a wonderful contribution to our country. We will not stand for hate crime or these kinds of attacks, they must be stamped out." International Justice Mission lawyer found dead with client in Kenya A human rights lawyer has been found dead in Kenya along with his client and a taxi driver following their abduction in the capital city of Nairobi. Willie Kimani was a lawyer working for human rights and law enforcement organisation International Justice Mission (IJM), which today announced the deaths. "It is with deep mourning that we are announcing the deaths of IJM staff member, Willie Kimani, IJM client, Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver, Joseph Muiruri," a statement on IJM's website said. Their bodies were found northeast of Nairobi on July 1 after an extensive search led by Kenyan police and IJM staff. CEO of IJM, Gary Haugen, said in a statement: "We strongly condemn the perpetrators of these murders and the horrific violence inflicted upon these men. IJM exists to protect the poor from violence, and Willie's life was taken while courageously pursuing that mission. "As we work to provide comfort and support for the families of Willie, Josephat, and Joseph, we are grateful to the US Embassy, the local Kenyan police, and our partners globally and on the ground who responded swiftly and professionally to our requests for help." Christian Today was told yesterday by IJM senior staff that the three men had gone missing following a court hearing in Nairobi on June 23. Kimani had been defending 24-year-old Mwende against "false claims" involving a police officer. Eric Ha, general counsel at IJM, said that Mwenda had filed a complaint against a police officer who allegedly shot him during an "improper arrest" last year. "The police charged our client with what we believe were false charges related to drug possession and possession of a weapon," Ha said, which lead to Mwenda's arrest. "It was in the context of that case that they were attending the hearing [on June 23]." Ha added that the taxi the men had been travelling in was found abandoned on Saturday, but he had been hopeful yesterday that they would still be found alive. "Kenya, like too many countries around the world, from time to time experiences corruption," added IJM's vice president of investigations and law enforcement development, Mark Clookie. "We're there at the invitation of the Kenyan government to help pursue cases, and police corruption and abuse of power. That's why we're there." Haugen added in his statement that IJM was "deeply grateful to our colleagues on the ground who bravely worked in dangerous conditions to try to locate these men, and we are as committed as ever to our IJM Kenya team and to their struggle for justice in their nation. "We will seek justice for Willie, Josephat, and Joseph, and will not cease in pursuit of this case until that end is secured," he said. Politics is not, and never will be, the answer I stopped using Facebook on June 11 this year. I didn't flounce off and cancel my account it's not that simple. Extricating yourself from Facebook is a bit like leaving the EU. When you try, you discover it's worked its way into far more areas of life than you first realised. I decided that I would stop posting updates and commenting on anyone else's thread. I would still browse it from time to time. Looking, but no touching. The reason is obvious: the referendum and discussions thereof. It's been horrible. Before the vote, it was partly intense debate, but mostly name-calling, finger-pointing and suspecting the motives of others hardly an invitation to engage. Some took the bait, and most probably regretted it. The day before the vote wasn't too bad. Everyone, including Brexiteers, thought the vote was going to be for Remain, and so we all held hands and stressed the importance and privilege of voting and the value of democracy. This bonhomie continued onto the day of the vote itself. Then past midnight, the mood ebbed away, until about 3am when it vanished. Social media got nasty again. Except this time it was worse. Shock, disbelief, despair and demands for Brexiteers to 'explain themselves'. The pound crashed and suddenly everyone was conveniently interested in the value of currency. The FTSE dipped, before finishing the month of June at its highest level for 2016. But the attention of the media quickly shifted away from the City of London with its boring numbers and graphs which we don't understand. Following the resignation of the PM and a vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn, there was a House-of-Cards-meets-Game-of-Thrones drama unfolding in Westminster. One half expected to see Theresa May fly down the Thames on a dragon while Boris lay in wait with his water-cannon. All the while, social media was screaming, snarking and carping at everyone and everything under the sun. And still is. Boris serves as a useful example. (He's got to be good for something, right? You see, there I go. This is very easy.) He was hated by some for opportunistically backing Brexit because he wanted to be Prime Minister. And people would hate that. He was hated for winning the vote. And now he's hated by the same people who always hated him, for not standing to be PM. Twitter has been awash with this stuff. It's very easy to hate in 140 characters. On Facebook, people are a bit more subtle about it. At the moment the rage is more focussed on a demand for leaders. We want people to hate. Who will be Prime Minister? Who will lead Her Majesty's Opposition? Get on the stage so we can hate you. It makes one wonder why anyone would want to be a political leader. We patronise politicians on their way up, we mock them while they're in office, and we laugh at them when they fall. It's vile. And if there's one thing that we learned from Jo Cox's horrific death, it's that we learn nothing from tragic events. Resolutions to have renewed respect for our leaders didn't last a week. The insatiable demand for leadership goes on, prowling around looking for someone else to devour. Why focus on the fact that Stephen Crabb looks a bit like Russell Crowe, when you can scream that he thinks gay people can be cured? Hate him for that. Because he obviously hates certain people. There's no room for nuance in 140 characters. Why are we so angry? It seems that we are so obsessed with politics, power, and government that we assume normal life cannot function without politicians being in power. This is not so. In parliamentary year 2014-15, the House of Commons sat for less than 1,000 hours. Somehow, the nation muddled through for the other 7,000 hours. We don't help ourselves. In summer silly season, tabloids report that the PM is on holiday and ask, "Yikes! Who's running the country now?" Then they search Getty images for pictures of the idiot-du-jour, George Osborne, Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg or John Prescott, looking inept. As if the PM actually runs the country. Fun fact: Belgium had no elected government for more than 589 days. After an election in June 2010, they simply couldn't agree on a coalition government. And the deadlock lasted until October the following year when a government was agreed, but not properly formed until December. I've not been there, but I hear Belgium, a proud developed country of 11m+ people, is not a festering, smoking crater of misery and despair. Politics is useful, and necessary. But it is not the answer. In the month of June, social media has revealed that people who consider themselves good, decent, liberal or progressive are a thinly coated hodgepodge of simmering rage, snide resentment and tribal self-righteousness that no amount of politics and law-making can ever fix. The law will not fix the human heart. We can change the law all we want. It won't make us good. It will just make us criminals. The answer to our mean-spirited sanctimony is not politics or the state. And it's certainly not "the markets" although they too have their place. The answer is Jesus. If that assertion makes me sound like a sap or a simpleton, then so be it. I am a sap. I am a simpleton. If you take even a brief look at Jesus, or take the time to read one account of his life, you will find exactly the kind of leader that we would never dare to dream of. Yet he is one we can believe in. He is not a hypocrite or an opportunist, or someone who leaves the dirty work to others. He does all the things we want our politicians to do. He is all the things we want them to be. Despite his astonishing life of revolutionary love, here's what the 'good people' of the day did when he healed the sick and raised the dead: "The Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus." Everyone else watched, having voted for Barrabas. They would've tweeted about it if they could. I'm done with good people. Let's have Jesus. James Cary is a comedy writer (Bluestone 42, Miranda) and author of Death By Civilisation. Pope Francis wants 'prayers and tears' not a sermon at Auschwitz death camp Pope Francis wants to mark the deaths of six million Jews and millions of other minorities with tears and prayers when he visits the Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland at the end of this month. He has dropped his original plan to preach a homily. The Pope will visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on July 29, when he will be in Poland for the World Youth Day celebrations. He had intended to speak at the international monument at Birkenau. St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI both delivered homilies at the monument during their visits. The Pope has this week been visiting Armenia, when he also requested no speeches during his visit to the memorial to the Armenian genocide. On the flight back to Rome from Armenia, with reporters listening, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi asked the Pope about the Auschwitz homily: "I heard that you want to live that moment more with silence than words." The Pope then spoke about his visit to Redipuglia in northern Italy in 2014 to for the 100th anniversary of World War I, and described walking alone among the graves."I went in silence. Then there was the Mass and I preached at Mass, but that was something else." On Auschwitz, he continued: "I would like to go to that place of horror without speeches, without crowds - only the few people necessary. Alone, enter, pray. And may the Lord give me the grace to cry," he said, according to Catholic News Service. He has spoken and written often about the Holocaust. In the book On Heaven and Earth, he and his co-author Rabbi Abraham Skorka talk about it. "Each Jew that they killed was a slap in the face to the living God," he wrote. He also visited Israel's Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem in 2014. He wrote in the Yad Vashem guestbook: "With shame for what man, who was created in the image of God, was able to do; with shame for the fact that man made himself the owner of evil; with shame that man made himself into god and sacrificed his brothers. Never again! Never again!" Report on freedom of religion shows horrific persecution of Christians worldwide A horrific catalogue of human rights abuses of Christians and other believers is listed in the latest freedom of religion or belief report from the European Union. The report calls on the EU to "use political and financial power to end persecution of religious minorities worldwide." It finds "significant restrictions" exist on religion worldwide, including the near extinction of Christians in Syria and Iraq. The two MEPs who chair the group, Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong, particularly highlighted the suffering of Christians and other minorities at the hands of Islamic State. The report finds global restrictions in 53 countries to freedom of religion or belief. Van Dalen said: "Our beliefs are at the core of our human dignity tragically, however, today not everyone enjoys the freedom to hold and manifest their beliefs. We have witnessed the near extinction of Christians in Iraq and Syria; a 150 per cent rise in violent faith-related incidents in Inida since 2014; and in Pakistan the injustice of Asia Bibi's death sentence for blasphemy continues. In this report we outline practical recommendations for how the EU can act to help find solutions to cases like these. Freedoms of religion or belief must be higher on the EU's agenda." De Jong said: "Regrettably, we observe that the EU, in its external actions, continuously compromises its human rights agenda in favour of a more economic and geopolitical agenda. We have witnessed a concerning lack of expertise and knowledge on the EU Guidelines especially in EU delegations. I am particularly disappointed that no reporting was undertaken for the focal countries that appeared in our report last year, and urge the EEAS to rectify this for focal countries this year." Countries of particular concern included the Central African Republic, with a population of 5.3 million of which 80 per cent are Christian, and where 36,000 Muslim civilians remain trapped in areas besieged by anti-Balaka Militia. The predominantly Muslim Ex-Seleka forces are also continually attacking the Christian civilian population, and between January and April 2015 killed 1,269 Christians. Nigeria, with a population of 180 million, with 90 per cent Muslims Christian, has Sharia courts in 12 northern states and there have been cases where non-Muslims have been forcefully brought before sharia courts and suffered punishments such as caning, amputation and death by stoning for blasphemy and other offences. In addition, the Fulani Militia, categorised the fourth most deadly terror group in the world, have killed more than al-Shabaab and Boko Haram. More than 4,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria because of faith-related reasons in 2016 and 198 churches were attacked, damaged or destroyed between November 2014 and October 2015. In Somalia, with a population of more than 10.4 million, nearly all Muslim, the violent Islamist group and Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab imposes its dogma "by harassing, maiming, or killing people who are suspected of converting from Islam or who are failing to uphold the principles of Islam," the report says. Since 1993, there has been policy of religious cleansing and the group has declared it "wants Somalia free of any Christians." In Iraq, where most of the 32.6 million population is Muslim, Christians are forced to convert to Islam, pay the Jizya tax or otherwise face execution. The 2,000-year-old Christian community in Iraq is facing extinction, the report says, and estimates suggest that Christians in Iraq have fallen from 1.2 million in the 1990s to 500,000 in 2013, to 260,000 in 2015. In Saudi Arabia, where the 27.3 million population is almost entirely Muslim, the report says government restrictions constitute "the most severe violations of the freedom of religion or belief in the world." Apostasy, blasphemy, "sorcery" and peaceful dissent are punishable by death. In Iran, where Muslims make up 99 per cent of the population, the Baha'i Faith is considered a "political sect" and Baha'is are deemed apostates by the government and denied civil rights. Members of the Baha'i community are banned from higher education, denied the right to establish and maintain religious institutions and excluded from the social pension system. The Christian community also faces "systematic persecution and prosecution" by the Iranian regime and as of February 2015, about 90 Christians languish in prison, are detained, or await trial because of their religious beliefs and activities. There has also been a "significant increase" in the number of physical assaults and beatings of Christians in prison. In Sudan, where 96 per cent of the 35.5 million population is Muslim, blasphemy carries a six-month prison sentence, flogging or a fine. Proselytism is not illegal but conversion from Islam to another religion is punishable by death. Since 2011, more than 170 people have been arrested for attempting to convert Muslims. In June 2015, Sudanese authorities arrested Fardos Al Toum and nine other women at a church because they wore jeans and long shirts, deemed as an indecent, the report says. Al-Toum was sentenced to 20 lashes and a fine. In Syria, mostly Muslim, there has been "brutal ethnic and religious cleansing" by Islamic State of Christians, Yazidis and other minorities. Massacres carried out by the Islamic state against religious minorities sometimes involving entire towns have been called "genocide" by several international bodies, including the European Parliament. One of the worst atrocities in 2015 was in Palmyra, where around 400 people were slaughtered, many of them women and children. In Aleppo just 60,000 Christian individuals remain, down from 400,000. The organisation ADF International did the legal analyses of countries including Nigeria, Nepal, Bahrain, Algeria, Sudan, Marocco, Iraq, Tajikistan, India, Nepal. Drawing from their research for the universal periodic reviews for the United Nations on countries worldwide, its lawyers have this year added several new countries to the report. "We cannot accept that people today are being killed, tortured, or oppressed, simply because of their religious convictions or beliefs," Sophia Kuby, director of EU advocacy for ADF International told Christian Today after the report was presented to the European Parliament. "The annual Report on Freedom of Religion or Belief is an important instrument to promote religious freedom both inside and outside the EU. It will effectively help us to address religious persecution throughout the world and ensure that the European Union uses its political and financial power to safeguard the fundamental rights of religious minorities in all countries." Time for a revolution: Why women should be leading at least half our big churches As the two big political parties fight out their leadership battles in the aftermath of Brexit, there are any number of interesting angles. One of them is that the UK could soon have its second female Prime Minister and its first since Margaret Thatcher left office 26 years ago. Theresa May is a strong candidate for the Conservatives, while Labour could be about to choose Angela Eagle as the challenger to Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Ruth Davidson is increasingly popular as the leader of the Scottish Conservatives where she challenges the Leader of the SNP - Nicola Sturgeon. Plaid Cymru is led by Leanne Wood, while Natalie Bennett leads the Green Party. Across the Pond, it's a straight fight between Donald Trump for the Republicans and Hillary Clinton for the Democrats to become president. Whatever you think of the merits of all of these politicians, there's a fair chance that in 2017, there could be women at the pinnacle of both British and American politics. But what about the Church? Why is it that in 2016, with politics, business, and many other areas of public life slowly beginning to rectify the structural sexism that has held women back for so long, we still see so few large churches led by women? Research published recently by the Church of England found that of the 112 large churches (defined as 350+ members) in England, only three were led by women. That means fewer than three per cent of large churches have a female at the helm. This compares very poorly to Parliament, with 191 female MPs, out of a total 650 (29 per cent), to board members of large companies (nine per cent of FTSE 100) and even to Hollywood Directors (seven per cent). Three questions arise: Why is this the case? Why does it matter? And what can we do to change it? Obviously this isn't just an issue pertaining to Anglican churches. Certain denominations which don't allow women to be in leadership roles won't be having this conversation. But for those in which women are able to partake in all forms of leadership there is still a disparity among those who lead, skewed towards men. The Church of England research offers some helpful reflections on why this might be. It offers five reasons: 1) Time-lag: women are still reaching senior positions after only being allowed to be ordained in the early 90s. 2) Discrimination: the Church is candid here, suggesting, "both formal and informal discrimination in the context of selection, job applications, parish life, collegial relationships, job availability and HR policies." 3) Social processes: In other words, the expectation that men will lead and women usually won't. 4) Incompatible social roles and working conditions: Women often have family responsibilities which interfere with full-time, demanding jobs. 5) Organisational structures and dynamics: The whole way that the Church and its pipeline for leaders is constructed goes against women being in charge of big churches. Into this mix I'd add another simple but very profound reason visibility. If women don't see other women leading large churches, then a lack of role models and a tacit feeling that it isn't a job they'd be encouraged to do can take hold. I was once told by a talented, articulate female friend that though many of her male contemporaries had been asked if they might put themselves forward for ordination, she had never been asked. This has to change. And why does this matter? Frankly, to be missing out on the leadership gifts of half of the population is a massive own goal for the Church. A body which only uses one side is not functioning at full capacity. As my friend Rev Alexandra Lilley, a curate in East London, says, "Men and women are made interdependent, in the image of God, and when we minister together we represent a richer reflection of what God is like. The Church has been lop-sided in its leadership and I am excited to see how God will grow a Church that has removed what has been a stumbling block for many." In addition, the risk of a vicious cycle developing is obvious a lack of women leading big churches makes it seem like women don't (or shouldn't) lead big churches. That becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and the talents of young women are put into other fields rather than church leadership. I've personally benefitted from the preaching, pastoral care and many, many other gifts of women who've had leadership roles. It would be a crying shame to leave many of these gifts untapped in larger churches which often set the tone for smaller churches too. So what can we do to change this? Well, we can start by acknowledging this as a massive problem. The kind of positive steps taken in politics won't be as easy to replicate in the Church a central body imposing an 'all women shortlist,' for example, wouldn't be possible when there are fewer candidates for church leadership than there are to become an MP. In addition, these kind of decisions are mostly taken at a local level a church gets a good level of input into its new minister in most denominations. Instead, we need a steely determination to invest in women (yes young women especially, but women of all ages). We need to listen to what changes would help tackle the structural reasons listen above which are preventing women becoming church leaders. We need proactive encouragement of women from men who are currently in positions of power from Bishops to megachurch pastors to theologians. Men need to be proactive in promoting women, listening to women and even be prepared to be replaced by women. Men need to be advocates for women in all levels of leadership. That's why I'm writing this it's down to all of us to make change happen. We have a big problem at the moment, but the problem is also rife with possibilities. If we can get this right and release women into leadership across the Church, a fresh wave of enthusiasm, talent and wisdom will be ours. Let's get on with it. Follow Andy Walton on Twitter: @waltonandy NEW YORK, NY Bronx bred Dominican porn star Maryjean will be appearing tonight on The Sam Roberts Show on SiriusXM/Opie Radio Channel at 7pm ET/4pm PT to celebrate the first Sammiversary and announce her official title as the popular programs On the Street reporter. In all of my years of broadcasting I have never encountered anyone with such a natural curiosity, and ability to get answers, wearing amazingly low cut tops, says Sam Roberts. As our On the Street reporter, Maryjean is an essential part of The Sam Roberts Show team. Maryjean first met Sam Roberts on Opie Radios, Opie and Anthony Show, and when Roberts spun off to his own program one year ago, Maryjean was his first adult entertainer guest, quickly graduating to a reoccurring guest, and then going out on the field to report on New York City events with humorous results. I want to thank The Sam Roberts Show for this amazing opportunity, says Maryjean. Thanks to Sam Roberts, I have another job that doesnt involve engaging in oral sex! Tonights special show will be recorded in front of a live studio audience. Fans can listen to the show tonight on XM channel 103 or Sirius channel 206. US giving hundreds of millions to countries that recruit child soldiers The US is giving hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to countries that use and recruit child soldiers. Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday condemned the practice, and urged the Obama administration to review its spending. The call came following the release of a new list of countries implicated in the use of child soldiers by the US State Department. The list of 10 countries includes Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. "Many of the governments listed by the State Department receive US military aid year after year despite their continued use of children as soldiers," said Jo Becker, children's rights advocacy director at HRW. "President Obama should make clear that countries using child soldiers are going to lose US military support." The omission of Afghanistan from the list led HRW to accuse the US government of turning "a blind eye" to the abuse of children in the country. The organisation said there was evidence that the Afghan Local Police, a government-backed militia engaged in combat operations against the Taliban and other insurgents, recruits and uses child soldiers. Becker said the US has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to support the force, and insisted that Afghanistan should be "subject to military sanction". "The Afghan government has failed to rein in the militia's recruitment of children while the US turns a blind eye," she added. Though the 2008 Child Soldiers Prevention Act forbids certain forms of US military assistance to countries involved in the practise of recruiting and using child soldiers, the President can waive this prohibition for national security reasons, HRW said. Last year, Obama initiated full or partial waivers to four of the five listed countries. Since 2010, waivers have been issued in 26 of 33 cases. "President Obama should take a much harder line, and insist that countries that receive US military aid end their use of child soldiers," Becker said. "Unconditional military aid sends a terrible message that the US knowingly supports countries that use children to fight." Around a quarter of a million children around the world are soldiers, and though many are recruited by rebel groups, thousands are part of official government forces. UK charity War Child estimates that 40 per cent of all child soldiers are girls who are regularly subjected to sexual abuse. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It makes sense that the sensibilities of Steven Spielberg and Roald Dahl would someday collide, as they do in Spielberg's adaptation of Dahl's "The BFG." Both artists often tell stories about misunderstood children finding connections with misunderstood, fantastical, alien creatures. They have a knack for drawing out the dark and maudlin aspects of childhood, the loneliness and isolation, as well as the capacity for wonder and amazement, the sheer possibility of anything and everything. That dreamy wonderment is the best part of "The BFG," a slow haze that creeps over you unsuspected. The film is a faithful translation of Dahl's book, with the late screenwriter Melissa Mathison ably bringing Dahl's nonsensical language of the Big Friendly Giant to cinematic life. More Information 'The BFG' Rated PG: for action/peril, some scary moments and brief rude humor Running time: 117 minutes xxx See More Collapse Mark Rylance, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of a Soviet spy in Spielberg's 2015 film "Bridge of Spies," wonderfully inhabits the CGI character of the BFG, a gentle giant, the runt of his pack, who spends his time catching dreams and blowing them into bedrooms at night. His hillbilly British accent and creative, "squiggled" word combinations spin you up into Dahl's inimitable style, honed by Mathison. Opposite Rylance is the precocious Ruby Barnhill as Sophie, the orphan who spies him from her window at night and whom he spirits away to Giant Country to keep his secret. The lonely, imaginative and smart Sophie finds an adventure in the BFG, a friend, a protector. And in Sophie, the BFG has something outside his own curious existence to live for. Theirs is a specific kind of friendship, finite, contained from the outset. One does wish it wasn't shot so much with the affectionate gaze of a traditional romance story though. Sophie sparks a great "rumpledumpus" in Giant Country. Her presence is quickly sniffed out by a rugby team of massive giants, with names like Fleshlumpeater and Bloodbottler, slumbering under sod blankets outside the BFG's stone door, hungry for human beings. Under attack, she urges her new friend to stand up to the bullies and even escorts him right to The Queen's palace for a chat about giant-human diplomacy. There's a sweet magic in the film's style, particularly in the twinkling aurora borealis firefly light of BFG's dream workshop, where he collects and labels the dreams that he disperses. But there's also a softness to the dramatic arc of the film, which doesn't so much march forward as waft along, with rather low stakes and all-too-easy resolutions. There are a few physical comedy bits that go on too long, and explosive green fart humor that does happen to be native to the original text. The third act that departs Giant Country for Buckingham Palace is probably the funniest, but the fish-out-of-water routine goes for broad, easy laughs and abruptly severs the sense of ethereal incredulity within the world of the giants. Barnhill's performance starts to feel affected. Though Penelope Wilton, Rebecca Hall and Rafe Spall are nevertheless charming as The Queen and her entourage, it doesn't feel of a piece with the rest of the film. The most effective moments of "The BFG" are the ones that hit home with wistful emotion but surprise with the possibilities of magic in connections - those moments that Spielberg and Dahl have defined for a generation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Levi Goode is ready to show the city a new Armadillo Palace about three times the size and maybe 10 times the snazz and honky tonk fun. On Saturday Goode's Armadillo Palace is throwing an Independence Day bash called Red, White & 'Que with beer tastings, complimentary tacos, passed appetizers and live music. The party will mark the debut of the Armadillo Palace expansion that is in every way impressive; think of it as a new generation of one of Houston's favorite dining, drinking and live music venues. BACK STORY: Houston's Armadillo Palace to expand to three times its current size off Kirby Goode, working with Collaborative Projects' Jim Herd, has taken the warehouse space behind Armadillo (formerly an automotive shop) and created a 4,000 square foot Texas dance hall-style venue that is at once brash and romantic, audacious and joyously authentic. At one end guests will find a new bar called the Orange Blossom Bar, inspired by honky tonk fiddler Leon "Pappy" Selph, known for his rendition of "Orange Blossom Special." The bar, designed to look like a bar car (the Orange Blossom Special was passenger train connecting New York and Miami), will sport a new cocktail menu from beverage manager Rob Crabtree who also created an indulgent list of special hooch that includes more than 110 bourbons. At the other end is a new stage whose backdrop is fashioned from slats of reclaimed wood and emblazoned with the famous Goode logo. In between the bookends is a vaulted hall lined with guitars (Willie Nelson, George Strait, Charlie Daniels, Keith Richards, Tom Petty) and blowups of black and white photos by Henry Horenstein who documented the country music scene in "Honky Tonk: Portraits of Country Music." The walls also are decorated with music posters from the famed Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin. "I wanted to create a space that had the intimacy of a cocktail bar but open it up for concerts," Goode said. To that end Armadillo will be amping up its live music schedule by booking about 80 shows a year. The hall can be configured in different sizes and seating arrangements. WHEN IT FIRST OPENED: Goode's Armadillo Palace carries flavor of Old West In addition to the bar and music hall, the new space features an expansive outdoor area with its own stage, generous shaded seating, a covered patio the length of the hall, an outdoor bar, and a hearth-style fire pit that can accommodate whole animal cooking for family-style dinners. As if the new area wasn't cool enough, Goode has another surprise up the sleeve of his pearl snap shirt. On the patio floor he has created a Legendary Texas Musicians Walk of Fame. Think of it as Hollywood Walk of Fame dedicated to 16 iconic musicians born in the Lone Star State, including Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin and Freddy Fender. And, yes, the late Pappy Selph who used to play at Goode Co. Barbecue every Friday night. Coming soon will be the completion of the Armadillo Palace expansion: a new menu from chef David Luna. A preview of the new menu will be available for purchase on Saturday, including smoked chicken taquitos dorados; green chile empanadas; campechana made with fire-roasted chiles; fried pork skins with cheddar cheese dust; and pork carnitas tacos. But that's just a taste. Goode said the new menu is inspired by his family's New World culinary journey that includes the foods of the American South, the Gulf Coast, Texas and Mexico. Dishes planned included wood-fired rotisserie meats, Porterhouse steaks, redfish on the half shell, pig's head "carnitas style" served with house-made corn and flour tortillas, quail, and a shrimp and oyster po'boy. FAVORITES GONE AWAY: The biggest bar & restaurant closings so far this year Tickets for Red, White & 'Que are $15 per person. Doors open at 4 and the party goes until 10 p.m. The party includes music by Roxy Roca, complimentary tacos, passed appetizers and beer tastings from Buffalo Bayou Brewery. Half the ticket proceeds will benefit Lone Star Veterans Association dedicated to serving the local veteran community. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby, will open to the public at 10 p.m. Goode said he's excited to show the public a project he's been planning for three years. "We're ready to have this baby," he said. And what a swell baby it is. A 2-year-old boy who wouldn't sleep was beaten by a 35-year-old drunken man who broke his belt while allegedly striking the child, a court document says. Danzil Dsouza remains jailed in the beating of Angel Rosales on April 28. The relationship between Dsouza and the child aren't specified in court records filed on June 2 in Harris County. SEE ALSO: San Antonio stepmom gets 99 years in prison in brutal child starvation case According to document, Angel had "multiple deep bruises on his face, chest, sides and back." The alleged beating took place in the 1100 block of Homer at a motel in northwest Houston. Witness Ina Denjamin told police that on April 27 she saw Dsouza's car stuck partially in a ditch around 11 p.m. Denjamin found children in the back seat and Dsouza drinking beer. After a wrecker pulled the car out, Denjamin said, she followed Dsouza back to the motel because she was concerned for the children after he had been drinking. The relationship between Dsouza and the other children are unclear. RELATED: Affidavit: Man fractured child's arm during beating Dsouza told Denjamin that he and the kids didn't have any food, so Denjamin planned to return the next day with some food. Dsouza allegedly told Denjamin the next day, "I beat the s--- out of that mf. I beat him until he spit up all out of his mouth. He didn't want to lay down and go to sleep, so I disciplined him, I beat him until I was tired." Maria Hermosillo, who was at the motel with Dsouza on April 27, according to the court document, told police the two argued about Dsouza's job from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hermosillo said she left for about 15 minutes and the boy had bruises on his face when she returned. SEE ALSO: Affidavit: Mother slapped 1-month-old so hard she 'felt burning' in her hand Court documents don't explain Hermosillo's relationship to Angel and Dsouza. Hermosillo asked Dsouza what he did to the boy, and he allegedly said Angel didn't lay down when he was told to. According to the court document, Dsouza said he "whoop him with a belt ... (I) was in (my) own zone ... (My) mind wasn't on anything, it was going in circles." Dsouza allegedly said he didn't know what he was doing when he was hitting Angel. Dsouza was arrested on June 15 and faces one felony charge of injury to a child. A restraining order forbids Dsouza from going near Hermosillo, Angel and another child. Court documents do not explain the reason behind the restraining order or where the children are now. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 29. He's being held on $30,000 bond. Authorities have released few details after a woman's body was found Thursday near the Sam Houston National Forest in Montgomery County. The body was found about 1:50 p.m. in the 15100 block of Calvary Road in Willis, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Although The Original Ninfa's on Navigation said adios to franchises in the past, the Tex-Mex restaurant is looking to branch out into other parts of Houston, according to a report. Jonathan Horowitz, CEO of Legacy Restaurants, told the Houston Press that Ninfa's is looking into expansion outside the Loop and into a suburb, possibly in The Woodlands, Texas 249, Energy Corridor, Cypress or Katy areas. A commercial real estate posting says Ninfa's is looking for a 7,000-square-foot, second-generation space in a densely populated area. SAN FRANCISCO, CA RagingStallion.com has released a scene from the rough and rugged Spanish sex romp shot in the countrys capital, Men of Madrid, starring Mario Domenech and Gabriel Taurus. The scene will go live on RagingStallion.com on July 1, followed by the availability of the DVD and scene downloads on July 22, 2016 on the Falcon Studios Group Store. Hot European studs with big muscles, dark, thick Latin hair, tattoos, and hefty uncut cocks rule in the world of the Men of Madrid. In the world premiere update, Mario Domenech gets a message on his phone: What are you up to? from Gabriel Taurus. Im looking for cock, replies Mario. It doesnt take long for horny Mario to buzz up to Gabriels apartment, where they immediately head to the bedroom. The Men of Madrid dont waste time with small talk; they want to get off, and they look fucking hot doing it, says director Cruz. Gabriel is a total hound for Marios ass, and theyre both big shooters. And this scene is just the beginning. Stay tuned for even more Men of Madrid. RagingStallion.com, featuring over 2,000 scenes, and the premiere of the debut scene from Men of Madrid starring Mario Domenech and Gabriel Taurus is available for promotion through the Buddy Profits affiliate program. Affiliates can choose between $35 pay-per-signup or 50 percent revshare for all memberships they refer, including trials. Affiliates are encouraged to visit BuddyProfits.com for promotional material. For more information about the Buddy Profits affiliate program, contact the Affiliate Manager at [email protected] Mature dapper gentlemen with looks, style and swagger aren't new on the Internet. But rarely have we seen one go viral from Htown. That's until this week, when the celebrity web site, Bossip, posted photos of Houston resident Irvin Randle and tagged him with #MrStealYourGrandma. Parks, educational programs and recreational upgrades on or near the San Jacinto River are part of a series of projects to be funded by a settlement agreement over the river's waste pits near Interstate 10. The waste pits were used decades ago by industrial paper mills to dispose of waste including highly toxic dioxins, prompting health and safety concerns among nearby communities. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GALVESTON A Lake Jackson man is at least the fourth victim of "flesh-eating" bacteria on the Texas coast this year to be reported by the media. Vince Chappell, 53, contracted vibriosis, an infection by the vibrio bacteria, after wading into the water at Aransas Pass to go fishing, his wife, Janie Chappell, told KTRK. RELATED: Beach communities try to calm 'flesh eating' bacteria fears Health officials say the vibrio bacteria usually affects only those with weakened immune systems who have a wound that comes into contact with saltwater or brackish water, but Janie Chappell said her husband did not have a weakened immune system. Her husband cut his foot as he waded into the water, she told KTRK. Janie Chappell took her husband to a walk-in emergency room in Lake Jackson after he developed a rash on his leg and became ill, the television station reported. An ambulance took him to Pearland Medical Center. A hospital spokeswoman told the Houston Chronicle that Vince Chappell was in critical condition but his outlook was favorable. GOING HOME: 'Flesh eating' bacteria victim discharged from hospital Another case of vibriosis was reportedly contracted by an Austin man near Port Aransas on Mustang Island, about 10 miles south of Aransas Pass on a route that includes a ferry boat. The Port Aransas South Jetty newspaper, after interviewing a family member about the location, said the man was in Corpus Christi and not Port Aransas. The most widely reported case was a Jacinto City man whose leg was amputated after he contracted vibriosis while swimming on Galveston Island. The man had diabetes, which weakens the immune system. A Greenville woman who was on a medication that weakened her immune system contracted vibriosis while fishing at McFaddin Beach in Jefferson County. In addition to Chappell, the other three victims are recovering. Despite the wide coverage, health officials say the bacterial infections are common in Texas and other states with beaches, but chances of contracting an infection are slight. A Galveston Health District spokesman said Galveston Island has about 6 million visitors a year but typically only about eight cases are reported. There have been 28 cases reported so far this year in Texas, 13 of them involving contact with water, said Christine Mann, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Last year, 102 cases were reported, 46 involving contact with water. "There is nothing unusual," Mann said. "Last year we had the highest number since we began tracking it. This year seems more like a typical year." Nationally, vibriosis causes about 80,000 illnesses annually, 500 hospitalizations and 100 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 52,000 of these illnesses are believed to be caused by eating contaminated food. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Chris McAndrew is amazed that anyone would be brazen enough to steal a package off his porch. The Heights resident said his home in the Shady Acres neighborhood is outfitted with security cameras and has a fenced-in yard. That didn't stop a man from walking up to his house around 5 p.m. Tuesday and taking a package of vitamins left next to the door. RELATED: Four indicted in thefts at several area meat markets "Other people have reported their packages stolen," McAndrew said. "There was a lady down the street from me who said about six weeks ago someone took her mail out of her mailbox. There's different people here stealing different things." McAndrew said he's read posts about similar thefts on the website NextDoor.com. The Heights resident said he bought his home in June 2010 and didn't think theft would be an issue in his neighborhood. Since he's engaged other people on social media and other forums, however, McAndrew has noticed crime is a little more common than he originally thought. He says the man who took his package matches a description his neighbors have given after other thefts a man wearing a plaid flannel shirt, driving a gray Hyundai. SEE ALSO: Crime spree comes to a halt after suspects drive into FBI parking lot "One big issue out here is tailgates getting stolen," McAndrew said. One of his neighbors was able to recover a stolen tailgate but because it didn't have a serial number or his name etched onto it, McAndrew said, there was little the Houston Police Department could do to the thief. The Heights residents said he and some other neighbors have made complaints with HPD, but there is usually little follow-up. McAndrew understands that police are generally responding to more pressing crimes and most of the items stolen in the neighborhood are not of high value. Still, it's hard for him to not notice more criminal activity in his neighborhood. RELATED: Man poses as FEMA agent to allegedly steal money from flood victims UPS spokesman Dan McMackin said residents should consider having things shipped "to where they are, not where they're not." "It might sound simplistic, but if a resident is not home during the day because they work, they should consider having packages shipped to their place of work," McMackin said. "Our goal is to leaves packages out of sight and out of weather, and at my house that isn't always possible. So I have my shipments delivered to where I work." McMackin said customers should take advantage of online tracking that delivery businesses provide and try to coordinate being home when a package is delivered. Some package delivery businesses have an option that packages won't be released without a signature. Customers can leave specific instructions for delivery workers to leave a package in a specific spot near the house or with a neighbor, the UPS spokesman said. McAndrew said he's not entirely sure what will stop thieves from hitting his home in the future. He thought having security cameras would be enough of a deterrent. He said forming some sort of neighborhood watch may be more effective at curbing future thefts. "The guy has stolen sunscreen and dog food. Thankfully, it's nothing expensive or violent," McAndrew said. Serial's Adnan Syed Gets New Trial Trending News: Serial Podcast Subject Adnan Syed Granted Retrial Why Is This Important? Because this has to be one of the most talked about cases since O.J. Long Story Short The subject of the hugely popular Serial podcast, Adnan Syed, who was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 2000 has been granted a new trial. Long Story For 17 years, Adnan Syed has been locked up after being convicted of murder and for every one of those 17 years, he's plead his innocence. But in 2014, instead of being just another inmate claiming to be wrongly accused, Syed's family friend Rabia Chaudry was able to convince a producer at the public radio show This American Life to take a deeper look at the case. The rest is pop culture history. The true crime podcast Serial, which told Syed's story one episode at a time over 12 episodes, went on to be downloaded over 100 million times, and spawned a podcast industry that has been thriving ever since. However, at the end of Serial spoiler alert host and co-creator of the how Sarah Koenig couldn't come to a conclusion. After combing over the court documents, the phone records and hopping in the car to see if she could carry out the timeline Syed's accusers claimed themselves, Koenig couldn't decide whether he did it or not. There was significant evidence to call for a retrial, though. The primary reason being that Syed's lawyer showed gross negligence in the trial, particularly when she failed to bring forth key alibi witness Asia McClain, whose testimony backed up Syed. On Thursday, after months of deliberation the court decided to hear a retrial, to the absolute joy from Chaudry and Syed's family. WE WON. WE WON. WE WON. WE WON. alhamdulillah WE WON!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/uo01OMbtxU rabia chaudry (@rabiasquared) June 30, 2016 Adnan Syed has been granted a new trial. Judge Welch's order: https://t.co/Io4HRRNWLt pic.twitter.com/CzT4LK2w79 Serial (@serial) June 30, 2016 "This is an incredible victory, I am trying to act calm now," said Syed's attorney Justin Brown to People. "We have been fighting for this day for, I think, about eight years now, and it's been a grueling fight and there has been a lot of disappointments along the way and there were times when it looked like we lost. "And we've made it and we got him a new trial." But this doesn't mean Syed can just walk free. Like with O.J. Simpson (watch American Crime Story v. People v. O.J. Simpson if you haven't, it's awesome), there's the obvious problem of: 'if he didn't do it, who did?' Koenig sure couldn't find anyone, and it's been so many years now they probably never will. Still, if McClain's alibi testimony is considered and Syed can have some spot on lawyering, who knows, maybe they'll let him walk. Koenig did do a few mini-episodes to cover the appeal for the retrial, so it's a safe bet to count on her coming out with more episodes to follow. Hopefully. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question How crazy would it be if they found he was falsely accused? Disrupt Your Feed If this trial wasn't covered in such a popular podcast, would the judge have given it a second look? Drop This Fact Serial won a Peabody Award due to how good of a job it did at finding flaws in the criminal justice system. Upgrade Your Wardrobe With Stylish Accessories Add These Stylish Accessories To Your Wardrobe And Make Heads Turn For all the guys who have ever thought, I cant pull that look off or Who has time to put a meticulous outfit plan together weve found the answer. Denny Balmaceda, aka the LookSmith because, well, hes got this style thing on lock. Hes the guy who unleashes your fresh. And in some cases, hes the guy who repairs your look when things have gone terribly awry. If youre feeling locked out of todays fashion game, the LookSmith has got the key. Send him your questions and/or requests at [email protected] or post on Instagram with the #looksmith hashtag. Ive got a confession. I enjoy binging on old episodes of Flavor of Love. You can keep your judgment. It is a true guilty pleasure. Now, while I understand the show is cringe-worthy by the nature of its sheer existence, theres one thing I have nevertheless never been able to get over: Flavs obsessive need to over-accessorize. OK, at this point, we should all get the need for the giant clock. But then theres the full tux and top hat or even better the Viking horns, the shades, the rings and oversized chains. Oh, and the gold grill. All of it. Too much. Just too much. To be fair, Flav is a television character. At the same time, there are just way too many guys, who never had their own reality show, that are doing too much accessorizing. There is a method to editing your accessories. Let me offer you five trend-based items to sensibly add some pop to your game. Related: So You've Decided To Wear Shorts. Here's How To Finish The Look The Man Bag If youre like me, you probably carry a lot of crapkeys, wallet, sunglasses, iPhone, and iPad. Do you really want to your pockets stuffed with all that responsibility? Adam Schoenberg, style guru and co-founder of the mens accessory line hook+albert, is a champion of the man bag. In Adams words, Whether going to work, traveling for a night, or heading to the gym, every guy needs a quality bag that matches back to his style. It looks really bad when you have a dude in a great outfit only to be undermined by a horrible looking bag. Luckily, Adam also offers a tangible suggestion for a bag that looks great and does it all. Hook + Albert Waxed Canvas Garment Weekender Bag $445 at HookandAlbert.com Lapel Flower If you are going to add any detail to suit, place that detail around eye level, Adam offered. One detail that instantly shows your personality and style is a lapel flower. There is not a single accessory that gets more people talking or pulls an outfit together, period. However, a lapel flower doesnt have to stay in the dressy lane. They can easily be pinned onto Hawaiian shirts or denim jackets as well. Related: How To Wear Pins Hook + Albert Small Lapel Flower $30.00 at Nordstorm.com Colored Laces If youre boxed into an office where you need to wear dress shoes all the time, you can always show personality with the flash of a crazy sock. But if youve exhausted this trick and ready to switch it up, try dipping your toe into color literally. By swapping your shoes standard neutral laces for colored ones, you can add a twist to traditional oxfords. Embrace summer with your pick from the rainbow or choose a stark white or deep red for instant contrast. The Tie Bar Colored Shoelaces $3.00 at TheTieBar.com Man Bling The first rule to mens jewelry is deciding between silver and gold. Cool skin tones (or pale skin) look best in light metals such as platinum and silver. Whereas warm skin tones (yellow/peach skin with a tendency to tan easily) look best in copper, brass and gold. Neural toned? Well, then it comes down to preference, you lucky guy, you. But once you decide on a tone of your jewelry, stick to it. Avoid mixing which can be distracting. Vintage I.D. style or wrap bracelets are traditional classics for professional settings. If youre looking for something more unique and handmade, a Mexican-style ring showcases a masculine edge. Steve Madden Chain Link ID Bracelet $40.00 at Nordstrom.com Salvatore Ferragamo 'Giri' Wrap Bracelet $190.00 at Nordstrom.com Arcos Tombstone Ring $120.00 at ArcosJewelry.com Phone Case If Inception defined the concept of a dream within a dream, then what do we call the trend that calls for accessorizing our accessories? A subtle styling upgrade is not futile and its not excessive either. A great case is functional and durable while it adds to the conversation of your overall outfit. A wooded case is a great rustic option to pair with warm neutrals or flannel. Perhaps youre looking to match the fabric of a luxury suit? Theres a case for that. A whiskey colored leather option that holds your loot without looking like a fanny pack makes a case for fashion and function Recover 'Dip Dye' $40.00 at Nordstrom.com Stil 'Gentleman' Case $160.00 at ShopSpring.com Spring 'Stash' Phone Wallet $34.00 at StillMind.com From the Reader: I am a student and I was wondering if there are any tips for not overdoing the whole "gentleman" thing in school, style-wise? As a computer science student, the general dress code is pretty relaxed. I'd hate to stand out too much. Also, I'm obviously on a tight budget, any tips for keeping up to date without going bankrupt? The two things you'll really want to invest in purchasing are a navy and a grey suit. Both suits can be worn a multitude of ways and can dressed up or down. By separating the pieces, you can think of suits as four distinct articles of clothing. You can also begin to build a wardrobe that consists of bold knit sweaters, minimalist T-shirts and printed button downs to add unexpected charm under your blazer. Whether you're on a tight budget or not, I recommend shopping vintage or thrift for an array of unique options (If you don't know how, we've covered this before.) In terms of add-ons, skinny ties not only compliment smaller frames but they also add a modern flare to a business casual look. Dark brown wing tips or brogues are a versatile option for your suit separates and they pair nicely with dark washed denim. Or you could swap your laces like I mentioned before and playing with funky socks will bring a newness to an older pair of shoes. Use these two solid suits as your bones. Then gradually build variable pieces and you'll have a dozen outfits. Now go study. Hi, I saw you wrote an article about cutting the bottom of your jeans. How high should you cut them, at the ankle? An inch above or below? You're right on when you mentioned the ankle bone. Generally, I'd recommend 2-3 inches from the natural bottom of the pant leg. But if they're extra long to begin with, that won't be a significant difference. Instead, try cutting it right at the ankle bone. Try them on and check your comfort. If you want them higher a little higher, that's cool. But anything more than a litle bit is high-water territory. Abort. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The residents of a small North Texas town packed into city hall Friday to hear the fate of a beloved feline that's caught international attention. The White Settlement City Council unanimously voted 3-0 to keep Browser the cat inside the White Settlement Library after being inundated with emails and media attention from across the globe. RELATED: Cat fired from Texas library gains international attention Mayor Ron White said he received approximately 1,800 emails by Friday before the meeting from all over the world including Germany, France, Malaysia and Canada. "Many of the folks who came to the meeting were upset and wanted to speak, but didn't get a chance," White said. "The council members were adamant about speaking and getting the vote in. There was a motion and then a second one before anyone could speak." Browser put White Settlement on the global stage after it was reported that he was going to get kicked out of the library. Originally brought in in 2010 to patrol for mice at the library, White and others said Browser has become a beloved figure in the city. SEE ALSO: Cat suspected of flooding animal shelter by turning on water Lillian Blackburn, president of the Friends of the Library of White Settlement board, said she's glad Browser will stay, but was disappointed by the way the council handled the meeting. She said City Councilman Elzie Clements handed out a paper before the meeting with wording she didn't agree with. According to Blackburn, Clements claimed the town had been "made a mockery of" and blamed the attention on a "small group of political activists." Blackburn said she's disappointed with Clements' demeanor. RELATED: Events to support cat sanctuary "I wanted to tell them, 'I hope that this is an opportunity for the council to understand we appreciate them, but please, when there's an issue that involves everyone, can we please talk about it before a vote and see if there's a solution?" Blackburn said Clements alleged people with allergies could not enter the library, spurring the vote to have the cat removed. Blackburn told Chron.com Wednesday that all of Browser's food and veterinary bills are paid for by donations and fundraisers. Should patrons have an issue with allergies, Blackburn said library staff will relocate Browser to keep people from itching and sneezing. Former City Councilman Alan Price said City Hall was packed with concerned people and interested media. "They voted the cat back in and it was a full house," Price said. "They had tons of news media there from all different stations. Everyone wanted to hear the verdict." It appears for now, Browser is safe and will maintain his job as the library's top mouser. Had it not been for a mechanical breakdown, a young suspected marijuana smuggler in a Volkswagen Beetle just might have been able to get away with driving more than $60,000 in pot across the border near Las Cruces, New Mexico. According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection release this week, border agents at the Las Cruces Immigration Checkpoint on I-25 were conducting regular immigration inspections in the area when they noticed a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle stalled out and smoking just 50 feet from an inspection lane. On Thursday night, U.S. Border Patrol agents were alerted to 25 undocumented immigrants who were found behind a false door on a tractor trailer traveling through Edinburg, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office. RELATED: Defenders of 'God's Country' signs mobilize in South Texas >> MORNING LEDE: "Texas reports 14 percent drop in abortion in first year after 2013 law," by the Chronicle's Mike Ward and Bobby Cervantes: Almost 9,000 fewer abortions were carried out in Texas in the first full year after the Legislature enacted tougher restrictions on the procedure in 2013, according to new state statistics released Thursday. "In all, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported a 14 percent drop in the procedure, from 63,849 abortions in 2013 to 54,902 in 2014. "It was the steepest drop in the number of abortions reported to the state in at least eight years and continued a nearly decadelong decline in the procedure. Since 2006, the number of abortions in Texas has dropped by a third, from 82,056 to 54,902 in 2014." LEGE BUDGET: "Texas GOP leaders ask state agencies to propose 4-percent budget cuts," by The Dallas Morning News' Bob Garrett: "State leaders, bracing for a tough budget next session, asked state agencies late Thursday to trim 4 percent from proposed spending for the next two-year budget cycle. "In a somewhat revealing indication of their priorities for next year's legislative session, the leaders added Child Protective Services and mental health services to a list of programs that every two years at this time they allow to actually ask for more money." SUIT DROPPED: "AG Paxton drops legal fight with Virgin Islands," by the Houston Chronicle's Mike Ward: "Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday dropped his high-profile lawsuit against his counterpart in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a move that ends his controversial intervention in a climate-change case on behalf of oil giant ExxonMobil. "In a Fort Worth federal court filing dismissing his suit, Paxton and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange said they were dropping their challenge because Claude Earl Walker, the attorney general for the Virgin Islands, had withdrawn "an unconstitutional and harassing subpoena" seeking decades of records from the Texas-based company." TERROR WAR: "Cruz clashes with DHS secretary over terror labels," by Politico: "Ted Cruz and Jeh Johnson clashed Thursday during a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing, with the Texas senator and former Republican presidential candidate grilling the Homeland Security secretary on whether he had investigated the "systematic scrubbing" of law enforcement materials to remove references to terms like "jihad," "Muslim" and "Islam." "Cruz began his line of questioning by noting that the same committee conducted a hearing on Tuesday that explored the consequences of President Barack Obama's unwillingness to use words like "radical Islamic terrorism" to describe threats facing the homeland." TEXAS TAKE PODCAST: "With the abortion law struck down, what's next for Texas politics?," with the Houston Chronicle's Mike Ward and Quorum Report Editor Scott Braddock, with guests Brian Rosenthal and Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political scientist. EXTRA: Major Supreme Court rulings CAPITOL DAYBOOK: No meetings scheduled. SPEED READ Baylor College of Medicine to study Zika patients, Austin American-Statesman SCOTUS vs. Texas, Texas Monthly Tomlinson: Build on NAFTA to spread benefits, Houston Chronicle Careful study, digs to shape Alamo plan, San Antonio Express-News Ken Paxton loses another round in criminal case, Austin American-Statesman Former prosecutor's case shows underbelly of war on drugs, San Antonio Express-News Domestic violence: New laws, same old cycle, Austin American-Statesman State health department didn't double-check $7 million in bills, Austin American-Statesman Dallas DA candidate denies knowledge of bribe; possibility of wider federal probe looms, The Dallas Morning News Mayor pledges to beef up police presence in parks, downtown to stop Kush, Houston Chronicle Under pressure from liberal activists, Castro changes bad-mortgage program, San Antonio Express-News 'We're not alone': Survey shows more transgender Texans OK with coming out, The Dallas Morning News Family of Austin teen killed by police sues city, ex-officer, The Associated Press What's in a name? Tourism and business growth, City Councilman says, Houston Chronicle Border agency clears employees in 4 shooting incidents, The Associated Press QUOTE TO NOTE: "If a result of my sonogram bill passing in 2011 and HB 2 passing in 2013 which protected woman's health and safety, resulted in the saving of thousands of innocent babies, then that is something everyone should celebrate," Patrick said in a statement released by his office. "Today, there are thousands of 2- and 3-year-olds, smiling and laughing and enjoying life because of these two bills." Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on the 14 percent drop in abortions in 2014. RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE >> JUST IN: "Lynch To Accept FBI Recommendations in Clinton E-mail Inquiry, Official Says," by The New York Times: "Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch plans to announce on Friday that she will accept whatever recommendation career prosecutors and the F.B.I. director make about whether to bring charges related to Hillary Clinton's personal email server, a Justice Department official said. Her decision removes the possibility that a political appointee will overrule investigators in the case. "The Justice Department had been moving toward such an arrangement for months officials said in April that it was being considered but a private meeting between Ms. Lynch and former President Bill Clinton this week set off a political furor and made the decision all but inevitable." DEM SHOWDOWN: "Sanders is itching for a convention fight," by Politico: "Bernie Sanders is still spoiling for a convention fight. "It seemed like Democrats could finally claim unity when no member of the Democratic National Committee's 15-person convention drafting committee voted against the draft of the policy platform draft during a meeting in St. Louis this past weekend: 13 members of the panel voted for the draft, one abstained and one missed the vote. But since then, Sanders-aligned members have teed off on the draft for not going far enough in key areas." EXTRA: Balance sheets of 2016 presidential candidates UPDATES Donald Trump starts a trade war with the Republican Party, The Washington Post Boris Johnson Won't Seek to Lead Britain, but Michael Gove Will, The New York Times Loretta Lynch, Bill Clinton meeting raises eyebrows, USA Today Pentagon Lifts Ban on Transgender Troops, The Texas Tribune High-profile Trump fan is daughter of man convicted in Southlake cartel slaying, Fort Worth Star-Telegram 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. Chicago Had More Than 2 Murders A Day In June, And There's No Quick Fix By Mae Rice in News on Jul 1, 2016 5:00PM Crime scene tape (Photo by LukaTDB via Shutterstock) Chicago's gun violence is rising and relentless. The city saw 72 murders in June, according to the Chicago Police Department, which averages out to more than two a day. So far in 2016, 315 Chicagoans have been murderedup 49 percent from the count at this time in 2015. The homicides resulted from a total of 355 shootings with 429 victimsand now we're headed into the Fourth of July weekend, which could be the most violent stretch of the year. There's no easy way to stop the violence, though in a new report on the violence, the Tribune does analyze the problem in fresh ways. That gun violence disproportionately occurs on the South and West sides is well-established, but the Tribune notes that one quarter of Chicago's gun violence actually takes place in two police precincts (out of the 22 total in the city): Englewood and Harrison. It's concentrated in specific blocks in these areas, too, like the one west of Monroe Street and Kostner Avenue. The city's patterns of violence are tied up in other entrenched citywide patterns, though: illegal handguns on the street, the one-two punch of weak social services and poverty, and a police department facing a Department of Justice probe that's not policing as vigorously as it used to. Illegal handguns, the Tribune notes, are a bigger problem in Chicago in other citiesthanks, in part, to northwest Indiana's laxer-than-Illinois gun laws. CPD tries to combat this by taking illegal guns off the street: 4,300 so far this year, up 30 percent from last year. Our weak social servicesmade even weaker recently by the more-than-yearlong state budget crisis, which only semi-resolved on Thursdayalso help contribute to the violence, trapping, the most vulnerable Chicagoans in poverty for generations. And as Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson told the Tribune, there's a link between violence and poverty. "If you show me people without hope," he said, "I'll show you people that's willing to pick up a gun and do something with it." The police department itself is a problem too, though. Cops haven't been making as many arrests as they used to, and perhaps relatedly, civilian trust in cops has been severely eroded since the city released the long-overdue video of a cop fatally shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Though the city has made various efforts to boost trust in the police, including new transparency and oversight efforts, civilians still regularly document them behaving questionably, at best. Police have downplayed this issue, so far. "We have an Orlando every month in Chicago, but catch a policeman hitting someone on videooh, my God!" Dean Angelo Sr., president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said in a speech Tuesday. (He was referencing the shooting at Pulse nightclub, which killed 50 people.) They haven't yet solved the problem of Chicagoans getting killed, either. CPD is taking some new initiatives going forward, though, they said in a Friday statement: 150 officers previously on desk duty are now patrolling the streets; they've expanded bike and foot patrols; and they've retooled their overtime system so officers work overtime on the same beats they patrol normally. It sounds good. Let's hope it works. Read the full Tribune story referenced above here. The Anti-Defamation League just announced that anti-Semitic incidents in the United States rose dramatically in 2015. Colleges and universities were responsible for some 10 percent of the events, which included harassment, threats, and vandalism. The ADL, which pays close attention to such matters, said it was not clear what may have led to the spike. Any first-year political science major could furnish a working hypothesis. Not a single statement has issued from the Oval Office about attacks on Jews in the United States or on foreign turf. Indeed, early last year, when Islamic terrorists went on a killing spree in the French capital, President Obama condemned violent, vicious zealots who behead people or randomly shoot a bunch of folks in a deli in Paris. The zealots were violent and vicious alright, but their shots werent random. They aimed to murder patrons in a kosher supermarket. In other words, they sought to kill a bunch of Jewish folks. Somehow, the president couldnt bring himself to utter that word. Nor has Obama referred to the uptick in anti-Semitic episodes in academia. Currently, the Left has a palpable presence on campuses, disinviting speakers who dare to articulate conservative views, shouting down defenders of the Second Amendment before they can make their arguments, demanding trigger warnings before students read books like Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby, because literature that has been on the shelves for decades, and sometimes centuries, might disturb the frail sensibilities of todays sophomores. Today, too, the low anti-Semitism of the Third Reich continues in the groves of higher education, often cloaked in pro-Palestinian rhetoric. The vocabulary of the academic Left brims with agitprop about Zionist malevolence, though many countries within rocket distance of the most liberal nation in the Middle East are notorious for the stoning of apostates, rape victims, and homosexuals. Only the naive, and the willfully ignorant, could fail to see another reason why anti-Semitism has increased overseas and in America. The ADL recently did a survey of religious and ethnic bias in 101 countries. Anti-Jewish sentiment was most prevalent in North Africa and the Middle East, where 74 percent of respondents expressed anti-Semitic views. In those countries, millions are taught that Jews are subhuman, or a dangerous and controlling force in geopoliticsor both. Now, many of those millions are pouring into Europe and Americalegally or illegallywelcomed by governments that pay scant attention to their background. In the recent past, 56 percent of anti-religious hate crimes in the U.S. were against Jews. Some 18 percent targeted Muslims. Guess which received censorious comment from on high, and which were met with silence? George Orwells old counsel resounds with fresh truth: To see what is in front of ones nose requires a constant struggle. That struggle has yet to be made by the Obama administration, and sadder still, by the Anti-Defamation League itself. Photo by IPGGutenbergUKLtd/iStock I am writing this essay from the basement of the Baccarat Hotel, the awkward 605-foot crystal-and-marble confection on West 53rd Street that opened last year. The Baccarat, which is owned by a Chinese insurance company, made news in December when two prostitutes allegedly stole a $600,000 watch from a drunken john. Why am I here? In one of the worst decisions made by a local public institution in decades, the New York Public Library has squirreled away its newest branch in the basement of this luxury tower. The new library, which opened Monday, replaces the Donnell Library Center. The NYPL shuttered the Donnell nearly eight years ago, handing it over to the Baccarats developers for demolition. As Scott Sherman reports in his 2015 book, Patience and Fortitude: Power, Real Estate, and the Fight to Save a Public Library, the old library was built with funds donated by Ezekiel Donnell, a nineteenth-century cotton merchant, who wanted it to become a fireproof building where young people can spend their evenings profitably away from demoralizing influences (such as people who hire watch-stealing prostitutes). John D. Rockefeller, Jr., donated the land, across the street from the Museum of Modern Art. Architects designed a four-story limestone building similar to the lower floors of the Rockefeller Center towers, three blocks to the south. Donnell, an Irish immigrant, died in 1896; his widow and daughter lived off his fortune until well into the twentieth century. When they died, the $2.5 million Donnell Library Center was built. It opened in 1955 and was an immediate a success. The New York Times lauded it as a real showpiece . . . thoroughly contemporary in design and appointments. The branch was bright and cheerful, with warmth and comfort, too. The Times pointed out amenities that library patrons would continue to enjoy into the new millennium: the Donnells nearly 300,000-book capacity, and its special collections for the foreign language reader and the music lover (and, later, for film lovers). By the mid-2000s, the Donnell had built up half a century of character. The original stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milnes Winnie the Pooh books were on display in the childrens room. Donnell was always packed with adults and children browsing, studying, or reading. What the Times had said in its initial assessment was still true: the Donnell was a haven from the noisy, bustling world just outside. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, though, the NYPLs managers and trustees saw in Donnell not an austere and elegant oasis from Midtowns skyscrapers, but a poor, shabby neighbor, as then-library chief Paul LeClerc said in 2007. The Donnells interior certainly needed an upgrade, but the work should have been straightforward. The city was at the tail end of the biggest economic boom in its history. Income-tax revenues had grown from $5.3 billion annually in 1999the previous peakto $8.2 billion. The library, which has its own independent board but which depends on the city for much of its financing, should have outlined the tens of millions it would need for a renovation, raised some money from philanthropists, and got the rest from the city. Instead, as Sherman writes, the Donnell became a real-estate commodity. In 2007, LeClerc and his board decided to sell the land to a hotel developer. The developer, in turn, would raze the branch, build the tower, and hand over the uncompleted basements and a small portion of the first floor back to the library. Sherman questions the philosophy behind this deal. It sprung, he writes, from a strategy to monetiz[e] non-core assets, pushed by a board made up of high-profile people from the real-estate and financial worlds. Why the library board and its management considered a perfectly functional and well-used branch to be non-core is a mystery. Public institutions should serve as a kind of counter-cyclical buffer against other forces. Its still possibleor should be possiblefor a low-rise building to nestle between super-tall towers without the sky above being seen as a wasted opportunity cost. It should have been possible, too, for library trustees and managers to grasp the difference between the private sector and the public sector. Real-estate firms and financial firms should undertake complex, risky, real-estate and financial transactions; they shouldnt lend books. Libraries should lend books; they shouldnt undertake complex, risky, real-estate and financial transactions. NYPL managers knew that its constituents wouldnt like the Donnell plan. Sherman reports that the library managers waited as long as possibleuntil the developer that had purchased the land needed to file its own disclosure documentto break the news. The library hired a crisis-PR team to help with this task. It hired New Yorker critic Paul Golderberger, too, for a consulting fee and a little extra PR insurance. Even if one agrees with the notion that a modest four-story building is wasted space, the library made a terrible deal. The sale netted it $67 million. But the library then had to spend $23 million outfitting the new branch in the basement (MoMA is working with developers on yet another tall tower next to the existing museum, but MoMA will keep the first three floors as galleries). Years of delay frittered away much of the rest of the money, as the NYPL had to operate a temporary branch several blocks away. All told, the museum likely earned an annual profit of about $3 million over eight years for the loss of the use of this critical facilityeight years in which children who were in kindergarten when Donnell closed grew to become nearly teenagers. Plus, smart investors buy Manhattan land; they dont sell it. A few decades from now, the new branch will need renovations. The library cant sell its land again. The owners of the condos and hotel above are now monetizing New Yorks core asset. What of the new branch, which has lost the Donnell name and is now just called the 53rd Street branch? The building and materials are new. Its clean wooden floors shine. Its white shelves and never-before-read books look and smell nice. Architects ably designed the space for todays workers. Fast wifi and ample cubicles, desks, and plugs are available on the first basement floor. Dozens of New Yorkers were busily working there on Tuesday. Even as construction workers drilled and talked, library patrons were quiet. The spaces designers crafted a calming environment, with cubicle padding and chairs that dont screech when you move them. The library is a perfectly pleasant place to write. Its like borrowing a desk at someones office when working out of town. On the second basement floor, toddlers and children were already reading and playing in their new room, perusing Madeline and Curious George titles (Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Tigger were nowhere to be found; they live now at the main research library on 42nd Street). The new library branch would be a proud civic achievement in a small, wealthy suburb. But New York is not a small, wealthy suburb. It deserves better. Unlike the Donnell, most of the new underground library has no natural light. Space for books is limited, because of the real constraints of being in a basement that wasnt the hotel developers priority. The library is less than a third of Donnells size. What looks like a massive internal space for bookshelves, for example, is an underpinning of the skyscraper above. The bookshelves that surround that support structure create an illusion of plenty. But its just an illusion. The NYPL has dispensed with almost all of the Donnells books. Just 20,000 are on site, a mere 7 percent of the previous holdings. Browsing the 53rd Street branch is more like browsing a bookstore that doesnt have the room or the money to offer an interesting inventory. The Donnells specialized holdings in film, music, and foreign language arent coming back; the NYPL dispersed them to other branches. Yes, you can order any book or film you want from any branch you want, and pick it up here, quite conveniently. But a library isnt an Amazon dropbox. The title of Shermans book reminds us that it could be worse. Patience and Fortitude are the names of the two lions who sit by the steps of the 105-year-old main research library on 42nd Street. Not far from the research library are the Mid-Manhattan branchthe systems main lending libraryand the Science, Industry, and Business Library. LeClerc and his successor, Tony Marx, until recently wanted to do to these three buildings what they did to Donnell: close them, sell them, and use some of the proceeds to gut the seven-story book stacks of the research library, where they would build a post-Donnell space. The people who use New Yorks libraries couldnt save the Donnell, but they did help save the research library and the Mid-Manhattan branch. Famous authors, amateur scholars, journalists, and romance-novel addicts, all wrote and spoke out against this Central Library Plan, persistently and consistently. In 2012, Ada Louise Huxtable, the Wall Street Journals 91-year-old architecture critic, devoted her last-ever article before she died to excoriating the plan. This is a plan devised out of a profound ignorance of or willful disregard for not only the librarys original concept and design, but also the folly of altering its meaning and mission and compromising its historical and architectural integrity, she wrote. You dont update a masterpiece. New York Times critic Michael Kimmelman also slammed the proposal. In City Journal, the Manhattan Institutes Stephen Eide wrote that were the plan to go forward, scholarship, education, and our cultural inheritance would all suffer. A 2013 state assembly hearing attracted hundreds of attendees, virtually all of them against turning a storied research institution into a bland lobbyand losing two branches, too. The well-reasoned protest mattered. The NYPL was rescued in large part by independent scholars and writers in a battle of words and ideas against big money, writes Sherman. But the library saviors had another powerful force on their side: the worst recession in modern history. The global economic crisis of 2008 bought valuable time for those seeking to stop the Central Library Plan. The recession harmed the NYPLs prospects of getting decent prices for the two Midtown branches. As the years passed, it became obvious that the library couldnt deliver what it had promised at Donnell, a project that Marx has now admitted was a mistake. Time brought a new mayor, too; Bill de Blasio, unlike Michael Bloomberg, didnt support the library overhaul. In 2014, Marx killed the plan that he and his predecessor had championed. But bad ideas persist in a still-toxic political and cultural environment. Today, de Blasio supports a Donnell-style plan proposed by the Brooklyn Public Library (a separately managed institution from the NYPL). The BPL wants to sell its Brooklyn Heights branch to a condo developer. Federal investigators are looking into the deal, as the chosen developer donated heavily to de Blasio. Though the NYPL is renovating and keeping its Mid-Manhattan branch, it still wants to close the Science, Industry, and Business Library, which is used by hundreds of students and entrepreneurs every day. Again, public institutions should be countercyclical. A young person has nearly unlimited options for shopping or eating in Midtown. But how many places does he have to work on his computer, without having to buy coffee or vacate after 45 minutes? And just this summer, de Blasio and the City Council boasted of having guaranteed six-day-a-week library service in perpetuity. As if poor kids in the richest city in the world should be happy not to have to beg their local politicians every spring for the right to read on Saturdays. The 1970s were a traumatic decade for the NYPL, Sherman writes, as budget cuts curtailed hours and services. Back then, author Barbara Tuchman suggested that the library barrier itself off with turnstiles and require patrons to pay a fare. The NYPL had an excuse for turning inward while New York was falling apart. Today, with a record population and record tax revenues, what is the citys excuse for asking people to be happy that theyve been relegated to the basement? Photo by shironosov/iStock BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert principal expert consultant responsabil de dezvoltarea procesului de raportare catre BNM Since the internet hasnt yet reached its breaking point with superlative-laden lists, CJR is taking its yearly roundup of journalistic triumphs and blunders to a monthly schedule. This is the first attempt at a regular digital continuation of our long-running print feature, Darts and Laurels, and wed like to include your suggestions and feedback going forward. I have the privilegenay, the pleasureof writing this monthly retrospective, so please send your thoughts, and any hate mail, to me. The Best Journalism of June The Washington Post spotlights Donald Trumps charitable giving, or lack thereof The presumptive GOP nominee is rich. Really rich. So rich he claims to have donated many millions to charity. Trumps tax returnsthe most beautiful tax returnswould prove such personal giving. But the real estate magnate and reality TV star doesnt want the public to see them. Trumps vagueness about his defining characteristic makes journalists attempts to peek behind the gilded curtain especially valuable. Washington Post reporter David Fahrentholds efforts to track down how much Trump actually gave to charity in recent years cast doubt on the supposed billionaires boasts. What has set Trump apart from other wealthy philanthropists is not how much he gives, Fahrenthold writes, it is how often he promises that he is going to give. Just one of nearly 200 organizations Fahrenthold has contacted thus far confirmed any donation from Trump, whose campaign has remained silent on the matter. Fahrenthold has continued his valiant legwork to prove the candidate is telling the truthyou can follow along on Twitterbut its proven a Herculean task. Palo Alto Online, BuzzFeed, and CNN give the Stanford rape victim a voice Sign up for CJR 's daily email After a shockingly lenient sentencing for convicted rapist Brock Turner, no journalist could have fully captured the outcomes psychological cost for the victim. Thats why the decision by these outlets to publish all or most of Emily Does in-court statement proved so powerful. Her 7,000-word letter shamed Turner like none of the other myriad pieces on the episode could have. Whats more, it shamed the cultureour culturethat allowed him to escape harsher punishment. BuzzFeed projected Does words to millions, while CNN host Ashleigh Banfields on-air reading of much of the statement provided a sober respite from the amoral political minutiae that dominates much of cable news. The Tulsa World puts state crime numbers into context The Oklahoma papers report on a statewide spike in homicides last year wasnt sexyand thats the point. Oklahoma saw a 35 percent increase in such incidents since 2014. But when comparing the figures to the previous five years, Stacy Ryburn writes, remembering that the state saw two mass murders in 2015 and considering that 2014 had the lowest number of murders in a decade241 homicides may not indicate a dramatic rising trend in violent crime. Its a shockingly measured perspective as many news outlets nationwide have cover fleeting rises in crime as part of a crime wave or post-Ferguson change in police tactics. Crime, and particularly violent crime, has declined at miraculous rates over the past two decades. Other organizations would do well to follow the Tulsa Worlds lead in focusing on the trend lines over the headlines. C-SPAN finds a way to broadcast Democrats gun-control sit-in The typically dry cable channel took a rare step into the limelight when it broadcast Periscope and Facebook Live feeds from the House floor as Democrats railed against GOP obstructionism on gun control. It made for a stark reminder of the public service C-SPAN provides on a daily basis. Scroll through C-SPAN.org, and youll find videos of lawmaker speeches, congressional committee hearings, and Pentagon briefings, among countless other offerings. Such feeds are an invaluable resource to both reporters and the public; no other outlet can match this largely unedited coverage of the day-to-day tedium of government. If nothing else, C-SPANs workaround in broadcasting Democrats sit-in underlined its not-so-glamorous but ever-so-important duty to keep the cameras rolling in Washington. The Worst Journalism of June Pro-Brexit British newspapers There is nothing inherently wrong with news organizations taking an editorial stance on pressing issues. The Economist, the unofficial journal of globalization, made plain its support for UK membership in the European Union with numerous fact-based articles. But therein lies the catch. Many of the newspapers that supported the Leave campaign circulated its top talking points with little scrutiny in both news coverage and editorials. Among the falsehoods or half-truths: that the UK sends 350 million pounds a week to Brussels; that the country would be overrun by violent immigrants should it remain; and that the UK would retain access to the EUs single market despite leaving. Euroskepticism isnt new among some of the top-circulation British newspapers, particularly the tabloids. But UK citizens must now come to grips with the real-life effects of the alternate reality their media helped create. CNN hires Trumps former campaign manager Look past the fact that the Trump campaigns door hadnt yet hit Corey Lewandowski on his way out. Look past Lewandowskis non-disclosure agreement that prevents him from sharing any confidential or disparaging information about Trump if he feels the unlikely urge to do so. Look past the reports of Lewandowskis hostility toward women, including the grabbing of a female reporter in a confirmed incident he lied about. Look past his campaigns continuous animosity toward journalists. Look past all those factors to give CNN the benefit of the doubt with this hireperhaps Lewandowski does have some special insightand the rationale still doesnt hold after the commentators first few appearances. Take Lewandowskis analysis of a Trump trade speech Tuesday: This is Mr. Trumps best speech of the presidential cycle. This is right on message, his core message of putting Americans first. This is about bringing jobs back to America. Such banal shilling is by no means new to cable shows, and neither is the employment of political hacks. And to be fair, CNN interviewers have so far done a good job of pressing Lewandowski on his Trumpa fides. The question is why the network would reward all of Lewandowskis reprehensible traitsparticularly his former campaigns utter disregard for the truthin return for broken-record cable commentary. No need to speculate on why Americans trust in media remains at an all-time low. 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. Special Prosecutor To Investigate Cops Who Saw Laquan McDonald's Shooting By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 1, 2016 8:28PM A still from the Laquan McDonald dashcam video. A Cook County judge on Friday ruled that a separate special prosecutor will be appointed to investigate whether Chicago police officers who were present at the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald engaged in a cover up. The ruling was issued by Judge Vincent Gaughan, who previously approved a request that a special prosecutor oversee the case against Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with McDonald's murder. Outgoing Cook County State Attorney Anita Alvarez recused herself from the murder case amid strong criticism of the department's failure to charge Van Dyke earlier this year. McDonald was shot 16 times on October, 20 2014, but video was not released until November 2015, just hours before Van Dyke was charged. The release of the video prompted massive public protest, calls for reform and an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice. The footage, taken from police dashcam, appears to contradict some officer accounts. A coalition of attorneys and community activists filed a petition in February requesting a special prosecutor for the Van Dyke case and also for the additional officers who were present at the crime scene. "This could not be more important," Locke Bowman, attorney for the coalition, said in a statement to the Tribune following the ruling. "If the Chicago Police Department had had its way, if no videotape had surfaced of how that shooting had happened, the false account in the Police Department's official records would have become the quote truth unquote about how Laquan McDonald met his death." After the death of a Nebraska toddler killed by an alligator at Floridas Walt Disney World Resort last week, there are questions of who is at fault in the incident. The parents of Lane Graves said they are overwhelmed by the support they received since his death. Matt and Melissa Graves of Omaha, Neb., issued a statement this weekend in connection with their sons death. Melissa and I continue to deal with the loss of our beloved boy, Lane, and are overwhelmed with the support and love we have received from family and friends in our community as well as from around the country, the family said. We understand the publics interest, but as we move forward this weekend, we ask for and appreciate the privacy we need to lay our son to rest. Neither Melissa, myself or anyone from our family will be speaking publicly; we simply cannot at this time. Sara Brady, who serves as a spokeswoman for the family, declined to comment on when the funeral has been scheduled. An alligator described as being as long as 7 feet snatched the 2-year-old as he waded in shallow water in a lake at a Disney hotel on June 14. The boys remains were found the following day. An autopsy showed that he died from drowning and traumatic injuries, according to the Orlando medical examiner. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates there are about 1.3 million alligators in Florida. They live in all 67 counties of the state and are a protected species. In the U.S., they can be found in Oklahoma, Texas and from North Carolina to Florida. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), administered by the FWCs Division of Hunting and Game Management, addresses alligator-related complaints. In 2015, SNAP received 13,962 nuisance alligator complaints which resulted in the removal of 7,513 nuisance alligators. According to a Fox News report last week, five alligators were killed during the search for the missing boy. SNAPs website states that it is difficult to relocate alligators since they often try to return to their capture site. Laurie Sherwood, a San Francisco-based partner with Walsworth, said there are a few theories of liability to hash out if this becomes a litigated matter, including negligence and premises liability. She explained that Disneys duty to warn resort guests about the alligators would be an issue and would turn on the specific facts of the case, including Disneys knowledge and the steps it took, the likelihood or foreseeability of such an occurrence and whether there was any other information provided to guests warning that alligators are present on the property and in the lakes. The beach, located at Disneys Grand Floridian Resort and Spa across a lake from the Magic Kingdom, had no swimming signs posted but no warning about alligators. Last week, Disney announced it would add alligator warning signs to all of its beach resorts. The resorts beaches remain closed. According to both Sherwood and Steve Jaffe, a managing partner with the Fort Lauderdale-based firm of Farmer Jaffe, the additional warning signs would not impact a case against Disney if it were go to trial. Thats because in several states, including California and Florida, adding the signs after an incident would be considered a subsequent remedial action or measure that cannot be used to establish liability at trial. Jaffe, whose firm handles plaintiff personal injury and class action lawsuits, said that resort guests have an expectation that the hotel and its surroundings are reasonably safe. While a Florida resident likely knows not to go into a lake at night, the same isnt true for out of state visitors like the Graves, he said. Because Disney created the lakes and has knowledge of the alligators being present, he said that is sufficient to prove liability. They dont have an obligation to make the place 100 percent safe, just reasonably safe, Jaffe explained. The child, just two years old, cannot be assessed negligence and any claim of negligent supervision against the parents would be shaky at best, given they were just 5-10 feet away from where the child was taken, Jaffe explained. Disney does have defenses, said Sherwood. First, this is a rare occurrence which impacts any claim of foreseeability, she said, noting the last incident happened 30 years ago. Second, she cited the fact that alligators are indigenous to Florida. Jaffe said the fact there was a prior attack, even though it occurred a few decades ago, could be enough to establish liability. Given its high profile, both attorneys suggested that it was unlikely the case would go to trial. The Associated Press contributed to this article. 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. The ruling came in three cases in which drivers challenged so-called implied consent laws in Minnesota and North Dakota as violating the Constitutions 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 courts ruling affects laws in 11 states that go farther 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 doesnt pierce the skin or leave a biological sample in the governments possession, he said. Alito compared blowing into a breath test machine to using a straw to drink beverages, which he called a common practice and one to which few object. He noted that the high court has previously declined to require a warrant for collecting DNA samples by rubbing a swab on the inside of a persons cheek or scraping underneath a persons fingernails to find evidence of a crime. Six justices agreed with Alitos 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 drivers refusal to take alcohol blood or breath tests include Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia. 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 argument, 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 said no governmental interest makes it impractical for an officer to get a warrant before measuring a drivers alcohol level. The Fourth Amendment prohibits such searches without a warrant, unless exigent circumstances exist in a particular case, she said. 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 cant 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 courts decision would encourage other states to implement similar laws punishing refusal to take a breath test. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. At first, the woman tried to hide her painkiller problem. She told the doctor that she still had pain from her past pregnancy, and that she just wanted a refill on her pain medication. After a few questions, though, she admitted that a friend had sold her some OxyContin, and that shed stolen pills from another friend. The interaction was all staged, with the patient played by an actor and the doctor played by a medical student last month. The exercise was part of a daylong boot camp at the University of Massachusetts Medical School designed to help physicians in training identify and fight opioid abuse. Theres a lot at stake here. We have a public health epidemic, and its not getting better, and the health care profession is part of the problem, said Michele Pugnaire, the medical schools senior associate dean for educational affairs. Medical schools nationwide are rethinking their training on opioids amid rising overdose deaths. Schools are taking action after critics said they had inadvertently contributed to addiction problems. Federal health experts say that physicians have been prescribing addictive opioid painkillers too often, and that poor training is frequently to blame. According to federal data, opioid painkillers were responsible for nearly 19,000 deaths across the U.S. in 2014, an increase of more than 400 percent since 2000. Heroin, by comparison, killed 10,000 people in 2014. We are over 10 years into this epidemic, and I dont think weve seen a robust enough response from the medical community, Michael Botticelli, the White Houses drug czar, told reporters in Boston last month. Studies have found that medical students at American schools spend far less time learning to treat pain than their peers in other countries, or even veterinary students in the U.S. Even at top schools like Harvard, students say they arent trained enough. A group of students there organized their own clinic on addiction treatment this year to fill gaps in the curriculum. Theres a sense of urgency to tackle this issue from all fronts, and I think medical schools and teaching hospitals are really committed to doing their part, said Tannaz Rasouli, senior director of public policy and strategic outreach for the American Association of Medical Colleges. Under pressure from the White House, more than 60 U.S. medical schools pledged in April to teach new federal guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers. In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker rallied the states four medical schools to develop a uniform curriculum on opioids and addiction thats being unrolled this year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are pushing for a similar effort there. Dozens of schools, including Brown and Columbia universities, have received federal grants to teach a standard interviewing method that helps screen patients for drug abuse. Students are expected to be able to identify and address that as well as they would someones diabetes or hypertension , said Dr. Frances Levin, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbias medical center. The goal is partly to cut down on opioid prescribing. At Boston University, for example, students learn alternative ways to treat pain such as relaxation therapy and breathing exercises. But students are also being taught that some populations have been turned away from painkillers too often because of stereotypes. Black men, for example, have likely been under prescribed opioids because clinicians fear that theyre maybe going to abuse those drugs, said Dr. Douglas Hughes, the associate dean for academic affairs at the Boston University School of Medicine. Many schools are also adding more training simulations like the one at the University of Massachusetts, using trained actors known as standardized patients. The idea is to put students through complex cases that theyll face in practice, and to help gauge whether students are asking patients the right questions in the right way. At the end of those exercises, students learn whether they made the right decision. Duke Universitys medical school plans to increase its use of standardized patients, too. But some professors there stress to students that, in the real world, theres often no way to know if they made the right choice. I talk to medical students about my own uncertainty and my own doubts, said Dr. Nancy Weigle, who teaches about community and family medicine at Duke University. In medicine, we operate in a lot of gray areas. And this is an area that can be really tricky, and theres not always one right answer. (Associated Press writer Holly Ramer in Boston contributed to this report.) Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Though families use the Fourth of July weekend to reconnect at picnics and barbecues, cargo thieves are expected to take advantage of the long three-day weekend by stealing truckloads of nonalcoholic beverages, major appliances and copper. Thats according to CargoNet, a Verisk Analytics business, which analyzed 2012-2015 cargo theft data in the United States and Canada between July 2-July 9 and found those were some of the most popular theft categories. During that period, 119 incidents were reported with 81 categorized as involving cargo theft. Food and beverage was the primary target of thieves, though household goods and electronics were also popular. Metal theft surged in 2014, but there was just one reported theft of metals in 2015. During the same period, 70 semi-tractors and 64 semi-trailers were reported stolen. The company estimated $10.63 million in losses between 2012-2015 as a result of cargo theft. Scott Cornell, a transportation crime and theft specialist with Travelers, explained that food and beverage has been the number one cargo theft commodity since 2010 because its consumable, not easily tracked, easy to sell and not likely to remain in backlog. Anytime the value is high on anything youre going to see it as a targeted commodity. In addition to that, its very easy to move, explained Cornell. According to CargoNet, the top four states for cargo theft during the analyzed period were: California (21) Texas (19) Florida (15) Georgia (15) High-theft metropolitan areas include Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta and Miami. Sitting Cargo Vulnerable Though its widely known that cargo theft spikes during holiday weekends, CargoNet expects this year to be worse since July 4th falls on a Monday. According to the national cargo theft database host, the three day weekend means many trucks will be parked for the entire weekend and remain unchecked until truckers return to them on Tuesday. An alert issued by FreightWatch International, a logistic securities services firm, noted that holiday weekends pose high risk for manufacturers and logistics-related organizations because unattended shipments combined with the long weekend give cargo crooks ample opportunity to stage crimes. In 2015, FreightWatch Internationals Supply Chain Intelligence Center recorded an average loss value of $1.1M over the holiday weekend, which it noted was six times higher than the average loss value over the entire year. As a result of the high value losses associated with it, cargo theft is a primary focus of legislation in a number of states, including Mississippi, New Mexico and Alabama, according to Alan Haskins, director of government affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In a recent podcast interview with Claims Journal, he said a cargo bill was passed in Alabama and bills expanding existing cargo theft law passed in California and Florida. According to Cornell, cargo theft falls into two key categories: straight theft and strategic theft. Straight theft involves a criminal going out and physically stealing cargo at a truck stop or drop lot. Strategic cargo theft methods involve criminals using methods to trick companies into giving them cargo. These methods include using fictitious pickups, double brokering scams, blind shipment scams, false companies and ghost truck methods. Cornell said the shift to strategic cargo theft has really picked up since 2011. I can list off 12 to 15 different strategic cargo theft methods, Cornell said. Thieves are also embracing technology to carry out their crimes. For example, sniffers and jammers are increasingly being used to thwart covert trackers used by trucking companies. Over the last year or two weve started to see the use of that technology primarily in the Southeast, said Cornell. Cyber-related methods are being used on the strategic side of cargo theft, he explained. Criminals may infiltrate databases to get details on future shipments so that they can intercept pickup information. CargoNet and FreightWatch International compiled a list of noteworthy thefts from prior July 4th holiday weekends: $2,000,000 of cell phones (Florida) $1,300,000 of apparel and accessories (Tennessee) $659,090 in cash and other valuables (Texas) Fictitious Pickup of Produce (no value reported) (California) Fictitious Pickup of Cash-in-Transit (no value reported) (Oklahoma) Full Truckload of Cell Phones, $5,700,000 (Washington) According to FreightWatch, covert GPS tracking and active monitoring of high-value shipments is recommended, since they offer the most effective way to mitigate in-transit theft and facilitate successful recovery of stolen product. Cornell recommended that trucking companies have plans in place to monitor cargo during long weekends. He also advised companies to quickly respond and report any incidents to assist in the investigation and potential recovery of stolen cargo. The longer they have to hide cargo the less chance youre going to have of getting it back, Cornell said. A charming collection marked the debut of Junli in Milan, where young Chinese designer Li Jun presented his creations for the first time during the official fashion week recently. Chinese designer Li Jun prepares a model backstage before presenting his brand's 2017 spring/summer collection during the recent Milan Fashion Week. [Photo/Xinhua] "For me, color is always a very delicate issue, because I want something not too obvious," Li says shortly after the show. "I would say, I have a grading planwhich is for mostly black, white and greyvery simple. But we also have something like a stone color that merges hues together. For the grey, we also have different shades, darker or brighter ones," he adds. As for silhouettes for the 2017 spring/summer season, Li says: "Garments have to fit the body well, but we also put some volume at the back so that people can move about and be free, and feel comfortable when they wear a jacket." Li's designs feature a sleek and minimalistic look, which highlights his experimental take on classic menswear tailoring. In the new collection, he showcased pleated trousers, voluminously cut on the thigh, but tapered toward the bottom. He then paired it with a short blazer, open shirt and T-shirt combo. For another outfit, a pair of tapered ash-gray culottes were matched with a loosely fitted, elongated vest and blazer, with its sleeves carelessly rolling up to the elbows. Without fusing, the canvassed pieces were transparent and lightweight. Tailored for a fitting form, exposed seam was accented in suiting canvas, which is traditionally known as the internal construction of a tailored jacket. Li says his collection draws inspiration from the works of German artist Anselm Kiefer. "I would say my collection is not exactly something taken from Kiefer's works, but more from the inside. It is more like taking the mood from his works," he says. The power to re-createthese are the words used in a statement from Junli to describe the designer's creative spirit. So, what kind of man should be wearing Junli clothes? "They are men with a calm attitude, sophisticatedmen who know what they want," the designer says. "My jackets are very tailored. We have some very unique details on them, so it is more like you have to understand who you are. You want to wear something which may look similar to what others are wearing, but you know it is completely different," he says. Li launched his label after he moved from Shanghai to London to study menswear at the London College of Fashion. "What I learned is from Western people, but I am Chinese. There is a very oriental soul in me, so when I design I have a more abstract side," he says. Presently Junli sells at selected boutiques in Europe and China. Meanwhile, Li's diary for the coming weeks is full. "I am going to Paris, where we will have our showroom. "At the start of July, I will return to Shanghai. There I will prepare for the production of this season, and will start doing fabric research for the next season," he says. "I have opened a small factory in Shanghai. We do all the production in-house now, and as we have a lot of tailored things we have to control production very carefully," he says. Li's runway show in Milan was part of a new project kickstarted by the Milan-based National Chamber of Italian Fashion, to support a new generation of designers. Commenting on the collection, the chamber's honorary president Beppe Modenese says: "I found the Junli collection very good, advanced, and with a rigorous but modern style. "The young talents we have chosen represent the international future of fashion, whose task is to unite people around the world." Ambulance One person died in a house fire early Friday morning in Akron, fire officials said. ((File Photo)) AKRON, Ohio -- A 69-year-old man died in a house fire early Friday morning, Akron fire officials said. Someone reported about 4:15 a.m. that flames were shooting through the roof of a home in the 1000 block of Victory Street, Akron fire spokesman Michael Brooks said. Firefighters arrived and found one person dead inside the home. The house was a total loss and scheduled to be torn down, Brooks said. He did not know if anyone escaped the blaze, or what caused the fire. The fire was out, but firefighters were still at the scene at 7:45 a.m. The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said that the man was pronounced dead at 5:14 a.m. His name was not made available pending the notification of his next of kin. If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. Like Chanda Neely on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter: Cuyahoga Land Bank celebrates Memorial Day by honoring Afghanistan Army veteran SPC Holden Gibbons About 200,000 veterans are part of Northeast Ohio. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com file) CLEVELAND, Ohio - Nearly 200,000 people in the Akron and Cleveland metro areas are veterans, representing about 9 percent of the adult civilian population in the region, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates. We make note of those who served the country as Americans prepare to celebrate the July Fourth weekend. In the five-county Cleveland-Elyria metro area, there are an estimated 140,773 veterans, 8.8 percent of all civilian adults. This area consists of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. There are another 50,970 veterans, or 9.3 percent, in the Akron metro area of Summit and Portage counties. The Springfield and Dayton metro areas, not far from the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, have the highest concentrations in the state, at 12.5 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively, among the adult civilian population. Explore the map below to see the veteran populations in metro areas across the Lower 48 states. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American 2014 American Community Survey, via Public Insight. police tape.jpg A 16-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder during an armed robbery late Wednesday in Eastlake, police said. The boy is recovering after being released from a hospital. (File photo) EASTLAKE, Ohio -- A 16-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder during an armed robbery at a friend's house in Eastlake. The Wickliffe resident was treated and released from MetroHealth after being shot late Wednesday at a house on East 337th Street, police said Several other teens were pistol-whipped when three robbers forced their way into the house, police said. The robbers -- who appeared to be in their late teens -- took several cellphones and a wallet before leaving. No arrests have been made, police said Friday. The robbers arrived just before midnight and claimed to know a resident's friend. The resident called the friend, who said he did not know the robbers. The robbers then drew pistols and demanded wallets and cellphones from the resident and several other teens in the house, police said. One of the robbers found the 16-year-old victim in an upstairs bedroom. It's unclear how that confrontation led to the shooting, police said. Eastlake Fire Department paramedics took the victim to Lake West Hospital in Willoughby. He was then flown to MetroHealth. None of the other teens in the house required medical treatment, police said. Anyone with information is being asked to call the Eastlake Police Department at 440-951-1400. If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. There's something for every music lover in Ohio this July. Country fans can attend the Country Concert music festival, or go to the Summit County Fair to catch Cassadee Pope. Punks and metalheads have Vans Warped Tour, Disturbed and Slipknot to look forward to. For an indie and folk fix, the Avett Brothers are playing at the Toledo Zoo and Agumboot Music Festival is taking off for its first year ever. Then, there are plenty of events that cater to everyone at once. Promowest Fest is bringing the best of every genre together for a weekend of fun. Rock The Lot, Love Fest and Red White and Brew Fest are celebrating local scenes. Gathering of the Juggalos will be... well, weird. From indie to rock to rap, reggae to death metal. Check out these 28 standouts that will take place in July. 28 must-see outdoor concerts and festivals in Ohio this July 2016 By Anne Nickoloff cleveland.com June 30, 2016 The summer of music continues in Ohio, with these 28 standouts that take place outside. Enjoy the songs and the sun. Don't Edit Rock The Lot July 2 - Rock The Lot, featuring Sugar Ray and Rodney Atkins. At W. 6th Street and St. Clair Ave., Cleveland. Don't Edit Reggae Festival July 2 - Reaggae Festival featuring Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band, UMOJAH Nation and more. At Pioneer Wonderland and Dry Fun Park, Chardon. Don't Edit Red White and Brew Fest July 4 - Red White and Brew Fest featuring Cloud Nothings, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and more. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Cleveland. Don't Edit AWOLNATION July 6 - AWOLNATION at Express Live!, Columbus. (Photo by Owen Sweeney, AP) Don't Edit Don't Edit Country Concert July 7-9 - Country Concert featuring Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley and more. At Fort Laramie. Don't Edit Love Fest June 9 - Love Fest featuring Beams, Essential Groove, Bro Dylan and more. Chardon Square, Chardon. Don't Edit The Avett Brothers June 9 - The Avett Brothers at the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Don't Edit The Plain Dealer Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Of Mice & Men July 12 - Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Of Mice & Men at Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati. Don't Edit Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin July 13 - Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin at Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls. (Photo by Owen Sweeney, AP) Don't Edit Don't Edit Agumboot Music Festival July 15 - Agumboot Music Festival, featuring Saintseneca, Mimicking Birds, Chrome Pony and more. Dunham Tavern & Museum, Cleveland. Don't Edit Promowest Fest July 15-17 - Promowest Fest featuring Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, Brand New and more. McFerson Commons Park, Columbus. Don't Edit Dayton Blues Festival July 17 - Dayton Blues Festival, featuring Duke Robillard Band, Schu-Shake Redemption and more. At Dave Hall Plaza, Dayton. (Photo by Jeff Geissler, AP) Don't Edit Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings July 19 - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at Hensville Park, Toledo. (Photo by Dulce Pinzon) Don't Edit Vans Warped Tour July 20 - Vans Warped Tour, featuring Motionless In White, Yellowcard, Good Charlotte and more. Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls. Don't Edit Don't Edit Gathering Of The Juggalos July 20-23 - Gathering Of The Juggalos festival, featuring Asking Alexandria, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, GWAR and Twiztid. At Legend Valley, Licking Township. Don't Edit Alive Festival July 20-23 - Alive Festival, featuring Skillet, Switchfood, Casting Crowns, etc. At Atwood Lake Park, Mineral City. Don't Edit Cincinnati Music Festival July 22-24 - Cincinnati Music Festival, featuring Charlie Wilson and New Edition. At Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati. Don't Edit Chuck Crow, PD Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick July 22 - Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. Don't Edit Chuck Crow, PD Jane's Addiction July 23 - Jane's Addiction at Jacob's Pavilion, Cleveland. Don't Edit Don't Edit Fairport Harbor Experimental Music Festival July 23 - Fairport Harbor Experimental Music Festival featuring Istvan Medgyesi, Fluxmonkey, Paul Stranahan and more. At Fairport Harbor.(Photo by Marvin Fong, PD) Don't Edit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Aretha Franklin July 24 - The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra with Aretha Franklin at Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati. Don't Edit Anne Nickoloff, cleveland.com Michael Franti and Spearhead July 24 - Michael Franti and Spearhead at Express Live!, Columbus Don't Edit Cassadee Pope July 26 - Cassadee Pope at Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge. Don't Edit 5 Seconds Of Summer July 26 - 5 Seconds Of Summer with Hey Violet, One OK Rock at Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati. Don't Edit Don't Edit G-Eazy, Logic July 27 - G-Eazy, Logic at Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls. (Photo by Robert Altman, AP) Don't Edit Melanie Martinez July 29 - Melanie Martinez at Express Live!, Columbus. (Photo by John Davisson, AP) Don't Edit The Plain Dealer Celtic Festival July 29 - Dayton Celtic Festival, featuring Gaelic Storm, Socks In The Frying Pan and Scythian. At Riverscape Metropark, Dayton. Don't Edit RoverFest July 30 - Roverfest featuring Bush, Chevelle, Ludacris, New Politics and more. At Black River Landing, Lorain. zika.jpg Ohio will receive almost $500,000 in federal funding to prepare for Zika virus cases this summer, part of a pot of $25 million in national funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio will receive more than $476,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control to prepare for the Zika virus, the agency announced today. The funding is a piece of $25 million in national funding from the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement awarded to 53 state, city, and territorial health departments in areas at risk for outbreaks of Zika virus. "These CDC funds will enable states and territories to strengthen their Zika preparedness and response plans," Dr. Stephen C. Redd, director of CDC's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, said in a news release. "Although the continental United States has not yet seen local transmission of the Zika virus, mosquito season is here, and states must continue to both work to prevent transmission and prepare for their first local case." Zika, spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, cannot be spread person to person through casual contact. Unlike the Ebola virus, which is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids and is highly contagious, Zika is passed along when a mosquito bites an infected person, feeds, and carries the infected blood to another person. Two Aedes species spread Zika -- Aedes aegypti and a cousin, Aedes albopictus. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are not found in Ohio. Aedes albopictus can be found in the southern part of the state, though its range does not spread as far north as Cleveland. Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is less likely to transmit Zika. State officials say they have been preparing for Zika since January. The CDC's funding allocation was based on the risk of local transmission, using the estimated range of the two Aedes mosquito species known to transmit Zika virus in the United States, the history of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and the size of the population in a given area. Zika virus is usually a mild illness. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, or red eyes. About 80 percent of people infected do not have any symptoms, and people are not usually sick enough to go to the hospital. Symptoms may last for several days to a week, and Zika is rarely deadly. However, Zika infection in pregnant women can be serious. It is a cause of severe fetal brain defects and microcephaly, and the virus has also been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, an uncommon illness in which a person's immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. In late June, the Ohio Department of Health announced the state's first sexually transmitted case of Zika in a 61-year-old Lucas County woman, who got the virus from her husband. The couple were the state's 15th and 16th Zika cases. China has no intention of devaluating the yuan to gain an advantage in global trade and there is no basis for long-term depreciation, the central bank said Thursday. The yuan has generally remained stable despite global volatility after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said in an online statement. The bank's remarks came after media reports about substantial drops of the yuan's exchange rate by the end of the year. "The reports misled expectations and disrupted the market, encouraging speculative selling. We strongly condemn the behavior, which is irresponsible and against professional ethics," the PBOC said. The currency will likely remain stable at a reasonable level thanks to China's sound economic fundamentals, according to the statement. The Chinese economy will keep its steady growth and continue to see a surplus in the balance of payments, with abundant foreign exchange (forex) reserves, sound financial conditions and stable monetary system, the PBOC said. China will propel forex reform and continue to let the market to play a decisive role, the bank added. It was the second time in a week that the PBOC has moved to refute distorted reports by some media outlets. The bank criticized foreign reports on China's interest policy on Monday. The central bank said that it retains the right to file a complaint through legal channels. 5G technology is all the rage at this year's Mobile World Congress currently being held in Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] Much work has been done to develop the 5G technology, which offers 20 to 100 times faster Internet access speed for mobile consumers compared with 4G networks, industry officials said yesterday at the Mobile World Congress Shanghai. High-tech companies including Huawei Technologies and Nokia Networks have joined China Mobile in demonstrating trial base stations using 5G technology at the fair. The 5G technology is able to record a peak speed of about 9.83 gigabits per second, 30 times compared with the fastest 4G network speed. But 5G licenses are only expected to be issued around 2018. China needs 5G because it has the largest population in the world, which means that at some point it will have the largest data flow, said Xie Feibo, a senior official of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The 5G technology will be integrated with the Internet of Things technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, according to top firms at the fair. China is likely to boast 1 billion M2M connections by 2020, 10 times compared with the current number. watch now Airbnb's reportedly proposed $30 billion valuation may not hold up if illegal listings in New York and San Francisco are removed, said Bradley Tusk, a former aid to Mayor Michael Bloomberg who specializes in helping startups navigate regulatory environments. Airbnb has continued to raise funding enabling the home-sharing service to put off an eventual IPO even as it remains locked in disputes with lawmakers, including in its hometown of San Francisco and in New York City. (The New York Times first reported the details of Airbnb's most recent funding round on Tuesday.) "They are raising now at a higher valuation, but if you were to say 'here is what the New York and San Francisco markets are really worth in full legal compliance' and then re-run the numbers however they do it I don't know that they are still that $30 billion company," said Tusk at a dinner with reporters in San Francisco on Wednesday. Airbnb declined to comment for this report. On Monday, over a Board of Supervisors decision on June 7 to fine the company $1,000 per day for each listing that is not registered with the city. This followed a decision earlier in the month by New York State Senate to make it illegal for hosts to advertise short-term rentals of less than 30 days on Airbnb. If the bill passes into law, New Yorkers who violate the law will face fines starting at $1,000. Tusk advises companies disrupting highly regulated industries, including Uber, Tesla and FanDuel, and said he now uses Airbnb as a cautionary tale. The key missteps CEO Brian Chesky made were not taking regulators seriously enough and moving too slowly, said Tusk. That enabled the opposition hotel unions, hoteliers and affordable housing advocates to build a coalition before Airbnb was able to cut deals with legislators, said Tusk. "I get wanting to be super aggressive I started doing this with [Uber CEO Travis Kalanick] five years ago and there is no-one more aggressive than Travis," he said. "But still there are times when you have got to recognize the political reality of what you are dealing with." Knowing who you're up against is also important, said Tusk. If you're waging a fight against a sympathetic constituency, you're going to have a hard time. "Affordable housing advocates are kind of likeable, so they are just harder to beat," he said. When asked how he would advise Airbnb to move forward in New York and San Francisco, Tusk said he had nothing to offer. "I don't see how they can overcome that in either city, which means they have got a really tough choice because they have got to operate in this very legal gray area, risk seeing lots of fines on their hosts and on the company too or, if they were to right-size the platform in both markets and only have legal inventory, you are wiping out a lot of their profits and a lot of their revenue in two critical markets, especially New York," said Tusk. The food group has always fascinated Jim Cramer, and it became more heated with Mondelez 's bid for Hershey on Thursday. Food stocks are unique because they have almost no growth, yet continue to be loved by investors. That love can sometimes be tested by dramatic accelerations in the economy. The group snapped back on Thursday when candy maker Hershey rejected a bid by Mondelez International, a sign that Mondelez was attempting to create growth. Cramer explained that supermarket aisles are pretty much set in stone. So, unless companies buy one another and rationalize them by firing people and running the product through an already established distribution system, there isn't another way to grow. Instead, the goal is to spend their way into better supermarket real estate. "I've said that takeovers will be the backbone of the second half because of the lack of growth. Consider today a gun jump on that move, and a good one for the bulls at that," the "Mad Money" host said. Meanwhile, an informal survey of forum attendees showed about half expect the U.S. to see the best equity return at the end of the year, and almost 40 percent said emerging markets. That compared with a majority in favor of euro zone equities at the forum last year. There "will be Brexit," said Mike Ryan, chief investment strategist at UBS Wealth Management Americas. He was speaking with four other market pros on a macroeconomic panel Thursday at the UBS CIO Global Forum. Although Britons voted to leave the EU last Thursday, the official separation can't occur until a never-used Article 50 is triggered. Top investment strategists believe Brexit will take place, despite speculation of reversing the vote results, and that the U.K.'s separation from the EU won't be disruptive. The is up more than 2 percent for the year so far, while the German DAX is off nearly 10 percent and the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF is up more than 6 percent year to date. "What investors need to keep in mind is this is not a Lehman situation at all," Kristina Hooper, U.S. investment strategist at Allianz Global Investors, said at the forum. A drawn-out process for the British exit of the EU is a long one with potential for "thoughtful" negotiations. U.S. stocks have rallied in the last three days, recovering about three-quarters of their losses from the post-Brexit plunge. Part of those recent gains were supported by market chatter that, in the end, Britain would not actually leave the European Union. But Brexit, the first actual departure from an EU member, was the talk at this forum one week from date of the referendum. "I don't think it's going to be reversed," said Dawn Fitzpatrick, global head of equities, multiasset and O'Connor at UBS Asset Management. She said London-centric financial press hyped "ReBrexit" Wednesday, but that outcome was unlikely. London and Scotland voted overwhelmingly for remain, which won 48.1 percent. Leave was narrowly larger at 51.9 percent, but that was across a near-record 72.2 percent voter turnout. The high participation rate means the debate swirling around who will succeed David Cameron as the next UK prime minister probably won't reverse Brexit, several of the panelists said. "Whoever gets that job is going to [have] a thankless job. I don't think any British leader will make that decision without consulting the people," said David Kelly, chief global strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management. He expects leaders to most likely go through with Brexit without encouraging other EU members to leave. It's a "cautionary tale with the rest of Europe," he said. "Very fraught." British interior minister Theresa May, the bookmakers' favorite to become the next prime minister, said Thursday in a Reuters report there was no going back on Brexit, but divorce talks would not start until the end of the year. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has struck to a tough tone in her comments about the negotiations. "Whoever wants to leave this family can't expect to do away with all of its responsibilities while keeping the privileges," she said in a Reuters report Tuesday. The fifth member of the UBS panel was Rich Clarida, global strategic advisor at Pimco. He also agreed that Brexit was not likely reversible. While many people love to party, not everyone gets to do it for a living. Just a few short years ago, Irvin Benitez was a mortgage banker who, like most other professionals, had fun on the weekends after a long work-week. At a time when weekend daytime parties were prominent in New York City's social scene, Benitez noticed that the trend had yet to infiltrate his neighborhood in upper Manhattan. Disappointed in the lack of options, Benitez decided to start Brunch Bounce in 2012: a daytime party, but without bottle service and VIP sections. We add variety to the party scene with off center offerings in a non-pretentious, fun environment. The parties are roving and the music is curated, but relatively broad, Irvin Benitez founder, Brunch Bounce Initially, for Benitez and friends the new venture meant an alternative to nightlife and something to do on weekend afternoons. At the time, the group was hardly raking in the cash: Brunch Bounce's first party generated $97 in profit. By 2013, however, the events started gaining traction. That was the year Brunch Bounce saw 2,000 revelers surge into New York City's La Marina for a party. That turning point that proved Brunch Bounce had potential to become something bigger, Benitez told CNBC in a recent interview. Soon, the banker began to notice that his passion began where his weekdays ended. So armed with $50,000 in savings, he used that money as a parachute out of his cubicle into a life as a professional brunch party organizer. The group has now led groups to Miami, Atlantic City and, this fall, a party is planned in the Dominican Republic. "You have to try; life is short and you owe it to yourself to try to create the life that you want to live," Benitez said. Brunch Bounce dance party Source: Brunch Bounce "We add variety to the party scene with off center offerings in a non-pretentious, fun environment," Benitez told CNBC. "The parties are roving and the music is curated, but relatively broad. "So in one way or another we're looking to introduce you to something new or different, whether it's partying in a place you've never been to, or dancing to a great song you've maybe never heard," he added. In a four-year span, Brunch Bounce's production budget has skyrocketed from $150 up to $250,000, the company told CNBC. Still, as the company scaled, money matters remained a hurdle. "We had million dollar ideas, but not a million dollars to execute them," Benitez said. The last thing you want to do is look back fifteen years down the line, and know that you never went for what you were most passionate about. Irvin Benitez Brunch Bounce founder Brunch Bounce event at Verboten in Brooklyn, New York Source: Brunch Bounce That said, challenges did not seem to stop Brunch Bounce from testing its limitations. In 2014, Benitez partnered with other powerhouses to organize "The Greatest Day Ever!", a cross-genre music festival. The event sold out 7,000 tickets and in 2015 sold 6,000 tickets, due to the addition of a Ferris Wheel and other attractions. So what's his secret? The Brunch Bounce founder thinks that the key to succeeding is having a great team. "You don't have to know how to do everything, but connecting with talented people that understand your visionwho you can learn from and trustis important," he said. Brunch Bounce dance party Source: Brunch Bounce Baidu - often dubbed the Google of China - will eventually expand into the U.S. and Europe, the Chinese search giant's chief executive said on Friday, as the business looks to new areas such as driverless cars and finance. Speaking at the Viva Technology conference in Paris, Baidu CEO Robin Li, said expansion was definitely on the cards. "I think eventually we will go into Europe, U.S. and then many other places," Li said during an on-stage interview. "We are in a number of countries, but we need to find a new battleground. Search is maturing, and mobile is very different from desktop. We need to find ways to access this kind of new market." Maurice Levy, CEO of Publicis (L), interviews Robin Li, CEO of Baidu (R) at the Viva Technology conference in Paris on Friday, July 1. Arjun Kharpal | CNBC Baidu operates a search service in China on mobile and desktop. It dominates the search market in China and over 90 percent of its revenues come from advertising. So far, Baidu's international expansion efforts have focused on emerging markets, where the growth of mobile is exploding and internet connections are slowly improving. Baidu has operations in Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand. It does however operate in Japan too which is a more advanced mobile market. In each market, Baidu has focused on launching local-language versions of its search engine. And it has also looked to expand its footprint through other services. In Indonesia, Baidu has its own Android app store called MoboMarket. But Europe and the U.S. are two completely different beasts, dominated by U.S. search giant Google . Getting a foothold in these markets will be difficult given the prevalence of Google, particularly on mobile where its Android operating system is the dominant OS in both U.S. and Europe. On top of that, Baidu will have to deal with different regulation, which at times has been unfavorable to Chinese companies, particularly in the U.S. It's unclear what strategy Baidu might employ to expand into Europe or the U.S. So far, Baidu has invested in U.S. firms such as Uber and could use this to get a foothold in certain markets. Other Chinese internet behemoths have already started to expand into Europe - the U.S. E-commerce giant Alibaba for example hired country managers in Italy and the U.K. last year. And its payment service Alipay, has been building partnerships with European companies, to allow Chinese tourists abroad to use the app to pay for items. Alibaba has focused on allowing Chinese consumers to use its services abroad, or to help businesses sell into China. This is potentially something that Baidu could do. Baidu has a mapping service which currently will help Chinese tourists find local hotels or restaurants wherever they are, something Li said the company could expand on. "We will start from here and we will gradually expand into other areas," Li said. 'Will search still be relevant?' The highly fortified Crossmaglen police station is seen looming over the houses in the border village of Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland. Christopher Furlong | Getty Images The United Kingdom may be an island nation, but it has one, huge open border with the European Union. And closing it could cause very serious problems. The Republic of Ireland, which is an EU member state, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K., haven't been united for almost 100 years. In the past two decades though, the two have become intertwined in trade and culture. The U.K.'s exit from the EU could change this dramatically. New border controls threaten to undermine two decades of peace between former sectarian rivals, and dampen economies in both Irish regions. "There is fear in the north and in the south of Ireland that this is a step toward opening up an old wound that was healing wonderfully," said Peter Moloney, a visiting professor at Boston College, who studies the evolution of modern international governance. The current border runs more than 300 miles east to west, almost invisible between farms and rolling hills. Lines were stricter in the 1970s, as violence between Protestants and Catholics known as "Troubles" escalated. But even then, it was never an immigration border, Moloney said. It dealt primarily with custom and tariffs until 1973. The type of border that emerges post-Brexit will make a notable difference, he said. "The danger is if you bring back checkpoints, if you bring back military towers that have been diffused for 20 years, you're bringing back nightmares from the past that people thought they left behind," Moloney said. A main pillar of the "leave" campaign in the U.K. was claims that it is necessary to control immigrant flows into the country. But that would require the very type of borders that many Irish fear. The line between Ireland and Northern Ireland will now be the only land border between the United Kingdom and another EU country. If campaign promises are kept, it's about to become much less porous. There's not going to be this back door wide open. Martina Anderson Member of the European Parliament Martina Anderson, a member of the European Parliament for the Sinn Fein party, is still trying to prevent a Brexit despite the leave vote, and sees it as "live issue." She pointed out economic challenges in keeping the border as is. "Europe is not going to allow the free movement of goods and people into its territory without there being some sort of checks and balances," Anderson said. "There's not going to be this back door wide open." "There's 23,000 people cross the border every day to work or to study," she said. "Whatever border is erected would be problematic."Many of those students and workers looking to maintain dual access applied for passports in days following the Brexit vote. In London, the embassy received more than 4,000 passport requests, compared to the 200 a day it usually gets, Reuters reported this week. Anderson said Belfast is also at capacity with requests. "The increased interest clearly points to a sense of concern among some U.K. passport holders that the rights they enjoy as EU citizens are about to abruptly end," Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan said in a statement. He urged people to slow down, saying there's "absolutely no urgency for U.K. citizens, who may also be Irish citizens, in now applying for Irish passports." Passport to Dublin Those applying for passports could benefit from access to a potential new financial hub: Dublin. In the short term, Brexit may prop up the country's capital. Dublin is the last English-speaking capital in the EU, and London-based companies may be looking for a new place to call on the rest of continental Europe. "There's no uncertainty, about Ireland's position in the EU in the long run, and I think that will help the financial center," said David Kelly, chief global strategist at J.P. Morgan. Long-term however, things aren't looking so cheery. The United Kingdom is by far Ireland's most important trading partner, said Kelly, who is originally from Dublin but lives in New York. Fitch Ratings warned about the country's exposure this week, saying Ireland was among the countries most vulnerable to EU shocks because of changing trade relations with their neighbors. Ireland will have to work with other European partners to maintain any sort of free trade between itself and the U.K., especially when it comes to Northern Ireland. "The last thing they'll want to see is tariffs go up all over the place," Kelly said. "I think the government will do as much as they can to try and get a not-too-onerous deal for Britain." North of the border Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, is at risk from a move that the majority of people did not vote for. Fifty-six percent of citizens in Northern Ireland voted in the referendum to stay in the EU. The region will lose free trade with its southern neighbor and funding from the rest of the EU. "The North is going to be seen as the ugly duckling on the dance floor," Anderson said, adding that a key reason investors were drawn to Belfast in the past two decades was access to the 500 million customers in Europe. "It's as if nobody wants to dance with us, nobody wants to partner with us because there is that uncertainty with the direction of travel that the British government wants to take." Farmers' dilemma Toshiba Corp plans to write down its personal computer investment in China after the spinoff of its home-appliance division, as it aims to focus on more lucrative sectors, such as nuclear power and robotics. "Our PC business is not doing well, and it seems to be on a downward trend, so we are trying to narrow the business and focus on other sectors with high potential," Shiro Saito, corporate senior vice-president of the Tokyo-based company, told China Daily in Tianjin. Toshiba is cutting its PC workforce by about 900 people and its sales bases by more than half globally, and may sell its Hangzhou production base in China due to slumping business, according to earlier reports. But Saito denied that the firm was pulling out of PC production in China. "It's true that we are cutting costs, but we are keeping the PC factory in Hangzhou," he said on the sidelines of the Tianjin Summer Davos, a three-day economic forum that ended on Tuesday. The Japanese high-tech and energy giant is in talks with another two Japanese companies, Fujitsu Ltd and VAIO Corp, to merge their PC businesses. As China is on track to build nuclear power plants and hydropower projects to optimize its energy mix and leverage domestic experience for export, Saito, who is also general manager of Toshiba's technology division, said it will invest more in the power generation sector. In 2006, Toshiba acquired US-based Westinghouse Electric Co, which developed the third-generation AP1000 nuclear technology. However, Japan's nuclear industry has experienced sluggish growth since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Flagship AP1000 nuclear power plants are now under construction in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces. Toshiba is also eyeing China's robotics market, an industry with massive potential, as the country aims to triple its annual production of robots used in the manufacturing sector to 100,000 within five years. The Japanese company is developing chat-robots that are intelligent enough to answer questions over the phone, and plans to use the technologies in China's banking system. Luo Jun, CEO of the Asian Manufacturing Association, said robotics can be used in many sectors such as healthcare and education, and even in banking, as labor costs rise in China. "China is pushing for a shift from traditional production to industrial automation, so the market potential is just enormous," he said. Semiconductors account for 40 percent of the Japanese company's total revenue, followed by elevators, air conditioners, lighting and power generation and technology. Toshiba is also setting up a research and development center for air-condition control systems in Hangzhou. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. A truck carrying 20,000 pounds of cheese was reported stolen in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on Friday. Authorities confirm that the semi-truck was stolen from a parking lot storage area early in the morning. The truck contained an estimated $46,000 worth of cheese, according to a NBC affiliate. This isn't the first incident of stolen cheese in the area, however. A trailer of cheese was stolen in Germantown, 30 miles north of Oak Creek, earlier this year. In addition, police recovered stolen Parmesan cheese 120 miles north in Grand Chute. "The cheese pirates are back at it again," Vince Christian, of Wisconsin Cheese Mart, told an NBC26. "It's kind of crazy that cheese is now so valuable people are going off with entire trucks of it." Read the full report from NBC26. Flowserve , Pentair and Xylem are in the epicenter of the water business, proving filtration, irrigation, pumps, valves and other equipment. Cramer analyzed these three stocks to reveal which ones are worth investing in. "While I am concerned that the easy money has already been made in these two water utilities, there may be other ways to play the water business," the " Mad Money " host said. Both Aqua America and American Water have made a killing recently as municipalities privatize water systems to raise money, which means a different company will be on the hook for maintenance. The U.S. spends billions on water infrastructure every year, and Jim Cramer knows that money is going into someone's pocket. Flowserve has had a tough time with the price of oil plummeting, as it got a chunk of its revenue from commodities processing, specifically in oil and gas. Cramer noted that things seem to be improving based on the company's upbeat guidance in April. "Still, we really need to see oil and gas companies start fracking again before I would be willing to give this one my blessing, because the energy business is so important to them," Cramer said. Next up was Pentair, which was on fire this year after overhauling some of its core business. Last month the Wall Street Journal reported that Pentair was looking to sell or spin off its valves and controls business. This could allow investors to focus on stronger parts of the company, give the stock a lift and generate cash for the company. Finally there was Xylem, which has direct exposure to public water utilities. The two other companies are all about fluid handling, but the focus is more industrial and don't do as much work for municipal water systems. Cramer was most intrigued by the public water side of the story. Xylem has benefited from increasing urbanization and industrialization worldwide, especially in emerging markets. "If you are looking for beneficiaries from the water business, Xylem is the company that actually serves municipal water utilities that's the one I like, although ideally you should wait for a lower price," Cramer said. For investors looking for an industrial flow control play, Pentair was Cramer's pick over Flowserve, because it's cheaper and doing better. Ultimately Cramer was still impressed with Xylem because of the lack of oil and gas exposure. In Jim Cramer's perspective, this week was a harsh reminder to investors that panic is not an investment strategy. Unfortunately, investors may be put to the test again next week, ahead of the employment numbers on Friday. The stock market panicked on Monday after news of a Brexit. Monday was the seventh biggest day of redemptions in 10 years, even through the financial crisis and great recession. "I find the statistic infuriating because no matter how hard that I preach that nobody ever made a dime from panicking and selling on Monday was pure panic people just can't take it. They don't know what they own. They fear owning stocks. They don't' know how to stay put, let alone do some buying," the "Mad Money" host said. While stocks did bounce by the end of the week, Cramer says it might have been too good. For those who bought near the bottom, it could be time to take something off the table, he said. For those who haven't bought yet, they must wait. "I can't countenance coming in after a gigantic run right ahead of what might be a difficult earnings season," Cramer said. Cramer will be watching for Lloyds Bank , Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland , which were all at the center of the Brexit sell-off. He thinks that their bonds are doing well, and has his eye on Lloyds for speculation. An enormous store of helium discovered in Tanzania could relieve dwindling supplies of the rare gas, and help meet global demand for several years. "The estimated resource is in the order of 54 billion cubic feet. This is seven times the current global consumption," said Professor Chris Ballentine of Oxford University, one of the researchers working on the project. He told the New Scientist that previously known reserves will be depleted by 2030 to 2040. A man holds a string of helium balloons Mark Makela | Corbis | Getty Images The find, announced this week, could be the tip of the iceberg concerning helium reserves in Tanzania, as Josh Bluett of Helium One, an exploration firm also involved in the project said, "As we conduct further exploration work we will undoubtedly discover more prospects while converting known targets into productive reserves. We believe that resources well in excess of 200 billion cubic feet could exist." Not just used for novelty balloons, helium is important for a number of scientific applications. The recent Tanzanian find has the capacity to be used as a coolant in over one million MRI scanners, according to the scientists involved in the research. Eric Stahre, President & CEO of GE Healthcare MRI welcomed news of the find, saying to CNBC, "We are excited that a new helium resource will be available to the global market. Our helium supply is a strategic priority that we plan for in our business." Helium is also used to cool both the Large Hadron Collider and scientific instrumentation in space. Helium-neon lasers scan barcodes at supermarket checkouts, whilst a mixture of helium and oxygen is used by deep sea divers working in pressurized environments, according to the BBC. But the gas is notoriously hard to find and capture. watch now European stocks finished the session with solid gains on Friday as the recovery in global markets continued, despite uncertainties over the Brexit vote. The pan-European STOXX 600 closed up 0.7 percent in what had been a choppy session. Sectors were mostly higher, while tech and health care stocks showed signs of weakness. London's FTSE index closed higher by 1.1 percent provisionally. On the week, it gained over 7 percent, marking the best weekly percentage gain since December 2011. Markets have risen since Bank of England Governor Mark Carney gave a dovish speech on Thursday, saying the bank could deploy further stimulus this summer in light of last week's U.K. referendum result. Euro zone unemployment data for May came out on Friday, with the figure falling to 10.1 percent, down from April's 10.2 percent figure, according to Eurostat. WASHINGTON Attorney General Loretta Lynchfaced continuing questions Thursday related to an awkward encounter with former president Bill Clinton after the two crossed paths Monday at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport. Lynch, who will ultimately determine the outcome of an ongoing investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of private email server while secretary of state, was arriving in the city in advance of a community policing event as Clinton was departing when the former president relayed through a security detail that he would like to say hello. Lynch, during a later meeting with reporters, acknowledged the meeting with Bill Clinton but said there was no discussion of the investigation involving his wife, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, or the congressional report that examined her response to the deadly 2012 Benghazi attacks. Bill Clinton at the 2015 CGI Annual Meeting in New York. Adam Jeffery | CNBC I did see President Clinton at the Phoenix airport as I was leaving, and he spoke to myself and my husband on the plane,'' Lynch told reporters. "Our conversation was a great deal about his grandchildren. It was primarily social and about our travels.'' More from USA Today: GOP report: US failed to protect Americans in Benghazi Poll explores whether Americans know enough to pass citizenship test Odd battle: Presumptive GOP nominee Trump vs. Chamber of Commerce Lynch said the two also discussed Janet Reno, who served as attorney general during the Clinton administration, "but there was no discussion of any matter pending for the department or any matter pending for any other body.'' "There was no discussion of Benghazi, no discussion of the State Department emails, by way of example,'' she said. "I would say the current news of the day was the Brexit decision, and what that might mean. And again, the department's not involved in that or implicated in that.'' Asked whether the meeting created the appearance of a conflict, Lynch said the email inquiry is "being handled by career investigators and career agents who always follow facts and the law and do the same thorough and independent examination in this matter that they've done.'' The impromptu session, however, was drawing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. "It is an amazing thing,'' Trump told radio host Michael Gallagher. "They actually went on to the plane as I understand it. That's terrible. And it was really a sneak. It was really something that they didn't want publicized as I understand it ... I think it's so horrible." Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, first expressed his concern via Twitter, raising the issue that there could be a potential conflict of interest. "An attorney cannot represent two parties in a dispute and must avoid even the appearance of conflict,'' said the senator, who later issued a statement calling on Lynch to recuse herself from the email investigation and appoint a special counsel to oversee the inquiry. David Axelrod, a former political strategist for President Obama, also took to Twitter, saying that while he trusted that the two did not address the ongoing email inquiry, it was "foolish to create such optics.'' David Axelrod tweet The "medium- and long-term railway network plan" was approved during a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday in Beijing, which will boost railway network construction. According to the Shanghai Securities News, the executive meeting asked the plan to follow the development laws for railways, consider both economic and social benefits, extend the infrastructure networks of railways and build a comprehensive transportation system linked organically to highway, waterway and air transportation. Industry insiders said that to achieve these goals, China's investments in railway construction will have to be significant. In 2016, China will invest 800 billion yuan in fixed assets of railways, and in the next five years there will be 1.84 trillion yuan invested into China's rail transit construction. By the end of 2015, the length of railroad lines in service had reached 121,000 kilometers, 19,000 kilometers of which was high-speed rail. The State Council executive meeting pointed out that the density of China's railway is lower than developed countries and that the layout of railways is not perfect, especially in the central and western regions. Building railway networks will benefit other sectors of the economy, as it will stablize growth, restructure economy, increase effective investment and expand consumption. The meeting asked to cover the middle and western regions with normal-speed railways and optimize eastern networks and to construct a comprehensive transportation system with railway stations as its central component, which could be designed to connect directly with other transportation and cargo links. It also said that railways should cover all of China's 2,800 plus counties. Experts believed the financing for railways is nothing to worry about, as railway construction is an infrastructure project that benefits the nation and so the government will provide policy support. The national and local railway development funds will be one approach to raising money, while the public-private partnership model will be widely adopted. There's now a way to travel to billionaire Sir Richard Branson's exclusive Necker Island, for free. If you're lucky. The founder of the Virgin Group launched a treasure hunt in the U.K., as part of a campaign to promote his new app, that ends with a free trip to the island. The "V- Marks the Spot" campaign promotes the cross- company loyalty app called "Virgin Red". The company will leave physical coins around the U.K. When someone finds the coin, engraved with a code, they can type it into the Virgin Red app to unlock more clues. Coins are also digital, and some will appear on websites and throughout the app, according to Virgin's website. "The more coins you find, the more vaults you unlock," Branson said in a video on the company's site. "And the more vaults you unlock, the closer you get to Necker Island and that chest of treasure." TWEET The coins then unlock one of 12 vaults, four of which unlock a chance to win a trip to Necker Island in August. But vault winners don't automatically get the grand prize. Sixteen winners will fly on an "Upper Class" Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow to Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. They stay on the Branson Estate on Moskito Island, a short boat ride away from Necker Island. From there, another treasure hunt begins. Winners will hunt for a treasure chest alongside Branson, through a series of "mini challenges". Whoever finds the treasure first wins. The grand prize includes return flights to New York with Virgin Atlantic, wine from Virgin Wines, and free rail travel for one year. A protester holds a sign in Upper Senate Park during a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, to push for a raise to $15 an hour for the minimum wage. A draft of the Democratic party's platform released Friday fully endorses a $15 minimum wage, a victory for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who had made the issue a central point of his populist campaign. "Democrats believe that the current minimum wage is a starvation wage and must be increased to a living wage," according to the platform. "We believe that Americans should earn at least $15 an hour." While Sanders has called for a $15 minimum wage, Hillary Clinton the candidate who will presumably be nominated in Philadelphia alongside the approval of a party platform lists on her website that she supports raising the federal minimum wage to $12. However, her website also says Clinton supports going further than the federal minimum wage through state and local efforts. In an interview with the Washington Post earlier Friday, Sanders' top policy advisor Warren Gunnels praised the draft of the platform. "There are some very good initiatives in this platform that will create millions of jobs and rebuild the middle class," Gunnels told the publication. "This document is not perfect. We hope to improve it. But we're off to an excellent start, and we look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Clinton's campaign to make this the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party." Although Clinton was the clear winner of the Democratic primary, Sanders has so far declined to formally withdraw from the race or endorse her. He has made clear that advancing his progressive agenda onto the party's platform is a priority for his campaign, even as he admitted late last month, "it doesn't appear that I'm gonna be the nominee." The platform was approved by the Platform Drafting Committee, and now heads to the party's full Platform Committee for final approval at a meeting in Orlando, Florida, on July 8 and 9. The final document approved by the full Platform Committee will be presented for ratification at the Democratic National Convention, to be held in Philadelphia from July 25 to 28. Sanders has roughly 1,900 delegates headed to the convention, while Clinton has just over 2,800 according to NBC News. Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders at a rally in Washington, D.C. Tom Williams | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images For the past 44 years, Chuck Jones has been a consistent voter for Democrats. But this election cycle, the president of United Steelworkers Local 1999 is having a hard time getting excited about the party's presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton. His Indianapolis-based union endorsed Bernie Sanders in the run-up to the Indiana Democratic primary, but now that the Vermont senator has all but dropped out, Jones said the choice between Clinton and Republican Donald Trump is like "trying to choose the better of two evils." Citing Clinton's mixed record on trade deals, Jones said he was not sure if he could trust the former secretary of state, but on the other hand he said Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump presents an even worse choice. "He's trying to appeal to the working class people, and he's full of [expletive]," Jones said. "Probably what I'll do, I'll probably hold my nose and I'll vote Hillary." In an unusual election cycle, trade has emerged front and center in recent days as Trump tries to appeal to working class voters by promising to renegotiate free trade deals and pull the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership before it is ratified. The New York businessman has also specifically reached out to supporters of Sanders, who was a favorite among progressive Democrats and many union members. "There is one thing that Bernie Sanders and I are in complete accord with, and that's trade," Trump said at a Wednesday rally in Maine. "He said we're being ripped off, I say we're being ripped off. I've been saying it for years, he's been saying it for years." watch now Jones is certainly not alone in his ambivalence toward Clinton. Spurred by distrust of Clinton's seemingly wavering stance on free trade, some labor leaders embraced Sanders and have cautioned Clinton cannot take the labor vote for granted. However, with Sanders now all but out of the race, they say there is small chance Trump draws significant support away from Clinton in the general election. Rand Wilson, a coordinator of Labor for Bernie, a network of roughly 50,000 members, said he is confident most union members will do everything they can to defeat Trump, but that Trump's play for Sanders' supporters was "brilliant." "Trump is no friend of the working person. I think that's been well articulated by just about every labor leader in the country," Wilson said. "But if the Democrats don't wake up on trade, it's kind of like the Brexit vote. This phenomenon is not unique to the United States, and people are going to vote because they're pissed off and fed up." According to the Clinton campaign, at most recent count there were more than 30 national and international unions that had endorsed her. Clinton has drawn strong support from many unions, but her primary opponent Sanders also drew a fair share of union endorsements to his insurgent campaign. During the primaries, she was being hit from the left on trade by Senator Sanders and that was a significant reason why he did so well. And now, unprecedentedly, she's being challenged again on trade, [for] which the Republican is usually an unabashed free-trader. Philip Dine author of "State of the Unions" Seven countries in 25 days with a 16-month child. That was the harrowing journey over land and sea to escape Syria's brutal civil war that one young couple shared with me last month at a refugee center in Berlin. Their child, no older than my own, lay asleep behind them in a small and sparse room. The man was a mechanic in Syria; all he wanted now was to get a job. Through such interactions, as the Department of State's Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, I have become convinced of the crucial role that the private sector can play in tackling the global refugee crisis. That is why instead of sitting down again in a refugee center on World Refugee Day last week, I sat down in a boardroom to hear firsthand from U.S. companies that are hiring refugees and from refugees who are pooling their talents into our economy on the challenges and the opportunities that they have encountered. I am not the only one who sees a clear role for the private sector. The White House this week issued a formal Call to Action for U.S. firms to make "new, measurable, and significant commitments that will have a long-term, sustainable impact on refugees residing in countries on the frontlines of this crisis and in countries of resettlement, like the United States." The Call to Action flows from the Obama administration's ongoing leadership in response to the human tragedy of 20 million refugees being scattered across the globe today. Since the start of the Syrian conflict that has displaced 4.5 million people, the administration has provided over $5 billion in humanitarian aid. On Sept. 20, President Obama will host a summit of world leaders on the refugee crisis to secure increased pledges for aid; measures to help refugees become contributing members of their host communities, including getting one million adults the legal right to work; and a greater intake of refugees through resettlement and work programs. A crisis of this scale simply cannot be solved by one or many governments alone. The private sector has a crucial role to play driven not just by beneficence but by dividends. That is because many refugees like the mechanic I met have hard skills and can have a significant positive impact once they are economically integrated in their host economies. According to Upwardly Global an organization focused on helping refugees build careers approximately half of the adult refugees arriving in the United States have a college education; many others have technical skills and expertise. Some companies in the United States are already actively tapping this potential. Nearly 30 percent of the workforce of Chobani, a leading yogurt company, consists of refugees resettled in the United States. Yet the hiring process can be fraught and risks, in the words of one refugee, considerable "brain waste." During the roundtable I participated in on World Refugee Day, I heard firsthand from individuals who had been accountants, journalists, and engineers in their home countries and who struggled against the odds to have their skills and potential ultimately recognized by U.S. employers to mutual benefit. For one accountant from Ethopia, the challenge was to get U.S. companies to recognize his foreign degree. After submitting over 1,000 resumes, he enrolled in Strayer University to obtain key certifications and was hired by an insurance company. For a financial analyst from Sudan, the question was, quite simply, should she settle. Fortuitously, when her resume was sent to an employer at the World Bank for consideration as a nanny, the employer focused instead on her hard skills and potential and hired her as an analyst after a competitive selection process. For a journalist from Iraq, his inability to get short-term apprenticeships to gain U.S. work experience compelled him to pay employers for such an opportunity. He now works at a foundation dedicated to countering ISIS's narrative of extremism online. The experiences of these individuals indicates the potential for U.S. companies to reap real talent to do well and to do good by taking a broader view of employing refugees. As the White House Call to Action outlines, there are a variety of avenues through which companies can engage beyond hiring refugees. These span providing vocational training and apprenticeships to extending technical assistance and seed funding to refugees to allow them to start new businesses; prioritizing the procurement of goods and services from refugee-run businesses to enabling access to key financial services. As part of the Call to Action, Accenture has also set up an online platform that can serve as a key resource and clearinghouse for U.S. firms that are interested in engaging further. In short, U.S. firms can be important enablers for refugees to create value at home, and abroad. During my visit to the refugee center in Germany, for example, I was struck by the number of children with smart phones and tablets in their hands and their access to internet-enabled desktops desktops donated by Microsoft. Tremendous potential exists to connect this younger generation to the digital economy, providing an independent livelihood and relieving some of the stresses that surround local labor markets. To be sure, a conceptual shift is required in thinking of refugees as economic contributors and not just in need of assistance and counsel. It is a shift I know well and recently attested to in a video released by the Department of State on World Refugee Day. Given my family's experience fleeing mob violence during the bloody partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, I have felt a responsibility to work for refugees and asylum seekers as an interpreter and attorney. Yet it was only on being asked to counsel a bright young Ethiopian female lawyer through a resettlement program of the International Rescue Committee that my lens expanded beyond what a refugee needed to what he or she could offer. Similarly, during my time at the State Department, I have met with executives from many companies and have been impressed by the breadth of their efforts to support refugees and incorporate them in their firms. In recognition of the clear economic and social value of such efforts, the 2016 Awards for Corporate Excellence that will be given by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry later this year will include a new category on inclusive hiring practices, notably the hiring of refugees. On World Refugee Day, I had the opportunity to meet with some of these visionary employers. In the wake of the White House Call to Action, I hope even more will consider joining the ranks. There is at least one father, husband, and mechanic out there who is counting on it. watch now The rapid switch in financial markets from absolute fear over the U.K. referendum to cautious acceptance suggests volatility could stay high, as investors await Friday's June employment report. The U.S. economy is expected to have added 180,000 jobs in June, up from the shockingly low 38,000 reported for May. Some economists are treating the May report as an inexplicable anomaly, but traders are watching to make sure it was not signaling that the labor market has weakened. Markets will seriously kick off the third quarter in the coming week, after the three-day Fourth of July weekend. The holiday may serve as a cooling off period after the went on a rapid roller coaster ride in recent sessions. The S&P shed 5.3 percent between last Friday and Monday, after the U.K. stunned the world and voted itself out of the European Union. Uncertainty around that event lingers, but the market rebounded, and the S&P recovered most losses. The S&P 500 ended the week 3.2 percent higher at 2,102, its best weekly gain since November. "Now cooler heads prevail. I was scared to death telling clients to buy last Friday morning, but we had a very high conviction it was the right thing to do, simply because what we saw led us to believe that even with the surprise outcome, investors were completely over-hedged for the situation," said Julian Emanuel, equity and derivatives strategist at UBS. He noted that the over hedging is apparent in the more than 40 percent decline in the VIX, the CBOE Volatility Index, this past week. "Market volatility does not necessarily mean down," he said, adding that "we think the bias is higher into year end." The U.K. referendum led to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, who will step aside when a replacement is named in September. The next prime minister will be the one to trigger the formal proceedings for the U.K. to leave the EU, and at that point, Brexit could return as a key event for markets toward the end of the third quarter. The outcome is likely to be more easing by the Bank of England and possibly the European Central Bank. Futures markets moved to price out expectations of a Fed rate hike this year, or even next, based on the global uncertainty around the U.K. situation. Economists expect a slight impact on U.S. growth, but a recession in the U.K. and slower growth in Europe as a result of the so-called Brexit. That is one reason why buying in the Treasury market accelerated this past week, taking yields on both the 10-year and 30-year bond below their all-time closing lows on Friday. U.S. yields fell in a global flight to quality trade, and as investors found U.S. debt more attractive than negative and low-yielding debt in Europe and Japan. The third quarter is also a time when the U.S. election will come to the forefront for markets, and that could bring its own volatility. "What we saw in the last week, we could envision happening three or four times before the election. This is a year where there's a lot of uncertainty. The international situation is not going to resolve itself any time soon," said UBS' Emanuel. "You still have a political void in the U.K. that's at least a couple months away from getting filled. There's going to be lots of fluctuations. In the U.S., it would probably be improper not to expect volatility leading up to the conventions and coming out of the conventions." The Republican convention starts July 18, and the Democratic convention is a week later. Analysts say the market could be volatile around the conventions, since they often give their respective candidates a bump in the polls. Wall Street widely expects Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the presidential race, so if Republican Donald Trump comes out of the convention stronger, the markets are likely to react. "If that gap narrows, that creates volatility, because I think markets will be more comfortable with a Clinton presidency than a Trump presidency," said John Canally, strategist and economist at LPL Financial. Emanuel expects the market volatility to lead to a higher market, with the S&P at 2,175 by year end. He studied market responses when voters were restless and wanted candidates who represent change, such as when Ronald Reagan was elected. "The voters want change. We're not talking about policy change. We're talking about a businessman with no political experience or the first woman president, so there's going to be change," said Emanuel. "When you look at all those change election years, once the electorate was comfortable with their ultimate selection, the year following the vote was quite positive," he said, noting those years have been positive for technology. Emanuel said that low Treasury yields are also signaling a positive period for stocks, if market behavior since the financial crisis is a guide. In that period, a drop in the 10-year yield to where it is 50 basis points lower than the S&P 500 dividend yield has been positive for stock market returns. The dividend yield is now 2.18 on the S&P 500, and the 10-year was yielding 1.44 percent Friday. "The six-month average return when the S&P 500 dividend yield was greater than 50 basis points over the 10-year yield is 13.8 percent, and 12 month is 28.4," he said. Emanuel said he looked at rolling returns, and notes there were several such periods since the financial crisis. Besides the jobs report Friday, there are a number of key releases next week, including the FOMC minutes from its last meeting and the ADP payrolls report, released Thursday instead of Wednesday because of the Monday holiday. Just a week has passed since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union (EU) and Scotland has wasted no time or effort in telling the EU that it wants to remain a part of the bloc. But analysts say that Scotland's path back towards the EU won't be quick or easy. In the referendum on EU membership last Thursday, a majority in England voted to leave the EU but a majority in Scotland voted to remain. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was quick to leap on the result, announcing that the will of the Scottish people was to stay in the EU and in order to do so, a second independence referendum was now firmly "on the table." The result sent a shockwave through the British political establishment because it signaled that not only had the U.K. voted to leave the EU but that its own identity as a single entity was now threatened. Analysts now believe that at least a partial break-up of the U.K. is a distinct possibility predicting another independence vote in 2019 around the time the U.K.'s process of withdrawal from the EU could be completed -- and that if Scotland becomes independent, it will apply to re-join the EU. Duncan Thomson, Brian McCutcheon, John Patterson and Arthur Murdoch,from King of Scots Robert the Bruce Society, hold the Scottish flags as they prepare to vote in the Scottish independence referendum on September 14, 2014 in Loch Lomond. Getty Images There are obstacles along the way, however, with a protracted entry process to the EU and issues surrounding the adoption of another currency such as the euro, monetary policy and a "hard border" with England all having to be addressed. How times change During the Scottish independence referendum campaign of 2014, the EU sided with Westminster in as much as it tried to deter Scottish voters from opting for independence, saying that there was no guarantee it would be able to join the EU and even then, that an independent Scotland would need to go through the usual procedures for a new state to join the EU if it wished to do so. After the Brexit vote, however, analysts think the EU's approach to Scotland could "soften" and it could be granted an "accelerated entry" into the EU as an independent country. The process of joining can be drawn out, with J.P. Morgan Economist Malcolm Barr noting this week that it can take five to seven years and unanimous agreement among the member states over entry qualification, although there is a possibility that if Scotland were to become independent and then re-apply to join the EU, the process could be quicker, Barr noted. "The signal being sent from the rest of the EU last time around was that Scotland joining the EU would not be an accelerated process, given that a number of countries were and still are struggling to manage regional pressures of their own. In the wake of the rest of the U.K.'s decision to leave the EU, however, we expect the EU's position to soften," he said in a note Thursday. "Though difficult issues will remain to be dealt with, we expect the EU to signal that the process will be accelerated as much as possible should Scotland become independent and wish to join." Euros and borders While Scotland might have to wait years before it can become independent and even join the EU, other thorny issues such as currency and borders would need to be addressed. J.P. Morgan's Barr said that if Scotland was afforded access to the EU and that free movement of individuals between the EU and Scotland was retained, "a by-product would be the need for a 'hard' border between England and Scotland, so that flows of individuals between the two nations could be controlled." Another issue would be the eventual adoption of the euro, Barr noted. "All countries joining the EU since Maastricht have a treaty obligation to join the euro at some point. In the Scottish case, we would expect the same. But this legal requirement does not come with any predetermined timescale (so) Scotland could avoid being forced to adopt the euro and the single monetary policy that comes with it for many years." However, it was highly unlikely that Scotland would be able to continue to use the pound sterling as its currency on an ongoing basis, he said. "As an independent country it would have no claim on influencing the Bank of England's monetary policy, and no access to a stock of sterling reserves large enough to underpin a lender of last resort facility for its financial sector." As a result, "independence would likely come with the need to create a new currency for Scotland, and an independent monetary policy. That raises big challenges of implementation," he said. "Given at least some shared interest both in England and the rest of the EU, in establishing stability in Scotland post-independence (it would still be a big market for English firms) we could imagine a framework where both the ECB and the Bank of England made some small portion of their reserves available to assist in the management of the new currency upon its launch." The Madrid factor Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has emerged as the leading candidate to serve as presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump's running mate, taking a narrow lead in the veepstakes race over New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. In addition to creating the most oft-married (six times) ticket in presidential history, Gingrich would present some stiff challenges for Trump as well as offer a few advantages. On the plus side, Gingrich is whip smart and has a deep familiarity with public policy that would serve him well on the vice presidential debate stage. Gingrich's wonkiness would provide a welcome counterpoint to Trump's more, shall we say, ad hoc approach to the nuances of policies from taxes to immigration to foreign affairs. Gingrich has the kind of "electric" personality that Trump clearly prefers and generally thrills conservative audiences with his frequent appearances on television. The former speaker would be a rabid attack dog against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, wasting no opportunity to savage her over the Benghazi attack, the email probe, the Clinton Foundation and the entire menu of Clinton family imbroglios that dominate the hashtag fever dreams of the hard right. Gingrich on the ticket might also convince some wavering establishment Republicans (and mega-donors like Sheldon Adelson) to at least give Trump a second look. One could imagine these Republicans thinking that "sure Trump has no idea what he's doing but we can count on Newt to steer him the right way." But then there are the negatives, and they are considerable. Much of America can't stand Gingrich and they despised his tenure on Capitol Hill. When he quit his presidential campaign in 2012 after a brief moment as the front-runner, Gingrich was the most disliked politician in America. A Gallup poll at the time found that 63 percent of Americans had a unfavorable view of him to just 25 percent who saw him a positive light. Millennials are essential to winning the upcoming presidential election. So Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump: If you're listening, here's what it's going to take. I'm no political expert. But I'm an expert on millennials and millennials hold the keys to the White House. If you have any doubt about how important young voters are, just ask Mitt Romney. In 2012, young voters were decisively in favor of Barack Obama, giving him a keen advantage over his opponent. This year, millennials came out in droves for Bernie Sanders, proving that if you're speaking the right language, young voters are willing to get involved in the political system. Millennials aren't apathetic narcissists who refuse to vote. We're the largest generation in American historya necessary demographic to win if you hope to live on Pennsylvania Avenue. Regardless of demographics, Clinton and Trump are both facing an uphill battle to the White House. If they want to start gaining ground, particularly among America's youngest votersand believe me they dothen they better get moving. I'll offer four recommendations, in case their campaign managers are reading: ALBANY Teams from Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Oneonta, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) won MWBE awards and prize money in the 7th annual New York Business Plan Competition. Women and minorities made up the majority of students on the winning teams, which secured the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Awards, according to a SUNY Poly news release. MWBE is a designation that refers to a business with more than half of its ownership stake belonging to women or minorities. SUNY Poly honored the MWBE award recipients June 27. The award winners had competed in the event held April 29 at SUNY Polys Albany NanoTech Complex. Dual:Lock, led by student Timothy Oh from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, won the competitions $100,000 grand prize. The MWBE award winners will each share a portion of the $10,000 award that competition title sponsor SEFCU made possible, according to the SUNY Poly release. I saw first-hand the strength of the plans put forth by these MWBE contestants. If our state is going to continue to succeed, we must ensure that companies built on diversity are given the funding and support needed to thrive, Michael Castellana, president and CEO of SEFCU, said. MWBE award winners The MWBE award winners included Underground Greens, which is led by a student from Mohawk Valley Community College. It earned third place in the competitions NYSERDA energy/sustainability track. Underground Greens pitched a specialty plant and produce retail operation that will grow fresh, nutritious, chemical free, non-GMO plants and produce. GMO is short for genetically modified organisms. The products will be available online for local pickup or delivery, utilizing a soil-based, indoor, subterranean, vertical growing system. The company also utilizes field and greenhouse crops, with a plan to offer bi-monthly community workshops to promote growing and eating non-GMO, organic produce and plants. Another MWBE award recipient, Travelsee, is a team of students from SUNY Oneonta. It pitched a mobile phone app that helps users find and share experiences at places such as museums. The app user can utilize key words combined with their location, which GPS enables, to provide a social space for more relevant, real-time interaction. The third MWBE award recipient, SUNY Polys Kid Sentry, shared a business plan for a small, wearable device that a user can place on childrens clothing. It communicates with a parents cell phone to alert them if their child has left a designated area. The technology also allows parents to monitor their childrens sun (UV) exposure. Kid Sentry won both an MWBE award along with the Peoples Choice award in the nanotechnology/advanced technology track during the competitions final event, according to SUNY Poly. About the MWBE award SUNY Poly and SEFCU sought to recognize three MWBE teams that successfully took part in the 2016 New York Business Plan Competition due to the significant involvement and success of MWBE student-led teams from around New York. Judges selected the three teams for the MWBE Awards as they met the criteria as MWBE-eligible; received high scores based on those generated by a panel of judges; and didnt place first or second in the competition, as those teams had already won cash prizes of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. In the final round of competition, 51 of the 82 teams participating (and 27 out of the 36 finalists) were women and minority teams eligible for MWBE status in New York. SUNY Poly had also previously announced that it plans to assist each interested team with applying for an official New York State Minority and Womens Business Enterprise designation. In addition, the New York Business Plan Competition plans to formally introduce MWBE awards beginning next year to maximize business opportunities for people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Student-led teams that competed in the New York Business Plan Competition pitched business plans in a variety of categories related to the states 21st Century economy, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and clean energy, among others. A panel of national venture capitalists, angel investors, and investment bankers selected the winning teams and offered feedback for each team that took part in the competition. SUNY Poly, the University at Albanys School of Business, and Syracuse University presented the competition. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Authorities have announced the cause of death in a case that has stirred a public outcry and issued arrest warrants for two police officers suspected of negligence. An independent autopsy found that Lei Yang, 29, apparently choked to death on his vomit shortly after being taken into police custody, the Beijing People's Procuratorate said in a statement on Thursday. The prosecutors also said arrest warrants had been issued for two officers from Dongxiaokou police station in Changping district on suspicion of negligence and misconduct, saying they acted improperly during Lei's arrest. The officers, identified as the station's deputy director, surnamed Xing, and an auxiliary officer surnamed Zhou, are also accused of interfering with the investigation into Lei's death. The findings came almost two months after Lei died about an hour after being detained on suspicion of soliciting prostitution. According to police statements, Lei was stopped outside a foot massage salon at 9:14 pm on May 7. He refused to cooperate with the officers and was handcuffed after attempting to escape. At 10:05 pm, he was taken to a hospital after appearing to be unwell in a police car, and he was pronounced dead at 10:55 pm. Police said earlier that Lei died of a heart attack. His wife, who did not wish to be named, challenged those statements and suspected police of wrongdoing. She asked that prosecutors investigate the officers' version of events and requested a third-party autopsy on her husband. Lei's case has attracted huge public attention. A search for "Lei Yang" on Baidu, China's search engine, on Thursday generated 7.9 million results. Chen Youxi, the family's lawyer, praised prosecutors' work, saying the family's main question in the case, the cause of death, had been answered. "Lei was simply walking down the street when he was stopped by the police officers. He had not been drinking alcohol. That he choked on his own vomit could have happened if he had undergone external attacks," Chen said. However, he also called for more detailed information and further investigation into the case. SYRACUSE, N.Y. Cowboys Saloon American Bar & Grill on Friday begins a month-long job fair seeking new staff for its upcoming restaurant in Destiny USA in Syracuse. The job fair continues July 1st through opening day, according to a news release the company issued Thursday. Cowboys Saloon plans to open in mid-August, the company said in an email response to a BJNN inquiry. Cowboys Saloon refers to the job fair as a casting call for bartenders, servers, bussers, security, cooks, bull operators, and dance instructors. Applicants should send resumes to gmsyracuse@cowboyssaloon.com. Restaurant officials will conduct interviews onsite at its Destiny USA location. The western-themed bar & grill will operate in a 14,000-square-foot venue in the malls Canyon area. Cowboys Saloon will take over the space that Toby Keiths I Love This Bar & Grill previously occupied. BG Capital Group chairman Bobby Genovese and Cowboys Saloon founder Anthony Perera jointly own Cowboys Saloon American Bar & Grill, according to Destiny USA. Syracuse will be the 7th Cowboys Saloon location and its first in New York. Additional sites include Phoenix, Arizona; along with Gainesville, Ocala, and Davie, Florida. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Photo credit: Police photo A former project manager with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is facing charges he operated an elaborate contractor-fraud scheme while employed by the state. New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Thursday announced the felony indictment of David Comenale, 51, of New York Mills. Comenale on Thursday was arraigned in Oneida County Court on two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, both felonies, according to a news release from Leahy Scotts office. Comenale is due back in Oneida County Court July 20. The investigation Leahy Scotts two-year investigation found Comenale used his position as DEC project manager to implement a complex scheme. Comenale oversaw various projects across New York, the inspector generals office said. The alleged arrangement involved securing and dispensing funds purportedly meant for a construction project on Staten Island by siphoning the money into shell companies he controlled. Comenale ran the scheme in 2013 by borrowing $62,500 from Midlantic Environmental, Inc. of New Hartford, an asbestos-abatement company with which he routinely worked, according to the release. He had indicated plans to use the borrowed funding to pay for electrical work at the Cardinal OConnor Lighthouse on Staten Island and that the state would reimburse Midlantic through another contractor that the DEC routinely used for projects. The probe found that Comenale directed $21,000 of the borrowed money to the electrical work at the Staten Island job site, while he siphoned much of the rest through several companies that he either controlled or owned. Comenale never used the money for a DEC project, according to Leahy Scotts office. The probe also found that in 2014, Comenale used another contractor he routinely worked with for DEC projects to steal about $26,000 through a fraudulent loan scheme involving Adirondack Bank. The contractor took out the loan and immediately turned over the loan proceeds to Comenale through a separate company that Comenale controlled. The DEC fired Comenale earlier this year in the wake of the investigation, according to the release. This defendant used his position overseeing projects for the state to conjure a series of elaborate and complex financial frauds, ultimately enriching himself and violating the trust of the public he was supposed to be serving, Leahy Scott said. I will relentlessly pursue anyone who uses their public position and authority for fraudulent self-entitlement. Government employees must not use their positions as trusted public servants to take advantage of companies, Schneiderman added in the release. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com The cover of the catalog featured images of a plaster cast of the 1804 dollar, including its edge. The edge photograph was innovative for the time. The cover of the catalog featured images of a plaster cast of the 1804 dollar. Cracks seen on the enlarged obverse were from the plaster model used for photography and are not die cracks on the coin. The Dexter specimen of the 1804 Draped Bust dollar is one of the most famous U.S. coins. The 1884 Weyl auction catalog first portraying the coin for a European auction is just about as rare as the 1804 dollars. Prominent coin dealer Adolph Weyl held his 46th auction in Berlin, beginning on Oct. 13, 1884, and concluding the following day. Although the sale mainly featured world coins, lots 94 to 387 were United States issues, including the first European auction appearance of an 1804 Draped Bust dollar, in lot 159. The lot was purchased by the Chapman brothers (Henry and Samuel H.) for a low price of $216 and sold by them to Colorado collector James Vila Dexter for a staggering $1,000 the following year. The huge profit the Chapmans realized and the mysterious origin of the coin caused Dexter to become suspicious of its authenticity. He filed suit against the Chapman brothers for fraudulently selling the coin, which he believed to be a recent restrike, and was only mollified after a prolonged legal scuffle, when affidavits of authenticity signed by various Mint officials convinced him the coin was genuine. Misconceptions about the sale have dogged numismatic researchers for the last 130 years. Connect with Coin World: Although the events surrounding the first appearance of the Dexter dollar are well-known to numismatists today, the controversial Weyl catalog is extremely rare and few collectors have ever actually seen an example. Coauthor David Stone reports: I recently had the pleasure of meeting D. Brent Pogue, the current owner of the Dexter dollar, along with some of his friends and family, while they were discussing authentication of 1804 dollars with Heritage Auctions President Greg Rohan. Greg has handled as many 1804 dollars as anyone in the business, and Brent Pogue is one of the few collectors to ever own two examples of the 1804 dollar, so the conversation was at a pretty high level. As the Dexter dollar affair is one of the most famous instances in history of a coin that was widely condemned as a fake and later determined to be genuine, I asked Brent if he had ever seen a copy of the Weyl catalog which had caused all the controversy. He replied that he had not, but had seen copies of the cover, with the famous plate of the 1804 dollar glued to the page below the auction date. We examined the copy of the catalog from my library, noting that the illustration depicts a coin with no apparent toning and flat, lifeless surfaces, nothing like the vivid, reflective surfaces of the Dexter dollar. The plate also shows a number of die cracks that do not appear on the actual coin. It is easy to see why contemporary numismatists had doubts about the mysterious European pedigree of this piece. In the November 1884 issue of his house-organ, Numisma, Eduard Frossard reported the sale of the 1804 dollar and noted that photographs of the coin had been extensively circulated in this country. Indeed, it seems that the plates were more common than the actual catalog, as very few examples of the printed catalog have turned up over the years, at least on this side of the Atlantic. Since the catalog was printed entirely in German, Weyl may have thought widespread distribution in this country would be nonproductive, and settled for sending out just the plate unless the catalog was specifically requested. Numismatic literature specialist Dan Hamelberg informed us that Kolbe & Fanning sold an example of one of these plates in lot 1572 of their Auction #121 and P. Scott Rubin has a copy of the Weyl catalog containing an extra plate that may (or may not) have originally been one of the widely circulated photographs that Frossard mentioned. The Weyl plate is one of the few images we have of the Dexter dollar before its eccentric owner stamped a tiny letter D on one of the clouds on the reverse, in order to identify the coin if it was lost or stolen. George Kolbe described the photograph as: Approximately 5 by 10 cm. 1 fine Lichtdruck illustration printed on thin stock, depicting the obverse, a portion of the edge lettering, and the reverse of an 1804 United States silver dollar. Near fine Collotype or Lichtdruck illustrations, while of excellent quality, are photographically printed from plaster casts and, though the quality of detail is excellent, toning or proof surfaces are not apparent. Frossard later told Dexter that the coin in the Chapmans auction was a restrike, adding considerably to Dexters concerns about his purchase. No copy of the Weyl catalog was available to Eric P. Newman and Ken Bressett when they published their landmark study, The Fantastic 1804 Dollar, in 1962. On page 92 of that remarkable work, they theorized that the Chapman brothers had laundered the coin through the Weyl auction, sending him an electrotype of the coin to photograph for the catalog, while really holding the actual coin in this country and authorizing him to outbid any other bidders at the sale on their behalf. The question of why no modern researcher had ever bothered to compare the Weyl plate to the actual coin continued to trouble Newman, however. He soon found that the catalog was virtually unobtainable. After a five-year search, he finally located a copy in the Austrian National Numismatic Collection in Vienna. After studying the image, he concluded that the coin in the picture was really the Dexter dollar, and not an electrotype after all. The extra die cracks in the image were actually thin cracks in the plaster cast used for the photograph, not on the surface of the coin, and the picture shows some diagnostic marks that conclusively identify the Dexter dollar. He also concluded that Weyl must have had the actual coin to photograph, as he felt the picture of the edge lettering could not be reproduced from an electrotype or plaster cast. Rubin suggests Weyl may have photographed the edge lettering of the coin to explicitly show that it was not a plain edge restrike from 1858 and did not have the seam on the side one might expect from an electrotype. This illustration is the earliest example of a photographic image of the edge lettering on any coin we are aware of, but it is possible that some earlier plates exist. Newman published his findings in the March 1970 issue of The Numismatist. Recently, Mark Ferguson located copies of the Chapmans correspondence with Weyl in the library of the American Numismatic Society that indicate the entire transaction was legitimate and there was no collusion between Weyl and the Chapman brothers (see The Dollar of 1804/The U.S. Mints Hidden Secret, 2014). While there may be some small room for doubt about the Chapmans motivation for copying these letters, they are the best evidence anyone has presented yet concerning this transaction and are quite convincing. The Lichtdruck Plate The question of why Weyl used such an unattractive photograph of the Dexter dollar has puzzled researchers for many years, but Lichtdruck photography was both popular and widespread with European catalogers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The reason for this popularity was long not understood, but new research into the techniques of coin photography from the period reveals that, at the time, directly photographing coins and medals created problems in dealing with the reflectivity of the surface of the metal. An article in the Jan. 10, 1908, issue of The British Journal of Photography, titled Some Observations on Illusions in Relief Visual and Photographic, relates that, where the best possible visual result was required, a plaster cast was made of the coin and then photographed in the coins place; this with a view to obtaining pictures free from the unpleasing variations of reflection or glance that usually characterise direct photographs of highly burnished metallic surfaces. Making a plaster cast of a coin was rather simple, but was more time consuming and costly than photographing the coin directly; the two-stage process required the casting of an intaglio copy (sometimes called a negative) and then using that to make the coin-like relief cast. However, the added expense was outweighed by the perceived improvement of the photographic result. The image of the Dexter dollar on the cover of the Weyl catalog illustrates the lack of reflection and precision of detail which this technique produced. European coin catalogs, particularly those of ancient coins, were often plated with high-quality plaster casts well into the 20th century. Why this practice never caught on in America and with modern coins is not fully understood, but it is possible that American catalogers were either better able to manipulate the natural reflection of metal coins the quality of the plates in Edward Cogans 1869 Mortimer MacKenzie catalog would stand as evidence of this or simply disliked the matte-like appearance of plaster. During this era, European coiners developed and perfected the matte finish for coins and medals that was widely appreciated in the Old World for its sculptural and artistic appearance, but cordially hated in America. Weyl and other European catalogers may have believed catalog-plated coins were more attractive with the similarly flat, matte-like appearance that is typical of Lichtdruck photography, while American catalogers preferred a more authentic representation. Rarity of the Catalog That a truly great collector like D. Brent Pogue had never seen a copy of the Weyl catalog is some indication of its rarity. There was no copy in the libraries of Harry Bass, John Ford or Armand Champa, and there is no example in the ANS Library. George Kolbe, perhaps the foremost dealer of numismatic literature in the 20th century, was in business for 27 years before he handled an example. He reported he had half-serious doubts about its very existence before a copy surfaced in lot 370 of his Fourteenth Annual Joint Kolbe-Spink Auction of Dec. 9, 1995. Kolbe noted this copy was originally part of a bound volume of period European sales from the library of the Antiquarian and Numismatic Society of Montreal and, quite likely, it was originally part of the library of Robert Wallace McLachlan which was transferred to the Chateau de Ramezay in 1922. David Fanning informs us that this remains the only copy the firm of Kolbe & Fanning has offered at auction, but Ferguson reports he purchased a copy privately from George Kolbes booth at the 1996 American Numismatic Association convention. Charles Davis, an equally respected East Coast numismatic literature dealer, believes he sold a copy of this catalog privately at one time, but he has never offered one at public auction. The only other example we have traced in private hands is the copy that was once in the library of Kenyon V. Painter. Painters grandfather, John Vickers Painter, was a banker and railroad man and an associate of John D. Rockefeller who became a millionaire in the late 19th century. Painter settled in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and built the family mansion there in 1903. The family suffered some setbacks in the Depression, and Kenyon Painter relocated to Phoenix, Ariz., after World War II. He became one of the leading collectors of pioneer gold coins and assay bars in the 1950s and 1960s. He sold the bulk of his collection through Abe Kosoff and Jess Peters, with many coins appearing in the 1973 ANA convention auction. He also had dealings with Ford and Paul Franklin, as detailed in Karl Moultons 2013 book John J. Ford and the Franklin Hoard. Painters library was dispersed in the early 1970s, with the Weyl catalog passing through several unknown intermediaries before it was acquired by co-author Stone in 1999. Thinking that the catalog might be more available in Europe, we contacted Douglas Saville, the dean of British numismatic literature dealers. Surprisingly, Douglas reports he has never knowingly handled a copy of the 1884 Weyl sale. He cautions that the sale is not as famous or significant in European numismatic circles as it is in this country, so he has never made a special effort to seek out copies and might have missed an example that was part of a collected volume of Weyl sales or similar gathering. Still, the printed catalog seems to be just as rare in European circles as it is in this country. We have compiled a roster of the four copies known to us, including the example Eric Newman found in the Austrian museum, below. Physical Description The 293 lots of American coins in the Weyl sale included examples from a wide spectrum of numismatic interests. Colonial and state coinages were represented, as well as patterns, pioneer gold, Proof sets, and regular issues. Newman translated the description of the crucial lot 159 as: 159 Silver Dollar 1804. Bust and eagle. Unc. Corresponding exactly with the illustration of the one auctioned in 1875 in New York as Lot 535 of the Cohen Collection; edge legend, however, on the present specimen is only weakly impressed. The Oct. 13, 1884, Weyl catalog includes 50 numbered pages, with 2,355 lots described. All examples of the catalog in private hands have been disbound and the pages have been trimmed. The copy in Rubins library measures 22 centimeters by 14.5 centimeters while the copy in Stones library measures 23 centimeters by 15.5 centimeters. We have never encountered a copy of this sale without the famous plate on the cover, but some plates were apparently distributed individually, as noted above. On the three catalogs about which we have information, the plates have all been trimmed to slightly different sizes and placement on the cover varies slightly, but the images of the coin remain the same. The Oct. 13, 1884, Weyl sale is essential to our understanding of the history of the Dexter 1804 dollar, one of the most important coins in American numismatics. The elusive nature of the catalog made it difficult for numismatists to properly study the document in the past, leading to much confusion and adding to the lack of confidence 19th century collectors felt in all 1804 dollars, after the restrike abuses of the late 1850s. These misunderstandings led to unfortunate damage to the reputations of some 19th century coin dealers, like the Chapmans, who seem to have been innocent of the dishonest business practices of other dealers (like their mentor, John W. Haseltine), at least on this occasion. We hope this study has cleared up some of the misconceptions about the Dexter dollar. A better understanding of photographic techniques of the era should also clarify some questions about the image of the coin in the catalog. The 1884 Weyl catalog remains one of the rarest, most important, and enigmatic documents in the numismatic literature corpus. Roster of Known Specimens (1)?A specimen reportedly in the library of pioneer gold collector Kenyon Vickers Painter, before 1973; unknown intermediaries; David Stone, circa 1999. (2)?An example reportedly in the library of Canadian numismatist Robert Wallace McLachlan; Chateau Ramezay in 1922; Antiquarian and Numismatic Society of Montreal; Fourteenth Annual Joint Kolbe-Spink Auction (George Kolbe-Spink & Sons, 12/1995), lot 370; P. Scott Rubin. (3)?A copy sold privately by George Kolbe to Mark Ferguson at the 1996 ANA Convention. (4)?A copy seen by Eric P. Newman in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. Other appearances: (A)?A copy received by the Chapman brothers in 1884, per a letter to Weyl dated September 12, 1884, We have received your catalogue of a sale of coins to be sold by auction in October. (B)?A catalog sold privately by Charles Davis in modern times, possibly number 1 or 3 above. The newspaper "Plain Talk," aimed at youth, included a coin column by Charles Tatman. The newspaper almost became the official journal of the ANA. The "Numismatic Bookie" column from the July 18, 2016, issue of Coin World: Last month, we discussed the long, strange trip taken by The Numismatist to become the official journal of the American Numismatic Association. This month we focus on The Numismatists unofficial predecessor as the ANAs official journal: the monthly newspaper Plain Talk, and its coin columnist, Charles T. Tatman. Dr. George Heath started The Numismatist as a private publication in 1888. In his February 1891 issue, he advocated the creation of the ANA. In the July issue, he nominated a slate of officers. Heath also suggested that since his candidate for secretary, Tatman, was Plain Talks coin columnist, that paper should be the ANAs official organ. Heaths gift as a politician rivaled his skill as a physician. His suggested officers haled from strategic regions of the United States and Canada. Tatman represented the East Coast, was a fine writer, and a rising star in numismatics. Since March 1891, he had conducted the Coin Department of Plain Talk, a New York-based, nationally distributed monthly newspaper for youth, with regular columns on several hobbies. Connect with Coin World: Tatmans first Plain Talk column, for March 1891, echoed Heaths question in Februarys issue of The Numismatist: Why should there not be an American Numismatic Association? By May, with Heaths blessing, he was prepared to lead the charge: The American Numismatic Association! Collectors of coins are waking up to the fact that they need a national society. Let all who desire to band the body of collectors together with fraternal ties express themselves through Plain Talk. Julys Coin Department announced welcome news: It has now become a sure thing that an American Numismatic Association will be formed this year. The next month, Tatman published the first ANA membership roster, with Heath member #1 and Tatman member #2. A total of 25 pioneers were listed, including combative dealer Ed Frossard, at #14. Tatmans September 1891 column announced that all ANA members (by then, 26), had voted for Dr. Heaths slate of officers, so Tatman was the ANAs secretary. No action was taken, however, on Heaths suggestion that Plain Talk should become its journal. Tatman acted as if it was, issuing a detailed report in his November column on the first ANA convention, held in Chicago the month prior. This coverage continued into 1892, although with occasional errors. In The Numismatist for May 1892, Heath couldnt resist asking Brother Tatman to please make our friend Frossard, Counterfeit Detector, instead of Counterfeit Director. In The Numismatist for June 1892, Heath announced that at the next convention, ANA members would be asked to formally choose an official organ; either Plain Talk as at present or The Numismatist. Heaths next announcement, however, rendered this choice meaningless: Secretary Tatman, owing to absence in Europe, has resigned as Secretary of the ANAhe will not be able to conduct the Numismatic Department in Plain Talk the coming year. The Numismatist became official journal by default. Tatman, as we shall see next month, returned to provide an important service to the ANA from 1893 to 1895, but thereafter, due to his busy law practice, he withdrew from numismatics. Assembling a complete set of Plain Talk during his time as coin columnist (March 1891 to May 1892) constitutes a major challenge for any dedicated numismatic bibliophile! The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Thursday strongly rejected Hong Kong's grading in the U.S. Department of State's "2016 Trafficking in Persons Report" (TIP report). The report downgraded Hong Kong from "Tie 2" to "Tie 2 Watch list," describing Hong Kong as "primarily a destination, transit, and to a much lesser extent, a source territory for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor." A government spokesman said in a press release that the SAR government "vehemently" and "categorically" rejected Hong Kong's grading in the report. "We much regret that the findings of the report have displayed a total disregard of the continuous and strenuous efforts of our law enforcement agencies to tackle TIP. In particular, we cannot accept that Hong Kong is a destination, transit and source territory for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor," the spokesman said. "The report is not doing justice to the SAR government. It understates the improvements to the operational procedures in victim identification and the successful identification of trafficking victims. The report misquotes the level of assistance provided to trafficking victims, and contains an agglomeration of mere allegations, from unverified information, concerning the protection of foreign domestic helpers (FDH)," the spokesman said. Hong Kong's effectiveness in combating the TIP crime should better be judged by the extent and nature of human trafficking in the region, the spokesman said. The spokesman reiterated that there is no indication that Hong Kong is being actively used by syndicates as a destination or transit point for TIP, or that TIP is a prevalent or widespread problem in Hong Kong. I'm a driven young man studying Print & Digital News Reporting at the Missouri School of Journalism. I have many interests including politics, history, sports, technology and music. I look forward to going wherever my career takes me! You can contact me at esm4z3@mail.missouri.edu Around 460 institutes responsible for food testing under China's food and drug supervisory system - about half the total - have not received certification from the government, according to an inspection report from the nation's top legislature that was released on Thursday. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress evaluated enforcement of the new food safety law in 10 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities from April to May. It found that half the total 921 institutes responsible for food testing are not certified. The new law took effect in October. Meanwhile, redundant testing institutes have been established in some areas, and many different organs may exist in a single district, the report said. "While institutes' establishment funds were duplicated, funds for a few testing bodies at universities or academies were wasted," said Zhang Dejiang, the top legislator. Chen Junshi of the Chinese Academy of Engineering confirmed the problems in establishing the institutes, but said improvement requires some time. "The China Food and Drug Administration was established just three years ago. Institutes under its authority have to be set up and qualified one after another," Chen said. Fan Zhihong, a researcher in nutrition and food safety at China Agricultural University, said it's difficult for food testing bodies in rural areas to get certified, and the problem is widespread. "The categories of food needing to be tested have been rising, but the labor force in these areas, including townships and counties, is insufficient," Fan said. "Plus, food testing requires advanced devices and well-trained institute officers." She said the government should make use of current institutes for food testing at colleges and academies. "We can name some qualified third-party institutes to take charge of the testing in one area. If residents live in a place that has no institute, or no certified one, he or she can deliver the food to a different one," she said. "Our university has a certified institute that can help test the public's food, but the number of testing officers is less than 10, and many have little time," she said. "If such an institute works and can be asked, as a matter of policy, to pay more attention to testing food for residents, I think it will effectively alleviate the difficulty." Besides the food testing, the report also said supervision of food workshops and small restaurants has not been sufficient, and some food producers even put fake or substandard additives into food products. "If these food providers still ignore the problem and local supervisors neglect their duty, the food safety risks will be serious," Zhang said, calling on supervisory departments to play a strong role. Eli Drinkwitz revealed the condition that's sidelined Chance Luper Drinkwtz said that Luper is currently on blood thinners and that he will be reevaluated in three months. He will miss the rest of the regular season. Complaints about China's over-crowded living conditions may gradually disperse as the country undergoes a demographic structural change, consisting of an aging society and a diminishing labor force. Demographic dividends are expected to stop growing as China's population is projected to slip to 1 billion by 2100, representing a fall of about 33 percent in less than a century, the China Business News reported Thursday. Is a demographic crisis looming large? Zheng Zhenzhen, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said at the latest panel discussion of Summer Davos 2016 in Tianjin that population growth in China will terminate at a certain pinnacle and fall to 1 billion by 2100, which was the country's population in 1980. Her prediction was in line with a medium variant estimation by the United Nations Population Division (UNPD) that said that the population in China will drop to about 1 billion before the start of the new century. However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the total fertility rate (TFR) in China hovered around 1.04 to 1.26 percent from 2010 to 2013, and a census conducted among one percent of the total population in 2015 concluded that TFR at that time was 1.25 across the country. The research of Cai Fang, the Vice President of CASS, showed that the enormous demographic dividends have contributed 27 percent to the economy in the past three decades. But nowadays the dividends have seen a foreseeable declining. Demographic researcher Yao Meixiong said China will experience a big fall in the population of children, a rapid rise in the proportion of elderly citizens and an unbalanced gender distribution among people at the marriageable age, all of which will probably lead to a shortage in the labor supply, weaker consumption and innovation capabilities, and inadequate propulsion for the national economy. Zhou Tianyong, the Deputy Dean of the International Strategic Research Institute of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said, "The rapid decline in population growth rates, the trend of baby bust, the contraction of the 22 to 44-year old labor force, and the rapid aging of the society, may result in a wave of downward movement in the national economy as well as a middle-income trap featuring a population trap, which is different from the situation in other countries." Huang Wenzheng, a demographer from the University of Wisconsin in the United States, estimated that China's population will fall far below 1 billion in the new century and says that the figure could be as low as 600 million. Experts highlighted the need for far-sighted policies for dealing with demographic contraction. When interviewed by the People's Daily, a person in authority said that China will be able to maintain a stable employment rate even in time of considerable downward economic movement, as the country presses ahead with economic restructuring. Best of Business 2022: Learn Who Won Our 15th Annual Reader Poll Local professionals chose their favorite business and professional services, products, healthcare, dining and more. Find out who their top picks are. First Tennessee will move out of and sell its Court Thomas Building at the northwest corner of Court and Danny Thomas in Downtown, while investing in and putting more employees in its First Ops West facility near the airport at 3451 Prescott Road. (By Thomas Bailey/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Thomas Bailey Jr. of The Commercial Appeal First Tennessee this week continued its multiyear, $25 million renovation of its "First Ops West'' office facility near the airport, filing documents for more than $8 million worth of construction there. The complex at 3451 Prescott Road serves as the Memphis-based bank's check processing center and technology back-up disaster recovery center. The building now houses about 400 employees, but by the time the renovations are complete almost 1,000 will work there, Bruce Livesay said Friday. He is the bank's chief information officer, in charge of technology and operations. "We are moving a lot of pepole into that facility, trying to consolidate our employees,'' Livesay said. "We're really renovating the entire building with more open space, a more leading-edge technology center. "And it gives the employees an opportunity to do things like choose the desk they work at each day, make it open and bright with more color,'' Livesay said. The plan includes adding a fitness center and cafeteria "to make it a much more appealing work environment,'' he said. In a related development, First Tennessee late this year or early next year will start vacating the seven-level office building it owns Downtown at the northwest corner of Court and Danny Thomas. "We're trying to sell it,'' Livesay said of the bank's Court-Thomas Building. Befitting its back-office operations, the building does not have a "First Tennessee'' sign. The 400 to 500 employees who work there will be moved to the First Tennessee Tower, 165 Madison at Third, or to the First Ops West facility. "We're trying to make use of the space we own,'' Livesay said. While the shift may not be heralded by Downtown advocates, it should boost the struggling office submarket near the airport. That area has been hurt by vacancies more than any other office submarket in the Memphis area. "We think it will be a big plus for the (airport) area,'' Livesay said. Billboards, including this one at Madison near McLean in Memphis, were part of the campaign to keep live animals from being used for training at medical schools. (By Thomas Bailey/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Kevin McKenzie of The Commercial Appeal Dr. John A. Patterson's most vivid memory from attending University of Tennessee medical school in Memphis in the early 1970s was the day students used dogs in physiology lab to test their ability to identify a drug. The Washington-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine announced Friday that the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga on June 24 ended the use of animals -- pigs -- in surgical training. Part of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center based in Memphis, the Chattanooga medical school was the last one in the United States and Canada that continued to use animals such as dogs and pigs in medical education, according to the Physicians Committee. With the decision by leaders at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine to eliminate animal use in the Surgical Skills Laboratory, we are entering the post-animal era in medical student education, Dr. John Pippin, director of academic affairs for the Physicians Committee, said in a statement. Patterson, a medical school student in Memphis in 1970-73, said the treatment of the dogs on day in about 1971 caused one of his lab partners to storm out ranting and cursing and blaming the professor for very inhumane treatment and insensitivity, he said. He and fellow students during a physiology lab exercise were to identify drugs by administering them to dogs, Patterson said. After 30 years as a family physician in rural Kentucky, he is an associate professor of family and community medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. To see if the students had identified the correct drugs, the professor lifted one dog down from a lab table to give it an antidote, Patterson said. Within seconds, the dog began howling plaintively, like you probably never heard a dog howl, he said. As if being torn limb from limb, the dog also began rolling, turning and defecating, Patterson said. The professor seemed quite proud of himself that now we knew, since you know what happens when you give the antidote, we had correctly identified the unknown drug, he said. One of his fellow students stormed out, ranting. The rest of us, Id have to certainly say my reaction and the reaction of the majority was horror and shame that as part of our experience as medical students and future physicians that we were doing harm, Patterson said. The Physicians Committee used public pressure to make its point, including billboard campaigns targeting UT. The group has urged medical schools to use simulations and other techniques it said lead to medical education based on human anatomy. Representing more than 12,000 doctors, the Physicians Committee since 1985 has urged medical schools to stop using live animals. The majority had not ended the practice by 1994, according to the group. In addition to UT, others among the last 10 to use live animals were Rush Medical College, the University of Mississippi and Johns Hopkins University. July 1, 2016 - As grocery stores across Tennessee begin selling wine on Friday, Cathy James makes her selection as the first customer at the Cash Saver in Midtown. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE July 1, 2016 - Quinn Gee makes her way down Walmart's newly opened wine aisle at the Whitehaven location. On Friday morning grocery stores across Tennessee could begin selling wine. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal) By Sydney Neely, The Commercial Appeal "I've waited 30 years for this." -- Evelyn Helmhort, purchasing two boxes of Black Box Pinot Noir in Germantown After two years, the wait is over. At 8 a.m. today, Tennesseans began picking up wine with their groceries in local supermarkets, ending years of debate between the grocery industry and liquor retailers. About 430 grocery stores in Memphis and across Tennessee finally have put wine on their shelves. During the day, The Commercial Appeal will check in with selected supermarkets and wine shops to see what people are saying. We'll post our findings throughout the day. Is it going to be crazy in the aisles? Probably not. We'll let you know. 2 p.m. ON THE EDGE OF MEMPHIS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAW: Virginia Matheny, manager at Kirby Parkway Liquors, said she has not noticed much impact on sales as the wine sales in grocers began. "I was happy to see Krogers prices are much higher than ours, so that makes me feel a little bit better," she said from the store at Kirby and Poplar. "And we have our loyal customers, and they want to stay loyal and true, so thats good." She said the day is a little bit busier because of the holiday, but, for the most part, sales have been routine for a Friday afternoon. Liquor stores like Matheny's, are also benefitting from other parts of the law, allowing them to sell things other than liquor. "Its helped because people can grab their soda water and their cokes and their orange juice and its definitely helped (that) we can carry mixers now," Matheny said. "I think that will help a lot, because of the convenience aspect of it. You can get your margarita mix here and your bloody Mary mix and your coke." J.T. Mullen 1 p.m. GERMANTOWN DIFFERENT STROKES; DIFFERENT FOLKS: The worlds full of lots of folks, and its apparent when it comes to their taste in wine. Dale Richards made a trip to Kroger on Farmington shortly after noon on the first day of wine sales to see if he could find a bottle of the apricot wine hes been looking for since 1967. I usually dont even drink wine, but if I could find that I might start again. He left empty-handed. The 49-year-wait continues. By noon, sales were going about the way managers expected, said Bill Canaday, beer and wine steward at the store. We expect it to pick up at dinnertime and tomorrow for the holiday, he said. Like many on Friday, Canaday talked about how he never thought hed actually see the day when wine was sold in grocery stores in Tennessee. A lot of our customers didnt think theyd see it either. Down the aisle, Alex Boals was just back from vacation and shopping because the cupboards were bare. But I will say I was aware it the first day it was available, he said with a laugh. I wanted to see what it looked like. Like lots of customers, hes looking forward to being able to pick up a bottle to go with the food hes buying for dinner without having to make two stops. But Tommy Thompson is skeptical, and frankly doesnt expect hell buy wine in grocery stores, particularly at Kroger. Their selections looks like the wholesaler sold them a lot stuff they wanted to get rid of, he said. And while its just his opinion, he suspects Kroger has already decided it is not going to cater to a sophisticated wine connoisseur. People who buy wine in a grocery store probably dont know much about it, he said. Kroger says it intentionally stocked for a variety of wallets. It has some Bordeaux and other high-end bottles in the $60-$80 range, and dozens of bottles in the $12-15.99 range, chilled and at room temperature. Katherine Slater is having a party this weekend. The signs were in her cart, including a large bottle of Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix and grocery store staples for making pina coladas. But she was also interested in wine. Im glad its here, but we obviously are still going to run to the liquor store, she said, pointing to the hard-liquor fixings. We now return you to our continuing coverage of the first day of wine sales in Shelby County. 12:30 p.m. WHITEHAVEN WINE FROM WAL-MART: Cornell Taylor walked in the Wal-Mart on Elvis Presley Boulevard to buy an ice cold pack of beer, not wine. Taylor prefers beer, but said it's convenient to have wine at the grocery store -- an option that began today for Tennessee residents. "Wal-Mart is a one-stop shop," Taylor said. "This is the one store where you can buy almost anything and everything." The Whitehave Wal-Mart seized the opportunity to make plenty of selections available for customers. Wal-Mart has more than 900 bottles of wine that take up an entire aisle. Cash Saver in Midtown had about a third of an aisle. Although Tennessee is the newest state to add wine in grocery stores, Georgette Gray from Wisconsin was surprised by how long it took. "We've had wine forever," said Gray, the Milwaukee native. Gray said the sangria prices at Wal-Mart were higher than back home, but she prefers to purchase her wine from a liquor store. "It's more convent, but it's not my go-to," Gray said. Another Wal-Mart customer bemoaned the fact that it took this long. "Memphis is the last to get everything," said Tamika Douglas. "I'm just glad that we finally have it (wine) now." Sydney Neely 10:25 a.m. NO WORRIES: Some small liquor stores are not afraid of losing customers to grocery stores. Friday morning about 10 people entered the Liquor and Wine Depot at 756 Mount Moriah Rd. The owner, Greg Cross, and his employees unloaded boxes of liquor at the store that's been open for nine years. "I don't think it's going to put anybody out of business," Cross said. "I think once the consumers see how much higher the grocery stores are, they'll go back to liquor stores." Cross said his store offers more wine choices than most of the grocery stores. "I don't know if paying 3, 4, 5 dollars higher is convenient," Cross said. "It'll just come down to do you want convenience over price?" Rich Martin is a serious wine student. He came into the Farmington Boulevard Kroger with prices of his favorite products in his phone. "I won't be buying here," he said, noting the CK Mondavi he gets at Corks is $9.78 with the preferred customer discount. At Kroger, the bottle is on sale at $11.99, $5 off regular $16.99. "I'm staying with the liquor stores," he said. "They provide too good of a service. With these prices, I don't think they have a lot to fear." --Sydney Neely and Jane Roberts 9:45 a.m. DRIVING MISS EVELYN: We've already duly-noted the line from Evelyn Helmhort, but she had some other ones that will vie for quote of the day. "I moved here in 1977, and couldn't believe I couldn't buy a bottle of wine at the grocery store," she said, adding, she'll never go to liquor store again. "I don't drive anymore. That's just another stop I would have to have the driver make." --Jane Roberts 9:09 a.m. HIGH HOPES: Mark Gatlin, vice president of operations at Cash Saver, thinks adding wine to the store will bring in more customers. "It will be convenient for the customer so they won't have to make two stops. They'll only have to make one," said Gatlin who has been the store manager for 28 years. Gatlin said they sold several bottles of wine this morning and expects to sell even more this afternoon and evening. That was in keeping with anticipation at the Kroger in Germantown. "I expect the big push will be at 3 (p.m.) when people are getting off work," Jerry Roach, the Kroger store leader, said. "There is a nice profit in wine." Roach noted the state sets the minimum price on wines. 9 a.m. GERMANTOWN: There were still more employees and media in the aisles at the Kroger location on Farmington. But sales continued. Customers can't buy wine in Tennessee on Sunday or this Monday -- Monday because of the Fourth of July holiday -- meaning merchants are anticipating brisk sales today and Saturday. Based on that, Kroger has a good amount of wine ready for restocking shelves, said Teresa Dickerson, the company's local spokeswoman. (By the way, Mississippi and Arkansas stores CAN sell beer and liquore on Monday's holiday) Not everyone was interested in letting folks know they were among the first to purchase wine today. A Catholic school teacher scattered when she saw television crews and reporters in the wine aisle. "That would not be good," she said as she stepped away waiting for them to leave. --Jane Roberts 8:30 a.m. MIDTOWN EARLY BUYERS: Some shoppers woke up early just to purchase wine for the first time at their local grocery store. Angelina Mazzanti looked over the hundreds of bottles of wine at the Cash Saver on Madison Avenue, trying to decide which bottle to purchase. "I'm very excited," said Mazzanti who only shops at Cash Saver, but works at another grocery store. "It's something that grocery stores don't usually get to have to put up a new section." Rick Prince decided to beat the crowd at the store Friday morning. He went in to buy bread, chips and paper towels, but added two bottles of wine to his shopping cart for the first time in Tennessee. A Memphis native who travels the country purchasing different wines from grocery stores, Prince said he's noticed a difference at Cash Saver. "They've got some really good wine and then they got some of the run-of-the-mill wine." he said. Prince said he will only buy from grocery stores instead of liquor stores from now on. "I feel kind of sorry for the people in the wine stores, but not sorry enough to lose $5 or $6 on this wine," Prince said. Sydney Neely 8:15 a.m. GETTING A DEAL: Hank and Glenda Brock of Germantown bought three bottles of Stella Rosa, pleased as they could be. "It's usually very expensive," Glenda said. "We wait." The bottles are on sale $13.49, down from $19.99. Jane Roberts About 8 a.m. FIRST IN LINE: Steven Baugh bought the first bottle in the Germantown Kroger on Farmington a minute or two after 8. "I wanted to be the first, but I didn't know it would make history," he said. Baugh, from Memphis, bought a Chianti red blend. Jane Roberts 7:15 a.m. POPLAR PLAZA PREPARATION: At the Kroger store in Poplar Plaza, employees erected some symbolic barricades in hopes of keeping customers off the wine aisles until the 8 a.m. kickoff. For the most part, the shopping carts, signs and belts worked. Occasionally, a customer would absentmindedly wander into one of the sales areas, only to learn that despite the years of waiting there were a few more minutes before wine time. The store seemed to have a significant stock of product, lining one aisle the depth of the store with some spillover into the other aisles. Maybe the amount was due to its central location. Maybe because of its proximity to the University of Memphis. Maybe because Busters is almost across the street. About 7:30, employees began removing the barriers in the aisles and the panels Velcroed to the shelves.The time to buy was approaching. And after the wait, there needed to be nothing in the way of the first customers. Clay Bailey St. Jude patient Hannah Cohen was injured at the TSA checkpoint at Memphis International Airport. (photo courtesy of Shirley Cohen) By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patient who has physical and mental disabilities was injured by security personnel at the Memphis International Airport after confusion at a checkpoint, lawyers said in a federal lawsuit this week. Hannah Cohen and her mother, Shirley Cohen, were at the airport June 30, 2015, after treatment at St. Jude. They were planning to fly home to Chattanooga. An alarm went off as Hannah Cohen went through security screening. The 19-year-old has an impairment from radiation and removal of a brain tumor and is limited in her ability to talk, walk, stand, see and hear, attorneys Kelly Pearson and William Hardwick wrote. "(She) became disoriented and confused by the warning alarm and the actions of the personnel manning the security checkpoint to try to search her person because of her disability," the lawyers wrote. "The security personnel failed to recognize that she was confused because of her obvious disability and was unable to cooperate with the search." Transportation Security Administration and Memphis International Airport Police Department personnel were manning the checkpoint, according to the lawsuit. Her mother tried repeatedly to tell personnel about Cohen's brain tumor and disabilities, according to the lawsuit. Her daughter, who had been under anesthesia the day before, is blind in her left eye and deaf in her left ear, Shirley Cohen said. Two guards grabbed her daughter from both sides, the mother said. "It freaked her out," she told The Commercial Appeal. "They didn't listen to me at all. When they grabbed her, it scared her, and she was trying to get away from them. The next thing I know, one of them slammed her down on the floor and busted her head open. There was blood everywhere." Security personnel arrested Hannah Cohen on allegations she lashed out and hit an officer in the shoulder, chest and face. She had refused to go through additional screening or leave the checkpoint, an airport police report states. The officer was not injured, according to the report. All charges against Cohen were later dropped, according to the lawsuit. Shirley Cohen said her daughter had been going to St. Jude for 17 years, which included traveling through the airport many times "without incident ever." TSA spokesman Mark Howell and Jerry Brandon, chief of public safety of the Memphis International Airport Police Department, said they could not comment on pending litigation. The Memphis International Airport Police Department is an independent agency, which is not part of the Memphis Police Department or Shelby County Sheriff's Office. "At this point, it is alleged, " Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority president and CEO Scott Brockman said. "Anybody can file anything, and we don't comment on active litigation. Clearly there are additional facts in this matter, and we won't comment until we address the litigation." Cohen and her mother are suing the airport police, TSA and the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority for damages that include medical expenses, personal injury, emotional injury, pain, suffering and embarrassment. They ask for a "reasonable sum not exceeding $100,000 and costs," the lawsuit states. They allege the officers and agents of the TSA and airport police discriminated against Cohen because of her disability and failed to provide reasonable accommodation for screening her. They allege the airport authority failed to properly manage the personnel. Reporter Kayleigh Skinner contributed to this report. Photo courtesy Pay Whitmore This photograph of little Mamie Campbell (Mrs. Richard W. Whitmore) was taken in July 1912 on Alston Avenue in Memphis. Her first cousin, Lehmon "Pappy" Sammons came to live with her family when he was a teenager. He opened his first restaurant at Calhoun and Front in 1910 and became a famous Memphis character. Pappy Sammons was the grandfather of Councilman Jack Sammons. SHARE July 1 25 years ago: 1991 They came to Mason Temple Church of God in Christ on Sunday for another glimpse of the mountaintop. It was 23 years ago that a man with a dream stood in the same sanctuary to say he had already been to that mountaintop and feared nothing that lay ahead. It proved to be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last public speech before he was assassinated the next day a few blocks away at the Lorraine Motel. However, they returned to Mason Temple on Sunday not just because Dr. King died, but because he lived. And because his dream would live on in a museum about to be dedicated on the spot where he fell. 50 years ago: 1966 BILOXI, Miss. The State of Mississippi dissolved partnership with an estimated 1,718 liquor dealers at midnight Thursday after permitting the 50-million-dollar illegal industry to operate unmolested as long as it collected taxes for 58 years in 53 of the 82 counties. The parting came as a 1966 law authorizing counties to hold elections to legalize liquor went into effect at the strike of 12. Under the new law the 1908 prohibition statute for the first time becomes effective in all 82 counties and will remain in that status except in those counties voting wet. 75 years ago: 1941 Taking over as new members of the board of trustees of Oakville Sanatorium, City Commissioner Miller and County Commissioner Andrews were sworn in yesterday. Also present were: Abe Goodman Sr., Dr. H.G. Rudner, Dr. J.A. Price and W.I. Moody. 100 years ago: 1916 A number of Memphians are preparing to attend the first all-South Christian Endeavor meeting to be held in Atlanta on July 13-16, and a strong effort will be made to capture the 1918 convention for the Bluff City. 125 years ago: 1891 "Boccaccio" was put on at East End Park last evening by the Dagnall company. There was not a heavy attendance, probably because the public found the air cool enough in the city, so as to make it unnecessary to fly to the country for relief from the heat. SHARE By Ann McFeatters WASHINGTON Wasn't it cute? Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren looked like twins the other day in Cincinnati: Same blond bob haircut, bright blue blazers, white-hot rhetoric and matching grins when they excoriated Donald Trump. Which is exactly why Warren will not get the vice presidential slot on Clinton's ticket. Clinton does not want a twin running mate. And while she needs Warren to help solidify the Democratic vote this summer, Warren could be less helpful in the general election. Warren was the only female senator who did not endorse Clinton until it was painfully obvious Bernie Sanders was whistling in the wind. Friends of Hillary is a special club you cannot join too late. Warren is on board now because there is nowhere else for her to go to stay viable in the party. Her task now is to help unite the party before the convention this month in Philadelphia. But she is dong such a good job and proving to be such an effective attack dog against Trump that Hillary will be able to choose someone else as her running mate. Instead of 20 percent of Sanders supporters who have been so miffed he didn't win they said they'd vote for Trump, only about 8 percent are still that aggrieved. Is the country ready for two women on the same ticket? Probably, but why, if you are cautious Hillary, would you take the chance in what is likely to be a very close election? The governor of Massachusetts, Warren's home state, is Charlie Baker, a Republican, and he'd appoint a Republican to fill Warren's seat if she became vice president. Too risky. Also, Massachusetts will vote Democratic anyway. On the other hand, somebody "safe," such as Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia, not only could deliver a key state to Clinton, but also would be succeeded by a Democrat appointed by Democrat Gov. Terry McAuliffe. If Clinton becomes president, she desperately needs a Democrat-controlled Senate to get anything done in her first 100 days. No matter who the next president is, Washington will still be politically divided; Republicans won't want to cave to a Democratic agenda and there is no way Democrats will agree to almost anything Trump has been proposing. A major reason against putting Warren on the ticket is the antipathy she has earned from her outspoken criticism of Wall Street and her work setting up the Consumer Finance Protection Board. She is viewed as too liberal for many business leaders. While Warren is beloved by the progressive Democratic base, Hillary must win over some Republicans to win the White House, in part because the Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson and the Green Party candidate Jill Stein will cut into her votes as she fights Trump. While Warren insists she would be ready to become commander-in-chief as vice president should anything happen to the president, she has no foreign policy experience, a telling weakness in the increasingly complicated global arena. One of the vice president's key attributes in modern times is to be able to work with Capitol Hill to try to bring about consensus. Despite the acrimony in Washington, Joe Biden, well-liked in Congress, did a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes negotiation for President Barack Obama. But Warren is considered too partisan and too much of a firebrand to fit into that role easily. Kaine, who wants to run with Hillary, is ideologically closer to her than Warren is, and he has immersed himself in foreign policy issues in the Senate. He was also governor of Virginia, giving him executive experience. Again, he would be the "safe" choice, the candidate picked by conventional wisdom. Kaine also would not compete with Hillary or outshine her as the independent-minded Warren might tend to do. If Kaine seems "dull" right now, part of that is by design. If Warren stays in the Senate, she will be free to perpetuate her cause of fighting the 1 percent and financial inequality. As a veep candidate, she would not be a good fundraising messenger to send to the wealthy seeking their donations. On the ticket or off, no matter what, she will campaign hard against Trump. Of course, this has been a year of turning conventional wisdom on its head. But Hillary, who will turn 69 just before the November election, is not known for taking unnecessary political risks. Ann McFeatters is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service. Contact her at amcfeatters@nationalpress.com. SHARE By Esther Cepeda CHICAGO Though summer tends to deliver a few chances to put our feet up and take it easy, hunger never takes a holiday. But while many of us serve up juicy hamburgers and barrels of potato salad as a prelude to fireworks displays, more than 48 million Americans won't be getting enough to eat. That's because summertime is particularly difficult for both people who live with food insecurity and the organizations that help them access free food, says Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Not only are children who are on summer break missing the breakfasts and lunches they would have gotten at school, but parents, who often are subject to the fluctuations of weather for work, struggle to pay for expanded child care and extra food. Simultaneously, the nation's food banks scramble to staff pantries and events when individuals and groups of volunteers, such as the Scouts and school-based community service organizations, are on vacation. And food pantries are not immune to the whims of weather. "Food banks in Arizona and New Mexico just don't do summer feeding because there aren't enough volunteers, there isn't enough food, and not enough money to get food out to the remote rural areas scattered throughout counties," said Ross Fraser, director of media relations for Feeding America. "And I repeatedly hear that in states with drought conditions, fewer crops are being planted, which means less donated fresh fruits and vegetables and more farmworkers who aren't working enough to sustain themselves. Then the farmworkers end up turning to food banks in greater numbers just to get by." In some places, the need is so great that food banks resort to unconventional ways to get food to the needy. For instance, in Las Vegas, an ice-cream-style truck will deliver 300,000 meals to a variety of locations this summer, serving about 126,000 food- insecure kids in the area. Similarly, Vermont has a "Veggie Van Gogh" starry-night motif truck that delivers produce to housing projects, schools and clinics. Dayton, Ohio, does massive food distributions monthly in arena parking lots that serve thousands of families at a time. So does Fort Smith, Arkansas, with its summertime "Antioch in the Park" event, which distributes food to some 1,700 people over the course of just three hours. The Arkansas event is organized by Antioch Consolidated Association for Youth and Family Inc., led by Charlotte Tidwell, who told me the need is so great, and the large donations so plentiful, that it has become necessary to hold events in the park so there is enough space to accommodate the huge number of volunteers, pallets of food and the people coming to stock up. "We hold the event in the most low-income area of our community and the area that is most accessible since there is no public transportation (in Fort Smith)," Tidwell told me. But the park has its own challenges. "Arkansas is very, very hot. It's like the sun only shines on Fort Smith. We've been out on days where it's 100 degrees and it's a real challenge. Not only does the food need to be protected to stay safe, but the elderly come out and stand in the heat for it; people come out with their little children; veterans and other people with disabilities come out and wait in the heat for hours just to get some food," Tidwell said. "We have to have paramedics, nurses and emergency responders standing by. We have bilingual volunteers going up and down the long, snaking lines of thousands of people handing out cold water and distributing snacks for the kids. And we have volunteers to help those with disabilities transport their food." Such is the challenge of feeding communities that are in dire need communities where those seeking food assistance are likelier than not to be working poor. Research indicates that underemployment is the biggest predictor of food insecurity among people in the U.S. more than half (54 percent) of Feeding America's client households reported at least one employed person at some point in the past year. Tidwell says that what local food banks need most is cash donations, because they get plenty of food but need funds to help distribute it to the neediest. Every dollar counts. If you have a few to spare, consider feeding hungry fellow Americans your act of patriotism this weekend. Contact Esther Cepeda at estherjcepeda@washpost.com. SHARE By Timothy OBrien Donald Trump has had some fun lately with Elizabeth Warren's self-proclaimed Native American ancestry. "Pocahontas is not happy, she's not happy," he said of Warren a few weeks ago. He re-upped on Monday, telling NBC News that Warren "made up her heritage, which I think is racist." As we know by now, Trump has routinely dotted his speeches and embroidered his Twitter feed with references to Warren as "Pocahontas" all the while expressing doubts about her lineage. (Warren cites "family stories" as the provenance for the claim that she has Cherokee heritage, which has been scrutinized ever since she launched her successful Senate bid as a Democrat almost five years ago). "She said she was Native American but she wasn't able to document it," Trump said at a press conference in May. "I think she's as Native American as I am." For those who follow Trump, this line of attack comes with an echo. Long before Elizabeth Warren was on the scene, Trump had put the notion of Native American identity and lineage into play as he pursued a larger goal. (Disclosure: I wrote a Trump biography, "TrumpNation," for which he sued me because, among other things, it questioned the size of his fortune. The suit was later dismissed.) In 1993, Trump testified before the House of Representatives as it examined the rapid growth of Native American-owned casinos and offered his views on why further expansion might be a bad idea. At the time, Trump had already put three of his Atlantic City casinos into bankruptcy protection and was about two months away from doing the same with the Plaza Hotel in New York. Having flirted with personal bankruptcy, bridling under an allowance set by his bankers, and on the verge of losing his last big Manhattan real estate project, Trump was perhaps a little antsy about competition in his local New Jersey gambling market. Front of mind for Trump was the Mashantucket Pequots, whose Connecticut casino, Foxwoods, had expanded a year earlier and was booming. Trump invoked the specter of organized crime, telling the committee that he was the "largest casino operator in the world" (he wasn't) and that "there is no way the Indians are going to protect themselves from the mob." (Despite those fears, Trump would later go on to manage a Native American casino in California.) George Miller, a California Democrat who supported Native American gambling and was a member of the House committee overseeing the legalization debate, debated Trump on the merits of those fears before the pair discussed comments Trump had made on a radio show: Miller: "Is this you discussing Indian blood: 'We are going to judge people by whether they have Indian blood,' whether they are qualified to run a gaming casino or not?" Trump: "That probably is me, absolutely, because I'll tell you what, if you look if you look at some of the reservations that you have approved you, sir, in your great wisdom, have approved I will tell you right now, they don't look like Indians to me, and they don't look like Indians. Now maybe we say politically correct or not politically correct. They don't look like Indians to me, and they don't look like Indians to Indians, and a lot of people are laughing at it, and you are telling how tough it is, how rough it is, to get approved. Well, you go up to Connecticut, and you look. Now, they don't look like Indians to me, sir." Miller: "Thank God that is not the test of whether or not people have rights in this country or not, whether or not they pass your look test." Trump: "Yes. It depends whether or not you are approving it, sir." Miller: "No, no, it is not a question of whether I am approving it. It is not a question of whether I am approving it. Mr. Trump, do you know in the history of this country where we have heard this discussion before: 'They don't look Jewish to me.'" Trump: "Oh really?" Miller: " 'They don't look Indian to me.' 'They don't look Italian to me.' And that was the test for whether people could go into business or not go into business, whether they could get a bank loan: You are too black; you are not black enough." The House committee then listened to a recording of the radio program Miller had referenced. "I could perhaps become an Indian myself," Trump told the radio host, Don Imus. "I think I might have more Indian blood than a lot of the so-called Indians that are trying to open up the reservations." Seven years later, Trump was at it again, lobbying against the legalization of casino gambling in New York state. In language that could have come straight from his current presidential bid, he deployed a series of newspaper and broadcast ads to brand one tribe seeking a license, the Mohawks, as drug dealers and criminals. Trump initially kept his involvement in the Mohawk ad campaign a secret until a controversy arose around the effort. His lawyer turned over early drafts of the incendiary ads to a state lobbying commission examining the campaign; Trump had given approving feedback on those drafts with hand-written notes in their margins: "looks good" and "not bad." Maybe it's not a surprise that Trump is reaching into his old playbook as he lays into Elizabeth Warren. But for others in the Republican Party who are worried that their presumptive presidential nominee won't abandon racially charged attacks and still cling to the hope that Trump is someone who can evolve and be "more presidential" they should remember that their guy isn't someone who changes his ways, or harbors regrets. "Any regret calling her Pocahontas?" Fox commentator Bill O'Reilly asked Trump recently, in a chat about Warren. "Do you regret that?" "I do, I do regret calling her Pocahontas, 'cause I think it's a tremendous insult to Pocahontas," Trump responded. Maybe all of this speculation about Warren's lineage just hits too close to home. For years, Trump led the world to believe that he was of Swedish descent, a claim that found its way into his autobiography, "The Art of the Deal." In truth, he is of German descent, and his family's original name was Drumpf. Why the switch? As the Trump family repeatedly told reporters, they were concerned that their German heritage would offend Jewish tenants in their buildings. In other words, it would have been bad for business. Timothy O'Brien is the executive editor of Bloomberg Gadfly and Bloomberg View. Spain has joined the scrum of tax authorities examining Google's accounts to see if the company has paid all that it should. A team of 35 inspectors from Agencia Tributaria, the Spanish tax authority, raided Google offices on two sites in Madrid on Thursday, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais. The authority requested court approval for the raid on Tuesday, the report said. They were investigating the tax liabilities of Google's subsidiaries in Spain and Ireland, through which the company channels much of its European revenue. It's a relatively common business practice to locate profit-generating activities in jurisdictions with low rates of corporation tax, and keep loss-making functions where taxes are higher. Directing profit to low-tax jurisdictions in this way is not necessarily illegal, if the transfer can be justified. The tax authorities are concerned that Google's Spanish staff may be playing a greater role in the generation of revenue and profit than the company has declared, according to El Pais. Other countries too have been investigating Google's tax affairs. French authorities conducted a dawn raid on the company's Paris office in May as part of an investigation into whether Google should pay $1.8 billion in back taxes. And in January Italy asked the company to pay 228 million (then $257 million) in back taxes for the period 2009-2013. That request came as UK authorities concluded an investigation into the company's tax payments over a 10-year period, resulting in a demand for 130 million (then $186 million) in back taxes. With so many European Union tax authorities investigating the company, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said she would join in if she received an official complaint. Google has issued a statement defending its tax practices. "We comply with the tax law in Spain, as in every other country in which we operate. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in Madrid to answer their questions, as always," according to an email from a Google spokesman. Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate. As I write this, Michael Gove has just put an incendiary bomb under the Conservative Party leadership contest and announced that he will be standing as a candidate himself. Personally, I am glad, because I think the party needs the widest choice of candidates and, given that Andrea Leadsom has just announced too, theyre certainly going to get that. Conventional wisdom suggests that the favourite never wins. Well, Johnson has consistently been the favourite, and he will be feeling very betrayed this morning as he realises that the job he has coveted for many years will not now be his. Was it an ambush, or a hastily taken decision? I suspect well have to wait for the Sunday papers for the full revelations (though see this sites account today), but there are growing suspicions that both George Osborne and Dominic Cummings had some role in what transpired yesterday. No-one can quite put their fingers on what exactly, but the more one learns, the more it becomes apparent that all is not quite what it seems. Why did it take Michael Gove so long to work out that maybe just maybe Boris might not make the best Prime Minister we have ever had? That he could be flaky. Unreliable. Off the wall. Did it really occur to him in a flash yesterday morning? I found his explanation in an interview yesterday with Laura Kuenssberg far from convincing. Iain Martin has written that Gove was unhappy that Johnson wouldnt allow Cummings a role in the campaign, or for him to be Goves Chief of Staff as Chancellor. Meanwhile, Johnsons team apparently wouldnt hand over a list of BoJos MP supporters. Given that Gove was his campaign co-chairman, Gove took great exception to that. As it turned out, it was a wise decision by the former Mayor. Then there were various leaks to newspapers, some of which allegedly came from Sarah Vine, a.k.a Mrs Gove. Then came her leaked email. Taken individually, all these things are part of the stuff of politics. Taken together, they may (or may not) amount to a conspiracy. Time will tell. It is now alleged that Osborne is the Svengali-like figure behind all of this. Its his way of getting back at Boris, apparently. I just dont really buy that. I think few will disagree that Andrea Leadsom was one of the stars of the referendum campaign on the Leave side, and she has attracted many new admirers across the Party. Her late declaration may well have been because she was trying to strike a deal with Boris and failed, but whatever the reason and frankly, whatever the result Andrea is a winner and will secure a top job in the Cabinet. The question is: can she come from behind and overtake the clear favourites? I interviewed her on Thursday and, for those of you who dont know her very well, it might be worth you taking ten minutes out of your day to listen to. She certainly answers straight questions head on. HS2? Axe it. Airport capacity? New runways at both Heathrow and Gatwick! And so it went on. I finish this diary at 2.30am on Friday morning, having just got home from my debut appearance on Andrew Neils This Week show. I got a call from them at around 2pm asking if Id like to make a short film for their Take of the Week slot. Do bears shit in the wood? You bet I would. Only trouble was, I had my radio to present first. So the reporter and cameraman arrived to film me after the show finished at seven. I had a script to work from, but I am totally useless at remembering more than about 15 words at once. In the end, the film lasted three minutes, but it took us about an hour and a half to film! I then went on to do an interview with Al Jazeera English, before heading to the Millbank studios to do the show live. Alan Johnson was already there in the green room. What a totally lovely man. Michael Portillo then showed up in what I can only describe as his elf outfit: lime green shirt, red trousers. I said that a man of a certain age should never be seen in red trousers. Alan Johnson disagreed. He reckoned that no man should ever be seen in red trousers. Hes right. David Starkey then arrived, and also Corbyn fanatic Rachel Shabia and the SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh. I was on at the beginning of the show, and really enjoyed the 12 minute discussion about the Conservative leadership. I felt totally relaxed ,and the time flew by. Id put the video on here, but the BBC doesnt allow embedding. However, heres the three minute film I made. Great three minute advert for LBC. My boss will be pleased. I keep being asked to predict who will win the leadership election. I have no idea. Who knows what twists and turns remain in this fascinating contest? My instinct is that Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb are struggling to gain the traction they will need to get to the final two and that Gove will need to act very quickly if he is to get away from the poisonous atmosphere he has in large part created. Ive been told he had a screaming match with Nadine Dorries in the Commons tearoom yesterday. She accused him of total disloyalty to Boris. Insert your own joke here. My gut is telling me that if Leadsom can gain traction over the weekend, she could well end up in the final two alongside Theresa May. It would be quite something to have two women in the final. If that happens, and Angela Eagle manages to topple Jeremy Corbyn, well have female leaders of both main parties in England, one of the main parties in Wales and the three largest parties in Scotland. I think that would be the glass ceiling well and truly shattered, dont you? Today marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. On this day, a hundred years ago, 57,000 lives were lost. Its almost incomprehensible to our generation. I am almost embarrassed at how little I know about what happened, and I suspect I am not alone. My uncle Clifford was killed in the first world war, only a month from the end. A couple of years ago I took my dad out to Belgium to find his grave. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Syed Kamall is Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group and is an MEP for London. Last Thursday, I stayed in Brussels for the referendum in order to attend a meeting of the European Parliaments political group leaders early on Friday morning. Its safe to say that most MEPs and officials were genuinely surprised and shocked. Some were also worried about the future of the EU. Inevitably, we have heard from the EU enthusiasts who now wish we would trigger Article 50 and leave quickly so they can proceed with building a political union. They tell the media that the UK should be punished in order to deter other countries from leaving. But the last few days have seen cooler heads prevail amongst the EU heads of government. Just like HM Government and Vote Leave, the EU itself also has no unity on what to seek from a post-Brexit arrangement. So what should our future relationship look like? There are plenty of options out there to govern our future trade with EU countries, including an UK-EU trade agreement with cooperation in other areas; the European Economic Area (EEA) option; customs union; and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) option. However, as David Cameron rightly said this week, it is hard to argue regardless of the merits of the case that EU free movement played no part in many peoples voting decision. Britain benefits from immigration, and it is far too easy to blame those working in jobs that British people dont want, or we have limited skills to fulfil. With our demographics and globalisation, immigration is a necessary reality but politicians need to address legitimate concerns and restore public confidence in it. Some voted leave since they were against all immigration, more immigration, or the unfairness of the current immigration system that discriminates against the 6.5 billion non-EU citizens who may have a major contribution to make. Between the extremes of closed borders and completely open borders, we should be looking for a controlled but fair immigration system that ends this passport discrimination. With some compromise inevitable, once Article 50 is invoked, we should enter negotiations on the basis of seeking a UK-EU trade agreement. On goods, the UK has a record trade deficit with the EU, widening to 23.9 billion in the first three months of 2016, so a deal should be relatively straightforward here. However, for services, governments in Berlin and Paris will be under pressure from financial districts of Frankfurt and Paris to reduce Londons role as the global financial centre. Here I believe there will need to be a trade-off on other areas, such as support for EU programmes on research and innovation, student exchange, maintaining our participation in the European Investment Bank, aid to new EU states, and perhaps cooperating and offering assets for EU operations of mutual interest, such as protecting the EUs borders. Of course, for financial services there will be other issues to consider such as regulatory equivalence and passporting of services, since all companies wishing to sell into the EUs Single Market would need to show that they meet the standards set within it. Initially, this would present no real barriers since as all EU legislation and type approval standards are already applied in the UK. Over time, we would be in a similar position to the USA, which has recently adjusted its data protection standards to allow US companies to access European digital markets. We also need to take account of the large number of British people living in the EU and EU nationals living in Britain. British or EU expats concerned about the extra red tape already know that even EU free movement is not entirely free. EU migrants must either have a job or the ability to finance themselves, and in many countries they must register for ID cards, have medical insurance and so on. This agreement will be one of the most politically and technically sensitive areas to negotiate but I believe it to be the solution that most closely respects the outcome of the referendum. There should be no doubt that negotiations will be arduous and will take time. It will have to be approved by the European Parliament, and it would face the usual vested interests within the EU that stand in the way of open trade. We will not be negotiating with the EU of today, but a more protectionist EU that has lost a free trading member. In part, that is a worry, but it should also be an opportunity to compete with a continent where increased protectionism and red tape will suffocate enterprise. So whilst we must work on trade with the EU, in the meantime we must also work on opening trade with the rest of the world. First, that means we need trade negotiators. Even before the new Prime Minister comes into office we should be firing the starting gun on this process with major investment. Secondly, we must not delay in beginning talks with as many countries and trade blocs as possible. However, we must never forget that trade is not between countries or blocs, it is between people and businesses in one country with people and businesses in another country for mutual benefit. Governments can either facilitate trade or get in the way in the form of tariff and non-tariff barriers. Britain should also think more about how we equip our economy with skills and infrastructure to become a global nation, with Chinese and other languages becoming a major fixture of our school curricula, and airport capacity being expanded ambitiously. Within the confines of word limits, I have barely scratched the surface here. How would our environmental relationship work? What about energy interconnections? How would we ensure data sharing and extradition work, and would that require agreements similar to those we see with the USA on flight passenger records, and terror financing? How would our police forces continue to cooperate with others outside of Europol? At the moment there are many questions. However, as my father used to tell me, we can achieve anything we want as long as we believe in ourselves and work hard. We now owe it to the British people to deliver the new relationship with the EU that they voted for and to ensure that we in Britain become good neighbours as we cease to be reluctant tenants. The best way of understanding yesterdays character assasination of Boris Johnson by Michael Gove, and the collapse of the formers over-a-decade-long journey towards the Conservative leadership, is to grasp at the start that Gove has never been Johnsons man. Nor has he been yearning to be Prime Minister himself. His candidate until recently was George Osborne, with whom he still has working relations. At a dinner for Rupert Murdoch two years ago, Gove made his preference for Osborne over Johnson very clear. Then came a surprise Tory general election victory, and the EU referendum. The effect of the latter, unsurprisingly, was to take Gove from Osbornes company and throw him into Johnsons as part of the well-run, cross-party and ultimately victorious Vote Leave campaign. Its effective head was Dominic Cummings, Goves gifted and volcanic former special adviser. At one point, Cummings spiky relations with some Conservative MPs saw him removed from Vote Leaves board, and consequent squabbles endangered the campaigns bid for official designation. In the wake of Leaves victory, a fatal difference of view emerged between Johnson, the would-be Tory leader, and Gove, his would-be deputy. Key personnel in Vote Leave, not least Cummings, are loyal to Gove. The latter seems to have envisaged that members of this team would become the core of Johnsons campaign for the Conservative leadership, and that Cummings, in due course, would take a key post in a Johnson administration, probably at the Treasury under a Gove Chancellorship. However, the latters take was evidently very different. For Johnson already had a team in place that has been working on his behalf for scores of months. Where Gove had Cummings, plus such Minister MPs as Nick Boles and Dominic Raab, Johnson had a group of backbench Tory MPs that includes Ben Wallace and Nigel Adams and, elsewhere, Lynton Crosby and his Crosby Textor Fullbrook operation. Johnsons plan was to merge the two teams together in some form. And it is here that he and Gove, drawn together for the referendum campaign, began to drift apart. Emergency services personnel who rush to the scene of an accident often find themselves told different versions of events. So it is for journalists who have arrived helter-skelter on the site of yesterdays carnage. There are startlingly different and utterly irreconcilable versions of what happened, some of them unverifiable. For example, records can show whether Gove did or did not phone Johnson to announce his intention of standing himself. But no-one can demostrate what was the mind of Sarah Vine, a.k.a Mrs Gove, when she sent a certain e-mail (of which more later). Essentially, however, there are two main accounts. First, Camp Goves. According to this version, rumours that Johnson intended to renege on his commitment to Brexit got back to them. To some of Goves backers, Johnson began to take on the coloration not so much of Churchill, whose biography he has written, but of De Gaulle who, having announced Je vous ai compris to Algerias French settlers, and then clambered his way to power on their protesting backs, later delivered the grandmother of all U-turns over the colonys independence. This is what Gove was alluding to when he said yesterday that after the referendum result last week I felt that we needed someone to lead this country who believed heart and soul in leaving the European Union. But the main complaint of his friends is not so much one of principle as of practice. They say that with Vote Leave no longer present to guide him, Johnson proved himself to be, as a campaign head and potential leader, a bumbling charlatan directionless, incapable of chairing meetings and taking decisions, and a stranger to the MPs he now had to woo. According to them, Johnsons team lounged around at a barbecue in his Oxfordshire home last Sunday, when they should have been working the phones and refused to share information about MPs voting intentions. Furthermore, they say, Johnson made a pigs ear of wooing Andrea Leadsom. It had been agreed that she would be offered a post. Johnson then bungled his meeting with her. This alleged incompetence reportedly came to Camp Gove as a shocking revelation. Hence the latters agonised decision to throw his hat in the ring (having trampled on Johnsons first). To say that Camp Johnson doesnt recognise this narrative is a bit of an understatement. At the core of their version of yesterdays crash is the conviction that Gove was intent on running the Johnson show himself. His appointment as the co-head of Johnsons campaign alongside Wallace was one thing; his claimed intention of moving Cummings into government in a senior role was another. In particular, Team Johnson were furious when Cummings turned up unexpectedly on Tuesday to a meeting with Crosby. Gove, they say, was intent on a takeover. Johnsons friends are especially incensed by Camp Goves claim that his muddled Daily Telegraph column of last Monday wasnt signed off by the campaign. They say that Gove not only saw it himself, but made changes to it which Johnson accepted. Camp Gove insist that Johnson had the last word (or wrote it). Furthermore, some Johnson backers are convinced that an e-mail written by Vine which questioned their mans reliability was deliberately leaked in order to spark a carefully-planned plot to topple him. Some see the hand of Cummings in Goves ruthless timing; others also perceive the shadow of George Osborne (whose whereabouts are provoking the same sort of interest as those of Macavity, the mystery cat). Camp Gove insist that this allegation is an inverted pyramid of piffle to borrow a phrase from somewhere or other and that Vine would not have fired the starting gun of any plot by mistakenly sending an e-mail partly intended for Henry Newman, one of Goves special advisers, to that of a gentleman called Tom Newman, who has nothing to do with the whole business. Camp Gove says that he decided only late on Wednesday evening to pull the plug on Johnson, having reached the revelatory conclusion that Johnson would be a rotten Tory leader and Prime Minister. Camp Johnson, however, sees a deep and deliberate plot to ruin their hero. The former say that Gove phoned Johnson to tell him of his decision; the latter say there is no record of calls. In the final event, Crosby appears to have relayed the news to Johnson and advised him to pull out. Which he did. So ends this tale of two contradictory stories. The Holmes-like pursuit of truth will stretch on. Like the controversies about the fall of Margaret Thatcher who said what to whom; who did what to whom the tale of the Johnsons downfall will grow in the telling. David Cameron may never forgive Gove for the latters part in his downfall. Neither may Johnson for yesterdays events. A friendship ended; an alliance shattered. This morning, Johnson is an emblem of the ruined dreams of politics; Gove one of the broken relationships it can bring. Who was right and who was wrong or does the truth lie somewhere in between? Johnson may or may not be the vacillating figure that some of Goves friends claim him to be. But he certainly did not prove so yesterday in pulling out of the contest. When the dust settles on it, he may or may not make Cabinet, if he accepts any offer. Whether he does or does not, his role in the referendum campaign should be honoured by Brexiteers. For without his glamour and reach, Leave might not have made it over the winning line. Goves campaign launches this morning, and he will surely make a passionate social justice pitch. (It is striking that he has secured the support of Nicky Morgan, a stalwart of the Partys left, who has signed up with him for precisely that reason.) Perhaps he will make it to the members stage of the ballot. But he will now be seen by some as having leaped from a plinth of selfless detachment to wield a treacherous dagger in the podium. If Johnson is really that bad, they will ask, why did Gove support him in the first place? Jake Berry, a Johnson supporter, said yesterday that there is a very deep pit in hell for such as he. Whatever Gove may or not deserve, this seems a bit on the harsh side. But maybe the image comes in useful, after all. For just as violence can provoke violence, grievance can provokes counter-grievance and a cycle of resentment and revenge. Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox, Andrea Leadsom, Theresa May, even Gove himself: all must now help to steer the Conservative Party away from the hell of frustration and bitterness into which even the wary can fall. SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates straight in your inbox. Flash A group of foreign tourists organized by Shanghai Daily, Ctrip.com and Huangshan Tourism Development Co take a group photo at Hongcun. (Zhang Suoqing) A seemingly endless carpet of pine trees covers Yellow Mountain with a lush green. Rolling cloud seas, fascinating rock formations and tranquil hot springs make Yellow Mountain one of China's top tourist destinations all year round. Last weekend, a group of young people from all around the world arrived at Yellow Mountain, Anhui Province, to take part in a special sightseeing event organized by Shanghai Daily, Ctrip.com and Huangshan Tourism Development Co. Apart from enjoying the scenery, members of the group were greatly concerned about protecting the environment. "We would like to see more visitors from overseas since Yellow Mountain is the shared heritage of mankind," said Zhao Hui, general manager of the sales and marketing center of Huangshan Tourism Development Co. Growing straight out of the rocks, the Yellow Mountain pines show the vitality of life in full bloom. Under the instructions of foresters, Nathanael Melkisedek Coulibaly from Burkina Faso carefully cut some of the trees' branches. "Members of the group may enjoy the best views, experience an excellent ecological environment and feel the old and profound culture of Anhui Province. More importantly, every member of the group will promote environmental protection," Zhao said. Yellow Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which covers a core area of 154 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 142 square kilometers. "Yellow Mountain is both a UNESCO natural and a cultural heritage," said Zhu Lei, head of Strategic Cooperation, Ctrip International Business Unit. "It is a meaningful event that youngsters from around the globe to visit Yellow Mountain, share their experience and happiness and promote the idea of environmental protection." The young adventurers put on their hiking shoes last Saturday from the Peak of Shixin, roughly meaning "start to believe." At the summit 1,668 meters above sea level the group members enjoyed the magnificent view. After they finished their hike through rock formations like Monkey Watching the Sea, the group members commented on the beauty of the landscape. "It is my first time here on Yellow Mountain and the sea of clouds is so amazing," Megan Doss from California said. At the eastern side of Peak of Yuping, the group visited Yuping Pavilion and saw the Welcome Pine before exploring the Great Canyon of the West Sea and finally arriving at the cable car Danxia Station. The next day, the group went to Hongcun Village in Xiuning County to see the lake, bridge, well-preserved houses and stone and wood decorations. "I like the peaceful atmosphere here which makes me calm down and feel relaxed," said Valentina Basettoni from Italy. "Since I spent most of my time working and living in Shanghai when I stay in China it is a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of our urban lives." Flash Photo taken on April 5, 2016 shows the lighthouse on Zhubi Reef of Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. China voiced stern warnings on Thursday against an arbitral tribunal that is scheduled to issue a ruling this month on a case raised unilaterally by the Philippines about the South China Sea issue. Beijing said that the upcoming ruling may cause serious damage to the international rule of law. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, acting as the tribunal registry, said on Wednesday that the decision will be announced on July 12. The tribunal was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at the Philippines' request. China has refused to be part of the arbitration since it was launched in 2013, partly because it says the issues raised by Manila are related to sovereignty and maritime delimitation, which are beyond the tribunal's jurisdiction. On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a written statement that the Philippines' unilateral initiation of arbitration breaches international law, and the tribunal should not have heard the case or be issuing any decision. Hong said the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the matter, as a declaration made by China in 2006 excludes disputes concerning maritime delimitation among others from arbitration and other compulsory dispute settlement procedures. On Thursday, he said the tribunal "circumvented the optional declaration of exception that China has made in accordance with UNCLOS; expanded and exceeded its jurisdiction at will; and pushed forward the hearing on the relevant subject matter". Such acts have infringed on the right of a party to the UNCLOS to choose a means of dispute settlement on its own, Hong said. He added that it has undermined the integrity of the UNCLOS dispute settlement regime and dealt a serious blow to the international rule of law. In early June, an international group of legal experts and lawyers signed a legal opinion document questioning the tribunal's jurisdiction. Yi Xianhe, chief expert at Wuhan University Institute of International Law, said the tribunal has not fully considered China's viewpoints, and the legal analysis of such points has been insufficient. "Some of the arbitrators, without any explanation, changed their previous positions and views (concerning China), and this has betrayed the consistency principle in the international rule of law," Yi said. Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said the tribunal has deliberately expanded its jurisdiction and has "drifted away" from its impartial position. Wu said the tribunal has made its jurisdiction cover all the claims and issues raised by the Philippines, adding, "In some sense, it has become the speaker for the Philippines' interests." According to Padraig Lysaght, an Austrian historian on South China Sea studies, "it is a principle of international law that all sides must agree on the arbitration." "It is perfectly legal to simply not accept this award (decision). I don't think the award can solve the problem," Lysaght told Xinhua News Agency. Cambodian Prime Minister reiterated on Wednesday that his country will not support the tribunal's decision. Flash Five contenders emerged Thursday in the race to become the next prime minister of Britain following David Cameron's decision to quit. Former London mayor Boris Johnson announces that he will not be a contender in the race to become the next prime minister of Britain following David Cameron's decision to quit in London, Britain, June 30, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] But there was shock when former London mayor Boris Johnson, a potential favorite to win the key to 10 Downing Street, announced he would not be a contender. When a noon deadline for names to be put forward arrived, five leading politicians were in the ring. Home Secretary Theresa May has emerged as a favorite to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. Cameron resigned hours after it was announced that the Brexit side had won the national referendum to determine Britain's future membership of the EU. Remain supporter May is joined in the race by Justice Secretary Michael Gove, one of the key leaders in the Leave campaign. Stephen Crabb, who became the first Conservative to declare he would stand, is included in the slate, along with Dr Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom. Leadsom, a leading Leave supporter, is in Cameron's cabinet as Energy Secretary. Crabb, the Work and Pensions Secretary in the cabinet, has put himself forward as a "blue collar" candidate, citing his upbringing in a modest council house. Fox, a former defense secretary, was also a supporter of Brexit. An election process will now be carried out, with thousands of Conservative Party members across the country voting for their choice among the five. The winner is expected to be unveiled at the party conference in early October. Cameron is remaining in office until his successor is officially chosen. Bosses at London's Heathrow Airport will have breathed a sigh of relief at the decision by former London Mayor Boris Johnson not to stand in the leadership race. He had been a fierce opponent of a third runway at Heathrow, once famously saying he would "lie in front of the bulldozers to stop it." SHARE DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Naveah Givens, 5, sports a patriotic three-sided hat she made in class at Ark Crisis Child Care Center during a presentation at the school Friday morning. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Ark Crisis Child Care Center teacher Taylor Barnes provides a seat for two-year-old Lyric Chew as members of Rolling Thunder demonstrate the proper way to fold the American flag at the school Friday morning. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Jayda Willett, 4, watches members of Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 6 fold the American flag during a patriotic presentation for the kids Friday morning. By Megan Erbacher of the Courier and Press Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 6 member Tamara Caliendo wants students from Ark Crisis Child Care Center to remember one thing when they see fireworks this weekend: it's America's birthday. Talking with a friend about proper American flag protocol, Caliendo wanted to visit Ark because it seemed not much is taught on the flag's history. "Many adults probably don't know it, either," she said. For the second year, group members visited Ark to teach children about the American flag. It was Caliendo's idea, and it combines her two passions children and the Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers who believe in publicizing the prisoner of war and missing in action issue. It supports all veterans. Before the motorcycles roared up to the playground's fence, Caliendo read flag-themed books to the kids. She stressed the importance of respecting the American flag, and they learned how to properly fold it. "I want them to feel excited about the United States of America," she said. "The flag is a symbol of everything we've worked for and built. It is important there's a lot of people that want them to be excited about being Americans. It's never too early to start." Ark, the only licensed crisis care center in Indiana, provides free child care to children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Ark Executive Director Angie Richards Cooley said it's the perfect time of year to have American heroes, veterans who put their lives on the line, teach the children about patriotism and the flag. "I hope that kids do kind of get that the flag is more than something that's just pretty and red, white and blue. ... It stands for so much more than just colors, stripes and stars, and shapes," she said. "It really is a symbol of the pride of our country." Students cheered and waved the miniature flags they received from Rolling Thunder. And the members were given original artwork fireworks from the kids. Caliendo's son is a veteran who served in the Marines. Through Marine Moms of Evansville, a local support group, she saw the Rolling Thunder at many functions and group members finally told her to, "Quit following us around, just join us." A three-year member of Rolling Thunder, Caliendo also sits on Ark's board. With about 250 members, Caliendo said Indiana Chapter 6 is the largest Rolling Thunder group out of about 90 worldwide. SHARE Robert L. Smith Boonville In a recent commentary, Richard Moss starts out by blaming the left for trying to use the latest gun violence tragedy as a reason to push for gun control. His words were " ... even as the ruins are smoldering." My question is how long should we wait to have an intelligent debate? How many mass shooting's do we as a nation have to endure before the time is right? No one is losing the right to own a gun. I have heard this argument for years and no person ever, at any time has had their guns taken. Ever. This is nothing more than fear mongering about the left that has no facts to back it up. Moss' entire comment comes across as the speech of a victim. If we could just get rid of that nasty left, everything would be OK. The left is the cause of all society problems. I will not speak for everyone on the left, but for myself I say blame me all you want. You may want to do a self examination to see where the real problem is. Another comment was how Obama abandoned Iraq and helped create ISIS. Have you forgotten that is was the prior administration that negotiated the withdrawal date? Moss is entitled to his own opinion but not his own facts. Moss wrapped up by stating that if Obama would call it "Islamic Terrorism" it would help deal with the problem. How is that? Are you hoping to hurt the feelings of ISIS? That will show them. Flash UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed China's accession to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), saying that he believed China will make a valuable contribution to IOM. "China becoming a member of IOM is particularly important at this crucial time, when the issue of migrants and refugees needs more attention and action than ever before," said Ban in a statement. Earlier this month, China submitted an application letter for membership in the Geneva-based IOM. The organization approved China's application on Thursday. IOM was born in 1951 out of the chaos and displacement of Western Europe following the Second World War. It has broadened its scope to become the leading international agency working with governments and civil society to advance the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. Since China became an observer of the IOM in 2001, the two sides have had extensive pragmatic cooperation on the capacity building of migration management and overseas consular protection, Lu Kang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Once China joins the IOM, it will play a bigger role in international migration, and contribute Chinese wisdom to enhancing international cooperation on migration, he said. Flash South Sudan has confirmed that at least 43 people were killed in fighting which began last week between armed groups and government forces in Wau town in northwest part of the country. Government spokesman Michael Makuei told Xinhua late on Wednesday that 12,000 civilians have been displaced, sparking a humanitarian crisis in the town. "So far we have not yet received the number of the casualties in their final figures, but can report that 39 civilians and four policemen have been killed," Makuei said. The fighting erupted last week after the dismissal of the incumbent Governor of Wau by the President, leading to instability in the town, with fighting breaking out between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and youth associated with the opposition. "Probably the number may rise more than that because these are the bodies that have been found on the ground so far but as the process of cleanup continues, the figure is likely to rise as the situation maybe," Makuei added. He said the government has formed an eight member high level delegation committee headed by health minister to investigate the situation and come up with the recommendation of what triggered the incident. "Their duty is to go and find out accurate information from the ground and also talk to the people who are on the run as well as those seeking safety in and outskirts of Wau," the government spokesman said. The move comes as the new governor was sworn in by President Salva Kiir on Tuesday following the removal of governor on June 24 as an effort to restore tranquility in the State of Wau. Aid agencies have estimated that 12,000 people have fled to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeeping base in Wau and are currently sheltering in an area adjacent to the base. Thousands more are displaced in the town in collective centres. Aid agencies say they are finding difficulties in accessing the affected areas to provide humanitarian aid to the affected people. Flash About eleven people were killed and four seriously injured in a suicide bomb attack on Wednesday night at Limani, a town in the Far North Region of Cameroon near the Nigerian border, Cameroonian national radio reported Thursday. The attack took place on Wednesday at around 9:30 p.m. local (8:30 p.m. GMT) in a video room where a group of young people are celebrating the break of the fast during the time of Ramadan, said Far North Region Governor Midjiyawa Bakari. It "resulted in eleven deaths and four serious injuries," added the governor in a statement read by national radio, without specifying the identity of the suicide bomber. Military and community sources said at least 28 people were killed and many injured in the attack, but the place of the attack they mentioned is in Djamkana, another town in Far North Region. According to sources, the attack, which has not been claimed by any organization, but is suspected to be made by Nigerian Islamic sect Boko Haram, was committed by a woman who blew herself up after dark on a crowd in a lively square in the populated town of Djamkana where majority of residents are Muslim. In his statement, the governor of the Far North Region has announced a ban on people gathering together to prevent such acts from happening again. Since July 2015, more than 100 people were killed in similar attacks in this part of the territory of Cameroon and the last attack dated back to February of this year. You are here: Home Flash Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with newly-appointed Saudi Arabian Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid al-Falih in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation. Calling Saudi Arabia a "major partner" in the Gulf and Middle East, Zhang said China is willing to maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges and better synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia's Economic Vision 2030. President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia in January, reaching consensus on various issues with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During that visit, the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership and set up a high-level committee to guide and coordinate cooperation. Zhang said China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to prepare for the first meeting of high-level committee, and boost coordination in international and regional affairs. Al-Falih, who was here to attend the G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday in Beijing, said Saudi Arabia is implementing the consensus reached between the two leaders. He said his country is preparing for the first meeting of the high-level committee, vowing to further deepen ties in areas including energy and investment. Also on Thursday, State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with Al-Falih, calling on both sides to strengthen cooperation on energy, capacity production, infrastructure construction and the hi-tech sector. Al-Falih was named energy minister in early May as part of a cabinet reshuffle to meet the requirements of the oil-rich kingdom's economic vision. Sussex News Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Costa Asia celebrated its 10th anniversary in China in Shanghai today by inviting industry partners and staff representatives to witness Costa Asia become the first international cruise company to reach this milestone. According to a prepared statement, the 2,000,000th passenger also attended the celebration as the guest of honor and was awarded a free ticket for a Costa vacation. Since its maiden China voyage in July 2006, Costa Asia has achieved a number of industry firsts, the cruise line said: It was the first large international cruise company authorized to operate and deploy home ports in China. Over the past decade, Costa Asia has maintained customer-first principles and focused on innovation and excellence to bring Chinese passengers the most creative and high-quality cruise products, all with the flavor of Italy at Sea. According to the China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association statistics, in 2015, Costa said, China generated more than 1.1 million cruise passengers, and Costa Asia was recognized with the most voyages and passengers, consolidating its leading position in China with a 38.31 percent market share. From its earlier deployment of the Costa Allegra (2006), Classica (2009) and Romantica (2010), to the more recent Costa Victoria The Ship of Fashion (2012), the Atlantica The Ship of Art (2013), the Serena Rome at Sea (2015) and the Fortuna Museum at Sea in April 2016, Costa Asia said it brings its Italy at Sea flavor to Chinese passengers, offering them an authentic European cruising experience. Over the past decade, we have invested in the China cruise market to bring passengers the flavor of Italy at Sea. We wish to express our gratitude to local communities for their consistent support. said Buhdy Bok, Costa Asia President. We would also like to thank all of our staff for their dedication and the invaluable contributions they have made to the company and its passengers, he added. Costa Asias fleet will welcome the arrival of the neoRomantica in 2017 and add two 4,200-passenger new-builds specifically designed for the China market, coming in 2019 and 2020. In addition, AIDA Cruises will join Costa Asia in 2017 by positioning a ship in China year-round for the first time, home-ported in Shanghai for the China market. Costa Asia stated further that it has shown its commitment to the China cruise industry by increasing the number of Chinese onboard staff and collaborating with local institutions to attract and train local talent for the best tailor-made cruising experience for Chinese passengers. Costa Asia has so far employed a total of 2,700 Chinese staff aboard its fleet. The cruise line plans to increase the number of Chinese staff aboard to 50 percent by 2020 and create more career opportunities. Photo: Costa Group Asia President Buhdy Bok (third from left), Chief Operations Officer of Carnival Asia (forth from left), industry partners and staff representatives attend the ceremony Richard Vogel has been named president and CEO of the Pullmantur Group, Pullmantur Cruises and Croisieres de France. Vogel most recently served nine years as CEO of TUI Cruises and before that was with AIDA Cruises. (Richard) Vogel brings a keen strategic vision that is necessary for the continued growth and pursuit of excellence for the Pullmantur Group, commented Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, part owner of the Spanish/French group. Vogel said he was impressed by the deep knowledge the cruise brands have of the Spanish and French markets and their commitment to serve their passengers. Since he left TUI in 2014, Vogel has worked as a consultant and is also a non-executive director for Saga Cruises. Vogel succeeds Jorge Vilches, who has decided to leave the group after Royal Caribbean sold 51 percent of Pullmantur to the Springwater Capital Group. This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Germany, and Denmark. M&A Transactions 6/27/2016 Global investment firm, KKR (New York, NY) made an investment in Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) (Houston, TX), a provider of ecological offset solutions to wetlands, streams, habitats, and more. Link to details 6/30/2016 ENRs #12 ranked global design firm, SNC-Lavalin (Montreal, Canada) sold its Real Estate Facilities Management business in Canada to Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (Markham, Canada). The business includes facilities, property, realty and project management services. Link to details 6/30/2016 OTOC (Osborne Park, Australia) acquired Lawrence Group (Sydney, Australia), a surveying consultancy specializing in residential and commercial construction. OTOC offers surveying, planning, and design services to a range of industry sectors. Link to details 6/29/2016 KBW Investments (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) signed an agreement for a multifaceted partnership with SALFO and Associates (Athens, Greece), an engineering and consulting firm, that will see the two companies expand operations and collaborate on projects in the Middle East and Europe. Link to details 6/28/2016 ENRs #28 ranked global design firm, Ramboll Group (Copenhagen, Denmark) acquired BiPRO (Munich, Germany), a specialist chemical, product, health, sustainability, and environmental performance consultancy. BiPRO will merge into Rambolls Environment and Health practice. Link to details Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process. The hacker who claims to have breached the Democratic National Committees networks is trying to beat back accusations that hes linked with the Russian government. The intrusion, which stole confidential files from the DNC, was his personal project, hacker Guccifer 2.0 said in a Thursday blog post. Security firms and the DNC may be trying to blame the attack on Russia, but they can prove nothing! Guccifer 2.0 added. All I hear is blah-blah-blah, unfounded theories, and somebodys estimates, he wrote. Guccifer 2.0 appeared on the web just a day after the DNC revealed it had been hacked. To prove he was behind the breach, the hacker began posting the files he stole. This included opposition research on presidential candidate Donald Trump, along with donor lists and foreign policy files. He claims to be Romanian and says he acted alone. But not everyone believes him. Some security researchers suspect Guccifer 2.0 may be a smokescreen to divert attention away from the real culprits, who may have been expert hacking teams based in Russia. A key piece of evidence has been the malware used to breach the DNC. This same malware has been linked to two separate Russian hacking teams, codenamed Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear. But on Wednesday, Guccifer 2.0 tried to pour cold water on that theory. Ideas about almighty Russian hackers are a myth, he said. Id like to reveal a secret to all those cool IT-specialists: All the hackers in the world use almost the same tools, he said. You can buy them or simply find them on the Web. He broke into the network using a little-known vulnerability found in the DNCs software, he added. The DNC used Windows on their server, so it made my work much easier, he said. I installed my trojan-like virus on their PCs. I just modified the platform that I bought on the hacking forums for about $1.5k. Security firms also suspect that the DNC breach was an intelligence gathering operation for Russia. But Guccifer 2.0 disputed that as well, saying it was hacktivism. However, Guccifer 2.0 said he had no sympathies for any candidates in the U.S. presidential election. He called Democrat Hillary Clinton a slave of moguls. Republican Trump, on the other hand, is more sincere, but his ideas on U.S. immigration are nonsense, the hacker added. By stealing files from the DNC, Guccifer 2.0 said he hoped to be like his heroes, including noted leakers Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. Whether or not he is telling the truth, however, is fodder for debate. Guccifer 2.0 could, indeed, be part of a misinformation campaign to cover the hackers' tracks, said Rick Howard, chief security officer for Palo Alto Networks. "On the other hand, I don't know why [the hackers] would bother," he added. "Who cares? Governments have been stealing stuff from victims forever. Why would they need a misinformation campaign?" Other security experts have said that Guccifer 2.0 could be multiple people, pretending to be one user. The malware used in the DNC breach is actually relatively rare, said Michael Buratowski, a senior vice president with Fidelis Cybersecurity. This story has been corrected to clarify a paraphrased comment by Rick Howard of Palo Alto Networks. In a world of ubiquitous security cameras, most people know by now that some form of Big Brother government or private is watching them. But they are less likely to know that in some areas, he is also listening. While it is not yet widespread, audio surveillance is increasingly being used on parts of urban mass transit systems. That is the bad news, in the view of privacy advocates. But the good news is that public awareness can, at least in some cases, curtail it. This past week, following revelations that New Jersey Transit didnt have policies governing storage and who had access to data from audio surveillance on some of its light-rail trains, the agency ended the program. The Associated Press reported in April that NJ Transit had been using audio recording systems on train lines between Trenton and Camden, in Newark and Hudson County. Dennis Martin, former interim executive director of the agency, told the AP that the goal was to deter criminal activity and keep passengers safe. But he refused to say how the audio data is stored, for how long, who reviewed it and when or how it was destroyed, saying only, there are laws that govern that and were in compliance. Critics, including commuter organizations, contended that the recording violated both the First Amendment (free speech) and Fourth Amendment (unreasonable search) rights of passengers. Nancy Snyder, an agency spokeswoman, said the decision came after an, internal review that involved weighing security benefits, operational necessities and evolving industry practices. Jeanne LoCicero, ACLU-NJ deputy legal director, welcomed the decision to end what she called, this extreme invasion of privacy." Of course, New Jersey is not alone, nor is it the first. The Baltimore Sun reported in March that the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has used audio recording on some of its mass transit vehicles since 2012. It is now used on 65 percent of buses, and 82 percent of subway trains have audio recording capability, but dont use it yet, according to the Sun. And cities in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, Oregon and California have either installed systems or moved to procure them, in many cases with funding from the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Rebecca Herold, CEO of The Privacy Professor, noted that it goes beyond mass transit. She said there were reports a month ago that, the FBI/government planted audio recorders around San Francisco at bus stops, rocks, trees, lights wherever there may be people who may be speaking with others about a specific case. They were trying get evidence for a fraud case. Its not just about privacy, its about freedom of speech. Declaring open season on conversations just because they take place in public or communal space will have a chilling effect. Rebecca Herold, CEO of The Privacy Professor Transit officials say their initiative is all about protecting passengers. But the debate continues about when public safety measures trample citizens right to privacy. Lee Tien, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Freedom Foundation (EFF), said deterrence, is a reasonable thing, but the hard questions remain. Does it actually deter? Theres no point in sacrificing peoples privacy for nothing. What are they doing? Is there any evidence from places that have used it that it helps? Indiscriminate mass surveillance produces a lot of data to process, and we often hear that its not analyzed, or that it produces too many crappy leads to chase after. Herold agreed. She said terrorists bent on attacking a mass transit system, will just communicate ahead of time, or figure out a way to communicate that does not get picked up by the audio bugs. They are not effective deterrents to those who want to cause harm. Of course, most transit agencies that do audio surveillance post signs notifying riders that it is in use. And some might argue that people cannot expect privacy in public places. That is the view of David Adler, founder of the Adler Law Group, who said, as a general rule, one has no expectation of privacy in a public place. He also noted that the law governing audio surveillance is, unsettled, developing and varies by jurisdiction. But Tien contends that, the law has long understood that privacy protects persons, not places. The Supreme Court decision in U.S. v Jones (which held in 2012 that police had conducted a search under the Fourth Amendment by using a GPS device to track a suspected drug dealers car) moves us in that direction, he said. All nine justices essentially found that the cops violated privacy expectations by tracking a car over an extended period of time. He added that it is one thing for people to overhear a conversation in a public place, but another thing entirely for anyone especially the government to record and save such conversations. However, in some areas, he agreed that the law is fuzzy. While Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control Act Wiretap Act, generally known as the Wiretap Act, protects oral communications, such term does not include any electronic communication, he said. Herold calls the mass, indiscriminate collection of oral conversations, a gross violation of privacy. She said when government authorities, refuse to answer basic questions about who is getting access to the recordings, how they are being used, and how long they are using them, that raises many privacy red flags. There is a wide range of state laws governing the recording of private conversations, but virtually all of them prohibit anyone who is not a party to a conversation to record it, and require at least one participant to consent to the recording. Tien said transit officials may argue that posting notice that audio surveillance is in use means that anyone who rides those vehicles has consented. But I dont think thats honestly consent, he said. There are also political and demographic issues at play. Privacy advocates say conversations involving nothing more threatening than strong opinions on politics, or politicians, could be monitored. Its not just about privacy, its about freedom of speech, Herold said, Declaring open season on conversations just because they take place in public or communal space will have a chilling effect. And Tien noted that the surveillance could disproportionately affect low-income groups, because of the demographics of public transit ridership, especially on city buses. Finally, according to government documents, it also raises security questions. Herold cited a recently released (and redacted) 2007 audit from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). She said it found that, surveillance data is not properly safeguarded, and is misused. Eavesdropping on all peoples conversations crosses the line; this is not focused on a specific investigation, she said. Whatever the legal arguments, privacy advocates were hailing the New Jersey decision this past week, noting that public pressure can improve transparency and, sometimes, even change surveillance. EFF reported earlier this month on another example Santa Clara County, which includes much of Silicon Valley, adopted a set of policies imposing more oversight and transparency requirements on mass surveillance of any type. All agencies, from police to mass transit, will have to get approval from the county Board of Supervisors before even purchasing equipment. They will also have to submit usage policies providing protections for civil rights and civil liberties for board approval and will have to submit annual reports on how the equipment is deployed. However, another effort, while it made progress, eventually stalled. The Maryland State Senate approved a bill in March that would have allowed audio recording on mass transit buses only in the vicinity of the driver and only if the driver turned the system on during an incident or it was automatically activated during a problem such as sudden braking or a crash. It also would have imposed penalties if the audio tapes were improperly disseminated. But that bill died at the end of the session when it didnt get a vote in the House. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTPORT A year after receiving local approvals despite significant opposition, Sola Salons Studios is open for business. The 26-studio offices offer licensed hairdressers and stylists the opportunity to lease a space at 495 Post Road E. There, they are able to operate their own business, maintaining full control and access to the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It empowers 26 individuals to go into business, said Holly Bobrow, who along with her husband owns the shared space business. So its great for the community in that respect because its independent businesses coming to Westport. Rich Bobrow said that he was inspired to get into the franchising business after finishing a book back in 2012 and reaching out to the author to discuss it. It would be during that conversation that Bobrow found out about Sola Salons. The business, however, nearly was not approved by the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission after local residents expressed concerns that the business would significantly increase traffic and crime in the area. But a vote of 4-3, in the spring of 2015, was in favor of the Bobrows, giving the green light for the business. It was a concept that people didnt understand, Rich Bobrow said about the opposition. I think that everybody is very happy with us. It was just more people didnt understand and now they do. We had to overcome some hurdles, Holly Bobrow added. But in our heart of hearts we always knew that we would make it work. Sola Salons has two businesses, Danielle and Jose Hair and Salon Sofia, both of which have begun taking clients. Although there is no timetable on filling all the studios, the plan is to completely fill the space with licensed and qualified stylists, according to Rich Bobrow. Jose Valdez, of Danielle and Jose Hair, said the complete control the studio space allows each stylist to have is unmatched. This is really taking your career into your own hands becoming fully independent and just realizing your maximum potential, as a hairdresser, as a businessperson and as a member of the community, said Valdez, who has been a stylist for 25 years. He said the intimacy and comfort level for clients that each studio space allows is something that has a positive effect on the business. Once the leasing phase is complete, the Bobrows said the plan will include expanding to Wilton and eventually further north into New Haven County. But the expansion will come with the continued atmosphere of community and support that has been built in Westport. We are about investing in (the stylist) and investing in their success, Holly Bobrow said. Their success is our success. Its investing in them and empowering them. AJohnson@hearstmediact.com The period is in peril. The what? The period. Still not following you. You under 40, do a lot of typing with your thumbs? Yeah. Thought so. The period is that dot you put at the end of a group of words known as a sentence. Right, Ive heard of it. Dont use it though. Thats the problem. Problem? Professor David Crystal, a language expert recently quoted in a New York Times story, says the digital age and its various forms of informal communication texting, tweeting, instant messaging, Facebook are all contributing to the periods decline. In fact, Crystal says, We are at a momentous moment in the history of the full stop. A momentous moment in the history of the full stop, my God, who knew? In retrospect, perhaps we all should have known. When the simple sentence was replaced by the simplistic phrase, we probably should have foreseen that the period was in trouble. But then many of us are not attuned to the manner and style in which those born to the digital age converse. Lets face it, the average baby boomer reads at a third-grade emoticon level. I know I should be more upset by the periods demise. I know I should be donating money to the Save the Period coalition, and attending pro-punctuation rallies, and pressuring politicians to become involved. But try as I might to get all worked up, Im just not feeling the angst. Now, you tell me the colon (:), or the dash (), or my favorite punctuation mark, the question mark (?), is in trouble and Im manning the barricades, baby. Not to digress but where do you think the period stands as a campaign issue? Im thinking Hillary would be pro period, given she is always well prepared and probably has a position paper on punctuation. Donald could probably care less about the period, him being a bottom-line kind of guy and much more concerned with the periods first cousin, the decimal point. The Bern, I suspect, would get much more worked up if the semicolon (;) was in danger, the semicolon being the grumpiest of all punctuation marks. Personally, I have always liked the periods directness stop. No pussyfooting around, no pausing, no parenthetically whispered aside. While I think the period will weather the indifference, I am less optimistic the comma will do so. Unlike the period, the comma can be overly complicated and nuanced. In its basic application the comma does things like separate items in a list or signal a pause between parts of a sentence. Writers are given wide latitude when it comes to the use of the comma, inserting it where and when they feel it is needed. This is where problems arise. This is why you can run into sentences such as: Despite, the rain, and wind, the boy, and girl, decided to leave the umbrella, where it was, in the closet. The seriousness with which traditional writers view the comma is probably best captured in a quote by Oscar Wilde, who once wrote: I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again. (OK, so the obvious question is how do you get this job.) A punctuation mark that has really made a huge comeback in the digital age is the exclamation point. For most of its life, the exclamation point was underused because it was felt the actual writing should provide the exclaiming. Not only has this subtlety given way to the exclamation point, but to the multiple exclamation point as well. Where once we might have written Never. or Never! to convey ones meaning, these days it is necessary to write Never!!!!!!!!!!! Save the period, I say, and tone down the exclamation point. Enough!!!!!!!!! is enough!!!!!!!! Jim Shea is a lifelong Connecticut resident and journalist who believes the keys to life include the avoidance of physical labor and I-95. He can be reached at jimboshea@gmail.com and on Twitter @jimboshea. DERBY Several residents reported seeing a black bear Thursday in the area of Osbornedale State Park, according to the Valley Independent Sentinel. The bear spent much of the afternoon in the woods and backyards along Hawthorne Avenue, and police responded to the scene. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT More than 24 city employees were laid off Friday ahead of the holiday weekend as part of a continued concessions battle with Mayor Joe Ganim. But though Ganims office warned the job cuts were coming on Thursday night, there were scarce additional details available Friday, like positions and salaries. Ganim spokesman Av Harris late Friday afternoon would only commit to a figure of more than two dozen employees facing unemployment. He acknowledged that it remained to be seen how much the layoffs would eat into the $4 million worth of concessions Ganim and the City Council built into the new 2016/2017 municipal budget. Harris also would not say whether the mayor would rescind the pink slips should the unions give in to his demands, although another administration source said that would be the plan. One of the largest the National Association of Government Employees is scheduled to vote on a deal July 7. After being sworn in in December, Ganim complained of inheriting a $20 million budget deficit, and over the winter eliminated around 100 staffers. Unionized workers for various reasons have dug in their heels over offering givebacks. In some cases their paychecks are still recovering from concessions agreed to with Ganims immediate predecessor, ex-Mayor Bill Finch. Ganim has scaled back his demands, which earlier in the year were for employees to accept 10 furlough days without pay and multiple-year salary freezes. More recently union members have said the administration wants a one-year pay freeze in exchange for a no layoff guarantee. But critics also argue Ganim is hiring political allies, and unfairly targeting certain workers but not going after other unions, like the police who endorsed his candidacy. There are about a dozen unions in all representing Bridgeport public employees. And doubt has also been cast on the validity of the $20 million deficit. NAGE hired recently retired city budget chief Tom Sherwood as a consultant. Sherwood has argued in interviews the deficit is not as high as $20 million. Earlier this week the city supervisors rebuffed Ganims giveback demands in a 53 to 18 vote. NAGE is one of the largest unions with 700 members. Union President Dwayne Harrison in an interview Thursday night said that with two years left on their contract, his members will vote on forgoing a scheduled raise in exchange for two years of job security. Harrison, who was interviewed Thursday after Ganim had warned of Fridays layoffs, said he expected those cuts would be reversed if his union agreed to givebacks next week. The best I can do is try to save these jobs, Harrison said . Thats the goal. Maria Pires of NAGE said she warned her colleagues that the raises agreed to under ex-Mayor Bill Finch were too-good-to-be-true and, whoever was in office, the union would eventually be asked to give them back. Now, Pires said, it is Ganim who has to look like the bad guy. BRIDGEPORT Stratfords former chief emergency medical technician, accused of sexually assaulting two young Monroe girls he was teaching piano, will not face any prison time. Bruce Bean Connery, 68, of Greenwood Lane, Monroe, pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to risk of injury to a minor and reckless endangerment on Thursday, as the case was being prepared for trial. State Superior Court Judge Earl Richards said he would impose a three-year suspended term when Connery is sentenced on July 22. Connery would also have to register as a sex offender. Connery and his lawyer, John R. Gulash, declined to comment as they left the courthouse. The state worked out a fair disposition of the case considering the circumstances, said Assistant States Attorney Tatiana Messina. A plea made under the Alford Doctrine means Connery does not admit guilt but concedes the prosecution has evidence that might convince a jury he was guilty. On March 7, 2015, the father of a 10-year-old girl told police his daughter had been inappropriately touched by Connery while Connery was giving her piano lessons at her home. Police said the girl later told them Connery would often rub her back under her shirt during the lessons to the point where she would tuck her shirt in and wear a belt to secure it, in order to avoid his advances. A few days later, police said the parents of a 16-year-old girl came forward after learning about the other girls allegations. Connery had been giving piano lessons to the older girl for about 10 years, police said. The girl told police Connery began putting his hands under her shirt in October 2013 during her lessons and would feel around front, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. She told police the last time she took lessons with Connery was two weeks before the family made the report to police, and Connerys hands had been underneath her clothing during the entire lesson. The affidavit said Connery told the girl she was his favorite student, and he referred to the touching by saying, Sorry, Italians are very hands-on people. Ive been working remotely for about a year now, and I love it. Related: This Business Thrives Working 4 Days a Week Without Bosses, Email or Meetings But, despite not having to commute or deal with the revolving door of corporate meetings, until recently, I still felt burned out. Running a new, fledgling agency isnt rocket science; but it isnt a walk in the park, either. My business partner and I were regularly pulling 60-to-80-plus-hour weeks of actual work, where I had been used to 40-to-50 hours of half-ass work. Some of you may think that thats nothing (a friend at Goldman Sachs works 80-to-100-plus hours regularly), but for me it was a big adjustment. And, despite doing well in our first year, well enough in fact to hire our first full-timer, I realized I needed a change. Having heard from friends about their jobs at Worst of All Design working three weeks per month, and at Treehouse, with its strict four-day, 32-hour work week, I was impressed. Then, I thought about how my partner and I could make a change. Finally, after overcoming my initial reservations (i.e., less income), I decided to give the four-day work week a try. Heres what Ive learned so far: 1. Im more productive, even though I work more hours each day. The first thing I noticed is that I tend to be more productive overall. Not every day, because that would be a lie. Im still new to this whole four-day thing, and it's actually made me less disciplined on Mondays because of the three-day weekends. But, man, I am laser-focused on Wednesdays and Thursdays now. I often work 10-to-12 hours those days, and willingly, just to get everything done on time. The last thing I want is to have to work on Fridays because I didnt finish everything I was supposed to. Im not the only one whos found that a shorter work week leads to bursts of productivity. According to tax services firm Ryan, which also implemented a four-day work week, turnover rates there dropped from 30 percent to 11 percent; revenue and profits nearly doubled; client-satisfaction scores reached an all-time high; and the firm received multiple best place to work awards. 2. Im more creative and come up with better business ideas. A nice side effect of having an extra day off each week is that you have more free time on your hands. At first, this was a bit daunting. Id gotten so used to overworking that I didnt even know what to do with all that time off. Soon, though, I rediscovered my hobbies and reconnected with old friends. One thing I immediately noticed was that on Friday nights, I became hyper-creative. Id stay up late and come up with all sorts of hair-brained services and terrible novel ideas. Fortunately, every once in a while, those ideas actually stuck (and were pretty good). When you have more time to do what you want, your brain makes more connections. That means going to different locations, on a different schedule, and having new and unexpected experiences. But the only way to have more of these opportunities is to have more time off from a regimented schedule. Related: 5 Ways to Take the Grind Out of Working 9-to-5 3. I spend more time with the people I care about. Ill admit that I wasnt very good at taking Friday off at first. Id wrap up everything I needed to do by Thursday night, then spend half of Friday telling my girlfriend that I was just checking emails. Were all guilty of working when we should be relaxing. Nearly 86 percent of American men and 67 percent of women have said on surveys that they work more than 40 hours each week. Compare those work times to those in Denmark, the happiest country in the world, which has a significantly shorter work week. Clearly, working when youre supposed to be relaxing doesnt make you happy. Theres also plenty of evidence that spending time with friends and family is good for you. Not only does it make you feel less lonely, it also provides a number of tangible benefits: Social adults are more successful. Being social boosts your immune system. Friends and family provide a reliable support network (we could all use more of that). 4. I dont make less than when I was working 80-hour weeks. Okay, now for the ugly, beautiful truth: Some weeks, I make less than I used to when I worked five-to-six days a week. That much should be obvious to anyone who can do math. But, the beauty of working less as you get more experience is that your experience brings in more business. Some weeks, I make just as much as I used to, if not more. Sure, you could always be making more money if you put your nose to the grindstone 80-plus hours each week, but burnout is a very real thing. Working over 50 hours a week results in a huge decrease in productivity. And the problem with 10-hour days, five-plus days a week, is that you can no longer see the boundary between work and life. You become a workaholic addicted to work for the sake of work. You have to decide whats important to you. Ive been trying this four-day experiment for three months now, and I dont think Im ever turning back. I feel more refreshed, energetic and optimistic than ever. And I dont feel like Im slacking, which is the best part. I feel like Im claiming whats rightfully mine. That being said, working four days a week isnt for everyone. Some of you may feel irresponsible because you have loans to pay off. Others may feel obligated to make more money to secure the future of their families. Only you know why you work as much as you do. Maybe you have an employer who refuses to let you work less than five full days each week. My advice? If you value your friends, family and personal time, find a new job that will treat you right. Its not as impossible as you think. Some 43 percent of companies already offer four-day work weeks. Related: Uniqlo Is Testing a Four-Day Work Week Maybe John Maynard Keynes prediction of a15-hour work week isnt as far off as we thought. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Halloween activities for 2022 See what all goes bump in the night around Somerset County this Halloween season. 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. 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. The entire political class have taken leave of their senses. Both during the referendum campaign and since the result was announced, their behaviour has bordered on the clinically insane. Of course, you should never underestimate their uncanny ability to make everything about them. But the unedifying orgy of self-indulgence we have seen over the past week has plumbed new depths of cynicism and opportunism. Yesterday's Tory leadership contest fiasco resembled a Whitehall farce scripted by David Chase, the man who created The Sopranos. If you ever doubted that politicians are an alien race apart, then here was conclusive proof. Following David Cameron's inevitable resignation after his humiliating defeat at the ballot box, the Conservative Party in Parliament decided that the best response was to form a circular firing squad. Scroll down for video If you ever doubted that politicians are an alien race apart, then yesterday's Tory leadership contest fiasco was conclusive proof Instead of sober reflection, they embarked on an incestuous bout of infighting and jockeying for position, as the real world looked on aghast. As I wrote on Tuesday, only inside the Westminster village could anyone in their right mind interpret the most momentous decision the British people have taken in half a century as a clear message that: What we want is Stephen Crabb. Yet here was someone most people have never heard of being touted seriously as the saviour of the nation, despite the fact that he was on the losing side in the referendum argument. Crabb is now one of five names that will go forward to Tory MPs before the field is whittled down to two and laid before the wider membership. Home Secretary Theresa May is the odds-on favourite. When 17,410,742 people put their cross in the Leave box a week ago, how many of them thought that what they were really voting for was to install Mother Theresa as Prime Minister? After all, she had rarely been seen in public for the past five months, having spent the referendum campaign hiding behind the sofa. Yet now, if the polls and the bookies are to be believed, she will be in overall charge of the negotiations to extricate Britain from the EU something she didn't believe in. May announced her candidacy in a tartan trouser suit that made her look like one of the Bay City Rollers an outfit presumably intended to reassure voters north of the border that she would protect Scotland's best interests, too. The one name conspicuously missing from the list was the early front-runner Boris Johnson, who withdrew from the fray after being comprehensively shafted by his Leave colleague Michael Gove. During the campaign, the two men had been joined at the hip and it was assumed that they'd run on a joint ticket. The first we knew of a rift between them was when an explosive private email from Gove's wife, Mail columnist Sarah Vine, fell into the wrong hands and was leaked to Sky News. Even so, no one predicted that Gove would chuck his own hat into the ring, especially as he had once said that he was prepared to write 'on parchment in my own blood' a guarantee that he did not want to lead his party or become Prime Minister. It was a promise he restated during one of the televised referendum debates. Then again, he is a politician, so we shouldn't be too surprised that he's gone back on his word. They all do. At heart, every MP dreams of making it to No 10. They're all living in their own movie. Politicians don't have friends in any meaningful sense, just disposable alliances. Their principles are infinitely flexible when it comes to career advancement. They talk frequently of loyalty, but none of them actually means it. The Goves and the Camerons were supposed to be bosom buddies, but that didn't stop Call Me Dave sacking Gove from the education department to appease the teaching unions and the so-called 'Blob'. In return, Gove knifed Cameron over Europe and now he's knifed his ex-New Best Friend Boris, too. Gove may be an impeccably mannered chap, but he's clearly a student of the Cosa Nostra and now appears to fancy making the leap from consigliere to Godfather. Be careful what you wish for, Michael. As for Boris, he has suffered the same fate as his hero Winston Churchill, who was also discarded immediately after his finest hour. Whether, like Churchill, he can make a comeback remains to be seen. But after a brilliant campaign, Boris didn't do himself any favours by deciding to lay out his vision of the road ahead in his newspaper column, rather than in public and appeared to back-pedal on his promise that a Leave vote would drastically reduce immigration. Nevertheless, he had earned his crack at the leadership and the conspiracy to keep him off the ballot paper is yet another affront to democracy. So is the suggestion that May and Gove might stitch up a deal to prevent party members even getting a vote on who becomes the next leader and occupant of Downing Street. There have been far too many affronts to democracy over the past week, particularly from resentful Remainers who have howled petulantly from the rooftops about the electorate stupidly voting the 'wrong' way. As for Boris Johnson, he has suffered the same fate as his hero Winston Churchill, who was also discarded immediately after his finest hour The first we knew of a rift between Michael Gove and Boris Johnson was when an explosive private email from Gove's wife, Mail columnist Sarah Vine, fell into the wrong hands and was leaked to Sky News The notion that they will still try to scupper Brexit, either in Parliament, by holding a second referendum or by trying to force a General Election, is monstrous. I suppose I should mention the turmoil in the Labour Party, which has also suffered a nervous breakdown. Labour MPs have interpreted the Leave vote as an opportunity to force Jeremy Corbyn to resign and replace him with one of the Eagles. Not that I care what happens to him, or who comes next, but it should be pointed out that all along Corbyn has shown little enthusiasm for the EU and if he did, as reported, vote to Leave in the privacy of the polling booth, then he was more in touch with the mood of the British people than 80 per cent of MPs from all parties at Westminster. And there's the rub. When it came to the EU, the overwhelming majority of the political class including the woman who may well become our next Prime Minister were on the wrong side of history and at odds with the people they are supposed to represent. We have had a week of lunacy, whining and navel-gazing at Westminster, time which should have been devoted to working out how quickly the will of the people could be implemented in an orderly fashion Where's the leadership from anyone? Certainly Theresa was missing in action during the campaign. Most of the Cabinet backed Remain and went along with Cameron and Osborne's disgraceful efforts to bully and terrify people into doing as they were told. There certainly aren't any outstanding or obvious leaders on the Tory ballot paper, nor within Labour's ranks either. Once again the political class not that they've shown much class lately have been obsessed with settling their own petty scores, squabbling among themselves and advancing their own careers rather than getting on with the job in hand. Lest they need reminding, the British people have just given them a clear mandate to get Britain out of the anti-democratic, corrupt EU racket. That's what they should be concentrating on right now. Instead, we have had a week of lunacy, whining and navel-gazing at Westminster, time which should have been devoted to working out how quickly the will of the people could be implemented in an orderly fashion. They also need reminding that this wasn't just a rejection of the EU, it was a revolt against the entire political class, whose antics over the past week have been an insult to the magnificent exercise in popular democracy we have just experienced. Us Brits may have our strawberries and cream but when it comes to desserts the US of A are experts. From indulgent chocolate versus tangy fruit pies, regional specialties and all American classics - the nation of the stars and stripes is known for its sweet tooth. Salute our friends across the Atlantic and savour the sweeter moments in life with Lidls seriously tempting range of great American desserts, available this week Perfect for summer parties or an indulgent after dinner treat for two, these all singing, all dancing delights have red white and blue running through them. Us Brits may have our strawberries and cream but when it comes to desserts the US of A are experts Us Brits may have our strawberries and cream but when it comes to desserts the US of A are experts Chocolate lovers dream: Mississippi Mud Pie Gooey chocolate sauce slips and slides on top of a crumbly biscuit base - a simple but oh so delicious combo which has seen the popularity of this USA classic spread from the Deep South to all over the world. The name for this ultimate in chocolate indulgence actually comes from the look of the sweet treat, which is said to resemble the banks of the famous Mississippi River. And its popularity is owed to its simple but irresistible concoction of chocolate and biscuit, making it easy to whip up in the kitchen. Biscuits, butter, eggs, sugar, double cream, golden syrup and of course chocolate are all youll need. Mississippi Mud Pie is the ultimate chocolate indulgence from the Deep South 1. Mix the biscuits and melted butter together in a bowl and press into a tin before chilling in the fridge for ten minutes. 2. For the filling, melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. 3. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until thick and creamy and fold in the cream and melted chocolate mixture. 4. Pour into the chilled tin over your biscuit base and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes. 5. For the fudge sauce mix chocolate, double cream, golden syrup and icing sugar in a saucepan, stirring regularly, over a medium heat until the mixture is smooth and glossy then simply spread over your cooled dessert. For an easy as pie take on this American dream dessert, try Lidls McEnnedy Mississippi Mud Pie (2.99, 490g, frozen). Salute our friends across the Atlantic and savour the sweeter moments in life with Lidls seriously tempting range of great American desserts Crunchy and cool: Peanut Butter Ice Cream Americans have had a love affair with the humble peanut for 250 years. Fast forward to the 1940s and peanut butter saw a surge in popularity thanks to the meat shortage in World War 2, and nowadays an all-American kitchen is rarely without a jar of the crunchy stuff. For a summer twist on this USA favourite, try the deliciously cool and crunchy Peanut Butter ice-cream from Lidl (1.49, 3 x 120ml, frozen). Cookout classic: Smores Just like us Brits, our American cousins love a good cookout when the sun shines. After the hot dogs and burgers are done though, why not make like an American and continue to feast with their idea of a perfect sweet finish. Toasting marshmallows over the embers is fun for the whole family and theres nothing quite like that first bite of the gooey centre. To really get into the American spirit use Lidls BBQ marshmallows (99p, 300g) to make Smores. Toasting marshmallows over the embers is fun for the whole family and theres nothing quite like that first bite of the gooey centre Youll need some digestive biscuits and squares of chocolate along with your marshmallows. After roasting your mallows for two minutes until lightly browned, slide one onto each chocolate square which should be layered on top of a biscuit. Place another biscuit on top to make a sandwich and gently press until the warm marshmallow slightly melts the chocolate. Three cheers for a deliciously simple and irresistible summer treat. The taste of the Sunshine State: Key Lime Pie Take a trip down to the Sunshine State for this American favourite. The Key Lime Pie is named for the tangy Key limes from the famed Florida Keys, and since 2006 the dessert has held the honour of being the official pie for the State of Florida. Legend has it that the famous pie was created with what the Florida sponge fisherman had on board when they were out at sea: sweetened condensed milk, limes and crackers. Nowadays this delightfully sweet (with just a hint of tartness) classic conjures up images of lazy summers in the Florida sunshine. Transport your family to holiday mode at home with Lidls irresistible Key Lime Pie (2.99, 375g). The Key Lime Pie is named for the tangy Key limes from the famed Florida Keys, and since 2006 the dessert has held the honour of being the official pie for the State of Florida Sundae treat: Ice cream buffet It might be simple but an ice-cream cone is up there with the king of desserts. Make like an American and host an ice cream party for the coolest summer bash. Set up an assembling table with tubs of different flavours, Lidls Neo ice-cream cones (99p, 4 x 120ml, frozen) and the best part- an array of different toppings. Divide your sweet extras into sections - fruit (berries, coconut flakes), crunchy, (peanuts, toffee pieces) sweet (sprinkles, chocolate chips) and add plenty of sauces for the final flourish. Supersize like our American cousins with an ice cream sundae party with plenty of sweet treats for the whole family Brownie points: Sweetly delicious milk drinks The perfect cross between a cookie and cake, nothing sums up the great taste of America more than a gooey chocolate brownie. And the best thing about the humble brownie? Its the perfect all-rounder. Serve with a glass of milk for an afternoon treat, warm up and sit alongside a scoop of ice-cream for a dessert sure to earn brownie points with guests or tuck into with your mid morning coffee. In fact the brownie started life as a lunchbox dessert after, legend has it, Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer asked a pastry chef to concoct a dessert suitable for her friends to take to the citys World Columbian Exposition in their boxed lunches. Why not make like Ms Palmer and get an on-the-go hit of the flavour born in the USA with Lidls McEnnedy Brownie Milk Drink (59p, 500ml chilled). Lidl has got delicious on-the-go- treats sorted with their delicious all-American flavour Milk Drinks (59p, 500ml chilled) All American classic: Maple Cheesecake Cheesecake may have originated in Greece, but the dessert really came into its own in the US thanks to New Yorker William Lawrence who in 1872 accidentally made what we now know as American cream cheese. For an all-American take on the classic dessert, add a generous dollop of maple syrup to the biscuit base when mixing. 200g digestive biscuit 75g butter 600g full-fat soft cheese 250g golden caster sugar 3 medium egg 50g plain flour Lidl McEnnedy Maple syrup (2.49, 250ml) Cheesecake is a classic American dessert easy to whip up home, try adding maple syrup to the base and drizzle over the top for an extra sweet twist 1. Line the base of a round spring form tin with greaseproof paper. Crush the biscuits in a food processor and mix with melted butter and maple syrup before pushing the mixture into an even layer onto the base of the tin. 2. For the topping, beat cream cheese with sugar with a whisk and add the eggs one at a time followed by the flour and another serving of maple syrup. 3. Smooth over the biscuit base and bake for 45 minutes to an hour on 120C/100C fan/gas, then turn off the oven, leave the cake inside for another hour then cool at room temperature. Chill overnight. McEnnedys Cheesecakes at Lidl (89p, 2 x 100g, chilled) have a taste straight from the streets of the Big Apple with their thick biscuit base and tangy fruit toppings. Its not such a piece of cake though choosing between the delectable flavours of blueberries, raspberries or lemon juice. McEnnedys Cheesecakes at Lidl (89p, 2 x 100g, chilled) have a taste straight from the streets of the Big Apple. Choose from blueberries, raspberries or lemon juice Light and fluffy, American pancakes are a breakfast staple but are also perfect for desserts Pancakes wouldn't be complete without Lidls McEnnedy Maple Syrup (2.49, 250ml) From the breakfast table: Pancakes While Europe may have our crepes, Americans love to supersize and their take on pancakes are no exception. Light and fluffy, American pancakes are a breakfast staple but are also perfect for desserts. Its easy to cook up your own pancake pile with Lidls Pancake Mix (99p, 200g). And the best part? They go with pretty much anything. Add berries into the batter or on the side for a fruity take, serve with a scoop or two of your favourite flavour ice-cream for an after dinner treat or keep things simple with a generous topping of maple syrup. Cheat a little (we wont tell) and cross the border for the delectable taste of Lidls McEnnedy Maple Syrup (2.49, 250ml) made from Grade A Canadian amber. Family favourite: Cookies and milk All-American chocolate chunk cookies are a signature treat of the US. The perfect accompaniment is a cool tall glass of milk. For the perfect portable combo of the two try Lidl's McEnnedys Milk Drink in Cookie flavour (59p, 500ml chilled). Blockbuster night in: Popcorn bites Have a night in at the movies with the number one in cinema snacks. Nothing beats a huge bowl of popcorn and a blockbuster on the box and Lidls Ernesto Microwave Popcorn Maker (4.99) makes it oh so easy to whip up a batch in the microwave in minutes. For perfect popcorn, simply place maximum 100g popcorn kernels, 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of sugar or salt into the popcorn maker. Cover with the lid and heat for approximately 3 - 4 minutes at maximum 900W. For an extra sweet twist whip up some homemade caramel for crunchy popcorn bites or add a sweet handful to an ice-cream sundae. Nothing beats a huge bowl of popcorn and a blockbuster on the box and Lidls Ernesto Microwave Popcorn Maker (4.99) makes it oh so easy to whip up a batch in the microwave in minutes Retro classic: Milkshakes Sitting in a diner booth sipping a thick milkshake with the jukebox across the way is the ultimate picture perfect image of retro America. Nowadays the popularity of a chilled milkshake has spread to coffee shops, fast food joints and to home kitchens. Get your sweet chilled burst of Americana with Lidl's McEnnedys Milkshakes (45p, 230ml chilled) in strawberry, chocolate vanilla or banana. Pour into a sundae glass, top with a dash of sauce and serve with a straw. Sitting in a diner booth sipping a thick milkshake with the jukebox across the way is the ultimate picture perfect image of retro America And the perfect accompaniment While the Americans are known for their sweet tooth, theyre also experts at the perfect accompaniment to a candy-coated feast - a chilled bottle of wine. Straight from the sunny vineyards of California, Zinfandel rose is a style that the state has pioneered and perfected to create light, fruit and moreish wines perfect for balmy summer evenings. Lidls Cimarosa Californian Zinfandel Rose (3.99, 75cl) has a fruity, light and juicy taste which unleashes a delicious bowl of strawberries flavour. Children say the funniest things - and sleep in the funniest places. Parents have been submitting hilarious images of their children sleeping peacefully in some surprising places. It seems these sleepy tots couldn't help but doze off in odd positions. Parents have been submitting hilarious images of their children sleeping peacefully in some surprising places.. One-year-old Freyah was captured using her pet dog Bruno, a labrador cross as a pillow, above Some children are asleep at the wheel (thankfully it's a plastic car) while others use their faithful four-legged friends as pillow. The photos have been submitted to online bed retailer Time4Sleep, which is searching for the sleepiest tot in the UK. The winner will receive a children's bed of their choice up to the value of 500. Parents are sharing the adorable pictures on the brand's website and also on Twitter with the hashtag #SleepyKids. Many doting parents have already submitted pictures to the competition. Jemma Taylor shared an image of her daughter Sofia asleep at the wheel in plastic pink car Alexis was photographed asleep on a church pew with her bemused grandmother Pat looking on Poor little two-year-old Erin was so tired after a long day at a wedding that she fell asleep standing up, using a chair as a place to rest her head Anna Sakdak entered a photo of her daughter Patricia, five, asleep on the sofa, holding a helium balloon Vashti Gladding shared an image of her daughter Elysha Gladding, age seven, who fell asleep watching YouTube videos Among the entrants are Emma Morgan, who's one-year-old daughter Freyah was captured using her pet dog Bruno, a labrador cross as a pillow. Jemma Taylor shared an image of her daughter Sofia asleep at the wheel in plastic pink car. Three-year-old Alexis was photographed asleep on a church pew with her bemused grandmother Pat looking on by her mother Megan Walton. Poor little two-year-old Erin was so tired after a long day at a wedding that she fell asleep standing up, using a chair as a place to rest her head. Anna Sakdak entered a photo of her daughter Patricia, five, asleep on the sofa, holding a helium balloon. Vashti Gladding shared an image of her daughter Elysha Gladding, age seven, who fell asleep watching YouTube videos. Two-year-old Joshua Davis fell alseep on a path on the way home, captured by his mother Siobhan Cara, two, Liam, six, and Orla, four, were capture asleep on one another the car after a day at the beach by Stevie Young George Eliison, 17-months-old, was pictured asleep at a super market, cuddling his teddy by his mother Indi was photographed sleeping next to her furry brother by mother Astra Coath Chris McNarney photographed her grandchildren Noah March-Jones, seven, and Poppy March-Jones, five, sleeping on a bench Kate Mason shared a snap of her daughter asleep with her chin on the arm of an office chair Rebecca March-Jones posted a picture of her daughter Poppy sleeping in an uncomfortable position Another little boy was pictured sleeping with his head propped up on his lunch Another little boy was pictured sleeping with his head propped up by his pet dog Two-year-old Joshua Davis fell asleep on a path on the way home, captured by his mother Siobhan. Cara, two, Liam, six, and Orla, four, were capture asleep on one another the car after a day at the beach by Stevie Young. George Eliison, 17-months-old, was pictured asleep at a super market, cuddling his teddy by his mother Alexandra. Indi was photographed sleeping next to her furry brother by mother Astra Coath. Proud grandmother Chris McNarney photographed her grandchildren Noah March-Jones, seven, and Poppy March-Jones, five, sleeping on a bench. Kate Mason shared a snap of her daughter asleep with her chin on the arm of an office chair. Rebecca March-Jones posted a picture of her daughter Poppy sleeping in an uncomfortable position with her foot propped up on the windowsill. Another little boy was pictured sleeping with his head propped up on his lunch. Enter the Time4Sleep competition here. Advertisement A stunning palazzo on the world famous Grand Canal in Venice, once a haunt of some of the world's most famous stars, including Sophia Loren, has come on the market. It's good news for fans of Fifties glamour who happen to have a spare 5million burning a hole in their pocket. It was at this grand apartment, Sophia Loren stayed during the Venice Film Festival in 1955, the year she starred in The Sign of Venus, The Miller's Beautiful Wife, The River Girl and Scandal in Sorrento. Scroll down for video The stunning palazzo on the world famous Grand Canal in Venice, once a haunt of some of the world's most famous stars of the Fifties, including Sophia Loren, has come on the market Sophia Loren on the terrace of the apartment Canal Grande, wearing a white embroidered dress, pictured in 1955 The palatial property, on sale with Venice Sotheby's International Realty for 5,900,000, was also a favourite of author Ernest Hemingway and Hollywood actor Henry Fonda Beautiful images capture the actress on the balcony of the property during her stay. The palatial property, on sale with Venice Sotheby's International Realty for 5,900,000, was also a favourite of author Ernest Hemingway and Hollywood actor Henry Fonda. Hemingway is even said to have based his character - Baron Alvarito in 'Across the River and into the Trees' - on the Palazzo's then owner, Baron Franchetti: Afdera Franchetti. The Baron's sister, married Henry Fonda in 1957, who continued to stay at the palazzo while in Venice even post their 1961 divorce. The home dating back to the 15th century during Venice's Byzantine period is directly behind the Palazzo Fortuny, moments from Campo Santo Stefano, Teatro La Fenice and the Ponte di Rialto . The Byzantine palazzo, is directly behind the Palazzo Fortuny, moments from Campo Santo Stefano, Teatro La Fenice and the Ponte di Rialto Dating from the 15th Century, the property offers grand and impressively styled reception rooms, the main 'portego' room being almost 20 metres in length Each of the three main reception rooms look directly onto the Grand Canal and across to the Aman Hotel, famed for its luxury and hosting George and Amal Clooney Dating from the 15th Century, the property offers grand and impressively styled reception rooms, the main 'portego' room being almost 20 metres in length. Each of the three main reception rooms look directly onto the Grand Canal and across to the Aman Hotel, famed for its luxury and hosting George and Amal Clooney. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this third floor apartment is in a beautifully quiet area of Sestiere di San Marco and benefits from a water gate, boat mooring, private lift, sunny terrace and courtyard entrance. Decorated in classic Venetian style the property extends to approximately round 4,305 sqft and 1,184 sqft of store rooms. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this third floor apartment is in a beautifully quiet area of Sestiere di San Marco and benefits from a water gate, boat mooring, private lift, sunny terrace and courtyard entrance Ann-Marie Doyle, Managing Director, Venice Sotheby's International Realty, said: 'The Grand Canal is one of the ultimate locations in the world. 'This classic apartment provides three reception rooms that look directly onto the Grand Canal, capturing a view that inspired thousands of artists and remained unchanged for hundreds of years. 'The apartment is classic Venice at it best and it is easy to understand why Hemingway and Fonda visited so often and why the picture of Sophia Loren on the balcony is so fitting an image.' Mummy blogger Constance Hall has applauded the woman on her outfit Social media users have been split in their views on the issue A radio station posted a photo of the woman asking if it was appropriate She was bullied by fellow guests because of the Choosing the perfect outfit can be one of the hardest things about any formal event. But as one woman recently found out, even when you do find something you like, you may still come under fire from fellow partygoers. On Sunday, a New Zealand radio station posted a selfie a woman had taken before attending a wedding, showing her wearing a tight-fitting, short orange, gold and white dress. The radio station posed a question alongside the photo - is the dress was 'wedding appropriate'? Hot debate: A woman was bullied by guests at a wedding for wearing this dress which they classed too short The debate had surfaced after the woman who wore the dress was reportedly bullied by other guests - both male and female - at the wedding function for wearing her outfit. 'A woman came up behind her and slapped her on the bum and said it was on a dare from a group of other women who were watching and snickering,' the post explained. 'Someone else seemingly purposely spilt a beer on her.' Facebook users had a mixed reaction to the debate. Some women applauded her for wearing the outfit. 'She has worked hard, she can wear whatever she wants just like everyone else,' one woman wrote in her defence. Mixed reaction: Many women defended her saying that if she can pull it off, then why shoudn't she wear it Disagree: However some disagreed saying that the dress looked more like 'nightclub attire' 'What are you supposed to wear to a wedding if not an awesome looking dress?' on woman said. While some disagreed, saying her outfit in fact wasn't appropriate wedding attire. 'Inappropriate for any occasion actually. And I'm not jealous just love modesty and respectful grooming,' a lady wrote. 'Not the most appropriate dress for a wedding guest but that doesn't give anyone the right to treat her like that, just awful,' another user said. Supporter: Blogger Constance Hall (pictured) applauded the woman for wearing the dress and said women should be able to wear whatever they want Prominent mummy blogger Constance Hall also stepped in to have her say on the saga, applauding the woman for being able to wear the outfit in the first place. 'Looking back on my wedding I am disappointed that I didnt write on the invitations, "Please flaunt it, flaunt your body, whether it be rolls or muscles, skinnyminnies and magnificent curves, tall ones, short ones, round ones straight ones, I want a selection",' Ms Hall wrote. 'I especially like what you wore to this wedding because it oozes pride and f***, you should be SOOOOO proud. 'That bod of yours looks very well worked out, you dont roll out of bed, land on your Maccas left overs, peel them off your thigh and shove them in your gob to get a bod like this, this is dedication.' They may have been racking up the air miles jetting around the globe on various holidays over the past few months but Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie returned to London for a family night out on Tuesday. Princesses Beatrice, 27, and Eugenie, 26, who have a penchant for nights on the town, hit their favourite private members' club, LouLous, with their fun-loving mother in tow. The young royals, along with their mother, Sarah Ferguson, appeared to be in high spirits as they left the trendy London venue. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, hit the town with her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, at swanky private members' club, LouLous, in London Sarah, Duchess of York, was dressed to the nines in a royal blue and red satin down by Roksanda Ilincic, who happens to be one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite designers. The 56-year-old looked radiant as she left the hip haunt - a favourite of Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton - with her daughters trailing behind. She was also joined by her former flame, Manuel Fernandez. The mother-of-two is reported to have split from Manuel earlier this year after a year together. They made several public appearances together at a string of high-profile events and, last September, the pair attended Sir Bob Geldof's wedding in the South of France. While some sources have confirmed that the couple were romantically involved, others have claimed the duo simply shared an 'intense friendship'. The flame-haired health guru, who sells her own juicers online, was seen giving a male friend a friendly embrace and a kiss on the cheek as they left the venue. Princess Beatrice looked strikingly similar to her mother in a Saloni Women's Blue Iris Dress, which she offset with a belt and silky blue jacket. Fergie was also joined by her former flame, Manuel Fernandez. The mother-of-two is reported to have split from Manuel earlier this year after a year together Princess Eugenie looked chic in a floor-length black dress with lace insets. The art dealer accessorised with a green clutch bag and a slick of red lipstick, left. Princess Beatrice looked strikingly similar to her mother in a Saloni Women's Blue Iris Dress, which she offset with a belt and silky blue jacket Fergie and Manuel have made several public appearances together at a string of high-profile events and, last September, the pair attended Sir Bob Geldof's wedding in the South of France While some sources have confirmed that the couple were romantically involved, others have claimed the duo simply shared an 'intense friendship' Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was seen leaving Loulous private members' club in London with her former flame The flame-haired health guru was seen giving a male friend a friendly embrace and a kiss on the cheek as they left the venue Fergie was in high spirits as she left the venue and gave a man on the door a warm embrace Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie looked chic in a floor-length black dress with lace insets. The art dealer accessorised with a green clutch bag and a slick of red lipstick. The ladies were last seen together enjoying a day out at Royal Ascot last month. The Duchess of York proved her legendary fondness for the Queen as she waved joyously to the monarch as her carriage arrived. The mother to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie hasn't been a member of the royal family for more than two decades, but she proved that she hasn't forgotten how to curtsey as she bobbed in deference to the monarch. And on Tuesday night, Beatrice and Eugenie donned rather unglamorous macs and ponchos for a rain-soaked concert at Kensington Palace. The princesses were supporting their cousin Harry, who organised the star-studded event to raise money for his charity Sentebale which he set up in 2006. The outing was the latest in a long line of social events for Beatrice, who has been enjoying something of an extended holiday of late. She is based in New York where she works for a prestigious New York-based fashion investment company. However, she has been in the UK for just over a month, taking part in a variety of royal and social events. The outing was the latest in a long line of social events for Beatrice, who has been enjoying something of an extended holiday of late The royal looked chic in a blue and white gown as she left the party with a female friend Princess Eugenie has been clocking up the airmiles in the last six months - and as the daughter of 'Airmiles Andy', it's no surprise that she has a penchant for overseas travel Princess Beatrice linked arms with her female friend as they navigated the streets after a night out Likewise, Princess Eugenie has been clocking up the airmiles - and as the daughter of 'Airmiles Andy', it's no surprise that she has a penchant for overseas travel. The 26-year-old royal jetted to Switzerland last month for the glamorous UNAIDS Gala in Basel, dazzling in a 1,120 Alexander McQueen dress for the event - her seventh jaunt abroad since last August. It comes after Eugenie was reportedly denied any more holiday time after taking five weeks off in her first ten weeks at her job as an associate art director at Hauser & Wirth. The then 25-year-old planned to jet across the Atlantic for her mother's birthday celebrations in New York on October 15 and also see her sister Beatrice, who now works in the city. However, according to the Mail On Sunday, Eugenies bosses at Hauser & Wirth in Mayfair reportedly ordered her to remain in London to man a stall in Regents Park for Frieze London, one of the most important fairs in the contemporary art world. Fergie and her daughters looked chic in their glamorous gowns as they left the upmarket venue It does seem that the princess, who is eighth in line to the throne, is still keen to spread her wings though, as she was was pictured enjoying the glittering gala in Switzerland - where tickets for a table cost more than 70,000. Two months ago Beatrice, 27, and Eugenie were spotted enjoying a spot of shopping together in the Soho district of New York. However, their retail therapy was interrupted when the pair stopped to check their location on their mobile phones to help navigate their way around the city. Eugenie, who lived in the Big Apple last year while working for art auction house Paddle8, seemed to have forgotten the streets already with both sisters consulting their iPhones for help. Advertisement The Duchess of Cambridge looked resplendent in an elegant cream lace dress as she arrived at a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme on Friday morning. The 34-year-old arrived at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. Kate joined her husband, Prince William, and brother-in-law, Prince Harry, as well as David Cameron and French president Francois Hollande for the centenary commemorations. The Irish President, Michael D Higgins, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were also in attendance. Scroll down for video The Duchess of Cambridge looked chic in a bespoke cream lace peplum dress as she joined William at a service to mark the 100th anniversary the battle of the Somme The mother-of-two looked smart and chic in what appeared to be a bespoke lace peplum dress with a black underlay, cream lace overlay and Peter Pan collar. Kate offset the figure-hugging gown with her trusty black court shoes and a black recycled Lock & Co hat and wore a poppy and cornflower on her gown. The cornflower like the poppy grew in the trenches and was the only visible sign of life in the devastated area. Thousands of Britons came together this morning to pay a silent tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago. Veterans, servicemen and members of the public gathered across the country to observe two minutes' silence, marking the moment whistles were blown and some 120,000 men went 'over the top' on the first day of the battle - the bloodiest single day in British military history. Pipes played out over the Lochnagar crater near the French village of La Boiselle, which marks the site where a mine was detonated in the first hours of the campaign. Paper poppy petals were released into the crater, representing the thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Commemorations started last night with a moving service at Westminster Abbey that was attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen then took the first post in an overnight vigil held at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, honouring the unknown dead of the First World War. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry follow French President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister David Cameron at a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Memorial in Thiepval, France The Duchess of Cambridge arrived at the service in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated The mother-of-two looked smart and chic in what appeared to be a bespoke lace peplum dress with a black underlay, cream lace overlay and Peter Pan collar. She completed her look with a chic black hat Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge paid their respects at the service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme (From second left) French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrived at the service together France's President Francois Hollande, left, greets Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, as they arrive in Thiepval, northern France, to attend the Somme centenary commemorations The Prince of Wales, French President Francois Hollande, Irish President Michael D Higgins, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stand amongst VIPS at a service to mark the 100th anniversary Irish President Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina Coyle (back left) and Prince Harry (back right) follow the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge following the service The Prince of Wales, French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry amongst VIPs at the event Prince William, left, and his wife Kate, are introduced to French officials as they arrive in Thiepval, northern France Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, wait to greet guests during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (left) take their seats during the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Thiepval, France, where 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, during the service to mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme Princes William and Harry put their umbrellas up to shelter Kate as the heaven's opened during the memorial service French President Francois Hollande greets Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery pass the Prince of Wales, French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry Kate and William chatted to schoolchildren at a visitor centre following the memorial service Prince William, Kate and Prince Harry were met on arrival at the visitor centre by President Hollande of France and given a tour France's President Francois Hollande, right, and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, pull a curtain to unveil a commemorative plate inside the World War I Thiepval monument while his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, left, look on prior to the Somme centenary commemorations France's President Francois Hollande, right, poses for photographers with Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, left, inside the World War I Thiepval monument prior to the Somme centenary commemorations France's President Francois Hollande gestures as he greets Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry On Thursday night Kate looked smart in a monochrome coat dress with a striking zig-zag pattern from Missoni as she joined her brother-in-law and husband at a vigil. William, 34, read a passage by author Sebastian Faulks, while Harry, 31, recited Before action, a poem written by Lieutenant WN Hodgson of the Devonshire Regiment. The Duke also spoke of European governments 'including our own' who failed to 'prevent the catastrophe of world war'. In an address written by Birdsong novelist Sebastian Faulks, William highlighted the almost 60,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of July 1 1916, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. William told the assembled guests: 'We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life.It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation. 'Tonight we think of them as they nerved themselves for what lay ahead. We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war.' The Duchess of Cambrige looked solmen as she attended a poignant vigil at the Somme battlefield on Thursday evening Kate joined her husband Prince William and brother-in-law, Prince Harry, for the centenary commemorations for the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval Memorial in Picardy, France The Duchess looked smart in a monochrome dress with a striking zig-zag pattern from Missoni, buttoned right up to the collar and allowing just a flash of her black pencil skirt underneath William, 34, was due to read a passage by author Sebastian Faulks, while Harry, 31, recited Before action, a poem written by Lieutenant WN Hodgson of the Devonshire Regiment Services will be held all across Britain today, with the Queen and Prince Philip attending a service in Westminster Abbey The Thiepval Memorial pays tribute to the 72,000 'missing' Allied soldiers who have no known grave. On July 1, 1916, following a seven-day British bombardment, British, French and Commonwealth troops were sent into a battle that many believed would herald the end of the First World War. But those men who bravely clambered from the trenches were met with a hail of German machine-gun fire that mowed down half of them. With 20,000 dead and 40,000 wounded, it was the bloodiest single day in British military history. By the end of the four-month battle, more than a million soldiers on both sides had been killed and wounded. Their sacrifice is remembered with moving services in France and Britain. Crowds gathered in Parliament Square this morning to observe the two-minute silence. People huddled under trees and umbrellas paused from their commutes to stand quietly. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who were at Thiepval on Thursday night, manned three sets of guns, drawn into place by horses, and fired every four seconds for 100 seconds to mark the silence. At the end of the two minutes, whistles were blown - as they would have been to signal the start of the battle - and Big Ben chimed, though many still continued to pause in reflection. The Duchess joins her husband and brother-in-law for the vigil in Picardy, France Kate wore her brunette locks swept back into a low chignon, which just peeked out from beneath her hat Advertisement David Suchet was just eight when he was given his first camera, a Kodak Box Brownie, a gift from his distinguished Fleet Street photographer grandfather James Jarche, the man who took the first picture of Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson and the only colour photographs of the Queens Coronation in Westminster Abbey. Jimmy, as I came to call him, became one of my greatest influences, says David, 70, the man synonymous with Agatha Christies Hercule Poirot. We were like two peas in a pod. At 12, a rather nervous David approached his grandfather and asked if he would teach him how to use a proper camera. A couple of days later, Jimmy produced a 35mm camera and then patiently spent half an hour teaching his grandson how to load a film into it. For six months he gave me private tuition on how to take photographs and then he came up with my first commission. David Suchet was just eight when he was given his first camera, a Kodak Box Brownie and has been fascinated with wildlife photography ever since We were living in Hampstead, north London, at the time and he said he wanted me to go to the little zoo that used to be on Hampstead Heath and take pictures of the animals. There were deer and llamas and sheep. I had to write down in a notebook the number and subject of each photograph, the shutter speed, the chosen aperture, my distance from the animal and the weather conditions. When hed finished the roll of 36 pictures, his grandfather took it away to be developed and then returned with the prints and a critical appraisal. He gave me notes on composition and, most importantly of all, depth of field in other words, what elements of the picture were in focus. Wildlife photography is on Davids agenda again this year as he heads the judging panel for our Great British Wildlife Photography Challenge. He was thrilled to have been asked by his old photography friend Gray Levett, one of our technical judges. SO COULD YOU TAKE A PHOTO LIKE THESE? Whoever wins this years competition will have to go some way to top our previous winners. Two years ago Philip Petrou, 49, who lives in Forest Hill, south-east London, won our inaugural contest with his charming picture of a water vole admiring its reflection. Philip, an accountant in the City of London, has been taking photos since his early 20s and captured this shot on a river near East Malling in Kent. I set myself up on a fold-up metal chair, with the seat just above the water level. I was wearing a pair of gumboots and some army trousers which quickly got soaked. My Canon EOS 7D with a telephoto lens was on a tripod in the water. Water voles are very hard to photograph because theyre shy. I got to the river at 7am and was there all day until this little fellow decided to put in an appearance at teatime. I was lucky because, instead of plopping straight into the river, he stopped and seemed to look at his reflection in the water. Last year Des Lloyd, 64, a retired steelworks engineer from Lincolnshire, won with his stunning shot of two little owls (top). Des only took up wildlife photography when he retired, and his winning shot was taken in the village of Walkerith, about a mile from where he lives. Id seen the owls many times, usually early morning and early evening, and eventually took this shot at about 7.30 at night in September, he recalls. On this occasion, one of the owls was on a log nearby but flew to be with its sibling as soon as I started taking photographs. I dropped to my hands and knees and crawled as slowly and quietly as I could, trying to keep below the level of vegetation alongside a cornfield so the owls wouldnt spot me. When I was about 25 yards away, I stood up, focused quickly and then rapid-fired a handful of shots before they flew off. Two brilliant photos worthy of any wall. Will yours be next? Advertisement David says that he is 'honoured' to be able to take part in our wildlife photography competition as one of our judges I feel honoured and proud, he says. In my opinion, wildlife photography is probably the most challenging discipline of all. It requires an enormous amount of time, commitment and patience. As much as anything else its the ability to seize the opportunities when they arise. Youre capturing a moment in time in the life of an animal. Ive always loved British wildlife, and particularly birds. When I was eight years old I became a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds whose symbol is the avocet, one of my favourite birds. I was at boarding school at Birchington in Kent and we were allowed out to go bird-watching. I still enjoy it today. A couple of years ago when I was on holiday in the Outer Hebrides I spent a day on the Isle of Harris in a hide with my binoculars. SOME OF DAVID'S FAVOURITE WILDLIFE MOMENTS Keep your hare on! This picture, shot in Norfolk, is a perfect example of depth of field. Everything behind and in front of the hares is out of focus so your eye is drawn to the three creatures. Then you can make up your own story about them. Are they in a three-way boxing match? Or is the little hare on the right with its ears flattened rather frightened of the one coming towards him? Barn Owl or butler? I love this little barn owl, also in Norfolk. He reminds me of a butler or perhaps even Poirot if you painted a moustache on him. He looks so serene in his tailcoat. Elegant Avocet This is a beautiful study of an avocet in Suffolk. I love its elegance and the simplicity of its colouring. Advertisement 'I didnt see a single golden eagle until I began the walk back and then I saw one swooping between two tall hills. Extraordinary, mysterious, frightening its an experience Ill never forget. David was excited then, if a little nervous, when he got to meet a golden eagle in the flesh for our photoshoot. Hed never held a bird of prey before, and to get the wings to extend he had to gently tilt his arm. Concentrating on the instructions from the handler while still smiling was quite a big ask, but the results are fabulous. Today of course, everybodys a photographer; everybody has an iPhone with a camera, he says. But not everyone can capture award-winning photographs. This competition is open to all amateurs so I urge you to enter Im already excited by what we might see when we come to the judging. I cant wait. Davids grandfather died when David was 19 and left his treasured Leica camera to him in his will. I used it in a BBC documentary I made in 2012 called People I Have Shot, in which I had to replicate some of his most famous photographs for example, miners standing at a coalface. Jimmy always told me that anyone can take a picture, but a true photographer captures an invisible quality in his subject. He also impressed on me that no matter how expensive your equipment, the best lens is the one given to you. Its called your eye. In other words, its how you see, not what you see. Away from his acting career photography has been Davids lifelong passion. My last shoot using the Leica was for a documentary I made in Israel. We went out on Lake Galilee and I took photographs of fishermen which were later shown in an exhibition. But the whole exercise using film was so costly that I finally decided to join the digital age. Currently, hes concentrating on what he calls street photography and architectural studies. If its a point-and-shoot day Ill take my little Lumix camera. But if I give myself an assignment I recently photographed a food fair near where we live in Londons East End Ill use my Leica digital camera. The problem with me taking photos is that I have to make myself as unobtrusive as possible, because if somebody recognises me thats the end of the shoot. And you cant take pictures in a balaclava! Davids appeared in everything on the West End stage from Arthur Millers All My Sons to a memorable portrayal of Lady Bracknell last year in Oscar Wildes The Importance Of Being Earnest, but he freely acknowledges that Agatha Christies Belgian detective will be the role mentioned at the top of his obituaries. Have we seen the last of Poirot? Played by me, yes. I was asked if Id consider continuing to play him in stories not written by Agatha Christie but I chose not to. From day one, the title of the programme was Agatha Christies Poirot and I portrayed the great detective in over 70 of those stories, every one that she wrote that involved him. Its well known that Davids portrayal of Poirot is a favourite of the Queens. And especially of the late Queen Mother, he says. She loved it. In fact, we sent her and the rest of the Royal Family one particular film. And thereby hangs a tale. The Queen will sometimes host intimate lunches at Buckingham Palace and I was lucky enough to be invited to one, he recalls. All went swimmingly at the lunch until the fruit arrived. I was talking to the Duke of Edinburgh at the moment the fruit bowl reached me. I didnt want to break eye contact with him so I reached over my shoulder and found Id picked a mango. Now, the only thing I knew about a mango was that its best eaten in a bath so you can make as much mess as you like. But I was at Buckingham Palace. So I made a snap decision. 'I turned to Prince Philip and said, Excuse me, sir, I think I might embarrass myself if I try and eat this mango. He picked up the cue immediately. Dont worry about that, he said. Give it to me and Ill show you how. So, in front of everybody, he demonstrated how to cut and peel a mango. He was incredibly dextrous throughout the process, at the end of which he looked at me and said, Voila! Just like Poirot. Everyone laughed. After the lunch David rang his producer, Brian Eastman, and told him the story. I said we must get it into one of the Poirot films. And thats exactly what happened. There was one called The Theft Of The Royal Ruby which aired in 1991 and which involves Poirot visiting a grand country house. Poirot spies a mango in the fruit bowl and, when the owner says he has no idea how to eat one, Hercule duly demonstrates. When the character eventually says, Good Lord Poirot, where on earth did you learn how to do that?, I reply, A certain Duke taught me. When we finished it we sent a copy to the Palace. To this day, whenever Im at a function with Prince Philip, he calls me The Mango Man. Theres no question of David retiring. Actors dont, he says. But hes been turning down work this year while he recharges his batteries. My goal has always been to do interesting roles in all the media. Im fond of radio and Ive done quite a bit this year. Recently I was in a drama about St Francis of Assisi in which I played wait for it the voice of God! You cant get much higher, can you? His run as Lady Bracknell ended last November. We toured for six weeks first and yes, my Leica came with me. I had to remember not to wear it on stage though. A camera? he quivers, in best Lady Bracknell mode. And then roars with laughter. By the end I was very tired but then I hadnt had a break for many years, mainly because of Poirot, who Id been playing since 1988. 'I think I was suffering a bit of burn-out. So I picked up my camera and my clarinet and decided the first half of this year would be devoted to my leisure pursuits. Im also interested in theology and comparative religion, vitally important at the moment. Ive studied the Koran and other faiths in this country. The more diverse our country becomes, the more important it is that we try to get along. So Ive been indulging myself, if you like, although I couldnt resist the offer of playing the headmaster in a new TV adaptation of Evelyn Waughs Decline And Fall with Jack Whitehall, Eva Longoria and Douglas Hodge. It will be shown on BBC2 later this year and Im absolutely thrilled. NOW MEET OUR OTHER JUDGES... LIZ BONNIN Liz (far left) co-hosted the marine documentary series Big Blue Live, which won a BAFTA this year, and is a regular presenter on ITVs popular Countrywise. ANITA RANI Best known as a co-presenter on BBC1s Countryfile, Anita reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing last year CLIVE ANDERSON As well as hosting shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Radio 4s Loose Ends, Clive is also president of the Woodland Trust. DAVID LINDO David is a broadcaster, writer, naturalist, public speaker and photographer, and the man behind bird-watching website urbanbirder.com. SIMON STAFFORD An acclaimed photographer of wildlife and the natural world, Simon is the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine. GRAY LEVETT The owner of top camera shop Grays of Westminster, Gray is also the editor of Nikon Owner magazine and a former photographer himself Advertisement A seven-year-old from North Carolina has told how she mistakenly used to think that she could not be a princess because of her skin color and how it inspired her to write a book with her father on the subject to educate other girls. Morgan Taylor, from Greenville, said she had thought that only white girls could be princesses because they are so often depicted as having white skin in films, books and on television. She told Daily Mail Online how even Princess Tiana, from Disney's The Princess and the Frog, spent much of the film as a frog, which led her to believe that she herself could not be a princess. Author: Morgan Taylor, seven, has co-written a book with her father about black women who have been princesses after she mistakenly thought it was only open to white women and girls Mistaken: Morgan, from Greenville, North Carolina, pictured left with her father Todd, right, said she used to think she could not be a princess because of her skin color Star: Morgan, pictured signing copies of her book, Daddy's Little Princess, said Disney's Princess Tiana was a frog for much of the film Informative: When she talked to her father Todd about it, he told her about numerous black women who have been princesses from around the world, who they featured in their book, pictured When she spoke to her father Todd, who often uses 'Princess' as a nickname for her, about it he started researching black women who have been princesses so that he could tell Morgan about them. When he presented his findings to her, she announced that they needed to make a book to spread the message to others that being a princess is open to everybody. Together, the father and daughter co-wrote Daddy's Little Princess, a book about black princesses from around the world - including Princess Elizabeth of Toro and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein. Morgan said: 'Once when I was five I didn't believe I could be a princess. I told my father and he told me about African princesses and I said I didn't know I could be a princess so how about I write a book telling people they can be princesses too.' She added: 'Princess Tiana was a frog for most of the movie so if she was a frog for most of the movie then I can't really say I can be a princess.' Message: Morgan, pictured left with her father and right in a princess costume, told him they should write a book about it to educate others Illustrated: The book, pictured, features black women who have been princesses from around the world Role models: Among those featured in the book, pictured, are Princess Elizabeth of Toro and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein. She said their book 'isn't fiction' and its featured princesses do not live in towers or have hair like Rapunzel. She added: 'They're warriors and philanthropists.' Although Morgan knew writing a book would be a 'pretty difficult', she got help from her mother Diane, who is a publisher and co-owns a publishing company with her father. She said there needs to be greater diversity in stories and films. 'I think they should write lots about different people from different countries, I think they should just make more movies about more people from different countries. I think they should make more about more people of color,' she said. Morgan, who is considering collaborating with her brother on a book about princesses and knights for her next project, said her advice to other girls is to 'be yourself and rock your crown'. Challenge: Although Morgan knew writing a book, pictured, would be a 'pretty difficult', she got help from her mother Diane, who is a publisher and co-owns a publishing company with her father True stories: She said their book 'isn't fiction' and its featured princesses do not live in towers or have hair like Rapunzel Inspiration: Morgan said included among the women they featured are 'warriors and philanthropists' Todd, 41, who co-owns Taylor Made Publishing with his wife Diane, said he was playing with Morgan when she first brought up the subject. He added: 'I just called her princess like I normally do and she came back to me kind of perplexed and said Daddy you call me a princess but I don't think I can be a princess... 'Princesses are vanilla, they're white, we always used flavors talking about race when they were younger.' After doing some research, he said Morgan told him: 'Dad we need to put this in a book'. He added: 'It was her idea from start to finish.' He said although he tried to surround her with 'images that reflected her from birth', that she was picking up other messages from school and the media. Nearly a fifth of British women aged 35 to 44 have had problems conceiving, a study has revealed. Researchers found 17.7 per cent of women in that age group had been unable to conceive despite trying for at least a year, compared to 12.5 per cent of women of all ages. Those who settled down later in life, who had university degrees and who had higher-level jobs, were also more likely to report problems conceiving. Infertility defined as not conceiving after trying for a year or more affects one in eight women and one in ten men, the survey of more than 15,000 British people found. But nearly half of those affected have not sought help, possibly because of embarrassment, refusal or inability to accept there is a problem, fear of being labelled infertile or concerns about the cost of treatment, researchers said. Infertility defined as not conceiving after trying for a year or more affects one in eight women . Those who settled down later in life, had university degrees and higher-level jobs were more likely to report problems The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, found 17.6 per cent of women who started living with their partner over the age of 30 reported infertility problems. This is compared to 13.8 per cent of those who were aged 20 to 29 when they moved in. Of women who had children, more than a third of those whose first child was born when they were aged over 35 had experienced fertility issue - compared to less than one in ten who became mothers before 25 years old. In men, 14.9 per cent of those aged aged 35 to 44 and 14.5 per cent of those aged 45 to 54 had struggled with infertility, compared to 10.1 per cent of men of all ages. There was a little difference in fertility levels of men who settled down later in life, with 11.1 per cent of those who started living with their partner after 30 having problems, compared to 11.9 per cent of those aged between 20 and 29. Both men and women with managerial, professional or technical jobs were more likely to experience infertility than those in lower status, routine occupations, but they were also more likely to seek help. Lead researcher Jessica Datta, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: Our research has implications for women pursuing careers in an uncertain labour market. Rather than warning them of the risks to fertility of delaying parenthood, we advocate social policy that better supports working parents to manage the responsibilities of employment and bringing up children. Lead researcher Jessica Datta, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: Our research has implications for women pursuing careers in an uncertain labour market' The study also found women aged 50 or younger who had experienced infertility were more likely to report depression and feel dissatisfied with their sex lives than those who had not. This was not the case for men. The research was carried out between 2010 and 2012 among 15,162 women and men aged 16 to 74. The authors, including scientists from University College London and the Queens Medical Research Institute in Edinburgh, said: The results indicate that the prevalence of infertility is higher among those delaying parenthood. FERTILITY APPS ARE 'NOTORIOUSLY UNRELIABLE' Depending on a smartphone app to either avoid or achieve pregnancy is a risky business, scientists have warned. A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps has revealed that most aren't based on solid science - which could have disastrous consequences. The findings claim few apps employ 'evidence-based methodology - and many actually warn against using them to avoid pregnancy. The study comes just two weeks after other research warned women using fertility apps and websites to work out when they are most likely to get pregnant could be getting bad advice. Advertisement Those with higher educational qualifications and occupational status are more likely to consult with medical professionals for fertility problems than others and these inequalities in help-seeking should be considered by clinical practice and public health. Professor Adam Balen, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said fertility rates for women aged 35 had trebled in the past 15 years but that it was important couples planning a family understood when fertility began to decline. Commenting on the research, he said: Female fertility starts to decline gradually from the late 20s and more rapidly from the mid-30s onwards. While the risks should never be overplayed, the older a woman is, the longer it can take to get pregnant, and later maternity can also involve a greater risk of miscarriage, a more complicated labour, and medical intervention at the birth. A British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) spokesman said: Fertility does not fall off a cliff at 35, and increasing numbers of women are successfully starting their families later. Women are not ignorant of the difficulties they may face, but there are many reasons why they may want to wait before starting or expanding a family including securing the kind of environment they think it is appropriate to raise a child in. A third of doctors are refusing to disclose whether they have been put up in hotels or flown around the world by drugs giants, experts claim. The doctors have failed to provide details of hospitality or direct payments from firms which are hoping to sway them into prescribing certain products. Today, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has published the first-ever register of stating how much doctors, nurses and pharmacists have been paid by drugs firms. This includes money for advice as well as travel and hospitality expenses to attend meetings or conferences around the world. A third of doctors are refusing to disclose whether they have been put up in hotels or flown around the world by drugs giants, experts claim. A register has been created following allegations firms are bribing medics (file pic) The register is being published following allegations that some firms have been bribing doctors and other staff into prescribing their products by putting them up in five star hotels with Jacuzzis in the rooms. But doctors are not obliged to declare this information and they can legally refuse, claiming it breaches data protection laws. Todays register was compiled on a voluntary basis and the ABPI estimates that just 70 per cent of doctors, pharmacists and nurses truthfully stated how much they had been paid by drugs firms. And those 30 per cent who kept quiet were the highest recipients, between them sharing around 55 million in hospitality and payment The register reveals that of those doctors honest enough to supply information, Professor Ian Pavord, from Oxford University received the most in hospitality at 98,700. He specialises in respiratory medicine and was paid by firms including AstraZeneca, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline for advice and to attend conferences. The ABPI stressed that many of the doctors receiving the most from drugs firms were top experts in the field of cancer, heart disease or chronic lung problems They are paid to speak at conferences around the world or to offer advice to companies desperate for their medical expertise. The new database contains the names of around 16,000 doctors, nurses and other health workers who have received payments or benefits in 2015 But Mike Thompson, the organisations chief executive, urged those doctors and other professions who hadnt declared to think again. To those that didnt (disclose), my message is, please reflect on your decision. I hope that you will commit to yourself and to your patients to do so next year We believe its important that doctors do this with hearts and minds. I hope that the publication of this data will give those who havent focused on this a chance to think it through and realise that disclosure is the right thing to do. As an industry its important that we capture anything thats inappropriate and ensure that those individuals are brought to account. The register mostly covers doctors GPs as well as hospital specialists alongside a few senior nurses and pharmacists. An investigation last year by the Telegraph exposed how an unnamed drugs firm had hosted a group of healthcare managers and GP in a five star hotel in the spa town Baden Baden, in Germany, with Jacuzzis in the rooms. The register is being published following allegations that some firms have been bribing doctors and other staff into prescribing their products by putting them up in five star hotels with Jacuzzis in the rooms One of the organisers boasted that the company had persuaded all of them to switch patients onto their drugs although this was later disputed. Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians raised concerns that doctors were allowed to opt out of supplying information. The publication of the register of payments made by pharmaceutical companies to healthcare professionals is a major sign of progress in our quest towards transparency. However, the register as it is allows healthcare professionals to opt out of disclosure and does not support healthcare professionals who wish to declare that they have not received any funding from pharma. Melissa Dowell, 22, believed she was tired from a typical student lifestyle - but was shocked to be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer An undergraduate who thought her exhaustion was due to a hectic student lifestyle was horrified to be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Melissa Dowell, from Liverpool, was told she had Hodgkin lymphoma - a form of the disease which affects the immune system - while studying for her final exams. The 22-year-old, who is studying advertising, PR and media at Middlesex University, had been making the most of student life. She regularly went out drinking and dancing with her friends and spent two hours in the gym four nights a week as part of a gruelling exercise regime. So when she suddenly started to feel tired all the time, she thought she was just spreading herself too thin. Her GP immediately suspected cancer - and was sadly proved right a week later after she underwent tests. Miss Dowell said: 'I was just living the typical student lifestyle. I love London and I loved going out to pubs and clubbing in the city centre with all my friends.' The diagnosis was even more unexpected given the fact she was so fit and seemingly healthy. After losing two of her grandparents in summer 2014, she began looking after her health and going to the gym regularly. 'But before I knew it I was feeling really exhausted all the time,' she said. 'However third year is so stressful with all the work and the dissertation that I just brushed it off - I just thought I was tired from trying to do too much. 'So when I was diagnosed with cancer it was all so overwhelming.' Miss Dowell was given the life-changing news in January last year, after her parents noticed she was ill during the Christmas break. She started to get out of breath while watching TV from the sofa. And when she couldn't get up the stairs, her mother refused to let her go back to university before seeing a doctor. Miss Dowell regularly went clubbing with her friends (left) and believed this was why she was tired. After being diagnosed with cancer she began chemotherapy, which caused her hair to drop out (right) She visited her GP, and was rushed to A&E at Aintree Hospital as her heartbeat was at a resting rate of 140bpm, compared to a normal rate of 600 -100bpm. Just a week later Miss Dowell was given the devastating diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. 'The doctor came in and said "we're 99 per cent sure it's Hodgkin lymphoma" and I had no idea what that even was. The blonde wig she wore after her hair fell out made her feel like she was 'wearing a mask', she said 'I was so unwell and so out of it I couldn't process what was being said to me. 'I was just sat in the chair stunned and it wasn't until I started to look around and see patients with no hair that I realised they were telling me I had cancer.' After leaving the hospital she immediately told her parents, Dawn, 53, and dad Paul, 52, the devastating news. 'Seeing my mum and dad get upset about it was really the first time I properly broke down about it. But even now it's hard to really accept what I've been through. 'I had to leave university and move home. I've completely lost my independence and everything I had worked really hard for.' The student was forced to drop out of university and undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy over six months, taking up to 10 pills a day. On top of losing her independence, Miss Dowell said her confidence was knocked as her hair fell out. She said: 'Losing my hair and being ill really knocked my confidence. Being blonde with the wig was nice at first but it started to feel like a mask. 'I would always put on loads of make-up too because I didn't want anyone to see what I looked like without it. 'I would hate getting into my room at night and having to take it all off and see myself. I tried to avoid looking in the mirror. 'My family and friends would tell me I didn't have to but it was not for them it was for me. 'Not many people can understand what it is like to come home and have to take your hair off.' Last September, she was delighted to be told treatment had worked and she was cancer-free. However, she is still battling the side effects of chemotherapy - and feels she will never be the same again. She was forced to drop out of university and undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy over six months, taking up to 10 pills a day. But she has finally been told she is cancer-free - although she still feels unwell from treatment She said: 'People don't realise that your recovery doesn't end with you getting the all clear. There are long-term side effects of the treatment and I still feel quite unwell. 'But I am getting there bit by bit. My family and friends have been so supportive which helps a lot. 'I'm just trying to work out what the future is going to hold for me and how to be a normal 22-year-old.' Patients with suspected cancer should be diagnosed quicker under new NHS guidelines published today. The health rationing watchdog NICE - the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - wants to speed up diagnosis and ensure patients attend appointments. Research shows up to 10,000 lives in England could be saved every year if cancer was diagnosed earlier and more appropriate surgery was used as the primary treatment. The new guidelines aim to ensure patients who go to their GP with symptoms that suggest oesophageal or stomach cancer have an urgent direct access to key diagnostic tests The new advice emphasises three key points: * The need to give GPs direct access to key diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, ultrasound, MRI, X-ray and CT for people with suspected cancer. * To ensure patients who go to their GP with symptoms that suggest oesophageal or stomach cancer have an urgent direct access to an endoscopy, in order to examine the area internally. * To give patients who have symptoms that suggest colorectal cancer - but do not meet the criteria where they would be referred - have a test for blood in their stools. * To ensure people with suspected cancer who are referred to a cancer service are given written information encouraging them to attend. Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive of NICE, said: 'When we published our updated suspected cancer guidance last year we said the best way to successfully treat cancer was to make an early diagnosis. 'It is a simple step that has the potential to save thousands of lives each year. 'We're highlighting the need to give GPs the ability to refer patients directly for key tests such as MRI, X-ray and CT scans for suspected cancer so we can make that process even faster. 'We also want to ensure everyone who is referred for further tests attends their appointment.' She added: 'This could be vital for a swift diagnosis but also because missed appointments delays other patients and wastes precious NHS resources. 'We have also highlighted tests for suspected oesophageal or stomach cancer and colorectal cancer that could make a big difference to patients' chances.' Last year NICE issued a set of signs doctors should look for when treating possible cancer cases More than 300,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the UK in 2013 and roughly half of all people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Last week, a probe by the Swedish Institute for Health Economics found the UK lagging behind other countries when it comes to cancer spending as a proportion of its overall healthcare budget. It also has poorer five-year survival rates than patients in 17 other European countries including Malta and Iceland. Advice published last year focused on symptoms patients might experience and go to their doctor with, to assist GPs. It said too many patients were 'slipping through the net' because family doctors are ignoring the less obvious symptoms. It included tables linking signs and symptoms to possible cancers and included recommendations about which tests to perform and the type of referral that should be made to specialist services. It produced an 89-page guide which lists a set of symptoms and the possible type of cancer behind them. The guide also tells GPs what to do in each scenario, such as refer patients for X-rays or scans within two weeks and in some cases within 48 hours. GPs should be given direct access to diagnostic tools such as scans and X-rays, the new guidelines said This includes some symptoms which the watchdog said were 'no-brainers' such as a lump in the breast for breast cancer or unexplained bleeding which should immediately set off alarm bells for family doctors. But others, including abdominal pain, tiredness, bruising and loss of appetite, are less obvious and could be due to a number of other causes. The watchdog hopes that rather than send patients away, GPs will immediately suspect it might be cancer and either refer them for tests or at least ask them to come back in two weeks to check they have not worsened. Gary Brauchla, with his wife Kathie, believes he is lucky to be alive after suffering a cardiac arrest Doctors may be giving up on cardiac arrest patients too soon, alarming research suggests. A study of people who arrested outside hospital revealed comatose patients may need much more time to wake up before a prognosis is made about them. The study was led by Bentley Bobrow, professor at the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, and published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, One such patient, Gary Brauchla, believes he is lucky to be alive. The day after his son's twins were born in 2012, the 68-year-old went into cardiac arrest as he slept in his home in Pearce, Arizona. His wife Kathie, a former surgical technician, immediately called 911 and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Fifteen minutes later, paramedics took over administering CPR and shocked his heart with a defibrillator, restoring his heart rhythm. Though Mr Brauchla's heart was restarted, he remained in a coma as he was flown by helicopter to Tucson. There, doctors treated him with coronary stents - tubes put into the arteries that supply blood to the heart to keep them open - and therapeutic hypothermia (cooling his body) to reduce his brain's need for oxygen and minimise the risk of brain injury. 'The doctors said it usually takes up to 48 hours for people to wake up, but after two days he still was not responding,' said his wife. Mr Brauchla remained in a deep coma until finally, 72 hours after he was rewarmed, he gradually began to awaken. 'After 48 hours, doctors used to start talking about pulling the plug,' said Mrs Brauchla. More than 400,000 Americans experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually. And the survival statistics are bleak: although approximately 50 per cent of people who arrest are revived after attempted resuscitation, only about 10 per cent of these survive to leave the hospital. Meanwhile, almost half of survivors suffer some level of brain impairment from the brain not getting enough oxygen. While out-of-hospital cardiac arrest still is a leading cause of death in the United States, outcomes have improved dramatically in places like Arizona, where the focus has been on innovative health-care advances, Dr. Bobrow said. A study of people who arrested outside hospital revealed comatose patients may need much more time to wake up before a prognosis is made about them Advances include: * Compression-only CPR training for the public, * Enhanced telephone-CPR instructions and training for 911 dispatchers, * Implementing high-performance CPR for emergency crews *And making sure patients are taken to specialized hospitals that deliver treatments like targeted therapeutic hypothermia to improve brain recovery. Dr Bobrow's research showed showed for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, the time it takes to regain consciousness after rewarming from therapeutic hypothermia treatment varies widely. Crucially, it is longer than many had thought. 'Most patients are comatose after resuscitation and accurately predicting those who will wake up can be extremely challenging,' he explained. 'There are many factors involved. But what we do know that it's common for doctors to try to decide who will and who won't wake up after 24 to 48 hours of hospitalization. 'However, our study found a substantial number of cardiac arrest victims wake up longer than many people would expect. Although approximately 50 per cent of people who arrest are revived after attempted resuscitation, only about 10 per cent of these leave hospital 'Sometimes they awaken from coma five, six or seven days after being admitted to the hospital and many of these have a good neurological outcome,' he said. Among 573 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who completed targeted temperature management, 60 woke up at least 48 hours after rewarming. Eight patients became responsive more than seven days after rewarming, six of whom were discharged with good neurological scores. One of the important findings was no predictive factors reliably identified who would awaken early or late. Dr Bobrow said: 'We were surprised by the large proportion of cardiac arrest survivors who woke up more than three days after their arrest and went home with their families. 'While targeted therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve outcomes, no validated system currently exists for predicting when patients receiving this treatment will awaken from coma. 'Physicians and family members may need to wait longer than the traditional three days before making irrevocable decisions about brain function recovery and possible withdrawal of care,' he said. Dr Samuel Keim, chair of the university's Department of Emergency Medicine, added: 'We may be able to save thousands of lives each year across the country by simply giving cardiac arrest victims more time to awaken in the hospital. When Mr Brauchla first woke up, he struggled with some neurological issues, but continued to improve. Since then, he has fully recovered and so far has run 12 5K races. He now serves as the president of the newly formed Arizona Cardiac Arrest Survivors Group. In this role, he speaks to patients and their families, teaches bystander CPR classes and works to get more AEDs (automated external defibrillators) into the community. Money held by Indians in Swiss banks has fallen by nearly one-third to a record low of 1.2 billion francs (about Rs 8,392 crore) amid a continuing global clampdown on the famed 'secrecy' of Switzerlands banking system. Funds held by Indians with banks in Switzerland fell by CHF 596.42 million to CHF 1,217.6 million at the end of 2015, as per the latest data released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) on Thursday. This is the lowest amount held by Indians in Swiss banks since the Alpine nation began making the data public in 1997. Money held by Indians in Swiss banks has fallen by nearly one-third to a record low of 1.2 billion francs amid a continuing global clampdown on the famed secrecy wall of 'Swiss banks' Funds held by Indians in Swiss banks stood at a record high of CHF 6.5 billion (Rs 23,000 crore) in 2006. At the end of 2015, the total funds held in Swiss banks by Indians directly stood at CHF 1,206.71 million, down from CHF 1,776 million a year previously. The money held through fiduciaries or wealth managers was down to CHF 10.89 million, from CHF 37.92 million at the end of 2014. The latest data from the Zurich-based SNB comes at a time when Switzerland has begun sharing foreign client details in relation to 'evidence of wrongdoing' provided by India and other countries. The bank has agreed to further expand its cooperation on Indias fight against black money, and expects to sign a new pact for an automatic information exchange from 2018. At the end of 2015, the total funds held in Swiss banks by Indians directly stood at CHF 1,206.71 million, down from CHF 1,776 million a year ago Indian officials are expected to visit Switzerland soon to expedite the pending information requests concerning suspected illicit accounts held by Indians in Swiss banks. The funds, described by the SNB as liabilities of Swiss banks or amounts due to their clients, are the official figures disclosed by the Swiss authorities and do not indicate the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in the safe havens of Switzerland. Swiss banks stash: Pakistan overtakes India Defying a global trend, money kept by Pakistani nationals in Swiss banks has risen by more than 16 per cent to 1.5 billion francs (over Rs 10,000 crore), exceeding funds from Indians. As per the latest data released the Swiss National Bank, the total funds linked to Pakistan in Swiss banks stood at CHF 1,513 million at the end of 2015, up nearly 16 per cent from CHF 1,301 billion a year ago. This included funds amounting to CHF 1,477 million, held directly by Pakistani nationals and entities, and CHF 36 million through fiduciaries or wealth managers. This is the second straight year the amount of Pakistan-linked funds in Swiss banks has risen, while the same for India has fallen for the second consecutive year and stood at CHF 1,217 million (Rs 8,392 crore) at the end of 2015 - a decline of 33 per cent. This is the first time in the last three years that the funds linked to Pakistan in Swiss banks have exceeded those held by Indians. India's undisguised efforts to secure entry to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) have been criticised in some quarters, after China foiled the attempt. The main arguments propounded by critics are that such activism was unwarranted as NSG membership is unimportant, that India would be a second-class member, and that the setback it suffered constitutes a major embarrassment for the nation. The aforesaid arguments are completely ill-founded. India has recently entered the prestigious MTCR group, which China is not a part of. (Pictured: India's PM Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping, China's president.) Regime Indias membership of the NSG and other proliferation control regimes, notably the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Australia Group, and the Wassenaar Arrangement, is important in order to shatter the myth of it being an outlier to the non-proliferation regime. Likewise, it facilitates its trade, both imports and exports, of nuclear, missile and other related sensitive technologies. Membership of these regimes will enhance India's status in this critical area from merely an adherent to a rule-maker. It will also enable India to ensure that these regimes perform their mandated role of promoting non-proliferation effectively, and not hurt its commercial interests. Finally, though a waiver was accorded by the NSG in 2008 to enable the export to India of sensitive materials and equipment for its civil nuclear programme, this is not cast in stone and can only be fully safeguarded by India's membership of the NSG. The issue is rendered more urgent as India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, set out in Paris, envisages a 40% non fossil power generation capacity by 2030, and without NSG membership this cannot be assured. While it is true that India is ineligible for trade in reprocessing and enrichment equipment as it is not a signatory of the NPT because of an NSG amendment adopted in 2011, this will not make India a second-class member. India will, in fact, be a privileged member as it will be the only non-NPT state admitted on the basis of its record. Narendra Modi is unabashed about stating his goals, and pursuing them on India's behalf Indeed, the aforesaid constraint imposed on India underlines the importance of securing membership of the NSG, for if India had been a member prior to 2011 such an amendment would not have been possible. Admission It is by no means embarrassing that the NSG Seoul Plenary did not admit India as a member, despite a high voltage campaign, as the process for admission is still in place. India received overwhelming support, with as many as 38 of the 48 members strongly supporting it, including heavyweights like the US, Russia, France, the UK, Japan, Australia, and Canada. If anything, the Plenary reflected China's isolation as it was the only country blocking discussion on India's application. If others such as Austria, New Zealand, and Ireland spoke, it was about the process and not against India. India's high-level activist diplomacy ought to be lauded rather than decried. We are fortunate in having in Modi a prime minister who actually leads from the front. While it may not always bring instant success, it surely places the country firmly on the right path by signalling the importance we attach to our objectives. India's recent membership of the MTCR is one such success of the government's activist diplomacy which would have eluded us had we been scared of trying. In diplomacy, as in life, it is a case of nothing venture nothing gained. Reality Above all, the Seoul exercise was a reality-check. It fully exposed Chinas animus towards India. Firstly, it sought to hyphenate Pakistan with India by encouraging the former to apply for membership - although unlike India, it was not adhering to NSG guidelines, had not separated its civil and military nuclear programmes, and had not signed the Additional Protocol. Secondly, it argued that India's admittance to the NSG was problematic as the latter had not signed the NPT. This was no more than a ruse to delay the process as there are no mandatory criteria for membership, only a number of factors to be considered such as non-proliferation record, restraint in nuclearisation, and immediate benefits that would accrue. India's credentials for membership on all counts are impressive and certainly much superior to those of Pakistan. In this context, it may specifically be mentioned that while India enjoys an impeccable record Pakistan has earned notoriety as a proliferator. While India has shut down one of its two research reactors, Pakistan has increased its own from one to four. And while the rate of fissile material production in India has not increased, that in Pakistan has gone up. China's role at Seoul will not be without consequences. It will cast doubts in the minds of the international community on the maturity of its leaders, and adversely influence India's leadership and people on issues critical to China like those pertaining to the South China Sea, and imports from China. The political war over Robert Vadras controversial land deals in Haryana is heating up again. The Congress is now attacking Justice SN Dhingra - who probed the matter - saying he took favours from the states BJP government. While former Haryana chief minister BS Hooda questioned the validity of the probe panel, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the former judge had no right to give a verdict or make a report in the matter. The political war over Robert Vadra's controversial land deals has also hit key reforms Facing the Congress attack, the former Delhi High Court judge Dhingra, who was to submit his report on Thursday, sought more time from the Haryana chief secretary to finish the job. The eleventh-hour move from the probe panel is expected to provide some relief to the Centre, which is hoping to pass the key GST Bill in the monsoon session of Parliament that starts on July 18. Randeep Surjewala (pictured) accused Justice Dhingra of seeking favours from the Haryana government The Congress, which is opposed to the GST Bill, would have used the Vadra probe report to block the legislation. The Bill is pending in the Rajya Sabha, where the NDA lacks numerical strength. The government needs Congress support to pass the constitutional amendment Bill. The Haryana government has no material or evidence to form an opinion about the existence of any definite matter of public importance for appointment of the Commission in terms of Section 3 of the Act (Commission of Inquiry Act) and, thus, the appointment of the Commission is contrary to settled law, Hooda said in his letter to Governor KS Solanki. Hooda further said the terms of reference of the commission were changed to harass and malign him, other Congress ministers and members, and the officers who served under his government from 2004 to 2014. It is not clear as to why only one particular sector is being singled out in Haryana and why the terms of reference is limited only to some entities in Sector-83 Gurgaon, said the former chief minister. According to Randeep Surjewala, also a lawmaker in Haryana, Justice Dhingra on December 8, 2015, had requested the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram to construct paver blocks connecting his school, which was done quickly. Justice Dhingra has sought favours from Haryana government. He is incompetent and unsuitable to deliver any verdict or report in the matter, Surjewala said. He added: We are open to independent probe which does not emanate on account of a revengeful pre-meditated agenda and political vendetta. BJP lawmaker Kirit Somaiyya, who has been raising the issue in Parliament, hit back, saying former Haryana CM BS Hooda and Vadra manipulated and accommodated builders to mint crores. A 15-year-old boy identified as Rajat Menon was allegedly beaten to death in Mayur Vihar, east Delhi, on Wednesday night. Delhi Police have registered a case of murder, and detained the two sons of a nearby paan shop vendor for questioning. A senior police officer investigating the matter said: In the CCTV footage, a person in a red T-shirt is seen slapping Rajat. During investigation, it was revealed that Rajat had a fight about one month ago with two minors. They have been detained by us. The motive behind the murder is not clear yet. A 15-year-old boy was allegedly beaten to death in Mayur Vihar, east Delhi, leading to the detention of two juveniles from the area known locally as the two sons of a nearby pan shop vendor In additional CCTV footage acquired by the Delhi Police, two people are seen taking Rajat to a nearby hospital after he was seriously injured in the fight. The hospital allegedly refused to treat him, claiming that it was not equipped with a life-support system. Later, Rajat was taken to another government hospital where doctors declared him dead. Rajats family have claimed that he got into a fight with a vendor who sells paan in his neighbourhood. The paan-shop owner and his sons started the argument. His friends escaped but he was beaten up. He was beaten till he became unconscious. He was then taken to hospital, said Rajats father, Unnikrishnan. Rajats father has filed a complaint with the police, but claimed no action has been taken. We had filed a complaint with the police on Wednesday, but nothing has happened despite giving specific details, one of his relatives said. Rajat's mother (centre) grieves after her son was allegedly beaten to death while returning from his tuition classes Meanwhile, the suspects brother has claimed that his siblings were trying to help Rajat - but the police have framed them. My brothers did nothing wrong. He found him at the park and was taking him to the hospital to help him, [sic] said the brother of the suspects. Rajats parents claimed that they were informed about the attack on their son by his friends two hours after it took place. The brutal murder of the boy and the delay in police action also triggered outrage among the residents of Mayur Vihar. Sources have claimed that the accused hit Rajat repeatedly in the 'private parts', which may have led to his death. People took to the streets and vandalised the paan shop. Wealthy public relations tycoon Sir Alan Parker, 60, who advises swathes of FTSE 100 firms, revels in his influence across business and politics. Colleagues report hes like a munificent squire since he was knighted in 2014. Defeat: Roland Rudd (centre) is licking his wounds after his tireless fundraising for the Remain campaign ended in failure Meanwhile, his great rival, serpentine Roland Rudd, 55, is licking his wounds after his tireless fundraising for the Remain campaign ended in failure. As such, Rudds much-feted prospects of a knighthood look dead in the water. Alan is not crowing about this at all, smirks my source. .............................................................................................................................................................. Self-assured former Goldman Sachs bigwig Lord (Paul) Deighton, 60, who replaces Sir Nigel Rudd as Heathrow chairman in September, will be dismayed David Cameron has delayed the decision on airport expansion until hes handed over to his successor. Heathrow bosses hoped Deightons close relationship with Chancellor George Osborne, whom he served under as a Treasury minister, would help convince the Government of its claims on a third runway. Fat lot of good that relationship will be now Osbornes packing his bags. .............................................................................................................................................................. Credit Suisses cultivated boss Tidjane Thiam is a man under siege. Since he arrived from Prudential last summer, shares in the bank have tanked 50 per cent. Employees are said to hiss whenever his svelte form appears on television. Andreas Brun, analyst with rival bank. Zuercher Kantonalbank, jokes: At the beginning everyone thought he could walk on water. Nowadays everyone thinks he struggles to swim. Ze Swiss sense of humour is no laughing matter, but how long can Tidjane, 53, survive? .............................................................................................................................................................. Buxom city superwoman Nicola Horlicks husband, City writer Martin Baker, has received funding from Aberdeen Asset Managements crimson-cheeked boss Martin Gilbert, 60, for his new publishing house Wet Zebra. Shouldnt Baker commission his missus, 55, to pen her life story? After successfully balancing a high-flying City career with raising six children, hers is a compelling narrative. Readers might also want to hear how one of Horlicks funds was a victim of US fraudster Bernie Maddoff. .............................................................................................................................................................. Theresa May for PM? Unlike recent Number 10 occupants, she knows her way around the City. With the right policy responses Brexit could provide a significant boost to Britain The economic shock of Brexit has been significant. But with the right policy responses, it doesnt have to be disastrous. Some business investment decisions may have been postponed in the run up to the referendum but it is worth noting that as the vote approached the economy was gathering momentum. The latest survey of UK manufacturing (the Purchasing Managers Index) rose from 50.4 points in May to 52.1 in June, which in normal circumstances would be considered a healthy gain. The strongest reaction to Leave has been on the foreign exchange markets, where sterling has dropped 10 per cent. Clearly this comes at a bad time for British holidaymakers heading overseas. But we shouldnt underestimate the positive impact it will have on big UK-based multinationals, making our goods more competitive overseas and strengthening foreign currency earnings repatriated to Britain. It is among the reasons why the FTSE 100, dominated by big global companies, has bounced so quickly. Britains devaluation is an instant adjustment not available to the 19 countries in the eurozone facing fiscal, banking and similar shocks. Other help is also on the way. The Bank of England has been quick to step up to the plate with a coherent plan to make sure Britain avoids the kind of credit crunch which was so damaging in 2008-09. The Monetary Policy Committee will want to see some data before action, which may mean that the expected cut in the bank rate from 0.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent could be delayed until August, with other measures such as corporate bond buying held in reserve. Meanwhile, we have now had the most significant policy move from the Chancellor George Osborne since the referendum campaign when he warned of higher taxes and more austerity. Speaking in Manchester, Osborne noted that while the Government would continue to keep an eye on the deficit it might not be possible to achieve a budget surplus by the end of the decade. In other words, he is effectively taking his foot off the brakes and allowing a more expansionary budgetary policy for the time being. The credit rating agencies may have removed Britains AAA rating but that has done nothing to put people off UK corporate or government bonds. Lloyds comfortably sold 750million worth of bonds on the New York markets. And Santander UK has launched a 500 floating rate bond in London. The yield on ten-year gilts dropped to just 0.81 per cent. Investors would not be lending UK plc money for such low returns if they believed the nation was on a financial precipice. Chocolate wars When Cadbury chairman Sir Roger Carr cast around for a white knight in the autumn of 2009 as he sought to fend off the unwanted attentions of Irene Rosenfelds Kraft, the first port of call was the Hershey Trust with 8.1 per cent of the shares and 81 per cent of the votes in the totemic chocolate maker, Hershey. Both companies had a strong family ethos and for many years Hershey has manufactured key Cadbury products in the US. The Kraft boss freed the growth confectionary and cookie brands from the stodgy processed cheese group and re-floated it as Mondelez. Now Rosenfeld is at it again. Mondelez has swooped on Hershey with a 17.3billion takeover offer. Hershey will be a harder nut to crack than Cadbury. The shares in the Pennsylvania-based firm and theme park owner are closely held by the Hershey Trust and the company is seen in its home state as a local champion. Being part of a highly diversified, financially driven global group may not seem that attractive an idea. The initial rejection is simply on price with the proposed premium to Hershey shares, of around 10 per cent, seen as sub-octane. There would clearly be huge synergies if Hershey, home of M&M, Hersheys Kisses and Reeses Pieces could be brought together with Mondelez. The Cadbury legacy means the successor company is strong in growth markets including India and Australia, and would plainly give Hershey more heft on the global stage. Bringing together mass market chocolate producers from the worlds two highest consuming nations, the US and Britain could also produce great cost savings. Hershey should remember, however, that Mondelez is ruthless, its promises are not worth the paper they are written on and it has a habit of switching production (remember the Wispa bar) from higher-cost countries such as the UK to Poland. As always, the cheerleaders for big takeovers are urging Mondelez to up the bid to the level where the Hershey Trust may find it hard to resist the cash. If it concedes it could mean a betrayal of heritage and dilution of brands. Ask the fans of Cadbury Creme Eggs. Low flying As someone who lives under the flight path, I have a vested interest in the third runway at Heathrow never being built. But it is sheer folly that a year has passed since Sir Howard Davies airport commission made the case for the new runway. There could have been no better moment than now for the Government to signal its determination to show Britain is open to global business. Instead, it has kicked a decision into the long grass until October. Europe's banking sector is braced for chaos, with Italian giants desperate for a bailout and Germanys biggest lender deemed a threat to the world economy. In Italy, politicians begged the European Union for permission to bail out troubled lenders sitting on more than 300bn of bad loans. Meanwhile, Portugal long feared to be a future flashpoint in the eurozone crisis has been urged to double down on austerity measures in the uncertain times ahead. Dark days: The IMF said that Germanys Deutsche Bank posed more risk to the global financial system than any other lender And the International Monetary Fund said that Germanys Deutsche Bank posed more risk to the global financial system than any other lender. Concerns were already raging over Italian banks due to the huge amounts of dangerous credit on their books. It led to the launch of a 4bn privately-backed rescue fund in April to shore up suffering lenders, but there were fears this still might not be enough. The countrys problems are compounded by EU state aid rules which prevent its government from stepping in. And despite increasingly frantic requests for wriggle room from Italian ministers, eurozone bosses were refusing to budge last night. Italy is understood to have requested flexibility in light of Brexit but the pleas have fallen on deaf ears. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was asked about the issue at an EU summit. We cant come up with new rules every two years, she said in reply. It echoes the view of the European Commission, which oversees finance and competition guidelines. The commission is ready to help but so far it has not been convinced by what has been proposed in Italy, an official told Reuters. Can the Italians really prove that there is a systemic problem caused by the British vote? I dont know. There is a special impact on the banks, this is true, but everyone has been affected, not just Italy. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said he was confident savings could be protected under existing rules. However, Italy is not the only nation thought to be at risk from the vote. Portugals left-wing government has been urged to slash costs by the IMF. The country, which is in the throes of a long recovery, was told to tighten its belt to improve the economys resilience to shocks. IMF experts warned Portuguese growth would be 1 per cent this year and 1.1 per cent the year after, and said its public debts the largest in the eurozone were a cause for concern. This poses a problem for the nations anti-austerity socialist government. The IMF said there had been a regrettable lack of progress on public sector reforms, and called for a stable and predictable tax system. In more conservative Germany, the IMF said Deutsche Banks close links to other major lenders made it a risk to the world economy. This means that if it collapsed, the ripple effects would be felt across the world. HSBC and Credit Suisse were the second and third most risky lenders, the IMF said. It closely followed news that Deutsche Bank had failed a US Federal Reserve stress test for the second year in a row. He has spent three years protesting that he was not to blame for the 4bn trading loss that almost sank Societe Generale, and now Jerome Kerviels fight for justice is to hit the big screen. A film about the trader, who shocked the world when his staggeringly disastrous deals were revealed, has just been released in his native France. LOutsider, or The Outsider, depicts Kerviel as a hard-working investment banker who happened to hit the big time when markets tumbled following the terror attacks in London in July 2005. Centre stage: A film about Jerome Kerviel, who shocked the world when his staggeringly disastrous deals were revealed, has just been released in his native France But the plot ends as his bank discovers he has made 35bn of uncovered trades which were revealed in 2008. The release comes as Kerviel, 39, is engulfed in the latest of his court cases. He served five months of a three-year prison term, and then in 2010 was ordered to repay the entire loss. This was overturned in 2014, but then earlier this year Kerviel managed to prove he was actually unfairly dismissed because he claimed the bank knew about his actions. A new civil trial, to establish what Kerviel must pay back to Societe Generale again, finished last week and is due to report in September. Kerviel, who suffers from phobias and panic attacks, has said he cant bring himself to watch the film. The son of an ironworker and hairdresser, he has long cast himself as the victim of a corrupt financial system. In an interview last week he said: People are realising that my case isnt as clear as it seems. The film does not yet have a UK release date. Through his fight against the courts Kerviel has become infamous in France even inspiring a comic book and a fan club. Supporters have worn T-shirts bearing his name. He has captured further media attention by shaking the hand of Pope Francis in Rome when the Pontiff was making a public appearance in St Peters Square and then proceeding to walk home to France. Victims of investment scams lose an average of 20,000 to fraudsters, with scammers conning people into investing in fake diamonds, bogus stocks and shares and supposedly 'fine' wines. Duped by cold-callers, fake websites and online adverts, investment scam victims typically lose considerably more cash than other fraud victims, Citizens Advice said. Taking every type of scam into account, including vishing, where fraudsters often cold-call people in a bid to get their bank details, victim losses average 2,500, the findings add. Scams: Victims of investment scams lose an average of 20,000 to fraudsters, with scammers conning people into investing in fake diamonds, bogus stocks and shares and supposedly 'fine' wines While less common than other types of scams, investment fraud often leads to victims losing thousands of pounds. Many are tempted because of the low rates currently being offered by traditional savings accounts. Among the cases seen by Citizens Advice earlier this year, one man forked out 150,000 for diamonds that turned out to be worth a fraction of the cost. WATCH OUT FOR THESE SCAMS How can you spot the signs of a scam? Here are eight common scams reported to Citizens Advice to watch out for: - Investment scams - victims are persuaded to invest money in fake ventures and are then unable to get their cash back. - Fake services - people are offered a service for a fee, only to find the service is not what it seems or does not exist. Examples include offers to fix computers remotely and fake invoices for advertising. - Vishing - conmen cold call people pretending to be a legitimate company, asking for credit or debit card details. For example, they might pretend they need to refund overpaid bills. - Doorstep selling - victims are offered goods door-to-door or from the back of a van, which are likely to be counterfeit. Fraudsters selling mattresses, "fresh" fish and cleaning products were all reported to Citizens Advice. - Up-front payment or fee - fraudsters ask for a payment in advance for a service or product that never materialises, such as asking for a fee to get a loan, or to pay for a training course to secure a job. - Premium rate texts - victims inadvertently agree to receive premium rate texts about games or competitions, usually costing around 4 each. - Counterfeit goods - people buy goods at marketplaces or online that turn out to be counterfeit or stolen. Common products include cigarettes, shoes and clothing, and tickets for events. - Goods not received - people place orders for goods which do not arrive. Scams are often carried out through social media and online auction sites. Another investment scam where fraudsters promise high returns before scarpering with people's money involves stocks and shares. One man who reported a scam to Citizens Advice invested 65,000 with a share trader who offered them three per cent in dividends every month. After later trying to cancel the deal, the bogus trader could no longer be contacted. People are also being persuaded to buy 'vintage wines' with promises that their value will increase over time. One victim told Citizens Advice he invested 500 after being offered a steep increase and cash back from the trader. The money never arrived, and when they tried to cancel they were unable to contact the trader. The introduction of a raft of pension freedoms last year has also given rise to more scams involving 'free' pensions advice purporting to boost income on investments. Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: 'Scams can devastate people's finances and leave them empty handed. 'Fraudsters vary their tactics to target different people, from pushing cut-price offers to those on a budget, to high-interest investments for those looking to grow their savings. 'We're warning people to be on their guard against opportunities that come of the blue and far exceed the deals you'd get elsewhere - they may well be a scam. 'If you think you've lost money to a scam, seek advice as soon as possible so you have the best chance of getting your money back. 'It's vital that people who have fallen prey to fraudsters alert others to stop the scam from spreading, and report it to the authorities so we can stop con artists from getting away with it.' Last year, online fraud was up 64 per cent on a year earlier, reaching 133.5million, according to Financial Fraud UK. At the same time, phone banking fraud was up 92 per cent. Losses: Taking every type of scam into account, including vishing, where fraudsters often cold-call people in a bid to get their bank details, victim losses average 2,500, Citizens Advice said People who suspect they've received a spam call, letter or email can contact Citizens Advice, who will be able to pass on details to Trading Standards. Scams or suspected scams can also be reported to Action Fraud. Leon Livermore, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: 'Anyone can fall victim to a scam and while the criminals' methods are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, the advice remains the same, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.' French President Francois Hollande said he was hoping to snatch away the City's status as a hub for trades in euros French bankers have been locked out of crunch talks to protect the City amid fears they might feed intelligence back to Paris. Bosses at Societe Generale and BNP Paribas, which together have more than 10,000 UK staff, missed a key meeting on Tuesday as the industry prepared its response to the Brexit vote. It follows hostility from French President Francois Hollande, who said he was hoping to snatch away the City's status as a hub for trades in euros. And Societe boss Frederic Oudea has echoed that view, saying: 'I hope that Paris will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.' Insiders denied the French banks were shut out, saying there were represented at the meeting by the Association for Financial Markets in Europe. Paris is one of several cities praying for London's downfall. But Brexit supporters point out the British capital's might is based on its liberal regime, world-class services, quality of life and the English language. Job cuts: Lloyds are closing 23 branches across Britain Lloyds is slashing 640 jobs and closing 23 branches across Britain as part of a drive to boost profits. The cutbacks are part of a long-term push to become more competitive under a plan to scrap 9,000 roles. This was announced in 2014 and the move is unrelated to the European Union referendum. Lloyds which is 9pc owned by taxpayers after a bailout at the height of the financial crisis has pledged to shutter 200 branches in total. The latest closures will take the number scrapped so far to 175. Bosses said there would be 115 jobs created during the changes, taking the net loss to 525. They said they hoped to avoid compulsory redundancies by asking for volunteers and not replacing workers on their way out anyway. Claims she does not owe the money and it is a ruse to keep her in London Natalia now fears if she returns to Moscow she will be held due to her 'debt' She is trying to claim half his 10bn fortune through the courts in Russia The spurned ex-wife at the centre of the 'world's biggest divorce case' today told how she is being 'tortured' by her oligarch former husband into living apart from her 17-year-old son. In an emotional and poignant interview in London, Natalia Potanina told MailOnline that she cannot return freely to Russia in a new and 'cruel' legal move by oligarch Vladimir Potanin. She said her son is now like an 'orphan', and her ailing 97-year-old mother desperately needs her. Scroll down for video Trapped: Natalia Potanina (pictured) told MailOnline that she cannot return freely to Russia due to a new and 'cruel' legal move by oligarch Vladimir Potanin, who she is taking to court for half of his 10bn fortune Divorce: Natalia and her husband Vladimir, with their son Vasilly, in happier times - before he left her for a woman 15 years her junior and left her brokenhearted and humiliated Battle: The couple have three children together - sons Ivan and Vasily, pictured with Ivan's young wife Yana and Natalia's mother Antonina - and she claims she is entitled to the money If she returns to Moscow from her three bedroom flat close to Westminister Abbey, she fears her husband will use the Russian legal system to stop her leaving the country again, so trapping her in her homeland. This, in turn, could handicap any future efforts to claim half of what she claims is his 10billion fortune in the the English courts, although she made clear she is relying for now on the Russian Supreme Court to 'secure justice'. Natalia says 55-year-old Potanin 'dumped, betrayed and humiliated' her after starting a relationship with an employee 15 years his junior with whom he had a love child, but he has told a Russian court that he has minimal assets despite being listed by Forbes as his country's fourth richest man worth 9.83billion. She strongly disputes his claim that he is not in the billionaire bracket and down to his last millions with a salary of 320,000 a month. In the latest dispute between the former couple, who have three children, Natalia, 54, accuses Russia's fourth richest man of saddling her with a 'fictional' debt of around 870,000 which she is unable to pay, in order to pile on the misery. At the same time, she alleges he has secreted his vast wealth out of her reach in a complex web of offshore companies while pleading to judges in Moscow that he has virtually no assets. Under a controversial Russian law, any citizen with a debt - even for a parking ticket - is forbidden from travelling abroad. Love story: When the couple wed in 1983, they were both homeless and penniless, forced to live in her parents flat, but her husband went on to make billions Bitter: However, Vladimir has told a Russian court that he has minimal assets despite being listed by Forbes as his country's fourth richest man worth 9.83billion Thousands: He has also claimed that Natalia has debts of her own, to the tune of 870,000. Pictured: The couple with their elder children Anastasiya, now 32, and Ivan Border guards are under orders to prevent 'debtors' from clearing passport checks. 'There is a law in Russia that people who did not pay back their debts in full, cannot leave the country,' said Natalia, explaining why she refuses to fly home from London despite the agony of being apart from her son and mother. 'If I go back to Russia now, nobody will let me out again.' Accusing her ex-husband of 'low actions', she said fear of being trapped in Russia means she missed her son Vasily's school graduation on Friday last week, which Potanin, too, failed to attend, but also that she cannot care for her ailing mother. 'I need to get back to Moscow, but I cannot without becoming a hostage there,' she said in an extraordinary exclusive interview. 'My mother Antonina is now very old, she is 97, and she needs my support and attention. 'Her health condition does not allow her to move her out of the country. 'Honestly, this is a daily torture for me. 'I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do for my beloved mother. 'In the situation when your health is not good and you don't have enough force to live, you need your family, those who you have already given your soul to. 'You need them to be next to you, and I cannot go to my mother and hug her.' False: The debt relates to the family house in Nemchinovo village, in pine forests 17 miles west of Moscow, and is part of huge pressure she has been put under by Potanin since the breakdown of their marriage, she said Pressure: 'This fictional debt of 78 million roubles (870,000) - appeared because of a cooked-up deal between two companies controlled by my ex-husband,' she told MailOnline. The family pictured in 1995 Separated: However, it means she is unable to return to Russia to see her youngest son Vasiliy, who she is pictured with on holiday in Jordan in 2010 with her then husband About her son - who she calls Vasya - she said: 'He finished school this year and was sitting his final exams, and last Friday he had his graduation ball. 'I am a mother and I wish I could be there to support Vasya through this hard period of his life. 'But, once again, I could not do so because the door to Russia is closed for me. 'There was nobody next to him to remind him how well he was doing and to promise that he would achieve everything in his life at this important moment. 'He was alone there - like an orphan. 'Last Friday all students in Moscow schools were awarded their school diplomas.' She made clear her deep pride in her teenage son for his achievement despite the problems caused by his parents' break-up. 'Vasya knew perfectly well that I could not come to Russia and spend one of the most important days in his life with him,' she said. 'But he did hope to see his father, especially when my son, despite all problems of our family within the last two years, did not just finish his school well but got a Gold medal for his studies.' The medal is reserved for those attaining academic excellence in Russia. 'Vasya would be glad to share his success with his father but it looks like Vladimir did not care about him,' she bemoaned. Controversial: Russian laws forbid any citizen with a debt, however small, is forbidden from travelling abroad Caught: Natalia, here with Vladimir, believes she would be stopped by 'bailiffs' if she returned and then tried to leave again. And if she got caught in Russia, she would not be able to pursue her husband through the courts Difficult: It has meant making hard choices - like missing her son's graduation from high school At his graduation ceremony he was accompanied by his sister Anastasiya, 32. Metals tycoon Potanin is no longer in touch with Vasily, or with his brother Ivan, 27. 'Let Vladimir find out from this MailOnline story how well his son has done at school this year, how industrious he is, and what a smart boy.' Natalia is furious over being unable to see her mother and stresses that - when the couple first wed in 1983 - they were both homeless and penniless. They lived with her parents at their flat in Davydkovo. 'My mother Antonina did a lot for him,' she said.~ 'When we got married we lived with my parents for many years, they helped us to bring up our children. 'And then they let us have their apartment and moved out to live in a smaller flat not far away.' The debt relating to the family house in Nemchinovo village, in scented pine forests 17 miles west of Moscow, is part of huge pressure she has been put under by Potanin since the breakdown of their marriage, she said. Closed off: 'I am a mother and I wish I could be there to support Vasya (pictured with his parents) through this hard period of his life. But, once again, I could not do so because the door to Russia is closed for me,' she said Distance: Her husband's claim also means she is unable to see her mother, 97, who cannot travel because of her health. 'I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do for my beloved mother,' she said Fight: She is currently appealing to Russia's Supreme Court against rulings by judges in lower courts refusing her demand to equally divide his investment company and stake in a mining company Rich list: The total empire is worth approaching 10 billion and if she were to achieve a half share, she would become the wealthiest woman in the world 'This fictional debt of 78 million roubles (870,000) - that I cannot afford to pay back - appeared because of a cooked-up deal between two companies controlled by my ex-husband,' she claimed. 'One company allegedly tried to sell our family house to another company and failed to do so, because the house was occupied and I kept living there. 'Nobody informed me about this 'deal' in a proper or timely way. 'The conditions of this deal contradicted the law and were fixed in a way that was impossible to follow. Ambition: It is a far cry from the collective farm where they worked as a young couple (pictured) 'But it made me responsible for the failed sale, even though I knew nothing about it.' She said: 'In other words, my ex-husband tried to sell the house to himself and now I must compensate him for the loss. 'I found out about this contact only from court papers which were submitted when I allegedly failed to leave the house. 'The court decided I was guilty without any attempt to understand this pseudo-sale. 'I have no doubt that Vladimir was behind this deal. 'Yet in order to hide his connection to scheme, he made his good friend Pavel Muraviev the founder and director of the company-buyer of the house.' A man who answered Muraviev's mobile said 'goodbye' and cut the call when a MailOnline journalist called to ask him for comment on the debt Natalia faces over her family home. The ditched wife is currently appealing to Russia's Supreme Court against rulings by judges in lower courts refusing her demand to equally divide Potanin's investment company Interros International, and his 30 per cent stake in mining giant Norilsk Nickel, for which Potanin is listed as CEO. The total empire is worth approaching 10 billion and if she were to achieve a half share, she would become the wealthiest woman in the world. From her exile in London, Natalia refuses to discuss what legal moves she would take if the Russian legal system follows the lower courts in siding with her ex-husband. Her legal representatives remain 'hopeful' they will succeed in Russia's highest court based on legal precedents. Her decision to speak out on her case is rare for members of the 'First Wives' Club', spouses of Russia's Reds-to-Riches oligarchs who cashed in on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the sale at knockdown prices of former Communist assets. Many ditched the women they married in the Soviet-era and took younger, glamorous wives in their place. Taking a stand: Her decision to speak out on her case is rare for members of the 'First Wives' Club', spouses of Russia's Reds-to-Riches oligarchs who cashed in on the collapse of the Soviet Union Dreadful: When Vladimir decided to divorce her in 2013, he wanted it backdated to 2007 When Potanin dropped his bombshell over tea in 2013, he told her that not only did he want a divorce, he demanded that it be backdated to 2007, she claimed. She told MailOnline last year: 'I thought this was some kind of a badly-worded tease, a joke. How else would you look at it? 'I sat with him at the end of 2013, and he was saying 'Let's divorce behindhand, so that the divorce and any settlement is dated to 2007.' Pictures on Potanin's luxury yachts prove they were a couple at the time he claimed they had already split, she said. She has also made clear publicly that she is ready for a fair out of court settlement but claims Potanin has not responded. Proof: Pictures on Potanin's luxury yachts - like this one in 2010 - prove they were a couple at the time he claimed they had already split, she said New ideas: Her lawyers believe there are legal precedents for dividing assets held offshore, as in this case, and verdicts are now expected in autumn Natalia said there are two cases currently before Russia's highest court, one dealing with family property, the other with her claim for a slice of his jaw-dropping business empire. 'Appeals were submitted in both cases,' she said. 'Both times the court took Vladimir's side. 'The Moscow City Court refused to hear our appeals. 'Now we are submitting appeals to the Supreme Court, the highest in Russia.' Her lawyers believe there are legal precedents for dividing assets held offshore, as in this case, and verdicts are now expected in autumn. 'Having the intention to make my life as difficult as possible, my ex husband - and his legal team - have chosen very low actions,' she said. 'I have debts that were artificially created after the made-up deal with the house I call my home. 'Because these debts are beyond my income, it is very hard for me to pay them back. 'The creditor refuses to take property as a payment. Very low actions: 'Having the intention to make my life as difficult as possible, my ex husband - and his legal team - have chosen very low actions,' she said 'A complaint on this matter has also been submitted to the Supreme Court of Russia. 'And some time ago, a bank account was blocked where the alimony for my under-18 son was being paid. 'First of all, this is completely illegal. Nobody has the right to block an account with the boy's money. 'I don't want to think that Vladimir was once again trying to arrange pressure on me via my son. 'I hope that it was not his initiative but the excessive eagerness of his lawyers or bailiffs.' Roger Carter Killam, 51, faces charges in the death of his autistic 25-year-old daughter died after she and her twin sister were left to 'fend for themselves' in a hot RV while he stayed in a Nevada hotel last week, police said A father faces charges in the death of his autistic 25-year-old daughter after she and her twin were left to 'fend for themselves' in a hot RV while he stayed in a Nevada hotel last week, police said. Roger Carter Killam, 51, allegedly left Tammara Killam and her sister Brooke in the parked RV overnight without air conditioning or running water while outside temperatures reached 122 degrees. A five-gallon bucket was reportedly used as a toilet and the interior of the RV was 108 degrees according to a Clark County Coroner's Office investigator, the Las Vegas Sun reported. Meanwhile, police said Killam, his girlfriend Shannen Oulicky and their dog stayed at the Pioneer Hotel with clean bedding, a shower and a hot meal. When police responded to the RV parking lot at the Tropicana Express Hotel on June 21 around 10am, they found Tammara's body on the floor of the RV. Authorities said the woman's body indicated poor hygiene, with her hands and feet appearing to have not been washed for several weeks, and her bladder found 'completely empty,' according to the police report said. Her sister Brooke, who authorities say also appeared to have mental disabilities and was unable to comprehend her sister had died, was found 'severely dehydrated.' She was then transported to a hospital in Arizona. Scroll down for video Police say Killam left his 25-year-old daughters in a parked RV without air conditioning or water (RV parking lot pictured above) Meanwhile, police said Killam and his girlfriend stayed overnight at a Laughlin hotel (pictured above) When police responded to the RV parking lot at the Tropicana Express Hotel on June 21 around 10am, they found Tammara's body on the bathroom floor Brooke reportedly told officers she and her sister were left in the RV as punishment for going through Oulicky's belongings and that for a week Killam only fed the sisters bread and water. According to the police report, she and Tammara went to bed around 7pm the night before in the RV with the windows open, and that her father and Oulicky left around 8pm. Brooke said her father and his girlfriend returned an hour later to check on them. The next morning, around 9am, Brooke told officers she noticed her sister had 'passed out.' She said their father returned about an hour and a half later and tried unsuccessfully to perform CPR on Tammara, who was unresponsive. Authorities said Oulicky told police she was sole provider of Killam's family, and that they had been living in the RV for about a year, the report said. Killam is scheduled to appear in court Thursday on two counts of neglecting a vulnerable person She noted from to time they rented hotel rooms for showers, but on that particular night, they had rented a room for only herself and Killam. Police said Killam told officers he and his girlfriend wanted 'private time' and stayed overnight in the hotel, however records showed they stayed for two nights, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Killam told police the women had phones, but Brooke said they could not use them because they had no minutes. The father was arrested on June 23 is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday on two counts of neglecting a vulnerable person. He has since lost custody of his surviving daughter and reportedly lashed out during an interview with investigators asking 'if this is a witch hunt?' according to police. Chris Mackey, 13, from Philadelphia was playing with a gun with several other teens has died after he was shot in the face A 13-year-old Philadelphia boy who was playing with a gun with his friends has died after he was shot in the face. Chris Mackey had found the gun with other teens in an abandoned house in the Germantown area and they assembled the weapon after finding bullets. Thinking the gun was jammed, it's understood a 15-year-old boy pulled the trigger and accidentally shot Mackey in the mouth. He and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested over the shooting. The deceased's uncle Eddie Mackey talked to ABC 6 and said: 'My nephew got shot in his mouth, it went through his head and hit his brain. 'My family is grieving beyond what I could ever imagine.' Police officers were called to the backyard at 5.20pm on Wednesday where they found Mackey lying unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his face. He was taken to Einstein Medical Center, but was pronounced dead at 6pm. Slyde Huntley, a friend of the 13-year-old's father, said neighbors heard the gunshot and bolted out to see what had happened. Scroll down for video. 'I ran back there and saw him back there,' he told NBC Philadelphia. 'I went to look at his dad. His dad tried to pick him up. It was gory.' Chris Reed, 14, was among the group of friends playing on Wednesday afternoon, but did not go inside, he told Philly.com. He waited outside and watched as his friends returned with a box containing the revolver which they put together in minutes. With the weapon loaded, Reed said a 15-year-old put the barrel against the head of Chris Mackey, 13, and pulled the trigger, assuming it was jammed. 'It just went off,' the 14-year-old said. An emotional Eddie Mackey, uncle of Chris Mackey, talked to ABC 6 and said: 'My nephew got shot in his mouth, it went through his head and hit his brain. My family is grieving beyond what I could ever imagine.' When his friend was shot, he fell backwards and lay there frozen for a couple of seconds watching blood come from Mackey's mouth. The group then ran away screaming for help. The 15-year-old who fired the gun handed himself in to officers overnight on Wednesday and was charged with involuntary manslaughter. The 17-year-old was charged with reckless endangerment for playing with and loading the gun. An investigation is also underway into who owns the gun used in the fatal shooting and police say whoever left it there could face charges. Chris Mackey had found the gun with friends in an abandoned house in the Germantown area and they assembled the weapon after finding bullets. The gun was believed to be a revolver, not pictured above City shootings involving children are not uncommon as guns continue to float around neighborhoods, said Colwin Williams, an outreach worker with violence intervention group Philadelphia CeaseFire. "There are guns out here like you can get a pack of cigarettes," Williams said. Philadelphia CeaseFire planned a vigil for Thursday evening. Williams said the vigil will memorialize the boy and open up dialogue about gun violence and young people's tendencies to mimic what they see from adults in their neighborhoods. 'A lot of these children are watching (adults) and emulating them, but are not realizing the magnitude of the firearm,' he said. Williams said he spoke with one of the boy's relatives after the shooting. 'This baby didn't even have a chance to start the dream yet. Summertime's just starting and he should be having fun at the pool or the playground,' Williams said. 'It's really getting crazy out here.' Was in a relationship with Madonna Badger, the girls' mother, at the time He was accused of turning the Victorian home into a 'firetrap' The attorney for the contractor who was charged in connection with a fire that left his girlfriend's three children and her parents dead has confirmed he is not missing and will be returned. A judge held an emergency meeting on Thursday in a bid to work out Michael Borcina's whereabouts. His lawyer, Robert Laney, told DailyMail.com: 'Contrary to media reports Mr Borcina is not missing. 'At a hearing held earlier today, the parties were able to work out various issues related to scheduling and ongoing discovery efforts. 'We have agreed that Mr Borcina will sit for a fourth day of deposition examination by the other attorneys involved in the case on a mutually convenient date in the near future. 'Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any further information due to the pending litigation.' Scroll down for video Michael Borcina (right) is not missing, according to his attorney. The contractor was charged after a Stamford, Connecticut, house owned by his then-girlfriend Madonna Badger (left) burst into flames on Christmas Day, 2011, and left her three children and two parents dead The blaze killed seven-year-old twins Grace and Sarah Badger, nine-year-old Lily Badger, and their maternal grandparents, Lomar and Pauline Johnson Borcina was working on the $1.7million mansion in Stamford, Connecticut, owned by his then-girlfriend Madonna Badger, when it burst into flames on December 25, 2011 The blaze killed seven-year-old twins Grace and Sarah Badger, nine-year-old Lily Badger, and their maternal grandparents, Lomar and Pauline Johnson. Borcina is supposed to have handed over three documents in the last year as part of the lawsuit into the fire. City attorneys want to examine Borcina's records and interview him about his work on the home, the Stamford Advocate reported. Authorities said the fire began after Borcina left a cardboard box of fireplace ashes, which were still smoldering, in the property's mudroom. The building was torn down a day after the blaze ripped through it. The children's father, Matthew Badger, filed the wrongful death lawsuit against Borcina, his construction company, other contractors and the city of Stamford. Borcina settled claims against him in the lawsuit for $5million in December 2014. He was accused of contributing with the other defendants to make the house a 'firetrap,' including failing to install smoke detectors during construction. Claims remain pending against other defendants. The lawsuit says city officials knew or should have known that Borcina served as the home's general contractor but didn't have a state home improvement contractor's license. Stamford officials have denied any wrongdoing. Ms Badger and Borcina parted ways in the aftermath of the tragedy. Borcina had taken responsibility for the deadly blaze, but in May he changed his story and insisted it was Ms Badger who started it. He said in a deposition he hadn't spoken to Badger since six months after the fire. Borcina, who was renovating the Victorian home, was accused in the lawsuit of contributing with other defendants to make the house a 'firetrap' Borcina initially said he put a bag of fireplace ashes in the mudroom where officials said the fire began after he and Badger finished wrapping Christmas presents. He said he ran his hands through the ashes to make sure they weren't hot. He later testified at a deposition in the lawsuit that Badger put the ashes in the mudroom. According to filings seen by the Hartford Courant, Borcina said he fabricated the tale as he wanted to 'spare her from carrying the burden that maybe she had done something to hurt her family'. He told attorneys during a lawsuit deposition that he lied to police about how the deadly blaze was sparked because he wanted to protect his then-lover. Matthew Badger filed the lawsuit in July 2012 against Borcina, his company Tiberias Construction of New York City, the city of Stamford and others. A state prosecutor concluded in 2012 that no criminal charges should be filed. Madonna Badger has said that Borcina ran his hands over the ashes to make sure they were out before putting the bag in the bin in the mudroom, just before they went to sleep after wrapping presents early on Christmas morning. The advertising executive in New York is also suing the city. She claims Stamford officials intentionally destroyed evidence when they demolished Badger's home without notice shortly after the fire. City officials have denied that. The children's father, Matthew Badger (pictured with his family), filed the wrongful death lawsuit against Borcina, his construction company, other contractors and the city of Stamford. Borcina settled claims against him in the lawsuit for $5million in December 2014 Video courtesy of WVIT In the aftermath, the parents struggled with their incomprehensible loss. Matthew Badger set up a charity named the Lily Sarah Grace Fund to raise money for arts projects in schools, as his three girls had been dyslexic and loved art. In an interview in October 2014 with Oprah Winfrey, the then 50-year-old Madonna Badger described her horror on Christmas morning three years ago when she woke up to thick smoke in the house and despite her desperate attempts, was not able to save any of her children. An inspector general found her to have broken federal record keeping rules Patrick Kennedy, the top official who was charged with managing Hillary Clinton's State Department, invoked the 'reply all' defense in a deposition, saying he never realized Clinton had a private email account because he was constantly responding to Clinton's queries. Kennedy got grilled by attorneys suing for the release of Clinton emails, and was forced to answer repeatedly for why he apparently failed to notice his government communications with Clinton were coming from a person whose name variously appeared as 'H' or with an address ending in '@Clintonemail.com' rather than 'State.gov.' When did you first become aware that Mrs. Clinton was using a non-State.gov e-mail address for State Department business?,' attorney Michael Bekesha asked Kennedy during a deposition released Thursday. 'From newspaper accounts,' Kennedy responded during the deposition at a Justice Department building in D.C. State under secretary for management gave a deposition in a Judicial Watch lawsuit over Hillary Clinton's emails Then Bekesha proceeded to run through four years' worth of email communication between the two Kennedy got asked how he didn't notice Clinton used a private email since it appeared in message after message he was presented with during what reads to be a tense deposition. 'I did not focus on the "from" line,' he said. Asked about a December 12, 2011 email that he apparently sent to Clinton, Kennedy replied, 'My recollection is that this was part of a larger chain of documents.' 'Okay. So it's your belief that you simply hit Reply,' the attorney wanted to know. 'I very often ... I hit Reply All, but I cannot remember the specific circumstances of how I did that,' Kennedy replied. Hillary Clinton used a private email server during her time at State, and was chided by an inspector general for breaking federal record keeping rules Longtime Clinton aide Huma Abedin gave her own deposition in the case this week 'Was it your normal practice to when hitting Reply, to review the recipients of the e-mail?' the lawyer asked. 'If I had received a document and I was providing a general reply, I would just use the Reply All function on Microsoft and not review the address,' Kennedy responded. Kennedy appeared to keep his composure despite the onslaught of questions. He parried some questions by noting he was focused on the substance at hand sometimes during evening emails about trying to liberate Americans being held overseas. Presented with a long exhibit at the top of his deposition with printouts of emails where he corresponded with Clinton over the years, Kennedy hit back with Latin. 'For clarification, are you asking me to read the entire packet now, or to read them ad seriatim as you ask questions?' he inquired. He is a career foreign service officer who was an assistant secretary of state in Bill Clinton's administration, and got named to his current post in 2007. Asked whether at one point whether he knew he was responding to an address ending in Clintonemail.com, he responded, 'I don't recall that I analyzed the nature of the e-mail address.' Kennedy, the undersecretary for management at the agency, said he was 'not aware of anyone' having approved of Clinton's special private email account. He testified a day after longtime Clinton aide Huma Abedin admitted that both she and Clinton grew 'frustrated' when Clinton's private account resulted in her missing a call with a foreign minister because messages kept going to spam. The biggest problem was that Clinton 'wasn't able to do her job,' Abedin said in her deposition. But no action was taken to correct the problem once it got temporarily resolved. Kennedy was named in a House Benghazi committee report as an official who expressed concern about Marines wearing their identifying uniforms when responding to the 2012 attack, out of a concern it could impact safety. The report cites a commander saying Marines preparing to deploy had to change their uniforms four times over a short period. Bill Shorten has appeared to call Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a liar, just one day before the federal election. The Australian Labor Party leader was speaking to Sunrise's David Koch on Friday morning about Medicare, which he's claimed the Prime Minister will 'systematically undermine', when he was asked if he was calling Mr Turnbull a liar. Mr Shorten responded, saying: 'Oh his policies contradict him. It's not me calling him a liar. His policies are what call him... that he's not telling the truth here'. Scroll down for video Sunrise host David Koch challenged Labor leader Bill Shorten for calling Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a liar When Koch (pictured) challenged Mr Shorten, the Labor leader responded by saying: 'His policies contradict him. It's not me calling him a liar' 'So you are calling him a liar?,' Koch responded. Mr Shorten told Mr Koch he could 'pick the name', but the point was Mr Turnbull 'wasn't telling Australians the truth about Medicare'. The Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader have had a war of words over Medicare during the election campaign. Despite Mr Turnbull repeatedly stating Medicare is safe from privatisation, Mr Shorten has continued to accuse the government of misleading the public. Mr Shorten told Mr Koch he could 'pick the name', but the point was Mr Turnbull 'wasn't telling Australians the truth about Medicare' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called Bill Shorten's comments on Medicare the Labor leader's 'biggest lie' of the election campaign He said on the ABC's 7.30 recently that he had 'no doubt' the Coalition would 'systematically undermine Medicare, brick by brick, piece by piece'. The Department of Health was contemplating updating the health service privately, but Mr Turnbull said it wouldn't go ahead, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. He called Mr Shorten's claims his 'biggest' lie of the campaign. Heidi Alexander was a guest on Robert Pestons most recent Sunday morning politics show Preening Robert Peston knows the benefit of a flattering camera angle and so does Heidi Alexander, a guest on the floppy-haired ITV political editors most recent Sunday morning politics show. Im told the curvaceous Labour MP, who came on last weekends show to discuss her resignation from Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet that morning, said she would only be interviewed by Peston if she was filmed from the waist up. Usually, guests are filmed in full-length, sitting beside Peston at the desk. But a Westminster insider tells me that Alexander made ITV News bosses agree that her legs would not be shown on camera. Judging by the footage of the interview, which keeps Alexanders lower limbs out of shot throughout, ITV bosses were happy to agree to the former shadow health secretarys strange request as shown in our picture. Its usual for guests to state that they wont be interviewed alongside anyone else, says the source. But this was a new one for the Peston team. ITV declined to comment on the reason for the Lewisham East MPs unusual presentation on the show. Alexanders aide said: I wont be making any comment on that. However, her TV appearance follows friends concerns for Alexander, after media speculation about her weight. At the time, Alexander, 41, claimed she was unaffected by the scrutiny. She said: My own weight has been remarked upon by some in the media. A lot of my friends think this is something that really upsets me. The truth is, it doesnt bother me in the slightest. But could the Lewisham East MP be more sensitive than shes letting on? Earlier this year, she tweeted about her efforts to shed pounds on the treadmill. Listening to Cameron talk about regenerating Londons housing estates leads to me running markedly faster in the gym, she tweeted. Pouting Hollywood star Keira Knightley has said she gave herself an allowance of a mere 30,000 a year to stop her losing less-affluent friends, but she is quietly amassing a huge fortune. Latest accounts for the 31-year-old actresss business, KCK Boo Ltd, show that it has funds of 7.73million, an increase of 2million in the past year. The accounts filed at Companies House are abbreviated so do not show how much Keira, whose films include Pirates Of The Caribbean and Atonement, was paid by the firm, which she uses to channel her earnings. Chanel model Keira said of her 30,000 salary in 2014: I think living an [expensive] lifestyle means you cant hang out with people who dont live that lifestyle. It alienates you. Some of my best, most hilarious times, have been in the least luxurious places. The new Ab Fab movie sees reckless PR mum Edina Moon played by Jennifer Saunders reunited with her straitlaced daughter Saffy. But one mother and daughter double act both seem to relish the party lifestyle. Supermodel Kate Moss, who has a cameo in the film, was joined by her mother Linda at the films premiere. Unlike Saffy, who is the sensible one, Moss struggled to keep upright. Wearing a green top that almost revealed too much, she clutched her 68-year-old mothers arm for support. Linda also seems to have had an Ab Fab time. Supermodel Kate Moss, who has a cameo in the film, was joined by her mother Linda at the Absolutely Fabulous film premiere A man who allegedly tortured his three-month-old boy, leaving him with a broken arm, leg and ribs has appeared in court. The 23-year-old, who has two children, has been charged with torture, assault and causing willful damage. He appeared before Magistrate Bernadette Callaghan at Southport Magistrates Court yesterday. A baby boy who was allegedly tortured by his father is recovering from severe fractures in hospital (file image) Police allege the man tortured his son in their Carrara, Gold Coast home while serving a suspended prison sentence - issued on February 2 - for sexual assault, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported. The baby was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital on June 28 suffering from six fractures, including broken arm and leg, police said. The boy is recovering in hospital from the serious injuries. The man, who has been in a relationship with the child's mother for at least three years, has an extensive criminal record, including bail and probation breaches, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. The man appeared at Southport Magistrates Court, pictured, charged with torture and assault of a three-month-old baby (file image) on Thursday His adopted father was present at the hearing and said the couple's relationship was turbulent. The man's father said doctors had said some of the child's injuries were 'dated' and a 'couple weeks old'. The man withdrew his bail application and will appear in court again on July 28. The baby boy suffered six fractures, including a broken arm, leg and ribs (file image) Police allege the man tortured his son in their Carrara, Gold Coast home while serving a suspended prison sentence (file image) She was ordered by the court to undergo an Intensive Corrections Order She may serve home detention instead of jail if she proves she no longer works as a prostitute She was caught with MDMA capsules in her car by police in October A 19-year-old university student caught with drugs will be able to avoid going to jail if she can prove she no longer works as a prostitute. Madeline Christine Sawyer, a biochemistry student at the University of Western Sydney, was ordered to undergo an Intensive Corrections Order in Parramatta District Court on Thursday, reported Nine News. Ms Sawyer pleaded guilty to three counts of supplying a prohibited drug, three counts of possession of a prohibited drug and one count of dealing with suspected proceeds of crime. Madeline Christine Sawyer (pictured), a biochemistry student at the University of Western Sydney, was ordered to undergo an Intensive Corrections Order in Parramatta District Court on Thursday Ms Sawyer, 19, (pictured) who worked as a sex escort, may be able to avoid a jail sentence if she can prove she no longer works as a prostitute She could be given home detention instead of a jail sentence depending on the outcome of the report. She is due to return to Campbelltown District Court for sentencing on August 18 after the assessment has taken place. Ms Sawyer was the passenger of a car which police pulled over in Campbelltown in Sydney's west in October. Police found two MDMA capsules in the car, which was driven by her 20-year-old co-accused Fadhil Al Khafaji. Ms Sawyer (pictured) was the passenger of a car which police pulled over in Campbelltown in Sydney's west in October. Police found two MDMA capsules in the car, which was driven by her 20-year-old co-accused Fadhil Al Khafaji Ms Sawyer (pictured) could be given home detention instead of a jail sentence depending on the outcome of the court-ordered Intensive Correction Order Officers searched the teenager's phone and found messages implicating her in drug-dealing: 'So I just bought 50 pills to sell what is wrong with me?' one text read. In a later search of her Campelltown home, police found 28 capsules of MDMA, 11 grams of cocaine and 11 bags of 'ice'. They also found $3660 in cash, which Sawyer claimed was money she had made through sex work while she was studying at the University of Western Sydney. She pleaded guilty to dealing with suspected proceeds of crime and six counts of supply and possession. The court heard she first started selling drugs to clients she had met by working as a prostitute. 'It's worrying that she may still have some involvement with the industry which caused so many problems to start with,' the Crown told the court, Nine News reported. Sawyer's lawyer told the Sydney Morning Herald she regretted lying to police and had done everything she could to make things right following the 'big mistake'. Text messages between Sawyer and Khafaji - where he ordered more drugs and she responded with 'no worries' - sparked the investigation. Police found 28 capsules of MDMA (left), 11 grams of cocaine (right) and 11 bags of methamphetamine inside Ms Sawyer's home, as well as $3660 in cash, which Sawyer claimed was made through sex work Sawyer was studying biochemistry at the University of Western Sydney (pictured) when she was arrested But police found further evidence of her drug dealing and sex work after properly sifting through her messages. Sawyer had been in communication with her clients and sent a message to someone who had sampled her cocaine 48 hours before her arrest asking how the 'rack' went, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The success of the Bletchley Park codebreakers has become a myth that overshadows how extensively the Nazis intercepted Allied messages during the Second World War, Jonathan Dimbleby has claimed. By 1942 the Nazis had broken the code Britain used to communicate with the vital Atlantic convoys, a devastating security breach that nearly cost us the war, the broadcaster argued. He was discussing his most recent book, The Battle Of The Atlantic: How The Allies Won The War, at the Chalke Valley History Festival, sponsored by the Daily Mail. Dimbleby, who presents Any Questions, reminded the audience how the oft-overlooked Atlantic naval campaign was of critical importance to the outcome of the war Dimbleby spoke about the myth of Bletchley Park, the codebreaking unit in Buckinghamshire where Alan Turing and other maths geniuses worked. He acknowledged the importance of its role in cracking the Nazis Enigma code. But he continued: More important than Bletchley Park was the Admiraltys failure to protect British communications. That failure has been widely overlooked. Dimbleby, who presents Any Questions, reminded the audience how the oft-overlooked Atlantic naval campaign was of critical importance to the outcome of the war. But he cited secret British reports highlighting the disturbing and important success of German interceptions of Allied messages, which was only discovered after the defeat of Hitler. It is of great significance, in my view, that the British were completely simultaneously unaware that the Germans were able to read our communications, he said. MORE ON THE CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL To find out more about the Chalke Valley History Festival and to purchase remaining tickets, please visit www.cvhf.org.uk. Tickets can also be bought by calling 01722 781133. Friends of the festival are entitled to access to the Friends Car Park, a 10 per cent discount at Waterstones at the festival, early entry into the talks and special offers. Details of the Festival Friend scheme can also be found at www.cvhf.org.uk. Advertisement Dimbleby, the son of the BBCs first war correspondent, Richard Dimbleby, also highlighted the terrible sacrifices of seamen and submariners in supporting the British war effort. The fortunate ones died swiftly, blown up by torpedoes or, in the case of the U-boat crews, by depth charges or machine-gun fire, he said. Others were trapped in sinking hulls or asphyxiated by toxic fumes. Some died from their wounds in vessels which lacked anaesthetics or surgeons or, very often, both. Some drowned because lifeboats had been smashed into flotsam or because, after days or weeks adrift without food and water, they succumbed to insanity and threw themselves overboard. Explaining the significance and scope of his book, Dimbleby has said: Had we lost the battle of the Atlantic we would have been starved into submission. We would have had to surrender to the Nazis. More than 140 speakers are featuring at the festival at Manor Farm, Ebbesbourne Wake, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, alongside a string of fascinating living history events and recreations. It runs until Sunday. Turkey EU minister argued they were needed as members more than ever Turkey yesterday demanded the European Union make it a member so it can take Britain's place when it leaves. Officials in Ankara attempted to exploit the Brexit vote by warning the bloc needed to fill the gap or face decline. During the referendum campaign, David Cameron insisted Turkey was not on course to join the EU until the year 3000. But diplomats in Brussels yesterday re-opened talks on Turkish membership just days after the vote. Officials in Ankara attempted to exploit the Brexit vote by warning the bloc needed to fill the gap or face decline. Pictured, a member of the Commission removes a British flag during a European Summit in Brussels As officials started the negotiations on how Turkey would make contributions to the EU budget, the country's EU minister argued they were needed as members more than ever. Omer Celik said the vibrant economy and young population of the country, which is strategically located between Europe and the Middle East, meant it would be an asset. 'Turkey is a major European power... Europe needs a fresh start and a fresh vision and it will have to include Turkey,' he said, referring to Britain's decision to leave. 'Whatever the picture will be after Brexit, Turkey's position will be stronger. Any picture that doesn't include Turkey will be a weak picture.' FINNS CALL FOR EU TO 'CALM DOWN' European leaders should 'calm down' and stop threatening the UK with reprisals over Brexit, Finland's deputy prime minister said yesterday. Speaking on a visit to London, Timo Soini urged EU leaders to curb the aggressive rhetoric against the UK and strike a Brexit deal that benefits both parties. Mr Soini, who also serves as Finland's foreign minister, told the Daily Mail: 'Of course some people are not happy, but they need to calm down. 'There should not be any ill will or revenge we have to just sort it out in the best interests of everyone.' Asked about free movement, he said: 'It is unwise to draw red lines. The negotiations will be tough but we must end up with an agreement of mutual benefit.' Advertisement Former German chancellor Helmut Kohl yesterday warned it would be a 'giant mistake' for the EU to punish Britain for leaving. Mr Kohl, who was an architect of German reunification and a leading driver of European integration, told German newspaper Bild that the country must be given time to sort itself out after the referendum vote. Bild did not directly quote Mr Kohl, but wrote that in an interview: 'He pleaded for calm and warned against unnecessary toughness and haste. 'The most important thing is for the country itself to decide what it wants' Mr Kohl, who served as chancellor from 1982 to 1998, was the mentor of Angela Merkel, who has led the country since 2005 and is Europe's most powerful leader. Slovakia last night joined the calls for Brussels to find an amicable settlement with Britain as it took over the six-month presidency of the EU. Speaking in Bratislava, Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said he had sympathy with the country's frustrations with Brussels. Slovakia will play a key role in shaping the EU's agenda until the end of the year. 'The British people have reacted to European Union policy. It's our duty to find a relationship that is a mutually agreeable settlement for both sides,' he said. Peter Kazimir, the country's finance minister, said in negotiations between the EU and Britain there should be 'no revenge or hatred, just simple business and common sense'. As officials started the negotiations on how Turkey would make contributions to the EU budget, the country's EU minister argued they were needed as members more than ever. Pictured, David Cameron is welcomed in Brussels by the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker Former German chancellor Helmut Kohl yesterday warned it would be a 'giant mistake' for the EU to punish Britain for leaving. Pictured, Mr Cameron and Mr Juncker together at the summit in Brussels 'The UK needs Europe and Europe needs the UK, so we need to find a new balance,' he added. Mr Kazimir said leaving would come 'at a certain price', but played down the likelihood of punitive measures being introduced to limit how the City of London conducts business with the rest of the EU. He this would only happen in 'the worst case scenario'. Turkey is a major European power... Europe needs a fresh start and a fresh vision and it will have to include Turkey. Omer Celik, Turkey's EU minister The European Commission yesterday announced it would spend 5.2billion euros (4.3billion) on measures to address the migrant crisis, including securing its external border, as it unveiled its draft budget for next year. Britain will be forced to continue to pay its contributions that make up around 12 per cent of the EU budget until it formally leaves. Officials said they planned to cut spending next year from 143.9billion euros (119.2billion) to 134.9billion euros (111.7billion). Advertisement The death toll was in the thousands before Britain had even come down for breakfast. Over in northern France, a hundred years ago this morning, the Big Push was under way in what would become the greatest disaster in our military history. Last night, the Queen and other members of the Royal Family attended vigils and twilight services on either side of the Channel ahead of todays centenary commemorations for the Battle of the Somme. Few of those along that 20-mile battlefront a century back would get much sleep before going in to action. They had spent the night marching into position, praying, writing letters and waiting for the end of a terrifying artillery bombardment which was supposed to make the Battle of the Somme a walkover. In the event, more than 20,000 men would die on the first day of a battle which would last 141 days with a million dead and wounded on both sides. The Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates those who died at the Battle of the Somme. By the end of the four-month battle in northern France, more than a million soldiers had been killed and wounded on both sides Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge watch on as a service is played out in Thiepval, France The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a moving service at Westminster Abbey, one of many events being held in memory of the fallen soldiers The moving services come on the eve of the centenary of the start of the Somme offensive. On July 1, 1916, following a seven-day British bombardment, some 120,000 men clambered from their trenches and went 'over the top' Last night, thoughts turned to the final hours before the dreaded 7.30am whistle. This evening, we seek to recall the experience of those waiting to go into battle, the Dean of Westminster, Dr John Hall, told the congregation at Westminster Abbey, where the Queen and Prince Philip attended a short service ahead of an all-night vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Members of the Armed Forces took turns to mount a 15-minute watch over this most sacred of spots. It was the first all-night vigil at the Abbey since the Cuban Missile crisis 50 years ago. There were equally poignant scenes on the battlefield itself. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined a 10pm vigil at the Thiepval Memorial to the 72,000 Allied soldiers who died at the Somme and have no known grave. Think of an entire Cup Final crowd missing in action. The name of every single one of them is engraved on this, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world. Earlier, the royal party had climbed to the top of the memorial for a panoramic view of the battlefield. The Duke read out a passage written for the occasion by author Sebastian Faulks. By the end of the First of July the British Army had sustained almost 60,000 casualties, of whom nearly one third had died, said the Duke. We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared for ever from British life. It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation. Prince Harry recited Before Action, a beautiful poem by a young Lieutenant WN Hodgson of the Devonshire Regiment. By all the days that I have lived, make me a soldier, Lord... By all delights that I shall miss, help me to die, O Lord. Hodgson would fall later that day. Prince William spoke to the assembled crowd in France during centenary commemorations for the Somme, which took place in 1916 The Royal Family led the nation in commemorating the thousands of troops who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago Five civilians and five members of the military undertake a Vigil at Grave of the Unknown Warrior inside Westminster Abbey A contingent of todays servicemen and women read out some of the heartbreaking letters penned during those agonising hours before battle. I do not want to die, Captain Charles May of the Manchester Regiment wrote to his wife. If it be that I am to go, I am ready. But the thought that I may never see you or our darling baby again turns my stomach to water. My one consolation is the happiness that has been ours. He, too, would not survive the day. Today, services will be held across Britain. Here in a corner of rural France which will forever be known simply as the Somme, thousands of descendants have come to pay their respects at a series of events great and small. Many will trek up a muddy farm track outside the village of Serre to Sheffield Memorial Park. Its a wooded patch of holy ground, still full of shell holes, which was bought by Sheffield council in 1927 in memory of the vast numbers from the North of England who fell here. It has since become a homage to all those Pals battalions decimated that day. Today a new memorial will be unveiled to the Barnsley Pals, just a few yards away from those of the Accrington Pals, the Chorley Pals, the Burnley Pals... A British soldier, pipe hanging from his mouth, uses a makeshift walking stick to propel himself through the knee-deep mud at the Somme The first service will be at what the French call La Boisselle and the Brits call the Lochnagar Crater. Two minutes before the whistle blew that fateful morning, tons of high explosives were detonated beneath enemy lines after months of secret tunnelling. It killed hundreds of Germans and left a meteorite-sized hole in the ground 300ft across and 60ft deep. This morning, at 7.28am, 2,000 people will hold hands around its rim. Among them will be Mick Fellows, 81, from Nottingham. His father, Harry, went into action that day nearby with the Northumberland Fusiliers and lived to tell the tale. It was 70 years before Harry would even talk about it. He remembered the ground trembling so hard in his trench that one or two men broke their legs, he says. Mick has come armed with the poem which his father wrote about it all. It will be recited this morning. But he wont be reading it himself. I still cant get through it. Its too emotional, he explained. Even a century on, the shadow of the Somme haunts us still. Club Physical say they are taking the issue seriously and will address staff The incident reportedly occurred in November at a gym in Auckland, NZ A 17-year-old girl attending a free personal training consultation was asked if she was sexually active by her male gym trainer. The teenager was reportedly questioned in November at an Auckland Club Physical, on the North Island of New Zealand, reported NZ Herald. The trainer initially began with the usual questionnaire which includes asking clients if they have any goals or medical health conditions. A teenager was reportedly asked if she was sexually active during a free personal training consultation in a gym in Auckland, New Zealand (stock photo) 'It was the free session when I first joined and he [the trainer] was asking questions like how much I work out and how well I eat so he could make my programme. Then he asked if I was sexually active,' she said. Despite awkwardly attempting to brush of the question the trainer reportedly prompted the teenager a second time asking: 'so are you?' Unaware if the question was protocol or not the teenager held back from recounting the incident. Club Physical chief executive Paul Richards said questions referencing a person's sexual activity is not part of the protocol. 'It has nothing to do with it ... I've run the gyms for 30 years and I've never heard of this happening,' he said. Mr Richards said Club Physical is taking this issue seriously and staff will receive a memo. A man has died after an apartment fire broke out in the inner-Melbourne suburb of St Kilda on Thursday night. Firefighters were called to the scene in Charnwood Road around 9.30pm on Thursday. The Herald Sun reported that neighbours heard the man screaming for help before he threw something through a window, attempting to flee. The apartment in St Kilda was left significantly damages from the blaze that broke out on Thursday night Twenty-two firefighters were on the scene to extinguish the fire that broke out in the first storey apartment The apartment was left significantly damaged but luckily it didn't spread. 'The quick actions of the firefighters brought the fire under control very quickly and contained it to one unit on the first floor,' a media release by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade stated. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade's said in a statement that firefighters were quick to act. 'Arriving promptly on scene, firefighters in breathing apparatus rescued one resident from an apartment with serious burns and assisted Ambulance Victoria with CPR. However, the resident was unable to be saved.' Luckily the fire was contained to the one unit on the first floor after dozens of firefighters contained the blaze The man was found with life-threatening burns, despite the attempts of ambulance services attempted to save the man's life, sadly he died Twenty-two firefighters and seven vehicles were on the scene to tackle the blaze. A resident in the same apartment block told the Herald Sun the man was aged in his 60's. The cause of the fire is unknown, and is being investigated. manager and threw own hat in the ring Theresa May declared she was the 'best person' to lead the country out of the EU Theresa May declared she was the 'best person' to lead the country out of the EU as she launched her leadership bid on another dramatic day in British politics yesterday. She became the clear front-runner to replace David Cameron as Prime Minister today after Boris Johnson sensationally quit the leadership contest. The steely Home Secretary delivered her pitch for leadership just an hour before Mr Johnson made his shock announcement that he will not stand in the Tory leadership contest. The former London mayor decided to drop out after his campaign manager Michael Gove resigned and declared he was running himself. The Justice Secretary is now Mrs May's main rival to become the next Tory leader and Prime Minister, with the final result set to be announced on September 9. The pair join a crowded field in the race and will face Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, right-winger Liam Fox and fellow Brexit supporter and energy minister Andrea Leadsom. But what exactly do we know about the five Tory leadership hopefuls? Theresa May, 59 Background: Vicars daughter and former banker. Workaholic Home Secretary for the last six years. Previously a party chairman when she warned in 2002 that the Tories were in danger of becoming the nasty party. Known for her no-nonsense style, attention to detail, and steely demeanour. Standing as the competence candidate. Home Secretary Theresa May is known for her no-nonsense style, attention to detail, and steely demeanour Leadership odds: 8/13 Brexit: Sided with David Cameron during the referendum campaign, but irritated the Prime Minister by refusing to take an active role. Yesterday said Brexit means Brexit, and declared herself the best person to negotiate with Merkel. Economy: Railed against cuts to the Home Office budget often effectively. Yesterday pledged there would be no new tax rises and ditched George Osbornes plan to balance the books by 2020. Immigration: Has never looked like hitting David Camerons target of cutting net migration to below 100,000. Has taken tough steps on non-EU migration. Has voiced frustration at EU free movement rules, but also warned that an Australian style points system was not a silver bullet. Key backers: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, International Development Secretary Justine Greening, business minister Anna Soubry, Tory grandees Sir Alan Duncan and Sir Nicholas Soames, and David Camerons Commons aide Gavin Williamson. Achilles heel: Campaigned against leaving the EU. Seen by some as lacking charisma. Justice Secretary Michael Gove is also in the running Michael Gove, 48 Background: Justice Secretary, who has served as education secretary and chief whip. The adopted son of an Aberdeen fish company owner and a former journalist. Was one of David Camerons closest friends until he backed Brexit. Standing to block Boris Johnson becoming PM. Leadership odds: 10/3 Brexit: Impeccable credentials. Became a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign, despite intense pressure from Mr Cameron. Decided to stand partly because he feared Boris Johnson was not committed to leaving the EU. Economy: A low-tax Conservative who is likely to look for further spending cuts rather than agree tax rises if the Governments deficit reduction plan is knocked off course by Brexit. Immigration: Advocates an Australian- style points system covering both EU and non-EU migrants. Said yesterday that immigration has been too high. Key backers: Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, justice minister Dominic Raab, culture minister Ed Vaizey and skills minister Nick Boles. Achilles heel: Facing accusations of treachery after knifing Boris Johnson yesterday. Has repeatedly said he is not equipped to be PM. Andrea Leadsom, 53 Background: Former high-flying banker at Barclays, who entered Parliament in 2010. Took time to enter Government after publicly criticising George Osborne. Currently energy minister. Standing as the Brexit candidate. Leadership odds: 8/2 Brexit: A longtime Eurosceptic who is fully committed to leaving the EU. She played a leading role in the Vote Leave campaign, including taking part in two TV debates. Her calm manner and positive vision for life outside the EU impressed many. Hoping to lead Brexit negotiations if her leadership bid fails. Andrea Leadsom is a longtime Eurosceptic who is fully committed to leaving the EU Immigration: Said during the campaign that immigration would overwhelm Britain unless it is brought under control. Angered Mr Osborne by saying his 9-an-hour living wage would attract more migrants to Britain unless we leave the EU. Economy: A big supporter of the Governments austerity agenda, who would resist tax rises unless unavoidable. Key backers: Defence minister Penny Mordaunt, Steve Baker, chairman of the influential Conservatives for Britain group. Achilles heel: Lack of experience. Will Tory members choose someone who has never served in the Cabinet at a time of national crisis? Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb is one of the small number of top Tories from a working class background Stephen Crabb, 43 Background: The Work and Pensions Secretary is one of the small number of top Tories from a working class background. Raised on a council estate by a single mother, he has spoken of how he prevented his alcoholic father attacking her with a knife. Running as the blue collar candidate. Leadership odds: 20/1 Brexit: Campaigned against leaving the EU, but said this week he would respect the referendum vote and take Britain out of the Brussels club. Immigration: Mr Crabb said this week that bringing immigration under control would be a red line during Brexit negotiations. Pledged to end free movement, but did not produce an explicit plan for bringing numbers under control. Economy: Made a big play of his desire to increase social mobility when launching his leadership campaign. Has rejected demands from George Osborne for further cuts to benefits and is likely to resist imposing further austerity measures on Britain. Key backers: Business Secretary Sajid Javid is his running mate. Other supporters include attorney general Jeremy Wright and influential new MP Jonny Mercer. Achilles heel: Mr Crabb has only limited Cabinet experience and campaigned against Brexit an issue that is likely to be key with Tory activists. Criticised by some for opposing gay marriage. Liam Fox, 54 Background: Dr Fox is a veteran Tory schemer who stood in the 2005 leadership election won by David Cameron. The former defence secretary is a qualified doctor, who is a longstanding proponent of leaving the EU. Popular with activists, who he has courted assiduously. Standing as the candidate of the Tory Right. Dr Fox is a veteran Tory schemer who stood in the 2005 leadership election won by David Cameron Leadership odds: 25/1 Brexit: A hardline Eurosceptic who said yesterday that Britain should leave the single market. We are not leaving the EU we are re-joining the rest of the world, he said. Nigel Farage said of him: Liam Fox makes me look soft on Europe. Immigration: Dr Fox offered a guarantee yesterday that he would end the free movement of EU citizens to the UK. He also backs an Australian-style points system. Economy: Dr Fox is a low tax Tory who has argued for welfare cuts to fund tax breaks in order to shock the British economy back into life. Also a champion of public sector reform, and has argued for more market influence in the NHS. Key backers: Right-wingers such as former armed forces minister Sir Gerald Howarth, Edward Leigh and David Nuttall. Australia's Grand Mufti has defended a controversial Islamic preacher who said God will punish homosexuals with disease. National Imams Council president Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman said in 2010 that Allah will give gay people 'diseases that they have never experienced before'. 'And most of the diseases these days - if you speak to a doctor - he'll tell you the most terrifying disease come from what? 'From sexual activities... or also homosexuality that is spreading all these diseases,' said Shekh Shady, who controversially dined with Malcolm Turnbull at a function at Kirribilli House last month. Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohammed has defended the Sheikh's comments and said he had 'simply conveyed a religious ruling'. Australia's Grand Mufti has defended controversial Islamic preacher Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman (pictured) who said God will punish homosexuals with disease Grand Mufti Ibrahim Abu Mohammed (pictured left with Malcolm Turnbull) has defended the Sheikh's comments and said he had 'simply conveyed a religious ruling' 'Despite Islam's long standing position on homosexuality, which no person can ever change, no matter who they are, I would like to state the following,' Dr Mohammed wrote in a two page statement. 'That which Sheikh Shady has said regarding homosexuality is simply a conveyance of a religious fact which is known to every practicing person in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.' Dr Mohammed said Sheikh Shady had been singled out by Australian media outlets which have 'been involved in a type of terrorism of ideas against those who disagree with them' and are 'igniting fires, dividing our society, and spreading hatred'. 'We cannot describe those who disagree with homosexuality, or simply communicate a religious ruling that one firmly believes in, that such a person does not respect or accept others. 'We cannot claim that he spreads hatred in society.' Dr Mohammed also said that negative comments about Sheikh Shady had 'strengthened terrorist groups and movements'. Dr Mohammed (centre) said Sheikh Shady (far right) had been singled out by Australian media outlets which have 'been involved in a type of terrorism of ideas against those who disagree with them' and are 'igniting fires, dividing our society, and spreading hatred' 'That which Sheikh Shady has said regarding homosexuality is simply a conveyance of a religious fact which is known to every practicing person in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths,' Dr Mohammed said in a statement Mr Turnbull later said he regretted the controversial preacher being invited to the Kirribilli House function on June 16. 'If I had been aware of his remarks about homosexuals and gay people he would not have been invited,' Mr Turnbull told 3AW. The controversial Sheikh said in a statement last month that he doesn't condone punishment for gay people, though he said Islam's position on homosexuality 'is clear'. 'I unequivocally reject the claim that I called for the stoning or any form of punishment of adulterers and/or homosexuals,' Sheikh Shady wrote. 'As an Australian and a Muslim I unreservedly condemn the vilification and oppression of any group of people based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, or any other criteria for that matter. 'Islam's position on the matter is clear like many other major religions however Islam espouses there is no compulsion in religion and diversity is the norm.' A baby boy was strangled and suffered injuries to his genitals allegedly at the hands of his mother's friend, a court has heard. Dwayne Justin Lindsey, 33, has been charged with murdering six-month-old Chayse Dearing after the boy was found injured and unresponsive at a unit at Glenroy in Melbourne's north on Sunday. Chayse died in Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital when his life support was switched off on Tuesday after medical experts deemed his injuries 'unsurvivable'. Scroll down for video A six-month old baby named Chase died in Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital after his mother Michelle found him injured and unresponsive in a Glenroy housing commission unit on Sunday morning Detective Senior Constable Kevin Burke told an out-of-sessions bail hearing on Thursday night that Chayse was found to have injuries to his head, genitals and had ligature marks around his neck. Lindsey, who is a friend of the boy's mother, was allegedly looking after him on Sunday while she went to the local shops. The accused was at the unit when paramedics arrived but left before police got there, the court heard. Lindsey was charged on Thursday afternoon after police launched a four-day man hunt to track him down. He sat with his arms crossed and objected to reporters being in court on Thursday. Dwayne Lindsey, 33, was taken into custody at a Sunshine North home, in Melbourne's west, after a four day man hunt on Thursday and charged the infant's murder A neighbour said he heard the baby crying 'non-stop' for around two hours before the noise suddenly stopped on Sunday morning and a man started stamping his feet in an attempt to 'wake' the infant 'I want them out of here, please,' he told police. He also refused to face the bail justice. He was taken to the Docklands police complex after his arrest where he gave a no comment interview, Det Sen Const Burke said. Lindsey told bail justice Claire Vissenger he was on medication but it was not with him. Ms Vissenger remanded Lindsey, of no fixed address, in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. The boy's mother, Michelle Dearing, said she was heartbroken and couldn't believe she would never hear her 'innocent' son's giggle or lay eyes on his 'beautiful smile' again. Michelle Dearing said she is heartbroken and can't believe she will never hear her 'innocent' son's giggle or lay eyes on his beautiful smile again Emergency services were called to an Isla Avenue unit in Glenroy, north of Melbourne, 'in relation to an unresponsive child' about 8.40am on Sunday 'It hurts so much waking up knowing he's not there anymore. I'm never going to hear him say 'mum' again,' she told Seven News. 'It just shouldn't have happened. He was such a beautiful little boy, so happy.' A neighbour said he heard the baby crying 'non-stop' for around two hours before the noise suddenly stopped on Sunday morning and a man started stamping his feet in an attempt to 'wake' the infant, the Herald Sun reported. 'Kids don't just suddenly stop after two hours like you are turning off a switch,' the witness said. 'I heard him trying to wake the kid up.' Mia Farrow shared a photo of her heavily pregnant daughter Dylan Farrow on Thursday as she awaits the birth of her tenth grandchild. The snap showed Dylan lounging back in a rocking chair as she showed off her big baby bump while petting a dog sitting next to her. Dylan lives in Florida with her husband, who she married in 2010, and they are expecting their first child. The 71-year-old grandmother posted the photo of Dylan to Twitter on Thursday evening and captioned it 'baby on board.' Scroll down for video Mia Farrow shared a photo of her heavily pregnant daughter Dylan (pictured) on Thursday as she awaits the birth of her tenth grandchild Farrow, 71, posted the photo to Twitter on Thursday evening and captioned it 'baby on board' Allegations: She and her mother have both claimed that Dylan's father and Mia's ex Woody Allen molested the young girl when she was just seven (above in 1989) Back in April when she she four months pregnant, Dylan told People she was having a girl, but would not reveal the child's name. 'I picked a name, but my husband would kill me if I told you,' the 30-year-old told People. 'He wants it to be a secret.' At the time, Farrow and Dylan appeared together as they attended the annual Time 100 Gala in New York City. Farrow, who has 14 children and nine grandchildren, had told People she was excited 'about this one,' referencing her tenth grandchild. Mia Farrow was pictured back in April as she attended the Time 100 Gala in New York City with her pregnant 30-year-old daughter Dylan (above) Dylan (left) , who was married in 2010, cradled her baby bump as she posed for photos on the red carpet; she revealed she was having a girl but said she will not give away the name Dylan's attendance at the event in April was a rare outing, as she has largely avoided the cameras for the past two years ever since giving an interview accusing her adoptive father Woody Allen of sexually abusing her as a child. Dylan, who changed her name to Malone as an adult, broke her silence in the November 2013 issue of Vanity Fair, alleging that Allen molested her when she was just seven, telling her it was their 'secret.' She told her mother Mia in August 1992 that her father had been inappropriate with her in the attic and kissed her, claims that have been denied by Allen. The case was dropped in 1993 but custody of Dylan was awarded to her mother and Allen was denied visitation with his daughter. Following the molestation case, Mia moved her children from New York to Connecticut. Things got bad again for Dylan, however, following the death of her adopted sister Tam in 2000 from a heart condition, causing her to sink into a deep depression. Safe place: Dylan now lives in Florida with her husband and is expecting her first child Complicated family: Allen (left in 1986) would go on to marry Soon-Yi Previn (right) after being accused of abusing Dylan (center in mother Mia's arms) in 1993 (Misha second from left and Moses second from right) Then, things got much worse for Dylan she said when she was contacted by her estranged father. The first time was in 2004, she said, when he sent her a letter saying that because she was now legally an adult he wanted to have a conversation and 'set the record straight about what your mother has told you.' Allen tried once again she said three years later, when she was a senior year of college. Dylan credits her husband with helping her through the difficult times, and said of the information technology specialist: 'He's the best thing that ever happened to me. I would not be functioning without him.' Shortly after her interview with Vanity Fair, Dylan also penned an open letter in the New York Times about her father, which Allen responded to in a rare public statement to deny the allegations being made by his daughter. Taxpayers face a 1.5trillion bill for public sector workers gold-plated pensions after their cost soared by a third in five years, a report reveals. The huge bill amounts to an average of 55,000 per household more than double the typical wage. Nurses, policemen, soldiers and civil servants still receive guaranteed payouts during retirement, whereas most employees in the private sector have been forced to make do with less. Shortly before David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010, the cost of the payouts promised to public sector workers was 1.13trillion. Nurses, policemen, soldiers and civil servants still receive guaranteed payouts during retirement, whereas most employees in the private sector have been forced to make do with less (stock image) But according to a National Audit Office report, the bill has since leapt by 360billion to 1.49trillion the equivalent of 81 per cent of the total value of the UK economy. Last night experts condemned the widening gulf between pensions in the public and private sectors. They warned that future generations would be saddled with high taxes to keep these unaffordable promises. Tom McPhail, of investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, said: When todays 40-year-olds with private pensions reach retirement and realise the huge gap between what they are receiving and what former public sector servants are enjoying, it is likely to cause outrage. The current system is not sustainable and its understandable that a lot of private sector workers will feel its deeply unfair. Alex Wild of the TaxPayers Alliance said: These extraordinary numbers just go to show the true scale of the national debt is far in excess of what politicians would have you believe. These public sector schemes are on average five times more generous than those available in the private sector and it simply isnt fair to expect taxpayers to keep shelling out for them. Tom Selby, senior analyst at pension firm AJ Bell, said: Public sector pensions are paid for through general taxation, so rises in the costs of these pensions, primarily caused by increases in life expectancy, place further pressure on the already strained public purse. The average public sector worker has the equivalent of 61,600 in their pension pot, figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed last year. The typical private sector employee has saved up just 24,000, meaning millions face working into their 70s or 80s. While the taxpayer must pay out huge sums to support public sector pensions, savers with cash in private sector schemes have had their benefits slashed or threatened. Shortly before David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010, the cost of the payouts promised to public sector workers was 1.13trillion. The bill has since leapt by 360billion to 1.49trillion The Government has made a series of swingeing cuts to the amount workers can save into a private sector pension over a lifetime. The final cut which reduced the limit to 1million was introduced in April. Many private sector workers whose companies offered generous final salary pensions have been shunted into risky stock market-linked schemes because the firms could not afford the payout promises. Surviving final salary schemes are struggling with the ballooning costs of their liabilities. Just 24 FTSE 100 firms with final salary pensions have more than enough money in their schemes to meet pay out promises, according to figures compiled by consultancy Lane Clark & Peacock. Ten companies had eye-watering deficits totalling nearly 40billion. Many are expected to close in the coming years. A Treasury spokesman said: The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast that the Governments long-term reforms to public sector pensions will save 430billion by 2061-62. The Queen meets Northern Irelands deputy first minister, Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness, pictured, for a formal audience at Hillsborough Castle. Why behind closed doors? It spared the Duke of Edinburgh from having to shake the hand of a man allegedly implicated in the murder of his uncle, Earl Mountbatten, in 1979. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, left, has come a long way since the 1970s, when he was an IRA commander and yesterday he met the Queen at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland Tory MP Bernard Jenkin snidely deplores in the Commons Ukip leader Nigel Farages youve never had proper jobs remark to fellow members of the European Parliament. Keen nudist Jenkin, 57, avoids mentioning that Farage had earlier been heckled by dim-looking MEPs. Why particularly as a Brexit supporter does he appear to take umbrage at Farages remarks? Perhaps because, as the son of ex-Tory minister Patrick Jenkin, 89, privileged Bernard was able to become became an MP aged 33. Our monarch begins a week of engagements in Caledonia tomorrow, beginning with opening the Scottish Parliament. How will she avoid mentioning the majority vote there for Remain in the EU referendum? Her private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt is pondering that ticklish question. Scots First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has a private audience with HM at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Will she be measuring up the curtains? wonders a source. Incidentally, Ms Sturgeon and the monarch share the same Munchkin-style height and shoe size. Nicola Sturgeon (left) and the Queen are ladies of a similar stature Michael Goves startling decision to stand for the Tory leadership surprises palace officials. They suspect him of leaking that the Queen expressed Brexit views at a Privy Council lunch. He was ignored by HM as she waited for the lift after the State Opening of Parliament, says my source, adding: Theresa May is preferred. By the way, HM and Ms May, both committed Anglicans, enjoy gossiping about church politics. Jennifer Saunders appears at the Absolutely Fabulous premiere wearing a Stella McCartney T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan: Gluten free, dairy free, fur free. Shed have got one free, but suckers will have to pay 140. Seventeen years after the murder of Jill Dando, her BBC Crimewatch co-presenter Nick Ross says: I am five foot eight and Jill in her heels was five foot ten. In the closing shots on Crimewatch, as we stood side by side, she would quietly kick off her heels so she didnt dominate me. She was a thoroughly nice person. Ross doesnt sound too bad either. Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan, 29, is deplored by Ketterings Tory MP Philip Hollobone (who?) for remarking dismissively (re areas that voted Leave) that she had never heard of the Northamptonshire town. So Hollobone invites her to come to Kettering and switch on the Christmas lights. Where do we find such brilliant parliamentarians? He said it seemed the male bus driver had suffered some type of seizure Crash occurred just before 9am on Friday and left five people in hospital Radio presenter Ben Fordham helped rescue the driver of an out-of-control bus after it crashed into parked cars on a busy Sydney street, injuring six people. The 2GB presenter was pushing his son Freddy in a pram at Cammeray in Sydney's north when the bus careered 300 metres down a street and smashed into cars at about 8.50am on Friday. Fordham, who on the opposite side of Miller Street, said he rushed over to check on the bus driver and initially thought he was dead. Scroll down for video The bus was travelling along Miller Street in Cammeray when it veered into a string of parks cars 'It looked like the driver had a seizure of some sort,' Fordham, who has epilepsy, told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'I was starting to feel for a pulse, or to shake him in some way, because he wasn't responding. I thought he was dead, to be honest, for the first little bit.' The radio host and several other men lifted the driver from the bus and laid him on a car bonnet where he started to regain consciousness. The driver was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital. His condition is unknown. 2GB presenter Ben Fordam (pictured left) was pushing his son Freddy in a pram at Cammeray in Sydney's north when the bus careered 300 metres down a street and smashed into cars at about 8.50am on Friday Ben Fordham, who on the opposite side of Miller Street, said he rushed over to check on the bus driver and initially thought he was dead (file photo) A man in his 60's was taken to hospital via CareFlight with serious injuries but is believed to be in a stable condition A 63-year-old man who was walking along the footpath suffered fractured ribs, arm and leg injuries. Three other bystanders and a female bus passenger were also hospitalised. A witness to the crash said the bus hit a telegraph pole 'about 200 to 300 metres up the road' before taking out a set of lights, hitting an awning and ploughing into cars and a bus stop. 'People were standing at the bus stop, people were ready to get off the bus, and the bus wasn't stopping until it hit the parked cars,' he said. 'There was a guy at the bus stop with really bad injuries and broken legs, a lot of cuts to the leg.' 'It just happened too fast and too quick.' A local businessman said the bus driver appeared to be 'ill' as he careered down the street. Bites from household pets can spread a bacteria that may, in rare cases, led to a deadly septic shock An elderly man in Canada died of septic after a bite from his cat triggered a fatal septic shock, medical authorities said. The unnamed man, 68, first went to Toronto General Hospital last winter with abdominal pain, weakness, chills and weight loss of 22 pounds, the Vancouver Sun reported. Symptoms pointed to a blood infection but further testing revealed a 4-inch enlargement in his aorta, near his heart. The patient went into surgery to replace that part of his vessel with a synthetic tube valve, the Sun reported. Yet doctors still had no idea what caused the illness, so the man was sent home. Two weeks later, he was dead. The cause: a nip on the thumb from his pet cat that triggered an aneurysm on his aorta. Tests on a piece of his removed aorta later revealed the man had a Pasteurella multocida infection, caused by a bacteria most commonly spread by feline bites, the Sun reported. The unnamed man, 68, first went to Toronto General Hospital (pictured) with abdominal pain, weakness, chills and weight loss of 22 pounds His wife had told doctors that he had been bitten by their pet cat a month earlier but medical staff ignored the report. 'Sometimes as physicians we roll our eyes at information that seems to be extraneous,' said Dr. Dennis Cho, who co-authored a study chronicling the Toronto patient' s ordeal, to the Vancouver Sun. 'Only looking back did we realize this was probably the key to unlocking the true diagnosis.' Cho said pet bites are common enough, although this specific outcome is rarer. Most at risk are patients with low immunity and heavy drinkers, which was the case of the Toronto patient, according to the study on the World Journal of Clinical Cases. Still, anyone bitten by an animal should be administered antibiotics. 'There is a whole host of places where these bacteria can latch onto, which is why its kind of a scary thing,' Cho told the Sun. 'The long-term consequences are not recognized and probably under-detected.' Similar cases have been reported in the Netherlands and Switzerland, according to the Sun. A council can apply to challenge a High Court decision which backed a father who took his daughter on holiday during term time, it was revealed yesterday. The High Court ruled last month that Jon Platt did not have to pay a 120 fine to Isle of Wight Council after a Florida trip and had no case to answer. But the council can now apply to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal. The High Court ruled last month that Jon Platt (pictured) did not have to pay a 120 fine to Isle of Wight Council after a Florida trip Senior judge Lord Justice Lloyd Jones, sitting in London, formally certified the case and said it raised 'a point of law of general public importance'. The judge said the High Court itself was refusing permission to appeal, but it would now be open to Isle of Wight council to make its own application direct to the Supreme Court justices. The formal refusal of the High Court in such cases is a device for allowing the Supreme Court to select which cases it wishes to hear. The father, Jon Platt, was originally fined 120 for taking his daughter to Florida but magistrates ruled that he had no case to answer because she attended school regularly during the rest of the school year. The local authority took the case to the High Court for clarification and Mr Platt won the backing of the senior judges. Magistrates ruled that Platt (pictured with his fiancee Sally) had no case to answer because his daughter attended school regularly during the rest of the school year The ruling caused the Government to announce that it would consider making alterations to the law over absences, which is covered by the Education Act 1996. Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb requested the council return to court to appeal against the decision and promised Department for Education (DfE) funding and legal counsel for the application if it went to the Supreme Court. A DfE spokesman said yesterday: 'We continue to support the Isle of Wight Council in the process of appealing the judgement of 13 May. The Australian mother at the centre of the bungled 60 Minutes child recovery operation has hit back at her estranged husband on social media after she was charged with kidnapping. Sally Faulkner was charged with kidnapping three months after her son Noah, 3, and daughter Lehela, 5, were snatched from their grandmother in Lebanon. Ms Faulkner posted on social media shortly after she found out she was being charged and said she hoped it wouldn't mean '20 years in jail or extradition'. Scroll down for video Sally Faulkner has hit out at her estranged husband on social media after she was charged with kidnapping over the bungled 60 Minute child recovery attempt in April The heart broken mother of two says she is a good mother and she is angry at her estranged husband for her lies Ali Elamine took Noah, 3, left, and Lehela, 5, right, to the country for a two-week holiday in May 2015 and never returned but initially dropped charges against the mother if she gave him full custody She also lashed out at the children's father Ali Elamine who she says took them to Lebanon in May 2015 and never returned. 'Today I contacted the embassy to check on my children and today they replied and said that I need to ask my lawyer to ask Ali's lawyer to ask Ali to find out if they are okay. 'Wow when did it become such a process to just ask the question - ''are you okay?'' to your child and get a reply..? 'I'll never forgive you for what you've done,' she wrote. The post was accompanied by a meme which read 'you stabbed me then pretended you were the one who was bleeding'. The mother says she is suffering from 'parental alienation' and grief for her children in Lebanon Before questioning if he acted alone. 'This is why I don't believe you are the only one behind this you've destroyed his world.. You took his mother away from him.' The heartbroken mother then posted a photo of both of her children playing in the mud. ' I was this kind of mum- a spare of the moment moment.. Where your children point to the mud and say they want to go down there and play.. You take off their only clothes they have with them at the time and let them go,' she said. She posted photos of her children, Noah here pictured with her mother, explaining how much she misses them and worrying about what the charges mean Before revealing she had gone back to the same spot again recently without her children, and was overwhelmed by grief. The charges against Ms Faulkner were a shock as Judge Rami Abdullah had previously said he didn't think the mother could be charged for kidnapping her own children. The 60 Minutes television crew members have been charged with failing to report crime to authorities they are expected to receive a fine for their part in the operation. Ms Faulkner says she is scared the charges may mean extradition or jail time Nine said its legal team in Lebanon had confirmed charges against the crew had been downgraded. 'There will still be a trial on a date to be determined and out of respect for the Lebanese legal process we will not be making any further comment while the matter is still before the court,' the network said in a statement. Judge Abdullah conducted a three-month investigation into the actions of 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown, her crew, Ms Faulkner and Whittington's child recovery team. Ms Faulkner, Brown, producer Stephen Rice, sound recordist David Ballment and cameraman Ben Williamson were arrested in Beirut on April 6, along with Whittington, Michaels, Barbour, and another Lebanese man, Mohammed Hamza. She wrote on Instagram about how co-parenting had been working for the estranged couple and their children They were taken into custody after Whittington's team snatched Ms Faulkner's two children, Lahela and Noah from a busy suburban street, injuring their Lebanese grandmother. After spending almost two weeks in prison, Ms Faulkner and the 60 Minutes team were released. The children's father, Ali Elamine, agreed to drop personal charges of kidnap against them in return for a significant payout, reportedly up to $500,000 from Nine. Ms Faulkner agreed to give up custody of her children to obtain her freedom. Emma Gover's family haven't seen her since she walked out of her parents house into a cold, windy and rainy night more than a week ago. The 30-year-old woman from Toowoomba, Queensland, was last seen about 6.54pm on Thursday June 23 at her home. Concerns are held for the safety of the 'high-risk' missing woman as the search for her enters its ninth day, and her father, Ken Gover, battles to understand what has happened, The Queensland Times reports. Emma Gover, 30, who went missing from her father's house in Toowoomba, Queensland, more than a week ago 'She'd often walk from my place to the service station to get something at the shops,' Mr Gover said. 'We're all very concerned. She left her car behind, with her car keys and all her personal effects still in the house.' He said he'd contacted her friends in Brisbane and Melbourne, but no-one knew where she was. Ms Gover, who worked part-time at the North Point Coffee Club before she disappeared, left the house with nothing but her clothes, and her father and friends were worried about her. Ms Gover's father, Ken Gover, said she walked out of their house into a cold, rainy, windy night on June 23 and hasn't been seen since A recent lead suggested she may have travelled to New South Wales, but it was as yet unconfirmed, according to police. Inspector Stephen Angus told The Queensland Times said finding her was a 'matter of urgency', however, said it was expected she would be located 'safe and well'. Ms Gover was wearing a thick grey cardigan with black knee-length tights, brown boots and a scarf when she was last seen. She's described as about 165cm tall with a slim build, brown eyes and brown hair. Advertisement Meet the first two elephants to have been given prosthetic legs after they were severely injured when they stepped on landmines in south east Asia. Mosha and Motola, who live at the Asian Elephant Foundation in northern Thailand, both lost legs more than a decade ago when they were just calfs. They made headlines several years ago when they became the first and second elephant to be fitted with prosthetic limbs, but as they grow larger surgeons have to design new and stronger legs for them. Mosha and Motola (pictured), who live at the Asian Elephant Foundation in northern Thailand, have been fitted with prosthetic limbs after losing their legs in landmine accidents more than a decade ago Mosha received her ninth prosthetic leg on Wednesday. She was just seven-months when she stepped on a landmine along the Thai-Myanmar border 10 years ago. She was rushed to a hospital associated with the Asian Elephant Foundation and has been cared for by them ever since. Two years after her accident, surgeon Therdchai Jivacate gave her a new leg and a new life. As she has grown, he has designed new, longer and stronger legs for her. As they grow larger, surgeons have to design new and stronger legs for them and Mosha (pictured) received her ninth prosthetic on Wednesday Motala, who was pictured being fitted for her prosthetic leg on Wednesday, stepped on a landmine 16 years ago near the Thai-Myanmar border As elephants grow larger, surgeons at the Asian Elephant Foundation in northern Thailand have to design new and stronger legs for them Motala (pictured) stepped on a landmine 16 years ago and has been cared for by the Asian Elephant Foundation since. She became the second elephant to be fitted with a prosthetic leg after Mosha Mosha was first fitted with her prosthetic eight years ago by surgeon Therdchai Jivacate. As she has grown, he has designed new, longer and stronger legs for her 'The way she walked was unbalanced and her spine was going to bend,' Therdchai, 72, said of Mosha before receiving her latest leg. 'She would have died.' Mosha, who weighed only 600 kg when she was given her first artificial limb, now weighs over 2,000 kg. Motala stepped on a landmine 16 years ago. She became the second elephant to be fitted with a prosthetic leg after Mosha. The nature of her injury and growth means she isn't as comfortable with her prosthetic, according to the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital. Founded in 1993, the facility was the world's first elephant hospital and currently has 17 patients. The Thai-Myanmar border is still dotted with landmines left over from clashes between ethnic-minority rebels and the Myanmar army dating back decades. Mosha , who weighed only 600 kg when she was given her first artificial limb, now weighs over 2,000 kg Engineer Boonyu Thippaya (left) and a member of his team work to adjust a prosthetic leg for an elephant injured by a landmine Engineer Boonyu Thippaya works on building a new prosthetic leg for one of the animals at the Asian Elephant Foundation in northern Thailand Founded in 1993, the facility was the world's first elephant hospital and currently has 17 patients Geneticist Michael Quinn could face extra charges in the US after suspected child pornography was discovered on his iPhone. He is already facing attempted child sex trafficking and travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct An Australian geneticist and rugby player could face more charges in the US after suspected child pornography was discovered on his iPhone. Michael Quinn, a 33-year-old IVF geneticist from Melbourne, was indicted by a US federal grand jury in June on charges of attempted child sex trafficking and travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The Canberra Times reported forensic exams on his iPhone and iPad, which were seized after he was arrested in an undercover operation in Los Angeles in May, are yet to be completed. Assistant US attorney Joey Blanch wrote in a court filing this week that 'the discovery of child pornography could lead to additional charges against the defendant'. The 33-year-old, who was in the US on vacation and to play in a tournament with his Melbourne Chargers rugby team, faces life in a U.S. prison if convicted of the attempted sex trafficking of a minor charge. An undercover US Homeland security investigations agent had allegedly began communicating with Quinn on a social networking website before Quinn flew to the US last month. A sting was set up at a beachside Los Angeles hotel on May 21 with Quinn under the impression he was attending a sex party and a six-year-old boy would be delivered to him by a pimp for $US250 ($A335), authorities allege. Scroll down for video Mr Quinn, who was in the US with his rugby union team, went to a beachside Los Angeles hotel on May 21 under the impression a six-year-old boy would be delivered to him for sex, authorities allege According to the criminal complaint, the accused paedophile allegedly arrived at the hotel on Saturday with a camera and monopod as well as $US260 ($AU360) in his pocket to pay for the sex he arranged with the child. After 10 minutes of arriving at the hotel, he allegedly had a beer and a Toy Story-themed cupcake as he mingled with 'like-minded men', The Age reported. The Cartoon Network was playing on the TV, but what he didn't know was the men who he allegedly thought were other child predators were actually undercover special agents. Quinn allegedly told agents he was travelling to Los Angeles and wanted to 'meet up with a dad who shares his young ones'. He explained to the agent he was hoping to meet 'other pervs' in the US and agreed to pay a human trafficker to provide him with a child with whom he could engage in illicit sex, authorities allege. The accused paedophile allegedly met with 'like-minded' people at the hotel, who were actually undercover agents Quinn allegedly told agents he was travelling to Los Angeles and wanted to 'meet up with a dad who shares his young ones' "Michael Quinn, also known as 'Mick', aka 'southof', aka 'inhere', knowingly travelled in interstate commerce and into the US from Australia to Los Angeles County, within the Central District of California, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct ... namely, to engage in sexual acts with a boy approximately six years of age," the grand jury indictment states. Quinn, a Monash University-educated geneticist who worked at a leading Melbourne IVF clinic, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles since his May 21 arrest. A hospital anaesthetist has returned to work just six weeks after he was found in a drunken stupor when he left a patient on an operating table half-way through an operation. The shocking incident took place on May 20 at Wollongong Hospital when senior anaesthetist Michal Petr vanished from the operating theatre while his patient was still unconscious, the Canberra Times reports. Dr Petr left the patent on the operating table without informing the junior anaesthetist and giving him handover instructions. Dr Michal Petr left operating theatre at Wollongong Hospital while his patient was still unconscious (stock image) Earlier in the day the senior anaesthetist had attended the funeral of an anaesthetic nurse. When he went missing later in the hospital colleagues went looking for him and found him semi-conscious and locked up in a remote room in the building. He was taken to the hospital's emergency department where he recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.3. This is six times the legal driving limit and double the point where people can walk without any difficulty. Dr Petr had been behaving erratically in the months before the incident according to his work colleagues, but this was only revealed on the day he was found drunk and unconscious on duty. Dr Petr left the patent on the operating table without informing the junior anaesthetist and giving him handover instructions (stock image) The shocking incident took place on May 20 at Wollongong Hospital (pictured) in NSW The NSW Medical Council did not suspend his registration and instead decided to put in place certain conditions such as Dr Petr working with a second anaesthetist in the future. However, Fairfax Media also revealed that Dr Petr had been brought before the medical council for another incident of being drunk on the job in 2011 when he was caught drink driving to an emergency operation. Police clocked him driving at 106 kilometres per hour in an 80kmh zone, with a blood alcohol level of 0.161. He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for 12 months. But despite Wollongong Hospital taking the step of handing down 'disciplinary action', he did not lose his job over the incident. Second woman had feces shoved down her pants by man hours later Woman, 33, had feces thrown at her face and torso by a homeless man A 'deranged' homeless man attacked two women with feces just hours apart in New York's Upper East Side. In the first attack, a 33-year-old woman was walking past East 91st at around 4.30 pm Monday when a man threw feces at her face and torso. Then, just hours later, a 27-year-old woman was walking near 74th Street and First Avenue at 6pm when the assailant approached her from behind. The man walks behind the woman who is talking on her cellphone while walking through Manhattan The man grabbed his victim and tried to force a bag of feces down her pants The suspect then grabbed the woman's buttocks before running away leaving his victim shocked Shockingly, after stuffing the bag containing feces down the woman's pants, he then grabbed his victim's buttocks before running off. The woman was talking on her cellphone at the time of the bizarre assault. The man was wearing gloves, which he threw away moments after the attack. Police believe it is the same man behind both attacks and intend to make an arrest. NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce condemned the attacks as 'really disgusting' and told the New York Post: 'It's the same person. 'You can tell by video clips we gotwe'll arrest him as soon as we can. One time he smeared the other time he threw (feces). Very deranged person from what we can tell.' He is around 40 years old, six feet tall, and weighs about 200 pounds, according to NBC New York. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline on 1-800-577-TIPS. Ali Murphy-Oates took to social media in hopes of finding the man A Tinder user, 34, 'super liked' her profile before sending her a message A woman who identifies as an Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander was racially abused on the dating app Tinder. Ali Murphy-Oates was in Sydenham, in Sydney's inner west, when a 34-year-old Tinder user 'super liked' her profile on Thursday. It wasn't long before she received a message: 'Is it true that abos have two sized nostrils one for unleaded and one for leaded?' Ali Murphy-Oates was 'super liked' on Tinder, a dating app, before she was trolled The 34-year-old sent Ms Murphy-Oates a message accusing Aboriginal people of petrol sniffing The 'Super like' option on the dating application allows users to give a special someone a bigger dose of flattery, but this was not the man's intention. Ms Murphy-Oates, who works as an Aboriginal project manager, took to social media in hopes of finding the culprit. 'When you identify in you profile, this is the s*** you get. Dumb a*** even 'super liked' me. Turns out being racist is a costly affair. #tindernightmares,' she wrote on Instagram. Ms Oates also took to Twitter and Facebook to share the message. Ali Murphy-Oates was in Sydenham, in Sydney's inner west, when the man addressed her on the dating app 'Hey Twitter, do you know this man? He we [sic] SUPER nice on Tinder and I'd like to repay the favour!' she posted online. Ms Murphy-Oates has since been applauded by social media users for ousting the Tinder user. 'This is appalling. I'm disgusted and sorry that this horrible degrading racism exists,' Sally said. 'That is utterly appalling. Sorry you had to endure such idiocy,' Kellie said. Ms Murphy-Oates has since alerted the incident to Tinder. Donald Trump has denied claims made by his staff that he eavesdropped on telephone conversations at his Palm Beach resort by installing a switchboard in his bedroom. Six former workers claimed that he had a telephone console in his Mar-a-Lago room that could connected to 'every phone extension on the estate' and that he used to listen in to conversations. But Trump's spokeswoman Hope Hicks told BuzzFeed: 'This is totally and completely untrue.' Scroll down for video Donald Trump has denied claims made by his staff that he eavesdropped on telephone conversations at his Palm Beach resort by installing a switchboard in his bedroom But Trump's spokeswoman Hope Hicks told BuzzFeed: 'This is totally and completely untrue.' Pictured: Mar-a-Lago Six former workers claimed that he had a telephone console in his Mar-a-Lago room that could connected to 'every phone extension on the estate' and that he used to listen in to conversations. Pictured: A bedroom at the Palm Beach resort Managing director of Mar-a-Lago, Bernd Lembcke said: 'I have no knowledge of what you wrote.' While Trump runs the Palm Beach resort for guests and celebrities, he also has an apartment set aside for personal use. Four employees who spoke to BuzzFeed anonymously said that Trump listened in on phone calls at the club during the mid-2000s but didn't know if this had continued any later. One source who spoke to the site explained that it was clear when Trump was listening in because a light would go on that indicated his extension had joined the conversation and added that it was acknowledged that there was a likelihood of him listening in to calls when he was on site. Another said that Trump 'could pick up the phone in the bedroom and listen to any conversation that was going on.' But John Velez, the former Mar-a-Lago director of security said he just used the line to as a switchboard to dial out. While billionaire businessman's former butler and former security director for Mar-a-Logo said that the console 'merely made it easier for him to call other rooms in the estate'. While Trump (pictured with son Baron and wife Melania) he runs the Palm Beach resort for guests and celebrities, he also has an apartment set aside for personal use Trump's campaign staff members are also increasingly concerned that the Trump Tower offices may be bugged, reported the New York Times And it is not the first time claims of duplicity have been made against the presumptive Republican nominee. The New York Times reported last month that campaign staff members were increasingly concerned that the Trump Tower offices may be bugged. Meanwhile, Trump continues his campaigning across the country and has taken on a more moderate approach. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Trump has 'made a lot of progress toward passing what I would consider sort of the credibility threshold that you need to pass in order to be considered for the most important political job in the country.' But while the US presidential battle is too close to call, one element is clear: Americans have soured on candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, a poll released Wednesday showed. Respondents to the latest Quinnipiac University national poll put Clinton ahead of Trump just 42 percent to 40 percent, a narrowing from Clinton's four-point margin in the organization's June 1 survey. It is also considerably closer than the 12-point Clinton advantage in an ABC News/Washington Post poll published Sunday which highlighted Clinton capitalizing on Trump's recent mis-steps. It has been a tumultuous few weeks for Trump, a political novice who recently fired his campaign manager and faced criticism for having a paltry $1.3 million war chest at the end of May. Julie Bishop has been caught using her mobile phone while driving her campaign car. The Foreign Minister was driving in Perth with partner David Panton in the passenger seat when another motorist took a picture of her on her phone, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Pictures reveal Ms Bishop texting just before 5pm on Thursday. Using a phone while driving brings with it a $400 fine In Western Australia and the loss of three demerit points. Julie Bishop has been caught using her mobile phone while driving in Perth on Thursday 'To progress this investigation, police would need to speak to the person who took the photographs to obtain further details on this matter,' a Western Australia Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. In a brief statement Ms Bishop admitted she had done the wrong thing and would make sure the lapse didn't happen again. 'Everyone should comply with the law and I will ensure this does not happen again,' she said. The witness in the other vehicle was driving along the Great Eastern Highway in Perth when he noticed Ms Bishop's campaign car driving along the road. The Foreign Minister was pictured by another motorist who was driving alongside her Ms Bishop admitted she had done the wrong thing and would make sure the lapse didn't happen again The other motorist keeps Ms Bishop's car in his sights as he travels along the road 'I thought it was funny to see a Toyota Yaris with Julie Bishop's face on the side. Then it was even funnier when I realised it was actually Julie Bishop driving the Julie Bishop car,' he said. 'Then it wasn't so funny when I realised she was using her phone as she drove. It was clear that she was holding the phone and using her thumb to swipe. I don't know if she was texting or checking Facebook or something.' It was claimed by the other motorist that Ms Bishop used her phone for around two minutes during traffic that had slowed down and both cars were sitting parallel to each other at two sets of red lights. The other driver admitted he was in the wrong too to take out his mobile phone and take the pictures, but he wanted evidence to prove that a senior minister had broken the law. Ms Bishop's lapse comes six months after Labor leader Bill Shorten was fined $443 by Victorian Police for texting as he drove his 4WD in Melbourne. Ms Bishop was in the car with her partner David Panton when she was photographed Advertisement Meet the London-loving pooch who poses as the typical English gent in a series of amusing pictures. Rupert, a two-year-old Australian cattle dog, has probably seen more of the capital than most residents. From taking a 'paws' at the iconic London Eye, to red phone boxes, catching the tube, posing on tanks, even stopping for a quick tipple in a quintessentially British pub he's done it all. But is the pooch loving the big city life - or would he be more at home on the cattle station? Rupert looks downright happy in some of the photos, but in others he looks a little confused about life in the metropolis. Rupert in front of Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben. Rupert, a two year old Australian Cattle dog, has probably seen more of London than most residents Rupert at Earls Court Station. His owner, John Esslinger, 47, is also a photographer, who is from London Some of the places Rupert has been snapped include the iconic London Eye, red phone boxes, catching the tube and posing on tanks Rupert's owner started posing his pooch up after realising he was a bit of a character two years ago Since he begun to take pictures of Rupert, Mr Esslinger started a Facebook page to document the witty posts Rupert pictured dressed up sharply in a suit and patriotic Union Jack bow tie Since the Facebook page dedicated to Rupert was set up, it has attracted more than 2,700 followers The adorable pooch takes a break in front of the London Eye - but still has to make sure he gets his pose right The Australian cattle dog has been everywhere in London, it seems. Here, he's pictured in front of the Westminster Abbey Rupert's dip in the river doubles as an opportunity for his owner John Esslinger, a photographer, to snap a picture of him Although Rupert looks like he's mastered London's public transport, he seems far more at home in pictures where he's in the water or has a bit of grass beneath his paws. He appears happiest when he's snapped with a photo of a 'Rupert Road' sign, but a bit awkward when dressed up in a suit and a Union Jack bow tie - he is an Australian after all. His owner and photographer John Esslinger, 47, from London, started posing his pooch up after realising he was 'a bit of a character' two years ago. Since then he started a facebook page to document the witty posts and has attracted more than 2,000 likes on his pooch's page Dogs Life in London. John said: 'He loves the pub, and a cheeky taste of beer if he gets the chance, as well as the countryside and is perfectly at home on the bus, tube or overground trains. 'Like any good Londoner he can go casual or get suited and booted for a night out. 'He's even started to get recognized in our neighbourhood at the park and in the local pubs we frequent. 'There's always someone asking about him and like any good model he loves the attention.' A quiet moment at sunset under beautiful skies on a bench near the Thames River and the Tower Bridge The photogenic pooch is also accustomed to using public transport. Here, he catches a ride on the London Underground Rupert looks down his nose at the camera whilst posing next to some of London's iconic red phone booths Many of the images of Rupert are similar to the photos a tourist might snap when visiting England's capital Rupert looks regal in this image as he stares down at the camera from his spot between the impressive gates Rupert demonstrates he's no stranger to using public transport, pictured here on a bus and on the Underground A cute photo of Rupert in a phone booth shows the adorable dog poking his head through where a pane of glass is missing Rupert showing he knows his own name - and Rupert Road is even in the London Borough of Hounslow - or should that be Hounds-low? Stopping off in a classic English pub with his owner, John, left, and right, in front of the Blue Anchor Pub A well-groomed Rupert in front of one of London's distinctive red phone booths A 19-year-old New York babysitter has been arrested after she drove drunk with four young boys in her car on Thursday afternoon, police said. Authorities said Sabrina Macri from Sound Beach was taken into custody after a concerned citizen spotted the intoxicated teen and then used her own vehicle to block the babysitter from driving way. The ordeal unfolded after officers responded to the parking lot of Cedar Beach on Harbor Beach Road around 2pm to reports of an intoxicated woman with four children in her car. Sabrina Macri, 19, of New York (pictured left and right) was arrested after she drove drunk with four young boys in her car on Thursday afternoon, police said Suffolk County Police said Macri, who had the four boys ages four to 11 in her care at the time, had difficulty locating her black 2015 Honda Civic in the parking lot. Once she found it, authorities said she attempted to drive away. At that time, the good Samaritan stepped in, using her car to stop Macri from leaving until police arrived at the scene. Macri faces several charges including driving while intoxicated and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance On Thursday, Macri apparently was enjoying the day at beach as she tweeted: 'Beach days are the happiest days' On Thursday, a post on her Twitter showed she was apparently enjoying the beach day, writing: 'Beach days are the happiest days.' She has since been charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger 15 years old or younger (Leandra's Law), four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. She will be held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 1. Slovakia's prime minister has said nobody has the right to be angry with Britain after the country opted for Brexit blaming European policy for the Leave vote. Robert Fico criticised both France and Germany saying the EU's future cannot be decided by just one or two countries as Slovakia took control of the rotating presidency of the bloc. However, his conciliatory tone came as the EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom ruled out any trade deals with the UK until they officially leave the union. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico takes his seat during a goverment meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia, Thursday, June 30, 2016. Slovakia will undertake their six-month presidency of the European Union from July But starting the first day of their year-long presidency of the EU, Mr Fico admitted there are elements of the bloc that make it unattractive to some countries. He said: 'The British people have reacted to European policy. Nobody has the right to be angry with the British voters.' While the Slovakian foreign minister Miroslav Lajcak added: 'There's a feeling among member states that sometimes they agree something and then the Commission comes up with the proposals that don't reflect that. 'If our citizens understand less and less what the EU is doing, its because there is too much insititutions and too little member states.' EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, who says no trade talks can begin with UK until after Brexit But their comments came as Ms Malmstrom urged taking a tougher stance with the UK's decision to leave the EU. Speaking on BBC Newsnight, she explained: 'There are actually two negotiations. First you exit, and then you negotiate the new relationship, whatever that is. Between Brexit and the signing of any new trade deal, business between the UK and EU would be conducted under World Trade Organisation rules, she indicated. She acknowledged that could damage businesses and economies within the UK and remaining members of the EU: 'Yes, but the vote was very clear.' Meanwile, since Britain's vote to leave the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has come it for fresh criticism over her open-door immigration policy. And speaking yesterday, Mr Fico said EU heavyweight member states like France, Germany and Italy have run the show for too long, and they should start listening to the countries like Slovakia that have joined the 28-nation EU since 2004. Slovakia, which split amicably from the Czech Republic in 1993, has a population of 5.4 million just over 1 percent of the EU population. It is geographically at the heart of Europe, and for the next six months it will be at its political heart, too. 'The crucial decisions on the future of Europe cannot be defined by the decisions of one or two member states, or by the founding member states,' Mr Fico told reporters in Bratislava on the eve of his presidency. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, left, talks to Ministry of the Interior Robert Kalinak, right, prior a government meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia 'Can we be successful by selling policies that don't work?' he wondered aloud, as the EU wrings its hands over losing a member state for the first time, and particularly the bloc's second biggest economy. Mr Fico's government also took aim at the EU's executive arm, the European Commission, which has gained increasing power since the governing Lisbon Treaty was introduced in 2009, for dictating policy from Brussels.' Migration was cited as a key reason for last week's decision by British voters to exit the EU. But British concerns centered on migrants from other EU countries that some Britons thought were taking advantage of their country's welfare benefits. Other EU nations have been upset at EU's refugee policy. Slovakia has been particularly peeved by the Commission's mandatory quota scheme to share among all EU nations refugees from Syria or Iraq that have flooded into overburdened Greece and Italy. Fico said EU heavyweight member states like France, Germany and Italy have run the show for too long, and they should start listening to the countries like Slovakia that have joined the 28-nation EU since 2004 EU members voted to pass the measure but Slovakia was among a small minority, along with Hungary, to be overruled. The EU's presidency, which rotates between its member countries every six months and has most recently been with the Netherlands, sets priorities for the EU agenda and works to bridge differences and broker compromises. He is believed to have been killed in a drone strike in 2015 after photographs of him holding severed heads were posted to social media Pleaded guilty to helping her IS terrorist husband prepare to fight in Syria The widow of an Islamic State terrorist has avoided jail, despite being caught on her way to Syria with clothing, phone chargers and hiking boots for her husband. Fatima Elomar, 31, received a two-year and three month suspended jail term at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Friday, after pleading guilty to helping her husband Mohamed Elomar prepare to fight for Islamic State in Syria. Ms Elomar was arrested at Sydney Airport before she could board a flight ahead of a flight to Malaysia and found with various items including clothing, a watch and USB chargers, that matched a shopping list her husband had sent her from Syria. Fatima Elomar (pictured right) has received a two-year and three month suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to helping her husband Mohamed Elomar prepare to fight for Islamic State in Syria Ms Elomar, 31, appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Friday Ms Elomar was arrested at Sydney International Airport in 2014 with her four children, on her way to Syria to join her husband, who was in Raqqa at the time A search of her luggage revealed clothing (pictured) for her husband, Islamic State terrorist Mohamed Elomar Among the items was $10,000 cash and her husband's birth certificate. Judge Penelope Hock said the offending was at the lower end of seriousness and that Ms Elomar appeared to have rehabilitated herself. During sentencing Ms Elomar denied supplying Mr Elomar with supplies 'to make him an effective warrior', instead saying she wanted 'to clothe him'. Ms Elomar's barrister Greg James QC told the court the goods 'were not a military kit akin to those supplied to frontline fighters'. The court heard throughout five months of text messages, Mohammed Elomar urged his wife to organise the childrens passports so they could join him in Raqqa. Ms Elomar, along with her four children aged eight, seven, five and five weeks, checked into Malaysian flight MH140 on May 3, 2014. The family was stopped by customs and had their luggage searched, revealing a numbers of mens clothes including camouflage shorts and trousers, a North Face beanie, waterproof and thermal socks and several polo shirts. Among the items discovered were phone cases and chargers (top left), insect repellent (bottom left) and a North Face beanie (bottom right) In court Ms Elomar denied supplying Mr Elomar with supplies 'to make him an effective warrior', instead saying she wanted 'to clothe him' Ms Elomar was arrested and charged with assisting her husband. Mr Elomar rose to notoriety after he and fellow Islamic State terrorist Khaled Sharrouf were photographed holding severed heads, with the images later posted to social media. He is believed to have been killed in a drone strike last year. Mr James requested Ms Elomar not serve a full time jail sentence and instead be subject to a bond, a suspended sentence or an intensive correction order. He said she had been 'effectively abandoned' by the Elomar family. He also said she agreed she would have gone to Syria to join her husband if he had requested it as she 'accepted her husband as head of the family.' Lawyer for Ms Elomar, Moustafa Kheir,is pictured outside court on Friday. Ms Elomar's barrister Greg James QC told the court the goods discovered in her luggage at the airport 'were not a military kit akin to those supplied to frontline fighters' Ms Elomar's husband rose to notoriety after he and fellow Islamic State terrorist Khaled Sharrouf were photographed holding severed heads, with the images later posted to social media (pictured). He is believed to have been killed in a drone strike last year Ms Elomar's barrister Greg James QC requested she not serve a full time jail sentence and instead be subject to a bond, a suspended sentence or an intensive correction order The 24-year-old model said men stood up against Eddie McGuire's 'joke' Model Jesinta Campbell says there is a positive message to take away from Eddie McGuire's controversial 'drowning' comments. The 24-year-old ambassador for Olay told adelaidenow.com.au that the incident led men to stand up to voice their opinion against McGuires 'joke'. 'They [community] stood up and said they weren't comfortable about what he said, and that was the best thing about it.' Australian TV personality Eddie McGuire came under fire after joking on Triple M radio about drowning veteran journalist Caroline Wilson. Scroll down for video Model Jesinta Campbell says Eddie McGuires's controversial drowning comments started a positive conversation Australian TV personality Eddie McGuire came under fire after joking on Triple M radio about drowning veteran journalist Caroline Wilson McGuire said on on the radio station that he'd pay $50,000 to see Wilson drowned. 'In fact I reckon we should start the campaign for a one-person slide next year. Caroline Wilson. And I'll put in ten grand straight away- make it twenty. And if she stays under, fifty.' McGuire has apologised since his controversial comments made during the 'Big Freeze' event where celebrities plunged into icy water for charity. Campbell, who has been engaged to Sydney Swans player Buddy Franklin since late 2014, said while what McGuire said was inexcusable, at least there was a positive conversation in the sporting world as a result. 'I think that did its job in itself. Watching that unfold was like 'OK we've got a group of men between 18 and 40 years old who are playing sport and all of those men stood up and decided that they would take a stand against it'.' 'The best thing is people talking about it. The comments were spoken about across radio, TV, it was all across the news and I think that is the most positive thing that has come out of this. 'There's a conversation going on, and the conversation is loud and very clear. It's not OK to physically or mentally abuse a woman, and that's the end line.' Caroline Wilson said she's was upset by the 'vicious' comments made by Eddie McGuire on Triple M 'It's not OK to physically or mentally abuse a woman, and that's the end line.' Jesinta Campbell said Eddie McGuire's drowning comments were inexcusable Jesinta Campbell has been engaged to Sydney Swans player Buddy Franklin (right) since late 2014 A Taiwanese warship has mistakenly launched a supersonic 'aircraft carrier killer' missile towards China killing a fishermen as ties between the island and its once bitter rival deteriorate. The domestically developed Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) missile, with a range of 200 miles, flew about 46 miles before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese-administered island group in the Taiwan Strait. It struck a a fishing boat off the island, killing the captain of the ship and injuring three other people. Scroll down for video A Taiwanese warship has mistakenly launched a supersonic 'aircraft carrier killer' missile towards China (file picture) The navy said it was not immediately clear how the missile had come to be launched, but suggested it could have been due to human error. 'Our initial investigation found that the operation was not done in accordance with normal procedure,' Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu told reporters, adding that an investigation was under way. The missile was fired during a drill at around 8:10 am from a 500-tonne missile ship docked at a naval base in the southern city of Tsoying and flew in the direction of China. Helicopters and navy ships were sent to search for the missile, Mei said, adding that the military had reported the gaffe to the island's top security body, the National Security Conference. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles China policy, declined to say whether the incident had been reported to Beijing. Ties between Taipei and Beijing have deteriorated noticeably since President Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected in January. China still insists that self-ruling Taiwan is part of its territory, even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war, and has not ruled out using force to bring about reunification. A model of a home-grown supersonic Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) ship-to-ship missile which was fired towards China by mistake However, yesterday Taiwan's government said it will continue to look for ways to maintain dialogue with China. 'No matter what party is in government in Taiwan, we always have a single, common objective: to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,' Tsai told reporters during a visit to Paraguay, Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in South America. 'We will continue the dialogue with mainland China, as even though, probably at this moment official negotiation channels have been temporarily interrupted, there still exist other options for communication and dialogue,' she said, speaking through an interpreter. On Wednesday, Taiwan Premier Lin Chuan said the government's approach was for positive interactions with China to continue, based on existing foundations. A Hindu temple worker was hacked to death in western Bangladesh by suspect Islamic militants in the latest of a series of attacks against religious minorities. Shyamananda Das was killed by three men on a motorcycle in an early morning attack as he walked on a highway adjacent to his temple. Police said no group claimed responsibility of the attack, but it bore the hallmarks of recent murders of religious minorities by suspected homegrown Islamists. Police in western Bangladesh in mid-June 2016 armed villagers with bamboo sticks and whistles in an effort to deter Islamist militants from attacking people of minority faiths Deputy police chief of Jhenaidah district, where Das was killed, said the victim was a priest, who would help conduct prayers at the Radhamadan Gopal Bigraha Math. He said: 'They hacked him on his neck three times and there was one stabbing mark on his head. 'He died after he was brought to hospital.' Meanwhile Hasan Hafizur Raham, said the 50-year-old was only a volunteer at the temple. He added: 'He was an itinerant temple volunteer who travels from one temple to another to serve the Hindu devotees. He came to this temple only yesterday. 'The pattern of the killing is similar' to ones carried out by local Islamist militants, Rahman added. Last month a Hindu priest, 70-year-old Ananda Gopal Ganguly, was also hacked to death in a rice paddy field in the same district near his home. Deputy police chief Kanjilal said a student activist from the country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has been arrested over the attack and he had allegedly admitted his role in the killing. The attack happened in Jhenaidah district in western Bangladesh. The country is reeling from a wave of murders of secular and liberal activists and religious minorities that have some 50 people dead in the last three years Bangladesh is reeling from a wave of murders of secular and liberal activists and religious minorities that have some 50 people dead in the last three years. Victims of the attacks by suspected Islamists have included secular bloggers, gay rights activists and followers of minority religions. The girl was winched to safety before being treated by paramedics She was unable to get down after becoming fatigued while climbing Teenage girl was stuck on a cliff at Point Lookout for over an hour A teenage girl needed to be winched to safety after she got stuck on a cliff for over an hour and a half. The teenager found herself in a dire situation when she became exhausted climbing the cliff at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, south-east of Brisbane, at around 1.15pm on Friday. It is believed the girl became trapped after suffering from fatigue and was unable to continue, reported The Courier Mail. A teenage girl found herself stick on a cliff on North Stradbroke Island, south-east of Brisbane, for over an hour-and-a-half Queensland Fire and Emergency Service personnel were called to undertake the rescue operation. Paramedics treated the girl on the beach just before 3pm before she was taken to a Brisbane hospital. The teenager is not believed to have suffered any serious injuries. Queensland Fire and Emergency Service personnel were called to scene after the teenager became fatigued and was unable to climb down The teenager was taken to a Brisbane hospital and did not suffer from any serious injuries Turkish security forces have killed the mastermind of a suicide bomb attack in Ankara which left 29 dead earlier this year. A Turkish official confirmed that Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice, in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir after being tracked down. He was accused of planning the assault against military personnel in the Turkish capital in February, which was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation. An explosion after suicide bombers targeted a military personnel bus in Ankara in February killing 29 people. Turkish security forces have killed the mastermind behind the attack The raid comes as the country is still reeling from Tuesday's attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which killed 44 people and wounded more than 230. Although no group has claimed responsibility, ISIS are the main suspect for that attack. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. Authorities said the three suicide bombers in the attack which echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Thirteen people, suspected of possible links to the attack, were detained in raids in three Istanbul neighborhoods. Haber Turk newspaper said n that 11 more suspects all of them foreign nationals were detained in a separate raid on a house in Istanbul early on Friday. A Turkish official confirmed that Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice, in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir after being hunted down after the attack, pictured The attack was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation ISIS which has used Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey in its propaganda, and the NATO member has blamed the terror group for several major bombings in the past year in both Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey's interior minister said the explosives used were a mix of RDX, TNT and PETN that were 'manufactured. Chemist and explosives expert at University of Rhode Island, Jimmie Oxley, described as being military-grade, raising the question of how the attackers obtained the bombs. A key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, Turkey also faces security threats from the Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkey's southeast region and from ultra-left radicals. A German tourist plunged to his death while trying to take a 'flying selfie' at the Machu Picchu site in the Peruvian Andes. Oliver Park, 51, is believed to have scrambled down to the edge of a ravine, ignoring a number of safety signs, before leaping into the air. As he landed, Park is believed to have slipped and tumbled down a steep ravine. Scroll down for pictures Oliver Park plunged to his death at the historic Machu Picchu citadel in the Peruvian Andes, file photograph Police recovered Park's body from a ravine and have taken it to a morgue in the city of Cusco His body was recovered yesterday and taken to a local police station. He will then be removed to a morgue in the city of Cusco. According to the BBC, wardens said the man ignored several safety warnings before venturing out to the edge. In March, a British tourist was arrested at the historic site after he posed naked for photographs. The police stopped 23-year-old Adam Burton and French national Eric Xavier Mariec, 28, while they were still naked at the ancient site. They were arrested on the spot and police later released the images from a mobile phone, showing the two men posing in body-builder stances with no clothes on. The men were prosecuted for offences against morality, according to state news agency Andina, and the photos were released to warn other tourists against lewd behaviour at the ancient site. The photos showed the Incan citadel in the background, which is a proud part of Peruvian heritage and one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. Millions of tourists from all over the world visit the site every year, which is set in the Andes mountains. It had been closed throughout February but the Inca trail route was open again on Tuesday, according to the Department of Culture of Cuzco. The incident is almost exactly two years after police in Peru announced a crackdown on tourists taking naked photos at the site after a number of online photos and videos emerged. Foreigners stripping off and streaking across the Incan ruins, prompting a response from the Ministry of Culture. In 2013, two Antipodeans - an 18-year-old Australian and 30-year-old New Zealander - were detained by guards for baring their backsides at the citadel. They were briefly held in custody and forced to delete naked photographs from their digital camera - but not before it had gone viral on Peruvian social media after it was 'irresponsibly published to the Internet,' a police statement said. 'They were made aware that it is totally forbidden to take photographs of this magnitude,' the report, obtained by local travel agency Fertur Peru Travel, added. In February 2014, a video was posted to YouTube showing a naked couple streaking across Machu Picchu, considered to be a sacred holy site, as a park guard gave chase. Her lawyer said she had been unfairly discriminated against by Woolworths She said she was A Woolworths checkout operator who has worked for the supermarket giant for 30 years says she was sacked for wearing a moonboot. Shelley Gibbs, from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, suffered a 'wear and tear' injury to her Achilles heel, an ailment she puts down to running around after her children. The 44-year-old has worked at various Woolworths stores for 30 years and was recently employed at the Mountain Gate branch in Melbourne. Shelley Gibbs, 44, from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, suffered a 'wear and tear' injury to her Achilles heel Ms Gibbs has worked at various Woolworths stores for 30 years and was recently employed at the Mountain Gate branch in Melbourne When she turned up to work with a doctors certificate', which said she could only perform 'light duties', the single mother-of-two said she had multiple disagreements with a 19-year-old duty manager. Ms Gibbs said he took issue with her wearing the boot. 'At one stage he came up behind me and was yelling at me in my ear. I asked him to please go away,' Ms Gibbs told Daily Mail Australia. 'I just had my hands up saying please move away, just please go away from me.' Ms Gibbs was told a customer had made a complaint about her using a chair behind the counter - a complaint she believes was made up as a way to push her out of employment because of her moonboot. The 44-year-old said she was made to do much more than 'light duties' which her doctor had advised. When she turned up to work with a doctors certificate which said she could only perform 'light duties', the single mother-of-two said she had multiple altercations with a 19-year-old duty manager According to Ms Gibbs' lawyers, she has been unfairly discriminated against and Woolworths have broken the law 'I walked into my manager's office to have a meeting and I asked if I was allowed to work according to my doctors certificate - they said "no you are not'",' she said. 'They escorted me out of the store and told me that I wasn't allowed back to work until I had no moonboot on.' According to Ms Gibbs' lawyers, she has been unfairly discriminated against and Woolworths had broken the law. 'Woolworths is in breach of section 351(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) for taking adverse action due to a physical disability,' Alan McDonald, from employment law firm McDonald Murholme said. The lawyers have filed a General Protections to the Fair Work Commission on behalf of Ms Gibbs and is awaiting a date for a conciliation conference. A Brazilian court has frozen more than $6million in company funds because Whatsapp failed to hand over messages in a cocaine smuggling ring case. Police said the Facebook-owned social network messaging company has defied repeated orders to turn over the messages sent and received by suspected members of a global drugs gang that has been under investigation since January. As a result, a total of 19.5 million reais ($6.07 million) was blocked in Facebook Inc funds. Police said the Facebook-owned social network messaging company has defied repeated orders to turn over the messages sent and received by suspected members of a global drugs gang that has been under investigation since January Without the data, it will be difficult or impossible to prove links between those captured in recent raids and their confederates in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Spain, according to RT. After repeated failure over five months to turn over the information, a judge in Brazil's southern Parana state froze the funds, which are equal to WhatsApp's accumulated fines for non-compliance in the case. Because WhatsApp has no bank accounts in Brazil, the judge froze funds owned by its parent, Facebook. It could have been much worse for the messaging app, as Brazilian courts have provisions under the country's internet law to shut down the service when companies do not adhere to court orders. It could have been much worse for the messaging app, as Brazilian courts have provisions under the country's internet law to shut down the service when companies do not adhere to court orders A similar case earlier this year prompted a judge to shut WhatsApp down for 72 hours, angering many of the service's 100 million Brazilian users. The shutdown was lifted after about 24 hours by another court. At the time of that blockage, Facebook said WhatsApp does not store client messages and could not read them if they did because they are encrypted. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry phoned the Israeli ambassador to apologise after Jeremy Corbyn compared the country to terrorists. Mrs Thornberry, one of the few remaining MPs still loyal to the Labour leader, reached out after he was slammed by the serving and former chief rabbis for making the controversial comments. Launching a report into anti-semitism within the party yesterday, Mr Corbyn said: 'Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu Government than our Muslim friends are for those of various self-styled Islamic states or organisations.' But sources close to Mrs Thornberry insisted ambassador Mark Regev had 'no issue' with the speech. Emily Thornberry, pictured on BBC Question Time last night, phoned the Israeli ambassador to apologise for any offence caused by Jeremy Corbyn's remarks His team later claimed he was referring to countries such as Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. But Jewish religious leaders did not accept the claim. Chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis told the Times the comments were offensive 'however they were intended'. And former chief rabbi Jonathan Sacks told the paper: 'Jeremy Corbyn's comparison of the state of Israel to Isis is demonisation of the highest order, an outrage and unacceptable. 'That this occurred at the launch of the report into the Labour Party's recent troubles with antisemitism shows how deep the sickness is in parts of the left of British politics today.' A Jewish Labour MP demanded Mr Corbyn resign over his 'catastrophic' failure of leadership after he watched silently as one of his supporters heckled her. Ruth Smeeth said she had made a formal complaint about the Labour leader's actions at the launch of the anti-Semitism report when she was shouted at by a Momentum activist. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured at yesterday's launch, said 'racism is racism racism' before making a controversial comparison between the Israeli government and ISIS Ms Smeeth walked out of the event in tears after Marc Wadsworth accused her of working 'hand in hand' with a right wing newspaper. The Stoke on Trent North MP said Mr Corbyn's 'failure to intervene is final proof that he is unfit to lead'. Wes Streeting, one of Labour's newest MPs, said the event showed Mr Corbyn had lost any 'moral authority' as Labour leader and told MailOnline it was further proof he should quit. Ms Chakrabarti's report made as its first recommendation that racial epithets such as 'z**' or 'p***' should have 'no place in Labour Party discourse' going forward and also recommended Labour members avoid using Adolf Hitler metaphors. Ruth Smeeth walked out of Labour's anti-Semitism event after being heckled by a man said to be a Momentum activist Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry - promoted to the post this week after Hilary Benn was sacked for disloyalty - later phoned the Israeli Ambassador in London to apologise for 'any offence caused' by Mr Corbyn's remarks. A source close to Ms Thornberry insisted Mr Regev reassured her that he had read the speech and had 'no issue' with it. Appearing on Question Time last night, Ms Thornberry said anti-Semitism was not 'rampant within the Labour Party'. 'But we ought to hold ourselves to a higher standard than the rest of the country and politicians in our Labour Party should hold ourselves even at a higher standard than that,' she added. Lots of little boys dream about flying aeroplanes when they grow up. But only one can say he realised his ambition while still a teenager. At the tender age of 19, Luke Elsworth is already flying British holidaymakers around the world after qualifying as the UKs youngest commercial airline pilot. The fresh-faced teenager was appointed a first officer with easyJet in April and last week completed his final checks before taking over the controls. At the tender age of 19, Luke Elsworth is already flying British holidaymakers around the world after qualifying as the UKs youngest commercial airline pilot The fresh-faced teenager was appointed a first officer with easyJet in April and last week completed his final checks before taking over the controls His father, Paul Elsworth, 52, who is also a captain for the airline, said becoming a pilot was all Luke ever thought about as a child. He joked: I do think its a bit mental that a 19-year-old is in charge of a 33million aircraft. But as Luke would say: Marcus Rashford is only 19 and he plays for England so if youre good enough, youre old enough and I agree. Luke has worked really hard. I have as much confidence in Luke flying as I have myself and Ive been doing this for 32 years. Hes very, very good. He also wants to prove to other young kids that you dont need to go to a red brick university to become an airline pilot. Asked whether he felt it was appropriate for someone his age to be flying passenger jets, Luke said: I dont see why not. I really want to encourage more younger people to get into it. If youre good enough to be there, youve done the training and youre suited towards it then I dont think age really has an impact. He insisted he has not noticed any worried looks from passengers when they see him enter the cockpit. Ive not had anything, he added. If there was a train driver that was 18 and hed been through all the training Id have complete trust in him. I wouldnt bat an eyelid. Luke Elsworth is already flying British holidaymakers around the world after qualifying as the UKs youngest commercial airline pilot His father, Paul Elsworth (left), 52, who is also a captain for the airline, said becoming a pilot was all Luke ever thought about as a child' And when questioned about whether he would be able to cope with a mid-air emergency, Luke added: I would hope I would... Theres no reason why I shouldnt be. Im comfortable flying the aircraft. Mr Elsworth, of Appleton, near Warrington, Cheshire, said he remembers the exact moment his son decided he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Luke must have been only about three or four at the time, he said. We were at an air show and he was stood underneath the wing of this great aircraft eating his sandwiches. I looked at him and asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said, Im going to be a pilot like you daddy. Ever since that moment all he has ever thought about is flying an aeroplane for a living. Luke enjoyed playing with toy planes and had pictures of aircraft on his bedroom wall as a child. He joined the air cadets as soon as he could enrol on his 13th birthday and took A-levels in maths and physics, achieving A-grades in both, because he knew they were needed for his dream job. Then, just nine days after turning 18, he signed up for the airlines pilot training programme at CTC Aviation in Southampton, which is affiliated to a degree course at Middlesex University. Luke enjoyed playing with toy planes and had pictures of aircraft on his bedroom wall as a child Luke completed the course - which included six months on simulators and a stint flying light aircraft in Arizona, USA - in 18 months. He holds a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence and is the youngest airline pilot in the UK, according to Civil Aviation Authority records. Mr Elsworth added: I fly out of Manchester and Luke is flying out of Gatwick at the moment, but we will undoubtedly fly together at some point. The other day my plane pulled up alongside his and he gave me a thumbs up from the cockpit. I had a little chuckle to myself that there was an Elsworth in each plane. Were very proud of him. Despite his fathers job, Luke, who flies Airbus A319 and A320 planes, insisted he wasnt pressurised into becoming a pilot. Id seen what it was like, he said. It was obviously something that was very exciting. It was always my choice. He described his first flight - from Gatwick to Toulouse in the south of France - as incredible, adding that he felt relaxed and comfortable in the environment. Luke (pictured with his father Paul) completed the course - which included six months on simulators and a stint flying light aircraft in Arizona, USA - in 18 months The teenager said he has no regrets about taking on such a responsible job at such a young age, adding that he got a buzz every time he stepped off a plane and saw the massive piece of machinery that he had landed. Maybe I sacrificed going to university, he said. On your days off you might not be going to the pub and drinking loads, but you can still go out and have fun. Its not as if youre constrained to being inside all day revising. You do get the opportunity to relax. I dont feel like Im missing out. Former British Airways pilot Eric Moody agreed the age of a pilot had very little to do with it. of water per second from wells A brewery in Mexico has been extracting so much water from wells to make beers, including Corona, that a municipality is suffering from drought. The situation in the city of Zaragoza in Nava, Coahuila, is so severe that its mayor, Leonicio Martinez Sanchez, wrote a single-sentence letter to state governor Ruben Moreira which said: 'We have no water for human consumption.' U.S. firm Constellation Brands, which operates the brewery, draws 1,200 liters of water per second from wells drilled to a depth of 500 meters (1,640 feet). A brewery in Mexico has been extracting so much water from wells to make beers, including Corona, that a municipality is suffering from drought Plans to step up production at the facility would only make the situation worse, Martinez told the Guardian. 'It's contradictory that while Constellation Brands has industrial amounts of water to make beer, the municipality of Zaragoza doesn't have 100 litres [per second of water] to give people to drink or use in their homes,' he added. Sanchez said the wells are about 12 miles from the municipal seat, giving rise to the severe water shortages. The situation in the city of Zaragoza in Nava, Coahuila, is so severe that its mayor, Leonicio Martinez Sanchez, wrote a single-sentence letter to state governor Ruben Moreira which said: 'We have no water for human consumption.' Above, the Constellation brewery in Nava, which the mayor says is to blame Constellation, which owns Corona, Negra Modelo and Pacifico beers, lies 28 miles south of Texas and demand for its beer remains strong in America. It also exports its products, which include wine and spirits, to Canada, New Zealand and Italy. The company acquired a glass production plant in Nava from Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2014 for around $300million - providing bottles for Constellation's adjacent Nava Brewery. An eight-year-old boy who fell into a cruise ship pool was not found for 18 minutes and is now in a critical condition. The unconscious boy had been in the water aboard the Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas which was eight to 10 miles off the coast of Breezy Point, Queens. Having gone without oxygen for almost 20 minutes, according to CBS, the boy is now fighting for his life after being helicoptered to an ambulance and taken to a hospital in Staten Island. Scroll down for video. The pool in which the unidentified eight-year-old boy was found having been unconscious for 18 minutes Emergency services respond to the emergency call after eight-year-old boy found unconscious in cruise pool The unconscious boy had been in the water aboard the Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, pictured, which was eight to 10 miles off the coast of Breezy Point, Queens. Helicopter arrives to rush the boy to a hospital on Staten Island after he had received CPR on board the cruise Coast Guard Senior Chief Steven Allard told New York Daily News officials with Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas found him. He said the boy received CPR on the ship, which changed course and sailed toward Bayonne. Fire officials say the boy was taken to a hospital on Staten Island. The ship left New York Harbor and was heading to the Caribbean at the time with planned stops in Bermuda, St. Martin, Puerto Rico and Haiti on a nine-day voyage. Royal Caribbean said it's providing support to the family of the boy, who is yet to be identified. The holiday makers were about to set sail on a nine-day Caribbean adventure with these activites onboard the cruise as disaster struck It has not been the smoothest year for the Anthem of the Seas, after it was battered by 30ft waves and suffered serious damage the day after it set sail in February. On February 6 it encountered 30-foot waves and hurricane force winds as its 4,500 passengers remained hunkered down for hours. Passengers were clinging to their beds, fearing they would never see their loved ones again as 150mph winds rocked the boat for hours. Hurricane-like conditions caused items inside the ship to fly off shelves and smash into one another as the vessel leaned at least 45 degrees off center in the swells. A month to to day later, a 46-year-old Texan went overboard off the coast of Florida. A British holidaymaker had the outline of his iPhone 6 and its headphone cable branded onto his chest after an afternoon in the powerful Cypriot sun. Daniel Da Silva, 29, fell asleep on his sunlounger in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, without applying any suntan lotion in 35C heat on the first day of his holiday. The property developer, from Middlesbrough, woke up more than two hours later and his entire body had been burnt to a crisp. But on his chest was the white outline of his iPhone where it had been resting, and its headphone cable dangling across his ribs. Daniel Da Silva, 29, fell asleep on his sunlounger in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, without applying any suntan lotion in 35C heat on the first day of his holiday - and was left with an iPhone branded on his chest Property developer Mr Da Silva, 29, (pictured with his partner Nadel and her son Zane), decided to snooze in 35C heat without any suntan lotion on He said: 'I woke up after having a nap in the sun and my phone fell off my chest when I stood up, and that's when I noticed it straightaway. I couldn't believe it. 'You can even see a white bit where my headphones were. I was only asleep for about two hours, I didn't put any sun lotion on. It was the first day of my holiday. 'I was away with my mum and brother but I flew over to Marmaris to visit my girlfriend and her little boy for three days. Everyone was in stitches when they saw it. 'I had strangers coming up to me and laughing about it. Fellas were running up to me and saying "you couldn't write that". People thought it was hilarious. 'It has gone now and I have gone brown, but it took a good seven days to disappear and I had to use after sun every day'. Daniel says the unusual imprint attracted plenty of attention from fellow sun worshippers on holiday - and a number of passers-by stopped him to admire the hilarious blunder. But a week on it has started to fade and the burn has turned brown. Mr Da Silva isn't the first hapless sunbather to be branded with unfortunate shapes and won't be the last. In other cases smiley faces seem to be a popular choice for many of the subjects - perhaps some of their friends played a prank by only applying suncream on their chest as they slept in the sun. Something to smile about: This man's grin matches the happy face showing on his badly burnt chest Fail: One victim was left with a hand print while at first glance it looks like this man is wearing a white vest... but it's actually the marks left after burning his skin after a long day in the sun One man was obviously wearing a vest in the sun and his arms, neck and face are so burnt that when he took his clothing off it looked like he was still wearing a white top. One unfortunate girl burnt her lower bag so badly it matched the pink salmon colour of her trousers. Another sunbather thought his feet would be protected from the sun in a pair of rubber shoes, but the rays still managed to get through the small holes and leave him with spotty sunburn on the top of his feet. Hand prints are also another feature on many of the burnt sunbathers while one man has the message ' Oliver Curtis, the convicted insider trader husband of celebrity publicist Roxy Jacenko, has been moved to Parklea Correctional Centre, after spending a week in police cells. Curtis, 30, was moved to Parklea on Friday between mid-morning and afternoon, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. While prison sources say it's likely temporary, his new home is a far cry from Roxy's eastern suburbs home. A source says it's likely he is currently in the maximum security centre of the jail, home to some members of murderous Sydney bikie gang Brothers 4 Life and recently convicted murderer Glen McNamara. Scroll down for video Curtis in cuffs: Convicted insider trader Oliver is seen leaving the Supreme Court last Friday Curtis has been moved to Parklea Correctional Centre (pictured). Insiders say his stay will likely be temporary, but he will be in maximum security before he is classified Prison sources told Daily Mail Australia there were concerns for Curtis' welfare, and it was likely other prisoners would attempt to extort money from him in return for protection Despite his nefarious new neighbours, the source says Parklea will give him better access to facilities such as telephones, and he will now be able to visit with wife Roxy and young children Hunter and Pixie. Visits are limited to a maximum of one hour at the jail, between 8:45 and 11am, and 12:15 and 2:45pm on every day except Tuesday. His PR queen wife Roxy will be able to visit only twice a week - either on two separate weekdays or on one weekend and one weekday. Insiders say Curtis will probably be held in some sort of protective custody - rather than with the general population - due to his high profile. There are concerns he could be assaulted or extorted for money. The prison has both maximum and minimum security components, and Curtis' PR queen wife Roxy Jacenko will be allowed two one hour visits a week Curtis held hands with his wife Roxy Jacenko as they arrived at court together through the trial (left). After he was sentenced on Friday, Ms Jacenko praised her two children, Pixie, four and Hunter, two, as the 'bravest, most caring two people I know' 'It's about what level of supervision we can offer and making sure those particular inmates are not at risk of assault or being stood over like strong arm tactics to get money off them,' a prison source said. 'In Curtis' case, it would most likely be about the potential to be bullied or stood over to give money to other prisoners for protection.' Daily Mail Australia has been told there are no definite plans for the father-of-two's future, and his future home will depend on 'what sort of placement is suitable for him'. However, insiders are expecting Curtis' personal safety to be their only problem - they say he will be 'no problem at all' in custody. Earlier this week, Daily Mail Australia was able to reveal Curtis had spent five nights in the cells at Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills as overcrowding had left him without a place in prison. Sources said the cells were 'a tough environment - the type of place you'd get a shower every few days'. He was unable to receive visitors during this placement. Prison cells: The Sydney Police Centre, where Curtis lived in poor conditions for a week, is pictured on right. Surry Hills police station on left Last week, Curtis was sentenced to two years jail after being convicted of conspiracy to commit insider trading. NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum told the court he had used the profits of he and his former best mate's insider trading to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'. Curtis remained mostly composed as he handed over his tie, belt, a ring and a wad of $50 notes to his lawyer on Friday. He hugged and kissed his wife as he was led away and was later photographed wearing handcuffs as he was led to a police van. 'It is troubling that, unlike Mr (John) Hartman, Mr Curtis has not embraced responsibility for his offending,' Justice McCallum said. Hartman, who testified against his former mate at the trial, served 15 months jail time following his own insider trading trial. He served his time at Silverwater Prison in western Sydney, and it has been speculated that Curtis may eventually end up at the same prison. Justice Lucy McCallum sentenced him to two-years-jail. He will be released after one on a recognisance order Curtis and Ms Jacenko are pictured in a candid Instagram snap with their young boy It has seen the likes of many fellow white collar criminals such as disgraced former HIH director Rodney Adler. In an article for The Bulletin, Adler wrote: ''I looked forward to the lockdown each night as it meant I had survived another day.' Steve McMahon, chair of the Officers Vocational Branch of the Public Service Association, described the prison system as 'overcrowded'. A Corrective Services spokeswoman said on Wednesday: 'Delays in receiving offenders occasionally occur however they are generally processed within a short period. 'When this happens offenders can be held in court and police cells managed by Corrective Services until a suitable prison bed is available.' Curtis' lawyer declined to comment this week. The EU has been accused of 'planning its own empire' after a report suggested the bloc wants its influence to spread into part of Asia and Africa. The EU foreign policy document said 'gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation' of defence planning would 'enhance strategic convergence between Member States'. In a report called Global Strategy, there are also calls to increase the bloc's influence in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East amid fears over terrorism. EU leaders had tasked EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini (right, speaking to David Cameron) with drawing up the 'Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy' last year The report said deeper defence cooperation 'engenders effectiveness, efficiency and trust: it increases the output of defence spending.' 'Developing and maintaining defence capabilities requires both investments and optimising the use of national resources through deeper cooperation. 'The EU will assist Member States and step up its contribution to Europes security and defence in line with the Treaties. Gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation of national defence planning cycles and capability development practices can enhance strategic convergence between Member States.' One part of the report focuses on 'a peaceful and prosperous Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa'. It suggests the EU 'will intensify its support for and cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations in Africa and the Middle East, as well as functional cooperative formats in the region.' According to the Express, Ukips defence spokesman Mike Hookem said: 'The EU wants its own Empire as former Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso made clear when he was in charge.' EU leaders had tasked EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini with drawing up the 'Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy' last year as Europe struggled to deal with its worst migrant crisis since World War II. On Tuesday she warned that Europe is unable to rely on NATO for its military without Britain, sparking worries that an EU army may have to be formed following the Brexit vote. Mogherini urged the bloc to do more in its own defence, just as leaders discussed Britain's leave vote which will result in the loss of a major military power. Theory: Ukips defence spokesman Mike Hookem (pictured) thinks the EU 'wants its own Empire' 'As Europeans we must take greater responsibility for our security. We must be ready and able to deter, respond to and protect ourselves against external threats,' Mogherini said in the policy review submitted to European Union leaders meeting in Brussels. While Britain is an active contributor to the currently very limited EU military operations, David Cameron has consistently opposed any idea of a separate EU army. Mogherini's review, a year in the making, lays down ambitious goals for the EU in the face of new security challenges in the east, highlighted by the Ukraine crisis, and in the south, driven by turmoil across Africa and the Middle East. 'While NATO exists to defend its members - most of which are European - from external attack, Europeans must be better equipped, trained and organised to contribute decisively to such collective efforts, as well as to act autonomously if and when necessary,' the review said. 'An appropriate level of ambition and strategic autonomy is important for Europe's ability to foster peace and safeguard security within and beyond its borders.' EU leaders had tasked Mogherini with drawing up the 'Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy' last year as Europe struggled to deal with its worst migrant crisis since World War II. The report was meant to be a top agenda item at the EU summit on Tuesday and Wednesday in Brussels but the Brexit vote meant discussion was limited. Britain would be a key element in any more ambitious EU security strategy, given its status as a nuclear-armed and veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council. Only France matches this standing while Germany, the most powerful EU member state, is very wary of any foreign military involvement. Mogherini has consistently argued that the EU should play a global role in keeping with its status as one of the world's largest economies. Advertisement Only a matter of weeks ago, Robert Fidler's home was one of the most impressive properties in the south east corner of England. The grand mock Tudor castle, estimated to have been worth more than 1million, boasted a stunning stained-glass dome, weathered brick and stone, and carefully-crafted battlements which would have been the envy of homeowners up and down the country. But now, after a nine-year legal wrangle, all that remains of the cattle farmer's family home is this muddy patch of brown earth. As these incredible drone pictures show, the spot where the 'work of art' once stood is now just a barren area of land, blending into the rest of Mr Fidler's vast farm in Salfords, Surrey. These incredible photographs show how Robert Fidler's mock Tudor home has finally been razed to the ground after a ten-year battle The four-bedroom property, estimated to have been worth more than 1million, was demolished on the order of a High Court judge As these incredible drone pictures show, the patch of land where the 'work of art' once stood is now just a barren area of muddy land The four-bedroom country pile has now been razed to the ground once and for all, spelling the end of a bitter planning dispute which has rumbled on for nearly a decade. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, which had been in dispute with Mr Fidler since 2007, have now agreed that the farmer has fulfilled his legal obligation to demolish the property and will be taking no further action against him. In a statement, they said: 'Following our visit to Honeycrock Farm on Wednesday we are satisfied that Mr Fidler has complied with the requirements of the outstanding enforcement notices.' But Mr Fidler said he has now been left homeless - and still insists he has done nothing wrong. He said: 'I have got nowhere to live. The most important thing to me, as I have said over and over again, is I never broke any laws.' The patch where the grand home once stood now blends into the rest of Mr Fidler's cattle farm in Salfords, Surrey Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, which had been in dispute with Mr Fidler since 2007, have now agreed that the farmer has fulfilled his legal obligation to tear down the property The grandfather of 11 had argued that he needed to live on his land so he could tend to his cattle. The farm is pictured above The row began when Mr Fidler managed to conceal the construction of his four-bedroom home - known as Honeycrook Farmhouse - by hiding it behind a 40ft stack of hay bales and tarpaulin. He had started building it - without planning permission - in 2000 around two grain silos. Two years later, he moved into the property with his wife Linda and youngest son Harry where they lived for four years without interference from authorities. But, in 2006, Mr Fidler's removed the hay bales and unveiled his labour of love to the world, believing he could apply for retrospective planning permission. The grandfather of 11, who has compared his creation to the work of Picasso, intended to exploit a legal loophole that prevents enforcement action against a structure if no objections have been made for at least four years. Mr Fidler had managed to conceal the construction of his four-bedroom home (where he is pictured) - known as Honeycrook Farmhouse - by hiding it behind a 40ft stack of hay bales and tarpaulin on his farm He had started building it - without planning permission - in 2000 around two grain silos on this patch of land. He moved into the property with his wife Linda and youngest son Harry two years later and, for four years, lived in the farmhouse without interference from authorities Mr Fidler still insists that he has not broken any laws. He said he and his family have been rendered homeless following the demolition But Reigate and Banstead Borough Council disagreed and said the sprawling mansion had to be knocked down, because it had been built of green belt land. A contentious battle then ensued, involving legal wrangles and numerous court appearances. The local authority issued a series of enforcement notices which Mr Fidler appealed to the High Court and Secretary of State. The farmer maintained that he had not broken the law and used various arguments to delay the move - including that he would be breaching European laws by knocking down the house due to the 'roosting' bats living at the property. Finally, at a High Court hearing in November 2015, the 67-year-old was forced to knock down his home or face a three-month jail term. The cattle farmer was given a deadline of June 6 this year. At a High Court hearing in November 2015, the 67-year-old grandfather of 11 was forced to knock down his home or face a three-month jail term. This picture, taken in May this year, shows the house in one of the first stages of demolition Mr Fidler said he employed two men full-time to rip down the property. It is pictured being dismantled in May this year The following month, the property had been stripped to its bare bones and was just a pile of rubble at the centre of Mr Fidler's farm After the hearing, he said that the order was 'completely ridiculous'. There's supposed to be a housing shortage, but all they intend on doing is spending thousands of pounds getting one house demolished,' he said. But, despite his objections, Mr Fidler finally conceded defeat and began ripping down the country pile in May this year. The council visited the farm on Wednesday ahead of a high court hearing on Monday. They said: 'We have updated the High Court and the Judge has vacated the hearing scheduled for Monday 4 July. This now brings matters to a close. 'We have previously given Mr Fidler advice about his options for lawfully providing accommodation in other buildings on his site.' Mr Fidler hid the property behind a wall of hay bales and tarpaulin (pictured) but unveiled his labour of love four years later, believing he could apply for retrospective planning permission Twelve asylum seekers were found hidden in a lorry after police smashed it open when a shocked motorist heard banging from inside at a motorway service station. The unnamed airport worker had pulled over at the South Mimms Welcome Break in Hertfordshire on the M25 for a coffee on Wednesday when he heard cries for help from inside the HGV. The suspected illegal immigrants from Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran had spent ten hours in the chilled lorry and were found wrapped in thick layers of clothing when police opened the locked vehicle. Service station: An airport worker had pulled over at the South Mimms Welcome Break (file picture) in Hertfordshire on the M25 for a coffee on Wednesday when he heard cries for help from inside the HGV The Polish lorry driver - who spoke little English - had been taking pallets of mustard to Birmingham having driven from an unknown area to Calais, according to The Sun reporter Stephen Moyes. The man who heard the cries told The Sun: I only stopped for a break and a cup of coffee but thank God I did. I was walking past and heard banging. The driver was oblivious, dozing off in his cab. It looked as if they knew they had to keep warm. They emerged tired and distraught. It might have been a different story had the driver slept for hours before resuming his journey. The migrants were passed by Hertfordshire Police to Home Office immigration enforcement officials to be processed and all have claimed asylum since their discovery near junction 23 of the motorway. A force spokesman said: Police were called to South Mimms Services, St Albans Road, at 4.15pm on Wednesday to reports of suspicious activity in the back of a refrigerated lorry. Another discovery: Eleven stowaways - three of them children - who said they were from Iraq and Kuwait were intercepted by police while hidden inside a lorry passing through East London on June 15 Officers attended and 12 people, who are believed to have entered the UK illegally on the lorry, were taken into custody for their safety. Immigration Control has been informed. It comes after 11 stowaways - three of them children - who said they were from Iraq and Kuwait were intercepted by police while hidden inside a lorry passing through East London on June 15. Under the free movement edict, 500million European Union citizens enjoy free access to the UK - and this was cited as a key reason for last week's decision by British voters to exit the EU. Conservative leadership candidate Michael Gove has insisted he will do everything that is required to cut immigration to a manageable level, but will not be rushed into triggering the Brexit process. Jeremy Corbyn's fate hangs in the balance according to a new poll of Labour Party members today. Despite an unprecedented revolt by the party in Parliament, the survey reveals the Labour leader is still ahead of his key rivals among activists. But the research by YouGov, carried out since last week's referendum, shows a dramatic slump in support for the beleaguered leader. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Mr Corbyn's closest ally, is due to make a speech this morning intended to show the Corbyn leadership plans to press on and see off the attempted coup. Since Sunday, Mr Corbyn has been battered by more than 60 resignations and his former shadow first secretary of state Angela Eagle had been poised to launch an official challenge. But the attempt has been postponed, sources said, because Mr Corbyn is due to take part in remembrance ceremonies for the Battle of the Somme. New polling data from YouGov for The Times reveals Mr Corbyn is still ahead of his most likely rival in a leadership contest but the data suggests he has suffered a slump in support since the referendum The YouGov data today revealed the number of activists who feel Mr Corbyn is doing a good job has slumped from 72 per cent to 51 per cent between the May elections and the post-referendum period Today's YouGov data, gathered for The Times, could give pause to any renewed attempt to remove Mr Corbyn over the weekend. The pollster - which correctly predicted the veteran left wingers shock victory last year - said: 'It has been conventional wisdom in Westminster that Corbyn's support amongst the Labour membership is rock solid. 'However our most recent poll for the Times, carried out entirely after the Brexit vote last Thursday, shows that opinions are shifting fast - his net job approval is reduced to +3, down from +45 just last month.' More than half of party members think Mr Corbyn did a poor job in the referendum campaign - compared to 52 per cent who think Alan Johnson did a good job and 68 per cent who approved of Gordon Brown's effort. Despite the growing dissatisfaction, members still prefer Mr Corbyn in potential head to head match ups. Around 60,000 people are thought to have joined the party in recent days in anticipation of a leadership election - with both sides claiming the surge would benefit them. YouGov said: 'In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup between him and Angela Eagle, he currently holds a 10 point lead at 50 per cent to 40 per cent, with 5 per cent saying they would not vote and 7 per cent saying they don't know. 'In other head-to-heads Corbyn does better, currently ahead of Tom Watson by 11 points and Dan Jarvis by 17 points.' The embattled Labour leader, pictured in France today for the Battle of the Somme commemorations, has suffered an unprecedented revolt from his MPs this week Ed Miliband's former advisor, Tom Baldwin, said Mr Corbyn needs to start thinking about what is right for the party. 'He does not have the support of MPs, he does not have the support of MEPs, he does not have the support of Labour councillors,' added Mr Baldwin speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain. Referencing the poll Mr Baldwin said that is why this 'impasse' has been reached. 'He cannot lead the party or MPs anymore, but if he goes into a leadership election he may well be re-elected by those members,' he said. 'In these circumstances a responsible leader, someone who has the party's interests at heart, has to recognise he can no longer lead.' Mr Baldwin said Mr Corbyn appears to be 'agonising' about what the right thing to do is, and is surrounded by one or two who are 'desperate for him to cling on' in a bid to keep control of the party. Angela Eagle, touted as Mr Corbyn's most likely rival in a new leadership election, today postponed for a second time her bid to force a new contest Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry last night told BBC One's Question Time that after the Brexit vote 'people have, instead of thinking about the jobs of people in Britain, have been thinking about David Cameron's job and Jeremy Corbyn's job and whether they can get them or not'. 'I personally think that is irresponsible at a time when our country needs us.' She added: 'It is incumbent on us to have some cool heads and to think through what is the best for the country - and what is the best for the country means a united opposition that can speak clearly.' With the prospect of Mr Corbyn facing a leadership challenge, around 60,000 new members have joined Labour in the last week, according to party sources. Tory grandee Ken Clarke has launched a stinging attack on Michael Gove, urging him to 'do us all a favour' and bow out of the Tory leadership battle. The former chancellor said there was no 'trust' for the Justice Secretary after his dramatic betrayal of Boris Johnson yesterday. The intervention came as Mr Gove formally unveiled his pitch to succeed David Cameron in Downing Street. Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after he turned on his fellow Brexit champion. Michael Gove, seen on the way formally to launch his leadership bid today, has been accused of treacherous behaviour after turning on Boris Johnson Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'very deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after his betrayal Mr Gove delivered a brutal verdict on Mr Johnson's capabilities and questioned whether his 'heart and soul' were in taking us out of the EU, effectively ending his hopes of becoming PM. Damning his friend with faint praise, Mr Gove said he had 'enjoyed working with him' during the referendum campaign. But he said: 'I realised in the last few days that Boris isn't capable of building that team and providing that unity. 'And so I came reluctantly but firmly to the conclusion that as someone who had argued from the beginning that we should leave the European Union and as someone who wanted ensure that a bold, positive vision for our future was implemented, that I had to stand for leadership of the Conservative party.' He added: 'I thought it was right that following the decision that the people took last week that we should have someone leading the Conservative party and leading the country who believed in their heart and soul that Britain was better off outside the European Union.' Within hours Mr Johnson, who had been favourite to win, had pulled out of the race. Tory MP Jake Berry, an ally of Mr Johnson, posted on Twitter: 'There is a very deep pit reserved in Hell for such as he. #Gove' And an aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' Tory big beast Ken Clarke, right, has urged Michael Gove, pictured leaving home today, to 'do us all a favour' and pull out of the party's leadership battle Mr Johnson's father Stanley cited the famous Shakespeare rebuke from Julius Caesar after his friend Brutus stabbed him. ''Et tu Brute' is my comment on that,' he told BBC Radio 4. 'I don't think he is called Brutus, but you never know.' The new frontrunner, Home Secretary Theresa May, has been racking up big-hitting support, with her team suggesting she now has backing from more than 70 Tory MPs. Mr Clark told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he had not decided who to endorse, but made clear that he 'disliked' Mr Gove for the job. Boris Johnson seen leaving St Ermin's Hotel in Westminster with wife Marina yesterday after dramatically ruling himself out of the contest in the wake of Mr Gove's surprise move Theresa May was praised for a bravura performance as she launched her campaign yesterday. Within an hour her arch-rival Mr Johnson had dropped out Ive not chosen but I have my dislikes,' he said. 'I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he was to stand down now and speed up the process, because I do think one of the first priorities for a leader of a party and certainly for a Prime Minister is that you should have the trust so far as possible of your colleagues. 'I was one of those who was appalled by the idea of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, but Ive not fallen out with him personally. A disconsolate Boris Johnson seen leaving his home today after crashing out of the contest Hes perfectly entitled to form that view but I think its not encouraging that he stood alongside Boris as his right hand man. He was publicly declared to be his manager.' Mr Clarke went on: 'We dont want to add to tragedy too much of an air of farce. For him to emerge now as a Prime Minister saying Im not going to reunite the party. I now have a clear vision of what Im going to do is unlikely.' The Conservative big beast praised Mr Gove as 'the most successful departmental minister we have had', and said he had no personal problem with the MP. 'I just think that this kind of public performance is more suitable for the election of a student union than it is to be Prime Minister of this country at a time of grave, grave potential crisis,' he said. I think he should be disqualified in this contest. We should turn away from these personality battles. What we need to move on to is to get out of the candidates is some clear proposals of they are going to handle Brexit and how they can minimise the problems.' He added: 'All the candidates now need to set out carefully the basis upon which we are going to leave the European Union without causing damage to our economy in the next few months and, more importantly, without making this country poorer in the medium to long term. 'That is the big serious question that is being obscured by the bizarre manoeuvrings of people like Michael Gove.' Mr Clarke hinted that his vote would go to Mrs May, saying she had 'all the abilities' and was the 'right class of contender'. Tory MP Jake Berry vented his anger at Mr Gove on Twitter - saying he was destined for a deep pit in Hell CHOOSING A PM: HOW THE CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP ELECTION WORKS David Cameron announced he is resigning as Prime Minister when he made his post-Brexit statement in the early hours of Friday morning alongside his wife Samantha 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 winner will be announced on September 9 and is likely to be appointed Prime Minister later that day. 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 Boris 'offered to pull out of Tory leadership race if Theresa May promised to stand down by 2020' Boris Johnson offered to withdraw from the Tory leadership contest if Theresa May promised to stand down as Prime Minister before 2020 to save his own career, it emerged today. The alleged offer to Mrs May, now favourite to be the next Tory leader, lays bare how Mr Johnson ran out of deals after support for his leadership bid ebbed away. A supporter of Mr Johnson, who pulled out yesterday after Michael Gove 'knifed' him, approached one of Mrs May's aides with the idea about an agreed handover, according to The Times. A source close to the Home Secretary told the newspaper she had immediately dismissed the proposal. Sources close to Mr Johnson said he had never offered Mrs May such a deal. There have been claims that Mrs May left Mr Johnson waiting in a room for up to an hour after failing to turn up for a meeting to discuss the leadership contest. The relationship between the pair has long been strained, ever since Mrs May publicly condemned him when he was sacked from the front bench by Michael Howard in 2004 amid controversy over his private life. The Cabinet minister launched a series of jibes against Mr Johnson yesterday as she formally announced she is a candidate for the leadership. At a press conference held within minutes of Mr Gove's bombshell, she insisted the country needed someone with 'experience' at a time of huge change, suggested he did not understand the lives of ordinary people, and pointed out that the last time he negotiated with the Germans he bought 'three nearly new water canons'. Islamist extremists in ex-Soviet states have been travelling to Syria and Iraq in their thousands to join ISIS and are said to be 'ready for death'. It was revealed yesterday that the three suicide bombers who launched a co-ordinated attack on Istanbul airport killing 44 people were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The mastermind behind the assault is thought to be one-armed Chechen warlord Akhmed Chataev, who has risen through the ranks to become an ISIS commander, with at least 130 militants at his disposal. Scroll down for video The three suicide bombers who blew themselves up in Istanbul's Ataturk airport. It has been revealed all three were originally from ex-Soviet states And it is believed the attackers may have come from a Russian-speaking ISIS terror cell. Michael McCaul, US chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security said: 'He's ... probably the No. 1 enemy in the Northern Caucus region of Russia. He's traveled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations.' The news comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed last year that between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other former Soviet nations have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join the terror group. Extremists from Chechnya and other provinces in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region have had a visible presence among ISIS fighters. One of them is Omar Shishani, and ethnic Chechen, who was killed earlier this year in an American airstrike when he had a $5million reward on his head. He had been a key commander in taking control of the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa and had oversaw the capture of foreign prisoners. The mastermind behind the assault is thought to be one-armed Chechen warlord Akhmed Chataev, pictured, who has risen through the ranks to become an ISIS commander And according to Time magazine, fighters joining ISIS from ex-Soviet states have distinguished themselves as some of the fiercest in ISIS. Turkish authorities have reported that some have even started going on missions outside the self-proclaimed caliphate of Syria and Iraq. Meanwhile Michael Weiss, who has published a book on ISIS told Hurryiet that militants from the former Soviet republics are the most solid and 'ready for death.' It is believed that many extremists opted to join ISIS after a war of independence Russia fought with Chechnya in the 1990s. This is the first clear picture of the man Turkish media are claiming is one of the men who attacked the airport on Tuesday A second suicide bomber can be seen here, making his way through the terminal with what appears to be a gun One of the three terrorists that struck at Turkey's Ataturk Airport wields an AK-47 as he carries out his killing spree (left), while a man carries a wounded boy away from the airport (right) However, Russia finally gained control of the area in 2000 and the idea of creating an Islamic caliphate in the mountains seemed like a lost cause. Now according to Time, the flow of insurgents in Chechnya has stopped as people head to Iraq and Syria instead. This has now seen a reduction in the number of terror attacks inside Russia, reports CNN, with terrorist incidents falling by half last year. However, it now appears that terrorists from the region were responsible for killing 44 people at the Ataturk airport on Tuesday evening. Turkish police have since detained 11 foreigners suspected of being members of an ISIS cell in Istanbul linked to the suicide bombers. The arrests in the dawn raid, by a counter-terror police squad in the Basaksehir district on the European side of the city, brought the number of people detained in the investigation to 24, it said. The arrests came as relations between Moscow and Ankara had been at an all-time low following Turkey downing a Russian jet close to its border with Syria last year. Bodies lie on the pavement outside Istanbul's international airport after explosions and gunfire shook the terminal Desperate passengers embrace as they gather in shock outside the terminal after the airport was evacuated and all flights were grounded The pilot ejected from his aircraft but was killed by rebels as he floated back down to earth. However, today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for the first time since the incident. 'We hope that this encounter will set the right tone for the normalisation of relations,' Lavrov said. Meanwhile Russian tourists were targeted by Islamic terrorists in October when a Metrojet flight from Sharm el Sheikh to St Petersburg crashed over the Sinai desert. It was later revealed that a bomb in a soft drinks can was put under one of the seats, possibly by an airport employee. All 224 on board, who were mostly Russian, died in the attack. The last eyewitness to the inner circle of the Nazis has described the party's propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels as a 'ranting dwarf' and a 'big pig'. Brunhilde Pomsel, now 105, was Goebbels' secretary and got closer to the Nazi centre of power than anyone alive. From 1942 on, she worked closely with Hitler's agitator and seducer of the masses - the man who conditioned the Germans to hate the Jews and accept their deportations to an unknown fate. Now her recollections of working for the Nazi monster are featuring in a new documentary. Brunhilde Pomsel (left), now 105, was the secretary to Joseph Goebbels (right) and got closer to the Nazi centre of power than anyone alive 'Her personal journey into the past leads to the disturbing question: how reliable is my own moral compass?' said the filmakers of 'A German Life.' Until the movie was made she had never spoken of her service for Hitler's propaganda genius who, together with his wife Magda, took his own life in the Berlin bunker on May 1 1945 after first poisoning their six children one by one. He shot his wife Magda and then himself, but not before they killed their children because neither could stand the thought of them 'growing up in a world without the Fuehrer in it.' Frau Pomsel sat down in the Filmpalast cinema in Munich this week as the movie of her life spent in the service of a monster was screened. But she could barely see it; she is almost totally blind. Instead, she listened intently to her recollections of the times interspersed with the manic ravings of the man who was her boss. 'Goebbels was a big pig,' she said. 'I've personally done nothing evil, but I blame myself for being, at that time too uninterested in politics. 'I was grown up enough to recognise how the guilty criminals lied. That was very, very stupid of me.' From 1942 onwards she was working for 500 Reichsmarks a month for the man the masses called behind his back 'The Poison Dwarf.' 'Cold narcissist': From 1942 on, she worked closely with Hitler's agitator and seducer of the masses - the man who conditioned the Germans to hate the Jews and accept their deportations to an unknown fate Brunhilde Pomsel described Goebbels as a 'narcissist,' aloof, cold and 'as stiff as the walking stick he carried.' Goebbels was also the one true intellectual among the misfits who made up Hitler's most intimate clique. A brilliant orator and filmaker, it was his twisted genius which bound Europe's most civilised nation to Hitler's will and followed him to destruction. Brunhilde, who now lives in an OAP home in a Munich suburb, was present at his infamous 'Total War' speech in Berlin 1943 following the catastrophic defeat of the German army at Stalingrad. And she was often forced to sit next to him at dinners at his island home on a lake near Berlin - a place where the infamous philanderer seduced many of his mistresses. 'If I had been a movie star, he probably would have dazzled me with his charm,' Pomsel said. 'But he never did.' Brunhilde lost two of her three brothers in the war but her boss never asked about them once. Before working for the propaganda maestro she worked for a Jewish lawyer who was forced to let her go because the Nazis clamped down on his business. 'The rise of national socialism was a really horrible time, very unsettled,' she said. 'Everything was disintegrating. The last eyewitness to the inner circle of the Nazis has described the party's propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels as a 'ranting dwarf' and a 'big pig' 'A lot of people in Germany were just waiting for Hitler to finally rise to power. Hitler was a preacher and told the people that we had been betrayed by our own government and by the other nations. 'When the Propaganda Ministry recruited me to work for Goebbels I couldn't say no. It was an obligation, a mandatory duty. I really loved the job, loved working with other pleasant, carefully selected women. I was swimming in money. Only trouble was, there was nothing to buy. 'We had to work in shifts, but we were allowed to arrange our own schedules and change them whenever it suited us to do so.' The job put her at the centre of cataclysmic historical events, such as the aftermath of the assasination attempt on Hitler in 1944, when she had to record memos from Goebbels, and huddling with other secretaries two years later in the ruins of Berlin as the Red Army closed in. It was there that she heard of the death of Hitler and his wife. Captured by the Russians, she endured several years imprisonment before being released in 1950. She worked for a radio station as a secretary until retiring in 1971. She added: 'I was a stupid and politically disinterested nobody from a simple background. I never knew about the Holocaust. Cat poo is endangering tree kangaroos and sending them blind, new research says. A study into the health of Lumholtz's tree kangaroos has raised concerns about the future of the species, suggesting declining forests as well as the threats of unregulated and feral cats were impacting population numbers, The Cairns Post reported. James Cook University PhD candidate Amy Shima, who is conducting the study on tree kangaroos in rainforests near Cairns, in north Queensland, said their health status had not been previously studied. Cat poo is endangering tree kangaroos and sending them blind, new research says 'My project involves establishing baseline medical information about the species, looking for evidence of specific infectious diseases, looking at the effects human may be having on the species, and investigating the possible causes of health problems, such as blindness, reported by wildlife carers in the past,' she said. The veterinarian with 30 years experience said bacteria found in cat poo was causing blindness in the marsupials after they came into contact with it, according to the report. 'Toxoplasmosis causes a broad spectrum of disease, including blindness and death in a wide range of marsupials. Native animals become infected when they come into contact with cat faeces,' Ms Shima said. She said while the species spend most of their time in trees, they were known to walk on the ground, where they come into contact with cat poo. A study into the health of Lumholtz's tree kangaroos has raised concerns about the future of the species, suggesting declining forests and the threats of unregulated cats and feral cats were impacting population While the species spend most of their time in trees, they were known to walk on the ground, where they come into contact with cat poo In the study area, in the Tablelands Regional Council and Mareeba Shire Council, there were almost 1000 cats registered, but the number is expected to be much higher. The most recent tree kangaroo population data, which is 10 years old, estimated about 10,000 animals still live in the wild, according to the report. Eleeshia Watkin took part in the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) at her school A mother-of-two who suffered from an eating disorder was stunned after the NHS branded her three-stone five-year-old daughter as overweight. Kylie Holgate, 28, from Sheffield, received a letter from the health service after her daughter Eleeshia Watkin took part in the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) at her school. The letter showed that the girl's height was 3ft 5inches and her weight was 3st 2lbs. It stated: 'These results suggest that your child is overweight for their age, sex and height.' Ms Holgate said: 'I was shocked to read the letter. Eleeshia eats very healthily and is a very active child. She is in no way big for her age. She doesn't even like chips or sugary snacks. 'Anyone with common sense knows you only need to look at her to see she's not overweight. 'Making children step on weighing scales at such a young age just encourages eating disorders and body confidence issues. It's completely wrong.' The NHS suggested Ms Holgate to encourage her daughter to 'make simple changes to be more active'. Eleeshia, who attends Norfolk Park Community Primary School in Sheffield enjoys dancing and riding around on her scooter. Ms Holgate, who works part-time as a cleaner, is especially wary of acting on the letter's advice and changing her daughter's eating habits as she herself developed bulimia, an eating disorder, as a teenager after being called 'fat' by school bullies. And for many years she had an unhealthy relationship with food. She said: 'As a child I was self-conscious about my body. I hated my figure and was bullied mercilessly as a teen for being a size 12. 'I would hate for my own children to experience body issues. To me there is no 'normal' weight and telling a child they need to lose weight puts pressure on parents and kids. 'For two years I suffered an eating disorder until I received counselling. I would never want my children to go through that. 'Since having kids, I have worked hard to educate them to eat healthily and exercise.' The NCMP test is routine practice for children aged four and five, and is repeated when the youngsters reach Year 6. Kylie Holgate (right), 28, from Sheffield, received a letter from the health service after her daughter Eleeshia Watkin (left) took part in the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) at her school The letter (right) showed that the girl's (left) height was 3ft 5inches and her weight was 3st 2lbs. It stated: 'These results suggest that your child is overweight for their age, sex and height' Ms Holgate added: 'I'm sure there are kids who do have problems but, in our case, it's just procedure and someone should have used their eyes to realise Eleeshia is a normal, healthy girl. 'To me it's dangerous telling kids they're different to others. 'Eleeshia asked me what obese meant the other day, so she's obviously heard others talk about weight. They're too young to start becoming aware of their bodies.' Eleeshia (left and right, with her brother Riley, four), who attends Norfolk Park Community Primary School in Sheffield enjoys dancing and riding around on her scooter. Kylie Holgate, 28, from Sheffield, with her five-year-old daughter Eleeshia Watkin who has been branded overweight Eleeshia (right) lives at home with brother Riley, now four, and Kylie's (left) partner Mark Thorpe, 42 Eleeshia lives at home with brother Riley, now four, and Kylie's partner Mark Thorpe, 42. Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust declined to comment and instead provided a link to the National Child Measurement Programme's online guidelines, which provides more information for parents. A primary school pupil has been reported to social services after he told a teacher Brexit would limit immigration and was branded racist. Parents of the child, who attends Teesville Primary School in Middlesbrough are furious that their child has 'been singled out in this way'. The incident is understood to have been reported to Redcar and Cleveland Council under the national Prevent strategy which aims to tackle radicalisation. Controversial: A child at Teesville Primary School in Middlesbrough was accused of being racist after making a comment in class about immigration being hit by a Brexit The father of the child, who cannot be named, said: 'We have been informed that (his child) will be reported to the relevant authorities for radicalisation and being racist. 'The school in question was talking about how the exit from the EU would effect our country. 'My child said 'It would stop refugees and immigrants coming in or leaving the country' which has been said numerous times in the news and social media since the referendum result. 'One thing for certain is (that) my child, me or his mum are not racist in any way shape or form.' He added: 'We are fuming that the school has taken this action against our child who is the most caring and great child a father could want. 'We are not happy that they have been singled out in this way.' It is not the first time young people have erroneously been referred to Prevent. Other examples include: THE GOVERNMENT'S PREVENT STRATEGY: A DISMAL FAILURE? Set up in 2005 in the wake of the London bombings, the Government's Prevent strategy attempts to 'deradicalise' or soften extremist views. However, it has been widely condemned as failing, and with an approximate budget of 40million per year, an extremely expensive one. Under the programme, the Government works with mosques and religious groups to reinforce anti-jihad messages, while social workers, psychologists and medical experts counsel radicals. However, the programme has been widely condemned. Among the issues plaguing the initiative is the impossibility to assess its effectiveness as well as its potential to create an 'us and them' mindset in the communities it targets, and stigmatise Muslims. There are also a number of examples where children or all backgrounds have been bizarrely referred to their local council for the most innocent mistakes. Advertisement A 17-year-old who had a Free Palestine leaflet in his possession A four-year-old who misspelled 'cucumber' as something resembling 'cooker bomb'. A 10-year-old Muslim boy mistakenly wrote he lived in a 'terrorist house' rather than a 'terraced house' The deputy head of Teesville Primary said the incident was 'a minor issue that was dealt with internally.' The issue was raised with Redcar and Cleveland Council as a precaution and the mother of the child met senior school staff. A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesperson said: 'We were informed about the incident as that is normal procedure. 'The matter was subsequently dealt with internally. 'Staff at the school followed the training they were given and the acting-head had a sit-down meeting with the child's mother and grandmother who were satisfied with the outcome.' An American woman has receive a suspended jail sentences after she threatened to kill physicist Stephen Hawking. The woman, known only as Jenny Theresa C, pleaded guilty to making 'serious threats' against the physicist. The court tried the woman after she refused to be seen by an expert who wanted to evaluate her state of mind. A woman issued death threats against Professor Stephen Hawking as he appeared at a science festival in Tenerife. She was detained in a hotel near the conference centre where Hawking, pictured, was due to speak The woman was released from custody after she agreed to a restraining order which prevents her from going within 500 metres of Hawking or trying to communicate with him for the next eight months. Under Spanish law, she could have been jailed for up to two years. A court source confirmed: 'The American citizen arrested for threatening Stephen Hawking has been released because the four month prison sentence she received was suspended as she didnt have a criminal record in Spain. 'As part of her sentence she is prevented from going within 500 metres of Professor Hawking and communicating with him via any means during an eight-month period. 'She has agreed to the sentence and recognised that she committed a crime of serious threats.' One of Prof Hawking's children alerted Spanish police to the threats which were made by email and Twitter Police said: 'She had been pursuing Mr Hawking throughout the world and in the last few days had sent him grave threats through social media and to his personal email. 'In the various emails he received she outlined plans to end his life during the scientific conference being held in Tenerife. 'Because of the information contained in the emails, it appeared the person sending them could have been inside the conference venue.' The 37-year-old woman was arrested in a hotel near where the world-famous physicist was due to speak. Local reports said the 74-year-old Oxford-born professor was also due to give evidence to a judge in a behind-closed-doors hearing at the court in the southern resort of Arona. Detectives are understood to have arrested the suspect after being tipped off by one of Hawkings three children. His family raised the alarm after he received messages which said: Im going to kill you and Im next to you and can kill you. The death threats were sent to one of Professor Hawkings emails and his Twitter account. The unnamed suspect, who was born in the States but lives in Norway, was arrested on Wednesday in a four star hotel near the Piramide de Arona conference centre. The detention took place the same day the scientist gave a keynote speech at the centre as part of the Starmus Festival. Professor Hawking, who arrived in Tenerife on a cruise liner just over two weeks ago, arrived at the venue escorted by armed police. The ongoing science festival, which has brought together the worlds leading space travellers, stargazers and astrophysicists, was billed as a tribute to Stephen Hawking when it was announced in April it would take place in Tenerife for the third time. Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May, also an astrophysicist, is taking part too in the event alongside English Nobel Prize-winning chemist Harry Kroto and Martin Rees, professor of cosmology and astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. Backpack found today was ruled out as being related to his The search for missing 18-year-old Lochlan Mortimer-Shearer concluded today despite him not being found. The heavily tattooed man was last heard from on June 20, 11 days ago. Police and family are gravely concerned for his welfare, though a spokesperson from SA Police says a conclusion in one area does not mean a conclusion to the search entirely. 'There was a set area police wanted to examine, and that's been completed now,' a police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video Police released an image of Lochlan Mortimer-Shearer, a heavily tattooed 18-year-old who has been missing for 11 days Police have been searching around Mawson Lakes for the missing teen who was last heard from on June 20 Police have ruled out the possibility of a backpack found on Friday morning being connected to the man 'The search hasn't been called off, but just the area they've looked at has been completed. 'We're still appealing for information on him we're still looking.' Family and friends have set up a Facebook page to help find the missing teen. Mr Mortimer-Shearer was expected to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court next week on charges of car theft. It is alleged he stole a motor vehicle and drove it unauthorised in Brompton on May 4, however police refused to comment on the charges. Mr Mortimer-Shearer is 183cm tall and 80kgs, with pale skin and short brown hair. He has tattoos on his chest and neck as well as both arms. A backpack found on Friday morning around Mawson Lakes has been ruled to have no connection to the man. Police are are looking to speak to anyone who has had contact with Mr Mortimer-Shearer on or after June 21. Mr Mortimer-Shearer is 183cm tall and 80kgs, with pale skin and short brown hair Police say the search around Mawson Lakes has concluded but the search for the missing teen continues Jamaica is to install cannabis kiosks at its airport terminals - so tourists can get high as soon as they land. Officials are looking at ways the country can cash in on the legal cannabis industry and plans are in the pipeline to offer the drug inside arrival halls and seaports. Tourists would be able to register to use marijuana at the kiosks and then pick up 'a couple of ounces or weed' before their onward journeys. Jamaica is to install cannabis kiosks at its airport terminals - so tourists can get high as soon as they land According to the High Times, the proposals are being examined by the Cannabis Licensing Authority in Jamaica, which decriminalised marijuana possession earlier last year. Its chairman Hyacinth Lightbourne reportedly told the Jamaica Gleaner: 'The thought is that if you are coming out of the airport, there is a kiosk that you can go to. So basically whoever is coming out of immigration can go to that desk and register and get that clearance.' He added: 'It would primarily be for people who have a prescription and, in effect, you're doing it for medicinal purposes with a permit from the Ministry of Health. 'If they don't have a prescription, then they can do what we call "self-declare", and this will allow them to have the two ounces while they are here.' Officials are looking at ways Jamaica can cash in on the legal cannabis industry and plans are in the pipeline to offer the drug inside arrival halls and seaports The move is likely to generate revenue for the government, according to the agency, which wants to act quickly to get the initiative in place before it is held up by red tape. The Jamaican House of Representatives passed a law decriminalising possession of up to two ounces of cannabis in February last year. The law also included provisions for legalising the cultivation for personal use of up to five plants, as well as setting up regulations for the 'cultivation and distribution of cannabis for medical, religious purposes and natural growth'. Advertisement Senior members of the Royal Family stood side-by-side with politicians as more than 10,000 people gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry led a service of remembrance for the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in one of the bloodiest offensives of the First World War. They were joined by David Cameron, Nicola Sturgeon and French president Francois Hollande at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France, which commemorates the 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave. This morning veterans, servicemen and gathered across the country to observe two minutes' silence, marking the moment whistles were blown and some 120,000 men went 'over the top' on the first day of the battle - the bloodiest single day in British military history. Scroll down for video Senior members of the Royal Family stood side-by-side with politicians as more than 10,000 people gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. As part of the service, schoolchildren laid wreaths at the graves of soldiers killed during the battle. The 600 UK, Irish and French schoolchildren involved in the service are taking part in an educational programme organised by the British Council Kate arrives for the service of remembrance, which was attended by senior members of the Royal Family including Princes William and Harry, right. Guests wore brooches made from a poppy and a cornflower, the English and French flowers of remembrance The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, David Cameron and Francois Hollande stand side-by-side with other dignitaries as they pay tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago. The event at the Thiepval Memorial, which looks over the battlefields, is one of a number of commemorations being held to mark the centenary The Duchess of Cambridge looked emotional as she arrived for the service of remembrance, right. She later bowed her head as she stood alongside Prince William and Harry, left. The royals returned to the war memorial after attending a vigil at the site last night The Prime Minister laid a wreath of poppies at the war memorial alongside Princess Anne's husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Both men wore the poppy and cornflower brooch. Delivering a message of unity, Mr Cameron said: 'Today is a chance to reflect on the sacrifice not just of the thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives, but of the men on all sides who did not return home' A soldier stands guard by the Croix du Sacrifice, or Cross of the Sacrifice, as guns are fired at the Thiepval cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves cemetery has an equal number of British and French casualties, with 90 per cent of them killed during the Battle of the Somme Prince Harry appeared to be overcome with emotion as he sat through the centenary service for the Battle of the Somme this afternoon. Harry was a former officer in the British Army and has also celebrated his close links with the military community The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) looked to be fighting back tears as she listened to this afternoon's commemorative service. The 34-year-old, who was at the event with several members of the royal family, later described the event as 'moving' The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery pass the group of dignitaries, including Prince William, Charles, Harry, Kate Middleton and David Cameron (pictured cente) as the service of remembrance gets underway. The procession was watched by more than 10,000 guests Prince Charles led senior members of the Royal Family in laying a wreath at the memorial, which towers over the battlefields of France. He will later join the Duchess of Cornwall in attending other ceremonies for Northern Irish and Canadian victims of the battle Members of the Irish Guards were among a number of regiments represented at the First World War memorial. By the end of the six-month Battle of the Somme, which took place from July-November 1916, some 1.3million soldiers on both sides were either dead or injured The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent time speaking to some of the schoolchildren who laid wreaths at the graves of the fallen soldiers. French pupils left flowers at the graves of fallen English soldiers, while English children returned the act of respect for the French Captured in a stunning aerial image, this photograph shows some of the 600 British, Irish and French schoolchildren who took part in the service as part of an Anglo-French exchange programme organised by the British Council. There 600 graves in the cemetery Pipes played out over the Lochnagar crater near the French village of La Boiselle, which marks the site where a mine was detonated in the first hours of the campaign. Paper poppy petals were released into the crater, representing the thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Commemorations started last night with a moving service at Westminster Abbey that was attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen then took the first post in an overnight vigil held at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, honouring the unknown dead of the First World War. On July 1, 1916, following a seven-day British bombardment, British, French and Commonwealth troops were sent into a battle that many believed would herald the end of the First World War. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, shelters under an umbrella. The rain shower reminded those in attendance of the terrible conditions the soldiers had to endure in their trenches Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, laid a wreath at the grave of her great uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt, who was killed during the Battle of the Somme while serving with the Coldstream Guards, at Carnoy Military Cemetery But those men who bravely clambered from the trenches were met with a hail of German machine-gun fire that mowed down half of them. With 20,000 dead and 40,000 wounded, it was the bloodiest single day in British military history. By the end of the four-month battle, more than a million soldiers on both sides had been killed and wounded. Their sacrifice is remembered with moving services in France and Britain. Guests at the service of remembrance today each wore a poppy and a cornflower brooch, referred to as the 'bleuet', which is the French flower of remembrance. The brooches were made by French designer Catherine Desclaux and were worn by schoolchildren taking part in the ceremony. Prince William and Prince Harry worked together to keep the Duchess of Cambridge dry after it started raining at the outdoor service. David Cameron and Francois Hollande were among those who gave readings to the roughly 10,000 guests who attended Francois Hollande, left, sat next to Prince Charles, Camilla and David Cameron as they flicked through the programme. Writing in the programme, Prince Charles wrote that 'their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten'. Right, Harry, Kate and William look sombre Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William all sing as part of the service of remembrance. Organisers said the event was designed to tell the story of the Battle of the Somme through music, readings and hymns accompanied by the BBC Orchestra Prince Harry (bottom row, second from right) is given the luxury of his own umbrella as the rain starts to fall during the service. Ahead of the main event, guests were shown a film of the Battle of Somme provided the Imperial War Museum featuring original footage After the service, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with soldiers who were there to pay tribute. The service reflected the story of the whole battle, capturing the scale and reach of the conflict, and the impact it had on the lives of communities in the UK and France The all-male Morriston Orpheus Choir from Swansea travelled to the north of France to sing at the commemorations, which was attended by a number of heads of state. Members of the public wishing to attend had to enter a ballot to secure a ticket Sol Campbell, the former England, Arsenal and Tottenham footballer, was among those who gave readings at the service. He was joined by Mr Cameron and Mr Hollande, who also gave readings at the ceremony in Thiepval Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton walk past the names of some of the soldiers killed at the Somme without known graves. The walls bear the names of 72,194 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the bloody offensive More than 10,000 people attended the service today but were forced to put on plastic ponchos when it started to rain. The event was led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, in partnership with The Royal British Legion and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission William, Kate and Harry looked solemn as they walked past the names of fallen soldiers to take their seats at the service. Kate later told schoolchildren that the experience had been 'emotiona'. Right, David Cameron stands next to children ready to lay wreaths at the graves The Prime Minister looked pensive as he prepared to lay a wreath during the ceremony. Mr Cameron also gave a reading in which he spoke of the 'sacrifice' made by the thousands of men who lost their lives during the bloodiest day in British history The main ceremony started with the sound of cannon shots shortly after noon. Thousands of petals of poppies and cornflowers later fell from the top of the monument in complete silence. The very solemn ceremony took a moving turn when French, British and Irish songs inspired by the war were sung. Prince Charles, Mr Cameron and Mr Hollande were among those who gave readings during the Thiepval ceremony, alongside serving forces personnel and ex-England, Arsenal and Tottenham footballer Sol Campbell. The texts they read described the horrific scenes and the devastated landscapes of the front line in 1916. Game Of Thrones star Charles Dance, actress Joely Richardson and Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs narrated events. Writing in the programme for Friday's commemoration, Prince Charles wrote that 'their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten'. He added: 'It is truly terrifying to imagine the destruction wrought across this landscape 100 years ago today. However, we now return to the battlefield in a spirit of reconciliation and respect. 'We honour the men who served from across Britain and Ireland, the Commonwealth and from France. 'We remember, too, the men from Germany who fought and fell in this most futile of conflicts. Their perseverance and courage when faced with such a monumental challenge are truly humbling.' Dignitaries lay wreaths at a memorial, pictured centre, which overlooks the fields of northern France where so many men lost their lives. Nearly 20,000 British soldiers who went 'over the top' on the first day of the battle were killed within 24 hours, some are buried at Thiepval Some 600 schoolchildren from France, Ireland and Britain took part in the service, each one laying flowers at the grave of a Anglo-French cemetery as the final act of remembrance today. Pictured right, the Duchess checks on the black Lock&Co hat she selected for the service The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall spent time speaking to schoolchildren who were involved in the service today. Only seven of the 300 English graves in the cemetery pictured above are identified, it is not known who is buried in the others While Camilla was careful to keep herself dry with an umbrella, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Kate and William all appeared happy to walk in the light drizzle that fell across the field. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will later pay tribute to fallen Canadian and Irish troops The Duchess of Cambridge wore an elegant lace peplum cream dress as she joined other royals and dignitaries at the poignant service. She matched her bespoke outfit with a floral brooch, which featured the commemorative flowers of a red poppy and a yellow cornflower Prince Harry stood beside the Duchess of Cambridge, his brother Prince William and the Duchess of Cornwall during the service today. His father Prince Charles (right) was also at the event, as was David Cameron (left) and several other politicians and dignitaries French president Francois Hollande stands guard in front of soldiers as he attends the memorial service with British dignitaries. Commenting on the British referendum vote, Hollande told reporters the UK will 'remain an ally and a partner of France' David Cameron walks through the graves of soldiers as he prepares to lay a wreath at the memorial. His note read: 'Yours was the most horrific slaughter of a generation. We stand in awe of your sacrifice, determined that your legacy of liberty will live on forever' The Duchess of Cornwall visited the grave of her great uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt (pictured, left), who was killed on the Somme in September 1916 while serving with the Coldstream Guards. He was the eldest, and the first, to die of three brothers killed serving on the Western Front. Prince Harry was also in France today and is pictured (right) speaking to some of the children who attended Three biplanes will soar over the memorial to mark the role the aircraft played in the battle. Two Bleriot Experimental (BE) 2s and a German Albatross DVa fighter from the WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust (WAHT) flew to France from England to pay tribute to those on all sides who died. Mr Hollande and Charles later led the senior politicians and royals in laying wreaths at the Cross of Sacrifice by the memorial. Mr Cameron laid a wreath at the cross, with a note reading: 'Yours was the most horrific slaughter of a generation. We stand in awe of your sacrifice, determined that your legacy of liberty will live on forever.' Mr Corbyn laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance inside the memorial, with a note reading: 'In memory of all who died; we resolve peace is the future.' While no speeches were programmed during the ceremony, Hollande and Cameron held brief informal talks following the event. The two leaders wanted to seize the occasion to stress their World War I alliance and show their attachment to the ideas underpinning European unity. The Duchess of Cornwall greets members of the Loyal Orange Lodge at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval. Hundreds of soldiers from what is now Northern Ireland lost their lives in Thiepval Wood on this day 100 years ago Commenting on the British vote, Hollande told reporters the UK will 'remain an ally and a partner of France.' 'The decision has been made; it cannot be delayed or cancelled. Now we must draw the consequences,' he said. Both leaders agreed the relationship between Britain and France was 'enduring and strong' and Cameron 'reiterated his view that the United Kingdom should seek the closest possible relations with the EU and in that context, the need for constructive post-referendum negotiations,' according to the prime minister's office. As part of the visit, the royals met 24 of the 600 UK, Irish and French schoolchildren involved in the commemorations. They are all taking part in an Anglo-French educational programme organised by the British Council, which includes a week-long residential stay in the region. The Duchess of Cambridge told schoolchildren she was finding her visit to the Somme 'emotional' as the royal party were given a tour of anew museum dedicated to those lost in the bloody battle. The Duchess of Cambridge looked relaxed as she and her husband Prince William were introduced to French officials at the service. Following the service, Kate spoke to French schoolchildren who commented that her command of the language was 'very good' The Duke put an affectionate hand on his wife's shoulder as they make their way towards their seats for the service, pictured right. One particularly moving moment of the ceremony was when French, British and Irish songs inspired by the war were sung The Duchess of Cambridge was seen speaking to Prince Harry, right, as her husband William, left, spoke to another dignitary at the event. Prince William and Kate returned to the memorial in northern France today after attending a moving vigil there last night Kate and William toured the cemetery together, speaking to schoolchildren who were laying wreaths on the graves of soldiers. The cemetery, which has an equal number of French and English graves, represents the shared sacrifice of these two nations in the Great War Harry, William and Kate, left, walked behind Francois Hollande, right, as they made their way through the cemetery after the service. Mr Hollande read a text during the service that described the horrific scenes and the devastated landscapes of the front line in 1916 Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge with Francois Hollande, left. Right, Irish President Michael D Higgins. The cemetary is located in the grounds of the Theipval Memorial, which stands next to the fields of the Somme where thousands of troops lost their lives From left to right, Francoise Hollande, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prime Minister attend the service today. Writing in the programme, Prince Charles wrote: 'It is truly terrifying to imagine the destruction wrought across this landscape 100 years ago today' Kate appeared to be moved by today's events as she arrived with her husband Prince William and her brother-in-law Prince Harry. They were also joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, who is due to lay a wreath at the grave of her great-uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt, who was killed on the Somme in September 1916 while serving with the Coldstream Guards Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn used his phone to take a picture during the moving commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of the Sommme in Thiepval, France. He was one of several politicians who attended the event to pay respects to fallen British soldiers Prince Charles and David Cameron, who also wore the commemorative brooches in tribute to the fallen soldiers, stood back-to-back as they listened to the ceremony. Writing in the programme for Friday's commemoration, Prince Charles said that 'their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten' Game Of Thrones star Charles Dance, actress Joely Richardson (pictured) and Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs narrated events as the commemorative service took place today Poppy Hodgson, from Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, and Neave Heaton, from Greenfield School in Durham, presented William and Kate with a binder of art, photography and history work produced by pupils taking part. Ms Hodgson said: 'She said it was quite emotional being here and that they were really enjoying their visit. She said it was very moving.' Harry told students from St Paul's Community College in Waterford, Ireland, and Wolsingham School in County Durham: 'It's important that you are here. There are all sorts of parts of history that are being forgotten. 'It's important for us to remember older history as well as more recent history. I'm actually quite jealous of you guys getting to spend five days here learning all about it. You will come back with a huge amount of knowledge.' Speaking about his visit to the top of the memorial, he said: 'You get a real perspective of what happened, going over the top. None of us can imagine what that was like.' The royals seemed fascinated by relics from the trenches displayed under a glass floor, including shell cases, sections of barbed wire, boots and horseshoes. Prince William and Kate Middleton speak to a schoolboy as they walk through the visitor centre at the First World War memorial. Poppy Hodgson, from Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, and Neave Heaton, from Greenfield School in Durham, presented William and Kate with a binder of art, photography and history work produced by the British and French pupils taking part in the day of remembrance The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are given a tour of the visitors' centre at the Thiepval Memorial. The royals seemed fascinated by relics from the trenches displayed under a glass floor, including shell cases, sections of barbed wire, boots and horseshoes Prince Harry, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Francois Hollande were on hand to unveil a plaque at the new museum Francois Hollande, David Cameron, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry arriving for the service of remembrance today Prince Charles stood side-by-side with David Cameron and French president Francois Hollande as he arrived for the service today The Duchess of Cambridge was seen speaking to Prince Harry, right. The royal family wore poppy and cornflower brooches, left Francois Holland, David Cameron, Prince Charles, Prince William and the Duchess of Cornwall walk towards the Thiepval Memorial ONE OF THE BLOODIEST BATTLES IN HUMAN HISTORY: 1.3 MILLION CASUALTIES FOR THE SAKE OF SIX MILES THE SOMME: BY THE NUMBERS There were seven days of Allied bombardment of the German lines before the battle started, aiming to cut the barbed wire and destroy trench defences and artillery. Prior to the battle the British bombarded German lines with 1.6 million shells in an effort to weaken their resolve, but the Germans were heavily fortified and many of the shells did not go off. On the first day alone British forces suffered casualties of 40,000 and deaths of 20,000, with 60 per cent of all of those killed being officers. The battle lasted 141 days, from July 1 to November 18. By the end of the bloody battle, there were 1.3 million killed or injured on both sides and British soldiers had advanced by just six miles. The British suffered 429,000 casualties, the French suffered 195,000 and the Germans 650,000. Forty-nine Victoria Crosses were awarded for bravery during the deadly battle. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for 150,000 graves in the Somme area. There are a further 72,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died at the Somme with no known graves and whose names are recorded on the British memorial at Thiepval. Sources: Imperial War Museum, PA Archive. THE SOMME: AS IT HAPPENED February 21 German bombardment of the town of Verdun further along the line begins. May 19 German attack on Verdun forces French to divert troops from Somme. May 31 Battle of Jutland inflicts major damage on German navy. It would spend the rest of the war in its home ports, giving British fleet effective control of seas. June 24 Allied bombardment at the Somme begins. June 29 Heavy rain forces postponement of attack. July 1 Battle of the Somme begins. French troops advance, but British forces suffer losses of almost 20,000 men in 24 hours. July 14 Renewed British assault along shorter front line. South African troops begin important attack on Delville Wood. September 3 Renewed British attack in northern section of Somme battlefield. September 15 Tanks used in battle for first time in history. September 26 Joint Franco-British offensive. Thiepval finally taken. October 7 Rain delays further Allied advances, leading to a renewed war of attrition. November 18 End of Somme offensive. Advertisement They were also shown a German machine gun, captured by British troops as a battle trophy on September 26 1916. Their guide explained that one of the soldiers who seized the enemy weapon was declared missing the following day and his name is among the 72,000 on the memorial to those whose remains were never found. While Kate speaks good French, Prince Harry may need to brush up on his language skills, according to schoolchildren who met the royal visitors at Thiepval. After chatting to Kate, Kamelia el Alelga, 15, from Beauvais, near Paris, said: 'Her French was very good. She asked my age, my name and if we all come from the same school." She said the Duchess had also spoken about the service in English, adding: 'She said it was really impressive and emotional. It was amazing to meet her - it was everything.' Berteel Py, 11, from Courcelles-les-Gisors, was also impressed by Kate's French, saying: 'She asked me my name and my age and said she was happy to be here.' Berteel, who also spoke to Prince Harry, added: 'He asked me if his French was good or bad. Of course I said it was good, but I didn't really understand what he was saying to me.' The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery pass senior members of the Royal Family and European politicians at the service today Prince William and Kate Middleton are followed by Prince Harry and Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife at the service French soldiers stand guard at the cemetery at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France, where thousands died in the First World War Members of the British Horse Guards stand at the Thiepval cemetery, where soldiers who died in the First World War are buried The Kings troop Royal horse artillery, who have been heavily involved in the commemorations, were present at the service today French guards arrive for the service at in Thiepval as part of the commemorations for the Battle of the Somme A solider is helped after apparently collapsing during the service of remembrance in Thiepval today A female soldier is helped to her feet after apparently fainting during the ceremony, which was attended by senior royals THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME: WHY WERE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS SENT TO THEIR DEATHS? The Battle of the Somme took place North of the River Somme in France from July 1 to November 13, 1916 Synonymous for the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of men, the Battle of the Somme was one of the most controversial conflicts of the First World War. The battle took place North of the River Somme in France from July 1 to November 13, 1916. On the first day alone British forces suffered casualties of 40,000 and deaths of 20,000, with 60 per cent of all of those killed being officers. Designed to relieve pressure on French forces at Verdun, the Battle was the mastermind of General Douglas Haig and involved 750,000 British soldiers across 27 divisions. By the end of the bloody and brutal battle Allied forces had managed to capture only six miles of land. The British suffered 429,000 casualties, the French suffered 195,000 and the Germans 650,000. Prior to the battle the British bombarded German lines with 1.6 million shells in an effort to weaken their resolve, but the Germans were heavily fortified and many of the shells did not go off. Haig, unaware of his bombardment's failure, was so confident in his tactics that he ordered his men to walk across the battlefield. As a result many were tragically mowed down by machine gun fire as soon as they left their trench. The general's tactics remain controversial to this day with military historians, soldiers and biographers conflicted over whether his decisions were necessary or foolhardy. Advertisement Charles and Camilla also attended other ceremonies for Northern Irish and Canadian victims of the battle at the nearby Ulster Tower and Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, respectively. At the event, Prince Wales paid tribute to the remarkable tenacity of Canadians who fought at the Somme as he attended the ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel memorial. He said: 'Of all the battles fought by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War, none was as devastating or as defining as the first day of the Battle of the Somme. A Ceremony of Remembrance, hosted by the Canadian government, at Beaumont-Hamel, France, to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme. Today is also Canada Day, which gave the occasion an extra poignancy 'Here, on the morning of July 1 1916, in less than half an hour - the duration of this ceremony - the regiment was virtually decimated, notwithstanding its remarkable resolve, discipline and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.' The Royal Canadian Artillery brass band played the Last Post during the ceremony under a stone monument of a caribou, a symbol of Canada. In recognition of the regiment's gallantry and valour in the battles at Ypres and Cambrai later in the war, Charles's great-grandfather King George V granted the Newfoundland Regiment its 'Royal' designation - one of only three regiments to be distinguished in this way. Charles added: 'We said then, and since, that "we will never forget". And we never have. We are proud to call their values our values - courage and determination to stand up for what we believe, whatever the odds and whatever the cost.' Actors dressed in World War 1 army fatigues gathered today at London's Waterloo station to commemorate the start of the Battle of The Somme. Thousands of British soldiers boarded trains 100 years ago on their way to reinforce the British lines The Duchess of Cornwall will also lay a wreath at the grave of her great-uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt, who was killed on the Somme in September 1916 while serving with the Coldstream Guards. Earlier today crowds gathered in Parliament Square to observe the two-minute silence. People huddled under trees and umbrellas paused from their commutes to stand quietly. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who were at Thiepval on Thursday night, manned three sets of guns, drawn into place by horses, and fired every four seconds for 100 seconds to mark the silence. At the end of the two minutes, whistles were blown - as they would have been to signal the start of the battle - and Big Ben chimed, though many still continued to pause in reflection. In Edinburgh, a two-minute silence was held at Scotland's National War Memorial, with descendants of some of those who died at the Somme in attendance. Services were also held in Cardiff, York and Salisbury. Chancellor George Osborne looked reflective as he prepared to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square, Manchester, where a commemorative event was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme The chancellor stood solemnly with the wreath of red poppies (left) before laying it at the foot of the cenotaph (right) during the service Veterans from 12 Regimental Associations across Scotland observe a 2 minute silence during a special service in Edinburgh Commemorations started last night with a service at Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Today thousands came together for two minutes' silence. Left, a man with military medals lowers his head as he pays his respects in York The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery manned three sets of guns and fired every four seconds for 100 seconds to mark the silence The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode through the streets of Westminster before firing First World War guns in Parliament Square Spectators at the Henley Regatta stopped the festivities to mark the start of the Battle of the Somme with a two-minute silence White Cliffs of Dover are illuminated to mark 100th anniversary of the Somme Images have been beamed on to the White Cliffs of Dover to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The words 'Lest We Forget' and 'Battle of the Somme' were among images shone on to the cliffs in Kent overlooking the English Channel. As well as marking the Sommes 100th anniversary, organisers are launching a scheme to support Armed Forces veterans. Ex-Army corporal Hannah Campbell - who lost her left leg in a blast in Basra - is aiming to raise 1 million to help veterans who have hit hard times. Ms Campbell said veterans sometimes face trauma, homelessness and poverty, as well as a need for retraining once they return to civilian life. With the help of the newly-launched Veterans Lottery, she hopes to secure funding for projects to help change the lives of those who served their country. Ms Campbell, patron of the new Veterans Foundation, said: 'July 1, 1916 was the heaviest loss in British Army history and those heroes gave everything to ensure our freedom. It is essential all of us remember that sacrifice. Lest we forget. 'At the same time, we must also be aware of whats happening today, and those veterans that are in desperate need for help and support. We cant change the past, but can learn from it and shape the future.' 'Lest We Forget' was projected on to the White Cliffs of Dover as part of the commemorations marking 100 years since the battle Another of the images shows a soldier silhouetted against the numbers 1916 and 2016, signifying the year of the battle and its centenary Organisers projected a series of messages, including the one above, to mark the Somme's anniversary and launch a veterans' fund The messages are also part of a push to raise 1 million for the Veterans' Foundation, which helps veterans who have hit hard times Organiser Hannah Campbell hopes the Veterans' Lottery will secure funding for projects to help change the lives of veterans Ex-Army corporal Hannah Campbell, pictured in a projection, who lost her left leg in a blast in Basra, is on a mission to help veterans 'A reminder of real sacrifice and integrity': Commuters moved to tears as actors dressed as fallen soldiers silently hand out cards carrying the names of those killed at the Battle of the Somme By Steph Cockroft for MailOnline Commuters were today moved to tears as silent 'ghost soldiers' dressed in First World War uniform handed out cards bearing the names of those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme. The live tribute saw actors lined up at railway stations, office blocks and city centre precincts where they broke into renditions of We're Here Because We're Here - a rousing anthem which soldiers sung in the trenches to reflect the futility of their situation. When passing commuters approached the men to ask who they were, the soldiers simply handed them a card featuring the details of one of the 19,240 British heroes who died during the bloody battle. Commuters were today moved to tears as 'ghost soldiers' dressed in First World War uniform handed out cards bearing the names of those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme. This picture was taken at Manchester Piccadilly train station The powerful scenes (pictured at Manchester Piccadilly) of the young men standing en masse during rush hour at UK's busiest thoroughfares provided a poignant reminder of the scale of human suffering experienced by so many, 100 years ago today Mar Dixon took this moving photograph at Birmingham New Street and wrote: 'I can't tell you how moving it is seeing them leave - probably knowing they aren't coming back' The powerful scenes of the young men standing en masse during rush hour at UK's busiest thoroughfares provided a poignant reminder of the scale of human suffering experienced by so many, 100 years ago today. Pictures of the incredible tribute were soon sweeping the internet, along with the hashtag #wearehere. But many who witnessed the scene said those who organised the event deserved a 'medal' for their efforts. Nicola Oakley wrote: 'Don't know who came up with #wearehere but you are amazing. What a moving tribute. Puts everything into perspective.' Lauren Abbott added: 'Whoever came up with the living memorial scenes is a genius. #wearehere ghost soldiers moving amongst commuters is both brilliant & moving.' Barbara Leatham took this photograph of the #wearehere tribute outside the law courts in Salisbury and said one gave her a card Joe Blythe, who posted a video of the singing from Waterloo station, wrote: 'Quite a thing to catch on a morning commute #wearehere'. And Maria Major wrote: '#WeAreHere A sobering and beautiful reminder of real sacrifice and integrity on my feed today.' The scene was spotted in dozens of cities and towns across the UK, including London, Bristol, Swansea, Newcastle, Salisbury and Aberdeen. We're Here Because We're Here was one of several songs which soldiers sung during the Great War in a sign of camaraderie as they coped with life in the trenches. This song, sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, repeats its title over and over, betraying the trapped monotony of their situation. The tribute came on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the bloodiest day in British military history. On July 1, 1916, tens of thousands of British, Commonwealth and French forces lost they went 'over the top', never knowing if they would return. Dozens of ceremonies across the UK have hounoured the anniversary today, many with a two-minute silence which ended at 7.30am. The 'walking ghosts' were handing out cards bearing the name and battalions of the soldiers who died during the bloody battle Rosie Ladkin took this moving photograph of soldiers sitting silently outside Bristol Temple Meads this morning as part of #wearehere Nearby, there were also soldiers standing in silence at Cabot Circus in Bristol, a scene Ms Ladkin described as 'very humbling' This picture was taken at Scalloway Castle, Shetland, by Lisa Ward. They were just a handful of soldiers who took part in the commemorative performance across the country The Royal Horse Artillery marked the occasion with a 100-second gun salute in remembrance for the fallen on all sides. Sites used for the performance included the National Theatre in London, London Victoria station, Scalloway Castle in Shetland and various football clubs and university campuses. The tribute was orchestrated by Project Octagon, which worked with the National Theatre to recruit of men aged between 16 and 40. In London alone, there were more than 400 men taking part, many of whom are amateur actors, school students and university undergraduates. Those taking part had to attend several rehearsals but were kept in the dark about what exactly they would be doing. The project was described by as a 'one-off, large-scale theatre project' directed by an award-winning team. A Twitter user known as Alan in Belfast posted this picture of soldiers in the Northern Irish city outside Queen's University Soldiers were also pictured outside the Great Victoria Street bus station in Belfast as part of the #wearehere campaign Lest We Forget: The Queen leads nation in tribute to soldiers killed in battle By Stephanie Linning and Alex Robertson for MailOnline Commemorations started last night with a moving service at Westminster Abbey that was attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen then took the first post in an overnight vigil held at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, honouring the unknown dead of the First World War. In France, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry for a vigil at the Thiepval Memorial, where the 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to the soldiers killed in the battle, saying 'we lost the flower of a generation'. In an address written by Birdsong novelist Sebastian Faulks, William highlighted the almost 60,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of July 1 1916, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry as they attended a vigil at the Thiepval Memorial in France last night. Today they will attend a service of remembrance at the memorial alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and David Cameron A lone serviceman walks through graves at the Thiepval Memorial, which were lit up last night in a tribute to those who died at the Battle of the Somme. The memorial in northern France commemorates the 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave Soldiers take part in a vigil at the the Stone of Remembrance as part of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme William told the assembled guests: 'We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life. 'It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation. 'Tonight we think of them as they nerved themselves for what lay ahead. We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war.' At Westminster Abbey, the Queen and Prince Philip attended a service. They were joined by politicians from all parties, including embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and David Cameron, who attended with his wife Samantha. Welsh Guardsman Lance Sergeant Stuart Laing, 39, sounded the moving tune from the Lantern Tower - the first time music had been performed from the eaves of the Abbey. The soldier, who spent eight weeks practising with the 101-year-old instrument, said later: 'It was an enormous privilege to be the person to sound the Last Post on the eve of the 100th anniversary. I'm very proud to have been chosen and I'm bursting with pride.' Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge watch on as a service is played out in Thiepval, France The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, attend part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the anniversary The moving services come on the eve of the centenary of the start of the Somme offensive. On July 1, 1916, following a seven-day British bombardment, some 120,000 men clambered from their trenches and went 'over the top' Sergeant Rob Porteous, of 167 Catering Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, will take up his place in the vigil in the early hours of Friday morning. His great-grandfather George Taylor was a sergeant with the Tyneside Scottish regiment - one of the 'pals' units that featured friends that joined up together. Sgt Porteous said: 'My great-grandfather was a working man in the coal pits who was called up to do something extraordinary and after the war went back to his ordinary life down the pit. 'That's amazing what he did for democracy and peace in Europe.' At the end of the service the Queen symbolically touched a wreath that was placed at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and the first watch took up its place for the overnight vigil. The Duchess of Cambridge listens carefully during a memorial service in France, while similar events were held across the Channel. She is seen with Prince William and Prince Harry Chelsea Pensioners were among those who took part in a moving military-led vigil at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France last night Chelsea Pensioner Paul Whittick, left, looks at war graves during part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at Thiepval, pictured right Military personnel read extracts from letters during part of a military-led vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme Soldiers take part in a vigil at the the Stone of Remembrance at Thiepval, which reads: 'Their name liveth for evermore' The final watch around the grave started at 7.15am and just over 15 minutes later - at the moment the whistles blew to signal the start of the battle - a trench whistle was blown in the Abbey before a short service. Speaking on the overnight vigil at the grave, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said: 'The Battle of the Somme is remembered as one of the most devastating of the First World War. 'The sacrifice of many thousands of lives in a battle which ultimately failed to achieve any serious breakthrough stands as a reminder of the suffering and loss involved in the First World War. 'As we imagine the feelings of those preparing for battle, the vigil will allow us to reflect on the cruel effects of warfare and to pray for lasting peace and justice in the world. All will be welcome.' The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh led a vigil at the Grave of the Unknown Solider at Westminster Abbey following a service last night The Queen lays a wreath made of roses and bay leaves on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at the Westminster Abbey vigil Five civilians and five members of the military undertake a Vigil at Grave of the Unknown Warrior inside Westminster Abbey An overnight vigil was also held at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle. Prayers were said at the vigil before candles were taken inside the war memorial and placed on a casket containing the original Roll of Honour for the fallen of the First World War. The candles were guarded overnight by representatives from units including the Wrens, the Royal Navy and several Scottish Army regiments, standing by the casket with their heads bowed. Edinburgh Castle was also floodlit red to mark the anniversary. As in England, the end of the tribute was marked with two minutes' silence. It was ended by Alan Hamilton, who blew the Army whistle passed down to him by his great-uncle. Mr Hamilton said: 'My great-uncle Robert Hamilton was an artillery officer at the battle. He was attached to a Scottish unit as an observation officer and he blew this whistle on July 1 at 7.30am 100 years ago to take his men over the top into action. 'He went forward with the regiment and, because of the high rate of casualties among the officers, he ended up commanding the regiment until he was wounded and evacuated. 'After the war, my father was given the whistle by uncle Robert and he then carried it through the whole of the Second World War when he was in the RAF, and when I joined the Army he passed it on to me. I carried it for 41 years and my son, who is a corporal in the Army, will be getting the whistle once these commemorations are over.' The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service commemorating those who died at the Battle of the Somme, along with Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron A woman whose son was shot by police has been caught on camera racially abusing a journalist reporting on the crime. Footage on US TV channel KCCI shows African American journalist Emmy Victor stood reporting on the scene of the shooting of Michael Disbrowe in Boone, Iowa. A woman runs up to her as she's reporting and screams 'Get the f*** out of here' followed by a bleeped out racial slur. A woman approaches KCCI News reporter Emmy Victor before attacking her with racist abuse Ms Victor steps back and says 'Ma'am - don't ever. Don't ever' as she reels in shock from the racist jibe. The white woman then leans forward and jabs Ms Victor while saying: 'I f***ing told you he was did, don't say you don't f***ing know.' The cameraman, Zachary Hayes, then tells the woman that she'll have to leave, and Ms Victor says: 'I'm going to call the cops.' The woman then replies 'Oh so they can shoot me too? Come on, I'm right here.' The woman - later revealed as police shooting victim Michael Disbrowe's mother - jabbed Ms Victor before being led off Safe: A KCCI spokesman said safety was paramount to their staff, adding that Emmy conducted herself with 'the utmost professionalism in the face of a very difficult emotionally-charged situation She then knocks over the cameraman's tripod before being led off. Police later identified the woman as Michael Disbrowe's mother. Disbrowe was shot by police officers after he threatened them with his own gun. A spokesman for KCCI said: 'The safety of our crews is critically important as they cover stories affecting our communities. This morning Emmy and Zach demonstrated the utmost professionalism in the face of a very difficult emotionally-charged situation.' Tony Blair has hinted that he would like to help out with negotiations over Britain's departure from the EU - saying it will require 'serious statesmanship'. The former prime minister warned the 'nation is in peril' and suggested Brexiteers should 'reach out' to people who could get a 'high level' sense of what European leaders would be willing to agree. 'There is going to be a negotiation of extraordinary complexity where there are a thousand devils in every detail,' Mr Blair wrote in the Daily Telegraph. 'Those we used to call "our European partners" are, unsurprisingly, divided and uncertain themselves.' Tony Blair said the 'nation is in peril' and striking a deal with the EU would need 'serious statesmanship' Mr Blair said some countries wanted a quick divorce, while others favoured a delay in commencing the Article 50 process, which starts a two-year countdown to Brexit. Setting out what appeared to be an offer to advise on the process, he said: 'This needs serious statesmanship. 'So before any formal negotiation begins, we need to get a high level sense of where the boundaries are going to be, the things that might be compromised, the things that are red lines. 'The psychology of the other 27 countries is crucial to feel and shape: they could decide that other secessionist movements should be deterred and so be disinclined to flexibility; or they could decide that the British view - especially on immigration - reflects something strong across Europe and have a measured response which tries to accommodate that sentiment.' In a stark assessment of the task he added: 'Our nation is in peril. To allow us to come safely through this we need to be adult in our politics, to proceed with calm, maturity and without bitterness; because our future as a nation in the world and as the UK itself is at stake.' Mr Blair said 'Britain should keep all our options open' but went on to insist that 'is not an argument for another referendum'. He warned that Ukip leader Nigel Farage's performance in the European Parliament could damage the country's ability to secure a favourable deal. In highly-charged exchanges in the wake of the Brexit vote, Mr Farage was booed and barracked by MEPs as he accused them of being 'in denial' about the failure of their single currency and their attempt to create political union in Europe. The Ukip leader said he had been laughed at when he arrived in Brussels 17 years ago with a message that Britain must leave. And he told MEPs: 'You're not laughing now.' Mr Blair said: 'Don't underestimate the damage having Nigel Farage address the European Parliament in that way does to our interests. Remember who has to agree any new deal for Britain: the European Parliament.' With David Cameron set to leave the stage, the next leader of the Conservative Party will have the task of negotiating Brexit. Mr Blair said: 'On the Leave side, there are some who are triumphalist and some more inclined to reach out. 'Those Leave leaders now so powerful within the politics of our nation should demonstrate they are in "reach out" mode fast. 'With the Labour Party effectively disabled we need the Conservative Party to conduct its leadership battle with genuine patriotic regard for our nation's interest.' To match his flawless manners, he tailors himself with fastidious care, rarely going tieless like other Tory modernisers. He keeps a dozen silk ties in his office in case one gets dirty. When he speaks, his modulated Scottish accent is a voice of quiet authority and calm. Sober and Presbytarian, then, but no puritan, Michael Gove has always been the hardest of Conservatives to pin down. With his background as the adopted son of a fish merchant, he cannot be labelled a toff, but then neither is he a typical traditionalist. Reasonableness is the word most often used to describe him. Until yesterday. Ruthlessness will now have to be added to the description. Scroll down for video Campaign trail: As he launched his bid to be the next prime minister Michael Gove (pictured today) has found his ruthless streak Duo: Michael Gove and Boris Johnson pull pints on the EU campaign trail - Mr Gove has likened Boris to Princess Diana in his natural gift for celebrity and has always in Boris Johnsons shadow Growing up: 11-month-old Michael Gove clutches the hand of his mother Christine at the beach in Scotland Yet that is a word his former classmates at Robert Gordons College in Aberdeen never thought they would hear used to describe him. Then again, they didnt expect that the boy who did not excel at games, and yet made friends with all the sporty students, would today be pushing to get his foot into the door of 10 Downing Street. Gove won a scholarship to the private school. He was a complete dweeb in the classic way, studious, fantastically bright but awkward, too, a fellow pupil recalled yesterday. But Michael also possessed sufficient charm and speed of mind to make friends. He was likeable. If he had an ambition at school I thought it might be for journalism not politics. He never struck me as Machiavellian, and I would not say he had the wherewithal to get people to follow him over the top. Only a week ago, it seemed that Michael Gove was still living up to that schoolboy assessment. He was the figure we expected to see settling into intense concentration as he set about unpicking our ties with Europe, and beginning the trading negotiations with other nations. This, remember, was a man described by a former mentor as having the precious skill of making people who dont agree with him like him and respect him. Even the teaching unions with whom he fought so brutally - as Education Secretary - to transform the life chances of British children acknowledged that he could be personable. These were the characteristics that made him such a formidable figure in the Brexit campaign. If Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson were the front-men for Leave, Gove was the brains making the case for exiting the European Union with the same passion he showed as president of his old schools debating society. Family: Mr Gove as an eight-year old with his parents Ernest and Christine and sister Angela, five, with pet dog Tobby According to this script, his skills were those of the consigliere, the number two who used to joke that like the late Robin Cook he did not look like a leader. This was shorthand for conceding that in this looks-driven, televisual world, bespectacled Gove did not possess voter appeal. What many in his parliamentary party feel he does possess, however - in a political world where expediency and opportunism is the order of the day - is integrity and principle. It was his Eurosceptic convictions that first brought him into bitter conflict with his close friend and Prime Minister David Cameron a friendship now said to be in tatters. And yesterday it lead to him breaking faith with Boris Johnson in a volte face which some on the Brexit side branded one of the greatest acts of modern political betrayal. In backing Boris then destroying him, Gove has placed himself at the centre of a drama that could have come straight from the TV political drama House Of Cards. In many ways, theirs was always an unlikely alliance given the marked difference in their social backgrounds. Boris was an old Etonian and scholar at Balliol College, Oxford, whereas Gove was a provincial nobody who won a place at the universitys Lady Margaret Hall. Born in Edinburgh to an unmarried young woman, at the age of four months Gove was adopted and brought up in a three-bedroom Aberdeen semi. His adoptive father Ernest left school at 16 and went into north-east Scotlands then-thriving fish industry. His mother Christine was a shop assistant. They adopted a younger sister for Michael five years later. No one in the family had gone to university, yet the boy from Aberdeen won that place at Oxford, where he rapidly established himself as one of its most gifted speakers. He was seen as classless, a priceless asset, these days, in a Tory party perceived to be top heavy with old school ties. Gove also put his charm and likeability to good use, and became something of a ladies man. Michael was not conventionally good looking, well he wasnt really good looking at all, but he could charm a girl and he could make you laugh, recalls a fellow undergraduate. It was a winning combination. A smiling Michael Gove at 14 months at the home of his adopted parents in Aberdeen - he paid tribute to them in his leadership speech today Success: Mr Gove, aged ten and aged 15, was described by school friends as 'studious, fantastically bright but awkward' Proud: Mr and Mrs Gove with their son as he started at Oxford in 1985, where he attended Lady Margaret Hall and would go on to be Oxford Union president Two years ago, it emerged from an archived report in Cherwell, the student newspaper, that Gove, then president of the Oxford Union, had gone to bed with two girls and two male students. Nothing much happened. Kubes, the most significant figure in his life before his marriage to Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine, with whom he has a son and a daughter. It was at university that Michael Goves political instincts and ambitions were honed. Yet he was always in Boris Johnsons shadow. Mr Gove's parents, who could not have children, also adopted a baby girl whom they called Angela, who was five years younger, pictured together here when the MP left Aberdeen for Oxford He became Boriss stooge and bag carrier when Boris stood to be the President of the Oxford Union. Boris was first to make it to Parliament, and when it seemed he would stand down as editor of The Spectator magazine in 2001, Gove hoped to succeed him. He has been in Boriss shadow all his adult life, always taken for granted, the brains but never the star player, up until this week, says one figure. But a voice has been saying to him: youre just as clever, just as admired, you can do it. I think the enormity of the betrayal by Gove as Boris sees it shook him to his foundations, and somehow took the fight out of him yesterday, which is why Boris stepped back. If this was the case, then not for the first time in his career Boris Johnson seriously underestimated his former ally. There was just a hint of what was to come in one of BoJos earlier setbacks, when he was fired from the Shadow Cabinet by then Tory leader Michael Howard after The Spectator under his editorship ran an article castigating the people of Liverpool. In a waspish commentary for The Times, where he was then a leader writer, Gove likened Boris to Princess Diana in his natural gift for celebrity. If it was meant as a compliment, it was almost certainly backhanded one as he leavened his fondness for Johnsons irreverence with a critique of his misjudgment of quite stonking proportions. Since Gove left journalism to become the MP for Surrey Heath, he has developed his own brand of traditional Conservatism. Its interesting to note that as a teenager he was instinctively socialist. It was the invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1981 that was his Damascene moment because it resulted in a Conservative leader - Margaret Thatcher confronting a fascist dictator in Argentinas General Galtieri. Mrs Thatcher, Gove concluded, was a leader who did not flinch in the face of tyranny and believed Britains best years still lay ahead. So by the time I arrived at university I knew that I was a Conservative. I believed that Arthur Scargill (the miners leader) had to be defeated because he was an unrepentant Marxist but I also knew that the disappearance of the coal industry has been a tragedy for communities. Close: Mr Gove was demoted by his friend David Cameron, pictured with his wife Sarah Vine, who called it a 'shabby days work that Cameron will live to regret' In his first ministerial post at Education in the coalition Government, he had pictures of the Soviet leader Lenin, the black American activist Malcolm X and Lady Thatcher hanging on his office wall. Latterly, at the Justice department, it was Martin Luther King, the Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Churchill. His other great hero, surprisingly, has been Tony Blair. He regards the former Labour leaders autobiography A Journey as the bible for any committed reformer. Michael Gove, pictured playing a chaplain in the 1995 film "A Feast At Midnight", has placed himself at the centre of a drama that could have come straight from the TV political drama House Of Cards The battles Gove fought with the teaching unions to raise standards in classrooms served notice that this was a man who would stand up for what he believed. In the first party conference after the 2010 election victory, he let everyone know what he had in mind. The study of classic authors such as Byron and Keats, Dickens and Thomas Hardy, who had largely fallen out of the curriculum, would be reinstated. He believed standards in science and maths were not good enough, undermined by Left-wing ideologies that preached that schools shouldnt be doing anything so old-fashioned as passing on knowledge, requiring children to work hard, or immersing them in anything like dates in history, or times tables in mathematics. This approach, he said, had condemned countless children to what he called a prison house of ignorance. For millions of parents, worried about falling standards, his aims were a breath of fresh air. And it was clear that Goves own humble origins were behind his drive towards creating ladders of opportunity. For the teaching unions, however, his plans spelled trouble. And there was trouble, the kind that David Cameron has spent his premiership trying to avoid. Suddenly two years ago Gove, the most energetic and practical Education Secretary of recent times, was demoted to Chief Whip. His friendship with Cameron survived only because of his loyalty to the party. Even so Goves wife Sarah Vine endorsed a Mail article that said of her husbands demotion: A shabby days work that Cameron will live to regret. Now, Gove and Camerons split over Europe has been final. But while Cameron is preparing to move his family out of Downing Street, Gove is the one aiming to take over. Advertisement Michael Gove today launched a bizarre 'charisma free' bid for Downing Street, shrugging off criticism that he could not be trusted after stabbing Brexit ally Boris Johnson in the back before using his speech to knife him again. The Justice Secretary admitted he was 'limited', unglamorous and denied his decision to stand was as a result of 'calculation', claiming he 'did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party'. But Mr Gove insisted he had no choice but to betray Boris and sink his campaign to stand himself, suggesting he had lost faith in the former Mayor of London because he did not fully back the UK leaving the EU. In yet another attack on his friend, who was the figurehead for the Leave campaign, he said: 'I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task'. Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after he turned on his fellow Brexit champion. And an aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' A clearly seething Boris Johnson today refused to be drawn on the fallout saying he wished his rival 'every success', but an MP who backed Boris compared Mr Gove to Game of Thrones character Theon Greyjoy, who is castrated in the show for his treachery. Hours later Mr Gove launched his campaign in a white-washed Westminster conference room with a 5,000-word speech lasting more than 40 minutes. Rivals@ Boris Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after his betrayal - but the Justice Minister said he had lost faith in Boris and suggested he did not fully believe in Brexit Michael Gove launched his bid to become Tory leader and Prime Minister at the Policy Exchange offices in central London today - but admitted he lacked charisma Mr Gove said his politics came from the 'heart' and argued that rival Theresa May was not suitable to lead the country now because she had supported a Remain vote and he should lead EU negotiations because he genuinely wanted to leave. He also stood by the cornerstone claim of the Leave campaign that the UK sends 350million-a-week to the EU, saying Brexit would allow him to pump 100million a week extra into the NHS and end free movement to curb immigration once we leave. Mr Gove was also forced to deny his wife Sarah, who did not attend his campaign launch, had encouraged his leadership bid. He said: 'Once I decided, she did say she would support me - the last time I looked - I've been here for about an hour and ten minutes, I haven't checked any texts in the meantime, or emails for that matter'. He added: 'I love her very much, she's an amazing and wonderful woman, before I do anything important in my life I always talk to Sarah. 'But when it comes to politics, these are my ideas and I'm standing on the basis of what I believe. But I'm also, whatever happens in life, just uniquely fortunate to have such a wonderful person as my wife.' This morning former Chancellor Ken Clarke waded into the row, saying he should 'do us all a favour' and drop his leadership bid. I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. Michael Gove on his leadership Accosted by journalists as he left his London home this morning, the former London mayor dismissed suggestions he was running away from his responsibilities as 'rubbish'. 'I cannot now, unfortunately, get on with what I wanted to do. That's up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success,' he said. Speaking at the offices of think-tank Policy Exchange, Mr Gove said he was running for leader due to 'conviction' rather than 'calculation or ambition'. But he admitted: 'I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party. 'I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. 'But at every step in my political life I've asked myself one question:'What is the right thing to do. What does your heart tell you. However inconvenient, however difficult, whatever personal risks it may entail.' The Justice Secretary said he did not have charisma and no-one could ever associate him with glamour - but said he had to stand on a pro-Brexit ticket Forced out: A clearly frustrated Mr Johnson today refused to say whether Mr Gove had betrayed him and said it was 'unfortunate' he could not now implement Brexit Tory MP Ben Wallace, a key ally of Boris Johnson, joked about castrating Mr Gove during a discussion about what Game of Thrones characters politicians resembled Mr Gove's leadership bid is all the more extraordinary because Mr Gove had previously said he should not be prime minister because: 'I don't have what it takes'. In one of the most extraordinary days in politics for decades, yesterday, Boris Johnson's allies warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Michael Gove after the Justice Secretary stabbed his fellow Brexit champion in the 'back, chest and side' by sinking his leadership bid at the 11th hour. Mr Gove said Boris was not up to being Prime Minister and questioned whether his 'heart and soul' were in taking us out of the EU before launching a leadership campaign himself. Just an hour or so after he changed his mind Mr Johnson pulled out as his support fell through the floor and his hopes of being PM were left in ashes. Within hours Mr Johnson, who had been the hot favourite, was using an event that had been intended as his campaign launch to rule himself out. Tory MP Jake Berry posted on Twitter: 'There is a very deep pit reserved in Hell for such as he. #Gove' And an aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' Tory MP Ben Wallace today even threatened to castrate the Justice Secretary. During a Twitter discussion comparing politicians to characters from Game of Thrones, Mr Wallace said Gove was 'Theon Greyjoy or will be by the time I am finished with him'. Greyjoy was brutally castrated in one of the most spectacularly gruesome scenes from the hit TV series. Mr Gove, who is a fan of the HBO series himself, was asked about who he was like in the show and said: 'I'm not sure that everyone has necessarily seen episode 10 of series 6, so, at this stage there are friends of mine who because they've been busy over the course of the last week haven't seen it, so I'll refrain from saying which particular character you might wish to paint me as'. Mr Johnson's father Stanley said Mr Gove knifing of his son was Shakespearean. He cited the famous Shakespeare rebuke from Julius Caesar after his friend Brutus stabbed him. ''Et tu Brute' is my comment on that,' he told BBC Radio 4. 'I don't think he is called Brutus, but you never know.' I cannot, unfortunately, get on with doing what I wanted to do, so it'll be up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success Boris Johnson on Michael Gove's betrayal Boris Johnson had been favourite to succeed David Cameron after leading the Remain campaign to victory - but his support drained away In his bowing out speech, Mr Johnson said the next Prime Minister had to seize Britain's 'moment to stand tall in the world'. 'But I must tell you, my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punch line for this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me,' he said. 'My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration, to make sure that we properly fulfill the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda I believe in.' This morning a tired Mr Johnson was abused by a member of the public as he left and accused of putting himself before the country. Michael Heseltien accused him of abandoning his troops. Asked whether he felt 'betrayed' by Mr Gove, he paused and said: 'I cannot, unfortunately, get on with doing what I wanted to do, so it'll be up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success'. He then walked to the Tube in Islington for a trip to Devon, but there the problems continued. On arrival in Tiverton, Mr Johnson posed for selfies with supporters but was challenged to apologise for racial abuse in the wake of the Brexit vote. Facebook user Jamie Nathaniel Carne Whyte posted on the social media site: 'We came to the Tory dinner in Tiverton to see Boris. Asked him to apologise for racial abuse received by my friend due to the vote that he caused. Might have called him a massive child...' Footage of Mr Johnson's arrival showed him being asked to 'apologise to my friend who has received racial abuse' before the heckler added: 'Boris you're a massive child'. A disconsolate Boris Johnson seen leaving his London home today after quitting the contest. An ally is reported to have offered Theresa May (pictured right at the Henley Regatta) a deal that would have seen her installed as PM but standing down by 2020 Defending his decision to turn on Mr Johnson, Mr Gove said: 'I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task' The Justice Secretary devoted an extensive section of his speech to his personal back story and recounting his adoption as a four-month baby. He quoted his mother as telling him 'son, you didn't grow under my heart, you grew in it' and said growing up had shown him the importance of a good start in life. And he said: 'All my political career, I have been driven by conviction not ambition, by a belief in doing what's right not what's expedient, by wanting to pull levers that make things better, not steer to the sound of applause.' Mr Gove promised to implement promises made by Vote Leave, vowing to 'end free movement' and reclaim money from Brussels for national priorities including the NHS, He expanded on his reasons for dumping Mr Johnson,saying: 'I knew we needed a leader who both believed in this new path and who could build and lead a united team to guide us through the challenges ahead. I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task. That realisation meant that I once more faced a difficult decision. Could I recommend to friends, colleagues and the country a course in which I no longer believed? Michael Gove on losing faith in Boris 'I believed that Boris Johnson who had campaigned alongside me with such energy and enthusiasm could build and lead that team. I wanted that plan to work. 'I worked night and day for it. But I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task. 'That realisation meant that I once more faced a difficult decision. 'Could I recommend to friends, colleagues and the country a course in which I no longer believed? 'I could not. I had to stand up for my convictions. I had to stand up for a different course for this country. I had to stand for the leadership of this party.' Mr Gove insisted: 'I believe the next Prime Minister has to be on the winning side of the argument. 'Put simply: the best person to lead Britain out of the European Union is someone who argued to get Britain out of the European Union. 'That is best for the country to retain the trust of millions of voters and it is best for the Conservative party too. 'Bringing our party together will take time and patience. 'But I know we can do it because I know that what drives my colleagues in Parliament, and the Conservative family in the country, is a profound belief in public service.' In his speech, Mr Gove paid tribute to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney for 'having the plans in place' while 'there are challenges ahead, there are tremendous opportunities'. Damning his friend with faint praise as he turned on him yesterday, Mr Gove said he had 'enjoyed working with him' during the referendum campaign. But he said: 'I realised in the last few days that Boris isn't capable of building that team and providing that unity. 'And so I came reluctantly but firmly to the conclusion that as someone who had argued from the beginning that we should leave the European Union and as someone who wanted ensure that a bold, positive vision for our future was implemented, that I had to stand for leadership of the Conservative party.' He added: 'I thought it was right that following the decision that the people took last week that we should have someone leading the Conservative party and leading the country who believed in their heart and soul that Britain was better off outside the European Union.' Mr Gove admitted he lacked charisma, was far from glamorous and did not really want the job in a 40 minute speech today Theresa May was praised for a bravura performance as she launched her campaign yesterday. Within an hour her arch-rival Mr Johnson had dropped out, having been deserted by Mr Gove Within hours Mr Johnson, who had been favourite to win, had pulled out of the race. The new frontrunner, Home Secretary Theresa May, has been racking up big-hitting support, with her team suggesting she now has backing from more than 70 Tory MPs. Mr Clark told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he had not decided who to endorse, but made clear that he 'disliked' Mr Gove for the job. 'I've not chosen but I have my dislikes,' he said. 'I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he was to stand down now and speed up the process, because I do think one of the first priorities for a leader of a party and certainly for a Prime Minister is that you should have the trust so far as possible of your colleagues. 'I was one of those who was appalled by the idea of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, but I've not fallen out with him personally. 'He's perfectly entitled to form that view but I think it's not encouraging that he stood alongside Boris as his right hand man. He was publicly declared to be his manager.' Mr Clarke went on: 'We don't want to add to tragedy too much of an air of farce. For him to emerge now as a Prime Minister saying 'I'm not going to reunite the party. I now have a clear vision of what I'm going to do' is unlikely.' Tory big beast Ken Clarke, right, has urged Michael Gove, pictured leaving home today, to 'do us all a favour' and pull out of the party's leadership battle ANDREW PIERCE: A boozy barbecue... and then shambolic BoJo was hit for six: How last-minute doubts over Boris' leadership led Gove to knife his Brexit ally By Andrew Pierce for the Daily Mail Exultant from their Brexit victory and ready to plan a strategy to implement the wishes of voters to begin withdrawal from the EU, Michael Gove and Boris Johnson arranged to meet at the latters weekend home in Oxfordshire on Sunday. Although they had worked hand-in-glove together during the long weeks of the referendum campaign, it must be said that Gove and Johnson had never been big buddies. But they had forged a good working relationship as they toured the country on their Brexit battle-bus. They respected each others individual skills. As, a Gove supporter explained: Michael knows they almost certainly would not have won without Boris. Howzat! Boris Johnson, seen here playing cricket in a Commons v Lords match, was bowled a googly by Michael Gove - who is said to have been unimpressed by Boris decision to play cricket when they were meant to be planning for a 'dream ticket' leadership bid Michael Gove (pictured at his home in London today) opened the gate for Boris Johnson but the former Mayor of London choked Boris Johnson (pictured, left at a mosque in his constituency last year) is considered electoral dynamite but Gove (right) tired of his clowning about and wanted him to get serious, which he never did But even before Gove (and his two aides) arrived at Johnsons house, he was beginning to worry about whether the former London mayor was putting enough effort into the mammoth challenge they faced. GOVES LIKENED TO THE MACBETHS AND 'POUNDLAND LANNISTERS' AFTER TURNING ON JOHNSON Michael Gove and his wife were branded 'Lord and Lady Macbeth' and 'Poundland Lannisters' today after dramatically killing off Boris Johnson's Downing Street dream. Having initially seemed to be a key backer of Mr Johnson, the Justice Secretary announced his own bid for the Tory leadership this morning and questioned his colleague's commitment to cutting ties with Brussels. Within hours of the devastating blow Mr Johnson, who had been the hot favourite, was using an event that had been intended as his campaign launch to rule himself out. An aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' The first sign of the sudden turnaround came last night when a leaked email revealed that Mr Gove's wife had urged him to seek 'reassurance' from 'Boris' about his role in future plans before pledging his support. Sarah Vine, who is a Daily Mail columnist, said that without these assurances, her husband should not be prepared to side with the former London Mayor in his battle for Number Ten. It is believed the email was leaked when she accidentally sent the email to a member of the public who has the same surname as one of Mr Gove's advisers. In the Commons, Mr Salmond labelled Justice Secretary Mr Gove 'Lord Macbeth' in a reference to Shakespeare's famous tragic play. He said he had 'dispatched' David Cameron before knocking Boris Johnson out of the Tory leadership race. Twitter users also likened the political power couple to the Macbeths, and one updated the comparison by suggesting Sarah Vine was like a 'Poundland' Cersei Lannister - a sneaky character from hit series Game of Thrones. Advertisement There was barely concealed irritation that instead of getting stuck into the detail of planning a strategy, Johnson had spent time on Saturday playing in a cricket match between a team made up of his family and Earl Spencers XI at Althorp House. Just a day after sterling had crashed and shares tumbled, a chillaxing Johnson was posturing in his cricket whites. This was not the statesmanlike image that Gove and his advisers wanted to convey to the majority of Remain-backing Tory MPs who were poleaxed by last Thursdays result and who needed to be convinced that the country was safe in the hands of Johnson or any other replacement for David Cameron. So it was that, when Gove arrived at Johnsons house, a barbecue was underway for Boris and his political supporters. Among the banter, there was light-hearted teasing over whether Gove would change his mind and run for the leadership himself. The Johnsonites also joked about Goves remark, earlier in the month, when he said: The one thing I can tell you is there are lots of talented people who could be Prime Minister after David Cameron, but count me out. Gove and his aides found it a struggle to get Johnsons teams attention to discuss strategy. But they managed to agree that Gove would chair Boriss leadership campaign and Sir Lynton Crosby, the Australian who masterminded his two London Mayoral victories and Camerons unexpected General Election success last year, would do the day-to-day planning. But it was only after Gove returned to London, his aides really began to have nagging doubts. Above all, was Boris up to the job? Did he have sufficient focus and judgment? The trouble was the boozy barbecue was typically shambolic of a Boris event and, Im told: The meeting was disorganised and ill-disciplined. There was no structure. The afternoon had been a bit of a wasted journey. Despite this Gove was determined to persist in trying to put steel in their joint campaign. But significantly, despite ruling out running to be leader himself, Gove had secretly made back-up plans. Before the referendum campaign, hed had several dinners with his long-time ally Lord Nash, a Junior Education Minister, and multi-millionaire Tory donor. Nash was the founder of the education charity Future, which sponsors academy schools, and would have spearheaded any possible Gove leadership bid. These meetings began after Gove was sacked by Cameron as Education Secretary and made Chief Whip. The demotion, as unexpected as it was brutal, hurt Gove terribly. It also made him realise he ought to do more to protect his own skin. Although he was encouraged that some MPs had told him they saw him as a potential future Tory leader, Goves supporters insist that he put aside any personal ambition. But over the 72 hours following his unsatisfactory Oxfordshire meeting with Johnson, doubts hardened in the minds of Gove and his team. Boris was just so cavalier, said one. We couldnt pin him down on details. The first serious disagreement came with the publication of Johnsons weekly column in The Daily Telegraph on Monday. It was a lazy, unfocused and clumsy article which seemed to start to renege on the Leave campaigns pledges to curb immigration. Apart from Leave voters fearing that Boris was back-sliding, there was a mini-row between the two Tories over how much advance notice Gove had been given of the columns contents. Johnsons team insist that Gove had not only read the article in Oxfordshire the day before publication, but had sub-edited it. A Johnson aide said: There can be no grounds for complaint from Gove. For their part, Goves team claim he saw the piece at the very last minute and had time to make only minor changes. The unease in Team Gove increased as they tried to win the support of other Tory MPs. Im told that they found a groundswell of opinion in Westminster and among the wider Conservative grassroots that held that Gove should stand as leader. Whatever the truth, Team Boris say that at no time did they get any inkling that Gove was becoming unhappy with Johnson. The final straw came, it seems, on Wednesday after Gove and Johnson had a private meeting with Andrea Leadsom, the Energy Minister and former City bigwig, who was one of the most impressive Leave advocates. Andrea Leadsom (left) was seeking an assurance from Boris Johnson (right) that she would be Chancellor in the event of him becoming Prime Minister but she never received it in writing and felt 'snubbed' Although, it was well-known that she was considering running for the leadership, she set out her demands for backing Johnson. If Johnson became PM, she wanted to be Chancellor or Deputy Prime Minister, in charge of the negotiations with Brussels to extract Britain from the EU. Gove's team claimed he tried to phone Johnson before announcing his leadership bid but the former Mayor heard the news from Lynton Crosby (pictured), who Gove informed of his plans The two men duly agreed theyd give her one of the two jobs. Told by phone it was a deal, Leadsom requested the pledge in writing. Johnson agreed he would do that and said he would also make a public statement that evening to say: I am delighted to be joined by Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom at my launch tomorrow. In the meantime, however, there was an unexpected development. Sky News reported that an email sent to Gove and his team by his wife Sarah Vine (a Mail columnist) had been inadvertently sent to the wrong recipient. It contained the devastating suggestion that Boris Johnson could not be trusted. She warned her husband about the risks of backing him without specific guarantees on immigration controls. Although deeply embarrassing and seized on by critics of the Tories the matter was swiftly smoothed over with Johnsons office. On Wednesday evening, Gove attended the Conservative Party summer party at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham which was attended by Cameron and other Cabinet ministers. Johnson went to another social gathering, in Westminster, where he was expected to give that written job guarantee to Andrea Leadsom. However, he had apparently left the letter in his Commons office. Compounding this broken promise, the deadline passed when Boris said he would make public his pledge to Leadsom. Understandably, Leadsom felt snubbed and decided she was being strung along. In a fit of pique, she then lodged her own nomination papers for the Tory leadership. A few miles across London at the Tory summer party, Gove was being urged by some guests to break with Boris and stand as leader. While there, he got word about what had happened with regard to Andrea Leadsom. Gove left the club before 11pm and went to a gathering in Parliament. There, in a much-needed public display of unity, he was seen with his arm around Boris. Then, Gove travelled home. But his mind was spinning with contradictory thoughts. Was Boris becoming a serious a liability? Should he stand himself? Although his allies were still busy lobbying MPs on behalf of Team Boris, after midnight, he summoned his key aides to his West London home to go through the issues that were worrying him. First, there was Johnsons shabby treatment of Andrea Leadsom. Then there was the fact that by 10pm that night Johnson had written only 400 words of his 3,000-word launch speech that was due to be delivered the following morning and that Gove was supposed to have read and approved. It was another sign of the slapdash approach to the campaign, said a Gove friend. We couldnt go on like this. There was general agreement that Gove should break from Boris. It all fell apart because of Boriss incompetence, I was told. Gove was reluctant to tell Johnson until yesterday morning. In any case, his priority was to scramble his own leadership announcement plans. After leaving home for Westminster very early yesterday morning, Gove phoned Team Boris campaign boss Lynton Crosby to break the news that he would no longer back Johnson and was going to run himself. Both were apparently courteous to each other. Goves team say he repeatedly tried to phone Johnson but couldnt raise him. Johnsons people deny any attempt was made. One said: Gove never called! He didnt have the courage. We only learnt of his act of treachery from Lynton [Crosby]. Theresa May, seen here with husband Philip at Wednesday's Conservative Party summer ball, is now the favourite to win the Tory leadership Furthermore, Johnsons aides were contemptuous of Goves behaviour saying he used his concern about the way Andrea Leadsom had been treated as an excuse and that his actions were driven by a naked ambition to become Prime Minister. Team Boris have since described the saga as the cuckoo in the nest plot implying that Gove was like a cuckoo who used the nest of another bird (Boris) for its own selfish purposes. They are bitterly convinced that Gove always intended to knife Johnson at the last minute and run as leader in his own right. But they didnt expect him to plunge the knife in from the front. Its treachery with a capital T, declared one. Not so says Team Gove. They denied any conspiracy. One says: We just knew we could no longer ignore what we all knew in our hearts that Boris just couldnt hack it. Ultimately, history will decide which of the two men was most culpable. It will also tell whether both mens simmering rivalry will mean that neither won the crown that they both so craved. 'Whatever charisma is I don't have it... but I'm asking for the chance to serve you and to change this country for the better': Michael Gove's speech This past week has been a momentous one for our country, the like of which we have not seen for generations. Expectations have been upended, conventional wisdoms overturned, our nation's destiny changed. At a time like this a hinge in history two paths beckon. We can either try to muddle through and hope for the best. Or we can lean in, embrace the change the British people voted for and shape it in our interests facing the challenges of the days ahead with cool heads and making the most of the new opportunities open to us with resolute and daring hearts. I am here today to argue for that second path the path of change embarking on a journey to reach a renewed Britain optimistic, open to the world, a place of hope and healing. Of course, as we pause and draw breath after the events of the last week and the British people's brave and right decision to leave the European Union it's important to remind ourselves of some fundamental truths and enduring realities. Michael Gove spoke for more than 40- minutes and said around 5,000 words as he set out his vision for Britain Difficult but necessary steps have been taken to reduce our deficit, restore our public finances and recapitalise our banks. That means whatever decisions we take in the weeks ahead our economy rests on firm foundations. And since last Thursday those charged with ensuring financial and economic stability have brought calm and reassurance. We need to listen to what the British people told us in such numbers last week. They want an end to politics-as-usual and they want a new direction for this country. We in Government need to hear that call. And we as a country need to be bold, to step forwards, to believe in ourselves. I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party. I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. But at every step in my political life I've asked myself one question. What is the right thing to do. What does your heart tell you. However inconvenient, however difficult, whatever personal risks it may entail. What is the right thing to do. What does your heart tell you. That is how I faced the central question of this Parliament the European Referendum. I did not duck for cover, I did not hedge or hesitate to say what I believed. I made clear I believed in change, I believed in leaving the European Union. It was not easy to make that choice and to go on to make the case for leaving. It meant I parted company with my friend David Cameron, whose leadership qualities I so much admire and who has achieved so much for this country. It was a wrench. THE EIGHT HOURS THAT CHANGED THE FACE OF BRITISH POLITICS Michael Gove threw his hat into the ring for the Tory leadership in one of the most extraordinary political coups in decades - here is how the day unfolded: 8.57am: Michael Gove tells Boris Johnson he will be standing as Tory leader. 9.02am: Mr Gove issues a statement confirming his candidacy. 9.17am: Andrea Leadsom, another leading Tory Brexiteer, launches her own leadership bid. 9.35am: Chris Grayling, yet another senior member of Vote Leave, introduces Theresa May at her expected leadership campaign launch. 9.57am: Asked why she should be Prime Minister, Mrs May declares it's because she would be best at the job. 10.55am: Dominic Raab, a close of Boris Johnson who today wrote a newspaper column endorsing the ex-London Mayor, appears on Sky News to back Michael Gove. 11.10am: Nicky Morgan and Jeremy Hunt, who both revealed they were considering leadership challenges, drop out and back Michael Gove and Theresa May respectively. 11.44am: Mr Johnson arrives at the St Ermin's Hotel in central London for his leadership campaign launch. 11.53am: Mr Johnson reveals the 'punchline' in his speech is he is not running for leader. 12.00pm: Nominations close. Five candidates have filed papers - Mrs May, Mr Gove, Ms Leadsom, Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb. 4.38pm: Tory MP Jake Berry tweets there is a 'very deep pit reserved in hell' for Mr Gove. 17.02pm: After hours of clips of him insisting he was neither capable of or interested in being Tory leader and Prime Minister, Mr Gove gives an interview explaining he decided to run after allies said 'Michael - it should be you!' Advertisement I believe that our membership of the European Union undermines that precious principle. In the EU we cannot make our own laws, control our own borders, choose our own destiny. I have held the same position on this for 25 years. That is why I campaigned as I did. I believed that Boris Johnson who had campaigned alongside me with such energy and enthusiasm could build and lead that team. I wanted that plan to work. I worked night and day for it. But I came to realise this week that, for all Boris's formidable talents, he was not the right person for the task. That realisation meant that I once more faced a difficult decision. Could I recommend to friends, colleagues and the country a course in which I no longer believed? I could not. I had to stand up for my convictions. I had to stand up for a different course for this country. I had to stand for the leadership of this party. This country voted for change and I am going to deliver it. I'm the candidate for leader who changed our education system. I'm the candidate for leader who is changing our prisons and our justice system. I'm the candidate for leader who led the case for change in this referendum campaign and the country voted for change. The country voted for no more politics as usual. No more business as usual. I am the candidate for change. Why am I so passionate about change? Because I know from my own life story that the right start in life can make so much difference. The first four months of my life were spent in care, before I was adopted by my wonderful parents my mum and dad Ernie and Christine. They went on to adopt my sister, who is profoundly deaf, and invested both of us with a love and support that informs everything I do today. I remember my mum explaining to me what adoption meant when I was still at primary school. 'Son,' she said to me, 'you didn't grow under my heart, you grew in it.' Whatever else I know, I know that if you invest love and care in any individual you can help them to make a difference, to write their own life story. Because my parents took a risk on me not knowing a thing about me. They believed that in everyone there is potential that by believing in someone, loving them, nurturing them, you can bring out that potential. And that is why I am standing here with a belief in human potential. With a belief in what our country can be. It's why I'm here in this room now. It's why I'm asking people to support me to become Prime Minister. Because all my political career I've been driven by conviction not ambition, by a belief in doing what's right not what's expedient, by wanting to pull levers that make things better not steer to the sound of applause. I stand by the promises that we made. I will see through this mandate because I passionately asked and argued for this mandate. And here is an important point. This referendum was about democratic accountability the principle that politicians must answer, as directly as possible, to the people who elected them. Because of that, I believe the next Prime Minister has to be on the winning side of the argument. Put simply: the best person to lead Britain out of the European Union is someone who argued to get Britain out of the European Union. That is best for the country to retain the trust of millions of voters and it is best for the Conservative party too. The vote to leave the European Union gives us the chance to renew and reboot the Union. We are taking back control of policy areas like agriculture and fishing that are vital to the economies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Parliament and devolved assemblies can enjoy new powers in these and other areas. I think we need to explore how we can develop a fairly-funded, flexible and robust Union for our new circumstances and I will work across political divides, with respect, to build that new Union. And all of us everyone on these islands needs the same thing now. What this country needs in a Prime Minister is not just a cool head but a heart burning with the desire for change. What this country needs is not just a plan to make do and mend but a vision to transform our country for the better. I have that vision to build an even more dynamic economy, and a society that is fundamentally more fair. The referendum laid bare divisions that are deep and damaging. It laid bare the truth about globalisation, free movement and the march of progress in recent decades: That it has left people behind. That it has left a stratified and unequal society. That it has broken the British contract which said: if you work hard and throw everything you've got into building a better life then that better life can be built. I am not an instinctive advocate for higher Government spending. But the evidence from the most successful start-up nations US and Israel is that thoughtful Government investment in science triggers a culture of innovation more widely that generates the businesses of the future. We need a national ambition to build 100s of thousands of new homes a year, both private and socially-rented led by someone who will not take no for an answer and who will push for diggers in the ground and homes for all come what may. We need to build on the growth in apprenticeships pushing without compromise for a first-class education for every child in this country and ensuring that those who do not go to university get the investment in the equipment and teaching they need to make a success of technical and vocational education. We need bold leadership both to negotiate our new relationship with the European union, and to pursue new trade deals with the rest of the world, with the US, the Commonwealth and the growing markets in South and East Asia. We need a tax structure that is simpler and fairer, which incentivises innovation, attracts investment and rewards hard work for people on lower wages. All of these changes will require leadership from someone with a track record of reform, a belief in the potential of the British people and a clear vision of what our future must look like. I can bring that leadership. We need a big and bold vision, too, for public services that are more decent, more human and more caring. In a world grown more impersonal, where the dictates of bureaucracies appear to over-ride the need for all of us to connect we need to rethink the whole idea of service. That means asking those who lead our public services not to be judged by the targets they hit every year but the difference they make to every life. Duo: Michael Gove and Boris Johnson pull pints on the EU campaign trail - Mr Gove has likened Boris to Princess Diana in his 'natural gift for celebrity' and has always in Boris Johnson's shadow I worry profoundly that those who enter public service with a vocation to devote themselves to others then find themselves trapped in structures where computer says no and there is never time or space for the human. I don't want prisons that are warehouses for criminals. Hospitals that have to operate like production lines. Social care that is bureaucratic and unfeeling. All these challenges call not for business-as-usual but for a bold vision. We need to change the incentives in many of our public services so people are rewarded for the difference they make to individual lives. We need to devolve far more power down to the front line not just to the individuals running our prisons, hospitals and schools but to those on the individual wings, wards and classrooms. And we need to create new routes into public service that build on the idealism and desire to make a difference of our very best young people. We need to build on that approach to get more hugely talented young people and career-switchers who have made a success in the private sector and now want to make a difference into public service. That should include working in prisons and probation, health and social care, providing social housing and running local government. Of course our most important public service will always be the NHS. And I want to say something clear and unambiguous about the future of the health service. Government has got to invest more money in our NHS. The people who work in it are heroic. They do an amazing job. But we need to face the fact that we need more money in order to deliver Jeremy Hunt's absolutely correct drive to guarantee even better standards of care. I will put my heart and soul into making sure that the care your son or daughter or mum or dad receives is the same I would want for my own family. Which is why I will take all the steps necessary to give the NHS at least another 100million per week by 2020. And we need, too, a big and bold vision to ensure that Britain continues to be the most decent and gentle country in the world. A place known for its tolerance. Where we treat each other with kindness and respect. In the Britain I want to build, where we live, how we love, the religions we follow, the places we come from these must be causes of celebration and joy, not division and suspicion. In his premiership, David Cameron made great strides on this not least by making it possible for gay people to marry the people they love. Yet no-one can deny that we have a long way to go. The referendum campaign exposed problems and prejudice that run deep. Healing these scars will be hard work. But the best of British can overcome the worst. If we put all our efforts into bringing people together. If we have a programme for national renewal that all of us can unite behind young, old, rich, not-rich, black, white, women, men. In the years to come, people will look at Britain not only as an economic powerhouse, not only as a place where each person is valued for their potential but also as the most civilised, humane, and progressive country on earth. We will not get there with a business-as-usual, steady-as-she-goes approach. Britain needs leadership that is bold, that is visionary. I stand here and I am standing for the leadership not as a result of calculation. I am standing with the burning desire to transform our country. I know I have the experience, the energy, and perhaps most importantly the sense of urgency. Because away from Westminster there is a country where far too many people are denied the chance to write their own life story, to use their God-given talents and be the best they can be. That is why I am standing here with a belief in human potential. With a belief in what our country can be. On this decision, as on all decisions, I asked myself these questions: What is the right thing to do. What does your heart tell you. The right thing to do is to stand for the leadership of my party and my country. Because my heart tells me that if we are bold, if we refuse to settle for business as usual, if we dare to dream and summon up all the qualities that have made this country the greatest in the world, then for Britain and its people our best days lie ahead. This has been an extraordinary, testing, momentous time for Britain. But we will make it through stronger and prouder. I'm asking for the chance to serve you and to change this country for the better 'I WISH HIM EVERY POSSIBLE SUCCESS!' SEETHING BORIS JOHNSON CAN BARELY CONCEAL HIS ANGER AT GOVE Boris Johnson's allies have threatened to castrate traitorous Michael Gove as the former mayor struggles to conceal his fury. Key supporter Ben Wallace MP said the Justice Secretary should share the fate of unfortunate Game of Thrones character Theon Greyjoy as Tory tensions escalated further. Mr Johnson was sent crashing out of the race for Downing Street yesterday after Mr Gove - who fought alongside him during the Brexit campaign - turned on him. Mr Johnson was forced to abandon his hopes of succeeding David Cameron within hours of Mr Gove's bombshell statement that he was not up to the job. Mr Gove formally launched his own candidacy this morning, shrugging off criticism he had no choice about stabbing Mr Johnson in the back. Boris Johnson was asked about Michael Gove's betrayal as he left his home in central London today He said his politics came from the 'heart' and portrayed himself as the 'change' candidate - saying he would pump 100million a week extra into the health service and end free movement to curb immigration once we leave the EU. Mr Gove argued that rival Theresa May was not suitable to lead the country now because she had supported a Remain vote. Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after he turned on his fellow Brexit champion. An aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' Tory MP Ben Wallace today even threatened to castrate the Justice Secretary. During a Twitter discussion comparing politicians to characters from Game of Thrones, Mr Wallace said Gove was 'Theon Greyjoy or will be by the time I am finished with him'. Greyjoy was brutally castrated in one of the most spectacularly gruesome scenes from the hit TV series. This morning former Chancellor Ken Clarke waded into the row, saying he should 'do us all a favour' and drop his leadership bid. On arrival in Tiverton, Mr Johnson posed for selfies with supporters but was challenged to apologise for racial abuse in the wake of the Brexit vote. Facebook user Jamie Nathaniel Carne Whyte posted on the social media site: 'We came to the Tory dinner in Tiverton to see Boris. Asked him to apologise for racial abuse received by my friend due to the vote that he caused. Might have called him a massive child...' Footage of Mr Johnson's arrival showed Mr Johnson being asked to 'apologise to my friend who has received racial abuse' before the heckler added: 'Boris you're a massive child'. Since the referendum result Mr Johnson has become a target for people angry at the vote to leave the European Union. Just hours after the Brexit camp's victory was announced, protesters shouted 'scum' and 'twat' at Mr Johnson as he emerged from his home. Accosted by journalists as he left his London home this morning, Mr Johnson was repeatedly asked whether he felt Mr Gove had 'betrayed' him. An uncharacteristically tetchy Mr Johnson pointedly declined to address the question directly. 'I cannot now, unfortunately, get on with what I wanted to do. That's up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success,' he said. The ex-mayor was also berated by a member of the public who said he was an 'absolute disgrace' and had run away from his responsibilities after helping to secure a Brexit vote. 'What have you done to this country?' the man said. Mr Johnson replied: 'It seems absolutely fine to me. Nonsense.' The former London mayor was told: 'You abandoned a sinking ship. Unleashed intolerance, inequality. Shocking behaviour.' Advertisement RICHARD KAY: A world away from the Aberdeen semi he once called home, can the man who was once Boris's Oxford bag-carrier defy his own claim that he doesn't look like a leader? By Richard Kay, Daily Mail Editor At Large To match his flawless manners, he tailors himself with fastidious care, rarely going tieless like other Tory modernisers. He keeps a dozen silk ties in his office in case one gets dirty. When he speaks, his modulated Scottish accent is a voice of quiet authority and calm. Sober and Presbytarian, then, but no puritan, Michael Gove has always been the hardest of Conservatives to pin down. With his background as the adopted son of a fish merchant, he cannot be labelled a toff, but then neither is he a typical traditionalist. Reasonableness is the word most often used to describe him. Until yesterday. Ruthlessness will now have to be added to the description. Scroll down for video Campaign trail: As he launched his bid to be the next prime minister Michael Gove (pictured today) has found his ruthless streak Growing up: 11-month-old Michael Gove clutches the hand of his mother Christine at the beach in Scotland Yet that is a word his former classmates at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen never thought they would hear used to describe him. Then again, they didn't expect that the boy who did not excel at games, and yet made friends with all the sporty students, would today be pushing to get his foot into the door of 10 Downing Street. Gove won a scholarship to the private school. 'He was a complete dweeb in the classic way, studious, fantastically bright but awkward, too,' a fellow pupil recalled yesterday. 'But Michael also possessed sufficient charm and speed of mind to make friends. He was likeable. 'If he had an ambition at school I thought it might be for journalism not politics. He never struck me as Machiavellian, and I would not say he had the wherewithal to get people to follow him over the top.' Family: Mr Gove as an eight-year old with his parents Ernest and Christine and sister Angela, five, with pet dog Tobby Only a week ago, it seemed that Michael Gove was still living up to that schoolboy assessment. He was the figure we expected to see settling into intense concentration as he set about unpicking our ties with Europe, and beginning the trading negotiations with other nations. This, remember, was a man described by a former mentor as having 'the precious skill of making people who don't agree with him like him and respect him'. Even the teaching unions with whom he fought so brutally - as Education Secretary - to transform the life chances of British children acknowledged that he could be personable. These were the characteristics that made him such a formidable figure in the Brexit campaign. If Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson were the front-men for Leave, Gove was the brains making the case for exiting the European Union with the same passion he showed as president of his old school's debating society. According to this script, his skills were those of the consigliere, the number two who used to joke that like the late Robin Cook he did not 'look' like a leader. This was shorthand for conceding that in this looks-driven, televisual world, bespectacled Gove did not possess voter appeal. What many in his parliamentary party feel he does possess, however - in a political world where expediency and opportunism is the order of the day - is integrity and principle. It was his Eurosceptic convictions that first brought him into bitter conflict with his close friend and Prime Minister David Cameron a friendship now said to be in tatters. And yesterday it lead to him breaking faith with Boris Johnson in a volte face which some on the Brexit side branded one of the greatest acts of modern political betrayal. In backing Boris then destroying him, Gove has placed himself at the centre of a drama that could have come straight from the TV political drama House Of Cards. In many ways, theirs was always an unlikely alliance given the marked difference in their social backgrounds. Boris was an old Etonian and scholar at Balliol College, Oxford, whereas Gove was a provincial nobody who won a place at the university's Lady Margaret Hall. Born in Edinburgh to an unmarried young woman, at the age of four months Gove was adopted and brought up in a three-bedroom Aberdeen semi. His adoptive father Ernest left school at 16 and went into north-east Scotland's then-thriving fish industry. His mother Christine was a shop assistant. They adopted a younger sister for Michael five years later. No one in the family had gone to university, yet the boy from Aberdeen won that place at Oxford, where he rapidly established himself as one of its most gifted speakers. He was seen as 'classless', a priceless asset, these days, in a Tory party perceived to be top heavy with old school ties. Gove also put his charm and likeability to good use, and became something of a ladies man. 'Michael was not conventionally good looking, well he wasn't really good looking at all, but he could charm a girl and he could make you laugh,' recalls a fellow undergraduate. 'It was a winning combination.' A smiling Michael Gove at 14 months at the home of his adopted parents in Aberdeen - he paid tribute to them in his leadership speech today Success: Mr Gove, aged ten and aged 15, was described by school friends as 'studious, fantastically bright but awkward' Proud: Mr and Mrs Gove with their son as he started at Oxford in 1985, where he attended Lady Margaret Hall and would go on to be Oxford Union president Mr Gove's parents, who could not have children, also adopted a baby girl whom they called Angela, who was five years younger, pictured together here when the MP left Aberdeen for Oxford Two years ago, it emerged from an archived report in Cherwell, the student newspaper, that Gove, then president of the Oxford Union, had gone to bed with two girls and two male students. Nothing much happened. Kubes, the most significant figure in his life before his marriage to Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine, with whom he has a son and a daughter. It was at university that Michael Gove's political instincts and ambitions were honed. Yet he was always in Boris Johnson's shadow. He became Boris's 'stooge' and bag carrier when Boris stood to be the President of the Oxford Union. Boris was first to make it to Parliament, and when it seemed he would stand down as editor of The Spectator magazine in 2001, Gove hoped to succeed him. 'He has been in Boris's shadow all his adult life, always taken for granted, the 'brains' but never the star player, up until this week,' says one figure. 'But a voice has been saying to him: you're just as clever, just as admired, you can do it. I think the enormity of the betrayal by Gove as Boris sees it shook him to his foundations, and somehow took the fight out of him yesterday, which is why Boris stepped back.' If this was the case, then not for the first time in his career Boris Johnson seriously underestimated his former ally. There was just a hint of what was to come in one of BoJo's earlier setbacks, when he was fired from the Shadow Cabinet by then Tory leader Michael Howard after The Spectator under his editorship ran an article castigating the people of Liverpool. In a waspish commentary for The Times, where he was then a leader writer, Gove likened Boris to Princess Diana in his 'natural gift for celebrity'. If it was meant as a compliment, it was almost certainly backhanded one as he leavened his fondness for Johnson's irreverence with a critique of his 'misjudgment of quite stonking proportions'. Since Gove left journalism to become the MP for Surrey Heath, he has developed his own brand of traditional Conservatism. It's interesting to note that as a teenager he was instinctively socialist. It was the invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1981 that was his Damascene moment because it resulted in a Conservative leader - Margaret Thatcher confronting a fascist dictator in Argentina's General Galtieri. Mrs Thatcher, Gove concluded, was a leader who did not flinch in the face of tyranny and believed Britain's best years still lay ahead. 'So by the time I arrived at university I knew that I was a Conservative. 'I believed that Arthur Scargill (the miners' leader) had to be defeated because he was an unrepentant Marxist but I also knew that the disappearance of the coal industry has been a tragedy for communities.' In his first ministerial post at Education in the coalition Government, he had pictures of the Soviet leader Lenin, the black American activist Malcolm X and Lady Thatcher hanging on his office wall. Latterly, at the Justice department, it was Martin Luther King, the Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Churchill. His other great hero, surprisingly, has been Tony Blair. He regards the former Labour leader's autobiography A Journey as the bible for any committed reformer. The battles Gove fought with the teaching unions to raise standards in classrooms served notice that this was a man who would stand up for what he believed. In the first party conference after the 2010 election victory, he let everyone know what he had in mind. The study of classic authors such as Byron and Keats, Dickens and Thomas Hardy, who had largely fallen out of the curriculum, would be reinstated. He believed standards in science and maths were not good enough, undermined by Left-wing ideologies that preached that schools 'shouldn't be doing anything so old-fashioned as passing on knowledge, requiring children to work hard, or immersing them in anything like dates in history, or times tables in mathematics'. This approach, he said, had condemned countless children to what he called 'a prison house of ignorance'. Close: Mr Gove was demoted by his friend David Cameron, pictured with his wife Sarah Vine, who called it a 'shabby days' work that Cameron will live to regret' For millions of parents, worried about falling standards, his aims were a breath of fresh air. And it was clear that Gove's own humble origins were behind his drive towards 'creating ladders of opportunity'. For the teaching unions, however, his plans spelled trouble. And there was trouble, the kind that David Cameron has spent his premiership trying to avoid. Suddenly two years ago Gove, the most energetic and practical Education Secretary of recent times, was demoted to Chief Whip. His friendship with Cameron survived only because of his loyalty to the party. Even so Gove's wife Sarah Vine endorsed a Mail article that said of her husband's demotion: 'A shabby days' work that Cameron will live to regret.' Now, Gove and Cameron's split over Europe has been final. But while Cameron is preparing to move his family out of Downing Street, Gove is the one aiming to take over. Pilgrims joining Hajj this year will be given bracelets containing personal information so they can be identified if they die in a stampede after 2,000 died last year. The high-tech safety measure will help authorities in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to provide care 'and identify people' in the event of a disaster. At least 2,297 pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24 during last year's hajj, according to data from foreign officials. Scroll down for video Pilgrims joining Hajj this year will be given bracelets containing personal information so they can be identified if they die in a stampede after 2,000 died last year. A man injured during last year's crush is helped by medics The high-tech safety measure will help authorities in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to provide care 'and identify people' in the event of a disaster However, Saudi Arabia issued a death toll of 769 after what was the worst disaster in hajj history. Some authorities later expressed concerns about the difficulty in identifying the victims. The bracelets are water resistant, connected to a GPS location system, and store each pilgrim's personal information including address and medical records, the Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the interior minister who also chairs the hajj committee, ordered a probe immediately after the stampede disaster last year but there has been no word on its findings. At least 2,297 pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24 during last year's hajj, according to data from foreign officials The tragedy happened as pilgrims made their way in searing temperatures to the Jamarat, the place where they ritually stone the devil in the city of Mina in western Saudi Arabia. The hajj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has piled on around six and a half stone since he took power four years ago, bingeing on food and drink, South Korea's spy agency said Friday. The young leader is also suffering from insomnia and is paranoid about his personal safety, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to a parliamentary committee behind closed doors. When he took over from his late father in 2012, Kim's weight was believed to be 14 stone. Scroll down for video Kim Jong-un, pictured has piled on more than five stone since taking over from his father in 2012 At the time of Kim Jong-Il's death in 2011, Kim Jong-un, pictured, weighed an estimated 14 stone Experts believe that Kim, pictured here in June 2016, now weighs more than 20.5 stone He bulked up to almost 19 stone 2014 and to almost 20.5 stone this year, a ruling Saenuri Party politician Lee Cheol-Woo told journalists after intelligence briefing. Lee claimed: '(According to NIS), he is suffering from insomnia. 'He keeps a close tab on any potential threats to his power, including the military, and he is obsessed with ensuring his personal safety'. 'Because of his habitual binge eating and drinking, he is likely to develop adult diseases.' On top of being grossly overweight, he is often seen with a cigarette in his hand as he inspects plants, construction sites and farms. South Korean spies believe Kim Jong-un, right, was around 14 stone when his father Kim Jong Il, left, died Now, South Korean spies believe Kim, centre, is now in the region of 20.5 stone due to his unhealthy lifestyle Intelligence chiefs believe Kim, pictured, right in 2010, is increasingly paranoid about his personal safety Kim's father Kim Jong-Il and grandfather Kim Il-Sung were also obese and heavy smokers. Both died of heart attacks. The NIS also confirmed Kim's once-powerful aunt Kim Kyong-Hui is still alive despite her prolonged absence from public view following the execution of her husband, Jang Song-Taek. Lee said: 'She fell into alcoholism after the execution of her husband but she is now under special care in Pyongyang's suburbs.' Jang, once number two in the North, was executed in late 2013 on an array of charges, including treason and corruption. A victim of one of Britain's most notorious paedophiles arrested after MailOnline tracked him down in the Philippines where he was abusing scores of young boys celebrated his 24 year sentence today and added: 'I hope he dies in jail'. Morbidly obese Douglas Slade, 75 one of the founders of the 1970s organisation Paedophile Information Exchange was convicted for a catalogue of historic sex offences dating back 50 years. Speaking today, the victim who was persuaded by our investigation to testify against the serial predator, slammed the length of time it had taken to bring Slade to justice, saying it was a 'disgrace' it had taken so long. Caught: Slade targeted young boys for years both in the UK and in the Philippines where he fled in the 1980s Vile: Douglas Slade was sentenced to 24 years in prison after he was found guilty of abusing five boys between 1965 and 1980 Finally brought to justice: Slade was arrested four days after the Mail Online published a story about him in 2014, revealing he picked boys off the street and abused them Wealthy Slade was arrested at his home in Angeles City in December 2014 just four days after MailOnline revealed how he had abused scores of boys as young as eight for years but repeatedly paid off police and officials to avoid arrest. The brazen 22-stone paedophile had built a house overlooking a primary school playground in one of the city's poorest districts and lured boys into his home where he would pay them the equivalent of the price of a pair of flip-flops for sex acts. In response to our expose, MailOnline was contacted by a victim abused by Slade in Britain in 1979 when he was just 14 and passed between Slade and other members of Paedophile Information Exchange, including Christopher Skeaping, who was sentenced with Slade today. We persuaded the victim, now in his 50s, to contact police in the UK and he provided vital testimony that led to Slade's extradition to Britain last September so that he could stand trial for abusing a total of five boys between 1965 and 1980. At his trial, Slade was found guilty of six serious sexual offences and seven charges of indecent assault. Skeaping, 72, was found guilty of one charge of indecent assault committed in 1980. In court today, a man sitting in the public gallery held up a sign which said: 'The Filipino children you abused for years have no voice. I have no voice for the harm you did to me. Rot in jail Slade'. Sentencing Slade, Judge Euan Ambrose told him: 'Your past has caught up with you. A past about which you appear wholly unrepentant.' 'You targeted boys whose home lives were chaotic and who were especially vulnerable to the treats and excitement and apparent affection that you and others offered. 'The lives of those young boys were profoundly affected by what you did. 'It is only through their courage as adults coming forward that it has been possible to bring this and other prosecutions.' Slade was first exposed as a paedophilia advocate along with Skeaping in1975 and was dubbed one of the 'Vilest Men in Britain' by a national newspaper which caught him telling fellow deviants: 'If you want to have sex with children don't bottle it up do it.' His sick group Paedophile Information Exchange which Jimmy Savile has been linked to openly campaigned for legal sex between adults and children in the 1970s and 1980s and lobbied for a lowering of the age of consent. Disgusting: The case was brought after MailOnline exposed his activities in the Philippines, where he had been abusing boys as young as eight, and then paying the authorities repeatedly to look the other way Anger: The story prompted a victim of Slade, pictured with Christopher Skeaping, to speak come forward - and MailOnline persuaded him to go to the police to report the abuse Exposed: As far back as 1975 Douglas Slade was revealed to be a supporter of sex with children but fled Britain after he was caught on tape boasting that people should just have sex with minors if they wanted Slade's trial heard how he bragged about his prominent position in the evil network and ran a helpline to give advice to 'distressed' men on how to abuse children who resisted them. Slade, originally from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, fled to the Philippines in the 1980s and grew wealthy through a business supplying food to hotels and restaurants, while exploiting the country's poverty and corruption to continually abuse young boys. No compassion: The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said the Mail Online's report made him realsie Slade, pictured in a recent police mugshot, had no remorse - prompting him to speak out In 1995, he was warned he faced up to 40 years jail after being arrested at his previous home in Angeles City for allegedly molesting three boys aged 12 and 13. He denied the charges, claiming he had only given the boys 'grandfatherly kisses'. The charges were dropped after Slade boasted on camera how he could pay off the prosecutor or pay the children's families to drop the charges in return for money. He said his lawyer would discuss terms with the families 'like Michael Jackson discussed terms'. When MailOnline confronted him in December 2014 over his abuse of young boys in the neighbourhood, he shouted from his balcony overlooking the primary school: 'Nothing good ever comes of talking to journalists. I've been bothered by arseholes like you for 35 years.' He stormed back inside his house when we took his picture, bellowing: 'I don't want my picture in the papers. I'm 73 years old. You're an evil b*****d.' Four days later, he was arrested on child sex abuse charges. As in every previous case, Slade escaped prosecution for his final child sex offences in the Philippines because Britain successfully had him extradited less than 10 months later. Speaking from his home in the UK yesterday as Slade was sentenced, the UK victim who contacted MailOnline following our December 2014 investigation said: 'Your reporting helped me to find a voice. 'When I read your article and saw how he had no remorse or compassion or conceptual understanding of the impact of his actions I decided to speak out. Your encouraging words telling me to go to the police led to this good result today.' Predator: The victim testified for 4.5 hours about the abuse at the hands of Slade (above) in 1979 and was a key witness at the Bristol trial Danger: In 2014, MailOnline revealed Slade had built a house directly opposite a primary school in Angeles City, pictured above. We were told that he is preying on children at the school and paying 2 for 'sex acts' Scared: Parents in the neighbourhood tried to protect their children, with some even moving house The victim, who testified for 4.5 hours and was a key witness at the Bristol trial, added: 'The tragedy of all this is that the police knew about Slade from the early 1970s but he was allowed to continue to molest young children for his own sexual gratification while the authorities did nothing. That makes me very angry. 'Slade has been a lifelong abuser of children and known to the UK police and press since the 1970s and to the Philippines authorities since the 1980s and nothing was done to address this. That is a crime in itself. 'We have sex tourism laws but Slade used his financial ability to pay off official and families. It is a disgrace that he avoided prosecution for so long.' He praised the officer in charge of the UK inquiry into the historic offences, saying: 'DC Paul Melton made what could have been a difficult personal journey less arduous. Giving evidence was scary and court was scary but I'm very happy with the outcome today.' Father Shay Cullen, an Irish missionary who runs an anti-child abuse charity in the Philippines called the Preda Foundation, welcomed the news of Slade's sentencing. Disgust: 'The tragedy of all this is that the police knew about Slade from the early 1970s but he was allowed to continue to molest young children while the authorities did nothing,' the victim said Welcomed: Back in the Philippines, Father Shay Cullen, an Irish missionary who runs an anti-child abuse charity, was relieved to hear he had 'finally got what he deserved' Let down: 'I only regret that he was never convicted here the Philippines for his alleged acts of abuse against Filipino children,' Father Shay told MailOnline Father Shay, who fought for years to have Slade brought to justice, said: 'He has finally got what he truly deserves and I only regret that he was never convicted here the Philippines for his alleged acts of abuse against Filipino children. 'The Preda Foundation brought cases to court for the victims but they were dismissed despite strong evidence of guilt. WHAT WAS THE PAEDOPHILE INFORMATION EXCHANGE? The Paedophile Information Exchange was formed in 1974 and was affiliated to the National Council for Civil Liberties. The group campaigned for 'children's sexuality' and wanted the government to lower the age of consent. Adults who were in 'legal difficulties concerning sexual acts with consenting 'under age' partners'. were offered support. But the organisation's real wish was to normalise sex with children. PIE tied to link itself with the fight for gay rights in the 1980s and focused on the idea of sexual liberation which won itself some supporters. But that focus took attention away from PIE's work to make it easier for paedophiles to operate. Advertisement 'The Philippine justice system in Angeles City failed the children completely. Slade was able to escape justice and allegedly continue abusing children. The corrupt officials ignored the children's rights.' Slade was held for months in the Bicutan immigration detention centre in Manila before being deported to Britain to face trial. He bragged there that he would dodge justice by getting a connecting flight to Cyprus as soon as he reached Britain, a former inmate said. Briton Gypsy Nirvana, accused of being involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cannabis seeds in the US, said Slade boasted of his VIP connections and was so loathed by other foreigners in the detention centre he had to be put in solitary confinement in a medical centre. 'Slade hardly ever stopped talking and boasted about having many influential political friends in the Philippines and the UK who would help him out in business and when he was charged with various child sex offences. 'He claimed he was good pals with Cyril Smith in the 1970s and 1980s and that he would regularly go sailing with him.' The mother of a boy abused by Slade at his home in Angeles City three years ago when he was just nine years old said yesterday: 'I am glad that he is in prison in the UK. I want him blacklisted from every returning here. 'It is better he is in prison in the UK because every time he was arrested he paid money and he was released. There is no justice in the Philippines. Christy Sheats called a family meeting but pulled out a gun and shot girls Two daughters shot dead by their own mother have been laid to rest at a private funeral. Family and friends said goodbye to Madison Sheats, 17, and her sister Taylor, 22, who were murdered by Christy Sheats, 42. It has emerged the Texas mom was seeking therapy for depression and was on a number of mental illness medications. The girls were fatally shot after their mother called a family meeting at their Fulshear home, west of Houston, Texas. Investigators say she had 'had ample time' to shoot Jason Sheats during the horrific attack but had chosen to keep him alive to 'make him suffer'. Scroll down for video Christy Sheats (left) who fatally shot her two daughters spared her estranged husband Jason (right) because she 'wanted him to suffer', a sheriff said Wednesday The 42-year-old shot her daughters Madison (left) and Taylor Sheats (right) after a family dispute 'She accomplished what she set out to do, and that is to make him suffer,' Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said during a news conference. Tension among the family had been brewing and Taylor had recently argued with her mother about plans to marry her boyfriend Juan Sebastian Lugo. Her mom wanted to ground her daughter and prevent her from seeing her boyfriend, while her husband had argued it was inappropriate to ground someone of Taylor's age. On the night of the shooting, on June 24, Jason had arrived at the home after his estranged wife called a family meeting. He told officers he believed she was going to discuss their crumbling marriage and possible divorce with their daughters. Instead, Christy Sheats pulled out a pistol and shot their daughters. Jason and his daughters fled out outside where Taylor collapsed, witnesses said. Neighbors said the dad, 45, could only watch in horror as his wife shot their children on his birthday. Jason Sheats (center) escaped unscathed but was taken to hospital because he was distraught Madison (right) worked as a babysitter, while Taylor (left) was a student at Lone Star College Christy followed them out, reloaded her gun and shot Madison in the back, a witness said. Madison was pronounced dead at the scene, while Taylor was airlifted to a hospital in a critical condition, where she later died. A responding officer later shot and killed Christy when she refused orders to drop her gun. Jason escaped unscathed, but he was taken to hospital due to his distress. A police officer heard him pleading with his wife before she was shot dead, neighbor Fazz Zainuddin told Click2Houston. '[The officer] heard the dad say, "Don't do this. They're our kids",' Zainuddin said. 'The cops were behind the trees and behind the cars, and they told the mom to put the gun down and obviously she did not,' Zainuddin said. He said Christy had walked towards her daughter Madison's body still holding the pistol. 'I guess the cop was afraid he was going to shoot her again,' he added. The sheriff's office released 911 calls this week that captured the panic in the neighborhood on Friday. In the first call, a woman is heard crying, 'Please. Forgive me. Please. Don't shoot.' After a scream, she cries, 'Please. I'm sorry,' and 'Please. Don't point that gun at her.' Another woman is heard saying: 'I promise you, whatever you want,' before the call is disconnected. Christy Sheats (pictured) was killed by a responding police officer after she refused to drop her pistol Christy (right with Madison left) refused to drop her pistol when authorities arrived on the scene, and a Fulshear police officer was forced to shoot her In a second call, a woman is heard saying, weakly: 'She shot 'em.' A neighbor during a third call describes the daughters lying in the street in front of their house. They describe Christy kneeling over her eldest daughter and shooting her. Officers had responded to a 911 call around 5pm on Friday. They arrived to find the two daughters, who had already been shot, lying outside the home in the 6000 block of Remson Hollow Lane. Christy, originally from Decatur, Alabama, was next to them with a gun in her hand, apparently preparing to shoot one of her daughters again. The officer shot and killed her after she refused to drop her pistol, authorities said. Sheriff Nehls said Christy's life appeared to unravel in 2012 following the death of her grandfather, who she saw as a mentor. Her mother died a few months later. Her grandfather had given her the .38-caliber handgun used to kill her daughters. Sheats had previously applied for a gun license to carry the weapon but was denied, the sheriff said, adding that authorities are investigating why she was denied. Justin said that his wife of more than 20 years had been suffering from severe depression and would drink heavily. She was admitted on three separate occasions to a private mental health facility and had been suicidal and suffered from depression. Sheats also had been unemployed since 2012. Christy and Jason had recently reunited after being separated, another neighbor told ABC13. Meanwhile, other neighbors in Fulshear expressed shock when they heard of the shooting. Police arrived to find the two daughters lying outside the home in the 6000 block of Remson Hollow Lane 'The mother was nice,' one said. 'You wouldn't expect if they told you this is what was going to happen.' Austin Enke, who went to high school with one of the girls, said he thought he heard fireworks at first. 'It's crazy. The neighborhood has never seen this kind of thing before. It's always quiet,' he told KHOU. 'This is surprising. They never showed any kind of thing that was wrong with them whatsoever,' Christy posted a photo of her two daughters on Facebook in September last year. She wrote: 'Happy Daughter's Day to my two amazing, sweet, kind, beautiful, intelligent girls. I love and treasure you both more than you could ever possibly know.' Tributes poured in for Taylor, who went to Lone Star College, and Madison, a student at Seven Lakes High School, on Facebook on Saturday. Taylor's friend Joanna Higgins wrote on their high school alumni page: 'I'm in utter shock. She was so talented and had a heart of gold. God rest her soul and those mourning her loss.' Madison's former teacher Whitney Mae Bruce wrote: 'My heart is broken this morning to find that my sweet Madison Sheats lost her life. 'Always positive and smiling, Madison quickly became one of my favorite students four years ago while teaching for the first time in Katy. A KFC spokeswoman said the incident was not a health hazard She called the store to complain and was offered more chicken Brisbane mother found something that 'looked like a brain' in her A KFC customer said she will never eat at the fast food chain again after biting into something that 'looked like a brain' while eating a piece of fried chicken. The woman, who did not want to be named, was forced to spit her food out after she tasted something 'foul', The Courier Mail reported. She purchased the chicken from Redbank KFC, in south-east Queensland, on Thursday night according to Facebook comments. A KFC customer said she will never eat at the takeaway chain again after biting into something that 'looked like a brain' while eating a piece of fried chicken 'I called up the store because we'd already had issues with other parts of the meal,' she told the publication. 'The potato and gravy smelt like a cigarette tray and tasted like cigarettes.' She said that she called the store where she bought the meal and was offered a gift card. 'Well I got a phone call this morning [Friday]. They said how sorry they are and they would like to gift me a free bucket of chicken....ahh no thanks after both myself and my partner were sick late last night. Most likely from this sad excuse of food,' the woman posted on Facebook. A KFC spokeswoman said the company was sorry for the customer's experience, but assured it was not a health issue. 'Our chicken is hand-prepared and cooked fresh, but occasionally mistakes happen and organs are not removed when they should have been,' the spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. A vulnerable surrogate mother who gave birth to a gay couple's baby after meeting them in a fast food restaurant has been allowed to keep the little boy because she can give him a better home. The woman, who is in her early 20s, agreed to carry the couple's baby for 9,000 after meeting them through a Facebook surrogacy site. But, even before the eggs were implanted, the woman got cold feet - and later completely changed her mind. It led to a 'distressing' battle between the two parties, which ended up at the High Court. Today, in a unique decision, a top family judge ruled the baby should live with his birth mother - even though they are not genetically related - because she was more 'emotionally available'. A High Court judge has ruled that a vulnerable surrogate mother who gave birth to a gay couple's baby after meeting them in a fast food restaurant should be allowed to keep the child. Pictured: London's High Court In a judgement from the Family Division of the High Court in London, Ms Justice Russell said it was better for the child's welfare to stay with the mother because she provided a 'warmth' which the two men could not. Even though one of the men was the boy's biological father, she said that 'genetic ties' were 'not a trump card'. She also said that the couple's more stable situation - including having 'professional' jobs and a much higher income - did not override the woman's 'commitment, willingness and ability' to give the little boy what he needed to thrive. The child was born with learning difficulties last summer. The judge said: 'She is better placed to meet his emotional needs. 'She is, quite apparently, more emotionally available and has a greater instinctive understanding of his emotional needs.' But the judge also warned that the the case was 'yet another example' of the difficulties created by unregulated surrogacy arrangements and had been 'distressing' for all involved. 'This unregulated form of surrogacy means that there are, on the one side, vulnerable surrogates, and on the other commissioning parents who are legally unprotected from unpredictable outcomes,' she said. The judgement described how the couple reached an 'informal, ad hoc' surrogacy deal with the mother after contacting her on a Facebook site. In March 2014, the trio then met at a fast food restaurant next to a railway station where she signed an agreement in a meeting which lasted just two hours. The couple already had access to frozen eggs and the woman was flown out to Cyprus for the procedure. The woman, who is in her early 20s, agreed to carry the couple's baby for 9,000 after meeting them through a Facebook surrogacy site, but later changed her mind (stock image) But, even before the procedure, she started to change her mind. She then told the couple that she had miscarried, in a secret bid to keep the baby. They only discovered she was still pregnant shortly before the birth and demanded that she hand over the child. The mother said she felt 'used' by the couple and that their treatment of her during her pregnancy was 'unsympathetic, demeaning and demanding'. But the couple insisted they had 'behaved impeccably' towards her and spoke of their 'sense of victimhood and grievance' at being denied their own child. The judgement said the woman was of 'limited income' and lived with her partner, employed as a manual worker, in modest rented accommodation, where the atmosphere was 'loving and joyful'. In contrast, the two men were 'professionals' - one an academic and another a charity adviser - and in a 'much more secure' social and economic position. But Mrs Justice Russell said the couple's home did not appear to be particularly 'child-friendly'. 'The warmth of each family itself is where the real difference lies, not just within the home itself but in the warmth that extends beyond four walls to others', said the judge. The judge said that, under English law, the mother is the boy's legal parent and there could be 'no question' of changing that. Her right to be recognised as the child's mother was 'unconditional' and could only be given up if she freely gave consent. Ms Justice Russell said the boy would be able to stay in contact with the men. She said the woman would be able to treat the men in a 'open and generous way' and allow the little boy to develop a good relationship with them, by seeing them every eight weeks. His birth certificate will also be changed so that he will bear his biological father's surname. In his latest lawsuit, Chris Sevier has argued yet again that he has a right to marry his Macbook if same-sex couples have a right to marry An army veteran with a history of filing longshot lawsuits is suing the Utah County Clerk over a rejection of his request to marry his computer. In his latest lawsuit, Chris Sevier has argued yet again that he has a right to marry his Macbook if same-sex couples have a right to marry. Sevier sued the state of Utah and the Salt Lake County Clerk earlier this year before deciding to drop the lawsuit. He's also sued other states including Texas. Now he has sued county clerk Bryan Thompson, who said of the matter: 'Nothing surprises me anymore.' Utah County Attorney Jeff Buhman says his office will move to get the case dismissed, according to The Daily Herald. Sevier says he is willing to take the case to the Supreme Court. Sevier has another lawsuit challenging on religious grounds a Utah law allowing Internet service providers to charge for filtering pornography. In 2014, he filed a motion to the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeal arguing that if same-sex couples were allowed to wed, he should be able to tie the knot with his laptop. The amateur model claimed computers were his 'preferred sexual object' and enjoyed sex with the devices more than with 'real women'. He tried to marry the device, which he said was laden with porn, but the licence was rejected by Utah officials on the grounds of 'sexual orientation'. His actions bear similarities to Her, a Spike Jonze film in which the protagonist, played by Joaquin Phoenix, falls in love with his operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Jonze picked up the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay Scroll down for video Sevier, an amateur model, has claimed computers are his 'preferred sexual object' and enjoyed sex with the devices more than with 'real women' In his motion from two years ago, which was 50 pages long, Mr Sevier stated: 'They discriminated against me when they rejected my request to marry my computer.' 'I approached the Utah clerk to have a marriage licence issued for me and my machine-spouse.' 'The clerk denied my request for a marriage licence my object of affection was outside the scope of the narrow definition. 'If gays have the right to marry their object of sexual desire, even if they lack corresponding sexual parts, then I should have the right to marry my preferred sexual object,' he added. The motion continued: 'The true question presented here is whether traditional marriage is a relationship that is stand alone and unequal to all other forms of sexual and spiritual unions.' 'The Constitutionality of the law in dispute narrowly defines marriage between one man and one women, not one man and one man, one woman and one woman, one man and one machine, one man and one animal.' To strengthen the 2014 claim, Mr Sevier cited legal precedents from around the world - including a case where a woman married a dolphin and a Chinese man wed a cardboard cutout of himself. Comparison: Sevier's situation is similar to the film Her, where a man, played by Joaquin Phoenix (pictured), falls in love with his operating system The courts in the US found his argument was not persuasive enough, and ruled against him. A judge said it was 'removed from reality' and had 'no place' in an ongoing lawsuit, which is challenging the premise of same-sex marriage legislation. Mr Sevier has previously sued Apple claiming the tech giant should have blocked him from accessing porn when he, apparently by accident, typed 'F***book.com instead of Facebook into Google. A 14-year-old Muslim boy who was arrested after teachers mistook a clock he made for a bomb has returned to the US with a deeper knowledge of his religion and a desire to change the world. Ahmed Mohamed has returned home to Texas for the summer after his brush with the law at Irving MacArthur High School led his family to move to Qatar. During his eight months in the Middle East, Mohamed said he visited the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia with his family and enjoyed learning more about Islam at school, where the religion is embedded in the curriculum. The teen, who has an invitation to work as an intern at Twitter this summer, hopes to attend MIT and utilize his knack for inventing to help those in need. Scroll down for video Muslim teenager Ahmed Mohamed smiles as he arrives back in Dallas, Texas, nine months after he moved to Qatar with his family He was taken to a juvenile detention center after teachers at Irving MacArthur High School mistook his homemade digital clock for a bomb The teenager received an outpouring of support on social media following his arrest, and President Barack Obama even invited him to the White House The publicity also made him subject to online harassment, but Mohamed said he chooses to take the high road and not let negative comments bother him Mohamed was arrested in September after a teacher mistook his homemade digital clock for a bomb. Speaking after his release from a juvenile detention center, Ahmed said: 'It made me feel like a I wasn't a human. It made me feel like I was a criminal.' His family questioned whether he was mistreated due to his religion and eventually left Irving, Texas, after reporting threats. The teenager said he had to adjust to the school system in Qatar, where subjects like biology and chemistry are covered in the span of six weeks, the Dallas News reported. But the teenager appreciated the chance to take classes on the Quran and history of Islam, saying: 'I felt good being able to learn my religion because it wasn't an opportunity I had here in the US.' Mohamed added that he missed the diversity in America, and said he hoped his story could serve as a positive talking point about the challenges Muslims face. He said: 'I want to help change Texas for a better state, and I hope that not just for Texas, but the entire world. 'People sometimes don't want to admit their mistakes, and sometimes the best thing to do is to help them change.' He now plans to travel around the country. Facebook, MIT and NASA have contacted him through social media, asking him to visit while he's in the country Ahmed (pictured left, in handcuffs and right, after his arrest) also hinted that there is a chance he will be finishing school in the United States The teenager received an outpouring of support on social media following his arrest, and President Barack Obama even invited him to the White House. The publicity also made him subject to online harassment, but Mohamed said he chooses to take the high road and not let negative comments bother him. 'I've matured more. It's normal to mature but I've matured way more since I got a little bit of publicity, and I'm happy for it, ' he said. The teen's father Mohamed Elhassan Mohamed told FOX4: 'It's beautiful to be here in USA. 'It is our home and it is our country and we love it. As you see, if there is something wrong, America will stand for it and that is what happened. He also sees the incident as an important lesson for his son, and said: 'You can't get honey without the sting of the bee.' During his visit to the US, the teen hopes to visit NASA, Facebook, and MIT, where he one day hopes to double-major in physics and electrical engineering. His experiences outside the US have inspired him to help people access medicine and electricity. 'There's a lot of trouble going on around the world right now. 'I just want to invent,' Ahmed said. 'I want to help the world a lot, and it would be amazing to see my creations in action.' Ahmed said he built the clock in his bedroom in about 20 minutes using a circuit board, a digital display and several wires. He enclosed the device into a pencil case with a tiger hologram on the front. Ahmed said he first showed his invention to his engineering teacher, who gave him some advice. 'He was like, 'That's really nice. I would advise you not to show that to other teachers.'' He kept the clock in his bag, but it started to beep later in the day during an English class. He showed his clock to the teacher who said it looked like a bomb. He said he made the clock using a circuit board, a digital display and put it into a metal 'pencil box'. The teenager said he did not lock the box as he 'did not want it to look suspicious'. Instead he secured it with a cable. Advertisement Boris Johnson's allies have threatened to castrate traitorous Michael Gove as the former mayor struggles to conceal his fury. Key supporter Ben Wallace MP said the Justice Secretary should share the fate of unfortunate Game of Thrones character Theon Greyjoy as Tory tensions escalated further. Mr Johnson was sent crashing out of the race for Downing Street yesterday after Mr Gove - who fought alongside him during the Brexit campaign - turned on him. Mr Johnson was forced to abandon his hopes of succeeding David Cameron within hours of Mr Gove's bombshell statement that he was not up to the job. Mr Gove formally launched his own candidacy this morning, shrugging off criticism he had no choice about stabbing Mr Johnson in the back. Scroll down for video Boris Johnson was asked about Michael Gove's betrayal as he left his home in central London today Justice Secretary Mr Gove formally launched his campaign today, shrugging off criticism that he had stabbed the former mayor in the back He said his politics came from the 'heart' and portrayed himself as the 'change' candidate - saying he would pump 100million a week extra into the health service and end free movement to curb immigration once we leave the EU. Mr Gove argued that rival Theresa May was not suitable to lead the country now because she had supported a Remain vote. Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after he turned on his fellow Brexit champion. An aide is said to have texted a journalist: 'Gove is a c*** who set this up from the start.' Tory MP Ben Wallace today even threatened to castrate the Justice Secretary. During a Twitter discussion comparing politicians to characters from Game of Thrones, Mr Wallace said Gove was 'Theon Greyjoy or will be by the time I am finished with him'. Greyjoy was brutally castrated in one of the most spectacularly gruesome scenes from the hit TV series. This morning former Chancellor Ken Clarke waded into the row, saying he should 'do us all a favour' and drop his leadership bid. On arrival in Tiverton, Mr Johnson posed for selfies with supporters but was challenged to apologise for racial abuse in the wake of the Brexit vote. Facebook user Jamie Nathaniel Carne Whyte posted on the social media site: 'We came to the Tory dinner in Tiverton to see Boris. Asked him to apologise for racial abuse received by my friend due to the vote that he caused. Might have called him a massive child...' Tory MP Ben Wallace, a key ally of Boris Johnson, joked about castrating Mr Gove during a discussion about what Game of Thrones characters politicians resembled Footage of Mr Johnson's arrival showed Mr Johnson being asked to 'apologise to my friend who has received racial abuse' before the heckler added: 'Boris you're a massive child'. Since the referendum result Mr Johnson has become a target for people angry at the vote to leave the European Union. Just hours after the Brexit camp's victory was announced, protesters shouted 'scum' and 'twat' at Mr Johnson as he emerged from his home. Accosted by journalists as he left his London home this morning, Mr Johnson was repeatedly asked whether he felt Mr Gove had 'betrayed' him. An uncharacteristically tetchy Mr Johnson pointedly declined to address the question directly. 'I cannot now, unfortunately, get on with what I wanted to do. That's up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success,' he said. The ex-mayor was also berated by a member of the public who said he was an 'absolute disgrace' and had run away from his responsibilities after helping to secure a Brexit vote. 'What have you done to this country?' the man said. Mr Johnson replied: 'It seems absolutely fine to me. Nonsense.' The former London mayor was told: 'You abandoned a sinking ship. Unleashed intolerance, inequality. Shocking behaviour.' The unfortunate Theon Greyjoy was castrated in one of the most spectacularly gruesome scenes from hit TV series Game of Thrones 'Rubbish,' Mr Johnson shot back. 'That's rubbish.' Asked whether he would be part of the Brexit process, he said: 'That will be up to the next government.' Pressed if he wanted to be a member of that government, he replied grumpily: 'That will be up to the next Prime Minister. That cannot be me, as I explained yesterday.' Mr Johnson insisted he had no regrets about campaigning for Leave, and it would be 'great' for the country. He also said it was 'complete nonsense' that he had created a constitutional crisis. On arrival in Tiverton, Mr Johnson posed for selfies with supporters but was again challenged to apologise for racial abuse in the wake of the Brexit vote. Footage of Mr Johnson's arrival showed Mr Johnson being asked to 'apologise to my friend who has received racial abuse' before the heckler added: 'Boris you're a massive child'. Speaking at the offices of think-tank Policy Exchange, Mr Gove said he was running for leader due to 'conviction' rather than 'calculation or ambition'. A clearly frustrated Mr Johnson refused to say whether Mr Gove had betrayed him and said it was 'unfortunate' he could not now implement Brexit Mr Johnson was on the way to a private event for Tory activists in Devon when he was accosted But he admitted: 'I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party. 'I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. 'But at every step in my political life I've asked myself one question. 'What is the right thing to do. What does your heart tell you. However inconvenient, however difficult, whatever personal risks it may entail.' The Justice Secretary devoted an extensive section of his speech to his personal back story and recounting his adoption as a four-month baby. He quoted his mother as telling him 'son, you didn't grow under my heart, you grew in it' and said growing up had shown him the importance of a good start in life. And he said: 'All my political career, I have been driven by conviction not ambition, by a belief in doing what's right not what's expedient, by wanting to pull levers that make things better, not steer to the sound of applause.' Mr Gove promised to implement promises made by Vote Leave, vowing to 'end free movement' and reclaim money from Brussels for national priorities including the NHS, Do us all a favour and quit! Tory big beast Ken Clarke lashes untrustworthy Michael Gove Tory grandee Ken Clarke has launched a stinging attack on Michael Gove, urging him to 'do us all a favour' and bow out of the Tory leadership battle. The former chancellor said there was no 'trust' for the Justice Secretary after his dramatic betrayal of Boris Johnson yesterday. The intervention came as Mr Gove formally unveiled his pitch to succeed David Cameron in Downing Street. Mr Johnson's allies have warned there is a 'deep pit in Hell' waiting for Mr Gove after he turned on his fellow Brexit champion. Mr Gove delivered a brutal verdict on Mr Johnson's capabilities and questioned whether his 'heart and soul' were in taking us out of the EU, effectively ending his hopes of becoming PM. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's today programme, Mr Clarke said: Ive not chosen but I have my dislikes,' he said. 'I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he was to stand down now and speed up the process, because I do think one of the first priorities for a leader of a party and certainly for a Prime Minister is that you should have the trust so far as possible of your colleagues. 'I was one of those who was appalled by the idea of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, but Ive not fallen out with him personally. Tory big beast Ken Clarke, right, has urged Michael Gove, pictured leaving home today, to 'do us all a favour' and pull out of the party's leadership battle Hes perfectly entitled to form that view but I think its not encouraging that he stood alongside Boris as his right hand man. He was publicly declared to be his manager.' Mr Clarke went on: 'We dont want to add to tragedy too much of an air of farce. For him to emerge now as a Prime Minister saying Im not going to reunite the party. I now have a clear vision of what Im going to do is unlikely.' The Conservative big beast praised Mr Gove as 'the most successful departmental minister we have had', and said he had no personal problem with the MP. 'I just think that this kind of public performance is more suitable for the election of a student union than it is to be Prime Minister of this country at a time of grave, grave potential crisis,' he said. I think he should be disqualified in this contest. We should turn away from these personality battles. What we need to move on to is to get out of the candidates is some clear proposals of they are going to handle Brexit and how they can minimise the problems.' He added: 'All the candidates now need to set out carefully the basis upon which we are going to leave the European Union without causing damage to our economy in the next few months and, more importantly, without making this country poorer in the medium to long term. 'That is the big serious question that is being obscured by the bizarre manoeuvrings of people like Michael Gove.' Mr Clarke hinted that his vote would go to Mrs May, saying she had 'all the abilities' and was the 'right class of contender'. It's MAYMENTUM! Home Secretary sweeps up heavy weight Cabinet support as Brexit rival Michael Gove is mocked for his bizarre Tory leadership launch Theresa May's leadership campaign gained further momentum today as she was backed by senior Cabinet ministers Theresa May won the backing from two Cabinet ministers today as her campaign to be Tory leader and Prime Minister gathered momentum. The Home Secretary, gifted front runner status after Boris Johnson's campaign exploded yesterday, was endorsed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. One count of public declarations has Mrs May on 77 endorsements from Tory MPs, compared to the 21 secured by her current nearest rival Stephen Crabb. Michael Gove has secured 18 endorsements, Andrea Leadsom 17 and Liam Fox just nine - but more than half of Tory MPs are yet to declare a preference ahead of the first ballot on Tuesday. Mrs May appeared at Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire today as Mr Gove laid out his claim to take the reins of the party. In a bizarre speech, Mr Gove insisted he was uncharismatic and had tried his hardest not to run - but in the face of the 'hinge of history' he was obliged to stand. Asked for her thoughts on Mr Gove's decision to stand as a candidate, the Home Secretary replied: 'I think it is important to have an open contest.' A veiled attack on Mrs May was launched by the Justice Secretary on Friday, when he claimed he was the 'candidate for change'. He said the country needed someone with 'not just a cool head, but a heart burning with the desire for change'. Rival leadership contender Liam Fox said the feuding between the two men was a 'distraction' and that the country needed 'Brexit for grown-ups' in the wake of last week's referendum vote to leave the EU. And veteran former chancellor Ken Clarke told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he were to stand down now.' Dr Fox, the former defence secretary who campaigned for Leave, said that Mr Gove and Mr Johnson appeared to be preoccupied with the student politics of their Oxford University days. 'We are now 10 weeks away from having a new prime minister, we're in the process of electing a prime minister who will actually take us out of the European Union, and yet we seem to be permanently distracted by what can only be described as the politics of the Oxford Union in recent days,' he told the Today programme. Ms Leadsom refused to comment on whether she thought Mr Gove had decided to run after growing concerned Mr Johnson would renege on policies because he failed to give her an assurance of a top job under his leadership. She told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'In the end I felt it was better to put my own name forward, because you do need a choice of candidates and it seemed to me that we might end up with only one candidate who had actually supported the Leave campaign. 'I was thinking about it all the way through, but I was also thinking about what is in the interests of the country, because to me the clear priority is to deliver on the referendum. 'We have been given an instruction, we now have to get a grip and get on with it.' Andrea Leadsom appeared on the GMB sofa this morning to make her case and said she had put her name forward to ensure Tories had more than one Brexiteer to choose from Osborne ABANDONS plan to clear deficit by 2020 and warns of Brexit turmoil Chancellor George Osborne today sensationally dropped his long-held ambition to clear the deficit and run a surplus by the end of the decade. Mr Osborne, defeated in the referendum after threatening a punishment budget in the final days of the campaign, repeated warnings about a 'significant negative shock' to the economy. Speaking to business leaders in Manchester, the Chancellor said the Government would continue to be 'tough on the deficit' but admitted he had to be 'realistic' about the prospects of reaching a surplus. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell welcomed the move and claimed it was the result of 'nine months of pressure' from Labour. As Mr Osborne issued his warning, the markets were calm today after a rollercoaster week since the historic referendum. Chancellor George Osborne today revealed he may have to abandon a long-held ambition to run a surplus by 2020 because of Brexit turmoil Mr Osborne imposed severe new cuts to public spending after last year's general election in a bid to meet his self imposed target of running a surplus in public spending before 2020. He passed laws to enshrine the targets within tight restrictions - but they included caveats that when the economy was weak a surplus was not required The Chancellor was in the last Parliament forced to scrap plans to clear the deficit by the 2015 election as the eurozone crisis slowed the economy. Speaking today, Mr Osborne said: 'Now, as the governor of the Bank of England said yesterday, the referendum result is as expected likely to lead to a significant negative shock for the British economy. 'How we respond will determine the impact on people's jobs and on economic growth. The Bank of England can support demand. 'The government must provide fiscal credibility, so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade. 'This is precisely the flexibility that our rules provide for. 'And we need to reduce uncertainty by moving as quickly as possible to a new relationship with Europe and being super competitive, open for business and free trading. John McDonnell today demanded furious Labour MPs 'calm down' and get on with bringing a challenge against Jeremy Corbyn instead of dragging out a coup. The shadow chancellor insisted the Labour leader would not be resigning his post after winning it by a shock landslide last summer. Mr Corbyn, who is in France today attending commemorations for the Battle of the Somme, has been hit by an unprecedented wave of more than 60 front bench resignations since Sunday. The beleaguered leader resumed efforts to rebuild his shattered team today by making Angela Rayner his third shadow education secretary of the week. Moving the loyalist has created another vacancy as Ms Rayner was appointed to shadow women and equalities just on Monday. John McDonnell, pictured today at a speech on the economy, has urged rivals to Jeremy Corbyn to either 'put up or shut up' as the Labour revolt continued Mr McDonnell made a major speech on the economy and Brexit today as the Labour high command attempted to portray a sense of calm despite the revolt. Answering questions in London he said Mr Corbyn is 'staying as the leader of the Labour Party' and if there was a contest he could win. Polling of Labour activists released today suggests Mr Corbyn remains the favoured candidate of most members but that he has suffered a dramatic slump in support. Mr McDonnell today said it was 'really disappointing' that frontbenchers had quit at a time when the country needed stability. Mr McDonnell said: 'The internal difficulties within both parties will be resolved, hopefully by democratic means, and on that basis, amicably, the Labour Party will come back together. 'If there is to be a leadership challenge to Jeremy Corbyn, let's bring that forward, use the democratic process and then our party members will decide who is the leader and the future direction of our party.' He continued: 'At the moment, Jeremy is leader of the Labour Party, elected with the largest mandate any political leader had from his political party only nine months ago. 'If there is to be a challenge to Jeremy Corbyn, in terms of a leadership contest, that will emerge I suspect over the next few days. 'If that is the case, my message to all Labour MPs now is just ''calm down'', let's do our job. It isn't just our party members who need us to do our job, it is the country that need us to do our job.' Data on how Mr Corbyn's performance is rated revealed a slump in the number of Labour activists who believe he is 'doing well' in his post Today's YouGov poll suggested Mr Corbyn still held a lead over his expected rival Angela Eagle but the data suggested the Labour leader's advantage was shrinking Former shadow business secretary Angela Eagle is expected to mount a challenge to Mr Corbyn, with ex-shadow work and pensions secretary Owen Smith also reported to be considering a bid. In the last week around 60,000 people have joined Labour with the prospect of taking part in a leadership election. But as both factions in the party have used social media campaigns to encourage supporters to sign up, it is not clear whether the boost in membership would benefit Mr Corbyn, who was swept into the leader's office on the back of a grassroots movement last year. Mr McDonnell said people were 'flooding in' to the party since Mr Corbyn's victory. He said Mr Corbyn was 'staying' and said that if there was a challenge he would automatically be on the ballot paper - an assertion disputed by some of those opposed to the leader. 'I think he will win, but you can never predict these things, it's a democratic election' he said. Mr Corbyn is France today to mark 100 years since the battle of the Somme. Joined by senior aide Seumas Milne, left, he greeted SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Mr McDonnell denied having any future leadership ambitions himself. 'The stories that went round a few weeks ago (were) that I was building a plot to oust Jeremy and replace him. This week the story is I'm forcing him to stay. 'They've got to get this right somewhere along the line. So let me make it absolutely clear: I will never stand for leader of the Labour Party. If Jeremy stands and there is a leadership campaign, I will chair his campaign committee.' Scores of frontbenchers have quit in recent days, leaving Mr Corbyn with a seemingly impossible task in filling the vacancies after 172 of his MPs backed a no confidence motion in his leadership. The shadow chancellor called for the rebels to come back to the fold. Mr McDonnell said: 'I find it really disappointing. Just at a time when our country needs us and people need to step up to the plate, now is not the time to stand down. Just behave responsibly.' He added: 'We have maintained a shadow cabinet and we have maintained a number of people in junior positions as well.' The people who had continued to serve or moved into new roles were 'heroes and heroines of our movement at the moment'. He also showed the girl, who was mentally unstable, image of his genitals A former hospital security guard who molested a 15-year-old patient with mental health issues has been jailed for four years and six months. Shaun David Fairfield was working at Western Australia's Peel Health Campus in May 2014 when he lured the teenage patient for a walk outside before sexually assaulting her. The 37-year-old denied the charges of indecently dealing and sexually assaulting the girl but was convicted of four counts in the trial at WA District Court. Judge Michael Bowden said there was a need to protect vulnerable victims seeking treatment in public hospital from being preyed on. Shaun David Fairfield was working at Peel Health Campus (pictured) when he lured the teenage patient outside and sexually assaulted her Fairfield also started a sexual conversation with the girl, who had been admitted after self-harming, a photograph of his genitals that he took in the toilets of the hospital. District Court of WA Judge Michael Bowden said an element of grooming occurred on the night and Fairfield, then aged 35, also deliberately took the girl to an area not covered by CCTV. 'You did in fact initiate the sexual banter, you did in fact take her outside,' Judge Bowden said in sentencing on Friday. 'The only inference I can draw I think is that you were in fact attracted to the victim.' Judge Bowden said no force, threats or promises were used, but Fairfield befriended a vulnerable victim and took advantage of her from his position of trust. 'You knew that the victim was a child, you knew that the victim was vulnerable,' he said. WA District Court Judge Michael Bowden declared the need to protect vulnerable victims seeking treatment in public hospital from being preyed on 'Members of the public are entitled to resort to a hospital, particularly children, without the fear that they're ... going to be the subject of sexual assaults by hospital employees.' 'There is a need to protect vulnerable victims who are seeking medical treatment in a public hospital from behaviour of this sort.' The man who was caught on camera shoving a bag of feces down a woman's shorts is in custody - and has been linked to a second similar attack. Authorities said charges against the 42-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released, are pending. He was found at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn on Friday morning, according to the New York Police Department. The man walks behind the woman who is talking on her cellphone while walking through Manhattan The man grabbed his victim and tried to force a bag of feces down her pants The man approached a 27-year-old woman from behind at 6pm on Monday as she walked near 74th Street and First Avenue in the Upper East Side. He stuffed the bag of feces down the woman's shorts and then grabbed her buttocks. The man then threw away a pair of gloves he was wearing at the time of the bizarre attack and ran off. Police have now revealed that the man launched a prior attack on another random woman just hours before. The man smeared excrement on a 33-year-old woman's face and clothes as she walked on East 91st Street around 2.25pm, authorities said. The woman was not physically injured. Surveillance video captured both incidents and authorities realized the attacks were by the same man after reviewing the footage. 'Completely deranged person from what we can tell,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told New York Daily News. Police searched block by block across Manhattan on Thursday, and were finally led to the suspect after they received a tip later that day. The suspect then grabbed the woman's buttocks before running away leaving his victim shocked Cohen Mahoney has been fascinated by garbage trucks since he was a child and dreams of being a trash collector when he grows up. But this week, for his seventh birthday, he received the best present from Republic Services, a waste collection company in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, when four employees came to his house with a special delivery. 'When I saw (the garbage truck), I thought we forgot to put out our trash, and I thought it was garbage day,' Cohen told KATC. Best birthday ever: Cohen Mahoney got a special surprise for his seventh birthday this week when the local trash collectors stopped by his house to give him a present Four employees from Republic Services, a waste collection company, arrived to deliver a special birthday gift In his element: Cohen even got to sit behind the wheel of the garbage truck and pretend to drive it The employees gave Cohen a toy garbage truck, a gift basket, trash cans and clothing with Cohen's name monogrammed. Cohen's mother, Candace Mahoney, explained that he has been obsessed with garbage since he was quite young, and she helped set up the surprise. 'Every time we drive somewhere, he's pointing out the different trucks, and he'll look at the different garbage cans,' she told KATC. 'He'll get on Kids YouTube and look at the different mechanics and the different types of arms and is it an old-fashioned, is it a new one, does it have the lift from the front or the lift from the side.' Cohen also got to sit up in the garbage truck and see how it feels to be behind the wheel. 'When I saw (the garbage truck), I thought we forgot to put out our trash, and I thought it was garbage day,' Cohen said Cohen has been fascinated by garbage trucks since he was a toddler. Now, on his seventh birthday, one garbage company made his day extra special Cohen's mom believes that the surprise present will only fuel her son's want to be a garbage collector. 'I think, if anything, it's going to add to his passion, she said. 'Maybe he'll eventually be employed at RS. He says he wants to be a garbage man, so we're going to support whatever his passion is.' Mrs Mahoney also thanked the employees that came to make her son's birthday so special. 'To come and do something like that for a kid that age, it really is exciting for him,' she added. 'It's unbelievable,' she said. However the top five googled issues focused on the Labor campaign Trends analysis from Google shows which leader of the two major parties is being searched for more - and what the top five issues of the election are. The data provided to Daily Mail Australia shows, throughout the eight-week campaign, Australians have overwhelmingly searched for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. While in most states the difference was not more than a five per cent swing, 64 per cent of people in the Northern Territory searched for the Liberal leader - compared to just 36 per cent searching for Mr Shorten. Queensland and Western Australia shared the next largest difference, with 55 per cent of people searching for Malcolm Turnbull over 45 per cent searching for his Labor counterpart. Data provided to Daily Mail Australia shows Australians have overwhelmingly searched for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over Opposition Leader Bill Shorten In South Australia and Tasmania the gap began to close, with a only three per cent swing favouring Mr Turnbull, and there was only a two per cent difference in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Victoria was the only state to subvert the trend, but only just. An extra one per cent of Google users searched for Bill Shorten over Malcolm Turnbull. The Labor leader shouldn't feel too defeated though, as the top five topic searches throughout the election point to effective campaigning by his party. On the first day of the campaign, the top five issues were the National Broadband Network, Superannuation, Immigration, Climate Change and Negative Gearing. The NBN is one of the big policy differences between the two parties, with the Coalition offering a copper based network directed to nodes on the street, and Labor offering a more expensive but faster, fibre based network directed to each individual property. A poll from ABC Vote Compass users on June 21 revealed about seven out of ten Australians think the government should spent more money on the NBN if it will make the network faster. The top three issues remained the same until June 29, however on the night before the election same sex marriage had made its way to the second most googled issue. It has been hotly debated by the leaders of both parties, who again have wildly different views on how to proceed. The Coalition have pledged a plebiscite and Labor say they will hold a parliamentary vote on same sex marriage within their first 100 days in office. Thousands took to the streets last weekend to rally against the plebiscite, which activists say will allow a hateful campaign against same sex couples to occur. Medicare and negative gearing tied for last place over the final week of the campaign, showing that Labor's alleged scare campaign regarding the privatisation of Medicare was effective. The latest two-party polling data, a Galaxy Poll commissioned by News Corp on Friday revealed the two parties are still neck and neck, the Coalition edging ahead 51-49. Alice Gross's parents cannot blame police or government for their daughter's murder, despite her killer living unchecked in Britain for seven years after he murdered his wife, a coroner has said Alice Gross's parents cannot blame police or government for their daughter's murder, despite her killer living unchecked in Britain for seven years after he murdered his wife, a coroner has said. Dr Fiona Wilcox, Westminster's chief coroner, told jurors hearing that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that Alice's death could have been prevented. The hearing has heard how the schoolgirl's suspected killer Arnis Zalkalns, 41, was able to 'come and go' across the UK border, despite his conviction for stabbing his wife to death. During the inquest into her death, Alice's distraught mother, Rosalind Hodgkiss, broke down as she lamented the shocking lack of checks on foreign criminals which allowed Zalkalns into the UK. In an emotional statement, she said: 'This has destroyed much of our faith in our country's ability to protect its citizens.' The hearing also heard how the Met Police failed to check his background, even when he was accused of sexually assaulting a girl the same as Alice five years before. But Ms Wilcox told the jury that they could not blame the 'actions or inactions of the Home Office or police' for the teenager's death. She said: 'As a matter of law, and this is extremely important, I'm instructing you the evidence in this case does not support any final conclusions that imply that any actions or inactions of the Home Office or police caused or contributed to Alice's death.' Instead, they were instructed to record a conclusion of 'unlawful killing' if they believed Zalkalns murdered Alice or his actions caused her death by manslaughter. Alice's family, including dad Jose Gross, 21-year-old sister Nina Gross and mum Rosalind Hodgkiss, sat throughout the summing up on the inquest's fifth day. Miss Gross and Ms Hodgkiss were comforted by friends during the summing up. The hearing was told how Zalkalns, a father of two, arrived in Britain in 2007. He had only just been released from prison for murdering his wife Rudite - who he stabbed to death in remote woodlands and buried in a shallow grave - but went unchecked. During the inquest, the Home Office policy chief for criminal records admitted that it had not been policy to monitor every entrant into the UK at the time Zalkalns arrived. David Cheesman also admitted that, even if checks were carried out, they would not have been thorough enough to unearth Zalkalns' prison sentence. The hearing has heard how the schoolgirl's suspected killer Arnis Zalkalns (left), 41, was able to 'come and go' across the UK border, despite his conviction for stabbing his wife to death. It is believed he went on to murder Alice (right) During the inquest, Alice's distraught mother, Rosalind Hodgkiss (pictured with Alice's father Jose Gross), broke down as she lamented the lack of checks on foreign criminals which allowed Zalkalns into the UK The builder also had a string of other convictions, including for firearms offences, sexual assault and spreading a sexual disease. Mr Cheesman said criminals are only put on a 'watch list' if convictions are reported to Interpol. He said: 'If we are not given that information under the current system it isn't until the first time he comes into the custody suite, however minor the offence, that the check will be made.' Rajeev Thacker, representing the family, asked: 'If you don't get the information from the EU country the only check you make is when he murders someone else?' Zalkalns is pictured on his wedding day with his wife Rudites, who he later murdered in Riga, Latvia. The inquest heard police missed a chance to find out about his previous convictions, which included murder Mr Cheesman replied: 'That sometimes happens.' Two years after his arrival, he was arrested when a 14-year-old said he indecently assaulted her in Brentford in 2009. She refused to give evidence and police failed to check his convictions in Latvia. He was released without charge. But the hearing was told that, had they have performed the Association of Criminal Records Office (ACRO) check, officers would have uncovered his murderous past. Alice went missing after going for a walk near her home in Hanwell, West London, in August. Police investigations centered around the canal close to her home (pictured) Police did not discover Alice's body until September 30 - some seven weeks after she went missing - despite previously searching the same stretch of riverbed, including with divers (pictured) Instead, he was left him free to pounce on Alice in a suspected opportunistic sexual assault which led to the biggest search operation by the Met Police since the 7/7 bombings. Detective Superintendent Mick Forteath said: 'There was no policy in place to check historical convictions at that time. Police say Zalkalns killed Alice, 14, in a sexually-motivated attack before burying her body below debris in the River Brent, west London 'However, there was the ability if you knew how and knew where to access the information to request the check from an overseas authority.' Alice went missing in August 2014 after last being seen on the Great Union Canal near her home in Hanwell, west London. Her decomposing body was found a month later in the River Brent, naked apart from one sock and tied in the foetal position. The body had been weighted down with a bicycle wheel and bricks while logs about 1m in length had also been rolled into the river and stacked in a pyramid shape. In an extra blow to Alice's family, police told the inquest that Zalkalns used the same method to hide Alice's body as he did when he buried his tragic wife. A pathologist gave her cause of death as asphyxiation caused by pressure to her chest, adding that Alice had clearly been 'the victim of a homicide with a sexual motivation.' He was found hanged in woodlands in Boston Manor Park days later, having taken his own life. The jury will now consider how and when Alice died and under what circumstances. The coroner told them to consider a unanimous decision as to whether Zalkalns killed her. She said: 'You must be sure that Arnis Zalkalns carried out a deliberate act which was an unlawful assault on Alice. 'If together you reject a final conclusion of unlawful killing then instead I am directing you to complete what is known as a narrative final verdict.' She said this would include a few sentences on the cause of Alice's death but could not apportion blame on Zalkalns. The coroner gave them 13 questions to guide them through their answer. Frustrations: Immigration reform, an infrastructure investment package and the leadership vacuum in Syria he couldn't figure out how to solve Americans are likely look back on the 2016 election a decade from now and realize that Donald Trump's way of thinking was wrongheaded, says President Barack Obama. Trump is tapping into the 'frustrations and the fear' of an 'earlier generation that feels unsettled,' Obama told NPR. The president said it's his belief, however, 'if we get the decisions that need to be made right, then 10 years from now, 20 years from now, we may look back at something like the Trump campaign as the last vestige of a kind of politics of us versus them that really doesn't apply to to today.' Democrats must not get 'complacent' or 'smug,' though, he warned, and should take seriously the complaints of Trump and his supporters. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Americans are likely look back on the 2016 election a decade from now and realize that Donald Trump's way of thinking was wrongheaded, says President Barack Obama. Obama is seen here in the Oval Office on Thursday 'I said on election night back in Grant Park, I'm president of everybody,' Obama recalled to NPR. 'I've got a particular point of view...I don't make any apologies for it.' Obama said he believes he's kept that promise. 'And the core of that message is "e pluribus unum," out of many, one, that that we are better when we are together, that I do not believe in tribalism. I do not believe in stoking divisions and scapegoating.' Trump is the antithesis to the Obama presidency, hallmarked by its bear hug of tolerance and diversity. But Obama said he does not believe that his policies are directly responsible for the popularity of Trump. 'You will hear sometimes people suggest that, well, if Democrats and Republicans had been paying attention to white, working-class voters, then something like Trump would not have happened,' the president observed. That's an unfair assessment, Obama said - when his administration pushes 'higher minimum wage or stronger union laws or health care, for that matter, that's helping that cohort. That is designed to make sure that they get a better deal in this economy. ' It's a 'certain slice of the media' that's telling 'white, working-class voters somehow that these things are not good for you, that this is Obama and his socialist friends who are trying to take money from you to give to an undeserving, you know, Mexican immigrant or black welfare mom and and tapping into sort of an identity politics that, you know, is powerful and oftentimes can work.' 'But it is actually counterproductive, and it certainly does not reflect what we have been trying to do,' he protested. The president said it's his belief if we get the decisions that need to be made right, then 10 years from now, 20 years from now, we may look back at something like the Trump campaign as the last vestige of a kind of politics of us versus them that really doesn't apply to to today' Republicans who opposed those proposals now have a 'populist insurgency on their hands,' he said. 'And Mr. Trump, I think, has, at times, exploited this this gap between what, you know, the Republican business community has promoted and and what their constituencies are actually looking for.' Obama said in the NPR interview that he continues to believes his political and philosophical opponent will be defeated in November, and will not, therefore, have the opportunity to forever change the trajectory of the nation. 'I think that will be tested over the next four months,' he acknowledged. 'But I think it is pretty hard to argue that somebody who almost three-quarters of the country think is unqualified to be president and has a negative opinion about it is tapping into the zeitgeist of the country, or is speaking for a broad base of the country.' The outgoing president said, 'That's what elections are for,' though. 'I think it's important for Democrats, progressives, moderates, people who care about our traditions, who care about pluralism, who care about tolerance, who care about facts, who think climate change is real, who think that we have to reform our immigration system in an intelligent way, who believe ... in women's equality and equality for the LGBT community. 'I think it's important for those of us not to be complacent, not to be smug,' the liberal Democrat said. The 54-year-old president is not without his regrets. 'I've been frustrated by some things that I did not complete, that I couldn't wrap and mail and ship before I got out of here,' he told NPR Reflecting on the seven and a half years he's spent in office, Obama said, 'I think that America is at its best when we are unified and working together. 'And during the course of my presidency, you've seen polarization and division and all kinds of consternation and frustration. But what you've also seen quietly is a country that yanked itself out of a Great Recession and recovered as well as any country ever has from such a massive financial breakdown.' Obama named his signature law, the health reform legislation commonly known as Obamacare, and the progress toward LGBT rights and the thawing of relations with Cuba as inflection points in the country during his presidency. 'We see an LGBT community that is is recognized as equal in ways that they weren't before. You've seen an entire generation grow up, I think, feeling as if the old divisions don't make sense,' he stated. Continuing he said, 'I feel pretty confident that as long as we do the work over the next several months and then continue that work over the next several years, that we will have emerged from this era stronger, more prosperous, more secure and adhering more closely to the values and ideals that make America exceptional.' Of course, the 54-year-old president is not without his regrets. 'I've been frustrated by some things that I did not complete, that I couldn't wrap and mail and ship before I got out of here,' he stated. Immigration reform, an infrastructure investment package and the leadership vacuum in Syria that helped make way for ISIS alluded him, he said. 'So there are things that we haven't gotten done. Obviously, there are there areas internationally where I've been enormously frustrated. You look at Syria being the most prominent example, where you've got a heartbreaking situation and not a lot of good choices.' Still, he was able to ink a nuclear deal with Iran, chip away at criminal justice reform and see 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' rescinded. 'You'd tally it up, it's not bad for 7 1/2 years' worth of work,' he said. 'And the stuff that has not gotten done, it's teed up to get done.' He counts among those items climate change. 'Have we gotten it all done yet? No,' he admitted. 'But have we now given the next president, the next Congress, the next generation a chance to solve it? Absolutely.' Obama said he thinks of himself as a relay runner. 'Sometimes, you take the baton and you're behind in the race, and you've got to run a little bit harder to catch up. Two film producers who attempted to swindle the taxpayer out of 2.2million to finance a BAFTA nominated film have been jailed. Christopher Walsh Atkins, 40, and Christina Slater, 37, along with fellow producer Terence Potter, 55, took advantage of a government scheme to support home-grown films. Atkins and Slater vastly inflated invoice costs to ensure they received investment for 'Starsuckers' - described as a 'critique of the rise of the celebrity culture'. They were today jailed by Southwark Crown Court after being convicted on two counts of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and one of fraud. Christopher Walsh Atkins (pictured left), 40, and Christina Slater (right), 37, along with fellow producer Terence Potter, 55, took advantage of a government scheme to support home-grown films Judge Beddoe jailed Slater for four years and Atkins for five years. Former public schoolboy Atkins, who gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry into press standards, made the documentary in 2009, which attempted to expose failing journalism standards by selling fake celebrity stories to tabloid newspapers. Last year he wrote and directed 'UKIP: The First 100 Days', for Channel 4. He has also written for the Guardian. The controversial film, mixed real news archive with fly-on-the wall style footage of a fictional Ukip MP, and sparked more than 6,000 complaints to Ofcom. Potter, the brains behind Cardiff's Aquarius Films - which holds distribution rights to George Clooney's 1999 blockbuster 'Three Kings' - was jailed for eight years last December after he admitted his role in the scam. Judge Martin Beddoe had previously adjourned sentencing the pair, partly to allow Slater to make arrangements for her two children. Shane Collery, prosecuting, had earlier told the court the pair had allowed others to wrongly claim tax. He said: 'These defendants and others essentially created a web of lies to assist others not here to obtain tax relief to which they were not entitled. 'They did this because this was the way they obtained funding for the film ventures they engaged in. Christopher Walsh Atkins (left) and Christina Slater (right) were jailed for defrauding the public purse The pair claimed inflated tax rebates for the film Star Suckers, which criticised celebrity culture 'That came first, that was what mattered to them and it was more important than if the taxpayer in this country effectively lost money.' The pair inflated invoice costs to make it appear as though losses had been incurred by two Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) created by Potter, who was also a chartered accountant. 'Investors in those LLPs could use those losses to reduce their tax bills,' Mr Collery added. 'Those investors provided the money that would be used in part to pay for the film Walsh Atkins and Slater produced and another project. 'Without the involvement of Walsh Atkins and Slater it would not have worked.' The trio used Film Tax Credit (FTC) to claim back inflated cash from the Treasury, the court heard. The prosecution said the film cost less than half of what was put forward to HMRC. The government scheme known as 'sideways relief' was launched by the then Chancellor Gordon Brown in 1997 to promote the British film industry, allowing investors to claim back 40% of the company's losses from their PAYE tax. These defendants and others essentially created a web of lies Shane Collery, prosecuting It has been described as 'the most widely exploited tax credit in British history'. Dozens of fraudsters have exploited the scheme and Loose Women star Angela McLean was drawn into the making of one movie called' A Landscape of Lies' where she was to play bisexual therapist in a 20 million con. Simon Pentol, mitigating for Atkins, said: 'For the defendant this is a very sad day, and he faces no illusion. 'We hope for a sentence that will not crush him, and will not be disproportionate.' Rupert Pardoe, mitigating for Slater, said: 'There is the clearest water between my clients and Mr Potter. 'Formulating the plan with Mr Potter was not something she was party to. 'They were motivated by a desire to make a film, there is no evidence of high living.' Judge Beddoe said: 'You put the vanity of your ambitions above all else to chase a kind of celebrity status.'You played an important part in Mr Potter's scheme. Atkins and Slater were jailed at Southwark Crown Court after being convicted on two counts of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and one of fraud 'The second scheme had nothing to do with Mr Potter, it was only the two of you.'I've heard this was not for personal gain, and was to fund a film. 'However, whether a yacht, a Picasso, a terrible piece of art or a film, it makes no difference.'The pair were also disqualified from being company directors for 12 years. Atkins, of Barrington Court, Gospel Oak, north London and Slater, of Copps Road Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, showed no trace of emotion as they were led to the cells as the latest pair to be sentenced. More than 100 officers from HMRCs Fraud Investigation Service took part in the operation that led to the arrests in February 2012. Eighteen properties were searched and computers, business records and mobile phones were seized. The majority of the tax refunds claimed by investors were withheld and 500,000 which had been paid out initially, has since been recouped by HMRC. Investigations to recover further proceeds of the crime are under way. Faker: Kelly Mahon told her on-off partner that she was expecting twins after he tried to end their affair A scheming wife who faked a pregnancy then kidnapped a nine-week-old baby boy to convince her boyfriend she had given birth to his child was jailed for two years today. Kelly Mahon, 41, of Telford, Shropshire, told her on-off partner Dwight Dennis, 35, that she was expecting twins after he tried to end their eight-year affair last summer. The former pet shop owner then hatched a plot to abduct two babies and began stalking a heavily pregnant mother, pouncing just nine weeks after she had given birth in February. Mahon, who rigged two pregnancy tests and obtained two fake baby scans, was jailed at Shrewsbury Crown Court today after pleading guilty to kidnapping by force or by fraud. The court heard the single mother was sterilised at the age of 24 but never told Mr Dennis because she knew how badly he wanted children and his wife was unable to have any. While pretending to be pregnant she tricked her 17-year-old daughter into believing she was having a child - and would often tell her partner to feel her stomach and touch our babies. She deliberately sought out the victim after chatting with her at a bus stop and may have been targeting other children, the court heard. Mahon turned up at the victims front door on February 24, three days after her fake due date, and said the womans husband had been run over by a car and was lying unconscious in the street. She then offered to look after the child while the fraught mother rushed off to find her other half. But after realising there was no accident she returned home and found Mahon had snatched her baby. Home: The former pet shop owner, who lived at this property in Telford, Shropshire, hatched a plot to abduct two babies and began stalking a heavily pregnant mother, pouncing just nine weeks after she had given birth A nationwide police hunt was launched and the baby was found safe and well three hours later at Mahons home less than a mile away three hours later after receiving tip offs from neighbours. Nigel Stelling, prosecuting, said: The child was at home with his mother and his father had left to collect their other children from school. As he made his way out of the road he saw the defendant but thought nothing of it. Shortly after he had gone she knocked on the door and told her that her partner had been involved in a road traffic accident and was injured. She was very anxious and upset and left in something of a panic. 'But when she phoned him he answered and said there had been no accident. The defendant had gone and taken the baby to her address. News of the disappearance spread quickly. 'A very distressing incident': Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, pictured outside Shrewsbury Crown Court following the sentencing of Mahon today 'People had seen the defendant behaving strangely and suspiciously in the days and weeks before the incident and her name was provided to the police.' When officers searched the home they found a childrens nursery containing two cots, baby clothes for girls and boys and an abduction to-do list which made reference to nappies, sterilisers and milk. Peter Cooper, defending, said: She has now been able to reflect on these events and being away from her daughter makes her realise how devastating this was to the victims. She seems an unusual individual in a number of ways, though the psychiatric report makes clear there is no evidence of psychotic symptoms or clinical depression. She accepts there was pre-planning in this case and that she made a previous visit to the street a matter of days before. It was utterly out of character. She is sorry and accepts that what she put the parents through must have been unimaginable. The babys father was sat in the public gallery to watch the sentencing, alongside Mahon's friends and family. The former pet shop owner stood handcuffed in the dock wearing a black cardigan, olive blouse and black leggings and gave no reaction as a judge told her she will be eligible for release in one year. She was also banned from working with children upon release. Sentencing her, Judge James Tindal said: You probably rather enjoyed the attention you got from friends and family from telling them you were pregnant. He added: As a parent myself I can't begin to imagine the terror you caused this couple. I recoil in horror from what you did. It was an incredibly selfish act. You have a daughter who needs you but you were so wrapped up in your own obsessions that you rather forgot about her. The baby's parents will remain scarred for the rest of their lives. Speaking after her arrest, Mr Dennis said that Mahon called him on the day of the kidnapping to say she had just given birth but when he asked what hospital ward she was on the phone went dead. She rang him again three days later, this time from prison where she was being held on remand. The laboratory technician added: The lengths she went to were astonishing. She even kept asking me to feel her stomach to touch our babies. My God, what have you done Kelly? What Kelly Mahon's on-off partner shouted after finding She spent hundreds buying two of everything for the twins. Her house was like Mothercare. 'That day in February I switched on the news and it said there was an abduction near where Kelly lived. I almost passed out as I realised it must be Kelly. I just shouted out loud, My God, what have you done Kelly? Speaking after the sentencing, the childs parents said in a statement: Our son is a beautiful, healthy and happy boy. He is very loving and is developing a distinct personality of his own. We cannot express our delight and utter relief that he was returned to us safe and well. 'When we realised he was gone, we have never felt an emotion like it before. We hope no parents ever feel the way I felt that day. What happened is every parent's worst nightmare and the reality is worse than you can ever imagine. They added: We are glad everything is over and resolved. We want to get back to normal and be together as a family. We are looking forward to moving on. And West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said: This was a very distressing incident and the family are satisfied of the result in court. This happened as a result of a desire to maintain a relationship, but had traumatic consequences for the family. When it comes to leaving clues at the scene of a crime, a piece of paper with all your information is not the smartest move. But one woman in Oklahoma City decided she might just want to work at a place she ended up robbing. Police say that Crystal Urrutia, 34, filled out an employment application about one hour before holding up a Braum's Ice Cream shop on June 12. To bungle things even further, she lived less than a mile away from the store. Back to robbery school: Police say that bungling thief Crystal Urrutia, 34, filled out an employment application about one hour before holding up a Braum's Ice Cream shop in Oklahoma City on June 12 The woman had filled out an application with all of her information - including address and phone number - before holding up the store Authorities say the alleged thief stole items for the Braum's by placing them in her bag. However as she walked out of the store, staff cottoned on to what was happened. A manager followed her to the parking lot and confronted her, however Urrutia then threatened the employee with a weapon. 'She put her hand in her purse, indicating she has a gun, and threatens to shoot him,' Oklahoma City Police Master Sergeant Gary Knight told KFOR. 'So, the suspect leaves, and the manager goes back inside.' However it didn't take them long to work out the robber's name. 'That's when one of the other employees says 'Hey, she was just here and just applied for a job, and we still have her job application with all of her information on it.'' The funny thing about this is she chose to steal right after filling out a job application, providing all of her information to them and the police,' Oklahoma City Police Master Sergeant Gary Knight said Police used surveillance footage to match Braum with a recent mug to establish her as the bandit. 'The funny thing about this is she chose to steal right after filling out a job application, providing all of her information to them and the police,' Knight said. Urrutia was arrested for felony robbery by Village police a few days after the robbery. She's still behind bars at the Oklahoma County Jail, being held on a $20,000 bond. Frozen-mad Sienna's funeral was today and her coffin was draped with a duvet that depicted characters from the film Tragic: Sienna Joyce died after being crushed by a gate while she played outside on Monday A 'beautiful and cherished' five-year-old girl was killed on Monday after a gate collapsed on top of her while she played with her cousins. Sienna Joyce was playing outside in Bullstown, County Meath in Ireland when she was crushed by the gate in a freak accident. She was rushed to the nearby Temple Street Children's Hospital, but died soon afterwards, reported the Irish Mirror. Tributes were paid to the Frozen-mad little girl from heartbroken family members. Martin Collins told the Irish Star: 'She was bright and full of energy. 'The family are devastated and in a state of shock as well and it will be a long time, if ever, when they come to terms with this.' And Sienna's cousin Kellie Joyce said: 'She was beautiful, cherished and adored by everyone who knew her.' It is the second tragedy to hit Sienna's family in recent years as in Sienna's funeral took place today at the Church of the Annunciation in Finglas according to the Irish Independent. The church was covered in Frozen balloons, which was Sienna's favourite film, and her coffin was covered with a Frozen duvet. Mourners brought up little gifts for Sienna to the altar, including her toothbrush because she liked to brush her teeth several times a day to keep them shiny white. Cherished: Her heartbroken family have paid tribute to the Frozen-mad little girl Father Paddy Kelly told the congregation: 'Siennas death tore at our hearts.' It is the second tragedy to hit Sienna's family in the past few years. Police say they shot a home invader dead after he emerged from a lake, broke into the basement of a home, and then advanced on officers with a pitchfork. Cops in Madison, Wisconsin, say they were called to the Lake Monona area at around 9pm on Thursday to reports of a man chest-deep in the water, talking to himself and splashing around. Police later received additional reports that the same man had thrown a rock through the window of a house beside the lake, before making his way into the basement. Mike Koval, police chief for Madison, Wisconsin, said an officer was was waiting for backup at the scene of a burglary on Thursday night when the suspect emerged from the home and advanced on him with a pitchfork Police Chief Mike Koval told Channel 3000 that the homeowners reported hearing smashing sounds from downstairs but managed to make their way outside safely. Koval said that a single officer arrived on scene and was waiting for backup when the suspect appeared in the doorway of the home, holding a four-pronged pitchfork. Despite repeated requests to drop the weapon and surrender, Koval said the man continued to advance on the officer, putting him in fear of his life. It was at that point that the officer opened fire, striking the man, who fell to the ground. Prior to the break-in, neighbors phoned police to say the suspect was wading around chest-deep in Lake Monona and appeared to be talking to himself and slapping the water Shortly afterward other officers arrived and attempted to revive the man, Koval said, before he was taken to a local hospital where he died. Koval described the suspect as a white male, but gave no further details and said cops are withholding his identity until the family have been informed. Koval also declined to name the officer involved in the shooting, say how many shots were fired, or how many times the man was struck. This is the moment a have-a-go hero was seriously hurt after he literally bounced off a speeding van as he tried to stop thieves stealing a workmate's motorbike. Brave Craig Morrell was struck by the bonnet of a green Citroen Berlingo van as it accelerated out of the yard at Swanglen Metals in Bingley, West Yorkshire. Shocking CCTV footage shows foreman Craig, 47, being thrown in the air as a result of the hit-and-run and suffered a badly damaged vertebra and a broken finger. This is the horror moment a man was run over after he tried to stop thieves taking a friend's motorbike Injured: The man was left in a crumpled heap after the hit and run, he suffered a badly damaged vertebra and a broken finger Swanglen's managing director, Dave Allen, explained how Craig had tried to stop thieves making off with a Kawasaki motorbike belonging to his colleague Alan Harris. Dave said: 'It was unbelievable - Craig could have been killed or landed on his neck and been paralysed. It could easily have been so much worse. 'We are based in a Portakabin as we're still getting over being under five foot of water from the floods. 'Suddenly we saw this green van pull in and reverse back to where two bikes were parked and two blokes leapt out and threw the bike in the van.' Dave added: 'Craig saw what was going on and ran over with another lad to try and stop them but they weren't stopping for anything. 'It just tore off and sent him flying. He could have easily gone under the wheels.' The photo on the left shows the robbers loading the motorbike into the back of their van, and right, two men spot the crime and rush over A couple of employees attempted to follow the speeding van but as it reached a T-junction it vanished - with the bike hanging out of the back through its open doors, held in by two of the thieves. Dave said: 'It was really shocking to see, we were stood in the doorway, in broad daylight and they had the neck to drive in and do that.' Injured Craig was driven to hospital by a colleague and stolen bike owner, Alan Harris, 49, paid tribute to the 'absolute hero'. Alan said: 'He's a hero - there's no other word for it and I'll never forget what he did. 'It was a spur of the moment thing and he did what he could, he got stuck in. 'I shall be going round to see him and say thank you now he's out of hospital.' While one of the men went around the back of the van to try and get the bike back, the have-a-go-hero leapt onto the bonnet But the robbers made off successfully with the loot, and the man was left on the floor nursing injuries Police confirmed they were called to a report of a stolen motorbike on Tuesday, June 28. Detective Chief Inspector Terry Long, from Bradford District Police, said: 'Further enquiries revealed that this van, which is thought to be a Citroen Berlingo, was believed to have been used in a burglary in the Harecroft area of Wilsden earlier that day in which a bicycle was taken. 'Police are treating these incidents as linked and would ask for anyone with information about this vehicle or the motorbike to contact Bradford District CID on 101, or to the independent charity Crimestoppers, who can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.' But a UFO hunter claims infrared footage shows what the eye cannot see A fleet of bright glowing UFOs has been recorded swarming around an active volcano in Mexico. Strange footage reveals a group of orb-like flashing objects flying above Popocatepetl, which only recently erupted spewing ash two miles into the sky. A 24 hour live stream of the volcano picked up the peculiar objects around midnight on June 19. Eerie: UFOs captured on a 24 hour live stream of Mt Popocatepetl, a 17,000ft active Mexican volcano The eerie footage shows the white lights darting across the screen at night. Webcams de Mexico, which monitors active volcanoes, released the mysterious video, and there has been no concrete proof over what the lights actually are. UFO investigator Scott Brando claims such sights are usually just dust or flying insects which appear as glowing orbs, because the infrared cameras are sensitive to small light sources, reports Inquisitr. Scroll down for videos Yet UFO hunter Scott C. Waring claimed the camera was picking up sights that the human eye was unable to notice. The footage comes as Popocatepetl erupted back in May and April this year, spewing forth a massive plume of ash and smoke which caused Puebla International Airport to close. The volcanic detritus then settled on the city and people had to travel in masks to avoid inhaling the fine grit. A fleet of glowing bright white lights were picked up by the cameras in the middle of the night Explosion: The footage comes as Popocatepetl has been filmed erupting multiple times this year About 25 million people live within 62 miles of the crater of the 17,797-foot stratovolcano. The volcano has erupted frequently over the years and has already seen activity multiple times in 2016. There has been a close association with UFOs and volcanoes, harking back to ancient religious mythology that linked the mountains with sky gods. The hero police officer credited with saving hundreds of lives after unwittingly confronting one of the Istanbul bombers was worried about his wife and unborn child - even as he was on the brink of death. Ahmet Berker - pictured here in these poignant photographs for the first time - was shot three times by the ISIS extremist after asking to see his ID. But as paramedics battled to save his life in the ambulance, it seems his thoughts turned to his beloved wife and their growing family. 'My wife is nine months pregnant. Ill have a child soon,' the semi-conscious officer told them. Scroll down for video Joy: Ahmet Berker is due to have a baby in three weeks, but instead of being at home with his wife he is in hospital fighting for his life after being shot three times by one of the ISIS extremists who attacked the airport Horrific: The gravely injured officer told paramedics working to save his life that he was due to be a father shortly - apparently more concerned about his wife, pictured together on their wedding day, and unborn child Mr Berker is still in intensive care, fighting for his life three days after the co-ordinated attack on Ataturk Airport, which left 43 people dead. But it is thought the death toll could have been far higher, had Mr Berker's suspicions not been raised after he spotted the unusually dressed attacker in the airport. He fought as a hero without fear,' his sister-in-law told Turkish newspaper Karar. 'Were waiting for prayers from 78 million [citizens of Turkey].' Mr Berker, whose child is due in three weeks, stopped the extremist to ask for his ID, believing he may be a thief. But instead of taking out his papers, the attacker took out his gun, and shot Mr Berker three times. It is thought the attack was caught on camera, and shows the father-to-be being shot mercilessly at point blank range. The terrorist - part of a three-strong cell which attacked the airport just before 10pm Turkish time - then ran downstairs, still firing the gun, before blowing himself up near the taxi rank outside international arrivals. Mr Berker was rushed to hospital, where he has undergone at least two operations as doctors continue to try to save his life. Suspicious: Mr Berker became the terrorists first victim after he noticed their heavy, winter clothing in the middle of summer, and tried to ask one of them for ID, at which point they shot at him Praise: But it is believed his suspicions may have saved hundreds, forcing the bomber to start the attack earlier than he planned. The man blew himself up outside international arrivals moments later Foreigners: The three men, pictured on their way to the airport, were from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and are understood to be affiliated to ISIS, although the terror group has yet to claim responsibilty Mr Berker's social media paints a picture of a devoted family man - one who adores his wife, and cannot wait to welcome his baby into the world. In one sweet image, he poses with nappies arranged in a heart formation, joking with his father about their preparations for the new arrival. In another, he and his wife smile broadly for the camera on their wedding day; another shows him with a colleague at the airport. The call for prayers from his sister-in-law has been answered across social meida. He fought as a hero without fear. Were waiting for prayers from 78 million [citizens of Turkey]. Ahmet Berker's sister-in-law Police Officer Solidarity Group told its Facebook members: 'We are expecting PRAYERS from all of you. God willing, we hope he will get through this. 'May God heal him immediately, and give him back to his family and children.' Meanwhile, the stories of other victims have continued to emerge as families gather to say goodbye to their loved ones. Like that of teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was forced to 'collect bread out in the streets' as a child after his father died. For the last three years, the 28-year-old had worked at an Istanbul trade school, teaching electronics. But he never forgot his family: his mother revealed he had been paying for three siblings' education. Mr Tunc was killed shortly after he arrived at the airport to collect friends, and was buried on Thursday. Devastated: A mourner reacts next to the coffin of Muhammed Eymen Demirci, who was killed as he waited at a bus stop. The young graduate had been working at the airport and was paying for his sisters' education Heartbreak: A young girl places flowers at a memorial for the victims. Families across the country are trying to come to terms with their grief. 'They've torn out my lungs,' Rukiye wailed at her son Ercan Sebat's funeral Muhammed Eymen Demirci, 25, was also paying for his sisters' education. The graduate had struggled to find work after university, but had finally found work at the airport in May. He was killed as he waited for the bus to go home after his shift. THE YOUNGEST VICTIM: LITTLE BOY AGED THREE LOSES FIGHT FOR LIFE A three-year-old has become the youngest victim of the Istanbul airport attack. Palestinian officials say Rayan Shriam and his mother Sondos both succumbed to their wounds on Thursday. The two were in Istanbul for a Ramadan vacation with his father, who was injured. Family friend, Nisreen Melhim, 28, was also killed in the attack. Mrs Melhim, mother to a three-year-old daughter, had travelled from Saudi Arabia and planned to relax in the city before flying home to Palestine for Ramadan. They were caught up in the terror attacks shortly after the family left the arrivals terminal and was heading toward the taxi stand. 'We heard shooting from a distance,' said Marvan, Nisreen's husband. 'The explosion went off. I found my wife bleeding and my daughter too.' Nisreen died in hospital shortly afterward, leaving her husband shocked and mourning. 'The ones who did this are brutal criminals,' he said. 'How come they kill innocent people?' Advertisement Childhood friend Deniz Dogan said: 'He was such a friendly person, a man who fought for his ideals. 'Now I wish he hadn't gotten the job.' Friends of Abdulhekim Bugda, 24, believed he was fine after he posted on Facebook, only to learn he had died the next morning. Mr Bugda, who was just a month and a half into his job at Ground Services at the airport, wrote 'we are safe' after the first gunshots rang out. As the first gunshots rang out, Bugda wrote 'we are safe' on Facebook, reassuring friends and family. 'Then in the morning we heard he was in critical condition,' friend Adil Batur told reporters. 'We arrived at the Bakirkoy State Hospital and learned he had passed.' At funerals across Turkey, there was a mixture of grief, and anger. 'They've torn out my lungs,' Rukiye wailed at her son Ercan Sebat's funeral in Istanbul. 'They tore to pieces my rose of a son, they dashed my spirit!' Mr Sebat, who worked as a passenger services officer at the airport, was a keen artist, his family revealed. His father Mahmut was overwhelmed with the anguish of the day, and was rushed to hospital after growing faint at the service. At Ferhat Akkaya's funeral, his wife and children didn't want to let him go and held on tight to his coffin. He had gone to the airport to wave goodbye to friends, and never returned. 'Damn it! The state should hear our voices and take the necessary precautions,' said Ferhat Kabakci, the victim's brother-in-law. 'Now a widow and three orphans have been left behind. Who will look after them?' Adem Kurt, 32 was planning to get married, while translator Ertan An, 39, who was sending off a five-person tour group from Uzbekistan at the airport on Tuesday, was expecting his second child with his wife. List of the dead: Among those killed were a father-of-four, a man planning to get married and a Ukrainian mother on holiday with her son and husband Tears: Relatives mourn as they gather around the Turkish flag-draped coffin of Habibullah Sefer, one of the victims killed Tuesday Caglayan Col, 26, began working at Ataturk International Airport's Ground Services in 2014. He was killed as he waited for the bus to take him home. Hotel manager Murat Gulluce has left behind his four young daughters,who he called his princesses. Critically wounded in the attack, Gulluce was rushed to a hospital but doctors were unable to save him. Writing of the loss on Facebook, his sister, Ayse Nur Gulluce Cakar, described him as 'my dear older brother whom I used to refer to as father... I cannot endure such pain.' Uzbek national Abrorjon Ustabayev, 22, had gone to Turkey to buy $12,000 worth of textiles to sell back home. Close friend Kemal Han said that he had spoken by phone with Ustabayev shortly before the attacks. 'He loved Turkey and had many dreams,' Han told the state-run Anatolia news agency. 'Terrorism destroyed both those dreams and his love of Turkey.' Ukrainian Larisa Tsybakova, 46, died of blood loss after her leg was injured. She had been in Turkey on holiday with her husband and son. A Texas high school teacher has been arrested after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with his underage male student. Steven Amedeo, 38, faces a felony charge of sexual performance by a child. It was the victim's girlfriend who discovered Amedeo's relationship with the teen after finding inappropriate messages between the two on his cell phone, according to court documents. Steven Amedeo, 38, has been charged with sexual performance of a child after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with an underage male student She then confronted her boyfriend about the messages before reporting them to the school principal at Milby High School in Houston, where Amedeo taught culinary arts, in April. The victim admitted first to the principal and then to police that he and Amedeo had sex once in December 2015, according to KPRC. He and the teacher had exchanged phone numbers that fall and had begun to message each other. Then one day Amedeo picked up the boy in his car and they ran errands together before going to the teacher's apartment, where the victim said they had sex in his bedroom, documents state. It was the victim's girlfriend who discovered Amedeo's relationship with the teen after finding inappropriate messages between the two on his cell phone, according to court documents The boy said he took a shower in the apartment before Amedeo drove him back home. Authorities had the teen describe Amedeo's apartment to investigators, who then went to the residence and found that it matched the description, according to CW 39. Charges were filed on Tuesday and Amedeo surrendered on Thursday. He is currently free on $30,000 bond. He is no longer employed at Milby High School or the Houston Independent School District. He said he hopes people won't 'judge a book by its cover' next time Schlemer took the note as a compliment because he doesn't look disabled It read that Schlemer 'wasn't disabled' and the writer would post pictures of the car and license plate in the disabled spot on Facebook to shame him An anonymous person who saw Schlemer left a note on his car Schlemer lost his leg to cancer two years ago and uses a A man who had to have his leg amputated after a battle with cancer received a nasty note on his car after he used a handicapped parking space at a Walmart. Ethan Schlemer, who walks on a prosthetic leg, works for Walmart as a pharmacy technician. He was leaving work and said he was having a 'good day' walking when he found the note on his car. He said the quickly-scrawled letter made him laugh. Scroll down for video Ethan Schlemer (pictured) lost his leg to cancer two years ago and walks with a prosthetic leg. On Sunday, Ethan went to work at Walmart where he's employed as a pharmacy technician and left to find a note on his car Since losing his leg, Ethan has worked hard to continue his active lifestyle and do all the things he loves, including rock climbing and hiking. He says despite being able to do everything he wants to, he still has bad days 'Saw you park in a handicapped spot and go into Walmart. Handicapped my a** f*******. Took a photo of your car + license plate. Look 4 it on facebook,' the note read. Schlemer said in a way he was flattered by the anonymous note-writer's mistake. 'I was shocked but at the same time I took it as a compliment because if someone can't tell I'm missing a leg I must be doing something right,' he told FOX31 Denver. Schlemer has worked hard since he lost his leg two years ago to continue an active lifestyle and do all the things he loves. When the note was left on his car, Ethan was having a 'good day'. The note read: 'Saw you park in a handicapped spot and go into Walmart. Handicapped my a** f*******. Took a photo of your car + license plate. Look 4 it on facebook' He walks, runs, hikes and rock climbs and has worked with doctors and therapists to get to where he is today. That doesn't mean he doesn't still have missteps and bad days. 'Maybe some people would question why I park there, but to me, I never know when I'm going to take a wrong step or hurt myself and I'll be thankful when I do that I did park that close,' Schlemer said. Schlemer has a disability placard in his car so he can legally use the disability parking spots when he is driving He says some days he walks with a noticeable limp. Others, you'd never even know he's missing a leg. Schlemer has a disability placard in his car so he can legally use the disability parking spots when he is driving. He said he hopes this will be a lesson that people should never judge a book by its cover. 'I just wanted people to realize that when they do something like that they might not know the whole story behind what's going on,' Schlemer said. in WA District Court on Friday after Chloe Rumble, 23, was killed when her car A truck driver has been jailed for two years over a fatal crash that killed a young mother. Chloe Rumble, 23, was instantly killed when her Kia Sorento collided head-on with a large truck near Geraldton in Western Australia in November last year. Her infant son Kobi, then 11-months-old, was in a baby capsule in the back seat during the crash and miraculously survived with only minor injuries. Scroll down for video Chloe Louise Rumble was travelling with her baby son Kobi when their car collided with a truck Truck driver Christopher Samuel Hayes, 50, was sentenced in WA District Court on Friday after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death, Perth Now reported. Hayes failed to take a left hand bend on North West Coastal Highway in Glenfield and his prime mover veered onto the wrong side of the road, smashing into Ms Rumble's vehicle. The truck driver was uninjured in the collision. He told a witness moments after the crash he had taken his eyes off the road to check a map. Hayes later told police that he did not read the map, but was distracted by trying to stop it falling from the centre console. The 50-year-old was sending and receiving text messages shortly before the collision, the court heard. Truck driver Christopher Samuel Hayes, 50, was sentenced in WA District Court on Saturday after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing Ms Rumble's death Ms Rumble died only three days before her baby's first birthday Chloe Rumble, 23, was instantly killed when her Kia Sorento collided head-on with a large truck near Geraldton (pictured) in Western Australia in November last year The family (pictured) of Chloe Rumble is 'utterly devastated' But there was no evidence to prove he was texting at the time of the crash. Hayes denied using his phone at the time. Judge Troy Sweeney said the crash was a case of serious distraction and not a split second lapse in judgment. 'The family is utterly devastated... Chloe died only three days before her baby's first birthday and she had organised a birthday party for him,' Judge Sweeney said. The music video has been shared nearly 50,000 times since June 28 They want to show the world what a real China is like, producer said The Chinese Communist authority has released an informative rap video especially for foreigners in order to inform them about 'the real China'. The title, called 'This is China', was produced by a hip hop group called Chengdu Revolution. Its music video, shared by China's Communist Youth League on social media, has attracted nearly 50,000 times since it first appeared on June 28. The real china: Chinese rappers have released an English hip hop song to show their views of the country The song, which was uploaded to social media site Weibo, aims to show that the media portrayal of China is completely different to reality. The song opens with: 'First things first, we all know China is a developing country, it has a large population and it is really hard to manage'. The video shows images of crowded areas and Beijing's infamous smog. When talking about accidents, the rap group tells viewers: 'We made progress and we're trying to prevent these from happening.' It also covers gun control saying: 'We have tight gun control laws and we don't fear gun slaughtering.' Wang Zixin, who is a member of Chengdu Revolution and the producer of the song, said he and his friends just wanted to express what they thought their country is like. Wang, who also refers to himself as Chuckie, told MailOnline: 'When we formed the group in last October, what we hoped was to use an art form popular with young people to guide them to live a healthy life.' Celebrations have been held across China to celebrate the founding of the Communist Party of China People gather in the Great Hall of the People celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China The 23-year-old said the lyrics were written by a band member called Li Yijie, or Pissy, who majored in English. The four-minute song was sung by Li and another band member Luo Jinhui, or Roy. The group wrote on its official account on Weibo: 'Our friends from the West, if you still use foreign media such as CNN, AP and Reuters to get to know China, then the China you know surely isn't the real China.' However it does accept that in some areas China still has a long way to go. Wang said: 'We didn't just write about the good things, we also criticised some of China's current situation, such as the pollution and the poisonous milk powder. 'I'd say a third of the song is positive and two-thirds are negative.' Interestingly, Wang was unhappy about the coverage from the 'Western media' on his song. He insisted that the band had not been hired by the Communist party to write the song. Wang said: 'I'm not even a member of the Communist party. The song is not arranged by the Communist Party.' China's Communist Youth League released the music video on Weibo three days before the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China on July 1. A large flag of the Communist Party of China is displayed on a building in Shenyang A maniac who opposed mass immigration to Germany has been jailed for 14 years for stabbing the mayor of Cologne when she was on the campaign trail last year. Her attacker, identified only as Frank S., was convicted of the attempted murder of Henriette Reker. Mrs. Reker was elected the day after the attack on October 17 but lay in a coma and it was uncertain if she would survive her grave injuries. Frank S. pictured here, stabbed mayoral candidate Henriette Reker in the neck over her refugee policy The knifeman, centre, described Reker as 'a completely deluded, far-left fancy pants ideologue' Judge Barbara Havliza, pictured, said Frank S wanted to create 'a climate of fear and to influence politics' But she pulled through and assumed office a month later. The High Court in Duesseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, heard her attacker - who stabbed her in the neck with a hunting knife because she 'welcomed' refugees - claim he only meant to wound her, not kill her. Four other people were also injured in the attack as they attempted to try to save her. The 45-year-old would-be assassin described Reker in court as 'a completely deluded, far-left, fancy pants ideologue'. Judge Barbara Havliza told the court: 'He wanted to send out a signal against the refugee policies of the government. He wanted to create a climate of fear and to influence politics. 'He doesn't view it as justified for the federal government to let refugees into Germany. According to him the government has committed high treason. He wanted to send an extreme and brutal message against that.' Czech President Milos Zeman has called for a referendum on exiting the European Union and NATO - just a week after the Brexit vote. Nearly 50 per cent of Czechs support staying in the EU, while 34 per cent are in favour of leaving, according to a June poll by the Median agency. Zeman insisted he himself would vote against leaving when he spoke with voters in a small Czech town on Thursday, Czech Radio said on its website. Czech President Milos Zeman (pictured) has called for a referendum on exiting the European Union and NATO - just a week after the Brexit vote 'I disagree with those who are in favour of leaving the EU,' the 71-year-old outspoken leftist said. 'But I'll do my best to have a referendum so they can express themselves. The same goes for a NATO exit.' The Czech Republic, which joined the NATO Western defence alliance in 1999 and the EU in 2004, does not have a referendum law. But in March, parliament began debating a referendum bill that would need backing from 120 of 200 lawmakers to pass. The bill would give the green light to referendum proposals backed by at least 250,000 signatures in the country of 10.5 million people. However it would not allow voters to decide on issues - such as an EU exit - that would lead the country to breach international obligations. This afternoon, the Czech government said it had no intention of holding any referendum on European Union or NATO membership. Zeman insisted he himself would vote against leaving when he spoke with voters in a small Czech town on Thursday, Czech Radio said on its website 'Membership in these organisations is a guarantee of stability and security,' Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka's spokesman said in a statement. 'The government is not considering taking any steps which would question in any way our membership and the long-term orientation of the Czech Republic's foreign policy. Therefore it does not envisage any referendum.' Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party that rules with Sobotka's Social Democrats in the centre-left cabinet, said a referendum would be damaging, according to news website Novinky.cz. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, the acting foreign minister for Spain, which wants to prevent the autonomous region of Catalonia from breaking away, also called Zeman's referendum suggestion 'a very bad idea'. Ministry will follow models already existing in the UAE and Bhutan Will encourage citizens to take up yoga and India has announced it is creating its first 'ministry of happiness' to encourage citizens to take up yoga, spirituality and meditation in a bid to combat stress. The seventy-strong ministry will oversee a range of social programmes as well as organising religious pilgrimages for senior citizens, it was revealed on Thursday. India has announced it is creating its first 'ministry of happiness' to encourage citizens to take up yoga, spirituality and meditation in a bid to combat stress The ministry will be created by the Madhya Pradesh state, it was announced. State minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: 'The state will be made responsible for happiness and tolerance of its citizens and will rope in psychologists to counsel people on how to be always happy', reported The Daily Telegraph. Mr Chouhan - a dedicated yoga practitioner - is expected to lead the ministry though this has not been formally announced. State minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: 'The state will be made responsible for happiness and tolerance of its citizens and will rope in psychologists to counsel people on how to be always happy India is the latest country to introduce government measurements for happiness, following on from Bhutan and the UAE. The Madhya Pradesh state is one of India's most impoverished, with an exceptionally high suicide rate among farmers and students. It also has the highest infant mortality and rape rates in the country. A Sydney bar owner has been threatened with criminal charges after Balinese police shut down construction on his new restaurant. Andrew Stanway, 39, is now facing legal dramas as construction on his upmarket restaurant and bar Mrs Sippy in Bali's popular Seminyak district has been stopped amid claims he does not have a building permit, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Police issued an order at the start of June demanding construction cease on the restaurant or he would face criminal consequences. Andrew Stanway, 39, (pictured) facing an unfolding legal nightmare as construction on his upmarket restaurant and bar Mrs Sippy in Bali's Seminyak district has been stopped amid claims he does not have a building permit Despite the continuing legal nightmare, Mrs Sippy posted to their Facebook page on June 24 that the Bali restaurant would be opening soon The Sydney restaurateur currently co-owns Mrs Sippy in Double Bay, with Ben May, Angus Abrahams and Kate Stanway. Business partner Mr May reportedly rubbished the claims against Mr Stanway and said they were 'completely pathetic'. The drama was sparked by neighbour complaints that building materials were falling on their property when the building's foundations and walls were being constructed in June, according to the Herald. Police then visited the site and said they found no valid building permit and the construction was in breach of two regulations. The Sydney restaurateur currently co-owns Mrs Sippy in Double Bay, with Ben May, Angus Abrahams and Kate Stanway '[We] are instructing you to halt any activities of the said construction, because it violate [sic] the badung regency regulation on building permit and if you continue with any activities on site you will be criminally charged in accordance to the regency law,' a police order said. Mr Stanway was in the process of organising a building permit on June 8, but construction on the site allegedly continued, the Herald reported. The legal issues deepened after another complaint surfaced from a man, Wayan Dharmayasa, claiming to be the owner of the land, according to local media. Mr Dharmayasa's lawyer alleged that land ownership documents had been forged and requested local police shut down the construction site. Vigls to be held for Cecil on Saturday in Washington DC and London as wildlife charities are renewing calls for action to stop hunting Palmer was seen in his home city this week enjoying his new $120,000 Porsche Cayenne Turbo and heading to a cocktail bar abandoned bid to extradite Palmer, 56, after deciding no laws had been broken and federal authorities ruled against charging him in US It is exactly a year to the day that millionaire dentist Walter Palmer sparked global revulsion by killing Cecil the lion. But if the bow-hunting fanatic was feeling the stress of being an international pariah, he certainly wasn't showing it on the anniversary of the famed animal's slaughter. Far from keeping a low profile, the flash 56-year-old was seen taking a brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo worth $120,000 for a spin. He also stopped by a swish cocktail lounge on Thursday evening to meet a female friend despite a fresh outpouring of anger on social media. The despised clinician looked relaxed and carefree as he chatted to valet staff and showed off his customized SUV before heading inside the Living Room bar at the W Hotel, Minneapolis. 'The guys were giving his Porsche some admiring glances and Palmer was happy to lap up the attention,' said an onlooker. 'He was smiling away and cracking jokes. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Insouciant: Walter Palmer is seen a year since the killing of Cecil the Lion at his hands. The millionaire dentist went to the bar of the W Hotel in Minneapolis, where he lives and has his dental practice Casual and unconcerned: The dentist was on the receiving end of fresh criticism on social media but was all smiles as he went to meet friends at an upscale bar in Minneapolis New car: The lion-killer is clearly enjoying his $120,000 Porsche Cayenne Turbo and took it to an upscale cocktail bar in Minneapolis before having it valet parked Victim: Cecil the Lion, pictured above resting in Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe, was by Palmer, who paid 45,000 to shoot the majestic lion. He was distringuished by his black mane Another one: Palmer had previously posed with another of his lion kills, apparently taken by the same method as Cecil, who was killed by bow and arrow 'This was not the look of a man who is haunted by what he's done. The anniversary of Cecil's death can't have meant that much to him.' Palmer's River Bluffs dental surgery remained open for business all week in spite of fresh threats from animal rights activists - one posting on Twitter: 'Walter Palmer. Will Go Down in History As The Lowest Form Of Life. #DugYourOwnGrave.' Another asked: 'Why is Palmer not imprisoned 4 killing Cecil Lion if he were Muslim he would = terrorist.' The family practice in Bloomington, Minnesota, was mobbed by protesters after Palmer paid $45,000 to slaughter 13-year-old Cecil, a prized research animal and majestic symbol of Zimbabwe's wildlife industry. Palmer and his wife Tonette, 57, went into hiding and spent thousands on personal security but Zimbabwean officials later abandoned moves to have them extradited, saying he had not broken any laws. The father-of-two said he trusted that his local contacts guides had the required permits when they illegally shot, skinned and hacked off the regal animal's head on July 1. Palmer and his family split their time between a five-bedroom, $1 million house in the nearby Minneapolis suburb of Eden Prairie and a waterfront vacation home in Marco Island, Florida. Security remains tight at the $1.1 million Florida refuge, with CCTV cameras and no trespassing signs warning intruders away from the property, which has a safari-themed decor with exotic animal motifs on the wallpaper, drapes and upholstery. Palmer also owns a 650-acre hunting lodge in Barnesville, northern Minnesota, where neighbors say he has a barn stocked with a menagerie of exotic animal heads, including a moose, bear, walrus and a lion. His hunting has continued to rile neighbors there, with one filing a complaint that he used a pickup truck to herd deer illegally on to his 650-acre plot. Heading out: It is unclear if the dentist has returned to hunting since the opprobrium poured on him in the wake of Cecil's death - but he does have a new car to enjoy in the form of this $120,000 Porsche Cayenne Then and now: Palmer bagged this leopard in 2010 with his bows and arrows (left) but was dressed for work this week in Minneapolis, where his dental practice has made him a millionaire No strain: Unlike last year when he went into hiding amid international outrage, a relaxed Walter Palmer was seen in Minneapolis this week The way it was: When he came out of hiding to go to work last year in the wake of Cecil the Lion's death, Palmer faced protest at his dental surgery Rage: The dentist's holiday home in Marco Island, Florida, was also targeted by people furious at his killing of Cecil in Zimbabwe Muted scene now: The holiday home has an extra security notice posted outside but there is no sign of a repeat of the vandalism Prolific hunter: In 2008 Palmer pleaded guilty to making false statement to the Fish and Wildlife Service about a black bear he shot outside authorized hunting zones in Wisconsin. He tried to have release of the incriminating photograph stopped Another quarry: Palmer took a bighorn sheep in Nevada in August 2010 with his bow and arrows, another kill which emphasized his credentials as a prolific big game hunter Under Minnesota law it is illegal to use a motor vehicle to intentionally drive, chase, run over, kill or take a wild animal. However officials from the Department of Natural Resources dropped the complaint after Palmer insisted that neither he nor any guests were at the property when the alleged incident happened last fall. The Palmers have two children, 24-year-old Walter James Jr and 28-year-old Natalie Palmer-Botes, a champion ballroom dancer who married her 56-year-old business partner, Paul Botes, in December 2012. Cecil's offspring, meanwhile, are said to be thriving at Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park despite dire warnings that they would be wiped out by rival lions battling for control of their dead father's territory. Daily Mail Online revealed this week that the pride of five females and two males by three lioness mates were all still alive despite numerous reports to the contrary. A minute's silence will be observed on Saturday to mark Cecil's death as part of World Heritage Species Day. The minute will be observed in both London and Washington DC, where vigils are being held by a coalition of animal charities who want to use Cecil's death to lead to a ban on big game hunting. Survivors: These are the offspring of Cecil the Lion - an extraordinary picture of survival 'against the odds' - exactly a year after the iconic cat was shot and killed by an American trophy-hunter Pride: Professional guide Lewis Mangaba who took the pictures, paid tribute to the three lionesses who survived against all odds to successfully raise the 18 month-old youngsters alone Remembered: Majestic lion Cecil was killed a year ago on Friday and a moment of silence will be held to mark his passing in both London and Washington DC tomorrow Wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation used the anniversary to call for an international moratorium on trophy hunting. President Will Travers, said: 'We have been working to bring the brutality of this so-called 'sport' to the attention of policymakers, enforcement bodies, and the public, for many years. 'Horrific though Cecil's killing was, it has turned the spotlight on the cruel reality of trophy hunting, and has helped to dispel the myth that the killing of wild animals for 'fun' by a tiny minority of wealthy Westerners significantly benefits wildlife conservation or local communities. 'The sense of moral outrage that species such as lions, elephants - even rhino - can still be shot for 'fun' is sweeping the world. Dr. James Dobson on the U. S. Supreme Court's Abortion Decision Contact: Paul Hetrick, 719-531-9415; drjamesdobson.org COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 1, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. James C. Dobson (photo), broadcaster, author, family counselor and founder of Family Talk, has expressed his concern about the decision handed down this week by the U. S. Supreme Court on Texas H.B. 2 and abortion. In response to many inquiries and requests Dr. James Dobson comments: "I am appalled by the U.S. Supreme Courts decision on Monday this week to strike down H.B. 2 in Texas which will essentially remove even basic safeguards in abortion clinics for pregnant women and their unborn babies. The people of this great country must speak-up, otherwise our nation is headed toward a point of no-return. This judicial overreach ratchets-up the importance of the presidential election this November. Indeed, SCOTUS, President Barack Obama, and the CA legislature (as evidenced by the recent bill moving through the CA State Senate which would in-effect make Christian Colleges in CA no different than their secular counterparts) are doing everything within their power to snuff-out any remaining remnant of morals and Christian influence from American culture." Dr. Dobson's comment may also be seen online here. James Dobson's Family Talk, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, Phone: 877.732.6825 website: drjamesdobson.org The male model who bared all in Times Square while shouting about Donald Trump and spitting on police before jumping off a ledge, has been formally charged for the jaw-dropping disturbance. Krit McClean, 21, a runway model who has worked with Ford Models, has been charged with public lewdness and disorderly conduct for the hour-long manic display in Times Square on Thursday morning. McClean forced police to shut down the area as they brought in a negotiation team to try and calm the naked, frantic model. He was charged early Friday at Bellevue Hospital, where he was taken after jumping of the red staircase ledge and breaking his arm. Scroll down for video 'Crazed': Krit McClean shouts before jumping from the ledge above the TKTS Broadway ticket booth in New York's Times Square during rush-hour on Thursday morning 'Donald Trump where are you!?: McClean taunted police officers and screamed about Donald Trump before jumping from the top of this TKTS booth in Times Square on Thursday morning Public lewdness is a class B misdemeanor - if found guilty - according to New York State's Penal Code, and can carry a maximum sentence of three months in jail and no more than $500 in fines. Disorderly conduct in New York state typically only results in a fine if found guilty. Witnesses say police cleared the area around the TKTS booth at Seventh Avenue around 8am on Thursday as they calmly tried to deal with McClean for about an hour. The 21-year-old fashion model is also a Columbia University student. McClean was said to be screaming nonsensically, mostly about Donald Trump, and at one point yelled: 'Donald Trump where are you, Donald Trump where the f*** are you?!' Scene in Times Square: Police say McClean was shouting about Trump in Duffy Square and jumped off the rear staircase ledge of the TKTS booth on Thursday morning McClean danced around the platform naked as commuters made their way through Times Square. The area was eventually cleared as a negotiation team was brought in Leap: This is the moment McClean - jumps from the platform as negotiators tried to stop him Police said McClean, who was shouting about presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, was conscious after the jump of about 16 feet off the booth The runway model, who had no clothes or shoes, was earlier seen naked on the street. It's believed a Times Square security guard spotted McClean and chased him up the famed red staircase, where he climbed out onto the platform. As police arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the McClean from the other side of a glass railing, he was hyperactive. He danced, jumped and waved his arms around. At one point McClean - who cops say lives in Manhattan - spat at the officers. Witnesses described him as 'crazed' and said he was demanding a meeting with Trump, who is in New Hampshire today for a scheduled appearance. According to The New York Post, McClean - who has appeared in likes of Harper's Bazaar and GQ - at one point screamed out: 'I love fashion, it's taught me so much!' He then started musing about some respected fashion photographers, yelling out: 'I love you, Bruce Weber. I love you, Mario Testino!' McClean also reportedly declared that he was 'mother earth', as well as a virgin. McLean, 21, took a gap year from Columbia University to pursue his modeling career. He was born in Bangkok and raised in New York, according to his website McClean was shouting out things about Donald Trump and fashion. He is now in hospital after jumping from the platform Working model: McClean is seen walking here in the 2(X)IST show at the Men's Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2015 in New York City Witnesses say McClean was screaming out: 'Donald Trump where are you?' The situation went on for more than an hour Thursday morning as helicopters hovered overhead Then, as police moved to arrest him, McClean jumped from the platform just after 9am. The ledge was about 16-feet from the ground. An inflatable crash bag had already been set up by police, however McClean missed the bag in his jump and landed on the pavement. He was treated by paramedics for minor injuries at the scene and then taken to Bellevue Hospital. Police say he will undergo a psychiatric evaluation. It is unclear whether drugs were involved. Runway: McClean is seen backstage at Men's Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2015 with Donatella Versace McLean was born in Bangkok and raised in New York. He currently lives in Manhattan and is represented by Ford Models McClean is represented by Ford Models, who would not comment on the incident when contacted Thursday. He was born in Bangkok and grew up in New York City, according to his personal website. He attended Stuyvesant High School in Tribeca before moving on to Columbia University for his bachelors degree, however deferred for a year to concentrate on being a model, the site said. His portfolio features mostly magazine editorial work, however he also walked for the likes of Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. David Cameron declared ruefully that 'all political lives end in failure' as he realised he had lost the EU referendum, according to an insider account. The Prime Minister's biographer Anthony Seldon has given a fascinating insight into the dramatic developments inside Downing Street as the results flowed in last week. The academic describes how the mood at Number 10 was buoyant as the final polls suggested Remain was on course for victory. Both David Cameron and wife Samantha choked back tears as he delivered his resignation speech after losing the EU referendum Mr Cameron's wife Samantha, close friend and Conservative Party chairman Lord Feldman, chief of staff Ed Llewellyn and deputy Kate Fall were among the aides who gathered to watch TV coverage in the evening. The Newcastle figures gave the PM the first indication that things were not going his way. And when Leave secured a big win in Sunderland the mood in the famous building darkened quickly. At around 3am, with the outcome becoming clear, Mr Cameron held a council of war in his study with Chancellor George Osborne, Mr Llewellyn, Ms Fall, Lord Feldman and communications director Craig Oliver. They discussed whether he should stay on, but he was adamant that his life would become impossible as Brexit MPs would be constantly at his throat. Quoting Enoch Powell, he said: 'All political lives end in failure.' Half an hour later, Mr Cameron beckoned Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock into his study. He was 'calm, philosophical, and neither angry nor visibly upset', according to extracts from Mr Seldon's updated biography published in The Times. Mr Cameron told the minister: 'I'm going to have to go ... I don't want to lead a government where I don't agree with its policy.' Later the PM's head of operations Liz Sugg asked if it was really necessary for him to stand down as he was 'best person to lead this country'. But Mr Cameron apparently replied that he had 'made up my mind'. As the moment when he would have to go outside and face the media approached, he and Samantha walked through the long corridor at Number 10 and were applauded by staff and officials. The Camerons walked through the famous Number 10 doorway hand in hand to face the waiting media An emotional Mr Cameron said it was 'in the national interest' to have a period of stability and then 'new leadership' in Downing Street Both the Camerons were overcome with emotion, and the premier told them: 'You are the best team I could possibly have hoped for.' Emerging from Downing Street grim-faced and hand-in-hand with his wife shortly afterwards, Mr Cameron stepped up to a government podium and said: '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.' He added: 'Delivering stability will be important. And I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my cabinet for the next three months.' Mr Cameron said he had spoken to the Queen this morning to alert her to his decision. He also said he would not be triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty but would instead leave it to his successor. 'The negotiation with the EU will need to begin under a new Prime Minister and I think it is right this new Prime Minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU,' Mr Cameron said. Conservative Party chairman Lord Feldman and Downing Street director of communications Craig Oliver were among the inner circle who gather to discuss Mr Cameron's fate after it became clear Leave had won '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 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 their talent allows.' He went on: 'Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths. I have said before Britain can survive outside the EU and indeed that we could find a way. 'Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way. I will do everything I can to help. Aiisha Mehajer is following in the stilettoed footsteps of her sister, Mary, by donning the Miss Lebanon sash in an upcoming beauty pageant. The glamorous sister of Salim Mehajer recently entered the Pageant of the World competition, a search to find 'international beauty' in Australia. To claim the winner's tiara and cement her status as west Sydney royalty Aiisha must beat fierce competition from countries such as Pakistan, Russia, Turkey and Mexico. Aiisha Mehajer (pictured) is representing Lebanon in the upcoming Pageant of the World competition Aiisha has posted a number of glamorous snaps to her Instagram account of her proudly showing off her competitor's sash According to the competition's website, candidates must be 'at least 150 cm in height with proportional weight,' be 'single and never married or pregnant,' be under the age of 30 and have no tattoos. Aiisha's profile describes her as 'energetic and outgoing' with an 'anything is possible attitude'. The profile reads: 'Currently undertaking her Masters of Secondary Teaching, Aisha is energetic, outgoing, loving, caring and a social person. 'She finds great satisfaction in knowing she was able to help people in need.' On the competition's website, Aiisha (centre) describes herself as energetic and outgoing Her profile for the competition reads: 'Aiisha is a firm believer that the universe is continuously working towards one's highest good' The profile continues: 'With an attitude that everything is possible for those who believe, Aiisha is a firm believer that the universe is continuously working towards one's highest good. 'Her motto in life: 'Be easy on yourself, one day everything will make absolute sense' Her profile also shows less than 100 people have voted for her so far way off the pace set by fan favourite Ani Smsarian of Armenia, who holds 13, 700 votes. In a post to Instagram, Aiisha described how excited and honoured she felt to represent her home country in the pageant Aiisha and her 19 fellow contestants practice their dance routines in the lead up to the competition's finale on July 8 In the lead up to the competition's final on July 8, Aiisha has been hitting the streets and beaches of Sydney for a series of photo shoots with her fellow contestants. One photo showed the contestants in fluorescent active wear during a group workout on Bondi Beach. Another showed Aiisha and her pouting pals from Turkey, Armenia and Kurdistan unwinding at a swanky Sydney bar. Aiisha and her pouting pals headed to Bondi Beach for an early morning workout - complete with sashes Later Aiisha and the contestants from Turkey, Kurdistan and Armenia went to a swanky Sydney bar to unwind In an Instagram post of her proudly showing off her sash, Aiisha said how excited she was to strut her stuff in the competition. She said: 'I feel so honoured and proud to be selected to represent my mother country, Lebanon. 'For those of you asking, yes, you can come down and show your support at the pageant on the 8th of July at Town Hall.' Aiisha said: 'I feel so honoured to be selected to represent my mother country, Lebanon. Come down to the Town Hall and show your support' Earlier in the year sister Mary Mehajer was surrounded in controversy after she won the Miss Lebanon 2016 competition. Salim Mehajer was a major sponsor of the competition and there were allegations that votes for Mary Mehajer were rigged. Hubert Martini, 64, who penned his own bitter obituary in a German newspaper A German man has taken his grudges to the grave by telling his family they are banned from his funeral. In a bizarre self-penned obituary in the Trierischer Volksfreund, a newspaper in Western Germany, Hubert Martini, 64, went to great lengths to let those he left behind what he thought of them. In the death notice, he admits hurting people, but said it was a good thing and that he was an atheist until the end and therefore any religious symbolism was banned at his committal. Roughly translated, Martini wrote: 'I sign up herewith from life. 'I had a good life, but it was overshadowed by many diseases. The last one was unfortunately invincible. 'One last word - I was a convinced atheist, and there I stayed, so at the farewell ceremony there will be no mourning, no crosses and no other overt or covert religious symbols. 'As for flowers, if at all, please just bring yellow and orange lilies - without a strong odour. 'Forbid the other five children of my parents and their partners and offspring. 'I am to take part in this celebration. You are all discarded.' It is unclear what made Martini want to have the last word, but the 64-year-old notes that in life 'I have hurt some people - and that's good.' Local undertaker Martina Schmidt called the obituary 'out of order'. 'He wanted to settle scores and now the relatives have to live with that,' she said. Hubert Martini's obituary in the Trierischer Volksfreund, a newspaper in Western Germany He did at least save some niceties for the 'few friends' he seemingly did like including a Turkish man called Mufasa who gave him an insight into his culture, albeit not always painless. Martini added: 'I've known and loved a wonderful woman, learned I have a good son that I fathered with her which gave me two great grandchildren.' Martini added: 'I've known and loved a wonderful woman, learned I have a good son that I fathered with her which gave me two great grandchildren.' He did at least save some niceties for the 'few friends' he seemingly did like at his home town of Trierischer (pictured) including a Turkish man called Mufasa who gave him an insight into his culture, albeit not always painless It is unclear what made Martini want to have the last word, but the 64-year-old notes that in life 'I have hurt some people - and that's good.' Advertisement Millions of Muslims from around the globe joined in prayer today for the final Friday in Ramadan. The month-long period features fasting, abstinence, prayer and charity. Today's Friday's prayers are the final ones ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival which is due to begin on Tuesday. During Ramadan, many Muslims are obliged to abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. This Kashmiri Muslim is one of millions of worshipers across the globe who are praying on the final Friday in Ramadan These Pakistani Muslims are performing the ritual of washing before their prayers, during their most solemn period of the year Thousands attended prayers in the grand Faisal mosque in Islamabad in preparation for the end of Ramadan on Tuesday This Muslim man is reading from the Koran inside a mosque in Peshawar in Pakistan as he prepares for the final few days of Ramadan However, Iranians staged anti-Israel rallies across the country on Friday, with protesters condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and chanting 'death to Israel.' Tens of thousands of people marched in the capital, Tehran, as part of the al-Quds day rallies held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. Some protesters trampled the Israeli flag and also chanted 'down with the USA'. Similar rallies took place across the country, Iranian state media reported. In a speech ahead of Friday prayers in Iran, the deputy commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard lashed out at Israel. General Hossein Salami also hit out at officials in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern region and other unnamed regional powers accused of provoking unrest along Iran's western and northwestern borders, where Iranian forces have clashed with Kurdish separatists. 'I warn...officials in northern Iraq to fulfil their commitments. We will decisively destroy any place that is the origin of threats against our ruling system, and we will be unbound by any cautions,' he said. Iran does not recognize Israel and has marked al-Quds day since the start of its 1979 Islamic revolution. Al-Quds is a historic Arabic name for Jerusalem, and Iran says the day is an occasion to express support for the Palestinians and emphasize the importance of Jerusalem for Muslims. The Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan - traditionally a time of mercy - is due to begin next week. A Palestinian woman attempted to stab an Israeli guard at a flashpoint West Bank shrine on Friday and was shot dead, Israeli police said, the third violent incident in two days. Thousands were forced to stand outside the Grand Mosque in Kashmir, India due to the numbers attending Friday prayers In Jerusalem, Palestinian women prayed at the Dome of the Rock in the city's Al-Aqsa mosque compound In new Dehli, Muslims gathered outside the Jama Maszid for the final Friday prayers of the holy month of Ramadan which ends on Tuesday Palestinian men prayed outside the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's AL-Aqsa mosque compound during Friday's prayers Israeli security forces launched a massive operation in the area after a number of violent incidents marred the events They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. 'A female terrorist armed with a knife approached a border police post at one of the entrances to the Cave of the Patriarchs and suddenly drew a knife and tried to stab one of the policemen,' a police statement said. 'He responded and shot the terrorist.' It was the third violent incident in Israel and the Palestinian territories in two days and came as Muslims neared the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. On Thursday morning, a Palestinian fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron, before being shot dead by security guards. That evening, in the Israeli seaside town of Netanya, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. Hebron has been a flashpoint in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. These Muslims gathered at the Istiqulal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia as they prepare for the ending of the month-long Ramadan fast Iranian demonstrators attended a pro-Palestinian rally on Islamic Revolution Street in Tehran where they pledged 'death to Israel' Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is marked by abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours In Dhakar, Bangladesh, Muslims line up in the middle of the road for their prayers on the final Friday of Ramadan In Afghanistan, these men, including a member of the army pray during the final Friday of Ramadan, pictured In Dhakar, Muslims close almost an entire street so their can perform their prayer ritual on the final Friday of Ramadan Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. Kiryat Arba lies on the outskirts of the city and has a population of more than 7,000. The violence since October has killed at least 213 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they had deployed thousands of officers 'in and around the Old City' in preparation for the fourth and final Friday prayers of Ramadan. 'Thousands of (Muslims) are expected to make their way to the Old City for prayers,' a police statement said in English. 'Police and border police will be patrolling the different areas to prevent - and respond to if necessary - any incidents.' In an effort to cap rising tensions, Israeli authorities announced Tuesday they were closing Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound to non-Muslim visitors after a series of clashes between worshippers and police. The decision will apply until the end of Ramadan next week, a police spokeswoman told AFP. Clashes between Muslims and Israeli police broke out on Sunday over Jewish visits to the compound, with youths throwing stones and security forces firing tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Islamic officials accused Israel of breaking a tacit ban on non-Muslim access to the site during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The period, which began on Sunday, is the most solemn for Muslims and attracts the highest number of worshippers. Non-Muslims, including Jews, are allowed to visit the site during set hours but are barred from praying to avoid provoking tensions. John J Teeple III (pictured) was sentenced to four years of court supervision and three months of house arrest for biting off part of his wife's lover's ear A Pennsylvania man who bit off part of his wife's lover's ear during a scuffle will serve house arrest and probation. John J Teeple III was sentenced to four years of court supervision and three months of house arrest, the Times-Tribune reported. In February of 2015 Teeple confronted his wife's lover Raymond Herne, after the man left in Mary Teeple's car. Teeple cut Herne off and forced him off the road. The man then attacked Herne and bit off part of his ear. 'I was reacting completely out of emotion. I accept full responsibility for what I did,' Teeple told Lackawanna County Judge Michael Barrasse in court on Thursday. However, Teeple's lawyer, attorney Bill Thompson, said his client confronted Herne but Herne initiated the physical fight. When police went to arrest Teeple at his Scranton, Pennsylvania, home, they found an illegal sawed-off shotgun. He said he was 'very emotional' during that time as his 14-year marriage came to an end. In a plea deal, Teeple pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple assault and reckless endangerment charges, rather than felony aggravated assault. The sentencing included those charges and a misdemeanor charge of altering an offensive weapons charge for the shotgun. GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump says he is looking at replacing hijab-wearing Muslims working in the Transportation Security Administration with retired military veterans. During a question-and-answer session at a town hall event on Thursday in Manchester, New Hampshire, a woman named Cathie Chevalier stood up and asked the nominee, 'Why arent we putting our military retirees on that border or in TSA? Get rid of all these 'hibi-jabis' they wear at TSA?' 'You know, we are looking at that,' he replied. It's unclear if Trump would allow Muslim veterans to replace Muslim TSA workers. The 'hibi-jabis' the woman was referring to are presumably hijabs, often worn by Muslim women to cover their heads. Scroll down for video Cathie Chevalier (standing, left, in blue and white shirt) asked Trump when he would 'get rid of all these hibi-jabis' in the TSA and border patrol 'We are looking at that' Trump replied to the woman, seemingly confirming that he would be interested in replacing Muslims in the TSA with military vets (presumably not Muslim ones, though this is unclear) Trump has stirred up controversy throughout his campaign with remarks about Muslims and other nationalities, including vowing to ban them from immigrating to the US, which he later downgraded to vetting them more intensely. He had also suggesting monitoring mosques, and said that those in the Muslim community aren't reporting the 'bad ones' and are protecting them, according to Reuters. Trump, at an event in Manchester, New Hampshire confirmed he was looking into replacing Muslims working security in airports and at borders with military vets Cathie Chevalier, above right with her veteran husband, and right with George W. Bush, told Trump she'd seen people working TSA who wore 'hiji-jabis' He also said the judge presiding over his Trump University lawsuit couldn't be impartial because of his Mexican heritage and then included Muslims in the category of those who couldn't be fair with him. The woman started off her suggestion about hiring practices at the TSA by complimenting Trump on 'everything [he's] done for veterans.' Trump had given away $5.6million that he raised at a fundraiser to various veteran charities, and $1million of his own money, but only after being pressured by the Washington Post to reveal proof of a donation that he had claimed previously, according to the outlet. Trump has stirred up controversy throughout his campaign with controversial comments about Muslims While Muslims serve in the military (left) and are veterans (right) it is unclear if they would be allowed to work in the TSA, as Trump said he is looking into replacing those wearing hijabs with veterans 'Homeland Security and jobs,' Chevalier continued.'Why aren't we putting our military retirees on that border or in TSA, get rid of all these hibijabis they wear at TSA.' 'I understand,' Trump replied. 'I've seen them myself,' the woman continued, 'We need the veterans back in there to take it, they fought for this country and defended it, they'll still do it.' 'You know what, we are looking that,' Trump said. 'We are looking at a lot of things.' The North Carolina whitewater rafting center where an 18-year-old woman contracted a rare brain-eating amoeba and died one week later had inadequate filtration and disinfection systems. All 11 water samples taken at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte detected the presence of the deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed. It was the same amoeba that infected and killed Lauren Seitz, of Westerville, Ohio, who died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) mere weeks after her high school graduation. Lauren Seitz (pictured) died of a brain infection from a rare brain-eating amoeba after rafting at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, which the CDC has discovered had inadequate filtration systems The results were 'significant' and at levels the CDC had not previously seen, according to Dr Jennifer Cope. She added that the levels were also higher than those seen in the warm freshwater conditions where amoeba is common, according to The Charlotte Observer. Seitz, who was traveling with her church group, is believed to have been exposed to the amoeba when her raft overturned during a trip to the center on June 8. She died on June 19. Although Naegleria fowleri is naturally present in warm freshwater, it can cause the very rare PAM infection. Only 35 cases of PAM have been reported in the last decade. People are usually infected when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and then travels to the brain. PAM is almost always fatal. The center has suspended whitewater rafting and kayaking, but other activities are continuing as scheduled at the facility. It announced it plans to drain all the water from its whitewater channels to dry them, clean all concrete and rock in the channels and test both its wells and city water supply for the amoeba. The statement also said the center will work with the CDC, health officials and other professionals to decide on water quality measures to minimize amoeba risks. All 11 water samples taken at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte detected the presence of the deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed It was the same amoeba that infected and killed Seitz, of Westerville, Ohio, who died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) mere weeks after her high school graduation But, the center, added it does not expect to eliminate the amoeba risk. 'The objective is to develop a water quality program that improves our chances of reducing the risk of exposure to Naegleria fowleri and provide better overall water quality,' the statement said. 'We will have a better estimate on the time frame as we move forward.' Cope said the center's system of filtering the water and applying ultraviolet radiation to kill potentially deadly microbes were 'inadequate in that setting'. The center previously said the process was 99.99 percent effective. This is because organic material already in the water reacts with the chlorine, causing the disinfectant to become useless. 'Moving forward, there are ways to make this water less conducive to Naegleria growth,' Cope said. The center's water is not inspected by the county or state because the man-made system is not considered to be a public pool, according to Dr. Marcus Plescia, Mecklenburg County's health director. But Plescia previously claimed the center was 'as safe as any body of water'. Her only known underwater exposure was thought to be when her raft overturned at the center (pictured) WHAT IS NAEGLERIA FOWLERI? Naegleria fowleri (pictured) is commonly referred to as the 'brain-eating amoeba' Naegleria fowleri is commonly referred to as the 'brain-eating amoeba' as it can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). But the infection is very rare, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been about 35 cases reported in the U.S. in the last decade. The single-celled organism is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil. It usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM, which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water) enters the nose. You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria. Source: CDC Advertisement 'Any time you go into a lake or pond, there are things in the water that can cause illnesses,' he said. 'We're not going to close every lake and pond.' But on Thursday the state House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that will now require mandatory testing on the center's water. It is too little too late for Seitz, who had graduated with honors from Westerville South High School, where she was drum major of the school's marching band, the Columbus Dispatch reported. 'This was an enormous loss for the band, but also to the Westerville community and family,' band director John Laswell said in a Facebook post. 'Lauren just graduated in May and was one of the most talented, humble and caring students I've ever taught.' Seitz was enrolled at Denison University, where she planned to study Environmental Science and had and had declared a Minor in Music, her obituary says. 'Lauren understood the overwhelming beauty and fragility of life with uncommon clarity and cared so deeply about the welfare of other people and this world we all share,' it adds. 'Her genuine kindness and encouragement will continue to inspire and comfort everyone who knew her.' Seitz's family said it was a cruel way for their precious daughter, who so deeply cared about the environment, to die. 'Our family is completely heartbroken and lost without Lauren,' their statement read. Has been skeptical of international institutions and backed Brexit vote Donald Trump has warmed up to NATO, saying he wants the powerful treaty organization to be involved in the fight against ISIS. 'I like the idea of using NATO and also neighbors that aren't in NATO and take them out. You gotta take them out,' Trump told ABC News on Thursday. 'I don't want to get too much of ours involved. I want NATO to be involved,' Trump said. 'We spend a tremendous amount of money on NATO. We take care of countries that frankly should be taking care of themselves in terms of economically.' Trump's comments toward NATO, a cornerstone of U.S. security since the Second World War, come despite highly skeptical comments during the primaries that alarmed members of the Republican foreign policy establishment. Treaty: Donald Trump told ABC's Tom Llamas he wants NATO to be involved in the campaign against ISIS 'I think NATO is obsolete,' Trump told ABC News in March. 'NATO was done at a time you had the Soviet Union, which was obviously larger -- much larger than Russia is today.' Trump added that NATO should be 'readjusted to take care of terrorism.' He took flack for the comment from some of his Republican rivals, including Florida senator Marco Rubio. Hillary Clinton blasted Trump's NATO pronouncements in her attack speech on his foreign policy in June. ''This is a man who said that more countries should have nuclear weapons, including Saudi Arabia. This is someone who has threatened to abandon our allies in NATO he believes we can treat the U.S. economy like one of his casinos and default on our debts to the rest of the world,' Clinton said. In recent weeks, several prominent members of the foreign policy establishment have come out against Trump. Among them are longtime diplomat Richard Armitage, who served in three Republican administrations and said he supports Clinton. A Polish army soldier sits in a tank during NATO exercises in Poland A Romanian pilot stands next to a U.S. F-22 Raptor participating in a NATO mission to counter Russia's intervention in Ukraine British troops participate in a NATO operation in Estonia in May A Polish F-16 flies over Poland during a NATO war games exercise He joined a list of more than 70 Republican foreign policy experts who signed a letter against Trump. Trump made the case for NATO even as he kept his precise plans quiet. 'I don't like giving away like 'We're gonna hit them here. We're gonna hit them there.' I like to keep it quiet,' Trump said, 'We're going to hit them very hard, it's very true. It's very possible that we should use NATO,' he said. Earlier this week, Trump amped up his anti-ISIS rhetoric at a speech in Pittsburgh, where he said the U.S. should 'fight fire with fire.' 'We have to fight so viciously and violently because were dealing with violent people,' Trump said. Gilbert wrote: 'Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal' The 46-year-old revealed the news in a Facebook post on Friday morning Gilbert wrote about their romance in her hit book, Eat Pray Love that was adapted into a movie starring Julia Roberts Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert has announced that she and her husband of 12 years are separating after she wrote about how she fell in love with him in her book Eat Pray Love. Gilbert married Jose Nunes in 2007 after he spawned her 2006 hit memoir that was adapted into a movie starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. The 46-year-old author revealed the shocking news of the split on her Facebook page Friday morning. 'I am separating from the man whom many of you know as 'Felipe' the man whom I fell in love with at the end of the EAT PRAY LOVE journey,' Gilbert wrote. 'He has been my dear companion for over 12 years, and they have been wonderful years. Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal.' Split: Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert has announced that she and Jose Nunes (pictured above on their wedding day) ar separating after she wrote about how she fell in love with him in her book Eat Pray Love Gilbert (above) revealed the shocking news on her Facebook page Friday morning. She said: 'Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal' Gilbert explained in the post that she decided to share the news since she has been open about her personal life in the past. Gilbert did not share what led up to the pair splitting. The 46-year-old wrote that she is not inviting the public to invade her privacy, even though she has wrote about her relationship in the book-turned-movie. 'At this time of transition, I hope you will respect our privacy,' Gilbert wrote. 'In my heart, I know that you will do so, because I trust that you understand how this is a story that I am living not a story that I am telling. 'I thank you for your love, and for your kindness, and for your continued blessings. Hold us in your thoughts. 'And I hope you will understand and forgive me if I am a bit absent from social media during this sensitive moment.' Closing out the post, she shared a poem called 'Falling and Flying' by Jack Gilbert. She wrote that it has been carrying her through the experience and hopes that it will help others. In a comment on her post, Momastery founder and her friend Glennon Doyle Melton wrote: 'I did not know if I'd ever see anything as beautiful and love drenched as the coming together of you and your dear Jose. Julia Roberts (right) played Gilbert (center) in the hit movie Eat Pray Love that was adapted after the book and directed by Ryan Murphy, left Javier Bardem played the best part of Bali, Felipe- based on Jose- in the film 'Until I witnessed the coming apart of you and Jose. ... Your marriage is the most successful I've ever known.' Gilbert commented back and wrote: 'I love you, Sister Glennon. Thank you for the great and beautiful wingspan of your heart.' In a People interview from October 2015, Gilbert said that her husband was her favorite souvenir that she saved from the epic journey she took through Italy, India and Bali. 'The husband was my favorite souvenir of that trip,' Gilbert said. 'Inner peace was also a really nice relic of that.' Gilbert met her 63-year-old Brazilian-born husband in Bali towards the end of her journey that was sparked from the unraveling of her first marriage. 'I don't want our marriage to be two people sitting in a room with the blue light of screens reflected up on our faces all the time,' she told People of her marriage to Nunes. 'We've settled into something that's very nourishing and very sweet. And I'm not sure it's because we find each other fascinating so much as because we continue to show up and show interest in each other.' Gilbert made the announcement about her marriage in a Facebook post (above) and asked for people to respect their privacy HRF Applauds Hong Kong Bookseller's Defiance of Dictatorship Contact: Noemi Gonzalo-Bilbao, 212-246-8486, noemi@hrf.org NEW YORK, July 1, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Human Rights Foundation (HRF) commends previously detained Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing Kee's courage to give a public account of his detention in China. At the end of last year , five employees and owners of a bookstore that published books critical of the Chinese regime were disappeared. Lam, founder of the bookstore, was abducted on October 24, 2015 when he crossed the border into mainland China and was taken to a detention compound in Ningbo. On June 14, the "central special unit," the operative unit responsible for Lam's abduction, asked him to return to Hong Kong and bring back a list of the bookstore's customers. Instead, he defied the unit's orders and held a press conference. Lam gave a harrowing account of his 18-month experience in detention. "Lam Wing Kee's courage to speak out should be applauded by the international community, especially when his previously detained colleagues would not say a single word about their own extrajudicial detention, presumably due to fear of the Chinese regime," said Thor Halvorssen, president of HRF. "The dictatorial Communist Party must come clean about the despicable abductions it has conducted to suppress dissent, and the international community must be persistent in calling on the regime to answer for its wrongdoings," added Halvorssen. Lam spent five months in solitary confinement in a 200 to 300-square-feet room, and guards monitored him 24 hours a day. He was not allowed to contact his family or a lawyer. He also stated that his televised " confession ," which aired this past February on a Chinese channel, was fake and scripted. Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. Share Tweet A young man on the verge of fatherhood bled to death in the arms of his pregnant girlfriend after stabbing himself during a trivial argument, an inquest heard today. Jarad Corkovic, 23, told Caisha Carne: 'You don't believe me when I'm stressed' shortly before sticking the knife twice into his own chest in the bedroom of their home in Salford, Greater Manchester. But when Jarad, a gas engineer, realised how badly he was injured he told Caisha: 'I didn't mean to do it' and collapsed in her arms. Jarad Corkovic (pictured on the right in both images) was a keep-fit fanatic who worked hard as a gas engineer and had saved up 12,000 to set up home with his girlfriend Caisha Carne (on the left in both images) The 22-year old college student, her mother and a family friend desperately tried to staunch the blood after calling 999. Jarad was rushed to hospital on January 22 but died later from a knife wound to the heart. The inquest heard Jarad was looking forward to becoming a father and had saved up 12,000 towards a deposit to buy a home for the young family. Jarad was a teetotaller and a non-smoker who went to the gym every day and had taken part in several charity bike rides. But the inquest heard he had anger management issues and had been taken to hospital twice with injured hands after punching a wall and smashing a mirror. Police initially launched a murder investigation and sent forensics officers into the house (left) but they later concluded (left to right) Caisha Carne, Nicola Samuels and Jacqueline Grieve were blameless Caisha broke down in tears as she told the inquest how they had an argument about personal issues: 'He felt like I didn't want him and I said "it's not you" but he couldn't understand and we had an argument. 'He smashed my phone and broke my wardrobe door because he head butted it about five times, hard.' She said there was a problem with a bedroom door at the time and they could only open it with a knife. Caisha said Jarad picked the knife up and stabbed himself twice. She said: 'I jumped up and said: "what have you done?" and I saw the blood on his t-shirt. I said "why have you done that?' and he said "I didn't mean to".' Caisha said: 'He fell into my arms and I lay on the floor with him holding him and just talking to him. My mum's friend was there and I was trying to reassure him to stay with me and then he just took a deep breath and I said "has he died?". The inquest heard that Jarad Corkovic (pictured, left) sometimes got frustrated and angry and had hurt his hands previously by punching walls. But he had never harmed his girlfriend Caisha (pictured, right, with Jarad) 'We lay him down and my mums friend gave him mouth-to-mouth and he took one last breath and I was holding him.' She said: 'I remember before he stabbed himself he said "you don't believe me when I'm stressed" and I said "I do believe you". I was just being me and being stubborn and telling him we all get stressed.' Jarad's mother Michelle Corkovic told the inquest: 'He had some down days but we all have down days. He had his moods and would boot the TV - but he would never do anything to myself or anybody else. He would lash out at times and have a short temper but it would be at furniture. 'I don't believe he intended to take his own life. This was an impulsive act, spur of the moment. 'He had 12,000 in the bank and was saving for a mortgage. He wanted to make sure that Caisha finished university and got her degree once the baby had arrived.' She said: 'He wanted to show the baby off. He had everything planned out, his future was very exciting. He was excited about being a dad. He was planning on having a large family.' Caisha, her mother Jacqueline Grieve and family friend, Nicola Samuels, were arrested by police but were later freed without charge. Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe, from Greater Manchester Police, said: 'It was known about Jarad's frustration and how he would strike out at times. I'm satisfied that he stabbed himself twice in the abdomen.' Recording a conclusion of misadventure, Assistant Coroner Rachel Griffin said: 'Jarad was a young man who was very fit and healthy. He was hard working and much loved by all those around him. 'But he was a gentleman who had at times problems with low moods and it would seem in moments there would be impulse actions and they may involve lashing out. 'This occurred during such a moment of anger and immediately after he was remorseful and regretful and stated he didn't mean to do it. I do not believe he stabbed himself intentionally to take his own life. Advertisement Shocking photographs have revealed the plight of the children starving in Nigeria after they and their families were made homeless by Boko Haram. The tiny babies and toddlers are so thin that their bones can be seen clearly against their skin, as medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that the country is facing 'a catastrophic humanitarian emergency'. Despite pledges from Nigeria to do more to tackle the food shortages among the internally displaced people (IDPs), the United Nations has said that some 50,000 children could starve to death this year in the northeastern state of Borno alone. At least 188 people died in the camp in Bama between May 23 and June 22, mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition, while more than 1,200 graves, many of them for children, have been dug near the camp in the last year, MSF said last week. Scroll down for video Desperate: A series of shocking images has revealed the extent of the food shortages facing internally displaced people in Nigeria. Pictured, a young girl suffering from severe acute malnutrition getting weighed at one of the Unicef nutrition clinics Tragedy: The United Nations warned that some 50,000 children will have died by the end of the year if nothing is done to alleviate the issue Upsetting: People living in the camp for displaced people in Bama have been made homeless by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram A Nigerian government delegation, that visited Bama to see conditions for the 25,000 people living there, described it as 'an overwhelming situation for any government to handle'. Maryam Uwais, special advisor to President Muhammadu Buhari for social protection, said: 'The state government has done its best. We came to see things for ourselves. We came to see things for ourselves. 'We will go back and make reports and soon there will be some relief, more relief coming this way.' Domestic and international aid agencies rely on the military to drive to 45 miles from the state capital Maiduguri to Bama, which was liberated in March. Roads in to and out of Maiduguri are nominally open but vehicles are still vulnerable to attack from the Islamist militants, who have been pushed into the bush by the military since January 2015. Many displaced people from in and around Bama are currently staying in camps and host communities in Maiduguri. Starving: In just one month in the camp for the internally displaced, at least 188 people died, mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition Terrible: A Nigerian government delegation, that visited Bama to see conditions for the 25,000 people living there, described it as 'an overwhelming situation for any government to handle' Help: Domestic and international aid agencies rely on the military to drive to 45 miles from the state capital Maiduguri to Bama, which was liberated in March. Hunger: Maryam Uwais, special advisor to President Muhammadu Buhari for social protection, said: 'The state government has done its best. We came to see things for ourselves. We came to see things for ourselves' Children: Many of those suffering in the camp are children who, along with their families, were forced from their homes by Boko Haram Warning: The United Nations has said that some 50,000 children could starve to death this year in the northeastern state of Borno alone Spreading: Even more people in urgent need of assistance are being discovered as hard-to-reach remote locations are opened up MSF's claims angered the Nigerian government, and Borno state health commissioner Haruna Mshelia dismissed reports of severe acute malnutrition at the Bama camp as exaggerated. But he said some 1,800 of the most vulnerable had been evacuated to Maiduguri for special treatment and feeding. The United Nations said in a statement on Thursday that its agencies and partners in northeast Nigeria were 'reporting high levels of severe malnutrition and desperate conditions' in recently liberated areas. 'Improving security has enabled humanitarians to access areas that were previously cut off,' said acting UN humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria Munir Safieldin. 'The conditions we are seeing there are devastating,' he added, demanding 'a much faster and wider response'. More people in urgent need of assistance are being discovered as hard-to-reach remote locations are opened up and UNICEF Nigeria representative Jean Gough had a stark warning if nothing was done. Bleak: A displaced mother with her malnurished child in Bama's camp for internally displaced people (IDP), on the outskirts of Maiduguri Vulnerable: Women and children waiting in a queue to visit one of the Unicef nutrition clinics, in the Muna informal settlement, which houses nearly 16,000 people Violence: The seven-year Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6million Problems: The violence has left communities destroyed and farmland devastated, also hitting the supply of food to markets, driving up costs for people already robbed of their livelihoods Shelter: A woman sits in the shade of her makeshift hut, in the Muna informal settlement, which houses nearly 16,000 IDPs on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State Community: Men living in the camp join together to build a shelter for a family in the informal settlement of Muna, near to Maiduguri Suffering: Local authorities are facing increasing pressure as ever greater numbers of people in desperate need of help are discovered as more hard-to-reach areas are liberated 'We estimate that there will be almost a quarter of a million children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Borno this year,' she said in a statement. 'Unless we reach these children with treatment, one in five of them will die. We cannot allow that to happen.' The seven-year Boko Haram insurgency has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6million, with a new influx heaping pressure on local authorities. Food insecurity and malnutrition has reached emergency levels, the Nigerian government said on Monday, and more than 500,000 people require immediate food assistance. A police officer resigned Thursday after being named by a teenage prostitute whose claims that she slept with 32 cops has sparked investigations across the Bay Area. Ricardo Perez, a Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy, became the latest to resign in the wake of the scandal, which previously cost Oakland three police chiefs in less than a month. Perez is now under criminal investigation by the Oakland Police Department, ABC 7 reported. Guap, who is 18 years old and lives in Richmond, California, claimed Perez had sex with her several times when she was just 17 years old. Scroll down for video Ricardo Perez, a Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy, resigned on Thursday after being named in the sex scandal that has rocked Oakland Police Department. Picture is a text conversation teenage prostitute Celeste Guap said she had with Perez The texts revealed by Guap show a contact saved as DeputyRicardo asking for a picture, to which Guap replies with a nude selfie Texts made public by ABC 7 show messages exchanged between Guap and a contact listed as DeputyRicardo [sic]. In a series of messages, the contact asks Guap to send a picture of herself, to which she responds with a nude selfie. 'We earn the public trust through honesty, transparency and accountability, Sheriff David Livingston said in a statement Thursday, announcing Perez's departure. 'Although this case involved one deputy out of the over one thousand sheriff's office employees, we will not tolerate even a single breach of the public trust we work so hard to earn.' Guap told ABC 7 Perez is one of four officers who slept with her when she was underage. Guap, 18, (left and right) claims she has slept with 32 police officers from seven law enforcement agencies and that she was 16 the first time she slept with a cop An attorney for Perez hadn't responded to requests for comment from the San Francisco Chronicle as of Friday. Guap told the newspaper she met a Contra Costa sheriff's deputy, later identified as Perez, a little more than a year ago on Facebook. He added her as a friend and she sent him a message, Guap said, also claiming Perez would pick her up when he was off duty and drive her to a rural road close to the Caldecott Tunnel. She told the San Francisco Chronicle in a previous interview they had sex about 10 times in his private vehicle. 'It was consistent for about a month, six weeks, then we stopped for the month of August, then we did it again one more time in September,' Guap told the newspaper. She said no money was exchanged during her encounters with Perez. Three police chiefs resigned from the Oakland Police Department within days of one another in June following Guap's claims. Paul Figueroa stepped down after only two days on the job last month. His predecessor, Ben Fairow, had been fired after just six days. The allegations made by Guap (pictured in a Facebook shot) previously cost the Oakland Police Department three police chiefs in the wake of the scandal An investigation into sexual misconduct began after Officer Brendan O'Brien's suicide last September And Fairow himself had been chosen to replace former police chief Sean Whent, who had resigned the week prior. Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf did not say why Figueroa left his position at the time and instead blasted the department for its 'toxic, macho, culture'. Schaaf said Figueroa had not been involved in the sex scandal that has rocked Oakland police. She had appointed his predecessor Fairow but later admitted she should have taken more time to vet him, calling Fairow's appointment a mistake. Schaaf said new information had caused her to lose confidence in Fairow's ability to lead the department, but added that state personnel laws meant she was unable to elaborate on why she had to remove him from his post. Meanwhile Whent had quit earlier in June after multiple officer misconduct cases. Whent said at the time that the investigation into possible sexual misconduct with a minor stemmed from the suicide of an officer. WHERE THE 32 COPS WHO 'SLEPT WITH GUAP' WORK 16 - Oakland Police Department 6 - Richmond Police Department 4 - Alameda County Sheriff's Department 3 - San Fransico Police Department 1 - Contra Costa Sheriff's Department 1 - Livermore Police Department 1 - Defense Logistics Agency (contacted Guap after the scandal erupted) Advertisement Officer Brendan O'Brien killed himself just hours after Guap started revealing details of the relationships with members of law enforcement on Facebook last September, reports suggest. The investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct was opened after O'Brien's death in 2015, the East Bay Express reported. Guap, whose mother works as a dispatcher at the Oakland Police Department, hasn't named the officers she claims to have slept with. But she told ABC 7 they weren't standing up for her. 'They all turned their backs on me,' she said. In that same interview, Guap said she was 16 years old when she first had sex with a police officer, who worked in Oakland. She said three out of all the officers had given her money. But, Guap told ABC 7, some gave her inside information on criminal cases or provided her with police reports. Investigators have confirmed that statutory rape was a possibility in the case. Sean Whent (left), Ben Fairow (center) and Paul Figueroa (right) all quit as Oakland Police chiefs in the space of eight days earlier this month in the wake of the scandal An outraged family are suing airport police and the TSA after their disabled daughter was injured, and then arrested, by security workers at Memphis International Airport checkpoint. Hannah Cohen, 19, was flying home to Chattanooga on June 30, 2015, after receiving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. She has an impairment from radiation and removal of a brain tumor, and is limited in her ability to talk, walk, stand, see and hear, her attorneys say. Scroll down for video A bloodied and terrified Hannah Cohen looks up at the camera after her mother and attorneys claim she was assaulted by TSA agents at the Memphis International Airport When an alarm went off as she and her mother were going through a security checkpoint operated by the Memphis International Airport Police Department and the Transportation Safety Administration, the teenager became disoriented by the alarm and the security workers' attempts to search her, the lawsuit says. 'The security personnel failed to recognize that she was confused because of her obvious disability and was unable to cooperate with the search,' Cohen's lawyers, Kelly Pearson and William Hardwick, wrote in the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that security personnel assaulted Hannah at the checkpoint, 'causing her physical and emotional injury as well as emotional injury' to her mother. Hannah was arrested, but the charges were later dropped. Hannah has been traveling through the airport to St. Jude's Hospital for 17 years to treat a brain tumor but this time ended in a brawl Her mother, Shirley Cohen, said she tried to tell TSA agents about her daughter's disability, but she was kept away by police. 'She's trying to get away from them but in the next instant, one of them had her down on the ground and hit her head on the floor. There was blood everywhere,' Shirley told WREG-TV. Her daughter had nothing on her that should have set off the alarm, her mother said, but security wanted additional screening anyway. Shirley Cohen added: 'She was very reluctant. She didn't understand what they were about to do.' The family filed a federal lawsuit against the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and the TSA for damages that include pain, medical expenses, personal and emotional injury, and embarrassment. Hannah's mom, Shirley, says her daughter was disoriented and frightened by TSA agents who didn't understand how to treat a woman with a disability The lawsuit alleges that the TSA and airport police discriminated against Cohen because of her disability and failed to provide reasonable accommodation for screening her. The suit asks for a 'reasonable sum not exceeding $100,000 and costs.' TSA spokesman Mark Howell and Jerry Brandon, chief of public safety of the Memphis International Airport Police Department, said they could not comment on pending litigation. 'Anybody can file anything, and we don't comment on active litigation,' Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority president and CEO Scott Brockman told The Commercial Appeal newspaper. 'Clearly there are additional facts in this matter, and we won't comment until we address the litigation.' Tur also labeled the cast of Jenner's show I Am Cait as 'a bunch of paid sycophants' and GLAAD board members 'lining their pockets' with money She spoke about Caiylyn Jenner, who suffers from Stockholm Syndrome she believes from years of The outspoken helicopter reporter who made her name filming the LA Riots and OJ Simpson's infamous low-speed Bronco chase is speaking out about her storied career in a new interview, and her life in the three years since she came out as transgender. Zoey Tur recently revisited the Simpson trial in the ESPN documentary OJ: Made In America, and told The Hollywood Reporter about the positive response she has been getting since the five-part series premiered on the network last month. 'Im getting stopped on the street almost exclusively by black men who want selfies and to give me their phone numbers, which I like,' said Tur. One person who is less a fan of Tur though is her own daughter, NBC newscaster Katy Tur, who currently covers Donald Trump and his presidential campaign for the network. Tur said that Katy has not spoken to her since she made the decision to transition, and that their last call happened after Tur nearly lost her life and had to be hospitalized following a sudden heart attack while she was out hiking alone with her dog. The interview also gave Tur a chance to speak about Caitlyn Jenner, and she did not mince words, saying: 'Caitlyn is nothing more than a product. That is not a real human being.' Scroll down for video Speaking out: Zoey Tur (above in 2015), who became nationally known with her helicopter reporting during OJ Simpson's low-speed Bronco chase spoke about murder case Family drama: Tur also revealed her daughter Katy (above with Matt Lauer on Today in 2015), who covers Donald Trump for NBC News, has not spoken to her since she transitioned in 2013 Tur was firm in stating that he daughter is not 'transphobic' when speaking about the rift between the two, explaining: 'Its that her hero father has become this. And its the fear of not fitting in. Its the pressure of being on network television. Its the conservatism that shes forced to endure.' My daughter is the reporter following Trump for NBC News. And they deserve each other. -Zoey Tur on daughter Katy She went on to say that her daughter's reaction is 'not unusual,' and claimed that she was a huge influence in Katy's life and the reason she got into journalism, making it that much harder when she heard the news. 'You have to appreciate that her image of me has been torn apart,' said Tur. She then said of Katy a bit later in the conversation: 'But shes a human being and shes weak. Im told by many that shell come around. But it's been three years.' At another point in the interview Tur, who has been very vocal in her disgust for Trump over the course of his campaign, said of Katy: 'My daughter is the reporter following Trump for NBC News. And they deserve each other.' Katy has steadily risen up the ranks at NBC News since joining the team back in 2009, and now reports for all of the network's platforms. She also grabbed headlines when she began dating commentator Keith Olbermann back in 2006 when she was 22, less than half the age of her 47-year-old boyfriend. That relationship began three years after her parents divorced in 2003 after over two decades as a couple. Katy and Olbermann eventually moved in together but split in 2009 after three years together. In the interview Tur even placed some blame for the recent Orlando gay club massacre that left 49 victims dead on Trump. Its the Donald Trumps and the Pat Robertsons and the Bill OReillys and the Megyn Kellys and the Shawn Hannitys that have created a toxic environment where if you grow up a Muslim, black, Hispanic, gay, you hate yourself. -Zoey Tur on the Orlando shooting Trump, said Tur, along with people like Megyn Kelly, Bill O'Reilly, Phil Robertson and Shawn Hannity, 'have created a toxic environment where if you grow up a Muslim, black, Hispanic, gay, you hate yourself because everywhere you seem to turn you are just being disparaged.' That 'toxic environment' said Tur has also brought to life the outcry over transgender individuals using public restrooms that correspond to their sex. Tur admitted that she has never personally faced an issue or problem in her own life when it comes to using restrooms, but stated the fears she had about some of the rhetoric being used by those against the measure. 'Theyre talking about openly shooting people like me because I want to use a bathroom,' said Tur. 'Even though you cant find a single instance of an actual transgender or transsexual ever committing a violent act against somebody in a bathroom.' Iconic moment: Tur was the first to locate and begin filming Simpson during his infamous low-speed Bronco chase (above) Tur said she made the decision to transition while sitting in a Florida hotel room and working on a George Zimmerman documentary, telling herself she either had to do something or her life would end in suicide. She began watching videos on YouTube which inspired her so much she wrote personal letters to her son and daughter, sharing her news and explaining her future plans. 'Theres no coming back from that,' said Tur. 'And I got down on the ground and my phone started lighting up. It was my son. And his reaction was, "Well, if its going make you happy, Im happy."' Ive been a lesbian and Ive been gay, bisexual and transgender. I date guys, you know, and they have to be strong guys because they have to be willing to put up with the teasing and the threats and the insults of men that are far weaker. -Zoey Tur on her love life Katy though 'did not like it for a moment at all' said Tur, adding: 'They knew I was bisexual. That was acceptable. The transgender stuff, no. No, that crossed the line.' Tur said her son James, who she notes came out as bisexual to her in recent years, also had some struggles but was nothing but supportive of his father's decision. 'Now, was he happy about it? I dont think so,' said Tur. 'But he saw the torment that I had gone through. But my daughter did not like it for a moment at all.' As for her own dating life these days, Tur did not hold back, speaking about the 'most wonderful lesbian relationship' she had with a woman that was destroyed Tur was not allowed to attend her father's funeral. 'I couldnt go because she didnt want to explain who I was. And I had to break up with her afterwards because I cant go back to the closet,' said Tur. 'Ive been a lesbian and Ive been gay, bisexual and transgender,' explained Tur. 'I date guys, you know, and they have to be strong guys because they have to be willing to put up with the teasing and the threats and the insults of men that are far weaker.' Not holding back: Tur criticized Caitlyn Jenner (above in January) for comments she has made since coming out as transgender The conversation then turned to talk of the other transgender resident of Los Angeles who, like Tur, was already in the national spotlight before sharing her coming out story with the world - Caitlyn Jenner. This is Stockholm Syndrome. It's really natural human behavior with people that have experienced this white male privilege. She experienced the best of it for an entire lifetime. Now that shes trans, she in the trenches with the rest of us. So, what does she do? Shes a Republican. She says the most insensitive, mean-spirited stuff. She can insulate herself with money, inoculate herself from what many of us go through: suicide, homelessness, not being able to find work. Caitlyn is nothing more than a product. That is not a real human being. -Zoey Tur on Caitlyn Jenner Tur, yet again, does not hold back with her words while speaking about Jenner, and what she perceives to be an identity crisis that can affect some after they transition. 'This is Stockholm Syndrome. It's really natural human behavior with people that have experienced this white male privilege. She experienced the best of it for an entire lifetime. Now that shes trans, she in the trenches with the rest of us. So, what does she do? Shes a Republican,' said Tur. 'She says the most insensitive, mean-spirited stuff. She can insulate herself with money, inoculate herself from what many of us go through: suicide, homelessness, not being able to find work.' Tur did not stop there either, stating: 'Caitlyn is nothing more than a product. That is not a real human being.' She did say that she believed Jenner would eventually 'see the light,' and suggested that in the meantime she should appear alongside Jenner on her reality show I Am Cait as opposed to 'a bunch of paid sycophants.' Tur said that the individuals featured on the show are often GLAAD board members, who she claims 'line their pockets at the expense of transgender people everywhere.' She said the organization, whose aim is to promote understanding, increase acceptance, and advance equality, has a 'failed strategy' that is failing many in the community. 'GLAADs only purpose is fundraising, to throw fabulous parties, and hobnob with Hollywood stars. Its not about the person on the street who is bullying them,' said Tur. 'Its about them and its always been about them and its always been about them and their nonsensical approach to transgender rights.' Father and daughter: Tur (left) was quick to state that her daughter Katy is not 'transphobic' The interview closed out with Tur speaking about Simpson, who she believes has some 'similarities' with Jenner. Simpson is a 'sociopath' though according to Tur, while Jenner is 'a poor soul who spent a life tormented fighting her demons.' Tur then spoke about Simpson's relationship with his murdered ex-wife, and just how much people knew about his criminal and unseemly ways. 'There was a secret side that if you lived in Brentwood or you knew the police or you knew O.J., you knew O.J. to be a sociopath and a sex addict,' said Tur. There was a secret side that if you lived in Brentwood or you knew the police or you knew O.J., you knew O.J. to be a sociopath and a sex addict. He had no problem trying to seduce your wife if she were blonde and white. O.J. Simpson was a spousal abuser. He beat his wife on a regular basis. He repeatedly tried to kill her. -Zoey Tur on OJ Simpson 'He had no problem trying to seduce your wife if she were blonde and white. O.J. Simpson was a spousal abuser. He beat his wife on a regular basis. He repeatedly tried to kill her.' She also said she has no doubt that Simpson killed his ex-wife, offering up why she believes he committed the brutal crime. Tur alleges that Simpson's savings were decreasing and he was about to lose his highly lucrative Hertz deal after close to 20 years working with the rental car brand around this time, while also having to start paying out child support for his two young children. 'Ask any divorced man paying alimony and they'll say it's spousal abuse, it's they can't support themselves. And how many of those people would openly say, "It would be better if she just went away,"' said Tur. 'O.J. acted on it. He set up this plan in motion. It was premeditated.' The death of Ronald Goldman was 'collateral damage' said Tur, who then stated: 'Thats how a sociopath thinks.' Tur even admited in the interview to telling Simpson himself what she thought about him when she and her ex-wife Mareeka ran into him with his lawyers at a restaurant during the Goldman family's civil trial. She was waiting near the entrance of the restaurant after her meal when Simspon walked by and she asked: 'Mr. Simpson, what did it feel like - slipping that knife into your exwife?' Tur said that Simpson 'just looked at me and smiled and started laughing.' Dr Victoria Bateman, pictured, attended a faculty meeting at Cambridge University in the nude with 'Brexit leaves Britain naked' written on her body A Cambridge academic attended a faculty meeting naked in protest at the EU referendum result, it was revealed yesterday. Dr Victoria Bateman, a lecturer and fellow in economics at Gonville and Caius college, had written Brexit leaves Britain naked on her breasts and stomach. She joined around 30 directors of studies at the economics faculty meeting on Wednesday to discuss teaching material and courses. Sources say the two-hour meeting, which was chaired by Nigel Knight, director of studies at Churchill College, went ahead as normal without anyone mentioning her nudity. Dr Bateman, who has researched the development of the European economy, previously posed naked for a portrait by artist, Anthony Connolly. The nude painting went on display as part of a Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London last year. A source who took part in the meeting told a newspaper: It is well known to the faculty that she has posed naked but obviously the behaviour here was different. 'One thing is to pose naked and another to show up naked. This was a standard meeting about the teaching of economics and we moved away from her state of dress. We remained silent on that issue and managed to get through the agenda in the meeting. When asked if she was allowed to stay naked throughout the whole meeting, the source added: Nobody was mistreated in any way. Dr Bateman has been openly opposed to the UK leaving the EU. In an article for Bloomberg View earlier last month, she wrote: The impact would be sizable. If the predicted fiscal deficit were to be corrected through welfare cuts alone, it would result in low-income households receiving between 1,861 and 5,542 less a year (in 2014 equivalent figures) by 2020, depending upon their personal circumstances. Dr Bateman is an economics professor at Gonville and Caius college, pictured, at the university Dr Victoria Bateman stands next to a nude portrait of herself which was painted by artist Anthony Connolly. The painting went on display as part of a Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition last year Even if the welfare budget were to bear only a quarter of the fiscal adjustment needed, it would still amount to a loss of some 1,146 a year for a single working parent with one child. Mr Knight yesterday confirmed the faculty meeting took place but would not disclose whether Dr Bateman was dressed or not. The academic was contacted for comment yesterday. Advertisement The first of Britain's new supersonic 'stealth' strike fighters has taken to UK skies. These amazing pictures show the 100million aircraft - accompanied by a United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft - flying over the North Sea today after taking off from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The first of Britain's new supersonic stealth strike fighters has touched down in the UK for the first time. The F-35B Lightning II jet was accompanied today over the North Sea by a United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft The combined US/UK team of aircrew and engineers are here in the UK fly at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Air Show over the next few weeks On Wednesday, the F-35B Lightning II jet was flown by RAF pilot Squadron Leader Hugh Nichols for its first transatlantic crossing when he joined by two United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft from their training base at Beaufort, South Carolina. The combined US/UK team of aircrew and engineers are here in the UK to demonstrate what the 5th generation state of the art aircraft can do, flying at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Air Show over the next few weeks. The arrival in the UK came two years after the plane pulled out of air shows because of an engine fire. It will carry out its first flight over its new base at RAF Marham, Norfolk, and over the two aircraft carriers currently being built in Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has so far bought eight of the jets, which are set to fly off the two carriers by 2020. Each plane costs 100 million. They are the first vertical take-off planes since the Harriers were scrapped. The Ministry of Defence has so far bought eight of the jets, which are set to fly off carriers by 2020 Equipped with laser-guided missiles and bombs, when the planes go into service they will fly secret missions blitzing enemy strongholds The F35 jets have a range of 1,300 miles so will fly over war zones after taking off from the carriers in the middle of the ocean The F-35B Lightning II jet was flown over the North Sea today by RAF Pilot Squadron Leader High Nichols Four of the planes are currently in their test and evaluation stage and it is one of those that arrived in the UK. In total five of the jets are being delivered this week. Equipped with laser-guided missiles and bombs, when they go into service they will fly secret missions blitzing enemy strongholds. They have a range of 1,300miles so will fly over war zones after taking off from the carriers in the middle of the ocean. Based at RAF Marham, they will be flown by Royal Navy and RAF pilots of the new 617 Squadron. The new jet pictured today over the North Sea, along with an escort from a United States Marine Corps F-35B aircraft The squadron was made famous as the Dambusters during the war but it has now been disbanded and specially re-formed to fly the new planes. Mr Nichols, 38, from Epsom, Surrey, became the first British pilot to make a vertical landing in a F35-B at the Eglin Air Force Base in the US in March 2014. He studied at the University of York before joining the RAF in April 2000. He was then selected to go on exchange with the US Air Force. The jets took off from MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, in the early hours of yesterday morning. The F-35B Lightning II jet during operations today over the North Sea after flying to the UK this week from the US The 100million British F-35B Lightning II jet over the North Sea today Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said of their arrival: The F-35Bs are the most advanced fast jets in the world. Whether operating from land or from one of our two new aircraft carriers, they will ensure we have a formidable fighting force' Pictures have emerged of a woman urinating on a war memorial as the nation marks the centenary of the bloodiest day in British military history. The woman was seen relieving herself on the High Street memorial in Grays, Essex. She removed her clothing and perched on the edge of the cenotaph exposing herself in broad daylight, with what appears to be a drink next to her. Pictures have emerged of a woman urinating on a war memorial as the nation marks the centenary of the bloodiest day in British military history The images emerged as Europe commemorated the Battle of the Somme, which killed more than 429,000 British soldiers. Disgusted locals have branded the incident 'awful' and are calling upon residents and passers-by to help identify the woman. The secretary of the town's Royal British Legion, Sue Merrin, was appalled by the incident. 'I'm shocked. I think it's awful and I will be relaying this to our branch chairman because it's not yet been reported to us,' she told the Daily Star. 'Somebody must know something. Whoever is doing this should be ashamed of themselves. It's totally disgusting,' she added. The Royal British Legion has condemned the woman and slammed it as an insult to the brave few who made the ultimate sacrifice. A spokesman said: 'The Legion is shocked and saddened to hear of this incident. A soldier stands guard by the Croix du Sacrifice, or Cross of the Sacrifice, as guns are fired at the Thiepval cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves cemetery has an equal number of British and French casualties, with 90 per cent of them killed during the Battle of the Somme 'War memorials and graves honour the memory of the British Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend the freedom we enjoy. 'They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.' Locals also hit out at the disgusting image, claiming a group of people have been drinking heavily around the sacred monument for days. A High Street worker said: 'The said party of people have been there for the last four days.' A statement from Essex Police said: 'We have been made aware of a photograph of a woman outraging public decency in circulation and are investigating. Enquiries are ongoing.' Today senior members of the Royal Family stood side-by-side with politicians as more than 10,000 people gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery pass the group of dignitaries, including Prince William, Charles, Harry, Kate Middleton and David Cameron (pictured cente) as the service of remembrance gets underway. The procession was watched by more than 10,000 guests The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry led a service of remembrance for the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in one of the bloodiest offensives of the First World War. They were joined by David Cameron, Nicola Sturgeon and French president Francois Hollande at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France, which commemorates the 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave. This morning veterans, servicemen and gathered across the country to observe two minutes' silence, marking the moment whistles were blown and some 120,000 men went 'over the top' on the first day of the battle - the bloodiest single day in British military history. A mother who strangled her newborn baby with its umbilical cord before trying to flush it down an airport toilet has been handed five years in jails. The 24-year-old, identified only as Soraya Y., had flown into Munich airport from Dubai on July 30 last year when she gave birth in the airport toilet. But instead of raising the alarm, she used the umbilical cord to strangle the child and, believing it to be dead, tried to flush it down the toilet. But the baby girl reportedly became wedged in the pipe, and was discovered to still be alive by a member of the public some five minutes later. The 24-year-old, identified only as Soraya Y., had flown into Munich airport (pictured) from Dubai on July 30 last year when she gave birth in the airport toilet By the time the child was freed and taken to hospital at a specialist infant clinic in Munich, her body temperature had fallen to just 26 degrees. Despite the traumatic birth, doctors managed to bring her back to health and she is now living with foster parents. Medics said they have not been able to rule out whether or not the child will suffer complications in later life. Prosecutor Klaus Kurtz told the court: 'Instead of being honest and admitting what had happened, she has presented to this court four different versions of what happened. 'This includes the absolute pinnacle of her lies, which was to say that she didn't notice she had given birth. By the time the child was freed and taken to hospital at a specialist infant clinic in Munich, her body temperature had fallen to just 26 degrees (file image of passenger at Munich airport) 'Surely the respect she owed to her newborn child should have meant she at least would now admit what had happened.' The woman, from Heidenheim in Baden-Wuerttemberg, was charged with the attempted murder of a newborn. Bernie Sanders says he's still not endorsing Hillary Clinton but it's not because he harbors 'hate' for her, as Donald Trump has claimed. Sanders, who hasn't quit the race, said Thursday he's still working with the Clinton campaign and isn't at a point yet where he can go before his supporters and discuss her stances on key issues. 'I do not hate Secretary Clinton,' Sanders told MSNBC's Chris Hayes. 'We have disagreements on issues, but to say that I hate her is absolutely untrue.' Scroll down for video Bernie Sanders, seen here today in Vermont, says he is not endorsing Hillary Clinton, contrary to a claim from Vice President Joe Biden that one is on its way 'I talked to Joe, I think, was three weeks ago,' Sanders told MSNBC host Chris Hayes, referencing his meeting with his old Senate colleague at the vice president's residence the day President Barack Obama formally endorsed Clinton Trump said this week at a rally in Maine that Sanders secretly despises Clinton. 'He'll be nasty and say, "Oh, I'd never vote for Trump," but that's OK. I know what he thinks inside,' Trump proclaimed. The Republican said, 'He hates her. He hates her.' 'I mean, he cannot stand her,' Trump stated. Vice President Joe Biden told NPR Thursday that his former Senate colleague was actually on the cusp of endorsing his primary rival. The NPR interview has yet to air, but the radio outlet said yesterday on its Twitter account that Biden said, 'I've talked to Bernie. Bernie is going to endorse her. This is going to work out.' 'I talked to Joe, I think, was three weeks ago,' Sanders said MSNBC, referencing his meeting with Biden at the vice president's residence the day President Barack Obama formally endorsed Clinton. Speaking to Hayes about an endorsement, Sanders said, 'Look, on that issue, we are trying to work with Secretary Clinton's campaign on areas that we can agree on.' The MSNBC host asked the progressive senator felt he'd ever be in a position to endorse Clinton, if that's the case. Sanders asserted then, as he has repeatedly since the final primary, 'I'm going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump.' Hayes tried to get the losing Democrat to to be more definitive, probing him as to whether that statement includes appearing at rallies with Clinton and participating in other campaign activities. However, the Vermont senator wouldn't commit just yet. 'We are working with the Clinton campaign, trying to be able to come forward to my supporters and say: "You know what, here's the progress we have made, here's what Secretary Clinton is saying on this issue and that issue." ' Sanders, who hasn't quit the race, said he's still working with the Clinton campaign and isn't at a point yet where he can go before his supporters and discuss her stances on key issues. That doesn't mean that he harbors 'hate' for her, though, Sanders said, a claim that Donald Trump has made Sanders is no longer campaigning for the presidency and has acknowledged that Clinton will be the Democratic Party nominee. He continues to linger in the race without a formal withdraw while the party considers the platform it will present at the convention. Representatives from both campaigns and the Democratic National Committee will meet in Orlando, Florida, next week for a final round of talks before the party convention. Democrats will officially name Clinton as their nominee at the convention in Philadelphia at the end of July. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Author JK Rowling has been accused of appropriating Native American culture in her new writings on the Pottermore website and her critics are becoming even more vocal. The billionaire creator of the Harry Potter series has released new stories on her site Pottermore and criticism that her 'A History of Magic in North America' series was appropriating Native American culture began as soon as the first chapter went up last year. The story takes place in North America in the 17th century but critics say it completely leaves out Native American characters while 'colonizing' the culture, beliefs, and traditions. The lead character, Isolt Sayre, travels from Ireland to Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, and runs away to the mountains, where she meets a magical Pukwudgie whom she names William. Salon writer Paula Young Lee took issue with the fact that while Sayre meets three white colonials, she never seems to come into contact with any Native Americans. JK Rowling has been taking a beating from Native American scholars, authors and peoples for her perceived 'appropriation' of Native American culture for her 'A History of Magic in North America' series ''Magic gets organized when the white people show up' writes Paula Young Lee in Salon (above, an illustration from the series) Pukwudgie, says Lee, is based on a Native American lore character, and yet Rowling gives him a British name and makes him 'a resentful, English-speaking, voluntary bondservant.' The writer then calls their relationship similar to that of the Lone Ranger and Tonto. 'It echoes stereotypes regarding good/guide Indians-as-interlocutors and specifically the history of Tisquantum, or Squanto, an English-speaking Native American of the Pawtuxet tribe, who escaped slavery and helped the first Pilgrims survive - much in the same way that William the Pukwudgie helps Isolt - by showing them how to hunt, fish, gather wild plants, and cultivate domesticated seeds,' she writes. Eddie Redmayne stars in the film adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, part one of the 'A History of Magic in North America' world on Pottermore - he plays magizoologist Newt Scamander. The movie comes out in November 'Each paragraph of that short story was laden with troubling misrepresentations of Native peoples' wrote Nambe Pueblo scholar Debbie Reese Nambe Pueblo scholar Debbie Reese took issue with Rowling's story on her blog American Indians In Children's Literature. In fact she was so angry, she wrote 'I used the f-bomb in a tweet at [Rowling].' 'Each paragraph of that short story was laden with troubling misrepresentations of Native peoples,' she wrote. Native American scholar Dr. Adrienne Keene wrote on her blog Native Approps in an open letter to Rowling about her Potter prequel 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' (part of the 'A History of Magic in North American' canon): 'I get worried thinking about the message it sends to have 'indigenous magic' suddenly be associated with the Harry Potter brand and world.' She goes onto critique each chapter of the story, starting with Part 1: 'So first off ... we're calling brutal colonizers 'benign explorers',' she writes. A second World War tank commander has told the story of his death-defying journey across war-torn Europe and how a flock of chickens and a German Shepherd called Fritz kept him company. David Render, 91, also revealed the strain between British mechanised units and infantrymen. Captain Render was discussing his book Tank Action: An Armoured Troop Commanders War 194445, co-written with former paratrooper Stuart Tootal, at the Chalke Valley History Festival. His regiment, the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, gained more battle honours in the war than any other. World War Two veteran David Render, who led his troop of Sherman Tanks from Normandy to Bremen Having graduated from Sandhurst at 19 in 1944, Render had little idea about the importance of the D-Day landings he was set to take part in. Where are we going? he asked a sailor, to be told: Normandy, of course. From then on, in the thick of the war, he found himself inside two Sherman tanks which were blown up and witnessed the deaths of countless friends and compatriots during the Allied advanced. Captain Render, also a former racing driver, tours the country speaking about his experiences and raising money for charity. He said: The infantry didnt want to fight with us. We attracted the s***! We couldnt hide behind a tree or in a doorway in a tank. The term we had for the infantry was P.B.I. poor bloody infantry. The infantry didnt know how to operate with the tanks...they didnt like us because when we were around, things started to happen. He also discussed the ways in which he and his men met their need for fresh food. If we went through a deserted farm, we would nip in and catch any stray chickens, he said. We would put them in a cubby-hole in the tank, then wring their necks and have fresh chicken over an open fire. Captain Render said he had little idea about the importance of the D-Day landings he was set to take part in. Commando troops are pictured coming ashore at Normandy, France, in June 1944 Captain Render and his men also adopted a dog, making space in the cabin even tighter. He was some sort of German Shepherd, he came right up to us wagging his tail. I told my chaps give him a couple of biscuits, and we gave him a drink too. 'He was lovely. We used to go into action with the gun firing with him in the tank. He was used to it, and knew how to get in and out of the tank. We called him Fritz, it was obvious! I found out later he was a mine dog. The Germans would let him out and he would detect the mines. We had him about two months but suddenly he disappeared. We didnt know what happened to him. Captain Render also described fixing fake scarecrow-like heads to the top of the tank, in a bid to draw enemy sniper fire. We put up a tin hat and goggles with a headset and attached it to a bracket, he said. When the snipers looked down they saw a black smudge they assumed was a tank commander. There would sometimes be five or six bullets in it. But Captain Render has always balked at being labelled a hero. There were no heroics about it. What I did at 19 or 18 was the norm. My mother wasnt best pleased about it, because my dad was in the front line during the First World War. All I can say is thank Christ we won! More than 140 speakers have featured at the festival at Manor Farm, Ebbesbourne Wake, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, besides a string of living history events and recreations. Iranians staged rallies across the country today, with protesters condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and chanting 'death to Israel'. Tens of thousands of people marched in the capital, Tehran, as part of the Qods Day rallies held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. Qods - or al-Quds in Arabic - is the Farsi name for Jerusalem, which is one of Islam's holiest cities, as well as being key to the Christian and Jewish faiths. Scroll down for video A mock-up of the Statue of Liberty with portraits of Britain's former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir - both hate figures in Iran - are displayed prior to being set on fire in Tehran Iran does not recognise the state of Israel and has long resented its control of Jerusalem. In 1979 the late Ayatollah Khomeini announced the last Friday of Ramadan would be a day of rallies in support of the Palestinians, whose lands in the West Bank and Gaza were conquered and occupied by Israel in 1967. The United States, because of its long-term support for Israel, is also subject to regular vitriol in Iran. An Iranian with his face painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag (left) stares at the camera as a Statue of Liberty model is set on fire, along with a photograph of Tony Blair Protesters trampled the Israeli flag and chanted 'down with the USA'. Similar rallies took place among Shi'ite Muslims in Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen and some other countries with Shi'ite Muslim minorities. Just before Friday prayers the deputy commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami, hit out at Israel. He also criticised Iraqi Kurds for allegedly provoking unrest along Iran's western and northwestern borders, where Iranian forces have clashed with Kurdish separatists. General Salami said: 'I warn...officials in northern Iraq to fulfil their commitments. We will decisively destroy any place that is the origin of threats against our ruling system, and we will be unbound by any cautions.' Shi'ite Muslims burn mock coffins painted with the American and Israeli flags in Lahore, Pakistan. Iranians Shi'ite rebels known as Houthis, hold Palestinian flags during a rally to mark Al-Quds (Jerusalem) day in Sanaa, Yemen A street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag is pictured being trampled on by Iraqi Shi'ite Muslims during a parade marking the annual al-Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, in Baghdad A dead humpback whale was stuck on a popular Los Angeles-area beach as the Fourth of July weekend got underway on Friday, with visitors urged to steer clear of the huge carcass. Waves washed around the decomposing leviathan on Dockweiler Beach, a long stretch of sand near the west end of Los Angeles International Airport with an RV park and extensive parking, that usually draws big crowds. Lifeguards posted yellow caution tape to keep beachgoers away, but some children dipped their feet into the waves nearby. The female whale, estimated to be some 40 feet long and weighing an estimated an estimated 45 tons (90,000 pounds), floated ashore on Thursday night, according to KTLA. A dead humpback whale lies washed ashore at Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles on Friday People observe the dead whale at the Los Angeles-area beach, which floated in on Thursday evening. It is approximately 40 feet long and is believed to have been between 10 to 30 years old A crowd gathers to watch as efforts are made to bring the humpback whale back out to the ocean The whale is believed to have been between 10 to 30 years old. 'Unfortunately, it's here on the Fourth of July weekend when people want to go to the beach,' lifeguard Capt. Kenichi Haskett told KABC-TV. 'We ask that people not go in the water near here because you see the fluids are seeping out of it now, and those fluids pose a hazard.' Biologists took tissue samples to determine how the animal died. 'It's pretty sad,' said visitor Rayleen Johnson, who watched it wash in from the Pacific. Lifeguards tie rope around the dead whale as a boats waits to pull it away from shore Beachgoers from Manhattan Beach cover their faces from the smell of the dead humpback whale. With the scent of the rotting dead whale permeating the air at the beach, workers were attempting to quickly remove it before thousands of beachgoers are expected at Southern California beaches for the July 4th weekend Authorities planned to wait for an evening high tide that might help refloat the whale and allow it to be towed well out to sea. A bulldozer stood by to help. North Pacific humpbacks feed along the West Coast from California to Alaska during summer, according to the Marine Mammal Center, a Sausalito-based ocean conservation organization. Although the species' numbers are extensively depleted, humpbacks have been seen with increasing frequency off California in recent years, the center's website said. A bulldozer pushes the whale back into the ocean along the Los Angeles coastline on Friday A boy plays on the beach near the dead whale. Marine animal authorities will try to determine why the animal died Humpbacks, familiar to whale watchers for their habits of breaching and slapping the water, are filter feeders that consume up to 3,000 pounds of krill, plankton and tiny fish per day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The whale that washed up is not the same one spotted earlier in the week off Southern California tangled in crab pot lines. That animal was identified as a blue whale. Efforts by a rescue crew in a small boat to cut away the line failed, and it disappeared. Lifeguards posted yellow caution tape to keep beachgoers away, but some children dipped their feet into the waves nearby California has seen a number of whales on beaches this year. A humpback carcass that appeared off Santa Cruz in May had to be towed out to sea, while a massive gray whale that ended up on San Onofre State Beach in April had to be chopped up and hauled to a landfill. Long regarded as having one of the shrewdest political minds among recent presidents, Bill Clinton has at times angered and alienated Democrats and Republicans alike while campaigning for his wife, Hillary Clinton. His apparently spur-of-the moment decision to chat this week with Attorney General Loretta Lynch even as her agency is overseeing a sensitive investigation of his wife's use of a private email server as secretary of state was only the latest in a series of loose-cannon episodes. Just here to help: Bill Clinton's interventions might have been expected to aide his wife but have often backfired Another one - and it could be bad: By recusing herself, Loretta Lynch has, a Democratic appointee, has handed the decision on charging his Bill Clinton's wife to the head of the FBI, which is fiercely independent 2008: The year of the scorched earth attacks on Obama In remarks that struck some as racial politics, Bill Clinton equated Barack Obama's win in the South Carolina Democratic primary in January 2008 with Jesse Jackson's victories in the state in 1984 and 1988. He touched off a furor about whether he was diminishing Obama's achievement in a state where African-Americans make up a significant bloc of the Democratic electorate by citing past victories by another black candidate. Days before the New Hampshire primary, Bill Clinton infuriated some Democrats when he dismissed Obama's opposition to the Iraq war. 'Give me a break,' Clinton said. 'This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen.' As a New York senator, Hillary Clinton voted to give President George W. Bush the authority to use military force, an issue that dogged her through the campaign. Targets: Obama's eight years in the White House and Bernie Sanders' promises have both been attacked by Bill Clinton as he supports his wife Hillary - and each time the attack has backfired 2016: Back on the Obama theme... and Bernie's in the sights too Contrasting his wife's campaign with Sen. Bernie Sanders', Bill Clinton ticked off Sanders supporters on February 15 in Riviera Beach, Florida, by comparing them to GOP tea party activists. Both groups, Clinton said, were falling for unfulfillable promises. In the GOP, 'they just tell people what they want to hear, move them to the right and we'll be rewarded - except they didn't get anything done,' he said, adding: 'That's going on now in our party.' Clinton urged voters in March in Spokane, Washington, to 'put the awful legacy of the last eight years behind us.' He was apparently referring to Republican intransigence in Congress, but the line appeared to tar the Obama administration, too. He said people should vote for his wife 'because she's the only person who basically has good ideas.' Clinton sparred strenuously with Black Lives Matters protesters who interrupted his campaign speech in Philadelphia in April. He said, on one hand, that 'black youth are not super predators,' a reference to his wife's 1996 speech about violent crimes committed by young people. Yet, in defending his administration's backing of a contentious federal crime bill that stiffened penalties, he also said his wife's phrase was correct. 'Maybe you thought they were good citizens,' he said. 'She didn't.' In May, in Kokomo, Indiana, he dismissed the flap over his wife's use of a private email server as secretary of state as no more than 'a game' - this, despite the FBI's continuing criminal investigation of the matter. Travels across stunning drop and onto the other two waterfalls It hones in on iconic Horseshoe Falls and the It no longer just has to be professional filmmakers who are able to capture breathtaking footage of Niagara Falls. Astounding footage of the spectacular waterfalls was caught by amateur film enthusiasts using a drone - and it proves how easily accessible high quality resolution imagery can be. Powered from a grassy patch high on one of the banks of the Canadian side, the drone soars over the three falls creating a magnificent video montage which show the breadth and beauty of the natural features, and the power and majesty of the river flowing over them. Astounding footage of the spectacular waterfalls was caught by amateur film enthusiasts using a drone - and it proves how easily accessible high quality resolution imagery can be Powered from a grassy patch high on one of the banks on the Canadian side the drone soars over the three falls creating a magnificent video montage It flies over the viewing area where assembled crowds seem like tiny dots below as they exciting ogle the view. Water mist can be seen rising from the iconic Horseshoe fall as the drone takes in the boat packed with tourists heading towards the dramatic drop. It films various angles, both looking directly downwards as well as across the Niagara river and land around at the international border between Ontario and New York. The owner of the drone appears to show no qualms about the machine dropping into the water as it slowly - but confidently - moves across the falls to the other side. Water mist can be seen rising from the iconic Horseshoe fall as the drone takes in the boat packed with tourists heading towards the dramatic drop The owner of the drone appears to show no qualms about the machine dropping into the water as it slowly - but confidently - moves across the falls to the other side Located on the Niagara River - which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario - the combined three falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, with a vertical drop of more than 165ft American Falls and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls to the right of it are also filmed in all their incredible beauty before the drone is guided back to dry land and the enthused group of people gathered to welcome it. Located on the Niagara River - which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario - the combined three falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, with a vertical drop of more than 165ft. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by vertical height and flow rate. American Falls and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls to the right of it are also filmed in all their incredible beauty before the drone is guided back to dry land and the enthused group of people gathered to welcome it Shanika Minor, 24, has been arrested for allegedly killing a former high school classmate and her unborn baby over loud music A Wisconsin woman has been arrested for allegedly killing a former high school classmate and her unborn baby, just two days after she was added to the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Shanika Minor, 24, has been on the run since March 6, when she allegedly killed nine-month-pregnant Tamecca Perry with a single shot to the chest. Perry was due in just five days. Minor was the only woman on the FBI's list and a $100,000 reward was offered for information leading up to her capture in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Friday morning. She has been charged with first degree intentional homicide, first degree intentional homicide of an unborn child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Perry, a 23-year-old mother of two who was pregnant with her third child, was a neighbor of Minor's mother at a duplex in Milwaukee. Minor's mother told police that she had complained to her daughter about Perry's habit of playing loud music at an unreasonable hour. The day before Perry was killed, Minor confronted Perry about 'disrespecting her family'. She was allegedly armed and fired a round into the air, but her mother de-escalated the situation. Minor returned to the duplex just before 3am the next day and confronted Perry again at the back door of her home. Once again Minor's mother tried to 'calm things down', telling her daughter to leave and trying to prevent her daughter from getting inside the building, according to Fox 6 Now. She tried to push Minor outside, telling her daughter that Perry was nine months pregnant. Minor, 24, (left) has been on the run since March 6, when she allegedly killed nine-month-pregnant Tamecca Perry (right) with a single shot to the chest. Perry was due in just five days Minor was captured just two days after she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list (pictured) Minor's mother then stood between the two women as they argued in the hallway, trying to keep them separated. But Minor then reached over her mother's shoulder and pointed the gun at Perry, firing one round into her chest, according to CBS News. Perry's boyfriend and two children witnessed the murder. Her boyfriend said he had to stop her son and daughter from running to their mother as she was killed. Police said Perry went back into her home, where she collapsed and died in front of her two children. Minor fled the scene in a vehicle, while both her mother and Perry's boyfriend called 911. Authorities originally told the public that Minor could have contact with people in Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Georgia. They said she was considered armed and dangerous. 'This is a particularly heinous and brutal crime,' said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn. 'She had many opportunities to put the gun down. Her mother intervened several times to try to prevent what was a ridiculous reason to think of murdering someone.' A former priest has won the right to work with children in his retirement despite being accused of molesting two teenage girls in the 1980s. The former Australian priest, 68, was banned from working with children in 2014 when the Childrens Guardian found the historical allegations relating to two Aboriginal sisters. He launched an appeal and won because no police report had been filed over the alleged assaults, Newscorp reports. The priest, whose identity has not been released, was accused of molesting two Aboriginal girls in the 1980s, file image Family and Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard, pictured, wants the church to reconsider the priest's involvement with children During the appeals process the man was allowed to continue working with children even though he had previously been banned. The Childrens Guardian found workplace reports accusing the priest, known only as BQV, of theft and alcoholism. Investigations into the clergyman also found he was part of the churchs Encompass program which has been known to shield paedophiles. The alleged assaults included genital fondling and masturbation and occurred between 1983 and 1984. He was banned from working with children in 2014 but was allowed to have access as soon as he launched his appeal - he has since won that appeal, file image One of the alleged victims was a ward of the state at the time. Family and Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard called on the Catholic Church to reconsider the mans involvement with children. '(It should) do what it probably should have done years ago by erring on the side of protecting our kids and not the former priest,' he said. Victor Razumov Jr (pictured) was found unfit to stand trial for the murder of Virginia Sommer A man who gouged his own eyes out while he was in custody for slitting a 73-year-old woman's throat during a 2012 burglary is still unfit to stand trial. Victor Razumov Jr, 21, was previously found incompetent in September 2015, about nine months after he gouged both his eyes out in two separate incidents at a New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. Razumov, who was 18 at the time of Virginia Sommer's death, has yet to be tried on charges including murder, burglary,and unlawful possession of a weapon. Based on doctor's reports, Judge William McGovern declared on Thursday Razumov was still mentally incapable to stand trial for the murder of Sommer, a retired nurse who lived half a mile away from him in Wantage. Doctors at the Ann Klein Forensic Center where Razumov is receiving psychiatric treatment said the 21-year-old is still psychotic although he has shown marked improvements, the New Jersey Herald reported. Judge McGovern said the court should be notified if Razumov is found competent, otherwise he will be brought back to court every six months for an evaluation, according to the local news website. Razumov was a senior at High Point Regional High School when he was charged with murder for allegedly stabbing Virginia 'Suzy' Sommer, 73, to death during a robbery at her home. Police tracked him down several days later after they found some of her stolen jewelry at local pawn shops. Among his multiple charges, he faces counts of stealing jewelry, selling stolen jewelry and tampering with a probation receipt by eating it, the New Jersey Herald reported. His older brother, Alexey Razumov, was also charged in the crime after allegedly driving his younger brother to the pawn shops. He was charged with third-degree conspiring to deal in stolen property and third-degree conspiring to receive stolen property. He is due to face trial once his younger brother's case is settled. Razumov, pictured in September 2015, was first declared unfit to stand trial nine months after he gouged his own eyes out on two separate incidents According to a Trenton State Prison guard, Razumov scooped out one eye and was brought to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia before he gouged the second one out. Razumov is now blind Sommer, was found by a family friend who had been unable to reach her on the phone. She had been stabbed several times. Sommer was found with multiple stab wounds by a family friend who had been unable to reach her on the phone. Police said there were no signs of forced entry and other than the missing jewelry, nothing appeared to be out of place. She left behind her three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Bob, had served as mayor of Lafayette. 'She was intelligent and she had a good sense of humor and she'd tell it like it is, you know a hard worker,' her friend Marie Flaumenbaum, 82, told the Sparta Independent after the murder. The organizations said they don't blame the department because they have 'bent over backwards' in the past to help the groups adopt other animals Another dog named Tommy might have been euthanized by mistake, too An animal service agency in northern California is investigating its procedures after two dogs were possibly euthanized by mistake. A four-month-old pit bull named Barbie and a second dog named Tommy were both killed when groups had expressed interest in rescuing one or both of them. While Contra Costa County Animal Services said they are confident Tommy was meant to be euthanized, Barbie was likely a mistake. Local rescue groups had expressed interest in saving Barbie, according to CBS San Francisco. Barbie, a four-month-old pit bull, was euthanized by mistake despite other organizations trying to rescue her. Another dog named Tommy was also put down, but animal services is confident that death wasn't a mistake Contra Costa County Animal Services (pictured) said they're investigating why the two dogs were potentially euthanized by mistake However, Barbie was put down on June 18 with other dogs slated to be euthanized that day. It is still undetermined why Barbie was not taken off the euthanasia list, according to Steve Burdo, a spokesman for the animal department. 'Everybody at Contra Costa Animal Services is heartbroken. 'We're going to take this opportunity to learn and improve our process so this never happens again,' Burdo told CBSNews. At least two rescue organizations, including Beau's Bridge Club and Petaluma Pet Pals, has reached out to save Barbie. Burdo said once a group expressed interest in rescuing the dog, she should have immediately been taken off the euthanasia list. The department is investigating to figure out why that didn't happen. Karen Conover, founder of Beau's, said word spread that the dog had been put down and the animal-rescue community in northern California was left stunned. Conover said Petaluma Pet Pals reached out first and was expected to gain custody of the dog. 'There were two rescues interested in this dog, and the shelter manager overrode those notes and said to have her killed by the end of the day,' Melissa Farley Law of Petaluma Pet Pals told CBS San Francisco on Thursday. 'I literally cried for three days,' she said. 'I couldn't even look at her picture without crying. l just felt like I let her down.' Steve Burdo, a spokesman for the animal department, said it's still undetermined why Barbie was killed but that they want to figure out how to fix the system In the case of Tommy, Burdo says no group was 'officially' in line to rescue him. 'We don't believe at this point that that was a mistake,' Burdo said. The agency is still investigating Tommy's death. Although the groups are 'heartbroken' over the dogs' deaths, Conover says she understands the burden placed on the department and says in the past they have 'bent over backwards' to help her group rescue dogs. 'We're saving more lives than we ever have before,' Burdo said. 'What happened ... is an exception rather than the rule. And that's not to say that it was OK. We've got to identify the problem and fix it.' Michael Gove yesterday rejected claims that he was a traitor for destroying Boris Johnson's career, insisting that he was driven by 'conviction, not ambition'. Launching his shock leadership bid a day after forcing the former London mayor out of the race, the Justice Secretary denied his decision to stand was as a result of 'calculation'. He even claimed: 'I did almost everything I could not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party.' Mr Gove began his official campaign yesterday with the bizarre admission that he had little charisma or glamour but that despite these 'limitations' he had decided to stand. Michael Gove yesterday rejected claims that he was a traitor for destroying Boris Johnson's career, insisting that he was driven by 'conviction, not ambition' Mr Gove began his official campaign yesterday with the bizarre admission that he had little charisma or glamour but that despite these 'limitations' he had decided to stand But MPs lined up to criticise Mr Gove and he was roundly attacked on Twitter. Even though he had been a candidate for only a little over 24 hours, Mr Gove unveiled a swathe of policies, including a pledge to spend 100million extra per week on the NHS. He said the money would come from the amount saved from UK contributions to the EU but critics pointed out that the figure was much less than the 350million a week painted on the side of the Vote Leave bus during the campaign. Mr Gove promised a crackdown on City greed and a new 'push for diggers in the ground' to build hundreds of thousands of homes potentially putting the countryside at risk. He said his Scottish background he grew up in Aberdeen with his adoptive parents gave him the best chance of saving the Union, even though most voters north of the border plumped for Remain. I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is, I don't have it whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. Michael Gove And he pledged to bring immigration down, although he would not set a target or a timescale. Mr Gove's launch was, however, dominated by accusations that he had treacherously moved against Mr Johnson after having worked alongside him for years. He is also unpopular with many Conservative MPs for taking a leading role in the Brexit campaign despite having previously promised David Cameron he would not do so. Supporters fear he could go the way of Michael Heseltine, who wielded the dagger against Margaret Thatcher but did not win the leadership, with MPs going on to coalesce around the more unifying figure of John Major. Mr Gove is also distrusted because he has said numerous times that he did not want to be Tory leader. BETRAYED? BORIS JOHNSON DUCKS MICHAEL GOVE QUIZ Boris Johnson yesterday ducked questions on whether he felt betrayed by Michael Gove as one of his aides suggested the treacherous Justice Secretary should be castrated. Tensions escalated after the former London Mayor was knifed by his key ally who fought alongside him during the Brexit campaign torpedoing his bid to become Prime Minister. Mr Johnson was forced to abandon his hope of succeeding David Cameron within hours of Mr Goves bombshell statement that he was not up to the job. In a sign of the fury felt by Mr Johnsons supporters, Tory MP Ben Wallace said the Justice Secretary should share the fate of unfortunate Game of Thrones character Theon Greyjoy who was tortured and brutally castrated in the hit TV series. His genitals were then posted to his family. In a Twitter discussion comparing politicians to characters from show, Mr Wallace said Mr Gove was Theon Greyjoy or will be by the time I am finished with him. As he left his London home yesterday morning, Mr Johnson refused to be drawn on whether he felt Mr Gove had betrayed him. A tetchy Mr Johnson said: I cannot now, unfortunately, get on with what I wanted to do. Thats up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success. Advertisement Mr Gove's launch was, however, dominated by accusations that he had treacherously moved against Mr Johnson (pictured) after having worked alongside him for years Mr Gove was attacked on Twitter yesterday the day he decided to join the social networking site. He was hit by a string of abusive messages, branding him a 'venal backstabbing liar', a 'Quisling' and an 'arsonist turned fireman' 'STATESMAN' BLAIR IN BREXIT JOB HUNT He's made millions travelling around the world dispensing advice and yesterday Tony Blair hinted that he wants to play a part in the UKs Brexit negotiations declaring the job will require serious statesmanship. The former prime minister insisted a Eurosceptic Brexit Minister would be the wrong choice to lead Britain out of the European Union. There is going to be a negotiation of extraordinary complexity where there are a thousand devils in every detail, he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. This needs serious statesmanship His comments will inevitably be seen as an offer by the former prime minister to play a role in Britains departure from the EU. A committed Europhile, he tried and failed in 2009 to become EU president. Mr Blair, who will face strong criticism when the Chilcot report into the Iraq War is published next week, added: Our nation is in peril. To come safely through this we need to be adult in our politics, to proceed with calm, maturity and without bitterness. Advertisement But yesterday he said he decided to stand because it was 'the right thing to do'. He continued: 'I never thought I'd ever be in this position. I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything I could not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party. 'I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is, I don't have it whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. 'But at every step of my political life I've asked myself one question: what is the right thing to do? What does your heart tell you?' Describing his thoughts after deciding Mr Johnson was not up to the job of prime minister, he said: 'I had to stand up for my convictions. I had to stand up for a different course for this country. I had to stand for the leadership of this party.' Mr Gove added: 'All my political career, I've been driven by conviction not ambition, by a belief I was doing what's right not what's expedient.' To derisory laughter in the room, he said: 'I stand here and I am standing for the leadership not as a result of calculation. I am standing with a burning desire to transform our country.' He said he would wait until at least next year to kick off the two-year process of negotiating the UK's withdrawal from the EU by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Mr Gove was attacked on Twitter yesterday the day he decided to join the social networking site. He was hit by a string of abusive messages, branding him a 'venal backstabbing liar', a 'Quisling' and an 'arsonist turned fireman'. Tory MP Nadine Dorries, a prominent backer of Mr Johnson, tweeted: 'I am utterly astounded to discover that some MPs are actually backing Gove. 'Clearly, honesty and honour not a consideration for some.' The closely-watched FBI investigation of Hillary Clinton over her email scandal could experience some weekend fireworks, after a report that agents are scheduled to interview the former first lady on Saturday. The Daily Caller reported the development, citing a source close to the investigation. It couldn't be immediately confirmed. Clinton has no public events on Saturday, and there have been reports that the investigation could be wrapping up. An interview with Clinton would signal the investigation is nearing its conclusion. 'We have no information to provide you,' an FBI spokeswoman told DailyMail.com. 'The Director of the FBI has addressed this matter from time to time in the past, but we have nothing new to provide.' Scroll down for video The FBI is scheduled to interview Hillary Clinton in connection with her email scandal on Saturday, according to a report Investigators are probing whether Clinton violated secrecy laws by maintaining classified information on a private email server she used instead of an official government account. The FBI has already spoken with Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to Clinton who was familiar with her email procedures and is the recipient of voluminous Clinton emails that Clinton transmitted to the State Department after her unusual home server was made public. Former Clinton chief of staff at State Cheryl Mills is also cooperating. It is standard procedure for the FBI to question a person at the center of an investigation last, with all available facts at hand. 'With a person like Secretary Clinton, the FBI probably assumes they are going to get one chance to interview her, not only because she is a prominent person but because she is very busy right now with the presidential campaign," David Deitch, a former Justice Department prosecutor, told the Chicago Tribune in May. Former State Department chief of staff Cheryl Mills is cooperating The Republican and Democratic conventions are just weeks away, as the investigation continues Clinton has maintained an openness to speaking with authorities and expressed hope that the matter would conclude quickly. The Democratic National Convention is just three weeks away. The FBI has insisted there is no timeline to the investigation. News of the potential interview came on a day when Attorney General Loretta Lynch said she 'fully' expects to accept the recommendation of the career professionals as to how to proceed on the case, although she left herself some wiggle room. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Friday she would 'fully' expects to defer to career supervisors in the FBI and Justice Department about how to proceed in the case 'The recommendations will be reviewed by career supervisors in the Department of Justice and in the FBI, and by the FBI director, and then as is the common process, they present it to me and I fully expect to accept their recommendations,' Lynch said at a panel in Aspen Friday. Lynch said she would be accepting those recommendations, although she notably said she was not recusing herself from the matter entirely, giving herself an opportunity to steer the process. 'And while I don't have a role in those findings, in coming up with those findings or making those recommendations on how to move forward, I'll be briefed on it and I will be accepting their recommendations,' she said. Hillary Clinton raised nearly $70 million in June for her presidential campaign and the Democratic Party, her campaign said today. More than $40.5 million of that money was her for her own race, the other $28 million went to the Democratic National Committee and state parties that participate in the Hillary Victory Fund program. Her strongest month of fundraising yet, Clinton enters July with $44 million cash on hand. Hillary Clinton raised nearly $70 million in June for her presidential campaign and the Democratic Party, her campaign said today. Her strongest month of fundraising yet, Clinton enters July with $44 million cash on hand 'Our first month of general election fundraising proved to be the best of the campaign,' Hillary for America Campaign Manager Robby Mook said in a statement. Mook said, ''Thanks to the continued support of nearly 1.6 million people, we have been able to help Democrats build out an organizing infrastructure across the country that will mobilize millions of voters and help elect progressive candidates up and down the ballot.' In an email to supporters Mook called the monthly fundraising total 'an AMAZING accomplishment' Republican Donald Trump has not said how much he raised in June. He came into the month with a mere $1.3 million in his campaign's bank account - compared to Clinton's $42 million - but says that reflected just one day of general election fundraising and his June haul will be much better. Trump funded his primary campaign out of pocket. He did not begin courting big-dollar donors for the general election until the end of May. His campaign has also begun culling money from grassroots supporters via email. The Republican White House candidate says his first month of general election fundraising has been a success, though the campaign hasn't released its June numbers in its entirety. A two-day period last week in which Trump send out his first fundraising email and attend a fundraising event in New York brought in a combined $11 million, the RNC said. Trump has said he'll spend out of pocket to beat Clinton if he has to, though the billionaire insists he doesn't need as much money as she does to win. 'We cant rest on our laurels and assume we have this in the bag,' Mook told Clinton's supporters in an email today as he made reference to Trump's promise. 'I know a lot of people have a hard time picturing Donald Trump making decisions in the Oval Office. But it could happen.' Mook promised the campaign would 'keep working our tails off' and said it's 'not taking anything for granted.' Clinton has has been hard at work fundraising, holding as many as four events with major donors a day last week on top of campaigning. She's seen here at a fundraiser in LA with actress Connie Britton BUSY WEEK: She also spoke at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, appeared at an event in Cincinnati U.S, Senator Elizabeth Warren, hosted a town hall with digital innovators in Los Angeles and walked in New York City's pride parade, which she's seen doing in the above photo with NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, left, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, center, and Al Sharpton, right The immediate effect of the fundraising gap between Trump and Clinton is that it has kept the Republican from securing air time in battleground states that his opponent and her Super PAC are spending heavily in. Clinton committed to six weeks of spending in eight must-win states that include Ohio, Florida and North Carolina. The eight-figure ad buy of $23 million was followed this week with news that Clinton would begin airing two spots highlighting her work with families and children in conservative Nebraska. Clinton's Super PAC is also paying for ads in the eight swing states Clinton is targeting and Pennsylvania, another state Clinton needs to perform well in and polls show a close race with Trump. Priorities USA, the Clinton Super PAC, announced this week it would spend $10.5 million in advertising in Pennsylvania alone in the coming weeks. Her primary race over, Clinton has has been hard at work fundraising, holding as many as four events with major donors a day last week on top of campaigning. In the final week of June Clinton attended 10 fundraising events in Colorado, New York, Ohio, Illinois and California. She also spoke at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, appeared at an event in Cincinnati U.S, Senator Elizabeth Warren, delivered remarks at the 50th annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention, held a rally in Denver, hosted a town hall with digital innovators in Los Angeles and walked in New York City's pride parade. Next week she'll campaign for the first time in 2016 with President Barack Obama on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. To the least propitious, but so far most bracing, of the Tory leadership speeches. It was held at a Westminster think-tank, Policy Exchange, in a room so sterile it could have been a police interrogation cell. Plain walls. Stark chimney piece. Hard chairs. Tell us, Michael Gove, why, in the early hours of Thursday June 30, you did murder the chances of your former friend Boris Johnson? As it happens, Mr Gove was not there as a police suspect. He was there himself to aim for the Tory command. The eternal courtier has decided to take a tilt at the crown. Plain walls. Stark chimney piece. Hard chairs. Tell us, Michael Gove, why, in the early hours of Thursday June 30, you did murder the chances of your former friend Boris Johnson? Has he any chance? Hard to see how. The Establishment is terrified of him. Bitter Europhiles such as Ken Clarke have set their faces against him. Few Boris-ites will forgive what he did to their blond Dulux dog. But as Mr Gove himself has always argued, the low-born should aim high. We were at a hinge in history, he said with a writers flourish. We could either try to muddle through or we could lean in, embrace the change the British people voted for. The Brexit result demanded an end to politics-as-usual. Politics as usual? Did he mean Theresa May? The phrase could certainly apply to the appalling greasers the Philip Hammonds of this slippery world who have glurped themselves on to her campaign. Mr Gove said he had never been driven by ambition. Indeed, I did almost everything NOT to be a candidate. I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is, I dont have it. Whatever glamour may be, I dont think anyone could ever associate me with it. Nicely done. He continued: But at every step in my political life Ive asked myself one question. Pause. A bespectacled, beaver-cheeked stare down the camera lens. What is the right thing to do? What does your heart tell you? There were not many MPs in the room to support him. Some were allegedly in France at the Somme commemorations. Former Cabinet Office minister Lord (Francis) Maude was present, as were ministers Nick Boles, Shailesh Vara and Nick Gibb. We had to go through more personal stuff. It had been a wrench for him to part from David Cameron over the EU; and he recalled the moment his adoptive mother told him, when he was a tiddler, son, you didnt grow under my heart, you grew in my heart. Mr Gove went a bit round-eyed at this point. But this was not a soapy speech. It was gripping for its working-class Toryism and its flinty insistence that immigration drop and Brexit be delivered. He spoke of the underclass that has become flotsam and jetsam in the powerful flows of global capital and free labour. He made a snorting attack on City middle-men and consultants and managers the sort of people who receive huge pay-offs and pension contributions and then go on to lecture people on average and below-average wages about the need for greater labour flexibility. To hear a Tory say this was terrifically refreshing. Too many of these consultant types, said Mr Gove, act as though they were Steve Jobs but in fact theyre really behaving like David Brent. Was this really the stuff for a Tory leadership application? Or was it more the speech of a back-room philosopher? Maybe. Has he any chance? Hard to see how. The Establishment is terrified of him. Bitter Europhiles such as Ken Clarke have set their faces against him. Few Boris-ites will forgive what he did to their blond Dulux dog. But if and its a big if Mr Gove can make the play-off in this leadership election and put these arguments to the party membership, the activists might well become excited. Gove is an image-benders nightmare. He also now has what strategists call negatives on trust and calmness. But ideas fizz in him like liver salts in water. He was a Brexiteer. He talks of change. His attacks on the undeserving rich would play well in Old Labour areas. Though he may never win, he could well force more complacent candidates to raise their game. A dramatic attempt to impeach Tony Blair for misleading Parliament over the Iraq war could be launched in the wake of the long-awaited Chilcot report into the conflict. MPs have begun to build support for an attempted prosecution of the former Labour Prime Minister after the 2.6million-word report is published on Wednesday. A cross-party group is considering using an ancient Parliamentary mechanism to bring him to trial in Westminster. Scroll down for video Tony Blair, seen here with wife Cherie on the day in 2007 when he left 10 Downing Street, is accused of duping the Commons over WMDs, which ultimately led to the loss of 179 British servicemen's lives They say Mr Blair should be forced to answer claims he duped the Commons over the war, which cost the lives of 179 British troops. The MPs believe they can argue that the ex-Labour leader should be impeached over allegations he breached his constitutional duties as Premier. The power has not been used since 1806 when Lord Melville, a Tory minister, was charged with misappropriating official funds by the Commons. He was acquitted. Mr Blair, who made claims about Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction that were contradicted by his own intelligence assessments, is expected to be heavily criticised in the Chilcot Inquiry report. The long-awaited report by Sir John Chilcot, pictured, into the Iraq war will be published on Wednesday One Westminster source said: Impeachment is on our minds but we will need to digest the report. There is definitely a feeling that Blair must be properly held to account for his actions in the run-up to what was a disastrous war. One MP can trigger the process by proposing a motion. He or she would need to present evidence to support their case and this would form the basis of a document called the Article of Impeachment, drawn up by a committee of MPs. Adil Khan, 51, (inset) and Qari Abdul Rauf, 52, (top) had been told they are to be deported from the UK for the public good after being part of a gang convicted in 2012 of a catalogue of serious sex offences against young girls. Judges Charlotte Welsh and Judge Siew Ling Yoke, a diversity and community relations judge, released their 31-page legal ruling today stating that Khan had shown a 'breathtaking lack of remorse' and in his and Rauf's case there was a 'very strong public interest in their removal.' A decade after they were jailed and following a legal battle involving multiple legal challenges and appeals up to the Court of Appeal, both have been told their challenge against deportation on human rights grounds has failed. In June, their appeal against deportation was heard before an Immigration Tribunal. Khan got a girl, 13, pregnant but denied he was the father, then met another girl, 15, and trafficked her to others - using violence when she complained. He was sentenced to eight years in 2012 and released on licence four years later. Rauf, a father-of-five, trafficked a 15-year-old girl for sex, driving her to secluded areas to have sex with her in his taxi and ferry her to a flat in Rochdale where he and others had sex with her. He was jailed for six years and released in November 2014 after serving two years and six months of his sentence. The Rochdale grooming gang's abuse was dramatised in a BBC programme called Three Girls (bottom). Support for junior minister Andrea Leadsom to become Tory leader as the Brexit- backing alternative to Michael Gove grew yesterday. Mrs Leadsom leapfrogged the Justice Secretary in the race to No 10 after Iain Duncan Smith said he would back her. His endorsement is likely to be replicated by a string of MPs who had backed Boris Johnson. Bookmakers were quick to install Mrs Leadsom as their second favourite candidate after Home Secretary Theresa May. Up to 30 former Boris Johnson supporters are set to switch sides to back Mrs Leadsom as early as next week. The rise in support for the mother of three raises the prospect of two women facing each other in the final shortlist. Andrea Leadsom (left) leapfrogged the Justice Secretary in the race to No 10 after Iain Duncan Smith (right) said he would back her MPs see Mrs Leadsom as the best option among the Brexit backers, while others see her as a way of preventing Mr Gove from making it into the final two after he was accused of stabbing his ally Mr Johnson in the back. Former Conservative Party leader Mr Duncan Smith said: 'Having known Andrea for some considerable time, I have huge confidence in her strength, her experience, her wide range of capabilities, her calm manner and her ability to achieve objectives even against considerable odds. She has warmth, a genuinely human touch and a great sense of humour. And her enormous depth of business experience speaks volumes for her ability to handle pressure.' Mr Duncan Smith added: 'I know that she is just right person to lead our country through the negotiations to create the UK's new relationship with the rest of the world.' Bernard Jenkin, who is also backing Mrs Leadsom, described her as 'a phenomenon'. He added: 'Andrea has moved up the betting index to second place. She's the underdog at this stage, I think but she's a strong candidate. Mrs Leadsom, a long-time Eurosceptic, said the country should not be run by someone who had fought to remain 'Most of the serious thinkers about the European issue are going to support her and that is testament to her authority.' The pledges of support came after Mrs Leadsom said the next Prime Minister must be someone who campaigned for Britain to quit the EU. The Energy Minister highlighted her credentials for the top job as she won support from Parliamentary heavyweight Owen Paterson, the former environment secretary, and key Out campaign group Leave.EU. Mrs Leadsom, a long-time Eurosceptic, said the country should not be run by someone who had fought to remain. That would rule out the bookies' favourite, Mrs May. Mrs Leadsom told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I felt it was better to put my own name forward, because you do need a choice of candidates and it seemed to me that we might end up with only one candidate who had actually supported the Leave campaign. 'I was thinking about what is in the interests of the country, because to me the clear priority is to deliver on the referendum. 'We have been given an instruction, we now have to get a grip and get on with it. It [the new PM] has to be someone who really believes that the UK will be better off once we leave the EU.' Mrs Leadsom, a star of the Vote Leave campaign with her positive vision for life outside the EU, refused to be drawn on claims that Mr Gove decided to run amid concerns about Mr Johnson's failure to promise her a top job if he won. Mr Paterson, a key Eurosceptic, said: 'The next Prime Minster has a crystal-clear mandate to bring us fully out of the EU and back onto the world stage where we belong. 'I believe there is one person who can fulfil this mandate. One woman who understands out means out. One woman who has an optimistic vision for our future.' Leave.EU co-chairman Aaron Banks ruled out supporting Mrs May because she had backed Remain and said Mr Gove had 'poisoned relations' among Brexiteers. He said: 'We need a clean break and a fresh face. 'Andrea was the breakout star of the Leave campaign during the referendum: calm, assured and, in contrast to May and Gove, honest; putting the case for Brexit eloquently and passionately. Leave.EU will therefore be throwing its full weight behind Andrea.' Grammar school girl, star banker, mum of three, Christian and brilliant Brexiteer: ANDREW PIERCE on the woman who has her eyes on becoming Chancellor Andrea Leadsom has impressed many voters who'd never heard of her before with her passionate and eloquent arguments for Brexit Twelve months after she became an MP, Andrea Leadsom was warned by Chancellor George Osborne she would damage her ministerial prospects if she joined a Eurosceptic Tory revolt against the EU. Leadsom, singled out as one of the brightest of the 2010 intake of MPs, responded in typically blunt fashion. She denies reports she swore at the Chancellor. But the conversation ended abruptly when Leadsom insisted that she would be backing a motion calling for a referendum on our EU membership. The Chancellor or at least his job was very much on her mind this week during her negotiations with Boris Johnson before he abruptly quit the race to be Tory leader. Leadsom, a leading figure in the Leave campaign, demanded the post of Chancellor, or Deputy Prime Minister in charge of negotiations for leaving the EU, as the price of her support. When the shambolic Johnson failed to give her a written guarantee she would get one of the jobs, she entered the race herself. It was a typically resolute response from a woman who has impressed many voters who'd never heard of her before with her passionate and eloquent arguments for Brexit. So who is the woman who has pitted herself against Theresa May, Michael Gove and the others for the Tory crown? Leadsom, now 53, was born in Aylesbury and, having moved with her family to Kent, went to Tonbridge Grammar School. Unlike the Etonian prime minister she is seeking to replace, Leadsom does not come from a privileged background. Home was a small terraced house in Berkshire. Her mother Judy divorced her father Richard who ran a builder's merchant when she was four, and then brought up her three girls while studying to become a nurse. Four years later, Judy remarried and decided to run a furniture shop with her second husband. Leadsom studied Political Science at Warwick University, then became one of the few women on a trading floor in the City as a trainee trading metals. She became the youngest director of Barclays at the remarkable age of 32, when she was appointed head of UK banking Leadsom studied Political Science at Warwick University, then became one of the few women on a trading floor in the City as a trainee trading metals. She then moved to BZW, the investment banking arm of Barclays. In 1993, she married Ben, a businessman, and after a rapid rise through the ranks, she became the youngest director of Barclays at the remarkable age of 32, when she was appointed head of UK banking. MAYMENTUM! THERESA MAY RACES AHEAD IN LEADERSHIP CONTEST Theresa May's leadership campaign gained further momentum today as she was backed by senior Cabinet ministers Theresa May won the backing from two Cabinet ministers today as her campaign to be Tory leader and Prime Minister gathered momentum. The Home Secretary, gifted front runner status after Boris Johnson's campaign exploded yesterday, was endorsed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. One count of public declarations has Mrs May on 77 endorsements from Tory MPs, compared to the 21 secured by her current nearest rival Stephen Crabb. Michael Gove has secured 18 endorsements, Andrea Leadsom 17 and Liam Fox just nine - but more than half of Tory MPs are yet to declare a preference ahead of the first ballot on Tuesday. Mrs May appeared at Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire today as Mr Gove laid out his claim to take the reins of the party. In a bizarre speech, Mr Gove insisted he was uncharismatic and had tried his hardest not to run - but in the face of the 'hinge of history' he was obliged to stand. Asked for her thoughts on Mr Gove's decision to stand as a candidate, the Home Secretary replied: 'I think it is important to have an open contest.' Former mayor of London Mr Johnson, who had spearheaded the campaign to leave Europe, suffered a crushing blow to his designs on power after Mr Gove withdrew his support. Earlier in the day the Home Secretary had made her pitch for taking the party forward, saying she would help navigate the country through its break with Europe. She added she was 'ready and able to do the job from day one'. A veiled attack on Mrs May was launched by the Justice Secretary on Friday, when he claimed he was the 'candidate for change'. He said the country needed someone with 'not just a cool head, but a heart burning with the desire for change'. Rival leadership contender Liam Fox said the feuding between the two men was a 'distraction' and that the country needed 'Brexit for grown-ups' in the wake of last week's referendum vote to leave the EU. And veteran former chancellor Ken Clarke told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he were to stand down now.' A relaxed Mrs May boarded a boat at the Henley Royal Regatta today as she was embedded as the front runner in the race to replace David Cameron Andrea Leadsom appeared on the GMB sofa this morning to make her case and said she had put her name forward to ensure Tories had more than one Brexiteer to choose from Mr Gove's announcement, shortly after being appointed Mr Johnson's campaign manager, that he had realised the former London mayor did not have the necessary qualities to be PM was 'more suitable to the election of a student union than it is to be prime minister of this country at a time of pretty grave potential crisis', said Mr Clarke. Dr Fox, the former defence secretary who campaigned for Leave, said that Mr Gove and Mr Johnson appeared to be preoccupied with the student politics of their Oxford University days. 'We are now 10 weeks away from having a new prime minister, we're in the process of electing a prime minister who will actually take us out of the European Union, and yet we seem to be permanently distracted by what can only be described as the politics of the Oxford Union in recent days,' he told the Today programme. Ms Leadsom refused to comment on whether she thought Mr Gove had decided to run after growing concerned Mr Johnson would renege on policies because he failed to give her an assurance of a top job under his leadership. She told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'In the end I felt it was better to put my own name forward, because you do need a choice of candidates and it seemed to me that we might end up with only one candidate who had actually supported the Leave campaign. 'I was thinking about it all the way through, but I was also thinking about what is in the interests of the country, because to me the clear priority is to deliver on the referendum. 'We have been given an instruction, we now have to get a grip and get on with it.' Michael Gove kicked off his campaign today, 24 hours after blowing Boris Johnson out of the race with a shock bid to enter the race himself Advertisement There was a hitch, however. She was promoted to the board when she was seven months' pregnant, and was pressured to going back to work one week after giving birth. She recalled: 'I really struggled because I was desperate to be with my child. I said to the bank 'I can't cope with the hours'. I was just never getting to see my son.' She stuck with it for two years, and endured two miscarriages because of the stress of the work. When she requested a part-time role, the response was brutal. She was told: 'We have managed without senior women executives until now, we certainly don't need part-time ones.' They paid her to go quietly. Leadsom's last big job in banking was as a fund manager at Invesco Perpetual. She also formed a buy-to-let property company with her husband. They have three children Fred, 20, Harry, 18, and Charlotte, 12. She takes her daughter to school on the Underground, because during the week the family live in a cramped flat in Westminster. They also have a large 17th-century farmhouse in her South Northamptonshire constituency. She's a serious film buff, though not everyone will applaud her all-time favourite film, Four Weddings and a Funeral, which she watches at least once a year. Leadsom is also an avid reader, with what you might call eclectic tastes. Her two favourite books are The Wealth of Nations, the magnum opus by 18th-century economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith. She also admits to loving the Australian children's classic Where's The Wombat? which she read to all her children. She is often spotted in the pubs near her home, and is a committed Christian who is part of the Bible study class at Westminster. At weekends, she retreats to her constituency home, where every Sunday she cooks a family roast. She is an avid supporter of the Northampton Saints rugby team. Children are important to Leadsom, who runs a charity that helps families struggling to cope with the arrival of a new child. She strongly believes that the life chances for youngsters are profoundly affected by their experiences during their first two years. After a spell as a councillor in South Oxfordshire from 2003-07, she became MP for the safe seat of South Northamptonshire in 2010. In 2014, despite that early disagreement with the Chancellor, she became Economic Secretary to the Treasury. But within weeks, she was engulfed in controversy. Leadsom had put the shares in her buy-to-let property company, Bandal (from which she resigned as a director before she joined the Treasury), into trusts for the benefit of her children. Accountants say that while this is not illegal, it has the potential to reduce the inheritance tax burden. There was further criticism when it was revealed she had received 70,000 from a firm based in London but owned by her Guernsey-based brother-in-law, financier Peter de Putron via a holding company in the British Virgin Islands tax haven. Leadsom's husband Ben is a director of the firm which made the donation, which was used to pay the salaries of staff in Leadsom's Westminster office. The revelations attracted criticism because the payment came from an offshore firm at a time when the Chancellor was promising to crack down on offshore tax loopholes. A spokesman for Leadsom said at the time: 'The donations are made by UK companies, employing hundreds of UK staff, and generating UK profits they are fully transparent and properly declared.' After last year's General Election, Leadsom was promoted to Minister of State at the Department of Energy. During the referendum, she has come into her own. She traded blows in the TV debates with her boss Amber Rudd, the Energy Secretary, who was on the Remain side. Leadsom impressed with her calm and reasoned economic arguments in favour of Brexit. But she was also privately critical of the Vote Leave campaign for not making a more robust economic case for leaving the EU, such as the possibility of striking new trade deals with the Commonwealth. She was even more critical of Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, for allowing himself to be wheeled out by George Osborne to attack the Leave side. 'I expect the governor will be significantly regretting getting involved in politics, destabilising the markets in the exact opposite to the way he should do, and I'm quite sure that he will be wishing he hadn't done it,' she says. Since putting her name forward for the leadership, it has been pointed out that she does not have Cabinet experience. Her response? 'Our current Prime Minister hadn't been in government at all before he become leader and then prime minister.' Highly principled and her own woman, she refused to vote for same-sex marriage. 'I find myself genuinely torn ... I cannot vote against a measure that would mean so much to the minority of homosexual couples for whom marriage is the ultimate recognition for their genuine feelings for each other. Yet nor can I vote for a measure that risks centuries of faith-based belief in marriage.' Leadsom is second favourite at 5/2 in the leadership contest, but she will have to work hard to find widespread support among the grassroots Tory members who make the final decision. There is already speculation that if frontrunner May wins, she will make Leadsom Britain's first woman Chancellor. Equally, Leadsom's admirers point out that at 53 she has something in common with her political heroine Margaret Thatcher. The Iron Lady was 53 when she became Tory leader in 1975. It may seem like a long shot, but maybe history could yet repeat itself. Leadsom is second favourite at 5/2 in the leadership contest, but she will have to work hard to find widespread support among the grassroots Tory members who make the final decision Andrea Leadsom has impressed many voters who'd never heard of her before with her passionate and eloquent arguments for Brexit Twelve months after she became an MP, Andrea Leadsom was warned by Chancellor George Osborne she would damage her ministerial prospects if she joined a Eurosceptic Tory revolt against the EU. Leadsom, singled out as one of the brightest of the 2010 intake of MPs, responded in typically blunt fashion. She denies reports she swore at the Chancellor. But the conversation ended abruptly when Leadsom insisted that she would be backing a motion calling for a referendum on our EU membership. The Chancellor or at least his job was very much on her mind this week during her negotiations with Boris Johnson before he abruptly quit the race to be Tory leader. Leadsom, a leading figure in the Leave campaign, demanded the post of Chancellor, or Deputy Prime Minister in charge of negotiations for leaving the EU, as the price of her support. When the shambolic Johnson failed to give her a written guarantee she would get one of the jobs, she entered the race herself. It was a typically resolute response from a woman who has impressed many voters who'd never heard of her before with her passionate and eloquent arguments for Brexit. So who is the woman who has pitted herself against Theresa May, Michael Gove and the others for the Tory crown? Leadsom, now 53, was born in Aylesbury and, having moved with her family to Kent, went to Tonbridge Grammar School. Unlike the Etonian prime minister she is seeking to replace, Leadsom does not come from a privileged background. Home was a small terraced house in Berkshire. Her mother Judy divorced her father Richard who ran a builder's merchant when she was four, and then brought up her three girls while studying to become a nurse. Four years later, Judy remarried and decided to run a furniture shop with her second husband. Leadsom studied Political Science at Warwick University, then became one of the few women on a trading floor in the City as a trainee trading metals. She then moved to BZW, the investment banking arm of Barclays. In 1993, she married Ben, a businessman, and after a rapid rise through the ranks, she became the youngest director of Barclays at the remarkable age of 32, when she was appointed head of UK banking. There was a hitch, however. She was promoted to the board when she was seven months' pregnant, and was pressured to going back to work one week after giving birth. She recalled: 'I really struggled because I was desperate to be with my child. I said to the bank 'I can't cope with the hours'. I was just never getting to see my son.' She stuck with it for two years, and endured two miscarriages because of the stress of the work. When she requested a part-time role, the response was brutal. She was told: 'We have managed without senior women executives until now, we certainly don't need part-time ones.' They paid her to go quietly. Leadsom's last big job in banking was as Senior Investment Officer and Head of Corporate Governance at Invesco Perpetual. She also formed a buy-to-let property company with her husband. They have three children Fred, 20, Harry, 18, and Charlotte, 12. She takes her daughter to school on the Underground, because during the week the family live in a cramped flat in Westminster. They also have a large 17th-century farmhouse in her South Northamptonshire constituency. She's a serious film buff, though not everyone will applaud her all-time favourite film, Four Weddings and a Funeral, which she watches at least once a year. Leadsom is also an avid reader, with what you might call eclectic tastes. Her two favourite books are The Wealth of Nations, the magnum opus by 18th-century economist and moral philosopher Adam Smith. She also admits to loving the Australian children's classic Where's The Wombat? which she read to all her children. She is often spotted in the pubs near her home, and is a committed Christian who is part of the Bible study class at Westminster. At weekends, she retreats to her constituency home, where every Sunday she cooks a family roast. She is an avid supporter of the Northampton Saints rugby team. Children are important to Leadsom, who runs a charity that helps families struggling to cope with the arrival of a new child. She strongly believes that the life chances for youngsters are profoundly affected by their experiences during their first two years. After a spell as a councillor in South Oxfordshire from 2003-07, she became MP for the safe seat of South Northamptonshire in 2010. In 2014, despite that early disagreement with the Chancellor, she became Economic Secretary to the Treasury. But within weeks, she was engulfed in controversy. Leadsom had put the shares in her buy-to-let property company, Bandal (from which she resigned as a director before she joined the Treasury), into trusts for the benefit of her children. Accountants say that while this is not illegal, it has the potential to reduce the inheritance tax burden. There was further criticism when it was revealed she had received 70,000 from a firm based in London but owned by her Guernsey-based brother-in-law, financier Peter de Putron via a holding company in the British Virgin Islands tax haven. Leadsom's husband Ben is a director of the firm which made the donation, which was used to pay the salaries of staff in Leadsom's Westminster office. The revelations attracted criticism because the payment came from an offshore firm at a time when the Chancellor was promising to crack down on offshore tax loopholes. A spokesman for Leadsom said at the time: 'The donations are made by UK companies, employing hundreds of UK staff, and generating UK profits they are fully transparent and properly declared.' After last year's General Election, Leadsom was promoted to Minister of State at the Department of Energy. During the referendum, she has come into her own. She traded blows in the TV debates with her boss Amber Rudd, the Energy Secretary, who was on the Remain side. Leadsom studied Political Science at Warwick University, then became one of the few women on a trading floor in the City as a trainee trading metals. She became the youngest director of Barclays at the remarkable age of 32, when she was appointed head of UK banking Leadsom is second favourite at 5/2 in the leadership contest, but she will have to work hard to find widespread support among the grassroots Tory members who make the final decision Leadsom impressed with her calm and reasoned economic arguments in favour of Brexit. But she was also privately critical of the Vote Leave campaign for not making a more robust economic case for leaving the EU, such as the possibility of striking new trade deals with the Commonwealth. She was even more critical of Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, for allowing himself to be wheeled out by George Osborne to attack the Leave side. 'I expect the governor will be significantly regretting getting involved in politics, destabilising the markets in the exact opposite to the way he should do, and I'm quite sure that he will be wishing he hadn't done it,' she says. Since putting her name forward for the leadership, it has been pointed out that she does not have Cabinet experience. Her response? 'Our current Prime Minister hadn't been in government at all before he become leader and then prime minister.' Highly principled and her own woman, she refused to vote for same-sex marriage. 'I find myself genuinely torn ... I cannot vote against a measure that would mean so much to the minority of homosexual couples for whom marriage is the ultimate recognition for their genuine feelings for each other. Yet nor can I vote for a measure that risks centuries of faith-based belief in marriage.' Leadsom is second favourite at 5/2 in the leadership contest, but she will have to work hard to find widespread support among the grassroots Tory members who make the final decision. There is already speculation that if frontrunner May wins, she will make Leadsom Britain's first woman Chancellor. Forget Brexit or whether Andy Murray might win Wimbledon. The musical genius Andre Rieu and I are discussing the really knotty issue of whether he prefers to be described as the Mel Gibson of the violin, or the Patrick Swayze of classical music. Poring over photos of the late Dirty Dancing star on his smartphone, Rieu weighs up the competition. Yes, yes, yes. Thats fine. Im happy with that. Violinist Andre Reiu performing in Maastricht last year. The star says his concerts are like making love To him, comparisons with the star of Mad Max and Braveheart are also fine. Rieu beams, carefully adjusting his magnificent mullet and looking spookily like Mel Gibson crossed with a giant spaniel. Its no surprise he can joke about his image having sold more than 40 million albums, won countless platinum discs, been awarded two World Music Awards and sold out more venues than Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce. His vast wealth allows him to live in his own castle in Maastricht, complete with turrets, fountains and an enormous, ornate butterfly house that is replenished every few weeks with cocoons flown in from Costa Rica. Ive always believed that when you do something, then do it properly, he says, as we admire the 15th-century castle and medieval-style cloisters hes having built in the grounds. That is the way I make music. And that is the way I live life, he says simply. Less is never more. Nothing is too much. Indeed. His classical music concerts are a flamboyant concoction of plumed horses pulling golden carriages, soaring angels, ice rinks and a replica Titanic sinking beneath the stage. For one series of shows, he even created a replica of Viennas 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace the biggest stage decoration ever. This extravagance briefly sent him 34 million (28 million) into the red and facing bankruptcy. It was a stressful time, which makes it hard to play, he says. But then, boom! The next year I was 22 million in profit! While Rieus name may be unknown to most people under the age of 50 which, thankfully, means hes rarely pestered to pose for selfies for tens of millions of fans across the world he is a showman, sex god and faith healer, all rolled into one. His concerts, which he once immodestly described as like making love, begin gently. The audience sit nicely and tap their toes. Rieu, performing at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City in 2009, says he happy with comparisons Mel Gibson and Patirkc Swayze are 'fine' But after two hours and endless waltzing takes on classics from Ravels Bolero to the music from the film Titanic, theyre dancing in the aisles. From the moment I come on, I grab them, he says. But nicely, where they want to be grabbed and they start to love each other again. Theres a physicality. They feel better. People in wheelchairs stand up once again . . . Really? Really! he cries. Its the happiness. Ive seen it often during the encores. Almost every concert! He heals hearts, too. I spoke to 2,000 heart surgeons and they agree completely with me. You can heal a heart with music. People tell him it takes them two weeks to come down after his concerts because they are full of humour and childish fun. Rieu has spent his adult years trying to stock up on fun after a dismal-sounding childhood. He grew up with his fervently Catholic conductor father, sour-sounding mother and five siblings. My family were deeply snobby and loop-the-loop, he says rotating his index finger by his temple. It was not fun. They didnt do happiness. When I sat smiling in the corner my parents would say, Andre, you happy boy, you will come to nothing. He was saved, he says, by four years of intensive therapy which he did with Marjorie, his wife of 38 years, who had also been damaged by a domineering father. We needed cleaning up psychologically before we could have children. It took years. We are still so glad every day that we did it. It made us different people. Recommending that everyone has such a course of treatment, he says: Otherwise you drag your whole life with you the anger, the regrets. Brutally, he says that his two sisters have not been so fortunate and are in the madhouse. It is very sad. For his part, his therapist taught him to count his blessings the list of which is long. There are sons Pierre and Marc, five grandchildren, his 10 million Stradivarius violin with its own bodyguard, a 60-strong private orchestra and, of course, Marjorie. They met when he was 11 and she was 13. She was a little girl with a lot of curls an only child with parents even more severe than his. I knew she was different, he says. It was another decade until they were properly together. We were each others first and when I told my parents that I was going to sleep at Marjories one night, an atomic bomb went off! If I hadnt met Marjorie, I would have lain down in the gutter with a bottle of whisky under the bridge. Dutch violinist, conductor and composer Andre Rieu poses with his instrument in Sydney, Australia Nearly 40 years later, thanks to therapy and it has to be said plenty of time apart, they get on perfectly. I never argue with anyone. I resolve conflicts with humour and speaking. Weve never slammed a door or shouted. They dont even bicker when sharing their very small, old-fashioned bathroom. We say politely, Can I, now? and are you done? and can you hurry, please? Why not have two bathrooms? They live in a castle, for goodness sake! But Rieu claims they dont lead a flashy life. I have one Mercedes. We have old friends, not new. I go shopping for a bag of sugar. I go to the vet. Rieu is a man of habits. He eats cake every afternoon at 3pm. Dinner at 5.30pm. He wears the same blue blazers and every year he and Marjorie holiday for three days in the same hotel in Rome. He says he loathes the trappings of fame and fortune. I hate celebrity, whatever it is. But he has millions of enthusiastic fans. I get hundreds of letters and gifts, he says. Things theyve knitted for me for the winter. Paintings of me, of them. Of us both. And underwear, naturally. But all within the boundaries of decency, he says. His most devoted fans carve their names on his castles outside walls and loiter in the hope of seeing him. They may think hes a sex god, but he insists that hes a very boring workaholic. I work and I sleep. That is my life. I have no interest in other things. His business is a family affair. Son Pierre does the managing. Marjorie helps with the merchandise, music choices, wrote his biography . . . and punctures his ego whenever it looks a bit swollen. I told her: If you ever see me on television and I say something big-headed, then kick me in the backside. And she does. He, meanwhile, travels constantly, lives mostly in hotels, performs more than 100 shows a year and buries himself in the minutiae. So he personally designs the 300 dresses for the 300 dancers he has just hired for his latest tour the dress must float to give me the goose bumps. He also supervises fittings for the four 3,000 gowns owned by each of the female orchestra members and checks they are happy with the cut of the decolletage. His orchestra is his wider family. He adores them: they eat together, stay in the same hotels, are given creche facilities for their babies. No wonder theyre fiercely loyal in return. I am severe, but I am also very good. I cant stand it if one of my members plays not with their heart, but for money. Love and health are the most important things. A couple of years ago he was incapacitated by a viral infection that affected his balance for months and left him unable to work. Now fully recovered, he looks much younger than his 66 years. His personal trainer told him last week: Yours is a 40-year-old body. His prescription for the rest of us? Do what you like well and then you will get this glow! And to sit in complete silence whenever you can, to recharge and replenish. His remarkably unlined face is, he insists, untouched by cosmetic surgeons and his luxuriant hair is all his own. If things get too hectic, he decamps to his butterfly house to look at the insects, tropical birds and enormous koi carp. His first musical instrument was the piano, but he hated his teacher and took up the violin. The violin teacher was an 18-year-old blonde. And that was that! Or nearly. He studied music and played in orchestras, but struggled to cast off the sadness of his childhood. Sick of study and rules and in the midst of their therapy years, he and Marjorie nearly set up a pizza restaurant instead. The plan was to serenade customers on his violin, but that dream wasnt to be. Instead, in 1987, healed, happy and having cast off his Catholic faith, he struck out with 12 musicians. Now he has 110 people on his payroll a monthly bill of more than 1 million. It was the therapy, he says, that made it possible for him to make joyful music. Now I can make people happy. I can make them laugh. To make people happy I conduct emotions. Otherwise it might all have been funeral marches. It also gave him the strength to stand up to the snobby critics who claim hes a traitor to the classical music tradition because he uses a microphone and only plays the jolly bits of Verdis La Traviata. I cherry-pick the good bits, of course I do! The Bolero is 17 minutes long so I take the best six. Im not ashamed. No one want the boring bits. That is what makes people happy like children again. So before I forget. What about those people in the audience who abandon their wheelchairs in ecstasy do they cast them aside and stride out of the arena at the end? No, they get back in their wheelchairs, of course, he says. But they are so happy that, just for a minute, they can stand. Its the music, the energy, the happiness. But Labour membership likely to decide the outcome of leadership contest More than 170 Labour MPs supported 'no confidence' motion against him Hardliners have threatened MPs who turned against him with 'deselection' Labour MP Andy Slaughter could hardly be described as a political moderate. He is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine, has visited Gaza and regularly denounces Israel. Some say his sympathies for the widely proscribed Arab terrorist organisation Hamas are almost as strong as those of hard-Left party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Yet this week, the Shadow Justice Minister, like so many of his colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party, concluded that after Mr Corbyns lacklustre performance for the Remain camp in the EU referendum, Labour simply cannot win the next General Election with him as leader. Thousands of Labour members and supporters remain vehemently behind Jeremy Corbyn despite 172 MPs supporting a vote of no confidence in his leadership Mr Corbyn, pictured left and right at a commemoration of the Battle of the Somme in France, has refused to stand down despite mounting pressure from the Parliamentary Labour Party Mr Corbyn, second right, was joined at the event by Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, second left, and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, left Supporters have turned out in droves to back him, including this crowd at a rally in Cardiff yesterday, pictured So it was that Mr Slaughter resigned. He was also one of the 172 Labour MPs, more than three-quarters of the total, who supported a motion of no-confidence in Mr Corbyn. In this era of what Mr Corbyn laughably calls a new kind of politics, this meant that Andy Slaughter must be shredded by the Corbynista faithful for taking part in a coup. The onslaught against the Hammersmith MP began with a furious statement from Stan Keable, a secretary of Labour Party Marxists, a Unison trade union delegate and, perhaps most significantly, organiser for the fanatically pro-Corbyn grassroots movement Momentum in the Hammersmith constituency. Mr Slaughters views no longer reflected the Labour membership, Keable said. Then the social media onslaught began on Mr Slaughters Twitter account. He was a rat, a gutless liar and an infiltrator. A user named Phillip Jones tweeted: You are a traitor to our party, our country and democracy. Another tweet said: Good riddance to you and all other #RedToryTraitors taking part in this #ToryLiteCoup. Andy Slaughter, pictured, was one of the MPs to resign from the Shadow Cabinet Then, inevitably, came the D-word haunting so many of the MPs who voted against their leader De-select MPs who have betrayed the Labour Party. By which, the messenger meant those who have betrayed Jeremy Corbyn should be thrown out by their constituency organisations. Events in the Labour party have been moving rapidly in recent days. Early in the week, it was thought Angela Eagle, who has resigned her position along with scores of other shadow ministers, would challenge Corbyn. Yet in the past 48 hours, she has halted her campaign. It is now being suggested she was fearful of being deselected by Momentum hardliners in her own Wallasey constituency. There is plenty of online animus evident towards her. On the Wallasey Momentum Facebook page a petition runs: We wish Angela Eagle to resign as MP of Wallasey, as she does not represent our constituents views and our wishes. She should have supported Corbyn, not resigned. Keep Corbyn. Eagle Resign. But opposition to Angela Eagle is not confined to internet vitriol. Even the deputy chairman of Eagles constituency party, Paul David, said this week: Jeremy Corbyn hasnt been given a chance to be a good leader. If you are being stabbed in the back all the time by your own people on the Labour benches, its very hard to get your message across. While much of the focus on Westminster has been on the battle for the Tory leadership, it has been an extraordinary week of internecine warfare, vitriol and intimidation for Labour. At the centre of this maelstrom is Momentum, the hard-left praetorian guard of Corbynista activists which appears to have virtually taken control of the Labour Party. The organisation was set up in October last year, four weeks after Mr Corbyn was elected leader. It says it exists to build on the energy and enthusiasm from the Jeremy Corbyn for Labour Leader campaign, to increase participatory democracy, solidarity, and grassroots power and help Labour become the transformative governing party of the 21st century. Now, Momentum is being credited for a surge in Labour Party membership. This week the Left-leaning Huffington Post website reported it had been told that 60,000 new members had signed up to Labour in the past week. This huge number, which takes Labours membership to around 450,000, is seen by Corbyns allies as proof of his rising support among the grassroots. Activists have been encouraged to join because if there is a leadership election, the rules say that Corbyn must be on the ballot. Once again the membership, rather than Westminster MPs, will decide who wins. This week I have trawled through hundreds if not thousands of messages posted online by Momentum supporters. Corbyn's fans have created banners (left and right) backing him to stay in power and opposing a challenge from Angela Eagle Activists have been encouraged to join the Labour party and support Mr Corbyn, who has to be on any ballot should there be a leadership election Mr Corbyn, pictured speaking at a Momentum event at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in central London, has been strongly backed by the hard-left organisation The impression formed is that this is no less than a fanatical personality cult. These people brook no criticism of Mr Corbyn. Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has called Momentum a rabble, and former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett dismissed it as a hard-Left text-a-crowd. There is little point in Momentum denying this given that the evidence is there for all to see. Take, for example, this weeks Twitter feed of its Essex branch. It seems devoted to propagating a Labour civil war. Referring to the Labour MPs who supported the no-confidence vote against Mr Corbyn this week, Essex Momentum wrote: Dozens of present Labour MPs will not be Labour candidates again. They have badly mis-calculated. Mr Corbyns right-hand man, the shadow chancellor John McDonnell, has encouraged Momentum members to protest against anti-Corbyn Labour MPs whom the hard Left refer to as Red Tories. Some trolling victims have felt sufficiently concerned to call the police. Momentum supporters have been dismissed as a 'rabble' by deputy leader Tom Watson, and a 'text-a-crowd' by former Home Secretary David Blunkett Others gathered in Manchester, pictured, to show they still have faith in Mr Corbyn, despite criticism around his handling of the Remain campaign Former shadow education secretary Lucy Powell was told online to kill herself after leaving Mr Corbyns front bench, while another MP who resigned over Mr Corbyns leadership received an email threatening to kill their child. Vicky Foxcroft, meanwhile, a Labour whip, reportedly received a call to her constituency office which said: If you dont support Corbyn I will come down to the office and kick the f*** out of you. Ms Foxcroft is MP in Lewisham, south London. In next door Lambeth, Momentum held a meeting on Wednesday to put activists on a war footing against the expected coup against Mr Corbyn. This meeting was reportedly chaired by Marlene Ellis, suspended by Labour last month after comparing Zionists and Nazis. The following day, Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth left the launch of a report into alleged anti-semitism in the Labour Party in tears, after being harangued by a Momentum activist who allegedly used anti-Semitic language. Jeremy Corbyn, who was present at the launch, is said to have stood by as she walked out. And yesterday, footage emerged of Mr Corbyn joking with the activist, Marc Wadsworth, shortly after Mrs Smeeth was abused. So who is behind Momentums spiteful and sinister attempts to keep Mr Corbyn in power? It is being run from a borrowed office in the headquarters of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association union, next to Euston station in London. Its public face is a very unlikely Corbynista, so much so that one associate jokingly described him as the Brideshead Bolshevik after the gilded youths in Evelyn Waughs novel Brideshead Revisited. Hard-left supporters have accused MPs who supported the no-confidence vote of 'betraying the party' Labour membership is now said to be at around 450,000, which is seen as proof of Mr Corbyn's success at galvanising support among the grassroots Momentum has been criticised for 'trolling' Labour MPs who turned against Mr Corbyn, pictured, and threatening to have them 'de-selected' James Schneider, 28, is the son of a multi-millioniare financier. The floppy-haired Master Schneider spent his formative years floating between a 7million home in fashionable Primrose Hill, and a house on a Scottish country estate. Like Mr Corbyns hectoring neo-Marxist spin doctor Seamus Milne, a Guardian journalist, Schneider attended top public school Winchester College. He then went up to Trinity College, Oxford, before dabbling in journalism. It is of some wonder to many traditional Labour supporters that Mr Schneider was president of the Liberal Democrats at Oxford, and was neither a Labour voter at the last election nor a party member. On May 10 last year, however, three days after Labours crushing general election defeat, Mr Schneider signed up. Soon he was organising 17,000 volunteers in support of Jeremy Corbyn during his leadership campaign. Now he does the rounds of television studios. He acted as warm-up man for Mr Corbyn when he addressed a rally in London on Tuesday and deals with membership and social media issues. Whatever his credentials, James Schneider has been singularly ineffective in curbing Momentums more unpleasant members. So when will all this bile end? Anyone hoping for Jeremy Corbyn to stamp out these bullies should not hold their breath. The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this month that Momentum founder Jon Lansman was seen four times in May using a desk in Mr Corbyns rooms in Parliament. Labour MPs said the revelation proved the group is working hand-in-hand with Mr Corbyn and demanded that the party leader come clean about his control over the group. It is worth recalling an article by the then new leader Jeremy Corbyn in the summer of 2015, in which he wrote: I dont do personal abuse I want to lead a more inclusive and united party. After all, when the dust settles we are all still Labour. Many beleaguered Britons row with their neighbours, but this was no ordinary feud over the privet hedge. And its not every war of words that leads to an angry party carving out a 30ft obscenity in a field complete with a giant arrow pointing to the nemesis next door. The word t**t is so huge that it cannot be seen at ground level leaving the object of the insult blissfully unaware. The word t**t is so huge that it cannot be seen at ground level leaving the object of the insult blissfully unaware It was discovered by a bemused light aircraft crew, flying overhead in rural Lincolnshire. Look out for this artistic and genius protest, said Lee Hamilton Cooper of the Derbyshire Soaring Club. Neighbourly disputes taken to the next level. The field in Pinchbeck belongs to Mark Scotney, 47, a millionaire businessman who made his fortune from car repossession, among other ventures. And the arrow points to a row of houses, including a farmhouse belonging to the Weston family. Mrs Carol Weston, 63, bought the farmhouse with her husband David, 66, after moving from Kent over 20 years ago to pursue their retirement country dream. The field in Pinchbeck belongs to Mark Scotney (pictured with fiance Michelle Edwards), 47, a millionaire businessman who made his fortune from car repossession, among other ventures Mrs Weston was gobsmacked to see the aerial picture and had no idea the obscenity was there. Its absolutely horrendous, she said. Its coming from Mark Scotneys field. He and his friends are always riding quad bikes over the fields and theyre such a nuisance. One bank holiday was particularly bad so many bikes revving all day and night. Mrs Weston has lodged several noise complaints about Mr Scotney, who drives a Range Rover Vogue and owns a Ferrari, and his alleged bike parties. It is understood South Holland District Council lets him ride the vehicles six days a year. Mrs Weston believes that Mr Scotney views her as a troublemaker and neurotic. He is also thought to be the owner of a 2million yacht moored in Ipswich and a ranch in America. He thinks because hes got loads of money he can do exactly as he likes, said Mrs Weston. The neighbours here have had enough. [Mark Scotney] is the neighbour from hell. Other neighbours, who asked not to be named, described how he hosts loud parties with rave music, and often flies in a borrowed helicopter. One resident, also unaware of the obscenity in the field, said: I can well believe he wrote that word. Hes probably thrown his toys out of the pram. He has a helicopter and lands it in the field. So hes the only one who can read that word in the grass, its probably his joke. Another neighbour refused to believe the arrow in the sign was meant for them instead believing that it was meant for Mr Scotney. The guy across the field there isnt very popular, he said. I think someone might have got the arrow the wrong way around and it is supposed to be pointing at him. Senior staff at the Anglia UK business complex, where Mr Scotney is Managing Director, were shown the aerial shot. Mrs Weston (pictured) has lodged several noise complaints about Mr Scotney, who drives a Range Rover Vogue and owns a Ferrari, and his alleged bike parties Asked if Mr Scotney would like to comment, a manager said: He probably doesnt want to talk to you. Michelle Edwards, 39, Mr Scotneys fiancee, was asked whether Mr Scotney had had any involvement in the word. Hes already said he doesnt want to say anything, his staff already told you, she said. Theres no feud going on. We dont know who did it. It was just a prank. A spokesman for South Holland District Council said: We have had a previous complaint regarding noise at the premises, which Mr Scotney was informed of. Those pesky questions about Alan Yentobs time chairing the controversial charity Kids Company just wont go away and the BBCs former creative chief is still angry about the scandal that cost him his 183,000-a-year job. I can disclose that in recent days investigators have asked Yentob, to hand over all his correspondence with his fellow Kids Company trustees and the 2,400 organisations working on behalf of Kids Company, which collapsed last summer amid allegations of financial mismanagement. The idea [the charity] was not well-run is just ridiculous, he tells me this week. Im very angry about the whole thing and the way it was dealt with not that there arent things to ask questions about. Alan Yentob, pictured, is still seething after he was forced to quit the BBC in the light of the events at the Kids Company. He was chairman of the charity's trustees These questions currently being scrutinised by the Charity Commission include allegations that 5,000 a month of charity funds went on renting a Grade II-listed mansion in London, where its charismatic founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, liked to swim in an indoor pool. Reviewers said Batmanghelidjh came across as belligerent and manipulative in the BBCs recent documentary on Kids Company. But Yentob forced to resign from the BBC over a conflict of interest caused by his roles at Kids Company and the corporation claims Batmanghelidjh was under stress. She [Camila] was undergoing stress and pressure so she was being quite bullish and a lot of people didnt like that, he says. Camila Batmanghelidjh is pictured last year when she testified before the Commons Public Administration Committee. Mr Yentob said she was wrongly perceived as being belligerent, when she was under stress He also reveals he is fighting off offers from publishers. If you write a memoir, and you write the whole truth, then youre going to betray certain people and I dont want to do that, he says. A university student in China has been caught taking photographs up his female classmate's skirt while attending a lecture. Images have been released on Chinese social media showing the man holding his phone around his back, which was aimed at another female student, reports the People's Daily Online. The male student allegedly shared the pictures with a classmate after they were snapped. Pervert: The man was photographed paying attention to teacher while aiming phone at a female classmate The student was caught at a university in Kunming taking up-skirt photos of classmates A total of six photos were circulated on Chinese social media site Weibo with posts claiming that the man is studying in a university in Kunming, southern China's Yunnan Province. The pictures were taken by a third student who sat behind the female victim at the time. The name of the school, however, was not given. In the photos, the student pretends to pay attention in class however his hands are holding his phone around his back, getting pictures of the unknowing female behind him. He then can be seen in another image showing his deskmate the photos he has just taken. The man has admitted to his behaviour to the media and apologised to the victim, according to People's Daily Online. The student pretends to pay attention in class however his hands are holding his phone around his back The photos have sparked an outrage among users of Weibo. One user commented: 'This guy should be expelled.' And another wrote: 'Why didn't they call the police?' A third user said: 'I'm disgusted.' While one user said: 'If apologies work, why do we need the law?' There is an increasing problem with people trying to take up-skirt photographs in China. In April, a woman made a man eat his phone's memory card after she caught him taking photographs up her skirt. The woman filmed the incident and uploaded the footage to Weibo. Wealthy owners saw the value of their country mansions slip in the run-up to the Brexit vote, according to an index. Prime country property prices fell by 0.2 per cent in the three months leading up to the EU referendum, and prices for luxury rural homes are now rising by just 1.3 per cent annually, the report by estate agent Knight Frank found. The expensive end of the prime country homes market has been hit even harder. Properties with an asking price of at least 2million fell by 1.1 per cent in the three months before Brexit and prices are up just 0.7 per cent annually. The Priory, a Grade II listed manor house in Oldham, Hampshire, is on the market for 4m Knight Frank attributed the slowdown to the uncertainty surrounding the referendum and an increase in stamp duty. In particular, homes worth more than 2million have been hit by higher purchase costs, stemming from two stamp duty increases in the space of 18 months. The estate agent said the strongest markets continue to be in wealthy urban areas, where price growth has outperformed that in more rural locations. And its figures revealed that a fragmentation of the luxury country home market. The best performers were properties worth up to 1million, which rose by 1.2 per cent over the three-month period, but those costing 4million to 5million suffered the most, with prices dropping 3.5 per cent. The situation is a turnaround from 2014 when prime country properties were rising at a pace of 5.2 per cent a year. The introduction of higher stamp duty rates has added to the cost of buying expensive homes. A 1million home now incurs 43,750 in tax, but due to the way the tax steps up a 2million home purchase means a 153,750 stamp duty bill. As part of the change announced by the Chancellor in December 2014 from a slab-style system top a graduated tax, stamp duty bills increased for homes costing more than 938,000 but fell for those costing less than this. The new additional 3 per cent stamp duty charge for buy-to-let and second homes has added even more tax for those buying expensive properties that aren't their main residence. Moons Hill House is a Victorian country property on the Isle of Wight with an asking price of 2.15million Oliver Knight, associate of research at Knight Frank, said: 'Uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the EU referendum and higher stamp duty charges contributed to the slowdown of price growth in the prime country house market in the second quarter of 2016. 'All eyes will now turn to the impact of the UK's vote to leave the EU on the market. 'There is likely to be a further period of uncertainty as the terms of the UK's exit are worked out and this has the potential to affect some parts of the market as discretionary buyers weigh up the implications. 'However, the primary drivers of this market remain unchanged, with schools and key transport links remaining a draw for town and city markets.' He explained that prime prices are still 14 per cent below their previous market peaks on average. 'As such, there may be scope for outperformance in the short-to-medium term,' he said. Jonathan Harris, director of mortgage broker Anderson Harris, says: 'The market had started to slow at the top end even before Brexit. The problem now is the disparity between what vendors think their property is worth and what buyers are prepared to pay. 'Valuers are already calling the market at 10 per cent down, which is a self-fulfilling prophesy. They are including disclaimers that in light of the referendum and uncertainty there is likely to be downward movement on any valuation. This may make it harder to get funding.' The changes in the Knight Frank property index for country homes worth more than 2million It comes as a separate report by estate agents Savills found that prime property prices in London also fell by 0.2 per cent during the same period. It said top-end property prices in the capital have fallen by 1.4 per cent in the last three months, and are now 3.9 per cent lower than a year ago and 8 per cent lower than their 2014 peak. The property price falls were more pronounced in prime central London - which includes Knightsbridge, Kensington, Chelsea, Westminster, Notting Hill and Earl's Court. Concerns have been raised that housebuilding levels will be disrupted by the vote to leave the EU. The Government said on Thursday that Communities Secretary Greg Clark and Housing Minister Brandon Lewis had met with members of the Home Builders Federation, whose members build around 80% of new build homes in England and Wales. It said the HBF and its members stated that all indicators show sales rates have not been affected by last week's referendum. Mr Clark said: 'The need for new homes continues as does the Government's commitment to getting them built.' The social media site has won a legal battle against the Belgian data protection authority over tracking its users while they are not logged into Facebook. Originally, the regulator had won its case and ordered the social network to stop tracking non-members when they visited publicly available Facebook pages. But the Brussels Appeals Court dismissed the case, on the grounds that the regulator has no jurisdiction over Facebook Inc, which has its European headquarters in Ireland. Facebook has won a legal battle against the Belgian data protection authority over tracking its users while they are not logged into the social media site. Originally, the regulator had won its case and ordered the social network to stop tracking non-members when they visited publicly available Facebook pages WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The authority was trying to stop the social network from tracking the online activities of non-Facebook users in Belgium who visit the social network's pages. But the ruling marks a victory for the US company, which staunchly maintained only the Irish Data Protection Commissioner has jurisdiction over how it uses Europeans' data. Originally, the regulator had won its case and ordered the social network to stop tracking non-members when they visited publicly available Facebook pages. But the Brussels Appeals Court dismissed the case, on the grounds that the regulator has no jurisdiction over Facebook Inc, which has its European headquarters in Ireland. Advertisement The authority was trying to stop the social network from tracking the online activities of non-Facebook users in Belgium who visit the social network's pages. But the ruling marks a victory for the US company, which staunchly maintained only the Irish Data Protection Commissioner has jurisdiction over how it uses Europeans' data. 'We are pleased with the court's decision and look forward to bringing all our services back online for people in Belgium,' a Facebook spokeswoman said. Facebook has had run-ins with a number of European privacy watchdogs over its use of people's data. Belgium's data protection regulator took Facebook to court a year ago, accusing it of trampling on EU privacy law by tracking people without a Facebook account without their consent. Belgium's data protection regulator took Facebook to court a year ago, accusing it of trampling on EU privacy law by tracking people without a Facebook account without their consent. Mark Zuckerbeg, Facebook CEO (pictured) FACEBOOK'S NEW LOOK MESSENGER Last week Facebook has announced major changes to the way users start conversations in its Messenger app. The main improvement comes to the 'Home' section of Messenger, which you are taken straight to when the app opens. Conversations will now appear alongside ways to connect with your contacts. The most recent messages will still be at the top of the screen, but under this there will now be a new 'Favourites' section, showing the people you most frequently connect with. Other updates include a new 'Active Now' section, where you can see which of your friends are on Messenger at the same time as you. The Home screen will also show reminders, such as friends' birthdays. Advertisement The court ruled in favour of the regulator and ordered Facebook to stop tracking non-Facebook users when they visited a Facebook page or face a 250,000 euros ($277,000) daily fine. Facebook appealed the ruling. In the meantime it said it would comply and stop using the so-called 'datr' cookie which it places on people's browsers when they visit a Facebook.com site or click a Facebook 'Like' button on other websites, allowing it to track the online activities of that browser. The Belgian regulator said it would look into launching a final appeal with the Court of Cassation, which can throw out previous judgements but not deliver new ones. 'Today's decision simply and purely means that the Belgian citizen cannot obtain the protection of his private life through the courts and tribunals when it concerns foreign actors,' the regulator said in a statement. It added that the Court of Cassation had previously overruled the Court of Appeal on matters of jurisdiction over foreign companies. 'Thus the citizen is also exposed to massive violations of private life,' said Willem Debeuckelaere, president of the Belgian Privacy Commission. The Brussels appeals court also threw out the Belgian Privacy Commission's claim that the case was urgent and required expedited procedure. 'We are pleased with the court's decision and look forward to bringing all our services back online for people in Belgium,' a Facebook spokeswoman said Robots are like dogs because, according to some experts, a badly-trained robot could end up misbehaving just like a badly-trained dog. This warning came at a meeting discussing the future of robot and human interactions, held in London this week. But the panel, who emphasised the importance of regulations controlling AI, agreed a doomsday situation in which robots take over is unlikely to happen soon. Robots are like dogs because, according to some experts, a badly-trained robot could end up misbehaving just like a badly-trained dog. This warning came at a meeting discussing the future of robot and human interactions, held in London this week UK ROBOTICS WEEK Organised by the EPSRC UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network (UK-RAS Network), UK Robotics Week included a series of events across the country, aiming to get the public engaged with the developments and debate in and around robotics. 'There can be little doubt that Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are going to change many aspects of our lives,' Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said. Advertisement Organised by the EPSRC UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network (UK-RAS Network), UK Robotics Week included a series of events across the country, aiming to get the public engaged with the developments and debate in and around robotics. Part of this was a panel discussion, including experts like Professor Tony Gillespie, visiting prof at UCL and Professor Darwin Caldwell, director of the Department of Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Italy. Professor Caldwell said people could make mistakes with robots by treating them as toys, The Mirror reported. As artificial intelligence advances, the possibility that machines could independently select and fire on targets is fast approaching. Fully autonomous weapons, also known as 'killer robots,' are quickly moving from the realm of science fiction (like the plot of Terminator, pictured) toward reality STEPHEN HAWKING WARNS OF A ROBOTIC UPRISING A sinister threat is brewing deep inside the technology laboratories of Silicon Valley, according to Professor Stephen Hawking. Artificial Intelligence, disguised as helpful digital assistants and self-driving vehicles, is gaining a foothold, and it could one day spell the end for mankind. On the Larry King Now show, Professor Hawking spoke of his fears about the future of the human race. 'I don't think advances in artificial intelligence will necessarily be benign,' Professor Hawking said. The physicists has previously been outspoken on his believes. Professor Hawking was interviewed from the Canary Islands, where he was being honored at the 'Starmus' Festival, aimed at making science accessible to the public. 'Once machines reach a critical stage of being able to evolve themselves we cannot predict whether their goals will be the same as ours.' 'Artificial intelligence has the potential to evolve faster than the human race.' Advertisement Just like dogs, he said, if people were not clear in their instructions it could lead to unwanted behaviour. 'There can be little doubt that Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are going to change many aspects of our lives,' Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said. 'We are near to realising a world where machines not only address laborious, repetitive or dangerous tasks on our behalf, but one where they act cooperatively with us, drawing on knowledge and experience to learn and to help us take decisions.' Earlier this week, Professor Stephen Hawking voiced concerns that artificial intelligence, disguised as helpful digital assistants and self-driving vehicles, is gaining a foothold, and it could one day spell the end for mankind. The world-renowned professor has warned robots could evolve faster than humans and their goals will be unpredictable. He is not alone in his worries. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously commented the technology could be as destructive as nuclear weapons and likened artificial intelligence to 'summoning the demon'. The Google boss, who is involved in the development of AI in applications such as self-driving cars (pictured), also says that the fear of robots stealing human jobs is unwarranted WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF AUTONOMOUS CARS 71.8 per cent feel that autonomous driving would have a positive impact on everyday commuting 21.2 per cent of respondents think that the automotive sector would deliver the greatest benefits from robotics in the next 10 years While men believe automotive will benefit most, women voted medicine the top sector to gain from robotics technology during the coming decade (20.3 per cent) Source: EPSRC Advertisement A UN report published recently also warned terrorists are 'actively seeking' to get a hold of autonomous weapons. But the rest of the panel said we should not be worried about robots taking over. This reflects the more positive attitude hailed by Google's chairman Eric Schmidt, who said earlier this week that we should 'stop freaking out' about artificial intelligence. The Google boss, who is involved in the development of AI in applications such as self-driving cars (pictured), also says that the fear of robots stealing human jobs is unwarranted. 'While widespread advent of fully autonomous, "never-need-a-driving-wheel" self-driving cars is sometime away the possibilities for safety, economy and efficiency of these devices is breathtaking,' said Professor Paul Newman, who is leading Oxford University's internationally acclaimed Mobile Robotics Group that develops self-driving cars and related technologies. He added: 'Early and thoughtful engagement with users - their fears, aspirations and expectations is all part of the development of the technology.' Google's DeepMind start-up, which was bought for 255 million ($400 million) earlier this year, is currently attempting to mimic the properties of the human brain's short-term working memory A sinister threat is brewing deep inside the technology laboratories of Silicon Valley, according to Professor Stephen Hawking (pictured). Artificial Intelligence, disguised as helpful digital assistants and self-driving vehicles, is gaining a foothold, and it could one day spell the end for mankind There is no doubt that technology giants like Google, Apple and Amazon are incredibly successful. But their success comes at a price to their competitors, and the companies that use their vast sizes to 'snuff out the competition' according to a US politician in remarks this week. Now, in the latest example of this behaviour, music streaming service Spotify claims Apple is attempting to block competition for Apple Music by refusing to approve a new version of the app. Scroll down for video Music streaming service Spotify claims Apple is attempting to block competition for Apple Music by refusing to approve a new version of the app. Spotify's general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez, sent a letter to Apple on 26 June, saying Apple is 'causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers' WHAT THE LETTER SAYS Spotify's general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez, sent a letter to Apple on 26 June, saying Apple is 'causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers'. The letter hinted Spotify intends to use the standoff as ammunition in its fight over Apple's rules governing subscription services. 'This latest episode raises serious concerns under both US and EU competition law,' Mr Gutierrez wrote. 'It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors.' Advertisement Spotify's general counsel, Horacio Gutierrez, sent a letter to Apple on 26 June, saying Apple is 'causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers', according to Recode. The letter says Apple turned down a new version of the app while citing 'business model rules' and demanded Spotify use Apple's billing system if 'Spotify wants to use the app to acquire new customers and sell subscriptions.' Apple launched Apple Music, its own music service, in June 2015. For the past year, Spotify has argued publicly that Apple's subscription policies punish third-party music services that use Apple's platform, in favour of Apple Music. The letter hinted Spotify intends to use the standoff as ammunition in the fight over Apple's rules governing subscription services. 'This latest episode raises serious concerns under both US and EU competition law,' Mr Gutierrez wrote. 'It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors.' Apple's Eddy Cue unveiled the major overhaul of Apple Music at the firm's WWDC in San Francisco earlier this month, which came after repeated complaints from customers over the streaming service APPLE IN TALKS TO BUY TIDAL Apple is in talks to buy Jay Z's music streaming service Tidal, a report has claimed. The company, which owns iTunes and Apple Music, has opened discussions about buying Tidal because of its close links to artists such as Rihanna and Kanye West, the Wall Street Journal reported. Apple recently started talks with the streaming service and they may not lead to a sale, sources said. The terms of the deal are not known, but Jay Z bought Tidal for $56million last year and its value will only have increased since. Advertisement Apple does not require subscription services to use its iTunes billing service. But it does not allow them to use an alternate payment system within the app, as Google does. Apple charges a monthly fee of up to 30 per cent for those that do use its billing system. A few apps do not use the billing system, like Amazon. Earlier in the week, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren singled out three of tech's biggest players, including Apple, in a speech about the perils of 'consolidation and concentration' throughout the economy. She said 'Apple has long used its control of iOS to squash competition in music, driving up the prices of its competitors, inappropriately forbidding us from telling our customers about lower prices, and giving itself unfair advantages across its platform through everything from the lock screen to Siri. Apple is also in talks to buy Jay Z's music streaming service Tidal, a report has claimed. The company, which owns iTunes and Apple Music, has opened discussions about buying Tidal because of its close links to artists such as Rihanna and Kanye West, the Wall Street Journal reported 'You know there's something wrong when Apple makes more off a Spotify subscription than it does off an Apple Music subscription and doesn't share any of that with the music industry. They want to have their cake and eat everyone else's too.' Spotify had sent copies of the letter to various US politicians, according to Recode. A spokesperson for Spotify told MailOnline they would not be commenting on the issue. A spokesman for Apple also refused MailOnline's request for comment. HOW THE STREAMING SERVICES COMPARE Service Cost Apple Music $9.99 a month or $14.99 for a family plan (up to six family members) - both with a three-month free trial (9.99 and 14.99 in UK) Tidal $9.95-a-month for standard sound quality and $19.99-a-month for 'lossless high fidelity sound quality' (9.99 and 19.99 in the UK) Spotify Free level with adverts, Premium $9.99-a-month service (9.99 in the UK) Beats Music $9.99-a-month or $99 per year Pandora $4.99-a-month for Pandora's ad-free internet radio service Deezer Free with adverts, $9.99-a-month for Premium+ (9.99 in the UK) Rdio Free with adverts, Rdio Unlimited costs $9.99 (9.99 in the UK) and US users can also get Rdio Select for $3.99 a month with limited downloads It is not only Spotify that Apple has its eye on as competition for Apple Musics. Apple is in talks to buy Jay Z's music streaming service Tidal, a report has claimed. The company has opened discussions about buying Tidal because of its close links to artists such as Rihanna and Kanye West, the Wall Street Journal reported. Apple recently started talks with the streaming service and they may not lead to a sale, sources said. The terms of the deal are not known, but Jay Z bought Tidal for $56 (42) million last year and its value will only have increased since. Advertisement You might not think about it too often, but just like bridges and buildings, planes sometimes need a fresh lick of paint. Stripping and repainting an Emirates Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial aircraft, takes a long time. Now you can watch the whole process in this incredible timelapse video, which was filmed at the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre in Dubai. Painting an Emirates Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial aircraft, takes days. Now you can watch the whole process in this incredible timelapse video, which was filmed at the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre in Dubai HOW TO PAINT A PLANE There are four steps to the process. The first involves preparing and masking the aircraft to protect sensitive components from paint application, then the existing paint is chemically stripped. The external surfaces are sanded, followed by the repainting. This involves pre-treatment, painting of the aircraft with various coats, marking of signs and finally, the application of a clear coat for gloss retention. Advertisement There are four steps to the process. The first involves preparing and masking the aircraft to protect sensitive components from paint application, then the existing paint is chemically stripped. The external surfaces are sanded, followed by the repainting. This involves pre-treatment, painting of the aircraft with various coats, marking of signs and finally, the application of a clear coat for gloss retention. Seven coats of paint are applied, weighing 1.08 tons (1.1 tonnes) in total, covering an area of 33,103 square feet (3,076 square metres). A team of 34 professionals worked for nearly 6,000 man hours to complete the repainting of Echo Delta Delta, the fourth A380 to join the Emirates fleet. The mammoth strip and repaint makeover recorded in the video was completed in 15 days, setting a new company record. The painting part of the process took just seven days. There are four steps to the process. The first involves preparing and masking the aircraft to protect sensitive components from paint application, then the existing paint is chemically stripped The external surfaces are sanded, followed by the repainting. This involves pre-treatment, painting of the aircraft with various coats, marking of signs and finally, the application of a clear coat for gloss retention The entire exterior of the A380 including the fuselage, wings, engines as well as vertical and horizontal stabilizers received a makeover. The paint coats on the fuselage comprised of one layer each of a primer and sealer (shown), followed by three coats of Brilliant White, which is the custom Emirates colour During the last year, Emirates gave a fresh coat of paint to three Airbus A380s and 22 Boeing 777s, in addition to eight aircraft that were retired. This was part of the airlines strategy to operate a young, modern, and efficient aircraft fleet. The paint is essential for keeping the planes looking fresh, which is an important part of any airline's branding. But it also has a role in increasing the aerodynamics of the planes. 'A good paint job for instance, can help reduce fuel burn, and a smooth turnaround at the Aircraft Appearance Centre helps return the aircraft to scheduled service more quickly,' Emirates said. The facility in Dubai is the largest of its kind owned by an airline. 'Emirates state-of-the-art facility in Dubai also installed decals on 72 aircraft and executed over 105,000 painting jobs including cabin touch-ups across the worlds largest fleet of wide-body aircraft in 2015,' the company says. 'Some of the eye-catching customized decals installed on the Emirates fleet during the course of the year include the Real Madrid A380, the Paris Saint-Germain A380, the Arsenal 777, the A.C. Milan A380, the Arsenal A380 and the United for Wildlife A380s.' The mammoth strip and repaint makeover recorded in the video was completed in 15 days, setting a new company record. The painting part of the process took just seven days Some of the eye-catching customised decals installed on the Emirates fleet during the course of the year include the Real Madrid A380, the Paris Saint-Germain A380, the Arsenal 777, the A.C. Milan A380 (pictured) and the Arsenal A380 Robots that slice, grill, assemble and bag 400 burgers in one hour are set to invade California. Momentum Machines unveiled its autonomous grill master in 2012 and recently announced it will be opening a robot-powered burger bar in San Franciscos South of Market. Although this machine can do the work of three humans, the startup is still hiring people to perform other tasks such as payroll and taking out the garbage. Scroll down for video According to Momentum Machines job posting on Craigslists, the startup plans to open its restaurant at 680 Folsom street in San Francisco California. The burgers will be fresh-ground and grilled to order WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF THE ROBOT-POWERED BURGER BAR? According to Momentum Machines job posting on Craigslists, the startup plans to open its restaurant at 680 Folsom street in San Francisco California. The burgers will be fresh-ground and grilled to order. Customers can specify what type of meat mixture they want and build their own burger. Humans will be employeed at the facility but for other tasks such as payroll and taking out the garbage. The Craiglist posting shares specific characteristics the firm is looking for in human workers: autonomous, conscientious, autodidactic and service orientated --the word robot does not show up once in the Craigslist post. Advertisement With the minimum wage increasing in parts of the US, the idea of hiring a staff of robots may be a way to combat costs. Former McDonald's USA CEO Ed Rensi has said it would be cheaper to hire robots to replace the company's staff than to pay them the $15 minimum wage that many are demanding in protests across the country. 'It's cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who's inefficient making $15 an hour bagging french fries,' Rensi told Fox Business Tuesday. He added that the demand to raise wages is 'going to cause a job loss across this country like you're not going to believe.' And Momentum Machines just might be the spark that ignites the rise of the machines in the US fast food industry. News of the robot-run restaurant spread after a job posting on Craigslist surfaced last month, which gives the public a glimpse into how the startups futuristic eatery might operate once it is open to the public. And Tech Insider was the first to spot and report on the ad. We are the team who will open and operate Momentum Machines' first restaurant, reads the Craigslist job posting. This location will feature the world-premiere of our proprietary and remarkable new advances in technology that enable the automatic creation of impossibly delicious burgers at prices everyone can afford. Momentum Machines unveiled its autonomous grill master in 2012 and recently announced it is working on a robot-powered burger bar in San Franciscos South of Market. Although this machine can do the work of three humans, the startup is still hiring people do perform other tasks such as payroll and taking out the garbage Momentum Machines first turned heads in 2012 when it unveiled its burger making robot and plans for a new restaurant chain (pictured), but fell off the radar following the announcement. The release of its innovated burger making machine boasted: 'Our alpha machine replaces all of the hamburger line cooks in a restaurant According to Momentum Machines job posting on Craigslists, the startup plans to open its restaurant at 680 Folsom street in San Francisco California The burgers sold at 680 Folsom will be fresh-ground and grilled to order, served on toasted brioche, and accented by an infinitely personalizable variety of fresh produce, seasonings, and sauces. The posting also shares specific characteristics the firm is looking for in human workers: autonomous, conscientious, autodidactic and service orientated -- the word robot does not show up once in the Craigslist post. Momentum Machines first turned heads in 2012 when it unveiled its burger making robot and plans for a new restaurant chain, but fell off the radar following the announcement. The release of its innovated burger making machine boasted: 'Our alpha machine replaces all of the hamburger line cooks in a restaurant. 'It does everything employees can do except better.' But two years ago its machine could only make 350 burgers per hour. KFC OPENS RESTAURANT RUN BY AI ROBOTS IN SHANGHAI For more than 60 years, KFC restaurants have been serving the same secret original recipe to patrons. But Colonel Sanders is going against tradition with a new concept store located in Shanghai, China that lets customers order fried chicken from a voice activated robot. KFC has already added a few robots to its workforce, as a facility uses AI robots to take orders and payments. 'Dumi' (pictured) is smart enough to handle order changes and substitutes, but its creators say it cannot distinguish other dialects or accents Dubbed 'Dumi', the robot is smart enough to handle order changes and substitutes, but its creators say it cannot distinguish other dialects or accents. Located at the National Exhibition Convention Center, the store is a collaboration between KFC and Baidu, a Chinese web service. The duo has named the establishment 'Original+', in honor of the brand's traditional recipe, reportsThe Nanfang. The futuristic restaurant, which opened its doors April 25th, features wireless charging stations that also allows customers to stream music. Payment is all done through a smartphone via mobile payment services like Baidu Wallet. Original+ isn't the only high-tech KFC store in China, a separate location in Shenzhen allows patrons to pay for orders using China's popular text messaging system 'QQ'. Advertisement The machine will also slice toppings like tomatoes and pickles immediately before the burger is ready for serving so that everything is as fresh as possible. And it will even wrap it and place it the bag for you to grab and go Although Rensi is sold on adding robots to the MacDonalds kitchen, Momentum Machiness burgers arent the same product the redheaded clown is selling. Customers will be able to customize their meat with their own specifications, such as asking for the ratio of pork to bison you like best. The machine will also slice toppings like tomatoes and pickles immediately before the burger is ready for serving so that everything is as fresh as possible. And it will even wrap it and place it the bag for you to grab and go. The company claims that their method is not only more efficient that a human-operated kitchen but more sanitary, and that the savings on labor can be put towards better ingredients for a gourmet burger that no one has to cook. And because the machine only takes up 24-square feet, there's more room for spacious seating and a better overall dining room experience. A terrifying new species of giant centipede may have you second-guessing your next trip to the lake. Scientists have described the first known amphibious centipede, which can move between land and water, and swims powerfully like an eel. The eight-inch venomous centipede looks like it could have crawled straight out of your nightmares with many long legs and greenish-black coloration, even entomologists are calling it horrific. A terrifying new species of giant centipede, pictured, may have you second guessing your next trip to the lake. Named Scolopendra cataracta, Latin for waterfall, it is the first known amphibious centipede Scientists say the bug, pictured, can 'swim powerfully like an eel', while it can grow up to eight inches long THE SWIMMING CENTIPEDE Scolopendra cataracta is the first-known amphibious centipede in the world. It's name comes from the Latin word for waterfall. S. cataracta grows up to eight inches long and swims with 'vigorous horizontal undulation motions,' like an eel. Researchers suspect it hunts in the water at night. Advertisement Researchers describe the new species in a paper published last month in the journal ZooKeys. While it has many similarities to other species in the genus Scolopendra, DNA analysis and physical examination revealed this creature is unique. Named Scolopendra cataracta, from the Latin word for waterfall, the giant centipede is found in Southeast Asia and is thought to prowl the water at night hunting for aquatic or amphibious prey. It was first discovered by George Beccaloni of the Natural History Museum in London during a honeymoon trip to Thailand, according to National Geographic. The researcher said he was surprised to find the horrific-looking creature hiding beneath a rock. The venomous centipede packs a powerful and painful bite and was discovered in Thailand by George Beccaloni of the Natural History Museum in London, hiding beneath a rock Researchers say it behaves differently than all other Scolopendra centipedes, which hunt on land The centipede was initially observed under a rock slab beside a stream 1.5 m wide and 20 cm deep, the authors wrote in the recently published study. It escaped into the stream and concealed itself under a rock. 'After extraction from the stream it was placed in a glass container of water, in which it swam powerfully on the bottom of the container with vigorous horizontal undulating motions. Researchers describe the new species in a paper published last month in the journal ZooKeys . While has many similarities with other species in the genus Scolopendra, DNA analysis and physical examination revealed this creature is unique The specimen was collected and taken to the Museum, where it was confirmed years later by colleague Gregory Edgecombe and his student Warut Siriwut, who had collected two others near waterfalls in Laos. Only four have ever been observed, National Geographic reports, including one specimen found in 1928 and wrongly identified as a different species. The researchers say it behaves differently than all other Scolopendra centipedes, which hunt on land. These creatures are venomous and carnivorous, and though a bite likely wouldnt be fatal, it would be extremely painful. All large Scolopendra can deliver a painful bit, the fang of the venom-delivery system being able to pierce our skin, Edgecombe told National Geographic. Eight gold coins discovered during an archaeological excavation in Germany could confirm the site of the legendary Battle of Teutoburg Forest. Such a find is extremely rare, the researchers say, and this recent discovery at Kalkriese expands the number of gold coins collected at the site by more than double the previous amount. The coins featured images of the Emperor Augustus, with the imperial princes Gaius and Lucius Caesar on the back, and all date back to a period before the ancient battle. Eight gold coins discovered during an archaeological excavation in Germany could confirm the site of the legendary Battle of Teutoburg Forest. Such a find is extremely rare, the researchers say THE ANCIENT COINS These coins were minted between 2BCE and 5CE, and the archaeologists speculate they once belonged to an officer or higher-ranking Roman soldier. An aureus from the reign of Emperor Augustus would have been enough to feed an entire family in Rome for a month, the researchers say. Emperor Augustus is shown on the front, and Gaius and Lucius are pictured on the back of the coins, each carrying a lance, shield and a curved religious staff known as 'lituss.' Advertisement In just six weeks of digging this season, archaeologists have uncovered mounting evidence that indicates Kalkriese was once the site of the ancient battlefield, according to Forbes. Roughly 18,000 men were killed during the slaughter in Teutoburg Forest in 9C, when German tribes led by Arminius ambushed three Roman legions. At the time, the Roman soldiers were led by the general Varus. Kalkriese lies in the district of Osnabruck, Lower Saxony, Germany, and the coins were found along with pieces of Roman military equipment and bronze coins. Researchers from the University of Osnabruck and Kalkriese, who led the dig, say the discovery of the eight gold coins is one of 'extraordinary' luck. All are in a good state of preservation, though some show significant traces of use. The team discovered the coins called 'aurei' all within a few meters of each other, indicating a coin purse was likely dropped to the ground in the course of fighting, or intentionally hidden. These coins were minted between 2BCE and 5CE, and the archaeologists speculate they once belonged to an officer or higher-ranking Roman soldier. These coins would have been of considerable value, they say, and before the most recent discovery, only seven gold coins had been found at the ancient battlefield. Roughly 18,000 men were killed during the slaughter in Teutoburg Forest in 9C, when German tribes led by Arminius ambushed three Roman legions. At the time, the Roman soldiers were led by the general Varus. It's thought that this ancient battle took place at what is now Kalkriese The coins featured images of the Emperor Augustus, with the imperial princes Gaius and Lucius Caesar on the back, and all date back to a period before the ancient battle On the front of the coins, Emperor Augustus is pictured, Gaius and Lucius are pictured on the back of the coins, each carrying a lance, shield and a curved religious staff known as 'lituss.' They stand mirroring each other, and the researchers say this imagery has both military and religious allusions An aureus from the reign of Emperor Augustus would have been enough to feed an entire family in Rome for a month, the researchers say, and so a small purse-full as what decorated the land could have provided for its owner for upwards of a year. Gaius and Lucius are pictured on the back of the coins, each carrying a lance, shield and a curved religious staff known as 'lituss.' They stand mirroring each other, and the researchers say this imagery has both military and religious allusions for the two princes, who were designated successors of Augustus. The archaeologists say this the discovery raises new questions about the massacre, and indicate that there is still a need for more research at the site of the battlefield. A new type of tarantula discovered in Colombia may be the first in its subfamily to prefer hand-to-hand combat with its enemies. The spider is equipped with defensive hairs that can be used to directly attack an enemy, stinging them upon contact, the researchers say. Other tarantulas in the subfamily also have these 'stinging hairs,' but they are typically launched in a ball toward the target, and can cause fatal injuries to small mammals. A new type of tarantula discovered in Colombia may be the first in its subfamily to prefer hand-to-hand combat with its enemies. The spider is equipped with defensive hairs that can be used to directly attack an enemy, stinging them upon contact, the researchers say WHAT THEY FOUND Researchers discovered a new type of tarantula in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Distinctions in its defensive hairs indicate it uses direct contact to sting enemies. Other spiders in the subfamily use these hairs by launching them in a ball at the attacker. This can be fatal for small mammals. Advertisement The new tarantula not only represents a new species, but a new genus as well, according to an international team of researchers, led by Carlos Perafan of the University of the Republic, Uraguay. It was discovered in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, and has now been formally named Kankuamo marquezi. This is in tribute to the indigenous people from the Caribbean coast region, and to Colombian author and Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Upon examining the tarantulas, the researchers found 'extraordinary' distinctions in its defensive hairs and genitalia. The 'urticating' hairs formed a small, oval patch of lance-shaped barbs, which the scientists predict have evolved as a way to defend the tarantula through direct contact. Researchers say this defense tactic is different than that used by other members of the subfamily. Upon examining the tarantulas, the researchers found 'extraordinary' distinctions in its defensive hairs and genitalia. The 'urticating' hairs, shown left, formed a small, oval patch of lance-shaped barbs, which the scientists predict have evolved as a way to defend the tarantula through direct contact When these other spiders are attacked, they face their enemy and vigorously rub their hind legs against their stomachs. Then, they shoot a ball of stinging hairs at the attacker, leaving a bald spot on the belly where the hairs once were. This type of defense can be fatal to small mammals, if it lands into their mucous membranes. 'This new finding is a great contribution to the knowledge of the arachnids in Colombia and a sign of how much remains to be discovered,' the authors note. 'The morphological characteristics present on Kankuamo marquezi open the discussion about the phylogenetics relationship between subfamilies of Theraphosidae tarantulas and the evolutionary pressures that gave rise to the urticating hairs.' More than a decade ago, the mummified remains of, what some claimed to be, a six-inch alien was unearthed in Chiles Atacama Desert. And now, Martian researchers may have spotted this tiny creatures house on Mars. While reviewing images taken by Nasas Spirit rover, a conspiracy theorist announced the discovery of a six-inch doorway that leads to the home of the famous alien or one of the same species. Scroll down for video Martian researcher may have found this tiny creatures house it left behind on Mars. While reviewing images taken by Nasas Spirit rover, a conspiracy theorist announced the discovery of a six-inch doorway that leads to the home of the famous alien or one of the same species WHY WE SEE STRANGE THINGS ON MARS Pareidolia is the psychological response to seeing faces and other significant and everyday items in random stimulus. It is a form of apophenia, when people see patterns in random, unconnected data. There have been multiple occasions when people have claimed to see religious images and themes in unexpected places. On the red planet, one of the most famous is the 'face on Mars' spotted by one of the Viking orbiters in 1976. This was later proven to just be a chance alignment of shifting sand dunes. Advertisement Luxor2012UFO announced the find on June 29, 2016, which appears to be a structure of a house on Mars. The clip uploaded to the YouTube Channel shows a 'rock' on the deserted Red Planet. Luxor2012UFO focuses in closer and closer to the doorway that seems to resemble an entrance way or a shadow or a smudge on the picture. But whatever it is, Scott C Waring, creator of UFO Sightings Daily, picked up the sighting to put any skepticism to rest. Its real, its freaking history in the making, he shares in a blog post. This is the most mind-blowing discovery I have seen all week. Waring continues to share more intricate details about 'the dark doorway' it is about 3 inches by 6 inches' and all its covers are just perfect. Waring has used the term perfect to describe previous sightings, usually when referring to something that could only be created by alien life. For example, earlier this week Waring showcased a find from another YouTuber and fellow alien hunter the discovery of an underwater pyramid, which heed deemed a perfect pyramid. Luxor2012UFO announced his find on June 29, 2016, in which they say if appears to be a structure of a house on Mars. The clip uploaded to the YouTube Channel shows a 'rock' on the deserted Red Planet. Luxor2012UFO focuses in on the doorway that seems like an entrance way or a shadow or a smudge on the picture. Luxor2012UFO announced the find after investigating an image from Nasa's Spirit rover (pictured) that has been on Mars since 2014 THE MYSTERIOUS 'ATACAMA ALIEN' SKELETON The 'Atacama alien' remains were found on October 19, 2003 by a man named Oscar Munoz while he was looking for objects of historical value in La Noria a ghost town in the Atacama Desert. Near an abandoned church, Munoz found a white cloth containing a strange skeleton no bigger than 15cm [the size of a pen], according to a local Chilean newspaper. It was a creature with hard teeth, a bulging head with an additional odd bulge on top. Its body was scaly and of dark color. Unlike humans, it had nine ribs. A few years ago, researchers from Stanford University analysed DNA from bone marrow extracted from the specimen. They concluded that it was an 'interesting mutation' of a male human that had survived post-birth for between six and eight years. I can say with absolute certainty that it is not a monkey. 'It is human - closer to human than chimpanzees. It lived to the age of six to eight, Garry Nolan, director of stem cell biology at Stanford University's School of Medicine in California, said at the time. Advertisement And from the sound of this blog post, he is very sure about this rock being an alien hut. This is absolute 100 per cent proof that a tiny intelligent species once lived on Mars, he writes. On the right side of the door's edge is a carving, probably the name of the family who owns the home. This sighting does coincide with another find on the red planet from last week. Just feet away from Nasas Curiosity rover, YouTube user Paranormal Crucible claims a tiny humanoid alien can be seen spying from behind a Martian rock which according to the conspiracy theorists, could be the homeowner of the house with the six-inch doorway. Interesting anomolie [sic] found by the rover, which looks like a little Martian, the Youtuber wrote. I have colorized the image and added eyes to the head so its easier to see, but everything is there in the original images, whatever it is it looks humanoid, reminds me of the Atacama Alien, about the same size too, this one is around 6 inches. There are some roads in the UK where Mother Nature has applied her very own traffic calming measures scenery so magnificent that drivers will want to trundle along and savour every moment. They may have dull names like the B5289, A4069 and the A3055, but do not be deceived, they are routes that will take your breath away as they pass through mountainous landscapes, around picturesque lakes and between magical, intertwining trees. Here MailOnline Travel rounds up Britain's most scenic roads. From the Brecon Beacon asphalt championed by Jeremy Clarkson, to Instagram-baiting passes in Scotland, these are the spots where the scenery really steps up a gear. And before you head out on the open road, ensure you've got everything you need to maximise your enjoyment of the journey. And for peace of mind why not get a free, on the spot car check from Halfords. They check your car's headlight bulbs, oil level, battery, wipes and air con. They'll even top up your screen wash for nothing. B5289, The Lake District Lake-ing good: The B5289 snakes around eye-catching Crummock Water, Buttermere and Derwent Water The bucolic charms of Crummock Water, Buttermere and Derwent Water are the rewards for drivers on the B5289 in the Lake District, a horse shoe-shaped road between Keswick and High Lorton. While the landscape is pretty, the gradients can be a trifle brutish - one in four in places. A832 through Glen Docherty, Wester Ross, Scotland Highland highlight: A pootle along the A832 is unforgettable, partly because of the amazing views drivers get of Loch Maree Wester Ross. No, it's not a region in Game of Thrones, but it definitely looks like one. The 126-mile-long A832 part of which is incorporated into the recently branded NC500 coastal road, Scotland's answer to Route 66 snakes through this Highland region and yields quite incredible views of Loch Maree as it passes through Glen Docherty. Jon Snow, eat your heart out. The tidal causeway road to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumbria Water sight: The tidal causeway is a wonderful way of reaching the Holy Island of Lindisfarne Taking a boat to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is an option, but the drive is more thrilling. The island is linked to the mainland by way of a remarkable one-mile-long tidal causeway, which is submerged during high tide. This means that visitors coming by road must pay extremely careful attention to the tidal timetables. TOP TECH: SPECTACULAR SAT NAVS Nothing ruins a leisurely road trip like getting lost and having to re-trace your steps. Enjoy your drive all the more by doing away with worrying about whether you're going in the right direction or not. The TomTom GO 40 Sat Nav comes with great features such as live traffic updates for the life of the product. This avoids traffic jams by rerouting you and getting you to your destination quicker. The interactive map covers Western Europe and can be updated for free for the life of the product. 119.99, Halfords. Get an extra 20% off this product when you trade-in your old sat nav, stereo or dash cam at Halfords The Quiraing Pass between Uig and Staffin, Isle of Skye Scintillating: The Isle of Skye is eye-catching all over, but the Quiraing Pass is one of the islands most stunning features Like most of Scotland, the Isle of Skye has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to scenic stretches of road, but many would argue that the Quiraing Pass between Uig and Staffin is the pick of the bunch. Here cars wind their way up and down a steep weather-beaten single-track piece of asphalt in the most glorious of hilly surroundings. A470, Snowdonia National Park In peak condition: The A470 pass through the magnificently mountainous Snowdonia National Park It's fair to say that Wales has a few lumps and bumps - and they become frankly epic in Snowdonia National Park. Pootle along the A470 and this will become readily apparent. The landscape has an awe-inspiring grandeur along most of the route. The Burway, Long Mynd ridge, Shropshire Lofty: The Burway in Shropshire takes drivers along the 1,500ft high Long Mynd ridge, which is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Shropshire is a beautiful county and no where is this more abundantly clear than from over 1,500ft up on the heathy Long Mynd ridge. It's a moorland plateau designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a narrow road called The Burway leading to the top from the village of Church Stretton. Once you're up there, it's just you, some grouse and the glider club. TOP TECH: MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Sony Car Stereo with Bluetooth Make your journey through this epic scenery even more fabulous with a top of the range stereo to play your favourite driving soundtrack on. This smart piece of kit connects to your phone so it can play your favourite playlist, plus it has a dedicated button for interacting with Siri, SongPal for recognition and will automatically read out incoming text messages. Halfords will also fit it from 30. Was 119, now 99, save 20, Halfords. Sony MEX-N4100BT Car Stereo with Bluetooth The A82 near the Glen Etive and Glen Coe junction Majestic: The views from the A82 near Glen Etive are some of the best in the Scottish Highlands The A82 in the Scottish Highlands runs past a sort of who's who of picture postcard landmarks, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Ben Nevis. Driving the whole road is memorable, but one of the highlights is the stretch near Glen Coe mountain and Glen Etive. Here dramatic mountains and ridges rise from the valley floor. It's spellbinding. B6255, Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Dales The rail deal: Superb views of the Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire can be had from the B6255 Even if you're not a trainspotter, it's hard to deny the majesty of the 1,440ft-long Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales. You are granted incredible views of its 24 arches from both directions on the B6255. The structure, finished in 1875, is part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Antrim Coast Road, Northern Ireland Sea-ing is believing: The A2, also called the Antrim Coast Road, was created from a staggering feat of 19th century engineering. Pictured is the route's amazing Red Arch When you have a coast as dramatic as Northern Ireland's it would be remiss not to have a road that hugs its rugged contours. Say hello to the A2, or Antrim Coast Road, which runs along by the sea for 25 miles. It was blasted through the cliffs in the 19th century, a staggering engineering feat at the time. The section that passes through the Red Arch a short tunnel through the rock is one of many highlights. TOP TECH: CATCH THEM IF YOU CAM! Nextbase 402G Dash Cam A dash cam will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything untoward happens, you'll have the footage. Some car insurers also offer discounts to vehicles with dash cams fitted. Which? gave this dash cam a Best Buy rating, praising its 'good quality in daylight and at night'. It allows you to automatically record every aspect of your journey in 1080 high definition, so you can clearly read signs and number plates on the recording. It also includes the feature of night vision. Get 20% off this product when you trade in your old sat nav, stereo or dash cam at Halfords. Halfords will also fit it for 30. 149, Halfords. The Lecht Road, Aberdeenshire Summit special: The Lecht Road sweeps on up to hills that are over 2,000ft high in dramatic Aberdeenshire Not even electricity pylons marching alongside can prevent the scenery on the Lecht Road between Tomintoul and Cockbridge looking magnificent. It's one of the highest main roads in Britain at one point passing over the 2,090ft summit at the Lecht ski centre - and invariably needs the help of snow ploughs to remain open in winter. B3135, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset Dramatic: The B3135 through Cheddar Gorge, near the home of Englands most famous cheese, should be on every drivers scenic road bucket list The village of Cheddar is famous for its cheese and the dramatic gorge nearby that the B3135 winds through. The road is only 14 miles long, but it packs a picturesque punch. It starts just above the village of Shepton Mallet, off the A37, and crosses the Mendip Hills - an Area of Outstanding Beauty - then snakes through the gorge and onto England's cheese-making mecca. B3387, Dartmoor National Park Tor blimey: A trip along the B3387 on Dartmoor National Park, with its amazing rocky outcrops, is certain to be memorable Dartmoor National Park is 368 square miles of stunning moorland and there are very few roads, which means drivers will feel like they're in an almost primeval environment. The B3387 snakes across a landscape peppered with huge tors ancient rocky outcrops and brimming with bogs and babbling brooks. Blakey Ridge, North Yorkshire Moors Its moor-ish: Blakey Ridge is a cracking drive across a stunning part of north England that sometimes receives spectacular snow falls Up on Blakey Ridge it's just you, the bleakly beautiful expanse of the North Yorkshire Moors and a few dithering sheep. They are one of the few hazards you'll face here, along with snow if you come in winter. There have been some extremely heavy falls, including one in 2010 that left seven people trapped in a pub The Lion Inn for nine days. TOP TECH: FILM YOUR DRIVE GoPro Hero Session If you're passing through stunning scenery, wouldn't it be great to capture it on film so you can relive the beauty of your trip again and again and share it with your friends and family. This user-friendly GoPro is super easy to use - you can start recording with just the touch of a button. Its rugged and waterproof housing eliminates the need for a separate housing, making it 50% smaller and 40% lighter than other HERO4 models. It also has an Auto Low Light mode to adjust settings to ensure the very best performance when the light is beginning to fade. Only 159.99, Halfords. A3055, Isle of Wight, near Freshwater Bay Bay watch: Dazzling views of the Isle of Wights coast await drivers on the 11-mile-long A3055 The A3055 - also known as the Military Road - on the Isle of Wight is an absolute scenic gem that hugs the coast for 11 miles, with the most dazzling view found on the drive from east to west on the approach to Freshwater Bay. As the road twists and turns through verdant countryside it's possible to look beyond the tarmac and across the water to the bay's startling white cliffs. The Dark Hedges, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Trunk road: When it comes to beautifully entwined beech trees, The Dark Hedges takes some beating The prize for the most photogenic stretch of tree-lined road in the world goes to the avenue in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, known locally as The Dark Hedges. The beeches were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors to their mansion, Gracehill House - and their scheme worked a treat. The intertwining trees form a magical, other-worldly tunnel on the Bregagh Road that has impressed an untold number of visitors over the years and gave the creators of Game of Thrones a ready-made fantasy-land TV set. Character Arya Stark was seen trundling down the road on the back of a cart in season two. Pass of the Cattle, near Applecross, Wester Ross, Scotland Moo-ving experience: The Pass of the Cattle has all the right ingredients for a top scenic road hairpins, altitude and impossibly impressive views This is a magnificent stretch of tarmac, by anyone's standards. Its qualifications for making this list include Alpine-style hairpins, a climb to 2,053ft from sea level and Instagram-baiting views over Loch Kishorn. And there are parking spaces at the top where the view can be admired and camera filters chosen. STAY CONNECTED Halfords Quad USB Chargers Enjoy your scenic drive safe in the knowledge that your phone, tablets and other devices won't run out of juice. Charge four devices at the same time with this clever new gadget that fits into a 12V or 24V in-car socket. It has Smart Universal Fast Charging Technology which detects the device being charged and charges it at the optimal rate. 20, Halfords. A4069, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales TV star: Jeremy Clarkson gave the A4069 his seal of approval he drove an AMG SLK Mercedes along it for Top Gear The A4069 in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales has 81 corners, so that's 81 reasons right there why petrolheads should pay a visit. There's also the rugged landscape. Anyone who has walked into a five-star hotel will have spotted the concierge desk but perhaps few guests realise how much the free service can improve their stay. Concierges can organise anything from restaurant reservations and show tickets to itineraries and last minute forgotten gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. And as MailOnline Travel discovers, there's a 64-year-old network, just like the one depicted in The Grand Budapest Hotel, that makes sourcing anything from a super-rare Birkin and mare's milk powder to vintage Champagnes and Kosher popsicles as easy as pushing a button. The life of the concierge is famously depicted in the film The Grand Budapest Hotel but there's a 64-year-old network in real life that works just like the one in the Wes Anderson film MailOnline Travel spoke to three concierges about the profession, including Simon Thomas at The Lanesborough Hotel in London (left), David Young at Browns Hotel in London (centre) and Frederick Bigler at The Peninsula in New York (right) Typically, a concierge is involved in booking reservations to restaurants, organising entry to tourist attractions or sourcing tickets to performances according to Frederick Bigler, head concierge at The Peninsula in New York. They form the majority of the 120 or so requests that the hotel's concierge desk receives each day. The team have also helped colleagues in other Peninsula hotels. Bigler recalls a time when he had to source some 'kosher popsicles', which were only available in New Jersey, and send them all the way to the Peninsula Chicago for a celebrity guest. On another occasion, he had to source some rare champagnes for concierges at Peninsula Beverly Hills. The team of seven concierges at Browns Hotel (pictured) complete about 300 tasks a day for guests staying at the hotel and colleagues in the Les Clefs d'Or network The Peninsula Hotel (pictured) gets abut 120 requests a day from guests Similar services are offered at four and five-star hotels with concierges all around the world. Simon Thomas, head concierge at The Lanesborough in London, told MailOnline Travel that a concierge is perhaps one of the few free services provided by hotels to guests. He said: 'You can book one room at our cheapest rate whether it be here or at any other hotel, a year in advance. You can ring the concierge everyday asking what the weather is like, what's the best show in town, how to get to here, how to get to there, how to get to your office. 'You can chat to them about the latest things to see, the latest exhibitions, what their opinions are, constantly day after day and you might only be staying for the one day. 'It's the only free service that the hotel will give you really - they're giving you an expert in that city, someone who usually has years of experience, that has been there, seen it, done it, that's going to give you accurate information that isn't motivated by trying to sell you something.' According to Bigler, the best way to take advantage of the concierge is to turn your itinerary over to them - even before you've arrived at the hotel. He told MailOnline Travel: 'I would contact the concierge as early as you can, as soon as you know you are coming. 'Never be intimidated. Ask anything. There are no stupid questions. Doing homework before you arrive is great but getting a concierge's opinion is great.' The concierge service can be a very underused resource. While the connections between the concierges and guests in the Grand Budapest Hotel (pictured) might seem exaggerated, some long-serving concierges are considered friends, confidants and even family by guests At The Lanesborough, 90 per cent of the guests 'know the concierge and use them quite extensively' according to Thomas. He told MailOnline Travel: 'They know what the service involves and they probably know the concierge personally because they're used to having people looking after them.' And while the connections between the concierges and guests in the Grand Budapest Hotel might seem exaggerated, some long-serving concierges are considered friends, confidants and even family by guests. But as Thomas explains, at other five-star hotels, there might only be 10 per cent of guests using the service - it all depends on the clientele. Indeed the types of request varies too. David Young, head concierge at Browns Hotel in London, told MailOnline Travel that he was once asked to 'smuggle' a guest's wild cat into the country. Typically, a concierge is involved in booking reservations to restaurants, organising entry to tourist attractions or sourcing tickets to performances. Above, the Gotham Lounge at The Peninsula, New York LES CLEFS D'OR Members of the Les Clefs d'Or wear their signature golden keys either on their lapel or as cuff links Les Clefs d'Or, or the Society of the Golden Keys, was established in Paris in 1952 with just a handful of concierges from hotels in nine countries across Europe. Since then, it's expanded to a network of thousands of concierges around the world and all of its members have to have worked in a four or five star hotel for at least five years before joining. Several of the members have told MailOnline Travel that being in the society is a career highlight that they look forwards to. Members share knowledge but also help each other track down hard-to-find items or get impossible reservations. Advertisement He said: 'Although I couldn't assist in smuggling the cat into the country I did arrange for the necessary quarantine and licenses, and discovered that one of the restrictions was that it must be housed in a zoo environment, which we eventually had built on the guests private estate.' As a concierge, you never want to tell your guests 'no' but occasionally a guest's requests might stretch the capabilities of a concierge - and that's where a concierge network comes in. Many top concierges at four and five-star hotels around the world are members of Les Clefs d'Or, or the Society of the Golden Keys. Members can call on each other for help with unusual or difficult to complete requests in what Bigler calls 'service through friendship' - the tagline of the society. He told MailOnline Travel: 'Hotels compete but for concierges, there's no competition. We share information.' Bigler added that all the members support one another and they can call 'any of the colleagues anywhere in the world' regardless of whether they're in the same hotel network or not. In the past, Bigler has helped to organise last minute reservations for exclusive restaurants like celebrity chef Mario Batali's La Sirena for members in France and entry to the Ralph Lauren Polo Bar for colleagues from California. In these instances, the guest was not staying at the hotel but there have been occasions when guests have decided to choose his hotel on subsequent visits to the city because of the service they received. He explained: 'I have had people come and stay with me after I helped them for something else. Simon Thomas, head concierge at The Lanesborough, told MailOnline Travel that a concierge is perhaps one of the few free services provided by hotels to guests. Above, Celeste Restaurant at The Lanesborough 'It's all about the rapport and the tone and the relationship you build, you never try to lure them from another hotel. You just give them the best care and they will come.' Similarly, Young says that he gets requests from Clefs d'Or concierges on a daily basis. He told MailOnline Travel: 'This occurs on a daily basis, most commonly London members looking for an Afternoon Tea reservation in our famous English Tea Room. 'Most recently I had a call from a competitor hotel who was desperate for a table in a certain heavily booked out Michelin starred restaurant in our neighborhood, which we of course have a close relationship with. 'It was for the owner of his hotel and he was obviously under immense pressure so I personally walked over to the restaurant to make the booking. 'I also often look to fellow members outside the UK for assistance - a booking at Noma always requires the assistance of Anders Ruggiero, our 3rd (Clefs d'Or) International Vice President.' David Young at Browns Hotel sends out requests to other hotels through the network as well. Above, the sitting room in the Kipling Suite at Browns Hotel According to Thomas, all concierges have weird and wonderful stories about the types of things that they've had to source for guests. At the Lanesborough, Thomas had to source five 10kg tubs of mare's milk for a guest whose horse had died, leaving a young foal. Another time, he had to find a French bull dog breeder for a guest who wasn't actually staying at the hotel and had never stayed there. Bigler was even able to source the much sought-after Birkin and Kelly bags, which people usually have to wait years for, in just a matter of hours for Clefs d'Or colleagues. That, according to Bigler, only comes when 'you have this whole network of people'. Of course, there are plenty of perks that keep concierges working hard. At The Lanesborough, 90 per cent of the guests 'know the concierge and use them quite extensively' according to Thomas. Above, one of the bedrooms at The Lanesborough As part of the concierge's job, they get to try out the hip new restaurants and see the latest shows, though it might not necessarily be to their taste. There's often extensive travel involved in the top positions and they get treated very well along the way. And then of course, there's the tips from the guests for a job well done - and some can be very generous. Thomas recalls a time when he was a page boy at Grosvenor House in London. He was given the equivalent of 400 in Belgian Francs - considerably more than his 70-a-week wage at the time - just for helping a guest pack some boxes. Recently, he received a box of six wines at Christmas, which were worth about 3,000 a bottle. Advertisement We've all seen (and taken) countless generic beach photos, but as this new series proves, there's always room for a fresh perspective. LA-based fine art photographer Gray Malin has spent the last five years documenting the world's most exquisite beaches from a bird's eye view. Hanging precariously from the side of a doorless helicopter, his travels have taken him to the shores of Africa, Australia, South America and beyond. LA-based fine art photographer Gray Malin has spent the last five years documenting the world's most exquisite beaches from a bird's eye view. Pictured Joatinga Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Hanging precariously from the side of a doorless helicopter, his travels have taken him to far-flung corners of the world, including Sydney, Australia (pictured) Mr Malin's breathtaking shots capture geometric rows of parasols and scattered sunbathers. Pictured, Rimini, Italy Mr Malin's breathtaking shots capture everything from geometric rows of parasols and scattered sunbathers to surfers amid frothy layers of ocean. In his own words, the photos are a 'visual celebration of colour, light, shape and summer bliss.' The project, dubbed A la Plage, was birthed in 2011 when Mr Malin took his first aerial photos of Miami's beaches during Art Basel in December 2011. He has since been as far as Antarctica in his quest to find the most awe-inspiring locations. Speaking to MailOnline Travel Mr Malin describes the process as both thrilling and frightening. Mr Malin describes the process as both thrilling and frightening, saying 'There is always an element of danger with these shoots because you're always at the whim of the weather. That's what makes it fun, though!' Pictured, Rimini, Italy In his own words, the photos are a 'visual celebration of color, light, shape and summer bliss'. Pictured, Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil He said: 'I think that a lot of times people assume it was shot with a drone or perhaps simply created on a computer, but it's really me leaning out the side of a doorless helicopter to find beautiful timeless imagery. 'There is always an element of danger with these shoots because you're always at the whim of the weather. That's what makes it fun, though!' Mr Malin lists his favourite spots as Cape Town, the La Fontelina beach club in Capri, Italy; and California, where he lives with his husband and dog. His book, Beaches, is available to buy for 25. Frothy waves on the shores of Forte dei Marmi, Italy, against geometric rows of parasols lends an interesting juxtaposition Rocky cliffs fall abruptly into the glistening sea in Capri's La Fontalina, Italy, as swimmers and boats float by Surreal: A wooden walking path in Santa Monica, USA, carves parallel to a tarmac bike track against a textured sandy background The ocean in South Africa's Cape Town leaks from navy into hues of turquoise and white flanked by a sweeping beach Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in the Channel Tunnel after a train from Calais to Folkestone broke down on Thursday. Between 400 to 500 people had to evacuated from the Eurotunnel train after a 'technical incident' forced it to stop. A rescue train eventually carried the passengers to their final destination in the UK after hours of delays. The Eurotunnel service is still experiencing delays on Friday as a result of the incident. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in the Channel Tunnel after a train from Calais to Folkestone broke down on Thursday Passenger Aggie Anim tweeted: 'Stuck in under water Eurotunnel le shuttle... People are fine but a few dogs are v hot!' According to Kent online, the train, which was scheduled to arrive in Folkestone at 5.27pm, stopped in the tunnel about 5pm due to a malfunction. Passengers waited on board for two hours before they were evacuated from the train to a service tunnel to wait for a rescue service. Several passengers commented that the conditions were extremely hot on social media. Aggie Anim tweeted: 'Stuck in under water Eurotunnel le shuttle... People are fine but a few dogs are v hot!' Eurotunnel staff were said to have handed out bottles of water. Unfortunately when the rescue train finally arrived, all the passengers had to be taken back to Calais before travelling on to Folkestone. All the passengers on board were evacuated and had to wait in the Eurotunnel until rescue service arrived Eurotunnel spokesman John Keefe said a 'technical incident' forced the train to stop mid-tunnel. He said: 'A compressor in the locomotive was faulty, and we had to stop the train for safety reasons. 'Technicians went out but couldn't repair it then and then. 'We transferred the passengers to another train and they were taken to Folkestone. We then sent in another train to tow the broken down shuttle to Folkestone.' By, 11.25pm all trains had arrived back in Kent, and Eurotunnel apologised for the delays. The break down did cause some delays to other services however, promoting some complaints from customers. Getting passengers out after a train breaks down in the Channel Tunnel can be a complicated process. Above, a diagram explaining what usually happens @knilsenx said on Twitter: 'I love getting stuck at Calais for an hour and 5mins bc there's a broken down train in the channel tunnel.' @GCraigyP said: 'Three hour delay at the channel tunnel, not what you're needing.' Mr Keefe added: 'It caused some delays to services, but we kept trains running in the second tunnel throughout the night which kept disruption to a minimum. 'We apologise for the delays. But when there is a safety issue we thought it was best to evacuate everyone.' Eurotunnel tweeted on Friday: 'M20 Jct 11- Jct 11a, don't queue with HGV's keep to the right until Jct 11a.' Picking a holiday destination has become increasingly difficult as more and more countries are given high terror threat ratings from the UK Foreign Office. But while popular destinations like France and Spain are now ranked as dangerous as Libya and Somalia, there are still plenty of safe places to visit. From discovering Uruguay's burgeoning wine scene to visiting Nauru, the smallest nation island in the world, there are a number of exotic locations off the beaten track and far away from any threat of terrorism. There are destinations across the world with a low terrorism threat according to the British FCO In the wake of this week's terrorism attack in Turkey, more and more holidaymakers are rethinking their traditional getaway destinations. Seven countries across Europe are classified as being at 'high risk' of a terrorist attack including Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey and Russia. The British government has also listed the United Kingdom's terrorist threat level as 'severe', which means an attack on UK soil is 'highly likely'. And also at a 'general risk' are nine countries including Italy, the Netherlands, Greece and Austria. But across the world there are numerous, lesser known locations that tourists searching for a safer rating can head to. Here, MailOnline Travel highlights some of the more unusual destinations that could be new additions to your bucketlist. Uruguay Uruguay is known for its colonial and art deco architecture thanks to its past as a Spanish colony. Above, Plaza Indepedencia in Montevideo As one of the largest producers of wine in the continent, Uruguay is known for its red and white wines, made from Tannat and Albarino grapes respectively Uruguay is known for its colonial and art deco architecture thanks to its past as a Spanish colony. But the South American country is also becoming increasingly known for its wine in the UK making it a great place to tour its vineyard trail. As one of the largest producers of wine in the continent, the country is known for its red and white wines, made from Tannat and Albarino grapes respectively. While the terrorism threat is low, tourists should be aware though that street crime such as mugging does sometimes take place in Montevideo. British Antarctic Territory Going to the Antarctic is not the most obvious destination, especially when you take into consideration that there's nowhere to stay The resident penguins (pictured) are the obvious attraction but people also take the opportunity to dive into the sub-zero waters Going to the Antarctic is not the most obvious destination, especially when you take into consideration that there's nowhere to stay. But thousands of people travel to the region each year on expedition ships to explore the region. The resident penguins are the obvious attraction but holidaymakers also take the opportunity to dive into the sub-zero waters. Nauru Nauru in Micronesia, north east of Australia, is the smallest island nation in the world. Its biggest trading partner is nearby Australia Its stunning beaches are the obvious attractions but there's also remnants of Japanese occupation from WWII around the island Nauru in Micronesia, north east of Australia, is the smallest island nation in the world. With Australia as its biggest trading partner, the country still uses Australian dollars as currency. Its stunning beaches and coastline are the obvious attractions but there's also remnants of Japanese occupation from WWII. But if you're visiting, bear in mind that there are just two hotels to choose from - one is government owned while the other is family owned. New Caledonia New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is known for its terrific beaches and the Unesco-listed lagoon The reefs around the island, with crystal-clear waters and a huge variety of marine life, make great diving sites New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is known for its terrific beaches and the Unesco-listed lagoon. The reefs around the island, with crystal-clear waters and a huge variety of marine life, make great diving sites. Those who love sailing will find its Isle of Pines a wonderful spot to explore. Vietnam Vietnam is known for the emerald waters and limestone towers of Ha Long Bay, a popular stop on river cruises (pictured) The rural rice paddies and lesser-known temples will also make memorable stops. Above, the mausoleum of emperor Khai Dinh For the most authentic Vietnamese spring rolls, banh mi (banguette sandwiches) and pho (noodle soup), there's no where better than where these dishes came from. But Vietnam is also known for the emerald waters and limestone towers of Ha Long Bay, a popular stop on river cruises. The rural rice paddies and lesser-known temples will also make memorable stops. Turkmenistan Turkmenistan's favourite sport is horse-racing and it even has its own breed of horses, Akhal-Tekes, which is also among one of the oldest in the world For a spectacular sight, head to Derweze where a natural gas crater, known as the 'Door to Hell', has become a popular tourist attraction Turkmenistan is often considered one of the most mysterious and under-explored countries in central Asia. The country's favourite sport is horse-racing and it even has its own breed of horses, Akhal-Tekes, which is also among one of the oldest in the world. For a spectacular sight, head to Derweze where a natural gas crater, known as the 'Door to Hell', has become a popular tourist attraction. Moldova Moldova, once a member of the former Soviet republic, is a real 'off the beaten track' destination. It's known for its many monasteries One of the main attractions is that of wine tourism, which many Moldovans are involved in. Above, a vineyard in Cricova Moldova, once a member of the former Soviet republic, is a real 'off the beaten track' destination. One of the main attractions is that of wine tourism, which many Moldovans are involved in. But the country is also known for its monasteries, many of which dates back to the 15th century. Taiwan For the more culture-minded, there's plenty of museums, include palace homes of former Chinese emperors, to explore Taiwanese street food is perhaps its best-known export. There are plenty of markets and street-food stalls where you can enjoy a taste of the east Asian country Taiwanese street food is perhaps its best-known export. There are plenty of markets and street-food stalls where you can enjoy a taste of the east Asian country. For the more culture-minded, there are also plenty of museums, including palace homes of former Chinese emperors, to explore. Outside of the city, there are nature trails that you can follow. Or alternatively take some time out and enjoy some of the hot springs on the island. French Polynesia Renowned honeymoon spots Tahiti and Bora Bora are both in French Polynesia so it's definitely a destination for couples South Pacific islands are renowned for diving and there's plenty of luxury hotels to keep you busy. Above, the pile dwellings in Bora Bora Renowned honeymoon spots Tahiti and Bora Bora are both in French Polynesia so it's definitely a destination for couples. The South Pacific islands are renowned for diving and there are plenty of luxury hotels to keep you busy - even if you are travelling on your own. And then there's the whole host of traditional festivals, which locals are more than happy for tourists to get involved in. Cape Verde There's 10 different islands to explore in Cape Verde, off the coast of Senegal, each with their own quirk. Above, the town of Mindelo on Sao Vicente At certain times of the year, some of the islands also host carnival festivities - a well attended event for locals and tourists. Above, the carnival in Mindelo There's 10 different islands to explore in Cape Verde, off the coast of Senegal, each with their own character. Aside from island hopping, it's all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the Portuguese influenced cuisine here. At certain times of the year, some of the islands also host carnival festivities - a well attended event for locals and tourists. Curacao Chartering a boat is perhaps the best way to explore the coastline, populated with colourful Dutch architecture The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao is also home to great diving spots. Above, the stove-pipe sponge in the nearby waters The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao is perhaps best known for its famous blue liqueur. But the island is also home to great diving spots. Chartering a boat is perhaps the best way to explore the coastline, populated with colourful Dutch architecture. There's also the smaller island of Klein Curacao, which is home to Curacao's longest and whitest beach. OTHER DESTINATIONS WITH A LOW TERRORISM RISK PLACES TO VISIT If those destinations didn't capture your imagination, here a few more for your bucketlist Belize East Timor El Salvador Estonia Ecuador Guadeloupe Laos Latvia Montserrat Namibia Panama Palau South Korea Swaziland Slovenia Surinam Advertisement Advertisement From the Hidden Ponds of the Atacama desert in Northern Chile to the electrical storms of George Town in Malaysia, the finalists of this year's National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest have showcased the farthest flung destinations around the globe. The photographers have spent months travelling the world to capture extreme differences in cultures and environment in order to secure their place in the final. Two of the most entrancing pictures were a simple image of two foxes chasing each other across a snowy landscape at sunrise and an action shot of an alligator catching a meal of fish, which was in turn was about to catch its own supper. But the competition didn't just focus on wilderness shots, as a breathtaking aerial view of New York's Central Park by Kathleen Dolmatch won one of the coveted spots, as did a photo of Indian families sleeping on their rooftops in the city of Varanasi. This year's winner though, was a picture of an Inner Mongolian horseman whipping his team of horses in the early morning mist called Winter Horseman. The image earned the photographer Anthony Lau the grand prize of a seven-day Polar Bear Photo Safari for two at Churchill WildSeal River Heritage Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. Winter Horseman by Anthony Lau, who said: 'The Winter in Inner Mongolia is very unforgiving. At a freezing temperature of minus twenty and lower with constant breeze of snow from all direction, it was pretty hard to convince myself to get out of the car and take photos. Not until I saw Inner Mongolia horsemen showing off their skills in commanding the steed from a distance, [did] I quickly grab my telephoto lens and capture the moment when one of the horseman charged out from morning mist' Celestial Reverie by Jeremy Tan, who said: 'Lightning seemingly strikes Komtar Tower, the most iconic landmark of George Town, capital of Penang state in Malaysia. It is symbolic of the rejuvenation that the city, famous for a unique blend of centuries-old buildings and modern structures, has enjoyed in recent years. While many of its old neighbourhoods fell into neglect in the 1990s and early 2000s, UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2008 sparked a transformation, and today, they are all part of a vibrant tourist destination.' Ben Youssef by Takashi Nakagawa, who said: 'Even though there were a lot of people in Ben Youssef, still here was more quiet and relaxing compare to the street outside in Marrakesh. I was waiting for the perfect timing to photograph for long time' Divide by Kathleen Dolmatch, who said: 'In the helicopter looking south on Central Park West - dividing the architecture and Central park, on November 5th, 2014, a day before my 27th birthday. The flight was my birthday gift' Silenced by Wing Ka H, who said: 'This photo was taken on my last trip to GuangZhou, China. This place is a school dormitories of South China Normal University. When I was hanging around, most of them were taking a break. After the lunch time, they need to go back to study. The dormitories were smelly and messy' Double Trapping by Massimiliano Bencivenni, who said: [This] picture [was] taken in the Brazilian Pantanal. When I downloaded the CF did not want to believe it' Muscle Beach Gym by by Dotan Saguy, who said: 'A weightlifter lifts a barbell loaded with heavy plates while a body builder performs an aerial handstand at the Muscle Beach Gym in Venice Beach, CA' Lagunas Baltinache (Atacama Desert) by Victor Lima, who said: 'The Baltinache Ponds, also called Hidden Ponds are a set of seven salt ponds located in the area of the Salt Cordillera, near San Pedro de Atacama, in the second region of northern Chile, in the Atacama desert.After much research, I believe to be the first photographer to publish night photos of this place, but it is still necessary to confirm this information' Wherever you go, I will follow you!! by Hiroki Inoue, who said: 'Romance is in the air. It was the time of day immediately following sunset. I heard a voice. "Wherever you go, I will follow you" the voice says' Rooftop Dreams, Varanasi by Yasmin Mund, who said: 'I arrived at my guest house in Varanasi at 5:30am, I instinctively climbed the seven sets of stairs to the rooftop (which happened to be the highest in the vicinity) to see the sunrise over the famous Ganges River. As the sun was rising I looked over the right hand side of the balcony and my jaw dropped with disbelief. Below were families - mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters and dogs all sleeping on the top of their houses. It was mid summer in Varanasi and sleeping sans AC was difficult' His character is the nefarious Man in Black. And on Thursday, Matthew McConaughey donned the brooding look to a tee while filming Stephen King's series adaptation, The Dark Tower, in New York City. The 46-year-old actor dyed his hair a darker shade of brown, which was blown out and slicked back, to fit the role of a mystical foe. Scroll down for video Man in Black: Matthew McConaughey plays a mystical character in the upcoming Stephen King adaptation, The Dark Tower, as he was seen with dyed hair on Thursday filming in New York City Despite the summer heat, Matthew braved the weather in an all-black suit. He wore a black, button-down collared shirt underneath a black buttoned vest, which he paired with black slacks, shoes, and an oversize overcoat. Amidst the chaos of the city, the Oscar-winning actor remained concentrated on set, getting deep into the zone of his scenes. Getting into character: The Academy Award winner did not let distractions interrupt him from getting into the zone with his role Swift as a shadow: The 46-year-old actor sported the set with all black as he wore a collared shirt, buttoned vest, slacks, shoes, and an overcoat Don't mess with me: Matthew carried a very stern look on set, capturing the essence of his character Break it up: The Wolf of Wall Street actor took a quick break from the serious role and cracked a smile while lounging by the gate Alright, alright, alright! Matthew had a quick rest as he striped off one layer of his all-black outfit and hydrated with his water bottle Earlier, the True Detective star was seen walking out of his downtown hotel in the Big Apple, carrying a copy of The New York Times newspaper while dressed in casual sweats and flip-flops. Sporting a grey, long-sleeve Nike shirt teamed with loose dark blue pants, the father-of-three appeared prepared for the long shooting day ahead. His hair was wet and freshly dyed as he hid his blue eyes behind light-brown aviators. Freshly dyed! The Interstellar actor stepped out of his hotel earlier on Thursday in casual sweats and flip-flops as his hair was wet and fresh from dying a darker shade of brown Ready on set! Matthew's hair was styled and a shade darker as the True Detective actor made his way for a wardrobe change Supportive wife! The Brazilian model had traveled with her husband from Cape Town to New York while he filmed at different locations for his film; here she is pictured on Thursday heading into their hotel The family man recently returned from Cape Town, South Africa on Sunday after filming The Dark Tower on another location. His Brazilian wife and model, Camila Alves, and three children, Levi, seven, Livingstone, three, and six-year-old daughter Vida, were seen spending quality time together in between Matthew's shooting schedule. On Thursday, Camila was spotted walking into their downtown hotel wearing a billowing, white-and-black patterned dress, which she paired with black combat boots, a cross-body Givenchy bag, and a grey beanie that hid her beautiful brunette locks. Here he is: Co-star Idris Elba was also pictured arriving on the set, wearing a baseball cap which promoted the Stephen King flick Low-key look: He was dressed casually for the occasion in an all-black ensemble and Nike trainers Matthew stars alongside Idris Elba in the Stephen King adaptation. The first film sees Gunslinger Roland Deschain roaming an Old West-like landscape in search of the dark tower, in the hopes that reaching it will preserve his dying world, whilst also chasing the Man In Black for some answers. The supernatural fantasy is due to hit cinemas in February 2017, and also features Abbey Lee and Jackie Earle Haley. The Interstellar actor will also return to his alma matter this fall to teach a once-in-a-lifetime filmmaking class with Hunger Games director Gary Ross at The University of Texas. Life lessons: The father-of-three caught up with his kiddos on Wednesday in between his shooting schedule Family man! From left: three-year-old Livingstone, six-year-old Vida, and seven-yearold Levi held hands with their devoted parents while strolling through NYC Her dress looked more suitable for the red carpet than an ordinary work day. But glamorous Kate Beckinsale appeared to be wearing the sheer pink chiffon gown for a business meeting when she was spotted leaving an office building in Los Angeles on Thursday. The 42-year-old's undeniably beautiful assets were clearly visible beneath the diaphanous, floor length gown. Peek-a-boo: Kate Beckinsale's undeniably beautiful assets were clearly visible beneath the diaphanous gown she was spotted out in on Thursday With its spaghetti string straps and plunging neckline, the Brit made sure all eyes were on her. Kate styled her chestnut tresses into a messy updo, allowing tendrils to gently curl around her neck. Covering her eyes with celebrity must-have dark glasses and carrying a large black leather bag, she oozed glamour as she strolled to a waiting car. Possible wardrobe malfunction: The 42-year-old's sheer pink dress featured layers of chiffon, including one at bust level that couldn't disguise the fact that the actress was feeling a little chilly Out and about: The chiffon layers blew gently in the slight breeze as the Underworld star made her way to a waiting car The Pearl Harbor star, may have been on her way to an event, has been keeping herself busy since she and Len Wiseman, her director husband of 11 years, announced they were getting a divorce last November. Both Brits, they met on the set of the first Underworld movie in 2003, which he directed and she starred in as a vampires. Kate is now reprising her role in the fifth film of the blockbuster vampires versus werewolves franchise, Underworld: Blood Wars, due out on January 6. Ready to go: The beautiful Brit, who looked all set for an evening out, styled her chestnut tresses into a messy updo, allowing tendrils to gently curl around her neck Meanwhile, she can presently be seen in Jane Austen adaptation Love & Friendship. She will next be seen on the big screen on November 18 in The Disappointments Room. Kate plays a mother who, with her young son, release unimaginable horrors from the attic of their rural dream home. She's known to post a number of provocative and revealing snaps on social media. And on Thursday, Imogen Anthony took to Instagram to share another risque photo after appearing topless a day earlier. The 25-year-old former lads' mag model is seen posing with a seductive stare in a barely there nude top as she unveiled freshly-dyed neon pink locks. Scroll down for video Provocative: Imogen Anthony, 25, took to Instagram again on Thursday to share another risque photo sporting a barely there nude top with cut-out design and freshly-dyed neon pink locks Imogen captioned the shot: 'I look like a girl,' alongside three cat emojis. Seen posing in a revealing nude top with cut-out design, the controversial star's bronzed cleavage and toned torso were on display. A short black leather skirt that drew attention to her trim pins finished off the look, while she appeared to sport her favourite gun necklace. The girlfriend of shock jock Kyle Sandilands kept her bright-hued tresses the focus, opting for just a subtle smoky eye, set of fake eyelashes and soft pink lip. Revealing: The blonde personality took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a topless snap, as she spruiked a self-tanning product after complaining that she's allergic to sunscreen Baring all: On holiday in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, Imogen Anthony shared a topless Instagram photo and also referenced the 'Free the Nipple' campaign, which protests the social media website's 'sexist' nudity policy The post comes just after the model-turned-fashion-designer uploaded another topless snap to Instagram on Wednesday. Imogen was seen posing in just a pair of nude underpants as she covered her chest with her arms. She let her coloured locks fall effortlessly around her shoulders and down her back, with her phone cover hiding her face. The former Maxim cover model flaunted her tiny waist and svelte legs while standing in front of what appeared to be a wardrobe. She captioned the shot: 'I figured my tan lines were already pretty effed (the peeling wasn't great either, doesn't help that I'm allergic to sunscreen). 'So nothing could actually be worse. I forgot to bring any self tanner over with me, but I found @sttropeztan Dark Self Tanning Mousse in Beverly Hills and decided to give it a go. Let's wait and see the results shall we? (sic).' Taking a stand: The model-turned-fashion designer, pictured at a Sydney premiere in March, digitally censored her nipples to abide by Instagram's guidelines - which allow men to pose bare chested, but not women Good morning! In another snap, her dyed pink hair was visible as she covered her face with an Iron Maiden T-shirt On Tuesday, Imogen digitally censored her nipples to abide by Instagram's nudity policy - which allows men to pose bare chested, but not women. Meanwhile, her lower half was concealed behind the white bed sheets and she covered her head under a black Iron Maiden top. Her signature dyed pink hair was visible behind the T-shirt, as she laid underneath a silver ornament that read: 'Sexy'. The fashion model wrote in the caption: 'When you realise that your new bright white home has no blinds in the b-room. Gotta fix that s*** PRONTO' (sic) Over the last few days, Imogen has been sharing photos from her trip to California with radio DJ boyfriend Kyle Sandilands. The couple are on holiday while Kyle takes a break from recording KIIS 106.5's breakfast program, The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Time off: Imogen is on holiday in California with her boyfriend Kyle Sandilands (right), who is taking a break from his KIIS 106.5 radio program The Kyle and Jackie O Show She was recently dubbed the 'wedding guest from hell' by the Loose Women after she was accused of upstaging the bride at a friend's wedding. And Charlotte Dawson ensured all eyes would be on her yet again as she opted to forgo underwear for a night judging Miss Swimsuit USA in Manchester on Thursday. Clad in a plunging emerald gown, the 23-year-old reality starlet seemed in such high spirits that she neglected to realise her dress had fallen to the side, exposing a tad too much to the unsuspecting onlookers. Scroll down for video Sink or swim(suit): Charlotte Dawson ensured all eyes would be on her yet again as she opted to forgo underwear for a night judging Miss Swimsuit USA in Manchester on Thursday Featuring a risque thigh high split, the gown showed off every inch of her tanned and toned pins, but as she turned to the side she revealed more than she would have hoped. With a plunging neckline showing her ample cleavage, the starlet also suffered an unfortunate mishap as she flaunted too much of her buxom bosom. Adding to the starlet's woes on the evening, she appeared to have been rather heavy handed with her make-up application, and sported an uneven complexion as the cameras picked up on her matte powder application. Oops: Clad in a plunging emerald gown, the 23-year-old reality starlet seemed in such high spirits that she neglected to realise her dress had fallen to the side as she headed home with Jess Hayes Nipping out: With a plunging neckline showing her ample cleavage, the starlet also suffered an unfortunate mishap as she flaunted too much of her buxom bosom Whoopsy! Featuring a risque thigh high split, the gown showed off every inch of her tanned and toned pins, but as she turned to the side she revealed more than she would have hoped Wearing her raven coloured locks loose and tousled, the daughter of late comedian Les Dawson styled her glossy tresses in a centre parting, framing her heavily made-up face. Teetering along in a pair of towering patent nude heels, the star finished off the look with a small embellished clutch bag slung over her shoulder. Joined by Love Island's Jess Hayes and Jemma Lucy of Ex On The Beach fame, the starlet seemed in her element. Too much: Adding to the starlet's woes on the evening, she appeared to have been rather heavy handed with her make-up application, and sported an uneven complexion as the cameras picked up on her matte powder Brunette beauty: Wearing her raven coloured locks loose and tousled, the daughter of late comedian Les Dawson styled her glossy tresses in a centre parting, framing her heavily made-up face Charlotte seemed to have no trouble stealing the spotlight from her friends after being slammed for doing just that by the Loose Women ladies on Tuesday. The starlet shared snaps of herself enjoying her friend's wedding day earlier this week, but was accused of 'upstaging the bride in quite a spectacular fashion'. Looking at pictures from the big day, panellist Jane Moore called her behaviour a 'shocker,' while June Sarpong blasted: 'It's just wrong!' All about the accessories: Teetering along in a pair of towering patent nude heels, the star finished off the look with a small embellished clutch bag slung over her shoulder Cheeky! Charlotte couldn't resist grabbing her friend's pert posterior as they posed for snaps Girls in green: Charlotte coordinated with her gal pal Jess as they donned their complementing shades of green whilst cuddling up together for a snap Two of a kind: The pair put on a busty display as they smiled for the cameras Cheerful: Charlotte seemed in good spirits as she cosied up to Ex On The Beach co-star Jemma Lucy, who put on a leggy display in her thigh skimming pink shorts Pucker up: The pair put on an over amorous display as they kissed on the steps of the club She added: 'I think the bride needs to lose her as a friend. You do not want that woman anywhere near your husband.' Coleen Nolan, who admitted she was a family friend of the Dawsons, said it was 'really awkward' and added that her saucy behaviour was typical of the Ex on the Beach star. However Charlotte was clearly unimpressed at being accused, taking to Twitter to blast: 'Absolute joke!! It was a family wedding we were having a laugh !!!!!!!!!!' Laugh a minute: The girls couldn't stop giggling as they cuddled up for snaps outside the venue Feeling shy: Charlotte seemed to want to avoid the limelight at one point as she hid beneath her coat Charlotte will no doubt be flashing more flesh in her upcoming appearance on Ex On The Beach. The star recently returned from Thailand where she has been filming the fifth series alongside Geordie Shore's Gaz Beadle, Jemma Lucy and Olivia Walsh. The series is due to air later this year. It boasts a cast that would be the envy of many a Hollywood blockbuster. And silver screen starlets Natalie Portman and Kate Mara are just two of the stellar names who feature in the newly released poster for glorified student film Heyday Of The Insensitive Bastards. The picture was made by students at James Franco's film class at Los Angeles' UCLA , with the Spider-Man hunk selecting the book to adapt, producing and starring in the episodic feature. A-list stars at Z-list prices: A cavalcade of stars feature on the poster for James Franco's student film Heyday Of The Insensitive Bastards Speaking about the passion project at the Atlanta Film Festival, the 38-year-old said: 'This is typical of the way that I teach. I look for material that will fit for a class, and there are certain things that I look for. 'Something that the students can make... for the budget that we give them. Something maybe that they can understand and hopefully something that they can capture better than anyone 'There are certain subjects and themes that younger filmmakers are maybe better adept at.' Not bad for a student movie: Kate Mara and Natalie Portman are among the stars who lent a hand Racy: Kate and a co-star strip down to their lingerie at one point Generous guru: James roped in his famous friends to help the students at his UCLA film class Other big names starring in the anthology of short films include comic Kristen Wiig, chat show host Jimmy Kimmel, actress Amber Tamblyn and young Modern Family favourite Rico Rodriguez. In the trailer is shown meeting with an ex who has come to visit their son, while Kate is trying to help a friend who 'drinks like a fish.' The film deals with a variety of issues, such as marriage break-ups, and is set mainly in small American cities. In what was surely a nerve-wracking experience for the young filmmakers, the stars were lead by MFA directing students Mark Columbus, Lauren Hoekstra, Sarah Kruchowski, Ryan Moody, Simon Savelyev, Vanita Shastry, Shadae Lamar Smith, and Jeremy David White. 'Are you here to see me?': Natalie's character is excited when her ex comes round to her house Bittersweet: But he has come to visit their son rather than rekindle their romance 'You drink like a fish': Kate's character looks on as Amber's nearly falls off a swing while drinking Steady on love: Amber Tamblyn's character likes nothing better than getting sozzled in the afternoon Explaining why he chose the Robert Boswell anthology novel of the same name to adapt, James said: 'There are so many similar themes and issues in each of the films. 'Dealing with the past, dealing with parents dealing with trauma... and coming to terms with that. 'I thought that this book would give me everything that I needed as a teacher and slash producer to have the students work on something that was unified and that they would be able to handle well.' Trouble in paradise? Kristen Wiig stars in the film and her character seems to be going through a break-up Helping hand: But she is able to spill her guts out to a friend played by Jimmy Kimmel Big Manny on campus: Young Modern Family Rico Rodriguez also appears in the film She's jetted off to Santorini ahead of her friend's wedding. And Jessica Wright has been making the most of her time on the beautiful Greek island, sunning herself with her gal pals on Thursday ahead of the celebrations. The 30-year-old former TOWIE star documented her minibreak on her Instagram account, sharing a sexy snap of herself posing in a green bikini on the edge of an infinity pool. Scroll down for video Loving life: Former TOWIE star Jessica Wright has been sunning herself with her gal pals on Thursday on the beautiful island of Santorini in Greece Jessica's enviable curves were on full display as she posed in the middle of her two brunette pals, their hands lifted into the air in celebration. The star also posted a glamorous selfie of herself posing against a spectacular sunset, looking seriously chic in a pair of tinted sunglasses. The brunette beauty can be seen modelling a plunging white playsuit, with a leather choker decorating her neck. Gal pals: Jessica's enviable curves were on full display as she posed in the middle of her two brunette friends, their hands lifted into the air in celebration Sharing a snap of her squad gathered ahead of a night out, she captioned the image: 'First night in Santorini for our beautiful @kellyshears123 wedding this weekend'. Jess' trip comes after her second novel, Sparkling Stars, hits bookshelves - much to her excitment. The former reality star signed a three-book deal with publishers Totally Entwined and the novels focus on a budding shoe designer trying to make it in the showbiz world. Dressed to impress: The brunette beauty can be seen modelling a plunging white playsuit, with a leather choker decorating her neck Jessica recently hit out at claims that her brother Mark Wright's marriage to Michelle Keegan is on the rocks. She dubbed rumours of a rift between the lovebirds - who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on May 24 - 'extremely annoying', insisting they're 'so in love'. 'Its extremely annoying. I feel so bad for them because you dont want to have negative vibes around your relationship,' she told OK! magazine in a newly-released interview. Theyre perfect together, theyre so in love and theyre so happy, added the TOWIE beauty, who is set to appear on Celebrity First Dates later this year. As for how the photogenic couple have been dealing with the incessant chatter, Jessica explained: 'Its awful for them but they have to rise above it and they do. 'I feel like constantly having to defend their relationship, even though they dont because they dont give a s**t! But they feel like they might have to reassure everyone. She has weathered rough waters since last week when her husband Oliver Curtis was jailed last week. But it's onwards and upwards for PR guru Roxy Jacenko, 36, who shared a playful photo on Instagram as she photographed a box of elegantly-decorated doughnuts in her office on Friday. Cracking a smile as she held her phone over the sugary treats, the blonde mother-of-two appeared to be getting back into the swing of balancing life as a top-notch business owner with her less-than-ideal family situation. Scroll down for video 'Doing what we love': PR guru Roxy Jacenko, 36, who shared a playful photo on Instagram as she photographed a box of elegantly-decorated doughnuts in her office on Friday 'Doing what we love', Roxy wrote in the caption, making sure to tag two employees of her company Sweaty Betty PR as well as the brand Doughnut Time. Meanwhile, Roxy has been adjusting to her new single-parenting schedule, following her husband being sentenced to two years in prison. Oliver was jailed for two years last Friday after a lengthy trial in Sydney where he was found guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading in 2007 and 2008, netting him more than $1 million. Tough times: Meanwhile, Roxy has been adjusting to her new single-parenting schedule, following her husband being sentenced to two years in prison Roxy was by his side throughout court proceedings, arriving at court on her husband's arm dressed in a parade of designer outfits. Before his sentence was handed down last week, she pleaded with the court not to jail him, giving an emotional character reference in which she described him as their children's 'primary carer'. '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. Dutiful: Roxy was by his side throughout court proceedings, arriving at court on her husband's arm dressed in a parade of designer outfits 'Because of my work hours, I would describe Oli as the primary carer of Pixie and Hunter. Daily Mail Australia revealed on Wednesday that Oliver was still being held at the Surry Hills Police Station because the states prisons were too overcrowded. A source said he could only shower every few days in the lockup and was not permitted any visitors. She's been vocal about her political stance as the election approaches. And Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Gamble Breaux took to social media on Friday to share a flashback snap as she cosied up with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop. The 43-year-old was dressed in a chic white frock and posed arm-in-arm with Julie, who was also dressed in a stylish black ensemble at what appeared to be a races event with their partners. 'We love living in a democracy': Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Gamble Breaux took to social media on Friday to share a flashback snap as she cosied up with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop Sharing the image with her 46,700 followers on Instagram, she captioned the image with her political stance. Her post continued: 'We love living in a democracy and I am excited about the federal election and the plebiscite. 'Whomever you vote for I hope you enjoy the process and make your way to the polls on Saturday! #federalelection2016 I personally think we have a great foreign minister @juliebishopmp Go @liberalaus #liberalparty' Earlier in the week, the TV star posed alongside Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. On the campaign trail: The 43-year-old posed alongside Malcolm Turnbull. the Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party and dressed in a statement leather dress for the occasion earlier in the week 'It's no secret who I'm voting for in this election! Go @turnbullmalcolm Go @liberalaus,' she began the caption. 'Who ever you vote for make a sensible choice and enjoy being in a democracy!!! Happy federal election trendsetters!!!,' the television personality added. Gamble wore a peplum-style leather dress featuring an intricate belt that accentuated her slim waist and accessorised with simple jewellery. Mingling: Excited to catch Scott Morrison campaign trail La Trobe with favourite MP Jason Wood, she wrote alongside the snap shared to her social media accounts while at the Federal Budget launch last month This is not the first time the outspoken reality star has been vocal about her preferred choice of leadership. Last month, Gamble was spotted mingling at the Federal Budget launch with Treasurer Scott Morrison and MP Jason Wood. Excited to catch Scott Morrison campaign trail La Trobe with favourite MP Jason Wood, she wrote on Twitter and Instagram. The post drew the ire of some Twitter users, with one calling her out for supporting the Liberal Party, saying: Gamble, youre political views are f***ed. With all due respect I don't think you know what they are, Gamble shot back soon after, to which her critic said it was obvious who she supported since she was taking selfies with Liberals. Say cheese: Gamble rubbed shoulders with Malcolm whom she said had a lot of charisma and a great energy, while in Canberra last month for the budget 'My favourite': The art consultant was in Canberra last month attending a function at Parliament House for Mr Wood, who is the local member for La Trobe near her home in Melbourne Gamble posted other photos from her trip to Canberra last month for the budget. She was in the capital attending a function at Parliament House for Mr Wood, who is the local member for La Trobe near her home in Melbourne. Before the event she slipped her slender frame into a lace top, black knee-length skirt and coordinating jacket. Her two-toned locks were left out and curled, and she sported her favourite pearl necklace. Posing: She also snapped a photo with Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Julia Bishop (R) and her partner David Panton (L) The art consultant later hit the Budget Ball and posted selfies with Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop, Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, and Malcolm Turnbull. She later told the Herald Sun she was a fan of Mr Turnbull after meeting him and was very proud to be a Liberal Party supporter.' 'The Prime Minister had a lot of charisma, he had a great energy and was really focused and so personable, I was really impressed, she said. It was one of those moments you will never forget, meeting so many key people of our country. Gamble also confessed to the Canberra Times that she has parliamentary question time on in the background when she is doing the housework. Hes having a ball in Italy with his family, but it seems like Pia Miller wants him back home. The Home And Away star shared a throwback snap of her and DJ brother Jesus Loyola imploring him to return to Melbourne soon. Brother Bear come home already! she wrote next to the photo shared with her 456,000 Instagram followers on Thursday. Scroll down for video 'Brother Bear come home!' Pia Miller shared a throwback snap of her and DJ brother Jesus Loyola imploring him to return to Melbourne from Italy soon The image showed the stunning brunette sipping on a gin and tonic or similar beverage while her brother drank a pint of amber-coloured beer in the booth of a bar. The 32-year-old showed off her svelte frame in a shoulderless little black dress accessorised with a gold necklace and bracelet and had a napkin draped over her thigh. The actress was preened to perfection for the night out with full face makeup and generous eyeliner, and let her long brunette tresses flow past her slender shoulders. Family ties: The former model and her brother have been close since they fled their estranged father in Chile with their mother when Pia was four years old Jesus has spent the past three weeks travelling around Italy with his wife Steph and their son and daughter, visiting Rome, Florence, Firenze, Venice, and Capri. If the numerous photos he and his beautiful blonde wife have posted to Instagram are anything to go by, Pia may have to wait some time before her beloved sibling returns. The former model and her brother have been close since they fled their estranged father in Chile with their mother when Pia was four years old. Having a ball: If the numerous photos he and his beautiful blonde wife have posted to Instagram are anything to go by, Pia may have to wait some time before her beloved sibling returns Groand tour: So far they have visited Rome, Florence, Firenze, Venice, and Capri Earlier this week, Pia showed off her stunning beauty in a makeup-free selfie as she lay in bed after waking up for the day. She captioned the shot: 'MONDAY mornin (sic)', alongside cloud and panda emojis. The mother-of-two allowed her luscious brunette tresses to fall freely beside her face and over her shoulder, as she was seen waking up in her bed. While flaunting her blemish-free complexion and striking almond-shaped eyes, her slender frame was covered up by a white doona cover. Who wakes up looking like that? Pia showed off her incredible beauty in a makeup-free selfie shared to Instagram on Monday morning as she slipped between the sheets The Chilean-born beauty has never been shy about flaunting her stunning features, often taking to social media. Just last week, Pia donned beau Tyson Mullane's nautical style shirt as she posed for a car selfie. The striped long-sleeved shirt appeared oversized on the petite star's frame, styled further with a pair of white jeans which were ripped at the knees. Her signature locks were loose over one shoulder, while her striking eyes were accentuated with eyeliner and lashings of mascara. Stunning: Pia sizzled in a tiny green bikini in a selfie shared via Instagram last month Content: The actress is enjoying a blossoming relationship with Tyson Mullane (R) Advertisement 'You may be hearing some things about me and your uncle. You believe it. I did all of it.' So opens the trailer for Hell Or High Water, in which Chris Pine plays a divorced dad who carries out a series of bank heists in West Texas with his ex-convict brother, played by Ben Foster. The opening scenes of the new promotional video for the critically-acclaimed film show Toby, played by Pine, talking to his teenage son as they sit on their ranch with a nodding donkey oil well nearby. Scroll down for video 'I did all of it': Chris Pine stars as Toby, a divorced father who turns to crime to try and save his family's ranch in the trailer for Hell Or High Water. It opens with him telling his son to believe everything he hears about him 'Justice isn't a crime': Ben Foster plays Pine's ex-convict brother Tanner who joins him in the plot to steal money from the bank that's trying to foreclose on their ranch in order to pay off the loan The trailer cuts to scenes of masked men in black hightailing it out of a bank and bank customers and staff kneeling to the floor during a robbery. Toby and Tanner are seen driving their truck along a small town street and then it starts to become clear why these two guys are turning to crime. 'Those banks loaned the least they could so they could swipe your mama's land,' actor Kevin Rankin as the character that fills the brothers in on where they stand. 'They took everything from your family. This is your chance to take it back,' he tells them. A modern tale: Kevin Rankin plays a small town official who explains to the brothers that the banks had loaned the least amount possible to their mother in the hope of being able to repossess their land Classic genre: That knowledge sets Toby and Tanner on a path that turns them into Texan gunslingers on a mission in the modern day Western On the steal: The brothers plot a series of bank heists in small towns around West Texas Well planned: They take only unmarked bank notes from registers and change their getaway vehicle after each robbery Crime pays: And for quite a while the plan works well But while the idea of stealing money from the bank that's trying to foreclose on their ranch in order to pay back the same bank for its loan has its appeal, Toby and Tanner have reckoned without Texas Ranger Marcus. The aging lawman is weeks from retirement but reckons he has 'one more hunt' left in him. Marcus quickly susses out what's going on, as the bank robberies continue. 'They know exactly what they're doing,' he tells his team. 'They're trying to raise a certain amount of money, that's my guess.' On their trail: Texas Ranger Marcus, played by Jeff Bridges, is just weeks away from retirement but when he hears about the spate of bank robberies, he reckons he has 'one more hunt' left in him Got a hunch: Marcus tells his team he knows that the robbers are up to, trying to steal a certain amount of money - and that means there is a specific reason they're embarking on their crime spree The trailer builds to a climax of action as everyone brings out their guns to the sound of a remake of Bob Dylan's classic Knockin On Heaven's Door by LA band Blakwall. The movie is slated for release in North America on August 12, but already screened at Cannes in May to critical acclaim. Variety described it as 'a thrillingly good movie a crackerjack drama of crime, fear, and brotherly love set in a sun-roasted, deceptively sleepy West Texas that feels completely exotic for being so authentic.' Hell Or High Water is directed by British filmmaker David Mackenzie from a script by Taylor Sheridan, who penned last year's Sicario. Showdown: There's no way Toby, in true Texan style, is going to put down his gun or give up his land Bullets fly: But with Marcus on their trail, things start to go badly wrong as the film barrels towards a gun-toting climax She's the popular Today show host with a husband who insists on wearing a red bandana. And on Thursday, Lisa Wilkinson took to Instagram to share the exact reason why her media husband won't give up the prized possession. Insisting that 'he doesn't give a stuff what anyone else thinks,' Peter Fitzsimon's bandana was a present from their kids after holidaying in Cuba. Scroll down for video Prized possession: Lisa Wilkinson took to Instagram on Thursday to share the exact reason why her media husband Peter Fitzsimons won't give up his famed red bandana 'Dinner with this lovely man. Happy birthday sweetheart. xxx,' the caption began. 'PS. A few are asking about the bandana and why Pete wears it. It was actually a very sweet thank you present from our kids after a fabulous family holiday we all had in Cuba. 'It was all they could afford and it meant the world to Pete that they went to the effort. And the kids are so chuffed that after all these years he's still wearing it. Sweet note: The famed bandana was a 'thank you present from our kids after a fabulous family holiday we all had in Cuba,' the Today show host shared to Instagram on Thursday 'It also provides excellent sun protection in the harsh Australian sun,' Lisa continued. 'And finally, simply, the reason he wears it is because he LIKES it, and because - I love this - because he doesn't give a stuff what anyone else thinks. 'It puts a smile on his face - and in a world where criticism and judgement are too often the default positions of far too many, it's an attitude I deeply admire.' Standing by her man: 'The reason he wears it is because he LIKES it, and because - I love this - because he doesn't give a stuff what anyone else thinks,' Lisa shared in a lengthy Instagram caption on Thursday In an interview with Mamamia's Mia Freedman on her No Filter podcast, the 54-year-old author shared that despite not having a perfect relationship with Lisa, it's 'bloody good.' 'We don't have 365 blissful days a year. I say we have 50 blissful days a year, 300 pretty good days and 15 shockers,' the former rugby player said. 'But as we have got older, no joke, 15 shockers are now down to three shockers,' Peter added. Proud mother: Lisa regularly shares snaps of her children to Instagram, such as this one with daughter Billi, of the two enjoying a girls' night out The former magazine editor adheres to a demanding and busy schedule for her duties as co-host of The Today Show alongside Karl Stefanovic. But it is clear that her family is extremely important to her, as she regularly shares snaps of her children to Instagram. Lisa and Billi have drawn many comparisons since the beauty entered her late teens, appearing more and more like her mother each day. Lisa became the youngest ever editor of Dolly magazine at the age of 21 - a few years older than Billi is now. Her womanly curves are often a source of much joy among her fellow shoppers. But it was Sofia Vergara who was cackling with glee as she turned heads in a partially open blouse as she headed out on her latest shopping spree in Los Angeles on Thursday. The Latina lovely looked in rude health as she showcased her fabulous figure as she indulged in some retail therapy in the trendy West Hollywood area. Going wild in the aisles: Sofia Vergara looked stunning on her latest shopping spree in LA on Thursday Sofia, 43, made sure she turned heads for all the right reasons by showcasing her famously ample assets by opening the top buttons of her white blouse, which she paired with denim flares and high heels. The Modern Family favourite rounded off her look with a flattering pair of golden earrings and oversized brown-rimmed sunglasses. One person who was not with Sofia was her Magic Mike XXL favourite other half Joe Manganiello, though the dynamic duo did both release exciting Throwback Thursday images on Instagram. The Colombian cutie married the True Blood hunk in a lavish wedding in November in Palm Beach, Florida. Raising eyes blouse: The Colombian cutie drew stares tahnks to her playfully open-buttoned blouse Flare for fashion: The saucy stunner looked in fine form indeed in her bell bottom denims Money to burn: Retail therapy is not a costly pursuit for Sofia given she is worth an estimated $100 million In April the beefcake star pulled out of new military action show Six, in which he would have played a rugged Navy SEAL, for the History Channel due to health issues. It was later reported he had been emergency surgery after being hospitalised with a burst appendix, which he had removed. In May Sofia said her husband is 'doing great,' adding, 'He's OK... He had a little problem, but now he's good.' Sofia has one son, Manolo, 22, whom she shares with ex-husband Joe Gonazalez. Claim to fame: The busty beauty's appearances on the red carpet, such as her at the SAG Awards in January, have become the stuff of legend Glamour couple: She married True Blood hunk Joe Manganiello in a lavish wedding in November Flashback! Sofia Vergara shared a throwback snap of her 13-year-old self, right, on Instagram on Thursday She never fails to stand out from the crowd. And Jemma Lucy, 28, garnered plenty of attention when she arrived at Miss Swimsuit USA inside Manchester's The Milton Club, on Thursday night. The busty blonde displayed her eye-popping cleavage in a plunging pale pink blazer which she teamed with a tiny pair of matching shorts. Scroll down for video Eyes on her: Jemma Lucy, 28, garnered plenty of attention when she arrived at Miss Swimsuit USA inside Manchester's The Milton Club, on Thursday night The scanty ensemble, which was completed by a pair of purple kicks embellished with metallic studs, ensured she showed off her full range of body art. She wore her immaculately straightened locks in a middle-parting and decorated her chestnut peepers with lashing of dark eye make-up. Her plump put was given a pale pink sheen, and she rocked finely manicured turquoise talons. The body confident beauty posed up a storm outside the front of the venue and appeared to be in a loving mood, planting a kiss on the lips of Charlotte Dawson as well as a male pal. Daring: The busty blonde displayed her eye-popping cleavage in a plunging pale pink blazer which she teamed with a tiny pair of matching shorts Don't rain on her parade: Jemma didn't let the damp conditions spoil her mood Charlotte and Jemma looked to be getting on famously. Earlier this year the pair both made headlines for their dalliances with Geordie Shore star Gary Beadle. In April, Gaz allegedly bedded both Charlotte, daughter of late comic Les, and Olivia Walsh while filming MTV's Ex on the Beach. Meanwhile, it was claimed Charlotte Crosby's decision to quit Geordie Shore was due to Gaz's fling with Jemma. Looking good: She wore her immaculately straightened locks in a middle-parting and decorated her chestnut peepers with lashing of dark eye make-up Pucker up: Jemma planted a kiss on the lips of a male pal as they strolled along the street Happy! The pals looked bright-eyed as they gazed at the cameras Charlotte was recently dubbed the 'wedding guest from hell' by the Loose Women panel after she was accused of upstaging the bride at a friend's wedding. And she opted to forgo underwear for her night judging the Miss Swimsuit USA contest. Clad in a plunging emerald gown, the 23-year-old reality starlet seemed in such high spirits that she neglected to realise her dress had fallen to the side, exposing a tad too much to the unsuspecting onlookers. Sink or swim(suit): Charlotte Dawson ensured all eyes would be on her yet again as she opted to forgo underwear for a night judging Miss Swimsuit USA in Manchester on Thursday Featuring a risque thigh high split, the gown showed off every inch of her tanned and toned pins, but as she turned to the side she revealed more than she would have hoped. With a plunging neckline showing her ample cleavage, the starlet also suffered an unfortunate mishap as she flaunted too much of her buxom bosom. Adding to the starlet's woes on the evening, she appeared to have been rather heavy handed with her make-up application, and sported an uneven complexion as the cameras picked up on her matte powder application. Oops: Clad in a plunging emerald gown, the 23-year-old reality starlet seemed in such high spirits that she neglected to realise her dress had fallen to the side as she headed home with Jess Hayes Nipping out: With a plunging neckline showing her ample cleavage, the starlet also suffered an unfortunate mishap as she flaunted too much of her buxom bosom Whoopsy! Featuring a risque thigh high split, the gown showed off every inch of her tanned and toned pins, but as she turned to the side she revealed more than she would have hoped Wearing her raven coloured locks loose and tousled, the daughter of late comedian Les Dawson styled her glossy tresses in a centre parting, framing her heavily made-up face. Teetering along in a pair of towering patent nude heels, the star finished off the look with a small embellished clutch bag slung over her shoulder. Joined by Love Island's Jess Hayes and Jemma Lucy of Ex On The Beach fame, the starlet seemed in her element. Too much: Adding to the starlet's woes on the evening, she appeared to have been rather heavy handed with her make-up application, and sported an uneven complexion as the cameras picked up on her matte powder Brunette beauty: Wearing her raven coloured locks loose and tousled, the daughter of late comedian Les Dawson styled her glossy tresses in a centre parting, framing her heavily made-up face Charlotte seemed to have no trouble stealing the spotlight from her friends after being slammed for doing just that by the Loose Women ladies on Tuesday. The starlet shared snaps of herself enjoying her friend's wedding day earlier this week, but was accused of 'upstaging the bride in quite a spectacular fashion'. Looking at pictures from the big day, panellist Jane Moore called her behaviour a 'shocker,' while June Sarpong blasted: 'It's just wrong!' All about the accessories: Teetering along in a pair of towering patent nude heels, the star finished off the look with a small embellished clutch bag slung over her shoulder Cheeky! Charlotte couldn't resist grabbing her friend's pert posterior as they posed for snaps Girls in green: Charlotte coordinated with her gal pal Jess as they donned their complementing shades of green whilst cuddling up together for a snap Two of a kind: The pair put on a busty display as they smiled for the cameras Cheerful: Charlotte seemed in good spirits as she cosied up to Ex On The Beach co-star Jemma Lucy, who put on a leggy display in her thigh skimming pink shorts Pucker up: The pair put on an over amorous display as they kissed on the steps of the club She added: 'I think the bride needs to lose her as a friend. You do not want that woman anywhere near your husband.' Coleen Nolan, who admitted she was a family friend of the Dawsons, said it was 'really awkward' and added that her saucy behaviour was typical of the Ex on the Beach star. However Charlotte was clearly unimpressed at being accused, taking to Twitter to blast: 'Absolute joke!! It was a family wedding we were having a laugh !!!!!!!!!!' Laugh a minute: The girls couldn't stop giggling as they cuddled up for snaps outside the venue Feeling shy: Charlotte seemed to want to avoid the limelight at one point as she hid beneath her coat Charlotte will no doubt be flashing more flesh in her upcoming appearance on Ex On The Beach. The star recently returned from Thailand where she has been filming the fifth series alongside Geordie Shore's Gaz Beadle, Jemma Lucy and Olivia Walsh. The series is due to air later this year. They dazzled on the red carpet earlier this week for the world premiere of the eagerly anticipated Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. And Joanna Lumley, 70, and Jennifer Saunders, 57, couldn't contain their jovial mood as they arrived at the BBC Radio Two for the Chris Evans Breakfast Show in London on Friday. The comedians injected a subtle touch of glamour in to their casual ensembles as Joanna sported a large silver handbag while Jennifer rocked a printed scarf. Scroll down for video Absolutely stunning! Joanna Lumley, 70, (left) and Jennifer Saunders, 57, (right) couldn't contain their jovial mood as they arrived at the BBC Radio Two for the Chris Evans Breakfast Show in London on Friday Joanna couldn't wipe the smile off her deep pink pout as she sauntered in to the studios with her grey blazer and black trousers. A grey fedora hat complimented the casual outfit as she put on an animated display and once inside continued her giddy mood as she told radio host Chris that the premiere was like 'the circus came to town'. Continuing about the flick's big day on Wednesday she revealed: It was sensational, it was beyond out wildest dreams. The fact that a red carpet wasn't good enough so we had a gold one. One cinema wasn't good enough so we opened simultaneously in two.' Couldn't be happier: Joanna couldn't wipe the smile off her deep pink pout as she sauntered in to the studios with her large silver bag Basics: The funnywoman kept it simple with a grey blazer and black trousers. She pulled the look together with a grey fedora hat Great week: Once inside continued her giddy mood as she told radio host Chris that the premiere was like 'the circus came to town' Jennifer, who sported a slight slick of make-up and kept her short blonde locks untamed, revealed that despite her years in the industry she was 'incredibly nervous and kind of intimidated' 'The best thing is the first shout of laughter', she commended as being the moment that eased her the most. And needless to say, Jennifer looked fabulous given that she had 'stayed at the after party three days after it.' Comedienne Jennifer, who wrote the script, amped up the glamour on the red carpet in a black and blue skirt, slogan T-shirt reading 'gluten free, dairy free, fur free', black coat and towering black and gold Nicolas Kirkwood platform heels. Funky: Jennifer rocked a printed scarf as she headed indoors Last minute jitters: Jennifer revealed that despite her years in the industry she was 'incredibly nervous and kind of intimidated' Meanwhile, her partner-in-crime Joanna looked amazing in her clashing ensemble of a pair of gold trousers, black blazer, leopard-print scarf and sequinned high-heels. Of course, Joanna couldn't resist having her hair styled in Patsy's signature blonde beehive. However, when asked by Chris about their glitzy garment on the radio show, the duo unveiled, 'I don't think anyone looked at me. We had 12 astonishing drag queens behind us and they hugely eclipsed us.' They also revealed that the star-studded movie premiere is set to happen three times over- in New York, Sydney and Melbourne. Looking fierce! Joanna (left) and Jennifer (right) looked amazing at the world premiere of Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie in London's Leicester Square on Wednesday Standing out: Jennifer, who wrote the script, amped up the glamour in a black and blue skirt, slogan T-shirt reading 'gluten free, dairy free, fur free', black coat and towering black and gold platform heels Jennifer revealed that a movie version of the sitcom - which originally ran on the BBC from 1992 - 2012 - was on the cards early last year. She said the decision was spurred on by co-star Joanna, who told her they had to 'do it before we die'. Joanna has said of getting back together to shoot the film: 'All the old cast are in it, there are plenty of surprises. It's a fantastic story. It's very funny. It's divine, glamorous, ridiculous and fabulous.' Fabulous: Joanna and Jennifer were joined by a host of drag queens on the gold carpet and revealed on the radio show that they felt 'eclipsed' by them Back for more: Jennifer as Eddy and Joanna as Patsy in scene from Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie At the premiere, Jennifer revealed to The Sun that a sequel is definitely on the cards for the movie, she said: 'Were doing it again, certainly. I want this again. If people go and watch it, yes. The film also stars cameos by a slew of high profile names such as Kate Moss, Suki Waterhouse and Alexa Chung. Meanwhile, Fearne Cotton also stepped out in style to the radio studios in a burgundy 'Blondes' sweater and navy and black panelled trousers. Edgy stunner: Meanwhile, Fearne Cotton also stepped out in style to the radio studios in a burgundy 'Blondes' sweater and navy and black panelled trousers She's taken the fashion world by storm. And it seems that there's no slowing down for 19-year-old Bella Hadid, who appears as fierce as ever on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia's August issue. The American beauty, who is the younger sister of modelling sensation Gigi Hadid, showcased her ample cleavage and endless legs on the sultry cover, which hits stands on Monday. Stunner! Bella Hadid works her best angles and looks as fierce as ever on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia's August issue Dressed in an intricately-designed Chanel dress, Bella flaunted her cinched waist and enviable frame while posing in a seated position. The unbuttoned frock intentionally slipped down over Bella's slim shoulder, in an effortlessly sultry look. Her trim pins were on full display and her silky smooth skin was positively glowing. Strike a pose! The model is no stranger to the fame of Hollywood, as her mother Yolanda Hadid, appeared on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Sister act: Bella is the younger sister of modelling sensation Gigi Hadid, however she is making a name for herself in the industry as a successful model in her own right The fashion it-girl's dark tresses were worn loosely and brushed back, away from her face and falling behind her shoulders. Bella's neutral-hued make-up highlighted her natural tones while her deep pink lipstick and soft brown eye-shadow completed the look. The Australian fashion magazine wrote: 'Bazaar has its moment with fashion's new darling.' Bella was recently in Australia to walk in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2016, and according to The Daily Telegraph, the top model cashed in an eye-watering $400,000 to walk the runway for Misha Collection. In the family! The girls are clearly a support system for each other, and regularly post about their lives on social media. The duo have nearly 25 million followers on Instagram combined The leggy brunette was named as the face of the Australian brand's resort '17 campaign and newest line, Misha Gold, and was undoubtedly a draw card for the entire event. The model posted plenty of behind the scenes details of her whirlwind trip to Sydney on social media and gushed over Misha Collection. Bella and Gigi have a younger brother, Anwar, and the three are children to model and interior designer Yolanda Hadid and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, who are now divorced. Yolanda was one of the long-running stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, a television show on which both Gigi and Bella have also appeared. Down Under: Bella recently took the Australian fashion industry by storm when she appeared at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2016 She's been busy hitting the hotspots of London over the past few weeks. And Demi Moore was spotted after enjoying herself once again as she left Loulou's club in London's exclusive Mayfair on Thursday. The 53-year-old actress, filmmaker and model left the venue, which is popular with A-listers, alone and was whisked off in a waiting car. Scroll down for video Big night out! Demi Moore was spotted leaving Loulou's club in London's exclusive Mayfair on Thursday The talented star was dressed to impress in an eye-catching black gown that was printed with butterflies, flowers and unicorns. She accessorised her polished look with a pair of thick rimmed black spectacles and clutched a matching simple leather clutch with gold chain. Her black tresses were worn straightened in a smart style - falling naturally over her face and shoulders. Under one arm Demi carried a black jacket, in case the unpredictable British weather turned while she was out and about. Looking good: The 53-year-old actress, filmmaker and model left the venue, which is popular with celebrities, alone and was whisked off in a waiting car The star did not stop to talk or pose with fans as she made her way from the club to her car, but appeared to have enjoyed her night. Busy bee Demi has two projects hitting cinemas later this year. The actress will star alongside acting titan Alec Baldwin and Dylan McDermott in Blind, a film about a vison-impaired writer who re-discovers his desire for life and eventually falls for a married woman. In Wild Oats, Demi joins Jessica Lange and Shirley MacLaine in the comedy that tells of Eva, a woman who spends her social security check of an accidental $900,000 with her best friend. Demi previously opened up about the difficulty of raising her three daughters - who she raises with her ex Bruce Willis - in the public eye. She told Us Weekly: 'No child should be subjected to that type of judgment or criticism, especially based on their looks... 'As a parent, all you can do is love them and keep loving them until they love themselves.' The Ghost actress also confessed how proud she is of her eldest daughter Rumer Willis, 27, who has found her feet since winning Dancing With The Stars. Demi enthused: 'She is incredibly talented, and I love seeing her light shine!' She's a Dutch supermodel who has worked the runway for Balmain, Givenchy and Stella McCartney. And on Thursday evening model Lara Stone reminded the world why she's so in demand as she cut a ravishing figure inside Amsterdam's Amstel Hotel to celebrate the launch of Vogue: The Book Netherlands' latest issue, which features the 32-year-old model on the cover. The mother-of-one looked like a high fashion rocker as she slipped into a leather pantsuit that hugged her in all the right places. Scroll down for video Stunning: On Thursday evening model Lara Stone attended the launch of Vogue Netherlands' latest issue at a star-studded party at the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam Her blazer plunged to her taut stomach, showing off a spray-on bustier that cupped her ample assets perfectly. The 5ft 10in stunner elongated her already perfect pins in a pair of black cross-strap heels and, keen to coordinate, she painted her perfectly pedicured toes with glistening black polish. Always fresh-faced and camera-ready, Lara played a simple make-up game, wearing the lightest dusting of blush and a bit of pink lippie. Well-fitted: The mother-of-one looked like a high fashion rocker as she slipped into a leather pantsuit that hugged her in all the right places On point: Her blazer plunged all the way to her taut stomach, showing off a spray-on bustier that cupped her ample assets perfectly Cover girl: Lara graces the cover of the latest issue of Vogue Netherlands, which celebrates love Vogue Netherlands has built its latest issue around the theme of love and recounts 'the most beautiful and iconic love stories and photography from our time', including images of George and Amal Clooney, and Iman and David Bowie. Lara appears on the cover in a stunning black and white image in which she wears a floral neckpiece and shows off the signature tooth gap. She wears her hair free and windswept in the image, which somewhat obscures her perfectly symmetrical face. The magazine's editors celebrated the launch of the issue, which is on news stands today, with a star-studded bash at the five-star hotel. Guests enjoyed macaroons from Patisserie Tout on the terrace and toasted Lara with Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Rose champagne. Lara, who separated from ex-husband David Walliams in March 2015, is rumoured to have found herself a younger flame in recent weeks, having been pictured cosying up to Australian model Jordan Barrett, 19, multiple times. Black beauty: The 5ft 10in stunner elongated her already perfect pins in a pair of black cross-strap heels and, keen to coordinate, painted her perfectly pedicured toes with glistening black polish She recently confirmed that her relationship with ex-boyfriend Cameron McCristal was back on track. And it seems Skye Wheatley is feeling more confident than ever as she displayed her busty curves on Instagram on Friday. The former Big Brother star, 22, shared a photo of herself wearing a racy crop top, skinny jeans and thigh-high boots on Friday. Scroll down for video But first, let me take a selfie! Skye Wheatley (pictured) displayed her surgically enhanced curves in a busty crop top and skinny jeans on Instagram on Friday The Gold Coast beauty displayed her gym-honed legs and impossibly small waist in a pair of slinky white trousers. She exposed her bronzed cleavage and midriff in a skimpy top that clung tightly to her surgically enhanced curves. With a pink coat draped over her shoulders, the former barista flaunted her doll-like proportions while posing for the mirror selfie. Surgically enhanced: The ex-Big Brother contestant is known for her plump lips and doll-like proportions Fashionista: The 22-year-old former barista, from the Gold Coast, has over 270,000 Instagram followers Meanwhile, Skye recently confirmed she is back together with her former boyfriend Cameron McCristal. The couple began dating a year ago but abruptly ended their relationship in January, Skye confirmed to Daily Mail Australia. 'We broke up, my life is s*** right now... It's a long story', she said, before adding cryptically: 'I got told a few things. Something had happened.' Reunited! Skye confirmed she is back together with her ex Cameron McCristal (right) on YouTube last week Back on: The couple began dating a year ago but abruptly ended their relationship in January But last week, Skye released a YouTube video of herself and Cameron driving around Brisbane together. The couple put on an affectionately display as the electrical engineer tried to correct his girlfriend's driving. When they first started dating last year, Skye said:'He's so kind and looks after me, he really makes me laugh... he pretty much laughed me into bed.' She's the former professional beauty pageant princess who once starred in a Shannon Noll music video. But this week, Renae Ayris swapped work for relaxation as she enjoyed some downtime in Bali. The 25-year-old was joined by her sister, Rachel, who shares a striking resemblance to the former Miss Australia 2012. Sister act! Renae and Rachel Ayris posed for a sisterly selfie together while vacationing in Bali this week Rather than accompanying the image with a lengthy caption, Renae simply wrote '#Sisters.' Rachel, who also shared the selfie to her own account, was more descriptive, writing: 'First day in Bali with my favourite.' Earlier in the day, Renae shared a photo of herself posing on the balcony of the beach-side hotel she's currently staying in. Having a ball: 'First day in Bali with my favourite,' Rachel wrote on Instagram Clad in a tight denim mini-dress that showcased her trim figure, the blonde beauty wrote: 'How's the weather in Sydney?' Like her famous sister, Rachel is also a beauty pageant hopeful. Back in 2013, the sun-kissed model made it into the top-24 in the Western Australian leg of the Miss Universe search. 'How's the weather in Sydney?' Renae posed for a photo in a skintight denim dress Renae is currently dating personal trainer, Andrew Papadopoulos. The pair often share gushing photos of each other on social media. Earlier this year, the genetically-blessed duo shared an image of themselves splashing around in the water on Rottnest Island. He began his career on the X Factor and Rylan Clark-Neal is going full circle after it was confirmed he is to co-host the Xtra Factor with Matt Edmondson. After a dramatic build up, the emotional presenter revealed the news on This Morning and said: 'Im very honoured and over the moon to say that after four years of being away I am back. 'Im going back to The Xtra FactorIll be hosting that alongside the lovely Matt Edmondson, who is great - we are working on another show at the minute as well for ITV - and we just get on so well. Scroll down for video Going home! He began his career on the X Factor and Rylan Clark-Neal is going full circle after it was confirmed he is to co-host the Xtra Factor with Matt Edmondson 'We are literally over the moon. We did our promo shoot yesterday Im just all a bit shocked.' Expecting to be busy in the future, the Big Brother host assured fans he would not be quitting his current job and instead said he would be 'working like a dog'. 'In the last couple of months theres been talks and chats and I just want to reassure everyone that Im not leaving Big Brother, and no, Im not leaving here,' he explained. Rylan and Matt will replace hosts Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom after the pair quit the Xtra Factor in a way fit for a Prime Minister - with a parody of David Cameron's resignation speech. The presenting duo mimicked Cameron, following last week's referendum vote to leave the European Union, as they announced they are departing the ITV2 show. Excited: After a dramatic build up, the emotional presenter revealed the news on This Morning and said: 'Im very honoured and over the moon to say that after four years of being away I am back.' New duo: Rylan and Matt Edmondson (pictured) will replace hosts Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom after the pair quit the Xtra Factor in a way fit for a Prime Minister - with a parody of David Cameron's resignation speech Serious business: Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom resigned from The Xtra Factor in a way fit for a Prime Minister - with a parody of David Cameron's Brexit speech Melvin and Rochelle will be replaced by BBC Radio 1's Matt Edmondson. Rochelle kicked off the speech by saying: 'Good afternoon Great Britain. Now over the past few weeks the good people over at the 'Xtra Factor' have been tasked with making a monumental decision. ' In an almost direction quotation of the Prime Minister's speech, Melvin chimed in: ''The Xtra Factor' have made a very clear choice to take a different path moving forward and as such the show requires fresh leadership to take it in this new direction.' Light hearted: The presenting duo mimicked the resignation speech, following last week's referendum vote to leave the European Union 'We both have done everything we can to steady the ship up to this point but it's now time for a new captain to steer the show to its next destination. 'Now we have spoken to his majesty Simon Cowell to discuss the steps that will be taken and after my glorious rendition of Bruno Mars in the last series he begged me to take part in this year's competition but I respectfully declined of course.' Rochelle added: 'We love 'The Xtra Factor' and feel honoured and proud to have served as hosts and we wish the new team every success in the future, thank you.' Grateful: The pair rounded off the speech by saying that they felt honoured to have been able to present the show Moving on! ITV thanked Rochelle and Melvin for all their hard work in presenting The Xtra Factor Speaking about Rochelle and Melvin, an ITV spokesperson added: 'We thank Melvin and Rochelle for all their hard work on 'The Xtra Factor' and look forward to working with them both again soon.' 'The X Factor' is set to return to TV screens at the end of the summer. This year's X Factor has faced a complete overhaul with a number of new judges and presenters. And Matt Edmondson is the latest big name to be added to the lineup as he has been announced as the new presenter of ITV2's The Xtra Factor. The 30-year-old Radio 1 presenter is set to replace last year's co-hosts, Rochelle and Melvin on the spin-off show. 'Unbelievably excited': Matt Edmondson is the latest big name to be added to the lineup as he has been announced as the new presenter of ITV2's The Xtra Factor In at the deep end! ITV have confirmed that Matt will be presenting his first episode of the show live Speaking about his latest role, Matt said: 'I am unbelievably excited about joining 'The Xtra Factor' this year, not least of all because on my first day Louis Walsh walked into my dressing room topless, unannounced. 'I regard this as the definition of 'living the dream.'' However, the talented presenter faces an even tougher gig than normal, as ITV have confirmed that the show will be going live for its first episode. As a result, viewers will be treated to live interviews, reactions from celebrity guests and fan interaction. Moving on: The 30-year-old Radio 1 presenter is set to replace last year's co-hosts, Rochelle and Melvin on the spin-off show Matt will be taking over from big names, such as Caroline Flack, Olly Murs and Holly Willoughby, who have also hosted the popular show. However, it is a particularly exciting move for the Radio host as he previously presented the F Factor - the show's online spin-off. He was also set to host the Xtra Factor in 2011 before he was replaced at the very last minute by Olly Murs. At the time, Matt congratulated Murs and Caroline Flack over Twitter. He wrote: 'Got my bag packed, train tickets booked to Birmingham, copy of Simon's autobiography! Can't wait!... What's that you say? OLLY MURS?!??!?!' 'Seriously, congrats to @carolineflack1 and @ollyofficiall - I was only thinking about him early today (whilst listening to Bob Marley obvs)' On-screen chemistry: Rochelle and Melvin proved popular with viewers, but are leaving the show as part of the series' shake up this autumn He later added: 'So... in other news, I've now got the day off! #everycloudetc' The managing director of Thames TV, Richard Holloway, said: 'Matt is a very funny guy and his irreverent, humorous take on the world, along with our new live format, is set to make for a great series of Xtra Factor.' Speaking about Rochelle and Melvin, an ITV spokesperson added: 'We thank Melvin and Rochelle for all their hard work on the 'Xtra Factor' and look forward to working with them both again soon.' 'The X Factor' is set to return to TV screens at the end of the summer. Ashley Greene indulged in a little 'me time' on Thursday. The Twilight actress headed to a nail salon in Studio City for a pampering session and was spotted leaving with a fresh red manicure. Keeping it casual the 29-year-old beauty wore a simple purple t-shirt and skinny jeans for the outing. Me time: Ashley Greene looked cute and casual as she headed to the nail salon on Thursday Stylish blue pumps and a chain detail handbag added a chic touch to the look. She wore her brunette locks down and accessorised with a dainty silver necklace. Meanwhile, following the tragic passing of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin earlier this month, the Rogue star took to Instagram to pay tribute the the young actor. 'What an incredible loss of such a unique vibrant light. I'm thankful to have had you in my life. You will be missed Anton. #rip' Simple style: The 29-year-old star wore a fitted purple t-shirt and jeans for the outing The Twilight has been busy doing her bit for charity in recent weeks. She announced last week that she was auctioning off her 2009 Teen Choice Awards surfboard for charity. Ashley gave the proceeds to Lively Minds, a charity that aims to improve the quality of life for deprived children and their families in rural Ghana and Uganda. The fitness fanatic has also been keeping in shape with regular workouts. 'You will be missed': The Twilight actress paid tribute to actor Anton Yelchin last week after the actor tragically passed away in a car accident Doing her bit to help: The actress helped serve lunch at Feeding America in LA last week In a recent interview with Self, Ashley revealed her three workout tips. 'Get lots of water. Get lots of protein. Always stretch it out,' said the actress. Ashley also let the magazine in on an extra tip; 'train with intensity.' 'My favorite type of workout for a fun, fast-paced, full-body cardio fix would probably be Rise Nation,' she began. 'I love a great hike because it clears my head and I can take along the pups. And for an intense strength workout, I love training with Jason Walsh at Rise Movement,' she noted. They've been enjoying a leisurely tour through Spain, and were last spotted on Thursday taking in the sights at the Alhambra in Granada. But by the following day Harrison Ford and wife Calista Flockhart had already moved on to Barcelona, where they were seen doing a bit of shopping. The 73-year-old and his Supergirl star wife put on a loving display as they walked hand-in-hand while touring the city. Couple's retreat: Harrison Ford and wife Calista Flockhart put on a loving display, walking hand-in-hand as they strolled through Barcelona on Friday Harrison kept a low profile for the trip, as he showed off a bushy, white beard, also hiding behind a pair of black sunglasses. He dressed sharply in a pale blue button down shirt, which he sported tucked into a pair of fitted, dark wash jeans. The Blade Runner star finished off his laid-back look with a pair of brown boots, also accessorizing with a nice wristwatch. He held tightly to his wife's hand as they browsed shops in Barcelona together, before stopping to grab a bite to eat. Quite the tour! The duo hit Barcelona a day after touring the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and before that they were spotted in Seville Sharp: Harrison looked nice in a pale blue button down, which he sported tucked into a pair of fitted, dark wash jeans Calista, 51, wore a navy blue and white patterned sundress which featured a small slit down the front and hit at just above her knees. The flattering number was embellished with a bit of lace along the bottom, and she coupled it with a pair of grey, slip-on sneakers. She teamed the sundress with a navy blue cardigan, and also carried a pale blue leather cross body purse. Treating himself: The Indiana Jones star was spotted shopping, and left carrying a large bag from Timberland Solo: He looked to have grabbed a quick moment of solitude as he picked up something in the Timberland shop The Ally McBeal alum wore her long tresses in a center part, and styled in soft curls, and hid her eyes behind tortoiseshell sunglasses. The day before she and Harrison had been spotted as they took a tour through the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Harrison had worn a light blue button down with a subtle pinstripe pattern, sporting the shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He's earned it! The star was spotted enjoying some downtime before filming for his many upcoming projects picks up again Laid-back: Harrison looked to be in good spirits as he strolled along the streets of Barcelona on Friday He tucked the button down into a pair of fitted, dark wash jeans, accessorizing the look with a black leather belt. The Indiana Jones star hid his eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses, also covering up with a wide-brimmed, white hat. Calista dressed comfortably, sporting a short-sleeved, white T-shirt, with a pair of form-fitting, coordinating white trousers. Checking in with Calista? Perhaps the star was giving his wife a quick call so they could meet back up after he stopped to grab something from the Timberland store Moving right along: The day before Harrison had looked relaxed as he strolled beside Calista during a tour of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain She had a grey sweatshirt tied around her waist, and carried a small, black cross body purse draped across her shoulders. Her shoulder-length blonde tresses were worn in a center part and styled straight, and she covered her eyes with a pair of stylish, reflective shades. The celebrity couple - who share 15-year-old son, Liam Flockhart - looked to be in good spirits as they toured the Spanish palace and fortress complex. In good spirits: Harrison appeared happy to be enjoying a bit of downtime with his wife of six years, flashing a small smile Is that you? The Star Wars icon was almost unrecognizable with a bushy beard, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat The trip comes ahead of Harrison returning to work on the upcoming Blade Runner 2 movie, which will begin filming in Budapest. The sequel to his 1983 sci fi film, which will also star Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, and Captain Phillips actor Barkhad Abdi, is due out in October 2017. Harrison is also set to star in another Indiana Jones movie - due in theaters in 2019 - which will once again be directed by Steven Spielberg. Busy year: Next Harrison will be filming Blade Runner 2 in Budapest, before joining Steven Spielberg for another Indiana Jones film - set to be released in 2019 She's been adjusting to work and family life after her husband, Oliver Curtis, was sentenced to two years in prison for insider trading last week. And it seems that Roxy Jacenko was feeling in a nostalgic mood on Friday as she shared a series of touching family photos on Instagram. The PR maven paid tribute to her jailed husband in several snaps which show the father-of-two doting over their children, Pixie and Hunter. Scroll down for video 'We love you': On Friday, Roxy Jacenko shared several Instagram photos showing her husband Oliver Curtis (C) doting over their two children, Pixie (L) and Hunter (R), a week after he was sentenced for insider trading Oliver Curtis has been moved to Parklea Correctional Centre, after spending a week in police cells. Curtis, 30, was moved to Parklea on Friday between mid-morning and afternoon, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. A source says it's likely he is currently in the maximum security centre of the jail, home to some members of murderous Sydney bikie gang Brothers 4 Life and recently convicted murderer Glen McNamara. In a collage of several images, Oliver is shown enjoying precious 'daddy time' with his son Hunter, two, and four-year-old Pixie. He cradles both his adorable children in his arms in one photo, and is shown riding in a vehicle with smiling Hunter in another. A third holiday snap features Oliver and his wife Roxy wearing matching sunglasses as they enjoy a sunny trip. Roxy simply captioned the image, 'We you'. Behind bars: In a collage of several images, Oliver is shown enjoying precious 'daddy time' with his two-year-old son Hunter (pictured) and daughter Pixie, four Memories: In one photo, Oliver and his wife of four years are also shown wearing matching sunglasses as they enjoy a sunny holiday Emotional: Roxy kept it simple in the caption, writing 'We you' Support: Roxy stood by her husband Oliver's side during the investment banker's recent trial and sentencing for insider trading at the NSW Supreme Court - and made headlines for her stylish and expensive outfits Curtis (left), 30, was jailed for a maximum of two years, to be released after one year on a good behaviour bond Just an hour before, the Sydney socialite shared a flashback photo of her and Oliver's wedding day on Instagram. She posted an image of a bouquet of flowers beside a framed photo of herself, Oliver and baby Pixie taken at their nuptials four years ago. The PR professional was giving a shout out to Sydney florist Seed Flora, who had sent her a beautiful bouquet of roses. But it was impossible to ignore the wedding photo taken at Sydney's prestigious Quay restaurant back in March 2012 in the bottom right corner. Roxy, 36, was dressed extravagantly in a strapless Vera Wang gown, which was fitted along the bodice before flaring out in ruffled tiers. Standing next to her handsome husband, the couple posed for the photo while Roxy cradled little Pixie, who was just a baby at the time. Last Friday, the 30-year-old investment banker was jailed for a maximum of two years, to be released after one year on a good behaviour bond. NSW Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum told the court he had used the profits of he and his former best mate's insider trading to fund a 'lifestyle of conspicuous extravagance'. Oliver Curtis (right) has been moved to Parklea Correctional Centre, after spending a week in police cells A source says it's likely Curtis (right) is currently in the maximum security centre of the jail, home to some members of murderous Sydney bikie gang Brothers 4 Life and recently convicted murderer Glen McNamara Curtis remained mostly composed as he handed over his tie, belt, a ring and a wad of $50 notes to his lawyer on Friday. He hugged and kissed his wife as he was led away and was later photographed wearing handcuffs as he was led to a police van. Roxy and Oliver share two young children - Pixie and Hunter, who were born in 2011 and 2014 respectively. Meanwhile, Roxy runs successful public relations firm Sweaty Betty PR, which she launched back in 2004, aged 24. The couple will spend their fifth wedding anniversary next March apart as Oliver will be eight months into his sentence for insider trading. Roxy loyally stood by his side during the trial and sentencing at the NSW Supreme Court - and attracted media attention for her stylish and expensive outfits. Meanwhile, Oliver was described by Roxy as the 'primary carer' for their children in a character reference she submitted for his sentencing last month. Missing someone? Just hours before, Roxy shared an image featuring a framed photo from her wedding to Oliver (bottom right) taken four years ago Businesswoman: In the last four years, the PR maven has transformed her daughter Pixie (right) into a social media celebrity with over 110,000 Instagram followers Pregnant Kimberley Walsh proved she could juggle baby and best friend duties this week. The yummy mummy spent the evening in total glamazon mode for Cheryl's 33rd birthday at Coya in London, before rising early the next morning to take care of gorgeous son Bobby. Mum-of-one Kimberley, 34, who's expecting her second child, made the transition look seamless with the help of day to night wardrobe essentials. Scroll down for video Yummy mummy: Kimberley Walsh was back in mummy mode on Friday morning (left) after hitting Coya restaurant in central London on Thursday night for Cheryl's birthday She started the day comfortable in trainers, leaving behind her nude bow heels that set off the previous evening's party outfit. The blonde cast aside her sophisticated jumpsuit in favour of an oversized cardigan and boyfriend jeans for comfort. She was no longer drawing attention to her baby bump with a bow belt at her middle and instead, she draped a practical handbag over one shoulder to cover her middle. With her boy: The pregnant star was spending some time with son Bobby With her boy: Six months after her wedding to Justin Scott, Kimberley is pregnant again Following a late night with friends, Kimberley was also make-up free with her hair left tousled, in a departure from the polished waves worn on her night out. It was the same honeyed colour as little Bobby's but his sweet baby hair needed no styling with natural tight curls on top. His padded jacket was on the back of the pram, leaving his sporty jogging bottoms and sweatshirt combination on show. Play time: She dressed in boyfriend jeans and a cardigan with trainers for her day date Busy bee: The mum-of-one went make-up free for her parenting duties Packed up: She carried a practical carry-all bag from the street to the car Kimberley announced her second pregnancy with new husband Justin Scott last month, five months after they finally tied the knot. Her pregnancy obviously wasn't going to stop her celebrating former Girls Aloud bandmate Cheryl's 33rd birthday this week though. With a pink gift bag in hand, the television personality joined Cheryl's boyfriend Liam Payne to help ring in another year with the musician. Celebrations: Only the night before, she was one of the guests at Cheryl's 33rd dinner She was pictured looking downcast and flustered after being declared bankrupt on Thursday. But Brynne Edelsten, 33, looked ready to paint the town red while attending a cocktail party in Melbourne on Friday to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Sofitel. The socialite and ex-wife of millionaire businessman, Geoffrey Edelsten, flaunted her slender physique in a figure-hugging black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline. Scroll down for video A busty display! Brynne Edelsten showed off her ample cleavage at an event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Sofitel in Melbourne The printed ensemble featured a rounded neckline with feathers adorning the shoulders, before dipping to reveal her ample cleavage. And the tapered pants flattered her frame, accentuating her slim legs. Brynne's blonde locks were pulled away from her face and styled in a sleek up-do, parted in the middle and pulled into a ponytail. Poser! The blonde wore a black jumpsuit that featured a plunging neckline and accentuated her slim pins All-black ensemble: The socialite added a pair of black stilettos to complete her look Her make-up was minimal for the occasion, however, she was sporting a layer of coral-hued lipstick for a pop of colour. She accessorised with large hoop earrings and a single ring and she completed her look with a pair of black high heels. It was recently reported that a Victorian law firm had begun proceedings against Brynne for $70,000 in unpaid legal bills. Red carpet looks: Brynne posed for photos with celebrity psychic Harry T Having a laugh! Rhonda Burchmore, 56, walked the red carpet with her daughter Lexie According to public documents, an 'Affidavit of Service of Bankruptcy Notice' was filed by MGA Lawyers back in January. Brynne reportedly owes thousands in legal fees to the same lawyers who represented her during her separation from Geoffrey, 73. Also attending the event on Friday was entertainer and author, Rhonda Burchmore, 56, who walked the red carpet with her daughter Lexie. Sleek: Former My Kitchen Rules contestant Camilla Counsel kept things simple in a black dress which fell to her calves Night out! The brunette wore her long locks swept to the side and styled in loose waves Rhonda showed off her sensational figure in a tight-fitting little black dress with sequins. She added a pair of black ankle boots for a casual touch, and wore her brunette tresses in loose waves. Lexie looked like she was enjoying the mother-daughter outing, and she was sporting a pair of similar black boots, as well as a navy blue jumper and skirt. Beauty in blue: Runner up Miss World Australia Alex Hecker stunned in a pretty frock Pastel hues: The structured dress framed the model and TV presenter's figure perfectly Former My Kitchen Rules contestant Camilla Counsel kept things simple in a little black dress. The figure-hugging frock revealed the brunette's curves and featured sheer panels around the tops of her thighs and at her waist. Looking beautiful in blue, runner up Miss World Australia Alex Hecker stunned in a pretty frock. Her long locks were styled in long, voluminous waves and she posed up a storm on the red carpet. Atop judging talent, she must also bring sartorial sensations to the show. And Nicole Scherzinger certainly didn't disappoint when she arrived at The X Factor auditions at Dublin's Croke Park, GAA stadium on Friday - looking fabulous in the process. The 38-year-old former Pussycat Doll was joined by her fellow judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell as she rocked a super-short mini skirt. Scroll down for video Legs eleven! Nicole Scherzinger certainly didn't disappoint when she arrived at The X Factor auditions in Dublin on Friday - looking fabulous in the process Nicole, who is returning to the show having been a judge in 2012, opted for an out and out sexy look as she rocked a wraparound mini with a slashed thigh. Her skirt featured rocky studs and leather panels along the hems, which tied in perfectly with her chunky gold necklace which sat in a choker shape. Boosting her already statuesque height with the assistance of racy strappy sandals, the Hawaiian beauty looked every inch the superstar. Atop her leggy mini, she also flashed her bra and taut abs through a thin knit top with a mustard coloured cardigan. Chic: The 38-year-old former Pussycat Doll was joined by her fellow judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell as she rocked a super-short mini skirt Flashing her legs: Nicole, who is returning to the show having been a judge in 2012, opted for an out and out sexy look as she rocked a wraparound mini with a slashed thigh Got it going on: Atop her leggy mini, she also flashed her bra and taut abs through a thin knit top with a mustard coloured cardigan Her rival glamour girl was Sharon, who turned out in her usual gothic look, comprising of a longline suit jacket and wide-legged trousers. The flame-haired music manager wore a skin-tight white vest top underneath with a scoop neckline which helped show off her enviable diamond necklace. Her cropped tresses were styled into her trademark spunky crop-top while she shielded her perfectly made-up face with champagne-hued sunglasses. She boosted her height with sky-high pointed stilettos while finishing off the look with a plethora of delicate diamond rings. Flame-haired siren: Her rival glamour girl was Sharon, who turned out in her usual gothic look, comprising of a longline suit jacket and wide-legged trousers Glamorous: The flame-haired music manager wore a skin-tight white vest top underneath with a scoop neckline which helped show off her enviable diamond necklace Heading in: Looking overjoyed to be in his native country, Louis looked dashing in a navy suit with a sky blue shirt underneath Having a laugh: Sticking with his tried and tested look, he styled his silver locks into a small quiff as he strutted along the green carpet before posing with a bevvy of Irish dancers Cracking up: Louis was having a laugh with the line-up of Irish dancers who posed up a storm Having a laugh: Newly joined up colleagues Dermot and Louis had a laugh on the red carpet Having a dance: Alongside the judges was reinstated presenter Dermot O'Leary who looked his usual energetic self as he sported a blue shirt while joining in on the Irish dancing Beaming from ear to ear: Louis could not be happier to take the auditions to his home country Cheerful chappie: Louis seemed in good spirits as he posed for snaps outside the venue Looking overjoyed to be in his native country, Louis looked dashing in a navy suit with a sky blue shirt underneath. Sticking with his tried and tested look, he styled his silver locks into a small quiff as he strutted along the green carpet before posing with a bevvy of Irish dancers. Alongside the judges was reinstated presenter Dermot O'Leary who looked his usual energetic self as he sported a blue shirt while joining in on the Irish dancing. The big cheese: Simon seemed pleased with himself as he arrived at the auditions Checking out the talent: Simon cast his eye over the hopefuls as he left his car Snap happy: The star posed for selfies with fans as he prepared to head inside Last year's judges Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl all opted not to return to the show, making the only remaining figure Simon, prompting a complete reshuffle. With the exception of Nicole - who joined in 2012 - the new panel includes the original judges from the first season in 2004, which was then hosted by Kate Thornton. Louis is the longest-serving member of the panel, who sat on the judging panel for 11 series before a break last year and said he cannot wait to return. Cheeky! One lucky fan managed to plant a kiss on Nicole's cheek as she snapped a selfie Red-dy for action: Sharon's scarlet locks were styled in her signature choppy bob as she posed for snaps All together: Sharon positioned herself for snaps as she headed inside the venue Who's that guy? Dermot got into the spirit of things as he posed with Louis Speaking to the Press Association, Louis quipped: 'He'd say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I'm delighted to be back on the panel, especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I'm looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.' Meanwhile, Sharon - who appeared on the panel between 2004 and 2007 before returning in 2013 - said the thing she is most looking forward to is meeting Cowell's baby son Eric. She said: 'I'm overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can't wait to meet baby Eric.' They wrapped filming the TV movie remake of Dirty Dancing in May. But onscreen sisters Abigail Breslin and Sarah Hyland looked as close as ever as they were spotted leaving a bar in Studio City, California on Thursday evening. The 20-year-old Scream Queens star was spotted puffing on a cigarette as close pal Sarah, 25, hung off to the side, playing on her phone. Out on the town: Abigail Breslin was seen puffing on a cigarette as she and co-star Sarah Hyland hit a bar in Studio City, California on Thursday evening On the carpet: Breslin looks very different when on the red carpet; here she is seen in September Abigail wore a pale blue, asymmetrical tank, sported over top of a fitted, navy blue top for the girls' night. She covered those pieces with a fitted, dark wash, denim jacket, which had been decorated with a series of colorful patches. She teamed those with a pair of patterned, black leggings, as well as chunky, black ankle boots. Mixing it up: The Little Miss Sunshine star sported patterned leggings, a denim jacket covered in colorful patches, and carried a blue suede purse Abigail toted a suede, navy blue purse slung over her shoulder, and had her hands full with her cell phone, a pack of cigarettes, and a pair of bright blue headphones. Her long, blonde tresses were pulled back into a ponytail, and she kept her make-up simple to step out with Sarah. Meanwhile, the Vampire Academy actress - who plays older sister Lisa Houseman in the Dirty Dancing remake - went for an edgy look, with a low-cut, white T-shirt that read: 'Stark Raving Mad.' Edgy: Sarah showed off some attitude in a low-cut, white skull T-shirt, distressed, black jeans, and a pair of chunky, black heels She coupled the eye-catching top with a pair of skintight, black trousers with large holes in the knees, as well as chunky, black heels. Sarah's shoulder-length brunette tresses - which had been dyed for the TV movie - were worn in stylishly tousled curls. She showed off a smoky eye, balancing the bold look with a nude lipstick as she carried a tan purse with star embellishments. That's a wrap! Sarah shared this snap back in May of her celebrating alongside onesie-clad co-stars Trevor Einhorn, Abigail, and Shane Harper as they finished filming Dirty Dancing Abigail stars as Baby Houseman (the role originated by Jennifer Grey) in the upcoming Dirty Dancing reboot, while Colt Prattes plays Johnny Castle (famously played by Patrick Swayze), and Nicole Scherzinger stars as Penny Rivera (played previously by Cynthia Rhodes). There is still a few months to go, but this toddler cannot wait to be a big brother. Blac Chyna shared a video of an adorable moment with her son on Thursday night. The 28-year-old was filming an Instagram video of herself rubbing her belly as her unborn child stirred, when her three-year-old also wanted to help out. Scroll down for video Excited for baby: Blac Chyna shared a video of an adorable moment with her son on Thursday night As his mom stroked her protruding bump, little King, who sounded like he was saying 'I want to play', dashed over and popped down beside her. Carefully the toddler reached out and copied his mom, rubbing her belly and soothing his little sister of brother. It is thought Chyna is due over the Thanksgiving holidays so still she still has five months to go until she and King and her finace Rob Kardashian meet their little one. Just over a month ago, Chyna shared an ultrasound baby of the newest member of the Kardashian family and spoke of her excitement that she was having a sibling for King. The power of touch: The 28-year-old was filming an Instagram video of herself rubbing her belly as her unborn child stirred, when her three-year-old also wanted to help out Joining in: As his mom stroked her protruding bump, little King, who sounded like he was saying 'I want to play', dashed over and popped down beside her She wrote: 'For a long time I felt like King was going to be an only child. That he was my greatest blessing and we were gonna live happily ever after together Just the 2 of us, I was no longer looking for love because I thought I had all that I needed. We needed. 'But look at God ! Here I am Engaged to be married to one of the greatest men I know who loves King & I unconditionally AND having another bundle of joy! 'I just want to say Never give up & ALWAYS have faith because fairytales DO come True.' Big brother ready: Carefully the toddler reached out and copied his mom, rubbing her belly and soothing his little sister of brother It's complicated: King is the model's son with former fiance rapper Tyga, who then started dating Rob's half-sister Kylie Jenner King is Chyna's son with former fiance rapper Tyga, who then started dating Rob's half-sister Kylie Jenner. Kylie and Tyga split recently but have since reunited and at Khloe Kardashian's birthday this week, Chyna, Rob, Tyga and Kylie were all in one place. While love rivals Chyna and Kylie were long at loggerheads, the pair have worked to bury the hatchet now that Chyna is set to be a permanent part of the Kardashian's lives. He looked pretty awesome as Vampire Eric in HBO's True Blood. Now Alexander Skarsgard has shared how he bulked up even more to create a torso a pro-body builder would be proud of for his new film, The Legend Of Tarzan. And it involved eating an astounding 7,000 calories a day to pack on 25lbs of pure muscle, he revealed in an interview with Mr Porter's Journal released on Friday. A mass of rippling muscle: Alexander Skarsgard ate an amazing 7,000 calories a day to build his amazing body for The Legend Of Tarzan To transform his naturally slender, 6ft 4ins frame into a muscle-packed powerhouse the 39-year-old Swede spent three months eating 'an insane' amount of calories - three times his usual intake - and lifting heavy weights. Alexander changed the regime once he arrived in London to start filming, swapping to six smaller meals a day and completely cutting out sugar, gluten, wheat, dairy and alcohol. He also had twice-daily training sessions to sculpt his amazing six-pack, awesome pecs and powerful guns. Abs-solutely awesome: The 6ft 4ins 39-year-old Swedish star packed on 25lbs in pure muscle Bringing in the big guns: Alexander, who appeared shirtless in much of the movie, co-stars with Margot Robbie as Jane Warner Bros., the studio behind the Tarzan reboot, offered him one of its experts to help with the transformation. But Alexander used his friend, Magnus Lygdback, a Swedish trainer and nutritionist he met when he was living in Los Angeles. 'When you have to see the same person every morning at 4:30 a.m., its important you get on well with them,' said the star, who now resides in Manhattan with his Brit model girlfriend, Alexa Chung. Suited up: The star covered up his awesome body in a black two piece, matching tie and crisp white shirt while Margot opted for a black dress with Chinese-inspired patterns at the Tarzan Hollywood premiere on Tuesday As Tarzan, Alexander spends most of the time topless, showing off his magnificent body. But he was dressed in considerably more for the Hollywood premiere on Tuesday, donning a smart black suit and tie as he posed with Margot Robbie, who co-stars as Jane. The Legend Of Tarzan, directed by David Yates, is released on Friday in the U.S. and July 8 in the U.K. She escaped rainy London and headed back to her native Los Angeles last week to film a special for MTV. And Stephanie Pratt looked right at home in the sunshine as she paraded her pins in a pair of teal shorts on Thursday. The 30-year-old reality star enjoyed a shopping trip in Beverly Hills and popped into luxury jeweler XIV Karats. California girl: Stephanie Pratt enjoyed the LA sunshine on Thursday as she indulged in a spot of shopping in Beverly Hills Stephanie teamed the pretty shorts with a summery white tasseled top and some beaded thong sandals. The Made in Chelsea star wore her locks in glamorous curls and looked camera-ready with pink lips and and subtle eyeshadow. Stephanie might have come straight from set as she shared a picture while getting spruced up by her old glam squad. Summer style: Stephanie showed off her lean pins in some teal shorts and a pretty fringed top Enjoying the weather: Stephanie is back home in Los Angeles to film an special MTV The Hills reunion show Taking a mirror selfie beside her hairstylist and makeup artist, the reality star shared it to Instagram and wrote: 'Reunited with my fave LA glam squad!! @giulia206 and @gittemakeup #mtv' The TV star appears to be loving being back home. On Tuesday she shared a picture from inside her walk-in closet at her family home in Malibu as she rummaged around and tried on a diamond tiara. Back on camera: Stephanie got glammed up to start shooting on Thursday 'Getting dressed this morning is turning into dress up' she captioned the photo. Stephanie teased the upcoming The Hills reunion sharing a picture of her with her MTV castmates last week on Instagram. She captioned the image: 'Flying back to my old stomping grounds @mtv in LA this should be fun... #thehills #mtv #staytuned,' The Hills: That Was Then, This Is Now, hosted by Stephanie's former co-star Lauren Conrad, will air August 2. Get ready Hills fans! The reality star shared a snap from on set It's hard to believe he is 67 years old. But music legend Lionel Richie showed off his youthful looks as he attended the 02 Silver Clef Awards in London with girlfriend Lisa Parigi. The singing sensation looked excited to be the guest of honour at the event, where he picked up the main award. Scroll down for video Legend: Lionel Richie showed off his youthful looks as he attended the 02 Silver Clef Awards in London alongside his glamorous girlfriend Lisa Parigi Dressed in a sharp black tailored suit and crisp white shirt, Lionel looked in good spirits despite the dreary London rain as he arrived at the Park Lane venue. Adding a bit of glitz to his ensemble, he sported a gold cross chain and sunglasses. Girlfriend Lisa Parigi coordinated with her beau, also wearing a fitted black suit, flashing a hint of cleavage in a silk corset. Proud: The singing sensation looked excited to be the guest of honour at the event, where he picked up the main award, presented to him by BeeGees star Barry Gibb Beaming: Lionel was thrilled to pick up the prestigious Silver Clef Award, which recognises outstanding contribution to music The Swiss-born model, who is of Caribbean, Swiss and Chinese descent, accessorised with a chunky gold link bracelet, a choker necklace, pink manicured nails and a wide gold band on her ring finger. Tying her hair into a graceful high bun, the blogger and luxury candle founder went for dark smoldering eyes and a nude lip. The raven-haired beauty, who speaks German, French, and English, has been dating the father-of-three for four years. Bromance: Barry gave the American star an excited peck on the cheek as he handed him the top trophy Cheese! TV presenter Gaby Roslin joined the happy twosome, grinning widely as she posed for a selfie on stage with them Soon after his arrival, Lionel pick up the prestigious Silver Clef Award, which recognises outstanding contribution to music. The award was presented to him by Bee Gees star Barry Gibb, who gave the American star an excited peck on the cheek. The duo laughed on stage together as Lionel beamed with pride over his award. Later TV presenter Gaby Roslin joined the happy twosome, grinning widely as she posed for a selfie on stage with them. Lionel is currently on the UK leg of his 2016 world tour. Bethenny Frankel is talking to her estranged mother Bernadette Birk again after a nasty 12 year feud. During her Sirius XM radio show, B Real with Bethenny, this week the Real Housewives Of New York City star said it was her daughter Bryn, aged six, who asked her to call a truce. 'My daughter said, "Mommy, are your parents alive?" I said, "My daddy's not alive and my mommy is alive." She said, "I want to meet your mommy."' Scroll down for video Friends again: Bethenny Frankel revealed during her radio show B Real with Bethenny that she is again talking to her mother Berndatte Birk after a 12 year feud; here she is seen on RHONY This was a shock to the Bravo star who has not been close to her mother since fame hit. Their relationship got nasty after Frankel relayed some of the details of her tough upbringing in one of her books. A war in the media followed with bitter barbs traded on both sides. As recently as March, Bernadette told InTouch Weekly: 'Shes a miserable daughter, and if we never speak again, itll be too soon.' Estranged: Her mother is featured here with Bethenny and her step-father in a picture from People magazine So it's understandable that Bethenny was nervous about calling her mother. 'I thought, "Oh God, I've got to reach out to her,"' said the TV icon But when she did, she got a nice reception, which surprised her. 'I think that sheand maybe my stepfatherhave been hurt because some of the truths of my childhood have been in some of my books as it pertains to how I got here success-wise and how I got here sucking at relationships-wise,' Frankel said. Kid power: The 45-year-old star said it was her daughter Bryn, aged six, who asked her to call a truce; here they are seen in 2015 'So, I said to her, "This is my truth, and I've only told about 10 percent of my truth. And your life is your truth and what got you here. 'And the mistakes that you madeyou had me at 20I'm not angry. I'm just telling you that my daughter has asked for you. She's 6 years old."' She added: 'It was actually not an excruciating conversation.' Awful: In March, Bernadette told InTouch Weekly: 'Shes a miserable daughter, and if we never speak again, itll be too soon'; her mother even said that Bethenny's recent health scare - which is what the star is crying about her on RHONY - was probably overblown Also during her radio interview Bethenny revealed that ex Jason Hoppy has moved out of their NYC pad that she purchased in 2011 for $5m. It is now worth over $7m. And she can't wait to sell the dwelling. During her interview Frankel talked about walking into the apartment for the first time in years. 'I walked in and it just washed over me. I sobbed for hours,' she said. 'It was like this release. And you always think things are going to be one way. I thought it was going to be, like, the biggest party ever. I'd be roller-skating through there with my top off, my tits hanging out, so excitedand there's nothing good about any of it. Bye bye buddy! Frankel also revealed on her radio show that ex Jason Hoppy has moved out of her NYC pad that she bought for $5m in 2011 but is now worth over $7m; here they are seen in 2012 She wants to list it now: The 45-year-old reality diva can't wait to unload the property 'It was all just remembering moving in there. It was a hideous experience, and I just didn't know how to even process the feeling.' Frankel did not say where Hoppy currently resides. They share custody of their daughter Bryn. Frankel bought the apartment under a trust and named herself and Hoppy as its beneficiaries. But during a court hearing in March 2016, a judge ruled the trust was invalid. Frankel said she had to move out of the residence because sharing a home with Jason was 'excruciating.' She now lives in an apartment in SoHo. James Franco flaunted his chiseled chest covered in fake ink during the R-rated trailer for his holiday comedy Why Him?, which dropped Thursday. In the flick, the 38-year-old Oscar nominee swears up a storm as a bro-style, Silicon Valley 'zillionaire' called Laird Mayhew. 'The motherf***ing Flemings are in the house! F*** yeah!' the Guerilla Gang CEO shouts as his girlfriend's family pulls up to his mansion. Scroll down for video Faux tattoos: James Franco flaunted his chiseled chest covered in fake ink during the R-rated trailer for his holiday comedy Why Him?, which dropped Thursday 'So f***ing psyched that you're here for the holidays!' The obnoxious gaming mogul is not exactly what Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) had in mind for his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch), who attends Stanford University. 'Laird has literally no filter but he's a really good guy,' Stephanie reassures her overprotective and disapproving father. Franco's crass character desperately tries to win over her family by tattooing their holiday card on his back and having a mural painted of Ned over his private bowling alley. 'So f***ing psyched that you're here for the holidays!' In the flick, the 38-year-old Oscar nominee swears up a storm as a bro-style, Silicon Valley 'zillionaire' called Laird Mayhew As his girlfriend's family pulls up to his mansion, the Guerilla Gang CEO shouts: 'The motherf***ing Flemings are in the house! F*** yeah!' 'Hi dad!' The obnoxious gaming mogul is not exactly what Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) had in mind for his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch), who attends Stanford University Stephanie reassures her overprotective and disapproving father: 'Laird has literally no filter but he's a really good guy!' 'On Christmas day, I'm going to ask Stephie to marry me and I'd really like your blessing,' Mayhew informs Cranston's character. 'Just give me a couple days to win you over!' Laird's seductive methods also lead to plently of comically awkward moments like talking about sex with Steph, kissing her father's hand, and getting her mother Barb (Megan Mullally) high on marijuana. Why Him? was helmed by John Hamburg (I Love You, Man and Along Came Polly) with Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill producing. The meet-the-parents flick - hitting US theaters December 25 and UK theaters January 6 - also features Keegan-Michael Key, Adam Devine, Andrew Rannells, Casey Wilson, and Griffin Gluck. 'I guess that's on me forever now': Franco's crass character desperately tries to win over her family by tattooing their holiday card on his back and having a mural painted of Ned over his private bowling alley 'I'd really like your blessing': Laird's seductive methods lead to plently of awkward moments like talking about sex with Steph, kissing her father's hand, and getting her mother Barb (Megan Mullally) high on marijuana 'Unwelcome to the family, @JamesFrancoTV': Why Him? was helmed by John Hamburg (I Love You, Man and Along Came Polly) with Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill producing Volkswagen out to fix big diesels in emissions scandal An attorney for Volkswagen on Thursday told a US judge that the carmaker thinks it can fix larger diesel vehicles involved in a costly emissions-cheating scandal. Bringing its VW, Porsche, and Audi vehicles with 3-liter engines in line with air quality promises could spare the automaker from having to buy them back. "The company believes it can fix the 3-liter to the standard to which those cars were originally certified," Volkswagen attorney Robert Giuffra said during a status hearing in San Francisco federal court. US authorities broke the emissions scandal when they exposed how VW had installed software into some of its diesel engines, enabling the vehicles to spew up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides Mark Ralston (AFP/File) "We believe that the fix will not be a complicated fix, and we believe it will be one that will not have an adverse impact on performance." Giuffra told US District Court Judge Charles Breyer that the process will take time due to testing to make sure the fix is lasting. Breyer set a July 26 hearing to discuss potential approval of a multi-billion-dollar settlement regarding 2-liter engine vehicles. "It is the responsibility of the court to determine whether this proposed settlement is fair, whether it's reasonable," Breyer said. In a settlement filed in federal court on Tuesday VW agreed to a record $14.7 billion payout in the United States, pledging to buy back or fix 2-liter engine vehicles that tricked pollution tests, and pay each owner up to $10,000. It announced a separate deal to pay $603 million to settle consumer protection claims from US states. US authorities broke the scandal when they exposed how VW had installed software into some of its diesel engines, enabling the vehicles to spew up to 40 times the permitted amounts of nitrogen oxides. Volkswagen subsequently admitted that it had installed the suspect software into as many as 11 million vehicles worldwide. Elsewhere around the world, VW is facing a number of regulatory probes and lawsuits filed by car owners who feel they have been duped and investors who are seeking compensation for the massive drop in the value of their shares. "Volkswagen as a company is very committed to regain the trust of its customers, its regulators, and the American public, and we want to make things right," Giuffra said during the brief court hearing in San Francisco. Mondelez sets sights on chocolatier Hershey US chocolate candy maker Hershey said it had rejected a $23 billion takeover bid from snack-food giant Mondelez, whose brands include Cadbury chocolate bars and Lu cookies. A combination of the two US companies would surpass Mars as the leader in the global candy sector, according to Euromonitor. It would also jump far ahead of food companies Nestle and Ferrero, now in respective third and fourth places. Hershey reported $7.4 billion in sales in 2015, while Mondelez had $29.6 billion in sales Scott Olson (Getty/AFP/File) The new company would be a heavyweight on foreign markets -- Mondelez International's strength -- and on the American market, thanks to The Hershey Company's mass-market appeal. Founded in 1894 in the Pennsylvania city of the same name, Hershey is a fixture in American supermarkets. Its best-known brands include Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey's Kisses. The Hershey board of directors said it "carefully reviewed" a bid of $107 per share for the company and "determined that it provided no basis for further discussion between Mondelez and the company." A deal with the much-smaller Hershey would enhanced Mondelez's chocolate holdings in the United States, where it is better known for products such as Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers. The Deerfield, Illinois-based Mondelez declined to comment on the acquisition move. Hershey shares soared 16.8 percent to $113.49 on Thursday, pushing the company's market value above $24 billion, well above Mondelez's bid. Mondelez climbed 5.9 percent to $45.51, giving the company a market capitalization of $71 billion. The stock jump for Hershey, which has 80 brands, suggests that investors think Mondelez may come back with a higher bid or that rival offers may emerge. - Nestle in the wings? - Nestle, which had given Hershey a license to produce Kit Kats in the United States, could make an offer, analysts said, but a merger might face regulatory challenges. The Swiss food giant also could terminate its partnership with Hershey, which would reduce the US company's value. Hershey reported $7.4 billion in sales in 2015, while Mondelez had $29.6 billion. However, any acquisition deal would require support from the Hershey Trust, created by company founder Milton Hershey. The trust is chartered by the state of Pennsylvania and holds about 80 percent of the company's common shares. The Hershey Trust has steadfastly opposed a sale of the company in the past, as in 2002 when it torpedoed a $12.5 billion takeover offer from Wrigley, now a unit of Mars. But the context has changed and may now be favorable for Mondelez. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is reportedly investigating allegations of a conflict of interest against current and former trust board members. To reassure local authorities and the guardians of Milton Hershey's legacy, Mondelez would propose to adopt the group's family name, pledge to set up operations in the region and guarantee jobs, according to US news reports. Another huge unknown remains: the reactions of high-profile investor activists Nelson Peltz and William Ackman, both investors in Mondelez who are pushing to see it merge with a large food group. Peltz, via his Trian Fund Management, has long lobbied for a tie-up with the snacks business of PepsiCo, where he also has a holding. But he dropped that effort when he obtained a seat on Mondelez's board. Ackman, who invested in Mondelez betting it would be bought by a big rival, has been eyeing a tie-up with Kraft Heinz, owned by 3G Capital and billionaire investment guru Warren Buffet. Oracle told to pay HP $3 billion in chip dispute A California jury ordered business software giant Oracle to pay Hewlett Packard Enterprise $3 billion for backing off a promise to support data servers powered by Itanium chips. Oracle said it had acted properly in the situation and that it planned to appeal to a higher court. "Two trials have now demonstrated clearly that the Itanium chip was nearing end of life, HP knew it, and was actively hiding that fact from its customers," Oracle general counsel Dorian Daley said in a released statement. Oracle said it planned to appeal after a jury ordered it to pay Hewlett Packard Enterprise $3bn for backing off a promise to support data servers powered by Itanium chips Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP/File) "Five years ago, Oracle made a software development announcement which accurately reflected the future of the Itanium microprocessor." HPE argued that Oracle breached a contract when it decided in 2011 to stop offering products running on HP servers powered by Itanium chips made by Intel. Oracle contended it never believed it had a contract to indefinitely make its software work on Itanium servers, noting that HP and Intel stopped developing the systems years ago. An initial trial four years ago ended with a state court judge ruling that there had been a contract. The jury decision on Thursday in a California state court in Silicon Valley focused on damages in the case. Daley said that Oracle has been making its software available on Itanium servers since that judge's ruling. HPE general counsel John Schultz was quoted in media reports as saying that it was a "clear breach of contract" for Oracle to stop future software development for Itanium servers and that serious damage was done to HP and its customers. HP has since been split off its enterprise division. HPE maintained at trial that Oracle was out to get customers to switch to servers from Sun Microsystems, which Oracle bought in 2010 in a move that added hardware to its software offerings. Sri Lanka's latest status symbol, a baby elephant Expensive and high-maintenance, baby elephants have become the ultimate status symbol for Sri Lanka's wealthy elite -- a trend that has horrified conservationists and prompted a government crackdown. Elephants are venerated in mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka and capturing them is illegal. Yet authorities say more than 40 have been stolen from national parks over the last decade and are being kept as pets. Elephants perform a routine at the zoo in Dehiwala near Colombo, Sri Lanka, where an illegal trade in baby elephants is being fed by a wealthy elite wanting to keep them as a status symbol Lakruwan Wanniarachchi (AFP) "The new rich wannabes want an elephant at home for prestige," said Asian elephant expert Jayantha Jayewardene, recalling an old Sri Lankan aristocratic tradition of keeping herds of the wild beasts. "This is for social climbing." Earlier this year, the gift of a baby elephant to the visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key sparked anger from animal rights activists who said it was cruel to separate her from her family, and the incident has not been repeated. Worse, Jayewardene says elephants are almost certainly dying to fuel the illegal trade. "The maternal instinct in elephants is very, very strong," he said. "Poachers can't get at a baby without the mother putting up a fight, and it usually ends with the death of the mother." Guns are used to scare off the mothers, and sometimes to kill them, Jayewardene told AFP. Elephant calves have also been known to be killed by the tranquiliser drugs used to make them more docile for capture. Pubudu Weerarathna, the head of the Species Conservation Centre wildlife group, has been involved in a number of rescues and remembers one young elephant succumbing to an overdose of tranquilisers. Another story had a happier ending -- in 2014 he confronted a group of men transporting a baby elephant on the back of a tractor trailer near a wildlife park. The calf had been sedated, but it made a good recovery. Intentionally killing an elephant is considered such a serious crime in Sri Lanka it is punishable by death -- though no one has been prosecuted in decades. Two years ago a group of activists reported catching rustlers red-handed with a baby elephant, but no action was ever taken. In 2013, wildlife activists raised suspicions of a cover-up by some in the administration of former leader Mahinda Rajapakse after a registry of domesticated elephants disappeared. The document later re-appeared with enteries doctored -- the case is being investigated by police. - Temple tradition - Rustlers are prepared to take such risks because of the huge sums involved -- the Species Conservation Centre says baby elephants sell for as much as $125,000. Some of the country's most powerful have been implicated. Last month, judge Thilina Gamage was arrested following intense pressure from wildlife activists, who accused him of illegally keeping a baby elephant as a pet. He is now on bail awaiting trial, and has been suspended by the Judicial Service Commission. That followed the arrest in March of Buddhist monk Uduwe Dhammaloka for keeping a two-year-old elephant at his temple in Colombo, though he says he was unaware he was acting illegally. "I did not capture the elephant, it was left at my temple," he told the court during a preliminary hearing. "I treated it like any cat or dog people leave at temples when they can't afford to feed those pets." Now out on bail, Dhammaloka faces charges of stealing state property, which carries a possible jail sentence of three years. Wildlife minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera has told parliament he is determined stop the illegal trade. The government has stopped the tradition of gifting animals from its elephant orphanage in Pinnawala to Buddhist temples after activists raised concerns. But it faces pressure from the country's top Buddhist temple, which says the crackdown on keeping the animals has created a shortage of tame elephants for its annual religious pageant. The chief custodian of the Temple of the Tooth Nilanga Dela told AFP that at least 80 elephants were required for the event in the historic city of Kandy, in which relics said to be from the Buddha are paraded on the animals' backs. "We are facing a crisis situation," said Dela, who put the number of domesticated elephants at fewer than 125 -- though wildlife officials say the number is closer to 200. "We may not get the elephants we need." Elephants are considered sacred and are protected by law in Sri Lanka, but a Buddhist monk and a judge are among dozens under investigation for poaching baby jumbos, often after killing their mothers Lakruwan Wanniarachchi (AFP) Sri Lankan authorities say more than 40 baby elephants, often the mother is killed in the process, have been stolen from national parks over the past decade and are being kept as pets Lakruwan Wanniarachchi (AFP) Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee speaks against animal cruelty Nobel prize winning author J.M. Coetzee denounced animal cruelty in a rare public reading, calling for humans to treat them with "justice". The 76-year-old novelist read an unpublished piece on the subject to a packed hall in Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum, where he was invited to speak by an animal rights group. "I am not an animal lover," he read to the crowd. Nobel prize winning author J.M. Coetzee denounced animal cruelty in a rare public reading, calling for humans to treat them with "justice" Henrik Montgomery (SCANPIX SWEDEN/AFP/File) "Animals don't need my love... I don't care about love. I care about justice." South African Coetzee is a vegetarian and has been promoting animal rights for decades. The winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature has written about the subject in the past, including a novella called "The Lives of Animals". The text he read was framed as a discussion between an Australian author and her son, in which she says: "People tolerate the slaughter of animals only because they see none of it." Humans think they "are much more important than animals" and "deny animal consciousness," Coetzee read, saying it was up to people to "cultivate" their sympathy. Syrian refugees tell of pain, hope in travelling theatre play Crouched atop a blue minivan at a refugee camp near Lebanon's eastern border, the Syrians act out tales of pain and hope with which their audience is all too familiar. Gesticulating wildly and engaging with fellow refugees from the makeshift stage, the young actors perform in "The Caravan," a collection of stories about the challenges of daily life as a Syrian in Lebanon. One of them makes a revving noise while another pretends to sit on an invisible motorbike, as the narrator tells the story of a checkpoint at which only Syrian riders are stopped. Gesticulating wildly and engaging with fellow refugees at a camp near Lebanon's eastern border, the young actors perform in "The Caravan," a collection of stories about the challenges of daily life as a Syrian in Lebanon Joseph Eid (AFP) "When the Lebanese had their civil war (1975-1990), we hosted them with hospitality. Why are they acting this way with us? We are the same people," says Ahmad, 20, the Syrian director of the play. The young actors will use the van to take their show on tour to refugee camps in Lebanese cities and towns, and across its countryside. More than one million Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon from the devastating conflict in their homeland that has killed more than 280,000 people. But once in Lebanon, they face a whole new set of challenges including finding adequate shelter, paying for residency papers, and feeling discriminated against by people in general. Many Lebanese hold deeply rooted prejudices towards Syrians, some as a legacy of the Syrian army's nearly 30-year presence in the country, and others out of fear they will take lower-income jobs and put people out of work. In another scene from "The Caravan," a distressed female narrator calls several Lebanese hospitals to find an incubator for her ailing newborn daughter. But doctors and nurses pass her from one person to the next as she becomes increasingly desperate. "This story really touched me because the woman was not able to hospitalise her daughter, who then died," Ahmad says. - 'It's about us' - The final production is made up of eight plays chosen from nearly 300 that refugees came up with through storytelling workshops in Lebanon, says its artistic director Sabine Choucair. The 34-year-old Lebanese woman hatched the idea for "The Caravan" as a way for Syrians to engage in group therapy. "We talk a lot about the number of refugees, but rarely about the human side," she says. Choucair says the objective is to promote coexistence between Syrians and Lebanese, "but also with Iraqis, Palestinians, and other Syrians because these stories are about them, too." The project was sponsored by Beirut DC, an association that promotes Arab cinema, and was funded to the tune of 113,000 euros ($125,000) by the European Union and the UN children's agency UNICEF. In the camp near Bar Elias, one of the areas that hosts the most refugees in Lebanon, small children crowd around Choucair to ask when the next performance is. The van that serves as the stage is decorated with orange, green, and red pieces of fabric, bits of wood, and plastic bottles. A crowd of about 100 people, mostly women and children, sit cross-legged on the ground under the summer sun. "Every day, I see Syria in my dreams. I'm with my neighbours at the market in Homs, once the war is over," says Fatima, a mother of two toddlers. "I love this play because it's about us. It gives our children an idea of what we're suffering." Ahmad's mother says she discouraged him from taking part in the theatre production at first. "At the beginning, I would tell my son that it was ridiculous to be in a play. But now I realise that it's good that he can tell these kinds of stories," says Hasna, 48. She sits next to three of her friends, all dressed in black, and wipes away tears welling up in her eyes. "We lost everything: children, brothers, sisters. My son has three children, and I haven't heard anything about him since 2013," she says, her voice cracking. At the end of the play, a microphone is passed around the audience. "We have to succeed in living together. We love the Lebanese and we would like them to love us too," one woman declares as her fellow spectators clap. The young Syrian actors of "The Caravan" use a van to take their show on tour to refugee camps in Lebanese cities and towns, and across its countryside Joseph Eid (AFP) Artistic director Sabine Choucair (R) hatched the idea for "The Caravan" as a way for Syrians to engage in group therapy Joseph Eid (AFP) BHP, Vale setback as Brazil mining lawsuit reinstated Mining giant BHP Billiton Friday vowed to appeal a Brazilian court's decision to reinstate a 20 billion reals (US$6.2 billion) civil claim for clean-up costs and damages over the deadly Samarco dam disaster. The claim had been superseded by a government settlement reached with the owners of the Samarco iron ore mine -- Anglo-Australian firm BHP and Brazil's Vale -- in March after the dam collapse near Mariana in November killed 19 people and wreaked environmental havoc. The government settlement -- 20 billion reals for damages and 4.4 billion reals for compensation -- was formally approved by a Brazilian court in May. A waste dam at the Samarco iron ore mine burst in November 2015 unleashing a deluge of thick, red toxic mud that smothered a village killing at least 19 people Christophe Simon (AFP/File) But the decision was appealed by Brazilian prosecutors, who claimed not enough care was taken in assessing the true costs of the disaster, and on Thursday another court suspended the ruling and reinstated the civil claim, BHP said. "BHP Billiton Brasil intends to appeal the decision of the Superior Court of Justice," BHP said in a statement. "In the meantime, Samarco will continue to support the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the dam failure." The new decision could potentially leave BHP and Vale open to other lawsuits, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Shares in BHP rose 3.27 percent to Aus$19.26 in mid-day trade in Sydney. The world's largest miner has said it was making "substantial progress" to help communities devastated by the accident, described as one of the biggest environmental disasters in Brazil's history. Polls point to Australian election cliffhanger Australia's leaders made last-gasp pitches Friday to woo voters on the eve of elections as polls pointed to a cliffhanger and the media swung behind "reformer" Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Liberal Turnbull and Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten both campaigned in Sydney on their final day on the hustings as a poll in The Sydney Morning Herald showed them locked in a dead heat on a two-party basis. But the survey of 1,377 people also said that when all candidates were included, 27 percent planned to vote for the Greens or other minor parties and independents, raising the prospect of a hung parliament where no side commands a majority in the 150-seat lower house. Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks at a campaign event in Sydney on July 1, 2016, as Australia's leaders make last-gasp pitches to wow voters William West (AFP) Turnbull, who has capitalised on the instability sparked by Britain's decision to exit the European Union, said the uncertainty of a hung parliament would be a disaster as he appealed for voters not to go down that road. "We have seen that film before. It's not a pretty one," he said, referring to the 2010 elections where a similar scenario occurred after Julia Gillard failed to win majority rule. "Right now, Australia needs strong majority government, a clear national economic plan. That's the economic leadership only the coalition can deliver." He added that the alternative was "chaos, uncertainty, dysfunction, higher deficits, higher debt, higher taxes, less investment, less jobs". "That's what Labor and the Greens and independents are offering," he said. Economic management has been a key election battleground with last week's shock decision by Britain stoking anxiety about pressures facing Australia's economy. Ex-union chief Shorten has campaigned on improving health and education while pledging more renewable energy and a fairer tax system, and remained upbeat that Labor could cause an upset. "I am talking to millions of Australians who want to see Labor lunge with every inch of energy towards the finishing line," he said. "I say to these people, we do not give up and we are confident and we believe there's a good chance we can win the election." - Money on Turnbull - Another poll in Sydney's Daily Telegraph has Turnbull's conservatives 51-49 percent in front on a two-party basis, as the country's major newspapers also rallied behind the ruling party, with News Corp Australia and Fairfax Media mastheads citing the need for stability. Rupert Murdoch's The Australian said Turnbull offered "a path to national economic success", a stance backed by its tabloid stablemate The Daily Telegraph. "The prime minister has demonstrated he knows the importance of a firm rein on public spending and offering a leg up for private sector growth," The Australian said in an editorial about the former banker. "Mr Turnbull may be just the leader to urge the nation back on the path of meaningful reform." The Fairfax-owned Sydney Morning Herald also endorsed Turnbull on its front-page. "Given the choice between a coalition led by the socially progressive economic reformer Mr Turnbull, and a Shorten-led Labor party backed by reform-resistant unions, we support the election of a Turnbull government," it said. One punter is so confident Turnbull will get back in that they staked Aus$250,000 (US$186,000) on it Friday, according to Luxbet, which said it was its biggest ever political bet. "The good news for this punter is that all the money is coming in for the (Liberal-National) coalition, so they aren't the only one who thinks Malcolm Turnbull is a safe bet," said Luxbet's Shaun Anderson. Voting is mandatory in Australia and by mid-week some 2.2 million of the 15.6 million enrolled voters had already cast their ballots at pre-polling stations and via postal votes, the electoral commission said. Australia vote Gal ROMA (AFP) Huge Japan pension fund sees worst loss since financial crisis Japan's mammoth public pension fund has suffered its biggest annual loss since the global financial crisis, an official said Friday, risking criticism of its move to a stocks-focused strategy. The news comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fends off accusations that his administration tried to delay the official release of the fund's results until after parliamentary elections next week. An official at the health ministry, which oversees the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's biggest, confirmed it is on track to report a whopping 5.0 trillion yen ($49 billion) shortfall for the fiscal year that ended in March. Norihiro Takahashi, the boss of Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund, the world's biggest, says he will stay the course on a stocks-focused investment strategy despite financial chaos sparked by Brexit, believing prices will soon settle Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP) The official, who asked not to be named, said the figure was mentioned at a closed-door meeting on Thursday. "But we can't comment officially until after the GPIF announces its performance on July 29," the official said. In previous years, the fund's results have been released in early July rather than later in the month. The fund's previous loss record was an eye-watering 9.3 trillion yen in the year that ended in March 2009, as world financial markets plunged after Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy in September 2008. The latest loss is partly tied to a tumble in equity markets last summer sparked by fears over China's economy and its shock yuan devaluation. Japan's $1.37 trillion pension fund, which towers over its nearest competitor, Norway's pension plan, has nearly doubled the amount of equities in its bond-heavy portfolio to generate higher returns. The move is aimed at financing the needs of Japan's soaring number of retirees who depend on payouts from the fund. In 2014, the GPIF announced it would start a move to double its stock holdings from 24 percent to 50 percent. The conservative fund had long kept the majority of its cash in super-safe and super-low return Japanese government bonds, generating anaemic returns. In an interview with AFP this week, its chief Norihiro Takahashi acknowledged that the shock of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and a subsequent jump in the yen -- bad news for exporters -- would hit its performance. But he said he will stay the course on the stocks-focused investment strategy, believing prices will soon settle. The decision to release the figures at the end of this month has sparked claims by the opposition Democratic Party that the government is trying to hide the huge loss. Abe has repeatedly disputed those claims, and the fund itself also rejected the accusations, saying instead that it needed to finish a once-in-a-decade review of its portfolio before publishing the numbers. Japan's parliamentary elections are seen as a referendum on Abe's faltering plan to boost Japan's economy, although his premiership will not likely be contested. Bomb shrapnel kills woman, wounds 3 children in Bahrain A woman was killed and three children wounded when their car was hit by shrapnel from a bomb in a restive Shiite-majority district outside the Bahraini capital Manama, police said Friday. The Thursday evening blast struck in the village of East Akar, one of a string of suburbs of the capital that have seen persistent unrest since the Gulf state's Sunni minority rulers crushed Shiite-led protests for a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister in 2011. Most of the disturbances have involved demonstrators throwing petrol bombs at police, who have deployed heavily in Shiite areas as authorities have carried out an intensifying crackdown on the majority community's leaders. There has been persistent unrest in suburbs around the Bahrain capital Manama since Sunni minority rulers crushed Shiite-led protests for a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister in 2011 Mohammed Al-Shaikh (AFP/File) A police statement carried by the official BNA news agency gave no other details of the Thursday explosion. A court's decision last this month to strip the kingdom's Shiite spiritual leader, Sheikh Isa Qassim, of his citizenship sparked protests in his home village outside Manama. The authorities' crackdown has drawn criticism from key ally Washington, which has called repeatedly for reform and reconciliation with the Shiite-led opposition. China's president talks tough ahead of tribunal ruling China will never compromise on sovereignty, President Xi Jinping said Friday ahead of an international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims, as he celebrated the Communist Party's 95th anniversary. The ruling party must maintain absolute power in the country, strengthen its military and establish a greater role in world leadership, Xi told serried ranks of top officials in Beijings Great Hall of the People, to rapturous applause. "No foreign country... should expect us to swallow the bitter pill of harm to our national sovereignty, security or development interests," Xi said, adding: "We are not afraid of trouble. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the Celebration Ceremony of the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2016 Wang Zhao (AFP) His remarks come as regional tensions rise over Beijing's claims to nearly all of the South China Sea, with the US sending naval patrols close to artificial islands Beijing has built in the disputed waters. Xi took an apparent stab at the US, saying: "We will not show up at other people's front doors to flex our muscles. That does not show strength or scare anyone." An international tribunal in The Hague will rule on July 12 in a case brought by the Philippines challenging China's claims in the strategic waterway. Beijing insists that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has no jurisdiction over the issue and has boycotted the proceedings. Since assuming the party's top post in 2012, Xi has rapidly consolidated power while overseeing a more assertive foreign policy and a tighter authoritarian stance at home. - Chinese wisdom - In his speech, Xi heaped praise on the ruling party and vowed to maintain the country's centralised Communist-led political system. "All party comrades must remember what we are constructing is socialism with Chinese characteristics, and not any other ideology," he said. The Communist party, which had some 88.7 million members at the end of last year, must maintain "absolute leadership," he said. Xi has won popularity with a much-publicised anti-corruption campaign that has claimed the scalps of several former top-ranked officials. "The biggest threat to our ruling party is corruption," he said, calling for a "complete purification of the party's political environment". He credited the Communist party with expelling "imperialism" from Chinese soil, and stressed the country's economic growth in recent decades. He stressed the need for "Mao Zedong thought" but did not refer to the tens of millions killed in famines and political campaigns under the founder of the People's Republic founder. The speech contained more than 20 references to "Marxism" and ended with a rendition of the left-wing anthem "The Internationale" by a brass band. He also issued a warning to Taiwan's newly elected Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ying-wen -- saying: "we will resolutely oppose all Taiwanese separatist forces". Shortly before the ceremony began, a Taiwanese warship mistakenly launched a supersonic "aircraft carrier killer" missile towards the mainland, which landed in the Taiwan Strait, Taipei's navy said. Xi vowed to "build, in line with our global status and in accordance with national interests, a strong army and consolidate national defence". He also said that China would take an active role in what he called "global governance", suggesting it was seeking a weightier role in international affairs. "China will actively participate in building a global governance system, and will contribute Chinese wisdom to perfecting such a system," Xi added. Disputed claims in the South China Sea Adrian LEUNG, Gal ROMA (AFP) Taiwan accidentally fires missile towards China, hitting trawler A Taiwanese warship mistakenly launched a supersonic "aircraft carrier killer" missile towards China on Friday, hitting a fishing boat and killing one person, the navy said, as ties between the island and its once bitter rival deteriorate. The Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) missile flew about 75 kilometres (45 miles) before hitting the trawler in waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese-administered island group in the Taiwan Strait. The skipper on the Taiwanese 60-tonne trawler was killed and three other crew on board, including a Vietnamese and a Filipino, were injured. Taiwan unveiled its Hsiung-feng III (Brave Wind) anti-ship missile in 2007 Sam Yeh (AFP/File) "An initial investigation showed that the incident has caused the death of the skipper," Taiwan's defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told reporters. "We apologise to the family of the skipper and would like to convey our condolences to them." The missile was fired during a drill at around 8:10 am (0010 GMT) from a 500-tonne missile ship docked at a naval base in the southern city of Tsoying and flew in the direction of China. The navy said the missile, which has a range of 300 kilometres, went through the trawler, but did not explode, nor did it sink the fishing vessel. Television images showed the upper part of the cabin, where the capitan was when the boat was hit, scorched and destroyed. The navy said that the staff sergeant who launched the missile had accidentally chosen "war mode" and "missile loading mode" during the practice drill. "Our initial investigation found that the operation was not done in accordance with normal procedure," Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu told reporters, adding that a further investigation was under way. Helicopters and navy ships were sent to search for the missile, Mei said, adding that the military had reported the mistake to the island's top security body, the National Security Conference. The accident has prompted angry calls from members of parliament for the defence minister to resign. - Communications frozen - Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles China policy, said it had notified Beijing of the incident through a quasi-official body. Official communications between the council and its Chinese counterpart have effectively been frozen by Beijing over Taiwan's new government refusing to recognise the "one China" concept, agreed by Beijing and Taiwan's then-ruling Nationalists in 1992. "At a time when the mainland repeatedly stressed it wants to sustain peaceful development of the cross-strait ties on the political foundation of '92 consensus', I felt the influence from the event could be very severe," said the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing Zhang Zhijun. "Taiwan needs to come up with a responsible explanation as to what exactly happened," he added. Analysts said Friday's incident drew attention to how damaging the freeze in communications could prove. "This event highlights the importance of communications between the two sides... in order to reduce the possibility of any misjudgement," Professor Alexander Huang from Tamkang University told AFP. "Otherwise, should we wait until a big event happens?" Ties between Taipei and Beijing have deteriorated noticeably since President Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected in January. Beijing is deeply mistrustful of Tsai, whose DPP replaced the China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) party in government, and has warned her against any attempt at a breakaway. China still insists that self-ruling Taiwan is part of its territory -- even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war -- and has not ruled out using force to bring about reunification. According to Taiwan's defence ministry, there are 1,500 Chinese missiles aimed at the island. China launched some of the missiles into waters off Taiwan in 1995 and 1996 in an attempt to deter voters in the island's first democratic presidential elections. Palestinian tries to stab Israeli in West Bank, shot dead: police A Palestinian woman attempted to stab an Israeli guard at a flashpoint West Bank shrine on Friday and was shot dead, Israeli police said, the third violent incident in two days. They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that a young Palestinian woman who arrived at a security checkpoint at an entrance to the shrine, revered by both faiths, aroused the suspicions of border police. Israel has tightened security in Hebron as the West Bank city has seen a spate of deadly attacks that have rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since October 2015 Hazem Bader (AFP/File) "Officers took the suspect into a side room to carry out a thorough check," she said. "Suddenly she drew a knife and tried to stab the policewoman who was searching her." "Another officer who was there saw what was happening He responded with fast and precise fire at the terrorist until she was neutralised," she added. Palestinian security officials named the dead woman as Sarah Tarayra, 27, a relative of Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, who on Thursday fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Mohammed, like Sarah from the nearby Palestinian village of Bani Naim, was shot dead by settlement security guards. Friday's incident was the third in Israel and the Palestinian territories in two days and came as Muslims neared the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. On Thursday evening, in the Israeli seaside town of Netanya, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. Hebron has been prominent in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. Kiryat Arba lies on the outskirts of the city and has a population of more than 7,000. On Thursday evening, hundreds of settlers there buried 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel, in accordance with Jewish custom which requires speedy interment. The victim's family said she was attacked in her sleep that morning, and the military released a photograph of her blood-spattered bedroom. "To see Hallel's room, to see the bloodstains next to her bed and the books and clothes of a little girl, is shocking," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a condolence visit to the family home on Friday. "It reminds us again who and what we are up against," his office quoted him as saying. The violence since October has killed at least 213 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. - Police reinforcements in Jerusalem - In Jerusalem, Israeli police said they had deployed thousands of officers "in and around the Old City" in preparation for the fourth and final Friday prayers of Ramadan. "Thousands of (Muslims) are expected to make their way to the Old City for prayers," a police statement said in English. "Police and border police will be patrolling the different areas to prevent -- and respond to if necessary -- any incidents." In an effort to cap rising tensions, Israeli authorities announced on Tuesday that they were closing Jerusalem's hypersensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound to non-Muslim visitors after a series of clashes between worshippers and police. The decision will apply until the end of Ramadan next week, a police spokeswoman told AFP. Clashes between Muslims and police broke out on Sunday over Jewish visits to the compound, with youths throwing stones and security forces firing tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Islamic officials accused Israel of breaking a tacit ban on non-Muslim access to the site during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The period, which began on Sunday, is the most solemn for Muslims and attracts the highest number of worshippers. Non-Muslims, including Jews, are allowed to visit the site during set hours but are barred from praying to avoid provoking tensions. Revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, the mosque compound is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Tourists walk past Israeli flags hanging from the walls of the shared religious site -- known to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs and to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque -- in the divided West Bank city of Hebron, in May 2016 Hazem Bader (AFP/File) Promised work, Myanmar women instead forced to marry in China Enticed by work in China, hundreds of poor young Myanmar women are instead being forced into marriage, and left to scramble to get back across remote borders before they are compelled into life with husbands they have never met. In April Kyi Pyar Soe, 22, vanished from her community of squatters, who live in tents and flimsy bamboo lean-tos an hour outside of Yangon, the largest city in impoverished Myanmar. "She didn't say anything. She left after she argued with her younger sister. Her mother told her off and she left," her father Mya Soe told AFP from the family's shelter in Hlaing Thar Yar township. Mar Tuu holds a photograph of her sister Kyi Pyar Soe who was promised work in China, but when she arrived she was held against her will and then sold by traffickers to a Chinese man she was expected to marry Ye Aung Thu (AFP) He could not have known that his daughter was on her way to China, enticed along with another woman by job offers as maids paying $210 a month -- several times more than what they could make at home. Gifted a free journey by brokers to the shady Myanmar border town of Muse, in eastern Shan State, the pair were able to cross legally. But once on Chinese soil, the deal swiftly unravelled. "They were taken to a Chinese woman's house and the woman brought some Chinese men to have a look at them," a police officer, from Kyi Par Soe's township told AFP, requesting anonymity. "She told them that they have to marry a Chinese man." Demand for Myanmar brides is high in China, where a one-child policy has led to a massive gender imbalance. Myanmar has drawn international praise in recent years for democratic reforms that have loosened the military's repressive grip and paved the way for the human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi to lead an elected government. But the fledgling democracy faced a diplomatic setback Thursday when the United States branded it one of the world's worst centres for human trafficking. The government has failed to meet the minimum standards for combating people smuggling, the US State Department ruled in an annual trafficking report that downgraded the country to the lowest "Tier 3". "Burmese women are transported to China and subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude through forced marriages to Chinese men," the report said, adding there is reason to believe that government officials "are occasionally complicit in this form of trafficking". - Thousands trafficked - More than 3,000 people were trafficked to China between 2006 and 2016, according to official figures. "Two thousand of them are women... four hundred are children who are under 18-years-old," said Police Major Ye Win Aung, of the Yangon-based Anti-Trafficking Task Force. "They were offered job opportunities in China but instead they were sold to be wives of Chinese men when they arrive on the other side," he added, saying some 800 cases have been recorded so far. Non-governmental organisations say the real figure is likely to be much larger, especially once northernmost Kachin State is included where poverty and war drive thousands across the border. Neighbouring Thailand is also an immediate draw for millions of Myanmar people seeking work on its construction sites, in restaurants and factories. But migrants are prone to exploitation there too, especially if they lack work permits. In the end, Kyi Pyar Soe and the other woman were lucky. The pair met an old Myanmar woman in the Chinese town who helped them back across the border before they could be married off to the strangers. They are now in a government-run woman's refuge in Yangon where they are receiving job training -- vital to prevent Kyi Par Soe, who never went to school, from repeating her journey. United States has branded Myanmar one of the world's worst centres for human trafficking, with many young women being sold to Chinese men looking for brides Ye Aung Thu (AFP) Hajj pilgrims to get e-bracelets for safety: media Muslim pilgrims joining this year's hajj in Saudi Arabia will have to wear an electronic safety bracelet, newspapers reported Friday, after more than 2,000 died in a stampede last year. The high-tech safety measure will help authorities provide care "and identify people", the Arab News and Saudi Gazette reported. At least 2,297 pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24 during last year's hajj, according to data from foreign officials, some of whom expressed concerns about difficulty in identifying the victims. At least 2,297 hajj pilgrims died during the stampede on September 24, according to foreign officials Saudi Arabia issued a death toll of 769. It was the worst disaster in hajj history. The bracelets are water resistant, connected to a GPS location system, and store each pilgrim's personal information including address and medical records, the newspapers said. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the interior minister who also chairs the hajj committee, ordered a probe immediately after the stampede disaster last year but there has been no word on its findings. The tragedy happened as pilgrims made their way in searing temperatures to the Jamarat, the place where they ritually stone the devil in the city of Mina in western Saudi Arabia. The hajj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia every year. Indian air force adds home-grown fighter jets to fleet India's air force added its first domestically developed light fighter aircraft to its fleet on Friday, as it phases out ageing Russian jets dubbed "Flying Coffins". The bellow of conch shells and crack of breaking coconuts -- auspicious Hindu rituals -- sounded as the two Tejas jets were handed over to the Indian Air Force in the southern city of Bangalore. The combat aircraft are part of New Delhi's multi-billion dollar upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, in part to counter rivals Pakistan and China. The IAF is the first defence force to allow women to serve on the front line in India The two aircraft will be part of a squadron named Flying Daggers 45 and can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar hailed the new jets as a source of national pride for the country's military, saying in a Twitter post they would "take our air strength to new heights". The Indian air force has said it plans to add 14 Tejas aircraft in the next two years as it seeks to replace the old Russian MiG-21s, nicknamed "Flying Coffins" because of their poor safety record. The Tejas jets, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics over three decades, have been touted as the smallest and lightest supersonic fighter aircraft of their class. The aircraft are designed and manufactured in India, although some components are imported. India is also in the final stages of a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a hardline Hindu nationalist, has vowed to end India's status as the world's number one defence importer by instead manufacturing defence equipment locally. Bingeing Kim Jong-Un piling on the pounds: Seoul spies North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has piled on around 40 kilograms (90 pounds) since he took power four years ago, bingeing on food and drink, South Korea's spy agency said Friday. The young leader is also suffering from insomnia and is paranoid about his personal safety, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to a parliamentary committee behind closed doors. When he took over after the 2011 death of his father, Kim's weight was believed to be 90 kilograms. Kim Jong-Un took power in North Korea following the 2011 death of his father KCNA (KCNA/AFP/File) He bulked up to 120 kilos in 2014 and then 130 kilos this year, a ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker Lee Cheol-Woo told journalists after the NIS briefing for lawmakers. "(According to NIS), he is suffering from insomnia", Lee added. "He keeps a close tab on any potential threats to his power, including the military, and he is obsessed with ensuring his personal safety". "Because of his habitual binge eating and drinking, he is likely to develop adult diseases", Lee said, citing the NIS report. On top of being overweight, he is often seen with a cigarette in his hand as he inspects plants, construction sites and farms. Kim's father Kim Jong-Il and grandfather Kim Il-Sung were also obese and heavy smokers. Both died of heart attacks. The NIS also confirmed Kim's once-powerful aunt Kim Kyong-Hui is still alive despite her prolonged absence from public view following the execution of her husband, Jang Song-Taek. "She fell into alcoholism after the execution of her husband but she is now under special care in Pyongyang's suburbs", Lee said. Jang, once number two in the North, was executed in late 2013 on an array of charges, including treason and corruption. Iran anti-Israel protests highlight regional conflicts Tens of thousands joined the annual pro-Palestinian rally in Tehran on Friday, where the usual threats against Israel combined with newer concerns about a region mired in bitter disputes and war. Israel and its perceived supporters in the United States and Britain were still the main bogeymen of the Quds (Jerusalem) Day protests, which saw huge crowds rally across Iranian towns and in allied countries. "In Lebanon alone over 100,000 missiles are ready at all times to fly... at the heart of the Zionist regime," said General Hossein Salami, deputy chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards in a speech before Friday prayers at Tehran University. Iranian protestors set US and Israeli flags afire during a parade marking al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day in Tehran on July 1, 2016 Atta Kenare (AFP) "Tens of thousands of other missiles... have been planted across the Islamic world and are awaiting orders so that with the push of a button a sinister and dark dot on the political geography of the world disappears forever," he added. Iran refuses to recognise Israel and support for the Palestinian cause has been a central issue for the Islamic republic since it took power in 1979. Many at the protest in Tehran -- from young children to elderly ladies -- sported red bandanas with "I love fighting Israel" written on them, while others burned a replica of the Statue of Liberty with a Star of David on its head. But for many of the thousands converging on Tehran University in sweltering 42-degree heat, the focus was also on Iran's deepening rivalry with Saudi Arabia and its battles against jihadists such as the Islamic State (IS) group. Sajad Saber, a 24-year-old student, said it was the first time he had attended the rally in Tehran -- triggered by the death of a friend who had gone to fight in Syria. "(He) was my buddy and lived in our neighbourhood. He was killed by Daesh recently in Aleppo," said Saber, using the Arabic name for IS. Iran is fighting IS and other jihadist groups in Syria as part of its support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad. President Hassan Rouhani, attending the rally, said regional conflicts were making it increasingly difficult to address the Palestinian issue. - 'Dogs of America' - "Today, due to the divisions in the Islamic world, the presence of takfiris (Sunni extremists) and terrorists in the region... we are far away from the ideal of liberating Palestine," he told state TV, calling for greater unity between Muslims. Many in Iran see these divisions as part of a deliberate conspiracy. "Daesh is the creation of Israel. They want Muslims to fight each other and Palestine to be forgotten," said Ali Kotobi, a 63-year-old Iranian born in Iraq, who said his cousins were currently fighting IS across the border. One elderly man at Friday's rally led a group in shouting "Damned House of Saud, dogs of America!" in reference to the leaders of Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. Another group carried a fake coffin featuring Saudi Arabia's leaders and slogans against Daesh Sunni extremists. Tensions between the two powers have plummeted over their support for opposing sides in wars in Yemen and Syria. They have been further soured by the failure to agree on terms for Iranian pilgrims to visit Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj in September. Quds Day was inaugurated by the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and has become a popular way for the Iranian government to rally the faithful. "We ousted the Shah with these slogans," said Mostafa Mokhtari, a 43-year-old electrical engineer, referring to the Islamic revolution of 1979 that ended the rule of the US-backed Shah. "If all the Muslims of the world keep saying this, we can destroy the Zionist regime." Israel and its perceived supporters in the United States and Britain were still the main bogeymen of the Quds (Jerusalem) Day protests, which saw huge crowds rally across Iranian towns and in allied countries Atta Kenare (AFP) Top Chinese art collector to hand over museum, sell works One of the world's leading collectors of Chinese art, Belgian billionaire Guy Ullens, is to give up his eponymous Beijing museum -- among the capital's top art centres -- and sell his private collection, the organisation said. Ullens, a baron, is a foodstuffs magnate and longstanding Chinese art collector whose companies have included Weight Watchers. His father and uncle were both diplomats at Belgium's embassy in the country, and he is a friend of dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. Guy Ullens and his wife Myriam pose in front of an artwork created by a Chinese artist for the "Birth of Chinese Contemporary Art" exhibition at the famous "798" art district in Beijing on January 30, 2008 Teh Eng Koon (AFP/File) His non-profit Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA), a mainstay of Beijing's trendy 798 art district, exhibits both Chinese and international artists and has had more than four million visitors since it was founded in 2007, according to its website. In a joint statement by the museum and the Guy & Myriam Ullens Foundation, Ullens said he will hand over UCCA to a new benefactor and sell off his own vast collection through private sales and auctions later this year. "I have been a patron of the arts in China for over 30 years and have found this a hugely interesting and fascinating experience," he said in the statement. "I'm now in my 80s and need to look at how to hand over the stewardship of the UCCA and my art collection to younger patrons of the arts." Rumours of Ullens' departure have swirled for years, but his PR company confirmed to AFP that the latest announcement, released Thursday, was the first time he had made a definitive public statement on the matter. The baron's private collection, estimated to include more than 1,000 pieces, has broken numerous auction records, the latest in 2013, when Zeng Fanzhi's painting "The Last Supper" sold for $23.3 million at Sotheby's -- a record price for an Asian contemporary artist. Chinese art prices have rocketed in recent years, fuelled by the country's economic boom and its growing numbers of super-rich. Philippines' Duterte urges communists to kill criminals Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged communist rebels to start killing drug traffickers, adding another layer to a controversial war on crime in which he has warned thousands will die. Duterte won May's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by his pledge to end crime within six months, promising to do so by unleashing security forces with shoot-to-kill orders. In his inauguration speech on Thursday, Duterte insisted his adherence to the rule of law was "uncompromising", apparently seeking to assuage concerns from human rights groups that he planned to orchestrate mass extrajudicial killings. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte won May's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by his pledge to end crime within six months Ted Aljibe (AFP) But on Friday, Duterte called on communist rebels waging one of Asia's longest insurgencies to hold their own guerrilla court hearings and then carry out executions. "Drugs have reached the hinterlands... what if you use your kangaroo courts to kill them to speed up the solution to our problem," Duterte, a lawyer and former city prosecutor, said in a speech before the military's top brass in Manila. The communists' armed wing, the 4,000-strong New People's Army, is known for assassinating civilians deemed to have committed so-called crimes against the people. However its courts and summary executions are illegal. In a late-night speech on Thursday to a slum community in Manila attended by only a few journalists, Duterte called on ordinary Filipinos to kill drug addicts, which is also illegal. "If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself," Duterte told a crowd of about 500 people. Duterte also vowed to kill drug traffickers, using foul language he promised in recent weeks to "tone down" as president. "These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don't go into that, even if you're a policeman, because I will really kill you," said Duterte, 71. A former mayor of the southern city of Davao, Duterte had alternately denied and confirmed running death squads there that summarily executed suspected criminals. Human rights groups say the squads -- made up of local police, former communist rebels and hired assassins -- have killed more than 1,000 people. - Bullet-riddled body - Amnesty International said Friday it is encouraged by Duterte's inauguration pledge to honour the country's obligations under international law. "But now he is in power, he needs to lend substance to those words and break with his earlier rhetoric," Rafendi Djamin, the rights group's director for South East Asia and the Pacific said in a statement. Before dawn on Friday a bullet-riddled body was found in a Manila slum with a sign on it that read: "I am a Chinese drug lord," local police said. The murder bore all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing, which would make it the first of Duterte's presidency. Manila police district deputy director for operations Marcelino Pedroso told AFP the death was being considered a summary execution because the victim was apparently killed due to alleged involvement in drugs. He said there were no suspects. With Duterte's encouragement, police had already killed dozens of alleged or suspected drug traffickers in the time between his May 9 election victory and Thursday's inauguration. New Philippine police chief Ronald Dela Rosa on Friday accused unnamed officers of trafficking drugs they had confiscated in anti-narcotics raids, and ordered them to turn themselves in by Sunday. "I'm giving you 48 hours to voluntarily surrender to me," he said in a speech. "This has to stop right now or I will stop you from enjoying your evil life." Meanwhile at least 300 officers in several Manila police precincts underwent surprise urine tests Friday to check if they had been using illegal drugs, an AFP photographer on the scene said. Libya's unity government says four ministers sacked Libya's UN-backed unity government said on Friday that four of its ministers had been sacked just three months after it set up office in the capital Tripoli. Their departure is a new setback in efforts to unify the North African country which has a rival administration in the east. "The dismissed ministers were absent from their work and refused to take up their duties in the Government of National Unity... for over 30 days," the GNA said in a statement on its website. Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister-designate, Fayez al-Sarraj, flanked by members of the presidential council, speaks during a press conference on March 30, 2016 in the capital Tripoli STRINGER (AFP/File) The justice, economy and industry, finance and national reconciliation ministers -- all easterners -- were dismissed from their posts on Thursday, it added. That is three months to the day since Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, a businessman from Tripoli, sailed into the capital under naval escort. Mohamed Eljarh, a Libya expert with the Atlantic Council think tank, said the sackings were a sign of the GNA's failure to win support in the east of the country. "I believe that the fact that they are from the east is significant... The situation for the GNA in the east is that of rejection, no confidence, no trust," he said. The GNA, the result of a UN-backed power-sharing agreement in December, took control of several ministries in April. But it has yet to receive a vote of confidence from the country's elected parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk that would give it authority over the whole country. In March, just over half of the parliament's members signed a statement of support for the GNA, but a formal vote of confidence has been repeatedly delayed. Sarraj named a cabinet of 18 ministers in February. He gave several important portfolios to easterners -- including Colonel Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, a popular military figure who is defence minister. The GNA faces a fearsome set of military, economic and political challenges in a country that has faced chaos since the overthrow of veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. GNA-allied forces have been fighting the Islamic State group in its stronghold of Sirte for the past seven weeks. German car maker BMW has announced that it is joining forces with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving cars. The three companies 'are collaborating to bring solutions for highly and fully automated driving into series production by 2021,' they said in a joint statement. The news comes amid growing interest in self-driving cars following tests over the past few years by Google and research by several major automakers. The future of BMW could see driverless cars rolled out by 2021 in an effort to make travel 'safer and easier'. Pictured is the German car firm's i3 electric car GERMANY'S SELF-DRIVING CARS Germany's premium auto makers are at the centre of thecountry's global reputation for meticulous engineering. But with the expected shift in focus from a car's body toits brains, the risk is that the expertise will accumulate insilicon valley or in China, rather than Germany's carmakingregions of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemburg. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen's Audi are each making an effort to build a hub forautomotive software and services. They clubbed together to buydigital map maker HERE from Nokia last year to createa neutral platform where smart cars can share data on road andtraffic conditions. BMW's own recent hiring included a 200-strong digitalinnovation team in Chicago, most of whom had worked for Nokia,the Finnish mobile phone pioneer. Advertisement 'BMW, Intel and Mobileye are convinced that automated driving technologies will make travel safer and easier,' they said. The aim of the collaboration was to develop solutions that would enable drivers not only to take their hands off the steering wheel, but also reach a stage where they could also take their eyes of the road and ultimately their mind off driving, the statement continued. Eventually the companies plan to create fully-automated ridesharing solutions. The final stage would then be 'driver off', or without a human driver inside. 'This establishes the opportunity for self-driving fleets by 2021 and lays the foundation for entirely new business models in a connected, mobile world,' the partners said. While the auto industry sees self-driving cars as the way forward, US electric car company Tesla announced earlier that a driver was killed in a car crash in Florida in May while using the 'autopilot' self-driving mechanism on one of its models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had opened a 'preliminary evaluation' into the performance of the autopilot function in the wake of the crash. German carmaker BMW joined forces with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm to develop self-driving cars BMW, Intel and Mobileye insisted that 'the future of automated driving promises to change lives and societies for the better.' Nevertheless, 'the path to get to a fully autonomous world is complex and will require end-to-end solutions that integrate intelligence across the network, from door locks to the data centre.' they said. 'Transportation providers of the future must harness rapidly evolving technologies, collaborate with totally new partners, and prepare for disruptive opportunities.' Palestinian 'dies' from tear gas fired by Israeli forces The Palestinian health ministry said on Friday that a middle-aged man had died from tear gas fired by Israeli forces during a clash in the occupied West Bank. "A man in his 50s died of tear gas asphyxiation after (Israeli) soldiers used tear gas against Palestinians at Qalandia," the ministry said in an Arabic-language post on its official Facebook page. "He arrived dead to Ramallah hospital," it said, without naming him. Israeli security forces fire tear gas canisters during clashes with young Palestinians at the Qalandia checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem, on July 1, 2016 Abbas Momani (AFP/File) AFP journalists at the Qalandia crossing between the West Bank city of Ramallah and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem said that Palestinians waiting to cross to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound began throwing stones at Israeli security forces who responded with tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Israeli police said in a statement that three members of the security forces were injured by stones but it reported no Palestinian casualties. The statement said that Israeli forces used unspecified riot dispersal means. It was the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when worshippers flock to Al-Aqsa for midday prayers. A mosque spokesman said that 280,000 attended and he expected more in the evening. Violence since October has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Israel settlements, Palestinian incitement must stop: quartet Israel should stop building settlements and the Palestinians should cease incitement to violence, the Middle East diplomatic quartet said in a much-awaited report Friday aimed at reviving peace talks. The United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations -- which comprise the quartet -- said settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli confiscation of land were "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use, and denying Palestinian development," said the report. Israeli settlers (back) guarded by soldiers and police march in a street in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Hebron as Palestinian Muslims return from Friday prayers on July 1, 2016 Hazem Bader (AFP) The report's findings and recommendations are to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US initiative collapsed in April 2014. In their first response, the Palestinians expressed disappointment after the quartet criticized both sides and called a meeting for Sunday to discuss whether to implement the findings. "It does not meet our expectations as a nation living under a foreign colonial military occupation," said senior Palestinian official Saeb Erakat, charging that the report "attempts to equalize responsibilities between a people under occupation and foreign military occupier." There has been growing alarm that ongoing violence and the construction of Jewish settlements on land earmarked to be part of a future Palestinian state are killing off prospects for a deal. - More violence - On Friday, two Palestinians and an Israeli were killed in a series of attacks and clashes in the West Bank, the latest uptick in a nine-month wave of violence. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," said the quartet. The report was released after several delays that diplomats attributed to difficult negotiations between the United States and Israel over the issue of settlements. "We really are concerned that if there aren't significant changes, it will risk entrenching the one-state reality, and that will not be to the benefit of either side," said a senior State Department official in Washington. Since the beginning of the Oslo peace process in 1993, the settlement population has more than doubled, with a threefold increase in so-called Area C -- the most sought-after land in the West Bank, said the report. "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," it added. There are currently at least 570,000 settlers living in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians hope to make the capital of their future state. The United Nations has said settlements are illegal. - Wakeup call - Among the 10 recommendations outlined in the report, the quartet urged Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza and called for restoring Palestinian Authority control over the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. In an interview with AFP, UN Mideast envoy Nickolay Mladenov said he hoped the findings would prompt both sides and world leaders to take action to revive the peace process. "Certainly I would hope that this report would serve as a wakeup call," he said ahead of the report's release. "We can't leave this the way it is. We simply can't." Mladenov sidestepped questions about prospects for relaunching peace talks and argued that a return to negotiations was the only course of action. "Endless occupation is a recipe for disaster" that will lead to a "perpetual lack of security and violence," he told AFP. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel and the Palestinians to follow the recommendations. Mogherini said "we need the political leaders to show their commitment, and implement the recommendations of the report in full." French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the report "reinforces" plans for a Paris peace conference later this year. Israeli soldiers stand guard outside a house in the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba where a 13-year-old Israeli girl was fatally stabbed in her bedroom on June 30, 2016 Menahem Kahana (AFP) UN warns over malnutrition deaths in NE Nigeria Nigeria has pledged to do more to tackle food shortages among people made homeless by Boko Haram, as the United Nations warned some 50,000 children could starve to death this year in one northeastern state alone. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has also warned "a catastrophic humanitarian emergency" was unfolding at the camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Bama, Borno state. At least 188 people died between May 23 and June 22, mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition, while more than 1,200 graves, many of them for children, had been dug near the camp in the last year, MSF said last week. Food insecurity and malnutrition has reached emergency levels, the Nigerian government said, and more than 500,000 people require immediate food assistance STRINGER (AFP/File) A Nigerian government delegation visited Bama on Thursday to see conditions for the 25,000 people living there. Maryam Uwais, special advisor to President Muhammadu Buhari for social protection, described it as "an overwhelming situation for any government to handle". "The state government has done its best. We came to see things for ourselves. We will go back and make reports and soonest there will be some relief, more relief coming this way." - 'Desperate conditions' - Domestic and international aid agencies rely on the military to drive the 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri to Bama, which was liberated in March last year. Roads in to and out of Maiduguri are nominally open but vehicles are still vulnerable to attack from the Islamist militants, who have been pushed into the bush by the military since January 2015. Many displaced people from in and around Bama are currently staying in camps and host communities in Maiduguri. MSF's claims angered the Nigerian government and Borno state health commissioner Haruna Mshelia dismissed reports of severe acute malnutrition at the Bama camp as exaggerated. But he said some 1,800 of the most vulnerable had been evacuated to Maiduguri for special treatment and feeding. The United Nations said in a statement Thursday its agencies and partners in northeast Nigeria were "reporting high levels of severe malnutrition and desperate conditions" in recently liberated areas. "Improving security has enabled humanitarians to access areas that were previously cut off," said acting UN humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria Munir Safieldin. "The conditions we are seeing there are devastating," he added, urging "a much faster and wider response". - 'Severe acute malnutrition' - More people in urgent need of assistance are being found as hard-to-reach remote locations are opened up and UNICEF Nigeria representative Jean Gough had a stark warning if nothing was done. "We estimate that there will be almost a quarter of a million children under five suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Borno this year," she said in a statement. "Unless we reach these children with treatment, one in five of them will die. We cannot allow that to happen." The seven-year Boko Haram insurgency has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6 million, with a new influx heaping pressure on local authorities. Food insecurity and malnutrition has reached emergency levels, the Nigerian government said on Monday, and more than 500,000 people require immediate food assistance. The violence has left communities destroyed and farmland devastated, also hitting the supply of food to markets, driving up costs for people already robbed of their livelihoods. In Iraq's Fallujah, broken remnants of IS's 'state' The Islamic State group flag flying over Iraq's Fallujah is in tatters and its fighters are dead or gone, leaving behind a broken city of bomb-rigged buildings and empty streets. Only scattered signs of IS's self-declared "caliphate" remain in Fallujah, a city west of Baghdad that was seized by anti-government fighters in early 2014 and later became a key jihadist stronghold. The story of Fallujah's de facto independence from Baghdad, which some Sunnis initially hailed as liberation from a discriminatory government, has ended in mass displacement and destruction from which it will take years to fully recover. A member of the Iraqi pro-government forces holds an Islamic State (IS) group flag in a street in Fallujah on June 30, 2016 Ahmad Al-Rubaye (AFP) Fallujah's broad streets are empty except for members of the security forces, some relaxing or firing in the air to celebrate their victory, while others search for bombs that are one of IS's legacies in the city. Police detonated a massive cache of explosives in a house in central Fallujah, sending a towering cloud of dust rising over the city and spraying debris across the neighbourhood. The house had "five tonnes of ammonium nitrate" inside and was rigged to detonate if someone tampered with the explosives, said Colonel Nabil Radhi of the federal police. Security personnel walked down another empty street, searching for bombs in buildings so they could be dealt with later. - Burned prisons, court - Most of IS's black flags have been removed, but the torn remains of one still fluttered from a street light in Fallujah. IS flags are also painted on support pillars and murals under an overpass in Fallujah, but they have been daubed with red paint, and graffiti with the names of Iraq's elite counter-terrorism service and a militia umbrella group makes the city's change of ownership clear. Iraqi forces discovered multiple IS prisons and at least one court in the city. A prison located inside one house, which had heavy metal gates blocking off rooms inside, was set on fire by the jihadists, said Second Lieutenant Hussein Shaker of the interior ministry's rapid response forces. Security personnel held in the prison were burned alive while IS fighters fled, Shaker said. Another house -- this one said to have been burned by Iraqi forces -- contained seven metal cages, some of them not even large enough to stand in. Other remnants of IS's rule are also still in evidence: security forces showed AFP a marriage document issued by the jihadists, and one building was marked as their "Agricultural Centre of the State of Fallujah." Another document said that songs, television programmes and films were banned, while a large sign said women should be completely covered from head to foot. - Makeshift boats, shaved beards - The IS fighters still in Fallujah are dead, some of them decomposing in the searing summer heat amid rubble at the site of an apparent air strike. Bodies of dead fighters also lay in the courtyard of what was once a school, while more were said to be buried below. But other jihadists managed to flee the city, with some fighters shaving their long beards to aid their escape. "We found a mountain of their beards" in one house, Shaker said. Small makeshift boats constructed from corrugated metal with low wood transoms were left at the same school where the bodies were located, apparently intended for crossing the Euphrates River to safety. Parts of Fallujah are relatively untouched, with houses only scarred by bullets or shrapnel if they are damaged at all. But others have been smashed by air strikes or shelling, while many more houses and shops have been set on fire by either IS or Iraqi forces. Anti-government forces seized Fallujah in 2014 amid widespread anger among its Sunni Arab residents, who felt marginalised and targeted by the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. But instead of a better life, residents suffered over two years of IS rule that led to siege, privation and fighting that forced them to flee and ultimately put the city in the hands of some of the very forces they feared. Iraqi forces discovered multiple IS group prisons and at least one court in the city of Fallujah Ahmad Al-Rubaye (AFP) Obama urges Congress to release Zika funds US President Barack Obama urged Congress Friday to advance $1.9 billion in emergency funds to fight the Zika virus, saying Republicans should set aside politics to tackle the fast-moving disease. "This is not the time to play politics," Obama said in remarks delivered in the White House Oval Office following a meeting with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases chief Anthony Fauci and other officials. "Congress should not leave, should not adjourn, until they get this done," he added ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend. US President Barack Obama speaks about the response and precautions to take for the Zika virus, during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, July 1, 2016 Saul Loeb (AFP) There is no vaccine to prevent Zika, which is actively spreading in about 50 countries and territories, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Experts have warned the continental United States will likely see mosquito-borne transmission this summer. "The good news is we feel fairly confident that we can develop an effective vaccine for Zika," Obama added. The Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. On Tuesday, Florida reported its first case of a baby born with microcephaly after the child's mother, a Haitian citizen, was infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes but can also be spread by sexual contact. Four infants have been born with birth defects related to the Zika virus in the United States, including in Hawaii and New Jersey, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US manufacturing booms in June The US manufacturing sector shifted into higher gear in June, picking up momentum in the fourth straight month of growth, a private survey showed Friday. The Institute for Supply Management said its purchasing managers index for manufacturing rose to 53.2 in June from 51.3 in May. The nearly two-point jump on the PMI index was unexpected. The consensus estimate was for a marginal increase to 51.4. A 50 reading marks the boundary between growth and contraction. Ford Mustangs go through assembly at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant August 20, 2015 in Flat Rock, Michigan Bill Pugliano (Getty/AFP/File) "The manufacturing slowdown is over," said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics. "The headline index is now at a 16-month high, though it remains well below the peaks seen before oil prices rolled over" and battered the oil sector's capital spending, he said. The June gain was broad-based. Growth in production, new orders and new export orders accelerated. Price gains rose at a slower pace and the backlog of orders switched into growth from contraction. Shepherdson pointed out the boost from stronger export orders, which rose a percentage point to 53.5, the highest level since November 2014, reflecting the rebound in import demand from China. "This follows the clear upturn in China's PMI imports index, which also has now been sustained for a few months," he noted. Some manufacturers reported slower growth, but others said growth was steady. A survey respondent in the primary metals sector said that orders from China were slowing, while American customers were "still steady." "Demand continues to be robust," said a person from the plastics and rubber products sector. Shepherdson forecast the ISM figure would rise to a solid reading near 55 by the end of August. Tunis father on IS rescue bid dies in Istanbul airport attacks Saida Bayoudh's only son joined the Islamic State group and her husband Fathi flew from Tunisia to Turkey to bring him home. Instead the father returned alone to be buried Friday, a victim of the Istanbul airport attack. Hundreds of men and women, many of them in tears, turned out for the funeral of Saida's husband, Fathi Bayoudh, who was laid to rest in the cemetery of his home town of Ksour Essef, south of Tunis. Members of the Tunisian army stand next to the coffin of Tunisian doctor Fathi Bayoudh, who was killed in the Istanbul airport attack, during a military ceremony on June 30, 2016, at the Aouina military base, on the outskirts of Tunis Sofienne Hamdaoui (AFP/File) He was among the 44 people killed in Tuesday night's gun and bomb spree at Istanbul's Ataturk airport. Fathi Bayoudh's body was flown back to Tunis and received in a military ceremony on Thursday. Turkish officials have pointed the finger of blame at the Islamic State jihadist group, although no one has claimed responsibility for the carnage. Late last year, Saida and her husband learned that their only son Anouar, 26, had joined IS in Iraq and then in Syria, like thousands of other young Tunisians. But the young man had a change of heart after he realised the jihadists were "monsters", his mother told AFP earlier as friends and relatives gathered to pay their condolences. Her face pale and drawn, she recounted how over the past two months her husband, who headed the paediatric unit of Tunis military hospital, did everything in his power to bring Anouar home. "My husband... did the impossible to save his son," Saida said. For two months, Fathi Bayoudh, who took an unpaid leave of absence from his job, travelled back and forth between Tunisia and Turkey to try to track down his son. Anouar, who had turned himself in to the anti-regime Free Syrian Army after realising that he no longer wanted to be part of IS, was arrested and jailed in Turkey. On the day before the attack that claimed his life, Fathi finally received word that Anouar was on Turkish soil. For the couple, the nightmare was almost over. Saida flew to Istanbul for the reunion and Fathi was at Ataturk airport to greet her when the attackers struck. "He was extremely happy... and he asked me to come quickly to Turkey," she said before sighing deeply. "On Tuesday, he was at the airport to meet me." - 'They were monsters' - She recalls how stunned she was when she first heard that Anouar had joined IS and how it affected her and her husband's health. Saida suffered two mild heart attacks since October and her husband lost 20 kilos (44 pounds) in weight within weeks. "My son left Daesh (IS) because he wanted to escape and return to Tunisia. He found out that they were monsters," she said. Anouar studied medicine but was unemployed and, according to his mother, was not a devout Muslim. "He never prayed regularly but he was respectful," she said. In October, Anouar told his parents he was going to Switzerland for an internship, but less than a month later he telephoned to say he was in Iraq where he had joined IS. But his commitment quickly crumbled. "He asked his father to rescue him... He was very afraid of these people," she said. "In the messages he sent his father, Anouar described them as monsters and would say that Daesh was a sham," she said. After Tuesday's carnage, Tunisian authorities confirmed that their consulate in Istanbul had been in contact with the Bayoudh family since December. They have since said that Turkey had agreed to allow Anouar to return home soon. Anouar still does not know that his father was killed trying to save him, according to his mother. "He'll be back in 24 or 48 hours," she told reporters on Friday. "Parents need to be more vigilant" about their children joining jihadist groups, she said, adding: "No one is immune." Tunisian colleagues of doctor Fathi Bayoudh pray at the ceremony Sofienne Hamdaoui (AFP/File) Members of the Tunisian army carry the coffin of Tunisian doctor Fathi Bayoudh, a doctor who had reportedly been in Turkey for several weeks in an attempt to repatriate his son Sofienne Hamdaoui (AFP/File) Syria air raids kill 25 civilians: monitor Separate air raids in northern Syria by regime aircraft and warplanes of the US-led international coalition killed at least 25 civilians on Friday, a monitoring group said. President Bashar al-Assad's air force attacked a crowded market in Aleppo city's rebel-held district of Tariq al-Bab, killing 11 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Another five people were killed in an air raid on the southern rebel-held neighbourhood of Sheikh Said, it said. A Syrian army jet is guided out of the hangar at Dmeir military airport, 50 km north-east of Damascus, on April 8, 2016 The Britain-based monitor said rebel bombardment of government-held districts killed two civilians in the city that has been divided since July 2012. It also said a coalition raid on the northern city of Manbij, where US-backed fighters are battling the Islamic State jihadist group, killed two women and their seven children. Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters have been advancing on Manbij, an important waypoint between the Turkish border and Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. Three Kenyan police held over rights lawyer's murder Three Kenyan police officers will be charged with the murder of three men, including a lawyer who criticised police abuse, the national police chief said Friday. "There is circumstantial evidence to link the three officers to the murder of the three. They will face charges including murder, said police chief Joseph Boinnet, adding that the suspects have been arrested. The bodies of lawyer, Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and driver Joseph Muiruri, who disappeared on June 23, were found on Friday by a riverbank in a Nairobi suburb. Kenyan police officers stand guard in Nairobi on June 17, 2016 Simon Maina (AFP/File) When the authorities found his body, Kimani's wrists were bound with rope, three of his fingers had been chopped off and his eyes appeared to have been gouged out. Kimani, a young human rights lawyer with the US legal aid group International Justice Mission (IJM), had a short but impressive track record defending political prisoners and victims of state abuse. His client Mwenda had accused the police of harassing and intimidating Mwendwa in a bid to have him withdraw a complaint against a senior officer with the local Administration Police unit who he says shot him without provocation during a traffic stop in April 2015. Kimani's body was identified by friend and fellow lawyer Duncan Kinuthia. "The bodies are in a very bad state and it seems they were tortured a lot before they were killed," said Kinuthia. - 'A dark day for Kenya' - Kenyan authorities had announced Friday an order for the arrest of three police officers in connection with the case. The president of the national lawyers' association the Law Society of Kenya said it was "a dark day for the rule of law in Kenya". "Our worst fears are confirmed. Advocates and citizens are at risk of elimination by police death squads," said Isaac Okero. Kenyan lawyers had protested outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as a group of 11 human rights organisations issued a statement accusing police of abducting the three men. "There is strong evidence indicating that Willie and his colleagues were unlawfully detained at the Syokimau [Administration Police] Camp for a period of time," the statement said. Kenya's police force has been accused in the past of running hit squads targeting those -- including human rights activists and lawyers -- investigating allegations of police rights abuses. Boinnet insisted that the behaviour of the three arrested officers"is not a representative of the national police," rejecting claims that death squads were operating within the force. "These are rogue officers," he assured. Foreign envoys in Nairobi issued a joint statement voicing concern at the murders. "Holding police officers accountable for violations of human rights and other forms of misconduct is vital to end impunity in the police service and to establish safety and security for all Kenyans," said the statement, signed by head of missions from Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. African Union should probe Eritrea violations: UN body The United Nations rights council on Friday called on the African Union to investigate Eritrean leaders over alleged crimes against humanity after a damning report by a UN commission. In that report, the UN's Commission of Inquiry (COI) for Eritrea said the government of President Isaias Afwerki had committed heinous crimes since independence a quarter-century ago, including the "enslavement" of 400,000 people. Many of those abuses are allegedly linked to a harsh national service programme in the secretive Horn of Africa state, which for many is almost impossible to escape and which the COI compared to lifetime enslavement. Advisor of the Eritrean President, Yemane Gebreab arrives at a press conference in response of the presentation of the second report of the Commission of Inquiry on human rights in Eritrea on June 8, 2016 at the United Nations office in Geneva Fabrice Coffrini (AFP/File) In a resolution that passed with consensus by the body's 47 members, the Human Rights Council said it "strongly encourages the African Union to follow up on the (COI) report." The AU should set up "an investigation... with a view to examining and bringing to justice those responsible for violations and abuses of human rights identified by the commission of inquiry, including any that may amount to a crime against humanity." The AU, based in Addis Ababa, capital of Eritrea's bitter rival Ethiopia, has no prosecutor or court system. But the AU played a leading role in setting up a special court to prosecute former Chadian military dictator Hissene Habre, who was sentenced to life in May for war crimes and crimes against humanity over his brutal 1982-1990 rule. Experts said that model could be replicated, including to avoid the involvement of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which many African leaders have condemned for allegedly focusing excessively on the continent's leaders. The rights council resolution broadly endorsed the COI's findings and urged Eritrea to resolve a range of systematic abuses. Those include extrajudicial killings, torture and indefinite detention allegedly committed by people at the top of Isaias's government. Eritrea has rejected the COI's findings. Israel cuts Palestinian tax transfers after attacks: PM's office Israel is to reduce the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday, as part of a measures following deadly anti-Israeli attacks. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," his office said. Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. Israeli soldiers inspect the area around the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba where a 13-year-old Israeli girl was fatally stabbed in her bedroom on June 30, 2016 in the occupied West Bank near the Palestinian city of Hebron Hazem Bader (AFP/File) The statement from Netanyahu's office accused the PA of supporting the families of militants with funds transferred "by various laundering methods". An Israeli official put the amount of money at "tens of millions of shekels". The decision comes hours after suspected Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli man, and a day after a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death in her home in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba. It was announced at the same time the military said it was imposing a closure on and around the West Bank city of Hebron. Netanyahu rejects quartet 'myth' that settlements prevent peace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday rejected a Middle East diplomatic quartet appeal for Israel to halt settlement construction, that said it diminished chances for a process leading to Palestinian statehood. The report by the United States, European Union, Russia and United Nations "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace. When Israel froze settlements, it did not get peace," a statement from Netanyahu's office read. The much-awaited Friday report said that "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use, and denying Palestinian development". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks near Tel Aviv, on June 30, 2016 Debbie Hill (Pool/AFP/File) Such actions were "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution", said the report, which was to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US initiative collapsed in April 2014. The report also addressed the Palestinian wave of violence, resulting since October in the deaths of at least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the quartet said. Netanyahu said Palestinians praise those who carry out attacks against Israelis, and this encouraged further attacks. "Israel therefore welcomes the Quartet's recognition of the centrality of Palestinian incitement and violence to the perpetuation of the conflict," the statement from his office read. "This culture of hatred poisons minds and destroys lives and stands as the single greatest obstacle to progress towards peace." Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment about the report for criticising both sides. Myanmar must 'urgently' end abuses against Muslims: UN envoy Myanmar's new civilian government should prioritise ending deep discrimination against the Rohingya and other Muslims in restive Rakhine state, a United Nations envoy said Friday. Yanghee Lee, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, was speaking after a nearly two-week visit to the Buddhist-majority nation, her first since Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party took office several months ago, ending five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a globally celebrated champion for human rights, has faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance on the Rohingya's plight as she leads her country into a new era. United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Yanghee Lee, speaks at a press conference in Yangon on July 1, 2016, following a 12 day visit around the country Romeo Gacad (AFP) Lee's visit included a trip to strife-torn Rakhine, a western region scarred by bouts of religious bloodshed between Buddhists and Muslims in 2012. The state has since been almost completely divided on religious grounds, with Muslim communities trapped in camps or isolated communities and subject to a range of restrictions on their movements and access to basic services and employment. "My visit to Rakhine State unfortunately confirmed that the situation on the ground has yet to significantly change," Lee told a press conference in Yangon, describing overcrowding, dilapidated shelters and poor sanitation in the camps. She stressed that putting an end to "institutionalised discrimination against Muslim communities in state" must be "an urgent priority". "The continuing restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Rohingya and Kaman communities cannot be justified on any grounds of security or maintaining stability," Lee added. While Kaman Muslims are recognised by the government as an official ethnic minority, the Rohingya are not, rendering the nearly one-million strong group effectively stateless. Many in Myanmar reject the term Rohingya and insist the group are illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, despite their deep roots in the country. Suu Kyi's government ordered officials ahead of Lee's visit to refer to the group simply as "people who believe in Islam" rather than Rohingya -- a term whose use has in the past set off protests by Buddhist nationalists. The Nobel peace prize winner has asked for "space" while her administration seeks to build trust between religious communities. Kyrgios takes swipe at Wimbledon critics Nick Kyrgios aimed a verbal volley at his critics after the Australian survived a warning for bad language and a third set sulk to win an explosive clash with Dustin Brown at Wimbledon on Friday. Kyrgios, seeded 15th, has earned a reputation as one of the most volatile players on the men's tour after a series of distasteful antics, including briefly appearing to stop trying during his Wimbledon defeat against Richard Gasquet last year. The temperamental Australian has been equally petulant on his return to the All England Club. Australia's Nick Kyrgios, pictured on July 1, 2016, was warned for bad language following a foul-mouthed rant during his first round win over Radek Stepanek, and he was at it again as he fought back to defeat German wildcard Dustin Brown Justin Tallis (AFP) Kyrgios was warned for bad language following a foul-mouthed rant during his first round win over Radek Stepanek and he was at it again as he fought back to defeat German wildcard Brown 6-7 (3/7), 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the second round. The 21-year-old, who famously shocked Rafael Nadal en route to the Wimbledon quarter-finals two years ago, spent most of the match ranting, drawing a code violation for an audible obscenity and appearing to give minimal effort in protest as he sulked his way through the third set. Despite his stroppy antics, Kyrgios advanced to play Spanish 22nd seed Feliciano Lopez for a place in the last 16. But Kyrgios found himself under fire from reporters who questioned whether his behaviour was distracting for opponents. Coming at the end of a press conference in which he was repeatedly grilled over his attitude, Kyrgios had finally had enough and turned on his audience. "What did I say to the umpire today? Is that bad language? Have you never said a swear word in your life?" Kyrgios asked his interrogator. "Can you answer my question? So you've never sworn in your life?" - Horrendous - Quizzed again about whether he used foul language, Kyrios continued: "I didn't swear. So how is that going to affect another player by saying 'horrendous job'? I think you can figure that out, champ. "Did you see Dustin arguing with the umpire as well? Did anyone see that? Did you see Dustin arguing with him, too, or just me?" Infuriated by the direction of the questions, Kyrgios pointed towards one reporter, saying: "Great questions, guys. You got a question? Okay, good", then made his exit. Kyrgios found support from Brown, who insisted the Australian had been given a raw deal by the officials and should he allowed to mature without being prodded by the media. "Obviously here and there we both thought that the ref didn't do a good job. The one ball that Nick got definitely didn't bounce twice," Brown said. "There was no problem between me and him. As you saw when the match was finished, there was no issue. "It's the same thing back in the day when (John) McEnroe was playing. You knew exactly what you were going to get. He could go nuts or whatever. "I'm pretty sure everyone knows Nick is a great tennis player. All of us have gotten upset on the court for bad calls, especially in certain moments. "The guy is 21. Let the guy play tennis. I'm pretty sure in a few years, he will also have that sorted and then he's probably going to be even better." Israel slaps security, cash curbs on Palestinians after attacks Israel on Friday announced a lockdown on the West Bank city of Hebron and cuts in monthly tax payments made to the Palestinian Authority, after a wave of deadly attacks. The measures, including increasing Israel's military presence in the West Bank and described as "the most substantial" in two years, come after a surge in nine months of violence and as Muslims near the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. They also come as the Middle East diplomatic quartet said in a much-awaited report aimed at reviving peace talks that Israel should stop building settlements and the Palestinians should cease incitement to violence. Israeli security forces and emergency personnel gather at the scene where an Israeli was killed and three of his relatives were wounded after a suspected Palestinian gunman opened fire at their car on July 1, 2016, south of Hebron Hazem Bader (AFP) An Israeli man was killed and three close relatives were wounded Friday when a suspected Palestinian "terrorist" fired on their car south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, the army said. He was identified as Michael Mark, 48, from the nearby Otniel settlement. His wife and two children were taken to hospital. On Thursday, a 19-year-old Palestinian fatally stabbed 13-year-old US-Israeli national Hallel Yaffa Ariel in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said the army was imposing a closure on and around Hebron and deploying two additional battalions to the area. Lerner noted that approximately 80 attacks by Palestinians against Israeli civilians and security forces over the past nine months "originated in the Hebron area". The measures were decided upon by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and the military, Lerner said, noting they were the "most substantial steps on the ground" since 2014 when Israeli forces were searching for three youths abducted and murdered by Palestinian militants. Lerner could not say how long the closure on Hebron, the largest West Bank city, would last. But Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said it should stay in place "for an extended period of time". "The terror and incitement atmosphere in the Hebron area is backed by the public and local leadership, and they must feel the consequences of their murderous acts in their daily lives," he said in a statement. - Cash penalties - As the security measures were announced, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered that the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority be cut by the equivalent of the fiscal support paid to militants' families. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," a statement from his office read. Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. Netanyahu's office accused the PA of supporting the families of militants with funds transferred "by various laundering methods". An Israeli official put the amount of money at "tens of millions of shekels". Earlier Friday, a young Palestinian woman was killed at a security checkpoint at the Hebron shrine known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. After arousing suspicions she was taken aside for a "thorough check" and "suddenly drew a knife and tried to stab the policewoman who was searching her", a police statement read. Another officer shot her dead. Palestinian officials named her as Sarah Tarayra, 27, a relative of Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, who on Thursday fatally stabbed 13-year-old US-Israeli national Hallel Yaffa Ariel in her bedroom at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba adjoining Hebron. Further north in the West Bank Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said Tayseer Habbash, 63, died from tear gas fired by Israeli forces. - Ramadan prayers - AFP journalists at the Qalandia crossing said Palestinians waiting to enter Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound stoned Israeli security forces who responded with tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. It was the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when worshippers flock to Al-Aqsa for midday prayers. Thousands of Israeli police had deployed in Jerusalem, and the prayers passed off without incident. At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed since the violence erupted last October. In a report released Friday, the diplomatic quartet of the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations said settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes and Israeli confiscation of land were "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution". Its findings and recommendations are to serve as the basis for reviving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that has been comatose since a US initiative collapsed in April 2014. Netanyahu said the report "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace". But he also welcomed the quartet stating the need for the PA to act "to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism". Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat expressed his disappointment that the report criticised both sides. "It does not meet our expectations as a nation living under a foreign colonial military occupation," he said. Friends and relatives of Israeli Hallel Yaffa Ariel, a 13-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed by a Palestinian attacker in her home, carry her body during her funeral outside the Israeli occupied West Bank city of Hebron on June 30, 2016 Gil Cohen-Magen (AFP/File) Debbie Hill (Pool/AFP/File) Libya govt forces say key sector seized in IS bastion Libyan pro-unity government forces said they seized a key central district of the Islamic State jihadist group's coastal bastion of Sirte on Friday. Fighters allied to the Government of National Accord took control of a residential area called the "700 housing units" near Ibn Sina hospital and the city's Ouagadougou conference centre, the GNA's forces said on social media. They said the jihadists were also coming under air strikes. Fighters from the pro-government forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Unity hold a position in Sirte during an operation to recapture Sirte from Islamic State group jihadists on June 25, 2016 Mahmud Turkia (AFP/File) A field commander, Siraj Daw, said that fighting was getting closer to the Ouagadougou centre which IS has been using as its field headquarters. "The resistance has been fierce but we have dealt with the (IS) snipers and wiped them out... We've captured many vehicles and weapons," he told reporters. "They have many dead," he said, without giving figures. Since May 12, pro-government forces from the west, Libyan naval forces and eastern militias have pushed the jihadists back into a residential zone inside Sirte. But their early advances slowed when they entered Sirte on June 9 and reached built-up central and northern parts of the city. IS has hit back with suicide car bombs and sniper fire. The jihadists overran the city, around 450 kilometres (270 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, in June last year. Pro-government forces retaking Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq. Nearly 200 anti-IS fighters have been killed and more than 600 wounded since the start of the offensive, according to medical sources. Pro-government forces, commanded out of Misrata 190 kilometres to the northwest, are mostly made up of western militias established during the 2011 revolt that overthrew dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Google pays its taxes, senior Europe executive insists Google pays taxes in every country where it has a presence, the multinational tech giant's Europe vice president Carlo d'Asaro Biondo said Friday as the company faces a raft of fiscal probes across the continent "The taxes are paid overwhelming where the value is created. And Google creates most of its value in the United States," D'Asaro Biondo told radio France Info. He was speaking the day after Google's offices in Madrid were searched in a tax probe, just over a month after police raided the Internet giant in Paris in a similar investigation. Google is regularly accused of not paying its fair share of tax both in Europe and in the United States, registering instead in low tax havens Joel Saget (AFP/File) "We have an overall tax rate of approximately 20 percent. This is within the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average," the Google executive said. In January, the company agreed to pay 130 million (157 million euros, $175 million) in back taxes in Britain after a government inquiry sparked by a public outcry. Italy has also demanded more than 200 million euros from Google, which is accused of perpetrating tax fraud there. Like other US-based online multinationals, such as Amazon and Facebook, Google is regularly accused of not paying its fair share of tax both in Europe and in the United States, registering instead in low tax havens. In Ireland, where the corporate tax rate of 12.5 percent is among the lowest in the European Union, Google has over 5,000 employees. The company has also invested over 10 billion euros there, said D'Asaro Biondo. "The choices regarding fiscal laws in each country were made by the European Commission... today we apply them," he argued, while urging a change in the rules in order to adapt to the increasing globalisation of large companies. Google faces fresh EU anti-competition charges, this time targeting the search engine giant's advertising business, sources close to the matter told AFP on Tuesday. Malkovich a 'man of integrity' French court told in defamation case John Malkovich took French daily Le Monde and two of its journalists to court Friday for defamation over a report alleging the US actor had a secret Swiss bank account. Dangerous Liaisons star Malkovich is suing the paper over two articles in February about the tax evasion scheme run by British banking giant HSBC out of its Swiss affiliate. Malkovich, 62, was among several celebrities listed by Le Monde among the "elite tax evaders" to have had a secret Swiss account between 2005 and 2007 -- a claim Malkovich has rejected. US actor John Malkovich is suing French daily Le Monde over two articles in February about the tax evasion scheme run by British banking giant HSBC out of its Swiss affiliate Miguel Riopa (AFP/File) "Not only did John Malkovich not defraud tax authorities" he "never had an account with HSBC", Julia Minkowski, one of his lawyers, told a Paris court. The only Swiss account he ever had was a securities portfolio with a bank that was later bought by HSBC, Minkowski added. The actor had declared that account to US tax authorities before closing it on November 30, 1999, a month before the creation of HSBC's Swiss private banking arm, she said. Herve Temime, another of the actor's lawyers, said Le Monde's linking of the actor to the Swissleaks revelations was "shameful", calling his client a "man of great integrity". Prosecutor Annabelle Philippe rapped the two journalists who authored the report, and who were absent from the proceedings, for not having the "decency to come and recognise the lack of professionalism of their investigation". Le Monde's lawyer Christophe Bigot, for his part, accused Malkovich of "creating a fuss" despite having had an account "in a discreet little bank in a country (that was) uncooperative" with other countries on tax matters. Eat, Pray, Divorce. Best-selling author separates It was the romance that provided the happiest of endings to an iconic memoir that became an international bestseller and spawned a Hollywood movie starring Julia Roberts. But "Eat Pray Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert announced Friday that she was parting from her husband, Jose Nunes, with whom she fell in love at the end of a journey of self-discovery more than a decade ago. "I am separating from the man whom many of you know as 'Felipe' the man whom I fell in love with at the end of the 'Eat Pray Love' journey," she wrote on her Facebook page. Author Elizabeth Gilbert, pictured on May 8, 2010 in New York City, married Jose Nunes in 2007 Neilson Barnard (Getty/AFP/File) "He has been my dear companion for over 12 years, and they have been wonderful years. Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal." The couple married in 2007 and lived in Frenchtown, New Jersey about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of New York where they ran a store. "Eat Pray Love" tells how Gilbert spent four months in Italy savoring food, four months exploring spirituality in India and then travelled to Bali, where she fell in love, following a messy divorce. Published in 2006, it has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. In 2010, she published a follow-up memoir called "Committed" which explored her ambivalent attitudes about marriage and which also became a New York Times bestseller. The 46-year-old author and novelist also saw her experiences bartending, while trying to make ends meet in New York earlier in her career, become the basis for the 2000 movie "Coyote Ugly." Three oil workers killed in Nigeria Suspected pirates have killed three men working for the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in the West African country's restive swamplands, a security official said Friday. The workers were ambushed on Wednesday while doing repairs on pipelines operated by Agip, a subsidiary of Italian oil company Eni, in the creeks of southern Bayelsa State. A security source, who asked to remain anonymous, said two engineers and a driver were killed. Security has deteriorated in parts of Nigeria as the military focuses on beating back the Boko Haram Islamists that have devastated the northeast Stefan Heunis (AFP/File) The source said the attack occurred in "a notorious place where gunmen operate freely." Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commandant Desmond Agu told AFP that the army, navy and civil defence had sent out a joint search team Thursday. "At about 1100 hours (Thursday), the dead bodies of two killed personnel were discovered in Oguama River," Agu said. The body of the third victim had yet to be found. Security has deteriorated in parts of Nigeria as the military focuses on beating back the Boko Haram Islamists that have devastated the northeast. Two 'senior' IS military leaders killed in Iraq strike: Pentagon A coalition air strike near the Islamic State bastion of Mosul in Iraq has killed two of the jihadist group's senior military leaders, the Pentagon said Friday. "Coalition forces conducted an air strike against two ISIL senior military commanders on June 25 near Mosul, Iraq, resulting in their deaths," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement, using an acronym for the IS group. "The precision strike killed Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari, ISIL's deputy minister of war, and Hatim Talib al-Hamduni, an ISIL military commander in Mosul." Military pilots sit in F-16 fighter jets on the tarmac at Iraq's Balad air base in the Salaheddin province, north of the capital Baghdad, on July 20, 2015 Sabah Arar (AFP/File) Cook said al-Bajari was a former Al-Qaeda member who joined the IS group and oversaw the June 2014 offensive to capture Mosul. He "also led the ISIL Jaysh al-Dabiq battalion known for using vehicle-borne IEDs (homemade bombs), suicide bombers and mustard gas in its attacks." Al-Hamduni was a military commander in Mosul and the head of military police in the region, Cook said. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and became the IS group's de facto Iraq capital. Iraqi security forces have in recent weeks made significant progress against the IS group, including the recapture of the city of Fallujah this month. Attention is now shifting to Mosul, where a battle to liberate the city is expected to unfold in the coming months. Police: Teen who killed superintendent with car was on phone ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. (AP) Authorities say a New Jersey high school student was talking on her cellphone while driving when she struck and killed her school district's superintendent when he was jogging. Mercer County prosecutors said Thursday that the 18-year-old was charged with death by auto and leaving the scene of the accident. Authorities say she was late for a class trip when she hit Robbinsville Superintendent Steven Mayer in April, killing him and his dog. Prosecutors did not release her name because she was 17 when it happened. She was charged as a juvenile. She also received citations including for improper use of a cellphone. Man banned from Twitter after threats to 2 US senators ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A federal judge has barred a Virginia man from using Twitter after he was charged with tweeting threats to two U.S. senators. News media outlets cite a federal complaint as saying that 27-year-old Kyler Schmitz of Alexandria tweeted to one of the senators, "I'm going to shoot you in the head for allowing someone to murder my loved ones." The tweets were sent in the days immediately following the June 12 shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 dead and 53 injured. The judge banned Schmitz from using Twitter as a condition of his release on bond. WRC-TV first reported Schmitz's arrest. His fiance, Paul Cianciolo, told the station the tweets were satirical, not serious threats. 'Guacamole-thick' algae causes crisis on Florida coastline STUART, Fla. (AP) A smelly, "guacamole-thick" muck is fouling a stretch of beaches promoted as Florida's "Treasure Coast," where lawmakers and residents blame the federal government, saying the algae crisis is fueled by freshwater flows controlled by Army officials to protect an erosion-prone dike. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant featured in yearslong arguments over water flowing from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical to South Florida's water supply and flood control systems. At Central Marine boat docks in Stuart, pea-green and brown algae coated the water Thursday and smelled strongly like cow manure. Blooms that started last week in the St. Lucie River continue to spread, threatening Atlantic beaches expecting crowds of families for the holiday weekend. An aerial photo shows blue-green algae enveloping an area along the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Fla.,Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Officials want federal action along the stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The Martin County Commission is inviting the president to view deteriorating water conditions that local officials blame on freshwater being released from the lake, according to a statement released Wednesday. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Sarah Chaney, a receptionist at Central Marine, said boaters and fisherman are cancelling reservations after seeing reports of the algae, which she called "horrible and disgusting." "I would describe them as guacamole-thick. And it stinks," said Gabriella Ferrero, spokeswoman for Martin County. Florida's U.S. senators, Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson, have joined Martin County commissioners in calling for the Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. In a news release Thursday afternoon, the Corps said it would begin reducing the flow from the lake Friday, targeting the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie Estuary. After touring the St. Lucie River as it passes through downtown Stuart, Nelson said the problems can be traced to Florida's history of diverting water to the ocean. "We need to repair 75 years of diking and draining, but that takes time," he said. He called on Florida's Legislature to spend money approved by state voters for environmental projects such as purchasing land around Lake Okeechobee for water storage instead of diverting the funds to pay for administrative costs. Rubio is scheduled to visit the area Friday. When Gov. Rick Scott declared a state emergency for the area Wednesday, he blamed the federal government for neglecting repairs to the lake's aging dike that's considered one of the country's most at-risk for imminent failure. On Thursday, he amended the emergency declaration, adding Lee and Palm Beach counties. Palm Beach County is located directly south of the existing emergency area, while Lee County is located on Florida's Gulf coast. Some residents blamed Scott instead on Thursday. He hasn't done enough to curb pollution from farms north of the lake or purchase land farther south where lake waters could be stored and cleaned, said Irene Gomes, owner of the Driftwood Motel in Jensen Beach. The algae has rapidly grown from a beach nuisance to a health concern, as one customer made plans to leave early if the algae triggered breathing issues, said Gomes, whose family has owned the motel's turquoise-colored cabins since 1958. "At one point, I could say to my customers, 'Come down, it's not at all the beaches,' because it wasn't toxic. Now we're talking about health issues," Gomes said. Chaney, the Central Marine receptionist, said Scott should visit the area, even if he gets criticized. "He needs to come see it himself and stop being a coward," she said. Scott said in a news release Thursday that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will immediately activate a virtual business emergency operations center to assess businesses impacted by the blooms. The program will begin to survey businesses affected by the water releases and share the results with various state and local agencies to implement appropriate disaster relief programs. Lake Okeechobee is the largest in Florida and the second largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States. Flooding there after a major hurricane in 1928 killed at least 2,500 people in surrounding communities of mostly poor, black farmworkers. It inspired the storm central to Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." To reduce the risk of a breach in the dike built after that hurricane, the Corps of Engineers tries to keep lake water levels between 12.5 feet and 15.5 feet above sea level. Shoring up the dike will take years. Meanwhile, freshwater is released east and west of the lake into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. State water managers have said local stormwater runoff and septic tanks also fuel algae blooms. They're working to direct more water south of Lake Okeechobee into the parched Everglades, but federal regulations, conservation mandates and stalled restoration projects complicate those efforts. In neighboring St. Lucie County, home to the troubled Indian River Lagoon, officials have prohibited homeowners from using fertilizer during the summer and begun working with the state to test waterways for pollution that might be linked to septic tanks. "A lot of people want to blame Lake Okeechobee, it's an easy target, but there are a lot of factors that contribute to the health of the lagoon," said St. Lucie County spokesman Erick Gill. Murky waters on southwest Florida's Gulf Coast also are blamed on the lake's discharges. Fort Myers-area lawmakers said Thursday that Scott should extend the state of emergency to Lee County because of water issues in the Caloosahatchee River. ___ Kay reported from Miami. ___ Follow Terry Spencer on Twitter at https://twitter.com/terryspen. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/terry-spencer. Boats docked at Central Marine in Stuart, Fla., are surrounded by blue green algae, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Officials want federal action along the stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The Martin County Commission is inviting the president to view deteriorating water conditions that local officials blame on freshwater being released from the lake, according to a statement released Wednesday. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP) A dead walking catfish lays on the shore with algae along Sewell's Point on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge on Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Water full of algae laps along the Sewell's Point shore on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge, Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Algae covered water at Stuart's Central Marine boat docks is thick, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Stuart, Fla. Officials want federal action along a stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant in yearslong arguments over water flowing from Lake Okeechobee. Lawmakers say a southwest Florida county should be added to the state of emergency declared over an algae bloom on the Atlantic coast. (AP Photo/Terry Spencer) Costa Rica rejoins Central American regional body SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) Costa Rica has rejoined a Central American political cooperation bloc six months after abandoning it over a disagreement about Cuban migrants. The country's Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday that it had agreed to return to the Central American Integration System following a summit in Honduras. Costa Rica had left the body known as SICA for its Spanish initials in December after negotiations stalled about what to do with Cuban migrants stuck within its borders. Nicaragua had closed its border to Cubans who were traveling north to the United States. Eventually Costa Rica was able to negotiate an air bridge with neighbors and Mexico to bypass Nicaragua. Neymar's contract with Barcelona extended until 2021 BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Neymar's contract with Barcelona has been extended until 2021 with a buyout clause that could reach 250 million euros ($278 million). The player and his agents announced the five-year extension on Thursday. Barcelona confirmed the deal on Friday. "I'm very happy to keep living this dream," the 24-year-old Brazilian forward posted on his social media accounts. An image of Brazil's soccer player Neymar is projected on a screen during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Brazil has named its Olympic soccer team, which includes two key players who did not play in the Copa America Neymar and Douglas Costa of Bayern Munich. The team was announced on Wednesday by Brazil coach Rogerio Micale, who took over the team when Dunga was fired after Brazil was knocked out of the Copa America. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) The announcement ended speculation that Neymar was unhappy in Spain and was looking to move to another club. Paris Saint-Germain was among the clubs reportedly trying to sign him. Barcelona said the contract's buyout clause has been fixed at 200 million euros for the first year of the new contract, 222 million euros for the second, and 250 million euros for the final three years. Neymar's current contract was going to end in 2018. Barcelona said the new deal is valid until June 30, 2021. The club said the agreement will be "presented formally" on July 15, before the player joins Brazil to play in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Neymar has been playing for Barcelona since moving from Brazilian club Santos in 2013. Phelps, Lochte set up their only true showdown at US trials OMAHA, Nebraska (AP) Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte did their part. The longtime rivals are headed to another showdown at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials. Phelps and Lochte cruised through the semifinals of the 200-meter individual medley Thursday night, each of them winning their heats in dominating fashion. Michael Phelps spits water after swimming in the men's 200-meter individual medley preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) "It means a lot," Lochte said. "I've been racing him in this event since like 2003. He's a tough competitor. I just love racing against him because it's a challenge." This one is especially significant for Lochte, an 11-time Olympic medalist who has yet to qualify for an individual event in Rio. Slowed by a groin injury, the 31-year-old Lochte missed out in the 400 IM a race he won at the Olympics four years ago finished fourth in the 200 freestyle, and dropped out of the 200 backstroke. Though also entered in the 100 butterfly, Lochte is basically putting all his hopes on the 200 IM. A top-two finish will give him that cherished spot, but he really wants a win over Phelps in Friday night's final before they head to the Olympics. "I'm feeling better as far as like mentally, but physically I'm getting tired," said Lochte, who at the very least will be going to Rio as a relay swimmer. "Tomorrow night will definitely be a good battle between me and Michael." Lochte was the top qualifier at 1 minute, 56.71 seconds, while Phelps took the second spot in 1:57.61. That means they'll be right beside each other in the final, just as they've been so many times during their dazzling careers. Phelps has already qualified for Rio in the 200 fly, but the most decorated athlete in Olympic history is eager to add two more individual races to his program. He'll be a big favorite in the 100 fly, a race in which Lochte doesn't figure to be a major threat. This is their only real chance to race. "Him and I have gone back and forth a number of times in this race," Phelps said. "During the big meets, we have great races. We're right there with each other tomorrow in the middle of the pool, probably a couple of tenths apart. We're going to be out and probably step on the gas a little bit more than we have in the past and you'll have an exciting race." Missy Franklin, on the other hand, didn't even advance to the final of the 100 freestyle. Another big star from London struggled to an 11th-place showing in the semifinals, leaving her with only one individual race in Rio and just one more chance to bulk up her program: the 200 backstroke. No matter what, Franklin's bubbly personality will be much less of a presence at these Summer Games than it was four years ago. "That speed just doesn't feel like it's quite there this meet," she said. "No idea why. It's super disappointing, but I really feel like my endurance is there, so it gives me a lot of hope for my 200 back." While Franklin is struggling, another Olympic gold medalist will get a chance to defend his title. Nathan Adrian, the burly 27-year-old who won the 100 freestyle in London, used a powerful finishing kick to win in 47.72 seconds. Caeleb Dressel will also get to swim the down-and-back sprint in Rio, taking the second spot at 48.23. Anthony Ervin, the oldest swimmer at the trials, got off to a blistering start and led at the turn. The 35-year-old couldn't hold on, fading to fourth in 48.54 while also touching behind Ryan Held (48.26). But the top four are assured of spots on the team for the 4x100 free relay, meaning Ervin will be headed to his third Olympics. On the fifth night of the meet, Josh Prenot became the latest Olympic rookie to make the team, knocking off Kevin Cordes in the 200 breaststroke. Cordes had already won the 100 breast and was more than a second under world-record pace at the final turn of the longer race. But Prenot, furiously bouncing up and down in the water, surged past Cordes on the final lap to win in 2 minutes, 7.17 seconds, setting an American record and finishing just off the world mark of 2:07.01 held since 2012 by Japan's Akhiro Yamaguchi. Also Thursday, Cammile Adams won the 200 butterfly after being briefly disqualified one day earlier during the preliminaries. The ruling that she made an illegal turn was quickly overturned after a review provided by the underwater camera, and Adams took advantage of her second chance to win with a time of 2:06.80. Hali Flickinger took the second Olympic spot in 2:07.50. Franklin is going to her second Summer Games, but she won't be nearly as busy this time around. As a high schooler four years ago, Franklin took part in seven events, winning four golds and a bronze. At age 21, she's shaping up as one of the biggest flops of the trials, outside of a gutsy runner-up finish in the 200 free behind Katie Ledecky. At the most, Franklin will only swim three events in Rio. Phelps figures to be much busier. He's shooting to swim three individual races, and will likely be a part of all three relays. __ Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/paul-newberry . Michael Phelps stretches before his heat in the preliminaries of the men's 200-meter individual medley at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Michael Phelps swims in the men's 200-meter individual medley preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Ryan Lochte swims in the men's 200-meter individual medley preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Ryan Lochte swims in the men's 200-meter individual medley preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) Nathan Adrian smiles after winning the mens 100-meter freestyle final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Nathan Adrian, right, gets a hug from Caleb Dressel, left, after winning the mens 100-meter freestyle final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Missy Franklin greets fans before swimming in a women's 100-meter freestyle semifinal at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Josh Prenot swims in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials Josh Prenot, right, celebrates with Kevin Cordes, left, after winning the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Cammile Adams pauses before the start of the women's 200-meter butterfly final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Omaha, Neb. Adams won the race. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) PICTURED: Fidel Castro's birthplace sees rise in visitors BIRAN, Cuba (AP) At the end of a dirt road lined with fields of sugar cane, royal palms and tropical fruit trees, a cluster of wooden houses painted in brilliant yellow, blue and white draws thousands of Cuban and international tourists a year. It's the birthplace of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro. Their father Angel planted and sold sugarcane and timber as well as raising cattle on 46 square miles (119 square kilometers) of land in Biran, deep in the lush green hill country of Holguin province in eastern Cuba. Visitors who roam the complex, often in sweltering heat, can see the crib where Fidel Castro was born, the bedroom he shared with his brothers and the cockfighting arena where his father's birds fought. This June 10, 2016 photo shows the home-turned-museum where Fidel and Raul Castro grew up in Biran, Cuba. Their father Angel planted and sold sugarcane and timber as well as raised cattle here, deep in the lush green hill country of Holguin province in eastern Cuba. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) For decades, the place was largely ignored by the Castros and their government. It was the first farm expropriated under Cuba's move toward collectivized agriculture and once was due to be flooded by a reservoir, though that was never built. But since 2002, the site has been a museum, and it is gaining increasing attention in the run-up to Fidel Castro's 90th birthday on Aug. 13. Museum director Lazaro Castro, no relation to Fidel, said 27,800 people visited the site in 2015, two-thirds of them Cubans. So far, 22,000 have come in the first half of this year. Biran sits in an isolated part of Holguin province, a place of farms and livestock where people still travel dusty roads by bicycle and horse cart. There's been more development closer to Holguin itself, a city of 350,000 people. To the north of the city, near the town of Gibara, the island has built one of its few wind farms to harness the air blowing across the Caribbean. "My father worked with Fidel's parents," says Jose Rodriguez, a 53-year-old rancher who cares for the livestock on the historic site. "This is the history of our country." This June 10, 2016 photo shows a family photograph of the Castro brothers, from left, Fidel, Raul and Ramon, on the wall of the room they shared as children in Biran, Cuba. Since 2002, the site has been a museum, and it is gaining increasing attention in the run-up to Fidel Castro's 90th birthday on Aug. 13. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 15, 2016 photo, Yosbani Rodriguez bikes his son Meiler and daughter Mayla to school before work in Biran, Cuba. Rodriguez works as the historian at the nearby home-turned-museum where Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro, grew up. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 12, 2016 photo, a youth does a back flip from an overpass into the Mayari River as he and friends spend their Sunday afternoon in the village of Mayari, in Cuba's Holguin province where Fidel Castro grew up. Alcides Leyva, who directs the Castro homestead, said the former leader had signed plans to flood the property under a reservoir in the 1960s until his secretary, Celia Sanchez, intervened to save it. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 11, 2016 photo, a message that reads in Spanish "It's not the best but it's mine" adorns a horse-drawn wagon with men selling sea-caught fish as they ride along the coastline near Gibara in Cuba's Holguin province. Amid the rise in visitors to the region where Fidel Castro was born, which includes the provincial capital of Holguin, locals farm, raise livestock and travel the area's dirt roads by bicycle and horse cart. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 10, 2016 photo, a soldier takes photos at the home-turned-museum of Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro, where they grew up in Biran, Cuba. A large portrait of Fidel's parents, Angel Castro and Lina Ruz hangs behind her. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 15, 2016 photo, four-year-old Kelvin Lopez Quintana gets an early morning piggyback ride to school from his father, along the road where the childhood home-turned-museum of Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro, is located Biran, Cuba. Fidel Castro spent only his early childhood living at his family's property in Biran before he was sent to boarding school in Santiago, though he often returned for vacations. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 10, 2016 photo, a guide shows tourists and visiting soldiers the bedroom that was shared by Fidel Castro and his brothers at the home-turned-museum where the Castro brothers grew up in Biran, Cuba. Museum director Lazaro Castro, no relation to Fidel, said 27,800 people visited the often-sweltering site in 2015, two-thirds Cubans, and 31,000 so far this year, with the same mix of foreigners and Cubans. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 10, 2016 photo, a soldier uses a fan to keep cool as she takes a guided tour, with her colleagues from the Revolutionary Armed Forces, of the home-turned-museum where Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro, grew up in Biran, Cuba. The Castro farm was the first to be expropriated under Cuba's move toward collectivized agriculture. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 11, 2016 photo, men commute on a motorcycle with sidecar, driving past wind turbines along the way in Gibara, in Cuba's Holguin province where Fidel Castro was born and grew up. "There is no cult of personality around any living revolutionary in the form of statues, official photographs or the names of streets or institutions," Castro said in his 2003 May Day speech. "The leaders of this country are human beings, not gods." (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 15, 2016 photo, a nurse shades herself with an umbrella as she walks home after work with a friend near the home-turned-museum where Fidel Castro and his brother, president Raul Castro, were born in Biran, Cuba. Fidel Castro hasn't visited Biran since his childhood property was restored and quietly opened to the public in November 2002. Even the name of the place, "The Biran Historic Site," makes no mention of Castro, who is among the most famous Latin American figures of the 20th century. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 14, 2016 photo, a farmer carrying grass to feed his animals steers his horse-drawn cart past a welcome sign featuring brothers Fidel and Raul Castro, at the entrance of Biran where the Castro's were born in eastern Cuba. Many of the area's young people have migrated to Cuban cities or overseas, leaving parents and grandparents working the land. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) In this June 10, 2016 photo, government contracted driver Ricardo Reidy washes a Soviet-made car in the Biran River near the home-turned-museum where Fidel Castro and his brother, President Raul Castro, were born in Biran, Cuba. Since 2002, the site has been a museum, and it is gaining increasing attention in the run-up to Fidel Castro's 90th birthday on Aug. 13. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Australian prime minister welcomes 'exciting' era of change CANBERRA, Australia (AP) "There has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull often says. His upbeat and widely parodied catchphrase describes the unprecedented pace of change driven by technology that threatens many Australian jobs while creating new opportunities for innovators. But polls show that many Australians feel more scared than excited, especially as thousands of mining jobs are shed by the Chinese industrial slowdown and the Australian economy searches for growth outside its resource sector. The center-left opposition Labor party uses it as evidence that the 61-year-old former Goldman Sachs partner who is worth an estimated $150 million ($110 million) is out of touch with most Australians. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull greets people in a butcher shop during a walk through of a shopping street in Burwood, Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 1, 2016. Australians go to the polls Saturday with the opposition leader vying to become the country's fifth prime minister in three years. Global market turmoil since the Brexit vote, Australia's success in turning back asylum seeker boats, gay marriage, housing prices, corporate tax rates and union corruption have been major issues in the eight-week campaign. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) Labor accused Turnbull of underfunding public hospitals and schools that he has never personally needed. Turnbull, a centrist, took over the reins of power in September from the polarizing Tony Abbott, whose socially conservative stance on many issues had grown unpopular. His removal gave the conservative coalition government an immediate but short-lived bounce in the polls. Abbott's former chief of staff Peta Credlin, now a media commentator, says the public view Turnbull as an elitist "Mr. Harborside Mansion." The ruling Liberal Party conceded their leader has an image problem in proudly egalitarian Australia by releasing a television advertisement midway through the eight-week election campaign that focused on his childhood deprivations. Turnbull was raised in Sydney by his hotel broker father Bruce Turnbull after his mother left when he was 9. "He didn't have much money, but he worked hard and sacrificed so that I could go to school and achieve what he couldn't," Turnbull wrote in a statement accompanying the campaign ad. But Bruce Turnbull sent his only child to Sydney's most exclusive boarding school and amassed a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio by the time he died in a plane crash in 1982 at age 56. Turnbull has not lived up to expectations of more progressive policies since he became prime minister. He has been hamstrung by promises he made to the party's conservative members to ensure their support when he challenged Abbott. He agreed to maintain the government's opposition to gay marriage and to a carbon tax on companies even though he had previously clashed with right-wing elements in the party on these policies. "Malcolm Turnbull has completed his transformation from the progressive firebrand to ambassador for the conservative brand," The Sydney Morning Herald's political editor Peter Hartcher wrote this week of a campaign rally. The government's re-election would give Turnbull a mandate from the people rather than his party colleagues, allowing him to have new authority to shape government policy. Turnbull has long battled a public perception that his wealth puts him out of touch with ordinary folk. His nickname is "the Silvertail," a pejorative Australian term for the privileged elite, and cartoonists often depict him wearing a top hat. Trying to counter this image, he has cultivated a reputation for traveling by trains and buses in cities around Australia, frequently using social media to share his public transport experiences. He studied law at the University of Sydney before attending Brasenose College, Oxford, as a Rhodes scholar. Turnbull became a household name in Australia as a lawyer in the 1980s when he succeeded in blocking a British government attempt to prevent the Australian publication of "Spycatcher," a memoir by former British intelligence officer Peter Wright. He also worked as a journalist, investment banker and venture capitalist before he was elected to Parliament in 2004 to represent the Sydney electoral division of Wentworth, the wealthiest in Australia. Turnbull was the richest member of Parliament until mining magnate Clive Palmer was elected in 2013. He led the Australian Republican Movement, which argues for severing Australia's constitutional ties with Britain and appointing an Australian citizen as president. The status quo was maintained in a 1999 referendum, and Turnbull's occasionally abrasive style was blamed by some as contributing to its failure. Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, center, greets people during a walk through of a shopping street in Burwood, Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 1, 2016. Australians go to the polls Saturday with the opposition leader vying to become the country's fifth prime minister in three years. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull watches a robotic packing machine during his visit to a small business factory in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 1, 2016. Australians go to the polls Saturday with the opposition leader vying to become the country's fifth prime minister in three years. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull raises his fist as he speaks to the media during his election campaign at a small business factory in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 1, 2016. Australians go to the polls Saturday with the opposition leader vying to become the country's fifth prime minister in three years. Global market turmoil since the Brexit vote, Australia's success in turning back asylum seeker boats, gay marriage, housing prices, corporate tax rates and union corruption have been major issues in the eight-week campaign. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) Myanmar decries demotion on US human trafficking blacklist YANGON, Myanmar (AP) Myanmar called sad and regrettable a move by the United States to place the country on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders, while rights groups welcomed it as long overdue. The demotion came Thursday when the U.S. State Department released its closely watched annual Trafficking in Persons report, which examines 188 governments' efforts in combating modern-day slavery. It placed Myanmar alongside countries like Iran, North Korea and Syria, and says the Southeast Asian country has failed to meet "the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking." It also removed Thailand from the blacklist despite what the State Department described as widespread forced labor in the country's seafood industry. FILE - In this May 20, 2015, file photo, migrants including Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims sit on their boat as they wait to be rescued by Aceh fishermen on the sea off East Aceh, Indonesia. Myanmar called sad and regrettable a move by the United States to place the country on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders, while rights groups welcome it as long overdue. (AP Photo/S. Yulinnas, File) The downgrade for Myanmar appeared aimed at sending a message to the country's new democratically elected government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, and its still-powerful military to curb use of forced labor, sex trafficking and the recruitment of children as soldiers into the armed forces. Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to address widespread persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the Buddhist country. Her government criticized the demotion as failing to recognize the country's progress. "We are very sad that we have not been recognized for making positive changes," said presidential spokesman Zaw Htay. "In their report, they didn't mention the progress and development we have made for our country." Myanmar's Foreign Ministry called the downgrade "regrettable" and urged the U.S. not to impose restrictions that would hamper U.S.-Myanmar relations. It also promised to step up efforts to combat trafficking measures. "The issue of human smuggling and trafficking will be addressed vigorously in close cooperation with international partners," it said. President Barack Obama now has 90 days to determine whether to apply sanctions on so-called Tier 3 nations, including Myanmar. But the U.S. often chooses not to, based on its national security interests. Myanmar had faced a mandatory move up or down the rankings after four years on the watch list. Human rights groups applauded the downgrade, noting that Myanmar was evaluated mostly on the basis of what was done under the previous army-backed government. Suu Kyi's civilian administration took power in March. "Myanmar's downgrade is overdue," said Matthew Smith of Thailand-based advocacy group Fortify Rights. "The military has long been one of Southeast Asia's worst perpetrators of human trafficking." There was disappointment in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial center, since the U.S. action virtually precludes trade privileges that would help jumpstart economic growth after decades of ruinous military rule. "The government and people have been trying hard for our country," said Win Aung, chairman of the Myanmar Chambers of Commerce. "We don't want anything that negatively affects our country's economy and our businesses. We are all putting so much energy in the country's transition period and we want encouragement instead of blame." Rights groups also criticized the upgrade of Thailand, which was removed from the bottom-rung Tier 3 category and placed on the Tier 2 watch list. Labor abuses in the Thai seafood industry gained in prominence around the globe after a two-year investigation by The Associated Press that led to the freeing of more than 2,000 slaves and the arrest of more than a dozen alleged traffickers. Several have been convicted. "2015 was an historically bad year for human trafficking in Thailand," Fortify Rights said in its statement, calling the upgrade premature. Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said the government was happy to see its efforts rewarded and planned to work harder. "We are pleased today that all the efforts of the past year culminated into a certain degree of success," he told a news conference Friday. "I'm determined to work vigorously in order to rid the country of this modern slavery." ___ Associated Press writers Jocelyn Gecker and Grant Peck in Bangkok and Matthew Pennington in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report. Australian opposition leader weathers high and low in polls CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Bill Shorten has bounced between highs and lows in opinion polling in the three years he has been the opposition leader in Australia. He was elected leader of the center-left Labor Party after it lost office in elections in September 2013, and by September last year, the closely watched Newspoll ranked him as a more popular choice as prime minister than the incumbent Tony Abbott. A poll found Shorten was the preferred choice as prime minister for 41 percent of the respondents a four point lead over the beleaguered Abbott. That was a huge change from Shorten's first Newspoll as Labor leader in October 2013, which showed him trailing Abbott 28 percent to 47 percent. The Newspolls have margins of error less than 3 percentage points. Australia's opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten, center, is taken on a tour of a disability center in Sydney, Friday, July 1, 2016. Shorten is campaigning on the last day before a national election. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) While Australians don't directly elect their prime ministers, they rarely vote for a party with a leader they don't consider up to the job, and many joked that Abbott had become the Labor Party's greatest asset, with Labor looking likely to return to power after a single three-year term in opposition. But Shorten's personal standing in the opinion polls dropped later last September when the more progressive and charismatic Malcolm Turnbull replaced the socially conservative and polarizing Abbott as the leader of the ruling conservative Liberal Party and as prime minister. Shorten's popularity tanked in December around the time a government inquiry found damning results about labor union corruption in Australia. A Newspoll that month showed he was the preferred choice as prime minister for just 14 percent of respondents, while 60 percent preferred Turnbull. Shorten had testified about his time as a union official, and while the inquiry made no findings against him, there were questions left unanswered about what Shorten knew about union corruption. Shorten has denied any wrongdoing. But Shorten's popularity, and that of his Labor party, has been rebounding this year as Turnbull's honeymoon with the public fades. While Shorten is still less popular than Turnbull, many observers agree that Labor's momentum was a major reason that Turnbull decided to call an early election. Turnbull has been hovering at about 45 percent as preferred prime minister in May and June while Shorten has stayed at about 30 percent in Newspolls that are published every two weeks. The government and opposition are running neck and neck in opinion polls. Before he became opposition leader, Shorten was a powerbroker and a minister in the former Labor government that ruled for a chaotic six years until 2013. He became known as one of Labor's "faceless men" powerbrokers who made backroom deals to bring down Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2010 and then Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2014. The Sydney Morning Herald's political editor Pater Hatcher wrote recently that the 49-year-old had managed an image makeover. Labor opposes the government's proposed tax cuts for big business and vows to put people first by increasing spending on health and education. "Bill Shorten began the Labor leadership as a Faceless Man, but he has now completed the shift to become Everyman," Hartcher wrote. "The former union leader and backroom dealer who plotted to remove two Labor leaders is now empathizing with anyone and promising money to everyone," Hartcher said. Australia's opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten, center, is taken on a tour of a disability center in Sydney, Friday, July 1, 2016. Shorten is campaigning on the last day before a national election. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Australia's opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten arrives on his bus at a disability center in Sydney, Friday, July 1, 2016. Shorten is campaigning on the last day before a national election. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Australia's opposition Labor Party leader Bill Shorten, right, and deputy leader Tanya Plibersek, second right, meet with members of a disability center in Sydney, Friday, July 1, 2016. Shorten is campaigning on the last day before a national election. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Lawyer: Up to 1,000 DUI cases affected by breath test error PHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia police say their breath test machines have been recalibrated and returned to service after discovering they were improperly calibrated. Private attorney Joseph Kelley, who notified police of the issue on Wednesday, says he estimates between 500 and 1,000 DUI cases could be affected by the improper calibrations. A police spokesman says they've asked the district attorney's office to review cases involving breath tests from Jan. 17 to June 29. The machines must be calibrated yearly with updated solutions that determine the accuracy of blood alcohol readings. Kelly says the machines were accurate, but that defense attorneys can argue the results should be barred from court. Police say they'll implement additional measures to improve efficiency and reduce mistakes. Election, voters near 'revolt' prompt Illinois budget deal CHICAGO (AP) After a year and a half of bickering and unbending demands, Illinois lawmakers were moved to compromise on a stopgap budget by a powerful force: a high-stakes November election and an already-disgusted voting public that one legislative leader described as on the verge of "revolt." Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Thursday evening to keep the state government operating for six months and schools open for another year, a rare deal hammered out with Democratic leaders who control the General Assembly just days before Friday's start of the new fiscal year. The plan approved Thursday allows Rauner and legislators up for re-election this fall to head into the campaign season without the looming threat of shuttered schools, lost road construction jobs, utility shutoffs at prisons or further cuts to colleges and social service agencies. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in front of his office at the Illinois State Capitol, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers were moved to compromise on a stopgap budget after a year-and-a-half stalemate by a powerful force: a high-stakes November election and a voting public one legislator described as near revolt. Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Thursday evening to keep state government operating for six months and schools open for another year. The plan allows the politicians to campaign without the threat of shuttered schools. Looking on is Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) The pressure to avoid those crises had grown particularly intense in recent weeks as Illinois appeared headed toward a second full year with no spending plan a dubious national record that has already led to thousands of laid-off workers and some 1 million people losing services such as mental health care and cancer screening. Loudly chanting protesters many of them union members opposed to Rauner's anti-labor agenda have shown up at the first-term governor's stops, forcing him to move one event and to apologize to members of a church where his remarks were repeatedly interrupted by shouting outside. Crain's Chicago Business, which endorsed the former private equity investor in his 2014 election, published an editorial last week titled "You've proved us wrong" that concluded, "By nearly every measure, the state is worse off since Rauner took office." Rauner wasn't the only one taking heat. On Wednesday, dozens of Illinois newspapers ran front page editorials demanding both sides get to work on a resolution, many with headlines such as "Enough" and "Do your job." The national satirical news program "The Daily Show" aired a segment about the impasse, in which the reporter compared two legislators to "Muppets" characters and suggested in impolite terms that young people should get out of Illinois. "To leave this building today without having some sense of accomplishment with respect to fundamental, vital services that we owe to citizens in Illinois would be atrocious," House GOP Leader Jim Durkin said during Thursday's votes. "It would be unacceptable, and the public revolt would be one which we have never witnessed before." The November statehouse election is seen as critical as Republicans look to pick up enough seats to end the supermajorities Democrats hold in both chambers. They see their best hope in the House, and the GOP already is spending heavily bankrolled in part by millions from Rauner's pocket on ads bashing Democratic lawmakers they see as vulnerable. Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, meanwhile, wants to expand his majority so he'll have the ability to regularly override Rauner's vetoes. Within minutes of Thursday's votes, both sides were claiming victory. Madigan said the deal came together only because Rauner dropped his insistence that lawmakers also approve his "personal" agenda, which includes weakening labor unions and cutting workers' compensation costs for businesses. Madigan and other Democrats have refused to make those items a condition of a budget agreement, saying they would hurt the middle class and vulnerable residents. But Democrats also were forced to give. The final deal spends less on education and other areas than Democrats wanted, and a measure to provide $215 million to help the near-broke Chicago Public Schools make its contribution for teacher pensions is contingent on lawmakers approving a separate plan to overhaul statewide pensions a move that will anger labor unions, among the party's staunchest supporters. Republicans congratulated themselves for stopping the majority party from ramming through a tax increase or a budget that's billions of dollars out of balance. And Rauner said he agreed to negotiate a deal only after Democrats gave their word that they will work with him to pass some of his agenda after the election. "Our efforts to get significant reform for the people of Illinois will never cease," Rauner said. Echoing themes from his 2014 campaign, he also framed the upcoming election as a choice for voters between the continued financial problems he says were created by Democrats or a new, Republican approach to creating more economic growth. "In many ways I don't know of a more important election than Nov. 8," he said. ___ Associated Press writer Ivan Moreno contributed from Springfield, Illinois. Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers were moved to compromise on a stopgap budget after a year-and-a-half stalemate by a powerful force: a high-stakes November election and a voting public one legislator described as near revolt. Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Thursday evening to keep state government operating for six months and schools open for another year. The plan allows the politicians to campaign without the threat of shuttered schools. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, speaks to lawmakers and staffers while on the Senate floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and give colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that won't end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Illinois lawmakers debate legislation while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. If Illinois enters another year without a budget by Thursday, cash will stop flowing to local 911 centers, preventative health screenings and tuition grants for low-income college students. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Illinois Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and give colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that won't end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks to reporters in front of his office at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers had just passed a stop gap budget. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. Illinois lawmakers approved a partial spending plan Thursday that would ensure schools stay open another year and give colleges and human service programs funding for six months, a rare bipartisan accomplishment but one that won't end the yearlong gridlock on a full budget. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) Taiwan misfires anti-ship missile, kills 1 fisherman TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) Taiwan's military said it mistakenly fired a supersonic anti-ship missile Friday that hit a fishing boat, killing one and injuring three people, on the day rival China was celebrating the Communist Party's anniversary. The 500-ton patrol boat Chinchiang was undergoing an inspection inside a military base when the Hsiung Feng III missile was fired and landed about 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers) away in waters off the islands of Penghu near Taiwan, the official Central News Agency said. The Defense Ministry said the missile penetrated a nearby Taiwanese fishing boat, killing its captain and injuring three crew members. FILE - In this file photo taken on Oct. 10. 2007, a model of Taiwan's indigenous Hsiung Feng III missile is displayed during the R.O.C., Republic of China, National Day in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan's Navy said that one of its 500-ton patrol boats based in southern Taiwan launched the supersonic anti-ship Hsiung Feng III missile by mistake early Friday. (AP Photo/Wally Santana, File) A preliminary investigation showed that missile operators likely failed to follow proper procedures, CNA said. A full investigation was under way, while the navy sent a helicopter and boats to search for the missile, the report said. The firing coincided with Beijing's celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the party's top leader, delivered a speech Friday calling for peaceful development of relations between Beijing and Taipei. Tensions across the strait have escalated since Tsai Ing-wen of a pro-independence party was elected president earlier this year. Tsai has refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation, and Beijing cut off contact with Taiwan's liaison office when she was inaugurated in May. Studies testing kelp as local fix for acidifying seawater HOOD CANAL, Wash. (AP) Scientist Joth Davis unspooled 150 feet of line holding thousands of tiny spores of kelp into Hood Canal in Washington state, while Brian Allen dove underwater and affixed the line to a buoy. Submerged about 10 feet underwater, the bull kelp seedlings will eventually form thick, slimy ribbons of brown seaweed and in the process take up carbon dioxide and other nutrients. Researchers hope it could offer a local strategy to ease the effects of ocean acidification when seas absorb carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activity, a phenomenon that raises acidity and threatens marine life. In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, ecologist Brian Allen, left, and scientist Joth Davis, of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, inspect two spools holding twine full of young kelp in a boat on Washington state's Hood Canal. An experiment will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) Davis and a team of scientists are investigating whether growing kelp can reduce C02 levels in the inland marine waters of Puget Sound. They also want to find ways to market that harvested kelp for food, fuels or fertilizers. "We know that kelp plants take up carbon dioxide and incorporate that carbon into their plant tissues. So we're very hopeful that not only carbon but nutrients can be taken up and essentially removed from the water column," said Davis, a senior scientist with the Puget Sound Restoration Fund. To test that hypothesis, a team led by Davis and Betsy Peabody will grow sugar and bull kelp over the next two years in Hood Canal, a fjord west of Seattle. The five-year project, involving many partners, is paid for by a $1.5 million grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Scientists from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and University of Washington will monitor seawater chemistry in and around those farms and measure whether and how much CO2 the marine macro algae take up. "We know the reactions. But we don't know if they scale to be significant in nature," said Jan Newton, a UW oceanographer who co-directs the Washington Ocean Acidification Center and is on the team assessing the project. "We know this isn't a solution on a global scale. The oceans are huge compared to a little bay where you might be able to make a difference. This is not a fix-it sort of solution," said Newton. But "can we make a difference on a local scale that buys us some time?" Research has shown that ocean acidification has damaged certain marine organisms such as oysters and corals. Ocean acidification interferes with the ability of oysters to build strong shells, and threatens Washington's $184 million shellfish industry. Kelp "has the potential for taking up a significant amount of carbon out of the water column. The question is: Is that going to be significant to help abate ocean acidification?" asked Richard Feely, senior scientist at NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, who is also assessing the project. If successful, it could provide a local adaptive strategy for ocean acidification, he said. In Maine, the nation's top seaweed producer, scientists report early but promising results during the first year of measuring the carbon uptake at a commercial kelp farm in Casco Bay. Using sensors inside and outside the kelp lines, scientists took measurements of the ocean's chemistry to determine whether the ribbons of macro algae captured enough CO2 to improve surrounding waters. Nichole Price, a senior research scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, said they found what she called "a halo" of changed seawater chemistry around the farm. The carbon saturation rate of seawater inside the farm was 25 percent higher, which would make it easier for organisms such as oysters, clams and mussels to form hard shells. Conditions in the kelp farm came out of the winter low saturation state one month earlier to surpass critical saturation thresholds when mussels start growing again in the spring. "The worry is that ocean acidification is going to slow the growth rate of cultured oysters, mussels and others to a point where they're not going to be sustainable or profitable in the future," Price said. Growing kelp near shellfish farms could help mitigate ocean acidification on a small, local scale, she said. While people harvest kelp recreationally in Washington state, there is no commercial seaweed aquaculture in the state. The pilot project would be the first, said Davis, who is also an oyster farmer. After planting out kelp seedlings grown in a lab, Davis pulled from the water, thick, glossy bands of seaweed to demonstrate what the plant would look like by the end of summer. They'll harvest the small test plot and plant out another farm in the fall. Davis took a bite of the seaweed. "It's crunchy," he said, smiling. "That's our future." In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, ecologist Brian Allen and scientist Joth Davis, of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, inspect a spool holding twine full of young kelp in a boat on Washington state's Hood Canal. An experiment will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, ecologist Brian Allen, of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, inspects a spool holding twine covered with young kelp in a boat on Washington state's Hood Canal. An experiment will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, a spool holding twine full of young kelp is kept in a cooler in a boat on Washington state's Hood Canal. An experiment by the Puget Sound Restoration Fund will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, scientist Joth Davis, of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, holds a spool as it unloads twine laden with young kelp. An experiment will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) In this photograph taken April 8, 2016, scientist Joth Davis, of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, eats kelp naturally growing on a buoy line in Washington state's Hood Canal. An experiment will test whether a seaweed farm can take up carbon dioxide from surrounding waters to combat ocean acidification. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes) Putin to visit Finland amid regional tensions HELSINKI (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin is slated to arrive in neighboring Finland for a one-day visit amid heightened tensions in the Baltic Sea region. Putin is to meet Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Friday at his summer residence in southwestern Finland, a country that shares a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia. Russia has increased military activity in Eastern Europe, with reports of airspace violations to which NATO has responded with a reinforced presence. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his meeting with Russian Ambassadors in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, June 30, 2016. Putin said that Russia will respond to NATO's military buildup near its borders, but will not be drawn into an arms race. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, pool) Army Corps to reduce lake flows fueling Florida algae bloom STUART, Fla. (AP) U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is calling on President Barack Obama to declare a state of emergency to help businesses harmed by the massive algae bloom fouling some of Florida's southern rivers and beaches. Rubio on Friday toured a portion of the St. Lucie River where a smelly muck is fouling an area promoted as Florida's "Treasure Coast." During a news conference later, he called the impact on tourism, home values and small buisnesses "catastrophic," saying he couldn't think of a precedent anywhere else in the country. "I hope the president will have an emergency declaration, because that will open up the full portfolio of aid that the federal government can provide local businesses and communities that are being impacted by this," Rubio said. An aerial photo shows blue-green algae enveloping an area along the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Fla.,Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Officials want federal action along the stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The Martin County Commission is inviting the president to view deteriorating water conditions that local officials blame on freshwater being released from the lake, according to a statement released Wednesday. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Rubio's Democratic colleague, Sen. Bill Nelson, toured the area Thursday. Both senators have joined Martin County commissioners in calling for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. After touring the St. Lucie River as it passes through downtown Stuart, Nelson said the problems can be traced to Florida's history of diverting water to the ocean. "We need to repair 75 years of diking and draining, but that takes time," he said. He called on Florida's Legislature to spend money approved by state voters for environmental projects such as purchasing land around Lake Okeechobee for water storage instead of diverting the funds to pay for administrative costs. The Army Corps has started reducing the flow of water from Lake Okeechobee. The Corps' Jacksonville District began the reductions Friday, targeting the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie Estuary, a news release said. The action comes after Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency over the problem, and as politicians and residents are blaming the federal government. Multiple Florida lawmakers have asked federal authorities that oversee Lake Okeechobee to immediately stop freshwater releases that coastal communities blame for algae blooms and other environmental damage. "I would describe them as guacamole-thick. And it stinks," said Gabriella Ferraro, spokeswoman for Martin County. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant featured in yearslong arguments over water flowing from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical to South Florida's water supply and flood control systems. At Central Marine boat docks in Stuart, pea-green and brown algae coated the water Thursday and smelled strongly like cow manure. Blooms that started last week in the St. Lucie River continue to spread, threatening Atlantic beaches expecting crowds of families for the holiday weekend. Sarah Chaney, a receptionist at Central Marine, said boaters and fisherman are cancelling reservations after seeing reports of the algae, which she called "horrible and disgusting." When Scott declared a state emergency for the area Wednesday, he blamed the federal government for neglecting repairs to the lake's aging dike that's considered one of the country's most at-risk for imminent failure. On Thursday, he amended the emergency declaration, adding Lee and Palm Beach counties to Wednesday's emergency declaration for Martin and St. Lucie counties. Palm Beach County is located directly south of the existing emergency area, while Lee County is located on Florida's Gulf coast. ___ Kay reported from Miami. ___ Follow Terry Spencer on Twitter at https://twitter.com/terryspen . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/terry-spencer . ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the Martin County spokeswoman is Gabriella Ferraro, not Ferrero. Boats docked at Central Marine in Stuart, Fla., are surrounded by blue green algae, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Officials want federal action along the stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The Martin County Commission is inviting the president to view deteriorating water conditions that local officials blame on freshwater being released from the lake, according to a statement released Wednesday. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP) A dead walking catfish lays on the shore with algae along Sewell's Point on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge on Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Water full of algae laps along the Sewell's Point shore on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge, Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Algae covered water at Stuart's Central Marine boat docks is thick, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Stuart, Fla. Officials want federal action along a stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant in yearslong arguments over water flowing from Lake Okeechobee. Lawmakers say a southwest Florida county should be added to the state of emergency declared over an algae bloom on the Atlantic coast. (AP Photo/Terry Spencer) Man accused in Jewish Center bomb plot faces new charge MIAMI (AP) A South Florida man accused of trying to detonate a bomb at a synagogue and Jewish school during Passover observances is facing a new charge. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami reports in a news release that 40-year-old James Medina was indicted Thursday on a charge of attempting to damage religious property. He was charged in May with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. The FBI says Medina plotted with an undercover informant to acquire a bomb to attack the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in April. Medina was arrested after the informant provided him with a real-looking dummy bomb that could not explode. FBI recordings show Medina allegedly supported the Islamic State terrorist group and claimed an obligation to attack Jews in the U.S. The Latest: Tunisian town buries doctor killed in Istanbul ISTANBUL (AP) The Latest on the bomb and gun attack that killed 44 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport (all times local): 8:00 p.m. A Tunisian town has buried a military doctor killed in this week's attack on Istanbul airport as he tried to extract his son from the grasp of the Islamic State group. Family, friends and officers carry the Tunisian flag-draped coffin of the head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital, Col. Fathi Bayoudh, one of the victims killed Tuesday at the blasts in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, during his funeral in Ksour Essaf, southern Tunisia, Friday, July 1, 2016. A Tunisian town has buried a military doctor killed in this weeks Islamic State attack on Istanbul as he tried to extract his son from the extremist groups grasp. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi) Family, friends and uniformed officers attended Friday's ceremony in Ksour Essef in central Tunisia for Col. Fathi Bayoudh, head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital. The Tunisian government said he was among dozens killed in Tuesday's suicide bombing, blamed on IS. Bayoudh's 25-year-old son Anouar was among thousands of young Tunisians who have joined IS amid this country's post-revolution economic turmoil, according to his distraught widow. The Bayoudh family persuaded the son to leave the group, and he is now in Turkish custody awaiting extradition. A Tunisian presidential adviser at the funeral said Anouar could return to Tunisia as soon as Saturday. ___ 5:10 p.m. Turkish media say authorities have determined the identities of two of three suicide bombers responsible for the Ataturk Airport attack that killed 44 people this week in Istanbul. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that the Bakirkoy Public Prosecutor's office had established the identity of two suspects in the course of investigations. The investigation into the third suspect's identity is ongoing. The identity of one suspect was determined through a photocopy of his passport, which he submitted to a realtor in order to rent a house in Istanbul's Fatih district. In addition, a computer that had been destroyed was been found in a trash bin near the apartment where the suicide bombers were staying. The police are trying to access the information on the computer. The private Dogan news agency says two of the suspects were Russian nationals. ___ 3:05 p.m. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeated that the Islamic State group "most probably" was behind the Istanbul airport attack, adding that its militants would end up "in hell." Speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers, Erdogan said the extremist group claims to carry out acts in the name of Islam, but said it has nothing to do with the religion. "They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell," he said. "These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly, ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death. You have no such right," Erdogan said. ___ 1:30 p.m. Swedish authorities say an ethnic Chechen identified as the organizer of the Istanbul airport bombing that killed 44 people was convicted of weapons smuggling in 2008. The chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, along with Turkish and Swedish media, says Akhmed Chatayev directed the three suicide bombers who carried out the attack Tuesday. Chatayev's whereabouts are unclear. The city court in the southern Sweden port city of Ystad says Chatayev was sentenced to 16 months for smuggling an automatic weapon and two handguns with munition and silencers into Sweden on March 3, 2008. Court documents obtained by The Associated Press on Friday show Chatayev had arrived by ferry boat from Germany. He and two others in the car said they were heading to Norway to go fishing and meet friends. Court documents show he denied knowing about the guns hidden in a spare wheel in the trunk. A local paper says he was freed from prison in January 2009. ___ 12:55 p.m. A U.S. congressman says a Chechen extremist organized the suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that killed 44 people and wounded hundreds of others. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, tells CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed the Tuesday night attack. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. McCaul says Chatayev's whereabouts are unclear but he is known to have served as a top lieutenant in the Islamic State's war ministry. Turkish authorities have blamed the attack on the Islamic State group, though the group has not claimed credit. Authorities have said the three suicide bombers in the attack were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, but they have not provided more details or said whether they are searching for more suspects. ___ 9:55 a.m. As Turkey continues to investigate the Istanbul airport bombing and track down suspects, a Turkish official says the mastermind of an earlier suicide bombing has been killed. The official said Friday Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed by security forces in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir. The Feb. 17 suicide attack against military personnel in Ankara killed 29 people and was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol. Turkey is still reeling from the triple suicide bombing attack at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport earlier this week that killed 44 people. The Islamic State group is the main suspect for that attack. Family, friends and officers carry the Tunisian flag-draped coffin of the head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital, Col. Fathi Bayoudh, one of the victims killed Tuesday at the blasts in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, during his funeral in Ksour Essaf, southern Tunisia, Friday, July 1, 2016. A Tunisian town has buried a military doctor killed in this weeks Islamic State attack on Istanbul as he tried to extract his son from the extremist groups grasp. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi) THIS IS A RECROPPED VERSION OF XLP801 TRANSMITTED THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2016 n this framegrab from CCTV video, made available by the Turkish Haberturk newspaper on Thursday, June 30, 2016, people believed to be the attackers walk in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, Tuesday June 28, 2016. Three attackers carried out a gun-and-suicide bomb attack, killing dozens and wounding scores of others. at the busy airport late Tuesday, the latest in a series of bombings to strike Turkey in recent months. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey. (Haberturk newspaper via AP Photo) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, their photographs were displayed as family members, colleagues and friends of the victims of Tuesday blasts gather for a memorial ceremony at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport that killed dozens, a U.S. congressman has said. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which also wounded over 200 other people. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) In this framegrab from CCTV video, made available by the Turkish Haberturk newspaper on Thursday, June 30, 2016, a man, circled, believed to be one of the attackers walks in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, Tuesday June 28, 2016. Three attackers carried out a gun-and-suicide bomb attack, killing dozens and wounding scores of others. at the busy airport late Tuesday, the latest in a series of bombings to strike Turkey in recent months. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey. (Haberturk newspaper via AP Photo) In this framegrab from CCTV video, made available by the Turkish Haberturk newspaper on Thursday, June 30, 2016, a man, at left circled, believed to be one of the attackers walks in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, Tuesday June 28, 2016. Three attackers carried out a gun-and-suicide bomb attack, killing dozens and wounding scores of others. at the busy airport late Tuesday, the latest in a series of bombings to strike Turkey in recent months. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey. (Haberturk newspaper via AP Photo) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, family members, colleagues and friends of the victims of Tuesday blasts gather for a memorial ceremony at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport that killed dozens, a U.S. congressman has said. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which also wounded over 200 other people. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) 10 Things to Know for Today - 1 July 2016 Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. TURKISH SECURITY FORCES KILL MASTERMIND OF PREVIOUS BOMBING Ankara flexes its muscle as it presses ahead with a probe into this week's suicide attack in Istanbul. A casino worker carries a picket sign on Thursday June 30, 2016, in Atlantic City, N.J., as contract talks between his union, Local 54 of Unite-HERE, and the Trump Taj Mahal were underway to try to prevent a threatened Friday strike. Still seething from the cancellation of its members' health insurance and pension benefits nearly two years ago, Atlantic City's main casino workers union said early Friday it will go on strike against the Trump Taj Mahal casino. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry) 2. HOW TESLA CRASH COULD HURT SENTIMENT ON DRIVERLESS CARS The deadly crash of a Tesla car being operated on Autopilot "flies in the face" of the company's claims that its system is high tech, nimble and safe. 3. WHY JUDGE BLOCKS MISS. LAW ON OBJECTIONS TO GAY MARRIAGE U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves rules the law unconstitutionally establishes preferred beliefs and creates unequal treatment for gay people. 4. CASINO WORKERS TO STRIKE AGAINST TRUMP TAJ MAHAL The Atlantic City gaming employees are still seething from the cancellation of their health insurance and pension benefits nearly two years ago. 5. SOME QUESTION WHETHER US HAS LOWERED BAR ON LOWERING FLAG As nation prepares to mark Independence Day, flag buffs note that the honor of flying the flag at half-staff has been extended more widely over time. 6. NOW ISOLATED, UK COMMEMORATES DEADLIEST BATTLE OF WORLD WAR I IN NORTHERN FRANCE Marking 100 years since the Battle of the Somme, Britain's leader and royals stand together with allies from the European Union it voted to leave one week ago. 7. WHO GETS NEW TRIAL AFTER 16 YEARS IN PRISON A judge orders a new trial for Adnan Syed, whose lawyer didn't challenge expert testimony in the murder case that became the focus of a podcast entitled "Serial," which captivated millions of listeners. 8. PENTAGON ENDS ONE OF LAST BANS ON SERVICE IN ARMED FORCES Transgender people will now be allowed to serve openly in U.S. military. 9. $415M MEGA MILLIONS JACKPOT IS TENTH LARGEST Friday's drawing will be the biggest prize since a $430 million Powerball winnings collected by a New Jersey family May 7. 10. MAN KILLED BY GRIZZLY WAS FAMILIAR WITH MONTANA WILDS But there was seemingly nothing that longtime U.S. Forest Service law-enforcement officer Brad Treat could do when he surprised the bear while riding his mountain bike. Jessica Williams leaves 'Daily Show' but not Comedy Central NEW YORK (AP) Comedy Central's "Daily Show" has said goodbye to longtime correspondent Jessica Williams, who is working on a new project with the cable network. Williams joined the program in January 2012 under former host Jon Stewart. At 22, she was the show's youngest correspondent ever and also the first black woman in the role. Williams wrapped up her tenure Thursday night with a piece about disappointed Bernie Sanders supporters opting to vote for Republican Donald Trump this fall. After the piece aired, host Trevor Noah paid tribute to Williams , calling her "the coolest, most awesome person." Williams didn't say much during the segment and appeared to be fighting back tears. FILE - In this May 21, 2016, file photo, Jessica Williams attends the 75th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony in New York. Williams left Comedy Central's "Daily Show" on June 30, 2016, to begin work on a pilot for a half-hour scripted series on the cable network. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) The Colosseum has emerged more imposing than ever after its most extensive restoration, a 25million (15million) clean up to remove decades of grime caused by traffic pollution in Rome. Footing the bill is shoe-and-luxury goods maker Tod's. In an act of modern-day cultural patronage, company founder Diego Della Valle responded to a government call to the private sector to help care for Italy's art and archaeological treasures. The Colosseum's new look was unveiled on Friday and during the ceremony Italy's culture minister, Dario Franceschini, announced that a further 18 million (15million) has been found to replace the arena's floor, by the end of 2018. Scroll down for video The Colosseum has emerged more imposing than ever after its most extensive restoration, a multi-million-euro cleaning to remove soot and grime from the ancient arena Tod's founder Diego Della Valle, who is paying 25million for the project, poses inside the Colosseum Workers continue to restore the Colosseum after the first stage of the project was completed in Rome today A new floor might be used to support modern-day entertainment, although monument-rocking rock concerts have been ruled out. The stage would be used for 'cultural events of the highest level,' Franceschini said. The first phase of the Colosseum's restoration consisted essentially of gently removing pollution's ravages on the exterior of the monument, which dates from the first century, with water misters and brushes wielded by hand. The monument stayed open to tourists during the nearly three-year-long restoration of the outside, with scaffolding covering only one section at a time. The exterior cleaning cost some 6.5 million ($7.2million) (5.4million). Tod's is paying 25million (20million) for the entire project, whose next steps include constructing a visitors' centre with a cafeteria and shoring up the bottom, where gladiators prepped, and wild beasts and scenery were kept for spectacles for the ancient Roman masses. The grime on the ancient wonder has built up over the years due to pollution in traffic-clogged Rome Architect Gisella Capponi, who directed the restoration, can be seen inside the famous landmark The monument stayed open to tourists during the nearly three-year-long restoration of the outside, with scaffolding covering only one section at a time Della Valle received thanks today from Italy's Premier Matteo Renzi. Companies ranging from Italian fashion houses to a mattress manufacturer to a Japanese textile maker have paid for restorations including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Rome's own Pyramid. Culture Minister Dario Franceschini pointed out that the shoe magnate was especially generous, since Della Valle offered the funds before a new Italian law took effect, in late 2014, giving modern-day versions of Medici princes of the arts huge tax breaks. Under that new strategy, more than 100million ($112million) (84million) have been donated, Franceschini said. Architect Gisella Capponi, who directed the restoration, says the cleaning allows the Colosseum's creamy hues of travertine stone to be appreciated again. 'The coloration highlights the monument' while the dirt and crime 'gave an image of being more a ruin than it really is,' she said. Indeed, the stone had been so blackened that the Colosseum almost seemed to fade into the background for Romans who passed it daily on their commutes. But now 'the effect is one of surprise,' Colosseum director Rossella Rea said. Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi talks during a press conference inside the Colosseum, pictured today Renzi leaves the city's famous icon, after the press conference inside the well-known landmark Besides Della Valle's generosity, the Colosseum benefited from a city ordinance forbidding private cars on the nearby boulevard, which flanks Roman and Imperial Forums. Taxis and buses, but not private cars, are allowed on weekdays. On weekends, only pedestrians and cyclists can use the boulevards. Shopkeepers and other businesses in the area have complained bitterly about the traffic ban but Rea is unrepentant about the need to protect the arena, a Unesco World Heritage site that is considered Italy's most famous icon. 'If the heavy traffic, which did the damage, returns, all you'll need is three, four years' to coat the Colosseum again in soot,' she said. Tod's is paying 25 million euros (20million) for the entire project, whose next steps include constructing a visitors' centre with a cafeteria. Pictured is founder Diego Della Valle Otherwise, to keep its clean look, all the monument will need in the next years is an annual checkup, with workers going up in cherry-pickers to remove weeds that sprout in the stone's spaces. Shoring up the ancient walls and arches of the bottom level could also help fulfill the dream of those who want to see the ancient arena regain new glory as a contemporary entertainment venue. But first, architects and engineers must determine that 2,000-year-old foundations are sturdy enough to support a new stage. And drainage -- which still exploits ancient Roman pipes -- must be upgraded and thoroughly cleaned. Tod's founder Diego Della Valle (left) arrives with Italian premier Matteo Renzi (centre) and the minister of Culture Dario Franceschini (right) Each year, some five million to six million tourists traipse through the first two tiers of Italy's most visited monument A cultural ministry architect, Pia Petrangeli, who oversees sponsorship procedures, says the Colosseum is structurally sound. 'This monument has foundations 15 metres (50ft)' down, Petrangeli said. Each year, some five million to six million tourists traipse through the first two tiers of Italy's most visited monument. 'It was built to be an arena for shows,' Petrangeli said. 'It held many more people than it does today.' Amnesty documents 'horrifying' abuse of migrants in Libya CAIRO (AP) An international rights group on Friday published "horrifying" accounts by migrants of exploitation and sexual abuse in Libya, including Christians who were abducted by Islamic State group militants and forced into sexual slavery. In a report titled "Libya is full of cruelty," Amnesty International collected the testimonies of 90 migrants, including 15 women, interviewed in reception centers in Italy and Sicily after escaping Libya in recent months. The group said that sexual abuse is so widespread that some women take contraceptives before their sea crossing. "From being abducted, incarcerated underground for months and sexually abused by members of armed groups, to being beaten, exploited or shot at by people smugglers, traffickers or criminal gangs refugees and migrants have described in harrowing detail the horrors they were forced to endure in Libya," said Amnesty's Magdelena Mughrabi. Libya is home to some 250,000 refugees and migrants. The U.N. refugee agency estimates that since April 19, 2015, 4,937 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. The group urged the international community to take action to tackle the root cause of migration, and to increase the number of people who are resettled overseas or given humanitarian visas. Libya fell into chaos following the ouster and killing of Moammar Gadhafi, who ruled for over 40 years before a 2011 uprising that descended into civil war. Despite a U.N.-brokered political deal in December, the country remains politically divided between weak ruling bodies and rival armed groups. Amid this lawlessness, people smuggling has become a lucrative business and all parties involved, including coast guards, are exhorting migrants for money, Amnesty said. Those who fail to pay are likely to suffer the worst treatment, according to the group. The migrants and refugees told Amnesty International about people who were killed by smugglers or who died from thirst or starvation. Some were shot or electrocuted and in one case, a disabled migrant was dumped in the desert by people smugglers. "They had no heart," said a 20-year-old Eritrean named as Saleh, who entered Libya in October. Women in particular are at risk of rape and sexual exploitation. "Their experiences paint a terrifying picture of the conditions many of those who come to Europe are so desperate to escape," said Mughrabi. A 22-year-old Eritrean woman identified as Ramya told Amnesty that she was raped more than once while in captivity in a remote area near the town of Ajdabiya, in eastern Libya. "When you have a gun pointed at your head, you don't really have a choice," she said. Another woman described how one migrant woman was gang-raped by people smugglers when she failed to pay her smuggling fees. New Philippine president says he won't be a dictator MANILA, Philippines (AP) The Philippines' new president said Friday he "will go to the extreme" in his battle to end crime and cleanse the police force of wrongdoers within six months, but pledged he won't become a dictator. Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech to the police that he is not afraid of being impeached by Congress while fighting crime and assured officers he would protect them if they kill large numbers of people while cracking down on lawlessness. The crackdown, he warned, will extend to the 170,000-strong police force. "I am warning you, I will be harsh," Duterte said. "I will go to the extreme." Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, places the hat of the new Police Chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, during the "Assumption of Command" ceremonies at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police headquarters, in suburban Quezon city, Manila, Philippines, on Friday, July 1, 2016. Duterte, who was sworn in as the Philippines' 16th president, has given himself a colossal campaign promise to fulfill, eradicating crime especially drug trafficking, smuggling, rapes and murder in three to six months. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) As a former prosecutor who charged erring policemen and soldiers in his southern city of Davao for years, Duterte said he knows how to detect corrupt military and police personnel, some of whom are involved in the illegal drug trade. The records of all policemen linked to crimes will be reviewed, he said. "Do your duty," Duterte said. "If in the process you kill 1,000 persons because you were doing your duty ... I will protect you, and if they will try to impeach me, I will hurry up the process and we go out of the service together." Duterte was inaugurated Thursday in austere rites at Manila's Malacanan presidential palace after winning May 9 elections on a promise to eradicate crime and corruption in three to six months, an ambitious plan that has sparked alarm. Human rights watchdogs have warned Duterte against resorting to shortcuts and abuses. Duterte said he would go hard on crime, but "I do not want to be a dictator." In recent weeks, dozens of suspected drug dealers have been killed, either in reported gunbattles with police or under mysterious circumstances. On Friday, 10 drug dealers were killed separately in gunfights with police in Bulacan province north of Manila as the nationwide crackdown commenced, according to police. Duterte expressed particular anger against convicted drug traffickers who continue to deal secretly in methamphetamines at the national penitentiary in metropolitan Manila. He suggested a potentially bloody crackdown was imminent at the heavily guarded prison. "You're putting the government to shame. You're slapping us. You should count hours, I don't like days," Duterte said. Hundreds of drug addicts and pushers have surrendered to authorities in recent weeks, concerned they would be killed in the crackdown, officials said. Duterte witnessed the official appointment of his national police and military chiefs in separate ceremonies and ordered them to combine their forces to fight criminals. Aside from anti-crime efforts, Duterte said he would pursue peace talks with communist and Muslim rebels, and announced he would meet next week with the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country. Duterte will travel to southern Jolo island to meet Nur Misuari, a leader of another Muslim rebel group. He also expects talks soon with Jose Maria Sison, the founding chairman of the communist party who plans to return home soon after living in exile in Europe for about three decades. "We cannot fight forever," Duterte said. "My job is to bring peace, but, hand in hand, I must also bring order in my country." Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during the "Assumption of Command" of new Police Chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police headquarters, in suburban Quezon city, Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 1, 2016. Duterte, who was sworn in as the Philippines' 16th president, has given himself a colossal campaign promise to fulfill, eradicating crime especially drug trafficking, smuggling, rapes and murder in three to six months. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, salutes beside Police Chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, left, during arrival honors at Camp Crame Philippine National Police headquarters, in suburban Quezon city, Manila, Philippines on Friday, July 1, 2016. Duterte, who was sworn in as the Philippines' 16th president, has given himself a colossal campaign promise to fulfill, eradicating crime especially drug trafficking, smuggling, rapes and murder in three to six months. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte walks during the arrival honors at Camp Crame Philippine National Police headquarters, in suburban Quezon city, Manila, Philippines, on Friday, July 1, 2016. Duterte, who was sworn in as the Philippines' 16th president, has given himself a colossal campaign promise to fulfill, eradicating crime especially drug trafficking, smuggling, rapes and murder in three to six months. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) Israeli officials says UK Labour Party has apologized LONDON (AP) Israeli officials say the Labour Party has apologized to the Israeli ambassador after comments made by party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn spoke at the launch of a report examining anti-Semitism inside the opposition Labour Party. He said Jews were "no more responsible for the actions of Israel" than Muslims were responsible for Islamic State extremists. Israeli Embassy spokesman Yiftah Curiel said Friday that Labour foreign policy adviser Emily Thornberry had apologized for the remarks. "Ambassador Mark Regev welcomed Emily Thornberry's unequivocal apology following Jeremy Corbyn's unacceptable remarks," he said. Britain's chief rabbi called the remarks offensive. Corbyn said later he was not trying to equate the Israeli government and Islamic State. 4 Libyan ministers in UN-backed gov't dismissed for no-show BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) The United Nations-brokered presidency council in Libya has dismissed four ministers, all of whom are from the discontented eastern region, for failing to attend meetings for a month. The presidency council an executive body said Friday it considered the absence of the ministers of economy, national reconciliation, justice and finance as "resignation by default." The finance minister Fakher bu-Farnah turned down the role when he was appointed in February, but was retained anyway. Their dismissal underscores Libya's persistent political rift between the eastern and western ruling bodies. Bodies found as Kenya charges 3 policemen over missing men NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) The bodies of a human rights lawyer and another missing man were found in a Kenyan river Friday, and the country's police chief said three police officers have been arrested and will be charged with murder. The U.S.-based International Justice Mission confirmed that the two bodies recovered were of staff lawyer Willie Kimani and motorcycle taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. The body of taxi driver Josephat Mwenda, whom Kimani was representing, is still missing, the mission said. Evidence shows that Kimani and Muiruri were tortured, the president of Kenya's bar association said. "This is completely unacceptable. Once lawyers are under threat, then nobody can save Kenyans," Isaac Okero said, adding that lawyers across Kenya will go on strike for a week in protest. The association also called for the resignation of Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery. Police Chief Joseph Boinnet said circumstantial evidence links the three officers to the crimes. "I reject claims that there are death squads in the police. These are rogue officers, just like any society with rogue people," he said. The bodies were found in a river northeast of Nairobi. Two were recovered; the third slipped back into the river. The International Justice Mission condemned "the horrific violence inflicted upon these men." Rights groups have said the men were abducted June 23 while coming from court, where Mwenda faced several charges the groups say were trumped up by a policeman after he shot Mwenda without provocation in April 2015. Mwenda had said he received threats after he reported the officer to the Independent Police Oversight Authority. In Brexit, London startups see risk _ and some opportunities LONDON (AP) Within 24 hours of Britain's vote to leave the European Union, London-based technology startup Netz saw five investors suspend hundreds of thousands of pounds in promised money. Now the company, which provides data to financial companies on potential customers, can't hire the candidates it had lined up. And should it eventually get the needed investment, it will face the risk of not being able to tap enough talent as Britain's departure from the EU could make it more difficult to hire from the bloc's other 27 countries. "The people we want to hire, are they still interested in coming to London? There is a lot of uncertainty from a regulatory point of view," said CEO Frank Bertele, a German national. Since the vote, he has accelerated plans to expand into the U.S. Frank Bertele, CEO of tech startup NETZ, works on his laptop in London Wednesday June 29, 2016. Within 24 hours of Britains vote to leave the European Union, London-based technology startup Netz saw five investors suspend hundreds of thousands of pounds in promised money. (AP Photo/Leonora Beck) Britain's decision to break away from the EU has created huge uncertainties for businesses, and there is no more vulnerable a period for a company than its infancy. Survival depends on getting the timing right in attracting investment, hiring workers, and spending on office space and equipment. London's tech companies will scramble to cope though true to the startup community's culture of adaptability, many are looking to the tumult also as a source of opportunity for new business and to gain ground on the less nimble established companies. Among the top concerns for startups in London is hiring. Being part of the EU guarantees free movement of workers, without the hassle and costs of visas or work permits. The tech sector is particularly dependent on accessing talent easily. A 2015-survey by Wayra, a startup incubator, found that one third of employees in tech startups in Britain are from outside the country, and one in five comes from another EU nation. The concerns about the potential effect of a British EU exit, or Brexit, come as the U.K. tech industry is already experiencing a talent shortage. To help with that, the government allows firms to speed up recruitment of nationals from outside EU. Job search engine Adzuna shows there are around 35,000 open software positions in London. DueDil, a financial technology startup, has doubled its staff every year for the past five years, with 20 percent coming from other EU countries. It is growing far too quickly to have the luxury of waiting for Britain's relationship with the EU to be clarified over coming months. As a result, it has hastily drafted a plan for a European office. It will decide in the next few weeks whether that will be in Dublin, Berlin or another European city. "If it hadn't been for Brexit, we would probably have hired more people in London," said Damian Kimmelman, CEO of DueDil. According to Pat Saini, the head of the immigration team at law firm Pennington Manches, it costs upward of 5,000 pounds ($6,650) in visa costs and related fees to hire a person from the U.S. or another country outside the EU. "If EU nationals, with Brexit, end in the same category as nationals from outside the EU, then companies relying on EU labor will have to wait longer and pay extra for workers," she said. For some startups, however, the uncertainty has not been all bad. Netz saw the number of customer requests quadruple since last week's vote. Wealth managers and financial advisors in particular have flocked to Netz to find potential new clients from the startup's database. And one of the five investors who had suspended their involvement in the company has since changed his mind and decided to back Netz regardless of the uncertainty. DueDil landed three contracts in two days from investment-keen American equity firms that wanted to profit from the drop in the British pound and access DueDil's database of detailed information about private firms in the U.K. And by nature of being small, startups have a flexibility to adapt to new situations and take advantage of changes in the market in a way that would take longer for big companies with thousands of people on their payrolls. "When people start realizing that these obstacles in front of them are opportunities, startups are the ones that best can exploit them," said Kimmelman. Some are concerned that an EU exit means London will lose its luster as a vibrant tech hub. London's finance technology industry is particularly at risk. In the past year, companies in Britain attracted one third of the venture capital invested in European startups, according to the venture capital database CB Insights. Neil Rimer, co-founder of venture capital firm Index Ventures, says that's unlikely in the longer run as it will be in the interest of the British government, whatever the future trade relations with EU countries, to keep attracting talent and encourage startups. "Whoever ends up doing the negotiations are not interested in standing up the flow of people coming to work," he said. "I think they will work very hard to preserve that kind of mobility." NYPD to review beard policy after Muslim officer reinstated NEW YORK (AP) The New York Police Department says it will examine its policy banning beards after a federal class-action lawsuit was filed last week on behalf a Muslim officer who was suspended for violating the rule. Officer Masood Syed, who was suspended during Ramadan for refusing to shave his inch-long beard, has been reinstated. City attorney Michael Fleming had said the limit on facial hair is necessary for gas masks to fit tightly on officers' faces. Syed's lawsuit states the rule is unconstitutional and inconsistently enforced. It seeks unspecified financial damages and a court order banning the NYPD from enforcing the rule. North Carolina woman admits to faking bomb threat at church WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina woman has admitted to faking a bomb threat at a church when she told authorities an Arab man had delivered a suspicious package and threatened her with a knife. The Winston-Salem Journal (http://bit.ly/29boukw ) reports that 28-year-old Daniella P. Diaz's claims caused police to block streets and evacuate more than 200 people from First Baptist Church in downtown Winston-Salem on Jan. 4. On Thursday, Diaz, who was a janitor at the church, pleaded guilty in Forsyth County court to making a false report of mass violence on educational property and perpetuating a hoax by use of a false bomb. Diaz was given two consecutive suspended sentences of 5 months to 15 months. She will be on probation for two years and must perform 50 hours of community service. ___ Attention in Istanbul bombing focused on Chechen extremist ISTANBUL (AP) Attention focused Friday on whether a Chechen extremist known to be a top lieutenant in the Islamic State group was involved in the suicide attacks that killed 44 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's attack at one of the world's busiest airports. The CIA and White House declined to comment on McCaul's assertion and officials said the investigation of the bombing is still ongoing. McCaul could not be reached for further comment. Turkish officials also were not able to confirm Chatayev's role. The Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt for him. In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, family members, colleagues and friends of the victims of Tuesday blasts gather for a memorial ceremony at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport that killed dozens, a U.S. congressman has said. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which also wounded over 200 other people. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) McCaul said Chatayev's whereabouts are unknown. The 35-year-old one-armed militant, who fought in Chechnya against Russian forces and their local allies in the early 2000s before fleeing to the West, was put on the U.S. list of suspected terrorists in 2015. That same year, he resurfaced in an IS video as the commander of the group's Chechen battalion in Syria. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the airport attack, the Islamic State group is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that IS was "most probably" behind it. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey and other countries. "They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell," Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. "These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death." The state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that the Bakirkoy Public Prosecutor's office had established the identity of two of the airport attackers, Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, and was trying to identify the third. Other media reports have given different versions of Osmanov's name. Anadolu said Osmanov's identity was determined through a photocopy of his passport, which he submitted to a realtor in order to rent a house in Istanbul's Fatih district. Police were also trying to access information on a destroyed computer found in a trash bin near the house. The Anadolu report did not provide the nationalities of the suspects. On Thursday, a Turkish official said the three attackers were from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids Thursday in three Istanbul neighborhoods, officials said. The Haber Turk newspaper said 11 more suspects all foreigners were detained in a separate raid early Friday. A government official could not immediately confirm the report. The IS group, which has used the porous border with Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey. In turn, Turkey has blamed IS for several major bombings in the past year in Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey, a NATO member and key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, also faces security threats from Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkey's southeast region and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the past year, including an attack Feb. 17 in Ankara that killed 39 people, and another devastating bombing in the capital in March. An official said Friday that security forces have killed the mastermind of the Feb. 17 attack. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations. The attack against military personnel was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. ___ Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Lori Hinnant in Paris, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed reporting. Family, friends and officers follow the ambulance carrying the coffin of the head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital, Col. Fathi Bayoudh, one of the victims killed Tuesday at the blasts in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, during his funeral in Ksour Essaf, southern Tunisia, Friday, July 1, 2016. A Tunisian town has buried a military doctor killed in this weeks Islamic State attack on Istanbul as he tried to extract his son from the extremist groups grasp. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi) Family, friends and officers carry the Tunisian flag-draped coffin of the head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital, Col. Fathi Bayoudh, one of the victims killed Tuesday at the blasts in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, during his funeral in Ksour Essaf, southern Tunisia, Friday, July 1, 2016. A Tunisian town has buried a military doctor killed in this weeks Islamic State attack on Istanbul as he tried to extract his son from the extremist groups grasp. (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi) In this frame grab taken from Rustavi2 footage dated 2012, Akhmed Chatayev speaks to the media in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Chechen extremist Chatayev is identified as the mastermind behind the triple suicide bombing at Turkey's Istanbul airport that killed at least 44 people, according to U.S. congressman Michael McCaul, while noting Chatayev's whereabouts is unclear. (Georgian broadcasting company Rustavi2, AP video via AP) THIS IS A RECROPPED VERSION OF XLP801 TRANSMITTED THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2016 n this framegrab from CCTV video, made available by the Turkish Haberturk newspaper on Thursday, June 30, 2016, people believed to be the attackers walk in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, Tuesday June 28, 2016. Three attackers carried out a gun-and-suicide bomb attack, killing dozens and wounding scores of others. at the busy airport late Tuesday, the latest in a series of bombings to strike Turkey in recent months. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey. (Haberturk newspaper via AP Photo) Germany: Cologne mayor assailant gets 14 years in prison BERLIN (AP) A court on Friday sentenced a far-right extremist to 14 years in prison for the attempted murder of a leading candidate for Cologne mayor, the day before she was elected to the job last year. The state court in Duesseldorf found that the assailant, a 45-year-old German identified only as Frank S. in line with the country's privacy rules, wanted to "send a signal against the government's refugee policy." Henriette Reker, who was in charge of housing refugees in Cologne at the time, was stabbed in the neck as she campaigned for the mayor's job on Oct. 17. FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2016 file photo Cologne's Mayor speaks during a news conference in Cologne, Germany. A German man has been convicted of attempted murder for the stabbing of Colognes mayor the day before she was elected last year. The defendant was sentenced to 14 years in prison by the state court in Duesseldorf on Friday July 1, 2016, news agency dpa reported. Henriette Reker was stabbed in the neck as she campaigned on Oct. 17. (Oliver Berg/ dpa via AP, file) The defendant stabbed her with a large hunting knife at a campaign stand set up by Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. "He wanted to send a signal against the government's refugee policy," presiding judge Barbara Havliza said as she announced the verdict at the Duesseldorf state court, news agency dpa reported. "He wanted to create a climate of fear and influence politics." "He believed that the German government was not entitled to let refugees into the country," the judge added. "In his opinion, the government was committing high treason. He wanted to send an extreme and brutal signal against that." The attack came at the height of last year's massive influx of migrants from the Middle East and elsewhere to Germany. Reker was elected mayor the day after the attack while in an induced coma and took office about a month later. She ran as an independent with backing from Merkel's party and others. During the 2-month trial, the defendant admitted to the attack but denied any intention to kill Reker. The court concluded that S., who had previous convictions for violent crime, had played down his far-right and anti-foreigner views during the trial. The defendant planned to appeal. Reker, who testified as a witness in April, said she had been "very worried that I could be paralyzed" and still suffered from nightmares. After the verdict, the mayor said in a statement that she planned to look to the future and hoped the verdict would help four others who were also injured in the attack to find closure. "I hope that the attacker understands that hatred and violence are no solution," she added. ___ Spain: Woman arrested for death threats to physicist Hawking MADRID (AP) Spanish police say they have arrested an American woman who had been threatening to kill famed British physicist Stephen Hawking while he was in Spain for an astronomy conference. A police statement Friday said the woman was arrested in a hotel near where a conference being attended by Hawking was being held on Spain's Canary Island of Tenerife this week. Police: Baby sitter drove intoxicated with 4 kids in car MOUNT SINAI, N.Y. (AP) A 19-year-old Long Island baby sitter is facing charges after police say she was intoxicated while driving with four children in her car. Suffolk County police say a good Samaritan called them Thursday afternoon to report an intoxicated woman who was unable to find her car in a lot near a beach in the town of Mount Sinai. Police say once the woman found her car, she tried to drive away with four boys aged 4 to 11 inside, but the good Samaritan used her own vehicle to block the woman until police arrived. Sabrina Macri, of Sound Beach, New York, is charged with DWI, child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance and other counts. This photo provided by Suffolk County police shows Sabrina Macri. Suffolk County, N.Y., police say a good Samaritan called them Thursday, June 30 2016, to report an intoxicated woman who was unable to find her car in a lot near a beach in the town of Mount Sinai and once she found her car, tried to drive off with with four boys aged 4 to 11 inside. Macri is charged with DWI, child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance and other counts. ( Suffolk County police via AP) Brazil sacks head of anti-doping lab after WADA suspension RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) The head of Brazil's anti-doping body has been sacked after the Rio de Janeiro laboratory was suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Brazilian agency confirmed on Friday that Marco Aurelio Klein will be replaced by Rogerio Sampaio, a former judoka who won a gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games. WADA suspended the lab last Friday for failing to meet its standards. It didn't elaborate. Sampaio is expected to meet WADA officials next week, with the aim of lifting the suspension within weeks. Scientists hope new shark cam gives insight to deep dives MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) Researchers are developing a one-of-a-kind camera to mount on great white sharks in an effort to discover why the fish travel each year to a spot in the Pacific Ocean nicknamed the "White Shark Cafe." Scientists know that white sharks meet at a part of the ocean about halfway between Mexico and Hawaii each winter, but they don't know why they repeatedly make deep dives once they get there. Speculation is that the sharks are either feeding or mating. Shark expert Sal Jorgensen at California's Monterey Bay Aquarium is looking to mount a specialized camera on a shark that could reveal the reasons for the deep dives. FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2008, file photo, a female great white shark swims on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif. Researchers at the aquarium announced June 29, 2016, that they are developing a new camera to mount on white sharks in an effort to discover why they make deep dives in a part of the Pacific Ocean. (Vern Fisher/Monterey County Herald via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT Protesters rally outside South Africa's state broadcaster JOHANNESBURG (AP) Journalists have protested outside the headquarters of South Africa's state broadcaster against what they allege is censorship in its news reporting. Protesters on Friday marched to the Constitutional Court to deliver a complaint about what they say is the illegal conduct of management at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. Some put tape over their mouths to symbolize the alleged lack of media freedom. South African media say the protesters object to the suspension of three SABC employees who wanted to cover a protest outside the state broadcaster's offices last week. Protesters with mouths taped shut in Johannesburg, Friday July 1, 2016, as journalists and members of the public demonstrate outside the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) headquarters in solidarity with three SABC journalists who were suspended for expressing their concerns about editorial policy amid allegations of newsroom censorship. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) . SABC also barred its journalists from broadcasting footage of rioting last week in some parts of the capital, Pretoria. SABC head Hlaudi Motsoeneng has denied censorship allegations. Protesters with mouths taped shut in Johannesburg, Friday July 1, 2016, as journalists and members of the public demonstrate outside the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) headquarters in solidarity with three SABC journalists who were suspended for expressing their concerns about editorial policy amid allegations of newsroom censorship. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) . Libya media office: 'Decisive' battle with IS group underway CAIRO (AP) A Libyan media office says the fighting against Islamic State in the group's last bastion in the North African country has entered a "decisive" stage. The report says forces aligned with the U.N.-brokered government have stormed the vicinity of IS headquarters in the city of Sirte on Friday. The media office of al-Bonyan al-Marsous, the name of the anti-IS operation, says the breakthrough came hours after fighters took over a neighborhood adjacent to IS headquarters, the sprawling Ouagadougou center. The statement from the media office says it expects "the fighting to rage in the coming days." 2 convicted of trying to join terrorists want rehabilitation MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Attorneys for two men facing a possible life prison sentence for plotting to go to Syria to join the Islamic State group are asking a judge to consider allowing them to participate in a de-radicalization program. The rehabilitation program was offered to six other men who pleaded guilty to conspiring to support a foreign terrorist organization. Abdirahman Daud and Guled Omar, along with a third defendant, pleaded not guilty and were convicted by a jury in May. Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/297uJ78 ) reports that U.S. District Judge Michael Davis pioneered the de-radicalization program that was developed by a German expert who works with neo-Nazis and other extremists. Davis has said it's not necessarily an alternative to incarceration. Counsel: International response to Philippine case crucial WASHINGTON (AP) The lead counsel for the Philippines in a high-profile case challenging China's sweeping claims in the disputed South China Sea says the response of other coastal states will be crucial in the aftermath of an upcoming ruling by an international tribunal. China is boycotting the case brought before The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which announced this week its verdict will come July 12. The court has previously determined it has jurisdiction in the case. The Philippines, a U.S. ally, is challenging the validity of the so-called nine-dash line that China uses to demarcate its claims to most of the South China Sea, where tensions have been mounting. China has built artificial islands in disputed areas and has been angered by periodic U.S. military patrols nearby. Paul Reichler, counsel for the Philippines, told The Associated Press late Thursday he was optimistic the court would rule in his client's favor, and while the court has no enforcement mechanism, international opinion would weigh on China. "China has made very strong public statements that it does not intend to comply with the judgment of the arbitral tribunal, but that is not the end of the story," said Reichler, an expert on international litigation and arbitration at the Washington-based private law firm Foley Hoag LLP. "What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be very different than what it says on July 12 or July 13. I think a lot will depend on the reaction to the award of the international community as a whole, particularly China's neighbors that have coasts along the South China Sea," he said. The case was brought in 2013 by the previous Philippine government of Benigno Aquino III. Reichler declined to comment on how the policy of the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sworn in Thursday, might shape the aftermath of the ruling. Duterte has shown readiness to mend frosty ties with China. Southeast Asia's regional bloc appears to be divided on the issue, with smaller pro-China nations complicating efforts to forge a consensus. China has been stepping up its public messaging as the ruling date approaches, and garnering support among far-flung nations, mostly in Africa and Mideast. It asserts that its sovereignty over land features scattered around the South China Sea is indisputable, although several other governments have territorial claims or interests there. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei on Thursday said the Philippine case was "an abuse of international law and the international arbitration mechanism" and reaffirmed China would not accept its verdict, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. China contends the case addresses a question of sovereignty and so lies outside mandatory dispute settlement procedures under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, the tribunal determined in October 2015 that the Philippine case was about interpretation of the convention, not sovereignty, and so it had jurisdiction. Reichler said the ruling would be binding only on China and the Philippines but would affect other coastal states. He said those states would be unlikely to acquiesce in China's claims if the court ruled against it. Park Service uses 'CSI' tactics in response to bear attacks GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) In what amounts to an innocence project for bears, National Park Service rangers are turning to modern forensic technology, including DNA evidence, to make sure they don't kill the wrong bear when a human is attacked in the mountains. Twice in the last two years the Park Service executed bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park only to find out through DNA evidence afterward it had the wrong suspects. The public was outraged. Officials at the 800-square mile park straddling Tennessee and North Carolina say they are doing their best with new technology and techniques to prevent it from happening again. In this Sept. 17, 2015 photo released by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a female bear climbs a Chinese chestnut tree in Twin Creeks area Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn. In what amounts to an innocence project for bears, National Park Service rangers are turning to modern forensic technology, including DNA evidence, to make sure they kill the right bear when a human is attacked in the mountains. (Great Smoky Mountains National Park via AP) "We never want to kill a bear if we don't have to," said National Park Service spokeswoman Dana Soehn. "It's the very symbol of the park." Rangers are now using a new DNA lab at Western Carolina University to analyze bear DNA left at attack sites. The lab offers faster results than in the past, when rangers had to wait weeks. Most labs are too busy processing human DNA from crimes, Soehn said. Park officials can't wait weeks because they are unable to humanely hold a suspect bear for more than 48 hours, she said. The animals harm themselves if caged for long and can't be safely tranquilized for more than a few hours. The Park Service also has a new agreement with the Knoxville Zoo to hold a bear in some instances until it's proven innocent or guilty. It is also using GPS-enabled collars for bears, instead of less accurate ones that operated via radio. Some of the same techniques are being used elsewhere too. In Montana, wildlife officials testing DNA samples to identify a bear that killed a mountain biker on Wednesday outside Glacier National Park say they will have the results less than a week after the attack. They have set traps and will hold any bear they catch until they determine whether it is the one that fatally attacked U.S. Forest Service employee Brad Treat. After a grizzly bear killed a Michigan man and mauled two others in a campground near Yellowstone National Park in 2011, authorities sent hair samples to the Wyoming Game and Fish forensic laboratory. Within three days, they received the DNA results, found them to be a match and killed the bear. But as with human perpetrators, identifying the right suspect isn't always easy. Bears are known to return to the scene of the crime, so to speak. So, after an attack, rangers would wait for the first black bear to show up and then kill it if they believed it had attacked a human unprovoked. That's why rangers killed a bear last year that lumbered into an area where a 16-year-old Ohio boy had been snatched from a hammock and seriously injured. Rangers also shot another bear that came to the area. The injured animal fled. But DNA from the attack didn't match the dead bear, and there wasn't enough genetic material from a nearby bullet with bear hair on it to show if the wounded bear was the culprit. Afterward, the Park Service vowed to examine new procedures to avoid another mistake. Most bears are wary of people, though in May or June, when berries haven't ripened and there isn't enough food, they might come into conflict. While there's about one attack a year in the park, a thriving population of about 1,600 black bears in America's most visited national park with 10.7 million tourists last year means more human-bear encounters, Soehn said. "One of the reasons why people come to the Smokies is for the opportunity to see a black bear in the wild," Soehn said. "So we know it's a really special thing for them to see, and we want people to have that chance to see wild bears. But at the same time, we want them to be safe." Park officials remind visitors to stay at least 50 yards from bears and store their food safely, hanging it high on cables at campsites. Campers and hikers are also warned not to travel alone or sleep where they cook. Park officials say 49-year-old Bradley Veeder from Las Vegas did everything right as he hiked the Appalachian Trail in May. But after he fell asleep in his tent in the backcountry, a bear attacked. "I woke up," Veeder said. "I felt this sharp pain and then this squeezing sensation, like my leg was in a press or something. The first thing I thought was 'bear.'" The bear tried to get into the tent and Veeder punched it and screamed at it. "My head was fuzzy. I had just woken up, and I reached down to touch my leg, thinking it was OK, and that's when one of my fingers sank into the hole in my leg." Veeder was treated for puncture wounds on his right calf. But even the new procedures didn't help in that instance. The first and only bear to come to the site was an enormous 400 pounds. It was too big to collar and couldn't be transported to a holding cell or the zoo because it was in such a remote place, Soehn said. Rangers decided to shoot it after it was tranquilized. Bear DNA taken from a book in Veeder's tent later cleared the bear, said Maureen Hickman, a forensic research scientist at Western Carolina University. It was unfortunate, Soehn said, but the methods are still evolving and the Park Service is continuing to search for ways to avoid euthanizing the wrong bears. Veeder, recovering in Montana with family, says the bear that bit him had to be put down because it had started to view humans as prey. "It's really unfortunate that another bear was euthanized," said Veeder. "But I do feel for the Park Service they're doing the best they can with what they have." ___ EU concerned about Macedonia's grinding political crisis SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) The European Union's top official in Macedonia has expressed "serious concern" over the lack of progress in overcoming the country's enduring political crisis, which was triggered by a wiretapping scandal. The head of the EU delegation in Macedonia, Aivo Orav, said Friday that the EU "is seriously concerned" over the situation and, "regrettably" has not seen much progress. Political turmoil has rocked Macedonia for 15 months, following opposition allegations that the governing conservatives illegally wiretapped about 20,000 people, including judges, police, politicians, foreign diplomats and journalists. Wales votes 'leave' despite millions in EU support BRYNMAWR, Wales (AP) The modern highway connecting Brynmawr to other former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, replacing a three-lane road known for deadly accidents. Other EU funds have been used to improve railway lines, open museums and regenerate dreary town centers shattered by the decline of heavy industry. But none of that impresses John Thompson, a retired truck driver who recalls the days when the area in Blaneau Gwent county was bustling with life, and the coal mines and steelworks provided thousands of jobs. "We have seen no benefit up here at all," the 70-year-old says outside a cafe serving instant coffee and bacon rolls. Besides, he notes, the EU doesn't just hand out the money: "They tell us how to spend it. That's not democracy." In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, a graffiti is placed on a gate sealed with bricks, inside a workshop building at the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. Even though Wales receives hundreds of millions annually in EU funding, more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return to Wales. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Even though Wales receives hundreds of millions annually in EU funding, more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last week's referendum for Britain to leave the EU. Puzzling many analysts, the "leave" vote was strongest in deprived post-industrial areas that have arguably benefited the most from EU support. "Wales has shot itself in the foot," says Ed Poole, lecturer in politics at Cardiff University. "Wales has been one of the biggest net beneficiaries of being in the European Union." A study he co-authored before the vote estimated that Wales receives a net annual benefit of 245 million pounds (now $326 million) from the EU budget 79 pounds ($105) a head. That compares with a net contribution of 151 pounds per head for all of the United Kingdom. Maybe some voters didn't fully understand the role of EU funds in supporting their communities, Poole says. Maybe, he says, they chose to ignore it. It's not yet clear when the money will go away or what, if anything, might replace it the negotiations over specifics of Britain's divorce from the EU are expected to take years. "There may be a sense of disconnect from some of the projects and whether they have a real impact on people's lives," he says. "I do think that this has been an opportunity perhaps to reflect a deep sense of grievance of how the general political processes have been working." South Wales is a pleasant landscape of lush green hills with small towns in the valleys featuring rows of two-story brick homes that look quaint at first glance but have a certain sadness to them on further inspection. Town centers are quiet, mostly just a few stores and pubs with Welsh flags fluttering in the windows and, here and there, a "vote leave" banner. Connor Morris, 18, who is in a training program to become a mechanic, said all of his friends voted to leave the EU. He said he's concerned about immigrants, though there aren't many in Brynmawr. "I don't really know a lot about it. I just voted out," he says, smoking an e-cigarette. Besides a few factories, there is little work in the towns themselves, so people commute to Cardiff or other big cities. Left in town during the day are mostly older people. About 80 million pounds in EU funds were used to build the 8-kilometer (5-mile) stretch of highway west of Brynmawr. Signs next to the road remind drivers of where the money came from. Similar signs in neighboring Ebbw Vale explain the EU's role in building a modern hospital, train station and learning center that now occupy the grounds of the former steelworks that once employed more than 10,000 people. "Leave" campaigners say many of the EU projects are gimmicky and haven't led to tangible improvements. Also, they consider the EU money to be British money to begin with, since overall Britain contributes more money than it gets back from the EU. "So people actually used the opportunity of the referendum to say: 'Whoa, stop the car, I want to get out,'" says Welsh Conservative leader Andrew R.T. Davis, who voted for Britain to leave the EU. "The way this car is being driven we're going to hit a brick wall." The "leave" side's strongest support in Wales was in the low-income county that includes both Brynmawr and Ebbw Vale, where 62 percent voted to quit the EU. By contrast, the Welsh capital of Cardiff voted 60 percent "remain." In Port Talbot, 57 percent voted "leave" despite warnings from some analysts that losing access to the EU's single market could have devastating consequences for the city's steelworks. In Pontypridd, a town climbing up misty hillsides north of Cardiff, Jenny Hughes said her education consultancy firm lost three potential contracts the day after the referendum as European partners pulled out. She is furious at neighbors who voted for leaving the EU, and says many of them did so for reasons that have little to do with the bloc. "You've got the racist brigades. You've got the ones who want Britain to be the way it was. And you have those who are sticking it to the government," she says. Eddie Cullen, a digger operator in the small town of Hengoad, might belong to the middle category. He says the sense of community was shattered when the town's Penallta coal mine closed in 1991. In its heyday it employed 3,000 people. Cullen, 59, recalls the noise it used to make: the clatter of drams packed with coal being raised from the shaft. His grandfather worked down there; so did his father. Now the mine is silent and overgrown with weeds. The shafts have been filled and the winding towers above them are rusting away. The enormous engine hall is gutted, its windows sealed and sprayed with graffiti. None of that can reasonably be blamed on the EU, and yet when Cullen says people have "had enough" he is directing his frustration at Brussels, not the market forces or British governments that killed off coal mining. "People just want to be British again," Cullen says, a Jack Russell Terrier pulling on a leash in his hand. "Have their identity back. Not be run by Europe." In this Wednesday, June 29, 2016 photo, cultivated fields are seen at the background near Cardiff, South Wales. Ed Poole, lecturer in politics at Cardiff University says "Maybe some voters didnt fully understand the role of EU funds in supporting their communities." but more than half the people voted to leave the EU and many like John Thompson, a retired truck driver say the EU doesnt just hand out the money: "They tell us how to spend it. That's not democracy." (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, a louring sky is seen through the broken glass of a window, inside the workshop building of the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. Even though Wales receives hundreds of millions annually in EU funding, more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return to Wales.(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, an old wagon filled with coal remains at the Rhondda Heritage Park, the former Lewis Menthyr Colliery in Pontypridd, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. ((AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, light enters through the holes of the roof of the abandoned and looted workshop building at the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. Even though Wales receives hundreds of millions annually in EU funding, more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and now maybe the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return to Wales.(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, one of the entrances to the Penallta colliery facilities is covered by vegetation in Hengoed, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, a banner of the European Union hangs at the entrance of Rhondda Heritage Park, the former Lewis Menthyr Colliery in Pontypridd, South Wales. Ed Poole, lecturer in politics at Cardiff University says "Maybe some voters didnt fully understand the role of EU funds in supporting their communities." but more than half the people voted to leave the EU and many like John Thompson, a retired truck driver say the EU doesnt just hand out the money: "They tell us how to spend it. That's not democracy." (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, an old wagon filled with coal remains at the Rhondda Heritage Park, the former Lewis Menthyr Colliery in Pontypridd, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, an old train track is partially covered by mud and vegetation at the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, bricks seal the windows of the main workshop building of the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) In this Thursday, June 30, 2016 photo, an abandoned room is seen inside the workshop building of the Penallta colliery in Hengoed, South Wales. A modern highway connecting many former coal-mining towns in South Wales was partly funded by the European Union, but more than half of the Welsh electorate voted in last weeks referendum for Britain to leave the EU, and maybe now the heavy industry which once provided thousands of jobs will never return. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) The Latest: Clinton to campaign next week in Atlantic City WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on the U.S. presidential campaign (all times EDT): 6 p.m. Hillary Clinton will campaign in Atlantic City next week, where she plans to highlight Donald Trump's business record. In this photo taken May 5, 2016, former President Bill Clint speaks in Portland, Ore. while campaigning for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The former president spoke with Attorney General Loretta Lynch during an impromptu meeting in Phoenix, but Lynch says the discussion did not involve the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email use as secretary of state. (AP Photo/Don Ryan) Clinton's campaign says the presumptive Democratic nominee will make a Wednesday visit to Atlantic City, where she will continue to argue that Trump is "temperamentally unfit" to be president. Clinton will focus on Trump's business dealings in Atlantic City, including his bankruptcies, while stressing her own economic proposals. Clinton has aggressively gone after Trump in recent weeks, painting him as dangerous and divisive. She has called his Trump University business a "scam." ___ 4:45 p.m. Two top Wisconsin Republicans with significant roles in this month's GOP national convention are splitting with their state's highest profile politicians, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Gov. Scott Walker, in an internal fight over how delegates should vote at the gathering. The two Wisconsin GOP activists, Steve King and Mary Buestrin, wrote a letter Friday calling an effort to let delegates vote for any presidential candidate "an attempt to disenfranchise the 14 million Republican primary voters who voted for Donald Trump and destroy our chances to win in November." They sent the letter to members of the convention's rules committee, on which both serve. The Associated Press obtained the letter. It did not name Ryan or Walker. Ryan has said it's not his job to tell delegates what to do. And Walker has said that delegates are and should be able to vote the way they see fit. ___ 4:10 p.m. Bill Clinton is regarded as having one of the shrewdest political minds around. He can also be a loose cannon. The latest example: His chat with Attorney General Loretta Lynch even as her agency oversees the criminal investigation of his wife's use of a private email server as secretary of state. Clinton has alienated Democrats and Republicans alike, on occasion, while campaigning for his wife. In 2008, for example, he equated Barack Obama's win in the South Carolina Democratic primary with Jesse Jackson's earlier victories in the state. His remarks struck some as racial politics. This year, he likened Bernie Sanders supporters to tea party activists and tangled with Black Lives matter protesters, appearing to defend Hillary Clinton's description of some black youth in the 1990s as super predators. ___ 3:20 p.m. Democrats are releasing the draft of their party's platform, calling it the "most progressive" potential platform in the party's history. The platform is a statement of the party's values. Highlights include saying that American workers should earn at least $15 an hour, the death penalty should be abolished and that no bank can be too big to fail. It was developed by representatives of the campaigns of presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Democratic National Committee. Sanders has said he will push for stronger language that what's in the draft opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership, seeking a $15 an hour minimum wage and a ban on fracking. The full 187-member platform committee will meet in Orlando, Florida, next week to review and adopt the draft. It then will be considered later this month at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. ___ 3:15 p.m. The third-ranking House Republican says Attorney General Loretta Lynch's comments about her impromptu meeting with former President Bill Clinton raise more questions than answers. Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana says Lynch should recuse herself from any investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email account and server while serving as secretary of state. Scalise said if Lynch is truly concerned about preserving the public's trust in the investigation, she must appoint a special prosecutor to handle the inquiry. Scalise says in a statement Friday that Lynch's comments raise questions about her judgment and the "apparent belief by the Clintons that they don't need to follow the same rules as other Americans." Lynch said Friday that the meeting "cast a shadow" over the public's perception of the case. ___ 2:15 p.m. Donald Trump says Bill Clinton's meeting Attorney General Loretta Lynch has "opened up a Pandora's box." The presumptive Republican presidential nominee took on the recent private meeting between the former president and Lynch aboard her plane while speaking Friday to a gathering of conservatives in Denver. Trump says, "It shows what's going on, it shows what's happening with our laws, with our government." He adds: "Hillary is so guilty." Lynch said Friday she understands that the impromptu meeting with Bill Clinton aboard her plane "cast a shadow" over the public perception of the neutrality of the FBI-led investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email account and server while serving as secretary of state. ___ 1:35 p.m. Donald Trump is starting to embrace the tool he once despised: the teleprompter. Trump took note of the device after taking the stage at the Western Conservative Summit in Denver on Friday. He says, "If I knew they had these teleprompters, I would have used them. I'm starting to love these teleprompters." Trump has repeatedly mocked other politicians for using the devices and joked in the primaries that anyone running for president should be barred from using them. But he's increasingly turned to delivering speeches from prepared remarks in recent weeks as he's tried to professionalize his once-unscripted campaign. Still, Trump says that it's much more exciting when he stand ups and talks off the cuff. He says, "I know the folks from Colorado and they're wild." ____ 1:25 p.m. Police in Denver say they've arrested three people after clashes between Donald Trump supporters and protesters. Police moved in outside the Western Conservative Summit after a man grabbed pro-Trump bumper stickers from a woman outside the city's convention center, ripped them up and threw them in her face. A pushing match followed and people spilled into the street. Police swarmed the crowd and ordered people to get out of the street. They led two men and a woman away, including the man who took the bumper stickers. Until then the crowd had been lively, but peaceful. Some protesters sang "We Shall Overcome" and others waived the Mexican flag, saying "No justice, no peace." ___ 1:19 p.m. Hillary Clinton begins this month with $44 million in cash to continue hammering Donald Trump in the race for the White House. The presumptive Democratic nominee raised $40.5 million in June. Her campaign announced the fundraising numbers on Friday. Clinton has spent far more than Trump building a voter contact operation and beginning to advertise ahead of the November election. Trump has not disclosed his June fundraising numbers. One recent email solicitation from the presumptive Republican presidential nominee claims he raised $11 million in a few days and set a goal of raising another $10 million by Thursday. Trump paid for most of his primary campaign with personal loans and has been slow to begin fundraising. He brought in just over $3 million from donors in May, compared to Clinton's more than $26 million. ___ 12:55 p.m. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will meet with Donald Trump over the weekend amid speculation that he could join the Republican's presidential ticket. A spokesman for the Pence's re-election campaign said Friday that Pence will "spend a little time" with Trump this weekend. Spokesman Marc Lotter says Friday the meeting is consistent with other meetings Trump is having with GOP party leaders in the run-up to the GOP's summer convention. When asked about Pence as a potential running mate this week, Trump described him as "somebody we respect a lot." Pence is well regarded among conservatives and has strong backing among many evangelical leaders in the Republican Party. He faces a difficult re-election battle in Indiana, due in part to his support for socially conservative policies. ___ 12:51 p.m. Despite a little bit of rain, about a hundred people are protesting outside Donald Trump's appearance at the Western Conservative Summit in Denver. Friday's peaceful gathering outside the city's convention center included everyone from veteran protesters from the Occupy movement, some wearing bandanas across their faces, to a small group of students from Colorado Christian University. An institute based at Colorado Christian University organized Friday's conference, which is billed as the largest gathering of conservatives outside of Washington. Some sang "We Shall Overcome" and others waived the Mexican flag, saying "No justice, no peace." At a park a several blocks away, other Trump opponents are building a box out of cardboard boxes to protest Trump's promise to build a wall between the United States and Mexico. ___ 12:43 p.m. Hillary Clinton's campaign says it won't comment about Attorney General Loretta Lynch's acknowledgment that her impromptu meeting with Bill Clinton this week "cast a shadow" on public perception of the Justice Department's investigation into her email practices at the State Department. A campaign spokesman for the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee declined to comment Friday. A spokesman for former President Bill Clinton also declined to address Lynch's remarks. Speaking at a conference in Colorado on Friday, Lynch said the meeting this week with Bill Clinton is not something she would do again. Lynch says she understands the private meeting aboard her plane in Phoenix "cast a shadow" over the public perception of the neutrality of the FBI-led investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email account and server while serving as secretary of state. ___ 12:15 p.m. Donald Trump says Hillary Clinton "probably" orchestrated the meeting between her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and Attorney General Loretta Lynch. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee says on Twitter, "As Bernie Sanders said, Hillary Clinton has bad judgment. Bill's meeting was probably initiated and demanded by Hillary!" He adds, "Does anybody really believe that meeting was just a coincidence?" The Justice Department is investigating Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. Lynch said Friday that her impromptu meeting this week with Bill Clinton aboard her plane "cast a shadow" over the public's perception of the neutrality of that investigation. A spokesman for Bill Clinton declined to comment Friday about the meeting with Lynch. ___ 11:46 a.m. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says she won't overrule the findings of an FBI-led investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server. She also acknowledged that an impromptu meeting this week with Bill Clinton that caused a political firestorm is not something she would do again. Lynch addressed her part in the investigation at a conference in Colorado. She said she understood that her private meeting with Clinton aboard her plane in Phoenix "cast a shadow" over the public perception of the neutrality of the investigation. Her pledge seems aimed at tamping down criticism that the investigation is politically tainted. Participants stand for he recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance as they wait for the arrival of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to speak during the opening session of the Western Conservative Summit, Friday, July 1, 2016, in Denver. The summit, which brings together Republicans from across the West, runs through Sunday. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) UN human rights envoy: displaced Rohingya still suffering YANGON, Myanmar (AP) Conditions in camps for members of Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority, forced from their homes four years ago by communal violence, remain poor with overcrowding, the deterioration of temporary housing, and a lack of proper sanitation facilities, the U.N.'s special human rights envoy to the country said Friday. Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee, speaking to reporters in Yangon at the end of her fourth trip to the Southeast Asian country, said ending institutionalized discrimination against the Muslim communities in western Rakhine State must be an urgent priority, and restrictions on them cannot be justified on grounds of security or ensuring stability. There are more than 100,000 Rohingya living in the squalid camps, with restrictions making it impossible for most to make a living. Yanghee Lee, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, gestures during a media conference in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday, July 1, 2016. This is the fourth visit for Lee, who concluded her 12-day visit to Myanmar with a media presentation. (AP Photo/ Gemunu Amarasinghe) Her 12-day trip was her first since the new, democratically elected government took power at the end of March, ending more than 50 years of repressive military or military-dominated rule. Discrimination against the Rohingya is widespread and the government refuses to recognize most as citizens, treating even long-term residents as illegal immigrants. "It is clear that tensions along religious lines remain pervasive across Myanmar society. Incidents of hate speech, incitement to discrimination, hatred and violence, and of religious intolerance continue to be a cause for concern," Lee said in a prepared statement. The violence that was originally directed toward Rohingya in Rakhine has since affected Muslim communities in other parts of the overwhelmingly Buddhist country. Lee expressed concern over recent incidents of Buddhist encroachments or attacks on property of other religions, which have been met with little response by the authorities. "It is vital that the government take prompt action, including by conducting thorough investigations and holding perpetrators to account. I am therefore concerned by reports that the government will not pursue action in the most recent case due to fears of fueling greater tensions and provoking more conflict. This is precisely the wrong signal to send," she said. While highlighting other human rights problems, including abuses by both sides in insurgencies involving other ethnic minorities, Lee said the situation was still encouraging since the party of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi took power in March, succeeding an army-backed government. "The peaceful transition to a democratically elected and civilian-led government after five decades is a significant milestone for Myanmar," she said. "My visit thus takes place at an important juncture for the country. After the euphoria in the wake of last year's elections, the reality of the significant and wide-ranging challenges facing the new government has not significantly dampened the sense of optimism and hope amongst many sectors of the population." The Latest: Nearly 15 people shot a day in Chicago in June CHICAGO (AP) The Latest on Chicago violence (all times local): 11:20 a.m. Police statistics show that nearly 15 people were shot in Chicago every day during June, including a daily average of more than two who died. The department says there were 315 homicides in Chicago in the first six months of the year, or more than 100 more than during the same period last year. The grim statistics come as the department announced plans to put thousands of officers on the street for the July 4 weekend that has in recent years seen a spike in gun violence. At a Friday news conference, Superintendent Eddie Johnson said there will be more than 5,000 Chicago police officers, FBI agents and Illinois State Police troopers on duty. Johnson says residents and visitors to the city will notice an increased police presence and that officers at the city's two airports will carry high-powered weapons. ___ 7:55 A.M. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says he's moved more than 150 officers from behind desks to the streets. Johnson says the new assignments are part of a plan announced last September by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. That plan included 2016 budget money to hire more than 300 civilians for desk jobs so officers working those jobs can be assigned to street duty. Johnson said Thursday that the next 150 officers now on desk duty will be working the streets by the end of the year. Domestic violence charges dropped against Lawler, fiancee MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Court records show domestic violence charges have been dropped against wrestler Jerry Lawler and his fiancee in Tennessee. Shelby County General Sessions Court records posted online show prosecutors decided not to pursue domestic assault charges against the 66-year-old Lawler and his 27-year-old bride-to-be Lauryn McBride. The charges were dismissed Friday. A judge had ordered the couple to stay away from one another after their arrests in June at Lawler's east Memphis home. Police records say they got into an argument that turned violent, but police could not determine a primary aggressor. Shrimp slaves wait for justice 8 months after Thai raid PATHUM THANI, Thailand (AP) Nearly eight months ago, migrant worker Tin Nyo Win thought he was doing the right thing the only thing to help free his pregnant wife from slavery inside a Thai shrimp peeling shed. He ran for help and prompted police to raid the business, freeing nearly 100 Burmese laborers, including children. Yet the couple ended up first in jail and then held inside a government shelter, even though they were victims of trafficking. That's where they remain today with a few other workers from the Gig Peeling Factory, waiting to testify in a slow-moving court case while their former employers are free on bail. Angry and frustrated, they just want to go home. "I feel like I've been victimized three times. Once in the shrimp shed, the second time in ... jail and now again in the shelter," Tin Nyo Win said on a mobile phone smuggled in by another Burmese worker. In this Friday, June 24, 2016 photo, Burmese former shrimp shed worker Tin Nyo Win, right, sits with his wife, Mi San, during an interview in Patum Thani, Thailand. Nearly eight months earlier, Tin Nyo Win thought he was doing the right thing, helping to free his pregnant wife from slavery inside a Thai shrimp peeling shed. But he says, "I feel like I've been victimized three times. Once in the shrimp shed, the second time in ... jail and now again in the shelter." (AP Photo/Margie Mason) "Even prisoners know how many years or months they will be in prison, but we don't know anything about how many years or months we'll be stuck here," he added. "It's worse than prison." On Thursday, Thailand was lifted off the U.S. State Department's blacklist, where it had been listed for the past two years as one of the world's worst human trafficking offenders alongside North Korea, Syria, Iran and others. Some activists saw the upgrade as a political move by Washington to appease an ally, and 21 labor, anti-trafficking and environmental groups expressed their disappointment in an open letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. The Thai government lobbied hard ahead of the announcement, saying new laws have been passed to help protect victims. The government also said that 241 human traffickers were sentenced in 2015, and 34 officials are facing prosecution for involvement or complicity in the trade. But critics say low-level people or brokers from other countries are typically the ones jailed instead of Thai business owners, corrupt police or high-ranking officials. "Debt bondage for migrants is still the norm, and police abuse and extortion happens on a daily basis all over the country," said Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch in Bangkok. "While it's good that prosecutions are going up, the reality is that we're still talking about the tip of the iceberg here." The country has been under international pressure to clean up its $7 billion annual seafood export industry, including the threat of a seafood import ban from the European Union. An Associated Press investigation last year uncovered a slave island with migrant fishermen locked in a cage and buried under fake Thai names. The reporting, which led to more than 2,000 men being freed, followed the slave-caught seafood to Thailand and on to American dinner tables. The investigation also focused on the Gig Peeling shed in Samut Sakhon, just outside of Bangkok, where Tin Nyo Win and his wife, Mi San, were forced to work 16 hours a day. They had to rip the guts, heads and tails off shrimp that entered supply chains feeding some of America's biggest companies, including Red Lobster, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and most major U.S. supermarkets. Many companies have said they are taking steps to prevent labor abuses. Col. Prasert Siriphanapitat, the Samut Sakhon deputy police commander, said witness testimony began in April in the Gig shed case against three Thai defendants and two Burmese brokers. Only one Burmese suspect has been located. He added that new laws mandate quick prosecution of human trafficking, meaning the Gig case will likely be closed by the end of the year. But Tin Nyo Win said he and his wife have not spoken to a prosecutor or been informed about the case's progress. Suwalee Jaiharn, director of the country's Anti-Trafficking in Persons division, said Thailand's eight shelters are there to protect undocumented workers and denied that those housed inside are prohibited from leaving. She added, however, that some victims of trafficking are more closely monitored if they are expected to testify in criminal cases. "We are protection centers and not detention centers," she said. "There is an exception when some victims are witnesses in human trafficking cases. We have to give them extra protection." Suwalee said Thailand's laws allow victims to testify ahead of their trials so they can go home quickly, or stay and work in the country. But aid workers said these options are rarely made available to migrant workers, leaving victims to wait in facilities far from home. "Somebody's always ordering you, and you are always under watch by someone and having to get permission all the time. This is totally what trafficking victims would have gone through while they were being trafficked," said Ohnmar Ei Ei Chaw, senior case adviser at the Bangkok-based nonprofit Project Issara, which assists trafficking victims. "It is very difficult for them to feel empowered and like their needs are being met." For the first few months that Tin Nyo Win and Mi San were in the shelter, they said they were not allowed to have a phone. They couldn't leave the shelter unaccompanied. They couldn't work. "If victims see that when they come forward they are kept in government shelters but not given freedom to work and move around, then what incentive do they have to come forward?" said Susan Coppedge, the U.S. anti-trafficking ambassador. Following a supervised interview with AP at the shelter last week, Tin Nyo Win spoke candidly on a call. He said restrictions eased a couple of months ago, and victims can now have a phone and go outside the compound unsupervised. However, only eight people from the Gig case are still in the shelter, after 12 undocumented workers ran away. Those who remain worry they will never be compensated for unpaid wages and the abuses they suffered. "My sister is in another shelter. She is 17 years old, and we have no chance to see each other. I've asked permission to see her many times, but I'm not allowed," said Hkin Tet Mun, 31, adding that phone calls to her sibling are also prohibited. "I'm worried about her, and my sister wants to stay with me." Win Kai, 19, said he's also desperate to leave, but feels trapped. "My family is so worried about me," he said by phone. "I don't want to stay in the shelter. Can you help me quickly?" Tin Nyo Win's wife, now seven months pregnant, rubs the growing bump under her bright flowered shirt. She yearns to have the baby at home, where she can be with her sick mother. But her husband says he won't go even if it means missing the birth of his child. "We want to show the boss that we are really victims, and we want to show this to the court," he said. "We want to see justice carried out." ____ Associated Press writers Jason Corben in Bangkok and Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Margie Mason on Twitter: @MargieMasonAP Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, speaks to reporters during news conference at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, July 1, 2016 after the United States lifted Thailand off its human trafficking blacklist. The country had been listed for the past two years as one of the worlds worst human trafficking offenders alongside North Korea, Syria, Iran and others. Some activists saw the upgrade as a political move by Washington to appease an ally, and 21 labor, trafficking and environmental groups expressed their disappointment in an open letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) In this Friday, June 24, 2016 photo, Burmese former shrimp shed worker Tin Nyo Win, left, stands next to his wife, Mi San, during an interview in Patum Thani, Thailand. After escaping slavery nearly eight months ago, they and a few other workers from the Gig Peeling Factory are kept in a government shelter waiting to testify in a slow-moving court case, while their former employers are free on bail. (AP Photo/Margie Mason) FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 file photo, Burmese worker Tin Nyo Win, center, smiles as he is reunited with his wife, Mi San, in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. They were forced to work 16 hours a day. They had to rip the guts, heads and tails off shrimp that entered supply chains feeding some of America's biggest companies, including Red Lobster, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and most major U.S. supermarkets. Many companies have said they are taking steps to prevent labor abuses. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File) FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 file photo, Burmese shrimp shed worker Tin Nyo Win, left, and his wife, Mi San, stand in a jail cell after they were arrested in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. Tin Nyo Win thought he was doing the right thing, helping to free his pregnant wife from slavery inside a Thai shrimp peeling shed. He ran for help and prompted police to raid the business, freeing nearly 100 Burmese laborers, including children, who were locked inside. But he and his wife ended up first in jail and then locked inside in a government shelter. (AP Photo/Robin McDowell, File) The Latest: Family of victim disappointed in judge's ruling BALTIMORE (AP) The Latest on a judge's decision to order a new trial for a man at the center of the popular podcast "Serial" (all times local): 1:00 p.m. The family of a murder victim in Maryland says they are "very disappointed" in a judge's decision to order a new trial for the man at the center of the popular podcast "Serial." FILE - In a Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 file photo, Adnan Syed enters Courthouse East in Baltimore prior to a hearing. The hearing, scheduled to last three days before Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch, is meant to determine whether Syed's conviction will be overturned and case retried. After spending 16 years in prison, Syed, convicted of murder, who was at the center of the podcast "Serial" has won a new trial in Baltimore. Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch ruled Thursday, June 30, 2016, that Syed deserves another trial because his attorney failed to cross-examine a cell tower expert about the reliability of data. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/The Baltimore Sun via AP, File) WASHINGTON EXAMINER OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT /The Baltimore Sun via AP) WASHINGTON EXAMINER OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT In a statement issued Friday through the Maryland attorney general's office, relatives of Hae Min Lee say they believe justice was done when Adnan Syed was convicted of killing his former high school girlfriend. He was sentenced to life in prison for the 1999 killing of Lee. The family says while they do not speak as often or as loudly as those who support Syed, they care just as much about the case. They also say they hope the judge's decision is reversed. The family says it continues to grieve, and they are expressing gratitude to supporters and the state "for standing by the true victims and for giving Hae Min Lee a voice." ___ 4:23 a.m. After spending 16 years in prison, a man convicted of murder who was at the center of the podcast "Serial" has won a new trial in Baltimore. Adnan Syed was convicted of murdering his former high school girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999 and burying her in a park. He was sentenced to life in prison. Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch ruled Thursday that Syed deserves another trial because his attorney failed to cross-examine a cell tower expert about the reliability of data that placed Syed's cellphone near the burial site. Retired pope offers first-ever assessment of his own papacy VATICAN CITY (AP) Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI is offering a first-ever papal assessment of his own pontificate in a book that recounts his decision to resign, his surprise at his successor and his attempts to dismantle what he calls the Vatican's "gay lobby." "Benedict XVI: The Final Conversations," is due out in September, the latest book-length interview that Benedict has conducted with German journalist Peter Seewald. Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which has the book's newspaper rights, provided a brief overview Friday. Corriere said Benedict recounts in the book that he decided to announce his resignation in Latin because he feared making a mistake in Italian. He recalls his "surprise" that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope and his "joy" at seeing Pope Francis mingle with crowds. Benedict also claims to have dismantled a group of four or five gay prelates, dubbed the "gay lobby" by the Italian media, who exercised power and influence in the Vatican. The existence of this group of gay prelates who purportedly used blackmail to promote and preserve their interests has been mythologized in Italian media. Soon after he was elected pope and was asked about the so-called "gay lobby," Francis quipped that he had yet to encounter any priest who had "gay" written on his business card. That said, just this week a gay monsignor who was fired from the Vatican and suspended as a priest after he came out, boyfriend by his side, published a book about his experiences as a gay official in the Vatican's doctrine office. In "The First Stone," Polish-born Krzysztof Charamsa recounts the absolute "obsession" with homosexuality in the halls of the Holy See. He details the "hypocrisy" of its functionaries who profess a celibate life but live quite another, and writes that it was enough to destroy someone's Vatican career by simply spreading gossip that he was gay. ___ California governor signs stringent gun bills, vetoes others SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures Friday that will require people to turn in high-capacity magazines and mandate background checks for ammunition sales, as California Democrats seek to strengthen gun laws that are already among the strictest in the nation. Brown vetoed five other bills, including a requirement to report lost or stolen weapons to authorities and a limit of one gun purchase per person per month. The Democratic governor's action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control. Some of the enacted bills duplicate provisions of a November ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Some of the vetoed measures also appear in Newsom's initiative. FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2012, file photo, a variety of military-style semi-automatic rifles obtained during a buy back program are displayed at Los Angeles police headquarters. Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures Friday, July 1, 2016, that will require people to turn in high-capacity magazines and require background checks for ammunition sales, as California Democrats seek to strengthen gun laws that are already among the strictest in the nation. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) "My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners," Brown wrote in a one-sentence message to lawmakers. Gun control measures have long been popular with the Democratic lawmakers who control the California Senate and Assembly. But they stepped up their push this year following the December shooting in San Bernardino by a couple who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Advocates on both sides of the gun-control debate say California has some of the nation's strictest gun laws. It is one of six states to get the highest grade from the pro-gun control Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The state's move to tighten them further comes amid years of gridlock at the federal level, which spawned a tense clash in Washington last week as Democrats camped out on the floor of the U.S. House and shouted down Republicans. The bills angered Republicans and gun-rights advocates who say Democrats are trampling on 2nd Amendment rights, creating new restrictions that won't cut off the flow of guns to people intent on using them for nefarious purposes. "On the eve of Independence Day, independence and freedom and liberty in California has been chopped down at the knees and kicked between the legs," said Sam Paredes, executive director of the advocacy group Gun Owners of California. Lawsuits challenging the new laws are likely once they take effect next year, Paredes said. Brown's action will require people who own magazines that hold more than 10 rounds to give them up. It extends a 1999 law that made it illegal to buy a high-capacity magazine or to bring one into the state but allowed people who already owned them to keep them. In an attempt to slow gun users from rapidly reloading, the governor signed a bill outlawing new weapons that have a device known as a bullet button. Gun makers developed bullet buttons to get around California's assault weapons ban, which prohibited new rifles with magazines that can be detached without the aid of tools. A bullet buttons allows a shooter to quickly dislodge the magazine using the tip of a bullet or other small tool. People will be allowed to keep weapons they already own with bullet buttons, which are often referred to as "California compliant," but they'll be required to register them. Brown also endorsed a bill making another attempt to regulate ammunition sales after a law passed in 2009 was struck down by a Fresno County judge who said it was too vague. The new law will require ammunition sellers to be licensed and buyers to undergo background checks. Transactions will be recorded. He also opted to require a background check before a gun can be loaned to someone who isn't a family member. "Strong gun laws work. ... What we're doing in California is a better job of keeping guns out of dangerous hands," said Amanda Wilcox, a spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose daughter was killed by a shooter using a high-capacity magazine. The governor vetoed an effort to expand a six-month-old program that allows courts to temporarily restrict gun ownership rights for people suspected of being dangerous and decided against restricting all firearm purchases to one per month, a limitation that already applies to handguns. Another bill he vetoed would have asked voters to strengthen penalties for stealing a gun, which voters will already be deciding through Newsom's initiative. The ballot measure also will ask voters to require reporting of lost and stolen firearms an idea Brown rejected Friday and has rejected at least twice before. "I continue to believe that responsible people report the loss or theft of a firearm and irresponsible people do not; it is not likely that this bill would change that," he wrote in a veto message. Newsom's initiative has put a spotlight on the lieutenant governor as he campaigns for governor in 2018. He's been at loggerheads with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who tried unsuccessfully to persuade Newsom to drop the ballot measures in favor of legislative action. Brown's vetoes protected Newsom's initiative from becoming moot. A spokesman for Brown, Evan Westrup, said voters "will have a chance to go even further in November, if they choose." ___ Associated Press writer Don Thompson contributed to this report. Gov. Jerry Brown, left, discusses a bill under consideration for his signature with Daniel Seeman, his deputy legislative affairs secretary Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. Brown spent his day reviewing some of the dozens of pieces of legislation approved by lawmakers before they left for a one month summer vacation. The governor is expected to act on several gun control measures approved by lawmakers in the next few days. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) FILE - In this Dec. 26, 2012, file photo, handguns fill up a trash can for recycling at the LA Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles. Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures Friday, July 1, 2016, that will require people to turn in high-capacity magazines and require background checks for ammunition sales, as California Democrats seek to strengthen gun laws that are already among the strictest in the nation. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) Christie shutting down road projects after deal collapses TRENTON, N.J. (AP) Republican Gov. Chris Christie dropped a jackhammer on New Jersey politics late Thursday, ordering an eventual shutdown of roadwork projects after Democratic lawmakers failed to agree with him on how to address the state transportation fund's borrowing authority, which expired Friday. The governor's action, along with cutting $300 million in Democratic budget priorities including on women's health and welfare benefits, comes as he is being vetted to be the running mate of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Christie's vice presidential prospects were confirmed by people with direct knowledge of the vetting process who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, file photo, Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie discusses his state budget proposals during a town hall meeting in Moorestown, N.J. Christie called for state transportation officials to develop a plan for shutting down roadwork projects in an executive order issued Thursday, June 30, 2016, after Democratic lawmakers failed to agree with him on how to replenish the state's transportation fund. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File) The fight over transportation funding in New Jersey will now continue into July ahead of the Republican and Democratic presidential conventions, and it was unclear when it would be resolved. The next Senate session is scheduled for July 11. "I think that this is evidence of his flair for the dramatic for one thing, but I think this is consistent with his style of governing that we've seen that there is lots of bombast and when he's painted into a corner he lashes out," said Montclair State University political science professor Brigid Harrison. "Some compromise is going to have to be reached. There's no one who gains from this enormous dysfunction, it doesn't benefit anyone." While Christie had worked with the Democratic state Assembly speaker on the transportation plan, he used his signing of the state's $34.5 billion budget Thursday night to slam Democrats for presenting him "with an irresponsible spending plan." He said the lawmakers' budget relied on "gimmicks and assumptions to fund hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending while confirming beyond all doubt that they are untrustworthy stewards of the State's finances." He then issued an executive order calling for state transportation officials to develop a plan to start shutting down projects by 11:59 p.m. Saturday. It is unclear how many projects will be affected, but Christie said transportation trust fund money shouldn't be spent on any projects that aren't "absolutely essential." Spokesman Brian Murray said that any list of projects to be shutdown will be released when the plan is released. The impasse came after Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto reached a deal with Christie to hike the gas tax by 23 cents and cut the sales tax from 7 percent to 6 percent. The increase would send New Jersey's current gas tax of 14.5 cents per gallon from second-lowest in the country behind Alaska to roughly equal that of Connecticut, which has the sixth-highest at 37.51 cents, according to the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization. Senate President Steve Sweeney and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers had backed a separate deal that included an identical gas tax hike. But, unlike the Assembly plan, that deal would have phased out the estate tax and also established a charitable tax deduction. Sweeney said he plans to negotiate with the Assembly, while Prieto said the Assembly is willing to compromise if the Senate approves a bill the governor will sign. "We all know we need a transportation funding plan the governor will sign and we need it as soon as possible," Prieto said. "This is too important for jobs especially in our construction industry and our economy to allow this to continue." ___ Associated Press writer Steve Peoples in Washington contributed to this story. New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, right, D-West Deptford, N.J., talks to Senate Republican leader Thomas H. Kean Jr.,left, R-Westfield, N.J., during a Senate session at the New Jersey Statehouse Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. Republican Gov. Chris Christie has proposed raising the gas tax by 23 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon to fund road projects through New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund. The Democrat-led Assembly approved the measure on Tuesday. However, Senate President Sweeney had favored his own proposal that raised the gas tax by the same amount but included other tax cuts. (AP Photo/Mel Evans New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, right, D-Secaucus, N.J., listens to a question in the Assembly chamber during a session at the New Jersey Statehouse Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. Republican Gov. Chris Christie has proposed raising the gas tax by 23 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon to fund road projects through New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund. The Democrat-led Assembly approved the measure on Tuesday. However, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney had favored his own proposal that raised the gas tax by the same amount but included other tax cuts. (AP Photo/Mel Evans A large group of mostly construction workers wear colorful shirts as they sit up in the Senate gallery the New Jersey Statehouse during session Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Trenton, N.J. Republican Gov. Chris Christie has proposed raising the gas tax by 23 cents to 37.5 cents a gallon to fund road projects through New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund. The Democrat-led Assembly approved the measure on Tuesday. However, Senate President Steve Sweeney had favored his own proposal that raised the gas tax by the same amount but included other tax cuts. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) Shafigul Azim pumps gas for a motorist at a BP gas station, Thursday, June 30, 2016, in Hoboken, N.J. New Jersey Sen. Paul Sarlo, the budget committee chairman, said the Senate is not set to take any action Thursday on legislation to hike the gas tax by 23 cents while cutting the sales tax. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Police: 3 deaths in wealthy community were murder-suicide SAN DIEGO (AP) The deaths of a teenage girl and two women in a house in one of the nation's wealthiest communities were a murder-suicide, investigators confirmed Friday. Michael Arya, who owned the home in Rancho Santa Fe, north of San Diego, died of cancer in April. This week, his sister fatally stabbed his daughter and his business associate before killing herself, authorities said. San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Kenn Nelson identified the sister as Sayeh Amini, 52. He said she killed her 15-year-old niece, Hannah Arya, and the associate, 56-year-old Ihnwon Mia Shin. Amini then stabbed herself to death. Deputies responding to reported child abuse found the bodies Monday. Nelson declined to comment further, saying he wanted to first talk with the victims' families. Attorney Carl Starrett told reporters that Amini was overwhelmed from handling her brother's estate and seemed to be having a kind of mental breakdown since his death. He said Amini's husband had tried unsuccessfully to get help for her, fearing she was suicidal. 'Eat Pray Love' author separating from husband NEW YORK (AP) The author of "Eat Pray Love" is splitting up with her husband, whom she describes meeting at the end of her million-selling memoir. Elizabeth Gilbert announced on her Facebook page Friday that she was separating from Jose Nunes after being together for 12 years, and married since 2007. She called the parting "very amicable" and the reasons "very personal." The posting was confirmed by Gilbert's publicist at Riverhead Books, Jynne Martin. Gilbert's book, published in 2006 and adapted into a film of the same name starring Julia Roberts, tells of her worldwide journey in the wake of breaking up with her first husband. FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2010 file photo, U.S. Author Elizabeth Gilbert arrives at the European premiere of Eat, Pray, Love at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, London. Gilbert announced on her Facebook page Friday, July 1, 2016 that she was separating from Jose Nunes after being together for 12 years, and married since 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Jeffers) The Latest: Rubio wants Obama to declare emergency for algae STUART, Fla. (AP) The Latest on an algae bloom that prompted Florida's governor to declare a state of emergency (all times local): 2:45 p.m. Sen. Marco Rubio called on President Barack Obama to declare a state of emergency to help businesses harmed by the massive algae bloom fouling some of Florida's southern rivers and beaches. A dead walking catfish lays on the shore with algae along Sewell's Point on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge on Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) Rubio on Friday toured a portion of the St. Lucie River where a smelly muck is fouling an area promoted as Florida's "Treasure Coast." The Florida Republican told of visiting one riverside home where it "smelled like an open sewer." Rubio's Democratic colleague, Sen. Bill Nelson, toured the area Thursday. Rubio also called on the Army Corps of Engineers to continue holding more water in Lake Okeechobee rather than divert it into the rivers. The corps releases water to lower the pressure on a dike to avoid a repeat of a 1928 hurricane breach that killed 2,500 people. ___ 4:45 a.m. As a noxious algae bloom fouls beaches on Florida's Atlantic coast, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to reduce the flow of water from Lake Okeechobee. Many people blame that flow for fueling the problem. The Corps' Jacksonville District says in a news release it plans to begin the reductions Friday, targeting the Caloosahatchee Estuary and the St. Lucie Estuary. The action comes after Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency over the problem, and as politicians and residents are blaming the federal government. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. Water full of algae laps along the Sewell's Point shore on the St. Lucie River under an Ocean Boulevard bridge, Monday, June 27, 2016. The Martin County Commission decided at an emergency meeting Tuesday to ask state and federal authorities to declare a disaster where blue-green algae has closed beaches. County officials on Florida's Atlantic coast want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks between Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie River. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post via AP) An aerial photo shows blue-green algae enveloping an area along the St. Lucie River in Stuart, Fla.,Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Officials want federal action along the stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast where the governor has declared a state of emergency over algae blooms. The Martin County Commission is inviting the president to view deteriorating water conditions that local officials blame on freshwater being released from the lake, according to a statement released Wednesday. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP) IS fled last stand in Fallujah but fears of comeback linger FALLUJAH, Iraq (AP) Clumps of hair from hastily shaven beards littered floors and filled wastebaskets in houses in the Iraqi city of Fallujah's western neighborhood, a dense block of low-rise homes that were the Islamic State militants' last stand before they largely fled, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert in the face of advancing Iraqi ground forces. Iraqi officers said they bombed convoys of fleeing militants this week, destroying dozens of vehicles and purportedly killing scores of IS fighters. But the way IS abandoned the long-held urban stronghold also underscores the group's ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. This image released by Iraq's Counterterrorism Service shows an Islamic State militant convoy destroyed by airstrikes near Fallujah, Iraq on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. They fled swiftly and in droves, convoys of the last remaining Islamic State fighters abandoning Fallujah, the Iraqi city they had held for more than two years, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert. Behind them, they left clumps of hair from beards hastily shaven so they could later easier blend into the civilian population. The victorious Iraqi army says it bombed convoys of fleeing jihadis, destroying dozens of vehicles. But they way IS quickly abandoned a long-held stronghold underscores its ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. ()Iraq Counterterrorism Service via AP) In the city's Julan neighborhood, Iraqi Cpl. Sahar Najim kicked through the refuse of facial hair with his boot, saying that he has seen similar scenes in other cities and towns retaken from IS. As the militants realize they are losing, they quickly shave off their beards to disguise themselves and escape among fleeing civilians, he said. Losing Fallujah, 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of Baghdad, was a huge blow to the Sunni militant group, depriving it of bomb-making facilities, a safe haven for training recruits and sources of income through taxing the local population. To the east, in the city's industrial neighborhood, dozens of car repair shops had been converted into car bomb factories. A garage still advertising Toyota car repairs was stocked with plastic jugs filled with chemicals. Iraqi forces declared Fallujah fully liberated on Sunday, after government troops routed the remaining IS fighters from the city's north and west under the close cover of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes. The battle, which began May 22, was the latest in a string of territorial defeats for IS in Iraq over the past year. At the height of the group's power, in 2014, IS rendered nearly a third of the country out of government control, having blitzed across large swaths of the north and west and capturing Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul. Now, it's estimated to control only 14 percent of Iraqi territory, according to the office of Iraq's prime minister. More than 500 IS fighters managed to flee Fallujah throughout the five-week offensive, an Iraqi officer told The Associated Press on Thursday. Earlier this year, more than 1,000 IS fighters were estimated to have fled the operation that retook Ramadi, the Anbar provincial capital. Coalition officials initially estimated that only 500-700 IS fighters were inside Fallujah, but once the operation began, Iraqi officers said it quickly became evident there were many more. Iraqi Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi gave an estimate of around 3,000. In the face of battlefield losses, IS has in the past resorted to large-scale bombings in Baghdad and other Iraqi towns, far from the front-line fighting. In May, after IS lost the strategically important town of Hit in Anbar province, a wave of bombings in and around Baghdad killed more than 200 in a single week. After declaring Fallujah IS-free, coalition and Iraqi planes attacked a series of convoys of suspected IS fighters and their families outside the city. Two convoys were hit by Iraqi and coalition airstrikes, and a third convoy, outside Ramadi, the provincial capital, was also targeted. In total, more than 200 vehicles were estimated to have been destroyed and hundreds of suspected IS fighters were thought to have been killed in the span of three days this week, according to an Iraqi officer who took part in calling in the airstrikes. Both Iraqi officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss operational details. IS has made no statements on its Fallujah losses and the numbers could not independently be verified. There are concerns that the militants who got away will regroup. "Of course we are concerned," coalition spokesman U.S. Army Col. Christopher Garver said about IS fighters who managed to escape and the Islamic State's ability to morph back into an insurgency. "But we have to defeat them first on the battlefield." Some Iraqi officials say the haphazard method in which IS fled in convoys traversing open desert where the militants were exposed to airstrikes indicates the extremists are in their last throws and nearing total defeat. But mobilizing of hundreds of fighters, just days after the declared fall of Fallujah shows IS still exercises a significant degree of command and control, according to Nathaniel Rabkin, managing editor of Inside Iraqi Politics, a political risk newsletter. "IS are masters at going to ground and living to fight another day," Rabkin said, adding that while the Iraqi military has learned to recapture towns and cities from IS, the extremists will continue to be a threat once they go underground. Hunting down IS forces who have gone into hiding, Rabkin said, "that is a more difficult challenge." ___ Associated Press writers Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Sinan Salaheddin in Baghdad contributed to this report. This image made from video released by Iraq's Counterterrorism Service shows an Islamic State militant convoy destroyed by airstrikes near Fallujah, Iraq on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. They fled swiftly and in droves, convoys of the last remaining Islamic State fighters abandoning Fallujah, the Iraqi city they had held for more than two years, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert. Behind them, they left clumps of hair from beards hastily shaven so they could later easier blend into the civilian population. The victorious Iraqi army says it bombed convoys of fleeing jihadis, destroying dozens of vehicles. But they way IS quickly abandoned a long-held stronghold underscores its ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. (Iraq Counterterrorism Service via AP) This image made from video released by Iraq's Counterterrorism Service shows an Islamic State militant convoy destroyed by airstrikes near Fallujah, Iraq on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. They fled swiftly and in droves, convoys of the last remaining Islamic State fighters abandoning Fallujah, the Iraqi city they had held for more than two years, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert. Behind them, they left clumps of hair from beards hastily shaven so they could later easier blend into the civilian population. The victorious Iraqi army says it bombed convoys of fleeing jihadis, destroying dozens of vehicles. But they way IS quickly abandoned a long-held stronghold underscores its ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. (Iraq Counterterrorism Service via AP) This image made from video released by Iraq's Counterterrorism Service shows an Islamic State militant convoy destroyed by airstrikes near Fallujah, Iraq on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. They fled swiftly and in droves, convoys of the last remaining Islamic State fighters abandoning Fallujah, the Iraqi city they had held for more than two years, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert. Behind them, they left clumps of hair from beards hastily shaven so they could later easier blend into the civilian population. The victorious Iraqi army says it bombed convoys of fleeing jihadis, destroying dozens of vehicles. But they way IS quickly abandoned a long-held stronghold underscores its ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. (Iraq Counterterrorism Service via AP) FILE - This image released by Iraq's Counterterrorism Service shows a destroyed militant vehicle after Coalition and Iraqi security forces targeted Islamic State fighters fleeing the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. They fled swiftly and in droves, convoys of the last remaining Islamic State fighters abandoning Fallujah, the Iraqi city they had held for more than two years, melting into the sprawling Anbar desert. Behind them, they left clumps of hair from beards hastily shaven so they could later easier blend into the civilian population. The victorious Iraqi army says it bombed convoys of fleeing jihadis, destroying dozens of vehicles. But they way IS quickly abandoned a long-held stronghold underscores its ability to adapt and regroup, long after defeat on the battlefield. (Iraq Counterterrorism Service via AP, File) Former seminary student sentenced for seeking infant sex SAN DIEGO (AP) A former Ohio seminarian was sentenced Friday to nearly 16 years in prison for trying to adopt or purchase infants from Mexico to sexually molest them. Joel Wright, 23, pleaded guilty in April to a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor. The former student of Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, admitted that he authored sexually explicit emails in which he described his desire to assault children, from infants up to the age of 4. Wright placed Craigslist ads for a Tijuana, Mexico, tour guide starting last November and told someone who responded that he wanted a girl under 3 years old for sex. In one message, he wrote that he picked up infant pain-relief medication and a "pretty outfit which I think should fit the 1 or 2 year old." The person he contacted was cooperating with federal agents. Wright was arrested when he flew into San Diego in January. U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said Wright, who was born severely disabled and has a litany of health problems including blindness, accomplished many things in life but for whatever reason, over the past few years, pursued children, according to KSWB-TV. Gregory Murphy, Wright's attorney, said his client's conduct is contrary to what he's done his whole life, according to the Fox affiliate. "He's committed to getting back to the person he was," Murphy said. "His secret is out." Wright, who faced a maximum sentence of life in prison, was ordered to spend 15 years, eight months in custody. His attorney had recommended a 10-year prison sentence. The Latest: No luck in search for killer bear in Montana HELENA, Mont. (AP) The Latest on the search for a bear that killed a Montana mountain biker (all times Mountain): 2 p.m. Montana wildlife officials have been unable to locate the bear that killed a mountain biker earlier this week. This undated photo provided by Miles Mason shows Mason, left, with friend, Brad Treat, a victim of fatal grizzly bear mauling in Montana's Flathead National Forest outside Glacier National Park, as they pose for a photo during Treat's wedding in West Glacier, Mont. Treat, 38, was knocked off his bike Wednesday, June 29, 2016, after he and another rider apparently surprised the bear, a grizzly, according to initial and still-unconfirmed accounts, in the Flathead National Forest, authorities said. (Courtesy of Miles Mason via AP) Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman John Fraley says there has been no activity near the traps or wilderness cameras set up to locate the bear that attacked 38-year-old Brad Treat. Fraley says the search is continuing Friday, and officials will next update the public on Saturday and discuss their plans to continue looking for the bear. Treat was a 12-year law enforcement officer for the U.S. Forest Service. Flathead National Forest spokeswoman Janette Turk says her agency is working with Treat's family in making the funeral arrangements for the West Glacier resident. ___ 1:10 a.m. The Montana man killed by a bear near Glacier National Park was intimately familiar with both the beauty and the danger of the wild forest that spreads from the shadows of the park's rugged peaks. But there was seemingly nothing that former park ranger and longtime U.S. Forest Service law-enforcement officer Brad Treat could do when he surprised the bear on Wednesday. Authorities say the bear knocked him from his mountain bike on a trail in that forest just minutes from his home. Wildlife officials came up empty Thursday in their search for the bruin that killed the 38-year-old Treat, and they aren't certain whether it is still in the area. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' wildlife response team set up traps, installed wilderness cameras and flew over the area in a helicopter. This 1994 photo provided by Miles Mason shows Mason, left, with friend, Brad Treat, a victim of fatal grizzly bear mauling in Montana's Flathead National Forest outside Glacier National Park, as they pose in Kalispell, Mont. Treat, 38, was knocked off his bike Wednesday, June 29, 2016, after he and another rider apparently surprised the bear, a grizzly, according to initial and still-unconfirmed accounts, in the Flathead National Forest, authorities said. The other rider, whose name was not released, went to get help and was not hurt. (Courtesy of Miles Mason via AP) FILE-- This undated photo provided by the National Park Service shows a grizzly bear walking along a ridge in Montana. Grizzly bears have rebounded from widespread extermination across the Northern Rockies over the past several decades. But conflicts with humans have been on the rise, and the death of a Montana man on Wednesday,June 29, 2016, brings to at least seven the number of people fatally mauled by bears in the region since 2010. (National Park Service via AP) Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Perry Brown prepares to hunt for a grizzly bear that killed Forest Service law enforcement officer Brad Treat near West Glacier, Mont. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Treat was off duty-riding his bicycle on a popular trail network near the town when the attack occurred. (Chris Peterson/The Daily Inter Lake via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT FILE--In this Sept. 25, 2013 photo, a grizzly bear cub rests near a cabin a few miles from the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Mont. Grizzly bears have rebounded from widespread extermination across the Northern Rockies over the past several decades. But conflicts with humans have been on the rise, and the death of a Montana man on Wednesday,June 29, 2016, brings to at least seven the number of people fatally mauled by bears in the region since 2010. (Alan Rogers/Casper Star-Tribune via AP, file) Alabama develops diversity plan for Greek system BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Targeted by protests following allegations of racial discrimination in its traditionally all-white sororities nearly three years ago, the University of Alabama said Friday it has developed a plan for increasing diversity in the Greek-letter groups in consultation with the Justice Department. A statement by the university said the plan includes a clear process for reporting and investigating allegations of discrimination. The plan also includes training and education to help foster what the university called a campus "free of racial tension," the statement said. Work on the blueprint began in fall 2013 amid complaints and campus demonstrations about the exclusion of black women from traditionally all-white sororities at Alabama. "We recognize this is a process that will take sustained focus and effort, and I am confident our student leaders will build upon the momentum generated over the last three years," David Grady, vice president for student affairs, said in a statement. Some historically white sororities have accepted black members in the years since the protests, making the once-segregated system more diverse. U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance said the new plan helps eliminate racial barriers. "We appreciate the students who came forward with allegations about discrimination in sorority rush and made this action plan possible," Vance said in a statement. Alabama has what is billed as the nation's largest Greek system, with about 10,000 students in 62 different organizations. Protests began after a handful of white sorority members were quoted by the student newspaper as saying sororities had excluded some prospective members because they were black. The statement by Vance said her office and the Civil Rights Division contacted the university about the allegations of discrimination after campus officials already had begun taking steps to address them. The university plan was developed during talks between campus administrators and government lawyers, her statement said. Peggy Sanford, a spokeswoman for Vance, said the university's plan did not require a formal review or approval by Justice. Trying to pry his son from IS, medic killed in Turkey attack KSOUR ESSEF, Tunisia (AP) Tunisian pediatrician Fathi Bayoudh was trying to rescue his son from the Islamic State group's grasp, and had almost succeeded. Then, as Bayoudh waited to greet his wife in an Istanbul airport so they could help bring their 25-year-old son Anouar home, the suicide bombs exploded. Col. Fathi Bayoudh was buried Friday in his hometown of Ksour Essef, one of dozens killed in Tuesday's attack in Turkey, blamed on IS extremists. Their faces wrought with grief, hundreds of family members, friends, uniformed officers and a Tunisian presidential aide attended the ceremony in central Tunisia for Bayoudh, head of the pediatric service at the Tunis military hospital. Bayoudh's son was among thousands of young Tunisians who have joined IS amid this country's post-revolution economic crisis. His family is still trying to figure out why. A medical student who had also trained to be a pilot, Anouar left in November for Switzerland for more studies, according to his distraught mother, Saida. He suddenly cut off all contact with his family, then called a month and a half later to tell them he had joined IS in Iraq, she said. He traveled to the IS stronghold of Raqqa in Syria but then had a change of heart. According to his mother, Anouar told her, "I was looking for truth, and I thought I found it with IS. It turned out it was a sham." Anouar sent a message to his father saying: "Papa, help me. I'm traumatized. Help me to get out." Fathi Bayoudh responded, "I will sacrifice myself for you, my son." The father traveled back and forth to Turkey repeatedly in the ensuing months working to extract Anouar. A smuggler working with the Free Syrian Army helped the son cross into Turkey and turned him over to Turkish authorities, his mother said. "My husband, very happy with this outcome, called me to tell me to come to Turkey to go see our son," she said. "We thought it was the end of the nightmare we had been living for months. "But fate decided otherwise, with the attacks that coincided with my arrival at the airport," she said. "The entire night we searched from one hospital to another but everyone told us they didn't have him," she said. The next morning they tried again, and one hospital "told us that there was a Tunisian man and we went to identify the body, and it was him. God bless his soul." Anouar remains in Turkish custody, awaiting extradition. Tunisian presidential adviser Kamel Akrout said at the funeral that he could return to Tunisia as soon as Saturday. Fathi Bayoudh's death "is a loss for Tunisia, and the military institution," he said, because Bayoudh was known for "his high morals, his professionalism and volunteering spirit." Bayoudh's cousin Sonia described him as "a man with a good heart, committed to humanitarian work." In VP search, Trump and Clinton eye different priorities WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump wants a running mate who has what he lacks political experience. Hillary Clinton is putting a premium on diversity as she searches for a No. 2. Yet the presidential rivals are running strikingly similar processes for tapping their vice presidential picks: relying on prominent Washington lawyers to comb through the background of top contenders, seeking guidance from a small circle of trusted advisers and family members, and weighing their personal chemistry with prospects. Trump, a wealthy businessman who has never held public office, is mulling a small number of political veterans. He's seriously considering former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, according to people with direct knowledge of the vetting process. FILE - In this June 10, 2016, file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., departs the Washington home of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Washington. Donald Trump wants a running mate who has what he lacks political experience. Clinton is putting a premium on diversity as she searches for a No. 2. Yet the presidential rivals are running strikingly similar processes for tapping their vice presidential pick. Warren is thought to be a top contender for Clinton. (AP Photo/Paul Holston, File) "We're vetting a lot of good people and we have a lot of interest in people that want to leave high positions and do this," Trump said Thursday. The presumptive Republican nominee appears less concerned about diversity. His campaign chairman has said publicly that Trump is not interested in choosing a woman or minority for the sake of appealing to a particular segment of the electorate. The confirmed contenders are all white men over age 50. Clinton has said she wants a running mate who is well-prepared to become president. But Democrats say she's also giving priority to diversity and has been weighing women, Hispanic and black candidates a nod to the voting blocs Democrats need to win in presidential elections. Top contenders for the Democratic ticket include Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, one of Washington's most prominent female lawmakers; Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, a telegenic 41-year-old Hispanic politician; and Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, one of two black senators, was also being considered, though it's unclear whether he is still in the running. It's rare that a running mate dramatically shifts the trajectory of a presidential race. Yet it's still among the most important decisions nominees face during the general election and their choice is viewed as a reflection of their priorities and values. Clinton has veteran Democratic lawyer James Hamilton overseeing her selection process, with input from longtime confidants John Podesta and Cheryl Mills. Clinton is expected to begin meeting with candidates herself next week, according to two Democrats with knowledge of the process. Given Clinton's decades in the public eye, her advisers don't expect her selection of a running mate to change her electoral prospects significantly. But one Clinton aide said it was important that her running mate help tell the "story" of her candidacy. Clinton has increasingly said her campaign is about Americans being "stronger together" a phrase intended to convey the importance of a diverse country fighting for common goals. Aides who have worked in senior White House posts under President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton have also been emphasizing the need for personal chemistry, noting that a strained relationship between a president and vice president can be destructive in the West Wing. Clinton and Trump face fast-approaching deadlines as they evaluate their choices. Trump has said he plans to announce his running mate at the Republican National Convention, which kicks off in Cleveland in just over two weeks but the campaign has also considered pushing up the date. A person familiar with Trump's decision-making process said the one-time reality television star is weighing how to maximize the suspense of his choice. He might do it showbiz-style at the convention. Trump has spent weeks discussing his options with his adult children, business associates and even friends from his country clubs. A.B. Culvahouse, a lawyer who has overseen vice presidential vetting for previous GOP nominees, sent vetting paperwork to top contenders late this week. While the businessman has made clear he'll tap a political veteran for the post, those close to him say that's not the only element. "He's not going to pick someone he doesn't personally like," according to one person with knowledge of the process. Like others who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, they were not authorized to discuss the vice presidential process publicly. The businessman has a close relationship with most of vice presidential finalists. He's less familiar with Pence, though the two plan to meet this weekend, according to Marc Lotter, a spokesman for the Indiana governor. In choosing a political veteran, Trump would not be sending a message only to voters, but to the numerous GOP leaders who are wary of his candidacy. "That would soothe some concerns but not all of them," said Kevin Madden, a former adviser to Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee. Clinton is expected to wait until after the Republican convention to announce her running mate, allowing her to use her pick to distract from any boost Trump receives from the GOP gathering. She and her running mate will be nominated at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia the last week in July. ___ Lemire reported from Erie, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writer Steve Peoples contributed to this report. ___ Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC, Jonathan Lemire at http://twitter.com/JonLemire and Jill Colvin at http://twitter.com/colvinj. In this May 11, 2016, file photo, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence launches his campaign for re-election during an event in Indianapolis. Pence will meet with presumed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump over the weekend, a top aide to the governor said Friday, July 1, 2016, after it was confirmed that Pence is under consideration as a vice presidential running-mate. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) US says up to 116 civilians killed in counterterror strikes WASHINGTON (AP) Peeling back some of the secrecy of America's drone strikes on suspected terrorists, the Obama administration on Friday said it has killed up to 116 civilians in counterterror attacks in Pakistan, Yemen and other places where the U.S. is not engaged in active, on-the-ground warfare. The first-ever public assessment is a response to mounting pressure for more information about lethal U.S. operations overseas. Human rights and other groups quickly complained that the administration undercounted civilian casualties and called on the White House to release far more information. The report by National Intelligence Director James Clapper said the U.S. conducted 473 counterterror strikes, including those by unmanned drones, between January 2009 and December 2015. He did not mention where the strikes occurred, but the Defense Department and CIA have pursued targets in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya. The data didn't include strikes in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, which the U.S. considers areas of active hostilities. President Barack Obama talks before signing the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 and the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) The attacks killed an estimated 2,372 to 2,581 combatants in those seven years, the report said. Between 64 and 116 non-combatants were killed. The administration noted the much higher estimates by non-governmental organizations, which go as high as 900 for the same timeframe. Senior U.S. officials cited several reasons for the discrepancy, including the government's access to sensitive intelligence that helps it more accurately identify the deceased. Groups that have been tracking U.S. drone operations for years weren't convinced. "The numbers reported by the White House today simply don't add up, and we're disappointed by that," said Federico Borello, executive director of Center for Civilians in Conflict in Washington. "We're concerned that as more countries gain access to armed drone technology, it's more likely that drones will be used as a first response in conflicts and more likely civilians will pay the price." The Bureau of Investigative Journalism said the administration's number is a fraction of the 380 to 801 civilian deaths it has tallied. It records such deaths on the basis local and international journalists' reports, advocacy organizations, leaked government documents, court papers and field investigations. The London-based group credited the administration's release as a welcome step toward greater transparency, but said more information on specific strikes was needed to reconcile different assessments. Seeking to enhance safeguards for civilian protection for the rest of his presidency and beyond, Obama also signed an executive order Friday that details U.S. policies to limit non-combatant casualties. It makes protecting civilians a central element in U.S. military operations planning. The order requires the government to publicize the number of strikes each year, and combatants and civilians killed. The 2016 report is due May 1, 2017. But the directive isn't necessarily binding on the next president, who could change the policy with an executive order of his or her own. Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal, which also tracks drone strikes, said the administration's report will "do little to quell the criticism" of those who want full disclosure of civilian casualties. This would include the names of those killed and dates, locations and other details on the strikes. Roggio, who has estimated 207 civilian deaths over the same period in Pakistan and Yemen alone, said discrepancies would narrow if the U.S. and observers agreed on the details of several especially lethal strikes. Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's National Security Project, said Friday's release provided only scant information. "The government continues to conceal the identities of people it has killed, the specific definitions it uses to decide who can legitimately be targeted and its investigations into credibly alleged wrongful killings," Shamsi said. "The American public can't be confident that the government is using lethal force legally and wisely." Naureen Shah, Amnesty International's director of national security and human rights, said it was impossible to assess the accuracy of the data without more details. Her group's investigations, she said, "tell a different story." Nevertheless, said hailed the precedent of announcing civilian deaths as a game-changer and said it would be hard for future administrations to step away from the commitment. Jennifer Gibson, an attorney for Reprieve, a New York-based human rights organization, said it was time for an independent investigation of whom U.S. drones have killed and the legal framework for the program. Gibson spoke of 14-year-old Faheem Qureshi, who she said was severely injured in Obama's first drone strike, and nine-year old Nabila Rehman, who traveled to the U.S. in 2013 to seek answers about an attack in Pakistan that killed her grandmother. Man loses hand to firework in early July 4th celebration LEESBURG, Fla. (AP) Authorities say a central Florida man blew his left hand off with a firework during an early Fourth of July celebration. The Orlando Sentinel (http://goo.gl/IpAi8b) reports it happened Thursday night at a Leesburg home. The firework was attached to a wooden stake designed to be planted in the ground and had a foil-covered ball inside that explodes after launch. Witnesses told police that Brett Demascio lit the fuse, but the spark went out. He then picked up the foil-covered ball in his left hand, lit the shortened fuse and attempted to throw it. An incident report says the firework exploded early, tearing off most of the man's hand. Demascio was airlifted to an Ocala hospital. His updated condition wasn't available Friday. No criminal charges were immediately filed. ___ Texas city council votes to reinstate library cat WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas (AP) A North Texas city council has voted unanimously to reinstate Browser the cat to his job as live-in mascot of the city's public library. KRLD-AM in Dallas-Fort Worth reports the governing council of the Fort Worth suburb of White Settlement voted 3-0 to let Browser stay at the library two weeks after voting 2-1 to give the tabby 30 days to check out. Mayor Ron White had said the move against Browser was a response to officials' denial of permission to an employee to bring a puppy to work at City Hall. But he says he was overwhelmed with more than 1,000 messages on social media, all in support of keeping Browser on the job. Lillian Blackburn, a volunteer and chair of the Friends of White Settlement Library, shows a collection of petitions to save a library cat named Browser from city imposed eviction Thursday, June 30, 2016, in White Settlement, Texas. The governing council of the Fort Worth suburb of White Settlement voted 2-1 to give the library 30 days to find a new home for Browser. Ex-council member Alan Price said Browser's supporters will petition for a reprieve in November's elections. (AP Photo/John L. Mone) The vote was taken without hearing from Browser's supporters who jammed the council chamber. ___ Information from: KRLD-AM, http://dfw.cbslocal.com An 80-year-old man who gained fame riding horses around the country and saying he's a cowboy helping hungry children has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges in New York City. Tod 'Doc' Mishler was released without bail after his arraignment Friday on two counts of torturing or injuring animals. Police say his two horses suffered from dehydration and bleeding saddle sores. Court papers say the horses had been tied to trees and had no access to water. Mishler says the horses are in 'great shape' and the wounds were 'superficial'. He says he'll fight the charges. Mishler had been issued a separate court summons Monday for blocking traffic and trespassing after riding his horse across the Outerbridge Crossing linking New Jersey with Staten Island. Scroll down for video Tod Mishler, an 80-year-old man who gained fame riding horses around the country saying he's a cowboy helping hungry children, has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges in New York City Mishler had been issued a separate court summons Monday for blocking traffic and trespassing after riding his horse across the Outerbridge Crossing linking New Jersey with Staten Island Drivers were so stunned, that they stopped to take pictures and send Tweets, holding up traffic Police say his two horses suffered from dehydration and bleeding saddle sores. Court papers say the horses had been tied to trees and had no access to water Mishler says the horses are in 'great shape' and the wounds were 'superficial.' He says he'll fight the charges God-loving cowboy Mishler gained national fame galloping into communities. He was arrested three days after riding over the Outerbridge Crossing linking the city's Staten Island borough with New Jersey. Veterinarians who examined his two horses said they suffered from malnourishment, dehydration and open sores. On Monday, Mishler stalled bridge traffic as motorists stopped to stare. He was issued court summonses for blocking traffic and trespassing. Veterinarians who examined his two horses said they suffered from malnourishment, dehydration and open sores On Thursday, police announced more serious charges: two counts of animal cruelty based on examinations of the horses by veterinarians of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Delaware-based animal advocate Christine Whaley, who started a group with a Facebook page called Stop Doc Mishler, applauded the arrest. 'We want people to understand that this man is not who he says he is,' Whaley said. Stop Doc Mishler members described Mishler as a homeless man who had for years abused the animals that took him on what he calls his God-sent mission, carrying a Bible and quoting scriptures. Two horses were seized Tuesday outside the motel where Mishler was taken after crossing the bridge. A Port Authority Police Officer tends to a horse owned by Mishler in this Monday photograph Tod 'Doc' Mishler, second right, and supporters try to get his horses back in Ocean Breeze in the Staten Island borough of New York in this Wednesday photograph He told the Staten Island Advance he was in his room when authorities showed up to see whether the animals outside had been properly cared for. 'I'm in the room and I'm resting up and I get a knock on the door and one of the tenants says, "They're taking your horses."' Mishler told the Advance. Mishler's equestrian trek started about two decades ago in Choteau, Montana, where he sold everything he owned on his 40-acre property, said David Pennington, whose family runs a diner in Manchester, Tennessee, and met Mishler while he was riding through 'on a horse that had some 20,000 miles on him, I'd guess'. After a childhood in Indiana, Mishler worked for a printing company, then as a bail bondsman before attending Western Michigan University for several years, studying philosophy, according to Pennington and others who met him along his routes. The man, wearing a cowboy hat and red kerchief, was riding on one horse while another one trotted along behind him Tod L. Mishler of Ulster Park, N.Y., was seen riding over the Outerbridge Crossing on Monday In 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin, police charged Mishler with animal neglect when his horses appeared dehydrated and underfed,, it's been reported. The charges were eventually dropped, and he agreed to take care of them It's not the first time he's had run-ins with the law. In 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin, police charged him with animal neglect when his horses appeared dehydrated and underfed, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The charges were eventually dropped, and he agreed to take care of them. People along Mishler's routes provided him with food and sometimes shelter. Last fall, while riding through Tennessee, Mishler suffered a heart attack, said Pennington, a former mayor of Coffee County whose family took him in for a month after he was released from the hospital. Lucky Knott, a spokesman for the Coffee County sheriff, said Mishler didn't collect money for child hunger directly but asked people to send funds to charities. After a childhood in Indiana, Mishler worked for a printing company, then as a bail bondsman before attending Western Michigan University for several years, studying philosophy, according to David Pennington and others who met him along his routes (file) Where Australia's major parties stand on key election issues SYDNEY (AP) After a two-month campaign, Australians headed to the polls on Saturday to vote in a national election. The contest pits Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's conservative coalition, which is seeking a second three-year term, against the center-left Labor Party, which is trying to snatch back power after an extraordinarily volatile period in the nation's political history. Should Labor win, party leader Bill Shorten will become Australia's fifth prime minister in just over three years. Here's a look at where the major parties stand on the key election issues: TAX CUTS: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to the media during his visit to a small business factory in the western suburbs of Sydney Friday, July 1, 2016. Australians go to the polls Saturday with the opposition leader vying to become the country's fifth prime minister in three years. Global market turmoil since the Brexit vote, Australia's success in turning back asylum seeker boats, gay marriage, housing prices, corporate tax rates and union corruption have been major issues in the eight-week campaign. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith) Coalition: The government has called for stimulus measures including income tax cuts for middle- and high-income earners and a gradual reduction of the company tax rate over a decade from 30 to 25 percent. Labor: Labor agrees with cutting taxes for small businesses, but largely opposes the rest of the government's proposed cuts. The party would spend the revenue from higher tax rates on hospitals and schools. ___ CLIMATE CHANGE: Coalition: The government has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. Labor: Labor wants to cut emissions by 45 per cent of 2005 levels by 2030. ___ RISING HOUSE PRICES: Coalition: Although most analysts agree that housing is so overpriced in the nation's major cities that the number of Australians who can afford to buy their own homes is shrinking, the government does not want to change the rules on real estate-related tax breaks. Labor: Labor does want to change the rules by reducing tax deductions for real estate, including capital gains tax breaks, in a bid to make housing a less attractive investment for landlords. ___ ASYLUM SEEKERS: Coalition: The government plans to maintain Australia's controversial policy of sending asylum seekers to offshore detention camps while their claims are processed, and refusing to settle them in Australia. The coalition also plans to continue turning back boats carrying asylum seekers that are intercepted at sea, and wants to increase the country's humanitarian intake of refugees to 18,750 by 2018-19. Labor: Labor agrees with both the offshore detention and boat turnback policies, and wants to increase Australia's humanitarian intake of refugees to 27,000 by 2025. Labor also wants to abolish the government's temporary refugee visas, and instead give the 30,000 asylum seekers already in Australia permanent refugee visas. ___ GAY MARRIAGE: Coalition: Turnbull personally supports gay marriage, but his party does not. The government says it will hold a national poll known as a plebiscite this year that would ask voters whether the nation should allow same-sex marriage. But governments are not bound by the results of plebiscites, and some conservative lawmakers have said they would vote down a gay marriage bill even if most Australians supported marriage equality. Labor: Labor believes a plebiscite is a waste of taxpayers' money. The party instead promises that the first legislation it introduces to parliament will be a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. Nicola Sturgeon calls for reflection as Scotland marks Somme anniversary Nicola Sturgeon has called for reflection on the "horrors of the Great War" as Scotland marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. A vigil is under way at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to remember the thousands of Scots who gave their lives in the bloodiest battle in British Military history. Representatives of regimental associations gathered at the memorial will respect a two-minute silence at 7.30am - the moment when soldiers were led into battle a century ago. Edinburgh Castle was the scene of a candlelight vigil It follows a service on Thursday night which saw the castle floodlit red to mark the anniversary. The First Minister will attend a remembrance event at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in France on Friday. Ms Sturgeon said: "It is now exactly 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme - the opening day of which has gone down in history as one of the bloodiest in the history of armed conflict. "Fifty-one Scottish battalions were involved, and the losses suffered by those units - and those from the other countries involved - were on an almost unimaginable scale. "Barely a single community in Scotland was left untouched by the battle. Across Scotland communities are now remembering those who gave their lives, and a whole century on from the devastation and suffering of the Battle of the Somme, we should all reflect on the horrors of the Great War and give thanks that our continent now lives in peace." On the eve of the anniversary the Rev Neil Gardner of Canongate Kirk said prayers for those killed and wounded and led the singing of Abide With Me on the steps of the war memorial, before candles were taken inside and placed on a casket containing the original Roll of Honour for the fallen of the First World War. The candles were being guarded overnight by representatives from units including the Wrens, the Royal Navy and several Scottish army regiments, standing by the casket with their heads bowed. Beginning on July 1 1916, the Battle of the Somme was intended to achieve a decisive victory for the British and French against Germany's forces. By the end of the conflict on November 18, the British had suffered 420,000 casualties, with 19,240 troops dying on the first day alone. Fifty-one Scottish battalions took part in the campaign, including the 16th Battalion Royal Scots which was largely composed of professional and amateur sportsmen and their supporters. Major General Mark Strudwick, chairman of the Trustees of the Scottish National War Memorial, said: "The courage and sacrifice of the British soldiers who fought at the Battle of the Somme should never be forgotten. "Few words conjure the tragic scale and staggering loss of life during the 141 days that battle raged. Bloodiest day of WW1 remembered 100 years on at Somme memorial Senior royals and politicians have led tributes to the dead of the Battle of the Somme on the 100th anniversary of the bloodiest day in British military history. Prime Minister David Cameron, French president Francois Hollande, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, led 10,000 guests gathered at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme that towers over the battlefield in France. Ceremonies across the United Kingdom had earlier on Friday honoured the hundreds of thousands of victims of the brutal offensive which started in northern France on July 1 1916. People pay their respects on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme A two-minute silence ended at 7.30am, the time when the British, Commonwealth and French forces went "over the top" a century ago. The British Army suffered almost 60,000 casualties on the first day alone and more than a million men would be killed or wounded on both sides over the course of the 141-day offensive. Writing in the programme for Friday's commemoration in France, Prince Charles wrote that "their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten". He added: "It is truly terrifying to imagine the destruction wrought across this landscape 100 years ago today. However, we now return to the battlefield in a spirit of reconciliation and respect. "We honour the men who served from across Britain and Ireland, the Commonwealth and from France. "We remember, too, the men from Germany who fought and fell in this most futile of conflicts. Their perseverance and courage when faced with such a monumental challenge are truly humbling." Charles, Mr Cameron and Mr Hollande were among those who gave readings during the emotional Thiepval ceremony, alongside serving forces personnel and ex-England footballer Sol Campbell. Game Of Thrones star Charles Dance, actress Joely Richardson and Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs narrated events. Other politicians present included Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Irish president Michael D Higgins. The royals each wore a poppy and a cornflower brooch, called the "bleuet", which has the same symbolism of remembrance in France as the red flower does in Britain. The brooches were made by French designer Catherine Desclaux and were worn by schoolchildren taking part in the ceremony. British children laid wreaths at French graves and vice versa in the shared graveyard by the memorial. Mr Hollande and Charles led the senior politicians and royals in laying wreaths at the Cross of Sacrifice, looking out onto the former battlefield. On Friday morning in London, people lined Parliament Square where the roar of guns was followed by the two-minute reflection. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery manned three sets of guns, drawn into place by horses, and fired every four seconds for 100 seconds. In Edinburgh, a two-minute silence was held at Scotland's National War Memorial, with descendants of some of those who died at the Somme in attendance. Mr Cameron laid a wreath at the cross, with a note reading: "Yours was the most horrific slaughter of a generation. We stand in awe of your sacrifice, determined that your legacy of liberty will live on forever." Mr Corbyn laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance inside the memorial, with a note reading: "In memory of all who died; we resolve peace is the future." The Prince of Wales, French President Francois Hollande, Irish President Michael D Higgins, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stand amongst VIPs at a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme The vigil at the Grave of the Unknown Solider in Westminster Abbey French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister David Cameron, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the service in Thiepval, France The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire First World War guns in Parliament Square, London, to mark the end of the vigil at the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery march in Westminster Members of the London Fire Brigade pay their respects in Parliament Square A view of war graves lit up during a vigil to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing The nation fell silent to honour thousands of soldiers killed in the Battle of the Somme Memorial poppies placed in front of the Thiepval Museum ahead of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme People view memorial poppies at the Thiepval Museum This service followed an overnight vigil at Edinburgh Castle A vigil at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle People arrive ahead of the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval Memorial Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives for the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the Thiepval Memorial French soldiers at a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme in Thiepval, France The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge pay their respects The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry join a military-led vigil at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing A soldier stand among lit war graves Soldiers stand at the four corners of the Stone of Remembrance at the Thiepval memorial to the Missing in France A Chelsea Pensioner views the war graves An order of service from last night's commemorations The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby spoke during the vigil The poignant event was attended by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge The Duke of Cambridge gave an address written by Birdsong novelist Sebastian Faulks Prince Harry also spoke at the event Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha attended a service to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey The Queen was also at the Westminster Abbey service George Osborne warns of 'significant negative shock' to budget after Brexit vote The Chancellor has abandoned his target for cleaning up the nation's finances by the end of the parliament after warning that Britain will no longer achieve a budget surplus by 2020. George Osborne said the UK economy was bracing itself for a "significant negative shock" following the Brexit vote and the Government had to be "realistic" about reaching a surplus by the end of the decade. Mr Osborne had pledged to deliver in line with Office For Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasts, which predicted the UK to have a budget surplus of 10.4 billion in 2019/20 and 11 billion the year after. George Osborne said a 'supreme national effort' is required to overcome the Brexit vote fallout Speaking at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, he said : "Now, as the governor of the Bank of England said yesterday, the referendum result is as expected likely to lead to a significant negative shock for the British economy. "How we respond will determine the impact on people's jobs and on economic growth. The Bank of England can support demand. The Government must provide fiscal credibility, so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade. "This is precisely the flexibility that our rules provide for. And we need to reduce uncertainty by moving as quickly as possible to a new relationship with Europe and being super competitive, open for business and free trading. That's the plan and we must set to it." According to official figures, the Government borrowed 74.9 billion for the complete financial year ending in March 2016, meaning it overshot its annual target of 72.2 billion by 2.7 billion. The OBR was predicting borrowing to shrink to 55.5 billion in 2016/17, 38.8 billion in 2017/18 and 21.4 billion in 2018/19. However, public sector new borrowing excluding public sector banks hit a worse-than-expected 9.7 billion in May, despite dropping by 0.4 billion compared with the same month last year. Meanwhile, the Chancellor is already showing signs of being blown off course this year, with borrowing in the current financial year hitting 17.9 billion, a 0.2 billion jump compared with 2015. Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the Chancellor's announcement meant more austerity spending cuts and tax rises in the next parliament. "You can't borrow forever. So we will have a few more years of more borrowing but my guess is that this is not the end of austerity," he told BBC Radio 4's The World At One. "This means that austerity will go on longer because we will probably have the spending cuts and tax rises right through the 2020s to pay for this. "You are going to have to have the pain later on to repay the additional borrowing that we are going to need to do in the short run." Home Secretary Theresa May, who has thrown her hat into the ring to become the next Conservative Party leader and prime minister, said on Thursday that she was ready to ditch Mr Osborne's target of achieving a budget surplus by the end of the Parliament if it was necessary to avoid tax rises. Responding to the Chancellor's announcement, Conservative leadership candidate Michael Gove said: "It does seem to me to be ... sensible to think about what it is that we need to do in the light, perhaps, of OBR forecasts which are due to come, in order to make sure that we bring the deficit down but do so in an orderly way in response to events. "Let's wait and see what the OBR says, but I think the Chancellor is absolutely right to insist on flexibility." Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "I welcome the Chancellor's decision to finally listen to the calls made by myself and Jeremy Corbyn over the last nine months to drop his failed surplus target. It is only a shame he was not realistic sooner, as under Jeremy Corbyn Labour has been unequivocal in its opposition to failed Tory austerity." Conservative Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Committee, said: "The Chancellor was right to abandon the fiscal rule. It's the latest in a long line of fiscal rules, targets and objectives of successive governments to have bitten the dust. "Any rule which required the Chancellor to adjust public spending or taxation twice a year to take account of small changes in the OBR's forecasts was always likely to be vulnerable. To be credible it needed to be put in a longer term framework. Paedophile group member jailed for 24 years A member of the Paedophile Information Exchange, a group which campaigned for sex with children to be decriminalised, has been jailed for 24 years. Douglas Slade, 75, was expelled from the Philippines in 2015 and brought back to the UK to be charged with 13 offences of abusing children between the 1960s and 1980s. Slade, formerly of Sea Mills and Totterdown in Bristol, was convicted of all charges against him following a trial at Bristol Crown Court. Douglas Slade has been jailed for 24 years (Avon and Somerset Police/PA) The offences, committed in Bristol and other parts of the country between 1965 and 1980, were against five boys - the youngest aged 10 at the time. Judge Euan Ambrose jailed Slade for 24 years and ordered him to serve an additional 12 months on licence upon his release. "Your interest in young boys was well established," the judge told Slade, who has no previous convictions. "It had led you to become involved in two notorious organisations, Paedophile Action for Liberation and the Paedophile Information Exchange. "I am satisfied that you were involved in both organisations. I cannot determine the precise role that you played. "You liked to boast about having been involved in setting them up, whether that was in fact true or not. "It reflected your interest in sex with young boys and your wish to see sex between adults and young boys decriminalised." Slade was convicted of seven offences of indecent assault and six offences of buggery against his victims, who were aged between 10 and 16 at the time. Victim impact statements provided to the court showed the "extremely deep and long lasting" effect of the abuse on their lives, the judge said. Those targeted had home lives that were chaotic, with Slade providing them with parties, alcohol and cigarettes. "The dreadful truth was that behind all that lay the objection of persuading these boys to have sex with you," the judge said. Slade, who suffers from diabetes and high cholesterol , remained emotionless as the sentence against him was passed. The investigation into Slade began in 2010 when one victim came forward to report being abused by him and several others in the 1970s. A second victim was identified and three men were convicted of sexual offences but charges could not be brought against Slade as he was living in Angeles City in the Philippines. Avon and Somerset Police worked with the National Crime Agency to identify further victims, with Slade expelled from the Philippines in 2015, brought to the UK and charged. "What has happened is your past has caught up with you - a past about which you appear wholly unrepentant," Judge Ambrose added. Slade was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from contacting boys aged under 16. Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Paul Melton of Avon and Somerset Police said: "Slade was part of a network of men whose sole aim was to find vulnerable children to abuse. "He's shown absolutely no remorse for his sickening crimes or for the lasting emotional and psychological damage he's caused. No child will ever be safe in his company." Christopher Skeaping, 72, formerly of Hounslow in London, will be sentenced for one count of indecent assault against one of Slade's victims at a date to be fixed. A spokesman for the NSPCC said: "The indefensible Paedophile Information Exchange has once again been exposed by this case - an organisation predominantly consisting of men who posed a very serious danger to vulnerable children. "Slade, in particular, provided information and support to fellow child abusers so they in turn could carry out their own abuse." He added that without the bravery of five victims - now middle-aged men - Slade may have never been brought to justice. Michael Gove declares himself 'the candidate for change' in leadership pitch Michael Gove declared himself "the candidate for change" as he set out his pitch to take the keys to No 10 with a speech protesting he had never wanted to become prime minister. Just 24 hours after his manoeuvring forced frontrunner Boris Johnson to pull out of the Conservative leadership contest, the Justice Secretary insisted he had done "almost everything not to be a candidate" but standing for the leadership was "the right thing to do". But Mr Gove faced calls to pull out of the race as well as an apparent threat of violence from a minister who is close to Mr Johnson. Michael Gove speaks at the Policy Exchange in London, where he set out his case for becoming prime minister His prospects of winning the contest are rated lower than fellow Brexit campaigner Andrea Leadsom, who is now second only to Theresa May with the bookies. Mr Johnson dismissed as "rubbish" claims that he had put his own interests first and said he wished Mr Gove "every possible success". In a detailed speech setting out his leadership vision, Mr Gove said he stood by all of the promises made by Vote Leave during the referendum contest. In a clear attempt to draw contrasts with rival Mrs May - who on Thursday portrayed herself as an unshowy politician who would "get the job done", the Cabinet minister said the challenges facing Britain required "not just a cool head, but a heart burning with the desire for change ... not business as usual but a bold vision". "I will ensure we honour the instructions the British people have given us," Mr Gove said. "I argued for specific changes in the referendum campaign, I believe in them, I will deliver them. "The promise to leave the European Union, end the supremacy of EU law and take back control of our democracy. With my leadership, it will be delivered. "The promise to take back control of our borders. I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points-based system for immigration, and bring numbers down. With my leadership, it will be delivered. "The promise to use the money we currently send to Brussels and invest it instead on the priorities of the British people - principally in the NHS - and to cut VAT on domestic fuel. With my leadership, it will be delivered." Despite relentless controversy over Vote Leave's claims - branded "misleading" by the UK's statistics watchdog - that Britain handed 350 million a week to Brussels, much of which could be spent on the NHS, Mr Gove said he stood by the pledge to put 100 million a week more into the NHS. Rival leadership contender Liam Fox said the feuding between Mr Gove and Mr Johnson was a "distraction" and that the country needed "Brexit for grown-ups" in the wake of last week's referendum vote to leave the EU. And veteran former chancellor Ken Clarke told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if he were to stand down now." Mr Gove said he had ne ver expected to run for the leadership but had allowed himself to be guided by his heart. "I never thought I'd ever be in this position," he said. " I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party. "I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it. "But - at every step in my political life - I've asked myself one question. What is the right thing to do? What does your heart tell you?" Mr Gove said he would wait at least until 2017 to kick off the two-year process of negotiating the UK's withdrawal by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and would not hold an early general election. Northern Ireland minister Ben Wallace on Twitter suggested Mr Gove would end up like a character from Game of Thrones, whose penis gets dismembered. He said: "He is actually Theon Greyjoy or will be by the time I am finished with him." Speaking to reporters outside his London home, Mr Johnson said it would be "up to the next government" to implement Brexit and "up to the next prime minister" as to whether he gets a job in the new administration. Asked if he felt betrayed by Mr Gove, he replied: "I cannot, unfortunately, get on with doing what I wanted to do, so it'll be up to somebody else now and I wish him every possible success." Nadine Dorries, who was left in tears by Mr Johnson's announcement that he would not be standing in the contest, attacked Mr Gove. " I am utterly astounded to discover that some MPs are actually backing Gove," she said. "Clearly, honesty and honour not a consideration for some." Michael Gove leaves his home in London, as he prepared to set out his case for becoming prime minister Judge condemns 'dishonesty' of same-sex couple in surrogacy case A same-sex couple who made arrangements with three surrogate mothers when trying to build a family have come under fire from a High Court judge. Ms Justice Russell said the two men had "set out to mislead the court" about how much they had paid each woman. The judge said their conduct had been "reprehensible". The three children were born within the space of six months to three different surrogate mothers But she said they had subsequently disclosed the full amount and tried to present as full a picture as possible. The women had been paid sums between 8,000 and 15,000, she was told. Ms Justice Russell said the case was an illustration of the need for better regulation of surrogacy agreements in the UK. She said there was a "market" and the three women had been paid what was considered the "going rate". The judge raised concerns in a ruling after concluding the two men should become the legal parents of the three children. She had analysed the case at a private family court hearing in London. The three children were born within the space of six months as a result of the arrangements made with the three women. Ms Justice Russell said she had been concerned about the children's welfare, as well as the men's "dishonesty". The judge said the men met the surrogate mothers on a Facebook site. She said the site had featured in other surrogacy court cases. Jo Cox's final questions in Parliament answered by Government Jo Cox's final questions in Parliament - focused on protecting children who live in a war zone - have been answered by the Government. Two days before her death, the Labour MP pressed the Foreign Office to give its assessment of the United Nations' decision to temporarily remove the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's civil war from its blacklist of children's rights violators. Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood has since replied, with a Government note on each answer stating: "This question was tabled before the sad death of the honourable lady but the subject remains important and the Government's response ought to be placed on the public record." Jo Cox had developed a reputation as a champion of the vulnerable Mrs Cox, 41, was killed after being shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on June 16 - the day after the House of Commons rose for a short recess during the final week of the EU referendum campaign. Her death was mourned across the UK and globally. The mother of two, who was elected in May 2015 to represent Batley and Spen, had developed a reputation as a champion of the vulnerable - notably in Syria - and previously worked with development charities before entering the Commons. Written questions tabled by MPs are usually answered within five sitting days of Parliament. Mrs Cox tabled two questions about military intervention in Yemen on June 14, asking Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond: "What steps the Government is taking to ensure the constructive engagement of the Saudi-led coalition with the UN on the question of its de-listing as a state or armed group that violates children's rights during conflict?" She also asked: "If (Mr Hammond) will make an assessment of the effect of the temporary removal of the Saudi-led coalition from the UN's list of states and armed groups that violate children's rights during conflict on the integrity and effectiveness of UN Security Council measures on children and armed conflict." In the reply, published on July 1, Mr Ellwood recognised the Yemeni conflict has had a "significant impact" on children, including casualties and the recruitment of some as soldiers. He said the UN secretary general's announcement has been noted by the UK, adding: "A political solution remains the best way to bring this conflict and the suffering of the Yemeni people to an end. "The UK Government continues to support the work of the United Nations on children and armed conflict." Mr Ellwood's answers were the same for both of Mrs Cox's questions. Two police officers killed as 'IS' gunmen storm restaurant in Bangladesh Gunmen have killed two policemen and taken hostages after attacking a restaurant which is popular with foreigners in the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic district. Police said the gunmen stormed the restaurant in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, which is popular with diplomats and exchanged gunfire with security forces. A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are urgently seeking more information from the Bangladeshi authorities following a shooting in Dhaka and are monitoring the situation closely." Bangladeshi security personnel cordon off the area after an attack at a restaurant in Dhaka (AP) Hospital authorities said another 25 officers and one civilian were being treated for injuries, including 10 people listed in critical condition. The injuries include bullet wounds and broken bones, they said. The Islamic State's Amaq News Agency said the attack was carried out by "Islamic State commandos", according to the Site Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activity. Bangladesh authorities did not immediately respond to the claim. 'Terror threat' against Heathrow-to-US flight A minister has said "all steps necessary to keep the public safe" are being taken after a threat was reportedly made against Heathrow Airport. An alert from non-governmental counter-terrorism organisation SITE Intelligence Group on Friday warned of a threat being made by a "pro-Islamic State Twitter account". It is reported to have threatened attacks on planes "flying from Heathrow to the US" across the July 4 US Independence Day holiday weekend. A terror threat has reportedly been made against a flight from Heathrow Airport to the US The alert also warned "there will be a device placed in either Heathrow, LAX or JFK airports". Transport minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon called for the public to be cautious. He said: "We all need to be vigilant to the global threat of terrorism - in the UK we keep all aspects of aviation security under constant review and work closely with our international partners to mitigate risks. "We will continue to take all steps necessary to keep the public safe, but for security reasons we do not comment in detail on specific measures or operational matters." Heathrow Airport declined to comment on the apparent threat and referred inquiries to the Department for Transport. On Friday IS said it carried out an attack on a restaurant in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. As many as nine gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan area, killing two officers, taking dozens of hostages and exchanging gunfire with security forces. The Pentagon said a US-led coalition air strike killed two senior IS commanders last Saturday in northern Iraq, including a fighter considered to be the group's deputy minister of war. Brazil's Oi to begin talks with creditors next week, says CEO SAO PAULO, June 30 (Reuters) - Oi SA, Brazil's largest fixed-line telephone carrier, plans to start meetings with bondholders and banks next week as part of the country's biggest-ever bankruptcy protection process, Chief Executive Marco Schroeder said on Thursday. To restructure its 64.5 billion reais ($20 billion) of bonds, bank debt and other liabilities, Oi will propose a mix of cuts in the nominal debt value, extension of maturities and conversion of debt to equity, he said in a phone interview. Schroeder did not elaborate on the terms to be proposed. The phone carrier does not plan to sell Brazilian assets, but may divest from African companies previously owned by Portugal Telecom SGPS SA, before the two firms merged in 2013. Schroeder said some companies have shown interest in the African assets. Late on Wednesday, a judge in Rio de Janeiro accepted Oi's request for bankruptcy protection, citing its importance to the Brazilian economy in light of its 70 million clients and 140,000 employees. Oi's preferred shares fell 6 percent in Sao Paulo trading, bring the total drop this year to 34 percent. Woman dies, children hurt in Bahrain bomb blast - police DOHA, July 1 (Reuters) - A Bahraini woman died and three children sustained minor injuries when their car was hit by a bomb blast that police said was carried out by "terrorists" in southern Bahrain on Friday. Shrapnel hit the car the woman was in, the police said, and security forces were on the scene of the attack in the village of East Eker, south of Bahrain's capital, Manama, according to a Tweet by the Interior Ministry. Rio Tinto's young guns herald new era of growth for miners By James Regan and Jonathan Barrett SYDNEY, July 1 (Reuters) - After a rapid rise at Rio Tinto , Jean-Sebastien Jacques, 44, is the youngest boss at a major mining company: the first in a generation that will need to shift from an era of cuts to one of cautious growth. The mining industry, worth nearly $2.5 trillion at its peak in 2011, has reeled from the excesses of the boom years, when companies turned to frenzied dealmaking and building to keep up with China's insatiable appetite for raw materials. After iron ore prices crashed, empire-building mining executives who had struck overpriced deals were dumped and replaced with cautious conservatives who sold off billions of dollars in assets and squeezed costs. "Mining companies are just beginning to signal a change. Just cost compression, capital compression is not enough - you need to find a way to grow," said one former Rio executive. Known to colleagues as "JS", French-born Jacques is the first executive of a major miner to have joined the upper ranks after the boom years - representing a fresh generation, Rio insiders and industry executives say, that must find a way to secure future growth while keeping an eye on costs. "Organic growth is ok, but at some point you need to look to buy stuff, particularly if Rio is changing its focus. That's the challenge JS faces," said an investment banker in Australia who oversaw several of Rio's major deals. Jacques, who takes the helm on July 2, has already signalled a shift with a mostly new and unknown leadership team, turning the focus away from iron ore, where Rio still generates the bulk of its profits, and to more controlled supply. Rio's veteran chairman, Jan du Plessis, and its chief financial officer, ex-BHP Billiton executive Chris Lynch, are also expected to leave in the medium term, two industry sources said, in another change of guard. Rio declined to comment on those roles. Jacques is a relative newcomer in an industry where executives serve for decades. He was hired by Rio in 2011 after stints at L'Oreal in his youth and later Tata Steel, and is best known for his skills around the negotiating table in Mongolia. His major test now, however, will be managing Rio's $9.4 billion in cash and a portfolio of less-promising divisions, including energy coal, uranium and Canadian iron ore, which many in the market expect will be sold, eventually. NEW CHAPTER Jacques has certainly not shied away from cuts: $2.3 billion of assets have gone under his watch as head of the copper and coal division. Growing will be tougher, as Rio shifts from a strategy that depended on tonnes of iron ore, at a time when Chinese growth is slower and investors, bruised by the mid-2000s, unforgiving. "It's just a good way to say that chapter is closed and we are still mining iron ore, but we are going to look at other things," said Mike Young, former head of BC Iron, whose mine in Australia's Pilbara iron belt neighbouring Rio operations shut in December because of a global supply glut. Growth under Jacques will not necessarily come in big bites, but rather at a staged, or "modular", pace, say analysts and industry executives, pointing to his approach in Mongolia, where Rio operates the giant Oyu Tolgoi copper mine. Good deals will be tougher. More than $30 billion of mining assets are up for sale, but few mining assets have flown off the shelf in recent years. Jacques has a reputation as a tenacious negotiator, most recently handling delicate talks around a $6 billion expansion at the Oyu Tolgoi mine. Asked about Jacques, a Mongolian official recalled he once remained at the negotiating table for two straight days to secure a deal. "He doesn't take risks in business, he mitigates risks," said an Australian mining executive who observed Jacques in Mongolia. "He's methodical." Indonesia faces environmental time bomb after coal bust By Fergus Jensen SAMARINDA, Indonesia, June 29 (Reuters) - Thousands of mines are closing in Indonesia's tropical coal belt as prices languish and seams run dry. But almost none of the companies have paid their share of billions of dollars owed to repair the badly scarred landscape they have left behind. Abandoned mine pits dot the bare, treeless hillsides in Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan province on Indonesia's part of Borneo island. It is ground zero for a coal boom that made Indonesia the world's biggest exporter of the mineral that fuels power plants. Abandoned mining pits have now become death traps for children who swim in them, and their acidic water is killing nearby rice paddies. Indonesia has tried, mostly in vain, to get mining companies to keep their promises to clean up the ravaged landscape. But it doesn't even have basic data on who holds the many thousands of mining licenses that were handed out during the boom days, officials say. "Nobody was in control," said Dian Patria, who works on natural resources at the country's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Patria estimated that 90 percent of the more than 10,000 mining license holders had not paid the reclamation funds they owe by law. One-third are for coal. Even if they wanted to, many companies now lack the cash. The same large banks that leant billions during the boom have now pulled out of coal, wary of the sector's commercial outlook and contribution to climate change. The problem is not unique to Indonesia. As mineral prices languish, even major global miners are trying to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in increasingly hefty closure costs, mostly by selling off pits. FEW QUESTIONS ASKED After pro-democracy protesters swept Indonesia's authoritarian president Suharto from power in 1998, the Jakarta government gave towns and districts control of natural resources as part of far-reaching decentralisation reforms aimed at preventing the archipelago from fracturing. Newly empowered local leaders handed out thousands of mining licenses, many of them to small operators, as coal prices leapt from around $40 per tonne in 2005 to nearly $200 at their peak in 2008. In East Kalimantan alone, around half the province was covered in coal mining permits. Under President Joko Widodo, elected in 2014, Indonesia has promised to turn around its dismal environmental record. The administration has also wrested control over natural resources away from local leaders, giving it to provincial governors instead. Awang Faroek Ishak, East Kalimantan's governor, has issued a moratorium on new licenses. He is threatening to punish mining companies that have failed to restore the land, he said in an interview. But the data on mining companies and funds for rehabilitation are missing, he said. "How can we look into this if we don't have the documents," he complained. Greenpeace activist Kiki Taufik says governors do, however, have the authority to freeze permits and operations while they investigate. "The governors have authority, but they never use this authority." PATCHY OVERSIGHT Most of the mining licenses went to small firms, many of which have gone bankrupt or simply abandoned their operations, mining industry officials say. "For now, it's really difficult not to lose money," said Budi Situmorang, a mining engineer at small coal miner CV Arjuna. "All we can really do is hold on. Looking at the 56 mines in Samarinda, no more than 10 are still active." The mining companies themselves are supposed to restore the land from money they paid into accounts held at state banks and supervised by local officials. "That's what you're supposed to do, but in practice very few people do it," except for the major mining firms, the head of Indonesia's Coal Mining Association, Pandu Sjahrir, told Reuters. The central government has had a list since 2011 of nearly 4,000 licenses that have failed to meet their requirements. It expects to be able to revoke the problematic permits only by January 2017. Patria's team at the anti-corruption agency is pushing for the national government's Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to investigate miners - including over unpaid rehabilitation funds estimated in the hundreds of millions. Even that is only a fraction of the cash that would actually be required, says Merah Johansyah from the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM). Pressure from campaigners is increasing as mine closures reach a peak by 2020, according to some industry estimates. One set of 2,272 coal permits and contracts, compiled by mining consultancy SMGC and reviewed by Reuters, showed the average expiry date of the permit is October 2017. MINING WITHOUT PERMITS But environmental watchdogs say an end to permits does not mean an end to mining. "In East Kalimantan, even where permits have long been revoked, they're still operating," Syahrul Fitra, a legal researcher at the environmental NGO Auriga told Reuters. "What we found in the field is that no punishments have been applied." In areas where companies are conducting reclamation activities, it is usually not to replant forests -- most mining concessions are being turned into housing developments, agricultural land or other uses, environmentalists and industry officials say. In the meantime, the run-off water and mud from abandoned pits, numbering around 150 in Samarinda alone, are polluting surrounding rice paddies and rivers. After his employer closed a small mine in Samarinda, Suyadi, who like many Indonesians uses one name, went back to working the small rice paddy on his family's farm on the edge of the city. The mines, however, have followed him there. "Like it or not, the tailings flow here," says Suyadi, referring to the stream of chemically treated mining debris that is left after coal is extracted. "If they continue to leave it like this, where else will that water flow? To the lower areas where there are rice paddies," Suyadi said. The attractive aqua hue of the water in the abandoned pits conceals a darker story: 24 local children using them as swimming holes have drowned around Samarinda over the past five years. Philippine mining set for bumpy ride under Duterte administration By Manolo Serapio Jr and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA, July 1 (Reuters) - After the Philippines became the top supplier of nickel ore to China in the last two years, its struggling mining industry may have felt like it was turning a corner. But hope in the industry of getting an easier ride exploiting minerals in a country with a strong anti-mining lobby now looks misplaced with the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte sending tough messages on mining. Duterte has warned that he could cancel mining projects causing environmental harm, though he told business leaders last week that he was not against mining per se. "But in making money out of the precious metals of the earth that belongs to the Filipino people you have to do it right," he said. The country's mining sector, one of the world's largest in the 1970s, has since struggled partly due to environmental rules and policy flip flops, missing much of the mining boom in recent decades and now facing much lower commodity prices. While not saying that she will ban any form of mining, Regina Lopez, the new mining minister, says it can cause suffering among the poor and has described it as "madness" even to consider open pit mining because of the environmental impact. "We must stop killing our future for the interests of a few", the staunch environmentalist told Reuters. The country has suffered mining disasters, including a 1996 tailings leak at Canadian-owned Marcopper Mining Corp's copper mine in Marinduque that contaminated rivers. Lopez is expected to outline her plans at a media briefing on Friday. "SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST" Ramon Adviento, senior vice president at Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc, the Philippines' second-biggest nickel ore miner, said the industry was "shell shocked" by Lopez' appointment. "I don't think it means the death of the industry, but what we expect to see is the survival of the fittest," he said, adding that there could be a nationwide crackdown on irresponsible miners, likely targetting small-scale producers. But miners say hardline policies could backfire particularly as the Philippines has become the biggest nickel ore supplier to China after previous top exporter Indonesia banned shipments of unprocessed minerals, shipping 34.3 million tonnes last year. Mining contributes less than 1 percent to the Philippine economy. Of 9 million hectares identified by the government as having high mineral reserves, only 3 percent is being mined. "Duterte wants hard investments and new projects invest billions of dollars... and these are done in far-flung areas which goes with the president's call for rural development," said Nelia Halcon from the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. The challenge is how to lure back foreign investors. Mining investment shrank to a three-year low in 2015 below $1 billion, after President Benigno Aquino, Duterte's predecessor, banned new mining permits during his term and sought to increase the state's revenue share from mines. Commodities giant Glencore Plc last year quit the $5.9 billion gold-copper Tampakan project in the southern Mindanao island, that has failed to take off after the province where Tampakan is located banned open-pit mining in 2010. The country only has a handful of foreign investors in mining currently, including Australia's Oceanagold Corp and Canada's B2Gold. It's going to take some time to reassure foreign investors, which have the capital and technology, that "the risk is not too high," said business consultant Peter Wallace. U.S. urges leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan to avoid tensions WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in separate calls on Thursday with the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, noted the ceasefire in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh had largely held in recent weeks and urged the leaders to avoid tensions, the State Department said. Brazil court blocks Facebook funds over WhatsApp dispute -report RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Reuters) - A court in Brazil on Thursday blocked 19.5 million reais ($6.07 million) in Facebook Inc funds after the U.S-based social networking company's WhatsApp messaging service failed to turn over messages sought in a drugs case, the G1 news service said. Brazil's federal police said WhatsApp has defied repeated orders to turn over messages sent and received by suspected members of an international cocaine smuggling ring that has been under investigation since January. Without the data, it will be difficult or impossible to prove links between those captured in recent raids and their confederates in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Spain, G1 reported, citing the police. After repeated failure over five months to turn over the information, a judge in Brazil's southern Parana state froze the funds, which are equal to WhatsApp's accumulated fines for non-compliance in the case, G1 said. Because WhatsApp has no bank accounts in Brazil, the judge froze funds owned by its parent, Facebook, the article said. The Brazilian court, though, did not use provisions of Brazil's Internet law that allows courts to shut down service in some cases of non-compliance with court orders. A similar case earlier this year prompted a judge to shut WhatsApp down for 72 hours, angering many of the service's 100 million Brazilian users. The shutdown was lifted after about 24 hours by another court. At the time of that blockage, Facebook said WhatsApp does not store client messages and could not read them if they did because they are encrypted. On Thursday, Facebook officials were not immediately available for comment. TABLE-South Korea June exports fall 2.7 pct y/y, slowest decline in a year SEOUL, July 1 (Reuters) - Following are South Korea's preliminary export and import figures for June, released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Friday (rounded): JUNE *MAY Balance ($ billion) 11.6 7.0 Exports ($ billion) 45.3 39.8 (pct growth vs yr ago) -2.7 -6.0 Imports ($ billion) 33.7 32.8 (pct growth vs yr ago) -8.0 -9.0 * Revised figures released on June 15 NOTES: - Reuters poll: Exports were seen slipping 8.3 percent in June over a year earlier while imports were tipped down 9.5 percent. - Exports in June fell at the slowest pace since June last year. - The average export value per working day stood at $1.97 billion in June, compared with a revised $1.85 billion in May, the trade ministry said. - China is South Korea's largest export market, taking about one-quarter of shipments, followed by the United States and the European Union. - By product, electronics goods account for over one-fifths of the country's total exports, followed chemical products and industrial machinery. (Reporting by Christine Kim; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) Philippines could become rice exporter within 6 yrs -minister MANILA, July 1 (Reuters) - The Philippines, one of the world's biggest rice buyers, could start exporting the grain within the next six years, the country's agriculture minister said on Friday. "Rice could be a potential export commodity provided we lower the cost of production and increase productivity," Emmanuel Pinol told reporters. The Southeast Asian nation is the world's No.3 importer of the grain, with rice accounting for about a quarter of the expenditure of its poor. Frequent typhoons usually hit the country's rice production, forcing it to import any shortfall to feed its 100 million people. Pinol also said the government aimed to boost its stocks of grains, including rice, to six months' worth of consumption at the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's six-year term that began on Thursday. The current rice inventory buffer is 30 days during the lean harvest season from July to October. The Philippines imports more than a million tonnes of rice a year, mostly from Thailand and Vietnam, although the new administration is aiming to make the country self-sufficient within two years. Pinol reiterated that there is no need to import rice for now given ample supply. Some 500,000 tonnes of rice which the state's National Food Authority bought from Vietnam and Thailand arrived in the first quarter. Former President Benigno Aquino has given the agency standby authority to import an additional 500,000 tonnes if needed, although the current administration has said it will review those plans. U.S. Energy Secretary sees balanced oil market in 2017 BEIJING, July 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. energy secretary said he expects the oil market to be in balance in 2017, after he met with the Saudi Arabia energy minister on Friday in Beijing. Ernest Moniz told reporters that the two agreed that the oil market still had more supply than demand. Moniz said Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih made clear that the kingdom would maintain spare capacity and that OPEC will respond to short-term market needs. Namibia cuts ties with North Korea state firms - Sth Korea govt, media SEOUL, July 1 (Reuters) - Namibia has halted ties with two North Korean state-run companies, that had built a munitions factory and were involved in projects for its military, to comply with U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang, Namibian media and the South Korean government said. The Namibian government has terminated services of Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation and Mansudae Overseas Projects, The Namibian, a daily newspaper reported on Thursday. Namibia is one of a dwindling number of Cold War-era friends the isolated North Korea is managing to maintain. South Korea's foreign ministry said Namibia had taken the step to cut ties with the firms as part of complying with U.N. sanctions, and the African state has notified the U.N. Security Council and the North Korean government. The Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID) is blacklisted under U.N. sanctions for earning foreign cash via illicit arms trades. Mansudae is a North Korean construction firm that had been building public artworks, statues and monuments in African countries. This year, a report by a U.N. panel of experts noted KOMID and Mansudae are connected, either working with each other or using one another as a front. The panel said in February that Namibia had confirmed Mansudae was involved in several military construction projects and that KOMID had earlier built a munitions factory in cooperation with or using the alias of Mansudae. North Korea has come under growing diplomatic pressure since its January nuclear test and a space rocket launch in February, which led to a new U.N. Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang. The Namibian government informed Pyongyang of its decision to end its cooperation with the North Korean companies during its international affairs minister's visit to North Korea in late June, according to the Namibian. The African country's move follows Uganda ending its security and military cooperation with Pyongyang after a summit between South Korea and Uganda. North and South Korea are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Israel should stop settlements, denying Palestinian development -draft Quartet report By Michelle Nichols and Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Reuters) - Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace "Quartet" recommended in a draft of an eagerly awaited report seen by Reuters. The draft report by the Quartet countries sponsoring the stalled Middle East peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - said the Israeli policy "is steadily eroding the viability of the two state solution." "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long term intentions which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," according to the draft report. The day before Israeli elections in March 2015, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch, only to reverse himself days later and recommit to the objective of a two-state solution. U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the U.N. Security Council on Thursday on the Quartet report, which he told reporters had been submitted to the Quartet members for final approval and was likely to be released on Friday. Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive Middle East peace talks amid a fraught relationship between Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama. The relationship between the right-wing Israeli leader and the Democratic U.S. president has yet to recover from deep differences over last year's U.S.-led international nuclear deal with Israel's foe Iran. The draft report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 percent of Area C, which makes up 60 percent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves. "The transfer of greater powers and responsibilities to Palestinian civil authority in Area C, contemplated by commitments in prior agreements, has effectively been stopped and in some ways reversed and should be resumed to advance the two state solution and prevent a one state reality from taking hold," the draft Quartet report said. The draft report said that at least 570,000 Israelis are living in settlements. The United Nations and most countries consider the settlements illegal. "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development," the draft Quartet report recommends. It said that only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015. The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, areas Israel captured in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014, and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months. A Palestinian fatally stabbed a 13-year-old Israeli girl, who had U.S. citizenship, in her bedroom in a settlement in the West Bank on Thursday. "The Palestinian authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the draft Quartet report said. Mladenov told the Security Council on Thursday the Quartet report outlines a "reasonable set of steps" that could be taken to put Israel and the Palestinians on the path to peace. He said the report concluded that continuing violence, terrorism and incitement; Israeli settlement expansion and a lack of control of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority "severely undermine hope for peace." The Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas is based in the West Bank, while Islamist group Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. U.S. shale oil's Achilles heel shows signs of mending By Ernest Scheyder and Terry Wade HOUSTON, July 1 (Reuters) - Since the beginning of the U.S. fracking revolution, oil producers have struggled with a vexing problem: after an initial burst, crude output from new shale wells falls much faster than from conventional wells. However, those well decline rates have been slowing across the United States over the past few years, according to data analysis provided exclusively to Reuters. The trend, if sustained, would help ameliorate the industry's most glaring weakness and cement its importance for worldwide production in years to come. It also helps explain shale drillers' resilience throughout the oil market's two-year slump. While shale oil production revolutionized the oil industry over the past decade, bringing abundance of global oil supplies, high costs and rapid production declines have been its Achilles heel. That is beginning to change thanks to technological innovation and producers' focusing less on maximizing output and more on improving efficiency and productivity. According to data compiled and analyzed by oilfield analytics firm NavPort for Reuters, output from the average new well in the Permian Basin of West Texas, the top U.S. oilfield, declined 18 percent from peak production through the fourth month of its life in 2015. That is much slower than the 31 percent drop seen for the same time frame in 2012 and the 28 percent decline in 2013, when the oil price crash started. The change was even more dramatic in North Dakota's Bakken shale, where four-month decline rates for new wells fell to 16 percent in 2015 from almost 31 percent in 2012. (Graphic:http://tmsnrt.rs/292ScGY) A slower decline means producers need to drill fewer new wells to sustain output, said Mukul Sharma, professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. "You can have cash flow without having to expend a lot of capital." The recent decline rates mark a dramatic improvement from first-year 90 percent declines in the early years of the shale boom that made some investors question the sector's long-run viability. NEW PHILOSOPHY There are no 2016 figures yet, but oil executives expect the trend to continue this year and beyond. Scott Sheffield, chief executive of Pioneer Natural Resources Co, a top Permian producer, credited improved fracking techniques for helping stabilize production, which shareholders rewarded by lifting Pioneer's shares up about 9 percent over the past year. "We're exposing more of the reservoir and breaking it up so we don't get as sharp a decline," Sheffield told a recent energy conference. Slower declines also reflect producers' more conservative approach to operating wells. In the early years of the hydraulic fracturing boom, high crude prices encouraged operators to boost initial production as much as possible. To do this, they would let wells flow fast by keeping pressure low on the ground's surface. About seven years ago, however, some shale operators in Louisiana found this ultimately hurt production later on by causing rock fractures to shut. Now, many operators maintain surface pressures higher, which limits initial flow rates and slows a well's decline rate. "Conventional wisdom has shifted," said John Lee, a professor of petroleum engineering at Texas A&M University. Sharma of the University of Texas said that while shale well decline rates remained far above a 10 percent first-year decline a conventional well might experience, they marked a radical improvement compared with early years of hydraulic fracturing. Harold Hamm's Continental Resources Inc, for example, has told investors its new wells in Oklahoma's SCOOP region are now producing 40 percent more oil six months into their lives than as recently as last year. Today's production techniques use larger volumes of sand and pressurized fluids to frack more spots along longer well bores, to extract more oil from the wells. (Graphic: http://tmsnrt.rs/296vBtQ) Pioneer fracks its wells every 15 feet today compared to every 60 feet in 2013. It costs extra $500,000 per well to do so, but its wells produce two-thirds more oil than just three years ago, boosting profitability, Pioneer said. To be sure, not all producers are seeing slower decline rates and the newer, more stable shale wells make up only a fraction of all producing U.S. oil wells, so their impact on overall domestic output is for now limited. The Eagle Ford shale in southern Texas has seen decline rates slightly increase, for example, according to NavPort data. Philippines to review all mines as environmentalist takes the helm By Manolo Serapio Jr and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA, July 1 (Reuters) - The Philippines will review all mines operating in the country, the new mining minister said on Friday, as the committed environmentalist vowed to determine whether the industry is hurting the Southeast Asian nation. Regina Lopez's appointment to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has sent shockwaves through the mining sector, which fears a nationwide crackdown. "I'm not against the mining industry but I'm against suffering," Lopez told reporters on her first day in office as part of the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. "I do want to evaluate if the country is safe from mining," she told a briefing where videos were aired showing environmental harm from mining along with testimonies from farmers and fishermen opposed to the industry. Lopez said the review would take a month. Her stance suggests a tough regulatory road ahead for Philippine miners, whose nickel ore producers are the biggest suppliers to China. A mining industry lawyer said he was worried a ban on new mining development permits in place since 2012 may not be lifted if the minister's review drags on. "Our concern is that if Secretary Lopez's initiative to review all mining operations will take another four years, and no new mining permits are issued, that will effectively kill the industry," said Ronald Recidoro of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. President Duterte has warned that he could cancel projects causing environmental harm, though he told business leaders last week that he was not against mining per se. The country's mining sector, one of the world's largest in the 1970s, has since struggled partly due to environmental rules and policy flip flops, missing much of the mining boom in recent decades and now facing much lower commodity prices. Lopez has described as "madness" even to consider open pit mining - a method used by many miners in the Philippines and elsewhere - because of the environmental impact. The minister declined to say on Friday whether she would ban it, but said the industry "has to shift its method of operations." The Philippines has suffered a number of environmental disasters caused by mining, including a 1996 tailings leak at Canadian-owned Marcopper Mining Corp's copper mine in Marinduque that contaminated rivers. RISK OF POLICIES BACKFIRING? Miners say hardline policies could backfire particularly as the Philippines has become the biggest nickel ore supplier to China after previous top exporter Indonesia banned shipments of unprocessed minerals in 2014, shipping 34.3 million tonnes last year. Recidoro said metal output could drop if no new mines are allowed. "If we do not get new mines online then there will be a gap as the older mines run out of ore," he said. Mining contributes less than 1 percent to the Philippine economy. Of 9 million hectares identified by the government as having high mineral reserves, only 3 percent is being mined. The challenge is how to lure back foreign investors. Commodities giant Glencore Plc last year quit the $5.9 billion gold-copper Tampakan project in the southern Mindanao island, that has failed to take off after the province where Tampakan is located banned open-pit mining in 2010. There are only a handful of foreign investors involved in mining currently, including Australia's Oceanagold Corp and Canada's B2Gold. It's going to take some time to reassure foreign investors, which have the capital and technology, that "the risk is not too high," said business consultant Peter Wallace. An igloo with a view ... Australians go to the polls in Antarctica By Tom Westbrook SYDNEY, July 1 (Reuters) - In an igloo overlooking Vincennes Bay, Antarctica, 27 Australians did their democratic duty and cast ballots on Friday, the day before the rest of the nation votes in a general election. "It's about minus 20 degrees today and not much breeze, so we thought the igloo would be a good place to do it," said Adam McLaughlin, who doubles as an electrician at Australia's Casey Station on the frozen continent as well as being the electoral returning officer for the base. Voting is compulsory in Australia and, thousands of kilometres away on the mainland, conservative Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and centre-left Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten were making their final pitches to sceptical voters on Friday at the end of an unusually long eight-week campaign. Opinion polls published have the race too close to call. Not surprisingly, the campaign has not come to Antarctica, where the last contact with the outside world was a resupply visit in April. The next ship is due in October. "It's pretty good being down here because we do escape that constant bombardment through the media," McLaughlin told Reuters by telephone. Australia's Antarctic expeditioners do not elect their own member of parliament, their votes counting towards results in their home electorates. McLaughlin's home is Bramston Beach, 6,000 km (3,725 miles) away in tropical North Queensland state. His home electorate is a gigantic 568,993 sq km (220,080 sq miles) that stretches from the ocean through sugar cane and banana farms to the arid Outback, with mining and grazing interests thrown in for good measure. "It's about as different from here as you can get, it's one extreme to the other," McLaughlin said. The votes he collects at Casey Station will be kept under lock and key until polls close on Saturday night. McLaughlin will then count them and telephone the results through with those from other Australian Antarctic bases to election officials in Hobart on the island state of Tasmania, 3,445 km (2,140 miles) to the northeast. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has 41 mobile voting teams to attend to more than 400 remote polling booths in the vast nation. How MTN sliced billions off its Nigerian telecoms fine By Joe Brock and Ulf Laessing ABUJA, July 1 (Reuters) - Telecoms firm MTN hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in January to help it reduce a $3.9 billion fine imposed in Nigeria over unregistered SIM cards. Five months later, it struck a deal to pay less than half of that. The entrance of Holder, who stood down as attorney general last year after presiding over some of the largest corporate settlements in American history, marked a change of strategy for the South African company. MTN dropped a three-month legal challenge against the fine and, according to government sources and letters seen by Reuters, asked Nigerian Attorney General Abubakar Malami to put forward a proposal for a reduced fine to the communications regulator, the official authority in the dispute. The regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), rejected the proposal as unjustifiable, documents show, but three months later it accepted a broadly similar deal. Reuters was unable to determine the role, if any, that Holder played in the change of heart. MTN, Holder, Malami and the NCC all declined to comment on the negotiation process. There is no indication that any individuals acted improperly, and companies have often reached settlements with regulators in Nigeria. Lawmakers have however criticised the opaque nature of the settlement process, saying it set a precedent for other firms dealing with Nigerian authorities. The 780 billion naira fine - $3.9 billion at the exchange rate at the time - was set by the NCC in December over MTN's failure to deactivate more than 5 million SIM cards not registered by customers. Nigeria has been trying to halt the use of unregistered cards over concerns they are being used for criminal activity, including by Islamist militant group Boko Haram. MTN, Africa's biggest telecoms company, initially launched a high court challenge against the fine, arguing the watchdog had no legal grounds to order it. The law states that the NCC does have the right to impose such a penalty. In February, however, MTN withdrew the lawsuit and paid a "good faith" payment of 50 billion naira to the government which it said was part of efforts to reach an amicable settlement and would go towards the eventual fine agreed. The NCC said at the time that it had not agreed to enter into any talks with MTN and that it stood by the 780 billion naira penalty. Rather than dealing directly with the regulator, Holder approached Malami to help broker a settlement, according to the government sources and letters seen by Reuters. LETTERS In a letter dated the same day MTN announced it was dropping its court challenge - Feb. 24 - Holder wrote to Malami on behalf of the company offering to pay 300 billion naira and list MTN's local unit on the Nigerian stock exchange to end the dispute. Under the Nigerian constitution, the attorney general can mediate in a dispute involving a state body after the matter has been taken to court. Malami asked NCC to review the MTN offer but the regulator was not impressed, according to another letter seen by Reuters. "The proposal to pay the sum of 300 billion naira ... is not supported by any verifiable justification," NCC Chief Executive Umar Garba Danbatta said in a March 1 letter to Malami. Nor was the NCC convinced by MTN's sweetener of a local listing. "This is a business decision absolutely within MTN's prerogative and primarily to its benefit. There is no justification for bringing this along in discussing the present issue," Danbatta said. But when MTN announced on June 10 that it reached a deal with the government to pay a fine of 330 billion naira - just 30 billion naira more - the NCC appeared to have altered its view, notifying parliament in a letter dated the same day of a "full and final" settlement. "It was never about the money it was about making clear the rules are the rules," NCC spokesman Tony Ojobo told Reuters on June 13. "The MTN listing is a big positive for Nigeria and will benefit the country." When asked about the March 1 letter and what had changed the NCC's view, Ojobo said he would not discuss the negotiations. A parliamentary committee on telecommunications is reviewing the deal and the negotiations that led to it. Such reviews by lawmakers are standard practice after big corporate settlements and are aimed at ensuring that there has been no wrongdoing by any party involved and that the public interest has been served. "What concerns us most is what MTN proposes in February is so similar to what is agreed in June. It is clear MTN were dictating the pace," committee chairman Saheed Akinade-Fijabi told Reuters. "What does this say to other businesses? That to get the best deal you use unofficial back channels and keep the public in the dark?" DIVISIONS The deal has exposed divisions within the Nigerian government; officials within President Muhammadu Buhari's team were also unhappy with Malami's plans to strike a deal with MTN which they considered too generous, leading to heated discussions between the two camps, two government sources said. There has been no official comment from Buhari on the settlement. Holder was hired by MTN through his Washington-based law firm Covington and Burling which he joined last year after six years as U.S. attorney general. Settlements he presided over in public office included the $13 billion JPMorgan Chase paid to settle charges of mis-selling mortgages in the run-up to the financial crisis and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill case, which has topped $20 billion. It is unclear whether Holder has been based in Nigeria during his time working for MTN, which counts Nigeria as its biggest market. It also is unclear whether he still advises MTN. Covington and Burling declined to comment Oil jumps on pre-holiday buying, Brent up 4 pct on week By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK, July 1 (Reuters) - Oil prices surged on Friday, and Brent crude posted its largest weekly gain since mid May, as investors positioned for the start of third quarter trading while a weaker dollar boosted prices of most commodities. The market shook off a closely-followed industry report that showed a fourth weekly rise in the last five in the number of U.S. oil rigs operating. According to oil services firm Baker Hughes, producers added 11 oil rigs this week, the biggest increase since December, signalling a near-two year rout in drilling may have ended. "Higher rigs indicate higher production, but we're still down by more than 300 rigs from a year ago, so no one's really too worried about it for now," said Phil Flynn, analyst at the Price Futures Group brokerage in Chicago. Brent crude futures settled up 64 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $50.35 a barrel. It was down 1 percent early in the session. U.S. crude's West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose 66 cents, or 1.4 percent, to settle at $48.99. Investors also bought oil after cashing out in the previous session on the market's largest quarterly gain in seven years. Crude prices gained about 25 percent in the second quarter. Friday's rebound came as the dollar index fell 0.5 percent, making commodities denominated in the greenback more affordable for holders of the euro and other currencies. Brent's 4 percent rise since last Friday was the biggest in seven weeks, and was fed by a return of fund buying as the turmoil sparked by Britain's shock exit from the European Union receded. WTI gained nearly 3 percent on the week. Front-month volume in WTI was about three-quarters of Thursday's level, not typical for the eve of a long weekend. U.S. financial and commodity markets will be closed on Monday for the Independence Day holiday. "There is some pre-holiday market positioning for the second half that's going on," said David Thompson, executive vice-president at Washington-based commodities-focused broker Powerhouse. "People are also moving on from Brexit, accepting they have to deal with an 'organized divorce' with Britain." Even so, some were pessimistic of significant price gains in the second half. British bank Barclays, for instance, cut its price forecasts by $3 a barrel for both oil benchmarks, forecasting Brent at $44 and WTI at $43 for the remainder of 2016. "Markets have experienced only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the impact of the UK's 'leave' vote," Barclays analysts said in a note. OMAHA Two area men are among 18 people arrested during a two-day prostitution sting in Omaha. According to a press release from the FBI, 39-year-old Roger Loseke of Columbus and 41-year-old Cory Miller of Silver Creek were arrested for soliciting prostitution during the multi-agency sting that occurred while Omaha hosted the College World Series and U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. Additional details on the arrests were unavailable Thursday afternoon. The FBI Omaha Child Exploitation Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol partnered on the law enforcement operation to combat human trafficking. Among the 18 people arrested, 15 were taken into custody for prostitution charges, one for prostitution and possession of a controlled substance and two were charged with pandering. Most of those arrested are from Omaha, but others reside in Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, California and Texas. Israel should stop settlements, denying Palestinian development -Quartet report By Michelle Nichols and Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Reuters) - Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace "Quartet" recommended on Friday in a an eagerly awaited report. The report by the Quartet entities sponsoring the stalled peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - said the Israeli policy "is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," according to the eight-page report. Amid a spike in violence, the Quartet criticized Palestinian leaders for "not consistently and clearly" condemning terrorist attacks and said illicit arms build up and militant activities in Gaza - controlled by Islamist group Hamas - must stop. On Friday, an Israeli family car came under Palestinian gunfire near the Jewish settlement of Ottniel and crashed, killing a man, medics said. In the nearby city of Hebron, Israeli police shot dead a Palestinian woman who they said tried to stab one of them after she was detained. Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive the peace talks amid tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama. Relations between the rightist Israeli leader and the Democratic president have yet to recover from their feud over last year's U.S.-led nuclear deal with Israeli foe Iran. Netanyahu's office welcomed some aspects of the Quartet report but said Israel took issue with numerous factual and policy assertions. The report also "perpetuates the myth that Israeli construction in the West Bank is an obstacle to peace," the statement said. Nabil Abu Rdainah, the spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed disappointment with the Quartet report. "Any report that does not include the full withdrawal to the 1967 borders, including occupied Jerusalem, and does not include a recognition of the illegality of settlement will not lead to real and lasting peace and will lead to more tension and more instability in the region," he said in a statement. U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the U.N. Security Council on Thursday on the report and said it would be up to the council and the international community to use the report to decide the way forward. A senior U.S. State Department official said on Friday: "We are open to having the Security Council welcome the report but that's all at this point. We're not looking for serious, substantive, U.N. Security Council action on this report." HALT INCITEMENT The Quartet said urgent affirmative steps needed to be taken to "prevent entrenching a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict." The report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 percent of Area C, which makes up 60 percent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves. Under the Oslo accords of the mid-1990s, Israel retains full control over Area C, where large tracts have been declared closed military areas. "Israel should implement positive and significant policy shifts, including transferring powers and responsibilities in Area C," the Quartet report said. It said only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015. The report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements, which most countries deem illegal. "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development," the report recommends. The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem - areas Israel captured in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months. Since October, Palestinian street attacks have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Israel has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 136 of whom it said were assailants. Others were killed during clashes and protests. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the Quartet said. In response to violence this week, Israel said on Friday it would reduce monthly transfers of tax collected on behalf of Palestinians. Slovakia - Factors To Watch on July 1 BRATISLAVA, July 1 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Friday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases.................. Summary of economic data and forecasts......... Recently released economic data................ Previous stories on Slovak data.......... **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/1C/events-overview ========================EVENTS=============================== BRATISLAVA - The European Commission meets with Prime Minister Robert Fico and the government as Slovakia takes over the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union. Related stories: =========================NEWS=============================== EU PRESIDENCY: The EU's future cannot be decided by just two or three powerful Western members, Slovakia's prime minister said on Thursday, in a dig at France and Germany and a plea for more involvement by the bloc's newer ex-communist members. Story: Related stories: POLITICS: Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kalinak, a close ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico, faced a second vote of no-confidence on Thursday in the space of just three weeks, putting pressure on the government as it takes over the rotating European Union presidency. Story: Related stories: GAS TRANSIT: Slovak pipeline operator Eustream says it welcomed Gazprom assurance that Slovak gas transmission system, as well as the Czech gas transmission system, will be used in long term even if Nord Stream-2 is built. Story: Related stories: POLISH LINK: Slovak gas pipeline operator Eustream and Polish group Gaz-System aim to launch an open season procedure for a planned link between the two countries in late July or the beginning of August, Eustream said on Thursday. Story: Related stories: TAX REVENUE: The Slovak Finance Ministry raised its forecast for tax and related revenue for this year by 278 million euros, or 0.4 percent of gross domestic product, due to better tax collection and a strong labour market, the ministry's Institute for Financial Policy said on Thursday. Story: Related stories: For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jason Hovet on +420 224 190 476 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com Iraq's June oil exports fall as domestic usage rises BASRA, Iraq, July 1 (Reuters) - Iraq's oil exports from the southern ports fell slightly in June as power generators burning more fuel to keep up with demand for air conditioning increased domestic demand, an official at the state-run South Oil Company said on Friday. Loadings from Iraq's southern oil terminals, on the Gulf, ran at an average daily rate of 3.175 million barrels, compared with 3.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in May, he said. Crude supply to local oil refineries rose due to the increase in demand for electricity for cooling during summer in OPEC's second-largest producer, he said. The southern region produces most of the OPEC nation's crude oil. The northern Kurdish regional government exports about 500,000 bpd through a pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, on the Mediterranean, but independently from the central government in Baghdad which oversees crude sales from the south. Iraq, which relies on oil for nearly all its revenue, made$3.845 billion in revenue from oil exports in June, selling at an average price of $40.37 a barrel, an oil ministry spokesman said. June's revenue was higher than April as prices increased. Tunisian prisoners tell of life with Islamic State in Libya By Aidan Lewis and Ahmed Elumami TRIPOLI, July 1 (Reuters) - When a U.S. air strike hit Sabratha in western Libya on Feb. 19, it reduced a building on the southern fringes of the city to rubble, killing dozens of militants and exposing a network of Islamic State cells operating just near the Tunisian border. It also upended the lives of three young Tunisian women who were married to militants killed in the strike or its aftermath, and are now being held with their children in a Tripoli prison. The women's accounts, given in a rare interview, shed light on how Islamic State was able to operate largely undisturbed in Sabratha as the cell's mainly Tunisian members plotted attacks back in their home country. It is also an illustration of how the militant group may continue to find space amid Libya's turmoil even as it risks losing its stronghold of Sirte, another Libyan coastal city further to the east. "We lived normally in the city, the neighbours knew us. We even went to the market and to the beauty salon," said Rahma al-Shekhawi, the 17-year-old wife of Noureddine Chouchane, a senior commander who officials say was killed in the February strike. Some militants stayed in Sabratha as they prepared to move on to Sirte or to Syria, but most were planning operations in Tunisia, she said. "They were buying weapons under the eyes of our neighbours." Local officials in Sabratha have long denied or played down Islamic State's presence in the city and it was not possible to confirm those statements. But U.S. and Tunisian officials say Chouchane played an important role in preparing two major attacks on tourists last year, first at a museum in Tunis and then on a beach in the resort city of Sousse, after which he became a wanted figure. But in Sabratha "the authorities never came looking for us even though everyone knew where we lived," she said. "It only changed after the strike." LOOSE STRUCTURE Islamic State began expanding into Libya in late 2014, as fighters from the Libyan-dominated al-Battar battalion returned to the eastern city of Derna. Over the following year, the group joined a military campaign in Benghazi, took full control of Sirte and carried out attacks in Tripoli, partly by merging with or recruiting local militants from the al Qaeda-linked group Ansar al Sharia. Yet Islamic State failed to make the kind of rapid advances it achieved in the Middle East, struggling to raise revenue or win broad support in Libya's fractured society. Membership tilted increasingly towards foreign fighters, with Tunisians the most numerous, residents and officials say. In Sirte, the group set up a proto-state that followed the model established in Iraq and Syria, taxing residents, enforcing strict rules over dress and education and carrying out regular public punishments including executions. It has since lost parts of the city to pro-government forces. But in Sabratha, where Tunisians were especially dominant, there was a looser structure, the prisoners said. "There was no leader in Sabratha, everyone did their own thing," said Rahma al-Shekhawi, though she said the main focus was on expanding into Tunisia. Rahma's sister Ghofran, 18, also married to an Islamic State member, said militants in Sabratha were divided into cells that were ready to defy the group's hierarchical structures. "Each group had an emir who was working on his own strategy - some were making passports for Syria, some were working on Tunisia and others were working on Libya," she said. "They always asked for instructions from the emir in Syria, who told them to obey the emir in Sirte, but they refused and they took decisions by themselves." CLASHES Only after February's air strike did local Libyan brigades, known as "thuwar" (revolutionaries) because of their role in the 2011 uprising that toppled veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi, take on the Islamic State militants in their midst. With planes circling over the city, residents began searching for militants partly because they feared further strikes, said Wahida Bin Mukhtar al-Rabhi, the third Tunisian prisoner. Rabhi and her 2-year-old son, and Ghofran with her 5-month-old daughter, fled south towards the desert with their husbands. Rabhi said they went without food for a day as they tried to arrange help to get to the nearby town of Zawiya. "The clashes started, and my son Bara was hit by bullets in his stomach and back. At that point my husband started shouting, 'there are women and children with us', but the thuwar didn't want to stop because they knew we were Islamic State and we might blow ourselves up." Rabhi said she was searched and beaten by the local brigades and then handed over to Tripoli's Special Deterrence Force, who took her to identify her husband's body. Her son was given treatment in a local hospital before they were both brought to the prison in the capital where dozens of other Islamic State suspects are also held. Despite their uncertain future in Libya, the women say they don't want to return to Tunisia, where they suffered poverty and persecution for their Islamist beliefs. Malaysia, China, Australia to discuss next step in search for Flight MH370 KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Reuters) - Government ministers from Malaysia, Australia and China will meet in Kuala Lumpur on July 19 to discuss the future of the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported on Friday. Flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, disappeared on March 8, 2014 enroute from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A wing part, known as a flaperon, washed up on the French island of Reunion in July 2015. An underwater search operation for the aircraft, which disappeared two years ago, is underway, spanning 120,000 square kilometres of the southern Indian Ocean. According to Bernama, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the meeting would focus what to do once the search of the designated area is completed. "We (Australia, China and Malaysia) will not call off the search. We are committed to completing the 120,000 sq km search - so far, we have completed 107,000 sq km. "We will make an announcement on the way forward," Liow was quoted as saying. The search, which was originally scheduled to end in June, had been hampered by bad weather and will resume in October, he added. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau had previously said the three countries had agreed not to extend the search beyond 120,000 sq km. Six killed in gun attack on two buses in Kenya's Mandera NAIROBI, July 1 (Reuters) - At least six people were killed when gunmen sprayed two buses with bullets on Friday in Kenya's Mandera county on the border with Somalia, a regional official said. Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia told Reuters the attack happened at 9.30 am (0630 GMT) as the buses were traveling to Mandera town from the capital Nairobi. "So far we are talking of six dead," he said. Iran's Rouhani accuses West of exploiting Sunni-Shi'ite rift, raps Israel ANKARA, July 1 (Reuters) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani accused Western powers of trying to exploit differences between the world's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims to divert attention from the Israel-Palestinian conflict, state television reported on Friday. Rouhani's comments came as tens of thousands of Iranians joined anti-Israel rallies across the country to mark the annual al-Quds Day, established by the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The protesters condemned the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America". "The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said. "We stand with the dispossessed Palestinian nation." Opposition to Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise, has been a cornerstone of Iranian policy since its 1979 Islamic revolution. Shi'ite Muslim Iran backs Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups who oppose peace with Israel. "The Zionist regime (Israel) is a regional base for America and the global arrogance ... Disunity and discord among Muslim and terrorist groups in the region ... have diverted us from the important issue of Palestine," Rouhani said. Shi'ite-led Iran has repeatedly called on its Sunni Muslim rival Saudi Arabia to help improve their strained bilateral relations and work for stability in the Middle East. Arch-rivals for regional hegemony, the two oil producers are on opposite sides in proxy battles in the region, where they back competing factions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Bahrain. Ties have worsened since Riyadh's execution in January of prominent Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr prompted attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Saudi Arabia subsequently cut all ties with Iran. Sri Lanka president to appoint new c.bank chief on recommendation of finmin COLOMBO, July 1 (Reuters) - The president of Sri Lanka will appoint a new central bank chief after receiving a recommendation from the island nation's finance minister, who is set to return from a visit to Japan on July 3, government officials said on Friday. A recommendation by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake is required for President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint the governor of the central bank, the government's Department of Information said in a statement. "Accordingly he will be appointed once the Finance Minister, who is presently abroad on an official mission, returns to the country and submits his recommendation," it added. Taiwan Navy fires missile in error as China's Communists mark birthday TAIPEI, July 1 (Reuters) - The Taiwan Navy fired a supersonic missile in error and hit a Taiwan fishing boat in waters separating the island from diplomatic rival China on Friday, as Communist Party rulers in Beijing celebrated the party's 95th birthday. The missile did not explode but pierced the boat and killed one Taiwan fisherman, officials said. The ship-to-air missile was mis-fired from a 500-ton Navy patrol vessel during pre-inspection in southern Taiwan ahead of a mock exercise, Taiwan's Navy Chief of Staff Mei Chia-shu told reporters. "That this is politically motivated, or this is to create crisis in the surrounding situation, this is not the case," Taiwan Defence Ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told reporters. Initial findings indicate the missile did not explode and that it sank into the sea. China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when Mao Zedong's forces won the Chinese civil war and Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists fled to the island. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it had not detected irregular movements by China's military after the accident. British offshore wind projects at risk after Brexit vote By Karolin Schaps LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - The British offshore wind industry, already bruised by subsidy changes, faces uncertainty after Britain voted to leave the European Union, with investors worried about future government incentives, exchange rates and export duties. Portugal's Energias de Portugal-EDP said it could delay its Moray Firth offshore wind energy project in Scotland and German engineering giant Siemens said it was reconsidering plans for an expansion of its planned manufacturing plant in the port of Hull in north east England. Businesses in many industries have reported that the result of the June 23 referendum has created uncertainty for their sectors due to volatility in financial markets and the unclear outlook for Britain's access to European trading partners once an exit has been negotiated. "I believe we are looking at a 2-3 year hiatus in those large-scale energy projects where financing would be international," said Richard Slark, director at energy consultancy Poyry. Britain is the world's biggest offshore wind market, expected to be worth 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) from 2010-2020 according to Britain's renewable energy industry body RenewableUK. It has more than 5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity which the government wants to double by 2020 in order to meet climate change targets for lower carbon emissions. But Germany is quickly catching up with Britain with around 3.4 GW of capacity currently installed. Denmark is next in line at 1.3 GW, while France and the Netherlands have ambitious targets to build offshore wind turbines by the end of the decade. The result of the vote has made it more difficult for offshore wind investors, who are mainly international, to predict foreign exchange rates, an important factor as many of them buy equipment in euros. The pound fell to the lowest level in over two years against the euro after the vote. RWE Innogy, one of the partners in the Forewind consortium which is building up to 4.8 GW of new capacity, said a weak pound would mean its revenue, which is calculated in euros, could fall. It is also unclear what kind of access Britain will have to European markets once negotiations on an exit have been completed, a concern for companies building turbines for export. SUBSIDY WORRIES Offshore wind farm developers are still reliant on government subsidies to make projects economically viable as installing turbines hundreds of kilometres off the coast is expensive. For a British contract, offshore wind builders have to compete in an auction with other types of renewable energy technology suppliers, such as geothermal plants or projects generating power from waves and tidal streams. With uncertainty about Britain's political leadership following the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and warning signs from the finance minister about rising taxes and possible further austerity measures, investors are concerned the next auction, initially scheduled for the end of the year, will be delayed. British energy minister Andrea Leadsom said this week it was not possible to say when it would be carried out. EDP Chief Executive Antonio Mexia said that a delay to the auction would have a knock-on effect for its Scottish project. Other offshore wind investors, including Britain's SSE and Sweden's Vattenfall, have said the vote had increased uncertainty and therefore investment risks. Some British offshore projects, such as the Galloper wind farm, have gained financial support from the European Investment Bank, which lends to projects which follow EU policies. COLUMBUS A motorcycle struck a deer Thursday evening, sending the driver and a passenger to the hospital. At about 9:32 p.m., the Platte County Sheriffs Office responded to an accident in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 81 about 1 mile north of the Highway 22 junction, according to a sheriffs office press release. A 2007 Honda motorcycle driven by Daniel Henggeler, 61, of Columbus, was traveling south on Highway 81 when it struck a deer. Henggeler and his passenger, Mariam Henggeler, 61, also of Columbus, were thrown from the motorcycle. Columbus Rescue transported both individuals to Columbus Community Hospital with injuries that weren't life-threatening. Both riders were wearing helmets. Alcohol is not suspected in the accident, which remains under investigation. Hungary jails 10 migrants for up to 3 years for border crossing SZEGED, Hungary, July 1 (Reuters) - A Hungarian court on Friday sentenced 10 migrants to between one and three years in jail for illegally crossing the border during a riot in September 2015, after Hungary built a razor wire fence to seal its frontier with Serbia. It was the first case to come to trial under a law passed days before the incident that made illegal border crossing as part of a rioting crowd punishable by between one and five years in prison. Czech government rejects president's call for referendum on EU, NATO PRAGUE, July 1 (Reuters) - Czech President Milos Zeman called for the Czech Republic to hold a referendum on European Union and NATO membership following Britain's shock vote to leave the EU, a suggestion quickly rebuffed by the government. Zeman said on Thursday he would back his country staying in the EU and NATO. He has no power to call a referendum but is an influential leader in a country where euroscepticism is widespread. The Czech Republic joined the bloc in 2004. "I disagree with those who are for leaving the European Union," Czech Radio quoted Zeman as saying at a meeting with citizens in the eastern town of Velke Mezirici late on Thursday. "But I will do everything for them to have a referendum and be able to express themselves. And the same goes for a NATO exit too," the centre-left president said. Britain's 52 to 48 percent vote on June 23 in favour of quitting the EU has emboldened eurosceptic groups across Europe and raised concern other member states may consider leaving. The Czech government responded swiftly to Zeman's suggestion. "Membership in these organisations is a guarantee of stability and security," Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka's spokesman said in a statement. "The government is not considering taking any steps which would question in any way our membership and the long-term orientation of the Czech Republic's foreign policy. Therefore it does not envisage any referendum." Andrej Babis, leader of the ANO party that rules with Sobotka's Social Democrats in the centre-left cabinet, said a referendum would be damaging, according to news website Novinky.cz. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, the acting foreign minister for Spain, which wants to prevent the autonomous region of Catalonia from breaking away, also called Zeman's referendum suggestion "a very bad idea". A referendum would require a constitutional amendment stipulating that the winning side must have a minimum 60 percent of the vote in both houses of parliament, a margin highly unlikely in the current parliament. FALLING SUPPORT Czech satisfaction with EU membership fell to 25 percent in an April survey by the CVVM institute, down from 32 percent the year before. In neighbouring Slovakia, the far-right People's Party launched a petition on Friday to hold referendums on EU and NATO membership. The chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday he would vote to leave the EU or would abstain if a referendum were held, but added there were no plans for a vote. The EU's handling of a migrant crisis over the past year has angered many in formerly communist eastern Europe, where some governments reject migrant quotas proposed by the European Commission. Zeman faces re-election in 2018 after winning the Czech Republic's first-ever direct presidential vote in 2013. As president he has been a vocal opponent of taking in migrants, most of whom are Muslim and have fled conflicts or poverty in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa. Health officials race to prevent Congo yellow fever disaster By Tim Cocks DAKAR, July 1 (Reuters) - It is the stuff of a disaster movie: an outbreak of yellow fever in Congo's capital city, full of unvaccinated people mostly huddled together in slums with too few drains and the kind of sticky, fetid climate that mosquitoes love. Kinshasa's 12 million people - twice as many as there are doses of yellow fever vaccine anywhere in the world - are largely unprotected against this sometimes deadly but easily preventable illness, which has killed at least 353 in Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbour Angola. And though the mosquito-borne virus has yet to gain momentum in Africa's third largest metropolis, officials in Congo's government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are racing to avoid a repeat of the kind of urban epidemics that decimated Western cities like New York and Philadelphia in centuries past. With three weeks to go before they start a vaccination campaign for 11.6 million people against the hemorrhagic virus in three Congolese provinces, and only 1.3 million doses of the vaccine on their way to Congo, time is not on their side. "The epidemic has become something that can exponentially reinforce itself. It's not that easy to reverse," Doctors Without Borders (MSF) head of operations Bart Janssens said. "The risk is ... (significant) that this could become a big epidemic ... That's what we'd like to avoid at all costs." There are currently just six million doses of vaccine in the world, and the method of making more, using chicken eggs, takes about a year. As an emergency measure, health officials have decided to split the doses into fifths, enabling them to cover more people, although only for a year rather than a lifetime. "Kinshasa has millions of inhabitants. We cannot allow the epidemic to spread there," Congo's health minister Felix Kabange told Reuters by telephone. "We realised that if we gave the full dose, the time needed to manufacture all those vaccines would risk allowing the epidemic to embrace the whole country." SLOW BURN CRISIS Yellow fever was once a big killer in the West, wiping out about a tenth of the population of New York and Philadelphia in the 18th century. Then, 80 years ago, a vaccine was created and the virus was quickly eradicated in the rich world. In Africa it mainly persists in remote rural areas, and not since the 1970s has it threatened a major city. The current outbreak, with 3,464 suspected cases so far, about a third of them in Congo, began in Angola in December. Hitching a ride on popular trade routes from the capital Luanda, it jumped the border into Congo, then to its megacity capital. A small but significant fraction of those who catch the disease die from jaundice, bleeding and multiple organ failure. In Kinshasa, a city whose tin-roofed shanty towns encircle the skyscrapers of its business district, the fear is palpable. "Everyone is panicking at the news of yellow fever. I'm afraid of catching it and dying," said street vendor Gallo Musambu, who has little hope of being able afford the vaccine. "I don't even want to touch people from Angola because that's where it came from," he added, revealing that the government also has work to do explaining how it is transmitted. Unlike the Ebola virus, which has killed 11,300 people in West Africa since 2013, yellow fever initially spreads slowly, as the mosquitoes carrying it don't travel more than 100 metres from where they are born, health officials said. That may give some breathing space for the response. The response in Angola was at first somewhat lumbering, the MSF's Janssens said, but officials raised their game when it reached Congo, mobilising resources and implementing mass vaccinations. Yet the bigger risk with a city, he said, is that the mosquitoes themselves start passing the virus on to their own larvae, enabling them to become a resevoir for the disease. And, as with Ebola, a worry is that aeroplanes can carry the virus to other more distant cities. Asia has never had yellow fever, despite being home to the mosquitoes that spread it. But this year 11 Chinese expatriates working in Angola contracted it and brought it back to China. Erin Staples, epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said there have been "a lot of phone calls in the past two weeks between the WHO and countries in southeast Asia" about how to prevent the disease spreading there. Many have started active screening at airports, she said. Even with dose fracturing and a faster mobilisation, the campaign in Congo is expected to continue well into next year, said Eugene Kabambi, WHO spokesman for Congo. French charity official says stabbed by couple shouting "Allahu Akbar" PARIS, July 1 (Reuters) - French police opened an investigation on Friday after a director at the Restos du Coeur charity said he had been stabbed earlier in the day by a couple shouting "Allahu Akbar," the Paris prosecutor's office said. The director of the Restos du Coeur soup kitchen in Montreuil, east of Paris, said a man who appeared to be of African origin swung an axe at him and missed, before his female accomplice stabbed him with several blows to the stomach, according to a statement by the prosecutor. The victim told investigators the assailants attacked him inside the charity's premises and shouted 'God is greatest' in Arabic as they ran away. His injuries were not life threatening, the prosecutor said. In a sign that French officials for now doubt terrorism as a motive, the investigation is being carried out by a regular prosecutor's office and criminal police rather than dedicated anti-terrorism units. France has been beset by several high profile attacks claimed by Islamist militants over the 18 months. In June, a Frenchman who pledged allegiance to Islamic State stabbed a police commander to death outside his home and also killed his partner. BP-Exxon impasse blocks renewal of giant Azeri oil deal - sources By Dmitry Zhdannikov LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil and Britain's BP are at loggerheads over a giant oil production deal with Azerbaijan, blocking renewal of what was once called "the contract of the century", three high-level industry sources told Reuters. BP, which operates the Azeri-Chigar-Guneshli (ACG) fields in the Caspian Sea and relies on them for a tenth of its global output, has tentatively agreed terms with the Azeri government on extending the 30-year contract, they said. But Exxon, which gets around one percent of its hydrocarbon production through its stake in the ACG consortium, has been holding out for a better deal since the halving of world oil prices in 2014. The result is deadlock in talks over a project that may produce another $100 billion worth of oil at current prices, coming on top of old tensions between Exxon chief executive Rex Tillerson and his BP counterpart Bob Dudley, the sources said. "There have been numerous attempts to find a breakthrough, with BP and Azerbaijan agreeing new terms but Exxon rejecting them time and time again. It has been going on for almost two years, with Exxon insisting on better terms," a Western oil industry source familiar with discussions said. A high-level source in the former Soviet republic said: "Exxon wants better terms. It has its own views of how the consortium should work which are different from the views of the operator BP." Neither source would go into details of the terms under discussion. While the existing deal still has eight years to run, usual energy industry practice is to try to renew such long-term production sharing agreements as early as possible - preferably around a decade before they are due to expire - to plan huge new investments in advance. So far the consortium partners have invested $32 billion in the project. At stake is three quarters of overall Azeri crude output or about 600,000 barrels per day - equal to 0.7 percent of global output - extracted under the agreement between the ACG consortium members and the Azeri government. Azerbaijan signed the original deal in 1994, only three years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then, energy wealth has transformed what had been an impoverished nation into one confident enough to host a Formula One Grand Prix a fortnight ago, although the oil price crash has badly hurt its economy. For Europe, the country is a vital source of oil and gas as the continent tries to lessen its dependence on Russian energy. BP declined to comment on details of the extension talks, saying the ACG fields had already produced over 2.9 billion barrels since 1994. That would be worth $155 billion, using an average price of $55 per barrel for the past two decades. "Together with our co-venturers in Azerbaijan, we remain committed to building on this record of success and supporting the continued development of the local market," BP said. Exxon said it does not comment on "commercial negotiations". TENSE RELATIONS While BP has a 35.8 percent stake in the project, Exxon holds only 8 percent. Other members include Azeri state oil firm Socar and U.S. major Chevron with over 11 percent each, Inpex of Japan with 11 percent and Norway's Statoil with 8.6 percent. Turkey's TPAO, Japan's Itochu and India's ONGC have smaller stakes. The ACG consortium has had problems in the past. The fields had been expected to pump more than 1 million bpd at their peak but after hitting 820,000 bpd in 2010, output has fallen, prompting Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to accuse BP of making "false promises". Azerbaijan even suggested it may develop the fields on its own after the deal expires in 2024. But BP managed to mend fences and opened talks on extending the agreement until 2040 and possibly 2060. The aim is to extract as much as 2 billion barrels of additional oil, worth another $100 billion at today's prices of $50 per barrel. However, oil companies around the world have been reviewing production contracts to slash costs and limit spending during the worst downturn in global prices in at least three decades. Exxon's position began to toughen after 2014, and one source close to the discussions said the Tillerson-Dudley relationship had complicated matters. "It could have been sorted out at the very top level. But Rex and Bob have had frosty relations for years," the source said. Sources pointed to several events over the past years which had soured matters between the two Americans. After BP's deadly 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster, Dudley said it was "one-in-a-million occurrence" and that BP did not act in a negligent manner. Tillerson, however, called the biggest oil spill in U.S. history "a breakdown of management oversight" and called Dudley's remarks "a great disservice to the industry". A year later, BP lost a deal to drill for oil in the Russian Arctic after a surprise decision by its long-time local partner Rosneft to chose Exxon. Then last year, BP was among a group of top oil firms that made a rare joint appeal in support of the United Nations-backed Paris climate deal. Tillerson refused to sign, saying he didn't want to be "disingenuous" or "fake it" as far as his long-standing scepticism on the issue was concerned. In contrast to the ACG deal, a BP-led consortium which operates the giant Shakh Deniz gas field nearby agreed new terms with the Azeri government extending the agreement to 2036. Exxon is not involved in that consortium. It is not unusual for host countries to use disagreements between consortium partners to extract better terms, under the threat of refusing to renew deals. Gove, candidate to lead Britain, says no article 50 this year LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - Leading Brexit campaigner Michael Gove said he did not expect Britain to trigger article 50, the mechanism for leaving the European Union, this year. Gove made the comment during a news conference setting out his plans should he win the contest to lead the ruling Conservative Party and become the next prime minister. "One of the reasons I said 'not in this calendar year' is that I think we need to have some preliminary conversations - I wouldn't say negotiations - so I wouldn't want to put a timetable on it," he said. Hungary sentences 10 migrants for illegal border crossing By Marton Dunai SZEGED, Hungary, July 1 (Reuters) - A Hungarian court on Friday sentenced 10 migrants to jail terms for illegally crossing the border during a riot in September 2015, after Hungary built a razorwire fence to seal its frontier with Serbia. It was the first case to come to trial under a law passed days before the incident that made illegal border crossing as part of a rioting crowd punishable by between one and five years in prison. Nine of the migrants were sentenced to about a year in jail, but were released immediately as their sentences were cut by two-thirds at the judge's discretion and offset by time they had spent in detention since September. One migrant was kept behind bars after receiving a three-year sentence for issuing instructions to rioters through a loudspeaker. Both the prosecutor and defence appealed against the ruling. Nearly half the more than a million migrants who surged into Europe last year passed through Hungary, often causing chaos at borders and along the main migration routes. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has taken a tough line against migration, and says the European Union risks seeing other member states follow Britain to the exit unless it does the same. The mostly Syrian defendants convicted in Szeged, the capital of Csongrad, were part of a crowd that crossed into Hungary on Sept. 16 as hundreds of migrants forced open the border gate and police responded with water cannon and tear gas. "The court deems them to be a part of the rioting crowd as they took advantage of the lack of control to enter Hungary and the European Union," judge Janos Arany told the court. All are to be expelled after serving their terms, and barred from re-entering Hungary for several years. Pressure on the border has decreased since a deal in March between the European Union and Turkey to slow migration into Europe in exchange for financial assistance, easing of visa rules and faster EU membership talks for Ankara. A steady flow of migrants still passes through Hungary, with the total close to 20,000 this year. WHEELCHAIR-BOUND MIGRANT Those convicted included three disabled people, one of whom was pushed across the border in a wheelbarrow by a helper. The three had their sentences suspended. Fahdawy Ghazy, maimed by an explosion in the Syrian war and now confined to a wheelchair, said he was guilty of no crime. "I committed nothing," the smiling Ghazy told Reuters through an interpreter. "The court had no proof to the contrary despite nine months they had to build the case against us." Defence lawyer Tamas Fazekas, who works with the rights group Helsinki Committee, said the migrants were not to blame for a riot they merely witnessed. "If I go to a football game and hooligans begin a brawl, I cannot be held responsible," he said. "The court failed to see that ... In any case, these people fled war and therefore are entitled to international protection, not prosecution." United Nations refugee agency spokesman Erno Simon told Reuters he was relieved that only one of the 10 defendants would remain behind bars. "Still it has been worrying us from the start that Hungary criminalises people fleeing war," he said. "They have now been declared criminals." EU prolongs economic sanctions on Russia until 31 Jan 2017 By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS, July 1 (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday extended its economic sanctions on Russia until the end of January next year in a widely expected decision after EU leaders called for more progress in bringing peace to eastern Ukraine. "Having assessed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Council decided to renew the sanctions for a further six months, until 31 January 2017," the Council of European governments said, referring to the Minsk peace deal signed last year. The EU and the United States imposed sanctions on Russia's defence, energy and financial sectors in July 2014 over Moscow's support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Moscow imposed a ban on EU farm exports in retaliation, and denies any direct backing for the rebels. The EU is divided over how to end the stand-off with Moscow, with some countries such as Slovakia saying the current sanctions policy is untenable. However Dalia Grybauskaite, Lithuania's President, tweeted, "what goes around, comes around. Sanctions continue until Minsk Agreements are fully implemented." Germany boosts funds for faster internet to 4 billion euros BERLIN, July 1 (Reuters) - Germany will make an additional 1.3 billion ($1.45 billion) euros in funding available to expand broadband internet access to poorly-connected regions, the Transport and Digital Infrastructure Ministry said on Friday. The government announced plans last October to spend 2.7 billion euros as part of a push to give all households in Germany access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabytes per second by 2018. Transport and Digital Infrastructure Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the extra funds would go to regions where network expansion is not commercially justified. "We are investing in the development of the gigabyte society. For this we need super-fast internet everywhere in Germany for everyone," Dobrindt said in a statement. Better access is viewed as a crucial part of Germany's so-called Digital Agenda, which aims among other goals to promote the digitisation of industry by connecting factory floors to the internet. AFRICA BUSINESS-Rwanda harnesses lake "demons" to power the economy By Clement Uwiringiyimana LAKE KIVU, Rwanda, July 1 (Reuters) - Rwandans blame the "demons" of Lake Kivu for the deaths of fisherman and others who have occasionally disappeared on one of Africa's great expanses of water in the heart of the continent. Now Rwanda is turning the methane gas which can bubble up from the lake bed, sometimes with fatal consequences, into a lifeline by generating electricity to help businesses expand and light up a nation with a chronic power shortage. Across Africa, governments are struggling to increase power capacity and expand grids to meet the demands of growing populations with rising aspirations. Poor electricity supplies are often cited as one of the biggest hurdles to investment. Rwanda's KivuWatt plant, which started in May, is part of a network of projects aimed at providing 70 percent of the 11 million population with power from the grid or off-grid by 2018, up from 25 percent now. Much will come from renewable resources. "The country cannot grow if you don't have power," Jarmo Gummerus, country manager for the plant developed by U.S. company ContourGlobal, told Reuters on the lush shores of Lake Kivu, where a hi-tech barge gathers methane from the depths. Rwanda, one of Africa's poorest nations but also among its fastest growing, is harnessing its limited solar, peat and hydro resources to curb the landlocked country's fuel import bill while keeping power flowing to spur on industry and create jobs. Lake Kivu's methane has now been added to the list of its emerging resources, formed from biogas created by decomposing matter on the bed of the lake that is trapped by a layer of mineral-rich water flowing off nearby volcanic soil. Left untapped, it could one day explode or, as in the case of another lake in Cameroon, poison inhabitants on shore if it bubbles up in large quantities, experts say. Locals say it has already claimed unsuspecting victims on the lake. "There is a story that there are demons in the lake," said Gummerus. Highly-combustible methane is extracted from other toxic gas that is mixed with it, he said. "It just kills almost immediately so it's a very dangerous," he added. His company is now carefully extracting the methane to power a 26 megawatt (MW) plant, with plans to increase that to 100 MW by 2020 at a cost of about $500 million to $600 million. Despite that hefty investment, using domestic resources is a boon for a nation which has to truck all imports into the country about 1,400 km (870 miles) through Kenya or Tanzania, often along traffic-clogged roads that are poorly maintained. POWERING BUSINESS "Our power is much cheaper than the alternative which would be putting in diesel or heavy fuel," Gummerus said, adding the methane could also be processed for to sell as cooking gas. Eventually, Rwanda could generate about 350 MW from methane, with a similar potential in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which shares the lake. Congo yet to tap the gas supplies. The start-up of the KivuWatt plant is already benefiting local businesses in the region of rolling green hills and volcanic peaks, which the government wants to promote as a tourist destination. "When I built this hotel in 2013, we could have power cuts every three hours, at least, but nowadays we have electricity 24/7," said Jerome Musomandera, owner of the Kivu Plaza Hotel, one of a number next to the lake. Some other hotels said they had yet to feel the benefit, but were hopeful that they would soon be able to unplug private stand-by generators and enjoy lower bills from grid power. As it adds more supply, state-run Rwanda Energy Group (REG) is in talks with the regulator on lowering tariffs to help the poor and support industry, its chief executive Jean Bosco Mugiraneza said. Rwanda now charges 17 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) for industry and 21 cents for others. Mugiraneza did not say how much costs could fall by. Rwanda's installed power capacity is now 190 MW and set to rise by the end of July to 205 MW, once a new peat-burning plant being tested is linked up. The aim is 583 MW by 2018, a goal Mugiraneza admits Rwanda would have to "work hard" to achieve. "The government alone cannot afford to finance those 563 MW; that is why private investments are needed," he said. KivuWatt was a pioneer by negotiating the first private power purchase agreement, helping pave the way for others. Other deals that have been signed include one with U.S. firm Symbion Power, which plans a methane plant too. Another firm, Ignite Power, is helping the government to provide off-grid rooftop solar power panels to 250,000 households by 2018. As well as helping meet Rwanda's national generation ambitions, Gummerus said the KivuWatt plant was boosting the local economy in the Kibuye region around the lake. BP to go ahead with $8 bln Indonesia LNG project expansion By Osamu Tsukimori and Wilda Asmarini TOKYO/JAKARTA, July 1 (Reuters) - BP gained final investment approval to an $8 billion expansion of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Indonesia on Friday, clearing the way for a third train to start operations in 2020. BP is going forward with expansion of Tangguh despite announcing it would rein back on spending this year due to weak oil prices. It also approved investment on an Egyptian gas field last week. The investment will boost annual LNG production capacity at the Tangguh project in Indonesia's West Papua province by 50 percent to 11.4 million tonnes. Three-quarters of the gas from the new Train 3 will be supplied to Indonesian power utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara , BP said. The rest will go to Japan's Kansai Electric Power Co. Officials at Indonesia's upstream energy regulator SKKMigas said the project was worth $8 billion, although BP declined to confirm that figure. "We are finalising details with potential lenders and at this point I'm not able to disclose who they are," Christina Verchere, BP regional president Asia Pacific, told reporters. In May BP cut its budget for the project to $8-10 billion from $12 billion. "This final investment decision was made after confirmation with Tangguh production-sharing contractors and is based on commercial considerations," said Indonesian energy minister Sudirman Said. BP leads the Tangguh project with a 37.16 percent stake. Its partners include MI Berau, China National Offshore Oil Co and a venture between Mitsubishi Corp and Inpex. Friday's decision also sealed a $2.43-billion onshore building contract for a consortium led by Tripatra, part of Indonesia's Indika Energy Group, SKKMigas chief Amien Sunaryadi said. A $448-million offshore contract was awarded to the Indonesian unit of Saipem, he said. "(These) are the contractors who did the front end engineering designs, so we hope the (results) aren't too different from that," Sunaryadi said. Syria rebels retake key town in western coastal province - monitor, rebels BEIRUT, July 1 (Reuters) - Insurgents seized a strategic town from Syrian government forces and their allies in the western coastal province of Latakia on Friday, a monitoring group and the rebels said, in a rare advance for them in the area. The Syrian government forces had captured Kansaba in February, part of a wider advance in Latakia's northern countryside at the time, backed by Russian air power. Fighting picked up again in the area after a ceasefire deal later that month brought a temporary lull. The truce has mostly unravelled throughout areas where it took effect in the west of the country. The al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front was among the groups that retook Kansaba, which had previously been an important base for the insurgents. The town overlooks much of the mountainous Jabal Akrad area close to the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The British-based monitoring group said it was part of a wider offensive launched earlier in the week. Nusra Front said in an online statement that an alliance of Islamist rebel groups including itself had captured Kansaba and a number of other villages, seizing several tanks and artillery guns. It was a rare gain for rebels in Latakia since Russia intervened in the five-year Syrian conflict on the side of President Bashar al-Assad last September. Northern Latakia borders Idlib province, a stronghold for insurgent groups including Nusra Front. Further to the northeast, in Aleppo province, Nusra Front and other Islamist insurgents have recently launched heavy attacks against government forces and their allies, including Iranian troops and Lebanese Shi'ite Hezbollah fighters. Latakia's coastal areas, including the provincial capital city of the same name, are the heartland of Assad's minority Alawite community and are also home to a Russian air base. Rebels have in the past sought to bring the fight closer to the coast. They were regularly shelling Latakia city before the Russian intervention. Japan's Mitsui aims to triple profit from energy, metals to $2 bln by 2020 By Yuka Obayashi and Yoshiyasu Shida TOKYO, July 1 (Reuters) - Japan's Mitsui & Co plans to invest in natural resource assets, taking advantage of weak commodity prices, with an aim to more than triple its annual profit from the energy and metals segments to around $2 billion by 2020, its chief executive said. Mitsui's move is in contrast to that of rival Mitsubishi Corp's, which has said it will freeze growth in its natural resources assets on a net basis for the next three years to ride out the commodities slump that forced it to record its first ever annual loss since its founding in 1954. Mitsui also flipped into the red for the first time in its almost 70-year history, caught flat-footed like other global commodity players by the price rout brought on by weaker demand at top consumer China. But its strategy will be to "reinforce (its) areas of strength", Mitsui's CEO and president, Tatsuo Yasunaga, told Reuters in an interview on Friday. The energy and metals segments have been among the biggest earners for Mitsui, with nearly all its record-high profits in the financial year to March 2012 coming from these two sectors. "We'll be very selective ... But we won't be just waiting for a recovery in commodities markets. We'll be investing in the stakes which only become available to us because of the current conditions," Yasunaga said. Earlier this week, Mitsui and Australia's Woodside Petroleum Ltd said they would invest $1.9 billion to develop the Greater Enfield reserves, a group of oil fields off Western Australia, given a sharp drop in costs made possible by a plunge in oil prices. Oil futures are now just below $50 per barrel, off more than 12-year lows plumbed earlier this year but still significantly below their 2014 peaks of above $100. However, the 55-year-old Yasunaga, who took Mitsui's top job in April 2015, stressed the need to also strengthen the firm's non-resource operations, or the areas that are not sensitive to volatile commodities markets and bring stable profits such as infrastructure and healthcare. "It will be challenging, but our aim is to boost profits in non-resource segments to 200 billion yen ($1.95 billion) in 2020 from a planned 140 billion yen this year, while bolstering profits in resource operations to 200 billion yen from an estimated 60 billion yen," he said. Brazil police raid pulpmaker controlled by billionaire Batista family BRASILIA, July 1 (Reuters) - Brazilian police on Friday raided offices of a pulpmaker controlled by the billionaire Batista family, a company spokesman said, in the latest stage of the country's biggest-ever corruption investigation. Junta-ruled Thailand says it will buy three Chinese submarines BANGKOK, July 1 (Reuters) - Military-ruled Thailand will buy three submarines worth around $1 billion from China, the defence minister said on Friday, a move that signals warming ties with the regional superpower as relations with the United States cool. Thailand's army seized power in a May 2014 coup following months of street protests, toppling the remnants of the civilian government led by Yingluck Shinawatra. Since then, the military government has sought to improve ties with China which has stepped into the vacuum left by Western governments that have kept the junta at arms length and called for a rapid return to democratic government. That has come as Beijing and Washington jostle for power and influence in Southeast Asia, where China's disputed maritime claims in the South China Sea have has caused tension in recent years. The purchase of 36 billion baht ($1.03 billion) worth of Chinese-made submarines next year was confirmed on Friday by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, after the navy put the plan to the cabinet. Thailand has never had submarines and has tried, since the 1990s, to sign deals with several countries, including South Korea and Germany. Thailand put the deal with China on hold a year ago to review the cost and capabilities of the vessels. Warming ties with China have seen the two countries work towards a massive rail project and holding joint air force exercises. Even in crisis, EU not a lead actor in world oil By Libby George and Ron Bousso LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - The European Union's crisis holds political and economic leaders transfixed, but for the oil market it merely underlines the region's established role as only a secondary engine to global energy demand. Britain's vote to leave the European Union and strikes that crippled France's energy industry in May, elicited barely a lasting ripple on global energy markets. "In terms of oil, it's the best place to have an economic slowdown without having a big impact on demand growth," said Chris Main, oil strategist with Citi Group. "European industry just doesn't contribute much to global demand growth." In oil demand growth, and in refining, the spotlight has for long shifted to developing markets in Asia, the Middle East and even the United States, where drivers hitting the road in record numbers are fuelling a resurgence in demand growth. Oil traders are accustomed to seeing the EU as a market with barely any potential to use more motor fuel. "GDP in the UK and Europe is not energy intensive, and indeed oil demand has been in decline (more or less) since 2007," Jefferies analysts wrote in a note. Jefferies estimates that the impact on oil demand from changes to GDP in emerging markets is some five times what it is in Europe - "a far greater risk factor." The International Monetary Fund warned that Britain's vote could set back its growth by 1.4 to 5.6 percent by 2019, and said it could also lower the growth forecast for Germany, the bloc's largest economy. Typically during economic crises, fears over a drop in consumption stoke oil price declines. But Europe's withered oil demand growth due to energy efficiency and a shift away from heavy industry has cut its importance to the world's demand growth. Because most European economies are no longer industrially focused, even the slip into recession that some economists warned could hit Britain has failed to create significant oil demand loss fear on the global level. According to the International Energy Agency, demand growth in Europe accounted for 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first quarter of the year, dwarfed by the 956,000 bpd growth in Asia's developing countries. Risk consultancy Eurasia Group said that Europe's 13.7 million bpd of total demand is only about 14 percent of the global total. It added that every 1 percent change in GDP would knock roughly 70,000 bpd off oil demand growth, a small figure compared with the group's demand growth forecast of 1.5 million bpd in 2016 and 1.1 million bpd in 2017. RESTOCK FIZZLES Amid fading demand, pressure on refiner profits forced the closure of more than 2 million bpd in European refining capacity over the last decade. This has limited the continent's importance in producing the diesel, gasoline and jet fuel that flow through global markets. In France, strikes in May closed nearly half its refineries, as well as its main ports, forcing it to tap strategic crude and fuel stocks to keep running. The shock boosted diesel profits, and led to hopes that a rush to restock would further support refining. When similar strikes hit the country six years ago, global oil prices spiked as it scrambled to restock. Instead, French refiner demand has been subdued as they slowly unloaded the roughly 19 million barrels of crude that was stranded on tankers during the strikes, and strategic stock agencies also gave companies three months to return what they took during the industrial action. The impact on diesel was blunted as well by the fact that refinery hubs have shifted out of Europe since the last strikes. Two French refineries have closed since 2012, while the Middle East has developed into a refining mega centre with massive, diesel-heavy units helping to pump a growing excess in European storage tanks. This has kept prices across crude and refined oil products from spiking, as it did following the last widespread French strikes in 2012. "The Middle East was not supplying as much distillates as they are now, and Russia is exporting more distillates," said KBC principal consultant Ehsan Ul-Haq of the changed market. "A few years agothe impact was much bigger," Ul-Haq said of the strikes, adding that now, "producers have more than enough diesel." Uganda in oil refinery talks with South Korean SK Engineering-led bid KAMPALA, July 1 (Reuters) - Uganda has begun negotiations with a consortium led by South Korea's SK Engineering for the building of a crude oil refinery and ended talks with a group led by Russia's Rostec Global Resources, the energy ministry said on Friday. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the decision was reached to end talks with Rostec Global after it made additional demands to a deal reached in May, with it said was due to be signed in June. Pakistan warns of 'blowback' from moving too fast against militants By Kay Johnson ISLAMABAD, July 1 (Reuters) - Pakistan's top foreign policy official warned on Friday that pushing too fast against all Islamist militants in the country could lead to "blowback" in the form of more terrorist attacks. Sartaj Aziz sought to deflect criticism that Pakistan has not done enough to crack down on the Haqqani network and that it still shelters Afghan Taliban leaders, highlighted by the U.S. drone strike that killed Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in May. Aziz said he would defend Pakistan's record of fighting militants when meeting this weekend with a U.S. congressional delegation headed by Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. "I think what we have achieved in these three years is quite remarkable," he told Reuters, citing the ongoing military operation to destroy militant hideouts in North Waziristan near the Afghan border. "But there are risks involved of how far we can go and in what sequence we should go and in what scale we should go." The military operation in North Waziristan targeted loosely allied fighters, including the Pakistani branch of the Taliban - which fights to overthrow Pakistan's government. Also based in the area were elements of the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, which direct their attacks across the border to target the U.S.-backed government in Afghanistan. Critics, particularly in the U.S. Congress, say Pakistan has spared the militants that limit their attacks to inside Afghanistan. Sartaj said the military acted "without distinguishing between 'good and bad' Taliban" but suggested that seeking a large-scale crackdown on all at once would overstretch the armed forces and lead to more terrorist attacks. "So we have to make sure that we move in a decisive way, but at a measured pace and according to our capacity, and ensuring that the blowback is manageable," he said. He also downplayed strained relations with the U.S. following the May 21 U.S. drone strike that killed Mansour and Congress's blocking of financing for Pakistan to buy American F-16 fighter jets. "I don't see the relations are tense at the moment," Aziz said. "They are moving in the right direction and there are of course differences, but I don't think there is any major crisis in the relationship." He also said Pakistan would continue to resist U.S. pressure to roll back development of short-range "tactical" nuclear weapons in response to regional rival India's defence strategy. Tens of thousands protest in Hong Kong as China tensions simmer over booksellers By Venus Wu HONG KONG, July 1 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents marched in protest on the 19th anniversary of the financial hub's return to Chinese rule on Friday as tensions simmer against Chinese authorities over the abductions of Hong Kong booksellers. Some waved banners criticising Beijing for the cross-border abductions as acts of a "totalitarian" regime, as well as calling for the release of leading dissidents, chanting for democracy and for Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying to step down. Several hundred scuffled with police outside Government House, with police using pepper spray to keep them back. Organisers said 110,000 people took part in the march, while police put the figure at 19,300. The July 1 protests are considered a barometer of public sentiment towards Beijing, with the former British colony due to hold citywide elections in September. The city has been unnerved over the past year by the disappearances of five booksellers who specialised in works critical of Chinese leaders. One of the men, Lam Wing-kee, who was detained for eight months by Chinese agents and released last month, criticised Beijing for "violating Hong Kong's rights" through illegal cross-border enforcement operations. The tactics have raised fears of Communist Party rulers in Beijing eroding the so-called "one country, two systems" formula, granting Hong Kong a high degree of freedom and autonomy since its 1997 return from British to Chinese rule. China has denied wrongdoing. "This is a very grave threat to the safety of Hong Kong residents that an unknown force is spying on people," said pro-democracy lawmaker Cyd Ho at the rally. "The Hong Kong government has to follow up with the central government on what's really happening behind the scenes." Hundreds of police were also deployed to guard China's main representative "Liaison Office" in Hong Kong, after activists who advocate independence from China posted plans on social media for a "black mask" evening protest to besiege the skyscraper. Scores of young people, some dressed in black T-shirts with the words "HK is not China", were searched by police in the area and roads were blocked off with metal barricades to prevent trouble. Lam, who had been due to lead the July 1 march that each year draws tens of thousands, pulled out, citing safety concerns after being followed by two unknown strangers, a lawmaker said. "He feels increasingly concerned about his own personal safety," said pro-democracy lawmaker Albert Ho. A senior Chinese official, Wang Guangya, who heads the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing, said the booksellers had "destroyed" the one country, two systems formula by publishing banned books in mainland China. Chinese President Xi Jinping, however, said in a speech on Friday that "no matter what the difficulties and challenges, our confidence and determination towards one country, two systems will not waver". Xi added Hong Kong would continue to enjoy a high degree of autonomy and Beijing would strictly adhere to the law. Uganda switches bidder in talks over long-delayed $2.5 bln refinery By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA, July 1 (Reuters) - Uganda has begun negotiations with a consortium led by South Korea's SK Engineering for the building of a crude oil refinery after ending talks with a group led by Russia's Rostec Global Resources, the energy ministry said on Friday. Uganda wants to build the $2.5 billion refinery to process some of its crude so it can earn more from its oil resources, which it discovered in 2006. Wrangling over taxes and the viability of the refinery have delayed commercial production, which is now expected to start between 2019-2020. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said it decided to end talks with Rostec Global after the company made additional demands to a deal reached in May, which it said was due to be signed in June. "Consequently Government was left with no choice but to halt negotiations and draw the bid bond. Government is now proceeding to invite the Alternate Bidder - SK Engineering & Construction for negotiations," it said in a statement. Four ministers resign from Libya's U.N.-backed government -statement TRIPOLI, July 1 (Reuters) - Four ministers in Libya's U.N.-backed government resigned on Friday in a setback for its efforts to extend its influence and unify rival factions. The presidential council, the leadership body of the government, said it had accepted the resignations of the ministers of justice, reconciliation, finance, and economy and industry, but gave no reason for them. All four are from the eastern region, where hardliners have so far not accepted the U.N.-backed government, supposed to replace two rival administrations that have been operating in Tripoli and the east. Slovenian foreign minister offers to quit over border arbitration breakdown By Marja Novak LJUBLJANA, July 1 (Reuters) - Slovenia's Foreign Minister, Karl Erjavec, said on Friday that he had offered to resign over a scandal involving a leaked tape that led to a breakdown in the country's international border arbitration with neighbouring Croatia. Erjavec told reporters he had offered to resign late on Thursday after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decided to continue its work on the border issue even though Croatia had withdrawn from the arbitration process last year. "I offered my resignation to the prime minister as it is for him to decide what is my role in this (arbitration) procedure and whether he still trusts me," Erjavec said. He said "personal responsibility" prevented him from resigning last year, when the leak of a tape purportedly showing a Slovenian judge on the arbitration panel exchanging confidential information with the Ljubljana government led Croatia to withdraw from the arbitration. Twenty-five years after the break-up of federal Yugoslavia, the two states still disagree over their land and sea border. Slovenia is demanding access to international waters in the northern Adriatic, where its territory is squeezed to a coastal sliver between Croatia and Italy. A spokesman said Prime Minister Miro Cerar was likely to comment on Erjavec's resignation offer on Saturday. "It would be a great surprise if Cerar accepts the resignation of Erjavec although it remains unclear why Erjavec offered to resign at this moment," said Borut Hocevar, an analyst of daily Finance. Erjavec said his centre-left party Desus would remain in the coalition government even if the prime minister accepts his resignation. In January, Cerar rejected a resignation offer by Finance Minister Dusan Mramor over extra income he had received in the past when working at a university. News of Erjavec's resignation offer came on the same day that the head of Slovenian Sovereign Holding, Marko Jazbec, quit over a power struggle at Slovenia's only port, Luka Koper . Hungary's migrant referendum shows Europe's post-Brexit challenge By Gergely Szakacs BUDAPEST, July 1 (Reuters) - Emboldened by Britain's shock vote to quit the EU, Hungary's leader Viktor Orban is forging ahead with his own referendum on migration, in what European diplomats see as a sign of battles to come with anti-Brussels populists across the continent. The 53-year-old Orban, in power since 2010, has clashed several times with the EU on issues ranging from independence of the courts and the central bank to his handling of the migrant crisis, which has included a fence on Hungary's southern border. His next clash pits him against an EU Commission plan to resettle refugees across member states based on quotas, which Orban sees as an act of out-of-touch Brussels bureaucrats usurping national authority. "We need to fight to prove to people that it is possible to form an EU migration policy that is in line with the Hungarian national interest," Orban said days after the Brexit vote. "This is going to be a long struggle for which I will need a strong mandate, which cannot be ensured without a referendum," said Orban, who is in favour of remaining in the EU but wants more powers for member states. Orban has enlisted allies, such as neighbouring Slovakia, which also opposes the quotas and this week joined a chorus of eastern EU states calling for the powers of the EU Commission to be reined in after Britain's vote to leave. "We have a big problem with the proposed reform of the Dublin system," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said. "We think it's stupid, because this is exactly what will keep dividing Europe if (countries) will be asked to pay 250,000 euros ($277,000) for each migrant they refuse to take." Hungary's migrant referendum, due in the autumn, could coincide with Britain starting its EU exit negotiations. Critics describe the timing as opportunistic. "Eurosceptic parties across the continent are cherry-picking parts of the Brexit story to bolster their own domestic narrative," said Otilia Dhand, an analyst at Teneo Intelligence. "Orban has said that it is the 'failure of EU migrant policies' that nudged UK voters to vote Leave - downplaying the fact that we're talking two completely different migrant issues: Syrian refugees on the continent vs. Polish workers in the UK." The EU migrant relocation scheme was established last year after more than a million people entered the EU, most intending to settle in Germany and other rich northern countries. The EU is discussing a change to asylum rules that would require member states to accept a quota of refugees or pay a penalty for them to be housed elsewhere. Hungary was the main arrival point into the EU's border-free Schengen zone for migrants travelling by land, until Orban shut the frontier with the new fence last year, a popular move at home that was criticised by rights groups. He and other eastern European leaders say their comparatively poor countries should not forced to settle migrants lured to the bloc by more liberal policies of richer states. Germany, which argued for the resettlement, says the entire bloc must act to solve a common problem. "REBELLIOUS CURRENT" Orban has said the migration crisis could drive more countries out of the EU. His government will ask Hungarians: "Do you agree that the European Union should be able to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary without the consent of parliament?" On Thursday, Orban's chief of staff, Janos Lazar, went further, becoming the first senior government official to say he would be in favour of leaving the EU altogether, although he said that was only his personal opinion. Foreign diplomats say that despite such rhetoric, a "Huxit", or Hungarian exit from the EU, still seems unlikely. Hungary depends on EU funds, and Hungarians, a generation removed from Communist dictatorship, are still mostly keen on membership. "I ask the people around me: if you ever meet a Hungarian who would rather go back to Siberia from where the Hungarians are coming from, rather than stay in the EU, I will buy champagne for him and treat him to a special lunch," one diplomat said. "So far, no one showed up." But diplomats also see Orban's position as part of a "rebellious current" in Europe that has seen Dutch and French eurosceptic leaders calling for referendums on EU membership. The referendum tactic could poison debate. "This referendum is not good," said another diplomat. "You can handle the bad ideas with the right means, and this is maybe the most destructive means of all. This can have a damaging effect on Hungary. "Okay, maybe the EU is a little sick, maybe the EU has got a flu. But I am not going to cure the flu with chemotherapy. And this is what Orban seems to be trying with this criticism. And Brexit can strengthen politicians like him all around Europe." Charles Robertson, Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, said Orban was successfully tapping the public mood. "The Brexit vote, swung to Leave by the immigration debate, is a powerful rejection of the status quo by the electorate," he said. "Orban captures that zeitgeist better than most." BHP, Vale to fight reinstated $6 bln claim for Samarco disaster SYDNEY/RIO DE JANEIRO, July 1 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton and Vale SA said on Friday they would appeal a Brazilian court's decision to reinstate a $6 billion public civil claim from Brazilian authorities over last year's Samarco iron ore mine disaster. Samarco, along with BHP and 50-50 joint-venture partner Vale, had agreed in March to settle that claim with staggered payments over a 15-year period, with the total amount dictated by the clean-up and repairs. Brazil's government expected the cost of the work to reach 20 billion reais ($6.23 billion), though the mining companies expected the total cost to be significantly less. The deal was ratified in May, but federal prosecutors appealed the decision, describing it as insufficient and little more than a "letter of intent." Brazil's Superior Court responded to the appeal by issuing an interim order suspending its ratification, BHP and Vale said. That decision reinstates the government's original 20 billion real civil claim for clean-up costs and damages against Samarco, Vale and BHP. It also has the potential to reenergize a separate $44 billion lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors. "BHP Billiton Brasil intends to appeal the decision of the Superior Court of Justice," BHP said in a statement. Vale said in a separate statement it would demonstrate to the court that the settlement agreed with the government represented the best way to repair and clean up the damage from the disaster. In the meantime, Samarco will continue to support the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the dam failure, BHP and Vale said. A burst tailings dam at the mine on Nov. 5 unleashed a mud flow that killed 19 people, left hundreds homeless and polluted a major river. The government called it the country's worst environmental disaster. The mine has been closed since. Environmental authorities say it will only be allowed to reopen when it can prove mud is no longer leaking into the surrounding area and that the mine can be run safely. Spotify hits out at Apple after updated app for iPhones rejected STOCKHOLM, July 1 (Reuters) - Spotify confirmed on Friday that it has complained to Apple Inc after the U.S. tech giant rejected an updated app for the Swedish music streaming service on iPhones. The two companies have gone head to head in the battle for music streaming customers since Apple Music was launched in more than 100 countries last year, and Spotify said the rejection of its revised app for iPhones was causing it "grave harm". The complaint was in the form of a letter sent by Spotify's lawyer to Apple this week, technology website Recode reported. The letter said Apple's rejection of the revised app raised "serious concerns" under competition law in the United States and Europe and the move was causing "grave harm to Spotify and its customers", Recode first reported on Thursday. "It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music," Recode quoted Spotify general counsel Horacio Gutierrez as saying in the letter. "We cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors," Gutierrez said. A Spotify spokeswoman confirmed the accuracy of the report. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Launched a decade ago, Spotify is the world's biggest paid music streaming service with about 30 million paying users in 59 markets while Apple Music has some 13 million. According to Recode, privately-owned Spotify said Apple turned down the app under "business model rules", and demanded the Swedish service use Apple's billing system if it wanted to "use the app to acquire new customers and sell subscriptions". Music streaming is a crowded business. Alphabet's Google Music and YouTube also compete with Spotify and Apple Music to attract users prepared to pay for music, as does Pandora Media Inc and rapper Jay Z's Tidal. easyJet says no decision on HQ until knows UK's new deal with EU LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - EasyJet said it will not decide whether to relocate its legal headquarters until Britain's new relationship with the European Union is clear, following a report on Friday which said its CEO had suggested a move from the UK was almost inevitable. A spokesman for the British budget airline, responding to a Sky News report which also said easyJet has opened talks with EU member states' aviation regulators about relocating its headquarters, said easyJet wants to prepare for all eventualities. The report said easyJet Chief Executive Carolyn McCall signalled in private meetings this week that it would need to move its legal HQ in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the EU. EasyJet is likely to be the European carrier most affected by a formal Brexit because it needs an EU air operator's certificate (AOC) to fly on routes between other EU member states, such as Berlin-Brussels, or to offer domestic routes within another member state as part of the bloc's single aviation area. Analysts estimate such routes make up about a third of its business. In both Germany and France, for example, obtaining an AOC would mean the carrier needs to have its headquarters in that country and its planes would have to be registered there, representatives of those countries' aviation authorities told Reuters. A German aviation industry source said that would likely mean easyJet has to move some administrative roles out of its headquarters in Luton, north of London, rather than all their operations. "Issues around legal entity, or other structural issues, we don't need to make those decisions ... until we know what the outcome of the (UK/EU) talks will be," the easyJet spokesman said. Should Britain be able to negotiate continued access to the EU's single market following Brexit, nothing will change for airlines. McCall told Reuters on Tuesday the airline was formalising talks on setting up an AOC in a different EU country. Other carriers that hold multiple AOCs include Norwegian Air Shuttle and IAG, which groups British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling. Irish carrier Ryanair, whose main source market is the UK, has also said it will obtain a UK AOC should it need to. easyJet warned on third-quarter profits on Monday, blaming strike action by French air traffic controllers, congestion issues at Gatwick airport and severe weather. Brazil police raid pulpmaker controlled by billionaire Batista family BRASILIA, July 1 (Reuters) - Brazilian police on Friday raided offices of pulpmaker Eldorado Celulose controlled by the billionaire Batista family, a company spokesman said, in the latest stage of the country's biggest-ever corruption investigation. Brazilian media had reported that police targeted JBS SA , the world's largest meatpacker which is also controlled by the Batistas. JBS said neither the company nor its executives were targeted in Friday's police operation. As part of the raid on Eldorado Celulose, police served one arrest warrant and conducted search-and-seizure operations at 19 locations in four states, prosecutors said in a statement, without giving details about the operation. "Eldorado has always acted in a transparent way and all its activities have been conducted according to the law," the company said in a statement, adding that it had fully complied with authorities' requests for information. Brazilian media said an arrest warrant was issued against lobbyist Lucio Funaro, but representatives for the police or Funaro did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Batista family, through holding J&F Investimentos SA, has stakes in pulp, agribusiness, cosmetics, home cleaning products and finance. Batista is a relatively common surname in Brazil, and the family has no relation to fallen commodities tycoon Eike Batista. Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles chaired J&F's board until this year, but said in a radio interview on Friday that he no longer had any links to the company. Several killed in accidental blast at Hungarian firing range - reports BUDAPEST, July 1 (Reuters) - Several people were killed in an explosion at a military firing range in eastern Hungary on Friday that state media described as an accident. Public M1 television reported on its website that three or four people, possibly all members of a bomb disposal squad, were believed to have been killed. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs could not comment immediately. A spokesman for the Defence Ministry was not immediately available for comment. Spanish foreign minister says Czech EU referendum a "very bad idea" By Dave Graham MADRID, July 1 (Reuters) - Spain's acting government on Friday dismissed as "very bad" a Czech proposal to hold a referendum on its membership of the European Union, barely a week after Britain voted to leave the bloc and sparked political and financial upheaval. "I think it's a very bad idea by the Czech president," acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said in response to Czech President Milos Zeman's call for a plebiscite on membership of the EU and of NATO. Zeman has no power to call a referendum and said he backed his country to remain in both organizations. The Czech government later rejected any suggestion it might hold a referendum on EU membership. Speaking at news conference with his Argentine counterpart, Garcia-Margallo described European referendums as "high risk adventures," listing a series of EU accords rejected by voters including the Maastricht Treaty by Denmark in 1992 and France's rejection of the European constitution in 2005. To avoid "temptations" similar to Zeman's idea, the EU had to be very careful in setting out future relations with Britain and create a bloc "much closer to its citizens", he added. Many Britons who voted to leave the EU objected to a lack of control over EU immigration that came with being part of its single market for goods and services, and said they wanted to recover policy powers shifted to European institutions. Spain, which faces calls for independence among separatists in Catalonia and elsewhere, has sought to head off any notion that the so-called Brexit referendum could enable Scotland, whose voters backed remaining in the EU unlike the much more populous England, to stay in the bloc. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said earlier this week that if the United Kingdom left the EU, Scotland would leave it too. Asked whether an independent Scotland would meet with a different response from Spain's government, Garcia-Margallo said the Scots would need British and U.N. approval before gaining recognition as a state, and that "then we'll see." "The rest of it is just a midsummer night's dream." Syrian warplane crashes near Damascus, insurgents kill pilot BEIRUT, July 1 (Reuters) - A Syrian warplane crashed northeast of Damascus on Friday and insurgents captured and killed its pilot, rebel and Syrian military sources said. Syrian state media said the crash was due to a technical fault and the pilot had ejected. The rebel group Jaish al-Islam said it had shot down the plane, but did not say how. The military source accused Jaish al-Islam of killing the pilot after he parachuted into an area controlled by the group. "This despicable crime carried out by what is called the terrorist Jaish al-Islam will not go unpunished," the source said. Jaish al-Islam said the pilot was killed by a fighter from the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front while being held at a joint command centre. Jaish al-Islam had earlier said he would be handed over to them because they had shot down his plane. Jaish al-Islam, which controls territory on the Syrian capital's eastern and northeastern outskirts, had earlier circulated a photo that it said showed the pilot. "We call on the Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham to issue a statement explaining what happened and also call on them to hand over the pilot's body," a Jaish al-Islam statement said. Ahrar al-Sham is another large insurgent group. Rebels shot down at least two warplanes earlier this year. The Syrian government said one of them had been downed by an anti-aircraft missile, but rebels said they had used anti-aircraft guns. Czech Republic says you can call us Czechia PRAGUE, July 1 (Reuters) - Czechia has become the official English alternative name for the Czech Republic, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, allowing users to save space on name tags and product labels. A spokeswoman said the ministry had notified the United Nations that Czechia, as well as versions of the name in French, German, Russian, Arabic and Chinese, may be used instead of the full political name. This marks an end to more than two decades of hesitation on finding a single word name for the western part of the former Czechoslovakia, a federation of Czechia and Slovakia that broke up peacefully in 1993. But not all Czechs are happy. When the cabinet announced a decision to go ahead with the title earlier this year, an informal survey by news website idnes.cz found more than 22,000 people said they did not like it against 7,000 who did. The ministry said it would not push the new name but would let it take root naturally over time through voluntary use. "This does not mean it will be used at all international gatherings from now on," spokeswoman Michaela Lagronova said. The country of 10.6 million people consists of the historical lands of Bohemia (Cechy in Czech), Moravia and part of Silesia. While some experts argue Bohemia was, in medieval times, used as a name for the entire country, people from those regions have protested against using it. Czechia is based on a Latin name for the country used in 17th and 18th century texts. Civilians fleeing Iraq's Falluja should not be "coerced" to return - aid agencies By Lin Taylor LONDON, July 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Civilians who have fled Falluja should not be coerced to return because of poor conditions in displacement camps or by Iraqi authorities, aid agencies say, as insecurity remains rife and explosives have not been cleared in the city. A report on Thursday from the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said Iraqi authorities will allow civilians displaced by the assault on Islamic State-held Falluja to start returning home as early as August. The UNHCR, noting the government's plans, said the level of destruction will make their return difficult in the short term and explosives would pose a hazard to residents. It said authorities in Anbar governorate have reportedly asked all displaced "government education employees" to return to work by July 12 or risk losing their salary. They have also asked for volunteers to help clean the city by August, UNHCR said. "It's important that people feel they can make a choice freely and are not forced into making a decision," Caroline Gluck, UNHCR's senior public information officer in Baghdad, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. She said she was concerned some people "will be coerced into return before they feel it will be safe for them and their families to go home." More than 85,000 people fled their homes during a month-long campaign that ended on Sunday when Iraqi authorities declared they had completely recaptured the city, an hour's drive west of Baghdad. The civilians at government-run camps, who make up about a third of Falluja's total population before Islamic State took over two and a half years ago, are currently relying on handouts from the U.N. and aid groups. Lack of funding means many do not have adequate shelter, food or water amid temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). Humanitarian agencies fear poor sanitation could spread infectious diseases like cholera and skin diseases in addition to exacerbating chronic illnesses. "While it is understandable that families want to return as early as possible, and many face harsh conditions in the camps, it is important to ensure conditions are in place for that return to take place in safety and to be sustainable," Gluck said. The U.N. reported in April that explosives planted by Islamic State killed dozens of Iraqi civilians who returned to Ramadi despite warnings that much of the western city remained unsafe nearly four months after its recapture from the militants in December 2015. Aid agency Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said it was "highly unlikely" that Falluja was safe enough for civilians to return to, as it was only recaptured several days ago. NRC said conditions in displacement camps needed to improve so civilians could make an informed choice. "(This is) so they feel as comfortable as possible, so no-one feels that their only option is to go back and possibly face any danger on their way back or in Falluja," Becky Bakr Abdulla, an NRC spokeswoman in Iraq, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "This is no time for rushing... (The government) needs to give them enough information so they can make the decisions themselves without feeling pressured to return home." Four soldiers killed in blast at Hungarian firing range BUDAPEST, July 1 (Reuters) - Four soldiers were killed and one injured in an explosion at a military firing range in eastern Hungary on Fridayofficials said. All five victims were bomb disposal experts, prosecutors' spokeswoman Andrea Nagy said in confirming the deaths first reported by state media. Three Kenyan police reported held over disappearances, rights group says two dead By Edmund Blair NAIROBI, July 1 (Reuters) - Three Kenyan police officers have been detained over the disappearance of a lawyer and his client who had alleged mistreatment by the police, newspapers and broadcasters reported on Friday. A rights group said the bodies of the lawyer and his taxi driver had been found in a river northeast of the capital. Rights groups have said they believe foul play is behind the disappearance of the men and their driver, and demanded an investigation into that and other allegations of police corruption and heavy-handed tactics. A police spokesman had no immediate comment on the arrests, which were reported by the Standard newspaper and other media. Lawyer Willie Kimani and his client Josephat Mwendwa had filed a complaint alleging that Mwendwa had been shot and injured by police in April. Mwendwa was then charged with a range of offences, including possessing drugs, gambling in public and resisting arrest, rights activists said. Both men went missing along with Joseph Muiruri, a driver who picked them up after a court hearing on June 23. The U.S.-based International Justice Mission (IJM), which Kimani and Muiruri worked for, said their two bodies had been found in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River to the northeast of the capital. Mwendwa's whereabouts were still unknown. Police could not immediately be reached for comment on the bodies. The office of the police inspector general had said on Thursday that efforts to trace the men continued, and that if police officers or others were implicated in any crime, "the law will doubtless take its own course". The New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Thursday that there was "credible evidence the men were, at some point, in the custody of Kenya's Administration Police, and may be victims of an enforced disappearance". Members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) marched to the inspector general's office on Thursday to demand an investigation. Williams names new chair, stands by CEO after board upheaval By Mike Stone and Michael Flaherty July 1 (Reuters) - Williams Cos Inc's board stood by CEO Alan Armstrong and named a new chairman on Friday after six directors resigned following a failed attempt to unseat him. Williams appointed director Kathleen Cooper as the company's new chairman, adding in a news release that Armstrong is the "right Chief Executive Officer for Williams." Two of the directors who stepped down filed responses of their own on Friday, with one promising to be more effective driving changes at Williams from outside the board. The U.S. oil pipeline company now finds itself with nearly half of its board wiped out, its business under pressure from depressed energy prices and without a public takeover partner for the first time since September 2015. Thursday's resignations from the company's 13-member board came a day after Energy Transfer Equity walked away from its more than $20 billion deal to buy Williams after months of rancor between the rival pipeline companies. The six directors resigned after failing to obtain majority support on the board to fire Armstrong, Reuters reported on Thursday. Former Chairman Frank MacInnis and directors Ralph Izzo, Eric Mandelblatt, Keith Meister, Steven Nance and Laura Sugg disagreed with the direction of the board and resigned, the company said, adding that it will evaluate the appropriate size and composition of the board. Williams' stock was down 4.7 percent at $20.62 on Friday. Meister is the founder of hedge fund Corvex Management and Mandelblatt runs Soroban Capital Partners, which collectively own 8.4 percent of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams. The two showed no signs of exiting their Williams positions amid the turmoil. Meister, Williams' third-largest shareholder, explained his resignation in a regulatory filing on Friday, saying that remaining a director would send the wrong signal that he supported Armstrong. "I believe I will be more effective from outside the Company than within, and will seek to protect our interests and the interest of other shareholders from outside this diminished Boardroom," Meister said in a letter to the board. Mandelblatt, whose fund is the sixth-largest shareholder, said "it has unfortunately become evident that the CEO of the Company, Alan Armstrong, is incapable of maximizing shareholder value and, instead, is primarily focused on maintaining his role as CEO." Not all Williams investors share that view. "Alan is a fine choice, there has been a lot of uncertainty in the company amongst the employees and Alan is a stabilizing force," said Rob Thummel, a portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital Advisors LLC, the company's tenth-largest shareholder. Still, shareholders who want representation on the new board have an opportunity when Williams schedules its annual meeting, which was delayed by the ETE negotiations. Williams bylaws also allow shareholders to nominate directors outside of the annual meeting process, through a written consent process, according to its proxy statement. In response to Corvex's and Soroban's filing a Williams representative said in a statement: "The Board and management look forward to speaking with stockholders in the coming weeks to hear their views and outline the Company's strategic plan for the future." London bankers face Brexit choice: lobby or leave By Sinead Cruise and Lawrence White LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) - A week after Britons voted themselves out of the European Union, many London-based bankers and their employers face two options if they are to secure their futures: lobby or leave. Some investment banks, anxious not to stir speculation of an exodus from the historic City of London and its modern counterpart at Canary Wharf, have given out "business as usual" messages since last week's shock referendum result. But beyond the soothing words the wider industry is hastily organising a lobbying effort in the hope London can keep selling financial services across Europe, a right to which it has become accustomed but may lapse when Britain finally exits the 28-nation bloc. The alternative for banks and bankers, growing increasingly insecure in an information vacuum that has developed since the June 23 vote, is to get out. Headhunters report a level of anxious calls they haven't seen since the 2008 global crisis, with bankers asking about prospects in rival financial centres that remain in the EU, or those in Asia and the United States. Banks and other financial firms have rallied together, forming a group to devise a strategy for protecting the turf of an industry that is Britain's biggest exporter and accounts for more than 10 percent of its tax revenues. Even Britain's biggest lenders are relying on the group - led by Shriti Vadera, chairwoman of the UK arm of Spain's Banco Santander who is also a former business minister - for guidance in such uncertain times. "We are looking to them to have an intelligent response," Barclays chairman John McFarlane told an industry event on Thursday. "We neither know the shape or direction of things to come. It's far from certain what we might be able to secure from discussions with the EU." With the British government in disarray, European politicians are threatening to clip the wings of the London financial centre that is home to more than 250 foreign banks and more than three-quarters of the EU's capital markets activity. French President Francois Hollande has backed calls for London, the world's biggest currency trading centre, to lose its right to clear deals denominated in euros. Likewise, the right of banks based in Britain to operate across the EU under the bloc's financial "passporting" arrangement could also go if it loses access to the single European market. DISTANT SEPTEMBER Britain has yet even to say when it will formally inform the EU of its intention to leave, a move that will start two years of divorce negotiations. Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will resign, but left the formal exit notification to his successor who is unlikely to be installed until September. Leading "Leave" campaigners have also yet to say precisely what they want, beyond stating their desire to control the right of EU citizens to work in Britain - something Brussels says is impossible if the country wants to stay in the single market. So while the financial sector is poised to lobby, it has little idea of whom it must present its case to on the British side. "We are ready to talk, but we don't know who we should be talking to," said a senior banking industry source involved in the discussions. "No-one has defined 'leave', so we don't know what it is that we're dealing with ... September feels a very long way off." Bankers said their message to European officials is that keeping Britain in the single market would be better for economic growth and jobs across the bloc. Fights over where banks do their business and forcing them into major overhauls of their operations would damage the broader financial system, they argue. Some dislike being told what to do, such as HSBC Chairman Douglas Flint, whose bank decided only earlier this year against moving its headquarters from London. "Politicians can't dictate where things are done," he told Thursday's TheCityUK annual conference. Sometimes the relationships needed for lobbying are only now being established. The benefits of passporting have meant that U.S. investment banks in particular have rarely discussed broad market access issues with European officials, meaning they are starting their charm offensive from scratch. WHERE TO GO NEXT Rumours are swirling that banks and other financial firms, which together employ more than 2 million people across Britain, will move staff to the likes of Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin. Investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have moved quickly to quell speculation they are about to do so. But some bankers, especially those involved in mergers and acquisitions, fear a repeat of the heavy job cuts, tumbling salaries and sky-high stress levels during the 2008-09 crisis. "People in UK M&A know they aren't getting paid bonuses this year ... But that's just one of their troubles," said THS Partners Portfolio Manager Xavier Van Hove. "They know banks are going to have to fire people so they are very conscious of that. And the Europeans among them are wondering where they go next." Stephane Rambosson, managing partner for the UK and head of financial services at headhunter DHR International, said he had taken more than a dozen calls from senior London-based investment, M&A and equity capital markets bankers in the past week. The questions they asked were all the same: how safe is my job? Where will I need to move my family? "The last time it happened was during the crisis, when people were equally concerned about job prospects and the direction of their careers," Rambosson said. "People know this is something they have to plan for but there's little for them to go on right now." ESCAPE ROUTES Some in the industry are contemplating leaving Europe altogether. "We are getting more resumes every day from London," said Matthew Hoyle, who runs a financial services headhunting firm in Hong Kong. "I don't think many people in London are very keen to move to Paris, Frankfurt ... English is a problem there and it's really very different from London." Uday Singh, a New York-based partner with consulting firm A.T. Kearney, said he believes London-based financial executives will give serious thought to moving to the United States. "The U.S. actually has a pretty permissive immigration regime where qualified company executives are concerned. It's a matter of a couple of months of visa processing and the job can certainly be done from here," he said. Leaders of British banking remain hopeful that the next government will negotiate continued access to the single market. For that reason, they say they are not yet ready to spend billions beefing up or launching subsidiaries in the EU. "We are all working on multiple scenarios. For many firms, it would be premature to activate all that pre-referendum planning," said Clare Woodman, global chief operating officer for institutional securities at Morgan Stanley. But others worry whether the industry - still tainted by the bank failures of 2008-09, 'fat cat' bonuses and a magnet for public scorn - can secure the backing it needs. "We won't gain much from trying to remind the electorate how important we are to them, we need to get other advocates for our industry," David Sproul, Chief Executive of Deloitte told the TheCityUK conference. Meanwhile, London's rivals are moving aggressively to capitalise on its limbo by wooing bankers. "Finance ministries are getting in touch. I won't say who we're talking to but, well, French-speaking, German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Dutch-speaking, English-speaking countries are all interested," the senior banking source said. Italy's biggest Chinese community clashes with police near Florence By Silvia Ognibene FLORENCE, Italy, July 1 (Reuters) - Violent clashes broke out this week between police and the local Chinese community in Prato near Florence in central Italy, home to one of the largest concentrations of Chinese-run industry in Europe. Tensions had been rising in the town, Italy's textile capital, where people began emigrating from China in the mid-1990s. Some 50,000 Chinese work in the area, making clothes and handbags with the prized "Made in Italy" label. Many of these firms thrive on the labour of illegal immigrants, ignoring safety rules and evading taxes. The area is also the focus of an investigation into allegations of money smuggling worth 4.5 billion euros to China from Italy between 2006 and 2010. Trouble started on Wednesday when state health officials, who stepped up checks after seven people died in a fire at a garment workshop in 2013, went to inspect a factory. The owner reacted angrily when an inspector raised minor violations of health and safety rules, shoving the inspector and the police who were accompanying him, according to a police source. Chinese workers then barricaded themselves inside the factory, and hundreds more gathered outside, throwing stones and bottles at the police carrying truncheons and shields who went in to disperse the crowd. Two Chinese citizens and a policeman were injured. Regional president Enrico Rossi said on Friday that he had discussed the incident with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Rossi vowed to tackle crime in the area, where he said half of all economic activity is illegal, 1 billion euros ($1.11 billion) in taxes go unpaid every year, and money is laundered through international transfers. "The situation is unacceptable," Rossi told Reuters. "We need the Chinese community to respect the law and integrate, we cannot have 'free zones'. We will keep up inspections to clean up this immense production system." Chinese officials in Florence went to the site of the clashes and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news conference on Friday that the situation was under control. China had asked Italy "to enforce the law in a civilised way, conduct fair investigation and protect the security and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Italy". Hong also advised Chinese people in Italy to "defend their rights and interests in a law-abiding and rational way", his ministry said on its website. In the aftermath of the clash, the factory owner and a worker were arrested on suspicion of causing injury and resisting public officials. Protesters gathered outside the court that confirmed the arrest order, saying public officials used excessive force when inspecting the factories. Brazil cenbank chief says to reduce FX swap stock- paper BRASILIA, July 1 (Reuters) - Brazil's central bank aims to reduce its stock of currency swaps and does not rule out direct intervention in the forex market to reduce volatility, central bank governor Ilan Goldfajn said in an interview published by newspaper Valor Economico on Friday. Goldfajn, who took over the bank's presidency in June, said the objective of the bank's currency policy is to have a free-floating exchange rate and reduce the currency swaps stock that stands at a little over $60 billion. "It seems appropriate to reduce the stock of exchange instruments," Goldfajn was quoted as saying by the newspaper. He did not specify how the bank will reduce the stock, but added: "We will see when there is a window of opportunity." Over the last three years the bank had built up a stock of more than $100 billion worth of currency swaps, which function like dollar sales to investors but cost taxpayers dearly when the real declines. The central bank under Goldfajn's predecessor Alexandre Tombini had sharply reduced that stock by selling reverse currency swaps in recent months to weaken the real. But the bank put that instrument aside for more than one month as the new chief took charge, fostering bets that Goldfajn could be more willing to tolerate a stronger currency. On Friday, the bank resumed its interventions by selling $500 million worth of reverse currency swaps after the real posted its biggest monthly gain in 13 years in June. The real has appreciated around 30 percent since its record low reached in mid-January as investors raised their bets on a change of government that would be positive for an economy in its second year of recession. In May, President Dilma Rousseff was suspended to stand trial in the Senate on charges of breaking fiscal rules. She denies any wrongdoing. Her replacement, vice president Michel Temer, has vowed to reduce state intervention in the economy and bolster private investment. Goldfajn, 50, who quit as chief economist of Itau Unibanco Holding SA to join the central bank, did not rule out purchasing dollars to build up international reserves and limit currency volatility. UN rights investigator urges Myanmar to crack down on religious violence By Wa Lone and Antoni Slodkowski YANGON, July 1 (Reuters) - A United Nations human rights investigator on Friday urged the Myanmar government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi to investigate last week's mob attack on a mosque and crack down on religious violence. In one of the most serious outbursts of inter-religious violence in months, a group of men from a village in central Myanmar last week destroyed a mosque in a dispute over its construction and beat up a Muslim man. In a separate incident on Friday, Buddhists burned down a Muslim prayer hall in northern Kachin State, police said. The attacks underscore the challenges Suu Kyi faces as she deals with the legacy of decades of direct junta rule and bitter religious and ethnic divisions. Religious tensions have simmered in Buddhist-majority Myanmar for almost half a century of military rule, before boiling over in 2012 into clashes between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Violence between Muslims and Buddhists in other parts of the country followed in 2013 and 2014. Yanghee Lee, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, said she was concerned by reports that the government would not investigate last week's attack on the mosque. "This is precisely the wrong signal to send. The government must demonstrate that instigating and committing violence against ethnic or religious minorities has no place in Myanmar," said Lee at the end of a 12-day visit to the country. Incidents of hate speech, discrimination, hatred, violence and religious intolerance were a cause for concern, she said. "The incident can be seen as an attack on the past, present and future of one community. It is vital that the government takes action, including by conducting a thorough investigation and holding perpetrators to account," she said. As she was speaking on Friday, local police and members of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy said villagers in Kachin State burned down a Muslim prayer hall after a dispute over its location. "We tried to negotiate between them to avoid this growing into a serious conflict, but no one could stop them," said Tin Soe, NLD member of parliament from the area. He said the mob attacked police officers guarding the site and stopped the fire engine from reaching it. Police have not arrested anyone involved. "We will take action on this case according to the law, but we need to follow instructions from above," police major Kyaw Zaw Oo from a local police station told Reuters by telephone. Campaigners welcome news U.S. on track to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees By Sebastien Malo NEW YORK, July 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Refugee advocates have welcomed an assessment by a senior U.S. official that the United States is on track to hit a target of resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees by the end of September. So far, the United States has offered refuge to far fewer of the millions fleeing the war in Syria than many of its closest allies. Germany has taken in hundreds of thousands and Canada admitted nearly 30,000 between November 2015 and May 1, 2016. President Barack Obama had called for a sharp increase in the number of Syrian refugees resettled in the United States in the 2016 fiscal year. But the plan to admit 10,000 Syrians was met with a firestorm of criticism, mostly from Republicans who say militants could enter the country by posing as refugees. On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told Congress the United States had already approved 5,000 Syrian refugees for resettlement and was likely to meet the target. Naomi Steinberg, director of Refugee Council USA, said reaching the halfway mark was an important milestone. "We're hoping that this is just laying the foundation for bringing in more Syrian refugees in upcoming fiscal years," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Nearly 5 million Syrians have fled their country since the outbreak of civil war in 2011, according to the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR. The slow pace of the U.S. admission process, which entails vetting refugees by means of interviews, medical exams and security checks, contrasts with the speed of refugee processing in neighboring Canada. Jen Smyers, a spokeswoman for Church World Service, an international humanitarian organization and one of the agencies resettling refugees in the United States, said meeting the 10,000 target would give Washington the "moral leadership" to ask other nations to do more. "We're certainly heartened to hear that the administration is taking very seriously their commitment and their responsibility," Smyers said. "(But) the reality is that while the U.S. actually meeting its goal is certainly encouraging, we're still not resettling as many refugees as we should be." On Wednesday, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, took aim at nations she said are failing to help refugees fleeing war in the Middle East and elsewhere, calling anti-immigrant rhetoric and sentiment misguided. Stacie Blake of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, said even the 10,000 goal fell far short of what was needed given the scale of the crisis. Her organisation last year called for the resettlement of 100,000 Syrian refugees in the United States. A Holt County judge has ordered TransCanada to repay fees and costs incurred by some of the Nebraskans the company took to court to try to force easements for the failed Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL died in November when President Barack Obama rejected a permit TransCanada needed to build across the border between the United States and Canada. On Thursday, Holt County District Court Judge Alan Brodbeck said the landowners in 19 condemnation cases are entitled to get $8,844.21 each for reimbursement of fees and costs. They are a portion of the 56 landowners represented by Domina Law Group of Omaha who have requested reparation. The other cases are in different counties and will have to be ruled on by judges in those counties. If the other judges order the same, TransCanada will be on the hook for just under $500,000, a small sum compared to the $3.1 billion the company spent trying to bring the project to fruition. By the time Obama killed Keystone XL, TransCanada already had 90 percent of the easements it needed in Nebraska. Owners of the remaining 10 percent fought lengthy legal battles and mounted multiple court challenges that delayed its progress and helped turn the Keystone XL into a political and national symbol of the battle between oil industry, property rights and environmental interests. The money awarded to landowners Thursday will cover only costs associated with their condemnation cases, which began Jan. 20, 2015, and likely will come nowhere close to the amount actually spent fighting the pipeline. TransCanadas authority to use condemnation proceedings to get easements expired two years after then-Gov. Dave Heineman approved its Nebraska route in January 2013. With that window closed, Brodbeck said in the order, TransCanada cannot refile condemnation proceedings, which amounts to abandonment of the project and entitles landowners to reimbursement under state law. TransCanada, meanwhile, has filed a petition seeking to recoup $15 billion from the United States, alleging Obamas rejection of the project was unusual and capricious. The Alberta, Canada-based company filed paperwork about a week ago seeking reparation through arbitration allowed under a provision of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The amount TransCanada has requested takes into account what it says is the lost value of its investments and economic return. The company also filed a federal lawsuit earlier this year seeking to overturn Obama's decision. Germany, Turkey at odds over Incirlik base visits ANKARA, July 1 (Reuters) - Germany is pressing Turkey to allow German lawmakers to visit 250 German soldiers stationed at Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday, after meeting her Turkish counterpart. Germany sent troops, six Tornado surveillance jets and a tanker aircraft to Incirlik late last year as part of the U.S-led fight against Islamic State militants. Germany is also working with Turkey in the Aegean Sea to stop illegal migrant flows. Von der Leyen met Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik on Friday in Ankara after visiting the base and said they would continue to try to resolve their disagreements on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Warsaw next week. Turkey's prime minister this week approved von der Leyen's visit, reversing an apparent effort to block the trip that angered German lawmakers and prompted some to suggest an end to German deployments to Turkey. Von der Leyen, who travelled to the base without media or parliamentarians, said she told Isik how important it was to give German lawmakers responsible for military matters access to their troops in Turkey. "We agreed to continue discussions about our many common interests, as well as difficult topics," von der Leyen said. Von der Leyen said she conveyed her condolences to Isik after suicide bombers killed 44 people in Istanbul this week. She pledged to continue to fight extremism. "We stand at Turkey's side," she said. Strained relations between Turkey and Germany took a turn for the worse in May after the German parliament passed a resolution declaring the 1915 massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces was genocide. Spain records first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus MADRID, July 1 (Reuters) - Spain has recorded its first known case of the Zika virus being sexually transmitted, after a woman contracted it from her partner after he returned from a Latin American country, health authorities in Madrid said on Friday. The mosquito-borne Zika virus has been linked to thousands of cases of the microcephaly birth defect in countries such as Brazil, which has declared a public health emergency over the disease. The birth defect is marked by babies born with brain abnormalities and undersized heads. The woman's partner had been diagnosed with Zika shortly after returning from an unspecified country in Latin America in either late April or early May, a spokesman for Madrid's health authorities said. The woman, who is from Madrid, probably contracted it just after he returned, the spokesman said. Spanish media reported that the woman is not pregnant. Before the announcement of the new case, Spain had 158 known cases of Zika infections at last count, all of which resulted from travelling overseas. U.S. charges Spanish man with lying in Potash insider trading probe By Jonathan Stempel July 1 (Reuters) - A U.S. grand jury has charged a Spanish investor with lying to regulators probing insider trading ahead of an August 2010 hostile bid for Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc, even though he had been cleared of charges over his own trading. An indictment announced on Friday by federal prosecutors in Chicago charged Luis Martin-Caro Sanchez, 42, of Madrid, with one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of perjury. The U.S. Department of Justice said Sanchez lied in a July 2011 Securities and Exchange Commission deposition when he denied knowing other people who bought Potash securities before Potash revealed Anglo-Australian mining company BHP Billiton Plc's unsolicited $38.6 billion takeover bid. Prosecutors said Sanchez in fact made several calls to two of those people in the days before the offer became public. They also said he concealed information about a Swiss bank account he maintained, and to which a friend had wired 100,000 euros of proceeds from selling Potash stock options. Prosecutors said the SEC did not discover the account and the transfer until January 2014, long after a federal judge in December 2011 dismissed that regulator's own civil insider trading case against Sanchez. The Justice Department said it will seek Sanchez's extradition. He faces up to 20 years in prison on the obstruction charge. It is unclear whether Sanchez has a lawyer. A lawyer who defended him in the SEC case on Friday said he does not represent Sanchez in the criminal case. The SEC had accused Sanchez of insider trading after he allegedly made $496,953, equal to a 1,046 percent return, in just five days by investing in Potash call options, but the judge found insufficient evidence. Potash's share price rose more than 25 percent on Aug. 17, 2010 when it revealed and rejected BHP Billiton's takeover bid. Canada ultimately blocked the takeover on the ground that it did not provide a "net benefit" to the country. The case is U.S. v. Sanchez, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 16-cr-00426. Guinea-Bissau confirms three cases of Zika virus, government says BISSAU, July 1 (Reuters) - Guinea-Bissau has confirmed its first three cases of the Zika virus in a group of islands off the mainland and has set up an emergency committee to stop further transmission of the disease, the government said on Friday. Experts have feared the tiny nation could become a gateway for Zika's spread to mainland West Africa, after an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus was first recorded in the African island chain of Cape Verde late last year. "The Health Minister has informed (the government) of three confirmed cases of Zika virus contamination located in the Bijagos Archipelago," read a government statement sent to reporters. Zika is spreading through the Caribbean and Latin America. Only about 20 percent of infected cases display symptoms, which are usually mild and include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. But the CDC says it can be spread from pregnant women to fetuses and has been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and sometimes brain damage. Guinea-Bissau's government said it was establishing a committee headed by Prime Minister Baciro Dja that would impose a series of measures aimed at containing the disease. The statement did not give the suspected origin of the three cases. The World Health Organisation confirmed in May that Cape Verde's Zika strain was the same one found in Brazil, where more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly have been recorded in babies whose mothers were infected with the virus during pregnancy. The Cape Verde islands are located nearly 600 km (370 miles) off Africa's western Atlantic coast, creating a geographical buffer with a West African region still reeling from the deadliest Ebola epidemic on record. However, Guinea-Bissau's Bijagos Archipelago begins just a short boat ride from the mainland. The maze of islands and waterways have helped make the chronically unstable, coup-prone nation a major transit point for South American cocaine heading to Europe. GRAINS-U.S. wheat, soybeans, corn fall on rising supply view By Mark Weinraub CHICAGO, July 1 (Reuters) - U.S. wheat futures sank to multi-year lows on Friday, pressured by an ample global stockpile that was expected to grow even larger due to a bountiful harvest, traders said. Corn and soybean futures also weakened, with soybeans settling back from a rally on Thursday that pushed prices to a two-week high. The U.S. Agriculture Department's acreage report from Thursday, which showed a surprise bump in corn and spring wheat acreage, continued to cast a shadow over the grains market. "The market is back to trading fundamentals," said Greg Grow, director of agribusiness at Archer Financial Services. "The acreage increase in corn was unexpected, the acreage increase in spring wheat was unexpected. The world is well supplied in feed grains right now." The front-month Chicago Board of Trade soft red winter wheat contract shed 3.5 percent to a nine-year low while K.C. hard red winter wheat touched a fresh 10-year low. Forecasts for benign weather across much of the U.S. Midwest during the next few weeks - a key time for corn development - also weighed on prices. "Highs warm into the mid to upper 90s (degrees Fahrenheit) for the far southern/western Midwest next Wednesday to Friday, but the rain ahead of this event will recharge soil moisture and lessen stress to pollinating corn," Commodity Weather Group said in a note to clients. Private analytics firm Informa Economics forecast U.S. corn production at 14.531 billion bushels and soybean production at 3.89 billion bushels. Both estimates were above the current U.S. Agriculture Department outlook. CBOT soft red winter wheat for September delivery settled down 15-1/4 cents at $4.30-1/4 a bushel, K.C. September hard red winter wheat was 11 cents lower at $4.11-1/2 a bushel and MGEX September spring wheat was down 9 cents at $4.99-1/4 a bushel. CBOT December corn was off 4-1/4 cents at $3.67 a bushel. CBOT November soybeans were down 15-3/4 cents at $11.37-1/2 a bushel. For the week, CBOT soft red winter wheat was down 7.7 percent, its biggest weekly decline in two years. K.C. wheat was off 6.7 percent, its fourth straight weekly loss. Sierra Leone diplomat is kidnapped in Nigeria -sources KADUNA, Nigeria July 1 (Reuters) - Sierra Leone's deputy high commissioner in Nigeria has been kidnapped in the northern state of Kaduna, a security source and an embassy official said on Friday. An investigator from Nigeria's Department of State Security (DSS) said Major-General Nelson Williams had been abducted, but did not disclose when the kidnapping took place. "We are in touch with the kidnappers. They made some demands and we are trying to see how we can meet it and secure his freedom," said the DSS investigator, who wanted to remain anonymous. An official at Sierra Leone's embassy in the capital, Abuja, who also did not want to be named, confirmed that the abduction had taken place. Kidnapping for ransom is a common problem in some parts of Nigeria. Spain enters race to host EU bank regulator MADRID, July 1 (Reuters) - Spain will compete with other countries in the European Union to host the headquarters of the EU's London-based bank regulator following Britain's decision to leave the bloc, its deputy prime minister said on Friday. The race to host the European Banking Authority is led by Paris and Frankfurt, the largest EU financial centres, but no decision has been reached and other countries have also put themselves forward in the scramble to give London's agencies a new home. Spain has set up a working group to drive Spain's bid for the EBA and for the London-based European Medicines Agency, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria told a news conference. Santamaria also said Spain would seek to lure international banks based in London which are looking to move their operations to remain inside the European Union. "We will focus intensely on measures that can help us to boost the competitiveness that Spain already has, such as its level of economic growth, so that financial institutions that need a secondary base in the EU move here," she said. An EBA spokeswoman said last Sunday that the European Union would have to decide on relocation and in the meantime the agency would continue to operate in London. I worked with a German organisation for almost six years, and during that time, made numerous visits to the country. One of the things that most impressed me was how this industrial giant, famed for its technical skills, had managed to boost the share of renewable energy in its mix. More than 27 per cent of Germany's electricity now comes from renewable energy. This is a rise from just about 9 per cent in ten years, a phenomenal turnaround. India aims to raise its renewable energy generation up to 40 per cent of its own energy mix by 2040, and unlike Germany, it has to expand its energy base massively. To do this, we need partners, and it seems like Germany's industry would be an ideal one. So when we bought a car a few years back, I was pleased that we were able to pick up a German make - a Skoda, to be precise, a Czech design owned by Volkswagen. Other than the engineering, we thought it would also be a cleaner car - abiding by the more difficult standards set by Germany and the European Union. Imagine my surprise, then, when I took the car in for a routine pollution check, and was told that it had failed. It had been only a month after the normal servicing, so that added to my surprise. My wife took the car - it is actually hers, and thus quite well cared for - to another pollution check centre, and that also showed high levels of CO2. We took the car to the service centre, and after a few days they said there was nothing wrong. We asked for a pollution check to be done, and they said they would get a pollution check certificate. At which point my wife lost her temper, and said, "Will you get us a certificate, or will it pass the pollution check? Because if I take the car to a pollution check centre and find I am driving a polluting vehicle, we will hold you liable." At this point the service centre checked again, and called up "technical experts", who asked if they could open up the engine - which is a huge intervention. Another week later, they said that they would have to change the engine head, but because they were feeling so generous, they would only charge us a third of the cost, a lakh. This problem lies at the heart of the energy transformation that is happening in the world. I had been overseas while much of this was happening, over a month after that first pollution check. I came back to town and went to the workshop, and asked them to explain. The manager there told me an interesting story. He said that this was not our fault or theirs, that this type of thing happened once in a while because of water being mixed with diesel in India, and it led to carbon deposits in the valves in the cylinder heads. This led to leakage of gasses, thus the pollution check failure. I told him the car was a petrol one, at which point he said, in a surprised tone, "I've never heard this happen in a petrol car." Let us leave that aside. Maybe the servicing workshop is merely incompetent. What the manager was telling me was something far more important. He was saying that Skoda, and Volkswagen (the engines are made by them) knew of a problem affecting some of their cars due to adulterated fuel. In response, they had not chosen to confront the issue, and instead merely passed on the problem to customers like us. Possibly they gambled that pollution checks are not done that often, and if they do fail, people are satisfied with a fake pollution check certificate. In case somebody, like my wife, refused to drive a polluting vehicle, we were handed a very large bill to change a part that they knew had a small but sure likelihood of failing. What does this mean? Is it just that Skoda, and its parent company, Volkswagen, is unethical? Volkswagen just paid $15 billion in fines in the US for building cars that would bypass emissions tests so that they could cheat pollution checks. But that is too simple an answer. German companies - including Volkswagen - have built their reputations on good products, not on cheating. Cheaters always get caught, and that is bad for reputations. The problem is different. It is that such companies see places like India merely as a market for short-term gains. They are here to simply sell their goods, not change the system for good. If they see a problem - as they see one in adulterated fuel in India - they do not lobby the government to change the problem, highlighting the risks. They do not change the designs of their engines to deal with the problem. Instead, they stay quiet, sell us the goods, and charge us more when they malfunction. This problem lies at the heart of the energy transformation that is happening in the world. The developed countries have built systems and laws that they are able to enforce in their own countries after decades, even centuries of heavy pollution. Strangely, developed countries want the developing countries to abide by these laws, but are not willing to help the latter develop effective administrative framework. In the meanwhile, companies like Volkswagen mint money by selling us products which are bound to fail in conditions that prevail in countries like India. Ruby Rai's one-line essay "Pranam Tulsidas ji" and her statement that she thought political science is related to cooking made me laugh despite myself at her innocence. She recently told the media that she had just wanted to pass, not top. This reflects on her naivete, even though she was caught cheating in the Bihar board exams. There is an ingenuity about this 17-year-old girl - there is no running away from the fact that she is a culprit, but there is still a simplicity that draws sympathy, not wrath. How many remote villages and towns in India have functional schools? I agree with the governments decision to arrest the man behind this scam and the Bihar School Examination Board Chairman and his wife, also an MLA. I also concurred with their call last year to put behind bars hundreds of students who were caught climbing a wall to help other students cheat in school exams. But what purpose does the arrest of Ruby Rai and the four others serve now? Are they criminals or victims of a system that forced them to resort to tactics such as cheating? They were well aware of what they were doing, but I refuse to believe that they had the means to contact the powerful mastermind behind the scheme, much less bribe and coax him. If at all, their parents must be incarcerated for teaching their children to adopt illegal methods, including bribery. The state government should recognise its failure that even after what happened in May 2015, and after all the mocking and flak they received, they failed to uproot the problem. If the arrests of those families was a sufficient check then why did it not stop Ruby Rai and her like? The mafia and goons who run these systematic rackets with the blessing of local MLAs and leaders need to be stopped and punished. Society should be held culpable for exerting pressure on children to pass, excel and succeed despite their circumstances or rather oblivious of their situation in life. Why do we shame and blame those who cannot clear an academic hurdle? The tests of life are far more daunting than scoring marks. I went to some of the best schools in Patna and Delhi and I can vouch that children cheat with impunity, sometimes right under the nose of teachers. But the system, administrators and educators are more forgiving, and why? Because they are too prestigious to risk their reputation or because families these kids hail from are richer, better connected and well-known. Teachers who moulded Ruby should be taken into account, for if she did not know what political science is she had no business getting into Class XII in the first place. The HRD ministry must be incriminated and the methods it employs in hiring and recruiting teachers must be investigated. Despite education now being a fundamental right, how many remote villages and towns in India have functional schools? Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze, in their well-researched An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions point out how acute the absenteeism among teachers is despite decent pay. It is they who deserve this censure. Further, the nature of the misdemeanor should be given due consideration. When the culprits in the Nirbhaya rape case can be excused based on their age, why are we crucifying Ruby Rai? Yes, her family has not given an affidavit or made any statement with regard to her juvenile status and let us assume she is not one. But how different is 17 from 18, what sudden enlightenment would this girl have attained in a gap of a few days or months? And who will take responsibility for her future? What will happen to her after her release? Will she emerge traumatised, scarred or emboldened? Will she then not need professional treatment, love and care instead of the social isolation that will greet her? She is a woman (whose picture has gone viral on the internet) and lives in a backward district like Vaishali in a less-advanced state like Bihar. Which school or college in our country will give her a second chance to prove herself? Which man in patriarchal Bihar will marry her? Even if he agrees to marry her, how much more dowry will his parents demand given the apparent "blot" on her character? How many mediapersons will remember this "infamous" name? How many will write about her and continue to worry for her future? Perhaps none. Ruby Rai will soon be history and her infamy will be largely forgotten, but not forgiven. This quote from Les Miserables gives us much to reflect upon. Teach the ignorant as much as you can; society is culpable in not providing a free education for all and it must answer for the night which it produces. If the soul is left in darkness sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but he who causes the darkness. President Obamas point man on figuring out how to combat the rise in prescription painkiller overdoses in rural America arrived in Appalachia on Thursday to talk with the governors of Virginia and Tennessee. Both states lost more residents to overdoses last year than to car accidents. Both states have been very aggressive in addressing this issue, said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, citing efforts to monitor opioid prescriptions, train providers to treat pain in other ways, expand drug courts and make overdose antidote drugs like naloxone readily available. At the same time, both states continue to have challenges in terms of death rates with heroin and opioid use, he said. Obama has asked Congress for $1 billion a year for the expansion of treatment and prevention programs. Vilsacks mission is to determine which programs work in order to persuade Congress to fund the request. Vilsack said efforts to reduce drug abuse are working. We are seeing a decline or a flattening in the enormous growth of prescriptions being filled. ... Were now seeing a plateauing, and in some states like Virginia and Tennessee a decline. So that is progress, he said. Last year, 28,000 Americans died from drug overdoses; 800 lived in Virginia. Vilsack spoke to the governors before a packed audience of people from health fields and law enforcement and judicial services. He then answered some of their questions and planned to include their written comments in reports to other cabinet members. Gov. Terry McAuliffe said that Virginia was slow to respond to the crisis, but that changes taking effect Friday will help. Physicians will be required to enter painkiller prescriptions into the states Prescription Monitoring Program database within 24 hours instead of having a week to do so, and naloxone will be available without a prescription at CVS stores. McAuliffe, who created the Governors Task Force on Prescription Drugs and Heroin Abuse after deaths from overdoses began to rapidly climb in Virginia, said the group came up with 51 recommendations. We are just starting, he said. We are a little slow. We should have done it earlier. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said his states monitoring program has reduced the number of painkiller prescriptions by 14 percent. But McAuliffe said too many painkillers are still being prescribed inappropriately. Lets be clear, they are prescribing too many drugs, he said. I just went through it with my 16-year-old daughter. My wife said, No. Youre not prescribing that to my daughter. To get a three-week supply for dental work? McAuliffe said he was given enough pills to last six months when he cracked ribs. Part of that starts with our culture, that we shouldnt be in pain of any kind, Haslam said. Thats not so. We live in a painful world. Yet health care providers are now evaluated by Medicare on measures of patient satisfaction. If youre in pain, youre not going to be satisfied, Vilsack said. Is there some way of dealing with this pain without giving pills? Or in developing non-addictive painkillers? he asked Vilsack said he learned during a private meeting earlier in the day that some treatment centers offer those with addiction substitute drugs but fail to provide wraparound services like counseling, housing or job training. I will amplify to HHS [Health and Human Services] and other entities to make sure we are not creating circumstances where we are just perpetuating the problem, he said. Vilsack plans to host similar meetings in Missouri and Nevada. He said he will use the information to seek federal funds to help states expand telemedicine, drug courts and treatment clinics. He announced during the meeting that Virginia will receive two grants to expand telemedicine, including $434,182 to Carilion Clinic to deliver health care in 12 rural counties. Vilsack said he also continues to hear of the need for drug court expansions. The cost to send a person through drug court runs $18,000, while incarceration costs $47,000, McAuliffe said. One of the issues with drug courts is as these people are being transitioned out of jail, they need housing. So were looking at programs with the USDA to create transitional housing, Vilsack said. Both governors said drug courts have proven successful, and with additional federal funding they would expand the courts to cover their states. Virginia is in line for $17 million if Obamas $1 billion request is approved; McAuliffe said that money would go toward drug courts. Democrat McAuliffe and Republican Haslam both said they would expand Medicaid so that tens of thousands more residents would have access to medical care. They also discussed the role of economic development in a region that has long relied on the now-waning coal industry. Our opportunity is to bring in advanced manufacturing jobs, McAuliffe said. In order to bring those facilities there, I have to have a work force. Instead, he hears from employers who said they cant find applicants who can pass drug tests. We are trying to build a different rural economy. One that is not based on extraction but one that is based on sustainability, Vilsack said. All this is beginning to take place. As it roots in Virginia, youre going to see a different attitude in smaller communities. A more hopeful, things-are-going-to-get-better attitude. In an earlier interview, Vilsack addressed the issue of building a stronger economy. If your tomorrow isnt going to be any better than today, its hard to convince you to take a step away from addiction, he said. By creating a more robust economy, weve begun that process. Substance abuse is personal for Vilsack. His adoptive mother was addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs. The story of her sobriety is what leads him to push for a comprehensive approach. It stared with Christmas Day of 1963, he said. She was on a train, pretty drunk on her way to see her brother. She ran out on our family at Thanksgiving. She realized that no matter how horrible she had been, God still loved her. She had a religious experience, but that was not enough, he said. She needed long-term treatment, an understanding family and a job as she lived apart from her family. That job gave her a sense of self worth that helped her stay sober for the last 14 years of her life until she died of cancer, he said. Vilsack said that people with addictions need a community that understands and supports them and doesnt ridicule. STUARTS DRAFT--Tristin Phillips did not have the best childhood. Now, however, the 2016 Stuarts Draft High School graduate has turned his life around and is living through God. From troubled child to responsible young adult, Phillips has made a 180 and has many exciting opportunities ahead of him. At age 4, Phillips parents divorced, an event that had a big impact on the young boys life. I was confused and didnt understand what was going on at the time of my parents divorce, said Phillips. All I wanted to do was be with my father. I always counted on him being there to pick me up; he had been in my life all the time so far and now I rarely saw him. Although Phillips was supposed to see his father twice a month, that is not how things played out. The next thing I knew every time he was supposed to pick me up hed call saying he was running late and then wouldnt show up, said Phillips. I would be there waiting on the steps outside my house with my bag packed waiting on him and he just wouldnt show up. As this continued, Phillips gradually started to think that his father just didnt want to see him, so he began acting out, hoping his dad would give him the attention he desperately wanted. I started acting out hoping that he would notice me with my bad behavior, said Phillips. I wanted him to show me some attention even if it was just telling me what I was doing was wrong. But even acting out was not enough to gain the attention of his father. Even though I kept getting in trouble he would still cancel or pick me up and just sleep the whole time, said Phillips. I started hanging out with the wrong kind of people and doing bad things like drinking alcohol and doing drugs. All the emotions Phillips had been building up over the years were now taking over and absorbing the young man. I had so much anger built up inside me, said Phillips. I couldnt understand what I was doing that made my father not want to spend time with me. Phillips mother took action and sent him away to get some help to deal with his anger. While he was away, his mother told their pastor, Pastor Bubba Creedle, about his story and what he had been going through. If I didn't have the Lord in my life and Pastor Bubba Creedle, I don't know how I would have made it through, said Phillips mother Lamura Church Ramsey. I fought for four years until I finally got help for Tristin. It's sad it has to get so bad before you can get help. When Lamura came to Breakthrough Life Center, she told me that her son was headed down the wrong road and needed to be redirected, said Creedle. I immediately saw an opportunity from God to be an example of Gods love. I knew God had given me a mission to establish hope, healing and restoration to a broken boy. The Lord led [my pastor] to come visit me, said Phillips. He came every week and I was confused by this. I didnt know this man yet he drove two hours to come visit with me and talk with me and teach me about the Lord. Tristin and I would just hang out and talk about day-to-day things, said Creedle. I would then encourage him and explain to him that greatness was on the inside of him. I told him that not all fathers leave and that I would be a father to him. I told him several times that he too one day would be a father and that he would know the things not to do. What I was trying to accomplish with him was that you cannot alter the past, but you can put your past on the altar. From there, Phillips picked up his life and began living a new, refreshed life. Thats where life really began for me, said Phillips. I gave my life to the Lord and between that and my mom, I began to have confidence in myself, let my anger go, and not let my father alter my future. I am so very proud of the man he has become, he has come a long way, said Ramsey. Now he wants to help others. It breaks his heart when he hears about people being on drugs and so full of anger. He knows what damage it can do. In the fall, Phillips will attend MorningStar University in South Carolina. [Its] affiliated with my church, said Phillips. As I have attended church Ive grown so much in the spirit and have grown my relationship with God. Hes revealed a calling to me over my life. I couldn't be more excited that he is going to MorningStar, said Ramsey. Tristin has a calling on his life and I know at MorningStar he will grow and have amazing experiences physically, spiritually, and mentally. MorningStar has a program called Special Forces, an intense leadership training physically, mentally and spiritually. Philips hopes to take their teaching to minister youth and even produce music. I feel MSU best suits what is required for me to be the best in my calling, said Phillips. Once I graduate I can produce music, be a youth pastor, or possibly go into the military. While Phillips is looking forward to the future, he does not forget how thankful and appreciative he is for the mother who never gave up on him. My mother never stopped fighting for me, she never gave up, said Phillips. She was a single mom and I didnt make that the easiest job, but she never gave up on me and I know she had to make decisions that werent really easy but for my own good. Im blessed to have her as a mother. Ive realized how much she loves me. It was hard for me to make some of the decisions I had to make, said Ramsey. Other people would ask: How could you do that to your son? like when I would have to call the police on him or when I sent him away. I was his parent, not his friend. I think parents need to step up and take responsibility for their children. They need guidance and direction; that is loving your child. I would do the same as I did. Phillips is also thankful for the pastor who showed him what a real father is like. My pastor took an interest in me and was there caring about me and giving me advice, said Phillips. Hes like a dad to me. He would talk to me for hours and he told me how much God loves me. Tristin, like every child, has the potential to be great, they just need to be pointed in the right direction, said Creedle. I do believe that Tristin will be a father to the fatherless, a voice of hope for the hurting. Whatever and wherever Tristin goes I know that the seed of Gods love is in him and I am fully persuaded that Tristin will be successful in whatever he does. Most importantly, Phillips is grateful for his decision to let God into his life. Once I let God lead my life, he changed everything for me, said Phillips. I have a purpose and a calling, and I will walk in my destiny. If I can change just one life, it will all be worth it. Today, Philips is still working on his relationship with father, Darren Joel Phillips. He sees him a couple times a year, but their relationship still is rocky. There has never really been a relationship with my father, said Phillips. Chances are there wont be a close relationship with him. With everything Ive been through its helped me to move on and not let it alter my life anymore. I still love him and care about him but I feel if he really cared then he would have been there for me and he never was so there will never really be a close relationship there. Emily Kratzer is a news correspondent for The News-Virginian. WAYNESBORO-As a child, Elizabeth Massie grew up in Waynesboro and attended Main Street United Methodist Church. As a married woman, she and her family attended Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in Fishersville, where she said learned a lot of wonderful things that were being taught. However, what she was learning caused her to have more and more questions about God and religion. This questioning is what led Massie, who now lives in Augusta County and is a published author, to write about whom she calls unchurched believers like herself. On the Outside Looking Up is not meant to criticize different religions, Massie said. In fact, its to celebrate the good that religion offers, she said. For her, however, some of what she was learning didnt feel right. After some personal trauma and time alone in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Massie had a really wonderful religious experience that brought me back around to believing in God and believing that it really should be very simple. That, you know, were supposed to love other people. Massie said having a one-on-one relationship with God gives each person the encouragement to be kind and sharing to others. According to Massie, 22 percent of American adults are unaffiliated with a church and 35 percent of millennials are unaffiliated. For years now Ive been wanting to write something about my religious beliefs, because I know other people who are in the same situation, Massie said, where we may have been raised in a church, or raised in a mosque or raised in a temple, but we have moved on from that because we found some things that maybe dont quite tie in with what theyre teaching, but that doesnt mean we dont have a religion of our own. Massie said she knows people, including herself, have difficulty talking about this because religion and God are such hot button topics. Others make projections, Massie said when it comes to religion although they dont really know all the information. The author of 27 fiction novels, Massies past works have included horror, historical fiction and media tie-in books. Massie said that her new book is not a departure from her horror novels. Through stories, myths and legends, horror and religion have been closely linked. Exploring the darkness doesnt necessarily mean dismissing the light, Massie said. In fact, sometimes looking into the darkness can help us better understand the light. Massie said her journey to become a full-time published author began in 1983. I always liked to write and I would drive my family crazy by making up stories about everything and anything, Massie said. And I knew I always wanted to write, but when I went to college, I realized that writing was probably not going to be a very stable job, so I went into education and I taught for 19 years in Augusta County. While Massies career as a middle school science teacher began, she continued writing, but waited to submit her work for publication. She said she sent her first horror story, Whittler, for publication in 1983 to a magazine called The Horror Show. It sold and I was so excited, Massie said. She began regularly submitting her work for publication, mostly horror novels and short stories. She quit teaching in 1994 to write full-time. Massie said she is constantly writing several different pieces at once. She also writes educational materials for school textbooks. She has a few hopes for what people who read On the Outside Looking Up will get out of the book. I hope, first of all, that the people who are unchurched believers like I am will feel like oh, okay. Its okay to have my own religion of one. Its nothing that I have to hide, Massie said. She hopes that unchurched believers will feel more comfortable talking about their religion after reading her book, and that readers who attend church realize that unchurched believers do exist, and they are not a threat to believers who attend church. For people who do not have a religion and do not believe in a spiritual presence, Massie hopes they will think about giving people who do have a religion a break. Theres really a lot of good to be found in religion, but right now its just so clouded, Massie said. The main point of the book, Massie said, is to open a dialogue toward understanding and peace. The experience of writing the book, which took four years, was really challenging for Massie, because much of the book is so incredibly personal. She said she frequently asked herself if she wanted to mention in the book that she was once an atheist or that she was abused as a child by a family member. But, then I realized yeah, you need to say this so other people will realize [they are] just like everybody else, Massie said. I go through stuff, but still you can get through it. For chapters 2 and 4 of the book, Massie interviewed more than 30 people, including unchurched monotheists. Massie, whose grandfather, Louis Spilman, founded The News-Virginian in 1929, said she is open to writing a follow-up. While On the Outside Looking Up may be controversial for some, Massie said the whole point of it for her is to open a dialogue and create understanding. The point of this book was to let people know that theyre not alone, Massie said. On the Outside Looking Up is available at The Sacred Circle, 112 E. Beverly St. in Staunton and on Amazon.com. Rebecca J. Barnabi is city editor of The News-Virginian and can be reached at (540) 932-3568 or rbarnabi@newsvirginian.com. LONDON - England - Remain campaigner Theresa May has already backtracked on dumping the ECHR which would have allowed Britain to deport dangerous criminals and terrorists. The Brexit many in Britain voted for is at serious risk of ever occurring now that Theresa May, a Remain campaigner is leadership favourite after Boris Johnson was spectacularly betrayed yesterday. Britain would not be able to deport dangerous criminals and terrorists from its shores as promised before, if Theresa May becomes the next Tory PM as she has already backtracked on dumping the restrictive European Court of Human Rights. Brexit is now at a stalemate level, and could even be fizzled out completely because Tony Blair wants to be the statesman who wants to conduct talks with Brussels. If this terrible scenario were ever to happen, Britain would be stitched up forever, as Blair is a blatant europhile and does not believe in Britain. Michael Gove, is unfortunately under the control of Osborne and Cameron as has been recently revealed by sources within the inner circle. He could be a plant and is controlled by Osbornes lieutenants. We are now witnessing the end of a very short period where the players have been revealed to be more interested in the job of PM, than Britains Brexit, and once they gain power they will water down Brexit to very low levels or simply renege on the whole thing all together. Britain may never leave the EU, and there are probably sighs of relief being heard across the Channel and in Scotland. Brexit may now never happen and the idea of a safe Britain is lost. What does Nigel Farage think about that? Unfortunately it does not matter, as he has no power to do anything about it. By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman On Saturday, Gulfstream Park will host the "Summit of Speed," an exciting day of sprinting that includes nine stakes races. There are so many great races to handicap that I've decided to cover more racing action than usual and handicap four races, with a focus on trying to hit some exactas. We've got a lot to discuss, so let's get started! Smile Sprint Stakes (gr. II) Limousine Liberal is the best-known runner in this six-furlong sprint, having competed in such major races as the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) and King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I)-he even finished second in the latter race behind future champion sprinter Runhappy. He has plenty of tactical speed and usually sets or tracks the pace, but I think it's important to note that he doesn't have the blazing :21-and-change opening quarter-mile speed that can be so critical in a race like the Smile Sprint. Going six furlongs, the pace should be very fast, and I think Limousine Liberal might be run off his feet early on by faster rivals drawn to his inside and outside. One of those rivals is Delta Bluesman, who has crossed the wire first in three straight races, all of them at six furlongs. He started his streak with an impressive six-length gate-to-wire win at Gulfstream in April, then beat A. P. Indian in the Decathlon Stakes at Monmouth, although he was disqualified for crowding horses on the backstretch. The strength of that race was confirmed when A. P. Indian returned to win the Donald LeVine Memorial Stakes in solid fashion, and Delta Bluesman came back to easily win a six-furlong allowance race at Monmouth by 1 lengths. To put it simply, no horse has been within a length of Delta Bluesman at any point of call in his last three starts. Delta Bluesman also doesn't know what it's like to breeze slowly-eight of his last nine workouts have been bullets, including four furlongs in :46 2/5 on June 25th at Monmouth. Perhaps even more significant is that he's been the fastest horse out of the starting gate in his last three races, which could be very beneficial since he's drawn post position one. Delta Bluesman could face some stiff pace pressure from fellow front-runner Chief Lion, who has shown major improvement in his last three races while being claimed first by Richard Baltas and then by David Jacobson. Of the pair, I prefer Delta Bluesman, but also find Chief Lion's stablemate Eighty Three to be intriguing. A very consistent runner that has finished in the trifecta in all twelve of his races, he chased home Delta Bluesman in the Monmouth allowance race to finish a game second, and if Delta Bluesman gets involved in a speed duel with Chief Lion and/or Limousine Liberal, that could set up the race for a late-running victory by Eighty Three. The odds will dictate which colt is a better play on top, but I think a boxed exacta of Delta Bluesman with Eight Three would have a strong chance to hit and pay nicely. Princess Rooney Stakes (gr. II) Birdatthewire brings a strong reputation into the seven-furlong Princess Rooney Stakes, having competed exclusively in grade I and grade II stakes races since the beginning of 2015. She's won a couple of big races during her career, including the seven-furlong La Brea Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita last December, but usually needs a contested pace and slow closing fractions to set up her late run. Her competition in the Princess Rooney isn't quite as tough as she's accustomed to facing, which could help her chances, but she's winless this year and could be vulnerable as the favorite. In recent years, it has seems like trainer Martin Wolfson has owned the major filly and mare races in Florida, and the Princess Rooney is no exception-he's won the race four times overall, including in 2010 and 2013. Cali Star might be his main hopeful this year, considering her three-length win in the one-mile Rampart Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream last December, and she has trained very sharply after being given time off following a disappointing finish in the Heavenly Prize Stakes over the Aqueduct inner track. The cutback to seven furlongs could be perfect, since her Rampart win came going a one-turn mile at Gulfstream, and while drawing the rail probably isn't ideal, she drew the same post in the Rampart and had no trouble rallying up the inside to win easily. If Birdatthewire doesn't fire her best shot, Cali Star should be poised to take advantage and could be tough to beat. Also intriguing is Wolfson's other runner Kiss to Remember, who has finished second in three straight races, including two defeats going a mile against Concealedwithakiss, who is also running in the Princess Rooney. However, in both of those races, Concealedwithakiss secured easy leads through modest fractions, and with the front-running stakes winner My Miss Venezuela likely to ensure a more contested pace, Kiss to Remember could be poised to turn the tables. She finished third in this race last year, closing from off the pace over a track that seemed to be favoring speed, but has enough tactical speed to stay close from the outset and get the jump on Birdatthewire. How about a Wolfson exacta, with Birdatthewire to complete the trifecta? Carry Back Stakes (gr. III) When I look at the entries for the Carry Back Stakes, I find it almost impossible to look past Awesome Banner. Although he disappointed in two Derby prep races this winter, the son of Awesome of Course is a perfect 4-for-4 in sprint races (all of them at Gulfstream) and should find the seven-furlong distance of the Carry Back to be absolutely perfect. He signaled his readiness for this race by breezing four furlongs in a bullet :47.05 on June 24th, and although his odds will be very short, I can't envision him getting beaten in this race. He looks like a single in multi-race wagers. Recent Churchill Downs allowance winner Rated R Superstar is the obvious choice to finish second, but if you want to spruce up the exacta or trifecta with a longshot, why not try Discreet Angel? He lost all chance with a troubled trip over a sloppy track in the Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico, but had previously been very successful against lesser competition at Camarero racetrack in Puerto Rico, where he showed lots of early speed over a track that doesn't seem to produce fast fractions. He breezed four furlongs in a rapid :46.60 on June 25th at Gulfstream, which suggests he has the speed to be part of the early pace on Saturday, and with a bit of luck, I think he can hold for second or third at nice odds. Azalea Stakes There are no sure things in horse racing, but Dearest might be one of the closest things in the seven-furlong Azalea Stakes for three-year-old fillies. The daughter of Midshipman has won three of her four starts in impressive fashion, and her lone defeat came when third behind Cathryn Sophia and Lewis Bay in the one-mile Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) back in February. Given time off after that race, she returned on June 4th to score a pace-tracking six-length victory in the 6 -furlong Royal Palm Stakes at Gulfstream, a race in which she was never seriously asked for run. Like Awesome Banner, she'll be a big favorite, but a defeat would be a major surprise. For rounding out the exacta, Curlin's Approval looks like a solid choice. Trained by Martin Wolfson, she won her debut sprinting six furlongs at Gulfstream on June 5th by four lengths after making a big move in the second quarter-mile, and off that promising effort, she could be ready for a big run in the Azalea. A straight Dearest/Curlin's Approval exacta might not pay much, but I'm confident that these are the two best fillies in the race, with Royal Palm Stakes runner-up Ballet Diva to round out the trifecta. Now it's your turn! Who do you like in the Summit of Speed races? ***** To help simplify the process of choosing and keeping track of everyone's prime horse selections in our 2016 Road to the Breeders' Cup Classic Handicapping Challenge, I would like to ask everyone to please submit their prime choice each week by leaving a special comment on the official blog page for the contest. This will greatly reduce the chances of any prime horse selections getting overlooked, and will also make it simpler to double-check the standings. Thanks, and enjoy the racing! ***** J. Keeler Johnson (also known as "Keelerman") is a writer, blogger, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. He is the founder of the horse racing website www.theturfboard.com. Lonnie Framptons 20 years of Army service as a member of the Army Security Agency included a tour in Vietnam, where his skills at electronics repairs helped make the Armys signal intelligence, sometimes referred to as Radio Research, possible. Frampton joined the Army after high school to get his military obligation out of the way. At that time in Somerset, a guy graduating from high school was sometimes hard pressed to get a job. They were reluctant to hire somebody they might lose to the draft in a couple of years. So in December of 1954 I joined the Army. Every story has to have a beginning somewhere, Frampton said of his first tour in Vietnam. Mine begins in Berlin Germany in 1966. The day before Thanksgiving I got a phone call from the personnel office at headquarters in Frankfurt. I got on the phone and this captain got on the line. He said Sgt. Frampton, youre due to make Warrant Officer on 1 December, however, in order for you to get it you have to accept assignment to the 509th Group. Do you know where that is? Frampton laughed. I assured him I sure didnt. He asked Do you still want your promotion? I said yes. So he said, In order to get your Warrant youve got to be in country by the 20th of January. Thats how I got to Vietnam. That wasnt my first time there. Id been there in May of 1961 as part of a team that travelled all over the pacific installing electronic gear in our operational buildings. And one of our assignments was to go to Saigon in 1961 and set up this equipment. The had us travel in civilian clothes, and our medical records had a note in them that said if anything happened to us, it was to be reported as a training accident in the Philippines. What did we know? All we knew was we were going to get $300 to buy civilian clothes, and we couldnt buy anything even semi-military, like black shoes. We felt kind of special, in the military but traveling in civilian clothes. When I got to Vietnam for my tour of duty in 1967, I was assigned to the 156th Aviation Company (RR) in Can Tho. I had never previously been assigned to an aviation unit of any sort, so that was all brand new to me. When I went to in-process at the supply shop, I got the usual type of stuff, but I didnt see any firearms. So I asked the captain What about a weapon? He said, Youre going to have to wait until someone goes home because we dont have enough to go around. I thought that was crazy. It was nothing like what I expected. You grow up watching a lot of World War II movies, Korean War movies, and you get a different picture from the movies about what war is like versus reality. I thought Id get the traditional steel pot and a weapon, and instead I had to wait until someone went home. And then it was a .45 (pistol). Eventually I got a rifle, M-14, but it was just strange. Looking back on it I laugh. I supposed in reality, at the time, it wasnt a laughing matter. Duties After that I got my orientation on the aircraft. I was an electronics equipment repair officer. My job was to take care of what we called the mission equipment on the aircraft, which is different from the electronics for navigation and communication. We had 12 RU-6A Beaver aircraft and three RU-8 Beechcraft aircraft. They were very good aircraft, solid, good aircraft. Frampton is straightforward about having a relatively safe assignment. The whole year over there I know for a fact I never shot at anyone. And if anyone ever shot at me, evidently they missed. I think the airfield was attacked once during my year. Some sappers came in and walked down the flight line tossing satchel charges in the aircraft, then went back out the gate. They didnt hit the airfield heavier than that until Tet. And for some reason, nobody knows why, they never touched our aircraft. We had 15 of them sitting there, they never touched them. I often wonder why. Possible because they figured we werent of any harm to them, cause we never shot at them. We only ever took one round through an aircraft. The only person who got killed in our company was a captain who went to the Philippines for jungle warfare training. A truck overturned and he was killed. But the whole time he knew he was in a war zone. The enemy was everywhere. In the Second World War, it was won by taking ground and keeping it. Vietnam wasnt that way. You took it today and turned it loose tomorrow. Which, I guess, I know I wondered Whats going on? Why? Why do you get all those people killed then turn around and walk off it. Hamburger Hill was an example of that. He could see the war from his quarters. At night we could go on top of the roof and look across the river and see Spooky come in and turn their miniguns loose on an area. So it was that close. We were constantly aware if we came down somewhere we had to be ready to be combat troops. One of the highlights from Framptons tour involved the Military Auxiliary Radio System. MARS is civilian staffed by amateur radio operators who assist the military. They had the ability to interface their radios with the phone system. I was between assignments and didnt have a mailing address, but my wife was pregnant and I wanted to know if the baby had come yet. So my roommate took me over to the MARS station. The operator asked for the phone number for our apartment, and got through, but there was no answer. We tried my mother, and got through, but she couldnt get the hand of saying over. But she finally understood, and she said Oh, Fays in the hospital. The operator got the number, called the hospital, and explained to the nurse that he had a soldier on the line from Vietnam calling about his wife. Shed had the baby and was sleeping, and the operator said Go wake her up! So the nurse went to my wife and said, Wake up, you got a call from Vietnam. I reckon that not that many wives get a call like that. I get very sentimental about family, because in reality its all any of us really have. Frampton had a smooth homecoming. I never had any interactions with war protesters. I never had anything to do with anybody protesting. Its a shame that they protested the G.I.s. The G.I.s (are) not the one who started the war; hes not the one that said, Go to war. His opinion on war and the military is straightforward. Nothings ever solved by war, you know that? Just a lot of people die. All in all my Vietnam tour was positive memories. I have absolutely no regrets that I went, and if the circumstances were exactly the same I would do it again. I admit in later years, when I got to ponder the whole situation, I had some guilt feelings. And I know I shouldnt, because its not my choosing that I got assigned where I was and that it was a relatively safe area. I think the military is a good experience. Sometimes I think it wouldnt hurt if every one of our young people had to go for two years. Some of them, it seems like they have no direction. Frampton retired from the Army in 1975 and lives in the Carlisle area. Believing in my bones, as I do, that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are unworthy and unqualified to be president of the United States has inspired me to do a lot of soul searching, and that has drawn me more and more to the writings of the legendary H.L. Mencken and less-than-legendary Albert J. Nock. The two Tory anarchists, as some called them, were friends and intellectual comrades-in-arms who stood athwart the progressive and populist passions that defined American politics in the first half of the 20th century. The domestic madness of World War I galvanized both men. Under Democrat Woodrow Wilson, the United States established the first modern ministry of propaganda, the Committee on Public Information. The Wilson administration jailed political dissenters by the thousands, encouraged the brown-shirt tactics of the American Protective League and censored newspapers and magazines with abandon. The president demonized hyphenated Americans i.e. Irish-Americans or German Americans as enemies of the state. Any man who carries a hyphen about with him, Wilson declared, carries a dagger that he is ready to plunge into the vitals of this Republic whenever he gets ready. Nock wrote a scalding editorial for The Nation criticizing labor leader Samuel Gompers for supporting the government. The Wilson administration responded by temporarily banning the publication. The government also banned booze an effort led in Congress by Republican Andrew Volstead. Prohibition further demonstrated for both Mencken and Nock that the zeal to muck about with peoples lives was a bipartisan affair. The more obvious the failure becomes, the more shamelessly they exhibit their genuine motives, Mencken wrote in 1926. In plain words, what moves them is the psychological aberration called sadism. They lust to inflict inconvenience, discomfort, and, whenever possible, disgrace upon the persons they hate which is to say, upon everyone who is free from their barbarous theological superstitions, and is having a better time in the world than they are. What united Nock and Mencken most was a sense of homelessness in the intellectual establishment. Franklin Roosevelt, who campaigned on the promise to use the war-fighting methods of the Wilson administration to fight the Great Depression, further cemented their alienation. Communism, the New Deal, Fascism, Nazism, Nock wrote in his memoirs, are merely so-many trade-names for collectivist Statism, like the trade-names for tooth-pastes which are all exactly alike except for the flavouring. This was an exaggeration, but one can only exaggerate the truth. Once again American politics is threatening to become a competition between rival factions of statists, eager to use the government to reward themselves and punish their enemies, with enemy defined as anyone who doesnt agree with them. Today, America looks very different from the America of Mencken and Nocks era, but the similarities are hard to ignore. Liberal elites have decided that if you have a problem with men using womens bathrooms, youre not just wrong, youre a bigot. A registered Democrat murdered 49 Americans at a gay nightclub, in the name of the Islamic State, and the smart set insists that conservative Christians are somehow to blame. The zeal of Prohibition has multiplied like a cancer cell, with reformers wanting to ban everything they dont like: vaping, free speech, coal, Uber, refusal to bake cakes for gay weddings, and, if they could, guns. On the right, the presumptive GOP nominee promises not limited government but stronger, more protectionist government enlisted to remedy the grievances of his constituencies. His white working-class supporters represent real America, and their problems are always somebody elses fault. Ive lost count of how many times his most ardent fans have called me a bigot for opposing Trump. True to their reputations as curmudgeons, no constituency was above reproach for Nock and Mencken. Business elites were Babbitts, eager to chart the course of least resistance. The people, in Menckens famous phrase, were the great booboisie. The decent and right-thinking were, according to Nock, a silent and tiny remnant hiding away from politics. Democracy itself, according Mencken was the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard. My cynicism is not yet as great as theirs. I have some cause for optimism. But one only looks for signs of hope when theres ample reason to despair. Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. Email him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com. India's first integrated Defence Communication Network launched Published: July 1, 2016 Indias first integrated Defence Communication Network (DCN) was launched by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in South Block, Delhi The network will enable India Army, Air force, Navy and the Special Forces Command to share situational awareness for a faster decision-making process. Key Facts DCN is the largest single satellite network in the Indian Defence Forces, spread across the country. It is a strategic, highly secure and scalable system. It has has a pan-India reach from Ladakh to the North East to island territories. The tri-communication network makes voice data and video data accessible to the three services over a secured network. It has been designed, developed and deployed by the information technology services, distribution and digital solutions firm HCL Infosystems. It is capable of working on both terrestrial as well as satellite mode of communication and has also been fixed onboard different military vehicles. HCL Infosystems has had a long association with the Indian Defence sector. The company has closely worked with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to deploy AFCEL (Air Force Cellular Network) and Air Force Network (AFNet). AFNet: It is the first network of its kind for Indian armed forces which interlinks major installations throughout the country on a high bandwidth network and incorporates latest traffic transportation technology in the form of Internet Protocol. Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016 Topics: Defence Defence Communication Network National Latest E-Books World Bank, ISA sign agreement for Indias solar-energy program Published: July 1, 2016 The World Bank (WB) Group has signed an agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to provide more than 1 billion dollars to support Indias solar initiatives. The agreement was signed in the presence of World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Under this agreement World Bank will support projects such as solar rooftop technology, infrastructure for solar parks, introducing innovative solar and hybrid technologies to market and transmission lines for solar-rich state. It will provide 625 million dollars to Indias grid-connected rooftop solar programme that will finance the installation of at least 400MW of solar photovoltaic installations. This programme will provide clean, renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by displacing thermal generation. World Bank will also collaborate with the 121-member International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilise 1 trillion dollars in investments by 2030 to promote solar energy worldwide. For this purpose, World Bank will develop a roadmap to mobilise financing for development and deployment of affordable solar energy. It will also work with other multilateral development banks and financial institutions to develop financing instruments to support solar energy development. About International Solar Alliance (ISA) ISA is Indias first international and inter-governmental organization comprising of 121 Countries. United Nations is its Strategic Partner. It was jointly launched by India and France in November 2015 during the United Nations climate change conference (COP21) in Paris. It has its headquarters in Gurgaon, India. It seeks to empower solar-rich countries located between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn to make collaborative efforts to harness solar energy to generate the electricity. Three Objectives of ISA: (i) To force down prices by driving demand, (ii) To bring standardization in solar technologies and (iii) To foster research and development. (i) To force down prices by driving demand, (ii) To bring standardization in solar technologies and (iii) To foster research and development. It also seeks to improve access to energy and opportunities for better livelihoods in remote and rural areas and also to increase the standard of living. Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016 Topics: india-world bank Renewable energy Solar Energy Latest E-Books : ; - CM ?; - New Delhi: After Mauritius, India and Cyprus have agreed to revise their tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied on sale of shares on investments made after April 1, 2017. After the treaty with Mauritius to tax capital gains from next year, there was fear that investors could start investing from Cyprus defeating the purpose of treaty with Mauritius. As per an agreement reached between India and Cyprus on June 29, investments made prior to April 1, 2017, will continue to enjoy the old benefits. The provisional agreement would be placed before the Cabinet for approval, subsequent to which the new tax treaty can be signed by the two countries, said finance ministry. The new Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement would provide for source-based taxation of capital gains. The completion of the negotiation will also pave the way for the removal of Cyprus from the list of Notified Jurisdictional Areas retrospectively from November 2013. Shah Rukh said, "Those who want to do something they should decide it for themselves. Personally speaking, I don't think I am anyone to be making a comment. I am so inappropriate myself." Mumbai: Amid the controversy over Salman Khan's 'rape comments', his friend superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he cannot judge statements made by others as he himself has made some inappropriate remarks in the past. When asked if Salman should apologies for his comments, Shah Rukh said, "In the last few years, I have come to realize that I have made so many inappropriate comments myself. I don't think I am someone to sit in judgment for somebody else's comment." Bollywood celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Sona Mohapatra have condemned Salman's remarks, while his brother Arbaaz, Sonu Sood and Subhash Ghai among others have come out in his defense. However, Shah Rukh doesn't believe in taking sides. "It is not about taking a side or not taking a side. I myself talk a lot so who will sit, judge and decide who should do what," he said. "Those who want to do something they should decide it for themselves. Personally speaking, I don't think I am anyone to be making a comment. I am so inappropriate myself," Shah Rukh said. Salman's rape analogy to describe the grueling shoot for his upcoming film 'Sultan' has led to a controversy. Not satisfied with the written reply from the actor, the National Commission for Women yesterday summoned him to appear before it on July 8. The Commission also warned the actor that if he fails to appear before the panel, it may proceed to take action as it deems fit. "Commission finds that you are not willing to apologies for the remarks made by you. The explanation offered by you, after making such an irresponsible and callous statement doesn't amount to an apology. Your reply is therefore not satisfactory," the NCW said in its notice issued yesterday. Irrfan Khan said, "One buy two goats from market and kill them in the name of sacrifice then how come it becomes a real sacrifice?" Jaipur: Bollywood actor Irrfan's statement questioning killing of animals in the name of 'Qurbaani' has invited sharp reactions from Muslim clerics, who have asked the actor to focus on his work instead of making his own interpretation of religious customs. During the promotion of his upcoming film "Madaari" in the city recently, the actor has questioned that how one can get "Puny" by killing an innocent animal in the name of "Kurbaani". "Irrfan is an actor and he should focus on his work only. He has no religious knowledge and he should have contacted or get some knowledge from any cleric before raising any question regarding Kurbaani or Ramzan," Khalid Usmai, city qazi, told PTI. He said Islam has no vague things and Irrfan should improve his knowledge. Another scholar Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, also said he should concentrate on his career instead of speaking about the religion. Irrfan Khan had said, "People should understand the real meaning behind a particular ritual. Animals used to be the prime source of food when the ritual would have started and people sacrificed their food. Today, one buy two goats from market and kill them in the name of sacrifice then how come it becomes a real sacrifice? I feel proud that I live in a country which is not run by any religious rules," he had said. Mumbai: Refuting plagiarism charges agains this short film "Kriti", director Shirish Kunder has accused Nepali filmmaker Aneel Neupane of manipulating the flaw on the video sharing platform Vimeo to build his case. Neupane, a filmmaker from Nepal had recently written on his Facebook page that Kunders psychological-thriller starring Manoj Bajpayee was a copy of his short movie "Bob" and alleged that the "Jaan-E-Mann" director "practically stole the plot and made it into his film." Neupane wrote that his film was ready in October 2015 and he uploaded it on Vimeo "as a private video to share it with close friends" before releasing it on YouTube on May 12, this year. Kunder's film was released online on June 22 with much fan fare where actress Kangana Ranaut was the special guest. Kunder said anyone could replace an existing video on Vimeo with a new one and manipulate the date on which it was published, even being able to give an older date. "In July last year, we (Manoj and I) talked about the story idea (of Kriti). After finalising the dates and everything, we planned to shoot in February this year and then decided to release in June," Shirish told reporters. "In between, a guy who makes marriage videos, manipulates the flaw on Vimeo, shoots a film on handycam and uses the flaw to put in an old date to claim that the film was made much before ours and we stole," he added. Manoj said he was hurt by people's comments on social media regarding the accusation of "Kriti" being a copy. "In my long career no film has been accused of being a copy. It is so unfortunate that the entire idea came from a lunch party at Eid last year July. I told Shirish if he has any plans of making a short a film. He had a script but he said it was for a young character," Manoj said. "We were talking, he wasn't even making short films. He is known for full length feature films. It is hurtful for me because it was started from my side (the idea to make short films) now people are saying we stole the film. We are being called names on twitter, people are abusing us on Facebook," he added. The "Aligarh" actor also said that he was feeling bad for Kunder who was "being victimised by an ambitious crook." "You read his (Neupane's) bio, he makes marriage videos. Nobody is listening to us. He played the card of being poor and many people went towards him. I was feeling sad that over the years the credibility I have built was of no use," Manoj said. Recently, the makers of "Kriti" sent a legal notice to the filmmaker. Advocate Rizwan Siddiquee said, "They manipulated the date in Vimeo platform. This seems like a pre-empt thing. He is not a renowned filmmaker, he seems Internet-savvy. We want filmmakers to be aware, they can be a victim of this tomorrow. This is a trial by media case as nobody approached the court and he hasn't responded to our notice. Since the matter is in public domain, we are clarifying through this platform. Internet space can be a place where many mischievous things happen but we are answerable to the world." He further added, "This is not a typical case to be taken to the court. We want YouTube to view the situation in correct light. They can manipulate the date on private platforms but they cannot tamper it on YouTube where date and time are mentioned. The 18-minute short film also stars Neha Sharma and Radhika Apte and the tells the story of a mentally ill person played by Manoj Bajpayee. (With inputs from PTI) Samantha, it seems, has decided not to take on any new projects as she is preparing for her marriage with Naga Chaitanya. Though she is supposed to do the Tamil film Vada Chennai and a Telugu remake of the Kannada film U-Turn, she hasnt signed anything. Samantha is currently doing only one film, Janatha Garage with Jr NTR, and that will finish by July end. After this, the actress wants to be completely free and thus hasnt signed anything. Meanwhile, shooting for the Tamil film she was supposed to do has started and there is no word about Samantha playing the female lead. It was a conscious decision taken by her not to sign any new films as she is preparing for the big day, says a source, adding that her marriage might be officially announced in August. Rating: Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Mahershala Ali, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell Director: Gary Ross Newton Knight (Matthew McConaughey) is a medic in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. When his son dies in battle, Knight, already disillusioned about the cause of the war, and sympathetic to the plight of African-Americans, becomes a deserter and rebel. He forms a band of outcasts, poor whites, runaway slaves and other rejects of society. Like Robin Hood and the Merry Men, they steal from the rich and distribute among themselves and count among their allies people whose crops and houses are stolen from them by the Confederate Army. Knights rebellion also takes a personal character when he falls in love with Rachel (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) a slave woman. Free State of Jones has the very unusual problem of having a very romantic story, with a romantic hero, but conducted in a style that is not romantic. The film has the bleakness and stateliness of melodramas like Road to Perdition that clashes with the idealism and sentimentalism of its story of poor whites and African-Americans banding together against the racist landowning aristocracy of the South. It lacks in humour and visual invention and its period detail, compared to the work done for Spielbergs Lincoln is distinctly unconvincing. The American Civil War has the same resonance for Americans as the Partition does for Indians. This was a conflict that shaped the nation that came after, divided families and communities and whose memories continue to shape present day political discourse. For a long time, movies about the Civil War tended to be overly romantic to the Confederates. Free State of Jones, to its credit averts this and is incredibly unsympathetic to the South, the war it declared on the North and the false delusions its soldiers fall into after being defeated. The movies second half shows scenes depicting the Ku Klux Klan, Americas most notorious domestic terrorist organisation. Indeed the main redeeming feature of this film is that it is highly educational about why even after slavery was abolished in America, African-Americans continued to live as second-class citizens until the 60s. Indeed its an irony that Free State of Jones becomes a better movie in its second half than the first, and the real meat of the film is showing the aftermath of the Civil War. The first section is a poorly constructed melodrama that introduces the characters and actions in a sketchy fashion and without depth and feeling. Newton Knight also comes across in some scenes as a benign white hero to lead the African-Americans to the promised land and moments like that come off as being a little too on the nose. There is also the problem of music. The American Civil War had an influence on several popular folk tunes, and yet aside from one stirring moment where John Browns Body plays, the movie labours under a very boring and forgettable score that unsure about the films status as Epic or Oscar melodrama settles in a middle ground that is the worst of all worlds. The actors do the best they can with the material. Matthew McConaughey had a good patch of interesting films lately, and now he once again steps in a major role, and hes quite good in the part but the material doesnt let him sink into the character. The other actors do well, with Mahershala Ali being especially impressive as a runaway slave farmer. Free State of Jones is a wasted opportunity. The material is rich, the case is good and the story has the familiar elements of a good historical film, but the lack of real feeling lets the film down at the end. The writer is programmer, Lightcube Film Society Rating: Cast: Satyajeet Dubey, Aditya Kumar, Aradhana Jagota, Karan Mahavar, Shivam Pradhan, Prashant Tiwari, Yashwant Singh Director: Ashok Yadav We, Bollywood lovers, seem to be caught in a trap of three types of films films that try to dazzle with opulence of all kinds, films that strike convoluted poses so as to be credited as hatke, and films that may have been good ideas on paper but on screen seem like some Bollywood biggie retched up some undigested bilge. We get these three kinds of films with relentless regularity. So its really refreshing to watch films by unknown filmmakers which have that one thing mainstream Bollywood doesnt honesty. Films like Titli, Meeruthiya Gangsters, Masaan, Miss Lovely rarities that are delightfully rejuvenating. Director Ashok Yadavs Kerry on Kutton is not in the league of Titli and Masaan, but it belongs to that group. The overwhelming feeling I had while watching it was of endearment. Its a film that is honest about its people, the things they do and say because everything is linked to where they are from, their lives, their dreams. Its the kind of film where the writers, director and actors have plugged into not just the characters, but also the circumstance they were born into, the place and, hence, their stories. This shines throughout Kerry on Kutton and its no mean feat. Set in Uttar Pradeshs Baghi Balia Rebellious Balia the film opens with one of the best making-out scenes Ive seen in Hindi cinema. Its hurried, awkward and disastrous. Written by Himanshu Onkar Tripathi and Ashok Yadav, the film tells the story of Kerry (Satyajeet Dubey), a boy who wants it real bad but just cant get it. Though his Vijay (ya, it has a name), is always raring to go, it just cant find a landing strip. Kerry has a father and a friend, Kadambari (Aditya Kumar) who, desperate not to join the ranks of uniformed bandwallas in his fathers shaadiwalla band, has an escape plan: Steal the puppy of a beautiful labrador that cutely plays in the verandah of Bade Babus high-walled haveli. Then theres Jyoti (Aradhana Jagota) who wants it all from neend ki dawai to give to her family so that she can call her boyfriend over, to a mobile phone and a gold necklace. Shes what youd call a patakha. She uses her looks and attitude to entice and once shes got them, brazenly strikes hard deals. Give me this and Ill let you do that. Though a backstory tries to explain why this city girl is living in these parts, its not convincing. But it doesnt matter because shes cocky and has already connived another life for herself. And then theres Suraj (Karan Mahawar), the class topper son of Masterji (Yashwant Singh). He is in love with Jyoti, but Masterji is tightfisted, and Jyotis affections transactional. Kerrys father, who nurtures a grudge against his wife who left him, often questions Kerrys parentage. And so, one day, Kerry leaves home and goes to Delhi, only to return on a phone call from Kadambari. Theres a wedding to party at and he needs Kerrys help to steal the puppy he now calls Lakhan. Though Jyoti and Suraj are an item, Kerry wheedles his way into Jyotis bedroom with a mobile phone, only to be handed another shopping list. Suraj is in a bad way. His father wont even buy himself a spare kachcha, forget giving him his long-overdue pocket money. Jyoti, meanwhile, is getting closer to Kerry because he promises more. So, a pathetic war ensues. In the sidelines is Kadambaris bizarre get-outta-Balia plan. As all convoluted plans to settle scores, to snatch a chance at having a life are being mulled upon listlessly, the film meanders into a strange dance bar run by the short, but haughty, Hippy Thakur (Shivam Pradhan), complete with strange Hong Kong music and lights. And then, suddenly, they are all executed without thinking. What began as idle dreams of the wretched, ends with the recklessness of the desperate. Kerry on Kutton doesnt really have a hero. Its the story of non-entities on their rickety cycles, each carrying accessories that are oddities. But it frames these non-entities honestly, with an eye for quirky details and humour. Sometimes its just the background score that encases these small men in grand music as they set off to steal a puppy on their cycle screaming, Jeetenge toh rum chalega, nahin toh katta-bomb chalega. The film is flawed, not just in pacing, but also some characters. But nothing that damages it in any serious way. The film, which carries a whiff of Gangs of Wasseypur 2, not least because of Perpendicular Aditya Kumar has characters who stick out as filmy. Jyoti for sure, but also Kerrys pig farmer father who looks like an extra some Spaghetti Western spat out. Yet, heres the thing about them. Like the swimming goggles Kadambari wears or the strange hairdo of Kerry, these people and their oddities are not just baubles meant to tickle or amuse. They are part of the absurdity of the place and its people. Each one tells a story about living in Balia physically, but in their heads some place else. Kerry on Kutton carries in its sounds, sights and similes a strong stench of Baghi Balia, a dusty patch of UP badland thats not just nostalgic about the reputation it once had, but can also be delusional. We see a proper kancha (marbles) game, and smile on hearing, Touchiya gaye kya? The flavour, cheeky scenes, crackling dialogue, shitting in the open, all carry the unmistakeable stench of the dehat. Apart from confident writing and Yadavs astute direction, its the uninhabited acting by Satyajeet Dubey, Aditya Kumar and Aradhana Jagota that really make the film crackle. Its almost as if these three were born and still dwell there and if we were to visit Balia, wed probably pass them by. Rating: Cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson Director: David Yates The Legend of Tarzan exists as if in a condition of strange ideological fugue a willful, self-imposed state of suspension that allows it to sway conveniently between declarations of commitment to one cause and then another. These permeate through the film: at a point in the film, it commits with a press-kit level sincerity to a denouncement of imperialism, but then depicts with glee and abundance mans conquest of nature, his mastering of diverse terrains, his engineering of its different features (landscapes, wildlife, weather) to his own purpose. A little later, the film registers a vehement condemnation of slavery, but soon enough, our white hero enlists the assistance of a few natives who take orders from him and readily fill in numbers of his band of adventurer-rescuers, no questions asked, no answers given. It identifies itself as: a film about the essential harmony of man and nature (its tagline: Human. Nature), about a restoration of primitive order, about a fantastic, wishful reversal of our traditions of slavery and an exorcism of our imperialist sins, and yet, at its heart (as at the heart of most mainstream cinema), it is the story of a beautiful man who wants to be one again with his beautiful woman in order to restore their glorious, heterosexual love affair. This, at the cost, as in the case of this film, of reducing the so-suggested main characters of the film the natives to voiceless abstractions who smile, chant, jump, fight, sneer and cheer like animals in the circus but never have a single opinion of their own. It starts in a quaint, interesting, post-Tarzan manner, almost as if the film were a sequel. The film founds itself on an assumption of its lead characters established presence in popular lore as such, it spares us the tedium of a linearly delivered origin story, which is rendered, instead, through brief flashbacks. At the outset, he has already left the African jungles behind to have inherited his aristocratic title (John Clayton, Earl of Greystoke) and the various privileges that accompany it in Victorian London. At the behest of the genocidal Belgian King Leopold (Hans Landa), Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz) tenders a false invitation to Clayton to visit the Kings estates in Congo. His actual plan is to hand him over to a tribal leader who believes Tarzan murdered his son in return for an uninterrupted access to the tribes trove of diamonds. An American arrives to convince our hero to accept the invitation so that he can investigate a hunch that the Belgian king is enslaving locals to work on his plantations and bring the culprits to book. Once there, Claytons wife Jane gets abducted to be used as a bargaining chip by evil Rom and a chase ensues. It is to the films credit that it exhibits a genuine interest in the mechanism of slavery. Rom arrives at a Congolese village in the night with a bunch of thugs-for-hire and kidnaps a group of native men, who are then transferred in a train to the plantation where the imperialists are also setting a camp for an incoming army of mercenaries. There are images that mainstream cinema generally averts its gaze from: a group of men in shackles, inside cages, hoarded inside the bogie of a train. And yet, all of these are slowly drained of their inherent horror and employed instead to establish the villainy of Rom, the great-grand single imperialist whose death will mean the end of imperialism itself. The historical revisionism of the film assumes Hollywood proportions when nature itself fights back against men who refuse to exist in harmony with it: animals stampede as if in a political rally to destroy the mercenary camp, Rom must contend with a group of eager crocodiles. And as if to validate the oddity of having Tarzan, a British royal lead an anti-imperialist protest, the character of the emancipator (from America, a country with its own murky past) is played by Samuel Jackson, an African-American with very public opinions on racism this is as smart a strategic move as any made by the producers of the film. The writer is programmer, Lightcube Film Society Ileana had left for Bollywood at a time when she was a top actress in the Telugu industry. Recently Ileana was in the city, talking about how she was looking forward to Tollywood offers. Ileana had left for Bollywood at a time when she was a top actress in the Telugu industry. Few years down the line, when she wants to come back, filmmakers are no longer interested. The reason is that actresses like Shruti Haasan, Rakul Preet Singh, Tamannah, Samantha, Nithya Menon, Raashi Khanna, Catherine, Regina Cassandra, Hebah Patel, Pranitha and others have made their mark here. They are not all Telugu girls, but all of them have learnt the language, something Ileana did not manage. It has been reported that even Parineeti Chopra, who is making her debut in Telugu opposite Mahesh Babu, is taking Telugu classes. Telugu filmmakers are more comfortable with actresses who know the language as it makes things much easier for everyone. Director Boyapati Srinu says, Its a big advantage for the actresses and for the directors too. We all prefer actresses who learn and know Telugu because they can get involved with the character and it is also easy for us to communicate with them, he adds. Tamannaah The competition is huge these days and every other actress is learning Telugu to try and stay ahead, adds Boyapati. Some actresses would depend on prompting, which takes longer to shoot, leading to losses. Now with many actresses knowing the language, it takes less time to shoot a scene, he says. He adds that the other advantage is an actress can reach a wider audience if they speak in Telugu during promotional tours, events or on television channels. Rakul Preet Singh lent her voice in Nannaku Prematho, and so did Tamannaah in Oopiri. Even the latest entrant, Anupama Parameshwaran, a Malayali actress, lent her voice in the recently released A.. Aa.. Earlier, actresses like Taapsee and Nayantara too had dubbed their own voices. Its a big advantage for us if we know the local language. It helps me to get the right emotions as I know the meaning and it also helps the actor working with us to give the right expressions. Thats why I learnt Telugu and also dubbed my scenes in Nannaku Prematho, says Rakul Preet Singh, adding that she will also learn Tamil. Rakul Preet And thats why most of these actresses appoint Telugu staff and ask them to only speak to them in that language. On the sets, too, they ask the crew to speak to them only in Telugu. In Ileanas case, filmmakers feel that the above actresses are far better. I would definitely, give preference to those actresses who speak and know the language. They may not speak properly, but they can understand, says Boyapati. Catherine Tresa remembers all dialogues of the film she is doing. She actually asks for the dialogues a day before her shoot and learns them by heart, along with the meaning. Not just top actresses, smaller actresses like Nivetha Thomas, who was introduced in Tollywood opposite Nani in Gentleman, also speak Telugu fluently. I felt odd when the crew started to speak in Hindi and English. So I told them to speak in Telugu and thats how I learnt quickly, she says. Apart from learning Telugu, most of these actresses have made Hyderabad their home. So filmmakers treat them like local Telugu girls and give them preference. Thus, actresses like Ileana, who are sitting in Goa, cannot expect to be given a chance when they come to Hyderabad and express their willingness to do Telugu films again. Not until they learn the language quickly and probably even settle here. The study was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. (Photo: Pam Frost Gorder/ The Ohio State University) Washington: Scientists have developed low cost paper strips that may make detecting diseases such as cancer and malaria as easy as testing blood sugar or taking a home pregnancy test. According to Abraham Badu-Tawiah from The Ohio State University in the US, people could apply a drop of blood to the paper at home and mail it to a laboratory on a regular basis - and see a doctor only if the test comes out positive. The researchers found that the tests were accurate even a month after the blood sample was taken, proving they could work for people living in remote areas. They said that the test can be tailored to detect any disease for which the human body produces antibodies, including ovarian cancer and cancer of the large intestine. The technology could bring disease diagnosis to people who do not have regular access to a doctor or can not afford regular in-person visits, Badu-Tawiah said. The technology resembles "lab on a chip" diagnostics, but instead of plastic, the "chip" is made from sheets of plain white paper stuck together with two-sided adhesive tape and run through a typical ink jet printer. Instead of regular ink, researchers use wax ink to trace the outline of channels and reservoirs on the paper. The wax penetrates the paper and forms a waterproof barrier to capture the blood sample. "To get tested, all a person would have to do is put a drop of blood on the paper strip, fold it in half, put it in an envelope and mail it," Badu-Tawiah said. The technology works differently than other paper-based medical diagnostics like home pregnancy tests, which are coated with enzymes or gold nanoparticles to make the paper change colour. Instead, the paper contains small synthetic chemical probes that carry a positive charge. It is these "ionic" probes that allow ultra-sensitive detection by a handheld mass spectrometer. The researchers successfully demonstrated that they could detect protein biomarkers from the most common malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, which is most prevalent in Africa. They also successfully detected the protein biomarker for ovarian cancer, known as cancer antigen 125, and the carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a marker for cancer of the large intestine, among other cancers. After confirming that their tests worked, Badu-Tawiah and his team stored the strips away and re-tested them every few days to see if the signal detected by the mass spectrometer would fade over time. They found that the signal was just as strong after 30 days as on day one, meaning that the disease proteins were stable and detectable even after a month. The study was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The attacks have made Turkey a strict, no tourist place, they said. Solomon Davis of Yatra.com said travel agents are advising travellers against going to Turkey. (Representational image) Hyderabad: Tuesdays deadly attack on Istanbuls Ataturk airport has had significant impact on the number of tourists going to Turkey from Hydera-bad, and other Indian cities. Adding to this is the fact that there have been six bomb blasts in the last one year alone, across various parts of Turkey. Tour operators have even put in place a temporary halt on package bookings to Turkey. Travel agents said previous bookings were also being cancelled or modified. The attacks have made Turkey a strict, no tourist place, they said. Solomon Davis of Yatra.com said travel agents are advising travellers against going to Turkey. While tourists do not prefer such destinations, we are also asking them to avoid such hotspots, said Mr Davis. Another official of MakeMyTrip.com said the company had now stopped offering Turkey tour packages We are suggesting other destinations to tourists making enqui-ries, he said. At least 1,000 tourists from India fly to Istanbul and other parts of Turkey, every month. Commuters started spotting a woman in white saree walking along the railway tracks and then disappearing. (Photo: Facebook/Kausik Saha) Many of us love reading about paranormal activities. Some of us even love the idea of visiting places that have a haunted past. But theres hardly a place in Indian where ghost tourism is official, until now! Located around 260 km from Kolkata, Begunkodar railway station in Purulia district has remained abandoned for more than four decades. Wondering why? The locals claim that this place has been haunted since 1960s and people have experienced paranormal activities. Commuters started spotting a woman in white saree walking along the railway tracks and then disappearing. With time, it became more regular and all the railway employees refused to work there. One still remained back but dead the following day. (Photo: nacho3-deviantart) The station was abandoned for more than 40 years. In 2009, Mamata Banerjee who was then the railway minister discarded the rumours and reopened the railway station. According to reports, few trains did stop there but people were still scared to go at that place. A Kolkata-based paranormal research body realised the potential of attracting travellers to this place and has decided to put Begunkodar in the state's ghost tourism map. The team will soon start guided tour to this haunted railway station. The tourists will be offered a package that will include travel, hotel accommodation and a midnight visit to the station. The tourist will also be a part of a story telling session where they will know more about the haunted stories of Begunkodar. London: A 60-year-old woman in the UK who wants to use her dead daughter's frozen eggs to give birth to her own grandchild today won a Court of Appeal battle. The woman was appealing against the UK regulator's refusal to allow her to take her only child's eggs to a US clinic. Her daughter, who died in 2011, was said to have asked her mother to carry her babies. The mother lost a High Court case last year, the BBC reported. She was subsequently granted permission to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal in London, before a panel of three judges. The UK fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said, in 2014, that the daughter's eggs could not be released from storage in London because she had not given her full written consent before she had died from bowel cancer at the age of 28. But, in the latest legal proceedings, lawyers acting for the mother told the judges she wanted to fulfil her daughter's wishes to carry a child created from her frozen eggs and "raise that child". The mother's wish is to take the eggs to a clinic in New York to be used with donor sperm. Queen's Counsel Jenni Richards said that if the judges did not overturn the High Court's ruling, the "inevitable" consequence would be that the eggs "will simply be allowed to perish". Richards argued that there was "clear evidence" of what the daughter, known only as 'A', wanted to happen to her eggs after she died, and that "all available evidence" showed she wanted her mother "to have her child after death". The appeal was opposed by the HFEA, which said it had great sympathy for the parents of the dead daughter, known only as Mr and Mrs M. The HFEA said: "The law requires us to consider whether there is sufficient evidence of informed consent. After looking at the matter in great detail we decided that there wasn't, a decision which was supported by the High Court last September. "Today's judgment by the Court of Appeal reaffirms the need for informed consent but concludes that there is sufficient evidence of Mr and Mrs M's daughter's true wishes." The HFEA said it would now reconsider the case as soon as possible. Although the police officials claim they have stepped up patrolling the area the residents said they still face unsafe. (Represenational Image) BENGALURU: Residents of Cooke Town in Pulikeshinagar are a worried lot as they are scared to step out of their houses after 4 pm. The residential locality has become a soft target for muggers with many cases reported in recent past. Although the police officials claim they have stepped up patrolling the area the residents said they still face unsafe. In a recent incident on June 26, a 15-year-old girl had a narrow escape after she fought back two bike-borne muggers and resisted their attempt to snatch her bag, when she stepped out of her house in High Street. While the police claim they had stepped up patrolling in the area, residents allege that their neighbourhood has become a hub for anti-social elements. According to the girls parents, she had stepped out of the house around 4 pm. During her tussle with the muggers she got scratches on her arm, but she did not let go of her bag and the muggers had no option but to speed away. The girls mother told this newspaper, My daughter kept crying for help but no one came forward. None of the watchmen standing around came forward to help her. Only when my husband heard her cries, he came to check and found her standing terrified at the main door. The police were alerted and they visited the spot and carried out an investigation. According to residents, the area had gained notoriety lately and there had been a spurt in mugging cases in the area. Anti-social elements are generally found in the park nearby drinking liquor. We have brought this to the notice of the cops, but nothing much has been done in this regard. The cops say that there have been cases reported and asked them to stay alert, said another resident. It may be recalled that on June 5, a software professional was robbed of her mobile phone while she was walking home in the night near her house in same locality. When she approached the police, a non-cognizable report was registered. But, to her disappointment, two weeks later, she received a text message from the police saying that the case had been closed. A police officer told Deccan Chronicle that the police have stepped up patrolling in the area and rounded up few anti-social elements. We are registering cases and probing into it. Last week too, the police rounded up a few suspects and questioned them. The public has been well notified of the strike by five banks, so this should not cause an issue with transactions as the public can be prepared in advance. (Representational image) Chennai: Banks will be closed for an unprecedented 10 days, including five Sundays, two Saturdays, Id and 2 days owing to strike by different employees union of banks across the country. Bank employees said as the strike notice has been given well in advance there should be not any problem with regard to branch banking. The eight-day holiday is just the Sundays and alternate Saturdays which employees deserve. ATMs should be functioning. The public has been well notified of the strike by five banks, so this should not cause an issue with transactions as the public can be prepared in advance, said C.H. Venkatachalam, general secretary, All India Bank Employees Association. But senior citizens, who solely depend on branch banking, are a worried lot. I do not use an ATM to withdraw money. I depend solely on a bank branch for all my money-related transactions. I will have to withdraw and keep money with me in advance, or depend on others to help me with ATMs, said V. Chandrasekhar, a senior citizen. New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat met Union Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot on Friday and sought clearance of Rs 123 crore in scholarship dues of the state's Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC students. "We demanded that the Central Government clear the scholarship dues for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. I am thankful to the minister that he has ordered release of Rs 52.3 crore already," Rawat said after the meeting. Gehlot assured Rawat that the rest of the amount will be released "soon". He asked the Chief Minister to link the bank accounts of beneficiary-students to their respective AADHAR numbers to avail Direct Benefit Transfer service and avoid leakage of funds. Rawat responded to it positively saying his government is "committed" to ensure that students receive scholarship dues directly in their bank accounts. He also urged the Union minister to transfer Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore more "so that there is no hindrance in educating poor children as private institutions are pressurising them for paying fees". Gehlot said the Centre will offer Uttarakhand Government monetary assistance of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 3.50 lakh per student for constructing hostels in plain and hilly areas respectively if it receives any proposal in this regard from the state. A priest performs worship near Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during a ceremony for its induction into the IAF, at HAL (ASTE) in Bengaluru. (Photo: PTI) Bengaluru: Reaching a major milestone in military aviation, the Indian Air Force on Friday launched the first squadron of 'Made-in-India' Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fighter jets. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. The LCA squadron-induction ceremony was held at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment in Bengaluru in the presence of Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command. A Tejas aircraft flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari performed a sortie during the induction ceremony, attended by Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command and senior HAL executives. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. A 'Sarva Dharma Pooja' (inter-faith prayer) was conducted before the induction. Such worships are customary at inductions and before staff training sessions, according to ANI reports. Air Force personnel break coconuts as a traditional ritual to bring good luck. (Photo: Twitter/ANI) Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in Tejas, had given the thumbs up to the "desi" aircraft, terming it "good" for induction. IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. Read: Induction of Tejas fills our hearts will unparalleled pride: PM Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said here "next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned. This will go into initially replacing them." "LCAs are better than MiGs which are old and parts are difficult to get," he had said. All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the "Initial Operational Clearance" and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. Read: Manohar Parrikar lauds HAL, ADA on induction of Tejas planes IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over delay. The dam at Perumballam village across Palar in Chithoor district near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, is on an inter-state river covered under the Madras-Mysore Agreement of 1892. (Photo: Representational Image) Chennai: Strongly protesting the increase in height of a check dam across the inter-state Palar river from five to 12 feet, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday urged her Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu to cut down the reservoir's level to its original position. "I wish to bring to your urgent notice an important issue relating to the action of the Irrigation Department of AP increasing the height of the check dam from the existing five feet to 12 feet across river Palar," she told Naidu in a letter. The dam at Perumballam village across Palar in Chithoor district near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, is on an inter-state river covered under the Madras-Mysore Agreement of 1892, she noted. "This unilateral action of Andhra Pradesh authorities has caused great alarm and apprehension in Tamil Nadu," she said. Pointing out that Palar was already water deficit, Jayalalithaa said the river supported an ayacut (an area served by an irrigation project) of about 4.20 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu. Farmers in Tamil Nadu's northern districts depend solely on this river for irrigation, she said. "The Palar river with its sand strata is the only major source for drinking water supply to several towns and villages in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. Further, water from Palar is also supplied to the Atomic Power Station at Kalpakkam (near Chennai)," the chief minister wrote. Noting that Palar is one of the rivers mentioned in Schedule "A" of the Madras-Mysore Agreement, she said, "As per clause II of the pact, the upstream state should not without the previous consent of the downstream state of Tamil Nadu, build any structure to obstruct or store waters across any part of the 15 main rivers." She recalled that Tamil Nadu had filed a suit on February 10, 2006 in the Supreme Court to restrain Andhra Pradesh from constructing any structure across Palar in violation of the Madras-Mysore Agreement. "In the circumstances, the government of Tamil Nadu lodges its strong protest against the action of the government of Andhra Pradesh in having unilaterally increased the height of the existing check dam at Perumballam village in violation of the Madras-Mysore Agreement," she said. She requested Naidu to immediately intervene and instruct officials to take urgent steps to reduce the level of the check dam to its original level and not to store water additionally and ensure natural flows to Tamil Nadu. "I look forward to your immediate positive response in the matter," she said. Meanwhile, DMK patriarch Karunanidhi asked Jayalalithaa to hold talks to solve the row over Andhra Pradesh raising the height of a check dam over river Palar. He alleged that such issues would affect the farmers in a big way and rued that the state government was "nonchalant." He said she should ensure that farmers lead a peaceful life by solving river water disputes. Bengaluru: The government is likely to introduce its much-talked about anti-superstition bill, imposing a penalty of Rs 25,000 and a seven year prison sentence on those using black magic and astrology among other pracitces to dupe people, during the joint session of the state legislature starting July 4. Speaking to DC, Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T B Jayachandras said the law department had drafted the bill and sent it to the Social Welfare department for placing before the state Cabinet on July 6. The cabinet will discuss the bill in detail before giving its approval for tabling it in the Legislative Assembly, he added. While the bill had been drawn up on the lines of the Maharashtra law against superstition and black magic, it was relevant to the conditions in Karnataka, he said. The minister, however, admitted the government had not yet decided on whether or not to ban Made-snana and Yede- snana rituals practiced in a few temples of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district, and walking on embers. Kolkata: Stressing on better law and order situation in North 24 Parganas district bordering Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday asked the district administration to take steps against cow smuggling. "Today we held the review meeting of North 24 Parganas district. We reviewed the developmental work. Cow smuggling has to stop. All shopping malls and marketing centres should have CCTVs. The law and order has to be handled in a better way," she said. The Chief Minister said employment opportunities for around 1.45 lakh people would be generated in the district in the next two years. "Investment worth Rs 45 crore would be made in small and medium scale industries. We'll also generate employment for 1.45 lakh people in the next two years," she said. Banerjee said that several new flyovers would come up in the district. A senior TMC leader on condition of anonymity said that the CM also warned against infighting among some leaders in the district. Hyderabad: Five Hyderabad-based people -- Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani alias Ibbu, Habeeb Mohammed alias Sir, Mohammed Ilyas Yazdani, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi and Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan -- were arrested by NIA Tuesday after a series of searches at 10 locations in the city, with the assistance from Hyderabad Police. Read: Arrested ISIS men planned to target prominent personalities Among the arrested suspects, Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi aka Fahad, and Mohammed Ilyas Yazdani have been identified as the leaders. The prime targets for the ISIS module in the city have been identified as Inorbit Mall and the IT zone in Madhapur. Read: Arrest of six ISIS operators creates flutter in Karimnagar In the several-hours-long raid, NIA officials seized target boards used for shooting practice, two pistols, an air gun, explosive substances (urea, acids and Hydrogen Peroxide) and other material used for making indigenous explosive devises (IEDs) besides Rs 15 lakh in cash which the arrested claimed was earned through trade. The suspects were apparently in touch with key ISIS recruiter Shafi Armar, a former Indian Mujahideen operative based in Syria, and took orders from him over internet. Read: Poor security at Lumbini Park, Hussainsagar area Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani, 30, an engineer from Chatta Bazaar, and his brother Mohammed Iliyas Yazdani, 24, from Aman Nagar, were family friends of Fahed. The trio had started working together to attract other youngsters to IS. Read: ISIS terrorists say they had plans for mass killing in Hyderabad Sources said that the explosives and arms were seized from the houses of the two brothers in Amannagar and Chatta Bazaar. Apart from these three, the NIA arrested Mohammed Irfan aka Yaqus, 27, from Zahera Nagar, Mir Alam Mandi, and Habeeb Muhammmed, 32, from Yousuf Gulshan Colony, Hashamabad. Read: Azhars arrest was case of mistaken identity Here is what we know of the five arrested: Mohammad Ibrahim Yazdani, 32 An engineering graduate from Anwarul Uloom College of Engineering and Technology, Irbahims parents passed away when he was young and was brought up by three of his elder brothers. After a brief stint in Middle East, he returned to Hyderabad and worked for a short time, following which he was unemployed. Ibrahim reportedly learnt to create explosives from online manuals and amassed several litres of hydrogen peroxide over three months and bought utensils to prepare the mixtures. Mohd Iliyas Yazdani, 24 A graduate in Computer Applications, Iliyas was nabbed with his elder brother Mohammad Ibrahim Yazdani, whom he visited daily. Like his brother, Iliyas spent a lot of time in front of the computer too. He worked part-time at a Mee Seva centre. Reports quoted relatives as saying that both brothers were mild-mannered and never showed aggressive behaviour. Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan, 29 A tenant in Ibrahim Yazdanis house, Hussain worked as a salesman at a shoe shop in Chatta Bazaar, where Ibrahim lives. He was reportedly very close to the Yazdani brothers. Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi aka Fahad, 31 A BBA graduate, Fahad, who has a son, wowed many with his skills in refitting and remodelling motorcycles. Reportedly the brain behind the module, Fahad is credited to be the one who opened channels of communication with IS handler Shafi Armar. A quiet, reserved man, the NIA reportedly claimed that Fahad also stocked up on hydrogen peroxide and acetone, and trained in bomb-making in recent months. Habeeb Mohammad, 32 A computer science engineer from Kakatiya University, Warangal, Habeeb lived at Yousuf Gulshan Colony of Chandrayangutta, an area from where at least four youths tried to go to Syria and join IS last year. He worked as a systems administrator with an IT company before starting an Internet cafe. And the NIA revealed that he purchased two pistols from Nanded, and also visited Ajmer, allegedly to meet arms suppliers. Habeeb was reportedly scouting for assault rifles. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen India's engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Minister's visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate India's ties. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India's current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modi's first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. India's ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries ?- Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners," said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. Pakistan on Thursday demanded more evidence from India on the 26/11 attacks in order to bring the case to its logical end.(Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Friday ticked off Pakistan for asking India for more proof on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and said Islamabad is citing excuses to ward-off responsibility of an inhuman attack, which claimed hundreds of innocent lives. Asserting that India should not fall into Pakistan's trap, Khurshid told ANI, "This is excruciatingly unacceptable. Excuses that are being sought to ward-off responsibility of an inhuman attack in Mumbai. And I don't think this is the way to go forward and I hope the Government of India doesn't get taken in." Pakistan on Thursday demanded more evidence from India on the 26/11 attacks in order to bring the case to its logical end. "Foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry has written a letter to concerned authorities across the border and has demanded further details regarding the evidence linking Pakistan to the attacks," said Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria while addressing a weekly press briefing. Zakaria added the response from the Indian side is still awaited. The spokesperson, however, did not elaborate as to when exactly the letter was written. Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attacks. New Delhi, which has been urging Islamabad to complete the trial at the earliest, has categorically stated that enough evidence has been shared with the Asian neighbour to prosecute the accused. The case has been going on in the country for more than six years. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists entered Mumbai from the Arabian Sea front and went on a carnage killing and injuring a total of 466 people. Cloudburst in Chamoli washed away houses in Gopeshwar on the banks of river Mandakini. (Photo: ANI/Twitter) New Delhi: Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives due heavy rains and cloudbursts in several districts of Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured that several National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed aid the state to tackle the calamity. The Home Minister took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express his grief. "I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.NDRF teams have been rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert," Singh said in series of tweets. I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 NDRF teams have been rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 "Spoke to CM U'khand Shri Harish Rawat regarding the situation post the cloud burst in the state. Centre is providing all possible assistance," he added. Spoke to CM U'khand Shri Harish Rawat regarding the situation post the cloud burst in the state. Centre is providing all possible assistance Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 Heavy rains triggered by cloudbursts led to the deaths of 30 people in Chamoli and Pithoragarh. Cloudburst in Chamoli washed away houses in Gopeshwar on the banks of river Mandakini. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to families of the victims. Rawat said he was personally monitoring the situation and added that disaster management teams and security personnel have already been asked to reach the sites to carry out rescue works and ensure safety of locals. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh seeking more handwriting samples of an alleged rape victim in a 14-year-old case, asking whether a woman is available, just because she writes "Babaji, I love you". A bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan said the tenor and the language of the letter allegedly written by the victim does not show consent at any point. However, senior advocate Jayant Bhushan, appearing for the religious figure-head, said this letter was a crucial piece of evidence and is inconsistent with the allegation. "The alleged incident is of 1999 and the letter was written in 2001. FIR was lodged in 2002. More handwriting samples will help in my defence," Bhushan said, adding that the case has been dragging on for over 14 years now. To this, the bench asked the counsel to read the content of letter and said whether it is rape or not can be proved through the evidence in the trial court. Bhushan after reading the content said the letter was anonymous and the complaint was lodged on that basis. The bench then asked, "just because the victim writes 'Babaji I love you', does that mean I am available?" Justice Misra said this reminded him of French writer Victor Hugo, whose "secretary for 49 years kept writing letters to him about her devotion and submission to him, but he never tried to seduce her." The court, while dismissing the petition, said it was not inclined to intervene in the matter or say anything on it. The rape case is currently pending in a CBI special court at Panchkula. The woman who has alleged rape by the spiritual leader was an inmate of Ashram of Dera Sacha Sauda at Sirsa in Haryana. The plea of Dera Sacha Sauda chief for more handwriting samples of the alleged rape victim was dismissed by the trial court and High Court. Infiltration and cross border crimes have always been a major issue in the northeast which has often led to disturbance in the region. (Photo: Representational Image/AP) Agartala: After its decision to completely seal the 262 km-long India-Bangladesh border in Assam, the Central Government is now mulling on sealing the international border in Tripura. Recently, Susheel Kumar, Secretary of Border Management of Ministry of Home Affairs, paid a visit to Tripura to take stock of border development projects in the state. Bangladesh and India share 4,096-kilometer long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Infiltration and cross border crimes have always been a major issue in the northeast which has often led to disturbance in the region. Kumar visited Tripura to review the cross border situation and progress of border development projects in the state. The review meeting was held in presence of Chief Secretary Y P Singh, DGP K. Nagaraj, Border Security Force (BSF) IG J.B. Sangwan and the District Magistrates of all eight district of the state. "Fence is on requirement basis, like Tripura I have had discussion with Meghalaya, two days back I had discussion with West Bengal. So, everywhere we are trying to complete the fence with the Bangladesh border," said Kumar. "We have already taken a decision that within two years, we are going to seal that border. Assam has much more riverine stretches, but we have decided that we will completely seal that in two years time," he added. It is worth mentioning that to complete the fencing on time and keeping in view the local issues, the government, if required, may raise the issue of fencing at zero points at some spots with Bangladesh. "Wherever fencing is required at zero point because of certain local issues we will certainly explore that. But then we have to get the government of Bangladesh to agree. That dialogue is to be done and we will see that it is done," said Kumar. The Secretary, Border Management, informed that sealing the border with Bangladesh is top priority and along with that fencing will also be raised at few spots on the Myanmar border. "On Myanmar side, the topography is completely different; the requirement is completely different. So, we will adopt different approach on the Indo-Myanmar border," said Kumar. Sealing of the Indo-Bangla border in northeast will not only lead to socio-economic development of the region, but bring an end to infiltration and trans-border movement of militants. Lucknow: Bihar topper Ruby Rai, who is in jail for forgery and cheating cases, is not the only one who does not know what political science means. According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh government has blacklisted two professors -- associate professor of English who cant spell 'evaluation', while an economics lecturer who has no idea what IMF stands for or what audit means. The infamous teachers reportedly did not know who Akhilesh Yadav is or when India gained its Independence. The matter surfaced during evaluation of answer sheets of BA English, History and Economics at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) recently, when the centres evaluation coordinator suspected their credentials and grilled the two teachers. Interesting, both of them have valid degrees and teach at colleges affiliated with UP universities. They also have been teaching for many years and evaluating papers. Shyam Bahadur, associate professor in English is working at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, while Anil Kumar Pal, associate professor in Economics, is employed at Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur. Both have been teaching for more than a decade. According to the report, the evaluation coordinator and ITHM director Luvkush Mishra said that the English teacher used wrong grammar while writing a two-line application letter seeking permission for evaluating papers. He also spelled evaluation as 'evalluation'. The economics professor didn't know that 'IMF' stands for 'International Monetary Fund'. Later, when told the actual answer, this is what he wrote: 'International Money Found'. He also failed to explain the meaning of 'audit'. UP governor and chancellor of the university Ram Naik said that both teachers have been backlisted and suitable action will be taken against them. New Delhi: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, known for his infamous controversial remarks, declared on Friday that there would be fewer tweets from him for a week as he has other matters to take care of. Now Ram Temple, NH, Impleading in Swami Dayananda's WP in SC, Aircel Maxis, CSK ban etc requires me to concentrate. So few tweets for 1 week Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 1, 2016 Swamys tweet comes in wake of reports that BJP is set to take strong action against him if he does not refrain from targeting party members and ministers. Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi ticked off Swamy, the BJP rank and file had taken a serious view of his relentless targeting of party colleagues and government officials. On Monday, Narendra Modi had made it clear that he was in no mood to tolerate Swamys relentless attacks and remarks against government officials and party colleagues. A senior party functionary said that the BJP has decided to take strong action against Swamy if he continues with his remarks against party leaders and government officials. It was pointed out that the BJP leadership felt that Swamy was diverting attention from the good governance of the Modi sarkar and giving the Opposition a handle to target the BJP and the government. Despite the warning, Swamy quoted the Bhagvad Gita to reply to the saffron wrath he has incurred. He tweeted: The world is in general equilibrium. A small change in one parameter effects changes in all variables. So Krishna advised: Sukh Dukhe... He has always been difficult to handle for his controversial remarks. While he was direct in his attack on RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and the chief economic adviser to the government, Arvind Subramanian, he tacitly targeted his arch-rival, finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Speculation was rife that an annoyed Jaitley cut short his China visit and returned to India after Swamy, in a tweet, took an indirect dig at him, saying, BJP should direct our ministers to wear traditional and modernised Indian clothes while abroad. In coat and tie they look like waiters. A source revealed that when the party high command decided to offer Swamy a Rajya Sabha seat, many a saffron eyebrow was raised. There was strong opposition to Swamys nomination as a section of party leaders argued that given his track record, he would turn on the people who helped him. Hyderabad: Reiterating his stand against the ISIS, Hyderabad MP and MIM president Mr Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday said that there was a need to crush the ideology of the ISIS. While interacting with media persons in the city, Mr Owaisi said he hoped that the ISIS would be crushed militarily in the next few months. Recalling that it was him and his party that had raised the first voice from India against the brutalities of the ISIS, he said that he was planning to invite scholars like Al-Yaqoubi and Hamza Yusuf to Hyderabad to inform Indians about the reality of ISIS and its inhuman acts, and also prove that the ISIS had no connection with Islam. Physical elimination of the ISIS will not serve the purpose, its ideology too needs to be crushed, he added. Reacting to queries re-garding the arrest of the five alleged ISIS sympathisers, Mr Owaisi said the NIA needed to provide evidence to support its charges. He added that the families of the arrested men had met him and informed that they had nothing to do with the ISIS. Recalling an instance when Muslim boys were suspected for throwing meat in temples to incite communal violence but the involvement of two Hindu boys was later proved, Mr Owaisi said, Without there being concrete evidence how should I believe? Let us wait for the matter to reach the courts and for the NIA to place some evidence against our boys. Earlier while addressing a gathering at Mecca Masjid on the occasion of Jumma-Tul-Vida he described the ISIS as murderers, goondas and an anti-Islam force. He alleged that the ISIS was also responsible for destroying of graves of the prophets of Islam. The mob set fire to an RTC bus while around a dozen buses, a police inspectors vehicle and private vehicles were stoned. (Representational image) Warangal/Mahbubnagar: Violence erupted in Jangaon of Warangal district as agitators blocked traffic for over an hour on the busy Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway at Erravalli on Friday, demanding new districts in the state. The agitators were demanding Jangaon district in Warangal and Gadwal district in Mahbubnagar. Violence broke out in Jangaon after scores of protesters tried to lay siege to the residence of local MLA Muttireddy Yadagiri Reddy, demanding his resignation for his failure to pressurize the state government to make Jangaon a district. The mob set fire to an RTC bus while around a dozen buses, a police inspectors vehicle and private vehicles were stoned. People felt cheated after they came to know that the MLA, who had promised to stand by their side, did not object to the proposal of Jangaon being merged into Yadadri district during the recent CMs meeting on bifurcation of districts. We no longer consider him as our MLA, said JAC chairman Arutla Dashmanth Reddy. The agitators went to the MLAs residence and demanded him to come out and declare his stand publicly. Police rushed to the spot and when all efforts to disperse them failed, they resorted to lathi charge. The agitators then squatted on the Jangaon junction, blocking all the four roads. This resulted in a huge traffic jam on the Hyderabad-Warangal highway. Three new districts, Warangal, Bhupallapalli and Mahbubabad, have been proposed in Warangal district. In Mahbubnagar, Gadwal Congress MLA D.K. Aruna and Alampur Congress MLA Sampath Kumar, led a huge dharna at Erravalli, demanding the TRS government to carve out a new Gadwal district. The government, however, has proposed Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool and Mahbubnagar as the new districts. Traffic on the busy Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway, which touches Kurnool and other major towns, came to a grinding halt for over an hour till police cleared the roads and took the agitators into custody. Meanwhile, Mr Kumar, who sat on the dharna, fainted and was taken to hospital where he is recovering. Demand for new districts is mounting in all parts of the state, not only from the Opposition but also among ruling party leaders ever since Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled plans for 24 districts including 14 new ones on administrative grounds. The houses in Charminar and Moghalpura from where the IS suspects were arrested. Bengaluru: Is Shafi Armar alias Yusuf-al-Hindi from Bhatkal, who was said to have been killed in drone strike by US in Syria in April this year, behind the alleged ISIS module, which was busted in Hyderabad on June 29 by the NIA and the local police? Though the NIA remained tightlipped about the handler and mentor of the five accused, according to sources, Shafi could be the man, who recruited and radicalised them online for executing terror strikes in Hyderabad during the holy month of Ramzan and the forthcoming Eid. It is either Shafi or someone else using his name for ISIS online recruitment in India. He could be the saheb, who they (the accused) were referring to in their initial interrogation, said an officer on condition of anonymity. Their custodial interrogation may throw some light on the module; their handler; their finances and the targets, the officer added. There were widespread reports in the media that Shafi was killed in a US drone strike, but none of the agencies had confirmed his death. Shafis family had also dismissed the report of his death. His elder brother Abdul Khadir Sultan Armar was the blue-eyed boy of Abu Baqr al Baghdadi, who had anointed him and appointed him to head the militant jihadist group, Ansar al-Tawhid fi Bilad al Hind (AuT) to invite Indian Muslims to train at jihad camps in North Waziristan in Pakistan. Sultan was killed in March last year. Hyderabad: National Investigation Agency prosecutors, while arguing for the custody of the five arrested ISIS men at a local court, stated that they needed to interrogate the suspects in order to unearth sleeper cells and other members of the terror module who were still at large. The NIA said the accused Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani alias Ibbu, Habeeb Mohammed alias Sir, Mohammed Ilyas Yazdani, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi and Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan needed to be taken to Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and it also wanted to question them on possibility of recovering explosives. Following the custody petition, the Fourth Additional Metropo-litan Sessions Judge K. Rajkumar granted 12 days custody of the five remanded suspects to NIA and directed the accused be produced before court on July 12. The judge also warned against torture techniques and to allow the advocate of the accused to visit them. TS Intelligence said out of six people who were released on Wednesday, three are under surveillance. Bengaluru: All policing in the state, covering law and order, traffic and coastal patrolling, appears to be in for a makeover with the state now looking for answers to Europe to bring some order into the affairs of its cities and tighten coastal security. If all goes well, Karnataka may follow a European model of traffic management, take the help of the Bavaraian government to improve policing in its cities and borrow teaching methodologies from a Bavarian police academy to make its own police force more efficient. Concerned by the increasingly unmanageable traffic in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru, the government is considering adopting an European module of traffic management, going by Home Minister, Dr G Parameshwar. Pointing out that European cities were themselves moving towards a new module of traffic management as it was proving to be more difficult by the day even in their countries, he told reporters on Friday, We too are seriously considering adopting the same module. Observing that the Bavarian capital of Munich had been named the worlds safest city, especially for women, children and the retired, he revealed Karnataka had signed an MoU with the Bavarian government in Germany for technical expertise to improve policing in the state. There will be multiple exchange programmes between Karnataka and Bavaria, where the police is known to be people-friendly and involves all the stakeholders, including citizens, in maintaining law and order. The Bavarian police meanwhile is interested in how we handle cyber crime and manage crowds, he explained. The minister said he was particularly impressed with the Bavarian polices interaction with school children as it helped develop a bond between the law men and the citizens. A private survey found that the acceptability of the police in Germany is 87 per cent, while it is only 14 per cent for politicians. The police training college in Bavaria is very good too as it has created over 85 models of crime and law and order situations to train the police in handling them. Such models could be introduced in the police academy here , he added. Disclosing that the state government planned to set up a coastal police academy over 25 acres in Udupi , he noted that the regular police currently being appointed to the coastal units were not trained for swimming in the ocean or handling other work specific to their area of operation. So now we intend to make separate recruitments for the coastal police and train them at the academy, he said. Hi-tech Hoysalas to patrol city roads The city police have come up with a new patrolling model and as part of it 222 hi-tech Hoysala vehicles will be functional from Saturday. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Police Commissioner N. S. Megharikh said the police had adopted the new patrolling system in the city. The Hoysala patrolling vehicles were introduced in 1997 and they were controlled by the police stations. In the new system, 222 Maruti Ertiga vehicles are being introduced. They will be monitored and controlled from the Hoysala control room attached to the Command Centre, which works as centralised unit for monitoring complaints received at the control room and social networking sites. In the old system, the patrolling vehicles used to move around in their jurisdiction. That system will continue for few more months. The new vehicles will be given six designated spots and they will not leave until a message is passed by the Command Centre. Whenever there is an incident, the nearest Hoysala vehicle staff will be alerted and they will rush to the spot. They will leave the crime spot only after the jurisdictional police reaches, Megharikh explained. Each vehicle will be given six designated spots and they will change them every four hours. However, the frequency of incidents in a particular area will decide their location, Megharikh added. T-advocates shout slogans and lift chairs in anger after BJP member Ravindra Vishwanath was given a chance to address the maha dharna at the Indira Park in Hyderabad on Friday. The T-advocates did not want Mr Vishwanath to address the gathering. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: T-advocates on Friday warned that they will lay siege to Parliament if the Centre fails to bifurcate the Hyderabad High Court between AP and TS. T-advocates, led by the Telangana Federation of Bar Associations, Telangana Advocates JAC and Telangana High Court Advocates Association leaders staged a maha dharna at the Indira Park where they warned the Centre that they will march to Delhi and lay siege to Parliament for their legitimate demands. They demanded the Centre to ensure bifurcation of the High Court and recall of the provisional allocation of judicial officers between the two states. They also demanded the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court to revoke suspension of 11 judicial officers and 11 judicial employees with immediate effect. They also resolved to continue their agitation till their demands were met. Political leaders, including N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Sridhar Babu, P. Shankar Rao, Asaduddin Owaisi, Chada Venkat Reddy, Balka Suman, Burra Narsaiah Goud, Guvvala Balraj, G. Srinivas Goud, Niranjan Reddy and N.V.S.S. Prabhakar along with TJAC chairman Prof. M. Kodandaram and Prof. Visweswar Rao extended support to the protesters. T-advocates to brief CJI on developments Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur has granted appointment to a delegation of the Telangana High Court Advocates Association for Sunday. The T-advocates will meet the CJI at his residence at Delhi. In view of the ongoing agitation of the T-advocates for the last 25 days demanding bifurcation of the Hyderabad High Court between TS and AP and recall of the provisional allocation of subordinate judicial officers between the two states, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos letter to the CJI and the Centre and also the meeting of Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda with the CJI, Justice Thakur has invited the THCAA leaders to personally appraise the situation prevailing in the state. T-advocate Gandra Mohan Rao said that he, along with some of the THCAA office-bearers, will submit a representation to the CJI urging him to take steps for revocation of suspension of judicial officers and employees. Meanwhile, the AP Judicial Officers Association on Friday met the Acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and complained that T-advocates have been hurting the sentiments of the Andhra native judicial officers working in TS. Mumbai: Describing his experience as long drawn and cumbersome, Bobby Naqvi, a UAE based journalist, has taken to Facebook to describe his experience interviewing Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his UAE visit last year. Titled Meeting the PM, Naqvis post describes in detail the official procedures and the protocols he had to deal with before interviewing Modi. Starting with the trouble he had in getting the interview scheduled, Naqvi wrote, After exchanging several emails with bureaucrats for several days, I received a call from a very senior official he said that the PM has agreed. Then he mentioned two other publications would also be present. I was hugely disappointed as it was no longer an exclusive interview. I had no option but to grudgingly accept it with some protest. Naqvi further writes that he had trouble gaining security clearance for his photographer, and was in for yet another shock when he was informed that he could ask only one question to the Prime Minster. Answers to my remaining questions would be provided in writing after the meeting, he wrote. Recalling that the meeting went as per the script, Naqvi referred to the Prime Minsters recent interview with a leading news channel, and said, I wasnt surprised when I read that questions for Times Now interview were sought in advance. I am not sure if this is a standard procedure for all PMs or unique to this govt. Read the full text of the interview here: Mysuru: Former revenue minister and senior Congress leader Mr V. Srinivasprasad continued to lambast CM Siddaramaiah alleging that he was mean, jealous and ungrateful and added that the Congress would become extinct in the next Assembly polls if it continued with him as CM. Speaking to mediapersons, the Dalit leader, who was dropped from the Cabinet during the recent rejig, said, Siddaramaiah undertook the reshuffle for selfish reasons. He is luring the MLAs who are with me, by offering them money. It is not necessary for us to have people with suitcases (read money). Why did Qamarul Islam (another dropped minister) call for a bandh? And now, see how has he changed his stance, he said. He continued, I contributed my bit to Siddaramaiahs political rebirth and his becoming CM. It was I who advised him to contest from Varuna. But during the Cabinet reshuffle, I was not taken into confidence even for courtesys sake. I had decided that I would retire respectfully. But he has betrayed my trust. I have never tried to topple the government. I know my limits. But with Siddaramaiah at the helm, the popularity of the party and government is at stake. I have written to the Congress high command not to continue with such a mean minded man. Yes it is not easy to change a CM, hence we have asked the high command to examine this in detail, he added. Answering a question, Mr Prasad said, I have friends across all parties, but I have not received an offer to join any party. Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office and embarked on his world tours, being a member of the countrys oldest and longest-ruling party, the Congress, hasnt been much fun. Though Mr Modis public appearances amid Bolly, bhangra, dandiya and other NRI pomp and circumstance and his flamboyant dress sense provided ammunition for smirks, his many foreign policy successes plunged the Opposition right back into festering gloom. Some weeks ago, the Congress and some in the media as well as activists who have built empires off Modi-bashing, got another opportunity. At the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group plenary meeting and despite the Indian governments best efforts, China successfully blocked Indias application for membership of the elite cartel that oversees regulations and prices for nuclear exports worldwide. Indias failure was like an unexpected midsummer bonus for the Modi-slammers. The PM had embarrassed India by showing Indias desperation, sniffed the Congress (whose own foreign minister once famously read out Portugals speech instead of Indias at the UN Security Council). Diplomacy needs depth, not public tamasha, declared its spokesman Anand Sharma. Beijing argued against Indias admission as New Delhi has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Some of our closest allies, too, reportedly voted against India, with the biggest turnaround by Switzerland and the United States. The former went back on its earlier promise to support Indias admission, while the latter, though backing Indias bid, didnt go the extra mile to counter the Chinese. But what about other naysayers, like New Zealand? Small nations that have been seeking to intensify and deepen ties with India in recent years? Other than one newspapers two canny reporters and some senior commentators, few in the media went beyond what was reported out of Seoul, where the NSG meeting took place. What exactly were countries like New Zealand objecting to? The reporters bothered to ask. And got a revealing reply. Its quite wrong to describe New Zealand as opposed to Indias NSG membership, was the response from New Zealands foreign office. (We) believe it is very important for NSG members to consider carefully what criteria should be used in assessing applications from non-NPT states. That, not opposition to India, was New Zealands position at the plenary. Constructive discussions should lead to a pathway against which Indias application can be properly considered. At a chat with foreign correspondents in New Delhi last week, New Zealands high commissioner Grahame Morton reiterated this. There was no timetable for how and when these reforms to the NSGs admission norms will take place, but Mr Morton pointed repeatedly to the process as the single point of his countrys concern before admitting India. It is reasonable to assume that other countries as keen as New Zealand to warm up to India would have followed a similar line. So was the outcome of the NSG really as belittling as the gleeful Congress makes it out to be? No. Not if you consider how the international bureaucracy has mastered the art of fine-tuning and tweaking texts of global arrangements as and when it becomes necessary. In other words, what naysayers at the NSG (besides China) have done is to give India another window of opportunity but this time a more satisfactory one. One that may well let India in but also ensure, through some nuanced wording, that Pakistan, another non-NPT signatory, is kept out. Consider the following: China reiterated that India must sign the NPT before it can be admitted, knowing full well, of course, that India will never sign a discriminatory treaty that reserves the right to possess nuclear weapons only for the Big Five (US, UK, France, Russia, China). On the other hand, India has already signed agreements for civil nuclear cooperation with some hitherto intransigent supplier states like Canada and Australia, and also with four of the Big Five. Indeed, the NSG itself had in 2008 issued a waiver that enabled these agreements. On the heels of the so-called failure at the NSG, India was formally induced into the Missile Technology Control Regime, a voluntary grouping to control the proliferation of missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, of which China is not a member. Since admission into the NSG is only a matter of time, it is a given that China will use every trick in the book to delay Indias entry. But if theres one thing Congress spokesman Anand Sharma got right, it is the depth of diplomacy. While the NPT may or may not be acknowledged as an outdated treaty by nations like New Zealand, who are seeking a relook at procedures, and expunged altogether, nuanced drafting of any new application criteria for NSG membership will rework existing legislation, if need be, to fit Indias admission. But whats in the NSG that makes India covet its membership so much? For one, its a cartel which makes or dissolves the rules for all commercial players in the international nuclear market. As a member, India will be able to import and export nuclear raw material as well as the latest reactor technology and participate in any amendments of NSG guidelines. The last is important if India is to ensure that the 2008 waiver it got is not, for whatever reason, cancelled again. But as already argued, the many international agreements signed by India so far, given its pressing energy needs, already provide for imports. Given the long decades of international isolation and the relatively nascent stage of Indias own nuclear energy production, exports are, in any case, not an immediate urgency. Consequently, many foreign policy experts like former foreign secretary Shyam Saran see the NSG membership as desirable, but not essential for now. In an interview ahead of the NSG meeting last month, Mr Saran noted that China was opposed even to the mere NSG waiver given to India in 2008, but had to relent when it realised it was isolated. Chinas present position seems, therefore, to be solely on behalf of its close ally Pakistan, whose NSG application is also pending. The induction of two indigenous warplanes of the fly-by-wire, single-engine, multi-role, light combat aircraft (LCA) variety named Tejas, or Radiant into the Indian Air Force on Friday is an important milestone. Tejas, probably the smallest and lightest aircraft of its class in the world with impressive tactical capabilities, is not wholly indigenous. Its engine is American, weapon systems Israeli, ejection seat British. Nevertheless, the plane is Indian in important ways. The carbon-fibre composites body is wholly Indian. This material renders the aircraft light. The mission computer that will guide the multi-mode radar inputs is Indian. The systems that will enhance the pilots awareness of incoming surface-to-air missiles and enemy aircraft are also Indian, besides a host of other general features. The notion of an Indian light fighter was first thought of in 1969 in light of threat perceptions, but the Aerospace Development Agency was set up only in 1984 as an assembly of some one hundred defence laboratories, industrial bodies and research institutions which contracted HAL to fabricate the LCA. The ADAs programme was not just to make the LCA but also generate spin-off effects for industry. We have arrived at the LCA after three decades. Changing demand parameters of the Indian Air Force, the main users, and the sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 nuclear tests making it difficult to obtain certain types of technology internationally, account for the delay in part. Nevertheless, a landmark has been reached, and given some experience of technology absorption, an exuberance of further indigenisation can be expected. In any civilised country, Yogi Adityanath would have been in jail, or at least facing serious hate speech charges that the authorities would pursue with diligence. In todays India, he is being talked about as a possible minister in the Union Cabinet. Reports suggest he would prefer to be the chief ministerial candidate in the Uttar Pradesh polls in 2017. Its possible that by keeping him in Delhi they hope to pacify him and stymie his ambitions. Whatever be the case, the good Yogi Wikipedia calls him a politician and a priest is destined for higher things and may soon hold a constitutional post. This is the man whose mission in life is to purify those who belong to religions other than Hinduism. He wants Hindus to marry Muslim girls who can then be converted. He once compared Shah Rukh Khan to Hafiz Saeed. Yogi Adityanaths communally charged provocations are not new. He and his Hindu Yuva Vahini storm troopers were involved in fomenting tension in Uttar Pradesh in 2007 after he was arrested for breaking a curfew. The subsequent rioting led to the burning of homes, buses, mosques and trains. What has changed now is that Yogi Adityanath is no longer a troublemaker but a player; he was used by the BJP for the September 2014 byelections, and he duly fulfilled his mandate by giving communally charged speeches that prompted the Election Commission to send him showcause notices, and an FIR being filed against him. Yogi Adityanath is not one to be demurred by such things; they only serve to spur him on further and, in turn, show his lumpen followers that he is above the law. Such faith is doubly confirmed when he is mentioned as a putative Union Cabinet minister. One would imagine any Prime Minister would be wary of admitting such an unsavoury character into his Cabinet. Indeed, one would have thought he would not have even been given a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Today, his possible appointment is being blithely discussed. In the run-up to the 2014 polls and after Narendra Modis government took office, we saw elements associated with the BJP and the larger Sangh Parivar making the most outrageous statements. It was no longer deemed necessary to hold back ones communal views in public; the more offensive it was, the more attention it got. The ferocity of these utterances left everyone shocked; its not as if such people didnt exist before, but now they were part of the establishment. At the time, any attempt to ask why the PM, who seemed to command his entire party with an iron grip, did not intervene was met with: Do you think he should respond to every statement made by his party members? The party chief too remained silent. Since then, no one is even asking that question any more. Its as if we have all got used to this debasement of public behaviour. Instead of repeatedly pointing out that the likes of Yogi Adityanath be made accountable for what he says, we are discussing his political elevation. This is the new normal, and we seem to have come to terms with it. The utterances of Subramanian Swamy have to be seen in this context. He has been in public life for years, even decades. His views were known, as was his habit of making wild allegations. He somehow kept himself in the news, even though his political significance steadily diminished. Five years ago he wrote his controversial article calling for Muslims to be disenfranchised, and lost his lecturing rights at Harvard. Instead of being banished into the political wilderness, he was made a Rajya Sabha member. Now he is at the front and centre of public life a man with a profile as high as the Prime Ministers. It was his assault on RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, and the lack of any kind of cogent rebuttal by the government, that led to the much-respected Reserve Bank governor declaring he was not interested in a second term. For the Prime Minister to now weakly upbraid Mr Swamy (without naming him) and hail Dr Rajans patriotism is a bit rich. The damage has been done and Mr Swamy has emerged as the man whose remarks have consequences. It is poetic justice of sorts that the man who was cheered on for attacking the Gandhis has now trained his guns at senior ministers. Yogi Adityanath may be a rustic politician and Mr Swamy may be a Harvard-trained economist, but under the skin both are the same communal in the extreme and with a destructive ability to turn a crude phrase. And there are more where these two come from, and we are not talking of the well-organised troll army here. As a nation and society, from being initially alarmed at this sudden burst of coarseness in public life recall our collective disgust at the Ramzaade haramzaade remark by a junior minister to now simply shrug and move on shows how inured we have become. It barely makes a blip in the news cycle; if anything, the Swamy example shows invective and innuendo are guaranteed to get maximum publicity and even reward. Going back from here will not be easy. Public figures set the tone and are expected to be role models of civility and graciousness. Previous regimes may not have been perfect, but it would not be wrong to say that we did not see discourse at such low levels as we are seeing now. Any suggestion of this sort invites abuses from those who are blind devotees of the current dispensation, which kind of proves the point one is making. Yogi Adityanath and Subramanian Swamy and so many others of that ilk have large followings. We will see their tribe only grow in the coming years. There is no mischief in this lie This talk of love, of you and I They say alls fair in love and war That war is life and loves a whore. Forgiveness is loves main retreat So lover dont fall at her feet Its a chequerboard of ups and downs White and black and smiles and frowns. From Anna Padeyga (The opera) by Bachchoo On the ides of March (stop being pretentious you mean the 15th! Ed.) 1973, at about 4 am, while I slept on the second floor of my terraced-house flat in Brixton, south London, someone threw a fire bomb through the plate glass of the ground floor. The building was set ablaze and I woke up choking with smoke. The flames were coming through the floor. I stumbled about for a few seconds not being able to breathe and utterly disoriented. It took some time to realise the place was on fire. Had I left the gas on? There was no time to reason why. I dragged on a pair of shorts and jumped two relatively-shallow floors to the pavement below where the plate glass was fragmenting with loud explosions, scattering shards which went into my bare feet. The firemen who came after several minutes and began pumping water into the building, told me it was a Molotov cocktail that had set the place on fire. The fire chief said he was not to be quoted as it was a matter for the police and he would have to submit a confidential report, but did I have any enemies. I said I must have but couldnt recall owing anyone significant sums of money or anything that would induce such rage. Later on in the day, as I was being attended to in the accident and emergency unit of the local hospital, a fellow patient told me that five premises with Asian occupants had been fire-bombed in the early hours of the morning. When I first came to Britain and went up to Cambridge, I wasnt aware of any overtly racist attitudes. Amongst some of the other undergraduates there was certainly the idea that having come from public school and descended from the upper classes of British society they were in many senses superior to the wogs. It was a word I hadnt heard in India but soon learned the meaning of. For the rest of it, I wasnt aware of racial antagonisms until I came, during holidays and after graduating, to London. In those days, the end of the 60s, landlords would refuse to rent rooms to blacks and Asians, hooligans would shout at you on the streets. Some pubs would refuse to serve you and used the stratagem of pretending you werent there and moving to white customers till you got fed up and left. One sometimes faced mild or severe assault in the streets when some thugs, usually in a cowardly gang or even out of a car would pass you, punch or slap you, spit at you and drive or run away. It was disconcerting, disgusting, unacceptable and made several of us resolve to fight it politically. We did, but thats another story. These overt forms of racism seemed to die out as legislation made some of them crimes and as the innate decency of the British majority began to articulate itself and force racism into purdah. My childrens generation didnt face what mine had to. Then comes June 24, 2016 and the results of the all-UK referendum to gauge the countrys stance on whether to stay in or to leave the European Union, are declared. Seventeen million voted Leave and 16 million voted Remain. The turnout was 72 per cent of those eligible to vote. So, hardly an overwhelming decision but one that has to be democratically respected. In the days that followed it became clear that it was bigotry and a very destructive and ignorant sense of nationalism, rather than informed democratic opinion, that had won the day. I am aware of the dangers of making such a judgment of calling your opponents in a balloted contest fools and propaganda-fodder. But examining the fallout from the result, all inhibition to say so disappears. Did the Leave campaign really want Scotland and Northern Ireland to start thinking about and even initiate the process of seceding from the United Kingdom? Perhaps some Little Englanders did. Did they really want the pound to fall and stay at a level which will make all the essentials of existence food, clothes, energy and transport more expensive? Perhaps they think its worth the sacrifice. Do they really want the flight of capital and employment from the UK which has already followed the result? Perhaps they didnt think that far and believed the leaders of the campaign when they said an exit would bring increased investment and happiness all round. Did they believe that winning the Leave vote would signal permission for an increase in overt racism? Yes, they did. The organised closet racists who are now demonstrating on the streets of British cities asking Eastern Europeans to go home, the individual racists who feel empowered to attack Indians born here, verbally and physically, telling them they are not welcome and even those smug and rich politicians who may not resort to such depravity but who certainly knew that they were letting this evil genie out of a bottle by smashing it. The irony of the situation is that vast swathes of British Asians in Birmingham, Sheffield and 50 other cities, voted to Leave EU on the grounds that there were too many Eastern Europeans being allowed entry. Turkeys voting for Christmas? In the last few days, the reports of assaults have increased alarmingly. Did those who voted for the slogan Leave think perchance that it meant that it was an injunction for forcing immigrants who live and work here out of the country? I believe many of them did. A start-up company by two IIT grads is infusing Artificial Intelligence technology now to make its platform smarter. (Representational image) New Delhi: A start-up company by two IIT grads, which is engaged in imparting education using the open school platform, is infusing Artificial Intelligence technology now to make its platform smarter. Last year, Ritesh Singh and Akshat Goel launched Eckovation -- a unique open-school communication and social learning platform that allows teachers, parents and students to interact freely and effectively on mobile phones. The firm has taken initiatives across three major areas - forging new partnerships, extending the depth and reach of open school and continued technological innovation. "Most exciting for us, we continue to make our platform smarter by infusion of Artificial Intelligence technology," says Singh, adding "we are continuously expanding the use of AI as it holds a lot of promise for the future of education technology". "We have collaborated with Ola cabs to extend the benefits of the open school platform to the drivers' families. We have also partnered with Collins India publishing house. They are using the platform for engaging teachers in their network. Most of these teachers have also enrolled themselves with the open school to impart quality education," he told PTI. "Second, we are spreading open school, through a new campaign called 'I Teach India' (#ITeachIndia). It is designed to accelerate digital literacy at all levels by reaching out to the population in India and invite teachers' participation across regions to join the platform. "Third, we continue to iterate rapidly with our new technology and add new features, which can help teachers and students. This year, to prepare students for the admissions season, we have added features and plugins to help students make informed decisions... We have added new analytics tools, which empower the teachers with insights to help the students," he says. The firm has completed its first round of funding. "We completed our first round with Mihir Somaiya, Surface Commercial Channel Lead - Asia, Microsoft, Rohit Chadha, Head - Global Consulting Services Practice Center of Excellence at Bain & Company and Chandigarh Angels Network. We see this milestone as a significant endorsement of Eckovation's strategy and commitment to increase the quality of education in our country," Singh says. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Cairo: An Egyptian Coptic priest was on Thursday shot dead in the Sinai Peninsula where authorities are battling a jihadist insurgency, officials said, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Raphael Moussa, 46, died instantly when a man shot him in the head as he was standing next to his car in El-Arish, the capital of North Sinai, said Boulos Halim, a church spokesman. The Islamic State groups Egypt branch claimed responsibility for the murder in a statement posted on social media, accusing him of combating Islam. Moussa had earlier left a church where he attended mass, Halim said. The interior ministry said the priest was gunned down after having gone to an area of El-Arish with mechanics to have his car repaired. The IS affiliate in restive Sinai has waged an insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers. It has kept up the attacks, mostly roadside bombings and ambushes, despite a massive military campaign to uproot jihadists from the peninsula bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip. Moussa was not the first priest killed in Arish. Mina Aboud, a fellow priest, was shot dead on July 6, 2013, three days after the military toppled Egypts Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, unleashing clashes and a crackdown on his supporters. Pro-Islamists attacked and torched dozens of churches and Christian properties a month later, after police killed hundreds of Morsi supporters in Cairo clashes. They accused the Coptic minority of supporting the overthrow of Morsi, whom the army deposed after millions of Egyptians rallied to demand his resignation. Leading Muslim clerics, as well as the opposition and the Coptic Orthodox Church, supported his overthrow after a year of divisive rule. Apart from Christians and security forces, Jihadists in Sinai have also targeted Muslims they accuse of working with the government. They have likewise attacked foreign tourists and beheaded a Croatian oil worker after abducting him near Cairo. IS claimed responsibility for last Octobers bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from a resort in southern Sinai, killing all 224 people on board. The whole situation in El-Arish and North Sinai is under threat, said Halim. Many people (Christians) have left. Tulis Gabbard has launched a signature campaign to ask the country's postal service to issue a stamp for recognising Diwali as a special day. (Photo: AFP) Washington: Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu to be elected to the US Congress, has launched a signature campaign to ask the country's postal service to issue a stamp for recognising Diwali as a special day. "After decades of progress towards creating a postage stamp that recognises the festival of lights, finally, we're almost there," Gabbard said in a video message which has now been doing the rounds of the social media for the past several days. Hindu is the only major religion for which the US Postal Service has not issued a stamp so far. In the past several years, a number of Indian Americans and community organisations have launched such campaigns, but without success. "This is the final stretch" Gabbard stressed asking Hindu Americans to sign her online petition in this regard. "Every year when we get together and we celebrate Diwali, the beautiful festival of lights, we're celebrating the triumph of good over evil, of right over wrong. Now, a lot of people having been working hard to try to get a Diwali stamp here in the United States, but we need your help," Gabbard said. "Please join me in signing this petition so that we can increase the volume of all of our voices all across the country in urging the United States Postal Service to create a Diwali stamp to recognise this special day and to further increase and enrich our nation's tapestry of religious and cultural diversity," Gabbard appealed in her video message. Navy officials acknowledged that the crew and commanders had made serious mistakes. (Photo: PTI) Washington: US sailors who blundered into Iranian waters in January divulged sensitive information to their captors while held at gunpoint by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a US Navy report said on Thursday. It said some of the 10 crew members gave away capabilities of their vessels, one of them disclosing his vessel's potential speed and suggesting it was on a "presence" mission to demonstrate US military power in the Gulf. The incident, which embarrassed the United States, rattled nerves days before implementation of a US-nuclear accord between Iran and world powers negotiated by the administration of US President Barack Obama. "It is clear that some, if not all, crew members provided at least some information to interrogators beyond name, rank, service number and date of birth," the report said. The report redacted names, but the Navy last week identified the commander of the boats' task force as Captain Kyle Moses and said he had been relieved of his command. In May, the Navy fired Eric Rasch, commander of the squadron that included the sailors. The report said two people had faced administrative action and it recommended action on six others. The Navy report blamed the incident on poor planning, leaders who did not properly consider risks, and complacency, a lack of oversight and low morale. The sailors were travelling in two vessels to Bahrain from Kuwait. At a Thursday news conference, Navy officials acknowledged that the crew and commanders had made serious mistakes. "Our actions on that day in January and this incident did not live up to our expectations of our Navy," Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said. "Big incidents like this are always the result of the accumulation of a number of small problems." Problems Problems had plagued the mission from the beginning. The task force commander ordered the 250-nautical-mile transit, the longest the crews had attempted, on short notice, and "severely underestimated" the transit's risks. "He lacked a questioning attitude, failed to promote a culture of safety, and disregarded appropriate backup from his staff and subordinate commands," the report said. The boats' captains and crew did not review or follow their planned course from the moment they left port, the report said, and inadvertently went through Saudi Arabian territorial waters before entering Iranian waters off the coast of Iran's Farsi Island in the Gulf. At one point, the crew members did not realize they were near Farsi Island because none of them zoomed into their navigation system's map. Taken at gunpoint Near the island, one of the boats had a faulty engine, and the two craft were approached by two IRGC boats, which pointed their weapons. They were soon joined by two other IRGC boats. The boat captains did not direct their gunners to put on protective gear or man their weapons. Under the standard rules of engagement, US military personnel are obligated to defend their units. However, in the hopes of de-escalating the situation, the captains directed their gunners to step away from their weapons. "I didn't want to start a war with Iran," one of the boat captains told investigators. "My thought at the end of the day was that no one had to die for a misunderstanding." The Iranians forced the sailors to remove their body armor, kneel, and place their hands behind their heads, and took video and pictures of the crew doing so. At Farsi Island, they interrogated and detained the sailors overnight before releasing them the next day. Filmed acting happy The sailors acquiesced to Iranian demands that they eat and act happy while being filmed in order to be released, and one captain read an apology prepared by the Iranians. Unbeknownst to them, the US government already had negotiated their unconditional release. The report faulted the IRGC for violating international norms. The Iranians replaced an American flag on board with an IRGC one, ransacked the vessels, and damaged equipment, the report said. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei awarded medals to IRGC commanders, and Iranian media broadcast videos of the detainees. "The Navy investigation confirms what has been obvious from the beginning: that Iran's obstruction, boarding, and seizure of sovereign US Navy vessels at gunpoint and the detention, interrogation, and recording of 10 American sailors were flagrant violations of international law," said US Senator John McCain, a former naval aviator, in response to the report. The Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Beijing: A Taiwanese warship on Friday mistakenly fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for Taiwan. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese -administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, left, and opposition leader Bill Shorten shake hands as they arrive for a debate in Canberra. (Photo: AP) Melbourne: Millions of Australians were bracing for a key election that pits Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull against Labor opposition leader Bill Shorten who is vying to become the country's fifth premier in three years, with polls indicating that the vote may be too close to call. Over 15 million people are expected to exercise their votes tomorrow with over 1,600 candidates, including five of Indian-origin, contesting from over 55 political parities. The main contest is between Turnbul and his conservative coalition against a Labor opposition led by Shorten. Britain's decision to leave the European Union prompted Australia's political leaders to re-emphasise their economic security credentials ahead of the election this Saturday. Turnbull has urged the Australians to look for stability and re-elect his conservative coalition which dumped the country's last prime minister less than a year ago. Shorten said ruling coalition is deeply divided so Labor could give more stable government. The polls will elect all 226 members including 150 members for the lower house of the 45th Parliament after an eight-week official campaign period following the double dissolution announced by Prime Minister Turnbull in April this year. About 10 million people are expected to vote at 7,000 polling booths whereas over 4.5 million people are on track to vote in advance. In the 150-seat House of Representatives, Labor currently holds 55 seats, the coalition 90 and five seats are held by minor parties or independents. Major issues of economy, cost of living, education, climate change, Great Barrier Reef, health, house affordability, gay marriage and asylum seekers dominated the debate between Australia's two major political groups, the Australian Labor Party and Liberal/National coalition. Liberal Party's Turnbull, a 61-year-old self-made multi- millionaire, focused on economy with more jobs and growth while Shorten, 49, of Labor party focused on health, education and climate change. Turnbull has also promised to hold a plebiscite on the issue of allowing same-sex marriage if re-elected to the government. Hours ahead of the election day, the two national survey revealed 'neck to neck' race but different results. While the latest Fairfax-Ipsos poll has shown support for the coalition and Labor deadlocked at 50 per cent each and a possibility of a hung parliament, the third Galaxy poll showed the coalition ahead 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis. The Fairfax-Ipsos poll of 1377 voters revealed an even split on a two-party preferred basis but when asked specifically which party would receive their second preference, voters gave Labor a 51-49 per cent lead. London: A 14-year-old baby girl in the UK was mauled by her family's powerful American Bulldog, forcing authorities to airlift her to hospital, police said on Friday. The as yet unnamed baby was attacked by the family's pet dog at a house in Nelson, Lancashire on Wednesday morning. Officers who rushed to the scene confirmed the baby was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital before later being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Police confirmed the small child is currently stable and her wounds are described as "serious cuts". Upset neighbours described the shocking incident, with a female resident saying she saw emergency services arrive. "It's terrible to hear about what has happened, you don't expect a young girl to be bitten by a dog around here," she said. The American Bulldog is a legal breed in the UK and a powerful working dog. The little girl was attacked by her pet Bully, a type of American Bulldog named after influential breeder John D. Johnson. Banned dogs in the UK are the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro. An investigation has been launched into the incident but no arrests have been made. A Lancashire Police spokesman said, "We were called shortly after 11.30 am on Wednesday to a report that a child had been bitten by a dog. "Police and paramedics attended and the child, a 14- month-old baby girl, was taken by air ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital and then transferred to the Manchester Children's Hospital. Her condition was described as serious but now she is stable. An investigation into the circumstances is under way and at the moment there is nothing to suggest any offense have taken place," the spokesman said. "The girl has not suffered any major injuries, just cuts which were serious but not life threatening," the spokesman added. 24 people had been detained in Istanbul in a string of raids over the attack over the past two days, including 15 foreigners. (Photo: AP) Istanbul: The suicide attackers who launched the deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported Friday, as CCTV of the bombers' faces emerged. Turkish officials have pointed blame at the Islamic State jihadist group for Tuesday night's gun and bomb spree at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. "They say they are doing this in the name of Islam. That has nothing to do with Islam. Their place is in hell," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on a visit to Istanbul. State-run news agency Anadolu said 24 people had been detained in Istanbul in a string of raids over the attack over the past two days, including 15 foreigners. Nine other suspected jihadists were rounded up in the western port city of Izmir, but officials declined to confirm a link with the bloodshed in Istanbul. Officials say the three men who carried out the latest in a series of deadly attacks to hit Turkey were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national. Number one enemy Turkish media identified the strike's organiser as Akhmet Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers. Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the city's Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. Michael McCaul, chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security, described Chatayev as "probably the number one enemy in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia". "He's travelled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations," McCaul told CNN. The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage inside before carrying out a massacre. But they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. CCTV images released by police show the three alleged attackers arriving, wearing dark coats over their suicide vests clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men by an elevator and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. They looked like banditsTurkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year blamed on either IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels. The latest assault sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport Friday to lay flowers in memory of the victims. Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport to welcome a friend. "We still can't believe it," one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, told AFP. "He was more than a teacher to us he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Really, I can't believe it's true." The Hurriyet newspaper reported that the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbul's Fatih district, home to many Syrians and other Arabs, and paid 24,000 Turkish lira ($8,300, 7,500 euros) in advance for a year's rent. The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to an upstairs neighbour, who said the men kept the curtains closed. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. "A very weird, chemical smell. Police came after the bombing. I lived on top of the bomb," she told Hurriyet. Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials E.S., who says one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. "He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home," the plumber said. "I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits, one of them always stood by me." Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday officially lifted restrictions on tourism in Turkey after mending ties with Ankara over its downing of one of Moscows warplanes. Putin signed a decree lifting a ban on the sale of package tours in Turkey and ordered the government to allow charter flights to start flying to the country again. The move signals a rapid reversal after seven months of acrimony between Moscow and Ankara over the downing of a Russian fighter jet in Syria last November. Putin pledged on Wednesday to lift the sanctions after speaking by phone to his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the first time since the incident. The Kremlin strongman has also ordered the government to normalise trade ties with Turkey, in a move that should see an embargo on some Turkish food lifted soon. The downing of the Russian plane near the Turkey-Syria border slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between Moscow and Ankara and sparked a bitter war of words between the leaders. The diplomatic breakthrough came after Erdogan on Monday sent a letter to the Kremlin leader that Moscow said contained an apology over the downing of the jet in November. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. The lifting of Moscows package tour ban came after Turkey was hit by a triple suicide bombing at Istanbuls main international airport on Tuesday which left at least 44 people dead. Three men, aged between 25 and 31, had gathered a large group of followers in their efforts to spread jihadist ideology in Spain. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Madrid: Spain's Interior Ministry says police have arrested three Pakistani men suspected of promoting terrorism and spreading Islamic extremist propaganda via social media networks. A ministry statement said the three were arrested Friday in the northeastern city of Lleida where they lived together. The ministry said they worked intensively to upload and disseminate videos praising Islamic State armed group executions, suicide attacks, Sharia and criticizing Shiites. They also spread propaganda in favor of the Taliban and Pakistani extremist groups. It said the three men, aged between 25 and 31, had gathered a large group of followers in their efforts to spread jihadist ideology in Spain. Spanish police have arrested dozens of suspected pro-jihad activists in recent years. Istanbul: Turkish police detained 11 foreigners on Friday suspected of belonging to an Islamic State cell linked to the attack on Istanbul's main airport, state media reported, and attention turned to a suspected Chechen mastermind. 44 people were killed in Tuesday's bombings and shootings, which targeted one of the world's busiest airports. The three suspected attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official has said. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper has said the organiser of the attack, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in NATO-member Turkey this year, was suspected to be a man of Chechen origin called Akhmed Chatayev. Chatayev is identified on a United Nations sanctions list as a leader in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. He was arrested in Bulgaria five years ago on a Russian extradition request but freed because he had refugee status in Austria, a Bulgarian judge said. A year later he was wounded and captured in Georgia but again released. Friday's dawn arrests by counter-terror police in the European side of Istanbul brought to 24 the number of people detained in the investigation, state-run Anadolu Agency said. A police spokesman could not confirm the report. Turkish officials have not given many details beyond confirming the attackers' nationalities. They have previously said that forensic teams were struggling to identify the suicide bombers from their limited remains. Yeni Safak has said the Russian bomber was from Dagestan, which borders Chechnya where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and Islamist militants since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. RUSSIAN BOMBER Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper named the Russian bomber as Osman Vadinov and said he had come from Raqqa, the heart of Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria. The Russian interior ministry has said it was checking information about Vadinov. In 2012 Georgian officials said Chatayev had been wounded in a special forces operation against an unidentified group in the remote Lopota Gorge near the border with Dagestan. The group was believed to be made up of Russian Islamist insurgents fighting against Moscow's rule in the North Caucasus. Chatayev, whose foot was later amputated due to his injuries, was arrested on charges of weapons possession. He denied this and said that he had been sent to the gorge as a negotiator at the request of Georgian officials. He was released on the orders of a Georgian court later that year and cleared of all charges in January 2013. "He was released lawfully, whether it was a mistake or not," former Georgian interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said this year. In 2011 he was detained by Bulgarian police at the country's border with Turkey as Russia wanted him for "participation in an armed group and for the recruitment of persons for terrorism and for financing terrorism", a Bulgarian judge told Bulgarian national radio on Friday. However, the Bulgarian court refused to extradite him, saying his refugee status, which had been granted to him in Austria in 2003, remained valid in all countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which includes Bulgaria. Separately, Turkish security forces detained four Turkish citizens on Wednesday at the Oncupinar border crossing with Syria on suspicion of membership of a terrorist group, the local governor's office said in a statement. The four were attempting to return to Turkey from a conflict zone in Syria under Islamic State control, it said. The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. (Photo: AP) Geneva: The UN Human Rights Council agreed on Thursday to appoint an independent investigator to help protect homosexuals and transgender people worldwide from violence and discrimination. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state forum overcame strong objections by Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries to adopt a Western-backed resolution by a vote of 23 states in favour and 18 against with six abstentions. The United Nations expert, still to be named, will have a three-year mandate. Mexico, which led Latin American states that were the main sponsors of the text, said that thousands of people are exposed to violence and discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Remember Orlando, Mexican Ambassador Jorge Lomonaco told delegates, referring to the massacre of 49 people at a gay club in Florida on June 12. Let us give hope to millions. The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. This Council regularly and rightly passes resolutions on racism, women and children. Yet, on this issue, we often hear of culture and tradition as reasons to justify violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite said in debate. This affects people in this room, and people in my team who are LGBT. Are you saying it is okay to discriminate against them based on their sexual orientation and gender identity? To hit, torture, or possibly kill them? Because that is what you are supporting, if you vote against this resolution. Early in the session, Saudi Ambassador Faisal Trad brought a no-action motion to quash any debate on the resolution, but his move was defeated. Trad argued against what he called the imposition of certain ideas and said the new post would open up a Pandoras box while ignoring cultural and religious specificities. We will not barter man-made legislation against divine laws, Trad said, invoking sharia (Islamic law). Nigeria called the resolution divisive and said that the sponsors also wanted to promote same-sex adoptions. Pakistan - speaking on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of 57 states - decried the promoting of certain notions, concepts and lifestyles on which there is no consensus. In 2011, the U.N. rights body declared there should be no discrimination or violence against people based on their sexual orientation. At the time, Western countries called the vote historic but Islamic states firmly rejected it. Jerusalem: A Palestinian woman attempted to stab Israeli border police guards at a flashpoint West Bank shrine on Friday and was shot dead, Israeli police said. They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the city of Hebron known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. India and Pakistan are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody on January 1 and July 1 every year in accordance with provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access signed by the two countries on May 21, 2008. (Photo: Representational Image/AP) Islamabad: A total of 518 Indian prisoners, including 463 fishermen, are languishing in Pakistan's jails, according to latest official figures. The Pakistan government on Friday handed over a list of 518 Indian prisoners, including 463 fishermen and 55 others, lodged in Pakistan's jails to the High Commission of India in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said. India and Pakistan are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody on January 1 and July 1 every year in accordance with provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access signed by the two countries on May 21, 2008. Police filed a case against Rahman and two others accusing them of embezzling bank money through cheating, misuse of power and criminal breach of trust. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Dhaka: A top official of Bangladesh's state-owned Agrani Bank was arrested overnight by anti-corruption authorities on graft charges, a few hours after he was appointed for the top job following the sacking of his predecessor for alleged loan scams. Acting managing director Mizanur Rahman was arrested alongwith Agrani Bank DGM Akhtarul Alam and AGM Shafiullah on graft charges, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesman Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya said. Rahman was appointed as the top executive of the state-run bank on Thursday by the bank's board of directors after they removed his predecessor Syed Abdul Hamid from his position following a central bank order for his alleged role in a number of loan scams. "We arrested him (Rahman) late yesterday along with two other senior Agrani Bank officials on graft charges from the bank's Dilkhusha headquarters in the capital," he said, adding their investigation found that the three officers misappropriated Taka 1.08 billion (USD 1,37,05,934) through false papers relating to a controversial loan. "We have filed a case against Rahman and two others accusing them of embezzling bank money through cheating, misuse of power and criminal breach of trust," Bhattacharya said. "Rahman was arrested few hours after he took the charge as the acting MD but officially we are yet to be informed about that," Agrani Bank Chairman Zayed Bakth said. The sacking and arrest of two top officials of state-owned bank on two consecutive days comes even as the country was still recovering from the cyber theft of USD 81 million from the country's official account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in February this year. The Bangladesh central bank governor Atiur Rahman has resigned from his position and three of his subordinates were fired by the government following the embarrassing theft. Dhaka: An Islamist militant, believed to be the masterminded of a failed assassination attempt on a Hindu lecturer in southwestern Bangladesh, has been arrested from the national capital, police said on Friday. Khaled Saifullah, who masterminded an attempt to murder Ripon Chakrabarty, a Mathematics lecturer at the Nazimuddin Government University College in Madaripur, was arrested by police's counter-terrorism unit from Dhaka's Demra last night, Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman said. Three Islamists had hacked Chakrabarty at his home with sharp weapons on June 15 in an attempt to kill him. The assailants first knocked at his door and tried to chop his head off when he opened it, police said. Local people had caught one of the attackers, Golam Faizullah Fahim, who was involved with the banned militant group Hizb ut-Tahrir. 17-year-old Fahim was taken to an area on the outskirts of the district town by police later where he was killed in a shootout. The surprise shootout came a day after police secured a court order to interrogate Fahim in custody in connection with the murder attempt on Chakraborty. Bangladesh in recent months witnessed a series of deadly clandestine attacks on religious minorities and secular and liberal activists. The machete-wielding militants fled the scenes after carrying out the murders. But Fahim, a student of a college in Dhaka, was the lone assailant to be grabbed by people in the neighbourhood though two other attackers had fled the scene after the attack. Burmese women are transported to China and subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude through forced marriages to Chinese men, says a US report. (Photo: AP) Hlaing Thar Yar: Enticed by work in China, hundreds of poor young Myanmar women are instead being duped into marriage, and left to scramble to get back across remote borders before they are forced into life with husbands they have never met. In April Kyi Pyar Soe, 22, vanished from her community of squatters, who live in tents and flimsy bamboo lean-tos an hour outside of Yangon, the largest city in impoverished Myanmar. "She didn't say anything. She left after she argued with her younger sister. Her mother told her off and she left," her father Mya Soe told AFP from the family's shelter in Hlaing Thar Yar township. He could not have known that his daughter was on her way to China, enticed along with another woman by job offers as maids paying USD 210 a month - several times more than what they could make at home. Gifted a free journey by brokers to the shady Myanmar border town of Muse, in eastern Shan State, the pair were able to cross legally. But once on Chinese soil, the deal swiftly unravelled. "They were taken to a Chinese woman's house and the woman brought some Chinese men to have a look at them," a police officer, from Kyi Par Soe's township told AFP, requesting anonymity. "She told them that they have to marry a Chinese man." Demand for Myanmar brides is high in China, where a one- child policy has led to a massive gender imbalance. Myanmar has drawn international praise in recent years for democratic reforms that have loosened the military's repressive grip and paved the way for the human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi to lead an elected government. But the fledgling democracy faced a diplomatic setback yesterday when the United States branded it one of the world's worst centres for human trafficking. The government has failed to meet the minimum standards for combating people smuggling, the US State Department ruled in an annual trafficking report that downgraded the country to the lowest "Tier 3". "Burmese women are transported to China and subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude through forced marriages to Chinese men," the report said, adding there is reason to believe that government officials "are occasionally complicit in this form of trafficking". More than 3,000 people were trafficked to China between 2006 and 2016, according to official figures. Pakistan's ties with the US strained after the US Congress slapped restrictions on financing of the F-16s through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, due to which Pakistan could not buy the fighter jets. (Photo: PTI) Islamabad: Putting up a brave face after the F-16 deal was scuttled, Pakistan on Thursday said its ties with the US should not be looked only "through the prism" of that sale and hinted that its hopes were still alive with regard to getting the fighters. "I have said earlier that don't just look at Pakistan-US relations through the prism of this sale, the relationship is much broader. And, in diplomacy we never say doors are closed," the spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Office said. "US Senator John McCain will be visiting Pakistan soon to meet top leadership," he said. The spokesperson asserted that the purpose of acquiring the eight F-16s from the US was "to help Pakistan in its counter-terrorism efforts." "Terrorism is not just Pakistan's problem but a global issue, which requires a cooperative approach. The purpose was to enhance Pakistan's precision strike capability," he said. Pakistan's ties with the US strained after the US Congress slapped restrictions on financing of the F-16s through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, due to which Pakistan could not buy the fighter jets. The F-16 deal was put on hold after the US asked Pakistan to foot the bill for the jets. Under an initial financing arrangement, the US was to pay about USD 430 million for the eight jets worth USD 699 million from FMF funds, while the remaining cost was to be borne by Pakistan. "The initial stage was the decision to give F-16s to Pakistan that was taken in favour of Pakistan. The second issue was about financial arrangements and this is where we had some issues with the US side," the spokesperson said. A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday at a temple in Bangladesh, police and senior administrative officials said. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks in few months on liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups by Islamist extremists. Police said they did not know the motive behind the killing of the Hindu priest and no one had been arrested. Shaymanonda Das, 45, was hacked to death in front of a temple in Jhinaidah district headquarter, 300 kms (188 miles) south west from the capital Dhaka. "He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and that time three young people came by a motor bike and killed him with machetes and fled away," said Mahbubur Rahman, the chief of Jhenaidah district administration. "The nature of killing was similar with the local militants, but we can not say more at the moment," Mahbubur told Reuters by telephone. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for some of the recent killings although the government denies the Sunni militant group has a presence in the country, saying homegrown extremists are behind the attacks. India's first home-grown fighter jet was finally inducted into the IAF today after a tortuous saga spread over 33 long years with the launch of the first squadron of two Light Combat Aircraft(LCA) Tejas here, in a major milestone in the country's military aviation. A Tejas aircraft, the fourth plus generation lightweight, multi-role supersonic single engine jet sporting the IAF colours soared to the skies, marking the raising of the first squadron of Tejas in the force at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers, more than three decades after it went into development. The LCA, smallest and lightest of its class, was flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari for a sortie for about seven minutes at the induction ceremony and was given a water cannon salute on landing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the induction of Tejas as a matter of "unparalleled pride and happiness" and a step which illustrates the skills and strengths of Indian scientists. "Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness," he tweeted. "I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing," Modi said in another tweet. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Tejas will take the country's air strength to new heights. "Moment of National pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights," Parrikar tweeted. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) handed over two Tejas aircraft to IAF at a ceremony held at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment here earlier in the day. HAL officials and Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and HAL Chairman Suvarna Raju were present. A 'Sarvadharma Samaroh' (inter-faith prayer), a practice followed by Air force during such inductions, was also held. The two Tejas aircraft were inducted into 45 squadron of IAF, also called as "Flying Daggers", which will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. Calling it a "capable" aircraft, HAL said it would be used for air to air and air to ground strikes. Conceived as a replacement to the ageing MiG 21s, it has been designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by HAL. The LCA has flown more than 3,000 sorties or 2,000 hours till date. Citing induction of Tejas as an important moment for the IAF, Air Marshal Jasbir Wali said it is a "milestone" with regard to indigenisation and self reliance. Asked why only two aircraft formed the first LCA squadron, he said, "It is our aircraft, when we buy, we buy eight or 20. It is our aircraft, we are part of it, and it will keep coming to us." On Final Operational Clearance in March 2017, he said, "yes, yes we are hopeful. This (induction) is a big milestone. After this, things will move at a rapid pace." A California jury today ordered business software giant Oracle to pay Hewlett Packard Enterprise USD 3 billion dollars for backing off a promise to support data servers powered by Itanium chips. Oracle said it had acted properly in the situation and that it planned to appeal to a higher court. "Two trials have now demonstrated clearly that the Itanium chip was nearing end of life, HP knew it, and was actively hiding that fact from its customers," Oracle general counsel Dorian Daley said in a released statement. "Five years ago, Oracle made a software development announcement which accurately reflected the future of the Itanium microprocessor." HPE argued that Oracle breached a contract when it decided in 2011 to stop offering products running on HP servers powered by Itanium chips made by Intel. Oracle contended it never believed it had a contract to indefinitely make its software work on Itanium servers, noting that HP and Intel stopped developing the systems years ago. An initial trial four years ago ended with a state court judge ruling that there had been a contract. The jury decision on yesterday in a California state court in Silicon Valley focused on damages in the case. Daley said that Oracle has been making its software available on Itanium servers since that judge's ruling. HPE general counsel John Schultz was quoted in media reports as saying that it was a "clear breach of contract" for Oracle to stop future software development for Itanium servers and that serious damage was done to HP and its customers. HP has since been split off its enterprise division. HPE maintained at trial that Oracle was out to get customers to switch to servers from Sun Microsystems, which Oracle bought in 2010 in a move that added hardware to its software offerings. HPE did not initially respond to an AFP request for comment. Twelve persons were killed and 25 others were missing as torrential rains and landslides hit Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts in the wee hours today, burying villages in sludge with many residents trapped under the debris. While eight persons were killed in cloudburst in Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rains in Chamoli district. Two persons were swept away by the muddy waters and debris rushing down the slopes into Siron village in Chamoli. One person was killed in Ghat block and another in Sithel village in similar circumstances, SDM Chamoli S K Barnwal said, adding eight persons trapped in the debris have been rescued in the district so far. The cloudburst in Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials. "We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for others is on by rescue parties consisting of army and paramilitary personnel," Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. "25 persons, missing from over seven villages of Singhali area in Didiihat sub division of Pithoragarh district, are being traced with the help of ITBP, SSB and Pithoragarh district police," said district disaster management officer R S Rana who was on the spot. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who is is Delhi, expressed grief at the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the families of the victims. "Many people are still trapped under tonnes of debris brought by the heavy rains. ITBP, SDRF and paramilitary personnel are involved in rescue work," he said. "I am personally monitoring the situation from here. Chief Secretary too is keeping tab...we will give them (kin of victims) immediate compensation of Rs two lakh as per norms," he said in Delhi. According to disaster management office sources, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages which are under heavy debris with many people feared trapped under it. The rescuers are trying their best to locate the people, Rana said. The MeT department in Dehradun had yesterday warned of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours starting this morning. Light to moderate rains are also likely to occur at most places during the period, it had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the induction of indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas into the Air Force, terming it as a matter of "unparalleled pride and happiness" and a step which illustrates the skills and strenghts of Indian scientists. "Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness," he tweeted. The first squadron of Tejas was inducted into IAF at Bengaluru earlier today, with two fighter planes joining the force, in a major milestone in the military aviation of the country. "I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing," Modi said in another tweet. State-run HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF, which makes up the first squadron named 'Flying Daggers', at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named "Tejas" (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. India today ruled out involvement of terror group Boko Haram in the abduction of two Indians from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria, and said it appears that "local criminals" were involved. The duo -Mangipudi Sai Srinivas (from Andhara Pradesh) and his colleague Anish Sharma (from Karnataka)- were travelling to Dangote Cement Plc Plant in a car from their residential quarters around 7.20 pm on Wednesday when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. "I have obtained a detailed report on the two Indian nationals Sai Srinivas and Anish Sharma who have been abducted in Nigeria. I have ... spoken to Mrs.Lalita Srinivas. I have assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup described the abduction as "nothing surprising or new in that area", saying such incidents keep happening there. Asserting that there has been no ransom demand so far, the Spokesperson said, "As far as our information goes there is no hand of terror group Boko Haram and it seems local criminal elements were responsible for the act." He also said Indian mission in Abuja was in touch with Nigerian authorities in the matter and the ministry was hopeful that they will return safely. Asked about the status of another abductee Judith D'Souza, an Indian aid worker, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month, Swarup said during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on the sidelines of SCO Summit last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani assured that his security and intelligence agencies were making all efforts for her safe release. In this regard, the Spokesperson once again reiterated government's advisory asking all citizens not to undertake "non-essential" travel to disturbed areas. In the wake of deposits held by Indians in Swiss banks dropping by 33 per cent, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia today said the government is checking if any of the blackmoney has been routed back to India. Noting the fall in money by Indians in Swiss banks as a positive, Hasmukh said the data indicates that government's steps to recover blackmoney are in the right direction. At the same time, he observed that the government and the income tax department are continuously working to detect blackmoney and are making efforts to track down any such funds that have returned to India. "If money has returned or routed back into India, we (government and agencies) are taking steps to track it," Adhia told reporters here. Money held by Indians in Swiss banks has fallen by nearly one-third to a record low of 1.2 billion franc (about Rs 8,392 crore) amid a continuing global clampdown on the famed secrecy wall of Switzerland's banking system. The funds held by Indians with banks in Switzerland fell by CHF 596.42 million to CHF 1,217.6 million at the end of 2015, as per the latest data released yesterday by the country's central banking authority SNB (Swiss National Bank). This is the lowest amount of funds held by Indians in the Swiss banks ever since the Alpine nation began making the data public in 1997 and marks the second straight year of decline. The funds held by Indians with Swiss banks stood at a record high of CHF 6.5 billion (Rs 23,000 crore) at 2006-end. The latest data comes at a time when Switzerland has begun sharing foreign client details on evidence of wrongdoing provided by India and other countries. Briefing the media on government talks with Swiss authorities, the Revenue Secretary said Switzerland has agreed for automatic sharing of information from 2018. "Some days ago, I had a dialogue with my counterpart from Switzerland and they have agreed to automatically share information from 2018. "This means we would receive every detail of the money deposited by our citizens in the Swiss banks," Adhia said. A number of strategies have been deployed by the government to combat the stash-funds menace, in both overseas and domestic domain, which include enactment of a new law to tackle stashing of black money abroad, amendments in the anti-money laundering Act and compliance windows for people to declare their hidden assets. SBI today said the corporate branches of its five associate banks will "fold up" into the parent bank as part of network rationalisation after their merger. "To a large extent, they will fold up into the corporate branches of the parent. As much as 60-70 per cent of the larger value accounts are common and you need only one relationship manager for that," SBI Managing Director B Sriram told reporters at an event here. He termed the corporate branches of the associate banks as "low-hanging fruit", as a more elaborate plan will have to be prepared for the retail branch rationalisation. SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya reiterated that the merger will take place this fiscal. The SBI Group has five associates -- State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad. She also said the merger of Bharatiya Mahila Bank will also be completed this year. There is no particular bias per se between the unlisted and listed associates, and all the mergers will happen together or in quick succession, she said. "All mergers will be done at the same time. It may not be absolutely on the same day, that may not be feasible. But it will be done in a very short space and all of them will happen almost one after another," Bhattacharya said. Earlier, speaking at an event to mark the 61st foundation day of SBI, Bhattacharya said the lender is stepping into a "very important year" which will see its size grow by a third due to the merger, which will catapult it into the elite club of the world's top 50 banks. SBI's merger with associate banks, which is being opposed by the unions, will create a banking behemoth with an asset base of Rs 37 trillion or over USD 555 billion. Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the merger plan, saying the State Bank of Travancore is core to the state's identity, which will be lost with the merger. SBI alone has close to 16,500 branches, including 191 foreign offices across 36 countries. SBI Group has over 22,000 branches. Bhattacharya, whose name is being touted as a possible successor to RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, said none of the SBI officials are "irreplaceable". "We work very much as a team and therefore anything and everything can be done without any of us, none of us are really irreplaceable," she said. She had said yesterday that SBI has "very good line-up of people" and "work will go on no matter who will be there". Reports also said Bhattacharya may get an extension in view of the ongoing merger process. However, she refused to comment about her possible candidacy for the post of RBI Governor. "Let the social media speculate whatever it wants to," she said. SBI's top echelon has the chairperson and four managing directors -- VG Kannan, B Sriram, PK Gupta and Rajnish Kumar. Kannan will retire by the end of this month. Meanwhile, Sriram said the bank will be relying largely on the retail segment to achieve a credit growth of 12-14 per cent this fiscal. The bank plans to grow its retail book by 20 per cent (as in the previous fiscal), large corporates by 14-15 per cent, and push up the credit growth in the SME, agri and mid-corporate segments to double-digits, Sriram added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen India's engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Minister's visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate India's ties. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. India's current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modi's first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. South Africa was among very few countries which were known to have some reservations over India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. India's ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners," said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. Immediately after Sheena Bora's murder and subsequent disposal of her body on April 24, 2012, key accused Indrani Mukerjea allegedly threatened her then driver Shyamvar Rai, who has now turned approver, saying "it won't be good" for him if he disclosed the incident. In his confessional statement, which was unsealed by the special CBI court today following a Bombay High Court directive yesterday, Rai has submitted that Indrani had 'implicated' him in an arms case by planting a gun on him soon after Sheena's murder. The petition seeking copy of Rai's confessional statement was filed by Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna through his lawyer Shreyansh Mithare. "Kisi se kuch kahna nahi, nahi to tumhara bhi thik nahi hoga. (Don't tell anything to anybody (about the murder) or else it won't be good for you," Rai stated quoting Indrani. Rai's arrest by Khar police here under Arms Act in August 2015 had blown the lid off the murder. The trial court recently allowed him to turn approver in the murder case and become a prosecution witness. According to prosecution, 24-year-old Sheena was murdered on April 24, 2012. Indrani, Khanna and Rai had allegedly strangled Sheena, Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car. Her body was later found in a forest in Raigad. The crime, which came to light last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings. In his confession recorded last year by a magistrate, Rai had said that Indrani gave him a parcel and asked him to keep it carefully. "After the murder, Indrani gave me a parcel and asked me to keep it carefully. Later Indrani's secretary Kajal gave me advance salary of three months and asked me to leave the job", Rai stated. He said that when he opened the parcel, he found that it contained a a country-made pistol. Rai said he failed to dispose of the gun on two occasions as he developed cold feet. He said he was arrested when he tried to get rid of the gun for third time. About his arrest in August last year, Rai said when he was dumping the gun he suddenly saw some cops around and tried to flee. However, police stopped him and the gun was found on him. "Later they took me to the police chowky where I narrated the incident (about Sheena Bora case)," he said. Rai said that in March 2012, a month before Sheena's murder, Kajal had told him that Indrani asked her to open a Skype account for him as she wanted to speak to him (Rai) "Indrani told me that you are my trusted servant. I want to talk to you. You don't reveal anything to anybody. Then she said she will take care of my children's school as well as family's medical expenses and promised me to make my job permanent", Rai stated. According to Rai, Indrani told him that her son Mikail and daughter Sheena are maligning her by addressing her as their mother. She also told him that she is locked in a property dispute with her children. "Sheena has an affair with Rahul (son of former media baron and Indrani's current husband Peter Mukerjea who is also arrested in the case) so I want to kill Sheena and Mikail. You don't worry...your job is of a driver. Another person from Kolkata will do the job (murder)", Rai said quoting Indrani. He stated that Indrani later came to Mumbai and asked him to tell Mikhail to come to the city. "She asked me to tell Mikail that she (Indrani) has a lot of wealth and if he comes to Mumbai then they (Rai and Mikail) both can have lot of fun", Rai said. "I followed Indrani's instructions but Mikail refused to come", Rai said in his confession which runs into 14 pages. He stated that Indrani left Mumbai after some days before handing him over a doctor's prescription. Rai said Indrani told him that she would let him know later about what to do with the prescription. As per Rai, Indrani again contacted him on Skype and directed him to collect a parcel from a person coming from Kolkata. She also told him to buy six bottles of the prescribed medicine and contact her after reaching Delhi. "When I reached Delhi, Indrani told me that the person to whom the medicines have to be handed over could not be contacted and hence asked me to come back to Mumbai", Rai claimed. He said that Indrani later instructed him to go to Kolkata with the medicines and hand them over to a person at the airport there. "On April 22, 2012, Indrani told me to hire a car and go to Lonavala taking old route and later come back to Mumbai via Khandla and Khopoli. She asked me to park the vehicle at her residence (Marlow building at Worli)", Rai stated. Next day, I was told to pick up Indrani from airport and we reached home. He said Indrani asked him to take her to Lonavala through the same route on that day. "Upon reaching there, Indrai asked me to purchase a 20-litre petrol can. When we reached Khandala she ventured out of the vehicle and scouted some places, saying it is perfect for Mikail. "Then she called Mikhail and spoke to him over phone. After that when we reached Khopoli she asked me to take Pen route, did the same thing, and remarked that it was a nice place for Sheena. Remember these places we have to come back tomorrow (April 24, 2012)", Rai said. He claimed that on April 24, Indrani first visited a medical store, then a wine shop and handed him over a packet. "She told me that she will return after going to a parlour," he stated. Rai stated the packet contained a vodka bottle, two bottles of mineral water, six bottles of medicines and a liquor bottle along with hand gloves. He further stated that Indrani later mixed the medicines in water and liquor bottles. "On that day, Indrani left her home for suburban Bandra and picked up (Sanjeev) Khanna and Sheena from outside National College. She gave Sheena one of the water bottles and after some time when I saw from the rear mirror the girl had dozed off. "After a while, Indrani told me to park the vehicle roadside and asked Khanna (who was sitting alongside Rai on front seat) to shift to back seat", Rai stated, adding Indani also asked him to come to back seat and gag Sheena. "I saw Khanna grabbing Sheena by her hair and Indrani strangulating her after sitting on her lap. When I gagged her, Sheena bit my finger and it began to bleed. However, later she dropped down on the seat", Raid stated. Rai said that Indrani told him that Sheena now "got a three-bedroom flat". As per Rai, Indrani also told him that since Rahul was continuously calling on Sheena's mobile phone, she (Indrani) would send him a message (from Sheena's phone) "to shut him up". "Indrani and Khanna stuffed Sheena's body into a bag and asked me to keep it in garage", Rai stated. He said when they returned to Indrani's house, he saw Mikail sitting there and having drinks. "Indrani told me that even after drinking so much liquor, Mikail has still not lost his senses. At this, Khanna said that Mikail can be taken care of later as there would be a problem in carrying two bodies", Rai stated. He disclosed that Indrani called him in early hours of April 25 and told him to take out the bag (containing Sheena's body) from the garage. He said Indrani also asked him to keep the petrol can in the car dickey. "Indrani and Khanna then made Sheena's body sit on the back seat. I was driving the car with Khanna by my side and Indrani sitting next to the body. Indrani asked me to drive towards Pen. Khanna purchased 10 litre petrol on the way and by that time Indrani was busy applying makeup to Sheena", Rai stated. At Pen, Indrani asked Rai to stop the car at the location chosen by them to dispose of Sheena's body. "Khanna and Indrani pulled Sheena out of car and I helped them. We placed her near a bush in the forest. Indrani covered the body with a sari and also threw the gloves on her. In the meantime, Khanna poured petrol on the body and Indrani set it on fire", Rai claimed. CBI had filed a chargesheet against Indrani, Khanna and Rai for murdering Sheena and disposing of her body, on November 19 last year. As per the chargesheet filed by CBI against Peter in February this year, Sheena was killed as her relationship with Rahul was disapproved by the former media baron and Indrani. Since her arrest, Indrani has been lodged in a women's jail in Byculla in South Mumbai, While Peter, arrested last November on charges of being part of the murder conspiracy, and Khanna are in Arthur Road jail in the city. With EU, including the UK, claiming one-fifth of Indias engineering exports to top 25 destinations, any upheaval following Brexit would have an impact on the exporters who are already in a state of distress, an EEPC India analysis has shown. As per the latest data , Indias total engineering exports to top 25 destinations which account for 75% of the countrys total engineering product shipments aggregated to $7.6 billion for the April-May period of the current fiscal. Of this, the EU members contributed $1.5 billion with the UK emerging as the number one destination among the EU members, followed by Germany, the EEPC India paper noted. Seven of our 25 destinations are from EU. So, any upheaval in the entire market as a result of the political division with wide economic ramifications on the trade, investment and currency movement should be a cause of worry for us, Chairman of the EEPC India T S Bhasin said. He said, though a two-year window of negotiations for the exit of UK is available, the current indications point towards extreme political stand by a divided British polity and the EU leadership. Indias engineering exports to UK for the period under review were $372 million and for Germany, the shipments amounted to $339 million. The other major trading partners are Italy with engineering shipments of $253 million, France $191 million, the Netherlands $141 million, Spain and Belgium $121 million each. Brexit to affect global economy Britains decision to leave the European Union has created significant uncertainty that will have repercussions not only for the UK and Europe, but also for the global economy, the International Monetary Fund has warned. IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said the Brexit was likely to cause a dampening of growth in the near term, and urged policy makers to act decisively while dealing with the situation. "Brexit has created significant uncertainty, and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions also for Europe and the global economy," he said yesterday. Rice said policy makers needed to stand ready to act, if the impact of financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty threaten to materially weaken the global outlook, adding that "decisive policies will make a difference." "Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in consumer and business confidence would mean even lower growth and again, policymakers in the UK and the EU have a key role to play in helping to reduce the uncertainty during this period," he said. Rice said the IMF sees the near-term risk for the UK, the EU and the global economy arising mainly from macroeconomic and financial market impact, and a sizable increase in uncertainty, including on the political front. "One notable source of this uncertainty concerns the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and these relate to questions about how long it will take to decide those terms, how the new relationship will impact business, and other actors," he said. The IMF has encouraged both the UK and the EU to work collaboratively toward a smooth and predictable transition. He said the IMF "strongly supports" the commitments made and steps taken by major central banks, including the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, the US Fed and the Bank of Japan, among others, to provide liquidity and curtail excess financial volatility. The permission given to eating joints in the city to operate till 1 am has been extended on Friday till further order by the Bengaluru city Police Commissioner N S Megharik. The city police commissioner issued an order on July 31, 2015, permitting eating joints in all city police jurisdictions in Bengaluru city Police Commissionerate limits to remain open till 1 am, which expired on June 30, 2016. Eating joints should remain closed between 1 and 6 am. The order is not applicable to eating joints in Kempegowda International Airport, railway station and bus stand. Hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in J&K, militants attacked a CRPF camp in the Pulwama district of south Kashmir, injuring four troopers. Sources said militants hurled grenades and fired at the CRPF camp in Litter village of Pulwama, 32 km from here. The CRPF troopers retaliated to the firing, but the militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness, they added. No police officer was immediately available for comments. Reports stated security forces have launched a manhunt to nab the assailants. Another firing incident was reported at a security forces camp in neighbouring Karimabad village. However, there were no reports of any causality in the incident. Indian diplomats in Nigeria are coordinating with officials of the West African nation to secure the release of two abducted Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that Mangapudi Srinivas from Andhra Pradesh and Kaushal Anish Sharma, a resident of Karnataka, were abducted at Benue in Nigeria last Wednesday. They were on their way to work at the Benue Cement company, owned by the Dangote Group, when they were kidnapped. The employers informed the governor of Benue State, state commissioner of police as well as the local head of the state security service and internal intelligence wing, said Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson, MEA. He said the High Commission of India in Abuja was closely coordinating with the agencies of the Nigerian government and officials of the company. I have obtained a detailed report on Mangapudi Srinivas and Kaushal Anish Sharma who were abducted in Nigeria, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Sushma spoke to Srinivas wife Lalita over phone, and assured her of all help from the government to ensure the safe release of her husband and his colleague. I have spoken to Mrs Lalita Srinivas. I assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release, the minister posted. Swarup said, We are hopeful of an early resolution of the issue. No ransom demand has been received yet. There is nothing to prove that the abductors were from the Boko Haram terror group. Perhaps local criminal elements are involved. Hectic efforts are on to avert proposed railway strike from July 11. Senior ministers met railway trade unions to make them agree to withdraw their call for strike from July 11. However, no agreement could be reached on the issue of minimum salary and the mechanism of calculating the salary in the 7th Pay Commission. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured trade union leaders to consider their demand of increase in the minimum wage and calculations of salary announced in the 7th pay panel. Trade union leaders have demanded a written assurance which the government is yet to come out with. The government had called a meeting of trade union leaders on Thursday night at the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The finance minister along with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and MoS for Railways Manoj Sinha attended the meeting. All India Railwaymens Federation (AIRF) Shiv Gopal Mishra told DH on Friday, If the government agrees to our major demands, we may reconsider our call for strike from July 11. The final call will be taken on July 6 in a meeting of National Joint Action Committee of central government employees. He said the government has assured us that it would send our demands to the high-power committees which have been formed to look into minimum wage, allowances and calculation of salary. Mishra said the governments claim on enhancement of the minimum wage is false and misleading. The government has said that the wage has increased to Rs 18,000 per month from Rs 7,000. A new recruit currently gets approximately Rs 16,000 a month, including the Dearness Allowance. The government has increased Rs 2,000 in 10 years since the last pay commission was implemented, he said. Amid spurt in violence and increase of cross border infiltration, security forces have intensified the vigil on the routes leading to the 3888-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas. The 48-days annual pilgrimage will begin simultaneously on Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Saturday and conclude on Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals on August 18. However, the first batch of 1,138 pilgrims left on Friday morning from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Kashmir from where they will proceed for onward journey to the cave shrine. The first batch will reach twin base camps by Friday evening. With militant activities on rise, sources told DH that the Army will man the heights of holy cave shrine and Srinagar-Jammu National Highway besides the roads leading to Baltal in Sonamarag and Nunwan in Pahalgam base camps. 12,500 central paramilitary personnel and 8,000 state policemen will provide security for the pilgrims at all other places falling along the yatra routes, they said. The Army will be deployed at the icy heights of holy cave shrine and some places on the twin tracks of Baltal and Chandanwari. Though there is no specific threat to yatra, security agencies are taking no chances and this year drones will be used to monitor the entire pilgrimage route. Drones will hover over the entire trek round the clock and beam pictures back to the control rooms to ensure the safety of pilgrims, sources said. Rajnath holds review meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived here on a two-day visit, held a high-level security review meeting with J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday evening, DHNS reports from Srinagar. Sources told Deccan Herald that the main focus of the review meeting was security arrangements for Amarnath yatra, security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir including increase in infiltration and attacks on paramilitary and police personnel The government on Friday defended its decision to abstain from voting on a resolution at the UNHRC for appointing a watchdog to protect rights of LGBT people. India on Thursday abstained from voting on a resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva for appointing an independent investigator to help protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people around the world from violence and discrimination. Despite strong opposition by Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations, the UNHRC finally adopted the resolution, which was backed by the United States apart from the European and Latin American countries. The issue of LGBT rights in India is a matter being considered by the Supreme Court under a batch of curative petitions filed by various institutions and organisations. The court is yet to pronounce on this issue, said official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup. As such, we had to take this into account in terms of our vote on the UN resolution to institutionalise the office of an independent expert to prevent discrimination against the LGBT persons, he added. India, Philippines, South Africa and three other nations abstained from voting, but the resolution was finally adopted with 23 nations supporting it and 18 opposing. The UNHRC will appoint an expert at its next meeting in September. The expert will have a three-year mandate to assess the international human rights laws, raise awareness against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation of people and engaging in dialogue with member states and other stakeholders. The Gujarat High Court on Friday stayed the Central Information Commissions (CIC) order that asked the Gujarat University to provide details of Prime Minister Narendra Modis postgraduate degree. The university had approached a single bench of Justice S H Vora on June 20 seeking a stay on the CIC order, stating that it was not a party to any of the proceedings before the CIC and the order was adverse to the interest of the university. As the university failed to get relief from the court, it moved an application before the higher bench. On April 29, the CIC had directed the Delhi University as well as the Gujarat University to provide information regarding degrees earned by Modi to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had criticised the functioning of the transparency panel. The first squadron of the indigenously built supersonic fighter jet, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday. Two Tejas jets was inducted into the 45 Squadron of the IAF, also called the Flying Daggers 45, to start with. It will be based in Bengaluru for the initial two years. Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command said that a total of five jets will be added to the squadron by the year end. The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the aircraft is expected around 2017. After the FOC, we hope to shift base to Sulur in Tamil Nadu with around 18 to 20 aircrafts by 2018. The infrastructure will also be ready by then, he added. The IAF has also shown interest in acquiring 80 aircraft, he said. Group Commander Madhav Rangachari, who is the very first Commanding Officer ofthe LCA squadron, flew the inaugural flight of the LCA Tejas after the induction ceremony that took place at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment (ASTE), a unit of the IAF in the city. Initially, six pilots will be part of the first squadron. By the end of the year, we hope to have 15 pilots and a technical staff of 200, said Madhav, soon after the flight. Dr. Kota Harinarayana, who was the programme director and chief designer of LCA Tejas Project said: A lot of effort has gone into the project and today (Friday) with the induction, a very important milestone has been achieved. The whole aircraft was designed keeping in view fighting capabilities. I am looking forward to more pilots getting trained and more squadrons being raised, he said. The aircraft received its initial operational clearance in 2013 and is awaiting the FOC following which the aircraft would incorporate Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, improved and better standoff weapons and air-to-air refuelling capability. The state BJP office-bearers meeting convened by party president B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday is unlikely to appease those questioning the rationale behind certain appointments made by him. The meeting, scheduled to be held at the BJP headquarters in Malleswaram, is expected to discuss the recent developments in the party - mainly the appointments made by Yeddyurappa. He has appointed not less than 210 party men to various morchas and positions in district units. While Member of Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa has come in the open against Yeddyurappas unilateral decisions, the other aggrieved persons have not aired their grouse in public. It is said senior party leaders in Delhi have spoken to both Yeddyurappa and Eshwarappa asking them to sink their differences and work for the party. In case Eshwarappa goes by the advice, he would attend the Saturdays meeting. The disgruntled members are not in a mood to attend the meeting as Yeddyurappa has already announced that he would not make changes in the appointments. It is said that Eshwarappa had plans to meet Delhi leaders to air his dissent but later changed the plan as party leaders did not back him. Meanwhile, a meeting of some legislators was held at the residence of Eshwarappa in Bengaluru. MLA C T Ravi, MLC Bhanu Prakash, former legislators Nirmal Kumar Surana, Somanna Bevinmarad and Sogadu Shivanna were present. It is learnt that the meeting did not take any decision on attending Saturdays meeting. KSE skips party event in Shivamogga The rift in the BJP was evident in Shivamogga as party leaders including K S Eshwarappa skipped the district BJP unit office-bearers installation ceremony on Friday, reports DHNS from Shivamogga. S Rudre Gowda, a close associate of the BJP state unit president B S Yeddyurappa, took charge as president of the BJP district unit from the outgoing president, S Dattatri. Prominent local leaders K S Eshwarappa, MLC M B Bhanuprakash and Girish Patel were conspicuous by their absence. Speaking on the occasion, Yeddyurappa admitted there was disagreements in the party it would resolved soon. The Lokayukta (Bengaluru Rural) police on Friday filed the charge sheet against former MLC E Krishnappa and the then Block Education Officer (BEO) of Bengaluru Rural Narasimhamurthy in a land encroachment case. The charge sheet states that Krishnappa, producer of Mungaru Male, encroached six guntas of a government school land. The land on survey number 16/2 is located in Adakamaranahalli in Bengaluru Rural district. One M Bhaskar had filed a complaint with the Lokayukta police in this regard in August 2014. The investigation revealed that the land was donated by Siddappa and Venkatesh in 1966 to start a government school. Krishnappa, who lived next to the school, demolished the school building in 2012 and constructed a compound wall enclosing the school property. To quell protests over the demolition, Krishnappa constructed a building on a different property, to which no documents were available, and asked the education department to relocate the school there, the chargesheet states. During investigations, we found that the then BEO Narasimhamurthy, was aware of the developments and did not act despite complaints against the demolition. Narasimhamurthy was also the estate officer in charge of government properties. Krishnappa used his political clout to encroach and cover up the scam by constructing a school building at a far way place. The block education officer and other officials did not act on the complaints,'' an official said. The Lokayukta police have pressed charges under sections 13 (1) (c) of Prevention of Corruption Act and section 447 of India Penal Code (IPC) against Krishnappa and Narasimhamurthy. A senior Lokayukta police official said a report will be sent to the government recommending departmental enquiry against L Krishnappa, a Regional Resource Officer; Kappanna, who is now Education Co-ordinator at the Department of Public Instruction and Radha C R P, who is posted as Department of Public Instruction's, Bengaluru North Zone-4. Charge sheet against ASI The Bengaluru Lokayukta (Rural) have filed a charge sheet against Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police attached to Nelamangala rural police station on charges of graft. The accused Mahadevaiah, had demanded a bribe of Rs 23,000 from a car driver Ranganath to release his driving licence and also to submit a favourable report against him. The Nelamangala rural police had confiscated Ranganath's driving licence after an accident in 2015. When Ranganath approached the police station to get his licence book back, Mahadevaiah had demanded the bribe. The ASI was caught by the Lokayukta police while accepting the bribe in September 2015. The police officer has been charge-sheeted for offences under section 13 (1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act. The Bengaluru police will get 222 brand new Maruti Ertiga cars to patrol the streets. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will dedicate them to the force on Saturday. The vehicles have been procured at Rs 14.65 crore under the Mega City Policing scheme and will be under the control of the command centre. The police will get 200 more Maruti Ertiga cars for Rs 14 crore by the end of this financial year, Police Commissioner N S Megharikh told reporters on Friday. At present, police have 186 Hoysala vehicles; 56 of them will be phased out and added to the command centre. The total number of Hoysala patrol vehicles under the command centre will be 278. The remaining 138 Hoysala vehicles will be attached to police stations, Megharikh said. The command centre will station 278 vehicles at various locations and control them. Each vehicle is equipped with a tablet and other facilities. Policemen on patrol will be able to reach the crime scene in no time from the nearest spot once the command centre gets a message about any emergency. The Bengaluru police also require around 1,000 bikes for assistant sub-inspectors, he said. Home Minister G Parameshwara will launch E-LOST, an app to help people who lose their documents and mobile phones. An emergency app to alert the police to emergencies is also in the works. To a question, the commissioner said the police were keeping tabs on foreigners staying illegally in the city. He said the police would deport them rather than book them. At least 12 people were killed and 17 trapped under tonnes of debris with little chance of survival, as rain on Friday triggered landslides in parts of Uttarakhand. A huge landslide in Chamoli left 70 pilgrims bound for Badrinath stranded for hours before they were rescued. National Disaster Response Force teams were rushed from Delhi to the affected areas in both Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts to help in the rescue operations along with SDRF, SSB, ITBP and local agencies, officials said. While eight people were killed in Singhali area of Pithoragarh district, four lives were claimed by heavy rain in Chamoli district where two were swept away by a mass of mud and slush rushing into Siron village near Chamoli, Sub Divisional Magistrate S K Barnwal said. One person was killed in Ghat block and another was killed in similar circumstances in Sithel village, he said, adding that eight people trapped in the debris have so far been rescued in the district. We have recovered five bodies from Singhali area while three bodies have been recovered from Thal village. The search for other bodies is on by rescue parties consisting of Army and paramilitary personnel, Pithoragarh District Magistrate H C Semwal said. The entire area is being scoured for people who went missing after the cloudburst, which occurred in the early hours affecting several villages. According to disaster management officer R S Rana, the cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal. The rescuers are trying their best to locate and recover people, Rana said. Pithoragarh disaster management office said the cloudburst brought over 100 mm rains in a space of just two hours in an area spread over 50 square km leaving a trail of destruction. According to villagers, it is for the first time in 100 years that the region has seen such a cloudburst. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Governor K K Paul expressed grief at the loss of lives in the two districts and asked officials to be on the alert. 70 devotees rescued IG (law and order) Anil Raturi said around 70 devotees bound for Badrinath were left stranded by a huge landslide near Nirmal Palace Hotel in Chamoli. However, police and SDRF personnel evacuated them to safer locations. The Met department in Dehradun had on Thursday warned of heavy rains in isolated places in Uttarakhand especially Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar and Champawat districts over the next 72 hours starting Friday. The cloudbursts also revealed loopholes in the state governments preparednees to deal with such situations with Chief Minister Harish Rawat telling a private news channel that due to poor connectivity it took him four hours to establish telephonic contact with Pithoragarh District Magistrate. The government has asked the Law Commission to examine the issue of implementation of a uniform civil code in the country, a move welcomed by the BJP and criticised by the Congress. The commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B S Chauhan has been requested to examine the issue and submit a report. Though the commission enjoys an advisory status, its recommendations may form the basis for any move to ensure the implementation of a uniform civil code. The request made by the Department of Legal Affairs to the Law Commission has come in the backdrop of the Supreme Court agreeing to examine the issue of triple talaq practised by Muslims in India. The Centre is likely to inform the apex court on September 6, the next date of hearing, about its decision to refer the matter to the commission. The court had earlier sought a response from the attorney general to the questions raised by a group of NGOs and individual Muslim women challenging the constitutional validity of triple talaq and other practices. In 2015, hearing a plea by Delhi resident Albert Anthony against the specification of a two-year separation period in the law for Christians and only one year for other communities, the apex court had asked why the government was not considering bringing in a uniform civil code. Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had said that even the Preamble of the Constitution and Article 44 (as directive principles) do say that there should be a uniform civil code. For the interest of national integration, certainly a common civil code is necessary. But it is a very sensitive issue. It needs a very wider consultation. Communities, even across the party lines, even various organisations...it needs to have a wider consultation, the minister had said. Reacting to the government decision, the BJP, which has always favoured a uniform civil code, said the issue had been opposed by those indulging in vote-bank politics, despite it finding a mention in the Constitution. There should be an open debate on it. The Constitution calls for it and those who oppose it only show their intolerance to the Constitution. We have always advocated it, BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. The implementation of a uniform civil code is one of the core issues of the BJP and the sangh parivar, but the NDA governments in 1998 and 1999 and the current dispensation headed by Narendra Modi have put the contentious issues like scrapping of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple on the back burner. Pure political gains The Congress hit out at the government for raising the issue ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections for pure political gains. It said if the government was serious about uniform civil code, it should make efforts to generate a consensus among political parties and all diverse elements of society. The real matter is that if you are serious, why do you raise it and throw it like for the elections, Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters here. Is it not very interesting that whenever we come near a major election, you today throw Ayodhya, tomorrow before the UP elections UCC, uniform civil code day after tomorrow, before another election Article 370, and you shoot and scoot? Singhvi said. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeens Asaduddin Owaisi dubbed the decision of the government a move to turn the nation into a Hindu Rashtra. by the Yukon Delta NWR and the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission On May 2, 2022, the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Manager announced by emergency special action 3-KS-01-22 that the Federal government will assume management of Federal waters of the Kuskokwim (from the mouth of the River to the Yukon Delta NWR boundary in Aniak) beginning June 1, 2022, for the conservation of Chinook and chum salmon. As Yukon Delta NWRs collaborative management partner, KRITFCs In-Season Managers and Elder Advisors are working with Yukon Delta NWRs fisheries management team to manage the 2022 salmon runs. WHAT FEDERAL MANAGEMENT MEANS A conservation concern for Chinook salmon exists based on the failure to meet long-term, necessary subsistence harvest levels since at least 2014. In addition, the pre-season forecast of 99,000161,000 Chinook salmon falls below long-term return numbers that are critical for rebuilding king salmon populations. A conservation concern for chum salmon exists after the 2021 season, in which Kuskokwim fishermen experienced the lowest chum salmon on record. Uncertainty for the return and health of these species necessitates Federal fishing restrictions to protect these fish, as provided in Title VIII of the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The goals of Federal management are to protect fish populations and the rights of subsistence users. Therefore, under Federal management, Federally qualified subsistence users will have opportunities to fish for Chinook, chum, and other salmon species on the Kuskokwim, even with gillnet restrictions and salmon bearing tributary closures. PRE-ANNOUNCED FISHING OPPORTUNITIES In addition to announcing the beginning of Federal management, the Yukon Delta NWR Manager pre-announced five early season set and drift gillnet fishing opportunities in federal waters of the main stem Kuskokwim for Federally qualified subsistence users. Before, during, and after these opportunities, salmon bearing tributaries are closed to all Chinook and chum salmon harvest and all gillnets. SET GILLNET OPPORTUNITIES (16 hours each): June 1, 2022, from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. June 4, 2022, from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. June 8, 2022, from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. During these three opportunities, gillnets are restricted to set gillnets with 6-inch or less mesh, 60 feet or less in length, and may not exceed 45 meshes in depth. Additionally, set gillnets must be attached to the bank, oriented perpendicular to the river and may not be operated more than 100 feet from the ordinary high-water mark. Set gillnets need to be spaced 150 feet apart from another set gillnet. All salmon species can be retained during these opportunities. SET OR DRIFT GILLNET OPPORTUNITIES (12 hours each): June 12, 2022, from 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. June 16, 2022, from 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. During these two opportunities, gillnets are restricted to 6-inch or less mesh and may not exceed 45 meshes in depth and 50 fathoms (300-feet) in aggregate (total set and drift gillnet) length below the Johnson River and 25 fathoms (150 feet) in aggregate (total set and drift gillnet) length above the Johnson River. All salmon species can be retained during these opportunities. ALTERNATIVE FISHING OPTIONS While the main stem Kuskokwim is closed to fishing with gillnets, Federally qualified subsistence users can continue fishing by: Fishing using selective alternative gear types, like dip nets, rod and reel, fish wheels, and beach seines. Chinook or chum salmon caught using these gear types can be kept. Fishing in non-salmon bearing tributaries, like the Johnson River, Gweek River, and Pailleq River. Gillnets must be set or drifted at least 100 yards upriver from the tributarys mouth (confluence with the main stem Kuskokwim). For more information, including a list of salmon bearing tributaries, view 3-KS-01-22 online at kuskosalmon.org/2022-fishing-info or contact Yukon Delta NWR at (907) 543-3151. Share this: Tweet Email by Janet Bavilla I am so proud of our area and the fact that I havent heard of any illegal hunting for musk ox in the most recent years. I knew that our area could work together and leave them alone so they could start expanding their range. I have already heard of musk ox going to areas where we havent seen them before. There was even one near my village of Platinum. While one is not enough of a population for hunting, I guess I look at the few musk ox who go around like the scouting crew. While that may not be the case, hoping its just a matter of time that more will find their way to other areas and start to have calves and grow the population. I asked my parents who have lived in our village area for 79 and 85 years if they had ever seen a musk ox in their entire lifetime. My moms answer, I have only seen a musk ox on tv. Hopefully, the next generation will be hunting musk ox close to their homes instead of traveling far. That theyll have another food source besides what is available at this time. A friend of mine has seen musk ox near Nunapitchuk which is great. They have seen musk ox every year now and are excited as I am that the population seems to be growing and also seems to be expanding their range. I cannot tell you how happy and excited I was to hear of a musk ox near my area. Hearing of them in other places as well. It was like when people worked together for the moose moratorium. We still need people to work together and not hunt musk ox illegally, not chase or harass them. Im hoping when Im old and grey I will get a chance to hunt a musk ox near my home though to be honest, I hope it happens before Im old and grey. I know of family and friends who would like to be able to hunt for musk ox as well. It would be a story to pass on to the children. We did this for you, let the population expand so you have another meat source near your homes like I have not seen near mine when I was your age. Janet Bavilla is a resident of Platinum, AK. Share this: Tweet Email by Katlin Lewis Have you ever thought of how many students in High School suffer from traumatic events? The problem is there are so many different traumatic stages that children and the youth go through. Most of them may never know how to deal with their pain, but the good thing is, that there are ways to fix their troubles. Every growing child is raised differently, we were all raised differently, of course. Any child may have gone through something terrible that had hurt their feelings so bad, and it caused them to be traumatized. When I speak of traumatized, its when a child may have seen their parents physically fighting, or watching their dad get so high off of a drug. According to Lessons From Research on Successful Children, there are early signs in a child when theyre going through difficult traumatic situations, based on their successfulness, behavior, and physical and mental health. Their performance is being evaluated by their teachers, and they can recognize the early signs. Another reason that students face trauma is abuse, and there are different abuses that they usually face: sexual, physical, domestic, community, or school violence. There are effects of these abuses like, separation anxiety (mostly in young children), sleep disturbance and nightmares, sadness, loss of interest in a fun activity, reduced concentration, decline in school work, and anger or irritability (American Psychological Association). As the children turn into teens, many of these traumas can lead to alcohol and drug use in teenagers to manage distress. Theres also a theory that youth turn to alcohol and drug substances to manage the intense emotions, traumatic reminders, and to numb themselves from their experience. Some school in the States was doing a survey with their students, and the answers were showing that some of these youths abuse alcohol and drugs, based on their sad experience. (Making The Connection: Trauma & Substances) When it comes to a time where a child will need help, there are teachers and staff members in school who may know how to resolve the trouble of a student. According to a book, Breaking The Cycle: Supported & Evidence Approaches, the helpers should organize to re-focus on understanding what happened to a child or student, rather than focusing on their behavior. Also, the staff can build skills in key areas such as safety, emotional management, self-control and conflict resolution, healthy boundaries, and healthy social relationships. Somewhere in the States, there were these staff members that practiced how to respond to traumatized children, and they built up knowledge by responding to the children that needed help. The traumatized student can talk to a person they mostly trust, and it may help them to heal from their rough experience. There are studies from 8 Ways to Students Who Experience Trauma, that says that 60% of adults reported that a child experienced abuse from difficult circumstances in the family, or traumatic events, before a child turned four. The teachers and staff members accept a student with their behavior, no matter what, and they also encouraged the student to the development of positive thinking. There was a school experiment discipline in Walla Walla, WA, Lincoln High School. They saw that the school suspension dropped up to 85 percent. According to Resilience Practices Overcome Students ACEs in Trauma-Informed High School, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), made a workshop that created awareness about childhood adversity. They encouraged all of the community volunteers to blend in with the trauma-informed and resilience-building practices. Later, all of the teachers and staff members made an action about the students who showed signs of trauma by, providing emotionally safe spaces for the students, values of hope, teamwork between teachers and staff, communicating with trauma-triggered students, and talking with the student at their level. Above that, the Lincoln High School in Washington did a play called Paper Triggers, and their school made a huge impact among the troubled students. When we respond to traumatized children or students, well have to make sure that were taking care of ourselves, too. There is a possibility of us getting affected by their problems and it will be the first thing for us to make sure that were taking care of ourselves. Above that, there are many solutions to resolve a student thats suffering from trauma, and its mostly showing them that were always going to be here for them and not leave their side. Katlin Lewis is a graduate of the Kuskokwim Learning Academy in Bethel, Alaska. Share this: Tweet Email by Alaska Fire PIOs Jul 28: The Last Frontier is an experience that many firefighters never get. For the crews that do, it is a memorable experience that they regale their peers, friends and family with. Instead of digging miles of handline across ridgetops as done in many places in the Lower 48, in the rare occasion crews dig line in Alaska, they instead cut what is refer to as tundra trenches, which is much like pulling carpet. The intact tundra mat is easily replaced during suppression repair and grows back. Firefighters hike through wet, squishy ground with fire hose to spray the spruce trees spitting fiery sap, as bugs, nip at any exposed skin. The comforts of caterers, internet and showers reside far away in the lower 48. Alaskas rugged, remoteness does not allow for such relief. Firefighters must be self-sufficient and build their own rad camps. Surviving off Meals Ready to Eat, or MREs, for the first 72 hours until fresh food is flown in. Learning quickly who the good cooks are on their crew. Dining on steaks and getting creative with leftovers to make weird soups. The midnight sun keeps many from sleep, that even the physical tolls of fighting fire cannot overcome confusing some to the point they start pulling boots on many hours before their shift starts. Even the primary modes of travel to the fireline are different in Alaska. To get the firefighters needed to battle one of Alaskas busiest fire seasons, crews from the lower 48 were flown by the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) jet and are returning the same way. Once in Alaska, firefighters are often boated in on rivers lined with eagles and flown by helicopter into the moose and bear inhabited backcountry. Here firefighters describe their Alaska experience, while they wait to board the NICC jet back to the lower 48. Firefighters interviewed are with the Willamette National Forest, Central Oregon Northwest Regional Crew, and Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew based out of Washington and Oregon. Share this: Tweet Email [Translation by Google.] By Gerardo Sanchez Source 25 June 2016 VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico (Televisa News) The herd of Tabasco is undergoing one of its worst crises in recent years, severe drought and heat are killing animals. If you do not have livestock water is consumed, is spent their energies, their body fat and muscle, there are animals that lose up to 35 or 40% of their body weight. 2%, 2.5% of the animals in food deteriorating conditions should fail, said Baltazar Sanchez Fuentes, secretary of the Livestock Union in Tabasco. The lack of rain during the month of May and June so far has meant that 12 of the 17 municipalities of the entity reporting a severe drought. So far this year have died from lack of food and water about 45 thousand cattle. Being lacking energy and vitamins, especially in nutrients, causes a decrease in the immune system and animals are expensos any bacterial and viral disease, said Baltazar Sanchez Fuentes, secretary of the Livestock Union in Tabasco. By the lack of rain the grass is dry, the cattle lose weight and die. Another factor affecting cattle are high temperatures, and die when consuming hot water. Sometimes they get diarrhea, sometimes they urinate blood, because they drink hot water, said Felipe Arias, farmer. Livestock diseases have caused 10 municipalities lose the status of export to the United States. You must meet appropriate health status, which in this case would be A. There is a high prevalence of tuberculosis and brucella. What is all we have the right Chontalpa status A for export to the US and the rest of the state are in B status does not allow us, said Baltazar Sanchez Fuentes. Tabasco was one of the leading producers of beef and milk in the country. Currently there are only one million 878 thousand head of cattle and about 48,000 farmers. Caseys in Bonne Terre is holding two fundraisers Saturday to benefit a young girl from Hillsboro who needs a bone marrow transplant. Avery Ponzar, 8, is a third grade student at Hillsboro Elementary and was diagnosed a year and a half ago with a Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) which affects her lymph nodes. Bonne Terre Caseys Store Manager Hazel Winebarger said her kitchen manager, Cindy Wysong, is Averys grandmother, so she wanted to do something to help. They are going all the way to Maryland and will be sitting there for no telling how long, said Winebarger. Their church had already raised some money for them and I thought they could always use a little bit more help, so I decided to hold a yard sale fundraiser and pump for tips. Winebarger said about every other month Caseys itself does fundraisers such as Hope for the Warriors, MDA and several others. In December they also do a fundraiser for Christmas Lady Dorothy Lee to help her out and sometimes they will have Pump for Tips or some other things. Mostly what we will do when it comes to those things, we will ask people to donate their change at the register, said Winebarger. We can raise a couple thousand dollars with just change from peoples pockets. We are also holding a yard sale behind Caseys. We own the property right behind the store and we will have it there. The yard sale will go from 7 a.m. to noon and the Pump for Tips will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We hope for community support and we have already gotten several donations from people in the community and from the employees who work here, said Winebarger. Wysong said Winebarger approached her and suggested they hold a fundraiser. She thought it was awesome that Winebarger thought to have a yard sale and pump for tips to help. Avery has a micro-bacterial infection throughout her whole body and the medicine is just suppressing it, said Wysong. She is going to have to go Maryland and have a bone marrow transplant. With it just being suppressed, they are testing her blood for some other alternatives as far as medicine-wise because they dont want it to go crazy when they open her up to put the bone marrow in. Wysong added MAC is a genetic thing. She said right now they running tests on the familys blood in order to come up with some solutions. My daughter, Julie, will have to go Maryland with Avery in September and they will discuss her transplant further along with more testing, said Wysong. I want to thank everyone who has donated, contributed and helped out so far. They have received many donations from the community for the yard sale and donations were being accepted at Caseys. Julie Ponzar, Averys mother said they have already taken one trip Maryland and will be taking another one in September. At that time they will know for sure when she will be having the bone marrow transplant. I was shocked at first when I found out about this fundraiser because I never expected anything like this to happen, said Ponzar. We had a benefit last year to help with some costs. Hazel suggested to my mom that they have a benefit yard sale and I was taken by surprise. We plan on being there during the event. Ponzar said Avery had to have surgery to remove all the swollen and damaged lymph nodes out of her neck. This affected her the most through kindergarten and first grade and second grade was a little better, but she still did miss quite a bit of school, said Ponzar. We are not sure if she is going to be able to go at all this coming year because at the end of the summer they are going to change her medications around and they are going to have to put a PICC line in so she can IV antibiotics. A peripherally inserted central catheter or PICC is a thin, soft, flexible tube. Treatments, such as IV medications, can be given though a PICC. And blood for laboratory tests can also be withdrawn from it. Fawad Khan To Become Daddy Once Again? Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have found that more than 200,000 people interrupted their statin treatment over a six-month period following the controversy surrounding the cholesterol-lowering drug. The research team has studied the impact of mainstream media health coverage around statins commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome on the behaviour of patients and doctors. The study, conducted by the Picker Institute on behalf of the British Heart Foundatio, examined UK prescribing data of people aged 40 and over who started taking statins each month from January 2011 to March 2015 and looked to see whether the period of public debate who preceded this time frame affected patients adherence to treatment. Study author Professor Liam Smeeth and his colleagues reviewed conflicting scientific literature documenting the effects and effectiveness of statin drugs which constituted the core of the debate. Two articles published in The British Medical Journal (BMJ) in October 2013 first questioned the value of extending the use of statins to relatively healthy people at low risk of heart disease. The following month, leading medical academic Professor Sir Rory Collins vehemently criticised the articles published in The BMJ. The, in February 2014, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) drafted new guidelines suggesting that a larger proportion of the population should be prescribed statins in order to prevent cases of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. The study findings showed that, among patients who were taking the drug because they were deemed to be at high risk of developing heart disease in the next ten years, there was a 12 per cent increased likelihood of stopping statins in the six-months window following the period of public scrutiny. Patients who were taking statins for existing heart disease were 11 per cent more likely to stop during that period of time. The study, which has been published in the BMJ, also estimated that this figure equates to 219,000 people who discontinued their statin treatment, which could lead to a worrying 2,000 extra cardiovascular events over the next 10 years. This suggests that the widespread coverage of statin-related health stories by a journal like the BMJ which has made it no secret that it does not support the medicalisation of the normal population when it comes to statins and other drugs may have significant consequences for peoples health. For Dr Fiona Godlee, editor in chief of the BMJ, however, it seems absolutely right that there is public debate about the benefits and harms of any treatment. Godlee added: Patients may now be better aware of several things. First, that we have far less good information on the side effects of statins than on their benefits. Secondly, that for some people, especially those at lower risk of heart disease, the survival benefit from statins may not outweigh the negatives of taking a drug every day with all that this entails. And finally that the complete trial data on statins are not available for independent scrutiny, which should shock people. Aptly named artificial intelligence, ALPHA recently beat a veteran aerial combat expert in a high-fidelity combat simulator. News of an AI beating a highly skilled combat pilot has caused ripples, not only across the artificial intelligence industry, but also the entire tech, social media community. This, a landmark achievement in whats known as genetic-fuzzy systems, was the brainchild of a collaboration between AI development firm - Psibernetix, U.S. Air Force, and a team of scientists from University of Cincinnati. Gene Lee, who is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with oodles of experience as an instructor as well as an Air Battle Manager, lost to AI ALPHA, after sparring in what was an action-packed air combat simulation. Lee described ALPHA as, the most aggressive, responsive, dynamic and credible AI he has ever seen. So what made a highly trained combat aviator lose to an AI? The answer - Fuzzy Logic. Gene Lee working the combat simulator What is Fuzzy Logic? Quick decision making is key in air-to-air combat. Sometimes a call has to be taken within milliseconds, and this ability to make swift decisions is what has been prohibitive to the operations of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). In a research paper highlighting the same, ALPHAs creators write, Given an average human visual reaction time of 0.15 to 0.30 seconds, and an even longer time to think of optimal plans and coordinate them with friendly forces, there is a huge window of improvement that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) can capitalize upon. This is where Fuzzy logic takes center stage. The idea of Fuzzy logic can be traced back to the 1960s. It is a different approach to computing, based on the degree of truth rather than the Boolean logic, where variables can only be True or False (1 or 0). For example, while playing catch, humans dont judge exact values such as distance, speed, height, air resistance, before throwing the ball towards the other players. Its at best a fuzzy estimate of where the ball will land. Fuzzy Logic at work. Image courtesy, mathworks Applying the same to artificial intelligence, a breakthrough known as Genetic Fuzzy Tree methodology has allowed scientists to develop AI that can solve extremely complex problems. The ability to have extreme performance and computational efficiency as well as to be robust to uncertainties and randomness, adaptable to changing scenarios, verified and validated to follow safety specifications and operating doctrines via formal methods, and easily designed and implemented are just some of the strengths that this type of control brings, says the white paper on ALPHA. Authors of the paper go on to add, To this day, this represents the most complex application of a fuzzy-logic based Artificial Intelligence to an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle control problem. Now that you know how the ALPHA AI was created, lets dive deeper into what it can actually do. A future of manned-unmanned autonomous air combat! United States is known to have the most powerful military in the world, but according to ALPHAs creators, the countrys adversaries are fast catching up with the superpower, by developing capabilities which could challenge US air superiority. So, to be one step ahead, ALPHAs creators aim at a future with collaborative manned-unmanned combat aerial vehicles. The capabilities of such autonomous combat vehicles will not only remove any existential threats to the pilot, but also eliminate any margin of error due to erroneous judgement calls. Just to put things in context, combat pilots today, fly at altitudes of more than 40,000 feet at speeds in excess of 1500MPH! Yes, an error here could cost millions of dollars in damages and even more precious human lives. Currently, ALPHAs aim is to serve as a highly intelligent training simulator for combat pilots. Within the simulation environment, data is collected and fused in real-time, after which it is sent to ALPHA. Describing ALPHAs potential, the white paper states, Examples of inputs include all positional, velocity, and acceleration states, estimated missile range data, visibility of each platform, bogey ratio, and number of shots taken by hostile platforms. ALPHA currently has control of the motion and firing capabilities of each aircraft, with control over more complex sensors planned for future work. With what ALPHAs creators have achieved, it can easily be said that the future of AI based air combat certainly looks promising. Although, the flipside could make aerial tussles easier and more frequent, given that the AI looks to minimise errors, loss of life. In the wrong hands, this tech could definitely do some real damage, as the attacker would not have much to lose. Google finally announced that the next version of its OS will be called Android Nougat v7.0 After months of speculation, Google finally announced that the name of the next version of Android will be Nougat. The company made the announcement via Twitter and also unveiled a statue of its mascot standing on some pieces of nougat. The version number for Android Nougat will be 7.0. At Google I/O, the company had announced that it was crowdsourcing the name of of the next version of Android. One of the suggested names included Nutella, which may have been preferred for Googles Senior Vice President, Hiroshi Lockheimer. Another name that was suggested was a South Indian treat called Neyappam. The Kerala Government, via its Twitter account, even encouraged people to vote for the name. The developer preview for Android N, or should we say Android Nougat, launched a few months back. The upcoming update would include features such a multi-window support on phones and tablets that would allow users to run two apps side-by-side in split screen mode. Further, the update would also allow users to reply to notifications from within the notification interface. Android Nougat also improves upon the Doze feature that was introduced in Marshmallow and introduces a data saver mode. Further, Google also announced a new VR platform that was built into Android Nougat called Daydream. The new platform is a more capable than Google Cardboard and would needs some basic hardware requirements from a device in order to work. Exploration Data Management : North Borneo Grid Wong Teck Hing - Sarawak Shell Berhad How to digitalise exploration and wells - day 2, 03 Oct 2019 Clustering Considerations in the Machine Learning Workflow a Examples with Exploration Data Philip Lesslar - Precision DM How to digitalise exploration and wells - day 2, 03 Oct 2019 Implementing an Enterprise Data Management strategy in Oil and Gas Jane McConnell - Teradata Opportunities for data scientists and architects in oil and gas, 10 Oct 2018 Skills and development pathways for the energy sector Dr Lau Cher Han - UCAN Technologies Opportunities for data scientists and architects in oil and gas, 10 Oct 2018 Malaysia at the forefront of Data Economy: An overview of the National Big Data Analytics Initiative Somasundaram Nagappan - Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Maintaining high organisational performance in E&P with digital technology, 09 Oct 2018 Crop enhancement products researcher and developer Plant Impact announced on Friday that its Fortalis and Veritas products are being introduced to Argentina and Paraguay, respectively. The AIM-traded firm said the move extends its ongoing business relationship with Bayer CropScience and establishes operations in the Southern Cone of Latin America. Fortalis is Plant Impacts newest product for soybean yield enhancement, its board said, with Bayer CropScience introducing it to the worlds third-largest soybean producing country in the 2016-17 growing season through the Bayer Argentina Ambassador Network. Sales of its established soybean crop enhancement product Veritas will begin in Paraguay in the 2016-17 season as well, after strong results from grower demonstration in the country in the 2015-16 growing season. I am pleased to announce the introduction of Fortalis, the geographic extension of Veritas and this important expansion of our relationship with Bayer CropScience, said Plant Impact CEO John Brubaker. Advances in technology are always exciting, and given recent political and economic developments in Argentina, we are proud that soybean growers in this market will be the first to use this next generation technology to improve their crop yields and overall profitability. Hernan Bagliero, head of Bayer CropScience in the South Cone, said the company is pleased to extend its partnership with Plant Impact to both markets. We are confident that Fortalis and Veritas will be a success by bringing to our customers an improvement in soybean yield and farm profitability, Bagliero added. Justice secretary launches bid to become leader of the Conservative party Michael Gove has said that he did not want the task of becoming Conservative party leader and prime minister, but that he did not believe that Boris Johnson was the right man for the job. The justice secretary launched his bid to take over the party on Friday, after current PM David Cameron said he will resign in October after a failed campaign to keep Britain in the European Union. Gove and Johnson were two of the most prominent figures in the successful campaign to take Britain out of the bloc. The justice secretary launched his bid to take over the party on Friday "I did not want it, I did almost everything I could not to be in this position. I dont have glamour or charisma," Gove said. "I am standing for one reason alone, for this country I love to embrace this change." Gove said that he believed Boris Johnson had many formidable talents, but that he was not the right person to lead the country in the next few years. "That realisation meant that I once more faced a difficult decision. Could I recommend to friends, colleagues and the country, a course in which I no longer believed? I could not." "I had to stand up for my convictions. I had to stand up for a different course for this country and stand for the leadership of this party." Gove said that he believed Boris Johnson had many formidable talents, but that he was not the right person to lead the country In a speech that lasted around half an hour to outline his position with regards to his candidacy, Gove promised to tackle immigration by introducing a points system for immigrants. "I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points system and bring numbers down. With my leadership, it will be delivered." He also promised to keep 100mn of the 350mn figure that was originally pledged by the Remain campaign to be redirected towards the National Health Service. California jury make decision for damages related to Itanium-based servers A jury in California have ordered Oracle to pay $3bn in damages to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise after a case related to HP's Itanium servers, according to a spokeswoman for the Redwood-based company. Oracle decided to discontinue development of software to be used with HP's Itanium servers, as it claimed that chip processor Intel had made it clear that the device had a limited lifespan. HP argued during the case that it had an agreement with Oracle ensuring that support for the servers using the chip would continue. HP argued it had an agreement with Oracle ensuring support would continue. On Thursday, the jury decided that damages to the tune of $3bn should be paid, but Oracle confirmed that they are going to appeal. HP said that they feel justified by the verdict. "HP is gratified by the jury's verdict, which affirms what HP has always known and the evidence overwhelmingly showed," John Schultz, executive vice president and general counsel of Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Dorian Daley, a legal counsel for Oracle said in a statement that "we intend to appeal both today's ruling and the prior ruling". John Laing Infrastructure Fund (JLIF) said it has completed the acquisition in Project Service LLC, the provider of 23 motorway service plazas in the US State of Connecticut, adding that it had hedged half the purchase price ahead of the UK vote to leave the European Union. JLIF bought the plazas from Carlyle Infrastructure Service Plazas, Subway Restaurants parent company Doctor's Associates and Subcon, a major Subway franchisee and developer. JLIF financed the US dollar consideration of the acquisition with a drawdown under its revolving credit facility of 76.6m. In mid-June 2016, with the UK referendum on EU membership pending, an expected completion date of the end of June and the consideration fixed in US dollars, JLIF sought to hedge the risk of a 'leave vote' and acquired just over half the US dollar consideration. This meant that any movement between sterling and US dollar was hedged against the remaining half of the consideration, JLIF said. Project Service operates and maintains the service areas along Interstate 95, Interstate 395 and Route 15, under a 35-year exclusive concession signed in 2009 with the State of Connecticut acting through the Connecticut Department of Transport. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Ohio's 6-week abortion ban was a fringe idea. Heres how it became law Ohio led a slow, determined push to steadily weaken and then nearly eliminate abortion rights. It's indicative of what has happened around the U.S. Indian money in Swiss banks drops to record low of Rs8,392 cr Money held by Indians in Swiss Banks fell to a record low of Rs8,392 crore (1,217 million Swiss francs) at the end of 2015, said latest data from the Swiss National Bank (SNB). The fall was nearly by two-thirds of the Rs23,000 crore stashed in December of 2006. This was the lowest amounts held by Indians in Swiss banks since the data was officially released in 1997 for the first time. Last year too (2014), the fall was a record figure, with the amount hovering around 1,776 million Swiss francs. The SNB's data on "amounts due to their clients" or "liabilities" does not mean or indicate anything about India's hotly debated black money numbers, PTI notes. Neither does it factor in accounts kept by Indians under names or entities registered outside India in a foreign country. The SNB data said the amount held by all foreign individuals and entities saw a near 4 per cent fall to 1.41 trillion Swiss francs (about Rs98 lakh crore) from the previous year. Giving a break down in the accounts held by Indians, SNB said while the total amount held directly by Indians was 1,206.71 million Swiss francs, fiduciaries or wealth managers managed accounts of another 10.89 million. Fiduciaries accounts too saw a 71 per cent fall from 37.92 million Swiss francs stashed at 2014-end; it used to be in billions till 2007. Savings and Deposit account liabilities saw a 61 per cent fall to 425.8 million Swiss francs in a year period. However, the money held through other banks doubled to 270.4 million Swiss francs. Funds held in the form of securities by Indians grew from 297 million Swiss francs to 510.4 million. According to PTI, the regulatory crackdown from countries across the globe, including India, had led to a fall in Swiss amount. It noted that the Swiss secrecy wall was crumbling for Indians who are under scrutiny by many measures back home. A Supreme Court monitored special investigative team (SIT), a new law to clampdown hoarding black money abroad, anti money laundering act and compliance window offer by government of India was tightening the noose. India is one of the early adopters of the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) standards approved by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Switzerland is set to adopt the standards by 2018. The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration said it would deliver a hotly anticipated ruling in the Philippines' case against China over the South China Sea on 12 July, drawing an immediate adverse response from Beijing, which rejects the tribunal's jurisdiction. The United States, which is a close ally of the Philippines and is concerned about China's expansive South China Sea claims, reiterated its backing for the international court and urged a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Manila is contesting China's historical claim to about 90 per cent of the South China Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Several Southeast Asian states have overlapping claims in the sea and the dispute has sparked concerns of a military confrontation that could disrupt global trade. In a lengthy statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Manila's unilateral approach flouted international law. "I again stress that the arbitration court has no jurisdiction in the case and on the relevant matter, and should not hold hearings or make a ruling," he said. He said, "On the issue of territory and disputes over maritime delineation, China does not accept any dispute resolution from a third party and does not accept any dispute resolution forced on China." In Manila, the foreign ministry said the Philippines would "fully respect" the tribunal's ruling and hoped members of the international community would do the same. US state department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen reiterated US backing for the court. "We support the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, including the use of international legal mechanisms such as arbitration." But China's official Xinhua news agency said the court was a "law-abusing tribunal" that would only worsen the dispute."Manila fails to see that such arbitration will only stir up more trouble in the South China Sea, which doesn't serve the interests of the concerned parties in the least," it said. China's bases its South China Sea claim on a so-called "Nine Dash line" stretching deep into the maritime heart of southeast Asia and covering hundreds of disputed islands and reefs, rich fishing grounds and oil and gas deposits. A ruling against Beijing "would deprive China of any legal basis for making such a claim," Paul Reichler, the Philippines' chief lawyer in the case told Reuters. China's rejection of the ruling meant it had "essentially declared themselves an outlaw state" that did not respect the rule of law, Reichler said. The Philippines argues that China's claim violates the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and restricts its rights to exploit resources and fishing areas within its exclusive economic zone. While the territorial dispute over the South China Sea was a key issue, priority would be given to crushing Islamist militants in the Philippines, Manila's new defence minister Delfin Lorenzana told Reuters. New President Lorenzana's comments about his priorities will add to uncertainty about incoming Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte position on the dispute. Duterte has said he would confront Beijing but also said he would engage it through dialogue. US officials are worried China may respond to what is widely expected to be a negative ruling for Beijing by declaring an air defence identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, and by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands. US officials say that beyond diplomatic pressure, the US response to such moves could include accelerated "freedom-of-navigation" patrols by US warships and overflights by US aircraft as well as increased defence aid to Southeast Asian countries. China has accused the United States of "hyping" the issue and warned in May that international complaints about its actions in the South China Sea would recoil on its critics. But it has largely avoided specific comments on how it might respond to the arbitration ruling. Tensions have intensified and spread ahead of the ruling, with two US aircraft carriers taking part in various exercises in East Asian waters last month in what the US Navy said an effort to deter any attempts to "destabilize the region". Indonesia's president on Wednesday ordered an expansion of oil exploration and commercial fishing in waters near the Natuna Islands, where Indonesian navy vessels and Chinese fishermen recently clashed. Japan said it had scrambled fighters to counter Chinese jets in the East China Sea about 200 times in the past three months, almost double the amount in the same period a year ago. "It appears that Chinese activity is escalating at sea and in the air," said Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, chief of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. 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. Martin McElligott, Town Centre Commercial Manager Dundalk BIDs, has said the decision in the UK to leave the EU was a surprise for Ireland let alone Dundalk. This has clearly been an outcome outside of anyone's control, Mr McElligott said. We are unable at this point to say what the long term repercussions will be overall, but as a business support mechanism we will be keeping a level head and will continue working alongside our members as we always have, to achieve our goals of a better trading environment within our town. It is important to remember that Dundalk Businesses have survived the biggest recession in recent history and is well equipped now to adapt to changes within the economic environment. Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said it was disappointed that Britain has decided to leave the EU. We would stress that in the short term business will continue as before, Mr Paddy malone said. There are no immediate changes other than the significant one of currency fluctuation. Our concern is for our retail members and their employees as sterling falls. The border with Newry will not change in the short term and we would hope that the Government will do all in their power to minimise disruption for manufacturers, and retail. The Peace fund should continue, not just with the existing commitments but a long term engagement with the area. Fine Gael Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick said he was very disappointed with the result and said he will be working to maintain EU funding for cross border projects. Fianna Fail spokesperson on North-South Bodies and Cross Border Co-operation Declan Breathnach said: Another constitutional referendum in the aftermath of this Brexit vote will only exacerbate uncertainty and instability. He was responding to Sinn Fein's call for a border poll. Deputy Gerry Adams said the people in the North voted to remain in the EU and that English votes threaten to drag it out. Sinn Fein believes that that can best be achieved by the maximum cooperation between the executive and Dublin government upholding the vote of the electorate in the North. In the time ahead this should include a referendum on the border. SEE MORE PAGE 5 Continued on page 5 Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Carving out a niche in the sharing economy might seem a tall order, considering the dominance of such heavy hitters as AirBnB and Uber. Rather than being intimidated by the competition, GoFetch founder Blair Smith has braved the chaos and the Catch 22s of the startup world to fulfil his mission to deliver your life back. Originating in Melbourne, GoFetch is a peer-to-peer, on-demand delivery service that targets time-poor and convenience-driven Australians, who increasingly use their smartphones to coordinate their business and personal lives. The companys app allows registered users to tap into a network of Fetchers when they need items (big and small) delivered from A to B. Once a Fetcher has accepted a job, the user is provided with a quote and an ETA based on live traffic conditions. For peace-of-mind, users can use the live chat feature to communicate with fetchers while they are en route. Additional security and quality-assurance measures include background checks on all Fetchers, GPS tracking, a digital signature at the drop-off point, the ability to rate each experience and a guarantee of $200 for item loss/damage. Best of all, there is no surge-pricing, no standard operating hours (you can request a delivery 24/7) and unlike traditional dispatch couriers GoFetch can deliver everything and anything. Users are only limited by their imagination, Blair told Dynamic Business. Weve had atypical requests from the outset. If youve left your headphones at the gym or need to collect an iPhone charger from JB Hi Fi, a Fetcher can help. They go on coffee runs for high-rise office towers, deliver freshly-baked birthday cakes to workplaces, and transport bigger items between factories and suppliers. Florists and coffee roasters are the most frequent users they use GoFetch daily to serve their cafe clients. One user in North Melbourne orders from his favourite Laksa restaurant in China Town every Wednesday night and arranges collection via GoFetch for $8. Anything goes at the end of the day, we want to deliver your life back. Empowerment and control Blair is quick to point out that GoFetch isnt a delivery company; rather, its a technology company with a workforce consisting of sole-traders with their own ABNs. Once Fetchers sign up via the GoFetch website, they earn 80% of each delivery fee and they can work as often or as seldom as they want. The technology weve developed is centered on personal empowerment and control, he said. Quite often, Fetchers work on other apps too we dont demand exclusivity. The apps dashboard is effectively a market place where people needing something delivered connect with Fetchers willing to go and get it for them. Interestingly, there is no emerging type of Fetcher. One of our most active and efficient Fetchers is a motorbike rider in her 50s. University students were the early adopters, and still represent the bulk of our inner city pedestrian Fetchers, but we also have taxi and Uber drivers, shift workers and retirees, as well as bicycle and traditional couriers looking to supplement their income. I saw the next evolution Prior to founding GoFetch, Blair worked in the corporate sector as a marketing manager for infrastructure projects and utilities. Required to work long hours from an office, he was stretched for time when it came to running basic personal errands like picking up his dry cleaning, collecting parcels during business hours and grocery shopping. While searching for a solution, I was inspired by the growth in e-commerce, the small parcel sector and contingent workforce, he said. I saw an opportunity for an Uber-style platform that focused on deliveries as the next evolution of the sharing economy, with equal application to business and personal users. After founding GoFetch in March 2015, Blair invested most of the $200,000 he secured during the initial funding round into developing an intuitive, easy-to-navigate app. Version 1 launched in Apples App Store in November the same year. Within the first three months, there was a 260% month-on-month increase in delivery jobs. Thereafter, job yield increased by 66% month-on-month as GoFetch expanded beyond the CBD to all of Greater Melbourne. Registered users (i.e. people who download the app, set up an account and add a card) have increased by 350% per month. Critically, the number of active (i.e. daily) users has grown by 228% month-on-month. Aditionally, there are close to 1,000 registered Fetchers in Melbourne, repeat business rates are excellent and the public response is positive. Blair acknowledges the vital role played by his team a mix of entrepreneurs and advisors, each talented in their own way but united by a common goal. Blair plans to launch GoFetch in all Australian capitals by the years end, with Fetcher recruitment already underway in Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney. With the digital landscape offering few barriers to international expansion, Blair plans to transform GoFetch into a global brand. Competition is a good thing Since GoFetch took off, Blair has been astounded by the number of new players operating in the same space. Still, he is pragmatic confident, even when it comes to competition. Being a start-up with limited funds, watching the competition too closely can throw you off your own game, he explained. When you dont have the money or resources to react meaningfully to competitors, you really need to remain focused and do your best, rather than be distracted by others. In truth, Australias sharing economy is in its infancy, so I view competition as a good thing. New entrants bring awareness to the entire category (on demand, app-based, peer-to-peer delivery) and GoFetch benefits from that. We also see new entrants as market endorsement of our strategic direction. So, theres enough room for everyone right now. While that wont be the case forever, as mergers and acquisitions happen, we are extremely confident in our model, our technology and our differentiators. For example, while GoFetch does food deliveries, Blair said the company doesnt aggressively play in that space. Instead, while other entrants slog it out for food delivery dominance, GoFetch is concentrating on untapped markets and new scenarios that havent been accessed by the courier industry before. It helps that our price point is the lowest in the market thats because Fetchers use their own transport, he said. One of our great differentiators is the use of multiple transport types. For example, a Fetcher can complete a job on foot, skateboard, car, motorbike, truck or van. They can even jump on public transport. In addition, were able to serve a wide range of customers segments from parents to the corporate sector, B2B and even heavy industry and the trades. We like the attention were currently getting from the B2C and B2B markets and were finding ways to bring our USP and a more personal feel to those customers. When we brush up against a competitor doing something similar, the team finds a way to differentiate and do those things better. Investment is a Catch 22 Currently, Blair is focused on securing the funding necessary to take GoFetch to the next level. To date, GoFetch has relied on investments from Blairs friends, family or former colleagues plus a handful of angel investors and venture capitalists brought into the fold by his team members. Weve got some fantastic and passionate smaller investors but were still looking for that big one an investor who gets the vision and will come on this ride with us for the long haul, Blair said. Seed funding was managed on the strength of the concept but attracting larger investors requires a demonstration of growth. So its a Catch 22: you need money to grow and promote awareness but investors want to see several months of growth before committing. Another challenge has been managing supply and demand. As Blair explained, GoFetch being a start-up with a relatively new workforce model (peer-to-peer) has had to weather periods where demand outstripped supply and vice versa. We can have too many Fetchers for the jobs available and the opposite, where a job can go begging because none of our Fetchers are set to active, he said. So we have had to manage expectations on both sides of the market place. But our Operations team manages the dashboard carefully and we can quickly rally the troops. Ive had to embrace chaos As a newcomer to the start-up world, having neither founded nor worked for one previously, Blair has had to adjust to a less-structured way of working. I couldnt work to the specs of a job description, he said. I had to embrace the chaos. It was a challenge but my eyes have been opened to a whole new world, beyond the confines of corporate life. By pure necessity, Ive had to run the full gamut of the marketing mix. Ive been immersed in all aspects of the business from social media posts to sales presentations, financial and tax matters, and capital raising. There is no repetition, each day is different and I love that. At the business level, Im pleased with the upward trend in our performance reports and the fact that hard work continues to produce transactions and engagement. On a personal level, Im proud my idea has become a tactile, fully-functioning reality. I still get a kick out of opening the app on my phone and seeing Fetchers moving about on the map. Watching a first-time user having a seamless experience is also hugely rewarding. The current federal government is more popular amongst SMEs than its predecessor but an increasing number of business owners are dissatisfied with the Coalitions support, according to the latest MYOB Business Monitor The bi-annual national survey of over 1,000 SME operators revealed that since being elected to power in September 2013, the Coalition government has been viewed more favourably than the Labor government in the preceding four years, with the level of satisfaction amongst SMEs ranging from 23% to 30%. However, in the last six months, satisfaction with the Coalition government has fallen from 30% to a low of 20%. Further, 32% of SMEs are dissatisfied with Coalition government support. This government has announced significant policies to support small and medium businesses, said MYOB CEO Tim Reed. So Im sure it is concerning that despite an election campaign that has placed a significant amount of attention on business, the results show the governments message isnt resonating as strongly as theyd like. After seeing an improvement in perceptions over the last year and a half, we now see that small business operators are feeling less supported by their governments. Reed said that while the survey findings are somewhat sobering, it wasnt all bad news for the current government. Bright spots included the more positive view held by younger business owners (dissatisfaction of 22% in Gen Y, compared to 37% for baby-boomers) and sole traders (dissatisfaction of 29% compared to 45% for small business). Election issues MYOB found that small business owners want to see a continuation of the $20,000 instant asset tax write-off scheme. 68% of SMEs said making the write-off a permanent policy was the number one initiative they would vote for It was positive to see the federal government increase the eligibility to $10 million for those who are able to access the instant asset write-off, but its disappointing that this policy is set to end on 30th June, 2017, Reed said. The results from the Business Monitor show that SMEs are calling for the federal government to make this permanent. Other key policies that SMEs would vote for included: assigning a proportion of government procurement contracts to small businesses (58%), the establishment of an incentive bonus for businesses employing people over age 50 (57%), and increased Federal Government funding for skills, training and apprenticeship programs (54%). With the Governments recent investment in the youth employment scheme, PaTH Initiative, its interesting to see that a majority of SME owners would also be interested in an incentive bonus for employing people over the age of 50, Reed said. This would be beneficial to baby boomers who are looking to return to the Australian workforce. Jury at Royal Courts of Justice hearing evidence about death of Hanwell teenager Tweets by @ealingtodaycouk Participate Sign up for our weekly Ealing newsletter Comment on this story on the The inquest into the death of Alice Gross has heard that no criminal record check was done in 2009 when Arnis Zalkans was arrested for indecent assault. Zalkalns, from Latvia had been convicted of murdering his wife in his native country. He came to the UK in 2007 and two years later was questioned on suspicion of indecent assault, but faced no further action. Det Supt Michael Forteath told the hearing said, that at the time there was "no routine checking of individuals entering the UK". Alice's body was found by a search team in the River Brent, near her home in Hanwell, on the 30 September 2014. The inquest has already heard evidence that she had been sexually assaulted and asphyxiated. Zalkalns was later found hanged in Boston Manor Park. The court's heard that DNA found made it likely that Zalkans, the suspect, was the killer. The inquest is examining why he was allowed to live unchecked in the UK and is also looking at whether failures by the government and the police contributed to Alice's death. On Monday Alice's mother, Rosalind Hodgkiss, said she was stunned Zalkalns was not being monitored. Reading from a prepared statement she said said the family wanted to "establish whether or not the systems for monitoring foreign offenders and cross-border sharing of information are robust". She added: "We appreciate that they may have changed significantly, but we remain stunned that a foreign national with a conviction for murder was not monitored, or even known about in any way. "This has destroyed much of our faith in our country's ability to protect its citizens. "The Home Office and the police forces nationwide should be doing everything they can to ensure that this should not be allowed to happen again." The inquest continues. 30th June 2016 An appellate court on Tuesday handed a major victory to the Federal Communications Commission by upholding the agencys watershed Open Internet Order, which ensures equal access to the Internet. By a 2-1 vote, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the FCCs right to impose Net neutrality rules that essentially prevent big telecom and broadband companies from slowing down, speeding up, or blocking service based on content providers market power or willingness to pay. Todays ruling is a victory for consumers and innovators who deserve unfettered access to the entire web, and it ensures the Internet remains a platform for unparallelled innovation, free expression and economic growth, said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. The plaintiffs almost certainly will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to FCC Commissioner Mike ORielly, who criticized the ruling. We all will rue the day the commission was confirmed to have nearly unmitigated power over the Internet and all based on unsubstantiated, imaginary harms,' he wrote. Gearing Up for a Challenge U.S. Telecom, which led the suit against the FCC, will leave all legal options on the table for a possible challenge, said President Walter McCormick, who expressed disappointment in the decision. Two judges on the court have unfortunately failed to recognize the significant legal failings of the Federal Communication Commissions decision to regulate the Internet as a public utility, he maintained, leaving in place regulation that we believe will replace a consumer-driven Internet with a government-run Internet, threatening investment and innovation to come. Other telecom and broadband firms have indicated they intend to pursue a reversal. We have always expected this issue to be decided by the Supreme Court, and we look forward to participating in that appeal, said David McAtee, senior executive vice president at AT&T, which claims to be the worlds largest communications firm. Its high-speed mobile Internet network covers 365 million people in North America and 25 million video subscribers in the U.S., including DirecTV customers. The major broadband companies have complained of being at a disadvantage because they have to lay out billions of dollars to develop high-speed networks, which smaller, outside competitors then get to share, noted telecom analyst Jeff Kagan. Many of those companies want to ride that investment at no cost, he told the E-Commerce Times. If carriers decided to slow down their investment because it wasnt worth their while any longer, that would be a real problem. The fight is likely to drag on for years, Kagan predicted. Stay tuned for the next decade of legal battles. Equal Access In the eyes of Net neutrality proponents, the FCCs latest victory is critical to maintaining an open and fair system that allows communities of different incomes and content providers of different sizes to get access to high-speed Internet. The fear has been that big telecom providers would be able to bias their data speeds or content quality toward the most powerful players as one way to recoup the costs of laying down cables to different communities of various economic status. The rules will keep providers from blocking or slowing traffic and stifling innovation by speeding up traffic for those who pay, said Corynne McSherry, legal director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, one of a number of open technology advocates that urged the FCC to defend an open Internet. The industry is likely not only to appeal the decision, but also to attempt to persuade Congress to upend the FCCs rules through legislative means, McSherry added. The ruling will ensure that all parties will be protected both in terms of underserved communities having access to service and smaller firms competing against large broadband providers, according to the Open Technology Institute, another group that intervened in the case last year. The courts decision recognizes the value of an open platform over which all voices have a space and ideas can flourish where even the smallest startups can grow, all users access the content of their choosing, and communities can organize without interference from their ISPs, said Sarah J. Morris, senior policy counsel at OTI. FCCs Bold Move This decision provides a major victory for advocates of net neutrality, said William K. Norton, an associate at Baker Donelson. In 2002, the FCC decided not to make Internet providers subject to common carrier requirements under its Brand X decision. It took public interest groups to petition the FCC to stop Comcast from discriminating and degrading Internet traffic in 2008 to get the FCC to consider Net neutrality regulations, he told the E-Commerce Times. When the Open Internet rules were struck down in 2014, it was seen as a major blow to the Net neutrality movement. The FCCs response in 2015 to cover broadband under Title II was a bold move that actually gave it more authority to regulate the Internet than the Open Internet rules that were struck down the year before, he pointed out. So I think many were concerned that that decision would be struck down, as well. ECSU alum Cmdr. Warren Judge aims high Warren Judge is Viking Pride in action. A commander in the United States Coast Guard, Judge was named executive officer of Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City this past year. His career is the stuff of Viking legend. A native of Tampa, Florida, Judge joined the Coast Guard after a short stint as a student at the University of Florida. His brother had joined the service and Judge, who was spending more time attending to his social life rather than his studies, figured signing up was a good idea. It turns out he was right on the money. As an enlisted member of the Coast Guard, Judge was based in Elizabeth City. It was here that he enrolled at ECSU. With a degree in computer science and a minor in aeronautics, Judge would next attend Officers Candidate School. ECSU gave me a lot of good opportunity for leadership, said Judge. When Judge became an officer in the Coast Guard he earned his Masters Degree in computer science from Howard University. He would go onto serve in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina which led to a stint building the command and control infrastructure to manage rescue missions. Judge would go on to work in the nations capital and the commander for career management for all Coast Guard officers. But like many officers in the Coast Guard, his duty assignments can be varied. Judge would be chosen from 75 officers to join the White House communications team. His job was to do advance work for the president, building communications infrastructures prior to Pres. Barack Obama visiting locations across the country. That job led to a tour as the White House communications officer, in charge of the entire operation at the nations first house. For Judge, the White House didnt seem to be enough. He would have to reach for higher goals, so he moved on to become the presidents Air Force One communications officer. Flying with the president in what Judge describes as a flying White House, the ECSU graduate handled all communications on the famed jetliner. Now Judge is back in Elizabeth City. Hes here serving as the number two officer on one of the largest Coast Bases in the country. Hes been serving on base since May 3 and since that time hes also been doing what he can to serve his Alma Mater. And you can imagine, whatever Judge does next, his fellow alums can be Viking Proud. (Photo: Peter Kenny / Ecumenical News)Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri, World Council of Churches associate general secretary in Jerusalem on Feb. 10, 2016. Churches are engaged at the grassroots level throughout the world in the response to HIV and AIDS, but the struggle against the disease and those stigmatized for being HIV positive needs to continue, say church leaders. Two million people a year become HIV-positive and many of those infected are not even aware of their HIV status, said moderator Claus Grue as he introduced a group of panelists during the June 23-28 meeting of the main governing body of the World Council of Churches between its assemblies, its central committee. "The billboards have been taken down, but within the WCC we realize it [HIV and AIDS] is not over, and we need to keep up the campaign to raise awareness in our member churches," said Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri, WCC associate general secretary, referring to some African countries. She noted that, in her home environment in Malawi, she and her immediate family have been directly impacted by the disease. Phiri and the other panelists stressed that HIV and AIDS is a "medical condition and not a moral condition". The panelists also agreed that social and gender justice issues are all involved in taking care of the problem. "We don't know when it will be over. We will continue campaigning until it is over," said Phiri. She noted that WCC involvement with HIV and AIDS goes back to 1984 when awareness was just beginning. Phiri said that, with faith-driven affirmation of universal humanity, the WCC has worked with other ecumenical partners as well as the World Health Organization and later UNAIDS. Metropolitan Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East said, "For us, the Orthodox, our theology is centered around the notion of the Holy Trinity - within the Godhead." Coorilos said that all life is considered holy and sacred and the characteristics within it are the values of mutuality, interdependence, dignity and justice. 'NO ROOM FOR ANY DISCRIMINATION' "There is no room for any kind of discrimination, be it on the basis of sex, class, caste, medical status, disability, you name it," he said. Rev. Rex Reyes Jr, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, said the HIV and AIDS campaign in his country is in unison with the Orthodox position of dignity, humanity and the involvement of young people. "Given the number of people with HIV in my country we have had to come out with more practical way of dealing the issues, that is, an aggressive education and we have to get the church leaders to walk the talk," he said. The program encourages church leaders to have HIV testing in order to help encourage young people not to be afraid to get tested. Reyes himself was photographed being tested and featured on a national billboard poster for which some people criticized him, but he said it increased national awareness on HIV and AIDS. In the Philippines, churches have found they not only have to work together but also with allied organizations which are not necessarily faith-based organizations. He also said his church's campaign extends to people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Rev. Amin Sandewa of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania belongs to a national network of religious leaders living with or personally affected by HIV or AIDS and he has a deeply personal experience of the disease. "I lost my two daughters and my wife to HIV," said Sandewa explaining that disclosure of the disease is vital in preventing it spreading. "The challenge is why people are not ready to disclose," he said, affirming the campaign of Reyes. "In my network we have more than 400 religious leaders who are HIV positive but only 10 have disclosed," he said referring to the stigma that still remains. He said another challenge is that of sexual morality, agreeing that "this is a health issue more than a moral issue" and that, in seeking to educate people, churches have to reach out to people who may be ignored, such as sex workers. "In Tanzania there can be clash between the religious approach and medical approach," said Sandewa, espousing more openness in dealing with the disease. Panelists emphasized that increasing advocacy, accompaniment and service provision is critical in ending HIV. They were clear that this could only be achieved by the significant support and mobilization of the faith community. Before the meeting the WCC reported that conversations that began at the Fifth International Eastern European and Central Asian AIDS Conference (EECAAC) in Moscow three months ago are continuing today. 'HIV NOT A CURSE' "HIV is a call, not a curse," Bishop Methodius (Kondratiev) of Alapaevsk and Kamensk from the Russian Orthodox Church, had said, carrying a message about the role of spiritual and moral dimensions of AIDS. "HIV-infected persons in the Orthodox environment should not be outcasts or feel themselves as lepers surrounded by healthy people. HIV is not a sign of God's rejection," he said. He is part of a growing circle of Christian, Jewish and Muslim people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia who are sharing their experience responding to HIV to develop more coordinated cooperation among faith-based organizations, even as the number HIV infections increases in the region. With the motto "Every Life Matters," the forum in Moscow was the largest event on HIV prevention and treatment in the region, attended by 2,500 delegates from 79 countries. Among the participants were leading scientists, politicians, public figures, and representatives of international and religious organizations and non-government organizations. "We need to build a bridge between scientific evidence and social transformation," UNAIDS executive director and under-secretary general of the United Nations Michel Sidibe said. 'RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS BUILD BRIDGES' "You cannot overcome HIV just by scientific evidence; people do not understand it. Only religious organizations can build that bridge and reach people in their social circles. "Religious organizations can fight stigma and discrimination and stand for social justice. They need to invite people to seek medical treatment, and no one should be left without treatment opportunities." According to the latest UNAIDS data, 1.5 million people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are living with HIV. In 2015 there were an estimated 190,000 new HIV infections in the region, rising by 57 percent between 2010 and 2015. (Photo: Denis Balibouse / Reuters) South African Acedemy award-winning actress Charlize Theron speaks out on fighting HIV and Aids after getting an award for her charity work at the World Economic Forum in Davos. At the same time, new HIV infections worldwide have fallen by 6 percent since 2010. AIDS-related deaths worldwide have fallen by 45 percent since their peak in 2005. Yet in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the number of AIDS-related deaths has increased by 22 percent between 2010 and 2015. Disappointed by existing English/language arts curricula that were supposedly aligned to the Common Core State Standards, officials at the Louisiana education department decided to enlist teachers and create a homegrown programa move thats less than typical for a state-level overseer. There were some [common-core] programs with real strengths for sure, but none that were meeting our bar, said Rebecca Kockler, the assistant superintendent of academic content at the Louisiana Department of Education. We felt we had no choice. The state eventually partnered with LearnZillion, a website with common-core resources that are also created by teachers, to give the curriculum a user-friendly, web-based platformand also make it open to the public. About 70 percent of Louisiana school districts are expected to implement the new curriculum in at least some grades, and some say its likely the program will be well-used outside the state, too. And while Louisiana officials dont necessarily recommend that other states go through the time-consuming and laborious process of developing and piloting their own curricula, some experts say states should begin playing a larger role in aggregating and steering teachers toward coherent, high-quality materials outside the traditional textbook realm. Publishers have in many cases, been relentless about an unwillingness to change and a desire for maximizing profits on old materials that are not helping students, John White, Louisianas state superintendent of education, said at a recent panel on curriculum in Washington. I do think states can be doing more. While more than 40 states are now using the common-core standards, New York is the only other state that has created its own comprehensive common-core curriculum and made it freely available online. Unlike Louisiana, though, New Yorks materials were developed for the state by outside publishers. The resulting EngageNY curriculum library has proven popular: Its resources have been downloaded more than 45 million times by teachers all over the country. Louisiana 'Guidebooks 2.0' Curriculum By the Numbers Time in development: About 4 years Grade levels served: 3rd-12th Number of Louisiana teachers who helped write it: 65 Number of districts that piloted the program: 10 Number of lessons per unit: 30-50 Number of units available now: 3rd-8th grades: 4 9th-10th grades: 2 11th-12th grades: 1 Number of units expected by June 2017: 3rd-8th grades: 5 9th-11th grades: 4 Source: Education Week EngageNY was the first datapoint in this recognition that the publishers arent really the publishers anymorethat really states and districts can be the publishers, said Eric Westendorf, the CEO and co-founder of LearnZillion. Theyre realizing, We can publish something that is more powerful than what we would buy off the shelf. The District of Columbia also worked with its teachers to create a common-core program for ELA several years ago, and officials there said theyre working on making that one open to the public as well. However, Jay Diskey, the executive director of the Association of American Publishers pre-K-12 learning group, said states and districts are likely to need outside support on this work, and publishing companies are already personalizing their curricular offerings for individual states and districts. I dont think any of these older, bigger companies consider themselves to be textbook companies at all anymore, he said. Theyve been doing custom projects for school districts for quite some time. From 1.0 to 2.0 Louisiana adopted the common core in 2010 and began implementing it two years later. The department analyzed available ELA programs and, at that time, we had not found anything through our review process that we would want in all our teachers classrooms, said Kockler. The state pulled together some basic K-12 ELA frameworks, which included groups of texts, sample tasks, and writing prompts, but werent very detailed. We have a small team, we didnt have funding for this, said Kockler. We knew that was not going to be sufficient, so we began working on building out to the unit level. The department then gathered about 30 teachers to help write more fleshed-out units, which were published in April 2014. These so-called guidebooks had much more content, but teachers said they were difficult to use. Those resources were better than anything Ive ever seen any state do, said Emily Howell, an English teacher in the Lincoln Parish school district in Ruston, La. But they were just tasks. Teachers were still having trouble on a daily basis figuring out what do I do so students can complete these tasks. So the department linked up with LearnZillion, which procured $850,000 in funding from groups including the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, and the Hewlett Foundation, to help fully build out the program for grades 3-12 and to put the units in a cloud-based platform. (The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust also helps support development of video capacity for Education Week.) Guidebooks 2.0 was released in May. As of now, there are between one and four units for each grade level, and each unit includes 30 to 50 individual lessons. The units adhere to Louisianas standards, which are based on the common core, but address a variety of subjects. Students study topics from the American Revolution to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to Steve Jobs. Teachers wanted handouts, they needed instructions, they needed text exemplars, they needed to see what work should look like, said Howell, who wrote the 9th grade units on Romeo and Juliet and The Odyssey, which were reviewed by the teacher dream team at LearnZillion, for the second iteration of the guidebooks. 2.0 has all of that. The curriculum was piloted in about 150 classrooms across the state by teachers who werent involved in its development. Lesley Vines, an ELA teacher in the Sabine Parish school district in Many, La., was among the teachers who piloted the program. I was a little intimidated at first because ... Ive been teaching for 16 years and always had a basal reader where students read a story and then answered questions, she said. This is so different. Its such a variety of texts. Nonfiction and fiction texts are incorporated into every section. Students read a mixture of full novels and text selections. I think were on the right track, Vines said. The growth in my students this year was just tremendous. Schools arent likely to save much money with the new curriculum (compared to using textbooks) since they have to purchase the novels and print out the other materials, said Kockler. The curriculum is quite prescriptivethe lessons include precise wording for how teachers should give directions and what questions they should ask students. But the developers emphasize that teachers arent required to do any of it. These are suggestions, said Howell. These are things to help you. If you look at it that way you dont have to feel like someones telling you what to do. A Wild West Situation While traditional textbooks still represent a huge market, theres evidence that the ways teachers are using instructional materials is changing. A recent RAND study found that nearly all ELA teachers in common-core states are using materials they developed or selected themselves in at least some capacity. About one-third of ELA teachers in those states are using the EngageNY materials. And teachers looking for resources online are most likely going to websites such as Google, Pinterest, and TeachersPayTeachers.com, the study found. What were seeing in the market is this idea that content isnt a scarce resource anymore, said Westendorf of LearnZillion. Even teachers whose schools have adopted a defined curriculum are often supplementing or replacing with materials they find online. And while the proliferation of content is a positive, some say it also creates a major problem: Teachers are more likely to use individual lesson plans rather than a comprehensive, yearlong curricula that builds on itself. The internet is empowering teachers, but its a Wild West situation, said Westendorf. States and districts are saying ... if we dont get our act together, were not going to get great results. That was part of the impetus for the Louisiana projectto give teachers something digital, accessible, and teacher-created that they were likely to use in full. Thats also why more states may start taking cues from Louisiananot necessarily about creating a curriculum from scratch, but about aggregating and packaging digital materials that work for their own teachers. To be honest, I dont think other states should create their own curriculum if they dont have to. It takes a lot of time, said Kockler. I do think states should take the time to help districts identify quality [materials]. States could easily mix and match unitstaking some from Louisiana and some from other sourcesand pull together a curriculum thats specific to their state needs, said Westendorf. The District of Columbia school system is currently seeking funding to get its own curriculum on an open-source platform like the one LearnZillion provides. Currently, the curriculum is in Microsoft Word documents and zip files. In ELA, I think youre going to see a more vibrant sharing of resources, said Brian Pick, the chief of teaching and learning for the District of Columbia public schools. I dont actually think youre going to see more people building from scratch, because there are increasingly high-quality materials out there. But I do think youre going to see more assembly of a coherent curriculum strategy. To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Many Americans associate Mexico with drugs, corruption and poverty, all of which contribute to Mexico's tarnished "brand," according to a recent study. For the report, Austin-based agency GSD&M and strategic consultancy Vianovo interviewed 1000 adults in the US via market research firm YouGov. According to findings, only 22 per cent of Americans view Mexico in a favorable light while 75 per cent view Canada positively. The research also found that 54 per cent of Americans see Mexico more as source of problems than as a good neighbor and partner for the US. When asked what three words come to mind when they think about Mexico, a third of respondents stated "drugs" as one of their choices, according to the research. The below word cloud, based off of respondent answers, provides "a dramatic illustration of how the drug war continues to affect Americans' attitudes toward Mexico," the study said. Duff Stewart, chief executive of GSD&M, said that the findings paint "a very bleak picture of Mexico as a neighbor and a business partner." "I don't think Mexico has done much to build their brand beyond anything more than a tourism destination," he said. "The reality is that stuff goes on, lots of people travel to Mexico for business and trade, and that doesn't come through," he added, noting that the media tends to focus on the country's drug cartel issues. The research was released shortly before the 'Three Amigos' summit in Canada earlier this week, a meeting between President Obama, Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. 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 Island to fall silent on 100th Somme anniversary The Isle of Man will fall silent this morning to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The silence will be held at 7.28am - the end of the two minute pause reflects the time that many soldiers went over the top 100 years ago. The Battle of the Somme was fought in northern France over five months and was one of the bloodiest of World War One - during that war 1261 Islanders were killed. Schoolchildren around the Island will join in the remembrance event today by laying wreathes at the war memorials. Colonel Charles Wilson from the Royal British Legion says we must never forget the sacrifice our soldiers made: Media Charles Wilson On 28th June, the European Synchrotron welcomed Mr Dmitry LIVANOV, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the 65th ESRF international Council meeting. During this visit, Mr Dmitry Livanov, with Francesco Sette, Director General of the ESRF, and Bertrand Girard, Chairman of the Council of the ESRF, inaugurated the Joint Grant Programme of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the ESRF, in the presence of the ESRF Council delegates, Russian users and ESRF scientists, post-docs and PhD students. It was the first ministerial visit since the accession of the Russian Federation as an ESRF member country, and it was highly significant in the context of the 50-year anniversary of cooperation of Russia and France in science and technology. This inauguration represented a new step in the long-standing scientific collaboration between the ESRF and the Russian Federation, dating back more than 20 years. Inauguration ceremony with Harald Reichert, Director of Research at ESRF, Alexander Soldatov, Director of the International Research Center, Smart Materials, Francesco Sette, Director General of the ESRF, Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Bertrand Girard, Chairman of the council of the ESRF and Paul Indelicato, representative of the French Ministry of State for Research. The collaboration between scientists working at the ESRF has always benefited from the presence of Russian scientists. Collaboration activities have been steadily growing, in particular since 2011, through concrete actions to further strengthen the Russian community using the ESRF. In 2011, a Memorandum Of Understanding was established with the NRC-KI (Kurchatov Institute). The cooperation was strengthened further with the accession of the Russian Federation as an ESRF member in December 2013. In 2014 an ESRF-Russia cooperation platform was created to promote scientific and technical exchanges, and scientists mobility, among research on innovative materials and living matter. "Our task is to provide an opportunity for scientists to work with first-class experimental facilities, and therefore Russia is involved in a number of international projects. The ESRF is one example of such collaboration. Our scientists are increasingly interested in the work done at the European Synchrotron: more and more applications for experiments are made every year, with an increasing level of quality. It is clear that unique results can only be achieved by using unique scientific equipment. The share of Russian participation in the work of this centre - in the range of 5.5% to 6% - should not be seen as a limit, and will increase in the future", underlined Dimitry Livanov during the meeting. Today, the ESRF has developed around 60 partnerships with Russian Institutes and Universities. The inauguration of this Joint Grant Programme sets up the basis to further promote joint scientific and technological endeavours to the benefit of all parties, through the ESRF peer review process. As explained by Francesco Sette: "It is wonderful to witness how many Russian groups are developing science and technology programmes with ESRF scientists and with ESRF users from the other 20 ESRF member and scientific associate countries. This is a wonderful trend that highlights how science at research infrastructures such as the ESRF serves many purposes which include giving the possibility to investigate and discover the materials of the future and the mechanisms giving rise to biological life. It symbolises the success of the ESRF, that allows scientists from different cultures to meet and collaborate across the borders, to push back the frontiers of knowledge, to develop new technology to the benefit of partner states industry and society and to forge the next generation of European and international scientists and engineers. This visit sets the basis for many new exciting opportunities for the future in science and international cooperation". Accelerator division director Pantaleo Raimondi shows Mr Livanov the new prototypes of girders for the EBS project. Visit of ID32 with Nick Brookes, scientist in charge of the beamline. One in eight women and one in ten men have experienced infertility, yet nearly half of them have not sought medical help, according to a study of more than 15,000 women and men in Britain published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world's leading reproductive medicine journals. The study found that, of those who reported experiencing infertility (defined as unsuccessfully trying to become pregnant for a year or longer), 42.7% of women and 46.8% of men did not seek medical help for the problem. Those who did seek help were more likely to have higher educational qualifications, better jobs and, among those who had a child, to have become parents later, compared with those who did not seek help. Jessica Datta, a lecturer in the Department of Social and Environmental Health Research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (London, UK), who led the research, said: "We were surprised that almost half of the people in our study who had experienced infertility had not sought help." Ms Datta and her colleagues analysed data from 15,162 women and men aged between 16 and 74 years who took part in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) between 2010 and 2012. They found that the prevalence of infertility was highest among women aged 35-44 years and among men aged 35-54. More than a third of women who became mothers aged 35 or older had experienced a period of infertility compared to fewer than one in ten women who had their first child before the age of 25. Infertility was most likely to be experienced by people who were married or cohabiting at the time they were interviewed for the study, probably reflecting the fact that those in stable relationships were more likely to have attempted pregnancy and therefore become aware of fertility problems. Experience of infertility was more common among people with higher socio-economic status, including women who had a university degree and both women and men in managerial, professional or technical employment, compared to people in lower status, routine occupations. Ms Datta said: "One of the important and concerning findings in our study is the difference in educational attainment and job status between people who sought help for infertility and those who did not. Studies of infertility have tended to recruit research participants from medical settings such as general practice, so our population-based survey sample provides a rare insight into those people who, despite having failed to get pregnant after a year of trying, did not seek help from health services. The existence of inequalities in access to healthcare is well established but this is one of few analyses to explore uptake of services for infertility." Drawing on findings from other studies, the researchers suggest that possible reasons for the inequalities between those who did and did not seek help for infertility include not understanding or acknowledging that a problem exists, fear of being labelled infertile, concerns about the cost of treatment, the physical and psychological burden of treatment, or simply not wanting to get pregnant. Ms Datta said: "Our research has implications for women pursuing careers in an uncertain labour market. Rather than warning them of the risks to fertility of delaying parenthood, we advocate social policy that better supports working parents to manage the responsibilities of employment and bringing up children." Although the study was conducted in a British population, the researchers believe that similar results could be found in other countries but that different definitions of infertility and of study populations mean it can be difficult to make comparisons. The study also found that women aged 50 or younger who had experienced infertility were more likely to have symptoms of depression and feel dissatisfaction with their sex life than those who had not. These associations were not observed for men. Ms Datta said: "Previous research has found associations between undergoing treatment for infertility and sexual dissatisfaction. In our study, symptoms of depression occurred in the two weeks before interview and sexual dissatisfaction in the year before interview but, as we don't know when the period of infertility occurred, we cannot make assumptions about causality and are in favour of further investigation into the long term impact of infertility on women's well-being." ### [1] "Prevalence of infertility and help seeking among 15 000 women and men," by J. Datta et al. Human Reproduction journal. doi:10.1093/humrep/dew123. [2] The study was carried out by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College London. [3] Natsal-3 was funded by the UK's Medical Research Council and The Wellcome Trust, with additional funding from the UK Economic & Social Research Council and the UK's Department of Health. Four-year-old William Wootton was born profoundly deaf, but thanks to cochlear implants fitted when he was about 18 months old, the Granite Bay preschooler plays with a keyboard synthesizer and reacts to the sounds of airplanes and trains, while still learning American Sign Language. "He has done extremely well," said William's mother, Jody Wootton. "He really appreciates music and is learning to speak." First approved for adults in the 1980s, cochlear implants have been used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The implant bypasses most of our normal hearing process, electronically connecting a microphone directly to the cochlear, the structure in the inner ear that collects nerve signals from the ear and sends them to the brain. But not all children respond as well as William to the implants. "Cochlear implants are very successful for some kids, but we don't understand why some kids do well and not others," said Professor David Corina of the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis. Supported by a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Corina and Lee Miller, associate professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior at UC Davis, are working to understand why some children respond better to the implants than others. 'Balance of power' between auditory and visual brain areas One idea is that areas of the brain that are not being used, such as the auditory cortex in profoundly deaf children, get taken over for other functions, such as visual processing. When the child gets an implant, that part of the brain is no longer available to support hearing. "We're using measures of brain function to get a snapshot of the 'cerebral balance of power' and how it is influencing auditory and visual experiences," Corina said. The ultimate goal is to identify clinical interventions that would help children better adapt to using cochlear implants, Miller said. Now about a year into the study, Corina and Miller are recruiting children from 18 months to 8 years old who use cochlear implants, as well as hearing children in the same age group. They use electroencephalography, or EEG, to measure brain activity during visual and auditory processing. During the experiment, the children watch a cartoon while a mixture of specially designed speech is played to them. The speech is designed to elicit responses from the different levels of processing in the auditory system, "from the ear to deep cortex," Corina said. "It takes time for speech to move through the auditory system and there are different levels at which the visual system could interfere, if it does," he said. The researchers plan to recruit about 60 children a year into the study, which began in 2015, and follow them for five years to track their progress. Bilingual in sign language Many American children grow up with more than one spoken language. Is adding a signed language any different? "For some kids, their first language may be signed," Corina said. "How does this affect cerebral balance?" The important thing is that children grow up linguistically capable in whichever languages they use, he said. William, for example, is now in a preschool program at Ophir Elementary School near Auburn, which uses American Sign Language in addition to English. So far, he's embracing both spoken and signed languages and transitions between the two, his mother said. "We're absolutely pleased to have got the implants. It's really changed our lives and changed his life," she said. ### The researchers have collaborated with the Weingarten Children's Center, Redwood City, California; CCHAT Center, Sacramento; the Hearing Speech and Deafness Center, Seattle; the California School for the Deaf, Fremont, California; and The Learning Center for the Deaf, Boston; in addition to financial support from the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (part of the National Institutes of Health). A new study of the University of Cambridge anatomy collection suggests that the bodies of foetuses and babies were a "prized source of knowledge" by British scientists of the 18th and 19th centuries, and were dissected more commonly than previously thought and quite differently to adult cadavers. Historical research combined with the archaeological assessment of collection specimens shows that foetus and infant cadavers were valued for the study of growth and development, and were often kept in anatomical museums. Researchers say that socio-cultural factors and changes in the law, as well as the spread of infectious disease during the industrial revolution, dictated the availability of these small bodies for dissection. The study, conducted by Jenna Dittmar and Piers Mitchell from Cambridge's Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, is the first to look specifically at how British scientists investigated the changing anatomy of childhood during the 1800s. The findings are published today in the Journal of Anatomy. The researchers undertook studies of the skeletal collection retained from the former dissecting room of Cambridge's department of anatomy, with specimen dates ranging from 1768 to 1913. While the bodies of adults typically underwent a craniotomy - opening of the top of the skull using a saw - the researchers found that anatomists generally kept the skulls of foetuses and young children in one piece. From a total of 54 foetal and infant specimens in the collection, just one had undergone a craniotomy. Careful study of the bone surface revealed that soft tissues had been gently removed using knives and brushes in order to preserve as much of the bones of the head as possible, although surgical instruments would have been similar to those used on the fully-grown. Tools for other purposes in adults, such as 'bone nipper' forceps, were likely used for dividing diminutive ribcages. The research suggests that anatomists kept the skeletal remains of foetuses and infants for further study and use as teaching aids, whereas adults were frequently reburied after dissection. "Foetal and infant bodies were clearly valued by anatomists, illustrated by the measures taken to preserve the remains intact and undamaged," says Dittmar. "The skulls appear to have been intentionally spared to preserve them for teaching or display. This may explain why so few children with signs of dissection on their bones have been recovered from the burial grounds of hospitals or parish churches, compared with adults." Literature from the late 18th century shows that the size of infant bodies made them preferable for certain 'anatomical preparations' in teaching, particularly for illuminating the anatomy of the nervous and circulatory systems, which required an entire body to be injected with coloured wax and displayed. "The valuable and unique knowledge that could only be obtained from the examination of these developing bodies made them essential to the study of anatomy," says Dittmar. "During much of the 18th and 19th century, executed criminals provided the main legal access to cadavers, and it was previously thought that dissection of young children was relatively rare. However, changes in the law may have resulted in infant dissections becoming more common." The Murder Act in 1752 gave the judiciary power to allow executed murderers - almost entirely men - to be used for medical dissection. These felons hardly made a dent in the growing demand for bodies, and a black market flourished. Bodies acquired (often grave robbed) by gangs of 'resurrectionists', or body-snatchers, were usually sold by the inch, so those of infants were not very profitable, although there are records of 'smalls' being traded. The Anatomy Act of 1832 allowed workhouses and hospitals to donate the bodies of the poor if unclaimed by family, in an attempt to abate the resurrectionists. Infectious diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis were common killers during the industrial revolution, and a major cause of infant death in hospitals and beyond. Workhouses were desperate places, and nearly always lethal to infants. Until 1838, a legal loophole did not require a stillborn baby to be registered, and a body could be easily sold to an anatomist through an intermediary. But the New Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 may have had the most significant repercussions of any law for infant material in anatomy collections, say the researchers. The Act ended parish relief for unmarried women and the availability of assistance from the father of an illegitimate child. Part of Victorian society's attempt to curtail the illegitimate birth rate, the law succeeded only in contributing to dire situations for poor unwed women, mainly in service positions, who fell pregnant. "This left very few options for these women: the workhouse, prostitution, abortion and infanticide - all of which were life-threatening," says Mitchell. By the 1860s, infanticide in England had reached epidemic proportions. "Our research shows that the major sources of the bodies of very young children were from stillborn babies of destitute mothers, babies who died from infectious diseases, those dying in charitable hospitals, and unmarried mothers who secretly murdered their new-born to avoid the social stigma of single parenthood," says Mitchell. "Poor and desperate women at the time of the industrial revolution could not only save the cost of a funeral by passing their child's body to an anatomist, but also be paid as well. This money would help feed poor families, so the misfortune of one life lost could help their siblings to survive tough times." ### A receptor, first known for its role in mediating the harmful effects of the environmental pollutant dioxin in our body, is now understood to play other important roles in modulating the innate immune response. Our immune system is vital as a protective mechanism against foreign agents, including viruses and bacteria. However, an exaggerated immune response can have damaging effects on the body, as is the case in autoimmune diseases, for example. The regulation of this system is thus important. More than 35 years ago, researchers discovered the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as the mediator of dioxin toxicity in the body. When dioxin enters the body, it binds to AHR, which in turn activates target genes that encode proteins, including one called TIPARP. This then goes on to play a role in the body's reactions to the toxic pollutant. Now, a team of scientists from Japan's Hokkaido University together with colleagues from Canada and Norway have found that AHR also plays a role in regulating the body's innate immune response to viral infections. By analysing mouse cells deficient in AHR and comparing the results with cells containing AHR, they found that the activation of this receptor by amino acid metabolites negatively regulates the production of an antiviral protein called type I interferon (IFN-I). It does this by activating the gene that encodes the protein TIPARP, which in turn interferes with the pathway that stimulates interferon production upon viral infection. AHR-mediated "braking" mechanism may help protect the host from harmful effects caused by excessive IFN-I activation. Also, AHR might reduce the body's immune response against viral infection during times of stress and nutritional impairments due to the production of substances that activate the receptor. Identifying the substances and factors that regulate the pathways that are stimulated by AHR activation could have clinical implications for controlling pathological innate immune responses, the researchers say. ### This work was supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan 25253030, 25115502, 23112701, 25713032; IRYO HOJIN SHADAN JIKOKAI; the Kato Memorial Bioscience Foundation; the Yasuda Medical Foundation; the Takeda Science Foundation; Akiyama Life Science Foundation; and the Waksman Foundation of Japan. Last week, a team of Australian researchers successfully completed 'Astronomical Verification' of a critical sub-system of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)--the forthcoming radio telescope that will be the largest and most sensitive on Earth. The equipment in question, built in partnership with SKA's Signal and Data Transport consortium, was a prototype of the SKA telescope's 'frequency synchronisation system'--a system that allows the telescope to collect extremely sensitive data even though its individual antennas are separated by hundreds of kilometres. The researchers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, The University of Western Australia School of Physics and CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science tested their prototype equipment at CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) in Narrabri, NSW over a two-week period." "We found that it performed between 10 and 100 times better than the requirement for the SKA," said lead designer Dr Sascha Schediwy from ICRAR-UWA. "The SKA telescope is designed to be synchronised using ultra-stable frequency signals that are transmitted on optical fibre from a centrally-located atomic clock, to each of the telescope's hundreds of individual antennas." "As mechanical stresses and thermal changes acting on the fibre degrade the stability of the transmitted signals, the SKA requires an active frequency synchronisation system to maintain coherence across the array." UWA's prototype SKA frequency synchronisation system continuously measures the changes in the fibre link and applies a correction in real-time, reducing fluctuations to no more than one part in ten trillion over a 1-second period. "A clock relying on a signal of that stability would only gain or lose a second after three million years--such extremely precise synchronisation is necessary for radio telescope arrays like the SKA to function," said Dr Schediwy. Australian SKA Project Director, Mr David Luchetti, said the extreme accuracy of this technology could have all sorts of applications beyond discovering stars and galaxies from the early Universe. "Astronomy is constantly pushing the boundaries in fields like precision timing, imaging and big data management, leading to new technologies like GPS location systems and more advanced medical imaging," said Mr Luchetti. "At the time of invention, we often don't fully appreciate the extent to which these technologies can change lives and boost the economy." Dr Schediwy said CSIRO's Compact Array is the ideal astronomical facility to conduct SKA astronomical verification trials. "Each of its six antennas is equipped with two independent but identical receivers. The team could therefore connect UWA's SKA synchronisation system to one set of receivers, while the other set remained unaltered." "This unique set-up enabled simultaneous observation of a reference galaxy in the sky using both the standard Compact Array reference system and UWA's SKA synchronisation system, so a comparison of the astronomical data can be made to see if there are any differences between the new system and the established technology" "Subtracting the two observations resulted in a direct astronomical measurement of the stability performance of our SKA synchronisation system. We also independently compared those results to a second measurement of the frequency transfer stability made simultaneously using standard metrology methods and equipment." "This success comes at an excellent time for the SKA project and our design, as the final decision on technology for the frequency stabilisation system will be made in the coming months." ### More Information The ICRAR-UWA and CSIRO team state that their data shows UWA's SKA synchronisation system performs at a level around 10 times better than the 1-second SKA phase coherence requirement and around 100 times better than the 10-minute SKA phase drift requirement. For this experiment, an 8 GHz reference frequency was transmitted over 80 km of optical fibre to simulate typical SKA link lengths, and astronomical observations were conducted at 5 GHz and 25 GHz to simulate the range of SKA-mid receiver bands. This work was performed as part of Australia's involvement in the "Signal and Data Transport" (SaDT) Consortium--responsible for the design of all the hardware and software necessary for the transmission of data and information for the SKA, and the provision of timing, across two telescope-wide networks. The prototype of the SKA's frequency synchronisation system was developed at UWA by Dr Sascha Schediwy, PhD Candidate David Gozzard and honours student Simon Stobie. The two-week testing program involved deploying the prototype at CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array, with the help of CSIRO staff Jamie Steven, Jock McFee, Mike Hill, and Peter Mirtschin. The team gratefully acknowledges the support received for this work from UWA (including the School of Physics and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research), CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, and the University of Manchester. ICRAR-UWA and CSIRO conducted initial trials of the equipment using CSIRO's Australia SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope in November 2014 and January 2015. The first round of tests of another frequency synchronisation prototype, developed by colleagues from Tsinghua University, is also currently being undertaken on the e-MERLIN telescope in the United Kingdom. Contacts Dr Sascha Schediwy (The University of Western Australia, ICRAR) Ph: +61 432 973 133 E: sascha.schediwy@uwa.edu.au Kirsten Gottschalk (Media Contact, ICRAR) Ph: +61 438 361 876 E: kirsten.gottschalk@icrar.org Scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS were able to make real-time observations over a period of several months that reveal how new adult-born neurons are formed and evolve in the olfactory bulb of mice. They made the surprising discovery that there is constant structural plasticity in the connections established by these new neurons with the circuits into which they are recruited. The scientists showed that this neuronal dynamism can enable optimal processing of sensory information by the olfactory bulb. These findings are to be published in the journal Neuron on June 30, 2016. Although most neurons are generated during embryogenesis, some regions of the brain, such as the olfactory bulb in rodents and the hippocampus in humans, are capable of constantly regenerating their neurons in adulthood. Scientists first conclusively discovered these new adult neurons around 15 years ago, but their function remained a mystery, mainly because they are inaccessible in living animals. In an article published in the journal Neuron, scientists from a unit at the Institut Pasteur directed by CNRS scientist Pierre-Marie Lledo provide further evidence of the highly dynamic nature of the changes observed at the neuronal level in adult brains. The scientists spent several months observing the development of neurons formed in adulthood in the olfactory bulbs of mice. This gave them the unique opportunity to see the formation, stabilization and elimination of connections between neurons in real time. They revealed that in the olfactory bulb, where new neurons are continuously formed, the connections between these new neurons and neighboring cells are significantly rearranged throughout their lifetime. All these neurons are constantly reorganizing the billions of "synaptic" contacts they establish among themselves. The scientists were surprised by this observation. "We expected to see the synapses gradually stabilizing, as happens during brain development. But astonishingly, these synapses proved to be highly dynamic throughout the life of the new neurons. Also, these dynamics were reflected in the principal neurons, their primary synaptic partner," explained first author, Kurt Sailor, from the Institut Pasteur. To observe the ongoing formation of neuronal circuits, the scientists marked the new neurons with a green fluorescent protein (GFP), to allow imaging of the dynamic changes with microscopy. These experiments were carried out over a period of several months to follow the entire life cycle of the new neurons. In the first three weeks of their life, these new neurons extended their cellular projections, known as dendrites, to form several ramifications, which subsequently became very stable. They next observed the neuronal spines, the structure where synapses form, and demonstrated that 20% of the synapses between new and pre-existing neurons were changed on a daily basis - a phenomenon that was also observed in their synaptic partners, the principal olfactory bulb neurons. Using computer-based models, the authors showed that these dynamics enabled the synaptic network to adjust efficiently and reliably to ongoing sensory changes in the environment. "Our findings suggest that the plasticity of this constantly regenerating region of the brain occurs with continuous physical formation and elimination of synaptic connections. This structural plasticity reveals a unique dynamic mechanism that is vital for the regeneration and integration of new neurons within the adult brain circuit," concluded the scientists. More generally, this study suggests a universal plasticity mechanism in brain regions that are closely associated with memory and learning. ### This research was supported by the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS and was funded by AG2R-La Mondiale, the French National Research Agency, the "Revive" LabEx and the "Biopsy" LabEx. AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University researchers have described with single-molecule precision how copper ions cause prion proteins to misfold and seed the misfolding and clumping of nearby prion proteins. The researchers also found the copper-induced misfolding and clumping is associated with inflammation and damage to nerve cells in brain tissue from a mouse model. Prions are abnormal, pathogenic agents that are transmissible and induce abnormal folding of a specific type of protein called prion proteins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prion proteins are mostly found in the brain. The abnormal folding of prion proteins leads to brain damage and symptoms of neurodegenerative disease. A similar cycle of neuronal protein misfolding and clumping is observed in other neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. "Our study establishes a direct link, at the molecular level, between copper exposure and prion protein neurotoxicity," the researchers wrote in a summary of the paper. The findings were published today in the journal Science Advances. The corresponding author is Sanjeevi Sivasankar, an Iowa State University associate professor of physics and astronomy; the first author is Chi-Fu Yen, an Iowa State doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering. Co-authors are Anumantha Kanthasamy, an Iowa State Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine, chair of biomedical sciences and director of the Iowa Center for Advanced Neurotoxicology; and Dilshan Harischandra, an Iowa State doctoral student in biomedical sciences. Grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at the National Institutes of Health supported the project, including one from the Virtual Consortium for Transdisciplinary Environmental Research. Although this study determined that copper-induced misfolding and clumping of prion proteins is associated with the degeneration of nerve tissues, Sivasankar cautioned that the study does not directly address the infectivity of prion diseases. "There are different strains of misfolded prion proteins and not all of them are pathogenic," Sivasankar said. "Although we do not show that the strains generated in our experiments are infectious, we do prove that copper ions trigger misfolding of prion proteins which causes toxicity in nerve cells." The Sivasankar and Kanthasamy research groups plan to perform additional studies to determine if the copper-induced misfolding causes disease. Integrating approaches Sivasankar also noted that a unique aspect of this project was the integration of biophysical and neurotoxicological research approaches. He said the combination has the potential to transform studies of the molecular basis for neurodegenerative diseases. The biophysical approaches Sivasankar's team developed for this study include: A fluorescence-based technique that identified misfolded prion proteins with single-molecule sensitivity and determined the role of metal ions in misfolding. The researchers used this technique to show that misfolding begins when copper ions bind to the unstructured tail of the prion protein. A single-molecule atomic force microscopy assay that measured the efficiency of prion protein clumping. The researchers used this technique to show that misfolded prion proteins stick together nearly 900 times more efficiently than properly folded proteins. The Kanthasamy and Sivasankar research groups worked together on a real-time, quaking-induced conversion assay to demonstrate that misfolded prion proteins serve as seeds that trigger the misfolding and clumping of nearby prion proteins. Kanthasamy's research group also used its expertise in neurotoxicology to show the copper-induced, misfolded prion proteins damage nerve cells in slices of brain tissue from mice. Taken together, the results identify the biophysical conditions and mechanisms for copper-induced prion protein misfolding, clumping and neurotoxicity, the researchers wrote. "This was a very comprehensive study," Sivasankar said. "We took it from single molecules all the way to tissues." And, although the study doesn't address the infectious nature of prion diseases, Kanthasamy said it is still important: "This study has major implications to our understanding the role of metals in protein misfolding diseases including prion, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases." ### MANHATTAN, KANSAS -- Kansas State University is helping the fight against Zika virus through mosquito research. The university's Biosecurity Research Institute is taking a two-part approach: Researchers are studying mosquitoes to understand how they become infected with Zika virus and researchers are providing the virus to collaborative organizations for further study. The university research is key to fighting Zika virus because it can develop better methods for controlling the mosquitoes that spread the virus, said Stephen Higgs, director of the Biosecurity Research Institute. "We are hoping to provide some answers and insights into the relationship between Zika virus and the mosquito," Higgs said. Since Zika virus emerged in Brazil last year, the U.S. has seen more than 700 cases, including the first case in Kansas in March. The Biosecurity Research Institute has had Zika virus isolates for several years, but has started conducting collaborative research because of the recent outbreak. University scientists have been growing samples of the virus and antibodies and providing them to collaborators for further research into vaccines and diagnostics. "Countries are spending resources to control the spread of mosquitoes, we want to make sure we are controlling the right mosquitoes in the right way," Higgs said. "This research can help us target the particular species of mosquitoes that we know are carriers of Zika virus." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified two mosquito species that transmit Zika virus: Aedes aegypti, or yellow fever mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, or Asian tiger mosquito. Both mosquitoes are widely distributed in the U.S. and are present in Kansas. These two mosquito species live close to people and can breed in houses, said Higgs, who also has studied chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that has a similar transmission cycle to that of Zika virus. At the Biosecurity Research Institute, Higgs and university scientists are gathering details about how Zika virus interacts with different mosquitoes. Researchers are studying how long after a mosquito feeds on a blood meal that it can transmit Zika virus. The amount of time is unknown for Zika virus, but with other viruses it can range from five days to two weeks. Similarly, the research can show how much virus a person needs to have in their blood in order to infect a mosquito. If mosquitoes feed on a relatively low level, they may not become infected. Only 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus show symptoms, Higgs said, but it is possible that even people without symptoms may have enough virus in the blood to infect mosquitoes. "As we learn how much virus is in human blood, knowing how much virus needs to be in the blood in order to infect a mosquito will tell us at what point after infection a person can infect another mosquito and for how long," Higgs said. "It is important to know these details because it can help us develop better controlling measures." But there are still many unanswered questions relating to Zika virus, Higgs said. It is still unknown exactly what human cells are affected by the virus, if livestock are affected by the virus, what other transmission mechanisms are possible and when a vaccine may be available. The Biosecurity Research Institute can help answer some of those questions and is equipped to handle any vaccine studies as well as diagnostic studies, Higgs said. "This research is important to prepare us long-term for the next virus that comes," Higgs said. "We can't predict what that will be, but there will be something else that will be introduced and we need effective surveillance programs to help control them. We need the fundamental research and applied research that we can get here at the Biosecurity Research Institute." Higgs and collaborators have published their research in the Journal of Medical Entomology. ### Higgs is the president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and is an expert in vector biology, arthropod-borne infectious diseases, immune modulation and vaccine evaluation. The 66th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting drew to a close today with a panel discussion on the future of scientific education. The traditional boat trip across Lake Constance was again hosted by the German Federal State of Baden-Wurttemberg. Countess Bettina Bernadotte af Wisborg, President of the Council, took farewell of the delegates from 80 countries. 30 Nobel Laureates and some 400 selected young scientists had spent the week in Lindau discussing central topics from the field of physics. Jurgen Kluge, chairman of the board of the Foundation, thanked all of the supporters and donors who enable this knowledge exchange from year to year. Swiss entrepreneur Thomas Schmidheiny was appointed to the Honorary Senate of the Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. "Any student, PhD candidate or postdoc who successfully masters the application process can only participate once, but at Lindau they become part of a network of dedicated scientists. As alumni, the young scientists then act as ambassadors for the concept of dialogue embodied by the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings," said Countess Bettina Bernadotte af Wisborg, president of the Council. In view of the rapidly increasing demand for innovations in science and research, the final panel discussion addressed the issue of academic training of young scientists. How can we stimulate interest in more young people to study the STEM subjects science, technology, engineering and mathematics? Will new teaching methodologies contribute to a more contemporary and effective transfer of knowledge? How can we raise education standards in developing countries? These were among the questions discussed by the Nobel Laureates Brian P. Schmidt, Dan Shechtman and Carl E. Wieman, Tamas Almos Vami, a young scientist from Hungary, and Georg Schutte, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Many Nobel Laureates regularly take part in the Lindau Meetings to share their knowledge with outstanding scientists under the age of 35. Since their inception in 1951, the meetings have evolved into an international forum for dialogue between the generations. The Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings was founded in 2000 to secure their continued existence - to date, more than 300 Nobel Laureates constitute the Founders Assembly. Swiss entrepreneur Thomas Schmidheiny was appointed to the Honorary Senate at the conclusion of this year's meeting. Jurgen Kluge, chairman of the board of directors, paid tribute to his philanthropic engagement and thanked him on behalf of the board for his support of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, extending back to the beginning of the Foundation's history. Thomas Schmidheiny is a shareholder and supervisory board member of building materials manufacturer LafargeHolcim. The boat trip on the MS Sonnenkonigin and the picnic on the meadows surrounding Mainau castle provided the delegates with a good opportunity for networking. Both events were hosted by Baden-Wurttemberg's Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. Minister Theresia Bauer, who had been a guest at the opening ceremony, was represented today by Ministry Director Simone Schwanitz. ### The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have been hosted on the banks of Lake Constance every year since 1951. The meeting traditionally ends with an excursion to Mainau Island, the seat of the Bernadotte af Wisborg family. Count Lennart Bernadotte af Wisborg was a co-founder of the meetings and long-time president of the Council. The Boulder County Collaborative, a partnership of Boulder County, Colorado, communities formed in response to the catastrophic floods that struck the region in September 2013, has used the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) "Community Resilience Planning Guide for Buildings and Infrastructure Systems" to develop and adopt its own resilience design performance standard for community facilities and infrastructure systems. This marks one of the first times that the strategies and procedures in the NIST Guide have been followed on a large community scale. The new Boulder County standard will allow the cities and towns within the Collaborative (Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Jamestown, Lyons and Nederland) to establish long-term "time-to-recovery" goals for all hazards that could affect the county's building clusters and the infrastructure systems (energy, water, bridges, culverts, etc.) that support them. Based on the NIST guidelines, these goals set the desired resilience performance--the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from and adapt to hazards--for both structures and infrastructures over a long time period (defined by Boulder County as 50 years). "The power of the NIST approach to community resilience," stated the county report detailing the Collaborative standard, "is that these time-to-recovery goals for facilities are not considered in isolation. The infrastructure that supports the facilities must also meet the goal." The report also cited the NIST process for focusing on "clusters" of buildings that provide similar functions for their communities such as housing, healthcare and retail. "Organizing the built environment into clusters provides a basis for developing an estimate of how to prioritize systems for recovery and sets a workable timeline goal for recovery after a disaster," the report stated. The NIST Guide (NIST Special Publication 1190), which offers communities a six-step process to strengthen planning for improving community resilience, stresses the need to involve all stakeholders, including vulnerable populations. It provides a practical and flexible approach to help communities improve their resilience by setting priorities and allocating resources to manage risks for their prevailing hazards. ### A letter from leading international tobacco researchers published today by Addiction calls for the UK government to stop subsidising films that they claim promote smoking and spend more on media campaigns that promote quitting. Anti-tobacco media campaigns can help smokers quit and discourage children and young adults from taking up smoking. Spending on such media campaigns in England has dropped in the past five years from just under 25 million in 2009-10 to 5.3 million in 2015. Further cuts are expected this year. By contrast, a recent study found that between 2007 and 2015, UK Film Tax Relief provided subsidies worth an estimated 473 million to at least 90 top-grossing UK or US-UK films that contained tobacco imagery, with 97% of this granted to films which are youth-rated in the UK.* In so doing, the UK Government appears to be ignoring World Health Organization recommendations to give adult ratings to films with smoking scenes and withhold tax credits for such films. The authors of the letter point to evidence that smoking imagery in films promotes smoking in young people. Lead author Nicholas Hopkinson says "The UK Government says it wants to achieve a 'smoke-free generation' and aims to publish a new tobacco strategy 'led by the evidence' this summer. It is counterproductive for the UK Government to continue subsidising films that contain smoking while cutting spending on mass media anti-smoking campaigns. If the new government strategy is to succeed, it must include evidence-based funding for mass media campaigns and a disincentive for depicting smoking in films." ### *Millett C, Polansky JR, Glantz SA (2011) Government inaction on ratings and government subsidies to the US film industry help promote youth smoking. PLoS Med 8: e1001077. For editors: Hopkinson NS, Millett C, Glantz S, Arnott D, and McNeill A (2016) UK government should fund stop smoking media campaigns not give tax breaks to films with smoking imagery. Addiction 10.1111/add.13511. This paper is available via the Wiley Online Library or by contacting Jean O'Reilly, Editorial Manager, Addiction, jean@addictionjournal.org, tel 44-0-20-7848-0853. Media seeking interviews with lead author Dr Nicholas S. Hopkinson should contact him via Colin Smith at Imperial College London by email or telephone 44-0-20-7594-6712. Addiction is a monthly international scientific journal publishing peer-reviewed research reports on alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, and gambling as well as editorials and other debate pieces. Owned by the Society for the Study of Addiction, it has been in continuous publication since 1884. Addiction is the number one journal in the 2016 ISI Journal Citation Reports ranking in the substance abuse category for both science and social science editions. TUCSON, Ariz. - Physicians may be drawing conclusions too soon about survival outcomes of patients who suffered a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. A study led by Bentley Bobrow, MD, professor at the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Tucson and Phoenix and co-director of the Arizona Emergency Medicine Research Center - Phoenix, and his fellow UA emergency medicine researchers, showed that physicians may need to allow comatose cardiac arrest patients much more time to awaken before making a prognosis. Gary Brauchla knows this from first-hand experience. The day after his son's twins were born in 2012, Brauchla, 68, went into cardiac arrest as he slept in his home in Pearce, Ariz. Brauchla's wife, Kathie, a former surgical technician, immediately called 911 and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Fifteen minutes later, paramedics took over administering CPR and shocked his heart with a defibrillator, restoring his heart rhythm. Though Brauchla's heart was restarted, he remained in a coma as he was flown by helicopter to Tucson. There, doctors treated him with coronary stents and therapeutic hypothermia (cooling his body) to reduce his brain's need for oxygen and minimize the risk of brain injury. "The doctors said it usually takes up to 48 hours for people to wake up, but after two days he still was not responding," said Kathie. Brauchla remained in a deep coma, until finally, 72 hours after he was rewarmed, he gradually began to awaken. "After 48 hours, doctors used to start talking about pulling the plug," said Kathie. More than 400,000 Americans experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually. Survival statistics are bleak: although approximately 50 percent of people who arrest are revived after attempted resuscitation, only about 10 percent of these survive to leave the hospital. Furthermore, almost half of the survivors suffer some level of brain impairment from hypoxia (when the brain is not getting enough oxygen). While out-of-hospital cardiac arrest still is a leading cause of death in the United States, outcomes have improved dramatically in places like Arizona, where the focus has been on innovative health-care advances, Dr. Bobrow said. Advances include compression-only CPR training for the public, enhanced telephone-CPR instructions and training for 911 dispatchers, implementing high-performance CPR for EMS providers and making sure patients are taken to specialized hospitals that deliver treatments like targeted therapeutic hypothermia to improve brain recovery. Results from the multicenter UA study, recently published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, showed for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, the time it takes to regain consciousness after rewarming from therapeutic hypothermia treatment varies widely and is longer than many had thought. "Most patients are comatose after resuscitation and accurately predicting those who will wake up can be extremely challenging," Dr. Bobrow said. "There are many factors involved, but we know that it is common for doctors to try to decide who will and who won't wake up after 24 to 48 hours of hospitalization. However, our study found that a substantial number of cardiac arrest victims wake up longer than many people would expect. Sometimes they awaken from coma five, six or seven days after being admitted to the hospital and many of these have a good neurological outcome," he said. Among 573 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who completed targeted temperature management, 60 woke up at least 48 hours after rewarming. Eight patients became responsive more than seven days after rewarming, six of whom were discharged with good neurological scores. One of the important findings was no predictive factors reliably identified who would awaken early or late. Dr. Bobrow said, "We were surprised by the large proportion of cardiac arrest survivors who woke up more than three days after their arrest and went home with their families. "While targeted therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve outcomes, no validated system currently exists for predicting when patients receiving this treatment will awaken from coma. Physicians and family members may need to wait longer than the traditional three days before making irrevocable decisions about brain function recovery and possible withdrawal of care," he said. "Our study quantifies the timing of awakening from a coma after cardiac arrest in the era of targeted temperature management, and this timing is much different than before we had this treatment," said Daniel Spaite, MD, UA professor and Virginia Piper Distinguished Chair of Emergency Medicine. "We may be able to save thousands of lives each year across the country by simply giving cardiac arrest victims more time to awaken in the hospital," said Samuel Keim, MD, professor and chair of the UA Department of Emergency Medicine. When Brauchla first woke up, he struggled with some neurological issues, but continued to improve. Since then, he has fully recovered and so far has run twelve 5K races. He now serves as the president of the newly formed Arizona Cardiac Arrest Survivors Group. In this role, he speaks to patients and their families, teaches bystander CPR classes and works to get more AEDs (automated external defibrillators) into the community. Brauchla's message to families, physicians and emergency medical personnel: "Everyone needs to be able and willing to do bystander CPR. And then, don't give up!" ### About the University of Arizona Health Sciences The University of Arizona Health Sciences is the statewide leader in biomedical research and health professions training. The UA Health Sciences includes the UA Colleges of Medicine (Phoenix and Tucson), Nursing, Pharmacy and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with main campus locations in Tucson and the growing Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix. From these vantage points, the UA Health Sciences reaches across the state of Arizona and the greater Southwest to provide cutting-edge health education, research, patient care and community outreach services. A major economic engine, the UA Health Sciences employs almost 5,000 people, has nearly 1,000 faculty members and garners more than $126 million in research grants and contracts annually. For more information: http://uahs.arizona.edu (SACRAMENTO, Calif.) -- An unprecedented alliance of leading scientists, health professionals, and children's and environmental health advocates agree for the first time that today's scientific evidence supports a link between exposures to toxic chemicals in air, water, food and everyday products and children's risks for neurodevelopmental disorders. In a consensus statement published today in Environmental Health Perspectives, the alliance, known as Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks), calls for immediate action to significantly reduce exposures to toxic chemicals and protect brain development now and for generations to come. Neurodevelopmental disorders include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning and other disabilities. The chemicals and pollutants highlighted in the consensus statement as contributing to children's learning, intellectual and behavioral impairments are: * Organophosphate (OP) pesticides * Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants * Combustion-related air pollutants, which include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter * Lead, with primary sources of water pipes and paint * Mercury * Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), industrial chemicals that were commonly used in electrical equipment and now pollute landfills and water More information on each of these compounds and how families can protect themselves from them is on the Project TENDR website: http://projecttendr.com "This is truly a historic agreement," said Irva Hertz-Picciotto, co-director of Project TENDR and professor of public health sciences at UC Davis and the UC Davis MIND Institute. "Ten years ago, this consensus wouldn't have been possible, but the scientific research is now abundantly clear: toxic chemicals are harming our children's brain development. As a society, we can eliminate or significantly lower these toxic chemical exposures and address inadequate regulatory systems that have allowed their proliferation. These steps can, in turn, reduce high rates of neurodevelopmental disorders." Maureen Swanson, leader of the Healthy Children Project of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and co-director of Project TENDR, added that broad-based collaboration was necessary to highlight the amount of evidence that is available on toxins and brain health. "This national problem is so pressing that the TENDR scientists and health professionals will continue their collaboration to develop and issue recommendations aimed at significantly reducing exposures to toxic chemicals that are harming children's brain development," Swanson said. "Calling for further study is no longer a sufficient response to this threat." The Project TENDR consensus statement is available online at http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/EHP358/ Project TENDR is an alliance of 48 of the nation's top scientists, health professionals and health advocates. It was launched by Maureen Swanson of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and Irva Hertz-Picciotto of UC Davis, who brought together participants across many disciplines and sectors, including epidemiology, toxicology, exposure science, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, public health, and federal and state chemical policy. Medical and scientific societies that have signed on in support include the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Nurses Association, Endocrine Society, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Medical Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Physicians for Social Responsibility and the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians. TENDR's long-term mission is to lower the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders by reducing exposure levels to chemicals and pollutants that can contribute to these conditions, especially during fetal development and early childhood. More information about Project TENDR is at http://projecttendr.com/ ### Changing just one seated meeting per week at work into a walking meeting increased the work-related physical activity levels of white-collar workers by 10 minutes, according to a new study published by public health researchers with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The study, published June 24, 2016 in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Preventing Chronic Disease, suggests a possible new health promotion approach to improving the health of millions of white-collar workers who spend most of their workdays sitting in chairs. Titled "Opportunities for Increased Physical Activity in the Workplace: the Walking Meeting," the study also supports the American Heart Association's recommendations of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity for adults, or about 30 minutes each weekday. "There are limited opportunities for physical activity at work. This walking meeting pilot study provides early evidence that white-collar workers find it feasible and acceptable to convert a traditional seated meeting into a walking meeting," said the study's principal investigator, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of public health sciences. "Physical activity interventions such as the walking meeting protocol that encourage walking and raise levels of physical activity in the workplace are needed to counter the negative health effects of sedentary behavior." Participants in the study, who were white-collar workers recruited from the University of Miami, wore accelerometers to measure physical activity levels during the workday over a three-week period. They also followed a "walking meeting protocol" that included guidance for leading meetings and taking notes while walking. The average combined moderate/vigorous physical activity reported by participants increased from 107 minutes in the first week to 114 minutes in the second week and to 117 minutes in week three of the study. "Walking is known to have tremendous health benefits," said lead author Hannah Kling, M.P.H., the study's project director and a graduate of UM's Department of Public Health Sciences. "Having sedentary, white-collar workers consider walking meetings feasible suggests that this intervention has the potential to positively influence the health of many individuals." Previous studies have proven that engaging in moderate exercise, which includes brisk walking, for as little as 15 minutes per day can add up to three years of life expectancy. ### It's home to the Dallas Arts District, the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas Area Rapid Transit trains, the headquarters of AT&T, Hunt Consolidated and Comerica Bank. But is downtown Dallas walkable? And what would the city have to do to make it more so? The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs is partnering with the city of Dallas to find out. Students from CAPPA's Institute of Urban Studies are embarking on an analysis of pedestrian traffic along 184 street segments and 66 intersections throughout downtown. The results will be used to further understand the street-level experience for people who work, live and visit downtown. "Walkable streets could help us be more physically active, and live healthier," said Shima Hamidi, director of the Institute of Urban Studies and an assistant professor of planning. "A scientific analysis enables community leaders to identify elements that impact the appeal of a place, and to plan enhancements for the pedestrian experience." Student researchers will evaluate characteristics including density, block size, noise levels, parks and landscapes and building uses. The study will capture the number of active storefronts, patio spaces, parks, proximity to light rail and employment concentrations in the downtown area. Hamidi calls streets "the most important built element of the public realm" because they carry people to work, to shop and to other daily destinations. "I'm pleased to see the city of Dallas engaging the UTA Institute of Urban Studies in this critical work - and that is determining how we can enhance the pedestrian corridors in our central business district," state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, said. West, who was awarded UTA's Distinguished Alumni Service Award, received his bachelor's degree from UTA in 1974 and his master's from UTA in 1979. "Increasing walkability in downtown Dallas will bring new life to the city's core, improve the health of the people who live and work there and add to the vitality of our city." The downtown Dallas walkability study highlights UTA's commitment to shaping sustainable urban communities as outlined in the University's Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions | Global Impact. CAPPA Dean Nan Ellin said the Dallas walkability study is one of many examples in which the College is partnering with regional entities to enhance the vitality and vibrancy of places and communities. In the past two years, the Institute has completed a Dallas Fair Park and enrvirons plan, a Mineral Wells downtown redevelopment plan and many other projects. "We believe in learning through doing while also contributing to the larger public good. The CAPPA motto is 'We work with our hands, heads, and hearts to change the world one place at a time.' " Ellin said. One of the primary objectives of the Dallas' Department of Economic Development is to implement Downtown 360, the strategic plan first adopted by the Dallas City Council in 2011 as the collective vision for the downtown Dallas community. This plan acknowledges challenges facing downtown, including streets that can be unfriendly to pedestrians. The Downtown 360 plan generally identifies vehicular circulation, broken sidewalks, physical obstructions, inconsistent landscaping and tree canopy, and a lack of buffers to fast-moving traffic as impediments to downtown's walkability. Karl Zavitkovsky, Dallas' economic development director, said that the UTA study will provide insight on pedestrian activity and the built environment, helping to shape downtown economic development and design decisions. "A better understanding of pedestrian activity and the areas that are most appealing for walking will greatly help our plans to further improve downtown's ground floor," said Zavitkovsky, who added that the Institute was a natural fit for the study his department needed. ### CAPPA's Institute of Urban Studies was established by the Texas Legislature in 1967. The Institute provides a broad array of services to communities and municipalities, including: customized planning, management services, comprehensive plans, corridor plans, transportation plans, feasibility studies, park and open spaces plans, market area studies, retail analysis, neighborhood development research and others. About CAPPA Established in 2015, the UTA College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs unites the former schools of Architecture and Urban and Public Affairs, offering programs in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, planning, public administration, and public policy. The College includes the David Dillon Center for Texas Architecture, the Digital Architectural Research Consortium, the Institute of Urban Studies, the Arlington Urban Design Center based at Arlington City Hall, and the Parallel Construction design/build program. About The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a Research 1 - Carnegie "highest research activity" institution of more than 53,000 degree-seeking students in campus-based and online degree programs and is the second-largest institution in The University of Texas System. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked as the top four-year college in Texas for veterans on Military Times' 2016 Best for Vets list. Visit http://www.uta.edu to learn more, and find UTA rankings and recognition at http://www.uta.edu/uta/about/rankings.php. MADISON, Wis. -- Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have confirmed that a benign bacterium called Wolbachia pipientis can completely block transmission of Zika virus in Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species responsible for passing the virus to humans. Matthew Aliota, a scientist at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and first author of the paper -- published today (July 1, 2016) in the journal Scientific Reports -- says the bacteria could present a "novel biological control mechanism," aiding efforts to stop the spread of Zika virus. Thirty-nine countries and territories in the Americas have been affected by the Zika epidemic, and it is expected that at least 4 million people will be infected by the end of the year. Scientists believe the virus is responsible for a host of brain defects in developing fetuses, including microcephaly, and has contributed to an uptick in cases of a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome. There are not yet any approved Zika virus vaccines or antiviral medications, and ongoing mosquito control strategies have not been adequate to contain the spread of the virus. Researchers led by Jorge Osorio, a UW-Madison professor of pathobiological sciences, and Scott O'Neill of the the Eliminate Dengue Program (EDP) and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, are already releasing mosquitoes harboring the Wolbachia bacterium in pilot studies in Colombia, Brazil, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia to help control the spread of dengue virus. Their work is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. An important feature of Wolbachia is that it is self-sustainable, making it a very low-cost approach for controlling mosquito-borne viral diseases that are affecting many tropical countries around the world. "In two of our initial study sites in Australia, approximately 90 percent of the mosquitoes continue to be infected with Wolbachia after initial release more than six years ago" says O'Neill. EDP has now received additional endorsement from the World Health Organization's Vector Control Advisory Group to conduct further pilot studies and scale up in endemic areas. Wolbachia can be found in up to 60 percent of insects around the world, including butterflies and bees. While not typically found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito -- the species that also transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses -- O'Neill discovered in the early 1990s that Wolbachia could be introduced to the mosquito in the lab and would prevent the mosquitoes from transmitting dengue virus. Zika virus belongs to the same family as dengue virus and Aliota and Osorio -- with co-authors Stephen Penaido at SVM and Ivan Dario Velez, at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia -- asked whether Wolbachia-harboring Aedes aegypti may also be effective against Zika virus. They were also interested in studying the mechanisms behind Zika virus infection and transmission in mosquitoes. In the study, the team infected mice with Zika virus originally isolated from a human patient and allowed mosquitoes from Medellin to feed on the mice either two or three days after they were infected. The mosquitoes were either harboring the same strain of the Wolbachia bacteria (called wMel) used in field studies or were Wolbachia-free and the mice had levels of virus in their blood similar to humans infected with Zika virus. An additional group of mosquitoes, both wild-type and Wolbachia-infected, was allowed to feed instead from a membrane containing sheep's blood spiked with a high concentration of Zika virus, per other standard laboratory studies. Four, seven, 10 and 17 days after the mosquitoes fed on Zika-virus-infected blood the researchers tested them for Zika virus infection, assessed whether the virus had disseminated -- or spread to other tissues in the mosquito, and examined whether the virus made its way to the mosquito saliva, where it must be present to be transmitted. "The first site of replication for arboviruses is the mosquito midgut," says Aliota. "It eventually leaves the midgut and is swept in their blood to secondary tissues and eventually to the salivary glands, where it replicates more and is eventually spit out." They found that mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia were less likely to become infected with Zika virus after feeding on viral blood, and those that were infected were not capable of transmitting the virus in their saliva. "We saw reduced vector competence in Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia," says Osorio, defined as the intrinsic ability of an insect to support the development or replication of a pathogen like a virus and then transmit it. "Mosquitoes with Wolbachia were less capable of harboring Zika virus, and though they do get infected with Zika, it is to a lesser extent than wild-type mosquitoes." They also found that where mosquitoes got their blood meal -- whether from mice or the membrane -- impacted their infection and transmission status. This has implications for other laboratory-based Zika virus studies, Aliota says. Though mice had a lower concentration of virus in their blood than the blood contained in the membrane, mosquitoes that fed on the mice were infected at higher rates than those that were membrane-fed. The levels of virus found in the mice were also more similar to those seen in human infections. Non-Wolbachia-containing mosquitoes that acquired Zika virus from mice were also capable of transmitting the virus in a shorter number of days, and in less time than other studies have shown. Additionally, the researchers learned that a relatively low percentage of Zika-virus-transmitting mosquitoes may be sufficient to sustain an outbreak. "A surprisingly low percentage of mosquitoes are actually capable of transmitting the virus," Aliota says, "but given the size of the outbreak, and that we think mosquitoes are the driver of the outbreak, the results were somewhat unexpected. It just goes to show you how much we still need to understand about the basic biology of this virus." The study is one of the first to study Zika virus transmission dynamics using a living host, says Aliota. Importantly, the team also confirmed that the strain of Wolbachia used does not impact the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is important to the success of field studies. Once inside a mosquito, Wolbachia is passed from mother to offspring, so newborn mosquitoes will contain the bacteria and incorporate it into the wild population. EDP hopes to see greater than 80 percent of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in study areas harboring Wolbachia. According to Osorio, mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia in the study site in Medellin are close to reaching that number. Other studies show Wolbachia prevents mosquito transmission of yellow fever virus -- which is causing an outbreak in Africa -- and, in another study published in late April in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Aliota, Osorio and their UW-Madison and Universidad de Antioquia colleagues showed that Wolbachia prevents Colombian Aedes aegypti from transmitting chikungunya virus. Like Zika virus, chikungunya emerged out of Africa and spread to the Americas. It is now transmitted by mosquitoes on every inhabited continent around the globe, says Aliota. The virus can cause fever, chronic joint pain, fatigue, nausea and a rash. There is no cure or specific treatment. Aliota and Osorio continue to study Wolbachia in mosquitoes in relation to these viruses, monitoring for changes or developments that could affect ongoing field releases. So far the findings have been encouraging, Aliota says. "Our findings are complementary to results described earlier in the month in Cell Host & Microbe by our colleagues with EDP-Brazil, which is really exciting and really promising," he says. ### The Zika virus study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health. Kelly April Tyrrell, kelly.tyrrell@wisc.edu, 608-262-9772 Written by ACM *Brussels/EU Council/Angelo Marcopolo/- The "Summum", or Worst of Blunders, as Experienced French Top Politician Nicolas Sarkozy recently named it, i.e. the Ousting of the UK from the EU, almost at the Same Moment that ...Turkey might see an Open Door towards its Controversial and UnPopular EU bid, far from being Unbelievable, looked Today as if it was on the Making... Sarkozy was Yesterday here in Brussels, at the EPP Summit, (See, f.ex.: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/eppsummitoutcomeafterbrexit.html ), but appeared Thoughtfull, when departing, and declined from making any Public statements at all, not even to mainstream French TV Channel "LCI", which had Exceptionaly send a Cameraman, "Only for Sarkozy", as he told "Eurofora". However, at least Symbolicaly, (and Political Symbols can be of Tremendous Importance in such matters...), Facts reveal that this Supreme Double Blunder may really have been almost Already Done ! Indeed, by an Irony of "Coincidences", the Conclusion of the First Ever "BREXIT" EU Summit, where an Historicaly, Geographicaly, and Culturaly Traditional European Country as Great Britain, Started to Officialy Discuss its Withdrawal from the EU, is, almost Immediately, Followed by a so-called ..."Accession (sic !) InterGovernemental Conference" for "Turkey" at EU Council, here, at the Same Place in Brussels, Early Tomorrow (Tuesday) Morning.... And Rumours go Wild in Brussels about Opening Tomorrow an EU Core issue such as the Financial/Monetary Chapter for Negotiations with Turkey, (that Sarkozy had obtained to "Freeze" since 2007, as part of a Deal Not to Veto the EU - Turkey Talks in Exchange of Leaving out 4 or 5 Core EU matters, including that one, which concern EU Membership. It seems that, by an Irony of the sort, nowadays it was, reportedly, ...Only the UK which Resisted awhile to such a Controversial Move, before letting it be, during preparatory EUCouncil meetings in Brussels. While Leaving the EU Council Building's main Press Room area, "Eurofora" met, at the Doorstep, with a Team of Sympathetic Young British Press Workers from the prestigious "BBC" Radio-TV Station, who were Packing a Huge Quantity of Material, Waiting for a Collegue to Bring a Private Truck for their Departure. Just One among them admitted that he had "Voted for BREXIT", and, when we asked him (in front of all) "Why ?", he Said that "in fact, it wasn't so much about Migration, as such, but Much More for .. That !", as he stressed, Turning around and Pointing at the EU Council's Building in Brussels, (i.e. apparently Meaning that he was complaining for too much EU Bureaucracy). But, at the Same Time, EU Council and EU Commission's Websites were Arbouring, as Next Event in Brussels, a so-called "Accession (sic !) Conference Turkey - EU" for Tomorrow (Thursday) Early Morning, (the First of them being even Repeatedly Pictured at Huge Screens right in front of all Journalists working, as "Eurofora", inside EU Summit's main PressRoom, during Many Hours). As Usual, such an Exceptionaly Important Moment for Turkey's Controversial and UnPopular EU bid,ii was almost immediately preceded by a Strange "Terrorist Attack" somewhere in Turkey, right Before Top EU Discussions and Decision-making Starts, Yesterday (Tuesday) June 28, (inevitably reminding of some notorious methods of which abused some Tsars, wo had reportedly Infiltrated almost all Extremist Political Movements in Old Times, etc) Another Terrorist Attack in Turkey (OverShadowing EUC News even in BRX Media at EUC PressRoom !) when EU Decides on More EU - Ankara Links, while UK goes Away (BREXIT Days in Brussels) German Chancelor Angie Merkel had even Felt Obliged to Open her 1st Press Conference at this Historic EU "BREXIT" Summit, Yesterday (Tuesday), here in Brussels, by immediatrly expressing her "Solidarity" to the Turkish People, while also Refusing to Make any "Speculation" about the possible Instingators, as she pointed out, reminding also that Strange Precedent of another so-called "Terrorist" Attack which had curiously Targeted Only ...German People at a Touristic area of Istanbul/Constantinople, (as now, at the International area of Istanbul Airport), while they were visiting an Historic Monument from Ancient Egypt. The First such Deadly Terrorist Attacks in a Recent Row in Turkey had, notoriously, Focused on Killing Kurdish Young Girls and Boys preparing to Plant Trees and Help Re-Build Kobane at the Syrian-Kurdish Region attacked by ISIL, followed by the Mass Killings of pro-Kurdish and other Dissidents who Danced for Peace at down-town Ankara, (etc). But Now, it is, obviously, the European People who are most Affected by that Unfortunate Spectacle of Great Britain "Packing up", after BREXIT Referendum, while Turkey's Officials were ...Parking in EU Council's Building. Also Because, this Time, the June 2016 EU Summit had been Initialy Scheduled in order to Discuss, also, the still unfolding EU Migration Policy, as well as a set of various Foreign Policy Topical Issues, and Assess, in this regard, (for the 1st Time at a so High Official EU Body, as the Heads of State/Governments' Summit, here in Brussels), how it Started to Function, in Real Practice, the also Controversial and UnPopular (according to Recent Polls, mainly in Germany, but also in France and other EU Member Countries) Turkey - EU Deal on the UnPrecedented Massive Influx of More than 1,5 Seekers/Irregular Migrants who arrived on 2015-2016 through Turkey and via EU (+ Schengen and uroZone) Member Greece on 2015-2016. A Deal which appeared, moreover, largely Useless for the EU Side, as UNHR, OMI and/or even EU Council's Latest Data reveal, (See, f.ex. :.... + ....) Had also been Added a Series of Negative Statements and/or Threats reportedly made recently by various Ankara Top Officials, including Turkish President Erdogan, etc., on several Related Issues, such as Visa-Liberalisation Claims for 80 Millions of Turks to Enter inside the EU whenever they liked, Refugees' Human Rights Problems inside Turkey, etc, Added to Many and still Growing Violations of Human Rights and/or Democratic Principles, (f.ex. on Freedom of Press and Expression, Immunity--Lifting mainly for Opposition MPs, Shootings and Killings of Syrian Refugees, even Women and Childdren, Massively Deadly and Destructive "Curfew" Measures accross predominanytly Kurdish Regions of South-East Turkey, parallel to various other Deadly Military Invasions of Iraqi and/or Syria Regions, etc. - Recently Denounced by most MEPs in "Hot" EU Parliament's and CoE's PanEuropean Assembly's Debates, See, f.ex.: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/paceandeppheadfischeronturkey2017rdv.html). However, with Only 3 Hours allocated now, after the BREXIT and Istanbul Bombing developments, both for the Migration Crisis, Security policy, and Economic matters, while also having to Hear Speeches from NATO's SG, EIB's and CEB's Presidents, etc., EU's Heads of State/Government aparently followed EU Council President Donald Tusk's proposal to just Drop it all, and only sign the Papers that had been prepared by Technocrats, earlier, almost WithOut any Real Discussion. Independently of that, a Wider Debate on Europe's Future, for which Sarkozy had called, as Early as already since the Summer of 2007, (as Part of an Exchange for Turkey's Controversial and UnPopular EU bid Not to be immediately Blocked), has Just Started, in this Summer 2016, due also to UK's BREXIT, and is going to be the Unique Item on the Official Agenda of the Forthcoming, Exceptional "Informal EU Summit", (i.e. with 27, instead of 28 Member States), at Slovakia's Capital Bratislava, on September 16, 2016. Inevitably, Now, such a Top Political Debate on EU's Future couldn't, in fact, (if it is to be Credible vis a vis EU Citizens and Realy Efficient in History itself), but include Both the UK and Turkey Discussions, as they obviously Concern, from Many Important Points of View, Europe's Future. And, by the way, if the UK would be Glad to have a kind of "Close Partnership" Status with the EU, why not Turkey too ? Even if one might be, sooner or later, much more "Missed", than the other... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI-OzM0dy30 (../..) *** (Headline PHOTO : Old and New EU Council Buildings in Brussels, at Transition Times...) *** Editors note: William Dembski and Jonathan Wells, leading figures in the intelligent design movement, are co-authors of The Design of Life: Discovering Signs of Intelligence in Biological Systems. Originally published by the Foundation for Thought and Ethics, this path-breaking work explores some of the most important arguments for intelligent design in biology. To celebrate the launch of Foundation for Thought & Ethics Books as an imprint of Discovery Institute Press, we will be publishing excerpts from the book here at Evolution News. Through July 8, we will also be making the book available for only $10 thats more than a 70 percent discount, and it includes both the full-color hardcover and an accompanying CD with additional materials. If you havent read this classic book, now is your chance! Order now, because this special discount wont last long. Despite the absence of evidence for the ability of reproductive isolation to harness the mechanisms of genetic change and thereby to produce new species, some Darwinists still claim that there are many instances of observed speciation.1 But most of these alleged instances are in fact analyses of existing species that are used to defend one or another theory of how they might have originated such as the theories of allopatric and sympatric speciation, or the bottleneck and founder effects. Analyzing existing species to support one or another theory of speciation, however, is not the same as observing speciation in action. There actually are some confirmed cases of observed speciation, but these are due to an increase in the number of chromosomes, or polyploidy. Such cases, however, are limited to flowering plants and result from hybridizing two species to form a new one.2 Furthermore, according to evolutionary biologist Douglas Futuyma, speciation that results from polyploidy (also called secondary speciation) does not confer major new morphological characteristics . . . [and] does not cause the evolution of new genera or higher taxonomic levels.3 Darwinian evolution, by contrast, depends on taking a single existing species and splitting off new species from it (called primary speciation), which then in turn diverge and split, diverge and split, over and over again. Only primary speciation, and not secondary speciation, could produce the branching-tree pattern required by Darwinian evolution. Of the many instances of observed speciation alleged by Darwinists, only five come close to claiming observed primary speciation. First, in 1962, from a single lab population of Drosophila (fruit flies), J.M. Thoday and J.B. Gibson bred only those flies with the highest and lowest number of bristles (the insect equivalent of hair). After 12 generations, the experiment produced two populations that not only differed in bristle number but also showed strong though partial isolation. Yet Thoday and Gibson not did claim to have produced a new species. Furthermore, other laboratories were unable to reproduce their results.4 Second, in 1958 Theodosius Dobzhansky and Olga Pavlovsky started a laboratory population of fruit flies using a single female of a strain from Colombia. Crosses between that fly and several other strains produced fertile hybrids in the laboratory. In 1963, however, similar crosses yielded sterile hybrids. In 1966, Dobzhansky and Pavlovsky concluded that the strain they had introduced in 1958 had become a new race or incipient species . . . in the laboratory at some time between 1958 and 1963.5 But Coyne and Orr, writing in 2004, suspect their results were due to contamination of cultures by other subspecies.6 In any case, Dobzhansky and Pavlovsky reported only a new race or incipient species, not a new species. Third, in 1964 biologists collected some marine worms in Los Angeles Harbor and used them to start a lab colony. When they went back to the same location 12 years later, the original population had disappeared, so they collected worms from two other locations several miles away, and these were used to start two new lab colonies. In 1989, researchers found that the two new colonies could interbreed with each other but not with the Los Angeles Harbor colony that had been started 25 years earlier. In 1992, James Weinberg and his colleagues called this an observed instance of rapid speciation, based on the assumption that the original colony had speciated in the laboratory, rather than before 1964.7 A few years later, however, tests performed by Weinberg and two others showed that the original population was already a species different from the two new colonies at the time when it was originally sampled in 1964.8 No speciation had occurred. Fourth, in 1969 E. Paterniani reported an experiment on maize in which breeding was permitted only between individuals possessing two extremes of a particular trait. Paterniani noted the development of an almost complete reproductive isolation between two maize populations but did not claim that a new species had been produced.9 Fifth and last, in the 1980s William R. Rice and George W. Salt subjected a population of fruit flies to eight different environments. They then took the flies that preferred the two most extreme environments and allowed only them to breed. Within thirty generations the flies had sorted themselves into two populations that did not interbreed. Even so, Rice and Salt did not claim to have produced two new species. More modestly, they believed only that incipient speciation had occurred.10 So, of the five alleged instances of observed primary speciation, only one (Weinbergs) claimed to have observed actual speciation and it was later retracted. The other four (one of which could not be reproduced by other scientists and one of which was not controlled for contamination) claimed only some degree of reproductive isolation or incipient speciation. What is incipient speciation? Darwin wrote: According to my view, varieties are species in the process of formation, or are, as I have called them, incipient species.11 But how can we possibly know whether two varieties (or races) are in the process of becoming separate species? St. Bernards and Chihuahuas are two varieties of dog that cannot interbreed naturally, but they are members of the same species. Maybe they are on their way to becoming separate species, or maybe not. The two varieties of Rhagoletis pomonella described in the previous section do not interbreed in the wild, but they look exactly alike and are still capable of mating in the laboratory. Like different breeds of dogs, they are still members of the same species. Calling them incipient species amounts to no more than a prediction that they will eventually become separate species. But maybe they wont. Short of waiting to see whether the prediction comes true, we cant really know. And given our limited lifespans, we dont have time to wait (at least not by conventional evolutionary timescales). Darwinists therefore discount the lack of observed instances of primary speciation by saying that it takes too long to observe them. But if it takes too long for scientific investigators to observe primary speciation, then there will never be anything more than indirect evidence for the first and most important step in Darwinian evolution. Darwinists claim that all species have descended from a common ancestor through variation and selection. But until they can point to a single observed instance of primary speciation, their claim must remain an unverified assumption, not an observed scientific fact. University of Bristol bacteriologist Alan H. Linton made precisely this point when in 2001 he assessed the direct evidence of speciation: None exists in the literature claiming that one species has been shown to evolve into another. Bacteria, the simplest form of independent life, are ideal for this kind of study, with generation times of twenty to thirty minutes, and populations achieved after eighteen hours. But throughout 150 years of the science of bacteriology, there is no evidence that one species of bacteria has changed into another. . . . Since there is no evidence for species changes between the simplest forms of unicellular life, it is not surprising that there is no evidence for evolution from prokaryotic [e.g., bacterial] to eukaryotic [e.g., plant and animal] cells, let alone throughout the whole array of higher multicellular organisms.12 So except for secondary speciation, which is not what Darwins theory needs, there are no observed instances of the origin of species. As evolutionary biologists Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan wrote in 2002: Speciation, whether in the remote Galapagos, in the laboratory cages of the drosophilosophers, or in the crowded sediments of the paleontologists, still has never been directly traced.13 Evolutions smoking gun is still missing. References: (1) See Catherine A. Callaghan, Instances of Observed Speciation, The American Biology Teacher 49 (1987): 3436; Joseph Boxhorn, Observed Instances of Speciation, The Talk.Origins Archive, September 1, 1995, available online (last accessed January 9, 2007); Chris Stassen, James Meritt, Annelise Lilje, and L. Drew Davis, Some More Observed Speciation Events, The Talk.Origins Archive, 1997, available online (last accessed January 9, 2007). (2) See Justin Ramsey and Douglas W. Schemske, Neopolyploidy in Flowering Plants, Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 33 (2002): 589639; D. M. Rosenthal, L. H. Rieseberg, and L. A. Donovan, Re-creating Ancient Hybrid Species Complex Phenotypes from Early-Generation Synthetic Hybrids: Three Examples Using Wild Sunflowers, The American Naturalist 166(1) (2005): 2641. (3) Douglas J. Futuyma, Evolution (Sunderland, Mass.: Sinauer Associates, 2005), 398. (4) J.M. Thoday and J. B. Gibson, Isolation by Disruptive Selection, Nature 193 (1962): 11641166. J. M. Thoday and J. B. Gibson, The Probability of Isolation by Disruptive Selection, The American Naturalist 104 (1970): 219230. Coyne and Orr, Speciation, 138. (5) Theodosius Dobzhansky and Olga Pavlovsky, Spontaneous Origin of an Incipient Species in the Drosophila Paulistorum Complex, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 55 (1966): 727733. (6) Coyne and Orr, Speciation, 138. (7) James R. Weinberg, Victoria R. Starczak, and Daniele Jorg, Evidence for Rapid Speciation Following a Founder Event in the Laboratory, Evolution 46 (1992): 12141220. (8) Francisco Rodriquez-Trelles, James R. Weinberg, and Francisco J. Ayala, Presumptive Rapid Speciation After a Founder Event in a Laboratory Population of Nereis: Allozyme Electrophoretic Evidence Does Not Support the Hypothesis, Evolution 50 (1996): 457461. (9) E. Paterniani, Selection for Reproductive Isolation Between Two Populations of Maize, Zea mays L., Evolution 23 (1969): 534547. (10) William R. Rice and George W. Salt, Speciation via Disruptive Selection on Habitat Preference: Experimental Evidence, The American Naturalist 131 (1988): 911917. See also Coyne and Orr, Speciation, 138141. (11) Darwin, Origin of Species, 111. (12) Alan Linton, Scant Search for the Maker, The Times Higher Education Supplement (April 20, 2001), Book Section, 29, available online with registration (last accessed January 9, 2007). (13) Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, Acquiring Genomes: A Theory of the Origins of Species (New York: Basic Books, 2002), 32. Photo credit: viperagp stock.adobe.com. Though endangered on campuses, academic freedom couldnt be more all-American. That includes the freedom of teachers, students, and scientists to speak out, debate, and weigh diverse, even critical scientific ideas about evolution. While demonized by the media, independence of thought on the ultimate question of biological origins finds support across the broadest spectrum of age, sex, political and religious perspectives. Indeed, Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend, and right on time, a new nationwide survey reveals that fully 93 percent of American adults agree that teachers and students should have the academic freedom to objectively discuss both the scientific strengths and weaknesses of the theory of evolution. Whats more, 88 percent agree that scientists who raise scientific criticisms of evolution should have the freedom to make their arguments without being subjected to censorship or discrimination. Download the full report here, including detailed survey results and survey methodology. Americans overwhelmingly agree that dissenting views in science are healthy. Highlights of the survey include: 84 percent believe that attempts to censor or punish scientists for holding dissenting views on issues such as evolution or climate change are not appropriate in a free society. 94 percent believe it is important for policymakers and the public to hear from scientists with differing views. 87 percent think that people can disagree about what science says on a particular topic without being anti-science.' 86 percent think that disagreeing with the current majority view in science can be an important step in the development of new insights and discoveries in science. Freedom of inquiry is a cornerstone of the scientific enterprise, but its under increasing attack by some who claim to speak for science, said molecular biologist Douglas Axe. So its very good news that a large majority of Americans still believe in open and free discussion. A Caltech-trained scientist, Dr. Axe is director of Biologic Institute and a former researcher at Cambridge University. He is author of the soon-to-be released book Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition that Life is Designed (HarperOne; out on July 12). Axes book challenges the idea that only professional scientists should be allowed to evaluate ideas about the origin and development of life. The question of our origin is far too important to be left to professional scientists, he commented. In the public arena, we hear a growing chorus arguing for the government to punish or criminalize dissenting scientific views, said political scientist Dr. John G. West, who directed the survey. But for the public, free speech in science is not a partisan issue. Its supported by the vast majority of people across party lines, gender, religion, and age. For example, West notes: 95 percent of Republicans believe that teachers and students should have the freedom to discuss the scientific strengths and weaknesses of evolution but so do 93 percent of Democrats and 94 percent of Independents; so do 96 percent of theists, 92 percent of agnostics, and 86 percent of atheists. 87 percent of Republicans oppose attempts to punish or censor scientists who hold dissenting views on issues like evolution and climate change but so do 84 percent of Independents and 82 percent of Democrats, as well as 86 percent of theists, 83 percent of agnostics, 76 percent of atheists, 82 percent of women, and 86 percent of men. 95 percent of Republicans think its important for policymakers and the public to hear from scientists with differing views but so do 94 percent of Democrats and 93 percent of Independents, 95 percent of theists, 92 percent of agnostics, 90 percent of atheists, 95 percent of women, and 93 percent of men. The data for this national survey were collected over the period January 5-9, 2016 using SurveyMonkey Audience, a nationally representative panel of more than 6 million people recruited from the more than 30 million people who take SurveyMonkey surveys each month. Survey respondents were randomly sampled from members of SurveyMonkey Audience in the United States who are 18 years of age or older, and there were 2,075 respondents for the overall survey. The SurveyMonkey platform has been utilized for public opinion surveys by NBC News, the Los Angeles Times, and other media organizations. Image credit: DWilliams via Pixabay. So i am trying to put in a permanent residence application: 27(B)EXTRA ORDINARY SKILLS For myself 26(C)DEPENDENT ( < 18) for my son 26(B)SPOUSE for my spouse The online forms look exactly the same for all 3 applications. So my one is easy when i am trying to fill in my sons application who is 7 months old: on residential history it asks for Primary applicant's residential details. Is the primary applicant me or my son? So i do complete me and my husbands details on Primary applicant's marital details and here Details of principal applicant's spouse? Just a little confused. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks This is completely unacceptable...Bill could very well be a witness or even a subject of the e-mail scandal..And Lynch is the AG who decides to indict or not.....It does not matter what they were talking about....there was no right to be contacting each other.....She has to recuse herself and now it is way overdue to name a Special Prosecutor... Im a proponent of a unilateral substantially market driven global trade policy as described within the Wikipedia article Import Certificates. If it were adopted by the USA it would almost, (if not entirely) eliminate USAs chronic trade deficits of goods; its would likely increase and never be a cause of decreasing USAs gross domestic productions reduction, (GDP). Referring to Wikipedia's "Import Certificates" article: The certificates global open market prices per U.S. dollar of face values determine the extent of the policies almost direct effect upon prices of foreign goods sold to USA purchasers and the indirect subsidy effect upon prices of USA products sold to foreign purchasers. USA exporters that request their goods to be assessed must also agree to pay the federal fees that are intended to defray entire federal direct expenses due to the USA unilateral substantially market driven Import Certificate policy. Exporters of USA goods would be motivated to profit from acquiring the valuable transferable certificates that are issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office would annually monitor and advise congress as to the fee rate per assessed dollar value that would be appropriate to defray all direct federal expenditures due to the Import Certificate policy. ////////////////////////////////////// Certificates expected price behavior in global competitive markets: The federal fees are passed onto USA purchasers of foreign goods and thats the reasonably expected minimum rate of the certificates global prices. If USA consumers balk at paying any more for foreign goods, that would limit the maximum rate of certificates global prices. If the certificates global price rates should be insufficient, exporters of USA goods would not trouble to deal with them and fewer certificates will be issued. If issued certificates do not satisfy USA consumers effective demands for foreign goods, the shortfall would increase the global certificate markets' rates prices. But additionally the law could be drafted as to provide for congressional executive agreements to interrupt the enactment of this trade policy because there are no longer any reasonable expectations for chronic annual USA trade deficits. The Import Certificate laws and regulations can still remain on the books. Refer to Wikipedias article entitled Import Certificates And To the paragraphs entitled Trade Balances' effects upon their nations GDP within Wikipedia's article Balance of trade. Respectfully, Supposn (NewsUSA) - When it comes to telecommunications, experts agree that Africa is the new "it" continent for growth. If you're a little rusty on exactly what telecom means, it translates to big bucks for companies like Belgium-based Artilium PLC, which provide software solutions for data and wireless companies that want to help Africa get better connected. "International investors from the enterprise cloud, hosting and data center spaces, are targeting the African fixed infrastructure market and will compete with mobile tower infrastructure providers in the coming years," predicted one telecom banker, who was attending a finance and investment conference in London this month. "Major players are all battling to provide the best network coverage in Africa and challenge mobile operators by investing in terrestrial fiber." To expand into Africa, Artilium has partnered with Alexandria, Virginia-based Tritente Global Energy to launch Artilium-Africa. Tritente has chosen NEAH Power to supply their backup-power, energy needs. What Each Company Brings to the Table "Tritente is the perfect platform for Artilium to expand into Africa, which is the early stages of the data and telecom revolution," said Bart Weijermars, chief executive officer of Artilium. "Tritente is leading $6 billion of projects in renewable energy and power transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. They can open avenues in dozens of the 52 African countries." State-of-the-art technology requires 24/7 clean power, regardless of whether the grid is supplying power. African grid power is not like it is in Europe or the US. NEAH's batteries are targeted to supply backup power to Artilium-Africa's microdata centers and Tritente's renewable energy projects in more than 20 countries over the next few years. NEAH may generate in excess of $20 million in revenues from this partnership. The significance of this joint venture is that NEAH's PowerChip batteries offer six times more power than traditional batteries. In addition, with this new technology, NEAH says jobs will be created in the U.S., while at the same time, providing a better quality of life in Africa. "We chose NEAH because their next-generation energy storage system is powerful, cost effective and compatible with Tritente's $6 billion plan to deploy renewable energy in Africa and to bring the Artilium-Africa solution to every African mobile operation, educational institution, government entities and every cell phone holder," said Paul Delkaso, chief executive officer of Tritente and managing partner of Artilium-Africa. Analysts closely watching the explosion of the telecom industry in Africa agree. "It's a really vibrant time for investment into African broadband infrastructure," said one senior adviser attending the event. "Numerous international internet backbone projects are springing up, connecting the African continent." For more information, visit neahpower.com or contact the company at info@neahpower.com. Tritente can be reached at Delkaso@tspmgroup.com. Jimmyb said: The Cairo protest was planned in August, was published in August, and everyone knows it was not caused by the video. Susan Rice's TV appearances were Obama's presidential campaign soundbites. Click to expand... Innocence of Muslims is the title attributed to a controversial anti-Islamic movie "trailer" that was written and produced by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula. Two versions of the 14-minute video were uploaded to YouTube in July 2012, under the titles The Real Life of Muhammad and Muhammad Movie Trailer. Videos dubbed in Arabic were uploaded during early September 2012.... Such cocksureness.Please don't try the "wiki escape." If you've got information showing the airing of the video in Arabic had no effect on the planned meeting, please post it.Otherwise admit: The video damn well could have turned up the fire, and did over half the planet. The known incidence of chronic wasting disease in Texas whitetails more than doubled this week to 25 with the discovery of 13 infected deer at a captive breeding facility in Medina County. State officials revealed the new cases Friday in a media statement that said that the unnamed breeding facility had been under quarantine and subject to intensified scrutiny since April, when a doe there tested positive for CWD. Before last summer, when the states first infected whitetail was discovered at a breeding ranch in Medina County, CWD had been found only in 2012 in isolated mule deer herds in far West Texas. A fatal form of spongiform encephalopathy similar to mad cow disease, CWD can be transmitted through blood, saliva, urine and feces. Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said the new batch of whitetail cases was confirmed during stepped-up screening for the disease and was part of an epidemiological investigation begun after the doe there tested positive. The 13 positive results were found among tissue samples from 33 deer there that were tested by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. TAHC and TPWD will be working closely with the facility owner to develop future testing strategies to assess the CWD prevalence within the facility, the statement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said. The disease was first recognized in 1967 in captive mule deer in Colorado, and CWD has been documented in captive and free-range deer in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. Beside the whitetails, a free-range mule deer buck harvested in Hartley County was confirmed as CWD positive earlier this year. CWD among deer is a progressive, fatal disease that commonly results in altered behavior as a result of microscopic changes made to the brain of affected animals, Fridays release said. An animal may carry the disease for years without outward indication, but in the latter stages, signs may include listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns and a lack of responsiveness. Although it says no evidence indicates that CWD poses a risk to humans or animals besides deer, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend people not eat meat from infected animals. zeke@express-news.net The Prairie Doc: We need to be more intentional with antibiotics Shropshire A Full-Time position is available for an assistant herdsperson on a family dairy farm in mid Shropshire. We have a 250 dairy herd rearing own replacements together with a b... The Ulster Farmers Union has held a series of internal and external meetings in the wake of the referendum decision for the UK to leave the EU. UFU President, Barclay Bell, says this is a major challenge for the farming industry, and that the certainty farmers need and want will take a considerable time to emerge. "With the decision taken the debate for us moves from the politics to the practical. There are many areas where we need reassurance that the position of farmers will not end up worse. "These include long term substitute support measures for the CAP, market access to Europe and a simple trading relationship across the Irish border for all agricultural products," said Mr Bell. In the wake of the referendum outcome the UFU has already held meetings of its board, executive and also participated in what is expected to be the first of a series of meetings with the Northern Ireland Agriculture and Economy Ministers. This is just the start of a process where issues related to Brexit will top the agenda for many farming unions. Given that the process of leaving the EU will take at least two years, and represents uncharted waters, the UFU says its aim is to set priorities for the outcome and to then make sure they are achieved. "This will involve negotiations here, in London and in Brussels. We do not under-estimate the scale of the task, but continued financial support and access to markets is key to the survival of the farming industry here, and indeed the many thousands of jobs in food processing. "The decisions ahead will be the most crucial in a farming generation and this clearly highlights the importance of having a strong Ulster Farmers Union to represent the views of farmers from all sectors and across all geographical parts of Northern Ireland. "We are committed to agreeing a strategy for what is best for the industry and seeing it implemented," said Mr Bell. He added that farmers and others would need patience for discussions that would bring many fears and frustrations for farming families. "In an uncertain agricultural world they want reassurance and certainty but for now the only certainty is that the existing CAP support measures and trading arrangements will remain in place until a new system is agreed," he said. The UFU said it welcomed assurances from the DAERA minister, Michelle McIlveen and the Economy minister, Simon Hamilton, that they are committed to delivering outcomes that will protect the industry. "We were encouraged by their commitment and by their assurances that they will be at the centre of negotiations at Whitehall. "Like us they recognise that there is no road map to a final decision, and that the industry needs an assurance of future financial support and market access. That has to be a good starting point for the long negotiations that lie ahead," said Mr Bell. Faced with low dairy prices and rising volatility on agricultural markets, Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson underlined the crucial role of dairy cooperatives. They enable farmers to get a better price for their milk and the need to encourage their development at a Cogeca Presidency Business Forum on Dairy Cooperatives today. Speaking at the event in Brussels, Mr Magnusson said: "We are facing a serious crisis on the EU dairy market, with prices more than 40% down on levels seen two years ago and volatility increasing. "It is consequently essential to encourage the development of dairy cooperatives as they help farmers to secure a better price for their produce and reduce the price volatility. This was confirmed by a recent study carried out by the EU Commission which found that: "A large market share for cooperatives in a particular sector or country, can increase the price level and reduce the price volatility, as is currently the case in the dairy sector." He continued: "Dairy cooperatives offer unique economic benefits to their farmer members, as they provide market outlets, more competitive buying prices and secure revenues, as well as more favorable long term perspectives. "The examples presented today, demonstrate that cooperative governance is key to dairy cooperatives. 'Well developed' governance structures "Even the largest international and transnational dairy cooperatives, have well developed governance structures, which ensure that their farmer members are heard and that they maintain control on decisions affecting their transactions." "With dairy demand expected to grow by 2% annually on a global level, the sector needs to be competitive to make use of the market opportunities and cooperatives enable farmers to do this. "There are significant entrepreneurial opportunities for dairy-cooperatives in some growing market segments in the EU, as well as on the global market. "In addition, there is scope to further invest in innovative solutions, including actions to improve resource efficiency. "More transnational cooperation within the EU, as well as beyond, could also take place," Magnusson added. Wrapping up, MrMagnusson said: "Todays event highlighted the importance of dairy cooperatives and how their strategies contribute to responding to current challenges, in defense of farmers interests." Prof Cees Veerman, head of the EU Agricultural Markets Taskforce and former Vice President of Cogeca, also under lined the importance of cooperatives at the Business Forum. A key aim of the Task Force, which is set to deliver its report by the end of the year, will be to strengthen farmers positioning in the food chain by encouraging the development of cooperatives as they help farmers to join forces and better market their produce. Earliness of maturity is an increasingly important attribute to oilseed rape, enabling farmers to spread the workload, free up storage and cash flow, and tackle blackgrass ahead of drilling wheat. But finding a decent early maturing variety hasnt been easy until Advance hit the shelves. British-bred conventional variety Advance matures up to seven days earlier than other varieties, meaning it can be cut, dried and sold before moving onto other crops. Having been bred on Cotswolds brash it is well suited to the British climate, says breeder Mike Pickford. "Being 900 foot above sea level it is a very testing location to put a variety through its paces if it can excel here it can do well anywhere in the UK." According to David Leaper, seed technical specialist at Agrii, the main advantages of drilling an early oilseed rape variety are providing an early entry for winter wheat, enabling farmers to control blackgrass through stale seedbeds. "Oilseed rape also uses different chemistry to cereals so there is the opportunity to prevent resistance building up." Of course, it uses the same machinery as cereals, and being harvested earlier spreads the workload. "That also helps if you have limited storage you can sell the oilseed rape early, which frees up cash flow." Oil content important contributor When choosing varieties farmers should consider the oil content as well as the yield, plus the disease profile and stem height. "When commodity prices are low the oil content is an important contributor to rapeseed returns," says Mr Leaper. "Its worth an extra 130-150/ha and is genetically stable so it doesnt fluctuate like yields might." In AHDB candidate trials for the 2014/2015 recommended list, Advance had a gross output 104% of the control, with an oil content of 46.1% - higher than any other variety in Recommended List trials. It scored an eight for lodging resistance and stem stiffness, and being short is easy to harvest. Earliness of flowering was an eight allowing plenty of time for pod fill - with earliness of maturity at six. "Its a very similar maturity to Excalibur, but stiffer and with a higher gross output, says David Ramdhian from DLF Seeds. "Because it is so early to ripen and the AHDB trials have to wait and harvest all the varieties at the same time, unfortunately it just missed out on full recommendation. "Despite this it has a very dedicated following among growers and agronomists, and has a lot to offer on farm." Complementary variety to later alternatives Mr Pickford recommends growing Advance as a complementary variety to later alternatives. "Oilseed rape is proven to give the following wheat crop an extra 1t/ha, and there is no other break crop that consistently produces a good gross margin," he adds. "Advance is also a very farmer-friendly variety; its uncomplicated and easy to harvest, you can sow it at a reasonable seed rate and it grows away in the autumn and the spring." To spread the oilseed rape harvest, Mr Leaper recommends growing Advance alongside something like Exalte, Expower, Nikita or, further north, Anastasia. "They are good vigorous autumn crops. Hybrids are also quite popular among growers looking for later crops." However, farmers who are looking to cut costs by farm saving seed will have to avoid hybrid varieties, he warns. "If youre farm saving seed choose the cleanest fields and dont use glyphosate as a desiccant." I"d recommend using a professional seed cleaner to ensure large, vigorous seeds, and use a phosphite and fungicide treatment to get it off to the best possible start." EU Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan has announced he will table further EU-wide dairy support measures on 18 July, indicating that further support is likely to be linked to supply controls. An earlier plan running for six months from 13 April allows voluntary supply management incentives by farmer co-ops and other groups but has attracted little interest. NFU Scotland has warned that a further European dairy package, while likely to offer short term support, is unlikely to be the silver bullet needed to balance markets and drive up prices. Speaking at a joint meeting of dairy representatives from the UK farming Unions, NFU Scotland's milk Policy Manager, George Jamieson said: "We must wait and see what Mr Hogan has to offer but this belated effort from the Commission is unlikely to be the silver bullet. "Frustratingly, at a European level, we have been involved for months in debate regarding appropriate support measures for the dairy sector. "Agreement on where funding should come from and how it can be best utilised has been hard to nail down. "There is no doubt that dairy has needed help for many months now, and Hogans commitment to a package has been too long in coming. "Regardless of the terms, its scale is unlikely to be significant in comparison to the losses dairy farmers have been exposed to for almost two years. 'Failed to generate any coherent plan' "The debate on supply management at a European level has failed to generate any coherent plan and provide any assurance that it would have the desired effect of balancing markets and driving up prices. "There is a strong argument that supply management now may actually do more harm than good as production in Europe and beyond is declining and markets are slowly starting to turn. "NFU Scotlands milk committee has discussed supply management options at length and although we have agreed that balancing supply with demand is very desirable, we can see no reliable policy to deliver this, given the global and even regional variables. "We will have to wait and see what the package options are and how much money is available. For hard working dairy farmers, it is unlikely that business changing sums are involved. "National flexibility on delivering the package may ensure it is utilised in the most meaningful way. 'Dairy sector remains dire' "The current situation in Scotlands dairy sector remains dire with an alarming number of dairy producers continuing to face prolonged losses. "Although markets are turning, they remain some substantial distance from a return to profitability. "This is global issue, but the Commission, and both UK and Scottish governments have been slow in accepting the scale of the problems. "The priority, short term, is to support dairy farming businesses through the next year. "The cash flow, and net worth of many are seriously challenged and while this package may offer some help, it is unlikely to be of a scale to resolve this. "Of benefit would be new financial instruments which would offer dairy farmers, their banking creditors and the supply chain some assurance that their business plans are sustainable." Northern Irish Farming Minister Michelle McIlveen has today provided a double boost to the agriculture sector by announcing advance CAP payments and the next phase of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS). In a keynote address at CAFRE awards day, Miss McIlveen told graduates that she was committed to their future, to grow the agri-food industry and to develop the economy. Speaking to around 250 graduates and their families, she said: "The agri-food industry makes a very valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, with around 100,000 people being employed in the food chain. "I am aware of the challenges ahead and I recognise the pressures felt by some farmers and the importance of scheme payments to farm incomes. "That is why I am committing today to pay at least 95% of eligible Basic Payment Scheme applicants in December. "However, I would like to go further so I have asked my Department to introduce advance payments this year from October 16." The Minister added that making advance payments is a new initiative which will be carried out more efficiently if more farmers apply online. Graduates from across Northern Ireland and beyond were joined at the ceremony at CAFREs Greenmount campus by employers and industry stakeholders. During her speech the Minister recognised the industry commitment to education programmes at CAFRE which, she said, demonstrated the benefits it delivers in preparing our future innovators and leaders. The Minister went on to say that it is not only the students who benefit. The CAFRE Development Service provides support services for farmers and growers and uses the facilities at Greenmount in the delivery of training and in the demonstration of new technologies for farmers. Investing in the next generation of farmers In announcing her second boost for agriculture, Miss McIlveen said: "CAFRE plays a key role in delivering the new Farm Business Improvement Scheme - a package of measures designed to improve the competitiveness of our farming industry. "The first phase is already under way, with the launch of the Business Development Groups and Farm Family Key Skills. "The next phase will be the capital scheme, which will offer grants, both smaller scale and in excess of 30,000, to farmers who are determined to expand their businesses. "I am delighted to announce that, subject to final approval, this scheme will be open for applications in October. "I want to ensure that we invest in the next generation of farmers. Therefore, in order to encourage generational renewal, to recognise educational achievement and to maximise the benefits of long term investment, the new capital scheme will favour both young farmers and educated farmers at the selection stage." In a wide-ranging speech, Miss McIlveen highlighted the importance of education and training to the food sector and also recognised the high calibre of student graduating. "In order to deliver a competitive industry which can drive forward the economy, we need to invest in the education of those pursuing a career in the industry. "I am therefore delighted by the number, range and standard of qualifications presented here today. "You are entering an industry that has continuously demonstrated a capacity to address challenges and a vision to grow. "I am also encouraged that interest in agriculture courses remains strong and that young people recognise the importance of education and training." The NFU has today said it is 'vitally important' local farmers are 'engaged with and involved' if the Cumbria Flood Action Plan is to be a success. The Environment Agency has published three documents to help communicate its plan which has five main themes; strengthening defences, upstream management, maintenance, resilience and water level management boards. NFU North Wests Environment and Land Use Adviser Alice Richards said: "This is a working document with a long term vision but we need to remember this is just the start of a process. "Details within the plan will evolve as more data is gathered from affected communities. "There are many positive suggested actions within the five main themes including the removal of 70,000 tonnes of gravel from river channels. "Also, a commitment to continue to develop proposals and consult upon the creation of Water Level Management Boards in the Lyth Valley and Waver Wampool areas. "The NFU has led on the development of these two Water Level Management Boards in Cumbria, ensuring that the farmers within these catchments have a viable future by coming up with a solution for maintaining the pumps. Local decisions made by local people "Its vital that a catchment approach is taken with local decisions made by local people," added Mrs Richards. "There may be five themes but the key to success needs to be the right action taken in the right location. "Also, its a sensible decision by the Environment Agency to focus on the pilot areas first in order to find out what works before rolling things out further." NFU North West Regional Director David Hall has worked with Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to ensure adequate funding was made available for the recovery of farmland after the flooding. He has since been involved in the Cumbria Flood Partnership, ensuring that the voice of the Cumbrian farmers was heard from the very beginning. Mr Hall said: "The NFU held a meeting with the newly appointed Catchment Directors to find out how we could ensure farmers were involved in the creation of the Cumbria Flood Action Plan. "Following this we held a number of workshops for farmers across the three priority catchments (Eden, Derwent, Kent & Leven) to find out how they had been affected by the floods and what they felt needed to be done to reduce the impact of flooding in future. "This report was then fed directly back into the Cumbria Flood Partnership. We will continue to ensure that farmers are involved and included as the plan develops during the implementation stages." NFU Cymru attended a European Union Sheep Reflection Group earlier this week, to discuss the future of sheepmeat at an EU level. Representatives from all 28 present member states attended the meeting in Brussels, the first meeting since the UK's vote to leave the EU was announced. Although all member states expressed their shock with the referendum result, they all stressed that they would continue to work with the UK going forward. The Sheep Reflection Group was formed to discuss the challenges and opportunities the EU sheepmeat industry faces and determine how major organisations and nations within the EU with a common interest in the sheep industry can work together to secure a sustainable future. Following the meeting, NFU Deputy President, John Davies said: "The UK produces 39% of the EU's total sheepmeat production, therefore are a key player in that market and one of the sectors that could be most affected when the UK officially leaves the EU. "It is now vitally important that trade negotiations get underway at the earliest opportunity, to ensure that when the UK officially leaves the EU we will be able to maintain the best possible access to the EU and to countries across the world. "Welsh sheep farmers are particularly reliant on export markets and we will be looking to the UK Government to prioritise the negotiation of favourable trade agreements. "At present, the EU holds 11 Free Trade Agreements with countries across the world, five more have been concluded and there are a further 14 agreements currently under discussion. "The UK must now aim to set up a similar number of agreements to ensure that we can export our goods to as many countries as possible. "However, it is essential that decision makers do not undermine domestic agriculture by opening the UK market to goods which do not meet our own high standards of production." British wool, from farm to fleece, fashion and furnishings, will be amongst the highlights of the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) stand at this years Great Yorkshire Show (GYS). Maintaining British wool as a progressive and profitable industry is at the very heart of the work of the BWMB. Acting solely on behalf of UK wool producers, it provides the continuity and security on which producers can depend. BWMB Agricultural Show Trade Stand Their stand in the GYS fleece marquee part of the hugely popular sheep area will be a key source of information about the industry for both producers and members of the public visiting Harrogate. The GYS, being held from 12th 14th July, is an important business platform in the UK agricultural industry and the BWMBs summer calendar. The BWMB will be supporting a number of the shearing classes and producers will have the opportunity to discover more about the industry, the story of wool once it leaves the farm and take part in an Identify the Breed wool competition. On the stand, the Boards Chief Executive Joe Farren and Chairman Ian Buchanan are keen to meet wool producers with Mr Buchanan attending on the Tuesday and Wednesday. Speaking in advance of attending the show on the Tuesday (July 12), Joe Farren said: "Securing the future of British Wool is one of the main objectives of the British Wool Marketing Board. "We have an international reputation for excellence and globally we are seeing strong demand and interest. "To further develop our markets we need to ensure our processes remain effective and efficient and continue to improve wool quality and presentation." The GYS provides an ideal platform to highlight the importance of the BWMBs role within the sheep industry whilst also presenting their latest initiatives and campaigns to a wide audience. Carl Stephenson, County Durham sheep farmer and BWMB English Northern Board Member, said: "The GYS is a very important event for us and all sectors of the sheep industry. "It offers the Board a great opportunity to meet with producers face to face where we can ensure they are fully informed of the efforts of the Board to promote and sell British wool to global audiences. "In 2015 we witnessed a strong selling season with minimal stock being carried forward into the new selling season and we are eager to highlight to our producers the strong demand for British Wool. "We are also keen to encourage best practice as excellent fleece presentation maximises the value of wool to the producer." Shearing is a fundamental part of wool production and the BWMB supports shearers at all levels supporting a number of the shearing classes at the show. The shows fleece competition will also see the Champion Fleece automatically qualifying for a place in the Boards relaunched Golden Fleece competition. For many visitors to the GYS, the Shearing Competition provides a real showcase of the skill, as Gareth Jones, Producer Communications Manager explains: "Technical skill and speed is the key to competitive shearing and many of the British competitors here at the GYS will have benefitted from the BWMB shearing courses," he said. The NFU will launch farmings most significant consultation over the impact of Brexit on agriculture and what a domestic farming policy should look like in the future outside the EU. At todays extraordinary Council meeting, NFU President Meurig Raymond said the Government must not ignore the economic importance of the farming sector. It is the bedrock of the UKs largest manufacturing industry, food and drink, which is worth 108billion. This industry employs 3.9million people. NFU President Meurig Raymond said: "NFU Council has today agreed the principles of a domestic farming policy which will now form the basis of the biggest farming consultation in England and Wales for a generation. "Currently there are lots of uncertainties for farming trade agreements, labour, financial support, legislation are all up in the air but the NFU is committed to providing this industry with leadership. "The NFU will consult its members, in every sector, in every county, to ensure that its members have a say in shaping the future of farming for them, their children and their grandchildren and for Britains children and grandchildren. "I urge all NFU members to get involved in this consultation over the coming months and that non-members should join the NFU to ensure their voice is heard. "With this consultation, we can be sure that the policy we push for will have the backing of the farming sector at large. "The contribution of this countrys farming and food industry to the economy and to food security should be taken extremely seriously by the UK government. "We need a policy that ensures a profitable, productive and sustainable future for British farming. The NFUs influence, with the backing of its membership, is paramount in this." The agreed principles from NFU Council are: Farmers must get the best possible access to markets in the rest of Europe. Although the UK will not be a member of the EU, it will still be a major trading partner for the foreseeable future. Currently the UK benefit from more than 50 trade agreements with countries in the rest of the world. Farmers will continue to need these kind of arrangements in future, whether this means negotiating new deals or not. A key question we had to the Leave camp, and on which we never received a clear answer, was what kind of access would an independent UK give to imports from the rest of the world? Our requirement is that we are not open to imports which are produced to lower standards. During the referendum the NFU has repeatedly drawn attention to the sectors need for access to migrant labour, both seasonal and full-time. Outside the EU farmers will need some kind of student agricultural workers scheme, which is open to students from around the world. Leaving the EU gives farmers the opportunity to build a new domestic agricultural policy which is adapted to British people's needs, easy to understand and simple to administer. The NFU will be looking for guarantees that the support given to British farmers is on a par with that given to farmers in the EU, who will still be the UK's principal competitors. The NFU says it wants to see a rural development policy which focuses on enhancing competitiveness. Britain has been a pioneer in agri-environmental schemes, but these are currently running out of steam - in part because of over prescriptive EU rules. "We must take this opportunity to devise better schemes," the NFU said. If there was one message which came over loud and clear in farmer meetings it was frustration with European regulation and its handling of product approvals, due to an over-politicised approach and excessive use of the precautionary principle. British farmers now have a golden opportunity to ensure arrangements are in future proportionate and based on sound science. Cost of living crisis could trigger 'winter crime epidemic' on farms "It's the same for us when we get on an airplane and we get the common cold; we treat it, get over it in a few days and it's not a drama." Fort Bragg to be known as Fort Liberty. Here's what to know. When will Fort Bragg be renamed? Why will it be renamed Fort Liberty? How much will it cost? Possible increases to airport charges and fees, coupled with a recent request from state-owned carrier Vietnam Airlines asking for airfare caps to be removed, could cost Vietnamese citizens more money. In mid-June, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), which manages 21 airports nationwide, sent a development plan to the Ministry of Transport in which it said that airport charges for domestic flights should be raised. Dao Viet Dung, deputy director of ACV, said that airport fees for local flights are 2.5-8 times lower than international flights, while investment expenses for both domestic and international airports do not bear significant differences. The ACV asked the ministry to push up airport fees for regional flights, reducing the gap from a maximum of eight times to just four times. The adjustments would be applied at seven international airports to start with: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang, the three largest airports in Vietnam. In response, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat said that any increase to airport charges and fees must follow a roadmap, and it would be impossible for the ministry to raise the fees as quickly as the ACV suggested. Nhan added that they will consider the ACVs plan to ensure benefits for both passengers and carriers. A representative from one carrier said that airport charges are included in airfares, and carriers are responsible for paying airport authorities. If fees are raised, airfares will follow. Abolishing airfare caps While carriers are raising concerns about a rise in airport charges and fees, which will trigger airfare hikes, Vietnam Airlines, flag ship carrier of the country, has recently asked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to abolish ceiling prices on domestic flights. A government news portal quoted Lai Xuan Thanh, director of the CAA, saying that airfare caps have been set in many countries around the world with the aim of ensuring competition among carriers and protecting customers rights. In Vietnam, the aviation industry has seen stiff competition among local and foreign airlines, so its time for a self-regulating market. However, Thanh didnt give a specific timeframe for the removal. Regarding concerns about collaboration between carriers to increase airfares, the director said: There will be provisions to control prices after the caps are lifted. The government will also intervene if carriers collude to raise prices. Last year, the CAA slashed the ceiling price on domestic flights by four percent. The maximum price remains unchanged at $165. Data from the CAA showed that Vietnams aviation sector recorded robust development with an on-year increase of 25 percent in passenger numbers in the first four months of 2016. The market is dominated by state-owned carrier Vietnam Airlines and private carrier VietJet Air. During the second calendar quarter, there were four corporate FCPA enforcement actions and eight individual resolutions (seven related to Direct Access Partners). There were also three guilty pleas by individuals. Akamai Technologies and Nortek Inc. received SEC non-prosecution agreements. They also received DOJ declinations under the new FCPA Pilot Program. Key Energy received the other declination during the quarter. The DOJ said in court filings that Biomet breached a 2012 deferred prosecution agreement. Heres the full report for the second quarter of 2016: DOJ / SEC Enforcement Resolutions Las Vegas Sands Corp. (April 7) paid the SEC a $9 million penalty to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by failing to properly authorize or document millions of dollars in payments to a consultant hired to help it do business in China and Macau. Iuri Rodolfo Bethancourt (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Bethancourt from violating securities laws. Benito Chinea (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Chinea from violating securities laws. He was ordered to pay $42.5 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. The disgorgement and prejudgment interest were deemed satisfied by forfeiture orders entered in parallel criminal cases. Tomas Alberto Clarke Bethancourt (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Clarke from violating securities laws. He was ordered to pay $42.5 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. The disgorgement and prejudgment interest were deemed satisfied by forfeiture orders entered in parallel criminal cases. Joseph DeMeneses (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined DeMeneses from violating securities laws. He was ordered to pay $42.5 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. The disgorgement and prejudgment interest were deemed satisfied by forfeiture orders entered in parallel criminal cases. Jose Alejandro Hurtado (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Hurtado from violating securities laws. He was ordered to pay $42.5 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. The disgorgement and prejudgment interest were deemed satisfied by forfeiture orders entered in parallel criminal cases. Ernesto Lujan (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Lujan from violating securities laws. He was ordered to pay $42.5 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest. The disgorgement and prejudgment interest were deemed satisfied by forfeiture orders entered in parallel criminal cases. Haydee Leticia Pabon (April 8) of Direct Access Partners settled SEC charges related to bribes paid to a former official of a Venezuelan state-owned bank. A court judgment permanently enjoined Pabon from violating securities laws. Akamai Technologies (June 7) agreed pursuant to an SEC non-prosecution agreement to pay about $652,000 in disgorgement and about $19,400 in interest to resolve FCPA offenses for bribes foreign subsidiaries paid to Chinese officials. Nortek Inc. (June 7) agreed pursuant to an SEC non-prosecution agreement to pay about $291,000 in disgorgement and about $30,000 in interest to resolve FCPA offenses for bribes foreign subsidiaries paid to Chinese officials. Analogic Corporation (June 21) and a foreign subsidiary paid $14.8 million to resolve FCPA offenses related to $20 million in improper payments in Russia and other countries. In a settlement with the SEC, Analogic paid $7.7 million in disgorgement and $3.8 million in prejudgment interest. Analogics Danish subsidiary, BK Medical ApS, entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ and agreed to pay a $3.4 million criminal penalty. Lars Frost (June 21), BK Medicals CFO from 2008 to 2011, paid the SEC a civil penalty of $20,000 to settle FCPA offenses. Guilty Pleas Dmitrij Harder (April 20), a Russian national living in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the FCPA by bribing an official at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Harder owned Chestnut Consulting Group Inc. Sentencing is set for July 21. He faces up to ten years in prison. Roberto Enrique Rincon Fernandez (June 16) of The Woodlands, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in Houston to bribing officials at Venezuelas state-owned energy company PDVSA to win work and speed up contract payments. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA, one count of violating the FCPA, and one count of making false statements on his 2010 federal income tax return. Sentencing is set for September 30. Moises Abraham Millan Escobar (June 16), of Katy, Texas, had his guilty plea unsealed. He entered the plea in January. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA by bribing PDVSA officials. Declinations Key Energy Services Inc. (April 28) said the Justice Department informed the company that it has closed its FCPA investigation and wont bring an enforcement action. Houston-based Key Energy said in 2014 it was investigating allegations of possible bribery involving its Mexico operations.The company also said on April 28 this year it is negotiating with the SEC enforcement division to settle the agencys investigation. Akamai Technologies (June 7) released a letter from the DOJ saying it wouldnt bring an enforcement action against the company. The declination was one of the first two the DOJ issued under its FCPA Pilot Program. Akamai also agreed pursuant to an SEC non-prosecution agreement to pay about $652,000 in disgorgement and about $19,400 in interest to resolve FCPA offenses for bribes foreign subsidiaries paid to Chinese officials. Nortek Inc. (June 7) released a letter from the DOJ saying it wouldnt bring an enforcement action against the company. The declination was one of the first two the DOJ issued under its FCPA Pilot Program. Nortek also agreed pursuant to an SEC non-prosecution agreement to pay about $291,000 in disgorgement and about $30,000 in interest to resolve FCPA offenses for bribes foreign subsidiaries paid to Chinese officials. DPA Breached Biomet (June 6) breached a 2012 deferred prosecution agreement based on conduct in Brazil and Mexico, according to a status report the DOJ filed in federal court on June 6. The filing also cited Biomets failure to maintain an effective FCPA compliance program. Biomet now Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. said earlier this year the three-year deferred prosecution agreement had been extended twice. * * * Our FCPA enforcement report for Q1 2016 is here. Our prior full-year enforcement reports are here: 2015 FCPA Enforcement Index 2014 FCPA Enforcement Index 2013 FCPA Enforcement Index 2012 FCPA Enforcement Index 2011 FCPA Enforcement Index 2010 FCPA Enforcement Index 2009 FCPA Enforcement Index 2008 FCPA Enforcement Index _______ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hell be the keynote speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016. Kate Hudson has shared a naked picture on Instagram. Kate Hudson's naked selfie (c) Instagram The 37-year-old actress has followed in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian West and Chrissy Teigen by baring all in a risque photo with no clothes on as a Throwback Thursday - just because she's "pretty happy" that it's almost the weekend. Alongside the picture, in which she can be seen posing with her back to the camera in dull lighting with one hand on her hip and the other in the air, she wrote: "#tbt #PrettyHappy #LOVE #AlmostFriday cred @darren_ankenman (sic)" The blonde beauty is proud of her body and has previously written a book about called 'Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body'. Talking about how important it is to be comfortable in your own skin, she previously said: "It's never too late to start that process of enjoying what it feels like to feel strong." The 'Almost Famous' star - who is the daughter of Hollywood veteran Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson - says she was taught how to embrace her body by her mother. She said: "My mom always celebrated the female body so she gave me confidence. I felt that when I started becoming a woman and getting my figure, it was celebrated." And she's previously admitted she prefers being naked because her family have always been comfortable with baring all. She said: "My family's always been a comfortably naked family, I'd much prefer being naked than clothed, I just find clothes restricting. When I get home I just want to be naked. "When you're a dancer, you're very comfortable with your body...and my mom was a dancer," Mark Rylance says he never imagined that he would be in a movie like The BFG. Mark Rylance Rylance's star has rocketed in the last eighteen months - thanks to an Oscar-winning performance in Bridge of Spies. Now Rylance is teaming with Steven Spielberg again for The BFG and they are going to work together on Ready Player One. Rylance was best known for his theatre work and says all this has taken him a little by surprise. Speaking to Collider about the new direction of his career, the actor said: "No, I didn't imagine I would be in films, at all. I'd made a lot of films in England and in Europe, but I didn't picture myself being in films like this. I certainly never pictured myself even attending the Academy Awards, much less winning at 56. "I was very happily settled into a theatre career. I did more than that, but I let all of my agents and people go. I said, 'I don't want to be promoted in film anymore. I have enough to do in the theatre, so I'm just going to carry on.' And then, all of this started to happen. It was Sean Penn first, really." The BFG will be Rylance's second collaboration with Spielberg and the British actor will take on the title role in the film, which is a mixture of live-action and special effects. Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Rebecca Hall, and Bill Hader are some of the other names on board while Melissa Mathison - who penned ET - has written the screenplay. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and is set to be one of the biggest films of the summer. As for Rylance, he has been filming Dunkirk with director Christopher Nolan - which also stars Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Kenneth Branagh - and is set to take on the role of James Donovan Halliday in Ready Player One. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Ernest Cline and is set for a 2018 release. The BFG is released 22nd July. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Welsh indie rockers HOMES will soon be dropping their new single 'Black Gold', so we caught up with them to find out a little bit more about the band, their plans, inspirations and more! HOMES For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound? We've been told we sound a bit like White Denim meets Spencer Davies Group and Tame Impala. But I'd prefer to let your listeners of Female First decide! What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far? We've definitely had the occasional one man and his dog gig, but you can't let that stuff get to you. You've got to stay positive regardless of the outcome in this industry. It's a difficult old business yes, but most importantly I think you need creative in the face of an industry that is constantly evolving and not be afraid to do things your own way. How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself? If you make incredible music and have a brilliant live show then making a name for yourself is so much easier. I think focusing on your craft should be paramount, as I don't think you can expect people to come and see your show if you haven't given considerable time and effort into being the best that you can at your art. People love being entertained! Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work? Well I grew up in remote Welsh countryside with not a lot to do, but write country-esque songs and jam a load. I used to jam in old bashed out barns with old speakers and made a lot of racket to pass the time. But I had a good creative boost when I moved to Islington when I was 18. Hanging in the dingy rock clubs of Camden and folk clubs of Chelsea. I became enamored by the eclecticism of sounds, styles and stereotypes at the time and it pushed me to be more progressive. If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why? If Jeff Lynnes got some time free I'd say him, but I still love being creative with my friends as I guess we know each others' musical habits quite well now. Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know. I once went to Greenman Festival a few years ago and was specifically excited to see Grizzly Bear. Decided that taking a disco nap in the early evening before seeing them and partying later was a great idea. Got up after what I thought was an hour of napping and got out the tent to realise it was the next morning and completely missed all the bands I wanted to see! Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career going ahead? Getting the music we make to resonate with the right people who dig what we do creatively. Also playing somewhere in California would be pretty sweet too if there's any bookers reading. HOMES will officially release their new single 'Black Gold' on July 29 via Outback Recordings. by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry at moving tribute to those who died in the Battle of Somme. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the memorial The royal trio attended a vigil at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in northern France yesterday (30.06.16) to mark 100 years since the deadly campaign and all three appeared emotional as they overlooked the battlefields. Prince William spoke to the assembled guests and said that the sacrifices of those who died would "never be forgotten". He said: "We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life. "It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation. Tonight we think of them as they nerved themselves for what lay ahead. "We acknowledge the failures of European governments, including our own, to prevent the catastrophe of world war." The address was written by Birdsong novelist Sebastian Faulks, and William highlighted the almost 60,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of July 11916, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. The battle lasted 141 days and claimed hundreds of thousands of British, French and German lives. Today (01.07.16), the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will travel to France to join Catherine, William and Harry to pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers who were killed. Vietnam is not the easiest place in the world to do business; it is ranked 93rd by the World Bank in its Doing Business 2016 report. The government is thus trying to make things a little easier by simplifying business licensing. Vietnamese lawmakers are reviewing 50 new draft decrees on business conditions after cutting many complex regulations and rules, said Minister and Chief of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at a press conference on Thursday. The revised decrees are set to come into effect the following day, on July 1, after a week long deliberation. Dung added that lawmakers will not simply bundle excessive licensing and regulations together and put them all into newly revised decrees. Changes introduced under the new decrees are expected to reduce existing bureaucracy. Business licensing should be considered an important step towards unleashing the potential for more start-ups and act as a key to unlocking investment climate reform, the government said. Policymakers are discussing changes to decrees and the legal interpretation of the Business and Investment Law. The aim is to liberate the private sector's potential and facilitate economic and social development, said Chief of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung. Photo by N.H. We are determined not to leave any holes in the legal system, cutting down on unjustifiable business conditions, scrapping business permits and putting an end to interest groups, said Minister Mai Tien Dung. However, many have expressed their concerns that the decrees may have been drafted too hastily, and as a result, many super-decrees may be born. The Vietnamese legal system employs a variety of legal documents including law, decrees, circulars, decisions and directives. These documents sometimes overlap each other. Related News: > No old wine in a new bottle: Vietnam's business law revolution > Improved business environment to stimulate private sector growth > New business laws have entrepreneurs flooding in Britain's Queen Elizabeth attended an overnight service to mark the 100 years since the Battle of the Somme. Queen Elizabeth's Somme tribute The 90-year-old monarch was joined by husband Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey yesterday evening (30.06.16) to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in one of the deadliest chapters of the First World War. The queen laid a wreath of roses on the grave of the Unknown Warrior before a bugler sounded the Last Post. An honour guard of soldiers and civilians were holding an overnight vigil at the grave, which ended just before 7.30 am, the time British troops were sent into battle on July 1 1916 in northern France. Almost 20,000 of them were killed in the first day of the four-month campaign, which took a million lives. The Right Reverend Dr Richard Chartres addressed the congregation, which also included Prime Minister David Cameron, and quoted the famous words of Irishman Thomas Kettle, who was killed at the Somme. He said: "'Used with the wisdom that is sown in tears and blood, this tragedy of Europe may be and must be the prologue to the two reconciliations of which all statesmen have dreamed; the reconciliation of Protestant Ulster with Ireland and the reconciliation of Ireland with Great Britain.' "Our prayer must be that with the wisdom sown in blood and tears we may be agents of the reconciliation which is God's will, reconciliation wherever we live or from wherever we come, rejecting those who would stir up hatred and division and instead working for the reconciliation that will ensure that our children will never have to endure what the men of the Somme so bravely endured." Senior members of Britain's Royal Family joined more than 10,000 people to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Prince Charles pays respect The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stood side-by-side with politicians - including Prime Mister David Cameron, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and French President Francois Hollande - at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France today (01.07.16) as they paid respect to all those who fought in the First World War. The memorial commemorates the 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave. The Battle of Somme lasted 141 days and claimed over a million of British, French and German lives, with almost 20,000 British soldiers being killed on the first day. Writing in the programme for Friday's commemoration in France, Prince Charles wrote that "their sacrifice and suffering will never be forgotten". He added: 'It is truly terrifying to imagine the destruction wrought across this landscape 100 years ago today. However, we now return to the battlefield in a spirit of reconciliation and respect. "We honour the men who served from across Britain and Ireland, the Commonwealth and from France. We remember, too, the men from Germany who fought and fell in this most futile of conflicts. Their perseverance and courage when faced with such a monumental challenge are truly humbling." The royal family have been attending events in France and in the UK over the past couple of days. At 7.30am this morning - the same the moment whistles were blown and some 120,000 men went "over the top" on the first day of the battle 100 years ago - people paid respect by observing two minutes' silence. It's Pamela Anderson's birthday today- so we take a look back at her work for animal rights after years of being vegan. Pamela Anderson One of Anderson's main areas of focus has been against the use of fur. In 1999 she was awarded with the first Linda McCartney Memorial Award for animal rights protectors to recognise her efforts in the campaign. In 2003, she stripped down for PETA's 'I'd rather go naked than wear fur' campaign. She also posed naked with other protestors in 2006 in a window display for Stella McCartney's boutique in London. She said she would take her clothes off if they raised enough money for PETA which they did. Andrerson also released a letter to back up PETA in their campaign against KFC; she said; "What KFC does to 750 million chickens each year is not civilized or acceptable." And later made a video exposing the treatment of the chickens used for the well-known brand. In 2006, she even asked that a bust of Colonel Sanders (the founder of KFC) be removed in exchange for her own bust- but it was refused. She then opted to boycott the Kentucky Derby as it supported KFC. In the same year, she campaigned to stop seal hunting and requested to speak with Prime Minister Stephen Harper about the annual seal hunt but her request was denied. Instead, she petitioned people on the street for their thoughts on the Canadian Seal Hunt. In 2009, she was photographed in a T-shirt that had a seal pup on it. This was also featured in a campaign for PETA. She was captured next to the headline 'Save the Seals'. The ad asked that people come together in an effort to stop 'Canada's annual seal slaughter'. Later she collaborated with PETA to target the juice maker POM and the company stopped testing on animals as a result. Happy Birthday Pamela! Source: IMDB by Lucy Moore for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Sushant Singh Rajput and KritiSanon picked up from where they had left, on the last schedule of Rabta in Budapest, when they met at a party at The TajMahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai last night. Like most movie star couples, the duo took an instant liking for each other while working on their new film Dinesh VijansRabta but are yet to know if their special friendship has the lasting power. They were delighted to see each other in the same room last night, and spent most part of the evening together, says an onlooker. Bye bye Budapest!! You've been a lovely home for the last 2.5 months!! You shall be missed!! #sentiwalifeeling @sushantsinghrajput #Raabta A photo posted by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Jun 11, 2016 at 4:44am PDT Another guest at the party adds, Theres no denying they are very comfortable with each other and enjoy each others company. Sushant who is usually reserved but he is totally open and happy with Kriti. Site Blocked In order to access website you need to accept our cookie policy. View cookie policy. Accept Based on salsa and Latin dance moves, Zumba is the ideal dance workout to help you shed calories fast and have a blast while doing it. Zumba makes for an excellent fitness choice for those who are looking out for feel -good vibes through a workout. Here are a few other benefits that will make you want to sign out of the gym and register for a Zumba class: Key moves Zumba is a full body workout, and the moves vary from fast merengue side shuffles to hip and ab movements, to a series of fast-paced jumps. The intensity of each class also varies in music and energy levels, which especially depends on the instructor. The played songs have an infectious rhythm, leading to classes filled with whoops and hollers. Physical benefits You will feel the burn in your core area, your legs, and even your glutes. The dance moves are also aimed to improve your flexibility. Specialised dance classes like Zumba Toning and Zumba Step incorporate weights to strengthen the arms and legs, respectively. Health benefits Aside from just burning fat, the high level of energy in this dance workout boosts good cholesterol and reduces the bad cholesterol. Youre also at a lesser risk of having heart problems. Calories burnt You burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories in an hour-long workout. Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts Trade and Industry body Assocham has warned that the risks to global economy and its spin off to India from Brexit are emerging out to be much larger than initially perceived.The risks make it imperative for the government to heighten the watch on the unfolding political-economic scenario in Europe, by setting up a high level monitoring group comprising inter-ministerial and agency representatives, it said in a status paper. Trade and Industry body Assocham has warned that the risks to global economy and its spin off to India from Brexit are emerging out to be much larger than initially perceived. The risks make it imperative for the government to heighten the watch on the unfolding political-economic scenario in Europe, by setting up a high level monitoring group # Given the increased global risks, it would be quite prudent for the government to announce successor of Dr Raghuram Rajan as the RBI Governor sooner than later, the chamber added.After a brain-storming assessment by its leadership based on the fast moving developments in EU headquarters in Brussels , UK, Germany, France and Italy after the Brexit vote of June 23, the Assocham has come out with a status paper , suggesting much greater watch on the situation, than just being complacent , taking solace from strong fundamentals of the Indian economy.The chamber has suggested formation of a high level monitoring group comprising senior officials of the ministries of Finance, Commerce, Information Technology and the Reserve Bank of India. Active involvement of Indian High Commission in London and missions in several European capital be sought in getting the real time information with a proper perspective from ground zero. Constant inputs should be sought from the Indian firms with bases in Britain and across Europe.The damage is not limited to the global economy and the stock market sentiment. The trouble lies in a widening political divide between Britain and the rest of the EU leadership on the one hand and then within UK, on the other. With this kind of charged up political environment, the damage to the world economy would be much more than just a few sectoral gains or losses, the Assocham paper highlighted.The paper analysed the situation well beyond the currency movement of the pound sterling and euro against dollar and the arbitrage impact on the Indian firms doing trade in Europe.There are clearly two big takeaways, as assessed by the Assocham top policy making leadership, from the Brexit. First, there would certainly be a damage to the market sentiment, leading to disruption in the investment flows alongside an impact on the currency valuations. Secondly, the way political relations evolve between the EU and the British leaders would be the key , because those would determine the terms of divorce. Any harsh and bitter outcome would be disastrous for the world trade and investment, it said.Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat who has been reaching out to the chamber's offices in London, Paris and Spain has said though the RBI has been doing professional job par excellence, extra-ordinary situation may emerge as different trading giants like China might tweak their currency valuation, making going tough for the Indian exports to the EU, India's largest trading partner.An eagle eye must be kept on China, he said. As it is, India's exports have slowed for more than 18 months in a row, and any rise from here would largely be on account of a very low base impact. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Attorney-General Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum held a consultation on laws covering refugee status and the application process for refugees with Regional Protection Officer, Mr. Rico Salcedo, of the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR). -ENDS- The talks covered areas of collaboration between Fiji and the UNHCR on a wide range of refugee related issues, and the UNHCR offered technical assistance to assist in strengthening Fijis internal mechanisms for handling the refugee application process.The AG said that the Office of the Attorney-General has a Unit dedicated to legal matters pertaining to climate change that is looking at the legal aspects of climate-displaced refugees, including many issues areas that fall outside of the traditional discourse on climate change matters.Fiji is exploring the wider implications of refugee movements around the globe, particularly those refugees fleeing the ravages of climate change. The number of climate displaced persons are projected to increase in the Pacific due to rising sea levels, and we are working to contribute to the development of an international legal framework that can accommodate and protect refugee populations in the region, he said. After working day and night, Deepika Padukone is on a much deserved break! She attended an awards ceremony in Madrid last week, where she won in the Best Actress category for her powerful performance in Piku. But instead of returning home from Madrid, Deepika Padukone went to the city of Berlin where she attended a concert by ColdPlay. Check out her stunning black and white picture below. 2015 definitely belonged to Deepika Padukone, as she gave stellar performances in movies like Piku, Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani.This year too, she will be working with top directors and is planning to sign some really good performance-oriented Bollywood films. The official announcement is yet to be made. Also Read: Love-struck! Deepika Padukone Spending Time With Boyfriend Ranveer Singh In Paris Rumour has it that, she will be working again with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh in the movie Padmawati. Also, many recent reports suggested that she is all set to play the lead role in Shahrukh Khan's Don 3. It is said that instead of Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar is keen to cast Deepika in the movie. Deepika Padukone has no Bollywood release this year, and when DNA asked her about the same, she said, ''For me, xXx is not different from any other movie I have done. Other than the fact it was shot abroad. In every other way, it's exactly an Indian movie.'' ''And it's okay. I will do something which I will do is right for me and my career. I didn't come across something that is exciting enough. Having said that, I have signed my next movie and start filming in September,'' she added. Sex workers in England and Wales should not face criminal charges for soliciting and brothels should be legalized, a British parliamentary group said on Friday, calling for local prostitution laws to be overhauled. Countries have been divided over the best way to deal with prostitution with some including Canada, Sweden and Norway introducing laws to punish the client without criminalizing those who have been driven into prostitution. Others like the Netherlands, Germany and New Zealand have legalized or decriminalized prostitution. "Treating soliciting as a criminal offence is having an adverse effect, and it is wrong that sex workers, who are predominantly women, should be penalized and stigmatized in this way," said the Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz. There are an estimated 72,800 sex workers in Britain, of which more than 40 percent operate in London, and up to 2.3 million clients, equal to 11 percent of British men aged between 16 and 74, the parliamentary committee said. It is legal to buy and sell sex in England and Wales, but related activities such as soliciting and kerb crawling whereby drivers cruise the streets for prostitutes, are illegal. Northern Ireland, which has the right to legislate separately on the matter, criminalized the purchase of sex last year in a move advocacy groups said would help stamp out sex trafficking. The Home Affairs Select Committee said it was not convinced by the effectiveness of the so-called "sex buyer law" in reducing demand and tackle crimes and exploitation associated with the sex industry - but would investigate the matter further. The committee also urged the government to legalize brothels saying sex workers would be better protected as a result of working together rather than alone. Vaz said the authorities should maintain a "zero tolerance" approach against forced prostitution and legal changes should not lessen their ability to prosecute criminal gangs involved in sexual exploitation. The report also called for previous convictions to be erased from sex workers' criminal records to improve their chances of leaving prostitution without the stigma attached to it. Pro-legalization campaigners welcomed the findings but urged further action. "There should be an immediate moratorium on arrests, raids and prosecutions," said Laura Watson, a spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes. Related news: > Malaysia uncovers immigration racket raising trafficking, security fears > Migrant crisis fuels sex trafficking of Nigerian girls to Europe > Trafficking of Vietnamese women for sex and marriage expands across region: expert We all know that Deepika Padukone is working with Vin Diesel in xXx: The Return Of The Xander Cage. Recently, the actress shared the experience of shooting with the famous Hollywood actor. Deepika Padukone said in a recent interview to HT, '' Everyone [on the sets] was fun, warm and welcoming - whether it was Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Ruby Rose or others. They were so excited about India and asked me about our country and our culture. They also talked about our movies. They are amazing people and are my good friends. We made the experience a lot of fun for each other.'' In the same interview, Deepika was asked that what made her take a leap of faith and try her hand at Hollywood. To which she said, ''In the creative world, things are a bit different. At a creative level, you are on a journey to explore various things.'' Also Read: Timeless Beauty! Enchanting Pictures Of Gauri Khan, The Woman Behind Shahrukh Khan's Success ''I also believe that today, the world is one. Also, cinema as a medium is so large that it is there for the entire world to see. Today, language is no more a barrier. There are so many ways to make movies accessible to the world. So, eventually, for me, it's about challenging myself. Most importantly, it is about having fun in whatever I do,'' she added. The rumour mills have been abuzz about the professional rivalry between Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. There were reports that all is not well between the two. At a recent event, when Priyanka Chopra was asked about the same, she told a news agency, ''I thought Deepika and I were friends. Ab competitor ban gayi? I didn't say anything. The way we were, we are still the same. Aapka nazariya badal raha hai." Check out some candid pictures of Deepika & Priyanka below Priyanka Chopra further added, ''You (media) said we are friends. Earlier, you all (media) used to write we are BFF (best friend forever) so how did this change, why and how it changed? I did not say it (equation) has changed, you said it has changed. I am clarifying that whatever was earlier it is same today also. Your perspective has changed and that shouldn't have happened." Also Read: Timeless Beauty! Enchanting Pictures Of Gauri Khan, The Woman Behind Shahrukh Khan's Success At the same event, Priyanka Chopra was asked that Deepika Padukone's team is trying to get Hollywood projects for her. To which Priyanka Chopra said, "Ask her team. My team is not trying. It doesn't make sense for me to answer about someone else. I don't pay attention to what others are doing.'' The rumours of the cold war between the ladies started when they attended the IIFA Awards 2016 in Madrid, Spain. According to the sources, the awkwardness between them was clearly visible when they both shared the stage at the IIFA Awards. Hmm...Bollywood beauties surely know how to be diplomatic! Watch Video here: Irrfan Khan, has created a controversy with his unwarranted comments on Muslims, Eid and fasting. The actor says that rather than fasting and slaughtering animals, one should introspect during the festival of Ramzan. As per a report in India Today, the Madaari star was quoted as saying, "Rather than fasting during Ramzan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered on the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We, Muslims, have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what we do? Take out (tajiya) processions." Irrfan Khan, also spoke out against Muslims for not condemning Islamic terror and says, "Why Muslims are silent against the issue of terrorism. People should also question the politicians over this issue." Sizzling Pics! Who Knew Ameesha Patel Would End Up Being Such A Stunning Woman However, Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, State Secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, says that Irrfan Khan is just trying to create controversy to promote his upcoming film, Madaari. "It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie." 12 Most Ridiculous Pictures Of Akshay Kumar From The 90s! Well, we're not sure if Irrfan Khan has made these statements just for the publicity of his upcoming film, Madaari, or he genuinely feels this way! Whatever it is, he surely has stirred something controversial and would stick with him for a long time. Madaari, starring Irrfan Khan is all set to hit the theatres on June 10, 2016. Finally! Shahrukh Khan Reacts To Salman Khan's 'Raped Woman' Comment! AirAsia India, as the official airline partner for Kabali, has unveiled its all new re-branded aircraft, with a livery dedicated to Rajinikanth-starrer. Bearing the image of the superstar from the movie, parts of the aircraft have been painted and stickered with the livery. The aircraft will be flying across the AirAsia India network of destinations spanning Bengaluru, New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Visakhapatnam and Kochi. The superstar's fans from across India can get to Bengaluru and fly to Chennai to watch the movie upon its release. i5 has planned a special flight from BLR-MAA to watch the first show of Kabali on the day of the movie release. Extending the Kabali fever, AirAsia India has launched a social media contest for fans to post their Kabali style video. The top 10 winners will get to watch the first show of Kabali on the day of release. Three other winners will stand a chance to fly to the locations where the movie was shot in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Amar Abrol, CEO of AirAsia India, said in a statement: "The 'Kabali' fever is getting hotter by the day with fans across the world riding in the Rajini wave! We are delighted to partner with one of the most awaited movies of the year and we are overwhelmed by the kind reception we've received from our guests and fans on the association." "This special plane is dedicated to Rajini fans across the globe! This is AirAsia's way of paying a tribute to the one and only superstar in the country." Speaking of the various promotions rolled out by AirAsia, Kalaipuli S. Thanu, Proprietor of V Creations, said: "It is the first time in the history of Indian cinema that an airline has dedicated an aircraft to a movie. Only a superstar like Rajinikanth demands such popularity and fame breaking barriers of age and geography." Also Read: Hariharan Condemns Technology In Music, Takes A Dig At Modern Singers! It has been three months that Rahul Raj Singh's girlfriend Pratyusha Banerjee committed suicide. The actor, who claimed that he had sleepless nights, was apparently spotted dancing with a woman at a Juhu based bar. The reports also claimed that the actor was not only seen drunk, but was even dirty dancing with that mysterious woman! But, Mr. Rahul has something else to say. He was quoted by a leading daily as saying, "I did go to the bar and met my friends at the gate. I never went inside. I chatted with them for a while and left. My friends were pursuing me to meet them; they want me to start living again. People circulating false stories should have pictures to support their claim." He further added, "I was not dancing, but even if I was, it is nobody's business. Some people are accusing me of pretending to be depressed. Let me clarify, my treatment just got over a week ago. I was not able to sleep for days after this incident. Now I can sleep after 2 am or 3 am." Rahul feels that he has been targeted unnecessarily. He said that he has to look at his expenses. So, he will have to meet people to continue his work. Recently, there was also news of Rahul planning to make a career in Bollywood! It was said that the actor has been 'meeting a lot of producers and pitching himself as a potential hero for their upcoming projects'. It was also said that the actor got a portfolio shot by photographer Vishal Sheth! Well, looks like the actor has really moved on! It has to be recalled that Rahul was accused of abetting the suicide of actress Pratyusha. Her parents have been trying their best to get justice for their daughter. They had recently launched an online petition seeking a probe into the case by CBI. Megastar Chiranjeevi, who had got a special 'welcome back' at CineMAA awards a few days ago, was also honoured with a memorable act at SIIMA Awards 2016, which took place in Singapore, last night. The two-day event began with the awards ceremony for Telugu and Kannada talents on 30th June and as a part of the event, Chiranjeevi was given a momentous surprise by all the celebrities at the event. This memorable selfie of who's who of Telugu and Kannada industries, taken while wishing the actor all the best for his comeback film, throws a light at the gala time the celebs had at the awards show. Apparently, a few celebs spoke about Megastar's journey at length, while Suhasini welcomed him back to films, by singing and dedicating a song to him, from their super hit film. totally chilled out ppl; loving this atmosphere here #SIIMA2016 pic.twitter.com/gBvOznqsWI Meera (@meerasayz) June 30, 2016 Megastar seeing his own AV superb feeling the crowd shouting star star megastar in a rhythm #SIIMA2016 pic.twitter.com/lSl9cVePjH Meera (@meerasayz) June 30, 2016 The actor thanked SIIMA and all the guests for the sweet gesture and shared his experiences in Singapore, talking about the Telugu audiences there and the warmth of the place. Mega Power Star Ram Charan was spotted along with his wife Upasana in Hyderabad airport, while returning from Kashmir, last night. The actor returned to the city after wrapping up the latest schedule of his next film, Dhruva, which is an official remake of Tamil super hit film Thani Oruvan. The team apparently had an amazing time during the schedule, where they managed to shoot a few important scenes and a song. Navdeep, who is playing one of the key roles in the film, was all praises for Ram Charan and said he is the best co-superstar, he has ever worked with. The statement is indeed huge as he had earlier shared screen with NTR in Badshah and with Allu Arjun in Aarya 2. "This man my dear friends is pure awesomeness!! Best cosuperstar ever! So glad to work with him", read a tweet from him. Meanwhile, Upasana has been to the sets of Dhruva to visit her husband on the last day of shoot and the duo returned home together. "Stole mr c's shades. Back from my 1 day visit to #Kashmir ! Amazing energy @shoot! Feels good to have him bk home ", read a post from her. It looks like the team is really rejoicing the process of making and Ram Charan has also been updating his fans from the sets with videos and pictures on a regular basis, like never before. What's up with the new-found energy Charan? HARTLEY BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/29/16 -- The Gitga'at First Nation is celebrating the federal government's decision today not to approve the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and to enact a moratorium on crude oil tankers on the North Coast of BC. The decision ends a more than decade-long struggle that pitted the Gitga'at and their allies against the energy giant in a David vs. Goliath battle that was waged in courtrooms, and in living rooms, for the hearts and minds of Canadians. "This is a final victory for the Gitga'at, our allies and all Canadians," said Arnold Clifton, Chief Councillor of the Gitga'at First Nation. "Defending our way of life and the Great Bear Rainforest from the danger of oil spills has been exhausting work, and yet it's a fight we would take-up tomorrow in a heartbeat. We look forward to putting Enbridge behind us and sitting down with government to begin implementing an oil tanker ban on the North Coast of BC." Today's decision was put in motion by a Federal Court of Appeal victory won by the Gitga'at and their allies this past summer that quashed the federal cabinet approval of the pipeline and required the Canadian government to either continue consultation with First Nations, or end the project. "We want to thank Prime Minister Trudeau and his cabinet for making the right decision. They have kept their promises to us," said Art Sterritt, Gitga'at Communications Lead. "Despite being on the front line and at ground zero in terms of potential impacts, our community has often felt ignored by the federal government. Today's decision makes us feel heard." Prime Minister Trudeau and Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould visited the Gitga'at community of Hartley Bay and the Great Bear Rainforest just before the last federal election to announce their opposition to the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline. Gitga'at territory encompasses approximately 7,500 square kilometres of land and water, including a major portion of Douglas Channel, which is the proposed route oil tankers would have travelled through to get to and from Kitimat. Contacts: Gitga'at First Nation Art Sterritt 604-868-9110 NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Avista Healthcare Public Acquisition Corp. (the "Company"), a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 30,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market and trade under the ticker symbol "AHPAU" beginning October 11, 2016. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one warrant to purchase one-half of one Class A common share. Two warrants may be exercised for one whole Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbols "AHPA" and "AHPAW," respectively. Credit Suisse is serving as the sole book-running manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,500,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus may be obtained from Credit Suisse, Prospectus Department, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010; Telephone: (800) 221-1037; email: newyork.prospectus@credit-suisse.com. A registration statement relating to the securities was declared effective by the SEC on October 7, 2016. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Copies are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Media Contact: Daniel Yunger and Kathleen Pierre, KEKST Email: Daniel.Yunger@kekst.com, Kathleen.Pierre@kekst.com SOURCE Avista Healthcare Public Acquisition Corp. The World Bank has pleged to help finance Vietnam's education reform with $95 million to teachers and school principals. The World Bank program will benefit more than 600,000 general education teachers and principals, which is nearly 80 percent of the total number in the country. Teachers and principals will receive customized training and support through enhanced school-based courses and an internet-based support network. Vietnam has achieved universal primary education, created better learning conditions in schools, and made considerable progress in expanding the education network, said Achim Fock, acting country director for the World Bank in Vietnam. The country is now positioning its education system to provide the population with skills and competencies needed for greater value in tomorrows economy. With this program, we are proud to support Vietnam with addressing this next frontier of education development in Vietnam, he added. The learning management system will not only facilitate distance learning, but also serve as a portal to a large resource library, a social media platform for teachers and principals, web-based classroom observation and help desks. The World Bank will help establish a cadre of more than 28,000 core teachers and 4,000 principal advisors who will work in schools and provide customized support and training to staff. Placing these experts in schools to provide direct support to teachers and principals reflects international best practice. Ethnic minority and female teachers and principals will be encouraged to become core teachers and principal advisors. A number of leading teacher training universities will be selected to train and support core teachers and principals, conduct applied research, and evaluate teachers' needs and the impact of professional development interventions. The program will be financed with a $95 million loan from the International Development Association, the World Bank Groups concessional lending source for low-income countries. Related news: > World Bank to lend Vietnam $90 million to cope with climate change > Vietnam to borrow $100 million from World Bank to improve teacher training > World Bank gives deaf children a voice in Vietnam VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/30/16 -- Lupaka Gold Corp. ("Lupaka Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: LPK)(FRANKFURT: LQP) is pleased to announce that it has closed the Bridge Loan Financing (the "Loan") previously announced on July 15, 2016, for the full $750,000. Commented Gordon Ellis, President and CEO, "The Company is pleased that it has reached its bridge loan target of $750,000 with the assistance of Red Cloud KS." Mr. Ellis further commented "This financing will allow us to take care of time-sensitive obligations related to the development of the Invicta Gold Project." The Company has entered into loan agreements for an aggregate of C$750,000 with a group of third-party individuals and Gordon Ellis (CEO), Darryl Jones (CFO), and Stephen Silbernagel (Director), who are Company Insiders (collectively, the "Lenders"). The Company will pay Finders' fees in cash to Red Cloud KS in connection with third-party investors. Pursuant to the closing of the Loan, the Company has agreed to issue to the Lenders an aggregate of 3,750,000 non-transferrable warrants, such number being equal to the amount of the Loan divided by $0.20. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.20 per share for a period of two years following the Closing Date. The warrants and any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period under Canadian securities laws expiring four months and a day after the Closing Date. The completion of the Loan and issuance of the warrants is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The proceeds will be used for the payment of concession fees and trade payables in connection with the advancement of the Company's mineral properties and for general working capital purposes. The Loan is unsecured and will bear simple interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum, calculated and payable semi-annually with the first interest payment due on December 31, 2016 and each subsequent payment due each six months thereafter. The Loan and accrued and unpaid interest shall be repaid in full on or before the date that is two years after the Closing Date. Gordon Ellis, Darryl Jones and Stephen Silbernagel are directors and officers of the Company and their participation in the Loan is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The transaction will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves such persons, will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this news release. About Red Cloud Klondike Strike Inc. Red Cloud KS is a 'new concept' capital markets advisory firm dedicated solely to the mining sector. The Red Cloud KS team uses its global network of capital markets specialists and extensive experience in the many facets of the business to help companies identify alternative sources of capital and quality actionable growth/divestiture opportunities, and to generate and maintain important relationships with key investors. Red Cloud KS recently launched the world's first regulated equity crowd funding platform for mining. The signature online investment platform offers a unique alternative method of accessing capital as it enables accredited investors to directly participate in security offerings, and provides issuers the access to a fresh pool of investors in a streamlined, secure, online process. Red Cloud KS is registered as an Exempt Market Dealer in all provinces of Canada, as well as the Yukon, and is subject to applicable securities regulations. Cautionary Note Regarding the Invicta Production Decision The decision to commence production at the Invicta Gold Project and the Company's plans for a mining operation as referenced herein (the "Production Decision and Plans") were based on economic models prepared by the Company in conjunction with management's knowledge of the property and the existing preliminary estimate of measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources on the property. The Production Decision and Plans were not based on a preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility study or a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the Production Decision and Plans, in particular the risk that mineral grades will be lower than expected, the risk that construction or ongoing mining operations are more difficult or more expensive than expected, the risk that the Company will not be able to transport or sell the mineralized rock it produces to local custom toll mills on the terms it expects, or at all; production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a detailed economic and technical analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101. Forward Looking Information and Regulatory Endnotes Certain disclosures in this release, including statements regarding the Company's intention to complete the Loan financing and the use of proceeds from such financing as well as the Company's mineral resources estimates constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company is able to obtain regulatory approval of the financing and is otherwise able to complete the financing. The Company's assumptions with respect to mineral resource estimates include all of the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based, as described in the applicable technical report referred to in this news release. However, the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and risks include, among others, financing risks, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, inability to complete the Loan, that mineral resources are not as estimated and unexpected variations in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates as well as the risks described in the Company's annual information form, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contacts: Lupaka Gold Corp. Investor Relations +1 (604) 681-5900 www.lupakagold.com EPS, "Styrofoam," is widely used as an insulation material. Heinosky has taken this material and added fire-retardant and thermosetting properties to create a product that doesn't catch fire easily or become deformed when exposed to high temperatures. However, what has made it particularly attractive to advanced countries is the fact that it is made using eco-friendly materials. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006448/en/ Heinosky's EPS insulation board being subjected to a fire-retardancy test (Heinosky) CEO Lee Seung-hee said, "Since speaking with President Park Geun-hye at the 'Conversation with Global Players' event last March at the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy Innovation, we have received numerous orders from countries. If our plant in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, is able to begin operations in June, we will begin supplying EPS insulation boards to France and Korea in the second half of this year." The company is planning to begin selling its insulation products to the United States next year. The fire-retardant, thermosetting, and eco-friendly properties of Heinosky's EPS insulation board are the result of the company's use of superior materials, manufacturing equipment, and finishing process. In particular, the foam is made using non-toxic, inorganic additives such as bromine, and the use of hazardous materials, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, has been minimized, with all quantities kept far below the maximum allowances. Also, the company uses some of the world's best manufacturing equipment, all finished products leaving the plant only after an ageing period of at least four to six weeks. In order to ensure the highest quality over the long term, manufacturers must allow for a sufficient ageing period, but most fail to do so due to delivery deadlines or storage space limitations, said CEO Lee. Currently, Heinosky's EPS insulation boards are widely used for exterior insulation for buildings, sandwich panels, insulated interior wall panels, fire doors, and firewalls, and the product has already been used in buildings in Busan and Incheon. Currently, Heinosky is collaborating with subsidiaries of KT, and the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy Innovation is assisting with its exploration of global markets. CEO Lee said, "As the demand for safe, energy-efficient construction materials continues to rise, fire retardancy has become essential, and through continued research and development, we will meet such demand by producing higher-quality products." View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006448/en/ Contacts: Heinosky Korea Inc. Seung-hee Lee, +82-10-4079-0328 CEO heinoskykorea@heinoskykorea.com The company's website: www.heinoskykorea.com SAN FRANCISCO (dpa-AFX) - A federal appeals court panel threw out a $7.25 billion antitrust settlement between Visa Inc. (V) and MasterCard Inc. (MA) and millions of retailers after determining that some of the merchants covered by the pact weren't adequately represented. The ruling is a blow to the world's biggest payments networks, which sought an end to bitter court battles over fees that exceed $40 billion annually. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of 12 million merchants nationwide, was filed a decade ago after earlier disputes over the fees. The rejection of the deal raises the prospect that it will have to be renegotiated or the case may go to trial. The settlement thrown out had been struck in 2012 and approved by a court in 2013. Visa and MasterCard originally agreed to pay merchants $7.25 billion, although the total was later reduced to about $5.7 billion as many dropped out. The pact also allowed retailers to charge customers more for using credit cards than other forms of payment. 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. SYDNEY, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Equitable Financial Solutions (EFSOL), Australia's largest, international Islamic finance company, headquartered in Sydney, is today pleased to announce the establishment of its Dubai office at Emirates Towers, Shaykh Zayed Road. EFSOL is actively pursuing its Middle-East expansion strategy, following the successful establishment of its ASEAN office based in Singapore, last April 2016. Due to its strategic location as a major financial and regional centre, Dubai will provide Middle-eastern and South-Asian based sophisticated investors access to lucrative Australian investment products offered by EFSOL. "We have not seen any competitive Australian Shariah-compliant investment products available in the global market. EFSOL is looking to change that", said John Isaacs, Director. "After years of working diligently towards our vision of creating accessible Shariah-compliant financial solutions for all Australians, Dubai's new office will allow us to boost our financial products' offerings in key areas of Islamic finance, that align with our current and future growth plans. This new Dubai office will give investors access to our superior products and returns. As an international company of international standards, we will exceed the expectations of our Middle-Eastern investors" stated Usman Siddiqui, Managing Director of EFSOL. Hisham Fakhir, Director of Funds Management at EFSOL shared that, "Our team is really excited about the growth we are experiencing at the moment and this move represents a commitment to continue to build on the success our team has accomplished in the last 5 years. We're excited to take our distinctive investment programs into a dynamic and diversified economy like Dubai. We are only just getting started," added Hisham. "Our reputation is growing and Dubai will take EFSOL to higher levels of success," said Souhaib El Zoobi, Marketing Manager at EFSOL. The company Board has been focusing on expansion in the last few months. As Usman highlighted, "We are extremely confident and excited about our future and believe that we are well placed with a dynamic, highly-motivated team and a conducive economic environment to exploit new growth opportunities. EFSOL was established in 2011 with a commitment to ethical, innovative and Islamically-compliant financial services. The company's visionary Board and committed management team have continued to successfully deliver outstanding customer service coupled with innovative products. For more info please visit www.efsol.com.au. Contact Author Souhaib El Zoobi Equitable Financial Solutions +61 499 712 315 +971 4 319 7640 Souhaib@efsol.com.au WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. auto safety regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into about 25,000 Tesla Motors Inc.'s (TSLA) Model S cars after a driver of one of the vehicles was killed while operating the vehicle in 'Autopilot' mode. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA said that a fatal highway crash involving a 2015 Tesla Model S operating with automated driving systems engaged 'calls for an examination of the design and performance of any driving aids in use at the time of the crash.' Meanwhile, Tesla said in a blog post, 'This is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles where Autopilot was activated'. Among all vehicles in the U.S., there is a fatality every 94 million miles. Tesla noted that the NHTSA action is simply a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the system worked according to expectations. The company added that following its standard practice, it informed the NHTSA about the incident immediately after it occurred. According to the company, the vehicle involved in the fatal crash was on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S. 'Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S,' Tesla said. Further, the company said it disables Autopilot by default and that customers are required to give explicit acknowledgement that the autopilot system is new technology and is still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled. According to Tesla, when drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot is an assist feature that requires the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel at all times and that they also need to maintain control and responsibility for their vehicle while using it. The company said it was saddened by the death of the customer and extended its deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Athens Exchange Group, Firmaprofesional, IDNow, Intesa IBM, QuickSign and Swisscom join the DocuSign Global Trust Network SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON and PARIS and FRANKFURT, Germany and AMSTERDAM, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the EU enacted new measures to ensure that electronic signatures are enforced universally across all member states under the eIDAS regulation today, DocuSign - the global eSignature and Digital Transaction Management (DTM) leader - issued a call for companies to join its new Trust Service Provider (TSP) partner program. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151102/283113LOGO The news follows DocuSign's launch of its Standards Based Signature suite, a new core part of its DTM platform, a month ago. It means that companies across the EU can work with DocuSign and their preferred local Certificate Authority (CA) or TSP today when implementing eIDAS-compliant eSignature and DTM solutions. And it is part of DocuSign's multi-million dollar 'Invest for Europe' initiative unveiled at DocuSign MOMENTUM '16 London in June. This initiative is what DocuSign Chairman and CEO Keith Krach recently referred to as the boldest in the company's history. "Itencompassedtwo years of technology breakthroughs, extensive platformdevelopment, three globalacquisitions, and data centres inAmsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris," he said. "DocuSign's investment inEuropeseems perfectly timed for the new regulation taking effect in July," saidPaul Achleitner, chairman ofDeutsche Bank and board member of Daimler and Bayer."The combination of this new regulation change and the expansion of the DocuSign Global Trust Network will facilitateEurope's digital transformation." From 1 July, the eIDAS regulation will simplify and standardise eSignatures laws across the EU, and will set clear standards for digital signature technology and electronic identification - all helping to support and promote the EU's vision of a Digital Single Market. With this in mind, the TSP program brings companies that specialise in electronic ID and digital certificate management services into a European ecosystem to provide the full range of eIDAS-defined signature types through the DocuSign platform - including electronic, advanced and qualified signtuares. "Business is global, trust is local," says Mark Register, the senior vice-president of business development at DocuSign. "The local Trust Service Providers and Certificate Authorities are essential to enabling the DocuSign Global Trust Network. These partners are able to benefit from the best of both worlds. They gain exposure to more customers and they are able to offer the capabilities of the DocuSign DTM platform." Since the program launched at DocuSign MOMENTUM '16 London on 7 June, several organisations are already on board - including Athens Exchange Group (Greece), Firmaprofesional (Spain), IDNow (Germany), Intesa IBM (Italy), QuickSign (France) and Swisscom. This is just the start though, and DocuSign anticipates rolling many new partners into the TSP program in the coming months. "From customer and partner meetings, as well as our Advisory Council meetings and DocuSign MOMENTUM events, we continue to hear about the importance of mobility, the cloud, identity services and overall ease of use as key factors of eIDAS compliance," said Register. "We agree. That's why we've been working on this for more than two years - and the result is a platform that encompasses all signature needs within our Standards-Based Signature suite." The offering includes a comprehensive mobile signing solution; a rich Digital Transaction Management platform with cloud-based signatures that comply with all levels of the eIDAS regulation; a hybrid cloud offering to give customers the choice of deployment models; native API integration with the most popular cloud-based productivity solutions customers already use in the businesses everyday [like Salesforce, SAP and Office365]; and the ability to add their preferred local identity and trust services through the TSP program. "It's exciting to see the enthusiasm around the TSP program in such a short amount of time," said Register. " We are honored to team with these TSP partners - they will be a catalyst for accelerating Europe's digital transformation." Interested Certificate Authorities and Trust Service Providers should visit www.docusign.com. Contact: Adrian Wainwright DocuSign media@docusign.com About DocuSign, Inc. DocuSign is changing how business gets done by empowering anyone to send, sign and manage documents anytime, anywhere, on any device with trust and confidence. DocuSign and Go to keep life and business moving forward.For more information, visit www.docusign.com, call +1-877-720-2040, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Also visit www.docusign.co.uk or call +44 203 714 4800, www.docusign.fr or call +33 (0) 975 181 331, www.docusign.de or call +49 800 186 08 56. Copyright 2003-2016. DocuSign, Inc. is the owner of DOCUSIGN and all of its other marks (www.docusign.com/IP). All other marks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. Regualtory News: Skanska has signed a contract with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for the rebuild of a phase of E16 in Norway. The contract is worth NOK 735M, about SEK 730M, which will be included in the order bookings for Skanska Norway for the second quarter 2016. The project comprises construction of new road and widening of existing road to two fields, 8.5 meters wide, on an approximately 11-kilometer stretch between Bagn and Bjrgo. The project includes a 4.3 kilometer tunnel, a 150 meter long bridge, several smaller bridges, underpasses and a junction. Construction will start in August 2016 and the project will be completed before December 2019. Skanska Norway focuses on construction and civil engineering operations. The unit has approximately 4,000 employees. In 2015, Skanska Norway reported revenue of about SEK 12 billion. In Norway, Skanska is also active in development of residential, commercial properties and public private partnerships (PPP) projects. This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com Skanska AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Market Act. Skanska is one of the world's leading construction and project development companies, focused on selected home markets in the Nordic region, other European countries and North America. Supported by global trends in urbanization and demographics, and by being at the forefront in sustainability, Skanska offers competitive solutions for both simple and the most complex assignments, helping to build a sustainable future for customers and communities. The Group currently has 43,100 employees in selected home markets in Europe and North America. Skanska's sales in 2015 totaled SEK 155 billion. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006467/en/ Contacts: Skanska Norway Pal P Syse, Communications Director tel +47 98 21 00 01 or Skanska AB Andreas Joons, Press Officer tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 or Direct line for media tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Antipodean currencies such as the Australian and the New Zealand dollars continued to be strong against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Friday amid improved risk appetite as stocks continued to rebound from the sell-off in reaction to the shock Brexit vote. Optimism about more stimulus from central banks, including the Bank of England, lifted investor sentiment. Overnight in a public speech, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney hinted at providing further stimulus following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. Meanwhile, crude oil price rose on bullish price expectations, premised on a tighter market. Crude oil for August delivery are currently up $0.30 to $48.63 a barrel. In other economic news, data from the Australian Industry Group showed that the manufacturing sector in Australia continued to expand in June, and at an accelerated pace, with a Performance of Manufacturing Index score of 51.8. That's up from 51.0 in May. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the manufacturing sector in China was steady in June, with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.0. That was in line with expectations, and down slightly from 50.1 in May. The bureau also said that the non-manufacturing PMI came in with a score of 53.7, up from 53.1 in the previous month. Data from Caixin showed that the manufacturing sector in China contracted for the 16th straight month in June, with a manufacturing PMI score of 48.6. That was well shy of forecasts for 49.2, which would have been unchanged from the May reading. Thursday, the Australian and the New Zealand dollars rose against their major rivals. The aussie rose 0.21 percent against the U.S. dollar, 0.48 percent against the yen and 0.16 percent against the euro. The kiwi rose 0.02 percent against the U.S. dollar, 0.62 percent against the yen and 0.49 percent against the euro. In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar rose to 76.82 against the yen, from an early low of 76.54. The aussie may test resistance around the 82.00 area. Against the U.S. dollar, the euro and the Canadian dollar, the aussie edged up to 0.7468, 1.4860 and 0.9671 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7450, 1.4901 and 0.9625, respectively. If the aussie extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 0.77 against the greenback, 1.45 against the euro and 0.99 against the loonie. The NZ dollar rose to a 1-week high of 0.7157 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 0.7129. The kiwi may test resistance near the 0.73 area. Against the euro and the yen, the kiwi edged up to 1.5505 and 73.63 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.5557 and 73.55, respectively. If the kiwi extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.54 against the euro and 78.00 against the yen. The kiwi edged up to 1.0429 against the Australian dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 1.0437. This may be compared to an early 1-week high of 1.0422. On the upside, 1.03 is seen as the next resistance level for the kiwi. Looking ahead, Swiss retail sales data for May, PMI reports from major European economies for June and Eurozone unemployment rate for May are due to be released later in the day. At 3:15 am ET, European Central Bank board member Benoit Coeure participates in a round table discussion on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Paris Club. At 4:30 am ET, Austrian central bank releases its financial stability report, followed by Governor and European Central Bank board member Ewald Nowotny's press conference in Vienna. At 6:00 am ET, European Central Bank Chief Economist Peter Praet is expected to speak at Financial Times 'Festival of Finance' in London. Later, Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane will also talk about 'cashless society' in the same venue. In the New York session, final U.S. manufacturing PMI for June, construction spending data for May and U.S. Baker Hughes weekly rig count data are slated for release. At 11:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester is expected to speak on the economic outlook and monetary policy before the European Economics Financial Centre Distinguished Speakers Seminar in London. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de BALLERUP, Denmark, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LEO Pharma is a significant step closer to realising its vision of becoming the preferred dermatology care partner following a strategic partnership with AstraZeneca announced today. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130221/595427 ) The partnership covers potential new medicines for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, two of the world's major skin diseases where a significant unmet medical need remains. With the partnership, LEO Pharma enters into biological medicines within dermatology and expects to significantly expand the company's future treatment offering. The deal is expected to secure an entirely new foothold in the dermatology market for LEO Pharma, a global healthcare company dedicated to helping people achieve healthy skin. "LEO Pharma has secured a unique position to help people with skin diseases as a result of our strategic partnership with AstraZeneca, a global healthcare company at the forefront of science-led innovation. By expanding our portfolio to include both biologics and topicals, LEO Pharma is set to become the world dermatology leader - offering the most diverse range of treatment solutions to meet the individual needs of people with skin diseases," says Gitte Aabo, President and CEO, LEO Pharma. In the partnership with AstraZeneca, LEO Pharma acquires the global licence to tralokinumab in skin diseases and the exclusive licence to brodalumab in Europe. Tralokinumab is a potential new medicine, an anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody, that has completed a Phase IIb study for the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. Brodalumab is an IL-17 receptor monoclonal antibody under regulatory review for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Under the terms of the agreement, LEO Pharma will make an upfront payment to AstraZeneca of $115 million for the exclusive, global rights to tralokinumab in atopic dermatitis and any future additional dermatology indications. LEO Pharma will also pay AstraZeneca up to $1 billion in commercially-related milestones and up to mid-teen tiered percentage royalties on Product Sales. AstraZeneca will manufacture and supply tralokinumab to LEO Pharma. AstraZeneca will retain all rights to tralokinumab in respiratory disease and any other indications outside of dermatology. Luke Miels, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Portfolio Strategy, AstraZeneca, said: "This agreement allows us to concentrate our efforts on tralokinumab's potential for patients with severe asthma, a priority area for AstraZeneca, while benefitting from LEO Pharma's expertise in dermatology for the continued development and commercialisation of tralokinumab in atopic dermatitis and other dermatology conditions." Tralokinumab completed a Phase IIb trial in atopic dermatitis in Q1 2016. Top-line results from the trial showed that at week 12, a statistically significant improvement from baseline in EASI score (Eczema Area and Severity Index) was observed in the two highest tralokinumab dosage arms tested compared to the placebo arm.[1] Significant improvements in DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) were also observed.[1] Brodalumab is supported by data from the three AMAGINE Phase III pivotal studies. The results highlight that brodalumab's mechanism of action delivers clinical benefit and could help a significant number of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients achieve total clearance of their skin disease.[2] Brodalumab has been submitted for regulatory approval in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Europe and an EMA decision is anticipated no later than Q1 2017. The agreement with LEO Pharma for tralokinumab is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2016. The agreement for brodalumab became effective at signing and LEO Pharma's payments to AstraZeneca are not disclosed and are in line with the arrangement with the previous licence holder for Europe. Additionally, Amgen will continue to receive a low single-digit inventor royalty in relation to brodalumab. LEO Pharma is currently the world leader in topical psoriasis treatment and has significantly expanded its portfolio over recent years to cover several dermatology indications. NOTES TO EDITORS About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - oncology; respiratory and autoimmunity; and cardiovascular and metabolic disease. We are also active in infection, neuroscience and inflammatory diseases through collaborations with others. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: http://www.astrazeneca.com About LEO Pharma LEO Pharma helps people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 100 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, the healthcare company has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions. LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark and employs around 5,000 people worldwide. Visit us at: http://www.leo-pharma.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel:http://www.youtube.com/leopharmaglobal Follow us on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/leohealthyskin Visit us at LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/company/leo-pharma References [1] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02347176 [2] Lebwohl M. et al. N Engl J Med. 2015 Oct;373(14):1318-28 LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. (VRX, VRX.TO) announced that its affiliate and AstraZeneca (AZN, AZN.L) have amended Valeant's license for brodalumab, an IL-17 receptor monoclonal antibody under regulatory review for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, to terminate Valeant's right to develop and commercialize brodalumab in Europe. In August 2015, AstraZeneca and Valeant entered into an agreement granting Valeant an exclusive license to develop and commercialize brodalumab globally, other than in Japan and certain other Asian countries. As per the terms of the amended agreement, Valeant will continue to hold the license to develop and commercialize brodalumab in the U.S, as well as the remainder of the territory outside of Europe. As consideration for the termination of the European rights, AstraZeneca will pay to Valeant an upfront payment and certain sales-based milestone payments and, in addition, one of the pre-launch milestones payable by Valeant to AstraZeneca under the original license has been reduced. With the termination of Valeant's licensing rights to brodalumab in Europe, AstraZeneca has entered into an agreement granting LEO Pharma the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize brodalumab in Europe. LEO Pharma will gain the European rights to brodalumab under similar terms to those agreed with Valeant. Additionally, Amgen will continue to receive a low single-digit inventor royalty. Brodalumab is an IL-17 receptor monoclonal antibody under regulatory review for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (a skin disease that causes red patches of skin covered with silvery scales) and in development for psoriatic arthritis (inflammation of the joints associated with psoriasis). AstraZeneca separately said that it has entered into agreements that support its strategic focus on three main therapy areas; Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease and Oncology. The agreements include two of AstraZeneca's potential new medicines for dermatitis and psoriasis, allowing the Company to further simplify and sharpen focus on innovative new medicines in the main therapy areas. AstraZeneca has entered into an agreement with LEO Pharma A/S, a specialist in dermatology care, for the global licence to tralokinumab in skin diseases. As per the terms of the agreement, LEO Pharma will make an upfront payment to AstraZeneca of $115 million for the exclusive, global rights to tralokinumab in atopic dermatitis and any future additional dermatology indications. LEO Pharma will also pay AstraZeneca up to $1 billion in commercially-related milestones and up to mid-teen tiered percentage royalties on Product Sales. AstraZeneca will manufacture and supply tralokinumab to LEO Pharma. Tralokinumab is also in Phase III development for patients with severe asthma. AstraZeneca will retain all rights to tralokinumab in respiratory disease and any other indications outside of dermatology. The agreement with LEO Pharma for tralokinumab is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2016. The agreements with Valeant and LEO Pharma for brodalumab became effective at signing and incremental payments received from LEO Pharma will be reported as Externalisation Revenue, in line with the prior arrangement. AstraZeneca noted that the agreements do not impact AstraZeneca's financial guidance for 2016. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The clock is ticking for high school seniors in Vietnam as they enter the last big test: the infamous college entrance exam. Admit it, studying alone will not get you a place at your dream school. But fear not, we Vietnamese students have plenty of ways to get lucky. 1. No egg, so do not beg for it When you look at an egg, what do you think of? You bet, it looks like zero, the number. In Vietnam, students do not eat eggs prior and during their exam period for fear of receiving a 0. There is an old Vietnamese idiom that says: praying pays, avoiding pays. Its better to watch out than regret. My parents did not let me eat any eggs weeks before my exams, no sunny-side up, no scrambled, not even boiled egg because they think that eating eggs would result in bad grades. I missed those omelet sandwiches in the morning, Phuong, reminisced about her revision time five years ago. 2. Red beans, if you can, please have them for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner and supper Van, a former French major, still has goose bumps reflecting of the time when he had to deal with the red bean problem. Imagine yourself drinking red beans smoothie for breakfast, occasionally having red bean sticky rice for lunch and red bean cake as dessert. Glad I made it to my school of choice. Otherwise, I would have to go through that one more time, he laughed in tears. As the main ingredient of many Vietnamese desserts, red bean is undisputedly tasty. But having your mom sneaking around trying to put it inside all the dishes she could is not something so pleasant. As the name suggests, red bean is red, the lucky color in many Asian cultures. Vietnam is not an exception. Eating red bean is believed to bring good fortune to you, meanwhile eating black bean is widely avoided because the color is equated with bad luck. 3. Squid and banana? How about no and no Squid use their black ink to blind predators. And as you might guess, parents and students want their future to be bright and shiny. So surely, eating squid would be something to put in the No list. But why banana? Benefits of this yellow fruit are undisputable. But no matter how healthy it is, bananas skin is slippery. Eating a banana before an exam is believed to make students trip on their way to college. 4. Which foot should I set out first? On the day of the exam, students do not simply leave the house as they normally do. There are tons of things they need to pay attention to before they go the door. The right foot has to be the first one to step outside, so that the students would get the answers right. If you are taking an exam, you have to leave before the 30th minute, say 1:27 p.m., leaving after that is considered bad luck. Rumor has it that if the first person you see outside is a woman, you should be careful because women are said to carry a heavy spirit that would drag you down. HIMA replaces several legacy systems with a modern ERP solution from IFS for enhanced production planning, logistics and financial management Regulatory News: IFS (http://www.ifsworld.com/), the global enterprise applications company, announces that HIMA (http://www.hima.com/), the world's leading independent provider of solutions for safety-critical applications, will implement IFS Applications 9 (http://www.ifsworld.com/corp/solutions/ifs-applications/) as its central enterprise resource management (ERP) system to improve and streamline its complex global business processes. The contract includes licenses and services worth approximately 3.1 million euros. The global HIMA Group is the technology leader and solutions provider for functional safety applications in the process industry, rail industry and machine and plant engineering. The company was founded in 1908 and operates from over 50 locations worldwide with its own service and sales centers and experienced representatives in all of the key industrialized regions of the world. The international business of HIMA created a need for an integrated IT solution that could facilitate effective management of its multi-national, multi-company, multi-branch and multi-currency operations. The company looked for a new ERP solution that could replace its stand-alone legacy systems and offer comprehensive support for its mission-critical business processes. After evaluating different ERP systems, HIMA chose IFS Applications 9 as its enterprise-wide ERP system. The IFS solution met the functional requirements of the company and also provides the best support for its multi-branch and multi-company operations in several languages and for business transactions in different currencies. When fully deployed, IFS Applications will cover HIMA's entire value chain, from production planning, manufacturing, and logistics to maintenance, financials, HR, service and quality management. HIMA's IT infrastructure was running with a number of disparate systems. As a result, a lot of time was spent inputting data into multiple systems and also for matching and consolidating. Now with the centralized solution from IFS, processes will be more efficient and productive especially thanks to an easy-to-view summary of key business data via the IFS Lobby, a key feature of IFS Applications 9. "We were looking for a global solution with deep functionality specific to the industries we serve, and we found that with IFS Applications 9," said Stefan Hintenlang, Vice President Operations at HIMA. "The ERP system will help us get better visibility of key business processes and accommodate our needs in the future." Peter Hohne, Vice President Sales Marketing, IFS Europe Central added "IFS Applications 9 is designed to give global companies the visibility of their key business processes so we are confident that. HIMA will benefit from the IFS solution that will support their production, logistics and financial functions." About HIMA The HIMA group is the world's leading independent provider of solutions for safety-critical applications. With more than 35,000 installed systems and TUV-certified hardware and software, HIMA qualifies as the safety automation industry's technology leader. For over 45 years the world's largest oil, gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and energy-producing companies have relied on HIMA products, services and consulting to provide uninterrupted plant operations and protection for people and the environment. HIMA solutions are also leading the way to increased safety and profitability in the rail industry, logistics and machine operations. A family-owned safety specialist, HIMA operates from over 50 locations worldwide, has a workforce of approximately 850 employees. Discover more at www.hima.com About IFS IFS (http://www.ifsworld.com/en/) is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM). IFS brings customers in targeted sectors closer to their business, helps them be more agile and enables them to profit from change. IFS is a public company (XSTO: IFS) founded in 1983 and currently has over 2,800 employees. IFS supports more than 1 million users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing ecosystem of partners. For more information visit: www.ifsworld.com. Follow us on Twitter: @ifsworld (http://twitter.com/ifsworld) Visit the IFS Blog on technology, innovation and creativity: http://blog.ifsworld.com/ IFS discloses the information herein pursuant to the Financial Instruments Act (1991:980) and/or the Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication on July 1, 2016, at 8.30 a.m. CEST. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006482/en/ Contacts: IDS Anders Lundin, Corporate Communications Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00 press@ifsworld.com or Frederic Guigues, Investor Relations Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00 frederic.guigues@ifsworld.com Regulatory News: Leading aeronautical manufacturer based in France implements IFS Applications (STO:IFSA) (STO:IFSB) to support global growth IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that French aeronautical manufacturer Figeac Aero has decided to implement IFS Applications 9 to replace and unify its current portfolio of business systems. The agreement includes licenses and services valued at approximately 1.5 million euros. With a workforce of more than 1,900 employees at sites in France, the US, Mexico, Morocco, and Tunisia, Figeac Aero is a leading aerospace manufacturer specializing in the production of light alloy and hard metal structural parts, engine parts, landing gear parts, and sub-assemblies. Figeac Aero aims to be the number one aerospace subcontractor in Europe. In order to support the rapid growth of its industrial footprint, the company was looking for a comprehensive enterprise software suite to replace its portfolio of legacy systems. Following a thorough evaluation process, Figeac Aero selected IFS Applications. The IFS solution will be used by some 1,200 employees to support mission-critical processes such as manufacturing, supply chain management, financials, quality management, and project management. "We needed a central, integrated business system to effectively manage our rapidly growing operations," Figeac Aero CEO Jean-Claude Maillard said. "We chose IFS based on the solution's comprehensive functionality and the company's successful track record in the aerospace manufacturing sector." IFS France president Amor Bekrar added, "We are very pleased to welcome Figeac Aero among our customers in the aerospace and defense space. Drawing on our long experience in this sector, we are proud to help the Figeac Aero group consolidate its business processes and optimize its strong international growth". Read more about how IFS support manufacturers in the aerospace and defense sector here: www.ifsworld.com/corp/industries/aerospace-and-defense/aerospace-and-defense-manufacturers/. About Figeac Aero The FIGEAC AERO Group, a leading partner of major aerospace manufacturers, specializes in the production of light alloy and hard metal structural parts, engine parts, landing gear parts and sub-assemblies. An international group with a workforce of over 1,900 employees, FIGEAC AERO operates in France, the United States, Morocco, Mexico and Tunisia. In the year ended 31 March 2016, the Group reported annual revenue of 252.6 million. Its year-end order backlog was 3.9 billion. About IFS IFS is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM). IFS brings customers in targeted sectors closer to their business, helps them be more agile and enables them to profit from change. IFS is a public company (XSTO: IFS) founded in 1983 and currently has over 2,800 employees. IFS supports more than 1 million users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing ecosystem of partners. For more information visit: www.ifsworld.com. Follow us on Twitter: @ifsworld Visit the IFS Blog on technology, innovation and creativity: http://blog.ifsworld.com/ IFS discloses the information herein pursuant to the Financial Instruments Act (1991:980) and/or the Securities Markets Act (2007:528). The information was submitted for publication on July 1, 2016, at 8.45 a.m. CEST. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160630006484/en/ Contacts: IFS World Anders Lundin, Corporate Communications Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00 press@ifsworld.com or Frederic Guigues, Investor Relations Phone: 46 8 58 78 45 00 frederic.guigues@ifsworld.com BASEL, Switzerland, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Strekin AG today announced oral and poster presentations of preclinical data on the efficacy and mechanism of STR001 in the treatment of hearing loss at the Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness Conference, Cambridge, UK. The presentation (S79), was titled "Agonists of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-gamma and -alpha afford significant protection of auditory hair cells from gentamicin-induced ototoxicity". Researchers observed that the PPAR agonist pioglitazone, the active ingredient in STR001, was highly effective in preventing damage to the sensory hair cells of the inner ear. The research was led by Daniel Bodmer, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland and co-founder of Strekin. "Today, despite urgent need, there are no medicines available specifically approved for the treatment of hearing loss," said Dr. Bodmer. "The findings presented today are encouraging because the efficacy of STR001 and related compounds is highly meaningful. The pathways targeted by STR001 have high relevance for hearing loss, and the data presented today suggest multiple protective mechanisms that together provide a strong rationale for the further development of STR001." The medical implications of STR001 are presently investigated in a large Phase 2 clinical trial in patients, testing the effect of the drug to preserve residual hearing in patients receiving a cochlear implant. About the Presented Research Dr. Bodmer's analysis was based on studies in a model in hearing research in which the organ of Corti, the structure which contains auditory hair and sensory cells, is studied in tissue culture. Treatment of these cultures with gentamicin, a widely used antibiotic that often leads to hearing loss, caused destruction of 50% of the hair cells. STR001 provided significant protection, allowing survival of more than 90% of the hair cells in the presence of this agent. Further analysis showed that gentamicin induced the production of oxygen free radicals leading to oxidative stress, known to cause modification and damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA. STR001 prevented oxygen free radical formation by regulating the expression of proteins in several pathways of the cellular defense from oxidative stress. This is just one of many potential protective mechanisms for STR001, as its cellular receptor has been shown to play additional roles in diverse cellular processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and cell survival. About Strekin Strekin is a privately held clinical-stage Life Sciences company located in Basel, Switzerland. Strekin aims to discover the untapped therapeutic potential of existing drugs for new indications to transform the lives of patients. Strekin is led by an experienced team with a strong track-record in research and successful clinical development. Strekin has secured funding to complete the phase 2 study of STR001 and to prepare further clinical development with the support of investors or partners. About Hearing Loss According to the World Health Organization, 642 million people around the world today suffer from disabling hearing loss. Of these, 181 million are children. Daily activities that most people take for granted, like having a conversation, enjoying music, and advancing in the workplace, are difficult or impossible for individuals suffering from hearing loss. The occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss is predicted to rise in the future due to increasing exposure to noise and aging of populations. Hearing impairment has become a major global health issue with profound societal and economic impact. With no approved pharmaceutical therapies available today, there is renewed urgency to develop effective treatments. Alexander Bausch CEO, Strekin AG Email: Alexander.Bausch@strekin.com Tel: +41-6163-32971 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:15 am ET Friday, Switzerland's retail sales data for May is due to be released. Sales had decreased 1.9 percent on a yearly basis in April. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the Swiss franc rose against the euro and the pound, it fell against the U.S. dollar and the yen. As of 3:10 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0832 against the euro, 1.2996 against the pound, 0.9763 against the U.S. dollar and 105.18 against the yen. 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. OJSC Surgutneftegas / Result of AGM OJSC Surgutneftegas: Information on the Issuer's general shareholders' meeting and adopted resolutions 01-Jul-2016 / 09:21 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. Information on the Issuer's general shareholders' meeting and adopted resolutions Type of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: annual. Date of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: 29 June 2016. Quorum of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: The number of votes held by the persons included in the list of persons entitled to participate in the Meeting (as of 16 May 2016) was: on Items No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 of the agenda - 35,722,120,116 votes; on Item No. 6 of the agenda - 321,499,081,044 votes. The number of votes held by the persons who took part in the Meeting was: on Item No. 1 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,400,096 votes; on Item No. 2 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,387,596 votes; on Item No. 3 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,387,596 votes; on Item No. 4 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,372,906 votes; on Item No. 5 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,372,906 votes; on Item No. 6 of the Meeting's agenda: 237,221,274,434 votes; on Item No. 7 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,337,123,546 votes; on Item No. 8 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,362,546 votes; on Item No. 9 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,345,117,146 votes; on Item No. 10 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,336,815,456 votes In accordance with the Federal Law of the Russian Federation 'On Joint Stock Companies' the Meeting had the quorum on all items of the Meeting's agenda. On Item No. 1 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the annual report of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015.' On Item No. 2 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the annual accounting (financial) statements of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015.' On Item No. 3 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the distribution of profit (loss) of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015. To declare dividend payment for 2015: RUB 6.92 per preference share of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas', RUB 0.6 per ordinary share of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'; dividends shall be paid in accordance with the procedure recommended by the Board of Directors. To set 18 July 2016 as the date as of which the persons entitled to dividends are determined.' On Item No. 4 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the following amendments to the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1) To present Clause 5.2 of the Regulations in the following wording: '5.2. Under the resolution of the general shareholders' meeting of the Company, the members of the Company's Board of Directors who do not act as Chairman of the Board of Directors or Director General of the Company and are not employees of the Company shall be paid remuneration, the amount of which is determined in accordance with the resolution of the Company's general shareholders' meeting, during the period when they perform their duties. The basic remuneration for each member of the Board of Directors specified in the first paragraph of this clause is RUB 4,000,000 (four million). The members of the Board of Directors who acted as chairmen of the committees of the Board of Directors shall be paid additional remuneration in the amount of RUB 1,000,000 (one million). The Board of Directors has the right to recommend to the general shareholders' meeting to reduce the amount of remuneration to individual members of the Board of Directors in relation to the basic remuneration, if they participated in less than half meetings of the Board of Directors during the period when they performed their duties. The amounts of remuneration determined by the Regulations include taxes payable by a member of the Board of Directors in accordance with the current Russian legislation. The payment of remuneration specified in this clause of the Regulations shall be made not later than 30 calendar days from the date of the general shareholders' meeting of the Company which passed the resolution to pay remuneration to the members of the Board of Directors.' 2) To present Clauses 6.15 and 6.16 of the Regulations in the following wording: '6.15. The Corporate Secretary shall perform the functions of the secretary of the Board of Directors. 6.16. The procedure for the appointment of the Corporate Secretary of the Company and exercise of his/her functions is determined by the Regulations on the Corporate Secretary of the Company approved by the Board of Directors.' On Item No. 5 the Meeting resolved: 'To pay to each member of the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' who do not act as Chairman of the Board of Directors or Director General of the Company and is not an employee of the Company basic remuneration for the period when he/she acted as a member of the Board of Directors in the amount determined by the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'. To pay to the member of the Board of Directors who acted as Chairman the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors additional remuneration in the amount determined by the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'. On Item No. 6 the Meeting resolved: 'To elect the following persons to the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1. Bogdanov Vladimir Leonidovich 2. Bulanov Alexander Nikolaevich 3. Dinichenko Ivan Kalistratovich 4. Erokhin Vladimir Petrovich 5. Krivosheev Viktor Mikhailovich 6. Matveev Nikolai Ivanovich 7. Raritsky Vladimir Ivanovich 8. Usmanov Ildus Shagalievich 9. Shashkov Vladimir Aleksandrovich.' On Item No. 7 the Meeting resolved: 'To elect the following persons to the Auditing Committee of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1. Klinovskaya Taisiya Petrovna 2. Musikhina Valentina Viktorovna 3. Oleynik Tamara Fedorovna.' On Item No. 8 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve Limited Liability Company 'Rosexpertiza' as the Auditor of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2016'. On Item No. 9 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve transactions that may be conducted in the future between OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' and its affiliates in the course of its ordinary business activity, provided that the above-mentioned transactions comply with the following requirements: the transaction is aimed at performing the types of activities stipulated by the Company's Charter and the amount of the transaction is within the amount of the transaction the individual executive body of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' is entitled to perform in compliance with the Federal Law 'On Joint Stock Companies'. This resolution remains valid till the annual general shareholders' meeting of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2016.' On Item No. 10 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the interested party transaction of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' (contract on OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' management liability insurance) on the following essential conditions: 1. Parties to the contract (hereinafter, the Contract): Open Joint Stock Company 'Surgutneftegas' (hereinafter, the Policy Holder) and Limited Liability Company 'Insurance Company 'Surgutneftegas' (hereinafter, the Insurer). 2. Terms and definitions: 2.1. 'Company': a legal entity - the Policy Holder. 2.2. 'Director (Manager)': a natural person who is a member of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company's Director General, the Company's First Deputy Director General, the Company's Chief Accountant, Head of the Company's business unit, Head of the Company's Legal Division, Head of the Company's Financial Division as well as other manager of the Company who makes decisions having legal consequences or a person who acted as such before or will act as such in the future. 2.3. 'Insured Person' - any Director (Manager) as well as the Company - only with respect to claims for securities. 3. Insurance period: one year. 4. Sum insured (limit of indemnity): up to USD 50,000,000. 5. Insurance premium: up to USD 300,000. 6. Coverage territory: the territory of the Russian Federation, the territory of foreign states. 7. Object of insurance: 7.1. Property interests of the Insured Person related to: (a) his/her duty to compensate, at the request of third parties, for losses caused by administrative functions performed by the Director (Manager) in the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim raised against the Insured Person or in connection with the start of the investigation in relation to the Company's operations or activities of the Insured Person as the Director (Manager). 7.2. Property interests of the Company related to: (a) its duty to compensate, at the request of third parties made to the Director (Manager), for losses caused by administrative functions performed by the Director (Manager) of the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim raised against the Insured Person or in connection with the start of the investigation in relation to the Company's operations or activities of the Insured Person as the Director (Manager). 7.3. Property interests of the Company related to: (a) its duty to compensate for losses of other persons upon the claims for securities associated with an incorrect action of the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim for securities. 8. Insured Risk under the Contract: (a) the duty of the Insured Person to compensate third parties for losses caused by an incorrect action of the Company's Director (Manager); (b) unforeseen expenses incurred by the Insured Person; (c) expenses incurred by the Company to pay compensation to the Directors (Managers) or to pay for them for losses caused by an incorrect action of the Company's Director (Manager) or unforeseen expenses; (d) the duty of the Company to compensate other persons for losses caused by an incorrect action in relation to securities; (e) unforeseen expenses incurred by the Company because of an incorrect action in relation to securities. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires July 01, 2016 03:21 ET (07:21 GMT) DJ DGAP-Regulatory: OJSC Surgutneftegas: Information on the Issuer's general shareholders' meeting and adopted resolutions OJSC Surgutneftegas / Result of AGM OJSC Surgutneftegas: Information on the Issuer's general shareholders' meeting and adopted resolutions 01-Jul-2016 / 09:21 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. Information on the Issuer's general shareholders' meeting and adopted resolutions Type of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: annual. Date of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: 29 June 2016. Quorum of the general shareholders' meeting of the Issuer: The number of votes held by the persons included in the list of persons entitled to participate in the Meeting (as of 16 May 2016) was: on Items No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 of the agenda - 35,722,120,116 votes; on Item No. 6 of the agenda - 321,499,081,044 votes. The number of votes held by the persons who took part in the Meeting was: on Item No. 1 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,400,096 votes; on Item No. 2 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,387,596 votes; on Item No. 3 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,387,596 votes; on Item No. 4 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,372,906 votes; on Item No. 5 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,372,906 votes; on Item No. 6 of the Meeting's agenda: 237,221,274,434 votes; on Item No. 7 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,337,123,546 votes; on Item No. 8 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,468,362,546 votes; on Item No. 9 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,345,117,146 votes; on Item No. 10 of the Meeting's agenda: 26,336,815,456 votes In accordance with the Federal Law of the Russian Federation 'On Joint Stock Companies' the Meeting had the quorum on all items of the Meeting's agenda. On Item No. 1 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the annual report of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015.' On Item No. 2 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the annual accounting (financial) statements of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015.' On Item No. 3 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the distribution of profit (loss) of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2015. To declare dividend payment for 2015: RUB 6.92 per preference share of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas', RUB 0.6 per ordinary share of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'; dividends shall be paid in accordance with the procedure recommended by the Board of Directors. To set 18 July 2016 as the date as of which the persons entitled to dividends are determined.' On Item No. 4 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the following amendments to the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1) To present Clause 5.2 of the Regulations in the following wording: '5.2. Under the resolution of the general shareholders' meeting of the Company, the members of the Company's Board of Directors who do not act as Chairman of the Board of Directors or Director General of the Company and are not employees of the Company shall be paid remuneration, the amount of which is determined in accordance with the resolution of the Company's general shareholders' meeting, during the period when they perform their duties. The basic remuneration for each member of the Board of Directors specified in the first paragraph of this clause is RUB 4,000,000 (four million). The members of the Board of Directors who acted as chairmen of the committees of the Board of Directors shall be paid additional remuneration in the amount of RUB 1,000,000 (one million). The Board of Directors has the right to recommend to the general shareholders' meeting to reduce the amount of remuneration to individual members of the Board of Directors in relation to the basic remuneration, if they participated in less than half meetings of the Board of Directors during the period when they performed their duties. The amounts of remuneration determined by the Regulations include taxes payable by a member of the Board of Directors in accordance with the current Russian legislation. The payment of remuneration specified in this clause of the Regulations shall be made not later than 30 calendar days from the date of the general shareholders' meeting of the Company which passed the resolution to pay remuneration to the members of the Board of Directors.' 2) To present Clauses 6.15 and 6.16 of the Regulations in the following wording: '6.15. The Corporate Secretary shall perform the functions of the secretary of the Board of Directors. 6.16. The procedure for the appointment of the Corporate Secretary of the Company and exercise of his/her functions is determined by the Regulations on the Corporate Secretary of the Company approved by the Board of Directors.' On Item No. 5 the Meeting resolved: 'To pay to each member of the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' who do not act as Chairman of the Board of Directors or Director General of the Company and is not an employee of the Company basic remuneration for the period when he/she acted as a member of the Board of Directors in the amount determined by the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'. To pay to the member of the Board of Directors who acted as Chairman the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors additional remuneration in the amount determined by the Regulations on the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas'. On Item No. 6 the Meeting resolved: 'To elect the following persons to the Board of Directors of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1. Bogdanov Vladimir Leonidovich 2. Bulanov Alexander Nikolaevich 3. Dinichenko Ivan Kalistratovich 4. Erokhin Vladimir Petrovich 5. Krivosheev Viktor Mikhailovich 6. Matveev Nikolai Ivanovich 7. Raritsky Vladimir Ivanovich 8. Usmanov Ildus Shagalievich 9. Shashkov Vladimir Aleksandrovich.' On Item No. 7 the Meeting resolved: 'To elect the following persons to the Auditing Committee of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas': 1. Klinovskaya Taisiya Petrovna 2. Musikhina Valentina Viktorovna 3. Oleynik Tamara Fedorovna.' On Item No. 8 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve Limited Liability Company 'Rosexpertiza' as the Auditor of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2016'. On Item No. 9 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve transactions that may be conducted in the future between OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' and its affiliates in the course of its ordinary business activity, provided that the above-mentioned transactions comply with the following requirements: the transaction is aimed at performing the types of activities stipulated by the Company's Charter and the amount of the transaction is within the amount of the transaction the individual executive body of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' is entitled to perform in compliance with the Federal Law 'On Joint Stock Companies'. This resolution remains valid till the annual general shareholders' meeting of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' for 2016.' On Item No. 10 the Meeting resolved: 'To approve the interested party transaction of OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' (contract on OJSC 'Surgutneftegas' management liability insurance) on the following essential conditions: 1. Parties to the contract (hereinafter, the Contract): Open Joint Stock Company 'Surgutneftegas' (hereinafter, the Policy Holder) and Limited Liability Company 'Insurance Company 'Surgutneftegas' (hereinafter, the Insurer). 2. Terms and definitions: 2.1. 'Company': a legal entity - the Policy Holder. 2.2. 'Director (Manager)': a natural person who is a member of the Company's Board of Directors, the Company's Director General, the Company's First Deputy Director General, the Company's Chief Accountant, Head of the Company's business unit, Head of the Company's Legal Division, Head of the Company's Financial Division as well as other manager of the Company who makes decisions having legal consequences or a person who acted as such before or will act as such in the future. 2.3. 'Insured Person' - any Director (Manager) as well as the Company - only with respect to claims for securities. 3. Insurance period: one year. 4. Sum insured (limit of indemnity): up to USD 50,000,000. 5. Insurance premium: up to USD 300,000. 6. Coverage territory: the territory of the Russian Federation, the territory of foreign states. 7. Object of insurance: 7.1. Property interests of the Insured Person related to: (a) his/her duty to compensate, at the request of third parties, for losses caused by administrative functions performed by the Director (Manager) in the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim raised against the Insured Person or in connection with the start of the investigation in relation to the Company's operations or activities of the Insured Person as the Director (Manager). 7.2. Property interests of the Company related to: (a) its duty to compensate, at the request of third parties made to the Director (Manager), for losses caused by administrative functions performed by the Director (Manager) of the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim raised against the Insured Person or in connection with the start of the investigation in relation to the Company's operations or activities of the Insured Person as the Director (Manager). 7.3. Property interests of the Company related to: (a) its duty to compensate for losses of other persons upon the claims for securities associated with an incorrect action of the Company; (b) unforeseen expenses in connection with a claim for securities. 8. Insured Risk under the Contract: (a) the duty of the Insured Person to compensate third parties for losses caused by an incorrect action of the Company's Director (Manager); (b) unforeseen expenses incurred by the Insured Person; (c) expenses incurred by the Company to pay compensation to the Directors (Managers) or to pay for them for losses caused by an incorrect action of the Company's Director (Manager) or unforeseen expenses; (d) the duty of the Company to compensate other persons for losses caused by an incorrect action in relation to securities; (e) unforeseen expenses incurred by the Company because of an incorrect action in relation to securities. (MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires July 01, 2016 03:21 ET (07:21 GMT) 9. Insured Event: an insured event is recognized as an occurred event stipulated in Clause 8 of the present resolution which is covered by insurance and in relation to which the Insurer recognized the liability to make insurance payment'. 01-Jul-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: OJSC Surgutneftegas Grigoriya Kukuyevitskogo, 1, bld.1 628415 Surgut Russia Internet: www.surgutneftegas.ru ISIN: US8688612048 Category Code: RAG TIDM: SGGD Sequence Number: 3234 Time of Receipt: 01-Jul-2016 / 09:21 CET/CEST End of Announcement EquityStory.RS, LLC News Service 476531 01-Jul-2016 (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 01, 2016 03:21 ET (07:21 GMT) BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 3:45 am ET Friday, Markit Economics is due to release its manufacturing PMI figures for Italy. PMI reports for France and Germany are due at 3:50 am ET and 3:55 am ET, respectively. The manufacturing PMI for the Eurozone is due 4:00 am ET. Ahead of the reports, the euro showed mixed trading against the other major currencies. While the euro rose against the pound and the U.S. dollar it held steady against the yen and the Swiss franc. As of 3:40 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8360 against the pound, 1.0837 against the Swiss franc, 1.1106 against the U.S. dollar and 113.89 against the yen. 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. Baltika's consolidated sales revenue from continued operations for June totalled 3,617 thousand euros, decreasing by 9% compared to the same period last year.Baltika's retail sales for June decreased by 5% compared to the same period last year, thereof decrease in Estonia 2% and in Lithuania and in Latvia 7%. Baltika's consolidated retail sales revenue for June was 3,483 thousand euros.At the end of June Baltika Group had 130 stores, among which franchise stores: 15 in Ukraine, 13 in Russia, 6 in Spain and 2 in Belarus. At the end of month there was 94 shops operated by Baltika, shops average month sales area increased by 2% compared to the same period last year.Wholesale decreased by 81% and e-com sales increased by 18% compared to June in previous year.Sales in JuneEUR thousand 2016 2015 Change Retail 3,483 3,650 -5% Wholesale (incl. franchise) 51 275 -81% E-com sales 65 55 18% Other 18 16 13% ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Total 3,617 3,996 -9%------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Retail sales in Russia* 0 380 -100%*Discontinued operationsSales revenue for six months totalled 22,330 thousand euros, decreasing 4% compared to the same period last year. Retail sales revenue from continued operations was 18,716 thousand euros (-7% yoy). At the same period the Group's average retail sales area increased by 2%. Wholesale was 2,979 thousand euros (+9% yoy) and e-com revenue 500 thousand euros (+2% yoy).In connection with Baltika's reorganisation of Russian retail business and selling the company there (agreement was signed on 22 February 2016), the sales revenue of the Russian entity is presented as discontinued operation. In 2015 comparative figures sales announcement presents only the results of continuing operations.Maigi Parnik-Pernik Member of the Management Board maigi.parnik@baltikagroup.com Regulatory News: Alfa Laval (STO:ALFA) will release second-quarter earnings on July 18th at 11:45 CET. The telephone conference will start at 12:45 CET. To join the telephone conference hosted by Alfa Laval's President and CEO, Tom Erixon, and CFO, Thomas Thuresson sign up in advance via the link below. Once registered, you will receive a phone number, a participant pin and a conference pin. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the event. If you are having difficulties registering, contact Intercall at +44 20 8288 5566. https://eventreg1.conferencing.com/webportal3/reg.html?Acc=543661&Conf=194707 You can also follow the conference via a live webcast. A webcast link will be available on www.alfalaval.com/investors. If you want to listen to the replay, call +44 (0)20 7031 4064 or +46 (0)8 5052 0333, conference code 95 89 89. The recording will be available for 24 hours. After that, you can go to www.alfalaval.com/investors and watch and listen to an on-demand version of the webcast. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160701005210/en/ Contacts: Alfa Laval Gabriella Grotte Tel: +46 46 36 74 82 or Beata Ardhe Tel: +46 46 36 65 26 ROUND ROCK (dpa-AFX) - Dell Inc. decided to end its Venue brand Android tablets and will focus on Windows 10 2-in-1 devices. There will be no operating system upgrades for Venue, however it will continue active warranty and service contract. The company presumes that PC capabilities and tablet mobility are of more demand in future and slate tablet market is over saturated. Recent study buy Gartner has shown that only 17 percent of customers in mature market are planning to buy tablets in next one year. This is one of the lowest percentage in the last one year. Reports said that there were 21 percent decline in tablets annually. Window 2-in-1 was launched in 2012, with 10 to 13 inch display. The keyboard is detachable and it help use a tablet. 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. A council will be formed in Ha Tinh to assess the damage caused to the province by Taiwanese steel company Formosa after the firm was officially named the culprit behind the mass fish deaths. The decision to establish the damage evaluation council was announced by Ha Tinh's Peoples Committee on June 30. The head of the council will be Deputy Chair of Ha Tinh Peoples Committee Duong Tat Thang, and its members will be made up of leaders of local wards and agencies, including the environment, agriculture and labor departments. The council will be in charge of assigning tasks, forming support teams and instructing lower level councils to calculate the exact damage from the environmental disaster. In addition, the council will look at how to recover from the disaster and stabilize local production based on the respective regulations and situations in each locality, and then report back to the central government. The council must ensure accuracy, transperancy and fairness in its damage assessment and will be disbanded once the task is complete. Related news: > Ha Tinh to provide $33,600 in assistance for farmers hit by mass fish deaths > How Formosas $500 mln compensation will be distributed > Formosa offers $500 mln to compensate Vietnam for catastrophic environmental damage BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 4:30 am ET Friday, Markit releases U.K. factory PMI data for June. The factory PMI is seen unchanged at 50.1 in June. Ahead of the data, the pound showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the pound held steady against the greenback, it dropped against the franc, yen and the euro. The pound was worth 1.3301 against the greenback, 136.46 against the yen, 1.2983 against the franc and 0.8353 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. Release no. 16/2016To strengthen Columbus A/S's results and value creation for the company's shareholders, and to attract, retain and motivate senior executives, the Board of Directors has decided to exercise the authorization in Art. 5 in the Company's Articles of Association and grant warrants amounting to a total value of DKK 4,725,000 (nom.) to Board members and senior executives in Columbus A/S.The issue of warrants is in accordance with the Company's guidelines for incentive programs which were adopted at the Company's Annual General Meeting on 27 April 2012.The exercise price is based on the average quoted share price in the 14 trading days prior to the grant date.Share warrants based on employment/membership of Board of Directors: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Period Right to subscribe shares Conditions at DKK 1.25 (nom.) per share -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 1st 2016 - 1,260,000 shares at DKK Employment/Board membership in December 31st 7.84 per share Columbus A/S at December 31st 2016: 2016 January 1st 2017 - 1,260,000 shares at DKK Employment/Board membership in December 31st 7.84 per share Columbus A/S at December 31st 2017: 2017 January 1st 2018 - 1,260,000 shares at DKK Employment/Board membership in December 31st 7.84 per share Columbus A/S at December 31st 2018: 2018 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The share warrants are granted to, Board members, senior executives and other senior employees contingent on employment in the company in the below-mentioned vesting periods.The share warrant scheme will not be adjusted in the event of changes in capital.If all warrants are exercised, the total capital increase will amount to DKK 4,725,000 (nom.), corresponding to 3,780,000 shares of DKK 1.25.The exercise periods are scheduled to the first 14 days after publication of the company's first financial statements succeeding expiry of the relevant vesting periods. The first exercise period is scheduled to the first 14 days after publication of the company's financial statements for 2016. The second exercise period is scheduled to the first 14 days after publication of the company's financial statements for 2017. The third exercise period is scheduled to the first 14 days after publication of the company's financial statements for 2018.On the basis of Black & Scholes' calculation, the total market value forecast of the scheme is up to DKK 5.7m which will be expensed in 2016, 2017 and 2018.Following the grant DKK 5,275,000 of the nominal value will remain of the Board's authorization to issue warrants.Ib Kune Thomas Honore Chairman CEO & President Columbus A/S Columbus A/S For further information, please contact: CEO Thomas Honore, T: +45 70 20 50 00.Translation: In the event of any inconsistency between this document and the Danish language version, the Danish language version shall be the governing version.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=577422 Japan's Sharp Solar, a subsidiary of the Osaka-based electronics giant Sharp, is poised to step up efforts to supply leading Asian and European markets with solar cells, systems and modules respectively. According to reports from the Japan Times and the Nikkei, the company is expanding it solar cell operations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Mongolia, partnering with local firms in each three countries to develop large-scale solar farms. Sharp Solar is also considering entering the Taiwanese solar market, supplying panels for the growing residential sector there. The Japan Times, meanwhile, reports that the company hopes to re-enter the European market after weak domestic ... 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. MANCHESTER, England, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NuGen, the UK nuclear new build developer, today (1 July) announced that Takeshi Yokota will take over as Chairman of the company developing Europe's largest new nuclear power station, at Moorside, West Cumbria. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385621 ) Mr. Yokota is hugely experienced across the energy business portfolio of parent-company Toshiba and is currently Executive Officer and Corporate Senior Vice President of Toshiba. He will also lead Toshiba's activities in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and will relocate to offices in London, where he will be based. Mr. Yokota, will work closely with NuGen's board and CEO Tom Samson as the Manchester-based company takes forward development of NuGen into a company capable of delivering the next generation of nuclear reactors to provide safe, reliable and secure electricity to the United Kingdom. NuGen's Moorside project is one of Europe's largest infrastructure projects. The project aims to build three reactors capable of producing seven per cent of the UK's future electricity at the site, to the north and west of the current Sellafield site. Mr. Yokota has a B.S.C and M.S.C degree in electrical engineering from Yokohama National University. He also graduated from the business school of Keio University and Harvard University. He has played an integral part in Toshiba's development as a global company and has worked in areas as diverse as transmission and distribution, photovoltaic systems, and smart grids - and he has played an internationally-important leadership role to standardise activities of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Council on Large Electric Systems (Cigre), and the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Mr Yokota joined Toshiba in 1982, and he takes over from Shigenori Shiga, who is Chairman of Toshiba. Tom Samson, Chief Executive of NuGen, warmly welcomed Mr. Yokota to the project. "We look forward to working with our new chairman and board to drive forward our phenomenal project at Moorside. I am confident his renowned international experience combined with being based in the UK will greatly assist in our dealings with key stakeholders, including government." NuGen's Moorside project has moved up through the gears since the company re-located to its Piccadilly Place headquarters in Manchester city centre, at the heart of the UK's "Northern Powerhouse", in early 2015. Onshore and offshore assessments continue to inform site layout, and the company also launched a world-first competition for architects and landscapers to come up with inspirational design ideas for the Moorside nuclear power station. NuGen is also half-way through its second-stage Development Consent Order public consultation, where it has showcased its proposals for delivering the three reactors at Moorside. The company plans to make its Final Investment Decision (FID) towards the end of 2018. Notes to editors 010706 New Chairman.jpg, Caption: NuGen's new Chairman, Takeshi Yokota. About NuGen NuGen is a UK nuclear company owned by Toshiba and ENGIE (formerly GDF SUEZ). When fully operational, the planned Moorside reactors will have a combined capacity of up to 3.8GW gross, enough to power up to six million homes. The first of the three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors is targeted to come online in the mid-2020s. NuGen's Moorside project will help support the UK Government's low carbon and energy security objectives at a time when existing power plants are retiring and low-carbon generation is required to meet national and international commitments. Construction of the new reactors will create thousands of skilled jobs over the next decade, and the project is expected to significantly boost the local, regional and national economies, with a large portion of the development and construction programmes accessible to the UK supply chain. AP1000 is a trademark of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. All rights reserved. Copenhagen, 2016-07-01 12:12 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Per Aarsleff A/S has signed a letter of intent with the pension company AP Pension about the construction of 28,000 square metres of combined residential and commercial construction in two large blocks of up to eight stories at the street Thomas B. Thriges Gade in Odense. The building will be carried out as prefabricated construction with brick and wood facades. The project will be carried out by the Aarsleff Group's companies Per Aarsleff A/S and Hansson & Knudsen A/S in close collaboration with Arkitema Architects, the consulting company Midtconsult Holding A/S and AP Pension. The design phase will begin now and is expected to be completed when the design and build contract is signed. The building activities are expected to begin in mid-2018 and completed by the end of 2020. The contract is expected to have a total value of about DKK 350 million. The contract does not affect Aarsleff's earnings expectations for the financial year 2015/2016. Further information: General Manager Ebbe Malte Iversen, tel. +45 8744 2222. Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=577433 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. VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares held steady on Friday, a day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said the central bank would act in summer to deal with the fallout of the Brexit vote. Encouraging Eurozone manufacturing and unemployment data, media reports of a possible loosening of rules for the ECB's bond buying program and news of EU-backed liquidity guarantees for Italian banks also buoyed investor sentiment. The benchmark FTSE 100 was up 22 points or 0.34 percent at 6,526 in midday trading after rallying 2.3 percent in the previous session. Among top gainers, British American Tobacco, BP Plc, Carnival, Compass Group, EasyJet, Johnson Matthey and Unilever rose 1-2 percent. Fresnillo soared 4 percent and Randgold Resources rallied 3 percent as gold climbed for a fifth week on stimulus bets. Banks fell after recent sharp gains, with Lloyds Banking, Barclays and the Royal Bank of Scotland losing 1-3 percent. Drug maker AstraZeneca lost 1 percent after signing a global license agreement with Danish pharmaceutical group Leo Pharma for its experimental psoriasis drug, brodalumab. Mining giant BHP Billiton fell over 2 percent after suffering a fresh setback regarding the Samarco dam incident in Brazil. In economic releases, activity in the euro area manufacturing sector hit a six-month high in June, survey results from Markit showed today, although the survey was conducted prior to the announcement of Brexit referendum. Separately, Eurostat said the region's unemployment rate nudged down in May to its lowest level since July 2011. British manufacturing expanded at the fastest pace in five months in June, on the back of output and new order growth, results of a survey, which received almost all responses ahead of the 'Brexit' vote, showed. The Markit/CIPS PMI rose to 52.1 from a revised reading of 50.4 in May. Economists had expected a score of 50.1. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Annual report 2015/16The Board of egetpper a/s has today approved the annual report for the financial year 1 May 2015 - 30 April 2016. The annual report 2015/16 has the following main items:Accounting reportThe result before taxation amounts to 77.1 DKK million which is a little less than our expectations of 80-90 DKK million at the beginning of the year, but in line with the estimate released in March 2016, where a result before taxation of 70-80 DKK million was expected.Financial highlights:-- The group turnover amounts to 954 DKK million against 873 DKK million last year, representing an increase of 9%. Adjusted for the inclusion of Hammer Tpper, turnover increased by 3%. -- Result before financial items and taxation amounts to 91.5 DKK million, equal to an EBIT-margin of 10%. Profit from sale of our property in Vejle is included with 19.8 DKK million. Corrected for this fact the EBIT-margin represents 8%, which is at level with last year. -- Result before taxation amounts to 77.1 DKK million. After deduction of one-off income regarding our property in Vejle the result before taxation make up 57.3 DKK million, representing an increase of 4% compared to last year. -- Group profit amounts to 57.4 DKK million against 43.3 DKK million last year. -- Dividend is proposed to be fixed at 27.5 DKK million equal to approximately 50% of the group's net profit after taxation and dividend to minority shareholders. -- The net investments in long-term assets during the year amount to 58.3 DKK million. -- Interest-bearing negative net balance amounts to 21.0 DKK million and is reduced with 37 DKK million compared to last year. -- Cash flows from operation amount to 84 DKK million against 75 DKK million last year.Prospects 2016/17With concern, we have noted the result of the EU referendum in Britain. During the financial year 2015/16 the UK market has contributed with approximately 17% of the group's total revenue and is considered as an important factor in achieving our plans of growth during the coming years.We have no doubt that the result of the referendum will lead to substantial negative consequences - not only on the UK market but also to a great extent in Europe overall. We expect the effect will hit in two stages:1. The exchange rate of GBP will be affected negatively with immediate effect. To counter the direct effect, forward contracts regarding the first half year of the financial year 2016/17 have been signed. 2. We expect that the UK market and the European Union will be affected by economic downturn during the second half-year of 2016. At present, we do not have evidence to predict how intense the effect will be to us. Taught by experience during the financial crisis, we expect a certain temporal effect to our industry, as ongoing projects typically will be completed. Conversely, the great market uncertainty will lead to restrain when it comes to new investments and renovations.Based on the great limbo the EU referendum has caused, we will not at present put forward expectations to the financial year 2016/17.Following the situation closely, we will announce our expectations to the financial year as well as our long-term 2020 objectives during the course of Q1 and Q2 of the financial year.A world without BrexitIt is important for us to be able to provide shareholders and other stakeholders a good basis to evaluate egetpper's current situation, not least our plans and expectations to the future. As previously mentioned, the result of the British EU referendum has led to an unresolved market situation, thus we will not at present draw up our concrete expectations to the financial year 2016/17. Instead, we will publish our "before Brexit expectations":Our market expectations (before Brexit) were as follows:-- The level of activity on the Danish market, being our biggest market, has exceeded our expectations for the financial year 2015/16. Compared to last year the level of activity has increased by 7% and we expect a pick-up during the coming year. -- Among the major export markets, we especially expect growth in England, France and Germany. During the past year, focus has been on enlarging and adapting the organization and the product range. This work will continue during the financial year 2016/17. Furthermore, it is our expectation that Norway, Sweden and the Middle East will maintain the current level. -- Overall, the level of activity in Asia has not lived up to our expectations for the financial year 2015/16. We expect an improvement the coming year. -- In the US, we begin to see the first results of the market persuasion and expect that the US will contribute positively to activity and earnings during the coming year.In all our expectations to 2016/17 (before Brexit) were:-- A turnover of approx. 1,000 DKK million. -- An EBIT-margin of 8-9% corresponding to an EBIT of 80-90 DKK million. -- Cash flows from operation of 85-95 DKK million. -- New investments in long-term assets of 40-50 DKK million.We emphasize that the above mentioned does not reflect our expectations to the financial year 2016/17, but is only outlined to give shareholders and other stakeholders a better basis for assessing the progress of the group.The annual general meetingThe annual general meeting is to be held at egetpper's corporate office in Herning on Friday 30 August 2016 at 11.30 a.m.The Board of Directors has made the following proposals:-- Based on the result of the year including one-off income regarding the sale of our property in Vejle, the dividend is proposed raised from 40% to 50% of the net result after taxation and dividend to minority shareholders. Dividend payable is fixed at 10.50 DKK per share nominal 10 DKK, representing a total dividend distribution of 27.5 DKK million. -- The Board of Directors also recommends that the General Assembly authorizes that own shares up to nominal 5.0 DKK million can be acquired. The authorization is provided until the Annual General Meeting next year.Contacts:Mr. John Vestergaard, CFO Mr. Svend Aage Frch Nielsen, CEOTel: +45 97118811 Tel: +45 97118811egetpper a/sHerning 1 July 2016Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=577411 VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - The International Monetary Fund will revise its quarterly outlook over 'Brexit' and the growth projections for both the U.K. and the euro area are likely to be lowered, the IMF Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said in an interview to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. In the interview published Friday, Obstfeld said, 'the result [of the revision] will not be positive.' 'It is difficult to understand the size, there is lot of uncertainty,' he added. The global lender is set to publish an update to its World Economic Outlook on July 19 in Washington. Regarding the possibility of other EU members wanting to leave the union, Obstfeld warned that such a process will be more expensive for them as they will also have to renounce a single currency. Asked about the Italian government's reliance on tax measures and bonus to boost demand, the economist pointed out that it is difficult as the country already has a somewhat 'expansionary fiscal policy'. And given Italy's high debt level, there is no budgetary space to do so, until the tax base is expanded, he 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. VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - Stimulus hopes and encouraging regional data helped push European shares higher on Friday, although gains remained capped after a three-day rally. Sterling drifted lower, a day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said the central bank would act in summer to deal with the fallout of the Brexit vote. A Bloomberg report suggested that the European Central Bank is considering loosening the rules for its bond purchases. News of EU-backed liquidity guarantees for Italian banks also buoyed investor sentiment. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was marginally higher in midday trading after rising 1.1 percent in the previous session. The German DAX was moving up 0.3 percent, France's CAC 40 index was up 0.1 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was adding half a percent. Fresnillo soared 3.5 percent and Randgold Resources rallied 3 percent in London as gold climbed for a fifth week on stimulus bets. Automakers BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Renault and Peugeot climbed 1-4 percent. Temenos Group AG jumped 4 percent on saying Standard Chartered Bank has selected its wealth management program. Banks Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Credit Agricole and BNP Paribas traded flat to slightly lower after recent sharp gains. Lloyds Banking lost 1 percent, Barclays fell 2 percent and The Royal Bank of Scotland fell over 3 percent. Mining giant BHP Billiton dropped 2.5 percent after suffering a fresh setback regarding the Samarco dam incident in Brazil. In economic releases, activity in the euro area manufacturing sector hit a six-month high in June, survey results from Markit showed today, although the survey was conducted prior to the announcement of Brexit referendum. Separately, Eurostat said the region's unemployment rate nudged down in May to its lowest level since July 2011. British manufacturing expanded at the fastest pace in five months in June, on the back of output and new order growth, the Markit/CIPS survey showed. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Swiss retail sales continued to decline in May, though at a slower pace than in the previous month, preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office showed Friday. Retail sales fell a calendar-adjusted 1.6 percent year-over-year in May, following a 2.2 percent decrease a month ago. Sales have been falling since August last year. Excluding fuel, total retail trade slid 1.3 percent in May from a year ago and sale of non-food products, except fuel, dipped by 1.7 percent. At the same time, sale of food, beverages and tobacco rose slightly by 0.1 percent. On a monthly basis, retail sales inched up 0.2 percent in May, reversing a 0.2 percent fall in April. It was the first increase in five months. 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. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has told government officials in Hanoi and Lam Dong Province to resolutely deal with the burning issues in their respective localities. In the monthly government conference on Thursday, Phuc asked whether the capital city is able to address violations in a building in central Hanoi which houses more floors than permitted. Can Hanoi remove the additional construction at the building on 8B Le Truc Street or it remains unsolved as last time? the prime minister said. Le Truc Garment Co. JSC., investor of the 19-storey building on Le Truc Street in Ba Dinh District was forced to remove five floors from their construction as it exceeds the designated height restrictions for the area. The building under construction overlooks the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The company started the removal work in November last year but the progress has been very slow despite pressure from the local government. Nguyen Van Suu, vice chairman of Hanoi Peoples Committee admitted the progress is slow and the investor has only finished removing 328 square meters of the 19th storey. He pledged the municipal government will try its best to speed up the removal work to realize the prime ministers directions. The building on Le Truc Street. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Phuc said if violations at this project last for too long, it will create a bad example in law obediance right in Hanoi, the center of the country. The chairman of Hanoi Peoples Committee has said the investor has been administratively fined tens of times for their violations but they have not faced criminal charges yet, Phuc said. Also at the meeting, the prime minister asked the Peoples Committee of Lam Dong to represent the five provinces in the Central Highlands and answer whether they are able to freeze natural forests to protect the area from deforestation. Is the Central Highlands determined to close the natural forests? he asked. In a meeting on June 20, Phuc had ordered closure of the remaining 2.25 million hectares of natural forests in the Central Highlands. A representative from Lam Dong Peoples Committee said the provinces forest area is currently more than 500,000 hectares, falling by 106,176 hectares compared to 1999. He promised the province will seriously implement the directions from the prime minister in order to preserve its natural forests. Chairmen of the communes and districts in the province have been asked to regularly visit the forests while ethnic minority people are assigned a certain forest area for management and protection. Part of the Central Highlands. Photo by VnExpress/Huong Chi People across the country are very interested in the closure of the natural forests in the Central Highlands. As it is dubbed the roof of the Indochina, losing the forests will negatively affect the provinces in the central and southern regions, Phuc said. The strategic Central Highlands is bounded by Laos and Cambodia to the west, by Vietnams south central coast to the east and northeast. Related news: > PM orders closure of natural forests in strategic Central Highlands TORONTO, ON and TAMPA, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 07/01/16 -- Cott Corporation (NYSE: COT) (TSX: BCB) announced today that the Company will release its second quarter ended July 2, 2016 financial results before the markets open on Thursday, August 4, 2016. Cott will host a conference call, to be simultaneously webcast, on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate, please call the following numbers: Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call North America: (877) 723-9522 International: (719) 325-4768 Passcode: 2383409 This is a live, listen-only dial-in telephone line. Webcast A live audio webcast will be available through the Company's website at http://www.cott.com. The webcast will be recorded and archived for playback on the investor relations section of the website for two weeks following the event. About Cott Corporation With the acquisition of DS Services of America, Inc., Cott combined a leading provider in the direct-to-consumer beverage services industry with its traditional business, one of the world's largest producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. Cott now has the largest volume-based national presence in the U.S. home and office delivery industry for bottled water and one of the five largest national market share positions in the U.S. office coffee services and filtration services industries. Cott reaches over 1.5 million customers (approximately 60% commercial and 40% residential) through over 2,000 routes located across our national network supported by national sales and distribution facilities, as well as a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles. Cott's broad portfolio allows it to offer, on a direct-to-consumer basis, a variety of bottled water, coffee, brewed tea, water dispensers, coffee and tea brewers and filtration equipment. With the ability to cover approximately 90% of U.S. households, in terms of geography, Cott believes it has the broadest distribution network in the direct-to-consumer beverage services industry in the United States, which enables it to efficiently service residences and small and medium size businesses, as well as national corporations, universities and government agencies. Website: www.cott.com CONTACT: Jarrod Langhans Investor Relations Tel: (813) 313-1732 Email Contact CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - July 01, 2016) - The Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence indices edged upward in June despite ongoing investor concerns about the economy, Spectrem Group reported today in its High Net Worth Insights newsletter. Both indices increased four points from May, with the Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index (SAICI) rising from 0 to 4, and the Spectrem Millionaire Investor Confidence Index (SMICI) from 5 to 9. Both indices remain in mildly bearish territory (-10 to 10). This month's survey was conducted between June 16 th and June 22 nd , just prior to the historic vote by the U.K. to exit the European Union and subsequent market volatility. "Affluent investors in June, pre-Brexit, were primarily focused on the economy as their most serious concern," said Spectrem President George H. Walper, Jr. "The percentage of these investors indicating plans to remain on the investing sidelines in the coming month was unchanged from the previous month, while the percentage who indicated they would invest in equities rose slightly. This acted as a positive driver of the investment confidence indices." Since 2004, the monthly Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence indices have tracked changes in investment sentiment among the 16.3MM households in America with more than $500,000 of investable assets (SAICI), and those with $1MM or more (SMICI). Charts, including a deeper analysis of the Index and its methodology are available upon request. Additional insights include: The Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Indices Gain in June Pre-Brexit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- February March April May June 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index -3 3 4 0 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spectrem Millionaire Investor Confidence Index -2 5 11 5 9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Index range: -31 to -51, Bearish; -11 to -30, Mildly Bearish; 10 to -10, Neutral; 11 to 30, Mildly Bullish; 31 to 51, Bullish. About Spectrem Group: Spectrem Group (www.spectrem.com) strategically analyzes its ongoing primary research with investors to assist financial providers and advisors in understanding the Voice of the Investor. Contact: George H. Walper, Jr. (224) 544-5350 Email contact EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/01/16 -- Canadian Western Bank (CWB) (TSX: CWB) today completed its previously announced acquisition of the loan portfolio and related business assets of GE Capital's Canadian franchise financing business, now known as CWB Franchise Finance. This acquisition represents a further step in CWB's established commercial banking growth and geographic diversification strategy. CWB Franchise Finance provides financing across Canada to a diverse group of established companies in the franchised hospitality and restaurant industries, and the acquisition includes key employees to support CWB's continued strategic growth. The balance of loans acquired is approximately $345 million, and no goodwill or intangible assets were included in the purchase structure. The transaction absorbed approximately 15 basis points of common equity Tier 1 capital upon closing. Other terms of the asset purchase agreement have not been disclosed. About CWB Group CWB Group (CWB) is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada. Operating from its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, CWB's key business lines include full-service business and personal banking offered through 42 branches of Canadian Western Bank and Internet banking services provided by Canadian Direct Financial (CDF). Highly responsive specialized financing is delivered under the banners of CWB Equipment Financing, National Leasing, CWB Maxium Financial, CWB Optimum Mortgage and CWB Franchise Finance. Trust Services are offered through Canadian Western Trust. Comprehensive wealth management offerings are provided through CWB Wealth Management, which includes the businesses of Adroit Investment Management, McLean & Partners Wealth Management and Canadian Western Financial. As a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), CWB trades under the symbols "CWB" (common shares), "CWB.PR.B" and "CWB.PR.C" (Series 5 Preferred Shares and Series 7 Preferred Shares, respectively). Learn more at www.cwb.com. Contacts: Matt Evans, CFA Senior AVP, Strategy & Investor Relations Canadian Western Bank Phone: (780) 969-8337 Email: matt.evans@cwbank.com www.cwb.com HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (Marketwired) -- 07/01/16 -- TC PipeLines, LP (NYSE: TCP) (the Partnership) has been advised that the parent company of its general partner, TransCanada Corporation (TransCanada), has retained a financial advisor to assist in developing TransCanada's master limited partnership (MLP) strategy. A decision on the MLP strategy is expected to be communicated by the end of 2016. In the interim, Management expects to recommend to the board of directors an increase to the Partnership's quarterly distribution consistent with historical guidance. TC PipeLines, LP is a Delaware master limited partnership with interests in seven federally regulated U.S. interstate natural gas pipelines which serve markets in the Western, Midwestern and Eastern United States. The Partnership is managed by its general partner, TC PipeLines GP, Inc., a subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation (NYSE: TRP). For more information about TC PipeLines, LP, visit the Partnership's website at www.tcpipelineslp.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain non-historical statements in this release relating to future plans, projections, events or conditions are intended to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on current expectations and, therefore, subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, including, without limitation, the timing, structure and closing of future dropdowns of TransCanada's remaining U.S. natural gas pipeline assets and the ability of these assets to generate ongoing value to our unitholders, competitive conditions in the natural gas industry, increases in operating and compliance costs, the outcome of rate proceedings, our ability to identify and complete expansion and growth opportunities, operating hazards beyond our control, availability of capital and market demand that the Partnership expects or believes will or may occur in the future. These and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated are discussed in Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), as updated and supplemented by subsequent filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date made and except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or other changes. Contacts: Media Inquiries: Mark Cooper/Terry Cunha 403.920.7859 800.608.7859 Unitholder and Analyst Inquiries: Rhonda Amundson 877.290.2772 investor_relations@tcpipelineslp.com PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/01/16 -- Mason & Hanger, a Day & Zimmermann Company, and provider of innovative design, architecture and engineering solutions in support of National Security for the U.S. Government, has purchased architectural and engineering firm, Hankins & Anderson (H&A) in order to expand the company's architectural and engineering capabilities. Mason & Hanger, a dedicated partner serving federal projects for nearly two centuries, will expand its services and geographies to include H&A's 200-person Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firm with offices in Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Woodbridge, Virginia, while building upon the firm's global footprint under the legacy of Mason & Hanger. Mason & Hanger is the oldest operating A/E firm in the United States with original ties to the Richmond, Virginia area, dating back to 1827. "With combined experience that has served the federal government in more than 1000 projects around the world, spanning 163 countries and 48 states in the U.S., our strength to deliver has never been greater," said Mick McAreavy, Day & Zimmermann Senior Vice President, Government Services. "This step is to better serve the federal government and to provide expanded mission solutions as we support the design of secure, mission-critical facilities," McAreavy added. Mike Matthews, H&A's president and leader for the last 18 years, has been appointed president of the newly combined Mason & Hanger organization. Mike will report to Mick McAreavy, within Day & Zimmermann's Government Services Group. "We are unified under the same mission, of building a more secure world and supporting national security through our architecture and engineering solutions," Mike Matthews, Mason & Hanger President commented. "This positive step forward brings access to additional geographies with an expansive resume and broader federal government relationships," he added. ABOUT MASON & HANGER Mason & Hanger, a Day & Zimmermann Company, is dedicated to providing architectural and engineering services for federal projects -- a specialty area the Lexington, Kentucky-based company has proudly served in the United States for nearly two centuries. Mason & Hanger was founded in 1827 as a railroad-engineering and construction firm originally headquartered in Virginia and as the United States Government expanded territory, projects moved westward -- the company relocated in the 1870's to its present location. Mason & Hanger is a longstanding member of the American Council of Engineering Companies. Important customers in this sector include the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force Reserve, U.S. Marines Reserve, National Guard and Department of Homeland Security. In 2016, as part of Day & Zimmermann, the overall company ranked #172 among the Annual Top 500 Design Firms by Engineering News-Record. www.masonandhanger.com ABOUT HANKINS & ANDERSON Hankins & Anderson (H&A) is a 200-person architecture and engineering (A/E) firm specializing in the worldwide design of secure, mission critical facilities for the federal government. H&A clients include the Department of Defense, FBI, GSA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Department of Energy, among many other government agencies. The firm consistently ranks in ENR's list of top international design firms and has worked in more than 163 countries. With offices in Richmond, Virginia Beach and Woodbridge, Virginia, the Company has ranked nationally among the Top 15 A/E firms in Government Building Design and was listed as a Top Workplace in the Greater Richmond Area for the past two years. PSMJ recognized the firm twice as a Circle of Excellence firm, and Zweig-White ranked it the Best Multi-Discipline A/E firm to work for in the country two years in a row. http://www.ha-inc.com/ ABOUT DAY & ZIMMERMANN Founded in 1901, Day & Zimmermann is a family-owned company with a workforce of over 50,000 specializing in construction & engineering, staffing and defense solutions for leading corporations and governments around the world. Operating from more than 150 worldwide locations with 2.7 Billion USD in revenue, Day & Zimmermann is currently ranked as one of the largest private companies in the U.S. by Forbes. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, our first work was to develop "Betterment Reports" that helped modernize American factories. Today, we are still in the business of betterment -- maintaining the nation's power infrastructure, protecting American freedoms and driving technological advancements around the world. We do what we say. http://www.dayzim.com Company Contact: Holly Holt Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications Main: 703.955.5704 holly.holt@dayzim.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/01/16 -- Constellation Software Inc. ("Constellation") (TSX: CSU) today announced that its subsidiary, Total Specific Solutions (TSS) B.V. ("TSS"), acquired all shares in the capital of NCCW Holding B.V. ("NCCW"), a leading software provider of property management software solutions in the Netherlands. Robin van Poelje, CEO of Total Specific Solutions: "NCCW knows the real estate market like no other and with their solutions they know how to meet the market's demands. With the experience and investment power of TSS, we aim to grow NCCW's position in the upcoming years. That is the reason why Total Specific Solutions has a 'buy-and-hold-forever' strategy." About Constellation Software Inc. Constellation Software acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses that provide mission-critical software solutions. About Total Specific Solutions (TSS) B.V. Total Specific Solutions is the leading provider of IT business solutions and consists of independent business units that deliver products and services to their specific vertical market segment. This market expertise is based on decades of experience. In particular, TSS is active in the verticals: healthcare, local and central government, retail, financial and legal services. TSS is part of Constellation Software Inc. (CSI) listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. Contacts: Constellation Software Inc. Jamal Baksh Chief Financial Officer (416) 861-2279 jbaksh@csisoftware.com www.csisoftware.com Regulatory News: Gecina (Paris:GFC) has acknowledged and is delighted with the decision taken by Fonciere de Paris' Supervisory Board, with its voting members unanimously concluding that Gecina's offer is financially superior to Eurosic's offer, and that it is in the best interests of Fonciere de Paris, its shareholders and its employees. This decision recognizes the indisputable strengths of the proposal submitted to the shareholders and teams of Fonciere de Paris, thanks to the quality of its assets and their highly complementary portfolios, as well as the dynamic development of their combined pipeline, the financial synergies and the strong balance sheet. With Fonciere de Paris, a natural partner, Gecina will further strengthen its leading position for office real estate in Europe, with strong potential for creating value and attractive prospects for returns. Several shareholders represented on Fonciere de Paris' Supervisory Board have already expressed their intention to tender their securities for Gecina's offer. In particular, they include Assurances Mutuelles le Conservateur (holding 5.48% of Fonciere de Paris' capital) which have changed its initial commitment, and Zurich Versicherungs-Gesellschaft (holding 2.71% of Fonciere de Paris' capital). This confirms that the undertakings to tender securities for Eurosic's initial offer can still be withdrawn, in accordance with stock market regulations. As a result, Eurosic currently holds only 26.6% of Fonciere de Paris' capital. Buoyed by these latest signs of support, Gecina is still convinced that its flexible offer, which is compatible with the investment objectives of all the shareholder profiles, with better conditions for each of its three components, will secure the support of the majority of Fonciere de Paris' shareholders. Gecina, a leading real estate group Gecina owns, manages and develops property holdings worth 12.9 billion euros at December 31, 2015, with 90% located in the Paris Region. The Group is building its business around France's leading office portfolio and a diversification division with residential assets, student residences and healthcare facilities. Gecina has put sustainable innovation at the heart of its strategy to create value, anticipate its customers' expectations and invest while respecting the environment, thanks to the dedication and expertise of its staff. Gecina is a French real estate investment trust (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris, and is part of the SBF 120, Euronext 100, FTSE4Good, DJSI Europe and World, Stoxx Global ESG Leaders and Vigeo indices. In line with its commitments to the community, Gecina has created a company foundation, which is focused on protecting the environment and supporting all forms of disability. www.gecina.fr Disclaimer This press release has been prepared exclusively for information. It does not constitute a purchase or exchange offer, or a request for an offer for the sale or exchange of Fonciere de Paris securities, nor a purchase or exchange offer, or a request for an offer for the sale or exchange of Gecina securities. The release, publication or distribution of this press release may be restricted by the laws applicable in certain jurisdictions and, as a result, any person in possession of it in such jurisdictions must seek advice concerning the legal restrictions in force and ensure compliance with them. In accordance with French regulations, Gecina's public offering and the draft offer document containing the terms and conditions for the public offering are still subject to review by the French financial markets authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers, AMF). It is strongly recommended that investors and shareholders located in France should review the draft offer document mentioned in this press release, as well as any amendments or supplements to this document, since it contains important information concerning the proposed transaction and other related topics. The draft offer document is available on the websites of Gecina (www.gecina.fr) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org), and copies can be obtained free of charge from Gecina (14-16, rue des Capucines, 75002 Paris, France) and Goldman Sachs (5, avenue Kleber, 75116 Paris, France). Neither Gecina, nor its shareholders and respective representatives or advisors accept any liability concerning any use by any person of this press release or its content, or more generally in connection with this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160701005569/en/ Contacts: GECINA Financial communications Samuel Henry-Diesbach, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 52 22 samuelhenry-diesbach@gecina.fr Virginie Sterling, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 62 48 virginiesterling@gecina.fr or Press relations Brigitte Cachon, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 62 45 brigittecachon@gecina.fr Armelle Miclo, Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 51 98 armellemiclo@gecina.fr 01 July, 2016 U.S. Oil & Gas Plc. ("US Oil" or the "Company") Result of AGM U.S. Oil & Gas Plc the oil and gas exploration company with assets in Nevada, makes the following announcement: The Board of Directors of U.S. Oil & Gas Plc is pleased to announce that at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on Friday 19 June 2015 all resolutions were duly passed. THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by U.S. Oil and Gas Plc for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. For further information contact: Brian McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer +353 (1) 631 9022 Alexander David Securities Ltd - Corporate Finance Adviser David Scott +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 James Dewhurst +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 Email: james.dewhurst@ad-securities.com Definitions: The terms 'Reserves' and 'Contingent Resources' are as defined in the 'Petroleum Resources Management System' of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. About U.S. Oil & Gas: U.S. Oil & Gas plc is an oil and gas exploration company with a strategy to identify and acquire oil and gas assets in the early phase of the upstream life-cycle and mature them. The Company's main asset is in Nye County, Nevada where it holds the entire share capital of US-based company, Major Oil International LLC ("Major Oil"). Major Oil has acquired rights to exploration and development acreage in Hot Creek Valley, Nye County, adjacent to the oil and gas rich Railroad Valley area of Nevada, both of which are part of the Sevier Thrust of central Nevada and western Utah, USA. In a May 2013, an independent Competent Person's Report (CPR) by Forrest A. Garb & Associates (FGA) of Houston, Texas, estimated 19.2 million barrels Contingent Resources (C50) for a portion of the Company's lease area in Hot Creek Valley Nevada. Since then, the Company's stated intention has been to achieve Reserves status for some part of those estimated Resources. For further information please refer to our website at: www.usoil.us VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne abandoned his main target of achieving a budget surplus by 2020, as uncertainty linked to the implementation of the unexpected 'Brexit' decision is likely to cause an economic slowdown. 'As the Bank of England Governor said, the referendum result is likely to produce a large negative shock to our economy,' Osborne said in a speech to business leaders on Friday. 'How we respond will determine the impact on people's jobs and on economic growth.' The chancellor tweeted earlier on Friday that there were clear signs of economic shock in the aftermath of the 'Leave' vote. The country requires 'supreme national effort' to come out of the crisis, he added. 'The Bank of England can support demand, the Government must provide fiscal credibility, so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade,' Osborne said in the speech. Even before 'Brexit', economists had expressed doubt regarding the achieving a budget surplus by 2020, a goal set by Osborne in the budget in July last year. The Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Thursday that some monetary policy easing will likely be required over the summer, but stressed that there were limits to what monetary policy can do. In the June 23 referendum, 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU in a historic and surprise move. A day after, Prime Minister David Cameron, who had passionately campaigned for the country to remain in the EU, said he will step down in October and the exit negotiations should take place under a new PM. Once seen as the future UK Prime Minister, Osborne last week decided not to join the fray to fill the post. Osborne was able to reduce the budget deficit from over 10 percent of GDP, when he first became the chancellor, to just under 4 percent for the 2015/16 fiscal year. In the budget presented in March, the deficit was forecast to fall to 2.9 percent next year. Following 'Brexit', it is widely expected that the government will raise borrowing than increases taxes in an otherwise troubled economy. Announcing her bid for the Tory leadership on Thursday, the lead contender and a 'Remain' campaigner like Osborne, Theresa May said there was no scope of attaining a budget surplus by 2020. 'If before 2020 there is a choice between further spending cuts, more borrowing and tax rises, the priority must be to avoid tax increases since they would disrupt consumption, employment and investment,' Home Secretary May said. Elsewhere today, IMF Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said in an interview that the U.K. and global economic projections will be revised and the results will be negative. The latest forecasts from the lender is due on July 19. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de 01 July, 2016 U.S. Oil & Gas Plc. ("US Oil" or the "Company") Result of AGM-Correction U.S. Oil & Gas Plc the oil and gas exploration company with assets in Nevada, makes the following announcement. The Board of Directors of U.S. Oil & Gas Plc is pleased to announce that at the Company's Annual General Meeting held onThursday30 June 2016 all resolutions were duly passed. THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by U.S. Oil and Gas Plc for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. For further information contact: Brian McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer +353 (1) 631 9022 Alexander David Securities Ltd - Corporate Finance Adviser David Scott +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 James Dewhurst +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 Email: james.dewhurst@ad-securities.com Definitions: The terms 'Reserves' and 'Contingent Resources' are as defined in the 'Petroleum Resources Management System' of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. About U.S. Oil & Gas: U.S. Oil & Gas plc is an oil and gas exploration company with a strategy to identify and acquire oil and gas assets in the early phase of the upstream life-cycle and mature them. The Company's main asset is in Nye County, Nevada where it holds the entire share capital of US-based company, Major Oil International LLC ("Major Oil"). Major Oil has acquired rights to exploration and development acreage in Hot Creek Valley, Nye County, adjacent to the oil and gas rich Railroad Valley area of Nevada, both of which are part of the Sevier Thrust of central Nevada and western Utah, USA. In May 2013, an independent Competent Person's Report (CPR) by Forrest A. Garb & Associates (FGA) of Houston, Texas, estimated 19.2 million barrels Contingent Resources (C50) for a portion of the Company's lease area in Hot Creek Valley Nevada. Since then, the Company's stated intention has been to achieve Reserves status for some part of those estimated Resources. For further information please refer to our website at: www.usoil.us Young people account for 70 percent of secret abortions in Vietnam, according to Nguyen Thi Hoai Duc, head of Vietnam's Institute for Reproductive and Family Health. Youngsters aged between 13 and 19 account for 70 percent of secret abortions in Vietnam, and some even have more than one, Duc told a meeting on June 29. Many girls visit clinics three of four times to have abortions even though they are provided with information about pregnancy prevention as well as the risks of abortion, she said. Duc cited results from a survey conducted by Vietnams General Statistics Office, which showed that about 36 percent of Vietnamese adolescents aged 14-17 have had sex, and even some 10-12 year-old girls are having consensual sex. The survey also revealed that at least 8.4 percent of females from 15 to 24 have had at least one abortion. The Health Advisory Centre under the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology said that young girls are admitted to the hospital for abortions every day. More alarmingly, some of them have fetuses which are more than 12 weeks old, making it dangerous for the mothers to have an abortion. After realizing they are pregnant, many students buy drugs to abort the pregnancy without consulting a doctor, and that can have serious consequences, Duc said. Children need to be taught about sex The head of Vietnams Institute for Reproductive and Family Health said that most Vietnamese parents feel awkward about talking to their children about sex, but it's better to inform them than let them face the consequences of their actions later on. Nguyen Thi Hoai Duc, head of Vietnams Institute for Reproductive and Family Health, at a meeting on June 29. Photo from a government news portal. She added she has seen some parents go into denial when doctors tell them their 13-yearl-old is pregnant, and even become abusive. They claim that their children are very obedient and the doctors are lying. Duc explained that both families and schools often avoid discussing sex while information from other sources, especially the internet, can be easily accessed. As a result, children search for information in secret, and it's only when they get pregnant that their parents realize the problem. In term of schools responsibility to provide sex education, Tran Quoc Hai, principal of Cat Linh High School in Hanoi, claimed that teachers feel embarrassed and ashamed talking to students about sex. He said: In my school, some teachers responsible for sex education are not married, so how can they provide detailed information to students. Just showing images of human bodies to children makes them shy. The principal said there should be more training programs for teachers to learn about how to offer reproductive knowledge to students. In addition, health centers should visit schools more regularly to handle problems involving love and sex. Aabenraa, 2016-07-01 17:58 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 26On 24 February 2016 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 350m. The share buyback commenced on 29 February 2016 and will be completed by 31 December 2016.The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of the European Commission's Regulation No 2273/2003 of 22 December 2003, known as the Safe Harbour Regulation.The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:Number of VWAP Gross value (DKK) shares Accumulated, most recent 1,132,500 206,573,040.00 announcement 27 June 2016 28 June 25,000 23,000 162.65 163.41 4,066,250.00 2016 29 June 2016 30 21,000 165.21 3,758,430.00 June 2016 01 July 2016 12,000 166.53 3,469,410.00 12,000 167.70 1,998,360.00 2,012,400.00 Total over week 26 93,000 15,304,850.00 Total accumulated during 1,225,500 221,877,890.00 the share buyback programmeFollowing the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 2,049,311 own shares, equal to2.84% of the Bank's share capital.Yours sincerelyKaren Frsig Bjarne LarsenCEO Deputy Group Chief ExecutiveAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=577540 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. The Central Bank of Iceland has decided to grant pension funds and other domestic custodians of third-pillar pension savings an exemption from the Foreign Exchange Act, no. 87/1992, thereby permitting them to invest in financial instruments issued in foreign currency. The total amount of the authorisation, which remains in effect until end-September 2016, is at least 40 b.kr. From mid-2015 through the end of June 2016, pension funds have been authorised to engage in foreign investment for a total of 40 b.kr.Foreign currency inflows year-to-date and reduced uncertainty about developments in the balance of payments following the recent foreign currency auction and creditors' approval of composition proposals from the failed banks' estates have created the scope to authorise pension funds and other third-pillar pension savings custodians to invest further in foreign-denominated financial instruments.Just over 54 b.kr. were allocated to the foreign currency auction, which was held in mid-June. Following the auction, the reserve adequacy ratio is approximately 158%, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) reserve adequacy metrics (RAM) criteria. The Fund considers it desirable that Iceland's RAM threshold be at least 150% during the prelude to liberalisation of capital controls on residents, and the Bank agrees with this assessment. The reserves are therefore roughly 34 b.kr. above the threshold. In view of this sound reserve position, continued foreign currency inflows, and the elimination of uncertainty about the amount of reserve assets allocated to the offshore krona auction, the Bank's scope to expand pension funds' foreign investment authorisations has increased. If foreign currency inflows are strong in coming months, it may prove possible to grant additional authorisations over and above the 40 b.kr. provided for in the current decision. Exemptions granted to the pension funds will take account of this possibility.As before, the grounds for the exemption are that there are macroeconomic benefits associated with allowing the pension funds to diversify the risk in their portfolios and reduce their pent-up investment need before controls on residents are lifted. This, in turn, reduces the risk of monetary and exchange rate instability upon liberalisation of the controls. In the long run, these increased investment authorisations over the months to come will have minimal impact on the foreign exchange position, as it can be assumed that the pension funds' foreign currency purchases in coming months will reduce their need to buy currency in the future.The investment authorisation will be divided among pension funds and other custodians with a view to total assets, to be weighted at 86%, and premiums net of pension benefit payments, to be weighted at 14%. The calculations are based on information from the Financial Supervisory Authority's Annual Report 2015, which contains figures for 2014. The exemption will remain in effect through 30 September 2016.Pension funds that have operating licences according to Chapter V or XI of Act no. 129/1997 and other domestic custodians of third-pillar pension savings that have received confirmation from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on the basis of Article 10 of Act no. 129/1997 and are interested in applying for an exemption from the Foreign Exchange Act, no. 87/1992, for the aforementioned investments are invited to submit an application to the Central Bank of Iceland. The exemption application form can be found on the following page: Application form.Applications should be sent to the Bank by postal mail at the following address:Central Bank of Iceland att'n: Capital Controls Surveillance Unit Kalkofnsvegur 1 150 ReykjavikFurther information can be obtained from Arnor Sighvatsson, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland, at tel: +354 569 9600. 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. VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - The European markets ended Friday's session in the green, extending its winning streak to four sessions. After the sharp sell-off sparked by the U.K. decision to exit the European Union at the end of the prior week, the prospects for this week looked quite grim. However, the only negative session this week was right at the outset, on Monday. Uncertainty remains regarding how the Brexit will proceed and the impact that it will have the region and the global economy as a whole. Central banks around the globe continue to assure investors that they are ready, willing and able to step in when necessary. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney hinted at providing further stimulus in a speech on Thursday. In remarks to business leaders, Carney said a material slowing in economic growth now looks likely to be the central forecast in reaction to the so-called Brexit. Carney subsequently said the deteriorating economic outlook will likely require some monetary policy easing over the summer. The euro area is exposed to a number of uncertainties both external and internal, Peter Praet, executive board member of the European Central Bank said Friday. He cautioned that the uncertainty originating from the UK referendum could weigh on economic confidence and partly reverse the recent improvements in investment and consumption. It is essential to swiftly establish an orderly process that governs the path towards a new post-referendum steady state so as to allow households and firms to swiftly adjust their inter-temporal economic decisions to the new environment, he said at the Financial Times Festival of Finance in London. Michael Gove, a surprise candidate for the Tory Leadership and new U.K. Prime Minister, said Friday that he was in the fray out of conviction. In a speech made to make his case for the top position, Gove said, 'I had to stand up for my convictions.' The Justice Secretary, who campaigned for the U.K. to leave the European Union, surprised many on Thursday when he threw his hat into the ring, after repeatedly saying that he did not want to become the PM. He was widely expected to back former London Mayor and lead 'Leave' campaigner Boris Johnson, who bowed out of the race after the former's surprise bid. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks increased 0.64 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, added 0.39 percent. The DAX of Germany climbed 0.99 percent and the CAC 40 of France rose 0.86 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. gained 1.13 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished higher by 0.21 percent. In Frankfurt, Temenos Group AG jumped 4.57 percent after Standard Chartered Bank has selected its wealth management program. Volkswagen increased 4.76 percent and Daimler gained 2.32 percent. BMW finished higher by 3.21 percent and car parts maker Continental added 3.51 percent. ThyssenKrupp leaped 5.52 percent and Salzgitter advanced 4.71 percent. Deutsche Bank climbed 1.87 percent, but Commerzbank dipped 0.07 percent. In Paris, Peugeot increased 6.70 percent and Renault rose 4.73 percent. Car parts maker Valeo also gained 5.12 percent and tire maker Michelin climbed percent. Technip advanced 2.43 percent and Total added 0.86 percent. In London, mining giant BHP Billiton dropped 0.30 percent after suffering a fresh setback regarding the Samarco dam incident in Brazil. Fresnillo jumped 7.06 percent and Randgold Resources rose 4.34 percent on rising gold prices. Berkeley Group advanced 5.19 percent and Persimmon added 6.62 percent. Taylor Wimpey finished up by 5.29 percent and Barratt Development gained 2.37 percent. Eurozone unemployment declined as expected in May to the lowest since July 2011, Eurostat reported Friday. The jobless rate fell to 10.1 percent in May, as expected, from 10.2 percent in April. This was the lowest rate registered since July 2011. The recovery in the euro area manufacturing sector gathered momentum in June, survey results from Markit showed Friday. The final manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose more than initially estimated to 52.8 in June from 51.5 in May. This was the fastest growth in six months. The flash score was 52.6. The British manufacturing sector logged a moderate improvement in June, driven by solid acceleration in new work and output, results of a survey, which received almost all responses ahead of the 'Brexit' vote, showed Friday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 52.1 from a revised reading of 50.4 in May, its highest level since January, Markit Economics said. Economists had expected a score of 50.1. China's manufacturing activity remained weak, largely reflecting subdued foreign demand, while the services sector expanded notably in June. The official factory Purchasing Managers' Index came in at 50 in June, in line with expectations, but down from 50.1 in May, data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing showed Friday. Meanwhile, the Caixin manufacturing PMI dropped to 48.6 in June from 49.2 in May, signaling the biggest contraction in four months, survey results from Markit revealed. The score was expected to remain unchanged in June. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector. On the other hand, the official non-manufacturing PMI rose to 53.7 from 53.1 a month ago. Manufacturing activity in the U.S. registered growth for the fourth consecutive month in June, the Institute for Supply Management revealed in a report on Friday, with the index of activity in the sector rising by much more than expected. The ISM said its purchasing managers index jumped to 53.2 in June from 51.3 in May, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in the manufacturing sector. Economists had expected the index to inch up to 51.5. Construction spending in the U.S. unexpectedly decreased in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday. The report said construction spending slid 0.8 percent to an annual rate of $1.143 trillion in May from the revised April estimate of $1.152 trillion. The drop in construction spending came as a surprise to economists, who had expected spending to climb by 0.6 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Attorney General Loretta Lynch has insisted that she will accept the recommendations of the FBI and career prosecutors in the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while Secretary of State. 'I will be accepting their recommendations and their plans for going forward,' Lynch said during an appearance at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado on Friday. The pledge from Lynch comes after she held a private meeting with former President Bill Clinton, raising questions about the independence of the investigation. Lynch acknowledged that her meeting with the former president raises questions and concerns but reiterated her claim that the interaction was primarily social. 'I certainly wouldn't do it again because I think it has cast this shadow over what it should not, over what it will not touch,' Lynch said She added, 'It's important to make it clear that that meeting with President Clinton does not have a bearing on how this matter will be reviewed and resolved.' Lynch stressed that the email investigation is being conducted by career investigators and agents that are independent and stay on from administration to administration. Despite the controversy, the Attorney General said she would fully recuse herself from the case, as that would prevent her from being briefed on the investigation. 'While I don't have a role in coming up with those findings or making those recommendations on how to move forward, I will be briefed on it, and I will be accepting their recommendations,' Lynch said. Lynch's meeting with Bill Clinton attracted criticism from presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as well as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. In an interview with radio host Mike Gallagher on Thursday, Trump described the meeting between Lynch and Clinton as both 'amazing' and 'terrible.' 'It is an amazing thing,' Trump said. 'I heard about it last night. They actually went on to the plane as I understand it. That's terrible.' 'It was really a sneak. It was really something that they didn't want publicized as I understand it,' he added. 'Wow, I just think it's so terrible, I think it's so horrible.' Even with Lynch's assertion, the news and the email investigation in general will likely continue to cause headaches for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de On June 30, the Vietnamese government issued a decree extending visa exemptions for tourists from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, reported the Vietnam News Agency. One year ago, the government issued a decree allowing visitors from the five countries to stay in Vietnam for no longer than 15 days without a visa, but it expired on June 30 this year. The Vietnamese government has decided to extend it until June 30, 2017. The exemption duration remains unchanged at 15 days. Data from the General Statistics Office show that since Vietnam applied the decree, the number of visitors from Western Europe has shown signs of growth. As of May, Vietnam had welcomed 697,200 visitors from those countries, up 13.9 percent on-year, with Italian tourists rising by 30.1 percent, followed by the U.K. at 23.3 percent and Spain at 22.4 percent. Vietnam received about 4.7 million foreign visitors in the first six months of this year, up 21.3 percent from the same period last year, according to data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Related news: > Vietnam records 21 percent increase in foreign tourists > Lawmakers enact Vietnam U.S. visa agreement > Visa exemptions boost tourists from Western Europe Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc., a Cambridge, MA-based developer of novel therapeutics based on the biology of DNA repair, received a $2m, two-year grant. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provided the funding. The grant will support continued preclinical development of a novel RAD51 modulator for the treatment of cancers. As part of the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) that jointly funds small businesses and nonprofit research institutions, Cyteir will partner with The Jackson Laboratory for in vivo testing and Eastern Maine Medical Center, which will provide human tissue samples. In this Phase II STTR grant, the company aims to advance its lead candidates to the IND-enabling phase by completing pre-GLP pharmacology and toxicology studies and establishing efficacy and durability in preclinical models. The grant follows a Phase I STTR awarded to Cyteir in 2014, which supported feasibility studies that identified lead candidate compounds targeting RAD51. Led by Donald F. Corcoran, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cyteir leverages recent discoveries from the laboratory of co-founder and chief scientific officer, Dr. Kevin Mills, namely, the identification of activation induced cytidine deaminase (AID) as both a biomarker and driver of DNA damage. By modulating the DNA repair protein RAD51 in AID-positive cells, the company seeks to induce selective self-destruction of cancer cells to provide novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. FinSMEs 30/06/2016 Norsk Titanium AS, a Oslo, Norway-based supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components, closed a $25M funding round. The company will use the funds to its the customer base and aerospace production part qualification programs, expand into New York State and add to the leadership team. The funding round includes: $10m equity investment from Insight Equity Holdings LLC, a mid-market private equity firm $10m growth debt facility from Harbert European Growth Capital Fund I (HEGCF) (already covered by us here) $5m equity investment from a number of smaller investors. Led by President and CEO Warren M. Boley Jr., Norsk Titanium supplies aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components. Its patented Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process transforms titanium wire into complex components suitable for structural and safety-critical applications. FinSMEs 01/07/2016 Digi.me, a Tongham, UK-based personal data access platform, secured 4.2m ($6.1m) in Series A funding. The round was led by global re-insurer Swiss Re. The company, which has now raised 7.1m ($10.2m) since launching in 2009, intends to use the funds to accelerate the development and launch of its platform. Led by founder and chairman Julian Ranger Executive Vice President North America and Jim Pasquale, Digi.me is advancing a permissioned access platform, which will let users bring together data such as health and financial information and share it if they wish with businesses in exchange for personalized services or reward. The app, which is now available on PC, Mac, iOS and Android, and already has over 400,000 users in 140 countries, features universal search across all platforms, daily flashbacks, the ability to create custom collections of content, data export, etc. Soon, it will be possible to add financial and health information with other personal data streams to be added in the future. Digi.me has signed partnerships with Toshiba, Lenovo and Evernote. FinSMEs 01/07/2016 River SaaS Capital, a Westlake, Ohio-based provider of debt-based financing solutions for software-as-a-service businesses, added Wendy Jarchow to the team as Chief Investment Officer. Ms. Jarchow will manage River SaaS Capitals portfolio of loans, devise strategies for growth and act as a liaison between investors. She brings to the firm over 18 years of experience in finance, venture capital and strategic planning. As a Venture Partner at JumpStart, Ms. Jarchow assisted client companies with developing funding strategies and secured capital for both start-ups and scaleup businesses. Before JumpStart, she was the Senior Director of Development for Case Western Reserve Universitys School of Medicine administering programmatic support for their translational medicine program. Prior to CWRU, Ms. Jarchow was the Director of Business Development for Chrysalis Ventures and also worked for The Fitzgerald Group in Chicago, LaSalle Bank, ABN AMRO, and Key Bank. Led by President Matt Kennedy, River SaaS Capital is a division of River Capital Finance and a TruWest company, which offers debt-based financing for software-as-a-service businesses. As a debt lender, the firm provides non-dilutive financing to businesses that do not want to give up equity to investors and who typically do not qualify for traditional bank lending due to their business model. FinSMEs 01/07/2016 First, let us get this out of the way: Muzaffarnagar is not mentioned anywhere in Shorgul. The allusions are unmistakable though, which explains media reports that BJP MLA Sangeet Som has been raising a ruckus about this little-known film. Som is a prime accused in the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013. Actor Jimmy Sheirgill in Shorgul plays a fictional Ranjeet Om, an MLA from a right-wing Hindu party who engineers communal riots in the town of Malihabad in a state ruled by a Chief Minister Mithilesh Yadav (Sanjay Suri) to further his goal of becoming a Member of Parliament in the next election. Som clearly does not know when to shut up though, because the fact is, Shorgul makes allusions to other contemporary political leaders and situations that could very well place the story elsewhere too. Such as the films slim Muslim leader Alam Khan (played by Narendra Jha) who delivers an inflammatory speech about the likely consequences of Indias Muslims rising up against the countrys Hindus, which sounds almost like a replica of the real-life speech allegedly delivered by All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi in Adilabad in 2012 for which he was arrested in 2013. All right then, that point has been addressed. Onward to the review. If you have been brought up in a secular, liberal environment, it is easy to dismiss some of the situations and conversations in this film as a figment of the writers minds. That scene, for instance, in which a Muslim student asks a fellow Muslim collegemate to hang out with her own people instead of Hindu friends. Improbable? Actually, not. If you have kept your eyes and ears open and looked beyond your own immediate family, you would know that such words have been and are routinely spoken in homes and public places across India, earlier in whispers and now increasingly openly. The point is, the films story is believable. A Muslim girl called Zainab and a Hindu boy called Raghu grow up as friends. He falls in love with her but she is unaware of his feelings. When her fiance Saleem discovers the truth, it leads to tension between all parties involved and ultimately, an unplanned act of violence that is used by Ranjeet Om to incite riots in the town. Caught in the crossfire along with the youngsters is Raghus father, Chaudhary (Ashutosh Rana), a respected local leader who is constantly at loggerheads with Om. Plausible plotline, as you can see. The execution is a different matter altogether. Shorguls screenplay by Jitendra Tiwari is effective in not taking sides with either community involved. Unfortunately, it takes its title very seriously and ultimately loses itself in its own din. The film co-directed by Tiwari with P. Singh is noisy, lacks finesse and depth, and the political machinations are diluted to irritating effect by too many loud songs and problematic production quality. At the centre of it all is an actress so uncharismatic playing Zainab, that it is hard to understand why two men not one, but two are so smitten by her as to be willing to give up their lives for her. Newcomer Suha Gezen lacks a screen presence. Making things worse is the director duos evident fixation with what they consider her immense beauty. As a result, she is given a lingering introductory shot and the camera gazes lovingly at her throughout. It does not help Gezens case that Zainabs suitors are played by TV stars Anirudh Dave and Hiten Tejwani who are both easy on the eye and better actors. Dave does twice resort to screaming to convey a burst of temper but there is reason to forgive him that folly in the scene in which Raghu acknowledges his feelings for his lady friend. Tejwani, who is his senior, lends a quiet likeability to Saleem. There is also some pleasure to be derived from the performances of Messrs Sheirgill, Rana and Jha. All three manage to avoid sounding bombastic for a considerable part of the film, despite the decibel levels that surround them (not counting a verbal explosion by Rana in his final scene). There is a not-entirely-uninteresting twist in the tale. The real mystery though is why, through Sanjay Suris cameo, the filmmakers have tried to place a halo around the head of real-life UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Be that as it may, Shorgul is a perfect example of the Central Board of Film Certifications persistent inconsistency. Despite its communal language and intense violence, the film has got away with a UA rating and, according to co-director P. Singh, a directive to remove just three words gau, Ganga and Godhra. This seems like an act of extreme indulgence from a Board that just last month fought hard to prevent the release of Udta Punjab and had to be forced by the judiciary to let that film come to theatres with an A certificate. It is not this reviews case that Shorgul should be banned of course it should not be. Question is, by what yardstick does its content not merit an A (restricted to adults) rating? And why the double standards? The lasting memory from Shorgul though is of its overall air of tackiness. The song and dance routine accompanying the opening credits should have been a sign of things to come: it features a poorly shot Hrishitaa Bhatt stuck with some of the most awkward choreography seen in a film in recent memory. Closing the brackets on the mediocrity is a ridiculous video of a wailing, weeping Zainab/Gezen filmed underwater and running alongside the closing credits, possibly to convey some deep philosophical point. It is unwittingly funny. Between the two ends, we get an array of junior artistes with limited talent, a scar on Eijaz Khans neck that proves the prosthetic make-up department lacked funds and oh yes, a couple of songs with lyrics by Congress politician Kapil Sibal that are unmemorable enough to merit this cliche: his writing is nothing to write home about. The Muzaffarnagar riots are a blot on contemporary history and the wounds from that blaze are yet to heal. It is almost criminal to use references to this human tragedy to draw audiences into a deafening, unimaginative, ordinary film. The government's announcement on Wednesday that the new Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act 2015 has been cleared by the cabinet has been termed as a win-win by customers and retailers. However, it has met with some skepticism in certain quarters over the feasibility, security and functional issues that implementing the new law would entail. The model law allows malls, cinema halls, restaurants, banks, shops, and others to be open 24x7 throughout the year. The move, according to the government, is aimed at providing 1 crore jobs, a key focus area for prime minister Narendra Modi now after the criticism that the 7.6 percent GDP growth has failed to fuel employment generation. Now it is the turn of States and Union Territories to modify their individual Acts, if they so desire, either by adopting the said Bill as it is, or after modifying its provisions as per their requirements. One of the main concerns that the new law, when brought into practice, is security and this is in the ambit of law and enforcement agencies of the state. There are multiple regulators like excise, police, municipal authorities, etc and multiple timelines that they enforce that can become a handicap for the new model law to function smoothly. This is a classic situation of duplicity of legislation in India, remarks Ajay Joseph, a lawyer. He says, amending an act would not help either. All that it would take for this new model law to boomerang would be for one unfortunate incident that may take place and which could be linked to malls, cinema houses and shops being open 24x7. Traders too fear a rise in illegal activities. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said in a statement that in the event of government agencies sleeping at a time when commercial activities are taking place, illegal or counterfeit activities may take place since no agency will be there to monitor them. However, not all take this view. As Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, points out, women have been working in the graveyard shifts in IT companies for some time now. Unless women had been allowed to work odd hours along with men in IT industry and factories, the IT story that India is proud of would not have taken place, says Rajagopalan, adding that he hopes states such as Karnataka and Delhi would adopt it soon and make retail an even more positive story in India. The percentage of women working in the retail sector is hardly 23 percent, says Rajagopalan. This is much lower than most countries in the world where women comprise almost 50 percent of the workforce. The new model law would put the onus on malls and retailers to arrange for the security of their employees. Some mall owners are not happy about this. The law and police are a state subject and it is the government's onus to provide safety for its citizens. We are providing security at malls and cinema houses, etc, wherever we function. But the state governments cannot wash their hands off this state subject, pointed out a mall owner, adding whether to work late night shift or not is completely a women's choice. "No one will be forced to work odd hours, he said. Given the way the Indian retail story is panning out, it was expected to create 15 million jobs by 2022, says Bhaskar Kedia, director, national rollout at the Wadhwani Foundation, a philanthropic foundation that aims to accelerate economic development in India and other major economies. This move by the government through the new model law should quicken the pace of creating more jobs by 2017 or 2018, says Kedia. Another factor that offline and online players should factor in is to check the kind of people they recruit for these jobs. It is important to do thorough checks of resumes and see to it that in the rush to absorb more people in jobs, their credentials are checked, pointed out Ajay Trehan, CEO, Authbridge, a background check company. Mall owners say it is too soon to think of security or any other concerns because it depends on retailers in malls on whether to keep their outlets open 24x7. It is at their discretion, points out a spokesperson for Inorbit Mall, Malad. Adds Pushpa Bector, EVP and Head, DLF Mall of India, that since the new model law has been only passed on Thursday, it will take a little while before it can be implemented, since it is a state subject. We have to see in how many malls we want to implement it as it will be based on footfalls. It is a supply and demand factor, she pointed out. One thing is for sure: The move is a break away from the past in many ways. The oft-cited complaints of brick and mortar outlets that they were reigned in by the Shop and Establishment Act unlike online players who can function 24x7 is no longer there with the introduction of the new model law. Around 93 percent of retail in India is unorganised and the new model law will bring about a parity between both these players, felt analysts. Retail industry is expected to grow to US $1.3 trillion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 9.7 per cent between 2000-2020, according to Indian Brand Equity Foundation. If implemented properly, the move is likely to outpace the expected growth in the retail industry. However, given all the practical difficulties involved in this radical step to bring India in step with other countries globally in the retail sector, it could have been prudent for the government to have brought about this reform in a phased manner. As CAIT suggests, "It is therefore urged that government should do a pilot of this proposal in any big market of any city of any state to have an impact assessment." The Document is a first step to launch national and European debates about how to better connect the scientific and policymaking communities. New Delhi - As the fight for market share took nationalist overtones, Indian ride-hailing startup Ola on Thursday hit out at its San Francisco-based rival Uber for fanning the nationalism debate to hide its identity of being a multinational with "serial violations of law". "It is a shame that our competition has to fan a debate of nationalism to hide their identity of being a multi-national, with serial violations of law as a business strategy, not just in India, but globally. This debate in our view is not about foreign vs local but who is respectful of the local laws and who is disrespectful," Ola COO Pranay Jivrajka wrote in a blogpost. While Ola last week was granted a licence to operate its cab aggregation service in Karnataka, Uber said its application was still languishing and officials had asked it to make a fresh application. Uber, however, continues to operate. "Over the past couple of days, there has been an irrelevant debate around organisations operating in the country being national or international. Isn't a company like Alibaba, run by a local entrepreneur like Jack Ma, 'Chinese,' despite having a majority of its shareholding from international investors? Aren't the cutting edge technology solutions, high value jobs and Internet ecosystem that Alibaba has built, invaluable assets for China?," Jivrajka wrote. This was apparently in response to a blogpost by Bhavik Rathod, Uber's general manager of South and West in India. "What makes Uber 'foreign'? The fact that we are established in San Francisco but have a hyperlocal team solving problems that are locally relevant? Or that, just like our competitors, we received most of our funding from 'foreign' investors?" Rathod wrote in a blog titled 'Let's keep Bangalore moving'. Jivrajka wrote it is the onus of the business that brings in transformative technology, to work with the government and evolve the ecosystem further in a partnership mode. "It is only detrimental to the nation's interests to take a confrontational approach. As a matter of principle, Ola has always taken an approach of working in partnership with the government," he added. Without naming Uber, he said, "When competition entered in India, they launched with a 'card on file' payment system. This was in gross violation of RBI regulations, yet they continued this for more than a year, fully knowing the violation, and it took an ultimatum from the Governor of the RBI to make them fall in line." Ola, he said, chose not to do this and had to face significant business disadvantage of customers moving away. "Similarly, during the Delhi Diesel ban, Ola committed to 100 per cent CNG adoption of vehicles within the state proactively. On the other hand, even after the High Court Orders came into effect, competition chose to continue plying diesel vehicles with absolute disregard for the state and the court of law, until a contempt petition forced them to cease and desist," he said. Starting from one-BHK apartment in Mumbai, Ola has built its business on the strong foundation of creating value for society. "And reposing its faith in the institutions of the judiciary and government," he added. Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Naidu said that the bifurcation of Hyderabad High Court fell in the apex court's purview, and it was not right to create a controversy on it. He was reacting to the ongoing agitation in Telangana by judicial officers and lawyers demanding the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad be bifurcated. "It (division of High Court and its relocation) is in the Supreme Court's purview. It is not right to create a controversy over it when the courts are seized of the matter," Chandrababu remarked, when asked about his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao's letter to the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh demanding bifurcation of HC. The High Court at Hyderabad is currently serving the two states jointly as per the AP Reorganisation Act-2014. "We had foregone everything (following the bifurcation of the state). What's the big issue in foregoing the High Court," the AP Chief Minister said. His government wanted to construct a new building for the High Court in Amaravati as an iconic structure, he said. "It has to be designed. It is an iconic structure and we can't do it just like that," he added. He also found fault with Rao's demand the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi be handed over solely to the Telangana government. "AP Bhavan has been built with the hard work of all. You can't claim sole rights over it," Naidu said. Saying that continued bickering between the two states was not good even for the Centre, the Chief Minister said amicable solutions should be found through negotiations. "States are independent. Politics is different, states are different. But we are all one...we are all Telugus. Our language is the same, our culture is the same. I am focusing all my energies on building the new state as we started from minus...not even zero," Chandrababu said. He claimed the Telangana Government did not cooperate with the AP Government, while the Centre too did not give the state its due. "Technology has been my best friend. We made good use of technology to go forward and provide better services to the citizens," he added. On Thursday, the Chennai police released a high-resolution image of the main suspect in the murder of 24-year-old Swathi Santhanagopalakrishnan who was hacked to death at the Nungambakkam railway station. The police released a 'file photo' of the man, saying it had been 'developed' by them. The photo shows a man wearing blue shirt and black trousers, similar to what was seen in the CCTV footage released by the police on Sunday. Based on the report submitted by a Hyderabad-based forensic firm on the CCTV footage, the assailant is aged between 25-30. According to The Indian Express, the investigators claim that the assailant is lean and "semi-dark and brown-skinned", and a little over five-feet-tall. Chennai techie murder: Railway police releases fresh CCTV footage, suspect seen walking near railway stationhttps://t.co/kHjvXCjGPr TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) June 26, 2016 The 25-member team investigating the case, questioned more than a hundred people and shortlisted about 20 as probable suspects. According to The Hindu report, a lot of mobile phones that were active in the area came under the scanner in the attempt to zero in on the culprit. The police is also investigating Swathis call details and text messages and short-listing 'suspecting' mobile phones that were active hours before the murder took place at the railway station. The police recorded the statements of friends and family who claimed that Swathi had complained of "a person following her all the way from the railway station." Some of the fellow passengers also reported seeing a person, matching the man described in the CCTV analysis, regularly visiting the window of the ladies compartment of the train to see her. The Madras High Court had come down on the state government, warning it of suo motu intervention if there was any slackness in the probe. The probe, originally done by the Government Railway Police, was later shifted to the city police who have now formed eight special teams to crack the murder. The weapon believed to have been used in the murder, a sickle, had been recovered last week from the railway track near the station premises, police added. Swathi, employed with IT major Infosys, was allegedly killed by an unidentified man on a platform while she was waiting to board a train on her way to office around 6.30 am. Her murder prompted a furore by the civil society and political parties. With inputs from PTI Oh for heavens sake. It seems that even in a murder case, we are not allowed to say 'dark-skinned'. The suspect who killed Infosys techie Swathi Santhanagopalakrishnan has been officially described as semi-dark', or 'brown-skinned'. They have since, also released a picture of the guy. You dont have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out that he is dark, but even heredespite committing the frightful deed of hacking a young girl to deaththe police have given him a free pass on his complexion. It is like we are embarrassed to say he is very dark. Who worked on this media release and thought up such a stupid phrase? What is semi-dark? Whoever says that? Like it is a passing phase and could change, or it's a dawn in the breaking. The next thing you know, we will be calling him 'dusky' or 'swarthy'. How deep is this colour consciousness that even in dealing of a heinous crime, we have to walk softly on it and be apologetic about it. 'Maybe wheatish'. 'Killer was not dark, only fifty-fifty brown, like a little tanned'. Imagine if you will, and I say this with rage and rancour rather than black humour, that if you do apprehend him and then discover that he isnt semi-dark, but totally dark, will he have a legal window to leap out of and say, 'Hey! You got the wrong guy, the colour of my skin does not match'. Talk about fair and so unlovely. Nungambakkam station in Chennai is a mere two-minute walk from the famous Loyola College where I studied for three years. You can get out of the hostel blocks and onto the tracks in under ninety seconds. Dozens of students are on the platform at any given time. Makes sense for the cops to check with the student body of the Jesuit run facility, and ask if any of them saw a person acting abnormally or carrying any kind of a weapon. You might be surprised at what comes up. Also, I dont quite know what the situation is like now, but in our time, morning walks on the side of the tracks, though against the rules, were common and 6.30 am was the preferred time for many of the health-conscious students. Many a student, who went AWOL for the night, used the rabbit hole dug into the wire fencing to sneak back into the college in the early morning hours. At that time of the morning the tracks are reasonably crowded. And the killer would have been easily noticeable. There is simply no way that this man could've gotten away unnoticed. It is said that he used to leer into the womens compartment in the train, to stare at his victim. If that is in fact true, then the fact that women train commuters tend to find the same spot on their journeys, and that they usually group together with the same friends should surely mean that they would be able to recall such facts, and that they should be interviewed. The only thing is to confirm whether the picture released is before or after the deed was done. Because if it is after, then there is no blood splatter on him and it is inconceivable that he would not have been stained if he had used a sickle. Perhaps the net should be widened. In the interim, lets not colour the facts. Conservationists are fond of saying India is a tolerant country for wildlife. Many of its billion plus citizens live cheek by jowl with dangerous beasts. Vegetarian animals eat their crops and predators snack on livestock. Some farmers claim compensation for their loss, but most stoically bear their burden. But this benevolent attitude is under siege. For decades, farmers in Himachal Pradesh complained that they were unable to earn a living when hordes of rhesus macaques grabbed crops and fruits. The farmers' distress became a political slugfest before every election in the state. Some abandoned their fields and quit farming. When sterilizing tens of thousands of macaques failed to control the problems, agriculturalists demanded culling notwithstanding the primate's association with Hanuman. It was the last resort. People complained about nilgai, but when given shooting rights, they weren't prepared to do anything. The problem was the name of the animal: this antelope was conjoined with the holy cow. Just 18 months ago, managers considered changing the animal's name to vanroz, to sever the sanctity bestowed by its common name. Across the country, most complaints of crop damage feature large mammals, like nilgai and wild boar. Rarely do farmers complain to the forest department about rodents, perhaps the worst offenders of all. They don't see the need to urge official action when they can deploy traps and poisons themselves. Should they pull the same stunt with larger animals, they could be prosecuted under wildlife laws. That doesn't prevent people from trying. Wild boar are survivors and ought to be found in every habitat. Even with legal protection, they have been quietly exterminated from most of our farmlands. The Centre approved proposals to cull these animals in particular areas for specific periods. A sharpshooter engaged by the Bihar Forest Department shot at least 300 nilgai, even before an official name change. Many believe culling will put an end to the daily pitched battles with wild animals. Although it is widely practiced in the US, Europe, and Africa, there is little evidence that it alleviates crop damage or loss of livestock. The belief is: more animals eat more crops. Reducing numbers would therefore lead to less damage. However, this obvious logic doesn't play out so well in the real world. Kodagu has few elephants but its residents complain a great deal about crop damage. The Nilgiris has many more elephants but reports fewer complaints. There's no evidence that increasing animal numbers leads to more dependence on human foods. Then how can culling alleviate the situation? Even if numbers mattered, a short spell of culling won't fix the problem. Once an area is cleared of animals and there are no other claimants to the food, others move in from neighbouring areas. Within months, they replace the removed animals. If the states seek recourse in culling, they are in for the long haul. They have to keep killing indefinitely until they drastically reduce the species' numbers or exterminate it, undoing everything India has achieved in conservation. Perhaps more than a real fix, the states want to buy tolerance by giving in to the demands for culling. Many conservation organizations around the world believe a state-mandated cull could prevent poaching and retaliatory killing of wildlife. In its 'A manifesto for large carnivore conservation in Europe,' the IUCN says: Legalised, well regulated hunting of large carnivores at sustainable levels can be a useful tool in responding to conflict, through slowing their increase to socially acceptable levels, engaging local populations in management, increasing their perceived local value, and decreasing illegal killing. In a recent article for Science, two biologists Rosie Woodroffe and Stephen Redpath argued, Pragmatic conservationists have long recognised that allowing some predator control whether or not it achieves its stated aimscan help to build tolerance among land managers who might otherwise block conservation efforts. But there's no evidence that killing animals promotes tolerance. In a paper published in April 2016 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, ecologists Guillaume Chapron and Adrian Treves say contrary to accepted wisdom, culling reduces tolerance and provides an incentive for poaching. When the state killed wolves in the forest-less expanses of Wisconsin and Michigan, residents perceived that the benefits of wolves had declined. The authors came to these conclusions by modelling culling policies with projected wolf population growth rate, instead of actually looking at poaching figures and assessing people's attitudes. Many rural Europeans and Americans have it in for wolves, and every smidgen of support for the beleaguered animals is hard-won. If a few animals have to be killed to buy acceptance for the presence of the species, wildlife managers and conservationists compromised. While our farmers may not believe 'the only good nilgai is a dead one,' many clandestinely do away with animals. They use live wires, mouth bombs, poisoned or explosives-filled pumpkins, snares, and a variety of cruel and crude methods to dispatch animals. Wild boar with their lower jaws blown off wander in pain before succumbing to infection, blood loss, and starvation. Elephants are maimed or killed by exploding or poisoned pumpkins. Live wires kill indiscriminately anything large or small that comes into contact is toast. Would such killings become more prevalent as the study on wolves indicates? Three ingredients encourage poaching during culling periods, Treves told Firstpost One, the government signal should be negative, example, too many wolves and many people suffering, and culling must be widely publicised as an alleged remedy. In addition, the species must be unpopular among those with weapons and an inclination to poach. In India, none of the marked species draw the kind of hatred that wolves do in the West. So would people prefer to let the government do the dirty work for them? John Linnell of the Norwegian Institute of Nature Research studied the ecology of leopards and wolves living in Maharashtrian farmlands. He says, It (culling) is a fascinating experiment which needs to be conducted so India can gain experience with different options for managing wildlife in human-dominated landscapes. It may not work, but I think it needs to be tried. I only hope that it is being followed up so that knowledge can be gained from the process. However, I would also hope that a range of other options are being tested as well. We don't know what causes conflict, why some animals of a species prefer crops to wild forage, why particular areas are more prone to crop damage, and what measures farmers should take to protect their livelihoods. There is no single universal cause that drives animals to eat crops and neither are there any silver bullet solutions. It's impractical for biologists to investigate such situations region by region and custom-draft possible ways of deflecting animals. A policy to deal with wildlife in farmlands would help. Wildlife policy and laws provide species-wide protection and prescribe how wildlife areas are to be managed. They say little about what managers should do when animals live in agricultural fields. The Karnataka Elephant Task Force made a start in this direction by prioritising landscapes for people and elephants and recommending appropriate actions. There's no question that wildlife living with humans has to be managed. The question is how. If this culling effort fails, as it is bound to, how will farmers react? Would they go back to non-lethal methods? Or would they demand the extermination of the species? Would culling in some areas instigate people in other areas to demand similar relief? We need more research in wildlife management and social scientists to assess people's attitudes. Not only is farm economy already in crisis so is wildlife conservation. Unless we do more to help farmers, our famed tolerance for wildlife will be shot to hell. Much has been written, said and debated about the recent ambush of a CRPF convoy in Pamporev killing eight and seriously injuring 22. How many times Pampore has been mentioned in such notorious setting in the last 27 years of terrorism in J&K is anybodys guess. Incidentally, the first time when a vehicle was blown up in an IED (improvised explosive device) attack, it was an army one-ton vehicle travelling from Khrew to Srinagar, in 1990, in which an army JCO lost his legs. Now, as back then, the usual blame game is on. A Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) version of the incident quoted in a prominent magazine read, "While Road Opening Party (RoP) duties are of the CRPF, it is the Army's duty to dominate the area and protect the corridor. There were lapses at multiple levels, both by the CRPF and the Army, mainly in the Army's area of domination and corridor protection," "The stretch where the CRPF bus came under attack was completely unprotected. The bus got separated from the main convoy for a few minutes. That was time enough for terrorists to target it." According to a CRPF official, The army mine protected vehicle (MPV) response was delayed". So on and so forth. According to the media, more MPVs are to be sent to J&K. The home minister is to visit J&K in the aftermath of the Pampore ambush. Statements have been made that the terrorists are feeling frustrated and want to keep the pressure up, and that the army is free to react in any manner. Media has also flashed that the army is to conduct RoP duties whether this is indeed an official direction which applies to the entire stretch of roads in troubled part of J&K, in addition to area under domination, is unclear. There have been plenty articles on the ambush, some suggesting that the convoy timings be reviewed, CI/CT (Counter-terrorism/Counter-insurgency) command structure be reviewed (actual unity of command instead of Unified Command), and highlighting the need for reviewing tactics; some suggesting that the Mehbooba government is taking baby steps to denounce terror, and the likes. There are discussions on social media as as well about the need for cross-border raid(s) like against two terrorist camps in Myanmar. One scholar has commented that the removal of bunkers close to roads in face of public protests (orchestrated by terrorists?) has increased the chances of terrorist strikes. All these recommendations and comments are germane to dealing with the issue undoubtedly. However, two issues talked about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his interview to Arnab Goswami are also significantly relevant in the above context: First, the PM reflected aloud as to who should India talk to in Pakistan about the Lakshman Rekha (read red lines) with respect to terrorism; will it be the elected government or with other actors. He also said that because of this India will have to be on the alert all the time. Second, on the issue of terrorism, Modi said that, 'the world never bought Indias theory on terrorism. They would sometimes dismiss it by saying that its your law and order problem. Today, the world has to accept what India has been saying about terrorism. Indias dialogue on terrorism, the losses India has suffered due to terrorism, the losses suffered by humanity, the world is now acknowledging that.' What the Prime Minister said reflects the ground reality, but it needs to be examined more closely if we indeed want to change from our current CI-CT policies, and method of countering proxy wars being waged on us by our opponents. In the above context, India must acknowledge the following ground realities that are likely to remain unchanged: One, the Pakistani militarys control over their country is increasing by the day the entire parliament meeting at Rawalpindi in the Army HQ being just one indication; Pakistani military must continue to sponsor terror and persisting confrontation with India and Afghanistan in order to remain in power and make billions the namesake democracy remains powerless; Pakistani military has bartered the countrys sovereignty, and not only for economic gains; to say that terrorists are getting demoralized is fooling ourselves considering that just eight to ten terrorists striking Charlie Hebdo shook entire Europe and Pakistan is hatching thousands, if not millions, of radicals annually. And, with Pakistan willingly providing China a lifeline to the Indian Ocean, China will wilfully partner Pakistan in terrorism, even nuclear terrorism with Pakistan assisting China against Uyghurs in Xinjiang and whitewashing Chinas genocide in Xinjiang in exchange for China's help in whitewashing the Pakistani genocide in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan you scratch mine and I scratch yours; the US administration continues to back the Pakistani military witness recent US announcement of $800 million aid to Pakistan simultaneous to Pakistan granting Rs 300 million to Darul Haqqania madrassa (University of Jihad) for the year 2016-2017 Mullah Mansour Akhtar and Sirajuddin Haqqani being two of its prominent products. There have been three major terrorist strikes in J&K on CRPF and BSF in the past five months (twice in Pampore), killing 15 security personnel. Whether there will be any incidents during the Amarnath Yatra that kicked off on Friday, is yet to be seen. Sure, a review of all CI-CT measures including command and control, intelligence, timings of move, need for security bunkers etc must be reviewed, but is that all that needs to be addressed when cross-border terrorism is being sponsored by Pakistan, or shall we say China-Pakistan since China too is pumping in money to fuel terrorism in J&K? The mere fact that China backed Pakistan is again demanding more evidence in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks clearly indicates that there can be no improvement from the Pakistani side irrespective of the false solace we are drawing from gloating that Pakistan stands isolated and no one can blame India for not trying for peace - the blame is entirely on Pakistan. But, does this change the ground situation in any way? Is Pakistan really isolated with China completely supporting her protege with PLA (People's Liberation Army) inducted into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), with three army divisions eventually to be deployed, and the US looking the other way? I continued to advocate for an aggressive and proactive counter and forward intelligence thrust against Pakistan. My voice was rarely heard and mostly ignored. The Pakistani establishment is a geopolitical bully. The best response to blunt such a bully is to take the war inside his home. India has allowed itself to be blackmailed by Pakistan even before it went nuclear," wrote MK Dhar, former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, in his book Open Secrets Indias intelligence unveiled, published in 2005, 11 years ago. "The sabre rattling of coercive diplomacy, which is nothing but sterile military power, cannot convince the Islamist Pakistani Establishment that India can take the border skirmishes inside their homes and hit at the very roots of the jaundiced Islamist groups, Dhar wrote. Merely saying that the army is free to respond is pointless unless we are content with artillery barrages or an odd tactical level raid to satisfy egos momentarily. Armys existing sub-conventional doctrine with its much publicised cliche of iron fist in velvet glove is totally inward looking. Pakistan has co-located her terrorist training facilities with army establishments saying any strike on these would be considered an act of war. But then todays war is at sub-conventional level and while conventional strikes remain an option, best will be getting hold of the numerous fault-lines of our opponents and exploiting them as deterrents. This must be done through covert politico-military missions at the strategic level controlled by the highest political authority the prime minister. In the absence of this, we can continue to remain in the current state of Parkinsons from Pampore to infinity. Hiding behind the Emperors clothes of doing much cross-border does not match with the happenings on the ground. (The author is a veteran Lieutenant General) This Fourth of July many Americans will bite into juicy red Florida tomatoes on their hamburgers and in their salads. Unfortunately a push by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) for above-market pay for Floridas tomato pickers is driving production away from Florida markets and towards California and Mexico, where pay is lower. In 2010 the Coalition of Immokalee Workers announced a deal with the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange to extend the CIWs Fair Foods Program (FFP) to 90 percent of Floridas tomato industry. The project encourages large tomato purchasers, such as McDonalds and Wal-Mart, to purchase Florida tomatoes exclusively from FFP-cooperating producers. The FFP improves the lives of workers in these farms by ensuring a strict code of conduct, a method to issue and resolve complaints without fear of retribution, a health and safety program, and a worker-to-worker education process. The system improves working conditions, ends forced labor and farm violence, and audits companies compliance through a third party. The program has succeeded in enforcing ethical working conditions. However, the FFP also requires purchasers of tomatoes to pay a one-cent premium on every pound of tomatoes. This goes directly to the salaries of field workers, making a significant difference in worker pay, since tomato laborers used to earn $40 to $70 per day before FFP reforms, compared to $50 to $80 per day now. So far $20 million in Fair Food Premiums have gone directly to workers. While raising wages for farm workers is a well-intentioned cause, wage hikes have caused an exodus of jobs away from Florida tomatoes and toward regions with worse conditions, including lower pay. Basic economics dictates that when the price of tomatoes rises, buyers will purchase lessmoving purchases elsewhere or buying fewer total tomatoes. Thats why the FFP premium on tomato price has reduced the viability of Florida tomato production and diminished agricultural employment. According to USDA data, Floridas fresh tomato production value in the five years before the rise of the FFP (2006-2010) averaged $550 million per year. Over the next five years, production value averaged $438 million, a decrease of 21 percent. Other conditions, such as weather and technology, may have factored into the decline, but over the same periods, average Florida citrus sales value (on-tree) grew by 6.6 percent. The Fair Food Premium pushed much of the tomato industry out of Florida, and agricultural jobs left with it. BLS data confirms this, showing that farmworker and laborer employment in Florida fell 41 percent from 2010 to 2015. Wendys, the most recent target of the CIWs campaign to acquire more partner-buyers, stopped buying Florida tomatoes altogether in the face of pressure to join the FFP. The company website explained that paying the premium is, in effect, paying the employees of another company, which Wendys has no desire to do. Much of the lost tomato production moved to Mexico, where tomato pickers face far worse conditions and make far less money-- the equivalent of eight to ten dollars per day. Despite additional tomato tariffs enacted in 2013, Mexican tomato imports into the United States were 48 percent higher per year in the 2011-2015 period than the 2006-2010 period, according to International Trade Center data. So as farm labor jobs in Florida fell, jobs in Mexico grew. If the FFP truly wants to help farm workers, they should drop the tomato premium to give more workers the opportunity to work in a market with relatively higher U.S. wages and access to FFP basic workplace protections. By ending the Fair Food premium, the CIW can do more good for tomato pickers. It is time for them to stop listening to their hearts, and start listening to economics. Nick Archer is an E21 contributor. Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief. The past week has been a memorable one for Indian defence watchers. It all began on 25 June with the Indian Air Force creating military history by successfully flying the Sukhoi-30 MK India (Su-30 MKI) with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. More good news was in the offing with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Defence Ministe, Manohar Parrikar clearing the beleaguered acquisition of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers and the bulk production of 18 Dhanush 144mm/45-caliber artillery guns. The howitzers and the artillery guns will add much needed muscle to the India Armys artillery arm which has not seen any new acquisition for the past three decades since the Bofors scandal. However, more good news is in the offing with the slated induction of the Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on July 1. The Tejas is a fourth-generation; lightweight, multi-role supersonic single-engine aircraft designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Indias largest defence PSU, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The fact that Tejas has not had a single crash in over 3,100 test flights since its first flight in January 2001 is a rare global achievement and is a testament to the quality of the aircraft design and development. As former DRDO emeritus scientist Dr V Siddhartha points out, at time of conceptualising the Tejas, digital fly-by-wire system was in its infancy. However, the LCA's designers took up the challenge to design and develop the on-board computer for digital fly-by-wire system. This enabled the LCA's design to be unstable so as to enhance its manoeuvrability. In addition, around 45 percent of the Tejas airframe is made up of composites; which is among the highest for an aircraft of its class in the world. The widespread use of composites makes the aircraft lighter and reduces the number of parts which eases the serviceability and maintenance. On Friday, the Air Force will induct two Tejas aircraft manufactured by the HAL under the Series Production (SP1 and SP2) along with a trainer aircraft into the IAFs Number 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers. The induction is set to take place at the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru. This follows HAL's handing over of the first Series Production version of the LCA to the Air Force in January 2015. The induction of the LCA Tejas into the Air Force will allow the pilots and the crew to become more familiar with the aircraft, develop a sense of ownership for the aircraft. It will also ensure that the developers receive valuable feedback to improve future versions of the aircraft. The Air Force seems to be following this tack with decision to base LCA squadron in Bengaluru for the first two years before moving the aircraft to the Sulur base in Tamil Nadu. This will allow the IAF to work with the LCAs lead integrator/manufacturer (HAL) and the design team at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to sort out any initial hiccups. Both HAL and ADA are based in Bengaluru. Looking back in time Upon induction, the Tejas will be the second Indian-designed and manufactured fighter aircraft to be inducted into the Indian Air Force. The first aircraft with that distinction was the HF-24 Marut which was inducted into the Air Force in 1967 and performed very well in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Designed by the German aeronautical engineer Kurt Tank, the design work on the Marut began in June 1957 with the aircraft taking flight three years later in April 1960. The first operational squadron of the HF-24 was formed in April 1967. However, the country shifted its focus to licensed production of imported aircraft like the MiG-21 and Jaguar, and failed to capitalise on the domestic designing and development capability that had been built up in the HAL as a result of the HF-24 Marut fighter. It was in the early 1980s that the Indian Air Force began looking for a light multi-role fighter aircraft to replace the ageing MiGs which were to be phased out in the 1990s. As a response, the ADA was established as a design bureau in 1984. However, the LCA project began in earnest only in June 1993 when it received funding for the first phase of the project to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore. The first flight of the LCA took place on 4 January, 2001. In case, the LCA receives its final operational clearance (FOC) as planned in early 2017, the entire development timeline would be a little over two decades. As Professor Roddam Narasimha, former Director of the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) points out, the LCA development timelines could have been shorter. Longer timelines were partly the result of continued modifications in specifications by the Air Force and the economic and technological sanctions imposed by the West following the May 1998 Indian nuclear tests. The timeline for the development of the Tejas is comparable with the United States and Russia which possess advanced technological know-how, experience and thriving defence industry ecosystem. In the case of fourth-generation fighter aircraft like the F-15 and MiG-29, the US and Russia respectively took an average of 12 years from the study phase to the final delivery of the aircraft. In case of late entrants with inferior technological capabilities like China, the timelines have been close to 25 years as in the case of the J-10 fighter. Given that when the LCA Tejas project began, the country did not have a domestic aerospace ecosystem to support the project, it is quite commendable that the Tejas had its first flight within a decade and is being inducted into the IAF a little over two decades. Future challenges Given that the aero engine accounts for about one-third of the total cost of an aircraft, continued reliance on foreign vendors has obvious financial and strategic implications for the country. A major weakness of the LCA Tejas project and India's aircraft development efforts in general is the continued reliance on foreign vendors for aero engines. Designing a new aircraft with an unproven engine is a risk that companies are reluctant to undertake. The BAE's Tornado is one of the few examples of a fighter aircraft being flown with a new engine and did not have much success. The LCA Tejas too was designed for flying with a proven engine. Simultaneously, India took the arduous task of designing the Kaveri aero engine which, if successful, would have powered the Tejas. Designing an aero engine is a 'wicked' problem which very few countries have mastered. However, it is an area where self-reliance in the country is crucial. Another challenge is ramping up production of the HAL Tejas in order to ensure faster induction into the Air Force in larger numbers. Currently, the HAL has put in place a production line to manufacture eight Tejas aircraft per year and has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence to double the production capacity to sixteen aircraft per year. With the Tejas likely to achieve Final Operational Clearance (FoC) by mid-2017, it is crucial that the HAL and the defence ministry ensure that the production line bottlenecks are eased out quickly. Positive spillovers from the LCA Tejas programme The initial steep learning in the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas (LCA-Tejas) project has built up national capacity and capability in addition to creating trained manpower in the country. The Naval version of the LCA received formal sanction from the government in March 2003. Less than a decade later, the first flight of the LCA-Navy successfully took place on 27 April, 2012. This was followed up with aircraft simulating take-off from a carrier at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) at Goa on 20 December, 2014. In May 2016, the LCA-Naval prototype successfully conducted its first night time operations at the Goa test facility. The direct involvement of the Indian Navy personnel backed by the experience gathered from the development of the LCA-Tejas has resulted in the short development timelines achieved by the LCA-Navy aircraft. A similar script was enacted in the design of the basic trainer aircraft HTT-40 which successfully completed its first test flight on 3 May, 2016. The design of the basic trainer was completed between August 2013 and May 2015 with the prototype being rolled out in February 2016. The fact that India has built domestic design capability was apparent from the fact that HAL's HTT-40 design group was the youngest ever to be involved in a prototype program. Similarly, the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) Sitara achieved first flight in March 2003, within four years of sanctioning of the project in July 1999. Undoubtedly, the planned induction of the LCA Tejas fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force on Friday is a red-letter day for the Indian defence research and development establishment. It is crucial that the domestic design and development capability which is achieving maturity should be put to good use in the planned Advanced Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (AMCA). For the Air Force too it is a memorable day as it will get rid of the unflattering tag of being the largest Air Force which does not fly a home-grown fighter aircraft. All said and done, it has been a long journey and the country is waiting to witness the Tejas take to the skies donning the Indian Air Force colours. The author is assistant professor, International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. He tweets @ArunVish_ By Amala Dasarathi Recently, we saw the airing of a law we dont usually pay attention to: Section 498 of the IPC, which has to do with enticing or taking away or detaining a married woman only a married woman with the intent of illicit intercourse. Section 498 was referred to in the media in connection with a case registered by Mumbai police in which a woman, named Nila by the publication, killed herself. She had been raped twice by a man in 2012, but her husband refused to believe that it was rape, accusing her of infidelity. After repeated arguments over the matter, Nila set herself on fire and succumbed to injuries last week. According to a report, police have now registered cases against the rapist and the husband under Sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 306 (abetment to suicide) and Section 498 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). If Section 498 seems like a dusty Victorian remnant, thats because it is: it was enacted in 1860. Section 498 goes hand in hand with Section 497, which criminalises adultery. According to Section 497, a man who has sex with a woman whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery. On the one hand, sections 497 and 498 discriminate against men, as they only consider men guilty of adultery and liable to prosecution. Section 497 states, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor. On the other hand, the laws attitude towards women is deeply patronising (if youre being kind), seeing them as passive objects not unlike property that can be enticed or taken away what Supreme Court lawyer Karuna Nundy sees as an example of benevolent patriarchy. This disregards womens sexual choices and agency, and treats the husband as the primary aggrieved party even in a case of rape. Only a husband, or any person in whose care a husband has left his wife, can file a case under sections 497 and 498. These laws are a clear example of how patriarchy operates to the detriment of everyone, says Nundy. It is also perplexing that the laws on adultery only criminalise a man having sex with a married woman. The reason for this could lie in the genealogy of the word adultery, which finds its root in adulterate to make something impure. It isnt just the patriarchal language of the two laws that make them such a prickly issue: its also that they have been understood by lawyers and courts in a patriarchal, regressive way. Ranjit, a family lawyer in Delhi who declined to give his last name, says, It is my personal view that this section exists to protect a womans reproductive organs and the lineage of the husband. That is why it only applies to a man who knows that he is having sex with a married woman, he says, entirely without irony. In Alamgiri vs State of Bihar, 1958, the Supreme Court found that The gist of the offence under Section 498 appears to be the deprivation of the husband of his custody and his proper control over his wife with the object of having illicit intercourse with her. It also said, The consent of the wife to deprive her husband of his proper control over her would not be material. In V Revathi vs Union of India, 1988, as well, the Supreme Court held that the man is always the seducer. In Yusuf Abdul Aziz vs The State of Bombay, 1954, the constitutionality of Section 497 was questioned on the grounds that it violated gender equality, as promised by Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court found the section to be constitutional. Thirty years later, it came up before the Supreme Court again on the same grounds in Sowmithri Vishnu vs Union of India, 1985. Here, the Supreme Court looked into the meaning and purpose of the law more closely. It said, It is commonly accepted that it is the man who is the seducer and not the woman. It also said, The contemplation of the law, evidently, is that the wife, who is involved in an illicit relationship with another man, is a victim and not the author of the crime, and that adultery is an offence against the sanctity of the matrimonial home, an act which is committed by a man, as it generally is. The Court went on to say, The legislature is entitled to deal with the evil where it is felt and seen most: A man seducing the wife of another. In Ranjits experience, the conviction rate in adultery cases is next to zero, because most cases are filed for the purpose of securing a divorce and are not pursued beyond that. Referring to the V Revathi and Sowmithri Vishnu cases, Nundy points out, These patriarchal ideas are somewhat prevalent in those who decide what the law is, whether it will stand the test of constitutional scrutiny, and how it is to be enforced. If these sections (497 and 498) are used at all, it is a problem. It is both ironic and tragic in Nilas case that Section 498 should have been added (likely on behalf of her husband against the rapist) to the list of charges, when it was the addition of her husbands torture to the ordeal of being raped that drove her to take the extreme step of taking her own life. The Ladies Finger is a leading online feminist magazine. Is BJP leader, Subramanian Swamy training his guns beyond RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan, and his nemesis, Arun Jaitley? Swamys recent tweets, which are now nations attention, have an implicit suggestion that the wrath of the 76-year old firebrand politician is falling on the high power centers in BJP beyond Jaitley. This is evident especially after the Arnab Goswami-Narendra Modi interview, where the PM ticked off Swamy saying RBI governor, Raghuram Rajan is no less patriotic than anyone and no one isnt above the system. Modi also seemed to snub Swamy saying publicity stunts doesnt do good to anyone. Post this, lets glance through Swamys twitter actions in the following days. Everyone expected Swamy to counter Modis criticism, just like he did against Jaitley, through his 2.8 million strong twitter empire. But, he didnt. Instead, Swamy went on a philosophical note. The world is in general equilibrium. A small change in one parameter effects changes in all variables. So Krishna advised: Sukh Dukhe.... Only Swamy knows what exactly he meant by this and how this is relevant to his current political situation. Media and his political adversaries guessed, kept guessing and then gave up the guess work. Swamy relatively tweeted peacefully in the following hours with some general advices to his followers, his new problem of publicity relentlessly seeking him and some random tweets on Rajans degree. But Swmy swung back to form soon with another attack on Arnab. He wondered, whether Arnabs continuous chanting of Muruga, Muruga (which he later clarified as Subramanian) in his show is because Arnab is bitten by a mad unelectable dog. His PTs (patriotic tweeple) celebrated with the new advance of their undisputed general. Swamy then began to focus on Indias economy. And heres the twist that gives clue to why Swamy is openly beginning his fight against his own camp starts. On 29 June, Swamy shot a tweet, quoting junior finance minister Jayanta Sinha, that bank NPAs have touched Rs 8 lakh crore and scolded Arnab for denying that fact on television. After the RBI financial stability report came out, quoting financial dailies, Swamy said, his prediction about a banking/financial crisis is imminent. By establishing the grave NPA picture in the country, what did Swamy want to prove? Warn PM Modi that the finance ministry is blissfully unaware of the problem and his counsel should be sought immediately? Earlier, Swamy also suggested abolishing income tax to improve growth. But, the master-stroke came a bit later, on Friday, when Swamy tweeted this. If I apply Samuelson-Swamy Theory of Index Numbers to India's GDP calculation or RBI interests rates, media will scream anti party activity!, Swamy tweeted on Friday. Swamy, an economist and academic himself, is known internationally. He has taught in Harvard for seven years. A quick search on internet shows Swamy and Paul Samuelson had indeed a did a paper together in 2005 titled Invariant Economic Index Numbers and Canonical Duality: Survey and Synthesis, which has formed the basis for theories that points out difficulties for economists in monitoring monetary policies, according to website pgurus.com. But, economists said they do not have much clue on what Swamy meant by his tweet. Cannot make sense of this!, said an economist with a leading research house. The point here is not really whether Samuelson-Swamy theory, when applied, topples the GDP numbers or not. But, why Swamy a BJP MP, who consider himself closer than many in the party to RSS, is on a questioning mode on Indias GDP about which BJP and its top leader, Narendra Modi boast of every other day. Especially, PM Modi, has taken pride in the fact that Indias GDP growth at 7.6 percent is the fastest in the world even beating China. This is something Modi keep saying during his foreign trips. BJP government considers the high GDP number as an achievement despite widespread criticism from economists in India and abroad against the accuracy of the number. To be sure, Swamy has never said anything against Modi so far explicitly. Instead, he has expressed his solidarity to Modi through his tweets even after the PM criticised him, saying, Come hell or high water, I stand by Modi." But, his predictions on banking crisis and his indirect questioning of GDP numbers makes one wonder who is up against next? Is Swamy digging his own grave in BJP? Various trade union leaders have claimed that 33 lakh central government employees have rejected Modi governments overall 23.5 percent pay hike bonanza based on Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and would go on indefinite strike from 6 am, 11 July. Some union leaders are advocating for going on strike from July 4. The argument put forth by the Confederation of Central Government Employees is they deserved much more, not just pay but other benefits; what they got is only crumbs. Angry with the government, they have a right to ensure that all official work is put to a grinding halt till their genuine demands are accepted. They want to make the government feel the heat stop railways from running, stop power supply and such others things that would generate popular hue and cry also headlines and, therefore might force the government to yield. The silver lining, however, is there that even unionists realise that some of their demands are irrational and the strike call is a bargaining chip vis-a-vis the government. They are aware that if the strike is actually called from 11 July and goods and services are affected as they are claiming now, popular ire would turn against them. They will have a difficult time explaining why government employees deserve preferential treatment in terms of perks and privileges, while in service and post retirement. No employee union or trade union worth its name could endorse what government announced. The problem is it things have just gotten more competitive. It is a fact that irrespective of the Governments decision on hike 23.5 percent, which in some cases is more than double or whatever hypothetical figures one may think of, employees union, trade unions of various hues would have made same noises and threatened to strike. They exist and claim to be relevant because they can call a strike of whatever numbers, in whatever sector, in whatever region. In the bargain, the leaders get some of their demands fulfilled, personal and at times for the affiliate members. The conventional argument is that government employees deserve more perks, privileges and social security norms than their counterparts in private sector because they are in 'service' of the nation. Lesser mortals in organised and unorganised sectors are 'merely doing a job'. Government employees also have the security social and organisational which their counterparts in government jobs don't have. Government employees, especially those in central government are superior human beings and brass in the government has to bend each time they call a 'bandh' and shout 'murdabad'. Government employees also have the privilege of 'rejecting' the Seventh Pay Commission hike and still receive enhanced pay, other privileges ad arrears without any hitch. To understand the meaning of rejecting the hike, these government employees need to move out of the protective shield of "government employment." The pay hike announcement was followed by another one that a committee of secretaries would be constituted to look into grievances. On Wednesday, the government issued an official statement: In the past, the employees had to wait for 19 months for the implementation of the Commissions recommendations at the time of 5th CPC, and for 32 months at the time of implementation of 6th CPC. However, this time, 7th CPC recommendations are being implemented within 6 months from the due date. It will come into effect from 01.01.2016. The recommendations will benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces. The annual financial burden of revised pay and pension will be Rs 102100 crore. The gratuity ceiling stands enhanced from Rs 10 lakh to 20 lakh. The ceiling on gratuity will increase by 25 percent whenever dearness allowance rises by 50 percent. The Cabinet also enhanced ceiling of house building advance from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. All but four interest-free advances have been abolished. Central and state government employees are the ones who get pension and each time pay of serving employees is hiked, a pensioners pension is also hiked. They also have other post-retirement facilities like health care. The number of pensioners (53 lakh) is higher than number of serving employees (47 lakh). A middle ranking government employee on his retirement said, "Sarkari naukar jinda toh lakh ka mara to sava lakh ka (A retired man worth more than a serving one)." He gave a long reasoning why he and likes of him thought so. Those arguments couldnt be contested. Pension and post-retirement health care benefit is a privilege in India only for government employees (state and central). That explains why government service as against a job has traditionally been held on a premium. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, The fifth and sixth pay commissions had narrowed the gap between salaries paid in the private and government sector. Quoting from an IIM-Ahmedabad study he said it found that pay in the government sector is distinctly greater than that in the private sector so there cant be protests from employees. He was basically comparing the salaries of class IV and III employees in government and private sector. The Government knew that after a pay and pension hike would be announced, unionists will cry hoarse of injustice committed on them, some others would want anomalies to be rectified and parity be restored. To remedy that, the Union Cabinet has set up four committees first to look into the implementation issues anticipated; second will go into the likely anomalies; third committee to examine the recommendations on allowances, which have largely been kept on hold and fourth to suggest measures for streamlining the National Pension System. The committees consisting of secretaries will of course negotiate with the bureaucrats but ultimately this has to be resolved at political level. Shiv Gopal Mishra, general secretary of All India Railwaymens Federation told Firstpost: Since 1974, wheels of Indian Railways have never been halted. We are responsible organisations. Strike is our last resort. There are issues and we are very agitated about that. But we hope that government and Prime Minister in particular will find a resolution to that. The issue may be negotiated at bureaucratic level but cant be resolved without political intervention. Mishras word keeps the hope alive that come 11 July, there wouldnt be chaos in the country. At this age, I dont have to become PM again, or CM... And Im not here to make my son the chief minister... I will continue my struggle for the farmers, the poor and the downtrodden... Those who work against the party wont be tolerated. So spoke Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday evening, in what seemed like a last-ditch attempt to save his party from disintegration. For a man who has been in politics for 55 years, and who was the chief minister of Karnataka and the prime minister of India, Gowda is in a political mess. The Janata Dal(S), the party that he had built and nurtured for 17 years with diligence, is slowly but steadily falling apart. At a party event on Thursday, a few thousand people heard Gowda. The venue was in Mandya, the south Karnataka district in the heartland of his Vokkaliga community. This was Gowdas way of 'going to people'. And this was the second desperate attempt Gowda was making to rescue his party from destruction, after eight of his 40 MLAs cross-voted for the Congress in the 11 June Rajya Sabha election. Some 10 days ago, he had another go: Gowda tried to snatch some Congress rebels, who were furious with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the 19 June reshuffle. But none of them jumped to Gowdas party, and Siddaramaiah has, at least for now, smothered the rebellion by offering them all kinds of sops. Frustrated, Gowda is now doing the only thing he can: going to people and explaining himself. But this may be coming a bit late. Despite the brave face that he puts on, Gowda, 83, is a sad man today. His influence in the Vokkaliga community is no longer what it was. According to old estimates, Vokkaligas form about 12 percent of Karnatakas population. But according to a controversial caste census undertaken by Siddaramaiah, they are no more than 8.16 percent. Whatever their number is, some of the JD(S) rebels and some Congress leaders run their own Vokkaliga fiefdoms. Gowda has indeed suffered a fall in politics, and his advancing age doesnt help him rise like a phoenix. The engineer-turned-politician was one of the key leaders of the original Janata Party, which was formed in 1977, and which took the avatar of Janata Dal in 1988. Later, Janata Dal split into a dozen outfits Gowda himself floating Janata Dal (Secular) in 1999. But today, Gowda is nowhere near being a Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United), a fragment of Janata Dal. And he is not a Naveen Patnaik of Biju Janata Dal, another fragment. Nor is he even a Ram Vilas Paswan, who heads another piece of Janata Dal, called Lok Janshakti Party. The closest that the JD(S) is to power now is in Kerala, where it has a minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The party is part of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala, the only state other than Karnataka where it has some presence. This pathetic situation is surely not what Gowda had expected not after what he had done to Ramakrishna Hegde, who was Janata Partys chief minister between 1983 and 1988. Gowda was a minister in the Hegde government. The suave and scotch-drinking Hegde, who fooled the media with his talk about value-based politics, was unable to match the political acumen of Gowda, whose staple food is ragi mudde and who describes himself as mannina maga (Kannada for son of the soil). Gowdas career hit the high spot when he led the Janata Dal to victory in 1994 and became the chief minister and, in 1996, became the prime minister of the United Front in unforeseen circumstances. But it was also the beginning of his end. Though Gowdas self-effacing oratory with a rustic sense of humour he often thumps his thighs while speaking impresses rural folk, his politics are more feudal than democratic. Even as he rose to the top, his two sons, HD Revanna and HD Kumaraswamy, began to wield as much power as he did, leading to allegations that he had turned the party into a family enterprise. The worst came after the 2004 election that produced a hung assembly. JD(S) formed a coalition government with the Congress, with Dharam Singh as the Congress chief minister. It was then that the ugliest kind of politics came into play. Gowdas second son Kumaraswamy rebelled, and with the BJPs support, replaced Dharam Singh. Land and nepotism scams became the order of the day and there was no evidence of a government at work. And when it was time for Kumaraswamy to resign and give the chief ministers post to the BJP, he refused to budge. He relented only after the BJPs withdrawal of support and a spell of Presidents rule. All this gave the Gowda family image a severe beating and led to a five-year BJP rule from 2008. The 2013 election saw the return of the Congress with Siddaramaiah, Gowdas one-time ally who had switched parties, at the helm. Where does Gowda stand now? Gowdas two sons continue to pull the party in two different directions. Kumaraswamy, the president of the JD(S) state unit, spends more time in toning up his body in a gym at home, and on producing Kannada films. Instead of attending an important party meeting that Gowda called recently, Kumaraswamy dashed off to Bulgaria for the shooting of a film starring his son. JD(S) rebels say that Kumaraswamy is inaccessible and, when accessible, arrogant. For now, Siddaramaiah is on a high, having ensured the victory of an additional party candidate with help from JD(S) rebels, and having put down the rebellion in the Congress. And the BJP, led by former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, is in an even happier mood, sure that Karnataka will go saffron once again in the assembly elections two years away. In what is likely to be a two-horse race for power, JD(S) may end up being a pony watching from sidelines. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of claiming AAP government's "achievements" as its own in an advertisement on the 'Make in India' campaign. Modi govt counts Del Govt's achievements as its own. pic.twitter.com/P4w4kmPjPb Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 1, 2016 Kejriwal's fresh salvo against Modi came following an ad released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry that was splashed across newspapers on Friday. "Modi govt counts Del Govt's achievements as its own," Kejriwal tweeted. Several AAP leaders also took jibes at the BJP government over the ad. The ad on 'Doing Business in India: Made Easier At Every Step' listed a series of measures taken towards ensuring ease of business. The steps listed under the section 'Delhi' included the facility of registration of VAT without the need for field verification by VAT inspectors through Delhi VAT Sewa App. "All sub-registrar offices have been digitised and records have been integrated with the land records department... Unified building Bye-laws has been notified," were among the nine initiatives under the section on Delhi. AAP leader Ashish Khetan tweeted: "Modi ji can take all the credit, if that is what he wants. But please allow @ArvindKejriwal Govt to work." In May, the DIPP had issued a statement listing similar steps towards facilitating ease of doing business. Centre had said it is "working conjointly" with state governments in Delhi and Maharashtra to improve India's rank to top 50 in ease of doing business. The Robert Vadra land deal case has been at the centre of political mudslinging ever since the Narendra Modi government came to power. After the BJP swept to power in Haryana, where Vadra's alleged shady dealings took place, a probe commission headed by (Rtd) Justice SN Dhingra was constituted in 2015. Just when the one-man panel was to submit its report on Friday, the Congress has played the "victim card" and turned the tables on Justice Dhingra of taking favours from the ML Khattar government. Here is a quick recap of the genesis of the whole controversy and the key characters in the whole fracas. Who is Justice Dhingra? Justice SN Dhingra retired from judicial service in 2011 after serving as a judge in the Delhi High Court since 2006. He joined the Delhi Judicial Services in 1988. He is renowned for his judgements in the Nitish Katara murder and the Parliament attack case. What is the Justice Dhingra Commission? This one-man commission was constituted on 14 May 2015 under Section 3 of The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. It was constituted to probe alleged irregularities in grant of licence(s) by the Department of Town and Country Planning to some companies, including those of Robert Vadra, in Sector 83 of Gurugram for developing commercial colonies. The villages of Shikohpur, Sihi, Kherki Daula and Sikanderpur Badha came under the ambit of probe. The Commission was expected to submit its report on Friday, but has sought a six-week extension. The deadline has now been pushed to 31 August. What is the controversy around Robert Vadra's land deals? The case came into public sphere in October 2012 when then activist and now Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Vadra of buying 31 properties in and around New Delhi from DLF's unsecured loans at prices which were much lower than the prevailing market rate. There were also allegations that realty giant DLF enjoyed a quid pro quo with Vadra which helped it get prime land in Haryana. The Robert Vadra-DLF link just got murkier when another deal came to light. Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality is accused of buying a 3.5 acre plot in Shikohpur village near Manesar for Rs seven crore and then selling it to DLF for Rs 58 crore. The Haryana government, then headed by the Congress, was accused of tweaking rules and regulations to favour Vadra. Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, repeatedly raised concerns over the land deal. He also set aside the mutation of the property sold by Vadra to DLF. Mutation is very important as that changes the title ownership of property from one entity to another. But the Congress government gave a clean chit to Vadra after a probe by Khemka found no irregularities in the land deal. Later, when the Comptroller and Auditor General report for 2013-14 was tabled in the Haryana Assembly, the audit body slammed the Congress government for making exceptions for Vadra's land deals. What happened to Ashok Khemka? The IAS officer, already known for being transferred more than 40 times in his career, was again met with the same fate. From being the director-general, Consolidation of Holdings and Land Records-cum-Inspector General of Registration, he was shifted to the Haryana Seeds Development Corporation. What has happened after BJP came to power? The Congress party has been crying political vendetta by the BJP. Former chief minister Bhupinder Hooda, who was summoned to appear before the Commission, failed to appear on two occasions. He has termed the move as 'politically motivated'. It was during Hooda's tenure that Robert Vadra is alleged to have received favours in his land deals. He has also claimed the constitution of the commission to be illegal as it was done without cabinet's approval. With the report yet to be submitted to the government, the political slugfest over the controversial deal is only set to heat up in the coming months. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his interview with Times Now said, "Vyavastha se upar kisi ko bolne ka haq nahi hai" we all knew that the PM was referring to Subramanian Swamy and his obsession with the social media. Swamy, who is known for his tirade of caustic I-don't-care tweets, has sent the BJP high command into a tizzy The Indian Express reported that his tweets are dissolving the support of the bosses in the BJP and questions regarding his comments are being raised within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). And that his 'fall from grace', as the report puts it, was reflected in the PM's remarks. Subramanian Swamy's RSS ideology, wrote Outlook, can be traced to Swamy's mother Padmavati Subramanian, who had RSS leanings. Swamy's younger brother who spoke to Outlook said that despite the former's "pure integrity", his lack of tolerance level to different opinions make him a less-successful politician. But all has not been rosy between the Harvard-educated-economist-turned-politician-turned-rabble-rouser and the Sangh. Even if he has pushed for the cause of the Ayodhya Ram temple or drawing a lakshman rekha to free Indian literature from the Left ideology, he has also been a steady critic of the Hindutva ideology that he seems to propagate. Writing for the magazine Frontline, Swamy compared the threat of "creeping fascism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)" to British imperialism. Only, the former is swifter than the latter, he said. He further added that the RSS has already gained generating momentum on religious fundamentalist issues (such as the Ram temple) and raised fanatical emotional issues (such as chasing out Christian missionaries). He closed with, The RSS is, luckily, our counter-culture. The vibrations of Mother India will, I hope, be its undoing. After Swamy's recent "the gloves are off" swipes at Arun Jaitley "People giving me unasked for advice of discipline and restraint don't realize that if I disregard discipline there would be a blood bath" Narendra Modi proclaimed (in the interview) that "whether it is in my party or not, I think such things are inappropriate. This fondness for publicity is never going to do any good to the nation. People should conduct themselves with utmost responsibility. If anybody considers himself above the system, it is wrong." If this isn't proof that the BJP is slowly distancing itself from Swamy, then the fact that the latter's Mumbai event (on 26 June), where he was supposed to speak on 41 years of imposition of Emergency by Indira Gandhi, was cancelled at the behest of BJP President Amit Shah, speaks volumes about the same. The Indian Express also reported that the RSS is supposed to have sent two mediators to Subramanian Swamy to ask him not to make public his differences with other senior or otherwise BJP leaders and to exercise patience. What's more, the RSS also claimed that Swamy's activities could not be linked with them. Does that mean Swamy is beyond even the prime minister's control? His track record, as pointed out by Sreemoy Talukdar in Firstpost, presents an existential dilemma for the BJP. On the one hand, Swamy dons the role of 'chief needler' with ease, baiting the Nehru-Gandhi family like it's his was second nature. On the other hand, Swamy's propensity for publicity that apparently seeks him has proved to be a loose cannon, getting him into trouble with his party leaders and the public alike. Where does it go from here? Washington: Britain's decision to leave the European Union has created significant uncertainty that will have repercussions not only for UK and Europe, but the global economy, the International Monetary Fund has warned. IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said the Brexit was likely to cause a dampening of growth in the near term, and urged policy makers to act decisively while dealing with the situation. "Brexit has created significant uncertainty, and we believe this is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions also for Europe and the global economy," he said yesterday. Rice said policy makers need to stand ready to act, if the impact of financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty threaten to materially weaken the global outlook,adding that "decisive policies will make a difference." "Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in consumer and business confidence would mean even lower growth and again, policymakers in the UK and the EU have a key role to play in helping to reduce the uncertainty during this period," he said. Rice said the IMF sees the near-term risk for the UK, the EU and the global economy arising mainly from macroeconomic and financial market impact, and a sizeable increase in uncertainty, including on the political front." One notable source of this uncertainty concerns the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, and these relate to questions about how long it will take to decide those terms, how the new relationship will impact business, and other actors," he said. The IMF has encouraged both the UK and the EU to work collaboratively toward a smooth and predictable transition. He said the IMF 'strongly supports' the commitments made and steps taken by major central banks, including the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, the US Fed and the Bank of Japan, among others, to provide liquidity and curtail excess financial volatility. It's safe to say not a lot of people were particularly impressed by Conservative Party MP Boris Johnson's decision not to lead Great Britain after imploring citizens to vote to leave the European Union. Among them was one Ewan McGregor. Actor, charity worker and cheese aficionado (possibly... we don't know for sure), McGregor is best known for his portrayals of Obi Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and Mark Renton in Trainspotting. And when he's not on set, he's known to give autograph hunters whom he prefers to call 'parasitic lowlifes' a vicious tongue lashing. So you can only imagine how much autograph hunters the world over must have rejoiced when McGregor picked a new object of his ire: Boris Johnson. @BorisJohnson You spineless c$&t You lead this ludicrous campaign to leave EU. Win, and now fuc& off to let someone else clear up your mess. Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) June 30, 2016 'Nuff said. Take a moment to let every one of those searing 140 characters sink in. Others found slightly more amusing ways to vent their ire. Have a look: Narcissism personified. Cameron & #BorisJohnson wrecked the UK. And now neither will take any responsibility #wreckers Jo Stevens MP (@JoStevensLabour) June 30, 2016 Boris pops in to see how the #brexit plan is coming along pic.twitter.com/bfSfnssRd4 Hilly (@HillyFoz) June 27, 2016 Fair to say this guy didn't see it coming either #BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/mDK9Y7fVHu Jeevan Singh Riyait (@jeevs94) June 30, 2016 Dhaka: A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday in Bangladesh by unidentified machete-wielding assailants, the latest murder in the Muslim-majority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Shymanondo Das was attacked around 6:30 am in Jhenaidah. "Shymanondo was collecting flowers for worship when three assailants riding on a motorcycle attacked him with a machete," Jhenaidah police station officer-in-charge Hasan Hazijur Rahman said. "They hacked him mercilessly and fled the scene," Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent months specially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. On 7 June, a 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed by three bike-borne assailants in western Jhinaigah district while he was on his way to a temple. A Christian businessman was hacked to death on 5 June by unidentified machete-wielding men near a church, hours after the wife of the top anti-terror police officer was shot dead by religious extremists. In February, militants stabbed to death a Hindu priest at a temple in Bangladesh and shot and wounded a devotee who went to his aid. In April, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. In the same month, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by ISIS militants in his shop and Bangladesh's first gay magazine editor was brutally murdered along with a friend in his flat in Dhaka by Islamists. The ISIS and al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. Zalmay Khalilzad, who was born in Afghanistan, moved to the US as a teenager and rose to be President George W Bushs points man for Afghanistan and Iraq, post-9/11 attacks. He was more than the eyes and ears of Washington DC; as a backroom man armed with extensive contacts, knowledge and cultural instincts, he was part of the nation-building exercise in these two volatile countries. In his recently-published memoirs, The Envoy, Khalilzad shares his insights and offers a way ahead. Pakistan, he says, remains a spoiler as it provided sanctuary to Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, and President Bush ignored his (Khalilzad's) requests to put additional pressure on Pakistan to deliver. Sunil Raman caught up with Zalmay Khalilzad, on a visit to New Delhi, and sought his insights into how the US policy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan might shape up in the post-Obama world. Will there be a change in US policy towards Pakistan post-Obama? How will the two presumptive presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, handle Pakistan? On Afghanistan, there is not much disagreement between the two political parties. There is a broad agreement and not much disagreement, that the US must sustain its effort to help Afghanistan succeed, and a bipartisan agreement that Pakistan giving sanctuary to Taliban and terrorists is unhelpful. The question is, how specifically the two candidates, one of them as president, would deal with Pakistan and sustain effort on Afghanistan. On Afghanistan, I think they will sustain Obamas efforts or perhaps raise it. Both Clinton and Trump are right of centre to Obamas policies. On Pakistan, Hillary Clinton (Secretary of State in Obamas first term) has a history of believing that engagement with the country might produce results, but like other leaders post-9/11 she also ended with disappointment with what she achieved. The current trend in US policy to isolate Pakistan in order to incentivise and co-operate, is likely to remain or will become the dominant US policy. In other words, more negative incentive than positive engagement. So more pressure on Pakistan and on Afghanistan, will sustain the effort (of Obama administration) or increase the effort in Afghanistan. In The Envoy and in an article you penned for The Wall Street Journal, you have come out with a radical prescription to tackle Pakistan for sponsoring and backing terrorism. Tell us more about it. Today, I see in US a greater desire to isolate Pakistan. I think there is a need for a North Korea-type of isolation. We have asked China if they want Pakistan to be North Korea. We are pressing for delay in the IMF package to Pakistan. There has to be a complete suspension of all assistance to Pakistan and to make its military generals and government understand the consequences of continued support for extremist and terrorist groups. How should the US deal with Pakistani generals? Three developments in recent weeks drone attack on Mullah Mansour, the India-Iran-Afghanistan Chabahar deal and the refusal by US to pay for F16s sale have caused unease among Pakistans establishment. The drone attack was a shot across the bow for Pakistans generals. It had a clear message. If we can do that with Mullah Mansour (the successor of Mullah Omar was killed in a US drone attack in Pakistans Baluchistan province in May), we can surely tackle the other Taliban leaders. It was a very powerful message. We will not stop from crossing into Pakistan to kill them. Stopping the sale of the F-16 fighter jets was another message to them. Reduction in assistance to Pakistan is another message. Conversations have taken place between US and Pakistan it is likely that the generals have been told clearly that if Taliban is not brought to the negotiating table then they can expect further sanctions. This is the language that the generals understand. Positive engagement has not worked and it is time to escalate pressure. Killing of Mansour provides an opportunity to shape Pakistani behaviour. The choice before Pakistan is clear: become another North Korea or change your behaviour. For years, India has demanded that Pakistan be declared a terrorist state but when the last NDA government, headed by AB Vajpayee, made this demand public it was virtually laughed off. Years later, it is interesting to know that US is getting frustrated with Pakistan. What role can India under Modi play? India is a rising economic power. Its economy is growing, so is its military capability. Both US and India have expressed a desire for partnership stronger than ever before to deal with the challenges they face in the broader Asian theatre, from Pacific to the Middle East and beyond. The first thing to do is to intensify the dialogue to understand each others interests and concerns, and then to see how both can co-operate to achieve mutually agreed upon goals. There is a clear understanding between the two sides in dialogues that have occurred with regard to South China Sea, South East and the broader Asian balance. We need to intensify to achieve a similar level of understanding in a region that is much more complex and is lot more challenging to the region to the west of India: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia and the Middle East. Indian interest will grow in this region. There is significant opportunity for co-operation and burden sharing. Burden sharing raises the hackles of a section of Indias establishment. People fear India might become a satellite state of the US. Can the US help India get land access to Afghanistan? Any partnership, for it to endure, would have to have benefits for both sides. Hence, burden sharing. We have shared goals, then there has to be burden sharing, shared objectives, and shared interests. Once you agree on that there has to be division of responsibility and roles. Burden sharing is now being discussed in domestic circles in the US even when it comes to old traditional allies. India is in a good position to help and India also needs the US to help, and US needs India to help that would make it enduring rather than tactical. On land access to Afghanistan, it would be good for the region if Pakistan thinks in an enlightened mode. To use the transit route criss-crossing through the region, CEPC to Gwadar, Chabahar could be utilised for economic development and regional integration. It should be seen as a non-zero game for future regional building blocks. It would be good for Pakistan to move away from support for terrorist groups to economic integration, improving the lives of its people, not getting isolated and be treated as a pariah state. Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged communist rebels to start killing drug traffickers, adding another layer to a controversial war on crime in which he has warned thousands will die. Duterte won May's election in a landslide after a campaign dominated by his pledge to end crime within six months, promising to do so by unleashing security forces with shoot-to-kill orders. In his inauguration speech on Thursday, Rodrigo Duterte insisted his adherence to the rule of law was "uncompromising", apparently seeking to assuage concerns from human rights groups that he planned to orchestrate mass extrajudicial killings. But on Friday, Duterte called on communist rebels waging one of Asia's longest insurgencies to hold their own guerrilla court hearings and then carry out executions. "Drugs have reached the hinterlands... what if you use your kangaroo courts to kill them to speed up the solution to our problem," Rodrigo Duterte, a lawyer and former city prosecutor, said in a speech before the military's top brass in Manila. The communists' armed wing, the 4,000-strong New People's Army, is known for assassinating civilians deemed to have committed so-called crimes against the people. However, its courts and summary executions are illegal. In a late-night speech on Thursday, to a slum community in Manila, attended by only a few journalists, Duterte called on ordinary Filipinos to kill drug addicts, which is also illegal. "If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself," Rodrigo Duterte told a crowd of about 500 people. Duterte also vowed to kill drug traffickers, using foul language he promised in recent weeks to "tone down" as president. "These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don't go into that, even if you're a policeman, because I will really kill you," said Duterte, 71. A former mayor of the southern city of Davao, Duterte had alternately denied and confirmed running death squads there that summarily executed suspected criminals. Human rights groups say the squads made up of local police, former communist rebels and hired assassins have killed more than 1,000 people. Amnesty International said it is encouraged by Rodrigo Duterte's inauguration pledge to honour the country's obligations under international law. "But now he is in power, he needs to lend substance to those words and break with his earlier rhetoric," Rafendi Djamin, the rights group's director for South East Asia and the Pacific said in a statement. Before dawn on Friday a bullet-riddled body was found in a Manila slum with a sign on it that read: "I am a Chinese drug lord," local police said. The murder bore all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing, which would make it the first of Duterte's presidency. digital and print publisher. digital and print publisher. We are Americas largest We are Americas largest The brands you love. The experiences you want. As a member of the Organization of American States, the United States is committed to promoting and defending democracy throughout the hemisphere, including in Venezuela. At a recent speech on Venezuela before the OAS Permanent Council, U.S. Interim Permanent Representative Michael Fitzpatrick noted, in signing the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001, that all OAS member states "made a solemn commitment to pursue liberty and social justice, and to ensure that our citizens would be able to realize their aspirations for democracy." In an effort to address the political, social, humanitarian, and economic conditions in Venezuela, the U.S. supports efforts of the OAS Secretary General in his May 30 report. These include a call for national dialogue and for the government to honor Venezuelas own constitutional mechanisms, including a recall referendum. This process, said Mr. Fitzpatrick, belongs to the Venezuelan people under their constitution, but it must happen in a timely manner. The U.S. also joins the OAS in calling on the Maduro government to release all political prisoners, and to respect freedom of expression and assembly. The United States is concerned that almost every measure the National Assembly has passed has been blocked by the Supreme Court. The United States will continue to support regional efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation within Venezuela as a way of guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the people, respect for the rule of law and representative democracy, including the essential elements of the separation of powers and independence of the branches of government in that country. As an active member and strong supporter of the OAS, the United States looks forward to taking additional steps to help Venezuela strengthen its democracy and move toward national reconciliation. 2000 - 2022 24 .- . focus-news.net, () . 24 . 24 . . 24 . The United States strongly condemns the recent terrorist attack on Istanbul's Ataturk Airport where two suicide bombers blew themselves up near the entrance to the terminal and a third in the parking lot, killing 44 people and wounding hundreds. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those killed and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured, said White House spokesperson Josh Earnest. President Barack Obama offered condolences to the Turkish people during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated the United States strong commitment to stand in solidarity with NATO Ally Turkey in combatting the common threat of terrorism. The United States has offered its assistance in the investigation Among the victims were Turks, Saudis, Iraqis, and one citizen each from China, Iran, Jordan, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, according to a Turkish official. The June 28 attack in Istanbul is the eighth suicide bombing in Turkey so far this year. To date, at least 140 people have been killed. No group has officially claimed credit for the latest attack although Turkish officials have said they suspect ISIL. Sadly, this murderous attack is only the latest in a series of attacks aimed at killing and maiming innocent civilians. said Deputy State Department spokesperson Mark Toner in a written statement. Such attacks will only reinforce our determination to work with the government of Turkey to counter the scourge of terrorism and support all those across the region who are working to promote peace and reconciliation. The United States remains steadfast in its support for Turkey as it continues to confront the threat of terrorism. Google announced Android N back in March this year, ahead of Google I/O and also released a developer preview. It even launched a new micro site and asked for suggestions from users before finalizing a name for Android N. Now it has finally confirmed the name of Android N as Nougat. Version has also been confirmed as 7.0. [HTML1] Several names such as Noodle pudding, New York Cheesecake, Neyyappam, Nankhatai, Nonnevot, Noghl, including Nougat were considered. Google released the final developer preview 4 of Android Nougat for compatible Nexus devices last month. The preview also has final Android N SDK with final APIs (API level 24). As Google confirmed earlier, stable Android 7.0 (Nougat) release will be available in Q3 2016, which is this quarter that ends in September. Google is said to be working on two Nexus devices made by HTC codenamed Sailfish and Marlin that are expected to be introduced later this year running Android 7.0. Google unveiled the statue of Android Nougat at its campus, check out the video. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xn9iq3lG_w Xiaomi along with Foxconn is in talks with a couple of state governments to set up handset manufacturing plants in India, according to a latest report from the Economic Times. The move comes from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer to boost production in order to keep up with the growing demand. Manu Jain, India head at Xiaomi, told ET, We are looking to expand capacity and set up more lines and plants. We are proactively looking at it and are working with our partner Foxconn. Currently, discussions are on with different governments. We have also been increasing the capacity at the existing plant. Last year, Xiaomi had teamed up with Foxconn to launch its first Make in India phone, the Redmi 2 Prime which was manufactured at its Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh. Just yesterday, Xiaomi launched its phablet Mi Max in India. As per the report, the first batch of Mi Max smartphones will be imported from China with domestic production beginning around mid-July. Xiaomi had applied to Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) for opening single brand retail stores in India in March. In May, the government put companies proposal on hold as it needed more documentations. At the time of applying for the license to open single brand retail store, Xiaomi had stated that it should be exempted from the 30% sourcing norm for a range of products, including Wi-Fi amplifiers, Bluetooth speakers and power banks. The company had applied under the category of state-of the art technology. However, last month, Xiaomi withdrew the request for exemption over 30% local sourcing norm. Last month, government relaxed FDI policy by giving a three-year exemption from local sourcing to foreign players in single-brand retail and a further five-year relaxation for state-of-art and cutting-edge technology. Xiaomi India Head Manu Kumar Jain told PTI. We are manufacturing 75 per cent of devices that we sell in India locally. From that perspective, we dont need any kind of exemption. Our application is still under the purview of the government. We probably will be able to know about it in some time and then share more details An activist group has written a letter [opens in PDF] to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging that Wal-Mart (WMT 0.76%) uses false and deceptive claims that some products it sells are "Made in the USA." This is not the first time that TruthInAdvertising.org (TINA.org) has targeted the retailer with this charge. The dispute between the two parties began in June 2015 when TINA.org sent a letter to the retailer letting it know that it had investigated claims that certain products sold on its website were inaccurately labeled "made in the USA." Two days after that letter was delivered Wal-Mart sent a letter [opens in PDF] to the organization declaring that the company would take steps to fix any misuses of the claim. It also said the retailer would be "undertaking a more extensive quality assurance review to eliminate these kinds of coding errors in the future." In addition, Wal-Mart said the issue was "limited to a small number of items" while expressing that it was confident of the overall integrity of its website. About three weeks later, in July 2015, TINA.org decided the retailer was not making changes fast enough and filed its first complaint letter with the FTC. The federal agency investigated the complaint and notified both groups in October 2015 "that it will not be pursuing further action due to Wal-Mart's assurance that it has removed all U.S.-origin representations from its website," TINA.org posted on its website. TINA.org disagreed with that and reviewed the company's website later in October 2015 then sent another letter to the FTC in November of that year. Now, on June 28, 2016, the activist group has sent the FTC another letter that claims Wal-Mart still falsely uses the "Made in the USA" claim on over 100 items on its website. How does Wal-Mart respond? The company, which acknowledged "mistakes" in response to earlier TINA.org claims, does not exactly refute the current charges, but it does downplay their importance. Wal-Mart's response also notes the company's "Open Call," a sort of pitch session where small American companies can get in front of the massive retailer. "Today we were able to give hundreds of businesses with U.S.-made products an opportunity to land their items on Walmart.com," the company wrote in a statement sent to The Motley Fool. "It's just another way we can give our customers great products while also supporting our commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion in products that support American jobs." The statement continued without the company admitting any fault without outright claiming that it was entirely in the right. "These claims are not new, and as we've said all along, we will continue to work with our suppliers to help ensure we are giving our customers the transparency and authenticity they are looking for," the company wrote. What does "Made in the USA" Mean? Wal-Mart is not saying that it has never inadvertently misused the "Made in the USA" claim nor is it saying that it's not possible that products on its website are misusing it now. TINA.org wants the FTC to investigate and the agency should, since it has a very clear definition for what made in the USA means: "Made in USA" means that "all or virtually all" the product has been made in America. That is, all significant parts, processing and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. That does leave a bit of wriggle room in the "virtually all" part, but the FTC includes further detail and a thorough guide on its website. Wal-Mart has clearly demonstrated with Open Call , that it intends to give U.S. manufacturers a fair shake. It also pledged in 2013 to purchase an additional $250 billion in U.S.-made products by 2023. That's a big number, even by Wal-Mart standards, but it does not absolve the company if it is misusing (even inadvertently) the "Made in the USA" label. The FTC should investigate and not simply take the retailer's word for it. Any mistakes should be corrected and increased diligence should be applied going forward.This will likely not damage Wal-Mart's business because it has plausible deniability. It sells millions of products and any problems regarding this label could be called unintentional (whether they are or aren't). The 2015 acquisition of Oxitec gave engineered biology conglomerate Intrexon (PGEN -4.60%) what may very well be the best tool available for combating mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, and Zika virus. Investors and analysts are excitedly looking forward to the platform's deployment against Zika virus and sizing up the revenue potential. They are right to be excited. Oxitec CEO Hadyn Parry recently told me that the platform is generating "roughly $8 to $10 per person" covered by its self-limiting mosquitoes in Brazil. Put another way, protecting a city with 100,000 people would generate between $800,000 and $1 million in annual revenue. With tens of millions of people in the United States and Brazil at risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, Intrexon's mosquito control tools could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue at their peak. That would represent substantial growth compared to the $42 million in product revenue Intrexon generated in all of 2015. However, while the potential in mosquito control is easier to digest thanks to the timely Zika virus news, the same self-limiting insect technology can be applied to an opportunity of much greater financial significance to investors: agriculture. Agriculture has an insect control problem I recently summarized Intrexon's self-limiting insect technology platform: Oxitec has developed a process for genetically engineering insects to contain a self-limiting gene. The engineered insects are released into the wild, mate with local populations, and create offspring that cannot survive to adulthood. By definition, the self-limiting genes cannot persist in the wild. And unlike insecticide spraying, there are no off-target effects -- only one species is affected. It's a uniquely efficient and low-impact tool for controlling wild populations of insect pests. The ability to target one insect species at a time while leaving the rest of the environment untouched represents a stepwise change to insect control. And if you think that the opportunity in controlling mosquitoes is huge, then consider the potential to serve the mammoth global agriculture industry. Farmers today have two primary groups of tools to combat insect pests: Chemical insecticides. Genetically engineered crops that produce a natural insecticide called Bt, which kills insects that attempt to eat the crops. Chemical insecticides are an effective, but low-level tool. They're mostly non-specific; targeting numerous insect species (and other organisms). They have to be applied multiple times per harvest. Worse yet, farmers must wait for a certain percentage of their crops to be destroyed by insects before it makes economic sense to spray fields with insecticides. These tools certainly play an important role in agriculture, but it would be nice to mitigate the negative externalities associated with their use. That created a major market for Bt crops, which have been quickly adopted by farmers in the United States and have significantly reduced the use of chemical insecticides. In 2015 nearly 81% of corn acres and 84% of cotton acres in the United States grew crops containing a Bt trait, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a result, in 2010 the percentage of corn acres using insecticides fell to 9%, while the average acre of corn used just 0.02 pounds of insecticides compared to 0.21 pounds per acre in 1995. While the next-generation tools represent major improvements over chemical insecticides, the proliferation of Bt crops has expedited the arrival of Bt-resistant insects. That runs the risk of reducing the effectiveness of Bt traits and, therefore, forcing farmers to use larger volumes of chemical insecticides.The industry has had few answers for the emerging problem thus far. These trends set the stage for Intrexon's self-limiting insects to become the third group, and next-generation, of tools used by farmers to combat insect pests. Self-limiting agricultural pests Oxitec is currently developing self-limiting pink bollworm (cotton), Mediterranean fruit fly, (250 types of fruit), Mexican fruit fly (50 types of fruit), olive fly (olives), and diamondback moth (canola, broccoli, kale) products. The traits being developed can be inserted into related insect species, such as the European corn borer that wreaks havoc on American corn fields. Self-limiting insects have enormous potential in agriculture. Not only do they represent the lowest impact option available, but they have the ability to access markets and opportunities that are off limits to current tools. Opportunity Chemical Insecticides Bt Crops Self-limiting Insects Avoid off-target effects No No Yes Insect control for conventional farming Yes Yes Yes Organic farming Yes (limited) No Yes Control insecticide-tolerant insects Increases selective pressure for resistance Increases selective pressure for resistance Yes Animal health No No Yes Agricultural exports Can limit trading partners Can limit trading partners Could boost available markets During our recent discussion, Parry explained that the opportunity to control insect pests in livestock is an untapped market on the company's radar. In addition to transporting diseases, insect pests can stress animals, which can reduce the quality of meat or other products. Self-limiting insects would be uniquely suited for this application, since chemical insecticides and Bt traits cannot be deployed. The use of chemical insecticides and biotech traits can also affect global trade patterns if regulations vary across borders. France recently banned the import of American-grown cherries because an insecticide used in the United States is banned in France. The damage will be minimal -- only $500,000 worth of cherries will be affected -- but the problem could be more problematic if applied to, say, tree nuts, which had exports to France totaling $137 million in 2015. Oxitec estimates that $8 billion is spent every year controlling agricultural pests, but that number could be low given the complexity of the opportunities and new markets that could be created. Sales of chemical insecticides and Bt traits in the United States imply that the opportunity represented by American agriculture could be worth more for Intrexon than the global opportunity for mosquito control. Even with the emergence of next-generation tools for combating insect pests, non-consumer insecticide sales totaled $2.7 billion in 2007, the last year data are available, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Meanwhile, sales of seeds containing Bt traits and the licensing of Bt traits themselves generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue for agricultural technology companies such as Monsanto and DuPont. What does it mean for investors? Bt corn was first introduced in 1996. A short 11 years later it had 50% market share, representing tens of millions of acres. Several factors allowed these tools to enjoy rapid success, but perhaps most important was the ease of use for farmers and the advantages over prior generation tools. Intrexon's self-limiting insects could be poised to capitalize on similar trends if they're successfully developed and commercialized. While the opportunity in agriculture is still in the early stages, it's one investors should be watching. A decade ago, reaching international consensus on an ambitious climate accord would have been deemed impossible, said U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma in Hyderabad. But in Paris last December, the global community, thanks in part to Indian leadership, did exactly that.196 countries came together to reach a historic agreement that seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees centigrade from pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees. In April, leaders from around the world, including Indias Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, gathered in New York for the signing ceremony. Despite the progress we have made, Ambassador Verma cautioned, there is still much more to be done. Written by hundreds of scientists from every corner of the world, the most recent Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change unequivocally states that human influence on the climate system is real and recent emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in the history of humankind. According to NASA, 2015 was the hottest year on record. In fact, of the hottest years on record, 15 out of 17 have occurred since 2000. The good news, Ambassador Verma noted, is that Prime Minister Modi and President Obama clearly recognize the grave threat posed by climate change, and the importance of our two countries working together to combat it, and President Obama recognizes the U.S. role in creating this problem and our responsibility to take action. This includes supporting Indias Paris commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by approximately 33 percent; reducing deforestation and repopulating forests; working together to amend the Montreal Protocol to facilitate an ambitious phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons; and encouraging swift movement by the global community to bring the Paris agreement into force. But governments can only do so much, said Ambassador Verma, the real champions of change are youth leaders, civil society, and entrepreneurs. People like yourselves. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy Spotify expressed frustration with the App Store approval process this week after Apple reportedly rejected an update to the streaming music service's iOS app, according to Recode. The update concerned Spotify's billing system for its Premium service, with Apple demanding that Spotify use Apple's own billing servicethrough which it takes a cut of all salesfor subscription payments, Recode reported. The rejection reportedly prompted Spotify to send a letter to Apple's general counsel, signaling possible legal action over Apple's tight control of its App Store ecosystem. Recode said it obtained a copy of the letter, sent on June 26, which argued that Apple's rejection is the latest in a string of actions that could constitute a violation of American and European antitrust laws. "It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify," the letter said, according to Recode. "We cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors." Neither company immediately responded to a request for comment. Since 2011, Apple has taken a 30 percent cut of all App Store purchases, so if you download the Spotify app and subscribe through the app, Apple gets 30 percent of your monthly payment. As such, subscribing through the Spotify app costs $12.99 per month rather than $9.99 per month. To avoid the higher price, Spotify recommends that iPhone owners sign up for Spotify Premium on its website and then download the iOS app and sign in with their credentials. This policy is why Amazon fans cannot purchase ebooks on the Amazon iOS app; Amazon doesn't want Apple getting 30 percent of its ebook profits. Users must instead buy ebooks on Amazon's website and then sync via the app. Spotify, which earlier this month said its monthly active user base had reached 100 million, faces competition from Apple's own streaming music service, which launched a year ago. Both offer $10-a-month premium plans that include unlimited, ad-free streaming; Spotify also has a free, ad-supported version. With iOS 10, Apple Music wiill get a user interface overhaul, which Cupertino previewed at WWDC a few weeks ago, though with around 13 million subscribers to Spotify's 30 million paying members, Apple continues to play second fiddle to Spotify. This article originally appeared on PCMag.com. Former McDonalds USA CEO Ed Rensi joined the FOX Business Networks Cavuto: Coast to Coast and argued that minimum wage should not be set by the federal government. Minimum wage ought to be a state issue, because regionally people know better what the cost of living increases are like and whats needed, Rensi said. New York-Manhattan minimum wage ought to be higher than Keokuk, Iowa this is a political issue. Its not a wage or standard of living issue. Rensi also warned that a minimum wage hike would hurt U.S. businesses and employees. Significantly increasing to a $15 wage is going to cost companies to increase automation, he said. You can already start to see it in hotels that are not doing maid service in the rooms every day. Theyre giving you the option about doing it and blaming it on global warming. Its nonsense. Job loss is coming. Image source: Getty Images. Digital publishing has endured many changes in the past decade. Earlier, content discovery was dominated by link-outs from web portals such as America Online or MSN. The second phase was the rise of powerful search engines, most notably Alphabet's Google, which allowed content discovery without the need for portals. The newest addition has been the growing influence of social-media networks. The most powerful social-media network is Facebook thanks to its nearly 1.7 billion monthly active users. And it's not only in social media: Facebook is now the most-important digital outlet period. For example, eMarketer found Facebook accounted for 30% of all digital display ad revenue in 2015, up from 25% the year before. As a digital publisher, you simply cannot afford to not have a major presence on the site. The problem, as publishers see it, is Facebook may be a little too powerful. Unfortunately, these publishers are essentially beholden to Facebook because they've built their digital strategy on another company's user base. As a result, any change of algorithms has the potential to severely disrupt their monetization models. 6 words that publishers fear: "We're tweaking our News Feed algorithm" According to an article from technology site Recode, Facebook is changing its algorithms to emphasize posts from family and friends. It will favor putting more of those in your feed. And this makes sense from Facebook's standpoint as it tries to boost user engagement. Earlier this year, a report from The Information noted a drop in both personal posts and sharing on Facebook from mid-2014 to mid-2015. Facebook continued to grow during this period, but this points to less engagement from users. The reported 5.5% decrease in overall sharing is slightly disconcerting but not a reason to outright panic. However, personal updates -- the posts users share about their lives, experiences, and thoughts -- fell a whopping 21% during this time frame. This is a worrisome because these personal updates are essentially the glue that keeps Facebook's user audience sticky. It makes sense Facebook would emphasize user-generated content. The losers under this change are publishers While personal updates have been declining, posts from digital publishers have ramped up. This has been great for digital websites dependent on increasing digital audiences to grow advertising revenue, but Facebook is now walking back publishers' reach. According to Recode, Facebook Vice President Adam Mosseri stated that publishers will see a "small but noticeable" decrease in their organic reach as a result of Facebook's changing algorithms. Of course, these publishers are free to pay Facebook for "promoted posts" to increase their reach. This is not the first time Facebook has taken steps to the detriment of publishers. Last year, The Wall Street Journal [subscription required] reported that Facebook's Instant Articles content-hosting format frustrated publishers because of the platform's onerous advertising restrictions.Facebook later loosened these restrictions to the delight of publishers. Recently, in what was initially celebrated as a win for publishers, Facebook changed its policies to allow publishers to post "native advertising," but with restrictions that make the advertising format less effective. The newest limitation will most likely draw complaints, but it's not as if publishers can afford to remove their content from Facebook. As earlier stated, Facebook has the power in this relationship on account of its 1.7 billion users, with 66% saying they get news on the site. Mark Twain cautioned against drawing the ire of the publishing industry when he wrote, "Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel." Facebook may not be aiming to pick a fight, but it's most likely the only entity to be able to do so and emerge unscathed. The article Facebook's Newest Update Is Great News for You, Bad News for Websites originally appeared on Fool.com. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Jamal Carnette owns shares of Alphabet (C shares) and Facebook. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Facebook. 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: Under Armour "My passion is I love blowing people's minds. I love people saying, 'Wow, I never thought that was possible.'" saidUnder Armour CEO Kevin Plank during a media event outside a converted garage in Baltimore on June 28. The garage, which from the outside looks like a small warehouse or standard offices, is anything but standard inside. "Lighthouse," as Under Armour calls it, is the 35,000-square-foot center where designers, engineers, and manufacturing visionaries can bring their ideas to life in a fraction of the time and cost of standard manufacturing practices, and with more tools to make those ideas truly innovative. As Plank puts it, "The UA Lighthouse will serve as a beacon to make product better, faster, and more efficiently, ultimately solving real problems for athletes and making them better around the world." Image source: Under Armour. Inside the "Lighthouse" The facility is filled with futuristic-looking machinery. Most workers wear white lab coats, and some wear Under Armour shoes that are not yet to market. The space is set up with various sections, each with unique tools such as 3D printers. There are four areas of focus at Lighthouse: 3D design and body scanning: The machines scan an athlete's body to give exact size and fit, to see fluctuations by season. This allows for the design of custom footwear and apparel while reducing waste in the development process. 3D printing and rapid prototyping:These 3D printers range from the simple to the extravagant and can turn an idea into a tangible product in far less time than it would take to make the prototype otherwise. Apparel and footwear prototyping:These tools allow for testing and improving ideas "beyond the traditional cut-and-make methods." Apparel and footwear pilot lines:Different ideas can be tested in a full-scale production environment to see how viable they are before bringing them to market. Photo: Under Armour Partners of the center include The Dow Chemical Company, Epson, and many more. It also features a space called "The Foundry" for local entrepreneurs to set up shop and have a place to learn, build, and innovate. Breaking 100 years of innovation block "In our industry, in apparel and footwear, we make a shirt and shoe the exact same way we did 100 years ago," Plank said. "We find that to be insulting, and we challenge other companies in our industry that call themselves innovative."Plank said that Lighthouse is the "tip of the spear" of innovation in an industry that needs to catch up. The current manufacturing process sometimes takes more than 140 people touching a single shoe to get it to market. Plank believes Under Armour can reduce manufacturing costs and reduce human touches to save time and money, while ensuring higher quality by reducing chances for error with fewer parts. He also envisions this as a way to bring more manufacturing jobs to the U.S. and to begin manufacturing products locally in each market around the world. Photo: Under Armour. Local for local The opening ceremony included a speech from the Maryland lieutenant governor and was attended by other government officials, such as members of Congress and a senior policy advisor for the White House. It's all happening because of "jobs, jobs, jobs!" as Plank put it. He laid out plans for tens of thousands of new manufacturing jobs in the United States but said it all has to start with new innovation in manufacturing and the right systems set up to make it competitive. Lighthouse will serve as a foundation for Under Armour's local-for-local vision, where product is to be designed for, and made in, local markets around the world. Plank talked about how, just like in the U.S., each market wants its product to be made locally. By having innovative manufacturing hubs like this in each region, local manufacturing would be possible for most countries. The long-term investment Investments like these don't come cheap. A single 3D printer can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. But Plank and his team believe that it's an investment well spent to be the leader in modern textile manufacturing. By putting in the time and cost now, they believe they will be able to reap the benefits later of lower manufacturing costs, quicker turnaround to market, better and more innovative gear, and a reason for people to shop for locally made products. "And, ladies and gentlemen," Plank concluded, "here at Under Armour we are truly, truly just getting started." The article Inside Under Armour's New "Lighthouse" Innovation Center originally appeared on Fool.com. Bradley Seth McNew owns shares of Under Armour (A Shares) and Under Armour (C Shares). The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Under Armour (A Shares). The Motley Fool owns shares of Under Armour (C Shares). 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. Kratos Defense's UTAP-22 combat drone -- just one of three reasons Boeing should buy Kratos Defense & Security. IMAGE SOURCE:KRATOS DEFENSE. Down 6% in June, 21% in May, and 39% over the past 12 months, tiny Kratos Defense & Security stock is in real trouble. At the same time, much larger defense company Boeing isn't looking so hot either, having lost 12% of its market cap over the past 12 months. But could these two stocks be a match made in heaven? Could it be that Boeing might want to take a look at buying Kratos stock, bringing the smaller company in-house? I think it should. And now I'll tell you why. Looking for Boeing's missing piece We all know Boeing is the world's biggest producer of commercial airplanes. But in fact, Boeing makes nearly as much profit from its defense business as it does from selling commercial jetliners -- even though its defense business is less than half the size of its commercial business, in terms of revenue. Simply put, defense generates strong profit margins for Boeing -- but perhaps not for long. Rumors have swirled for years about the imminent stoppage of Boeing's F/-15 and F/A-18 fighter jet production lines. For years, Boeing has bobbed and weaved and managed to keep production rolling, but ultimately, its luck must run out. In fact, last month, new Boeing Defense head Leanne Caret basically admitted to the Wall Street Journal that Boeing's days as a fighter-jet maker are numbered. But she also expressed hope that what revenues Boeing loses from no longer producing fighter jets, it will be able to make up by entering into new defense-related businesses. Kratos could help with that. A piece in search of an owner For the past several quarters, Kratos Defense has invested "significant" sums (for a company of its size) in developing a new armed combat drone that it calls the UTAP-22 Tornado. Jet-powered, with a top speed of Mach 0.9, a ceiling altitude of 50,000 feet, and the ability to carry more than 500 pounds of ordnance internally and on wing-mounted hard points, UTAP may finally be the unmanned combat drone that the U.S. military has been looking for to take drones into the world of aerial dogfighting. Problem is, Kratos has yet to persuade anyone to actually buy its combat drone. Meanwhile, as it searches for a buyer, development costs on the UTAP-22 have burned a big hole in its balance sheet, turning the former cash-profitable company into a cash-burner and contributing to Kratos' reporting its biggest quarterly loss last quarter in nearly two years. But here's the thing: All the losses that Kratos has incurred in developing UTAP -- all the losses the company has incurred in the past 10 years in fact (according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence) -- amount to less than half a billion dollars, or about as much profit as Boeing makes in just one month. Continuing to develop and try (and fail) to find a buyer for UTAP could ultimately prove fatal to Kratos' business. But for a company of Boeing's financial heft, those losses would just be the initial cost of doing business, before ultimately succeeding in finding a market for the craft. What's in it for Boeing? And that's just if all Kratos had to offer Boeing was its combat drone. In fact, were Boeing to buy Kratos, it would acquire a $653 million annual revenue stream of new business -- revenues that would cost Boeing no more than 0.4 times sales to acquire at current valuations, a mere fraction of Boeing's own P/S ratio. Were Boeing to acquire these revenues and succeed in applying its own 7.2% operating profit margin to them (instead of, say, Kratos's own negative 1% operating profit margin), it would quickly turn Kratos' money-losing business into nearly $50 million in annual profits for itself. That profit, it turn, would be enough to pay for the entire cost of an acquisition in about five years, even if Kratos' revenue stream grew not at all. Now, will Boeing actually buy Kratos? I have no idea. I don't, in fact, know if Boeing is even considering the idea. But between UTAP, $650 million in new revenues, and potentially $50 million in extra profits, I see three strong reasons Boeing should buy Kratos Defense. And I have to wonder if Boeing sees those, too. The article 3 Reasons Boeing Should Buy Kratos Defense originally appeared on Fool.com. Fool contributorRich Smithdoes not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him onMotley Fool CAPS, publicly pontificating under the handleTMFDitty, where he's currently ranked No. 278 out of more than 75,000 rated members.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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. The world of finances and money management can be intimidating and confusing -- and critically important for your future security, too. Thus, it's reasonable to seek the advice of a professional advisor. Just be careful, because some are far better than others. Here are three things your financial advisor probably isn't telling you. 1. My fees will compound, too : Most financial advisors are paid by charging their clients a fee based on assets under management -- typically about 1% of total assets. That might not seem like a big deal, especially early on when your nest egg is still in its infancy. However, your financial advisor is unlikely to tell you that this 1% fee will compound right along with your portfolio's returns, which can turn an innocent little 1% fee into a truly massive expense. Don't believe me? Let's do a little math.Let's say you sock away $1,000 per month, and earn a respectable 7% return on your money, after deducting fees. In 30 years, the magic of compounding will have transformed that $1,000 monthly investment into a net worth of more than $1.1 million. That's a great outcome for you, but its also a lucrative deal for youradvisor. Over that time period, your advisor will have raked in more than $121,000 in fees, and in year 31, your advisor's 1% fee would translate into an annual cost to you of more than $11,000. That's nearly the same amount as your annual contribution! Even small fees can turn into big ones over time, thanks to the power of compounding. Make sure you're aware of that fact, and feel free to try and negotiate a lower rate as your nest egg increases in size. 2. I may not be acting in your best interest :You might be surprised to hear this, but many financial advisors aren't required by law to act in your best interests. If he or she isn't a "fiduciary," your financial advisor simply needs to offer up plans that are "suitable" to your financial circumstances, and not the best-for-you plan. The problem is that these non-fiduciaries aren't required to disclose possible conflicts of interest. They could easily direct your money to a fund that's "suitable," but that also includes a generous kickback for the advisor. The Obama administration has proposed a rule that would require anyone giving retirement advice to be a fiduciary. Opponents say that this would effectively cut low-to-middle-income families off from getting retirement advice, as they wouldn't be able to pay the flat fees that fiduciaries often charge. Congress tried to get the rule thrown out in June, but President Obama vetoed the move. Until it takes effect, however, it's in your best interest to ask your financial advisor if he or she is a fiduciary. Image source: Pixabay. 3. I have a bad record Selena Maranjian: One thing that many financial advisors are not going to be eager to share with you is the fact that they have black marks on their records. Not all do, of course, but those with complaints lodged against them, or disciplinary actions taken against them, will be in no hurry to 'fess up about that. It's worth doing some digging to find out, though, because your hard-earned dollars and your financial future are at stake. One thing to do is simply ask about your advisor's record. If you sense evasiveness or discomfort, that's a red flag. But go further than that. For example, you can check an advisor's record with your state's securities regulator. Another step is to look them up at BrokerCheck, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's service for providing licensing and background information and employment histories on hundreds of thousands of brokers and others selling financial products. Among other things, it should reveal: If a financial professional has been charged or convicted of any felonies or investment-related misdemeanors If he or she has been involved in investment-related civil proceedings If your advisor has been investigated by regulators or named in any relevant complaints and much more BrokerCheck isn't perfect, though, and it has been criticized for not being as consumer-friendly as it could be, and not offering more information more readily, such as which financial services companies have workforces with the highest rates of complaints. It could include more information on the educational background and advanced certifications of its financial professionals and reviews from clients of these advisors, too. The article 3 Things Your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You originally appeared on Fool.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. Image source: Altria Group. Tobacco stocks have been among the best long-term performers in the stock market, and Altria Group and Philip Morris International share much of that history together. Until 2008, the two companies were intertwined within the same corporate entity, but Philip Morris International's spinoff from Altria eight years ago separated out the international tobacco business from the domestic tobacco and wine segments that remained with Altria. To help investors choose between these two stocks, you'll find some comparisons below that show where each has a competitive advantage. At the end, we'll tally up the pros and cons of each stock to help you decide which should go in your portfolio. Where Altria outpaces Philip Morris Altria and Philip Morris share a lot of the same attributes, but there are some metrics in which Altria looks like the more attractive stock. They include: Recent stock performance. Altria has soared 46% over the past year, compared to Philip Morris International's still-impressive 31% gain. Longer-term stock performance. Altria is one of the best performing stocks in market history, with consistent average annual returns of nearly 20% over the past 45 years. Even during their brief shared history since 2008, Altria has outpaced Philip Morris, by a margin of 23% to 14% in terms of annualized average total return. Expected 2016 financial performance. Investors believe that Altria will grow its earnings by more than 9% this year, on revenue growth of about 3.4%. By contrast, Philip Morris will likely remain much closer to flat year-over-year results, with expectations to boost earnings by just 1% on 0.6% rise in revenue. Dividend payout ratio. Altria currently pays out about 80% of its earnings in the form of dividends, compared to around 95% for Philip Morris. This indicates a more easily sustainable dividend for Altria. Balance sheet strength. Altria has roughly $12.8 billion in long-term debt against an asset base of $34.1 billion, and it has positive shareholder equity. Philip Morris' asset base is similar at $34.6 billion, but it has more than twice the long-term debt of Altria, at $26.7 billion. Philip Morris also has negative shareholder equity. Greater diversification. Altria gets most of its business from tobacco, but it still has exposure to other areas. Its Ste. Michelle wine segment has been a small but profitable part of Altria's business for a long time. More importantly, Altria's stake in beer giant SABMiller lets it profit from prospects outside tobacco, and the proposed merger between SABMiller and Anheuser-Busch InBev will potentially let Altria share even more in the beer industry's strength. Where Philip Morris bests Altria Image source: Philip Morris International. There are also several areas in which Philip Morris does better than Altria. They include: Current dividend yield. Philip Morris has a current yield of 4.2%, compared to Altria's 3.3%. Long-term dividend growth rates. Since becoming a public company in 2008, Philip Morris has increased its dividend by more than 120%. Altria has shown impressive gains as well, but it still lags well behind with dividend growth of 95%. Volume of cigarette shipments. Philip Morris simply has a larger business than Altria. Philip Morris reported shipment volume in 2015 of 847.3 billion units. That far outpaced the 126 billion unit figure that Altria claimed for the full year. Expected 2017 top-line performance. Investors are hoping for a nearly 6% boost to Philip Morris International's revenue next year, compared to just 2% for Altria. Expectations for both companies are for profits to grow by roughly 9%, with Philip Morris having only a very slight edge in earnings growth. More concentrated exposure to tobacco. Philip Morris gets almost all of its revenue from tobacco products, and even its innovative iQOS heat-not-burn technology uses tobacco as a base product. If you want a pure play on tobacco, Philip Morris is the better pick. Where both stocks are nearly even In some ways, Altria and Philip Morris come up without a clear winner. Among them are: Valuation. Both Philip Morris and Altria have forward earnings multiples of about 21. Their trailing price-to-earnings ratios are also very close together, with Philip Morris posting a P/E of 24 compared to Altria's 25. Long-term growth prospects. Investors see both Altria and Philip Morris posting long-term growth rates of about 8% over the next five years. Regulation. Investors originally hoped that Philip Morris would fare better than Altria because international markets tended to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products less than the U.S. did. That has changed, however, and Philip Morris is dealing with issues like plain-packaging requirements that could eventually pose a bigger threat to it than Altria has to deal with domestically. Which should you pick? Both Altria and Philip Morris have their pros and cons, and which one wins out depends on the priority you put on each of the characteristics discussed above. Essentially, if you think the global economy has more room for growth in tobacco and alternative products, then Philip Morris has greater exposure to that potential growth. By contrast, those who believe that the U.S. will continue to lead the way will prefer Altria's focused concentration on the domestic market. The article Altria vs. Philip Morris International: How These 2 Tobacco Giants Stack Up originally appeared on Fool.com. Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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. GlaxoSmithKline is researching the field of bioelectronics for potential new advances. Image source: GlaxoSmithKline. Investors like pharmaceutical stocks because of the combination of dividend income and growth prospects that they have historically provided. Both GlaxoSmithKline and Merck have been leaders in the pharma world for a long time, and both companies have developed lifesaving medications that millions of people rely on for their health. Yet some consumer advocates worry that pharmaceutical companies are profiting too much from their breakthroughs, charging high prices that put a strain on the government programs and health insurance providers that manage the costs of healthcare more broadly. With those challenges, investors want to know which stocks offer the best combination of risk and reward. Let's look more closely at Glaxo and Merck using a range of common metrics to evaluate their merits. Stock performance and valuation Despite the pharmaceutical industry's recent challenges, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck have held their own over the past year. On a total-return basis, Glaxo has posted a nearly 10% advance since the end of June 2015. Merck has trailed that figure but has still managed to eke out a nearly 4% rise. Simple valuation metrics have their limitations, and in the case of Glaxo and Merck, looking at trailing earnings in relation to their share prices leads to some misleading conclusions. Glaxo's current price-to-earnings ratio is greater than 100, implying an extraordinarily high valuation. Yet most of the reason for the company's temporarily low earnings is that Glaxo has incurred billions of dollars in restructuring charges and fair-value balance sheet adjustments related to foreign currency movements. Similarly, Merck has incurred restructuring charges of its own, along with foreign-exchange losses related to Venezuela's currency devaluation and adverse legal settlements, and that has boosted its trailing P/E to 35. Future earnings expectations take those factors out of consideration, and there, the two stocks compare more fairly. GlaxoSmithKline trades at about 16 times forward earnings, while Merck comes in slightly cheaper with a forward multiple of 15. On a valuation basis, Glaxo's superior stock performance hasn't made its shares look much more expensive than Merck's. Dividends The largest pharmaceutical companies typically pay substantial dividends, sharing the success of their blockbuster drugs with their shareholders. Merck offers a dividend yield of 3.3%, which is above average for the market as a whole. GlaxoSmithKline, however, has a much higher yield of 5.6%, and that doesn't even include the special dividend of roughly $0.57 per share that investors received earlier this year. When you add in that amount, Glaxo's effective yield rises to nearly 7%. MRK Dividend data by YCharts. Glaxo has also been more diligent in boosting its dividend payments over time. The company's payouts vary from quarter to quarter as many European stocks' dividends do, but the overall trend in local-currency terms has been upward. Since 2007, Glaxo has more than doubled its annual dividend payments, and it has made at least token increases every year since at least 2001. By contrast, Merck has been less regular about its dividend increases, including just minimal boosts over the past five years and flat payouts for most of the preceding decade. Overall, Glaxo's dividend treats shareholders better than Merck's does. Growth prospects and risk Both Merck and GlaxoSmithKline have considerable growth opportunities, although the risk is always that pipeline products in development won't pan out the way that the companies hope. For GlaxoSmithKline, recent results have been extremely encouraging. HIV therapies Tivicay and Triumeq produced extremely strong growth in the first quarter of 2016, with sales climbing 60% and 193% respectively. Glaxo's pipeline of about 40 potential products has several products nearing possible approval, including treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and a shingles vaccine. At the same time, Glaxo has unlocked cost savings to bolster its profits. Even though its asthma blockbuster Advair will decline with generic competition expected in the near future, Glaxo is still working to overcome disappointment in the oncology field and handle concerns about pricing of its drugs. Merck is dealing with similar issues. The company's blockbuster Januvia and Janumet treatments for diabetes are still doing reasonably well, even though the key products are facing substantial competitive pressures. Merck has also seen promising pipeline moves, including the likely filing for approval of osteoporosis therapy odanacatib later this year. Poor results from hepatitis C treatment Zepatier haven't made investors happy, and growth in Merck's Keytruda cancer drug have lagged behind a rival treatment, Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo, in terms of sales. Yet the company is interested in looking at acquisitions to bolster its growth prospects further. On this point, both Merck and Glaxo have similar growth prospects and face many of the same risks. All in all under this analysis, GlaxoSmithKline has a slight edge over Merck, due largely to its more generous dividend payouts. Investors will need to keep an eye on both companies to see how they weather big-picture issues in the pharmaceutical industry, but if it can deliver on its full potential, GlaxoSmithKline looks like the better buy right now. The article Better Buy: GlaxoSmithKline plc vs. Merck originally appeared on Fool.com. Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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: decar66/Flickr. The 2015 acquisition of Oxitec gave engineered biology conglomerate Intrexon what may very well be the best tool available for combating mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, and Zika virus. Investors and analysts are excitedly looking forward to the platform's deployment against Zika virus and sizing up the revenue potential. They are right to be excited. Oxitec CEO Hadyn Parry recently told me that the platform is generating "roughly $8 to $10 per person" covered by its self-limiting mosquitoes in Brazil. Put another way, protecting a city with 100,000 people would generate between $800,000 and $1 million in annual revenue. With tens of millions of people in the United States and Brazil at risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, Intrexon's mosquito control tools could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue at their peak. That would represent substantial growth compared to the $42 million in product revenue Intrexon generated in all of 2015. However, while the potential in mosquito control is easier to digest thanks to the timely Zika virus news, the same self-limiting insect technology can be applied to an opportunity of much greater financial significance to investors: agriculture. Agriculture has an insect control problem I recently summarizedIntrexon's self-limiting insect technology platform: The ability to target one insect species at a time while leaving the rest of the environment untouched represents a stepwise change to insect control. And if you think that the opportunity in controlling mosquitoes is huge, then consider the potential to serve the mammoth global agriculture industry. Farmers today have two primary groups of tools to combat insect pests: Chemical insecticides. Genetically engineered crops that produce a natural insecticide called Bt, which kills insects that attempt to eat the crops. Chemical insecticides are an effective, but low-level tool. They're mostly non-specific; targeting numerous insect species (and other organisms). They have to be applied multiple times per harvest. Worse yet, farmers must wait for a certain percentage of their crops to be destroyed by insects before it makes economic sense to spray fields with insecticides. These tools certainly play an important role in agriculture, but it would be nice to mitigate the negative externalities associated with their use. That created a major market for Bt crops, which have been quickly adopted by farmers in the United States and have significantly reduced the use of chemical insecticides. In 2015 nearly 81% of corn acres and 84% of cotton acres in the United States grew crops containing a Bt trait, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a result, in 2010 the percentage of corn acres using insecticides fell to 9%, while the average acre of corn used just 0.02 pounds of insecticides compared to 0.21 pounds per acre in 1995. Image source: USDA report (link opens PDF). While the next-generation tools represent major improvements over chemical insecticides, the proliferation of Bt crops has expedited the arrival of Bt-resistant insects. That runs the risk of reducing the effectiveness of Bt traits and, therefore, forcing farmers to use larger volumes of chemical insecticides.The industry has had few answers for the emerging problem thus far. These trends set the stage for Intrexon's self-limiting insects to become the third group, and next-generation, of tools used by farmers to combat insect pests. Self-limiting agricultural pests Oxitec is currently developing self-limiting pink bollworm (cotton), Mediterranean fruit fly, (250 types of fruit), Mexican fruit fly (50 types of fruit), olive fly (olives), and diamondback moth (canola, broccoli, kale) products. The traits being developed can be inserted into related insect species, such as the European corn borer that wreaks havoc on American corn fields. Self-limiting insects have enormous potential in agriculture. Not only do they represent the lowest impact option available, but they have the ability to access markets and opportunities that are off limits to current tools. Source: Chart compiled by author. During our recent discussion, Parry explained that the opportunity to control insect pests in livestock is an untapped market on the company's radar. In addition to transporting diseases, insect pests can stress animals, which can reduce the quality of meat or other products. Self-limiting insects would be uniquely suited for this application, since chemical insecticides and Bt traits cannot be deployed. The use of chemical insecticides and biotech traits can also affect global trade patterns if regulations vary across borders. France recently banned the import of American-grown cherries because an insecticide used in the United States is banned in France. The damage will be minimal -- only $500,000 worth of cherries will be affected -- but the problem could be more problematic if applied to, say, tree nuts, which had exports to France totaling $137 million in 2015. Oxitec estimates that $8 billion is spent every year controlling agricultural pests, but that number could be low given the complexity of the opportunities and new markets that could be created. Sales of chemical insecticides and Bt traits in the United States imply that the opportunity represented by American agriculture could be worth more for Intrexon than the global opportunity for mosquito control. Even with the emergence of next-generation tools for combating insect pests, non-consumer insecticide sales totaled $2.7 billion in 2007, the last year data are available, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Meanwhile, sales of seeds containing Bt traits and the licensing of Bt traits themselves generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue for agricultural technology companies such as Monsanto and DuPont. What does it mean for investors? Bt corn was first introduced in 1996. A short 11 years later it had 50% market share, representing tens of millions of acres. Several factors allowed these tools to enjoy rapid success, but perhaps most important was the ease of use for farmers and the advantages over prior generation tools. Intrexon's self-limiting insects could be poised to capitalize on similar trends if they're successfully developed and commercialized. While the opportunity in agriculture is still in the early stages, it's one investors should be watching. The article Does This Intrexon Opportunity Dwarf Zika Virus? originally appeared on Fool.com. Maxx Chatsko has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow him on Twitterto keep up with developments in the engineered biology field.The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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: Tesla Motors. We're getting some interesting news lately about the pace of cost reductions in the lithium ion battery industry and it could bode well for new industries forming today. According to energy storage company Stem's Chief Technology Officer, battery prices have fallen a whopping 70% in the last 18 months. Battery prices are key to unlocking energy storage in homes, at large buildings, and at utilities that could shave peak energy costs and allow more renewable energy to hit the grid. And for electric vehicles, falling battery costs could make it attractive for millions more people to buy an EV. The falling cost of batteries A good baseline for energy storage battery costs is Tesla Motors' Powerwall. When the product was launched in May 2015 it cost $3,000 for a 6.4 kWh model (the 10 kWh model was soon discontinued), which was crazy low at the time. That's a cost of $469 per kWh and doesn't include key components like an inverter. But that may be a price that's already been surpassed in the market. General Motors let slip late last year that battery cells (not the full pack) from LG Chem cost an "industry leading" $145 per kWh. GTM Research recently reported that battery costs are in the "$200 to $250 per kilowatt-hour range" today. Maybe the 70% price reduction is realistic and maybe GM's cell costs weren't out of line with industry norms. If this trajectory keeps up, even at a slightly slower pace, the energy storage and EV business could explode in the next decade. And there's some precedent in where we may see costs go. Capacity expansion will be key I find a lot of similarities between the growth of solar panel production 5 to10 years ago and batteries today. By 2011, the solar industry and panel sale prices collapsed because there was such high growth expectations from manufacturers and so much overcapacity that manufacturers were just trying to cover their own cash costs and keep the lights on. This created a downward spiral in both manufacturing costs and sale prices for panels. Cost reductions were an urgent priority, which often required new equipment, which mean more capacity was built, and on and on. Reducing costs and panel prices became the norm, shown by Canadian Solar saying the costs to build a solar panel havefallen from an already low $1.32 per watt five years ago to $0.41 today. We may be in the early phases of a similar dynamic in energy storage. Tesla Motors' 35 GWh Gigafactory was built on the premise that energy storage and EV demand would explode. But others saw the same trend coming as well. Recent data from theClean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Centerreport, based on data from BNEF Desktop Portal 2016, shows that 43.7 GWh of battery capacity is fully commissioned with another 11.8 GWh partially commissioned and 42.5 GWh under construction (mostly from Tesla). In all, 98.0 GWh of capacity will be available in the next few years. Image source: Automotive Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing: Regional Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations report from the Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center. What's crazy is that may leave the industry oversupplied for many years to come. The same report estimates that electric vehicle demand for lithium ion batteries won't hit today's capacity level until 2020. And by then the market may have twice as much supply as it needs. Image source: Automotive Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing: Regional Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations report from the Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center. To put these capacity numbers into perspective, 98.0 GWh of batteries would be enough to build 1.63 million Tesla Model 3s with a 60 kWh battery annually (reportedly the biggest size in a base model Model 3). Some of the additional supply could go to energy storage, but that's a tiny market with 221 MW installed in the U.S. last year. What this means for the future of batteries There's a lot of hype around how quickly energy storage and electric vehicles could grow. But it looks like the battery capacity that would serve these markets is already growing faster than the end markets themselves. Unless there are millions of EVs built annually by 2020, I think there's going to be massive oversupply in the market. That's great for companies buying batteries, like General Motors, Stem, SunPower, VW, etc. But if the solar industry is any indication, the companies making batteries will be stuck in a price war with competitors who are just trying to keep factories running. That'll lead to even more downward pressure on prices, which again is good for end product manufacturers. The battery market will be fascinating to watch over the next five years, but if the adjacent solar industry is any indication, I would want to invest in companies buying batteries and putting them to work, not companies building out capacity that may see prices fall every year for the next decade. The article Falling Battery Prices Bring Opportunities and Pitfalls to EVs and Energy Storage originally appeared on Fool.com. Travis Hoium owns shares of SunPower. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. 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: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. What:2016 has been rough on shareholders ofRegeneronPharmaceuticals. The company's stock has surrendered more than 35% of its value since the start of the year, according to data fromS&P Global Market Intelligence. REGN data by YCharts So what:The year so far has been full of both positive and negative developments that pushed the company's shares in one direction or the other. Here's a recap of the year's top headlines: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and its collaboration partner Sanofi reported encouraging data from a phase 3 study involving their experimental compound Sarilumab. The study showed that the drug outperformed AbbVie 's megablockbuster drug Humira at treating patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. reported encouraging data from a phase 3 study involving their experimental compound Sarilumab. The study showed that the drug outperformed 's megablockbuster drug Humira at treating patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The company reported positive resultsfrom a phase 2/3 study using its experimental drug Fasinumab as a treatment for pain related to osteoarthritis. Data showed that all tested doses usingFasinumab significantly outperformed placebo in improvement pain relief. Regeneron and Sanofi reported encouraging data from two phase 3 trials testing Dupilumab's ability to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Patients who used Dupilumab showed animprovement in skin clearing, itching, mental health, andoverall disease severity. The company affirmed that it's on track for a third-quarter regulatory submission. The company inked a collaboration deal with the privately heldIntellia Therapeutics to enter the excitingnew gene editing field called CRISPR. On a clinical basis, the company is having agreat year, but traders are far more focused on three recent negative developments: First, a U.S. District Court ruled that the company's new cholesterol-busting drug Praluent infringes on two patents held by its main rival, Amgen . Damages have yet to be announced, but Amgen is calling for Praluent to be removed from the market completely. . Damages have yet to be announced, but Amgen is calling for Praluent to be removed from the market completely. Second, Regeneron is forecasting that U.S. sales of its best-selling drug, Eylea, will grow between 20% to 25% for the full year. That's a solid number in absolute terms, but it's a big deceleration from last year's torrid growth figures. Finally, sales of Praluent are off to a slowstart. Add in the fact that the company's shares have historically traded for a premium price, and it's not hard to understand why shares have cratered so far this year. Now what:Biotech stocks in general have been sold off hard since the start of the year, so perhaps it's not surprising to see that Regeneron's shares have struggled. Despite the weakness, I think there are plenty of reasons to be bullish on the stock from here. For one, Regeneron's management team has a history of under-promising and over-delivering, so it's possible they're being conservative with Eylea sales guidance. In addition, cardiovascular outcomes data will be available for Praluent in the next few quarters, which could help spur demand. In addition, Sarilumab and Dupilumab both look as if they'll be winners, and both could be on the market by the end of 2017. That's a lot of potential growth for a company trading for about 21 times next year's estimated earnings. Investors with a long-term time horizon might want to consider picking up a few shares while the market remains skeptical of its chances of success. The article Here's Why Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc Is Down 35% This Year originally appeared on Fool.com. Brian Feroldi has no position in any stocks mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@Longtermmindsetor connect with him on LinkedIn to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool owns shares of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 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: Microsoft. According to a report from DIGITIMES, software giant Microsoft is planning to add yet another product category to its growing Surface line of products: an all-in-one desktop PC. Microprocessor giant Intel has been very bullish on the all-in-one desktop form factor for quite some time. At the company's investor meeting last year, Intel cited stationary and portable all-in-one desktops as an interesting opportunity. So, is Microsoft entering the all-in-one game a good idea? Or is it an ill-conceived notion? Let's take a closer look. Probably a good move for Microsoft I suspect that with this all-in-one, Microsoft is going to follow the same playbook that it has followed with the Surface Pro and Surface Book product lines: Build a very high quality, no-compromises halo product to compete directly with Apple'shighly successful iMac lineup. Such a device should enable incremental revenue for the software giant, although given Microsoft's sheer size and revenue scale, it isn't the sort of thing that's likely to move the needle. It's likely to be much more important as a product that will further the Surface and, by extension, Microsoft brands. Additionally, such a device can serve as a vehicle by which Microsoft can introduce new hardware and software features. In order to not be left behind, the various Windows-based PC makers would likely be compelled to implement those same features in their own systems. Bad news for traditional PC makers The big issue with Microsoft entering the all-in-one market, even if it is with a very premium priced product, is that this only serves to further take revenue from the company's partners. The PC market hasn't been in good shape for a while as customers' upgrade cycles have lengthened and as customers shift more of their computing needs to ultra-mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. One way that PC makers have tried to cope with the industrywide PC unit declines has been to try to sell pricier, higher-margin products to boost profitability. They have also invested in developing specialty products to address sub-segments of the market that are actually growing, such as gaming. With a potential Surface all-in-one, Microsoft will not only take share from the traditional PC makers, but it will likely take high-end system share. This means that the revenue/gross profit impact on the PC makers should be greater than the unit share impact. Can the PC makers respond? The good news for the PC industry is that the PC makers, in a bid to fend off competition from Microsoft, will likely be more aggressive in trying to bring innovative new features to their products. However, there's no guarantee that such a strategy would be successful. The PC makers already work on razor-thin margins and, as part of their cost of goods sold, need to pay Microsoft for Windows operating system licenses. Microsoft, on the other hand, obviously doesn't need to pay for copies of Windows, giving it a significant cost structure advantage right off the bat. And, since Microsoft doesn't rely on hardware revenue/profits for its survival, it can pack in many premium features and sell the devices at low gross profit margins. As long as (for each unit sold) Microsoft is taking in gross profit equal-to or greater-than what it would get from straight up selling a Windows license (a very likely scenario), it's a win for the software giant. Microsoft's brand is already very strong, helped along by the fact that it has a non-trivial retail presence. That sheer brand power is going to be tough to fight. The article Microsoft Corporation Is Bringing a New Member to its Surface Family originally appeared on Fool.com. Ashraf Eassa owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft and has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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: StockMonkeys.com, via Flickr. Opko Health's CEO Phillip Frost isn't shy when it comes to deal-making. Throughout his career, he's focused considerable attention on growing companies via acquisition, and that's turned him into one of healthcare's richest entrepreneurs. At Opko Health, Frost has already orchestrated a slew of deals that have pumped up the company's pipeline and expanded it into specialty testing. Yesterday, Frost continued to bulk up Opko Health's R&D program with a $60 million deal to acquire Transition Therapeutics , a microcap clinical-stage drugmaker working on therapies addressing metabolic diseases including diabetes. What Phillip Frost wants, he gets In the decade since he sold Ivax Labs to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries for more than $7 billion and took on the full-time job of Chairman of Teva Pharmaceutical's board of directors, Frost has remained one of the most influential healthcare investors on the planet. He founded Opko Health in 2007, and over the years, he's orchestrated a number of transactions that are starting to pay off for investors. In 2011, he acquired Claros to get Opko Health the technology behind Claros 1, an in-office diagnostic tool that could begin generating meaningful sales soon. Other deals resulted in Opko Health's getting Varubi, a drug for chemotherapy-induced nausea; Rayaldee, a vitamin D prohormone; and hGH-CTP, a long-acting human growth hormone. Varubi, which Opko Health licensed to Tesaro, won FDA approval last year; Rayaldee got the FDA green light in mid-June; and hGH-CTP's phase 3 results are anticipated soon. If hGH-CTP's results are positive, that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in milestone payments, plus royalties, from Pfizer, which licensed the drug from Opko Health back in 2014. Those acquisitions are paying off, but Frost's most transformative deal at Opko Health was last year's $1.5 billion acquisition of BioReference Labs, a specialty lab company. That deal turned Opko Health into a company with sales approaching a billion dollars annually, and put it on track to turn a profit next year for the first time in the company's history. OPK Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts. Filling the funnel With Varubi and Rayaldee on the market this year and hGH-CTP results on deck soon, Frost is eager to bulk up Opko Health's pipeline. Opko Health's decision to buy Transition Therapeutics helps accomplish that. Although Opko Health lands three drugs in this deal, the most intriguing asset it's getting in this acquisition is TT401, a once-weekly drug for type 2 diabetes. TT401 targets GLP-1 and glucagon receptors and earlier this year, phase 2 trial results showed that it reduces body weight and improves HbA1c levels, a marker used to measure sugar metabolism in diabetics. Type 2 diabetes patients dosed with TT401 lost more weight than patients who were given AstraZeneca's Bydureon or a placebo. Additionally, TT401 patients achieved a reduction in HbA1c levels similarto those achieved with Bydureon. Image source: Opko Health. TT401's results suggest it matches up to Bydureon; however, the HbA1c results weren't strong enough to convince codevelopment partner Eli Lilly & Co. to stick around. In April, Eli Lilly decided not to pursue a late-stage study of TT401, returning rights to the drug to Transition Therapeutics instead. While that decision suggests Eli Lilly finds greater value in spending its R&D dollars on other diabetes drugs in its pipeline, Frost appears to think Eli Lilly's decision devalued TT401 to levels low enough to make it worth the risk of buying. In discussing this deal, Frost claimed that TT401 "holds exceptional market potential." Looking ahead Frost has a proven ability to find approvable products tucked away in pipelines, but that doesn't guarantee that Transition's drugs will be winners. Unfortunately, it will be a while before late-stage data is in hand that could show that TT401 can win sales away from Bydureon. In the first quarter of 2016, AstraZeneca'sBydureon sales totaled $135 million. Nevertheless, investors might want to give Frost the benefit of the doubt on this acquisition. As Opko Health's biggest shareholder, he has a lot of incentive to make deals that have a high likelihood of panning out for investors. The article Opko Health Sets Its Sights on Diabetes originally appeared on Fool.com. Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned.Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies mentioned. Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@ebcapital to see more articles like this.The Motley Fool recommends Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. 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. History goes modern with its latest TV project, the military action drama "Six," which tells the story of Navy SEAL Team Six and its 2014 mission to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan when things goes awry and they uncover a U.S. citizen working as a jihadist fighter with the terrorists. The concept for the series came from Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company, who thought of the idea when he read about Boko Haram kidnapping school children in Africa, but he needed to bring on someone with the proper credentials to write the script in a manner that honored the heroism of SEALs in an honest way. He found the perfect pair in Vietnam veteran William Broyles, who was nominated for an Oscar for "Apollo 13," and his son David Broyles, a military special operations veteran. "I always felt the story of the heroic men and women, who for 15 years have been fighting terror at the highest level, really deserved to be told, and not just in a superhero way but telling stories of these guys as human beings, who might be your neighbor or somebody you see at the supermarket, and who then put on gear and go out and do extraordinary things, not knowing if they will come back." Broyles told FOX411. In "Six," the story begins after the events in Afghanistan when the SEAL's former mentor is working contract security in Africa and gets caught in a horrific attack on a school in Nigeria. He, along with several girls and their teacher, is kidnapped. So, the mission is to rescue the abductees -- and SEAL Team Six volunteers. "A lot of real issues that we raise in the show are issues of life and death and choices that these guys have to live with, but at the same time they love what they do," Broyles says. In order to really immerse the audience in what it's like behind the scenes as the team members set out on their mission, Broyles turned to U.S. Navy SEAL Mitchell Hall ("Zero Dark Thirty," "Lone Survivor"), who functioned as the series technical adviser. "We want the audience to feel, 'Yes, its a fictional story and characters, but something like this, with people like this and their families is happening right now,'" says Broyles. "[These ops are] something that the rest of us may take for granted, or not know about until it hits the headlines, but to me, this is one of the major dramas going on in our national lives, in the world right now, because weve been fighting for 15 years, but terror attacks are at an all-time high." In real life and in the eight-part series, SEAL Team Six is an all-star team, comprised of the best of the best. So the search to find the right actors to play them was an extensive one. "What we were looking for in the guys we cast was the ability to portray them as real human beings, not acting like they are tough," Broyles says. "The real men dont have anything to prove. They leave on incredibly difficult missions, the way you and I might go on a business trip, and immediately plunge into the most dangerous combat situations in the world. Then they return to supposedly normal life over and over and over again." Once the actors were cast, they underwent training, and Broyles smiles when he recalls the difference between the first day and the fourth, because at that point, there was no more posturing. They were just guys at the end of their rope, trying to help each other out. "These guys say theyre closer to their fellow actors that they went to the SEAL Camp with than almost anybody else in their lives," he says. "They bonded at a really deep human level. They're drawing on that experience to portray how these guys really are. Their performances are really grounded, and they have the deep, emotional connection and reservoirs of courage that our main characters really have to draw on." Six, starring Barry Sloane, Kyle Schmid, Juan Pablo Raba, Edwin Hodge, Brianne Davis, Nadine Velazquez, Dominic Adams, and Walton Goggins, is coming soon to the History Channel. A Georgia community has twice the reason to celebrate this Saturday, as two of its residents identical twins are set to commemorate 100 years of life. Mary Shipp Harrow and Martha Shipp Averett were born July 2, 1916, and grew up in Cusseta, Georgia, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Mary has seven children, 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Martha has 10 children, 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. More than 300 family members, friends and elected officials are expected to attend the pairs centennial celebration in Columbus, Georgia, on Saturday, the news station reported. "This is a very special occasion for our family and we are blessed, honored and excited for my mother and aunt as they approach their 100th birthday," Mary's youngest daughter, Gerri Jones, told Fox 5 Atlanta. "They are strong women of faith and they have touched so many lives during their lifetime!" As the summer of Zika descends, pregnant women say they feel like they have a target on their back and experts confirm that they may not be wrong. According to a 2000 study, pregnant women are twice as likely to be bitten by certain types of mosquitoes. There are two reasons for this, researchers found: One is that pregnant women exhale more air than non-pregnant women, and mosquitoes may be attracted to the carbon dioxide in their breath. Pregnant womens abdomens are also roughly 0.7 degrees Celsius hotter than normal, so their skin releases more volatile compounds, such as mosquito-attracting lactic acid. The Zika virus, which can cause microcephaly and other birth defects, hasnt been found in New York mosquitoes yet, but the pesky bugs can carry other diseases that are dangerous for soon-to-be-moms, like West Nile virus. Pregnant women should load up on bug spray to avoid getting bit, OB/GYN Dr. Ashley Roman told The Post last month. Look for formulas containing DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil for the best protection. Staying in air-conditioned areas, avoiding standing water, and wearing long clothing can also protect against bites. Click for more from the New York Post. Officials say a West Point cadet from Missouri is on life support after he tried to save a swimmer who was caught in a rip current off a Long Island beach. Police say 18-year-old Thomas Surdyke, of Festus, Missouri, was pulled from the waters following a rescue attempt on Friday at Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York. Newsday reports Janice Laiben Surdyke, who says she's his mother, posted on Facebook late Tuesday that he would be on a ventilator for the next 48 hours so he can donate his organs. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point says a cadet is on life support following a Long Island beach incident but couldn't release further details. Officials say the swimmer Surdyke tried to rescue is OK. The next time Fido comes in for a kiss, you may want to think twice before letting him lick your face. A new case from BMJ Case Reports reported that a 70-year-old woman was infected with sepsis, likely from her Italian greyhound. Although no scratch or bite was found, doctors noted that close petting including licks was reported, according to the study. Capnocytophaga canimorsus septicaemia, a bacterium, is frequently isolated in the oral cavities of dogs and cats. While rare, it typically causes infection after a dog bite, making this case unusual, study authors noted. The unnamed woman was found slumped in a chair, with decreased consciousness after a relative called paramedics when she became unresponsive during a phone call. At the hospital, she reported having a headache the previous night and feeling generally fatigued. During the incident, the woman suffered multiple organ failure, but she recovered after two weeks of intensive care support and broad-spectrum antibiotics. A year after being discharged, she is symptom free. Recent and gruesome history has made clear that abortion shops, including those that perform dangerous second and third trimester abortions, have too often operated under inadequate scrutiny and control from state and federal health officials. Nevertheless, a majority of Supreme Court Justices said Monday in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt that the state of Texas could not prove that the regulations passed by the legislature were really there to protect women, since abortions result in few life threatening complications. They compared the procedure of abortion to a colonoscopy or liposuction. As far as sheer numbers and very general similarities, this comparison may be true. But the lawmakers who crafted Texas HB 2 were seeking to protect women from an industry that puts profits ahead of the safety of women, and one that is heedless of the significance of the tissue they are destroying. Perhaps nothing was more illuminating in this regard than the 2011 Kermit Gosnell trial in Philadelphia. Gosnells house of horrors was allowed to operate with impunity for decades. When the center was finally raided by federal law enforcement, it was for the illegal distribution of opioids. What they found were conditions so sordid and tragic that they can barely be believed. The infamous back alley abortionist of history was practicing openly on Main Street. Over the years, complaint after complaint had been filed and duly ignored, resulting in the deaths of women and the outright murder of infants. Many of the women who survived his care suffered tremendous physical and psychological injury, including perforated wombs and bowels, and were treated with a callous heartlessness that boggles the mind. It was looking to head off a similar occurrence in Texas that legislators passed a couple of common sense regulations. One was requiring that abortionists have admitting privileges in a hospital within thirty miles of their facility. This would have two safety effects. First, scrutiny by the hospital board ensures that the doctors have the basic requirements needed to receive privilegessuch as not having been disciplined by state boards of health and being considered basically competent. Secondly, that a physician who performs an invasive procedure, such as a second or third trimester abortion with all its possible dangerous complications, has the ability to admit and care for his patient when she is hemorrhaging or septic and her life is in danger. This is much safer for the patient than showing up to an E.R. with only a vague idea of what was done to her. The second regulation was that these centers must meet the same physical plant requirements as other ambulatory surgical facilities. One reproductive rights website deceptively characterizes this as requiring them to be mini-hospitals. Nothing could be further from the truth. In my medical practice, we do not perform any invasive procedures-- yet our facility meets these requirements. Namely, wide doorways and hallways that allow the passage of a gurney; a ramp to the parking lot to get to a waiting ambulance; plenty of parking so patients in pain do not have to hobble a long distance to their car; sidewalks around the building that are smooth and walkable. Far from a mini-hospital, this is only what you would want for yourself, your mother, or your daughter, if she were undergoing an invasive medical procedure of any kind. The four dependably pro-abortion Justices on the Court and Justice Kennedy decided that HB 2's safeguards would lead to the closure of many abortion shops. And its true, it would have. Planned Parenthood offices would have stayed open, as they already adhere to these commonsense regulations. But the centers that endanger women with inadequate facilities and doctors who cant get admitting privileges in nearby hospitals would have closed. Now thanks to those five Justices, back alley abortion shops are safe. Greed and callousness will run free, and the abortion industry will continue to put avarice and ideology ahead of the safety and well-being of the women whose despair and abandonment drives their businesses and fills their coffers. There are few issues all Americans agree on but one issue that unites both Democrats and Republicans is an acknowledgement that terrorism is the top threat facing the United States. In recent months the West has seen an uptick in terrorist attacks, from the Paris theatre massacre, to the San Bernardino shooting, to the recent Orlando terrorist attack all carried out by radicalized Islamic jihadists pledging loyalty to ISIS. Americans are rightfully worried about the safety of the homeland. One critical area in which the United States is extremely vulnerable to future attacks by radical Islamists is the Refugee Resettlement Program. Since 2009, nearly 500,000 foreign refugees from across the globe came into the United States under the federal Refugee Resettlement Program and were placed in communities across the country. This year, the Obama Administration will bring in an additional 75,000 refugees, including 10,000 refugees from Syria. Despite the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, refugees from these parts of the world undergo minimal screening that cannot properly weed out those with potential ties to terrorism. Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul revealed that intelligence officials have confirmed ISIS is working to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S.s refugee program to import its terrorist operatives into America in the same way it successfully has in France and other European countries. FBI Director James Comey admitted before a Congressional panel late last year that his agency isnt capable of thoroughly vetting all Syrian refugees to ensure they pose no threat to the homeland. And Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson went on to say the U.S. knows little about many refugees who are admitted into the country. The U.S.s inability to properly screen refugees entering the country is a result of the fact that tens of thousands of Syrians are displaced without proper documentation, forms of identification, or traceable work history. The U.S.s screening process relies largely on trusting the determinations of the United Nations, an organization often at odds with U.S. interests. Our nation is at war with radical Islam, now is not the time to cut corners screening individuals who are entering the United States from locales overrun with terrorist movements. The House should pass the Resettlement Accountability National Security Prioritization Act of 2016 (RANSPA), which would place an immediate moratorium on refugees coming from the terrorist hotbeds of Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The bill directs the Administration to establish comprehensive screening measures and keeps the moratorium on refugees in place until Congress, by joint resolution, approves of new thorough screening measures to ensure that no individual be permitted into our nation that pose a national security threat to the homeland. Further, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to produce a thorough report on the costs posed to U.S. taxpayers at the local, state, and federal level. Currently, refugees admitted into the U.S. are eligible to receive tax-payer funded services including: seven years of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), up to seven years of Medicaid coverage, five years of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) support, and eligibility for Food Stamps. Slowing the flow of refugee resettlement will have beneficial fiscal impacts at a time when our national debt has reached $19 trillion, and more importantly will help eliminate a looming national security threat. While we believe we must always be compassionate towards those seeking asylum in the United States, at this time of heightened security risk we must prioritize our national security and the safety of every American above all else. We cant wait any longer to secure our homeland. The authors are both members of the House Freedom Caucus. Americas birthday is upon us. Hot dogs, apple pie, family and fireworks. But this July Fourth, Hallel Yaffas family will be sitting Shiva. The young American-Israeli teenage girl died of multiple stab wounds while she slept in her bed, killed by a 17-year-old Palestinian terrorist who had praised Adolf Hitler on his Facebook page. These are brutal times we live in, and as USA Today documents, there have been multiple Islamist mass murder terrorist attacks in the just the last few weeks on three continents, culminating in the Istanbul Airport outrage. Beyond the obvious anguish of Hallels family and community, why should the rest of the world even take notice of the death of one 13-year-old American-Israeli girl? Because there are too many enablers who helped pave the way for this craven act and hundreds, if not thousands of other terrorist outrages past and future. Here's where we should start. Hamas: its been some thirty years since Hamas-the spawn of the Muslim Brotherhood drew up their own genocidal Declaration of Independence invoking The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and pledging to kill Jews beyond every bush and tree until Palestine was Judenrein (free of Jews) from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Jordan. They perfected suicide bombings, human shields and honeycombed tunnels for terrorists. Their genocidal hatred of Jews is never challenged in Gaza, not even in UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) camps and classrooms. Palestinian Authority (PA): For decades, world leaders have presented the Palestinian Authority as the true and legitimate voice of Palestinian aspirations and Israels partner in a future, peaceful Two-State solution. But the PA doesnt teach peace in its classrooms, doesnt preach it in its mosques, doesnt practice it in the halls of diplomacy, doesnt broadcast it on their TV Stations, doesnt promote it on its social media platforms. In the last week alone, PA president Abbas used the podium of the European Parliament to accuse (non-existent) Israeli Rabbis of urging Jews to poison the water supply of Palestinians. The immediate response of the Fatah Facebook page to the murder of Hallel in her bed, was to post the killers picture, declaring him a Martyr or Shahid, the highest honor achievable in Islam, for protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a sentiment seconded by the martyrs own mother who declared, Allah willing, all of them will follow this path, all the youth of Palestine. Allah be praised." On June 27th, Sultan Abu al-Einein, an adviser to Abbas on civil society organizations and a Fatah Central Committee member, declared during an interview with the Palestinian news site Donia al-Watan: Wherever you find an Israeli, slit his throat. Not to be outdone, Abu Falul, a terrorist freed in Gilad Shalit hostage deal, went on the Hamas-run al Aqsa TVs, On the Path of Resistance, to explain Hitlers reason for mass murdering European Jews: Hitler decided to kill the Jews because he simply despaired of Zionist racism in Europe, Falul explained, adding that the actual numbers of Holocaust victims inflated. US State Department, EU, Mideast Quartet, Human Rights NGOs, World Council of Churches: These frontline global players have a common denominator when it comes to Palestinian Anti-Semitism. Silence, or worse. Abbas speech at the European Union that included his poison water screed, brought, not condemnation from the diplomats of 27 European nations, but a standing ovation. Later, Abbas was forced to retract his blood libel, but no thanks to the State Department Spokesman who couldnt find his way to condemn the blatant lie. Self-anointed guardians of global "civil society," governments and NGOs prop up the Palestinian Authority by funneling millions to the corrupt PA, but are mute or justify Palestinian Jew-hatred and terrorism. And where is the Palestinian Authority investing the largess of the US taxpayer, Church goers, Euro Bureaucrats, and NGOs? Speaking at a recent iftar meal to break the Ramadan fast in Ramallah, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah stated that the PA and its institutions would continue providing a wide range of benefits -- including financial rewards - to terrorists' families, and would work to up its support for them. Part of our Jewish grief over the death of Hallel Yaffa is the knowledge that she will not be the last Jewish victim of genocidal hate and terrorism in Eretz Israelnot as long as the world treats Mahmoud Abbas like hes George Washington. So we mark this July Fourth by urging the U.S. to declare its independence from Palestinian terrorism and hate. To change from terror enablers to true peacemakers. I t is past due for civilized people and nations to (at least temporarily) shut the checkbooks and to demand Palestinian accountability. Secretary of State John Kerry recently expressed the clearest American concern yet over the ruin of Venezuela at the hands of its President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), Kerry rightly criticized a regime which has overseen Venezuelas descent into abject poverty and threatened to consign Venezuelan democracy to history. Kerry admirably called for the release of political prisoners, jailed purely for their opposition to Maduro. Equally importantly, he demanded respect for freedom of expression and action to alleviate the crippling shortages which have left Venezuelans struggling to feed their families. Most importantly perhaps, Kerry backed the popular demand for a lawful referendum on Maduros rule by a Venezuelan people rapidly losing all hope. All of this is to be applauded. Venezuela is in a desperate and dangerous state. In recent months, infrequent power cuts have turned into severe rationing of electricity. Long supermarket lines have transformed into a frantic and increasingly deadly scramble for food. Medical shortages have become so severe that 95 per cent of hospitals are suffering a dangerous shortage of supplies. The high cost in lives is already underway. Babies are needlessly dying in hospitals, while at least four people were killed in food riots in June, as desperation takes on an Orwellian tone. Social order is precariously poised to collapse at any moment. Venezuela is facing a race against time before it implodes. And so, Washington isnt facing just a complex policy issue over Venezuela. American involvement has become a life or death issue, especially as Maduro has no discernible plan to rescue his country. Maduros strategy is simple denial - close his eyes, point fingers at imaginary foreign conspiracies and pray for a highly unlikely dramatic rise in oil prices. Venezuela is facing a race against time before it implodes. Consequently, if Kerrys protestations of concern are to have any real meaning, these words must be turned into action. Washington must now use its weight as the regional powerhouse and coax Latin America into demanding change in Venezuela. Doing so is no longer simply a question of American values and prestige. It has become quite simply a matter of saving lives. Of course, persistent, direct American pressure would most likely be manipulated by Maduro to fuel his self-serving conspiratorial fantasies. Therefore, if Washington wants real influence, it will need to exert pressure via regional partners. America must begin to take membership of the OAS seriously. Maduro has so far been able to count on a degree of neighbourly fealty to protect himself against any meaningful action. Last month, member states pushed back on OAS Secretary General Luis Almagros call to invoke the Democratic Charter, a convention which could lead to the Venezuelan governments suspension. It would appear obvious on which side of this particular regional fence Washington should fall. Yet, Kerry recently made clear that he opposes Almagros unconstructive initiative. Instead, he expressed support for dialogue between Maduros government and opposition leaders, spearheaded by former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero. This is a wholly wrongheaded initiative. Not only will such a dialogue eat up precious time which Venezuela can no longer afford, but Maduro quite simply has no intention of relinquishing power. The time for niceties has passed. Venezuela needs change now. And only a heavyweight like the United States can deliver it. Washington must re-examine its approach and turn the screws on regional powers to endorse Almagros initiative. It is not just the future of Venezuelan democracy at stake. Countless Venezuelan lives are too. United Nations officials will soon release their plan to improve the developing world's access to lifesaving drugs. At best, their recommendations will prove ineffective. At worst, they could endanger millions of lives. It didn't have to be this way. The panel could have made significant progress towards its goal by building on decades of work done by groups like the World Health Organization. These past efforts, which brought public organizations and governments together with private healthcare companies, have prevented millions of premature deaths. Instead of replicating that cooperation, officials on the UN's High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines want to pit these groups against one another in an attempt to assign blame for global health crises. Such finger-pointing isn't merely counterproductive; it's the worst kind of politics. Scapegoating patents for the developing world's drug shortages is dishonest. The vast majority of drugs on the WHO Essential Medicines List aren't protected by patents -- they are available globally in generic form. Yet hundreds of millions of patients do not receive them. International efforts to slow the spread of disease have been underway for well over a century. In 1902, the United States was the leading force behind the Pan American Health Organization, an early public health agency. Such initiatives are based on a shared recognition among nations that global health is a cooperative enterprise including governments, businesses, non-profit research centers, volunteers, medical experts, and more. No single person or entity can combat disease alone. The United States has been a critical partner in combating disease around the world. In 2012 alone, the US committed nearly twice as much funding to the WHO than any other member state, with contributions totaling over $110 million. Private organizations have done their part too. Last year, America's biopharmaceutical companies spent almost $60 billion on research. These firms are currently developing more than 5,000 medicines for everything from HIV/AIDS to cancer and diabetes. Working together, non-profit academic centers, drug companies, and governments, can ensure such research continues. This cooperation is vital -- a third of people in the developing world still lack dependable access to medicines considered "essential" by the WHO. Yet the UN's latest effort to address this problem drives a wedge between these sectors. The UN Secretary General specifically tasked the panel with "remedying the policy incoherence between the justifiable rights of inventors, international human rights law, trade rules and public health in the context of health technologies." The implication is that intellectual property rights are barriers to expanding medical access. For the developing world to gain access to the medicines it needs, the assumption seems to be, drug firms must sacrifice their patent protections, which prevent other firms from making knock-off copies of medicines for a limited time. Scapegoating patents for the developing world's drug shortages is dishonest. The vast majority of drugs on the WHO Essential Medicines List aren't protected by patents -- they are available globally in generic form. Yet hundreds of millions of patients do not receive them. In too many cases, barriers to treatment reflect the poor infrastructure and misguided policies of many emerging economies. Poor storage facilities around the world lead to significant waste of pharmaceutical supplies, driving up costs astronomically. In India, a quality-control study followed a series of vaccine vials through the supply-chain delivery process. The study found that 76 percent of the vaccines were rendered useless because they were inadvertently frozen while being stored in substandard storage facilities. Abandoning our IP system will do nothing to address such problems. However, it would upend the protections that incentivize firms to develop new drugs and ensure those medicines get to patients quickly and reliably. Global health organizations, individual nations, and medical innovators all have a vital role to play in overcoming the barriers to medical access around the world. The High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines was an historic chance to forge such a partnership. Instead, the UN deliberately drove these parties apart, sacrificing global health for petty politics. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. said Thursday the House will vote next week on a Republican plan designed to keep firearms out of the hands of suspected terrorists. Ryan told House members on a conference call that the legislation would be one of a series of measures meant to curb radicalization and recruitment of prospective terrorists. Ryan's office did not provide details about the House bills, but two Republicans told the Associated Press the legislation would resemble a National Rifle Association-backed bill that the Senate rejected last week and was opposed by most Democrats. That legislation, proposed by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, would have allowed the government to delay a gun sale to a suspected terrorist for 72 hours, but also required prosecutors to go to court to show probable cause to block the sale permanently. Republicans say the Cornyn measure protects gun owners' constitutional rights. Democrats say giving prosecutors three days to prove someone is probably involved in terrorism makes it too hard to thwart firearms sales. Last week, Democrats staged a nearly 26-hour sit-in on the House floor demanding votes on gun control measures following the June 12 Orlando massacre, in which 49 people were killed at a nightclub. Killed by authorities during his siege, gunman Omar Mateen was an American who pledged allegiance to the leader of the ISIS terror group, according to a transcript of his phone calls with officials during the shootings. Ryan called it "just common sense" to keep firearms from terrorists, but said it must be done while protecting the right to own guns, according to an official on the call. Ryan said Democrats were trying to change the focus of the debate about the Orlando killings from terrorism to guns "because they cannot stand on their terrorism record," the official said. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., part of the House Democratic leadership, called Ryan's announcement "a step forward" but called for votes on expanding gun buyers' background checks and denying firearms to people on two terrorist watch lists. Drew Hammill, spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the likely House legislation "just isn't going to cut it." Fox News' Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Thursday that reports of a private meeting between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton left him "flabbergasted." Lynch and Clinton met on Lynch's plane after she landed at the Phoenix airport Monday evening. Lynch has denied that the two spoke about the ongoing FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state. However, Republicans and Democrats have criticized her for creating a possible conflict of interest, and some lawmakers have called for Lynch to recuse herself from the investigation. "I actually thought ... 'No way, there's no way that's gonna happen' and it happened." Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity. "I think it's amazing. I've never seen anything like that before." The encounter between Lynch and Clinton took place the night before the House select committee investigating the 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi released its report. The investigation criticized the Obama administration for huddling to craft a public response to the video even as military assets waited hours to deploy to Libya. "Who wouldn't have sent help after you got the first messages?" Trump asked Hannity. "[Hillary Clinton] has bad judgement. [Ambassador Chris Stevens] is asking for help." "She lied," Trump said of Clinton. "That's what she does. She lies." Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures Friday that will require people to turn in high-capacity magazines and mandate background checks for ammunition sales, as California Democrats seek to strengthen gun laws that are already among the strictest in the nation. Brown vetoed five other bills, including requirement to register homemade firearms and report lost or stolen weapons to authorities. The Democratic governor's action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control. Some of the enacted bills duplicate provisions of a November ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Some of the vetoed measures also appear in Newsom's initiative. "My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners," Brown wrote in a one-sentence message to lawmakers. Gun control measures have long been popular with the Democratic lawmakers who control the California Senate and Assembly. But they stepped up their push this year following the December shooting in San Bernardino by a couple who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The bills angered Republicans and gun-rights advocates who say Democrats are trampling on 2nd Amendment rights, creating new restrictions that won't cut off the flow of guns to people intent on using them for nefarious purposes. "On the eve of Independence Day, independence and freedom and liberty in California has been chopped down at the knees and kicked between the legs," said Sam Paredes, executive director of the advocacy group Gun Owners of California. Lawsuits challenging the new laws are likely once they take effect next year, Paredes said. Brown's action will require people who own magazines that hold more than 10 rounds to give them up. It extends a 1999 law that made it illegal to buy a high-capacity magazine or to bring one into the state but allowed people who already owned them to keep them. In an attempt to slow gun users from rapidly reloading, the governor signed a bill outlawing new weapons that have a device known as a bullet button. Gun makers developed bullet buttons to get around California's assault weapons ban, which prohibited new rifles with magazines that can be detached without the aid of tools. A bullet buttons allows a shooter to quickly dislodge the magazine using the tip of a bullet or other small tool. People will be allowed to keep weapons they already own with bullet buttons, which are often referred to as "California compliant." Brown also endorsed a bill making another attempt to regulate ammunition sales after a law passed in 2009 was struck down by a Fresno County judge who said it was too vague. The new law will require ammunition sellers to be licensed and buyers to undergo background checks. Transactions will be recorded. He also opted to require a background check before a gun can be loaned to someone who isn't a family member. "Strong gun laws work. ... What we're doing in California is a better job of keeping guns out of dangerous hands," said Amanda Wilcox, a spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose daughter was killed by a shooter using a high-capacity magazine. The governor vetoed an effort to expand a six-month-old program that allows courts to temporarily restrict gun ownership rights for people suspected of being dangerous and decided against restricting all firearm purchases to one per month, a limitation that already applies to handguns. Another bill he vetoed would have asked voters to strengthen penalties for stealing a gun, which voters will already be deciding it through Newsom's initiative. The ballot measure also will ask voters to require reporting of lost and stolen firearms an idea Brown rejected Friday and has rejected at least twice before. "I continue to believe that responsible people report the loss or theft of a firearm and irresponsible people do not; it is not likely that this bill would change that," he wrote in a veto message. Newsom's initiative has put a spotlight on the lieutenant governor as he campaigns for governor in 2018. He's been at loggerheads with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who tried unsuccessfully to persuade Newsom to drop the ballot measures in favor of legislative action. Brown's vetoes protected Newsom's initiative from becoming moot. A spokesman for Brown, Evan Westrup, said voters "will have a chance to go even further in November, if they choose." Hedge fund manager Marc Mezvinsky had friends in high places when he bet big on a Greek economic recovery, but even the keen interest of his mother-in-law, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, wasn't enough to spare him and his investors from financial tragedy. In 2012, Mezvinski, the husband of Chelsea Clinton, created a $325 million basket of offshore funds under the Eaglevale Partners banner through a special arrangement with investment bank Goldman Sachs. The funds have lost tens of millions of dollars predicting that bailouts of the Greek banking system would pump up the value of the countrys distressed bonds. One fund, exclusively dedicated to Greek debt, suffered near-total losses. Clinton stepped down as secretary of state in 2013 to run for president. But newly released emails from 2012 show that she and Clinton Foundation consultant, Sidney Blumenthal, shared classified information about how German leadership viewed the prospects for a Greek bailout. Clinton also shared protected State Department information about Greek bonds with her husband at the same time that her son-in-law aimed his hedge fund at Greece. That Americas top diplomat kept a sharp eye on intelligence assessing the chances of a bailout of the Greek central bank is not a problem. However, sharing such sensitive information with friends and family would have been highly improper. Federal regulations prohibit the use of nonpublic information to further private interests or the interests of others. The mere perception of a conflict of interest is unacceptable. Through its press representative, Eaglevale declined to comment for this story. Clintons campaign press office did not respond to a request for comment. A former Goldman Sachs broker himself, Mezvinsky formed Eaglevale Management with two ex-Goldman Sachs partners in October 2011. As a global macro firm, Eaglevales strategy is to seek profit opportunities in politically volatile situations. Mezvinsky set up several funds in the Cayman Islands, a secretive tax haven, with Goldman Sachs serving as Eaglevales prime broker and banker. The giant brokerage firm has a checkered history of manipulating the value of Greek debt to the detriment of Greece. The same month that Eaglevale incorporated its offshore arm, Gary Gensler, the head of the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which polices hedge funds, emailed Clinton that a bailout by the European Central Bank could turn market sentiment in favor of Greek bonds. Gensler had previously worked as co-head of finance at Goldman Sachs; he is now the financial director of Clintons election campaign. Goldman Sachs has donated up to $5 million to the Clinton Foundation and $860,000 to Hillary Clintons political campaigns. Shortly after Clinton resigned, Goldman Sachs paid her $675,000 in speaking fees. Clintons deputy in charge of economic policy was Robert Hormats, a former vice chairman of Goldman Sachs. Hormats and Clinton shared an extensive email trail about the possibility of bailing out Greece, including classified materials, and internal state department memos about the debt from the U.S. ambassador to Greece. Again, monitoring Greece was part of Clintons job description, but, ethically, that does not mean that a family member should make bets that depend upon the actions of another family memberleaving aside the question of whether insider information was divulged to Mezvinsky by Blumenthal or his parents-in-law. During 2011, Secretary of State Clinton lobbied the leaders of European governments to bail out the Greek financial system. She advocated imposing austerity measures on Greeceraising taxes, cutting public employee salaries and eliminating social welfare programsto make the investors holding the debt happy. Driven by investors belief that Greece would be bailed out, the speculative value of its debt climbed into the stratosphere in late 2011 and early 2012. The bonds gradually sank to 2008 levels by the end of the year, with temporary spikes, as investors alternately gained and loss confidence in the prospect of a bailout. In other words, there were multiple opportunities for Greek-bond hedge funds to buy cheap and sell dear. At a February 2012 summit meeting about the Eurozone debt crisis in Munich, Clinton urged leaders of the European Union to commit to a Greek bailout. In April, Eaglevale booked $19 million from a dozen investors. Californias public employee pension fund, CalPERS, reportedly invested $13 million. Goldman Sachs CEO, Lloyd Blankfein, jumped in with his own money, as did Chelsea Clintons former boss, Marc Lasry, who specializes in buying distressed debt. In May, Blumenthal, emailed two confidential memos about the Greek debt situation to Clinton. Hormats was included in the email loop. The first memo, Blumenthal told Clinton, is based on conversations with German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble and those close to him the information comes from an extremely sensitive source and should be handled with care. This information must not be shared with anyone associated with the German government. The unnamed spy reported that in secret meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Schauble had searched for a politically acceptable way to bail out the Greek debt in order to avoid collapsing the economies of Greece, Italy, Spain and Ireland. The second memo was classified and blacked out by State Department censors when Clintons emails were released. No doubt, it was informative. In June, Clintons deputy, Jake Sullivan emailed her a depressing snapshot of reports that Greek banks were failing and that Merkel was against a Greek bailout. The next day, he reported re: Greece that Ambassador Dan Smith just spoke to the Central Bank Governor and assessed that the economic situation was ok for now provided that small depositors put money back into the banks. A few days later, Clinton asked Sullivan for a confidential state department report, Solidarity Bonds Greece Revised. He sent it to her adding, If you like, send it on [to] WJC," presumably a reference to William Jefferson Clinton. Clinton ordered an aide, Pls print two copies of the Greek bond report. The report was blacked out as a protected document when the emails were made public. Did Mezvinsky benefit from his family connection? The emails show that Clinton did at least one official favor for her son-in-law. In August 2012, she forwarded Deputy Secretary Thomas Nides an email from Mezvinsky lobbying on behalf of his former Goldman Sachs colleague, Harry Siklas. Siklas and Goldman Sachs were invested in a deep sea mining venture called Neptune Minerals. Siklas asked Mezvinsky to broker a talk with Clinton about current legal issues and regulations on deep sea mining. Clinton ordered Nides to follow up on this request. Nides replied, Ill get on it. Its yet another example of government gridlock. Democrats going after Fox News, Republicans defending Fox News. Only this time it comes in the context of an FEC investigation, one that raises troubling questions about press freedom. The Federal Election Commission voted behind closed doors last month on allegations that Fox broke the law at the first presidential debate in Cleveland. The result, first reported by the Washington Examiner, was a 3-3 deadlock and a whole lot of questions. Why, you might ask, are the feds mucking around with a networks decisions on political coverage? I think its dangerous any time someone tries to use the power of the federal government to second-guess, regulate and even punish newsroom editorial decisions, Republican commissioner Lee Goodman told me yesterday. All this stems from the debate situation last August, when 17 Republicans were running for president. Fox announced that the top 10 finishers in certain national polls would be featured in a prime-time debate. But the network later decided to add an undercard with the seven other candidates. It was Carly Fiorinas performance in that kids table debate that catapulted her into the front ranks. A rather obscure presidential contender, former Internal Revenue commissioner Mark Everson, filed a complaint with the FEC, saying he wanted to be on the stage as well. Its fine to criticize these and other decisions by networks faced with overcrowded stages. But the three Democratic commissioners believe it was a federal case. They voted that Fox had made an illegal corporate contribution by adding the early-evening debate so the public could see and scrutinize more presidential candidates. Stuart Gerson, Fox's outside counsel in the case, said the network is "pleased" the case was closed but that it never should have gotten this far. "At least two of the three Democrats are acting for purely political reasons," he said in an interview. He exempted the third Democrat, Ellen Weintraub, who at first voted against the charges, then proposed that while Fox might be guilty, the case should be dropped as a matter of prosecutorial discretion. Finally, she joined a party-line vote in opposing a finding of no evidence that Fox violated the law. Weintraub stressed that she never voted to punish Fox News. Gerson called the complaint "insubstantial," saying there were several hundred nominal candidates who, like Everson, "hardly registered" in terms of impact. "The cut had to be made someplace." He said the Democrats' rationale was "kind of nonsensical" because the candidates allowed in the debate were rivals "and Fox wasn't supporting anyone." Looking back, was Fox unfairly targeted? In a subsequent debate, CNN changed its debate criteria at the eleventh hour to include Fiorina, who had launched a public campaign against the network. Would that have been an illegal contribution as well, especially since one candidate was singled out? Nothing on that from the Democratic commissioners. We havent seen a threat like this since 1980, when the relatively new FEC, born during the post-Watergate reforms, threatened to get an injunction against the Nashua Telegraph for sponsoring a GOP debate in New Hampshire. Ronald Reagan decided to foot the bill himself, causing a ruckus when he excluded certain candidates, prompting the immortal line, Mr. Green, I am paying for this microphone! Heres the larger problem with the FECs move: The commission operates by law under a press exemption designed to protect journalistic independence. By legally challenging what Fox did in Cleveland, the FEC is taking on what is, in essence, a newsroom decision on how to cover a campaign. This press exemption, said Gerson, "should have blown the thing away." The stakes were high. Had one more vote gone the other way, the FEC could potentially have hit Fox with a massive fine that included the production costs and the value of the airtime to the seven contenders. Despite the deadlock, that message is clear. There could be a chilling effect on news organizations planning future debates. Who, after all, wants to deal with the cost and hassle of defending an FEC investigation? Fox dodged the bullet this time, but journalism may have lost. Fifteen minutes was all it took to show why Justice Anthony Kennedy remains a power on the U.S. Supreme Court when he provided decisive double-play votes last week, Sitting with his seven colleagues on the bench last Thursday, the senior associate justice was finishing reading a portion of his key ruling to keep in place the University of Texas' admission criteria, which takes race into account as one of many factors to ensure a diverse campus. "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, concluded Kennedy in his low-key clipped voice. Then just before the public session was over, another bombshell: the court dealt a setback to President Obama's unilateral executive action on immigration. The 4-4 ruling, where Kennedy this time backed his right-leaning colleagues, was a victory for states and the GOP Congress that opposed the administration's plan to shield millions of undocumented aliens from possible deportation. Four days later, on the last public session before the summer recess, the final dramatic act: the court by a 5-3 vote struck down a Texas law imposing tough regulations on clinics performing abortions. Kennedy, pivoting again to the left, was the deciding factor to conclude the regulations placed an "undue burden" on women seeking access to the medical procedure, affirming earlier precedent that Kennedy himself helped establish. Now more than ever, the court's unapologetic "swing vote" is quietly flexing his judicial power on a dizzying mix of hot-button cases. That has been particularly true since his friend and conservative colleague Antonin Scalia passed away in February, leaving the court short-handed for the foreseeable future. Republicans in the Senate have vowed not to confirm Obama's nominee-- Judge Merrick Garland-- leaving the possibility the seat will remain unfilled until next year, when the next President would choose It has left a strategic void that makes Kennedy's unique jurisprudence that much more coveted among his colleagues. Amid uncertainty, he quietly thrives. Do the math: the four reliable liberals and three reliable conservatives now orbit around Kennedy's moderate-conservative credentials, knowing he almost inevitably will provide the crucial deciding vote. While the justice mostly holds to the right, he can move comfortably away when he sees fit. "The basic principle is, it is Justice Kennedy's world and you just live in it," said Thomas Goldstein, a private appellate attorney and creator of scotusblog.com. "On a court of nine members there almost has to be someone in the middle by definition. His job where he sits on this court is to cast the deciding vote sometimes." ___________ After the recent abortion and affirmative action decisions, many political conservatives are now lamenting that Kennedy, who turns 80 this month, may be a lost cause, since he had previously sided with the right to a large extent on these issues. The fear on the right is that with the election of a Democratic president, Scalia's replacement would be poised to establish a solid five-vote liberal majority, breaking a quarter-century or more lock held by the right. In order to preserve his crucial role, some legal experts think Kennedy may be setting the groundwork to go left and stay there, hoping to lead that bloc in his final years on the bench. "Increasingly we are seeing him swinging to the left more and more, this has been really evident in the last few terms where we have seen liberals get historic victories," in cases including same-sex marriage, said Carrie Severino, chief counsel at the Judicial Crisis Network. She told Fox News that despite a reputation as defending states rights over federal control. "I think we see increasingly Justice Kennedy is willing to abandon some those core principles of the constitutional system when it comes to achieving liberal policy goals, and that is discouraging to see." But other court watchers-- especially those who know him personally-- think Kennedy will continue to be Kennedy: unpredictably influential and invested on both sides. Many associates deny he is agenda- or legacy-driven. The justice has crafted a powerful, if hard to define, judicial power base-- seemingly in the forefront of every major ruling during his tenure. He was the key behind-the-scenes architect of the 2000 Bush v. Gore drama, a 1992 opinion upholding abortion rights, and perhaps his crowning achievement, last year's decision legalizing same-sex marriage. Kennedy's "Greatest Hits" as the key author or swing vote on the high court could fill multiple volumes. He has written majority decisions on campaign spending laws, underage killers, and foreign fighters held by the U-S military in the war on terror. And along with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the two native westerners carved out a jumpy place in the center, before she stepped down a decade ago. Less driven by practical concerns than O'Connor, Kennedy has striven for a loftier sense of the law's impact on society, such as a 1992 opinion affirming Roe v. Wade, but allowing for "reasonable" state restrictions: "At the heart of liberty is the right to define one's own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life." That earned him nicknames inside and out of the court: Flipper, Errant Voyager, Man in the Muddle. Kennedy's complex, some say unique, views on the law leave little room for consensus among his supporters and detractors. His rulings have been described as both inspired and grandiloquent. "Justice Kennedy is a man who really doesn't know his own mind," said Douglas Kmiec, a former Justice Department lawyer who helped formally vet Kennedy to the high court in 1987. "And that's not meant entirely as a criticism, because the positive way to say that is: he's open-minded." "He has not been a justice to look at overarching principles, one rule that settles every case," said Orin Kerr, his law clerk from 2003. "His decisions are considered unpredictable because he's not always going to rule in favor of the government, he's not always going in favor of a defendant. He's going to look case by case and that makes his decisions distinctive." He has generally supported his conservative colleagues on issues of crime, the death penalty, federalism, and civil rights. But also has backed the left on abortion, homosexual rights, and school prayer. "These labels have meaning only relative to the other justices, so it has turned out Justice Kennedy has been in the middle of the court, pretty much since his appointment," said Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz, his law clerk from 2001. "His judicial philosophy didn't necessarily create a clean answer to every case, so he would have to think them through case by case." And a judicial confidence in the California native's own role, and that of the court he has shaped, has long been evident. Judges, he once said, have power and duty to "impose order on a disordered reality." As for Kennedy himself, "sometimes people think compromise means squishy, centrist," he has said. "It doesn't." The State Department has sought to delay the court-ordered release of emails between four of Hillary Clinton's top aides and officials at the Clinton Foundation and a closely associated public relations firm. The motion, filed in federal court by the Justice Department late Wednesday, seeks to put off the release of the emails by 27 months. It was first reported on by The Daily Caller. In the filing, the State Department says it originally estimated that approximately 6,000 emails and other documents were exchanged between the aides identified as former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michael Fuchs, former Ambassador-At-Large Melanne Verveer, Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, and Deputy Chief of Staff Huma Abedin and the Clinton Foundation and Teneo Holdings, a communications shop that former President Bill Clinton helped launch. However, the State Department said that due to errors in the initial document search, the number of "potentially responsive documents" was in fact more than 34,000. The department estimated that it had more than 13,000 pages still left to review. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras had previously ordered the State Department to release the requested documents by July 21. If the State Department request is granted, the emails would not be released until October 2018, nearly halfway through the first term of a potential Hillary Clinton presidency. The documents are being sought by the conservative nonprofit group Citizens United. "The American people have a right to see these emails before the election," Citizens United President David Bossie told The Daily Caller, adding that the delay was "totally unacceptable." The motion was filed two days after Attorney General Loretta Lynch met Bill Clinton at the Phoenix airport. Lynch denied the meeting was anything other than a chance encounter, but Republicans and Democrats have criticized her for at least creating the appearance of a conflict of interest in the midst of a federal investigation into Hillary Clinton's time as America's top diplomat. On Thursday, State Department spokesman John Kirby cited a surge in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in explaining the State Department extension request. "The Department handles FOIA in an entirely nonpartisan manner," Kirby said. The former secretary of state has come under scrutiny over whether she used her position to aid corporate and foreign government donors to the Clinton Foundation. In addition, Abedin worked as an employee at Teneo while simultaneously working at the State Department while Mills held a position at the Clinton Foundation while also serving in the State Department. Both matters have been flagged by Congress as possible conflicts of interest. Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Matt Dean contributed to this report. Click for more from The Daily Caller. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun taking steps to reduce the thick, putrid algae that is fouling up Florida shorelines just as the summer is kicking off in earnest with the Fourth of July holiday. The Corps said that they would start reducing the amount of water flowing from Lake Okeechobee into two estuaries as of Friday. The commander of the Jacksonville, Fla. district of the Corps, Col. Jason Kirk, said that the move came after seeing the slime up close. Our water managers have dealt with such large quantities of rain and runoff entering the lake that it would cover the entire state of Delaware in two feet of water, Kirk said in a statement on Thursday. However, after visiting with local elected officials in Martin County yesterday and viewing the algae first hand, we felt compelled to take action, even though we need to remain vigilant in managing the level of Lake Okeechobee. John Campbell, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers in Florida, told FoxNews.com that they had implemented the new plan. That plan involves lowering the average flow from the lake, so that over the next seven days the flow is lower, on average, that its been in the past month. We dont know that its going to solve it, he said, but added that they were hopeful that the reduced amount of freshwater flowing out will allow saltwater from the ocean to help clear out the algae-filled areas. At the same time, the Corps wants to make sure that a dike holding back the lake doesnt have too much water pressure on it. On Wednesday, Fla. governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in two counties, a move that will allow authorities to better manage the flow of water in and out of the lake. On Thursday, he added two more counties, Lee and Palm Beach Counties, to the scope of the emergency. These steps by officials are in response to the "guacamole-thick" muck that is fouling a stretch of beaches promoted as Florida's "Treasure Coast," where lawmakers and residents blame the federal government, saying the algae crisis is fueled by freshwater flows controlled by Army officials to protect an erosion-prone dike. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant featured in yearslong arguments over water flowing from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical to South Florida's water supply and flood control systems. At Central Marine boat docks in Stuart, pea-green and brown algae coated the water Thursday and smelled strongly like cow manure. Blooms that started last week in the St. Lucie River continue to spread, threatening Atlantic beaches expecting crowds of families for the holiday weekend. Sarah Chaney, a receptionist at Central Marine, said boaters and fisherman are cancelling reservations after seeing reports of the algae, which she called "horrible and disgusting." "I would describe them as guacamole-thick. And it stinks," said Gabriella Ferraro, spokeswoman for Martin County. Florida's U.S. senators, Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson, have joined Martin County commissioners in calling for the Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. After touring the St. Lucie River as it passes through downtown Stuart, Nelson said the problems can be traced to Florida's history of diverting water to the ocean. When Gov. Rick Scott declared a state emergency for the area Wednesday, he blamed the federal government for neglecting repairs to the lake's aging dike that's considered one of the country's most at-risk for imminent failure. Some residents blamed Scott instead on Thursday. He hasn't done enough to curb pollution from farms north of the lake or purchase land farther south where lake waters could be stored and cleaned, said Irene Gomes, owner of the Driftwood Motel in Jensen Beach. Scott said in a news release Thursday that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will immediately activate a virtual business emergency operations center to assess businesses impacted by the blooms. Lake Okeechobee is the largest in Florida and the second largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States. Flooding there after a major hurricane in 1928 killed at least 2,500 people in surrounding communities of mostly poor, black farmworkers. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Apple is in exploratory talks to acquire Tidal, a streaming-music service run by rap mogul Jay Z, according to people familiar with the matter. The talks are ongoing and may not result in a deal, these people said. Apple is exploring the idea of bringing on Tidal to bolster its Apple Music service because of Tidals strong ties to popular artists such as Kanye West and Madonna. Terms of the potential deal arent known. Jay-Z bought the service in March 2015 for $56 million from Swedish company Aspiro. He launched the service under the brand Tidal a month later. He has given 19 famous artists and bands small stakes in Tidal and promised each millions of dollars worth of marketing, according to people familiar with the matter. A Tidal spokesman said Tidal executives had not held talks with Apple. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. Following Tuesdays terrorist attack on the Istanbul Ataturk Airport that left 41 people dead and at least another 230 injured, several major cruise lines have started canceling port stops in the Turkish city. On Wednesday, Celebrity Cruises announced on its official website that the cruise line would be canceling all of the upcoming stops in Istanbul, and replacing them with stops in Athens, Greece. In total, seven sailings over the next five months will be impacted. This decision was made with the safety of our guests and crew at the forefront of our minds and in an abundance of caution, Celebrity Cruises said in a statement. We realize this may have an impact on your travel plans and our team is working now on available alternative arrangements from this new port of embark and debarkation. We sincerely apologize for the impact on your cruise and will revert throughout the day with more details. We understand how important your vacation is and we did not take this decision lightly. Another company making changes to itineraries following the terrorist attack is Seabourn Cruise Line. According to the companys official website, the Seabourn Odyssey ship was scheduled to begin a cruise in Istanbul this weekend, but will now start in Piraeus, Greece, instead. After a very careful and thorough review, Seabourn has decided to replace the July 2, 2016 turn port of Istanbul with Piraeus (Athens). Seabourn is closely monitoring the situation in Istanbul, Seabourn Cruise Line said in a statement. The company analyzes information regarding safety and security from many sources, which includes liaising with government intelligence agencies and on-the-ground port security assessments. We are in the process of assessing other upcoming scheduled visits to Istanbul. We will provide an update in the next 24 hours. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. More from TravelPulse Hotels.com Searches Suggests Massive Interest In UK Travel Orlandos Best Neighborhood Cafes Is Istanbul Safe for Tourists? How Jack Taylor Built Enterprise Holdings Dive Into Club Meds Columbus Isle On Thursday, Windstar announced that its single ship in the region, the 148-passenger Wind Star, will now sail out of Piraeus instead of Istanbul. The company is dropping calls at other Turkish ports including Kusadasi, the gateway to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. In addition, the scheduled mid-cruise ports of call in Kusadasi and Bodrum, Turkey, for all 16 sailings have been replaced with visits to Greeces island of Kalymnos and seaport of Nafplio. The decision affects 16 sailings. Also canceling calls in Istanbul for the rest of the year was luxury line Cunard. The decision affects just two sailings for the 2,014-passenger Queen Victoria scheduled in July and August. Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and other companies have already canceled visits to Turkey in 2016, and Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises have canceled stops in Turkey for 2017. While many cruise lines have taken a step back from Turkey, companies like Holland America and Princess Cruises have not cancelled them as of Wednesday. Holland America Line is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey. The company analyzes information regarding safety and security from many sources, which includes liaising with government intelligence agencies and on-the-ground port security assessments, Holland America officials told CruiseCritic.com. We are assessing our upcoming scheduled visits to Istanbul. The next scheduled call is July 23, 2016, with ms Eurodam. Should any decisions be made regarding itinerary changes, it will be closer to the scheduled call date and communicated with booked guests and their travel agents. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. ELKO The Elko County Board of Health may send comments and concerns about Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospitals prices to its corporate offices. Hospital CEO Rick Palagi will update the board on the facility at 2 p.m. Tuesday. He will explain any outbreaks, emergency room activities, recruitment efforts, staffing and the quality score card relative to patient satisfaction and outcomes. Following Palagis report, the board will discuss the facilitys pricing structure. Elko County Manager Rob Stokes said he doesnt know if Palagi will present any information on the prices. The health board will also hear a presentation from Marena Works. It will be about an hour presentation on how health boards work, Stokes said. Were in the infancy of the health board. This is only our second meeting. Works was the health director in Carson City and Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi asked her to talk to the board. The board also will receive an update on the community health needs survey from the state office of Rural Health and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. The health board consists of all five county commissioners, Sheriff Jim Pitts and Dr. Joy DeGuzman as the county health officer. The health board meets in the Nannini Administration Building, Suite 102, 540 Court St. The next health board meeting will be in October. An 8-year-old boy was reportedly found unconscious in a swimming pool aboard the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Sea cruise ship Thursday night and is in critical condition. According to CBS New York, the boy was found in the swimming pool on the ship at around 8 p.m. Officials told the station that the child had gone at least 18 minutes without oxygen. The New York Post reported early Friday the boy was in critical condition. The ship was about 10 miles offshore from Queens, New York when the child was discovered. Royal Caribbean said in a statement that its medical team onboard the ship had treated the boy, but required additional attention. The ship also altered its course and returned to the port in Bayonne, New Jersey. CBS New York reported the FDNY, NYPD and the Coast Guard responded to the ship and medical equipment was loaded onto the deck of the ship. Officials said the child was transported to a Staten Island hospital. Law enforcement sources told WABC-TV, the boy is from the Netherlands and is part of a group of 49 people. The station reported two buses met the vacationers in Bayonne to take them to a hotel. Click for more from CBS New York. Click for more from WABC-TV. Tuesday night's suicide bombing attack at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, that killed 44 people and injured 240, has many wondering if it's now safe to travel through the region. Though the airport re-opened a mere five hours after the attack, Turkeys already battered travel industry will feel the effect of Tuesdays incidentthe seventh suicide bombing in the country since July 2015well after the airport is repaired. Even before Tuesdays bombing, tourism to Turkey was down 23 percent in the first five months of 2016, according to the Turkish Investment Support and Promotion Agency. That decline is now likely to plummet, experts warn. According to Tourico Holidays, a travel wholesale brokerage company, online searches for all Turkish destinations were down 500 percent this week compared to their weekly average over the previous month. A recent study from ACTE Global and Business Traveler shows that that sentiment likely wont be fleeting either: 65 percent of business travelers reported feeling significantly increased fear when asked to travel to any region up to three months after the occurence of a local terror event or threat. Air travel Despite Ataturk's quick reopening, many flights to Istanbul on Wednesday and Thursday were cancelled or delayed, according to Flightstats.com. When things do go back to normal, they dont tend to flip on like a switch, because of course not every airline will return right away, said Gary Leff, the author of The View from the Wing and principal of Book Your Award. They have to do their own assessments, planes will be out of position. The travel expert says it can take several days after an an airport reopens for operations to return to their pre-attack schedule. The 11th busiest airport in the world in 2015 with 61.8 million passengers (according to Airports Council International), Istanbul's Ataturk Airport is a major connection hub for travelers from both the East and West. Its also the base for Turkish Airlines, which flies to 270 international destinations-- more than any other airline in the world. But according to Lauren Volcheff Atlass, executive vice president of global sales for Tourico, Istanbul may now be a destination flyers would like to avoideven if they dont plan on leaving the airport. Travelers are reluctant not only regarding all things Istanbul, including stopovers, but Turkey in general, Atlass told FoxNews.com. When it comes to global travel, the ramifications of the attacks are likely to be felt far beyond the shores of the Bosphorus. They [Turkish Airlines] serve plenty of destinations where they are the best way to get there for Westerners making the trip, said Leff. He noted that Turkish Airlines provides one-stop (in Istanbul) connectivity for Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, with destinations including five cities in Iraq, eight cities in Iran, and multiple destinations in both Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. Leff said relatively obscure destinations-- where tourism could be a big source of income-- are likely to be hurt by less traffic through Ataturk. Cruises In the midst of a major overhaul, Istanbuls cruise ship terminal was already having difficulty attracting ships before recent terror threats. After the suicide bombings earlier this year, many cruise lines that still had Turkish ports on their itinerarylike Viking, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegiancanceled them altogether. The morning after this weeks attack Seabourn announced it was canceling a turnaround in Istanbul that had been scheduled for July 2. Celebrity, Windstar, and Cunard cancelled port calls in Istanbul for the remainder of 2016 (a combined 25 visits). More cruise lines are eliminating Istanbul as a port of disembarkation and reverting to Athens, Greece, said Mina Agnos, president and co-founder of Travelive, an agency specializing in luxury independent travel. As a result we are seeing a notable drop in pre- and post- cruise bookings for Istanbul. Additionally, we have seen that independent travelers are now preferring to err on the side of caution when it comes to Turkey." Is it safe to travel to Europe now? For cautious travelers, canceling a trip to Turkey may provide temporary peace of mind. "I have had a number of guests contact us to cancel their Istanbul segments opting instead for other European cities including Athens, Barcelona and Rome," says Agnos. But until more is known about Tuesday incident, some travelers may just want to stay the course. In general, what people should be doing right now is not worrying about it until we learn more about the situation, Leff said. In a few days will know a lot more than we know right now about what happened, how it happened, why it happened, that might lead people to be able to form a reasonable judgement about the extent to which risks are higheror perhaps lower. Florida Gov. Rick Scott added two more counties on Thursday to the state of emergency declared over a "guacamole-thick" algae bloom affecting a stretch of beaches promoted as the state's "Treasure Coast." Scott signed the amended executive order to add adding Lee and Palm Beach counties to Wednesday's emergency declaration for Martin and St. Lucie counties. Palm Beach County is directly south of the existing emergency area, while Lee County is on Florida's Gulf coast. The blue-green algae is the latest contaminant featured in arguments stretching over years involving water flowing from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical to South Florida's water supply and flood control systems. At Central Marine boat docks in Stuart on Thursday, pea-green and brown algae coated the water and smelled strongly like cow manure. Blooms that started last week in the St. Lucie River continue to spread, threatening Atlantic beaches expecting crowds of families for the holiday weekend. Sarah Chaney, a receptionist at Central Marine, told the Associated Press that boaters and fisherman are canceling reservations after seeing reports of the algae, which she called "horrible and disgusting." "I would describe them as guacamole-thick. And it stinks," said Gabriella Ferrero, spokeswoman for Martin County. Chris Mascia Palas, a resident of Stuart, Fla., posted videos to her Facebook showing manatees struggling to get through the thick algae in a canal behind their house. The water is like thick pea soup and has blue color in it as well. It stinks like a dead rotting something! .. (The manatee was) clearly was in search of fresh water as well as struggling to clear its airways, she wrote. Florida's U.S. senators, Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson, have joined Martin County commissioners in calling for the Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. Residents and business owners blame the algae on pollutants streaming from the lake. After touring the St. Lucie River as it passes through downtown Stuart, Nelson said the problems can be traced to Florida's history of diverting water to the ocean. "We need to repair 75 years of diking and draining, but that takes time," he said. He called on the Florida Legislature to spend money approved by state voters for environmental projects such as purchasing land around Lake Okeechobee for water storage instead of diverting the funds to pay for administrative costs. Rubio is scheduled to visit the area Friday. When Scott declared a state emergency for the area Wednesday, he blamed the federal government for neglecting repairs to the lake's aging dike that's considered one of the country's most at-risk for imminent failure. Some residents blamed Scott instead on Thursday. He hasn't done enough to curb pollution from farms north of the lake or purchase land farther south where lake waters could be stored and cleaned, said Irene Gomes, owner of the Driftwood Motel in Jensen Beach. The algae has rapidly grown from a beach nuisance to a health concern, as one customer made plans to leave early if the algae triggered breathing issues, said Gomes, whose family has owned the motel's turquoise-colored cabins since 1958. "At one point, I could say to my customers, 'Come down, it's not at all the beaches,' because it wasn't toxic. Now we're talking about health issues," Gomes said. Chaney, the Central Marine receptionist, said Scott should visit the area, even if he gets criticized. "He needs to come see it himself and stop being a coward," she said. Lake Okeechobee is the largest in Florida and the second largest body of freshwater in the contiguous United States. Flooding there after a major hurricane in 1928 killed at least 2,500 people in surrounding communities of mostly poor, black farmworkers. It inspired the storm central to Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." To reduce the risk of a breach in the dike built after that hurricane, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tries to keep lake water levels between 12.5 feet and 15.5 feet above sea level. Shoring up the dike will take years. In the meantime freshwater is released east and west of the lake into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. State water managers have said local stormwater runoff and septic tanks also fuel algae blooms. They're working to direct more water south of Lake Okeechobee into the parched Everglades, but federal regulations, conservation mandates and stalled restoration projects complicate those efforts. In neighboring St. Lucie County, home to the troubled Indian River Lagoon, officials have prohibited homeowners from using fertilizer during the summer and begun working with the state to test waterways for pollution that might be linked to septic tanks. "A lot of people want to blame Lake Okeechobee, it's an easy target, but there are a lot of factors that contribute to the health of the lagoon," said St. Lucie County spokesman Erick Gill. Murky waters on southwest Florida's Gulf Coast also are blamed on the lake's discharges. Fort Myers-area lawmakers said Thursday that Scott should extend the state of emergency to Lee County because of water issues in the Caloosahatchee River. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 29. An attorney said he's "not at all concerned" that a federal judge didn't hand down rulings by the close of business Thursday in two challenges to a Mississippi law dealing with religious objections to gay marriage. Rob McDuff filed one of two pending lawsuits that seek to block House Bill 1523 from becoming law on Friday. The law would allow clerks to cite religious objections to recuse themselves from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. It also would protect merchants and others who refuse services by citing three specific beliefs: That marriage should only be between a man and a woman, that sex should take place only inside such a marriage and that a person's gender is determined at birth and is unchangeable. McDuff said federal judges sometimes file rulings after business hours, though it's possible U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves would rule another day. McDuff said the timing of a filing is no indication of whether Reeves would block the law or let it stand. "The judge could still issue a ruling tomorrow preventing it from having any further effect, and that would achieve the result we are seeking," McDuff told The Associated Press on Thursday evening. In addition to marriage licenses, the law could affect adoptions and foster care, business practices and school bathroom policies. Opponents say it unconstitutionally establishes preferred religious beliefs and creates unequal treatment for gay people. State attorneys say it provides reasonable accommodations for people who believe gay marriage is wrong. Republican Gov. Phil Bryant in April signed the Mississippi bill in April. It was one of several filed by state lawmakers around the country in response to last summer's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage nationwide. Four federal lawsuits by civil-liberties and gay-rights groups have sought to block the Mississippi bill from becoming law. Reeves on June 20 declined to block the law in one of the suits, saying the plaintiffs two gay men who plan to marry each other within the next three years can't prove they would face immediate harm. In another of the lawsuits, Reeves extended his previous order that overturned Mississippi's ban on same-sex marriage by saying clerks who issue marriage licenses must provide equal treatment for all couples, gay or straight. The effect is that the state can't enforce the portion of the religious-objections law dealing with clerks. The two remaining lawsuits seek to strike down the entire law. Roberta Kaplan, who filed the 2014 challenge to Mississippi's same-sex marriage ban and one of the remaining suits against the religious-objections law, said Reeves' Monday ruling was an "appetizer," and she expects his rulings in the remaining two cases to be more far-reaching. Attorneys have said no matter what Reeves decides, the losing side is expected to appeal. ____ Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus . The Navy's top officer said Thursday the performance of 10 of his sailors leading up to and following their capture by Iranian forces in January did not meet the high standards expected of them, as he announced the long-awaited findings of a Navy investigation. "Those sailors clearly know our actions on that day in January, and this incident did not live up to our expectations of our Navy," Admiral John Richardson told reporters. One of Richardson's top deputies said some of the sailors violated the longstanding "code of conduct" that requires all service members to "make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country," among its six articles. According to the report, some of the Navy sailors gave up their passwords to their laptops, cellphones and sensitive data about their ships to their Iranian captors. "The investigation also found that some crew members did not meet code of conduct standards while in custody," Vice Admiral Chris Aquilino, Deputy for Operations, Plans and Strategy, said. Aquilino added that the rules of engagement dealing with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf "may not have been understood by the crews." Among the findings of the investigation: The crews failed to report they were off track after beginning their transit from Kuwait to Bahrain four hours behind schedule. To make up the time, the two Navy patrol boats decided to take a shortcut, taking them inside Iranian territorial waters near Farsi Island, centrally located in the Persian Gulf. Richardson said that Iran violated international law in its treatment of his sailors by taking them at gunpoint. "The investigation concluded that Iran violated international law by impeding the boats' innocent passage transit, and they violated sovereign immunity by boarding, searching and seizing the boats and by photographing and videotaping the crew," he said. Richardson said when the crew was reported missing, "alert launches" unfolded of F-18s from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman as well as Air Force F-15s from bases on land nearby. The USS Anzio, a Navy cruiser, was dispatched near Farsi Island. Richardson said the commander of Task Force 56, who oversaw the two patrol boats, has been relieved. Richardson also said the commanding officer of the riverine squadron has been relieved. Another officer in charge of the boat detachment in Kuwait was also let go. Six other people faced punishment as well, Richardson said. "Big incidents like this are always the result of the accumulation of a number of small problems. And so it's just the nature of these things," Richardson said describing the incident. Richardson added that the lessons learned from the incident would be taught to sailors around the fleet and also to future generations of officers and enlisted sailors. "So this will be something that we can mine for a lot of lessons," Richardson told reporters. He said he had not spoken to his Iranian counterpart to voice his displeasure over the incident. 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. The taking of hostages by gunmen in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter is the latest in a string of attacks that have sparked international alarm. The United States and Bangladesh have promised more cooperation against violent extremism in the Muslim-majority nation. But the two governments still tiptoe around whether transnational terror groups like the Islamic State group are involved in the mounting bloodshed, which has included a wave of killings of liberals, foreigners and religious minorities. The identities of those who attacked the Dhaka cafe late Friday were not immediately known. IS and al-Qaida affiliates have claimed responsibility for many of the previous attacks, typically by smaller groups of machete-wielding assailants, that have claimed nearly two dozen lives since 2013. The frequency of attacks has increased in recent months. An 84-year-old Florida woman who vanished more than two weeks ago is now believed to have been murdered, cops say. Worried neighbors of Bernadine Montgomery havent seen the woman since June 15. Leesburg police said they found evidence in her home and car that lead them to suspect foul play. They have also tracked down persons of interest in the disappearance. It has become evident that its now a homicide investigation, Lt. Joe Iozzi told Fox 35 Orlando. They are looking for the womans body. Montgomery lived alone, the station reported Thursday. Her car was found abandoned about a week ago. Jeremy Gentry of Port Charlotte was charged with stealing it. He told police he was on drugs and didnt know what happened to Montgomery, Fox 35 reported. Police told the station Gentry had worked on Montgomerys house several months ago and may have overcharged her thousands of dollars. Police investigated the complaint but at the time Montgomery said she did not want to press charges. The nexus between him being in the car and her being missing at the same time raises a lot of red flags and that's why he's in jail at this time with no bond, Iozzi said of Gentry. However, as the progression of the investigation has gone on, it's becoming a little less evident that he has direct involvement in her being missing. Click here for more from Fox 35 Orlando. An Idaho police department has prohibited its officers from speaking to reporters who call on weekends under a new policy that went into effect on Monday. Lewiston Police Chief Chris Ankeny told the Lewiston Tribune Thursday that the change is needed because there isnt enough staff to answer press inquiries between Friday and Sunday. Under the policy, reporters must arrive at the crime scene to get a sound bite or brief synopsis from an officer. Dispatchers are also barred from providing reporters with information. Previously, officers fielded calls from reporters at their convenience during the weekend hours. Ankeny said the move would improve information flow and ensure accurate, timely and transparent reporting of information. City Councilman Jesse Maldonado called the new policy disquieting. "City residents reading the newspaper, their interest doesn't stop on Friday," he said. "That's just not how it works." The new policy also mandates that reporters submit written questions between noon and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to allow officers time to research and provide accurate answers. Mayor Jim Kleeburg says the new policy can always be changed if he feels public information is being impeded. Lewiston's policy is starkly different from those at surrounding law enforcement agencies. Asotin County Sheriff John Hilderbran says he gives his cellphone number to reporters, while the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office gives reporters access to call logs and personnel during regular business hours. Clarkston Police Chief Joel Hasting says Lewiston is moving away from the national trend of promoting community policing policies. "As an agency we have a good, efficient, working relationship with the media and we keep those channels of communication open," Hastings said. "It's about the police department being part of the community and not segregated." The Associated Press contributed to this report. June 30 Jerry L. Bokori, 23, of Lovelock was arrested at the Elko County Jail for failure to appear on a traffic citation. Bail: $1,530 Justin T. Bybee, 20, of Wells was arrested at 605 Fifth St. for failure to appear after bail for a felony and a parole and probation hold. No bail listed. Bryant W. Donahue, 28, of Spring Creek was arrested at Second and Elm streets for failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor, resisting an officer and two counts of use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,420 Shilo M. Hebert, 41, of Elko was arrested at 675 W. Silver St. failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor. Bail: $1,435 Alycia J. Hegy, 26, of Elko was arrested at the Elko County Jail for two counts of failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor. No bail listed. Daniel J. Holmes, 29, of Carlin was arrested at Eighth and Fir streets for failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor. Bail: $1,047 Andrew N. Kelly, 20, of Stevensville, Montana, was arrested on Interstate 80 for DUI, speeding 11 to 15 miles over the limit and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $2,135 Ricky L. Minchew, 29, of Elko was arrested at the Elko County Jail for sexual assault against a child under 14, lewdness with a child under 14, child abuse or neglect and failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor. Bail: $1,701,000 Nathan C. Reed, 24, of El Dorado Hills, California, was arrested at the Elko County Jail for failure to appear after bail for the felony crime of fraudulent use of a credit card. Bail: $10,000 Craig K. Warfield III, 26, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was arrested at the Elko County Jail for failure to appear after bail for the felony crime of possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear after bail for the misdemeanor crime of driving on a suspended license. Bail: $10,687 The mother of a Pennsylvania woman whose overdose death in New York City spurred a rescue attempt by three people arrested with a cache of weapons near the Holland Tunnel said in an interview Thursday that the suspects are heroes for trying to help. "Kudos to them that they tried to save these girls. There should be more people like that out there. They are heroes, not convicts. If I ever get to see them or meet them, I'd thank them," Mandy Powell told The Citizens' Voice of Wilkes-Barre. Powell said she believes her daughter, 20-year-old Sierra Schmidt, was given a lethal dose of heroin. She said she had warned her daughter about her lifestyle. "She always lived life on the edge. I warned her. I told her everybody is not her friend," Powell told the newspaper. John Cramsey, Dean Smith and Kimberly Arendt, all from Pennsylvania, were arrested June 21 as they were about to enter the Holland Tunnel in a truck carrying weapons, including a shotgun, five handguns, and a semiautomatic, military-style rifle. Cramsey, whose daughter died of a heroin overdose in February, had posted online he was heading to New York to "rescue" a 16-year-old girl whose friend had overdosed. The cause and manner of Schmitt's death remains under investigation, said Julie Bolcer, spokeswoman for the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. Cramsey, of Zionsville; Smith, of Whitehall; and Arendt, of Lehighton, are charged with several weapons offenses, but their attorneys have said the police search was illegal. They all remain jailed on $75,000 bail. The Associated Press contributed to this report. WordPress or Squarespace? Shopify or Magento? With hundreds of ecommerce platforms to choose from for running your online store, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Related: 20 Crucial WordPress Plugins But it's a very important one. In fact, the ecommerce platform you pick for your business is as important as the location of a physical store: The wrong platform can hinder sales, alienate customers and turn simple sales tasks like calculating shipping fees into a logistical nightmare. While most platforms offer similar functionality, small differences in ease of use and other options -- like provisions for coupons/discount codes, themes, and templates; and even payment getaway options -- can make a big difference for the customer's overall experience. Starting to feel overwhelmed by the options? Dont worry: Ive broken down the pros/cons for four of the most popular choices below: 1. WordPress. If you already have a WordPress website and are looking to build out ecommerce functionality, click straight over to the WooCommerce plugin. This fantastic free plugin integrates seamlessly with WordPress, giving you endless flexibility, flexible shipping (including free, flat-rate or drop shipping) and extensive payment options. WooCommerce gives you complete control over every single aspect of your store, from stock levels to taxes. Most importantly, your sales data always belongs to you, not a third party. Need a little assistance with next steps? Check out SelfStartrs WordPress eCommerce: The Definitive Guide to get the ball rolling on your site. 2. Shopify Shopify is a hosted ecommerce solution that does more than just offer customers their very own online store. The platform also provides full integration with social media for instant purchases, including buyable Pinterest pins, the Twitter buy now button and the Facebook shop, as well as iPad point-of-sale capabilities. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Shopify is its stellar customer support team, saving you countless hours of potential website sales headaches. For small business owners who want to focus on expanding their online presence rather than worrying about site maintenance and technical difficulties, Shopify is a smart choice. 3. Magento This popular ecommerce platform powers more Internet Retailer Top 1000 merchants than any other platform or provider. Magento Commerce offers an Enterprise Edition for customizable desktop, mobile and tablet sites; optional commerce order management; and specialized solutions for the fashion industry and small businesses. Since Magentos code is open source, the platform also provides users with unrestricted freedom for site customization, although youll need to be comfortable with HTML/CSS coding. As a bonus to businesses with international sales, Magento offers multilingual support. However, some users complain about slow site performance speeds and a not-so-friendly back-end interface. Magento can have a steep learning curve, so if you're serious about this ecommerce solution, consider bringing in a Magento expert to kickstart your site. Related: The 6 Best Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses 4. Squarespace. For folks who are new to the ecommerce world, Squarespace hits the sweet spot. It offers just enough customization capabilities to make your storefront your own, without overwhelming you with too many options. Squarespace earns bonus points for its award-winning templates and shop-able lookbooks. Squarespaces ecommerce functionality is fully baked into its platform; just insert a product block into your website to get started. If your mission is to build a website (that also happens to sell products), then Squarespace is an obvious choice; its templates are excellent, its CMS is intuitive and the photo editing/display tools are first-class. If your primary mission is an online store, however, you may find Squarespace a bit limiting. At the time of this publication, Squarespace works only with one payment gateway, Stripe, and not with PayPal, which may be a deal-breaker. Which ecommerce platform is best? The "best" ecommerce platform is the one thats right for your needs. First, youll need to decide if you want a hosted solution (like Shopify) or self-hosted one (like WordPress). Next, consider the amount of control and flexibility you want over your site. For maximum customization, stick with WordPress and the WooCommerce plugin. If youre looking for robust social media sales functionality, in addition to an online storefront, Shopify is a smart choice. Are you worried about serving mobile customers? Be sure the platform you choose offers responsive design for smartphones and tablets, the way Magento does. Finally, if your primary goal is a beautiful web presence, and product sales are secondary (and PayPal integration doesnt matter), then Squarespace is your best bet. Related: Squarespace Is Going All in With a Super Bowl Ad Starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele Bottom line: Your job is not to manage your shop software -- it's to sell your products. The last thing you want is a complex or challenging platform that gets in the way of your ability to make sales just because you wanted to save a few bucks. Whether youre opening your first ecommerce store or considering an upgrade, take the time to carefully compare your options before making a selection. A stray cat wandered into a black bears enclosure at a California zoo and now the unlikely pair has become good pals. Workers at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary are used to visitors warning them about a cat in an enclosure with a black bear named Sequoia but they arent that worried, Fox 13 reports. The black kitty showed up at the Sanctuary a few months ago, KXTV reported Thursday. Every morning we scatter dog food for the bears and she started coming into the exhibit and eating the dog food, zookeeper Jill Faust told the station. Once she started coming in here on a regular basis we started putting food out for her in the morning as well. Faust said the unusual friendship has surprised everyone. Sequoia walks right by her, shell walk right by Sequoia and theyll stay pretty close to each other, she said. Faust said no one knows where the cat came from or where it goes when it sometimes disappears. Zoo workers named the cat "Little Bear." An 18-month old boy who was reported lost in a cornfield near the North Dakota and South Dakota border has been found unharmed. Dickey County Emergency Management Director Charles Russell says the boy was found Thursday afternoon, about four hours after he went missing. Russell says the toddler, who was only wearing a diaper, is fine and just got some sunburn. The search for the toddler was challenging because the corn on the farm is about 6 feet tall. The search party included a drone from the sheriffs office in Brown County, South Dakota, and two civilian airplanes. The farm is located south of Ellendale. Original story: Authorities say dozens of people are searching for a toddler who is believed to be missing in a cornfield near the North Dakota and South Dakota border. Dickey County emergency manager Charlie Russell tells KFGO radio (http://bit.ly/298VzA3) that the search is difficult because the corn is about 6 feet tall. Russell says the search party includes drones from the sheriffs office in Brown County, South Dakota, and two civilian airplanes. The farm is located south of Ellendale. A Milwaukee woman added to the FBIs 10 Most Wanted Fugitives this week was arrested early Friday in North Carolina. Shanika Minor, 24, was wanted for the March 6 murder of Tamecca Perry and her unborn child, according to Fox 6 Milwaukee. The station reported that Minor was arrested without incident at a motel in Fayetteville, N.C. after an anonymous caller tipped off local sheriff's deputies. The FBI had posted a $100,000 reward in the case. Authorities say Minor shot Perry, who was nine months pregnant, following a confrontation over loud music at the duplex where Minor's mother also lived. Minor fled after the shooting. A criminal complaint says Minors mother told police her daughter and Perry had an argument over the playing of loud music a week prior to the shooting, Fox 6 reported. Minor told investigators her daughter thought that the victim was disrespecting her. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click here for more from Fox 6 Milwaukee. Iraqi aircraft joined the U.S.-led coalition in airstrikes targeting Islamic State convoys, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad told Fox News Thursday, after a U.S. official said at least 250 militants were killed. The strikes unfolded Tuesday night into Wednesday, Col. Christopher Garver said. The first convoy was spotted southwest of Fallujah in an area with known ISIS influence, according to Garver. Iraqi Security Forces fought the militants on the ground, he said, before coalition strikes destroyed some 55 vehicles. The official said a second convoy formed east of Ramadi later Wednesday before coalition and Iraqi jets launched more strikes. He said that air assault destroyed nearly 120 ISIS vehicles, but in both attacks, Iraqi Security Forces destroyed more. Reuters was first to report the air assault. Following territorial losses, ISIS often turns to increased militant attacks in and around Baghdad. On Thursday, police said separate attacks targeting commercial areas in the Iraqi capital killed at least 12 civilians. The deadliest was in the southwestern neighborhood of Shurta al-Rabia where a suicide bomber blew himself up in an outdoor market, killing seven people and wounding at least 15. In Baghdad's western Ghazaliya neighborhood, an explosion killed three civilians and wounded 11 in a commercial area. In a bombing in a commercial area in southeastern district of Zafaraniya, two civilians were killed and eight were wounded, police added. Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but it bore the hallmarks of ISIS. Also Thursday the U.N. children's fund warned that the ISIS surge in Iraq and the military operation to route the extremist group from captured territory have had a "catastrophic impact," with some 4.7 million Iraqi children in need of humanitarian assistance. UNICEF warned that 3.6 million Iraqi children are at "serious risk" of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups, and called on warring parties in Iraq to protect their rights. It said that the number of children in Iraq at serious risk of death or wartime exploitation had increased by 1.3 million in the past 18 months. "Children in Iraq are in the firing line and are being repeatedly and relentlessly targeted," said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF's Iraq representative. "We appeal to all parties for restraint and to respect and protect children. We must help give children the support they need to recover from the horrors of war and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq." The airstrikes come roughly 24 hours after the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport that killed more than 40 people. ISIS is considered the prime suspect, according to top U.S. officials. CIA Director John Brennan on Wednesday said the attack "bears the hallmarks of ISIL's depravity." Earlier this month, Brennan told Congress that the U.S. battle against the Islamic State had not yet curbed the group's global reach and that the terrorists were expected to plot more attacks on the West and incite violence by lone wolves. He said ISIS had a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially act as operatives for attacks in the West. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Coalition forces killed two senior ISIS military commanders in airstrikes near Mosul, Iraq earlier this week, Defense Department spokesman Peter Cook said Friday. Cook said the June 25 precision strikes killed Basim Muhammad Ahmad Sultan al-Bajari, ISIS deputy minister of war, and Hatim Talib al-Hamduni, an ISIS military commander in Mosul. He described their deaths as the latest in coalition efforts to systemically eliminate ISIL's cabinet wherever they hide, disrupting their ability to plot external terror attacks and hold onto the territory they use to claim legitimacy. He said Al-Bajari was an experienced terrorist, a former member of Al Qaeda who brought his military skills into ISIL's terrorist network. He oversaw ISIL's June 2014 offensive to capture Mosul, and has also led the ISIL Jaysh al-Dabiq battalion known for using vehicle-borne IEDs, suicide bombers and mustard gas in its attacks. He used his military experience to consolidate ISIL's control over Mosul, where they have engaged in dictatorial rule and sectarian murder and oppression since 2014. Hatim Talib al-Hamduni was an ISIL military commander in Mosul and the head of military police for self-proclaimed Ninawa state. Cook said their deaths, along with strikes against other ISIS leaders in the past month, have critically degraded the groups leadership experience in Mosul and removed two of their most senior military members in northern Iraq. This week, American and Iraqi airstrikes in Iraq killed an estimated 250 ISIS fighters trying to flee Fallujah, located 40 miles west of Baghdad, while riding in 175 vehicles following the Islamic State's defeat there by Iraqi forces. The US military conducted nearly 300 airstrikes in Fallujah in support of the operation. Fallujah was the first city in Iraq to fall to ISIS in January 2014. The attacks came roughly 24 hours following suicide bombings at Istanbul's international airport which killed 44 and left the three attackers dead. While ISIS is suspected in the attack, they have not claimed responsibility. Friday, ISIS claimed responsibility for taking roughly 20 hostages and killing two policemen in an attack on a popular restaurant in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka. The terrorist attack occurred in the city's diplomatic zone, a place frequented by foreigners. Fox News Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report When ISIS laid siege to the Yazidi villages that dot Iraqs Mount Sinjar in 2014, members of the religious minority soon learned neighbors theyd known for generations were not their friends after all, according to one woman who was recently rescued after more than a year in the terrorist armys clutches. From the very first days of the August 2014 siege, the Yazidi community began to lose hope as they descended from their mountain home into a nightmare of misery and death. Muslim families they had lived side-by-side with for generations turned on them, Zana, a 32-year-old Yazidi woman whose freedom was purchased from ISIS in March, told FoxNews.com in a Skype interview from the Kurdish-run camp where she now lives. When ISIS came they said they didnt want to fight us, they told us to give them our weapons, Zana said. We gave them everything we had these were our Muslim neighbors. But so many of them had become ISIS and we didnt know. In a story similar to that told by dozens of Yazidis, Zana recalled the day ISIS assaulted her village at the foot of Mount Sinjar. The elderly were summarily executed where they were found, she recalled. Men and women were separated, with older men dragged off to mosques where they were killed and females including girls as young as 8 -- loaded onto cars and trucks bound for Mosul. ISIS took me, my sister, my brothers wife and my little sister, Zana recalled, her eyes filling with tears. For 13 days, we were put in a school we didnt know what would happen. There were about 50 people women and children squashed into a room. There was no water for us to wash ourselves, the children were sick. Her nightmare was just starting. Zana lied to her captors that she was married, thinking somehow it might spare her from their evil intentions. Her captors were unmoved, and she and dozens of others were taken to a well-guarded building in the Iraqi city of Telafar. Yazidi girls under the age of 14 were taken away to be sold at auction. The remaining women were soon introduced to ISIS fighters and told they were now their property and would accompany them to Syria. ISIS justifies killing, raping and enslaving Yazidis by calling them devil worshippers, as their very ancient religion blends elements from all the Abrahamic faiths. Yazidi are ethnically Kurds, but follow a pre-Islamic faith. Of the 500,000 Yazidi in Iraq, more than 200,000 have been displaced or killed since the rise of ISIS, according to the United Nations. Zana told FoxNews.com she managed to escape her quarters in the dead of the night, and related how she knocked on a strangers door to beg for help. I asked them, Please give me a phone to call my relatives, I dont need anything from you. I just want to call my relatives, she said. The family refused to help her contact relatives, but made her work in their home for nearly a week, she said. Then, they turned her back over to her tormentors, she said. They called and said, There is a girl who wants to escape, she is with us, come and take her, Zana said. So ISIS came. And I cried. Her angry captors put her in a prison cell while an investigation was conducted into how she was able to escape. Days later, she was transferred to another facility in Telafar and forced to convert to Islam under threat of death, she said. She witnessed a dozen fellow Yazidi captives executions, punishment for their own escape attempts, she said. Zana and another woman were given to a jihadist and sent to live with him in the ISIS stronghold of Mosul. He took me to his place, they were flats. Small tourist flats. It was a tourist community, Zana said, her eyes cast down. It was there, Zana said, that she was raped for the first time. For the next five months, she remained inside Mosul, handed off to another militant who locked her in a small room. I cooked for him, I washed his clothes, and I cleaned the house. I did everything, Zana said. But he became very aggressive if I didnt do something just as wanted, and he would attack me. I told him that they might be killing our people now, but one day we will get to take our revenge, she said. In the ensuing months, Zana was passed along by a string of ISIS fighters from different Arab countries, and shuffled from city to city, including the ISIS capital of Raqqa, Syria. When she was sent to Iraqs Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, she managed to lock eyes with a civilian woman. I whispered my number to her and said, Please call me family, Zana recounted. She told me not to worry. They knew a guy who could help rescue me. But rescue missions dont come cheap, as rescuers often need to pay off local tribesmen or hatch elaborate plans to buy girls back from their captors. Scores of Yazidi families have gone into tremendous debt selling what little they have to liberate their stolen loved ones, but have received some assistance from the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the northern part of Iraq. In Zanas case, thousands of dollars were scrambled together and she was bought by a rescuer known to her family. On March 22, 2016, she was freed. Now living in a sprawling camp for displaced Yazidi in the northern Iraq city of Duhok, which is part of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government, Zana feels the pain of loss and the scars of her ordeal. Both of her parents died at the hands of ISIS and her sisters were taken. Its a tough situation, she said. But Im still here. The long-awaited liberation of Fallujah this week came with minimal damage to the citys infrastructure, Iraqi officials claim, unlike the disastrous campaign to free Ramadi from ISIS, in which bomb damage and civilian casualties amounted to a Pyrrhic victory. Backed by U.S. air power which on Wednesday took out a convoy of 250 fleeing ISIS fighters on the outskirts of the city -- government forces carefully recaptured Fallujah over a five-week period. Photos obtained by FoxNews.com show damage to the city, but nothing like the destruction seen in last Decembers retaking of Ramadi, some 30 miles west. The city is damaged, but nothing like [others where ISIS has been dislodged], said an Iraqi with direct knowledge of the Fallujah campaign. This was a well-planned operation, led by [Iraqs U.S.-trained] Golden Division. Grateful residents are eager to move back into their city to rebuild it, as well as their lives. "Many sacrifices have been made by the army, police and the crowd," said Mojtahid Alanbar, a Fallujah resident who survived the two-year occupation by ISIS. "If the decision was mine I would have made a statue for every fighter in the [battle] against terrorism. These heroes are examples of courage when faced with Da'esh." Most of the citys population, which once numbered more than 300,000, is being housed in desert camps outside its borders while the army clears streets and buildings of mines and booby traps. That work could only begin after the last of the ISIS fighters were driven from the city that once served as the jihadist armys Anbar Province stronghold. It is fully liberated, with all of it under the control of Golden Division [soldiers] and tribal fighters now, the source said. But there are too many explosives in there for civilians to go back. It should be a few more weeks. Key bridges, roads and government buildings were largely spared, according to military sources who have been in Fallujah city limits in recent days. Power plants and utilities are believed to be mostly intact. Fallujah, the scene of fierce fighting between U.S. forces and insurgents in the Iraq War, in 2014 became the first city to fall to ISIS. Ramadi, a similar-size city that lies west along the corridor between Baghdad and Raqqa, was captured by ISIS in May 2015. Eight months later, Ramadi was freed, but at a high cost. More than 3,000 buildings and nearly 400 roads and bridges were destroyed, and in the once-thriving Haji Ziad Square, not a single structure stands. By re-taking Ramadi first, the Iraqi government left fleeing ISIS fighters no way to escape to the caliphate stronghold of Raqqa. Unconfirmed reports say fighters who instead fled north to Mosul, where ISIS still controls the nations second-largest city, have been executed by their leaders. The efforts to drive ISIS from Anbar, the Sunni-populated province west of Baghdad which includes Fallujah and Ramadi, is a prelude to a looming and daunting campaign to retake Mosul. There, Iraqi forces are working with Kurdish fighters and coalition air power to retake surrounding villages and cut off the black-clad jihadist armys supply routes. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, visiting central Fallujah earlier this week, vowed that the Iraqi flag would next be raised above Mosul. But that campaign has been progressing in fits and starts, revealing the deep divisions among the different groups that make up the security forces. The Fallujah operation was carried out by Iraq's elite counterterrorism troops, Iraqi federal police, Anbar provincial police and an umbrella group of government- sanctioned militia fighters mostly Shiites who are known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. Fallujah, a predominantly Sunni city, was a stronghold of insurgents following the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. More than 100 American soldiers died and hundreds more were wounded in intense, house-by-house fighting there in 2004. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Each year as temperatures rise across India, farmers look to the sky and pray for rain. The all-important monsoon forecast becomes a national priority, with more than 70 percent of India's 1.25 billion citizens engaged in agriculture and relying on weather predictions to decide when they will sow their seeds and harvest their crops. But getting the forecast right remains a challenge, thanks to the complex and still poorly understood ways in which South Asia's monsoon rains are influenced by everything from atmospheric and ocean temperatures to air quality and global climate trends. Even the amount of ice in Antarctica is suspected to have an impact. And it's only getting harder to figure out, scientists say, as the monsoon becomes increasingly erratic. A new study released Friday in the journal Science Advances helps clear up a bit of the mystery, by showing that man-made climate change is responsible for most of the change seen in ocean surface temperatures near the equator across Asia, which in turn affect regional rainfall patterns including the Indian monsoon. By showing that link, the study indicates future ocean warming in the region, which could in turn increase the amount of rainfall during monsoons, strengthen cyclones and increase precipitation over East Asia. "This has important implications for understanding changes in rainfall patterns for a large, and vulnerable population across Asia," said oceanographer Evan Weller, who led the research team while he was at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, before recently shifting to Monash University in Australia. The study looks specifically at a mid-oceanic body called the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool, which holds some of the world's warmest seawaters and spans the western Pacific to the eastern Indian Ocean. Scientists have long known that India's monsoons are partly influenced by that warm pool. And they've known that the pool has been expanding and warming for decades. That expansion and warming have already caused some sea rise around islands in Asia. It wasn't entirely clear why the pool was changing, until now. Weller and his team compared data observations with several climate models, and deduced that rising greenhouse gases along with aerosols and other atmospheric pollutants were the dominant cause of the pool's warming and expansion over the past 60 years, though regional climate variations also had some effect. "This wasn't entirely surprising. We've long suspected climate change to be behind the changes, but no one had yet proven it," Weller said. What they didn't expect was to find that the western portion of the pool, near India, was expanding more than the eastern part in the Pacific. "We don't really know why. We'll try to figure that out next." But one thing is clear: If climate change trends continue, and by most indications they will, forecasters will have to consider the warm pool in their monsoon predictions. And by demonstrating how greenhouse gases are the dominant driver of changes in the warm pool, the team has added another dimension that can help improve climate models. Asia, in general, could face significant consequences from this trend: more storm activity over East Asia, and stronger South Asian monsoons between June and September. That sounds like good news for water-scarce India, but probably isn't. Most of that rain would likely fall before the monsoon front reaches land. Already, studies by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology show a declining trend in precipitation over land. Still, climate modeling is complex, and models still have their biases and limitations. Focusing so specifically on the warm pool may obscure the larger picture, some suggested, especially in the Pacific where there are many other factors at play. "My only concern is that treating the western Pacific warm pool in isolation provides very limited insight," said climatologist Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University. He was not involved in the study. "One has to view it as part of the larger tropical Pacific coupled ocean-atmosphere system and the dynamics of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation, and how they may change in a changing climate." Anxious to improve its forecasting, India is investing at least $43 million through 2017 to buy more powerful computers and better technology that can help specialists make more accurate calculations and models of seasonal weather forecasts. Meanwhile, researchers from across the world are launching one study after another to better understand the many dynamics involved. "It is not so easy to predict the monsoon," said meteorologist B.P. Yadav, a spokesman for the Indian Meteorological Department. "There is variability from region to region, time to time, and then the rains move in different stages across the land." Indian meteorologists had announced this year's monsoon would be normal, only to watch the rains make landfall a week late in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and then stall repeatedly on their month-long progression north. At one point, officials urged farmers to wait to sow until they actually saw the raindrops falling from the sky. But on Friday, when the monsoon was scheduled to hit New Delhi, the sky turned ochre and millions in the long-sweltering Indian capital delighted in the on-time relief of rain. ___ Follow Katy Daigle on Twitter at twitter.com/katydaigle ELKO -- Elko County fire officials are banning open fires and ask residents to be careful over the holiday weekend. Open burning in Elko County closes Friday, according to the Elko County Fire Protection District. The open burning of yard waste has closed for all residents in unincorporated areas of Elko County because temperatures and afternoon winds continue to heat up and dry out vegetation, said Steven Hamilton, Elko County division chief. With the onset of summer now is the time to prepare your property by having an adequate defensible space of 30 feet or more, he said. Some helpful tips for clearing defensible space include watering the area the night prior to mowing and using a weed eater with nylon twine instead of metal blades. We also ask citizens using burn barrels to adhere to the closing of burn season. Hamilton asks people to use caution when recreating in the outdoors. As conditions change to more precipitation and cooler weather we will enact open burning again, Hamilton said. Western Nevada has fire restrictions and the Bureau of Land Management continues to monitor the fuel load and moisture content in the Elko area, said Greg Deimel, BLM public affairs specialist for the Elko District. When asked if the Elko District would have fire restrictions, Deimel said, "not yet." "The possibility does exist for fire restrictions in the future," he said. "It will be coordinated with all agencies if the decision is made to implement any fire restrictions." Outdoor recreation activities and celebrations are especially important this Independence Day. Celebrations can become tragic when someone is injured by consumer fireworks. Even fireworks legally sold for public use in the City of Elko such as fireworks marked with the Safe and Sane seal carry an elevated risk of fire and personal injury, said Fire Marshal Josh Carson in a statement. Even though standards and regulations have increased safety for consumers, all fireworks have the potential to be hazardous, he said, using sparklers as an example, pointing to their legality in most states and approximate burn temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the reasons fireworks injuries continue to occur is because people just dont consider how dangerous these devices can be. People often dont realize until they are injured that the risk of blindness or injury outweighs the excitement of taking risks with fireworks, said Carson. Giving fireworks to young children can mean a trip to the hospital emergency room. Usually on Independence Day, more fires are reported in the U.S. than any other day, accounting for two of five fires. Fireworks cause more fires than anything else on July 4. In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage, stated statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Administration. That same year an estimated 9,600 people were treated in emergency rooms in the United States because of fireworks related injuries; 61 percent of these were to the extremities and 34 percent to the head. Consumer fireworks, except those bearing the Safe and Sane seal, are illegal for sale and use within the City of Elko, said Carson. The fire department urges the public to avoid using consumer fireworks and enjoy a free display in Elko or Spring Creek conducted by trained professionals. Law enforcement officials will confiscate illegal fireworks. Officers will confiscate the fireworks and likely issue you a citation for a misdemeanor. If you have an outstanding Nevada arrest warrant or resist receiving the citation, the officer may arrest you as well, said Carson. An individual allegedly using fireworks contributing to the willful disregard of others' safety may face charges for "reckless endangerment" under Nevada Revised Statutes, which carries up to five years of incarceration, depending on the severity injuries or death. Those charged with maliciously or willfully using fireworks to damage or destroy property can face from two years to life in prison, depending on the extent of the damage and injuries. Fires or injuries caused from the use of negligent or illegal fireworks are punishable by law with the fine up to $1,000 and the actual cost of damage and extinguishment, he said. If you have questions on legal or illegal fireworks, or would like to surrender illegal fireworks without penalty, contact the Elko Fire Department at 777-7345 or stop by Fire Department Headquarters on 911 W. Idaho St. Chef Anthony Russo Guides Extraordinary Global Growth of Russos New York Pizzeria and Russos Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen Fast-Casual New York Pizzeria and Upscale Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen with Fresh, Innovative Menu Items Accelerates International Expansion July 01, 2016 // Franchising.com // HOUSTON Chef Anthony Russo, the creative culinary mind, founder and CEO of chef-driven concepts Russos New York Pizzeria and Russos Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, announced today a series of large-scale international franchise advancements for his brands. The globally-acclaimed chef and entrepreneur has firmed up franchise agreements to add more than 10 Middle East locations, including new restaurants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait. The growth will bring the first Russos Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen to the Middle East, in Dubai. Moreover, Russos released today that it plans to continue its Middle East franchise growth, eyeing Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan and Turkey for expansion. I am so proud of the way we are progressing in the Middle East, said Russo, who has spent nearly a decade leading both Russos Restaurants brands through strategic international growth. This marks a special moment for us because it shows just how strongly our fans feel about us in the Middle East. These deals will more than double our current presence in the region. Spotlighting the excitement surrounding Russos is its first Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. The Russos UAE franchisee group, Prime Hospitality, which already owns and operates six locations in the UAE, will open the concept later this year at The Point in Dubai Marina, an enviable waterside development. The Russos location will serve its signature coal-fired pizzas and authentic Italian pastas, along with fresh local seafood and prime USDA steaks. Prime has also finalized plans to add eight additional locations in the UAE during the next three years. Plus, Russos has finalized an agreement to franchise each of its brands in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti franchise partners will be opening four units total three New York Pizzerias and one Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Beyond Kuwait, this development group plans to also open locations in Egypt and Lebanon in the near future. In addition to connecting very well with our loyal and growing customer base, we have continued to outperform our sales projections each year. Russos Restaurants is generating sales increases systemwide of more than 20 percent compared to last year, added Russo. Remarkably, this year were dramatically outpacing the pizza segment and the overall restaurant industry. The numbers are outstanding, and our model is to thank. Tapping into the brands momentum, Saudi Arabias Hospitality & Catering Company will soon open the first Russos New York Pizzeria in the country. Opening in Riyadh, the restaurant features the work of well-known Parisian architect Joseph Karam. Globally recognized as an architectural visionary, Karam and his team of designers have created an upscale pizzeria blending Italian authenticity with modern design. Karams creativity has resulted in a unique environment mixing comfort and luxury. The new Riyadh restaurants customized menu includes all of the Russos signature pizzas and dishes, plus a collection of dishes created specially for this location, including: Saffron Risotto, Black Truffle Gnocchi and fresh local fish. Chef Russos creativity and commitment to expanding his menu to meet growing consumer demands, and to strengthen the depth and breadth of his authentically Italian selections, continues to strengthen the brands. He clearly demonstrates and reflects the growing trend among diners for chef-driven concepts with authentic recipes and chef-inspired culinary cuisine. The family-centered restaurants surround diners with warm, inviting decor to enjoy heart-healthy menu items made fresh without preservatives, additives or trans fats. Beyond the brands specialty pizzas, menu items include fresh salads, soups and made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Authentic Italian cannoli, fresh-baked, Italian flatbread sandwiches and, of course, hand-tossed pizzas are just some of the distinctive craveable items on the menu. About Russos Restaurants Russos Restaurants is a 47-location national and international franchisor of the fast casual and casual dining brands Russos New York Pizzeria and Russos Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Based in Houston, Russos Restaurants are composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Russos has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. There are an additional 29-plus units in development both in the United States and internationally. Chef Anthony Russo has created his concepts from years of applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza, along with a broad variety of handcrafted pasta creations, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, reflecting his commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first. To learn more about Russos franchise development opportunities, visit www.franchiserussos.com. For international franchise development, contact our international franchise development manager, Suzanne Boyadjian at suzanne@nypizzeria.com. For domestic franchising, contact Jim Carr, director of franchise development at j.carr@nypizzeria.com or by phone at (832) 980-6407. SOURCE Russos Restaurants Contact: Jamie Izaks All Points Public Relations (847) 897-7480 jizaks@allpointspr.com ### Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus June was a red-letter month for Pershing County. The Pershing County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to support Federal public lands legislation for Pershing County and Senators Heller and Reid introduced S. 3102, the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act on June 28th. This bill is the result of the County Commissioners hard work with many stakeholders and will bring great benefits to Pershing County and everyone that relies on, or cares about, public land. Conservationists, mining companies, ranchers, prospectors, and Pershing County residents worked hard with the County Commissioners to make this proposal the best it can be. And while this broad stakeholder group did not agree on everything, we all agreed that this proposal is good for Pershing County and good for Nevada. This proposal actually began over a decade ago when a group of Pershing County residents got together to figure out how to resolve the countys checkerboard lands and wilderness study areas. Resolving these issues is essential, county leaders believed, to ensuring continued economic growth while protecting public lands. The checkerboard lands, a relic of the railroad days, are alternating one-mile sections of private and public land stretching for twenty miles on either side of the railroad, roughly paralleling Interstate 80. Finding productive uses for these lands whether for development or conservation is challenging because of the checkerboard land ownership pattern. This legislation gives Pershing County and the BLM some tools to help consolidate some of these lands into larger, more manageable blocks of public and private land. The wilderness study areas, which span a bit over 100,000 acres in five areas, were established by the Bureau of Land Management decades ago. The intent was for the agency to make a recommendation on which of these areas warranted permanent protection as wilderness and which did not. It is up to Congress to make the final decisions; now after nearly 30 years the process is moving through Congress. The Pershing County Checkerboard Committee made its final recommendations in 2005, recommending some wilderness study areas for wilderness designation, releasing others back to standard public lands, and proposing some new wilderness areas. It also recommended that Congress create a mechanism to eliminate the checkerboard land ownership pattern by consolidating lands into blocks of public and private land. While that proposal stalled for a decade, Pershing County is again trying to solve its land management issues in a way that provides for economic growth, continued recreational activities, and conservation of important habitat. Under the leadership of the County Commissioners, Pershing County stakeholders have crafted a locally-made proposal that balances conservation, recreation, and economic development based on the original Checkerboard Committees work, which has been updated to reflect changes in the past decade. The bill that Senators Heller and Reid introduced is based on the Pershing County stakeholders discussion of what the proposal should include. The bill would authorize the Bureau of Land Management to sell or exchange appropriate lands in the checkerboard area. It would allow mining companies to purchase at fair market value public lands with current mining operations, thus expediting mine expansion and reclamation. The proposal would also resolve the status of the countys wilderness study areas by designating some of these areas as wilderness while releasing others to uses other than wilderness. This bill was crafted through a collaborative process that included all stakeholders, including miners, ranchers, conservation groups, sportsmen, landowners, and others. The county commission held numerous public hearings to solicit input on the proposal, and made changes throughout to address concerns raised by the public. The result is a really good proposal that will benefit a lot of people. It will help miners by facilitating mine expansion and reclamation. This means jobs for Pershing County. It will help ranchers by resolving issues with the current wilderness study area boundaries and assuring needed access. It will help landowners by facilitating sales or exchanges of public lands to create larger blocks of public and private lands. It will help sportsmen and conservationists by preserving important habitat and existing road access into wilderness areas. And it will help the county by providing jobs, economic development, a larger private-property tax base, and much needed revenue. Getting to this point was not easy. Everyone had to compromise, and no one got everything they wanted. But the end product of this give-and-take is a proposal that has broad support and advances all of our interests. This is how the process is supposed to work. Its the Nevada way a grassroots effort in which neighbors rolled up their sleeves and worked together to solve problems in a way that helps everyone. We truly appreciate the vision and leadership the County Commissioners, Senator Heller, and Senator Reid have shown in advancing this landmark proposal and look forward to working with them as the bill advances through Congress. TexasOilCareers.com Anounces Huge Blow For The Coal Industry An Oakland city council hearing to determine whether rail shipments of coal would pose a public health hazard started Monday night with an audience packed with supporters and opponents of a plan to ship Utah coal to Asia through a proposed marine terminal. -- The city of Oakland, on Monday banned the transport and storage of large coal shipments, a blow to a developer's plans to use a former Army base as an export terminal to ship coal to China and other overseas markets. The terminal would have been the largest coal shipment facility on the West Coast, with a planned capacity to increase coal exports in the United States by 19 percent, according to TexasOilCareers.com, the leading energy job finder site in Texas. Weeks of feisty debate over the ban, which the Oakland City Council unanimously passed late Monday night and which will become law after a second reading next month, covered familiar ground: the trade-offs between jobs and environmental concerns. But the debate also raised the larger and more unusual question of how much a city should weigh the global environmental impacts of the commodities that flow through its ports. A report prepared by the city argued for a coal ban partly because the coal, once it was burned overseas, would contribute to climate change and rising sea levels. Coal proponents railed at the council for what they saw as a pre-ordained vote. They argued that any environmental impact would be mitigated by transporting coal in covered rail cars that are unloaded underground. Jerry Bridges, chief executive of the potential marine terminal operator, said jobs are the biggest issue and any environmental impact will be mitigated by transporting coal in covered rail cars that are unloaded underground. On the other hand, Texas oil industry is expecting a rebound concerning oil vacancies. Disruptions to production and pipelines, primarily in Canada and Africa, cut supply by about 3.4 million barrels a day in May, according to TD Securities. That has traders viewing a market coming into balance, ending a long period of oversupply. With Oil Prices over $45, oil vacancies are starting to increase. This rally is just the tip of the iceberg. According to New York Energy hedge fund Again Capital. Oil Field jobs in Texas Are expected to recover soon, according to TexasOilCareers.com. Oil field jobs in Texas are growing due to oil's high price and demand throughout the country. Texas has the highest oil output of any USA state - producing around sixty million barrels of crude oil every month. This equates to approximately one third of the USA's entire crude oil production. This level of oil production naturally generates a large number of oil jobs in texas. For more information, please visit http://texasoilcareers.com Contact Info: Name: Cecilia Evans Organization: Texas Oil Careers Release ID: 121514 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) New Report Highlights The Number Of Cyber Attacks On Company It is business critical for all business owners and managers to understand the implication of a cyber threat to their company. All efforts must be taken to protect the company from the impact of cyber-attack. -- In almost every business there is a reliance on computer systems, this may be for online sales, stock control or various office applications such as email or accounts functions. Computer systems are an integral part of modern day business; the effect of a cyber-attack can be devastating not only for the business owner but also the employees. If a cyber-attack occurs then the business may have to stop trading for a period of time, and therefor will impact on the company's profits. But, also if the company has not got a 'plan' in place to manage a serious cyber-attack, then the company may never recover from the threat and may no longer be able to continue trading. Business owners and managers must take cyber threats seriously, recent figures suggest that there were over one million web attacks against people and businesses every day in 2015, and over half a billion personal records were stolen or lost in the same year. Cyber threats are well documented; however the attacks are evolving and come in various forms from infecting workstation and servers, to deliberate sabotage or criminal intent. The various forms of anti-virus and malware software have evolved to combat the known cyber threats, however this is a moving beast and the hackers are constantly developing more complicated and damaging code to have maximum effect on the company. Some basic steps for protecting businesses from cyber-attack. Glen Greenwood the Technical Director for Smile Data Security had this to say "Business managers must take cyber threat seriously, because this is real and happens on a daily basis. The business owners must make sure that they have a budget available for protecting their business. It is advised that a system audit be carried out to ensure that all aspects of computer security are performed. There are a number of basic steps that any business can carry out, firstly make sure that all the anti-virus and malware software installed is up-to-date with all the current updates performed. Many threats come in the form of email attachments, instruct staff not to open email attachments unless it is from a trusted source. However, the most important protection from cyber threats is to ensure that your company has a backup strategy. This is vital, data backup must be performed at least daily, be automated so there is no chance of human error in forgetting to perform the backups. The data must be stored in a secure off-site location and that the data is not corrupt. Follow these simple instructions should minimise the damage of a cyber-attack, but the best action by far is to get a system security audit carried out by industry professionals. I would be happy to discuss any issues you may have regarding your system security, please contact www.smiledatasecurity.co.uk for more information." Cyber protection is a serious threat to any business, make sure action is taken to develop procedures and policies to protect against cyber-attacks. For more information, please visit http://www.smiledatasecurity.co.uk Contact Info: Name: Glen Greenwood Organization: Smile Data Security Ltd Address: Park House, Gibson Road, Hemswell Cliff Phone: +441427 857240 Release ID: 121647 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) San Antonio Water Softeners Firm Celebrates Three Decades In Same Location Biotech Water Researchers offers information about all types of water softeners. The San Antonio water softener business has been in the same location since 1986, with excellent after-sale support. -- BioTech Water Researchers is a local company offering water softener system and reverse osmosis drinking water systems, as well as larger scale, commercial applications for water filtration and purification. The San Antonio water softener team has been at the Nacogdoches Road location since 1986, providing equipment and supplies for water softeners, reverse osmosis, carbon and iron filters and disinfectant systems to residents and businesses in Central Texas including the communities surrounding San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne, Buda, Kyle, and San Marco. The firm is knowledgeable about all types of water softeners. According to a spokesperson at the San Antonio headquarters, "Since our beginning, BioTech has had the privilege of providing quality water solutions to numerous locations around the United States and the world. Our water solutions are the longest lasting water softeners available to homeowners, and extend to commercial, agricultural, industrial and municipal entities, as well as water reclamation and desalination systems." From its starting point in Central Texas, the firm has expanded exponentially, resulting in national and global demand for the custom-designed water treatment solutions. Originally, the firm focused on water softener, reverse osmosis, and purification solutions and grew into a sophisticated and highly technical business. The professional team is noted for its ability to address and solve many complicated water-related problems. Over the years, the team has successfully designed and developed a number of water purification, seawater desalination, and water security systems. The systems are based on proven technologies which are custom-designed, fitted and installed to meet or exceed the unique challenges of each application. Biotech Water Researchers primarily offers services to residential consumers. The products are focused on consumers who want intelligent solutions to their daily need of fresh water. Infrastructure services help the public to find cost-effective solutions for production and treatment of water for construction and development firms that work with infrastructure development. The firm also provides services to business partners for developing cost-effective solutions. For more information, please visit http://www.biotechwater.com/ Contact Info: Name: Hank Deutch Organization: Biotech Water Researchers Address: 12612 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio TX 78217 Phone: (210) 599-0048 Source: http://www.biotechwater.com/ Release ID: 121788 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cable Wine Systems Weighs in on South African Chardonnay Being Voted the World's Best Cable Wine Systems is looking internationally to discuss a South African wine that has placed at the top of one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. -- Cable Wine Systems (www.CableWineSystems.com), creators of the most versatile and sophisticated wine racking system on the market, is weighing in on a South African Chardonnay being voted the world's best. This year's Decanter World Wine Awards voted DeMorgenzon Chardonnay Reserve 2015 from South African businesswoman Wendy Appelbaum as the world's number one Chardonnay priced over 15 euros. This marks the second significant victory for the Stellenbosch DeMorgenzon estate, as this same wine also won top prize at the International Wine Challenge back in April of this year. (Source: "South African Chardonnay Voted the World's Best," Wine.co.za, June 20, 2016; http://www.wine.co.za/news/news.aspx?NEWSID=28789.) "It's always amazing to see just how much regions are really pushing out some amazing wine," says Janice Bednarz, General Manager of Cable Wine Systems. "These competitions are judged by experts from around the world, so to come out on top means a lot to these brands." The Decanter World Wine Awards competition was held in the U.K. earlier this month. Between that and the International Wine Challenge, DeMorgenzon beat out roughly 30,000 other entries. "It's hard to imagine having to compete with that many wines," Bednarz explains. "It's an amazing feat that speaks to the quality of that wine and the work that the winemakers put in to creating such a prestigious blend." Appelbaum took over the DeMorgenzon Estate in 2003. By 2007, one of its vintages was already being recognized with a five-star rating. The Chardonnay that was twice victorious this year was already named South African Wine of the Year in 2015 in the Platter South African Wine Guide. "Wine appreciation really is worldwide. Travel parts of the globe one can recognize just how many cultures have a great appreciation for everything related to wine," Bednarz concludes. "Global competitions like the ones discussed here show that wine continues to be an important pastime." Cable Wine Systems continues its own appreciation for wine culture by producing award-winning wine racks. For more information, please visit http://www.cablewinesystems.com/ Contact Info: Name: Steve Papadimitriou Organization: CABLE WINE SYSTEMS INC. Address: 1131A Leslie Street, Suite 404 Toronto, Ontario Phone: 416-441-9191 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/cable-wine-systems-weighs-in-on-south-african-chardonnay-being-voted-the-worlds-best/121773 Release ID: 121773 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) RAiN MedClinic Invites Family Physicians and Specialists to Join The Clinic RAiN MedClinic is offering exciting opportunities for physicians and specialists to offer high quality care to individuals in deprived areas of downtown Edmonton. -- Medical care is essential to health and wellbeing, and access to high quality care on the front line of health services is one of the biggest contributors to longevity for populations. Unfortunately, access to high quality medical care is far from equal, with low socio-economic status and ethnicity both affecting care statistics throughout Canada. In downtown Edmonton, RAiN MedClinic has been created to create the necessary access for aging populations, ethnic minorities, and those who cannot afford health insurance. The clinic is now offering new opportunities to Physicians and Specialists to help deliver care in this critical area. The clinic (rainmedclinic.com) offers a pleasant, peaceful and modern setting equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Fully paperless, with efficient and affordable billing, free parking in front of the clinic and competent administrative staff help create an attractive atmosphere for patients and physicians alike. The clinic has managed to create a positive culture, with four doctor's offices and seven examination rooms, close to the Royal Alexandra and University Hospital, while maintaining competitive overheads. They offer physicians and specialists the opportunities and support to do their best possible work. A spokesperson for RAiN MedClinic explained, "We are pleased to be able to open out opportunities to individuals who may be looking for a new practice to contribute to. We believe we offer an outstanding practice, both in terms of the quality of our facilities and the support offered to physicians, and in terms of the positive impact those physicians can make in the local community. RAiN MedClinic is proud of the work we do today, and excited for expansion in the future. We hope others will be excited to join us in shaping that future. We look forward to welcoming new applicants." About RAiN MedClinic: RAiN MedClinic was opened in February 2015. RAiN (Reach All in Need) offers a full range of family medicine services. Situated in a very underserved area east of downtown Edmonton, the purpose of RAiN is to reach out to the large, multi-ethnic community residing in high rise buildings, as well as Seniors at the retirement homes nearby. The practice is fully committed to offering outstanding patient care to all. For more information, please visit http://rainmedclinic.com Contact Info: Name: PRWhirlWind Email: rainclinics@gmail.com Organization: RAiN MedClinic Phone: (587) 525-3333 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/rain-medclinic-invites-family-physicians-and-specialists-to-join-the-clinic/121913 Release ID: 121913 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Palm Beach County 24 Hour Property Quick House Quote New Site Launched A new website has launched that allows interested parties in Palm Beach County to sell their home for cash regardless of condition. Called Quick House Quote, it offers cash quotes within 24 hours of receiving information on a property. -- A new website has launched that allows local residents in Palm Beach County to sell their house quickly. Called Quick House Quote, it allows users to fill in details about their property and receive a quote to buy the property in full, regardless of condition. The site pays in cash and allows clients to avoid paying commissions agents and other fees. More information can be found on the Quick House Quote website at: http://quickhousequote.com. The site explains that interested parties who are looking to sell their home in the Palm Beach County area in Florida can answer five quick questions through a form on the website, which allows the business to better understand the property in question. Using this information, Quick House Quote can provide clients with a cash offer quote within 24 hours. It goes on to underscore that owning an unwanted property can be a frustrating process for many home owners. It says that people fighting through foreclosure, or needing to move quickly for another reason, can often be bogged down in admin and unnecessary fees. These can add stress to the process and make the sale more difficult than it needs to be. Quick House Quote was created in order to help combat this, allowing home owners to sell their properties quickly and with as little hassle as possible. There is a four step process to completing a home sale with Quick House Quote. The first sees the home owner providing information on their property using the form provided. In the second, the company ensures the property matches their buying criteria, and then they will provide a no obligation quote. After that, the deal can be finalised at a local reliable title company. Quick Cash Quote said: "Our primary objective is to make life easier for our clients and to help them get out from under all of the issues that their unwanted property is costing them. These tasks are accomplished with ease, while still providing you with a quick house quote for your home." For more information, please visit http://www.quickhousequote.com/ Contact Info: Name: Robert Weglewski Organization: Home Solutions Fla LLC Address: 12482 Sawgrass Court, Palm Beach Florida Phone: 561-370-8335 Release ID: 121550 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Flight Management Systems Market Is Set To Grow At A 4% CAGR To 2018 : Radiant Insights,Inc RadiantInsights.com has announced the addition of "Global Flight Management Systems Market Trends, Growth And Forecast Report Up To 2018 : Radiant Insights, Inc" Market Research Report to their Database. -- Flight managements systems (FMS) are a navigational guide installed in aircrafts. It aids pilots in reaching the destination with a well coordinated route. It uses cartographical data from existing airports, radio navigational aids, and navigation points. These plans are combined with the flight plan to secure a safe route in the vertical plane (VNAV) and lateral plane (LNAV). Browse Full Research Report With TOC on http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-flight-management-systems-market-2014-2018 The flight management systems market is set to grow at a 4% CAGR over the forecast period (2013-2018). A major factor driving demand is the need for low-maintenance aerial systems. Demand for aircrafts in Asia Pacific is another factor driving growth. But raw material prices for building avionic parts could pose a market challenge. Surge in the number of passengers and aircrafts have boosted the sales of flight management systems. Aircraft delivery services have altered the market scenario considerably. New products and mergers are strategies followed by companies to sustain their position. Introduction of new aircrafts such as A380, A320neo, C919, and B737max will propel the demand for flight management systems. The market is segmented by cockpit architecture, hardware, maintenance, and geographies. RTA (regional transport authority), WB (wide body), NB (narrow body), and VLA (very large aircraft) comprise various aerial cockpits. Wide body aircrafts are facing a boost on account of being fuel-efficient and seating more passengers. These aerial carriers are projected to grow at nearly 8% CAGR over the forecast period. Request A Sample Copy Of This Report at: www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-flight-management-systems-market-2014-2018/request-sample Flight management computer (FMC), control display unit (CDU), and visual display unit (VDU) constitute as hardware components of FMS. 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It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. Sergio, who was attacked in Madrid earlier this year. Samuel Sanchez A young man had his nose broken for calling another good-looking during a night out in Madrid's trendy Malasana district. Two men sustained fractures to their face in the capital's Puerta del Sol after they were attacked while returning home from a party. Another man was kicked to the ground in the working class Vallecas neighborhood by a gang of youths to cries of fag, cross-dresser, AIDS carrier, cocksucker. Such incidents are being reported every other day in Madrid. So far this year, there have been 98 attacks reported against LGBT individuals in the region, according to figures provided by the Madrid Observatory against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a hate-crimes watchdog created in February by university association Arcopolis. The watchdog encourages victims of assaults and witnesses to send a message, anonymously if they wish, to report the incident. It also offers assistance to people wishing to file a police complaint. The EU survey also found that in one of the worlds most tolerant countries for homosexuals, over a third of gay people still feel they are discriminated against Sergio, 21, was heading home with a male friend in the early hours of January 11. The pair were on a street corner in Chueca, the capitals internationally famous gay neighborhood, when a kick in the back sent him down on the sidewalk. He says he heard someone call out You fucking faggots! and felt more blows before passing out. By the time he came to, police officers were on the scene, but they did not call an ambulance. His wallet and cellphone had been stolen. I think there wasnt as much sensitivity to these issues in the past as there is now, given that so many cases are now being reported, he says. They told me there were four or five attackers. They asked if we were holding hands or kissing, but we were just walking side by side. These days, Sergio, who made a formal complaint to the police, still lives with the memory of the fear he felt at the time, along with a tooth that is still loose. I think it is essential to go to the police, he says firmly. I understand about the fear and the shame, but we have to try to ensure that those who beat us up are punished. Paradoxically, these sorts of incidents take place in a country internationally regarded as one of the most tolerant toward homosexuality. A recent Pew Research Center study found that Spain ranked at the top of 40 nations where respondents were asked if they found homosexuality morally acceptable. Only 6% found it unacceptable, compared with 37% in the United States. The problems begin in school. Over half of homosexual or transgender children suffer bullying, according to the FELGTB federation, a leading gay rights group in Spain. The presentation of Madrid's Gay Pride 2016, which opens on June 29. J. J. Guillen (EFE) Last year, a 17-year-old transsexual boy named Alan committed suicide after being subjected to continued humiliation at his high school in Rubi (Barcelona). Homosexuality is the leading cause of school bullying, and many victims say they have considered suicide. A FELGTB survey of 700 youths showed that 43% had thought about taking their own lives, 35% had made some preparations towards that end, and 17% had made an attempt. But the troubles do not end after graduating from high school. In 2015, the Interior Ministry recorded 169 hate crimes motivated by the victims sexual orientation, representing 12.7% of the total. Our perception is that attacks are on the rise, and the reason is that gay people are more visible now, because we feel we have legal protection, which seems to annoy some people. Look what happened to the exhibition on Gay Pride in Seville, says Ruben Lopez, a member of the gay rights association Arcopoli, alluding to a photo show that was vandalized with homophobic graffiti. Truly, we dont know whether homophobia is on the rise or not. It seems to, because more of it is coming to light. More people are filing complaints, says Alberto Martin-Perez, the main author of several studies on hate crime and discrimination for FELGTB. The latest study, using 2015 data, showed a sharp rise in complaints, up from 17% to 44%, and that means that people are not willing to keep quiet when they are attacked, or else they seek help, and that leads them to a police precinct on the advice of the associations assisting them. It also helps that assaults are getting more media coverage, and especially news that the perpetrators are going on trial and getting convicted, he says. I understand about the fear and the shame, but we have to try to ensure that those who beat us are punished But Ruben Lopez at Arcopolis takes a different view. The attacks that are reported to the police do not even represent 16% of the total, says Ruben Lopez. People are afraid of being identified as gay or lesbian. Another factor is lack of trust in police officers. A 2012 pan-European study of nearly 100,000 LGTB individuals found that only one out of five victims of serious assault had reported the case to the police. Half of those who hadn't said they did not trust the police, and 29% feared a homophobic response by law enforcement officials. Another task being carried out by the Arcopolis watch group is training police officers from the municipal and national forces to be more sensitive when dealing with gay people reporting attacks. We have received very positive feedback from people who filed complaints. They said they felt they were treated with a lot of respect, said Lopez. A protest against hate crimes in Madrid. Samuel Sanchez Iris, an 18-year-old student, did not file a complaint although she encourages others to do so. I was out partying with some friends at a club in Madrid, dancing together. This guy came up to us and tried to pick me up, she recalls in a telephone conversation. I told him several times to leave me alone and that I was not interested, but he wouldn't let it go. When she decided to simply tell him she was a lesbian, he cried out Oh gross! and kicked my side. The attacker, who was apparently drunk, was spirited away by a friend. These types of attacks in public are typically carried out by people who do not know their victims. But the FELGTB studies suggest another, darker trend. In 44% of cases, the attackers were friends, neighbors or relatives, says Alberto Martin-Lopez. And one out of every three attacks or discriminatory situations took place in the victims own home or neighborhood. And in nearly half of cases, the violence is repeated, which clearly involves planning. The European survey also found that in one of the countries with a reputation for tolerance toward homosexuals, more than a third of gay people (38%) still feel discriminated against, a figure that is still lower than the EU average of 47% and similar to the Netherlands and Belgium. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. English version by Susana Urra. The Confederation of British Industrys director general has demanded the government confirm that workers from the European Union who are already in the UK can stay in the country. Speaking at the London Evening Standards inaugural Business Awards, Carolyn Fairbairn laid out how her organisation saw the aftermath of the UKs decicion to leave the EU. She called for calm and decisive leadership, a clear plan for the future and a framework for business and the government to work together. A week ago the world changed. As many of you will attest, there is deep, profound concern. But at the same time there is an air of pragmatism - companies in Britain are getting ready to get on with it. Business needs government to put aside party politics and lead now, Ms Fairbairn stated. The government must confirm that those people from the EU who are already working in the UK can stay; this reassurance must be immediate and it must be unequivocal. Carolyn Fairbairn We do have a timetable for a new prime minister. Though this may feel fast in politics, in these circumstances, its painfully glacial. The markets and business decisions wont wait eight weeks. She called on the government to inspire confidence and speak directly to investors around the world, sending out a clear message that Britain is still open for business. The government should resolve publicly to ensure the preservation of an open economy, we should protect tariff and barrier-free access to the Single Market, we should protect the access business has under existing EU world trade deals, and we need to continue to attract global talent. We need to consider how to build a simple, clear immigration system that recognises the concerns of the pubic and still allows firms like these to access the skills they need, she argued. In the past six days, the CBI has consulted hundreds of firms and held more than 100 one-to-one meetings with members, according to a statement from the organisation. In terms of financial services, Ms Fairbairn said it is crucial to keep passporting rights to Europe. UK-based financial firms currently balance the compliance burden of keeping up with EU-wide regulations, with access to lucrative European markets via trade agreements. These will be up for negotiation once Article 50 is triggered and two years of negotiations begin between the UK and EU, although until a settlement is reached, all existing rules still apply. On EU workers being given the right to stay in the UK, Ms Fairbairn stated this was the area that required the most urgent clarity. All across London and the UK, there are people who have come from EU countries to make a life for themselves in our country... suddenly, overnight, they find themselves facing a profoundly uncertain future. The government must confirm that those people from the EU who are already working in the UK can stay; this reassurance must be immediate and it must be unequivocal. Professional bodies representing the advice sector are hopeful a lack of new blood coming into the industry could be solved by a forthcoming government levy to boost the use of apprenticeships. From 6 April 2017, the apprenticeship levy will require all employers operating in the UK with a pay bill over 3m each year, to make an investment in apprenticeships. It will be charged at a rate of 0.5 per cent of the annual pay bill, with a levy allowance of 15,000 per year to offset against what firms must pay. Steve Jenkins, director for financial services and insurance markets at the Chartered Insurance Institute, said that while this will only hit larger firms, the government drive to double the numbers of apprentices by the end of this parliament is an opportunity for smaller businesses to recruit new staff. Much of the current crop of advisers came across from banks and insurers direct sales forces, but those routes have dried up in recent years, which begs the question of where the next cohort is coming from? The profession has to reproduce itself to evolve and we think this is a great way to help that happen, so the CII will support the government in making apprenticeships a viable alternative to graduate trainees, he added. The Personal Finance Society surveyed 417 financial adviser firms at the end of April and start of May, finding three quarters would be interested in taking on an apprentice. More than two thirds (68 per cent) said they were more likely to use a new apprenticeship to develop a new member of staff, while just under a third (32 per cent) said they were more likely to use it to develop an existing member of staff. Keith Richards, chief executive of the PFS, promised that they will be publishing a practical guide to help advisers access government funding and take on an apprentice. The PFS is sponsoring the development of this new financial adviser apprenticeship, complementing the recently-launched, government-supported financial services administrator and paraplanner apprenticeship schemes, he stated. The new scheme will augment a comprehensive range of staff development opportunities for financial advice businesses, making it easier for them to develop new talent, support their client proposition and facilitate business growth. The apprenticeship is due to go live in mid-to-late summer, following approval from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The Society of Mortgage Professionals head of professional development Lee Travis also backed the apprenticeship scheme, pointing out there is already a trailblazer initiative running, which supports employers looking to train up mortgage advisers. This scheme lasts between 12 and 15 months, has no age limit for apprentices and comes with government funding for employers with less than 50 staff, or for taking on an apprentice under the age of 19. Mr Jenkins confirmed there are trailblazer apprenticeship training schemes at qualification level three for financial services administrators and mortgage advisers, with a level four scheme for paraplanners. Gary Heynes, head of private client at accountancy firm RSM, has revealed the potential winners and losers as a new tax regime evolves outside of EU oversight. He said cases were heard in the European Court of Justice where the judges ruled in favour of EU taxpayers because another EU country had treated them more harshly than local residents. This included social security charges on property sales in France, inequitable inheritance tax laws in Spain and CGT reliefs in Germany only available to residents. Mr Heynes said it was reasonable to conclude that such protection will not be available in the future and EU countries will be able to treat UK residents as they wish, with no concern for discrimination. But Mr Heynes said while protection may not be available, we could see greater benefit in an independent tax system. For example, under current rules when new tax reliefs are proposed, EU state aid approval is needed. This applies to reliefs such as EIS and social investment relief, to ensure that such reliefs do not provide a disproportionate advantage to organisations which would be uncompetitive. With a break from EU regulation, Mr Heynes said the UK could be free to introduce greater tax reliefs to benefit who we choose on our own terms and open further opportunities for tax efficient investments. Mr Heynes said we should also consider whether now is the time for stability in the UK, especially among wealthy individuals who can easily relocate if they consider the UK is no longer a suitable jurisdiction for them. The referendum has already held up around 40 pieces of tax legislation and this includes significant changes for non-doms, due to be effective from 6 April 2017, he pointed out. The government will need to ask themselves whether this is a good time to impose greater taxes for the wealthy. With the uncertainties Brexit has created, the anticipation that a new government will not be formed until the autumn and the likely need to ensure that the UK remains attractive, delaying significant changes for non-doms may well be more appropriate. Dermot Campbell, chief executive of Kuber Ventures, agreed Brexit will have a significant impact on the investment industry. Traditionally, the industry has been heavily constrained by EU directives because of the requirement to obtain lengthy approvals for amendments to certain schemes e.g. modifications to the social investment tax relief rules that have been proven to be extremely complex, he stated. Ultimately, this decision will likely result in more freedoms for tax incentives/reliefs and schemes such as the venture capital trust scheme and enterprise investment scheme could become even more important to our economy as the need for inward investment to the UK will continue. Earlier this week chancellor George Osborne ruled out an emergency Budget following last weeks referendum, which saw 51.9 per cent vote to leave the EU. Britains post-Brexit market turbulence showed the need for well-diversified portfolios, according to Alan Durrant. Harwood Wealth Managements chief executive said the companys three portfolios saw very little negative impact in the days following last weeks referendum result. In fact, Mr Durrant pointed out two of them grew, with the balanced portfolio up by 0.75 per cent and the growth portfolio up by 1.6 per cent between lunchtime on Thursday (23 June) and on Monday (27 June). The only portfolio not to see any growth was the conservative one, which was down by 0.25 per cent. Mr Durrant said: We put a note out to IFAs so they could provide reassurance to their client about this. The power of diversification means you are invested in international stocks, not just in fixed income. We have been doing this for a very long time and we have seen plenty of times like this come and go. We build our portfolios for the long-term, not for Brexit, but at times like this you see the benefits of proper diversification. Tilney Bestinvest also saw its portfolios grow over the period after the referendum result was announced. Its defensive portfolio grew by 1.01 per cent, its growth portfolio grew by 1.22 per cent, while its aggressive growth portfolio grew by 1.42 per cent. A spokesman for Tilney Bestinvest said: Our asset allocation is diversified in nature and able to withstand market volatility. However we would not have such a short term view on funds and the stock market, rather look at it on a longer time frame. In the period after the referendum result was announced, the FTSE 100 fell by 6 per cent, though it has since recovered, while the FTSE 250 is down by 7.9 per cent and the pound is down by 10 per cent. Hargreaves Lansdown was asked for the performance figures for its portfolios but it did not provide them. A view of Spanish Congress. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAIS) The shortest term in the history of Spanish Congress lasted all of 111 days. It began on January 13, shortly after the general election of December 20, 2015, and ended on May 3, after a fragmented parliament failed to reach consensus on who should be the next prime minister. But the sitting deputies and senators continued to receive a paycheck for two more months. Known popularly as el paro de sus senorias (Their Honors unemployment benefit), this outlay represented 3.5 million of taxpayers money, according to EL PAIS calculations. This money, officially termed transition compensation, is not automatically awarded and must be applied for. Only 26 deputies and 13 senators turned down the option, representing 11.4% of the lower and 6.7% of the upper chamber, respectively. Bonuses and perks E.G.S. In May and June, 181 senators earned 8,345 each while 203 deputies made an average of 10,000 the same as their regular working salary, even though they are not in Madrid and not working on any committees during this interim period. The Senate is more transparent than Congress about these little-known payments. While a deputys basic salary is gross 2,813 a month, there are tax-free bonuses for travel and accommodation. Deputies representing the Madrid region receive 871, and those from other regions get 1,824. This is a particularly controversial outlay, as even deputies with homes in Madrid may apply for it. Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro, who owns three homes in the capital according to his own asset statement, is an example. And then there are additional payments for sitting on the board of spokespeople, on the governing board, and on any one of myriad congressional committees. Most deputies avail themselves of one of these extras, bringing their average monthly salary to around 5,600, with 14 yearly payments. Deputies were also allowed to keep using their complimentary iPads and iPhones, and their free internet connections at home courtesy of Congress. This type of compensation was introduced in 2006 to make up for the fact that members of parliament, not being company employees, do not have the right to regular unemployment benefits. In practice, however, it has been in place since 2000. Because of job incompatibility regulations, many [members] cannot work and would have no income for two months, said sources at the Senate. The point is for deputies to have income during the [election] campaign so they will not take up their old jobs again, then drop them once they are back in, said another source in Congress. But the practice has been criticized by some political parties and individual deputies. Their problem is not so much with the notion of compensation as with the amount that is being doled out, since there is a whole set of bonus payments for non-existent parliamentary activity. This has led to accusations of unethical behavior. Making money for being a member of committees that have already been dissolved is questionable, said one Socialist source. Odon Elorza, former mayor of San Sebastian and a Socialist deputy for two terms, is a vocal critic. It does not seem ethical to charge for accommodation expenses when the deputies [who live elsewhere and need to travel to the capital] are not even in Madrid, he says. Elorza, who has returned part of his own assignment it took him weeks to do so because nobody had ever tried to return money before, and there was no established protocol for it proposed that all Socialist deputies return these bonuses and keep only the core amount meant to cover their unemployed period. Deputies were also allowed to keep using their complimentary iPads and iPhones, and their free internet connections at home courtesy of Congress Barring that, he suggested donating the bonuses to a non-profit. Elorza says that his suggestion created an uncomfortable situation, and that he was asked to stop insisting. We dont deserve it Inigo Alli Martinez, of the Navarrese group UPN, is one of the 26 deputies who gave up on their checks altogether. I did it for a simple reason: we dont deserve it, he says. David Bravo, of Podemos, turned it down as well. After the term ended I went back to my job as a lawyer, he explains, adding that he thinks it is logical for members of parliament to earn something between terms. But the amount seems clearly excessive to me. A spokesperson for the Popular Party (PP) said that it respects the decision of the chamber and the individual decisions of deputies. English version by Susana Urra. Just over 10 years ago, when Altus was but six months old, a shake-up of investment regulations was just getting started. Pensions A-Day was the first to hit with changes which included a menu of charging options as an alternative to traditional commission. Next the FSA, as it was back then, announced they were launching the RDR to improve the way financial services products were delivered to retail consumers. There were a number of strands to the regulation but the focus was firmly on commission. One of the principal aims of the RDR was to allow consumers to have confidence that the advice they receive is in their best interests and that advisers were not simply recommending providers which pay the highest commission. Whatever your views on the fallout from RDR, its hard to deny it has eliminated commission bias and other countries are now treading the same path. From Germany and the Netherlands in Europe to countries as far afield as Australia and South Africa, many regulators are following in what is now the FCAs footsteps by attempting to unwind financial advice paid for by commission. The ban on commission has now been extended to direct sales and backdated to products taken out decades ago Initially the scope of RDR was limited to products sold by a regulated advisor and many argued that even this relatively low level of interference would destroy the market; but then no one likes change, do they? With the recent completion of the regulations put in place by PS13/1, the ban on commission has now been extended to direct sales and even backdated to products taken out decades ago. There has also been recent press about the end of pension commission for corporate schemes, although in practice auto-enrolment should have killed off the need for this type of advice some time ago. So here we stand in 2016 and, although it may have taken some time, commission appears to have finally been eradicated from large swathes of UK Financial Services. But then, quite recently, came rumours of commission making a comeback via some comments from the regulator on FAMR. The rumours have subsequently been quashed but it made me think, how clear is the situation for the average consumer? Ive worked in financial services for almost 15 years and so (mostly) understand which products pay commission and which dont, but how clear is it to the man on the street? None of the regulations introduced over the past 10 years bans unregulated advisors or brokers (or even the milkman as long as he can find an introducer) earning commission from selling all kinds of products, such as life assurance, mortgages, loans or credit cards. These types of commoditised products are the ones that the average consumer will be most familiar with in their everyday lives. Whatever happened to consistency? Anyone who hoped voting for Brexit would lead to the reams of red tape generated by Brussels disappearing overnight must be very disappointed. Aside from the fact there is 43-years worth of red tape to pick through and unravel, there is the reality if we want to do business with Europe or clients on the continent, we must still play by Brussels rules. Britains decision to exit the European Union is unlikely to change the need for financial advisers to meet Mifid II requirements and the demands of future rules generated by Brussels , according to regulation experts. Mark Spiers, head of wealth management and banks at regulatory consultants Bovill, said Mifid II, which is due to come into effect in January 2018, is very much the brainchild of the Financial Conduct Authority. He said: Our current position is Mifid II will not materially change and if we go for full Brexit we will want to acquire third country status. That means you can get access to the European market and the European consumer but you have to follow their rules. For decades the government and the regulators it employs have been swift to point the finger of blame at Brussels Simon Gleeson, a partner at City law firm Clifford Chance, said the need to retain EU rules and to continue to introduce future regulations created in Brussels in order to gain access to the European market was raised during the referendum campaign. He said: The damage you might do to the City by not having third country status is greater than the benefits you thought you were going to gain by not implementing whatever it was in the first place. But what the Brexit vote has delivered is no more excuses for our nations politicians or regulators. Yesterday (30 June), the Financial Conduct Authority responded to criticism over increasing regulatory fees for mortgage brokers by blaming the continued cost of implementing the Mortgage Credit Directive. Changes to charges were consulted on back in April, with most advisers seeing a 1.6 per cent fall in costs, although mortgage brokers were landed with an increased funding requirement of 8.7 per cent, meaning a net increase of 7.1 per cent. This meant the total FCA budget bill for lenders and brokers now stands at 36.8m, with the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries calling for a proper explanation of why the cost is so great. The regulator pointed the finger of blame for the costs at the Mortgage Credit Directive, which was implemented on 21 March and aimed to create a harmonised mortgage market across the European Union and significantly changed the regulation of second charge mortgages. Last year, the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association revealed the industry remained sceptical about changes under the Mortgage Credit Directive with most brokers believing the introduction of the new rules would not benefit the UK mortgage market. Mike Morrison, head of platform technical at AJ Bell, is calling for commission to be banned on the sale of annuities as well as in the secondary sale market in order to create a level playing field. Savers who bought annuities will be able to sell the product from 6 April 2017. In April this year , the Financial Conduct Authority announced providers were to be made responsible for checking retirees have received government-mandated advice before they sell their guaranteed income in the developing secondary annuity market. The rules stated the regulator will require broker and adviser-broker firms to set out their charges upfront in writing, and agree the amount with the seller. The rules stated an adviser cannot receive commission for selling a clients annuity. Mr Morrison told FTAdviser he believes the consultation paper on the regulation of the secondary annuity market seems to sound the death knell for non-advised commission on annuity purchases. He said: How can you justify allowing commission when an annuity is bought from a non-advised broker, but not when it is sold? It is an unlevel playing field and the FCA should address this as a matter of urgency. The continuing existence of commission risks distorting the market and, for the sake of consistency, it should be banned for annuities completely. Neil MacGillivray, head of technical support at James Hay Partnership, said he supported what Mr Morrison said. Mr MacGillivray said: It is an unlevel playing field. It is as simple as that - it doesnt surprise me but it does seem illogical. Daren OBrien, director at London-based Aurora Financial Solutions, said: I believe commission should be banned on both sides of the annuity equation. Weve now been paid for years by fees and our clients prefer this. It further demonstrates our professionalism and independence. ruth.gillbe@ft.com If you work on a farm, statistics show you are less likely to make it home tonight than most other people who are at work today. Agriculture is one of the deadliest industries to work in, with 36 people killed on UK farms in the period from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015, according to the most recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Farming danger According to most recent HSE statistics, 33 workers died in UK agriculture in 2014-15, a rate of 9.12 per 100,000 workers. This number is very high when compared with the rate of workplace fatalities across all UK industries in 2014-15 at 0.46 per 100,000 workers. The agricultural industry average over the past five years is 10.7 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared with a rate of 0.46 per 100,000 across all British industries in 2014-15. It is a shocking figure, but frustratingly and despite repeated warnings to farmers about the risks they face isnt a one-off, says HSE head of agriculture Rick Brunt. The problems with health and safety in farming are no different than they were five years ago. The causes of these problems have also remained the same: incidents with livestock, contact with machinery and falls from height, he says. The disappointing thing is theres nothing particularly new in the statistics. The causes of deaths are things we know we can manage and deal with, but for whatever reasons farmers are not taking heed of the risks or putting measures in place to prevent accidents occurring. Lowest farm fatalities in Europe While the fatality figures in UK agriculture are high, comparable statistics actually show the UK has one of the lowest rates of farm-related deaths in Europe. Of all EU countries, only Malta and Slovakia have fewer agricultural fatalities than Britain, while Britain has a significantly lower workplace death rate when compared with Europes other large economies Germany, Italy and France. According to data from Eurostat, the EUs office of statistics, 3,674 people died due to accidents at work across the EU in 2013 (the most recent data available). Of those, 467 were in agriculture, accounting for nearly 13% of the total and making the industry Europes fourth most-dangerous after construction, manufacturing and transportation. The fact this figure does not include non-fatal injuries means the effect of workplace accidents will be much higher, and as there is no Europe-wide method of reporting incidents, the accuracy of data is patchy. The reasons for the high number of fatalities across European agriculture are no different to those in the UK, according to EU-OSHA, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Working alone About 78% of Europes farmers work alone, with almost 60% in self-employment and 44% on temporary contracts significantly higher figures than in other sectors. Temporary workers are often employed to do hazardous jobs such as cleaning slurry tanks and are more vulnerable to dangers because of a lack of experience or language barriers, EU-OSHA says. Self-employed workers are more often victims of fatal accidents, often because working alone puts them under pressure to get jobs done quickly, which means convenience and speed often take precedence over safety. The similarities in situation and incidence mean it is important that efforts are made across Europe to learn from others and seek ways to improve, Mr Brunt says. We have to be open to the idea that we can always learn from each other. We know injury rates appear to be worse outside the UK, but that doesnt mean there arent aspects we can take from other countries. The HSE has close links with its regulatory counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, and they regularly share advice. The Republic of Ireland run small local discussion groups about agricultural health and safety, and there is a lot of good-quality education and changing of attitudes at these meetings. Machinery safety Looking to the rest of Europe, one of the major areas for co-operation is machinery safety, Mr Brunt adds. My team are actively involved in agreeing standards to ensure machinery reaches the same levels of safety. We are also working to agree what information goes with machines so people know how to operate them safely. In the meantime, the message for farmers in the UK is to use common sense and avoid taking unnecessary risks particularly as they enter one of their busiest times of year. The majority of health and safety issues are no different to managing any other aspect of your business good health and safety practice should be an important part of every farm business, Mr Brunt says. If there is a job to be done, managing it in an efficient way includes looking at safety features, having the right equipment and having machinery in good working order. All the things that make it safe also make it an effective, well-managed business. How are other European countries tackling health and safety? Belgium PreventAgri is developed by organisations from across the green sectors including farming, forestry and horticulture to provide workers with safety information and advice on site. By co-ordinating safety initiatives and gathering information on the latest government health and safety regulations, the scheme audits individual growers and large companies to assess their approaches to health and safety and provide tips on where they can make improvements. Lithuania The Lithuanian governments departments of education and environment organise training courses for people working in agriculture in a bid to reduce the number of deaths in the industry. The vocational training days offer advice ranging from the basics of construction to using and maintaining machinery safely and installing slurry pits. For those just setting out in the industry, the Lithuanian government also recommends attending a principles of farming course a 320-hour educational introduction to agriculture, including theoretical and practical aspects of machinery and construction. Spain Spains National Commission on Safety and Health at Work has set up working groups of experts covering specific sectors and activities in agriculture. The aim of these groups is to analyse accidents in the industry, and assess farmers working environments so they can suggest ways to improve the health and safety of agricultural workers. Germany Germanys machinery manufacturers decided to tackle tractor safety by developing easy-to-maintain vehicles that limit the risk of injury. They introduced designs that allow farmers and their staff to easily access lubrication points, motors and batteries, meaning routine maintenance can be done more quickly and safely and the intervals between maintenance are longer. In a further bid to tackle machinery-related injuries, farmers have developed mobile repair workshops that allow maintenance and repairs to be carried out on-farm by professionals. Sponsors message Dunlop Protective Footwear have provided protective footwear for UK farmers and those working across the agricultural industry for more than 35 years. At Dunlop Protective Footwear we care about your safety, but we dont want this to come at the expense of comfort, which is why we developed the Purofort product range. Join us as we celebrate 35 years of protection and comfort with Dunlop Purofort. Share our special-edition boots with farmers across Europe. Do you have a farmer-friend who deserves our boots? Then give him or her the chance to win a pair. You might even win a pair yourself. Story Highlights Percentage extremely proud down from 57% in '13 and 70% in '03 Young adults show largest decline in patriotism over time Republicans still prouder than before 9/11 PRINCETON, N.J. -- As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, 52% of U.S. adults say they are "extremely proud" to be Americans, a new low in Gallup's 16-year trend. Americans' patriotism spiked after 9/11, peaking at 70% in 2003, but has declined since, including an eight-percentage-point drop in early 2005 and a five-point drop since 2013. Americans' declining patriotism is likely related to broader dissatisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S. In January 2004, when 69% were extremely proud to be an American, 55% of Americans were satisfied with the way things were going in the U.S. That was the last time satisfaction has been at the majority level, and the percentage satisfied has mostly held below 30% since 2007, including the 29% in Gallup's most recent update. Americans' patriotism stayed relatively flat from 2006 through 2013, a period that spanned the Great Recession and Barack Obama's election and first term as president. But over the last three years, Americans' willingness to say they are extremely proud to be an American has declined further. In addition to the 52% who say they are extremely proud in the June 14-23 poll, another 29% say they are very proud and 13% moderately proud, meaning the vast majority of U.S. adults express at least a considerable amount of pride in being Americans. Five percent say they are "only a little proud" and 1% "not at all proud." Young Adults Lead Decline in Patriotism Since the 2003 peak, all major subgroups have shown significant declines in the percentage saying they are extremely proud to be Americans. The largest decline has come among young adults, from 60% to 34%. In 2003 as well as today, young adults rank among the subgroups least willing to say they are extremely proud to be Americans. Changes in Percentage "Extremely Proud" to Be Americans, by Subgroup 2001 2003 2016 Change, 2003 to 2016 % % % (pct. pts.) All 55 70 52 -18 Men 54 67 53 -14 Women 56 73 50 -23 18 to 29 51 60 34 -26 30 to 49 56 74 51 -23 50 to 64 57 73 64 -9 65+ 57 68 55 -13 Whites 58 73 54 -19 Nonwhites 39 59 45 -14 College grads 58 63 47 -16 College nongrads 54 73 54 -19 Republicans 64 86 68 -18 Independents 46 62 44 -18 Democrats 53 65 45 -20 Conservatives 62 80 61 -19 Moderates 53 68 53 -15 Liberals 49 56 36 -20 Gallup Young adults today are also one of the few subgroups that are significantly less likely to be patriotic than in January 2001, before the 9/11 rally effect. At that time, 51% of 18- to 29-year-olds were extremely proud to be Americans. Because no one who is 18 to 29 today was in that same age group in 2001 or 2003, the trends in patriotism among young adults could be evidence that those in the millennial generation are less patriotic than young adults in generations that preceded them. And that generational change may help explain why there has been further decline in patriotism among all U.S. adults over the last three years. Political liberals (36%) join young adults as the least patriotic major subgroup today. Independents, Democrats, nonwhites and college graduates also show below-average patriotism. Republicans (68%), conservatives (61%) and those aged 50 to 64 (64%) are the major subgroups most likely to say they are extremely proud to be Americans. Republicans, 50- to 64-year-olds and nonwhites are the only groups that are at least somewhat more patriotic today than before 9/11. As a result of Republicans' still-elevated percentage, the 23-point Republican-Democratic gap in patriotism is now roughly double what it was in January 2001. Implications The vast majority of U.S. adults indicate they are at least moderately proud to be Americans, but as they celebrate the Fourth of July this year, fewer say they are extremely proud than at any point in the last 16 years. Americans' continued frustration with national conditions -- likely tied to their concern about the economy and lack of faith in public institutions -- is probably one reason patriotism is at a recent low point. It is unclear to what extent, if any, the presidential campaign that now pits two controversial and widely unpopular nominees against each other could be a factor in Americans' expressed pride. A year ago -- long before the presidential field was set -- there were signs that patriotism was declining further. Millennials' greater reluctance than young adults before them to say they are extremely proud to be an American may also be a factor in the new low and, if so, could signal further declines in patriotism in the years and decades ahead. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted June 14-23, 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. 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 survey methodology, complete question responses and trends. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. Israel has one big problem the settlements in the West Bank. In other words, the Occupied Territories, Yehuda Shaul tells me. Next year, it will be half a century since they began their occupation of Palestinian land. But theres a solution and Im going to see it implemented before I die. I tell my Israeli friend that it takes real optimism to believe that the 370,000 Israeli settlers who have created a veritable Bantustan, fencing in 2,700,000 Palestinians and isolating one Palestinian city from another, will withdraw from the West Bank in the name of peace anytime soon. But Yehuda, who works tirelessly to highlight the plight of the West Bank Palestinians that so many of his compatriots are determined to ignore, tells me I might be less skeptical after our trip to the Palestinian villages in the mountains south of Hebron. By increasing the number of settlements, the two-state solution becomes impossible, whatever Israeli leaders pretend to accept on paper The last time we were in those mountains together was six years ago. At that time, the village of Susiya had a population of 300 and seemed doomed to disappear like so many of its neighbors. Now, it has a population of 450 because many families that fled have returned and, like Yehuda, they are feeling optimistic despite the atrocities. The aggressions that Susiya and neighboring villages have been subjected to for so long havent ceased. Far from it. Locals show me the rubble of houses recently demolished, water wells blocked with rocks and rubbish, trees cut down by settlers and videos they were able to make of settlers attacking the villagers with truncheons and other weapons, as well as the arrests and abuse carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Vargas Llosa (r) with Yehuda Shaul (Breaking the Silence) outside Jerusalem. Oren Ziv /Activestills In the communal house that Nasser Nawaja uses to carry out his duties as unofficial mayor, I am shown the demolition orders that, like the swords of Damocles, threaten the few buildings still standing. It looks official: this area has been chosen for military maneuvers by the IDF and the villages have to go, though not the settlements or the settlers proliferating outposts. Sometimes the excuse is that the Palestinians houses have been put up without building permits. Its madness, Nasser tells me. When we ask for permission to build or reopen the wells, they say no. And then they knock down the houses for being built without permission. In this village, as in so many others, the residents farmers and shepherds dont live in houses as such. Their precarious dwellings are made from canvas and tin cans. Or else they live in some of the numerous caves in the area that have so far escaped being blocked with rocks and rubbish by the soldiers. In spite of everything, the people in Susiya and Yimba the two villages I visited are still there, resisting the abuse with the support of several NGOs and Israeli solidarity groups such as Yehudas Breaking the Silence. I met an extremely nice young Jewish man in Susiya named Max Schindler, an American who had come as a volunteer to teach the local children English for a few months. His reasons were clear: I wanted them to see that not all Jewish people are the same, he said. In fact, there are many others like Max who are helping the Palestinians file claims in the courts, who are vaccinating their children and protesting the abuse. Among them there are writers like David Grossman and Amos Oz, who sign manifestos and mobilize the public to demand that authorities halt the aggressions and allow the Palestinians to live in their villages in peace. One such protest, held a few months ago, has temporarily saved the ancient village of Yimba, although not before the demolition of 15 homes. Its fate now hangs in the balance, awaiting a definitive decision from the Supreme Court. Yimba has an enormous cave, so far untouched, which I am told dates back to the Roman era when the village was on the pilgrims route to Mecca you can still see traces of the path streaking through the stony desert. At that time Yimba was a prosperous town with many shops and restaurants. Now, its archaeological importance offers the Israeli authorities a new excuse for evacuating the villagers. Its the same story I heard in Susiya. The minute they manage to get rid of us on that pretext, the settlers will move in. Of course, there is no problem with them living on top of archaeological remains. As in Susiya, I am surrounded by skeletal, barefoot children who are brimming with excitement. Theres one girl in particular, with a naughty glint in her eye, who cracks up laughing at my attempts to pronounce her name in Arabic. Vargas Llosa in the office that serves as the council building for Susiya. Oren Ziv /Activestills One need only take a look at a map to see the bigger picture behind the location of the settlements in the Occupied Territories. They cut off all the big Palestinian cities from each other, hindering communication and movement fragmenting the territory to such as extent that a future Palestinian state in the West Bank becomes an impractical proposition. No one can fail to see the deliberate strategy here. By increasing the number of settlements, the two-state solution becomes impossible, whatever Israeli leaders pretend to accept on paper. Why else would all Israels governments, whether right, center or left (with the sole exception of the last Ariel Sharon administration, who removed settlements from the Gaza strip in 2005) have allowed the systematic growth of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory, a constant source of friction fuelling Palestinian fears that their presence is being whittled away? I dont pretend to be able to read the minds of Israels political elite, but you only have to follow the developments of the last few decades, including the famous Sharon Wall or Israeli West Bank Barrier, to know that there is a specific policy at work. Far from tackling the occupation, the latter is being encouraged and protected. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. Of all the settlements, the most shocking ones are the five established within the city of Hebron. These contain 850 Israeli settlers living alongside, but sealed off from, 200,000 Palestinians. To protect these settlers from the people they have invaded, 650 Israeli soldiers have been deployed to what is now little more than a ghost town with its sterilized streets, its closed shops and front doors; a city with no soul. I wandered these dead streets 11 years back and the only thing that has changed is that the racist anti-Arab graffiti scrawled on the walls is gone. What hasnt gone are the police checkpoints that, among other things, make sure Palestinians do not travel through the city by car. This means they have to make an enormous detour to get from one neighborhood to another. The four Israelis who accompany me say that the worst thing is that no one even talks about the horror of Hebron anymore, or about the tremendous injustices being committed against 200,000 residents in order to protect 850 invaders. English version by Heather Galloway. Story Highlights Approval of EU and Russia slip to 25% and 18%, respectively Approval of U.S. remains low and relatively steady at 29% WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The deadly terrorist attack in Istanbul this week -- which officials are blaming on the Islamic State -- highlights Turkey's vulnerability because of its policy in Syria and its relations with the European Union, Russia and the U.S. The attacks could further chill Turks' already cool reception toward the leadership of the three. Before the airport attack, at most three in 10 Turks approved of the leadership of the EU, Russia or the U.S. Despite years of commercial and political ties and Turkey's bid to join the EU, the war in Syria has seriously tested relations on both sides. On the European continent, the stream of migrants from Syria and other war-torn countries through Turkey to EU countries triggered intense rifts within the EU. Although Turks' approval of the EU's leadership has been declining gradually over the past few years, it slipped to 25% in 2016, shortly after the EU reached a deal with Turkey to send migrants back to its shores. Before Turkey and Russia's recent overtures to mend relations -- which some observers suspect could be one motivation for the airport attack -- just 18% of Turks approved of the leadership of Russia and the majority (51%) disapproved. Although Turks' approval ratings of Russia's leadership have never been high, the recent decline in ratings likely reflects strained relations after Turkey shot down a Russian bomber that reportedly entered Turkish airspace from Syria last November. Russian economic sanctions against Turkey in the aftermath potentially jeopardized the highly strategic Turkish Stream gas pipeline project the country has been planning with Gazprom, the large Russian supplier of natural gas. As NATO's second-largest army, Turkey's relationship with the U.S. is important to the strategic interests of both nations. Turkey is helping the U.S.-led coalition attack Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria and allows coalition forces to use its airspace. Turks' approval of U.S. leadership in recent years has remained relatively stable. However, more Turks continue to disapprove (39%) than approve (29%). About one in three do not have an opinion. Implications Turkey's strategic location at the center of both the Middle East and Eurasia straddles it between Western and Russian spheres of influence. Before the deadly terrorist attacks, relations with Israel, the EU and Russia were undergoing some seismic shifts. How this ally of the West and important business partner of Russia manages its delicate balance of relations with global powers will be key in how the current turmoil in Europe and the Middle East plays out in coming years. Survey Methods Results are based on landline and mobile phone interviews with 1,001 adults, aged 15 and older, conducted March 17-April 30, 2016, in Turkey. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 3.8 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For more complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details. Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works. Military accuracy is usually much more challenging for a design team than it might seem, especially when your game is set on a futuristic space-faring vessel. But as we found out during our time at Infinity Ward, what appeared to be straight forward sci-fi was actually an intricate balance of NASA technology and Navy customs. Aside from spending time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, the team behind Infinite Warfare had Navy SEALs, admirals, and the department of defense as military consultants. Check out the interview below to learn more. To learn more about Call of Duty's relationship with the military, including their veteran support program check out our feature on the Call of Duty Endowment charity. Our exclusive coverage on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare will continue all throughout June, so keep checking the hub for deep dives into the weapons, characters, and interviews as we journey to the stars with Infinity Ward's new take on the longstanding series. 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Teases Spin-off On Twitter: Will Emilio Rivera Be Back To Lead The Mayan MC? When "Sons of Anarchy" came to a close after seven glorious seasons, fans were devastated, but not for long. Last year, series creator Kurt Sutter gave fans renewed hope when he announced during the San Diego Comic Con that they were at the time developing a spin off from the beloved FX series. FX Networks confirmed that they had begun creating a script for the spin off, which was officially titled "Mayans MC," and was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James. While there hasn't been much word on who will star in the series or which stars from "Sons of Anarchy" will be making appearances in the new show, Deadline reports that the upcoming series will be "a dark, visceral family drama that takes a new look at the most American of icons, the 1% outlaw, this time reflected through a Latino lens." Sutter, who was born in New Jersey, told Deadline that he found James to be a perfect match to co-create the spin off because of his Latin roots. Sutter wanted to make the series as authentic as possible and give it "a strong, unique Latino voice," which he found in James. James rose to fame after creating "Little Birds" in 2009, which featured Juno Temple and Kay Panabaker as two young girls who flee from home to follow a couple of skateboarders to Los Angeles. The film was loosely based on James's life growing up in Boston, Massachusetts and getting involved in the street gang Friends Stand United. "Little Birds" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in 2011. Recently, Sutter took to Twitter to tease fans about the coming of the "Sons of Anarchy" spin off, posting a photo of the Mayans, a biker gang who frequently appeared on the show. The Mayans's gang leader was Marcus Alvarez, played by Emilio Rivera ("Z Nation"). No word yet on whether Rivera will come back to reprise his role as the leader of the Mayans, or whether they are looking to recast the role. Check out Sutter's tweet below. Michael Schumacher Latest News & Health Updates: F1 Legend Feted, Suffering From Depression? Word on Michael Schumachers progress is limited with the F1 racing legends family seeking privacy during these troubled times. Though he has shown progress, it continues at a snails pace. Michael Schumacher still fighting Regardless, Michael Schumacher still demonstrates the same will power to try and get over his fate. The progress may be at a snails pace though an intense rehabilitation program is trying to aid him in regaining his physical abilities according to Health Aim. Michael Schumacher has limited awareness to date. That includes his inability to walk, talk and perform tasks he usually had. The change in his lifestyle is overwhelming and some sites believe that depression could be setting in. The thought of depression is tied up to the fact that Michael Schumacher is made aware of the limitations he has at the moment through the rehab program. Such is something that cannot be avoided and poses as another challenge for the race car driver who racked up 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 in 2004. Family learning to deal with Schumis fate Manager and spokesperson Sabine Kehm accepted another award on behalf of Michael Schumacher, a lifetime achievement award for being a seven-time world champion over in Germany. She admits that it would have been sweeter to see Schumi accepting the award but impossible. Instead, Kehm says that the award is proof of Michael Schumachers will power, motivation, talent, discipline and work ethic though Express.co.uk. "We have to accept it and learn to deal with it. We will continue to hope and do everything so that it will be different again," said Kehm. Michael Schumacher continues to deal with the effects of brain injuries resulting from that hit his head took in 2013 at the French Alps. He continues to be monitored by select medical teams and family members, limiting visitation to close friends. 'Red Dead Redemption 2' Release Date, News & Update: Was It Supposed To Be On E3? New Details Revealed E3 has come and gone, and as usual, we've seen a lot of games both new and repolished come out of the expo. What we didn't see, however, is any sign of the long-awaited sequel of that other Rockstar Games property, "Red Dead Redemption 2." There were rumors floating around the internet that "Red Dead Redemption 2" would be part of Sony's big announcements at E3. When it wasn't announced by either Sony or Rockstar Games, new rumors surfaced, claiming that the trailer contained a scene in which a character strolled into a saloon and shot all the people insideand that such a scene would have been gravely distasteful after the unfortunate mass shooting in Orlando a couple of weeks ago. However, according to Vine Report, Sony's Vice President for Third Party Relations and Developer Technology Adam Boyes quickly denied these rumors, stating that the program flow for the Sony presentations were set months before E3. "Red Dead Redemption 2" most likely was never planned for an announcement at all. So far, "Red Dead Redemption 2's" projected plotline does not seem to include the previous game's protagonist, John Marston. Movie News Guide reports that they will be replaced by two new characters, people we only know as Irish and Seth, who seem to be treasure hunters searching across the untamed American landscape. In other news, fans are still heavily speculating on what new features "Red Dead Redemption 2" would possibly have. Some are hoping that a new massively multiplayer mode would be included, much like that in "Grand Theft Auto V." Meanwhile, on the original "Red Dead Redemption" front, Xbox players are still hoping for the Xbox 360 version's backward compatibility with the Xbox One. The only update from Microsoft on that front is a statement from Richard Irving, the company's group program manager, saying that they're hard at work with third-party developers in making the Xbox One backward compatible with older titles. The US and Puerto Rican flags. PAUL J. RICHARDS (AFP) More information Obama firma el plan de ayuda a Puerto Rico al borde de otro impago President Barack Obama signed a bill into law to help Puerto Rico restructure its $70 billion public debt on Thursday, too late to prevent the US Territory from defaulting on a $2 billion payment due on Friday. Senate approved the bill after long negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. Conservatives wanted to avoid a plan that might lead to a taxpayer bailout, while Democrats were concerned about the repercussions for Novembers elections. Puerto Rico will apply for bankruptcy proceedings similar to the Chapter 9 regulations that protected Detroit from legal action by its creditors in 2013 while it deferred payments and renegotiated its liabilities. The city eventually emerged from bankruptcy a year later. Puerto Rico has to comply with the same economic requirements and regulations as the rest of the United States while competing with its smaller Caribbean neighbors But the measures were not applicable in the case of the Caribbean island. In the summer of 2015, Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla recognized that Puerto Rico had exhausted its treasury after a decade-long crisis and could no longer shoulder a debt burden that exceeded its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Puerto Rico began to default on its debts in August 2015. The people of Puerto Rico need to know that theyre not forgotten, theyre part of the American family, Obama said before signing the bill into law in the Oval Office. As the consequence of the inability for them to restructure their debt, you've seen hospitals unable to operate, ambulances shutting down, basic services shutting down, and government workers not being paid. It has brought enormous hardship to Puerto Rico. PROMESA, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, will task a fiscal control board with significant powers over the administration of the island. It may require Puerto Rico to cut government jobs, sell bonds or repeal minimum wage laws if the island fails to comply with PROMESA terms. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has called this level of oversight colonial. Puerto Ricos problems are due in part to its thorny legal status: it has to comply with the same economic requirements and regulations as the rest of the United States while competing with its smaller Caribbean neighbors. And now it has lost many of the fiscal benefits that made it attractive to foreign investors. English version by Dyane Jean-Francois. CSULB alum wins gold at the 38th Long Beach Marathon which was his first The site of a former lumber mill on the southeastern edge of Philomath could become a major residential development if the plans backers can get it annexed into the city. The property in question is a 159-acre parcel within the citys urban growth boundary north of Chapel Drive between 23rd and 30th streets, just east of the high school and middle school and south of Applegate Street. Millersburg Land and Development LLC, which has an option to buy the property, filed an annexation application and has announced plans to build up to 660 homes on the site. The land is owned by Chapel Drive LLC, a venture headed by Adam, Deana and Justin Lowther. The plans also call for riparian corridors along a couple of creeks on the property, as well as several small parks and 5 acres of neighborhood commercial development. At a Philomath Planning Commission meeting on June 20, Mike Agee of Millersburg Land and Development said the company intends to develop the property in phases over the next 10 to 15 years, according to a report in the Philomath Express. The newspaper also noted that a number of citizens spoke against the plan, citing concerns about traffic, population growth and strain on the local water supply. A city staff report projected that the development would add 1,788 residents at full buildout to Philomaths current population of 4,650. The report said that level of growth would put a strain on the citys water and wastewater infrastructure but also noted that the city has planned for those needs and set up systems development charges to pay for expanding those facilities. Further, the report concluded that the proposal complied with the citys comprehensive plan and recommended approval. The Planning Commission voted to send the proposal to the City Council, which will consider the matter in a public hearing on July 11. If approved, the proposal would go before the voters in the Nov. 8 general election, but its not clear what would happen after that. While Philomath voters have defeated two previous attempts to annex the Chapel Drive property, in 2005 and 2006, the legal landscape has changed since then. Last March, the Legislature passed a package of affordable housing legislation that overturned local ordinances requiring voter approval of annexation decisions. Both Philomath and Corvallis, among other jurisdictions that had such provisions in their charters, have vowed to fight the new law, which has yet to be tested in court. Philomath City Manager Chris Workman said Thursday that the Chapel Drive developers have agreed to take their annexation proposal to an election, but if the voters turn them down, they could ask the City Council to approve their plan. Workman considers that unlikely, given that the councilors voted unanimously to challenge the ban on annexation elections. I just dont see them backing away from that, he said. If the developers do ask the council to approve the annexation and get turned down, however, that would open the possibility of an appeal to the state Land Use Board of Appeals, which might uphold the state law and order the council to grant the request. Theres several directions it could go at this point, Workman said. A 45-year-old Philomath man was killed late Wednesday night following a series of explosions and house fire on North 18th Street, law enforcement officials confirmed Thursday morning. Philomath Police Chief Ken Rueben said an Oregon State Police investigation team discovered the body of Krstofer Kroko Evans in the homes charred rubble. Property tax records show Evans as the owner of the 1,040-square-foot, three-bedroom home located at 127 N. 18th St. It looks like mishandling of fireworks, Rueben said about the possible cause. It looks like he was making homemade fireworks. We think he was doing that, but we dont know how he was doing that in the house. A neighbor who lives about a block away from the home said he heard a lot of explosions, and others reported hearing a noise like fireworks. Evans, a disabled man who was partially paralyzed, was apparently a smoker and Rueben said that possibly could have factored into an accident with explosive materials, but nobody knows for sure at this point. We may not ever know, Rueben said about a definitive cause. With those kinds of things, when they burn, they basically disappear. We found some small remnants of packaging of fireworks-making materials. A number of emergency response agencies were at the scene Thursday morning, including the Linn-Benton Fire Investigation Team, which evaluates evidence to determine the cause. No official information on the cause was released. A representative from the Oregon State Police arson and explosives unit was also investigating not because arson is suspected, but to determine how explosives may have factored into the blast. Philomath Fire & Rescue was dispatched to the home at 11:17 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters came upon a dangerous scene and a fully involved house fire. There were multiple explosions upon our arrival, said Philomath Fire & Rescue safety officer Lt. Rich Saalsaa, who was on the first engine to arrive. We had to kind of stay back until we were sure the scene was safe. I would say knockdown was probably within 15 minutes or so. By the time that occurred, however, the home had been destroyed. Rueben arrived at the fire about a half-hour following the original call to find the house burned to the ground. Very rarely do you have that happen unless theres a major accelerant inside, said Rueben, referring to the fires intensity. The fire department, they were fighting the thing for a couple of hours to get it all the way out. Saalsaa said firefighters put a master stream on the blaze from the big nozzle on top of the engine that pumps about 1,000 gallons per minute to cool it down quickly. We had a gas line ruptured on one side, we had electrical lines down, Saalsaa said. We had lots of fire everywhere. We actually got it knocked down pretty well. Along with the other agencies, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also was at the scene. Last night we found some blasting caps, and anytime we find something like that and theres a fire nearby, we have to have the bomb squad come by and take possession of them, Rueben said. The back portion of property, owned by Debra Thorpe, was damaged by the fire, but the neighboring building and its contents appeared to have mostly survived. Thorpe also owns a liquor store across a small parking lot from the building that was damaged. Philomath Fire Chief Tom Miller said he was proud of his department for being able to save the neighboring structure. Philomath Fire & Rescue received emergency support from the Monroe and Corvallis fire departments, with an estimated 25 firefighters working the blaze. We actually called a second alarm on this fire just given the size of the fire and (the fact that) this building was also involved, said Saalsaa, pointing toward one of the structures owned by Thorpe. There was a garage in the back that was also involved. The second alarm was dispatched at 11:35 p.m., and water was poured onto the house for just over 90 minutes. A new triplex sits on the north side of the house at the corner of 18th and College streets. A couple of broken windows could be seen on the back of the building that was facing the burning home. Rueben said there were also shrapnel chunks in the building, but otherwise there was no serious damage. Everything indicates it went straight up, the explosion, based on the damage, Rueben said. He pointed out that a far wall was still standing at the home site, another indication that the explosion had not blasted outward. On the neighboring triplex, Rueben said the outcome was very lucky because there are families with little kids over there. No damage estimates were immediately available. The offensive graffiti. A. C. A school for Spanish children in London seems to be among the targets of an outbreak of racist graffiti that has appeared in the days running up to and following the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom. Foreign pack was discovered scrawled on the gate of the Vicente Canada Blanch Institute in Londons upmarket Notting Hill neighborhood last week. This is a disagreeable incident, we have no idea who it could have been, said the school principal, Maria Isabel Martinez Lopez, who saw the graffiti the day before the EU in-out referendum on June 23. The mood has changed, and this is just another example Patricia Rodriguez, parent-teacher association A photograph of the scrawl soon appeared on a number of parent and student WhatsApp groups, prompting Fran Pereira, whose children attend the school, to report it. I went to the police with the photo. The next day they went to the school, but it had been covered up, he says, adding: The Brexit campaign has been very heavy about rejecting anything foreign. Their win has emboldened them and we are now a bit fearful: we dont feel safe. The head of the school said security cameras would now be installed, while cautioning: We shouldnt give this any more attention than it deserves. Police patrols in the area are to be stepped up, while local residents sent a bouquet of flowers to the school expressing their solidarity. The mood has changed, and this is just another example, says Patricia Rodriguez of the schools parent-teacher association. Next year the school intends to change its uniform to incorporate a Spanish flag, a move that has worried some parents. Sign up for our newsletter EL PAIS English Edition has launched a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. It will make it easier to identify our children as foreigners, and were afraid they may be attacked as a result, says Juan Miguel Garrido, and who believes the school has not taken the matter seriously enough. The National Police Chiefs Council says that it had seen a 57% rise in reports of racism on June 23 and in the four days following the referendum. A Polish woman who preferred not to give her name said that she had been insulted in Dover city center by a man who overheard her talking in Polish on her phone, telling her she should speak English. Im afraid for the future of my child, she added. English version by Nick Lyne. 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. Border security : Federal police warn of inadequate controls along German border Only 55% of the 290 police officers that should be securing the border are employed in these positions, according to the German police union in North Rhine Westphalia. Foto: Patrick Seeger Dusseldorf There is a chronic shortage of security personnel in Aachen at the border and more security personnel still needed at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The federal police in Aachen warn that the monitoring of Germanys border with Belgium is unsatisfactory. Only 55% of the 290 police officers that should be securing the border are employed in these positions, according to the German police union (Gewerkschaft der Polizei, GdP) in North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). This stretch near Aachen is 200 kilometers long with more than 46 train stations. After the terrorist attacks of Paris and Brussels, border controls in this area were intensified. However, there is a shortage of federal police officers yet again. Federal police officers from Aachen have been called to work at Cologne/Bonn airport and are therefore unable to work the border. At the same time, airport security is completely overextended. The trade union Verdi said that about 70 security personnel positions are still not filled at Cologne/Bonn airport. Passengers are kept waiting in long lines. In the aftermath of the November 2015 Paris attacks, there was a short period of time when there were heavy restrictions on free movement in and out of Germany at the border with Aachen. Security forces worked to detect terrorists, arresting 240 people known to German and foreign authorities. Officers recovered 150 thousand euros worth of stolen goods and the number of break-ins in the area dropped by 63 percent. Michael Schaffrath, a federal police officer and union member in Aachen, estimates that only 165 of the necessary 290 officers are available to work at the border. Because of this, there are gaps in the monitoring of the border, which can be exploited by those who try to come into Germany unnoticed, says Schaffrath. Executive board member of the GdP branch in NRW, Arnd Krummen, believes that the area near Aachen is possibly the least secure border in Germany. The federal police are currently also dealing with refugees who began their asylum-process in Germany, but have since moved to a different country. According to Krummen, Belgium is currently sending many illegal immigrants back to Germany. Also, hundreds of NRW police officers are still in southern Germany to secure the borders there. Federal police face big challenges at Cologne/Bonn airport, which has attracted attention recently due to a lack of security personnel. However, Athanasios Titonis, technical manager at the airport says, After the terrorist attacks in Brussels, they (federal police) are very present and have increased their patrols. SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS 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 There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Google Ad Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia 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 Google Ad 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 Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS 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 There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia 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 Google Ad 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 Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression 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. Opinion: The seven liberated territories will be returned to Azerbaijan under Kazan document (video) The Kazan document is dangerous for Armenia and Artsakh. Under the document, the seven liberated territories will be returned to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani refugees will settle in those territories. Besides, Nagorno Karabakh will be given an unclear status; Karabakh will have no right to have its armed forces, ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan said on July 1. If an agreement is reached over this document we shall lose all hopes that Nagorno Karabakh will ever be granted a status and be populated with ethnic Armenians, she said. Larisa Alaverdyan, Chairwoman of the Against Violation of Law NGO, says the tacit adoption of the Kazan document by Armenia and the international community makes them accomplices in the crimes committed by Azerbaijan. I cannot and shall not blame the international community for anything because it was to have been informed of the problem. Armenia should have prevented Artsakhs withdrawal from the talks, she said. Larisa Alaverdyan says Armenia should have refused to sit at the same negotiating table with Azerbaijan after Artsakh was pushed out of the talks. Android N named Nougat: 15 Cool features and updates it will bring to your Android phones Features oi -Harshita The official name of Android N has been announced, and NO it is not what you expected it to be! Google announced few hours back that the new iteration of the Android OS, popularly known as Android N, will officially be called Android Nougat, instead of Nutella as most people speculated. After much speculation and guess work around what the Android N would be called, Google finally chose Snapchat as a platform to announce the name of the new version. Users can get the update in beta by signing up for Android Beta Program, which will allow them to upgrade via OTA update. When is the new Android N update releasing: Google surprised us all by releasing the Android N developer's preview two months earlier than the Google I/O 2016 where it was expected to unveil the new version. The Android N preview was made available for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi and LTE), Nexus Player and Pixel C for developers, and the first beta release happened during Google I/O on May 18, 2016. SEE ALSO: Facebook not working? Here 5 things you can do to fix it Now, the Android 7.0 Nougat release date has been confirmed for Q3, 2016. It means that Google will be releasing the final version by September 30, which would most likely happen with the release of the new Nexus smartphones, considering that the new version of Android has always been released alongside new Nexus devices. Top 15 New features of the Android N: Refreshed Settings Menu: Android Nougat version features a redesigned interface of the settings app, with several small improvements, to make the UI faster and easy to use. Users don't have to dive into a sub menu, as all entries listed on the main menu come with a subtitle to let you quickly access it. Settings menu still splits into sub-sections like Device, Sound, Notification, and more. Multi window support: Google finally brings the multi-window mode to Android with the Android Nougat version. Users can open apps in split-screen mode, as well as in picture-in-picture mode. Android N API is open for developers to build third party apps. The good part is that this feature is likely to also work for tablets and TVs powered by Android. SEE ALSO: 5 Alternative Screen Capture Tools Apple Mac users Must Check Night Mode: Google Android Nougat version also brings back the Night mode that gives user an option to change the UI settings and switch to dark color during night's time for better visual experience. The feature went dead with the Marshmallow update. Emoji coming your way, finally: Google announced that Android N will support Unicode 9, meaning that it will feature a slew of new emojis. Moreover, there will be 13 new Emoji representing professional women! Quick Settings changed for good: The new version of Android features updated quick settings, with a single minimalized row of settings icons in the notification slide. And the good part is that you don't have to pull down the shade twice to access the quick settings, unlike in the Marshmallow. The default icons in quick settings now include Wi-Fi, mobile data, Do Not Disturb and flashlight. Recent App UI The company has also brought about changes in the recent app menu, which now showcases much larger cards of the App running in the background. It reveals more of the App's UI, though you will now have to scroll a little more to go to other apps. SEE ALSO: Twitter Goes Snapchat way, Introduces Stickers: Here is how to use it! Doze mode: With Android N, Google's battery saving feature, the Doze mode, becomes even better. The Doze mode is meant as an inbuilt battery saving feature to give the best of the battery life to the user. Project Svelte With the Android N, the company is also continuing with Project Svelte, which is mean to make Android OS much more efficient in allocating memory. With this feature, Android phones will run more smoothly, with background processing being more efficient. It will result in battery saving. SEE ALSO: HP Spectre vs Apple MacBook: Thinnest Laptops at war! Call Screening The call screening feature is directly integrated into the phone's default app, to let the app screen incoming calls. Users get three options, which can be used to reject the call, make the call not appear in the call log, or chose to not get user notification of the call. System level number blocking The Android N will have native support for blocking the unwanted numbers, to automatically reject them useless calls. A user can block numbers to stop getting text or calls from that specific number. There also is a separate API that will allow third-party apps to use the same blocked list, only if user is willing to give permission. SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 spotted on GFXBench: 7 Things to know! Always on VPN: With the Android N, Google lets users to have Always-ON VPN feature that is meant to ensure security of the phone. It is good for more secure Android devices. Save More Data: The Android N update helps users save data by controlling background data usage. You can get Data Saver option in the Settings app, to make your smartphone use lesser data. It can also give information about how much data are the apps using. SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Mi Note 2: 8 Most Interesting Features and Specs of the rumored phone Emergency Information feature: Google Android N brings a feature that give emergency information such as medical details, personal contact info and emergency contact details and more, for any medical or other emergency. All this information can be accessed by tapping on the "Emergency" button on a locked phone, and then double-tapping the Emergency Info button. Quite a thoughtful feature! Manage files easily: Android N now gives easy file management options such as moving a file from one folder to another and renaming a file or folder easily, which is quite useful. It will make easier for users to access specific file types like Images, Videos or Audio, or Downloads and Documents. SEE ALSO: Lenovo Vibe K5 to be sold via open Sale, starting July 4: More details here Change screen zoom levels (DPI) The new Android N build allows users to change the fonts of messaging, app drawer and settings. One can change size to small, default, Large, Larger and Largest with DPI change. The feature has now become a system-level feature, and can be accessed from Settings> Display> Display Size. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications You can manage your notification subscription by clicking on the icon To start receiving timely alerts, as shown below click on the Green lock icon next to the address bar Click it and Unblock the Notifications Click it and Unblock the Notifications Close X Armenpress: Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister responds to Baku Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh ocharyan answers questions of Armenpress News Agency Question: Mr. Kocharyan, how would you comment on the statements constantly voiced in Baku, that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved within the framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan? Shavarsh ocharyan: It is enough to distort the essence of the negotiation process. It is high time the Azerbaijani leadership understands, that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will be resolved within the framework of implementation of the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination and Azerbaijans responsibility for the aggression against the self-determined Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Question: And how would you comment on the Statement of the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan regarding a meeting on the highest level being held in August in Paris? Shavarsh ocharyan: We highly value the efforts of all the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries aimed at organizing meetings on the highest level. However, to say the least, it is improper, when not France - the inviting side, but one of the invitees voices the French proposal which is still under consideration. Why This 'Ghost Phone' should be your next smartphone! Features oi -Sachin You are traveling in a train, enjoying your music and texting your friends (or someone closer). But you can feel someone right beside you or behind you staring at the screen. Trying to invade your privacy. But what if you could hide the whole home screen and everything from outsiders while it's visible only to you. You could be seeing all your apps, messaging your friends, or even making a call. While everyone else will be watching you use a phone with nothing but a blank white screen. Also read: Wanna save money? Here is how Facebook can get you the best deals The Ghost Phone The Ghost Phone, brainchild of Turkish inventor Celal Goger, is a new phone that can be used by special techniques. It works with an iPhone that has a secondary screen. The inventor plans to call it the C.Goger I. Quick build The amazing efforts of the inventor helped to make one successful Ghost Phone in 4 months. Celal also hopes to make the phone available for everyone if funding is provided. Also read: Here is every reader's guide to buying the ideal Kindle Extra feature The option of hiding the screen contents are on by default for now, but the Turkish inventor wants to keep this feature as an optional for all customers. They can turn it on and off with the power button and soon be able to use their phones while people stay confused. How does it work? In the first Ghost Phone that has been successfully invented, it uses an additional screen on the iPhone that appears white to the whole world. But how would the owner of the phone see the contents? With a chip implanted in the wearer's glasses, the phone communicates with the chip and allows only the wearer to see the screen. SOURCE Best Mobiles in India CIA chief Brennan: President Assad's position in Syria war better, stronger Iran Press TV Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:26PM CIA Director John Brennan acknowledges that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is in a "better and stronger" position in the Syrian conflict, compared to last year. In an exclusive interview with Yahoo News at CIA headquarters, spoke about Daesh Takfiri terrorists and the situation in Syria, Iraq and Turkey. "Relative to where he was on the battlefield last year, [Assad] is in a better and stronger position [today]," said the CIA chief, however, pointing the finger at him, arguing he is a "magnet" for extremist groups. He also blamed Russia, which started striking Daesh in Syria last September, saying Moscow does not want "a political settlement" in the war-ravaged country. "The Russians sometimes want their cake and eat it too as far as having the cooperation with us against terrorists but not wanting to do anything that's going to lead to a political settlement that will have a more durable future as a far as a political agreement." Russia and Syria both consider the US as the major supporter of the terrorists, some of whom were trained in Jordan n 2012 to destabilize the government in Damascus. Istanbul attack coming to US Brennan warned that attacks such as the recent one in Istanbul's Ataturk international airport on Tuesday could be carried out on the American soil. "I am worried from the standpoint of an intelligence professional who looks at the capabilities of Daesh and their determination to kill as many people as possible and to carry out attacks abroad," he said. "I'd be surprised if Daesh is not trying to carry out that kind of attack in the United States." The attack, carried out by three suicide bombers, left 42 people dead and more than 200 others injured. According to Brennan, building such vests for the sake of launching an attak inside the US is not very difficult. "You look at what happened in the Turkish airport, these were suicide vests. It's not that difficult to actually construct and fabricate a suicide vest so if you have a determined enemy and individuals who are not concerned about escape, that they are going into it with a sense that they are going to die, that really does complicate your strategy in terms of preventing attacks." He speculated that the attack was carried out by the ISIL Takfiris, because Ankara has been part of a US-led coalition to allegedly take out Daesh. "Turkey has been cracking down on some of the transit of foreign fighters who are flowing into, as well as out of, Turkey, and they are part of part of the coalition providing support, allowing their territory to be used by coalition aircraft, so there are a lot of reasons why Daesh would want to strike back," he said. "It was a suicide bombing [which] is usually more a Daesh technique." He argued that Daesh attacks outside the territory under its control are frequently launched after setbacks and losses inside Syria and Iraq but not necessarily. "Over the past year and a half they have made a more determined effort to carry out attacks abroad, and we see in terms of their plans, their preparations, the movement of people as well as propagandizing outside, exhorting, inciting a much more determined effort to carry out these external operations." He sounded confident that Daesh was being contained in the battlefields but voiced concern over the Takfiri organization's capabilities beyond its territories. "We've yet to really thwart Daesh's ability to reach beyond the Syria-Iraqi borders and put in place some of the plans and preparations to carry out attacks," said he American spymaster. "I am very concerned we have not had the success against Daesh in that environment as we've had in the core areas of Syria and Iraq." In recent months, the militants have been losing ground in both Syria and Iraq; however, terrorist attacks by Daesh affiliates still threaten countries across the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan, Japan to hold talks on maritime cooperation in late July ROC Central News Agency 2016/06/30 14:54:48 Taipei, June 30 (CNA) Taiwan and Japan are scheduled to hold their first dialogue on maritime cooperation in Taipei in late July to discuss issues such as fishery cooperation and response to maritime emergencies, a foreign affairs official said Thursday. Both sides have decided upon the date for the first meeting under a newly established Taiwan-Japan dialogue on maritime cooperation, said Tsai Ming-yaw (), secretary-general of the Association of East Asian Relations, which is in charge of ties with Japan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, at a regular news briefing. However, he declined to reveal the precise date, saying that it, along with the venue, will be announced once the details are finalized. Asked about the agenda of the meeting, he said the issues to be discussed will focus on fishery cooperation, maritime environmental protection, response to maritime emergencies and cooperation in maritime scientific research. But the two sides can still put other issues on the table, he added. As expected, the meeting will touch on several issues stemming from a recent dispute between Taiwan and Japan over fishing rights in waters near the Japan-controlled Okinotori atoll, which lies about 1,600 kilometers east of Taiwan, according to Tsai. After holding a preparatory meeting June 21, the two sides decided to hold the first meeting of the new bilateral dialogue in Taipei in July. Tsai said that meetings under the dialogue will be held once every year in principle. Taiwan and Japan decided to establish the dialogue after the most recent fishing dispute erupted when a Taiwanese fishing boat was detained by Japan April 25 on the high seas near Okinotori. The administration of then-President Ma Ying-jeou () lodged a strong protest with Japan after the Japanese authorities refused to release the boat until the owner had paid a security deposit of 6 million Japanese yen (US$54,000). Japan defines the atoll as an island, which means it is therefore entitled to a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. Taiwan, however, maintains that it is not an island because it cannot sustain human habitation. Tsai said May 31 that the goal of the upcoming maritime negotiations is to allow Taiwanese fishermen to fish in waters near the atoll. (By Tang Pei-chun and Elaine Hou) ENDITEM/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, Deputy Chief for Operations, Plans and Strategy Vice Admiral Chris Aquilino June 30, 2016 Department of Defense Press Briefing by Adm. Richardson on the Results of the Investigation into the Seizure of Two Riverine Boats and the Detention of 10 U.S. Navy Personnel by Iranian Forces in the Pentagon Briefing Room June 30, 2016 STAFF: All right, good morning, everyone. Today, we have the chief of naval operations, Admiral John Richardson, and his deputy for operations, plans and strategy, Vice Admiral Chris Aquilino, here to discuss the results of the investigation into the detention of 10 U.S. navy sailors by Iranian military forces earlier this year. You all should have a handout that depicts the timeline of events, and the intended and actual route taken by the boats. They will review what happened that day, the findings of the investigation and any corrective actions taken. And then we'll open it up for questions on the investigation, and if time permits, we can cover -- cover some other topics. We'll have about 30 minutes. Admiral Richardson. ADMIRAL JOHN RICHARDSON: Before we get started, is there a question about the handouts? (CROSSTALK) ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah. So, the question is, where are they? (Laughter.) Well, good morning everybody, and thank you for being here. And as Dawn announced today, we're releasing the results of the investigation into the seizure of two riverine command boats on 12 January this year by Iranian forces in the vicinity of Farsi Island, and the subsequent detention of 10 sailors. And the goal of this investigation was to conduct a thorough review of what U.S. Navy actions may have contributed to this incident. Now, we conduct these investigations to learn what we can in order to prevent similar events from occurring. And where necessary, to hold our people accountable where they failed to follow procedures and meet expectations. Now, before I get into the additional details, I want to address the question of international law up front. And as I've said before, these two boats and their crew members had every right to be where they were on that day. And the investigation concluded that Iran violated international law by impeding the boats' innocent passage transit, and they violated sovereign immunity by boarding, searching and seizing the boats and by photographing and videotaping the crew. Now, having said that, the bulk of the investigation concentrated on our lessons learned, and corrective actions to prevent this from recurring in the future. And with respect to the review of the boats' actions, the investigation looked in-depth at both chains of command. So, just to set the scene here, there are two chains of command that are operative. One is a chain of command back here in the United States that is responsible for manning, and training and equipping these units, preparing them and then certifying for them -- them for deployments. And then, when they go over to the 5th Fleet, they chop, they report to the 5th Fleet commander and the task force commander in theater, and they run their operations. And the crews report to them while they're in theater. So, we investigated both of the chain -- both chains of command. We began the investigation with the operational chain of command. So, as soon as the incident had -- you know, the actual incident itself had completed, the commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain appointed an investigating officer to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Then during the review of the investigation, the vice chief of naval operations appointed the deputy commander of Fleet Forces Command down in Norfolk to conduct a supplemental inquiry to focus on command and control at all levels, including the 5th Fleet, and to incorporate a formal legal opinion from the judge abdicate general on U.S. and Iranian compliance with international law. The vice chief also expanded the investigation's scope to include our four-star fleet commanders in the United States here. The Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Swift, and the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, Commander Admiral Davidson, to ensure that all aspects of the crew's pre-deployment preparation and training were addressed. Command investigation and the supplemental inquiries ensure that we had a complete and objective examination of the incident from the riverine boat crews up through the fleet commander, as well as the -- so, their operational chain of command, as well as that chain of command that prepares them to deploy. Now, the investigation reviewed seven areas: manning, training, material readiness, command and control, adherence to procedures while in theater, the rules of engagement and the code of conduct, and then international law. And Admiral Aquilino will provide additional details about the root causes in each area and actions that are underway to address them. Now as I mentioned during recent testimony and in my conversations with you, my intent -- our intent today is to be as open and transparent as possible and hopefully you've had the opportunity to review the documentation that we've already distributed and we can address any additional questions that you may have at the end of the brief. Today, though, we'll have to be careful about covering specific accountability actions. That process is conducted separately. I know you're all very familiar with that. As you know, we can't bias the outcome of those actions in any way, so we'll be not commenting on the specifics of those proceedings. So with that as an opening, to walk you through the details of the investigation and the corrective actions, I'll turn the podium over to Vice Admiral Aquilino, my deputy for operations, plans and strategy. VICE ADMIRAL CHRIS AQUILINO: Thank you, sir. Good morning. I'd like to provide you an overview of the incident itself and talk about the issue -- issues revealed by the investigation and the corrective actions implemented to ensure this event is not repeated. For reference today, all times identified will be in Bahrain local time. Coastal Riverine Squadron III deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations in August of 2015. The riverine command boats operate from Bahrain. They conduct escort of high value assets in and out of port as their primary mission. In October of 2015, three boats deployed from Bahrain to Kuwait to conduct operations in the North Arabian Gulf. On January 11th, 2016, two of the boats were directed to transit from Bahrain in support of the mission tasked to the central Arabian Gulf. Normally the riverine boats operate in a minimum of pairs for mutual support. They planned to follow a standard navigation route used routinely between Kuwait and Bahrain. Because of the distance, the boats planned to meet up with another ship for refueling about midway through the transit. On 12 January, two boats departed Kuwait on a 259 nautical mile transit to Bahrain, the longest the crews had ever executed. The boats departed about four hours later than planned and immediately deviated from their planned route in an attempt to make up some time. The crew's deviation caused them to transit unknowingly through Saudi Arabian territorial seas and then through Iranian territorial seas off the coast of Farsi Island. Approximately a mile and a half south of Farsi Island, one of the two boats suffered and engine problem. That was at 4:11 p.m. Both boats stopped, one to conduct engine repairs, the second boat to provide support. At 4:20, two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGCN, patrol craft approached at high speed with weapons uncovered. The U.S. crews attempted to communicate with the Iranians, informing them they had an engine issue. Shortly thereafter, the engine was repaired and the crews attempted to evade. One of the boats was physically blocked, preventing it from departing the area, when two larger IRGCN vessels arrived. The U.S. boats, assessing that they were overmatched, were then forced to reposition to Farsi Island, where the crews were held overnight and interrogated. After learning the crews were detained, the 5th Fleet commander direct -- directed a robust military response and search and rescue effort. As a result of these efforts and diplomatic negotiations, the crews were released the next morning. As described earlier, the investigation reviewed seven focus areas and the CNO has already addressed international law. But I will now describe the conclusions reached by the investigators regarding the remaining six areas, as well as the corrective actions taken or are currently in process -- progress. Some of those corrective actions are in the operational chain of command under 5th Fleet, while others are in the administrative chain of command, as CNO described, under the direction of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, or NECC. For manning, the report validated that the squadron was adequately manned when they deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations in August of 2015, and no corrective actions are anticipated with regard to manning. Under training, the report validated that pre-deployment training and certification was adequate and appropriate for the missions expected to be assigned. However, the investigation also found that once deployed, sustainment training, including navigation, weapons, and rules of engagement training, was not conducted. Operationally, the 5th Fleet commander conducted reviews of the training and readiness programs and provided additional training to personnel in theater since the incident. To address this, administrative chain has made a number of changes to the training program. This includes navigation training improvements, operational risk management, and increased simulator training in support of this effort. Additionally, there are some actions that are ongoing and not yet completed, but are in work. Monthly training assessment of in-theater forces is in development. The enhancement of pre-deployment training to more closely align with the missions assigned is in work. And greater fleet training certification requirements are in place. Under material readiness, material readiness within the squadron declined during the deployment due to lack of command involvement and oversight, as stated in the report. Of note, the boats were inspected during the turnover in August when this unit arrived, and the boats were found to be in good condition. The report found that the readiness degraded during their time when they were in Kuwait. In response to these findings, formalized requirements for material readiness programs have been implemented, and no-notice inspections for all deployed units have also been implemented. Under command and control, the investigation found a lack of leadership, a disregard for risk management processes and proper mission planning standards. One important note that the investigation stated was that if the guidance provided by the 5th Fleet commander had been followed, this event could have been prevented. A lack of leadership for geographically distributed forces resulted in degraded maintenance, poor morale, and declining standards, and the investigation also found poor coordination and communication between units and the operations centers that oversee these events. 5th Fleet has refocused their training and leadership for its maritime operations centers and the subordinate operations centers that support. And ongoing actions include the revision of the 5th Fleet operations order which governs riverine command boat operations and includes over-watch procedures. Greater oversight and leadership involvement for geographically distributed forces is in place, and those should address the deficiencies as outlined. For procedural adherence, the investigation states leadership did not enforce proper navigation practices. No preparation of a concept of operation briefing was developed; lacking communication plan, mission pre-briefs and weapons postures have all been addressed. Specifically, once underway, the boat crews failed to report deviation from their planned route, unexpected land sitings or the engine casualty that required them to stop. In order to prevent recurrence, 5th Fleet has directed indoctrination and assessment period for all forces going into theater. Naval Expeditionary Combat Command has implemented formal requirements for commanders or units to continually and personally update their readiness of their forces and instituted formal reports back to headquarters. Under rules and engagement, the investigation determined that the rules of engagements in place are adequate, but may not have been understood by the crews. The investigation also found that some crew members did not meet code of conduct standards while in custody. In addition to the changes to the training programs described, the command has increased the training required and they have added in-person survival evasion resistance and escape training for all coastal riverine forces that will deploy. In conclusion, the investigation looked at seven areas of concern, and the Navy is taking actions at all levels of the chain of command to address those deficiencies to ensure this event will not happen again. And CNO, thanks for the time. ADM. RICHARDSON: Okay, thanks, Admiral Aquilino. Before we get to questions, let me just conclude by saying that across the Navy and across the globe, hundreds of commanding officers and hundreds of thousands of U.S. sailors are making tough decisions and performing their duties in a way that should make every American proud and strike fear into anybody who would want to take us on. Those -- those sailors clearly know our actions on that day in January, and this incident did not live up to our expectations of our Navy. But we are a Navy that learns in order to maintain the bonds of trust and confidence amongst ourselves and with the American people, we have an obligation to continually examine our personal and professional conduct to ensure that we always execute our mission and behave with integrity, with accountability, initiative and toughness. And with that, I'll take your questions. STAFF: Bob. Q: Colonel, Bobs Burns with AP. ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah. Q: Question, in your opening statement, you mentioned -- I think you said it was the commander of the 5th Fleet had ordered a robust military response after this encounter happened. ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah. Q: Was that executed in anyway, and what was that? And also, could you also elaborate about the point about the failures to adhere to the code of conduct standards? ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah -- (inaudible). Sir, with regard to the search and rescue effort that was initiated, the commander of 5th Fleet pushed USS Anzio into the area of Farsi Island, as well as there was a Coast Guard vessel that supported this event. There were alert launches from Harry S. Truman, with F-18s to provide oversight -- over watch, as well as nontraditional ISR, in an attempt to build more information. And lastly, the combined -- the Combined Air Operations Center supported it with a launch of F-15s. Q: And the point about -- so that -- that -- this was a military response amounted to. And then the code of conduct question? ADM. RICHARDSON: So, for the code of conduct, the -- the code of conduct is clearly utilized as a guideline for behavior in an instance where soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines might be in custody. The specific item that was of concern was the potential to make statements that would harm or be disloyal to the United States. So that is what the investigation found. Q: What was the statement that was made? ADM. AQUILINO: The statement is in the investigation, Bob, so we can get you that specific thing. And then beyond that, the details of that are part of the ongoing accountability review and the -- the subject of further action on the part of Admiral Morneau of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command. So, we'll get you the exact quote right out of the investigation, but it's quoted there. STAFF: Dan? Q: Admiral, good morning. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post. Navy so far has announced two reliefs for cause as a result of this incident. Are there any others that we don't know about yet that have been made? And I guess from a timeline perspective, where's the disciplinary process at this point? ADM. RICHARDSON: Right. So, there was the task force commander for Task Force 56. He has been relieved, as we've announced. The commanding officer of the squadron, the riverine squadron, has been relieved. Additionally, the officer in charge of the detachment in Kuwait, those boats that were deployed up there, has been relieved. There are six other people that are being -- that are in process right now, and that's being handled by Admiral Morneau. Q: Is this an NJP process or a criminal process? STAFF: David? ADM. RICHARDSON: What's that? Right. So, I believe it's a proceeding down the NJP line is where they intend to go. Q: Admiral, this is not the first high-profile incident with riverine squadrons over the last three or four years. If I read the investigation and your comments correctly, either admiral, it seems like the -- the investigation concluded they were properly manned, trained, and equipped before they left. But how is it that this is not the first incidence over the last three years, even the last three months, really, of sub-par seamanship on behalf of the riverine squadron? And what are you doing to address that? ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, as a result of that, David, NECC, the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, as part of this and the other incidents, was directed to review exactly those questions. You know, how are the forces being trained? And asked to evaluate whether that training is adequate to match their expected missions. So, right now, I'm not prepared to say that there's a larger problem, but I am -- I can confirm to you we're looking very hard at that, and we'll make adjustments as needed. Q: Two unrelated questions. Firstly, on the code of conduct. The report sort of goes into details about one crewmember giving his password to his personal laptop, and giving information about the boat, the speed. I mean, is this sort of an isolated incident? Or are you looking at other incidents where crewmembers, you know, may give too much information when under interrogation? ADM. RICHARDSON: Well, we don't have a big sampling of that, right? So, what we're doing is we're making sure that the training is as prototypical and relevant as possible, right? So, you know, there is the code of conduct as it exists, and then we are working to ensure that -- how that code of conduct can operate in foreseeable situations so that these sailors, and all service members, have as robust a training program that would be as realistic as possible to allow them to exercise -- (inaudible) -- so -- so -- that's kind of the -- the nature of the review that we're doing right now to make sure our training is as applicable as possible. (CROSSTALK) Q: (inaudible) -- question -- on China, actually. The Chinese have said they're not going to abide by the ruling by the International Court of Arbitration on July 12th. Could you give some details on what the U.S. may be willing to do when -- ADM. RICHARDSON: We generally don't anticipate things like that and so -- I don't want to get out in front of that type of thing. Q: Hey, Admiral. Sam Lagrone with USNI news. So when the Brits had their sailors snatched by the IRGCN in 2007 from -- (inaudible) -- you know, they sought diplomatic international redress in the United Nations looking for a statement (inaudible) and stuff like that. In your report you say several times that the Iranians seem to have violated (inaudible) of the United Nations -- (inaudible) -- convention. Where is the diplomatic response from the United States? Where is that redress? Is that coming? Is that something that you're aware about at the State Department or the administration is working or is this -- that the (inaudible)? ADM. RICHARDSON: Our investigation didn't investigate that Sam, so I just want to confine our discussion today to what the investigation covered. Q: But you're not aware of anything like that in -- ADM. RICHARDSON: I'll just stick to what we talked about here. (CROSSTALK) Q: (inaudible) Seapower magazine. A little trouble on the code of conduct thing. As an aviator before we had ever deployed, we always had to go through SERE training, which included indoctrination in the code of conduct. Were these the riverine guys, NECC people, not given that training? ADM. RICHARDSON: So there's different levels of SERE training, as you know, and the aviators receive always the highest level. Prior to this event, the NECC received a lower level and that is one of the -- (inaudible) -- fixes is they will now receive the exact same training that you mentioned, sir. Q: (inaudible) -- include the code of conduct -- (CROSSTALK) ADM. RICHARDSON: Again, they do have code of conduct training, but not to the level -- prior to this event that we would have wanted, which is one of the results. STAFF: Tara. Q: Tara Copp, "Stars and Stripes." For both of you. Did it surprise you just how many different things went wrong and that nobody stopped this particular patrol from going out? And then I have a couple of just clear-up questions on chain of command. ADM. RICHARDSON: Okay. Yeah. I will tell you that having -- you around as long as we've been around, Tara, and these -- big incidents like this are always the result of the accumulation of a number of small problems. And so it's just the nature of these things. And what we have to take aboard as a Navy is that you never know how these things are going to combine, right? And so we've got to be absolutely diligent and -- this is the command's responsibility that we sort of identify and fix problems wherever we find them. We've got to be extremely aggressive. When you start living with problems, as this team in Kuwait, in particular, started to do and you saw it in the training, in the material, you never know how these things are going to combine at exactly the wrong moment and result in a bigger incident like this. Q: (inaudible) -- follow-up on chain of command. The -- the task force commander who has been relieved, where is he in the chain of command? Is he directly above RC -- uh -- ADM. RICHARDSON: He's right above the squadron commander for the riverine command boats. And so -- and just under the 5th Fleet commander. Q: Is that squadron commander directly beneath him? Have there been any sort of administration penalty taken or -- ADM. RICHARDSON: That squadron commander was relieved of command. (CROSSTALK) ADM. RICHARDSON: So the squadron commander was relieved of command and his boss, the task force commander, was also relieved of command. STAFF: Lucas? Q: Admiral Richardson, Lucas Tomlinson, Fox News. Were you disappointed that one of your officers, the lieutenant, the commanding officer of the boats apologized to the Iranians and was filmed apologizing? ADM. RICHARDSON: You know, I think that those types of questions are really not helpful in terms of getting us back on track as a Navy to take action to prevent this from ever happening again. And so, you know, my personal feelings really don't pertain to this. Q: Will this incident be used as training material? ADM. RICHARDSON: Absolutely. Absolutely. This will be a case study going forward. Q: (inaudible) -- Naval Academy to sailors throughout the fleet? ADM. RICHARDSON: You can see that there are lessons that apply across our entire Navy, not just officers, but enlisted, the whole Navy. So this will be something that we can mine for a lot of lessons. Q: Hope Seck, with Military.com. In the investigation, it talks about the moment that the Iranian boats approached. And of course, many poor decisions have been made to get to that point. But it, you know, says that the crews were wrong to -- the -- the coxswain to disobey the order to accelerate, get away. There was hostile intent. So there's a possibility of a military response. I'm curious, once you're in that position, what the correct actions to be taken were, rather than the surrender that happened? ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, so clearly, the main point of the investigation is that you never want to get yourself into that position where you really have very, very few good choices. Right? There were no good choices at that -- and that's exactly how we train our Navy to be. So that if you're in a situation, you are ready to manage that situation, over-match anybody who would want to challenge us, and execute our mission. So that would be the emphasis that I'd want to take away here. The particulars of what happened in the moment, as I said, are being considered as part of disciplinary procedures. And so I don't want to give you, you know, a sense of my feelings on there and unduly influence those proceedings. STAFF: Chris? Q: Two questions, sir. One is that when the RCBs were coming down, and they -- they deviated from the course right away. They were too far in-shore. Did they communicate at any time in those, what, three or four hours, with the -- there was a Coast Guard cutter that was refueling boat. Did they ever communicate with that vessel and talk about their location and course? ADM. RICHARDSON: They did make the required reports during the transit every 30 minutes. Q: But they didn't communicate their position during those? ADM. RICHARDSON: Their position was communicated. Q: And the Coast Guard cutter did not respond with any -- ADM. RICHARDSON: Their communication was back to the operations centers, and the investigation found that the operations centers did not properly plant or plot the track and keep the required oversight of where the boats were. Q: So they didn't -- the op center did not communicate back to the RCBs that you were off-course, you're in a dangerous position? ADM. RICHARDSON: That's right. One of the findings was that the operations center, you know, which is a squadron function, you know, the task force function, they were also found to be deficient in terms of their understanding of the intended track and their tracking of the actual track. I would just add that the Coast Guard vessel did come up on the line and say, "It looks like these riverine" -- they saw them, you know, they had contact on them. "Looks like the riverine boats were off-track and were in Iranian waters as well." So Coast Guard was aware of their position and did report that in. (CROSSTALK) ADM. RICHARDSON: -- and that's in -- that's in the investigation. Q: (inaudible) -- these small boats in the Persian Gulf. And I know the Coast Guard -- the Coast Guard prides itself on seamanship and navigation. ADM. RICHARDSON: Right. Q: And that's sort of a point of contention. ADM. RICHARDSON: We do to, Chris. This is an -- you know, this is an exception. STAFF: (Inaudible). Q: All right. Have -- have -- since this incident, have RCBs been operating around Farsi Island and in the Northern Persian Gulf again? ADM. RICHARDSON: I don't know, Lung do --. ADM. AQUILINO: At this point, I don't think they've pushed them forward to Bahrain. ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah. ADM. AQUILINO: Or to Kuwait. They have operated out of Bahrain. But that is not a function of this event. There has just been no mission requirement. Q: Carla Babb, Voice of America. Just to clarify, the only equipment failure was the engine? There were no communication failures, and the communication equipment was working the entire time? ADM. RICHARDSON: There was an issue on one of the boats with the communication gear. One of the boats was unable to establish encrypted communications over the horizon with the headquarters. The other boat's communications equipment was working fine. Q: Can you -- can you say which one had the issue? Was it the one with the engine failure as well? ADM. AQUILINO: We can get back to you on that. ADM. RICHARDSON: Yeah. Q: You know, I know you don't want to get too far into your own personal opinion, but you know, what is the lasting damage of having images of sailors at gun point, by Iranian forces broadcast all over the world? ADM. AQUILINO: Well, you know, that is obviously to be determined, David. But we will take that as -- as the, you know, the earlier question highlighted, and make sure that we learn every possible lesson out of this. And we'll make it vividly clear to the United States Navy, you know, what is the expected standard, and how to achieve that standard. STAFF: Okay. We've got time for one more. Lucas. Q: Admiral, have you spoken to your Iranian counterpart to voice your displeasure over the incident? ADM. RICHARDSON: No. Q: Has anyone? ADM. AQUILINO: I -- ADM. RICHARDSON: I mean -- (inaudible) -- Secretary Kerry and sort of the State Department reaching out to them. ADM. AQUILINO: We -- we made our -- our views clear in forums like this. But in terms of direct communication, you know, I'm not aware of anything beyond what Secretary Kerry did. Q: (inaudible) -- the captains of both boats, 802 and 805are they both still awaiting their -- this -- whatever sort of punitive -- ADM. RICHARDSON: Yes, they are. STAFF: Okay. Thank you very much. ADM. RICHARDSON: Thanks. -END- http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/822039/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Productive cooperation between officials and civil society: Freedom of Information Centre celebrates 15th anniversary: On July 1st, 2001, a group of young journalists and lawyers founded the Freedom of Information Centre (FOICA). The mission of FOICA is to promote application of the RA Freedom of Information Law, contribute to the transparency and openness of the Armenian government system and to stimulate civic society's involvement in the governance system. The organization sends information requests and inquires to state agencies and local self-government bodies and then makes the information public. The FOICA also played an active role in the elaboration and adoption of the Armenian law on Freedom of information. The law was adopted in 2003 thanks to the efforts of the FOICA team. It obligated state bodies to provide the requested information to citizens in a very short period of time. Besides, starting November 2016, citizens can receive information from the Real Estate Cadastre free of charge. FOICA President Liana Doydoyan presents the changes introduced by the organization in the country. Despite the existing problems we have achieved something important. People get answers to their concerns through inquiries. We are proud as we have created judicial precedents and today we have a law that has not undergone any changes to this day, she said. From 2001 until today, more than 7000 training courses have been organized by the Centre for officials and journalists, showing them the correct way of correct handling, provision and coverage of information. Yemen rival parties free 700 prisoners in over 2 months: UN envoy Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 5:28PM The UN special envoy for Yemen says the country's warring sides have released more than 700 prisoners since the beginning of the peace talks aimed at ending the conflict gripping the impoverished state. Speaking to reporters in Kuwait on Thursday, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed released the figure without elaborating on where and when the captives were released. The remarks came one day after the UN-mediated discussions between Houthi fighters and their allies, on the one hand, and Saudi-backed loyalists to the resigned president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, on the other side, were adjourned until July 15 after the holy month of Ramadan. Negotiators have said that the suspension comes after weeks of deadlock in the talks. The peace talks, which started in Kuwait City on April 21, were held against the backdrop of an open-ended ceasefire that began in the conflict-ridden country at midnight on April 10. Warring parties also began face-to-face negotiations for the first time on April 30. Elsewhere in his comments, the UN envoy said that a "de-escalation and coordination committee" made up of members of both sides to the conflict would be based out of Saudi Arabia's southwestern Asir region to monitor the truce. Yemen has seen almost daily military attacks by Saudi Arabia since late March 2015, with internal sources putting the toll from the bloody aggression at about 10,000. The Saudi military aggression was launched to crush the Houthis and allies and restore power to Hadi, a staunch ally of Riyadh. The Houthi Ansarullah fighters took state matters into their own hands after the resignation and escape of Hadi, which threw Yemen into a state of uncertainty and threatened a total security breakdown in the country, where an al-Qaeda affiliate is present. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenian parliament ratifies treaty on joint air defense system with Russia Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:14PM Armenian lawmakers have ratified an agreement on joining a unified air defense system with Russia in the Caucasus region. A total of 102 out of 131 lawmakers voted in favor of the deal on Thursday, while eight voted against it. Armenia's Deputy Defense Minister Ara Nazaryan applauded the deal as a boost to the landlocked Caucasus country's defense system. "With this agreement we will be able to use the technical capabilities and resources of Russia's air defense, including weapons, aircraft, and the ability to use fighter aircraft," Nazaryan added. He told a session of parliament that the command of the joint air defenses will be in Russia but Armenia's military will control separate air defense systems. "In peacetime, the sides will be able to make their own decisions on how to use the troops under their control. The sides will need to notify each other of these decisions and actions," Nazaryan noted, adding, "Armenia will have a right to use its air defense to the extent and for the purposes it deems necessary." The pro-Western opposition Heritage party, in a statement, decried the decision, saying it cedes the country's sovereignty to Moscow, which also has sizeable military cooperation with Azerbaijan. Yerevan has deep-seated rifts with Baku over the disputed region of Karabakh. "This is an attempt to hand over the last bits of Armenian sovereignty to a foreign state that sold USD 5 billion worth of weapons to Azerbaijan," the statement added. The development comes as Moscow is working on merging the air defense capabilities of its former Soviet partners that are now its military allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Russia has stepped up military cooperation with its CSTO allies to counter NATO amid rising tensions with the Western countries over the Ukraine crisis. NATO has stepped up its military build-up near Russia's borders since it suspended all ties with Moscow in April 2014 after the Crimean Peninsula re-integrated into the Russian Federation following a referendum. Moscow has on many occasions slammed NATO's expansion near its borders, saying such a move poses a threat to both regional and international peace. Russia has also criticized NATO's expansionist policy to include countries in the Western Balkan region, saying the move directly harms Russia's strategic interests in the area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban bomb attacks kill 27, injure 40 in Afghan capital Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 8:39AM Twin bomb attacks by the Taliban have targeted vehicles carrying police cadets on the western outskirts of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least 27 people and injuring 40 others. Three buses were attacked by two bombers as the vehicles approached the capital from neighboring Wardak Province, a police official said, according to preliminary information. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the first attack targeted a bus carrying police cadets and their instructors. Then, as rescuers and emergency services arrived, the second bomber rammed his car, packed with explosives, into their vehicles, killing dozens, he claimed. The latest bombings come 10 days after an attack on a bus carrying Nepali security guards working for the Canadian embassy in Kabul killed 14 people. In April, at least 64 people were killed in a Taliban attack on a security services facility in Kabul in the deadliest bombing of its kind in Afghanistan since 2011. The militants have intensified their attacks following the appointment of Haibatullah Akhundzada as the group's new leader. Afghanistan has been gripped by insecurity since the US and its allies invaded the country as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. Many parts of the country remain plagued by militancy despite the presence foreign troops from many US allies. According to a report by Amnesty International, at least 1.2 million Afghans have been internally displaced due to violence in the past three years. Estimates show that about 200,000 people have been killed in the less than three decades of the Taliban militancy in Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address After Istanbul Attack, Pentagon May Require 'Unaccompanied' Tours in Turkey Sputnik News 23:25 30.06.2016(updated 03:46 01.07.2016) With rising security concerns in Turkey, the US military is taking steps to bar civilian staffers and military families from traveling to country. In its fight against Daesh, also known as IS/Islamic State, the United States has relied on Incirlik air base in southern Turkey. As the country becomes increasingly vulnerable to terrorist attacks, however, the Obama administration has become increasingly concerned with safety. In March, the Pentagon began ordering families of US military and diplomatic personnel to leave the air base. In the wake of Tuesday's attack at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, the US may go one step further. According to military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, the Pentagon plans to make all deployments to Turkey "unaccompanied" tours. "The change reflects the continued deterioration of security conditions throughout Turkey," one source said. The US currently has roughly 2,200 personnel stationed in Turkey. Approximately 1,500 of these are based in Incirlik. The change, which still has to be finalized by the Defense Department, would reduce Turkish deployments from two years to one. The US State Department has also warned US citizens against traveling to Turkey, citing an increased threat of attack. "The death toll from the terrorist attack is now 43 people, 19 of them foreign nationals The identify of one terrorist has been established, 13 people have been arrested on charges of involvement in the terrorist attack, nine of whom are Turkish citizens," Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala said in a statement to the Turkish parliament on Thursday. "The evidence currently collected indicates IS [Daesh]." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Effort to Protect Armored Vehicles, US Army Turns to Foreign Technology Sputnik News 22:29 30.06.2016(updated 02:51 01.07.2016) The US Army is looking to foreign technology to protect its armored vehicles against anti-tank missiles and rocket propelled grenades. RPGs are a common threat to armored vehicles worldwide, especially in the European and Central command. To find a solution, the US Army wants to test different solutions on combat vehicles like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker combat vehicles and M1 Abrams tanks. This effort is inspired in part by a fear of Russia's potential to surpass America in the field of armor protection. The service's recent focus on Middle Eastern conflicts placed more emphasis on technology needed for CENTCOM combat, such as Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Vehicles, which are designed to counter improvised explosive devices. Out of four possible solutions the Army intends to test this summer, three will rely foreign technology, including two from Israel. These systems have already been developed and fielded, and the Pentagon hopes they can be integrated into existing systems. While the Army has been secretive about its plans, but Lexington Institute analyst Daniel Goure says that a brigade's worth of vehicles with Active Protection Systems (APS) will be fielded. "We are always looking for ways to enhance the protection provided in our combat vehicles and recognize (APS) as one of our highest priorities towards this end," said Ashley Givens, a spokeswoman for the Army's Combat Ground Systems program office. Givens revealed that the service is also developing its foundational science and technology initiative, the Modular Active Protection System (MAPS). It won't be ready anytime soon, however, and in the meantime the Army has critical operation needs that must be met. "By prototyping these integration activities cooperatively with Army S&T, potential APS vendors and our platform integrators, we will be able to posture the Army with solutions that can be more rapidly integrated and greatly reduce both acquisition and operational risk," she said. It has been reported that the US Army is in the process of signing an agreement with Israel to use its Trophy system on American combat vehicles. Trophy, which combines an active vehicle protection system and hostile fire detection, was originally developed for the Israeli government by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and proved to be an outstanding asset during Operation Protective Edge, when border patrols were increased along the Gaza Strip. During Eurosatory, a large conference on land warfare held in Paris, the Rafael booth showed videos of Trophy withstanding a direct hit from an RPG in close quarters. After the smoke cleared, the vehicle appeared to be virtually unblemished. A German company called Rheinmetall Defence is also throwing its hat in the ring. The Army is also considering Iron Fist, a creation of the Israeli Military Industry (IMI) and Iron Curtain, a product of the Artis Corporation based in Canada. Iron Curtain began as a program for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. It is believed, however, that Trophy will be the easiest system to integrate. "We've partnered with Rafael for the last five years to bring Trophy or Trophy-like technology to the US to meet the evolving survivability requirements of the Army and Marine Corps that was born out of some previous attempts by Rafael to get Trophy into the US market dating back to even [Future Combat System] days," said Mike O'Leary, who heads the Trophy program at DRS Technologies. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany, Poland Make 'Historically Unique' Deal to Combine Submarine Fleets Sputnik News 22:02 30.06.2016(updated 03:47 01.07.2016) In a push to modernize their navies, Germany and Poland have agreed to work together, establishing a joint submarine operating authority. The memorandum signed by both countries will establish a joint operational control center in Glucksberg, Germany. The Polish Navy also intends to connect its submarine fleet to the German military's broadcast control system. Two Polish naval officers will be permanently stationed in the city. "It's a very special step, to pass the control of an important national strategic asset like a submarine in common hands," said Vice Admiral Andreas Krause, inspector of the German Navy, according to Defense News. A spokesman for the German Navy called the arrangement "historically unique." Combined, the two countries operate 11 submersibles, with six class 212A vessels in the German fleet, and five U-boats in the Polish Navy. The spokesman also indicated that other countries could eventually be added to the joint authority. An offer has already been extended to Norway, and given the existing relationship between the three countries, it doesn't seem farfetched to assume Oslo will accept. Four of Poland's U-boats were acquired from the Norwegian Navy, and Berlin expects to replace six of its subs with ones from the Scandinavian country. The joint operations center could serve as a model for NATO. Germany intends to build a new operations center in Rostock, along the western edge of the Baltic Sea. This could serve as a command center for the alliance's Multinational Maritime Component Command, according to the German spokesman. The Rostock center could, theoretically, include representation from all NATO members along the Baltic. This would be the latest example of the alliance's eastward expansion. NATO already intends to boost its troop presence along Russia's borders, and will open a new Aegis Ashore missile defense system in Poland in 2018. Moscow has condemned these moves as an unnecessary provocation. "The military-political situation along [Russia's] western borders remains unstable. The United States and other NATO members continue to build up military capabilities, primarily in countries neighboring Russia," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday. "These actions by Western colleagues tend to undermine strategic stability in Europe and force us to take a retaliatory measures, primarily in the Western strategic direction." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Might of Egyptian Air Force 'Under Threat' After Italian Senate's Decision Sputnik News 20:29 30.06.2016(updated 00:08 01.07.2016) The Italian Senate on Wednesday night passed an amendment to the draft law on military missions, according to which the deliveries of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets to Egypt would be suspended. This was the first serious step of the Italian Parliament toward Egypt following the murder case of an Italian graduate student, Giulio Regeni, in January this year in Cairo. Retired Egyptian army General, Abdel Rafe Darwish, spoke to Sputnik in an interview saying that the decision can be "dangerous for Egypt." "This is a very dangerous decision for Egypt, which has a direct impact on the military might of the military aviation as spare parts have a certain life span, after which they cannot be used. Hence, they must be continuously supplied to ensure the normal functioning of F-16 fighters," the general said. According to him, in order to prevent such crises, the Egyptian officers have repeatedly called on their government to purchase arms from different sources. Due to the lack of diversity in the arms market of the Egyptian Army, some countries have leverage over Egypt. "If we received weapons from different countries, we would not have to depend on a single party in matters of arms and spare parts," the general said. The tensions between both the countries have been rising since the body of Giulio Regeni, a 28-year-old who was pursuing a PhD at Cambridge, was found in a ditch in the suburbs outside Cairo, nine days after he disappeared on January 25. While Regeni was known to be an academic researcher, the Italian news agency Ansa reported that he also wrote about his work on Egyptian labor unions for Il Manifesto, the Italian communist newspaper. Ansa reported that he used a pseudonym because he was concerned for his safety. His work for Il Manifesto was confirmed by Simone Pieranni, the newspaper's foreign editor, who said it would be publishing Regeni's previous works on Friday, including a piece written shortly before his death, online newspaper The Guardian reported. Furthermore, there were reports of torture marks on the victim's body. His death resulted in diplomatic tensions between Italy and Egypt because the Italian side claimed that Egypt was not doing enough to investigate the torture and murder of the Italian student. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Destroyer Tried to Repulse Russian Frigate From Carrier - Admiral Sputnik News 18:02 30.06.2016(updated 18:12 30.06.2016) Dangerous maneuvering of a US destroyer near a Russian frigate was part of the US Navy tactics to repulse any ships from a US aircraft carrier, a former Chief of Staff of the Russian Navy said on Thursday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the US destroyer Gravely, which escorted Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean on June 17, violated international and bilateral agreement on avoiding incidents at seas by approaching the Russian frigate dangerously close. US military responded to Russia's stance that during the incident, the Yaroslav Mudry frigate had displayed the signal restricted in maneuvers, but changed its speed to approach to the US ship after Gravely had changed both speed and course. "It is the tactics of US Navy ships of the escort carrier battle groups. In this case, the [US] Harry Truman carrier was in the Mediterranean Sea, laid on the combat course.for aircraft training exercises. The destroyer of his escort, Gravely, took a dangerous maneuver to "fight off "a Russian ship from an aircraft carrier, " Adm. Viktor Kravchenko told RIA Novosti. He recalled that in 1992 Russia and the United States signed an agreement on prevention on and over the seas, however, the agreement did not specify the parameters, which can determine the danger level of ships' convergence. "However, there is such a thing as a maritime culture that prescribes that a ship with larger displacement tonnage [Gravely] should behave more carefully with respect to a ship smaller displacement. The Americans have ignored it," the navy officer said. Following the incident, the US Department of Defense said it was in contact with Moscow over the issue. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy Accuses Iran of Violating Int'l Law by Seizing of US Vessels Sputnik News 17:35 30.06.2016(updated 18:01 30.06.2016) US Admiral John Richardson said in a briefing on Thursday that Iran violated international law by seizing US navy vessels near Farsi Island and violated sovereign immunity by videotaping the boats' crewmembers. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) In May, the US Navy dismissed the commander of ten American sailors who were captured and detained for 15 hours by Iran after unlawfully sailing into Iranian territorial waters in January. The incident created a diplomatic row between the two countries, nearly extinguishing the US-Iran nuclear deal at the final moment. "We are releasing the results of the investigation into the seizure of two [US] command boats on 12 January of this year by Iranian forces in the vicinity of Farsi Island and the subsequent detention of ten sailors," Richardson stated. "The investigation concluded that Iran violated international law by impeding the boats innocent passage transit and they violated sovereign immunity by boarding, searching and seizing the boats and by photographing and videotaping the crew." US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Chris Aquilino added that as a result of the incident the Navy will enhance code of conduct training for sailors. On June 24, the US Navy announced that it relieved the officer in charge at the time of the incident, Captain Kyle Moses, of his duties due to "loss of confidence." 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. Kerry's intervention came at a crucial point in the implementation of a nuclear deal with Iran. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Buildup on Russian Border Aimed at Military Parity Scrapping - Putin Sputnik News 15:10 30.06.2016(updated 15:12 30.06.2016) NATO activity on the Russian border is aimed at scrapping of the military parity between the sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) He added that despite these developments, Russia was not going to give way to "a militaristic frenzy" but would react accordingly. "We are constantly being accused of military activity. Where? On our own territory. But the things happening on our borders are considered 'normal.' Rapid responses forces are being deployed, arsenals of offensive weapons are replenished in Poland and the Baltic states. All this is aimed at undermining the decades long military parity," Putin said at the meeting with Russian ambassadors. Russian diplomats should continue their work on the elimination of existing and prevention of new hotbeds of tension, first of all, along the Russian borders, Putin said. "Russian diplomacy should continue to actively promote the settlement of the existing and prevent the emergence of new hotbeds of tension and conflict, primarily at our borders." While protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia, it is important to create "an atmosphere of cooperation and neighborly relations," he added. Since 2014, NATO has been building up its military presence in Europe, using Moscow's alleged interference in Ukraine as a pretext for the move. Moscow has repeatedly denied the claims and warned NATO that the military buildup on Russia's borders is provocative and threatens the existing strategic balance of power. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EUCOM Claims Russian Ship 'Intentionally Displayed False Signal' Sputnik News 09:37 30.06.2016(updated 13:04 30.06.2016) Russia's Neustrashimy-class frigate Yaroslav Mudry was deliberately "displaying a false international signal" during a recent close encounter with the US guided missile destroyer Gravely in the Mediterranean, a spokesman for the US European Command (EUCOM) said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the US destroyer violated international and bilateral agreement on avoiding incidents at seas by approaching the Russian frigate dangerously close. US military responded to Russia's stance that during the incident, Yaroslav Mudry had displayed the signal restricted in maneuvers, but changed its speed to approach to the US ship after Gravely had changed both speed and course. "The maneuvering demonstrates that Neustrashimy was not in fact restricted in her ability to maneuver, and was thus intentionally displaying a false international signal Gravely, operating together with [US aircraft carrier] Harry S. Truman, assessed that Neustrashimy was intentionally trying to interfere with Harry S. Truman operations," Capt. Danny Hernandez was quoted as saying by The Wall Street Journal Wednesday. The US Department of Defense had already said that it was in contact with Moscow about the incident through appropriate discussion channels. According to a US military official quoted by Defense News, the Gravely was escorting the Harry S. Truman carrier participating in the international operation against Daesh while the Yaroslav Mudry was moving nearby. "Gravely was operating astern of Harry S. Truman, and assessed that 777 [the Russian ship] was intentionally trying to interfere with Harry S. Truman operations 777 had raised day shapes "ball-diamond-ball," which is the international signal a ship displays when restricted in her ability to maneuver, when she took position two nautical miles off Gravely's starboard quarter. Then, 777 repeatedly asked Gravely over VHF radio to maintain a safe distance, while 777 continued to maneuver to get closer to Gravely." In April, the USS Donald Cook Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer made headlines after two Russian Su-24 Fencer tactical bombers flew close to the ship near a Russian base in the Baltic Sea. US military officials slammed the fly-by as reckless and unprofessional, while Russia maintained it was defending its national borders. The United States expressed concern over the flyover incident through Washington's defense attache in Moscow. The US European Command said the jets flew in a manner that resembled an attack and ignored safety advisories. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bombers swerved away from the US warship once it was identified. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Idea to Send Peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh Out of Agenda - Russian Envoy Sputnik News 09:18 30.06.2016 A peacekeeping operation could take place only after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's settlement, but it may happen only in the very long term, Russia's Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Alexander Lukashevich told Sputnik. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The idea to deploy a peacekeeping mission to the disputed border region of Nagorno-Karabakh is out of agenda, Russia's Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Alexander Lukashevich told Sputnik. "There is a concept of peacekeeping operation in the area of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, approved back in the 1990s. But it is the final stage of the settlement and the idea is out of agenda since there is no settlement," Lukashevich said. There is a working group in the OSCE, which has been adapting a scheme of potential peacekeeping operation, but its outcome is reflected only on draft maps, he added. The peacekeeping operation could take place only after the settlement, but it may happen only in the very long term, Lukashevich noted. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic proclaimed its independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. After the military conflict ended in 1994, Baku lost control over the region mostly populated by the Armenians. Violence erupted in Azerbaijan's breakaway area in April, leading to multiple casualties. The parties signed a Russian-brokered ceasefire in Moscow on April 5 but mutual accusations did not stop. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Quartet report cites violence, settlements and Gaza as barriers to Middle East peace - UN envoy 30 June 2016 Continuing violence, terrorism and incitement, settlement expansion, and the Palestinian Authority's lack of control of Gaza are hurting the Middle East peace process, the United Nations envoy today said summarizing the first ever report by the diplomatic Quartet comprising the United Nations, Russia, the United States and the European Union to the Security Council. "The main objective of this report is not about assigning blame," Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the 15-member council. "It focuses on the major threats to achieving a negotiated peace and offers recommendations on the way forward." Those include references to both sides, and specifically to the Palestinians and Israelis in relation to violence, incitement to violence, Israeli settlement construction and related policies, Palestinian unity and institution building. The UN envoy reiterated several times the urgent need for the parties to engage on these recommendations: "The Quartet has outlined a reasonable set of steps that, if implemented sincerely and resolutely, with support from the international community, could set Israelis and Palestinians firmly along a navigable course towards establishing a comprehensive peace with historic implications for the entire region." He also noted that a permanent status agreement on ending the conflict could only be achieved through "direct, bilateral negotiations, the outcome of which cannot be prejudged by unilateral steps that would not be recognized by the international community." In summary, he called for leadership and vision, saying they have been "starkly absent from this conflict for far too long" and replaced by "empty platitudes." The Security Council met amid fresh violence in the region. Just a few hours earlier, a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death by a Palestinian at her home in West Bank. Earlier in the month, four Israelis died in an attack in Tel Aviv, and a Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli Security Forces on a highway. "All three incidents clearly illustrate the environment of fear in which both Palestinians and Israelis have lived for generations," Mr. Mladenov said. "Palestinian frustration cannot be wished away," he said, adding that "neither will the violence and terror, fuelled by resentment, bring about a Palestinian state." In its report which will not be published until later this week the Quartet pledges its active support for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). It also reaffirms that a negotiated two-State outcome that meets Israel's security needs and Palestinians' aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues is the only way to achieve an enduring peace. "It is time for both sides to rise to the challenge," he concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN expert urges Moldova to introduce multilingual education, bolster unity among ethnic groups 30 June 2016 A United Nations human rights expert has called on the Government of the Republic of Moldova to further promote linguistic rights of minorities, introduce multilingual education, and strengthen the unity between various population groups in the country. "Diversity should be valued as an important asset and strength of the Republic of Moldova," said the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, at the end of her first official visit to the country. Noting Moldova's complex ethnic, religious and linguistic make-up, where numerous minority groups with multi-layered ethnic, religious and linguistic identities peacefully coexist, she urged measures to minimize the politicization of the use of languages which often leads to polarization and might threaten peaceful coexistence if not resolved. The expert encouraged the Government to guarantee quality education in both mother tongue and the State language (Moldovan/Romanian), calling for the introduction of multilingual education methodologies and multilingual classrooms. During her 10-day mission, Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye visited Chisinau, the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Balti, Edinet, Hincauti, Orhei, Otaci, Schinoasa, Soroca, Taraclia, and the Transnistrian region. Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye commended the creation of a working group of members of the Moldovan Parliament and the Gagauzian Peoples' Assembly to discuss matters of common concerns. The expert also visited Roma communities in different localities, including Soroca, Otaci, Schinoasa and Chetrosu. "Economic, social and political marginalization of Roma, as well as instances of discrimination and xenophobia against Roma communities were reported by Roma representatives," she said. "Identity documents are often lacking, drop-out rates among Roma students are significantly high, and Roma representatives expressed their concern that Roma are largely absent from decision-making processes and in public life, both at local and national levels," she added. Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye will present a final mission report and recommendations to the Human Rights Council (HRC) in March 2017. Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based HRC to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Quartet Warns Violence, Settlements Undermine Mideast Peace by Margaret Besheer June 30, 2016 Violence, terrorism, Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the situation in the Gaza Strip are severely undermining the prospect of peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the Middle East Quartet is warning in a new report. The Quartet is the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. Its report was expected to be published Wednesday, but has been delayed until Friday. The report focuses on the major threats to achieving a negotiated peace and offers recommendations on the way forward, the U.N. Special Coordinator for the peace process Nickolay Mladenov told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday. "These negative trends can and must be urgently reversed in order to advance the two-state solution on the ground," Mladenov said. On June 3, French President Francois Hollande hosted a meeting of Arab and Western diplomats to lay the groundwork for an international conference on the issue before the end of this year. "The French initiative launched in Paris on June 3rd and the Quartet report mutually reinforce each other and have a common goal to put the peace process back on track," France's U.N. envoy Francois Delattre told reporters. "We will shortly engage in setting up working groups to create a package of incentives," he continued. "We will also closely study all recommendations by the Quartet in order for all efforts to converge." The Palestinians have welcomed the French initiative, but Israel has been cool to the idea, saying it sees no benefit in an international conference. But diplomats say something must be done to break the impasse between the Israelis and Palestinians or risk the demise of a two-state solution. Mladenov noted that the "underlying message from Paris was clear, we must act decisively now or continue dealing with the damaging repercussions for years to come." Those consequences include the on-going violence between the two sides, highlighted by the stabbing death Wednesday of a 13-year-old Israeli girl on a settlement in the West Bank by a 19-year-old Palestinian youth. He was shot and killed by security forces. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the region earlier this week. He told both sides that a solution cannot be imposed from outside, but "must be based on direct negotiations on the final status issues." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish police arrest 13 during anti-Daesh raids Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:9AM Turkish police have carried out raids against suspected Daesh cells in Istanbul and detained 13 people, including three foreigners, a Turkish official says. Police on Thursday carried out simultaneous raids at 16 different addresses in Istanbul following the triple bombings at Istanbul's international airport that left 42 people dead. Counter-terrorism police teams, led by special forces officers, carried out raids in working-class neighborhoods of Istanbul in Pendik, Basaksehir and Sultanbeyli. Nine suspected militants, thought to have been in contact with Daesh in Syria, were meanwhile detained in raids in three districts in Izmir, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. Those arrested are suspected of financing, recruiting and providing logistical support to the Daesh Takfiri group, which is currently wreaking havoc in Syria and Iraq. The raids come two days after a triple bombing and gun attacks killed 42 people and injured 239 others at the Istanbul airport. Three terrorists blew themselves up late on Tuesday night as security forces were trying to block their progress into the airport. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said early signs suggested that the Daesh terrorist group was behind the bombings. Turkey has faced a string of terrorist attacks over the past year, including several in Istanbul, as it confronts threats from both Daesh and Kurdish militants. Turkey's Western allies have blamed the country's open-border policy for allowing extremist groups like Daesh to become powerful inside Syria, and the chaos has increasingly spilled over into Turkey, with terrorist attacks and waves of refugees. Many countries believe that Turkey's early policy on Syria enabled the growth of Daesh. They have long felt that Turkey is a reluctant partner in fighting the terrorist group. "Unfortunately, we see the side effects of a disastrous Syria policy that has brought terrorism into the heart of Istanbul and Ankara," Suat Kiniklioglu, a former lawmaker, told the New York Times. "This is obviously intended to create an atmosphere of chaos and hit the economy and tourism," said Kiniklioglu, who is now chairman of the Center for Strategic Communication, a research organization, in Ankara. Some of the recent terrorist attacks in Turkey including a car bombing in Ankara in February have been attributed to Kurdish militants, which has heightened tensions between Ankara and Washington over the support the United States has given to Syrian Kurdish militants. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Qaeda leader injured in US drone strike in Yemen: Report Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 8:24AM The leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Qasim al-Raymi, has reportedly sustained injuries when a US drone carried out an airstrike in Yemen's southern province of Abyan. Informed sources said the drone struck al-Mahfad district of the province, leaving the al-Qaeda leader seriously injured, Arabic-language Yemen Press news agency reported. The sources said al-Qaeda militants have rushed Raymi to the mountainous al-Maraqsha district after his home was targeted in the bombing which also possibly caused civilian casualties. Raymi moved from the central Yemeni province of Ma'rib to Abyan earlier this year, when he replaced former AQAP leader Jilal Bilaini. Bilaini was killed along with three of his bodyguards in an American drone raid on the coastal town of Shuqrah in Abyan Province. The al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has taken advantage of the chaos and the breakdown of security in Yemen to tighten its grip on the southeast parts of the impoverished crisis-stricken country. The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has also gained ground in and around the main southern city of Aden after the army and their allied Houthi Ansarullah fighters were evicted by a Saudi-led offensive. On Thursday morning, Saudi warplanes carried out fresh airstrikes in several regions across the country. There were reports of at least 10 air raids in the Hidhran region, Ghorab Islet, and the old city in Yemen's southern province of Ta'izz, without immediate reports of casualties or damage. Saudi Arabia launched its military aggression against Yemen on March 26, 2015 in a bid to bring Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi who has resigned as Yemen's president and is a staunch ally of Riyadh back to power. More than 9,400 people have been killed and at least 16,000 others injured since the onset of the aggression. The Saudi strikes have also taken a heavy toll on the country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. They have also driven 2.8 million people from their homes. More than 80 percent of the population is in dire need of food, water and other humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State Department Terrorist Designations Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC June 30, 2016 The Department of State has announced al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. The Department of State also designated AQIS leader Asim Umar under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. The consequences of this designation include a prohibition against U.S. persons engaging in transactions with AQIS and Umar and the freezing of all of their property and interests in the United States, or which come within the United States or the possession or control of U.S. persons. In addition, the consequences of AQIS' FTO designation include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to the organization. Al-Qa'ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the formation of AQIS in a video address in September 2014. The group is led by Asim Umar, a former member of U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Harakat ul-Mujahidin. AQIS claimed responsibility for the September 6, 2014 attack on a naval dockyard in Karachi, in which militants attempted to hijack a Pakistani Navy frigate. AQIS has also claimed responsibility for the murders of activists and writers in Bangladesh, including that of U.S. citizen Avijit Roy, U.S. Embassy local employee Xulhaz Mannan, and of Bangladeshi nationals Oyasiqur Rahman Babu, Ahmed Rajib Haideer, and A.K.M. Shafiul Islam. Today's action notifies the U.S. public and the international community that AQIS and Umar are actively engaged in terrorism. Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the U.S. financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other U.S. agencies and other governments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks at the 2016 Trafficking In Persons Report Ceremony Remarks John Kerry Secretary of State Ben Franklin Room Washington, DC June 30, 2016 AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Thank you, everyone, for being here today. That was quite a reception, and on behalf of the heroes and the Secretary, thank you for that. Just some brief notes on our program: The Secretary is going to make some remarks. We're going to honor our wonderful heroes this year. We have nine heroes from eight countries. One of them will make some brief remarks and then I will do the closing. And after that, you'll be able to pick up your much-anticipated copies of the 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report. So, thank you for coming. Mr. Secretary, thank you for raising issues pertaining to human trafficking year-round and for supporting the Trafficking in Persons Office here at the State Department. It's a real honor to work with you and it's a real honor that this issue has such a strong champion who raises it in his diplomatic efforts around the world. With that, Secretary of State John Kerry. (Applause.) SECRETARY KERRY: Susan, thank you very, very much. Welcome, everybody, to this annual event. It'll be my last one, but not the least important I think in many ways, because it represents a continuum and an awful lot of work that is done by a lot of people. Susan I am particularly proud of the work that she has done in leading this initiative. She's all in. And she was a prosecutor before she came to the State Department, and I asked her to take on this task with my own prosecutorial experience in the back of my head. I was early in my career I spent a number of years as a prosecutor, started a rape counseling initiative and a priority prosecution unit, and particularly focused on personal crimes against people, which we prioritized in a very significant way. So I remember how difficult the job can be and how tough it is for people to come forward and talk about very personal things in a very public way not easy. The pressure can be intense, but it was clear to me that Susan came with a particular level of commitment and understanding. And I think we've all benefited from that. Her very first human trafficking trial led to the conviction of more than a dozen criminals who were forcing teenagers into prostitution. And all told, she successfully prosecuted nearly 50 human traffickers, helping more than 90 victims obtain justice. And I think that's a remarkable record, and we are very grateful in the State Department to have somebody who is so committed and tenacious in leading our efforts on human trafficking, because that is exactly what we need. I know you will join me in saying thank you to Susan and the entire team that has produced this document. Thank you. (Applause.) Very happy to welcome all of you to the Ben Franklin Room here this morning. I am particularly grateful and happy to welcome the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker, and the ranking member, Ben Cardin, two of whom are just unbelievably strong, committed leaders on this subject. This is a truly bipartisan effort and I hope both of you Ben, Bob, thank you. (Applause.) They both understand that there are just no partisan lines on this one, and they have been particularly committed to helping to eradicate human trafficking. And I'm very grateful to them for being here. I'm also grateful to all of your excellencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps who are here many ambassadors, which underscores the importance of this issue. And I want to welcome those of you from the private sector and from civil society. You are indispensable partners in this effort. And finally, a very special thank you to our team at State. This is a great document, and I was presented with an embossed copy I have one each of the years that I've been here in my office, proudly displayed. And I'm very grateful for having gotten my recent copy today. But this is a heck of a piece of work. There's a lot of information in here; a lot of studious work goes into thinking it through. There are some tough calls in the end, they come down to element of discretion but not much, because we have a fixed set of rules that Congress has created, and we follow those rules. And therefore there are some folks in here who will obviously be concerned about the conclusions, but the conclusions are based on facts and based on a lot of analysis over a year. So I'm very grateful to our team that doesn't just put this together in the last weeks. The work on next year's report has already begun, because it's a period that goes from April 1st to March 31st, and so we're already been beginning to collect and build on the information we gained in the prior year, and work with countries I want to say that to any country that evaluates this and says, "Well, why am I here?" Well, we work with these countries. I've made personally plenty of phone calls to my counterpart foreign ministers, to prime ministers, to presidents, and said, "Look, you're not cruising in the right direction here, and we need to start to move." And we send people to work with those countries, and our embassies are deeply engaged in helping to promote transformation. So it is thanks to everybody, an all-hands-on-deck full team effort, that this document comes out. And it's not an insignificant document. The tier rankings that I have designated reflect our department's best assessment of a government's efforts to eliminate human trafficking. They don't take into account political and other factors. As I say, they're based on a criteria. And in addition to the rankings, the report outlines our specific concerns as well as the ways we can improve our efforts. This is not meant to be a dunning report; it is meant to be a demarcation, an encouragement process, a process of evaluation and work towards changing rankings. And as this is now the 16th report of the State Department, and one of the things that I have found is that we can always become more effective in fighting trafficking by working with the true experts, and those experts are sitting here. Those experts are also all of the survivors. Last December, President Obama appointed an Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, giving survivors a direct line to offer recommendations and guidance on our strategy. And I've had the chance to meet with members of this council some of whom are here today and I know that every aspect of what we do including in this report is stronger because of the engagement of these folks. Now, make no mistake, my friends, as we gather here a beautiful day, couple days before our national celebration of July 4th: When we talk about "human trafficking," we're talking about slavery modern-day slavery that still today claims more than 20 million victims on any given time. And all 20 million are people just like everybody here. They have names. They have or had families in many cases. And they are enforced to endure a hell a living hell in modern times that no human being should ever have to experience. In some places particularly where violent extremists are able to find a contemporary safe haven and I might add, a temporary safe haven the atrocities are both rampant and overt. A 34-year-old survivor recalls approaching one of her captors in Syria, a member of the terrorist group Daesh. She pleaded with him to halt the incessant rape of a 12-year-old girl, telling the terrorist, "She's just a little girl." And he replied, "No. She's not a little girl. She's a slave." Modern slavery doesn't happen only in warzones. It exists in areas of both darkness and plain sight of people all over the world even at sea. You may be familiar with the story of Lang Long, who left Cambodia on the promise of a construction job in Thailand. It was supposed to help him and his family, and he had dreams of providing being the provider for his family. But on arriving in Thailand, Long was forced to work on a fishing vessel. He was beaten regularly with a metal pole, compelled to drink water from fish barrels, allowed little rest. And when he wasn't working, he was chained by a rusty metal collar around his neck to an anchor post, so that he couldn't escape. It wasn't until a Cambodian fisherman saw him and paid $750 to secure his release that the shackles were undone. Long's story was brought to the wider world by Ian Urbina of The New York Times, a reporter who is here with us today, and I thank him for providing us with this gut-wrenching insight into what is happening in terms of slavery. But this story, I regret to tell you, is far from unique. The fact is that there are many, many stories similar to this, where unscrupulous fishermen use the isolation of the sea to hide their crimes. Enslaved crew members most of whom are under 17 years of age they're forced to work 18-to-20-hour days. They're denied medical care, they're force-fed amphetamines to help them work through the pain. And the reasons aren't hard to figure out. When criminals are able to turn a profit in an illegal fishing market, they'll go after as many fish as possible. So they also not only destroy lives of human beings, but they destroy an ecosystem. And the more labor they have on board, the larger their catches will be. The economic incentives are there, which is precisely why illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing practices have grown into a $20 billion a year industry. And that's why stopping those practices is going to be a major focus of the oceans conference that I will be hosting here at the State Department on September 15th. A global, coordinated effort is desperately needed and long overdue. And let me tell you something with the help of the Senate, Bob Corker, and Ben Cardin and others, that is exactly what we intend to do. Now it's clear that there are a lot of challenges in terms of exposing labor abuses that take place off our coasts. But these crimes can be just as hard to detect when they're happening behind closed doors the closed doors of an exploiter's home. Consider the case of Paul, who was 14 when he left Nigeria to move in with a British-Nigerian couple living in the UK. They promised his family that they were going to look after him, enroll him in school, pay him to help him with the housework. But guess what? They just lied. They didn't send him to school. They didn't pay him a penny. Instead, they took away his passport, monitored his movements with security cameras, and forced him to work 17-hour days as a servant. He tried to escape, but it wasn't until he had been living with the couple in this state of fear and intimidation and depravation of papers and inability to move that he finally was able to work his way out of it 24 years later. He heard a report on the radio about an NGO that was fighting to eradicate modern-day slavery. That's the difference these efforts make. And summoning his courage, he bravely reached out to the organization, and they helped get him his life back and see that his tormentors were prosecuted. Now, often, victims of domestic servitude enter into these dangerous situations willingly, lured by the false promises of money and a better life. And there are lots of places in the world today where a better life looks very enticing and you're willing to take a risk. So they remain enslaved in part because they are convinced by their captors that they have no way out, nowhere to go, and absolutely no one to help them. That's one of the reasons why the State Department and the global law firm DLA Piper have gotten together to increase the availability of pro-bono legal services and other tools to combat trafficking. And today, we are pleased to announce the release of two documents which our teams have developed: The first is a model contract for domestic workers to use with their employers, and the second is a memorandum of understanding between countries sending and welcoming migrant domestic workers, setting forth clear standards for those workers' protection. Both documents are based on international law and both are designed to prevent the abuses in domestic work. My friends, this is the 21st century. We know that human civilization has had thousands of years to develop and make progress and establish rules, and discern the difference between right and wrong. And we are part of a community of nations proudly, particularly, that lives by and advocates for and believes in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Frankly, it's stunning, it's outrageous that even today, the magnitude of the human trafficking challenge cannot be overstated. We all know the sad litany. Girls compelled into sex slavery. Women, sleeping in closets, let out only to cook, wash clothes, and scrub floors. Men and boys, forced to forgo sleep and to and sustenance so that they can work around the clock, often in blistering heat or otherwise appalling conditions. And the good news is we have the ability to fight back and, believe me, we are determined to do so. This is reflected in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which include an unprecedented commitment to halt human trafficking. It is reflecting in the Palermo Protocol, ratified by nearly 170 nations, and aimed at preventing, suppressing, and punishing these despicable crimes. And it is reflected in the steadily increasing efforts to cooperate and share information among law enforcement authorities on every continent. It is reflected in efforts by the media to cast a spotlight on the shadowy areas where traffickers exist and thrive. And it is reflected in a growing network of NGOs and advocacy groups who work hard every single day to bring modern-day slavery to a permanent end. Assisting all of these efforts is what our annual report is all about. It is not, as I said earlier, just a catalogue of abuses. It is a detailed analysis of the challenges that we face. It's a targeted roadmap to measure how we can better overcome the challenges. And it is a clarion call to each of us, to everybody in the world to do all we can to eradicate these horrors and to hold hold countries accountable to a higher and better standard of behavior. As has become our custom in recent years, we are very privileged to highlight the work of a few of the men and women who have committed their lives not one day, but their lives to combating human trafficking and these are our 2016 TIP Report Heroes. So it is with great pride that we honor them today, and I ask Ambassador Coppedge to join me up here as we pay a tribute and hopefully inspire people around the world to understand why this is so important. Thank you. (Applause.) AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Thank you, Secretary Kerry. You're truly an inspiration to us, from your days securing rights for victims as a prosecutor to your days championing anti-trafficking efforts here at the State Department. We really appreciate and are honored to have you here today. I would now like to ask each TIP Report Hero to stand up when his or her country is called out. The Bahamas. (Applause). In recognition of her role as the driving force behind the trafficking in persons inter-ministry committee of the Bahamas, her leadership in implementing the country's national action plan on human trafficking, and her commitment to training those likely to come into contact with victims of human trafficking, Karen Rigby. (Applause.) SECRETARY KERRY: I'm going to ask Senator Cardin to -- AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Sure, lovely. SECRETARY KERRY: Senator Cardin Senator Corker, Senator Cardin is Senator Cardin still here? AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Senator Cardin -- SECRETARY KERRY: Senator Corker, why don't you come up, join us up here and thanks, appreciate it. AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: And from Botswana (applause) in recognition of her vital contribution to the implementation of anti-trafficking legislation in Botswana, her steadfast commitment to enhancing law enforcement and judicial awareness, understanding of human trafficking, and bringing prosecutions in Botswana, her dedication to a victim-centered approach in those prosecutions, Priscilla Israel. (Applause.) And from the Republic of Cyprus (applause) in recognition of her dynamic leadership as the head of the police anti-trafficking unit in the Republic of Cyprus, her passion for and commitment to the protection of victims throughout the prosecution process, and her devotion to the fight against human trafficking, Rita Superman. (Applause.) We have two heroes from Mauritania. Please stand up. (Applause.) In recognition of their steadfast resolve in confronting hereditary and modern forms of slavery in Mauritania, their dynamic partnership to effect positive change, and their courage to insist on justice for the most vulnerable in their country, we recognize these two heroes. First, Biram Dah Abeid (applause) and second, Brahim Ramdhane. (Applause.) Thank you. From Nepal (applause) in recognition of her outstanding leadership in investing cases of human trafficking in Nepal, her dedication to educating vulnerable groups about human trafficking, and her tenacity in enabling the prosecution of members of organized crime networks perpetrating this crime, Kiran Bajracharya. (Applause.) I told Kiran the State Department should give out medals too. (Laughter.) She looks really wonderful. From Pakistan (applause) SECRETARY KERRY: We do, actually. AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: I just don't have any. (Laughter.) In recognition of her unwavering advocacy on behalf of victims of bonded labor in Pakistan, her courage in providing aid and protection to those she has helped to free, and her commitment to helping them rebuild their lives, Syeda Ghulam Fatima. (Applause.) From Russia (applause) in recognition of his steadfast commitment to assist Nigerian and other African victims of sex trafficking in Russia, his dedication to their comprehensive care, and his persistent engagement with members of the anti-trafficking community to further protect and repatriate victims of human trafficking, Oluremi Banwo Kehinde. (Applause.) And from Senegal (applause) in recognition of his selfless dedication to protecting talibes, young boys in Senegal, his commitment to providing them comprehensive care, and his vital role in building support among local officials to prevent human trafficking, Issa Kouyate. (Applause.) I'm pleased now to introduce Rita Superman, head of the police anti-trafficking unit in the Republic of Cyprus. She'll make remarks on behalf of all of the heroes. (Applause.) MS SUPERMAN: Thank you, Secretary Kerry. On behalf of all the 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes, I want to thank you, Secretary Kerry, for this honor. (Applause.) I really strive to find the words to express the deep gratitude and appreciation that I and the rest of the heroes feel for this great honor. This day truly marks a defining moment in our lives which we have devoted to combating human trafficking and protecting its victims. Some years ago I could not have imagined that one day I would be receiving the title of hero. I realize that trafficking is like an ocean: peaceful and inviting, only to trap you in a storm where its victims are sucked down to the dark ocean floor, lost forever and hopelessly waiting for a miracle to surface. Soon after starting as head of the police and the trafficking unit in Cyprus, I realized the huge responsibility I put on my shoulders: the fight to free and support victims and work towards achieving the maximum punishment for the perpetrators. I cannot even imagine where Irina from Moldova would be had we not freed her from the criminal network that forced her into prostitution in a cabaret a few years back. She was only 20 years old. She had come to Cyprus believing she had earned a scholarship. She was instead forced into sex trafficking. We hid her, but they were looking for her. We changed her name and she went to university. When the trial started, she was threatened that she would be sent back to her country in a coffin. Unfortunately, the defendants were acquitted. This did not make Irina any less of a victim. Today, she has completed her studies and works for an international company. (Applause.) Also, I cannot imagine the state of mind of Charideen from the Dominican Republic if she had not been freed. What would happen if she continued to be coerced to continue in prostitution day in and day out so she would not miss any client? I cannot imagine what would happen to Pham from Vietnam, whose arm was amputated due to the very poor working conditions in the agricultural industry and who spent a whole year in a hospital because of this injury. He was then arrested as an illegal immigrant and only at that time came the recognition that he was a victim. Pham was a classic victim of labor trafficking. My fellow heroes and I could tell you hundreds of stories like this, stories that have left a mark not only on our careers but also on our lives stories of human pain. From these stories and also from the cruelty and greed of the traffickers, I learn not only to place myself in the shoes of the victims, but also to walk in them. We can all do more to make sure that we truly understand the experience of victims so that we can protect them. In a recent trial where I was a witness, the lawyer of the defendants ask me, "This girl went to McDonald's every day for food. She could have sat down in the middle of the street and start screaming for help. Couldn't she have done this, Mrs. Superman?" I replied, "In your logic, she could. In hers, she couldn't." So we need to stop judging the victims by our own logic. We need to rid ourselves of our prejudices. Let's try and start to understand them and place ourselves in their situation. Only then we can truly help. Thank you. (Applause.) AMBASSADOR COPPEDGE: Thank you, Rita Superman. You have a truly fitting name for a Trafficking-In-Person Hero. (Laughter.) In the dark world of human trafficking, these brave men and women are rays of light, and thank you for shining on us today. (Applause.) They are a source of hope for countless trafficking victims and a source of inspiration for all who strive to make the world a more humane place. That is why I'm honored to share the stage with these individuals. Just as our heroes come from diverse regions and professions, the world needs anti-trafficking solutions that cross borders and industry sectors. None of us can end human trafficking alone. We need each other. Partnerships between NGOs, international institutions, and religious organizations all of which are here today galvanize the fight to end human trafficking. In my time as Ambassador, I have witnessed the power of collaboration in these actions. I recently participated in the Vatican Summit on Human Trafficking, which focused on improving our legal systems by emphasizing humanitarian values and eradicating corruption. The summit explored the need for victim-supported services instead of punishments for crimes committed under duress. While Pope Francis has a unique ability to gather and rally diverse groups, leaders across communities businesses, governments, and NGOs can likewise demonstrate the power of collaboration in fighting the scourge of modern slavery. The United Nations is also coordinating approaches to combat trafficking. In a historic session on human trafficking in situations of armed conflict, the UN Security Council called upon member-states to bring justice to those who exploit others, proactively identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, and comprehensively address victims' needs. The Security Council meeting was bolstered by the brave and harrowing testimony of Nadia Murad, who escaped from slavery after ISIL attacked her village. Although Nadia's testimony and that of others like her exposes the human capacity for cruelty, I remain optimistic about the future optimistic that the world is more interconnected and proactive in fighting human trafficking than ever before; optimistic that with help, survivors can move beyond this heinous crime; and optimistic that so many individuals here in the United States and around the world are united in combating modern slavery. While the challenges are daunting, we cannot forget that optimism is a job requirement for all of us who work in this arena. We join you in encouraging continued progress across prosecution, protection, and prevention of this crime, and look towards increased international cooperation and a new generation of heroes to keep our faith in humanity alive. Thank you all for coming today. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Background Briefing on the Trafficking in Persons Report Special Briefing Senior State Department Official Via Teleconference Washington, DC June 30, 2016 MODERATOR: Great, thank you so much. And thanks to everyone for joining us on this call today. I'll say a few things at the top, then we'll turn this over to our senior State Department official. First, I'd like to emphasize this is a call on process. We will not be previewing the rankings of this year's report, we will not be previewing the details of this year's report, but we will speaking we will be speaking strictly on the process of compiling it hopefully to provide some context to your stories. This call is not embargoed. You may use this call immediately. However, it is on background. For your information, our senior State Department official is [name and title withheld]. Again, the call will be on process. As we take a look at tomorrow, I'll walk you through what our rollout plan is. Members of the medial will receive the embargoed copy of the report via a password protected website at 8:00 a.m. The Secretary then will be making the remarks at the Heroes Ceremony at 9:00. The embargo lifts at 9:00. And then at 2 o'clock, Ambassador Coppedge of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons will be joining Spokesperson John Kirby at the 2:00 p.m. press brief. With that, I'd like to turn this over to senior our senior State Department official for some opening remarks, and then we'll take your questions. Senior State Department Official. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Hello. Thanks very much for joining us. Just a few remarks at the top to explain the process and also to highlight that our efforts to monitor and combat trafficking are integrated in our foreign policy year-round. That's part of what we do not only in our office but throughout the State Department here in Washington engaging with embassies and other colleagues and partners here in Washington as well as at our embassies and posts throughout the world. The TIP Report that we will be releasing tomorrow is our principle diagnostic tool to assess government efforts across what we call the three Ps to prosecute traffickers, protect and empower victims, and prevent future trafficking crimes. Most importantly, perhaps, the report is a means to effect global change and motivate tangible progress around the world. Since it was first published in 2011, the TIP Report has prompted foreign governments to enact legislation, establish national action plans, and implement anti-trafficking policies and programs across these three Ps. Under our ambassador's leadership and the President and Secretary's leadership, the TIP Report is the product of a year's worth of research and reporting by our office and our U.S. embassies in collaboration with foreign government officials, NGOs, and international organizations around the world. The TIP Report was launched as part of Congress' landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act, or the TVPA, which was passed in 2000. The report provides country-specific narratives for 188 countries and territories including the United States. These narratives illustrate the scope of human trafficking and each government's efforts to combat what is commonly referred to as modern slavery. As you may know, there are four tiers in the report. Tier 1 is for countries that are meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking found in the TVPA. Tier 2 countries have not met the TVPA's minimum standards but are making significant efforts to do so. Tier 2 Watch List is for countries that are making significant efforts but deserve closer scrutiny. Finally, Tier 3 is for countries that have not met the TVPA's minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so. If a government has not made sufficient progress to address human trafficking to merit an upgrade to Tier 2 or Tier 1 sorry, this is for countries that have been on the Tier 2 Watch List. There are limitations in the U.S. law for how long a country can be a on the Watch List. If they've been on the Watch List for more than two years, the Secretary may waive for a year up to two years total through a provision the waiver of the statutorily required downgrade from Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 3. Each one-year waiver may be granted to any country for a maximum of two consecutive years. According to U.S. law, any country ranked as Tier 2 Watch List for four consecutive years is no longer eligible for a waiver of a downgrade in the fifth year and must be ranked as Tier 3 if it does not meet the criteria to merit a ranking of Tier 2 or Tier 1. Whatever the tier a country falls in, every nation can and should do more to combat human trafficking, which is why the TIP Report offers recommendations for improvements for every country including our own. The recommendations in many ways are the heart of the report. They're country-specific, specifically designed to help each government be clear about what more they can do to prevent the crime, protect the victims, and prosecute suspected perpetrators. Moving forward, these recommendations in turn guide U.S. diplomacy and engagement both public and private on the critical but complex issue of human trafficking. The recommendations serve as a roadmap to better address the problem not for the sake of improving a tier ranking, but to make real institutional change that can put more criminal traffickers behind bars, provide more assistance to victims, and do more to prevent exploitation of the vulnerable. So in this sense, the report is a global anti-trafficking tool filled with best practices and resources for governments and advocates again, including our own. This year, in addition to the country narratives in the global TIP report introduction, it focuses on effective strategies to prevent human trafficking. We're very proud of the hard work of our colleagues throughout the State Department to produce this report every year, and we'll be happy to answer questions. MODERATOR: That's great. Moderator, if you can queue a question? OPERATOR: Certainly. And ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to ask a question, please press * then 1 on your touchtone phone. You'll hear a tone indicating that you've been placed in the queue. You may remove yourself from the queue at any time by pressing the # key. And if you're using a speaker phone, please pick up the handset before pressing the numbers. And once again, for any questions or comments at this time, please press * and then 1. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Can I also correct I misspoke and I said the first TIP report was published in 2011. I meant to say 2001. MODERATOR: Great. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: This is the 16th annual report. MODERATOR: Sixteenth annual report. Thank you, Senior State Department Official. We can go to our first question now. OPERATOR: Certainly. Carol Morello with Washington Post, please go ahead. QUESTION: Could you talk a little bit about what you do to make observations and to gather information on the ground? At least some human rights groups have said that they think that there have been occasions when you have upgraded some countries and it doesn't match with what they are seeing on the ground, that they think it's much more dire than you have stated it in the past. And I was hoping you could talk a little bit about how you collect information and how you make these determinations. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thank you very much for the question; it's a good one. We collect information, as I said, year-round, both through our embassies and staff here at the State Department throughout the department, including in the TIP office. And that information comes from a variety sources, including NGOs, human rights groups. As you mentioned, it also comes from survivors and victims of human trafficking as well as other organizations, international and nongovernmental, that are working with trafficking victims and to address the problem. Ultimately, all of these sources of information are put together and we look across the board. Again, the tier ranking is assessing not the scope of the problem per se, but the focus is really on the efforts of the government. So there are several countries where the problem is big and the government is also robustly taking efforts across the three Ps to address the problem. MODERATOR: That's great. Moderator, if we have additional questions if not, we can close the call. OPERATOR: We do have something from the line of Rosiland Jordan with Al Jazeera English. Please go ahead. MODERATOR: That's great. QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for doing the call. Given the global prominence of this report, how much pressure does the U.S. Government whether at the embassy or consulate level, or in your office's purview how much pressure do you get from governments, particularly those that are Tier 2 Watch or Tier 3 to change their status? Is there any effective lobbying that they can do, or is this really about what they have actually accomplished in trying to prevent human trafficking? Thanks. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Sure. Thank you for the question. As I said, we are engaging with governments around the world on a daily basis throughout the year, not just as we're preparing the report. We do also get information and assessments from governments about their own efforts, and a lot of the data that we include in the report for example, law enforcement data comes directly from governments. Many are not always happy with the tier rankings that we end up assessing in the report and may disagree with our conclusions that we draw, but that the information they provide is only one data point, and we are looking at all of the data that we have gathered and measuring them against the minimum standards that are outlined in the TVPA. MODERATOR: That's great. Thank you, Senior State Department Official. We're happy to move to our next question, Moderator. OPERATOR: Certainly. Arshad Mohammed with Reuters, please go ahead. Your line is open. QUESTION: I've been asked to ask you how many and I realize you can't get into the substance of the actual recommendations or the rankings for tomorrow, but how many disputes there were between the regional bureaus and J/TIP this year how many of those you won and how that sort of won/lost pattern compares this year versus previous years. SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: So we don't discuss the details of internal deliberations, but I would like to just reiterate that the ultimately, the report is the product of work and recommendations and the expert assessment of officials and experts throughout the U.S. Government, both at our embassies and within the TIP office, and those recommendations go to the Secretary of State who ultimately has the legal authority to both approve the final report and make the tier designations. MODERATOR: That's great. And if we have any other questions, Moderator? OPERATOR: Certainly. We do have something from the line of Carol Morello with Washington Post. Please go ahead. QUESTION: Yes. You said that in previous years, that your rankings have prompted change. Could you give two or three specific examples where a country reacted, and tell us what those countries are, after you gave them a less-than-satisfactory report? SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Sure, thanks for the question. We actually hear from both government officials and activists who are working with governments, whether in nongovernmental organizations or international organizations. Regularly, we hear how the TIP report itself and the tier rankings help motivate progress both from within and as pressure from outside of the government. Just this week, as part of the report's release, we will be honoring nine heroes that we've brought in from around the world. One of them is a police official from the Government of Botswana, and she has highlighted, for example, how the tier ranking in the past actually brought the issue to attention not just that it put pressure on them to improve it, but in fact they weren't aware of the scope of the problem they had in Botswana before we started reporting on it in our report. So there's one example that we heard from inside the government. And she's I'm sorry, I misspoke. She's a prosecutor, not a police official. We have several police officials, including from Nepal, amongst the heroes who also made the same point as someone from within the police. In addition, the Philippines is another country in another region where we have seen progress over the last 10 years that we've been working with the government, and as the recommendations that we have made in the report they have fulfilled, their tier ranking has also gone up. MODERATOR: That's great. That's all the we have time for. Again, this call is not embargoed. It is on background. The attribution is to a senior State Department official. I want to thank you all for joining us. I want to thank our senior State Department official for the briefing. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for the Trafficking in Persons rollout at 2 o'clock. Have a great afternoon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Supplies Mi-26TS Heavy Transport Helicopter to China Sputnik News 15:48 30.06.2016(updated 15:49 30.06.2016) The Russian Helicopters company on Thursday announced that it had supplied the fourth Mi-26TS heavy transport helicopter to China. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Mi-26TS is an export version of the Mil Mi-26T helicopter. Russian Helicopters signed the supply contract with China's Lectern Aviation Supplies Co Ltd in 2014. China has been operating three such helicopters to date. "The Russian Helicopters holding has supplied an Mi-26TS heavy lift cargo helicopter to the People's Republic of China. The helicopter was built at the Rostvertol plant. The helicopter took off from the plant's flight test station on June 23 Its arrival to China is expected on July 2," the manufacturer said in a statement. The Mi-26TSs currently being operated by China are being used by the State Forestry Administration to put out forest fires, according to the statement. It was noted in the press release that the new helicopter is due to enter service in July. "The supplied helicopter was procured for the needs of the Shandong province where there is active ongoing work to preserve and extend forest cover being carried out. The helicopter will be used to tackle blazes and transport equipment and bulky cargo," deputy CEO of the Russian Helicopters Alexander Shcherbinin was quoted as saying in the statement. The Mi-26TS was developed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant and is produced by the Rostvertol plant located in Rostov-on-Don. The aircraft has a total payload of 20 metric tons and is equipped with modern electronic systems. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Letter to Kim Jong Un from Participants in Enlarged Meeting of 3rd Session of 23rd Central Committee of Chongryon Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS) Pyongyang, June 30 (KCNA) -- The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un received a letter from the participants in the enlarged meeting of the 3rd session of the 23rd Central Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on June 27. The letter said that the enlarged meeting of the Central Committee discussed and decided tasks and measures for effecting fresh innovation and surge in the patriotic movement by braving difficulties by dint of the single-minded unity of the ranks of Chongryon and on the compatriot-first principle with the honor of having held Marshal Kim Jong Un as chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea. The participants in the meeting noted that they are hardening their determination to conduct all-out drive for carrying out the May 25, 2015 letter sent by the Marshal in an all-round way and bring earlier the new heyday of the movement of Koreans in Japan in the great Kim Jong Un's era without fail, the letter noted, and continued: We will drastically intensify the work of establishing the ideological and leadership system of Juche in Chongryon organizations, organize all work of Chongryon as instructed by the great leaders, thoroughly embody your idea and leadership in Chongryon and the movement of Koreans in Japan and thus devotedly safeguard your high authority. We will remarkably intensify the ideological work and the information and agitation drive to make officials and compatriots fully display their mental power and warm patriotic zeal and thus dynamically advance the patriotic movement by dint of ideology despite manifold difficulties. We will make tangible contribution to opening up the avenue to national reunification, cherished desire of all the Koreans, true to the line and policies for national reunification advanced by you, actively contribute to the building of a socialist power in the homeland and conduct external activities with the Japanese people in a more positive way. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spokesman for Committee for Peaceful Reunification Urges U.S. to Make Right Option Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS) Pyongyang, June 30 (KCNA) -- Medium long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-10 that shot up to space strikingly demonstrating the tremendous defence capabilities of the DPRK is sparking quite a stir among the world public. However, the U.S. steeped in the bad blood toward the DPRK to the marrow of its bones, branded this event as "a violation of UN resolutions" and "serious provocation against peace" with which the Japanese reactionaries and other riff-raffs chimed. The ill-natured Park Geun Hye group also has gone mischievous while making a shrill cry, far from being pleased with the great auspicious event of the nation which the world looked up to with admiration. The Park group keeps beating the worn-out drum of sanctions and pressure and even spouts a flurry of senseless rubbish that "the north will face isolation and self-destruction" even though it clearly watches the spirit of the compatriots in the north mounting enough to beat anyone. A spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country of the DPRK in a statement Thursday said that the DPRK is a nuclear weapons state equipped with smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear warheads and a full-fledged military power equipped with even Korean-style medium long-range strategic ballistic rocket regardless of whether others recognize them or not. The statement went on: The U.S. and the puppet group should not forget even a moment that the more desperately they resort to such ridiculous farce as sanctions and pressure, the more accurately the ultra-modern strike means of Juche are aiming at them. We have already sent ultimatum more than once that we are ready for both dialogue and confrontation. The U.S. would be well advised to properly face up to the strategic position of the DPRK that has undergone a dramatic change and the essence of the changed situation and make a wise choice before it is too late. The south Korean authorities had better listen carefully to the DPRK's advice that if they fail to hold the hand of good faith reached out by the DPRK to rewrite the history of reunification while calling the south a companion in reunifying the country and shaping the destiny of the nation, not asking about the past, they will miss the last opportunity of their survival. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moscow Not Considering Six-Party Talks on N Korean Nuclear Issue 'Dead' Sputnik News 12:26 30.06.2016(updated 12:27 30.06.2016) Russia is not considering the six-party talks on Korean nuclear issue to be "dead," stressing the necessity to continue work on resuming the negotiations, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Timonin told Sputnik in an interview. MOSCOW (Sputnik) On June 22, a high-level North Korean diplomat on nuclear issues said at a security conference in the Chinese capital that the six-party talks on the dismantling of Pyongyang's nuclear program were "dead." "I am categorically against considering that the six-party talks ran its course. It is a well-proven and well-tried channel of finding paths to solve the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula," Timonin said. Moscow believes that the format should be continued, despite the lack of full-scale discussions between the six countries, he noted. Despite the statements made by North Korean diplomats, Pyongyang remains interested in settling nuclear issue, Timonin added. "North Korea remains interested in settlement of the nuclear problem at the Korean peninsula. The most crucial is to find an optimal formula to respect the interests of all the sides to the six-party talks," he added. The six-party talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula initially included South and North Korea, Russia, the United States, China and Japan. The talks were held between 2003 and 2009, before Pyongyang's withdrawal. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pyongyang Jams S Korea's GPS Signals Over 2,000 Times Sputnik News 09:27 30.06.2016(updated 09:29 30.06.2016) Trying to sabotage regular US-South Korea joint military drills, North Korea transmitted over 2,000 jamming signals against its southern neighbor in the last six years, threatening to down hundreds of passenger airplanes, a South Korean MP revealed Wednesday. A total of 2,143 jamming attacks on South Korea have been launched from the territory of the DPRK since 2010, Minjoo Party member Jun Hyeon-hee said, as quoted by JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. The jamming signals were sent from sites in five North Korean provinces, including Haeju, Yonan, Pyonggang, Kumgang and Kaesong. While North Korea's jamming attacks haven't led to any major incidents to date, four South Korean planes in 2012 failed to land on the first pass as a result of navigation system issues, according to the country's Ministry of Transportation information. "[There have]not yet been an accident involving a commercial airliner, but because of GPS interference there have been planes that had to reattempt [landings]," Jun said to reporters. The GPS jamming attacks on South Korea coincide with military exercises in the country, ordinarily co-participated by the US military. The first time the jamming was detected by the South Koreans was during the Ulchi Focus war games in 2010. Then, attacks befell the US-led Key Resolve drills in 2011 and Washington-Seoul joint air force training in 2012. The latest jamming instances occurred between March 31 and April 6, 2016. At the time, annual large scale-drills involving 15,000 American and 300,000 South Korean troops took place in the vicinity of the North Korean border. During the drills over a hundred cases of jamming were reported, Yonhap News Agency wrote, adding that some 962 planes and 700 fishing boats experienced troubles with their GPS systems. South Korean authorities claimed that the Inertial Navigation System (INS) used in all the country's aircraft prevented critical disruptions of equipment and subsequent incidents. Later the Seoul the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) wrote a letter to Pyongyang warning it of its jamming activities as potentially dangerous to commercial flights. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that such a reaction from ICAO was "much stronger" than that in previous years. To address the potential jamming threats coming from Pyongyang Jun called for a "proactive response system" in South Korea. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Larijani: Iran to leave nuclear agreement if West does not abide IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, June 30, IRNA -- Majlis (Iranian parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani warned that if the other side does not abide by its commitments in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it will also do the same and take retaliatory measures. "If the westerners want to deal with the nuclear issue in another way, the agreement will be cancelled," Larijani said on Thursday. He reiterated that the path that the westerners are paving is not straight and they are looking for exerting pressure on Iran by doing so. In mid-June, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned the US presidential candidates to watch their mouth when speaking of the Vienna nuclear deal, stressing that Tehran will also ditch the agreement if future White House leaders show disrespect and discard it. 'We do not violate the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action also known as the nuclear deal), but if the opposite party violates it and tears it apart as the US presidential candidates state and threaten at present, then we will burn it,' Ayatollah Khamenei warned during his remarks at a meeting with the heads of the three branches of power, high-ranking officials and different government bodies and armed forces on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan here in Tehran. The Iranian leader's warning is deemed as a general message to the political brass in Washington, but seems to be more addressed to the US presidential candidate, Donald Trump. The totally estrange presidential nominee has repeatedly warned that he would tear apart and discard the nuclear deal with Iran on day one of office if he is ever elected, while his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton has said that she would remain loyal to the deal although she has vowed to be tough on Iran. The Iranian leader further blasted the US for hypocrisy in return for Iran's honesty, saying, 'As regards the JCPOA, the opposite party has defied its duty that has been removing the sanctions, the problem with the banks has not yet been resolved, the oil tankers insurance is done at a limited scope, the crude revenues and our money that are in other countries are not given back to us and the Americans have not fulfilled a major part of their undertakings, while we have done our part and shut down the 20-percent enrichment at Fordo (nuclear enrichment facility) and Arak (heavy water reactor).' He also warned that the hostilities between Tehran and Washington would not end as the US is resolved to topple the Islamic Republic. 'It is wrong to assume that we can come along with the US, this is wrong and we cannot rely on illusions as their issue is with the life and essence of the Islamic Republic and this cannot be resolved through negotiations.' Yet, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that the arrogant party seeking continued animosity is not Tehran, but Washington that wants regime change in Iran. 'Some imagine that hostilities are the result of our belligerence towards the US; (then if that's true) what has the Islamic Republic done to France? Why did France play the bad cop in the nuclear talks and why are the Netherlands and Canada showing enmity (towards Iran),' the Supreme Leader asked. The US has been lagging in implementation of the last July nuclear deal with Iran. Months after the implementation of the nuclear deal, Iran is complaining that the US has not shown its loyalty to the agreement in action. 2050**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Set to Unveil Innovative Missile Defense Systems by March 2017 Sputnik News 17:49 30.06.2016(updated 17:51 30.06.2016) Iran will pass into service cutting-edge missile defense systems by March 2017, local media reported Thursday, citing Brig. Gen. Amir-Farzad Esmaili, commander of Iranian Khatam al anbia air defense base. MOSCOW (Sputnik) According to Tasnim agency, Esmaili said that the new missile systems were a homegrown technology, claiming Iranian airspace is the most secure in the Middle East. In May, Iran performed successful test of two short-range ballistic missiles. Iran's target of boosting its national defense program has sparked concerns among the international community, despite reassurances from Tehran that it would never threaten the national security of another state. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Multiple bombings leave 12 civilians dead in Iraq capital Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 3:8PM At least 12 civilians have been killed in separate bomb attacks targeting commercial areas in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, security officials say. Police in Baghdad said the deadliest of Thursday's assaults took place at an outdoor market in the southwestern neighborhood of Shurta al-Rabia, where a bomber detonated his explosives, killing seven people and injuring 15 others. Three other civilians were killed when a bomb exploded in the western Ghazaliya neighborhood. Officials said 11 others were injured in the incident. Another bomb attack also hit the southeastern district of Zafaraniya, leaving two civilians dead and eight others wounded. Facing heavy military operations aimed at its main strongholds in Iraq, Daesh terrorists frequently target various neighborhoods of Baghdad, particularly those populated by Shia Muslims, to undermine government efforts to maintain security. Baghdad was the scene of back-to-back bombings claimed by the Daesh terror group last month, when nearly 200 people lost their lives in and near the city in just a week. 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 government forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units, have been pushing the militants out of the country's territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq recaptures more areas from Daesh south of Fallujah Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:8PM The Iraqi army and allied volunteer fighters have managed to recapture more territories from Daesh terrorists on the outskirts of the recently-liberated city of Fallujah. Security sources said on Thursday that the Iraqi troops retook control of two districts of Albu Ifan and al-Dhaviyah south of Fallujah in Anbar Province. The new gains come days after the Iraqi military announced the full liberation of Fallujah, located around 60 kilometers from Baghdad, but clashes have continued with the remaining militants around the city. Raji al-Issawi, a member of the security committee in Anbar, said the recapture of the two districts marked the complete defeat of Daesh in the southern countryside of the city. He said the two areas were taken back with almost no confrontation as the militants escaped before the military operation began. Military sources also announced earlier on Thursday the liberation of the nearby al-Hossa area. Major General Ismail al-Mahlawi, head of the Anbar Operations Command, said Iraqi tribal fighters contributed to the offensive in Hossa, which inflicted heavy losses on Daesh terrorists. Fallujah fell to Daesh in early 2014. The city was a key bastion for the militants as they launched various attacks on civilians and security forces from the area. Meanwhile, military officials said Thursday that Iraq's air force and coalition warplanes have targeted the Daesh militants fleeing Fallujah in large convoys over the past few days. The air raids killed some 150 Daesh members and destroyed some 260 vehicle belonging to the militants. "Our heroes in the military aviation destroyed more than 200 vehicles," said Yahya Rasool, a spokesman of the operations in Anbar, adding commandos also seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition from the terrorists. The convoy of several hundred vehicles was reportedly heading south of Fallujah toward areas near the Syrian border, where Daesh still holds territories. Mahalawi said another 60 Daesh vehicles were destroyed as a convoy was heading northwest of Fallujah. "This is a desperate attempt on the part of the terrorists to flee to their areas in al-Qaim near the Syrian border and Tharthar," Mahalawi said. Tharthar is a lake north of the Euphrates, through which Daesh militants still have lines to reach their main stronghold, Mosul. Iraqi forces are now engaged in a military operation to regain control of Mosul. Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi repeatedly vowing that the year 2016 will be the year Daesh would be "wiped out of the Iraqi soil." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Inside Look Into Iraqi Fallujah After Two Years of Daesh Hell Sputnik News 17:20 30.06.2016 From Baghdad to Fallujah the journey is only some forty minutes by car. Despite the war and many disasters that Iraq has experienced, the highway in all directions is full of traveling trucks and cars. It is hard to imagine that only a few dozen kilometers away, battles are raging in full swing. RIA Novosti correspondent Rafael Daminov visited the newly liberated city of Fallujah and the nearby refugee camp, amid the ongoing battle against Daesh in Iraq. At the entrance to the city of Fallujah, civilian vehicles are replaced by dusty armored military vehicles, some of which are lying turned upside down in the middle of the roads; others have bullet holes in them. There is also large number of ambulances transporting and catering to the wounded. Fallujah was captured in early 2014 by Daesh. The militants have turned the town into a platform for further advances. Next, according to its leaders, under pressure from radical groups Baghdad was planned to be captured. Until that plan was to be materialized the terrorists prepared and carried out terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings in the capital. City of Mosques Fallujah is located in the Iraqi province of Al-Anbar, in the so-called Sunni Triangle which is a vast territory to the north and west of Baghdad, densely populated by Iraqi Sunnis. The city has long been known for conservative and religious beliefs of its inhabitants and because of the abundance of minarets towering above it, the city is known as the "city of mosques" in the Muslim world. After the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Fallujah suffered tremendously at the hands of the US soldiers who stormed the city, twice in 2003 and 2004. It became a symbol of resistance to the invaders. The city started to become a hub for al-Qaeda militants who came "to protect Muslims from the infidels." Later on, infighting between Sunnis and Shiites started in the city resulting in thousands of Iraqi deaths. New impetus for interfaith confrontation was served by the Shiite government of Nouri al-Maliki, who stormed a Sunni protest camp in 2013 near the city of Ramadi. At the same time in major cities of the Sunni provinces black flags of Daesh extremists, started to appear and only a few months later under the cheers of many residents the terrorists moved into the city, promising to "restore justice and punish the despots." According to militia intelligence, among those terrorists rooted in Fallujah and its surroundings there were more than three thousand insurgents, consisting of 65% of its own residents, 25% from other Iraqi cities and only 10% foreigners. Apocalypse "The victory in Fallujah has great propaganda effect for the victory over Daesh. They considered the city their bastion, their center of 'Pure Islam,' as well as a symbol of jihad because of fierce resistance to the Americans," Brigadier General Yahya al-Zubaidi told RIA Novosti correspondent, Daminov, at the Iraqi security headquarters. Terrorists have sought to ensure that local residents formed an apocalyptic image in their minds. At the squares and mosques surrounded by government forces, fanatics launched active propaganda, announcing the approach of the troops of Raafidis (Shiite names) who have "come to kill innocent Muslims." The population of the city, at the time of the assault was up to eighty thousand people, under death threats they were forbidden to leave the city. Those who tried to escape were shot dead as traitors. According to al-Zubaidi, Daesh planned to use civilians as human shields, hoping that the death of indispensable people from the fighting would cause criticism from international organizations and would be able to stop the advance of the army. Terrorists Make Poor Prisoners The operation to free Fallujah was announced by the Iraqi authorities in the last week of May. A huge group of several tens of thousands of soldiers moved on the position of the radicals from all sides. There were the government units, counter-terrorism units, and in the early stages Iranian-backed Shiite popular militia. There was also police and a number of Sunni tribes. There was also air support from the Iraqi air force, as well as fighter jets of the international coalition against Daesh. At the headquarters for the Iraqi military military advisers from the United States and Iran provided assistance and coordinated airstrikes. Daesh terrorist fought back by using mines and snipers. There number was just over three thousand hence; they used various fanatical tactics to hold onto Fallujah, including suicide bombings. Therefore, in the first days of fighting there were almost no captured terrorists, because when they swore to surrender they would lie and detonate their suicide vests if the armed forces came any close. "Among those Daesh members residing in Fallujah apart from Iraqis, there were Arabs (citizens of other Arab countries), as well as other foreigners, including citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. There were also Chechens. Currently we are making all of this sure," Zubaidi told the correspondent. Most foreigners were in the front ranks of the terrorists and were "put to disposal" by their religious leaders still on the outskirts of the city. Men Without Beards The fanatical radicalism and cruel punishment for abandonment that Daesh put on its militants did not help. The Iraqi army and counter-terrorism division methodically swept outposts block after block. The militants failed to hold the city and they fled Fallujah. Many of the terrorists upon fleeing the city tried to mingle with the refugees. In abandoned homes and underground shelters, law enforcers found long, shaggy beards, recently shaved and Afghan national clothes. Numerous forecasts of both the military and outside observers, predicting a long and bloody massacre during the liberation of Fallujah, did not come true as the battle for the city lasted less than a month. According to the Iraqi army command during the operation almost two thousand terrorists were killed and one and half thousand were arrested. Life After Daesh Away from the city, in a refugee camp, the RIA Novosti correspondent spoke to some refugees of al-Fallujah who were recalling horrific memories of life under Daesh. Daesh brought medieval radical order into the city and severely punished those who evaded them. Many refugees narrated how they were forcibly told to give their daughters to militants for marriage. "They would say, your daughter is already an adult, thirteen years old. What do you do for a jihad to please Allah, let her marry a Mujahid by the way of God to you will be a reward in another life," resident of Fallujah, Khaled told the correspondent. Militants also confiscated the residents satellite dishes and put up an Internet ban, leaving the city living in an information vacuum often not knowing what was happening outside of Fallujah. "We were not treated as human. They were trying to control everything. My brother because he had a beard not of the required length was sentenced to a hundred beatings with a stick and was thrown in jail," another resident Umm Tariq said. Despite the liberation of Fallujah, fighting in a number of its western suburbs is still ongoing. In the meantime, part of the government's army and people's militia are preparing for another important and perhaps decisive battle to eradicate Daesh in the city of Mosul. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police looked for weapons in the house of "New Armenia' member Police in Yerevan conducted a search in the house of Gagik Yeghiazaryan, a member of the New Armenia Public Salvation Front. They were looking for weapons, ammunition, maps and schemes. They had a warrant to search the house and were looking for evidence for the case filed after the May 20 accident, the activist said. Similar searches were conducted in my aunts house and in a workshop that stands idle. But they did not find anything. I wonder Jirayr Sefilyan has more than 1000 friends and supporters. Are they going to search their homes, too? Gagik Yeghiazryan said. Today, he was summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Service. At the same time, the New Armenia opposition movement issued a statement saying that searches are being conducted at the homes of their supporters. Seeing that they cannot substantiate the illegal detention of Jirayr Sefilyan and the trumped-up charges against him, the regime is trying to intimidate his supporters and friends through legal violence, thereby keeping others away from further struggle, the New Armenia said in the statement. Jirayr Sefilyan was detained on June 20 and was officially charged with Article 235.2 of Armenias Criminal Code: illegal procurement, transportation or carrying of weapons, ammunition, explosives or explosive devices. In a statement released on June 22, Armenias Investigative Committee (IC) said that adequate evidence had been collected proving that Sefilyan had organized the procurement of arms and armament by a group of individuals and that the items had been stored in various locations. Sefilyan kept in touch with the group members and instructed them to keep the aforesaid arms and armament or transport them upon his order. Russia Categorically Opposes Plans to Deploy US THAAD Systems in S Korea Sputnik News 12:16 30.06.2016(updated 12:47 30.06.2016) Russia categorically opposes plans to deploy US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems in South Korea since this will pose direct threat to the country's security, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Timonin told Sputnik in an interview. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The deployment of anti-ballistic systems will not contribute normalization of the situation in the region, he added. "South Korea and our US partners are perfectly aware of Russia's position, which has been repeatedly announced by our leadership. The stance consists in the idea that it is categorically unacceptable to deploy THAAD anti-missile complexes in South Korea because we consider it as a direct threat to our country's security," Timonin said. The United States has been discussing with South Korea for several months over the proposed deployment of the THAAD system amid increased tensions on the peninsula over North Korea's nuclear program. Russia hopes that South Korean President Park Geun-hye will pay a reciprocal visit to the country by the end of 2016, Alexander Timonin told Sputnik in an interview. "In November 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to South Korea. South Korean President Park Geun-hye has an official invitation from our president to repay the visit and we hope that she will find time for such a visit before the end of this year," Timonin said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey did apologize for shooting down Russian plane, Putin says Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:39PM Russia's President Vladimir Putin says Turkey did apologize to Moscow for shooting down a Russian jet fighter last year, although Ankara insists it has only expressed regret over the incident. Putin made the remark during a meeting with Russian diplomats in Moscow on Thursday. The remarks come as officials in Ankara say they had expressed regret only not an apology over the incident. Moscow-Ankara relations became strained last November after Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft with two pilots aboard, claiming the fighter jet had repeatedly violated Turkish airspace. Ankara argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings. Russia, however, insisted the aircraft did not cross the border and accused Ankara of "planned provocation." Moscow said the plane was brought down in Syrian airspace, where Russia has been conducting combat sorties against Takfiri terrorists since late September 2015 upon a request from the Damascus government. Of the two pilots aboard the warplane, one was rescued with the help of the Syrian army, but the other was killed by militants fighting the Syrian government. On Monday, the Kremlin said Putin had received a letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which he had apologized to his Russian counterpart over Ankara's shooting down of the Russian jet. Turkey, however, said later it had only expressed regret to Russia, denying reports of an apology, and retracting a compensation pledge. Two days later, Putin ordered his government to start the process of normalizing trade ties with Turkey, following a telephone conversation between the Russian and Turkish leaders, during which Putin expressed sympathy for the victims of the Tuesday night gun and bomb attacks at Istanbul's Ataturk international airport, which claimed the lives of 42 people and injured more than 230 others. "I ask that the Russian government begins the process of normalizing general trade and economic ties with Turkey," Putin said at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, following the telephone conversation. Following the November 2015 incident, Russia imposed a raft of sanctions against Ankara, including economic bans, and suspended all military deals with Ankara. Russia will not enter arms race with NATO Elsewhere in his remarks, Putin reacted to NATO's military buildup near Russia's borders, saying Russia will respond to the move by the Western military alliance. He, however, said Moscow will defend itself without being drawn into an arms race with NATO. Putin said NATO underlined its anti-Russian intentions by deploying forces in Poland and the Baltics and building missile defense sites. NATO recently launched its biggest-ever joint maneuvers in Poland to the west of Russia, a move immediately condemned by Russian authorities. NATO also recently launched a missile system installed in European countries, further enraging Russia. The alliance has also stepped up its military buildup near Russia's borders. Senior officials in Moscow have repeatedly accused NATO of seeking confrontation, describing its military buildup as a security threat to Europe. Russia has also criticized NATO's expansionist policy to include countries in the Western Balkan region, saying the move directly harms Russia's strategic interests in the area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Why Russia Needs New Naval Base on Kuril Islands Sputnik News 16:39 30.06.2016(updated 16:41 30.06.2016) Construction of the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet base on Matua in the Kuril Islands chain will begin as soon as this year, a military source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday. "The decision to establish a Pacific Fleet naval base on the island has been made, construction will start this year," the source said. Two months ago, the Defense Ministry along with the Russian Geographical Society sent a research expedition to Matua Island. On May 6, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japan once again brought up the issue of the Northern Territories, the four islands in the Kuril chain, disputed by Tokyo. As a result the talks, Abe said that Tokyo offered a "new approach" on the issue. The construction of a new naval base is not linked to the Kuril issue because Matua is not one of the islands claimed by Japan, Mikhail Alexandrov, a military analyst the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, told Svobodnaya Pressa. However, in the future the base will be of military and strategic importance. An airfield will be constructed at the base. Theoretically, it could be used for Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers capable to carry Kh-101 long-range cruise missiles. Thus, Russian long-range bombers will be capable of accomplishing tasks of the strategic aviation. This will enhance Russia's capabilities of strategic deterrence of the United States and NATO, he said. The base will also play an important role in deployment of Russian missile-carrying nuclear submarines, the analyst pointed out. Aircraft deployed to the base will be capable to track US submarines in the region. Alexandrov also said that a new Russian base in the Kuril chain is unlikely to fuel tensions between Moscow and Tokyo. "Russia already has bases on the Kunashir Island and Sakhalin. Of course, Japan won't like a new Russian base in the region. Earlier, some of the Japanese political elite wanted to pressure Russia to return the territories, but now the situation is changing," he said. The analyst also stressed that Russia is conducting a well-weighed policy on territorial disputes in the region, including over the Spratly Island claimed by six countries. "Russia has insisted that the Spratly dispute should be resolved only by the parties to the conflict. However, the US in interfering in the situation and prompting Vietnam and Philippines to fuel tensions with China. In this situation, Moscow should give political support to Beijing," Alexandrov said. Vasily Kashin, senior research fellow at the Moscow-based Higher School of Economics, suggested that the fact that a new base will be not be situated on one of the islands claimed by Japan may be a signal of a compromise between Russia and Japan. "The decision to build a base on Matua was surprising. In the Soviet period, the island was not actively used by the military. Only a small brigade of border troops was deployed there. My assumption is that there may be a compromise on the Kuril Island. It can't be ruled out that some forces would be redeployed from southern islands to Matua. The compromise may be the demilitarized status for the Northern Territories," he said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Unhampered in Deploying Iskander Missile Systems to Kaliningrad Sputnik News 13:07 30.06.2016 According to the Russia's envoy to NATO, Russia is unhampered in deploying Iskander ballistic missile systems in Kaliningrad. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia is not restricted in deploying Iskander short-range ballistic missile systems in its exclave region of Kaliningrad, but will have to assess the situation to ensure the country's national security, Russia's envoy to NATO said Thursday. "We do not have any restrictions on the systems deployment. In any case, we will have to carefully assess the military situation and define a set of the most appropriate measures that will firmly ensure our security and defense capabilities," Alexander Grushko told reporters. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over the deployment of Iskander-M missile complexes in Kaliningrad. According to Major General Mikhail Matvievsky, chief of Strategic Missile Forces and the Artillery of the Russian Ground Forces, a missile brigade redeployed to the Kaliningrad region would be equipped with Iskander-M complexes before 2018. The Iskander-M (also referred to as NATO's reporting name SS-26 Stone) is characterized by high mobility and maneuverability, as it takes just 20 minutes to place the system in operational readiness. The system is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 500 kilometers, with a precision of around 30 centimeters. It can hit adversary troops or underground command centers, depending on the warheads placed on the rockets. The system can also fire high-precision R-500 cruise missiles. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian forces kill over 100 militants around Aleppo Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 5:23PM Syrian armed forces have carried out a massive military operation against Takfiri terror groups on the outskirts of the northern city of Aleppo, killing over 100 militants. The Lebanon-based al-Ahd website said Thursday that Syrian forces launched the offensive to repel sporadic attacks by the militants in the southern countryside of Aleppo, inflicting heavy losses on their ranks. The report said most of the militants were from the so-called Jaish al-Fath terror group, who were operating in al-Maleh farms south of Aleppo. It added that militants from other Takfiri groups, including from the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front, also clashed with Syrian forces. Military sources said Syrian warplanes also pounded hideouts of the militants and managed to destroy scores of vehicles belonging to the terrorists. For nearly a week, army troops backed by Syrian and Russian warplanes have been battling for control of Maleh. Government forces are also attempting to cut the Castello Road, a key supply route from the Turkish border to the militant-held eastern suburbs of Aleppo. Aleppo, Syria's largest city before the start of conflict in 2011, has seen recurrent clashes between government forces and militants over the past months. The Nusra Front has a heavy presence in the northern and eastern countryside of Aleppo. Militants from Nusra Front and other extremist groups operating in the area reportedly enjoy support from across the Turkish border. The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria said last week that Takfiri terrorists had used multiple rocket launchers and mortars to pound populated districts in Aleppo. Nusra, along with the Daesh Takfiri group, have been excluded from a ceasefire agreement which took effect in February and the subsequent accords for establishing interim regimes of calm in Syria. The Syrian army has vowed to press ahead with its counter-terror operations and uproot the terrorists in and around Aleppo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Displaced Syrians face hunger due to Jordan border closure: MSF Iran Press TV Thu Jun 30, 2016 3:15PM Doctors Without Borders has warned of the dire situation of tens of thousands of Syrians stranded on the Jordanian border, saying the refugees face hunger because of the closure of the frontier between the two countries. The international medical charity, known by its French acronym as the MSF, issued the warning on Thursday, urging an immediate resumption of aid deliveries to the displaced Syrians. Benoit De Gryse, MSF operations manager, raised concerns over the situation in the border area between Jordan and Syria, known as the berm, saying it is "getting worse day by day," with people currently receiving inadequate water. In addition to high temperature in the region, "There are sand storms, there is no vegetation to provide shelter. The tents are often makeshift or extremely flimsy, offering no protection from the sun and the wind," De Gryse said. "If this continues like it is now, we will soon see starvation, dehydration and we will be confronted with preventable deaths at the berm," he added. The MSF official further noted that children make up about half of those stranded in the border region. Jordan sealed the border area after a June 21 car bombing, which left seven Jordanian troops dead and 13 others wounded. The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Amman has hinted that it would not lift the closure, with government spokesman Mohammed Momani saying that "the border remains a close military area." Daesh terrorists, who were among the militants initially trained by the CIA in Jordan in 2012 to destabilize the Syrian government, now control parts of Iraq and Syria. They are engaged in crimes against humanity in the areas under their control. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011. Damascus says Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar are the main supporters of the militants fighting the government forces. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict since March 2011. The UN has stopped its official casualty count in the Middle Eastern state, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: 'Outcome of Fight Against Daesh Being Decided on Syrian Soil' Sputnik News 15:02 30.06.2016 Syria is the place where the outcome of the fight against Daesh is being decided, President Putin said. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Syria stands at the epicenter of the battle against the outlawed Daesh jihadist group while a resolution to the Arab republic's civil conflict is still far off, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives Thursday. "Syria found itself at the epicenter of the fight against terrorism. It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of this country does not only influence the future of the Middle East. The outcome of the fight against Daesh is being decided on Syrian soil," Putin said. "It is clear that a final settlement is still very, very far off, but the experience gained over the last few months in Syria demonstrated that only by joining efforts toward the creation of a broad anti-terrorist front urged by Russia can we successfully confront today's threats," he reassured. Syria has been engulfed in a civil war for over five years. Apart from fighting against armed opposition groups, Damascus has had to counter the advance of various militant groups, including the notorious Daesh and al-Nusra Front, both outlawed in Russia. Since the beginning of the Syria civil war, the United States and some of its allies have supported the moderate Syrian opposition, calling for President Bashar Assad's resignation, while Russia and Iran recognized Assad as the only legitimate Syrian authority. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's 'checkbook diplomacy' ended long ago: president ROC Central News Agency 2016/06/30 14:41:48 Asuncion, Paraguay, June 29 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () said Wednesday that the "checkbook diplomacy" Taiwan was once criticized for has long been a thing of the past. "Checkbook diplomacy, in its conventional definition, ended a long time ago, and no longer exists," Tsai said when asked by reporters if she would make her stance clear to avoid being criticized. Taiwan has become a very different country, and many things need to meet regulatory requirements and be examined by the Legislature, so it should no longer be an issue, the president said. There might have been some diplomatic practices that faced criticism in the past, when the country was in a difficult situation, she told reporters traveling with her on her first overseas trip since taking office May 20. Citing Paraguay as an example, Tsai said she announced only two things during her current visit -- one being the doubling to 28 of the number of students to be awarded under Taiwan's scholarship program to study in Taiwan, the other being further raising import quotas for beef from the South American country. "If I did not tell you about any other issues, that means there is nothing to tell," she said. The president also commented on responses to events during her visit to Panama, where she attended the opening of the expanded canal, before traveling on to Paraguay. She said Panama had already informed her that the first ship to sail through the expanded canal is owned by Beijing-based China Ocean Shipping Co., and added that the Central American ally handled the matter in an honest and mature manner. "(Panama) invited me and also invited the leader of mainland China. They (Panama) expressed their concern about relations across the Taiwan Strait, and expressed hope that they can do something to help maintain peace and stability between the two sides," she pointed out. She also said there is no need for a political interpretation of her signing "President of Taiwan (ROC)" in a visitor's book when touring the expanded Panama Canal June 26. The choice of signature was blasted by opposition Kuomintang Vice Chairman Hau Lung-bin () and several other politicians from his party, who said ROC (Republic of China) should have come first, followed by Taiwan in the parentheses. "I was elected by the 23 million people of this country, so it is not inappropriate to call myself president of Taiwan," Tsai said, adding that on formal occasions, it is clear that the ROC will be listed before Taiwan. Earlier that day, Tsai witnessed a donation by the Asus Foundation of 400 laptop and tablet computers to public primary schools in Paraguay, before attending a banquet hosted by Asociacion Rural del Paraguay, where she was joined by the South American country's vice president, Juan Eudes Afara Maciel. She also visited a feed factory, and attended the opening ceremony of an orchid sales center, both of which are part of a cooperation program between Taiwan and Paraguay. The president is scheduled to wrap up her visit Thursday and fly to Los Angeles for a transit stop en route back to Taiwan. (By Sophia Yeh and Kay Liu) ENDITEM/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan-China hotline not in use: MAC chief ROC Central News Agency 2016/06/30 17:28:48 Taipei, June 30 (CNA) The hotline set up between Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) is currently not in use, but communication between the two sides on a joint crime-fighting agreement remains uninterrupted, officials said Thursday. "At the present time, the hotline is nonexistent," said MAC Minister Chang Hsiao-yueh () during a session of the Legislature's Internal Administration Committee on the deportation of Taiwanese nationals by foreign governments to China. Chang also said there is no other suitable channel to contact China over such matters, when Legislator Wu Chi-ming () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party further pushed her on the issue. The MAC also has not heard from China after it asked for visitation by family members to some of the 25 fraud suspects sent from Cambodia to the Chinese city of Wenzhou June 24, Chang said in response to questioning by People First Party Legislator Chen Yi-chieh (). The hotline was set up in December 2015 under the previous administration of former President Ma Ying-jeou () and was used in mid-April after Kenya sent Taiwanese nationals to China. Meanwhile, during the legislative committee session, Deputy Justice Minister Chen Ming-tang () said his ministry's lines of communication with China's Ministry of Public Security are still in place, as the Chinese side sent notification after Taiwanese suspects were sent to China June 24. The deputy justice minister said his ministry has continued negotiations with China for the return of Taiwanese nationals arrested in Cambodia. He also pointed out that while China and Taiwan have cooperated on cracking down on fraud rings involving nationals of the two sides operating in a third country, Chinese authorities have become more proactive and begun taking the initiative on their own recently. The recent arrests in Cambodia were an example of China directly working with the Southeast Asian country without the help of Taiwan, he said. In addition, visits of Taiwanese suspects sent to China have been suspended since May, he noted. Since April, both sides of the Taiwan Strait have been engaged in talks after a series of deportations of Taiwanese nationals to China by countries including Kenya and Malaysia. Taiwan sent two delegations to visit the Taiwanese detained in China over alleged fraud schemes targeting mainly Chinese nationals and seek the return of these suspects to Taiwan. On Wednesday, TAO spokesman An Fengshan () said in Beijing that regular communication between the MAC and TAO has been suspended, blaming the new government under President Tsai Ing-wen (), who is said to have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus since taking office May 20. (By Liu Kuan-ting, Chen Chun-hua and Kay Liu) Enditem/ke NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Accumulating goodwill will help cross-strait ties: president ROC Central News Agency 2016/06/30 11:48:47 Asuncion, Paraguay June 29 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () said Wednesday that if the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can work to accumulate goodwill, it would help improve cross-strait ties and create harmony in the relationship. In response to reporters' questions on the China Airlines (CAL) charter flight that flew her to Panama over Cuban airspace several days ago, Tsai said that in line with precedent, CAL filed an application for the flight route and the request was approved by the relevant authorities. "According to my understanding, it was a move in accordance with precedent. It's not clear to me if China was involved in the case," Tsai said, when asked if China had shown some goodwill behind the move, since Cuba is a country close to China, and if the move represented a breakthrough in cross-strait relations. But "if China did play a role, that could be seen as a kind of goodwill," said Tsai, speaking from Paraguay on the second and final leg of her first overseas trip since taking office May 20. If both sides of the strait can make efforts to accumulate goodwill, it would be helpful in dealing with cross-strait relations and in creating harmony in bilateral ties, she said when meeting with Taiwanese reporters traveling with her. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the flight carrying Tsai and her entourage overflew Cuba on the way to Panama, one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Central America. Tsai's flight over Cuba while heading for Panama City from Miami in the United States June 25 was the first time that a presidential flight of the Republic of China had flown through Cuban airspace, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung (). For two countries, it is usual international practice to mutually allow flights over their respective airspaces. The Foreign Ministry had authorized CAL, which planned the flight route of Tsai's overseas tour, to negotiate with Cuba, Wu said, adding that the ministry did not intervene in the matter. Tsai will depart Paraguay Thursday for Los Angeles, where she will stay overnight before heading home to Taiwan July 1. She is due back in Taiwan on July 2. During the nine-day trip to two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, Tsai first made a overnight transit stop in Miami. (By Sophia Yeh and Elaine Hou) ENDITEM/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nagorno Karabakh people should completely realize their right to self-determination - Eduard Sharmazanov On July 1, the RA NA Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Armenia Ioannis Taghis. The NA Vice President highly assessed the traditional friendly relations of Armenia and Greece and documented that the Ambassador Ioannis Taghis also his significant contribution to the development and rapprochement of those ties. The interlocutors have affirmed that numerous commonalities unite the two peoples and during recent years the inter-parliamentary relations have especially become close and the field of cooperation has expanded. Eduard Sharmazanov assessed as a turning point in the Armenian-Greek relations the adoption of the bill anticipating responsibility for the denial of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the statement condemning the Greeks and Assyrians Genocide by Ottoman Turkey adopted on March 24, 2015 by the Parliament of Armenia. The NA Vice President also emphasized the statement adopted recently by the Parliament of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, by which the genocide perpetrated in Ottoman and Kemalist Turkey towards the Pontian Greeks was also recognized and condemned. Ambassador Ioannis Taghis thanked the Armenian Parliaments for unanimously adopting the statements and officially marking May 19 as Genocide of Pontian Greeks. At the meetings the sides touched upon the issue of the NK conflict settlement: the NA Vice President has expressed satisfaction in this issue for balanced position of the OSCE member Greece and has underlined that the Armenian side has been and continues to be faithful to its position: i.e. the problem should be solved within the framework of the OSCE group and through the peaceful means. Ambassador Ioannis Taghis also defended this view and noted that the last meetings of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are hopeful in that respect. In this context, the NA Vice President noted: The Nagorno Karabakh people should completely exercise their right of self-determination. The holding of the referendum by the Nagorno Karabakh people, the exercise of that right is inscrutable, as the world goes that way. The Artsakh people have the same right of disposing their own destiny through referendum, as people of any other country, the NA Vice President noted. In the course of the meeting both sides the April war: in that context the NA Vice President touched upon the visits paid by the Greek deputies to Armenia and Artsakh, assessing them as commitment to the principles of friendship and democracy. Issues regarding bilateral relations, further cooperation, Armenian and Greek communities and their problems were discussed. 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 John Gilstrap became Danvilles new mayor Friday, and Sherman Saunders thanked everyone for enabling him to serve eight-and-a-half years as City Councils leader. This is a tremendous honor of which I will do my best to see the progress of this city, Gilstrap said following Danville City Councils 6-3 vote to elect him as mayor during its inaugural meeting Friday. Councilmen chose Gilstrap over Gary Miller, who received his three votes from Larry Campbell Jr. who nominated Miller Saunders and Miller. City Council unanimously chose Alonzo Jones to replace Miller as vice mayor. Miller was vice mayor for four years. Gilstrap and Jones will serve two-year terms as mayor and vice mayor. Gilstrap said City Council will work together as a team and must address crime, economic development and job creation and work closely with Danville Public Schools. Madison Whittle was sworn in as councils only newly-elected member from Mays election. Campbell, Fred Shanks, Lee Vogler and Saunders who were re-elected also were sworn in. They will serve four-year terms. Council members serve staggered terms. Gilstrap, Jones and Miller were re-elected in May 2014, with Councilman James Buckner first elected that year. Their terms will end June 30, 2018. Shanks nominated Gilstrap, citing his 30 years of experience as director of parks, recreation and tourism and service on several boards. Examples of his leadership in our community are extensive, Shanks said. Gilstrap first elected to council in 2010 graduated from Clemson University and served in the U.S. Army. I have served with councilman Gilstrap for his six years and am aware of his knowledge of parliamentary procedure and willingness to serve our city, Shanks said. Gilstrap has served as president or chairman of the following boards: Head Start; Danville Area Association for Arts and Humanities; Riverview Rotary Club; Project Access to Healthcare Services; United Way Fundraising Campaign; Blue Ridge District Boy Scouts; Virginia Recreation and Parks Association; Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church, and others. Vogler nominated Jones who is director of facilities at Averett University for vice mayor. As a lifetime Danville resident, Alonzo has been a champion for our citizens and youth in various capacities, Vogler said. As a council member, he has exhibited this dedication through service on various boards. Jones, who served on the Danville School Board, has been commissioner and vice chairman of the Danville Redevelopment Housing Authority, Vogler pointed out. Jones led the effort to create the Danville Youth Council. In all councilman Jones does, he strives to exemplify honesty, integrity, fairness and thoughtfulness, Vogler said. Jones said he was excited about economic development in the city and working closely with Danville Schools to move the system forward. Saunders bid farewell as mayor and thanked everyone for the privilege of leading City Council since Jan. 1, 2008. Special thanks to God, my wife, San, family, friends, citizens and City Council for eight-and-a-half years of serving as mayor of our great city, Saunders said. During that time, our city saw much, and endured very tough times. We did not waver, stayed focused and chartered a course that we know will yield more growth, jobs and success for our citizens and this region. Danville remains fiscally sound and the citys workforce with its 1,100 employees remains the best you will find anywhere in the world, Saunders said. The citys partnership with Pittsylvania County remains strong, he said. More evidence of this union will be seen soon; and even more success will continue to be realized, Saunders said. Jessie Barksdale, chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, attended the meeting and praised councils choices. Theyre two capable people to keep the city going forward and keeping the relationship with the county alive, as well, Barksdale said. Telvista hopes to hire 150 new full-time workers by the end of the year, said the companys site director. The addition to its workforce will result in a total of more than 650 jobs at the customer service providers location at 119 Cane Creek Blvd. in Airside Industrial Park. The announcement was made Thursday morning at the Regional Center for Advanced Technology and Training in Danville. Officials from the city and Pittsylvania County, representatives for state and Congressional leaders and members of the public attended. Mayor Sherman Saunders told attendees the new jobs will make a positive impact on the lives of our citizens. One-hundred-and-fifty jobs in Danville is a tremendous boost to our regions economy and continues to build on the tremendous growth weve seen at Telvista since its location in our city, Saunders said in a prepared statement. Mary Rae Carter, special advisor for rural partnerships for Gov. Terry McAuliffe, also spoke at the event. The company is adding a new customer and a new program to support sales and service of a popular vehicle diagnostic tool and road side assistance services, said Telvista Site Director Lisa Wallace. The 150 added employees will handle calls relating to the product, Wallace said. Were very committed to this area and we love the people in the community, Wallace said during an interview after the announcement. Dallas-based Telvista provides customer engagement for companies through contact management, IT services, social media services, interactive voice response and others. Since launching the Danville operation in 2005, the Danville community has provided the right mix of labor availability, quality and cost structure, Wallace said in a prepared statement. She declined to reveal the jobs pay, but said they will provide competitive wages and monthly pay-for-performance bonuses. Telvista is seeking applicants with at least one year of customer service/sales experience for the positions. Wallace noted that there will be bilingual opportunities available for potential job seekers, according to a news release. The company hopes to fill the positions by December. Telvista has thrived in Danville since opening its facility in April 2005, and we celebrate the addition of 150 new jobs in a region that continues to rebound economically, McAuliffe said in a statement. As we work to build a new Virginia economy, it is essential that we create 21st century jobs that provide diverse and sustainable employment opportunities and ensure that we are not over-reliant on federal spending. We thank Telvista for its commitment to the Commonwealth. This is the second expansion that Telvista has announced in the past 18 months, and we are thrilled when our existing businesses are successful and participating in the growth we are seeing across Virginia. Applications are being accepted for the new positions at Telvista and are available online at www.telvista.com. A Virginia State Police trooper was arrested on a misdemeanor public-intoxication charge and suspended without pay following an incident at a Lynchburg restaurant this month, authorities said Thursday. Derrick Antwan Thompson, 30, of Drakes Branch in Charlotte County, was arrested around 1 a.m. June 16 at Buffalo Wild Wings on Wards Road, according to Lynchburg Police Sgt. Craig Dowdy. Online jail records show Thompson was booked to the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center and was released shortly after on his own recognizance. State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said in an email Thursday Thompson is suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal charge and an administrative investigation. Dowdy said officers were summoned to the restaurant for a call about a fight in progress/disorderly person. Dowdy said the criteria for a public intoxication charge include someone having an alcoholic beverage about their person or body, being unsteady on their feet, slurring their speech or having bloodshot eyes. Geller said Thompson joined the state police in October 2007 and is assigned to the Appomattox Divisions Area 23 Office, which covers Charlotte and Halifax counties. Thompson could not be reached for comment Thursday. Online records said he is scheduled for a hearing at 1:30 p.m. July 14 in Lynchburg General District Court. After three years of studying various aspects of precision machining at Danville Community College and the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining, Dylan Hardy, of Brosville, brought home a gold medal in a national competition that tested the skills he has learned. Hardy competed in one of many categories in the SkillsUSA competition that drew 6,000 high school and college students to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. He won first place in the Computer Numeric Control Turning Specialist category. Not only did Hardy bring home the gold, he also earned a total of $5,000 in scholarships $4,000 from that national contest and $1,000 from the state contest that he had to win to move on to the national competition. By the end of the summer, he will have earned an associates degree in precision machining and intends to stay at DCC until he has earned a second associates degree in engineering. Then, Hardys plan is to transfer to Virginia Tech to earn a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering. Staying at DCC will give Hardy a head-start on earning a degree in mechanical engineering, he said, which he hopes to complete at Virginia Tech in two years. In addition to continuing his studies, Hardy is working part-time at EIT using his machining skills. The contest tested Hardys skills in CNC machining in areas that included basic machining skills, setting up a machine, programming and performing complex math calculations. His mother, Amy Hardy, said she is impressed with her sons education plan and his plans for the future. He does love what he does and hes done well at it, Amy said. Im very proud of him. MADISON, N.C. Made in North Carolina is a phrase thats been catching on in local supermarkets for years, and now a company based in Madison is shipping gift boxes of goods exclusively made in North Carolina to its subscribers throughout the country. Carolina Monthly is owned by Brock Swinson of Winston-Salem and Joseph Knight and Will Southard of Madison. The men, who have other full-time jobs, operate their subscription gift-box company on a part-time basis. Swinson, the companys chief executive, came up with the idea for the company one day while he was thinking about other subscription-box companies to which he and Southard had been subscribing. He said one company sent artwork while another provided random items weekly. I just started thinking how we could make something similar, Swinson said. One night, I had the idea, What if we just did items made in North Carolina? But three or four hours later, Swinson had talked himself out of the idea. The first thing I thought was, There probably arent enough items or it would be too complicated. And how would we mix things up? But Knight liked the idea. The business partners bought the Carolina Monthly domain name in April 2015 and soon after became a limited liability company. In May 2015, they went to Raleigh for the Got to Be NC Festival, a production of the state Department of Agricultural & Consumer Services, where they met about 50 people who made different products, primarily food. Last year, they also used Cratejoy, a subscription commerce platform, to create the website for their subscription company and raised $5,000 for their business through a Kickstarter fundraising campaign. Some featured items Carolina Monthly introduced its first box in June 2015. Weve probably had 10 people that have been with us since the very beginning, Swinson said. Ashley Jeffers of Winston-Salem said she and her husband, Joshua, have tried other subscription box companies but found they provided only samples of products. The best thing about Carolina Monthly is nothing is samples. Its, like, a full size of whatever they are doing that month, Jeffers said. She likes being able to try out different goods that were made in North Carolina because she and her husband are originally from Louisiana. It helps us learn more about different products that are local and in the state, she said. Brittany Madden, who grew up in Walnut Cove, now lives in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. She has been a Carolina Monthly subscriber since its beginning. Its really nice to receive the box every month and just have things that are familiar to home and things that are homemade from North Carolina, Madden said. Some of the products are products that I grew up with and are nice surprises to have show up in the mailbox. Of course, a lot of it is learning how many awesome things come from the state of North Carolina and are made locally. Carolina Monthly started out with mystery boxes and then added seasonal boxes last month. It also has a pet treats box. Past boxes have included Juggheads growlers, Craggy Mountain lip balm, The Dutch Kettle apple butter, Chads Popcorn and cookbooks from Fosters Market. Blooms, an album by The Genuine, a band based in Winston-Salem, has been featured. We really felt appreciated and honored to be asked to join the box, said Devin Forkel, the drummer for The Genuine. We knew that the goodies included represented the heart and livelihood of all the creators and stewards of the culture of North Carolina. The summer box offers a Freaker koozie from Wilmington, BBQ Sauce from Knota Yankee in Raleigh, a four-pack of Sunshine from Sunshine Beverages in Winston-Salem, an N.C. Craft Beer Map from EDIA Maps in Charlotte, and Carolina Mix popcorn from Chads Popcorn in Greensboro. Keith Vest, co-founder of Sunshine Beverages, described working with subscription-box companies as a smart retail strategy. The subscription model helps us reach customers who may not have otherwise tried us, Vest said. It gives people the chance to try out a range of new products (that are) curated and backed by a source they trust, without having to commit to a larger purchase. Swinson said customers could purchase the products themselves, but he believes the subscription is a convenient option. He said the boxes also feature some products, including local artwork, that subscribers probably wont find in many of the major retailers. Our main thing is to make sure the box is full and the products are great, Swinson said. Current prices are $35 for a basic monthly subscription, $28 for the summer box and $21 for the pet treats box. In addition, Twin City Hive, a coffee lounge on Brookstown Avenue in Winston-Salem, is now selling Carolina Monthlys boxes. In the future, Swinson hopes to increase the business and get into more stores. Wed like to do our own products as well, he said. We could feature them in the box as a trial sample. Demand for N.C. products The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services holds events and programs to promote and increase the visibility of N.C. products by working with small and large growers and companies that produce agricultural products in the state, including the Goodness Grows in North Carolina program. Jamie Hall, the departments Got To Be NC marketing manager, said North Carolina goods are a niche market, but there is huge demand from throughout the world. North Carolina is known for its food and agriculture, Hall said. Joey Burdette, co-owner of Twin City Hive, said because his business is near two hotels and the visitors center, he is seeing a definite market for products made in North Carolina. We see people from out of town every day, whether they want to take back a box as a remembrance or just a little postcard, Burdette said. We have it and people are buying it. Lowes Foods, based in Winston-Salem, carries more than 2,000 local products in its stores, such as fresh produce and local dressings. We have a hyper focus on local because we are a local company, being born and raised right here in the Carolinas since 1954, said Tim Lowe, president of the supermarket chain. Lowes Foods just announced its Carolina Crate program. On Fridays, the farmers are going through and picking the products that they have at the peak of ripeness, Lowe said. They show up in our stores, and we have them out on the floor by Saturday morning. Carolina Crate is Lowes Foods version of a Community Supported Agriculture box. More than 200 local farmers are participating in the program, which runs through Aug. 27. Boxes are available on Saturdays while supplies last. Each box is $20 and contains six to eight varieties of produce. Carolina Crates are available at select Lowes Foods stores, and a subscription fee is not required. At peak season in North Carolina and South Carolina, more than 30 percent of produce at Lowes Foods is local, Lowe said. He added that Lowes Foods has worked with small businesses to help get their products on the grocerys shelves and on the shelves of other retailers. Owner challenges The expectations of retailers can be a challenge for a grower or a food manufacturer, said Hall. He said every retailer has different guidelines and requirements, so people need to know what certifications, insurance and volume of products retailers will ask of them. Youve got to be able to obviously handle the orders, he said. Annette Dunlap, agribusiness developer for the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, works with people who have what the department calls value-added products, where people take a raw commodity then do some type of processing to it such as sauces, salsa, pickles, jelly, crackers and granola. First, people have to understand that supermarkets already have their shelves filled with products, and those products are there because they sell, Dunlap said. Stores do not stock things that dont sell. So a store is going to be reluctant to put a product on its shelf that nobody knows about. So name recognition, brand recognition, comfort zone with that particular product all have an impact on whether or not somebody is willing to buy it. She suggested that a new food producer look for a smaller venue such as a farmers market before trying to get on the shelves of a major retailer. Since its start in 2013, Sunshine Beverages has sold about 500,000 cans of Sunshine in more than 700 locations across the Southeast. Vest said the company expects to continue its growth but has had some challenges. Were a local startup company thats trying to re-invent the beverage category by introducing a better for you pick-me-up drink, Vest said. Our biggest challenge getting Sunshine into stores has been educating people what our product is and, importantly, what it is not. He said that as the company grows, people are recognizing Sunshine and what differentiates it, which has helped the company break into the market more efficiently. Weve also begun working with several distribution partners, who help introduce Sunshine to new retail partners and grow our footprint, Vest said. Lowe of Lowes Foods offered this advice to small-business owners: get a distribution channel and a unique product identifier code or UPC number so that retailers can scan their products at registers and keep track of those products. You have to be able to track the product to its origin in case theres ever a food recall or something like that, Lowe said. He also said that it is important that people are clear on telling their products story. What makes it uniquely local? COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO--(Marketwired - Jun 30, 2016) - Timberline Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:TBR)(OTCQB:TLRS) ("Timberline" or the "Company") announced that it has closed the third and final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), for which it has received final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange In connection with the closing of the third and final tranche of the Offering, the Company has issued 3,076,734 Units at a price of US$0.15 for gross consideration of US$461,510. In the three tranches of the Offering that have closed, the Company has issued a total of 10,000,006 Units for total consideration of US$1,500,000. Each Unit in the Offering consisted of one share of common stock of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each Warrant exercisable to acquire an additional share of common stock of the Company at a price of US$0.25 per share until May 31, 2019. The Offering was completed under Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") solely to persons who qualify as accredited investors. Subscribers who were resident in Canada were required to qualify as accredited investors under Canadian National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital, exploration program expenses, costs associated with claim maintenance, and loan repayments. A consulting fee was paid by Timberline in relation to this transaction to support in marketing this offering of Units. The securities offered in the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The securities offered in the Offering are also subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws and TSX Venture Exchange policies. The securities sold in the third and final tranche are subject to a hold period expiring November 1, 2016. Insiders of the Company have acquired 331,733 Units under the Offering. Their participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" within the meaning of TSX-V Policy 5.9 and Canadian Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of an Insider Participation as neither the fair market value of any shares issued to, nor the consideration paid by, such persons will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor shall there be any sale of the securities referenced herein in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted. The securities referenced herein have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority. About Timberline Resources Timberline Resources Corp. is focused on advancing district-scale gold exploration and development projects in Nevada, including its Talapoosa project in Lyon County where the Company has completed and disclosed a positive preliminary economic assessment. Timberline also controls the 23 square-mile Eureka project lying on the Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. At Eureka, the Company continues to advance its Lookout Mountain and Windfall project areas. Exploration potential occurs within three separate structural-stratigraphic trends defined by distinct geochemical gold anomalies. Timberline also owns the Seven Troughs property in northern Nevada, known to be one of the state's highest-grade, former producers. Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR". Forward-looking Statements Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering, registration of the securities, advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corp., its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks related to changes in the Company's business resulting in changes in the use of proceeds, and other such factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any 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. EXTENSION OF CLEARWATER PROPERTY AGREEMENT TSXV: URC VANCOUVER, June 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Uracan Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:URC) ("Uracan" or the "Company") announces that it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement with a total of 16,000,000 flow through ("FT") shares at a price of $0.05 per share for gross proceeds of $800,000, and 12,127,500 non flow though ("NFT") units at a price of $0.05 per share for gross proceeds of $606,375. Each non-flow through unit consists of one common share and one half of a common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share until June 30, 2017. The securities issued in connection with these financings are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day which will expire on October 31, 2016. Finder's fees associated with these financings were paid in cash to third parties, in aggregate of $31,493. The Company also announces that pursuant to this transaction, Clive Johnson, Uracan's Chairman and co-founder, President and CEO of B2Gold Corp., has acquired ownership and control of 6,500,000 common shares and 2,250,000 warrants, representing a total of 6.49% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company and 36.95% of the issued and outstanding warrants of the Company. As a result of this acquisition of the securities described above, Mr. Johnson holds in aggregate, 19,991,033 common shares of the Issuer, representing 19.97% of the current issued and outstanding shares of the Issuer and would own 23,031,033 common shares, representing 22.33% on a partially diluted basis, assuming exercise of the 2,250,000 warrants and 790,000 options held by Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson has acquired the units and shares for investment purposes and, may in the future acquire or dispose of securities of the Company, through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant. Proceeds will be used to continue exploration and development of the Company's Clearwater Property located in the Southwest Athabasca basin region of Saskatchewan along the southwest extension of the Patterson Lake Trend. The Patterson Lake Trend hosts Fission Uranium Corp.'s Triple R deposit (Indicated resource: 2.0Mt @ 1.83% U 3 O 8 containing 81.1M lbs U 3 O 8 , Inferred resource: 0.785Mt @ 1.57% U 3 O 8 containing 27.15M lbs U 3 O 8 ) and the NexGen Energy Ltd. Arrow deposit (Inferred resource: 3.48Mt @ 2.63% U 3 O 8 containing 201.9M lbs U 3 O 8 ). Additionally, Uracan and Forum Uranium have mutually agreed to a time extension of the Clearwater Property option agreement. The date for the required expenditures has been extended from the August 18th, 2016 to December 31st, 2016. This will allow sufficient time to receive the necessary permits and carry out the planned geophysical and diamond drilling programs. ABOUT URACAN RESOURCES LTD. Uracan Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:URC) is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on exploring for uranium deposits in Saskatchewan and Quebec, Canada. In July 2014 Uracan signed an agreement with Forum Uranium whereby Uracan can acquire up to a 70% interest in the Clearwater Property near the southwestern margin of the Athabasca Basin, immediately adjacent to Fission Uranium's Patterson Lake South discovery. Forum is the 100% owner of the Clearwater Property. In early 2013, Uracan signed an agreement with UEX Corp., whereby Uracan acquired the option to earn from UEX a 60% participating interest in the Black Lake Property along the northern margin of the Athabasca Basin. UEX currently holds an 90.69% interest in the Black Lake Project with AREVA Resources Canada Inc. ("AREVA") holding the remaining 9.31% interest. Uracan continues to review additional opportunities worldwide to capitalize on management's exploration and financing capabilities. Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Marc Simpson, P. Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("N.I. 43-101") standards. ON BEHALF OF URACAN RESOURCES LTD. "Clive Johnson" "Marc Simpson" Clive Johnson Marc Simpson Chairman President and CEO CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION 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 Uracan Resources Ltd. Bentley Restaurant and Bar is known for its inventive non-alcoholic drinks. Photo: Christopher Pearce At Bentley Restaurant and Bar, non-alcoholic drinks are approached as seriously - and creatively - as cocktails or a wine list. Photo: Christopher Pearce The wattleseed drink is frothed with buttermilk and flavoured with West Indian spice. Photo: Christopher Pearce Momofuku Seiobo was the first restaurant to start juice pairings in Australia. The current menu - all made on-site - includes hand-crushed berry vinegar, cloudy French Earl grey tea spiked with tea caramel and oxidised, skin-contact apple juice. Photo: Edwina Pickles Watermelon juice seasoned with kombu, katsuobushi, tamari soy sauce, four-year-aged tuna fish sauce and lime is one of the more unconventional drinks on the non-alcoholic menu at Momofuku Seiobo. Photo: Edwina Pickles The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar serves everything from on-tap tea soda to "dirty" chai. Photo: James Alcock Matcha latte at Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar - where you can find plenty of wide-ranging brews. Photo: Christopher Pearce One of the non-alcoholic pairings at Quay. Photo: Nikki To An aperitif of house-made elderflower tonic is topped with a bracing flush of fresh cucumber and parsley juice at Quay. Photo: Nikki To Lychee Mint Freeze is the bestselling non-alcoholic drink at Din Tai Fung. Photo: Supplied PS40's bartender Michael Chiem prepping drinks made from the in-house sodas. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer of If you don't want to pick up a souvenir hangover, there are still great ways to drink fantastically - and it's possible to do so booze-free. Sydney's non-alcoholic options stretch far beyond unadventurously choosing between still or sparkling water. In no particular order, here are some of the best drops to try - whether it's Dry July or not. A selection of Phil Gandevia's brilliant non-alcoholic pairings at Bentley Restaurant and Bar. Photo: Christopher Pearce Momofuku Seiobo This is the OG home of juice pairings in Australia. The program was started by Noma alumni Ben Greeno and Clayton Wells and 2014 Sommelier of the Year Richard Hargreave. The beverages are not limited to blitzed fruit, though - current sommelier Ambrose Chiang has created an inspired menu that includes skin-contact, oxidised Granny Smith and Pink Lady apple juice, the full-ginger blast of fermented 'Gunner' soda (made with charred and caramelised ginger) and cloudy T Totaler Earl Grey tea that's beautifully spiked with tea caramel. The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 02 9777 9000, seiobo.momofuku.com Ambrose Chiang's inventive booze-free list ranges from cloudy French Earl grey tea to a Japanese-style watermelon drink with kombu. Photo: Edwina Pickles PS40 This soda factory and cocktail bar proves that fizz isn't just the high-sugar rocket fuel that your parents feared during kids' parties. PS40's craft sodas can be used to amp up boozy drinks - but are stand-alone great. Try the smoked lemonade, which gets its punch and blaze from the fire-savvy team at LP's Quality Meats; rosemary, pink Margaret River salt and the citrus pep of lemon juice and zests balances out the char. It's a fine tribute to southern grilled lemonade. Try the spiced blackstrap ginger too. 2/40 King St, Sydney, ps-soda.com Advertisement Quay Assistant sommelier Alex Kirkwood used to work at Momofuku Seiobo, so he's ultra-skilled about proving you can have fun without booze. He works with chefs Peter Gilmore and Rob Kabboord to create a drinks menu that's as high-dazzle and creative as the three-hatted restaurant's dishes. An aperitif of house-made elderflower tonic is topped with a bracing flush of fresh cucumber and parsley juice - it's the best wake-up call. There's a ginger beer that's all exquisite creamy froth when first poured; a tea made with toasted rice grains, maple syrup and caramel that has the pow of an ultra-sweet dessert wine. And the Strawberries and Cream - made with frothed fruit, a touch of egg white and kaffir lime - is like all the confectionery aisle visits of your childhood being poured into a glass. Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney, 02 9251 5600, quay.com.au Din Tai Fung Dumplings and endearingly leaky teapots are a typical food-and-drink match; at Din Tai Fung, you can chase your xiao long bao with the Lychee Mint Freeze, a lively slushie made of lychee fruit, syrup and crushed ice. It's so popular that the dumpling house has sold more than 100,000 of the drinks and it's the best-selling non-alcoholic beverage. Worth a try is the Yuzu Peach Freeze, made with ice, blitzed peaches and sweetened with yuzu jam and peach syrup. This summer-only addition outlasted its original residency because it was so popular. Outlets in Chippendale, Chatswood, Miranda, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Sydney, dintaifung.com.au Gelato Messina's dessert degustation venue is also worth checking out for its drinks. Photo: Supplied Messina Creative Department Gelato Messina's Creative Department is not just fixated with creating spectacular frozen wonders for its dessert degustation - the non-booze match is just as imaginative. The rotating list has included buckwheat capuccino with amaretto reduction and burnt caramel, roast pumpkin juice, orange poke tea made in a coffee siphon and the fantastic oak barrel bourbon caramel milk. 243 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, 1800 435 286, gelatomessina.com/au/creativedepartment Chatkazz This popular Indian restaurant has a quirky fast-food feel - and mixes Mumbai street snacks with Indian pizzas and Chinese-inspired dishes. If you think it doesn't work, the packed tables will prove you wrong. Just as diverse is its drinks lists, which includes a standout masala chaas, a bracing buttermilk beverage laced with black salt, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, mint powder and mint leaves. The mango lassi is thick enough to test the suction power of your straw. And you can order cumin soda if you're unafraid of fizz that's had a run-in with the spice rack. Shop 4-6/14-20 Station Street East, Harris Park, 02 8677 0033, chatkazz.com.au Thu Phung Sugar Cane Coffee Desserts If you thought a fruit bowl was boring, than head to Cabramatta - where you can get thick avocado shakes or smoothies made with custard apple and other tropical delights. But above all, make a pilgrimage to Thu Phung's tiny sugarcane juice stand which sells a knockout version of the Vietnamese drink. The pressed juice is streamed through cumquats and chunks of ice - even on the coldest Sydney days, one sip is enough to make you feel like summer has started. Shop 2/50 Park Road, Cabramatta, 02 9723 7921, facebook.com/Thu-Phung-Sugar-Cane-Coffee-Desserts Brews are not boring at The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar. Photo: Madeye Photography The Rabbit Hole Organic Tea Bar Where else can you get tea that tastes like tiramisu, Turkish delight or toffee apple? Anyone who thinks tea is limited to a dunked teabag and slapdash pour of scalding water will be brilliantly corrected by Rabbit Hole's range, which spans from on-tap tea sodas, "dirty" coffee-charged chai and tea mocktails (such as Green Apple & Sencha Sours or a Ginger Goddress). 146 Abercrombie Street, Redfern, 02 9310 2207; Shop 1, 23 Barangaroo Avenue, 02 9045 3756, therabbithole.com.au Boon Cafe Boon lives up to its name with its thirst-destroying bounty of drinks: iced matcha blitzed with coconut; lemongrass and pandan tisanes; "blended" drinks that are slushie-style delights (in strawberry, lychee and other tropic-charged flavours) and a green juice that even the most #cleaneating-averse would actually embrace (it's made with pennywort, dandelions, blanched kale, passionfruit and Dan Hong is a certified fan of it). And it's one of the few places where you can get a decent tea (or turmeric and honey Goldilocks latte) before midnight. 425 Pitt Street, Haymarket, 02 9281 2114, booncafe.com The desert lime and wood sorrel spritz kickstarts Bentley's non-alcoholic pairings. Photo: Christopher Pearce Bentley Restaurant and Bar Bentley is known for its overachieving, much-acclaimed wine list, but Phil Gandevia's non-booze matches are also a knockout. His menu is one of the must-try Sydney drinking experiences. His ultra-imaginative creations include a wattleseed and West Indian spice buttermilk, a smoked apple and verjus drink you'd want shots of, and the Aloha - a pandan-infused aloe vera and pineapple juice with Thai basil that everyone should say hello to. The Lemonade Stall in Tokyo may sound entirely suspicious (it's made with lemonade fruit, wasabi vinegar and olive brine), but it is a next-level surprise and genuinely delightful. Corner Pitt and Hunter streets, Sydney, 02 8214 0505, thebentley.com.au Phil Gandevia smoking the rosemary for the smoked apple and verjus drink. Photo: Christopher Pearce Phil Gandevia's tips for creating your own non-alcoholic matches at home "Anything that you think you can put on a plate, you can put in a glass," he says. So try these ideas. When Jason Wright's steak was named the best in Edinburgh, the Scottish chef did the unexpected and opened a fish restaurant. He enjoys a left-field challenge, so the newly landed chef chose to present his food talents not in a Sydney restaurant but a just opened bar on Phillip Lane. Kittyhawk is the latest venture from the team behind Lobo Plantation. "There are plenty of really good restaurants at that end of town, but not lots of bars. So while we aren't trying to be a restaurant, we want to do really good French food," explains co-owner Jared Merlino. Kittyhawk takes its name from the US fighter plane. The owners also took inspiration from American soldiers and Parisians partying together during the liberation of Paris in 1944. The elegant space feels equal parts US bar and French bistro, its brick walls covered in framed wartime paraphernalia and propaganda posters. "We liked the fact the Kittyhawk name is male and female," Merlino adds. Expect cocktails and cool interiors at Kittyhawk. While the bar can hold over 900 spirits, there's a strong focus on rum and rye whisky. And true to theme, plenty of Champagne. Wright takes a playful approach with the menu. Mussel vol-au-vent and scotch eggs (pictured) use organic duck eggs and smoked aioli. Mon-Thurs, 3pm-midnight; Fri-Sat, 3pm-2pm On the menu: mussel vol-au-vent and scotch eggs. Photo: Supplied 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney, facebook.com/thekittyhawk South of Johnston's Stuart McKenzie and Simon Carver have opened Oxford Larder, a grocery store and cafe on the corner of Oxford and Peel streets, Collingwood. Part-cafe, part-retail, with takehome meals made on site and uber-local produce (which we hear all the time but these guys really mean it) it's only teeny; just 14 seats inside and a small streetside space that catches the afternoon sun nicely. Inspired by a recent trip to London and Amsterdam, it looks like a page out of Vogue Living, with vintage kitchenware, designer stools and a living ceiling of hanging herbs, "a bit like a really posh thrift shop", Carver says. The exterior of Oxford Larder in Collingwood. Photo: Wayne Taylor Coffee is from Market Lane and a cooked-to-order menu comes courtesy of French-trained chefs Matthew Palmer (South of Johnston) and Glenn Bourke: "Nordic" potato waffles with smoked salmon, avocado, sour cream and beetroot relish or eggs baked with green rice, kale, broccolini and tahini. The take-home selection changes daily but expect rotating curries, lasagnes and pies; pick and mix from the glassfronted kitchen cabinet, maybe a splendidly purple beetroot salad with a veal and lamb kofta or a "whipped" kale, herb and ricotta cake for an extra $50 you can take the plate it's served on home with you. Open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Simon Carver at Oxford Larder in Collingwood. Photo: Wayne Taylor 18 Peel Street, Collingwood, 03 9417 3675, oxfordlarder.com.au Landmark Sydney restaurant Marque is set to take a culinary turn in the direction of Italy. Pilu at Freshwasher head chef Matteo Zamboni has purchased the restaurant site and will open an Italian restaurant there in late August. Zamboni is overseas and unavailable for comment, but current employer Giovanni Pilu described the chef as strong in the kitchen and well organised. Giovanni Pilu from Pilu at Freshwater in Sydney. Photo: Supplied "His background is Michelin star restaurants. He's worked at some really good places, like La Pergola in Rome," Pilu says. A name for the new restaurant hasn't been revealed, but those familiar with the plans believe it won't try and follow Marque's lead into the upper end dining. Zamboni was raised in Brescia, so expect regional specialties to lean in that direction. With Besser Italian next door, the strip of Crown Street is developing an Italian flavour. Marque owner-chef Mark Best called time at the restaurant to concentrate on his Pei Modern eateries and overseas projects. Mark Best at Marque in Surry Hills, Sydney. Photo: Janie Barrett A sale price wasn't revealed, but Marque was listed by broker Michael Fischer & Associates for $110,000. Margot Robbie and Alexander Skarsgard star in "The Legend of Tarzan." SHARE Djimon Hounsou is Chief Mbonga in "The Legend of Tarzan." By Tony Hicks, San Jose Mercury News One of the exciting things about seeing trailers for "The Legend of Tarzan" was how much of an update it looked like compared to past efforts over the last 40 years. No mostly naked Bo Derek sitting around with chimpanzees, telling Tarzan she's a virgin while eating a banana. No Andie MacDowell having her voice dubbed because it sounded too Southern. No Rosie O'Donnell voicing an animated gorilla with a New York accent. This was supposed to be a modern Tarzan, with quality actors with appropriate accents, CGI finally making the apes terrifying, and a well-constructed, original story that manages to pay enough tribute to the original Edgar Rice Burroughs books. And "The Legend of Tarzan" delivers on all of those general expectations. So why does it feel uninspiring? The story of Tarzan is one of the greatest adventures ever told and, doubtless, it's difficult to duplicate on the big screen and keep things believable (apes speaking their own language with a man who can kill anything with a small knife and whose best friend is an elephant). That said, it wasn't a bad try. Alexander Skarsgard is a solid actor, and certainly physically trained enough to look like a guy who swings from trees and battles apes. But he approached the role as if Tarzan was a stoic and unfeeling character, without a sense of humor, which isn't the same thing as being a strong character. The great action heroes are human enough to identify with. They make people want to be them, to at least some degree. Skarsgard doesn't do that, and it's the film's biggest flaw. The story takes place in the late 19th century, after Tarzan has already transitioned into his role of John Clayton, the Earl of Greystoke. He and the former Jane Porter (Margot Robbie, in a role that doesn't entirely fit her) are married and settled in London. Belgium has colonized the Congo, and Britain has dispatched Clayton as an envoy to the colony. It's no coincidence that this also happens to be where the former Tarzan grew up with a tribe of local apes. Belgium's leader in the area, Capt. Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), has made a deal for his country involving one of Clayton's old enemies, Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou). While John and Jane renew acquaintances at the village in which she spent part of her life with her scientist father, Rom unleashes his scheme to further enslave the locals, capturing Jane and sending Clayton back into Tarzan mode. Perhaps to make up for the lack of warmth elsewhere, Samuel Jackson is enlisted to play George Washington Williams, an American envoy who accompanies Clayton to Africa. Jackson's role is clearly to not only offer some comic relief, but also to make his co-stars more relatable. Jackson is fine in the role as usual but it would've been nice to see more of that lightness in Skarsgard's acting. Tarzan and Williams pursue Rom, encounter Tarzan's old troop forcing Tarzan to have it out with a "relative" then deal with his human enemies. All this leads to the climactic scene involving many animals rampaging through a port city, which is difficult not to enjoy (as long as you're rooting for the animals). The CGI isn't seamless, but it's believable, and the gorgeous location shooting lends authenticity not seen previously in a Tarzan movie. And, to director David Yates' credit, the story arc is solid, without too many holes (there are holes in the story that only serious fans of the books might complain about, but they're minor). Yates also had to be true to the original stories while being sensitive to modern feelings about portraying Africans. Tarzan and Jane certainly treat them as contemporaries, at least as much as can be expected, though there are a few moments with Mbonga's people where stereotypes were about to creep in. Yates performs a decent balancing act. The film also does a good job of transitioning back to Tarzan's story of origin throughout the movie, showing how he came to Africa, how he was raised by apes, and how he met Jane. The flashbacks don't dominate, but they allow enough backstory to fill in the uninitiated. On one hand, "The Legend of Tarzan" is likely the best version of Burroughs' Tarzan we've seen. On the other, it seems like there's still room for another try. Which might be a blessing for fans, after all. SHARE Hardworking trio also part of 2 other bands By Federico Martinez If you're looking for a good time and great music, you might want to take a shot of the Tequila Brothers. The popular San Angelo rock band will demonstrate why it's so popular when it performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Big Sky Room, in the rear of Backbeat Music Co., 102 N. Chadbourne. "We like to have a good time when we perform and invite everyone to join us," said "Diamond" Danny Moya, the band's drummer, who also contributes vocals. "We play every single weekend. I think we're the hardest-working band in West Texas." That's not ego talking. The talented band which also includes Charles "Lumpy" Reyes, lead vocals and guitar, and Roy "Dr. Funk" Macareno, bass and vocals is constantly in demand. The trio is also the backing band for Austin-based Tiffany & The Lump, or as Moya puts it, "we're The Lump." The trio formed a third band last year after they joined forces with Mike Lovell, who performs as Whiskey Mike. "It started as a joke but ended up becoming bigger than a joke," Moya said. "Fans liked the combination so much we decided to start a new group, which we call Whiskey Mike and the Tequila Brothers. "It works out great because the fans are always buying Mike shots of whiskey and shots of tequila for the rest of us." Moya, who books shows for all three bands, said the Tequila Brothers, with their high-energy combination of rock 'n' roll, blues and Tejano, is still the most popular of the three. The pairing with Whiskey Mike gives the Tequila Brothers a chance to kick up some dust with playing honky-tonk and Texas country. Tiffany and The Lump serves up fun, funky music with a 1990s rock influence. "The only thing we don't play is Norteno and jazz, and I'm thinking of a way to add that," Moya said. Moya and Macareno, who are longtime friends, have both been playing professionally for more than 40 years apiece. Moya has played drums for artists such as George Straight, Little Joe, Tonya Tucker and The Tortilla Factory. Along with Reyes, they formed the Tequila Brothers about six years ago. Booking and playing in three bands isn't confusing or challenging, Moya said. The trio enjoy it because it gives them an opportunity to play different styles of music. This past New Year's Eve, the trio even headlined and opened for themselves, a feat they plan to duplicate this year. "We started the evening off with a 60-minute set as Whiskey Mike and the Tequila Brothers," Moya said. "We came back on as the Tequila Brothers and played for more than two hours and then returned to the stage as Tiffany and The Lump for another hour. We had a good time that night." 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 What: The Tequila Brothers perform When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: Big Sky Room at Backbeat Music Co., 102 N. Chadbourne St. Cost: $10 What else: BYOB. Contact: 325-703-1850 SHARE "See that little stream? We could walk to it in two minutes. It took the British a month to walk to it a whole empire walking very slowly, dying in front and pushing forward behind." F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Tender Is The Night" The walk began at 7:30 a.m., July 1, 1916, when British infantry advanced toward German trenches. In the first hours, eight British soldiers fell per second. By nightfall 19,240 were dead, another 38,230 were wounded. World War I, the worst man-made disaster in human experience, was the hinge of modern history. The war was the incubator of Communist Russia, Nazi Germany, World War II and innumerable cultural consequences. The hinge of this war was the battle named for "that little stream," the river Somme. The scything fire of machine guns could not be nullified even by falling curtains of metal from creeping artillery barrages that moved in advance of infantry. Geoff Dyer, in "The Missing of the Somme," notes: "By the time of the great battles of attrition of 1916-17 mass graves were dug in advance of major offenses. Singing columns of soldiers fell grimly silent as they marched by these gaping pits en route to the front-line trenches." William Philpott's judicious assessment in "Three Armies on the Somme: The First Battle of the Twentieth Century" is that the Somme was "the cradle of modern combat," proving that industrial war could only be won by protracted attrition. And hence by the new science of logistics. The 31 trains a day required to supply the British at the Somme became 70 when the offensive began. The romance of chivalric warfare died at the Somme, which was what the Germans called Materialschlacht, a battle of materials more than men. Geographic objectives land seized mattered less than the slow exhaustion of a nation's material and human resources, civilians as well as soldiers. In the next world war, the distinction between the front lines and the home front would be erased. In 1918, Randolph Bourne, witnessing the mass mobilization of society, including its thoughts, distilled into seven words the essence of the 20th century: "War is the health of the state." Relations between government, the economy and the individual were forever altered, to the advantage of government. Military necessity is the most prolific mother of invention, and World War I was, Philpott writes, "a war of invention," pitting "scientific-industrial complexes" against each other: "Gas, flamethrowers, grenade-launchers, submachine guns, trench mortars and cannon, fighter and bomber aircraft, tanks and self-propelled artillery all made their battlefield debuts between 1914 and 1918." Attritional war had begun in earnest at Verdun, which occupies in France's memory a place comparable to that of the Somme in British memory. And the Somme offensive was begun in part to reduce pressure on Verdun and to demonstrate that Britain was bearing its share of the war's burden. In December 1915, Winston Churchill, then 41, said, "In this war the tendencies are far more important than the episodes. Without winning any sensational victories we may win this war." The war itself may have been begun by a concatenation of blunders, but once begun it was worth winning, and the Somme, this "linear siege" (Philpott), set the tendency for that. Germany, trying to slow the trans-Atlantic flow of materiel, resorted to unrestricted submarine warfare, which, five months after the Somme ended, brought the United States into the war and, in a sense, into the world. Thomas Hardy's description of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig "a miles-wide pant of pain" fit the battle of the Somme, where a soldier wrote, "From No Man's Land ... comes one great groan." The Somme ended on Nov. 18, with men drowning in glutinous lakes of clinging mud sometimes five feet deep. This was the war that British poet Rupert Brooke had welcomed as God's gift to youth awakened from sleeping, "as swimmers into cleanness leaping." By November a million men on both sides were dead 72,000 British and Commonwealth bodies were never recovered or wounded. Twenty-two miles of front had been moved six miles. But because of this battle, which broke Germany's brittle confidence, the war's outcome was discernible. Not so its reverberations, one of which was an Austrian corporal whose Bavarian unit deployed to the Somme on Oct. 2. Adolf Hitler was wounded on his third day in the line. The battle of the Somme is, in Dyer's words, "deeply buried in its own aftermath." As is Europe, still. George Will is a Washington Post columnist. Contact him at georgewill@washpost.com. Graphic Illustration SHARE The following editorial appeared in Tuesday's Chicago Tribune: Few topics have spawned more commentary in recent years than unauthorized immigration, and few have generated as much pressure for a solution. But in a decision last week, the U.S. Supreme Court provided a nine-word ruling "The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided court," it read in its entirety and no resolution. So a matter that has roiled American politics and government for years will go on roiling. The result of the Supreme Court action was to return the dispute over President Barack Obama's immigration program to the lower courts. Obama's initiative was meant to allow foreigners who are parents of children born here, and people brought here as children, to remain in the country despite their unauthorized status. It removed the threat that they would be deported. In response to a legal challenge mounted by 26 states, a federal district court granted a preliminary injunction blocking implementation of the plan until the lawsuit is resolved. The administration challenged that district court ruling, but also lost in federal appellate court. The Supreme Court, which has had a vacancy since the February death of Antonin Scalia, split 4-4, so the lower court rulings stand and the case will proceed. But none of these decisions sheds much light on whether the program is legally permissible or not. We regarded Obama's remedy the same way he once viewed it as a serious overreach that misused presidential power to essentially rewrite immigration law. When activists urged him to take this action, he originally declined. ... But he finally decided to go ahead and hope the courts would let him. Whether he could have won in the end is anyone's guess. But the case won't be concluded before he leaves office, and his successor may scrap, modify or expand his effort. The perils of unilateral executive action that this episode illustrates, though, should induce the next president to do what Obama should have done: Push lawmakers harder to fix our broken immigration system. Republicans could have prevented him from trying to usurp Congress by simply passing legislation adopting reasonable changes: creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived here for years and stayed out of trouble and are willing to pay a fine; allowing guest farm workers; and increasing the number of legal immigration slots for foreigners who earn advanced degrees in technical fields from U.S. universities. Those changes were part of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" bill pushed in 2013 by such GOP senators as John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio. It died in the House after clearing the Senate. As it is, the dilemma will be sitting on the desk in the Oval Office for the next occupant. If it's Donald Trump, he may try to use his authority to ban immigration from "areas of the world when there is a proven history of terrorism" and deport huge numbers of foreigners. Hillary Clinton, by contrast, has vowed to expand Obama's program if she can't persuade Congress to act. Either may also get to appoint a justice for the empty seat on the Supreme Court. What Congress does will depend partly on which party controls the House and the Senate ... The impasse in Washington has blocked reform, but 11 million foreigners remain here without legal authorization, a status that pleases neither them nor the opponents of undocumented immigration. The people in office today have perpetuated an immigration debacle that no one favors. Maybe those in office next year will finally act to fix it. Many public services are now outsourced. From education and transit to garbage pickup and park maintenance, theres a notion that nongovernmental organizations can do things better. Certainly, privatization has seen its share of successes and failures. But one of those successes is economic development -- at least in Oklahoma City.Since the beginning, economic development in Oklahoma City has been handled not by a public entity as in many cities, but by the Chamber of Commerce. Putting the chamber or other private groups in charge of economic development has long been common at the local level. And as my colleague Alan Greenblatt wrote in these pages late last year, its starting to catch on in states, too.Outsourcing job creation can be controversial. Private economic development agencies have been accused of favoritism and sweetheart deals. But Oklahoma Citys approach has largely been free of these accusations. According to Roy Williams, president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the city has always relied on its business establishment to make major decisions about growth. It contracts with the chamber to do economic impact studies, develop its workforce, recruit outside businesses, assist with site location and issue permits, among other things.This makes sense, given the intersection between economic development corporations (EDCs) and chambers. A typical EDC aims to dictate a citys growth agenda by determining the industries and locations worth investing in. Chambers collect donations from businesses and then provide them with information, networking opportunities and lobbying. There is enough overlap that merging both organizations would seemingly reduce duplication. Thats been the case in Oklahoma City, says Mayor Mick Cornett. By contracting with the chamber, the city pays solely for services, rather than having to fund its own EDC office and workforce.Cornett says the partnership prevents cronyism by getting the politics out of the economic development side. In many EDCs nationwide, the staffers are political appointees, and the target businesses are large and well-connected. But chambers -- at least local ones -- have long been more egalitarian, representing businesses of varying sizes. This has compelled them to advocate for a better overall business climate, rather than one that carves out special favors.The chambers role has also enhanced the already-strong relationship in Oklahoma City between government and business. Williams, who frequently travels with the mayor, says that in other cities hes often found that the business community and governmental entities have no relationship, and in fact sometimes are at odds. In Oklahoma City, he says, the two fit hand in glove.Williams says this is why Oklahoma City has, since 2000, been solidly in the upper half for job and population growth among Americas 50 largest metros. The city has also enjoyed one of the nations strongest downtown revivals, thanks to several public-private developments organized by the chamber. Another special session coming Budget gap Saying the Alaska Legislature failed to do enough to solve the state's deep financial woes, Gov. Bill Walker used his veto pen Wednesday to slash next year's state spending, including likely cuts in Permanent Fund dividends, a delay in paying tax breaks for the oil industry and cuts in education programs and road projects.At a news conference in Anchorage called to announce and explain the vetoes, Walker said the state is facing a $4 billion hole in budget revenues due to low oil prices and dwindling oil production. He said the state can no longer afford high annual dividends from the $52 billion Alaska Permanent Fund, like the $2,072 payout in 2015 to every adult and child resident.The state's fiscal position is dire, he said. "We've lost 80 percent of our income in about a year and a half," he said.His Alaska Permanent Fund veto allows for a $1,000 annual dividend this year, Walker said. High dividends are not sustainable, he added, and reductions in the payout are needed to keep the fund alive."If we don't make a change on the dividend program, here's what happens. It goes away in under four years," he said.Walker's other vetoes, totaling $1.29 billion, slashed government funding in a number of agencies, including education, as well as pausing highway projects and stopping megaprojects like the Knik Arm bridge and Susitna River dam. He vetoed funding for the controversial U-Med highway project in Anchorage.Those cuts were painful, the governor said."This is not a day of celebration. This is sort of a day of reckoning," he said.But some constituents were happy about the Susitna cuts. Mike Wood, board chairman for the anti-dam Susitna River Coalition, said, "We're ecstatic that he made that announcement today among some pretty grim news."Among the most high-profile vetoes was funding for paying oil-tax credits he said was at odds with the state's need to generate money from its leading industry. The tax credits were fiercely defended by the oil industry and its supporters in the Legislature, but critics said they allowed industry to not pay its fair share of state government.That veto defers $430 million in credits the state would have paid to the oil companies, Walker said. "We can't afford that, where we are today," he said. We just didn't have the cash flow to be able to fund those."Kara Moriarity, president of the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, an industry advocate, decried that veto."This veto is shortsighted because the state is obligated to make good on its commitments. A misguided move like this sends a chill throughout the investment community, as well as an industry already battered at low oil prices," Moriarity said in a statement."Today's veto tells investors Alaska is closed for business and will go back on its own policy whenever the price of oil fluctuates. For investors looking to make billion-dollar decisions, this makes an already risky investment that much riskier," she said.Walker's vetoes were announced a week before the Legislature begins a second special session. It already has been in overtime twice -- extending its regular session 31 days beyond what the law allowed, then running out the clock on the first special session without taking House and Senate votes on major fiscal bills. The next special session, called by Walker to being July 11 in Juneau, has another agenda of fiscal bills. Walker said he hoped Alaskans would pressure the Legislature to get more done.The Alaska Constitution allows the Legislature to consider overriding vetoes in a special session called by the governor, and House Speaker Mike Chenault said lawmakers might just try. He said he'll meet with members of the majority to see if there's enough support to overturn vetoes, a step that requires a three-quarters vote of the Legislature."When the governor says we didn't do our job, we passed an operating budget that was funded. It may not have been funded how the governor would have liked, but it was funded," Chenault said. "In his mind we didn't do our job because we didn't enact new revenues."Chenault is a Republican from Nikiski, a district loaded with oil industry workers and support companies, including one he owns himself. He said overriding the oil-tax credit veto would be a priority."We owe the tax credits (to industry) and we should pay for those," he said. Not paying the tax credits will hurt small oil and gas companies, he said."It'll make more of the independents in my district start to flounder," he said.Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, said he'd support an override of the PFD veto."A lot of people expected they'd get $2,000 this fall, and I think people are going to be pretty upset by this because they won't get that," Wielechowski said. The dividend cut and many of the other vetoes will hurt low-income Alaskans disproportionately, he said."These are cuts that will be felt very strongly by working people, lower income people, because you have significant cuts in education, the university and, of course, the Permanent Fund cut," Wielechowski said. "People on the lower income scale will fill that harder than people on the higher end. The average Alaskan earns $50,000 a year. You're talking a large reduction for a family of four."Sen. Peter Micchiche, R-Soldotna, said he admired Walker's "courage" in cutting PFDs, something the Alaska Senate had already done in Senate Bill 128 but which the House left on the table when it adjourned."We'll see if that gives any cover for the other body (the House) to come to the table and realize, election year or not, there's a job to be done," Micchiche said.Walker, business and citizens groups, bond rating agencies and others have been goading lawmakers to do something about Alaska's out-of-whack budgets since the price of oil collapsed two years ago amid flagging oil production.Production on the North Slope, where major oil fields are aging, has depleted to about 530,000 barrels a day from the peak of 2 million barrels in 1988.Since oil began flowing through the trans-Alaska pipeline in 1977, the state has relied on oil royaltes, taxes and fees for most of its revenues. That system has left the budget subject to price volatility and production declines.Walker proposed a series of measure to fix the $4 billion "budget gap," including a major restructuring of the Permanent Fund, an income tax, and new or increased taxes on many of the state's industries.He also proposed phasing out most of the tax credits for oil producers and explorers, and suggested oil taxes be increased. The 2017 budget he proposed this year was lower than the budgets approved and signed during more prosperous years for the state treasury.But with legislators fearing the wrath of voters or having their own philosophical problems with touching the Permanent Fund and instituting new taxes, they chose instead to take money from one of the state's dwindling savings accounts, the Constitutional Budget Reserve.Rep. Bob Herron, D-Bethel, who caucuses with the House Republican majority, said Wednesday he's disappointed in the Permanent Fund reduction, which will hurt families in his district, one of the poorest in the state. Many of those families use their dividend checks for basic needs such as food and fuel."This is going to be a significant reduction," he said.As he spoke in the lobby of the Anchorage Legislative Information Office, where committees were meeting, a man approached with a young boy."What are you doing about the governor taking my kid's money?" the man wanted to know, pointing to the boy. "In my district, you are taking money out of my kid's pockets, in your district that's for food and fuel.""I understand," said Herron."Then do something about it!" he said, then left.Here are some of the details on Walker's vetoes:Permanent Fund: Walker's veto cut $666.35 million from the allocation to dividends, nearly half of what the Legislature had approved in what is normally a routine transfer of earnings revenue. Walker argued, as he has in the past, for a restructuring of the fund to lower annual payouts and stretch the fund's life.But Walker also cautioned against reliance on savings to supply the money for the budget -- "eating the seed corn for another meal rather than planting the seed corn," he said, or, in a more Alaska-focused analogy: "I'm a big fan of sourdough pancakes. And if we treat our Permanent Fund like we treat sourdough starter, we'll be fine. No one would ever use up all the sourdough starter. The first thing you do is you take it out and leave it for the next batch."Capital projects: The vetoes result in "closing down" two controversial megaprojects -- the Knik Arm Crossing, a bridge project critics have likened to a money-wasting "bridge to nowhere," and the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, which critics argue would damage the environment and wreck salmon habitat."Those projects we can no longer continue to advance in our fiscal situation we're in today," Walker said in his news conference.The vetoes also paused eight highway-construction projects that would have been funded from the state budget and, in part, by bonds. Those vetoes save $250 million, Walker said. "We're pausing those until we have a fiscal plan," he said.Education: The vetoes, on top of cuts already made by the Legislature, result in a 37 percent reduction in funding for the state Department of Education, Walker said. In all, the vetoes cut $58.3 million from primary and secondary education, including a $30.5 million reduction in the state's customary school-debt reimbursement, leaving $91.5 million in funding for fiscal year 2017. They also include a $10.4 million cut in funding for construction of rural schools.Separately, Walker vetoed $10 million in state funding for the University of Alaska and axed the planned $80 million deposit into the Higher Education Fund, a program that provides needs-based financial assistance to post-secondary students. Scholarships from the fund will continue, Walker said.Fish and Game: Walker mentioned one source of new funding for state operations -- $9.1 million to be generated by fee increases for hunters and fishermen. The user groups actually "demanded" to pay more to support wildlife services, demonstrating admirable civic responsibility, Walker said. "They came to us and demanded that their fees be raised. They didn't come to us and say, 'Raise everybody else's, don't touch us,'" he said.Though there were no Fish and Game vetoes announced Wednesday, the department's general-fund budget has been reduced by about 30 percent since fiscal 2015, said Carol Petraborg, a department official.Miscellaneous: The vetoes totaled $38.55 million in cuts for government agencies, with cuts spread across the spectrum of services.Some programs lost substantial amounts of funding. For state tourism marketing, Walker's veto cut over $3 million, leaving $1.5 million. Under his vetoes, Department of Transportation maintenance stations in Central and Chitina will be closed, saving $912,000. Illinois political leaders cut a deal on a makeshift budget Thursday to keep state government afloat for six months, ensure schools open this fall and rescue the financially struggling Chicago Public Schools -- a temporary reprieve to the stalemate that's gripped the Capitol for a year and a half.Quite temporary, as it turned out.Minutes after the bill cleared the House, Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan took to the microphone and needled his chief nemesis, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner."We have seen with previous successful budget efforts that we can come together, achieve compromise and pass a budget when the governor's demands relative to his personal agenda that hurts families are dropped," Madigan said. "That happened again today."A few hours later, Rauner emerged from days of sequestration in his Capitol office and doled out praise to Democratic Senate President John Cullerton and Mayor Rahm Emanuel for their "flexibility" and "creativity" in the tricky negotiations. Left out of the accolades was Madigan, the guy whose power Rauner is trying to erode this fall by spending millions more of his fortune on legislative campaigns.Despite claims the budget deal would help build trust following months of scathing attacks from both sides, Rauner vowed he was not abandoning the economic agenda he's made a condition of a more permanent budget deal. Madigan maintained Democrats would stand their ideological ground.That means, at least for now, the front lines of the political battle will shift from the Capitol dome to parade routes, doorsteps and mailboxes in House and Senate districts statewide.The budget agreement came amid intense pressure to ease the dysfunction as neither side wanted to be blamed if children couldn't go to school, road construction projects stopped, prisoners rioted for lack of food and the state's most vulnerable continued to lose care.Supporters were quick to note that the heavy lifting on a more complete budget lies ahead. The legislation does nothing to reduce the state's $8 billion bill backlog and is likely to add to it because there are no new ways to pay for the additional spending.Faced with the awkward position of taking a victory lap over an outcome that wasn't exactly what he had sought -- and one that included none of his economic agenda -- Rauner offered a jumbled assessment. He first hailed it as a "grand bargain" and a "grand compromise" before pivoting to a warning that the deal was incomplete and "not a solution to our long-term challenges.""This is not a budget. This is not a balanced budget," Rauner said, standing outside his Capitol office surrounded by Republican lawmakers. "This is not a solution to our long-term challenges. This is a bridge to reform. That's what this is."For his part, Madigan also said there was "more to do" and indicated he's open to further compromise on a full-year spending plan, but it came with a warning that Democrats would remain opposed to portions of what Rauner calls his "turnaround agenda.""My priority, and the priority of House Democrats, continues to be the passage and implementation of a comprehensive, full-year state budget that fulfills the promises to Illinois' middle class, the elderly, children and most vulnerable," said Madigan, who has been speaker all but two years since 1983. "This can be achieved if we can again work together toward compromise, and instead of focusing on agendas that would hurt Illinois' middle class, focus on a budget that improves the quality of life for all Illinoisans."Rauner and his Republican allies tried mightily to push back on the notion that Democrats had succeeded in extracting what the governor has termed a "bailout" for CPS. But in the end, the package of bills contained about $100 million in extra state aid for the district and a promise of an additional $202 million to pay Chicago teachers' pensions. The pension help is tied to the idea that lawmakers and Rauner will be able to craft a broader plan for dealing with the state's own pension problems.In addition to financial help from the state, Emanuel's hand-picked CPS board was given the authority to levy yet another property tax on Chicago residents, one that could raise an additional $250 million for the district for pensions. The mayor also got legislators to authorize new special taxing districts for the city that would allow it to raise money for mass transit projects.Emanuel, who used to vacation with Rauner before their offices pitted them against each other, thanked the governor for taking time to "right some historic wrongs" on Chicago school funding."In my view, progress beat out partisan politics, and the public came out ahead," Emanuel said."What I care about is that Chicago is not considered a stepchild. We are the economic engine of the state. We are the people that are producing jobs, investing in our future. And if we're healthy, the state is healthy. And the good news is with this honest compromise, our kids, our taxpayers and our teachers aren't a stepchild in the state. And I think that's a good thing, and I compliment (Rauner) for leading toward that solution."The budget passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support, and Rauner swiftly signed it into law. Lawmakers held off sending the governor the bill on the city's transit taxing districts. They also held onto the CPS pension bill because Rauner wants a separate measure to cut state employee retirement costs before he'll sign it.There was opposition to the budget from some in both parties who argued it would only worsen the state's financial condition and delay a host of tough decisions."We will have acted, but we will not have acted responsibly," said Rep. David Harris, R-Arlington Heights.Essentially, what Rauner and lawmakers agreed to do was to raid a number of special funds to collect enough money to spread throughout state government to keep it running, while also appropriating a sizable chunk of the state's income tax revenue to make up the difference.While Republicans hailed it as a plan that doesn't raise taxes, early indications were that the money authorized could exceed what the state has available to spend. And aside from elementary and secondary education spending, the bill covers costs only through the first half of the budget year.Still, the measure spreads financial relief throughout many corners of state government, making it possible to pay down debts owed to social service agencies, and provides a much-needed cash infusion to universities.Public schools were the biggest winners, with all elementary and secondary school districts in the state standing to receive as much or more than they got this year. Additionally, the state will spend an extra $80 million on early childhood education and districts that serve low-income students would get a share of a $250 million poverty grant, with CPS estimated to receive about $131 million from those two funds.About $670 million was set aside to pay for social services, which amounts to roughly 65 percent of the cost of those services from last July through the end of this year. Providers of immigration services, autism services and youth programs, which had been frozen out of state spending the past 12 months, would become eligible for payments.It was still unclear, however, which social service providers would get paid and when, given that there isn't enough money to cover all of their bills. Rauner aides did not respond when asked how the administration plans to tackle that problem.The deal also provides relief to government agencies that had been struggling to keep operations going. It sets aside about $720 million to cover costs at state facilities for utilities, food, medical care, gas and repairs to the state's vehicle fleet.About $1 billion will be funneled to the state's higher education system, with about $655 million going to the nine state universities, $114 million to community colleges including City Colleges of Chicago, and $151 million to cover tuition grants for low-income students that were promised last year but never paid.Much of the spending would be paid for by sweeping money from special funds. That includes forgiving $454 million that the Rauner administration borrowed from other funds last year.And as they have done in past years, lawmakers will forgo their annual cost-of-living raise. Lawmakers already have had a delay in their paychecks after Republican Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger announced in April that she would be adding lawmaker salaries to the backlog of bills. Legislators haven't received a paycheck since, and at least one contended Thursday that the achievements of the day should be enough to get the paychecks flowing again."I know this is something that many of us think is taboo, we shouldn't say, but as legislators we should get paid for the work that we do," said Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood. "So I hope that the work we're doing here today would allow us an opportunity to continue to take care of our own homes." that provide health care for a hundred miles, and they may be the main source of local livelihoods. But rural hospitals are very much an endangered species. Nearly 30 percent of the nations 2,000 or so rural hospitals are likely to close in the next two years.Rural hospitals have faced closure crises before, particularly in the late 1980s. This time around, however, the threats run deeper and are more challenging. While some states are taking steps to save hospitals operating in rural areas, there are growing barriers to the financial sustainability of these institutions. The decline and possible fall of rural hospitals mirror an existential question: Can rural areas themselves survive?The present crisis got underway in 2010, according to Alan Morgan, chief executive of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). After a decade of almost no rural hospital closures, 74 rural hospitals across the country have since shut their doors. In 2013, more than one-third of rural hospitals were operating at a deficit, according to NRHA.A cause of the crisis can be traced back in large measure to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The health reform law increased access to care in all states, but it also upended the overall health-care system by encouraging a move away from a traditional fee-for-service model. As that happens, critical-access hospitals -- hospitals in rural areas that have no more than 25 inpatient beds but provide emergency care -- are hurt. Critical-access hospitals were created in response to the rural hospital closure crisis in the late 1980s and have been reimbursed 101 percent of each service a Medicare patient uses in the hospital. The system is entirely reliant on fee-for-service, so a move away from that model could potentially spell devastating consequences for the future. People often describe the program as a leaky life raft, says Tim Putnam, president of Margaret Mary Hospital, a critical-access hospital in Indiana.That isnt the only leak. With the new law came new regulations and mandates. Hospitals have to adopt electronic health records and new forms of reporting, or face penalty fees for not complying with new initiatives. These regulations tightened finances for many hospitals, but especially rural ones which operate with a much smaller and less flexible financial base. Adding to the fiscal pressures, the ACA made at least eight reimbursement cuts for care provided to Medicare patients.But the rural hospitals that suffered the most were those in states that didnt take up the ACAs provision to expand Medicaid coverage at the federal governments cost. In Kansas, for instance, the state hospital association has told lawmakers that the states failure to expand Medicaid is having dire consequences. One hospital, for example, would receive about $1.6 million more in one year if the state expanded its Medicaid coverage.Indeed, ACA regulations are not entirely to blame. In many cases the law simply exacerbated issues that were already there, such as the difficulty of retaining physicians in rural areas, or young people from rural towns moving into urban areas, or low Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates, which have been further exacerbated by a 2 percent across-the-board cut on Medicare payments as part of Congress sequestration. All of these things, Morgan says, have created a perfect storm for rural, already vulnerable hospitals.there was no real way to keep tabs on rural hospital closures unless the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health reported them. So when Morgan and his team at NRHA wanted to know where this trend was heading, they teamed up with the Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina and iVantage, a health analytics firm. The goal was to identify rural hospital closures when they happen and collect a snapshot of how many rural hospitals are struggling and where they are.In their research, iVantage found 210 hospitals that were the most vulnerable, meaning they could potentially close tomorrow. Another 463 hospitals were simply labeled as at risk, meaning they could close at any point in the next couple of years. The firm looked at factors that include financial stability, population health and health outcomes. The majority of these vulnerable hospitals are nonprofit facilities, although government-owned and private hospitals are also well-represented.While no particular rural area of the country is safe from hospital closures, Morgan notes that if you pull up a map of where conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity are most prevalent, those are the areas that have seen the most rural hospitals close. In effect, hes referring to the southeast corner of the country, where those chronic conditions are dishearteningly prevalent.Georgia has been especially hard hit by the closure crisis. More than half of its rural hospitals are classified as at risk, and five of them have closed in the past five years. Another 18 are predicted to close in the coming years. Medicaid expansion there could be seen as a quick fix, at least in the short term, but it isnt on the table. State employees arent even allowed to advocate publicly for it.Instead, Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law a tax credit bill that gives individuals and businesses a chance to donate to rural hospitals in exchange for a state income tax credit. Individuals contributing to rural health care can apply for 70 percent of the amount of the contribution, or $2,500, whichever is less. Businesses donating can receive 70 percent of the amount they contribute, or 75 percent of their state income tax liability, whichever is less. Estimates suggest that over the next three years, up to $300 million could be disbursed among the states rural hospitals.In 2014, Deal also created the Rural Hospital Stabilization Committee to explore different ways to keep rural hospitals open. The committee decided to try a hub-and-spoke model of care in four pilot sites across the state. In the pilot areas, the hub is the local hospital, and the spokes are other health systems: local federally qualified health centers, health departments, private physicians and telemedicine providers. The idea is to transfer people whenever possible to the spokes to relieve some of the financial pressure of providing costly specialized care on rural hospitals and their emergency departments. The program kicked off last year.Michael Topchik, senior vice president of iVantage, isnt convinced that a hub-and-spoke model will do much of anything to help save rural hospitals. When you employ a hub-and-spoke model, youre just shipping the cost of care to other health systems in the area, he says.Each of the four pilot sites received grant money to implement a program they felt would best serve the health needs of their own community. The funds were set to expire in June, but were recently extended to the end of the year to see how well these programs actually work, reports Patsy Whaley, the director of Georgias State Office of Rural Health. One goal thats been really uniform among the sites is the expansion of telemedicine, especially in schools and federally qualified health clinics, she says. Its remarkable, especially in the school setting. Some of these children havent seen a doctor in two or three years.Although issues of Internet access and reimbursement hover over it, telemedicine has emerged as a beacon of hope. The need to embrace it is important to the future of rural health care and the people who live in rural areas. Its just so cost-effective for the patient, says Charles Owens, an associate professor at Georgia Southern Universitys College of Public Health, adding that by using telemedicine within school settings, were normalizing it for our next generation.Louisiana, a state where 58 percent of rural hospitals are considered vulnerable, hasnt seen any close so far. In 2013, state lawmakers took action by setting up the Louisiana Hospital Stabilization Fund. It allows hospitals to pool their money, which then qualifies them for additional matching Medicaid funds from the federal government. The fund encourages hospitals to accept Medicaid patients while giving them an additional revenue source. Its a key reason the state hasnt had any rural hospital closures, Topchik says.This spring, newly elected Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an executive order to expand Medicaid eligibility under the ACA, a reversal of the policy of former Gov. Bobby Jindal. The expansion should help rural hospitals bottom line by decreasing the percentage of patients who cant pay for care and increasing the percentage of those whose hospital bills can now be covered by Medicaid.Beyond expanding Medicaid and telemedicine options, another potential solution to help stem the tide of closures is hospital consolidation. At least 121 rural hospitals were bought by larger, urban-based chains between 2005-2012. The results, however, have been mixed.The positive news is that many rural hospitals that are part of a merger have access to capital, something they hadnt had. That capital, says George Pink, deputy director for the North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center at the University of North Carolina, can be used for quality improvement projects that otherwise would have never gotten done.Pink also notes a downside. I have heard that some of the larger hospital chains dont understand the realities of rural America, and theres a misunderstanding of local culture. So theres two sides of it. In addition, patients often face higher costs when their local hospital is bought up by a larger chain.about the current closure crisis isnt that its happening, but that theres no end in sight. For rural health workers and advocates, the predicament has created a greater existential question: Without access to health care, can rural communities continue to exist? Or, as Morgan puts it, Will rural life even be an option going forward? Its a big question weve been ask-ing ourselves.There isnt an easy answer, but many health experts say its up to a particular community, county and state to decide what works for their population. There wont be a one-size-fits-all fix. The hospitals need to be having conversations with local health departments and the federally qualified health clinics to figure out the best way to deliver care in their community, says Owens, the Georgia Southern University professor. He noted that based on an evaluation of need in the community, a hospital in Mississippi recently closed its ER and replaced it with a nonemergency inpatient clinic. Thats something for people to think about, he says. Are there service lines in your community that could be cut?Conversations around cutting services such as an ER arent easy ones to have, especially in areas where residents may have died unnecessarily because a hospital ceased offering a particular service or because it closed entirely. While experts say its tough to study the correlation between deaths and disease in areas that have been hit with hospital closures, when you talk to the people left behind, there are a lot of stories there, says Putnam, the president of an Indiana hospital. He mentions one particular anecdote: A child choked to death after the parents drove to the nearest ER only to find that the hospital had just closed.On the federal level, Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri and Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa introduced the Save Rural Hospitals Act last July. The bill, which cites iVantages research findings, proposes eliminating Medicare cuts, providing grant funding to keep rural hospital doors open and delaying the penaltyfees for failing to make meaningful use of electronic health records. The NHRA has come out in support of the bill. Another similar bill -- the Rural Emergency Acute Care Hospital Act -- was introduced by senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Cory Gardner of Colorado last year. Neither bill has made it out of committee.As more laws, initiatives and programs are proposed to stabilize the situation on the local level, rural health experts think federal regulators and policymakers need to be more sensitive to the reality of rural health care and the impact of some of the more burdensome regulations on a community hospital serving 4,000 people.Rural health is all about population health. Thats great when you look at the shifts that Medicaid is making, Putnam says, adding one addendum. The future is great for the hospitals who can survive this. in to Rep. Stephen Dwight nearly every day after his election to the Louisiana House last year. Interest groups all across the political spectrum were eager to meet with the newly elected member. For Dwight, it was a bit bewildering. A 38-year-old Lake Charles lawyer, he had never held elected office before. Suddenly, as a member of the Republican majority on the House Ways and Means Committee, he was in the middle of the states most severe budget crisis in decades. It was like drinking water from a fire hose, he says. Everything was coming at us.One of Dwights first-term Republican colleagues, Rep. Jack McFarland, had somewhat more preparation. He had done the budgeting for both his small north Louisiana parish and his timber business. But those budgets pale in comparison to what hes dealing with as a new member of the House Appropriations Committee. By the end of my first year in office, he says, I will have learned as much as most legislators do in three years.Thats the way it is in the Louisiana Legislature in 2016, a year in which fiscal disaster and term limits have combined to give crucial roles to an unusual number of new members. Meanwhile, theres one other group whose influence is rising: the large corps of lobbyists who practice around the Capitol in Baton Rouge.While the newly minted legislators have only started to learn the inner workings of the state legislature, many of the lobbyists have been around for decades. Their numbers have grown over the years as well. In a legislature loaded with newcomers, lobbyists are an important source of information not only about the interests they represent, but about the legislature itself. Getting acquainted with Dwight, McFarland and the large class of freshmen lawmakers has been a high priority for the lobbyists roaming the Capitol corridors this spring.Lobbyists are key players in every state capitol, and they may be more important now than in the recent past, as national advocacy and business groups turn their attention away from a gridlocked Congress to focus on effecting change at the state level. Louisiana, in the midst of a fiscal crisis, is a good place to watch the evolving roles of lawmaker and lobbyist play themselves out. Broad-based tax cuts implemented by Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, who left office last year, have contributed to a massive shortfall in the states revenue. The recent decline in oil prices, and the accompanying drop in oil severance taxes, have made the situation even worse. Shortly after taking office in January, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards called for a special session to close the states immediate budget gap. The regular session ended with the treasury still about $600 million short for the coming fiscal year, so Edwards called for a second special session in June.Edwards floated a number of revenue-raising ideas, including income tax bracket changes that would effectively increase rates for middle- and upper-income households and reductions to corporate tax breaks. But the Republican-controlled House pushed back, and the second special session ended with lawmakers raising revenues less than half of Edwards' goal. The deficit for the current budget is projected to be as high as $200 million, raising the possibility of midyear cuts.Every interest group in Louisiana has a stake in the outcome. Whenever youve got a shortfall like this, all the special interests begin to surface, says Senate President John Alario, with stacks of memos from groups all over Louisiana sitting on his desk. Everybody wants to be heard and give their side of the story.Given the states dire fiscal situation, the lobbying firms around the capitol are mostly taking a defensive approach right now, trying to avoid introducing much controversial legislation. Its important, lobbyists say, to manage clients expectations and let them know that under these circumstances, maintaining the status quo is a win.Just under 700 lobbyists are registered to work with the state legislature, or nearly five for every lawmaker. Thats twice as many as in 1980, when there were 350. One big reason for the increase, lawmakers say, is the adoption of term limits. Louisiana is one of 15 states with term limits, prohibiting members from serving more than 12 consecutive years in either chamber. Lobbyists are now providing much of the institutional memory that term limits have otherwise erased.This years freshman class is not only large -- 40 of the 144 members of both chambers -- it is exceptionally well-represented on the key committees. On House Appropriations, for example, McFarland is one of 10 freshmen out of a total of 25 members, an unprecedented number. This too is related to the fiscal situation. Faced with the prospect of making difficult budget cuts, House Speaker Taylor Barras found little interest from veteran lawmakers in the normally sought-after posts. At the same time, Barras wanted newer members to start gaining experience on the money committees, since well over a third of the chamber will be term-limited in 2019. We need the bench to be capable of stepping in when were gone, Barras says.Given the importance of the new members, many lobbyists arranged not only to attend fundraisers for them, but also to visit them in their districts prior to the legislative session. When you have a large batch of new legislators coming in, you dont know what theyre going to do, says Jeannie Bordelon, who heads the state association of lobbyists. There are a lot more getting-to-know-you meetings going on.If theres a dean of the Louisiana lobby corps, its Randy Haynie. As an independent contractor who has lobbied for 36 years, he knows the history of why bills were passed or amended, and is occasionally called to speak before committees on bills he isnt even lobbying on. I am now part educator, almost like a college professor, he says. When I first started, I was just a salesman.To help newer members, senior lawmakers and the legislatures fiscal office convened a series of day-long crash course-style budget training sessions beginning in November. Clearly, when you come in with a $900 million shortfall in the current year and $2 billion shortfall in the next year, its hard to wrap your head around if youve never been through a budget process, says Speaker Pro Tem Walt Leger III, who participated in some of the sessions. In addition, each freshman legislator was assigned a mentor.Sen. Sharon Hewitt, a first-term legislator who was placed on the Senate Finance Committee, says that making sense of all the moving parts of the budget has been the hardest part of her job. Its definitely more complicated than it appeared on the campaign trail, she says. Like other new members, Hewitt, who had worked as an engineer, is still learning the three-letter acronyms that analysts throw out during committee hearings.when he wasnt competing against any other lobbyists on many bills. Now, there are frequently more than a dozen lobby groups on either side of a single issue. Groups representing large industries or fields have splintered off, creating fights within fights. Scope-of-practice battles in the medical field are a good example. One current clash in the Louisiana Legislature pits nurses against doctors on the question of whether some nurses can practice if theyre not affiliated with physicians.MultiState Associates Inc., a nationally focused government affairs company, links a recent uptick in lobbyist registrations across state legislatures to the policy gridlock in Washington. Were increasingly talking with D.C.-centric organizations that are taking a renewed interest in state government relations, says Andy Trincia, a principal at the firm. Areas of growth include the health-care sector, financial services and emerging tech companies.In Louisiana, while lobbying activity has proliferated over the longer term, annual lobbying expenditures reported to the state Ethics Administration have been mostly flat the past few years. Through the first four months of 2016, though, lobbying spending is up more than 50 percent over last year, due largely to the first special session that began in February.As lawmakers have come and gone over the years, the major lobbying players havent changed all that much. The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Louisiana Hospital Association continue to wield significant influence. Some of this is exerted behind the scenes, but some is on display right in the hallways. Organizations often hold a day of events at the Capitol or rent tables outside the chambers to make their presence known. One afternoon, the Louisiana Retailers Association served ice cream and snacks. The next day, the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians offered health screenings and distributed back scratchers to members.The major lobbying organizations have been providing lawmakers with polling data and specialized expertise that isnt available within the legislature. When a House member proposed a bill intended to support autonomous vehicles that would have unintentionally impeded testing and development, Haynie flew in an executive from General Motors Corp. from Detroit to assist. They ended up completely rewriting the language and introduced a new bill.Legislative staff are available to help with research and bill drafting, of course, but their time and resources are limited. Staff numbers have been dwindling in recent years all over the country. Across all 50 capitols, total state legislative staff has declined about 9 percent since 2003, according to statistics compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Most Louisiana House members have one legislative aide to handle correspondence, but are otherwise on their own to request information.Gregory Bowser, the Louisiana Chemical Associations director of government affairs, thinks legislative staffing limitations have increased the need for lobbyists. When you think about 2,000 bills that may be introduced and start talking about different areas, he says, lawmakers dont have the expertise to really do it all and switch that quickly.Years ago, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry didnt do a lot of deep dives on policy or research. In 2013, the group hired a research director and has since started producing a series of reports and a daily email newsletter. Stephen Waguespack, who heads the association, says hes ramped up information-gathering efforts, in part to fill a void he sees in the limited resources of legislative staff. Generations ago, lobbying was more of who you knew and whether you could grab the right elbow in the hallway, he says. Now, it has absolutely got to be substance-based or you wont pass the smell test here.While wining and dining still occurs in Louisiana, its less prevalent than it was a few decades ago, as is the case in virtually every state capital. Old Baton Rouge watering holes like the Green House and Capitol House Hotel restaurant are long gone. Lobbying that once would have taken place over a one-on-one dinner now typically is conducted at luncheons or in group settings. State ethics rules allow lobbyists to spend $60 on a legislators food and drink at a given event, but public officials in the state cant accept any gifts of economic value. Lawmakers are further prohibited from accepting campaign contributions during regular sessions, although those rules didnt apply to the two special sessions this year.Perhaps no one has witnessed the evolution of lobbying over the years quite like Alario, the legislatures longest-serving member, who at age 72 has spent 36 years in the House and eight in the Senate. Ive seen it go from individual house parties where people would cook in their homes and invite a bunch of legislators over, he says. With the new ethics laws, it has changed a lot. Lobbyists also say that email and cellphones have reduced the need to meet with lawmakers as often as before.Lobbyist Liz Mangham says lawmakers have less time than they did years ago, so shell generally try not to lobby more than two weeks in advance of a vote. She also tries to gauge the way one of her bills will be perceived by a lawmakers constituents. You really have to give them the lay of the land so that they can make an educated guess, she says. Folks back home matter.Dwight, the freshman lawmaker, started to feel out the lobbyists over the course of the first special session. In sorting out whos helpful and whos not, hes grouped them into two types: those able to talk about both sides of an issue, and those who approach it like a salesman. You learn real quick which group theyre in, he says. On Monday, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett became president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Over the weekend, the group met in Indianapolis to elect Cornett and lay out a broad policy agenda for the next year -- much of which focused on advocating in Washington. Mayors will focus on pushing for congressional funding to combat the Zika virus, improve infrastructure and treat opioid addiction.Cornett, who has been mayor since 2004, spoke withabout his personal goals for his one-year term as president. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.There have been presidents who seem to have a strong preference for dealing with governors as opposed to dealing with mayors. We prefer a president who is open to dealing directly with mayors or directly with regional economies.Weve had an open dialogue with the White House. For the most part, I cant complain about the attention that cities have gotten from the administration.I dont know. I think it would probably be OK. Typically if a president has been a governor, then they generally see the world through states and not cities. She hasnt been a governor, but she has been the first lady of a state. So she may very well come in with that point of view.However, she has already spoken to the mayors twice, so Im grateful that shes talking to us.We did. He was unavailable.I dont have a clue.I dont have any idea.My priorities in the next year involve infrastructure, health and wellness, and technology. On the technology side, Im seeing incredible changes in the way citizens interact with cities -- autonomous vehicles, the potential of flying cars, the potential of high-speed rail. I dont think enough of the private-sector industrialists out there are having conversations with mayors about how this would actually be implemented into society. So Im asking some of the Conference of Mayors staff to start engaging our private-sector partners who are interested in these technologies. No level of government is going to be more impacted by the autonomous vehicle than cities. So far, we havent had serious or meaningful conversations with any of these manufacturers.Its not a new problem. We have many states out there that are dominated in the leadership by rural areas, and its not unusual for them to preempt cities from controlling their own destiny. Its just part of the abrasive nature that were seeing between cities and states. Were not working together very well.It might be more frustrating because it seems to come from legislators who are right of the political center, who constantly say that Washington is too powerful and that more decisions should be made at the local level. Then at the state level, they go and do the exact same thing to us in cities. Thats troublesome to me.We are the largest school district in the country to have fully funded all-day pre-k. We did it with some government dollars and largely with nonprofit and private-sector help. Its still too early to tell [how well its working]. One of the things that you face in an urban pre-k environment is that families are pretty mobile. Its difficult to track the success of a 3 year old or a 4 year old five years later because theyre not in the same school district or even in the same city. I think we all suspect that its working and its helpful. But if youre looking for metrics, its either too early or too difficult -- or both -- to track with confidence. Description GIS - 01 July, 2016: The European Union (EU) has allocated an amount of Rs 70 million for a Call for proposals under the last edition of the Decentralised Cooperation Programme (DCP) which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. The European Union (EU) has allocated an amount of Rs 70 million for a Call for proposals under the last edition of the The launching ceremony of the Call for proposals was held yesterday in Port Louis in the presence of the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth and the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Mauritius, Mrs Marjaana Sall. The Call for Proposals of grants ranging from Rs 400 000 to Rs 4 million will be allotted to Non-State Actors (NSAs) and Local Authorities with respect to certain conditions for eligible projects aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which has now shifted to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focus will be mostly on promoting achievement of the SDGs in both Mauritius and Rodrigues towards the most vulnerable segment of the society with particular emphasis on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; improve maternal health; and ensuring environmental sustainability. In his address, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, lauded the support of the EU to the Mauritian government in various spheres and recalled that under the DCP with the collaboration of the EU, over Rs 1 billion have been disbursed for capacity building of NGOs and calls for proposals for projects geared towards addressing the MDGs with focus on Poverty eradication and social inclusion. He stressed on the uncertainties facing the global economy in the wake of the Brexit issue, which he said will undoubtedly have repercussions globally and in Mauritius. On this score, he gave assurance that Mauritius can still rely on the unflinching support of the EU which remains a strategic partner for Mauritius in addressing socio-economic inequalities particularly poverty. The Finance Minister recalled that the forthcoming budget will amongst others, focus on addressing the challenges faced by Small Island States with the threats of climate change and in translating into concrete action the vision 2030 of the Prime Minister as outlined in its Economic Mission Statement as well as creating new economic diplomacy at both regional, and international fronts including the ACP countries. For her part, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Mauritius, Mrs Marjaana Sall, emphasised on the crucial role of the DCP in assisting NSAs in helping the vulnerable segment of the population to integrate mainstream society. According to her, the DCP is the appropriate instrument for both the EU and the government in helping civil society organisations in their efforts to contribute to achieving the SDGs which fits in the 2030 Agenda to Sustainable Development. She also recalled the vision of the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Union, Ms. Federica Mogherini, who appealed for a concerted effort between the EU and the governments, between Europe and the world and the private sector and civil society so as to transform the SDGs into concrete action. The Programme Coordinator and Imprest Administrator of the DCP, Mr K.Valaydon, called for the potential beneficiaries under the programme to make judicious use of the funds made available by the EU under the programme following this call for proposals. According to him, the EU remains a strategic partner for Mauritius and has been providing both technical and financial support to the country for development projects particularly at a time where countries are striving to obtain financial assistance for development. DCP is an EU instrument assisting NGOs engaged in activities to fight against poverty at community level helping the needy segments of the population. DCP awards grants through a call for proposals scheme and is in line with the commitment of the EU to combat poverty and exclusion in achieving the MDGs. For the period 2008-2015 the EU has disbursed some Rs13.8 billion under the 10th EDF for projects geared towards addressing the sugar accompanying measures, fight against poverty; climate change; decentralised cooperation and circular migration and under the11th EDF Mauritius had benefitted some Rs 900 million in various sectors including research and education. The country has also received an additional envelope of Rs 230 million under the 11th EDF which have been allocated to address water supply issues in Rodrigues. On Tuesday, June 28, President Obamas IT innovation teams at 18F and the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) secured a huge endorsement from presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. In a briefing , the Clinton campaign published core commitments to federal IT, among which was a promise for continued support of the two federal agencies.Hillary will make the USDS and other digital services a permanent part of the executive branch to ensure that technical innovation becomes an ongoing feature of the American governance, the campaign statement read.The two groups were praised for their work fixing the presidents health-care exchange HealthCare.gov, improving the benefits distribution system at the Department of Veteran Affairs, and streamlining immigration applications and college selection for students. If elected, Clinton said she would expand the scope of both groups inside the federal government and out, exploring service options at the state and local levels as well.Clintons endorsement is especially critical for the USDS, which has teams in various agencies and a central branch headquartered at the White House Office of Management and Budget. To safeguard USDS work in 2015, the Obama administration coordinated an effort to house individual chapters inside different agencies where they would be less susceptible to changes from an incoming administration. For the USDS group within the White House, however, its presence and structure is entirely dependent upon the next president's approval.Clinton said she will charge USDS to transform the top 25 federal services that directly serve citizens, redesigning each with detailed performance metrics. Additionally, she said USDS would be responsible for engineering a Yelp for government service, a system that would allow citizens to rate services and give public feedback. She did not specify if this initiative was a separate endeavor or connected with the federal governments current partnership with Yelp, which has created ratings and reviews profile pages for some agencies on its site.Beyond these commitments, Clinton said staples to her tech policy focus on generating more jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; expanding broadband and Internet accessibility, increasing U.S. tech exports, creating a tech policy that fosters smart procurement; and using open data and cutting-edge technology to improve citizen services.On June 30, only a few days away from the Freedom of Information Acts 50-year anniversary on July 4, President Obama signed the FOIA Improvement Act, effectively raising transparency standards that agencies must follow for public records requests.Through the years, FOIA has suffered. Agencies have taken advantage of the laws exemptions, using them to deny requests without providing a reason or evidence for withholding information. Sometimes requests would take years to complete; other times requests would receive no response at all, frustrating researchers, watchdog groups and journalists seeking access. The new law updates the old with a presumption of openness, a term meaning that all nonclassified government documents are open unless an agency can prove their release would cause specific harm.Despite bipartisan support for the law, it was unclear whether it could be passed. In a post by the Sunlight Foundation, a transparency group that has lobbied for the bill, the final law was described as a successful compromise, neither as strong nor as flawed a bill as it might have been.Ironically enough, the law met heavy resistance from the agency responsible for its enforcement: the U.S. Department of Justice. Its leader, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, sent a memo to Congress opposing a series of key reforms to the law and had her department actively lobby against the bill in Congress. She argued that the reforms would be burdensome to the staff members who would have to carry them out. The memo went on to say that the reforms would chill intragovernmental communication.Now that the bill has passed, the next steps will require a joint effort to ensure changes take effect. According to Alex Howard, Sunlight's senior analyst of federal policy, increased oversight, new technology, procurement reforms and staff education will likely be needed. Additionally, he called for a continued vigilance by transparency advocates.These laws are worth protecting from the inevitable attempts at repeal and weakening by politicians and bureaucrats who would prefer to keep their mistakes, fraud or outright corruption out of the public eye, and reforming when issues with implementation or compliance emerge, Howard said.Chicago is calling on civic technologists to finish design on OpenGrid , the citys open source platform that give citizens access to real-time city data.In a recent blog post by Chicagos IT department, officials said that starting July 8, it would be hosting open weekly conference calls for interested participants willing to contribute to the platform or who are considering adopting it within their own cities and organizations. Since it launched in January, Chicago has given the platform three updates and hopes to refine it further.The aim of these calls is to better engage potential contributors or adopters of the platform, city IT officials wrote on the blog. That interaction will allow better planning, road mapping and divvying-up tasks.Some of its primary functions now allow users to navigate an interactive map of the city for latest details down to their individual neighborhoods and blocks. This information might include open and closed service requests, closed streets, nearest potholes or where to find restaurants that have passed city inspection.The post didnt indicate any specific new features on tap, but if the platform is as robust as its parent system WindyGrid , there are quite few possibilities.WindyGrid, launched in 2014 as Chicagos first big data management platform and initially funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, serves as an information hub for every department in real time and gathers more than 7 million rows of data per day. The resource has allowed the city to launch a number of analytics and predictive analytics programs with its features. Data-Driven Justice Initiative Participants Include ... States 1. Connecticut 2. Illinois 3. Maryland 4. Oregon 5. Pennsylvania 6. Rhode Island 7. Utah Cities and Counties 1. Albany, NY 2. Allegheny County, PA 3. Anne Arundel County, MD 4. Arapahoe County, CO 5. Bernalillo County, NM 6. Bexar County, TX 7. Black Hawk County, IA 8. Camden County, NJ 9. Champaign County, IL 10. Charleston County, SC 11. Clark County, NV 12. Coconino County, AZ 13. Codington County, SD 14. Dakota County, MN 15. Dallas County, TX 16. Denver, CO 17. Eau Claire County, WI 18. Everett, WA 19. Flagstaff, AZ 20. Franklin County, OH 21. Franklin County, PA 22. Fulton County, GA 23. Hood River County, OR 24. Hudson County, NJ 25. Jefferson County, KY 26. Johnson County, IA 27. Johnson County, KS 28. King County, WA 29. Knox County, TN 30. Lafayette Parish, LA 31. Lake County, IL 32. Leon County, FL 33. Los Angeles County, CA 34. Lucas County, OH 35. McLean County, IL 36. Mecklenburg County, NC 37. Miami-Dade County, FL 38. Milwaukee County, WI 39. Montgomery County, AL 40. Montgomery County, MD 41. Multnomah County, OR 42. New Orleans Parish, LA 43. New York, NY 44. Oakland, CA 45. Pima County, AZ 46. Pinellas County, FL 47. Polk County, IA 48. Ramsey County, MN 49. Rio Arriba County, NM 50. Salt Lake City, UT 51. Salt Lake County, UT 52. San Diego County, CA 53. San Francisco, CA 54. Santa Clara County, CA 55. Snohomish County, WA 56. Suffolk County, NY 57. Wake County, NC 58. Walla Walla County, WA 59. Washington, DC 60. Winona County, MN Communities interested in joining the DDJ initiative can respond to the White House's call to action here. The White House is developing a best-practices toolkit that gives concrete examples to jurisdictions seeking a strong pre-arrest diversion program. The Department of Veterans Affairs will work through its Veterans Justice Outreach Liaisons Specialists in DDJ communities to help local law-enforcement and other justice-system personnel develop mental-health diversion protocols. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice, which recently awarded a portion of $8.7 million to three organizations working with DDJ communities, is facilitating evidence-based intervention programs that seek to decrease homelessness, arrest, hospitalization and ER visits. Amazon Web Services will convene a Technology and Research Consortium that identifies technology-based solutions to support DDJ communities. Appriss released analysis of data from more than 3,000 local, criminal justice agencies designed to help DDJ communities identify indicators of re-arrest, overdose, housing instability or homelessness. The first 100 DDJ communities will receive enterprise software licenses free from Esri. MasterCard is using proprietary technology to lend insights on operational efficiencies and economic impact of DDJ programs. All DDJ communities will get access to RTI International's Call for Service Analytics tool, which will allow law enforcement agencies to visualize and analyze their call data. As part of a broader program to reform the nation's criminal justice system, the White House announced on June 30 the Data-Driven Justice Initiative (DDJ), which aims to reform criminal justice through three main strategies: improving communities, reforming sentencing and investing in the process of re-entry to society.And the initiative intends to use its partners and proven strategies to accomplish this. The initiative takes root through a coalition of 67 states, cities and counties with support from many private-sector and philanthropic organizations, including Amazon Web Services, Esri, the Data Science for Social Good summer fellowship program, Code for America, Triggr Health, the National Association of Counties and New York University's Governance Lab."We have engaged local leaders who have adopted data-driven, evidence-based strategies, and we've facilitated the sharing of their best practices in order to help other jurisdictions scale up and accelerate their utilization of these success stories," said Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to President Obama.In announcing the initiative, officials relied heavily on data and statistics themselves to illustrate the severity of the nation's criminal justice problems."More than 11 million people annually move through our country's local jails, many charged with low-level, nonviolent offenses," Jarrett said. "They spend an average of 23 days behind bars, yet only 5 percent are convicted and sent to prison. We've seen the extraordinary cost of running these systems, both the toll it exacts on individuals, families and communities, but also the cost to the American taxpayer. The White House Council of Economic Advisors found that local and state governments spend approximately $270 billion a year on criminal justice, with 22 billion on incarceration alone."The nation's 3,100 local jails filter more than 11 million people through the system each year, 64 percent of whom suffer from some form of mental illness, 68 percent of whom suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, and 44 percent of whom suffer from chronic health issues, according to the White House.Our criminal justice program isn't as smart, safe or fair as it should be, Obama said last year. This program is one piece of his attempt to change that, with particular focus on the drug addicted, mentally affected and chronically ill people who struggle through the criminal justice system."We joined the Data-Driven Justice Initiative because we've seen that there are people in our county jails that quite simply don't need to be there," said Ben McAdams, mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah. "Let me start with people held before trial before they've been convicted of any crime. If they're not a risk to my community, and will return to court for hearings, there's no reason they should be held in jail."Further, McAdams said, those with mental illness and addiction or in need of any other service that government can facilitate will benefit from this program."We believe that by linking data across our criminal justice and health systems, while making sure we protect privacy, that we can identify the people who are most in need and then connect them to services that will provide much-needed stability in their lives," he said.Knoxville, Tenn., is another participating city, and Police Chief David Rausch, who's been with the police department for 23 years, also noted those as mentally ill being a reason for joining the initiative."A good part of my career was as a patrol officer and I know first-hand the challenges from a law-enforcement perspective of trying to meet the needs of people with mental illness," he said. "I can tell you that there's almost nothing more frustrating to a police [officer] than seeing someone who clearly needs help and having the only options available as jail or hospital emergency rooms, both very costly and not appropriate locations for those individuals."His city needs to be smarter and more effective about how they allocate their resources, he said, and shuffling the same people around their jails and hospitals isn't it."That's why about eight years ago, the Knoxville Police Department forged a relationship with the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC), a local nonprofit organization that provides housing and case-management services to people with mental illness, substance use disorders and other issues," Rausch said. "My officers now have a place they can refer people to get them the services that they need. Since we first started in 2008, VMC has housed more than 950 people and provided key services to more than 50,000 people."That other communities can learn from the partnership between VMC and the Knoxville Police Department is but one of the many aspects of the DDJ initiative. Additional programs and partnerships span the nation and include participants from government at all levels, philanthropic organizations and private industry.Other resources and partnerships included in the DDJ initiative announced thus far include:Dozens more similar programs and partnerships can be found on a fact sheet published by the White House. (TNS) A few weeks after a primary election riddled with polling-day issues, Los Angeles County officials announced theyve completed the first phase of a major planned overhaul of the countys voting system.County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan envisions a future system in which, instead of being directed to designated polling stations on a single Tuesday, voters will be able to choose from hundreds of voting centers around the county during a 10-day window leading up to election day.There, instead of marking their selections with pen and paper, they will enter their selections on touch-screen ballot-marking devices, print out a paper ballot to review their selections, and feed the ballot back into the machine to be stored and counted.The county began exploring a redesign of the system in 2009. In 2014, the county Board of Supervisors approved a $15-million contract with the Bay Area design firm IDEO. The planning and design process has cost $14 million to date, Logan said.Elections officials unveiled the completed prototype of the new voting machines Thursday. The devices were the product of dozens of earlier prototypes and feedback from more than 3,500 voters, designers said.We really took a step back and tried to take a holistic view to understand wishes, desires, pain points in the voting system today, said IDEO executive program director Annetta Papadopoulos. We focused on the diversity of voters that make up Los Angeles, people with all kinds of accessibility challenges, be it fine motor, visual, people with different native languages and different levels of literacy.Many voters complained of pain points in the system after the June 7 election. These included broken voting machines, voters whose names did not appear on rosters or appeared under the wrong party, and difficulty in obtaining cross-over ballots for independent voters who wanted to cast votes in the Democratic party presidential primary.More than 250,000 voters had to cast provisional ballots, and the count of provisional and late vote-by-mail ballots has continued through this week.Logan said had the new system been in place, I would argue it would have been a fundamentally different voting experience on June 7.With voters no longer confined to a single polling place, many of the issues with voter rosters that led to provisional ballots would not have occurred, he said. Voters wanting to cast a cross-over ballot could have selected the correct ballot through the systems user interface.This is not just about equipment and technology, he said. Its about the whole voting experience.Earlier touch-screen voting systems raised security concerns in some quarters, because the votes were transmitted electronically, in some cases without a paper record, leaving them potentially vulnerable to tampering by hackers.David Dill, a computer science professor at Stanford who has been an outspoken critic of electronic voting systems, said the proposed Los Angeles County system does not pose the same security concerns because it will produce paper ballots that will be reviewed by the voters and can be audited later. The greater potential issues will be in the systems usability, he said.In practical terms, the biggest problems are its difficult to design what is essentially a consumer device and get all the software and design details right, Dill said. But if successful, he said, the new system could reduce the potential for voter error and make the process easier for people with special needs.Voting systems can be better, and particularly a place like Los Angeles has these special challenges that are not being met very well by the voting machine manufacturers, he said.If successful, the Los Angeles system could be picked up by other election offices looking to replace their aging fleets of voting machines.Election officials that we spoke to across the country told us they were watching that project, said Christopher Famighetti, a voting rights researcher at the Brennan Center for Justice who co-authored a recent report on the dangers of aging voting equipment.Los Angeles County officials are now formulating the bidding process that will select a manufacturer for the new machines. The devices will also need to undergo state testing before they can go into use.Logan said his office is waiting for passage of state legislation that would set up the parameters for a new vote center-based system. The legislation would in part determine how many voting centers and machines would be required, which would dictate the projects ultimate cost.He hopes to roll out the new system on a limited basis for early voting in the 2018 election, and to convert completely by 2020. Ask Americans which state is the greenest, most unspoiled, most eco-conscious place in the country, and a lot of people would probably say Hawaii. So it may come as a surprise to learn that Hawaii is actually the most oil-dependent state in the nation. Because its unreachable by trains or pipelines, the state spends $5 billion a year importing oil. As recently as 2003, more than 90 percent of their electricity came from foreign oil. Thats not just bad for the environment; its bad for consumers: Hawaii residents pay the highest electricity rates in the nation.That could all soon be changing, however. Thanks to sweeping legislation adopted last year, Hawaii has set a goal to become the first state in the country to generate 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy resources. If its successful -- the 100 percent goal has a deadline of 2045 -- Hawaii would move from worst to first on clean energy.To call the plan ambitious would be an understatement. Getting to a completely renewable portfolio requires not only new investments and new technologies, but also a complete overhaul of the energy industry in the state. But the truth is that Hawaii has already made notable strides in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Thanks to a committed effort over the past 15 years, the state has decreased its dependence on oil by about 20 percentage points from that 2003 high.The five islands boast a wealth of renewable sources, including solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy. The state is pushing forward with biogas waste-to-energy technologies, and is also experimenting with wave energy and ocean thermal energy conversion, which involves exchanging colder water with warmer water, creating enormous amounts of energy in the process. As of 2015, there were already 60 renewable projects underway across all the islands. These projects have the capacity to generate more than 150 million kilowatts per hour per month, which is enough to power almost 300,000 homes a year for the next 10 to 20 years.Getting to a purely renewable portfolio isnt just about power generation. The most direct way to reach that goal is to use less energy. And Hawaiis made significant inroads there, as well. The state has aggressively implemented energy-efficiency programs, retrofitting state- and government-owned buildings with advanced cooling systems, LED lighting and other improvements. The measures have largely paid for themselves through the savings captured from installing such efficiency devices. Since 2008, Hawaii has reduced electricity consumption by 16.8 percent. Thanks to lower energy use coupled with an increase in renewables, Hawaii is already a fifth of the way toward its goal. This isnt some sort of empty promise where were picking a big goal and were trying to pursue it, says Mark Glick, administrator of the Hawaii State Energy Office. A long time ago, we went way past rhetoric.But is the states 100 percent green goal actually achievable? In technical terms, the answer is yes. The necessary tools have been deployed commercially -- between electric vehicles and smart appliances and energy storage and lots of inexpensive rooftop solar -- to make this happen, says John Farrell, director of Democratic Energy at the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Its not only technically possible, but economically feasible.Its absolutely doable, agrees Bill Ritter Jr., a former governor of Colorado and the current director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. As he told a crowd at the annual Maui Energy Conference in March, its part of what the future of the world needs to look like. The problem, he says, will be changing the way energy gets delivered. No one is going to get to 100 percent without upending the utility model.And thats where Hawaiis story gets more complicated. It isnt cost or technology that stands in the way of the 100 percent goal. The real challenge is restructuring a legacy energy industry whose business model hasnt changed in more than a century. As Farrell says, if Hawaii doesnt reach its renewable energy goal, it will be the utilities fault.with a 100 percent renewable goal, but many places have set aggressive standards of their own. Renewable portfolio standards are on the books in 29 states; in fact, just three days after Hawaii signed its landmark law, Vermont announced a plan to reach 75 percent renewables by 2032. California, New York and Oregon all have set goals to reach 50 percent renewables either by 2030 or 2040. In addition, several cities have committed to being fully renewable, including Aspen, Colo.; Burlington, Vt.; Georgetown, Texas; San Diego; and San Francisco. Private-sector companies like Google and Facebook have purchased carbon offsets and demanded utilities use renewables to power their server farms. Still, Hawaiis extreme goal sets it apart. Back in 2008, in a historic agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, the state set a deadline to be 15 percent renewable by 2015. It hit that target two years early, so lawmakers last year decided to push further.Now, though, is when things get really hard, as the state must confront a difficult economic reality: As more and more Hawaiians adopt rooftop solar and other renewables, the electricity sector will make less and less money. Renewables can also add strain to the existing delivery infrastructure. Solar-generated electricity, for example, flows out of houses and into a power grid that was designed to carry energy in the other direction. Utilities often dont have a handle on how many homes have rooftop solar and how much power those homes will be supplying to the grid, which has led to unanticipated voltage fluctuations that have overloaded circuits, burned lines and resulted in power outages.The entire business model of the electric utility is under such stress, says Farrell. For decades, the whole process was essentially: Energy demand rises, utilities build more power plants. But with the business model changing the way it is, all the innovation and entrepreneurialism is happening at the retail level and yet the utilities are really stuck on this notion of, We control the system, and we should be the ones to do the changes.Rooftop solar panels now sit atop roughly 12 percent of Hawaiis homes, by far the highest proportion in the nation. That will only grow under the new law, so Hawaii needs its utilities to be completely on board. So far they have been. Were committed, says Alan Oshima, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Many places are setting renewable energy goals, but in Hawaii it isnt just aspirational, its imperative.The utilities have been part of the states renewable plan from the beginning. As important as the whole policy agenda was, says Glick in the state energy office, stakeholder consensus was just as crucial, if not more.But many critics worry that the utilities are still too entrenched in the old ways of delivering and charging for energy. For example, the state has had difficulty aligning its strategy with HECO. In April, the utility revised for a third time its power supply plan -- essentially, the road map detailing how the utility will comply with the states shift to renewables. Earlier versions had been rejected by the Hawaii Public Utility Commission because regulators said the utility had not aggressively sought utility-scale renewable generation, addressed distributed resources, or justified its fossil fuel plans.At particular issue has been HECOs proposal to supplement imported fuel with liquefied natural gas. The utility says its cheaper than oil. But Gov. David Ige opposes the idea, calling it a distraction from the 100 percent renewable energy goal. HECO has said the utility can meet the goal with or without liquefied natural gas, but that without it electricity costs could be higher.Another major sticking point in the state right now is the possibility of a merger. NextEra Energy, based in Florida, has a $4.3 billion deal on the table to buy HECO. The merger is awaiting approval from Hawaii regulators, but it is wildly unpopular with environmentalists and some state officials. They point to Florida Power and Light, one of NextEras subsidiaries, which has donated millions of dollars to Florida lawmakers to squash solar programs in that state. HECO says a merger with NextEra would bring an influx of cash and expertise, making it easier to achieve the states energy goals. State regulators failed to meet a June deadline for voting on the merger. Meanwhile, say Farrell and others, the merger is the elephant in the room thats delaying the state from implementing more renewable strategies.Whether or not the merger goes forward, one thing is certain, according to the state: The future of Hawaiis energy strategy requires a more interactive partnership between utilities and the state. We all have to sit down in a room and set goals, review jointly the criteria under which decisions are made, and have much more open and transparent data, says Glick. In other words, theyll have to work in concert. Already, Glick says, the utility and the state are looking at new rate structures, new storage possibilities, and how to utilize advanced metering to help shift consumer demand for energy during peak usage times. That, he says, requires a new planning paradigm where utilities cant plan on their own.Theres no question that there are big challenges to getting there, says HECOs Oshima. But were working with everyone -- regulators, government, business, environmental advocates and customers -- to get the best ideas on the table while still fulfilling a commitment to provide safe, reliable and affordable service. I no longer laugh at the joke in a meeting with public officials when someone says they need to go get their teenager to help them with technology. The fact that we have dramatic new tools often licensed by a city yet only a few individuals truly taking advantage of them is a public-sector crisis. For newer and more powerful software, vendors wistfully aspire for the tools they have designed and sold to cities to be more fully utilized. From predictive analytics to performance measurement, new data and tech initiatives have the power to reinvent every part of city hall. These tools and initiatives are allowing cities to better understand how their work is improving residents lives, discover previously hidden problems and streamline their internal processes.But technology is still only a tool and cities will not be able to evolve unless their employees do too. One of the most important skills the next generation of public employees can have is an understanding of both policy and data, enabling them to understand the social context, deploy the necessary analysis and craft targeted solutions for the most pressing civic problems. Cities need to attract and cultivate a workforce of tech-minded employees who can fully leverage new technologies and data initiatives to promote change and create public value. This requires both discovering how to hire new tech talent and better cultivating and training existing workers.Correcting the gap between capacity and use requires cities to rethink their recruitment and development processes to better attract suitable talent. This gap can be in part closed by cities changing their hiring methods: What standards they impose, how quickly they can offer jobs, where they recruit, and even the description of the job itself.A stellar example is New York Citys revamped NYC Tech Jobs website, part of its current effort to attract more tech-minded applicants. Internship and fellowship programs also provide another solution and a clear path into city government for motivated students or recent graduates. Increasing and publicizing these programs can help cities boost the number of tech-minded recruits.New dual-degree options, such as the University of Chicagos masters in computational analysis and public policy (awarded jointly from the Department of Computer Science and the Harris School of Public Policy), provide a solid background in both areas and could be a great source of talent for cities searching for the next generation of employees.Cities can also turn inward and focus on developing the tech skills of their current employees. For example, San Franciscos Data Academy offers a broad range of short technical classes to current government employees, with the goal of helping them understand and incorporate data and tech skills into their everyday work. These programs leverage the invaluable years of experience employees have in their fields and help unlock hidden potential with the addition of technology or data analysis.But just attracting or developing new talent is not enough: Technical skills are only useful if they intersect the work and catalyze the imagination of a person who has substantial responsibilities. In order to fully leverage these new skills, cities should distribute skilled workers throughout government and empower them to work across departments, instead of keeping them siloed in a solitary department. This can help ensure that tech-minded employees are thought of as partners in building better government.Building the new generation of public servants is essential to allow governments to continue to evolve. New data and tech initiatives hold great potential for local governments, but they can only succeed if cities have well trained and motivated employees capable of running them. Transparency legislation moving forward at the State Capitol would require local government entities to post all meeting agendas online via a prominent, direct link beginning in 2019.If approved, AB 2257 from Assemblymember Brian Maienschein, R-San Diego, would apply to legislative bodies of cities, counties, special districts and school districts."AB 2257 will update the Ralph Brown Act by ensuring meeting agendas are posted in a consistent, visible location on the homepage of a local agency's Internet website or provide a direct link to an agenda portal if they have one," Maienschein said Wednesday.The bill also would stipulate that the meeting agendas be made available in an open, machine readable format that's "platform independent," searchable and downloadable.Robb Korinke, principal of Grassroots Lab, the sponsor of the bill, told the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on Wednesday that the legislation would level the playing field for access to public documents and the decision-making process.Jim Ewert with the California Newspaper Publishers Association said the bill "would bring the Brown Act into the 21st century, and if you were writing the Brown Act today, this is where you would start."But not everyone is completely happy about the legislation. The California Special Districts Association has taken an "oppose unless amended" position on AB 2257. A representative of the association told the committee on Wednesday that the bill would, in effect, "micromanage" how local agencies design and operate their websites. Instead, the special districts are advocating that the agenda materials be available within three clicks from a homepage instead of mandating a direct link."While we've seen no evidence of special districts burying agendas, if they were, they would be in violation of the Brown Act and that's a compliance issue. And creating new regulations doesn't create greater compliance; enforcement does," said Dylan Givens, representing the California Special Districts Association.AB 2257 cleared the Senate Governance and Finance Committee by a 7-to-0 vote on Wednesday and was moved to the Appropriations Committee. Fernando Alonso says his young countryman Carlos Sainz should not be disappointed he is staying at Toro Rosso for a third year in 2017. Team owner Red Bull has taken up its option on the Spaniard, even though he had been linked with Ferrari. "Everyone knows that if they want to negotiate with me, they have to call Helmut Marko," Sainz is quoted by EFE news agency in Austria. "I could leave but a team would have to pay a lot of money to get me," he added. "I trust Helmut. We all know he is tough, but such an early contract extension for next season gives me confidence and motivation." Alonso agreed that Sainz should be happy rather than disappointed that he is staying at Toro Rosso. "I am happy for him," he said at the Red Bull Ring. "Perhaps it is right that he stays another year at this team. Hopefully next year he and the team can make another step forward so let's see. "I would not pay much attention to rumours about his move to Ferrari," Alonso, who raced for the Italian team for five years, added. "Between March and July, nearly every single driver is linked with Ferrari." (GMM) Mika Salo thinks his countryman Kimi Raikkonen remains the best choice for Ferrari beyond 2016. The fabled Maranello team is clearly shopping around for alternatives to the Finn, with rumours Sergio Perez and others are in the frame. But Salo told Finland's Ilta Sanomat newspaper: "I do not see any reasonable options. "If I was the team boss, I would keep the same drivers because everything is running smoothly," he explained. "With a new driver there is always a risk regarding how he adapts and things. Continuity is always the key to success," Salo added. Asked what he thinks of Raikkonen's performances so far in 2016, he answered: "Admittedly they have not been too good, but he still has the speed and the desire to win. That is what's most important." (GMM) Christian Horner says Red Bull will not accept a reduction in the income it gets from F1's Bernie Ecclestone-led organisation. F1 supremo Ecclestone has flagged changes to the controversial system that distributes the lion's share of the commercial revenue to the biggest teams -- including handsome 'bonuses'. "Yes, no bonus," the 85-year-old said ahead of the Austrian grand prix. "Everyone's in the same boat (after 2020)." World champions Mercedes' chief Toto Wolff said increases to the income pool should be distributed in a "fair and reasonable" way beyond 2020, but said he thinks bonus payments remain fair. But Force India supremo Vijay Mallya told The Times that bonuses that leave out the smaller teams are "absolute rubbish". "We all have an equal right to be on that a grid. We are not asking for hundreds of millions of pounds," he said. Red Bull's Horner, meanwhile, said that while he is open to the smaller teams getting more, he would not accept that if it means Red Bull gets less. "I don't think any team will be happy to take less money," he said. "If he (Ecclestone) can bring in the revenues to bring up the bottom line, then fine." (GMM) Jagan Believes In Superstitions? The reports appearing in a section of media (we shall leave it to your guess what they are) that YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy had a three-hour meeting with astrologers and pundits to get the correct prediction of his future, as nothing is going right for him of late. According to these reports, the astrologers had advised Jagan to perform certain special poojas to ward off evil forces so that he would have a bright political future. The latest attachment of his assets worth Rs 749 crore by Enforcement Directorate, particularly his Lotus Pond residence and the Bangalore palace, besides fixed deposits worth over Rs 100 crore, shocked his morale. This has virtually tied up his hands, as he cannot do any transactions on these properties; and he cannot withdraw any money from the banks. This has deprived him of liquid cash. Now, the question is whether Jagan would be able to come out of this crisis by performing poojas and yagams? First of all, he is a Christian and it is surprising as to how he believed in these poojas. Secondly, the pundits had told him that he would have a bright future since the beginning of 2016, but that has not happened; on the other hand, he had lost several MLAs to the TDP and he is getting more troubles from courts. It remains to be seen how far these beliefs would come to Jagans rescue. Mississippi, the one state that rivals North Carolina for its anti-LGBT attitude, saw its "religious freedom" bill struck down by a federal judge last night. It will happen to North Carolina's HB 2 as well, despite Gov. Pat McCrory's request for "disaster relief" funds to defend it. McCrory has attacked his political rival, Attorney General Roy Cooper, for not defending HB 2. Mississippi AG Jim Hood did, although he made clear earlier what he thought about its prospects. Any lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of House Bill 1523 will have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis," he said in April. "We would caution government officials and others that House Bill 1523 does not override federal law or constitutional rights. If a person or government official violates a federal statute or constitutional provision, House Bill 1523 will not protect that official from a federal lawsuit or from potential personal liability under federal law. Now Hood has to decide whether to appeal U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves' powerful denunciation of the Mississippi statute. Doing so would be a waste of time, money and any credibility the state has on human rights matters, which has never been much. McCrory should pay attention. The Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals today threw out unpopular Wake County commissioner and school board districts imposed by the legislature. The legal issue was whether the districts dictated by lawmakers provided equal voting rights to Wake County citizens. They didn't, the court majority said. Furthermore, the court noted, legislators didn't even listen to local input. Sound familiar, Greensboro? This is a victory for local control over local matters and another defeat for the overbearing application of state power. Greensboro should continue its fight until it achieves the same result. Achievers The following local individuals are among 15 medical professionals from across the state selected for the North Carolina Medical Society Leadership College: Dr. Yun Boylston of Burlington, Dr. Pedgrag Gligorovic of Winston-Salem, Rupashree Varadarajan of High Point, and Elyse Watkins, an assistant professor in High Point Universitys physician assistant studies program. The Leadership College is a yearlong program focused on developing the leadership skills of physicians and physician assistants, equipping them to inspire and motivate their peers in their medical settings and communities. Upon completion, participants are prepared to accept advanced leadership positions in professional organizations and the workplace. *** Alderbrook Homeowners Association of High Point has selected Association Management Group Greensboro/High Point, a professional homeowner association manager, to manage its community of 263 single-family homes. *** Cell biology research conducted by a High Point University professor and undergraduate students was featured at the Keystone Symposium on autophagy. Veronica Segarra, assistant professor of biology, received an Early-Career Investigator Travel Award to attend and present the research at the conference, held June 5-9 in Whistler, British Columbia. Over the past year, Segarra and biology students at HPU constructed mutant strains of bakers yeast to observe and better understand autophagy, a process cells use to recycle nutrients and destroy damaged components that compromise their health. When this process is defective in humans, it can lead to conditions such as heart, liver or neurodegenerative disease. By sharing this research at the conference, Segarra and other experts provided information to clinicians and pharmaceutical companies that could inform the development of new drugs and treatments. *** The North Carolina Sheriffs Education and Training Standards Commission awarded the Advanced Deputy Professional Law Enforcement Certificate to officer David Douglas Poston of the Guilford County Sheriffs Office. *** Triad Goodwill has chosen the following designers to serve as the creative force behind its Rock the Runway fashion fundraiser: Sanja Grgic, Lakeasha McCrimmon, Jessica Perry, Anndrea Robinson, Michelle Teague, Florence Wallace and Drew Waller. Each designer will present a collection of seven outfits reconstructed from clothing and other items donated to Triad Goodwill stores. Rock the Runway will be from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Empire Room, 203 S. Elm St. in Greensboro. *** The Annuals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recently published a study compiled by the Greensboro Housing Coalition, Center for Youth Family and Community Partnerships at UNCG, Triad Healthcare Network and Cone Health in the May 2016 edition. The study, Removing Asthma Triggers and Improving Childrens Health, shows how adverse housing conditions, such as mold, inadequate ventilation and cockroaches are asthma triggers for children. Many children at risk for asthma are from low-income or minority families that live in substandard housing. The Asthma Partnership Demonstration Project was authored by: Kenneth J. Gruber, Beth McKee-Huger, April Richard, Brett Byerly, Jana L. Raczkowski and Dr. Thomas C. Wall. *** Kearns Davis, a partner in the Greensboro office of Brooks Pierce, was sworn in as the 122nd president of the North Carolina Bar Association on June 25 at the organizations annual meeting in Charlotte. Davis is the second Brooks Pierce attorney to serve as president of the NCBA. Aubrey Brooks, one of the firms founding partners, led the association from 1916-1917. Awards The Guilford County Association of Educators presented Gloria Lawrence, recently retired Gateway Education teacher, with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. This prestigious award is granted to only a few people each year in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service as a state employee and to the community. Lawrence also received the 2016 Cardinal Award for 30 years of exemplary public service to North Carolina. *** Quentin R. Johnson has received the Stellar Leadership Award from Wilberforce University for his role in helping to lead the historic institution in restoring its full accreditation. From September 2014 to July 2015, Johnson temporarily stepped away from his role as vice president of Student Support Services at Guilford Technical Community College to join Wilberforce as provost to assist in saving the universitys accreditation. Founded in 1856, the Ohio-based Wilberforce University is the nations oldest, private historically black college and university. Its accreditation was in jeopardy due to low enrollment and financial deficits but was fully restored in November 2015. *** The North Carolina Dental Society recognized local dentist Dr. Charles H. Norman III as the 2016 recipient of the Distinguished Service Scroll during the societys annual session. This award is the societys most prestigious award and recognizes outstanding service, leadership and dedication to the profession of dentistry. *** The Piedmont Triad Chapter of APICS recognized Narayanan Viswanathan, materials planner for Honda Aircraft Company, with the chapters 2016 Camilla Deyton Excellence in Leadership Award. Viswanathan has been key in promoting the APICS Body of Knowledge, negotiating and planning, and operationally assisting PTC chapter instructors who provide important supply chain and operations planning education for co-workers at his company. As a long term member of APICS, he also volunteers as a student member mentor at APICS international conferences. *** Hannah Bailey, a 2016 High Point University graduate, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar. The prestigious award will send Bailey to Bosnia in October to implement a social reconciliation project using photography in a way that connects people across ethnic and religious lines. Baileys project will focus on empowering high school students to use photography as a way to explore their own lives and the lives of others. Bosnias ethnic groups remain divided after the countrys civil war in the 1990s. Her project will encourage more interaction between those groups in an effort to reduce prejudice through knowledge and understanding gained from each other. *** The Emergency Nurses Association awarded 11 emergency departments, including the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, with the Lantern Award. The award recognizes emergency departments that exemplify exceptional practice and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. July 1, 1980 The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the United States to pay the Sioux nation more than $105 million for the governments illegal seizure of Indian lands in South Dakotas Black Hills a century ago. The court voted, 8-1, in upholding the largest Indian land compensation award in U.S. history and setting a standard for future claims that could assist other tribes trying to recover from broken treaties. The court ruled that rations given the Sioux in the 1987s when the government took the land were not just compensation for the 7.3 million gold-laden acres, sacred to the Sioux. RALEIGH The final agreement on adjustments to the state budget for the new fiscal year received initial House approval Thursday, a $22.3 billion proposal highlighted by pay raises, tax breaks and reserves for the next economic downturn. Many House Democrats joined Republicans, who penned the measure, in voting 92-23 for it. With the Senate already approving the compromise earlier this week, the legislation now needs just one more positive vote Friday in the House before it heads to the desk of Gov. Pat McCrory. The governor has expressed no public opposition to what's inside. The plan, which covers the new fiscal year starting Friday, spends less than 3 percent above what legislators directed to be spent in the first year. A two-year budget is already in place. The bill only adjusts the second year of that plan. House Republican leaders say the budget gives average teacher pay raises of 4.7 percent, and will raise this fall the average salary when local supplements are added to above $50,000. The average percentage is more than what House Republicans offered in its original budget proposal, but they won on a key negotiating point by giving rank-and-file state employees a 1.5 percent raise, along with a bonus equal to an additional 0.5 percent. There's also an additional $80 million to be distributed to agencies for merit-based bonuses. "If you value teachers, vote for this budget," said Rep. Nelson Dollar, R-Wake, senior co-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "If you value state employees who work hard for the citizens of this state every day, vote for this budget." Standard deductions also will rise by $1,000 to $2,000 through next year, so more income by individual tax filers who don't itemized on their state returns will be subject to no taxes. Republicans say it will disproportionately benefit low- and middle-income residents. As many as 75,000 filers won't owe income taxes any more, according to a previous legislative study of the idea. "This was tax relief for the middle class," said Rep. John Szoka, R-Cumberland, a finance negotiator. The measure sets aside $474 million more in the state's rainy day reserve fund, bring its total to a record of nearly $1.6 billion. A small revenue surplus, money unspent by government agencies and more than $318 million in Medicaid savings appears to put Republicans in their best position fiscally taking over the legislature in 2011. "We have made investments that are long overdue," said Rep. Josh Dobson, R-McDowell, while discussing increased funding for mental health, child welfare oversight and Medicaid patients with disabilities. There was also more money for a firefighting plane and a new aircraft for the State Bureau of Investigation. The Democratic critics of the budget considered some of the spending as pork. They said there were $74 million in earmarks inside, including money for dozens of nonprofits, for municipal revitalization grants and other projects. "We appear to have succumbed to some bad habits," said House Minority Leader Larry Hall, D-Durham. Some Democrats also blasted the budget for spending $35 million for taxpayer-funded scholarships for K-12 students in low-income families to attend private or religious schools. The bill contains a Senate provision directing that money increase annually by $10 million through the late 2020s, which many argue takes money from the public schools. And while retirees would get a 1.6 percent bonus, it wouldn't be permanent. "We've done a good job but we haven't done as much as we can," said Rep. Larry Bell, D-Sampson. The package also would lower tuition at three University of North Carolina campuses to $500 per semester for in-state students and $2,500 for out-of-state students. The initiative, which begins in fall 2018 at UNC-Pembroke, Western Carolina University and Elizabeth City State University, is designed to promote enrollment and help students avoid excessive college debt. The near passage of the budget comes as leaders of both chambers try to pass other legislation and work out other differences before they adjourn. The Senate unveiled a resolution late Thursday to shut down the two-year session on Friday, but it's unclear if one or both chambers will go home at that time. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac arent just expensive to buy. Theyre also costly to maintain. An analysis done by data site Priceonomics (using a data set from the car maintenance site YourMechanic) showed how much a pricey car can cost you even after youve driven it of the lot. Americans spend approximately 5 percent of their income on buying a car. Another five percent goes towards vehicle maintenance and insurance costs, Priceonomics wrote. (See their full analysis here). But some cost more than others. And its not necessarily the cheapest vehicles that tend to breakdown over the years. The analysis looked at the which major brands cost the most to maintain over the first 10 years of a cars life. BMW, by far, proved the most costly with maintenance fees totaling an average of $17,800. READ MORE: Kelly Blue Book names the 10 coolest cars under $18K Vehicles from Japanese automaker Toyota had the fewest hiccups post-purchase, costing only $5,550 on average over a decade. Not a bad deal for a car that also would cost much less than a luxury German import like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Toyotas luxury brand Lexus performed well too ($7,000 a year). Domestic brands like Ford ($9,100) and Chevrolet ($8,800) appeared right in the middle. The analysis groups together all models of all years for each brand. But the site did look at which models came with the steepest maintenance costs: Chrysler Sebring ($17,100) and BMW 238i ($15,600) led the way. The Sebring was discontinued as was another faulty, high-priced car on the list: the Hummer H3. Four of the six vehicles with the cheapest maintenance costs were Toyotas: The Prius, Camry, Tacoma and Corolla. All cost less than $6,000 to maintain (as did the Kia Soul, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris). See the gallery above for a look at the cars that break down the most often (and which ones dont). GREENWICH A Bridgeport man was arrested this week after turning over his gun at the hospital. Leon Overton, 39, voluntarily turned over his weapon when he went to Greenwich Hospital on Monday night, police said. But an off-duty police officer who was working security at the hospital conducted a routine check that revealed the man had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court. The warrant stemmed from motor vehicle charges in Newtown, police said. HTC reiterates that One A9, One M9, and 10 will get Android Nougat update, but still doesn't say when If you recall, back in May this year, HTC confirmed that its One A9, One M9 and 10 smartphones will receive the Android N update. Now, shortly after Google revealed that Android N is Android Nougat, the Taiwanese company has reiterated the same information. So sweet. Android Nougatthe next version of Googles Androidwill be coming to the HTC 10, HTC One A9 & HTC One M9. pic.twitter.com/cB5S2zv0PW HTC (@htc) June 30, 2016 There was, however, still no confirmation on exactly when the update will begin rolling out and which other HTC devices will be receiving it, although the company did say that this information will be revealed after Google ships Android Nougat to manufacturers. Source Introduction The Moto G became the go-to phone for many people that wanted no fuss and guaranteed quality at an affordable price. Now the line is under new leadership, with new branding and retooled design. Lenovo phased out the Motorola name in favor of the Moto sub-brand, which now stands along the in-house Vibe brand. While still produced under the name of the iconic American brand, the G4 family is actually the first set of devices to come out since Lenovo acquired Motorola. In some markets, the phones are still distributed by Motorola Mobility as a company and the connection to Lenovo is not as apparent as on others but make no mistake, Lenovo is the company behind the Moto product portfolio now in one form or another. Lenovo or not, the new devices in the Moto lineup have retained the unaltered Android experience that Motorola phones were known for under Google. It wasn't just the software that made the G series so popular, their design and build were always above their price range. The Moto G4 is no different. It has a high-quality build and a replaceable back if you want to add a splash of color to it. Inside, water repellent nanocoating protects the phone's interior from damage (the phone isn't designed to be submerged like the G3) but should be splash-proof. The Moto G2 was the only model that had stereo speakers, and while the Moto G4 has only one, it's still positioned on the front. It's this kind of attention to detail that made the G-series so popular. Moto G4 key features 5.5" IPS LCD display of 1,080 x 1,920px resolution; 401ppi Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset; quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU; Adreno 405 GPU; 2GB of RAM; 16GB/32GB of built-in memory; dedicated microSD card slot (up to 200GB) Android 6.0 Marshmallow 13MP main camera with f/2.0 aperture; dual-tone LED flash 1080p video capture @ 30fps video capture 5MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture Dual-SIM model available; Cat. 4 LTE support; 802.11a/g/b/n; Bluetooth 4.1 LE; GPS 3,000mAh battery; TurboPower quick charging Water repellent nano-coating Main disadvantages No fingerprint sensor Older chipset No NFC or magnetometer (digital compass) The battery is not user-replaceable To get the obvious things out of the way, no, there's no fingerprint reader on the Moto G4, you'll need to upgrade to the Moto G4 Plus for that. The G4 Plus also brings a better still camera, 16MP, but the sealed 3,000mAh battery remains the same. The Moto G4 Play is another model from the product family. It's a completely different device with a smaller 5-inch display, unlike what the name might suggest. While we haven't had a chance to check out the G4 Play, we can testify that the regular G4 we're reviewing today feels fast and smooth despite the conservative choice of chipset. It seems that without the burden of a skin and extra background services, the Snapdragon 617 can really shine and performing any task on the phone feels surprisingly brisk. Moto G4 press photos We're happy to report that at least at first blush all these sub-brands have not divided the attention of the tech giant and the Moto G4 feels like a solid, well-built product. Let's find out if it holds up to closer scrutiny. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Sony just recently held an investor day in Tokyo, which might be a little dull and overwhelming, considering the amount of business strategy and analysis discussed to cover the various aspects of the giant international corporation. However, such events can also be an valuable source of information on future business plans. In this case, Sony Mobile has shared a few interesting observations on its regional sales performance and forecasts all leading up to a decision to "defocus" on certain markets, including India, USA, China and Brazil. This is mostly due to the fact that Sony expects FY15-17 CAGR smartphone growth in India, China, Brazil and Indonesia to be just 0.3%, compared to last year's estimate of +8.1%. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean that Sony handsets will disappear from said markets, but does entail a reduction in marketing efforts and tailored offers. Mostly the same measures will also be taken in Latin America and some Pacific regions, where Sony doesn't see a promising sales future either and will be looking to simply "preserve" its market share. The company's focus will most-likely be shifted towards East Asia (including Japan), the Middle East and Europe. All in the hopes of strengthening the mobile division as a whole. Another interesting analysis that Sony provided on its current state in the mobile realm makes it clear that the company will be gunning for a more premium segment, at least price wise, past the $250 mark. Sony's reasoning behind this seems to be that only about 10 major players have offers in this segment, compared to many time more in the mid and lower-end segments. However, this will also necessitate some extra effort to deliver better price to performance ratios, for future Sony handsets to stand a fighting chance. Source Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Two roadmaps are opposed Sen. Ronald Lareche, Interim President of the Senate, assured that the representatives of six blocks were seeking to resolve their differences on the document considered as a "roadmap". he indicated that this approach seeks to harmonize two separate roadmaps presented by the two opposing blocs. Recall that for the majority block, the Roadmap concerns Jocelerme Privert, while on the side of the opposition, the roadmap envisages the holding of new indirect elections, so a new interim president... Ronald Lareche seeks compromise The Senate Vice-President Ronald Lareche announced that the office of the National Assembly was working to facilitate the continuation of the session in National Assembly no later than Tuesday, July 5, 2016, which must ruling on the fate of Jocelerme Privert and the end of his term of 120 days. He calls for a political compromise between the various blocs in Parliament in order to facilitate the holding of this session. The Collective of 4 December in favor of alliances The Collective of 4 December congratulate the candidates who chose not to participate in the upcoming presidential and propose to 27 other registered candidates to seek to make alliances by trends, with a view to reducing the number of candidates and easier the task for the CEP. Agenda Wednesday at the National Palace, the de facto President, Jocelerme Privert, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Enex Jean-Charles, met with members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and executives of the National Identification Office (ONI) ; Wednesday Jocelerme Privert went to Baraderes, Nippes, on the occasion of the Saint Pierre, patron of the city. He took the opportunity to meet with the notables of the city around the urgent needs of the community. Then he met baraderois before the Eucharistic celebration of the Saint Pierre ; Thursday was held a workshop between the High Command of the National Police and the Joint Technical Committee responsible for drafting the new Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure ; Thursday, Lucien Francoeur, General Director of the Fund of Economic and Social Assistance (FAES) met its employees in order to evaluate and improve their working conditions within the institution. Cholzer Chancy criticized Senators Nenel Cassy and Westner Polycarpe criticized how Cholzer Chancy, President of the National Assembly, led the session in National Assembly, according to them the Deputy Chancy has contributed to the failure of the Assembly... Validation of the ballots mock delayed The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), postponed to Friday 1 July 2016, the meeting scheduled Wednesday, June 29, to validate the model of the ballots, because of the late delivery of invitations according to the explanation of Nicole Simeon the CEP spokesman which also announced a meeting this Friday between the CEP and the political parties about the electoral process. No change to the electoral timetable Following of information circulating in the Parliament to the effect that in the next President roadmap would appear changes in the electoral calendar, Nicole Simeon the Spokesman of CEP, has insisted that "changing the electoral calendar is not on the agenda the Provisional Electoral Council". HL/ HaitiLibre Up and coming contemporary Christian artist, Cindy Gibbs, announces the new LP titled "Overtaken" will be released on iTunes August 5, 2016. The album will feature twelve brand new tracks that were produced by Tom Malkiewicz (Tye Tribett, Israel Houghton, Coffey Anderson). Cindy brings a dynamic worship experience, as she truly believes the Holy Spirit transforms lives in those moments. Whether it is a service, revival, conference, or workshop, Cindy strives to uplift and motivate her listeners. "Overtaken" features a variety of tracks that will engage a diverse set of listeners. "There's no greater feeling than recording your own song and seeing it come to life". - Cindy Gibbs Cindy Gibbs was born in Luttrell, TN. She grew up in a diverse musical family. At the age of 3, she began singing harmony with her mother and sister. By age 7, she was traveling and singing with her family at churches across the U.S.. At age 14, she recorded her first family recording in Nashville, TN. Growing up, she got her start in a local studio singing background vocals. After majoring in Music Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga she moved to Los Angeles, CA. There she started writing, producing and recording her own music consisting of Christian and Country. Cindy has sung on many platforms including: stadiums, theaters and national television. If you looking for a seasoned performer for your next event, look no further. Her versatile repertoire is sure to please almost any audience. For more on Cindy Gibbs, visit CindyGibbsMusic.com Tags : cindy gibbs overtaken cindy gibbs news cindy gibbs new album In celebration of Independence Day, Home Free have released their cover version of "God Bless the USA." The group are taking the chance to pay tribute to the brave men and women of our military with Lee Greenwood's signature song. "We feel very blessed to be able to make music for a living, and we know it's only because we live in a country made great by the sacrifices of others," Home Free's Tim Foust says. "This is our tribute to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces, past and presently serving." "God Bless the USA" first appeared on Greenwood's 1984's You've Got a Good Love Comin'. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart when originally released in the spring of 1984, and was played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan in attendance, but the song gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991, as a way of boosting morale. The popularity of the song rose sharply after the September 11 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the song was re-released as a single, re-entering the country music charts at No. 16 and peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in 2001. The song was also re-recorded in 2003 and released as "God Bless the USA 2003". The song also rose up in popularity in May 2011 when Osama bin Laden was killed by an American raid in Pakistan. Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance. The group competed in and won the fourth season of The Sing-Off on NBC in 2013. They sang an arrangement of Hunter Hayes' "I Want Crazy," as their final competitive song, earning the group $100,000 and a recording contract with Sony. Home Free released their first album, Crazy Life, on February 18, 2014. It was released digitally on January 14, 2014. Tags : home free home free news god bless the USA lee greenwood lee greenwood news lee greenwood god bless the usa Published on 2016/07/01 | Source Korean Web-drama starting today 2016/07/01 in Korea "After the Play Ends - Iron Lady" (2016) Advertisement Directed by Heo Chan Written by Jo Seong-geol Network : NAVER tvcasttvN With Yoon So-hee, Ha Seok-jin, Lee Minhyuk, Yura, Shin Seung-hwan,... Fri 11:00 Synopsis A woman who wants to be ordinary but isn't is an office worker in the day but 'Iron Lady' from 'Midnight Fight' at night. She hides the tough fighter image inside herself and struggles between a man she loves and a man who looks up to her as a fighter. She wants to hide who she really is and live a normal life. Ko Ali's double life begins. Romance backs up from her if she steps closer and bounces away from her when she thinks she's done it. She wants a happy ending with the one she loves. Will they be able to face each other eventually? Five men and women struggle to find who they really are and they all have different concerns. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2016/07/01 Glenn A. Bruce Drops Latest Crazy Novel, Book Signing July 9 Local author Glenn A. Bruce, MFA, will be signing copies of his eighth and latest novel Dear Me!: or The History of the End of the World as We Knew It, Told As I See It, or More Accurately, Saw It, by Daniel R. Olafsona comedic last man on earth tale of the near future. Titular character Danny Olaf(son) refuses to choose his best friend at the time, crazy Arthur Mencken (no relation) for intramural softball in 8th Grade due to his having no collar bone connectivity whatsoever (i.e., Arthur, you throw like a five-year-old girl). As a result, Arthur Mencken vows at that moment: To kill everyone in world, Dannyeveryone but you. He makes good on his promise. Dear Me! is the rollicking, sprawling story of how Danny Olaf became the last man on earththanks wholly to Arthur Menckens brilliant insanity in ridding the world of all humanity. Its pretty dark, Glenn says of his latest novel, but pretty damn funny. And so me. He says that anyone who knows him well will know what hes talking about. The book was a long time coming, he says. I started writing Dear Me! in 2001 and finished the first draft sometime in 2003. But, as with a lot of my material, Glenn says, it may have been a little ahead of its time. I guess it was too early to make fun of Donald Trump. Thats hardly all that Glenn took on. The novel is really about the state of America at that timewhich, I think we can all agree, has only gotten worse. He adds with a gleam, As has Trump! The tie-in? Arthur Mencken is a redhead, and insanely narcissistic. What else would cause him to kill everyone else on the planet, including himself, just to get back at Danny for not picking him for intramural sports? At almost 500 pages, the book is about much more, however. Glenn says of the novel: I really let go and hit just about every hot-topic button for me, and the country, in the craziest way I could find to write about it all. Indeed, Dear Me! takes on religion, politics, marriage, divorce, cranky elderly parents, open relationships, LGBT issues, greed, traffic tickets, self-involvement, hypocrisy, even polio as a soul-searching form of pure enlightenment. Nothing is sacred here, he says. But nothing is taken seriously, either. One early reader asked why the book had to be so vulgar, Bruce recalls. I just said, Well, because the world is. Then I said, It was funny thought, wasnt it? And he agreed. Another very religious friend standing with us, who had also read the novel, nodded and said, Its funny as hell. He read it twice. So, almost 15 years later, Bruce feels that the time is right to release the novel. My step-brother just read it and said it was the wildest thing he had ever readand he reads a lot. He basically said that he was so constantly surprisedhe may have said shockedand laughed so hard, so many times about so many things, that he still didnt know what to think! That made me smile. Glenn will be signing copies of Dear Me!, with copies of his other novels also available, this Saturday, July 9th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the Watauga Arts Council on State Farm Road at Shadowline (behind Harris Teeter). Glenn A. Bruce has an MFA in Writing, was associate fiction editor for The Lindenwood Review, and has published seven novels as well as two collections of short stories. He wrote the movieKickboxer, as well as episodes of Walker: Texas Ranger and Baywatch. His short stories, poetry, and essays have been published internationally in Blue Crow (Australia), Alfie Dog (Great Britain), andEarthen Lamp Journal (India), as well as numerous American publications such as Flights (Sinclair College), RedFez (Illinois), Beat Poets of the Forever Generation (D.C.), and Carolina MountainLife (right here in Boone!). He recently won first place in the Down and Dirty short story contest at About That magazine, and is currently a finalist in the Defenstrationism annual short story contest for the second year in a row. He was final judge for the Brilliant Flash Fiction annual contest, and is currently working on three novels. Glenn teaches Screenwriting and Acting for the Camera at Appalachian State University. High Country Lifelong Learners Movie: Cabaret July 11 July 11th, 2016 Watauga County Public Library Meeting Room High Country Lifelong Learners in association with the Watauga County Public Library invite you to join us for a movie viewing of Cabaret on July 11th from 2:00 pm 4:30 pm. Director Bob Fosses 1972 film, Cabaret, tells the story of a female girlie club entertainer in Weimar Republic era Berlin who romances two men while the Nazi Party rises to power around them. Stars: Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem This film has an MPAA rating of PG and an approximate run-time of 124 minutes. For more information please email: [email protected], Attention: Deb Gooch. A Finnish author is looking to find success for his new book on India and English by collaborating with authors in that country. Despite rejections from both agents and publishers, the 43-year-old UK resident is going it alone in promoting his self-published ebook overseas. Jesse Karjalainen, originally from Finland and grown up in Australia, is this week appearing on the leading publishing podcast in India. His appearance on the MyKitaab podcast is the result of a newly formed cultural friendship that connects the UK and Finland with Bengaluru, west of Chennai. The word kitaab means book in Hindi, Farsi and other languages and derives ultimately from Arabic. The unsigned authors latest book, English Masala, combines the history of India and the British Empire with the etymology of Anglo-Indian words. He said: "The book takes a fresh look at the story of that amazing nations past and explores how it has contributed so many words to the English language." He added: "I love to write about the English language and this latest book explores the fascinating origins of everyday English words that have a cultural or historical connection with India and the British Empire." He cites well-known Anglo-Indian words such as shampoo, veranda, India pale ale and bungalow, along with surprising examples such as thug, Blighty, gingham, surf and factory. He continued: "I thought I knew about India when I started but the more I researched the more secrets history of India's history I uncovered. There is so much more to the country than the Taj Mahal, curries and choking traffic. "For example, I never knew that chess was invented in India, nor did I ever fully understand that the Portuguese were trading there for more than a century before the English even first set foot there." Mr Karjalainen was interviewed about his writing career and his book on the pioneering podcast MyKitaab, produced by Indian author Amar Vyas. The nation, with a population of more than 1 billion, is only now waking up to online publishing technologies such as ebooks and podcasting. "The potential for podcasts in India is huge right now," said host Amar Vyas, " and the same is true of self-publishing. Amar himself has lived in the US and has since returned to his native India, where he is building a digital media company and author network. In addition to promoting his book, Mr Karjalainen is also exploring options for producing an audiobook version of English Masala. He said: "It is amazing that a complete professional audio recording can be produced in India for a few hundred pounds. "I also love the idea of having an audiobook version made using a genuine Indian accent how cool is that?" Mr Karjalainen is also a traditionally published author and his first hardback book, The Joy of English, was a simple guide to better grammar. Working with the Indian podcaster and entrepreneur, he found that they both share a wide international experience. By the time he was a teenager, Jesse had been to 36 different countries and so far he has lived in eight, while Mr Vyas has lived in 15 world cities, including several years in the US. His latest book is available exclusively on the Amazon Kindle platform and the podcast interview can be heard at www.mykitaab.in. The situation that arose in Finland last autumn was unexpected, she said in an interview on YLE Radio 1 on Thursday. It was absolutely delightful how the Finnish Red Cross, volunteer organisations and authorities took action and managed to achieve crisis preparedness very quickly. Finland did not foresee the influx of asylum seekers it witnessed in the latter half of last year, estimates Paula Risikko (NCP), the newly-appointed Minister of the Interior. Then we had to start thinking about what if something like this goes on for long. I think it's perfectly reasonable to start thinking that there has to be some limit to this. It can't be that our borders are so open that there are no borders at all, she continued. Risikko assured that the roughly 36,000 asylum applications filed in Finland over the past 12 months will be processed as quickly as possible. It's our rough estimate that some one-third [of the applicants] will be granted asylum. It's a whole other issue how they will be integrated, placed in municipalities and [provided with] all the services they need, she said. We also have to consider what's the carrying capacity of the nation, added Risikko. Paivi Nerg, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, refrained from providing an estimate of the carrying capacity in an interview with Uusi Suomi last September. Sweden, she pointed out, has received more than 80,000 asylum seekers per annum already for several years. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi His statement appears to be directed especially at Timo Soini (PS), the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who came under public scrutiny earlier this week for refusing to disclose certain details of his recent two-day visit to the United Kingdom. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has an obligation both at home and abroad to stand unequivocally behind the decisions of the Finnish Government, underlines Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Minister of Finance. Timo Harakka (SDP), for example, warned that the reluctance of Soini to identify the stakeholders he was to meet during his visit could undermine the Government's position on the European Union. Soini is playing two hands, which goes against the interests of both Finland and the European Union, he wrote in his blog. Soini visited the United Kingdom primarily in his capacity as the chairperson of the Finns Party, not as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, two members of his personal staff revealed to Iltalehti. Erkki Tuomioja (SDP), an ex-Minister for Foreign Affairs, voiced his concerns in an interview with MTV that the dual role of Soini portrays Finland in the bad light, while Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, estimated that the visit blurs the position of Soini on the EU. Riikka Taivassalo, a special adviser to Soini, later published a series of photographs on Twitter of Soini sitting down with, for example, the Leader of the House of Commons, Chris Grayling. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Mikko Stig Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Bulldog's bulldog honored with service animal law Raleigh, the English bulldog who sat loyally at the feet of Tom Apodaca as he rose from backbench obscurity to the second highest ranking post in the North Carolina Senate, is now memorialized in the states lawbooks. The Raleigh Apodaca Service Dog Retirement Act, which allows cities and counties to turn police dogs and other publicly owned service animals over to their handlers, won approval in the General Assembly on Thursday. It is named for Sen. Apodacas longtime companion, who died in September. Before the enactment of the bill, state law required local governments to auction retired service animals off as surplus property. The new law allows cities and counties to sell the animals for a small fee to their handlers. The law applies to any "horse, dog, or other animal owned by the State or a unit of local government that performs law enforcement, public safety, or emergency service functions. "He was the smartest of our three children," Apodaca, who was a political unknown when he was elected to the state Senate in 2002, joked to a reporter for WRAL television. Raleigh starred in the senator's campaign fliers, featured beside the former bail bondsman over a caption urging voters to send two bulldogs to Raleigh. A compulsive shoplifter stole in a reaction to repressed memories and was "encouraged" to by her alcoholic husband, a court heard. Wieslawa Liberacka (55) was given her 14th conviction after a spate of thefts, having stolen razor blades and fridge magnets in the latest incident. Judge Anthony Halpin gave her a six-month suspended sentence at Dublin District Court. Liberacka, of Burnell Court, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, pleaded guilty to theft at Boots, Jervis Centre. The court heard the accused went to the shop at 2.55pm on May 4 last and selected razor blades, fridge magnets, lens cleaners and a screwdriver set worth a total of 101. The court was told Liberacka had 13 previous convictions, all of which were for theft. She was a Polish national who had come to Ireland in 2006, her lawyer said. She was "extremely remorseful and ashamed of her actions", he said. Memories She had a troubled upbringing and some personal issues. The "catalyst which sparked the spate of theft" was that she moved to Ireland with her husband who suffered from alcoholism and "encouraged this behaviour on the part of my client", her lawyer said. "This is her way of dealing with repressed memories, it's a compulsive reaction," he said. That relationship came to an end and the defendant is now in a new relationship. She was in counselling for her compulsive behaviour and making "good progress so far". Liberacka "greatly appreciated the consequences of her actions". Her lawyer asked the judge to be as lenient as he could. Judge Halpin said if the accused was put in custody it would "cure" her compulsion to steal. "Maybe then she will understand that you just don't do this," the judge said. He suspended the sentence for two years. A Dutch mobster with links to a gang involved in the beheading of a rival criminal in Amsterdam, has been jailed for a month at Dublin District Court. Naoufal Fassih (35), who is of Moroccan origin and an associate of the Christy Kinahan cartel, pleaded guilty to having a forged Belgian ID card and possessing cannabis worth 40 when he was found in an apartment on Lower Baggott Street on April 7 last. He had already spent two-and-a-half months in custody on remand prior to his sentence hearing at Cloverhill District Court yesterday. The feud in Holland which Fassih's associates are involved in has already led to the beheading of a criminal on March 9 this year. The severed head was left outside an Amsterdam cafe. A woman was also shot dead in front of her children as part of the bloody gang feud. It is understood 16 victims have already been murdered as part of the Dutch feud that kicked off in 2014, compared with seven in the Hutch/Kinahan feud, which started with Gary Hutch's murder in Spain last September. Suspect Dutch media have previously reported that Fassih was a suspect for a shootout in the Staatsliedenbuurt area of Amsterdam in 2012 that led to two murders and kicked off the Amsterdam feud, but he has never been charged in relation to that. Instead, Dutch authorities want to extradite the criminal back to Holland to face separate charges. These include charges of assault, money laundering and possession of false documents. Fassih is awaiting a date for his extradition hearing at the High Court and will remain in jail here until that case is resolved. Yesterday, Garda Eoin Kane, of Kevin Street Station's Drugs Unit, told Judge John Lindsay that Fassih has 12 prior criminal convictions for serious offences in the Netherlands dating back to 1998. In 2014, he was sentenced to 20 months, in 2002 he was given a three-and-a-half year sentence and in 2000 he was handed a two-year jail term. His earlier crimes include two counts of unauthorised use of weapons, ammunition and explosives as well as extortion and attempted extortion, embezzlement, assault, openly joining forces to commit violence against other people and drugs offences. Fassih, once described in court as a "man of means", was wearing 800 runners and allegedly had three designer watches worth more than 80,000 when arrested. Gda Kane had also said that the man was arrested during an operation targeting members of the Kinahan gang. He added that during the search of the apartment, three Rolex watches were found with one - an Audamars Piguet Royal Oak limited edition Michael Schumacher watch - valued at 40,000. The two other watches were valued at 35,000 and 8,350. They also found 12,825 (Stg) and 300. Fassih told gardai his name was Omar Ghazouani and he had a Belgian ID card with that name and it had his photo. Gardai also discovered a passport in another name and cannabis in the form of herb, resin and oil worth 40. He continued to maintain his name was Omar Ghazouani when he was detained for questioning at Kevin Street Garda Station and during a subsequent court hearing. However, gardai established his real identify through the assistance of Interpol and Fassih was refused bail on April 15. Darren Goodwin who was jailed for the killing of Darragh Conroy Darragh Conroy who was murdered on the 11th of November 2003. Darragh Conroy who was murdered on the 11th of November 2003 Patricia Conroy sheds tears every day when she thinks of what happened to her only child, Darragh A woman whose only child was beaten to death with a hammer 13 years ago has said his killer should not have been freed as he is still a danger to society. Darragh Conroy was only 14 when he was attacked by 15-year-old Darren Goodwin in a field near his home in Mountmellick, Co Laois, in November 2003. Goodwin, now 28, was released from jail yesterday after serving time for murder. However, Darragh's mother, Patricia, said Goodwin has never shown any remorse and she was told he never completed a course of forensic psychotherapy which was directed by the court as a condition of his release. Goodwin's parole details, which have been seen by this paper, state that he was directed to receive the services of a forensic psychotherapist twice weekly. "I've asked the Probation Service if he was getting the forensic psychotherapy as directed by the judge, and I was told he was getting therapy, but they would not elaborate on what specific type he got," Darragh's mother said. Regardless "I'm worried he might do something to someone else. I think he's not rehabilitated to the directions of the court, yet he was freed regardless." The Irish Prison Service was asked to comment on the level of psychotherapy Goodwin had received but no response was forthcoming. At sentencing, Mr Justice Barry White used his discretion in imposing the life sentence after hearing all the details, including that Goodwin had "wanted to kill someone". State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy said Darragh's skull "had been broken up and was like a jigsaw, with some of the pieces fallen out of the wounds". The prosecution case rested on the evidence of several friends of Goodwin who testified that he had been talking about killing someone the week before and had admitted to the murder on the night in question. One classmate gave evidence that Goodwin had said: "Jesus, I'd love to kill someone, someone that nobody cared about, like Darragh Conroy." The trial heard Goodwin met his father for the first time shortly before he moved in with him, about six months before the attack. The teenager had tried to take his own life in September 2003. When passing sentence, Judge White said Goodwin's psychological reports showed he was a danger to society. He had said the correct sentence for the "premeditated, brutal, callous murder" was life imprisonment to be reviewed 10 years later. That review took place in September 2014 when clinical psychologist Dr Kevin Lamb determined that his risk for future violence would be low, but with a significant caveat involving his need for forensic psychotherapy. Mr Justice White directed at the time that Goodwin receive therapy twice a week while in prison. He said he was not satisfied that the issue of remorse had been fully addressed. Ms Conroy no longer lives in Mountmellick. Speaking from the new home she made for herself, she said there is not a day goes by when she does not think of Darragh or shed tears over what happened to him. "My hopes, rather than my expectations, were that Darren Goodwin would get a sentence to reflect his crime. He hit Darragh once with a hammer from behind and then five times more as he lay on the ground," she said. "Goodwin never appeared to be in any way sorry or remorseful, not even for show. There was no sign of remorse in court in July 2004, and no sign of remorse at the sentence review hearing in 2014. "Darragh's murder has changed me so much. No- thing could hurt me as much as losing him. "They were never friends, but they went to the same school. They could have bumped into each other at the shops as well, I suppose, but they weren't pals or anything." Darragh only had his Nokia mobile phone a matter of weeks before he was murdered. Searching "I remember it well. It was cream and orange. We had talked that evening at 10 to five on the phone," said his mother. "I had been at the chemist and I knew he wanted sweet and sour chicken for his dinner and I rang him and told him to be home at 7pm. "But at 10 to six I got a terrible feeling, and when I rang him I got no answer. He hadn't been to his friends, and I started searching for him. I even looked in the field where he was found and didn't see him. "Then a garda rang me and asked was I looking for Darragh, and as the search continued it obviously became known in one part of the town that he had been found and somebody urged the gardai to tell me the truth. "When I went to the field a garda came towards me and I just said, 'He's dead, isn't he?' and he said he was. "Darren Goodwin took Darragh's life and he took his phone. "I adored Darragh. I still dream about him. I wonder what he would be like. I see his friends in relationships and getting jobs. "I still buy him presents. Little things at birthdays and Christmas, and I leave them on his grave. That's the only way I can give them to him." Asked about her feelings now, Ms Conroy said: "I can only describe it as a physical pain, a pain that will never go away, an emptiness that can't be filled. "That's our lives now. We will never be the same." Ms Conroy wrote to the prison service to voice her concerns over Goodwin's impending release and to ask why the psychology service did not attend the sentence review hearing in September 2014. She received a reply in January last year in which the Director of Care and Rehabilitation of the prison service said that while no specific request was received from the court for a member of the psychology service to be there. He and other senior psychologists "are clear in our shared view that it certainly would have been prudent for a member of the psychology service to have been present in court". Despite her perception of a lack of forensic psychotherapy engaged in by Goodwin, Ms Conroy has since received a letter from the offices of the Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. "The Tanaiste has asked that I assure you that all professionals engaged in this case have undertaken appropriate interventions with Mr Goodwin," it said. It added that "a multi-agency post release programme" has been agreed to facilitate Goodwin's "safe reintegration" into the community. The two-year deadline for Britain to leave the EU may be extended if an EU agreement on trade cannot be reached, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said. The Taoiseach said no official talks on Britain's relationship with the EU could begin until David Cameron's successor as British Prime Minister was elected and formally invoked Article 50, which is the point of no return for the UK. This is due to take place in September but there is some speculation that the new prime minister may not immediately ask to leave the EU. "There will be no negotiations between the UK and EU until such time as the Commission are informed by Britain of intention to withdraw from the union. The clock starts to tick from then," Mr Kenny said. "The period then is a two-year period for those negotiations. There may be a short extension given to that towards the end. "If it's not concluded within that time then it automatically moves on to the World Trade Organisation conditions for trade and so on." The Taoiseach said the European Council meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday had been "very calm and measured". "There was no sense of hysteria. The markets will inevitably adjust," he said. He added that the deal would be agreed by the leaders of the remaining 27 member states and not the European Commission. "What's best for Ireland's interests are that the UK would still have access to the single market. It was made perfectly clear by the European Council that access to the single market carries with it responsibility to accept in full the four principles of the European Union, one of which is the freedom of movement of people." This comes as Finance Minsister Michael Noonan said it is "hard to get a fix on" the extent of the fallout that Brexit will bring. He admitted it was impossible to prepare for the full impact of Brexit until a new British government was in place and an exit deal agreed with the EU. "If the arrangement is full access to single market and free movement of goods and people then the impact will be quite low, maybe even to our advantage." Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of putting the country's access to markets in danger and ignoring reality to pursue her own ideology. In the Scottish Parliament Ms Sturgeon noted the importance of Ireland in the Brexit. "I am sure that the Republic of Ireland will be seeking to make sure that, in whatever negotiations unfold, trade between it and the UK is protected," she said. Dragged Ms Sturgeon insisted she was "standing up" for her country as criticism flowed in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. This comes after Taoiseach Enda Kenny appealed to the European Council in Brussels on behalf of the Scottish First Minister. He said that Scotland "should not be dragged out of the EU". However, speaking on Newstalk yesterday, Scottish UKIP MEP David Coburn said Mr Kenny should not interfere in internal British matters. "I think Enda Kenny would be better off minding his own affairs, I don't think it's appreciated that he interferes in British internal matters," he told the Pat Kenny Show. "I represent that 40pc of Scots who voted to leave the EU - and there are more Scots who voted to remain in the UK in our referendum, than there were of people wanting to remain in the EU." Drug courts, overprescribing drugs, economic development and drug treatment programs were discussed Thursday afternoon during a town hall meeting in Abingdon that drew governors from two states and the U.S. agriculture secretary. 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. This is a story about the power of letters to span both years and miles, and to unite the hearts of children and their parents when powers they can't control force them apart. More than a dozen years ago in Worcester, Mass., Prof. Deborah Dwork got a letter from a man in Switzerland she'd never heard of. Ulrich Luz told her about something he'd discovered packed away in a suitcase among his late aunt's belongings that might be of interest to Dwork. Indeed it was-so much so that she is now writing a book about his aunt's quiet heroism and the lasting treasure she managed to preserve. It turns out the nephew, a retired professor of theology in Switzerland, had heard about both the work of the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Clark University, for which Dwork is the founding director, and Dwork's book "Children with a Star" (Yale University Press, 1991). So when Ulrich Luz discovered more than 1,000 letters his aunt Elisabeth Luz had sent back and forth between hidden children and their parents from the time of the Holocaust, he had a hunch Dwork might find the collection to be of value. "He began sending packets of the letters...over 1,000 in all," says Dwork, who is also the Rose Professor of Holocaust History at Clark. She was ready for the fragile old sheets of paper, having assembled white cotton gloves, archival paper, acid-free sleeves, and tweezers. "It was such a treasure, and an amazing thing to hold them," she recalls. Then began the long process of translating the letters, which had gone from parents in Greater Germany to their children hidden in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and England. In all, several hundred families are represented in the collection. Many of the letters were from parents and kids reassuring each other that they're alright, as both sides walked gingerly across the land mine of loneliness and worry. The letters' dates span the years beginning in late 1938, when the Kristallnacht pogrom and the general anti-Semitism of the time mobilized the Jews in Greater Germany to try to send as many children as possible to safety. When war broke out the following year, civilian mail stopped moving freely and Luz managed to keep the correspondences going by taking a more central role as letter writer. "Dear Tante Elisabeth," a child might write to her. "Please tell my mother I am fine and doing well in math." Or a father might ask her to convey, "Dear Elisabeth, please tell my son to dress warmly and that we send our love." Most of the families' correspondences stopped cold by 1945, by which time the majority of the parents were presumed murdered; others continued into the 1960s. It is still unknown how many of the children survived, but presumably far more than the parents, most of whom were unable to escape the Nazis' murderous net. But one of the enduring mysteries about the collection of letters is that they are all originals, written by these parents and children. No one knows for sure why, in the era before Xerox, Luz rewrote each of the 1,000 letters by hand and sent them out. The prevailing theory? "Trying to fool the censors," says Dwork, who included several of the letters in her book "Flight from the Reich: Refugee Jews 1933-1946" (Norton, 2009). "This church-going Christian lady, who often spoke about the importance of giving aid and help, spent years doing this painstaking work and at no small risk to herself," she says. The Strassler Center at Clark University is still scanning, sorting, transcribing, and translating the letters, and the public should be able to access them by early 2018, but several of them are going to be used at the center's Summer Holocaust Institute to help high school history and literature teachers integrate the Holocaust into their curriculum. "The letters are a great opportunity to engage with this time period firsthand and understand some of their concerns these parents and children had," says Sarah Cushman, who directs the summer institute. Cushman also expects the letters to resonate with high school students. "The average American kid will understand these kids' concerns with their futures and even petty gripes between them and their friends," she says. This often comes as a surprise, says Cushman, explaining that with "our 20-20 hindsight, we know all too well the outcome for most of these families, but the letter-writers of course could not. The number 6 million is an abstraction, but one document from a real person can make the Holocaust real for today's teens." Dwork agrees. "These personal letters are a compelling way to teach aspects of the Holocaust because they relate how families dealt with the problems and pain they endured," she says. Indeed, the letters just may serve another function. "Google 'Holocaust' and the first sites that come up are all deniers," says Janet Stein, president of the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants of Greater Boston. "These letters are positive proof that it happened." The letters could also be a healing force for any of the children who remain alive, adds Stein, whose own father survived Auschwitz to emerge as the only member of both his family and his community in Hungary to live on. "So many of the kids grew up never even knowing they were Jewish so these letters could be a reminder of who they really are. As all that is left behind of their parents, how precious these letters would be to their children," she says. Indeed, even the flimsiest paper letter can contain great power, says Prof. Amos Goldberg, who teaches Jewish history at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "Especially in times of war the mail could bring a warm message from a loved one very far away," Goldberg says. "You watch for the mail and when the letter arrives you gather the family to hear it. It was so reassuring." Or of course, it could be tragic, as is the case when one receives a wartime letter from someone who had been killed during the time it took the letter to reach its destination. Today, we have lost something with the reliance on emails and texting as well as the disappearance of the hand-written letter, Goldberg maintains. "The ritual of a letter, the sitting and thinking and writing down, then the excitement about an answer coming and reading it over and over again, it celebrated and cemented our relationships," he says. Prof. Alexandra Garbarini, who teaches modern European Jewish history at Williams College in in Williamstown, Mass., says she's looking forward to seeing the letters. Having studied parents writing diaries for their children during the Holocaust years and written about it in "Numbered Days: Diaries of the Holocaust" (Yale University Press, 2006), Garbarini says "there's a newfound respect for the original documents from those who lived history, not just studied it. And here you actually get to read the words of the children, which is very rare." Elisabeth Luz's quiet actions had immense influence, she adds. One of more than 1,000 letters that Ulrich Luz sent to Prof. Deborah Dwork. "Because she was willing to play the role as messenger between hidden children and their parents, they could maintain some semblance of a relationship," says Garbarini. "And it was all done for the sake of the child whose life depended on maintaining the fiction they had all created-the parents, the child, and the adoptive family too. It reminds us that very small acts when done in such numbers means it's no longer a very small act but a big one." "As they spiraled into different worlds, the children pined for their parents and the parents yearned for the children," says Deborah Dwork. "This allowed them to keep close. It was a quiet but poignant example of resistance." Janet Stein mused, "On some level did this woman have the foresight to think about history and that people might discover these someday? Could it have occurred to her that these were valuable not just to the families then but to people in the future too?" According to the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents released today, there were 91 verified incidents of anti-Semitism in Florida in 2015, marking a significant increase of incidents over the previous year's 70 incidents. Florida's increase also is comparatively higher than the national increase in anti-Semitic incidents, which rose from 912 to 941. The largest increases in anti-Semitic incidents were in the categories of anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment. There were 61 incidents of harassment, threats, and events in Florida in 2015, compared with 50 in 2014, representing a 22% increase. There were 27 incidents of vandalism in Florida in 2015, compared with 19 in 2014, representing a 42 percent increase. "The fact that anti-Semitic hatred still exists within our communities is not surprising, but it is still disheartening, and remains a constant reminder of how we must be vigilant in educating and speaking out in the face of hate," said Hava L. Holzhauer, ADL Florida regional director. "Anti-Semitism in Florida has shown many faces this past year-from assault, to harassment to vandalism and more." Florida continues to be in the top four states reporting incidents of anti-Semitism, with New York, New Jersey, and California, reporting higher incidents. "This year's audit, most notably the increases in anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment, are painful reminders that anti-Semitism still poses a threat," noted Scott Notowitz, ADL Florida regional chairman. "The ADL's work fighting anti-Semitism will continue no matter how it manifests from one year to the next. We will persevere." The annual ADL Audit comprises criminal and non-criminal incidents reported to the ADL Florida office and law enforcement, including incidents of vandalism, assault, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. Nationally, ADL's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents recorded a total of 941 incidents in the U.S. in 2015, an increase of approximately 3 percent from the 912 incidents recorded in 2014. Fifty-six incidents were assaults, the most violent anti-Semitic category, representing a more than 50 percent rise from the 36 assaults reported in 2014. Another troubling finding: anti-Semitic incidents at colleges and universities nearly doubled last year. A total of 90 incidents were reported on 60 college campuses in 2015, compared with 47 incidents on 43 campuses in 2014. Anti-Semitic Assaults Three assaults occurred in Florida in 2015, up from a single assault in the previous year. Selected incident: Boca Raton: A rabbinical student was walking when an assailant on a bike shouted at him that "Jews should go back to Auschwitz. Hitler was right." An altercation occurred between the two. Anti-Semitic Acts On College Campuses The ADL national audit reported a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses nationally in 2015. A total of 90 incidents were reported on 60 college campuses nationally, compared with 47 such incidents reported on 43 campuses in 2014. Seven incidents were reported on Florida's campuses, including the University of Florida, the University of Miami, Southeastern University, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida. Selected incidents: University of Central Florida: Anti-Semitic and racist stickers were placed at various places on the University of Central Florida campus, including newsstands and areas near dormitories. One sticker had a Star of David and the words "1%" and "Bankers" underneath, another had a Nazi swastika depicted on a flag. University of Florida: Three cars were vandalized with swastikas and F*$k. Anti-Semitic Vandalism The ADL Audit recorded 27 cases of anti-Semitic vandalism in 2015, 19 incidents in 2014. Vandalism incidents are individually evaluated by ADL and are categorized as anti-Semitic based on the presence of anti-Semitic symbols or language; the identity of the perpetrator(s), if known; and the target of the vandalism and its proximity to Jewish homes, communities and institutions. The 2015 Audit includes in its totals swastikas and hate symbols that targeted Jewish property or communal institutions. Swastikas targeting other minorities or those used out of context simply for shock value were not counted. The following is a list of selected instances of anti-Semitic vandalism in 2015: Margate: During Sabbath morning services at a synagogue, nails were found under the tires of multiple vehicles. Hollywood: Hateful messages were painted on the walls of a synagogue that was under construction, including perverted pictures, the words "(Expletive) the Jews" and "We're watching you." Winter Park: A swastika and hateful messaging was spray-painted on a family's home. Boca Raton: A was swastika painted on the ground in the student parking lot of a high school. Boca Raton: A wall outside of an apartment complex was vandalized with graffiti including a Star of David, a plus sign, a heart, another plus sign, a swastika, an equal sign followed by several unidentified symbols. Miami Beach: A family awoke to find F*%k Jews etched onto their car window, along with a swastika. Many of the family's relatives perished in the Holocaust. Deland: The word Jew was written on front door and garage in what appears to be black marker. According to the victim, there was no ornamentation on the home indicating that she and her family are Jewish. Harassment, Threats And Events The ADL Audit recorded 61 cases of anti-Semitic harassment in Florida in 2015, up from 50 in 2014. Incidents included verbal attacks and slurs against Jewish individuals (or individuals perceived to be Jewish); anti-Semitism conveyed in written or electronic communications, including anti-Semitic cyberbullying; and anti-Semitic speeches, picketing or events. Of particular note was the prevalence of the use of the swastika symbol in a significant number of harassment cases. ADL has also seen a significant number of incidents in which the ability of Jewish members of homeowners associations or boards were questioned due to their religion. The following is a list of selected instances of anti-Semitic harassment, threats, and events in 2015: Delray Beach: Multiple employees at a Jewish organization received anti-Semitic and threatening phone calls from a caller over the span of a single day. Miami Beach: Two individuals walked by a synagogue, and yelled "Allahu Akhbar!" (Arabic for Allah is great-it is both a religious term as well as one usurped by Islamic extremists) at an individual at the synagogue. One of the individuals then yelled that "heads will be cut off," and then stated directly to the synagogue attendee "I will cut your head off." St. Petersburg: A couple were nominated for the positions of president and secretary of their condominium association, and won the positions in a Board election. An outgoing association leader was incensed at their election, since they allegedly owed dues, and in front of numerous individuals and association members said "I will get rid of the f?*cking Jews." Highland Beach: After an online discussion negotiating the price of a project with a construction contractor, the apartment owner decided not to proceed. The owner then received several nasty messages from the contractor, one of which included the language "Up Yours Jew Bastard." Port St. Lucie: When an individual was terminated from his employment due to work-related errors, he inquired about complaints he had made beforehand regarding his supervisor making anti-Semitic remarks to him in front of other employees. Coral Springs: A Jewish individual's neighbors used anti-Semitic user-names for their wi-fi signals, including "Jew F*$k" and "Kike Killer." Orlando: A news station received an email from an individual writing from out-of-state, identifying as a Muslim born in Palestine. In the email, the individual indicates that Jewish places of worship in the U.S. are 'the best places to attack first for Hamas in America.' Boynton Beach: A restaurant manager, after a disagreement with a customer over the price of a special-listed food item, told an individual and his son that "You Jews are no longer welcomed here." The Audit identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats and slurs. Compiled using information provided by victims, law enforcement and community leaders and evaluated by ADL's professional staff, the Audit provides an annual snapshot of one specific aspect of a nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. The influx of migrants and refugees into Europe has presented that continent's leaders and policymakers with some of their greatest current challenges. Those challenges "defy silver-bullet solutions," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken. Blinken, who made that remark at the 2016 Herzliya Conference, which took place from June 14-16 in Jerusalem and Herzliya, was highlighting one of the topics that reappeared in many of the dozens of speeches and panel discussions throughout the three-day Israeli event. Blinken emphasized that the combination of the migrant crisis and rising global terror has "all of us... linked in unprecedented ways... creating shared vulnerabilities." In America, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has garnered controversy, but also rising influence and a presumptive GOP nomination, through his associations of Muslims with terrorism and immigrants with crime. A February 2016 Rasmussen poll found that 70 percent of Republican voters, and 51 percent of all voters, support Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. In Europe, fear about refugees is tied to anxiety about the loss of jobs and national identity, according to Prof. Jurgen Ruttgers, former prime minister of the North Rhine-Westphalia state in Germany. "They fear the new cheap labor endangers their jobs. Others have fury because they have been searching for cheap housing for a long time. They think the politicians have no money for them-only for the refugees," Ruttgers said at the Herzliya Conference. The migrant crisis has been accompanied by an uptick in European nationalism and support for nationalist political parties, as well as amplified concern about Islamic terrorism. A 2015 report by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank noted that since 2011, the number of illegal border-crossing detections in the 28-nation European Union (EU) has surged. Thousands of Tunisians first arrived, followed by an influx of Sub-Saharan Africans. Most recently, the Syrian civil war has led to rapidly growing numbers of Syrian migrants and refugees. In just the first nine months of 2015, the International Organization of Migration estimated that 464,000 migrants crossed into Europe-and 89 percent of them came from Syria. While most migrants entering the EU have traditionally come through non-landlocked nations such as Greece or Italy, many migrants are now entering landlocked EU member states such as Hungary, Germany, and Sweden, according to CFR. Frontex-an organization that promotes, coordinates, and develops European border management-reported that between January and July 2015, there were 102,342 illegal crossings into Hungary. Germany and Sweden currently receive and grant the overwhelming majority of asylum applications in the EU, CFR said. The European populations absorbing the most migrants, in turn, have seen stark shifts in public opinion. A 2015 report by the TARKI Social Research Institute found that 46 percent of the Hungarian adult population agreed with the position that no asylum-seeker should set foot in the country-the highest-ever support for that stance. Jessica Bither-program officer for the German Marshall Fund of the United States, which "strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan"-told JNS.org that the interests of individual nations have consistently trumped a homogeneous European response to the influx of migrants. But at the same time, she explained, the continent's nationalist and populist political parties have put the migration issue at the forefront of their agendas, "playing on fears and garnering support through that." "People in Germany are anxious," said Jurgen Ruttgers. In Europe, Bither said migration has posed the immediate challenge of finding housing for the migrants-such as shelters, schools, and gyms. In Germany, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees was having trouble keeping up with asylum claims when, at times, there were as many as 10,000 people crossing the border each day. Now that the migration numbers are declining in Germany and across the EU, European governments are focusing on integrating the asylum-seekers who were legally accepted into the EU and on facilitating the return of migrants who were rejected for asylum to their home countries. "No one has the impression that those who have come to us in Europe will leave the country in the near future," said Ruttgers. "Anyone who wants to be a part of our societies must accept our European values... If refugees accept our rules and values and work hard to participate in our way of lives [they can stay]. Anyone who does not participate and integrate must go back to his home country after the [Syrian] civil war ends." In April, Germany announced a new and controversial immigration law under which asylum-seekers face cuts in government support if they reject mandatory integration measures such as language classes or lessons in German laws and cultural basics. The move came partially as a result of the growing trend of associating Muslim refugees with terrorism and a fear that Muslim migrants would give rise to a new extremist, anti-democratic culture. Several European leaders-including those from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic-expressed a strong preference for non-Muslim migrants. In 2015, Slovakia even announced that it would only accept Christian refugees from Syria. While on the one hand, selecting migrants based on their religion would violate the EU's non-discrimination laws, on the other hand, European leaders have defended such policies by citing their own constituencies' discomfort with growing Muslim communities. The terrorists that carried out the March 2016 Brussels bombings and the November 2015 Paris attacks were tied to Mideast refugees; they hid themselves among Syrian refugees taken in by European nations. This raised a red flag that terrorist organizations such as Islamic State-which claimed responsibility for the attacks in Brussels and Paris-are interspersing their radicalized recruits among the vast migrant stream and into an unprepared Europe. The German Marshall Fund's Bither, however, argued for caution in pegging the increase in terrorism directly to the migrant influx. She said migration "is only part of the story. The issue of homegrown terrorism is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous." Bither said that just as the nationalist parties are using economic fear to turn society against refugees, they are using fear of Islam to gain popularity, too. "They are putting the topic of Islamic extremism on the media cycle over and over again," she said. H.E. Jan Jambon, deputy prime minister and interior minister of Belgium, who also spoke at the Herzliya Conference, said that Belgium is rolling out 30 new security measures in response to the March attacks in Brussels-including increased investment in a previously under-financed national security department and providing increased protection for more vulnerable communities, such as the Jewish community of Brussels. Jambon said that while it did surface that there were ties between the Brussels terrorists and Mideast refugees, he agrees with Bither that the dual challenges of infiltration by Islamic extremists into the EU through migration and the radicalization of youths born in the EU itself (often second- and third-generation immigrants) need to be tackled with equal vigor. "If we want youngsters to escape Islamic State's deadly trap, we need to do some things," said Jambon. "We need to protect, reflect, and promote our standards and values. We need to identify extremism among youngsters at an early stage and follow up on these young people who have gone off track... We need to have a proactive police approach that is tough on terrorism." But most importantly, in Jambon's estimation, the world needs to work together on combating terror. "This is an international conflict," Jambon said. "We have to fight at the European and the global level. I call for an open-minded cooperation... All people who keep our basic standards and values-regardless of ethnicity, religious, and social status-should stand together." "We are in a war for the future of our country and the State of Israel!" says Laurie Cardoza-Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations (PJTN). She will be speaking in Central Florida at the Eastmonte Civic Center on July 5 at 7 p.m. The topics she will cover are about BDS on college campuses and the propaganda being taught in the public schools. "It is obvious that there is a growing number of parents who are outraged by the indoctrination of our children in secondary schools," Cardoza-Moore said. "There is a rise in anti-Semitic attacks on college campuses fueled by the BDS movement." Cardoza-Moore will give an important update on PJTN's nationwide campaign to expose the anti-Semitic BDS movement, as well as, expose the biased content in our curriculum and textbooks. It threatens the future of our Republic, and our only friend and ally in the Middle East, Israel. "The propaganda in these textbooks is not only anti-American, anti-Israel and anti-Judeo/Christian, but it also violates the Establishment Clause of our Constitution, favoring the establishment of one religion over all others-can you guess which one it is?" The event is sponsored by the Greater Orlando Citizen Action Network. Eastmonte Civic Center is located at 830 Magnolia Dr., Altamonte Springs, Fla. More than a dozen families gathered under sunny skies on May 22 for "Spring in Israel," a Shalom Families/PJ Library event sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. Parents and children celebrated the month of Iyar, spring in Israel, on the beautiful lawn of Grace Hopper Clubhouse in Orlando's Baldwin Park. With a little help from their parents, the children made their own "kid-friendly" kites that they later launched into flight. The event also featured a family yoga class with instructor Lisa Schreiber. Shalom Families is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, which also administers the PJ Library program in Central Florida. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) is pleased to announce the third year of the Jewish Teen Education Grant Program, and is now accepting grant requests for 2016-17 academic year. The grants are intended for ongoing academic Jewish teen educational programming. The second year of JTEN grants yielded eight successful programs from Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Ohev Shalom, Chabad of North Orlando, Temple Shir Shalom, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Temple Israel and Chabad of South Orlando. We are so grateful to the Federations Jewish Teen Education Network (JTEN), said Sheryl R. Sacharoff, Ed.D, CRJs director of education. Through Federations generous JTEN grants, Congregation of Reform Judaism has been able to offer compelling programs for 8th- to 12th- graders at our synagogue. This past year, teens engaged in discussion in the CRJ class #SeeMediaJewishly, which offered an opportunity to think critically about world issues. Similarly, the year before, teens examined the complexities of anti-Semitism, racism and stereotyping within the context of history and current events in Facing History and Ourselves. JTEN has significantly added to our ability to work together as educators in the community and to offer compelling programs to our teens, Sacharoff said. In its second year, JTEN also sponsored two community-wide Teen Education Days for 70 teens in grades 8 to 12. Both were collaborative events bringing together eight synagogues and local BBYO chapters. The fall teen day brought students together for a day of learning with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Miami, eight IDF soldiers, and facilitators from four synagogues. The spring teen day brought students to Central Florida Hillel to directly experience Jewish life on a college campus. This years teen day in the fall was incredibly valuable for the students and our community, said Elana Moss, education and program director for Congregation Beth Am. The participants from our synagogue came back raving about how much they learned and how much fun they had. They want to continue learning about Israel and hope to travel to Israel in the future. JTEN educators are already meeting regularly to plan the next Community-wide Teen Education Day, scheduled for Oct. 30. The Federations JTEN program also administers Colman Israel Travel Scholarships for students. In April, the Federation awarded $5,600 through the Colman scholarships to six local high school students traveling to Israel this summer, said Jennifer Cohen, JFGOs director of outreach and engagement. From January through March, teens had the opportunity to complete an Israel travel scholarship application, including a personal essay with their goals for the trip and what they hope to bring back to the community, and a letter of recommendation from a Jewish professional. Wrote applicant Haley Codron, a rising 11th-grader at Lake Highland Prep who will be visiting Israel this summer for five weeks with the LDor VDor NFTY program, Nobody in my family has ever been to Israel, and I feel this trip would be an opportunity to create a connection that the generations in my past never got to make for themselves. It would be something that I contribute to our heritage, my future and my Jewish community. My mom has always talked about her aspirations to travel to Israel, and I know that part of her could be there with me on this fantastic journey. This would be my own personal LDor VDor, generation through generation. In addition to the NFTY LDor VDor program, teens will be participating in other Israel adventure programs through NFTY and USY, National Ramah Commission and Alexander Muss High School in Israel. We look forward to meeting with all the teens when they return at the end of the summer and sharing their experiences with the Jewish community, Cohen said. The Jewish teen Education Grant program is accepting applications through July 5. The guidelines and grant application are available online at http://www.jfgo.org/jtengrants. Please email jten@jfgo.org if you have questions about JTEN, the grant program or the Colman Israel Travel Scholarship. A military-themed school play held in April 2016 at the UNRWA Nuseirat School in Gaza, in which students hold an Israeli hostage at gunpoint. A newly released 10-minute online video produced by the Jerusalem-based Center for Near East Policy Research says that many of the Palestinians who have murdered Israelis during the so-called "stabbing intifada," which began in September 2015, were educated in schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Titled "The UNRWA road to terror: Palestinian classroom incitement," the video claims that the current wave of violence was not spontaneous, but rather has roots deriving "from an educational curriculum taught to Palestinians beginning in first grade." Thirty-eight Israelis and tourists have been murdered in the nine-month-long Palestinian terror wave, most recently the shooting at Tel Aviv's Sarona market that killed four Israelis. UNRWA's curriculum, the video says, is focused on "jihad," while UNRWA teachers glorify the so-called "right of return" of Palestinian refugees through war. The video reveals a military-themed school play held in April 2016 at the UNRWA Nuseirat School in Gaza, in which students hold an Israeli hostage at gunpoint and emerge from a tunnel in order to carry out an attack against Israelis-the latter scene mirroring the Hamas terror group's efforts to attack the Jewish state through cross-border tunnels running underground from Gaza to Israel. The footage begins by zooming in on classrooms of Palestinian children repeating phrases chanted by their teachers such as "Palestine is an Arab land from the river to the sea" and "We want Haifa, we want Acre," with no recognition of a state called Israel. The scene then shifts to numerous one-on-one interviews with Palestinian children in the courtyards of their schools in various Jerusalem neighborhoods and surrounding areas, in which they admit that they are taught in school that it is their destiny to violently "reclaim" the entire country they refer to only as "Palestine." One student from the Shuafat refugee camp says that his UNRWA educators "teach us in school that Jews are fickle, bad people." He adds, "I am ready to stab a Jew and drive [a car] over them." Another student from Shuafat says, "We have to constantly stab them, drive over them, and shoot them (the Jews)." A child from Kalandia is filmed saying that he is taught about how "Zionists are our enemy, and [we] must fight them." A different student at the same school says, "With Allah's help I will fight for ISIS, the Islamic State." Documentary filmmaker David Bedein, director of the Center of Near East Policy Research, says that the U.N. member states the funders of UNRWA schools should be held accountable for the agency's hate education. Bedein says that at the top of that list of funders is the United States-UNRWA's largest donor, providing $400 million of the organization's annual $1.2 billion budget. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) echoes Bedein, telling FoxNews.com that an UNRWA education "does not in any way prepare the Palestinian population or future generations of Palestinians for peace with Israelis. It is unacceptable that the international community, including the United States, is funding UNRWA without demanding change." According to Bedein, about 100 Palestinian children studying in UNRWA schools were interviewed for the video. Those children, he tells JNS.org, "have been indoctrinated to believe that they have the right to kill Jews, because they took their land." He adds that the children "learn that in all of the villages that their great-grandparents lost in 1948, that it's kosher to walk into any place that used to be one of those villages whether Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and kill the people who live there." Asked why the Israeli Ministry of Education doesn't get involved in stopping UNWRA's incitement, Bedein says the ministry's hands are tied and that it can't interfere with UNRWA schools. He says that Israel's Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry, however, "could have a say in it but choose not to." Bedein explains that the philosophy of the Israeli government "is that the U.N. schools give an opportunity to have peace education as an alternative to Hamas or terrorist education. However, the reality is that UNRWA is operating in a way that it's providing worse incitement than the Palestinian Authority incitement or Hamas incitement. It's a level of cognitive dissonance, and people don't want to hear what they don't want to hear." It is highly disturbing, says Bedein, that the students interviewed in the video weren't living in Gaza under Hamas rule, but rather in or near Israel's capital of Jerusalem. "It's literally a 10-minute ride from Mount Scopus in Jerusalem to the Shuafat refugee camp run by UNRWA, where this incitement is taking place," he says. The new video has started to gain traction on social media. The Israel education organization StandWithUs recently shared the video with its 970,000 followers on Facebook. "The teaching of racism and religious supremacism in UNRWA schools plays a major role in the violence Palestinian terrorists are inflicting on innocent Israelis," StandWithUs CEO Roz Rothstein tells JNS.org. "This incitement of Palestinian children hurts Israelis and Palestinians alike, and must be stopped for there to be lasting peace." When asked to comment on the video and on America's annual $400 million support of UNRWA, a press attache at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem declined comment and instead referred JNS.org to UNRWA. In an emailed response to JNS.org, UNRWA spokesperson Christopher Gunness denied the film's accusations and questioned its standards. Gunness says that the "generalized allegation made in the film that many Palestinian children who murdered Jews came from UNRWA schools is completely unsubstantiated in the film, which produces no evidence to prove this." According to Gunness, "In this latest [video], he (Bedein) takes non-UNRWA facilities and falsely claims they belong to UNRWA. He shows teachers claiming they are UNRWA teachers when in fact they are not and he plays the same tricks with students, often misrepresenting what they say in translations." "As a neutral U.N. humanitarian agency, UNRWA is committed to promoting non-violence and the highest standards of neutrality," adds Gunness. "Our condemnation of all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, is a matter of public record." In response to Gunness, Bedein-who says he has been monitoring UNRWA's activities for 28 years-maintains that his research on UNRWA in the latest video and past videos is authentic, and that the videos "should be cause for this humanitarian organization (UNRWA) to carry out a self-introspection." "Instead of denying [the new video's] validity," says Bedein, "UNRWA should bring it to the attention of donor nations that they are funding war curriculum education within a U.N. organization, so that the situation can be rectified." Bedein says that his institution's next project will be to translate all of the latest Palestinian Authority textbooks from Arabic into English, to prove that "despite the fact the U.S. government issued a statement that [the books] have been evaluated and teach 'peace,' we have seen the books, and that's not the case." (JTA)-Dirty, hot and exhausted Israeli soldiers waiting for their bus home from the army base tend, understandably, to be in a hurry to get on board. But when I was living in Israel during the first intifada, or Palestinian uprising, soldiers didn't jostle to be first in line. Rather, the most coveted position was second. That's because the bus driver had the right-under rules issued by the army and made clear to each armed soldier before she or he left the base-to order any soldier to sit in the front seat and remain alert. And the first one to get on board was the obvious choice. If you'd just finished three weeks of training with rare interruptions for sleep and were looking forward to a snooze on the long trip home, this was definitely a downer. But it was necessitated by the rash of Palestinian terrorist attacks on bus drivers at the time. One of the first things visitors to Israel notice is the ubiquity of young people with automatic weapons. Yet Israel suffers the tiniest fraction of the mass killings the United States does. Daniel Gordis, writing last year in a Bloomberg column, reported that Americans are 33 times more likely to kill each other with guns than Israelis. How is that possible? The answer is couched in that front seat the Egged bus driver kept empty for a soldier. It may not be immediately obvious, but the Israelis you see armed on the beach or at the cafe are just as subject to the army hierarchy and its regulations as they would be if they were on the front line or a base. Calev Ben-David (an old friend) wrote this week in The Jerusalem Post about the differences between gun use in the U.S. and Israel. He noted that just 4 percent of guns in Israel are not military issue. This means that the use of 96 percent of guns is governed by army rules of conduct. As a soldier, you're answerable to a military tribunal if you break army rules and use a gun without orders-or if you fail to use a gun when you're under standing order to do so. For example, if a terrorist boards the bus you're being forced to stay awake on. The training Israeli soldiers receive also helps keep gun violence down. When Gabby Giffords, the Jewish congresswoman from Arizona, was shot in 2011, an armed passer-by recalled later to his own horror that he nearly opened fire on the folks who were restraining the gunman. Donald Trump's assertion that a club full of armed French concertgoers would have headed off last year's Bataclan massacre is belied by the chaos engendered when shooters lack training-not just in proper shooting of the weapon, but in identifying when and where it is safe to shoot. The careful use of guns in Israel is about being answerable to a hierarchy, beyond being answerable to the law. This is the opposite of the "right to bear arms" in the American ethos. There is no "right" to bear arms in Israel-there is a duty to bear arms, according to strict regulations. This is why current and former military officers, even right-wingers among them, have been appalled by public support for the soldier in Hebron who in March allegedly shot an attacker after he was subdued. As much as killing a subdued man is wrong, in Israel's military culture, using a weapon outside the command structure is equally taboo. In some ways, then, Israel is the "well-regulated militia" promised by America's Second Amendment. That component of the amendment, however, has all but been ignored in recent American court rulings. In the wake of last months deadly terror attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) convened a community security briefing on the Maitland Jewish Community Campus. JFGO organized the June 16 briefing to address potential questions or concerns among Jewish community leaders about security and emergency preparedness at their respective agencies and synagogues. The Federation enlisted the assistance of the Secure Community Network (SCN). Launched in 2004 by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), SCN is the sole national security arm of the Jewish people. In the past year, SCN has advised 45 Federations on security and crisis management, hosted exercises with hundreds of national Jewish leaders and DHS and FBI officials, and convened more than 80 senior government, law enforcement and local representatives at the first-ever International Security Summit to protect Jewish communities worldwide. While the hour-long discussion on the Maitland campus covered a wide range of security issues related specifically to the Jewish community, the SCN senior adviser who led the session stressed that Americans must become more proactive in their approach to security and think like an attacker when developing, evaluating and fine-tuning security plans. An adversary familiarizes himself with your weakness, looks for holes in your security, and then exploits them, the adviser said. Our security systems should be based on how our adversary thinks and operates, not on how we think and operate. Too frequently following a high-profile attack, he added, businesses and agencies tend to overreact in the immediate term, exhausting their resources as a result. As time passes without a perceived imminent threat (and with resources exhausted), security measures become more relaxed, and thus vulnerable again. The adversary knows this pattern well. Rhonda Forest, Chair of the JFGO Board of Directors, said it is Federations role in times of crisis to serve as both a resource and a sounding board for the Greater Orlando Jewish community. Forest praised the speed with which the Jewish Federations of North America reached out to offer assistance to the Orlando Federation. Just hours after the attack, Paul Goldenberg, SCNs executive director, contacted JFGO to offer his teams support and assistance. The next morning, an SCN adviser was on a plane to Orlando, Forest said. His presence and incredible depth of knowledge of security issues unique to the Jewish community were invaluable, and Im pleased that we were able to make him available as a resource. During his time in Orlando, the adviser also met with representatives of the Maitland Police Department and visited the Maitland Jewish Community Campus, the Rosen JCC and other agencies and synagogues. (JTA)-The parents of Steven Sotloff, the Jewish freelance journalist beheaded by the Islamic State nearly two years ago, have joined the families of three other killed U.S. hostages in urging President Barack Obama to bring home a missing American hostage. Shirley and Arthur Sotloff, in an essay published Wednesday in the McClatchy newspapers, called on Obama not to leave behind any Americans when he leaves office in January, referring to freelance journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in August 2012 and believed to be held by Assad forces. Tice is the only American reporter known to be held hostage anywhere in the world, according to Reporters Without Borders. The other authors of the essay are Diane and John Foley, the parents of journalist James Foley; Ed and Paula Kassig, the parents of humanitarian aid worker Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, and Carl, Marsha and Eric Mueller, the parents and brother of humanitarian aid worker Kayla Mueller. The families pointed out that one year ago this week, Obama "made a commitment to improve our government's dismal record on the return of American hostages." "We are four families bonded together by tragedy and terror," they wrote. "We will never fully recover from the horrific outcome of our own hostage crises. But there is something that still can be done: Bring Austin Tice safely home." Each family also wrote a personal message. The Sotloffs read: "We, the family of the late journalist Steven Sotloff, remind President Obama of the following: You told us in person that if it were your daughters, you would do anything in your power to bring them home. We implore you: Bring Austin Tice home." Tice, now 34, was working as a freelance journalist for McClatchy and The Washington Post when he was taken captive. Besides a brief video clip posted about six weeks later showing him with unknown gunmen, there have been no other signs of life. In a 65-4 vote, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed legislation prohibiting the state from contracting with companies that participate in boycotts of allies and trade partners of the United Statesmost notably, Israel. HB 7736 passed the Rhode Island House on June 16 and received unanimous support two days later in the states Senate. Governor Gina Raimondo is expected to sign the measure later this week. Rhode Islands measure against the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement was introduced by State Rep. Mia Ackerman (D), the Houses deputy majority leader, and received overwhelming bipartisan support in one of the countrys most Democrat-heavy states. Rhode Island is at a crossroads and we need to reinvigorate our economy. This is especially true of new industries such as high-tech, science and medical and other knowledge-based industry, said Ackerman. Todays interdependent global economy requires that trade policy be developed both at the national and state level. One of our greatest trading allies is the State of Israel, the only democratic, non-discriminatory country in the Middle East. Bracha Stuart, executive director of the Rhode Island chapter of the pro-Israel education and advocacy group StandWithUs, told the Haym Salomon Center, This measure sends a clear message that the State of Rhode Island will not support those that participate in campaigns fueled by intolerance and anti-Semitism. Stuart called Israel an advantageous partner for Rhode Island amid efforts to jumpstart the states economy. In fact, the state recently announced that it has scheduled a week-long business mission to Israel for early December. Since 1996, Rhode Islands economy has benefited to the tune of more than $120 million in exports to Israel. In 2015, the state saw an increase just shy of 19 percent from the previous fiscal year, as exports from Rhode Island to the Jewish state surpassed $10 million. This new anti-discrimination/boycott law is a matter of sound economic, public, and foreign policy, said Stuart, who thanked the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) for their partnership that led to passage of this crucial legislation. IAF, a legal resource for state legislators on anti-boycott bills, worked closely with the Rhode Island bills sponsors and Israel advocacy groups to make sure the legislation did not violate the First Amendment. IAF U.S. Director Joseph Sabag said, This law does not restrain a group from boycotting Israel or advocating for the boycotting of Israel. It does not penalize any private partys exercise of free speech. WASHINGTON (JTA)-Sen. Marco Rubio cited his intention to kill the Iran nuclear deal in his decision to run for reelection to the Senate. The Florida Republican, first elected in 2010, opted out of running to keep his seat when he announced his candidacy last year for the Republican presidential nomination. He was driven out of that race this year by Donald Trump, who defeated Rubio in his home state primary and is now the presumptive nominee. But on Wednesday, Rubio reversed his decision and said he would run, citing the Iran sanctions relief for nuclear rollback deal, which he had pledged as president to tear up. "Control of the Senate may very well come down to the race in Florida," Rubio said in his statement. "That means the future of the Supreme Court will be determined by the Florida Senate seat. It means the future of the disastrous Iran nuclear deal will be determined by the Florida Senate seat. It means the direction of our country's fiscal and economic policies will be determined by this Senate seat. The stakes for our nation could not be higher." It is not clear how Rubio believes his vote in the Senate could reverse the Iran deal. The most straightforward American exit from the deal would be through a presidential executive order, which is not dependent on Congress. A congressional bid to kill the deal would require a super-majority of 60 in the Senate, something Republicans are unlikely to secure. Should Rubio win the GOP primary in August, he will face either Rep. Patrick Murphy or Rep. Alan Grayson, who are in a bitter race for the Democratic nomination. Murphy has the backing of the party establishment, while Grayson, who is Jewish, is running an insurgent campaign from the left based on the campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Jewish Independent from Vermont who ran a surprisingly tough campaign against Hillary Clinton, now the presumptive Democratic nominee. The political action committee associated with J Street, the liberal Jewish Middle East policy group, is backing Murphy, and seized upon Rubio's announcement to raise funds for its candidate. "The Senate's leading neocon is running for another Senate term," the committee said in an email. The JStreetPAC email listed Rubio's transgressions against liberal Jewish orthodoxies, including his pledge to tear up the Iran deal and his harsh criticisms of President Barack Obama, and noted his grudging endorsement of Trump. Abbas walks back claim that Israeli rabbis called to poison Palestinian water JERUSALEM (JTA)Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas walked back his claim that Israeli rabbis had called for the poisoning of Palestinian water and said he did not intend to offend Jewish people. 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, his office said in a statement issued last Friday. In his address a day earlier to the European Parliament in Brussels, which earned a standing ovation from parliament representatives, Abbas alleged that Israeli rabbis called earlier in the week for the poisoning of Palestinian water, a report for which he provided no citation and which echoes medieval anti-Semitic libels. Jewish groups responded by accusing Abbas of spreading blood libels and anti-Semitism. Fridays statement also said that Abbas rejected all claims that accuse him and the Palestinian people of offending the Jewish religion, and that Abbas also condemned all accusations of anti-Semitism. Earlier in the same day of his European Parliament speech, Abbas refused a meeting with Israels president, Reuven Rivlin, that the parliaments president had offered to arrange while Abbas and Rivlin were in Brussels. Someone who refuses to meet with the president and Prime Minister Netanyahu for direct talks, who propagates a blood libel in the European Parliament, is lying when he says his hand is outstretched in peace, said a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office. Israel awaits the day when Abu Mazen stops spreading lies and dealing in incitement. Until then, Israel will continue to defend itself against Palestinian incitement, which motivates terror attacks. Abu Mazen is an alternative honorific name for Abbas. Netanyahu headed to Rome for meeting with Kerry and Italys prime minister JERUSALEM (JTA)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Rome on Sunday to meet with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The meetings on Sunday and Monday also will include Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Netanyahu said Sunday morning in Jerusalem at the weekly Cabinet meeting that the leaders will discuss regional processes, the question of security, the process with the Palestinians and, of course, other issues. Netanyahu said the leaders also would discuss the British vote to leave the European Union. There is no direct effect on Israel apart from the fact that we are part of the global economy, the prime minister said. Netanyahu said he held a discussion over the weekend with the finance minister, the governor of the Bank of Israel, the head of Israels National Economic Council and others regarding the implications for the Israeli economy. I can say one thing: The Israeli economy is strong. It has very considerable foreign currency reserves. Therefore, to the extent that there is some effect, it is not expected to be strong other than unrest in the global economy, he said. I think that as this process is begun, Israel is in a good position. Israel-Turkey reconciliation deal must include return of 2 soldiers remains, parents say JERUSALEM (JTA)The families of two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza whose remains have never been repatriated released statements slamming a reported reconciliation deal between Israel and Turkey. The statements Saturday night from the families of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, who were killed during Israels Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in 2014, said the return of their sons remains should be part of the rapprochement deal. The agreement is expected to be finalized with Turkey on Sunday by negotiators in Rome. It reportedly does not include the return of the remains, according to Ynet, nor the return of an Ethiopian-Israeli who crossed the Gaza border in 2014 or a Bedouin citizen of Israel. In April, Hamas issued a statement claiming to hold both men as well as the soldiers remains. However, under the agreement, according to Ynet, the Turkish government vows to undertake efforts to secure the release of the soldiers remains through its contacts with Hamas. The deal would normalize relations between Israel and Turkey six years after ties turned icy in the aftermath of the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010, when Israeli commandos boarded and killed nine Turkish citizens in clashes on a boat attempting to break Israels Gaza blockade. The rapprochement deal reportedly calls for Israel to create a $20 million humanitarian fund as compensation to the families. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously apologized for the deaths, another Turkish condition for the resumption of diplomatic ties. Turkey reportedly also has withdrawn its demand that Israel halt its Gaza blockade, but Israel will allow Turkey to establish building projects in Gaza with the building materials entering Gaza through Israel. The Shaul family said it would erect a protest tent outside the Prime Ministers Residence in Jerusalem in opposition to the deal. Netanyahu said Israel is doing everything it can to bring home the bodies of Shaul and Goldin to their parents. There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation regarding the possible agreement that is being formulated with Turkey and therefore I would like to make it clear: We are continuing our constant efforts, both open and in secret, to bring back to Israel Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, may their memories be blessed, and also the two Israelis being held in Gaza, he said Sunday morning at the weekly Cabinet meeting, echoing a statement released by the Prime Ministers Office the previous night. We are in continuous contact with the families and we will neither rest nor be silent until we bring the boys back home. Jerusalem gay pride parade stabber sentenced to life in prison JERUSALEM (JTA)Yishai Schlissel, who stabbed six marchers at the Jerusalem gay pride parade, including a 16-year-old girl fatally, was sentenced to life in prison. On Sunday, the Jerusalem District Court also ordered Schlissel to pay compensation to the family of Shira Banki, the teen who was killed, and to those injured in the July 2015 attack. Schlissel, 40, was convicted in August. The haredi Orthodox man had been released from prison several weeks before the parade after serving 10 years for a similar attack at the Jerusalem gay pride parade in 2005. In the days leading up to the 2015 parade, Schlissel expressed his opposition to the march in interviews and in ads in haredi synagogues in Jerusalem and Kiryat Sefer. Police initially turned away Schlissel at an entrance point to the parade, but he found a way in later in the route. The three judges in their sentencing said: A person who sees himself as a killer or giver of life cannot walk around the streets of Jerusalem or anywhere else. In the few days of vacation between imprisonment and detention, he ended the life of a girl with a passion for life. He didnt see her as a human being, and didnt care at all who will meet [his] knife. Banki had been marching in the parade in support of her gay and lesbian friends. Birthright trip offering college credits for first time JERUSALEM (JTA)The first Birthright trip offering participants academic credit is now in Israel. Some 50 students from colleges and universities in the United States are participating in the inaugural cohort and will be entitled to three academic credits at their academic institutions, according to Taglit Birthright. They will attend courses at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, or IDC, and at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev during their two-week stay. At the IDC, the students will learn about The challenge of terrorism in Israel and the Middle East and visit an Iron Dome battery in the field. At Ben-Gurion, they will study Global Warming, Renewable Energy and the Desert Ecosystem, which includes snorkeling in the coral reef in Eilat. Birthright Israel provides a free 10-day to two-week trip to Israel for Jews aged 18 to 26. 2 Israelis lightly hurt in West Bank car-ramming, assailant killed (JTA)A car-ramming outside the West Bank settlement near Hebron lightly injured an Israeli husband and wife in an apparent terror attack on Friday. The assailant, a Palestinian woman, was shot dead by a soldier at the scene. The couple, in their 50s, had pulled over to the side of the road near a bus stop near Kiryat Arba when the assailants car hit theirs at a high speed. The couple was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. The incident comes following a months-long wave of hundreds of terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Thirty-three Israelis and four foreign nationals have been killed in the attacks, as well as some 200 Palestinians, including many attackers. Recently the pace of the attacks has slowed considerably. Israeli Chief Rabbinate rejects conversion by respected Orthodox NY rabbi NEW YORK (JTA)The Israeli Chief Rabbinate has deemed invalid a conversion performed by Haskel Lookstein, one of Americas most prominent modern Orthodox rabbis. The decision to invalidate Lookstein is the latest salvo in an ongoing dispute between the haredi-dominated rabbinate in Israel and modern Orthodox rabbis abroad about who gets to wield Orthodox rabbinical authority. Lookstein is the former rabbi of Kehilath Jeshurun, a tony modern Orthodox synagogue on Manhattans Upper East Side that counts Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner as members. Trump, daughter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, converted under Looksteins auspices in 2009. Lookstein also previously served as the head of school at the Ramaz School, an elite Manhattan modern Orthodox preparatory school. But Looksteins renown did not stop a rabbinical court in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petach Tikvah from rejecting his authority. In April, a woman who converted under Looksteins auspices last year applied for marriage registration with the Petach Tikvah rabbinical court, only to have her conversion declared invalid. The court is run by Israels Chief Rabbinate, which recognizes only Orthodox conversions. The court did not recognize Looksteins authority because he was not on its list of approved rabbis, according to Rabbi Seth Farber, founder of Itim, an organization that helps Israelis navigate Israeli religious bureaucracy. This is not the first time the Chief Rabbinate has rejected a prominent American Orthodox rabbis imprimatur. In 2013, the head of the Chief Rabbinates personal status division, Itamar Tubul, rejected a proof-of-Judaism letter from Avi Weiss, a liberal Orthodox rabbi. The move sparked widespread outrage that Weiss, a longtime synagogue leader in New York who had vouched for the Jewishness of many Israeli immigrants in the past, was suddenly having his reliability called into question. Tubul later reversed the decision, accepting Weiss imprimatur. In Looksteins case, according to Itim, Tubul sent a letter to the Petach Tikva court urging it to accept the conversion. Upon reviewing the case, however, the court upheld its earlier decision. Itim is now helping the woman appeal the request ot the Chief Rabbinical Court. Chaos reigned, Farber told JTA. The right arm doesnt know what the left is doing. Sometimes the rabbinical court says yes and Tubul says no. Sometimes Tubul says yes and the rabbinical court says no. Theres absolutely no transparency. Last year, Itim petitioned a Jerusalem municipal court to have the Rabbinate be more transparent about the process by which it accepts rabbis authority on conversions. As a result of the petition, the rabbinate released a list of approved rabbis in April. The list, which the Chief Rabbinate said is neither exhaustive nor binding, includes two Americans who have been mired in scandal and omits Weiss, as well as Lookstein. On June 23, Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett called the courts decision arbitrary and odd, and said it should be reversed. Rabbi Lookstein is one of the leading, and most appreciated, Orthodox rabbis in the U.S., Bennett said in a statement. Not only does no one question his commitment to tradition and Halakha, but Israels Chief Rabbinate approvedin writingthe conversion certificates he issued. In first, Israel grants formal asylum to Darfuri refugee from Sudan (JTA)Israel for the first time granted refugee status to a Sudanese national who fled the mass murder in Darfur. Last Friday, the Interior Ministry announced it had accepted the asylum application of Mutasim Ali, who arrived in Israel seven years ago from Darfur, Army Radio reported. Ali said he left Sudan amid persecution by the Sudanese authorities over his political activity on behalf of the residents of his region of the African dictatorship. The Jewish state has a little over 42,000 foreign residents whom the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, a nonprofit, believes may qualify as asylum seekers, according to a report published this month. Of those, 19 percent are Sudanese and another 71 percent are Eritrean. However, only 5,500 of immigrants from both groups have formally applied for asylum in Israel. Most Sudanese and Eritreans in Israel are allowed to stay through an executive order labeled temporary group protection, which constitutes neither a visa nor asylum status, and which needs to be renewed every few weeks. They are, however, allowed to work. Only four Eritreans have received asylum in Israel, out of 2,408 Eritreans who applied for it citing persecution in their dictatorial homeland in eastern Africa. In 2008, Israel gave temporary residence status to 500 Sudanese nationals from Darfur, who infiltrated its border with Egypt. It was a one-time humanitarian gesture, the interior ministry said at the time. Israel began processing asylum applications by Sudanese and Eritrean nationals in 2013 and has since then received 3,165 applications by former residents of Sudan. Of those, Israeli authorities have vetted only 45 Sundanese applications, according to the refugee assistance group. The remaining applications are still awaiting evaluation. Darfur, the rebellious region in western Sudan, became known in the mid-2000s for systematic killings, rape, forced relocations and other crimes committed against mainly non-Arab tribes by government forces and their nomadic militia allies, known as the Janjaweed. As many as 300,000 people have been killed in Darfur since 2003, according to United Nations estimates, and 2.5 million people have been uprooted in what is widely considered a modern-day genocide, according to the New York Times. The worst of the mass killings appears to have eased. But the government of President Omar Hassan al-Bashirwho has been indicted in connection with Darfur atrocities, including on charges of genocide, by the International Criminal Courthas escalated attacks against the insurgency there in recent years. In Europe, approximately 70 percent of Sudanese asylum seekers are granted refugee status, according to the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel. The figure for Eritreans stands on 80-90 percent in the West, according to the same group. Democrats platform recognizes Palestinian aspirations, rejects occupation language WASHINGTON (JTA)Democrats altered their platform to reflect Palestinian aspirations but rejected language calling for Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank and settlement activity. According to an Associated Press report emailed to reporters late Saturday by the Bernie Sanders campaign, the platform calls for a two-state solution but does not frame it purely as an outcome that benefits Israel, as previous platforms have. It declares that achieving Palestinian statehood would provide the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity. The platform drafting committee of the Democratic National Committee met in cities across the country. The meeting this weekend, which wrapped up the draft and where the Israel-related language was approved, was held in St. Louis. The full platform committee will vote on the draft on July 8-9 in Orlando, Florida. The committee rejected language proposed by James Zogby, a Sanders appointee to the committee and the president of the Arab American Institute, that called for an end to occupation and illegal settlements. Zogby said Sanders, the Vermont Independent senator and the first Jewish candidate to win major nominating contests, helped draft the rejected language. According to tweets by Josh Ruebner, the policy director of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, who was monitoring in real time the St. Louis meeting of the platform drafting committee, Zogbys language was defeated in an 8-5 vote at around midnight Friday. Speaking against Zogbys language were Wendy Sherman, a former deputy secretary of state and an appointee named by Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and Howard Berman, a former California congressman who was named to the committee by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the DNC chairwoman. Advocating for the language was Cornel West, a Sanders appointee and a philosopher who backs the boycott Israel movement. Keeping out language that could potentially alienate the pro-Israel community was a priority to the Clinton campaign. Earlier this week, Jake Sullivan, her senior foreign policy adviser, emailed JTA to say that Hillary Clintons steadfast support for Israel, and the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, are well known. As we have said previously, she remains confident that the party platform will reflect her views. Clinton has secured enough delegates to win the first round of voting at the convention in Philadelphia next week. Sanders, unusually for a candidate who is set to lose, was given five spots on the platform drafting committee, a reflection of the strength of his campaign. Clinton named six and Wasserman Schultz the remaining four. Zogby and another Sanders appointee to the committee who advocates for Palestinian rights, Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., seemed happy with the overall platform, saying Sanders scored wins on his proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, break up big banks and expand social security. We got some great stuff in the platform that has never been in there before, Zogby told AP. J Street, the liberal Jewish Middle East policy group, praised the Israel-related language. The new language breaks with the partys practice of framing its aim of establishing a Palestinian state solely in terms of Israels interests, it said in a statement. By including parallel acknowledgement of Israeli and Palestinian rights, the party underscores its belief that the only viable resolution to the conflicta two-state solutionrequires recognizing the fates of the two peoples are intertwined. NEW YORK (JTA)If youre a supporter of Israel and of the Jewish community, you should be very worried about a new executive order issued by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 5. While billed as an initiative to prevent New York state from supporting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, the law actually constitutes a frightening attack on free speech while likely creating a backlash that will do harm both to Israel and the Jewish community. Cuomos order mandates the creation of a list of every company worldwide that engage[s] in any activity, or promote[s] others to engage in any activity, that is intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or otherwise limit commercial relations with Israel or persons doing business in Israel for purposes of coercing political action by, or imposing policy positions on, the government of Israel. That is, a company might end up on the list because it actually chooses to boycott Israel. Or it might end up on the list because of a statement by its CEO or a board member. Since the executive order makes no distinction between whats inside or outside the Green Line, Israels pre-1967 borders, a company that chooses to set up shop in Israel proper but avoid the settlements might find itself on the New York blacklist. Ditto a company whose leadership publicly calls for a distinction between Israel and the settlements, or who otherwise criticizes government policy. I oppose boycotting or divesting from Israel. Yet the right to free speech means, in the famous words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall, that even if I disapprove of what you say... I will defend to the death your right to say it. The way to fight distasteful speech is with more speech, not by shutting down the other side. Cuomos action constitutes a dangerous threat to this right. As explained by Lara Friedman of Americans for Peace Now, which also opposes BDS, the order seeks to achieve the goal of chilling/suppressing such constitutionally protected free speech. It does this by defining such free speechincluding the act of merely calling for boycottsas de facto illegitimate. In fact, boycotts constitute legally protected speech. Cuomo himself has joined a boycott in barring non-essential New York state travel to North Carolina in response to its discrimination against transgender people. Truah, the organization I lead, has endorsed a boycott of Wendys, declared by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, in response to the companys refusal to participate in the standards adopted by the rest of the fast-food industry to protect the workers who pick their tomatoes. In the 1960s and 1970s, thousands of members of the Jewish community joined in boycotts of lettuce and grapes. More recently, prominent rabbis called for a boycott of Whole Foods in response to the CEOs support of a known sexual offender. Only half a century ago, the American Jewish community suffered disproportionately from a blacklist that aimed to wipe out certain political discourse and associations. Even then, perceptive Jews understood that an attack on the free speech of one community would ultimately affect all of us. In his 1947 testimony to the House Un-American Affairs Committee, playwright Samuel Ornitz declared, In speaking as a Jew, I speak in a deeper sense as an American, as the one who has to take the first blow for my fellow Americans. For when constitutional guarantees are overridden, the Jew is the first one to suffer... but only the first one. As Jews who have too often suffered from invasions on our civil liberties, we cannot pretend that the attack on free speech will spare us. Nor can we defend or ignore an attack on American democracy, which has allowed our community unprecedented safety and religious freedom. This is not to say that all speech is protected. Proponents of BDS have sometimes blurred the lines by insisting that free speech includes the right to say anything anywhere anytime. Rather, this right prevents the government from regulating speech. Those who complain about being evicted from forums where they try to yell over an Israeli speaker, or about not being invited to speak in certain settings, cannot claim a violation of free speech. Nor is there constitutional protection for hate speech, such as that defaming Jews or inciting violence. BDS supporters seeking allies on free speech protections lose their credibility when they ignore these distinctions. Beyond the violation of free speech, the executive order and the likely copycat laws have already sparked a backlash against Israel and the Jewish community. To some, our communitys willingness to tolerate and promote such strategies proves our unwillingness to hear any criticism of the State of Israel or of its current government. This perception only fuels the growing BDS movement. To reverse this trend, Jewish organizations that have publicly supported New Yorks anti-BDS measure must ask Governor Cuomo to rescind this law, oppose the passage of copycat laws and proudly stand up for the right of free speech, even when we disagree. Ultimately, BDS will not be overcome through banning speech, through rhetoric or through diverting attention to Israels positive contributions to the world. The only way to end popular support for BDS is to create a long-term agreement that protects the human rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Rather than support extreme measures to curtail free speech, Jewish organizations and leadershipboth in the United States and in Israelshould devote our full energy and creativity to this pursuit of peace. Rabbi Jill Jacobs is the executive director of Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. In the days since the massacre of 49 people and the wounding of hundreds more by an Islamist gunman at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Americas political leadership has sounded more discordant than ever. Never mind the absence of a bipartisan consensus about what we should do; our politicians are engaged in unsightly squabbling about the nature of the problem itself. In one corner, we have the Democratic Party, led by President Barack Obama, aggressively steering the national debate toward gun control. According to this camps account, there was this vague, slippery phenomenon known as hatred that prodded and pushed the febrile mind of gunman Omar Mateen, but what really matters is the fact that he legally purchased an assault rifle to carry out his bestial attack. In the other corner, we have presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and his rainbow coalition of the angry, the cheated, and the merely racist. Listening to Trump again advocating for a ban on Muslims entering this country, one could easily picture the many Republicans who would gladly transfer to a parallel universe where a Marco Rubio or a Ted Cruz or even a Jeb Bush is leading their partys response to the Orlando massacre. That they are stuck with Trump after eight years of the Obama administration tells you all you need to know about how the American conversation about national security has degenerated. It can and should be recognized that there are many legitimate concerns bound up with the Orlando bloodbath: access to guns, immigration policy, the ugly persistence of homophobia, the vulnerability of soft targets like clubs and restaurants, the fetish for violence that is a feature of nearly all extremist ideologies and individual pathologies. But none of these particular aspects should divert us from appraising the root cause of all thisthat is, Islamism. Depressingly, this argument should be obvious, but it isnt. Most Americans have known since 9/11 that Islamism, whether in its constitutional Muslim Brotherhood guise, or its Shia Iranian variant, or in the Sunni version that has spawned both al-Qaeda and Islamic State, is founded on the principle that coexistence with Western civilization and its values should be opposed at all costs. It is violently anti-Semitic, violently homophobic, and violently anti-democratic, and it cannot be anything else. These core precepts explain why Mateen was able to declare support for the Shia terrorist group Hezbollah as well as the Sunni Islamic State. Yet everywhere this understanding of Islamisms essence, reinforced by each attack, is compromised by parochial agendas. To listen to many Democrats, youd think that Islamic State was just one of several extremist groups native to America, rather than a creation of the Middle East region (specifically, of the power vacuum in the region left by the Americans, and filled by the Russians and the Iranians.) That, of course, brings us neatly to matters like gun control, hate speech, bullying, and all the other progressive bugbears. Most importantly, it means we can avoid a discussion about our foreign policy and ignore the reality that Islamic State is a global phenomenon that has struck in Paris and Brussels as well as in Orlando. Trump is no better. He, too, wants to present the Islamist threat as a domestic issue, with his solution involving a ban on Muslims entering the country instead of more restrictions on gun ownership. The corollary of this offensive, lazy, and downright stupid proposal is that we leave the policing of the Middle East to Russian dictator President Vladimir Putin, the one foreign leader idolized by Trump. That means, at least in the short term, the further empowerment of the Iranian regime and its Syrian puppet, President Bashar al-Assad. Where would that leave the U.S.? That depends on who you think is better placed to manage and leverage the next evolutions in the Middle Eastern balance of powera former KGB officer, or a reality TV star whose hair would fall out at the first crackle of gunfire. And if your answer is Hillary Clinton, Im afraid that only generates another set of difficult questions, among them whether she can get tough with our enemies with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party breathing down her neck, and how she would sell a future foreign military engagement to the American public with the disastrous intervention in Libya on her record. This is the reality that we must deal with: two presidential candidatesone compromised by her past record, the other a vulgar neophytecompeting for the votes of a deeply polarized nation. No longer do terrible events like the Orlando atrocity bring us together. To the contrary, they shine a blinding light on our political divisions. In times of grief, it is natural to seek comfort. In the wake of Orlando, though, comfort is in scant supply. There are no soothing words to offer, nor is there much prospect of a positive change in policy on the horizon. All that is visible are the threats: more terrorist attacks here and in Europe, the collapse of the nuclear non-proliferation regime inside and outside the Middle East, the continued flow of refugees from Syrias brutal civil war. Most of all, our real enemies will multiply outside our borders while we obsess about the phantom enemies, from transgender celebrities to Muslim taxi drivers, within them. Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower.org & The Tower Magazine, writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is the author of Some of My Best Friends: A Journey Through Twenty-First Century Antisemitism (Edition Critic, 2014). The headline of this note, letting aspirations for an organized work rest in peace, may reflect more cynicism than reality. Colonialism began its demise with World War I, when the European powers that could carve up the world and color the maps as they thought best, endured economic and demographic catastrophes until then unequaled in world history. The European-centered world took a while to die. The U.S. opted out by putting domestic politics ahead of Woodrow Wilsons dream of a League of Nation. Britain and France led the way to changing German borders and creating new countries out of what had been the Hapsburg and Ottoman Empires, with the Jews getting the start of their new country under a British Mandate. World War II finished what World War I began. Statistics of death and destruction exceeded what came two decades earlier, and the carnage ended with the birth of the United Nations and then later what became the European Union. Colonialism was buried with the birth of more than 100 new countries, each with a flag and optimistic predictions. Forecasters saw a combination of world government and individual countries that would be truly independent and democratic. No surprise that my focus is Israel. However, what I perceive hereabouts appears to be something of a microcosm for much else. The most recent sign of colonialisms death, and the dying of internationalism, came with the Paris conference meant by its creator to arrange things for two non-invitees. Early signs were that the French aspired to setting parameters of Palestine, with reference to the borders of 1967 and a capital in Jerusalem. What finally emerged were affirmations in behalf of a two-state solution that would be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians. U.S. Secretary of State Kerry attended. Israels pressure against the conference may have worked to dissuade Kerrys German, British, and Russian counterparts to avoid the farce. Kerry reported that parties had discussed another international conference to deal with the issue by the end of the year, but had decided that direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians would be the only way to achieve an agreement. Most prominent is the chaos among Muslims, at various levels of carnage and complexity in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Egypt, Yemen, Turkey, Somalia, Nigeria and some of its West African neighbors. Everybody against everybody else isnt too bad a way of summarizing Muslim countries and Islamic movements, all getting in the way of cooperation between western powers, each of which has its favorites among Muslim governments and political movements. Mass movement of the unwashed and unwanted toward Europe is a large part of the picture, bringing the European Union to a crisis of indecision. If Britons vote themselves out, it may become the end of a historic chapter. Those with aspirations for using the international community to produce a Palestinian state at the expense of Israel, cite the experience with South Africa and the former Yugoslavia. Those where the last life signs of life from a weakening international politics, in one case ending Apartheid with sanctions of increasing weight, and in the second case producing a number of new countries from what had been Titos federation, and curbing some ugly ethnic cleansing via military action from outside. There are several problems in applying those models to Israel and Palestine. Despite the flabby use of the word apartheid, the Israeli reality isnt anything like what existed in South Africa. Israeli Arabs participate along with Jews in all sectors of society and economy. Equality of access may not be greater than in other western democracies with respect to majority/minority relations, but the problems are nothing like the total separation in South Africa. Palestinian conditions in the West Bank and Gaza are markedly different from one another, and whatever disabilities Israel imposes on the Palestinians in those places are not difficult to justify by virtue of continued efforts at aggression toward Israeli civilians. There is nothing like the ethnic cleansing experienced in the former Yugoslavia in either the West Bank or Gaza except perhaps in the images manufactured by intense opponents of Israel, many of them easy to ignore given their infection with the ancient disease of anti-Semitism. The economic, military, and political capacity of Israel dwarfs that of any remnant of Yugoslavia. South Africa was not impotent, but its weight suffered greatly from severe violations of human rights along with the small size of the white minority. While the white population of South Africa was something like 20 percent toward the end of Apartheid, Israels Jews are about 80 percent of the population. One can quarrel about the relative weight of Israels economics, military capacity, or political acumen to produce its weight in international affairs. Intellectually, it seems best to skip over that argument, and to rest on the assumption that each component contributes something to the governments capacity to thumb its nose as any outsiders efforts to intervene on a matter of great importance. Also in the air is what has happened among other countries since the great optimism of 1950-1970 post colonialism. A few have done well, both economically and politically, with Israel among the most successful, However, many appear to have sunk further into poverty, violence, and corruption than anything experienced with European tutelage. Also occurring, along with the spread of misery and instability to numerous countries, is the deterioration in the United Nations and its member institutions. Among the signs are the ease of the UN General Assembly passing meaningless resolutions against Israel, the turning over control of the UN Human Rights Conference to some of the most blatant violators of human rights. The conclusion is tentative, but it seems appropriate to order a tombstone with the inscription World Organization, RIP Some individual countries will continue to do well. A mode of international Darwinism seems more likely than world government. That is, every entity for itself, with the greatest success going to the most capable. Itll take a while to chart winners, losers, survivors and those departed among the various governments and organizations competing for attention, support, and cooperation. Until then, comments welcome, Irashark@gmail.com. Sorry... ..An error has occured: If you have any queries about this error, try emailing feedback@mirror.co.uk and we'll do what we can to help you. ZID:308457493 This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/ John Lobo, who celebrated his 95th birthday earlier this month, was a legend in the CBI. The agencys first director, D P Kohli, was even a greater legend as was his successor, Fredrick Arul of the Tamil Nadu cadre. These three directors are still remembered in the CBI with respect and some awe. They were known to be not only upright, but also fair and just, with a strong penchant for the truth. Modern day Pontius Pilates cynically or wickedly not only ask themselves and others what is truth, but tinker with that commodity for narrow selfish ends. The last CBI Director earned sufficient notoriety to drown a cat. But many others compromised their good name and reputation for messes of pottage. It is not fair and just to blame only the political class for the rapid politicisation of the premier investigative agencies. It is not the politicians alone who are to blame. The proverbial second hand that is needed to clap is willingly provided by ambitious officers of my erstwhile service. They belong to the ever-expanding legion of officers who eye post-retirement sinecures which parties in power routinely dole out to those who oblige them in their quest for power. Not that all post-retirement appointments are made on the basis of favours rendered. There are some good people whose services are invaluable and no government can afford to lose. But there are many, many more who should have been gracefully forgotten. These are the officers who dread retirement and hence, are willing to compromise. Their tribe is increasing and that is the problem. Parties in power have succeeded in politicising the bureaucracy and the police through the use or misuse of the power of appointments and transfers. Ambitious and calculating officers routinely approach politicians to secure positions of power or pelf, often both. Corruption and injustice has risen exponentially because of this now well-established practice. Cases like the National Investigation Agencys (NIA) romance with the Sadhvi or the CBI changing its opinion on the terrorist credentials of Ishrat Jahan would not have occurred if the investigative agencies were outside political control. When the future careers of investigating officers are in the hands of the political class, the former opt not to resist efforts by politicians to guide the course of inquiries which only they are empowered to conduct as per law. When Rohini Salian exposed the machinations of the NIA through an affidavit in court it was clear that there was a serious attempt to let the Sadhvi off the hook. Because of her exposition it became somewhat difficult for the NIA but they devised a way that fortunately failed in the special court. In my entire span of service I have not come across a case where a specialised agency has attempted to weaken the evidence collected instead of strengthening it. It seems obvious that the lofty traditions laid down in pervious eras by officers of the calibre of Kohli, Arul and Lobo have now been tossed out to oblige those who will in turn oblige the investigators with extensions in service or governors gaddis. The greater tragedy is that by disregarding the primacy of the Rule of Law we, as a nation, are inculcating wrong values and ideas in the minds of young entrants to premier services. The writer is a former chief of the Mumbai Police. The views expressed are personal. If controversys child Salman Khan shocked India last week by his insensitive remark that he felt like a raped woman after his gruelling schedule for his new movie, this week it was the turn of the Rajasthan State Commission Women (RSCW). On Thursday, RSCW member Somya Gurjar was caught on camera taking a selfie with a rape victim when she and the state panels chairperson Suman Sharma met the survivor at a mahila police station in Jaipur North district. Even though Gurjar resigned after the selfie clip went viral on media, both she and Sharma did not seem to be one bit apologetic about the incident. Both --- like the actor ---- refused to say sorry and claimed that the victim asked Gurjar to take her photo. In India, making public the name or identity of a rape victim is prohibited under Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code. Interestingly, DCP (Jaipur North) Anshuman Bhomiya, who was also seen in the photograph, has said that he was unaware of the incident. Read | Salman Khan says he felt like a raped woman, stirs controversy The RSCW members insouciant and cavalier action should not surprise us because even such panels has for long become a parking lot for many women who have little or no understanding of issues or knowledge of the law and are only there because of their political connections. Nowhere on the websites of RSCW or its mothership, the National Commission for Women (NCW), can one find detailed information about the panels members and their experience in handling women-related issues. I searched online for Gurjar and Sharmas background and found nothing. In a country when violence against women is common, staffing such critical organisations with incompetent and insensitive women is gross injustice and shows lack of commitment on the part of the State. Even the NCW has not been devoid of such characters. Former NCW chairperson Mamata Sharma once famously advised women: Nowadays boys are very enthusiastic. If a group of boys eve teases you by calling you sexy, you should not get provoked and instead you should take it positively. Sexy means excitingly beautiful and charming. You should take it sportinglyIf you take it otherwise and get offended, it leads to fights. These womens panels are just comfortable sinecures for out-of-work small-time politicians. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Print Intro: Indias unsuccessful bid to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group underscores the point that statecraft needs to be calibrated, more often than not behind closed doors, built on groundwork, conviction and astuteness Indias application to become a member of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) suffered a humiliating setback last week. Coming as it did on the back of PM Narendra Modis grandstanding attempts at diplomacy, it merits a deeper look at the governments foreign policy tactics. The government made grand overtures to one and all, and mounted a campaign with a lot of fanfare, only to have it come a cropper! Read | Will work with other members for Indias entry into NSG: US The bid has exposed the fault lines in the governments attempts at backroom diplomacy. Consider this: in a press briefing post the plenary, the ministry of external affairs cited one country that scuttled Indias bid, an oblique reference to China. This, days after another presser in which external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj claimed China was not opposed to Indias bid, only to have it publicly shot down by a Chinese foreign ministry official who stated that Indias application did not feature on the agenda. As if that werent embarrassing enough, minister Swaraj dismissed any objection to Pakistans entry to the NSG, leading to the hyphenation of Pakistan and India as NSG aspirants on an equal footing, despite their contrasting proliferation records. This holier-than-thou attitude has once again left India looking embarrassed, because it has now emerged that Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif made a concerted effort to block Indias entry to the NSG by writing to no less than 17 of his counterparts. Is this the warmth and ease of relations between the two nations that minister Swaraj also boasted about? That in exchange for our PMs unscheduled stops at Lahore and Iftar party invites, India will receive attacks in the form of Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Pampore? Read | The perils of rushing in The doublespeak and lack of clarity within the government are a worrying prospect because they threaten Indias position in the global order. It is clear that China was not alone in its opposition to India at Seoul, and prevailed upon fence sitters like Switzerland and Ireland, both of which PM Modi visited in the last year. His exhibitionism in each of these countries has drawn a grand total of nothing. So what are the lessons for PM Modi? First and foremost, that substance and finesse, and not fanfare, yield credible foreign policy returns. Diplomacy requires relationships to be built through thoughtful leadership, a mature meeting of minds and serious negotiations that yield tangible outcomes. The UPA government, under PM Manmohan Singhs measured and tactful leadership, dismantled the discriminatory nuclear architecture without any histrionics, pomp and ceremony. In 2008, India made a watertight case for itself with dignity and sobriety, and secured us a clean, one-time waiver from the NSG with no sunset clause. This waiver ended years of nuclear isolation after convincing member states of Indias exemplary record of non-proliferation, finally allowing it to engage in full civil nuclear commerce. Back home though, PM Singh had staked his government and personal integrity to ensure that the India-US nuclear deal and waiver came through, in the face of fierce opposition, not least by the BJP, which accused him of selling out national interests to America. The same BJP, which in 2008 unsuccessfully moved a no-confidence motion against the UPA, with typical hypocrisy, now hails the India-US nuclear deal as a centrepiece of the new strategic partnership between the two countries. But the NDA government has neither a sound understanding of diplomacy nor a proper plan of action, and being on first-name terms with President Barack Obama will only get you so far. PM Modi needs to ensure that there is synergy enough among Indias allies to win over its naysayers. Second, tackling China will require more than just a last-minute outreach to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a summit. In 2008, US President George Bush and secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had both taken a personal interest in securing India support for the waiver, making it hard for China to stand its ground in the face of US pressure. The US had intervened and lobbied on Indias behalf, commending its commitment towards non-proliferation as a responsible state. President Bush had himself lobbied extensively for India, even speaking to his Chinese counterpart to convince him to drop opposition to the India-specific waiver. In contrast, now there is a conspicuous lack of high-level American support for India, with neither President Obama nor secretary of state John Kerry personally lobbying for India. As a result, a far more aggressive China, with help from fence-sitter countries, has successfully thrown a spanner in the works. One cannot help but hark back to the visual of PM Modi and President Xi Jinping sitting on a swing at the Sabarmati riverfront. In a nasty turn of events, China has now left India hanging on the seesaw in midair, cheered on by its state media for taking a morally legitimate stand against smug, spoiled India. India has an impeccable record of non-proliferation, having worked hard to harmonise nuclear and dual-use export controls with NSG guidelines and implement all Non-Proliferation Treaty commitments despite being a non-signatory. But the governments ill-advised bid has left it looking insecure and vulnerable, undoing the UPAs efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. The government must clarify its stand. What is its position on Pakistan? Will it continue its NSG bid as a public spectacle, or will it make a sincere effort to win confidence and rally support among member states? Ahead of the NSGs special plenary, India must concentrate on strengthening its relations with all countries. Will India stand up to China or allow itself to be bullied? Now that India has managed to secure membership to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it can use it as a bargaining chip to make China, whose application has been languishing since 2004, fall in line. PM Modi would do well to remember that statecraft needs to be calibrated, more often than not behind closed doors, built on groundwork, conviction and astuteness. Read | America is committed to Indias NSG entry, says top US official Jyotiraditya Scindia is an MP and the Congress partys chief whip in the Lok Sabha The views expressed are personal The Indian government officially announced the induction of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft into the air force on Friday. This is a landmark development in Indian aeronautical technology. Yet it has to be seen whether the aircraft, for both technical and production reasons, can cover a dangerous gap in Indias airpower. Technical test The purpose of the LCA was to replace the lightweight component of the Indian Air Force, largely composed of its obsolete Mig-21s and ageing Mirage 2000s. It is technologically far superior to the various types of Mig-21s, aircraft that were designed in the 1960s and put away in museums everywhere else. But the Tejas real test is whether it can better its equivalents in the Pakistani and Chinese air forces: respectively, the JF-17 and J-10. Former Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak, based on conversation with pilots who have flown both the JF-17 and the Tejas, says, The Tejas is far superior to the JF-17. However, it is questionable if the Tejas is upto scratch when it comes to the Chinese J-10. The latter has received good reviews even in the US. Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment, in a report on the Indian Air Force, notes the J-10 has turned out to be an impressive lightweight fourth-generation combatant. And it is far ahead on the development curve than Tejas. The LCA was initially envisaged to allow India to leapfrog ahead of its principal military rivals in the region, with claims it would be a 1000 kgs lighter and so on. According to those who have flown it, the LCA is remarkably manoeuvrable and agile, especially in turning. But it is on par rather than decisively superior to comparable airplanes. The Tejas empty weight, for example, of 6560 kgs and a fully-loaded weight of 13500 kgs, no real improvement on the much older Mirage 200Cs figures of 7500 kgs and 17000 kgs. Executives of major international defence companies say the Tejas has poor thrust-to-weight ratio and a limited top speed given how new it is. It also uses an Israeli EL/M-2052 radar that is inferior to the US counterparts used by Pakistan. The Israeli Air Force prefers the US radar over the EL/M-2052. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is displayed by Captain Madhav Rangachari, Commanding Officer of Flying Daggers during its induction ceremony, at HAL (ASTE) in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo) Production test The real challenge is how fast the Tejas can mature into a fully mature fighter and how fast it can be churned out. The Indian Air Force is already suffering a crisis in numbers and, in the coming decade, will be forced to retire many of its old fighters. The evidence is that Tejas fighters will trundle off the assembly lines too slowly to matter. The first problem is that what is being inducted in the air force right now is not the finished fighter. This is the Initial Operational Clearance model, a functional early variety that will be used to help detect teething problems in the aircraft. This will then be followed by a Final Operational Clearance model and then, in theory, a final battlespace-ready product, the Tejas 1A. What is being rolled out now, says Kak, cannot be deployed in sensitive combat theatres in the east and west for at least 10 years. And the Tejas 1A may not make an appearance until 2030 or so. The second problem is how fast Hindustan Aeronautics can actually produce the Tejas. At present, HAL can only churn out eight aircraft a year against an Indian Air Force minimum requirement of 18 aircraft a year. Half a squadron a year is the rate of induction we can hope for, in the best of circumstances, says Kak. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is inducted into the 45 Squadron (flying dagger) of the IAF at a ceremony, at HAL (ASTE) in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo) In the meantime, the Indian Air Force is facing a steady attrition in its numbers from crashes and simple age. More than anything else, the continuing delay in the Tejass development is why Indias air defence faces what Kak calls a decade of vulnerability. Senior Indian officials privately fret that Indias airpower is heading for parity with Pakistans and, in some exaggeration, heading towards that of Bangladesh. The general consensus is that if it gets the right mix of technology and weapons the Tejas 1A will be a decent aircraft, especially when it gets midair refueling and active electronically scanned array radar. Against the JF-17 the Tejas can easily hold its own. Against the J-10 it is questionable. Against the larger F-16 (9000 kgs) it is dead meat which is why the unwillingess of the air force to give up on the Rafale. Right now, however, these things are seen as irrelevant compared to the simple issue of actually having some fighter aircraft, any aircraft, to defence the countrys airspace. Read| Tejas takes off as IAF inducts first squadron of home-grown fighter jet Read| IAF inducts 1st Tejas squadron: 10 things to know about the warplane Despite the recent acrimonious debate over censorship, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cant seem to not act like a grandmother. After Anurag Kahsyaps Udta Punjab, the latest to face the brunt of the board is Missing On A Weekend, the Bollywood debut of Hariharans son Karan. Read: My film doesnt show Goa in a bad light, says Abhishek An investigative thriller based on the crime situation of Goa, the movie is slated to release on July 1. However, the film has been delayed as the board asked for 50 cuts to the movie. Speaking to Hindustan Times, director Abhishek Jawarkar said, The cuts that the board has asked for are ridiculous. They dont want Goa to be mentioned anywhere. Theres a song with lines trip trip trip, snip snip snip; they dont want it the film. Thats what we were told after the screening. I hope to receive the letter today (Thursday). Watch the trailer The situation is uncannily similar to what happened with Udta Punjab. The film, which was based on the drug problem in Punjab, was asked to remove all references to the state. This prompted the filmmakers to approach the Bombay high court, which in turn, effectively told off the board, directing it to not act like a grandmother. Jawarkar plans to follow in Kashyaps footsteps, and take the matter to court and the Film Certification Apellate Tribunal (FCAT). July 1 was the best date for my film as there were no big releases. Now, with Sultan releasing next week, I am in no hurry. I might as well delay the release and take a stand for the sake of my film. We will approach the court once I receive the CBFC letter and then maybe the tribunal (FCAT) in Delhi, he said. Director of Missing On A Weekend, Abhishek Jawkar. (Facebook) Meanwhile, Jawarkar also claimed that he received a call from Goa Tourism on June 25 accusing him of portraying the state in a bad light. Speculation suggests that this was why cuts were suggested to the movie. Whatever the reason, Missing on a Weekend will be missing from theatres this weekend. Follow @htshowbiz for more She entered Bollywood with a hit film, Om Shanti Om (2007). Now, Deepika Padukone (above), who returned to India last month, is waiting for the release of her Hollywood movie, which also stars Vin Diesel. The actor says she will go wherever opportunities take her. Here, she talks about trying her luck in another industry, films in B-Town, and more. Did you know that you were being missed back home? I know (smiles). I got so many messages. Several journalists also messaged, saying, We really miss you. Please come back fast. It was a lovely feeling. It just goes to show that after a point, relationships are not just about work. Last year, Deepika Padukone starred in film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Bajirao Mastani. Bollywood is a competitive industry. When you were away, did you ever worry that someone else might take your position in B-Town? I didnt think of that. I dont plan to think of that either. I have always followed my heart and my instincts, and I think thats what has brought me to where I am. I dont plan to change that. In life, it is important to do things for the right reasons. I dont see my career as a stock market. It is about being able to do meaningful films and entertaining cinema that leave some kind of impression on the audience. Through every film, I want to make people smile. As an actor, you want to influence peoples lives in a certain way and take them on the journey that you have undertaken as an actor. Thats the most important thing for me. Read: Ranveer will always be an important part of my life: Deepika Padukone Whats next for you as an actor? We all have our individual targets and goals. You want to keep challenging yourself and keep discovering new things. I think thats the point I am at. 2015 was a fantastic year for me with Piku, Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani. Whatever I do next has to be equally exciting, if not more. I am close to finding that (smiles). Deepika Padukone has wrapped up the shoot of her maiden Hollywood project, co-starring Vin Diesel. Has working in a Hollywood film given you a different kind of satisfaction? For me, this was such a fun experience that even if nothing comes out of it, its okay. In four months [when I was shooting for the Hollywood film in Canada], I made amazing friends. I got to meet different people. Its a way of enriching myself. Read: I want to work with Salman soon: Deepika Padukone You have a flourishing career in Bollywood. What made you take a leap of faith and try your hand at Hollywood? In the creative world, things are a bit different. At a creative level, you are on a journey to explore various things. You are always looking for things that will challenge you as a person and actor. Today, creativity is beyond boundaries. I also believe that today, the world is one. Also, cinema as a medium is so large that it is there for the entire world to see. Today, language is no more a barrier. There are so many ways to make movies accessible to the world. So, eventually, for me, its about challenging myself. Most importantly, it is about having fun in whatever I do. Deepika was seen opposite Irrfan Khan in the award-winning film, Piku, last year. You launched your foundation Live Love Laugh Foundation last year. Whats happening on that front? Its an ongoing process; its not something that is event-based. There is a team that works for the foundation, and its an ongoing thing. We are currently focusing on our school programmes and the general physicians initiative that we started. Now, there is another big launch (on October 10) that we are working towards. It will mark the first anniversary of the foundation. I dont want to reveal too much about what we are going to do. Read: Hope more Indian A-listers take chances in Hollywood: Deepika Padukone How was it working with Vin Diesel? Everyone [on the sets] was fun, warm and welcoming whether it was Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Ruby Rose or others. They were so excited about India and asked me about our country and our culture. They also talked about our movies. They are amazing people and are my good friends. We made the experience a lot of fun for each other. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Refuting plagiarism charges against his short film Kriti, director Shirish Kunder has accused Nepali filmmaker Aneel Neupane of manipulating the flaw on the video sharing platform Vimeo to build his case. Neupane, a filmmaker from Nepal had recently written on his Facebook page that Kunders psychological-thriller starring Manoj Bajpayee was a copy of his short movie Bob and alleged that the Jaan-E-Mann director practically stole the plot and made it into his film. Neupane wrote that his film was ready in October 2015 and he uploaded it on Vimeo as a private video to share it with close friends before releasing it on YouTube on May 12, this year. Read: Kriti plagiarism row: Shirish Kunder will fight till the end Read: Manoj Bajpayees Kriti removed from YouTube Kunders film was released online on June 22 with much fan fare where actor Kangana Ranaut was the special guest. Kunder said anyone could replace an existing video on Vimeo with a new one and manipulate the date on which it was published, even being able to give an older date. In July last year, we (Manoj and I) talked about the story idea (of Kriti). After finalising the dates and everything, we planned to shoot in February this year and then decided to release in June, said Shirish. In between, a guy who makes marriage videos, manipulates the flaw on Vimeo, shoots a film on handycam and uses the flaw to put in an old date to claim that the film was made much before ours and we stole, he added. Manoj said he was hurt by peoples comments on social media regarding the accusation of Kriti being a copy. In my long career no film has been accused of being a copy. It is so unfortunate that the entire idea came from a lunch party at Eid last year July. I told Shirish if he has any plans of making a short a film. He had a script but he said it was for a young character, said Manoj. Kriti is a psychological thriller. We were talking, he wasnt even making short films. He is known for full length feature films. It is hurtful for me because it was started from my side (the idea to make short films) now people are saying we stole the film. We are being called names on twitter, people are abusing us on Facebook, he added. The Aligarh actor also said that he was feeling bad for Kunder who was being victimised by an ambitious crook. Follow @htshowbiz for more. Japans mammoth public pension fund has suffered its biggest annual loss since the global financial crisis, an official said Friday, risking criticism of its move to a stocks-focused strategy. The news comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fends off accusations that his administration tried to delay the official release of the funds results until after parliamentary elections next week. An official at the health ministry, which oversees the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the worlds biggest, confirmed it is on track to report a whopping 5.0 trillion yen ($49 billion) shortfall for the fiscal year that ended in March. The official, who asked not to be named, said the figure was mentioned at a closed-door meeting on Thursday. But we cant comment officially until after the GPIF announces its performance on July 29, the official said. In previous years, the funds results have been released in early July rather than later in the month. The funds previous loss record was an eye-watering 9.3 trillion yen in the year that ended in March 2009, as world financial markets plunged after Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in September 2008. The latest loss is partly tied to a tumble in equity markets last summer sparked by fears over Chinas economy and its shock yuan devaluation. Japans $1.37 trillion pension fund, which towers over its nearest competitor, Norways pension plan, has nearly doubled the amount of equities in its bond-heavy portfolio to generate higher returns. The move is aimed at financing the needs of Japans soaring number of retirees who depend on payouts from the fund. In 2014, the GPIF announced it would start a move to double its stock holdings from 24% to 50%. The conservative fund had long kept the majority of its cash in super-safe and super-low return Japanese government bonds, generating anaemic returns. In an interview with AFP this week, its chief Norihiro Takahashi acknowledged that the shock of Britains vote to leave the European Union and a subsequent jump in the yen -- bad news for exporters -- would hit its performance. But he said he will stay the course on the stocks-focused investment strategy, believing prices will soon settle. The decision to release the figures at the end of this month has sparked claims by the opposition Democratic Party that the government is trying to hide the huge loss. Abe has repeatedly disputed those claims, and the fund itself also rejected the accusations, saying instead that it needed to finish a once-in-a-decade review of its portfolio before publishing the numbers. Japans parliamentary elections are seen as a referendum on Abes faltering plan to boost Japans economy, although his premiership will not likely be contested. Half of the 242 seats in Japans upper house are up for grabs in the July 10 vote. UltraTech Cement Ltd has revised the price at which it will buy the cement division of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd to Rs.15,900 crore from Rs.16,500 crore while signing a definitive agreement for the purchase. The final price has been revised as Jaiprakashs Karnataka cement assets have been dropped from the deal. The parties have agreed to exclude the 1.2 million tonne capacity in the state of Karnataka as envisaged earlier, UltraTech Cement said in a statement to the BSE on Thursday. The statement added that a definitive agreement has been signed for the purchase of 21.20 million tonnes in cement capacity located across five states. In addition to the Rs.15,900 crore, UltraTech will pay Rs.470 crore on the completion of Jaiprakashs under-construction capacities, which are part of the deal, the company added. It is a good decision to limit exposure to the south India market. The Rs.15,900 crore is a reasonable valuation, not very cheap or expensive for UltraTech, said Amey Joshi, associate director (corporate) at India Ratings and Research, the local unit of Fitch Group Inc. On 28 February, Jaiprakash Associates said that it had signed an MoU with UltraTech Cement to sell a total capacity of 22.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Read the full report here Making their monthly price revisions, state-run oil marketing companies on Friday hiked the price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) by 5.5% but cut that of non-subsidised LPG by Rs 11 per cylinder in the wake of lower global prices. The price of ATF, or jet fuel, in Delhi was increased by Rs 2,557.7 per kilolitre (kl) -- or 5.47% -- to Rs 49,287.18. ATF rates vary at different airports because of differential local taxes. The previous increase in jet fuel prices came on June 1, when these were hiked by a steep 9.2%, or Rs 3,945.47, to Rs 46,729.48 per kl. In five increases over successive months, ATF rates have gone up by 25%. Instead, the oil marketing companies on Friday cut prices of non-subsidised LPG (cooking gas), which consumers buy after exhausting their quota of subsidised LPG, by Rs 11 to Rs 537.50 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi. A consumer gets 12 subsidised LPG cylinders in year. A subsidised LPG cylinder is currently available for Rs 421.16 in Delhi. The oil marketing companies have also cut the price of other transport fuels from Friday by under a rupee each, of petrol by 89 paise a litre and of diesel by 49 paise, both at Delhi with corresponding decrease in other states. Amid the recent fluctuation in global crude oil prices, the Indian basket of crude closed trade on Wednesday at $46.80 for a barrel of 159 litres, up from its previous day close at $46.11, as per available data. The government, on Friday, will unveil the finer details of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), touted as the centre-piece of the National Civil Aviation Policy approved by the cabinet on June 15. Through RCS, the government aims to take flying to the masses by making it affordable and convenient. The key highlight of RCS is the capping of fares for flights to unserved airports at Rs 2,500 for a one-hour flight. For this, the aviation ministry plans to impose a Rs 8000 levy per domestic departure on flights on all trunk routes. Government hopes to raise Rs 500 crore annually through this levy that would be used to fund RCS and subsidise regional flights. Government hopes that the scheme will help bring many airstrips and airports that have been lying unused for several years on the domestic aviation map. It has already announced plans to develop them as no-frills airports at an indicative cost of Rs 50 crore to Rs100 crore. Government has said that airports having scheduled commercial flights will increase from 77 in 2016 to 127 by 2019. The RCS will come into effect in the second quarter of 2016-17, the ministry has said. This will be implemented by way of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airline operators, said an official. A Regional Connectivity fund will be created for VGF through a small levy per departure on all domestic flights other than Cat II/ Cat IIA routes and small aircraft below 80 seats. There would be a demand driven selection of airports for revival, in consultation with state governments and airlines. The RCS will be implemented only in those states which reduce VAT on aviation turbine fuel to 1% or less, provide other support services and 20% of VGF. Concessions will have to be provided by stakeholders and there will no airport charges and service tax on tickets will be reduced (on 10% of the taxable value) for the first one year. The state governments will have to provide police and fire services free of cost and power, water and other utilities at concessional rates. India hopes to become the third largest civil aviation market by 2022 from ninth at present. And RCS will play a key role in this, said an official. The aviation policy aims to increase domestic ticketing from 8 crore in 2015 to 30 crore by 2022, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Extending gains for the third day in a row, the rupee rose by 20 paise to settle at 1-1/2 week high of 67.32 a dollar on persistent dollar selling by banks and exporters amid firm equity markets. Banks and exporters preferred to reduce their dollar position on hopes of more foreign capital inflows in view strong equity markets. The rupee opened higher at 67.50 per dollar against the yesterdays closing level of 67.52 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market and firmed up further to 67.31 per dollar in the day trade. The domestic currency closed with gains of 20 paise or 0.30 per cent at 67.32, the highest closing level since June 20 when the rupee had settled at 67.31. The rupee ended the week with gains of nearly 1 per cent or 64 paise compared to previous weeks closing level of 67.96. The dollar index was trading down by 0.18 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade. Meanwhile, RBI fixed the reference rate for the dollar at 67.4410 and euro at 74.7449. In cross-currency trades, the rupee firmed up further against the pound sterling to finish at 89.52 from 90.87 yesterday and recovered against the euro to 74.89 from 75.19. The domestic currency moved up further against the Japanese yen to 67.67 per 100 yens from 65.68. The BSE Sensex rallied over 145 points to end at 8-month high of 27,145, buoyed by data that showed manufacturing activity gathered steam last month amid strong foreign capital inflows. NEW DELHI: The Rs 8,000 levy per domestic departure that the government plans to impose on airlines to fund regional connectivity will roughly translate into a hike of Rs 60 in passenger fares, according to an internal analysis done by the aviation ministry. The finer details of the plan will be unveiled on Friday. The levy is likely to be imposed on flights on all trunk routes. Government hopes to raise Rs 500 crore annually through this levy that would be used to fund the regional connectivity scheme and subsidise regional flights by capping fares at Rs 2,500 for a one-hour flight. Considering that the average load factor on these routes is 70%, a levy of Rs 8,000 would translate into a hike Rs 60 per passenger, said a source. To be sure, the load factors or the aircraft occupancy on important sectors is much higher. The Regional Connectivity Scheme will come into effect in the second quarter of 2016-17. The National Civil Aviation policy cleared by the cabinet on June 15 aims at increasing the domestic ticketing from 80 million in 2015 to 30 million by 2022 and make India the third largest civil aviation market. The policy aims at increasing the number of airports having scheduled commercial flights from 77 in 2016 to 127 by 2019. The plan is to revive airstrips as no-frills airports at an indicative cost of Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore. The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing, Albert Einstein. Juan Jasso on an early morning tram in Manchester, England did not look on and do nothing. The Mexican American who has lived in England for 18 years was offended by the language used by three rowdy fellow commuters. The retort from one of them? Youre not even from England, you little f***ing immigrant. Get off the f***ing tram. Get back to Africa. Jasso, a sport lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, later told Channel 4 News: It was a bit of a surreal moment because initially it was just me asking those individuals just to watch their language. Jasso wasnt alone. One of his fellow commuters filmed the episode that led to the eventual arrest of the three and another chose to speak up as the racial rant continued. Theres no need for that, she can be heard in the video. Disgrace. Disgrace. Youre an absolute disgrace to England. How different things might have been for one family had the commuters at Nungabakkam railway station shown some involvement. Instead, on June 24, they looked away as Infosys software engineer Swathi was attacked by a man with a knife. Read | Infosys techie murder: 11 hackings in a month and TNs apathy to the killings As she lay bleeding on platform 2, not one commuter came forward to help. No one called the hospital, just minutes away from the station. Did even one think of making an anonymous 100 phone call? Had the commuters present at the railway station shown some courage and retaliated, the culprit could have been caught, Swathis father told India Today. Not many of us would confront a man with a knife. But what about getting help after the assailant had run away? Instead, police say, many walked away from the gruesome crime scene and simply took the next train to work. Read | No one came forward to help Swathi, says father of murdered Infosys techie The Madras High Court has already upbraided the police for leaving the body lying like an exhibition for two hours. And there has been considerable commentary decrying the inordinate media attention on Swathis life and character. But neither answers the question of bystander apathy. What kind of person watches a young woman dying while he rushes off to catch the next train to work? A 2013 study on impediments to bystander care in India by the NGO SaveLIFE Foundation found that 80% of the 1.4 lakh people who died in road accidents in 2012 failed to receive emergency medical attention within the critical Golden Hour after an accident. The same study also found that 58% of respondents were more likely to help a road accident victim than a victim of violence. Education about what to do in an emergency, including something as simple as calling for help, must become integral to our education system, SaveLIFE founder and CEO Piyush Tewari said in response to an email. But the core question remains: Why do we look away? Partly its a reluctance to get involved in a long-drawn legal process including police questioning and court appearances. Partly its a fear that intervention could lead to suspicions about guilt. Read | Witnessed a road accident? You can help victims without any fear But thats only part of the answer. All over the world, our increasingly online preoccupations are leading to an increasingly offline disconnection with our real lives. Certainly there is a breakdown of old social networks. And maybe its also because we act as a herd. When one looks away, the others believe its alright to do so. Conversely when one speaks up as Jasso did in Manchester others are emboldened. The Supreme Court has approved guidelines that seek to protect Good Samaritans who help road accident victims from being unnecessarily harassed by police or other authorities. But, says Tewari, most are still unaware about the March judgment. Read | SC approves guidelines to protect saviours of accident victims The judgment applies to road accident victims. One possibility would be to expand it to include victims of violence. But no law can bridge the gap of basic decency. Ultimately, it is for us to reclaim our best instincts. Ultimately, it is for us to reclaim our humanity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Incessant rains since Thursday night have collapsed the communication network in Uttarakhands Pithoragarh district that borders Nepal. And at this difficult time, when anxious locals wanted to connect with their relatives, none other than their trusted mobile network from neighbouring Nepal came to their rescue. At least 18 people have been killed and several others were missing as torrential rains and landslides hit Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts since Thursday night. Ramesh Martoliya of Dharchula is one of the locals who have been using Nepalese SIM cards for long as it has strong coverage in the Indian side. Dharchual is represented in the state assembly by chief minister Harish Rawat. Using Nepalese SIM cards costs the locals up to Rs12 per minute to stay connected with friends within India. This is almost 30 times higher than the call rates offered by domestic players. But the people in border areas have little choice. As there are less or no mobile towers in Indian side, they are dependent on Nepalese service providers. SIM cards of Nepalese telecom providers Namaste, Sky and Nepal Telecom are available in the shops after crossing the bridge connecting India and Nepal at Jhoolaghat. These cards can be taken by anyone for very little documentation, said a source. Moreover flexi recharge is available in Dharchula and small hamlets on the Indian side. Uttarakhand shares 80.5-km--long border with Nepal and 344-km- long border with China. Uttarakhand chief secretary Shatrughan Singh admitted that the mobile connectivity is weaker in border areas and people are using international SIM cards. He told HT that he has given states representation to the officials of telecom ministry to strengthen network there. Union telecom secretary JS Deepak, who was in Dehradun, told HT that due to security reasons mobile towers are not erected in 10 kms area close to border. Except for some parts of Jammu & Kashmir, the norm of 10 kms area has been relaxed. We are hopeful that people living close to borders will soon get better connectivity, he said. The official said the people living other side of the border are also dependent on Indian signals. For instance, some parts of Nepal and Pakistan get better Indian signals. Similarly, the mobile signals from Karachi are intercepted in the bordering areas of India. NEW DELHI: A 13-year-old boy died after two teenaged paan-sellers allegedly slapped him repeatedly during a scuffle near his home in east Delhis New Kondli area on Wednesday evening, police said. Rajat Menon, a class 9 student of Salwan Public School in central Delhi, fell unconscious and his assailants apparently took him to two separate hospitals before doctors at Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital declared him dead on arrival. It is difficult to say what caused his death. There are no external injuries on the body that would suggest that he was beaten to death, said a Delhi Police officer, who is investigating the case. There were no fatal blows as the trio had a minor scuffle. No weapons were used. We are waiting for the autopsy report. Doctors who conducted the postmortem examination apparently told investigators the boy probably died of some internal injury. The boys viscera sample has been preserved, the officer said. Police on Thursday arrested the two juvenile paan-sellers after going through CCTV footage from two cameras in the area. One of the clips shows the two juveniles assaulting Rajat; another reveals the duo rushing him to hospital. Rajat was reportedly accosted by the duo three-four years older than him on the way to a local pool parlour with his friends. The suspects confronted him regarding a mischief he had committed and this triggered an argument, police said quoting the boys friends. The duo then slapped Rajat a few times and he collapsed. His friends ran away when the three started fighting. The two juveniles got scared when the boy collapsed and rushed him to a local clinic, a senior police officer said. They put him on a scooter and took him to Metro hospital after failing to find a doctor at the clinic. But Metro hospital told them to take him to L al Bahadur Shastri hospital, where they went but it was too late by then. The boy was dead and the duo left the body at the hospital and ran away, the officer said. In the meantime, one of Rajats friends informed his brother about the scuffle. When we reached the spot, we were told that the boy has been taken to a hospital. When we reached Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital, we were directed towards the lifeless body of our boy, a distraught relative said. A mob gathered after the incident, which threw stones and brickbats at shops selling paan as well as street vendors in the area. The angry people threatened to set the market on fire, prompting police to take preemptive action and disperse the crowd. NEW DELHI: The health department has suspended four employees, including two doctors, of Satyawadi Raja Harishchandra hospital over alleged irregularities in payment of salaries of contractual workers. Sanitation and security workers had complained to health minister Satyendar Jain during a surprise visit to the hospital. The workers informed me that they were not receiving their entire salary and their records were being tampered to mark them absent on some days, even when they had full attendance, the minister said at a press conference. In another case, two junior resident doctors of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital were dismissed for alleged negligence. The doctors transfused blood of the wrong group to a woman. The minister said the government will install 10 CT scan and 5 MRI machines in 10 of its big hospitals. These machines will be installed on a public-privatepartnership basis. NEW DELHI: Every week, at least two to three times, the loudspeaker of the Mohammadi Masjid in east Delhis New Seemapuri blares with announcements of a missing child. The lanes here are so narrow that children often are not able to identify their houses and reach home. Though in most cases children are found, but in many others they are not tracked. We make such announcements in the mosque for the sake of humanity. A little help might help a family find their child, said Mohammad Rafik, imam, Mohammadi Masjid. Sonu(12) who returned on Thursday after six years, is a resident of the area. Hindu or Muslim, if we get a case of some child missing we do everything we can to help the family trace them, he said. On Thursday, 51-year-old Bilkiz Banu peeped through the crowd that had gathered to welcome 12-year-old Sonu, who went missing from their neighbourhood and was traced six years later in Bangladesh, with teary eyes. Unlike Sonus parents, she has not been lucky. She held an A4 size picture of her stepson, Asim, who went missing a year ago. Sonus return has sparked some hope. It has been one year and three months now since my son went missing. After my husband and his second wife died, Asim was my responsibility. That I could not take care of him haunts me every day, Banu said. Asim had also gone missing when he had gone out to play on May 27, last year. On July 22, three-year-old Fulsura went missing. The mosque took a procession announcing about the missing girl, who was finally traced 11 days later from Ghazipur. Many families in the narrow street have such stories to narrate. Some wereluckyto find their children while others have found fresh hope through Sonus case. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: A 12-year-old boy who was kidnapped six years ago from outside his house in east Delhi and sent to Bangladesh was reunited with his parents on Thursday. Sonu was found in a child rehabilitation centre in Jessore in Bangladesh. Local authorities handed him over to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka three days ago, following a court order. It was Eid for us today Many people told me I should let go of hopes and that maybe Sonu was dead already. But I knew my son is alive somewhere and I will see him someday, said his mother Mumtaz. The news about Sonu reached his parents Mumtaz and Mehboob last month. Bangladesh native Jamal Musa visited Sonus parents at their one-room set in east Delhis New Seemapuri. Jamal bhai showed us Sonus picture and we immediately recognised him. He told us that he was the neighbour in a house in Jessore where Sonu was working as a domestic help all these years. We were told that he was treated badly and often beaten up and tortured by the people there, Mehboob said. It took a month to complete all the formalities and get him home. Sonu was kidnapped from Delhi and was found in a shelter home in Bangladesh. We matched the DNA with his mother. The test is positive. Indian High Commission in Dhaka has obtained Sonus custody. He will reach Delhi on 30th June, external affairs miniter Sushma Swaraj had tweeted. At 12.30 pm on Thursday, Sonu was brought to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where his parents and senior officials of the external affairs ministry greeted him. Soon after, Sonu and his parents met Swaraj and thanked her for ensuring his return. From Geeta to Gurpreet, and now to Sonu! EAM @ SushmaSwaraj welcomes the young boy Sonu home from Bangladesh, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photograph of Swaraj welcoming Sonu. The other names mentioned in the tweet are of Indians brought back from different countries in a similar fashion. When the family arrived at their house, excited neighbours flocked the narrow street, to catch a glimpse of the boy. Some had seen him when he was little, while others had only heard of him. A poster with Welcome home, Sonu was stuck at the door. I dont remember what he looked like when I last saw him. He had called abbu before he boarded the plane. He told me he was taking the plane to come and see us, said Sonus older brother Nanto (14). Sonu is the second of four siblings. Nanto was struggling to get past the crowd with a bottle of Iodex, to reach his brother who had apparently complained of a headache. We have not been able to talk to him after he reached home. He has been surrounded by people. I wish people would leave him alone now. He is not feeling well, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: The first day of undergraduate admissions at Delhi University colleges on Thursday ended in a nightmare for thousands of students, who complained of slow servers and snags in the official website. Aspirants who cleared the first cut-offs said they had to wait until the afternoon to download the admission slip from the DU website that repeatedly froze under heavy traffic. The slip -- bearing details of the course and college is mandatory for admission but 80% of students didnt know they had to carry the document. The rest struggled for hours. I tried to access the DU website for more than two hours but it wasnt opening. I eventually had to come down to the college for assistance, said Thanglianmang Baite, an aspirant at Motilal Nehru College in south Delhi. A DU official said the technical problem was due to heavy traffic and that the university was monitoring the situation. We received complaints that the server was slow in the morning. This could have happened as many students logged in and tried to download the form at the same time, said Kirti Ranjan, OSD admission. Admissions at DU are fully online for the first time this year. Outstation students were the worst affected by the glitch as they will be forced to stay on for more days at hotels and guest houses. They should have opened the site last night itself. We have been asked to come back tomorrow. Arranging transport is not possible and we have already spent quite a bit on hotels, said Anuja Agrawal, whose niece is hoping to get admitted to Gargi College. At the Shri Ram College of Commerce in north Delhi, parents and students queued for hours for a turn to print the slip at the institutes computer centre. Through our integrated server with DU, we are helping the students, but there is immense rush, said an official in charge of admission at SRCC. Lady Shri Ram Colle ge for Women, Gargi College, Vivekananda College and Sri Venkateswara College also helped students but asked many aspirants to come back on Friday when the rush mounted. We allowed students to use our computer lab as many had come without admission slips said Suman Sharma, LSR principal. The university released its first cut-off list on Wednesday night with 97% the average minimum benchmark for admission into popular undergraduate courses. The sky-high cut-offs set off a busy admission season that is expected to get more frantic when the second cut-offs are released on Sunday night. Admissions under the first list can be taken until July 2. Students were made aware at open houses that they were expected to bring admission slips. The glitch is with the university server and we hope the problem is resolved by tomorrow, said Hemalatha Reddy, principal of Sri Venkateswara College in south Delhi. Panic mounted post noon as the admission process was supposed to close by 1pm and most students had still not managed to download their admission slips. The snag was resolved by the evening, making it easier for those seeking admission to the eight evening colleges. For evening colleges, a student could easily access the admission slip from the DU UG portal from 4-7 pm. We are not facing any problem even on the software front everything is smooth, said Prashant Kumar, principal of Sri Aurobindo College (Evening) in south Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON TOKYO: The US market regulator is examining Japanese mobile giant SoftBank over misconduct allegations lodged against its former president Nikesh Arora, who quit last week, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking to find out whether Arora had conflicts of interest or engaged in questionable behaviour, the report said, citing unnamed sources. The watchdog was also eyeing SoftBanks disclosures to investors, it said, adding that the inquiry was a preliminary step and does not guarantee further action against SoftBank or Arora. Soft Bank Group does not comment on press reports of (US) regulatory inquiries , the company said in response to the report. India-born Arora, once SoftBank boss Masayoshi Sons heir apparent, stepped down last week. Son told shareholders he had changed his mind about the timeline for stepping down. Both men said it was an amicable split, and Arora would stay on as SoftBank adviser. But his resignation came as SoftBank said an independent group of board members had cleared Arora of misconduct allegations lodged by an investor group. The shareholders were calling for Aroras ouster over potential conflicts of interest tied to his role at a private equity firm. NEW DELHI: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) may have erred in following proper procedure while appointing Mangesh Kashyap as its chief vigilance officer (CVO) on the Centres recommendation, sources in the civic body said. A source said Kashyaps appointment was not approved by the appointment and promotion committee of the civic body, a mandatory procedure. Ashish Sood, member, standing committee, SDMC, defended the decision: Kashyap was appointed by the Centre and the CVC approved the same. Since the position was vacant, Kashyap was appointed through an anticipatory approval, he said. But SDMC leader of the opposition, FarhadSuri, countered,The officerchosenbytheMHAdoesnot have clearance from the appointment committee or the SDMC House. The SDMC has given an anticipatory approval from the appointment committee chairperson, for which there is no such provision in the Delhi Municipal CorporationAct, wherebymaking the appointment illegal. In absence of a CVO, the SDMC had sought applications for the post. According to officials, the corporation received 14 applications but only Kashyap was found to be fulfilling all requirements. The Delhi government had also recommended BR Meena (a UP cadre IPS officer) for the same post. But the CVC recommended Kashyaps name. Rejecting the AAP governments choice, a senior leader of the SDMC said the prerogative to appoint a CVO was with the Centre. The officer named by the Delhi government does not have CVC clearance, said the leader. InacommunicationonJune7to the Delhi chief secretary, the lieutenant-governor, thecommissioner of policeandOSDCentralVigilance Commission, the MHA ordered the appointment of Kashyap for three years. The letter asked the commissioner of police to relieve Kashyap for the new role. But in another communication on June 22, theDelhigovernmentappointed Meena as the CVO in SDMC. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on a petition against rising instances of barbaric cruelty to animals and their exploitation in the pet shop industry. Abenchof JusticeDipakMisra and Justice C Nagappan issued notice to AWBI and impleaded it as a party in the matter in which the apex court had earlier sought the Centres response. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO Angel Trust, informed the bench that the Centre had not yet filed its reply on the plea. The plea has sought framing of guidelines regarding punishment for animal abuse and regulation of the pet shop industry, contending that there was a vacuum in law. It cited several incidents of brutality to animals, including a March 20, 2016 incident in which a man was caught on CCTV stabbing to death three stray dogs and a puppy outside the Green Park Metro Station here Bhushan had earlier told the court that the Law Commission hadgivenadetailedreportregarding animals being treated cruelly at pet shops and said the government has not yet notified the rules prepared by AWBI, which should be done immediately. The plea also said that perpetrators were aware that the toothless legislation and lackadaisical enforcement meant that they would go scot-free. South Delhis Sarojini Nagar, which has the most popular go-to market for budget shoppers, was actually among the 10 colonies planned soon after Independence to accommodate government employees. The project was first conceived in 1950 as part of the first Five Year Plan (FYP). The construction of the flats and market area was taken up in 1955 by the Central Public Work Department. Over the years, more shops were added to the market. These shops were then allotted to refugees who had landed in Delhi from Pakistan after Partition. AK Jain, former commissioner (planning) of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) said that Lodhi Colony, a neighbourhood comprising government quarters, existed much before Sarojini Nagar. However, as the demand for dwelling units increased, agricultural land from Gujjars in Pilanji Village was acquired for a new project. Nearly 10,000 flats were available, but there was a demand of around one lakh more units to accommodate government employees. Hence, the government prepared a mega plan to create colonies in the southern part of the city. Mehr Chand Khanna, then union minister of rehabilitation, supervised its development. He looked after the construction of the colony and the allocation of shops to migrants from Pakistan. Since he was a Punjabi, he soon became popular with the refugees. This was second time when land was acquired from Pilanji Village. Earlier, residents of fringe villages like Pilanji and Aliganj were resettled in Kotla Mubrakpur area around 1914-1921 for the formation of New Delhi. In the next two decades, no massive change took place. However, the 50s and 60s brought sweeping changes as the Centre planed Vinay Nagar, which later came to be known as Sarojini Nagar. Fountains in the foreground in a park in Sarojini Nagar Market. (Ram Prakash / HT File) MAKING OF A MICROCOSM The project was first conceived in 1950 as part of the first Five Year Plan The construction of Sarojini Nagar was started in 1955 by the Central government for its employees while the shops were allotted to refugees from Pakistan. Parts of Pilanji village were acquired to build housing units for govt employees. Over the years, the village has become commercialised and several tall buildings have come up. "Our land was acquired in 1911 and the compensation was deposited in the Bank of Calcutta. Villagers were illiterate and did not have resources to go there to claim compensation. Hence, the original residents had to spend their days in penury as there was no work after land acquisition. While Sarojini Nagar was planned and colonies were constructed on our land, the villagers were left to suffer. We struggled due to lack of civic amenities, infrastructure and poor sanitation. Electricity and water supply are some of the other issues," said Dheer Singh, Pilanji village head. The colony is divided into blocks from A to M and has 3,539 flats. There are government-run dispensaries and hospitals like Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS are at a distance of 2.6km and 3.5km respectively. INA Metro station is at 3km while AIIMS station is 3.5km away. The under construction Sarojini Nagar Metro station is part of the Pink Line in Phase 3. MALL The South Square Mall was developed by the NDMC under the public private partnership (PPP) model. It has an automated multilevel car parking facility with a total of 10 levels, including basement which is used as the Parking Bay. On the ground and first floors, there are commercial units. The rest of the floors have space for more than 800 cars. It was opened in November 2011 to solve the parking problem in the market. "It is Indias first fully automated car parking service which is open from 7am to 1am, allowing shoppers to park their cars at a minimal amount of `10/hour with 24-hour security system," said Raj Pal Singh Yadav, manager. MARKET SECURITY Security has been a huge concern here. The blasts that rocked the Capital in October 2005, still send shivers down the spines of the people here. Every year, the shopkeepers association organises a hawan at the blast site in the memory of the victims. The names of the victims have been engraved on a marble stone. Traders alleged that the scenario of the security provisions is worse than before. There are no proper arrangements, no barricades. Pritam Singh, who works at one of the stores here, said, "Customers not only from across the country, but across the world come here. And security remains a big issue." Developed for middle-level staff, the area was named Vinay which means in a position of submission. However, in the 70s, it was considered a term signifying the class divide prevalent during the British period. As a result, it was renamed after Sarojini Naidu for her contribution to the freedom struggle. Similarly, Shaan Nagar and Maan Nagar, colonies meant for senior officers, were renamed as Rabindra Nagar and Bharti Nagar respectively. Sarojini Nagar was initially divided into three districts East, West, and South. At that time, neighbouring Kidwai Nagar was known as East Vinay Nagar which extended till Dilli Haat. Later, Vinay Nagar was divided into Sarojini Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Laxmi Bai Nagar and Nauroji Nagar. The colony is now divided into blocks, alphabetically, from A to M. There are 3,539 flats here, with makeshift shops outside every block selling snacks and other such items. All the blocks have clean and well maintained parks as well as designated parking lots. Its construction was based on neighbourhood design principle with a school, provisions for market and open areas like parks and space for parking, too. Mukesh Sharma, who was born and brought up in I block, recalled how things have changed. In our time people were united. We used to celebrate all festivals with all our neighbours. But now the scenario is different, people dont even bother about who lives next door. Earlier, even if there was a marriage function, everybody was involved in everything, he said. Earlier, the Sarojini Nagar market had small shops, Sharma said. The markets face has totally changed. In those days, people used to sleep on the terrace in summer. But one cant even think of doing this now due to various reasons, crime being one of them, he added. Parking is in a huge mess and weekends are especially bad as lanes surrounding remain jam-packed as motorists use surface parking despite the fact it has an automated multilevel car parking facility in the vicinity. (Tribhuwan Sharma / HT Photo) MARKET AREA While the residential area is calm and peaceful, the market on the contrary is crowded and noisy. Almost 90% of the shops here are still held by original allottees. Yashpal Lakhina, who has been in the market for 65 years, said, All the shops are of the same size, that is, around 70m in length, all the refugees used to stay at the nearby railway station by the time they were allotted these shops. The market is divided into three parts Central Market, Babu Market and Sabzi market. There are 200 shops in the central market and 110 shops in the elevated Babu Market. Babu Market was created to cater to the needs of the occupants of the colony. This market has a number of garment stores, eateries, salons and tea shacks. The market is one of citys biggest and most crowded markets. Its especially popular for its export surplus stuff available at throwaway prices. From stylish clothes to fake designer bags to fashionable jewellery, Sarojini Nagar never disappoints. Besides, there are various street food vendors and kulfi vendors famous since 1990s. The famous Khandani Pakore Wala in Nauroji Nagar was earlier in Sarojini Nagar market. Muchhal Halwai ki Dukan, named after his owner, who had a big moustache, is one of the oldest eateries here. After his demise, his children run the business. In evenings, people in large number can be seen standing in queues in front of this shop to buy hot samosas and jalebi. The far end of Sarojini Nagar has a sabzi market that sells fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. PROBLEMS Though the residential area is clean with broad avenues and manicured parks, the market lacks basic amenities. It has become congested over the years. Parking is in a huge mess and weekends are especially bad as lanes surrounding remain jam-packed as motorists use surface parking despite the fact it has an automated multilevel car parking facility in the vicinity. Shopkeepers say that more benches are required for customers to sit and rest. Maintenance of public toilets and streetlights are other issues. The Master Plan for the market was reviewed in 1984 and the changes suggested should have been implemented, but nothing has been done so far, shopkeepers said. Promod Sharma, president of Sarojini Nagar Market Shopkeepers Association, said, There has been no development since 2008. There are more than 2,000 unidentified hawkers in the market. Vendors need to be verified and others should be removed. Weve been complaining to the authorities regularly, but no measures have been taken yet. Four or five doctors of Indraprastha Apollo hospital will be summoned for questioning in connection to a kidney racket busted on June 2, police said on Friday. Joint commissioner of police (South Eastern Range) Rajender Pal Upadhyay told IANS, We will issue summons in a day or two to all the doctors of the hospital who had carried out the kidney transplants. There are around four to five doctors who would be summoned to join the investigation in the case, the officer said, adding, Dr (AShok) Sarin and Dr (Anshuman) Agarwal too would be called to present their side. Shailesh Saxena, 31, and Aditya Singh, 24, both personal secretaries to the two doctors, were held along with suspected touts Aseem Sikdar, 37, Satya Prakash, 30, and Devashish Moulik, 30, for their alleged involvement in the kidney trade. A senior officer related to the probe said the possibility of more doctors involvement in the case cannot be ruled out. Involvement of more doctors cannot be ruled out, we are investigating the case, the officer said. Delhi Police busted the kidney racket on June 2 in Indraprastha Apollo hospital with the arrest of two hospital employees and three suspected touts. The alleged mastermind T. Rajkumar was arrested from Kolkata along with three donors -- two women from Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur and a man from West Bengals Siliguri district. On June 23, the police also arrested Ashutosh, son of Delhi Jal Board officer Bhule Singh, for receiving a kidney through touts. Rajat Menons family is shocked. Their son had a cup of tea and left home with a promise that he would be back in an hour as he had to work on his school project. A few hours later, they found him lying lifeless in Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital. What led to his death is still unclear and has left even the police puzzled. The police say Menon had a minor scuffle with the two paan masala sellers, both juveniles, and his body had no external injuries that may have led to his death. But the 15-year-old victims family alleged a larger conspiracy. If it was just a fist-fight, then how did he collapse. Why are the police trying to cover up for the paan sellers? Has anyone ever died just because of a minor scuffle? Menon has been murdered, a relative told HT. The teenagers, who had rushed him to the hospital after he collapsed, were arrested soon after. They told the police that Menon used to tease them and they fought often. But it never escalated to this level, they said. They were clueless about why Menon died. According to sources, the teenagers told the police that Menon owed them some money which he was not returning. They had stopped him to settle to the matter. They said that they knew each other from a long time and often had arguments. They said that the argument turned into a scuffle after Menon threatened them that he will report the matter to the police and got them arrested, a police source said. Read | In Delhi, two juvenile paan sellers held for death of teen in fight Menons family hails from Kerala. Chairman of the Delhi Malyali Association, Sri Raj, alleged that the two paan sellers sold marijuana to many people in the locality and that they had complained about their misbehaviour to the police earlier too. The police have connived with them as they are being given a cut from the profit they make. They are saying Menon took a packet from them without paying, which is not the truth. These paan sellers had even molested a local woman but the police did not register a case. These men should be brought to book, Raj alleged. Rajans father Unnikrishnan Menon works as a general manager at a private firm in east Delhi. The police, however, rejected the allegations of a cover up. These are baseless allegations. We have not received any such complaints in the past. Also why would the police cover up? The parents suspected it to be a case of murder so we registered a case under 302 (murder) and swiftly apprehended the teenagers involved. The investigation in the case is on, a senior police officer said. Amid high humidity levels, Delhis power demand on Friday touched a new high of 6,268 MW, breaking the previous days record of 6,260 MW. Fridays power demand was registered at 3.10pm. The peak power demand had crossed the 6,000MW- mark in May. Before this, the last peak was 5,925 MW, recorded on July 11, 2014 . According to a Delhi Transco Limited official, there is enough supply to cater the demand. The demand in Delhi in 2002 was 3,097 MW. Various agencies speculated the demand may go up to 6,500 MW by the summer of 2017. Power secretary Sukesh Jain asked us to be prepared 7,000 MW if required, he said. Some areas in East, South and West Delhi reported power cuts on Friday. According to a power expert, due to the increase in demand round-the-clock, the network is not getting sufficient time to cool down. Read: Power demand breaks record in Delhi, touches all-time high of 6,260 MW The government had on Wednesday conveyed its concern to BSES chairman Lalit Jalan over frequent outages and sought a concrete road map for uninterrupted power supply in Delhi in a time-bound manner. We have asked for a concrete road map from BSES, including a timeline within which they will have to ensure uninterrupted power supply considering Delhi has surplus power. We put our concerns strongly as the city expected world- class facility after the privatisation of the sector, a senior government official said. The BSES discoms are likely to submit their proposals by early next week and another meeting is expected in another two weeks. Delhis demand is almost double that of Mumbai and three times of Chennai and Kolkata, respectively. The demand of the entire Northeast is less than half of the demand of Delhi. If the heat and humidity continues to persist, the demand of power may go up to 6,500 MW this year, a Delhi Transco Limited official said. Municipal schools in Delhi will soon come under a 24X7 vigil. In a bid to ensure safety of students and improve quality of education by keeping a vigil on teachers, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has decided to install CCTV cameras in all classrooms in its 380 schools. Sources in the corporation said the move would soon be replicated in South and North Delhi Municipal Corporation-run schools. Of late, the municipal corporations have been branded as bad education providers and accused of various things. We want to change that image. Moreover, we want to ensure quality education to students, said Jitender Choudhary, chairman, standing committee, EDMC. Officials said the decision comes in the wake of the death of five-year-old student, Ankit, who fell into a septic tank in January 27 this year. The inquiry report had held the school administration responsible for the incident. The CCTVs will be installed in every classroom and play area and would be monitored at the headquarters of each corporation. This will ensure students are provided with quality education and avert untoward incidents. It will also help us keep a check on teachers, said Choudhary. There 1,860 schools in the three municipal corporations with an approximate strength of 10 lakh students and 18,000 teachers. The corporations plans to keep a watch on all through the move. Officials said CCTVs will also help the corporations keep a check on mid-day meals. The corporation had earlier issued 10-point safety guidelines for all municipal schools. The mandatory instructions highlighted the need for daily supervision and marking areas that could be potentially dangerous for students. Underground water tanks, septic tanks and any other pit found unsafe and dangerous should be covered with a strong iron lid with locking system, said the notification, adding that schools have to display warning boards at such sites. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi has moved the Supreme Court, asking it to hear its dispute with the Centre on who has administrative control of the Capital. An SC bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur agreed to hear the petition on July 4. Mentioning the appeal before the court, senior advocate Indira Jaising said it must restrain the Delhi high court from delivering a judgment on the issue because only the SC can adjudicate the contentious row. She said the AAP government had urged before the HC not to hear the issue and refer it to the SC. But, the HC reserved its judgments on 10 petitions on the subject matter. Jaising argued that the court had declined to give an order on AAPs application challenging the HCs jurisdiction. At the outset, the CJI was not keen to entertain the petition. He said the appeal can be heard even after the HCs final verdict. But on Jaisings insistence he agreed to list the petition. No judgment can be allowed to be delivered without decision on the jurisdiction of the Delhi high court with regard to the dispute in question, the senior lawyer said. She added the AAP government has raised a constitutional question and only the top court can judge it. The AAP government alleged that it is unable to function as the Lieutenant Governor, at the behest of the Centre, either annuls or changes its decisions on the ground that Delhi is not a complete state. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals government wants the apex court to interpret Article 239A, the special provision with respect to Delhi, which is a state but not a full-fledged state. Read: Kejriwal accuses Modi of taking credit for AAP govts achievements In its appeal, filed through advocate Chirag Shroff, the Delhi government has alleged that the LGs interference has adversely affected its power to do public services. The Delhi government is locked in a power tussle with the L-G on various issues including the control over the Anti-Corruption Branch and power to transfer or retain bureaucrats. The dispute over how much powers the Delhi government wields and how much have to be conceded to the central government has plagued the Kejriwal government since it took power in February 2015. Delhi Police, for instance, reports to Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, a representative of the central government, and not to Kejriwal. The recurring disputes have led to ugly public spats, with Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal making frequent accusations against Jung as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (with agency inputs) Suspecting his wife of having an affair, a 50-year-old man allegedly killed her and his six-year-old daughter and later committed suicide by consuming rat poison at his house in south Delhis Sanjay Colony slum near Okhla Phase-2 on Thursday night. The bodies were found in a room on the first floor of a four-storey building on Friday morning by a relative who lives on the ground floor as a tenant, police said. The man, Mahesh Chauhan, first killed his wife, Ranjana alias Laxmi, 38, by hitting her on the head with a wooden plank and then strangled their daughter, Laado, with a cloth. After killing the two, Chauhan, who worked as a confectioner, consumed poison. His body was found lying on the floor with froth coming out of his mouth. An empty bottle of poison and the stained wooden plank was found lying near his body. The bodies of Ranjana and Laado were lying on the bed. Police said the couple often fought over petty issues and they had a troubled marriage. For both the partners, it was their second marriage. Police learnt that Chauhan suspected his wife of having an extra marital affair. The couple also quarrelled over Chauhans drinking habit and their poor financial condition, said a police officer. Ranjanas brother told the police that she had called him last night to complain that Chauhan was beating her up. The brother ignored it believing it to be routine issue between the couple, the officer said. Mandeep Singh Randhawa, DCP (southeast), said the crime came to light around 11.15 am following a call to the police control room (PCR). A police team reached the crime scene along with forensic experts. Chauhans neighbour, Tej Narayan, who first reached the crime scene and called the police, told HT that Chauhan was living there for the past twenty years and Ranjana was his second wife. Chauhan worked as a confectioner while Ranjana worked at a factory in Okhla. He had four children from his first wife Kiran. Ranjana too had a daughter from her first marriage. We dont know what led to Chauhan killing his wife and daughter, said Narayan. We have registered a case of murder and are probing it from all possible angles, said Randhawa. Ukrainian heavy transport An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft with a carrying capacity of 150 tonnes of Antonov Airlines will be re-equipped with upgraded engines, the press service of Antonov State Enterprise reported on Thursday. "Under the An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft modernization program Antonov and state-run enterprise Ivchenko-Progress with the participation of OJSC Motor Sich have signed a protocol of joint actions in modernization of D-18 Series 3 engines installed at the planes of Antonov Airlines and replace them by Series 3M engines," the company said. The press service said that the modernization of engines would reduce noise level and emissions. It will allow exploiting the engines within the specified life limit from 12,000 to 14,000 flying hours. "Currently all new Series engines are being tested at the stand. Works to install them at the planes of Antonov Airlines will start next year," the company said. Antonov President Oleksandr Kotsiuba said that the modernization of the An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft;sengines is a top priority for meeting modern requirements. Three weeks after 49 people were killed in a gay club in Florida, the United Nations Rights Council agreed on Thursday to appoint an independent investigator to help protect homosexuals and transgenders from violence and discrimination. Mexico sponsored the UN text and was backed by US and European countries. China, Russia, and 16 African and Muslim states rejected it; India, South Africa and the Philippines abstained from voting. Indias stand is unfortunate but not surprising. Though the UN in 1994 said that sexual orientation could be a ground for discrimination, India still remains among 73 of the international bodys 193 member states that criminalises same-sex relations. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which dates back to 1860, criminalises sexual acts against the order of nature, including consensual gay sex among adults. This means that sexual minorities can be arrested and imprisoned for life for their sexual orientation. Read: UN rights council creates role for LGBT protection, India abstains from voting In 2009, the Delhi High Court decriminalised consenting homosexual sex between adults but the Supreme Court (SC) overturned the judgment on grounds that amending or repealing Section 377 should be left to Parliament, not the judiciary. Earlier this week, several celebrities approached the SC for quashing Section 377. But judges SA Bobde and Ashok Bhushan said that the petition be placed before the Chief Justice of India to decide whether it can be heard along with a batch of curative petitions on the same subject. Attempts to decriminalise homosexuality have also met with staunch political Opposition. In March, Parliament voted for the second time in three months against the introduction of a Bill brought by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to amend the law. Read: Rainbow of hope: Will India vote for an LGBT resolution at UN? By refusing to take a positive stand on the motion at the UN, India, a member of the bodys human rights council, proclaimed on the international stage that it does not care that the violence and discrimination faced by LGBT people. On Friday, the government justified its abstention saying the matter is sub-judice. But what the judiciary is examining is the validity of Section 377, not violence against LGBT people. In fact, in the landmark 2014 NALSA vs Union of India judgment, the SC asked the Centre to enact protections for shielding transgender people from oppression and violence. Read: LGBT celebs move SC against Sec 377, say sexual preferences a right to life The justification given by the Centre is part of a broader pattern that was exposed when SC rapped the Centre on Thursday for asking a clarification on whether transgender included lesbian, gay and bisexual people an excuse used to not implement the protections and quotas mandated under the 2014 NALSA judgment. This obfuscation confirms what LGBT citizens in India have known for a long time now: That their human rights violations dont figure in their countrys plans of being an influential global power. The Delhi high court has refused to entertain an appeal against its single judge decision allowing Delhi Universitys Khalsa College to commence its admission process for this academic year under the minority status. A vacation bench of justice V Kameswar Rao and justice IS Mehta said the appeal by a teacher who claims that if the admissions under the minority status are allowed, her service conditions would be affected, has no locus. You show us that because of minority status, your service conditions are affected, the court said. In any case you will have no problem. Let the person (students/teachers) aggrieved come before us. As of today you do not have locus to file this appeal, the bench said. It further said that the appeal by the teacher be withdrawn or else it will be dismissed, after which the petitioner, a teacher of Khalsa College, withdrew her plea. The court was hearing an appeal against its single judges interim order passed on June 20 on some teachers plea seeking stay on National Commission for Minority Educational Institution (NCMEI) order granting minority status to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur (SGTB) Khalsa College. The single judge had also asked the teachers how they were affected if students were given admission under the minority status. The Delhi University portal ran slow on Day 2 of the undergraduate admissions, preventing many students from completing the process though they said it was better than the first day. By 11 am, the system had slowed down and it took me time to complete the admission process. Now I am struggling to pay my fees and the payment gateway is not showing in the website, said Ajay Kumar, who took admission at Kirori Mal College for BA programme. The process has been made completely online for the first time. It requires qualifying aspirants to choose a college online, visit the college for verification, and pay fees online. The glitch meant that many students couldnt complete the process before the 1pm deadline for morning colleges. I have just been able to get my documents verified today. Since it is past 1 pm already, Ill have to come again tomorrow to get the prospectus and online approval says Stanzin Dewang, a Political Science (Hons) aspirant from Ladakh. Read More: Technical glitches, slow server make DU admissions a nightmare for students The procedure is too chaotic and the entire system is slow, said Amit Roy who came for his daughters admission at Miranda House. But many said the process was further slowed down by the colleges because they have to approve the admission. Once the verification has taken place the college staff approves the admission and then the principal has to approve the process. Only then will the students be able to pay fees, said a staff member at Hansraj College. There was some glitch with the payment portal so not everyone was able to process it today. But it should not be much of a problem because once a student has got acknowledgment slip from the college, they can make payment even after a few days, said the principal of a prominent college, requesting anonymity. A DU official said the problem was due to the heavy traffic and that the university was monitoring the situation. As admissions on second day after the first cutoff list slowed down and seats remained vacant across courses, Delhi University aspirants can expect the minimum marks required to come down in the second list to be announced on July 4. Few students usually qualify under the first list because of the high cutoffs. The university will release five lists in all. The second cutoff list will surely come down. But we will be able to say definitely on Saturday after the admission under the first list is over, said an official of the admission committee at Venkateswara College. Admissions will go on till July 2 under the first list. The college has seen 176 admissions out of a total 1,089 available seats. Even those admissions were for BA programme (94%), Political Science and Botany (92%) courses with lower cutoffs compared to other courses. Around 84% seats are vacant. Read more: DU admissions: A handful of aspirants apply, most wait for second cutoff list Lady Shri Ram College for Women, among the most sought after, has had 170 admissions. The cutoffs in most courses, except Hindi and Sanskrit, are 95%-98%. Admissions at Daulat Ram College, however, have been pretty high compared to others. Seats are almost full in Zoology (Hons) and Bio-Chemistry, the college said. Though now we have been able to fill seats, if in other colleges the admissions are less and the second cutoff list is released, there will be lot of migration there will be withdrawals, said principal Savita Roy. Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) principal assured a second list for both Bcom (Hons) and Economics (Hons). The first cutoffs in these courses were 98% and 98.25%, respectively. Indraprastha College for Women is hopeful that all seats will be filled by the fifth cutoff list. Admissions have picked up on the second day. The most admissions have taken place at history honours, said principal Babli Moitra Saraf. You dont need to survive a misadventure at a super-speciality hospital to realise that the super tag doesnt always mean better. Hospitals offering advanced care are needed for media emergencies such as accidents, heart attacks, stroke and cancers, but for minor symptoms like fever, its best to first go to a family physician. So found Mahesh Tyagi, a 32-year-old chartered accountant who got the correct diagnosis for chronic fatigue and increasing breathlessness after visiting four specialists. I visited more super-specialists in a week than I have done in a lifetime, Tyagi recalls. Read: How to keep the doctor at bay this monsoon The pulmonologist said it was a lung problem and so Tyagi underwent chest X-ray, a pulse oximetry and a sputum test, the cardiologist made him undergo a barrage of tests including an echocardiogram and a treadmill test before announcing him fit, the sleep specialist put him under observation for sleep apnea, and the endocrinologist said it could be a hyperactive thyroid, which meant more tests. Finally, it was his grandfathers retired general practitioner who glanced at the blood test reports and pointed out the obvious: Tyagi had a low haemoglobin count of 7.2 g/dL against a normal of 13.8-17.2 g/dL. The breathlessness and fatigue was caused by anaemia and general weakness following an injury. I was amazed that so many super-specialists had missed it even after going through my case history, says Tyagi, who is back to his active self following two months of prescription iron supplementation. Diagnostic tests vs skills All doctors are internists first, but as they train to become specialists and super-specialists, some get rusty on the basics because they end up examining patients with disorders related to one branch of medicine. (Shutterstock) Physicians are relying so much on diagnostic tests and imaging for diagnosis that some send patients for a gaggle of tests without an overall evaluation where their experience and skill to understand the complex interplay of signs and symptoms come into play. Super-specialists sometimes develop a tunnel vision and focus on their speciality instead of treating symptoms holistically, says Dr Anoop Misra, who was a professor of in the department of medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) before becoming the chairman of the Fortis C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & Endocrinology. Read: Exercise is the new medicine as doctors ditch pills Family physicians add huge value to diagnosis as they have the perspective and knowledge of a broad spectrum of diagnostic testing and therapeutics. They also understand each patients medical history better because of more frequent interaction, which equip them to give personal and continuing care to each. Specialising means growth and career advancement, more earnings and a better understanding of a branch of medicine, but things can go too far. All doctors are internists first, but as they train to become specialists and super-specialists, some get rusty on the basics because they end up examining patients with disorders related to one branch of medicine. Short cuts dont work Most patients today head to super-speciality hospitals at the first sign of fever, when all they need is what their mum would have recommended: paracetamol, water and a couple of days off work to get back on their feet. Its not that physicians worth hasnt been recognised. All hospitals have a department of medicine, but most patients choose go directly to specialists without referral because they assume a specialist would know better. Also, skipping referrals saves time and money on consultation fee, which are added incentives for patients. Read: Stigma deters asthmatics from using inhalers, say doctors But things can go wrong, as they did with Tyagi. Referral is needed in 10-15% cases only, and close to 90% of daily ailments can be taken care by a general physician, said Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain, who plans to set up 1,000 mohalla clinics and 150 polyclinics in Delhi by the end of 2016 that offer free physical check-ups, 406 essential medicines, 200 basic diagnostic tests and free routine immunization. These will refer only those patients who need advanced treatment and care to super speciality hospitals and in doing so, free up specialists and beds for those who really need it, he said. Doc on call Family physicians also understand each patients medical history better because of more frequent interaction, which equip them to give personal and continuing care to each. (Shutterstock) Five things to keep in mind when choosing a family physician: 1. Choose someone who is close to your home. 2. The doctor should be on call all the time. Since house calls are often not possible, (s)he should be available on the phone, whatsapp or text to guide you during an emergency. 3. The doctor should be attached to a hospital or nursing home so that he can oversee treatment in case you need hospitalisation. 4. Dont go for someone you are in awe of. You should be comfortable discussing your health problems as it makes diagnosis easier. 5. Visiting the same doctor or clinic helps to keep your health information records in one place. This will help a specialist about your over-all medical history, such as allergies or the medications you are on, etc . Follow @htlifeandstyle for more. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Thandie Newton has put the spotlight on sexual abuse in Hollywood saying she was a victim of a shocking situation when a movie director took advantage of her. The 43-year-old actor has made a name for herself over the years in movies such as Crash and Mission: Impossible II. Newton, in a new interview with W magazine, recalled how the director asked her to do inappropriate things during an audition. Read: No one asked Woody Allen about his alleged sexual crimes at Cannes I thought, OK, this is a little weird, but there was a female casting director in the room and Id done weird stuff before so I did it. Despite her concerns about the situation, Newton put it behind her and moved on with her life. But as she attended a film festival years later, she met a producer who had over indulged in alcohol, who told her: Oh, Thandie, Ive seen you recently!. And he lurched away looking really shocked that hed said that, she said. When Newtons husband Ol Parker asked the man to explain what he meant, the producer said that the director was showing that audition tape to his friends after poker games at his house. Read: Elijah Wood retracts sex abuse claim: I have no personal experience The actor has decided to speak out about the incident in the hope of making other young actresses understand that sort of situation is unacceptable. I was so so naive when I started out and I realise now that we have to prepare our kids Ive got two beautiful daughters, one is 16 one is 11. One person will read this and it will stop them getting sexually abused by a director. Thats the person Im interested in. Follow @htshowbiz for more On Wednesday, the NDA pledged to spend Rs 1 lakh crore more on government salaries, perks and pension in line with the seventh Pay Commissions recommendations. However, this led to junior employees threatening to go on strike, left non-IAS civil servants seething, and defence personnel certainly arent celebrating either. Within hours of the governments decision, junior employees who get the smallest hikes of 14% under the pay panels recommendations announced their call to go on strike. The highest raise approximately 25% went to top civil servants, secretary to the government and the cabinet secretary. We had asked the government to improve upon the recommendations but it stuck to the panels recommendations... This is very disappointing, said Shiva Gopal Mishra, convenor of the National Joint Council of Action that has representatives from federations of government employees. The council has called for an indefinite strike from July 11. Read | Seventh pay panel: Centre clears big hike for staff to boost spending The pay panel, and the Centres decision was driven by a study that concluded government employees at the lowest levels were paid a lot more than what a comparable job in the private sector fetches. For instance, a driver in the government gets a salary of over Rs 30,000. It costs less than half as much to hire a driver in the market. But why compare with the private sector. We are demanding that our salaries be at par with employees in public sector firms, is Mishras argument. Defence personnel, on the other hand, worry that the panel and the government diluted their parity vis-a-vis the civilian employees. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar earlier conceded that some of his suggestions had not been accepted. For one, defence officers complained that the rule for premier services, such as the IAS, that entitles officers to increments even if they have not been promoted had not been extended to them. Also, hardship allowances were tilted in favour of civilian officers who were paid more for serving in, say Leh, than the army officer serving at extreme places such as Siachen glacier. Read | 7th pay panel: A good salary hike is half the job done Non-IAS officers who had come to believe that they were just inches away from ending the monopoly IAS officers have over key government posts were unhappy too about the cabinet decision. All that we asked for was an equal opportunity to serve the government in senior positions... to remove the glass ceiling that blocks us from moving up the ladder, Mishra said. The provision could have enabled the government to cast a wider net to select the best officer for key posts. A revenue service officer said the demand for parity with the IAS essentially seeks to ensure that the best officer is selected for each post rather than reserve them for the IAS only. Under the cabinet decision, for instance, the department of personnel and home ministry consider the panels recommendation for parity with the Indian Police Service. But it isnt that all government servants are sulking. Nobody will mind the extra money that will come with the salary in July. At an individual level, an official said salaries in the government had improved over the last two decades and were enough to lead a comfortable lifestyle. In 2007, a year before a pay hike, a survey of government employees for the sixth pay commission revealed that half of them did not mind the lower salary and counted their association with the government as a significant non-monetary benefit. Curious decision Some of the resentment among employees may have to do with expectations fuelled by the generous pay hikes in 2008 when the government gave more than the panel recommended. The governments curious decision to implement the seventh pay commissions report in a piecemeal manner does not help either. Nobody really knows the extent of their own pay hikes. As Justice AK Mathur, who headed the pay panel, put it, the increase on account of allowances was a significant proportion of the pay slips. The cabinets decision only dealt with quantum of increase in the basic pay and pension part of the report. For allowances and pension related issues, it set up four committees, and gave departments concerned a free hand to implement the remaining recommendations on administrative issues or quietly chuck them into the bin. There is no clarity yet on why this was done. The finance ministry insists the government only wanted to give employees the benefit of the hike as soon as possible. But if the sixth pay commission could be processed in five months, why does the government believe it is more efficient not do the same now? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Three people were arrested on Thursday for allegedly abducting and killing a minor rape victim in Chhata Sikariha village, 50 km from Allahabad. The arrested people include father and two uncles of a teen accused of raping the seven-year-old girl three weeks ago. Two other accused are still absconding. The minor girl, who was raped by the 14-year-old boy of her village three weeks ago, was abducted and stabbed to death on June 28 in Mauaima area. The body of the girl was found on the outskirts of the village on June 29. An FIR was registered on a complaint filed by the girls mother, after which the boy was arrested and sent to juvenile home. However, the boys father, who is reportedly a close friend of the village head, allegedly started pressurising the victims family to withdraw the police complaint. The victims family however refused to succumb to pressure. On June 28, teens father and uncles allegedly abducted the minor girl and killed her. The incident sparked outrage among the locals who staged protest and blocked roads at the time of girls funeral. As the protests turned violent, the police had to resort to lathicharge. Mauaima police lodged an FIR on Thursday against 11 people, including the district general secretary of Apna Dal, in connection with the violence. Thousands of lawyers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Friday boycotted the courts amid protests against the alleged irregularities in the provisional allocation of judicial officers in the two states. Protests by judges of civil and criminal courts and tribunals have rocked Hyderabad for three weeks now with the lower court judges from Telangana alleging that the process of dividing judges between the two states is unfair. They say several judges from Andhra have been allocated to Telangana, a decision that will hurt the promotion prospects of local judges. The Telangana judges are also unhappy over the current status of the high court that is supposed to be shared between the two states. The protesters say the high court judges are biased against them and refuse to work under the Andhra judicial rulers. The suspension of 11 Telangana judges by the Hyderabad high court on disciplinary grounds has widened the rift in the judicial community of the two Telugu states. Thousands of lawyers from various parts of Telangana boycotted the courts in the state and converged at Indira Park in Hyderabad to take up Maha Dharna. They demanded that the suspension of the 11 judges be revoked and Andhra judges posted in Telangana be sent back to their native state by cancelling their options. Some of the agitating lawyers were arrested by police later. Telangana Advocates Joint Action Committee has threatened to intensify the agitation till the common high court was divided and options of Andhra judges were cancelled. We have decided to take the agitation to Delhi and stage a dharna there. Justice cannot be done to Telangana judicial officers unless the high court is divided, JAC convenor A Sriranga Rao said. He said from Saturday retired Telangana judges of high court and lower courts would also join the agitation to protest the suspension of the judges. Simultaneously, more than 40,000 lawyers across Andhra Pradesh boycotted work in protest against the assault on an Andhra judge in Warangal by Telangana lawyers on Tuesday. According to a complaint lodged with Warangal Police, first additional district and sessions judge KB Narasimhulu alleged that lawyers belonging to Warangal Bar Association vandalised his court, manhandled him and abused him in filthy language asking him to go back to Andhra. They staged a sit-in at their respective courts demanding that the Telangana government provide protection to Andhra lawyers working in various courts in the state and also the high court in Hyderabad. This is highly condemnable. If there is no security for judges, where is the security for common man from Andhra in Telangana? AP Lawyers Joint Action Committee convenor N Srihari asked. He clarified that the judicial officers have no regional bias and they have to work wherever they are posted. Since Hyderabad is the common capital for 10 years as per the AP Reorganisation Act, the Andhra judges have every right to seek the option to work in Hyderabad, he argued. AP home minister N Chinna Rajappa said it was unfortunate that the judiciary too was plagued with regionalism and casteism. The Centre should intervene and resolve the issue before the agitations take a serious turn, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For the upcoming 70th Independence Day, the centre is organising a week-long commemoration of the swadeshi (Indian) sentiment. On Prime Minister Narendra Modis instruction to involve the people of the nation in the celebration, the highlights of the programme will be patriotic film screenings, exhibitions showcasing the might of the three armed forces, and food and cultural festivals that capture Indias diversity. The idea is to generate a patriotic mood, and promote the rich cultural diversity of our country. The Prime Minister wants the general public to participate and not let the celebrations remain an event orchestrated by the government, an official said. The historic Rajpath in Lutyens Delhi will be the venue for this inter-ministry event, which will kick-off a few days before August 15. The Prime Ministers address to the nation and the flag-hoisting ceremony will be held according to tradition from the ramparts of the Red Fort. As was done during the Republic Day celebration at the Red Fort grounds, the tourism ministry has been roped in to organise a food festival, curating delicacies from various states. There will also be a pavilion dedicated to the three services, showcasing the valour of the men and their weaponry, said an official. The common theme, however, will be highlighting what makes India unique. The only hiccup so far is the disagreement over the venue for the screening of the patriotic films. While the defence ministry, which is anchoring the programme, is keen to have the screenings at Rajpath, alongside the other events, the information and broadcasting ministry is rooting for a proper venue such as the Sirifort Auditorium. The ministrys film division, which will organise the film festival, is learnt to have conveyed its disapproval of an open-air screening, citing logistical challenges and weather concerns. Earlier, in January, to mark the Republic Day, the government had organised a four-day festival at the Red Fort, showcasing cuisine and culture of different states. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Despite removal of banks from the market, capitalization of the banking system since early 2015 has grown by 18% or UAH 39 billion, to UAH 218 billion as of May 1, 2016, according to the presentation spread at a press conference of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU). According to the NBU, the number of banks over the period decreased from 147 to 109. After stress tests the charter capital of top 20 banks was increased by UAH 98.6 billion. The NBU anticipates the further growth of banks' capital under the schedule to bring capital to the minimum level. As of June 1, 2016, concentration in the banking sector was 829 (as of early 2016 793 and as of early 2015 564). The central bank said that the share of troubled loans in the banks' portfolios as of June 1, 2016 grew from 27% (declared by banks) to 36% after analyzing the quality of assets and to the anticipated 53% after stress tests. The NBU said that the banking sector is fully transparent now: disclosure of banks owners is 98.7%, with the remaining1.3% information about minority shareholders. Since early 2014, the number of banks decreased by 78, to 102 (as of June 30, 2016). Assets of banks removed from the market reached UAH 416 billion or 29.6% of total assets as of January 1, 2014. Total sum of guaranteed deposits is UAH 81.8 billion, including UAH 73.5 billion paid. The governments move to seek a report from the law panel on implementing a uniform civil code has triggered a political debate with the principal opposition Congress linking it to assembly elections early next year. The debate is also likely to resonate in the Parliament session beginning July 18. The law ministry has asked the Law Commission of India to examine and prepare a report on the contentious issue of enacting a uniform civil code, opposed by sections of minority communities. India has separate sets of personal laws for each religion governing marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance. While Hindu law overhaul began in the 1950s and continues, activists have long argued that Muslim personal law, which has remained mostly unchanged, is tilted against women. To end the confusion over personal laws, the Supreme Court has been advocating a uniform civil code. Sources said commission chairman justice (retd) Balbir Singh Chauhan has called a meeting of the full panel next week to deliberate on the matter. The panel is also likely to seek the views of the National Commission for Minorities on suggesting changes to the different personal laws relating to minority communities. Read | SC says will examine if triple talaq violates fundamental rights Sources said the commission could appoint separate teams to examine changes in law pertaining to marital law, property and succession and divorce laws. However, deliberations with various stakeholders could take several months and even a few years, they said. The move, coming barely months before the Uttar Pradesh elections and at a time when the triple talaq debate is on, led to the Congress questioning the governments motive. Is it not very interesting that whenever we come near major elections you throw Ayodhya issue, now uniform civil code day after, I am sure before another election Article 370 will come up, Abhishek Singhvi, Congress spokesperson told reporters on Friday. You shoot and scoot, has anything concrete ever been done by the government except this policy of deliberately creating divisive atmosphere, by deliberately raising and leaking such issues for just political gains? he said. CODE AND EFFECT India has separate sets of personal laws for each religion governingmarriage, divorce, succession,adoption and maintenance for each religion governingmarriage, divorce, succession,adoption and maintenance Hindu law was modernised in the1950s, but those for Christians andMuslims are colonial-era relics in the1950s, but those for Christians andMuslims are colonial-era relics If a uniform civil code is enacted, all personal laws will cease to exist It will do away with gender biases in Muslim law, Hindu law andChristian law that have been oftenchallenged by women on the groundthat they violate the right to equality in Muslim law, Hindu law andChristian law that have been oftenchallenged by women on the groundthat they violate the right to equality Polygamy, triple talaq andother such practices that are heavilybiased against women will becomehistory CONSTITUTIONALTANGLE Article 44 says thestate shall worktowards securing auniform civil codeacross the countryreplacing personallaws of various religiouscommunities says thestate shall worktowards securing auniform civil codeacross the countryreplacing personallaws of various religiouscommunities The provision is a partof the DirectivePrinciples of State Policythat are not enforceable by any court by any court But according toArticle 37, the governmentis duty-bound toapply these principlesin making laws. Senior BJP leader and minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended the move. The issue of uniform civil code is not new. The government has taken the right step to ask the law commission to give a report. This would widen the scope of academic discussion on the subject. The partys stand on the issue has changed over the years, marking a gentle shift on a sensitive subject. Its manifesto in 2009 said, There cannot be real gender equality till such time India adopts a uniform civil code which protects the rights of all women. The BJP, as a first step towards this constitutionally mandated direction, will set up a commission to draft a uniform civil code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times. By 2014, the partys position had become more nuanced. Article 44 of the Constitution of India lists uniform civil code as one of the directive principles of state policy. BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time India adopts a uniform civil code, which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draft a uniform civil code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times. Read | Uniform Civil Code is good but it can wait SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Gujarat High Court on Friday stayed the Central Information Commissions order asking the Gujarat University to provide information on the degree earned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. A division bench of chief justice R Subhash Reddy and justice VM Pancholi accepted the varsitys demand for stay. It also issued notices to Central Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu, the union government and Kejriwal seeking their responses and posted further hearing to September 6. The university had approached a single judge bench of the high court last week seeking to quash the CIC order. However, justice SH Vora only issued notices to the three respondents but did not stay the CIC order. The University then moved the division bench. Senior counsel Tushar Mehta, representing the GU, on Friday argued before the division bench that the varsity was not a party to proceedings before the Information Commission and no hearing was given to it before passing the order, in violation of principles of natural justice. On April 29, CIC directed Delhi University and Gujarat University to provide information on degrees earned by Modi to the AAP leader. CICs order came a day after Kejriwal wrote to Acharyulu saying he does not object to government records about him being made public and wondered why the Commission wanted to hide information on Modis educational qualification. AAP had questioned Modis BA and MA degrees, alleging discrepancies in certificates. In response, BJP president Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released copies of the Prime Ministers degrees. Days after a group of men were arrested for planning terror strikes in Hyderabad, MP Asaduddin Owaisi reiterated his anti-Islamic State (IS) stance on Friday. The chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad, Owaisi said he plans to invite prominent Syrian scholar, Muhammad Abul Huda al-Yaqoubi, known for his strident opposition to the IS, to his constituency. On June 29, five men were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of planning terror activities in the Telangana capital. Believed to be IS sympathisers, the group intended on carrying out a spate of attacks through the twin cities, investigators said. Read | Hyderabad IS module perfected IED, planned serial blasts in city I have always stood against the IS. The IS may be crushed militarily in the next few months but we need to crush it ideologically as well. I intend to bring scholars like Al-Yaqoubi or Hamza Yusuf to Hyderabad to tell the Indians the reality of IS, said Owaisi. Al-Yaqoubi was forced to flee Syria after he strongly opposed Bashar al-Assads regime and termed the IS as anti-Islam and its chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as a non-Muslim. Owaisi has also received threats in the past for his anti-IS sentiments. But I take it as a badge of honour, he said while talking to Hindustan Times. Last weeks arrest is the not the first IS-linked one; around 40 people have been detained or arrested across the country for links to the terrorist group. National security agencies have been dealing with growing concerns of young men taking to arms on behalf of the IS, with intelligence sources saying that more than 100 Indians are on a watch-list. When asked about the governments response in dealing with the issue, Owaisi was very critical. Here you are termed anti-national if you speak against the government. I am no less Indian than anyone in the government. This government tends to see things in black and white. It has no policy to deal with radicalism in the country. As for the group of local boys who were arrested on similar charges of being IS- sympathisers, Owaisi said the NIA needed to provide the evidence to support the charges. How should I believe that our boys were planning to throw meat in temples to incite communal violence? Last time when such an incident happened, two Hindus were found to be behind it. Therefore we will wait for matter to reach court, he said. According to the leader, families of some of the arrested told him the boys had nothing to do with the suspected terror activities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Muslim community in Hyderabads old city had just woken up for the Sahar prayers during the holy month of Ramzan on Wednesday when news broke of the arrest of five local young men on terror charges. The early-hour swoop shocked family members of the arrested youth but local residents said the arrests are part of a broader pattern of police picking up young Muslim men on flimsy grounds and putting them behind bars for years. Whenever there is a terror attack, the Hyderabadi Muslim is a vulnerable target. Except in a few instances, police could not prove cases, Ayub Ali Khan, a columnist told HT. He is not wrong. After the 2007 Mecca Masjid blasts, police took hundreds of Muslim men into custody and named 21 in a chargesheet, keeping them in jail for 18 months. All were acquitted in 2009 with the government paying `1 lakh to each of the 70 arrested men. The same year, police arrested more than 50 Muslim men from the old city after twin blasts at Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat. But charges against them could not be proved. Read | NIA busts IS module in Hyderabad, 11 sympathisers detained in raids After the February 2013 blasts at Dilsukhnagar, police and the NIA picked up local Muslim youth but released them later for want of evidence. Local residents fear that the men arrested on Thursday for being alleged Islamic State sympathizers will meet a similar fate. Earlier, police used to link these youth to outfits such as Students Islamic Movement of India, ISI, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Indian Mujahideen. Now, they take the IS name to arrest Muslim youth. This is atrocious, said Latif Mohammad Khan, president of the Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee fighting against the targeting of Muslim youth. I am sure police will not be able to establish cases but the youth may be in jail for four or five years. Who will give back their lost life? None of those arrested had any background of participating in protests, let alone militancy, local residents said, arguing such arrests increased insecurity among the community. They said Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani (30) was an engineering graduate and had worked in an e-commerce company. His brother Ilyas (24) recently completed his graduation. Both of them are very quiet and friendly. Both lost their parents at a young age, his uncle Parvaiz Quadri said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Indian Air Force will raise the first squadron of home-grown light combat aircraft Tejas with the induction of two aircraft into the force in Bengaluru on Friday. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will hand over the first two Tejas aircraft to the IAF for Flying Daggers 45 -- the name of the first squadron of the LCA. The aircraft are likely to perform a sortie during the induction ceremony. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before being moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in Tejas, had termed the aircraft as good for induction. Read: IAF chief flies Tejas fighter trainer in Bengaluru The IAF has said the idea is to have a total of six aircraft this financial year and around eight in the next. Tejas will feature in the combat plan of the IAF next year and will be deployed in forward bases also, it has said. Stating that LCA squadron should be formed by July, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned; this will go into initially replacing them. Here are five highlights of the aircraft: 1) The upgraded version of Tejas, with active electrically scanned array radar, unified electronic warfare suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced beyond-the-vision-range missiles, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. 2) While the idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in 1970s, actual work started on the aircraft only in the 1980s and the first flight took place in January. 3) As a fourth generation aircraft, Tejas can fly at 1,350 km per hour and is comparable to the worlds best fighters, including French Mirage 2000, American F-16 and Swedish Gripen. 4) As a single engined, multi-role supersonic fighter, Tejas weighs 8.5 tonnes and can carry three tonnes of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, laser guided bombs, guns, conventional/retarded bombs and beyond visual range missiles. 5) The LCA is superior to Pakistans JF-17 built jointly with China, the IAF has said. Tejas is far better than MiG-21s in terms of safety. The MiG-21s are old and their parts are difficult to get, defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said recently. Militants in the northeast and jihadists in adjoining Bangladesh are reportedly taking advantage of idle coal mines in Meghalaya to get an industrial explosive easier to carry than RDX a typical terrorists favourite. On Wednesday night, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel seized 30 packets of class-II Neogel explosives at Bholaganj in Meghalayas East Khasi Hills. The explosives were being carried by a man who melted into the forest after the border guards ordered him to stop. Bholaganj is close to the India-Bangladesh, and it is suspected that the man sourced the explosives from coal mines closed since National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole mining in April 2014 for Bangladeshi buyers across the border. The NGT had cracked down on Meghalaya coal mines after green activists attributed unscientific rat-hole mining it often involved child labour to degradation of the hill ecology and death of several water bodies. It was not the first time that Neogel, an ammonium nitrate-based explosive that is used in blasting mines, was seized on the border. In February, Meghalaya police recovered 16 Neogel-enriched improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the hideout of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army in South Garo Hills bordering Bangladesh. Neogel is not difficult to transport because it is used by certain industries. The explosives we seized were manufactured by a firm at Yenvera in Maharashtras Nagpur district, Harish Chandra, BSF deputy commandant, told Hindustan Times from Meghalaya capital Shillong. Intelligence officials say criminals were either pilfering Neogel from coal mine owners or firms in Meghalaya. This is a disturbing trend, an officer said. Neogel is also used for limestone and sandstone quarrying in Meghalaya. These quarries too have attracted criticism for destroying swathes of forest land. Neogel, which is hazardous when it comes into contact with metals such as copper, was used in the Jaipur serial blasts in May 2008. This explosive was also used in the Hyderabad blasts in August 2007. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The first squadron of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas -- christened Flying Daggers 45 -- was inducted into the Indian Air Force on Friday. Here are some facts about the design and development of the Light Combat Aircraft through the years. In 1983, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) got permission to initiate a programme to design and develop a Light Combat Aircraft. And the very next year Government of India set up Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) as the nodal agency developing the LCA and managing the programme. From 1985 - 2000 design and development of the LCA continued. First technology demonstrator, TD-1, rolled out on 17th November in the presence of then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao. (HT File Photo) A prototype of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas (HT File photo) On 4th January 2001 Wing commander Rajiv Kothiyal successfully flew the first flight of the Technology Demonstrator TD-1. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee named LCA Tejas meaning Radiance in ancient Indian language Sanskrit. From 2001 - 2009 Tejas improved itself gradually in its speed and target accuracy. It went through a lot of changes and updates both in technology and weapon systems. The LCA aircraft Tejas being made ready for the inaugural flight during the Aero India 2009 show at Yelahanka Air Base in Bangalore on Saturday. (PTI File Photo) The LCA aircraft Tejas showing its manoeuvres during the inaugural flight during the Aero India 2009 show at Yelahanka Air Base in Bangalore on Saturday. (PTI File Photo) LCA Tejas during Republic Day parade at Raj Path in New Delhi on Tuesday January 26, 2010. (Mohd Zakir/HT File Photo) On January 10, 2011, it was certified and cleared for combat service. Indian Air Force LCA Tejas fighter aircraft during the full dress rehearsal for Republic Day Parade at Rajpath on January 23, 2014 in New Delhi. (Mohd Zakir/HT File Photo) LCA Tejas during Republic Day parade at Raj Path in New Delhi on Tuesday January 26, 2014. (Mohd Zakir/HT File Photo) On January 17, 2015, IAF gets first indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas - The LCA Tejas Series Production-1 (SP1) was handed over by defence minister Manohar Parrikar to Indian Air Force chief air marshal Arup Raha in Bengaluru. On January 21-23, 2016, Tejas participates for the first time in an International Air Show in Bahrain. Present day On Friday the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the two LCAs to the Indian Air Force. IAF officers had earlier said that the first LCA squadron will be based in Bengaluru in Karnataka for two years before shifting to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Starting with two aircraft, the squadron will get six more jets by 2017 to make it fully operational. The LCA is far superior to Pakistans JF-17 built jointly with China, the IAF had mentioned. The indigenous fighter jet, which is still to get full operational clearance, is expected to get into combat role next year, officials had said. IAFs squadron number 45, Flying Daggers, has to its credit the shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 km northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. The squadron, which was based at Nalia air base in Gujarat, was flying the MIG-21 Bis at that time. The first Tejas squadron will consist of 20 aircraft, with four in reserve. Source : http://tejas.gov.in/ A man suspected to have murdered a 24-year-old woman IT professional in Chennai was arrested on Friday night in Tirunelveli district, police said. After stalking her for months, the man had allegedly murdered S Swathi using a sickle last week. Ram Kumar, an engineering graduate, was arrested in Tirunelveli. Kumar, a native of Shencottah near Tirunelveli, was staying in Choolaimedu area of Chennai where Swathi had lived for quite some time. He was taken to a hospital for treatment after he allegedly attempted to commit suicide, police said. The motive of the killing is being investigated and other probe-related details in the case are being awaited, police said. 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 on June 24. Flying the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) after its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) was like being on top of the world, said Group Captain Madhav Rangachari on Friday. I felt like being on top of the world when flying the Tejas fighter. Its an honour and a privilege to pilot the inaugural flight of the LCA soon after its induction, Rangachari told reporters after a 10-minute solo sortie under a cloudy sky and windy conditions. The 40-year-old test pilot is the commanding officer of the IAFs 45 squadron nicknamed Flying Daggers. With 3,000 flying hours experience, Rangachari was part of the Mirage 2000 squadron before flying the multirole Tejas since a year. Taking off from the IAFs Aircraft System Testing Establishment (ASTE) tarmac in the citys eastern suburb and adjacent to the defence airport of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Rangachari flew the multi-role supersonic fighter up to 1,500 feet altitude at 900 km speed (450 knots) within visual range in the Bengaluru sky. I could do only horizontal profile and not vertical due to the cloudy sky. Its an excellent aircraft and generation ahead of other fighters in the world. Being the only of its kind (light combat), its not comparable with other military aircraft, Rangachari asserted. Read: Tejas deserves one cheer today, maybe two later Though the aircraft did not have weapons under its wings for the sortie, Rangachari said he had flown it with air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs during test flights and had verified its strike power. For flight demonstrations and aerobatics, we do not carry weapons, though Tejas is capable of flying with four-tonne payloads, including missiles and bombs and hitting targets accurately, Rangachari claimed. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is inducted into the 45 Squadron (flying dagger) of the IAF at a ceremony, at HAL (ASTE) in Bengaluru. (PTI Photo) As the Tejas squadron will operate from Bengaluru for the next two years before moving to its designated air base at Sulur near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the air force will deploy more test pilots and technicians to fly them for final operational clearance and training. The squadron has six test pilots, 20 technicians to fly the LCA and more fighter pilots will join us, as we induct two more of them this year and three more next year when delivered by HAL, Rangachari said. On landing after a flawless flight demo, the olive green aircraft was greeted with a water salute as it taxied onto the base from the runway. Read: IAF inducts 1st Tejas squadron: 10 things to know about the warplane Efforts are underway to rescue a one-year-old girl who fell into a 700 feet deep borewell on Friday morning in Bijawadiya village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Neha, daughter of Vijay Singh Gehlot, was playing outside her grandfather Phusarams house when she fell into a borewell, which was opened on Friday morning for repair works. However, till noon, there was no progress in the rescue, police and army personnel involved in the rescue said. Today, at about 7 AM, she was playing outside the house close to the borewell which was covered with a gunny bag. While playing, the girl stepped onto the borewell and fell into it with the gunny bag, District Magistrate V C Mallik said. The borewell is 10 inches in diameter. The revolving loan provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy to buy natural gas foresees gas purchases only on the European market under clear rules and via approved traders that passed the preliminary and final qualification, the bank has told Interfax-Ukraine. "Gazprom was not among these traders," the bank told Interfax-Ukraine in response to the request to comment the information from Naftogaz Ukrainy Head Andriy Kobolev that there is an agreement with the EBRD to use the money to buy gas from Gazprom. "The recent agreement we managed to achieve with the EBRD foresees that a part of the funds could be used to buy gas from the east as well," Kobolev said on June 30. The bank added that there were no changes in the project with Naftogaz compared to the conditions when the loan was used at the end of last year and early this year. The bank recalled that the project envisages the provision of funds and it is related to the progress on the way of reforms, in particular, the creation of the supervisory board, division of functions and this is outlined in the plan agreed with Naftogaz Ukrainy and creditors. "If there were no progress, the process could be suspended," the bank said. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday hit out at Narendra Modi accusing him of taking credit for the achievements of his AAP government in yet another Twitter war against the Prime Minister. Kejriwals tweet came after the Union ministry of commerce and industry released an advertisement in prominent newspapers, saying ease of doing business has been made easier at every step by the central government. In a section titled Delhi, the advertisement said that all sub-registrar offices were digitised and records integrated with the land records department among other initiatives led by the Centre. Registration of VAT is being done without the need for field verification by VAT inspector through Delhi VAT Sewa App, another measure read. These were among the 10 other initiatives listed under Delhi. Modi govt counts Del Govts achievements as its own [sic], Kejriwal tweeted with a photograph of the advertisement. Modi ji can take all the credit, if that is what he wants. But please allow Arvind Kejriwal Govt to work [sic], Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashish Khetan also said on Twitter. This is not the first time Kejriwal and the Modi-led government have indulged in a war of words. The Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party government have been at loggerheads with Kejriwal regularly accusing the Centre of not allowing his government to work. Kejriwal has also accused the Union government of intimidating his officers in the name of CBI probe. The arrest of party legislator Dinesh Mohaniya on charges of molestation and criminal intimidation also fueled the blame game between the two parties. Mohaniya accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of hatching a conspiracy to implicate him in a false case and said the central government under Modi failed to deliver on what the saffron party promised during elections while the AAP government set a benchmark in good governance. The AAP also wrote to the Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung demanding that he and anti-corruption bureau chief MK Meena should be made co-accused in four cases related to alleged scams during former chief minister Sheila Dikshits tenure. The AAP legislators put forward their demand after the ACB filed a complaint against their leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Dikshit in the Rs 400 crore water tanker scam of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The BJP, on the other hand, says its allegations are a diversionary tactic as the Kejriwal-led government has failed todo any work in Delhi. Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday clarified the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his council of ministers was an exercise of accountability and had nothing to do with a cabinet reshuffle. What we have achieved on Thursday is really an exercise of accountability as Modi takes a keen interest in accountability, Javadekar said here. Modi on Thursday met his council of ministers in New Delhi and reviewed important projects and works of various ministries. Under Modis leadership there is an accountable government, so all ministers sit together once a month. We take stock of progress of work in accordance with the budget announcements made in the last three years. That was happening yesterday (Thursday) and there is no connection with reshuffle, Javadekar contended. India on Friday ruled out involvement of terror group Boko Haram in the abduction of two Indians from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria, and said it appears that local criminals were involved. The duo -Mangipudi Sai Srinivas (from Andhara Pradesh) and his colleague Anish Sharma (from Karnataka)- were travelling to Dangote Cement Plc Plant in a car from their residential quarters around 7.20 pm on Wednesday when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. I have obtained a detailed report on the two Indian nationals Sai Srinivas and Anish Sharma who have been abducted in Nigeria. I have ... spoken to Mrs.Lalita Srinivas. I have assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup described the abduction as nothing surprising or new in that area, saying such incidents keep happening there. Asserting that there has been no ransom demand so far, the spokesperson said, As far as our information goes there is no hand of terror group Boko Haram and it seems local criminal elements were responsible for the act. He also said Indian mission in Abuja was in touch with Nigerian authorities in the matter and the ministry was hopeful that they will return safely. Asked about the status of another abductee Judith DSouza, an Indian aid worker, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month, Swarup said during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on the sidelines of SCO Summit last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani assured that his security and intelligence agencies were making all efforts for her safe release. In this regard, the spokesperson once again reiterated governments advisory asking all citizens not to undertake non-essential travel to disturbed areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen Indias engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Ministers visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate Indias ties. The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Indias current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modis first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. Indias ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects Indias desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners, said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. President Pranab Mukherjee congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday on the successful test-firings of a medium-range missile and said it should make greater efforts to boost Indias indigenous defence capabilities. Mukherjee said the nation was proud of the achievement made by the DRDO. I extend hearty congratulations to all those associated with the successful test-firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), developed jointly with Israel. The nation is proud of the achievement made by DRDO and looks upon DRDO to make even greater efforts to boost Indias indigenous defence capabilities in technologically challenging areas, the President said in a message to director general of the institution S Christopher. Mukherjee said the nation is grateful to all the members -- scientists, engineers and all others involved in this mission -- for their hard work and proud of their achievement. India on Thursday carried out two successful test-firings of the new missile, with a strike range up to 70km, from a defence base off Odisha coast. It was again test-fired on Friday. Maintaining his assertion that India was reluctant to hold dialogue with Pakistan, prime ministers adviser on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz on Friday stated that, New Delhi was using excuses like the Pathankot attack to further delay talks with Islamabad on a range of issues crucial to both nations. Speaking in an interview, Aziz said that the priority for Pakistan has always been improved relations with its neighbours including India, and it remains so because without that, Islamabads economic goals and revivals cannot be achieved. But of course, it takes two to achieve that objective and India so far has not responded. In one excuse or other, they delay dialogue. In the first case, after Prime Minister Modis inaugural ceremony, the two Foreign Secretaries could not meet because the High Commissioner met Kashmiri leaders, and they have been meeting for 20 years, so that was hardly an excuse, Aziz stated. Asserting that Pathankot was no grounds for dialogues to be cancelled, Aziz added that talks also include terrorist related activities and both nations can also exchange progress reports on that basis also. Thats why I think that everyone in the world has been emphasising that when two countries have problems, they resume dialogue. The non resumption of dialogue is a problem, he said. WATCH: Post Pathankot,dialogue(Indo-Pak)got suspended,don't see why such incidents shld suspend dialogue-Sartaj Azizhttps://t.co/oFOTFcHHw2 ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 Aziz further stated that Pakistan has tried to ensure that the relationship remains cordial, including no tensions on the LOC and the normal trading continues, so that if the relationship cannot improve, it should not deteriorate either. To that extend, I think we have succeeded. So we will continue to insist and urge that we should resume dialogue on all issues and try to improve out relation both in economic and non economic fields, Aziz said. However India today, flatly refused Azizs statements saying that it has never shied away from any engagement with the hostile neighbour and is prepared to discuss any issue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. As far as the comments of Sartaj Aziz are concerned, I would say that India has never ever shied away from any engagement with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally, in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media. Adding that it was Prime Minister Modi who yet again took the decision to travel to Lahore on a very short notice on December 25 last year, Swarup stated that Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar was prepared to go to Pakistan in the first half of January this year to hold initial discussions on the modalities of the comprehensive bilateral dialogue, but the Pathankot incident intervened. After that incident of Pathankot, it was a natural and legitimate acceptation of both the governments and the people of India, that there should be concrete action from Pakistan which has not denied of the involvement of its nationals in the attack, Swarup added. Read: Not shying away from talks, prepared to discuss all issues with Pak: India Following Prime Minister Modis statement where he placed the onus of stalled talks on Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz claimed that New Delhi was avoiding dialogue with Islamabad to avoid negotiations on crucial issues such as Kashmir. In an interview to Times Now, Prime Minister Modi had said that due to his diplomatic efforts, India was not reluctant to engage with Pakistan. Our approach has created difficulties for Pakistan, and they find it hard to respond on the matter in the international community, he said. The dialogue between the hostile neighbours hit a major roadblock after the attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January. The Union ministry of drinking water and sanitation is bringing in a host of out-of-box ideas to give Prime Minister Narendra Modis pet Swachh Bharat campaign a reboot in rural areas. The ministry, which is led by Chaudhary Birender Singh, realised that the usual run-of-the-mill approach wont work if rural India has to meet the 2019 target set by Modi to become open defecation free (ODF). Since 2014, when the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched, around one crore toilets have been built in rural areas as against the target of 12 crore by 2019. From organising monthly chai pe charcha of collectors of better performing districts with rural development minister to holding virtual classrooms for villagers and community workers to motivate them to start using toilets, the ministry is trying to give a boost to the programme. In a first, the ministry is selecting champion collectors who are ahead of others in meeting target from 116 districts in rural India which have to become ODF by March 2017. In the chai pe charcha with the Union RD minister and the collector meet and share their experience and challenges they are facing in implementing the program. Initiatives like this go a long way in motivating the collector of far-flung districts who rarely gets an opportunity to interact with Union ministers, Parmeshwaram Iyer, secretary of drinking water and sanitation, said. The second such tea-meeting with the minister happened on Wednesday. Iyer said that in the last three-four months there has been a shift in focus of the campaign. From the earlier emphasis on only building toilets, we are now trying to move towards bringing behavioural change among the people to use toilets. There has been a realisation that not enough emphasis was being put on usage, he said. Brought in from World Bank by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a fixed two-year contract to head the cleanliness campaign in rural India, Iyer has also set targets for himself. He has a dashboard in office in which he has written three figures that he updates every day number of days he has been in the job, days left, and how many villages are left to become ODF. I update the figures every day to remind myself the target and challenge in hand. This keeps me on my toes all the time, he told HT. Iyer concedes that unlike countries like Vietnam where he had worked in sanitation projects of World Bank, in India the challenges are different. To start with the scale here is huge. But the good thing is that this time around with the PM directly involved, the political will is there to make the program a success, he said. The ministry has also started holding virtual classes for community workers and villagers where they are told about the benefits of using toilets. We have roped in master trainers who take these classes. We have also started bringing international experts to interact with officials and give ideas to improve the program, an official said. Besides, villages and states which meet the target will also be given monetary incentives. The incentive scheme is aimed at fostering competition among states to do well, he added. More than three decades after it was conceived, the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas formed its first squadron for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday with two jets. The much-delayed home-grown project was approved in 1983 as a replacement for the IAFs ageing MiG fighters. The first craft was handed over to the air force in January 2015 by defence minister Manohar Parrikar. Read | First Tejas squadron with two jets to be ready on July 1 The Tejas variant inducted into the IAF at a ceremony in Bengaluru is in its initial operational clearance (IOC) configuration and comes with limited capabilities. Subsequent versions are expected to pack a powerful punch for the air force. Multi-religious prayer ceremonies were held at the induction ceremony. #WATCH Bengaluru: Two Tejas aircrafts, that are 'Made in India', to be inducted in Indian Air Force today.https://t.co/NIkBQxYWjr ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 Heres a quick take on the aircraft: 1) The LCA was conceived as a project in 1982, but sanctioned only nine years later. The project suffered due to sanctions imposed by the United States after India conducted nuclear tests in May 1998. 2) The aircrafts indigenous content is around 65%. The per-unit cost of the warplane is expected to be upwards of Rs 150 crore. 3) The variants to follow will be in the final operational clearance (FOC) configuration, and another modified model called Tejas Mk-1A will be introduced. 4) The newer variants will have additional long-range weapons, superior radar, advanced electronic warfare suite and mid-air refuelling capability. 5) The first squadron is being raised with two fighters at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, with another six to eight warplanes likely to be inducted next year, enabling it to be deployed at a forward airbase in accordance with the IAFs war plans. The IAF plans to induct 120 Tejas crafts over the next decade. 6) The single-engine planes are being manufactured by Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. 7) The count of IAFs fighter squadrons has shrunk to 33 compared to a desirable strength of 42, a capability gap the air force is struggling to fill. The induction of the LCA will help it counter depleting force levels. 8) In IOC configuration, the warplanes will have air defence and ground attack capabilities. These features include delivering air-to-air missiles and smart weapons. 9) In May 2015, a Comptroller and Auditor General report revealed that Tejas was riddled with 53 significant shortfalls that could compromise its survivability in combat. 10) Around18-19 deficiencies relating to maintenance are still to be taken care of. However, all shortcomings relating to flight safety have been addressed. In a major milestone in the military aviation in the country, the first squadron of home- grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into IAF with two fighter planes joining the force. State-run HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF, which makes up the first squadron named Flying Daggers, at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment. A Tejas aircraft flown by commanding officer group captain Madhav Rangachari performed a sortie during the induction ceremony, attended by air marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command and senior HAL executives. #WATCH: The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas take first flight in Bengaluru after being inducted into IAFhttps://t.co/zWuF85y2AU ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The aircraft was named Tejas (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, who on May 17 took his maiden flight in Tejas, had given the thumbs up to the desi aircraft, terming it good for induction. Read | IAF inducts 1st Tejas squadron: 10 things to know about the warplane IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. The LCA Tejas will replace the IAFs crash prone Soviet era MiG-21 jets. (HT File Photo) Defence minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this month said here next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned. This will go into initially replacing them. LCAs are better than MiGs which are old and parts are difficult to get, he had said. All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes, including four in reserve. As per the plan, 20 would be inducted under the Initial Operational Clearance and another 20 later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and certain other features. IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. Read | 400 more fighter jets in Indian Air Forces vision 2030 The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced BVRs, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. The idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in the 1970s, but actual work started on the aircraft project only in the 1980s. The first flight took place in January 2001 after the project often ran into rough weather and came in for criticism over delay. Ignored for the chief ministers position, red-faced Marxist veteran VS Achuthanandan is set to don the greasepaint. Age might have dented nonagenarian VSs political ambitions, but the 93-year-old is still a hero in the reel world. In the film titled Campus Diary, Achuthanandan will play himself, as a favourite crusader of the middle-class. The shooting will begin in north Malabars Koothuparamba next week. Mainstream actors such as Sudev Nair, Mammokoya and Gautami Nair will rub shoulders with the veteran in the film. The film revolves around burning ecological issues of the world. We all think about today not tomorrow. Since green issues are close to the heart of VS, we thought of roping him in, said producer CK Sarasappan. The plot revolves around a group of students who accidentally reach a village in the midst of a severe drought. They find that a gushing river once flowed through the village but dried up due to mindless exploitation, and begin a mass movement to restore the course of the river. Hearing about the efforts of the students, VS goes to the village to express solidarity with them. Once he reaches the village, he takes on the mantle. We find him best-suited for the role, said the producer. For the sulking VS, this new role will be an interim relief. Though the central leadership of the party approved a suitable position for him, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his arch-rival in the party, is in no mood to accommodate him. In the just-concluded state assembly election, the veteran leader had crisscrossed the state with the vigour of a young man, but was overlooked when the party rose to power. When announcing the elevation of Pinarayi as CM, party general secretary Sitaram Yechury dubbed the old warhorse the Fidel Castro of India. Now his detractors often call him Kerala Castro. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved a plan to restructure national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy with separation of gas transportation and gas storage operations. An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that the decision was made at a government meeting in Kyiv on Friday. According to the amendments made to the resolution under a proposal of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, Naftogaz Ukrainy will select candidates to the supervisory board who are involved in transportation and are not involved in gas production and gas supplies. The Naftogaz Ukrainy division plan was approved to execute the Third Energy Package of the European Union (EU) and the law on the natural gas market. The United States has expressed disappointment over India not getting entry into the NSG and asserted that it would continue to work constructively with other countries of the group for New Delhis inclusion in the 48-nation atomic trading bloc. Were not going to let that go, state department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Thursday. Were obviously disappointed that India was not admitted during this recent session, but I can tell you that were going to continue to work constructively with India and all the other NSG members on Indias accession in the months ahead, Kirby said while responding to a question. He added that India has a strong record and the US believes it deserves to be included in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Thats why the administration, including senior White House and state department officials, made a concerted effort and I do mean concerted effort to secure Indias membership in the recent NSG plenary that was held in Seoul, we talked about this, Kirby said.. A young woman allegedly murdered her alcoholic husband when he fought with her and tried to take away the laptop she had won for topping the Class 8 exams three years ago. Married off at just 16 years of age, the topper had to drop out of school. Her husband, Harphool, 20, a resident of Kanota, worked at an automobile showroom and was an alcoholic. His incessant demands for money to fuel his addiction often led to heated arguments between the couple. The friction reached its peak on Thursday morning, when Harphool tried to sell his wifes only prized possession the laptop. Police said Harphool argued that since his wife was no longer a student, she did not need the laptop. A scuffle ensued and in a fit of rage the girl picked up one of the rocks that were kept in the house to balance matkas (earthen pots to store drinking water) and hit Harphool in the head, said deputy commissioner of police (east) Kunwar Rashtradeep. Since the rock was a heavy one, Harphool collapsed immediately after a single blow. The girl then called her parents and Harphool was rushed to SMS Hospital, where he was declared dead by the doctors. Rashtradeep said the girl was arrested and sent to a juvenile correctional centre for women on Thursday. The investigation is being conducted and since she is a minor, it will be decided that under which sections the case will be lodged against her. Prima facie it appears that the murder happened in the spur of the moment and wasnt premeditated, said the deputy commissioner. The girls family lives at village Toda Bilond near Jamwaramgarh. The ceasefire in recent hostilities between the warring saffron allies seems to be working. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis shared a dais at a government function on Friday and sent out a message to the cadre that the top leadership in both parties are willing to work together. The sharing of the dais at Mahim Nature Park was a message in itself, given that the BJP has been using protocol as an excuse to not give Thackeray a seat on the centrestage during state functions because he is technically not part of the government. This has, in the past, left the Sena fuming. HT had reported on Thursday that a truce was in the offing after finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar called on Thackeray at his residence Matoshree, to invite him for a state function to plant two crore saplings on July 1. Mungantiwar not only invited the Sena chief, but also extended an olive branch to end the ongoing wrangling. Thackeray, who planted a sapling, told the audience, I was asked if Ill go for this function. I said, why not? I am here to appreciate this initiative with an open heart and I will always praise good initiatives by the government. Not just that. Whenever required, I will stand with the government to back such schemes. Fadnavis also took a step to quell naysayers. Thackerayji planted the sapling, I watered it..you should see the significance in this. We are confident we will make Maharashtra green and the sapling we have planted will grow into a strong banyan tree, Fadnavis said. The truce comes just before a proposed cabinet expansion at the Centre and the state government, with indications now that the Sena may finally get its second cabinet portfolio this time in Delhi, besides two to three junior posts in Maharashtra. Sources told HT the BJP government is also seeking a smooth Parliament session, which will begin soon, and doesnt want trouble from any of its allies. In the state, the BJP is staring at mini assembly elections, starting from October 2016 with 26 Zilla Parishads, nine civic corporations and more than 200 Panchayat Samitis going to polls. It does not want to take on the Sena and the Congress-NCP in these elections. At the end of the day, they [Sena] dont have anyone else but us and the same goes for us. Neither of us can tie up with the Congress or the NCP. We have to accept it, said a senior BJP functionary. The confession of Shyamwar Rai, the co-accused-turned-witness in the Sheena Bora murder case, gives a detailed account of the murder, including how Indrani Mukerjea sat on Sheenas face after killing her. Rai describes how Indrani came up with the plan with her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and how it was executed with the drivers help. Rai has, however, not attributed any role to Indranis husband Peter Mukerjea, who is also an accused in the case. In his confession, which was recorded in Hindi, Rai said Indrani contacted him through her personal assistant, Kajal Sharma, in the last week of March 2012. He said Indrani spoke to him on Skype and revealed her plans to eliminate her two children Sheena and Mikhail. Indrani told Rai that she trusted him a lot and that he should not speak about anything to anyone. She had told Rai that she would take care of his childrens education and the medical needs of his family, according to the confession. Indrani also offered a full-time job to Rai, before saying that she wanted to kill Sheena and Mikhail because there were lots of fights happening over property. Indrani had also said Sheena was in a relationship with Rahul Mukerjea, Peters son from an earlier marriage. Indrani told Rai that he need not worry about anything and all he had to do was drive the car. Indrani had told Rai that a man from Kolkata will help out with the plan. He said that immediately after the murder, Indrani asked him to drive towards Taj Lands End, a hotel. Indrani madam mujhe boli hotel Taj Lands le lo aur mujhe boli thi 3 BHK flat Sheena ko mil gaya. Indrani Madam Sheena ke muh ke upar baith gaye (Indrani madam asked me to drive towards Taj Lands End. She sat on Sheenas face and then said Sheena has got her 3BHK flat), he has said in the confession. The driver said that after the murder, while Indrani went to Taj Lands End, Khanna left them soon after the murder. He said that the three of them later met in Indranis house in Marlow building. They kept Sheenas body in a bag and kept the bag in the garage. Rai said that when he went to Indranis house along with Khanna, Indrani and Mikhail were drinking. Madam muze boli, Mikhail kitna daru pita hai, abhi tak behosh nahi hua. Fir, Khanna bola, Mikhail ko badme dekhte hai. Do do bodies alag alag jagah pe kaise leke jayenge? (Madam told me, how much does Mikhail drink, he still hasnt lost his consciousness. Then Khanna said, we will see Mikhail later. How will we carry two bodies at the same time)? said the confession. Rai said the next morning, the three of them he, Indrani and Khanna - left to dispose of her body and burn it in a forested area in Gagode village of Raigad district on April 24, 2012. The Rs 9.16-crore Thane heist was part of a revenge plot allegedly hatched by two employees of a cash management firm, police said on Friday. The details of the plot came to light after the arrest of six of the accused; 15 others are still at large. The arrested were identified as Amol Arun Karle, 26; Mayur Rajendra Kadam alias Ajinkya, 21; Akash Chandrakant Chavan alias Chingya, 27; and Nitesh Bhagwan Ahwad, 22 from Thane; and Umesh Suresh Wagh, 28, and Harish Chand Uttam Mathe, 30, from Nashik. We have recovered Rs 3.12 crore from the six arrested, a few of whom have criminal backgrounds, Thane police commissioner Param Bir Singh said. The alleged masterminds of the robbery were close friends Chavan and Karle. Police said the robbery plot was hatched after Chavan was fired from Checkmate Service Private Limited in February over some disagreement. (Chavan) set his friend (Karle) up in the firm in March, following which they plotted the robbery for revenge and financial gain, said a senior police inspector from Thane crime branch. Karle passed on information about the firm and the time of arrival of the cash to Chingya. They then planned to rob [the firm] on Tuesday morning before the cash was to be deposited in the banks, he added. On the day of robbery, Chingya led the team and planned its execution. He also decided the rendezvous point in Nashik for the gang to assemble after the heist. As planned, eight masked men, armed with firearms and knives, attacked the office of Checkmate Private Service Ltd on Tuesday morning. When they didnt find the money in the van parked outside, they stormed the office and made away with Rs 9.16 crore. After the robbery, the accused met in a village near Nashik and distributed the money, after which they left to their respective places, N Kadam, an officer of the Thane Anti-Extortion Cell, said. A police team is on the trail of the 15 people who are believed to have fled to other states after the heist. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: The group of alleged Islamic State sympathisers arrested in Hyderabad managed to successfully test an improvised explosive device (IED) and intended to use it for carrying out serial blasts in the city, sources said. The detention and arrest of 11 IS sympathisers were the culmination of a more than sixmonth-long operation in which they were kept under watch by security agencies. In a lawfully intercepted call by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), two members of the group discussed the test of an item which was successful. The conversation also noted that the item had a range of around 70 metres and it was tested with using sand bags as well. The conversation took place on Friday, June 24, five days before they were picked up and will form an important part of evidence against the suspects during a trial. They were definitely discussing the fabrication of an IED. They had gathered enough explosives to make at least 30 to 40 IEDs which they intended to use anytime in the city. This was the first group of IS-sympathisers busted so far in the country that managed to make IED, a senior NIA official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said. The NIA initially summoned 11 men in connection with their linkages with the group. Five of them named in the FIR Mohammed Ibrahim Yazdani alias Ibbu, 30, Habeeb Moham med alias Sir ,32, Mohammed I ly as Yazdani, 24, Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Amoodi alias Fahad 31, and Muzaffar Hussain Rizwan, 29 were formally arrested on Wednesday. According to an NIA spokesperson, t he remaining six men called for questioning along with the five formally arrested were released late on Wednesday night but have been summoned for questioning again on Thursday. During searches at the hideouts of the group, the agency recovered chemicals suspected to be urea/Ammonium Nitrate powder and t heir mixture with sugar, as well as bottles containing mineral acid, Acetone, Hydrogen Peroxide that are precursor substances for making deadly explosive substances. Our forensic experts have found the explosives recovered to be of very high quality, said the NIA official. NIA chief Sharad Kumar said that the alleged IS sympathisers are well-educated and at least two of them are engineers while one is a management graduate. They are from well-to-do families. They were in touch with an IS handler known as Yusuf al-Hindi, who is believed to be in Syria, Kumar said. Intelligence agencies suspect al-Hindi to be Shafi Armar, a Bhatkal native who started the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen and later went to Afghanistan to fight the US. As the IS brand expanded, al-Hindi, along with other associates, reached Syria join its fighters. The group had procured two 9mm Chinese pistols from Nanded in Maharashtra and an air gun as well these were used by the sympathisers to practice target shooting at an isolated place in Hyderabad. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday demanded more evidence from India on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in order to bring the case to its logical end, the foreign office spokesperson said here. Foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry has written a letter to concerned authorities across the border and has demanded further details regarding the evidence linking Pakistan to the attacks, spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said, adding that Islamabad would bring the Mumbai attacks case to its logical end. Zakaria said the response from the Indian side is still awaited. But the spokesperson did not elaborate when exactly the letter was written. Pakistan had arrested seven Lashkar-e-Toiba linked terrorists, including presumed mastermind of the 26/11 attacks Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, for their role in the 2008 attacks in which 166 people were killed and over 350 injured. Lakhvi, living at an undisclosed location in Pakistan, was released from jail on bail last year. The other six suspects are lodged in a Rawalpindi jail. India has been urging Pakistan to complete the trial at the earliest. It has said that enough evidence has been shared with Islamabad to prosecute the accused. However, Pakistani officials say India has not provided enough evidence needed to successfully complete the trial. Responding to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis interview to a news channel, Zakariya said the civil and military leadership of Pakistan were on the same page. The Pakistani nation feels proud of its armed forces, he said. Modi in his interview earlier this week asserted that there were different types of forces operating in Pakistan and it was difficult to ascertain whom to engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, the foreign office spokesperson said that the only way to resolve tensions between India and Pakistan was through dialogue. He stated that Islamabad was ready to hold dialogue with New Delhi. KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) says it is carrying out a survey in West Bengal of Hindus forced out of their homes and deprived of their property, a move that has potential to stoke communal tensions. The survey was a precursor to a nation-wide exercise, international working president of the VHP Praveen Togadia told HT in an exclusive interview on Wednesday night, a few days after similar claims of Hindu families migrating out of Kairana town in Uttar Pradesh made headlines but were found to be untrue. Every village, every locality in cities and towns will be surveyed by us to find out where Hindus were forced to migrate under threat or force, said Togadia, who was barred from entering West Bengal after a rally in April 2015. On Thursday, the VHP announced in Delhi its new campaign palayan nahi parakram (no migration, but aggression) that it says would teach Hindus to fight for their rights. We dont necessarily mean fighting with arms when we say parakram If you resist being forced out and fight attacks against you, it is also parakram (aggression), Surendra Jain, international joint general secretary of VHP, said. Jain said that Hindus and Muslims have blood ties but cautioned that if Hindus are not protected, there would be consequences. The proclamation is especially worrisome for Bengal where 27% of the population, or 24.7 million, is Muslim, the second highest for a state in India. The VHP has marshalled its village and block units for the Bengal survey. It is not a question of a small town in UP but it has happened throughout the country, be it West Bengal or Maharashtra or Gujarat, Togadia said. Migration was a human rights issue and they would raise it at all possible platforms -- state assemblies, Parliament, judiciary and rights panels, Togadia said. But Trinamool leaders warned that the party would thwart, politically, attempts to create discord in the state. This is Bengal, not UP. Here, we all live peacefully, said TMC leader Sheikh Nurul Islam. Seeking a judicial probe into the alleged exodus of Hindus from Kairana, Jain said the Centre should undertake a nation-wide survey to collate data on demographic imbalance. The VHP has also thrown its weight behind the Gau Raksha Dal, which was recently accused of force-feeding cow dung to beef transporters. When the state fails to implement the law, it becomes imperative for people to do the needful. If a woman is being raped, people should not watch as bystanders Jain said. It has also disapproved of the idea of allowing Islamic banks in the country, pointing out that it would be in contravention of the banking laws. Even where there are Islamic banks, they have been directly and indirectly found linked to terror activities, Jain said. The city police swung into action on Thursday evening and managed to create a green corridor from Fortis Hospital in Sector 62 to Ghazipur on the Delhi-UP border. At stake was the life of a nine-year-old boy who had been admitted to Fortis Hospital and was critical. His father had decided to shift him to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi and sought the polices help. With the creation of a green corridor, the ambulance carrying the boy crossed the 11-km stretch in six minutes. The boy, Aditya, had suffered a mishap in the swimming pool of a highrise residential society at Sector 78 where he lives with his family. He was later admitted to Fortis hospital. The policemen on duty told me that the ambulance left Fortis Hospital in Sector 62 at 4.50 pm and crossed Ghazipur border exactly at 4.56pm. The distance between Fortis and Ghazipur, where our jurisdiction ended, is nearly 11 km, said Dinesh Yadav, superintendent of police (SP), city Noida. I got a call from the boys father around 4.30 pm about his decision to shift his son to Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi for which he wanted a safe corridor, at least within Noida. I immediately informed the control room in Noida and also asked them to inform the Delhi Police immediately. There are around seven to eight intersections in between and I alerted the traffic police through wireless, provided a PCR van and deployed traffic constables along the way to help the patient, said Yadav. Our jurisdiction ends at Ghazipur, but I was hoping that roads within Delhi would be clear too, the SP said. He added that in January too, the Noida police had arranged a green corridor between Kailash Hospital in Noida and Apollo hospital in New Delhi for another patient. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Council of the European Union on Friday approved the decision agreed upon on June 21 by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU countries to prolong the economic sanctions on Russia by six months, until January 31, 2017, the council said in a communique. "The decision was adopted by written procedure and, as is the rule for all decisions on prolongation of restrictive measures, unanimously," the document said. "These measures were introduced on 31 July 2014 initially for one year in response to Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. They were reinforced in September 2014. They target the financial, energy and defense sectors, and the area of dual-use goods," the document said. The European Union on March 19, 2015 approved the linking of the period of these sanctions to full implementation of the Minsk agreements. They were expected to be lifted by December 31, 2015, but the Council of the European Union prolonged them until July 31, 2016, bearing in mind that the Minsk agreements were not fully implemented in that period. "Having assessed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Council decided to renew the sanctions for a further six months, until 31 January 2017," the Council of the European Union said in its communique. India on Friday asserted that it was not shying away from talks with Pakistan and that New Delhi is prepared to discuss all issues with Islamabad. India has never shied away from engagement with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, ministry of eternal affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in reply to a question at his weekly media briefing in New Delhi. In fact, it is India which has repeatedly taken initiatives to engage Pakistan, he said. His comments come after Pakistan Prime Ministers adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday accused India of avoiding dialogue with Pakistan as it would mean having to negotiate issues like Kashmir. Contradicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement in an interview to a TV channel in which he placed the onus of the stalled bilateral talks on Pakistan, Aziz asserted that Pakistan was not refraining from talks with its neighbour. Swarup said it was Prime Minister Modi who first invited Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony on May 26, 2014. Thereafter, it was again external affairs minister (Sushma Swaraj) who travelled to Pakistan in December 2015 and held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference which led to the decision to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue. And it was again Prime Minister Modi who took the decision to travel to Lahore at a very short notice on December 25, 2015, Swarup pointed out. Following the decision to hold the comprehensive bilateral dialogue, foreign secretary S Jaishankar was scheduled to go to Pakistan in the middle of January to discuss modalities for the dialogue. However, a cross-border terror attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot that claimed the lives of seven Indian security personnel derailed the process. Swarup on Friday referred to Sushma Swarajs statement at a press conference on June 19 in which she said that after an incident like Pathankot, it was a natural and legitimate expectation of the government and the country that there should be concrete action from the Pakistani side which has not denied involvement of its nationals in the Pathankot attack. Therefore, as the external affairs minister said, we are awaiting concrete investigation to take place at the Pakistani end, he stated. No fresh letter on 26/11 attacks In reply to another question, the spokesperson refuted Pakistans claim that it has written a fresh letter seeking more evidence on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in order to bring the case to its logical end. No fresh letter from the Pakistan Foreign Secretary has been received by us, he said. He did send a letter in September 2015, to which our foreign secretary had also replied. Referring to media reports about a so-called list of 24 witnesses of Mumbai terror attack, Swarup said: However, we have not received any details from Pakistan regarding these witnesses. Because of our commitment to cooperate with Pakistan to bring the case to a speedy conclusion, you may expect some more conversations and communications between the two sides in the near future. He added that India remained committed to providing full cooperation to Pakistan to bring perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice. Congress manifesto draft committee head Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and its convener Manpreet Singh Badal differed on use of red beacons atop vehicles of elected representatives. While Manpreet was against it, Bhattal said it was for the party to decide if it wants to include the issue in the election manifesto. Addressing a press conference after holding meetings with members of trade unions and associations, Manpreet said the red-beacon culture would be brought to an end and would be part of the partys manifesto for assembly elections. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had also been advocating the need to do away with this practice, he added. But Bhattal, who was sitting next to Manpreet, claimed that nothing was final on the beacon use. The committee can only recommend, but the final call will be taken by the party, she added. Earlier, talking about the election manifesto, Manpreet said the Congress would bring conflict of interests legislation if voted to power. He said the party had planned to bring 32 such legislations, including against the sand, cable and transport mafia and benami (unaccounted) properties and these would be included in the partys manifesto. He said providing Rs 2,000 oldage pension and Rs 50,000 under the shagun scheme would also be part of the partys poll document, which will be prepared by October. He said after meeting stakeholders to get a feedback, a draft would be prepared and would be sent to the party high command. Later, Bhattal and Manpreet visited president of Punjab Safai Mazdoor Federation Chandan Grewals house in a bid to woo Dalit voters. Manpreet Badal also met morning walkers at Burlton Park. Cycle theft from the parking lot of the civil hospital has emerged as major issue for authorities with at least five cases being reported over the past month. The problem has flared up after the parking lot contractor stopped charging cyclists on directions from the hospital authorities. With the issue mostly concerning the poor and the underprivileged, the police are mostly reluctant in registering a case. On Thursday, Somnath, a resident of Basti Jodhewal area, became the latest victim of cycle theft after he visited the hospital to visit his niece at the Mother-Child hospital in the Civil Hospital complex for delivery. When he returned, he found his cycle missing. The parking attendants were indifferent to his pleas for help or assistance, claiming that it was not their duty to take care of cycles as they did not charge any fee for vehicles. He claimed that cops at the Civil Hospital police post were reluctant to register a case. Most visitors to the hospital claim that even as the official rate for cycle parking was `2, but attendants used to charge `3 to `5. After complaints of overcharging surfaced, health department officials waived the parking fee for cycles two months ago. Senior medical officer Dr Sukhjivan Kakkar admitted that he was aware of complaints of cycle theft. I have issued a notice to the contractor and am trying to resolve the issue. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Apprehending terror attacks through use of remote-controlled paramotors, drones and gliders, Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities arranged for a paragliding exercise over the Pathankot airbase on Thursday to check reactions of residents. On Wednesday, the IAF authorities had distributed telephone numbers to people in case they see any flying object is the area. This comes days after the IAF pasted posters bearing a shoot-on-sight warning for anyone trying to enter without authorisation, on the boundary wall of the airbase. Read: Beware of drone terror attacks, air force tells people in Pathankot The residents, cautious after the January 2 airbase attack, made repeated calls after spotting the paraglider. Pathankot SSP Rakesh Kaushal said, The exercise was conducted to do a reality-check and know how alert people are. A judicial commission headed by justice Zora Singh (retired) to probe a 2015 incident of alleged sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in Faridkot district has held Punjab Police officials guilty of unprovoked firing on peaceful protesters at Behbal Kalan village that led to the death of two persons. Justice Zora Singh submitted his report in the Punjab chief secretarys office here on Thursday evening. The commission recommended action against officials who ordered the firing and an aid of Rs 25 lakh each to the family of killed protesters and Rs 10 lakh each to the two injured. The commission also wants the government give job to a family member of the killed protesters. The panel has asked the government to take action against the cops within six months. The commission examined over 200 witnesses. Former senior superintendent of police (SSP) Charanjit Sharma, who was present at Behbal Kalan when police opened fire on the mob, was suspended by the government after the incident. The 51-page report was handed over to protocol officer Rajiv Prashar in a sealed cover. I have been informed that the report has been submitted. I am yet to see it, said Punjab chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal. The commission was set up in October 2015 after two persons, protesting against sacrilege incidents, were killed in police firing at Behbal Kalan. The commission was also tasked to inquire into the theft of a bir of the holy book at Burj Jawahar Singh Wala village in June last year and recovery of torn pages of another bir at nearby Bargari village. A peoples commission set up by a joint front of human rights organisations under justice Markandeya Katju (retd) submitted its report in March this year and blamed over half-a-dozen policemen for excessive use of force on innocent people. Three more cases of rape and molestation by acquaintance were reported here on Thursday since the early arrest of a self-styled sorcerer named Rizwan Malik on the complaint of a teenager who had come to him seeking magical remedies. Three of the four victims are minor. Another man is accused of leading the gang rape of his friends daughter (13) and intimidating the child. Based on an FIR (first-information report) registered at the Haibowal police station, police have arrested accused Chet Ram of Samta Nagar and alleged accomplice Deepak Kumar. Also read I Ludhiana slum kids easy target of sex crimes On June 24, Chet Ram, a mason, had taken away the child from her father on the pretext that hed get her work as domestic help. On June 27, he dropped her back. Noticing that the child was in depression, the father encouraged her to open up and she said Chet Ram had taken her to an abandoned house south of the city instead, where Deepak Kumar and he had raped her. Haibowal station house officer (SHO) inspector Amarjit Singh said the accused would be produced in court on Saturday. A slum-dweller named Shankar is charged with raping his neighbours minor daughter (14) on Wednesday night after abducting her to his shanty when the family was asleep. The Salem Tabri police registered this case under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act. SHO concerned inspector Jatinder Singh said a hunt for the accused was on. Focal Point police have charged Gobind Nagar grocery shop owner Rakesh Kumar with molesting a girl (10). The case is based on the statement of the victims father. The child had gone over to drop her younger brother at his tuition class near the shop when Rakesh allegedly lured her inside with chocolate. The child confided in the family after coming home and police arrested the accused under Section 354 (molestation) of the IPC. Also read | 20-day nightmare: Rise in crime rattles Ludhiana Deputy chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday sought to brush off the drug taint on Punjab by referring to the neighbouring Haryana, where two youths, who had come for police recruitment test, had died of drug overdose a few days ago. Answering media queries on the drug issue on the sidelines of his sangat darshan in Mangarh village in the Urmur constituency, he said that Punjab was better- off than Haryana, but was being painted as a drug state by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). We are holding a police recruitment drive in a few days where dope test has been mandated for all aspirants. Anybody can come and see how many youths fail the test, he asserted. Not a single candidate during the army recruitment-one-and-a-half years ago in Patiala was found positive in the drug test, he claimed. Sukhbir said opposition parties had unleashed a vicious campaign to malign the Badal family and the SAD and, in the process, branded Punjab youths as drug addicts. Asked about the Congress and the AAP challenge, Sukhbir said that the two parties had nothing to offer to the people of Punjab. Punjab will be ruined if the AAP came to power, he remarked, terming it a misguided missile. On Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh, the deputy CM said, His hopes of becoming CM were dashed to the ground in 2012. He is trying his luck again, but this time too he stands no chance as the SAD will return to power, he claimed. Dismissing the demand for a CBI inquiry into the Hoshiarpur land scam, in which some influential people, including SAD leaders, had pocketed inflated compensation for the land acquired for the four-lane road project, Sukhbir said that a vigilance probe had already been marked. Let the investigation report come, he commented. Asked about the involvement of Akali leaders, Dyal Singh Kolianwali and Sham Lal Daddi in the job scam, he again said that a vigilance probe was underway. We want things to be clear. If we were to shield any one, we would not have ordered an inquiry, he said. He evaded a question on the expulsion of both the leaders, stating that unless charges were proved no one could be held guilty. Sukhbir, who otherwise moves under Z-Plus security cover, reportedly moved around the city around midnight with negligible security. He was accompanied by a few trusted men only. Sukhbir is known to have visited the premises of the two transport firms, which his family had acquired recently. Police arrested a brother-sister duo involved in seven burglaries, from Sarabha Nagar on Wednesday evening. Police said the accused - Rajan Loomba and his sister Mamta of Rajan Estate, Haibowal Kalan were roaming in the area to loot a house. Police recovered two LCDs, a laptop, four mobile phones, silver utensils, two tablets, gold and silver jewellery and a scooter from their possession. They usually targeted citys posh localities, including Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Sarabha Nagar and Model Town, said assistant commissioner of police (West) Rupinder Kaur Saran. REVELATIONS MADE IN INVESTIGATION The accused used to hide stolen things at Mamtas house said the ACP. Rajan Loomba is drug addict, while Mamta indulged in the crime to make easy money. The accused confessed that initially he used to commit crime alone, but later, involved his sister. MODUS OPERANDI They used to roam around the area to identify a locked house and executed burglaries at night. The ACP said more important information has been expected from the accused in questioning. The woman is mother of a seven years old. She used aske her son keep a tab on the movements outside the house they had barged into, Sran said. Rupinder Kaur Saran said, We received many reports of burglaries in the past few days. Burglars targeted the house of Charanjit Singh of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar when he, along with his family, was out of station between June 21 and 24. Singh told police that burglars stole Rs 2.5 lakh in cash and jewellery. Following the complaint, police registered a case and initiated investigation. As burglars were captured in the close circuit television cameras (CCTV) installed in the house, police identified them, and nabbed two of them later, while their unidentified accomplice is at large, he added. Sran said, There are many cases where brothers, lovers or husband-wives were involved in crime, but it is the first case where brother-sister were involved in burglaries. Colonel Daljit Singh Randhawa (retd), 96, the lone surviving Military Cross winner of Punjab, died on Friday as he was not keeping good health for some time. Cremation will take place on Saturday. He was the first parade commander at the countrys first Independence Day parade in Delhi, after Partition where a guard of honour was given to the outgoing Viceroy Lord Mountbatten. His seven generations had served in the Army, the first being his great-grand father Colonel Harnam Singh, who took part in action during the 1857 mutiny. Col Randhawa had fought World War-2 and was part of the UN Forces in Congo and Lebanon. He was barely 24, when he won the Military Cross for his services rendered during the Burma conflict. In recognition of his distinguished services, he was given 28-acre land in Pakistan, which was later re-allotted at Hoshiarpurs Phuglana village. Col Randhawa was born in Montgomery (now in Pakistan). His family had migrated to Indian Punjab after Partition. Colonel Randhawas two sons, Colonel Jasjit and Major Amanjit, also served in the army and his grandson too is a senior military officer. Also read | Guest column: Army... a way of life Economy Ministry FDI in Ukraine to be at least $4.5 bln in 2017 The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade expects foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ukraine to be at least $4.5 billion and the invigoration of domestic investment in 2017. The relevant key forecasts of the ministry for the economic and social development of Ukraine in 2017 were represented by First Deputy Minister Yulia Kovaliv at a cabinet meeting. "We expect the growth of foreign direct investment: in 2017 we expect at least $4.5 billion," she said. Kovaliv said in the first five months of this year FDI in Ukraine amounted to $1.8 billion against $400 million for the same period last year. "This shows that the economy is reviving, indicates that foreign investors are beginning to believe in the Ukrainian economy and returning to it," she said. In addition, the ministry expects the intensification of internal investment processes in connection with an expected further decline in the refinancing rate by the National Bank of Ukraine. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has begun formally vetting prospective vice-presidential picks. The New York billionaire is considering former US House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey governor Chris Christie, among what he previously described as a short list of possible running mates. Their inclusion was confirmed by people with direct knowledge of the vetting process who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the situation publicly. Trump begins the vetting process with less than three weeks before the start of the Republican National Convention, when he said he would publicly unveil his pick. Gingrich and Christie, who both received vetting paperwork in the last 24 hours, emerged as a prominent Trump allies in recent months, even as the presumptive nominee faced deep and sustained skepticism from many GOP leaders. Trumps relationship with other would-be running mates was badly strained in the bruising Republican primary season, leaving him with a small pool of willing and qualified candidates. Trump on Thursday acknowledged Christie was under consideration. Im certainly looking at him and I always will. Whether its for that or something else, Trump told conservative radio host Howie Carr. He later described Indiana governor Mike Pence as somebody we respect a lot. Pence told Indiana reporters Thursday he hasnt spoken with Trump in several weeks and referred questions to the Trump campaign, which declined to comment further on the vice presidential search. While formal vetting did not begin until this week, Trump told The Associated Press last month hed narrowed his vice presidential list to a very good list of five or six people. His vice presidential pick could be crucial to easing the concerns of Republicans who worry about his lack of political experience, as well as his temperament to be commander in chief. Tapping a political insider would also be a way for Trump to signal a willingness to work with the party establishment he has thoroughly bashed even after emerging as the presumptive nominee. Many have already ruled out consideration, including Florida governor Rick Scott and primary rival Marco Rubio, a Florida senator seeking re-election. I have never sought, will not seek and do not want to be considered for vice president, Rubio wrote on Facebook. Trump said last month, and has repeated in the weeks since, he preferred someone with political experience to help him guide his agenda through Washington. I think thats good for a number of reasons. No. 1, if you win, which hopefully we will. I want help with you know, I want a hand with legislation, getting things through. And if you bring a business person we dont need another business person, Trump said. Christie was vetted four years ago by 2012 nominee Mitt Romneys research team. The Christie administrations more recent involvement in the so-called Bridgegate political retribution scandal could complicate his 2016 prospects. Gingrich, who ran for president in 2012, served as House speaker from 1995 to 1999. He has political baggage as well, having been married three times and lived in Washington for decades. Yet Trump has said hes looking for a running mate with a long history in the public eye to help with the vetting process. For the most part theyve been vetted over the last 20 years. In other words, you people have gone to every dinner that theyve ever attended, one way or another, Trump said. With a military or business person, he said, the vetting is a whole different story. Whereas the politicians are, generally speaking, pretty well vetted. Trump also said that he wants to announce his pick at the July GOP convention: I do think I dont want to make a decision until the actual convention, not even before it. I mean until it. Australia braced for an election that was too close to call on Friday, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warning of economic chaos if his gamble on an early poll backfires and leaves him without the outright majority he needs to enact major reforms. The leader of Australias conservative coalition prompted Saturdays election by dissolving both houses of parliament in May, blaming intransigent independents in the upper house Senate for blocking his agenda. New polls on Friday showed voters may return an even more unruly upper house. Turnbull argued on Friday that minor parties, possibly in coalition with centre-left Labor, could not be trusted to manage an economy hampered by the first mining downturn in a century and balance public finances after years of deficits. The alternative is the chaos, the uncertainty, the dysfunction, higher deficits, higher debt, higher taxes, less investment, less jobs, Turnbull told Channel 7 television. Turnbulls coalition is facing a strong challenge from Labor, as well as from independents and minor parties like the Greens, who could win enough seats to hold the balance of power in the Senate or force a minority government in the lower house. A Fairfax/Ipsos poll published on Friday showed Labor and the coalition locked in a dead heat at 50-50, well within the 2.6 percent margin of error for the survey of 1,377 respondents taken between June 26-29. The Murdoch-owned Galaxy polling agency showed a similar outcome, with the government faring slightly better on 51-49 on a first party-preferred basis after the distribution of preference votes from minor parties to the two main contenders. Turnbulls own grip on power even appeared tenuous, with the Fairfax poll showing 27 percent of voters intended to vote for a party other than the coalition or Labor. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, whose new party is fielding almost 50 candidates, could also emerge with influence. So, too, could far right parties, including Pauline Hansons One Nation, who have campaigned on anti-immigration, anti-Muslim agendas. Whatever happens in this election ... if we see One Nation elected, if we see a greater informal vote, blame Malcolm Turnbull and the Greens. This was their idea, Labor leader Bill Shorten told reporters in Sydney. Turnbulls repeated attacks on minor parties could have inadvertently driven voters into their arms by elevating their status on the national stage, said Professor Andrew Hughes from the Australian National University. Candidates like Xenophon are viewed as trustworthy, and are increasingly seen as a brake on pushing through radical reforms, such as the coalitions centrepiece A$50 billion corporate tax break or Labors strong push to legalise gay marriage. In the lower house, this may very well be the last situation we see a political party in Australia govern in their own right, Hughes told Reuters. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump is vetting former speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey governor Chris Christie to run with him as a candidate for vice-president. Citing sources, Associated Press reported the Trump campaign has formally launched the vetting process, after weeks of speculation about possible picks, and those who arent interested. Presidential nominees from both parties have traditionally announced their running mates just days before their respective party convention, which for the Republicans starts on July 18. Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, whose party convention starts on July 25, is also vetting candidates but there is no word yet on a formal launch of the process. Senators Tim Kaine, Mark Warner and Elizabeth Warren and Obama administration secretaries Thomas Perez and Julian Castro are among those being speculated about. Trump, who plans to announce his pick at the convention, has narrowed his list to Gingrich and Christie, who received their vetting paperwork in the last 24 hours, AP reported. Campaign appointed vetting staff will closely examine their personal and professional lives, their tax history, and political work and look for anything damaging or embarrassing. Republican John McCain, who ran against Barack Obama in 2008, is widely understood to have picked Sarah Palin without vetting her enough, and was soon dealing with surprises. Christie was vetted in 2012 by Mitt Romney, who then opted for Paul Ryan, who, as Speaker of the House of Representatives now, is the senior-most elected Republican in the US. The tough-talking governor was once considered a leading candidate for the Republican presidential ticket, but he lost to Trump, whom he has been advising since. Gingrich was speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999, during President Bill Clintons term, and ran for the Republican presidential ticket in 2012, when he lost to Romney. Trump is also understood to have considered others such as Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, an early supporter, and Indiana governor Mike Pence. Several foreigners and at least one senior police official were feared killed when gunmen purportedly belonging to the Islamic State attacked a restaurant in the diplomatic zone of the Bangladeshi capital late Friday and took 30 hostages. US-based SITE Intelligence Group quoted Islamic State-aligned Amaq News Agency that said IS fighters carried out the attack and had killed more than 20 foreigners at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhakas Gulshan area. A chef who escaped when the attack began at around 9pm said an Argentinian and an Australian were killed when the gunmen entered the cafe, according to local media. All officials at the Indian high commission, which is located roughly a mile from the cafe, were safe and the situation was being monitored closely, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. The US state department said there was a hostage situation in the diplomatic enclave of Dhaka. Reports of shooting and hostage situation in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. Please shelter in place and monitor news. U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) July 1, 2016 A huge contingent of security guards cordoned off the area and the restaurant as they traded gunfire with the attackers who set off explosions. Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star said an assistant commissioner of police and the neighbourhood police station in-charge were among the casualties. We are trying to negotiate with the gunmen holed up inside the restaurant, Rapid Action Battalion chief Benazir Ahmed told reporters. Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside. Speaking from his house in the area, a witness said he could hear gunfire and that the situation looked quite bad. A series of deadly attacks, mostly using machetes rather than guns, have targeted bloggers, atheists and religious minorities in Bangladesh in recent months. Jamuna Television reported quoting a kitchen staff worker at the restaurant who escaped the attack that the gunmen chanted Allahu Akbar (God Is Great) as they launched the attack. Some derailed youths have entered the restaurant and launched the attack. We have talked to some of the people who fled the restaurant after the attack. We want to resolve this peacefully. We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want, Ahmed said. Bangladesh, a traditionally moderate Muslim-majority nation, has recently seen an upsurge in militant violence. Nearly two dozen atheist writers, publishers, members of religious minorities, social activists and foreign aid workers have been slain since 2013 by attackers. The frequency of attacks has increased in recent months. On Friday, a Hindu temple worker was hacked to death in southwest Bangladesh. The attacks have raised fears that religious extremists are gaining a foothold in the country, despite its traditions of secularism and tolerance. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government has cracked down on domestic radical Islamists. It has accused local terrorists and opposition political parties especially the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami of orchestrating the violence in order to destabilize the nation, which both parties deny. The Islamic State group and al-Qaida affiliates have claimed responsibility for many of the attacks but the government denies that either group has a presence in the country Unidentified killers on Friday hacked a Hindu temple worker to death in southwestern Bangladesh, sparking concerns that the Muslim-majority country is failing to protect its religious minorities. Shyamonando Das, a sebayet at Sri Sri Radhamadan Gopal temple in Jhenaidah district, was killed early on Friday as he was gathering flowers to perform his morning prayers. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, the officer in-charge of the local police station, said at least three assailants came on a motorcycle and attacked Das with sharp weapons. They fled quickly after the attack, he told Hindustan Times by phone, quoting a witness. He died instantly. We have recovered his body, Rahman said. Police had no clues but said they had started an investigation. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. But officials said the latest attack was similar to previous assaults blamed on radical Islamist groups. Since 2013, some 40 people, including atheist bloggers, secular writers, members of religious minorities and foreigners, have been killed allegedly by Islamist militants. Authorities have ruled out claims by the Islamic State and Al Qaeda on the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) that they were responsible for many of the attacks. Last month, two Hindu priests were killed separately in similar attacks. Map of Bangladesh locating deadly hacking incidents in 2016. (AFP) Meanwhile, detectives in Dhaka said on Friday they had arrested the suspected mastermind of an attempt to murder a Hindu college teacher on June 15. Pankaj Kumer Sarkar, a police sub-inspector at Demra police station in Dhaka, told reporters that Khaled Saifullah was arrested late on Thursday night. He said the man was thought to be the mastermind of the attack on mathematics teacher Ripon Chakravarty in Madaripur district. Unidentified attackers had followed the teacher while he was going home from college and attacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. Detectives said Saifullah is a member of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB). Other details about him were not disclosed immediately. Chakravarty survived and local residents caught one of the attackers who had travelled from Dhakas Uttara area. The suspect, Golam Faizullah Fahim, was a Grade XII student. He was later killed in crossfire when police took him along for a raid. Police said Fahim was a member of the banned Hizbut Tahrir and was radicalised by the groups members. His father said Fahim went missing a few days before the June 15 attack. Five years ago, a Chinese village of Wukan had come to global focus for an uprising against corruption which had led to direct village-wide elections. But today, with most protest leaders being either in detention, in exile, facing arrest or quitting their posts, hopes for democracy in the area have all but evaporated. Villagers have been marching in protest every day since the middle of June in a fresh flare-up of unrest, but the so-called Wukan model, with authorities seemingly taking a more tolerant approach towards unrest by kicking out corrupt officials and allowing a free vote, appears to have been a one-off. Wukan is about a four-hour drive northeast of Hong Kong, where a 79-day umbrella revolution in late 2014 demanding Beijing allow full democracy, brought chaos to the streets. This time the turmoil in Wukan focused on the arrest by local authorities of elected leader Lin Zuluan, one of the last of the 2011 protest leaders to remain in office, for bribery after he urged demonstrations against new land grabs and graft. A blueprint of disputed Wukan land is seen in Wukan village in the southern province of Guangdong, China. (Reuters) The corrupt are very proficient in deceiving the people, the 72-year-old Lin wrote in a signed letter to the village dated March 2, adding that the seized land had been raped by power, money and gangsters. In 2011, rampaging villagers ransacked the Wukan police station and government offices before barricading themselves against riot police for months. This time, the villagers have held thousand-strong protests for 12 straight days in sweltering summer heat watched by riot police, with no sign of stopping. Couldnt bear it anymore Lin had become increasingly dismayed with authorities stonewalling attempts to reclaim plots of land knotted up in dodgy deals and for brokering fresh deals behind his back, relatives said. Lin couldnt bear it anymore, said one of his relatives who declined to be identified. The Lufeng (city) government sold this land, a new piece of land, without telling anyone. Officially stamped documents provided by people close to Lin and reviewed by Reuters give substance to his increasing frustrations. In December, Lin wrote several letters to a developer, Hua Hui Real Estate, that he said had acquired a 110,000-sq-metre plot in Wukan without Lins knowledge or the approval of the Wukan village committee that oversees land use and is the main administrator of the village. Lin is the committee head. Yang Zhen, wife of arrested village chief Lin Zuluan, talks with another villager in her family's home in Wukan village in the southern province of Guangdong, China. (REUTERS) The committee had demanded the company give evidence of the land deal and provide a detailed survey map of the Long Hu Bay area it planned to develop, according to a letter dated December 28. The company replied to the committee three days later that it had acted in accordance with law and procedures, but declined to provide any documents, directing further inquiries to the relevant government departments. After repeated correspondence over several months, there was still no clarification. The company also declined to clarify details of the land deal to Reuters. The Lufeng government that oversees Wukan said in a written reply to Reuters that Long Hu Bay was state-owned land which does not belong to the villagers and that Hua Hui had now halted construction given Wukans objections. It added that it had been actively helping resolve Wukans land issues with 646 acres of land having been handed back since 2011, but 1,221 acres are still being contested between Wukan and 7 nearby villages. Midnight raid A few days after his call for new protests, on June 18, Lin was arrested by SWAT officers who stormed his walled compound after midnight and bundled him away, pushing his elderly wife, Yang Zhen, to the ground as she tried to intervene, she told Reuters. Lins 22-year-old grandson was detained less than 48 hours later in another late night raid and interrogated for 12 hours straight. A confession by Lin admitting taking large bribes was aired on state television on the morning of June 21, and the grandson was released hours later. When they captured me, they were very excited, said the grandson, Lin Liyi. I think they used me to pressure my grandfather to make a confession. Grandson of arrested village chief Lin Zuluan, Lin Liyi was detained and interrogated by Chinese authorities for twelve hours soon after his grandfather was arrested. Liyi looks at a land blueprint in his room in Wukan village in the southern province of Guangdong. (Reuters) Reuters was unable to contact Lin, and it wasnt clear whether Lin has legal representation after two lawyers who were hired by his family were blocked by authorities from taking on his case. The intervention violates the rule of law, one of the lawyers, Ge Yongxi, told Reuters by phone. They obstructed a lawyers daily business and abused Lins human rights. Lins arrest was the latest move on the core group of Wukan protest leaders from 2011. Lin remains in police custody and investigations continue into allegations he took bribes of up to 600,000 yuan ($90,200) for land deals and public works projects, according to the official China Daily newspaper. In 2014, two former deputy village chiefs, Yang Semao and Hong Ruichao, were jailed for two and four years respectively for bribery, around the time of another village election. Those who knew the men, including Hongs father, Hong Tianbin, said they were framed. Chinese authorities say they took bribes linked to public work projects. Another leader, Zhuang Liehong, fled China and sought asylum in the United States, fearing for his safety amid what he told Reuters was political persecution. Two others quit, while Sun Wenliang, a former accountant, has an arrest warrant on his head, village sources said. The Lufeng government said in its statement to Reuters that it has not discovered any situation of unfair suppression or punishment of Wukans protest leaders, or of undermining village rights and interests. Hundreds of riot police were sent to the village when the protests started but there has been no crackdown. There are, however, signs of authorities tightening their grip. Some reporters in Wukan said they were accused of inciting unrest and told to leave, which they did, while three other sources said authorities had been aggressively going after potential ringleaders to quash any escalation. Few have dared lead from the front this time round. Everyone can see the old leaders were all caught and are afraid, Lins grandson told Reuters. The suicide attackers who launched the deadly Istanbul airport assault were planning to take dozens of passengers hostage, Turkish media reported Friday, as two of the bombers were identified. Turkish officials have pointed blame at the Islamic State jihadist group for Tuesdays gun and bomb spree at Ataturk airport, which left 44 people dead including 19 foreigners. They say they are doing this in the name of Islam, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on a visit to Istanbul. That has nothing to do with Islam. Their place is in hell, he added. State-run news agency Anadolu said 24 people had been detained in Istanbul in a string of raids over the attack, including 15 foreigners. Citing a prosecution source, the agency named two of the attackers as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, without giving their nationalities. Officials had previously said the three bombers were a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national. Police had also found a damaged laptop in a dustbin near an Istanbul apartment used by the attackers and were trying to retrieve information from it, Anadolu added. Number one enemy Turkish media identified the strikes organiser as Akhmed Chatayev, the Chechen leader of an IS cell in Istanbul who reportedly found accommodation for the bombers. Chatayev allegedly organised two deadly bombings this year in the heart of the citys Sultanahmet tourist district and the busy Istiklal shopping street, the Hurriyet newspaper said. Michael McCaul, chairman of the US House Committee on Homeland Security, described Chatayev as probably the number one enemy in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia. Hes travelled to Syria on many occasions and became one of the top lieutenants for the minister of war for ISIS operations, McCaul told CNN. Swedish court documents seen by AFP showed the 36-year-old had been sentenced to 16 months in jail there in 2008 for arms trafficking, after which he would be deported. He was granted political asylum in Austria in 2003. The pro-government Sabah newspaper reported that the attackers scouted the scene and planned to take dozens of passengers hostage inside before carrying out a massacre. But they began the assault early after attracting suspicion, Sabah said. CCTV images released by police show the three alleged attackers arriving, wearing dark coats over their suicide vests -- clothing that was much too heavy for a hot summer night. More images show a plainclothes police officer confronting one of the men and asking to see his identification. The attacker pulls out a gun and shoots him. Like bandits Turkey has been rocked by a series of attacks in the past year blamed on either IS jihadists or Kurdish rebels. These have taken a heavy hit on tourism, and on Friday Germany warned its citizens to exercise particular caution if they travel to Turkey. The latest assault sparked global condemnation, with consuls from a dozen countries around Europe and beyond gathering at the airport Friday to lay a wreath. Hundreds of mourners also gathered in Istanbul on Thursday for the funeral of popular 28-year-old teacher Huseyin Tunc, who was at the airport welcoming a friend. We still cant believe it, one of his pupils, Batuhan Karabey, told AFP. He was more than a teacher to us -- he was like a big brother, helping us a lot. Hurriyet reported the bombers had rented a flat in Istanbuls Fatih district and paid 24,000 Turkish lira ($8,300, 7,500 euros) in advance for a years rent. The police raided the apartment after the attack, according to an upstairs neighbour, who said the men kept the curtains closed. She never saw the attackers, but she heard them, and complained to neighbourhood officials about a strange smell. A very weird, chemical smell, she told Hurriyet. Police came after the bombing... I lived on top of the bomb. Hurriyet also quoted a local plumber, identified only by his initials E.S., who said one of the attackers came to his shop to ask if he could fix their tap. He spoke in broken Turkish. He took me home, the plumber said. I changed the tap. I saw three people inside. They looked like bandits -- one of them always stood by me. Bangladeshi troops gunned down at least 6 attackers and rescued 13 hostages, including foreigners, during an operation to clear a restaurant in the diplomatic zone of Dhaka that was stormed by armed militants, a senior security official said on Saturday. 1:10am: Bangladesh army official says 20 killed in attack on Dhaka restaurant. Sources say dead include foreigners. Attackers used sharp weapons to kill hostages, said Brigadier General Nayeem Ashfaq Chowdhury, director of military operations. Chowdhury said it is believed foreigners are among dead but he did not give details about their nationality or identity. There were 7 attackers in total- six of them have been killed and one has been detained, said Chowdhury. 11:25am: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses media, says 13 people have been saved. What kind of Muslims are these who kill other people during Ramzan: Hasina All security agencies did a great job: Hasina There is no place for terrorists or terrorism on Bangladeshs soil: Hasina 10:08am: 3-4 attackers believed to be holed up in buildings near restaurants, says security official 10:00am: Six attackers gunned downed, 13 hostages rescued, senior Bangladesh security official tells HT Holey Artisan Bakery has been cleared, operations on two clear nearby buildings, says official. 9:50am: The rescued hostages include few Indians, reports The Daily Star 9:30am: 12 people have been rescued in the raid, including two foreigners. 9:10am: Eye witnesses say three hostages were taken away. They include 1 Argentine and 2 Bangladeshis. 8:50am: Two loud explosions heard inside the restaurant. Operation still on; police official says 5 bodies found Bangladeshi policemen clear out an area to facilitate action against heavily armed militants who struck at the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic zone on Friday night, taking dozens of hostages at a restaurant popular with foreigners, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, July 2, 2016. (AP Photo) 8:40am: A Japanese government spokesman says 12 people have been rescued from the restaurant, quoting Bangladeshi police. 8:35am: Bangladesh army chief is at the site and is monitoring the operations 8:25am: Bangladesh police say 8-10 hostages have been rescued from Dhaka restaurant 8:07am:Bangladesh police say one foreigner, probably japanese, escaped from Dhaka restaurant in operation to free hostages, reports Reuters 7:57am: Gunshots, explosions heard as security forces move to end hostage standoff 7:50am: Bangladesh police say more than 100 commandos fighting gunmen at the restaurant to free hostages, gunmen retaliating 7:35am: Our commandos have stormed into the restaurant. Intense gunfighting on, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, a deputy director at the Rapid Action Battalion force, told Reuters. 7:21am: Bangladesh security forces storm hostage restaurant, said a security official. The operation has began. Commandos have stormed the restaurant, the official said. 6:45am: Islamic State has posted photos it claims to be of foreigners killed in the attack, news agency Amaq reports. 6:30 am: Italian and Indian nationals are among the hostages, said a duty officer at the Rapid Action Battalions (RAB) control room. 6.15am: Gowher Rizvi, an adviser to Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, told Reuters that security forces were trying to negotiate a way out of the crisis, failing which they would launch an offensive to end the siege. 4.40am: Bangladesh police were preparing to launch an operation to free some 20 hostages, a police officer at the site told Reuters by telephone early on Saturday. Read| Bangladesh police plan to move soon to end hostage crisis at Dhaka restaurant 4am: Some diners managed to escape, but police said there were still a number of people being held inside the restaurant hours after the assault. 3.40am: Seven Italian nationals are thought to be among the hostages taken by gunmen, Italian state television said quoting the Italian ambassador to Bangladesh. State TV RAI quoted the Italian ambassador in Dhaka, Mario Palma, as saying the seven Italians were businessmen. 2.30am: Italian nationals are thought to be among the hostages, a source at the Italian foreign ministry said: Reuters The source said it was not clear how many Italians may be involved. 1.38 am: Sri Lankan nationals suspected among hostages in Dhaka restaurant. Hon Ruwan Wijewardene informed us of two possible Sri Lankans among hostages inside restaurant in Dhaka. We are urgently looking in to it. Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) July 1, 2016 1.26 am: US-based SITE Intelligence Group quoted Islamic State-aligned Amaq News Agency that said IS fighters carried out the attack and had killed more than 20 foreigners at Holey Artisan Bakery. 1.15 am: More than two dozen members of police force sustained injuries, say police sources. 1.10am: No contact has been established with the terrorist yet. Efforts are on to open a channel of negotiation. 12. 59 am: US President Barack Obama has been briefed about the attack, the White House said. The president asked to be kept informed as the situation develops, a White House official said. 12.55 am: The US State Department said on Friday it had accounted for all diplomatic staff at its mission in Bangladeshs capital Dhaka following an attack by gunmen on a restaurant in the citys diplomatic quarter. Spokesperson John Kirby, however, could not confirm whether private US citizens were caught up in a hostage situation. 12.55 am: At least 15 injured in the situation, while two police officers are dead. 12.50 am: Dhaka attack has traces of Mirpur incident and smaller terrorist incidents, say Rapid Action force in Dhaka. 12.48 am: The officer in-charge of nearby Banani police station, Salahuddin Ahmed, was killed in the gunbattle. 12.45 am: Dhaka restaurant waiters say eight individuals have attacked the restaurant. 11.50 pm: A Bangladesh security officer has appealed to television channels to stop live broadcast of the situation. 11.40 pm: Benazir Ahmed, director general of the elite anti-crime force Rapid Action Battalion or RAB says that security forces were working to save the lives of the people trapped inside. Several foreigners are believed to be among the hostages inside the restaurant. Some derailed youths have entered the restaurant and launched the attack. We have talked to some of the people who fled the restaurant after the attack. We want to resolve this peacefully. We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want, Ahmed said. Some of our people have been injured. Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside., he said. 11.30 pm: Reuters reports Bangaldeshi policemen as saying that there are around eight or nine gumen involved in the situation. 11.25 pm: All Indian High Commission officials are reported to be safe and the Indian High Commission is monitoring the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs said 11.20 pm: Police negotiator appeals we are requesting the ones who are inside the restaurant to talk to us., relay us your demands (ANI) 11.15 pm: The Dhaka Tribune reports that several police officials have been wounded with at least 20 civilians, mostly foreigners taken hostage. 11.10 pm: Too early to say who is involved or motivation for hostage situation in Dhaka: U.S. State dept. spokesperson. 11.00 pm: Several foreigners are feared to have been taken hostages inside the restaurant, police said. 11.00 pm: A large number of policemen and Rapid Action Battalion have cordoned off the restaurant. 10.55 pm: The attackers hurled bombs and were firing intermittently, injuring some policemen and people. 10.50 pm: A chef who escaped when the attack began said an Argentinian and an Italian were killed when the gunmen entered the cafe 10.50 pm: The shooting started near Holey Artisan Bakery, which is a favourite with expatriates, Lakeview Hospital and Nordic Club in Gulshan, at 9:20pm Bangladesh time. One week after Britains vote to leave the European Union, Prime Minister David Cameron and royal family members will stand side-by-side with Frances president to celebrate their historic alliance at the centenary of the deadliest battle of World War I. More than 1 million people were killed, wounded or went missing in the Battle of the Somme in northern France, pitting British and French troops against German ones from July 1 to November 18, 1916. Britain held a moment of silence Friday morning to mark 100 years since the bloodiest day of British military history about 20,000 British soldiers alone were killed on the first day of battle. Despite the British vote and their opposite political views, Socialist French President Francois Hollande and conservative Cameron want to seize the occasion to stress their World War I alliance and show their attachment to the ideas underpinning European unity. In many ways, there is a link between the current events were discussing and what happened 100 years ago. Its the importance of keeping peace and security and stability on our continent, Cameron told members of Parliament on Wednesday. Were going to be standing together and remembering the sacrifices all those years ago. Britain's Prince William walks with his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry as they leave following a vigil at the Thiepval memorial ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in Thiepval, northern France June 30, 2016. (Reuters Photo) Others at Fridays event include Britains Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, his sons Prince William and Prince Harry and Williams wife Kate, Irish President Michael D Higgins and former German President Horst Koehler. History connects us, Hollande said Wednesday at a tense and emotional EU summit focused on how to cope with Britains departure. France and the United Kingdom are very close, connected by a tunnel, with a very significant presence of French people in the United Kingdom and of British people in France. ... And we have with the British a very close economic relationship. Queen Elizabeth II attended a service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, laying a wreath of roses on the grave of the Unknown Warrior inside the ancient abbey in London before a bugler sounded the Last Post, a tribute to the fallen. An honor guard of soldiers and civilians held an overnight vigil at the grave. Five civilians and five members of the military undertake a Vigil at Grave of the Unknown Warrior after the Service on the Eve of the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme at Westminster Abbey in London on June 30, 2016. (AFP Photo) The main ceremony will start Friday at noon (1000 GMT) with the sound of cannon shots at the Memorial of Thiepval, built in 1932 by the British government and is dedicated to the 73,367 British and South African soldiers missing in the Somme area during World War I. Three World War I aircraft one French, one British, one German will fly over the cemetery to close the ceremony. Later Friday, Charles and Camilla will pay tribute to Northern Irish and Canadian soldiers in two separate events in Thiepval and in the nearby village of Beaumont-Hamel. Last month, Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel commemorated together the centenary of the Battle of Verdun, the longest of World War I. The leaders praised their countries friendship, risen from the ashes of two world wars and strengthened through EU cooperation. Milkiland-Ukraine, a subsidiary Milkiland dairy group with assets in Ukraine, Russia and Poland, has signed the first contract and started deliveries of dry dairy products to China, according to the company's website. "This contract is only the first step of our group to the promising and growing market of dairy products in China. We will continue our efforts to find new customers and establish a distribution network in the country," Milkiland-Intermarket CEO Serhiy Kiseliov said. Earlier five production companies controlled by Milkiland-Ukraine, including Romny Dairy Plant, Ros, Mena Cheese, Prometei, have passed relevant examination and got permit to export cheese and different types of dry milk products to China from the Chinese certification and accreditation authority. In general, China provided 18 Ukrainian dairy enterprises (owned by Milkiland, Milk Alliance, Terra Food, Cheese Club, Dubnomoloko) with access to its market. Milkiland is one of the five largest producers of dairy products in the markets of Ukraine and Russia. Taiwans military said it mistakenly fired a supersonic anti-ship missile Friday that hit a fishing boat, killing one and injuring three people, on the day rival China was celebrating the Communist Partys anniversary. The 500-ton patrol boat Chinchiang was undergoing an inspection inside a military base when the Hsiung Feng III missile was fired and landed about 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers) away in waters off the islands of Penghu near Taiwan, the official Central News Agency said. The defence ministry said the missile penetrated a nearby Taiwanese fishing boat, killing its captain and injuring three crew members. A preliminary investigation showed that missile operators likely failed to follow proper procedures, CNA said. A full investigation was under way, while the navy sent a helicopter and boats to search for the missile, the report said. The firing coincided with Beijings celebrations of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the partys top leader, delivered a speech Friday calling for peaceful development of relations between Beijing and Taipei. Tensions across the strait have escalated since Tsai Ing-wen of a pro-independence party was elected president earlier this year. Tsai has refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation, and Beijing cut off contact with Taiwans liaison office when she was inaugurated in May. Beijing sees Taiwan as a renegade province after a civil war, although the island has functioned as an independent country and does not acknowledge Beijings claim of authority over it. The United States has allowed transgender personnel to openly serve in the armed forces, lifting what was called one of the last remaining barriers to military service. Effective immediately, transgender Americans may serve openly, defense secretary Ashton Carter said at a news briefing on Thursday. They can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military just for being transgender. There are an estimated 2,450 personnel among the 1.3 million active-duty service members who identify themselves as transgender, according to a widely cited think tank report. But they were unable to declare themselves transgender uptil now. The New York Times said the announcement removed one of the final barriers to military service in the US, which allowed gay people to serve in the armed forces in 2011. And in 2015, President Barack Obama appointed Eric Fanning secretary for the army, making him the first openly gay person to head a branch of the US military. India has a long way to go on this, with homosexuality still a crime under a colonial era law struck down by a high court in 2009 but reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2013. Under the new rules announced by Carter, the government will cover medical expenses of serving personnel undergoing gender transition an estimated 65 a year. And transgender people joining the military will have to have been in their transitioned gender for 18 months before applying. Carter told reporters at the briefing the decision has the backing of senior military leaders, none of whom was present on stage with him at the announcement. Some pushback is expected from Republicans in Congress who have said they will call hearings to judge what impact this new decision will have on the effectiveness of the military. But the Times said that several studies on the issue have concluded that lifting the ban is unlikely to have any appreciable effect on the readiness of the armed forces. The US House of Representatives will vote next week on a measure aimed at blocking terror suspects from purchasing guns, house speaker Paul Ryan told lawmakers on a conference call on Thursday. Ryan said that following the July 4th holiday on Monday, the chamber will take up an anti-terrorism package that will include a provision to prevent suspected terrorists from buying guns, according to a source who participated in the call. The announcement comes one week after congressional Democrats staged a dramatic, 25-hour sit-in on the House floor to demand action on reducing gun violence in the aftermath of the Orlando massacre, the deadliest mass shooting on record in US history. Lawmakers in the Republican-led Congress have faced criticism for inaction in the face of US mass shootings. Democrats introduced legislation that would bar anyone on the FBIs no-fly list from purchasing a firearm, and that would expand gun-sale background checks to gun shows and the Internet. Both measures, and two others introduced by Republicans, failed in the Senate last week. But a bipartisan compromise authored by Republican senator Susan Collins of Maine emerged that would prohibit gun sales to people on two terror watch lists including the no-fly list, and would allow US citizens to appeal if their purchase is rejected. Collins said Senate leadership will allow a vote on her measure soon. It was not immediately clear if the legislation Ryan mentioned would be similar to the Collins bill. Restricting terror suspects access to guns has been a point of convergence for many Republicans and Democrats, with Ryan calling it common sense. But he has expressed concern that a blanket restriction on people on the watch lists could violate their right to due process, something he reiterated on the call with lawmakers. He wanted to look at this deliberatively to protect due process and make sure we get this right, the source on the call said. In addition, he reminded members that the FBI has told people that if we get it wrong, we will undermine terrorism investigations. Guns are responsible for some 90 deaths each day in the United States, but serious legislative efforts to enact gun control are only raised after particularly horrific shootings. Opponents have argued that gun control measures would infringe on the constitutional rights of gun owners. Ryan also said the House will consider legislation that would address gun violence by overhauling the mental health system. After their historic sit-in, several Democrats including minority leader Nancy Pelosi held events around the country demanding action to address gun violence. Many have threatened to again seize control of the House floor if there is no vote on gun legislation. Ryan has dismissed the sit-in as a publicity stunt, and on Thursday he signalled he would take action to prevent a repeat. KABUL: Taliban suicide bombers attacked a convoy of buses carrying Afghan police cadets outside the capital Kabul on Thursday, killing at least 37 people and injuring 40 more, officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The attack came just over a week after the bombing of a bus carrying Nepali security guards working for the Canadian embassy in Kabul that killed 14 people. The first suicide bomber struck two buses carrying trainee policemen, and a second attacker targeted those who rushed to the site to help and also hit a third bus, Paghman district governor Mousa Rahmati said. He said four civilians were among the 37 dead. The cadets were returning to Kabul from a training centre in Wardak province when the convoy was targeted 20 km west of the capital. The interior ministry put the death toll at 30 and said 58 others were wounded. It was not immediately possible to reconcile the different casualty figures. President Ashraf Ghani described the bombing as an attack on humanity and ordered an interior ministry investigation into the incident. In a statement, the US embassy in Kabul condemned the attack. Later on Thursday, an attack on a security forces convoy in eastern Ghazni province killed two people and wounded four, said Jaweed Salangi, spokesman for the provincial governor. A senior intelligence official was among the dead. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Ghazni. The Taliban have stepped up their attacks as part of their summer offensive. They frequently target convoys of Afghan troops or buses carrying government employees. In April, 64 people were killed when the Taliban targeted a security services facility in Kabul. YAOUNDE: Authorities in northern Cameroon said at least 15 people have died and dozens wounded after two suicide bombing attacks. Sources said the attacks took place on Wednesday and that at least 50 people who were wounded in the attacks on a video club and a mosque were taken to regional hospitals. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ISTANBUL: Turkey on Thursday detained 13 suspected Islamic State jihadists over the deadly Istanbul airport attack, as officials said the three bombers were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and gave chilling details of how they launched their assault. Interior Minister Efkan Ala told parliament that evidence continued to point to Islamic State responsibility for Tuesdays gun and suicide bomb assault at Ataturk airport, and that the death toll had risen to 43, of whom 19 were foreigners. More than 200 people were injured. Turkey has been plunged into mourning over the carnage at Ataturkairport, the deadliest yet of several attacks to strike the countrys biggest city this year. Counter-terrorism police carried out 16 raids across Istanbul early on Thursday and detained 13 people, four of them foreigners. CNN Turk said they were accused of providing logistical support for the bombings. A senior Turkish official said the three bombers were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, but gave no further details. Forensics teams had earlier struggled to identify the bombers from their limited remains. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper said the Russian bomber was fromDagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and religious militants. The Hurriyet newspaper named him as Osman Vadinov and said he had come from Raqqa, the heart of Islamic Statecontrolled territory in Syria. The Russian interior ministry said it was checking information about Vadinov. A spokesman for Kyrgyzstans state security service said it was investigating, while the Uzbek security service had no immediate comment. Thousands of foreign fighters have crossed Turkey to join IS in Syria andIraq. Turkeytightened security on the border but has argued it needs more information from foreign intelligence agencies to intercept fighters. Yeni Safak said the organiser of the attack was suspected to be a man called Akhmed Chatayev, of Chechen origin. Chatayev is identified on a UN sanctions list as a leader in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. Turkey has suffered a string of deadly attacks in the past year blamed on either IS or Kurdish rebels, and the airport attack comes just at the start of the crucial summer tourist season. GUNS IN SUITCASES Details emerged of how the attackers arrived at Turkeys busiest airport by taxi before indiscriminately firing at passengers with automatic rifles and detonating suicide bombs. The terrorists failed to pass through the regular security system, scanners and police control, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters late on Wednesday .They returned and came back with long-range rifles they took out from their suitcases, and passed the security control by opening fire randomly at people, he said. One of them blew himself up outside and the other two took advantage of the panic during the opening of the fire, entered inside and blew themselves up. A senior source close to the presidency gave a slightly different version of events, saying two attackers blew themselves up on separate floors of the airport before the third followed suit outside. CCTV footage circulated on social media showed a huge ball of flame erupting at the entrance, scattering terrified passengers. Another video showed a black-clad attacker running inside the building before collapsing to the ground apparently felled by a police bullet and blowing himself up. The victims include several Saudis, a Chinese national, a Tunisian and a Ukrainian. After a string of attacks, authorities are under pressure to convince visitors that Turkey is still safe. WASHINGTON: US Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, the home base of the presidential plane Air Force One, said on Thursday a miscommunication about an active shooter training exercise led to a brief lockdown of the site. The Maryland military base explained via Twitter that there had been plans for a no-notice active shooter exercise in the late morning. However, reports of a real-world active shooter situation at the medical facility were miscommunicated before the exercise was able to begin, it said. There was a misidentification of the security forces emergency services team who were conducting a routine inspection of the facility, it added. The lockdown lasted about an hour, with everyone ordered to shelter in place. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW YORK: Alvin Toffler, a guru of the post-industrial age whose million-selling Future Shock and other books anticipated the disruptions and transformations brought about by the rise of digital technology, has died. He was 87. He died late Monday in his sleep at his home in the Bel Air neighbourhood of Los Angeles, said Yvonne Merkel, a spokeswoman for his Reston, Virginia-based consulting firm, Toffler Associates. One of the worlds most famous futurists, Toffler was far from alone in seeing the economy shift from manufacturing and mass production to a computerized and information-based model. But few were more effective at popularising the concept, predicting the effects and assuring the public that the traumatic upheavals of modern times were part of a larger and more hopeful story. Future Shock, a term he first used in a 1965 magazine article, was how Toffler defined the growing feeling of anxiety brought on by the sense that life was changing at a bewildering and ever-accelerating pace. His book combined an understanding tone and page-turning urgency as he diagnosed contemporary trends and headlines, from war protests to the rising divorce rate, as symptoms of a historical cycle overturning every facet of life. We must search out totally new ways to anchor ourselves, for all the old roots - religion, nation, community, family, or profession - are now shaking under the hurricane impact of the accelerative thrust, he wrote. Toffler offered a wide range of predictions and prescriptions, some more accurate than others. He forecast a new frontier spirit that could well lead to underwater communities, artificial cities beneath the waves, and also anticipated the founding of space colonies . In Future Shock, released in 1970, he also presumed that the rising general prosperity of the 1960s would continue indefinitely. We made the mistake of believing the economists of the time, Toffler told Wired magazine in 1993. They were saying, as you may recall, weve got this problem of economic growth licked. But Toffler attracted millions of followers, including many in the business community, and the books title became part of the general culture. WASHINGTON: Indians wont get to vote in the 2016 US presidential election, but they can hold a view. And they do, preferring Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump, says a new poll. Clinton, in fact, beats Trump in 15 of the 16 countries polled by US-based Pew Research Center. The 16th country was the US, but results were not immediately available. Also, President Barack Obama remains popular with Indians, with 58% of 2,464 respondents saying they are confident he will do the right thing regarding world affairs. Obama polled high in all other countries as well as at home, except in Greece. Clinton, Obamas former secretary of state, did well in all the nations polled, beating Trump convincingly and comprehensively. Confidence in Clinton to handle world affairs is generally high. By comparison, few trust Trump to do the right thing when it comes to foreign policy, a Pew report said on Wednesday. In india, where the poll was conducted in face-to-face interviews between April 7 and May 24, 28% said they had confidence in Clinton to do the right thing on world affairs. Trump got the support of only 14%, half of Clintons. But interestingly, his no-confidence vote was also quite low at 18%, while 67% of those polled offered no opinion. Indians have known Clinton for a while now, as the first lady who visited India before her husband, and as secretary of state. Trump, who has two projects in India including Trump Tower in Mumbai, is known to have visited India only once in 2014. His controversial remarks have intrigued Indians, many of whom are following the race more closely than before. Indians by and large didnt seem thrown off by the 2016 race, which was viewed negatively in some countries such as Australia (76%) andCanada(69%). Most Indians 42% said they had a positive view of the campaign (only 12% looked at it negatively), as did respondents in China and Japan. PARIS: Fathi Bayoudh was a respected officer and doctor in the Tunisian military, but on Tuesday night at Istanbuls main airport he was a father worried about his wayward son. Bayoudh, 58, had arrived in Istanbul weeks earlier to find his son, Anouar, 26, who had run off to join the Islamic State group in Syria. When he got word through the Tunisian Embassy in Turkey that the Turkish authorities had detained Anouar in a town near the border with Syria, he called his wife in Tunisia. They arranged to meet at Ataturk airport before heading to the town where Anouar was being held. They were hoping to take their only son home. But shortly before 10 pm on Tuesday, as he waited at the airport for his wife to arrive, three suicide attackers opened fire and then blew themselves up, killing at least 41 people, including Bayoudh. His death was confirmed on Wednesday by Tunisias ministry of foreign affairs. His wife was not hurt in the attack. Bayoudh was a very generous man, lively and always very active, said Leyla Njim, 32, a close friend of the family. During his mandatory military service, he rose to the rank of colonel-major and then took charge of the pediatrics department at the military hospital in Tunis, the capital. He also worked for several non-governmental organisations that provided aid in war-torn countries. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has met with Head of British-Dutch Unilever Group Paul Polman in connection with the opening of a new factory in Hostomel. The presidential press service said the Ukrainian president congratulated the Unilever Group management on the decision to come to the Ukrainian market and named this "the confirmation of success of the reforms, especially in fight against corruption, deregulation and the creation of an attractive investment climate." "The coming of the British-Dutch investor to Ukraine is a good sign," the president said, adding this is the largest investment project of the company since its coming to the Ukrainian market. Polman, in turn, noted he considers "it is very timely right now to invest in Ukraine as a potentially very attractive and promising market, which shows economic growth." He also noted the coming of Unilever to Ukraine would be a good example of successful business for other companies at a global level, as well as a "signal of confidence in Ukrainian reforms." KABUL: Who can lay claim to Rumi, the Sufi mystic who is one of the worlds most beloved poets? A bid by Iran and Turkey to do so has exasperated Afghanistan, the country of his birth eight centuries ago. Tehran and Ankara asked to list the work of Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi as their joint heritage ont he UNs Memoryof the World register in May. The register, falling under the UNs cultural organisation UNESCO, was formed in 1997 to protect the worlds documentary heritage archives, correspondence and writing especially in troubled or conflict-ridden areas. But the Afghan government has denounced the bid, which mainly concerns the 25,600 verses of Masnavi-i-Manavi, one of the most influential works in Persian literature. Rumi is one of the best-selling poets in the US, and his works have been translated into more than 23 languages. Hollywood is planning a Rumi biopic also mired in controversy after rumoured plans for Leonardo DiCaprio to play him were met with accusations of whitewashing. The poet and philosopher was born in Balkh in Afghanistan and made us proud, the ministry of information and culture insisted. UNESCO never asked us about the proposal, Harron Haklimi, the ministrys spokesman, said, acknowledging that Kabul had been beaten to the punch but hoping they can yet convince the organisation that Afghanistan has the better claim to the poet. For Afghans, who learn his poems in primary school, Rumi is Maulana Jalaludin Balkh, or Maulana (literally our master), or simply Balkhi. Most researchers agree he was born in Balkh, Afghanistan in 1207 though this too has been the subject of debate: a few argue he was born just across the border, in what is modern day Tajikistan, in a region also known as Balkh. Today, Balkh is a small provincial settlement, but back then it was an ancient religious capital and centre for Buddhist and Persian literature. 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 Baku offers Kyiv to take concrete steps for Azerbaijani oil supplies to Ukrainian refineries, transit to Europe Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Natig Aliyev considers it necessary to take concrete steps for Azerbaijani oil supplies to Ukrainian refineries and its transit to Europe. Aliyev and Ukraine's deputy prime minister, co-chairman of the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, Hennadiy Zubko discussed the prospects for extending the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations in the area of energy on Friday, the Energy Ministry's press service reported. "Azerbaijan plays an important role as a producer of energy, Ukraine as its consumer and a transit country. The deepening of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine will strengthen the role of both countries in the Caspian-Black Sea region," the minister said. He stressed that the proposals voiced at the meeting of the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian intergovernmental commission will give rise to a new stage of cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. According to Aliyev, Kyiv's interest in the supply of Azerbaijani oil to Ukrainian refineries and its transit to Europe is beneficial to both countries and should take concrete steps in this direction. "Stressing the high demand for oil in Ukraine, the minister noted that the additional supply of oil from the Azerbaijani side will be beneficial. The Energy Minister of Azerbaijan also stressed the need to develop a program of energy cooperation between the two countries for the next ten years," the report reads. Zubko, in turn, stressed that Ukraine considers the priority for the energy cooperation the transit of Azerbaijani oil through Ukraine to Europe, the diversification of gas supply sources and construction of the gas terminal. "Ukraine has necessary opportunities to implement these projects," Zubko said. The sides agreed to organize bilateral meetings with a view to enhancing energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. During a recent Saturday afternoon trip to the mall in my hometown of Toronto, I found myself cruising through the food court looking for some grub when I came across a burger joint flaunting its new burger with 'Fiery Srirachup Sauce', using that clever portmanteau of sriracha and ketchup to make it seem as though adding hot sauce is anything new. For those of you still strictly in the meat and potatoes camp, sriracha is a tangy Southeast Asian chili sauce that has only recently become a table name, largely due to the highly adept marketing and distribution tactics of a Huy Fong Foods, Los Angeles-based producer. I've known about sriracha's unique taste for well over a decade as it's always been a pervasive condiment offering at one of the numerous hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurants throughout the highly multicultural Toronto city center. Within the past five years or so, however, inventive chefs at hip restaurants and the proprietors of food trucks have embraced the sauce as a novel way to spice up their menus. Now it appears as though sriracha has wholly crossed over into mainstream appeal, especially now that we have resorted to portmanteaus. This is troubling, for me, because when fast casual and fast food eateries adopt a cuisine trend such as sriracha (or srirachup), that trend loses its novelty thereby threatening the individuality of other 'more elegant' establishments. As a proud Canadian with a keen eye on culinary developments, there are two other recent examples that immediately come to mind: poutine and maple bacon. Poutine that is, French fries and cheese curds lathered in hot gravy is traditionally associated with the French-speaking province of Quebec, and indeed it is still hard to find authentic poutine anywhere else. Sometime within the past three years, though, McDonald's started offering the dish at locations throughout the country with, frankly, subpar quality levels. Additionally, there are now several franchises dedicated entirely to selling and serving this cuisine. In essence, the poutine market is 'saturated', and any new poutine-related launches would be hard-pressed to elicit any reaction but an eye roll. Maple bacon is a tad easier to understand. What has long been considered an archetypal Canadian food, maple bacon was something added at gourmet restaurants to infuse a sweet-umami blast to a given dish. And then the trend started to creep into the lower tier, popping up like sriracha at popular fast food burger franchises and as a purchasable item at just about every grocery store in the country. The problem was that as maple bacon usage became ubiquitous, quality suffered cheaper cuts of meat and blander syrup flavoring to name two. As a result, perceptions of this food have forever been altered, and not necessarily for the better. These are but three cases that I've observed as a Torontonian. Undoubtedly you'll be able to apply your own region-specific examples. The message here is that if you want to continue to excite and delight with your F&B offerings, you have to stay ahead of the adoption curve. Sriracha is no longer a 'bold new flavor'. The trend is done; move on. Why bother adding poutine to the menu when it's already available at your five closest competitors? Of course, there is something to be said about the classics and staying true to form with their execution. That is, if you have outstanding ingredient quality and superior cooking methods then offering poutine or a maple bacon burger won't count against you. But they certainly won't make for a good marketing push either. In order to be unique in the world of F&B, you actually have to be just that: unique! If a fast food chain with over a thousand locations is now marketing sriracha to its customers, how would it benefit your restaurant by following suit? Would you honestly consider your outlet's poutine creation to be exceptional when the French fry dish is also available at every McDonald's for a hundred kilometers in all directions? A fast food franchise with over a thousand locations ironically can't move all that fast when it comes to embracing new food trends. They have to go through countless proof-of-concept and process tests before even considering implementation. Thus, by the time a food trend has reached these eateries, it's already dead. As hoteliers, it's our job to be food leaders, entrepreneurs and inventors. The challenge for your executive chef and culinary team is to be aware of when a food craze is petering out, and then adjust accordingly. It's a perpetual game of cat and mouse to stay ahead of the curve, but that's also part of the fun of it! Larry Mogelonsky Hotel Mogel Consulting Limited View source The Ukrainian side is ready to exchange eight militants of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) detained near Shyrokyne in Donetsk region for Ukrainian captives, Ukraine's representative in the Contact Group's subgroup for humanitarian matters, Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Chairperson Iryna Heraschenko has said. "Eight bandits, who were detained by representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Shyrokyne are not bomb disposal experts at all, but rather snipers [...] who had not been engaged in mine-clearance, but sought to stage acts of sabotage there. But I want to say that the Ukrainian side for the sake of releasing our hostages is ready to hand over these eight detainees to the other side," Heraschenko said on air of the 112.Ukraine television channel on Thursday, June 30. Kyiv has sent signals to "the other side", but there is no reply to them as of yet, she said. "But the humanitarian subgroup will hold a meeting in Minsk on July 4, and I will make this proposal there, we are ready to exchange these eight detainees," Heraschenko said. The Ukrainian military have captured eight DPR militants, who were on a reconnaissance mission on the Ukraine-controlled territory, in the area of Shyrokyne, Yuriy Tandyt, the advisor to the Ukrainian Security Service chief, said on June 28. Hospitality Net today Sign up to our free daily newsletter, It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home Louisvilles best-known exports to date include Muhammad Ali, Hunter S. Thompson, and the Louisvlle Slugger. Now a new generation of Louisville artists is sweeping the globe. The obvious culprit is mercurial R&B talent Bryson Tiller; another artist to watch out for is 18-year-old King Vory, who just released his debut mixtape Overdose. Hosted by Adrian Swish & DJ Radio, the 18-track project features Tiller, Blu, AD, Lil Bibby, & Johnny Cinco, as well as producton from the likes of Zaytoven, Dundeal, and Bongo By By the Way. That Zeus joint was fire. Stream Overdose and let us know what you think of the rest. Funkmaster-in-chief Nile Rodgers leads a party like no other on Leeside So youre planning a party. 4000-odd guests will be attending. The marquee check. Glitterball check. Afro-wigs and inflatable guitars check and check. Hang on, somethings missing. Whos bringing the funk? After all, it's no funk, no fun right? As luck would have it Nile Rodgers is in town and hes packing an embarrassment of the stuff. Enough to fill a million discotheques. Not alone though, hes attended by an 8-piece band that for the sake of convenience are called Chic despite there being no original members. Now weve got a party! Launching straight into Everybody Dance, the crowd take it as an instruction and do just that. For the next two hours Rodgers leads the band through an astonishing set of hits spanning 40 years. Astonishing for the reason that he has either written, arranged, produced or played on all of them. It is a fact which I just made up that somewhere in the world, at any given time, a track that Rodgers contributed to is being played. To list a few: Dance, Dance, Dance; Greatest Dancer; My Feet Keep Dancing'. Its not difficult to see a theme, but it's one which the audience lap-up like Pavlovian disco-dogs. The pace never lets up for a moment until the band finish up with, appropriately enough, Good Times. A bastian of musical delights and comedy treats awaits festival revellers this year We're only two weeks away until the gates of Longitude are unlatched and swung open for the public. To add a cherry on top of our excitement, the Dirty Old Town Speakeasy stage and Comedy Caravan stage acts have been revealed. Describing itself as the eccentric aunt of the festival, the Speakeasy welcomes all the most outre, quirky and extraordinary characters to its flamboyant, colour-filled tented pavilion. The zany area consists of one part cirque de musique, one part kooky cultural brothel. It shines on the periphery of the Marley Park festival offering stupendous musical treats, felicitous theatrical displays and the chance to break into uncontainable laughter. From the melodic songstress' Leila Jane, Eileen Gogan, Emma Lou and Lola Bailey to the Jamaican ska influenced funksters Interskalatic, the Dirty Old Town Speakeasy harbours every imaginable musical concoction from the minute the gates open until someone has to forcibly pull out the mic cord from the socket. Whether it's the infectious West African rhythms of Manden Express, or the thought provoking hip-hop of Lethal Dialect and gritty emcee Costello, or the New Orleans style urban brass ensemble Stomptown Brass - who return to clog up the instrument room, or the disco-tastic frenzy of Le Freak and Attention Bebe, it is where those in need of rejuvenation go. Resident beatbox champions Kamil and Amaron, chortle unimaginable surprises and be on the look-out for plenty of surprise guests to add a dash of pizzazz. And if that wasn't enough, right beside the Speakeasy, huddled into a 1960s caravan, are 34 comedians, ready to unleash a torrent of belly clasping stories and one-liners. Advertisement The Dirty Old Town Speakeasy line-up: Interskalactic, Lethal Dialect, Third Smoke, Old Hannah, Emma Lou & The Agenda, Eileen Gogan & The Instructions, Costello, Le Freak, Dave Thomas, Zaska, Loah Bailey, Maiden Express, Stomptown Brass, The Luna Boys, Leila Jane & The Healers, Attention Bebe, CC Brez, Harbouring Oceans, Kamil Fedorko, Amaron, Spud Gun, Brownbread Mixtape, Paddy Dennehy. Comedy Caravan line-up: Andrew Stanley, Emman Edama, Alison Spittle, Jim Elliot, Ronan Grace, Dave Reilly, Danny Ryan, Trevor Browne, Martin Angolo, Emma Doran, Niamh Marron, Luara Byrne, Peter Flanagan, Keith Fox, Paul Marsh, Ger Staunton, Andrea Farrell, Aidan Green, Bernard Casey, Steve Bennett, Niall Farrell, Stephen Ryan, Teresa Coyne, DJ Atkinson, Billy Anderson, Gary Doyle, Lisa Keegan, Cian McGarrigle, Ashlee Bentley, Duane. The Oscar nominee will receive a different kind of accolade when he returns to his hometown later this year. Michael Fassbender will be honoured in his native Kerry for his contribution to the film industry and for boosting the Killarney profile internationally. Born in Germany, the X-men star moved to Ireland with his family as a child. He has enjoyed a number of high profile roles of late, appearing in Macbeth, 12 Years A Slave and Steve Jobs. The Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce will induct 39 year old into the Order of Innisfallen at a black tie affair in October. It was a hugely controversial murder, which left a feeling that there might be unfinished business afoot. Now, all has been revealed... A podcast is at the centre of a new legal development in a murder case that dates back to 2000. Adnan Syed was found guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend Have Min Lee, in 2000. However, doubts were cast over the conduct of the case, and the verdict, in the podcast Serial, broadcast in 2014. Today, a new trial was ordered by a judge in Baltimore a decision which is a major breakthrough for the Maryland prisoner in his fight against the conviction. The Baltimore judge, Martin Welch, granted Syeds request for a new trial. Since the broadcast of the Serial podcast, a huge number of people have been examining afresh the details of the murder of Hae Min Lee. The arguments made in the Baltimore court suggested that Cristina Gutierrez, Syed's lawyer in the original trial, had not just been an ineffective counsel, but had also failed to follow through and investigate a alibi that would potentially have exonerated the accused. Advertisement Welchs order, made today, disagreed that Gutierrez had erred when she failed to contact Asia McClain, the key alibi who was featured on the Serial podcast. The judge also refused to accept Syeds claims that prosecutors had failed in their duty, by withholding evidence that would have exonerated Syed. However, the judge did accept that Syeds lawyer should have cross-examined an expert witness, provided by the State, about the limited reliability of cell tower data that had apparently placed him near the burial site. Syed has been serving a life sentence since his conviction in 2000. C Justin Brown, Syeds current attorney, stated at a press conference on Thursday that the judges order means the conviction is erased. Its gone, he said. "As of this day, hes not convicted anymore. C Justin Brown added that he expected the State to appeal the decision. Were prepared to fight, he said. "Our heels are dug in We know the states not going to give up and well be ready. Earlier this year, Syeds mother, Shamim Syed, in an interview with the Guardian newspaper, insisted that she believed that racism played a huge role in her sons arrest. For me it was discrimination, Syed stated. He was a 17-year-old Muslim. If his name was something else they wouldnt touch him but his name was Adnan Syed and his parents were from Pakistan. They forgot he was born and raised in America. Advertisement Serial was not the only podcast to deal with the case. Rabia Chaudry, a family friend of Syed who brought the case to the radio producers, launched her own podcast called Undisclosed. It set out further details of the crime. In particular, this latest podcast questioned the evidence from cellphone towers very effectively. Syeds lawyers argued in court that the data linking his phone to the burial site on the day of Lees murder was misleading. Specifically, it apparently lacked a cover sheet warning that incoming call data was less than reliable. Chaudry celebrated the news on Twitter with the statement, I am shaking with joy, shaking! His legal team will now be pushing for Syed to be released. Im feeling pretty confident right now, Chaudry stated. "This was the biggest hurdle. Its really hard to get a new trial. Following its release in 2014, Serial became the fastest podcast to reach 5m downloads and streams in iTuness history. Its reach covered the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, and it also scraped its way into the top 10 in Germany, South Africa and India. Advertisement This latest development notwithstanding, Hae Min Lees family believes that Syed is guilty. It remains hard to see so many run to defend someone who committed a horrible crime, they said via social media, "who destroyed our family, who refuses to accept responsibility, when so few are willing to speak up for Hae. She stood up for what was right, regardless of popular opinion. The attorney generals office in the United States have not commented so far. The United States and European Union (EU) member countries should not cancel sanctions against Russia until the latter fulfills the Minsk agreements in full, former Prime Minister of Ukraine and the leader of the People's Front Party, Arseniy Yatseniuk, has said. "I say this to the U.S. president and the EU leaders: you are not allowed to lift sanctions against Russia, until the Russian Federation fully implements "Minsk," and until Ukraine reasserts control of Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea," he wrote on Facebook summing up his speech at the Atlantic Council think tank during a visit to the United States. He emphasized that Ukraine is "the only country in Europe which is fighting against well-equipped, armed-to-the-teeth Russian army." "We need support. We are not just fighting to defend our borders. We are fighting to defend European borders and the borders of NATO member states. And for the peace and stability in the entire Europe. And this is the message I want to deliver to every single member of the free world. It is to be really free. And we want to be free. We can make it only when we are united. When we stick to the values but not value," reads the politician's statement. As reported, Yatseniuk visited the U.S. on June 27-30. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BOSTON - Former Vice President Al Gore's daughter was among 23 people arrested this week during a protest of a pipeline under construction. The arrests happened Wednesday at the site of Spectra Energy's West Roxbury Lateral pipeline in Boston. Karenna Gore was among demonstrators who tried to block construction activity on the site by lying in a trench dug for the pipeline and refusing to move until firefighters removed them, said protest group Resist the Pipeline & Stop the West Roxbury Lateral. The group opposes the pipeline because of safety and climate change concerns. Protesters facing trespassing and disturbing the peace charges were being arraigned Thursday. Gore, who serves as director of the Center for Earth Ethics at the Union Theological Seminary in New York, and others facing resisting arrest charges will be arraigned Friday. Gore said in an email that she was honored to be part of the protest "as they made the case that there are higher moral principles at stake here that merit nonviolent civil disobedience." "The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should be helping us transition to renewable energy like solar and wind but instead they almost always defer to the fossil fuel industry," she wrote. Proud of daughter Al Gore, who served as vice president under Democratic President Bill Clinton, said he was proud of his daughter. "We are facing an existential crisis and should speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy and a decarbonized economy," he said through a spokeswoman. Spectra Energy Houston-based Spectra Energy Corp. said it does not condone actions that take first responders away from their duties. "Our pipelines provide a vital source of reliable, affordable energy for the nation's homes, hospitals, businesses and schools. Low energy prices help everyone, particularly those least able to pay their bills," company spokesman Creighton Welch said in a statement. The 5-mile pipeline is part of a larger, roughly $1 billion plan to expand natural gas capacity in New England. Protesters said Buddhist, Jewish and Christian clergy members were among those charged with resisting arrest, as was noted climate change activist Tim DeChristopher, who a few years ago tried to stop drilling operations in Utah. "We can no longer pretend like what Spectra is doing here in West Roxbury is anything other than digging a mass grave," DeChristopher said in remarks at the protest. DeChristopher tried to thwart drilling near Utah's national parks by posing as a buyer during a 2008 government oil and gas lease auction. He served 21 months in federal prison, and his probation ended this April. Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with former president Bill Clinton at the airport in Phoenix this week - an encounter that she described as "primarily social," but one that drew instant attention because of the Justice Department's ongoing investigation into the email practices of his wife, Hillary, while she was secretary of state. Lynch publicly confirmed the meeting, first reported by ABC15 and others, saying it occurred at the airport where she had just landed for a stop on her nationwide tour of law enforcement agencies. She said that she, her husband and the former president discussed their travels, the former president's grandchildren and the golf he had played in Arizona. "No discussions were held on any cases or anything of that," Lynch said, "and he didn't raise anything about that either." The FBI and the Justice Department are in the midst of a high-profile investigation into leading Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state - a probe that has, at times, been the subject of intense focus on the campaign trail. The decision on whether to bring charges in the case would ultimately run through Lynch. A Justice Department official familiar with the meeting said that Bill Clinton initiated the encounter, boarding Lynch's plane -- to the surprise of some aides -- after the group had landed in Phoenix Monday evening. The official said Lynch staffers remain unsure how exactly Clinton knew the attorney general was at the airport -- though it was possible their security details had coordinated as often happens when two high-profile figures are in the same place -- and there were no conversations between Lynch and Clinton aides to set up the meeting. The conversation, the official said, lasted about 30 minutes. A Bill Clinton aide also disputed the notion that the encounter was "set up," saying the attorney general and the former president "caught up after they realized they were both sitting on the same tarmac." The aide noted that Clinton even met briefly with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, when the men happened to be at the same airport earlier this year. Despite the innocuous descriptions of the interaction, the encounter generated instant buzz in political circles. Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump said on The Mike Gallagher Show that the meeting was "really a sneak," "so terrible" and "so horrible." He also said it was "one of the big stories of this week, of this month, of this year." "This is terrible and nobody can understand why nothing's happened," Trump said. "And you see a thing like this and, even in terms of judgment, how bad of judgment is it for him or for her to do this, I mean, who would do this?" CNN political commentator and former Obama adviser David Axelrod wrote on Twitter that he took Lynch and Clinton's "word that their convo in Phoenix didn't touch on probe." But he said it was "foolish to create such optics." Hillary Clinton campaign spokesman Glen Caplin declined comment Thursday on whether it was appropriate for the former president to speak informally with Lynch while the FBI matter is unresolved. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a briefing, "The bottom line is simply that both the president and the Attorney General understand how important is for the Department of Justice to conduct investigations that are free of political interference ... The rule of law is paramount." He said he had no insights into Lynch's meeting nor into the investigation concerning Hillary Clinton's email. "Public trust would be eroded if people were not making an effort to make clear that these investigations should not be influenced by politics," Earnest said. A Justice Department spokeswoman provided transcripts of Lynch's comments on the matter at public press conferences but declined to comment further. Asked if the meeting might create the appearance of impropriety with regard to the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email, Lynch said the case was being handled by career prosecutors and FBI agents, according to the transcript. --- The Washington Post's Anne Gearan and Juliet Eilperin contributed to this report. Another day, another Clinton "scandal." If Bill Clinton actually discussed the FBI probe of Hillary Clinton with Loretta Lynch, I'd say that's an ethical breach. But Bill Clinton appointed Loretta Lynch as a US Attorney in 1999, so they are old acquaintances. Washington DC is in high dudgeon about the "appearance" of a conflict, which is certainly a political mistake. They shouldn't have done it in order to avoid any appearances, especially to those already inclined to believe every conspiracy theory about the Clintons. Maybe they were discussing the conspiracy to cover up Vince Foster's death? Click the gallery below to see many more cartoons by Nick Anderson. Anyone who's been on a job interview knows they should come prepared to answer questions about their background, work experience and the inevitable, if tired, "What are your strengths/weaknesses?" But what about the employer? What kind of effort should go into making a good impression for prospective, high-caliber job candidates? The question comes to mind as the languid search for the Houston Independent School District's new superintendent stretches into its sixth month. What should trustees expect and be prepared for? If the candidates are, as we hope, aspirational school administrators who have a quantifiable track record of improving the school systems, campuses and classrooms they have touched, the questions they'll have in mind will be tough and probing. They'll want to know - and surely will assess via research - that the school board is the kind of team that puts children's interests first. Top prospects will be looking for signs of the board's governing style: Will trustees constructively guide administrative responsibilities, or will they micromanage daily duties? The best candidates will ask deep questions about the board's vision for the district, and will look for signals that this vision guides the school board's decision-making. Quality candidates will also have questions, though likely will already know, about the nature of community support for and interest in HISD's success. How engaged is the business community with the district? The higher education community? In the best-case scenario, broad-based community support, which HISD currently enjoys, will be a selling point. So, too, will Houston's diverse population, with citizenry from all around the globe. HISD students continue to pass an increasing number of advanced placement tests, and this year through the Emerge program received admission into 18 of the top 20 national universities (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report). The school system also has magnet schools that regularly rank among the nation's best public schools. In addition, the district will soon have 40 newly reconstructed school buildings, and, importantly, while turnover rate has been persistently high, it has many dedicated principals and teachers who entered the profession of teaching to help students and who are eager to overcome a culture over-reliant on testing. The district's challenges will be on display, too. More than 75 percent of district students are economically disadvantaged. Despite some accomplishments during the last decade, an unacceptably high number of HISD's 283 schools - 109 - have been designated as failing by the state, according to a report prepared by the firm that HISD used to conduct the superintendent search. In addition, due to the inequities of Texas' funding system for education, HISD has had to make deep budget cuts. Even though it serves mostly students of poverty, the district, now considered to be "property wealthy," is facing the prospect of having to turn over local tax revenue to the state. For the best candidates, however, those challenges will be viewed as opportunities. Setting and reaching big goals are not out of the realm of possibility. HISD was the first district to win the prestigious Broad Prize twice. A bigger prize - attaining excellence in our urban setting - will set a standard for the nation. It would be easy after the Terry Grier years to pick someone who won't shake things up. And it would be easy to select a local candidate who won't make waves with trustees. Now is not the time to settle for that. Too many schools are rated unacceptable, too many teachers are fleeing, and the state has painted HISD into a difficult financial corner. This board owes it to the children and to parents to find an innovator. Find someone who'll challenge us. Find someone who will motivate administration, teachers and students. This is the seventh-largest school district in the United States. It deserves a proven leader with a vision that will unify us, a track record of success that will astound us, and one who will mold our children into the leaders that our city and state need to thrive. We celebrate our nations Independence Day with fireworks, parades, picnics and performances of The Star-Spangled Banner. Americans across our great nation use this day to celebrate how fortunate we all are to live in a free country and they do so in a way which brings together family, friends and communities. The good folks in Oran have been celebrating the Fourth of July for 53 years now with their annual picnic which features an antique tractor display, music, games, and according to former Congressman Bill Emerson the best fried chicken in southeast Missouri. Willow Springs attracts people from all over with one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the region, while the City of Jackson will celebrate Independence Day with a 5k walk/childrens fun run. These are just a few of the great celebrations happening all across south central and southeast Missouri this weekend, a scene which can be found repeated across our nation. The 4th of July truly is a special celebration, one that memorializes the valiant fight for our freedom, and symbolizes the immense national pride that so many Americans are proud to display. However, while the vast majority of us have always recognized this celebration and enjoyed the freedoms our country represents to the world, there are others who come and learn these values and wish to become a part of our culture. On the 4th of July this year, I have the distinct honor of celebrating those who are becoming American citizens the right way, those who went through the process, waited their turn and followed our laws. I will be participating in a naturalization ceremony in Cape Girardeau for a small group of individuals who will become official U.S. citizens. It is something we dont often think of as American citizens ourselves, but I couldnt think of a better day throughout the entire year to take the oath of citizenship for our country and become an American on the very day we celebrate our independence. The path to American citizenship is certainly not an easy one. It has many requirements that must be met including being able to read, write, speak and understand English, and they also must pass a roughly 100 question test on American history and government that embarrassingly some Americans would struggle with. However, one of the most profound requirements that isnt tested, but remains true is the sincere belief and excitement of each of these individuals to be able to consider themselves Americans. Often times our dreams are tied to things or places where we want to see ourselves professionally, but as Americans we overlook the mere opportunity to achieve those dreams because we simply are Americans. For many of these new citizens however their dream was to become an American, and that is something that is truly special for any of us to recognize. Especially if you are able to see the tears of pride that new American citizens express through the ceremony I am honored to be a part of. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also celebrate the core of our beliefs and our identity as Americans. We take pride and honor our forefathers whose love of freedom created this nation we call home and remember the men and women serving in our armed forces who are committed to protecting our freedom through their service and sacrifice. However, as our 4th of July celebrations end this year there will be a few new Americans, whose celebration will be ongoing and take place every day because they have been welcomed into the greatest society and nation in the world. 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 A Cabool man is held on $1 million bond and faces felony charges after a stabbing incident last week in his hometown. Cody Strube, 20, of 925 Pine St., was charged with first-degree assault serious physical injury (a class A felony) and armed criminal action. He was taken into custody at 1:35 a.m. last Thursday from the rooftop of a house on Highway AD. Authorities said he had a knife. The victim, Austin Sears, 21, of Cabool, was airlifted to Cox Hospital in Springfield and treated for a lacerated liver. He was reportedly recovering and in stable condition. According to report submitted to the county prosecutor by Cabool Police Department Chief Jerald Sigman, officers and emergency responders were dispatched at 9:30 p.m. last Wednesday to 3420 Highway M regarding a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, authorities determined the stabbing had occurred at 825 Main St., and that Sears had sustained three wounds to the abdomen. After further investigation and interviews with several witnesses, police determined Sears had walked up to a pickup parked in the driveway that had multiple people inside. Strube, who was in the passengers seat stabbed him, and Sears reportedly said, Dude, you just stabbed me, before leaving in another vehicle, according to a report. Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 58 attacks in the past 24 hours, the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) press center wrote on Facebook on Friday morning. Ukrainian troops stationed near Avdiyivka, Verkhniotoretske, Novhorodske, Mayorsk and Zaitseve in the Donetsk sector came under fire of small arms and grenade launchers, it said. Ukrainian fortifications in Troitske and Luhanske were shelled by 120mm mortars. In addition, 15 shots fired from 152mm artillery were observed in Luhanske. Ukrainian positions in Berezove, Novotroitske and Krasnohorivka in the Mariupol sector were bombarded by 82mm mortars. The hostiles fired 122mm artillery on Ukrainian positions near Novozvanivka and Novooleksandrivka and an anti-aircraft gun was used near Krymske in the Luhansk sector. Legislation signed into law last month will give more students from around the state the opportunity to participate in the Constitution Project. ROBERT ROSS During the 2016 legislative session, the initial legislation was filed as a standalone bill by Rep. Robert Ross. It was then added as an amendment to SB 638, which was signed by the governor on June 22. The bill authorizes a school district to develop a policy allowing student participation in the Constitution Project of the Missouri Supreme Court. Ross said this is the next important step toward making this already successful program a part of the learning curriculum of even more Missouri high school students. This interactive program has grown in popularity as students from around the state have come to the State Capitol to participate in events that focus on everything from crime scene investigation to trial advocacy, Ross said. The kids who have participated have walked away with glowing reviews and a far better understanding of how our governmental processes work. Ross, R-Yukon said more than 250 students from 16 different school districts, including Houston, participated in the program in 2015. With SB 638 now signed into law, we can look forward to even more schools participating and young people from every corner of the state benefit from an experience that enhances and builds on the learning they do in the classroom, Ross said. Texas County Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston started the Constitution Project four years ago in Houston. It expanded into a regional and now statewide competition. The objectives of the Constitution project are to give students exciting, hands-on experience in possible future careers that are integral to the United States Constitution and the nation. It also provides students a greater understanding and love for the Constitution through personal experience in the constitutional system, including concepts such as freedom of the press, due process and the right to trial by jury. Participants are chosen based on school district excellence, capability in teaching the three disciplines of the competition and student aptitude. In addition, each community is required to pledge commitments from the school, local judges, law enforcement, media and attorneys. The following are excerpts of reports generated by the Texas County Sheriffs Department: A deputy was dispatched at about 2:30 p.m. June 30 regarding a report of a man threatening suicide at a U.S. 63 residence at Cabool who had also requested being taken to the hospital. The man was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. A 52-year-old Elk Creek man reported on June 24 that three shotguns and a DVD/VCR unit had been swiped from his Dees Road residence. There are no suspects. A deputy was dispatched at about 4:20 p.m. June 30 regarding a report of a possible assault at a Highway B residence at Houston. The officer made contact with a 13-year-old boy who lives there who said his brother and uncle had been choking him. The deputy spoke to the brother, 11, who said he was the only one who had done the choking. The officer spoke to the uncle, 27, and he denied involvement. Investigation of the case continues. A deputy responded at about 5:40 p.m. June 24 to a request for a well-being check at a Mineral Drive residence at Houston. The response came after a call from the Greene County Sheriffs Department indicating someone from the Houston location had called a woman in Greene County and left a voicemail message, and the woman had reported hearing a female voice calling for help in the background. The deputy spoke to the homeowner, who stated everything was OK and that such a call was never made from the residence. Texas County Jail admissions June 27 Marissa A. Gilbert 72-hour commitment Steven L. Woolsey 12-hour commitment June 28 Christopher R. Giller writ (to appear before judge) Kendel P. Bruning writ Ryan L. Booker writ Tammy S. Frazier Howell County hold Melissa C. Fischel 48-hour commitment June 29 Jerry A. Tharp sex offender within 500 feet of park Codey L. Strube first-degree assault, unlawful use of weapon June 30 Steven A. Barton leaving scene of an accident, driving while revoked, non-support Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Effective July 1, 2017, employers in the City of Chicago will be required to offer at least five days of paid sick leave to part-time and full-time employees. On June 22, 2016, Chicago City Council unanimously approved the Chicago Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, substantially expanding paid time off requirements for employers, city-wide. With its approval, Chicago joins a growing number of U.S. cities, states, and counties with similar sick leave requirements. The ordinance stipulates that any employee working at least 80 hours for an employer within any four-month period qualifies for five days of paid sick leave. New employees must wait six months from their start date to begin using paid sick leave, though they begin accruing time immediately. Employees accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 40 hours worked, with the ability to accrue a maximum of five paid sick days in a 12-month period. Employees are permitted to carry over up to 20 hours of unused paid sick leave from year to year, or 40 hours if the employer is subject to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, if an employee is able to carry over 40 hours of paid sick leave, these additional hours must be used exclusively for Family Medical Leave Act purposes, such as the care of a newborn or serious illness. In either case, employers are not required yet to pay out any unused sick time when an employee leaves the company. Except in instances in which the sic... The moment I became aware of what was unfolding from the time my alarm went off at 5am on the Friday morning following the referendum I was struck with fear and anxiety of the unknown that lay ahead. By then voting had reached the point of no return and we were heading for the exit. I made my way to the West End of London to meet two friends for breakfast and we struggled to interpret what had just happened. One friend works in commercial property for a French bank. The other runs a UK business based in the Midlands and was one of the signatories of the letter many business leaders put their name to saying we should vote Remain. As we ate our Full English breakfasts we were trying to predict what this meant. My commercial property friend said that in the run up to the referendum some 75% of the bank's UK commercial property deals were done with foreigners and he could see this only increasing with the resultant weakness of sterling, whilst the other was a little more unsure about what it meant for his business where his main market is the UK, but he also exports to the US and EU, however the fall in sterling was unlikely to make his product any more attractive to his customers abroad. So two experts in their fields were pretty certain of two outcomes from Brexit, namely higher property prices and no boon to exports, contrary to what the Leave campaign were trying to get voters to believe. Now this was only three people having a knee-jerk discussion about the prospects for the UK economy following the Brexit vote, but I came to learn very quickly that straw polls like this really matter. Only a couple of weeks before the vote I was meeting with a handful of contacts in the City and all of them said they were voting Leave (and yes we are still on speaking terms!). Driving up and down the country on major motorways also indicated that the farmer vote was going the way of Brexit given the large amount of signs there were saying "Vote Leave". This was an interesting observation as it was expected that the farmer vote was a shoo-in for Remain, however another farming friend said that the industry, despite receiving generous subsidies from the EU, had become disenfranchised with the whole project due to the endless rules and regulations that kept on changing every few years. Advertisement There's no question business has been impacted, just as it was ahead of the vote due to the uncertainty. Even Sir Richard Branson has mothballed investments that will impact the UK economy and as it's unclear as to what the future holds for various deals, unquestionably the vote will cause a slowdown in growth. At least there is evidence that existing business remains active and optimistic, taking the view that what's done is done and we have to deal with the cards we are dealt as best we can, in the truly stoic and British way that we go about things. It has been interesting to gauge the opinions of other people in the City since the vote. I have spoken to a number of non-UK nationals who have offices based here due to it being a very significant financial centre and because of all the passporting benefits that come with EU membership. On the whole they do not foresee resultant changes to passporting rules impacting business significantly and if it did mean opening another office in Paris or Frankfurt to regain full access to the single market, so be it. Also interestingly from a regulatory point of view we already have a well-established regime under the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and those rules out of Europe that financial services currently have to abide by are unlikely to change significantly, with the overwhelming drive for all regulators being to protect customers. However, the Leave campaign's claim to be able to take back control is going to be sorely tested in the coming months and years with the thorny immigration issue unlikely to go away. Non-UK citizens will still want to live and work in this country and it will need labour from outside where skill shortages exist. What it seems that many Leave voters didn't appreciate is that the Leave campaign refused to put a figure on net migration as they knew only too well that it's a target that's impossible to set, especially given they want to have as much access to the EU's single market as possible, which means free movement of labour. Advertisement So accessing the single market means free movement of people, just as Norway, Switzerland and (dare I say it?) Iceland have to accept, which also means contributing to the EU coffers, as well as compliance with various EU rules. So depending on how Brexit negotiations go, we are likely to have less access to the single market and absolutely no influence over the setting of the rules by which we'll have to abide in order to have this second rate access. Evidence suggests that Leave voters' main motivation was not immigration, but having greater control over law making*, so new arrangements with the EU will also disappoint on this front given that in the future the UK is likely to have to comply with many EU regulations. The next cornerstone in the Brexit saga is invoking of Article 50, if indeed it is even invoked at all. At the time of writing the probability of Article 50 being triggered in 2016 is at around 40%**, so there are markets being made that show there is a large degree of uncertainty as to when the next Prime Minister will formally inform the EU of the UK's intention to leave. The biggest problem of all is that no one has any answers and Brexit throws up more questions than it solves. Strong words are already being used with EU leaders saying we cannot cherry pick the deal with want and French President Hollande going a step further by calling for an end to the UK clearing euro-denominated trades. This means businesses not just in the City but across the UK, are having to feel in the dark. A new UK maybe about to dawn, but whether it'll be good for our pockets and our country's future is still yet to be seen. A key element to our success will be to remain optimistic about that dawn when it arrives. * Source: Lord Ashcroft polls ** Source: Betfair Exchange "UK - Article 50 triggered in 2016?" market Disclaimer The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Ukraine (OSCE) has accepted Ukraine's reasoning for sending an armed police mission to Donbas instead of arming the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), which is already operating in the region, Head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Policy and Communications Department Oleksiy Makeyev said. "The discussion about sending a police mission was held in Vienna for several weeks. It is very good that our reasoning for sending a new armed OSCE police mission, instead of arming the SMM, were taken into account," he said on Channel 5 on June 30. Makeyev emphasized that all of the countries participating in the OSCE should decide on sending the police mission to Donbas. "Certainly, the OSCE is a consensus organization and 57 participating states should make joint decisions, but this discussion is already being held. We explained that we need enough policemen as no one in Donbas is able to ensure secure elections today: we have no Ukrainian police or National Guard soldiers there, but there are bandits there," Makeyev said. He added that the necessity to send the police mission was not related directly to local elections in the region. "It is not a police mission for the elections. It is a police mission for security there. I mean not only polling stations or, for example, candidates at local elections, but also general security should be ensured there someway or other. We don't have it there today. One of the police mission's functions there would be also assistance to the SMM in its control over Ukraine-Russia border," Makeyev said. "Next time that you want to stab Caesar, make sure that you're not holding a plastic spoon". At a time when politics has become increasingly like the Thick of It, Labour's revolters may regret not heeding Malcolm Tucker's advice. Indeed, Labour's rebels appear to have come armed with little more than plastic spoons, as events unfolded it became clear that their palace revolution had much planning but little strategy. If you're going to bring down the leader, you need to have several important factors, including the appearance of legitimacy, a clear plan of attack, and, most importantly, a credible successor - it's clear that those leading the coup have not managed any of these The mutineers seemed to hope that Brexit would gave them the appearance of legitimacy. Losing the vote, after Corbyn lead a much criticised campaign, seemed to be a banker for this. As Angela Eagle put it in her resignation letter on Monday: "under your leadership the case to remain in the EU was made with half-hearted ambivalence rather than full-throated clarity." However, with Lord Ashcroft's polls showing that Labour voters backed remain at about the same rate as SNP voters, Labour members may be more tempted to agree with Angela's comments from two weeks previously: "Jeremy is up and down the country, pursuing an itinerary that would make a 25-year-old tired, he has not stopped. We are doing our best, but if we are not reported, it is very difficult". Additionally, the way the coup has been worked, with carefully timed resignations designed to inflict maximum damage, at a time when the Conservatives were in real meltdown, has lead huge numbers of party members, much of the trade union movement, and even Angela Eagle's own CLP brand the rebels as irresponsible. Advertisement The plan was also lacking. After most of the Shadow Cabinet resigned, as publicly as possible, and MPs voted 172-40 in no confidence of Corbyn, again and again commentators and party grandees called on him to quit - he didn't. As things went on, it became increasingly clear that those leading the attempted overthrow had put little thought into what would happen if Corbyn dug his heels in and fought back. Much like the Tory Brexiteers, the 'chicken coup' leaders seemed reluctant to actually mount a leadership challenge. With every sign showing that Corbyn would easily beat any challenger in a leadership election, you can't blame them for not wanting to run. This is the main problem for the rebels: they have no credible alternative leader. Many names were thrown out by the media: Tom Watson, Yvette Cooper, Owen Smith, Dan Jarvis and Chukka Ummuna, before it was revealed that it would probably be Angela Eagle who will be the one to face Corbyn. Except she is holding off actually mounting the challenge, perhaps she wonders that, having coming fourth out of five in the deputy leadership contest ten months ago, she may not have that good a chance against the party leader with the biggest mandate in the history of UK politics. I watched an emergency session of the EU parliament today. 28/6/2016 The thing that struck me was the nastiness and bile that was directed towards our country simply because we had made a decision to take back our sovereignty and once again become a democratic nation, as opposed to the perceived democracy handed down by the EU commission. The aggression nearly all came from those parties that wish to live in peace and harmony under mainly Socialist led theologies. I think in the heat of the moment the irony may well have been lost on these people who believe staunchly that Nationalism is everything that is bad in the world. Well maybe the National Socialism of 1933 was an extreme version of Socialism, but of course again the irony would be lost. In these times it is commonly believed that facism is purely a right wing affliction, but of course as we are seeing more and more often, it is actually the far left that are the closest we have to facism. They try to close down free speech, if they can't win an argument through debate, then they will simply scream and shout, or claim they are offended, by what? Who knows? When asked they cannot give an answer, because the reality is, they are not offended at all, but believe it gives them the moral high ground by saying they are. Advertisement Now, I love my country very much indeed, but we have seen one or two more than tasteless acts of .... well, racism since our historic vote to leave the EU 5 days ago. No way do I want to belittle this as I can think of very few things that are more abhorrent in the 21st century. Quite how these morons equate leaving the EU, with feeling they have the right to tell hard working people who've lived many many years in this country to leave is beyond me. Something wants to tell me our Liberal media have jumped on one or two isolated incidents, and I sincerely hope that is the case and soon things will calm down. These morons of course are relatively few and far between over here, just look at Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria, just a few of many countries that have very active far right openly facist and racist organised groups, where as here the nearest we have is the defunct BNP which has now morphed into Britain First. Because we are a nation of moderates, these bizarre sections of our community are looked upon with comical disdain, as they should be. The more one pushes back against these minority extreme groups, the more air it gives them to survive. Humour, disdain and simply ignoring them (provided they do not break the law) is the way to deal with them. I read an article in the Washington post the other day, calling into question Britain's commitment to NATO, especially if it were the Poles who were in need. Advertisement It simply goes to show how totally uninformed that reporter actually is. Our links with Poland are probably stronger than with any other European nation, with the possible exception of Norway. We have a shared sorrow for the alliance we had to form during the second world war, with many Poles fighting shoulder to shoulder with British infantry and airmen. They are an amazing people with a great work ethic and 'hard work' is not a phrase they understand, they just call it 'work'. So the EU parliaments idea that 'Nationalism', or 'Nationalistic pride' is bad, has very much been influenced by what they have seen in their own nations. When well over half the voting electorate voted to leave the EU, makes them proud to be British, but so, so, far from being racists as many from the remain side of the argument implied very strongly, in an attempt to scare voters from being labelled 'racists'. To finish, the Liberal left in Britain had convinced many young people to vote, and here is an example of conversations being carried out around the UK. This was from a friend of mine on social network todayI Had some cheeky ***** get abusive with me the other day and said old people shouldn't be allowed to vote they are racist. She believed there is plenty of room in the UK for all the immigrants! She is originally from Malta. When I said " why not allow loads into Malta she said " There's no room!" Bloody unbelievable. So they've convinced these young people that anyone who is old is also a racist and more to the point, the elderly should not be allowed to vote. Advertisement (contains swearing) "The truth is that we have long been in a prison called neoliberalism... The EU is one key institution in a transnational neoliberal club... Most Remainers want to pretend that the prison does not exist because they still get privileges to visit the living areas. The Brexiters cannot forget it exists because they are never allowed to leave their small cells." Jonathan Cook In the early nineties, Thieves - the duo I was in then - was working on a debut album. It wasn't going well. It took months- nine and a half, in fact. The production budget was haemorrhaging cash. Our tapes were routinely dismissed and returned by the label. We were constantly instructed to return to the drawing board. I had some sort of breakdown. For a time, I cried myself to sleep at night, and discovered, each morning, the disturbing phenomenon of waking up in tears. I am sure some of you will understand why I am thinking about that difficult time this week. I realise that we all exist in some sort of bubble. Mine combines London, the arts, academe and a Facebook news feed of like-minded people - for the most part. On Monday, I went to the Architectural Association for a members meeting. I was joining two German colleagues. On arrival, I was greeted warmly by the school's Ibicencan registrar and her Canadian husband. Afterwards, at dinner, we were joined by another two colleagues, both Romanian, both, suddenly, feeling very unwelcome, on an island that had felt like home just days ago. It seems ludicrous, but I am a little concerned about what I might face on the street when I leave the house. "Don't be ridiculous McAlmont! You're in the centre of London." And your point is? Advertisement The next afternoon I had to sign a contract. I met the general manager of the organisation in Brixton Village. She arrived with her eighteen month old son. His name is Guy. His mother described it as a "British name." She is French, her husband is Spanish. They met, married and settled here. When this became plain to me, I instinctively facepalmed and shook my head. I realised what I was doing and apologised. I fumbled that it was wonderful that they had found each other, and that my response was actually about what had just happened politically. She smiled weakly and shrugged her understanding. Yesterday, at the library, William rang. He was completely gloom and doom. He needed cheering up. Join the club! He's a linguist. His party piece is counting from one to ten in any language you throw at him. The surge in demonstrative racism is breaking his heart. He has not had a decent night's sleep since the result. I abandoned the research and sat with him for a bit. Afterwards, I was heading into Soho from Bloomsbury to meet my friend John, and as I crossed Oxford Street, I saw my buddy Martin waiting for a mate outside Tottenham Court Road station. After a hug and the exchange of "How you doing?" It quickly became a conversation about the state of things. Martin said, "It's mental. Fucking Mental. We've got no government. We've got no opposition. We've got no country. It's perverse to say so, but it's strangely exciting." I kind of know what he means. As a citizen, I am in bits. As a history enthusiast I am, as Martin put it, strangely excited, even though I am totally bricking it: for myself, the people I love, the country, the world. People are investigating their heritage, to see if they have rights elsewhere on earth. Some are applying for permanent British citizenship. Some are discussing the constructive use of the time available, to ponder where else in the world they might go. Some are evoking Christopher Isherwood's 1930s Germany. Others are saying "Move on. Get over it." Casual dismissal, of concerns over racism, comes in the guise of, "There has always been racism," as if that glib pat can make your petrol-bombed shop, or dog fouled, living room window easier to swallow. "Oh my God! You're kidding, right?" That's what a friend in New York said when I Skyped him two nights ago. Advertisement 2016 has got some form on it. Prince and David Bowie, peerless cultural symbols of western symbiosis, are snuffed lights, recalling the fiftieth anniversary of the fourth of July (1826), when Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, died on the same day, prompting talk of ill portent. Almost one hundred and ninety years on, to the day, it is the end of June 2016; we are officially halfway through the year. Brexit seems to be the confirmation that 2016 is not just bad: it comes with chips! The United Kingdom is unrecognisable. The marginalisation of millions, and failures in "Education Education Education," suggest a severe likelihood that words like migrant and refugee are fired liberally with no knowledge of their meaning; they may as well stand for rat or cockroach. Drunken racists on a tram in Manchester, tell a manifestly non-African male, with a pronounced North American accent, to fuck off back to Africa. I know. Right? I come home - on the tube. I log into Facebook, and happen upon two photographs of a man in a St Andrew's flag, and a regular looking woman, both perpetrators of racist attacks in the last hour - ON THE TUBE! In the House of Commons, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, architect of this bun fight, instructs the Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, "For Heaven's sake man, Go!" for the good of the country - Eh? Journalist, Paul Mason, usually cucumber cool, visibly sweats and loses his rag with a Jeremy Corbyn assassin on The Daily Politics. The American satirists we check in with, when we need a good laugh, are having a Roman Holiday at the expense of the British. Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, Ukippers, racists and Bregretters are paraded in unseemly sequences that make Britain look like Pig's Knuckle, Arkansas. However, as the British joke becomes quickly stale in the fidgety US, they are beginning to panic that Brexit could well be "Trump: The Prequel." Seismological activity has been detected on the San Andreas Fault! Westminster, it seems, is another of those bubbles I mentioned earlier. Within it, politicians play Risk and Monopoly with lives and ideas. In the corridors of power, the electorate is a game of Machiavellian Battle Ships. Citizens are statistical pegs on a punctured grid. If you are feeling disoriented, melancholy, freaked, angry, concerned, worried, or shocked, I'm not surprised. That, I can identify with. This mayhem has been orchestrated, as if by the Gods, playing Chess in Jason and the Argonauts. If, however, you think that the British should just "get over it" and "move on," One: you're not helping; Two: what do you mean? Three: where do you get off? And Four: just use your loaf! I can't conclude this because it is evidently just beginning... Advertisement Back in the 1960s life moved at a more sedate pace. Arguing that political fortunes could change very quickly Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson pointed out that a week is a long time in politics. Well, move over granddad: these days we move far faster. Events move on in days, hours and sometimes minutes. We have entered an era when politics is at warp speed. Consider this past week. Only a little more than 7 days ago David Cameron was secure in No10, feeling hopeful that he was about to win the European argument and thinking about the gentle glide path to retirement in 2018. Jeremy Corbyn was much reviled but not under immediate threat in his position as Labour Party leader. Boris Johnson and Michael Gove were resigned to the fact they had fought hard and lost, but had made their case and burnished their reputations. Nigel Farage was conceding defeat and doubtless drowning his sorrows. Tim Farron was as irrelevant as ever. All was well with the world. Since then the pace of change has been dizzying. The explosion from the hand grenade thrown by the British electorate at the end of last week has reverberated throughout this country and around the world. Farage has strutted triumphantly from College Green to the European Parliament. Cameron has resigned, experienced the sorrow and anger of his fellow European leaders, and ended the week relaxed and in good form in the Commons tearoom. Farron has continued to be irrelevant. Advertisement Meanwhile the Labour Party has had possibly the most bizarre week in its history. It began with the departure of most of the Shadow Cabinet, many of whom have still not been replaced. Its leader has been under siege all week, after those resignations and after his Parliamentary colleagues passed an overwhelming vote of no confidence. Every day has brought rumours that one opponent or other would stand against Corbyn but they have held back, daunted by the leftwingers they would have to face. Corbyn is clinging on, apparently so that he can pass the crown on to John McDonnell or someone of a similar ideological hue. The sight of Paul Flynn at the dispatch box capped off this very strange week. All these machinations are good sport, but they are deadly serious for Labour. If Corbyn can't be shifted, or if he is replaced by another leftie, it is hard to see how some of the Party's MPs can stay inside the tent. The atmosphere is poisonous; the risk of splits very real. At the same time the Party has to grapple with the realities starkly revealed by the referendum, particularly that its relationship with many previously core voters is strained at best. An election now might see many seats lost and UKIP and the Tories hoovering up large swathes of the north. The Party is fragile; the next few weeks are crucial. The Tories are under less existential threat, but are still wobbling. On Friday morning they lost their leader, and all the stresses and strains Cameron has managed for years came tumbling out. At first the leadership election looked like it might be a coronation for Boris, but three things happened. He wrote a newspaper column which revealed he was not as ideologically sound about Brexit, and particularly on immigration, as his supporters might have thought. His clownish superficiality was exposed as he glibly assured the nation that pensions were safe, even as markets plunged up and down. And some Tories began to think that the Brexit-negotiator-in-chief needs to be serious and experienced, at home in the corridors of power not on Have I Got News For You. And so Gove wielded the knife... ANDREW YATES via Getty Images Yesterday, Mark Carney made plain his view that last week's referendum result will cause significant damage to the British economy. He was also clear that "there are limits to what the Bank of England can do". In other words, even a further rate cut or round of QE might not be enough to protect jobs, investment and growth from a downturn and possible recession. Advertisement While the Bank Governor's scope for action is limited, the Government's is not. Yet George Osborne said this week that it will be more two months before there is any substantive economic response from the Government. This is unforgivably feeble. Labour faced some tough economic challenges and big decisions during my nine years in government, including five in the Treasury - none bigger than the global crash and economic downturn in 2008/9. Gordon Brown rightly demanded a heavy-duty economic stimulus, the centrepiece of which was a housing programme. Similar smart Government action is needed now, as then. But after six years in power, the Conservatives have left us more vulnerable to a post-Brexit shock. A record current account deficit means we are gravely exposed to the whims of foreign investors, while our economic foundations are eroded by public investment at little more than half the level it was when Labour left office and business investment lower as a share of GDP than before the crash. Advertisement Housing should again be at the heart of an economic rescue plan. Here's what we could do. First, switch additional investment into housing. In 2009, our annual housing investment was nearly 3billion but I secured switch spending from other departments to help put an extra 1.5billion into new homes over two years - creating jobs and apprentices, and spurring on private investment. We could do the same again now - this time borrowing for investment at the lowest rates in British history. Second, to keep finance flowing to builders, we could expand the range of government borrowing guarantees - using the power of the public balance sheet to keep credit affordable for public and private sector builders, especially the smaller firms. Third, to help shore up buyer confidence in the short-term, we could increase the bonus new buyers receive through the Help to Buy ISA for a time-limited period, by frontloading funding allocated to the scheme later in the Parliament. A three-point rescue plan to help stop the housing crisis getting worse as a result of a post-Brexit shock, prevent a sharp slowdown in growth and provide some economic certainty. The Bank of England alone can't protect jobs and homes. If the Conservatives politicians can't offer economic leadership, then Labour must. A deep dark cloud of gloom has descended over the London Borough of Islington. Here in the citadel of Remain, in an area full of lawyers, bankers and doctors, the Referendum result has hit us like an exploding shell. How could 52% of our countrymen have disagreed with us? Were they all too old, too stupid, too blind, too ill-educated? Was it our fault for not explaining it all to them properly in words of one syllable? I have always been an "In" myself, ever since the heady days of 1973 when I campaigned in the previous referendum, through a spell as a member of a pro-European political group to a career in the city, based on lawyering European deals. And then "poof!" All the certainties blown away in a moment, that horrible second when we heard the Newcastle result and began to realise that nothing would be quite the same again. Advertisement And yet it shouldn't have been such a surprise. For years the gap between the EU and the population of the member states has been widening, a little like the gap between a departing ship and the dockside. You don't have to look very far to see why. Look at the way in which the EU spent money (not least on its own offices) while the people of Greece were being racked for the last cent on the altar of austerity. Look at the way in which provisions from the Constitution which had been rejected in French and Irish referenda in 2005 reappeared in the Treaty of Lisbon two years later. There is nothing technically wrong about that. The treaty was approved by each member state but you can see why ordinary members of the public, those outside the political elite, began to feel that something was happening over which they had little control. Something way beyond the project to which they had given their consent at the time of their country's accession. Two things then happened to widen the gap. The first was the migration of workers from Eastern Europe. Now the decisions from which the public felt excluded began to effect their lives. Many of the concerns about jobs and the strain on services were no doubt exaggerated, but there is no point in pretending that they were all racist or based on hate. People believed that the neighbourhoods in which they lived and which they loved were being changed, possibly beyond recognition, by a bureaucracy which was too remote to understand. It is not hard to see why that worried them. The second was that things began to go wrong. The huge achievements of the EU in integrating post war Europe and creating the single market became obscured by more recent failures, the unfortunate consequences of the EU's overtures to the Ukraine, an inadequate response to the refugee crisis, a failure to bring the continent out of recession. Advertisement This wasn't all the fault of the EU Commission. It is no easy business managing a block of 28 countries which are reluctant to surrender their sovereignty. The only answer was to call for greater union, for greater powers at a time when many Europeans already felt that they had been sucked into an experiment which was out of control. It was inevitable that there would be an explosion, so the question became where. Would it be France, where some 60% of the population are opposed to EU membership, or the UK where we now know that 52% are opposed, or the Netherlands, or Denmark, or Italy? Someone was going to be the first to say that this was not what they had signed up for and that they were going to be the first to jump off the train. I'm sorry it had to be us. The country that walked away was inevitably going to pick up extensive collateral damage and my own instinct would have been to let the train run on in the hope that someone else would take the dangerous step. Perhaps that makes me wise. Perhaps it makes me overcautious but I am certainly not going to insult those who were bolder than I by calling them too old, too stupid, too blind or too ill-educated. So where are we now? What sort of arrangements can we expect to emerge over the next two years? Well, there are lots of things which will presumably go on as before, albeit under new agreements. Take the sharing of information about terrorists, for example. That is an area where GCHQ leads Europe and it is hard to see why the EU would not wish to continue with intelligence sharing arrangements. What about academia? Why wouldn't the Erasmus scheme continue and why would the research departments of universities in the UK and the EU not continue to work together? Then there are things like the protection of the environment where common interest dictates a common approach. Also patents and antitrust, where there seems little point in splitting things up. One would have thought that the exit agreement should contain a list of areas where things can go on exactly as before. Against that, there are things which will certainly have to change. Although existing EU legislation will presumably remain part of English law unless specifically repealed, new EU rules will only take effect if ratified by the UK legislature or in areas (such as those mentioned above) where things are delegated to the EU. All this sounds reasonably easy to deal with (well, in relative terms anyway), but there is one issue which overshadows everything. What access will we have to European markets? Lots has been written about the Canadian model, the Norwegian model, the Swiss model and reliance on the World Trade Organisation rules, rather as if they were sweets in the bag and that there was a good chance of the two sides deciding that they liked the same flavour. There is, however, a knot and it is a difficult one to undo. The EU links participation in the single market with the free movement of people. The Leave campaign was built on the proposal to restrict the free movement of people. It follows that it will be very difficult indeed for the UK to have unrestricted access to the single market. That is quite a knot to unravel but, as so often with this EU debate, all is not quite what it seems. The toxic gap between an EU centric political class and a populace which feels threatened is not exclusive to the UK but exists in other countries as well. Take France and try this as a scenario: Next year there will be a French general election and currently the National Front of Marine Le Pen is surging in the polls. At some stage panic breaks out, exactly as it did when Mr Cameron was threatened by UKIP, and the other French parties come to the conclusion that the only way of keeping the far right out of power is to offer a referendum too. As the referendum campaign takes hold it becomes obvious to the establishment that the only thing that will save them is a relaxation of the movement of people rules. By then, though, it is too late to get the relevant changes agreed by all twenty-seven members. Nasty! This is what Mrs Merkel, a wise and sensible politician if ever there was one, must have nightmares about when she has dined too well. Ask yourself this then. If you were committed to the continued existence of the EU, what would you do now? There is only one sensible answer. You would try to lance the boil by starting negotiations about the softening of the movement of workers rules so that the governments of member states have the ammunition to deal with challenges from the political fringes. At some stage, then, the EU will probably revert to rules which would have defused the issue in the UK. Advertisement This is not the sort of thing for which you would hold your breath, and once notice is served under clause 50 of the Lisbon Treaty there will be a hard timetable. Still, if we ultimately have to accept free movement of workers as a condition of whatever market access we end up with, it will perhaps be a consolation that we are signing up to a freedom whose days are probably numbered. There is another way of looking at this too. The social challenges of the next few years will be novel and hugely important. How do you combine a growing number of relatively fit old people with opportunities for the young? How do you prevent robotics from destroying the employment market? Will our independence from the EU enable us to tackle these issues in a more flexible and practical way than would be the case if we were part of it? Of course the EU is wrestling with these points too but their tradition is far more academic than ours and Darwinism alone tells us that to find solutions in areas like these one needs plenty of experiments rather than a solution imposed from the top. There is a long way to go here and lots of moving parts. No one really knows how it will work out or whether any of the suggestions made above will be borne out. One thing only is certain. A big risk was taken on Thursday and we committed ourselves to a small boat on a stormy sea. If I have to embark on a trip of that sort I can think of no one who I would rather have in my boat than the British people, be they Leave or Remain. Brian Rasic via Getty Images At Amnesty we are all too used to conducting research into racism and abuse and how governments allow or even contribute to divisions in society. Indeed, we have just released one such report on Libya and the horrors African migrants are being subjected to there. But it's a rare thing to be moved to conduct research on the rise in hate crimes and racial abuse here in the UK. A country which prides itself on being ranked among the world's most tolerant, no less. Advertisement Reports from the last few days paint a grim picture of a pattern of "go-home" abuse which targets all sorts of people here in the UK. Of course it's not only aimed at people from the EU - anyone from an ethnic minority, or perhaps with a foreign accent has suddenly found themselves a target as well. To some it's apparently open season and we must show them that, in the words of Jo Cox, "we have more in common than that which divides us". Of course, bigotry existed before this referendum, but undeniably the campaign was marked by divisive, toxic rhetoric as well as a failure from political leaders to condemn it and it seems clear that we are now reaping the referendum rhetoric whirlwind. Prior to that, we saw a nasty London mayoral campaign, where the Muslim candidate was constantly associated with extremism, and where literature deliberately tried to divide minority communities, setting neighbour against neighbour. Before that the Prime Minister spoke of 'swarms' in relation to desperate people seeking safety from war, violence and poverty. With this referendum, though, we undoubtedly passed a grim watershed. People feel licensed to express racist views in a way we haven't seen for decades. The #PostRefRacism hashtag shows a constant catalogue of people being harassed and abused all over the country. An Amnesty member, Mohammed Samaana, was verbally attacked in a city-centre Belfast bar last Saturday night. "You from the EU?", he was asked, "F**k off back to your country. Get the f**k out of our country." Mr Samaana is a dual Palestinian-UK citizen who has lived in Northern Ireland for fifteen years and works as a nurse in a Belfast hospital and hadn't experienced overt racism like that ever before. The specific mention of the EU is a potent reminder of the nature of that recent campaign. Advertisement The zenith of the referendum was surely the repugnant 'Breaking Point' poster unashamedly unveiled by Nigel Farage and depicting refugees fleeing war, who could have no idea that their fate was to be exploited thousands of miles away by a party whose survival depends on seeding resentment and loathing. Of course, we certainly don't equate Leave voters with being racist, and Amnesty took no position on the referendum, but some of the political rhetoric from the referendum campaign did demonise migrants, not simply argue for controls on immigration. It now seems obvious that some people interpreted that as license for verbal attacks. That causal impact was predictable, whenever the state, or high-profile political figures as well as quarters of the press scapegoat part of the population and demonise them, there are ripple effects. That perceived endorsement to blame, to dehumanise is picked up by those who aim to peddle hate. That truth holds as much in modern Burma as it did in 1970s Uganda, or 1930s Germany and Britain today. It's not only the person saying it, but those who say nothing. The posters and the grandstanding are one thing, but the failure to condemn it by other leading figures was no less part of the problem. What we have heard this week from the UN and the Prime Minister condemning this hatred is what we needed then. It is, however, never too late to do the right thing and that condemnation needs to be loud and unanimous, and we all have a role to play. That's why we are asking people to get their councils to speak out against hate crime, and why we hope every council in the country will take a stand. It must be hyper-local, in communities, and widespread across the nation. The last century has taught us just how achievable change is, especially when it comes at both a national and individual local level - from people's perceptions about the morality of drink-driving, to the drastic reduction in the ubiquitous habit of smoking everywhere, and of course racism. But it takes a huge coming together of determined people. It takes showing that this is not what we are prepared for the United Kingdom to head towards, that this is not the new normal. Advertisement I have been reading several research reports from both sides of the Atlantic recently that talk about how customers are starting to favour the online shopping experience over the real, in-store experience. How could this be? Haven't retailers always found that some customers prefer to see and touch products before purchasing? Times are changing. If you read the results of this study then it is clear that the Millennial demographic spends at least half of their entire shopping budget online. The report shows that 67 per cent of Millennials and 56 per cent of Generation X "prefer to search and purchase on e-commerce sites rather than in-store" while 41 per cent of Baby Boomers and 28 per cent of seniors "prefer online to offline shopping." In my opinion the industry analyst community talks too much about demographic differences - especially how the Millennials are changing the world. I believe that customer behaviour is changing across all age groups and to see this report state that even a third of seniors prefer to shop online supports this view. Advertisement Another recent research paper on this topic suggests that 50% of European and 70% of American shoppers find it easier to shop online. However it is more important to observe that their satisfaction with the online experience is creating dissatisfaction with the in-store experience. A quarter of all the shoppers questioned in this research said they felt that it is a 'let-down' when they visit a store, even if they like the brand online. The report suggests that this is because all the information about the customer that allows for a more personal online experience - such as recommendations based on your individual preferences - is lost when walking into the store. This is important for retailers to understand. When a customer uses an app or website, the retailer knows who that customer is, what they bought previously, and what they are browsing right now. Deals and offers can be suggested and recommendations can be smart because the system knows exactly what that customer likes. When a customer walks into a regular store how can that personal experience be mirrored? In most cases it is not. When the online shopping experience features knowledge of past purchases, preferences, and the ability to offer suggestions based on all this data, the in-store experience can seem bland and dull. Advertisement Retailers need to create a single view of the customer that works even for customers browsing in-store. This will need in-store customers to share their identity at the very least, but if the in-store experience is boosted dramatically because of this then many customers will start finding it normal. Many customers are used to loyalty cards or apps that identify them and offer deals after a purchase, but I think it will become increasingly common to identify yourself as you enter a store. It may even be that you just give a popular app (like Facebook) permission to tell retailers when you are in their stores so the process is automatic. Is this going too far and breaching the privacy of customers or is it something that customers will actively want so their in-store experience can be improved? I'd love to hear your views because I think that eventually we will be demanding personal attention in-store, so this experience matches what we are used to online, and we will be giving up our personal information to get it. A week ago history was made when the UK decided to leave the EU. The impact on business, the grocery industry and the Fairtrade movement in particular, could be profound. What will happen to the single market? What will happen to our food prices? After all, food security was one of the main reasons the European common market was set up and businesses have been following its rules of trade for decades. This is to be no quickie divorce. Like any split after so many years there is fault on both sides: debate on the benefits or risks for trade have too easily descended into rancour and emotion. The years of negotiation ahead will give us time to cool off, to pause and reflect on what the EU has achieved to improve the lot of farmers and workers around the world. Since the EU was first conceived, producers in many countries have more clearly defined rights on a range of subjects from health and safety standards to wage bargaining and attitudes to child labour. While too often those rights are still not recognised locally, the aspirations underpinning the EU's trade and development policy have helped create space for discussion and negotiation. Whether or not these gains would have been made if the UK had traded in isolation all these years, the fact is that globalised trade needs international policy to set common rules and avoid a race to the bottom. It is much harder for countries to achieve this individually. Advertisement The EU has also been a strong champion of Fairtrade, with many MEPs (including from the UK) being vocal advocates for the Fairtrade movement. For example, the EU has promoted Fairtrade terms within its guidelines on public procurement which has resulted in local authorities in many member states changing the way they assess 'value' in their sourcing. And in October 2015, for the first time, EU trade strategy included commitments to support fair and ethical trade schemes. This was a very practical way in which the EU would seek to ensure that its future trade would work better for the millions of farmers and workers in the world's poorer countries, who are vulnerable to hunger, human rights abuses and the devastating impacts of climate change. There is no guarantee that these commitments will be taken up by the UK, as it wades through the many bilateral and multilateral trade agreements it must now negotiate. There is a real risk that the rights and needs of producers in the global South will fall from sight. As we go forward in campaigning and negotiating for a future UK trade strategy, we must ensure these farmers and workers in their millions are not left short-changed. Currently the UK imports 38% of its food. If trade barriers go up as the UK renegotiates trade deals across the world, there could be less choice in supermarkets. Farmers in the UK have also warned prices may rise, and the National Farmers' Union want assurance that the 2.4 - 3bn in subsidies they receive from the EU under the Common Agricultural Policy will continue. There are many strong voices among consumer, business and farming lobbies whose needs the UK government will need to respond to. But what about farmers in developing countries who produce every day groceries such as coffee, cocoa and bananas? Brexit could disrupt their sales as the cost of trade with different countries changes. In other words a new deal for one country could come at the expense of farmers in another. This could push greater hardship upon the millions farmers trying to work their way out of poverty. Over the past few days we have received emails from producers around the world, worried about what the Brexit decision will mean for their sales to the UK, which is the largest market for Fairtrade goods in the world. Advertisement Amidst all this uncertainty, there is surely opportunity for the UK to create a dynamic, new trade strategy, which works for consumers, businesses and producers alike. A strategy which builds on the UK's long and proud track record of fighting poverty and championing international development. There is real support in the UK for this: in Fairtrade alone we saw our supporter base increase 25% last year. Over the years, British MPs have often said their hands were tied on issues to do with making trade fairer for all, because of EU membership. The "Leave" campaign even argued that the UK would be in a better position outside the EU to negotiate new trade deals to benefit poor countries. So the government now bears a heavy responsibility to make sure that it realises this promise to make the UK's new trade deals truly fair for farmers worldwide. This will take time and real commitment to enter into fair and open negotiations with developing countries. New proposals must not be tied to unacceptable demands for poorer countries to open up other sectors. Liberalisation must go at the pace of the weakest - surely these are the lessons learned from the stalled Doha WTO round. But the uncertainty could damage trade in the meantime, and this is an unacceptable cost if we are to tackle the scandal of hunger and poverty among farmers globally, who grow food for us but are unable to feed their own families. Now is the time for the UK to propose a new beginning. It could, for example, commit now to offering duty-free quota-free market access to all developing countries into the UK. Yes the details would need to be worked out, including who qualifies and what to do about economies like Brazil, India and China, but it would send a powerful signal of intent, and a message that UK trade in the future will be more, not less, inclusive. Our plane was descending slowly. From the window, we could see overlay yellow lights like sparkling stars in the dark night. Meanwhile, the pilot instructed all passengers to fasten their seatbelts and move their seats into an upright position. Our hearts beat faster and faster. We could not wait to begin our short trip to a country to which we had long been looking forward: Morocco. Unlike our previous journeys, this trip was slightly different. It was our first time visiting Africa; moreover, we were observing the fasting of Ramadan. These conditions cultivate their own enthusiasm. We hope to learn something new not only about the country, but also the way Ramadan is observed here. Sure enough, similar to any Muslim-majority countries, at night we could see how mosques are packed with worshippers undertaking Tarawih prayers. Several empty shops are transformed into mosques to accommodate the rising number of worshippers. The Qur'an was being recited so loudly we could hear them from the markets across from the Koutoubia mosque. When the sunset comes, several mosques offer free Iftar (breaking the fast) and many observers rush to gather as soon as Athan (call for prayer) is called. Advertisement Marrakech was the first city we visited. It is arguably a very tolerant city. It is seen in how the food shops remain open in congested tourist areas, such as Jame el Fana Square and the old markets. In residential areas, however, many restaurants were closed during the day. They do so to respect most residents who observe the fast. The people are very cordial in welcoming guests to their country. Their hospitality was reflected when we were in Jame el Fana looking for somewhere to break our fast. Different shopkeepers took turns smiling at us while offering breakfast in their shops. Some were offering free dates, snacks, and drinks. Closing mosques: A strange way to eradicate extremism Undeniably, Morocco is a country whose politics are relatively stable in the region. But this is not taken for granted. The government in Rabat is very serious about tackling the seeds of extremism before they grow. One unique way is to limit the mosques' hours of operation. Mosques across the country should be opened only during the five times of congregational obligatory prayers. As soon as the congregation prayers are finished, the worshippers are asked to leave the mosque immediately, let alone holding discussions or study circles. This differs from some other Middle East countries where mosques are often used as a place in which to rest or hold Islamic lectures. Advertisement Even though some believe such methods are effective in tackling extremism, it has been a subject of debate by several parties for some time. In addition to closing mosques, the Moroccan Ministry is pursuing other measures. Building new mosques requires a government permit, and the Ministry should intervene in choosing their names. Regardless of the party supervising the construction, written approval must first be granted by the Ministry. Furthermore, a permit must be approved for holding prayers in any place, even if it is not a mosque. Learning tolerance from the Berber In the midst of the tolerance we witnessed in the streets of Marrakech, we also heard stories about intolerance towards non-fasters. It was reported that many people have been arrested since the start of Ramadan for eating or smoking in public. On the same day we heard the news, we left the busy streets of Marrakech for the Sahara Desert in the south of the country. The mountainous wild flowers, typical of the region, adorn the slopes of the Atlas Mountains with variety of colours, a crystal clear river flowing quietly at the foot of the mountain, and a gust of fresh wind that found its way through the bus windows, helped us find relief from the overloaded streets. We also felt a sense of peace after hearing the troubling news of intolerance. But we felt more peace when we arrived and were greeted by children from the Berber tribes. They greeted us with wide smiles and typical North African Arabic dialect. Among them already lined up were some camels ready to carry us across the desert. The camels were guided by several adult men dressed in typical Berber attire. They pulled our camels carefully and slowly. We were calmed by their hospitable attitude towards us. Our camels stopped suddenly just as the sun was about to set. Abdul, one of those who helped pull our camels, hinted the rest. It turned out they were about to break their fast. As they knew we were Muslims, they asked us to join them. But what was more fascinating, they asked other visitors who were of different faiths to sit together as well. They offered us dates and asked us to drink from their jugs. We were amazed by how these uneducated people knew how to deal with those who are different from them; better than some educated people we had encountered. Even more fascinating is how the Berbers were able to explain Ramadan and Islam to non-Muslim visitors through their broken French and English, and answered various questions that were posed. Advertisement These not only relieved us from the news that we heard back in the city, but also taught us an important lesson about how to treat those who are different from us. Actually, arrests of non-fasters have been making headlines, prompting a debate about the controversial issue that returns to the spotlight during every Ramadan in Morocco. What is perplexing is that most such incidents involve educated people in the cities. Abdul's earthy face appeared to convey a message that a row of academic degrees or living modern life are no guarantee that people will tolerate those who are different, and to accept our differences and discover our similarities. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) has fully approved the decision to hold the summer session of 2017 in Minsk, a statement posted on the website of the House of Representatives of the Belarusian National Assembly said. "At the meeting of the Standing Committee the decision to hold the next, 26th, annual OSCE PA session in Minsk on July 5-9, 2017, has been adopted by a solid vote," the statement said. The work of current, 25th, session started in Tbilisi on July 1. The House of Representatives said that this April the PA Bureau in Copenhagen approved the decision to hold its 2017 annual session in Minsk. The advance group of the OSCE PA International Secretariat headed by the Deputy Secretary General Gustavo Pallares paid a visit to Minsk in May of 2016, and after familiarizing itself with the conditions on the site "highly appraised the capabilities of the Republic of Belarus in hosting the session," the chamber of parliament said. OSCE PA summer sessions are held annually in July in the capitals of OSCE member countries. Two days ago, a Scottish Green Party member summed up the current state of our politics in one tweet. She wrote: "Politics go home, you are drunk." And that was before even the astonishing events of this morning's final hours of the Tory leadership contest. (The Green Party's recent broadcast now seems even more accurate.) So why does it feel like the entirety of British politics is like the last stages of a drunken party, in which the participants seem to be making coherent sense to each other, while outside observers watch them reeling around talking nonsense and starting pointless, bloody fights? Advertisement We've had a referendum debate that was a thinly disguised Tory leadership contest masquerading as a debate on a critical national decision with dodgy statistics and clearly false arguments. One of the key players in that debate, the leader of the Out campaign, Johnson has created the mess, campaigning for us to leave the EU without any clear idea of what that might mean. Now he's walked away, making it everybody's problem. David Cameron's moral position is similar. He put the holding of the EU referendum into the Tory manifesto for the 2015 election to appease the Ukip-leaning side of his party. He assumed that he wouldn't win the election - at least not outright. It was a minor, probably hardly considered, tactical decision with massive strategic, historic consequences. He too has walked away. (Not that he had any option.) We have a huge vacuum of leadership at the centre of British politics. I was asked yesterday - reflecting on my own experience - about what running for leadership should entail, and I said that it should entail having consistently held principles and values that your project is to implement with a clear plan of action. That's not what we're seeing in the contest to be our next prime minister. Advertisement Theresa May has been entirely associated with the project to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, but as part of her bid she's now dropped that, to win the support of more liberal Tories. The right decision, but hardly the right reasons. Then there's Michael Gove, a man who has regularly self-identified as not being of the right temperament to be Prime Minister, who's complicit in the dodgy Leave campaign. The Green Party has been saying for years that our political system is broken. That reality is now crystal clear, agonisingly clear. The two largest parties have been squeezed on to a narrow centre ground, bidding for the votes of swing voters in swing seats, competing on personality and polish not principles. Day-to-day media imperatives have driven the direction not just of messaging but policy. The idea that the City of London is a magic money tree, that will keep growing cash that will trickle out to a hungry, desperate hinterland, has dominated. Politics have become entirely detached from the concerns of the public. Putting food on the table, keeping a roof over your head, caring for the old and young in our communities, dealing with the pressing reality of climate change - these have been dismissed with a snappy soundbite, a GDP growth figure that shows only how the rich are getting richer while the rest of us become poorer and more insecure, with the fantasy of fracking. Advertisement But the ultimate blame for our condition doesn't rest solely with David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, culpable as they all are. It rests with our political system. The last significant change in electing the House of Commons was in 1918, when women got the vote. Other than that one change, it is essentially a 19th-century system. The House of Lords has superficially seen some change - it used to be mostly the accident of heredity that got you there, with a smattering of patronage. Now the balance of those two has been reversed. Our parliament is a tottering 19th-century structure. That's also true about the fabric of the building: it's a perfect metaphor. Our politics is now being compared to that of Greece. It's certainly in equal disarray, and we need to look to the deeper reasons for that. There's much surprise in some foreign quarters, with the belief that the UK is stable, sober, unchanging. Advertisement But many British people - entire communities - have recognised the deep structural failure, for some time, particularly the communities furthest from that gilded City money tree. Many of those communities voted in large numbers to leave, using the only mechanism they could find to show their dissatisfaction. It's the unchanging nature of the political system that's got us into the mess of today. We haven't reformed the system for the 21st century. We didn't really reform it for the 20th. Nothing's changed, now everything's broken. We don't have a democracy. The people are the answer to this situation. Not one leader (we know from history how dangerous that idea is). Not even one party. We need to hand the power to the people. That clearly means, in the immediate future, a general election. And then it means profound electoral reform - a fair voting system that produces a government that reflects the will of the people. That means proportional representation. It means an elected House of Lords. It means a will to ensure a society in which no one is left hungry, no one homeless, no one stranded without hope of a decent life. It means a society that lives within the environmental limits of our one fragile planet. The grown-ups need to take over. We need sobriety, calm, sense, genuine representation of the will and interests of the people. Advertisement Teaching expressive arts subjects in schools has health & wellbeing and economic benefits Next week is pivotal for the future of artistic diversity in the UK. On 4 July Parliament will debate whether the EBacc should include expressive arts subjects, with the result having potentially huge ramifications for who the arts are 'for' in Britain - are they for everyone to practice and appreciate, or are they the preserve of a wealthy and culturally homogenous elite? The damaging influence of the EBacc not including expressive arts subjects can already be seen. Statistics released by Ofqual show entries for GCSEs in expressive arts subjects have fallen by 46,000 this year compared with last. Advertisement The Bacc for the Future campaign has highlighted why the current manifestation of the EBacc is causing the numbers of students studying expressive arts subjects to plummet. Under the EBacc, school performance is judged on how many students achieve a C or above in seven subjects (English, maths, the sciences, history or geography and a language) and understandably cash-strapped schools are focusing resources on those areas. The average student takes eight GCSEs, leaving students with less scope for choosing expressive arts subjects and less availability if they decide to do so. It's the Bacc for the Future campaign's petition, signed by more than 100,000 people, which has triggered next week's parliamentary debate. The front page of the Bacc for the Future campaign focuses on what the arts bring to the UK economy: "According to our own Government, the creative industries represent 5.2% of the UK's economy - totalling 84.1bn in 2014, growing by almost 10% between 2013 and 2014, and employing almost two million people." The same line of economic argument was pursued by the numerous high-profile arts professionals who signed a letter published in the Telegraph urging Education Secretary Nicky Morgan to include the expressive arts in the EBacc. Also published recently was a Nesta report on the economic importance of companies having a workforce including employees with a mix of experience and skills in sciences and the arts. Advertisement The economic argument to encourage young people to be creative is vitally important and a good one to highlight - it pre-empts the tired old line that expressive arts subjects aren't useful or won't help people get a job. But the economic importance of the creative industries shouldn't be the only topic discussed by Parliament in their debate on Monday. Taking part in creative activities has a massive beneficial effect on your health and wellbeing, particularly for people who are often least able to access the arts. The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society report, published by Arts Council England, shows the positive impact that participating in the arts can have for people who feel isolated, anxious or depressed. It also shows that people with a higher frequency of engagement with arts or culture have a higher subjective wellbeing and that creative and artistic activities improve the cognitive abilities of children. I've seen these positive health and wellbeing effects first hand among some of society's most disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The charity I co-founded, Create, provides free participatory creative programmes for children and adults who have least access to the arts but perhaps the most to gain from taking part. Whether these are people with disabilities who have devised and performed their own dance piece, LGBT young people who have explored ideas about identity through photography or young fathers in prison who have created illustrated storybooks for their children, Create's participants constantly talk about how good being creative has made them feel. One carer who took part in a Create programme told me: "The project has definitely changed me. I feel more positive and I see everyday life differently. Negativity and bad experiences can be made into positive ones when you've got time to reflect." I'm sure it's a feeling anyone who has ever picked up a paintbrush or strummed a guitar can relate to. Advertisement For many young people, school is the only place they have the opportunity to engage with expressive arts. Forcing schools to focus their resources and attention on a limited range of subjects will reinforce the perception that the arts are an expensive luxury only available to those with significant reserves of disposable time and money. Instagram, the popular photography sharing app, currently has more than 500 million active users. For travellers that means an array of pictorial insights from which to draw inspiration. You'll find selfies, landscapes, cityscapes and carefully arranged food photos. Some accounts show holiday snaps while other streams display travel images by professional photographers. Advertisement Photograph Stuart Forster The platform has grown markedly over the past three years. In June 2015 Instagram had 130 million active users. Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger co-founded Instagram so that photographs taken on smart phones could be shared in a fun way. After installing the free-to-download app, users can upload images, apply a filter and share images to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr. A number of celeb streams count their followers by the million. Selena Gomez, for example, has more than 86 million followers. National Geographic Travel has in excess of 10.8 million followers. The Lonely Planet account has more than 800,000 followers while Rough Guides has a following of more than 11,000. Advertisement With users from around the world, you can follow streams that focus on countries, regions or cities or those operated by keen travellers. Here are eight accounts that stand out from the crowd: As its name suggests, the focal point of @thegoodlifefrance is travel in France. In the wake of the Brexit decision in the EU referendum, some British Francophiles might be tempted to weep while viewing the evocative images photographed by Janine Marsh, the editor The Good Life France magazine. Photograph Janine Marsh "I most enjoy using Instagram to learn from other people's photography. Some of the accounts I follow post spectacular images of travel with detailed and informative descriptions. As a travel writer, travel inevitably appeals although I am interested in a range of other topics too, from the environment to wildlife," says Kiki Deere, whose photos appear under @kikideere. Advertisement Photograph Kiki Deere "I love the ease of it and checking out new feeds. Have had some wonderful comments from my followers over the last few years of using it," says photographer Geoff Moore (@thetraveltrunk). Photograph Geoff Moore "Every picture with substance makes me even more creative. By looking at one picture from a new destination can make me get an urge to go," says Norwegian travel journalist Yvette-Marie Solem (@yvettesolem). Photograph Yvette-Marie Solem "I love the crisp, catchy look of Instagram. Though I am not very good at adding hashtags, I always keep searching for them whenever I put photos on Instagram," says the award-winning photographer Joydeep Mukherjee (@jmcsfk), from Kolkata, India. Advertisement Photograph Joydeep Mukherjee "Sometimes Instagram is my visual notebook or diary, sometimes it's a means for me to communicate something to my followers, but more often, it's a way for me to play with my photography and to give myself permission to do something a little more experimental. One of the great things about using a mobile phone to capture an image is that it allows for a very intuitive way of shooting, it helps me to loosen up and that makes me a better photographer," says Cindy Bajema (@cindybajema), an American editorial and documentary photographer based in Beijing, China. Photograph Cindy Bajema For Serif Yenen (@serifyenen), from Instanbul, Turkey, it is the dynamism of Instagram that appeals. "Each time I log on I see wonderful new things to discover," he says. Advertisement Photograph Serif Yenen Despite posting some outstanding images, Zimbabwe-based photographer Tom Varley (@tomvarleyphotography), meanwhile, has some doubts about Instagram: "I'm not really an avid Instagram user. I post images to it as a platform because our industry demands it. I still don't understand it. I'm not really attached to my phone either, so I find Facebook an easier platform to deal with as I can post from my laptop." Photograph Tom Varley With more than 500 million accounts to browse and follow on Instagram, you're sure to find images that make you want to pick up your smartphone and travel. About the author View a selection of Stuart Forster's travel images on Instagram at his @goeatdo account. Photograph Stuart Forster The buck does not stop at Brexit. Attention has been focused on ourselves as of late but Brexit is not the only trouble in Europe. You may have missed it. In June, Spain had their national election. It was their second in six months. The first, in December 2015, failed to create a new Government. There was no clear majority. The second, on Sunday 26th June, also failed. Mariano Rajoy, the leader of the conservative People's Party (PP) won the most seats, but failed to win a majority nor create a coalition. Parliament is in disarray. Spain's public deficit (how much the Government is spending above that which it is receiving in tax receipts) has grown to 5.2%. This is above the 4.2% agreed EU target. It's problem of debt is growing. Advertisement Unemployment has grown again to 21%. Amongst young adults (14-28) it's 45%. That's almost half an entire generation without savings, investments or pension contributions. A ticking time-bomb. But there's more. Brexit was cause for cheer for many in Britain, and also across Europe. Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Front party, said, "If I win the presidential election, there will be a referendum." As of recent polls, her party stands to be the second biggest in France. Furthermore, The Pew Research Center opinion polls found that Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France and Greece all have similar levels of support to leave the EU as Britain did before the vote: Advertisement Within the next two years, every single one of these countries have a national election coming. All of these are potential for further EU turmoil. No one can predict what will happen. So when it comes to looking after your investments you need to think wider than the UK and wider than Europe. As I wrote in How to Invest Post-Brexit, you need to maintain a well diversified portfolio: Many countries Many sectors Many asset classes In my #1 Personal Finance best seller, Money's Big Secret, I show you two simple ways to do this. The easiest is with a direct debit to Nutmeg.com. They automatically diversify your money. You can set and forget. The second option is with a Vanguard LifeStrategy fund, available through Hargreaves Lansdown. On the day of the EU referendum results, this actually grew in value by 0.55%. The future is uncertain, the key is not to try and outsmart it. Put your fingers in many pies. ----- As the world's media is trained upon the UK's decision to leave the EU, at Nominet Trust we're responding with an uplifting 'social tech without borders' global focus. This week marks the nominations launch for our fourth annual NT100 and I'm filled with anticipation at the prospect of learning about all the social tech innovations that the public will put forward for selection this year. Our quest has begun to seek out new, inspiring examples of the innovative use of tech for good from across the globe that we will shine a spotlight on as NT100 winners. The call for nominations is now open and it's the public's chance to promote the people and organisations that are improving lives with the help of the internet and digital technology. I've been involved in the curation of the NT100 since its inception and this is one of the most exciting times of year for me, as we uncover innovative social tech teams and projects with powerful stories that have been largely untold and really deserve to be shared. Our experience over the last three years clearly demonstrates how the platform that NT100 provides for the 100 most inspirational projects really helps to further their growth. Advertisement I'm constantly in awe of the inspiring people doing truly amazing work to address the often complex social challenges within their communities - or those of their global neighbours. These incredible individuals are the driving force behind making change happen - which is why this year we're also celebrating the 'Everyday Tech Heroes'. By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary folk, I hope we'll inspire others to take positive action too. Take for example SafeMotos, the Rwandan start-up tackling Africa's second biggest killer - road traffic accidents. SafeMotos was created after passionate co-founders Nash and Peter were involved in a motorbike taxi crash in Kigali. In Rwanda, 80% of accidents involve moto taxis and it's astonishing to learn that you're 700 times more likely to be killed in a road accident than in the UK. After thankfully recovering from their accident, Nash and Peter employed ubiquitous smartphone technology accessible by all moto drivers, combined with vehicle telematics, to give each driver updatable safety scores. A mobile app connects customers to moto drivers with a good safety record - and the safer they are, the more work they get. It was realising the creative potential of social tech to prevent injury and save lives that encouraged Nash and Peter - our Everyday Tech Heroes. Advertisement Healthcare emerged as the most prominent tech for good theme in our 2015 NT100. Family-run start-up Adris Technologies captured our attention with their life-changing heart rate monitor, Pulseguard. Dad, Adrian Perry, invented Pulseguard when it became apparent that the severe epileptic seizures his son Tom was experiencing as a result of Dravet syndrome were not being detected by their existing video monitoring system. It was his deep need to help his son, and his empathy with many other carers in a similar situation, which fuelled Adrian's determination to developing a tech for good solution to tackle this problem head on. In India, sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces is a real social problem, highlighted by the abhorrent gang rape of a 23 year old medical student on a Delhi bus in 2012. Despite saddening and horrific cases like this, those affected often choose not to talk about or report their experiences. ElsaMarie D'Silva co-founded Safecity, a web platform that aims to make cities safer by encouraging equal access to public spaces for everyone, especially women, through the use of crowdsourced personal stories and technology. Safecity now has the largest crowd map recording instances of sexual harassment and abuse in India, Kenya, Cameroon and Nepal allowing local communities to work on solutions. ElsaMarie is certainly an 'Everyday Tech Hero' in my eyes. Across the world, women are still under-represented in tech roles, especially in Africa. That's why we were particularly drawn to AkiraChix, a programming, design and entrepreneurship training programme in Kenya established by 12 like-minded female IT graduates to encourage more women to join the tech sector. AkiraChix aims to inspire women of all ages from low income areas of Nairobi to develop tech skills, providing training, mentorship and outreach programmes that positively impact their communities. Now that's inspiring! Despite the current politically dynamic backdrop in Europe, we continue to discover transcending 'social tech without borders' projects from across the globe giving a voice to those whose stories would otherwise go untold, empowering communities and changing lives for the better. Whatever the political landscape, and as leaders come and go, let's celebrate the remarkable 'Everyday Tech Heroes', whose tech start-up experience makes them more comfortable than most with uncertainty, for their commitment to tackling social challenges from the ground up. Advertisement ASSOCIATED PRESS A photo posted by @iamwillbest on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:03am PDT This summer I've managed to land a pretty sweet gig - traveling to three major European festivals and talking into a microphone as part of Red Bull TV's Season of Festivals. We kicked things off at Primavera Sound, a hipster mecca in the center of Barcelona, where around 195,000 people dressed entirely in black nodded their heads to some of the world's best bands. A perfectly programmed lineup, great weather, and no mud. It was great. And Radiohead blew my mind. Advertisement The second stop is Roskilde in Denmark, where I'm currently holed up in a porter cabin to briefly escape the musical madness. The lineup is brilliantly eclectic, with a range of urban acts from Skepta to Vince Staples, more rock than you can mosh a stick at, and a healthy smattering of electronica. It's a festival much more in the traditional mold - fields, mud, and a slight smattering of rain. It also has a huge temporary tented metropolis where an overwhelming bulk of Roskilde's 130,000 attendees spend a full week living. Dream City. It really is a city; everything is created by its inhabitants and it has a mayor, a fire department, and an array of elaborate architectural structures that bring the whole community to life. From pillow fights to foam parties, yoga sessions and dance battles - so long as it is sustainable, safe, and adds to the festival experience, anything goes. Dream City Facebook 2016 Advertisement Dream City Facebook 2016 The best thing about the Dream City campsite is that it gives us an unrivalled glimpse into what life would be like on earth if a strange disease wiped out everyone under the age of 17, and over the age of 22. I may publish a full report later (watch this space Nobel), but for now I've outlined the three key findings from this post apocalyptic social experiment below, and I warn you it's pretty hard-hitting stuff... 1. People are prepared to drink their own wee (sort of) At music festivals, people will unashamedly wee everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. You can be having a conversation with someone, of any gender, and the chances are they may just start weeing (not in their pants, that would be weird). Roskilde festival is aware of this tidal wave of wee, and are trying to harness it for the good of mankind by installing 'wee trees' around the site - effectively urinals attached to trees - which collect wee that then gets sent on to localfarmers to use as fertilizer for barley crops. This then eventually gets turned into beer and, presumably, consumed and turned back into wee at next year's Roskilde. And so the sustainability cycle continues. 2. You won't necessarily need clothes There's a naked run through Dream City ever year. It takes place on the Thursday afternoon. I got on site on Wednesday morning and looking around assumed it had already started... 3. People won't fight, they won't discriminate, they'll just hug each other. Lots. On my wander round the site, the main thing that struck me was the feeling of togetherness, and acceptance. Each section of the camp has its own theme and vibe, from the 'Cuddle Camp' (self-explanatory) to the 'Unicorny Camp' which champions the presence of LGBTQ participants at Roskilde. There is no camp rivalry and everyone gets on. Dream City doesn't have an entrance criteria. There's no formally policed border. Freedom of movement is very much part of the freedom of everything else that this place prides itself on. I got the distinct feeling that if it was up to the citizens of Dream City, Brexit would probably just be a word used to describe throwing up after your morning meal, and nothing else. Advertisement So there you have it. Roskilde is an awesome festival with great music and a feel good vibe, but more than that it's a fascinating place to study an alternate reality. And if you fancy experience the liberating feeling of peeing where you stand whilst in full view of a gaggle of naked joggers, then 'urine' luck. Refugees and migrants jump off a boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos, November 26, 2015. REUTERS/Giorgos Moutafis Or at least they don't need more apps. That much is evident from the implosion of the "I Sea" app, which has sent waves through the "refugee tech" cottage industry. It turned out that the prize-winning app, which claimed to let users help save migrants crossing the Mediterranean by broadcasting real-time satellite footage of the ocean, was a sham. It didn't scan in real-time, but rather used a static image of the ocean. After the revelation last week, it was pulled from the app store. Advertisement I Sea is not an anomaly but the most visible symptom of "app creep" in the humanitarian crisis du jour, that of Syrian refugees migrating to Europe. Is there an app for that? Ever since the Syrian refugee crisis crested to public attention, it has become a favorite subject of well-intentioned "hackers" and "disruptors." For every vector of the monstrous crisis -- housing, first aid, food, education -- we were told, "There's an app for that." The apps, entrepreneurs, and startups certainly filled some gaps created by governments and large nonprofits, which can be slow to act because of their size. But after the initial enthusiasm for these "miracle apps," many peter out, both because the particulars of refugee aid are so tough, but also, perhaps, because the media appeal has waned. The "Refoodgee" app to connect Germany refugees with food has fewer than 500 downloads and hasn't been updated since October, when it was written up in news outlets. A spokesperson for the ClinicFinder app, which connects refugees to medical services, told HuffPost that it received over 9000 unique page views, but he had no idea how many people have successfully used it to obtain medical care. Many groups must also recalibrate their methods because the reality of working with refugees diverges from what they expect at the outset. A Canadian web app called Services Advisor spent two years trying to directly help refugees in Jordan, but has had to temporarily shift its focus from refugees themselves to intermediary NGOs. It has already been a long journey. Advertisement "We put roughly $75,000 in volunteer hours towards the app before the UNHCR gave us $3000 in initial funding," Renee Black, a founder of PeaceGeeks, which created Services Advisor, told HuffPost. These are the odds that even well-designed apps face on the ground. The apps that have stuck it out face tough circumstances. One website that was widely heralded as "AirBnB for Refugees" faced growing pains after its glowing reception last fall. Refugees Welcome matches refugees with spare rooms or sublets in European countries. "The demand is far, far higher than the supply," Sophie Mirow, project manager of RW Germany, told HuffPost in April. In Hamburg, for instance, there were just ten room listings for over 1000 refugees seeking accommodation. It's a sharp turn from last fall, when it was reported that Refugees Welcome was "overwhelmed" with offers from people who wanted to house refugees. Mirow said they saw a "sharp decrease" in rooms offered over the past six months, perhaps as initial enthusiasm over the refugee crisis has waned. Plus, although their website states they will help "all refugees irrespective of their residence status," i.e. whether or not they have a residence permit, the majority of refugees they have been able to help are the ones with official permits, said Mirow. It has been harder than they initially expected to figure out how to accommodate refugees without residence permits -- who are perhaps the ones most in need of a place to stay. Silicon Syria The problem of refugee tech is exemplified in the hackathon series called TechFugees. The first hackathon took place in Sydney last November. But so far, not a single idea from the event has been enacted. A TechFugees representative said several "mentoring relationships" formed during the weekend. Advertisement TechFugees does have one visible byproduct, though: more hackathons. It has replicated in New York, London and Melbourne in recent months. Across the board, even the best hackathon ideas remain in development. "Deploying stuff on the ground is very hard because there's multiple agencies involved and there's almost certainly no internet access," Mike Butcher, a TechFugees founder, told Londonist. Well, sure it's hard. That's why it's a crisis. Refugee app creep reflects the Silicon-ificiation of the whole world, where every problem is a profit opportunity, words are robbed of meaning (RIP "disrupt;" "mobile;" "interface") and phones are more reliable actors than humans. The I Sea debacle throws this into sharp relief, but we almost can't blame them. It was developed, tellingly, by an ad agency, Singapore-based called Grey Group, for a Maltese nonprofit that surely thought a buzzy app would raise its profile. And if even one person donated money based on that, wouldn't it have been worth it? Tech entrepreneurs create app creep, but the media enables it. Here's a modest proposal: we don't need more flashy refugee apps. Why not, instead, work on capacity-building for organizations that are already on the ground? The Red Cross, Oxfam, Amnesty International, and so many others. Or contribute tech knowledge towards state-led efforts, like Germany's popular app for incoming refugees. Advertisement Excess goodwill towards the refugee crisis is hardly a bad thing. But turning the refugee trail into an arena for fame and unfulfilled glory -- making Syria and the Greek islands stand in for Mountain View and Palo Alto -- is a fool's errand. In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of over 100 innocent people at the Orlando nightclub, a wide range of experts and commentators have sought to place blame for this horrific act and to identify measures that would avoid future attacks of this kind. Gun control advocates quickly rush to see this as a "gun control" issue - it really isn't. Others see it as a counter-ISIS problem and a need to surveil Muslims in the U.S. more carefully - they too are at least somewhat misdirected. The core of the solution, if there is one, is that it is really a data collection and analysis issue that can be solved. Leaving the politics and inflammatory rhetoric aside for the moment, it is undeniable that virtually all of the data that would have at least alerted the authorities to the problem existed in one form or another, and were either lost, ignored, or not combined in a form that would have made a difference. The Orlando gunman Omar Mateen had been the subject of FBI investigation at least twice, and by their own reports, the FBI closed the case as they saw nothing further to do. As with other closed cases and individuals dropped from terrorist watch lists, there is no good reason not to at least maintain a database of those closed and dropped cases for future reference. The needed technology is trivial, and there are no real cost or privacy issues. Advertisement Clearly the FBI cannot maintain every possible case as "open" when there is no current data to support on ongoing investigation, but this is not to say that relevant data on some individual will not come up in the future. There is also a fundamental issue in that the FBI always thinks in terms of criminal investigations, and in terms of "cases" and "investigations" that are either open or closed, rather than in terms of an intelligence problem looking for evidence of a future crime where much is still unknown. At a minimum, this argues for a serious review of the various lists involved and how they are managed, even after possible suspects are deleted. With good reason the infamous "no fly" list has already received its share of bad publicity, and contain the names of Congressman, journalists and others for no good reason which the federal government refuses to explain at all. Certainly those removed from the list should not be denied aircraft boarding or the legitimate purchase of firearms. But at least having these data available for integration with other data is essential to the solution. This is what the military and the intelligence community refer to as "data fusion." Mateen's lawful acquisition of the firearms and ammunition raises additional issues. While the Second Amendment is and should be sacrosanct, some 80 percent of the American people believe that background checks should be required for such purchases. This makes good sense. What makes no sense is to require such checks for purchases at a gun store but not at a gun show. In this case, however, the issue is not relevant because Mateen made his purchase at a gun store and did pass the required background check. What would be most useful and indeed less objectionable to the NRA and others would be the generation of a computer record upon the purchase of a gun or ammunition, so that it could be automatically compared to the FBI database of current (and former) watchlist suspects to generate an alarm. A similar process takes place with the purchase of every airline ticket and is totally transparent to air passengers. Here the data record generated by the airline, called a "PNR record", is transmitted to the Department of Homeland Security to be checked against their terrorist watchlist. Creating such a parallel system for guns and ammunition would not violate anybody's rights under either the Second or Fourth Amendments. Advertisement Similarly, arguments about banning the sale of AR-15 rifles or similar weapons are also misdirected and useless in this context. As sold, the AR-15 is not an "assault" weapon as many continue to argue, nor is it a fully-automatic weapon as sold. Admittedly it can be converted to being fully-automatic with the installation of a part that can be illegally but readily obtained for about $20 and installed in 10 minutes by a gunsmith. Even with the AR-15 off the market, there is a wide range of alternative firearms that can easily accomplish the same horrific end. A critical source of data that could be mined to warn of an impending attack lies in the extensive use of social media by not only Omar Mateen in the recent Orlando case, but by virtually every other terrorist in recent years. Following the Orlando massacre, it was found that Mateen had in fact made various Facebook postings about his interest in violent acts using five Facebook accounts to write posts and make searches about the Islamic State. "Now taste the Islamic state vengeance," he posted, denouncing "the filthy ways of the West." In these posts Mateen, called on the U.S. and Russia to stop the bombing campaign against ISIS and pledged allegiance to the ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, asking that "may Allah accept me" and later added that "In the next few days you will see attacks from the Islamic state in the USA." Most authorities agree that such public Facebook postings are not "private" and protected from search under the Fourth Amendment, even under the most rigorous interpretation of that constitutional protection. It should then be possible to construct software to search for these type of postings and at a minimum be able to compare them with the other data, such as those from watch lists, former watch list subjects, and gun store purchases. This type of "connecting the dots" is a practical and reasonable approach to preventing another incident like those in Orlando and San Bernardino. A key lesson from Orlando is that the "dots" did exist and could have been connected. The fact that it did not happen speaks to a continued failure to embrace the technologies that should be employed to make a difference. It's no secret that running an e-commerce website or business can be troublesome at the best of times. If your business is lacking -- whether it be in sales, website visits or conversions -- boosting your marketing activity can help to inject life back into daily operations. Despite there being no magic wand that can implement overnight financial success, there are a few tactics that I've tried and tested with my own business. Below I'll explain five different ways that your business can boost its' marketing activity through various tactics; making your time in the office much more valuable! 1. Potential customers are all over social media; no matter what industry you operate in The power of social media is immense -- we're all aware of that. But what many businesses tend to lack is the knowledge on how a social media strategy can connect your brand with existing and new customers. Advertisement If you're thinking that the industry that your business operates in is too "niche" for social media, you're wrong. 52% of online adults now use two or more social media sites and 2.1 billion people are active on social media. There's bound to be someone online looking for your services! Developing a social media strategy that ticks off your existing marketing objectives isn't too tricky, either. Interact with your customers and build genuine relationships as opposed to publishing harsh, sales-driven posts. Share interesting content that you think customers would like. Become a valuable account and determine authority in your niche. 2. Find appropriate software If you want to know what your customers are looking for, you'll also have to think as if you're in their shoes. Websites like Inbound.org were designed for marketers to share their tactics and show what's worked for them, but social media can also tell your business what to be doing to attract customers. A business that is active on Twitter can take advantage of their Analytics feature; which gives detailed insights into what your audience are connecting with. Start by creating a schedule that uses the 70/30 rule (70% of content you share non-promotional; 30% otherwise) and find out which kinds of posts are more likely to engage your audience. Advertisement There are also many marketing automation softwares that can handle all of your marketing activity. Selected software can monitor leads and track interaction through your website. This also allows you to view a detailed list of areas that you may need to work on in order to optimize your business' website. 3. Create regular content on a company blog One of the most important things that your business will need to establish throughout its marketing strategy is trust. Without it, you'll struggle to convert leads into sales and create relationships with loyal customers. Customers should look to you as an expert in your niche, but it can be hard to gain authority - especially in a saturated market. A proven way to demonstrate your expertise is to share your advice through a company blog. If you are creating a hub of valuable information that's beneficial to your customers, it can help to influence a potential customer, showing them you're an expert, and that you know what you're talking about. Thinking that your business is 'too boring' or 'too corporate' for blog posts? It's not necessarily true. According to Sam Allcock, founder of Custard Online Marketing, business to business websites can still exploit the benefits of having a company blog. He says "... Whether you're selling to the end consumer or not, your product will affect some aspect of people's lives and that's what you need to exploit". 4. Lead your own events Event marketing came about way before digital marketing and is often neglected when a strategy is put into place to reach new customers. Creating your own event gives you the chance to provide value to prospective customers, whether it be in the form of information, free samples or exclusive discounts. Advertisement Event marketing can also help your business to feel more relatable to customers. Seeing you face-to-face can help customers to store trust in you and believe that you'll provide them with a great service, rather than an anonymous person on the internet who can mask their identity behind a general company email address. A study by the Event Marketing Institute found that after marketers had marketed their products at an event, 58% of participants bought the product afterwards. Furthermore, 86% of these consumers became regular customers. Doesn't that speak for itself? 5. Don't forget about existing customers Let's think about the aim of your marketing plan. The chances are, it's to increase your business' exposure and reach a new pool of people that could become potential customers. Whilst this is a great idea for expanding and growing, many business owners often forget that they already have a large customer base at their fingertips. The phrase "never forget where you came from" has real relevance here. Why plough so much money into advertising your brand and neglect your loyal, existing customers? It's easier to make a sale to an existing customer than to convince a new customer that you're worthy. Loyal customers deserve to be rewarded. If you've used a service before and been provided with excellent customer service, you may be likely to order from them again. Whilst this already establishes some kind of relationship, nurturing contacts with your customers can help them to feel valued; increasing your chances of receiving another order over a competitor. Advertisement World got you down, bunkie? There's good reason. Terror and unrest seem to abound. Brexit threatens to isolate the U.K., casting it back to the 1950s. Donald Trump wants America to return to that time as well, with his nativism and clearly racist comments. And then there is Orlando--the slaughter of 49 innocent souls, most in the prime of their lives, murdered by a deranged man who had as much to do with ISIS as Lee Harvey Oswald had to do with Communists. Don't get that connection? You need to learn your history. History isn't very popular these days. More's the pity because, as they say, "Those who do not learn history are condemned to repeat it." A shocking number of Americans can't even tell you who won the American Civil War. Oswald, of course, assassinated President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. I'm old enough to remember that event and the terrible days that followed as Oswald, too, was murdered literally before our very eyes on live TV. Advertisement In the months that followed the U.S. tried to come to terms with the fact that a lone gunman could inflict so much pain and damage. It was rather quickly revealed that Oswald had flirted with becoming a communist in the late 1950s and so many Americans felt he must be part of a Communist conspiracy to kill Kennedy. But Oswald's Communism link was tenuous, at best, just as Omar Mateen's link to ISIS seems, in some ways, designed to bring more attention to him and his horrific deed rather than a true allegiance to that monstrous group. It seems that both young men (Oswald was just 24, Mateen 29) were mentally deranged from the moment they entered this world and spent their youth learning to lie and bully, flitting from ideology to ideology, looking for a platform to launch their anger upon the world. Both expressed desires to "be remembered." Inconsequential souls seeking immortality. Which brings us to Hitler. If you want to see the penultimate example of what a terrorist is capable of then you must come back to Hitler. He is the gold standard of terrorists; a one time watercolor artist who went on to become synonymous with evil, an inconsequential soul who achieved immortality. It has become too easy to brand someone "Hitler-esque." Trump, with his fascistic leanings, is sometimes branded a "Hitler." But let's consider what that brand entails. Hitler was responsible for the murder of 61 million people over six years of time. It was called World War II and it was more horrific than anything before or after. The U.S. was involved in the War, of course, but our fatalities -- 295,000 soldiers, 0 civilians -- pale compared to those of Russia -- 8.6 million soldiers, 16 million civilians! Great Britain lost 326,000 soldiers, 62,000 civilians. In France alone 470,000 civilians died! That is 214 civilians a day, every day, for six years! Compare that with 130 lives lost in Paris on November 13, 2015. I don't mean to diminish that awful, recent terror act in the City of Light (or any terror act for that matter) but studying history gives us a means to see where the true threats lie and that terror has been with us from the earliest recorded time. Advertisement A complete listing of WWII fatalities by country can be found at the Second World War site which will give you an opportunity to read all about Adolph Hitler as well as other figures from that time. What's that you say? You don't like to read history? Well, you can turn on Netflix and find some fascinating documentaries that will teach you all about WWII and Mr. Hitler. I did that recently and can recommend Apocalypse: The Second World War and Hitler and the Nazis. Too depressing, you say? Well, isn't that the point? There is a lot of grumbling about how depressing it is now and it certainly has its moments. But our failure to embrace history has led us to embrace the present too fervently and that, my friends, can have dire consequences. Adam Gopnik, writing in the August 28, 2014 The New Yorker, explains when he writes that an absence of historical sense: [E]ncourages ... presentism, in the sense of exaggerating our present problems out of all proportion to those that have previously existed. It lies in believing that things are much worse than they have ever been--and, thus, than they really are--or are uniquely threatening rather than familiarly difficult. Every episode becomes an epidemic, every image is turned into a permanent injury, and each crisis is a historical crisis in need of urgent aggressive handling--even if all experience shows that aggressive handling of such situations has in the past, quite often made things worse. One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four suffered injuries in the anti-terrorist operation zone in eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Presidential Administration spokesman Andriy Lysenko said at a press briefing. "One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another four were injured in the hostilities in the past 24 hours," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday. PLEASE MAKE THE FIRST IMAGE THE FEATURED IMAGE AND PLEASE DELETE THIS BOLD REQUEST- THANK YOU! When it comes to binge-favorite Orange Is The New Black, one thing has quickly become clear about the many characters presented through the halls of Litchfield; No one ever thinks in black and white. Whether they're behind bars or in front of them, these characters offer many complicated layers that can leave you sometimes overjoyed, sometimes extremely angry and sometimes absolutely baffled with their self-destructive behaviors -- and correction officer Sam Healy is certainly no exception. In fact, at times when he displays severe bigotry and patriarchal chauvinism, he can be one of the characters that often angers audiences most. But, the ever-sophisticated and smart actor Michael Harney who portrays Healy quickly informs audiences what drew him to the flawed character and the show as he explains that it really offers the complexities of human nature and that everyone is looking for absolution from something. The main point of Orange is that it is a show about redemption. We are exploring a wide variety of characters who all come from different backgrounds and seeing that no matter what their circumstance, they are all seeking forgiveness in some way -- and that doesn't always depend on incarceration. Without complex characters like Sam Healy being in front of the bars, the show would lose its core idea that the people who are in prison are people too- just like everyone else with their own stories to tell. And Healy does have some deeply troubling demons that can be upsetting to audiences, but if we examined everyone under a microscope, who doesn't? These issues get beautifully explored this season, especially in a particular episode where Harney shines brighter than ever as he shows the softer side to his guarded character. Advertisement In real life though, Harney is actually the complete opposite of Sam Healy. An activist for everything from LGBTQ rights, to veterans, to abused children -- there isn't a single cause that Michael Harney doesn't want to jump on and radically raise awareness for, so much so that his art is most richly driven by his passion for spreading a strong message -- which is undoubtedly what drew him to OITNB in the first place. The fantastic actor took time to talk about his dedication to activism, the fourth season of Orange, what else you can see him in, and what he would love to do! The characters on Orange are so complex and ever-evolving. No one is black and white, or good or bad, and they are all seeking redemption of some sort -- whether they are behind the bars or not. Talk about that a bit and the many layers of your character. I think the writers we have are great. They consistently give us these great contests within ourselves, as characters. And that touches on true humanity, because we are all in such a contest within ourselves anyway. So, each character, no matter where they come from, is dealing with their own human frailty, backstory, needs and self-destructive patterns -- basically their own kaleidoscope of being and the obstacles they have to go through, and our writing team really gives us the most wonderful and complex obstacles. And yes, that goes for whether you are incarcerated or not -- everyone needs redemption from something. And redemption most times comes to each of us through circumstances of life, not really through any higher virtue. Advertisement Let's trace back to his beginnings, which are really shown this season in their own special episode. Did you already know Sam's background, and if not, was it a lot different than what you thought of in your head? No, I had no idea! I just show up and go with it! I've known Jenji for a while now, and we know each other very well through the work. She gets very turned on by painting with very rich colors and so do I. One thing we saw is that Mr. Healy is constantly looking for love and has felt rejected, and holds a lot of resentment toward women because of this. He chooses very strong women to give kindness to and then feels bashed down when they don't reciprocate; Red, Piper, Doggett, and now Judy -- talk about Mr. Healy's desperation for love. Do you think his affection is more of a burden than a blessing with the way he turns on people? Resentments are really seeded in a deep sense of pain and wounds, which is really a precipitating force for a longing for love and the desire to be accepted -- and I think we all have that. So, I think for Sam, he's very deeply wounded by the relationship with his mother that has been just so beautifully brought out in this backstory they've been showcasing the past few seasons. And for me, it's such an honor to portray someone with this backstory because there are so many people out there that do have these issues as well but they just aren't talking about them because in our culture we shame people for coming from these backgrounds, or places where they might feel emasculated -- and that's wrong. So, for Sam, I think the occasional anger toward women is usually a knee-jerk reaction due to a position of being overwhelmed by these past wounds. And as an actor you really can't play anybody that you don't like, so I'm always trying to do the most life-affirming thing. It's never so black or white, I always see him as many layered so I can embrace his gray area. As this season really showed a softer side of Mr. Healey, the show brought in new bigger, badder correction officers with even more to prove, such as Piscatella and his team. Do you think there's any chance we will see Sam step up to the plate and rescue these girls? [Cracks up] I actually said that to one of the producers on the show. I would so dig that! I'm an activist first and foremost. You want to piss me off? Hand me an injustice! So, to be able to step up and take that on? That would be my dream come true! Advertisement Now, this is not your first time working with Jenji Kohan. You also worked with her on the amazing Weeds -- talk about that a bit, and was that how you came into Orange Is the New Black? It's funny -- when I worked on Deadwood, David Milch and I just communicated through the written word, and then afterwards we became such good friends...and that is how it is with Jenji. We focus on the work and communicate through it. When I see her, I put my arms around her, I give her a big kiss on the cheek and I tell her I love her. I have so much respect for her and our writers -- they are paying the internal price to make a difference as artists and they are doing a great job. Your movie Bad Hurt, which came out at the Tribeca film festival last year was just released this year. Talk about that role a little bit and what fans can expect from it? I had wanted to take time off, but the second I got this script, I knew I had to do it. I had my agent set up a phone call with Mark Kemble -- who has become a very dear friend of mine -- and we talked for an hour and a half and I was just sold. I wanted to do it because it addresses very key issues we are struggling with in our country like; the reality of special needs children and the demands on their family, the awareness we need to raise for veterans that suffer PTSD, and really just how families cope with very profound struggles in general. And you also had an international film called Soy Nero which was selected to be in competition in Berlin? Can you tell us a little bit about that one? That film exposes the process of how some immigrants become U.S. citizens by becoming soldiers. They are called "Green Card Soldiers." That was by my friend, who is a great director, Rafi Pitts, who had seen me on True Detective and given me the script and I was just so blown away by it because it really let me dream a lot. I remember calling him from the airport and telling him my idea of my character's backstory. He's so humble, he just said "That's so much better than what I wrote. Let's go with it." And we did. We must have added 5 pages to the script through improvisation of those ideas. I'm a big fan of John Cassavetes, and working with Rafi is probably the closest, aside from David Milch, that I've come to experiencing what a film set must have been like with him. He would just shoot everything and use these really long lenses. We never knew when it began or when it ended. It was all part of it. It was a great privilege for me. You've worked on so many great shows and worked with so many great people; who would you love to work with and what kind of role would you love to play? I would love to work with Robert DeNiro. As far as my dream role? I would like to do a show where I try an educate people on supporting kids, and raising awareness on the protection of advocacy of children so that they don't get hurt. A lot of kids in our country are gettin' hurt behind closed doors. It's wrong and needs to be brought to light. I'm actually thinking of writing something about that. So dedicated to saving kids that he would write it himself if he had to? Damn. If you weren't convinced yet that Mr. Healy might have hero left inside of him, there's certainly no denying that Michael Harney is the full on Superman of television. Advertisement SAN FRANCISCO - A friend recently sent a text from Vietnam full of trepidation. In the wake of the Orlando massacre, and with ISIS now threatening San Francisco, he was having second thoughts about visiting the city. "With all the violence," he wrote, "is it still safe to come?" To which, I would respond, "How much more violent can it be?" According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 33,636 deaths due to "Injury by firearm" each year. In 2010, the number of firearm injuries was 73,505. The numbers are so alarming that California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a Twitterstorm chronicling incidents of gun violence nationwide over a 72 hour period. Advertisement The fact is gun violence dramatically dwarfs the number of Americans killed by terrorists on our own soil. According to The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism, "3,066 Americans have been killed in terrorist attacks from September 11, 2001 through December 31, 2014." Of these, 2,902 occurred during the World Trade Center attacks. At this rate it would take 140 years for terrorism-related deaths to equal one year's worth of firearm related deaths. As for the two wars we currently wage overseas? Total U.S. casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq combined since we invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 is 9,324. That's about four months' worth of American lives taken in one year by gun violence. Reports of mass shootings, meanwhile, are an increasingly common occurrence, with the rate having tripled since 2011, according to one Harvard study. Advertisement To live in America these days is to accept a new set of norms. As we ratchet up fears of a potential terrorist attack, lending support to politicians who bend that fear toward a growing xenophobia, we have otherwise become inured to homegrown violence. "Are you scared of a terrorist attack?" I asked a friend who told me of his experience being shot at while waiting for a bus in Oakland. "Hell no," he laughed. "I'm more afraid of drive-by shootings, random violence, and being audited by the IRS." The new norm in America? Instead of learning to duck and cover in case of a nuclear attack - a familiar ritual for all U.S. students during the Cold War years - this generation of Americans practices what to do in order to survive when a gunman bursts in. All of this as the impasse in Congress over gun control reform persists, leaving would-be killers like Omar Mateen, the gunman who claimed dozens of lives in Orlando, free to purchase the kind of weaponry one normally associates with a battlefield. Active shooter drill And San Francisco, a gay mecca famed worldwide for its tolerance and high tech wealth, isn't immune from the violence. Advertisement The city today is beset by challenges; including a precipitous divide between the obscenely rich and desperately poor, and a homeless epidemic that elected officials say is at crisis levels. Not long ago a homeless man was tortured for three days before being drowned in a lake in Golden Gate Park. Another individual was set on fire. Meanwhile, those charged with public protection are increasingly seen by the city's embattled working class communities of color as the perpetrators of violence themselves. In March, a largely white, all-suburban jury cleared San Francisco police officers of using excessive force when they killed 28-year-old Alejandro Nieto as he strolled, hands in his pockets, through the city's Bernal Heights neighborhood. The verdict only added salt to wounds left by the police killing of African-American Mario Woods, 26, last December. No one was charged in that case either. The stories of police brutality prompted a 17-day hunger strike by protesters and a serious examination of use-of-force tactics by SFPD. So given the daily violence in America and in San Francisco itself, forgive me if I offer up a shrug to the news that ISIS is calling for attacks in San Francisco. Can it possibly do more damage than what we have already done to ourselves? A temporarily stranded Syrian refugee child is seen at a camp by the Greek-Macedonian border near the Greek village of Idomeni, February 24, 2016. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis The suicide bombing at Turkey's Istanbul Ataturk airport, leaving 42 dead and at least 239 injured, is a tragedy. Unfortunately, this kind of attack is nothing new to citizens of Turkey. The Tuesday attack in Istanbul marks the eighth suicide bombing in the country so far this year, which leaving at least 140 dead. Advertisement The latest suicide bombing in Turkey bears the unfortunate hallmark of ISIS, and follows the all too familiar trend of the disastrous airport attack in Brussels and coordinated terror throughout Paris. The rising presence of ISIS, and most notably Tuesday's attack, has created legitimate fear around the world. However, I think it is important for us to consider the difference between attacks led by ISIS and attacks inspired by ISIS. Clouded by fear, we have grown to confuse the two. The attacks in Turkey, Brussels and Paris were coordinated and led by ISIS. In contrast, the attacks in Orlando or San Bernardino for example, were coordinated by lone wolf American citizens aspiring to attract the attention of ISIS. Advertisement This distinction is important because each form of terrorism calls for different responses. When dealing with attacks that ISIS actually claims responsibility for, discussion of political changes and militaristic action make sense. ISIS poses a direct threat to our global society, and needs to be dealt with as such. Situations like the Orlando or San Bernardino shootings however, while also equally harmful, are not directly tied to the threat of ISIS and should not be treated the same way. For these cases, counter-terrorism is not achieved by restricting immigration; limiting immigration would not have prevented these attacks as the gunmen in both cases were American citizens who worked alone and turned radical through their own volition. Those who believe that anti-immigration is the answer to combatting inbred terrorism are not formulating legitimate solutions, but rather responding to internal fears about their country's growing diversity or changing demographic. It is in this context that we can confront the anti-immigration inspired Brexit vote and the immigration policies of Trump. In the case of Brexit, upwards of 65 percent of those 65 and older voted to leave the EU in order to disconnect the UK from Europe's migrant crisis. Advertisement Baby boomers therefore saw Brexit as an opportunity to suppress UK's all-time high immigration rate, which was radically changing the demographics of the country. A report by Policy Exchange found that while the UK's White population increased only 1.4 percent from 2001 to 2011, the Indian population increased 36.3 percent, the Pakistani population increased 57.3 percent, and the Bangladeshi population increased 59.2 percent. This impact could be seen in London alone, where the Greater Authority reported that 44 percent of London consisted of black and ethnic minorities in 2015, compared to only 28.9 percent in 2001. To those 55 and older therefore, the Brexit vote was not related to fears about international terrorism or the growing presence of ISIS, but rather spurred from nativist and xenophobic tendencies, in which their nostalgia for their country's comparatively homogenous past crippled their ability to think about the future. The result of Brexit demonstrates how citizens, specifically older citizens in this case, wrongfully extrapolated from their fears about the growing threat of ISIS to inform their perspective on the migrant crisis and their country's immigration policies; yes, ISIS is a threat, but we have to remember that immigrants, whether they are first or fifth generation, do not reflect this threat. We see a similar trend of ignorance developing in Trump supporters. When examining Mr. Trump's proposal that all Muslims should be temporarily banned from entering the U.S, 16 percent of those aged 18 through 34 agree with this idea, and 33 percent of those in the 50-64 demographic positively respond to this policy. Advertisement And Trump is not the only one proposing such policies. 25 US Governors have closed their borders to Syrian refugees, even though the US has committed to taking in roughly 10,000 Syrians fleeing their country's civil war. Like Brexit voters, what these supporters of restrictive immigration do not understand is that immigration is not an indicator of terrorism. In fact, immigration is probably the least efficient way for a potential terrorist to enter the United States. According to the US State Department's website, the average wait time for processing an asylum request is a year to 18 months. For refugees from the Middle East, this process takes even longer because they often lack the proper documentation that the Department of Homeland Security requires for background checks. Data from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration exposes how immigration is not an indicator of terrorism. Advertisement Of the 3 million refugees admitted to the United States since 1975, of which 785,000 came since 9/11, roughly a dozen have been arrested or removed due to security concerns. What these numbers tell us is that the rational to limit immigration on both sides of the pond is not rooted in reality. Yes, the terror caused by the suicide bombers at Turkey's Istanbul Ataturk airport is real, its impact greatly felt. And yes, the terror caused by the recent Orlando shooting has also greatly impacted Americans, leaving them more terrified than ever before. But, the way we respond to these fears must be different. Restricting immigration out of fear of the unknown is not the answer, and will only further perpetrate the issue. Statue of Alexander Hamilton, Great Falls, Paterson, New Jersey, USA. Alexander Hamilton envisioned the potential power of the Passaic Falls for industrial development. As the musical Hamilton continues to wow Broadway, and theater fans across the country wait breathlessly for the hit show to go on tour, our Founding Fathers have achieved a new kind of 21st century pop fame. This resurgence of popularity -- full of engrossing lyrics, catchy tunes and top-notch dancing -- also raises the question: How would our Founding Fathers react to the inflammatory rhetoric we've heard lately calling on the United States to bar people from entering the U.S. based on their religion? To close the door to refugees? And to embrace policies of torture and cruelty, all under the auspices of keeping us "safe"? At risk of being another 21st century lawyer trying to surmise what our Founding Fathers would say, knowing the historical context in which the U.S. Constitution was written and the principles embodied in that founding document, it's easy to infer that such claims run counter to the ideals upon which this country was built. In a Politico op ed entitled, "Our Founders Knew Not to Torture," Former U.S. Senator David Boren -- the longest serving Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee -- wrote, "a closer examination of our history makes clear that even when America faced an even more existential threat, our leaders clearly renounced such tactics." Advertisement In 1787, Alexander Hamilton warned, "The violent destruction of life and property incident to war, the continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of continual danger, will compel nations the most attached to liberty to resort for repose and security to institutions which have a tendency to destroy their civil and political rights. To be more safe, they at length become willing to run the risk of being less free." The Federalist Papers, the collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, focused on themes related to the principles of a representative government, the relative power of states and the federal government, and the doctrine of separation of powers, including the importance of establishing clear systems of checks and balances. Writing at a time when the United States was not only in its infancy, but the very notion of a representative government was still largely one held by philosophers, their efforts represented a great political experiment. The recognition of the fragility of their new country was not lost on our Founding Fathers -- if anything, the most consistent theme throughout both the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution is one of preservation. But not just preservation of the government; they strived to design a sustainable system of government that can protect against tyranny while guaranteeing the preservation of individual liberty. Our Founding Fathers recognized that state and individual goals can actually be mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive. As Juan Cole, a Professor of History at the University of Michigan, wrote upon the 2014 release of the Executive Summary, Findings and Conclusions of the Senate Intelligence Report on the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program, "We know what the Founding Fathers believed. They believed in universal rights. And they believed in basic principles of human dignity. Above all, they did not think the government had the prerogative of behaving as it pleased. It doesn't have the prerogative to torture." Our Founders knew in the 18th century what we know today: Torture is wrong. Advertisement Proponents of torture may want to flex their muscles and rely on flawed arguments about keeping America and its allies safe. The argument that using torture shows we are strong or helps to keep us safe has been dismissed by prominent foreign policy experts, retired military leaders, intelligence experts and security chiefs. By contrast, torture is unreliable, puts our troops in greater danger and is so contrary to American values that it is corrosive to the soul of this country. Image: Computer code. Stock Photo. Pixabay.com U.S. privacy-policy whistleblower Edward Snowden made headlines recently for blasting an encryption-skirting provision in a new Russian Internet and cellphone regulation law. The legislation requires Internet and mobile companies to provide authorities with a back door that gives them access to the contents of encrypted content. The government contends the law is aimed at preventing terrorism; opponents counter that it's also aimed at reining in dissidents. Russia usually takes the lead in passing anti-human-rights legislation in the former Soviet Union, but in the case of the encryption-skirting provision, it took a cue from Kazakhstan, which enacted such legislation in late 2015. Advertisement What Russia does, other countries in the former Soviet Union imitate, of course, so you can be sure that encryption-busting legislation will pop up elsewhere in the region. One of the early adopters could be Armenia, which blocked Internet content during the election of 2008 and has a security treaty with Russia. Snowden, who grained international notoriety for releasing classified U.S National Security Agency records that he said documented violations of Americans' privacy, fled the United States in 2013 to avoid espionage charges. Russia granted him asylum. He has not spoken a lot publicly since then. When he has, it's usually been to level additional criticism against U.S. government privacy policy. Sometimes his comments have come in videotaped presentations to international forums, sometimes in interviews with journalists. Until a few days ago, Snowden was circumspect in his criticism of privacy violations in his host country. Advertisement Russia's new Internet and cellphone communication law set him off, however. He criticized it on two grounds: First, that it was a gross violation of people's privacy. And, second, that it was unworkable. Why unworkable? Because, he contended, Internet and cellphone-service providers would need to spend billions of dollars to create encryption-busting back doors and comply with a provision that requires them to store all emails and mobile records for six months. "Russia's new Big Brother law is an unworkable, unjustifiable violation of rights that should never be signed," he tweeted on June 24, before the legislation hit Vladimir Putin's desk. Kazakhstan's encryption-busting law, which went into effect on January 1 of this year, is different from Russia's in that it puts the burden on the owners of devices that connect with the Internet, rather than Internet and cellphone service providers. The legislation requires Kazakhs to obtain software for each device they have -- computer, tablet or cellphone -- so that the government can have round-the-clock access to their encrypted communications. Advertisement This means that in Kazakhstan encryption prevents private parties from reading or listening to someone's communications, but not the government. Privacy advocates warn that the government's access to a user's communications means that authorities can not only read or listen to the communications, but even edit both outgoing and incoming messages without the user knowing about it. Kazakhstan has passed a series of laws since 2013 slapping restriction after restriction on Internet use. The first set, in 2013, came in the wake of Islamic terrorist attacks in 2011 -- the country's first. There have been other terrorist attacks since, including one in early June of this year in the western city of Aktobe that claimed 17 lives. Advertisement Kazakhstan has justified its increasingly restrictive Internet laws on the grounds that they are anti-terrorist measures -- the same justification that Russia used in enacting its Internet-tightening legislation last month. But opponents of the Kazakhstan laws say they make it easier for the government to monitor and snuff out dissent. Kazakhstan began cracking down on dissent the same year that its first terrorist attacks occurred -- 2011. The catalyst was an oil workers' strike in the western city of Zhanoazen in December of 2011 that police put down with force, killing 14 and wounding at least 80. Workers had been demonstrating for months before the massacre, demanding better pay and working conditions from the government-owned KazMunaiGas corporation. The combination of the terrorist attacks, and the show of dissent against the government represented by the Zhanoazen massacre, is what triggered the ever-more repressive Internet laws, political observers say. Advertisement Russia and Kazakhstan are far from the only countries to consider encryption-busting laws. Western countries have looked at them, too, as a way of fighting terrorism. If you're paying for your own wedding, chances are you're wondering how you can possibly add the expense of a honeymoon on top of burgeoning modern wedding costs. And while it makes sense to do a combination of saving up in advance and scaling back on non-essentials in order to write those wedding vendor checks, the hope is that you only get married once, right? You want pick the right mate for you and have a great wedding that reflects you and your partner without going into massive debt. But the honeymoon is an important part of the wedding. You only get married once? Well, you only have an opportunity to honeymoon once. You won't regret taking it. So don't skip it. Here are all the reasons why Costa Rica is the perfect honeymoon destination. It's incredibly affordable, with something for everyone. Costa Rica has several tour operators that can build your custom experience of the country based on your budget and interests. Do you want shuttles to your destinations, waterfall hikes, volcanic hot springs, horseback riding, ziplining and whitewater rafting while staying at inexpensive hotels? Done. Do you want less of your time booked in activities and nicer hotels to relax in? That can also be done. Whatever the honeymoon experience is in your head, it's the business of the tour operators to make it a reality. Those seeking more adventure can opt to rent a car and drive; just be sure to make sure that the roads will be passable the time of year you are traveling. Roads are narrow and twist and turn at every bend. Advertisement The people are warm. Costa Ricans say, "Pura vida!" or "Pure life!" In general, Costa Ricans are very welcoming, ready with a smile to greet you and help you. Much of the population you will encounter in the tourism industry is bilingual, so there is no language barrier. There are food options for all appetites. Costa Ricans eat both meat and fish, and have plenty of delicious fruits. So whether you're a carnivore or vegetarian, chances are you won't go hungry. The typical plate, which you can order at any Costa Rican restaurant, is a protein with rice, beans, vegetables and plantains. Can you imagine the big banks saying: "Hey, Obama! Break us up! We need regulation!" Of course not. That's because corporations almost never take positions that threaten their short-term self-interest. Can you imagine a mainstream corporation leading the charge on, say, marriage equality twenty years ago? Nope. (Richard Socarides, a staffer in the Clinton White House, has written about how hard it was to get business leaders even to talk about the issue then.) Businesses hate controversy: leadership just wants to keep their heads down and pump out widgets. "Shut up and ski," is what many tell the ski resort I work for when we delve into climate or social issues. Even recent activism by many firms in support of LGBT and transgender rights--which has been hugely effective--proves the point. Those actions weren't risky; rather, like taking a strong position on civil rights in the late seventies, they boarded a train that was leaving the station. This innate cautiousness is a problem in a climate changed world. When respected organizations like NOAA report that we might see sea level rise of up to 9 feet by 2050-2060, we've got a crisis that's going to require rapid government response. How do you get there when even citizens who consider themselves "alarmed" about global warming take few public actions to drive change, as a new study in the Journal Nature Climate Change reports? Advertisement Two studies inform the question. Recent analysis by business school professors Michel Toffel and Aaron Chatterjee showed the strong influence CEO activism has on public views. If, for example, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is reported to oppose a law, that fact increased the number of people who would themselves oppose the law. Second, a 2014 study of 20 years of public opinion data by two political scientists--Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page--showed that business leaders have far more influence on politicians than common citizens. In short: in this post-Citizen's United world, voter opinions are both influenced by, and trumped by the corporate elite; and most people aren't taking public action on climate anyway. Business voice matters, big time. That means to stave off nine feet of coastal flooding, we're going to need corporations to help. And to make a difference, they're going to have to take strong political positions that go against their short term self-interest. This type of action--particularly the use of their powerful voice--runs counter to the standard business approach to climate: keep your head down and cut your carbon footprint. The problem is that cutting carbon a little bit at one corporation doesn't solve climate change. And worse, it's an overt dodge of the harder, more controversial work of using voice and influence to drive change. But it's very effective, placating customers, shareholders and employees while freeing business of the need to take meaningful, but riskier, action. Solving climate change by taking actions that don't solve climate change is a bad place to be. To drive real change, a corporation might have to go beyond , say, supporting a carbon tax in the abstract, which many businesses have already done, but instead demand a large carbon tax, which might hurt the short term bottom line; call out climate denying elected officials; or publicly endorse candidates based on their climate position. Advertisement Getting corporations to do any of these things is a big lift. It goes against their Buddha-nature. They move only when then need to, driven by profit. Compare soda manufacturer's nonexistent lobbying response on climate to their well-organized, rapid and well-funded reaction to proposed "obsesity" taxes on sugary drinks in multiple states, as documented in Marion Nestle's new book Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning.) Not surprisingly, corporations are not bringing out similar knives on climate. Of course they haven't. Why would we expect these fundamentally amoral entities to behave ethically? Senator Sheldon Whitehouse wrote in Harvard Business Review that "Despite the statements emitted from oil companies' executive suites about taking climate change seriously and supporting a price on carbon, their lobbying presence in Congress is 100% opposed to any action." He also notes that "while Coke and Pepsi have been vocal behind the scenes on the need for climate action, here in Congress their lobbying agencies don't support their position." True, before the Paris climate conference, 365 corporations backed the EPA Clean Power plan, Obama's signature climate rule. But that's not altogether risky, given that the law, under the Clean Air Act, requires such a plan. I left Damascus in the morning, sharing a taxi with an Iraqi dentist who lived in Texas, a teenage boy from Daraa, and an old woman whose hands were permanently dyed indigo from years of clothes making. "Why did you come to Syria? It is an odd place for an American to visit." The dentist asks. "I wanted to see." I reply. The driver stops at a popular and cavernous Duty Free about a mile from the Jordanian border. Bottles of Chanel perfume, Calvin Klein cologne, and Johnny Walker labels of all colors sparkle under spotlights. The typical liquor, chocolate, perfume, and cigarette shopping mall stocked with more foreign goods than I had seen anywhere in the country, located miles from the nearest town. The driver purchases all the cigarette cartons he can carry, shoving them under the seats and beneath the spare tire in the trunk. Reaching central Amman, the cartons are promptly unloaded and exchanged for cash. I wish to pass through the disjointed capital quickly as I will return in a few days. The dentist directs me to a bus office and we part ways. Advertisement It's nearly midnight by the time the bus arrives in Aqaba; the ride from Amman a blur through the darkness along King's Highway, punctuated occasionally by the blazing florescent lights of a gas station. The bus is nearly empty, half a dozen other single men doze as an Adel Emam film plays overhead. I can't sleep and flip through a guidebook about Petra, the Nabataean city carved into the mountains deep in the Jordanian desert. Aqaba is located in a special economic zone in the south of the country, on the tip of the Red Sea where Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia all meet. Petra lies about an hour and a half to the north, a popular excursion for tourists staying in Jerusalem. The town of Eilat glimmers just across the sea, a short swim away. Though Aqaba caters to the flocks of Saudi tourists who come to enjoy a relaxation of laws and customs, a beach town for burqas. The central part of town hasn't seen a building boom since the late 1970s. The main boulevard runs along the sea with buildings reminiscent of the English mandate period overlooking the beach. I pick a hotel on the corner, the lobby an empty expanse of cheap marble covered in years of dust with a threadbare pair of sofas tossed by the windows. The balcony of my room looks out onto the sea, a black mass on this moonless night. Though cars are few, the beach bustles with hundreds of people clustered together in groups sharing a single hookah. They are scattered in circles among an assorted rainbow of plastic chairs. Arab pop music and Radio Ibiza mixes with the calmly lapping waves as curls of smoke waft up into the sky. Most of the men wear jeans and t-shirts, the women covered in folds of fabric. Children run about, taking in the freedom of the evening as their parent's chat and smoke. Advertisement After a walk along the beach I turn back towards the city center. The streets are empty. I come upon a large florescent sign advertising "Chinese-Arab Massage" and decide to enter. The massage parlor is up three flights of stairs in a non-descript office building. I enter the open door and walk into a dimly lit room. A muscular Arab guy sits behind a desk and glances up from his newspaper. He looks at me for a moment, and then asks, "Massage?" I nod my head in agreement. "Chinese or Arab?" he asks. I glance around the room and notice a dozen women, some Chinese, some Arab, sitting on sofas along the wall, their faces vacant with boredom. I shrug my shoulders and ask if there are any men available. The man looks at me for a moment, and then says no, just women. I ask the difference between a Chinese and Arab massage, he responds that Chinese are half the price. That settled, I am lead into a curtained off room in the back. After stripping down to my boxers I lie face down on the table and wait. My masseuse arrives, oils up my back, and then proceeds to lightly push on me with her fingers. Hardly what I would call a massage, but I think perhaps it will get better. She taps me on the shoulder and motions with her hands for me to flip on my back, stomach up. I do and she lightly caresses the hair on my chest. I become uncomfortable. Sensing that I am not enjoying this, she motions at my boxers. I cast her a look that could only be interpreted as, don't you dare. Yet, she lifts up the waistband of my shorts. Advertisement I push her away and slide off the table. She is stunned, confused, and refuses to give up. After trying unsuccessfully twice more to grab me, she leaves the room. I start to dress, assuming this entire experience is over, only to have the head matron come in and berate me for refusing the services of her employee. They both push me towards the table, but I shove them aside and run to the man at the front desk. "Did you enjoy?" he asks. "No," I reply, "I want a man!" I throw down $20 on the table and run down the stairs. Before I can reach the street, a man grabs me from behind. "You want a man, yes?" he asks. He had been sitting on the sofa behind the man at the desk and observed all that transpired. "I will show you a real man," he says, rubbing his corpulent belly. I am mortified at the prospect, but calmly decline his advances. "It is okay, I will drive to your hotel." "No," I say, "it is close. I will walk." I turn and run down the street, not stopping until I reach the hotel. The next day I take a bus further south to the slew of high-end resorts, near the Saudi border, that remain popular with vacationing Europeans. Secluded, clean, and safely ensconced within a security compound, these resorts feature private beaches that stretch out into the Red Sea. Like so many other countless imitations, these compounds could not be more out of place, and out of touch, with the communities that lie just outside the iron gates. There are no happy endings here; skin diving, snorkeling, and drinking cocktails poolside are the main events at these shells of touristic humanity. Advertisement In a year when people who follow the United Nations are focusing on the election of the next secretary general, the center of early action in that election has moved for the first time in history from the secretive deliberations of the Security Council to an unprecedented open campaign in the General Assembly, which normally has only a rubber-stamp role. This may be the perfect moment to take a broad new look at the potential of the normally fractious and often unwieldy 193-nation body and work to strengthen it for a tumultuous age, says the General Assembly president who seized the initiative to upend the 2016 secretary-general race. Mogens Lykketoft is a 70-year-old Dane who, prior to becoming this year's General Assembly president, had never been a diplomat assigned to the UN or an official of the organization, which may be useful qualifications for a reformer. Advertisement An economist turned politician and a leader of Denmark's Social Democratic Party, Lykketoft was speaker of the Danish Parliament when his government won the one-year General Assembly presidency and asked him to go to New York. His September-to-September term began in 2015 and will end in about three months, a short time in which to make a big difference. The UN secretary general, on the other hand, gets a five-year term, which is almost always renewed. Presidents of the General Assembly, chosen by governments in regional rotation, have been a mixed lot, and their influence on the workings of the body can be considerable, for better and for worse. In the 2005-06 session, which marked the UN's 60th anniversary, Jan Eliasson of Sweden negotiated the abolition of the discredited UN Human Rights Commission and the creation of a smaller, tighter Human Rights Council. (He is now the UN deputy secretary general.) In the late 1990s, Theo-Ben Gurirab of Namibia was a strong voice for developing nations, unafraid to tangle publicly with the secretary general over UN policies not in their interests. But the presidency has also fallen into less constructive hands. Vuk Jeremic of Serbia, in the 2012-13 session, infuriated Bosnians and many other constituencies by promoting Serbian nationalism, including the performance of an incendiary nationalistic song in a UN ceremony. The assembly president in 2013-14, John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda--who died on June 22 in an accident while lifting weights at his home--stood accused of accepting $1.3 million in bribes from Chinese business interests while in office. Ashe was arrested after the end of his term (when he lost his diplomatic immunity) and charged by US prosecutors with failing to report and pay taxes on his gains. Further charges were pending at the time of his death. These fluctuations in performance and integrity are offered by some outside specialists on the UN as a good reason for not giving the assembly president more than one year in the job. In an interview in his UN office--a relaxed place free of the usual self-important minions hovering and taking notes in the background--Lykketoft showed some frustration with the short time he has had to advance changes and solidify the gains. He suggested, for example, that the work of highly politicized assembly committees, particularly the budget committee, should become more forward-looking to deal effectively with the overwhelming crises that the UN faces, starkly symbolized by the more than 65 million global refugees and the consequent rapid shortfall in the UN's humanitarian resources. "I think the General Assembly can have more influence," Lykketoft said. Advertisement David Malone, a former Canadian diplomat at the UN and now rector of the UN University, a research center based in Tokyo, said that he sympathizes with Lykketoft, whom he described in an e-mail exchange as "an excellent GA president." But Malone added that the recent scandal involving Ashe, who refused professional appointees selected for his office by the UN Secretariat, is a cautionary tale: "UN GA presidents left entirely to their own devices and served by personally loyal teams can, exceptionally, get up to no good. Two years would have brought about even worse results." Sam Daws, director of the UN Governance and Reform project at Oxford University's Center for International Studies (and coeditor, with Thomas G. Weiss of the City University of New York Graduate Center, of the Oxford Handbook on the United Nations) acknowledged that a longer term "would certainly give the [General Assembly president] more time to learn the ropes and embed decisions." But more important, he wrote in an e-mail, "is the informal and/or formal coordination between a [president] and their predecessor and successor.... You really need a three-year cycle to embed any change." Presidents of the General Assembly are now chosen earlier to improve turnover. This past June, Ambassador Peter Thomson of Fiji, a former General Assembly vice president, campaigner for sustainable oceans, and president of the International Seabed Authority, was elected for the 2016-17 term. The Oxford Handbook characterizes the General Assembly as "a standing international conference in which any UN member state can raise any issue it regards as deserving global attention." It is not a global parliament in national political terms; it has always strongly supported the sovereignty and theoretical equality of member governments--one nation, one vote. Unlike resolutions in the Security Council, most assembly resolutions are not binding; the assembly can only recommend, not enforce, behavior for the member nations, the majority of which are now in the developing world. Among the thousands of resolutions the assembly has adopted over the years, governments across the political spectrum have made significant use of the invitation to raise issues of war and peace deserving global attention, particularly when the Security Council is deadlocked by the veto power of its permanent members. The assembly's member nations can employ a 1950 resolution (Number 377) known as Uniting for Peace. It was invoked in 1956, after the British and French seizure of the Suez Canal, to establish a UN emergency force authorized to arrange a ceasefire and take military action if necessary. In 1981, a General Assembly resolution based on 377 declared South Africa's invasion of Namibia and other aggressions in the region a breach of international peace and security and called on the UN to give military and financial assistance to the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). When the US and British invasion of Iraq in 2003 unleashed a storm of protest across the UN, the General Assembly became the focus of efforts to invoke 377 to call for an end to the war (a move that would have been quickly vetoed by the United States in the Security Council). Arab nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation were joined by peace and constitutional-law organizations in asking for an emergency session. The assembly didn't follow through, however, so no formal action was taken, but the outcry contributed to the global opposition to the war. A year later, Secretary General Kofi Annan called the war illegal . Lykketoft spoke in the interview about what will likely be his main legacy as the assembly's president: open campaigning for the next UN secretary general after Ban Ki-moon's tenure ends on December 31. For several decades, UN members states--now with a solid majority from the developing world--have been calling unsuccessfully for a more democratic process in choosing the secretary general, the UN's chief administrative officer, who has vague but limited powers within UN headquarters but an influential global platform (a "bully pulpit," to use Theodore Roosevelt's term). In the past, choosing a secretary general had become a matter of geopolitical haggling behind closed doors among the five permanent Security Council members with veto power--Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States--each with its own interests and red lines. Advertisement However, when a new resolution was introduced in September 2015 to open the system up, this time "we actually did it!" Lykketoft exulted. The plan that he put into effect at the beginning of 2016 (after some cajoling, but with generally widespread support) was a historic departure for the organization. d by their governments in letters to the General Assembly president--were invited to submit comprehensive biographies demonstrating their experience, as well as a "vision statement" explaining how they would exercise the UN's top job in light of the current world conditions and internal shortcomings within the system itself. These documents are being made available online. Then the candidates were asked to make brief campaign pitches in a UN chamber packed with diplomats from member nations and regional organizations, as well as NGO representatives participating by video call from around the world. Two hours of questioning followed each candidate's presentation. Once these public hearings are completed in the coming weeks, a list will be formally presented to the Security Council. This process isn't mandatory for either the council or the candidates, but Lykketoft's underlying message is clear. "The fact of the past is that there was no official list," Lykketoft said. "There were some names mentioned in the Security Council. Some were turned down, some went forward with straw polls, but the general public in this world didn't know much about it. Now, at least, the Security Council will have an authorized list of people having been presented in the General Assembly. We--all of us--know more about their personalities, their priorities. There's been a huge interest among member states to take part in the questioning. But that doesn't mean that the Security Council is stripped of any power, as of course they're not." Advertisement Lykketoft acknowledged that there is nothing to prevent the Security Council from adding names of its own. "I don't think that will happen," he added. "The balance has been changed somewhat. But it is not only this; it is also that what we have orchestrated inside the walls of the United Nations, in this building, is only part of what is really new--namely, that civil society, NGOs outside, take part. Candidates are meeting in panels not only in New York, but in London and elsewhere in discussions. So a much, much larger public will have a voice here, and get their own impressions and put pressure on their own governments." In keeping with the informal tradition of rotating the secretary general's chair, Eastern Europe has demanded its turn this year, and of the 11 candidates who have presented their credentials publicly so far, eight are from that region. They include Irina Bokova, a Bulgarian who is director general of UNESCO; Natalia Gherman, ex-foreign minister of Moldova; Vuk Jeremic, a Serbian politician; Srgjan Kerim, a media businessman and former foreign minister of Macedonia; Miroslav Lajcak, foreign minister of Slovakia; Igor Luksic, foreign minister of Montenegro; Vesna Pusic, a former foreign minister of Croatia; and Danilo Turk, a former president of Slovenia and UN assistant secretary general for political affairs. Beyond Eastern Europe, three other candidates have entered the race: Helen Clark, a former prime minister of New Zealand and now administrator of the UN Development Program; Antonio Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal and, until recently, UN high commissioner for refugees; and Susana Malcorra, the current foreign minister of Argentina. The relatively high number of women among the declared candidates reflects a burgeoning civil-society campaign, backed by numerous governments, to elect a female secretary general for the first time in UN history. Russia, which at first seemed chilly to the idea of making gender a qualification, now says that it would be "fair" to consider a woman, but that it should not be the determining factor, according to a recent report in Sputnik, a government-backed international news service, quoting Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov. Gender isn't the only issue that Russia, a key player in Eastern Europe, has raised. Along with China, it has questioned why the choice of a new secretary general has to be hurried. There were hopes among diplomats that a new secretary general could be selected before the fall, giving that person plenty of time for orientation. Gatilov said that the final Security Council choice, and approval by the General Assembly, could be delayed until at least October. Advertisement Assessing what he's heard in the candidate hearings so far, Lykketoft said that certain themes have emerged in the questioning by diplomats: transparency in UN leadership, better management of the organization, the ability to communicate effectively, and the political skill and courage to ignore pressure by--and curtail the dominance of--powerful nations in appointments. "It's very obvious we need a secretary general who can be more independent and, of course, a skilled politician," Lykketoft said. "We need a person with good communications skills, because the new game is that we communicate not only with governments; we communicate on the global stage. The secretary general should try to call upon the global audience, [which] can put pressure on more regional and global powers to behave--to live up to their commitments as members of the United Nations." Listening to the questions directed at the candidates, Lykketoft also noted that "what many countries are afraid of is that cooperation with the private sector"--especially "where big money is coming in"--risks having powerful business interests "taking over decisions or having too big an influence." But he believes that this inevitable trend can be managed to the advantage of developing nations. "The Sustainable Development Goals and climate agreement will only be reached in partnership with the private sector," Lykketoft said. "If we will have any chance whatsoever to fulfill our own expectations, we will have to create partnerships [with] more commitments from the business community and the capital institutions. But also governments will have to create the frameworks of incentives [and] regulations that make it obvious for the private sector to do the right thing." Colleagues shout slogans to condemn terrorism as they stage a memorial ceremony for Erol Eskisoy and Ali Zulfukar Yorulmaz, two taxi drivers killed in Tuesday blasts at the entrance of Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Thursday, June 30, 2016. A senior Turkish official on Thursday identified the Istanbul airport attackers as a Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz national hours after police carried out sweeping raids across the city looking for Islamic State suspects. Turkish authorities have banned distribution of images relating to the Ataturk airport attack within Turkey.(AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) ISTANBUL -- Tuesday's triple suicide bombing on Ataturk airport, which killed at least 44 people, now stands as a monument to the gravest national security crisis in the history of Turkey. With about 61 million passengers a year, Ataturk airport is the third busiest in Europe, exceeded only by London's Heathrow and Paris's Charles de Gaulle. Over the past three years, thousands of international jihadis have traveled down the "Jihadist Highway" through Turkey to join the array of radical groups fighting for supremacy in war-torn Syria -- especially the so-called Islamic State and the Nusra Front (al Qaeda's Syrian branch). For many of them, that journey has included traveling through Istanbul or Ankara airports. Turkish and U.S. officials agree the massacre was likely the work of ISIS, though the group has not claimed responsibility as they have in other bombings. Advertisement Until recently, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was able to pursue two contradictory policies: first, safeguarding Turkey's $35 billion tourism revenue, which is the backbone of the country's economy, and second, maintaining his influence over Syria by controlling part of the flow of Syria-bound jihadis and weapons. All this changed over the past year, in which about 290 people have lost their lives in 15 major bomb attacks carried out at times by ISIS and at times by Kurdish militant groups. Since January, ISIS has begun to attack tourist areas in Istanbul, harming tourism in Turkey and potentially triggering a serious economic crisis. Erdogan attends the opening ceremony of Fethiye Hasan Gumusdag Mosque in Istanbul on July 1. (Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) At present, Turkey is extremely isolated in its foreign policy. Having aspired to become the de facto leader of the Middle East after the Arab Uprisings of 2011, Erdogan ended up at odds with nearly every regional player: Egypt, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Russia. A few years ago, this might have been termed "precious loneliness;" at present, Turkey's geopolitical loneliness is no longer sustainable. That much was clear from the forced resignation last month of Ahmet Davutoglu, the former prime minister and the chief architect of Turkey's disastrous Middle Eastern adventure. Davutoglu's post was filled by Binali Yildirim, who signaled this shift in Turkey's foreign policy with the words, "We will increase the number of our friends and reduce the number of our enemies." This week, Ankara has done a complete U-turn in its stance towards Israel and Russia. Ties with Israel -- which were nearly severed following its raid on a Turkish ship in 2010 -- have been normalized after Israel agreed to apologize for the raid and pay compensation to the families of the victims. Turkey, in turn, dropped its demand that Israel lift the embargo on Gaza. Advertisement ISIS's aim is to destroy the secular republic, which is the 'other' to its caliphate. In November 2015, Turkey did something that no NATO country had done since the Korean War: it shot down a Russian fighter jet that crossed into its air space from Syria. Turkey suffered greatly from the resulting sanctions imposed by Moscow, eventually compelling Erdogan to apologize to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yet it is difficult to foresee any long-term improvement in Turkish-Russian relations as long as Turkey continues to support the jihadis in Syria who are intent on overthrowing Russia's ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad. While Turkey may be taking steps to "increase the number of its friends," there is one group that remains its implacable enemy: ISIS. At first, Turkey avoided serious confrontation with ISIS as the latter acquired large amounts of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Ankara regarded the group as the "enemy of my enemies," given that ISIS was fighting against three forces opposed by Turkey: the Kurdistan Workers' Party (known as the PKK)'s Syrian branch, the PYD; the Shiite government in Baghdad; and Assad's regime in Damascus. During this period, Turkey turned a blind eye to the passage of thousands of militants through its territory on their way to join ISIS and permitted wounded ISIS fighters to be treated in Turkish hospitals. Photographs of victims were displayed as family members, colleagues and friends gather for a memorial ceremony at the Ataturk Airport on June 30. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) When clashes re-ignited between Turkey and the PKK in 2015, ISIS began targeting Turkey's pro-Kurdish political party, the HDP, in its attacks. In October, ISIS carried out the bloodiest act of terrorism in Turkish history, killing more than 100 people at a gathering of Kurds and leftists in Ankara. Through such carnage, ISIS has hoped to increase its popular support by triggering Turkey's main fault lines: Kurds versus Turks, secularists versus Islamists. Erdogan's party, the ruling Justice and Development Party (known as the AKP), was careful not to portray ISIS - which made appeals to the Islamist AKP's own base -- as its main enemy. Instead, it assigned at least part of the blame for ISIS's attacks to the PKK and other radical leftist groups. According to figures provided by Turkey's Police Intelligence Department, more than 3,000 individuals from Turkey are on record as having joined ISIS, while the number of Salafis in Turkey is 20,000 and counting. Advertisement Erdogan is intent on dismantling Turkey's democracy and setting up an authoritarian, Islamist, one-man regime. ISIS's attack on Ataturk airport was unprecedented in several ways. Rather than targeting Kurds, leftists or tourists, this latest atrocity targeted people from all walks of life in Turkey. Having recently lost territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS is becoming increasingly desperate. The group has long been firing rockets onto Turkish border towns in retaliation for Turkey's support for rival jihadi groups like the Nusra Front. But this new large-scale, highly coordinated attack shows ISIS to be a deadly menace to all of Turkey. It may strike again at tourist hubs or places of worship belonging to other religious groups and sects, attempting to destroy Turkey's already unstable social equilibrium. Turkey's back is against the wall when it comes to fighting ISIS. Over the past two years, Erdogan has dismissed hundreds of police and intelligence officers, whom he accuses of plotting a coup against him. Moreover, there is a serious lack of public trust in Turkey's police and intelligence forces, which, for the most part, have been put to work against Erdogan's opponents rather than ISIS members. Friends and relatives of Habibullah Sefer, who was killed in the attack at Istanbul airport, carry his coffin during his funeral in Istanbul on June 30. (Reuters/Osman Orsal) Equally damning is Erdogan's backing of the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front against ISIS. Just last week, Erdogan criticized the European Union's failure to classify the PYD as a "terror organization," saying, "The Nusra Front is fighting tooth-and-nail against ISIS: why do you call it a 'terror organization'?" (The Nusra Front's parent organization, al Qaeda, murdered 59 people in its 2003 bombings in Istanbul, to say nothing of the attacks of September 11, 2001.) Advertisement It has long been clear that Turkey's Syria policy has come back to haunt it. ISIS is attacking Kurds, secular groups and leftists and using sectarian discourse. Its aim is to destroy the secular republic, which is the "other" to its caliphate. The only possible remedy is to revitalize Turkey's secular democracy; instead, Erdogan is intent on dismantling it and setting up an authoritarian, Islamist, one-man regime. ISIS's attack on the Ataturk airport, named after the founder of the secular Turkish republic, occurred on the second anniversary of its own self-proclaimed caliphate. In declaring war on Turkish modernity, the benighted medieval ISIS has made it clear what is at stake. It is doubtful whether Erdogan can prevail in such a conflict. Earlier on WorldPost: Prolongation of the sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union should encourage Moscow to implement the Minsk agreements, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. "The EU sanctions against Russia have been prolonged! Our recent active diplomatic work, such as visits to Brussels, Paris, negotiations with Berlin and intensive negotiations with the EU member countries, has delivered the results contrary to the position of skeptics and pessimists. This decision of the EU is unanimous," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on Friday. He thanked the EU leaders for support for and solidarity with Ukraine. "This should encourage Russia to implement the Minsk agreements and cease the occupation of Crimea," he said. Earlier on Friday, the EU Council approved the decision agreed upon on June 21 by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU countries to prolong the economic restrictive measures against Russia by six months, until January 31, 2017. In a recent piece in the New York Times, Nate Cohn laments "the steady drumbeat of tweets about how Hillary Clinton stole the presidential primary from Bernie Sanders." Cohn resisted writing about them for so long, he asserts, because he "didn't want to dignify the views of conspiracy theorists." Cohn's central point - that a discrepancy between the exit polls and the final vote count doesn't imply election fraud - is well argued. But like other pundits, Cohn is too dismissive of concerns about the Democratic primary. It may not have been "rigged" or "stolen" in the sense in which many people seem to interpret those words (to mean that there were illegal efforts to mess with vote counts), but it certainly wasn't democratic, and only 31 percent of Democrats express "a great deal of confidence" that the Democratic primary process is fair for good reason. Instead of reflexively labeling suspicions of wrongdoing by those in power as insane ramblings from conspiracy theorists, journalists would do well to reflect on why such suspicions exist. For starters, as Matt Yglesias and Jeff Stein have acknowledged, "the media, the party, and other elected officials [were] virtually uniformly...loaded against" Sanders from the get-go. In fact, the Democratic party threw so much institutional support behind Clinton so long before she even declared her candidacy that political scientist David Karol asserted, in December of 2014, that "Hillary has basically almost been nominated." The Democratic National Committee's debate schedule was "obviously intended" to insulate Clinton from challengers and scrutiny. The DNC, in response to inappropriate behavior from a Sanders staffer who DNC staff had recommended and the campaign had already fired, suspended Sanders' access to important voter data in violation of its contract with his campaign. While Clinton was dinging Sanders on his ostensible disregard for party fundraising, the "so-called joint fundraising committee comprised of Clinton's presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee and 32 state party committees" was exploiting loopholes in campaign finance laws to funnel the bulk of its resources to Clinton and Clinton alone. Even into late May, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz was leaning heavily into biased, anti-Sanders messaging. In addition, leaders of numerous groups traditionally affiliated with the Democratic party - unions and organizations generally more aligned with Sanders than Clinton on campaign issues - endorsed Clinton without polling their members (the groups that did open the endorsement process up to members typically endorsed Sanders). Advertisement In general, as often happens when political and media establishments are threatened, they progressed from "polite condescension" towards the Sanders campaign to "innuendos" to "right-wing attacks" to "grave and hysterical warnings" to something close to a "[f]ull-scale and unrestrained meltdown." It's not clear exactly how much of that progression was coordinated, but it takes minimal effort to dismantle the claim that the Democratic party and mainstream media outlets were mostly neutral. Whether Clinton surrogates were praising her on TV without disclosing their ties to her campaign or technically unaffiliated newspaper outlets were blasting Sanders in headlines and post-publication edits to their articles, media sources consistently parroted misleading Clinton campaign talking points. New evidence suggests that the DNC was along for the ride. Advertisement It is true that Clinton faced a large amount of negative media coverage herself - much of it in the summer of 2015 and by some metrics the most out of any presidential candidate - and it is also true that the Sanders campaign had its issues, especially when it came to reaching out to and addressing the concerns of older Black voters. But that doesn't change the fact that Clinton got way more coverage at a critical juncture of the race, a huge asset because "[n]ame recognition is a key asset in the early going [and,] even as late as August of 2015, two in five registered Democrats nationally said they'd never heard of Sanders or had heard so little they didn't have an opinion." It also doesn't change the fact that Clinton was considered the de facto nominee even when media coverage was otherwise unfavorable, a dynamic that surely benefited her among Democrats who prioritize uniting the party in the general election above all else. Though Sanders' popularity increased as voters became more familiar with him, the initial lack of media coverage of his campaign, Democratic party opposition to his candidacy, and the idea that a Clinton win was inevitable all hamstrung him greatly. If the media coverage he received had been more equitable and accurate, it is easy to show that he might have been the Democratic nominee. That's why, when writers argue that superdelegates did not "decide the nomination for Clinton," they're only half-right. Clinton certainly won the popular vote under Democratic primary rules, but the superdelegates' early allegiances and the media's reporting on those allegiances also certainly influenced that popular vote. Roadblocks from Democratic party elites and misleading or downright untrue attacks from the Clinton campaign, its many high-profile surrogates, and the mainstream media were ubiquitous throughout the primary process and certainly influenced the vote as well. As Glenn Greenwald summarized, premature media reports that Clinton had won the election on June 6, besides depressing turnout in the next day's primaries, constituted "the perfect symbolic ending to the Democratic Party primary: The nomination [was] consecrated by a media organization, on a day when nobody voted, based on secret discussions with anonymous establishment insiders and donors...[T]he party's governing rules are deliberately undemocratic; unfair and even corrupt decisions were repeatedly made by party officials to benefit Clinton; and the ostensibly neutral Democratic National Committee...constantly put not just its thumb but its entire body on the scale to ensure she won." Combine many Democrats' staunch denial of these problems with undemocratic voting practices that have favored Clinton and that her supporters have too often downplayed, and it's little wonder that some people believe the election was a sham. Advertisement Journalists who disagree should absolutely make their case, and defenders of the Democratic primary results make several legitimate points in addition to Cohn's. Clinton secured more votes and more pledged delegates than Sanders. When voting rules were less restrictive, she still won a greater number of open primaries than he did. Caucuses, which are very undemocratic, likely benefited Sanders. There isn't evidence that the Clinton campaign coordinated efforts to purge voters from the rolls, inaccurately tabulate votes, or mislead Sanders' California supporters into registering for the American Independent Party. And while "the American election system is a disaster" and "should be reformed," it's not clear that the numerous and alarming voting rights issues that surfaced during the primary systematically disadvantaged Sanders. But rather than cautioning Sanders against "suggesting the entire political process is unfair," journalists should more seriously consider where voters' concerns come from. It isn't Sanders' responsibility to "argue to his supporters that the outcome of the [Democratic primary] process was legitimate" or that the primary was "fair and square," as it most definitely wasn't. It's our collective responsibility to fix the very real problems with our democracy in the months and years ahead. Could the United Kingdom take another vote? Of course it could; no legal obstacles stand in the way. A referendum, being a national consultation, implicates other nations only insofar as its result is duly reported to them. Suppose a critical number of British citizens were to become convinced that they had been deceived and that Nigel Farage, among others, had brazenly lied to them. Suppose Parliament were to act on the petition for a second referendum that, at this writing, has already gathered the signatures of more than three million Britons. Or suppose that Parliament might just be reluctant to ratify a vote of this scope without first consulting the legislative bodies of the other groups that make up the United Kingdom (notably the Scots). None of these possibilities is likely. But none is unthinkable, either. And nothing prevents the sovereign people in Parliament assembled from citing one of them (or another) as grounds for reconsidering its earlier decision and changing course. Unique circumstances breed unforeseen outcomes. More evidence that, as Marx liked to say, history is more imaginative than man and often takes dramatic turns. The tone of the leaders who are pressing the British to come quickly to terms with their choice is a scolding and vengeful tone, the tone of a betrayed spouse urging an errant mate to end the ambiguity and get out of the house. Is such a turn to be desired? Absolutely. Because what was true yesterday will remain true tomorrow. And one cannot very well shout from the rooftops that the Brexit is a terrible thing that spells doom for the Europe of Monnet, Adenauer, and Churchill, or plead that Europe and the idea behind it are hanging in the balance, and then pass up a chance, however remote, to prevent the irreparable from occurring. Yes, the odds are low. And I understand the argument that it is necessary at this point to be clear and move quickly; I understand that the present situation--this intermediate, indeterminate state in which one no longer knows whether Great Britain is still in the common house or already alone in the dusky solitude of triumphant sovereignism--is no good for anyone. But we are faced with a question of consistency and principle. Assuming we were serious when we portrayed the Brexit as a dirty business that would have no winners (and it is never too late to do the right thing or to be heard), we cannot just step blithely from there to saying, "Too late! The deed is done! You should have thought sooner about the meaning and the consequences of your vote!" If we were to do that, how could we shake the painful feeling that all of this was, for us as well as the British, just a game? The truth is that there is something deeply disagreeable in the tone, not only of the commentariat, but also of the leaders who are pressing the British to come quickly to terms with their choice. It is a scolding and vengeful tone, the tone of a betrayed spouse urging an errant mate to end the ambiguity and get out of the house. A bit like the tone we heard last year directed at the Greeks: "You wanted Tsipras? Well now you've got him and, what do you know, even more austerity!" Advertisement Politics is not moralizing. It is the art, not of punishing, but of repairing. Not of radicalizing people by pushing their backs to the wall or making them pay for their mistakes but rather of arriving at compromises--with others and with oneself. And even if the Brexit continues to the end of its course, which still appears to be the most likely outcome, the challenge will not be to teach the English a lesson ("This is what you get for voting the way you did! Tough luck for you!") but to have enough sense to try to ensure that the decision is no more costly than it has to be for everyone. One thing that has become very clear is that the departure of Great Britain--should that come to pass--will provide a life-size, real-time lesson for countries tempted to follow it. For decades Europe's advocates have insisted that the Union is a source of peace, democracy, and prosperity. And for decades their opponents have retorted that the opposite is true--that there is nothing like a nation to ensure those benefits to its citizens. Well, now we are going to find out. From here on it will be the facts, whether we welcomed them or not, that determine the outcome. And in the months and years to come, from the pace and direction of economic growth, employment, and national wealth in the United Kingdom, and from changes in the ratio of companies choosing a base in London against those electing to relocate to Frankfurt or Paris, we will be able to deduce which of the two contrary propositions was correct. We should pay close attention. How often has history offered us such a clear opportunity for empirical testing of the validity of heretofore unverifiable theories? And yet that is not the whole story. For there remains an important question that will have to be answered soon and in the midst of uncertainty: More Europe or less? Should we call time out to bind the wounds? Or, contrarily, should we push ahead? What have the British taught us? That Europe's pace was too rapid? That one should not meddle with the eternal order of nations? Or that we were too indecisive? That it was because we hesitated too long at the crossroads that Europe is now dying? I am of the second school. I believe that if we have sinned it is through a lack of will and a surfeit of confidence in the invisible hand of history, which we believed would lead us quietly and effortlessly into the European dream. And I am convinced that only a giant leap in the direction of union can pull us out of this rut. But at the moment no one can know for sure. We are navigating without a compass. Advertisement After securing the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump promised a "tell all" speech about Hillary Clinton. On June 22nd he delivered a slanderous collage of all the Clinton lies and innuendos the rightwing has circulated over the last 24 years - imagine a speech written by Ann Coulter. Those of us who believe Clinton would be a better president should be forewarned: there's more venom coming from Trump. Here's how to defend Hillary. "Hillary Clinton... is a world-class liar." Consider the source. The award-winning fact-checking website, Politifact, rated Hillary the most truthful of all the 2016 candidates. By contrast, Politifact rated Donald Trump the least truthful with 75 percent of his statements "mostly false," "false," or "pants on fire." Trump's June 22nd speech contained at least 40 lies or gross distortions. Those of us who defend Clinton should use Kevin Drum's article "Hillary Clinton is fundamentally honest and trustworthy" as our bible. Advertisement "Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency." Trump's not-so-subtle tactic is to sway voters with the stance: "Clinton represents politics as usual; I am the outsider untainted by ties to special interests." Trump's attack on Clinton had three parts: accusations about her life before her tenure as Secretary of State, during her tenure, and afterwards. Regarding her life before becoming Secretary of State, Trump asserted, "[Clinton] has spent her entire life making money for special interests - and taking money from special interests." The New York Times labeled this assertion "mostly false." Early in her career, Mrs. Clinton worked for the Children's Defense Fund and as a lawyer for the House impeachment inquiry against President Richard Nixon, and later worked at the private Rose Law Firm in Arkansas, focusing on intellectual property and other cases. Much of her career has been devoted to government service, as first lady, United States senator and secretary of state. With regards to Hillary's tenure as Secretary of State, Trump asserted, "She ran the State Department like her own personal hedge fund - doing favors for oppressive regimes, and many others, in exchange for cash." Trump based his claims on the debunked book Clinton Cash. In 2015, the book's author told NBC News "No, we don't have direct evidence [of a quid-pro-quo]." Trump repeated claims that Hillary was responsible for the Benghazi deaths. "Our late Ambassador, Chris Stevens... was left helpless to die as Hillary Clinton soundly slept in her bed." Impartial observers have said that Hillary Clinton monitored the situation as soon as the Benghazi attacks were reported. Trump's claims about Clinton and Benghazi have been discredited by multiple sources. Advertisement Finally, Trump said, "Hillary Clinton gave China millions of our best jobs and ... she let China steal hundreds of billions of dollars in our intellectual property." This assertion is absurd and easily discredited; for example, Politifact reported that Chinese hacking occurred in 2015 after Clinton had left the State Department. Regarding her life after resigning her post as Secretary of State, before she announced her presidential candidacy, Trump asserted, "Hillary Clinton took up to $25 million from Saudi Arabia... and millions from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman..." These funds went to the Clinton Foundation - to fight infectious diseases - not to Hillary directly. Trump could not ignore the Clinton email scandal, noting "Her server was easily hacked by foreign governments... putting all of America in danger.... So [our enemies] probably have an blackmail file over someone who wants to be President of the United States." This is false; there is no evidence the Clinton email was hacked. Even if all of Trump's claims about Hillary are false, is he a righteous outsider? Hardly. In his June 22nd speech, Trump introduced himself: "I started off in Brooklyn New York, not so long ago, with a small loan and built a business worth over 10 billion dollars." The New York Times noted: This [claim] substantially understates the financial assistance that Mr. Trump received from his father, Fred, a major real estate developer in New York City. The decades-old "loan" was for $1 million, a handsome sum that is by no means "small." But the elder Mr. Trump did not stop there: He handed his son control of a large company with significant property holdings across the city, whose substantial value is difficult to quantify or overstate. Trump's personal life and business practices have come under scrutiny multiple times, the latest being the Trump University lawsuit. Advertisement One of the most commonly upheld principles regarding American higher education is that it is linear. A student finishes high school, goes to college, and from there receives a degree that decides their future and subsequently their fate. College before other endeavors, even when its details remain uncertain, is seen as an inevitable reality for the American student. Nevertheless, high school seniors Casey Bivens and Ryan Valle had another idea. With an uncertain future and grand ambitions, the two recognized that a college education was a pursuit worth taking. However instead of following the typical path that so many seniors trod down, Bivens and Valle chose another route: taking a gap year. For each, this gap year would present a multitude of challenges, be hindered by obstacles, and further the uncertainty of their educational enterprises. Yet through this decision, the two were able to find out more about themselves, making them not only stronger students but better individuals. For Casey Bivens, her senior year of high school was marked by the desire to take more classes than her schedule allowed. Many extracurricular courses are only offered to seniors, but with an already tight schedule no senior could take all the classes that may interest them. This predicament prompted a crazy idea in Bivens; wanting to take all the classes only offered to senior students, she thought to herself, "why not repeat my final year of high school?" Advertisement Upon hearing this, one of her teachers had another idea, planting the seed that would guide Bivens' postsecondary education. A gap year would give Casey the opportunity to immerse herself in the educational environment that extracurricular classes taught about, while also providing real world experience, opportunities for travel, and many other benefits that could not be granted in a classroom. Following high school, the journey of Bivens' gap year did not begin with the allure that many hope for. She wanted to spend her year away from school travelling to Europe, but this required that she have the money to pay for it. Taking part time, entry-level positions, she filled her schedule with tiresome minimum wage jobs. While the work was less than desirable, Bivens recounts these experiences as some of the most valuable throughout her gap year. Bivens learned two important lessons through this period: The cost and worth of college. Measuring the price in hours worked, demonstrated that education was an expensive commodity, and that it should not be taken lightly. Moreover, she was also reminded of the worth of her future college degree, an asset that would alleviate her from future entry-level, low-wage jobs. Within months, she was ready to begin her travel. Casey's gap year brought her all across the European continent, milking cows for free rent on a farm in France, travelling completely alone in Amsterdam, visiting family in Russia. One of her most vivid memories is having her backpack stolen in Barcelona, and chasing down the thief to retrieve her stolen belongings. Her only fear from the situation was that her passport had been taken; without a passport, she would have been forced to return home. Advertisement Though starkly different, the gap year of Ryan Valle largely echoes the sentiments of Bivens'. Ryan describes himself as someone who was less than a perfect student, only working towards classes that interested him. After being accepted into a university, he was caught by the allure of a Christian ministry program that would allow him to take a year abroad. While not a particularly religious person, this period would give Valle the opportunity to learn outside of a conventional educational environment. Without a clear conception of his educational goals, he deferred his acceptance, and began the journey of his gap year. His first destination was the island of Fiji. Arriving to the island was a grand memory for Valle; it was the first time he was completely on his own. After going through customs, he was forced to venture into the capitol in a country where few speak English, his native tongue. Navigating his way through the streets, Valle was reminded of his capabilities, finding his destination amidst the difficulties of the circumstances. In Fiji, Valle remembers his schedule as being fluid, a concept that largely defies the rigid structure of American education systems. Time was a loose concept; when a native said to "meet at five PM", they simply meant at some point later that evening, with the grand possibility that they would not show up for hours past their stated arrival time. Valle was forced to adapt to cultural differences across the countries he visited. In many ways, his decision to take a gap year was a deviation from the American cultural practice of attending college directly after high school. As it seems, breaking from these American cultural concepts was one of the few traceable patterns throughout Valle's gap year. While both Bivens' and Valle speak highly of their periods away from the classroom, as Bivens notes, "Gap years are perfect for some people, but not for everyone". In both cases, the experiences that encompassed their gap years shaped their futures by giving them a newfound sense of direction. Valle returned from his gap year after three years, as opposed to the one he had planned, with intentions of becoming a teacher. This interest largely stemmed from his time instructing as part of the Christian ministry program he joined. For Bivens, her gap year prompted her to major in international studies with a minor in French, two interests she developed abroad. For those looking for an escape, a break from traditional education, or a way to discover themselves and their interests, a gap year may just be the perfect option. "At no other time in your life will you have the ability to take a year off and experience life in its truest form", recounts Bivens. Gap years give students the opportunity to take a break from school, while extending their education through learning experiences in a nontraditional environment. Advertisement The Ice Age: Collision Course herd joins Save the Children to help families stay connected Save the Children is on the ground providing disaster relief in West Virginia after deadly floods devastated some of America's most deprived communities. Photo by Tom Riser / Save the Children. As we all watched flood waters envelop parts of West Virginia this past week, destroying family homes and schools in their wake, I was once again reminded how disaster can strike at any time. Thousands of children were impacted by the flooding, and there's no telling how many might have been separated from their parents in those initial moments. Advertisement It can be very scary for a child and parent to be apart during emergencies, but families can take some simple steps now to get prepared to quickly reunite after disaster hits. Save the Children has teamed up with 20th Century Fox and the entire Ice Age: Collision Course herd this summer to help keep children safe in such times of crisis. In a new animated PSA, the Ice Age herd shows how ICE contact cards can keep families together. The PSA encourages parents to create ICE (In Case of Emergency) cards for their children, so families can get back together swiftly after an emergency. The message is critical, as millions of children are separated from their parents every day while at summer camp or daycare. Advertisement And with recent research from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University showing that more than 40 percent of American families do not know where their child will be evacuated in case of an emergency, the ICE card is an urgent resource for families this summer - a season known for wildfires and hurricanes. Here are five ways parents and kids can get prepared together, using the PSA from Save the Children and 20th Century Fox: Break the ICE: watch the PSA and ask your child what they think the message is. Talk about why: Talk about the top disaster risks in your area, and explain that it's important to have a plan to reunite quickly during emergencies. Letting children know you're planning ahead to keep them safe helps them feel safe - both before and during an emergency. Talk about who: Each child should have three emergency contacts that any camp counselor, teacher or caregiver can reach out to. Since local power and phone service can be disrupted during emergencies, it's important to have one out-of-town contact as well. Practice learning these numbers with your child. Make the ICE cards together: Enter the three contacts along with your child's medical info at www.SavetheChildren.org/ICE, upload a photo and print out your cards at home. Keep them within arms' reach: You'll get two copies of your child's card. Discuss the bag, wallet or other place where you each will keep yours so it will always be nearby. The PSA and these tips provide a way for parents to open up a dialogue with their children on emergency planning -- the first line of defense in a disaster. I'm proud to say Save the Children - which already runs long-term education programs for vulnerable children in West Virginia -- is now helping support the immediate needs of families impacted by the flooding there. At the same time, we want to help all families be better prepared before a disaster unexpectedly turns life upside down. Creating ICE cards for each child and discussing emergency plans before disaster strikes can go a long way. Advertisement July Fourth celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's a showcase for patriotism. But what does all of this really mean? Patriotism comes from the heart. It's what you believe and what you care about. It's a sense of belonging and part of the culture one embraces. In the Army, we lived it each and every mission we undertook. Many of those with whom I served are now veterans. We fought for our country, our families, our neighbors, our community and our buddies on the left and the right. We will all be celebrating the Fourth and checking on each other. Advertisement I'll spend the morning at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, who led the military movement for independence. Close to 225 years later, I served on multi-national military teams committed to carrying forward this belief, participating in the fight for three other countries (Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan) to have independence. In the afternoon, I will be with Easterseals Dixon Center co-workers, celebrating our continued service to veterans and military families so that we all can live happy, productive, independent lives. California's well-earned reputation as a leader in developing and deploying renewable energy just got a new boost. In recent years, the state has set many impressive goals for the future, such as a goal to get 50 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2030. In April 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed an executive order that requires the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. But the most promising move of all came recently with the announcement that Diablo Canyon, California's lone remaining nuclear power plant, will close by 2025, once its remaining federal licenses expire. This long-awaited decision is a tremendous victory for supporters of safe, renewable energy. California's path toward greater uptake of renewable energy has not been without its ups and downs. Some - like the state's legislative counsel - believe that Governor Jerry Brown exceeded his executive authority with his move that pushes for emissions targets beyond 2020, when AB32, California's global landmark warming bill, expires. Others believe it is only commonsense to push for more aggressive targets. After all, the entire point of this exercise is to get and keep greenhouse gas emissions curving downward as rapidly as possible. Ambitious targets help focus the mind and many believe they aren't ambitious enough. For example, Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, believes that a 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030 is "not really a challenge," and, in fact, suggests that a 100 percent renewable energy California is readily achievable. Advertisement A recent report from Stanford Engineering Professor Mark Z. Jacobson concurs: Jacobson's report shows that California and other U.S. states could easily get to 100% renewable energy by 2050 while realizing numerous economic and public health gains. Germany, with an economy much larger than California's, recently produced 90 percent of its power from renewable energy. But, despite these facts, renewables still face pushback, particularly from pro-nuclear advocates who are determined to keep decades-old plants operational, to the detriment of renewable energy. Some argue that the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant should remain open-- despite the nuclear plant's proximity to earthquake faults, the potential for monumental costs related to plant upgrades, and the fact that deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy storage to fill the 2,240 megawatt gap is a far cheaper and safer alternative. Critically, organized labor is on board the shuttering of Diablo. That's because, under the proposal, PG&E would provide a retraining and development program to transition some workers to Diablo Canyon's decommissioning, or to other positions at the company. Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) said in a statement that she was pleased that the company was working with stakeholders "to ensure a responsible transition." Overall, this proposal is a model way to close the chapter on nuclear power in California. Renewable energy targets of 50 percent were clearly a decisive factor when these diverse groups joined together to take a stand for California's energy future. With this proposal, the support of a state government that has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, and a civically-engaged public, California's energy future is looking cleaner and safer by the day. Advertisement Atheists and Christians share many of the core universal values that are at the heart of a just, civil society, a new study suggests. There were no major differences between Christians and those who do not believe in God in their moral attitudes toward compassion for those who are suffering and ensuring justice and fairness for all, researchers said. Surprised? You would not be alone. When atheists and Christians were asked to judge one another, members of the two groups fell back on many of the negative stereotypes that fuel the culture wars in the U.S., the research indicated. Advertisement Atheists typically described Christians more negatively than Christians described atheists, but both groups often claimed the moral high ground. "In sum, atheists and Christians in the United States appear to be quite unfamiliar with one another's foundational moral concerns," researchers Ain Simpson and Kimberly Rios of Ohio University reported in The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. But the developing body of research in the field portends a more hopeful future in which the atheist-Christian dialogue is not dominated by hard-liners such as Richard Dawkins. The best-selling author of "The God Delusion" has said that "faith seems to me to qualify as a kind of mental illness." Once a common ground on moral values of caring and compassion has been established, Simpson said, "You're much less likely to be prejudiced." Advertisement Pervasive stereotypes Simpson and Rios conducted two studies to determine how Christians and those who do not believe in God perceive their own moral values relative to one another. The first study recruited 204 U.S. adults online - 113 Christians and 91 participants who said they did not believe in God. They completed a moral foundations survey three times. First they shared their own views and then they predicted how a typical atheist and a typical Christian would respond. When offering their personal perspectives, religious participants scored slightly higher than atheists on values such as the relevance of caring for the disadvantaged and showing compassion for those who are suffering. But there was no difference on values of fairness and reciprocity, including treating people the same and having justice be the most important requirement for a society. "Our findings indicate that atheists have a strong moral sense of compassion and fairness similar in degree to that of Christians," Simpson and Rios said. Advertisement But that was not the way participants saw it when asked to rate those who were different from them. Christians said the typical Christian was much more concerned with being caring and compassionate, while atheists said the typical atheist was significantly more likely to value issues of justice and fairness. The stereotypes continued in a second study of 120 Christians and 130 people who did not believe in God. Participants were asked to write their impressions of the moral values of the group other than their own. "Atheists more frequently discussed Christians negatively than positively. Christians, however, showed more balance between positive and negative discussions of atheists," the researchers reported. Still, Christians were particularly harsh in remarks about atheists and authority, with one respondent calling them "lawless and destructive." Advertisement Discovering common ground Given that both atheists and individuals with a strong faith often suffer from negative stereotyping, it might seem that they would have reason to empathize with one another. After all, it is not always easy to be an atheist or an evangelical Christian. Evangelicals consistently fall toward the lower end in national surveys measuring overall warmth of feeling. The bias appears at its worst among academic elites. Yet few groups are viewed less favorably than atheists. Atheists ranked at the bottom of the feeling thermometer in the 2014 Chapman Survey of American Fears, below groups such as Muslims, immigrants and even survivalists. Just how pervasive is anti-atheist prejudice? A new study from Britain, a far more secular nation than the U.S., provides some answers. The study of 100 participants recruited from Nottingham Trent University found that both religious and non-religious participants were more likely to identify a man who left the scene of an accident and later removed the money from a wallet he found as an atheist. "Anti-atheist prejudice is not confined either to dominantly religious countries or to religious individuals but rather appears to be a robust judgment about atheists," university researchers reported in the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. Advertisement What can be done? Make more people aware of the key moral values members of minority groups share with others, research indicates. In separate studies of samples of U.S. Christians, participants who perceived atheists as kind and caring were more favorable and trusting toward atheists, more likely to perceive atheists as moral and less likely to "perceive atheists as categorically distinct from believers," Simpson and Rios found. In contrast, perceived atheist endorsement of other values such as fairness, loyalty, respect for authority and sanctity scarcely moved the needle on prejudice. Focusing on the compassion of atheists might best serve the goal of reducing prejudice, the researchers state in an upcoming article in the European Journal of Social Psychology. "In search of a poster child," Simpson and Rios state, "atheists might be better off with a warm and fuzzy John Lennon than an indignant Richard Dawkins." It's no big shock or spoiler to say there are a lot of good outcomes in the last-ever episode of USA's Royal Pains. But while the show is a medical drama, creator and executive producer Andrew Lenchewski says the real victory has always resided not just in finding a bad heart valve, but in finding a family. Royal Pains winds up its eight-season run Wednesday, July 6, leaving USA with one less light-and-breezy character drama and leaving the Hamptons without the doctor everyone wishes they could have. That would be Hank Lawson, played by Mark Feuerstein (above with Cloris Leachman). Hank was unjustly fired from his ER job in New York and landed in the Hamptons as a personal doctor to the wealthy Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz (Campbell Scott), mercifully known only as Boris. Hank turned that foothold into a living by founding HankMed, a small operation that gave wonderful care to everyone. His partner and CFO is his brother Evan (Paolo Costanzo). Advertisement Divya Katdare (Reshma Shetty) (above) is his physician assistant and Dr. Jeremiah Sacani (Ben Shenkman) joined the staff in season four. Jill Casey (Jill Flint) was Hank's sporadic girlfriend in the first four seasons and Paige (Brooke D'Orsay) is Evan's girlfriend who became his wife. The final season has marched each character toward where he or she wanted to go. Evan and Paige (above) want a baby. Divya wants to become a doctor, gently shedding the restrictions of the limited role her traditional Indian upbringing allowed her. Jeremiah struggles to interact with other people. There's even some resolution for Hank's bad-boy father Eddie (Henry Winkler) ( above), whose sense of responsibility stopped developing when he was about 8. Advertisement Hank, well, Hank hasn't been sure what he wants. He just knows that he's closer to finding it, thanks to the people around him. It all sounds a little old-fashioned and even corny in this era of dark television shows, and in several ways, with no apologies, it is. "This show has always been about family," says Lenchewski. "A lot of the characters came with complicated backstories and they found an extended family in HankMed. "We wanted to finish by showing how they had completed that journey. Each character has to find his or her place, a sense of belonging." The show's tone has always been hopeful, despite some tense and dire situations. Lenchewski says there was extensive discussion back in season two, "when we killed our first and only patient. We were concerned that might break faith with the audience. But they accepted it. In a show about life and death, you can't save everyone." Advertisement As for exactly where Royal Pains wraps up, executive producer Michael Rauch says, "We had some idea early on how it would end, and we mostly stayed on that course - though in a few instances we veered off. "Brooke was originally planned to do only 3-4 episodes as a guest star, and it worked so well she ended up being a big part of the show. And Evan, we had always thought would probably be the bachelor. Then it felt right for him to get married." Hank, oddly, was in some ways the wild card. The other characters all make major life changes before he does and Wednesday that creates a shakeup at HankMed, which leaves Hank himself pondering and rejecting several proposals for his own future. The final episode never strays, however, from the Royal Pains pocket. The sun always seems to be shining, the water is always clear and the good guys usually win. Lenchewski calls it a "blue sky show," a perfect summation that also reflected the USA drama brand when Royal Pains launched in 2009. Advertisement Royal Pains fit right in with Burn Notice, White Collar, Psych, Covert Affairs, Suits and In Plain Sight, streamlined character-driven dramas with a serious side and plenty of clever humor. "We were lucky to get to USA when we did," says Lenchewski. "The right time, the right network." Things are different now at USA. The network has taken a turn toward darker shows, often with a sci-fi element, and with the departure of Royal Pains, Suits is the only survivor of USA's "Characters Wanted" days. Lenchewski suggests Royal Pains could conceivably have continued a bit longer, but he stresses he's not unhappy with how it worked out. "Shows that are fully serialized, like Breaking Bad, have a finite lifespan," he says. "At a certain point, the journey is completed. A show like ours, with a procedural element, has more flexibility. "But I'm grateful we got eight seasons. I'm especially grateful that we got our notification with two seasons left, so we could wrap it up on our terms." Advertisement One of the hardest parts, says Rauch, is breaking up the show family. "I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone involved with this show that I wouldn't like to work with again," he says. "The actors, the crew, production. With only one or two exceptions, everyone was so easy to work with. Mark was the main character and he set a tone that everyone followed." In the larger TV picture, the end of Royal Pains deepens the current void for shows that are lighter and upbeat, but still have more edge than, say, Hallmark. Lenchewski says he thinks that won't remain a void. New polling after the British referendum shows that it's not the leave voters who regret their choice - it's those who stayed home. Despite media declarations of widespread regret from leave voters, only 5 percent would vote to remain if another referendum was held. Non-voters, however, do seem to regret their decision: 37 percent say they would vote to remain if given another chance. The economic turmoil following the vote did very little to persuade leave voters to change their mind. While the economic expectations of remain voters have dropped like the British Pound to the U.S. Dollar, leave voters live in a different economic reality. Our polling shows them becoming increasingly optimistic in their economic outlook as Brexit went from possibility to reality. We have been tracking the British public's expectations of the vote's impact on the economic future of Britain and their families. We specifically conducted polling two weeks and one week prior to the vote on the British exit from the European Union (i.e., Brexit), and one week after the vote. The polling was conducted with the mobile polling application Pollfish over three time periods: June 7, June 16, and June 28. The election, where British voters chose to leave the E.U. by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent, occurred on June 23. On PredictWise, which aggregates polls and betting markets, the probability of Brexit was 25 percent on June 7 and 37 percent on June 16. Advertisement Figure 1: Expectations of London Stock exchange two weeks before and one week after Brexit The first figure shows British respondents' stock market expectations, broken down by their referendum preference (voters who were unsure before the election are grouped with non-voters after the election). The three groups all start with similar expectations, but these diverge as the probability of Brexit increases. On June 7, all three are about evenly split on whether the market will go up (left pane) or go down (right pane), with the remain voters being a little more concerned. But, by June 16, with Brexit about 12 percentage points more likely to occur, the remain voters became much more likely to think the market would go down, with leave and unsure voters looking very similar. After the election, both remain voters and non-voters are very concerned about the market going down, while leave voters are more bullish than ever. The concern of the remain voters that the market will go down is much larger than the belief of the leave voters that the market will go up. Figure 2: Expectation of family income two weeks before and one week after Brexit Brits' expectations of their family's financial wellbeing show similar patterns to those for the stock market, but more muted. This is important in that Brits of all persuasions are convinced that the economic turmoil at a national level will not affect them as harshly on a personal level. Figure 3: Cross-tabs of voting before and after Brexit In our June 28 poll we also asked how respondents would vote in a hypothetical second referendum. We saw small but meaningful post-election changes in attitude toward remain. Remain voters are steadfast: 94 percent would vote to remain again. Leave voters are a little wobblier: 5 percent would now vote to remain while 11 percent are unsure. The biggest moves were among the British who did not vote, who are now much more likely to support remain than leave. As a result, remain is up 8 points in our hypothetical second referendum. Advertisement Figure 4: June 7 and June 16 ask about the upcoming June 23 referendum, while June 28 asks about a hypothetical referendum at some future date. We are confident our polling is generally accurate. First, our final pre-election poll had leave up 2 points, consistent with other polls in the final week and with the eventual result. Second, our estimate of financial expectations is subject to less measurement error than all of the other polls in the field. We ask about expectations first, then talk about the Brexit at the end. This avoids priming our respondents that this is a political, rather than financial, poll. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have exchanged opinions on the current situation in southeastern Ukraine, the Kazakh presidential press service reported. "Petro Poroshenko strongly urged Nursultan Nazarbayev to continue his mediating activity in resolving the crisis," the press service said. The conversation was arranged at Ukraine's initiative. It was reported earlier with reference to the Ukrainian presidential website that Poroshenko and Nazarbayev had discussed more active trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The leaders agreed it was important to hold another meeting of a joint intergovernmental Ukrainian-Kazakh commission on economic cooperation in the fall. Nazarbayev and Poroshenko also exchanged opinions on the implementation of agreements reached following the Ukrainian president's visit to Kazakhstan in October 2015. Poroshenko congratulated Nazarbayev on Kazakhstan's election as a non-permanent UN Security Council member for 2017-2018. The two agreed to coordinate their positions in the organization. The presidents also instructed the two countries' foreign ministries to step up preparations for Nazarbayev's state visit to Ukraine later in 2016. It can't have escaped your notice, especially given American election coverage, that the media possess a firmly inbuilt tendency to finger-point and to blame. An early professional role-model of mine decreed to those of us under his influence that: "All serious journalism boils down to two simple variants - WE NAME THE GUILTY MAN ... and ARROW SHOWS DEFECTIVE PART". It's good, therefore - if only for me as a reporter long-stewed in that judgmental marinade - to be highlighting a story characterized by completely the opposite philosophical approach. A story of extraordinary forgiveness. Advertisement Many of us will recall, as its 10-year anniversary approaches, one of the most sickening of America's periodic school-shootings - that took place in Pennsylvania's Amish country. In October 2006 the village of Nickel Mines leaped to national and global prominence when a disturbed 32-year-old armed man, who was married with children of his own, forced his way into a one-room Amish school, tied up and shot ten girls aged from 6 to 13. Five died, and five survived despite being badly wounded. The attacker killed himself as police stormed the small building. I've been talking with that shooter's mother, Terri Roberts, who still lives in the area - not so much about her son (his crime remains unexplained and unfathomable) but about her, and what has happened to her since the event that the Amish themselves simply call "The Happening", Watch my TV profile (here) of Terri Roberts, on PBS's "Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly" slot, airing nationally this weekend. [ Or see it at PBS.org ] Advertisement Terri is not Amish. She describes herself as a "God-loving Christian" and she raised her children to be the same. She had expected in her worst moments that her son's heinous action would be greeted with rage and cries for vengeance. Instead the Amish welcomed her and her family into their community with love and forgiveness. It began with the funeral of her son the murderer. As press photographers gathered in force, a team of Amish men and women formed a cordon around the burial-site, keeping the media hordes at bay so Terri's family could bury their loved one in some degree of peace, whatever he may have done. Terri's relations with her Amish neighbors became warm and loving, continuing that way through the decade that has followed. The Amish committee that administers the vast amount of money that flooded in from a horrified world decided to make a substantial (but undisclosed) donation to the widow and young family of the murderer. Terri has played her own full part, too. Regularly over the past decade she has gone to an Amish home to bathe the youngest of the injured children, who is now 15 years old - severely physically and mentally handicapped by one of Terri's son's bullets. They meet less often now, since Terri has stage-four cancer that has spread throughout her body - but the girl comes in her wheelchair to visit her. Advertisement Compiling our report presented us with TV's perpetual problem in covering Amish-centered stories, since the community resolutely operates a ban on their members appearing on camera. But we do get to see and hear first-hand evidence of the principled Amish way of life - via the deeply appreciative eyes of an outsider ... one who was granted that appreciation through an unspeakable calamity and a community's remarkable reaction to it, embodying deep human compassion. * * * * The swift rise of coding bootcamps -- accelerated vocational schools that prepare students to become professional software developers -- has understandably raised concerns about what it means to be a properly trained software engineer. Loyalists to the CS degree believe that these coding newcomers lack the theoretical background to sustain a long-term career in the industry. They also perceive 'bootcampers' to have inferior programming skills when interviewing for developer positions. These claims seem to reflect more on us (programmers) as a culture than on the results that bootcamps are actually achieving -- it's a simplistic way of understanding how many experienced programmers were trained and what approaches will be effective at creating/upgrading the modern technology workforce. Because bootcamps address many of these issues, bootcamp graduates are often better equipped to become lasting developers than CS graduates and will only continue to surpass their CS counterparts. How Programmers are Made The idea that university CS programs are taking bright young minds and fashioning them into algorithm and data structure whiz-kids defies the observations of almost any incoming CS student or their instructor. Many CS freshmen enter college already having a passion for computers and likely a privileged amount of access to technology and mentorship. Like myself, they were given computers as children by parents who were themselves close to technology. They have computer usage skills (how to configure your machine, how to fix basic computer problems) and have parents (or tutors) who introduced them to programming. For those without that background, freshman CS can prove very challenging. Not only are they being introduced to arcane ideas and vocabulary, they're competing against the curve with that previous group and rarely given the psychological or instructional support they need to catch-up (Harvey Mudd has done some research in this area and found that separating out these two skill levels at first produces much better results down the line). Advertisement The bottom line is that we can't expect to create a scalable and competitive workforce of programmers if we're limiting our pool to only those who have enough passion to survive the weeding-out process common at many top universities. Bootcamps have proven to be much more effective at closing the education to employment gap in technology because bootcamps provide a more holistic type of training that's required to be successful in the field. Bootcamps often focus on group work, pair programming, test-driven development, project-based assignments and empathy/psychology training. Impostor syndrome is a huge problem in the field (even for CS grads), largely driven by the 10x engineer stereotype popular culture has created: The young (male) programming genius writing complex code without needing any help, dropping out of Harvard to build Facebook or Microsoft. How many Intro to CS classes try to address or mitigate imposter syndrome? (Hint: not many) Theory Versus Practice The most frustrating and persistent of all the tropes surrounding CS graduates versus bootcamp graduates is that CS graduates are better theorists than bootcamp graduates. Perhaps more accurately we can say that software engineering as a discipline has finally matured and there needs to be two distinct paths just as there are for physicists and civil engineers. While I wouldn't want to traverse a bridge built by a Civil Engineer who didn't understand any physics, there are clearly topics in physics that have very little use to someone who's building a bridge. Culturally, I've seen little evidence that as an industry we've addressed this disparity, and yet many interviews are still two people discussing graph algorithms on a whiteboard. Advertisement Another reason I've grown cold towards too much theory early-on is that the magic of a programming education is the sense of empowerment it enables through creation. This learning/application/empowerment cycle is what motivates students and makes bootcamps work so well. It's much more fun for a student to learn a topic like compilers, graph algorithms or database performance when it's applied toward a problem they're currently struggling with rather than simply another part of a four-year theoretical education. In short, I think it's just more fun to place theory onto a scaffold of practice than vice-versa, and computers are the perfect environment for enabling that. At a meta-level, the most important skill for being an excellent programmer is the ability to learn and adapt to constantly updating technology (the only thing constant in tech is change--and, of course, JavaScript). In attending and completing a bootcamp, graduates of immersive programs have already demonstrated an ability for rapid learning and a willingness to invest in continuing education. As an engineer that worked with six languages in the last decade, I can attest that investment in improving how I learn has been the most important part of managing my career. Reservations and Further Questions However, an endorsement of the accelerated learning model must come with a few reservations. Like CS programs, not all bootcamps are created equal. It is important for prospective students to consider a school's admissions selectivity, the relevance of the curriculum in the industry, and where graduates have successfully secured jobs. Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn and ask them how their classmates are doing in the job search. If you can, visit their campus and see what students are working on. Just because the bootcamp model has been successful for some of the top brands doesn't mean that it works automatically--students need to be diligent in their research and selection. Students also should understand that the reason bootcamps work is that they provide the ideal environment in which you can do your hardest and best work. Bootcamps provide an incredible learning environment, a tested industry-focused curriculum, and great instructors, but they are very demanding on student time, energy, and dedication. There are bootcamps exploring more self-guided models but the early results have been mixed. It's never been a better time to enter the technology field but it also remains extremely demanding and rapidly-changing field. The Shortage is Real There are many times more programming jobs to fill than there are programmers to fill them. Admirable strides are being made in K-12 and college CS education to close this gap but those investments will take years to pan out and fill the shortage of qualified candidates. The bootcamp model of education has proven so valuable that many universities are supplementing their CS curricula with credit-awarding, bootcamp-style offerings. Immersive coding bootcamps provide an innovative and sustainable solution to the developer shortage but also the most compelling path into the software engineering industry. Companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook down to early-stage startups have woken up to this new stream of talent and are modifying their hiring processes to account for people who are passionate and practical. Advertisement Relatives of suicide attack victim Mohammad Eymen Demirci mourn on June 29, 2016 in Istanbul during his funeral a day after a suicide bombing and gun attack targeted Istanbul's Ataturk airport, killing 41 people. Turkey pointed the finger of blame at Islamic State jihadists on June 29 after suicide bombers armed with automatic rifles attacked Istanbul's main international airport, killing 41 people, including foreigners. / AFP / OZAN KOSE (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images) It's becoming increasingly challenging to believe that U.S. media actually care about Muslim lives. Why do I say that? Simple: they don't cover terror attacks carried out or planned against Muslims with the same zeal as attacks against others. The latest example came after the horrific terror attack Tuesday night at the Istanbul airport that left at least 43 dead and over 230 people injured. Of those killed, it is likely that 30 or more of the victims were Muslim given that, according to Turkish officials, they come from predominantly Muslim countries: 23 Turks along with five Saudis, two Iraqis, a Jordanian, a Tunisian and an Iranian. Advertisement Many, including myself, expected media outlets to cover this incident with at least the same intensity and breadth as they covered the Brussels terror attack in March that left 31 dead. Then we saw American news media spring into action, sending a cadre of anchors and reporters to Belgium providing "wall-to-wall coverage." It's becoming increasingly challenging to believe that U.S. media actually care about Muslim lives. NBC's Matt Lauer and Lester Holt anchored live from Brussels. MSNBC's host Chris Hayes and anchor Thomas Roberts went to report from the streets of Belgium. When outlets like CNN consider a story especially important, they tend to bring out their top anchors. For Brussels, there was extensive coverage, some anchored by Anderson Cooper, showing the gravity of the situation. "Good Morning America" featured a special edition on the attacks as well. But Istanbul wasn't afforded the same treatment. Yes, there was widespread coverage Tuesday night on cable news channels in the hours after the incident. But come Wednesday, there appeared to be little to no anchors there from major American media outlets on the streets of Turkey. We didn't witness an outpouring of touching stories about those lost or detailed profiles about the heroism of the several Turkish police officers killed in the attack. And as the day wore on, Istanbul became just one of many big stories covered in the news. Advertisement The message sent by the American media, intentionally or not, is that when there's an attack on a nation like Turkey that is 99 percent Muslim and the victims are primarily Muslim, it simply isn't that important. Paris and Brussels mayors speak to journalists a day after the blasts in Belgium. (AURORE BELOT/AFP/Getty Images) And shockingly even when right-wing Americans plot to kill Muslim Americans on U.S soil, there's little media coverage. You might be asking: What terror plots on Muslim Americans? Well that's part of the problem. There's Glendon Scott Crawford, a Klan member, who was convicted last August in federal court for trying to "acquire a radiation weapon for mass destruction" to kill Muslim Americans in New York State. He was convicted and facing a sentence of 25 years to life in August 2015, but we didn't see many national headlines for this story. Advertisement Does the name Robert Doggart ring a bell? It should but it's unlikely you heard about him. Doggart, a Christian minister who wanted to carry out a mission for God, was arrested for planning to murder Muslims in Islamberg, New York, a primarily African American Muslim community. Doggart had hoped to kill the Muslims there using explosives, guns, and even a machete to cut the people "to shreds." Doggart's trial is currently scheduled for August. Is the lack of media coverage because there's an empathy gap for Muslims lives? Or is it that the media executives simply believe Americans don't care and won't watch stories about Muslims killed by terror attacks? When I personally pitched the Doggart story to cable news producers last year after it broke, I was given a rash of reasons why they didn't believe it merited national coverage from he must be "mentally ill" (he isn't) to it's simply not a national news story. If Doggart had been a Muslim cleric plotting to slaughter Christians, does anyone doubt it would have made national news? Is the lack of media coverage because there's an empathy gap for Muslims lives? Or is it that the media executives simply believe Americans don't care and won't watch stories about Muslims killed by terror attacks? It's not clear, but considering the news is a business, I'd suspect the second reason is more at play. After all, this week we didn't see an outpouring of "Je suis Turkey" type postings and Facebook didn't create a Turkey filter for your profile the way it created a France one after the Paris attack. Advertisement This week we didn't see an outpouring of "Je suis Turkey" type postings. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) Russell Simmons, who is not Muslim, called attention to this disparity with his tweet Tuesday night, "Why is there no uproar when Muslims are killed by terrorists in the holy month of Ramadan? no memes on Instagram , prayers for Turkey,nothing." Why does it matter if the American media doesn't cover Istanbul to the same extent of Brussels? Coverage of the victims, hearing from their families, etc., goes a long way to humanizing Muslims. It gives a human face to Muslims, which is a powerful counter-narrative to the way some on the right in American politics want to depict us. Why is there no uproar when Muslims are killed by terrorists in the holy month of Ramadan?no memes on Instagram , prayers for Turkey,nothing Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) June 29, 2016 Second, coverage of Muslim killed by terrorism would make it clear to our fellow Americans that the number one victims of the so-called Islamic State are in fact Muslims. This hopefully will cause many to realize that we Muslims are united in fighting ISIS since the terrorists are slaughtering Muslims daily. Will American media change? Only if they are pushed by people to do so by their consumers. Sadly it seems at this point that the U.S. media's lack of caring for Muslim lives reflects a view held by far too many. Advertisement Also on WorldPost: Co-authored by Dr. Elizabeth Stiles, Associate Professor of Political Science at John Carroll University. Donald Trump's GOP primary victory took many pundits and political scientists by surprise. Many argued that his lack of fundraising, endorsements, and ground game would stop his momentum once people started voting. In hindsight, it is clear that these pundits and scholars too easily dismissed a key component of Trump's success: he was the one GOP candidate that people were paying attention to. Expanding beyond the 2016 GOP primary, does getting people to pay attention to a campaign help a candidate win a presidential primary? Who Matters: The Public or the Elite? To help answer this question, we look at a variety of factors that could help us understand why a candidate wins a presidential nomination. First, we include information about elite activities, such as endorsements and media attention. The impact of endorsements on presidential primaries was popularized by the influential book, The Party Decides, which argues that political elites - members of Congress, governors, and other political figures - signal their support for a candidate to the constituents and followers in their networks. When these elites coalesce behind a particular candidate early in the race, such as Al Gore (2000) or Bob Dole (1996), challenging candidates can be starved for cash and headlines. Advertisement But there are potential problems with this argument. Sometimes, party elites are unable to decide who to support. At other times, their preferred candidate is defeated. That is why we think that public attention (measured by Google search traffic) may be another way to explain who wins presidential primaries. To test this hypothesis, we use a regression model incorporating the aggregate primary vote (APV) as the dependent variable. In addition to our elite and public attention measures, we include information on momentum (such as whether a candidate won in Iowa and/or New Hampshire) and fundraising. The results demonstrate the importance of both elite endorsements and public attention in explaining a candidate's share of the APV. A one percent increase in a candidate's share of elite endorsements increases their APV by about one-third of a percent. Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign is a good example of this - she received almost 62 percent of elite Democrat endorsements and took home a plurality of the APV. Among Republicans that same year, John McCain held a narrow endorsement lead over Mitt Romney heading into the primaries and emerged victorious; four years later, Romney held a convincing advantage in endorsements and received the nomination. Public attention also matters: a one percent increase in a candidate's share of public attention is expected to lead to about a one-sixth percent increase in their APV. Among Democrats, past public attention winners include John Kerry (35.42 percent) and Barack Obama (43.83 percent), both of whom won the party's nomination. Republican public attention, however, has not always been predictive. John McCain won the 2008 nomination despite finishing fourth in public attention; Mitt Romney won the 2012 nomination while placing second. Advertisement Interestingly, while endorsements and public attention help us understand the APV, poll standing heading into Iowa does not. Some eventual primary winners, such as John Kerry, John McCain, and Barack Obama, lagged at least one of their competitors in national polls before any votes were cast. This finding shows that the results in early states may not reflect the opinion of the whole country. So far, the evidence demonstrates the importance of both elites and the public in presidential primaries, but what about Iowa and/or New Hampshire? Table 2 indicates that elite endorsements do not help candidates increase their vote shares in either early state. In fact, more endorsements lead to a lower percentage of the vote in New Hampshire. In 2016, both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump won New Hampshire while receiving few, if any, elite endorsements. Prior to this year, other endorsement frontrunners include Howard Dean, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain, none of whom won in Iowa. Public attention, on the other hand, helps candidates get more votes in the early states. If we look at the No Polling columns, a candidate can increase his/her share of the vote by one percent for every two percent increase in public attention. Candidates such as Barack Obama (2008) and Donald Trump (2016) rode waves of public attention to win New Hampshire. John Kerry did likewise in 2004 after his come-from-behind Iowa caucus victory over Howard Dean. Implications There is a renewed terror wave in Israel and the West Bank/Judea and Samaria,as a girl aged 13 stabbed to death while sleeping in her bed. Another casualty fro shooting from a fast driving car. Other attempted stabbings, and with them also a dead Palestinian terrorist. It is bad, it is going to be worse, it may be catastrophic , but it can still be stopped. To stop it , we need first to define the problem, to pinpoint the finger towards the responsible ones, then to see what can be done before it is to late. Few days ago Chairman Mahmoud Abbas delivered a speech at the EU in which he repeated the old antisemitic label, that ''certain Rabbis in Israel have said... that our water should be poisoned''. No less!. An old label starting with the black plague in Europe, continuing all the way to Soha Arafat, repeating the nonsense in the presence of Hillary Clinton , without the then First Lady protesting, and now Abbas. The EU Parliament exalted with joy when Abbas made this idiotic accusation, the hero of the day. Few days later, Abbas issued a vague correction, no, the Rabbis did not say, sorry, I was wrong. Oh really? Who heard the initial speech and who heard the so-called correction? . This is a pattern for Abbas, and the same situation happened when he made his horrible accusations about the Jews going to destroy the holy places to Islam in Jerusalem. In both cases, a wave of terror followed up immediately, as official Palestinian TV and other media organs repeated the false accusations over and over again. They also heard Sultan Abu Al Einen, an advisor to Abbas on civil society organizations and a senior member of Fath , who said;''whenever you see an Israeli, you have to slit his throat''. This is the advisor of Abbas on Civil Society Organizations, no kidding!. He is still in his office, and the promotion may be imminent. So, here is what is happening; Abbas incites, his followers follow suit. That settles the question of responsibility. Advertisement So, what can be done? First, for the UN Security Council to condemn Abbas , then to revoke the UN Status of the Palestinian Authority [PA] , then for the EU to do as much, and of course the US, and suspend any financial assistance to the PA. Oh well, nothing of the sort will be done. NOTHING!. Only more resolutions against Israel, more condemnations of the settlements, and this,of course, in complete contradiction to the fact, that Abbas official advisor called upon his people to slit ALL Israelis. Here is where the problem is; if no one else will do anything, the Netanyahu government will have to do, and sure enough, when the Israelis act , the world wide chorus of hypocritical condemnation will be in full swing , and , if at all, the Palestinians will be further encouraged to do more.The truth is, that Netanyahu and his Cabinet, including the fiery Avigdor Lieberman do not really want to do much if anything. But Right Wing pressure on Netanyahu is mounting, and he will capitulate in the end. The end is NOT sometime in the future, it is behind the door. The PM took, as this blog described before, a brave decision about rapprochement with Turkey, which is still highly unpopular. He will not take another highly unpopular decision to sit idly by in face of an escalating wave of terror. This is the point in time, the kind of situation, where cliches like ''call for restraint'', '' show responsibility'' etc, can work. This is when there is only one side to the coin, the side of terror, and those who use and play with it should be stopped and now. Some things should be left in the past and forgotten. Case in point: Tarzan. This modern version, The Legend of Tarzan, adds some politically correct touches to an old-fashioned (dated) story. But even with new gloss and a fresh scent, the central problem still remains: a near super human white man lording over apes, animals and Africans. It's an image that is dubious at best, and repulsive at its worst, even if well intentioned. (Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures) Samuel Jackson and Alexander Skarsgard in The Legend of Tarzan. The script by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer, based on the Tarzan stories created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is set in the late 1800s after the man of the loincloth has relocated to England. Advertisement John Clayton III, the fifth Earl of Greystoke (Alexander Skarsgard, HBO's True Blood) is a member of the House of Lords. He's living comfortably in London with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot). Everyone knows that even though he has a genteel demeanor, he was raised in the jungles of the Congo by apes. Parliament has asked him to go to the Congo as a trade emissary. That's due to an invitation from Belgium's King Leopold who wants the world to know all the great things his country is doing for the region. Initially, Clayton is disinterested. He is convinced to go by George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), an American soldier-turned-humanitarian who believes the Belgians are secretly enslaving the Congolese. This argument convinces Clayton to return to his old surroundings, and his wife insists on accompanying him and Williams. Little do they know that Clayton is being lured to his homeland by the king's duplicitous envoy, Capt. Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds). Rom intends to trade Tarzan's carcass for diamonds that are being held by the ape-man's old nemesis, Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou, Gladiator), who wants him dead. And so, director David Yates (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) takes the characters and the audience off into the deep dark jungles and sun-burned plains of Africa where painfully obvious CGI animals roam (The Jungle Book did this so much better), everyone is dressed meticulously (Ruth Myers, L.A. Confidential), huts and homes are color-coordinated (set decoration Anna Pinnock, Skyfall), jungles are pristine (production design Stuart Craig, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and everything looks rosy (cinematography Henry Braham, The Golden Compass). The spit and polish on this overly gleaming production doesn't bring a dose of reality and grit to what used to be a very earthy story. Advertisement As Clayton, Williams and Jane walk into a trap, and as Rom plots their demise, their backstories are told in annoying flashbacks that rob the film of momentum: Orphaned baby, raised by apes. Young ape-man meets daughter of a missionary. Ape-man kills man who killed his ape mom. A smarter script would have laid out the plot in chronological order to avoid so many distractions. The anti-slavery and blood diamond themes add modern touches and concerns to an old vehicle. In addition, Samuel L. Jackson's character and Waltz's Rom are actually based on real people. But those are just footnotes in a complicated script that still can't lift the film's heavy baggage: A white savior rescuing black people and CGI apes. And in this poorly conceived rendition, Tarzan even has super human strength that allows him to annihilate busloads of rivals. In the words of Shakespeare, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." Or to be more blunt, "This stinks." By the time Tarzan calls in all the animals of the jungle to help him in the grand finale, the film goes from tentatively intriguing, to slightly repulsive, to absurd and finally laughable. Watching Skarsgard do action scenes is about as compelling as watching an Abercrombie & Fitch model do runway on an obstacle course. Granted, he has six-pack abs that will make female viewers swoon, but he lacks grit. (Johnny Weissmuller, one of the original Tarzan actors, must be turning over in his grave). Robbie's Jane has a token bit of bravery intertwined with a damsel in distress drawback, which means her character is brazen but falls when she's being chased by adversaries. Waltz is suitably evil, a cliche emotion that is all too familiar with the characters he plays. Djimon Hounsou's rage as Chief Mbonga feels authentic, even if he's forced to wear a costume more fit for a Grace Jones video. Samuel Jackson's shtick, as the comical second banana in so many dubious movies, is growing tired. He deserves better material and so do his fans. At one point Rom says, "A tribe of savages may try to eat him (Tarzan)." That was always the dismay with the old Tarzan movies: the way Africans were portrayed. And sure, in this film the biggest devil/savage is Rom, but still his utterances are revolting and will remind many why Tarzan movies were one part noble, and the other part degrading. Advertisement A new coat of paint can't hide the very dated premise of this misguided film. This is a revisionist tale that wasn't revised enough, or should have been left on a shelf. Gonzalo Gallegos, is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy for the Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. . "The United States has changed neither our values nor objectives, just our tactics for achieving them". "TPP will build on previous free trade agreements with Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Canada and solidify our hemisphere's trade ties with the dynamic Asia-Pacific region by linking us with rising and established markets like Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam". Advertisement "President Obama's 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, which is directed at all students, including those who have been historically marginalized, is emblematic of our regional focus on an inclusive, opportunity-based agenda". Experienced diplomat, in this interview Gonzalo Gallegos, US Government State Department spokesman expands on many important issues about economic, technological and international relations including links with Latin America. Having experienced career, member of the US Foreign Service makes us a thorough analysis about continental contingency and the position of the State Department on key issues to understand international politics of the 21st century where education and technology are positioned as important focal points to understand the major changes that lie ahead in a world in constant change. What are the benefits of ttp ( Trans-Pacific Partnership) and also prospects for the international trade and the importance of entrepreneurship and the economy? We have long embraced a vision of expanding the benefits of more open trade across the entire hemisphere, including inclusive economic growth, job creation, and innovation. That remains our vision. In that regard, over the past 20 years, the United States has developed a network of free trade agreements with 12 countries in the Western Hemisphere - more than any other region in the world. Grouped together, the Western Hemisphere's market of nearly a billion people is an energetic hub of trade and investment. Latin American and the Caribbean together are a $5 trillion market, not to mention Canada at about $1.6 trillion and the United States at $18 trillion. The United States and our partners in the Western Hemisphere must continue to build the Americas into a shared, integrated platform for global success. We think the benefits of open markets are clear, as demonstrated in the economic growth, jobs, and innovation that accompany this approach. The United States free trade agreements with our Latin American partners represent a bold commitment by those countries to economic integration among themselves and with us. For example, CAFTA-DR has sharply increased trade between the United States, the Dominican Republic and Central America. The United States has also supported the economic development and export diversification of Caribbean countries through the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). U.S. engagement with the Caribbean Basin through the CBI offers an important opportunity to cooperate with CBI beneficiary countries in making the structural changes necessary for them to take full advantage of trade opportunities in the Western Hemisphere. Helping small business take advantage of free trade agreements is one of the main reasons we launched the Small Business Network of the Americas in 2012. Since then, we have made great progress in strengthening and connecting the region's small business support infrastructure. On February 4, 12 countries signed the complete text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. This agreement represents years of negotiations, encompassing countries that today account for nearly 40 percent of the world's GDP. Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Canada are members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Each country has individually signed a number of free trade agreements in the past (including with the United States), but nothing as large or as comprehensive as TPP. TPP will build on previous free trade agreements with Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Canada and solidify our hemisphere's trade ties with the dynamic Asia-Pacific region by linking us with rising and established markets like Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In addition, TPP represents an opportunity to build from NAFTA and further increase the competitiveness of our North American economic platform. In North America, we do not just trade with others; we make things together. For example, a significant part of the content of our imports of final goods from Mexico and Canada originate in the United States. Inclusive growth and supporting small businesses are priorities of governments across the hemisphere. That is why we launched the Women's Entrepreneurship in the Americas (WEAmericas) initiative in 2012; to reduce the barriers that women entrepreneurs face in starting and growing their businesses by building partnerships that improve women entrepreneurs' access to markets, finance, training, and leadership opportunities. TPP creates a system of trade that supports these priorities by working to simplify procedures and make it easier for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to do business. In fact, the TPP is the first trade agreement to have a chapter devoted to helping SMEs. A recent World Bank report notes that over 50 percent of the Asia-Pacific region's small and medium enterprises have a female owner. And we know that small businesses, particularly women-owned businesses, are the drivers of economic growth. So as our regional economic ties are strengthened through the TPP, we know we can count on women entrepreneurs and business owners to take full advantage of the benefits TPP will provide and help drive inclusive economic growth. As are US relations with South America? Advertisement The United States is deeply engaged with the region, and the evidence is everywhere - the number of high-level trips and visits, our rising trade and investment figures, and in initiatives such as our Central American assistance package, support for the Colombian peace process, and normalization of relations with Cuba. U.S. partnership with the region is framed around a mutually beneficial focus on jobs, entrepreneurship, education, the environment, energy, inclusive prosperity, science and innovation, human rights, and democratic values. We have an historic opportunity to strengthen our mature and mutually beneficial partnerships with most of the hemisphere while keeping an open door to improved relations with countries with which relations are currently more difficult. Government-to-government relations are only part of the picture: there is an extraordinary breadth of people-to-people contacts between the United States and the Americas - business people, civil society, tourists, students, scientists, and artists interact every day. We are very focused on social and economic inclusion, and the Department is committed to engaging in regional and bilateral dialogues to advance these priorities. President Obama's 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, which is directed at all students, including those who have been historically marginalized, is emblematic of our regional focus on an inclusive, opportunity-based agenda. Our commitment to economic inclusion is also demonstrated in the Women's Entrepreneurship in the Americas initiative, which helps women in the region grow their businesses and participate in the development of their communities. By a slim majority, United Kingdom citizens have voted for the UK to leave the European Union and have brought about the resignation of Prime Minster David Cameron. The UK, the European Union and much of the world look set for a period of renewed economic and political instability, rather than the steady and purposeful reform that many of us work for. UK commentators such as Richard Murphy and contributors to #MoreInCommon - founded in loving memory of the so recently murdered campaigning Member of Parliament Jo Cox - are already envisaging more hopeful and healing scenarios for politics and society. For those working in the fight against corruption, and for transparency and accountability in the extractive and other industries, it is crucial that we secure and build on the gains of recent years. In the coming days the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is due to release its long-delayed country-by-country reporting rules under the Dodd-Frank Act section 1504. PWYP activists in the USA and beyond are watching closely in anticipation that the US transparency rules will robustly require companies to make public, project-level disclosure, with a strong project definition, and company names disclosed. Advertisement Effective rulemaking by the SEC in the USA, following recent years' legislation in Norway, the EU and Canada, will powerfully consolidate the global extractives transparency standards that G8 governments committed to in their 2013 communique and ensure that the great majority of global oil, gas and mining companies are required to report in one jurisdiction or another. Civil society must also continue to play its crucial part in ensuring the integrity of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The EITI's advances over the years have almost always come as a result of strong and evidenced-based civil society advocacy. Calls for the EITI to be more responsive on social and environmental issues must be addressed if the EITI is to achieve greater relevance for extractives-affected communities. We also urge more countries that host extractive operations to commit to implementing the EITI. In the UK and the EU, we cannot let the UK referendum vote distract us from ensuring that newly implemented transparency legislation remains strong and effective in deterring and exposing corruption and mismanagement. PWYP's Data Extractors programme has a key role in monitoring company reporting, building capacity in civil society across the world to use the data on company payments and government revenues, and holding companies and governments to account for the finite natural resources they extract and the social licence that allows them to operate. Globally, we also need to see more law-making. Jurisdictions with major extractive companies operating at home and overseas include Australia - whose forthcoming implementation of the EITI we welcome - as well as Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa. Each of these countries should implement mandatory reporting for its home-registered oil, gas and mining companies. Advertisement In addition, major commodity trading hubs - notably, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Singapore and the Netherlands - need to introduce mandatory reporting for their home-registered oil, gas and mineral trading companies, whose payments to governments account for a very large proportion of government revenue in Azerbaijan, Iraq, Nigeria and other resource-dependent countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. On trading transparency it will be especially important that the UK upholds its Anti-Corruption Summit and Open Government Partnership commitments. Whatever the future holds for the UK and the EU, the world's poor and marginalised people must not be denied fair shares of the benefits derived from our planet's finite natural resources. Last Friday, State leaders voted to extend mayoral control of NYC schools for one year. This time, for the first time ever, there are specific strings attached. The Mayor and the city will now be required to share funding formulas and information for individual schools. Wow! Yes! Woohoo! After months of petitioning, emailing, tweeting, reporting, talking, testifying, rallying, it is nothing but heartening that a spotlight is finally being fixed on the rampant disparities in funding at NYC public schools. Thank you legislators for publicly acknowledging that there needs to be scrutiny and culpability for current random, disproportionate, and opaque funding. From Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, "It is eminently reasonable for a parent or a City Council member to be able to say, 'Where are you spending the money? How much are you spending per pupil? In what districts?" Advertisement And from Jeffrey Klein, Senate Coalition Leader and Independent Democratic Conference Leader, "I don't think it's unreasonable if we require the city of New York, as part of mayoral control, to provide transparency. Let's see how much we're spending per school." Acknowledging the need for accountability is a great start. For those doing the deeper digging, budgets are available at the Depart of Education's website. It's easy to look up any school in the city and get numbers and percentages. That part is exceedingly transparent. But, to thousands of concerned students, parents, teachers, and administrators, the major issue is vast range in percentage of funding each school actually gets. Fingers are collectively crossed that state involvement will lead to constructive movement towards equality in funding - that this isn't merely a political chess move meant to challenge the Mayor, who hasn't been particularly forthcoming, or forthcoming at all about the absolute lack of transparency on how and why there's been a 40 plus percent differential for years. While he did raise the new bottom of Fair Student Funding (FSF), the funding stream through which schools get the majority of their money, from 82% to 87% for the upcoming fiscal year, then a bump to 90% the following year, countless students are still receiving more at the expense of others who've been consistently funded less. Creating a higher bottom doesn't do anything more than slap on a financial band aid. Fair Student Funding was created to make sure students in different grades (elementary, middle, high school), with different needs (special ed, specialized, performance, ELL, and more) received commensurate funding. That hasn't happened. And, for the most part, the Department of Education, the Chancellor, the Panel for Educational Policy, and the Comptroller have had zero to say about how things got so derailed in the first place and what can be done to fix the system. Advertisement In response to this new piece of the mayor control puzzle, the Mayor was quoted as saying, "The extension of mayoral control reflects a simple truth: this policy has resulted in unprecedented progress and achievement in our schools." Child reading ingredients The July 4 weekend marks our nation's birthday and the time when Americans celebrate -- not only with fireworks, but with picnics, backyard BBQs, pool parties. Sadly, one byproduct of these celebrations are the many tons of food that we will inevitably waste after these family gatherings. Today, 40 percent of food produced in the United States is thrown away each year (over two-thirds of that by consumers). Ketchup with a date label that says it has expired." Salad dressings that are past their "use by" dates, chips and cheese with passed expiration dates. As a result of confusing date labeling policies, consumers regularly toss out foods that are perfectly safe, wholesome, and still taste good. Advertisement Our three organizations are actively involved in the national campaign to reduce food waste in America. High on our list of priorities is standardizing date labels on food; indeed it might be the most cost effective intervention to achieving the U.S. government's stated goal of reducing food waste by 50 percent by 2030. Solutions are on the horizon. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced the Food Date Labeling Act, (HR 5298) to address the confusion surrounding date labeling and tackle our nation's mounting food waste problem. Our three organizations -- the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, the National Consumers League, and the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future -- performed a survey in April 2016 to learn more about what American consumers actually know about date labels. The findings? Consumers are confused and misled. Thirty-seven percent said they always throw away food close to or past the date on the package, and 84 percent reported at least occasionally doing so. What many consumers don't know is that most food is still safe to eat after its expiration date. Date labels are placed on foods by manufacturers and retailers. Wording like "best by" or "freshest by," are simply estimates of when a food item will be at its peak quality, and not an indicator of how safe the food is. Consumers, however, fear that eating food past the date on the label puts them at risk of foodborne illness. In fact, only a few foods -- deli meat and unpasteurized cheeses, for example -- actually pose an increased safety risk if eaten after the expiration date. No one wants to throw out good food or waste the money spent on it. But, relying on today's date labels leads consumers to do just that. Advertisement A misunderstanding of who regulates date labels is contributing to the problem. One third of respondents in our survey thought that date labels are federally regulated, and 26 percent said they were unsure who put those labels on. In actuality, except for infant formula, there are no federally mandated date labeling rules. Each state has its own regulations for what the labels mean and what stores can do with food after the date passes. Research from the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that 20 states currently restrict sales, and in certain cases, even donations of past-date foods, even if the label is an arbitrary quality estimate. The Food Date Labeling Act aims to clear up this confusion by requiring manufacturers and retailers to stick with just two date labels: an optional "best if used by" to indicate the estimated date a product will no longer be at its peak quality (such as top flavor or texture); and a required "expires on" label for the few high-risk foods that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) find are actually less safe to eat after a certain date. Retailers would also be able to donate or sell foods after the "best if used by" date passes, which would encourage the distribution of otherwise discarded, but perfectly safe and still tasty food. The bill would have an educational mandate for the FDA and USDA aimed at raising awareness among consumers about what the new labels mean. Research from the Center for a Livable Future suggests that many consumers are aware of the problem of wasted food and want to be part of the solution -- unfortunately, our nation's current date labeling system is getting in their way. Clearer date labels and more education about what they mean will inevitably help Americans save money, eat safely, and conserve natural resources. That's something worth celebrating. Emily Broad Leib is the Director of the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, the nation's first food law school clinic, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Advertisement Sally Greenberg is Executive Director of the National Consumers League, the nation's pioneering consumer and worker advocacy organization, founded in 1899. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that he had several conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the matters related to the release of Ukrainian hostages. "I can tell you that in the past month we had two conversations, and they focused entirely on the liberation of hostages," Poroshenko said in an interview with the Bulgarian TV channel BTV, which was aired on Friday. He added that dozens of Ukrainians were arrested and are held in Russian prisons just because of the fact that they have Ukrainian passports. "Hundreds of Ukrainians are held in basements in the occupied territories as hostages of the criminal authorities. Naturally, we demand the observance of the Minsk agreements, including in terms of the immediate release of the hostages. The conversations focused on the release of hostages," the president said. Abigail Fisher, right, who sued the University of Texas, walks outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. The Supreme Court is taking up a challenge to a University of Texas program that considers race in some college admissions. The case could produce new limits on affirmative action at universities, or roll it back entirely. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to uphold so-called "affirmative action" admissions policies at the University of Texas. Those policies had been challenged by a young white woman who believed that she was denied admission to the school while other "lesser" African-American and Hispanic students were admitted. The Supreme Court decision is important, because it keeps in place institutional safeguards against the kinds of racism and bigotry that have been used to oppress Black Americans and other people of color for centuries. But we mustn't cheer too ardently, at least not yet. One Supreme Court decision does not cure 400 years of racism, and in fact, immediately after the decision, it was clear that some in our society still don't get it. Advertisement Harold Levy, the executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, said in an article in the Atlantic after the ruling that he was pleased with the outcome. But he then went on to say, "I don't think anyone can take great comfort that race-conscious affirmative action is here to stay." Levy is far from the only one who is weary of race-conscious policies, practices and decisions. Pundits, politicians and public figures wonder aloud why "we" always have to "make everything about race." The fact is, even in 2016 - when the President and his wife and children are Black - everything still is about race. We don't "make" it that way. It's just the way it is. Consider: The war on drugs has been waged primarily in communities of color, where people of color are more likely to be charged with more serious offenses and ordered to serve longer sentences. Students of color face harsher punishments in school than their white peers. While people of color make up about 30 percent of the United States' population, they account for 60 percent of those imprisoned. 42 percent of Black children are educated in all high-poverty schools (both elementary and secondary), while only 6 percent of White children are educated in high-poverty schools. Many people of color living in circumstances stressed by poverty lack access to healthy foods. "We" didn't make those facts up. They're a reality - and a stark reminder that work needs to be done on many different levels. Most thinking people taking in the bleakness of those statistics would likely agree that there's work to do. But some might say the work is about faulty programs, or deep-seated pathologies. Others might argue that the work needs to be done with an eye toward class or poverty, employment or family values. Anything but race. The fact is, the work cannot be done with heads-in-the-sand attitudes about the role race plays in nearly every aspect of American life. If it is to be successful, the work must be race-conscious. Advertisement Too many educators, administrators and college admissions gatekeepers already are operating in a racially conscious way every day. The difference is, their race-colored views are of deficits, stereotypes, differences, challenges. At the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA), we work primarily with teachers and school leaders to change beliefs about students' academic potential - from the earliest years all the way through college. We believe that when educators see students' backgrounds and cultures as strengths, academic performance improves. We believe that when teachers view students as able to achieve, they see them as successful. And when children believe they can learn at the highest levels, they do. We don't try to eliminate race (despite evidence that the construct is meaningless, at best, or even invented). We try to tap into the collective consciousness about race and change the filter from bleak to promising. Teachers who work with us find the process life-changing. It's incredibly difficult to hold on to bias when you've been and are being exposed to diverse people, cultures and experiences - especially when that exposure is fortified by racial equity and anti-racism learning and teaching. It was crucial for the Supreme Court to make the decision it made regarding postsecondary admissions policies. It's a huge affirmation and a reason to be positive, when so much of the news around us contributes instead to despair. Advertisement But the decision is a drop in a bucket with holes in it. Legislating new or better policies won't change beliefs. But changing beliefs can help those in leadership positions yearn to change their policies. Change beliefs. Change policies. Fill the holes. When we do that, we will find less and less need to argue race-conscious cases before the Supreme Court. We'll find fewer reasons to argue about race at all. Until then, we work, we fight. We continue to believe. A Position Paper in Prepared in Advance of the Platform Strategy Research Symposium July 14, 2016 *** 1.Introduction We all want to keep the internet as open, as flexible, as innovative, and as valuable as possible. And many of us assume that this means the net should be subject to no regulation at all. This argues for letting innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors try as many things as possible, as quickly as possible. And yet most of us can agree that some form of regulation of online platforms is appropriate. Imagine Hootel.com. In Hootel.com you not only acquire a room in a foreign city for a couple of nights, but a sexual companion as well. Most countries, most states and provinces, and most cities would agree that they have a legal and moral right to regulate such platforms in the interest of public safety. 2.OK, Some Regulation May Be Justified Most of us agree that there is a line that platforms should not cross. But where do we draw the line? Advertisement Should we permit Airbnb to flourish because it is economically efficient to allow the owners of properties to find their most economically valuable use? If it is more profitable for building owners to refuse to renew the leases for some apartment residents in San Francisco and to convert their properties into full-time Airbnb rentals, should we permit it without question? If the residents object to being evicted from their apartments rather than having their leases renewed, or their neighbors object to having strangers and transients in an apartment building so that their home feels like a hotel, should we protect residents instead of property owners? If hotel operators argue that owners who rent through Airbnb have an unfair advantage because they pay fewer taxes, have fewer regulations on safety, or can locate in residential neighborhoods where hotels cannot, should we impose greater restrictions on Airbnb to level the playing field? Who would really benefit from these additional laws and regulations and how do you balance competing interests? If taxi and limo drivers object to Uber Black should we care? If Uber Black is more efficient than a limo company because of its technology, is that enough reason to endorse Uber? If Uber Black makes better use of its resources than taxi companies do because it is unregulated, is that enough reason to let it operate in competition with taxi companies? Is there any legitimate basis for an objection to Uber Black? What about the other forms of Uber, which compete more directly with taxis throughout the day? Should Uber Taxi be subject to all of the same regulations as traditional taxi drivers? Who would really benefit from these additional laws and regulations and how do you balance competing interests? Suppose that a platform gains an unfair competitive advantage over other online firms by integrating numerous services. What is an unfair advantage? Advertisement Is it unfair for Google to promote its own products over those of competitors? If Google believes that its own offerings are superior, and if it provides them to consumers without charge, then who is being harmed? Is it unfair for Google to bundle so many services into its platform? Are consumers harmed by the number of free services Google offers, essentially destroying potential competitors? Or do consumers benefit from these services, which are mostly of very high quality, mostly well-integrated into Google's portfolio of offerings, and almost always free? Is it necessary or appropriate to try to protect consumers from harm they might potentially suffer online? Is it really possible that some consumers cannot judge the impacts of their online activities? Is it possible that some consumers don't know how their online histories can lead to their paying higher prices, or even being denied employment or being denied access to some services? 3.So Where Should Regulators Draw the Line? How should regulators choose where to draw the line when regulating online platforms? I believe that responsibility for providing guidance and guidelines falls upon the academic community that studies online platforms, if only by default. The community of internet innovators and entrepreneurs want no regulation at all, and it is hard to blame them. Regulation will cost innovators and entrepreneurs significant amounts of money by reducing investment opportunities, and they are going to be reluctant to impose restrictions of any kind. The legal and regulatory community is trying to use the same frameworks that have been used for decades, with only mixed results. The amount of information available for targeted advertising today is qualitatively different from anything in the past. Traditional privacy regulation is not adequate in an era of big data, when we can identify almost anyone uniquely from his or her transaction history without relying on name, tax id, or street address. Online anonymity is a myth. And targeted marketing online does not just mean sending unsolicited ads, but also means price discrimination. Academics are beginning to study the legal, economic, strategic, and social welfare implications of platforms. The Platform Strategy Research Symposium at Boston University addresses the most current research topics in platform strategy and economics, including regulation. Advertisement 4.Candidate Topics for Discussion of Platform Regulation The symposium will address each of the following, not because they require tighter regulation, but because they require further clarification. Does the platform create value or merely exploit a regulatory loophole? Uber Black provides a new service, a real-time market for cars and drivers during periods of peak demand when traditional taxi service is inadequate. Uber Taxi may simply be competing with traditional taxis, offering lower fares because they are subject to fewer regulations. If so, should Uber Taxi face stricter regulations, or should the regulations on taxis be relaxed? Does the platform create an environment in which market competition cannot effectively determine prices, requiring regulatory attention? As we have discussed previously in this journal, there are categories of systems where the user does not pay for platform use. These are called third party payer systems. The best known examples are Google and bank credit cards. Searchers do not pay to search; firms that need to be found pay to not be not found and competition between Google and Bing does not limit the price of keywords. Merchants need to accept credit cards, and competition among credit card issuers has raised the costs of their rewards programs, which are almost entirely borne by sellers; competition among credit card issuers does not limit the fees paid by merchants. Does the platform create negative externalities that might disadvantage some consumers? Negative externalities occur any time any of us engages in activities that harm others. Negative externalities have been discussed by economists since the beginning of economics as a discipline. Does Airbnb harm anyone? It survived the referendum on Proposition F in San Francisco, but an informed debate on the externalities of rental platforms is still necessary. Does the platform create an environment in which platform envelopment provides the platform operator with unfair competitive advantage? Again, I'm not sure what an unfair competitive advantage is. Is vertical integration by a search company an unfair form of platform envelopment? Does the platform exploit an environment in which some parties can exploit differences in regulation across borders? Google and Facebook earn their revenues in large measure through the value of the private information they are able to collect on their billions of users. These revenue sources are not available to European firms, which mostly adhere to stricter European privacy regulations. Google and Facebook can use these revenues to cross-subsidize other services, offering them at prices that European competitors cannot match. Should American firms be forced to follow the same privacy rules that European firms must follow? Is this simple self-protection, or an form of illegal non-tariffed-based protectionism? Can consumers really judge the benefits and rewards, costs and risks, of using a platform? Are strong restrictions required to protect young internet users, the way society limits teen drinking and smoking? 5.Who Should Decide? The European Union is the result of the horrific effects of World War II: some 60 million dead, genocide, and barbaric destruction of epic proportions. The surviving European statesmen and the American supervisors of the reconstruction of the burned and bombed continent decided Europe desperately needed a different future. Germany and France, Europe's most vociferous enemies, would have to bury the hatchet. The victors of WWII, including France, made certain Germany would never be in a position for acquiring nuclear weapons. The US and Russia, then known as the Soviet Union, divided and occupied Germany. US, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom earned a permanent position at the UN Security Council and developed nuclear bombs. Advertisement But no sooner than the war ended, another version started. The sworn enemies of capitalism and communism were itching for a fight. Experts call this fight "cold" war to differentiate it from hot war that, inevitably, would become nuclear and terminal. The cold war, was, basically, a global confrontation between the capitalist US and communist Russia and their allies. The US and Russia fomented hostile acts and ideological hatred against each other. Just like NATO, the EU came into being as a US protege against Russia. This changed the mentality in America and Europe about Germany. Now the US upgraded its status of Germany as an ally. Indeed, the US used German physicists and engineers for its rearmament and forgave Germany's massive war debt. In 1989, the Soviet Union abandoned its communist utopia and returned to capitalism. The end of the Soviet Union and its vast empire brought the cold war to an end, or that's what we like to believe. Advertisement The resurrection of Russia was extremely painful. But Russia allowed the West and East Germany to become one under the continued supervision of capitalist America. It's this unified Germany that runs the EU. American priorities are German priorities. So it's not surprising that corporate ascendancy and the gross inequality it's been fostering in America found its way into the EU. In fact, Germany plays its American card so well that, suddenly, the land of Hitler and race purity is becoming a heaven for non-white Moslems. Angela Merkel had definitely Obama in mind when she opened German borders to about a million Middle Eastern refugees. It's this vigorous American globalization camouflaged as humanitarianism, and pushed by Germany onto the EU countries that is producing political instability verging on revolt in Europe. Germany is exporting machines to the world. Globalization is good business for Germany. But globalization has not been kind to the central and southern EU countries. The crowds of the European unemployed fuse with the crowds of Moslem refugees. The mixture may become combative, raising the specter of a future Moslem conquest of Europe by no other means than the fast rise of Moslem population already in Europe. The departure of the UK from the EU is a telling sign the EU is falling apart. Its design was done under the toxic ideology of the cold war. Globalization and fake humanitarianism are undermining the model of a fortress America-EU. Advertisement But aside from the unpleasant repercussions of the UK departure, what really makes the EU unviable is the fact the EU is not really a union of European states. It is rather a union of American and European banks in charge of the EU and its institutions. The current ruthless EU policy towards Greece makes that clear. Yes, Greece foolishly went into debt. But since when an independent state loses its sovereignty to anonymous banks? It used to be that only a defeated country would be forced to abandon its self-government. Greece fought no war. It only borrowed money it has difficulty in repaying back. And yet EU and America's International Monetary Fund disarmed Greece and systematically are exploiting the country's assets and treasures and impoverish the entire Greek population. How different is this desperate reality in Greece from the German occupation of he country in the 1940s? Doesn't this remind us of the Mafia? Second, the EU-IMF occupation of Greece facilitated a Moslem refugee invasion of the country. Greece is not Germany with its deep sense of righting its genocidal past. Greece has no obligation to self-destruct. EU needs to redesign itself as a real political union of equal members with common defense, economy, education and culture. Greek should be the official language of Europe. That would seal Europe's Greek origins and civilization. Of course, this bold new vision must bring to an end both bad globalization and oligarchic Wall Street economics for policies of environmental and human well-being. Advertisement Europe has enormous talent and diversity. It has a chance to show the rest of the world how people live examined and prosperous lives. Part of that would be the immediate rejection of the hitherto atrocious EU-IMF policies in Greece for a real solution beneficial to all. Second, a new democratic Europe guided by Greek ideals should work tenaciously against pollution, global warming, and war. It can also put to an end the globalization of toxic corporate agriculture for the small family farmers and their wholesome and safe food and way of life. Not merely Greece, but the world needs a new Europe, a new paradigm of life on Earth. The world is tired with destruction. "If I'd been caught," she said quietly, "I would have been sent back to North Korea where I would have faced prison, or possibly execution." She had escaped into China, only to find that refugees were not exactly welcome there. "My parents (who had helped her, and a brother, escape) told the government that my brother and I were dead. For several years, they were closely watched because the government didn't believe them, but it is somewhat better now." The young woman with a shy smile spoke through an interpreter at an event at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, in recognition of World Refugee Day - which you may have missed, in the tsunami of news/tweets/rumors about suffering refugees, undesirable immigrants and assorted boundary walls and fences. The young woman speaker eventually made it to Thailand, and from there to the U.S. where nonprofits such as the International Rescue Committee and Refugee Transitions are helping her piece together a life. It took her seven years. She does not expect ever to see her parents again. We were asked not to take pictures, to protect her. Advertisement At a later event on the same day another young woman spoke. Her English was immeasurably better than my Pashto or Dari would be if I studied really hard for the next 10 years. Born in 1992 into an educated Afghan family, she repeatedly cited having educated parents as setting her apart. Most Afghan women of her generation (as with other generations) face a life strictly limited to the confines of the family home. But by the time she was five, the Taliban had taken over and educating girls was forbidden. In her city there was one underground school where girls could learn to read and write, and she and her parents decided to risk it. During regular government inspections the children would hide textbooks in garbage cans. But she survived, and received a rudimentary education that was greatly expanded after 2011 when the U.S. entered Afghanistan. ("In our prayers, we gave thanks for the Americans," she said. That was surprising, and gratifying, to this American reporter.) She came to the U.S. on a student visa several years ago. By the time she graduated it was clear that she could not return to her country - which has known nothing but war for forty years - to help young women and girls as her hopes and plans had been. So she became a refugee. A refugee is, by definition, "a person who has been forced to leave his or her country in order to escape war, famine, persecution or natural disaster." "So many things are hard," the young woman from Afghanistan says. "For instance, pronunciation. You want to renew your 'weesa,' and they don't know what you're saying because it's 'visa.'" Other things are harder still. Because she was on a student visa, she could not work. After graduation she "couch-hopped," staying wherever she could, "because the only people I knew were my professors and my classmates." She has now applied for asylum -- a process that also prohibits working for at least 150 days. She was fortunate to find a family who has taken her in, and she hopes to make a life in the U.S. For many in the audience, it was hard to imagine the endless bureaucratic mazes refugees encounter and patiently endure -- possibly because they often come from countries where government bureaucracy is a daily fact of life. It was even harder to imagine spending two or three years of one's life (a minimum) or well over a decade (an average) in a refugee camp. Advertisement According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, 33,972 people are forced to flee their homes every day because of conflict and persecution. That is 33,972 people every day. There are, UNHCR reports, 65.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. That is sixty-five and three/tenths million homeless/stateless people. Human beings. Many of these are simply desperate to escape; a small percentage hope - and yearn - to return to their homeland if it can be safe (and livable) again. The United States, a nation of immigrants (we won't get into the viewpoint of Native Americans here) accepts a few thousand refugees per year. This writer felt, at the end of the day, she should go home and count her blessings. The Afghan woman, now - though a long way from citizenship still - an American woman, was asked what those in the audience could do to help. "Support any of the nonprofits that work to help refugees," she said. "If you have money, that's good. But if not, you can give your time - or your prayers." But the big thing is, both of these refugees said, echoing the clergy of all faiths who have been speaking out in recent days, not only to give something, but simply to see other individuals not as 'the other,' but as members of the community of humankind we share. Advertisement There has always been the undying love for Israel in the recent history of our American society but, flashing forward about fifty years, the dynamics began to shift. The support for Israel is slowly drifting away. Sure, the Middle Eastern community has grown but a popularity for the Palestinian right of return has exploded, especially in the college sphere. The aftermath of the Israeli attack in Gaza in the summer of 2014, which brutally slaughtered over 2,500 Palestinian civilians in about two months, left a hazy confusion on what really lies beneath Israel. The national college organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), gained members and support from other big organizations on and off the campus, including the Black Student Union, M.e.C.H.A and Jewish Voice for Peace. University of California campuses have seen the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement quickly growing; two years ago UCSD participated in the Israeli divestment and just this past year UCLA joined, two schools that once had a huge devotion to Israel and Zionism. Consequently, Zionists and their gang members had to retaliate. A few months ago, towards the end of fall quarter, huge propaganda posters were put up all over the UCSD campus linking SJP and Muslim students to terrorism and antisemitism. The images were horribly distasteful and unrealistic; the ones that I saw had the image of people stabbing the Jewish star, indicating that BDS stood for boycott, divest, and stab, and the other had a Palestinian toddler dressed in army fatigues with a machine gun bigger than him. As a Muslim student and a member of SJP, I was horrified. We were being placed in a box as a result of having the courage to stand up to an occupying force and because our movement was gaining momentum. Advertisement The same exact posters were seen on the UCLA campus and on a wide range of campuses across the country, but a few weeks after this general propaganda was posted, an even more destructive campaign showed up at San Diego State University; the names of individual students at SDSU who are very active in the SJP/BDS movement were posted on flyers hung around the campus, naming them as terrorists and Jew haters. This is when a true outcry began. Of course, these students were completely mortified that they were being accused of terrorism, since this is far from the amazing achievements they have earned for SJP in San Diego. This kind of hate speech does not go unnoticed without a clear explanation of who has what intentions behind it. There were a few initial ideas of where these posters originated from but the master mind was soon revealed; David Horowitz, a self-proclaimed racist and bigot, and his gang of cronies at his organization called the Freedom Center. Generally, any person would think that this tactic of hate propaganda is outdated and a low blow, but I understand perfectly as to the reason behind David's mentality; desperation. College campuses are the center for change and revolution, and the younger generation is moving away from a devotion to Israel. Students on these campuses are the brightest of the bright and will become the people of influence in the up-coming decades. So now that the ash has settled, I have begun to see this bizarre event as a positive for us student supporters of Palestinian movements. As members of SJP at UCSD, we must be doing a good job in creating a following for our club if David Horowitz is after us, and I would say the named students at SDSU, though I cannot speak for them entirely, must be doing an extraordinary job at making moves for SJP if David Horowitz had to try and damage them personally. Looking at the big picture, my initial offense to these racist messages turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The support for SJP, and the named students of SDSU, was boosted by the community inside and outside of the college atmosphere; Jewish Voice for Peace and local San Diegan ministers denounced the pro-Zionism and pro-Israel organizations that take part in childish finger-pointing. Supporters of the Palestinian movement, especially students, now know that they may be under a constant and creepy watch, but the love in the community around them overpowers the deceiving slander that seeps out of the Freedom Center and other hateful organizations like them. Advertisement Economical crisis in EU shown in it's broken symbol Ever since the Maastricht Treaty went into effect, the world began to speak of Europe as if it were a single entity governed by the European Union. This was never really true. Nevertheless, the world began to take it for granted, though European countries differed in their approach to the bloc. This was always a tenuous position, more psychological than institutional. We have long regarded the ambiguity in governance to be the Achilles' heel of Europe's political arrangements. This was partly because it was difficult to understand and agree on the boundaries of the EU's authority and that of the nations. But even more, the Achilles' heel was that the Europeans were incapable of clarifying the EU's role. They couldn't clarify it, because they didn't agree on what it should be. Nor could they. The EU was a series of compromises between irreconcilable views. And inevitably, at some point, one of the members would throw up their hands and leave, revealing the basic truth of the EU: it is neither a federation nor a confederation. It is simply a treaty organization that can only survive as long as its internal contradictions don't become unbearable. Advertisement Our forecast on the EU said that it would last until about 2020. We hold with that, in the sense that the EU continues to function. But we see over the next few years that the bloc's ability to function will deteriorate, followed by the onset of a new European reality that is actually an old one. The nation-state will return as the fundamental organizational principle of Europe, and with it ad hoc alliances and treaties will emerge, designed to allow nations to pursue their interests on the basis of temporary arrangements of convenience. It is important to understand what a failed institution is. It does not mean the EU will cease to exist. It simply means that it will be irrelevant to developments in Europe. The League of Nations became irrelevant in the 1930s although it continued to exist. The Holy Roman Empire was irrelevant by the 18th century, but it continued to exist. So too, the European Union will exist in some form, but will no longer be a decisive force. The EU began to decline when it failed to deal with the 2008 crisis and when nations began ignoring EU regulations during the refugee crisis. We forecast two directions for the EU's trajectory leading up to 2020. There will be increased indifference to its decisions. In addition, other trade and investment relationships will emerge. These will develop within regions - in northwestern Europe, in Central and Eastern Europe, in Mediterranean Europe and among the Nordic states and Britain. These will not be exclusive groupings nor will they be confined to economics. They will be dynamic in terms of scope and commitment. However, these new entities will be the locus of international coordination. The EU will still exist and may even have a council and commission, with presidents and staff. But it will not have an independent reality. Following 2020, events will unfold as described in The Next 100 Years. European fragmentation will increase, and the declines of Germany and Russia will thrust new powers, like Poland, into positions of authority. Advertisement It should not be assumed that the fragmentation of Europe will change economic patterns. The EU did not create the trade and investment patterns that dominate Europe. Had there been no EU, trade between countries would have developed much as it did. Patterns of investment, within Europe and outside of Europe, developed not out of some institutional framework, but around the economic needs and reality of tens of thousands of businesses and millions of people. The features of the European economy that will change will do so as a result of structural instability. The greatest unstable power in Europe is Germany, and it faces disaster when the next U.S. recession occurs, which will be sometime in the next two years. The Germans maintain their internal social stability by relying on exports for 45 percent of their GDP. In fact, the country has increased its dependence on exports since 2008. Germany relies so heavily on exports because its production exceeds domestic consumption. It is therefore in danger if trouble strikes, as German customers will not be able to replace export demand. Every 5 percent decline in exports reduces Germany's GDP by roughly 2.25 percent. Right now, the U.S. is a critical customer and the rest of the world is at best maintaining a stable level of imports. In the next recession, not only will the U.S. reduce consumption, but so will all other countries selling to the U.S. German exports will drop, so will its GDP, and the result will be a dramatic rise in unemployment. At this point, Germany's ability to manage the European system will further evaporate. The Russians, facing a different economic crisis revolving around low oil prices, will move to stabilize their geopolitical situation, in particular by attempting to recover Ukraine as a buffer against what they see as Western aggression. The fragmentation of Europe will be an opportunity for the Russians to develop relationships with nations no longer bound by the EU (but still by NATO, which is also losing relevance). They will succeed in most cases. However, we continue to expect that Russia will weaken around and after 2020 to the point that Moscow's ability to control its own system will be dubious. Advertisement Tax Haven. Dollar bills on a sunny beach... The Panama Papers : more than 11 million documents, which date back four decades, are allegedly connected to a Panama law firm. This article first appeared on the blog of Intentional Insights, a nonprofit organization that empowers people to refine and reach their goals by providing research-based content to help improve thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. _____________________________________________________________________ We can all hold this truth as self-evident: that no one should experience avoidable suffering. Yet our world has so much unnecessary harm. Hundreds of thousands are dying from easily preventable diseases such as malaria. Many millions live in and die from extreme poverty. Advertisement Addressing these problems is easier than it might seem. Cost-effective interventions could relieve a great deal of suffering around the world. For instance, around $26 billion (less than the amount of money spent on gambling in Las Vegas in 2013) could prevent half of all maternal, newborn, and child deaths. Yet where do we get such money? The revelations of the Panama Papers in early April show where the money that could pay for effective interventions resides. The Panama Papers are a leaked trove of secret documents that provide in-depth details about hundreds of offshore companies used by the richest 1% to hide their money from taxation. Wealthy tax evaders unjustly shift their fair share of the taxes to the less well-off. An estimate by the Tax Justice Network suggests that the global elite collectively stashed away anywhere between $21 to 32 trillion in untaxed assets. While tax brackets are different in different countries, the US has a comparatively low top tax bracket at 39.6% of income above $415K. We'll be generous to the super-wealthy and use that one, with the assumption that any money they stash away is money that will be taxed at the highest rate. We also tax capital gains from long-term investments at 20% instead of 39.6% percent for those at the highest tax bracket, and wealthy people make a significant amount of their money from such investments - let's say 30%. Assuming that the $21-32 trillion is growing at a 5% annual rate means $1-1.5 trillion in potentially taxable gains annually. The money stashed away would thus result in anywhere from $350-530 billion. Advertisement A small fraction of that money is more than enough to address global suffering. For example, an estimate by Oxfam International suggests that we need less than $60 billion to end extreme poverty as we know it. The Brookings Institution suggests that $80 billion would be sufficient to lift the income of the poorest people in the world up to the level of the global poverty line of $1.90 a day. This intervention can take place whether through government programs or charities that use the most cost-effective methods to do the most good per dollar. Fortunately, some wealthy folks do give to these charities and engage in other philanthropic activities that reduce global suffering. Dustin Moskovitz and Cari Tuna founded Good Ventures, which gives to highly effective charities, as does the Gates Foundation. Many wealthy people have taken The Giving Pledge, and hopefully they will also donate to charities that have been shown to do the most good per dollar. Imagine how many people would be lifted out of poverty and protected from deadly disease if those who stashed away their money chose to put even a tiny fraction into such charitable activities themselves! There are few legal tools to punish wealthy tax evaders. Yet we can hope that revelations such as the Panama Papers leak and articles such as this one encourage them to bring at least some of their millions and use it both to decrease our tax burden and address global suffering. You can make a difference by sharing this article with others and contribute yourself to effective charities that address global suffering. _____________________________________________________________________ This article first appeared on the blog of Intentional Insights, a nonprofit organization that empowers people to refine and reach their goals by providing research-based content to help improve thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. __________ You pass through the long security line at the United States Capitol building in Washington, DC. While the line of tourists streams forward into the Exhibition Hall, you turn right, and head to the Senate appointment desk. There, you sign in, get an ID badge, and are guided by a security officer to a large meeting room. You mingle with political staffers, reporters, and various notables. Soon, your state's Senator walks in. You introduce yourself, talk to the Senator one-on-one for several minutes, describe what you care about, and how s/he can help improve US policy. The Senator hears you out, responds to your concerns, and connects with you on a human level. This story may sound unreal, but it does happen. I'm living proof, as that is my story. I, along with Agnes Vishnevkin, my wife and fellow Intentional Insights co-founder, met with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown at the constituent coffee hour that he holds regularly. We talked with him about the issues we cared about, such as using reason and science to inform education and family planning. We also shared with him about Intentional Insights and its mission of translating complex academic research into practical strategies and tools that help people achieve their goals in daily life. He heard us out and expressed support for our issues and perspectives, and endorsed the mission of Intentional Insights. I was especially surprised when, after I told him I research meaning and purpose and decision-making practices in the Soviet Union, he started speaking to me in Russian. Advertisement Apparently, he studied Russian as his undergraduate major, and still remembered it, which impressed me quite a bit. So what does this political advocacy have to do with meaning and purpose? Well, a strong sense of meaning and purpose clearly correlates with serving others. Likewise, developing and cultivating social and community bonds generally leads to a powerful feeling of a meaningful and purposeful life. And my and Agnes' meeting with Senator Brown at constituent coffee hour included both. We met Senator Brown as part of the 2014 Lobby Day and Policy Conference hosted by the Secular Coalition for America. We received training in how to lobby politicians, panel presentations on how to advocate for reason-based political decision-making, and supporting materials on the benefits of using science and data to inform policy. Such political advocacy offers an indirect but powerful means of serving others through influencing the government to adopt the most rational approaches in serving the public good. Moreover, the event offered the opportunity to develop and cultivate social and community bonds with fellow Americans who cared about reason-oriented political decision-making. I was excited and enthused to meet so many others across the country who wanted the government to make decisions based on rational evidence, not on traditional cached thinking patterns, gut reactions, genetic differences, or anti-science dogmatic claims. Advertisement The Ohio Secular Summit blog post describes how those who participated found it an empowering and meaningful experience. This demonstrates on a concrete level the research-based evidence of how we can gain a sense of purpose and meaning from serving others through political advocacy, especially when united together with members of our community in a way that helps cultivate social bonds. Calling, sending letters, e-mailing, and signing petitions is harder to translate into a visceral sense of meaning and purpose. I would suggest stopping and thinking through intentionally about how you serve others through your political advocacy to advance the public good. Through such actions, you can become a true agent of change in your society, and find meaning and purpose through helping create a world where the government relies on research-based strategies to evaluate reality clearly and make effective decisions, enabling all of us to live optimally happy, healthy, fulfilling and flourishing lives. ____ P.S. For additional resources, check out this workbook with exercises on finding meaning and purpose using science-based strategies; this free science-based web app to evaluate your current sense of meaning and purpose; this free online class on finding meaning and purpose using science; and the wide variety of other resources on meaning and purpose available at Intentional Insights. Picking spiritual lint out of your navel is so 2012. Welcome to the latter half of the decade, a time rife with political curiosities and, to be sure, provocative personal transformations. Or, perhaps just realizing how damn brilliant you already are. Cue: Kyle Cease. (And just in the knick of time.) The energetic, transformative speaker, whose become a hit with his personal shares on YouTube and packed theaters with his fiery "Evolving Out Loud" events, is one of the more innovative trailblazers to emerge from a bloated "Self-Help" era filled with too many of the same servings. Why? Plenty of reasons--watch him and you'll see--but here's the big one: The guy marries comedy with personal transformation. The result tends to leave his audiences able to tap into something powerful within themselves, and perhaps recall their own genius. It's an art to be able to hold a space for people to realize such things and Cease has become a remarkable ringmaster. Humor, of course, plays a big part. His road to becoming a transformative speaker was paved with a lot of laughs actually. Cease headlined as a top comedian for 25 years and sired a couple of No. 1 Comedy Central specials. By 2009, he nabbed a No. 1 ranking on the cable net's fiery "Standup Showdown." Television and movie appearances happened--more than 100 in fact, including "10 Things I Hate About You," "Not Another Teen Movie," and memorable turns on "The Jimmy Kimmel Show," "The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson," "Chelsea Lately," and other portals. A book chronicling various parts of his journey is on the horizon. Advertisement Think of him as an embraceable if not hip equal alongside the likes of Eckhart Tolle, Jim Carrey, Michael Beckwith and Tony Robbins, all of whom he's shared personal connections. Here, in my ongoing series spotlighting Agents of Change, Cease speaks from the heart about, well, matters of the heart ... and the rich, juicy possibilities that arrive "in the moment." Greg Archer: I had this list of questions for you, however I thought I would take a cue from you and just "be in the moment" with you. Kyle Cease: It's so funny. That's how we do everything else--in the moment. Right. So here we are. So let me ask you this: What are you loving most about what you are doing with your work and your life? One thing that has been amazing is knowing that--I don't know if you want to call it "you're never there" or "you're always there"--but being in a constant state of discovery; that we are on this scavenger hunt of what possibilities really could be happening here, and what's trying to unfold. And as time goes on, seeing that everything really is perfect. It sounds weird to say but you really can see the purpose behind almost everything, and see the world as a whole. It's been really really fun to be in constant state of discovery, and the revelation of "I don't know" and I love that ... Advertisement That feels true to me. So ... "being in the moment," which you speak about in front of people quite a bit. Can you talk about that? That can be tricky for some people, no? We never really could be in the moment as much as we can understanding that we "are the moment." The moment isn't a place you get into. There are people who say, "You know, I got to get into the moment, more." Or say, "I gotta love myself more." Well, you just made the moment the future and just made love something that you need to achieve versus understanding you are love, and you are the moment. Everything that feels like past or future, is just a movie in our heads. We just forget that we are watching the movie in our heads. An analogy I used the other day was that if an actor was playing a character, sometimes they can get lost in the character. And if that actor was playing that character since they were 3 years old, then that actor would think that they are that character. Gene Wilder would play Willie Wonka but could you imagine, if Gene Wilder at some point believed that Willy Wonka's problems were the same as his to take care of; that he had to worry about the Oompa Loompas? And we're like, "What are you talking about? You're Gene Wilder." And then when he hears that, Gene Wilder goes, "You know, I have to start practicing becoming Gene Wilder." And it's like, "Wait. You are Gene Wilder. So there is nowhere to get to." And he's like, "No. For 200 days, everyday, I am going to find Gene Wilder." And it's like, "You are that." Exactly. We are often caught in a simulator that is run in our heads. One thing I will say, is that people can forget this stuff a lot. But the things I am saying to you makes sense, right? Advertisement They do. There's a part of you that intellectually understands some of the things. That would be the same as a 500-pound person, knowing that one part of themselves could be 200 pounds if they wanted to. And the reason I give that example, is that once you understand that intellectually, you still have to go to the "gym" and do the inner work to make yourself experientially know what you know intellectually. That's right. You know, every day, I sit and I close my eyes for two hours a day. And it's like going to the gym for my soul. You still have to work out. You still have to eat right. You still have to do the things that match what you know. I think one of the reasons why we feel a lot of pain is because we know something on some intuitive level and don't do the work to match what we are aware of; and that gap between what we are aware we could be, and what we are, is really where our pain is. I love the way that sounds. What our actions are--do they match what our awareness is, or are we aware of something and all day, still doing the actions that support the fear-based child "you" and don't support what your soul is saying. And so, part of the reason that is now a more embodied reality for me is because choosing to wake up and sit in silence, and sit there for a couple of hours every morning ... and eventually, you being to see that this is some sort of matrix, or lie, because the thoughts keep changing, and the beliefs keep changing. And I am still there through all of it. We're still there. When I feel a belief change, and I still exist on both sides -- having the belief; and having the old belief-- I start to prove to myself experientially that I am not my beliefs. I am the space that is watching this giant movie. That takes practice--doing that, though. Yes. But I also think there's a belief that we have inside of us that when something happens, I will be happy. And everyone reading this ... we all have inside of us this thing that goes: "When something happens ..." I mean, right now you are thinking, "If I can just get into or out of that relationship; if I could just get that promotion, if I just stop having that addiction; if I just lose weight--whatever--I will be happy." And, even if I get in the moment more, "I will be happy." Advertisement Yeah. I've been doing that all day. After being able to achieve many of the things I thought I wanted ... if that is my source of happiness, I can't lose it, because that is my happiness. I would become more addicted. You keep thinking, "What's next, what's next?" You book a movie role, "and then I will be happy." And then you think, "if it does well, I will be happy." And your always thinking: "When that will happen, I will be happy." And it's always later. I think through a lot of different things, that this thing I was chasing, was a lie. It's allusive. The real thing is: When I am happy, things will happen. Connecting to all of my emotions, accepting all of my frustrations, and loving all of that. When I accept all of me, things will happen. Makes sense to me, and then I think, well ... I love where my mind goes, which is, "Well, Greg, you should go work on that now. It's so funny. You know, Byron Katie would say, "Is that true?" Love Byron Katie. She asks that question: Is that true? Are you sure you have something to fix? It's a crazy irony that the part you that you want to fix is going to be "fixed" by the same part of you. The ego can't get rid of itself. The only way to truly transition, is by accepting all the parts--and our power. Our power is not based on how much we can avoid our darkness and just be this ball of light/Stepford wife/husband type of person. The more of our darkness that we accept, truly accept, and allow to be there, the more light we are going to be allowed to shine. So, basically, accept the messy parts. Yeah. That to me is really the key. If you are dealing with an anxiety attack and your solution is to go achieve more, you still have this anxiety and the root cause is not looked at; and the root cause is you're not loved or you're trying to get love from an outside source. A lot of times, anxiety comes from doing what you think you should do, because you were programmed that way during your childhood, versus what your soul wants to do. Our mind is like the child "us," doing everything it can to not be abandoned ... You know, I like that part of you that just said, "Oh I got fix that. What would your heart say? Probably, oh Greg, no. There's nothing to fix. Right. That is because your heart is run by something that isn't you. You don't have control over your heart like you do your mind. Something is beating your heart. I don't know what it is ... but I love not knowing. But there is something that you release control over on your heart. Like, you don't release control over your mind. The child in you is trying to control your mind, but the thing that is beating your heart, that is you in this moment. That's the truth of what you are. The longer you do this work, the more you start to identify as the heart. Advertisement What do you think is one of the bigger misconceptions people have about creating change in their lives? Well, I think that what you are already is naturally more positive. Like when people say, I gotta do that and be more positive. That implies that I have to only sit under a tree and can't watch anything with darkness in it. I can just only be this person--in the positive. What you are underneath all of this stuff is so infinite and so powerful. Instead of trying to be the most positive caterpillar in the world, you can embrace your butterfly-ness... And what does a caterpillar need to do to become a butterfly? Nothing. Right? If we actually just decided, you know, I am going to take a month, and sit on my couch with my eyes closed, ego kicks in and says, "Oh my, I would never get anything done." But you would get more done in that month than you would in your entire life. Because you would start shedding all the things that support your unworthy story. When you listen to your heart, and you do the things your heart says, you end up fulfilled, you don't need 50 cars, or ... it's ok if you do, but you don't need it as some source of identity. You realize that what you are is infinite growth and possibility. And the byproduct is ... I always think of money because that is the thing that holds everyone back. We've learned to worship money more than our soul. In a weird way, we don't understand that our soul brings in more money anyway, and you can circulate it. You can put it back into your creativity. You can give it to charity, you can circulate it. And you realize you are the apple tree and not the apples. It's weird how much stuff is trying to happen... You talk a lot about identifying as one's "past story." If you think who you are is your past story, then you will sabotage opportunities that are coming in now that are bigger than the story that you think you are. If you think you are somebody who makes $40,000 a year and somebody gives you a million dollars, that is death to who you think you are. You might sabotage it. When you start to love that story about yourself and you accept it, it leaves. The only thing that keeps that story alive is your resistance to it. So the more you accept that story, the more you become this moment, and if you are just this moment, then you, me, Obama, Oprah, Arianna, and a homeless person are all the same infinite potential. We are all hearts and lungs and just this space. And in this space, you can create and receive on a much higher level. And you won't sabotage your greatness. That's what we are doing. We are spending our lives sabotaging our greatness. Advertisement How about a little word association? Okay. Eckhart Tolle. The word that came up was "truth." Jim Carrey. Freedom. Michael Beckwith. Love. Tony Robbins. Power! Deepak Chopra It's silly but the word that came up is ... "silly." Mom. Love. Just amazing. Dad. Achieve. Donald Trump. Sorry. Had to ask. OK. I feel like this needs a bigger explanation, but the word I got for him was "mirror." Yeah. I get it. And I agree. A mirror for our world. At first, I thought, if Bernie gets in office, things are going to move the fastest. And then it really dawned on me, how could we have full progressive country, if half the country is still buried in their old issues? And we don't want to keep pulling forward and ignore the pain that half the country is dealing with. Donald Trump is this giant megaphone mirror screaming things that half the country--and in all of us in some ways--feels to some degree. All of us are a little narcissistic. All of us could be more giving. Whether we are obsessed with Donald Trump or despise Donald Trump, it's bringing up a things within us that we don't like about ourselves. Or, we have been repressing in ourselves. People are either in a repressed state and moving up to anger, Or whatever. We are only ever passionate about--whether it is love or hate--things that remind us of ourselves. So Trump--the mirror. So, the universe has moved far faster than I would have thought because Donald Trump has helped people see their ridiculousness while simultaneously calling out the corruption of Hillary, while Bernie Sanders is filling stadiums and giving people permission to see that they can lead themselves. And Obama has set the high bar, and they can see the contrast--to Trump. If trump was following Bush, it might not be so obvious, But Trump following Obama, people are like, "Wow. Look at that! We are clearing out everything!" We are going to clear out our anxieties, our racism, our fear ..." That revelation came to be so big. Wild. OK. One last question for you. What's the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself lately? Advertisement That there is nothing wrong. Everything is OK. Because every "problem" means you are about to meet yourself even deeper, because that problem can only effect a false identity So, every time I have a "problem," I go: "What part of me is trying to come through?" I actually learned that from Michael Beckwith. So every problem is only triggering a character I am playing and never the real me. So I get to learn what is the real me on the other side of that. One of the most eloquent admirers of John Davey was Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), a wildly popular and eccentric American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher in the beginning of the Twentieth Century. Hubbard was famous for his biographies of great people that he admired, in part written to seek inspiration within himself. Like my grandfather, it's possible that you've never heard of him. However, the two men certainly knew of each other. The following are excerpts written about John Davey from Hubbard's Notebook (1927), a compilation of writings published after Hubbard's untimely death: It is a great man who can introduce us to the divinities that surround us, and make us realize our sacred relationships. I met such a man some months ago. ...John Davey. He is sixty years old, but looks forty, and at times acts twenty....[He's] the Father of Tree-surgery. I like to call him the Tree's Brother. No man I ever...knew was so blended with the leaves -- no man I ever knew possessed such a sympathy for waving, swaying saplings as this man. ...John Davey is a genius, for a genius is one who has the faculty of abandonment to an idea, or a cause. He is a genius with the innocence of childhood, and the intellect of a man. Advertisement Of John Davey's impassioned employees, Hubbard says the following: When you hear of a "Davey gang" being at work somewhere, go and see them. They are a type. Bare of head and of arm, brown, small or of medium size, silent, they work with a precision, and intelligence and an earnestness that is a delight to see....Their zeal is the zeal of John Davey....They are big factors in reclaiming the earth for the joy of man. The more I've read about the life of Elbert Hubbard, the more I understand his admiration of my grandfather, and how his writing relates to my Davey and Pan Am families. His philosophy evolved from a somewhat loose socialist ideology into an ardent defense of free enterprise and American know-how. Hubbard's most famous work, "A Message to Garcia," an inspirational short essay written in 1899, sold more than 40 million copies, and catapulted him to fame and fortune. Written in just one hour after a lazy worker sparked Hubbard's ire, the piece has almost nothing to do with the message or the man of its title. The story takes place during a war between Spain and the United States, when it was essential for President McKinley to communicate with Garcia, the leader of the Insurgents, who was somewhere in the jungles of Cuba. The hero is a man named Rowan, who loyally carried out his duty promptly - with no questions - and conveyed a message to Garcia. There was no fanfare; he just carried out his duty. Following the short essay's publication, the phrase "to take a message to Garcia" became for many years a popular American slang expression for taking initiative. The message in the essay, as well as in Hubbard's other writings is powerful: be a person of integrity, keep your word, and carry out the work that you are asked to do quickly, efficiently, and with integrity. He also emphasized the importance of loyalty and perseverance. No wonder he admired my grandfather, whose life epitomized these values. Advertisement From www.getabstract.com, I found the following recommendation for Hubbard's Message to Garcia: Hubbards's breezy, snarky, cynical voice - half Mark Twain and half Jerry Seinfeld - elevates this brief...memorable treatise of common sense....His words of bemused wisdom have endured because pretty much everything he says is true. Hubbard's beliefs and writings also apply to my experience of the attitude of Juan Trippe and Pan Am toward the employees. Once hired by Pan Am, we were expected to be intelligent, able to think for ourselves, and to solve whatever problems we encountered without much supervision. After all, we were scattered all over the world without the communication systems in place today. We former Pan Am employees can all remember countless situations in which we were called upon to be creative, to work endless hours until a situation was resolved, and to be willing to face problems that appeared impossible. It was the source of the loyalty and pride we felt about being part of the Pan Am family. As a final note about Elbert Hubbard, I was awed by the irony of his dramatic and untimely death. One of his most poignant essays was written in 1912, following the sinking of the Titanic. In it, he pays tribute to those brave passengers who sacrificed their lives in order to save the women and children. On this "night of a thousand stars," he takes us onboard the sinking ship to experience the panic and heroism taking place. To cite one example, he mentions Ida and Isador Straus, co-owners of Macy's Department Store, who chose not to be parted and went down with the ship. On May 1, 1915, three years after his essay about the Titanic disaster was published - and just before the outbreak of World War I - Hubbard and his wife Alice boarded RMS Lusitania in New York. He was on a mission to interview Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. On May 7, just eleven miles off the coast of Ireland, the Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-Boat. A letter from a survivor to Hubbard's son describes how the Hubbards, linked arm in arm, made the same decision as the Strauses, and disappeared back into their stateroom, prepared to go down with the ship together. Their decision is not surprising, but the ending is nevertheless shocking. Advertisement Hubbard's community of artists and craftsmen, known as the Roycrofters, stayed in business until it was closed in 1939 by Elbert Hubbard II. Interestingly, the infamous L. Ron Hubbard was a nephew by adoption. In writing about the Davey Tree Expert Company and Pan American World Airways, seemingly very different enterprises, I'm detailing a tradition of excellence and integrity that spanned the American Century. Both John Davey and Juan Trippe understood the value of a company as family, and promoted a feeling of loyalty and specialness. I feel so lucky to have experienced both of them. The first generation of iPhone was announced in 2007, but one man claims to have come up with the idea fifteen years previously. Thomas Ross from Florida, has filed a lawsuit against Apple this week claiming the Californian tech giant's products infringe on his invention of an 'Electronic Reading Device'. Mr Ross claims that between May 23, 1992 and September 10, 1992, he designed three hand-drawn technical drawings of the device. Mr Ross claims that between May 23, 1992 and September 10, 1992, he designed three hand-drawn technical drawings of the device. These consisted of flat rectangular panels with rounded corners that 'embodied a fusion of design and function in a way that never existed prior to 1992'. These included flat rectangular panels with rounded corners that 'embodied a fusion of design and function in a way that never existed prior to 1992.' According to Mac Rumours, Mr Ross applied for a utility patent to protect his invention in November 1992, but the application was declared abandoned in April 1995 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after he failed to pay the required application fees. The claim is for $10 billion (7.5 billion) and a royalty of up to 1.5 per cent on Apple's worldwide sales of infringing devices. The court filing claims the plaintiff was 'first to file a device so designed and aggregated,' nearly 15 years before the first iPhone. Mr Ross' device allowed the user to read stories, novels, news articles, as well as look at pictures, watch video presentations, or even movies, on a flat touch-screen that was back-lit, the lawsuit says. Thomas Ross, a man from Florida, has filed a lawsuit against Apple this week claiming the Californian tech giant's products infringe on his invention of an 'Electronic Reading Device'. According to Mac Rumours, Mr Ross applied for a utility patent to protect his invention in November 1992, but the application was declared abandoned in April 1995 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after he failed to pay the required application fees. It could include communication functions, such as a phone and a modem, input/output capability, so as to allow the user to write notes, and store reading and writing material usig internal and external storage media. But although the iPhone was not released until 2007, the Apple Newton started development in 1987 and was released in 1993. The Newton was the first to be called a 'personal digital assistant' and was the first device to feature handwriting recognition. Since it began development in 1987, its design clearly predates the drawings in question. A spokesman from Apple told MailOnline the company declined to comment on the lawsuit. Although the iPhone was not released until 2007, the Apple Newton started development in 1987 and was released in 1993. The Newton (picutred left) was the first to be called a 'personal digital assistant' and was the first device to feature handwriting recognition. Just over a year ago I wrote about Finland being the world's best kept secret. I was hoping that the situation might change for the better. In some ways it has. Finland has won more accolades. It has been named a world leader in more areas. While that is clearly better, the knowledge and recognition of these accomplishments has not gotten into the minds of enough people around the world to make a difference for Finland. Why is this a problem? According to the Economist, Finland's economy has contracted every year since 2011 and expected to be flat again in 2016. It is the only Nordic member struggling to thaw its economy. Why do I care? While I am not Finnish, I have worked for Finnish clients, taught courses at Aalto University, and conducted seminars in various parts of Finland. I have developed an affinity for the country and have many Finnish friends throughout the world. Perhaps I am crazy, but I think that if I keep writing about this something good might happen. Advertisement What's missing? Most important of all, Finland has good products that work, and they work better than products made by others. What's more, the products made by others that aren't as good sell better. Being a marketing guy, this equates to only one thing - the missing ingredient in Finland is marketing. While you may not agree, I strongly believe that. If I am right, that's good news because good marketers can take good products, and with the right marketing mix, transform them into successful products. Perhaps some in Finland have not realized it yet, but the country is a product. If you market it well, all boats will rise. This is an appropriate metaphor because Finland juts into the Baltic sea and has 187,888 lakes. The proof that Finland leads in so many areas Since too many people believe that marketers are "slimy sleazy liars" and more than a few Finns think that Americans exaggerate, I am going to list the areas where Finland is considered a leader in the world, and provide links to the data. Back to the problem For a country of 5.5 million people to be leading in so many categories and creating good products that work better, why the stagnant economy? As I said above, I still strongly believe it's a lack of adequate marketing. How many prospective buyers around the world know the good things on the above list, remember them, and think about Finland when it comes time to visit or do business? The answer is not enough. I know what some of you are thinking. Finland is small and pretty far north and off the beaten path. What about Norway? Denmark? Yes, they have some things Finland does not, such as oil, but Finland has things they don't have. It's time to market them. The Finnish brand is too easily forgotten Clear effective repetition of the benefits Finland has to offer can solve this problem. The list above proves there are many benefits. Just look at the cover of most brochures from Finland. They look beautiful and cost a lot to produce, but what do they say? Finland. What value does that add? How about a headline that gives the reader some good reasons why they should come to, and do business with, Finland? Looking at some objective data on brand rankings, Future Brand published its top 10 country brand rankings. Sweden is ranked 4th and Norway is 6th - just above the USA. Finland is not in the top 10. More evidence As I have said in my previous posts, this point was underscored when an article appeared in the Business Section of the Los Angeles Times way back on the 17th of February, 1999. In the piece entitled "More on Tech," the author wrote "Nokia to Buy Diamond Lane: Swedish cellular phone maker Nokia agreed to buy Petaluma, Calif.-based Diamond Lane Communications Corp. for $125 million to help meet demand for Internet access through wireless phones." Nokia was, and still is as far as I know, Finland's best-known brand, and the writer of the article in a major newspaper thought it was a Swedish company. Even though Nokia had a great fall from its days leading the mobile phone handset business, Nokia is still a big, albeit different, company that recently bought Alcatel. It also plans to get back into the mobile phone business. Advertisement This is only part of a greater Marketing Problem The confusion of Finland with better-known Nordic countries is really part of a larger marketing problem. After improving its brand identity, Finland needs to communicate. It is not going to help to be shy, understated, or hidden. What will help is to make the benefits to those Finland needs to sell clear. It does not have to be this way For those that know Finland, the frustration is that it does not have to be this way. Since so many that have visited Finland and tried Finnish products love them, the solution is conceptually simple. Get the word out to those in the world that don't know Finland in a way that it gets into their brains and stays there. While many Finns seem to be uncomfortable telling others about the benefits Finland offers, I know a number of Finns that can do this quite well. Find them, get them some professional communications training (if necessary), arm them with "brochures with effective headlines" that communicate the benefits of Finland, and set them loose. Finland Centennial Finland becomes 100 years old in 2017. If there was ever an opportunity to market Finland and its products, this is it. Finland needs to do some serious and effective marketing "I join Canadians across the country today to celebrate multiculturalism, and our long and proud tradition of inclusion and diversity. "As the first country in the world to adopt a policy of multiculturalism 45 years ago, Canada has shown time and time again that a country can be stronger not in spite of its differences, but because of them. "As Canadians, we appreciate the immense freedom we have to show pride in our individual identities and ancestries. No matter our religion, where we were born, what color our skin, or what language we speak, we are equal members of this great country. "Our roots reach out to every corner of the globe. We are from far and wide, and speak over 200 languages. Our national fabric is vibrant and varied, woven together by many cultures and heritages, and underlined by a core value of respect. Multiculturalism is our strength, as synonymous with Canada as the Maple Leaf. "Today, let us celebrate multiculturalism as a vital component of our national fabric, and let us express gratitude to Canadians of all backgrounds who have made, and who continue to make, such valuable contributions to our country." The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program proved to be a powerful and life-changing experience for me. I learned many things and gained several new professional relationships that I will continue to resource over the coming months. I am truly grateful for this. This course challenged me in areas that will help me further grow my business. I walked away with a number of valuable lessons. Here is a list of my "top ten" things that I learned through this course. Maybe a few of them ring true for you as well? 1. I am NOT alone -- other entrepreneurs and business owners feel just like me! 2. I am a high visionary, and often I don't like to implement the tactical to dos around the vision... This is a growth opportunity! 3. Through laughter and collaboration much happens! 4. As boring as financial statements and projections are, they bring value to me in unexpected ways. 5. Breakeven point? What the HECK is that? (Okay, so maybe I didn't learn this one yet.) 6. Sometimes disappointment occurs, but things are still going to be okay. 7. I need to learn how to trust my gut and instincts better! 8. Contemplating a business loan is a strength, not a weakness. 9. Risk can be good. 10. The market is open, so why shouldn't I dominate it?? 11. BONUS: This program firmly reinforced why I DO NOT have 8 AM meetings in downtown Cleveland!! college students enjoying spring weather on campus The number of victims on campus continues to rise as not much is actually done about it. There is a pool of knowledge around the topic of Title IX and campus rape, but no one is really providing any actions. Victims of sexual assault are courageously speaking up, the Vice President has provided verbal support for one particular rape victim; yet no one is moving closer to action. No one is even discussing reforming the power to prosecute or not prosecute given to college administrators. The consequences are sexual predators remaining on college campuses, and lives of those who haven't done anything wrong absolutely destroyed. Please keep in mind, this series is not to showcase "his word against hers," this series is not about rape victims, nor is it about other people who pay the price when colleges fail. This series is intended to bring light to a different fact base. Colleges are ruining the futures of young adults through their mandated responsibility, but total lack of ability to adjudicate campus sexual assault cases. Advertisement In Part One of this series, I told you about a case from Boston College. A young man's life was ripped apart, even after being proven 100% without a doubt innocent, because campuses simply do not have the capability to do what the "Dear Colleague Letter" mandates them to do. Part two of this series takes us to a case at The University of Kentucky. From Court Documents: "Student A was never the complainant in the administrative proceeding with the University. In fact, after the incident in question, Mr. Doe and Student A continued to socialize, and she subsequently invited him to spend another night with her. Weeks later, an unidentified third party unilaterally reported the matter, and the University began to investigate." Let that sink in. Weeks later, someone anonymously filed a sexual assault complaint. Student A never considered what happened to be sexual misconduct. John Doe never considered the events to be sexual misconduct. They both admitted to drinking and they both engaged in sexual intercourse. Someone else decided that all drunken sex is rape, therefore it must be reported. The school decided regardless of what the two college students thought, and regardless of them both engaging in the same activities, John Doe needed to be punished. John Doe was immediately suspended from campus pending the conclusion of this case. He lost his scholarship, and all pre-paid tuition, and his college transcripts are branded with the black mark of "Suspended for Sexual Misconduct" which will likely disallow him from enrolling in another school. Advertisement TWO YEARS of litigation. The University has conducted hearings and John Doe has appealed. It was taken to federal court and the University of Kentucky attempted to schedule another hearing on the matter. John Doe's attorneys filed legal action to stop them from having additional hearings. Student A filed her own Title IX complaint with the OCR against the University for the way it mishandled this case. This case still has not concluded; neither party has resolve, and no one can move forward completely. Two lives ruined directly, families hurt, friendships burdened because someone else decided Student A was raped. In that moment, the person filing the complaint changed other people's life courses to serve their agendas and beliefs over those of the two individuals involved. In a case against University of California San Diego, Jane Roe accused John Doe of sexual misconduct. In this case, she admitted that she did not object in any way to the sexual contact, and continued a sexual relationship with John Doe later in the same evening. A San Diego County Superior Court Judge found that the University conducted a hearing that violated the due process rights of John Doe. With those violations, the university missed vital evidence of Mr. Doe's innocence. It was determined that, "that substantial evidence does not support the finding of non-consensual sexual activity," as well as "What the evidence does show is Ms. Roe's personal regret for engaging in sexual activity beyond her boundaries." "The Court finds the university abused its discretion in increasing sanctions after appeal without explanation. Petitioner's initial sanctions were the following: "(1) suspension for one quarter, (2) permanent no contact order, due to the potential for ongoing harm to the complaining witness, (3) a two hour sex offense/sexual harassment training with OPHD, and (4) counseling assessment with CAPS. When Petitioner appealed the decision of the Panel, Dean increased Petitioner's suspension time to one year, which would cause Petitioner to reapply to the University to be readmitted, placed Petitioner on non-academic probation, required Petitioner to attend ethics workshops, all in addition to the original sanctions given. Nowhere in Dean Mallory's email to Petitioner does she indicate the reasoning behind the increased sanctions. Petitioner then appealed to the Council of Provosts, who affirmed the decision made by Dean Mallory and the Panel. The Council of Provosts also increased Petitioner's suspension time to one year and a quarter, allowing Petitioner to return to the University in the Spring of 2016. The Council of Provosts also did not provide any reasoning behind the increased sanctions. Given the lack of rationale by both Dean Mallory and the Council of Provosts for the increased sanctions, it appears the increased sanctions are punitive towards Petitioner for appealing the decision of the Panel." Further, the court Ordered: "The Court finds that the hearing was unfair and that evidence did not support the findings. The Court GRANTS the Petition for Writ of Mandamus and orders Respondent to set aside its findings and sanctions issued against petitioner." I asked attorney Michael J. Cox what changes we could begin to make for this situation to get better. His response was, "Nothing in the case law prohibits the (public) schools from granting full due-process rights to the accused, including particularly the right to cross-examination, but as I have observed in a brief, the colleges simply decide they are better off stiffing the accused than facing the potential wrath of the Office of Civil Rights by not finding the "correct" way." He also suggested if Kentucky State Universities were to apply KRS Chapter 13B (Kentucky's Administrators Procedures Law) with regards to the rules for administrate hearings, he believes due process would remain intact. I have heard numbers between 150 to well over 300 cases like these. Once the accused has been formally disciplined, yet prior to a hearing, the schools have a vested interested in finding that person "guilty" or as most put it "responsible" for the accused crime. The universities are mandated to take immediate steps to insure the safety of the reporting individual. According to my own research, I've found the vast majority put the accused on immediate suspension pending the investigation and hearing. It is at that point that all hell breaks loose. These are not trained investigators. These are not judges or attorneys, and most schools limit attorney involvement to just simply being present. They are not allowed to have meaningful representation. At minimum, suspension causes loss of tuition, missing classes, and branded with being a sexual predator; all before anything is investigated by anyone with true authority. It is time to make a change. It is time to put all students on the same level. That is what Title IX is all about. It is time to start establishing a fair and impartial way to discern between rape victims and regret or drunken activities. The pendulum went from one far side to the other extreme far side, and now is the time to bring it back to center. Advertisement This blog is part two in a series outlining the horror stories caused by campus adjudication and clear lack thereof. These stories are very important to clarifying the extreme injustices happening on our college campuses. I hope you will continue to read the series. With just over four months to go before the national elections, both Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are limping into their party's conventions, which will be held later this month. While it is unlikely that either of their nominations will be derailed, both candidates have been plagued by large unfavorable ratings in opinion polls and many unforced errors. Perhaps Clinton's biggest liability is that a majority of likely voters view her as not trustworthy, even more so than Trump. Her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state has hung like a dark cloud over her campaign. The FBI is investigating the matter, and there are reports that they will interview Clinton this weekend at her home in Washington. This could signal that the FBI is close to wrapping up their probe, one that could lead to the indictment of Clinton or some of her former department staffers. Clinton has mishandled the email matter right from the get go. To make matters worse, former President Bill Clinton decided to meet with Attorney General Loretta Lynch on her government aircraft earlier this week at the Phoenix airport. He delayed his flight out of the city when he learned that the attorney general would soon be arriving. What was the former president thinking? Lynch already had been asked by Republicans to recuse herself from the FBI investigation into his wife's emails, the findings of which the department would bring to the attorney general for the final decision on whether to bring charges. Advertisement When asked Friday at the Aspen Ideas Festival what she wished former Attorney General Eric Holder had told her, she replied, "Where the lock on the plane door was." Because Lynch is a political appointee she has previously indicated she would accept the FBI findings. She stated that clearly on Friday, noting, "I understand that my meeting on the plane with former President Clinton could give another reason to have questions and concerns." She described the Clinton meeting, which lasted a half-hour, as social, adding, "I certainly wouldn't do that again." Former President Clinton's blunder casts another shadow over his wife's campaign at a time when she was trying to open up a lead over Trump. Recent national polls show that Clinton has a small lead over Trump. This after Trump's campaign had been damaged by organizational problems and the candidate has made racist statements about a federal judge and had called for a ban against Muslims entering this country. Clinton had appeared to gain momentum following her enthusiastic joint appearance with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a darling of the progressives. And, while popular Senator Bernie Sanders is still seeking the Democratic nomination, he has indicated he would vote for Clinton. Last week the House Select Committee on Benghazi released a report that found no evidence of wrongdoing by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton following its exhaustive investigation into the deaths of four Americans in 2012. Additionally, the sister of the ambassador killed in Benghazi, Chris Stevens, said she did not blame Clinton for her brother's death. Instead, Dr. Anne Stevens blamed Congress for underfunding the State Department. Nonetheless, Trump will continue to assail "Crooked Hillary" in an effort to leverage her perceived lack of trustworthiness. While Trump is viewed as only slightly more trustworthy than Clinton according to polls, he speaks with swagger. "I'm honest, I'm trustworthy, I tell it like it is," he said on Fox News Wednesday. His supporters seem to overlook his miscues, his misdeeds, and his lack or temperament, perhaps because they are frustrated with Washington and just want change. Advertisement Hillary Clinton has many challenges ahead in her pursuit of the presidency. Uniting the party, picking a strong vice presidential candidate, motivating voters to support her, clearly articulating a compelling vision for her presidency that appeals to all Americans are among her hurdles. But the biggest hurdle may be dealing with the outcome of the FBI probe into her use of a private server. "Our carceral state banishes American citizens to a gray wasteland far beyond the promises and protections the government grants its other citizens... When the doors finally close and one finds oneself facing banishment to the carceral state--the years, the walls, the rules, the guards, the inmates...the incarcerated begins to adjust to the fact that he or she is, indeed, a prisoner. New social ties are cultivated. New rules must be understood."--Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic In a carceral state--a.k.a. a prison state or a police state--there is no Fourth Amendment to protect you from the overreaches, abuses, searches and probing eyes of government overlords. In a carceral state, there is no difference between the treatment meted out to a law-abiding citizen and a convicted felon: both are equally suspect and treated as criminals, without any of the special rights and privileges reserved for the governing elite. Advertisement In a carceral state, there are only two kinds of people: the prisoners and the prison guards. With every new law enacted by federal and state legislatures, every new ruling handed down by government courts, and every new military weapon, invasive tactic and egregious protocol employed by government agents, "we the people"--the prisoners of the American police state--are being pushed that much further into a corner, our backs against the prison wall. This concept of a carceral state in which we possess no rights except for that which the government grants on an as-needed basis is the only way I can begin to comprehend, let alone articulate, the irrational, surreal, topsy-turvy, through-the-looking-glass state of affairs that is being imposed upon us in America today. As I point out in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People, we who pretend we are free are no different from those who spend their lives behind bars. Indeed, we are experiencing much the same phenomenon that journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates ascribes to those who are banished to a "gray wasteland far beyond the promises and protections the government grants its other citizens" : a sickening feeling, a desire to sleep, hopelessness, shame, rage, disbelief, clinginess to the past and that which is familiar, and then eventually resignation and acceptance of our new "normal." Advertisement All that we are experiencing--the sense of dread at what is coming down the pike, the desperation, the apathy about government corruption, the deeply divided partisanship, the carnivalesque political spectacles, the public displays of violence, the nostalgia for the past--are part of the dying refrain of an America that is fading fast. No longer must the government obey the law. Likewise, "we the people" are no longer shielded by the rule of law. While the First Amendment--which gives us a voice--is being muzzled, the Fourth Amendment--which protects us from being bullied, badgered, beaten, broken and spied on by government agents--is being disemboweled. For instance, in a recent 5-3 ruling in Utah v. Strieff, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for police to stop, arrest and search citizens without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, effectively giving police a green light to embark on a fishing expedition of one's person and property, rendering Americans completely vulnerable to the whims of any cop on the beat. In a blistering dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor blasted the court: "This case allows the police to stop you on the street, demand your identification, and check it for outstanding traffic warrants--even if you are doing nothing wrong... So long as the target is one of the many millions of people in this country with an outstanding arrest warrant, anything the officer finds in a search is fair game for use in a criminal prosecution. The officer's incentive to violate the Constitution thus increases..." Just consider some of the many other ways in which the Fourth Amendment--which ensures that the government can't harass you, let alone even investigate you, without probable cause--has been weakened and undermined by the courts, the legislatures and various government agencies and operatives. Advertisement Americans have no protection against mandatory breathalyzer tests at a police checkpoint, although mandatory blood draws violate the Fourth Amendment. Ignorance of the law is defensible if you work for the government. Police officers can use lethal force in car chases without fear of lawsuits. Police can perform a "no-knock" raid as long as they have a reasonable suspicion that knocking and announcing their presence would be dangerous or futile. Police can carry out warrantless searches on homes, cars, persons and property based on a "reasonable" concern that a suspect (or occupant) might be attempting to flee or destroy evidence. Police can forcibly take your DNA, whether or not you've been convicted of a crime. Police can subject Americans to virtual strip searches, no matter the "offense." Police have free reign to use drug-sniffing dogs as "search warrants on leashes." Police can conduct sobriety and "information-seeking" checkpoints. Police officers are free to board a bus, question passengers, and ask for consent to search without notifying them of their right to refuse. Police can arrest you for minor criminal offenses, such as a misdemeanor seatbelt violation, punishable only by a fine. Advertisement Refusing to answer when a policeman asks "What's your name?" can rightfully be considered a crime. No longer do Americans, even those not charged with any crime, have the right to remain altogether silent when stopped and questioned by a police officer. Police may stop any vehicle as long as they have reasonable cause to believe that a traffic violation occurred. A vehicle can be stopped even if the driver has not committed a traffic offense. Police officers can stop cars based only on "anonymous" tips. Police can also pull you over if you are driving too carefully, with a rigid posture, taking a scenic route, and have acne. What many Americans fail to understand is the devastating amount of damage that can be done to one's freedoms long before a case ever makes its way to court by government agents who are violating the Fourth Amendment at every turn. This is how freedoms, long undermined, can give way to tyranny through constant erosion and become part of the fabric of the police state through constant use. Phone and email surveillance, databases for dissidents, threat assessments, terror watch lists, militarized police, SWAT team raids, security checkpoints, lockdowns, roadside strip searches: there was a time when any one of these encroachments on our Fourth Amendment rights would have roused the public to outrage. Today, such violations are shrugged off matter-of-factly by Americans who have been assiduously groomed to accept the intrusions of the police state into their private lives. Advertisement So when you hear about the FBI hacking into Americans' computers without a warrant with the blessing of the courts, or states assembling and making public terror watch lists containing the names of those who are merely deemed suspicious, or the police knocking on the doors of activists in advance of political gatherings to ascertain their plans for future protests, or administrative government agencies (such as the FDA, Small Business Administration, Smithsonian, Social Security, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Mint, and Department of Education) spending millions on guns and ammunition, don't just matter-of-factly file it away in that part of your brain reserved for things you may not like but over which you have no control. It's true that there may be little the average person can do to push back against the police state on a national level, but there remains some hope at the local level as long as we recognize that the only way the police state can truly acquire and retain power is if we relinquish it through our negligence, complacence and ignorance. Unfortunately, we have been utterly brainwashed into believing the government's propaganda and lies. Americans actually celebrate with perfect sincerity the anniversary of our independence from Great Britain without ever owning up to the fact that we are as oppressed now--more so, perhaps, thanks to advances in technology--than we ever were when Redcoats stormed through doorways and subjected colonists to the vagaries of a police state. You see, by gradually whittling away at our freedoms--free speech, assembly, due process, privacy, etc.--the government has, in effect, liberated itself from its contractual agreement to respect our constitutional rights while resetting the calendar back to a time when we had no Bill of Rights to protect us from the long arm of the government. Aided and abetted by the legislatures, the courts and Corporate America, the government has been busily rewriting the contract (a.k.a. the Constitution) that establishes the citizenry as the masters and agents of the government as the servants. We are now only as good as we are useful, and our usefulness is calculated on an economic scale by how much we are worth--in terms of profit and resale value--to our "owners." Advertisement Judge and gavel in courtroom My name is John Thompson. I am the victim of an attempted murder in New Orleans. The authorities know who the person is who tried to kill me, but they've never tried to bring him to justice. The man was a prosecutor, Jim Williams. He knew I was innocent, but he tried me for murder and argued for my execution. I spent 14 years on death row because of him, and four more in prison before I was exonerated in 2003. Williams worked for Orleans Parish District Attorney Harry Connick, Sr., who was the D.A. for decades. I was not the only one to suffer because of Williams' behavior -- he secured death sentences against six other men -- all of which were overturned, most because of prosecutorial misconduct. Connick's prosecutors sent scores of innocent Black men up the river to Angola prison -- either to die there or to live out our days on the plantation. Our lives didn't matter. They still don't. They wielded their prosecutorial power as they pleased, terrorizing the poor. They knew no one would care and no-one would pay attention. And they were right. No-one has ever tried to bring them to justice for it. Advertisement Jim Williams was so zealous in his pursuit of the death penalty that he even posed for a picture with the mini-electric chair on his desk on which he had taped the faces of the men that he had wrongfully sent to death row. The toy electric chair was his trophy for his kills. He posed with it like white men used to pose around the body of a Black man they had lynched. Proud. Defiant. The picture appeared in Esquire Magazine. Williams could have been stopped. He could have been fired. He could have been brought to justice for what he did. But he wasn't. Williams could have been stopped. He could have been fired. He could have been brought to justice for what he did. But he wasn't. After some of the illegal behavior committed by prosecutors in the Orleans Parish District Attorney's office was exposed, Mr. Connick expressed concern to the public about what had happened on his watch, and named one of his loyal, young prosecutors, John Jerry Glas, as a special prosecutor to find out how these injustices had happened, and who was responsible. After looking into the misconduct, Glas told Connick that he was ready to indict Williams and possibly three others in the office, but Connick shut down the special grand jury. Advertisement Apparently, Connick wasn't willing to come clean about what had happened after all. In shock, Glas resigned. But no one cared and nobody took any action to hold Williams or his colleagues accountable for their shameful actions, or to stop the bloodthirsty culture of cheating. So it was left to me to try. I sued the prosecutor's office for what they did to me. A jury in Louisiana awarded me $14 million dollars for the 14 years of living hell they put me through. The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld my settlement, but the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the damages, ruling 5-4 that prosecutors can't be held liable for their misconduct, even when they deliberately cheat to convict an innocent person. Justice Clarence Thomas, who wrote the opinion, argued that prosecutorial ethics, education, and training, internal supervision, bar oversight, and even criminal sanctions are enough to make sure prosecutors behave properly. But he is wrong. Study after study, including one by the Yale Law Journal, has shown that prosecutors are almost never held accountable when they cheat or behave illegally. I helped to lead panel discussions across the country showing that the idea of accountability is a lie; a dangerous lie. Prosecutors are almost never held accountable when they cheat or behave illegally. I am one of many victims of this totally preventable crime. A new report released today by Harvard Law School's Fair Punishment Project shows that the prosecutors in the country who have sought the death penalty the most also committed misconduct at alarmingly high rates. Three of the top five deadliest prosecutors in America had misconduct found by courts in at least one-third of their death penalty cases. Four of the five deadliest district attorneys prosecuted, or oversaw the prosecution of, eight people who were later exonerated and released from death row. This total represents approximately one out of every 20 death row exonerations that have occurred nationwide. My friend Glenn Ford was another one of the victims. He and I spent all 14 of my death row years together. He was exonerated in 2014 after 30 years on death row. He died a year later of cancer. A team of us cared for him around the clock in his final months. He was from Shreveport, one of the death penalty capitals of the South. He was prosecuted with the same kind of bloodthirsty lynch mob mentality that reigned in New Orleans in the 1980s and 1990s. Now they won't compensate his family. Advertisement I'm scared for others like me, who will be ripped to shreds by our system because they are poor and Black. Jim Williams left me for dead. My family, my people, my community and I will never fully move on from that. No one could. I'm scared for others like me, who will be ripped to shreds by our system because they are poor and Black. Their rights don't matter. Their lives don't matter. But I am also scared for you and me -- neighbors in this city, this country where violent crime terrorizes us all too. For when prosecutors cheat with impunity, the wrong person goes to prison and the real perpetrators are out on the streets, free to commit more crimes. My family has been a victim of that kind of crime too. I don't want it any more than you do. The only people who benefit from prosecutorial misconduct are the real perpetrators of crime who have escaped justice while innocent men and women are locked up for their crimes, those who abuse their prosecutorial power, and the politicians who want to keep it that way. It's time for a change. Ideas have been proposed by New York Times editorial board and Mitchell Caldwell, a criminal law expert and professor at Pepperdine University School of Law. The solution isn't simple, but I'm sick of being told there's no solution -- that the torture I endured is just an inevitable byproduct of our system. What happened to me was no ethical lapse or minor infraction, it was premeditated attempted murder, and it was a completely preventable crime. DUBLIN, IRELAND - APRIL 30: Flags of the European Union countries are gathered together ahead of the EU enlargement ceremony April 30, 2004 in Dublin, Ireland. Ten new nations, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia will tomorrow become members of the EU, in the biggest expansion of the Union since it began. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images) BERLIN -- The decision by the United Kingdom's voters to "Brexit" the European Union is not an example of the British black humor that I love. It's not "Monty Python's Flying Circus," "Yes, Prime Minister" or "Fawlty Towers"; it's just Boris, Michael and Nigel and their disastrous political reality show. Given the U.K.'s economic, political and military significance, Brexit will leave a gaping hole in the EU. But it will not destroy Europe. At the moment, the same cannot be said of the U.K. Will the country remain united or will the Scots leave, with Northern Ireland seeking unification with the Republic of Ireland? Has Brexit paved the way for the decline of one of the EU's most dynamic economies and the end of London's reign as a global financial center? Advertisement The U.K.'s withdrawal from the EU is a hitherto unprecedented move and will no doubt throw up many unpleasant surprises. Until now, with the exception of Greenland, the EU has experienced only enlargements, which is why no one really knows how Brexit will take place, how long it will take (Greenland's exit took three years) and what implications it will have for the U.K. and the EU. The U.K.'s withdrawal from the EU is a hitherto unprecedented move and will no doubt throw up many unpleasant surprises. In any case, one thing is certain: the British decision -- even if implemented in the fastest conceivable way -- has initiated a long period of political and economic uncertainty and European preoccupation with its own affairs, even as the world around it changes dramatically. If only rational reasoning was the basis of decision-making, the remaining 27 member states would, in line with their interests, move to strengthen the EU by taking immediate steps toward stabilization and enhanced integration. But there seems little hope of that. Differences over strategy and tactics between the key members of the currency union, especially Germany and France, and between the eurozone's northern and southern members, simply run too deep. Everyone is aware of what needs to be done: find a new compromise within the currency union between the stubborn German-led focus on austerity and the Mediterranean countries' need for increased spending to restore growth and boost competitiveness. But Europe's political leaders seem to lack the courage to pursue this. Advertisement As a result, no sign of strengthening or of a new start for the EU can be expected. On the contrary, despite many loud assertions after the initial Brexit shock that things must change, there are many indications that business as usual will prevail. Differences over strategy and tactics and between the eurozone's northern and southern members simply run too deep. But the underlying causes for the rejection of Europe run much deeper than current conflicts. Resurgent nationalism has revived the myth of a bygone golden age of ethnically and politically homogenous national states free of external constraints and not exposed to the negative consequences of globalization. Today is the centenary of the carnage at the Somme, which took place on July 1, 1916. Apparently, the myth-busting power of two terrible world wars, once sufficient to forge a common Europe and establish the EU, is no longer enough to sustain the post-1945 European integration project. The words spoken by former French President Francois Mitterand in his last speech before the European Parliament -- "Le nationalisme c'est la guerre!" -- seem to have sunk into oblivion. Today, nationalism is rising in almost all European countries, and it is directed primarily against foreigners and the EU. These two targets were also used by the U.K.'s "Leave" campaign. Brexit advocates appealed almost exclusively to nationalist myths, whereas the "Remain" side often sounded like accountants. The bloodless bean counters didn't stand a chance. Advertisement The reversal of the positive vision of Europe not only ignores the past. It is also a symptom of European -- or, perhaps more precisely, Western -- decline (at least in relative terms), which has resulted in deep-seated distrust of the "elites." Europe is not alone in this regard: in the United States, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump welcomed Brexit and is pushing many of the same nationalist buttons. For many Western citizens, entities such as the EU, no less than the rise of major emerging economies such as China and India, are perceived as agents of this decline, rather than as a source of leverage to influence global power shifts and react in accordance with its values and interests. Thus, salvation is sought in the nation-state. Unfortunately, as the U.K. will demonstrate, this strategy amounts to nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy of decline. The myth-busting power of two terrible world wars is no longer enough to sustain the post-1945 European integration project. The rising tide of nationalism cannot be pushed back unless the European idea regains its positive visionary power. This will require not only a new European narrative (which the U.K.'s natural experiment in self-destruction could help to create), but also a renewed EU. First and foremost, it must be made clear to millions of Europe's citizens where the real power within the EU lies: not in Brussels and Strasbourg, but in the hands of national governments. The EU institutions are blamed for all kinds of problems: globalization, immigration, welfare cuts and Thatcherism, youth unemployment, lack of democracy and much more. In fact, by preventing the EU from addressing these issues, the national governments -- helpless to tackle them effectively on their own -- have made these problems worse. Advertisement For now, the governments of almost all member states are maintaining a contradictory stance, rejecting further integration while insisting that the EU must "deliver." Just what the EU should deliver, and how, in the absence of further integration remains unexplained. But even in Europe, no one can have their cake and eat it. There still may be time to reverse current trends in the West. We do not need a victory by Trump, or by National Front leader Marine Le Pen in next year's French presidential election, to know where the nationalism underlying the Brexit vote leads. Also on WorldPost: Islamic State Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In the pundit frenzy that followed the British referendum on leaving the European Union (EU), a significant anniversary passed by relatively unnoticed. Two years ago, on June 30, 2014, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed the existence of the Islamic State (IS) and declared it to be a worldwide caliphate. This made IS the first caliphate since the formal dissolution of the Ottoman caliphate on March 3, 1924. Dismissed initially by President Barack Obama as "the JV" team," little more than "al-Qaeda wannabees," IS has proven to be remarkable resilient. It has spread its organization to more than three-dozen countries around the world and has successfully organized or inspired dozens of attacks against Western targets outside of its core area in Iraq and Syria. At its peak, Islamic State controlled a territory of over 80,000 square miles, albeit most of it desert comprised of a handful of towns and cities and connected by a network of roads. The population of IS was variously estimated at between five million and eight million people. The organization boasted an annual budget of roughly two billion US dollars. Advertisement IS has lost considerable ground over the past year, and especially over the last six months. It has relinquished between one quarter and one third of its territory. Its geographic extent, however, is always subject to interpretation since its claim of "control" is a function of the degree to which it can secure the road network. More significantly, it has been ejected from the principal towns that it held in Anbar province, the Sunni heartland of Iraq, a year ago. Tikrit, Ramadi and now Fallujah have been recaptured by the Baghdad government using a combination of Iraqi Army forces and Shiite militias, supported by both US air power and advisors, and by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and various militias organized and funded under their supervision. Its current population is difficult to estimate, but is probably still in the range of at least three million. In the meantime, Iraqi forces, in conjunction with Kurdish Peshmerga units, are slowly advancing on the Islamic State's principal city of Mosul. In Syria, IS has also steadily lost ground. It has largely lost control of the region along the Syrian-Turkish border, a critical zone essential for its smuggling and resupply operations. Syrian military forces, supported by Russian air power and special forces, have crossed into Raqqa province from the southeast and are within 30 miles of the Islamic State capital in Raqqa. Advertisement On the opposite trajectory, Syrian Democratic Forces, a group comprised largely of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and a combination of Sunni, Assyrian and other ethnic militias currently besieging Manbij, are also advancing on Raqqa, and are roughly equidistant. Syrian Democratic Forces are currently advancing on the Islamic State capital of Raqqa As pressure on the Islamic State has mounted it has adopted a dual strategy to avoid defeat in Syria and Iraq. On the one hand, it has generally avoided pitched battles with its opponents, relying instead on a scorched earth policy of inflicting maximum casualties through an extended and prolonged urban warfare campaign. Relying on the extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the creation of an extensive tunnel network to strike at the rear of advancing forces, it has turned each urban campaign into a prolonged, street-by-street, struggle in urban warfare. In the process destroying much of the cities from which it has been ousted. At the same time, it has returned to its insurgent roots, organizing bombings against civilian targets in both Syria and Iraq. In the latter case it has targeted Shia communities, in both Baghdad and in the Shiite heartland of Iraq, in a repeat of the terrorist campaigns that marked the first insurgency campaign after the collapse of the Saddam Hussein government in 2003. In addition, the Islamic State has steadily expanded its ability to carry out terrorist attacks, either directly planned or inspired, throughout Western Europe and the United States. Deadly Islamic State attacks in Paris and Brussels have left scores killed or injured. Advertisement It's estimated that IS has at least 200 trained jihadist operatives in Europe, and may have as many as 2,000 jihadists with some weapons and battlefield experiences, that are either European nationals that have returned home or are foreign nationals posing as Syrian refugees. IS itself claims that the number of jihadists it has infiltrated into Europe exceeds 5,000. In addition, IS militants have been implicated in a range of attacks against soft, tourist oriented, targets in Tunisia and Egypt, as well as Turkey. On June 28, three IS suicide bombers exploded suicide vests at the Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul killing, at last count, 41 people and injuring over 230. It appears that one of the core strategies of the Islamic State in the Mediterranean region has been to disrupt the tourist industry in North Africa and Turkey. There have not yet been any attacks against tourist targets on the European side of the Mediterranean, but Interpol has already warned that Islamic State is looking for opportunities to stage such attacks. Solidarity march in Paris following the November terrorist attacks IS has been heavily engaged in the Libyan Civil War. For most of the year it held control of the Libyan city of Sirte; the only urban center it controlled outside of its core territory in Syria and Iraq. Indeed, there have been indications that IS was considering Libya in general, and Sirte in particular, as fallback locations should they be ousted from Syria and Iraq. At the moment it appears that it may have lost control over large portions of the city to other jihadist groups that are supporting the Libyan national government. The situation remains fluid. Advertisement In the United States, IS has inspired "lone wolf" attacks against "soft' civilian targets, most notably the attacks in San Bernardino on December 2, 2015, and most recently in Orlando on June 12. It is unclear how extensive an organization the Islamic State has been able to create in the United States. According to the FBI, its agents currently have active investigations on more than 1,000 Americans believed to have ties to the Islamic State. An IS affiliate has been organized in the United States, but it has not formally been recognized by al-Baghdadi as an official franchise of the Islamic State. Most significantly, however, is mounting evidence that the Islamic State has been expanding its capabilities into criminal activities in Europe. IS has long been involved with the looting and smuggling of antiquities in Syria and Iraq. The value of the illicit antiquities trade has been variously estimated at between several million and hundreds of millions of dollars a year. The higher number is unrealistic as it is unlikely that the antiquities trade could absorb hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen antiquities. The likely number is probably in the low tens of millions. It does appear, however, that at least some of the highly publicized destruction of archeological sites at the hands of IS militants may have been purposely staged to provide cover for the looting of antiquities. Advertisement IS has also been heavily involved in the smuggling of oil from Syria into Turkey, as well as organizing the transport of illegal immigrants from Libya across the Mediterranean to Europe. Both activities are believed to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly revenues for the organization. More alarmingly there have been recent reports that Islamic State is becoming involved in the smuggling of marijuana from the Balkans into Western Europe. Such an evolution is not uncommon in terrorist/subversive organizations. European terrorist organizations, like the Baader Meinhof or the Brigate Rosse in the 1970s, often resorted to bank robberies to fund their operations. The FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) in Colombia turned to the cocaine trade. Taliban hashish seized during Operation Albatross The Taliban in Afghanistan went from trying to stamp out the cultivation of opium poppies to becoming a major player in the processing and smuggling of heroin. In many cases, the FARC being the most recent, the ideological justification is often set aside as the organization evolves from a political into a criminal one. Islamic State is in an ideal position to use its capabilities to expand into various for-profit criminal activities. The smuggling networks that are used to bring in fighters and supplies, and are used to smuggle out antiquities, oil or illegal immigrants, can be just as easily be used to smuggle drugs, launder money or traffic in sex workers. It is likely that, just as with the Taliban, IS will likely expand its portfolio of criminal activities as it evolves from supplying armed muscle to other criminal organizations to actually organizing and directing them. Advertisement In short, despite its recent notable setbacks, the Islamic State continues to show that it is resilient and adaptive. The campaign to retake Mosul will stretch out well into 2017. Despite the drives on Raqqa by both the Syrian military and the Syrian Democratic Forces, Raqqa is in no immediate danger of falling, and the campaign to retake Raqqa will be a long, drawn out struggle. In the meantime, Islamic State will continue to expand its international franchises while increasing both the scale and frequency of its attacks in Europe and North America. It can also be expected to expand its for profit criminal activity as it seeks to replace lost revenues and build up its financial assets. Amnesty encourages unlawful immigration by ...favoring those who come to this country illegally over those who wait in the legal immigration system. Increasing border security ... does not fix our problems it only piles unaffordable costs on the abuse of failing entitlement programs... The average illegal immigrant household receives more in benefits than they pay in taxes." Heritage Foundation In addition, "illegal immigrants account for approximately 75 percent of drug possession cases... " according to Jonathan Turley, U.S. Sentencing Commission. Undocumented immigrants have landed in Syracuse New York, my hometown enforce. The Near Westside, one of the oldest Syracuse neighborhoods where, in the early 1900's many wealthy families including the Mayor of Syracuse lived in stately homes, beautiful fountains, etc., today, is impoverished and home to Syracuse's growing Latino community with high numbers of Puerto Rican and Cuban families. Described today, Syracuse is one of America's poorest cities in the country." United Way of Central New York. As a result, many native Syracusan's and countless others have moved away. Advertisement All that aside, regardless of how you feel about Donald Trump's proposal to deport 4 million illegal immigrants or the Supreme Court rejecting President Obama's Executive order to try and circumvent Congress and allow the millions of undocumented immigrants to stay in this country, obtain work permits and receive a host of government benefits ... or even how you feel about crime and our very real inability to properly vet these undocumented workers to protect our citizens from terrorists, there is an even more practical question that faces America as demographics dramatically shift and immigration issues intensify: the aging population of America and our declining domestic birth rates. Americans' life expectancy will soon hit 80 and those over 65 will make up almost 25 percent of the population. With fertility rates of less than two births per woman we are destined to be a country of elders and not youth. This has tremendous consequences for our economy and culture. A more practical argument: who will run our factories and farms in 20 years? Who will care for our baby boomers as they require nursing home care? Undocumented workers take the housekeeping and hospitality jobs, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) positions, manufacturing, manual and menial jobs Americans don't want. While undocumented workers may fill employment vacancies, it is eroding our communities and our culture. Ref. Syracuse, New York. According to my brother, Stephen Sarsfield Bowman, President, Peregrine Companies, "history shows us that really no foreign immigrant group has been spared the wrath of racially based stereotypes from the previously admitted older "native" Americans. After the Civil War came the great wave of immigration creating tens of millions of new Americans which was not to end until the Immigration Act of 1924 which established minimal quotas. This legislation was intended to target mostly Italians and Greeks who, based on Social Darwinist ideas about their mental inferiority, were undeserving of American citizenship. The Japanese however, for the same reason, were banned completely until 1952. A new brutal strain in the American character has been exposed." We should refer to and learn from history and deal with it. Advertisement BEIJING, June 30 -- The top legislature said Thursday that China's food safety situation remained "severe," and called for better supervision and food safety standards. Dirty food processing environments, fraud and adulteration in food production, and irregularities in transportation had been uncovered, said Zhang Dejiang, chairman of National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, when delivering a report to lawmakers on the inspection of the implementation of the Food Safety Law. The country has over 11.85 million food businesses with licenses, according to Zhang. The report was made after the NPC Standing Committee finished a nationwide inspection of the enforcement of the law in April and May. Led by Zhang and four vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, five inspection groups went to 10 provincial regions including Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, Fujian, Hubei, Guangxi, and Chongqing. They visited breeding centers, markets for farm produce, food producers, catering businesses and other units. Inspectors found that some food producers lack a strong sense of responsibility. A few of them wanted nothing but profits. In the planting phase, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not being used appropriately, said Zhang. In addition, although almost 683 food safety standards and over 4,000 limits to pesticide levels have been issued, food safety standard supervision in some areas is weak, said Zhang. In my previous blog, I argued that attributing extremist violence solely or even mostly to religious belief is dangerously uninformed. I showed why that claim is uninformed. On to the dangerous part. Perpetuating the myth that religion is the primary cause of terrorism plays into ISIS's hands and prevents recognition of our responsibility for creating the conditions for ISIS. ISIS's playbook is, interestingly, not the Quran, it's The Management of Savagery (Idarat at-Tawahoush). ISIS's longterm strategy is to create such chaos that submission to ISIS would be preferable to living under the savage conditions of war. To attract young people to ISIS, they seek to eliminate the "Gray Zone" between the true believer and the infidel (in which most Muslims find themselves) by employing "terror attacks" to help Muslims see that non-Muslims hate Islam and want to harm Muslims. Advertisement If moderate Muslims feel alienated and unsafe as a result of prejudice, they will be forced to choose either apostasy (darkness) or jihad (light). Those who hold that religion is the primary or most important motivator of extremists, are helping to squeeze out the gray zone. By tarring Islam with the extremist brush, they perpetuate the myth that Islam is a violent religion and that Muslims are violent. Attributing extremism to Islam reinforces Western media's predominantly negative portrayal of Muslims as violent, fanatical, bigoted, and terrorists (ignoring the 99.999% of Muslims who are not). And then we're on to Islamophobia. It is very difficult for Westerners to isolate their understanding and loathing of ISIS and other extremists without sliding into Islamophobia. And increasing Islamophobia, ISIS hopes, will entice young Muslims out of the gray and into the fight. Advertisement Finally, I think it is dangerous to attribute extremism to religion and to ignore external conditions, because it makes extremism their problem when it is also our problem. If extremism is motivated by their religion, then they are entirely responsible (and they need to change). But if extremism is motivated in response to external conditions, then those who are responsible for those conditions are responsible (and need to work to change those conditions). As James Gilligan, in Preventing Violence, writes: "We cannot even begin to prevent violence until we can acknowledge what we ourselves are doing that contributes to it, actively or passively." How has the West contributed to the conditions that motivate violent extremism? For starters, we overthrew a democratically-elected President in Iran and installed a despotic Shah (to regain control of their oil). After the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, we divided up the Middle East according to our own economic advantage and in defiance of good cultural sense. For decades we have purchased cheap oil from Saudi Arabia, the profits of which have fueled Wahhabism, the ideological roots of Islamic extremism. We destabilized Iraq on false pretenses resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. We tortured Arabs in defiance of international law and basic human dignity, and have kept Arabs that we know are innocent imprisoned without charge or legal recourse in Guantanamo. Our drones have killed countless innocent people and their constant buzzing in the skies plagues children with PTSD. And the US's unilateral support of Israel perpetuates injustices against Palestinians. In short, our shaming, humiliation and harming of Arabs has created the conditions which inspire violent responses. Given the huge power imbalance, the weaker power is forced to resort to guerilla tactics and suicide bombing. Advertisement The problem is not just theirs. It is also ours. Justice demands that we stop laying the blame entirely on them and assume responsibility for our contributions to the conditions that inspire terror. Without attending to the conditions that are conducive to terrorism, it will not go away. Therefore, carpet-bombing mostly civilian populations within which ISIS hides will just exacerbate these conditions. I agree that insofar as extremist violence is motivated by religion, the religious motivation needs to be resisted. I support the efforts on the parts of Muslim leaders to inoculate young Muslims against the co-option of true Islam by extremists. But we Westerners have contributed to conditions that motivate extremism. We need to work hard and together with our Muslim brothers and sisters to create instead conditions of justice, equality and peace. Dear Tomi Lahren, After watching your recent rant on Jesse Williams' humanitarian award acceptance speech at this year's BET Awards, I thought I should take a moment and write you a letter. Who knows if you'll ever read it, but I'll certainly feel better for writing it. A little about me. I'm 39 and have actively hosted a radio show for 18 years of my life. I began broadcasting in my native Alaska before taking a morning gig in Philadelphia, and ended up in New York where I've had the fortune to broadcast for over a decade. Currently, I host Power 105.1 FM's public affairs show. I've come to develop a great deal of respect for the New Yorkers who have established anti-gun non-profits, who have formed non-violent coalitions to protest police brutality (as is their Constitutional right) and who have put themselves on the front lines of community activism. If I told you the amount of times I've been reduced to tears hearing direct accounts of racial profiling or police brutality in New York, you wouldn't believe me. These are mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, everyday people galvanized enough by injustice in their communities -- in their country -- to do something. Their work doesn't make them rich, their accomplishments are oft unsung, but they are steadfast in their efforts. It has been the honor of my life to provide them with a platform. Which brings me to you. Advertisement In recent final thoughts on your show, you go in on the BET Awards, noting they were "very black." You pause, adding, "oh, but can I say that? With my whiteness and all? Well, too damn bad." Just so you know, it's cool for you to say the BET Awards were "very black" -- they were. I mean, black people have no problem expressing that the Oscars are (generally) "very white," so no harm no foul on you there. But then, you attempt to dismantle Jesse William's speech by accusing him -- and BET -- of waging a "war on cops." That accusation is dangerous for a country reeling from proven racially biased policing while living under a racially biased criminal justice structure. To be clear, the vast majority of black people do not, and have never advocated for a war on police, and to imply that we do does not help us. It hurts us. What we would like -- and what we need -- is to weed out corrupt police officers that misuse their authority. To invalidate the plight made by black people for fair policing -- and then take it a step further and shrug off the extensive research done in Ferguson, Chicago, New York and in other American cities which validate these plights -- is not only doing your audience an injustice, it's doing the country a deep disservice. Black, white or otherwise, racially biased policing is of national concern. Advertisement You then take Williams to task for using the term "unarmed black men" and saying it "doesn't tell the whole story in most cases" because "in a number of cases, if the victim ended up being unarmed, it was certainly not for lack of trying. Grabbing an officer's gun or using other equipment to beat the police doesn't give you a free pass." Really, Tomi? Here's what the Washington Post reports about police killing men brandishing weapons and other less threatening individuals, who were also killed: In the majority of cases in which police shot and killed a person who had attacked someone with a weapon or brandished a gun, the person who was shot was white. But a hugely disproportionate number -- 3 in 5 -- of those killed after exhibiting less threatening behavior were black or Hispanic." You then say, "white people have a record of critique of your (black people's) oppression" based upon your ancestors fighting in the Civil War to "free" our ancestors. What does that even mean? Are you saying, then, that because your ancestors died fighting in the Civil War that all are enlightened enough to "critique" the state of black America -- in 2016? What about the Klan, and growing white supremacy groups across the country? What about racist police officers and individuals in the highest institutions of government who advocate to de-fund schools based upon race? These people have surely also had ancestors who fought and died in the Civil War. Where is their fair critique of black oppression? They don't seem to understand, do they? The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in Spring, 1865. To your claim about there being "largely white people" fighting and dying on the battlefield, here's some info: because of racism, blacks weren't permitted to fight in the Civil War until 1863! Your statement was bewildering, and truth be told, I don't even believe I understood your point. Was there a point? The people of this country aren't oblivious to the fact that many people from all over the world (one-third of the soldiers who fought for the Union Army were immigrants) were drafted to fight in a war to free blacks who were enslaved in the country of their birth. After Fort Wagner, it was black soldiers who played a key role in ending slavery. You should know that. Advertisement You conclude by criticizing Williams, a "high paid television actor" for telling us how "bad he has it." No, he was saying that black culture is routinely exploited for profit and the majority of black characterizations in mainstream media carry stereotypes. He was encouraging black people to focus on ownership of their stories, while reminding all that communities of color should reap the benefits of their positive contributions. Williams used his platform in the way we could only wish most high-paid television actors would. I found it strange that you would attempt to berate Williams for bringing attention to the fact that African Americans are often misrepresented in mass media and should to work harder to profit from their contributions. You cap your tirade by posing the rhetorical question to Williams: "Do you see yourself as a victim (which he clearly does not)? If so, I feel sorry for you. For someone who wants equal rights," you say, "it sure sounds like you want special treatment... Get over yourself... You're not a humanitarian, you're not a unifier, you're not teaching black children to go forth and conquer, you're teaching them to feel sorry for themselves." You then have the audacity to sign off with, "God bless and take care." Tomi, please consider the following: your tone displayed a total lack of compassion. Your words displayed a lack of understanding. Your arguments displayed a lack of research. You were not speaking to the masses, rather, to a very specific audience. How do I know this? You presented your gripes with sweeping generalizations like you were scolding a child. Who did you think you were talking to? Black people, some of them "victims," you say, don't need a lecture from you. Then again, you work for Glenn Beck, so to that point, your ridiculousness rooted in non-fact was indeed spot on for your target audience. It is because of the generous research supporting the well-documented claims of racial inequality and racially biased policing, it is because of those I've had the pleasure of serving through my work in community affairs who labor tirelessly to better their communities and peacefully push back against injustice, and it is because of the heated conviction behind your sentiments that I am just mortified for you. Advertisement Get over yourself, Tomi. You're no humanitarian, you're no unifier, and if you are delusional enough to think YOU are "the lightening rod that sparks some honesty" on race conversations in this country, please know, you are not the one. You have the right to express yourself under the First Amendment, but don't be surprised when black people / "black twitter" and so on exercise our First Amendment rights and call you out on your inaccuracies and chastising tone. Your truth doesn't "rattle our reality," because your truth, as I've shown here, is not the truth. Respectfully, Bears love grapes. This is a problem if you're trying to make wine. And Cakebread Cellars had this problem in one of their vineyard locations on Howell Mountain. The winery owner and key operations staff put their heads together to try to figure out how to keep the bears out. They installed motion-activated cameras, to see what was happening. They put up fencing then added barbed wire, but the bears still got in. In fact, they would help each other over the barriers. The Cakebread leadership team decided to resort to an extreme. They wired speakers all around the vineyard, and hooked up a Brittany Spears playlist--the most objectionable music they could think of--to play at a decibel level that would make a pre-teen cringe. They laughed as they left that night, wondering if they would see dancing bears on the videos in the morning. Apparently, what was scary for the people of Cakebread wasn't so scary for the bears, as they didn't hesitate to help each other over the fence while Brittney sang, "Oops, I Did It Again." The bears didn't make any sweet dance moves, but were videoed munching grapes while the music played. The team finally had to put in electrified fencing to keep the grape-loving fur balls away. And "Dancing Bears" became the name of the vineyard, which produces some of the most sought after, complex cabernets in Napa. RICHMOND, VA - NOVEMBER 06: U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine speaks to supporters at the Downtown Richmond Marriot after winning the Virginia U.S. Senate seat on November 6, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia. Kaine defeated former U.S. Sen. George Allen in a tight race. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Like a lot of Virginians, I've had to chuckle a bit at the way Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has been portrayed since rising to the top of Secretary Clinton's VP short list. Apparently, the gods of conventional wisdom have decided Kaine is a "boring," "safe," "centrist" pick whose "DINO" positions may make him anathema to the Sanders base. Oh really? Because I can assure you as a native Virginian, this caricature doesn't at all fit the man I've watched over nearly 20 years. In fact, the consistent knock on him in every election in Virginia has been that he was too liberal! This was such an issue that when Kaine was elected Lieutenant Governor under Mark Warner in 2001, Warner used their first joint press conference to distance himself from the controversial, left-leaning Kaine. So before you allow the national media topline and Kaine's status as a white Southern man to lull you into a quick judgment, here are a few things you should know about why this Bernie broad loves Tim Kaine. Advertisement Kaine is the son of a welder who graduated from a Jesuit high school, flew through University of Missouri and then landed at Harvard Law. While his classmates were hanging out in Cambridge fielding offers from big firms, Kaine took a year off to do mission work in Honduras where he worked with young boys growing up in brutal poverty. The year abroad left him fluent in Spanish and with a deep commitment to using his Harvard law degree for the public good. After law school he made good on his commitment to service and rather than cashing in on his degree, spent much of his legal career fighting against housing discrimination. Now you just tell me, does that sound like the bio of a chamber-backed, blue dog, corporate Dem? Ahh but perhaps Kaine abandoned all his lofty principles in a quest for political power in a conservative Southern state! If that's your concern, perhaps you should just ask the NRA how they feel about Tim Kaine. Here's how his elections in Virginia typically go: the NRA gives him an F rating, fear mongers about how he's going to take everyone's guns, spends massively against him, and then Tim goes on to win anyway. Keep in mind, the NRA is literally headquartered in Virginia. If they are powerful anywhere they are powerful in the Old Dominion but that didn't stop Kaine from signing an executive order following the Virginia Tech massacre to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. It also didn't stop him from pushing additional gun control measures as governor like eliminating the gun show loophole and it hasn't stopped him as Senator from continuing to lead the charge for sensible rules like increased background checks. As someone who ran for Congress, in Virginia, I can tell you that perhaps the definition of political courage for a Southern Dem is willingness to buck the gun lobby. Tim Kaine has been unflinching. Maybe though, Kaine was able to be bold on guns because he was right of center on everything else. Yeah, not so much. In Virginia, Kaine raised taxes, spearheaded efforts for universal pre-K, made Virginia the first Southern state to ban smoking in public places, and consistently opposed the death penalty. Let me repeat that last one. Tim Kaine consistently opposed the death penalty in a state that trails only Texas in number of executions. As governor, he bucked the prevailing law and order winds and vetoed eight different bills that would have expanded capital punishment. The issue was front and center in his gubernatorial race but he stuck to the Catholic values that have guided his life and never backed down. Advertisement Speaking of Catholic values, shouldn't pro-choice progressives be terrified of Tim Kaine on the ticket? After all, he has said he is personally opposed to abortion. If you didn't look any further, then a pro-choice feminist like myself might have cause for concern. Continue digging just one inch deeper though and you'll find that Kaine has consistently supported Roe v Wade. In the Senate, he actually enjoys a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood. Based on Kaine's record, it seems he would be entirely comfortable backing Hillary Clinton's strongly pro-choice positions and in the unlikely event he would find himself President and making Supreme Court picks, there is every reason to expect Kaine would seek out Justices who would uphold Roe. He has been quite clear that while he may have his own personal objections to abortion, he has no interest in policing the lives of others. I, for what it's worth, have no interest in policing the thoughts of others. Kaine doesn't want to control my body and I don't want to control his mind, so we're all good there. But, but, but Kaine is so boring! Surely he won't bring the energy the ticket needs to win, right? If you think so, here's something to consider: Tim Kaine has won every single election he's ever run in. He's won everything from Mayor of the majority African-American city of Richmond, to governor of a conservative Southern state. In fact, Kaine was a big part of turning Virginia into the state we see today which went twice for Obama and currently has a Democrat in every single statewide office. Bernie Sanders has himself said that we've got to do everything we can to defeat Donald Trump. Tim Kaine could be a real asset in that regard. Obviously, he's from an important swing state but the way Kaine won in Virginia is important too. He precisely targeted and outperformed in the kind of suburban and exurban counties where Republican leaning voters may be feeling the most uncomfortable with the charlatan who has won the Republican presidential nomination. Look, anyone who has served as long and in as many ways as Tim Kaine is going to have taken positions you don't agree with. I'm not saying the guy is perfect. But having watched a long time and gotten to see the man up close, I can tell you he is courageous, principled, and value driven. I can also tell you that this progressive who begged HRC not to run and drove 12 hours to be able to vote for Bernie would be delighted to see him on the Dem ticket. He won over skeptical Virginians when it was supposedly impossible. I'd love to see what he can do to help Secretary Clinton win over America. I recently spoke with Gabriela Watson Aurazo about her upcoming film project Baobab Flowers. The project is still under development and is described as: Baobab Flowers is a personal documentary that blends poetic and observational footage following the journey of two high school teachers of public schools located in underserved communities: Storm Foreman also known as Nyanza Bandele, in Philadelphia, United States, and Priscila Dias, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Director, Gabriela Watson Aurazo, immerses herself in a journey to make the connections between communities of the African Diaspora. Through a female perspective, the documentary intends to address the similarities of black women and the struggle of the black population to access good quality public education. I found the project interesting because of this focus on connecting the disparate experiences of Black educators and youth in two different societies. Advertisement The Baobab Flowers project is current fundraising to finish shooting and production. In the promo materials for the film, you say the project was conceived after you realized how much having access to education impacted your life and made you an "exception". What did it feel like to be back in the grade school environment? (Gabriela) My upbringing was like a saying in Brazil " the story of the only one". I was one of the few Black students in private schools, or cultural centers. It is so hard for Afro Brazilians to afford to pay for private education. I didn't really experience strong relationships with black teachers like the students in this film have. I have some good memories of teachers, but I felt that some of my teachers in private school in Brazil favored the white students compared to me. I now have access to data that shows that the Black kids are treated worse--in both countries. I acknowledge that I came from this upbringing that is different from the majority of Afro Descendents in Brazil. A study from 2014 showed that 51% of Afro Descendants school age youth in Brazil were in high school. This is a bad number, but better than in 2001, when the number was 25%. And even public school in Brazil is seen in a very stigmatized way. The public schools in Brazil suffer from a lack of structural resources.This drove me to find ways to connect with Afro Brazilians, and media was one of the ways I could bring visibility to our community. Advertisement When I was filming Nyanza in Overbrook in West Philly; seeing police officers at the school entrance shocked me; you don't see this in Brazil. Some students in that neighborhood protested recently to request changes to the police presence their school. What did you find fun about filming the students in the school environment? I was struck by the level of communication and love that these teachers had in their classrooms. How they are able to express their personalities through teaching. The students were comfortable hugging their teachers, or sharing personal stories with them. Looking at these classrooms was wonderful and inspiring. It breaks a lot of stigma that these communities have with being associated with poverty or crime. I could see these teachers are really battling to teach the way they would like to. Tell me more about the two educators Nyanza and Priscila? How did you find them and approach them to be part of the film? I found Priscila first, when I was doing a web-series project called AfroTrip. In this project we interviewed different activists and artists from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. I thought Priscila was so inspiring, she had a fresh perspective. She really is proposing a different way of teaching history in Brazil. For example, she teaches the French Revolution with her students in Sao Paulo from the Haitian perspective. After interviewing Priscila, I realized that she had the potential for a longer story, and charisma of a documentary character. After meeting Priscila, I started looking for teachers in Philadelphia. I thought it would be interesting to compare the struggle of two public high school teachers in these two cities; one is my hometown of Sao Paulo, and in Philadelphia--the city which I'm living in to study film. My idea was to better understand communities of color in the US though the experiences of Black women educators. And I was lucky to find Nyanza who was great. Advertisement How is the current political situation in Brazil relate to Priscila and her students? Brazil was able to achieve progress under the Workers' Party in the last 12 years. I mentioned it earlier, 51 percent vs 21 percent. In 2001, before the Workers' Party, only 21 percent of Afro Brazilians even attended high school. So you see the progress there. During the government of Lula, many things were solidified in terms of legal equality for Afro Descendants in Brazil. In 2003, public universities started to adhere to the quota system -- and reserve a percentage (20% - 40%) of their vacancies to Afro Descendants coming from public schools. The Ministry of Racial Equality was created in this time period. There were concrete government policies in the last decade that led to progress in terms of Afro Descendants finishing high school and getting better jobs. Now we are in such a tense political moment in Brazil. And all these positive social changes deeply influenced the chaos that is being promoted now in Brazil. The elite in Brazil is not comfortable with having to share their space in the middle class with Afro Brazilians. For example, they are completely shocked by having to share airplanes with people who would never have been able to fly until about 10 years ago. Until 10 years ago, a car was a luxury items and personal transportation was not in the reach of many Afro Brazilians. The elite are shocked that the children of their maids going to university. They feel that the poor students are taking away opportunities from their own children. So now what we see in Brazil is a wave of racism and prejudice that is coming up very strongly. Purple Nation June 23, 2016 The Other 2016 Election -- and why the U.S. Should Care by Lanny Davis http://thehill.com/opinion/lanny-davis/284524-davis-the-other-2016-election-and-why-the-us-should-care While we in Washington are fixated on the upcoming presidential election, another critical election has just begun: the race for the United Nations secretary-general. Given that the U.S. is currently the largest funder of the U.N., providing 22 percent of the organization's budget, this election deserves our attention. The U.N. secretary-general has real power and is uniquely positioned to introduce much-needed reforms to the U.N. system. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly matter a great deal for U.S. engagement in multilateral diplomacy in the coming years, and so it is crucial that we be actively engaged in this process. Advertisement The U.N. has been responsible for major achievements over the course of the last 70 years: it advanced human rights worldwide through the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948; it led the global effort to eradicate smallpox, declaring the disease's extinction in 1980; and each year, it feeds some 100 million people in the most challenging of circumstances. However, for all its good work, the U.N. has repeatedly come under attack as corrupt, inefficient and ineffectual. Sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers in Central African Republic has harmed the very civilians the United Nations was meant to protect. The U.N. Human Rights Council's unfortunate targeting of Israel has detracted from the council's ability to credibly speak out against human rights violators and eradicate injustices. And perhaps most significantly, the U.N. has failed to prevent the deaths of nearly half a million people in Syria -- and the exodus of many more. The next secretary-general will have to approach these issues head-on if the organization is going to be capable of addressing the greatest challenges in our world. Advertisement So far, 11 candidates from different countries have thrown their hats into the ring. While the unwritten tradition of regional rotation dictates it's Eastern Europe's turn to have a candidate elected, others are running in the hopes that the rotation could be abandoned. Indeed, the entire selection process is currently undergoing a sea change. The selection of the U.N. secretary-general has historically been a backroom deal among the five veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, referred to as the P5: the United States, United Kingdom, France, China and Russia. This year, however, the president of the U.N. General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, has instituted a new public interview process for the candidates, substantially increasing the transparency of the selection process. April 12 marked the beginning of these interviews, referred to as "informal dialogues," during which the then-nine candidates presented their visions for the future of the U.N. and fielded roughly 800 questions from countries and civil society organizations. When two more candidates entered the race, a second session of informal dialogue was held on June 7. These sessions were streamed live over the Internet, allowing viewers all over the world to tune in. While the P5 will still select and practically elect their consensus candidate for secretary-general, the informal dialogues have already made the process considerably more transparent and inclusive and have increased public scrutiny. This is a good thing. However, despite this historic effort to open the process, the candidates have responded timidly, declining to make concrete commitments as to what they would do in office. As far as I am aware, only one of the candidates, former Serbian foreign minister and a past president of the U.N. General Assembly Vuk Jeremic, has presented a detailed platform for improving the organization. Advertisement There were some good ideas put forward in his platform. He made strong commitments on women's rights and human rights more broadly, promising to introduce gender parity in U.N. appointments, to advocate globally for an end to gender-based violence, and to increase the budget of the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights by 50 percent on a sustainable basis. He also took a tough line on U.N. reform, promising to require public financial disclosures from senior U.N. officials -- something that's currently optional -- to protect whistleblowers and to increase independent oversight substantially. I hope other topic candidates running for the position publish their own platforms soon as well, including Helen Clark, head of the United Nations Development Group; Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova; former U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres; and former chief of staff to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Susana Malcorra. Given the unprecedented challenges facing the international community, in areas ranging from climate change to counterterrorism, and the increasing need for coordinated action to address these challenges, this election should encompass a debate about the future of the U.N. And given U.S. investment in the U.N. -- an investment that will continue regardless of who is elected -- it is in our interest to engage all candidates in this debate and hold them to a high standard. As a matter of principle, the U.S. should announce that it will not support any candidate who does not publish a detailed platform of their ideas and commitments -- the job at hand requires nothing less. # # # # Mr. Davis is a weekly columnist for The Hill newspaper, writing under the name, "Purple Nation". This column appears first and weekly in The Hill at http://thehill.com/. Advertisement Cousin Kron Menuhin, a rural kingpin Lionel Rolfe, Kron's citified cousin, speaking from the streets. Photo by Gary Leonard I know of someone who had almost nothing to recommend him. You wouldn't really want me to write about this person, but I am doing it anyway. He was a very ugly and dreary man who lived in a rural section of Melbourne. We had driven onto his strange old farm and were immediately met by big nasty dogs. Luckily we were in my cousin's car. With an angry snarl, the man came forth. I was in a car driven by the man who had sold him his ranch house a while back and they were supposedly good friends. But when my driver, cousin Kron Menuhin got out of his car, one of the dogs came up and bit him. Not hard, but hard enough. Kron got back in the car. The man's effect on my mood was enormous and immediate. The doors to his house looked like they were the entrances to a shriveling but gigantic dirty shed. The man himself look like the appurtenances to his shed-house. I should also explain that the "shed" was actually a large building, but I doubt it had any living areas in it. At one point, I looked through a door leading to the kitchen. The kitchen though never looked like a kitchen. I suspect he used it to make dead rats into dinner -- whatever he was cooking there, I had no desire to look further. I suspect the rats were seasoned with cockroaches. When my cousin Kron owned the house, I'm sure it was a lovely Australian abode -- but it no longer was. Advertisement Kron drove me onto the site that the rambling home topped. He found his man, who was going in for an operation that would keep him walking. They then told him he'd have to go in for rehabilitation. As he's talking, a colleague pulls up. As we're talking, a man drives up on a motorbike. Kron, meanwhile, leans out of his window. They sort of play the Australian dozens, talking about dogs and such. When his friend says he's going in for the operation, but not the rehab, Kron laughs. Kron says, "you'll have to go in for rehab." I think Kron sensed how uncomfortable the man made me feel about him. He thought I was a bit put off by this "real mountain man type" with a twisted face and missing several of his teeth. He struck me as both stupid and cantankerous and annoying to be around. The odd man on the motorbike looked a lot like his boss.With real concern, he said "There's a 'crook bull' in the field." A "crook bull," I later learn, means a sick bull. "Poor thing," he says, as you can hear the bellowing beast in the distance lying down by a fence several yards away. Advertisement The man on the motorbike says "Damn," and roars off without a further word. Kron's' friend tried to tell his friend his knee surgery would cause problems and if he had the operation, he'd have to go through rehab too. He was sure of that. His boss was not so sure of that. I was glad we were leaving. There was a sense of decay and death about the place. I had once before, perhaps 50 years ago, dealt with rural values in California that reminded me of this outback portion of Melbourne. I told Kron of my small rural town in California notorious for the odd and strange relationships people have there. I'm about Atascadero in the mid-coastal mountainous region of the Pacific Ocean near Pismo Beach where every one seem to literally be literally kissing cousins. Atascadero is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Not all the down and outers of this world are poor. Some are monarchs. They probably are as disgusting as the poor, these rich. Truth is, us people can be inferior and superior beings, I know that for sure, whatever my politics. Atascadero was a few miles east of the Pacific, on rolling inland hill territory. It was sort of a big and graying looking area, made especially so by the restaurant. Other than Atascadero, most of the land was sunny and light full of fresh trees and clean porcelain shores. But not Atascadero, anymore than the place on the outskirts of Melbourne was. Perhaps it was because the citizens were strange in their look -- there was something especially stupid about their faces; their food was string y and tasteless in the restaurant. Dessert was a short of tasteless pudding of unclear flavor. All the people eating there were only somewhat human in appearance. Served in huge baskets, the bread was all white. The meat sat beside them without flavor. and looked stringy and tasteless. A lot of tasteless potatoes were added into it too. I know potatoes can be very good. But they weren't in this case. Dessert was some sort of tasteless pudding of an unclear flavor -- matching the conversation. Advertisement Mostly, however, the people sat in silence, or they made rude, unpleasant noises that all sounded like they were nothing more than threats. Like the man in the Melbourne outback. The food was unpleasant but plentiful. I couldn't quite make much sense of it all until I talked to a local newspaper editor there who told me what was really unnerving about the place. Many of these people are definitely kissing cousins. They look too much alike. They seem to be rather stupid. The whole thing was unnerving. The editor said these people were "highly retaliated -- literarily." I suspect this guy in Melbourne was also "highly related." I know it's taken me a while to get to one of the odder of human beings. Like every one else, I have been thinking of Donald Trump, a scummy man who somehow reminds me of the fellow in Melbourne. I can't tell you if Trump is more like the dog that bit Kron, or the farmer who set the situation up. It probably is not accidental that Mr. Trump thinks he's highly intelligent and these folks are not. Maybe he is -- but I doubt it. He is a student of Wharton, which is regarded as one of the nation's best business schools. But I'm not sure if a business college or university is anything special. A business school is where folks like Trump pretend like they're intelligent, as if a business school is somehow the equivalent of a university of physics or even of the arts. I suspect that Trump is closer in genius and brilliance to the guy from Melbourne or the folks in Atascadero than much more. But Trump keeps telling me he's a genius, a brilliant man, a billionaire. I guess he is part of the ruling class. But at heart he is trailer trash and I'm not sure a business graduate can really be much more than that. Advertisement Certainly there is more imperfection than perfection in this most terrible of the human condition. I think there are some magnificent creatures in this world -- Bela Bartok, the Hungarian composer, was in my view the greatest composer of the 20th century. I feel a connection to this yarn because my uncle, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, played the Bartok Violin Concerto No 2 at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1945 Antal Dorati was the conductor. Yehudi was a friend of Bartok and once they had a conversation about the work during which Bartok, who had written the work in 1937, asked Yehudi if he had noted his comments on the work. Bartok was very sad about his native land, where even his native Hungary was a becoming a "system of robbers and murderers" toward the end of his life there. Bartok had written a solo violin concerto for Yehudi as one of his last works. Bartok, as it happened, was never a fan of Arnold Schoenberg, took over Hungary. Toward the end of his life, Bartok wrote a solo violin work for him. Bartok was never a fan of Arnold Schoenberg, who came to Los Angeles with his beloved atonal system. So he asked Yehudi what he thought of his comments, and Yehudi replied, "It's rather chromatic." Bartok agreed -- he said he wanted to show "that one can use all 18 tones and still remain tonal." One of Bartok's barbs: "...and any one of those repeated sequences would supply a dodecaphonist with material for a whole opera..." Advertisement I suppose I could match Trump and Schoenberg as not much better than the folks in the outranks of Melbourne or the heartland of Atascadero. Bartok was referring to Schoenberg's theory which said that his atonal theory represented something modern -- even if it was never science; it was numerology. I had grown up with discussion on Schoenberg at various soirees held at my mom's house. Among the conversant were such composers as Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Darius Milhaud, George Anthill and others -- all competitors to Schoenberg. They did not like him and they thought his atonal music absurd. They also liked Thomas Mann's "Doctor Faustus," whose protagonist Leverkuhn was Arnold Schoenberg. Leverkuhn was one of the great fraudulent composers of the 20th century. I wrote a series of articles on classical composers in Los Angeles for the Times, and I was soon enough attacked by Charles Champlin. Champlin was the Times' film critic and art critic, a veteran of Life Magazine. Once he walked right into me in the hallway and berated me with being despicable for writing about Schoenberg. I knew at the time that that the LA Times was supporting the Schoenberg Institute at USC and UCLA. By The 80s, attacking Schoenberg in the pages of the Times was not legal. A music critic who is still writing for the Times told me that attacking Schoenberg was virtually verboten for the paper's staff. The reason wasn't important. Buffy Chandler, one of the publishers, knew little about classical music but wanted everyone to appreciate her for supporting it. They built the Buffy Chandler Music Institute to honor her love of classical music and it is said that she didn't like Schoenberg, but knew all the wise men did. Advertisement So Bela Bartok or Thomas Mann rejected the idolization off Schoenberg, but still it went off. In this case though, the idea was to sanctify the philanthropic values of the owner of newspaper proprietor, based not on anything musical or ideological. The insanity of the owners of the newspaper made them no better sense than Schoenberg or Trump. But it was part of the ugliness that distinguishes the superiority and influence in man's doings. It might be what keeps the ugliness of mankind alive. Last week, we started something remarkable at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit. We started our journey to 2030, by charting our way towards a world free from poverty, inequality, hunger, conflict and diminishing resources - in short, a world that leaves no one behind. The scale of what we have set out to do would feel overwhelming, but for one thing - we are not alone. We know this because over 1,200 people joined us in New York last week to explore and act on business opportunities that will reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have 80 Local Networks devoted to supporting companies on the ground. We have strong partners across the United Nations, Governments and the corporate sustainability community. We have CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, activists, labour, academia and students all ready to act for a better future. When we opened the Leaders Summit at the United National General Assembly Hall, I reflected on last year's launch of the SDGs - which are proving to be a platform that unites the global community like never before. This became evident in every session at the Summit that followed. From CEOs to poets to authors, I was left in no doubt that there is a common thread that connects us all - the desire to create a sustainable way of life for all. Advertisement We were further inspired by the first-ever class of ten Local SDG Pioneers honoured at the Leaders Summit. These individuals lead with action by championing sustainability through their business models and mobilizing their networks, all over the world. They are remarkable examples to us all as to how far, and how high, we can go in our quest to reach the SDGs. During the Summit, we mapped out the work the UN Global Compact will be leading with partners and stakeholders in every quarter to Make Global Goals Local Business, laying out an approach that is ambitious and collaborative. The next step in this journey will be the United Nations Private Sector Forum on 19 September 2016 focused on the role of business in advancing sustainable development to prevent global instability. At the Summit, we also introduced the voice of young people as keynote speakers, opportunity session facilitators and as participants. They inspired us, challenged us and reminded us that we can do better for the next generations. Our young people are not passive inheritors of a future planet - they are the architects of a better tomorrow and we all must work together. But today, this is my message to you: we need an energetic and positive approach to reaching the SDGs. We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We need to stop focusing on risks, and instead find the opportunities that lie behind the global goals. Only in this way will we start a sustainable market revolution that addresses complex challenges, establishes cross-sector partnerships, and creates markets and solutions which are rooted in strong values. Advertisement Mark Fichou, installation view of Outside-In, 2016 Photo courtesy of Chimento Contemporary Marc Fichou is a French-born, L.A. based artist who consciously defies categorization. This playful defiance makes Fichou a free spirit in the art world who refuses to be limited by restrictive definitions of what it means to be an artist. As he says, "I do not want to be part of an art movement. I want to be detached and yet part of everything and not just one thing." His curiosity about parallels in philosophy, physics, nature and art makes Fichou's artwork life-like rather than art-like. Fichou's installation, Outside-In, at Chimento Contemporary (June 4-July 9, 2016) is a playful mind game of making visual connections. Meticulously finished interactive sculptures - using video, photography and reflective materials - are surrounded by rough unfinished wall panels, "covered with networks of studies, experiments, information from [the] internet, books and notes produced by preparatory research and reflections on the creative process." (Fichou). These wall panels are like a work-in-progress found in an artist's studio - deliberately left open-ended for the viewer. Seen together, this vast array of visual devices and visual information has a coherence because it raises recurring questions about time, perception and identity. Fichou is highly influenced by the French philosopher Henri-Louis Bergson, a Nobel Prize winner. Bergson is known for his conception of the present as a "duration" which can only be understood experientially, through intuition. Fichou creates interactive artworks to demonstrate Bergson's philosophy that we are always inside the present moment and inside the image we perceive -- and can never get outside the present or outside the image. Fichou calls this continuous creation "in-betweenness." Advertisement Throughout the installation Fichou's selfies appear, disappear and reappear. Initially, it feels as though we are entering the artist's mind but when his selfies disappear we are left with our own thoughts about the phantasmagoria we experience. Fichou does not impose an interpretive narrative; instead, he creates a self-reflective environment where questions do not admit the closure of an answer because it is the intuitive process of understanding visual perceptions that Fichou wants us to experience for ourselves. Fichou uses engineering techniques he learned working in the music industry to construct interactive sculptures which require skillful accuracy to make the viewer part of the process of creating the artwork. In The Artist, Fichou uses a video feedback loop to project a machine-made image onto an LTD screen -- the same screen the camera is recording. The moving image is created by light which the feedback loop turns into a ripple, like a fractal with constantly changing geometric patterns. When the viewer puts their own hand in front of the screen, the image changes. The paradox of the title is that this image is not made by Fichou's hand at all because it is self generated by the machine and the viewer can use their own hand, like an artist, to change it. As Fichou says, "the eye is like a camera and the brain is like a video screen" in the continuous creation of life (recalling Bergson's "process philosophy.") Marc Fichou, Plastron Video sculpture, 2010, Photo courtesy of Chimento Courtesy In Plastron, Fichou stages a plaster mask made from his own face in front of a video of his face during the process of fabricating the mask. The video images constantly change, while the mask is stationary in this play on duration. Finite and Infinite is a cube made of glass with a neon sculpture inside that resembles a construction which looks infinite when the viewer looks inside, although it is obviously finite viewed from the outside. Advertisement Fichou is known for his beautiful origami work which he incorporates into this installation on table displays and separate wall pieces. He photographs the origami and then unfolds it, printing the image of the folded origami onto the unfolded paper. This technique is a visual play on a 2-D frame of a 3-D object which continues his central theme of "in-betweenness". ISTANBUL, June 28, 2016 -- File photo taken on Feb. 1, 2016 shows the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey. Two explosions hit the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, with gunfire heard and injuries reported, CNNTurk said. (Xinhua/Cihan via Getty Images) I know it like the back of my hand, my Turkish airport, the Istanbul airport. When I pass through a place often enough, when I do so bleary eyed and happy to be there, it becomes my place in the world, as in a dream. I sleep on its floors, in crevices that I find, in between flights to Gaziantep to visit my beleaguered Syrian friends who have I have worked with and loved for so many years. Democrats, refugees, activists, survivors, people of the heart. I crowd into Turkish airport lines, I delight in the many women's headscarves, children trailing like ducklings, scarves so different and varied that suggest different origins from all corners of the world. They are in Turkey for vacation, or for sacred pilgrimages of every kind, Sunni, Shia, secular, all together. I delight in the bands of workers on route to the Middle East from around the world, sleeping in groups, awaiting transfers, working, like me. They work to survive, so poor, I work to save others because I am privileged. And so we sleep together, in different crevices, awaiting our journey and our destiny. Advertisement I delight in the waiting area with ubiquitous tea for all, and a series of fascinating dishes on the food line, all fresh, none of which I can identify by name. I eat whatever vegetarian I can find. I don't speak a word of Turkish, but putting my thumb up, smiling, and saying Tamam gets me very far. I delight in the quiet ways of Turkish guards who never bother me, never look at me in disdain or with suspicion. I guess they knew that my ancestors passed through the land of the Hittites 3000 years ago and have consistently lived in Turkey for so many millennia, maybe I don't look so out of place. But I am Jewish, this is Turkey, and there is a war on. Sometimes I think it is a war of all against all, Arab against Arab, Islamist against Christian, Jew against Palestinian, Shia against Sunni, crazy against sane. So many wars, and I have loved people from all of the confusing sides. I cannot hold a candle to Rumi enshrined in Konya, that unmatched lover of humanity. I do not hold in me a tenth of his constant love, but when I am in airports...airports are sacred to me. In airports like Turkey's I become Rumi, I feel his spirit as I look at all of humanity. Such a mix, all tired, all hopeful, all on an odyssey, all in a liminal space of sacredness, the place of becoming and journey. I delight in looking at all of them, I delight in getting my visa, I delight in the Turkish welcoming hall, a place of living journey. I am lucky to be here, to feel safe, to pass through the land of the Hittites, the Turks, on my way south to visit the Arameans, the Syrians, my brothers and sisters who are hurting so much. Advertisement They are all in a cosmic battleground that is the Middle East now. A place where oil, war profiteering, empire competitions, minority brutalities and majority counter-brutalities, all weigh in to create the combustible death that is Da'esh who turned my Turkish airport into a human slaughterhouse on June 29, 2016. I will continue to come to Turkey despite war and despite Da'esh, and I will love my Turkish brothers and sisters, my Kurdish friends and students, my secular colleagues, my colleagues who fast Ramadan and fight for human rights, the Sufis and the musicians, the carpet makers and the scholars. You do not have to be a Gandhi and a pacifist to come to see that violence and hatred is the enemy, not this group or that group. I have known military men who know this from years of wisdom, and I have known others, armchair warriors who have never taken a life and who know it not. I know those who still incite, who still blame all for the sins of some. Violence and hate are the enemy, and when this becomes clear then all else becomes much simpler, and then we can find each other again in the light of day, and we can also help Turkey find itself again through this year of terrorism. CHANGCHUN, June 30 -- Han Xuejian, former Party chief of Daqiang City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, stood trial on Thursday in Liaoyuan City of neighboring Jilin Province. Han was charged with accepting bribes worth 16.86 million yuan (2.59 million U.S. dollars), either personally or through persons of interest from 1998 to 2014, according to Liaoyuan City Procuratorate. He had used his influence to profit others in matters concerning business, government contracts and promotion, the indictment said. Han was also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Heilongjiang Provincial Committee. Han pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in front of about 40 people, including lawmakers, political advisors, and public and media outlets representatives. The trial concluded Thursday and the court will announce its verdict later, the statement said. In this photo taken Jan. 15, 2015, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., holds the new installment of his award-winning graphic novel on civil rights and nonviolent protest, on Capitol Hill in Washington. A comic book about Martin Luther King Jr. helped bring John Lewis into the civil rights movement. The longtime Democratic congressman from Georgia now hopes that graphic novels about his life and what his contemporaries endured to overcome racism will guide today's protesters in search of justice. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) For months, even for years, through several sessions of Congress, I wondered what will bring this body to take action. What will finally make Congress do what is right, what is just, what the people of this country have been demanding, and what is long overdue? -- Congressman John Lewis Congressman John Lewis' call to action in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 22nd was the beginning of an extraordinary event in our nation's Capitol. Members of Congress participated in a nonviolent occupation of the floor of the House of Representatives led by a veteran civil rights organizer and participant in the sit-in movement to desegregate Jim Crow lunch counters, Freedom Rides to desegregate interstate travel, and marches to protest the denial of the right to vote to Black citizens across the South. How refreshing to see John Lewis and his Congressional colleagues protesting the egregious fact that even in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in our nation's history and the senseless preventable deaths by gun of tens of thousands of human beings in our nation, including children, year in and year out, Congress has refused to act to reduce the epidemic of gun violence raging across our country. Advertisement We have lost hundreds and 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, Mr. Speaker? NOTHING. Not one thing. We have turned deaf ears to the blood of the innocent and the concerns of our nation. We are blind to a crisis. Mr. Speaker, where is the heart of this body? Where is our soul? Where is our moral leadership? Where is our courage? Congressman John Lewis grew up in segregated Troy, Alabama where he was taught not to challenge the racist Jim Crow status quo because that was just the way things were. But as a teenager he decided he couldn't and wouldn't spend his life afraid of getting into "good trouble." He wrote a letter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after hearing him on the radio during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Dr. King invited the "boy from Troy" to come meet him and helped spur young John Lewis on his lifelong path as a nonviolent warrior for justice who helped transform our nation. As a student leader and eventually chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) he helped organize and supported sit-ins and other student activism across the South with my generation of young activists. At age 23 he was the youngest person to speak at the 1963 March on Washington. Two years later he was brutally attacked by lawless state and local law enforcement officials and his skull was fractured on the Edmund Pettus Bridge while attempting to lead a march for voting rights in Selma, Alabama. The televised images of the savage "Bloody Sunday" beatings followed by the March from Selma to Montgomery by people coming from across the nation led President Lyndon B. Johnson to call on Congress to pass what became the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and in America's continuing struggle to honor America's dream. How sad that so many states, especially in the South, are attempting to undermine this sacred right of citizenship to vote -- in every possible way today. Advertisement In 1986 John Lewis was elected to Congress to continue fighting to push America forward. He electrified the nation as he brought the same nonviolent civil disobedience tactics he used as a young civil rights leader to the House floor and led his colleagues in the sit-in condemning Congress' inaction to reduce mass shootings and gun violence. His address to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan displayed a moral leadership and clarity that I hope will infect enough of his Congressional colleagues and galvanize millions of voters appalled by Congress's inability to ban gun sales to people on the "no-fly" list, expand background checks, or provide other urgently needed common sense safety solutions to protect Americans including our children from relentless gun violence. We were elected to lead, Mr. Speaker. We must be headlights, and not taillights. We cannot continue to stick our heads in the sand and ignore the reality of mass gun violence in our nation. Deadly mass shootings are becoming more and more frequent. Mr. Speaker, this is a fact. It is not an opinion. We must remove the blinders. The time for silence and patience is long gone. The time for silence and patience is long gone. Congressmen Lewis and his colleagues have vowed to keep going with their fight as soon as the House returns from its July 4th recess. We must stand with them as they continue to get into "good trouble." We desperately need a critical mass of leaders like Congressman Lewis, Senator Christopher Murphy, and others who joined in the House sit-in willing to be headlights and stand up to the National Rifle Association and the gun manufacturing industry and their lobbyists and money and do the right thing to prevent gun violence that injures or kills a child every half hour in our gun saturated nation. Congressman Lewis has said that some of the martyrs of the civil rights movement were "the founding fathers of the new America, a new way of doing things, a new way of life." On this Fourth of July holiday honoring another revolutionary moment of "good trouble," it's time to remember how acts of civil disobedience have shaped our country and made us better throughout our history -- from the Boston Tea Party, when citizens in Massachusetts illegally boarded a British ship and threw its cargo of tea into the Boston Harbor rather than pay taxes without representation, and other acts that led to the Declaration of Independence; to the Underground Railroad, with its fearless conductors like Harriet Tubman and abolitionist friends including the Quakers who helped lead to the abolition of slavery; to the women's suffrage movement, when thousands of courageous women marched and endured arrest and jail to win the right to vote; to the civil rights movement with Charles Houston's and Thurgood Marshall's legal challenges to segregation and unequal public schools, bus boycotts, sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and marches which led to the right to vote -- gains that are slipping backwards; to the fight for LGBT equality and acknowledgement that love is love -- and many more. We must encourage and support a new group of American leaders -- nonviolent servant leaders -- to sit in and stand up and do whatever it takes to protect and build on the progress made, resist the backwards slide in our regressive Congress, reject people spouting hate and intolerance at any group, and support the will of the majority of Americans, including a majority of gun owners, who want Congress to do their job and pass common sense safety measures to stem the deeply destructive tide of gun violence in our nation. Gun violence should no longer be tolerated and accepted as a uniquely all-American value. Advertisement As John Lewis said from the House floor: Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary. Sometimes you have to make a way out of no way. We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something, when you have to make a little noise. When you have to move your feet. And this is the time. A fictitious book on law and racism. In a 4-3 ruling, SCOTUS has ruled that race-based "affirmative action" polices are constitutional. Affirmative action lives. Sort of. Much ink has been spilled on Fisher v. University of Texas since it first went to the high court in 2013 and then, like Lazarus, rose again in 2016. Many angles have been explored in debate over this case and the place of race in a diverse and unequal social order that is the twenty-first United States. First, the facts. Many social scientists and legal scholars have highlighted key contradictions at the heart of this case that should have made the presentation of injury a dubious proposition at best. For instance, Abigail Fisher sued on the grounds that she was denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin (UTA) because she was White; the logic being that lesser qualified students of Color took "her spot." Yet, the facts tell a different story. While it is true that one African American and four Latinx applicants with lower combined academic and personal achievement scores than Fisher's were admitted, so were 42 other White applicants whose scores were identical to or lower than Fisher's. On top of this, 168 African American and Latinx students with academic and personal achievement profiles equal to or better than Fisher were denied admission--demonstrating that if there was a racial bias, it was pro-White (Bouie 2015). UTA showed that even if Fisher received a racial advantage, it would not have made her application above the standard admission cut-off (Kohn 2013). Advertisement Second, the feelings. Many have used this case as a yet another opportunity to proclaim that affirmative action policies unfairly play the "race card" to the disadvantage of Whites. While approximately two-thirds of young White women in the U.S. are opposed to affirmative action policies (Cooperative Congressional Election Study 2014), the group that has benefited most from affirmative action is White women. Affirmative action policies have addressed some racial and gender bias; today, women are now more likely to graduate with bachelor's degrees and attend graduate school than men (Bidwell 2014). This has had a huge impact in women's post-collegiate lives. For example, in 1970, only 9.7 percent of U.S. physicians and 4.9 percent of lawyers were women, but by 2010, 32.4 percent of physicians and 33.4 percent of lawyers were women (Mitchell 2012). Importantly, these numbers are made up mostly of White women, not women of Color. Affirmative action is neither perfect nor are many of its interpretations. Third, the function. Some argue that affirmative action is necessary to produce a diverse and more equitable environment. Created in 1961 by an executive order by president John F. Kennedy, the program of affirmative action was designed to prevent racial discrimination in workplaces and schools. As applied to colleges and universities, it means that admissions committees can consider the race of applicants (along with hundreds of other variables) in decisions to admit students. The program has been controversial. For example, in 1978 a White applicant to the University of California at Davis medical school sued after he was denied admission. The case went to the Supreme Court (Regents of the University of California v. Bakke). The Court then ruled that schools could not use racial quotas, but that race itself could be used as one of many factors in determining admission. In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 209 which banned the use of race in college and university admissions, which led to an immediate reduction in students of color attending both UC Berkeley (a 61% reduction) and UCLA (a 35% reduction). Hence, some have said that without strong affirmative action policies, students of color would be kept out of elite, predominately White schools, under the logic that they are not well-equipped to learn within elite, majority White schools. Such a rationale was exposed in 2015 during arguments over the affirmative action case of Fisher v. University of Texas, when the late Justice Antonin Scalia said: Advertisement 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 slower-track school where they do well. 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 being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them. (in Mencimer 2015) But this assertion has been disputed, most notably by scholars Ian Ayres and Richard Brooks (see their amicus curiae brief here) and directs us to remember what the point of affirmative action is in the first place--to achieve parity in grades, or to produce a truly equitable and well-rounded society. Hence, a relatively unexplored dimension of affirmative action is, dare I say, the moral, humanistic, and even spiritual import of the policy. That is, despite affirmative action's near death experience, what of its soul? The question is not detached from the facts, feelings, and function of the policy, but gestures toward making explicit why we should care about this policy in the first place. For instance, sundry religious and spiritual traditions draw attention to the moral imperative animating affirmative action in the first place. For instance, the Jewish tradition has long been attuned to the plight of the "stranger," and the Babylonian Talmud Berakhot emphasizes the social benefit of the inclusion of various different people in order to strengthen collective thinking: Advertisement If one sees a great crowd, one should thank God for not having made them all of one mind. For just as each person's face is different from another, so is each person's mind different from any other mind The Baha'i Faith has given it adherents "affirmative action" like guidance since 1938 when Shoghi Effendi, the great-grandson of the Founder Baha'u'llah, wrote: Unlike the nations and peoples of the earth, be they of the East or of the West, democratic or authoritarian, communist or capitalist, whether belonging to the Old World or the New, who either ignore, trample upon, or extirpate, the racial, religious, or political minorities within the sphere of their jurisdiction, every organized community enlisted under the banner of Baha'u'llah should feel it to be its first and inescapable obligation to nurture, encourage, and safeguard every minority belonging to any faith, race, class, or nation within it. So great and vital is this principle that in such circumstances, as when an equal number of ballots have been cast in an election, or where the qualifications for any office are balanced as between the various races, faiths or nationalities within the community, priority should unhesitatingly be accorded the party representing the minority, and this for no other reason except to stimulate and encourage it, and afford it an opportunity to further the interests of the community. (Effendi 1990: 35) The General Board of the Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, along with many other Christian-based groups filed a brief of amici curiae in support of affirmative action, writing in part that: Advertisement Amici religious organizations and denominations ... are committed to enhancing and strengthening the independence, inclusion, individuality, and diversity of all people--affirming 'all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God' and working toward 'societies in which each person's value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened'. And in some Islamic traditions, such as the Ashal al-maddrik, a fairly standard and authoritative manual of Islamic law, we read of the emphasis on giving or even taking opportunities when they are not equally accessible. If one who is indigent and compelled by hunger happens upon the provisions of one who is well-to-do and the latter refuses to sell or donate some of these provisions to him, the indigent one should simply take it. And for this he will not be held liable. These points are not simply theocratic. Rather, they pertain to basic assumptions about how we see the varied people of our world--as inherently equal and fundamentally belonging members of the human family--or as atomized and disconnected competing units. This worldview speaks to the heart of the facts, feelings over, and function of, affirmative action. Regarding facts, unless we take a broader view of injury to the community or to the society writ large, we miss the forest through focus on an individual tree. Fisher was not harmed by UTA, but like so many like her, many cannot see how the facts belie claims that our educational or employment sectors are out to harm White folks. Advertisement Concerning feelings, consider that more than half of White U.S. residents today interpret any "advantage" or opportunity gained by a person of color as a disadvantage to themselves, what social scientists Norton and Sommers (2011) call "zero sum racism." Until Whites view their interests as stretching across the color-line, these attitudes and ideologies will likely entrench themselves. Apropos function, the point of affirmative action is not to effect only one group, but to strengthen society, in general. Society is sui generis--it is bigger than the sum of its parts with emergent properties that come from our equal and just association. Without equal opportunities overseeing the operation of our interactions, the diversity of our human family becomes a stratified social order, made up of alienated lives, where we all are doomed to unequal life chances that structure our unfair existence from cradle to grave. References Bidwell, Allie. 2014. "Women More Likely to Graduate College, but Still Earn Less Than Men." U.S. News. Accessed: http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2014/10/31/women-more-likely-to-graduate-college-but-still-earn-less-than-men Bouie, Jamelle. 2015. "Easy AA." Slate. 29 June. Accessed: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/06/fisher_v_university_of_texas_the_supreme_court_might_just_gut_affirmative.html Cooperative Congressional Election Study. 2014 Effendi, Shoghi. 1990 [1938]. The Advent of Divine Justice. Wilmette, IL: US Baha'i Publishing Trust Kohn, Sally. 2013. "Affirmative Action Has Helped White Women More Than Anyone." Time. 17 June. Accessed: http://ideas.time.com/2013/06/17/affirmative-action-has-helped-white-women-more-than-anyone/ Mencimer, Stephanie. 2015. "Justice Scalia Suggests Blacks Belong at 'Slower' Colleges." Mother Jones. 9 December. Accessed: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/justice-scalia-suggests-blacks-belong-slower-colleges-fisher-university-texas Advertisement Mitchell, Josh. 2012. "Women Notch Progress." The Wall Street Journal. Dec 4. Accessed: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323717004578159433220839020 Have you ever felt shameful or rejected yourself for being gay? It's easy to fixate on blaming others for these experiences and feelings. In moments of shame and rejection, you're not attending to the places of woundedness by blaming others. I recently had the honor to meet with Tara Brach who's an international mindfulness and meditation teacher. She teaches compassionate souls like many of us in the gay community to wake up our hearts and minds to free ourselves from the suffering we've faced from oppression. Tara Brach is the author of Radical Acceptance and she wrote this book because she used to be radically rejecting of herself. Advertisement Common issues amongst gay men include shame and rejection on various levels. Tara herself went through similar experiences of shame and rejection in her own life and had to find a way out of her own suffering. She found that the practices of mindfulness were the best answers to help heal and relieve suffering. Watch our entire interview here: Mindfulness can wake you up from a trance. You may have experienced rejection from your community or even from close friends and family members in certain scenarios. Tara tells us that the only way to heal is to find strategies that turn suffering around because we have a tendency for self aversion. You're either going to buy into your basic goodness or buy into the message of your badness. You can make the commitment to loving and healing yourself. You can unconditionally accept yourself just as you are and trust your goodness and worthiness. You can send kindness and compassion to the places that were hurt. Place one hand on your heart and say "It's ok sweetheart." You can keep company with the wound and then you won't be the oppressed individual but you'll be the compassionate presence and the holder of that vulnerable being. You need to forgive the places of yourself that are aggressive, addictive, and self centered by forgiving your imperfections. Advertisement Imagine you see a dog in the middle of the woods and he lunges out at you. First you're frightened, defensive, and angry but all of a sudden you realize he has his leg in a trap. Then you shift. Instead of being mad, you shift to kindness. You wouldn't behave with anger unless you knew you were trapped yourself. You need to dedicate yourself to trusting your goodness. Carl Rogers says "It's not until we accept ourselves that we're free to change." The compassion that you hold to yourself is your true self. It's natural to feel anger and blame but always find a way to move beyond the anger and send kindness back to yourself. Come back to reminding yourself of your value. Have mirrors of people around you that trust in your basic goodness and make this the center of your life. Be a mirror for others, see the light in others and remind others of their own rightness, intelligence, and creativity. All of the shame and suffering you experience is not entirely your fault. It's the conditioning of many lifetimes but you don't need to blame others to heal yourself. Advertisement When you forgive yourself, you can forgive others. Remember three things: remember to forgive others, don't blame others, and bring healing to yourself, over and over again. When you begin to include forgiveness to the oppressor, you change the patterns of the world, and begin the healing of the world. It's critical you dedicate yourself to loving and healing yourself. You need to offer healing to yourself, and to begin to heal yourself by placing one hand on the heart and say something compassionate to yourself. You also need to receive energy from others too. We're not good at receiving because we have many parts of ourselves that have been pushed under, wounded, and violated. Max DuBowy is a best-selling author and the Chief Peace Officer at Your Success Launch where he teaches gay men how to heal and transform suffering into self-acceptance, love and confidence. INSTANTLY DOWNLOAD A COPY OF HIS FREE SELF-ACCEPTANCE CHECKLIST. Good luck today, biggest Friday of the quarter is here!! Still 4 days including today to get [prescriptions] filled, put more $$ in your pockets and for those of you who haven't met your baseline yet, there's still time left! You have all heard it before, LIVE WITH YOUR TOP DOCS, and even more importantly ASK for their business. We all benefit from having the best ROO [Rapid-Onset Opioid] in its class, that being said, there is no excuse for any of your docs to not take care of you at this crucial time of the quarter. For the first time as a company, we are facing the challenge of meeting our quarterly goal. That being said, its time for all of your ... top prescribers (esp. SPEAKERS) to give back for all of the hard work, long days and late nights you have spoiled them with. Recently, I was out to dinner with an industry colleague at a new and trendy restaurant. The lights were not too dim and the music was not overpowering which made this a great choice for catching up and having a conversation. The restaurant seemed to attract a good mix of clientele from the more mature business professional to the "20 something" crowd. To our right, was a small group of young adults and based on their attire, they seemed to have just gotten off work. I've always enjoyed "people watching," particularly at a place that I've never been before. Glancing over at the tables next to me, I realized that "people watching" is just not as interesting as it used to be. So why is that? Well, how interesting is it to watch people that never look up from their cell phones -- not even long enough to acknowledge the server? They took their seats, glanced at the menus, continued scrolling, texting, etc. on their phones, and rarely engaged in conversation that prompted any kind of eye contact. I wondered and then asked my colleague, "Where do you think they work and what do you think they do"? Certainly, they can't be in a role that requires them to speak in public! Or are they, and are they just ill-equipped to do so? Advertisement According to a posting by the Association of American Colleges & Universities, out of the top 10 things an employer looks for in new college graduates, the ability to write and speak well is listed as number 3. No wonder we have such an "employment disconnect" in the workforce. On one hand, recent college graduates complain that "there are no jobs." On the other hand, employers complain that they cannot fill open positions with candidates that have the right skill set. So what can we do to bridge the gap? To be fair, being afraid or unskilled in public speaking is not just a problem for the millennials. After all, even Warren Buffett admits that he was "terrified of public speaking," and signed up for a public speaking course. He admits that investing in a public speaking course literally changed his life. Sounds like a worthwhile investment for recent graduates to me! Millennials Who Communicate Well have an Advantage in the Business-World Millennials, in an aggressive workforce, get ahead of the competition. Employers want to hire individuals who are great at public speaking and give engaging presentations. so it's time to invest in yourself! Below are 3 basics things to keep in mind as you prepare for attending a public speaking workshop: 1) There is no such thing as perfect speaker. Do you feel intimidated because you want to be a perfect speaker? Well, there is no such thing. The goal is not to be "perfect," but rather confident and engaging. Advertisement TIP: To build up your confidence as a speaker, you need to speak! A strong public speaking workshop will give you ample opportunity to get up and speak in a constructive and positive environment. TIP: To engage your audience, tell a relatable story. Develop a message so that your audience is almost begging you, "Tell me more!" 2) Arrive early for your workshop. Don't increase your anxiety by searching for a parking spot, the right building, the right floor, etc. Give yourself ample time to get in and get settled, get a water or coffee and prepare. TIP: As a speaker, you will also want to arrive early, make sure your equipment is working, and the room is set up as needed. Start to get into this habit now. TIP: When you are early, you may have an opportunity to speak with other participants before the workshop begins. If you already know someone in your audience, you can rely on that "friendly face" as a focal point when you are presenting. 3) Write down in advance a few topics that you are passionate about and knowledgeable. Most likely, you will be asked to present on a personal topic so have a few in your back pocket. Advertisement TIP: If you are passionate about your topic, you will throw contagious energy to your audience and they will be more receptive. TIP: If you are knowledgeable about your topic, you will be perceived as the "expert". Your confidence will be up, and the audience will see and feel that you know what you are saying. The ancient Greeks had four distinct words to express the nuances of 'love'. 'Eros' characterized love driven by lust and sexual passion, for example, and 'Storge' described the affectionate kind of love that, say, parents feel toward their offspring. Words give the world meaning. Every time we learn a new word we add a new color to our palette. Not only can we better depict the world for others, but we can also better understand it ourselves. This is especially true when it comes to wine. What follows are the ten wine words that you need in your palette. Images attributed to allremedies.com and thepioneerwoman.com 1. Body: Ever noticed how whole milk tastes thicker than skim milk? That's body -- the wine's mouth-feel in terms of weight and thickness. There are three categories here: light-bodied (e.g., skim milk), medium-bodied (e.g., whole milk), and full-bodied (e.g., heavy cream). Of course a full-bodied wine will not be as thick as heavy cream, but the relative differences are similar. Here's an insightful experiment: drink a Cabernet Sauvignon (full-bodied) alongside a Pinot Noir (light-bodied) and see if you can feel the difference in terms of the weight on your palate. Advertisement Image attributed to jumblejoy.com 2. Tannins: If you've ever had over-steeped black tea, you know exactly what tannins feel like. Tannin is a compound in the wine that causes your mouth to feel dry and can taste slightly bitter and/or astringent. In right doses, tannins contribute to the wine's longevity by enabling it to age. Nebbiolo (e.g., Barolo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Sirah are all prime examples of high-tannin wines. On the other end of the tannin spectrum we have Pinot Noir, Merlot, Barbera, Grenache, Gamay, and Zinfandel, all of which have softer tannins. Image attributed to naturelovingtouch.com 3. Acidity: Ever notice that raw lemon makes you pucker up and intensely salivate? That's attributed to acid. Wines high in acid can be quite refreshing and will keep you yearning for another sip. In large doses, acid can make the wine taste tart and/or sour and will cause you to salivate. Moreover, acid allows wines to better age and can contribute to the wine's balance (see 'balance' below). Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Chablis, Sauvignon Blanc, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Gamay and Zinfandel all come to mind when I think of high-acid wines. Image attributed to themanual.com 4. Alcohol: Have you ever tasted a really strong, alcoholic drink? Of course you have. Why is alcohol important in wine? It contributes to the wine's viscosity and body, as evidenced in the thick tears running down the side of the glass in wines that are particularly high in alcohol. Alcohol has the capacity to balance out both tannins and sweetness, but in too large a dose is capable of eclipsing the fruit and/or making the wine taste unnecessarily hot on the finish. Image attributed to jiameng.com 5. Balance: Unfortunately, at some point in our lives most of us have encountered a cocktail with too much sweetness or alcohol, or not enough of either. It was lacking balance. Balance simply implies that there's harmony between the different sensations (e.g., alcohol, tannin, acidity, etc.) you detect when drinking the wine, so no single element sticks out like a sore thumb. Advertisement Images attributed to anywalls.com and liveallheart.com 6. Sweet vs Dry (yes, they're opposites): Have you tasted the difference between black coffee vs. coffee with cream and a heap of sugar? The former would be considered 'dry', and the latter 'sweet'. It's important to note that sweet doesn't equate to our normal interpretation of the word when it comes to wine. Sweet technically refers to wines with residual sugar (e.g., dessert wine), but dry (very low in sugar) wines can sometimes taste sweet due to a depth of ripe fruit flavors. In other words, it's possible to have a wine that's entirely dry but tastes fruity, which you may interpret as sweet. Dry New World red wines (e.g., Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, etc.), for example, often come off as 'sweet' because they contain flavors of intense, ripe fruit. Image attributed to macdowells.com 7. Oaky: Have you ever had the pleasure of eating BBQ ribs? The smoke penetrates the meat and adds a new dimension of delicious flavor. The phenomenon of imparting flavor applies to wine as well, where 'oaky' refers to flavors diffused into the wine by the oak barrel it was vinified and/or aged in. Oaky flavor profiles vary depending on the type and age of oak used. Common aromas for 'oaky' wines are vanilla, toast, nutty, cedar, coconut, cinnamon, clove, dill and smoke. Open a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and see if you can pick out any of these scents. Image attributed to scanprogram.org 8. Earthy: Ever smelled fresh soil? It's 'earthy' -- equal parts freshness, moisture, mustiness and ferment. This can be considered a negative when the earthy flavors/aromas are overly pronounced, but in moderation earthiness can add tremendous complexity to a wine. Chianti Classico is a fine example of a delicious wine where the combination of earthy, rustic undertones come together with fruit flavors to make for an outstanding wine. Image attributed to 1wallpaper.net 9. Structure: We can all appreciate the difference between a 2D image vs. a 3D image. The former is flat, like a wine that lacks structure, while the latter has shape and depth -- a wine with excellent structure. Structure is the texture and mouthfeel, or lack thereof, of the wine on your palate, which is determined by the wine's level of acidity, alcohol, tannin, and sugar. Image attributed to mworksheet.com 10. Finish: Ever tasted the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate? While they're both divine, the concentrated flavors of the dark chocolate linger on your taste buds longer, well after you've swallowed. In other words, it has a long 'finish'. Finish is how long you taste the pleasant elements of the wine after you've swallowed. Many inexpensive wines are rather pleasant on the nose and taste great on the way down, but once you've swallowed, the taste vanishes and leaves you with a short to nonexistent finish. You'll find that high quality wines, on the other hand, leave their mark on your senses long after you've imbibed. Advertisement Okay, now that we have the most fundamental terms down, we're going to apply them. I just opened a bottle of Amarone and have provided my tasting notes below for your reference. The 2009 Roccolo Grassi Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied wine that fires on all cylinders. The nose is complex with aromas of cherry, fig, cedar, tobacco, spices and earth. The oak is well-integrated, and the tannins are beginning to soften. Despite its elevated alcohol content (16.5%!), this Amarone is in perfect balance and the finish is long and satisfying. A remarkable wine... bravo! Next time you open a bottle, try drawing upon the concepts discussed above as you enjoy the wine. --- Being mindful of these ten elements will give you deeper insight into your likes and dislikes when it comes to the many wine varietals and styles out there, and allow you to better evaluate the quality of wine. Throw caution to the wind and don't worry if you only remember a few -- you're still one step closer to wine enlightenment. Cheers! PS: Any wine words you're uncertain about that aren't on this list? Ask about them in the comments and I'd be happy to address them. Warner Bros Pictures' "The Great Gatsby" With the conclusion of the presidential primary season and self-described Socialist Bernie Sanders' surprisingly successful campaign, it is time to ask: Is liberalism becoming socialism? U.S. conservatives have already answered the question: Yes! While this had been an occasional right-wing talking point since the New Deal, it was never commonplace before President Obama. But, since 2009, one almost can't listen to right-wing radio without hearing Obama called a Marxist. (Boy, Marxism sure is good for the stock market.) With Sanders' exceeding expectations, the Socialist label was broadened to the entire Democratic Party and appeared in more mainstream venues. Advertisement On Fox News, conservative radio host and former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain couldn't help but smile big -- really big -- when he declared that the Democratic primary race is between Socialists. Jason Riley called liberalism and socialism "a distinction without a difference" in The Wall Street Journal. Even Chris Mathews of MSNBC felt compelled to ask Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz the difference between a Democrat and a Socialist. Underlying the trend: every Democratic economic proposal is now labeled by critics as "socialism". Free or reduced college tuition? Socialism! Higher minimum wage? Socialism! Incentives for executives to provide shares of corporate stock to their employees? Capitalism? Nope: Socialism! But socialism has a very precise definition: "government ownership of the means of production". Socialism, including Bernie Sanders' preferred terminology, "democratic socialism", means government, not investors, owns the economy -- or at least, the key actors in the marketplace. But this wasn't the definition that Senator Sanders ran on. When Socialists took power in Great Britain and France after World War II, they nationalized an auto company, an aircraft company, mines, and more. Advertisement You don't hear Sanders calling for Ford or Boeing to be nationalized. In fact, Sanders has been explicit: "I don't believe government should take over the grocery store down the street or own the means of production." OK, he has proposed nationalizing one industry: health insurance. That isn't socialism either Conservatives believe the marketplace is "perfect" -- that is, optimal and self-correcting. Socialists believe the government is "perfect" -- that is, optimal and self-correcting. Only liberals believe that the government and the marketplace are essential and imperfect. Since neither is completely "self-correcting", each is needed to mitigate the flaws of the other. There are many examples of marketplace imperfection. "Risk" is one example. Perhaps a minor flaw for wealthy investors who use risk to earn a return or who are not greatly harmed if the companies they invest in go bankrupt and they lose their investment. But for the employees who work for those companies? Many, through little or no fault of their own, are at unbearable risk of failure and could find themselves on the streets. How long will it take them to find jobs? And will those jobs compare to the jobs they lost? Advertisement The marketplace manages risk through insurance -- but nowhere close to optimally. Our government recognizes that large numbers of people will either not have the money to purchase unemployment insurance as necessary or make the wrong decision as to whether they need it. Thus, government provides this insurance. And it's hardly limited to unemployment. Federal and state governments universalize a variety of social insurance to correct this one marketplace flaw: workman's compensation, disability, Social Security -- even insurance for our bank deposits. Note that Sanders isn't proposing nationalizing the health care industry, as Britain has done. Only health insurance! He doesn't want to replace the marketplace. He just wants to protect everyone from this inherent feature of the marketplace. That isn't socialism. It's liberalism. But Senator Sanders and conservatives aren't the only ones conflating these two terms. Countries that once did nationalize major industries are headed in the opposite direction, while retaining their "socialist" images. And it's not just the Communist extremes like China moving rapidly toward a capitalist marketplace. Nor Cuba, where they are discussing worker cooperatives as an alternative to government ownership. Advertisement No, we can look to "democratic socialist" Europe: In Sweden, government dominated the economy -- public spending topping out at 70.5 percent of the GDP. Today, it has dropped to about 50 percent. And the same trend is true in country after country. No Western European country has a public sector that is even 60 percent of its economy today -- and most dropped the percentage of public spending by about 20 percent -- prior to the recession of 2008 and the small increase in counter-cyclical government spending that resulted from it. European countries are even privatizing some of the companies they had nationalized. So, is liberalism becoming socialism as conservatives assert? Hardly. The lesson of the Sanders campaign, as well as economic trends worldwide, is that socialism is becoming liberalism. Perhaps redefining socialism is a worthy endeavor. Given that the upper 1 percent is taking nearly all of recent productivity gains while the working class is falling out of the middle class, one could envision a form of "socialism" that goes beyond "safety-net" liberalism, retaining a large private sector but assuring that assets and income are spread more broadly. Greater worker ownership of the workplace, annual income modeled after the Alaska Permanent Fund's distribution of royalties from public assets, and Universal Trust Funds could all be elements of this New Socialism. But Donald Trump made more of an effort in the past year to redefine conservatism than Sanders did to redefine socialism. So, forget the polls that show him defeating Donald Trump. The Republicans would have used the term to beat him decisively. So here's the other lesson of the Sanders campaign: If you're running for president, don't use the term socialism if you don't intend to redefine it. Advertisement The great Greek playwright Sophocles once said, "Sons are the anchors of a mother's life," and if the tragedian were still alive today he'd most likely agree that the living example of this quote would be embodied by one indomitable mother, Hallie Twomey. After tragically losing her son CJ to suicide, Hallie embarked on a journey that would carry her late son's spirit and ashes throughout 200-plus countries, across 6 continents and just for good measure she even sent a few of CJ ashes to space. "It dawned on me that his ashes would be sitting in that urn forever," the grief stricken mother told BBC last December. "He didn't get to see the world and I wanted to give CJ something he didn't get a chance to have." Unlike most adventures this one began with one humble post on Facebook. "I asked for family and friends to help scatter CJ's ashes, I'd send them a picture of CJ along with some of his ashes, I wanted them to tell him how much we loved him in return I'd request pictures of their journey along with a description. I expected a couple hundred people maybe." However as we all know social media responds to authenticity, the Scattering CJ Facebook page received over 12,000 request to help with CJ's final voyage and amassed over 20,000 followers. Hallie was in awe, that one simple request to help honor her son quickly manifested into a movement. Advertisement The Scattering CJ Facebook page is a sincere reflection of true humanity, thousands of heartfelt videos and pictures fill the timeline with would be strangers, now friends honoring the life of CJ Twomey. With one singular post catching the eye of award winning filmmaker Andrea Kalin " I was speaking to David Lobatto my producing partner and a writer based in London when I learned about CJ through a post of one of the project's scatterers. David pointed me to Hallie's Facebook page. We were both profoundly moved by her loss, yet at the same time galvanized by the sheer life-affirming humanity of her mission." Emotionally impacted by Hallie's story Andrea, owner of Spark Media a production company based in DC initiated creating a documentary based on this profound story. "Scattering CJ truly taps into something universal and I was heartened and inspired by the outpouring of human kindness and compassion that I've observed. This story illustrates the extraordinary binds formed between strangers through social media and is a much needed antidote to the darker side of the internet." With Scattering CJ the documentary now in production it is the hope of both Hallie and Spark Media to initiate a conversation around both mental illness and suicide. "From the Scattering CJ community, we can tap into a large, diverse pool of people willing to engage. Some have been directly affected by suicide. Others were moved by the raw, unvarnished emotion of its consequences as conveyed by Hallie." The filmmaker passionately declares. " A few have seriously contemplated or attempted it themselves. Their voices along with the bravery of Hallie and her family in opening up about CJ's death will make them standard-bearers in our film's campaign to mitigate the guilt, shame and numbing pain that suicide can induce and giving it the sense of immediacy it deserves." If any further evidence were required to show the positive action the project and the film can incite, here's a post from the Scattering CJ page: "Hallie -- thank you for sharing your journey with the world. It is because of your journey that I know taking my life is not the answer. No matter the pain I feel inside, I think about the pain that you feel with the loss of your son and I don't want my loved ones to have to go through that as well. There are really tough days and I'm going through a tough time. But I read your posts daily. Please know your sharing does help. Thank you." Advertisement If you would like to join the movement an indiegogo campaign has begun to help with the post production of the Scattering CJ documentary. ___________________ For large portions of the U.S. population, the on-going struggle for police accountability has played out in sporadic bursts, following deaths at the hands of the police - 531 already in 2016. Amadou Diallo, Rekia Boyd, Kelly Thomas, Shantel Davis, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Tanisha Anderson, Miriam Carey, Tamir Rice. These deaths, which include that of Omar Edwards, a Black plainclothes police officer who was killed after fellow Manhattan cops mistook him for a car thief, provoke a certain kind of terrorism, leading parents, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, to publically discuss the grim reality of telling their Black children not to move their hands too quickly when confronted by police - discussions absent from counsel of White parents to their children. Public pressure, education and movement building have forced the media to cover this problem, which has, for perhaps the first time, also been pushed - largely by young, Black organizers - into the discourse of the presidential primaries. But a more widespread, insidious type of activity may finally be getting a long-deserved comeuppance here in New York City. Broken Windows policing, a high-arrest policy of aggressive police enforcement of minor crimes and violations, has reenergized policing (and police budgets) across the country after being popularized by Bill Bratton during his first turn as Commissioner of the New York Police Department under Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the mid-1990s. Advertisement Since 2006, NYPD has made approximately 3.5 million arrests (about three quarters of which were for misdemeanors) and doled out about 9 million traffic tickets and 4.5 million criminal summons violations. The impact of these low-level enforcements, over time - tickets, fines, a couple days in jail here and there - may not be as obvious as physical police brutality or murder, but can be a major barrier to success and at times, even deadly. Early this year, in The Nation, Debbie Nathan's poignant investigation into the death of Sandra Bland, described how a "deluge" of fines, fees, warrants and short jail stints - all triggered by minor, low-level violations like traffic offenses and marijuana possession - pushed a young woman's life off-track. While Bland's death in police custody finally made the news, it was preceded by a life-long trail of humiliations at the hands of law enforcement across two states that seem to have derailed her - contacts made more dangerous and powerful by the systemic racism and sexism that circumscribed other opportunities. This is what broken windows policing is all about. A constant grind; jab, jab, jab, jab, against people already marginalized by a raft of public policies and historical hierarchies, before a final KO that may come as an eviction, a lost job, a desperate act leading to more severe criminal consequences, or brutality and at times - as it was for Eric Garner - death at the hands of the state. In New York City, at least, police enforcement of low-level activities objectively focuses on certain people based on race. While a recent NYC Department of Investigation report identified that areas with higher populations of people of color saw more enforcement, even when controlling for levels of crime, a 2014 study also found that even in predominantly White neighborhoods, people of color, specifically Black and Latino people, represented almost everyone ticketed for things like spitting, jaywalking, open container of alcohol, or riding a bike on the sidewalk. NYC's Department of Health estimated that fewer than 20 percent of all dogs in the City are licensed, yet, Black and Latino pet owners make up 91 percent of the people fined for unlicensed dogs, according to that report. The work of the Police Reform Organizing Project and others has consistently reflected this reality. Advertisement While apologists for police overreach often point to community complaints as catalysts for low-level enforcement, this argument rests on the notion - supported by NYC's fraudulent neighborhood policing program - that the police are the only people capable of responding to conflicts in the community no matter how small or how far outside the traditional scope of their authority. To the extent that that may be true, this is reflective of the City's policies of disinvestment in marginalized communities (of all things besides law enforcement) not of some innate quality in police. Daryl Kahn elucidated this reality succinctly with his 2014 story aptly titled: "Harlem Residents: We Asked City for Help, We Got a Raid Instead." At a community meeting I attended last summer in Brooklyn, a resident complained to the Commanding Officer of the local precinct about a violent crime that occurred on her block: a gun point robbery. What were the police doing to solve the crime and to ensure that it doesn't happen again, the woman asked? "We are summonsing the crap out of that corner," the Commanding Officer said. That is, they are ticketing people for the lowest of infractions simply because they live or wander near a crime scene, because this, in reality, is the only way that police have to respond to community complaints. No one in the neighborhood had come forward with any information about the underlying crime, he continued; maybe they were all too busy in summons court. When reality and justice eventually caught up with Stop and Frisk in 2011, after almost of decade of protracted struggle by activists here, then-Commissioner Ray Kelly and Mayor Mike Bloomberg came to the now thoroughly debunked practice's defense. Today, as then, a similar cast of characters has lined up to protect the status quo - and police power more generally. Bratton and De Blasio have replaced Kelly and Bloomberg as the administration talking heads, and like their predecessors, they have tied themselves to the mast of the sinking U.S.S. Broken Windows with Bratton's colleagues at the Manhattan Institute, who famously described Stop and Frisk as NYC's "most important export," and predicted streets bathed in blood following the successful constitutional challenge to the practice, events which of course, as Bratton himself announces regularly, never came to fruition. For his part, Bratton's professional legacy and personal wealth hinge on protecting this dying brand. Twenty years ago next week, on 8 July 1996, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion regarding nuclear weapons. In a decision that split its fourteen-member bench, the court found, with the president's casting vote: [T]he threat or use of nuclear weapons would generally be contrary to the rules of international law applicable in armed conflict, and in particular the principles and rules of humanitarian law; [h]owever, in view of the current state of international law, and of the elements of fact at its disposal, the Court cannot conclude definitively whether the threat or use of nuclear weapons would be lawful or unlawful in an extreme circumstance of self-defence, in which the very survival of a State would be at stake. This ruling has given rise to divergent positions about the lawfulness of nuclear weapons. Some stand by the notion that there is no room left for their lawful use. On this view, the only thing that is perhaps missing is a treaty confirming their illegality. For many others, including myself, international law currently lacks a clear-cut, comprehensive prohibition against their use. This absence is paradoxical, since biological and chemical weapons, the other two weapons of mass destruction, are categorically banned regardless of the circumstances of their use. Still others interpret the advisory opinion as rightly conceding that today's international law permits the use of nuclear weapons in exceptional circumstances. Advertisement Official signed and sealed copy of a judgment of the International Court of Justice. (Photograph: Jeroen Bouman - Courtesy of the ICJ. All rights reserved.) There is a legal gap In December 2014, the Vienna conference on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons concluded with Austria's observation that "there is no comprehensive legal norm universally prohibiting [their] possession, transfer, production and use". The "Austrian Pledge" - which is also a UN General Assembly resolution now and enjoys the official endorsement of more than 120 states - calls upon states "to identify and pursue effective measures to fill the legal gap for the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons". The "gap" metaphor quickly caught on. In April 2015, two international NGOs active in the field jointly published Filling the Legal Gap: The Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. They argued that negotiations should commence in 2015 with a view to concluding a ban treaty. When that year's review conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ended without a final document, a sizable group of states decried a "reality gap, a credibility gap, a confidence gap and a moral gap" in what nuclear disarmament should mean. Those for whom customary international law already prohibits nuclear weapons insist that there is no legal gap but only a "compliance gap" with their prohibition. There is no legal gap Resistance to the metaphor has also become increasingly vocal. Let us focus on one of the two senses, i.e., the prohibition of nuclear weapons, in which the existence of a legal gap is contested. (The other sense concerns the content of disarmament obligations under the NPT's Article VI. The United States challenges the notion that there is any legal gap there. So does Italy.) Advertisement In April this year, Canada and The Netherlands filed papers with a UN open-ended working group where many participants echoed the need to fill the prohibition gap. The Dutch paper does not specifically deny the "so-called" legal gap. Instead, it quotes the ICJ's 1986 Nicaragua judgment that found that general international law imposes no limitation on the level of armaments of a state. The paper also highlights the 1996 advisory opinion's ambivalence. All we get is the impression that The Netherlands sees no legal gap insofar as "international law does not contain any rule prohibiting nuclear weapons as such". Canada's position - which it reiterated during the working group meetings - is more explicit. For Canada, "[t]he mere fact that a law or legal norm has not been imposed does not necessarily mean there is a legal gap". While seeking a ban "is an understandable aspiration, the reality is that under current customary international law, the use and possession of nuclear weapons is not illegal". Canada cautions that "legal gap arguments have the potential to be wrongly interpreted as implying there are legal grounds, as opposed to moral or humanitarian grounds, to negotiate a ban on nuclear weapons". In Canada's view, "a true legal gap requires a situation where the absence of a law or legal norm prevents an inherently 'illegal' situation from being addressed". A New Zealand diplomat succinctly rebutted this mysterious notion called "inherent illegality". Nevertheless, Canada could be implying that a gap exists only where positive law fails to codify what is already forbidden. Since today's customary international law does not ban nuclear weapons per se, the absence of a ban treaty is not a legal gap. Mind the ... (Photograph: Jamie Harrison - Courtesy of Flickr. All rights reserved.) Legal gap or no legal gap - that is not the question The "no legal gap" argument suggests that the absence of a prohibition does not necessarily mean the absence of a rule. By declining to ban nuclear weapons in all circumstances, international law implicitly permits their use in some circumstances. Permission is a rule, even if it is an implicit one. This, to be sure, is all very engrossing stuff for lawyers. Delightfully esoteric and full of technical nuances, this line of reasoning raises the kinds of questions on which doctoral dissertations are written and legal careers built. Does today's international law still permit by default what it does not specifically prohibit? Is state survival really a right under international law? Did the ICJ effectively declare non liquet ("the law is not clear") in 1996 and, if so, did it have the authority to do so? The list goes on. Advertisement The whole "is there or is there not a legal gap" debate is a bit of a digression, however. For those who see a gap in nuclear weapons' international law status, the gap refers to the absence of their prohibition, not the absence of a rule on their use. Most of us involved in this discussion agree that the law presently lacks a nuclear weapons ban, whether we call it a legal gap or not. Why, then, would anyone want to mask this agreement? This, I suspect, is because the deniers of a "legal gap" are trying to denigrate the real preoccupation of their opponents. On the one hand, as long as the law contains no gap, there is, by definition, no gap to fill. The world can go back to the usual business of nuclear disarmament in good conscience. On the other hand, admitting a gap's existence would in practice mean admitting the need to fill it. If we successfully prevented the absence of a prohibition of nuclear weapons from being portrayed as a legal gap, that should undercut the ban advocacy's validity. Advocating a nuclear weapons ban treaty is not an abstract exercise done for some aesthetic reasons ("a gap must be filled because it is there"). Rather, "filling the legal gap" is a figure of speech that helps visualise the lack of a categorical prohibition of nuclear weapons as a problem in need of a solution. The metaphor also highlights prohibition as an item conspicuously missing in the catalogue of effective nuclear disarmament measures proposed by nuclear-armed and umbrella states. Photograph: Titan II ICBM courtesy of the Titan Missile Museum, Sahuarita, Arizona, USA, www.titanmissilemuseum.org Let us call a spade a spade In his declaration appended to the ICJ's 1996 advisory opinion, President Bedjaoui warned against those "who will inevitably interpret [the controversial paragraph] as contemplating the possibility of States using nuclear weapons in exceptional circumstances". He continued: "I feel obliged in all honesty to construe that paragraph differently, a fact which has enabled me to support the text". Advertisement BEIJING, June 30 -- The drop in China's outstanding foreign debt narrowed in the first quarter of the year, with improving structure and rebounding intercompany loans, data from the country's forex regulator showed Thursday. The debt settled at 1.36 trillion U.S. dollars by the end of March, down 3.6 percent quarter to quarter and retreating from 7.4 percent at the end of 2015, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) said in a statement on its website. Affected by lackluster foreign trade, the growth of China's external debt remained in negative territory. But the structure has improved with falling short-term debt and rising long- and medium-term debt, and intercompany loans ended a losing streak with a 7-percent gain, SAFE said. SAFE predicted the debt volume will trend stable and promised better debt management and strengthened supervision of capital flow. A majority of the debt owed to foreign creditors resulted from short-term borrowing, while long- and medium-term outstanding external debt accounted for the remaining 38 percent, data showed. We're kicking off the summer season with a literary road trip from the lush forests of Maine, to the small towns of the Midwest, to the expansive plains of Wyoming. Each of these eight books celebrates a distinct microcosm of the American landscape. Choose your own destination and let's hit the road! Brewster by Mark Slouka Set in small town Brewster, New York, in 1968, this novel tells the story of two boys who find solace in their close friendship as they confront feelings of powerlessness, navigate hardships at home, and dream of an escape from their dead-end town. Read the review here Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead Benji Cooper is one of the few black students at his elite Manhattan prep school. But every summer, Benji escapes to Sag Harbor, where a small community of African American professionals have built a world of their own in the Hamptons. And although he's just as confused about this all-black refuge as he is about the white world he negotiates the rest of the year, he thinks that the summer of '85 might be one for the ages. Advertisement Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson In this moving collection of interrelated stories, Ohio-born Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) illuminates the loneliness and frustration--spiritual, emotional, and artistic--of life in a small American town. Read the review here Close Range : Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author of The Shipping News and Accordion Crimes comes one of the most celebrated short-story collections of our time. Annie Proulx's masterful language and fierce love of Wyoming are evident in these breathtaking tales of loneliness, violence, and the wrong kinds of love. Crazy in Alabama by Mark Childress Comic, tragic, tender, and outlandish, Crazy in Alabama is the story of two journeys that converge in the deep south in 1965. Twelve-year-old Peejoe spends the summer at his grandmother's where he witnesses violent racial conflict firsthand. Meanwhile, his aunt Lucille murders her husband, drops her six kids at her mother's house, where Peejoe is staying, and heads to Los Angeles to audition for "The Beverly Hillbillies." Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson This cult classic of gonzo journalism is the tale of a long weekend road trip that has gone down in the annals of American pop culture as one of the strangest, most drug-soaked, and addlebrained journeys ever undertaken. Advertisement California by Edan Lepucki The sunshine state lies in darkness, Los Angeles in ruins. This gripping and provocative debut novel imagines a frighteningly realistic near future, in which clashes between mankind's dark nature and irrepressible resilience force us to question how far we will go to protect the ones we love. The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck At once a majestic journey, a significant work of history, and a moving personal saga, this is the journey of a lifetime: an epic quest to travel the length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way, in a covered wagon with a team of mules. A wildly ambitious work of nonfiction, it is a book with a heart as big as the country it crosses. See the full list at Off the Shelf, a daily blog that connects great readers with great books. Smiling medical staff at hospital At the close of another annual gathering of the American Nurses Association, it was clear: the commitment of our nation's nurses to help treat and prevent opioid dependence and overdose -- which has grown to epidemic proportions over the last 15 years -- has never been stronger. We are also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. At the root of this problem is people's fear - fear of their pain and fear of being judged if they ask for help with dependence. Advertisement In a roundtable discussion held during the meeting, many nurses discussed the need to overcome the widespread cultural expectation that medication will "make it all better." Instead, we must promote alternative treatments, including physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, and other holistic approaches. However, it was noted that many of these alternative treatments, which a nurse might recommend for pain management, are not covered by insurance companies to the extent that drugs are, if at all. Another nurse at the meeting pointed out the need for better oversight of the re-ordering and renewal process for opioid pain prescriptions. In a powerful moment, a West Virginia nurse bravely shared her own story of opioid dependence. Her journey included recovery. Many do not. A Message to Patients Year after year, the public ranks nurses as the nation's most honest, ethical, and trustworthy profession. If you are experiencing opioid dependence, let us be there for you in this struggle, too. Advertisement So many of your battles for better health already begin with a conversation with a trusted nurse. The same can be true for the struggle to be free of opioid dependence. When we ask about your history of substance use, we do not intend to bring about shame or guilt. It is an essential question to understand your health history. I say this as a professional who firmly believes that dependency is a neurobiological disease -- not a choice and certainly not a weakness. A Call to Action According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids has increased by 200 percent since 2000. Some may want to blame pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and physicians -- and sometimes even patients. Rather than spending time assigning blame, nurses are ready to lead on the front lines of beating this epidemic. More than three million strong, registered nurses can play an increased role in assessing, diagnosing, and managing the care of patients battling dependence. Additionally, nurses can elevate the problem of opioid dependence so that it receives the same level of attention and awareness as heart disease and cancer. We know that education of health care providers and consumers is essential. ANA has joined the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and 40 other provider groups in a pledge to train more than 540,000 opioid prescribers over the next two years. As a result, the future of nurse education and training is likely to emphasize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. Furthermore, ANA has created a webpage of information and resources for nurses to educate and advocate for the prevention and treatment of opioid dependency. Through our collective commitment, we've also pledged two things. First, we will help double the number of health care providers registered with their state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs in the next two years. Second, we will launch an awareness campaign that reaches more than four million health care providers with information on opioid dependence, prescribing practices, and actions they can take to be a part of the solution. Advertisement The gravity of the opioid crisis has transcended an otherwise hyper-partisan environment on Capitol Hill to produce a package of opioid-related bills, poised to arrive on the President's desk before the fall. ANA has been actively engaged in discussions in which the bills were crafted. At each turn, we seek to eliminate barriers to treatment and expand access to prevention and treatment options for patients with opioid dependence. Adequate funding for prevention and treatment services is, undoubtedly, a key piece of the puzzle. In February, President Obama put forward a proposal for $1.1 billion in new funding to address the opioid epidemic in his FY2017 budget. This crisis warrants such additional investments. The time to contribute to an urgent and comprehensive response is now. Consumers: Get educated on the problem of opioid dependence. Then join the chorus of advocates calling for appropriate funding to help close the treatment gap. Last September 30, community activists and local officials from around the country came to Washington, DC to protest HUD's pro-Wall Street policies. Two years ago, community organizing groups around the country, with the key support of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), began pressuring HUD Secretary Julian Castro to stop selling delinquent mortgages to Wall Street investors and help nonprofit organizations to purchase the loans, help homeowners keep their homes, and expand the supply of affordable housing. On Thursday, they won. Castro announced a set of policy changes to its Distressed Asset Stabilization Program (DASP) that activists had labeled a "Wall Street giveaway." Last year, for example, 98% of the mortgages HUD sold went to Wall Street firms, at discounts averaging nearly 50%. Castro pledged to fix the program to triple the sales of delinquent mortgages to nonprofit community groups with experience in stabilizing neighborhoods and helping homeowners and to put more restrictions on foreclosures. Advertisement The policy fix was needed because some of the same Wall Street firms that precipitated the housing crash have been buying up distressed housing assets in bulk, including delinquent mortgages and vacant houses that are a product of the crash. Both Sen. Elizabeth Warren and HUD Secretary Julian Castro are frequently mentioned a potential VP running mates with Hillary Clinton. The campaign's victory is the result of a perfect political storm. The organizers mounted a savvy grassroots organizing campaign that built on the momentum of the Occupy Wall Street movement that began in 2011. In the current political season, no politician, especially a Democrat, wants to be too closely identified with Wall Street's financial industry, which most Americans still blame for the 2008 economic tsunami from which the country still hasn't recovered. During this presidential season, both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders vied to be the champion of Wall Street reform. HUD Secretary Castro, a former San Antonio mayor, has been auditioning for the role of Clinton's vice presidential running mate, but many pundits view him as too conservative and cautious -- and too pro-business -- to help Clinton galvanize both Latino voters and Bernie Sanders' supporters in the contest with Donald Trump. With his announcement this week, Castro can claim to be on the side of homeowners and communities against Wall Street speculators. Advertisement HUD's DASP program, started by the Obama administration in 2012, became a part of the larger problem by auctioning off its distressed mortgages to the highest bidder, which allowed Wall Street firms to take ownership and accelerate foreclosures. "This whole process shows just how tilted the playing field is for the big banks and hedge funds," said Warren, who has been the Senate's most vocal critic of Wall Street abuses, last year. "Many of these banks and funds were responsible for fueling the housing bubble in the first place -- leading to the crash that hit these families like a punch to the gut. Now these same banks and funds are turning around and scooping up these loans at bargain-basement rates so they can profit from them a second time." The new HUD policy changes to fundamentally reform the program, resulting in more mortgage pools being sold to non-profits, more foreclosures avoided, and more vacant property turned into affordable housing. The changes include: Help existing homeowners facing foreclosure remain in their homes by modifying their mortgages to reflect current market values -- a strategy called "principal reduction." Until now, both HUD and Fannie Mae, under pressure from the banking industry, had resisted this approach. Now, even private equity firms and hedge funds will have to use that strategy in reworking troubled mortgages. Increasing the sale of HUD's distressed mortgages to non-profit organizations A commitment to work with local governments and non-profits to target sales to those who will help homeowners keep their houses and expand the supply of affordable housing. Advertisement Far greater provisions for transparency in the sale process "These recent HUD changes move in the direction of common sense policy," said Maurice Weeks of the Center for Popular Democracy, one of the groups that coordinated the nationwide grassroots campaign. "We shouldn't be handing over our neighborhoods at bargain basement prices to Wall Street." "HUD's bulk mortgage sale program has been fueling the speculator buy-up of our neighborhoods," observed San Francisco Supervisor John Avalas, one of many local elected officials who supported the campaign. "Finally, HUD is making changes to this mortgage sales program that better prioritize what our communities need -- saving more homes from foreclosure and creating more affordable housing. It's about time!" Sarah Edelman, director of housing policy for the Center for American Progress and coauthor of a new report on the problem, told the New York Times that the policy changes "significant improvements" in the loan sale program. "The policies announced today are a promising step toward more responsible loan auctions," she said. Millions of homeowners are still delinquent on the mortgage payments, many through no fault of their own, but because of predatory and reckless lending practices as well as the sluggish recovery of the economy in terms of restoring the incomes of working families. As a result, federal officials and community activists expect there to be many more sales of troubled mortgages that were guaranteed by the federal government. The policy changes are a culmination of several years of research and activism by grassroots groups on the front lines of the nation's housing and banking crisis. Advertisement Several years ago, different community groups began noticing the growing presence of Wall Street speculators in their neighborhoods, one of the aftershocks of the epidemic of foreclosures. Several local groups examined records, interviewed tenants, and issued reports documenting that in areas where Wall Street investors own a significant number of these single-family homes -- including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, and Los Angeles and nearby Riverside -- their practices have harmed tenants and undermined long-term neighborhood stability. The activists discovered that HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac -- which own or guarantee the distressed mortgages on many single-family homes -- were part of the problem. Over the past few years, they've auctioned off about 150,000 non-performing loans that they want to get off their books. Of these loans, fewer than two percent have gone to nonprofit buyers. The rest (98 percent) have gone to Wall Street companies. As of last fall, five Wall Street firms -- Lone Star, Blackstone Group, Angelo, Gordon & Co., Selene Residential Partners, and the Royal Bank of Scotland -- accounted for 64 percent of all the public loan sales. Last year, Goldman Sachs popped up on the purchaser list for the first time, buying loans from Freddie Mac. The community organizers and their researchers also exposed a double standard. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been unwilling to offer principal reduction to struggling homeowners, and HUD has been unwilling to require principal reduction as part of its program, these agencies often offer steep discounts when they sell these mortgages to Wall Street speculators, who typically foreclose on the homeowners, adding to their inventory of homes scooped up in private foreclosure sales. In unloading these mortgages, the federal agencies often ignored the housing needs of local communities. The grassroots groups enlisted the help of two national umbrella organizations -- the Center for Popular Democracy (a network of community organizing groups) and Local Progress (a network of progressive local elected officials) -- as well as Senator Elizabeth Warren, who championed the cause in Congress. These used a variety of tactics -- protest actions, internet petitions, and muckraking research -- to generate media attention and put pressure on the Obama administration. These groups -- many of which had been working on banking issues for over a decade -- launched their national campaign in September 2014. They were relentless in pressuring HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prioritize non-profits over speculators in their sales of troubled mortgages. In particular, they demanded that these agencies prioritize sales to non-profit Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) that have the capacity to purchase large inventories of underwater mortgages and distressed properties -- including vacant houses that owners lost through foreclosure and occupied homes where underwater borrowers are on the brink of foreclosure -- and stabilize them as affordable housing. The CDFIs were being crowded out by hedge funds working hand in hand with HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. Advertisement At the start of the campaign, the activists released a report, Vulture Capital Hits Home: How HUD is Helping Wall Street and Hurting Our Communities, that explained why HUD's policy of favoring Wall Street investors was exacerbating the nation's housing crisis. A week before Christmas in 2014, at rallies outside local HUD offices, community groups in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston presented HUD with their "Grinch of the Year" award for refusing to fix the DASP program. "By auctioning pools of delinquent loans to the highest bidders -- vulture capitalists -- HUD is driving unnecessary foreclosures and contributing to the rise of 'Wall Street Landlords,'" said Gisele Mata, an organizer with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, a statewide organizing group that played a key role in the national campaign, at the press conference. In June 2015, the campaign released another report, Do Hedge Funds Make Good Neighbors? How Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD are Selling Off Our Neighborhoods to Wall Street, at a protest rally in front of the Santa Monica office of the Blackstone Group, the private equity giant (with over $300 billion in assets under management), which had become the largest landlord of single-family rentals in the country by gobbling up distressed mortgages - including many sold by HUD -- at bargain-basement prices. Since 2012, the report found, federal agencies had sold over 120,000 delinquent mortgages to Wall Street hedge funds and private equities firms. Bayview Acquisitions, largely owned by Blackstone, has bought 24,000 of these mortgages. The report unearthed an array of disturbing business practices, including failure to make repairs and the harassment and illegal eviction of occupants. An investigation by the New York Times published last week confirmed earlier findings of abusive practices. The Times revealed, for example, that Lone Star had pushed thousands of borrowers into foreclosure and failed to negotiate with homeowners to modify their mortgages so they could remain in their homes. Advertisement Through Local Progress and 17 progressive mayors from across the county,, the campaign persuaded the U.S. Conference of Mayors to pass resolution asking HUD to change its policy. Last September, community activists and local elected officials from around the country converged in Washington, D.C. to bring the cause directly to federal officials. After a rally at which Senator Warren and Congressman Michael Capuano (D-Mass) demanded that HUD curb its mortgage sales to Wall Street investors, the activists met with senior officials at HUD and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A few weeks later, the New York Times published an editorial, "Foreclosure Abuses, Revisited," calling on HUD to suspend its sales of distressed mortgages until federal agencies adopt significant reforms. By March of this year, the campaign had built enough momentum to get 45 members of Congress to send a letter to HUD and FHFA in support of the campaign's demands. In April, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) wrote to Castro - by then on many lists of potential vice presidential candidates - criticizing HUD for worsening the housing crisis with its favorable treatment of Wall Street investors and urging him to "end to the days of casino-level gambling with other peoples' livelihoods." That same month, the campaign sent Castro a petition with over 100,000 signatures, demanding that he change HUD's policies on disposing troubled mortgages. Advertisement Along with the changing political climate and Castro's ambitions, the community organizing groups' persistence paid off. With more homes in the hands of non-profits instead of Wall Street speculators, communities will gain further control over their neighborhoods and be less at the mercy of Wall Street. Community groups now plan to work city by city, and state by state, to make sure that HUD sells delinquent mortgage pools to mission-driven purchasers, and to continue the fight for housing justice and community control to strengthen and protect neighborhoods across the country. A year after the highly anticipated publication of Laudato Si' I continue to ask myself, "Is Pope Francis really pro-life?" That was my first question on reading through his lengthy encyclical letter a year ago. The pope had a fantastic opportunity--from the most visible pulpit in the world--to address the causes and treatments of one of the greatest threats to life on earth: anthropogenic climate change. I'm glad he took this opportunity, and I hope he'll revisit the topic. However, the encyclical leaves one glaring omission: not once in forty-thousand words did Pope Francis say a single thing about one of the two critical drivers of accelerating environmental degradation: human overpopulation. By our sheer numbers and our energy-extravagant lifestyle, we Homo sapiens are driving huge numbers of our fellow species--and possibly ourselves as well--toward the precipice of extinction. In this respect Laudato Si's analysis and treatment of a complex problem is surprisingly weak. Please do not mistake this as an anti-Catholic diatribe. I write as a lifelong Roman Catholic and a trained theologian. I have deep loyalty to my church and her gospel of freedom, to her ministries of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and educating tens of millions around the world. I believe that how we live our faith in light of climate change may be the biggest ecclesiological issue of our time: without a livable world there will be no church left at all. Advertisement Along with global overconsumption of finite resources, overpopulation is one of the twin pillars underlying all our ecological crises. Together they account for the exhaustion in a few centuries of fossil fuels laid down over hundreds of millions of years. Together they are responsible for skyrocketing CO2, melting glaciers and rising sea levels, inundation of island nations and coastal cities, and accelerating ecological refugeeism around the globe. Together they account for coral reef bleaching, deforestation, habitat destruction, and worldwide extinction of species on a scale unseen for millions of years. In a century and a half the human population has skyrocketed from one billion to 7.42 billion, fueled by a one-time bonanza of fossil energy. The industrial application of fossil fuels improved agriculture and furthered the advance of science and technology. More food meant fewer people died of starvation, and modern medicine found ways to decrease the infant and child mortality rate and increase the human life span. In themselves these are good developments, but when they are not matched by a corresponding reduction in birth rate, a population surplus quickly starts to build. Why might a "pro-life" pope fail to recognize that human overpopulation is a problem for all life on earth? Of the sixteen occurrences of the word "population" in Laudato Si', only three are relevant to this point. These are found in paragraph 50, in the context of the discussion of human numbers. The first instance is a flat-out denial: "while it is true that an unequal distribution of the population and of available resources creates obstacles to development and to a sustainable use of the environment, it must nonetheless be recognized that demographic growth is fully compatible with an integral and shared development." Pope Francis seems unable or unwilling to acknowledge that there is a biological limit to Earth's carrying capacity for humans just as there is for every other species on our planet. Advertisement The second use of the term correctly points to the arrogance and danger of ignoring excessive consumption: "To blame population growth instead of extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some, is one way of refusing to face the issues." Indeed, it would be completely wrong simply to point fingers elsewhere and ignore the thirty-times-greater environmental impact children born in the developed world have than those born in developing nations: "It is an attempt to legitimize the present model of distribution, where a minority believes that it has the right to consume in a way which can never be universalized." The pope correctly addresses here the second pillar of environmental degradation. But the pope's third reference shows that his understanding of population issues does not reflect the facts of biological equilibrium: "Attention needs to be paid to imbalances in population density, on both national and global levels, since a rise in consumption would lead to complex regional situations." The claim that population density is a merely local problem is false on many counts. The delicate balance between earth's inhabitants is constrained by numerous factors related to the population of competing species. Lions once ranged widely across Africa and into Syria, Israel, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, and northwest India. 2,000 years ago more than a million lions roamed the Earth; today there may be as few as 20,000 left. Demographers estimate the African human population will be four billion by 2100, equivalent to the entire global population in 1974. Tigers likewise are in precipitous decline: the Bengal Tiger population stood at 100,000 in 1900, and numbered fewer than 4,000 in in 2013. With India at 1.4 billion humans today, the human/tiger ratio is 35,000 to one. Examples of other fauna being crowded out by humans include African elephants, rhinoceros, pandas, polar bears, sharks, whales, and other large species. By our sheer numbers we humans are presiding over the sixth great mass extinction event in the history of earth. Ultimately we humans are just as vulnerable as all the other species we are extinguishing, and sooner or later our population in excess of carrying capacity will be pitilessly trimmed by the factors of famine, disease, refugeeism, and brutal wars over water, energy, land, and resources. This should be recognized as a serious moral problem for a pro-life position. Twenty-five years ago Catholic missionary Sean McDonagh asked in The Greening of the Church, "Is it really pro-life to ignore the warnings of demographers and ecologists who predict that unbridled population growth will lead to severe hardship and an increase in the infant mortality rate for succeeding generations? Is it pro-life to allow the extinction of hundreds of thousands of living species which will ultimately affect the well-being of all future generations on the planet?" Advertisement Engraving From 1884 Featuring The First American President, George Washington. Washington Lived From 1732 Until 1799. As fireworks burst overhead this 4th of July weekend, and we celebrate the 240th Anniversary of our great nation, it is worth considering whether or not our manners and civility are going up in smoke. One could be excused for believing the world is upside down at the moment. On the campaign stump, Donald Trump is now invoking the name of George Washington to defend protectionist designs underpinned by crude anti-immigrant slurs. Advertisement The irony is almost deafening; George must be twisting in the red clay of Virginia to listen to this strange character, who appears to take considerable pleasure in sneering at women who bleed, ridiculing the disabled, and pillorying others for their faith. The Donald and our First President share red hair and vast wealth as common denominators, but that is where the similarities end and the real American Revolution began. The great men, whose writings inspired the revolt, openly promoted the notion that power and moral authority fit hand in glove with good manners. For instance, John Locke, who inspired Thomas Paine's screeds on liberty and sunshine soldiers advised, "...a graceful way and fashion, in everything, is that which gives the ornament and liking." Locke, no screaming rebel, stressed careful etiquette, not boisterousness, as a means of persuading one's fellow man as to his rights and obligations. George Washington not only understood this, but he embraced it as his life's work. Growing up on a small farm, George's mother, Mary Ball Washington, encouraged him to study the art of proper comportment from an early age. Polite behavior brought acceptance in society, even in a family that was still not on a par with the so-called "First Families of Virginia." Though he lost his father at the age of eleven, George struggled in his teens to treat others with respect, particularly women, whom he put on a pedestal. In practice, this also meant no taunting, or belittling of others. Of the 110 Rules of Civility that he copied down in his school notes, number "22" instructed, "Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy." Advertisement In George's world of chivalry and sportsmanship, the concepts of a fine gentleman and noble warrior were inseparable. He practiced what he studied and became the preeminent player on the stage of the Revolution. Though an accomplished actor in life, he was also a splendid director of the man in the mirror. Indeed, weather at an inauguration or at a national ball, Washington sought to convey politesse and courtesy in all its forms. He eschewed the ostentatious and abhorred outright self-promotion. He never stopped reading up on courtesy either. As the Revolution wound down, he sent away for a two book set entitled, "A View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland, and Germany: With Anecdotes Relating to Some Eminent Characters." Available at the National Library for the Study of George Washington, author John Moore describes France of the late 18th Century as being imbued with good manners "in different proportions, through every rank, from the greatest of the nobility to the lowest mechanic." As our First President, George embraced a global understanding of manners and set a gold standard, one that few of his successors have managed to live up to. Yet, he wasn't an elitist in regards to polite behavior. He tried to encourage the evolution and democratization of gracious manners not just in politics, but across the whole of American society, whether he was on a fox hunt with neighbors, or bending elbows in a local tavern with friends. It is hard for me to imagine how George -- who once described his new nation as "not only the asylum of the oppressed of every nation, but a desirable residence of the virtuous and industrious of every country" -- would address the nativist Donald Trump if he had the chance to meet him. I suspect that he might refer to civility rule "42," which directs, "Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince." The Writer is the Author of the forthcoming book: Riding with George: Sportsmanship, Chivalry, and the Making of the First President Why are incarceration rates in the US so high relative to other countries? originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights. Answer by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, on Quora: There are a number of reasons, from a lack of investment in schools and economic opportunity, to draconian drug laws and bail policies that criminalize poverty, to inadequate reentry services and employment discrimination against people who have been incarcerated, just to name a few. But let's start with the numbers. The United States has less than five percent of the world's population, but about 25 percent of the prisoners. That adds up to 2.2 million people behind bars in this country, including more than 11 million people who move through our local jails each year, all at a cost of $80 billion every year. Meanwhile 70 million people - about one-third of working age Americans - have some type of criminal record. Advertisement When President Obama laid out his Administration's principles for criminal justice reform (here), he argued that we need to take a comprehensive approach by focusing on three places: the community, the court room, and the cell block. All of this is predicated on a simple belief: Criminal justice reform done right will make our communities safer. First, we focus on the community, because the roots of crime and incarceration are too often planted in underfunded schools and neighborhoods where jobs dried up long ago - where there is a dearth of hope for the future and support for our young people. The school to prison pipeline traps too many girls and boys who should be learning in supportive environments, not being sent to juvenile detention. And where there are few resources for schools, job training, or economic development, cycles of poverty and incarceration continue unabated. Second, we focus on our courtrooms, because too often Americans are put behind bars with sentences that do not fit their actions. Too many young people who really just need love, support, and mentorship are treated instead unmercifully as adults. Victims of addiction or commercial sexual exploitation are often imprisoned rather than given treatment. Poor Americans can spend weeks or months in jail simply because they can't afford to pay the price of a fee, fine, or bond. Harmful mandatory minimum sentences for an excessive amount of time that is disproportionate to the crime do not keep our communities safer. They tear apart families, and can weaken the human fabric of our communities. Third, we need to focus on our cell blocks, because those who are incarcerated in America too often leave prison with less capacity to succeed than when they first sentenced. They are released - often into a world far different than the one they left behind - without the skills and capability to lead law-abiding lives. As a result, they fall victim to the revolving prison doors. And that is why earlier this year, the President established the Federal Interagency Reentry Council to reduce the barriers that millions of justice-involved individual face each year when returning to their communities from prison and jails. Advertisement So there are many reasons for our high incarceration rates, and the President is proud that we have accomplished a lot in many of these areas. For instance, the President is committed to using his clemency power to give deserving individuals sentenced under outdated and unduly harsh sentencing laws a second chance. That's why he has commuted 348 sentences - more than the past seven presidents combined. Last week, we announced a Second Chance Pell Pilot program to test new models to help incarcerated Americans receive the education necessary to obtain employment upon their release. We have invested in mentoring, job training, and new reentry programs. We have brought together leaders in the private sector and higher education, as well as in state and local government, to catalyze reforms, from banning the box, to Data-Driven Justice, including more effective diversion programs. We have done a lot of which we are proud. But we also believe strongly that Federal criminal justice legislation would be an important, strong step forward for our country. And we have been optimistic about the prospects for reform because of how this effort has galvanized people from across the political spectrum. There is a strong, bipartisan bill in the Senate that has passed out of Committee, is just waiting for a vote in the Senate, and we are confident would pass. The bill would do four important things: reduce mandatory minimums for certain nonviolent drug offenders; provide current prisoners with the tools and incentives to turn their lives around; give nonviolent juvenile offenders who have served their sentences the second chances they deserve; give judges greater discretion to make sure that the sentence fits the crimes; and reinvest savings from criminal justice reform into public safety programs. This is legislation that would improve public safety and save hundreds of millions of dollars, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office just reported. In the House of Representatives, Speaker Ryan has voiced strong support publicly for reform, and the Judiciary Committee continues to work through legislative proposals. But the reality is the clock continues to tick, and unfortunately, although there is strong bipartisan support for these reforms that would make our neighborhoods safer, strengthen our economy, and align our system more with our values, Congress has failed to take action. We know mass incarceration is not good for our country and does not make us safer. It is long past time for us to come together across party lines at the Federal level and do something about it. Samuel Johnson famously considered patriotism "the last refuge of a scoundrel." His biographer James Boswell, who passed along that judgment, clarified that Johnson "did not mean a real and generous love for our country, but that pretended patriotism which so many, in all ages and countries, have made a cloak for self-interest." This could be describing Donald Trump. And yet the Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan theorized in an April 2016 column that Trump's major appeal to Republican voters came not from his adherence to any political ideology, but rather from his radiant patriotism which has, in her view, been absent from the political status quo. "What Trump supporters believe, what they perceive as they watch him," she wrote, "is that he is on America's side." There is little in Trump's rambling off-the-cuff speeches and media interviews, or in his reactionary stream-of-conscious tweets, that demonstrate his understanding of patriotism. Trump is a snake oil salesman, and he is arguably in the midst of his greatest pitch to date. Smart consumers should do their research to find out the truth about the "product" they are being sold by Mr. Trump. Here are some examples of where the real estate plutocrat comes up short on patriotism. Advertisement Peeved by The Washington Post's coverage of his presidential campaign and their investigation of the details surrounding his grand claims, Trump has revoked the paper's press credentials for attending his rallies and political events. He has also banned reporters from Politico, Univision, Mother Jones, The Daily Beast, The Huffington Post and others. What's patriotic about muffling the free press when you are running for the highest office in the land? Despite lofty rhetoric about "bringing jobs home," Trump has used cheap foreign production in China and Bangladesh for his signature clothing brands. "They don't even make this stuff here," the ever-defensive Trump told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos when questioned about it. Stephanopoulos informed Trump that Brooks Brothers clothing does, does, in fact, "make this stuff" here. What's patriotic about making profits on the backs of poorly paid foreign workers who are often suffering under dictatorial rule? Big talker Trump has claimed to have given millions of dollars to many different charities over the years. According to a recent Washington Post investigation, he's given far, far less than he's boastedand far less than other billionaires of his (alleged) comparable wealth. Most of his donations have come through the Trump Foundation, to which he has donated little of his own fortune. All in all, over the past seven years, the Post reports that Trump has personally given less than $10,000 to charities. What's patriotic about lying about your own philanthropy? Advertisement One of Trump's more preposterous statements has been calling for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Drawing much justified criticism, Trump has been pressured into clarifying and restating his position. He now claims that only immigration from "terrorist countries" would fall under his proposed ban. He also stated last fall that he was "open" to the idea of creating an Orwellian database of all Muslims living in the United States. Is accusatory language of ethnic stereotyping reflective of our patriotic traditions? The inscription on the Statue of Liberty is: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Is repudiating Lady Liberty patriotic? Donald Trump's bid for the presidency has been based upon the supposed strength of his talent and judgment as a businessman and dealmaker. These skills, however, are not totally verifiable, since Trump refuses to release his tax returns. Trump has managed to avoid any severe blows to his personal wealth by strategically insulating himself from failed corporate business endeavors. He has bragged that he "used, brilliantly," corporate bankruptcy as a competitive advantage. When Trump fails, only the little guys suffer. Not exactly reflecting the last words of the pledge of allegiance"with liberty and justice for all." Last year, Donald Trump shamefully criticized Senator John McCain who spent over five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The ever-brash Trump dismissed McCain's extraordinary ordeal, claiming: "He's not a war hero." Trump continued, "He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured." Is degrading the suffering of an American veteran patriotic? Unlike McCain, Trump did not serve in the Vietnam War. He has gone on the record, however, for making a different kind of sacrifice. Trump described his romantic escapades in the 1980's as his "personal Vietnam" due to how he put himself at risk of sexually transmitted diseases. He told Howard Stern that this made him feel "like a great and very brave soldier." "I believe that Trump University was a fraudulent scheme," Ronald Schnackenberg, a former employee of the unaccredited Trump University, stated in testimony, "and that it preyed upon the elderly and uneducated to separate them from their money." Indeed, much of the information that has come to light about Donald Trump's "university" reveals that it was little more than a scam meant to drain people of their money while promising them success. Cornered by the allegations, Trump resorted to accusing Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who is scheduled to hear the class action suit in November, of being "a hater" of his due to his Mexican ethnicity. Are these the words of man who loves America or those of a con man caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Since starting his bid for the presidency, Donald Trump has produced a veritable Trump Tower of outrageously false statements. According to the nonpartisan Politifact, nearly 80% of the statements made by Donald Trump fall under the categories of Mostly False, False, or "Pants on Fire." His campaign won the distinction of 2015 Politifact Lie of the Year for its entire spider web of deceptions. What's patriotic about chronically lying when you're running for the presidency of the United States? So what does it truly mean to be patriotic? This week, Governor Chris Christie unveiled a plan to cut funding for more than half a million schoolchildren in the state of New Jersey. His scheme, which he disingenuously bills as "property tax relief," strips the state's funding formula of the provisions that currently provide more state aid to low-wealth, low-income school districts and to schools serving disadvantaged children. The Governor is proposing that all students in New Jersey receive the same amount of state aid to support their education, regardless of any special learning needs that they may have and regardless of how much funding their town's property tax base can yield to fund schools from local wealth. If passed, students with limited English proficiency and those from low-income homes will receive significantly less money to support their learning, and schools serving affluent students who are already ahead of the curve will receive a windfall of cash. Christie wants to amend the state constitution just to fund his reverse-Robin-Hood scheme. He knows that, as it stands now, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that it is against the law to allow low-income children whose communities cannot raise enough money for an adequate education to be disadvantaged as a result. Specifically, the courts, in the landmark case Abbott v. Burke, stated, "Our constitutional mandate does not allow us to consign poorer children permanently to an inferior education on the theory that they cannot afford a better one or that they would not benefit from it." Apparently, Christie disagrees. Indeed, the Governor didn't hide his intentions for very long. When revealing his new "Fairness Formula," he made it clear which communities to whom he thought this would be "fairest." At Hillsborough High School, speaking to in a community making, on average, $112,931 per household, Christie named a few school districts that would "win" under his proposal. As it turns out, if his proposal passes, a 411% increase will be on its way to Cherry Hill, where the median household income is more than $88,000. Fairlawn and Wood-Ridge, where households pull in over $95,000 a year, could see an increase in their state school funding of more than 800%. What Christie neglected to point out, while lauding increases in aid to wealthy towns, is that the proposal is a clear rob-from-the-poor scheme in which these large sums of cash are being diverted from the schools serving the most students in need. In fact, 161 school districts across the state will receive less money under Christie's proposal, almost all of them serving the neediest of students. Schools in Elizabeth, where households bring in $41,000 a year on average (less than half of what those in Cherry Hill earn), will lose 65% of their state funding. Schools in low-income Union City, a district that has been commended for recent academic progress, will lose about $12,000 in state funding per student. And, under Christie's proposal, the state will reduce funding for schools in my current city of residence, Jersey City, by more than $13,000 per student. In "JC," the median household income is about $58,000, three-quarters of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and 33% of students live below the federal poverty line. Let's be clear. Christie wants to take money away from the kids who need it most to cut taxes for the rich. Advertisement From 1997 to 2001 I was incarcerated, without any way to improve myself. I already had my high school diploma, and some college credits, which meant there were no other educational programs available to me inside the prison I was assigned. I managed to stay inspired through the tutoring of women in prison who didn't have access to the quality education I did growing up on Long Island. I helped women with their reading, writing, and math; and encouraged them to go after their High School Equivalency, while dreaming of one day finishing my own college degree. However access to in-prison education wasn't always so rough. From its creation in 1972, up until a "tough on crime" agenda swept Congress in the mid-1990s, Pell Grants, a federal tuition assistance program, were available to all qualified students, no matter if they lived at home, on their own, or in prison. That changed, when Congress passed the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act as part of the larger Omnibus Crime Bill, that then President Bill Clinton signed into law. The Act excluded students in prison from Pell grant access, and dramatically reduced in-prison education programs from 350 to just 12 by 2005. This "tough on crime" rhetoric was especially disheartening given the fact that Pell Grants for incarcerated students did not "take away" grants for others. In fact in 1994, at the program's highest rate of usage, the percentage of total Pell Grant funds awarded to incarcerated individuals was 0.0001%--in other words, only 6 cents out of every $10 Pell Dollars went to students in prison. The removal of Pell in prison was a consequence Bill Clinton himself apologized for last year. However apologies don't go far enough, and it is a time we as a nation separate the notion of punishing the incarcerated, and instead ask how we can equip them with necessary tools to ensure they don't return to prison within three years of release. This month, advocates rejoiced, when President Obama announced the 141 state and federal correctional institutions who will be able to use Pell grants to pursue two or four-year degrees from one of 67 approved colleges and Universities as a part of the Second Chance Pell Pilot Program. However while the initiative through the Department of Justice and Department of Education would reinstate Pell Grants to students in prison, it is only approved for a temporary 5-year term--a good start, but by no means a permanent solution. Pell Grants were created to ensure every American in this country had the chance to educate themselves regardless of their circumstance or socioeconomic status. No one fits into that category more than many of the two million people currently incarcerated in the United States. With 95% of individuals in prison one day set to be released, it is essential that we equip them with the critical thinking skills and self-confidence that comes with a higher education. In the words of the late Senator Claiborne Pell, the founder of Pell Grants, "The strength of the United States in not the gold at Fort Knox or the weapons of mass destruction that we have, but the sum total of education and the character of our people." So instead of apologies, it would be more impressive if politicians actively showed support for current legislation that would right the wrong taken against incarcerated students more than 20 years ago. We must support the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, S.3122 which was introduced in the US Senate on June 29th by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), and acts as the sister legislation of H.R. 2521 introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep Donna Edwards (MD-4) last May. If passed the REAL Act would not only help incarcerated students get a higher education, but it's ripple effects once they return home would lead to decreased reliance on public assistance, increased employment rates, increased public safety, an elevated quality of life for children, and stronger communities. It's time we get "REAL" and help the incarcerated students of American help themselves to a better future. Months before mobs of racist, half literate and very disobedient subjects of the Queen (may God save her) voted to leave the European Union, Barack Obama announced that while he loved the UK very dearly, a successful Brexit vote would be punished with spiteful, protracted trade negotiations. But the plebes didn't listen. Now that threats and democracy have failed, John Kerry is stating publicly that there are a number of ways in which last week's non-binding vote -- tantamount to Hitler's burning of the Reichstag -- could be "walked back". Euphemisms are nice little things, but certainly curb-stomping the will of ordinary Europeans is a job best left to Europe's - and not America's - ruling classes? If you think this you are sadly mistaken. As the Telegraph reminded us in pre-Brexit Apocalypse April: Advertisement [D]eclassified documents from the State Department archives [show] that US intelligence funded the European movement secretly for decades, and worked aggressively behind the scenes to push Britain into the project. As this newspaper first reported when the treasure became available, one memorandum dated July 26, 1950, reveals a campaign to promote a full-fledged European parliament. It is signed by Gen William J Donovan, head of the American wartime Office of Strategic Services, precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency. The key CIA front was the American Committee for a United Europe (ACUE), chaired by Donovan. Another document shows that it provided 53.5 per cent of the European movement's funds in 1958. The board included Walter Bedell Smith and Allen Dulles, CIA directors in the Fifties, and a caste of ex-OSS officials who moved in and out of the CIA. The report went on to state that "papers show that [the US] treated some of the EU's 'founding fathers' as hired hands, and actively prevented them finding alternative funding that would have broken reliance on Washington". One particularly unapologetic memo, dated June 11, 1965, "Instructs the vice-president of the European Community to pursue monetary union by stealth, suppressing debate until the 'adoption of such proposals would become virtually inescapable'". Sounds like a raw deal for Europeans who aren't fabulously wealthy international bankers -- until you remember that anyone who opposed the omnipotent, holy European Union is a shameless bigot. The US has relied upon the EU as the political and economic arm of its permanent military presence in Europe (NATO), and this is why Washington cannot allow the idea of sovereignty to enter the warped little minds of neo-fascists in the UK (or any other European nation) who wish to have control over their own foreign policy. Advertisement It is simply not up for debate, and any attempt to reclaim statehood within Europe will simply be "walked back," to borrow John Kerry's purple prose. It is absolutely beyond our realm of understanding as to why a democratic act -- a non-binding one, no less -- aimed at restoring seemingly basic aspects of statehood such as "who gets to cross our border" and "who we will trade with/sanction/etc." could be characterized as radical or xenophobic. Washington is now in full panic mode. Cracks are beginning to show in the union it helped forge with not-so-honorable intentions. Like all unnecessary institutions, the European Union has invested heavily in the creation and continuation of its own self-aggrandizing mythology. Reading the horror and outrage in every newspaper after the Brexit vote was tallied, one would think that the UK had just voted to invade Iraq or elect David Cameron as prime minister. Amazingly, both atrocities took place with the full approval of the press and without a popular vote. Coincidence or fate? Like it or not, the Eurosceptic movement is gaining momentum. Accusations of racism and ignorance can't compete with simple questions such as "why can't we control our own immigration policy?" or "why do we have to mold our foreign policy to the dictates of faraway, unelected bureaucrats?" Sorry, these aren't radical or extreme questions -- which is why Washington simply cannot allow Brexit to succeed. Advertisement We will close with a statement made by UK's justice minister Dominic Raab after Obama issued a stern warning against Brexit in April: You can't say on the one hand that the US-UK special relationship is as strong as ever and always will be, and in the next breath say 'take my advice or you go to the back of the queue'. I don't think the British people will be blackmailed by anyone Don't be so sure. With Hillary Clinton queued up to be our next American president -- luckily for her, Donald Trump is quite literally the only human with a pulse who can't beat her in a general election -- Washington's zero tolerance policy for European self-determination is unlikely to change. In fact, 5 euros says it will get much, much worse. If other European nations begin to mull their own Brexit, expect Obama's threats of protracted trade negotiations to be replaced by Nicaragua-style regime change, compliments of the one and only Hillary Clinton. MOSCOW, June 30 -- Russia is ready to protect itself in a world that is getting more unstable and unpredictable, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. "Profound changes occur in all areas of international relations; competition for both influence and resources is growing," Putin told Russian diplomats at a meeting. "(Russia) will always be able to reliably protect ourselves and to ensure the security of the Russian Federation and its citizens," he said. Warning that potential for conflicts is multiplying and engulfing new regions worldwide, Putin said that "(terrorist) actions are far beyond one region and it is difficult to predict where new major attacks can be expected." He said the global community needs an equitable order built on the principles of "common and indivisible security and collective responsibility," through dialogues and cooperation. As the world is becoming more interdependent, cooperation, common willingness and readiness to reach compromises should become a key to settling complex international problems, Putin said. Russia is pursuing an effective and independent foreign policy, with the aim of building open and honest interaction with all nations "in the West and the East, in the South and the North," the Russian president said. Nevertheless, he stressed that Russia would not yield to external pressure, either military or economic, but to stick to setting up mutually beneficial and constructive relations in various fields. The country would continue seeking solutions to international problems like the Ukraine crisis, while strengthening strategic partnership with Eurasian countries. Specifically, Putin said that the linking of the Belt and Road Initiative brought up by China with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is the first step to form a large Eurasian partnership. It is also possible for a "common economic and humanitarian space from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean" to be formed together with the EU, he added. The Belt and Road Initiative 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 other Asian countries, Africa and Europe by sea routes. The EAEU is a customs union that groups Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan with a total population of 170 million. Enditem Every person is unique. Yet that does not mean that research showing the effectiveness of medical treatments, for example, does not apply to people beyond the ones who were in a particular study. If nothing generalized from one circumstance to others, then science would be meaningless. I think every educated person understands this. Yet for some reason, research in education is often criticized for trying to generalize from one set of schools to others. Whenever I speak about evidence-based reform in education, most recently in a talk at my alma mater, Reed College, someone raises this concern. In a recent article by Lisbeth Schorr and Srik Gopal, the authors wonder how anything can generalize "from Peru to Poughkeepsie." First, let me state the obvious. Every school is different, and findings from studies done elsewhere cannot be assumed to apply to a specific school or set of schools. However, it would be foolish to ignore the evidence from high-quality research, especially to the degree that a given school considering using a program or practice found effective elsewhere resembles the schools in the study that established that evidence. So Peru to Poughkeepsie might be a stretch, unless it is Peru, Illinois. And should Poughkeepsie ignore evidence from nearby Tarrytown and Nyack? Taking a position that generalization is never appropriate would be just as unjustified as taking a position that it is always justified. Advertisement There is an old saying to the effect that the race is not always to the swift nor the fight to the strong, but it's best to bet that way. When responsible educators choose programs for their schools and districts, they are making a bet on behalf of their children. Why would they not take the evidence into account in making these important choices? Determining when generalization is more or less likely is not too difficult. First, you'd want to consider the strength of the evidence. For example, a program proven effective in multiple studies done by multiple researchers with many diverse schools, with random assignment to experimental or control groups and measures not made by the experimenters or developers, should give potential adopters a lot of confidence. To the degree that those studies involved schools similar to yours, serving similar communities, that adds a lot. The consistency of the outcomes across different studies would be important to consider. Schorr and Gopal are not opposed to randomized studies, but they warn about placing too much reliance on them. Yet the advantage of randomized studies is that they rule out bias. How can that be a bad thing? What we need is a lot more randomized studies, and other studies with rigorous designs, done in a lot of places, so that we can build up a large and diverse evidence base for programs that can be replicated. It so happens that the road to generalizability is precisely the one that Schorr and Gopal want us to diminish, because if fewer randomized studies are done, we will lack the quality, size, freedom from bias, and diversity of research needed to determine if a program is truly and broadly effective. Religion is an ancient and powerful tool for propelling people into action and providing them with the feeling that this action gives meaning to their lives. In this capacity, it often stimulates people to bring much good to the world. At the same time, there are those who use, or more correctly, abuse religion to spread hatred and encourage violence. The recent tragic massacre by a crazed man in Orlando who identified with Radical Islam is a clear example of how religious trappings serve as a "lightning rod" for personal frustrations, encouraged by radical religious leaders. Religious leaders often incite in a more direct manner. For example, the members of the Jihad movements in Islam, and the members of Jewish extremist groups, such as Kach or Lahava, in Israel (even if the scope is much smaller) are pursued or at least monitored by law enforcement. These people are dangerous; however, this problem is dealt with and gets a relative amount of public attention. The same is not the case with religious leaders who spread hatred in a more clever or sophisticated manner. There are religious leaders who present people from other religions who are different from them as infidels, inferior, or inhuman; but they do not directly call for violence against them, nor do they work directly to promote violence. These religious leaders are often part of the establishment in countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This phenomenon can also be found in Israel, where, some religious leaders are known for spreading hatred by their public statements. For example, in 2010, thirty-nine rabbis of cities in Israel, who are salaried by the government, signed a petition instructing their followers not to rent apartments to Arabs, to refugees and to non-Jewish immigrants in general. Advertisement Freedom of expression is one of the most important civil rights, even for ideas that seem to us as beyond the pale. Consequently, if it isn't considered direct incitement -- law enforcement authorities cannot apply direct punishments and government bodies cannot apply coercion against religious leaders who spread hatred. However, there are definitely steps that can be taken against them. First, they should not be allowed to be part of the official state-sanctioned religion; and second, they must be condemned by authoritative religious and government establishments in the region and in the world. In Saudi Arabia, where there is indoctrination by one of the fanatic streams of Islam, there are promising first signs of brave and different voices, including from the orthodox establishment, that are making public statements against the theologies of hatred of ISIS and their counterparts. There is room to believe that the price -- in terms of legitimacy -- paid by Saudi Arabia for being a hothouse for fanatics, has contributed something to the positive trends. There is definitely a possibility that the establishment will come out against religious leaders who actively spread hatred and will make an effort to educate against the legitimacy given to their opinions. Finally, steps should be taken to prevent the expansion of the influence wielded by religious leaders who spread hatred. Extremist "religious" leaders are less likely to deteriorate to the realm of hatred if they feel that their beliefs are threatened or marked as illegitimate in a general and sweeping manner. For this purpose, tools of inter-religious dialogue and dialogue between various streams of the same religion are very important. Inter-religious dialogue makes it possible to strengthen the belief of religious leaders that there is a place for a path that respects their religion and at the same time comes out against fanatics of that religion. In the work of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, now a part of Rabbis for Human Rights, we have been successful in influencing orthodox religious leaders, in Islam, Judaism and Christianity, for many years. For example, as a result of an intensive inter-religious dialogue program that we conducted over 6 years, which was called Kedem (Kol Dati Mefaiyes), "Religious Voices for Reconciliation," among Orthodox rabbis of the Religious Zionist camp and Muslim and Christian grass-roots religious leaders, a profound change in awareness emerged among some of the key religious leaders of Israel. Advertisement This dialogue has had a long-term impact: One rabbi invited a leading Israeli Muslim sheikh to speak to students at his Hesder yeshiva in Petach Tikvah, another rabbi prepared the first course of its kind on "Respecting Others and the Relationship to the Stranger Living in our Midst" for outstanding students in a seminar for religious women teachers in Jerusalem; a rabbi and sheikh became good friends and partners for several years, and even appeared together on a television program to condemn violence against innocent people in the name of religion. I could give many other examples and tell fascinating stories of acts of reconciliation and mutual empathy that took place following this serious, sensitive and ongoing dialogue over several years, but I will save this for another time (when there is more space). In sum, through intelligent use of the tools available to us as a society -- condemnation of religious clergy who spread hatred, on one hand, and dialogue among religious leaders of the major faiths in Israel, on the other -- we can defuse the landmine of religious fanaticism or at least minimize its inherent danger. 1. Millennials are most interested in education, healthcare and the economy. Education consistently ranked highest for respondents across the three surveys, followed by health care, the economy and employment/wages. Supporters of Hillary Clinton, John Kasich and Bernie Sanders indicated the most interest in education. Ted Cruz supporters were most interested in national security, followed by crime/ criminal justice, education and employment/wages. Though Donald Trump supporters are most interested in the economy, they're also interested in health care and national security. 2. Millennials identify as more conservative-leaning than liberal. Half of the respondents identified as conservative compared to 43 percent liberal and 7 percent neutral. Upon close inspection, however, many conservative respondents have political beliefs that reside closer to neutral than to very conservative. Female millennials identify much more as liberal than male millennials do. Older millennials are more conservative than younger millennials. And respondents in the Northeast identified as more conservative than those in the South, West or Midwest. 3. Millennials only somewhat believe that they are activists. When asked how much they agree with this statement - "I am an activist (a person who behaves intentionally to bring about political or social change)" - the average response was just over neutral (54%), while the median response for this question was 60 percent. So most Millennials somewhat believe they are activists. Male millennials more than female millennials and conservative-leaning millennials more than liberal-leaning millennials believe they are activists.4. Most millennials believe people like them can have an impact in the U.S. Almost all millennials think people like them can have an impact in the U.S. to make it a better place to live. Only 5 percent of respondents do not think people like them can have an impact at all. As with other trends, male millennials more than female millennials believe a person can have a big impact in the U.S. 5. The majority of millennials have little or no trust that the government will do what is right. More than half of millennials trust the government only a little or not at all, compared to 44 percent of millennials who trust the government some or a lot. One quarter of male millennial respondents reported trusting the government a lot, compared to only 10 percent of female respondents. Half of conservative-leaning millennials report trusting the government a lot or some, compared to just 37 percent of liberal respondents. 6. In the last month, the majority of respondents had signed a petition for an issue they cared about - but only about a half had volunteered for or donated to causes affiliated with a social issue they care about, and only about one-third of respondents participated in a demonstration. Most Millennials believe people like them can affect change for the social issues they're most interested in, but only half of them had volunteered for or donated to a cause affiliated with a social issue they care about in the past month. But when it comes to supporting community projects affiliated with causes they care about, Millennial support rose to 56%. Millennials are more likely to sign petitions for issues they care about, as 64 percent responded they had done so in the last month, while only 36% of Millennials get involved in demonstrations such as rallies, protests, boycotts and marches. Male millennial respondents reported more cause participation than females, including volunteering, donating, supporting community projects, signing petitions and participating in demonstrations that support issues they are interested in, and conservative-leaning Millennials reported more cause participation than liberals. 7. The majority of millennial respondents had posted on social media about the issues they care about in the past week. Of those respondents who had posted on social media, the majority do so through Facebook, followed by Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Nearly two-thirds of Millennials post on social media at least once per week. Conservative-leaning millennials use social media to post about and/or engage with issues they're most interested in more than liberals. Conservatives also reported more activity on individual social media platforms. 8. From March to May, support of Clinton and Trump increased by millennial respondents, while support of Sanders decreased. Not a huge surprise given what we know now, and the numbers have surely changed since the survey. Millennials who indicated they would either not vote for any of the candidates or would not vote at all both increased over this time period. 9. The number of respondents planning to vote in the presidential election increased from March to April but decreased in May. From March to April, Millennials who said they plan to vote in the presidential election increased 5 percent month to month to 86 percent in April, then trended downward to 76 persent in May. Meanwhile, the percentage of Millennials who said they were not planning to vote at all increased to 13 percent in May, from 7 percent in April. Perhaps a result of election fatigue? Nearly all male Millennial respondents are registered to vote, compared to 83 percent of female Millennials. Similarly, 84 percent of male Millennials are planning to vote in the presidential election, compared to 79 percent of females. More Millennials aged 25-36 are registered and plan to vote than younger millennials, while more conservative-leaning Millennials are registered and planning to vote than liberals. Fewer Midwestern millennials are registered to vote and plan to vote in the presidential election than Millennials in other regions. So what are we to make of these intriguing trends? Meditation makes most Americans think of a Middle Eastern Indian or Tibetan Monk sitting in a lotus position at a monastery in the middle of nowhere, remaining still for many long, agonizing hours in their silent search for enlightenment. Most of us, however, have neither the patience nor the hip flexibility for such activities, and because we weren't raised practicing meditation, we have only this skewed image of the practice that has been given to us by the media. Guess what though? Driving a race car, coloring, watching a movie, or practicing BDSM can all be forms of meditation too. It's not about the yoga poses -- it's about letting go of the relentless mind chatter and focusing solely on the present moment. According to the Institute of Noetic Sciences, "The most popular, widely adapted, and widely researched meditation technique in the West is known as mindfulness meditation, which is a combination of concentration and open awareness. Mindfulness is found in many contemplative traditions, but is most often identified with the Theravadan Buddhist practice of vipassana, or "insight meditation." The practitioner focuses on an object, such as the breath, bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings, or sounds. The focus is not as narrow as in concentrative meditation, for there is a simultaneous awareness of other phenomena. This mindfulness practice is often extended to daily actions, such as eating, walking, driving, or housework." In my free time, I like to go rock scrambling and ride a motorcycle, both of which can be dangerous and potentially fatal if I let my attention wander. When I participate, I have to be completely focused on what I'm doing and fully mindful of my surroundings. I can't be thinking about work, the electric bill, a boyfriend, or getting my car to the garage for a tune-up. The activity is intense and demanding, and therefore my mind is -- must be -- clear. When this happens, I lower my blood pressure, strengthen my immune system, and decrease my emotional anxiety just as much as if I were sitting quietly, meditating on a yoga mat. The meditative form of BDSM is called "subspace." My submissive clients describe it as an altered state of consciousness in which they feel completely liberated from stress. It's a practice that allows you to completely let go of internal and external stress so that you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment. As the Dominatrix, I also experience a corresponding mental state of relaxation from my deep focus and concentration. The Mayo Clinic states, "Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being." According to this definition, anything that focuses your mind and relaxes your heart can be meditation and lead you to better health and a happier, more relaxed mind. You will be less stressed, able to handle challenges with greater calm, and more aware of the positive parts of your life -- and if that's not, enlightenment, I don't know what is! Advertisement Sandra LaMorgese Ph.D. is an expert in bridging the gap between sexuality and a lifestyle that focuses on holistic health of the mind, body and spirit. She is the author of Switch: Time for a Change, a memoir of her journey from holistic practitioner to professional dominatrix at 55 years old, and her passion and purpose is to empower others towards healthy authentic living. To learn more about Sandra and receive your FREE eBook "5 Steps for Better Communication, Sex, and Happiness (Did I mention better sex?) visit www.sandralamorgese.com. The world is undoubtedly a very loud place because of us. After all, as humans, we love to share our opinions about the latest Pixar movie, the presidential race, or even our daily woes and struggles. As a result, it's difficult for a day to go by without us seeing these sentiments broadcasted everywhere due to the ubiquity of social media. Sometimes, the world flares up with noise, a cacophonous flooding of ideas and opinions, as we become particularly incensed by something. Following the Paris attacks, the world rushed to show support for the victims. Profile pictures were changed to feature the French red, white, and blue, posts were thoughtfully written and broadcasted all over Facebook and Twitter, and newspaper headlines were crafted to highlight this tragic event for days on end. Following the Brussels bombings, the world scrambled to express their sympathy towards those who were affected. Again, profile pictures were changed, heartfelt posts were written, and newspaper headlines were carefully written to underscore the atrocities that had occurred. Now, following the Orlando shooting, the world has leapt to denounce the inhumanity that has plagued our country. Yet again, we have done all we could do to show our solidarity with the people of Orlando. Advertisement It seems that the world is constantly chattering, especially in times of conflict. However, sometimes the world is silent. The world was silent on the day before the attacks in Paris, when ISIS bombed a residential area in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed over forty-three and wounded over two hundred. The world was silent on the same week of the bombings in Brussels, when the Taliban bombed a park filled with children on Easter Sunday in Pakistan, which killed over sixty-nine and wounded over three hundred. And now, most recently, the world was silent on the same month of the shooting in Orlando, when terrorists bombed an airport in Istanbul, Turkey, which killed over thirty-six and wounded over one hundred. The world was silent, even when it desperately needed to be loud, because we somehow deemed these incidents as insignificant. Somehow, we have created this distorted worldview that what happens in Europe or America is far more important to us as global citizens. Somehow, we have come to believe that it is acceptable to overlook the issues of other countries because we think our main focus should be bettering ourselves before we even consider helping others, even though it has long been established that the world is so interconnected that it is illogical to disregard the wellbeings of other countries. Malala Yousafzai once said, "When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful." We, as global citizens, must take it upon ourselves to be the voice of change when no one else is willing to. Not only must we support the victims of the Paris attacks and the Brussels bombings and the Orlando shootings, but we must also speak up for those who were injured or killed in the suicide bombings in Lebanon, Pakistan, and Turkey so that their stories do not get lost among the thousand other seemingly more "important" narratives in circulation. Then, among the ever-constant chatter about Pixar movies and presidential candidates and daily struggles, will also be solidarity for all people of the world. Advertisement As I was in an elevator at a hotel last week, a man in the elevator approached my turbaned father as we walked out and asked him if he was a Sikh. After my father answered "yes" the man proceeded to say, "The world needs more Sikhs. Your people are amazing". It's actually disappointing that I was completely surprised by this man's comment, as I am used to people simply staring at my father with his turban and beard or whispering to one another as they glance at him. I was stunned and astonished he even knew who Sikhs are and how they look; a lump grew in my throat and I was on the verge of tears of happiness that my community's hard work on raising awareness has had some impact in this world despite the recent wave of hate. Advertisement However, my next encounter with a little Sikh boy made me realize how much work we still need to do for making children aware of Sikhism. A few days after the positive encounter, I ran into a little Sikh boy who was one of my campers from a Sikh youth camp I volunteered at. As I spoke with him, I couldn't help but think of the pain the boy faces on a daily basis. At the youth camp, the counselors held a session which gave Sikh children the chance to freely ask any questions and seek advice from the counselors, and I was not prepared for what these children were about to tell me. There were stories of Sikh boys having their patkas (a version of the turban for young Sikhs) being tampered with and even pulled off, racial slurs being shouted in their faces, slurs about their appearances and turbans, their turbans being compared to unthinkable objects, stories of Sikh girls being humiliated for their long braids and facial hair, and the list went on. Although I was aware of the bullying that Sikh children face, it was distressing to hear of the bullying first-hand from the children themselves. Though I also experienced bullying in middle school, I could never imagine what Sikh children with patkas and turbans went through. I tried my best to maintain a positive environment for these children by telling them how Sikhism and their appearance make them unique, stronger, and closer to God. Yet they simply smiled, nodded and my sorrow grew, realizing how deep the problem of bullying is for the Sikh community and as whole. Advertisement When I ran into the little Sikh boy after the positive encounter in the elevator with my father, I recognized and registered that bullying is also a major component of awareness. How to make children aware of diversity, culture, and religion from the beginning of their schooling journeys is crucial for reaching a step toward bullying prevention and even hate crime prevention. We have multiple media platforms that have helped immensely with Sikhism awareness as a whole, yet the community must seek more paths to educate children about the many different cultures of the globe, and this comes with educating both children and the parents. I hope that with awareness and education efforts, less children will be targeted for being "different" and more people will recognize the amazingness of marginalized communities. A scowling youth fends off the viewer by thrusting his hand forward. It's been said all that young people need the same nine things: Purpose, Meaning, Adventure, Community, Power, Respect, Structure, Challenge, and Opportunity. Founded by 12-year-old Isabelle Adams and her 10-year-old sister, Katherine, Paper for Water is helping to bring running water to those in need. The girls make and sell origami Christmas ornaments that have brought in $800,000 in water fundraising dollars. Advertisement Jackson Silverman, 11, started I Heart Hungry Kids when he was 7 after hearing about kids who were making a difference in his community. He felt a special place in his heart for kids who were hungry, so Jackson started organizing monthly parties engaging peers to pack bags of healthy foods for those in need. When I took over the helm of Youth Service America from its founders 20 years ago this spring, I thought my job was going to be all about motivating apathetic youth, more interested in video games than saving the world. I could not have been more wrong. Young people are volunteering at record rates, more than any generation in history. Instead, my biggest challenge has been skeptical adults. I've spent a good deal of the last two decades encouraging adults to remember their own childhoods, reminding them how powerful they felt when they were trusted, heard, respected, counted on, and asked to contribute. Advertisement Countless times, I've made the case with doubtful elected officials that young people need to be at the decision-making table, especially when issues that affect youth are on the public-policy agenda. As they say, if you are not at the table, you're on the menu. I've been dismayed many times as potential funders stared back in disbelief when I suggested that they provide philanthropic support to children and youth to tackle the world's most difficult challenges in health, education, human service, human rights, and the environment. I've wrestled with frustrated teachers who are afraid that solving authentic community problems as a teaching and learning method for math, science, English, foreign languages, or history would be yet another burden to what they are already required to teach. The history of the world is the history of power, and there is no question that young people become powerful when they bring their energy, commitment, idealism, and creativity to bear on the world's problems. As the history of people who are African-American, women, immigrants, disabled, or LGBT reminds us, those in power do not share it easily. John Gardner, one of the most inventive social entrepreneurs in American history, once said that "young people are the greatest source of adults I know". Yet, Mr. Gardner's tongue in cheek comment may deflect from the incredible genius and capacity of young people before they convert to adults. Advertisement Brain science shows that young brains under 25 are particularly adept at novelty, risk, and peer authority. Young people invent new solutions to old problems, and they are willing to risk new approaches that adults don't understand or would never consider. Then they are willing and able to bring their friends along for the adventure. We only have to look at Jim Casey, who started the world largest package delivery company, UPS, with his best friend, a bicycle, and $100. And we all know the stories of the bedroom, dorm, and garage creations of Gates, Jobs, Dell, Hewlett, Packard, Bristol, Myers, Kopp, Zuckerberg, and Luckey. Talent and empathy are widespread, but opportunity is not. So, YSA's newest strategy is to unleash the unique brainpower of youth around the world to achieve the United Nation's 17 new Sustainable Development Goals. For the first time in human history, every country on the planet recently voted to adopt the same global goals to make the Earth sustainable for human existence and prosperity by 2030. The powerful agenda is identical across the globe, whether you're in Boston, Brussels, Bangalore, Brisbane, or Bogota. A 15 year old volunteer in all these cities will be 30 by the time the Goals come due in 2030. The United Nation's has publicly stated that the Global Goals will not be achieved without the significant contributions of young people around the world, so we have a lot of hearts and minds to change. A 16 year old African girl in Lesotho told me that I was the first adult to give her permission to change the world. Less than a month later, I heard the identical complaint from a 16 year old American girl from New York. When commencement speakers tell graduates that they are tomorrow's leaders and the hope of the future, we put young people "on hold" at their most creative time in life. For too many youth, the promise of leadership never surfaces. As adults, we must raise our expectations for what youth can accomplish in the present -- as players, not spectators; as actors, not recipients. We simply cannot afford to wait for young people to grow up before they start tackling the biggest problems facing the planet -- we need them to be the leaders and the hope of today. Luckily, YSA's partners, such as 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, SkillsUSA, FFA, Junior Achievement, Girls, Inc., and the YMCA have deep commitments to youth service and are bursting at the seams with smart and talented changemakers. National service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps have long waitlists of idealistic young Americans wanting to serve their country. Ironically, these cost-effective programs are authorized by Congress to be much larger, lacking only the appropriated funds to meet the supply and demand of today's youth. In the private sector, Fortune 500 companies such as State Farm, Disney, UL, Sodexo, Microsoft, and Unilever are investing millions of dollars in programs that engage children and youth as problem-solvers. Advertisement The last 20 years went by quickly, and I continue to be amazed by the innovation and energy of youth people, but it must not take another 20 years for the world to make youth service the common expectation and the common experience of all young people. For the sake of the human race and Mother Nature, let's hope we're not too late. June 26, 2016 marked the first anniversary of a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to declare a national right to full marriage equality for LGBT citizens in Obergfell v. Hodges. The landmark case was the first time in American history where gay men and women in all fifty states could celebrate their love with equal recognition from the federal government. This event was preceded only two years earlier by United States v. Windsor, in which the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act," applying the principle of equal protection under the law to eliminate DOMA's blatant prejudicial policy. And finally, the day marks the thirteenth anniversary of Lawrence v. Texas, a Supreme Court case that established a right of sexual privacy for consenting adults nationwide. June 26th is an historic day for American and the LGBT community alike. Three times on this day, the Supreme Court bent the arc of history towards progress and equality. Three times, the highest court in the land validated the love of an entire community, with untold consequences. Imagine a world without these decisions: marriage equality would be gridlocked in a partisan congress, sodomy laws would still be enforced in fourteen states, and countless couples would still be sifting through a legal wasteland instead of sharing their love with each other and their families. Perhaps even more consequential is the effect that these decisions have had on the national attitudes toward LGBT equality. Advertisement The status that same-sex marriage now enjoys as settled law has made a significant impact on LGBT issues. Some Members of Congress still promote marriage discrimination to stir up base sentiment and fundraise, but only the most ardent seriously speak of legislating the issue into a constitutional amendment. The cultural attitudes toward marriage equality have shifted enormously in the United States, with the latest polling showing more than sixty-one percent of Americans support marriage equality. But most important of all, the school kid who is made fun of for being gay or lesbian should and can know that his or her country's government now supports them and stands behind them. June 26th is an enormously important day in our history, codifying an oppressed part of our population into the full ranks of our national equality. We remember this day because of the countless lives it has improved or saved, because it is a reminder of how far we have come, and we never forget how fiercely we had to fight for and protect our rights. Because of these reasons, and because of the necessity of commemorating the LGBT rights struggle in this country, I am calling for President Obama to declare June 26th National Equality Day. I was honored to be present over the weekend with Eddie Windsor (see picture), Valerie Jarrett, White House LGBT Laison Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Mayor DeBlasio and his wife Chirlane McCray, at the unveiling of the Stonewall National Monument as the latest addition to the National Park System. On June 28th, 1969 a group of LGBT individuals banded together to voice their outrage at the systemic mistreatment they experienced that night, and for years previously. An act of civil disobedience turned into a national movement with unprecedented achievement. Being present in New York City for the designation of this monument was a further reminder of the importance of enshrining our legacy in history. Eddie and me at Stonewall The weekend of celebration was made even more historic by the unprecedented participation of a major party presidential candidate in the New York City Pride Parade. Secretary Clinton became the most notable political figure in modern history to voice her support for our community at a gay pride parade. Watching Hillary Clinton walking proudly by her fellow citizens in unequivocal support for LGBT rights was a watershed moment in American political history. Advertisement By Imogen Lloyd Webber Whether we admit it or not, all of us, at all times, prefer to be never knowingly short of an intelligent opinion. We can also all relate to sometimes being stuck in a conversation about which we wish we knew more. However, there are a few tricks you can employ so that you never look or feel like an outsider. The key is mild preparation. Know your audience. If you're about to have dinner with someone who will inevitably bring up politics, perhaps take a quick look at Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's twitter feeds, before reading one or two headlines from Politico. There are also a few standard phrases that you can always lob into an exchange about this topic and appear wise. British Labour Party Prime Minister Harold Wilson's phrase: "A week is a long time in politics" is evergreen, as are the remarks: "On some levels we get the politicians we deserve," "You don't win campaigns by playing defense" and "It's easier to campaign than govern." One or two crisp facts will do wonders for any point that you're trying to make. Note sagely that there is a revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street, before recalling that during the Obamacare debate, over 3,300 lobbyists registered to work on the issue. There are only 535 members of Congress. That's six lobbyists for each member. Advertisement If you must try and win a debate with a conservative, say something along the lines of: "A conservative is a politician who wants to keep what the liberals fought for a generation ago." If your aim is to squish a liberal, just use P. J. O'Rourke's: "The principal feature of American liberalism is sanctimoniousness." Your pivot out of a cantankerous chat? "Wake me up on November [the day after the presidential/midterm election]." It shows you know enough about politics that you are aware of when the vote is, thus making even your ennui appear informed. That would be November 9, 2016 for this election cycle, to save you the Google. You're welcome. Cocktails with a Wall Streeter and have no interest in combing through the Financial Times before your rendezvous? Once again, some wise words always hold true and are worth committing to memory. Express that you agree with economist John Kenneth Galbraith's infamous appraisal: "The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable." It got me through enough Fox Business television segments anyway. Another useful adage, which can also crop up in multiple topics is: "Wall Street likes certainty." Take an elaborate sip of your beverage and just wait while your companion launches into a diatribe. Sign up for more essays, interviews and excerpts from Thought Matters. ThoughtMatters is a partnership between Macmillan Publishers and Huffington Post At some moment, you will wish them to stop ranting about Brexit (invoke Churchill: "democracy is the worst form or government except all the others that have been tried") or the latest crisis du jour. So make sure you have at your disposal a brilliant but appropriately obscure nugget to show your sophistication. Remark that the monuments on euro notes are fictional so no country's national pride is offended. This will allow you the perfect segue to your pivot out of a financial discussion, which is not somewhere you ever want to linger long. Ask your companion what their favorite European city is and you'll be able to start talking about wine and/or real monuments in no time. Sometimes, the key to intelligent conversation is to sit back and listen, especially if you manage to find a specialist on an area where it's forgivable you don't know more. Take the Middle East. I'm a Brit and I can tell you that it's perfectly acceptable to kick off a tete-a-tete by blaming us for the area's issues -- the post-World War I boundaries made no sense on religious or ethnic grounds, and we're paying for that today. Then ask questions. Most people love to hear the sound of their own voices and sometimes it's worth taking in what they have to opine. Advertisement It may be unfair, but Americans don't have the best reputation around the world when it comes to their grasp of geography -- the myths surrounding your countrymen's command of it are the stuff of urban legend. Thus a maxim to throw out there if you happen to be in a chat with anyone from abroad is: "There are no foreign lands; it is the traveler only who is foreign." Please don't make the mistake that "overseas" means Canada or Mexico. Americans don't have to travel over any seas to get there. Sometimes the best way to overcome a perception problem is to gently laugh at it while letting slip that you know better. Perhaps cite the Boston Bombers back in 2013. In response to so much social media activity incorrectly identifying the suspects as having Czech, rather than Chechen, origins, the Czech ambassador to the US had to issue a statement pointing out that "the Czech Republic and Chechnya are two very different entities -- the Czech Republic is a Central European country; Chechnya is a part of the Russian Federation." The most confident conversationalists have techniques so that they always appear intelligent even if they're scrambling for something to say. One cable news host I know uses the word "exactly" to buy time while he figures out how to respond. Other solid methods include repeating a question, using pauses and remarking "interesting point." To end a debate that you appear to be losing with your reputation intact, mutter: "after all is said and done, more is said than done" and then steer the subject to something else. I'm a fan of remarking that the shortest complete sentence in the English language is "Go," and suggesting a trip to the bar. Growing up my sister and I would tease our mother relentlessly about how she would never get her hair wet while we would be diving and canon balling all summer long. Well as they say, we grow up and become our mothers. For the last 15 years, I haven't dove or jumped into a pool anywhere -- until last week. Fully clothed, sober, and on a Wednesday evening, I bellyflopped into our pool -- on purpose and for a purpose. Advertisement You see, two weeks ago in my hometown of Tampa, Florida people started challenging each other to Belly Flop for Babies or to donate to High Risk Hope in the spirit of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Since I have it posted on my website that High Risk Hope is one of the nonprofits I have been proud to support for years, once I was challenged, I knew I couldn't wimp out. High Risk Hope (HRH) is a growing nonprofit with huge dreams. Since 2011, HRH has supported 6,000 families in crisis at four major hospitals. HRH evolved out of one mother wanting to encourage others facing similar terrifying circumstances by bridging the gap between their worst fears of losing a child and the hope of leaving the hospital with a healthy baby. HRH has become an unstoppable and evolving movement in the Fight For Preemies supporting 2,000 new HRH families every year. Advertisement My flop was one of many that began popping up all over Facebook and Twitter. OBGYNs, nurses, kids who were born preemies, fathers of pregnant women, women who previously had high risk pregnancies and many of their friends were heading belly first into their pools and the Gulf of Mexico. A group of OBGYNs -- who apparently came straight from the hospital since they were still wearing their labcoats -- filmed a domino-style bellyflop that started going viral and at the moment has been viewed more than 66,000 times. So, what's the point? What do belly flops have to do with babies? It's simple in that, like a preemie, you are never too small to make a difference. Even the smallest acts in your community can have large impacts. Almost anyone can do a belly flop. If you can't for medical reasons (or you are a chicken) you can find a surrogate flopper and donate. Each video for the High Risk Hope Belly Flop For Babies challenge is raising awareness, funds and hope for preemies and moms at high risk for premature delivery. Funds raised will help High Risk Hope expand its services to hospitals and patients across the United States as 89 percent of the organization's revenue goes right back into its programs. Advertisement In honor of all those who fought for our independence, be part of something bigger than yourself and your barbecue grill this 4th of July weekend. If you want to reconnect with your inner child or just have a blast with your children, belly flop for High Risk Hope -- just be sure to post it to social media and challenge your friends so it continues to grow. It will never be easier or more fun to do something in the name of charity. I dare you to be bold like Hill, a healthy six year old who challenged Tim Tebow, who was born a preemie just like him. Tebow's mother was on bed rest for several months after doctors told her he wouldn't survive, nevermind be strong enough to eventually win the Heisman Trophy. Video courtesy of High Risk Hope Rumor has it the best red white and blue flops could make the Epic Independence Day flops video montage. Or even better, you could make the flop fails video. Either way, just do it. In the words of Matt Damon, "It's for the kids!" BEIJING, June 30-- China has no intention of devaluating the yuan to gain an advantage in global trade and there is no basis for long-term depreciation, the central bank said Thursday. The yuan has generally remained stable despite global volatility after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said in an online statement. The bank's remarks came after media reports about substantial drops of the yuan's exchange rate by the end of the year. "The reports misled expectations and disrupted the market, encouraging speculative selling. We strongly condemn the behavior, which is irresponsible and against professional ethics," the PBOC said. The currency will likely remain stable at a reasonable level thanks to China's sound economic fundamentals, according to the statement. The Chinese economy will keep its steady growth and continue to see a surplus in the balance of payments, with abundant foreign exchange (forex) reserves, sound financial conditions and stable monetary system, the PBOC said. China will propel forex reform and continue to let the market to play a decisive role, the bank added. It was the second time in a week that the PBOC has moved to refute distorted reports by some media outlets. The bank criticized foreign reports on China's interest policy on Monday. The central bank said that it retains the right to file a complaint through legal channels. Global education campaign movement A World at School is today calling on the European Union to urgently release funds to help Turkey get those Syrian girls and boys into school and learning. If not, they will be at risk of risk of child labour, trafficking, early marriage and being exploited and vulnerable to extremism. In the face of what many would see as an overwhelming challenge the Government of Turkey has provided schools places for Syrian children and committed to providing more school places when promised funds from outside Turkey are available. And promises have been made. World leaders met in London in February at the Syria Pledging Conference and promised to get 1 million Syrian children in school this academic year starting within a few months. In April, the EU pledged 3 billion ($3.4 billion) to support Syrian refugees in Turkey, and education has been listed as a top priority - a mark of recognition for all those who fought to bring the issue to the table. But since the promise was made only 27 million has gone to education, leaving the future of hundreds of thousands of Syrian children at risk. Some young people have been out of school for over five years, including vulnerable adolescents now in their teenage years who were just children when they arrived. This is a crucially underserved population. Children out of school are at risk of child labour, trafficking, early marriage and being exploited and vulnerable to extremism. I was reminded again of this plight today when listening to a BBC news report about 12 year old Lima from from the Syrian capital, Damascus. She started work in a textile factory, when she was only nine, and missed three years of school. She is now one of the children in school and learning during the last academic school year. To provide hope in the region, we need to transform the lives of refugee children and avoid a lost generation. There is an efficient, cost-effective and scalable model to open school places for Syrian children, using double-shift schools and other methods. One barrier to securing these school places is finance. Traditionally aid has been about the basic minimums of food, shelter and safety. However the average length of time a child is a refugee is between 10 and 17 years, so it is clear that humanitarian aid needs to do far more, it must provide children with a safe school, a future and hope. Host countries like Turkey stand ready to implement this huge undertaking; but it is up to all of us to ensure that the promised funds are delivered in time. Today's meeting in Brussels must be another step closer to that goal. Parents are important partners in the college search process, so I wish more parents would ask what they should do during a campus visit. I suspect there is a lack of opportunity during the layered steps of the college search. Believe me, as an admissions professional I want to establish a good relationship with parents. But it's hard to find the right balance. Not many colleges help parents understand their role and very few of the publications I've seen address parents. So, parents, since your role is so important, here are a few suggestions for ways to keep your student's best interests at the forefront during a campus visit: Advertisement Leave the younger kids at home -- Many families think it's good experience for younger children to visit colleges along with the student going through the college search. I understand the reasoning behind this, but I urge some caution and recommend that parents keep the focus on the student engaged in the college search. Make the visit about them -- their questions, their concerns and the excitement you share with them. Ask your college-bound student a few questions before you go -- As a parent, it's important to think of questions to ask your student before the visit. These don't have to be profound, but they can serve as touchpoint to make sure you know what your student is thinking. Here are a couple of ideas: What are you looking forward to the most during the visit? Is there something special about this college that you want to check out while you are on campus? Is there anything that makes you nervous about this visit? Do you know anyone from your high school who attends this college? Let your student take the lead -- When the tour begins, it's your turn to fade into the background and give your student a gentle shove to the front to hear the tour guide and hopefully interact with other prospective students. When a parent buddies up with the tour guide, prospective students suffer, and that includes your student. Avoid asking an admissions officer, "Did Johnnie tell you xxxxx," especially in front of Johnnie -- There is nothing more awkward than a parent trying to do clean-up for a student by asking the student questions right in front of an admissions officer. To try to prevent this awkward experience, an experienced admissions officer will simply reiterate what was discussed with the student -- but not all will. Have confidence that your student will do the right thing, when given the chance, and will talk about what is most important. If you really want your student to emphasize a particular point, include that among your pre-visit discussions, rather than embarrassing your student in front of an admissions counselor. The call can wait -- Nothing takes more attention away from your student than a phone call that you take during their visit. I've seen parents take calls on tours, step out of the family conversation following an admissions interview and leave information sessions. I've also seen the look of embarrassment on students' faces when this happens. If possible, leave the cell phone in your pocket and keep the focus on your student. Advertisement Teach your student how to shake hands -- I am always amazed by how few prospective students know how to offer a firm handshake and look someone in the eyes as they introduce themselves. For Pete's sake, take some time to teach your student how to make a good first impression with a firm handshake and eye-to-eye contact. Take time to debrief following the visit -- The ride home from a college visit is an important time to try to get an idea about next steps in the process. Before your student falls asleep for the drive, think about asking some questions such as these: What did you like best about your visit? What do you wish you could have done or seen that you were not able to accomplish? Is this a college you continue to be interested in? Should or could we go back for a follow-up? Would you like to stop at your favorite place for dinner tonight? College admissions officers are not always clear about expectations from parents, but I hope these suggestions will give you a better sense. Admissions officers want more from you than a signed check. The bottom line is that we should be partners, and your student is our real focus. Governor Jerry Brown has signed another California budget essentially along the lines he proposed, once again thwarting the designs of some legislative Democrats for expansive new and renewed programs. Not that Brown hasn't had some expansive programs of his own, especially in education, health care, energy and the environment, and new infrastructure for a sustainable new economy. "This solid budget makes responsible investments in California and sets aside billions of dollars to prepare for the next recession," Brown declared in a signing statement. That last is the tell, the reminder of why Brown has been loathe to restore a number of social welfare programs which he and predecessor Arnold Schwarzenegger cut back in the period in which the now four-term governor inherited a $27 billion state budget deficit. Why not? Because they're the sorts of programs that grow and grow. And Brown is more convinced than ever that the next economic downturn is already on its way. Advertisement This, despite the fact that California's economy during Brown's governorship has grown into in the world, trailing only those of China, the US as a whole, India, Japan, and Germany. Russia? Just behind California. Britain? Back in 11th place, even before the exit from the European Union which continues to roil the world economic landscape (and has just turned into a real-life 'House of Cards' in both the Conservative and Labour Parties). Brown, who has continually, in the view of many analysts, low-balled California revenue forecasts, even doubled his new state budget rainy day fund. Though of course any big downturn will probably require significant future budget cuts. That's the only actual "spending limit," as I've noted with regard to other governors, which works in a democratic society, and is well within the broad constitutional powers of the California governorship. Brown's longstanding and growing concern about an economic downturn reflects one of the key eventualities that could lead to the defeat of the Democrat he ended up successfully backing earlier this month in the California primary, former Secretary of State of Hillary Clinton. Advertisement Despite a month of woe, the execrable de facto Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump only trails Clinton by, on average, a mid-single digit margin. The continued danger of a Trump presidency, which if anything has increased again in the wake of Brexit, added a sense of urgency to Brown's hosting of the first ever Clean Energy Ministerial held in the US. Brown hosted what has become an annual summit of major world energy ministers in his home town San Francisco a few days before the California primary. The two-time runner-up for the Democratic presidential nomination also created a second global organization on renewable energy and climate change, the Subnational Clean Energy Ministerial, representing subnational governments in key energy-producing nations. office/2016/06/02/fact-sheet-us-hosts-worlds-energy-ministers-scale-clean-energy-and-drive Trump is a notorious climate change denier who has vowed to push an energy strategy which would take America back -- though hardly in the way he meant it last week when he appropriated Brown's 1992 presidential campaign slogan -- at least half a century, relying on coal and other fossil fuels to the extent that the cooking of the planet would not only not be reversed, it would be accelerated. Clinton, in sharp contrast, has committed to major steps forward along the renewable energy path that California is blazing into the future. Advertisement Brown also just wrote a powerful article in the New York Review of Books, discussing former Defense Secretary William Perry's new book, 'My Journey At the Nuclear Brink.' In it, Brown says that Perry, a defense technology insider for more than half a century, "As much as anyone, is aware of the ways, secret and public, that technical innovation, private profit and tax dollars, civilian gadgetry and weapons of mass destruction, satellite technology, computers, and ever-expanding surveillance are interconnected. But he now uses this dark knowledge in an effort to reverse the deadly arms race in which he had such a pivotal role." As it happens, Clinton takes a more conventional view, and, among other things, has long backed the NATO expansionism which has alarmed Russia since the '90s and may drive a new nuclear arms race as Brown and Perry point out. I'll have more on this going forward. Trump, however, has views on nuclear weapons which are frankly terrifying. He blithely recommends an increase in nuclear proliferation and has spoken of using nuclear weapons as though they are just another military option, holding out the prospect of nuking the terrorists of Isis. In the American system, the president has quite stunning and immediate direct power over the nuclear button. If Hillary Clinton is elected, there's room for debate and improvement on nuclear weapons along the lines advocated by Perry, Brown, and others. Advertisement But if Trump is elected, there can be nothing but opposition to a profoundly dangerous mindset and temperament. And perhaps prayerful hopes for the best. In which case Brown's Jesuit background might come in handy. Image Source The concept of human rights is a controversial issue. Some argue that it cannot be universal simply because there is no universal culture or religion. Others say that the Declaration of Human Rights was created with a Western bias, unaware that there are countries in the other hemisphere that have their own set of traditions, culture and faith quite different from those of the United States and Europe. What cannot be argued however is that the developed nations recognize and accept the 30 articles embodied in the Declaration that was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in 1948. It is now the foundation of national constitutions, international treaties, trade agreements and policies of humanitarian aid and civic groups. The Group of Seven (G7,) countries with the richest economies as classified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF,) also happen to be non-communist states whose governments are intent on protecting the rights of its peoples based on the UN declaration. The G7 includes Japan, the only non-Western nation and paradoxically, the country most widely perceived as the perpetrators of human abuses of all forms during WWII. Advertisement The metamorphosis of Japan from an empire to a democratic country began after its defeat in WWII. The Allies led by the US' General Douglas MacArthur began Japan's reconstruction from a country in shambles into what it is today, the world's third-biggest economy after the United States and China. After the surrender of Japan, its new leaders joined the Western bloc, countries that are allies of the United States, and signed the Treaty of San Francisco in 1951. It is said that the treaty was based in large part to the articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The other countries that make up G7 - Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom - although more concerned about international economy, security and energy policies, informally serve as a watchdog for human rights and a country's right to sovereignty. This is evident when it expelled Russia (then making the group a G8) in 2014 for annexing Crimea and seizing it from Ukraine. Hence, there is validity to the observation that universal human rights are the cornerstone of a truly developed nation. Japan, because it was able to rise from its disreputable image as a war aggressor and human rights abuser to an economic powerhouse and one of the world's biggest donors of aid, is a prime example of a truly developed nation. But the same cannot be said of South Korea, the other key Asian ally of the US. Like Japan, it too saw a rapid economic rise in the 1960s. After the wars it was involved in, it was as impoverished as the poorest African countries. But the millions of dollars that Japan and the US paid to South Korea enabled it to rebuild its infrastructure. Korea received the money from Japan as reparation for property and other claims and from the United States for sending more than 300,000 ROK soldiers to fight in the Vietnam War. Its development though came at the expense of South Vietnam people who were massacred and its women turned into sex slaves. Advertisement These incidents belong to the past, even as South Korean president Park Geun-Hye will not admit to its veracity nor apologize to the surviving victims and kin. And herein lies the danger of Park's denial of history. Philosopher George Santayana comes to mind when he said, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it" and it is happening now with Park. As her father the dictator Park Chung-hee suppressed oppositionists who were vocal against the excessive abuses of his regime, so the current Park is squelching scholars, politicians, civic groups, protesters, and journalists who dare speak out against her policies and regulations. Park Yu-ha, author of the book "Comfort Women of the Empire" is facing lawsuits for revealing the truth about the Korean comfort women. She has questioned the accepted version of the alleged sexual slavery and contends that it was private Korean and Japanese businessmen who set up brothels to serve the Japanese army. Further, she adds that not all women were forced into prostitution and that many of them went willingly with their partners and lived a comfortable life. Tatsuya Kato, Seoul bureau chief for Japan's Sankei Shimbun, was charged with defamation for writing about the whereabouts of Park during the critical hours of the MV Sewol ferry disaster in April 2014. Pressure from external media and governments forced the Seoul Central District Court to acquit him. About 60,000 protesters from civic organizations and labor groups marched to the capital in November of last year to rally against new labor policies and the plan to revise history textbooks. They were attacked by South Korea's police with water cannons and tear gas. Will Ms. Park learn her lessons? In the April 2016 National Assembly election, her Saenuri Party won only 122 seats while the opposition Minjoo Party got 123 and the rest went to the new People's Party. To have a majority of the 300-seat National Assembly, Park needs 151 assemblymen from her party. Advertisement Hindustan Times via Getty Images MUMBAI, INDIA - JUNE 4: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse during a press conference at BJP office, where he declared that he will hand over his resignation to the CM after the press conference on June 4, 2016 in Mumbai, India. Khadse, who has been under the attack for alleged dubious land deal and suspected underworld links, on Saturday, tendered his resignation to state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (Photo by Kunal Patil/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) MUMBAI -- Nearly a month since he was compelled to quit after facing a string of allegations, former Maharashtra minister and BJP veteran Eknath Khadse has stirred a row, saying the whole country would "shake" if he opened his mouth. Khadse was addressing a group of supporters in his home constituency in Jalgaon on Wednesday. "Though I have resigned in the wake of allegations against me, if I opened my mouth, the entire country will shake," he claimed. Advertisement Also Read: Maharashtra BJP Minister Eknath Khadse Quits Over Graft Charges The former minister also took pot shots at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying he (Khadse) was responsible for the BJP heading the saffron alliance in the state now by taking the "bold step" of snapping ties with Sena before the last assembly polls. "If the alliance between the BJP and Sena would not have broken before the assembly polls, Maharashtra would have had a chief minister of the Sena. I had taken the lead in getting the alliance broken due to which the CM today is of the BJP," he said. Khadse, who was holding several key portfolios, including Revenue, in the state cabinet, had resigned earlier this month over a series of allegations including irregularities in a land deal and allegedly receiving calls on his mobile from a landline number of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan. The Fadnavis government had ordered a judicial probe into the allegations, which Khadse had stoutly refuted as baseless. Advertisement Assertions of Khadse, considered the backward class face of the BJP in the state, evoked sharp response from the opposition Congress and the NCP. "There have long been allegations against Khadse that he has links with Dawood Ibrahim. He has himself now said he has information that can 'shake' the country. In all probability he has got crucial information from either Dawood or through some other terror outfit which he is in touch with, and the ATS should immediately take him into custody and get the information," Congress spokesperson Al-Nasser Zakaria said. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "Khadse has always been saying he does not speak without valid proof. Today when he says he has information, we have no reason to disbelieve that he is talking of something very serious that he has got his hands on, either through his conversations with Dawood or somebody else," he said. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Facebook Eighteen years ago, Patricia Tavis, a woman from New Jersey adopted Yasamma Gedala, born in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. She named her Samantha Mari Tavis. Tavis is now using Facebook, and asking people to spread the hashtag #FindingMariya, in an effort to reunite her adopted Indian daughter with her birth sister. Advertisement Last month, Tavis posted a photo of her daughter, asking her friends and friends of friends to help her find Mariyamma Gedala, her daughter's birth sister. This is a promise that Tavis had made to her daughter. "I had promised my daughter when she graduated from high school and her sister was 18, we would try to find her," she wrote. "We believe Mariyamma was adopted by a family in India. I am asking my friends and family to share this far and wide so my daughter might know the baby sister she still remembers and longs to see again," she posted with the hashtag #FindingMariya, sharing her own contact details. Advertisement Each week, she posted an update with more information and asking her friends to help. "I am thankful to all of my friends who are helping me in the quest to find Samantha's biological sister," she posted last week. A woman from Rajahmundry, Samantha's birthplace, reached out to Tavis and shared the message in her city. Soon, several people from the city were sharing the post. "I am more hopeful than ever that we will be able to locate Samantha's sister or someone who knows her," she wrote. "The trauma of being separated from her birth family has left a lasting impact on Samantha. I am hoping if she can find her sister, it will somehow heal the painful memories of losing them," Tavis wrote in a FB post. Advertisement Tavis' post has been shared over 2,600 times and people from India have offered to help in the search. SAM PANTHAKY via Getty Images Indian actor Irrfan Khan speaks to the media next to his son Aayan at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad on June 19, 2016, on Father's Day. / AFP / SAM PANTHAKY (Photo credit should read SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images) Days ahead of release of his movie 'Madaari', actor Irrfan Khan has angered a lot of people. During the promotion of his film in Jaipur, the actor questioned the need for fasting during the month of Ramzan, reported India Today. "Rather than fasting during Ramzan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered on the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We, Muslims, have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what we do? Take out (tajiya) processions," he said. Advertisement Khans remarks caused some controversy as clerics in Jaipur, the actors hometown hit back. The actor said that the meaning of Qurbani is to sacrifice something which is "close to you instead of any goat or sheep which you just buy to sacrifice." "Nowadays we have lost the relevance behind such religious activities and perform these rituals without knowing the meaning behind them, Khan was quoted by Deccan Herald. The actor also criticized Muslims for not speaking up against terrorism. "Why are Muslims are silent against the issue of terrorism," he asked. Of course Khan's comments didn't go down well with the Muslim clerics in Jaipur. Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, asked him to concentrate on his film career and not speak on religion. Advertisement "It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie," Khatri said. YouTube Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming film Kabali has to be one of the most avidly awaited films of the year, and government organisations are making sure that they channel the frenzy surrounding the movie toward a good cause. According to a report in The Times of India, the Puducherry government has offered residents of Sellipet panchayat free tickets for the film Kabali if they construct toilets in their homes. Advertisement The state government took this innovative step after they found that out of the 772 households in Sellipet village, 447 did not have a toilet, which meant that almost 58 percent of the residents were defecating in open spaces. BJP leader and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi who was recently appointed as the Lt Governor of Puducherry, tweeted that the government's innovative idea was working. Collector in #pondicherry is using gift of tickets of this film as incentive for use of Public Services!Its Working! https://t.co/VNFj5Lodkq Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) June 29, 2016 Recently, the Puducherry government drew up a 120-crore plan to build toilets for over 55,000 households in the union territory under the Swachh Bharath Abhiyan scheme. Advertisement Kabali, directed by Pa Ranjith, also features Radhika Apte, Dhansika, Dinesh Ravi, Kalaiyarasan, and John Vijay in key roles, along with the Taiwanese actor, Winston Chao. Also On HuffPost: Kalaippuli S Thanu/YouTube Special flights for Rajinikanth fans who want to watch his upcoming film Kabali's first day, first show in Chennai have been announced but the release date for the film is still uncertain. According to a report in The Hindu, rumours have been doing the rounds in social media that Kabali's release date has been pushed from 15 July to 22 July. Advertisement The film is yet to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification. But even before that, contests and release dates are being announced that is against the rules. We can only decide on the release date after the film has been officially certified, a source from the production house told The Hindu. On Thursday, AirAsia India, the official airline partner for Kabali, unveiled its new re-branded aircraft featuring a livery dedicated to the upcoming movie and Rajnikanth fans. Another source told IANS: "The exact reason is still unknown but the makers are most likely to push the release by a week. The film will now release on 22 July. As soon as the censor is done, the makers will officially announce the release date." Advertisement Directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film features Rajinikanth as a don who fights for Tamils in Malaysia. Also starring Radhika Apte, Kishore, Kalaiarasan, Dinesh, Ritwika, Dhansikaa and Winston Chao, the film is expected to be released in over 2,000 screens worldwide. Also On HuffPost: Madhura Kulkarni In an attempt to revive the dying art of conversation in todays social-media driven world, 20-year-old Madhura Kulkarni has designed an LED Emoji Bag. People in the 21st century are so engrossed in social media that they hardly talk to each other verbally. Human to human verbal communication and interaction has reduced a lot, the young fashion designer told HuffPost India. I wanted this to change, so I came up with this bag that displays different emoticons or emojis, which could actually start a verbal conversation between people. Advertisement Man meets machine!! LED bag @thetimesofindia @hindustan_times #wearabletechnology #thetimesofindia #emoticons #technology #future #hindustantimes A video posted by MADHECII - Madhura Kulkarni (@madhecii) on Jun 20, 2016 at 6:07am PDT Kulkarni who is still in her final year of fashion studies at the Birmingham University in the UK, decided to design these bags for her final-year project and launched it under her brand MADHECII. I wanted to create something futuristic and out of the world which depicts the modern era. Sci-Fi, Robots, Cyborgs, Humanoids -- in short, the future, inspires me the most. The reason is, you never know what is going to happen in the future. And, that gives me tremendous freedom and inspiration to create something which is original, un-imagined and out of the world, she says. Emojis are already recognized as bonafide couture accessories after designer Karl Lagerfeld showcased emoji prints as part of the Chanel Fall 2016 collection in Paris this March. Kulkarni however wanted to go a step further and use a moving picture in her design. Advertisement Madhura Kulkarni with her Emoji bag Somewhat reminiscent of the popular 1970s mood rings that changed colour to reflect the wearer's mood, Kulkarnis bags feature an LED panel that shows 5 different emojis and 3 words in colour. The budding Nasik-born designer is planning to develop an app that will customise the type of emoji and words displayed on the bags, along with the time when it is to be displayed. The bags themselves are made out of aeroply wood with leather trimmings, and are priced between 500 and 1000, and are available here. One can also write in to Kulkarni at madhecii.madhura@gmail.com to place orders. Kulkari, who was selected as one of 5 finalists for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards this year, says that she is working on other ideas that could employ wearable technology. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: President sends congratulatory letter as new Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte takes office New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center) watches as outgoing president Benigno Aquino steps down from the dais during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday at Malacanang Palace in Manila. Bullit Marquez / Agencies Beijing would like to improve relations with Manila through joint efforts, with bilateral ties facing important opportunities for growth, President Xi Jinping told the Philippines' new president, who was sworn in on Thursday. Rodrigo Duterte, 71, took the oath of office at Malacanang Palace in Manila, becoming the 16th president of the Southeast Asian nation of 102 million people. Ties between the two countries have nose-dived since a unilateral arbitration case over the South China Sea dispute was brought by outgoing Philippine president Benigno Aquino. Unlike his predecessor, Duterte, the first local mayor to be directly elected as president of the Philippines, is expected to take a pragmatic approach to the South China Sea dispute with China, analysts said. Xi said in a congratulatory letter to Duterte that China and the Philippines are neighbors, and being friendly is a tradition of the two countries that has endured for more than 1,000 years. This course is the right one and should be adhered to, he said. In his inaugural speech, Duterte promised a relentless and sustained fight against corruption, criminality and illegal drugs, but did not mention his government's policy toward China. During a speech in Davao City on Monday, Duterte said he would refrain from commenting on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, pending the decision in the arbitration case, which will be announced on July 12. In May, he said he wanted China to help improve his nation's poor infrastructure by building a railway system linking the entire country, especially on the southern island of Mindanao, which is seen as a new area for economic growth. Wilson Lee Flores, a Philippine political columnist, said: "President Duterte is a very pragmatic and politically clever leader. I really believe he can normalize China-Philippine relations." He said Duterte is likely to focus more on "win-win" economic advantages for both countries, rather than small misunderstandings and differences. "I hope the Chinese government reciprocates vigorously and enthusiastically," he added. JAIPUR -- Somya Gurjar, a member of Rajasthan State Commission for Women, who faced flak for clicking a 'selfie' with a rape victim, resigned from her post on Thursday. Gurjar along with Rajasthan State Commission for Women Chairperson Suman Sharma took a selfie with a rape victim, which triggered controversy. The matter came to light when the two pictures went viral on social media. The selfie was clicked by Gurjar on Wednesday when she and Sharma had gone to meet the rape victim at the Mahila police station (Jaipur North). Advertisement As per reports, the 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her husband and two brothers-in-law who also tattooed expletives on her forehead and hand for failing to bring Rs.51,000 as dowry. An FIR has been registered under Sections of 498-A (Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act), 376 (punishment for rape) and 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) of IPC and an investigation in the case has been initiated. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: Facebook This is part two of excerpts from a conversation with Khan. You can read part one here. Youre not the one to back out of competition youve always faced it head-on. How did you arrive at the decision of pushing your next film Raees, which was supposed to clash with Sultan [starring Salman Khan], to next year? Were all friends: Adi [Aditya Chopra, who heads Yash Raj Films], Salman, and me. There are only 3500 screens and thats not enough for two big films. We dont want any games from the backdoors; things are pretty transparent. I just finished a film for YRF. We are hugging and kissing each other and then I cant just go and sneakily book a theatre in Meerut for my film. Ye nahi ho paata (I cant do that). It becomes very awkward for me. Advertisement Is this because of how Dilwale fared against Bajirao Mastani last Christmas, when they released on the same day? That was different it was a competitive production house. I spoke to them 10 times to get the release date shifted. I spoke to Sanjay Leela Bhansali 10 times about the clash. I flew to Eros Los Angeles office to get things sorted. But their decision was taken. I then asked Rohit Shetty to shift our dates, but he was firm in his decision. We were always flexible but they assumed they had announced it first. An announcement means nothing, yaar. You release a film when you want to. I asked them they can come a week earlier whatever they wanted. I tried as hard as I possibly could. Then something strange happened. One of them told me that Pandit-ji ne date fix ki hai (pandit-ji has decided a date for us). Now, I didnt really want to go to the point where I was fighting with a pandit [in this case, an astrologer] for a release date. The whole argument had reached a level where there was no logical conversation. It was faith over rationality. It reached a place where we couldnt go through one chat without demeaning each others films. The end result was just unfortunate we saved Dilwale with the skin of our teeth, thanks to our international business. Advertisement How do you see yourself as part of the times that youre living in? When youre an actor, you dont think about the times as a separate entity. You are the times. You make the times. I get fascinated when I see actors say, The audience has gotten mature. You can do all kinds of stuff. Theres mainstream, theres indie, oh wow What the hell, man. Was the audience stupid before? No, we were. The audience always knew. And they know not because they think, they know because they feel. And a feeling is always a billion times more powerful than a thought. A thought in itself is germinated from a feeling. But do you not fear the times we live in? Theres a clampdown on freedom of expression and some of our most important institutes whether it is FTII, CBFC, or more recently the NIFT are increasingly being taken over by conservative elements. As a producer, censorship of films directly affects you. Why arent you out there protesting? I have stopped commenting on these issues and that, I admit, is unfortunate. Activists of Hindu Sena hold a protest against the screening of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dilwale at Barakhamba Road on December 18, 2015 in New Delhi, India. Shah Rukh had earlier said that religious intolerance and not being secular are the worst kind of crimes that you can commit as a patriot. This is precisely the kind of censorship censorship of thought that I am talking about, which seems to be happening all around us. Advertisement Censorship has been a problem for a while. As a producer, I have gone through some issues myself though not too many as I have never made un-familial films. Different committees appointed by different governments will have different interpretations. See, having a different interpretation of a rule is alright, but when there is a misinterpretation, then its time for the rule to change. In the case of Udta Punjab, Pahlaj-ji and team went according to one interpretation of the rulebook and, maybe, you cannot question them on that. The rulebook though is something you can question and work towards changing. The rulebook should be so well-written, so clearly written, so specifically written that whichever government is in power, it shouldnt have any room for misinterpretation. Also, the industry must remember that by having Twitter wars and ticker fights, youre devaluing your own fight. The fight is not with one head of an institution, but with the rules of the said institution. The head may be asked to leave and a new one appointed, but the rules are still going to be the same, right? Yes, but a progressive thinker is likely to have a more liberal approach towards art, something that need not be bound by the shackles of morality. Maybe. But you must understand that we live in a country which has places and people that get enticed too easily. Living in a city, we may not understand it. If deleting a few things doesnt make a huge difference to your film then its okay if having it will cause a problem. I had the same problem with my film Billu (2009), which was originally called Billu Barber. In Australia, the title of barber is as prestigious as being a professor but here I met people who felt it was derogatory. They said it embarrasses us. I said Ill take it off. It cost me a lot of money, it hurt me also. But I did it, despite no legal compulsion. The film didnt work anyway. So my point is if you sit with people and explain them your point of view, its easier to understand than coming across arbitrary and autocratic, which just pisses people off. Advertisement Yes, I remember you had reached out to news outlets when a picture of your daughter on a beach in a bikini went viral recently. You wanted that removed. Right. She was in a bikini, she was on a beach, and she was with her little brother. You went ahead and wrote a headline, SRKs daughter flaunts her body. Is it a little cheap? Maybe I felt it was. I reached out nicely and said, dude, your website is not going to run on my daughters bikini body, can you please take it out? People saw where I was coming from. My daughter was a little awkward about it. Shes 16, yaar. And the headlines some sites use are wow. Were very liberal people and even had a laugh about it. But its still awkward. You think the media needs to exercise more restraint, especially in such scenarios? That is there. But when my daughters pictures were splashed everywhere online and when I jumped to get it contained, I wasnt protecting her from the media I was protecting her from me. Its my stardom that was the reason that picture made it to the news it wouldnt have if she wasnt SRKs daughter. There could be someone running naked and that wouldnt be news. Advertisement There was a time when you would show up at the doorstep of a journalist, abuse reporters, and generally call out the press for the way they presented you. With age, have you now mellowed down in your temperament? You know, I dangle between two extremes. Either I am calm or I am a storm. I am not in-between. And there are moments when my calmness suddenly bursts into a bout of madness and its very dark. Ive been everywhere I have yelled and abused and beaten up people, and I have also gotten beaten up. Its not a good place to be in [laughs]. Im not apologetic about it and I am not ashamed of it. Sometimes when I am giving life advice to my son and telling him, You gotta be patient son, you gotta show restraint. And then we both burst out laughing when he says, Really, Papa? Youre saying this? And Im like, Ok, bro, do what you have to. In an interview with GQ in February 2010, you said, There are days I feel lonely on the inside. I guess thats the way I am. Ive never gotten into relationships because Im scared to. I have a shield. Ive lost my parents, so now I dont like to lose relationships. I have to admit, at the age of 44, that I am socially and emotionally inept. Has the arrival of AbRam help filled that void, or helped change that aspect about you? Till the time your kids are 7 years old, they bring about a sea-change in your life. Then the idiots grow up and leave and do their thing. Now, I cant be having a kid every 7 years although that does sound like a solution to my loneliness. (laughs). I love children as whatever they do misbehave, shout, swear you only feel love for them. Thats also what great acting does and I believe my final destination as an actor is to have child-like honesty. Theres so much of beauty in their untainted, uncorrupt words. Even when they say Fuck off, it is not destroyed by the worldly meaning of the term. A lot of time goes to my children. I spend a lot of time with AbRam, his three friends and also friends of Aryan and Suhana. I am glad I dont make them awkward. Advertisement But in todays times, a star needs to be accessible at all times. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat. Do you feel the pressure to be on top of these modern forms of social currencies? I cant, yaar. I dont know how to give a shout out on Twitter or tell people things like, Youre killing it. Im bad and weird about it. I cant return calls or text messages. If I like something, Ill just tell you when I see you, ki acchha laga (I liked it). I am quite socially inept although I am good to talk with. Sometimes, I just want to be in a place where nothing is expected out of me. As a star, its almost impossible other than when youre in the company of a 3-year-old. All adult relationships are full of expectations. AbRam has filled in much more than I could have imagined. Are you scared to live up to those expectations or is it that you dont have any will left to invest in people anymore? Relationships kill love. Relationships have rules. And rules are misinterpreted. Relationships have conditions and boundaries and, yes, expectations. You cant go by what others expect. They may do a lot to you because they can or they have the time. But the best kinds of relationships are the ones without conditions. Not the ones that go, We have to meet ya, like once a week. No man, we dont have to. Well still be good. Love should be free of conditions or it isnt love at all. One of my closest friends lives in LA and we dont meet for years sometimes, forget birthdays and anniversary greetings, but when we do meet, we start off from where we left. Even if he doesnt have my back during my times of trouble, hes still my friend. But where were you during my times of trouble? they say. I was dealing with my own. But yours was work, mine was emotional. Fuck you. Advertisement I have a lot of love for a lot of people but I cant say if I have a relationship with them. Film industries over the world are a hotbed of lost love, broken relationships, infidelities. How has your marriage survived? Ill tell you something its a little difficult to be a movie stars spouse. Our lives dont belong to our partners. They belong to the world. Were called public figures because we not longer have a private life the way its meant to. To be able to take that for so many years and be able to carve an identity and space for yourself is extremely difficult. And Gauri has been great in making a space for herself in which she is not identified as Shah Rukh Khans wife. By not doubting, talking, or doing anything, shes made her own identity and that takes a very large heart. To be a partner to a movie star means that you dont own them. And to continue to be like that without feeling belittled, smaller or unimportant takes a lot. Advertisement Gauri and my relationship has been geared entirely towards raising our children. Thats what eventually happens. Parents become parents at one point and that changes it all. We have a badass 18-year-old, a dainty 16-year-old and then theres the 3-year-old little gangster. Our conversations, our life together is through the prism of our children. Theyve been our focal point and have literally kept our world intact. Would you have wanted it any other way? I dont know. Its different. I cant ruin their weekends because of my bad Fridays. I cant make them jump with joy on a jubilant Monday that I have. I cant take them to the bathroom and cry because my IPL team lost by one run in the finals. Why should I take them on this rollercoaster ride? They didnt sign up for this. I cant make them realise that Fan meant a lot to me and that it didnt do well. I know they sense it. But I still dont allow my day to walk into my house. Its a difficult balance to keep. And thats what makes me lonely. I cant even take them my own family through my emotional upheavals. Its not for lack of love, its for the lack of choice. They didnt get to choose this, they had to. As an actor, I am the seller of dreams. But that doesnt mean that if the dreams dont sell, I bring the nightmares home to my wife and children. No, I will never do that. It happens in a lot of Bollywood families. But not mine. Theres a lot of talk about Suhana wanting to become an actress. Will you launch her when the time comes? Im a selfish actor, I only launch myself [laughs]. My kids, whatever they want to be, need to educate themselves. There is a minimum education requirement in this house. If you cant hold a conversation with me, then youre not just cut out for it. I am a believer of education 80 percent of what I am is because of education. My kids have been brought up very well, theyre very dignified. Suhana wants to be an actress and she says that she doesnt want to learn it from me. Which is an amazing thought to have. Because it means that she wants to do the same thing as me but with an independent and a unique voice. Advertisement What is your relationship with her like? I have written a book for her. Thats the only way I felt I could approach her. I am awkward, even with my own family. I will never encroach on a girls space so she has her privacy. Some of it is strange, some of it is technical, and some of it are just dad-to-daughter conversations. She finished reading it recently and told me to write some more. I am on it. Have you seen her act? Yes, she participates in a lot of theatre and shes quite good as an actress. In fact, shes just done a play and I may get a call any minute about how she fared. I feel you must not be an actor because your father or mother wants you to be you should be an actor because you cannot be anything else. Bollywoods top stars have maintained a stoic silence on the gender-based wage disparity in the industry. I feel every woman in this industry works three times harder than the men and gets ten times lesser the money. But not in my company. I cant enforce that in the films that I act in and dont produce but the ones that I produce, theres equal pay. Plus, their name appears before mine in the title credits. Advertisement I dont talk about the change. I am the change. In my films, the girls name always comes before mine. On my films set, the girl is always in a higher position than men nobody can call them tu; its always aap. Youre often called the greatest movie star in the world and as befits that claim, you live a charmed life. A house with more rooms than youve probably utilised, fancy cars, luxurious travel its a life of such dizzying opulence that most people will never know what its like to be you. Doesnt that also come with a sense of depressing world-weariness since there isnt anything left that you want but cant get I am aware of the fact that I enjoy a unique space in peoples hearts and I get more love from them than I probably deserve. But thats what wakes me up every morning to ensure that kind of love stays. The first five years of my career, I was clueless. These current five years I want to ensure I do things that make me feel loved and prove to myself that I am deserving of everything that you spoke about. I want to sit with all these people 3 billion who supposedly love me and make each of them feel special and worthy of the time and affection they gave me. I want to ask them, Did I entertain you enough for all the love youve given me? Are we good? I want to know and feel better by hearing that I probably did. That anxiety keeps me alive, keeps me awake, puts me to bed and wakes me up to go to a movie set. And thats anything but world-weariness. Its excitement. Is there ever a real moment, a moment of absolute privacy, which involves SRK sans the stardom? Oh, yes. When I am not acting, I am a chilled out guy hanging in an old pair of jeans and messy hair. Many tell me, What are you doing looking like this? and I go like, please. This is a moment when I am not acting and I want to savour this moment of being me. Advertisement ASSOCIATED PRESS A participant shouts slogans as activists of Indiaas LGBT (Lesbians Gays Bisexuals Transgenders) community and their supporters hold a candle light vigil condemning the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida as they gather in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, June 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) Once it was just called gay. Then it became gay and lesbian. Then LGBT. Then LGBTI. LGBTQI. LGBTQIA. As the alphabet soup thickened, so did the confusion. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India merely underscores that simple truth we are just darn confused by sexuality and gender. There's sex as in your passport. And there's sex as in what happens in bed. And when the two collide, we get downright squeamish and terribly confused. The Supreme Court has ruled that its 2014 NALSA judgement granting legal recognition to transgenders cannot be applied to lesbians, gays and bisexuals. The court says "The grammatical meaning of 'transgender', therefore, is across or beyond gender. This has come to be known as an umbrella term which includes gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and crossgenders within its scope. However while dealing with this present issue we are not concerned with this aforesaid wider meaning of the expression 'transgender'". Advertisement Basic translation. The court is saying is that despite all of us bandying around the term LGBT, gays and lesbians will have to fight their own battle. They cannot piggyback on the transgender ruling and be considered a third category of gender and be treated as a socially and economically backward class. They cannot become an "un-minuscule minority" on the coattails of the T in LGBT. (Participants take part in a gay pride march in New Delhi June 28, 2009. REUTERS/Buddhika Weerasinghe) The latest court ruling has led to headlines like these: Not 3rd gender: SC knocks lesbian, gay, bisexual out of LGBT umbrella Advertisement It assumes there's only room for one umbrella. There can be an LGBT umbrella but there can also be a T umbrella or a G umbrella. It's not an either-or game. There are issues of commonality and issues of divergence. Not exactly true. It assumes there's only room for one umbrella. There can be an LGBT umbrella but there can also be a T umbrella or a G umbrella. It's not an either-or game. There are issues of commonality and issues of divergence. A lesbian does not worry about whether her passport matches her gender identity. A gay man does not think twice about which public bathroom he can use. But the point is not that gays and lesbians were clamouring to use the NALSA ruling as a backdoor to secure their own rights. It's the government which was asking for clarification in this regard citing that confusion as a reason to delay the implementation of the ruling. The Court is trying to clarify matters but it ignores the far more complicated reality of our lives. The Court had made it clear that its definition of transgender includes those who are "pre-operative, post-operative, non-operative" and affirms their right to self-identify in the gender of their choice and prohibits discrimination against transgender persons. But if someone chooses not to have sexual reassignment surgery but still identifies as trans and then gets into a relationship with a person of the same biological gender assigned to her, is she transgender (and protected under the 2014 ruling) or homosexual (and liable to criminal prosecution under the 2013 ruling)? Advertisement (Participants take part in a gay pride parade in New Delhi November 28, 2010. Thousands of people danced, sang and cheered through the streets of Delhi on Sunday in a colourful and vibrant celebration for the first gay pride parade since gay sex was made legal in India. REUTERS/B Mathur) Gender identity is gender identity and sexual orientation is sexual orientation but the twain can meet and when an one part is criminalized while the other is not, it will lead to many such knotty situations. The court in its transgender ruling was not considering this. It was not thinking about sex as in the sexual act. The court was, in all likelihood, not thinking about transgender in its totality either. It was a historic judgement but an incomplete one. As transman Satya wrote in Mint then "in the 130-page judgment of Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and A.K. Sikri, not a single page carried any of the following words: FTM (Female to Male), Transman, Intergender, Bhaiya, Babu, Kotha, FTK (Female to Kotha), Thirunambi, Genderqueer, Gandabasaka -- some common terms used by members of the trans masculine, intersex and inter-gender communities for their identities and/or expressions." Advertisement (Participants dance under a a rainbow flag as they attend the sixth Delhi Queer Pride parade, an event promoting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights, in New Delhi November 24, 2013. REUTERS/Mansi Thapliyal) The transgender ruling was not about Section 377 and the court took pains to clarify that. But Section 377 remains the elephant in that room that cannot be wished away. Sex is part of the package. Could a court uphold someone's right to identify as a heterosexual even as penile-vaginal intercourse remained criminalized by law? The transgender ruling was not about Section 377 and the court took pains to clarify that. But Section 377 remains the elephant in that room that cannot be wished away. Sex is part of the package. Thus when Radhika, a transgender woman, married her partner Shivakumar in Karnataka, his relatives forcibly separated them and threatened them with Section 377. Radhika said a woman police constable told her "You are already living a lie. You are not a woman but a man. Just because you wear a saree doesn't mean you become a woman. Why do you want to spoil this man's life?" Whether 377 is actually invoked against Radhika and Shivakumar or not, it remains a looming threat. And an embarrassing one. Just consider the knots India's MEA tied itself into in trying to explain why it voted in 2015 against the UN Secretary General's decision to extend marriage benefits to LGBT or same-sex couples, a vote that put India in the company of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. With 377 on its books, India could hardly have voted for the decision without appearing hypocritical. But it tried to explain its vote by saying its opposition was not to LGBT rights but that the Secretary General took the decision on his "own accord" and "without consultations with member states." Clearly the government did not want to be labeled homophobic, a soul sister to Saudi Arabia. Advertisement (A participant takes a selfie during Delhi Queer Pride Parade, an event promoting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights, in New Delhi November 30, 2014. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi) Now in the latest UN vote on the creation of an Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) at the United Nations Human Rights Council, India chose to abstain. But that's not much of a face-saver, honestly. Arijit Mondal via Getty Images An Indain bride's hand with henna tattoos. An Indian bride showing her palms painted with a traditional mehandi design. The mehandi design is in sharp focus and no human face visible in the photograph. NEW DELHI -- The Congress Party on Thursday cornered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reports that the son of Jharkhand BJP chief Tala Marandi has married a minor girl. "On one side, the BJP and the Prime Minister chant the slogan of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and on the other side, the son of their party president in Jharkhand is married to a girl who is minor," Congress leader Shobha Oza told ANI. Advertisement "There is another instance where an underage girl has accused that the son of the BJP's Jharkhand president sexually exploited her for two years. All these instances show that how girls and women are treated in the houses of the BJP ministers. Investigation should take place in this incident. I would like to request the National Women Commission (NCW) to take cognisance of this matter. Guilty should be punished in this case," she added. FIR filed after Court's order against Munna Marandi, son of Jharkhand BJP President Tala Marandi in an alleged sexual harassment case. ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 According to reports, the marriage with the minor reportedly took place on 27 June, in Godda region of Jharkhand and the reception was held on 29 June. Regarding the claims of sexual abuse, it is reported that the minor girl had submitted an application before the State Commission for Women against Munna Marandi for sexually abusing her for two years with the promise of marriage. Advertisement Also On HuffPost: Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters A Muslim woman prays before having her Iftar (breaking of fast) meal during the holy month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid (Grand Mosque) in the old quarters of Delhi, India, June 25, 2015. REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY A month ago, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said in an interview to PTI that while there was the need for a debate on a "common" civil code in the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the centre would not "thrust" it on the people. "Definitely, there is a need (for a debate on common civil code). The Constitutional framers, they advocated it and they have put in directive principles (of state policy) hoping the country in due course will go for a uniform civil code. I call it as a common civil code. Uniform conveys a different meaning," Naidu said. Advertisement What Naidu advocated was important aspects of civil life, such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance and right to property, should fall under a common code, while ways of worship be left to the individual. A month later, media reports suggest the Narendra Modi government has initiated the process by asking the Law Commission, an executive body that looks into legal reforms, to look into the implementation of the uniform civil code, a touchy subject in a country that celebrates religious diversity. The BJP government has traditionally favoured the uniform civil code -- a set of common personal laws for Indians irrespective of religion. The Economic Times on Friday said in a report, quoting officials familiar with the matter, that the law ministry has sought a detailed report from the Law Commission on the issue. News18 has quoted Law Commission chief Balbir Singh Chauhan as saying that he "will consult all the stakeholders and political parties before making an informed suggestion". Advertisement The 1985 Shah Bano case stirred up the debate around the need for a uniform civil code, supported by women's rights activists, and envisaged in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. larryrains via Getty Images Businessman with Pointer Anil Kumar Pal, an associate professor in Economics, employed at the Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University in Jaunpur, allegedly did not know what audit means and said IMF stands for 'International Money Found', according to a report in The Times of India. Advertisement The shocking state of affairs of education in UP came to light during an evaluation of answer sheets of BA English, history and economics, the paper reported, at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM). The centre's evaluation coordinator and director Luvkush Mishra told TOI that his suspicion was aroused when English professor Shyam Bahadur could not even spell the word 'evaluation', ironic, considering that's what his job has been for over a decade. Mishra said the English teacher struggled while writing a two-line application letter. Humanities topper in Bihar intermediate examination, Ruby Rai, pronounced Political Science as 'Prodikal Science' and told reporters that her subject is about cooking. Rai was arrested by Special Investigation Team (SIT) as she emerged from a re-test of Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). A Patna court also issued a non-bailable warrant against four toppers of the intermediate examination, including Ruby, in the exam racket. Science topper Saurbabh Shrestha, third topper Rahul Kumar and Vishun Roy college Principal Bachha Rai's daughter Shalini Rai are the other three against whom the arrest warrant was issued. Advertisement After skipping two summons to appear before a team of subject experts for reassessment of her exam performance, Ruby, enrolled from the controversial Vishun Roy college in Vaishali, arrived at BSEB office today to face a written re-test as well as interview. Meanwhile, Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has decided to cancel Rai's result after she failed to give satisfactory replies in the re-test conducted by subject experts. Meanwhile, a student in Gujarat who scored over 90 percent marks in the objective section of the Mathematics paper in Class X exams, said a triangle had four sides. Bloomberg via Getty Images Hugo Barra, vice president of global operations at Xiaomi Corp., gestures while speaking during the launch of the company's Mi 5 smartphone in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Foxconn Technology Group began assembling Xiaomi's first made-in-India smartphone from a new plant in the country's south last year, helping the Chinese company shorten delivery times and prop up margins. Photographer: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg via Getty Images The Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has done spectacularly well in India. In view of the high demand for its phones here, Xiaomi is in talks with different state governments to set up a manufacturing unit in India. It already has an assembly unit in Andhra Pradesh set up in collaboration with the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn. Xiaomi will also be partnering with Foxconn, best known as the maker of the iPhone, in setting up any new manufacturing unit in India. Advertisement Xiaomi is realizing that after their success in the Indian urban market through the online sales, the best way to tap tier 2 and tier 3 cities would be through offline sales and increasing the supply of their smartphones. Which could be one reason why Xiaomi is making their Redmi Note 3 available in the offline stores as well. Xiaomi's global VP, Hugo Barra said that they have sold more than a million units of Redmi Note 3 in India so far. "We are looking to expand capacity and set up more lines and plants. We are proactively looking at it and are working with our partner Foxconn. Currently, discussions are on with different governments. We have also been increasing the capacity at the existing plant," Manu Jain, India head at Xiaomi, told ET. Advertisement Yesterday, Xiaomi launched Mi Max which, with a 6.44-inch screen, is their biggest smartphone yet. The phone will be imported from China until production starts in India later this month. "The demand for Redmi Note 3 is higher. We brought in 6 lakh units for the first two months, which is a fairly big number. Still, we are running out of stock. We have sold more than a million Redmi Note 3 units in India," Jain added. Chinese smartphone makers are betting heavily on creating online and offline presence simultaneously. One of the newer successful players in the market, LeEco, has opened their own website LeMall. Xiaomi, meanwhile, has set up the Mi Community website, where fans can register themselves for events, launches and exclusive deals. China voiced stern warnings on Thursday against an arbitral tribunal that is scheduled to issue a ruling this month on a case raised unilaterally by the Philippines about the South China Sea issue. Beijing said that the upcoming ruling may cause serious damage to the international rule of law. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, acting as the tribunal registry, said on Wednesday that the decision will be announced on July 12. The tribunal was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at the Philippines' request. China has refused to be part of the arbitration since it was launched in 2013, partly because it says the issues raised by Manila are related to sovereignty and maritime delimitation, which are beyond the tribunal's jurisdiction. On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a written statement that the Philippines' unilateral initiation of arbitration breaches international law, and the tribunal should not have heard the case or be issuing any decision. Hong said the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the matter, as a declaration made by China in 2006 excludes disputes concerning maritime delimitation among others from arbitration and other compulsory dispute settlement procedures. On Thursday, he said the tribunal "circumvented the optional declaration of exception that China has made in accordance with UNCLOS; expanded and exceeded its jurisdiction at will; and pushed forward the hearing on the relevant subject matter". Such acts have infringed on the right of a party to the Convention to choose a means of dispute settlement on its own, Hong said. He added that it has undermined the integrity of the Convention dispute settlement regime and dealt a serious blow to the international rule of law. In early June, an international group of legal experts and lawyers signed a legal opinion document questioning the tribunal's jurisdiction. Yi Xianhe, chief expert at Wuhan University Institute of International Law, said the tribunal has not fully considered China's viewpoints, and the legal analysis of such points has been insufficient. "Some of the arbitrators, without any explanation, changed their previous positions and views (concerning China), and this has betrayed the consistency principle in the international rule of law," Yi said. Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said the tribunal has deliberately expanded its jurisdiction and has "drifted away" from its impartial position. Wu said the tribunal has made its jurisdiction cover all the claims and issues raised by the Philippines, adding, "In some sense, it has become the speaker for the Philippines' interests." According to Padraig Lysaght, an Austrian historian on South China Sea studies, "It is a principle of international law that all sides must agree on the arbitration. "It is perfectly legal to simply not accept this award (decision). I don't think the award can solve the problem," Lysaght told Xinhua News Agency. Cambodian Prime Minister reiterated on Wednesday that his country will not support the tribunal's decision. Buhler JV and freshman football will not be defeated The Buhler JV squad capped its unbeaten season with a 34-22 victory at McPherson Monday night with help from members of the freshman team. (Photo/Beijing Youth Daily) Clashes broke out Wednesday between Italian police and Chinese nationals during a health inspection at a textile factory in Florence, Italy, the Consulate-General of China in Florence confirmed to the Global Times Thursday. Police arrested two Chinese factory workers. A total seven were injured in the clashes, including three Chinese workers and four law officers, La Repubblica reported. The report said that during a routine inspection to the factory, police officers encountered uncooperative overseas Chinese, and clashed with an elderly man carrying a baby, which angered the Chinese and led to a standoff. Video published on the paper's website showed hundreds of Chinese nationals gathering and shouting "protest the use of violence." But the video showed the crowd throwing stones, cans, bottles and other objects at riot police. Members of the Chinese community said that the baby's grandfather was trying to leave the factory with the baby but was stopped. When asked for his ID, he became aggressive and a physical altercation occurred, the paper reported. The Consulate-General said they immediately contacted the Italian police and the local Chinese community, urging the police to be civilized in law enforcement to protect the Chinese nationals' legitimate rights and interests, and to quickly settle the incident. The Consulate-General said the clashes happened Wednesday afternoon (local time), when Italian police inspected a factory in Florence's Sesto Fiorentino district, adding that the conflict ended after 7 pm. However, some people began to gather at the factory at 8:30 pm, but were dispersed by local police. Further investigation is underway, according to the Consulate-General. Spotify Says Apple Rejected App Upgrade As A Weapon Because It Competes With Apple Music The battle between Spotify and Apple got much nastier this week, with the music streamer's top lawyer delivering Cupertino a message that they will no longer stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon. ______________________________________ Spotify is claiming that Apple rejected a new version of its iOS app to protect Apple Music from competitors. In a letter from its chief counsel to Apple's top lawyer, Spotify says that Apple is causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers by rejecting an update to the music streamer's iOS app. "we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors This latest episode raises serious concerns under both U.S. and EU competition law, Spotify general counsel Horacio Gutierrez wrote it a letter to Apple obtained by re/code. It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apples previous anti-competitive conduct aimed at Spotify we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors. Spotify has also reportedly distributed the letter to Congressional staffers. Yesterday, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D. MA) accused Apple of working to snuff out competition. Apple, said Warren, has placed conditions on its rivals that make it difficult for them to offer competitive streaming services that compete with Apple Music. Apple's Rejection In it's rejection of the new version of The Spotify app, Apple reportedly cited business model rules. It also said that Spotify must use Apples billing system if it wants to use the app to acquire new customers and sell subscriptions. Since Apple's rules for apps on iTunes clearly require using Apple's payment system, it seems likely that Spotify sought to provoke a confrontation by designing and seeking approval for an app that did not meet those standards. Apple recently dropped the cut it takes from in app purchases and subscriptions from 30% to 15% after the first year. But Spotify has said, that's not good enough. Thus far, neither Apple or Spotify have commented publicly. Share on: Billboard Magazine, Hollywood Reporter Hemorrhaging Cash As Owners Explore Sale The owners of Billboard Magazine and The Hollywood Reporter are looking for an exit strategy. Last year, when Guggenheim Partners spun off its media properties to Eldridge Industries, it was clear that the magazines were hemorrhaging cash. Apparently the bleeding has continued, if not accelerated. _____________________________________________ Eldridge Industries, the owner of music industry trade Billboard Magazine, TV production company Dick Clark Productions and The Hollywood Reporter have hired investment bankers Moelis & Co and Goldman Sachs Group Inc to carry out a review of its media holdings. The move comes less then a year after Eldridge majority owner and CEO Todd Boehly stepped down as President of investment firm Guggenheim Partners, to start his own company, taking media assets Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek and Dick Clark Productions with him. After the move, Billboard added glitzy lifestyle coverage including high end fashion, real estate and watches, often with a 'music' theme to try to attract more ad dollars. Over time, many of its most knowledgeable writers were let go or moved on. "Recently, Eldridge received unsolicited interest in one of its media assets," Boehly told Reuters. But Beohly is likely motivated beyond buyer interest in dumping the properties. Billboard and Hollywood Reporter are reportedly losing $20 million annually, according to Hits. The only serious interest from buyers, so far, is reportedly for TV awards show producer Dick Clark Productions, which could be worth between $500 million and $1 billion. Share on: Although the Randolph Fire Association managed to raise enough funds over a year to purchase and hang 20 American flags throughout the town, a lack of insurance coverage forced the organization to take the flags down.The utility poles the flags were mounted on are owned by Central Maine Power and Fairpoint Communications, reported WABI TV5.Technically speaking, Randolph rents the poles from the utility. The town, however, did not meet a $5 million coverage threshold, and thus the flags were taken down. Randolph would have to increase its liability insurance to put the flags back."Im totally upset about it. There shouldnt be a price put on our veterans for their service to the United States three months out of the year, said Randolph selectman Robert Henderson.Randolphs fire department once again took to raising funds for the cost of the insurance rider, at around $500.Fortunately for the town, Amity Insurance president Roy Solomon later sent the fire department a check to cover the cost of the rider.Because of the fear of being sued and the cost of litigation, everyone is afraid to do things that might get them sued, said Solomon in an interview with centralmaine.com. People wont stop to help someone in need because theyre afraid. People stopped getting involved when they see bad behavior. So when given the opportunity to make a difference, I see it as an opportunity and Im grateful to be able to help. As jurisdictions begin licensing the commercial use of unmanned aircraft or drones there is an opportunity for insurers to offer coverage to protect against myriad risks.Thats the view of international law firm RPC which sees growth in the market for specialty drone insurance for regulatory and public liability risks.The firm highlights a wide range of business sectors that may require specific insurance because of their use of drones. These include media, photographers, real estate, energy & rail for line maintenance, farmers for crop surveys and construction support companies.The law firm highlights risks from drone use including damage to property, personal injury, breaches of privacy and regulatory/criminal investigations.Major issues do remain to be resolved for insurers such as the extent of the risk that drones have to commercial aircraft and the liabilities arising from drone use. However, with traditional insurance policies now specifically looking to reduce or completely exclude drone coverage there is a clear marketing opportunity for specialist cover, said RPC legal director Philip Tansley.Australian-based specialist travel insurance and medical assistance firm Cover-More Group has appointed a new sales chief for its North American operations.Mark Linton joins from RPC Insurance as Head of Sales for the US and Canada as part of the insurers expansion in the region, which has also seen Carole Tokody relocate to New York as regional CEO.Cover-More has around 40 per cent of the national travel insurance market in Australia and has expanded across the Asia Pacific region and the UK.The US real estate sector is concerned that there could be large hikes in flood insurance premiums if FEMA does not reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program.The National Association of Realtors has told the Senate that flood insurance costs put small businesses and homeowners at risk and any large increase would damage the sector.David McKey, NARs Insurance Committee vice-chair told senators that the current formula creates an endless escalator of rising costs for businesses and homeowners."Despite everything that's been done on this issue, the threat of a $30,000 flood insurance premium still looms," said McKey.Realtors want advanced technology to improve the accuracy of flood maps so that consumers are not buying insurance cover when it is not needed.The National Home Builders Association is also keen to see improvement. Its second vice-chair Randy Noel commented: As Congress works to reauthorize the NFIP program by the September 2017 deadline, it must guard against the exorbitant rate hikes and faulty floodplain delineations that have plagued the program in the past. China has successfully completed the in-space refuelling of orbital satellites following last week's launch of a new-generation carrier rocket, the National University of Defense Technology announced on Thursday. Similar to air refueling for planes, the process involves the refueling of a satellite in orbit in a microgravity environment and will extend a satellite's functional life and considerably boost its maneuverability. Developed by the university, Tianyuan-1 is the country's first in-space refueling system for orbital satellites. It was sent in orbit aboard the Long March-7 carrier rocket on Saturday. A series of core independent processes was tested and verified after the launch, with data and videos recording the full process sent back to earth, the university said in a statement. "The injection process was stable, and measurements and controls were precise," the statement said. It added that the test proved that Tianyuan-1 met design requirements. Though an area of great interest, the process is complicated and only a few countries have began similar experiments. China launched its Long March-7 carrier rocket successfully on Saturday from Wenchang, South China's Hainan Province. Insurance companies could be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars if the government of Puerto Rico defaults July 1 on $1.9 billion worth of debt payments.The default would be the largest in the territorys history, and its fourth default in the past year. Previously, Puerto Ricos largest default was on May 2 when the Government Development Bank, formerly the islands primary fiscal agent and lender of last resort, defaulted on $367 million due to its bondholders.The July 1 payment includes $780 million worth of General Obligation bonds, which is meant to be paid out before all others.If these payments are not met, creditors could get their money via insurers, including about $364 million from Assured Guaranty. About $184 million of that covers General Obligation debt. Assured has more than $5 billion in total Puerto Rico exposure.The other two bond insurers implicated are Ambac Financial Group and National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.It is unclear just how much insurers will have to pay in the event of a default, though analysts say the ultimate impact will be blunted because all three companies have cash reserves set aside for such claims. The insurers will also agree to pay only the amount due on the day it is due not accelerate payment on defaulted bonds.There will be some instances of nonpayment but for bond insurers its not going to be a catastrophe, Edwin Groshans, a Height Securities analysts, told the Wall Street Journal.There is some relief in sight for Assured and other insurers with exposure to Puerto Rican debt, however.US President Barack Obama is set to sign the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) before the territory defaults on most of its debt. Passed in a bi-partisan compromise in Congress Wednesday, PROMESA provides a halt to any creditor litigation brought against the Puerto Rican government and its debt issuing agencies retroactive to December.The bill has not eliminated the risk of defaults, but it has proved a boon to insurers, as the stock prices for the three publicly traded monoline insurance companies implicated in Puerto Rican debt rose late Wednesday. Assureds stock rose 3.56% to $24.67 per share.The reality is that for all of the negative catalysts that lie ahead, credit markets and insurers are relieved that they now get to deal with adults, that is talk with a control board, rather than the governor and his staff, said Height Securities analyst Daniel Hanson. Holiday Hours: Independence Day Above, the famous John Trumbull painting depicting the presentation of the Declaration to John Hancock. John Adams is standing on the right of the Committee of Five. Right, the Bill of Rights currently on display at Williams College. Independence Day will be celebrated Monday, July 4. It is a federal holiday marking the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Representatives from 13 original colonies, of which Massachusetts was a leader, actually voted on July 2 at the Second Continental Congress to declare their independence from Great Britain. The Declaration formalizing the decision and giving the reasons for doing so was written by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as the principal author. The others were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Roger Sherman of Connecticut and Robert Livingston of New York. Adams, author of the Massachusetts Constitution, would write to his wife, Abigail: "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival." But it would be the adoption two days later that would live in the minds of his countrymen, helped by that large date inscribed at the top of the document. It would be signed the following month. One of the signers was Samuel Adams, for whom the town of Adams (and by extension, North Adams) is named. Williams College holds one of the few original copies in existence and hosts a reading of the Declaration each Fourth of July. Massachusetts would become the first state to recognize the day as a state celebration, in 1781. The Congress made it an unpaid holiday in 1870 and a paid federal holiday in 1938. Both Presidents Jefferson and Adams, friends and political foes, would die on the 50th anniversary of the signing. In another bit of trivia, Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president and former governor of Massachusetts, is the only president to have been born on the Fourth of July. Open: Most retail outlets, groceries Restaurants and bars, by choice Convenience stores Pittsfield trash and recycling pickup as normal on Monday North Adams: fireworks will follow the SteepleCats game against the Valley Blue Sox, game starts at 5 p.m. Pittsfield: The Fourth of July Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from South and Housatonic Streets and marches down North Street to Wahconah Park. A laser light show sponsored by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank will follow the Pittsfield Suns game against the Vermont Lake Monsters. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. Williamstown: the annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 a.m. from Southworth to Main to Spring Street for a community cookout and Capitol Brass concert at the post office. The WTF and college's reading of the founding documents will be in the Williams Quad in front of Stetson Hall at 1:30 p.m. and fireworks will be held over the Taconic Golf Club at 9, grounds open at 6. MassDOT is asking the public to plan ahead and to expect increased holiday travel. Customers are reminded that face coverings are required on all MBTA property, including vehicles, stops, and stations. Some streets around the Common will be blocked off for the fireworks on Monday night and the commuter rail's last outbound train will be held for riders returning from the fireworks. Airport travelers are advised to allow for extra time while getting to and from Logan Airport. Massport encourages travelers to use the MBTA Blue and Silver Lines, or the Logan Express to get to the airport. Family Life Support Center will be able to move residents displaced from its Adams homeless shelter into Flood House. The Housing Authority will hold a grand opening of their new patio later in July. PreviousNext Flood House Open to Displaced Louison House Residents The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on the emergency lease agreement with the Louison House. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Residents displaced by the recent fire at Louison House in Adams will be able to stay in Flood House. The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved Thursday a temporary emergency lease agreement with the shelter's operator, Family Life Support Center Inc., to house the families and individuals left homeless after last weekend's fire. "They have an issue and they need some housing so that is good," said Chairman Chris Tremblay. "It's good that they are in there." Although the small attic fire was snuffed out quickly by the house's sprinkler system, 12 residents had to be moved to hotels because of water damage. Housing Authority Executive Director Jennifer Hohn said with the help of Mayor Richard Alcombright, the Housing Authority was able to get the Department of Housing and Community Development to approve the temporary lease. "It is an amazing thing, and I can't believe they turned it around that fast," Hohn said. The historic Flood House on Church Street is one of the properties being released with the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Inc. The Louison House is already slotted to take the vacant building permanently but this transfer has yet to be approved. In other business, Hohn said the estimated cost of the construction of the Greylock Community Center will be near $825,000 with contingency programmed in. She said the Housing Authority is looking for a request for proposals template for the project. Hohn added that she met with TD Bank, which offered preliminary approval for a loan if 20 percent can be put down. Tremblay suggested soliciting local banks before making a decision. "What if we were to reach out to some local banks .. and see if they may waive the 20 percent or do it in a community donation?" he said. "It's a good project to be involved in, and I am sure some of the local banks and even some of the big boys would be interested." Hohn agreed, saying once they get an RFP out the banks may compete for the project. Hohn also asked the commission to approve a new $10 late rent fee that goes into effect once a resident neglects to pay by the fifth day of the month. "It is not really that high, it is not unaffordable and we hope it encourages people to pay on time because we have a lot of people that pay but they stroll in at the end of the month," Hohn said. "Now they can pay late and they get the letter so I am trying to cut down on administration time of writing letters to the same people that pay every month but just late." She said there will be reasonable accommodations if a resident is unable to physically pay. Commissioner Colton Andrews feared people might take advantage of the reasonable accommodation policy. Tremblay said he felt the amendment may be counterintuitive to the Housing Authority's goal and could just create more of a hardship for residents. The commission decided to table the fee until an amendment can be written for a payment policy that would allow residents to retrieve the late fee. Temple Anshe Amunim to Host Play Analysis Series PITTSFIELD, Mass. Temple Anshe Amunim will host a four-part Play Analysis series on Tuesdays in July, beginning July 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The topic is "The Corrupting Influence of Materialism in Plays by Arthur Miller and David Mamet." Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Arthur Millers birth (2015), the group will be reading and analyzing "The Price," which opened on Broadway in 1968 with Pat Hingle and Arthur Kennedy, was revived three times, and became a television film in 1971 for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, featuring Colleen Dewhurst and George C. Scott. It is about the rivalry between two brothers, each of whom has paid a price to get where he is in life. Each had to choose between money and integrity, believing that the price he paid was greater than that of his sibling. The second play is David Mamets "Glengarry Glen Ross," which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984. It tells the story of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who engage in illegal acts to sell worthless real estate to unsuspecting buyers. The play exposes the depths to which people will go in order to stay on top of the American Dream. Premiering in London at the National Theatre in 1983, Glengarry Glen Ross was produced in Chicago and on Broadway, where it was revived twice (winning the Tony in 2005), was made into a film (1992) and a BBC radio drama. Among the actors who starred in these productions are Joe Mantegna, Liev Schreiber, Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Jonathan Pryce. A driver riding on a road in Williston, Florida, southeastern United States, has become the first fatality operating a Tesla electric vehicle on "autopilot" mode. The accident took place on May 7, and U.S. automaker Tesla, based in northern California, said Thursday it learned the evening before that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is opening a preliminary evaluation into Tesla vehicle's autopilot feature. In a blog on its website, the company acknowledged that in the fatal crash involving a Tesla S, a luxury model, "neither autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer (turning in front of the vehicle) against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied," resulting in the sedan to "pass under the trailer." While citing the trailer's high ride height, its positioning across the road and "extremely rare circumstances" of the impact as elements leading to the driver's death, Tesla assumed that had the Model S impacted the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury "as it has in numerous other similar incidents." It defended itself with statistics that there is a fatality every 94 million miles, or 151 million kilometers, among all vehicles in the United States, and the Model S case was the first known fatality in over 130 million miles, 209 million kilometers, where autopilot was activated. Tesla noted that its autopilot feature is disabled by default and the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase. Claiming that it informed NHTSA about the incident immediately, Tesla emphasized that the federal agency's action is "simply a preliminary evaluation." However, NHTSA clarified in a statement on Thursday that a preliminary investigation does not mean it "believes there is either a presence or absence of a defect in the subject vehicles." The Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Institute of International Law (APIIL) said on Tuesday that they are still awaiting a reply from the tribunal and have asked for an opportunity to present the case orally. On June 6, 2016, the Hong Kong legal organization has submitted an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief on the arbitration initiated by the Philippines to the tribunal. Citing a lot of international cases, the legal document addresses two key issues: jurisdiction of PCA to determine the Philippines 15 submissions of the arbitration and justiciability of the issues raised in the submissions. The brief was endorsed by several solicitors and legal experts from China's Hong Kong, Britain and Australia. One of the experts Natalie Klein, professor and dean of Macquarie Law School in Sydney, told Peoples Daily that the purpose of the brief was to highlight issues in the arbitration over which the Tribunal does not have jurisdiction or aspects of the dispute that were not justiciable. For these issues, the primary form of dispute settlement available to the parties would instead be negotiations, she said, such an arbitration involving sovereignty issues should not be handled by PCA under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). At the heart of the disputes between China and the Philippines is the latter's illegal occupation of Chinese reefs and islets in the South China Sea. Mi Chenxi, associate fellow of the China Institute for Marine Affairs attached to the State Oceanic Administration, told Peoples Daily, categorizing maritime features is in essence subject to territorial sovereignty, which is beyond the scope of UNCLOS. Hence the arbitral tribunal has accepted submissions over which it does not have jurisdiction in the first place. The brief has asked for the Tribunal to hear oral arguments from the amicus. We have not yet had a response on this request, Klein revealed, it is our hope that it will be given due consideration in the Tribunal's deliberations before they issue their final judgment. The Philippines unilaterally initiated arbitration proceedings to the Hague-based PCA against China over the South China Sea disputes in 2013. PCA ruled in 2015 that it has the jurisdiction over the case, taking up seven of the 15 submissions made by Manila. The Chinese government has reiterated its non-acceptance and non-participation stance in the case. An amicus curiae (literally, friend of the court) is someone as a third party to a case and offers information that bears on the case but who has not been solicited by any of the parties to assist a court. This may take the form of legal opinion or testimony and is a way to introduce concerns ensuring that the possibly broad legal effects of a court decision will not depend solely on the parties directly involved in the case. PH Cloud Summit. Local cloud computing pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), an ePLDT company, hosts this years 2016 Philippine Cloud Summit. IPC President Reynaldo R. Huergas (in photo) opens the discussion dubbed as IoT: The Pinnacle of Digital that showcased the global shift towards a digital mindset, fueled by the growing use of the Internet of Things (IoT). Local cloud computing pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) called on enterprises to pivot to digitization at the 2016 Philippine Cloud Summit held Wednesday (June 29) at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura Premier, BGC, Taguig. The event, dubbed IoT: The Pinnacle of Digital, showcased the global shift towards a digital mindset, fueled by the growing use of the Internet of Things (IoT). Digitization itself has changed. By definition, it used to refer to business tools that drive operational efficiencies. Today, it is more than that. Digital is a frame of mind that allows organizations to create and engage markets in a disruptive manner and redefine the economy, said Reynaldo R. Huergas, IPC President. This is supported by recent data about IoT spending. In the Philippines, latest estimate (of Frost and Sullivan put the spending) at $55.1M in 2014, growing to $766.8M in 2020, an annual spending growth of around 55 percent for six straight years. Huergas noted, This could still be larger; it is possible that local enterprises are not yet sold to the value of IoT or find the service risky in light of high-profile hacking incidents. But all of that, we believe, will be dispelled. King-Yew Foong, Research VP and Chief of Research for Communications Service Providers at Gartner, an information technology research and advisory company, made a bold prediction that in the next 30 years, changes will be more dramatic that they will surpass the changes of the past 300 years. He stressed that enterprises have to continuously innovate to sustain their growth, citing industries such as insurance and automotive as early adopters of IoT globally. According to Foong, among the benefits that enterprises will get from embracing IoT are the reduction of operating costs, capability to provide a differentiated customer experience, and finding new business models and income streams. But while these are attractive enough, adopting an IoT ecosystem has its fair share of challenges, including but are not limited to cybersecurity, integration, and unclear business benefits. For Foong, it is imperative to educate all stakeholders and to choose the right IoT partner for it to take off in a big way. Speakers in the afternoon breakout sessions were from CloudSigma, Nexusguard, Imperva Incapsula, CR8V Web Services, Salesforce, Time Doctor, PLDT Enterprise, PayMaya, and FireEye. Apart from bringing together an elite lineup of speakers to tackle various aspects of enterprise IT, IPC also formally launched at the event the Cloud Community of the Philippines (CloudComPH), a vendor-agnostic community for cloud users and enthusiasts. According to IPC, it will serve as a venue for the sharing of ideas and best practices, whether technical or operational, among individuals who build, develop, maintain, and use cloud computing infrastructure, platforms, and applications in the country. While IoT is still continuously developing, experts claim that it is here to stay. As digital is the new norm for enterprises and beyond, the cost of doing it is still a lot less than the cost of not doing it. Pivot or perish, as they say. Back to top Today Kaspersky Lab is announcing its latest step in its mission to save the world. Understanding the importance of preserving past cultures, for the benefit of future generations, Kaspersky Lab is continuing its cooperation with the Archeological Society at Athens (ASA) to further develop its Akrotiri project, and save the remains of the historic Cycladic/Minoan settlement. Kaspersky Lab is sponsoring a number of activities to help the scientists further their work, including the restoration of the excavations, the conservation of spectacular wall paintings and the projects building conservation work. Cooperation between the global cybersecurity company and ASA dates back to 2015, when Kaspersky Lab sponsored the renovation of the frescos of Akrotiri. The project has been extended, and recognizing its significance, in 2016 Kaspersky Lab is providing more support to the scientists in different spheres of their research. The work is now focused on collecting new data about the ancient civilization and settlement on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini (Thera). Eugene Kaspersky, Kaspersky Lab Chairman and CEO, explained the importance of the work: Akrotiri is an absolutely remarkable site. Its a treasure for the whole of humankind and theres a threat it could disappear if its not preserved by archeologists. I believe its very important to continue exploring the site, as its excavation is likely to bring new artefacts to life. Im very proud that we can support the research process as well as the preservation of this amazing place for future generations. Kaspersky Labs cooperation with ASA will support several phases of the project at Akrotiri. The first phase will consist of excavations in the House of Benches near the Xeste 3 building. This is where the golden ibex of Akrotiri was found in 1999. Because this is the only golden artefact to be discovered at Akrotiri so far, scientists hope that further research and excavation will help them find an altar. The second phase will include work to restore and conserve the wall painting from the Grand Staircase of Xeste 4. During past excavations, several dozen square meters of fragmented wall paintings were retrieved here, but many pieces are still to be found. These wall paintings once decorated the walls flanking all flights of the staircase, and its landings are estimated to cover a total surface of ca. 90m. Kaspersky Lab has previously supported ASA in the conservation of the unit from the East and North wall of the landing on the second floor (ca. 12.50m), and this years project will cover the next unit: the North and South walls of the fourth flight of the staircase (ca. 12,50m). Last but not least, Kaspersky Lab is sponsoring the projects building conservation work. The ancient system of wooden building reinforcements is disintegrated, distorting parts of walls and floors. Some rescue measures were taken during the excavations in the 1960-70s, but the behavior of the monuments under the strains of time, the climatic and environmental conditions, and earthquakes, has not been fully studied yet. Kaspersky Lab is sponsoring the on-site mapping of the present state of preservation of the ruins and analysis and classification of collected data about the monuments, to help scientists find the best ways to save the buildings from decay. The support we get from Kaspersky Lab helps us continue our work in several directions at once, and I am very glad that our cooperation with the company continues for the second year running, says Dr. Dora Vassilicos, Member of the Board of the Archeological Society at Athens. The contribution to the science and to studying the ancient civilization is indispensable and I hope that the more we find the more people will be interested in history and culture of Akrotiri. Akrotiri has always been a special place for me and for many people who work here. We continue the work in order to get answers to the questions about the inhabitants of the island who lived here thousands of years ago. I am very pleased and grateful to see that Kaspersky Lab is interested in our work and is ready to support our long-term project. The company brings great opportunities to our scientific research. We discuss the plans for the future as I hope that Kaspersky Lab will become our long-term partner when speaking of future cooperation, comments Professor Christos Doumas, Director of the Excavations at Akrotiri. Back to top Paris Club 60th AnniversaryKeynote Address by Christine Lagarde Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Paris I want to thank the Secretariat for hosting this important celebration, which is a celebration both of six decades of very successful collective action among official creditors and of Korea's accession as a new member to the Paris Club. The venue the Centre de Conferences Pierre Mendes is appropriately grand for this occasion, and indeed brings back a lot of memories from the time I was Minister of Finance here. The occasion of these twin celebrations also gives us an opportunity to take stock of the factors that have contributed to the success of the Club as the world's forum for official sector involvement, and what can be done to ensure that the Club continues to remain effective and relevant in the decades to come. From the IMF's perspective, the Paris Club has played an invaluable role in resolving a number of difficult crises. However, with new emerging vulnerabilities, and structural shifts in the landscape of official finance, I see three major areas where it will be important for the Paris Club to continue to adapt. I believe it should (1) broaden its membership to include other major official creditors, (2) extend financing innovations in recent Paris Club agreements, and (3) address the issues raised by public holdings of sovereign bonds. An indispensable partner in debt crises As Finance Minister, I always saw the Club as an indispensable force for good in the international financial system. But the extent to which this was actually the case became even clearer when I assumed the role of Managing Director of the IMF. As you know, the Fund's principal responsibility is to maintain the stability of the international financial system. Healthy sovereign debtors are at the heart of this system. Thus, the Fund actively promotes prudent policies to ensure that its members maintain debt sustainability. This said, circumstances can arise when sovereigns are unable to meet their full payment obligations. The Fund is often called upon to provide financial support in these situations, but because we can only lend when debt is sustainable, some form of debt restructuring is usually required. If and when official debt needs to be restructured in this context, the debtor needs to reach an agreement with each of its official creditors. If there were no established forum for official creditor coordination, this process could be messy, protracted and costly for debtor, the creditors and the system. But thankfully, in the Paris Club, we have such a forum one, that is established, that is reliably efficient and that has cultivated nimble practices over the years, such as the provision of "financing assurances" for debtors' programs, that make it possible for the Fund to lend early in support of a member in need. Sovereign debt restructuring at ground level This is a 30,000 foot perspective on how the Club is a force for good in the international financial system. The Club's true contribution can, however, be fully appreciated only from ground level, where the true complexity of the various crisis cases becomes visible. Sovereign debt restructurings are inherently difficult situations. The debtor country is in a position where the economy is weak and people are feeling the pain of the crisis. Thus, from the debtor side, time is of the essence. However, on the creditor side, there are often very diverse positions and interests. Even establishing full information on the claims can be a challenge. This is where the Club has performed so admirably in bringing official creditors around a single table and delivering comprehensive consensus agreements at short notice. Consider, for example, the cases of Iraq (2004) and Nigeria (2005), where the official creditor base was complex and pulling in different directions. The Club played an essential role in bringing about a solution in these difficult circumstances. Another quite recent example, which showcased the Club's speed and agility, is Grenada. Here, the Club moved early to provide financing assurances to the Fund well ahead of an agreement with private sector creditors. In fact, the private sector's involvement turned out to be quite a complex process, but the Club's early support paved the way for Fund financing which served as an anchor both for the private sector restructuring and a set of sound policies to return Grenada to external viability. Yet another example of historic significance was the Club's role in resolving a whole host of sovereign claims held by the Russian Federation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, much of these in arrears. By bringing Russia into the Club in 1997, and through extensive information sharing, a robust framework was developed for clearing these arrears, consistent with the Club's comparability of treatment principle. The Club has also played a very special role in enabling countries' re-integration into the global economy, providing debt relief at a moment when the country is opening up after years of detachment. Myanmar in 2013 is an example. Another, somewhat earlier, example is Poland, which received debt relief, started anew, and never looked back! These are already very important examples, and I have not yet even mentioned the HIPC initiative. Of the 39 countries eligible or potentially eligible for HIPC Initiative assistance, 36 are receiving full debt relief from the IMF and other creditors after reaching their completion points. To my mind, this was one of the most laudable achievements ever by the international community as it gave a new lease of life to some of the world's poorest countries. Without the Club and its close and tireless communication and cooperation with International Financial Institutions such an ambitious initiative would not have been possible. Prepare for new challenges in official finance Now, after this reminder about the Club's past achievements, let me turn to the present and to the future. Where are we in terms of debt vulnerabilities today? What are the structural changes we need to take stock of, and what is needed, in turn, to prepare for new challenges in the area of official finance? The global financial crisis and the euro area sovereign debt crisis, have reminded us that debt sustainability is not just an issue for developing economies. Indeed, debt among advanced economies remains high and while the situation has improved since 2008, not all economies are fully out of the woods yet. Most emerging and developing economies were not as strongly affected by the global financial crisis. But events since then have been less benign: in particular, the commodity super cycle has unwound, hitting commodity exporters hard. There is also increased uncertainty over growth prospects, given the recent slowdown in China. And there are risks related to rising private indebtedness, and a tightening of global liquidity. Indeed, we have seen a marked rise in debt vulnerabilities among some frontier economies as well as in small states vulnerable to natural disasters. These conjunctural concerns suggest that sovereign debt will remain on the international policy agenda for some time to come, as will the need for an effective forum for official creditor coordination. It is also important to take note of three structural developments that have affected the landscape of official finance. First, is the emergence of new global creditors like China, Brazil, India, South Africa, and indeed Korea. This is a welcome development, as it reflects the hard-earned prosperity gains registered by these countries over decades. But it also opens new challenges for official creditor coordination, especially where the creditors are not members of the Paris Club. Second, there is increased diversity also in the form of sovereign financing. Over the last decade or so, there has been a surge in the issuance of sovereign bonds and their subsequent purchase by foreign sovereign entities such as sovereign wealth funds and central banks. To the extent that these claims are held for investment purposes, they are akin to private claims, and not a concern of the Club. This said, there may be opportunities and risks associated with these bonded claims, specifically for the efficient resolution of sovereign debt crises. Finally, there is growing international recognition of the importance of sustainable development. It is possible that a country looks very healthy financially, but not so much if one considers future costs in terms of depleted resources and negative environmental externalities on people's livelihoods. Official creditors need to be increasingly conscious of this broader sustainability imperative when considering restructuring agreements. Areas for further action These conjunctural and structural developments are clearly relevant for the Club and its role in official creditor coordination. The question is: how can the Club respond to these in a way that extends its past success and efficacy into the future? I see three important areas for action: First, broadening the Club's membership to include other major global official creditors is important to enhance the Club's representativeness and continued long-term relevance. Korea's membership is extremely welcome in this regard and will hopefully act as a catalyst for other creditors as well. The outreach to new potential members needs to come with an openness and willingness to adapt, while maintaining those core principles for the Club's work that have, in a practical sense, critically served it in providing swift and effective responses in the past. Careful communication and explanation of the Club's working principles and their purpose will be essential. Second, the Club needs to continue to be innovative, and two recent initiatives in this regard are already very welcome. Take, first, the "hurricane clause" agreed by the Club in the November 2015 restructuring of Grenada's debtan example of a state-contingent solution for a small economy that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. I am also aware of ongoing work on proposals for countercyclical loans, where the debtor would get automatic debt service relief in bad times. It is important for the international community and the Club to consider such proposals seriously. I can report that the Fund itself is currently examining the wider case for state-contingent financial instruments and we plan to discuss this topic with our members in early 2017. Another innovation, which speaks to the sustainable development considerations I mentioned, is the debt-for-environment swap the Club negotiated with Seychelles in February 2015, working closely with the USA's Natural Conservancy. Such swaps, which reduce the debt burden for the debtor in exchange for commitments on marine conservation, are a win-win-win for all. Third, we need to address the issues raised by alternative forms of sovereign finance, including tradable bonds held by other sovereigns or their entities. To be clear, I do not see scope for treating sovereign bonds held for investment purposes in the Club. These cannot be accorded the seniority enjoyed by official claims extended for public policy purposes. However, we may want to think about whether there is a case for greater information sharing, discussion and coordination among the foreign public sector entities that hold such bonds in the context of a restructuring. The key questions in this regard are: can these public sector entities work together in ways that would help expedite a restructuring when one is needed, which would be a net positive for the global financial system; and what role can and should the Club play in this regard. We have exciting times ahead of us. For sure, they will not be without challenges. But based on our collective track record in jointly finding solutions, I remain confident that we will succeed. I think the Club well understands the key issues confronting it, and has already begun to consider what needs to be done. Its responses will need to be grounded in discussion and dialogue among creditors. I know that the next session will be about "the changing landscape of official debt restructuring" and I am looking forward to listening to this conversation. Thank you! Department of State To Host 2016 Timbie Forum on Arms Control and Nonproliferation Washington, DC - From July 14-15, the Department of State, in partnership with the George Washington University Elliott School for International Affairs, will host the 2016 James Timbie Forum on Arms Control and Nonproliferation. The Timbie Forum is dedicated to fostering new voices and ideas on policies relating to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). By emphasizing diverse and dynamic panels and presentations, the Department of State hopes to inform and engage with a new generation of experts devoted to reducing the threats posed by WMD. The Forum is named for James Timbie, a 40-year veteran of the Department of State, who retired earlier this year. Mr. Timbie was a key player in the formation or implementation of virtually every important arms control and nonproliferation effort during his tenure. He was a model public servant and he continues to be a role model for all those who aspire to join or excel in the field. Speakers for this years event include the 19th U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), General Philip M. Breedlove USAF (ret)., National Security Council Senior Director for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Jon Wolfsthal, National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, as well as a host of emerging leaders. The Timbie Forum is open to the public. The proceedings on July 14 will be on the record; the proceedings on July 15 will take place on a not-for-attribution basis. New Steps Toward Ensuring Openness and Transparency in Government Washington, DC - In conjunction with President Obama signing the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, the Administration is taking new steps to build on a record of openness and transparency: Since day one of his Administration, President Obama has sent a clear message about the need for greater transparency and openness in government. On his first full day in office, the President issued a memorandum directing that, under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), agencies should adopt a presumption of openness. As the President said, In the face of doubt, openness prevails. Over the past seven and a half years, the Administration has made good on this promise, processing more than 4.6 million requests under FOIA, releasing unparalleled numbers of datasets to the public, and making it easier for citizens to access information from their government. In conjunction with the President signing the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, today the Administration is announcing additional steps to build on this record of success. NEW ACTIONS TO MAKE FOIA WORK BETTER FOR CITIZENS The Administration is taking a number of steps to further the progress made since 2009, ensuring that this Administrations track record of openness is institutionalized throughout government and carries forward for years to come. Utilizing the Chief FOIA Officers Council and FOIA Advisory Committee to address FOIAs greatest challenges. The FOIA Improvement Act formalizes DOJs existing meetings of Federal Chief FOIA Officers to form a new Chief FOIA Officers Council. The President is tasking the Chief FOIA Officers Council to identify and address the biggest difficulties that exist in administering FOIA across government. In order to begin work immediately on this critical task, the Administration is announcing today that new Council will hold its first meeting on July 22, 2016. In addition, the high-level officials that comprise the Council are charged with working with stakeholders inside and outside of government, including the FOIA Advisory Committee that was created by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in May 2014. Today, the Administration is also announcing new members for the FOIA Advisory Committees 2016-2018 term. The Administration is asking these members to look broadly at the challenges that agency FOIA programs will face in light of an ever-increasing volume of electronic records, and chart a course for how FOIA should operate in the future. NARA is announcing today that it will hold the first meeting of the Committees new term on July 21, 2016. Promoting broader release of records through a release to one is a release to all presumption. In July 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a 6-month pilot program with seven volunteer Federal agencies to assess the viability of a policy that would direct agencies to proactively post online their FOIA responses. This concept would ensure that all citizensnot just those making a requesthave access to information released under FOIA. Over the course of the pilot, DOJ worked with participating agencies to capture metrics on the time and resources associated with implementing this policy, as well as any impacts on interested stakeholders. The President is directing the newly established Chief FOIA Officers Council to consider the lessons learned from the DOJ pilot program and work to develop a Federal Government policy establishing a release to one is a release to all presumptive standard for Federal agencies when releasing records under FOIA. The Chief FOIA Officers Council will examine issues critical to this policys implementation, including assessing the impact on investigative journalism efforts, as well as how best to address technological and resource challenges. By January 1, 2017, the Chief FOIA Officers Council will work with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide further guidance as it relates to this presumption. Launching a centralized FOIA request portal. In October 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched FOIAonline as a shared-service FOIA case-management system and request portal, now used by 12 agencies. In December 2013, the Administration built on this initial effort by committing to launching a consolidated FOIA request portal in the second U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP), and recommitted to that effort in the third NAP issued in October 2015 as part of a larger expansion of the services offered by DOJ on FOIA.gov. Today, the Administration is announcing that DOJ will work with OMB, EPA, and other agencies to launch a consolidated FOIA request portal in 2017. This portal will initially provide for centralized submission of requests and will continue to be enhanced to include other features to guide requesters through the FOIA process, improve the publics ability to locate already posted information, and track requests online, among other functions. The Administration will announce further details about the functionality of the portal and the timeline for launching its initial phases in the coming months. New guidance on open government principles and actions. To reaffirm the Presidents commitment to transparency and open government, and its importance for the long-term operations of government, OMB, in coordination with DOJ, will issue new guidance later this year that will advance open government principles related to transparency and FOIA, including the implementation of the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016. This guidance will ensure the establishment and operation of a unified, citizen-centric FOIA request portal and promote standards for interoperability to facilitate agency adoption and participation. OMB is also announcing today the creation of a Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) Goal for FOIA, that will be co-led by OMB, DOJ, and NARA, to focus senior leadership attention and drive performance and accountability for improving the way in which FOIA requests are administered, and ensure that Federal departments and agencies are providing sufficient resources toward FOIA responsibilities. The new CAP goal will be publicly posted on Performance.gov, and will have a detailed action plan, including specific metrics and milestones that will be used to gauge progress. To maintain focus on implementation, each quarter, OMB will review progress on these goals and will update Performance.gov with the latest results. FOIA IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016 In addition to taking the further actions described above, today the President signed into law the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016nearly 50 years after the original FOIA was signed into law by President Johnson. This critical legislation reflects the progress made by the Administration, codifies a number of openness and transparency principles and actions that the President has promoted since his first full day in office, and ensures that progress over the past seven-and-a-half years will be institutionalized throughout government and carried forward for years to come. Among the improvements to existing efforts, the new law: Reinforces the foreseeable harm standard established by the Attorney General in 2009, which requires that agencies release information unless the agency reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by an exemption or disclosure is prohibited by law; Builds on the Administrations previously-announced efforts to create a consolidated online FOIA request portal, which todays announcement makes clear will launch in 2017; Codifies longstanding DOJ guidance that agencies make records and documents available to requesters in an electronic format and post online records that are requested three or more times; Formalizes DOJs existing meetings of Federal Chief FOIA Officers that will form a Chief FOIA Officers Council to develop recommendations for increasing compliance and efficiency in responding to FOIA requests, and to identify, develop and coordinate initiatives for increasing transparency and compliance with FOIAs requirements; Codifies best practices from DOJ and NARA for agencies to notify requesters who receive an adverse determination on a request that the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) is available to offer mediation services to resolve disputes between agencies and FOIA requesters; Sets a minimum of 90 days for requesters to file FOIA appeals; and Establishes that the deliberative process privilege shall not apply to records created 25 years or more before the date on which the records were requested. The Administration appreciates the bipartisan effort in Congress to enact this legislation, and looks forward to implementing it without delay. A RECORD OF PROGRESS The new legislative and administrative actions outlined above build on seven and a half years of work undertaken by this Administration to drive openness and transparency in government. Notable steps include: Releasing historic amounts of information Processing more than 4 million FOIA requests. This Administration has released more information in response to FOIA requests than any prior Administration. To date, Federal agencies have processed more than 4,600,000 FOIA requests since the start of Fiscal Year 2009. In that time, agencies have received more than 4,580,000 requests. In processing these requests, the government has every year achieved a release rate of above 91 percent. And when exemptions were used to protect information, the reason cited most often by agencies was for protection of personal privacy. Making more than 180,000 Federal datasets and collections available to students, entrepreneurs, and the public. In May 2013, President Obama issued an Executive Order and policy guidance on making open and machine readable data the new default for government information. To date, more than 180,000 Federal datasets and collections have been made available on Data.gov. The release of these datasets and collections have been coupled with active outreach and thematic events such as Health and Energy Datapaloozas, so that data and tools are in hands of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and communities working together to develop new tools and solutions. The Administration has increased public access to the results of Federally funded scientific research, with more than 4 million full-text journal articles and growing volumes of scientific research data now free and accessible to the public via agency-designated repositories. Working to make more discretionary disclosures. To carry out the Attorney Generals FOIA Guidelines, agencies have worked to identify opportunities to make discretionary releases of information where a FOIA exemption might otherwise apply. For example, the FBI continues to release information with historical value that could otherwise be protected by the FOIA's law enforcement exemptions, such as information about counterintelligence operations and records of discussion about whether to prosecute Alger Hiss for espionage and perjury. In response to several requests for information about American families unsuccessful attempts to adopt children in Vietnam, the Department of State released deliberative material to bring greater transparency to the consular and Department officers decision-making process. The Department of Defense also reported in 2015 that 62 percent of components made discretionary releases, which is more than any year since 2009. Proactively releasing electronically filed nonprofit tax forms. In June 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began releasing publicly available data from more than one million electronically filed tax forms of nonprofits. Now the public can access these data directly from the IRS in a machine-readable format rather than filing a FOIA request and receiving a non-machine-readable image file. Building new online tools to make FOIA easier to navigate Creating FOIA.gov as a centralized FOIA resource. FOIA.gov allows the public to learn about how the FOIA works and search for already posted material across the government, making it easier and faster to find information without the need to make a request. FOIA.gov also sheds light on agency FOIA compliance by allowing the public to sort and compare Annual FOIA Report metrics such as the number of requests received and processed each year. The site includes contact information for agency FOIA offices and highlights significant FOIA releases. The Administration will continue to add functionality to FOIA.gov in the coming months as it launches a centralized FOIA request portal. Launching FOIAonline as a shared-service FOIA case-management system and public-facing portal. FOIAonline also tracks the progress of FOIA requests, allows users to search for information previously made available by participating agencies, and generates reports on FOIA processing. Twelve agencies or components currently use FOIAonline. The Administration will build on this initial shared service as it works to develop a centralized FOIA request portal on FOIA.gov. Creating the first FOIA mobile application. In July 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new mobile FOIA application for requesters using smartphones and tablets to file requests with DHS. The app allows users to submit requests and check their status in addition to accessing all of the content on the DHS FOIA website. Revising government policies to promote openness Elevating transparency and openness as guiding principles for Federal agencies. On the first day of his Administration, the President issued a memorandum calling on all agencies to work together to create an unprecedented level of openness in government and to establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. An Open Government Directive and a plan for implementing those goals were issued in December 2009. Establishing the presumption of openness. In addition to the Presidential Memorandum on openness and transparency, on his first full day in office the President also issued a Memorandum on the Freedom of Information Act that directed all agencies to administer FOIA with a clear presumption of openness, noting that, in the face of doubt, openness prevails. Directing records to be released unless agencies can identify a foreseeable harm. On March 19, 2009, the Attorney General issued new FOIA Guidelines directing agencies to make discretionary disclosures of information and to only withhold information in response to a FOIA request if the agency can identify a foreseeable harm. These FOIA Guidelines also stressed the importance of using technology, improving efficiency, making records available proactively, and responding to requests promptly. Increasing agency accountability. DOJ has instituted two new FOIA reporting requirements that increased agency accountability for FOIA administration. Since 2010, agency Chief FOIA Officers have been required to annually report on their efforts to implement the presumption of openness, improve their FOIA operations and facilitate information disclosure. These reports have added a wealth of information about agencies' FOIA programs that was never available before. Additionally, since 2013, agencies have been required to report certain key FOIA statistics such as the numbers of requests received, processed, and backlogged on a quarterly basis. Promoting good customer service and proactive disclosures. DOJ has issued several articles of guidance since 2009 that emphasize the importance of agencies improving communication with requesters and focusing on good customer service. Additionally, in 2015, DOJ issued guidance on making information available without the need to file a FOIA request, encouraging agencies to systematically post material of interest to the public even before receipt of one request. Professionalizing the FOIA career field. In March 2012, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) designated a new civil service personnel category for FOIA professionals, allowing individuals working in FOIA to join the specialized Government Information Series career track to recognize the professional nature of their work. Developing a FOIA Best Practices series. Since May 2014, DOJ has hosted FOIA Best Practices Workshops for agencies and requesters to identify areas where successful strategies in FOIA administration can be leveraged across the government. DOJ captures those practices and related resources in a central online place. Generating comprehensive online FOIA training resources. In March 2015, DOJ released a suite of electronic FOIA training resources for all Federal Government employees to assist them in understanding their responsibilities under this important law. From a specialized briefing video for senior executives emphasizing the importance of leading and supporting this work, to a one-pager that covers all the basics for every Federal employee so they know how FOIA affects them, to in-depth modules for agency FOIA professionals, these training resources are being used and further adapted across agencies. Engaging the public Secretary of State John Kerry Travel to Tbilisi, Kyiv and Warsaw Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Tbilisi, Georgia on July 6, 2016, to meet with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili for bilateral discussions on a range of issues, including U.S. support for Georgias Euro-Atlantic aspirations and successful elections in October. The Secretary will then co-chair a plenary meeting of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission, and hold meetings with President Giorgi Margvelashvili and leaders of Georgias opposition parties. Secretary Kerry will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine on July 7, where he will meet with President Poroshenko, Prime Minister Groysman, and other Ukrainian leaders to discuss progress on reforms, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, and other issues. On July 8, Secretary Kerry will accompany President Obama to the Summit Meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in Warsaw, Poland. The Secretary will meet with his counterparts from NATO Ally and partner nations to further efforts to strengthen NATOs security and to project stability to the Alliances east and south. Secretary Kerry's Calls With President Sargsyan of Armenia and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke today with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. He noted positively that the ceasefire along the Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact and Armenia-Azerbaijan border has largely held in recent weeks, and urged the Presidents to avoid tensions to advance the peace process. Secretary Kerry asked the Presidents to fulfill the commitments, including implementation of the two confidence building measures, they made at the May 16 meeting in Vienna, Austria, and the June 20 meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Secretary also reiterated the United States support for substantive talks that can lead to a comprehensive settlement, and urged the Presidents to continue their dialogue under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Somalia's National Day Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people and government of Somalia on your 56th Independence Day on July 1. "The United States supports Somalia as it continues its progress towards building a stable, federal democracy. We remain confident that this years electoral process will be another step forward on Somalias path to democracy, security, and prosperity. "The United States was pleased to welcome the formal reopening of the Somali embassy in Washington, D.C. last November. We are equally pleased to be sending our first U.S. ambassador to Somalia in 25 years. "As I mentioned during my visit to Mogadishu last May, Somalis are a resilient people. On this day of celebration, I wish all Somalis peace and joy." Chinese netizens call to strengthen emergency aid system in society after a man fell to sudden death in a subway station in Beijing during rush hour. Jin Bo, the 34-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of a popular social networking site tianya.cn, passed away on Wednesday evening after he lost consciousness and fainted at a subway station in Beijing around 7 p.m. Eyewitnesses said some fellow passengers tried to give Jin artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) including a foreign woman who claimed herself to be an emergency treatment doctor, while subway employees eased the crowds during the rush hour, Beijing Youth Daily reported. Jin also received CPR from Beijing Red Cross Emergency Rescue Center (999) medical staff before he was sent to the hospital where he was certified dead. Amid the mourning for the loss of a good reporter and introspection on overworking which could possibly lead to death, many netizens also pointed out the necessity to set up emergency aid system in the society, especially at public places. It reflected the inadequacy of emergency rescue at public places. All public places must be equipped with AED and all service staff should be trained with CPR. Those who offer help must not stop giving CPR to the patient until 999 medical staff arrive, wrote Yu Ying, a verified doctor at emergency department, on her Sina Weibo. Yus call has been reposted and liked for over 1,500 times. AED in Yus post referred to automated external defibrillator, a portable electronic device that can automatically diagnose some heart diseases. It is also able to treat the patient through electrical therapy. However, such life-saving devices are rarely seen in China. According to China Central Television (CCTV), AED can so far only be found at the Beijing Capital International Airport, some lines of the Shanghai subway and in a few Olympic stadiums in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The device is also unfamiliar to much of the public. This Isnt Our Last Love Letter Dear Don Don, Way back in 92 I walked into the room and knew Never felt this way before I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes And the feeling grew As I took a seat I knew A love that would have my heart Forever I knew Way back in 92 They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true We were the exception to that rule Our love had no where to hide A spark set fire As if this is how the universe started I never doubted our love or what we could do Together we grew Forming a bond everlasting That became our glue My euphoria was YOU Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared For how fortunate we were : to have and to hold through sickness and in health Til death do us part Until we are together again This isnt our last love letter I love you with all my heart and soul Yours forever, Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow) Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus. A True American Hero I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus. I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years. I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years. But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us. In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about. Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle. I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life. I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life. No one will ever do what he did. I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO David Jurist IMUS IN THE MORNING FIRST DAY BACK! Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Veteran magazine writer Gay Talese, who this week appeared to disavow his new book amid questions over the credibility of its central source, has now retracted that disavowal, saying he was upset and probably said some things I didn't mean. Mr Taleses latest non-fiction tome, The Voyeurs Motel, is due to be published on 12 July. The movie rights have already been acquired by Dreamworks, which plans to make a film version directed by Sam Mendes and produced by Steven Spielberg. The story of a Colorado motel owner, Gerald Foos, who spent decades spying on his guests through false vents in their room ceilings, the book relies heavily on Mr Fooss journals, in which he documented his guests behaviour specifically, their sexual behaviour. When an excerpt was published in The New Yorker earlier this year, it sparked controversy not only over its truthfulness, but over Mr Taleses decision to work with his source for years without reporting his indiscretions to the authorities. Mr Talese, now 84, was contacted by Mr Foos in 1980 after publishing a book about American sexual mores. He visited the motel owner in Colorado, where, he writes, he verified his story in person, and read some of his extensive journals. Though much of The Voyeurs Motel is comprised of quotes from those journals, Mr Talese wrote that he cannot vouch for every detail [Mr Foos] recounts in his manuscript, including the murder of a woman by her boyfriend, which Mr Foos claimed to have witnessed in 1977. After an investigation, the Washington Post recently presented Mr Talese with evidence proving that in fact Foos did not own the motel between 1980 and 1988, despite his having claimed that he continued to spy on his guests during that period. In an interview published on Thursday, Mr Talese admitted he should not have believed a word [Mr Foos] said, and implied he would not promote the book, saying: How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet? Mr Foos, who stands to receive a portion of the payment from the books publication, is certifiably unreliable, Mr Talese told the newspaper, describing his source as totally dishonourable. But in a statement issued by his publisher, Grove Atlantic, on Friday, Mr Talese suggested he had been too hasty. When I spoke to the Washington Post reporter, I am sure I was surprised and upset about this business of the later ownership of the motel, in the 80s, he said. That occurred after the bulk of the events covered in my book, but I was upset and probably said some things I didnt, and dont, mean. Let me be clear: I am not disavowing the book and neither is my publisher. If there are details to correct in later editions, well do that. Grove Atlantic chief executive Morgan Entrekin told the New York Times that a new authors note may be added to the book. Gay is an impassioned person and he takes what he does very seriously, and hes frustrated dealing with this guy who isnt completely reliable, he said. New Yorker editor David Remnick also defended Mr Talese, telling the Post: This is not an account of, say, national security. This was, from the start, a profile of a very peculiar character, to say the least, and Gay Talese flagged those qualities honestly and repeatedly. Mr Foos, for his part, insisted: Everything I said in that book is the truth." Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The relationship between the Bollywood film industry and the film standards governing body, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has had more ups and downs than David Cameron and Boris Johnson. However, the CBFC is now facing its own 'Brexit' moment following a clash with the makers of a new Bollywood film, Udta Punjab, after the board demanded a staggering 89 cuts before the film could be released this month. The ensuing legal battle has been seen as a test case for the entire industry as the Bombay High Court ruled in favour of Udta Punjab and the CBFC were ordered to allow the release of the film within 48 hours of the court's decision. Udta Punjab, starring Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan, which is currently on general release, is a powerful study of the growing problem of drug addiction in the Punjab region of India and follows the stories of a diverse mix of characters from different backgrounds, whose narratives are entwined by the drugs epidemic that has gripped the region from a rock star to a rural migrant who, at the mercy of drug dealers, becomes a sex worker. However, it has also become the centre of a battle over freedom of expression between the world's most prolific film industry and the censor board, due to the board's bizarre demands. Among the demands were the removal of any reference to the Punjab from the film, including its title, the use of expletives and several other words deemed controversial, such as "parliament." The producer of Udta Punjab, Anurag Kashyap, is now leading a campaign calling for reforms to the country's current legislation, the Cinematograph Act 1952 and a revamp of the CBFC, nicknamed the 'censor board' for its draconian and often bizarre decisions such as cutting out a kissing scene in the more recent Bond film, Spectre, which attracted international ridicule. "It has been a long battle and a battle of sensitivities," said Kashyap. "We are protesting the Cinematograph Act which binds us so much. Cinema has grown in leaps and bounds and we are living in the age of information so all the boundaries actually don't make sense. We are unhappy with the way the CBFC is handling its' responsibility and has been delivering these decisions, and we are protesting against them and the way they do things just the way they feel like it. The whole industry has been dealing with this kind of high-handedness, and suffering as a result so I made a point with my film and how I responded to the treatment of my film." The landmark decision by the High Court has major implications for the film industry as it comes at a time when a growing number of filmmakers are pushing the boundaries (and the patience of the CBFC) in terms of story lines and sexuality in films, putting the industry increasingly at odds with the country's conservative government, which has been pushing for more restrictions on what it sees as a western, cultural colonisation of traditional Hindu values in India cinema. The furore has also become a microcosm for the industry's collective frustration at the perceived inconsistency and arbitrariness of the board's decisions and as such, has had the backing of the powerful film fraternity with many Bollywood stars expressing their support for the film. The works of Shekar Kapur, the award-winning director of Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age may never have seen the light of day, when his break out film, Bandit Queen, was initially banned by the CBFC. Based on the true story of Phoolan Devi, a lower-caste child bride who becomes the leader of a notorious gang of bandits and wreaks violent revenge on a group of men who gang raped her, the film faced the wrath of the censors for its content and the brutal rape scene which is central to the story. Speaking to The Independent, the acclaimed director said: "In the time of social media, where 90 per cent of audio visual content is viewed non-theatrically and over the internet, the CBFC has little value. There are 12,000 cinemas in India today and 800 million cell phones, soon most of which will be able to receive streaming content. The Cinematograph Act of 1952 has, in any case, become meaningless in a society undergoing such rapid cultural and technological change as India is. The censor board may soon find itself redundant, if not so already." While, in the past, political and social issues were mainly restricted to art house cinema releases, which did well on the film festival circuit but attracted marginal audiences at home, in recent years, an increasing number of commercial films have been breaking away from the traditional Bollywood formula and exploring the darker side of India, receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success as a result. This trend has partly been fuelled by the demands of the overseas market with diaspora audiences in the west making up a sizable chunk of the film industry's revenue. Domestically, the country has seen a huge expansion of its affluent and relatively youthful middle class who have grown up with satellite TV and are looking to be informed as well as entertained. As audiences have become more receptive to films which tackle serious issues, this has allowed filmmakers the freedom and financial backing to become more experimental and bolder as they seek to redefine commercial cinema for a discerning audience. Actress Alia Bhatt, who stars in Udta Punjab added: "Even though it deals with very serious subject matter, I think Udta Punjab is still a commercial film. A few years ago, a commercial film was thought to be just about romance with lots of singing and dancing, but I think people have moved on from that and are interested in different kinds of films which explore serious subjects. I think it is important to bring issues like this on to the big screen. People see a lot on TV and the internet and in music and it is important to educate ourselves. Film is a medium through which we can do that. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up "I come from a family of filmmakers where we are very open and we believe in bringing the truth to the screen. We know the truth hurts, but that's why it is important to bring that truth out. Often these kinds of issues like drug problems develop because nobody talks about it, but challenging issues in films encourages discussion." However, films with a political and social message still face an uphill battle with anything seen to damage the reputation of the country on the world stage facing the wrath of the CBFC. There was international outrage following the ban on Leslee Udwin's documentary, India's Daughter, about the brutal gang-rape of a 19-year-old student, Jyoti Singh, who later died of her injuries. Similarly, Haider, set in Indian-administered Kashmir against the backdrop of the insurgency of the 1990s, caused protests for its no holds barred portrayal of human rights abuses by the state and graphic scenes of torture in Indian army camps. The film, a retelling of Hamlet, about a poet who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his father and gets drawn into the political quagmire of the region, had its release date postponed for several months As in Hollywood, Bollywood has always had more liberal attitudes to sex and sexuality. However, with the recent easing on restrictions on PDA's on screen, filmmakers have done away with scenes of doe-eyed actresses fluttering their eyelashes coquettishly before diving behind a strategically placed rose bush and kissing scenes have become the norm. However, a number of recent releases including Jism 2, starring former porn star Sunny Leone, have got film censors hot under the collar. However, in a country where homosexuality is illegal and can result in life imprisonment (though it is rarely enforced) the CBFC are more cautious about films featuring homosexual relationships. Last year, the film Aligarh, based on a true story about a university lecturer who was sacked from his job at a prestigious university because of his sexual orientation caused controversy with the Mayor of Aligarh from the ruling BJP party accusing the filmmakers of attempting to "defame" the city. Although the film escaped a complete ban, even the trailer of Aligarh received an A rating, which is usually reserved for sexually explicit films, leading to the film's director accusing the board of being homophobic. However, a social change in attitude to homosexuality was evident in the success of Kapoor and Sons starring Fawad Khan earlier this year. At first glance what seems like a run of the mill Bollywood family drama about two brothers, the perfect son and the black sheep who are groomed to inherit the family business was given a modern twist when the parents discover the favoured son is gay and the facade the perfect family begins to unravel. The film managed to escape relatively unscathed, with seven cuts to the original film. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Murder. Cannibalism. Necrophilia. Welcome to Nicolas Winding Refns The Neon Demon: one of the most oddly familiar cinematic experiences Ive undergone this year. Though for vastly different reasons, I promise you that. Winding Refn, best known for his sleek neo-noir Drive, has always carried his reputation for provocation to its extremes. Its a pin worn on his lapel with a near-impish glee, a half-cocked smile that betrays neither full sincerity, nor complete derision. Hes the illusionist on stage, shrouding truth in the flash of a neatly gloved hand. And, projected like sickly neon advertisements on the pale bricks of LAs spotless buildings, The Neon Demons tale of a young model (Elle Fannings Jesse)s arrival to the city and her subsequent tumble into its sinister depths lives to be sensationalised. Its a headline-churning, grotesque kind of glamour; where depravity and violence shiver with the anticipation of the torch-wielding conservative mob. People will talk about the cannibalism. They will talk about the necrophilia. They will be repulsed, angered, and fascinated. And thats everything Winding Refn wants. Whether its good or bad is irrelevant to me, the director tells me. Its more about: did you react? And how exactly did I react? Like Id been hit by an icy, frozen punch to the soul. Staggered. Dazed. Possessed by the illusionists spell, though its mechanics fall far beyond my feeble grasp. The Neon Demon, for all its excesses, taps into some secret world of womanhood; the part where its viciousness its living battleground is talked of only as the smallest of whispers in the dark. Yes, the superficiality of LAs modelling industry, and all our twisted notions of beauty at large, is a well-rehearsed notion in Hollywood; Winding Refns hardly a pioneer there. But its the supreme force with which he puts those feelings to screen that so moved me; the absolute degradation of self that our shallow pursuit of perfection drives us towards, leaving us like twisted, pitiful little creatures snapping at our competitors in the scramble to a non-existent goal. It was strangely gratifying, in that sense, to hear Elle Fanning express something of that same familiarity tucked within all of The Neon Demons outrageous fantasies. This is one of my favourite films that Ive ever done, she enthused. Its just so different and, I think, very relatable in a funny way. Relatable to me being the age I am, and being a girl; that obsession with beauty, its a very intense thing. Exactly, I thought. It is intense. Not, thankfully, in the way that would drive an individual to cannibalism, but in the way that makes you feel as degraded as if you had. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up The Neon Demon - Trailer Theres a fantasy world in it, Fanning continues. Jesses kind of like Dorothy who comes to Oz and is seeing all these things happen, but Nic let me incorporate a lot of things that are true to me as well. Lots of things were from personal experiences; but then also, like, very exaggerated. Ive never had Keanu Reeves shove a knife in my throat in real life [laughs]. The Neon Demon was a lot of combination of my own obsession with fairy tales and the mythology that comes from that, Winding Refn later states. Indeed, if theres a trick to be found in The Neon Demons hypnotic powers, its that ability to tap into those ancient forces of folklore, fairy tales, and mythologies. Storytelling so rooted in primal symbolism, that emotional reactions trigger themselves with a subconscious instinctiveness: blood, life, childbirth, immortality, the feminine, purity within and without. Admittedly, its natural to have some reservations about a male filmmaker attempting to dive into the very darkest of feminine impulses in a way that understands them to their fullest extent; but The Neon Demon rather feels like the feminine voice catered through a male creators own awareness of distance. Its a film that can swing from the unnervingly intimate particularly when it comes to Jesses violating treatment by an acclaimed male photographer to the coldly observant. Thats likely thanks to the fact Winding Refn sought out female collaborators here; in cinematographer Natasha Braiers intoxicating visuals, to playwrights Polly Stenham and Mary Laws, who worked with Winding Refn on the screenplay. Interview with Nicolas Winding Refn and Elle Fanning (The Neon Demon) When I ask the pair for some of their favourite movies that define the feminine experience, Fanning eventually opts for The Virgin Suicides. Which, in a way, feels fitting; as it, in turn, combines the deeply personal perspective of director Sofia Coppola, and the deliberately obscured viewpoint of author Jeffrey Eugenides, whose source novel views the Lisbon sisters from the viewpoint of the neighbourhood boys. Furthermore, Im fairly assured The Neon Demon will soon catwalk its way to join The Virgin Suicides as a cult classic. But would Winding Refn admit any of these aims or ambitions himself? Of course not, for he remains the stage illusionist in eternity; and when I ask him simply what he hopes for from his audiences, his reply is predictably obscure. Im not a political filmmaker, he insists. I dont have an agenda of what I would like to do to you. I think, its more interesting what you tell me your reactions were like, because that to me its like gathering information. I think creativity is all about the subconscious essentially, you know? If something really stays with you and travels with you for the rest of your life, you have to immerse yourself in that. You have to react to that. And I think thats the only thing we have together for the rest of our lives. But at least thats something no one can ever take away from us. The Neon Demon opens in UK cinemas 8 July. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It was with extreme anticipation that I squeezed myself into a rental car filled with rucksacks, beer crates, multiple bags o' wine and four friends, eagerly setting off to Glastonbury Festival on a Tuesday evening despite it kicking off on Friday morning. "If I'm doing Glasto," I had told several confused friends in the weeks prior, "I am doing Glasto." 12 hours later amid a sea of unbearable queueing, torrential rain and unfettered mud, I arrived at Worthy Farm after years of desiring to be one of the fortunate 180,000 ticket holders. My jeans were ruined within ten minutes. The Worthy Farm site had already been reduced to a wasteland of untraversable terrain by the time I pitched my tent on Wednesday morning, but as my party of five stumbled up the mudslide that was now Pennard Hill like some unwitting Total Wipeout contestants (well, four - we left a man down in the queue), what felt an apprehensive foray into the unknown on day one ended a brutal departure from what had become my home-away-from-home on day five. In less than a week, all inhibitions had vacated my bloodstream and, in its own tangible way, Glastonbury had realigned my world view. Take this as a fitting example: from my tent, I had a clear view of the famous giant spider that marks the centre of popular nightlife area Arcadia. Hosting DJs blasting out drum and bass music for pretty much 24 hours, I made a silent vow to steer the hell clear of what I had heard was some kind of "rave spectacular." Three days later, I found myself under that very same spider balancing on the shoulders of a heavily inebriated man - dressed up as a Minion - wildly waving a pink glowstick (I know...), not unlike a conductor guiding Andy C towards his flame-bursting beat drop. The palpability of freedom - however beer-goggled - was effervescent. (Getty) It fast became clear that the rulebook doesn't exist here. Only at Glastonbury would I be happy to waste 45 minutes trekking to party area Shangri-La - with a crowd of 20 people I don't know - only to be turned away and forced back the way I came. Only at Glastonbury would I get onto the TV singing along to one of my favourite bands of the moment (reassuring my watching parents that I am, in fact, still alive). Only at Glastonbury would you leave your mate watching Fatboy Slim only to return an hour later to find him dancing with Tilda Swinton. Being privy to the many live music moments as opposed to sneakily scouring iPlayer for highlights at work was an easy treat to take for granted: from Two Door Cinema Club's storming Friday mid-afternoon set and The Last Shadow Puppets' electrifying rendition of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" through to Tame Impala and M83's unexpectedly electrifying performances and PJ Harvey's powerful recital of John Donne's "No Man is an Island" amid the result of the EU Referendum vote - these were all moments I would have watched at home, lamenting those organised enough to get a ticket. Sure, the hefty walk between the many stages, the frustrating bustle of people attempting to navigate their way through the crowds and the heart wrenching realisation you need to embark upon an odyssey to the toilets three minutes before an act you love takes to the stage may irritate in the moment, but it's these small troubles you find yourself pining for once you step through your front door, collapse on the sofa and exhaustedly wonder whether any of it had happened at all. Music festivals guide 2016 Show all 20 1 /20 Music festivals guide 2016 Music festivals guide 2016 Horizon Where: Bansko Ski Resort, Bulgaria When: 12-17 March Price: From 175 Line Up: Ame, Goldie, Nina Kraviz, John Talabot, Lady Leshurr, Craig Charles Music festivals guide 2016 Live At Leeds Where: Leeds, UK When: 30 April Price: 32.50 Line Up: Jess Glynne, Circa Waves, Mystery Jets, Band of Skulls, We Are Scientists Music festivals guide 2016 Primavera Sound Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 1-5 June Price: 175 Line Up: Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Sigur Ros, PJ Harvey, Tame Impala, Beach House, Suede, The Last Shadow Puppets Primavera Music festivals guide 2016 Best Kept Secret Where: Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands When: 17-19 June Price: 147.50 Line Up: Beck, Editors, Two Door Cinema Club, Beach House, Bloc Party, Caribou, Half Moon Run Best Kept Secret Festival Music festivals guide 2016 Glastonbury Where: Worthy Farm, Somerset When: 22-26 June Price: 220 Line Up: Coldplay, Muse, Jeff Lynnes ELO, PJ Harvey, Jess Glynne (TBC) Music festivals guide 2016 Roskilde Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 25 June-2 July Price: 2,020 DKK Line Up: LCD Soundsystem, New Order, PJ Harvey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foals, Tame Impala, Savages, Skepta, Tenacious D Simon Frsig Christensen / Roskilde Festival Music festivals guide 2016 Hideout Festival Where: Zrce Beach, Croatia When: 26-30 June Price: From 152.90 Line Up: The Martinez Brothers, Joris Voorn, Waze & Odyssey Hideout Festival Music festivals guide 2016 Bilbao BBK Where: Bilbao, Spain When: 7-9 July Price: From 69 Line Up: Arcade Fire, Pixies, Tame Impala, Foals, New Order, Hot Chip, Father John Misty, Years & Years, Wolf Alice Music festivals guide 2016 Open'er Where: Gdynia, Poland When: 29 July-2 August Price: From 130 Line Up: Bastille, Florence + the Machine, Foals, LCD Soundsystem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The 1975, The Last Shadow Puppets, Wiz Khalifa Open'er Festival Music festivals guide 2016 Electric Love Where: Plainfeld, Austria When: 7-9 July Price: 119 Line Up: Alesso, Zedd, Tiesto, Chase & Status, Steve Aoki, Knife Party Music festivals guide 2016 Melt! Where: Ferropolis, Germany When: 15-17 July Price: From 136 Line Up: Two Door Cinema Club, Disclosure, Jamie xx, Sleaford Mods, Skepta, Jamie Woon Music festivals guide 2016 Sziget Where: Budapest, Hungary When: 10-17 August Price: From 215 Line Up: Bastille, Bloc Party, M83, Sigur Ros, Bring Me the Horizon Music festivals guide 2016 Flow Where: Helsinki, Finland When: 12-14 August Price: 165 Line Up: Sia, New Order, The Last Shadow Puppets, Jamie xx, M83, Chvrches, Four Tet, Stormzy, Daughter, The Kills Flow Festival / Jussi Hellsten Music festivals guide 2016 Rock En Seine Where: Paris, France When: 26-28 August Price: From 119 Line Up: TBC Music festivals guide 2016 Oasis Where: Marrakech, Morocco When: 16-18 September Price: From 110 Line Up: Bicep, Derrick May, Tale of Us, Dixon, Dusky, Hunee Music festivals guide 2016 Latitude Where: Henham Park, Suffolk When: 14-17 July Price: 205.50 Line Up: The Maccabees, The National, New Order, John Grant, Beirut, Father John Misty, Chvrches, Grimes Music festivals guide 2016 Bestival Where: Robin Hill, Isle of Wight When: 8-11 September Price: 190 Line Up: The Cure, Major Lazer, Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Craig David, Years & Years, Wolf Alice, Tourist, Katy B Music festivals guide 2016 Isle of Wight Where: Newport, Isle of Wight When: 9-12 June Price: From 186 Line Up: Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereophonics, Faithless, Iggy Pop, Adam Ant, Buzzcocks, Sigma, Jess Glynne Music festivals guide 2016 Citadel Where: Victoria Park, London When: 17 July Price: From 54 Line Up: Sigur Ros, Caribou, Lianne La Havas, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats Music festivals guide 2016 End of the Road Where: Larmer Tree Gardens When: 2-4 September Price: 195 Line Up: Joanna Newsom, The Shins, Animal Collective, Bat for Lashes, Teenage Fanclub, Devendra Banhart, Savages, Cat's Eyes Sonny Malhotra Converging with disparate souls in a giant field provides you with a sense of unification at the best of times, but at Glastonbury, it carries a different weight. This festival is a celebration, not only of art, but of togetherness, and one that felt even stronger in light of the departure of a Britain we all knew we would never see again. As the crowd in their thousands dispersed from the area following Coldplay's show-stopping Sunday night headline performance on the iconic Pyramid Stage, it dawned on me that there were not many more places on earth I would rather be. As we made our way to our final party destination of the weekend in the throes of the engulfing mud - strangers holding hands to help each other through - my friend loses his boot. A tear, induced by several emotions, springs to my eye; heavy laughter at his footwear plight, extreme sadness that it's all over and intense desire to live out these crazy, indescribable life-changing five days all over again. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Facebook has won an appeal to overturn a ruling that would have stopped it from tracking non-members in Belgium when they visited the site's public pages. In November 2015 the Belgian Privacy Commission demanded that Facebook stop using its cookies to track Belgian users who werent signed up or logged into the social network on the grounds that it contravened European privacy laws. Facebook disputed the claims, stating that cookies were simply a way to distinguish legitimate users from malicious users by analysing browsing patterns. In spite of this, the privacy watchdog won its case and Facebook was ordered to stop tracking Belgian users or it would face fines of 250,000 per day. Naturally, Facebook complied and announced that it had stopped tracking Belgian users. However, this week the Brussels Appeals Court has dismissed the case on the grounds that the Belgian Privacy Commission has no jurisdiction over Facebook as the companys European headquarters is based in Dublin, Ireland. 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Show all 10 1 /10 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Around 350 million photos are uploaded to Facebook every day, with the site estimating in September last year that users had so far put up more than 250 billion images. Thats 4,000 photos uploaded every second and around 4 per cent of all photos ever taken, according to a study by Nokia. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Facebooks logo is blue because Mark Zuckerberg is red-green colour blind. Blue is the richest color for me. I can see all of blue," said Zuckerberg in an interview with the New Yorker. The colour is so popular that Facebooks campus store even sells nail polish in the exact shade named social butterfly blue. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Zuckerberg's famously low-key wardrobe (either a grey t-shirt or a hoodie) is so that the CEO saves time deciding what to wear each day. However, Zuckerberg is known to dress up when the occasion demands it. For a 2011 event with Barack Obama he showed up in a suit, with the president introducing himself by saying: Im Barack Obama and Im the guy who got Mark to wear a jacket and tie. REUTERS/Brian Snyder 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook In July 2006 Zuckerberg turned down a $1 billion offer for the site from Yahoo. He was 22 years old at the time and owned 25 per cent of the company. Zuckerberg reportedly turned it down by saying I don't know what I could do with the money. I'd just start another social networking site. I kind of like the one I already have. He definitely made the right choice: Facebook is now valued at $135 billion. 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook A YouGov poll claimed that three-quarter of UK Facebook users' photos showed someone drinking or inebriated. However, the poll did ask users to estimate the number of boozy snaps themselves, and like all things on Facebook, there might have been an element of exaggeration involved. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Facebook operates a bounty hunter program for bugs. Like many other big technology companies Facebook offers cash rewards to security researchers who point out flaws in the sites code. The minimum payout is $500 and the largest prize to date has been $33,500. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook More than a third of divorce filings in 2011 referenced Facebook, said a survey from UK-based legal firm Divorce Online. The exact figures may be an estimate, but with just under 8 trillion Facebook messages sent in 2013 its certain that a substantial body of evidence is to be found on the social network. 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Zuckerberg isnt much of a Twitter fan. Despite having nearly three hundred thousand followers on the service hes only tweeted 19 times - once in 2012 and the rest in 2009. Although Facebook dwarfs twitter in terms of active users (1 billion compared with 200 million by some accounts) the micro-blogging site handles breaking news better. Facebook has introduced trending topics and hashtags to counter this. 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook Following the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 Iceland decided to rewrite their constitution using Facebook to solicit suggestions from citizens. Unfortunately, despite this forward thinking approach, the document was killed by politicians in mid-2013 for various (mostly technical) reasons. 10 facts you didnt know about Facebook You can browse Facebook upside down. Facebook currently supports more than 70 different languages including English (Pirate) and English (Upside Down). Check the bottom of the column on the right of your newsfeed and click your current language to change! A Facebook spokesperson said: We are pleased with the courts decision and look forward to bringing all our services back online for people in Belgium. The Belgian Privacy Commission is less happy with the ruling. President of the commission, Willem Debeuckelaere, said: Today's decision means simply that the Belgian citizen cannot obtain privacy protection when it concerns foreign players. The citizen is thus exposed to massive violations of privacy. Though Facebook has emerged somewhat victorious here, this may not be the last we hear of this. When the original ruling was made, the lawyer behind the case, Frederic Debussere, said that he fully expected it would result in many similar cases from other European privacy watchdogs being brought against Facebook in the future. Considering a recent report from The Wall Street Journal stating that Facebooks privacy controls are being closely scrutinised by regulators in Italy, Spain, France, The Netherlands, and Germany theres a chance the social network could be facing more similar legal battles in the future. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} London's top businesses are on the hunt for the "new London" after the UK's shock decision to leave the EU, throwing the capital's dominance into doubt. London has a reputation as the top global financial city in part because here people communicate in English, the language of business. It is also perceived as being soft on regulations governing business, meaning there are fewer barriers. And it is culturally rich, with excellent museums, restaurants, schools and other services that attract businesspeople from abroad. A combination of these factors has seen London frequently named the best city in the world for business. It topped the City Moment Index in January for its economic growth and real estate structure. Deloitte said that London was pulling ahead of New York as recently as March, when it declared that London's 1.71 million skilled jobs showed that it was growing faster than anywhere else in the world. But the decision to leave the EU has seen big businesses and banks thrown into a frenzy about where they should move staff after Brexit, assuming that in any post-Brexit world the UK is going to be less able to serve the needs of the European market from outside the EU. Where next? Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, Amsterdam and Dublin are all thought to be contenders. Paris The EU wants to stop the election of the far right in the 2017 French presidential elections (Getty) Prior to the referendum, Emmanuel Macron, the French economy minister, said Paris would roll out the red carpet for financial corporations that wanted or needed to move in the event of a Brexit. France stands to benefit as banks look outside London, especially with the EU desperate to stop the election of Marine Le Pen and the far right during the French presidential elections in 2017, according to the journalist Ben Judah. It is crucial to understand EU must at all costs stop Le Pen winning in 2017. Best way to do this? Reward France the banks and their taxes, Judah tweeted. But there are signs Paris would have to make some changes before it could welcome in the global business elite. It heavily regulates big business and financial firms, which has put many off the French capital. Plus less than 40 per cent of the French are fluent in English, making it less hospitable to newcomers, Amsterdam Canal houses in Amsterdam, which is beautiful but has a cap on bonuses (NBTC) Amsterdam was tipped to be "the new London" by James Stewart, author and business columnist at the New York Times, because of its beautiful architecture, excellent schools and good night life. Almost all of its population speak English and it has centuries of experience as a global trading centre, making it especially tolerant of newcomers, Mr Stewart said. However, a cap on bonuses of just 20 per cent of annual salaries has discouraged some businesses from moving there. Deputy Mayor Kajsa Ollongren, a Dutch politician, told the Dutch daily newspaper in the aftermath of Brexit that she had already had enquiries from firms. "I cannot say the names, but a number of Asian companies operating in the finance sector and located in London, have turned to us in recent weeks," she said. She said that that companies are asking about moving to Amsterdam to continue to provide services to mainland Europe. Frankfurt Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank Frankfurt is the home of the ECB, which may give it more power than other European cities, and the financial capital of Germany. Hubertus Vath from Frankfurt Main Finance, a body that promotes the city as a financial centre, told the Financial Times that while Brexit is bad for everyone, Frankfurt could benefit as businesses relocate in Europe. Brexit would be bad for Britain, for Germany and for the EU, Mr Vath said. But if it does happen, then Frankfurt is well placed to benefit. Luxembourg An increasing number of multinational companies are basing their European headquarters in Luxembourg Luxembourg is the second European city to appear on the Global Financial Centres Index. It ranks 14th, while London ranks first. An increasing number of multinational companies are basing their European headquarters in Luxembourg. It's small, with strong transport links to the rest of Europe and a high quality of life. Some asset management companies have already said they will be focussing more on their Luxembourg base post-Brexit. Columbia Threadneedle, an asset management company, said that it had begun the process of expanding its base in Luxembourg. This would involve us having some fund managers based in Europe before the UK leaves the EU, the company said in a statement. Dublin Dublin has low corporate tax rates but is further away from the continent (Rex) Dublin has become known as an offshore financial centre because of its low coporate tax rates and its International Financial Services Centre. It hosts half the world's top 50 banks. The Irish Government has already contacted some banks and other companies who may want to move there, according to the Irish Times. For it to succeed, it will have to convince firms that the benefits of Dublin outweigh moving even further away from the continent to a place with worse transport links than London. 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 Then there are those who think that London will keep its crown and remain the most important global city in Europe. The City will remain a major international financial centre whatever, but clearly the nature and its size will depend on what we can negotiate, Mark Boleat, the City of Londons policy chairman, told the Wall Street Journal. There was never going to be a mass exit of banks in terms of numbers. The question for us is whether they are here with 15,000 staff or 5,000. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Dame Judi Dench has been given an unusual 81st birthday present by her daughter - her first ever tattoo. The actress had the words carpe diem inked on her wrist as a gift from her actress daughter Finty Williams. She told Surrey Life magazine: That's my motto: Seize the day. Finty gave it to me for my 81st birthday - she's wonderful with surprises. Seize the day: Dench got this ink in St Martins for her 81st birthday (PA (PA) Mind you the company of A Winter's Tale, which I was doing at the time, used to say that it said fish of the day. Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Show all 15 1 /15 Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Jennifer Lawrence The Hunger Games actress said she got this 'H2O' tattoo while on holiday with the Hemsworths, although she wishes she'd got the '2' in the correct position Getty Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Amanda Seyfried Amanda Seyfried got rhe word 'minge' tattoed on her foot after being inspired by Colin Firth's overuse of the word while on the set of Mama Mia Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to David Dimbleby The Question Time Host, aged 75, said he was inspired by his star sign, Scorpio, and isn't even bothered that his ink is missing two legs BBC Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Ed Sheeran Ed has probably got more tattoos than a normal person has had hot meals. They include a lego man, a Heinz label and a few random scribbles. Cool Getty Images Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Cara Delevingne Proof you should never consider a tattoo while hungry, model Cara got the word 'bacon' inked on the sole of her foot Getty Images Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Drake Drake's 'prayer hands emoji' tattoo is very 2015 but surely it's going to date a bit? Just ask the guy with a Bebo tattoo if he has any regrets Getty Images Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Celebrities and their questionable tattoos Instagram/Katy Perry Questionable tattoos and to who they belong to Katy Perry Katy has been, erm, spontaneous with a lot of her tattoo choices, but this one is really bizarre Getty The former James Bond star previously told Good Housekeeping she was contemplating getting an Indian symbol tattooed and has also joked that she would like to have Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's name inked on her bottom. She told Good Housekeeping: There's an Indian symbol that I like which supposedly represents life and love and everything. One of the cameramen who worked on The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel told me what it meant, but I'm a bit nervous in case I'm being set up - It might be unbelievably rude. Dame Judi will soon be seen in Tim Burton's film Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, which is due for UK release in September. PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Kelvin MacKenzie has included a furious email he received from Alastair Campbell after admitting buyers remorse for voting to leave the EU in the referendum in his weekly column for The Sun. The former editor of the newspaper joined a wave of Brexit anxiety dubbed bregret when he admitted he was concerned about the prospect of Britain leaving the European Union despite having voted for such as outcome. When I put my cross against Leave I felt a surge as though for the first time in my life my vote did count. I had power, he wrote on Monday. Four days later I dont feel quite the same. I have buyers remorse. A sense of be careful what you wish for. To be truthful I am fearful of what lies ahead. 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 MacKenzies admission he felt some regret over voting to Leave post-referendum prompted an incensed response from Campbell, who told him to f*** off in a strongly worded email. Staunchly pro-EU, Campbell was a prominent campaigner for the Remain camp. In his email, the former Downing Street spin doctor told MacKenzie he should feel "ashamed" for helping to achieve a result that could have such long-lasting and wide-ranging repercussions. The Sun urged its readers to vote to leave the EU in a front page splash ten days before the referendum. Brexit - Some Leave voters are regretting their vote Campbell wrote: "Never mind buyers remorse, you should feel totally f***ing ashamed to have been for so long part of a giant propaganda machine which has helped the country make a potentially self-destructive decision that future generations will have to live with when you and I are long gone. Murdoch has been a complete poison in our national life and you have helped so much. And because you are well sorted it will not hit you nearly as hard as those you and yours have persuaded to make the decision they did. In his column, MacKenzie questioned Campbells remark about playing a part of a propaganda machine, branding his own PR machine for Labour a disgrace. Campbell resigned as the director of communications and strategy in the wake of the controversial Iraq war. Campbell has confirmed the email is genuine, writing on Twitter: I can confirm its accuracy in all parts. A representative for Campbell did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China's central bank has conducts 11 cases of clarifications regarding rumors about China's foreign exchange policy in the first half of 2016. People's Bank of China (PBOC) has made clarifications in their official Weibo account saying that there is speculating powers regarding the renminbi's exchange rate. Market uncertainties about renminbi have been aroused due to Brexit and high expectation of interests increase of Federal Reserve has emerged. The rumors have been spread throughout society. A report by Thepaper.cn said that it is obvious that the rumors lead to short-term sharp fluctuation in the renminbi's exchange rate. The PBOC has issued a statement on the operation situation of renminbi's exchange rate on June 30 on its official website. The statement criticized some media stating that they have continuously published untrue information about the renminbi's exchange rate which misled public opinion, disturbed normal operations order of foreign exchange market. Furthermore, the rumors fomented speculating powers to short renminbi's position in the international market. The statement issued by PBOC on Thursday said that it keeps the yuan relatively stable to a basket of currencies and the currency's foreign exchange mechanism will continue to be market-based one. Foreign media said that China intended to maintain the stability of the renminbi's exchange rate by intervening renminbi in the offshore market. Two days ago, on June 28, PBOC along with The Shanghai branch of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange reiterated that the current policy on individuals converting the yuan to foreign currency remains unchanged. PBOC have made it clear about marketization of renminbi' exchange rate and administration of foreign exchange in previous times. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The transgender model Hari Nef has been chosen as one of four influencers to star on the cover of Elle UKs revamped September issue. Elles 'Rise of the Rebel' edition focuses on activism, sexuality, transgender visibility and LGBTQI issues in a series of interviews. In one of five covers, Kristen Stewart discusses her relationship with her girlfriend Alicia Cargile. In another, Amandla Stenberg speaks about her activism, gender identity and decision to come out as bisexual. Zayn Malik appears on a fourth cover. Nef was signed to IMG models in May 2015, making history by becoming the first openly transgender woman to be signed to the agency. Aside from a burgeoning modelling career, Nef is also an actor, prominent activist and an advocate for the National Center for Transgender Equality. Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Show all 6 1 /6 Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Zayn Malik: Nobil/ ELLE UK Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Amandla Stenberg: Beau Grealy/ ELLE UK Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Hari Nef: Bjarne Jonasson/ ELLE UK Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Getty Images Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover Elle UK/ Liz Collins Stars of Elle UK's Rebel cover ELLE UK/ Bjarne Jonasson I think my greatest accomplishment is my continued will to live authentically, she told Interview magazine in March. If you are trans and/or gender nonconforming, your (way of) life persists as a question in frequent need of answering. To answer the question with love and confidenceover and overis the hardest thing Ive ever done. Trans is tough, but its beautiful. Stewarts cover comes after the actress famously addressed speculation over her sexuality last year by telling an interviewer: Google me - Im not hiding. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} There is overwhelming scientific evidence that toxic chemicals in food, everyday products, the general environment and even the air are poisoning our children, a leading group of US scientists, medical experts and health organisations have said. Issuing a call to action, the researchers warned pregnant women had been found to be contaminated with dozens of potentially harmful substances such as organophosphate pesticides, PBDE flame retardants and phthalates found in plastic. Such toxins can interfere in the development of the brain with unborn children being particularly vulnerable. In paper in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the group said: We are witnessing an alarming increase in learning and behavioural problems in children. Parents report that one in six children in the United States, 17 per cent more than a decade ago, have a developmental disability, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays. As of 2012, 1 in 10 (or more than 5.9 million) children in the US are estimated to have ADHD. As of 2014, 1 in 68 children in the US has an autism spectrum disorder. They said that many chemicals could interfere with the development of the brain at extremely low levels of exposure. Research in the neurosciences has identified critical windows of vulnerability during embryonic and foetal development, infancy, early childhood and adolescence, the paper said. During these windows of development, toxic chemical exposures may cause lasting harm to the brain that interferes with a childs ability to reach his or her full potential. They pointed to a previous study that found 90 per cent of pregnant women in the US had detectable levels of 62 chemicals in their bodies, including phthalates, lead and mercury. However the group said that such harmful chemicals likely represent the tip of the iceberg with only a tiny minority of the thousands of substances currently in use having been tested for their effects on the brain. Our failures to protect children from harm underscore the urgent need for a better approach to developing and assessing scientific evidence and using it to make decisions, the paper said. We as a society should be able to take protective action when scientific evidence indicates a chemical is of concern, and not wait for unequivocal proof that a chemical is causing harm to our children. Another problem, they wrote, was when a chemical is banned because it is shown to be harmful, manuacturers often substitute similar chemicals that may pose similar concerns or be virtually untested for toxicity. When the [US] federal government banned some uses of OP [organo-phosphate] pesticides, manufacturers responded by expanding the use of neonicotinoid and pyrethroid pesticides, the paper said. Evidence is emerging that these widely used classes of pesticides pose a threat to the developing brain. When the US government reached a voluntary agreement with flame retardant manufacturers to stop making PBDEs, the manufacturers substituted other halogenated and organophosphate flame retardant chemicals. Many of these replacement flame retardants are similar in structure to other neurotoxic chemicals but have not undergone adequate assessment of their effects on developing brains. When the federal government banned some phthalates in childrens products, the chemical industry responded by replacing the banned chemicals with structurally similar new phthalates. These replacements are now under investigation for disrupting the endocrine system. The signatories of the paper included Professor Deborah Bennett, of University of California, Davis, Dr David Bellinger, of Harvard Medical School, Dr Linda Birnbaum, director of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and director of the National Toxicology Program and Dr Alycia Halladay, chief science officer of the Austism Science Foundation. Several leading medical organisations also signed, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the International Neurotoxicology Association, and the US National Medical Association. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The child sex offender who helped established a group for paedophiles in the 1970s has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. Douglas Slade, 75, ran the Paedophile Information Exchange, an organisation that campaigned for the removal of the age of consent so it would be legal to have sex with children. He was arrested in the Philippines and tried in the UK for 13 counts of child abuse and rape. Slade, who had pleaded not guilty, was found to have abused five boys between 1965 and 1980. The youngest boy was ten years old. He was sentenced after a trial at the crown court in Bristol, the city where his paedophile hotline operated openly for more than 10 years. According to the BBC, Judge Euan Ambrose said that Slade was wholly unrepentant and told him: Your past has caught up with you. One victim of Slades said the conviction made him a happier person. Another man, Christopher Skeaping, who used to live in Hounslow, was convicted alongside Mr Slade of one count of indecent assault against one of Slades victims. Skeaping will be sentenced at another date. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A year to the day after his Airports Commission recommended a third runway at Heathrow, Sir Howard Davies said a decision is needed "more than ever because of the vote to leave the European Union. Yesterday the Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, announced yet another postponement of a decision on a new runway, expressing the hope that it may now be made in October. Sir Howard, the chairman of the Airports Commission, told the Today programme on Radio 4: Brexit is being seen as an insular sign, a nation turning in on itself. He said that a commitment to airport expansion in London was seen globally as a touchstone of the UKs vision. For those who say we dont need this, Id like to know what their economic model for the country is, he said. Sir Howard Davies, chairman of the Airports Commission (PA) The Davies Commission concluded that a third runway at Heathrow would bring the greatest benefits, generating up to 147bn in GDP impacts over 60 years and creating more than 70,000 new jobs. The final report also shortlisted two other credible options for expansion in South East England: a second runway at Gatwick, and an extended northern runway at Heathrow - the so-called Heathrow Hub. Nearly six months later, the Department for Transport responded, saying more work needed to be done on the three shortlisted projects, and promising: The government will do this quickly so that the timetable for delivering capacity set out by the Airports Commission can be met. We anticipate that it will conclude over the summer. In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Show all 22 1 /22 In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Inside one of the terminal tents in 1946 The year the airport opened. Comfortable armchairs and flowers try to distract from the conditions Graham Bridges collection In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow An aerial view of the airport in 1949 Construction of the runway layout and Central Area are under way In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow A Pan Am crew checks out the Boeing Stratocruiser N1029V Clipper Golden Eagle in 1954 During the early 1950s, Pan Am and American Overseas Airlines operated Statocruisers into London Airport in direct competition on the North Atlantic route operated by BOAC In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow One of the first official London Airport guidebooks C.1953, priced 1s In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow In 1950 a permanent concrete terminal building was built This replaced the tents previously used at London Airport North and is seen still in use for charter and cargo flights in this 1959 view via Graham Bridges In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow BOAC check-in desk in 1954 Inside the new London Airport North terminal building, just before the move to the Central Area Graham Bridges collection In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Air traffic control tower in the 1960s Inside the visual control room CAA Archives via Pete Bish In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Rear cover of the 1956 guidebook Showing a plan of the airport at the time, with entrance prices to the spectators viewing terraces and for airport coach tours In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Spectators in 1958 How close can you get? As soon as the Central Area was open, spectators were afforded unprecedented views of the airliners In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Terminal 3 was opened as the Oceanic Terminal on 13 November 1961 It was built to handle flight departures for long-haul routes. Renamed Terminal 3 in 1968, it was expanded in 1970 with the addition of an arrivals building In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Inside Terminal 3 in 1969 Check-in desks for BOAC and QANTAS airlines In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Plane spotting on Heathrows viewing terraces in the 1960s Wrap up warm, take your spotting logbooks, pen and binoculars and get your mum to pack your sandwiches In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow No 1 Passenger Building Also called the Europa Building. In this photo, taken on 22 June 1963, flags of the many airlines it serves are flown Lee Holden In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Luggage-trailer-towing Routemaster buses When BEA and BOAC merged to form BA on 1 April 1974, both fleets had to be repainted in the new livery, but so did all the ground support equipment In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The entrance to the traffic tunnel in 1974 A Lufthansa Boeing 737 is seen on the runway In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow A 40 per cent scale model of Concorde In September 1990 it was erected on the roundabout at the entrance to the tunnel that passes under the northern runway at Heathrow Airport. It was built in four main parts, with an 80ft-long central fuselage section, to which the wings and tail fin were attached. The completed model was placed on the roundabout in September 1990 and was monitored by CCTV and surrounded by an infrared perimeter alarm that was connected to the local Heathrow police station to ensure it was not vandalised In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Heathrow Airport's 50th anniversary On 2 June 1996, Heathrow marked its anniversary with a flypast of representative airliner types that have served the airport over the years. This culminated in a formation flypast by Concorde with Hawks of the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The roof of Terminal 3s car park One of the last bastions for plane spotters and spectators was here. This is the unfriendly notice that greets anyone who attempts this today Richard Vandervord In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow On 24 October 2003 BA withdrew its Concordes from service The final scheduled commercial flight was BA002 from JFK operated by G-BOAG. Here we see three of the Concordes parked together outside the BA hangar on 8 November 2003 following withdrawal John Hughes In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The new control tower Costing 50 million to construct, it gives controllers an excellent 360-degree panoramic view NATS photograph In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow The new Terminal 2 The Queens Terminal In pictures: 70 years of Heathrow Looking due west down Runway 27L The delay was widely regarded as a political convenience to delay a decision until after the London mayoral election in May in which the Conservative candidate was Zac Goldsmith, a vocal opponent of Heathrow. An announcement on the runway had been expected next week, and some sources had indicated a decision was to be made as a parting gesture by David Cameron before he stands down as Prime Minister. The Tory frontrunner for Number 10, Theresa May, is MP for Maidenhead - a constituency that begins just six miles west of Heathrow, and which would be particularly affected by an extended northern runway. Sir Howard Davies urged a swift rubber-stamping of his recommendation, saying: If a new prime minister could make a decision quickly, it could be ready by 2026. The three-year investigation by the Davies Commission is estimated to have cost up to 20m. In addition, 3m was allocated from Transport for Londons budget to promote the preferred project of the then-Mayor, Boris Johnson, for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A man who is required to give police 24 hours notice before he has sex has said he plans to go on hunger strike to protest the order. The single man in his 40s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was cleared after a rape allegation last year, but remains under an interim Sexual Risk Order (SRO), which requires him to contact police 24 hours before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner giving her name, address and date of birth. Previously, the man called the order unjust, saying that it had made his life a virtual prison. Its just so unjust, there is not a conviction to my name one allegation, acquitted, and they can still shut you down, he said. To protest the order, he has decided to go on a hunger strike, beginning Wednesday. If police ignore his protest, he said, it would continue to either a satisfactory or a natural conclusion. I have no life under this order, he said. This order condemns me to a life alone and without work. I have seen nothing but bitter injustice these last two years. I cannot, and will not live like this. Who could? I am, and always was, innocent just like the jury said. In a recent statement, he said: I intend to commence hunger strike in protest over the SRO to which I am subject. I protest that even though a jury found me unanimously not guilty, after nearly two years I still find myself being punished for a crime that never happened. I protest to being subject to an order that is unlawful in almost every syllable, is unjustified and is so extreme as to be utterly unliveable. "Home Office guidelines clearly explain the types of behaviour that SROs are designed to prevent, and none of it applies in any way to me. "The law has been misapplied deliberately by North Yorkshire Police out of sour grapes over being shown to be prejudicial and incompetent in their investigation of the original complaint against me. A Sexual Risk Order can be applied to anyone whom the police believe poses a risk of sexual harm, regardless of whether they have been convicted of a crime. The man previously admitted to having an interest in sado-masochistic sex, and used to visit a fetish club with an ex-partner, but denies having any criminal convictions. Outside court, at his last appearance, the man said there was no prospect of a relationship for him at the moment He said: Can you imagine, 24 hours before sex? Come on. Love and sex news: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Love and sex news: in pictures Love and sex news: in pictures What makes a perfect penis? Scientists have now answered one of these great unknowns. According to a new study, general cosmetic appearance is the most important penile aspect when it comes to what women value down there. This is swiftly followed by the appearance of pubic hair, penile skin, and girth. Length comes in at number six, with the look of the scrotum trailing closely behind. The least important facet of the phallus, say the scientists, is the position and shape of meatus, the vertical slit at the opening of the urethra. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures Half of divorcees had doubts on their wedding day Over half of divorcees considered abandoning their husband or wife-to-be at the altar on their wedding day, a new study has revealed. On top of likely worrying about wedding favours and making sure guests behave on their big day, 49 per cent of divorcees admitted they were unsure before the ceremony that their marriage would last. Some 15 per cent of divorcees polled said they were so wracked with doubt that they felt physically sick in the run up to their wedding. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Students who marry after studying the same subject Picking a university subject is already difficult enough for young people. But heres an extra piece of data to weigh on your decision: you may be picking a life partner as well. Dan Kopf of the blog, Priceonomics, analysed US Census data and found that the percentage of Americans who marry someone within their own major is actually fairly high. About half of Americans are married, according to the 2012 American Community Survey (part of the Census). And about 28 per cent of married couples over the age of 22 both graduated from college. (The survey didnt recognise same-sex marriages for the 2012 data, but it will for 2013 onwards, says Kopf). Sean Gallup/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures How much sex we have (and how much we'd like) As a nation, we dont have as much sex as we would like, a survey has (somewhat unsurprisingly) confirmed. In a poll of 1523 people by YouGov, 64 per cent of Britons said they would wish to have sex at least a few times a month. The same sample said that only 38 per cent had sex at least a few times a month. In addition, 10 per cent said they wished to have sex every day, a goal which only 1 per cent admitted reaching. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The new female condom Picture an internal condom. The chances are youre thinking of something which resembles a carrier bag. However, this could all be about to change with the new VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine. Not only is it a wireless, Bluetooth enabled, vibrating interactive device, which comes available in the shape of a heart, but the manufacturers think youll love it more than not using a condom at all. Love and sex news: in pictures One in five Brits admit to having had an affair One in five British adults admits they have had an affair, according to a new poll. 20 per cent of male respondents and 19 per cent of female respondents admitted to having had an affair in a new poll of 1660 respondents by YouGov. Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The UK's favourite sex position Casting aside the myth that Brits are a prudish bunch, a new survey has revealed that doggy style is the nations favourite sex position. As many as a quarter of UK adults surveyed said doggy style was their favourite way to indulge with a partner. Missionary, which is sometimes scoffed at the most boring position, was favoured by a fifth of the 1,000 people surveyed by high street sex shop Ann Summers, seeing it come in as third under "woman on top". Caiaimage/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Who's most likely to cheat? Men and women who are economically dependent on their spouses are more likely to cheat, a new study has revealed. Researchers have found that men who are solely financially dependent are more like to cheat than women, at 15 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Men who are rely on their wives may cheat because they are undergoing a masculinity threat by not being the primary breadwinner as is culturally expected, said study author Christin L. Munsch, a UConn assistant professor of sociology. Eye Candy/REX Love and sex news: in pictures Jailed for loud sex noises A woman who breached a court order barring her from causing nuisance by making "loud sex noises" was sent to jail. Gemma Wale, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was given a two-week prison sentence after a civil court judge concluded that she had breached the order by "screaming and shouting whilst having sex" at a "level of noise" which annoyed a neighbour. Rex Features Love and sex news: in pictures Photo of wedding guest proposing to girlfriend in front of bride and groom goes viral When the staggering amount time, money, and effort that goes into to planning a wedding is considered, it seems pretty obvious that all guests have is to do is turn up with some gifts, and not upstage the couple. But this fact seems to have escaped one man, whose grinning face has gone viral after he decided to propose to his girlfriend in front of the bride and grooms top table. The photo, which has been viewed over 1.4 million times on Reddit, shows a boyfriend perched on one knee in front of his crying girlfriend. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sexual fantasies The results of a sex survey are busting the myth that Britons are sexually repressed, by revealing how the majority of women have lived out their sexual fantasies. As many as 81 per cent of women and 77 per cent of men have shared and acted out fantasies with a partner with having sex in public topping the list of turn-ons. The study also laid bare the influence of TV and film on our desires, with three-quarters of couples saying they had inspired them. Meanwhile, a further three quarters of women and over half of men have played out a fantasy theyd found in a book. LEO RAMIREZ/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures The world's sexiest nationalities Irish men are the worlds sexiest, according to a survey of thousands of jet-setting women. In a poll of 66,000 of single American women who use MissTravel.com, as many as 8,000 said that Irish men are the sexiest. Around half of the females who took said they were turned on by Irish men said their accent influenced their choice, according to the Irish Times. ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = happiness? Couples were asked to double the amount of sex they had each week over a three month period by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University, who compared them to couples who had their normal amount of sex. Their findings, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior, went against advice given by the average self-help book having more sex doesnt automatically make a person happier. Instead, couples who were instructed to have more sex reported a decrease in happiness levels. Mood Board/Rex Love and sex news: in pictures Most sexually satisfied countries It is often considered the most amorous nation on the planet, but France doesn't even feature in a new list of the most sexually satisfied countries. According to a Durex global survey of 26,000 people, aged 16 and older, across 26 countries, only 44 per cent of people are fully satisfied with their sex lives. In the wake of these results, AlterNet has compiled a list of the 12 most sexually satisfied countries, with Switzerland, Spain and Italy topping the list. INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Sex o'clock They say women are from Venus and men are from Mars but a new sex survey suggests that members of the opposite sex seem to operate in different time zones too. While women like to get steamy between 11:21pm on average, men are more likely to be turned on at the rather inconvenient time of 7:54am. These times fall into the broader timeslots of 11pm and 2am for women, and 6am and 9am for men. PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures More sex = more money People who have more sex are likely to earn more, new research claims. The research, partly conducted from the responses of 7,500 people, found employees who have sex two or three times a week earn 4.5 per cent more than colleagues who do not. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures The effects of watching porn Contrary to suggestion that porn desensitises viewers to sex, a study has found that it doesn't "negatively impact sexual functioning" and in fact boosts couples' sexual attraction to one another. In research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists at the University of California tested the effects of visual sexual stimuli on men in relationships, finding that it "is unlikely to negatively impact sexual functioning, given that responses actually were stronger in those who viewed more VSS." Rex Love and sex news: in pictures 'I have herpes' A woman diagnosed with herpes at the age of 20 has written an emotional essay about living with the common condition to fight the stigma surrounding it. Ella Dawson, now 22, said she had never had unprotected sex and thought she wasn't the sort of person STDs happened to when the symptoms first appeared during her time at university in the US. She wrote that the diagnosis initially felt like a punishment for her values and relationships and worried her that telling boyfriends would ruin her love life. Ella Dawson Love and sex news: in pictures More sleep, better sex A new study could have a simple answer to enhancing your sex life just get a good nights sleep (if you are a woman at least). A study conducted by a team at the University of Michigan Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory found women who get an extra hour of sleep at night reported higher levels of sexual desire and were more likely to have sex with their partners. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Swipe right A woman has detailed her experiences of a week of always swiping right on Tinder. By opening the floodgates, as Ms Caster describes it, she receives scores of messages from different men and not all are terrible. Love and sex news: in pictures The most adulterous town in the UK Ever wondered what the neighbours are up to? Well if you live in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, then the answer is probably... having an affair. The bustling East Midlands town has been granted the dubious honour of being the UK's top spot for infidelity with a total of 941 affairs reportedly taking place right now. According to The Official Infidelity Index 2015, which was released this week, 2.54 per cent of the towns population are currently seeing someone they shouldn't. REX FEATURES Love and sex news: in pictures Average penis size revealed Scientists have measured more than 15,000 mens penises in an effort to find out what size is normal. Researchers at Kings College London and a London NHS trust said they hoped the review would help address the concern that some men have about their penis size and aid people suffering from anxiety and distress. They revealed that the average flaccid penis is 3.6ins (9.16cm) long, or 5.2ins (13.24cm) when stretched, and 3.7ins (9.31cm) in circumference. Erect penises are 5.1ins (13.12cm) long on average and 4.5ins (11.66cm) in girth. Rex Love and sex news: in pictures One true love Men fall in love more times in their life than women, according to a new survey. 2,000 adults were asked about relationships, and discovered that more than half of men say they've loved more than one person their lifetime. For women, it's markedly fewer, with only 45 per cent saying they've had multiple loves. Love and sex news: in pictures Dating site for 'beautiful people only' A self-proclaimed elite dating website has removed around 3,000 members because they were "letting themselves go". BeautifulPeople.com describes itself as the largest internet dating community exclusively for the beautiful and puts peoples photographs to a members vote to decide if they are allowed in. But administrators have now shown that the rigorous 48-hour selection period is not a permanent pass by taking thousands of profiles down, mainly because of weight gain and graceless ageing. Love and sex news: in pictures Sex is a 'miracle cure' Regular exercise including sex, walking and dancing are miracle cures staring us in the face and could dramatically cut our risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes, leading doctors have said. In a new review of existing evidence which reveals the full extent of benefits that can be accrued from exercise, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the improvement in health and savings to the NHS could be incalculable. Susannah Ireland Love and sex news: in pictures Pornhub searches by age of user Pornhubs prolific Insights blog fires out many reports of sociological interest, none more so than its latest on age, which lays bare different age groups' sexual proclivities. Looking at the most popular searches among 18-24s, there are several familial terms including 'step mom', 'milf', 'mom' and 'step sister', a trend that seems to die out somewhat in users' 30s. By 65, 'massage' becomes the top term, while 'granny' perhaps unsurprisingly also hits the top ten. PlaceIt/Just Another IKEA Catalog Love and sex news: in pictures Mature sex Research into the sexual lives of more than 7,000 men and women between the ages of 50 and 90 in England reveals that half of men and almost a third of women aged 70 and over were still sexually active, with around a third of these sexually active older people having sexual intercourse twice a month or more. Around two-thirds of men and over half of women thought good sexual relations were essential to the maintenance of a long-term relationship or being sexually active was physically and psychologically beneficial to older people. Getty Creative Love and sex news: in pictures The secret to an eighty year marriage Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 42 per cent of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce, and the average British marriage which ends in divorce lasts 11 years and six months. Helen and Maurice Kaye, now aged 101 and 102, have been married for 80 years, and say the secret is: I think its important to have patience and tolerance. You're two entirely different people who suddenly live together, which can't be easy. But if you love each other, you get over the difficulties. Love and sex news: in pictures Valentine's Day porn Pornhub saw a (slight) drop in traffic on Valentine's Day as people focused on pleasuring their partners rather than themselves. Everywhere, it is, except for London. Overall UK traffic dipped 3 per cent across the UK, with Plymouth and Oxford seeing the biggest drops of 11 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. In fact every major city spent less time watching porn bar London, the Pornhub audience for which grew by 2 per cent. Getty Love and sex news: in pictures 1 in 10 men paying for sex A tenth of British men have admitted to paying for sex, according to a new study. Professionals aged 25 to 34 who binge drink and take drugs were found to be the most likely to have used the services of prostitutes, based on findings from a study of 6,108 men. Around 11 per cent of subjects, in the study published in the Sexually Transmitted Infections journal, have ever paid for sex in their lifetime and four per cent admitted to doing so in the last five years. Getty Images Love and sex news: in pictures Questions that determine if you're in love The existence of love and its nature is something that has troubled philosophers for centuries, but a pair of scientists believe they have a set of questions that yield "clear empirical evidence" of it, or at least whether your relationship will end in divorce. They are: 'How happy are you in your marriage relative to how happy you would be if you weren't in the marriage?' and 'How do you think your spouse answered that question?' Columbia The man imitated talking to a woman, saying: Theres a nice French restaurant Id like to take you to, but first the police are just going to come around for a little chat. The case is due to be reviewed at York Magistrates Court on 14 July, before a full hearing on 19 August. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: North Yorkshire Police will only make an application to the Court for a Sexual Risk Order in circumstances where it is considered necessary to do so to protect the public from the risk of sexual harm. The full details of this case cannot be provided for the mans own protection, but we are satisfied that our actions are justified. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Eid celebrations in Southampton have been cancelled over security concerns following a plan demonstration by anti-immigration activists. The British Bangladesh Cultural Academy (BBCA) said it has been forced to cancel its Eid al-Fitr prayer event in a Southampton park following a planned demonstration by the South Coast Resistance group at the weekend. Thousands had been expected to attend the annual Islamic event to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Shere Sattar told the BBC: "We have decided it would be best if we cancel the huge gathering considering the political situation and unrest in the UK after leaving the EU and the rise of racist activity and comments around the other cities." The demonstration in Southampton city centre by the far-right group - which is calling for an end to mass immigration is due to take place on Saturday. The group said they plan to march under a banner saying Refugees Not Welcome. A counter-protest has been organised by a group called Southampton Antifascists at the same time. 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 A Facebook event for the counter-demonstration suggests more than 700 will attend. Despite the cancellation, the BBCA has insisted Eid al-Adha celebrations to mark the Haji in September will still go ahead as planned and al-Fitr prayers would be heard in local mosques. A spokesman for Tell Mama told The Independent: It is really concerning that an institution feels it cannot celebrate a religious festival that is central to its faith. And for a community to feel that sense of fear shows we must tackle the scourge of the far right. A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police confirmed they had been informed about the planned anti-immigrantion rally and said they were were planning carefully to police them in the most appropriate way. She said: This is to make sure people are able to exercise their right to demonstrate, without the need for police intervention to protect or in some cases, restrict those rights and also to make sure the event is peaceful. We would like to reassure our communities and local residents that we are here to speak to and discuss any concerns they may have. It comes as the National Police Chiefs Council reports a fivefold increase in the number of racially motivated hate crimes in the week following the EU referendum. The far-right have used the Brexit vote to renew their call for immigrants to 'go home' (file photo) (AFP/Getty Images) The watchdogs chairwoman, Sara Thornton, said: In a number of forces, migrants are reporting verbal abuse, negative social media commentary including xenophobic language, anti-migrant leafleting and, in very limited numbers, physical assaults. She said hate crime is still significantly under-reported and there were some people who were afraid to leave their homes following Brexit. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} So far, among the printable descriptions, company bosses have called it the biggest foot-shooting exercise in history, ballot-box masochism and even a self-skinning turkey presumably referring to the poultry voting for Christmas. If theres one thing you can say for it, the Leave vote has unified business. One chief executive has been texting me furiously, and often, over the past week demanding that we do something to stop Brexit from happening. But in his heart, he knows theres nothing he can really do about it. Given that helplessness, businesses, through direct lobbying and organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry, are now seeking to impress upon the smouldering remains of the Government, several demands which would mitigate the damage from leaving our biggest global trading partner. In the longer term, this regards what we need to salvage from the many benefits businesses enjoy from being part of the EU. There are industry-specific issues, naturally: financial services firms want to retain their passporting rights allowing them to sell to EU countries; universities want to remain in the international funding programmes for European students; creative industries want to retain the European intellectual property and copyright system. Then there is the broader structure of the overarching trade agreements that will frame our relationship with Europe for a generation. There are many options: Swiss-style bilateral accords; a Turkish-style customs union; or the World Trade Organisation model with no access to the single market. But the favoured seems to be the Norwegian approach, which replicates the status quo the closest. Britain would join the European Economic Area, granting us full access to the single market but with the proviso that we would have to adhere to EU standards and regulations over which wed have no say. Even this best-worst option would mean wed probably sacrifice the ability to do our own trade deals with other parts of the world whipping away one of the main benefits of Brexit that were sold to the people by the Leave campaign. Oh yes, and wed also have to keep contributing to the EU budget. Arguably better could be a series of free trade agreements. This would be the most likely way of getting full control over immigration, but would take the longest time to negotiate. Time is not on the policymakers side. The current chaotic lack of certainty is highly dangerous. While there is so little clarity on what Britain is going to look like even in six months time, investors are delaying decisions to put long-term money into the UK. Equally damaging for growth and jobs is that British firms are likely to delay investing in their own businesses. It is crucial that a new Prime Minister is put in place rapidly, who can give a clear message that Britain remains the worlds most open country for international investment. Furthermore, the Government must assure EU citizens working here that they are not going to be kicked out of the country in the short, medium or long term. Thousands of businesses depend on European workers and need to keep their moral up. The Government must stress loudly, and repeatedly, that Britain welcomes and respects its migrant workforce. This must be part of a wider, loud campaign by ministers to drown out the damaging image abroad that Britain is turning its back on the world. The Government must launch high-profile world tours showing that Britain remains friendly and welcoming to foreign visitors. Media stories of racially motivated attacks on Britains streets since the referendum are hugely damaging to businesses trying to woo foreign customers or investors. We need to make sure we do not turn off the taps on infrastructure investment. Major projects in road, rail and utilities must be continued to safeguard the jobs and businesses which depend upon them as the economy cools. Shelving yet again the Heathrow decision sent a terrible message to business that important government decisions will be put on ice for months to come. A glimmer of hope for businesses has been the final realisation in the Conservative Party that George Osbornes fantasist target to achieve a budget surplus by 2020 must be dropped. While companies are generally keen on keeping some measure of austerity to rein in the countrys debt, many were horrified at the pain that was looming in 2019. An end to the target could pave the way for some tax cuts, particularly in targeted areas such as business rates, which have been crippling small businesses like retailers. But you know what companies want more than anything when it comes to the referendum? A re-run. Theres a firm belief among employers that the British people have now seen what carnage their votes have caused and would, next time, cross the box saying Remain. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} British courts could ban the Government from signing off arms sales to Saudi Arabia after the first hurdle to a legal challenge was cleared. The High Court on Thursday granted a judicial review into the legality of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia after a bid by campaigners and lawyers, who say the sales are unlawful. MPs on the international development committee and MEPs in the European Parliament earlier this year called on the Government to stop selling weapons to the autocratic petro-state. Recommended Read more MPs to investigate evidence of illegal weapons sales at DSEI arms fair Saudi Arabias ongoing bombing campaign in Yemen has been accused of serious atrocities by observers and the United Nations, including carnage at schools, hospitals, and weddings. Ministers have however resisted the calls and instead ploughed on with granting export licenses as British arms companies cash in on the conflict amid soaring sales of bombs and other weapons. After months of inaction by ministers, campaigners have decided to take the Government to court to get the sales declared unlawful. Rosa Curling from the human rights team at Leigh Day, which is representing the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), said: Our clients are delighted the court has recognised this important claim must now progress to a full substantive hearing. The decision taken by the Secretary of State to continue to grant new licences for the sale of arms to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is unlawful. There is overwhelming evidence that the Saudi-led coalition has committed serious breaches of international humanitarian law in Yemen. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty The UK Government must ensure it is not allowing weapons from this country to be provided where there is such a clear risk they will be involved in the tragic and horrific events taking place in Yemen. Andrew Smith of CAAT said: This is a historic decision and we welcome the fact that arms exports to Saudi Arabia will be given the full scrutiny of a legal review, but they should never have been allowed in the first place. The fact that UK aircraft and bombs are being used against Yemen is a terrible sign of how broken the arms export control system is. For too long Government has focused on maximising and promoting arms sales, rather than on the human rights of those they are used against. Earlier this year a magistrates' court acquitted arms trade protests who blocked a road outside the DSEI arms fair in London's docklands in September 2015. The judge said there was evidence to suggest they were preventing a larger crime from being committed because there may have been illegal arms sales going on inside the event. DSEI's organisers say they comply with all rules and regulations. A Government spokesperson said: The Government respects the decision of the Court and will comply fully with the hearing. We do not comment on ongoing legal matters. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Jeremy Corbyn would comfortably defeat any of the likely challengers against him in a Labour leadership contest, a new poll of party members suggests. Though a new YouGov survey shows increasing concern amongst Labour members about Mr Corbyns leadership, there is little support for any of the alternative candidates vying to topple him. While a slim majority of Labour members would like to see Mr Corbyn step down before the next general election, a similar majority is also supportive of him staying on for now. Mr Corbyn would defeat Tom Watson by 50 points to 39, Angela Eagle by 50 points to 40, and Dan Jarvis by 52 points to 35, the poll says. The survey, commissioned by The Times newspaper, only includes full party member and not 3 supporters or trade unionists. In the 2015 leadership contest these groups were even more supportive of Mr Corbyn. Since then many 3 supporters have apparently since joined as members, however. Despite indicating a likely victory in any contest the poll marks a big drop in Mr Corbyns approval ratings among members since May. David Cameron: "For heaven's sake, man, go!" In May 72 per cent thought he was doing well as leader and 27 per cent badly. Now 51 pe rcent think he is doing well and 48 per cent badly, a major shift. The failure of critics of Mr Corbyn to agree on a candidate to challenge is illustrated by Mr Corbyns huge lead in an open ballot contest. Corbyn supporters gathered in Parliament Square while the Labour Party met to debate a no confidence motion (PA) Asked who they would like to lead the Labour party, 36 per cent of members said Mr Corbyn. In second place was Andy Burnham with 10 per cent, Dan Jarvis third place with 9 per cent. Chuka Umunna and Yvette Cooper were on 8 per cent, while Angela Eagle was on 7 per cent. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Show all 11 1 /11 The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He called Hezbollah and Hamas friends True. In a speech made to the Stop the War Coalition in 2009, Mr Corbyn called representatives from both groups friends after inviting them to Parliament. He later told Channel 4 he wanted both groups, who have factions designated as international terror organisations, to be part of the debate for the Middle East peace process. I use (the word friends) in a collective way, saying our friends are prepared to talk, he added. Does it mean I agree with Hamas and what it does? No. Does it mean I agree with Hezbollah and what they do? No. Reuters The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn thinks the death of Osama bin Laden was a tragedy Partly false. David Cameron used this as a line of attack at the Conservative Party conference but appears to have left out all context from Mr Corbyns original remarks. In an 2011 interview on Iranian television, the then-backbencher said the fact the al-Qaeda leader was not put on trial was the tragedy, continuing: The World Trade Center was a tragedy, the attack on Afghanistan was a tragedy, the war in Iraq was a tragedy. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is haunted by the legacy of his evil great-great-grandfather False. A Daily Express expose revealed that the Labour leaders ancestor, James Sargent, was the despotic master of a Victorian workhouse. Addressing the report at the Labour conference, Mr Corbyn said he had never heard of him before, adding: I want to take this opportunity to apologise for not doing the decent thing and going back in time and having a chat with him about his appalling behaviour. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn raised a motion about pigeon bombs in Parliament This one is true. On 21 May 2004, Mr Corbyn raised an early day motion entitled pigeon bombs, proposing that the House register being appalled but barely surprised that MI5 reportedly proposed to load pigeons with explosives as a weapon. The motion continued: The House believes that humans represent the most obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal species ever to inhabit the planet and looks forward to the day when the inevitable asteroid slams into the earth and wipes them out thus giving nature the opportunity to start again. It was not carried. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He rides a Communist bicycle False. A report in The Times referred to Mr Corbyn, known for his cycling, riding a Chairman Mao-style bicycle earlier this year. Less thorough journalists might have referred to it as just a bicycle, but no, so we have to conclude that whenever we see somebody on a bicycle from now on, there goes another supporter of Chairman Mao, he later joked. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn 'Jeremy Corbyn will appoint a special minister for Jews' False so far. The Sun report in December was allegedly based on a rumour passed to the paper by a Daily Express columnist who has written pieces critical of the Labour leader in the past. The minister did not materialise in his shadow cabinet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn wishes Britain would abolish its Army False. Another gem from The Sun took comments made at a Hiroshima remembrance parade in August 2012 where Mr Corbyn supported Costa Ricas move to abolish it armed forces. Wouldnt it be wonderful if every politician around the worldabolished the army and took pride in the fact that they dont have an army, he added. The caveat that every politician must take the step suggests Mr Corbyn does not support UK disarmament just yet. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn stole sandwiches meant for veterans False. The Guido Fawkes blog claimed that the Labour leader took sandwiches meant for veterans at at Battle of Britain memorial service in September but a photo later emerged showing him being handed one by Costa volunteers, who later confirmed they were given to all guests. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He missed the induction into the Queens privy council True. After much speculation about Mr Corbyns republican views and willingness to bow to the monarch, his office confirmed that he did not attend the official induction to the privy council because of a prior engagement, but did not rule out joining the body. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn Jeremy Corbyn refuses to sing the national anthem. Partly true. The Labour leader was filmed standing in silence as God Save the Queen was sung at a Battle of Britain remembrance service but will reportedly sing it in future. Mr Corbyn was elusive on the issue in an interview, saying he would show memorials respect in the proper way, but sources said he would sing the anthem at future occasions. The most ridiculous claims made about Jeremy Corbyn He is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cheese True. The group lists its purpose as the following: To increase awareness of issues surrounding the dairy industry and focus on economic issues affecting the dairy industry and producers. Overall members would narrowly back Mr Corbyn in an abstract ballot against an unnamed theoretical opponent by 50 points to 47. The Labour leader has been hit by a wave of resignations front his front bench over the past week with growing calls for him to quit by dozens of his own MPs. Critics say he did not do enough to win the European Union referendum and would not be able to win a general election. He has however held on, noting that he was elected just in September on a significant mandate of Labour members. Over 60,000 people are reported to have joined the Labour party in the last week, with reports of people joining both to vote for and against Mr Corbyn in any leadership challenge contest. YouGov correctly polled the 2015 Labour leadership contest and was also accurate during the 2005 Conservative leadership election. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Gove should pull out of the Conservative leadership race, party grandee Ken Clarke has said, condemning his political manoeuvring as suitable for an election to a student union. Warning that the race to become Prime Minister was descending into farce, the former Chancellor and three-time leadership contender said the party needed to choose a new leader as quickly and sensibly as we possibly can, to give the country direction and stabilise the economy in the wake of the Brexit vote. He said that Mr Goves decision to torpedo his ally Boris Johnsons campaign and enter the race himself made it unlikely that he could win the trust of colleagues as Prime Minister, and that he should therefore stand down to speed up the process. Gove on leadership bid Mr Gove will set out his plans for leadership in a speech on Friday morning. With Westminster still coming to terms with the dramatic events of Thursday, which saw Mr Johnson shock withdrawal from the race, Theresa May has emerged as the clear frontrunner. Two more Cabinet ministers Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin have declared their support for Mrs May, and she was also endorsed by the Daily Mail newspaper. If Mr Gove were to withdraw, it would not automatically end the race, but it could potentially enable Mrs May to open up a runaway lead, forcing the other candidates Liam Fox, Andrea Leadsom and Stephen Crabb to concede early. In the national interest weve got to select a Prime Minister as quickly and sensibly as we possibly can, Mr Clarke told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. There is a real threat to our economy until we make some progress. We need somebody in office who can carry the confidence of all his or her colleagues and make sure that we reassure investors and reassure businesses that we know what our economic and trading relationships are going to be. I would be pleasantly surprised if we dont have a recession in the next 12 months. Its going to need a very good Prime Minister who knows clearly what he or she wants to do to avoid that. The favourites in the Tory leadership race Show all 5 1 /5 The favourites in the Tory leadership race The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 PA The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 Getty The favourites in the Tory leadership race Stephen Crabb Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters Getty Images The favourites in the Tory leadership race Andrea Leadsom Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change is one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates Rex Features The favourites in the Tory leadership race Liam Fox British Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Defence, as sources said he will stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party AFP/Getty I do think Michael Gove would do us all a favour if were to stand down and speed up the process. On the events of the past week, he said: We dont want to add to tragedy too much of an air of farce. For [Mr Gove] to emerge now as Prime Minister saying: Im now going to reunite the party, I have a clear vision of what Im going to do, seems to me unlikely. This kind of public performance, so early in your programme, [is] more suitable for an election to a student union than it is to be PM of this country at a time of grave, grave potential crisis, he added. Speaking to the same programme, Mr Fox, also compared the Johnson-Gove split to the politics of the Oxford Union. I think it was a distraction, we need Brexit for grown ups and we need to be talking about the big issues, he said. The five leadership contenders now have until Tuesday before facing a vote among the partys 329 MPs. The MP with the fewest votes is eliminated in the first round of voting, and process repeated until only two candidates remain, at which point the contest is opened up to a vote among the full Conservative membership, with a winner announced on September 9. A newly-built train is about to leave Idu Railway Station in Nigeria on Friday, June 17, 2016. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com] A Chinese company will take up construction work of two railway projects in Nigeria, said Nigerian Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi Wednesday in an interview with CNBC Africa. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC), one of the subsidiaries of China Railway Construction Corporation, a state-owned construction enterprise, will undertake the construction work of a $ 19.4 billion railway project and the work will last two to three years, said Amaechi in the interview. The minister also said that The ExportImport Bank of China will provide loans for the construction. According to a report by Thepaper.cn, the railway connecting Lagos and Calabar will cost $11.1 billion and that connecting Lagos and Kano will cost $8.3 billion. A source close to the construction work told Thepaper.cn that Chinese loans will cover the majority cost of the construction since Nigeria does not have enough capital for such a large-scale project. The source said that CCECC played an important role to raise money. The two railways, Lagos-Calabar and Lagos-Kano, are two of the symbolic projects of China's railway going global. The contract amounts of the two projects set a record when they were signed, according to the report The report said that in 2006, before Beijing summit of Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC), China and Nigeria signed a contract costing $8.3 billion to build a 1,315-kilometer long railway between Lagos and Kano. It is reported that this project is the biggest international project taken on by Chinese enterprises at this time. CCECC got the project contract for the Lagos-Calabar railway construction at a contracted amount of $11.97 billion in 2014. The minister said that China's Exim Bank will provide loans for the project but he did not mention specific amounts. Reporters from Thepaper did not manage to contact the bank for comments. The report said that the biggest concern about the project is the source of capital. The source mentioned above said that China and Nigeria have not reached an agreement on conditions of loans yet and the two countries are on the way to reach the agreement. The source said that China alone cannot provide all loans for the two projects. Amaechi said in the interview that all the projects could start to construct and Nigeria planned to guarantee CCECC to finish their projects in two to three years. The source said that Amaechi was too optimistic about the projects because it is a complicated thing to build railways in Nigeria. Contractors should take capital, politics and local governments into consideration, the source told Thepaper.cn. According to previous reports made by China Radio International, a 186.5-kilometer Nigeria Abuja-Kaduna Railway, constructed by CCECC, started its trial operation on June 17, 2016. The source said that the two countries signed the railway contract in 2006 and the construction work started in 2010. The source said that capital amount more than anything led to the 5-year construction. Loans from China and Nigeria's supporting capital sources are the primary ones for the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, the source added. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Gove pledged a hard line on immigration and radical action on executive pay and tax avoidance, as he portrayed himself as the "change" candidate in the race to be the next Prime Minister. Setting out a populist agenda, the Justice Secretary insisted he had never wanted to lead the country but had decided to stand to enable Britain to embrace the opportunity of leaving the EU. In a direct challenge to frontrunner Theresa May, he said that the next Prime Minister should be someone who backed Brexit, and made a reforming pitch diametrically opposed to the Home Secretarys pledge to be a steady and secure leader. Michael Gove arrives to address a press conference in central London (Getty ) (Getty) Addressing his decision to knife his Vote Leave ally Boris Johnson, whose now-aborted leadership campaign he had supported as recently as Wednesday night, Mr Gove reiterated that he had become convinced the ex-London mayor was not the right person to build and lead a team in government. In a speech in Westminster on Friday, which stretched to more than hour, Mr Gove also committed himself to Vote Leaves campaign pledges to end freedom of movement and bring down immigration numbers. I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points-based system for immigration, and bring numbers down. With my leadership, it will be delivered, the Justice Secretary said. However, he failed to outline a model for Britains new relationship with the EU and the single market, and insisted that Article 50, the formal mechanism for withdrawing from the EU, need not be invoked this year. Claiming that last weeks Brexit vote would not hit national prosperity he promised 100m a week in extra spending for the NHS and a new wave of house-building. However, his optimistic projections suffered a blow as Chancellor George Osborne announced, while Mr Gove was speaking, that he was abandoning the Governments flagship target to be in financial surplus by 2020, warning that the referendum was expected to produce a significant economic shock for the country. However, Mr Gove insisted that the Brexit vote was an opportunity for reform. The favourites in the Tory leadership race Show all 5 1 /5 The favourites in the Tory leadership race The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 PA The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 Getty The favourites in the Tory leadership race Stephen Crabb Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters Getty Images The favourites in the Tory leadership race Andrea Leadsom Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change is one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates Rex Features The favourites in the Tory leadership race Liam Fox British Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Defence, as sources said he will stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party AFP/Getty Calling on Britain to show radicalism and ambition, he said: The referendum showed in stark relief that there are two Britains: those who can reap the benefits of globalisation and those who are flotsam and jetsam in its powerful flows of global capital and free labour, he said. For millions, the dream of home ownership is receding and wages are stagnating. For millions of our fellow citizens this is not a brave new world but an uncertain new world. And for all Britains power and prosperity, for millions, far too many, this is still not a land of opportunity. This is still a country where your schooling, your postcode, your background matters far too much - and it is the passion of my life and the motivation of my leadership bid to change that for good. Committing to bring immigration numbers down and introduce an Australian-style points system, Mr Gove nevertheless declined to commit to the tens of thousands target that was in the Conservatives 2015 manifesto. He also railed against soaring executive salaries and tax avoidance, pledging to reform capitalism to give shareholders more control of how companies operate. Having repeatedly insisted he did not want and was not qualified to be PM, Mr Gove explained why he changed his mind. "I am running in this leadership contest for one reason - and one reason alone," he said. "I want this country I love - and which has given me so much - to embrace this opportunity for change with optimism and conviction. "I never thought I'd ever be in this position. "I did not want it, indeed I did almost everything not be a candidate for the leadership of this party. "I was so very reluctant because I know my limitations. Whatever charisma is I don't have it, whatever glamour may be I don't think anyone could ever associate me with it." Mr Gove ruled out a snap general election if he became Prime Minister and said that his former aide and Vote Leave campaign manager Dominic Cummings, who had been rumoured to be a source of division between Mr Gove and Mr Johnson, would not have a job in Downing Street if he became leader. The five Conservative leadership contenders Mrs May, Mr Gove, Andrea Leadsom, Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb - now have until Tuesday before facing a vote among the partys 329 MPs. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in the first round of voting, and the process repeated until only two remain, at which point the contest is opened up to a vote among the full Conservative membership, with a winner announced on 9 September. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Wages and home ownership rates have been worsening for millions of people under the Conservatives, Michael Gove has admitted. In a speech to launch his campaign to lead the Conservative party the Justice Secretary said many Britons had been left as flotsam and jetsam under successive governments. He blamed the changes on immigration and globalisation and said the problems had only been revealed by the referendum. It has left people behind. That it has left a stratified and unequal society, he said. That it has broken the British contract which said: if you work hard and throw everything youve got into building a better life - then that better life can be built. The referendum showed in stark relief that there are two Britains: those who can reap the benefits of globalisation and those who are flotsam and jetsam in its powerful flows of global capital and free labour. For millions, the dream of home ownership is receding and wages are stagnating. For millions this is not a brave new world but an uncertain new world. And for all Britains power and prosperity, for millions this is still not a land of opportunity. The favourites in the Tory leadership race Show all 5 1 /5 The favourites in the Tory leadership race The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 PA The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 Getty The favourites in the Tory leadership race Stephen Crabb Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters Getty Images The favourites in the Tory leadership race Andrea Leadsom Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change is one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates Rex Features The favourites in the Tory leadership race Liam Fox British Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Defence, as sources said he will stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party AFP/Getty Former Labour leader Ed Miliband seized on the comments, and noted that Mr Gove had been at the heart of government since 2010. And you have been exactly where for six years, Mr Gove? he said. Mr Goves warning somewhat echoes one of former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, who accused the Government of balancing the books on the backs of the most vulnerable in society. He resigned over the latest tranche of welfare cuts unveiled in George Osbornes budget. Mr Gove served in the coalition government from the beginning, appointed as Education Secretary in 2010. He recently campaigned against his long-time ally David Cameron to bring Britain out of the European Union, however. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} No one in public life thinks Britain is in more urgent need of reform than Michael Gove and now we know why. For thirty years he has worked with Boris Johnson. Theyve written rival newspaper columns together, lied about the NHS together, knifed their friends together, that sort of thing. And yet it was only at midnight on Wednesday, he said, that he came to realise that Boris was not the person for the task of being Prime Minister. How tough life must be if it takes a full three decades working so closely alongside someone to realise with seconds to spare that they're not up to the task you've been machinating to make sure they get. Poor Michael Gove. Every week his cleaner turns up in her big muddy wellies, traipsing up and down the stairs, emptying the bins all over the living room, polishing the sofa, ironing the crisps and picking up her thirty quid and going home again. In thirty years, he will realise she is 'not the right person for the task, but not just yet. Meanwhile, his accountant keeps trying to fix his boiler, his dentist is still struggling to MOT the car, his hairdresser just cannot get to grips with his tax return and every time he takes a leisurely stroll down to his favourite curry house, where hes been going since the mid eighties, the answer is the same: No Michael. We cannot do you a chicken dupiaza. We are a shoe repairers. Broken Britain eh? Thank god for Michael Goves New Vision for it, which ran to a full 5,000 words, all of which was produced in the 36 hours since he decided, at midnight on Wednesday, that he had been left with no choice to run for the party leadership. I did almost everything not to be a candidate for the leadership of this party, he said, redefining both the words almost and everything with trademark Govian vision so as to stop short of including within their parameters knifing the front runner at midnight and then, actually, standing for the leadership himself. I am standing for the leadership not as a result of calculation, he said. He had to pause for laughter at this point. I am standing here with the burning desire to transform our country. It involves, this vision, Britain building a new, more dynamic economy, which will have to be done in the middle of an entirely self-inflicted recession. It involves taking on the, Far too many people in financial services who are paid vast fortunes as if they are outstandingly skilful but in many cases are simply lucky. Indeed they are lucky. So lucky that Frankfurt, Brussels and Amsterdam are already machinating to have a bit of that luck for themselves. Luck that contributes 18 per cent of the nations GDP. Luck that, were it to run out, would lead to a recession more severe and more long lasting even than the one Michael Gove foresaw for us all when he drove round the country in the big red bullshit bus campaigning for it. Thats the bus that said, Lets give the NHS the 350 million we send to Brussels each week, right down the side of it. Goves New Vision For Britain involves, he said, Giving the NHS 100m extra a week by 2020, an amount equal to a 1 per cent increase per year, which were it not for the self-inflicted recession was liable to happen anyway. 2020, by the way, is when George Osborne had forecast the budget to have been in surplus. While Gove set out his Vision for Britain, that target was abandoned. Still, its not all doom and gloom. Having betrayed his friend the Prime Minister by campaigning for Brexit, and now having betrayed his campaign partner too, hell be out the race before the end of the weekend, and his New Vision for Britain will never come to pass. Sometime in the next thirty years, its possible hell work this out. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Any snap general election must be conducted under a new proportional voting system to ensure a representative parliament after the EU referendum, Nigel Farage has said. The Ukip leader is one of a number of signatories of an open letter arguing that the mandate of the current government does not extend to negotiating Britains exit from the European Union. The letter, organised by campaign group Make Vote Matter, is also signed by Tim Farron of the Liberal Democrats, Natalie Bennett and Caroline Lucas of the Green Party, and Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Hywel Williams. Recommended Read more Shadow chancellor John McDonnell calls on Labour to back PR They say that a newly elected parliament is required to make fundamental choices in the aftermath of the referendum result and that it should be constituted according to the votes cast. Mr Farage told The Independent that it was not sensible for Ukip to be artifically excluded from parliament when it was the only party in Great Britain to actively support the winning side of the referendum. Ukip have supported a representative electoral system for many years now. The result of the referendum merely goes to highlight the disconnect between the political parties and the public, he said. Ukip was the only party on mainland Britain to support the winning Leave campaign. The others, nestled in Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff, campaigned against the people. With a sensible system that actually reflected the wishes of the public, maybe the chaos we are now witnessing within the relict establishment may not have been so devastating. The letter notes that during the campaign senior Conservatives from David Cameron, to Liam Fox and Iain Duncan Smith were filled with enthusiasm that this was a democratic process in which every vote matters. It continues: Yet under our antiquated First Past the Post voting system, votes are anything but equal. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron is another signatory (Getty Images) At the last general election Ukip won just one of 650 seats from nearly 13 per cent of the vote. Conversely, the Scottish National Party won 56 MPs on 4.7 per cent of UK vote. The Conservatives meanwhile won a majority of more than 50 per cent of seats with support from just 36.8 per cent of electors. Most other countries in Europe use proportional voting systems that result in seats accurately reflecting votes cast. The Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, and London Assembly also use systems that achieve this goal. Green MP Caroline Lucas also supports the letter (PA) The news comes as Mr Farage strongly hinted that Ukips only MP Douglas Carswell could be kicked out of the party on Monday. He told LBC radio that Mr Carswell doesnt agree with anything the party stands for and said it would be up to the NEC to decide on Monday. Mr Carswell, who is on UKIPs NEC, said he had received the agenda for Mondays meeting and had not noted any move against him. Normally in political parties if you want to kick someone out there tends to be a procedure. Up until five minutes ago [when alerted to Mr Farages comments by the media] I was not aware of anything, he told The Independent. He added that he was not aware of any disciplinary action against him, and said he would enjoy a restful weekend celebrating Britains vote for Brexit. Douglas Carswell, Ukip's only Member of Parliament at Westminster (PA) Reform of the voting system has been slow at Westminster due to longstanding opposition from the two major parties who benefit most from the current system. There are signs that reform could be on the way. In May, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Labour should back proportional representation the highest office holder to say as much publicly in decades. The letter, which accompanies a petition also signed by 14,000 other people, reads: Following the EU Referendum the most important questions still have to be answered, including decisions about trade and immigration, foreign policy and sovereignty. 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 2015 general election manifestos did not include plans for a Britain out of Europe and the people have endorsed no particular exit plan. The fundamental choices we make in the next two years will shape the United Kingdom for decades to come. For these choices to be democratically legitimate, we need a parliament elected under a system of Proportional Representation; one in which all votes matter equally. We, the undersigned, call for the Tory leadership to live up to the democratic values they endorsed during the referendum campaign by acknowledging this. Klina Jordan, co-facilitator at Make Votes Matter, said: There is a growing realisation amongst leavers, remainers and abstainers that Parliament does not accurately reflect the voters. 87% of OECD nations use proportional electoral systems and proportional systems correlate globally with higher voter turnouts, better gender representation, greater economic equality, faster action to tackle long-term risks like climate change, and more. The time to get rid of our antiquated and unfair electoral system has come. Hopes of an early election appear to have faded as the frontrunners in the Conservative leadership race all say they do not want to hold one. The Tories thin majority and increasing divisions in the party after the referendum will however make it difficult for whoever wins to govern, meaning the door is still open for a new contest. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} They say a week is a long time in politics, but in the new, post-Brexit world, it is an eternity. In the space of less than 24 hours, between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, all expectations about who will lead this country through arguably its biggest crisis since the Second World War were turned upside down, sending shockwaves that will continue to spread across the political firmament for years to come. As late as 7.45pm on Wednesday night, Michael Goves office was still sending emails to MPs supportive of Boris Johnsons leadership bid, inviting them to the former London mayors launch event the following morning. By midday on Thursday, Mr Johnson was out of the race, torpedoed by Mr Goves shock decision to run. On the evening before, Mr Johnson had attended a reception for Conservative MPs at the M&C Saatchi building in Soho. There was already some disquiet in the room about the way the frontrunner was going about his leadership bid. Mondays Daily Telegraph column, in which Mr Johnson appeared to retreat on some of the promises of the Leave campaign, had caused misgivings among the right wing of the party. Many MPs had also been put out by the loose manner in which Mr Johnson had gone about drumming up support across the party. Fifty MPs and ministers, most of them in the Remain camp, had been due to hear his pitch that morning, only to be told with 15 minutes notice that he was cancelling. Recommended Read more Boris stepped aside because the Tories elect their leaders properly Meanwhile, jobs and promotion were being dangled in front of wavering supporters, but with no concrete assurances. In short, a certain arrogance and looseness of grip was putting a lot of people off. But as they gossiped over drinks, Johnsons supporters remained confident. At 8pm, an announcement was due to come in that they hoped would dispel all concerns. Andrea Leadsom, one of the most admired champions of the Leave camp and a prospective leadership candidate herself, was expected to be confirmed, via Twitter, to be backing Mr Johnson. 8pm came and went. The announcement didnt come. MPs began refreshing their Twitter feeds on their mobile phones with increasing urgency. It never came. Ms Leadsom would go on to confirm her own leadership bid. But the news that she was not backing Boris resonated with Mr Gove and his closest allies, who had already found Mr Johnson a difficult man to deal with since the Brexit vote last week. It was only after urgent talks late on Wednesday night, with a handful of key allies including human rights minster Dominic Raab, that Mr Gove made the fateful decision not to back Boris, and to run himself. Since the Brexit vote, he had been egged on by his team, by fellow MPs, and, in a now infamous email, by his wife, to stand up to Mr Johnson. Michael Heseltine lays into Boris Johnson On Monday Rupert Murdoch, an admirer of Mr Gove, tipped him as the most principled and most able candidate. As it became clear on Wednesday night that Ms Leadsom was not backing Mr Johnson, Mr Goves team began to put calls in to trusted allies who were backing the Johnson/Gove ticket. The message was clear: Michael should go for it. By midnight, his mind was made up. In the morning, calls were made to Lynton Crosby, the election mastermind who had been set to back the Johnson campaign. Mr Goves team say he tried to call Mr Johnson but couldnt get through, although this has been disputed by the Johnson camp. Whatever the truth, at 9.02am on Thursday morning an explosive email from Mr Goves team landed in the inboxes of the Westminster press pack. I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task aheadI have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership. Boris Johnson had been due to launch his campaign in the luxury surroundings of Westminsters St Ermins Hotel, at 11.30am. So it was that, as leadership rival Theresa May was launching her own bid in a well-received Whitehall press conference, Mr Johnson was grappling with a stark choice between carrying on despite Mr Goves bombshell, or dropping out of the race. According to some sources, his team were already concerned about the number of MPs firmly signed up to back him. Inevitably, he would now haemorrhage many supporters to the Gove campaign. Only Boris Johnson knows for certain what tipped him over the edge, but it seems clear that he made the calculation that he could no longer win it. Boris rules himself out With press and supporters gathered at St Ermins, he embarked, 11 minutes late, on the speech that could become his political epitaph. The clues were there when he made a strange reference to Shakespeares Julius Caesar, reflecting on the need not to fight against the tide of history but to take the tide at the flood and sail on to fortune. The line is taken, not quite word for word, from a speech by Brutus, the friend turned assassin of Caesar. But the final reveal still had the power to shock. For a politician who made his name as the court jester, only to strive for the crown, Boris teed himself with a fitting phrase. After setting out what would have been his manifesto for leadership, he said: That is the agenda for the next Prime Minister of this country. The favourites in the Tory leadership race Show all 5 1 /5 The favourites in the Tory leadership race The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 PA The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 Getty The favourites in the Tory leadership race Stephen Crabb Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters Getty Images The favourites in the Tory leadership race Andrea Leadsom Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change is one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates Rex Features The favourites in the Tory leadership race Liam Fox British Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Defence, as sources said he will stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party AFP/Getty But I have to tell you my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punchline of this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in lieu of the circumstances in Parliament I have concluded that person cannot be me. The clown of Westminster had delivered his final punchline. As he departed the stage, behind him lay the wreckage of his partys unity, his countrys economy and the hopes and dreams of the architects of the European Union. Like a restaurant after a visit by the Bullingdon boys: a mess for someone else to tidy up. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The race to Downing Street has been blown wide open, and the Conservative Party plunged into bitter infighting, as Michael Gove sensationally entered the Tory leadership contest, in the process disowning and denouncing his ally and fellow architect of Brexit, Boris Johnson. In the latest day of astonishing political drama, the former London Mayor shocked the country by withdrawing from the Tory leadership race with minutes to go before the midday deadline for nominations. It followed Mr Goves bombshell decision to run against him, announced just hours earlier. Mr Johnson faced bitter recriminations for spearheading the campaign to take Britain out of Europe, only to abandon his longstanding ambition to succeed David Cameron leaving another candidate to steer the country through the turbulent times ahead. Mr Gove meanwhile, attracted the furious ire of some Conservative MPs for turning on Mr Johnson, whose campaign he had been expected to run. The dramatic reversal leaves Theresa May the odds on favourite to become Prime Minister. Launching her campaign on Thursday morning, the Home Secretary said she was not a showy politician, that politics was not a game and pledged to be a Prime Minister ready and able to do the job from day one. Ms May backed remaining in the EU during the referendum campaign, but pledged not to go against the peoples decision to leave. Saying Brexit is Brexit, she committed to seek a deal that would end the free movement of EU citizens into the UK while retaining access to the single market for British goods and services an ambitious combination that Brussels has already said will not be possible. Theresa May making her official announcement to run for the Tory party leadership (PA) Setting out his own pitch on Friday, Mr Gove will pledge to seek a similarly ambitious settlement for Britain outside the EU. Explaining his dramatic decision to enter the leadership race, Mr Gove said that he had concluded that Mr Johnson was not able to build a strong leadership team or create the unity in the party and the country required to be Prime Minister In the last four days I had a chance to see up close and personal how Boris dealt with some of the decisions we needed to make in order to take this country forward, he said. During that period I had hoped that Boris would rise to the occasion because inevitably when you have a leadership election, people are tested, questions are asked of them, tests are set. Boris has formidable qualities but I saw him seek to meet and not pass those tests. As someone who had argued consistently that we should leave the European Union, and as someone who is experienced at the highest levels in the Cabinet, I felt it had to fall to me, he added. Mr Johnson, who despite being the favourite for Downing Street 24 hours ago, must now face up to a potentially fatal blow to his political ambitions, had been due to launch his leadership bid on Thursday morning. Boris rules himself out But his stump speech at the luxury St Ermin's Hotel in Westminster turned into a shock withdrawal from the race. Pointedly referencing Shakespeares Julius Caesar, he proceeded to set out a pitch for leadership only to conclude: That is the agenda for the next Prime Minister of this country. But I have to tell you my friends, you who have waited faithfully for the punchline of this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me. His decision shocked even close allies. Speculation in Westminster was rife that, without Mr Goves backing, Mr Johnson was not confident of attracting sufficient support from MPs or influential media backers to guarantee victory. The drama led to fierce recriminations within the party. Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine, who campaigned firmly for a Remain vote in the referendum, likened Mr Johnson who first entered Parliament as MP for his old seat of Henley to a general who abandoned the battlefield at the first sight of trouble. Michael Heseltine lays into Boris Johnson "There will be a profound sense of dismay and, frankly, contempt. He has ripped the party apart. He has created the greatest constitutional crisis in modern times. He has knocked billions off the value of the nation's savings," he told BBC 5 Live. "He is like a general who led his army to the sound of guns and at the sight of the battlefield abandoned the field to the claims of his adjutant who said he wasn't up to the job in the first place. I have never seen such a contemptible and irresponsible situation. He must live with the shame of what he has done." Mr Gove also came in for fierce criticism. Rossendale and Darwen MP, and Johnson supporter, Jake Berry tweeted: There is a very deep pit reserved in Hell for such as he. #Gove. While Mr Gove will stand on the same Leave campaign ticket as Mr Johnson planned to, there is no guarantee he can count on the support of the 100 or more MPs who had been expected to back Mr Johnson. One senior MP told The Independent that Ms May, or the other leadership candidates Andrea Leadsom, Liam Fox, and Stephen Crabb, would be beneficiaries as Mr Johnsons supporters scrambled for lifeboats. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Ukips only MP could soon be booted out of the party, Ukip leader Nigel Farage has suggested. Speaking about Douglas Carswell on LBC radio, Mr Farage said: What would he know? We find somebody inside our party who doesn't agree with anything the party stands for, it's a very odd state of affairs. The comments came in response to an attack on the party leader launched by Mr Carswell over Ukips controversial Breaking Point posters, which depicted large queues of refugees attempting to get into Europe. Mr Carswell, a member of the official Vote Leave campaign, said he believed it was a fundamentally wrong thing to do on Mr Farages behalf. "Angry nativism does not win elections in this country", he added. When asked on air by Iain Dale if Mr Carswell should return to the Conservative Party, Mr Farage said he wouldn't get involved with "any of this... I don't micro-manage the thing. "I do the politics, I don't do the man-management, but it is a very odd state of affairs," he said. Why would you join a party like Ukip, with me as the leader, with our policies and manifesto, and then from almost day one of joining, disagree with everything we say or do? I find it really, really odd. Nigel Farage: "European Parliament is in denial" Asked if Mr Carswell would be expelled from Ukip as a consequence, he said: That will be up to the NEC to decide. Mr Carswell told The Independent it was the first hed heard of it. During an emergency meeting of the EU Parliament to discuss Brexit on Tuesday, Mr Farage was jeered and booed by MEPs. During a highly-charged session, Mr Farage told the MEPs: The reason you are so upset, the reason you are so angry, has been perfectly clear from all the angry exchanges this morning: you are in denial. You are in denial over Mrs Merkel's call last year for as many people as possible to cross the Mediterranean into the European Union, which has led to massive divisions between countries and within countries. But the biggest problem you have got... is that you have, by stealth, by deception, without ever telling the truth to the British or the rest of the peoples of Europe, you have imposed upon them a political union. Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, told the Ukip leader: Finally we will be getting rid of the biggest waste in the EU budget that we have paid for 17 years of your salary. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Scottish woman has been crowned "Miss Hitler 2016" in a beauty pageant organised by a neo-Nazi youth movement. National Action, a white supremacist group, said they set up the competition to raise awareness of its female supporters, who rarely get much spotlight or recognition. The winner, who has not been identified, appears in photographs with the lower half of her face covered. On the groups website, she said she didnt want to believe that the Jews are the enemy, as she was brought up to believe that they are very similar to Christians. Eventually the Jewish propaganda became too obvious to ignore, she said, and so I became involved with NA. Asked which one person she would kill if she could get away with it, Miss Hitler named German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying she would put her in one of her camps and let her pet refugees do the rest. The Board of Deputies of British Jews has condemned the group and its pageant. A spokesperson said: This is a clear case of inciting racial hatred. It is possibly the ugliest beauty contest ever held. National Action have been widely criticised in the past for targeting young people with propaganda. The group were previously derided for defacing the statue of Nelson Mandela in London during a protest. When promoting the contest, National Action said, We hope this will grant a unique insight into our movement that will challenge the widely held preconceptions society has about the far-right. Details of the contest were taken down from Facebook in May, shortly after the competition was announced. The winner was announced on Twitter however, and the groups blog remains. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The oldest serving park ranger in the US has been beaten and robbed at her home in Richmond, California, by a thief who stole her prized possession: a commemorative coin given to her personally by President Barack Obama. Recommended Read more Grizzly bear mauls cyclist to death in US National Park Betty Reid Soskin, 94, is a ranger at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, where she gives tours explaining the work of women in factories furing World War Two. The great-granddaughter of slaves, she worked as a shipyard clerk during the war and later owned a record shop with her late husband, joining the park service at 85. Last December, she was honoured at the national tree lighting ceremony in Washington DC, where Mr Obama presented her with a coin embossed with the presidential seal. The attack took place at around midnight on Monday, when Ms Soskin woke up to find a man standing over her bed with a torch. When she reached for her mobile phone to call for help, the man grabbed the phone, dragged Ms Soskin down a hallway and punched her several times as she screamed. Finally, she was able to lock herself in the bathroom, where she armed herself with a hot iron. When the intruder left, she emerged to find several of her possessions had been stolen, including the distinctive coin. The White House has reportedly promised to replace the coin, though Ms Soskin is keen to find the original. If I can get that coin back I think I can forgive anything, she told local news station KTVU. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Baltimore Police unveiled a new use-of force policy that stresses de-escalation tactics and lists the sanctity of human life as one of its top priorities. The guidelines, which are due to take effect on 1 July, come just ahead of the Department of Justices release of results from their investigation into the department, and a week after the acquittal of a police officer charged with the depraved Recommended Read more Freddie Gray cop found not guilty on all charges heart murder of Freddie Gray. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the new policy, saying that officers use of force is one of the most scrutinised areas in policing, and it is incumbent upon the police department to ensure its officers are well trained and knowledgeable about the procedures when a decision is made to use force. The BPD use-of-force had not been revised since 2003, Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said at the press conference. So much has changed since then, and weve learned so much in the past 13 years, he said. Its our duty and obligation as leaders to ensure our police officers are up to date with the latest best practices. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Show all 11 1 /11 Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Police take a mug shot of a protester who was detained in Ferguson, Missouri, August 10, 2015. Protesters regrouped in Ferguson, Missouri, on Monday evening after a state of emergency was declared, aimed at preventing a repeat of violence the night before on the anniversary of the police shooting of unarmed black man Michael Brown. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests St Louis County police officers arrest an anti-police demonstrator in Ferguson, Missouri August 11, 2015 Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Protesters march in the rain, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, in Ferguson, Mo. Sunday marks one year since Michael Brown was shot and killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Demonstrators, marking the one-year anniversary of the shooting of Michael Brown, march along West Florrisant Street in a driving rain on August 9, 2015 in Ferguson, Missouri. There are reports that two people were shot when gun fire broke out during protests later in the evening. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9, 2014. His death sparked months of sometimes violent protests in Ferguson and drew nationwide focus on police treatment of black offenders. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests A St. Louis County police officers respond in an MRAD vehicle after shots were fired during a protest march on August 9, 2015 on West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri. Over 50 shots were reportedly exchanged on the day marking the one year anniversary of the death of an unarmed black teen, Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by a white police officer, throwing America's troubled race relations into harsh relief. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Protesters yell as police form a line across West Florissant Ave., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, in Ferguson, Mo., before shots were fired near the protest. The one-year anniversary of Michael Brown's death in Ferguson began with a march in his honor and ended with a protest that was interrupted by gunfire. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Protesters fall to the ground to take cover after shots were fired in a police-officer involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri August 9, 2015. Two people were shot in the midst of a late-night confrontation between riot police and protesters, after a day of peaceful events commemorating the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a white officer one year ago. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests A white woman holds a black woman as they pray during a rain storm at the site of last year's riots on the one year anniversary of the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri August 9, 2015. Hundreds of people marched, prayed and observed a moment of silence in Ferguson, Missouri, on Sunday, a year to the day after a white police officer shot the unarmed black teenager to death, igniting months of protests and a national debate on race and justice. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests A woman reacts after shots were fired in a police-officer involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri August 9, 2015. Two people were shot in the midst of a late-night confrontation between riot police and protesters, after a day of peaceful events commemorating the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a white officer one year ago. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Police take cover as a barrage of gunfire erupts along West Florrisant Street during a demonstration to mark the 1-year anniversary of the shooting of Michael Brown on August 9, 2015 in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9, 2014. His death sparked months of sometimes violent protests in Ferguson and drew nationwide focus on police treatment of black offenders. Ferguson Anniversary Protests Ferguson Anniversary Protests Amarion Allen, 11-years-old stands in front of a police line shortly before shots were fired in a police-officer involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri August 9, 2015. Two people were shot in the midst of a late-night confrontation between riot police and protesters, after a day of peaceful events commemorating the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a white officer one year ago. But community activists do not necessarily see the new guidelines as true reform in the city where the relationship between law enforcement and the black community are fraught with tension and violence. Its just a smokescreen to those who arent really affected [by BPD culture], artist and activist Kwame Rose told The Independent. Nobody who is affected by the culture of the Baltimore Police Department will see a change in policing. Mr Rose recalled a recent encounter with police on Monday during a community vigil for slain rapper Lor Scoota. Hundreds of people gathered to mourn the death of the 23 year-old rapper, but were met with at least two dozen Baltimore Police officers donning riot gear prompting a tense standoff between the community and law enforcement. I think the Commissioner has good intentions, but he does not know what he does not know when it comes to race in this community, said Lawrence Grandpre, director of research for the grassroots think-tink Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. Mr Grandpre expressed similar skepticism to the new use-of-force policy. Obviously [the policy change] is a step forward in terms of the police department trying to address glaring holes in how it structures policy, the director of research of the grassroots policy think-tank Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, Lawrence Grandpre, explained. If you have a policing structure set up for police to police themselves, the community is not going to trust the policy changes that get produced." David Rocah, senior staff attorney at the ACLU Maryland, told the Baltimore Sun that the revision still has significant problems. While officers will be required to file a report whenever they point their firearm or taser at an individual without firing, Mr Rocah says that similar forms are not necessary when deadly force is used. Thats critically important, and its hugely problematic that documentation doesnt exist, he said. However, the true reform lies in the hands of the community, say both Mr Grandpre and Mr Rose. Anything less amounts to nothing more than talk, Mr Rose said. In the talks that Ive had with [Commissioner Davis] has been nothing more than talk. What wed like to see as a community is action. Wed like to see community input, he added. More of the powers that be and of the police department actually listening to community members and not talking heads. A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, July 1 -- International observers are marvelling at the sustained vigor and vitality of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the glorious achievements it has made in China's development as the party celebrates its 95th birthday Thursday. Since the party was founded in 1921, it has been keeping up with the times, steering China in the right direction and has thoroughly changed the Chinese society. It is enjoyable to see that the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government have made such tremendous achievements in various aspects, Italian Senate Speaker Pietro Grasso told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I was quite impressed by what I saw when I visited China as senate speaker last October. Things there were completely different from 15 years before, when I had visited the country as a tourist," Grasso said. After its birth, the Communist Party of China first led China to drive away the imperialists and gain independence in 1949. Then it devoted itself wholeheartedly to developing the economy and has made China a major economic power today, Susumu Yabuki, honorary professor of China studies at Japan's Yokohama City University, said. Experts attribute the party's sustained success to the fact that it has always paid special attention to updating its theories and guidelines by drawing on past practical experiences. The party has successfully developed a socialist theoretical system with Chinese characteristics, which has helped guide the country's reform and opening-up and economic development, enhance the people's confidence, and strengthen the power of the party, said Nguyen Vinh Quang, a former minister of Vietnamese Embassy to China. The party can always surpass its past successes because it can use new notions, new thoughts and new strategies as powerful ideological weapons, unite and lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, and vigorously advance its undertakings in various fields, said Vichian Piakhong, vice president of the Thai Young Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Recently, the party has adopted the "new normal" economic theory and reset China's development pace and model, shifting focus from a high growth rate to more balanced and down-to-earth development goals. This will help China make steady advances on the path to realizing the Chinese Dream, said Ronnie Lins, director of China Studies Center in Brazil. Experts say the Chinese Communist Party has the following special advantages as a ruling party. First, it is down-to-earth and always ready to correct its mistakes. "Only a party which takes its mistakes seriously can keep developing," Nguyen Vinh Quang said. The party has made mistakes before, but it realized the mistakes and corrected them in time, said Stephen Perry, chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club, a commercial group that has played a tremendous role in trade between China and Britain. Second, the party draws upon all useful opinions and keeps up with the times. Perry spoke highly of the party's mechanism of democratic centralism, noting this system has yielded great achievements especially since 1978. The Chinese Communist Party has been keen to listen to Chinese people's voices, so that party policies can reflect people's minds, thus earning support from the public, Lins said. The party is brave enough to embrace new things and evolve with time, Bambang Suryono, chief editor of Inhua Daily in Indonesia, said. Third, the Chinese Communist Party has always been able to carry out its policies with great efficiency. Lins said many countries are impressed with this. The Chinese Communist Party's successful ruling of China has not only helped change the destiny of their country, but also pushed the common development of mankind, observers have also noted. They laud China's leading role in pushing forward global trade, economic and investment cooperation, especially that among developing countries, which has brought real benefits to all countries. China is now widely participating in global value chains and is carrying out trade and investment cooperation with many countries. It has helped many countries overcome financial shortages and provided a huge market for its trade partners, said Hans Hendrischke, a professor at the University of Sydney. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has put forward the concept of "the community of common destiny for all mankind" and the Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to seeking common development and benefiting the whole world. If the Belt and Road Initiative is carried out successfully, relevant countries will gain a lot from the interconnection of infrastructure, bringing prosperity to the region. The miracle of China's economic growth has become a model in human development. With its rich experiences in economic development, China can help other developing countries shake off poverty, Hendrischke said. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Well known food writer J Kenji Lopez-Alt has come forward to accuse BuzzFeed of copying his unique version of a popular recipe he developed. His account comes a day after YouTube personality Akilah Hughes circulated a petition that accused the Internet media company of widespread intellectual property theft. Recommended Read more YouTube creators accuse BuzzFeed Video of stealing their ideas At the end of 2011, Lopez-Alt published a recipe for halal-cart style chicken and rice for the website Serious Eats for which he currently serves as managing culinary editor. He told The Independent that he developed the recipe in 2010 by visiting a number of food carts throughout New York City, interviewing the owners, and assembling the right ingredients through a trial and error process. I put together my own recipe that was not like any one of the individual [carts], but was based on information that I culled from them, Lopez-Alt, author of the New York Times bestselling book The Food Lab, said. Its a relatively unique ingredient list and a unique recipe. However, when he first saw BuzzFeeds recipe, published on their food site called Tasty, in May of this year, he said the ingredient list was nearly identical with a few tweaks. Lopez-Alt said BuzzFeed failed to do their due diligence in searching for an already-existing recipe on Google. In fact, a simple search for halal chicken and rice or chicken halal shows his Serious Eats recipe is the top result. The majority of the results in the search for are blog entries about Lopez-Alts recipe or the recipe itself. Two others published by Huffington Post and Lady and Pups, he adds, are vastly different. So whats interesting is that there are three recipes for it that are popular, he wrote in a follow up message via Twitter. All three start from the same premise: Go around and eat a lot of halal chicken and try to replicate what you think it should be at home. Yet all three managed to be drastically different from each other. Thats what happens when you independently develop a recipe. Lopez-Alt said he reached out to a BuzzFeed editor whom he had known from a previous interview on 27 May, a day after the Tastys NYC Street Cart Style Chicken & Rice video was posted to YouTube. He claims the editor was super apologetic and told him the piece was plagiarised, had happened before, and that they had spoken with the authors about similar issues before. However, according to his account, a general manager from Tasty sent him an email that said the nearly identical recipes were coincidence, denying everything he was previously told by the other editor. He also claimed that the general manager said that because they were not in the room when the Tasty staff wrote the recipe, nothing could be proved. Lopez-Alt stressed that he understood that copyright law does not apply to recipes. Theres no question of legality here, he said, adding that his concern was more a question of integrity. Were the authors of the 26 May video to provide simple attribution, Lopez-Alt said there would never have been a problem. Representatives for BuzzFeed did not immediately respond to request for comment. Both Lopez-Alt and Hughes brought of questions about what they saw as lack of due diligence on the part of BuzzFeeds editors. When I start working on recipes, within the first day Im definitely Googling to see [what already exists], he said, referring to alleged remarks from the general manager, whom he declined to name. How do you not know this exists when its literally the first thing that comes up when you search. Hughes echoed the complaint. Why would you not Google first to make sure the idea hasnt been done? she asked. Thats just being-a-creative-in-this-new-world 101. You dont just think you have an original idea and not double check to make sure youre not lifting it from somebody else. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Texas town of White Settlement has a cat problem. Two weeks ago, the city council voted 2-1 to evict Browser, a cat which has lived in the towns library for the last six years, catching mice and making lots of friends. Councillors said they took the decision for the right reasons, and that they acted following complaints from people with allergies. Little did they imagine the storm of outcry they would trigger. The town, which has a population of about 16,000 and is situated in the western suburbs of Fort Worth, has found itself at the centre of international headlines and online fury, with claims that the councillors are being heartless. Such has been the firestorm that the towns mayor, Ronald White, told one newspaper that he was embarrassed and saddened by the decision. One of the council members who voted to evict browser said they had acted after receiving complaints from people who had suffered reactions after entering the library. We had a few complaints our door was not knocked down with complaints but we had some complaints from people who had gone to the library not knowing there was a cat, council member Elzie Clements told The Independent. Even feline lovers outside the US have called for the pet to remain (Facebook) And they came out with their eyes swollen. Cat allergies are pretty bad. It affects people quite a lot. He said that he and his colleagues believed the library should be accessible to everyone, even if it meant the Browser had to go. Furthermore, he said, there were plenty of people who had already volunteered to offer him a a new home. Were not being hard-hearted, he said. Lillian Blackburn, a volunteer at the library, said the prized pooch loved to be read to (AP) Yet, those fighting for Browser to stay say that the library would be a poorer place without him. He has been with us for six years. He came because we had a problem like lots of libraries do with mice, said Lillian Blackburn, president of the Friends of the White Settlement Public Library. Ms Blackburn, 78, a retired teacher, said Browser was very friendly, liked to be stroked and enjoyed being read to. He strolled around. The children loved him, she said. She said while there were plenty of people who were prepared to offer a home to Browser whose name was selected after a vote it would not be the home he had known these past six years. Asked if she and her fellow Browser boosters were making a lot of effort to save a single animal, she said: Thats right. But that does not mean we should not do this. She added: This is not even the most important issue in White Settlement. But it does not mean we should ignore it. It may be that Browser will get a reprieve. Amid the outcry another meeting, where the cats future will be discussed, is due to take place on Friday evening. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} If a computer has a connection to the internet means no warrant is required for the US government to hack it, a Virginia court has ruled. The judge angered privacy campaigners by reasoning that since no connected computer "is immune from invasion, no user should ever expect their their activity to remain secret. The decision was part of a case brought after an investigation into Playpen, a child porn website on the dark web, which the FBI hacked to find offenders. Following the investigation, hundreds were prosecuted for offences relating to indecent imagery. But despite the unsympathetic defendants in these cases, privacy campaigners warned the ruling had wider implications. Scarlet Kim, legal officer at Privacy International, told The Independent the verdict would have "astounding implications for the privacy and security of anyone who owns an electronic device". "The district courts dangerous evisceration of a core constitutional protection would render all our personal digital devices susceptible to warrantless search or seizure by the government," she said. "The justification that the rise in hacking destroys a reasonable expectation of privacy in these devices is illogical and absurd. "Just because lock-picking is a well-known technique for breaking into homes hardly eliminates our expectation of privacy in that sphere." 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Show all 7 1 /7 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Claude Shannon (1916-2001) Shannon took the work done by Boole and re-purposes it for computers, allowing us to understand how to share information with the. It begun information theory a system of thought that would let us build the internet Getty 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) The internet now is largely algorithms: formulas or procedures that computers can run to solve problems. Those are so deeply integrated into our world that they are almost invisible. But Lovelace created the first one, in the early 19th century, helping lay the groundwork for the machine learning and artificial intelligence that now runs the internet Getty 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit George Boole (1815-1864) Boole helped formulate the kind of logic that would allow the internet and the binary that powers it to flourish. The structures of thinking that he proposed would eventually come to allow computers to understand us, and power the search engines that we use to get around the internet Getty 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Leonard Kleinrock (1934-) Kleinrock helped formulate the idea of packet switching, a central part of the way that computers are able to share information with each other over networks. The theoretical frameworks that he proposed would eventually become the same technology that allows almost every computer in the world to send and receive information from the internet Getty 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Vint Cerf (1943-) and Robert Kahn (1938-) Together Cerf and Kahn helped invent the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP). Those two technologies decide how computers communicate each other in essence creating the internet as we know it Getty 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Ray Tomlinson (1941-) Life online wouldnt be what it is today without email. Tomlinson created a system to allow people to send messages to each other over ARPANET Andreu Vea 7 people who helped create the internet and dont get any credit Larry Roberts (1937-) Larry Roberts helped create ARPANET, a military network that helped uncover and prove many of the technologies that would go on to power the internet. While Tim Berners-Lee often gets hailed for creating the web, Roberts also contributed to the early work that went into helping him Michel Bakni According to court documents, Playpen had over 150,000 members. Over two weeks, the FBI hacked into over 1,000 computers using a single warrant. Senior District Judge Henry Coke Morgan Jr upheld the use of the warrant. Here, the court finds that defendant possessed no reasonable expectation of privacy in his computer's IP address, so the Government's acquisition of the IP address did not represent a prohibited Fourth Amendment search," the judge wrote in his ruling. Generally, one has no reasonable expectation of privacy in an IP address when using the Internet." Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has appeared to condone a womans racist comment that muslim women who work as border security staff and who wear "hibi jabis" should be fired. During a question and answer session at a town hall event in New Hampshire, a woman asked him: Why aren't we putting our military retirees on that border or in TSA? Get rid of all these hibi-jabis they wear at TSA? Ive seen them myself. I understand that, Mr Trump responded. The woman then proposed replacing the Muslim employees with military veterans who fought and defended the US. You know, we are looking at that, Mr Trump replied. Were looking at a lot of things. The Transport Security Administration were not immediatey available for comment. The Republican nominees failure to condemn his supporters comment will do little to convince Americans that he supports the American Muslim community. In November he called for a temporary ban of all Muslims entering the US, and has repeatedly talked of the need to act tough and smart. By appearing to endorse the bigoted views of one of his supporters, Donald Trump is placing all American Muslim women who wear Islamic attire in danger, said Robert McCaw, the government affairs director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents since the terrorist attacks in November and the San Bernardino shootings in December 2015. American Muslims, and particularly Muslim women, are facing an unprecedented spike in discrimination and hate attacks, due in no small part to Donald Trump's Islamophobic rhetoric and policy proposals, he added. Instead, Mr Trump has repeatedly pledged to help retired military veterans. He skipped a Fox News presidential candidate television debate at the start of the year to attend a fundraising event for veterans, and later claimed he had raised millions of dollars. He came under fire for taking more than six months to reveal which veteran charities he had donated to and how much money he had given. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} While the world is reeling from terrorist attacks, the rise of Donald Trump, anti-LGBT discrimination and the UKs monumental decision to leave the European Union without an exit plan, there is one major developed country that arguably remains a bastion of objectivity and rationality. Happy Canada day. The person leading the charge is Justin Trudeau, a man who regularly breaks the internet, a champion of gender-equality and diversity who cleared his schedule in May to celebrate his wedding anniversary. Recommended Read more Justin Trudeau may have made the best case for legal pot ever Mr Trudeau has not completely escaped global turmoil as he faced pressure following Brexit to clarify under what circumstances Quebec could separate from Canada. Yet political waters remain as calm as a millpond compared to neighboring nations. His Liberal party has managed to retain the new support they captured after the election last year, and he has even featured as a hero in a new Marvel comic - his late father Pierre also made an appearance in 1979. According to a CBC poll in June, the Liberals have averaged 46.7 per cent support, an increase of 7.2 per cent since the 19 October election. He has continued to forge friendly and strong international relations, prompting remarks of a bromance between him and US president Barack Obama. At a conference this week with Mr Obama and Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto, he vowed to strengthen relations between the three countries, hinting their unity was ever important in the face of a possible president Donald Trump. Canada, once viewed as dull and boring, is now the enviably sensible nation where gender equality rules, cannabis is semi-legal and politics are pleasingly pragmatic. In the short time since the leader of the Liberal party was elected prime minister in October 2015, he has instated the first ever gender-balanced cabinet, because, as he explained, it is 2015. Justin Trudeau Show all 8 1 /8 Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau Day out The family get in the boat with climate change AP Justin Trudeau Keeping fit Jogging over the Alexandria bridge with the Mexican president AP Justin Trudeau Family comes first Sophie inspires me every day to be better. I wouldnt be here tonight if it werent for her leadership and her example." AP Justin Trudeau Three-way handshake Trudeau has vowed to strengthen international relations. Twitter Justin Trudeau Bromance Friendship with the White House The White House Justin Trudeau Pandas Just because. Twitter Justin Trudeau Yoga The plank became an internet sensation Twitter Justin Trudeau Making history Trudeau's gender-balanced cabinet was the first of its kind AP As many of you know Im a feminist and am proud to call myself one, he said at the annual Catalyst conference in March. Men need to speak out in support of gender equality. And men, we need to get comfortable with identifying ourselves as feminists. He has regularly talked about the importance of educating his children about feminism, and has praised his wife for his success. Sophie inspires me every day to be better. I wouldnt be here tonight if it werent for her leadership and her example, he said. Merci mon amour. Prince Harry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (PA) Mr Trudeau is not afraid of poking fun at himself, however, doing strip teases for charity, showcasing his dancing skills and balancing babies on one hand. In the land where the national anthem has recently become gender-neutral, Mr Trudeaus every move has become a photo opportunity, from his yoga plank to his family trips in a canoe. The 44-year-old has pledged to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees and has gone to the airport to personally greet families. He has shut down sarcastic reporters questioning his knowledge on quantum computing, he has established friendly terms with the British monarchy and he vowed to step up Canadas commitments to climate change. His leadership has not completely escaped controversy. He was forced to apologise this year for accidentally elbowing a female MP during a bizarre squabble in parliament, and his wife faced criticism when she told a French publication that she needed help to look after her family and carry out her duties as the prime ministers wife. Justin Trudeau apologises for shoving female MP Yet Mr Trudeau is still enjoying higher popularity ratings than his rivals, and will not battle another general election until October 2019. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Loretta Lynch, the US Attorney General, has said she will accept the conclusions of prosecutors and the FBI in the investigation of Hillary Clintons use of a private email server as Secretary of State, days after Ms Lynch stoked controversy by meeting privately with Bill Clinton. The Attorney General and the former President conferred on board her government plane at the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, creating outrage among Republicans who believe Ms Lynchs relationship with the Clintons could colour the investigation. I certainly wouldnt do it again because I think it has cast this shadow over what it should not, over what it will not touch, Ms Lynch said on Friday, adding: Its important to make it clear that that meeting with President Clinton does not have a bearing on how this matter will be reviewed and resolved. Ms Lynch will not formally recuse herself from the case, and has refused demands from Republicans to assign a special counsel to oversee it. But, speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival, she said would follow the recommendations of prosecutors. I will be accepting their recommendations and their plans for going forward, she said. FBI director James Comey and the agents investigating the email case will also advise on whether to charge Ms Clinton or others, but the decision ultimately lies with prosecutors. The Attorney Generals promise to accept their findings is standard procedure, though it precludes the possibility that Ms Lynch would overrule them. According to the New York Times, which first reported her decision, the arrangement had been planned for several months but its announcement was brought forward by the prospect of a political backlash over her meeting with Mr Clinton. Ms Lynch insisted that the conversation, which reportedly lasted around 20 minutes, was informal and did not touch on any official business. We basically said hello, and I congratulated him on his grandchildren as people tend to do, she said. It really was a social meeting." The Attorney General and the former President go way back: in 1999, towards the end of his second White House term, Mr Clinton nominated Ms Lynch to serve as US attorney for the Eastern District of New York. As Secretary of State, Ms Clinton had a private email server installed at her home, which was used to send some classified information. The investigation concerns whether that amounted to criminal mishandling of the material by Ms Clinton or members of her staff. That question has been a niggling worry for supporters of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee as she prepares to face Donald Trump in the general election. Ms Clinton has yet to be interviewed by the FBI, but has said she hopes for a swift end to the matter. Mr Trump was quick to pounce on the news of Ms Lynchs meeting with Mr Clinton this week, tweeting: Does anybody really believe that meeting was just a coincidence? Judicial Watch, the conservative legal watchdog that has spearheaded the criticism of Ms Clinton over the email case, said the meeting created the appearance of a violation of law, ethical standards and good judgment, and accused Ms Lynch of an outrageous abuse of the publics trust." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A video has captured the panicked police response to an inaccurate claim that a Muslim man had pledged allegiance to Isis. 41-year-old Ahmed Al Menhali, owner of a business marketing company from Abu Dhabi, was standing outside a hotel in Avon, Ohio and talking on his cell phone in Arabic when he was approached by at least five police officers with guns, yelling at him to get on the ground. Mr Al Menhali, who is married with three children, has since been hospitalized and a local representative of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) told The Independent he might have suffered a stroke. Julia Shearson, the executive director of the CAIR in Cleveland, said she visited the businessman in hospital where he is staying at least one night. "He's traumatised and can't speak right now. The great irony is he was looking for a hotel room because the apartment he was staying in was being used for the RNC," she said, referring to the upcoming Republican National Committee's conference. He had been in the US for medical reasons. "The fact that the police referred to his clothing in their report as a criminal indicator is very concerning," she added. "Police need more diversity training. This is shocking to have happened in Avon, one of the most affluent and suburban nieghbourhoods outside of Cleveland." I am a tourist. This is not good, Mr Al Menhali says repeatedly in the video as he is lying on the floor. Yeah, its not good. Thats right, a police officer responds. They had been responding to a 911 call from the sister of a woman working as a hotel clerk at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Avon. She said her sister had told her there was a man in the hotel lobby in full head dress with multiple disposable phones pledging his allegiance to Isis." The clerks father also called 911 and requested police to come to the hotel. In the video, the police shout at Mr Al Menhali to relax while ordering him to turn to his side, then to stand up. Authorities point guns at him, put him in handcuffs, carry out a body search, go through his wallet and take off his shoes without giving him any explanation. Youve broken my telephone also, he complains. Yeah? Well youve broken my nail, replies one of the policemen. Police did not find any weapons on Mr Al Menhali. They talked to the clerk and discovered he had not made any statements relating to Isis. An ambulance at the scene transported him to hospital where he was visited by Ms Shearson from CAIR. Avon Police could not be contacted immediately for a comment. Mr Al Menhali, who wrote a message to his translator, told The Independent: "Please tell Donald Trump to stop hating Mexicans and Muslims. Please tell Donald Trump to stop hating people." The Republican has been criticised for calling for a temporary ban on all Muslims entering the US, which CAIR has blamed for a spike in anti-Muslims incidents. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting pleaded with police to save them as they described their bodies going numb as a result of their injuries. Emergency call logs released on Thursday portrayed a terrifying and frantic situation as the wounded clubbers made calls to dispatchers and police officers, some of them saying they were losing their breath. Among the references in the latest batch of calls logs released by the Orange County Sheriffs Department is one to an 18-year-old woman who said she is losing eyesight and feeling in her body. People take part in a candlelight memorial service the day after a mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando (Reuters) A total of 49 people were killed in the attack on the Pulse nightclub in the early hours of June 12, and another 50 were wounded. The gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, was subsequently shot dead by police at the scene of the attack, the worse mass shooting in modern US history. The Associated Press said that Orlando Police initially responded to reports of an attack at Pulse, which was popular with the LGBTQ community, at 2.02am. But as the dispatch centre became overwhelmed that night, overflow calls were sent to the Orange County Sheriffs Departments emergency call-receiving centre. In addition, 911 calls made by parents and concerned friends outside of the Orlando area who were communicating with victims inside the club were routed to the sheriffs centre that night. By 2.10am, Orlando police had told officers there was still an active shooter inside, and sheriffs dispatchers began receiving calls from victims, the AP said. Gunman Omar Mateen was radicalised by information he accessed on the internet (AP) Victim (says) her body is going numb, a dispatcher wrote at 2:21 a.m. One minute later, another dispatcher wrote: Another subject called in to advise she was injured, sounded out of breath. Advised she was possibly in the bathroom. At 2.36am, a third dispatcher wrote: My (victim) is 18 years of age....she is losing eyesight and feeling in her body. The logs show it took just minutes for law enforcement to know they were dealing with a shooter carrying a high-powered weapon, and that normal protections were not an option. At 2.17am, a dispatcher wrote that units need shields, referring to bulletproof armored shields used to protect officers in raids. A minute later, another police officer said that the gunfire coming from Pulse sounds like an AK or a long rifle. Shield will not stop rifle fire, a dispatcher wrote. Throughout the ordeal, the sheriffs logs show people pleaded for the police to come inside and help. Pleading for deputies to enter back entrance to club on NW corner. He is in the room on the west side of the building in a closet in the back, a dispatcher wrote at 2:40am Several minutes earlier, at 2.32am, a dispatcher wrote: Complainant advises losing feeling in her legJust keeps saying I dont want to die today. Numerous club-goers managed to escape from Pulse during the three-hour standoff, and first responders managed to pull some victims from the front of the club when Mateen went into the back areas. Questions have been asked as to why the police SWAT team did not storm for a full three hours. When they did, they used an armoured vehicle to breach a wall, freeing people and allowing the police to shoot and kill Mateen. Confirmed suspect is down, a dispatcher wrote at 5.31am. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie are among the front runners currently being vetted by Donald Trump as he looks to select a vice presidential candidate. Mr Trump is set to announce his choice at the Republican National Convention later this month in Cleveland, and he hopes the news will give him a jump in the polls. The New York tycoon has previously said he whittled down a shortlist to a very good list of five or six people. Yet reports suggest he has only begun the formal vetting procedure in the last few days. Darren McCollester/Getty There is intense interest in who the 70-year-old will select as his running mate. The Associated Press said that his pick could be crucial to easing the concerns of Republicans who worry about his lack of political experience, as well as his temperament. At the same time, he could choose someone who could help him win one of the battleground states in November. Earlier reports reports suggested that he was also looking as having a woman on the Republican ticket. A number of potential picks have ruled themselves out. Mr Trump may have liked to reach out to Senator Marco Rubio, who is young, would help him with both the Hispanic community and Florida, and who is liked by much of the Republican establishment. But Mr Rubio, who clashed with Mr Trump in the final Republican debates and whom the New Yorker mocked as Little Marco, has said he does not want to be considered for the position. I have never sought, will not seek and do not want to be considered for vice president, Mr Rubio wrote on Facebook. (Getty (Getty) The AP said that Mr Gingrich and Mr Christie, who both received vetting paperwork in the last 24 hours, emerged as prominent allies of Mr Trump in recent months, even as the presumptive nominee faced deep and sustained skepticism from many Republican leaders. It was Mr Christies aggressive questioning of Mr Rubio and his faltering response during a debate in New Hampshire, that many believe sapped the Floridas senators then soaring momentum. Mr Trumps relationship with other would-be running mates was badly strained in the bruising Republican primary season, leaving him with a small pool of willing and qualified candidates. Mr Trump has since criticised those have failed to endorse him, saying they got beaten up during the primary. Mr Trump on Thursday acknowledged Mr Christie, who has been mocked by many for his sudden change of heart over Mr Trumps candidacy, was under consideration. Trump Discusses Istanbul Attack and TTIP During Rally Im certainly looking at him and I always will. Whether its for that or something else, Mr Trump told conservative radio host Howie Carr. He later described Indiana Governor Mike Pence as somebody we respect a lot. Mr Pence told Indiana reporters on Thursday he hasnt spoken with Mr Trump in several weeks and referred questions to the Trump campaign, which declined to comment further on the vice presidential search. Mr Trump said last month, and has repeated in the weeks since, that he preferred someone with political experience to help him guide his agenda through Washington. I think thats good for a number of reasons. No 1, if you win, which hopefully we will. I want help with - you know, I want a hand with legislation, getting things through. And if you bring a business person - we dont need another business person, Mr Trump said. Mr Christie was vetted four years ago by 2012 nominee Mitt Romneys research team. The Christie administrations more recent involvement in the so-called Bridgegate political retribution scandal could complicate his 2016 prospects. Mr Gingrich, who ran for president in 2012, served as House speaker from 1995 to 1999. He has substantial political baggage as well, having been married three times and lived in Washington for decades. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Beijing is sinking, according to a new study of the city. Using advanced radar, researchers found Chinas capital is dropping by up to 10.6cm (about four inches) a year because of land subsidence, described as a severe geohazard in a new report. The phenomenon also threatens the safety of the public and urban infrastructure, according to the paper, published in journal Remote Sensing. Recommended Read more Beijing named most expensive global city to rent in China's runaway economic growth has seen a building boom in Beijing, but the city now appears to have reached a geological tipping point. It is located on a dry plain and has relied on groundwater underneath. Drained by 10,000 wells which dot the area, this water is used for human consumption, agriculture and development. As the water is extracted, this causes the ground to drop albeit at a rate unnoticeable to Beijings inhabitants. The sheer weight of the developments above land on a weaker base can also contribute to the problem. The most significant subsidence was observed in Beijings Chaoyang district the citys main business area which has seen extensive development since the 1990s. Regulation aimed at controlling water consumption in and around the city has been slack, further complicating efforts towards tackling the issue. I wasnt particularly surprised by the findings, study co-author Professor Zhenhong Li told The Independent. Many other cities in China are affected. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary Beijing, while being the fifth most water-stressed city in the world, is not the only place in China affected by subsidence mor than 50 other cities are known to suffer from the problem. In Tianjin the site of a devastating chemical explosion the city is sinking around 17 centimetres a year, according to Professor Li. Shanghai has also fallen by more than six feet (about 1.8m) since 1921. Elsewhere, more than 1,000 wells in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, were closed after it was revealed 58 square miles of land had sunk at least 20cm since 1959, according to China Daily. The researchers are investigating what effect on Beijings infrastructure and buildings land subsidence might have, but it is currently unclear what form this could take. Professor Li stressed this work is still ongoing, but said there could be some impact, particularly on the high speed railway system. Despite this, Professor Li believes the problem can be controlled. Subsidence in Shanghai was very serious 17 to 20 years ago, he said, but its under control now. Laws imposed in 2000 by the local government limiting water use proved effective. However, large supplies of water are needed to fuel growth in Beijing. Professor Li hoped planned infrastructure projects bringing water to the city will mean the wells can be shut. BEIJING, July 1 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations at a rally on Friday. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony marking the 95th founding anniversary of the CPC. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. Xi also reaffirmed his stance on China's management of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR. The successful practice of the "one country, two systems" principle has been highly recognized worldwide and has powerful vitality, Xi said, adding any difficulty or challenge will never unsettle the country's resolution and confidence in it. He pledged to keep implementing the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and "Macao people governing Macao" with a high degree of autonomy, and promised support for the chief executives and governments of the two regions in their legal governance. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Lori Ann Walsh Imdad was in her apartment when she heard the gunshots sometime close to 9pm. It seemed like they they never stopped. And when she looked out of her her window she saw people running for their lives. On Friday evening, Ms Imad, the principal of the American Standard School in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, found herself witness to the latest incident of terror - apparently undertaken by Islamic extremists - to stun the world. The school, which is currently closed the Ramadan holiday, is located just a street or so from the restaurant where a group of gunmen set off explosives and reportedly took hostage up to 20 people. Ive been hearing gunshots all night long, she told The Independent. And Ive seen people running. Ms Imad She said the shooting had since eased off and that the firing was now only sporadic. The gunmen stormed into the Holey Artisan Bakery located in Gulshan 2, an upmarket neighourhood that is home to many shops, embassies and restaurants. She said it functioned as a bakery during the day and then transformed itself into a restaurant, popular with foreigners, in the evening. She said she knew the owner, who is Italian. It is a nice place to go and sit quietly. It has excellent cheesecake, she said. Reuters said that Sumon Reza, a kitchen worker who escaped the attack, told reporters that the attackers were armed with firearms and bombs as they entered the restaurant and took customers and staffers hostage at gunpoint. Jamuna Television, quoting Mr Reza, said the attackers chanted Allahu Akbar (God is Great) as they launched the attack. Bangladesh, which was created in 1971 when it broke from Pakistan in a bloody, brutal war of independence, is no stranger to violence, much of it the result of Islamic extremism. Lori Ann Walsh Imdad said she heard gun shot and and saw people running (Facebook) The worlds third largest Muslim country has seen a spate of attacks on bloggers, intellectuals and members of religious minorities. Experts have warned about the rising influence of Isis, which have claimed responsibility for many of the incidents, despite the governments insistence that Isis is not active in the country. Other militants have announced their allegiance to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent. (AQIS) To our knowledge, as such today Isis hsas not been involved in the recruitment of militants, or any militant activities within the boundaries of Bangladesh, Hasanul Haq Inu, the countrys information minister, told the BBC earlier this year. (AP (AP) Instead, the country prefers to blame home-grown jihadi groups such as the Jamiatul Mujahideen Bangladesh or JMB for the attacks. The JMB achieved notoriety through public lynching of left-wing militants and assassinations of judges, and in 2005 it set off more than 500 bombs in 64 districts simultaneously. The government is headed by the Awami League and its leader Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, first president of Bangladesh, who was killed in 1975. The government claims many of the the JMB militants are former activists of Bangladeshs biggest Islamist party, the Jamaat-e-Islam. In recent years, the government has sought to punish a number of high-profile Jamaat-e-Islam leaders, many of them religious leaders, convicted of war crimes dating back to the war of independence. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Up to nine gunmen have attacked a restaurant popular with foreigners in the diplomatic quarter of Bangladesh's capital of Dhaka and taken hostages. Two police officers have been killed in a gun battle between police and attackers at the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan district, police said. Hospital authorities said another 25 officers and one civilian were being treated for injuries, including 10 people listed in critical condition. The injuries include bullet wounds and broken bones, they said. The Dhaka Tribune reports also said at least 20 civilians have been taken hostage, quoting Sumon Reza, a superviser at the bakery, who said that the hostages were all foreigners. This has not yet been confirmed. In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Bangladesh attacks In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Hindu ashram worker Nityaranjan Pande, 62, was hacked to death in Pabna on 10 June 2016 AP In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Hindu priest Anando Gopal Ganguly, left, was murdered in Jhenidah in Bangladesh on 7 June 2016 EPA In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, wife of the Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, was murdered in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 5 June 2016 EPA In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh Students Union arranged a torch procession in protest over recent murders of free thinkers in Dhaka NurPhoto In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Murdered gay rights activist Xulhaz Mannan, who was editor at Bangladeshs only LGBT magazine Rex In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks A Bangladeshi policeman stands guard at the site of the murder of a law student, hacked to death by four assailants the night before, in Dhaka on April 7, 2016 AFP/Getty In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks People have protested against the murders around the world, seen here in Kolkata AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks A relative of dead Bangladeshi blogger Washiqur Rahman reacts after seeing his body at Dhaka Medical College in Dhaka on March 30 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks People gather on the spot where Bangladeshi blogger Avijit Roy was killed in a street in Dhaka (EPA) EPA In pictures: Bangladesh attacks Bangladesh attacks Bangladeshi social activists shout slogans during a protest against the killing Avijit Roy in Dhaka on February 27, 2015 AFP/Getty Images Isis have claimed responsibility for the attack. The group's Amaq news agency released a statement to say militants had attacked a restaurant "frequented by foreigners". Seven Italian nationals are thought to be among the hostages taken by the gunmen, Italian state television said, quoting the Italian ambassador to Bangladesh. Lori Ann Walsh Imdad, the principal of the American Standard School in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, told The Independent she heard shooting sometime between 8.30pm-9pm. The school, which is currently closed for the Ramadan holiday, is located just a street or so from the restaurant. Ive been hearing gunshots all night long, she said. And Ive seen people running. Mr Reza told reporters the attackers were armed with firearms and bombs as they entered the restaurant around 9:20pm and took customers and staff hostage at gunpoint. Jamuna Television, quoting Mr Reza, said the gunmen chanted "Allahu Akbar" or "God Is Great" as they launched the attack. Thousands arrested in Bangladesh killings probe Benazir Ahmed, director general of the elite anti-crime force Rapid Action Battalion or RAB, told reporters: "Some derailed youths have entered the restaurant and launched the attack. We have talked to some of the people who fled the restaurant after the attack. "We want to resolve this peacefully. We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want." He added: "Some of our people have been injured. Our first priority is to save the lives of the people trapped inside." Bangladesh has seen a series of attacks, mostly using machetes, targeting bloggers, atheists and religious minorities. Both Isis and al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for militant attacks in the country. But the government denies foreign militant organisations are involved and blames two local groups, Ansar-al-Islam and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen. More follows For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Austria's highest court has annulled the result of the presidential electons which took place last month after a challenge by the right-wing Freedom Party. Norbert Hofer, the Freedom Party's presidential candidate, lost the election to former Green Party politician Alexander Van der Bellen by 30,863 votes less than half a percentage point. The election will be re-run this autumn after an objection to the result was raised by the Freedom Party, who said postal votes had been improperly handled. Mr Hofer, 45, who ran a pro-gun, anti-immigrant campaign, picked up nearly half of the vote amid widespread dissatisfaction with Austria's main political parties. The former aeronautical engineer is said to have carried a Glock pistol with him on the campaign trail, declaring the public should arm themselves as a logical reaction to the refugee crisis. But Mr Van der Bellen, 72, a radical environmentalist whose parents are refugees, won with 50.35 per cent of the vote after postal votes were counted. Austria election highlights anti-immigrant mood The second round of the Austrian presidential elections, which take place every six years, was held on 22 May. Mr Hofer's loss to independent candidate Mr Van der Bellen marked the first time since the Second World War an Austrian president had not been backed by either of the establishment centrist parties, the Social Democrats or the People's Party. The Constitutional Court upheld the Freedom Party's claim that the law was contravened in some way in most of the 117 electoral districts, including the sorting of absentee ballots before electoral commission officials arrived. The challenge brought by Freedom Party leader Heinz-Christian Strache against the 22 May election ... has been upheld, announced Gerhard Holzinger, head of Austria's Constitutional Court. "Only the total adherence to electoral standards secures the citizens trust in our democracy, he said. If Mr Hofer wins the re-runs of the election, he would become the European Union's first far-right head of state. Growing support for the Freedom Party, which was founded in 1956 by former Nazis, reflects disillusionment with the Austrian government's response to Europe's refugee crisis. Austria took in 90,000 asylum seekers in 2015 more than one per cent of its population but has since clamped down on the number of people allowed to enter the country. "Those, it has to be said, those who do not value our country, who fight for Islamic State, or who rape women, I say to these people: this is not your homeland. You cannot stay in Austria, Mr Hofer told supporters in Vienna at his final rally before the election. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. The Austrian president is a largely ceremonial post, but a victory for Mr Hofer could lead the Freedom Party to success in the next parliamentary elections, due in 2018. Outsider parties have seen a rise in support across Europe, with Virginia Raggi, a candidate from Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, declaring victory in Rome's recent mayoral elections. In the wake of Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union, a win by eurosceptic Mr Hofer would boost not only his party but kindred movements in France, the Netherlands and elsewhere lobbying for less EU power or outright exits from the bloc. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The foreign minister of Slovakia has said he will support any measure to reverse Britains decision to leave the EU, offering a sliver of optimism for those hoping Brexit might never happen. Slovakia takes over the rotating presidency of the EU today for the next six months set to be a tumultuous period after Britain voted to leave the 28-nation bloc. While the EU has to respect the Brexit decision, it should be very flexible in its dealings with Britain, Miroslav Lajcak told reporters at a press conference in Bratislava. But the Slovakian minister ruled out the possibility of a special deal for the UK, which is the first country to break away from the EU since it formed under its current name in 1993. An EU with the UK is better than one without, said Mr Lajcak, according to the Financial Times. Britain voted to leave the EU in a referendum last week, with 51.9 per cent of votes in favour of Brexit. But the UK cannot begin its divorce from the EU until it triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which lays out the process for leaving the bloc. Brexit: Everything will be on the table during negotiations, says French minister I would support any measure that will help reverse the position of the British people, which we have to respect but also regret, said Mr Lajcak, according to The Guardian. In the aftermath of the referendum, which saw debate centered around issues of immigration, EU leaders have said Britain cannot have a la carte access to the single European market if it does not accept freedom of movement as well. EU president Donald Tusk has said there will be no negotiations between Britain and the EU about the terms of a new relationship until the UK has formally declared its intention to leave. But political turmoil in the UK following the unexpected result has cast doubts over the possibility of a swift exit from the EU. This is despite pressure from some European leaders for the change to take place as quickly as possible. Unveiling Slovakia's plans for the next six months, the countrys Prime Minister Robert Fico said the EU's migration policy does not work and Europe has failed to properly communicate with its citizens. Slovakia, which has a population of 5.4 million, follows the Netherlands at the helm of the EU Council, which sets priorities for the EU agenda and works to bridge differences between the member states. Mr Fico said EU heavyweight member states like France, Germany and Italy should start listening to the countries like Slovakia that have joined the 28-nation EU since 2004. The crucial decisions on the future of Europe cannot be defined by the decisions of one or two member states, or by the founding member states, Fico told reporters in Bratislava on the eve of his presidency. 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 Slovakia has previously been critical of the EU Commission's mandatory quota scheme to share among all EU nations refugees from Syria or Iraq. EU members voted to pass the measure but Slovakia was among a small minority, along with Hungary, to be overruled. In January, Mr Fico declared multiculturalism "a fiction" and said Slovakia would put measures in place to curb immigration from Muslim countries. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} More than 300 German academics have called on Angela Merkel to show solidarity with UK citizens who voted Remain during the forthoming negotiations over Brexit. In an open letter to the German Chancellor, they asked her to protect the rights of "British Europeans" in any future deals with Britain. "As academics and teachers of German and European studies, we are concerned about the outcome of any Brexit negotiations for EU citizens," they said. "We ask Germany to act in solidarity with British Europeans who did not choose this result, by striving to protect their rights in any future EU exit agreement. "Any moves to do otherwise in the name of unity between the other 27 member states would contradict the very notion of European solidarity." The letter warned Ms Merkel about the potentially disastrous effects on young British citizens who overwhelmingly voted to remain in Europe. It added that European student exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ could be adversely affected with current and former students losing their right to study and work abroad. 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 "Last week, nearly three quarters of voters under 25 chose to remain in the EU," the letter said. "Soon, they may be denied the opportunities that European integration aims to offer. "Instead of excluding young people from EU citizenship, we should work together to ensure that all people across Europe have the equality of opportunity they deserve." Brexit: Everything will be on the table during negotiations, says French minister The academics said the British citizens should not be punished for the actions of fractious British politicians. "While UK governments have not always been a force for unity in the EU, there is a generation of British citizens who want a future as EU citizens," the letter concluded. "Stripping them of their citizenship contradicts the principles of the European treaties that ask for European solidarity and prosperity for all Europeans. "We ask you to defend the rights of EU citizens in any future exit negotiations with the UK." Brexit implications 'unclear' Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl echoed the letter's sentiments, urging EU leaders not to act in haste and "slam the door" on the UK after Brexit. A post-Brexit survey of German people found that two thirds want their government to reclaim some powers back from the EU. The poll also found that only a third of Germans wanted to actually leave the EU altogether. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The vast majority of Europeans believe the UK leaving the EU would be a 'bad thing', a survey has shown. This is despite signs of significant antipathy towards the European project. Across the continent, 51 per cent of people looked at the EU favourably and 42 per cent of people wanted more power nationally. Just 19 per cent favoured giving Brussels more power. Also, reflecting divisions highlighted by the referendum in the UK, younger people were more likely to support Europe. But people of all ages and political stripes in countries across Europe thought Brexit would harm the EU, according to the Pew poll published prior to the referendum in June. In terms people's opinion of the value of Britain's place in the EU, the only country with more than a quarter of respondents who thought Brexit would do no harm was France. A total of 62 per cent of respondents believed it would be a good thing for the UK to remain in the bloc. Supporters of the mainstream parties were generally united in their pro-Remain stance and even supporters of the far right Front National party were divided on the topic. But attitudes towards the value of Britains place in the EU were overwhelmingly favourable throughout the rest of the continent. Only eight per cent of Swedes said Brexit would be a good thing for Europe, whereas 89 per cent of people - the largest majority - thought the UK should stay. The second highest majority was displayed by the Dutch, with 75 per cent of people who thought Brexit would negatively impact the EU and just 17 per cent who thought it would be a good thing. Seventy four per cent of Germans thought it would be bad for Britain to leave the EU, with just 16 per cent who didnt. However, it was not just the richer countries which felt this way. In Hungary, only 10 per cent felt the UKs departure would not harm the EU and 70 per cent of people thought it would. There was a similar level of feeling present in Poland, with just 11 per cent of respondents who believed Europe was better off without Britain. Both countries had the most people who thought highly of the EU as an institution, with 71 per cent of Polish and 61 per cent of Hungarians voicing their support for it. The numbers altered slightly in the Mediterranean countries, but attitudes remained broadly similar. In Greece - a country which has suffered as a result of Brussels-imposed austerity policies - 65 per cent of people thought the UKs presence in the EU was a good thing, compared to just 14 per cent of people who did not. Italy, which has struggled with high unemployment, showed the second highest level of antipathy, and twenty three per cent of people said Brexit wouldnt harm the EU. The country also displayed the least favourable opinion towards the presence of Britain in the EU only 57 per cent believed the UK was a good thing for Europe. But in Spain, another country which has problems with the economy and unemployment, 70 per cent of people believed Brexit would be a bad thing for the EU, and just 16 per cent said it would be a good thing. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Refugees have had cash confiscated from them under Denmark's controversial jewellery law for the first time. Two men and three women, aged between 26 and 35 and of Iranian nationality, were arrested late on Tuesday at Copenhagen airport for using fake documents. Under the legislation, called "vindictive" by Human Rights Watch, arriving asylum seekers are allowed to keep up to 10,000 kroner (1,000) in cash and valuables but anything above that will be seized to pay for their stay. Officials used the law, which came into force in February, to confiscate the equivalent of over 8,200 (79,600 kroner) from the Iranian citizens. All five of the migrants have asked for asylum, according to Danish police. Per Fiig, the chief of the National Police Immigration Centre, said: Danish police are paying daily attention to whether those asylum seekers and foreigners we encounter, who are here illegally, have valuables that can help to finance the costs of their stay. Now, police have found valuables that could be seized." The group of refugees were arrested for forgery and were found with dollars and euros worth about 14,530 on them. The measures have received criticism from several organisations, including from the United Nations, which said they would fuel fear and xenophobia. Responding to the first use of the law, Zoran Stevanovic, the northern Europe representative of the United Nations' refugee agency, the UNHCR, told The Independent: "We have urged Denmark not to introduce a possibility to seize asylum-seekers personal assets and belongings, in order to use their value to pay for their reception during the asylum procedure in Denmark. "It is at a minimum inhumane and degrading to expect asylum seekers and refugees to let go of their treasured belongings irrespective of value. "In addition, it may be important for refugees to have some personal assets at their disposal when they are about to start a life in a new country, and start the process towards self-sufficiency and integration." The "jewellery law" is part of an immigration bill which came into force earlier this year, which also makes it harder for refugees to become permanent residents and makes some wait three years before they can apply to be reunited with their families. Recommended Read more Drones deployed to keep migrants and refugees out of Channel Tunnel Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said confiscating assets from refugees is despicable and vindictive. Speaking earlier this year, Kenneth Roth, the director of HRW, said: "I think it's despicable that Denmark [is] moving to seize the last remaining assets of people, who by virtue of their movement and vulnerability, tend to be impoverished." Refugees settle in Germany Show all 12 1 /12 Refugees settle in Germany Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, plays with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, in the one room they and Mohamed's wife Laloosh call home at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany A refugee child Amnat Musayeva points to a star with her photo and name that decorates the door to her classroom as teacher Martina Fischer looks on at the local kindergarten Amnat and her siblings attend on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The children live with their family at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian asylum-applicant Mohamed Ali Hussein (R), 19, and fellow applicant Autur, from Latvia, load benches onto a truckbed while performing community service, for which they receive a small allowance, in Wilhelmsaue village on October 9, 2015 near Letschin, Germany. Mohamed and Autur live at an asylum-applicants' shelter in nearby Vossberg village. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Ali Hussein ((L), 19, and his cousin Sinjar Hussein, 34, sweep leaves at a cemetery in Gieshof village, for which they receive a small allowance, near Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, looks among donated clothing in the basement of the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to Mohamed, his wife Laloosh and their daughter Ranim as residents' laundry dries behind in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asya Sugaipova (L), Mohza Mukayeva and Khadra Zhukova prepare food in the communal kitchen at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Efrah Abdullahi Ahmed looks down from the communal kitchen window at her daughter Sumaya, 10, who had just returned from school, at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asylum-applicants, including Syrians Mohamed Ali Hussein (C-R, in black jacket) and Fadi Almasalmeh (C), return from grocery shopping with other refugees to the asylum-applicants' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat (2nd from L), a refugee from Syria, smokes a cigarette after shopping for groceries with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, and fellow-Syrian refugees Mohamed Ali Hussein (C) and Fadi Almasalmeh (L) at a local supermarket on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. All of them live at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian refugees Leila, 9, carries her sister Avin, 1, in the backyard at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to them and their family in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Somali refugees and husband and wife Said Ahmed Gure (R) and Ayaan Gure pose with their infant son Muzammili, who was born in Germany, in the room they share at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity, and are waiting for authorities to process their application for asylum 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel pauses for a selfie with a refugee after she visited the AWO Refugium Askanierring shelter for refugees in Berlin Getty Images But Danish authorities say the laws are simply applying the same rules to immigrants as already apply to native Danes, who must sell assets worth more than 1,120 (10,000 kroner) before they can receive benefits from the state. Denmark received over 20,000 asylum applications last year, one of the highest rights per capita in the EU, and has now toughened its border control. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Rent regulations are to be applied across 412 local authorities in the Greater Paris region, capping the amount landlords are allowed to charge in rent, French Housing Minister Emmanuelle Cosse announced on Wednesday. Rent caps in central Paris have been in place since August last year in an attempt to curb rapidly rising prices. Under the regulations, no landlord would be allowed to charge more than 20 per cent per square metre above the median rent in that area a rate which is annually assessed by a local rent observatory. However, rent caps in Paris have begun to hike up rent prices in surrounding areas. New regulations will affect 8 million people in the Greater Paris region, most of them living in areas just outside central Paris. It was important to start in Paris and send a signal, but now its time to go beyond, Ms Cosse told France Bleu radio. There are areas where the rent is too expensive in the Greater Paris region and this measure will restore purchasing power to the households affected. Whether to apply rent caps is being left to local authorities to decide, and so some areas are left with rapidly rising rent prices if their mayor does not implement the regulations. Consumer rights organisation CLCV has launched a website which allows renters in all regions to look up whether they are being charged too much for their area. If they are, the site will give the option to forward the information on to the local mayor or MP. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Turkish police have detained 11 foreigners suspected of belonging to an Isis cell linked to the attack on Istanbuls main airport, state media reported. Forty-four people were killed in Tuesday's bombings and shootings, which targeted one of the world's busiest airports. The three suspected attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official has said. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper has said the organiser of the attack, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey this year, was suspected to be a man of Chechen origin called Akhmed Chatayev. Chatayev is identified on a United Nations sanctions list as a leader in Isis responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Show all 20 1 /20 Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul A mother of victims reacts outside a forensic medicine building close to Istanbul's airport AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Broken windows are pictured at the attacks and explosions site in Ataturk airport's international arrivals terminal AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Bullet impacts are pictured at Ataturk airport AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Police officers patrol at Istanbul Ataturk airport Reuters Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Workers clean the debris from the blasts at Istanbul Ataturk airport Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul A wounded girl from the Ataturk Airport suicide bomb attack is transported to the Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Hospital Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Passengers embrace outside Ataturk airport`s main entrance in Istanbul AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Medics carry wounded people to a hospital after a suicide bomb attack at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul EPA Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Relatives of the Ataturk Airport suicide bomb attack victims wait outside Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Hospital Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul A Saudi tourist who survived the Ataturk Airport suicide bomb attack waits for his wounded mother outside the Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Hospital Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul A Turkish riot police officer patrols Ataturk airport`s main entrance in Istanbul Ozane Kose/AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Passengers wait at Ataturk airport`s main enterance in Istanbu, after two explosions followed by gunfire hit Turkey's largest airport Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Forensic police work the explosion site at Ataturk airport Ozane Kose/AFP/Getty Images Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Passengers leave Istanbul Ataturk, after a suicide bomb attack Getty Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Armed security man escorts people from a car park at Istanbul Ataturk airport REUTERS Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Armed security walks at Istanbul Ataturk airport Murad Sezer/REUTERS Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Ambulance cars arrive at Istanbul Ataturk airport Osman Orsal/REUTERS Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul An ambulance arrives at the Ataturk airport REUTERS Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul The weapons used in the attack REUTERS Attack at Ataturk International airport in Istanbul Passengers leave Istanbul Ataturk, after a suicide bomb attack Getty He was arrested in Bulgaria five years ago on a Russian extradition request, but freed because he had refugee status in Austria, a Bulgarian judge said. A year later he was wounded and captured in Georgia but again released. Friday's dawn arrests by counter-terror police in the European side of Istanbul brought the number of people detained in the investigation to 24, the state-run Anadolu Agency said. A police spokesman could not confirm the report. Turkish officials have not given many details beyond confirming the attackers' nationalities. They have previously said that forensic teams were struggling to identify the suicide bombers from their limited remains. Yeni Safak has said the Russian bomber was from Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and Islamist militants since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Dozens killed in suicide blasts at Istanbuls Ataturk airport Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper named the Russian bomber as Osman Vadinov and said he had come from Raqqa, the heart of Isis-controlled territory in Syria. The Russian interior ministry has said it was checking information about Vadinov. In 2012, Georgian officials said Chatayev had been wounded in a special forces operation against an unidentified group in the remote Lopota Gorge near the border with Dagestan. The group was believed to have been made up of Russian Islamist insurgents fighting against Moscow's rule in the North Caucasus. Chatayev, whose foot was later amputated due to his injuries, was arrested on charges of weapons possession. He denied this and said that he had been sent to the gorge as a negotiator at the request of Georgian officials. He was released on the orders of a Georgian court later that year and cleared of all charges in January 2013. "He was released lawfully, whether it was a mistake or not," former Georgian interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said this year. A Turkish anti-riot police officer stands guard as people walk past near the explosion site on 29 June 2016 at Ataturk airport International arrival terminal in Istanbul, a day after a suicide bombing and gun attack targeted Istanbul's airport, killing at least 36 people (AFP/Getty) In 2011, he was detained by Bulgarian police at the country's border with Turkey as Russia wanted him for participation in an armed group and for the recruitment of persons for terrorism and for financing terrorism, a Bulgarian judge told Bulgarian national radio on Friday. However, the Bulgarian court refused to extradite him, saying his refugee status, which had been granted to him in Austria in 2003, remained valid in all countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which includes Bulgaria. Separately, Turkish security forces detained four Turkish citizens on Wednesday at the Oncupinar border crossing with Syria on suspicion of membership of a terrorist group, the local governor's office said in a statement. The four were attempting to return to Turkey from a conflict zone in Syria under Isis control, it said. Additional reporting by Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A 41-year-old American woman has been arrested in Spain after physicist Professor Stephen Hawking allegedly received death threats. Professor Hawking gave a talk at the Starmus Festival on the island of Tenerife flanked by armed police guards, according to The Local, and English-language news website, which cited La Opinion de Tenerife newspaper. It said that the world-renowned scientist had received hundreds of unpleasant messages on Twitter and by email for several years. However, after he arrived on Tenerife, he received dozens of messages in a few hours, reportedly including one that said Im next to you and can kill you. One of Professor Hawkings children raised the alarm after seeing the messages on his social media accounts. Spanish News Today reported the woman who was arrested was an American who normally lives in Norway. She was detained in a four-star hotel near the Playa de Las Americas on the island. In his address at the festival, Professor Hawking warned that increasingly intelligent robots might one day pose a threat to humanity. I dont think that advances in artificial intelligence will necessarily be benign, he said. Once machines reach the critical stage of being able to evolve themselves, we cannot predict whether their goals will be the same as ours. BEIJING, July 1 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) must keep improving itself to ensure its leadership in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said at a rally on Friday marking the Party's 95th founding anniversary. Xi said the key to doing things well in China lies in the CPC, which currently has more than 88 million members and 4.4 million Party organizations. "If we can not manage the Party well and govern the Party strictly, leaving prominent problems within the Party unsettled, our Party will sooner or later lose its qualifications to govern and will unavoidably be consigned to history," warned Xi in his speech at the event in Beijing. He demanded Party members to become more aware of the need to uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the CPC as the core of the Chinese leadership, and act consistently with CPC Central Committee policy. Citing an ancient Chinese saying which goes "If we can not behave ourselves, how can we ask others to be honest?" Xi demanded an upright Party work style and urged members to carry forward the fine tradition of the Party. Xi also vowed to continue the fight against corruption, calling it "the biggest threat to the ruling party." After more than three years of hitting "tigers" and swatting "flies," parlance for high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats, Xi said the anti-corruption drive is gaining ground. "We will maintain our zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption and look into every case involving corruption, leaving no place to hide for corrupt officials within the Party," Xi said. Xi also addressed the issue of official selection and promotion, pledging that "we will promote officials possessing both ability and integrity." He urged cadres and officials to hold the Party and the people in their hearts, become more professional in their fields and regard selfless contribution to the Party and the people as their top pursuit. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The number of asylum seekers arriving in Norway has plummeted by 95 per cent since the start of this year as the country continues strict border checks and financial incentives for migrants to leave voluntarily. Figures from the countrys Directorate of Immigration (UDI) showed that almost 23,000 people applied for refugee status in the country in the final four months of last year a national record. But the number fell to under 1,200 in the first third of 2016, with applicants mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea and Somalia. Asylum seekers sent back This is the lowest number of asylum seekers coming to Norway since the first four months of 1997, when 499 asylum seekers came, a spokesperson for the UDI said, according to a translation by The Local. (The reduction) is clearly related to border and ID checks in Norway, Sweden and Denmark and elsewhere in Europe. With the trend expected to continue, the agency has reduced the predicted number of asylum applications this year to 25,000 from 33,000. Human rights organisations and opposition politicians criticised a new asylum and immigration bill presented in April, which allows officials to refuse entry to anyone who did not come directly from conflict zones by passing through other nations on their journey through Europe. Of around 5,500 refugees who passed over the Storskog border crossing between Norway and Russia last year, almost 1,000 had their asylum cases dismissed on the grounds that they arrived from a safe third country. Only 1,500 were granted asylum and 1,800 are awaiting a decision. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. Human Rights Watch warned of a lack of assurance from Russian authorities that those sent back would be given a fair hearing. Norway should not return asylum seekers to Russia without examining their claims individually, Tanya Lokshina said. Both Russia and Norway need to step up their asylum procedures to ensure that people seeking protection from persecution and harm are offered a meaningful opportunity to get that protection. Otherwise both countries will be directly violating their obligations under international law. But Norways right-wing coalition government has been bullish about its new policies, delaying family reunification for three years and requiring refugees financially support family members in measures that caused the UN refugee agency to voice deep concern. Two refugees attempt to cross the Norwegian border in the nearby town of Storskog (Getty Images) Erna Solberg, the Prime Minister, hailed the policies a success last month. We now have a significantly lower influx of refugees, she said. Some of it is due to putting behind us a long stretch with border controls that allowed many to previously seek asylum. Some of it is due to many now perceiving Norway as a stricter country and thus fewer people seek to come here. The UDI also offers up to 20,000 krone (1,800) to asylum seekers who voluntarily return to their home countries. A string of restrictions and attempts to discourage refugees have also been implemented in neighbouring Denmark, including its controversial jewellery law. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The horror of the battle of the Somme, which began 100 years ago today, can be read in the haunted eyes of this unidentified British soldier. On the first day of the battle, more than 20,000 British and empire soldiers were killed many of them in the first few minutes. By the time the battle ended in a stalemate in November, 125,000 British and empire soldiers had died. Each metre of territory gained cost, on average, the lives of 11 British, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian or South African soldiers. On each day for the last month up to todays centenary, we have published a Selfie from the Somme an image chosen from a collection of more than 700 long-lost photographs brought to light by The Independent in recent years. The images were taken in late 1915 and in 1916 for a few francs by a local photographer, Alfred Depire, for British soldiers to send home as postcards to their loved ones. The images have generated enormous interest from all over the world since we started publishing them in 2009. Only a handful of the soldiers have been identified. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Vladimir Putin has warned that the traumatic effect of Britains vote to leave the European Union will last a long time. What I would like to stress in this respect is that Brexit is the choice Britains people have made and we have not and will not interfere in this process, the Russian President told a meeting of ambassadors and envoys. However, we will follow these developments closely of course, follow the talks between London and Brussels and the potential consequences for Europe and for all of us. It is clear that this referendums traumatic effect will make itself felt for a long time yet. We will see how they all put democratic principles into practice. Is Brexit good for Russia? Some European politicians have called for the UK to implement Article 50 and start the process of leaving the EU immediately but the move has not yet been debated in the Houses of Parliament. The narrow margin in last week's vote sparked calls for a second referendum by Remain voters but the Prime Minister said the result was final and would be respected. Speaking in Moscow on Thursday, Mr Putin noted that the EU was not having an easy time right now but predicted that instability in rattled markets would be resolved in the medium term. Russia hopes to establish a common economic and humanitarian space in co-operation with Europe and will work with the next American President, whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton win the contest, he added. Mr Putin also called for Russian diplomacy to take a more active part in current conflicts, including the Syrian civil war, as well as fighting terrorism and protesting national interests. 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 He hit out against a growing barrage of information attacks unleashed against Russia and said it would challenge the Western medias information monopoly. There has been speculation that the Russian President would relish the prospect of turmoil within the EU amid frosty relations over Ukraine and his intervention in support of Bashar al-Assad. Speaking at the World Economic Forum last month, David Cameron said: Who would be happy if we left? Putin might be happy, I suspect al-Baghdadi might be happy. Mr Putin responded by saying the claim had no basis and were an attempt to influence British voters ahead of the referendum on 23 June. He slammed the Governments approach to the election as nothing more than overconfidence and a superficial approach to solving fateful decisions for one's country following the shock vote for a Brexit. Ties between Russia and the EU are at their lowest point since the Cold War after a series of sanctions and counter-sanctions over Moscows alleged role in the Ukraine crisis. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Students in the UK are being driven to work in the sex industry in order to cope with the rising cost of living and university tuition fees. More than half of those already in the industry - 67 per cent - have turned to sex work to be able to pay for living expenses, such as food and bills, followed by 53 per cent who need the money to pay for rent. Another 35 per cent say their earnings are used to pay for university fees, while around a quarter use money earned to reduce post-graduation debt, or to avoid getting into debt. The startling findings have come from the National Union of Students (NUS) which worked with the Sex Workers Open University and the English Collective of Prostitutes to survey young people working in the industry to shed more light on their lives and experiences. The majority of respondents surveyed were aged between 20 to 25, and also mainly LGBT+, something NUS said provides a valuable insight into the experiences of those workers who do not define as straight. Student news in pictures Show all 34 1 /34 Student news in pictures Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain a student demonstrator during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain student protestors during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. The protesters demanded that the parliament takes steps to impeach President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures Filipino demonstrators face off with anti-riot police during a protest near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippine EPA Student news in pictures Hundreds of protesters including Indigenous People, students and militant groups marched towards the US Embassy to protest against the presence of US military troops and condemning the violent dispersal which left at least forty people hurt including twenty police officers and three people who were run over by a police van EPA Student news in pictures A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students Student news in pictures A man holds up a photograph of a missing student with a caption reading 'We are missing 43,' during a meeting marking the 25-month anniversary of the disappearances of 43 students in the southern state of Guerrero, in Mexico City. A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students AP Student news in pictures Miguel Perez, an intern student from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, puts away his cell phone before walking into the operating room at the Dr. Isaac Gonzalez MartInez Oncological Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once they complete their general surgery training, many residents are moving to the United States in search of better wages, one of the main factors linked to the current shortage of specialists in the Island Student news in pictures Fewer EU students have applied to start university courses in the UK next autumn. There was a 9% fall in the numbers who had applied for courses, according to admissions service UCAS. PA wire Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Masses of protesters jammed the streets of Venezuela's capital on the heels of a move by congress to open a political trial against Maduro, whose allies have blocked moves for a recall election AP Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela AP Student news in pictures Thousands, most of them high school students, march during a demonstration in Madrid, Spain, on a one day strike to protest about the country's education law that increases the number of annual exams AP Student news in pictures Students gather on the west mall to confront the Young Conservatives of Texas student organization over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action Student news in pictures Donald Parish Jr, right, confronts Electrical and Computer Engineering senior Dewayne Perry over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action AP Student news in pictures Brigham Young University announced that students who report sexual assault will no longer be investigated for possible violations of the Mormon-owned school's strict honor code that bans such things as alcohol use AP Student news in pictures Students of secondary education march to protest against the final examinations and LOMCE (The Improvement Quality Education Law) law, after a call by trade unions, in Murcia, Spain EPA Student news in pictures South African police have used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters who had marched to the parliament building to call for free university education, where the finance minister was giving a budget speech AP Student news in pictures Police break up student protests outside the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures South African Policemen fire rubber bullets at student protestors in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures A student protestor is hit by a rubber bullet in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures An injured student is helped by colleagues during protest outside the parliament during South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's medium term budget speech in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures Plaintiffs and bereaved families of elementary school students killed in the tsunami that followed a major earthquake in northeastern Japan in 2011, show banners that say 'victory in a suit filed with the Sendai District Court' in Sendai. A Japanese court ordered municipalities to pay $13.7 million dollars to families of school children who were swept away to their deaths by the 2011 tsunami Getty Student news in pictures A group of student at Ewha Womans University calls for a thorough investigation into those involved in years of engagement with state affairs backstage by Choi Soon-sil, a personal confidante of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, at the school's front gate in Seoul, South Korea EPA Student news in pictures Students raise placards during a strike action called by the student union, in Madrid against university entry exams Getty Student news in pictures Libyans throw a newly graduated student into a fountain as they celebrate during the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Thousands of Thai Catholic students take part in mourning tributes and in singing the Thai Royal Anthem to honour late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Saint Dominic School in Bangkok, Thailand EPA Student news in pictures Students of Silpakorn University paint portraits of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures A student of Silpakorn University paints a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend PA wire Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend, an annual tradition where student 'parents' inflict tasks on the unfortunate first-years they have adopted as 'children' as part of a mentoring scheme PA wire Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) take part in a practice in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) wait in line to enter a classroom in Havana, Cuba Reuters Other key findings show just over half of student sex workers - 55 per cent - consider themselves to have a specific learning disability, other disability, impairment, or long-term health condition. While sex work in England and Wales is not illegal, there are a number of laws which criminalise activities around it. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is an offence to cause or incite prostitution or control it for personal gain. When asked about what legal changes they would support, the vast majority of respondents - at 75 per cent - said they would support the decriminalisation of sex work, followed by legalisation (27 per cent), and criminalisation of clients paying for sex (18 per cent). In 2014, NUS passed a motion to support decriminalisation of sex work so that workers could have access to full labour rights, including the right to unionise. NUS has said it believes the decriminalisation of sex work would provide a range of protections against labour exploitation, discrimination, and violence. One of the more worrying findings is that almost half of respondents say they would feel very uncomfortable going to the police if they had experienced property theft, violence, or sexual violence at the hands of clients or management. Susuana Amoah, NUS womens officer, described how students working in the industry is often treated as a hot topic, yet the dialogue of what workers want and need is overshadowed by sex work abolitionists and does not centre on the voices of current or former sex workers. One of the reports recommendations urges students unions and universities to do more after less than 15 per cent thought their institution or students union was providing sufficient support. The support students would like to see includes information on the industry to raise awareness about student sex workers in their institution, information on student sex workers rights, details about campaigns and activism around rights, and advice on how to reduce stigma. Amoah continued: We believe its important the support offered to student sex workers is based on what they identify as their requirements. A clear majority of student sex workers want sex work to be decriminalised, and more support from their students unions. Therefore, this is what NUS also supports. The report has come in the same month an academic from Swansea University revealed the findings of a similar three-year long study which found one in 20 UK students have worked in the sex industry to fund their studies. Criminologist, Professor Tracey Sagar, said: With increased calls for decriminalisation, the industry is receiving growing attention. Our research aims to promote dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and raise safety awareness around students and sex work. Echoing the warnings from NUS and Amoah, the professor said it must be kept in mind that not all students engaged in the industry are, or feel, safe. She added: It is vital universities arm themselves with knowledge to better understand student sex work issues, and that university services are able to support students where its needed. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Looming large above Greeces chains of idyllic islands, and loaded with history, Greeces mainland is a craggy terrain of raw natural beauty, ancient ruins and buzzing contemporary life. Often forgotten as tourists stream out to the archipelagos, striking out into the various regions of Greeces mainland affords fresh perspectives, a view into traditional ways of life, and a less-visited region, where its not unheard of to get a site or a walking trail to yourself. The main gateways, Athens and Thessaloniki, each merit attention, from Athens vaunted Acropolis and down-to-earth nightlife to Thessalonikis more laid-back seafront vibe. Then its essential to head for the hills: whether its the Pindos range, near the lakeside city of Ioannina, whose Epirus region harbours small stone villages called the Zagorochoria, or Parnassos mountain with the nearby Delphi ruins rising above the sparkling Gulf of Corinth. In the north, the heavenly peak Olympus calls for hikes in search of Zeus, Hera, and the Greek gods. Vikos Gorge in the Pindos range (Zagoria Excellence Network) On the east coast, the heavily forested Pelion Peninsula, former enclave of the mythical centaurs, is now criss-crossed by traditional cobblestoned mule paths, called kalderimia, which make perfect walking and hiking trails (pilionwalks.com). Lakes, like Prespa in the north near Florina, offer prime bird watching, and coastlines like those around Halkidiki, in the Thessaloniki region, boast swimming beaches perfect for children. Halkidiki is also home to holy Mount Athos, a monastic enclave that may only be visited by men, and only by arrangement (agioritikiestia.gr) While away an afternoon walking the beautiful coastline of Halkidiki (Halkidiki Tourism Organisation) Its important not to neglect the vast fingers of the Peloponnese, either. This rural region could be the terrain of your whole trip if you let it. Visit the ruins of Olympia (odysseus.culture.gr; admission 12), site of the original Olympic games, Mystras, Mycenae, and the ancient theatre at Epidavros. Country lanes wind between olive groves and wine country, and central mountains like the Taygetos afford top treks. The wild Mani area is a more austere landscape of stone and open sea vistas and is notable for its unique tower houses, former bastions of warring families. Nafplio, a picturesque Venetian fortress town on a protected azure gulf, makes a fine base, with historic townhouses now converted into top boutique hotels and interesting shops. Grab a map, and take your time, theres more than enough to choose from. Currently, 1 is worth 1.19, while $1 is 0.90, but expect currency volatility in the wake of the Brexit vote. Capital connection Most trips to Greece start in Athens, the nations capital and of course an important stop for exploring the iconic Acropolis (odysseus.culture.gr; 20, joint admission to major ancient sites 30) which beckons day and night from its mighty perch. The nearby Ancient Agora (odysseus.culture.gr; 8, or included in Acropolis joint admission) was the centre of civic life in ancient times, and Socrates spoke there. The Acropolis contains the remains of a number of ancient buildings, most notably the Parthenon (GNTO) Important museums include the sleek Acropolis Museum (theacropolismuseum.gr; 5) which smartly showcases the Acropolis carvings and artefacts. The National Archaeological Museum (namuseum.gr; 10) is home to the worlds pre-eminent collection of ancient Greek art. The Byzantine and Christian Museum (byzantinemuseum.gr; 8), Cycladic Art Museum (cycladic.gr; 7) and Benaki Museum (benaki.gr; 9) are also world class, and are within easy walking distance of one another. Second city Lesser-visited Thessaloniki (also known as Salonica) has its own fascinating history, with its famed White Tower and Roman ruins like the Rotunda of Galerius. The city boasts a relaxed seafront setting, great coffee culture and a rich culinary tradition. Thessalonikis White Tower is a museum, a monument and the symbol of the city (Thessaloniki Hotel Assosiation) Baked treats like tsoureki, a stuffed sweet bread, are made at Terkenlis (terkenlis.gr), and the citys hallmark confections, like pastry cones filled with rich cream, call for sampling. The Ladadika neighbourhood, formerly the olive oil district of the city, is top for creative, welcoming eateries. Paparouna (paparouna.com) is a favourite for its imaginative takes on wholesome Greek produce. Kouzina Kioupia (kouzina-kioupia.gr) is popular for delicious Greek staples in a convivial atmosphere, with tables spilling onto a square. Tsoureki, a sweet, egg-enriched bread that is typical of the region (Terkenlis) History trail According to myth, Zeus sent two eagles flying and they met at Delphi (odysseus.culture.gr; 12), the centre of the world. The sites 4th-century BC Temple of Apollo was where the famed Oracle, usually an older priestess, would make pronouncements, which were then interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Other outstanding remains include a theatre, stadium and the circular Sanctuary of Athena Pronea. Meteora (odysseus.culture.gr; 3 per monastery) lives up to its name: derived from the word meteoros, suspended in the air, these monasteries perch on dramatic rock pinnacles. Walking paths connect these highly defensible enclaves which have been home to monks since Byzantine times. The monasteries are decorated with outstanding historical frescoes, and the area offers rock climbing and camping opportunities. In the north near Thessaloniki, dont miss Vergina (also known as Agia; aigai.gr; 12), which includes the grand subterranean burial mound of the Macedonian kings, like Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The elaborate burial offerings are wonderfully preserved. Peloponnesian adventure Epidavros (odysseus.culture.gr; 6) is a magnificent, beautifully preserved ancient theatre next to the powerful sanctuary of the ancient god of medicine, Asclepius. You can catch a performance in summer in this vast, acoustically perfect theatre as part of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival (to 20 August; greekfestival.gr), or visit both sites during the day. The beautifully preserved ancient theatre of Epidavros (Region of Peloponnese) Nearby, Mystras was the capital of the Byzantine empire. With palaces and chapels dating from 1271 to 1460 strewn across a foothill of the Taygetos Mountains, it makes for a great wander. Monemvasia, a city on a dramatic rock islet is also well worth a visit. Trekking Hellas (trekking.gr) offers hiking and rafting trips in the Peloponnese. For instance, a week-long self-guided trek along the 75km Menalon Trail, through river gorges, mountains and valleys, costs from 590 per person, including B&B, packed lunches, luggage transfers and maps, but not flights. Where to stay In Athens, Hotel Hera (herahotel.gr) has doubles for 100 B&B, and is within walking distance of the Acropolis. The iconic Grand Bretagne (grandebretagne.gr) has been the hotel of choice for dignitaries and celebrities since the 19th century, and the rooftop bar has stellar views of the Acropolis. Doubles start at 300, room only. Thessalonikis Electra Palace Hotel (electrahotels.gr) offers B&B doubles from 145, and is the citys swankiest lodging; its grand facade arcs around Aristotelous Square, the heart of the city, rooms are lavishly kitted out, and the rooftop pool has sea views. Near Meteora, Dellas Boutique Hotel (dellasboutiquehotel.com) has doubles for 62 including breakfast, and provides charm and comfort after a long day out trekking between monasteries. In Nafplio, Amfitriti Palazzo Design Hotel (amfitriti-pension.gr), with doubles for 77 B&B, is one of the numerous excellent boutique hotel options, in the heart of the old city. Housed in a renovated neoclassical mansion, the hotel is a blend of sleek modern decor and old-world comfort. Getting there Airlines serving Athens and Thessaloniki include easyJet (easyjet.com), British Airways (ba.com), and Aegean (aegeanair.com), which also serves Ioannina. Tour operators to mainland greece include Sunvil (sunvil.co.uk), Olympic Holidays (olympicholidays.com) and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (ramblersholidays.co.uk). More information visitgreece.gr Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} My pitch is very simple: Im Theresa May and Im the best person to be prime minister. Normally when politicians say that they ought to have the top job they sound conceited and self-regarding. Such as when Michael Gove said: There were a number of people who had said to me during the course of the week, Michael, it should be you. But when Theresa May said it, towards the end of the launch of her leadership campaign on Thursday, it sounded like a confident statement of fact. She had earned the right to say it. Before the event, against the cannily chosen backdrop of the library at the Royal United Services Institute, had even started, the first poll of Conservative Party members had put her 17 points ahead of the favourite, Boris Johnson. Then, just before, came the astonishing news that Gove had decided to destroy Johnsons campaign before it could even be formally launched. With all the space in British politics opening up before her, a lesser politician might have stumbled. Instead, she strode to the lectern and declared that everything as far as the eye could see was hers. She set out a crisp and businesslike manifesto. Brexit means Brexit, but no rush to trigger the process. A Leaver to be Secretary of State negotiating the deal, and no attempt to wriggle out of more control of immigration. No election until 2020. Austerity abolished, scrapping George Osbornes target of budget surplus. No tax rises. She said who she was: I know Im not a showy politician. I dont tour the television studios. I dont gossip about people over lunch. I dont go drinking in Parliaments bars. I dont often wear my heart on my sleeve. I just get on with the job in front of me. Her speech was half the length of Goves the next day and then she asked for questions. She was in charge and in good humour. She had a good line about Johnsons negotiating skills: The last time he did a deal with the Germans he came back with three nearly new water cannon. And when Nicholas Watt of Newsnight asked whether her pitch was that, as a Remainer she could deliver Leave, her spontaneous answer cut through. Yes, she is the best person to be prime minister, I thought. After the huge shock of the Brexit vote, the nation is looking for steadiness, competence and negotiating skills. She may be boring. She may lack the agility and rhetorical skill that shines in the House of Commons. I remember debates between her and Yvette Cooper, for long her Labour shadow, of thundering tedium. But boring and competent may be what the moment needs. She has the right background. Daughter of a vicar in Oxfordshire. Went to a Roman Catholic private school although her parents were Anglicans, and then to a girls grammar school which became a comprehensive while she was there. Met her husband at a Conservative student disco at Oxford University. He is a fund manager; she worked at the Bank of England; they have no children, which is something that just didnt happen, she said four years ago. This isnt something I generally go into, but things just turned out as they did. Definitely no heart on sleeve. As a politician, elected to Parliament in 1997, she made a striking start as a moderniser her warning against being seen as the nasty party was the early template for David Camerons detoxification of the Tory brand. After being becalmed in the middle ranks of opposition politics, she suddenly emerged after the 2010 as Secretary of State for the truncated Home Office (John Reid spun off the Justice Department as his last act as Home Secretary three years earlier). Always, always the most underrated quality in politics is the avoidance of mistakes, and she avoided them by sheer hard work, attention to detail and force of will. As a result she is now the longest-serving Home Secretary since James Chuter Ede in 1951, with a record to boast about, which she did on Thursday: As Home Secretary, I was told I couldnt take on the Police Federation, but I did. I was told I couldnt cut police spending without crime going up, but crime is lower than ever. I was told I shouldnt start asking questions about police corruption, but everywhere Ive seen it from Stephen Lawrence to Hillsborough Ive exposed it. I was told I couldnt stop Gary McKinnons extradition, but I stood up to the American Government and I stopped it. I was told I couldnt deport Abu Qatada, but I flew to Jordan and negotiated the treaty that got him out of Britain for good. She also failed spectacularly to meet the Governments target to cut net immigration to 100,000 a year, but everyone knew that that was Camerons foolish promise and that it simply could not be delivered as long as the UK was part of the free movement of EU workers. Curiously, therefore, even her failure works to her advantage, because she understands immigration policy and plainly wants to deliver what the people voted for in the referendum. The significance of Thursdays YouGov poll was not just that she could beat Boris Johnson, but that she, a Remainer, was more trusted to deliver the Brexit deal than he was. With Johnson now left for dust, she is left to face a more familiar rival: Gove and she have fought a long-running feud through the Whitehall machine. Their most serious clash was over Islamist radicalisation in schools when Gove was at Education, when May formed the same low opinion of Goves brilliant and reckless adviser, Dominic Cummings, as the Prime Minister. Neither Gove nor Cummings should be written off, and the last time we had a nailed-on favourite (48 hours ago) it all went wrong, but May looks set for a steady progress to No 10 over the next 10 weeks. And then her problems really start. Delivering Brexit is a huge technical challenge. She may be the best person to try to do it and yet still fail. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Today the Conservative Party continued its long tradition of forcing the heir apparent to surrender ambition to the cold reality of success. Boris Johnson just didnt have the votes to be the next Prime Minister. He had lost the respect of his colleagues, who rounded on him in emphatic fashion since his surprise declaration for the Leave campaign a matter of mere weeks ago. Boris gambled it all and he lost. Whisper it gently but, with the humiliation of Boris, the Conservative party has now begun its process of healing. It may not seem like that, but look a little more closely. David Cameron can claim the lions share of the credit by virtue of his quick resignation. By accepting responsibility for the outcome of the EU vote, he unburdened his successor from having to own the failure. The wounds caused by the recent referendum have now been, if not cauterised, then soothed. Theresa Mays pitch for the party leadership is a case in point. Her unity candidate credentials burnished by the presence of the pro-Leave Chris Grayling as her campaign chair, she made it clear that the election of the next Tory leader is not a question of Leave or Remain, but of plan or no plan. Boris Johnson announces he will not stand for Tory leadership Her performance in declaring her candidacy was formidable. In a single speech, May sent clear messages to the market there will be no early general election or hasty renegotiation with the EU and to the party faithful there will be no wiggling out of the commitment to have more control over immigration. She cut the figure of a Prime Minister in waiting; she is now almost certain to be on the final ballot of two put to Conservative Party members. The favourites in the Tory leadership race Show all 5 1 /5 The favourites in the Tory leadership race The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 PA The favourites in the Tory leadership race 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 Getty The favourites in the Tory leadership race Stephen Crabb Highly-rated Work and Pensions Secretary, raised on a council estate, so could reach out to non-traditional working class Tory voters Getty Images The favourites in the Tory leadership race Andrea Leadsom Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change is one of the most prominent figures in the Leave campaign, seen to have performed well in TV debates Rex Features The favourites in the Tory leadership race Liam Fox British Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for Defence, as sources said he will stand for the leadership of the Conservative Party AFP/Getty Michael Gove has not had the chance to set out his stall as anything other than the not Boris candidate. Yet hes already shown the one quality that all Prime Ministers need: the ability to seize a moment. It is a necessary hubris. Andrea Leadsom and Stephen Crabb have both shown a similar desire to grip events, but neither have the star power of Gove or May. I count no one out, but at present it looks like heading towards a clean fight between Michael Gove and Theresa May. In contrast, however, Labour is staring into the abyss. The politics of Jeremy Corbyn arent about winning, but purity. His goal clearly isnt a Labour government, but a Labour party unsullied by compromise. He stands as master of a political genocide that now appears inevitable. The mass resignation of the Shadow Cabinet was not an act of strength or unity, but of survival; they are running from electoral oblivion. The manner in which Corbyn has sought to handle his recalcitrant party is telling: according to his own MPs he has bullied them and ignored their concerns. Someone should remind the Labour leader that, as Martin Amis wrote, style is not neutral, it gives moral direction. Quite. Both major parties are in the process of deciding their futures. For the Tories it is a case of which one; for Labour it is whether they have one at all. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} I started working as a journalist at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland, between 1972 and 1975, and then moved to Lebanon where the 15-year-long civil war was just beginning. I saw both countries as interesting but bloody and atypical, sad casualties of their divisive histories and out of keeping with the modern world. Unfortunately, over the following 40 years it turned out that the Lebanese war was a foretaste of the violent sectarian, ethnic and social divisions that were to tear the Middle East apart. Nation states ruled by despots became more politically fragile by the year and foreign powers exacerbated civil wars by military intervention and by backing their local proxies. Extreme Islam flourished in conditions of chaos, replacing nationalism and socialism as the ideological vehicle for opposition to the status quo. Just how Britain plunged into this morass without much idea of the dangers it was running should be illuminated at great length by the Chilcot Report when it is published next Wednesday, but the risks involved were obvious from the beginning. The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Show all 20 1 /20 The most iconic images from the war in Iraq The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman HM1 Richard Barnett, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, holds an Iraqi child in central Iraq, March 29, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An explosion rocks Baghdad during air strikes March 21, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi woman watches U.N. weapons inspectors leave Saddam airport in Baghdad March 18, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi girl holds her sister as she waits for her mother (R) to bring over food bought in Basra March 29, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Marine Corp Assaultman Kirk Dalrymple watches as a statue of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad's Firdaus Square, April 9, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq US Marines kick in a door while securing a building next to the main hospital in central Baghdad April 15, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A soldier of U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division (Task Force Ironhorse) searches through dense vegetation around the Diala river where Iraqi militants are hiding outside Baquba early November 13, 2003 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi detainee gestures toward U.S. soldiers through bars of his cell at Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad May 17, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Mays, a young Iraqi Shi'ite girl, cries after a mortar shell which landed outside the family's home in a Najaf residential area injured her uncle August 18, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. Marines carry an injured colleague to a helicopter near the city of Falluja, November 10, 2004 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi man suspected of having explosives in his car is held after being arrested by the U.S army near Baquba, Iraq, October 15, 2005 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A wounded Iraqi woman is helped after several bomb attacks in central Baghdad, July 27, 2006 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq A man runs down a street warning people to flee shortly after a twin car bomb attack at Shorja market in Baghdad, February 12, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi girl holds her hands up while U.S. and Iraqi soldiers search her family house in Baquba early June 30, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi woman tries to explain that she has nothing to do with illegal fuel as soldiers from the 2nd battalion, 32nd Field Artillery brigade patrol search for illegal fuel sellers in Baghdad August 6, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. President George W. Bush (L) walks in front of Humvees with Defense Secretary Robert Gates (C) and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice following remarks to the press after nightfall at Al-Asad airbase in Anbar Province September 3, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq U.S. soldiers blindfold an Iraqi man after arresting him during a night patrol at the Zafraniya neighborhood, southeast of Baghdad September 4, 2007 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq An Iraqi baby lies in a cradle while a woman argues with U.S. soldiers of 1/8 Bravo Company searching for weapons, explosives and information about militants in the area during a foot patrol in a neighbourhood of Mosul June 26, 2008 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Policemen cry during a funeral of their colleague a day after a bomb attack in Baghdad's Jihad district November 3, 2010 Reuters The most iconic images from the war in Iraq Staff Sgt. Keith Fidler kisses his wife Cynthia, as their son Kolin looks on, during a homecoming ceremony in New York, April 8, 2011 for the New York Army National Guard's 442nd Military Police Company's return from Iraq Reuters Analogies between the break-up of Lebanon into warring factions, which I witnessed when I first arrived, and the disintegration of the Middle East today are clear cut and undeniable. There are currently at least seven wars and three serious insurgencies raging in the countries between Pakistan and Nigeria, with no signs of those conflicts ending. Over the years, I periodically wrote doleful warnings about how the disintegration of Lebanon and Iraq, disasters that had once seemed to me to be so out of the ordinary, were spreading to neighbouring states and becoming the new norm. By the way of contrast, Northern Ireland seldom provided useful parallels with developments in the rest of Britain or Western Europe; its violence and sectarian divisions made it feel more like a chunk of the Balkans that had accidentally lodged on the shores of the Atlantic. It is only in the last couple of years that I began to notice similarities in tone and substance between Northern Ireland as I knew it in the 1970s and British politics today. The referendum on Scottish independence in 2014 and the electoral triumph of the Scottish Nationalist Party the following year, put the legitimacy and integrity of the British state in doubt on the mainland, with the same destabilising effect as it had always had in Northern Ireland. Equally disturbing was the way in which immigration moved to the centre of the political stage during the Brexit campaign. Brexit implications 'unclear' One always knew that there were deep wells of xenophobia in England, but what was different about the last few months, and reminiscent of Northern Ireland, was the way in which mainstream politicians tolerated or promoted a racist message as their main instrument for mobilizing voters. British politicians once played the Orange card in Ireland with toxic results for its people; now they are playing the immigrant card at home with equally explosive potential. I have always been suspicious of what I used to deride as the department of shallow analogies between superficially similar, but in reality very different, situations in different countries. I remember how much it used to annoy me when I was a correspondent in Moscow in the 1980s and visitors would assure me that the Soviet Union was just like South Africa, or some other country with which they were familiar. But parallels between Ireland and England it is difficult to speak of Britain any more for purposes of analysis are useful because they have enough in common to illuminate divergent approaches and outcomes. It is a difficult moment to look sensibly at the Brexit vote because most political, media and academic commentators wanted Britain to remain in the EU and enjoy a grim satisfaction in interpreting every development since the vote as a fresh sign of calamity. Many revel in exaggerations, such as the oft-quoted remark by the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, that England has collapsed politically, monetarily, constitutionally and economically. This is self-evidently absurd but has given a thrill to those who are open to all signs that their predictions of disaster, in the event of an anti-EU vote, are being fulfilled. Recommended Read more There is hope in the fight against Isis in the history of Islam There is a real crisis, but, unlike the Northern Irish and Lebanese, the English are not used to living with instability and have a difficulty in assessing the gravity of the risks they are facing. A further source of perplexity is that the political terrain has genuinely changed. Analysts of British politics are not used to assessing the significance of an empowered and newly visible English nationalism always potent but with no reason to display its strength in the past because it was so wholly in control of a successful British state. This over-confidence led the Conservatives, Labour and other political parties to underrate the strength of Scottish nationalism over the last decade. When it comes to immigration there is an interesting difference between the response of Ireland and England. About one in nine of the 4.6 million population of Ireland are foreign born, but there has not been the same hostile reaction against immigrants as in England. This may be because in Ireland Sinn Fein, which, whatever else it is, is not a racist party, speaks for extreme Irish nationalism and for much of the urban poor, a situation in sharp contrast to Britain where Labour has always been wary of nationalism seeing it as a phony diversion from social and economic demands. But it is precisely when economic, social and nationalist demands combine, as appears to be happening in England and Scotland, that they become a powerful force, as occurred in Ireland in the 19th century when the tenant farmers hunger for their own land united with the drive for Irish self-rule. The implosion of the centre-left, not just in Britain but in countries like Germany and Austria, is a feature of the present political landscape. Abandoning full scale state intervention, the social democrats have ceased to be a convincing alternative to the status quo since the 1980s and were unable to take advantage of the financial crash in 2008. Even when the centre-left flourished, it has always been uncomfortable in coping with nationalism as a form of communal identity. Conservatives used to be good at appealing to English nationalism, but appear to have lost this ability as globalisation downgrades national solidarity in the interests of a transnational ruling elite, thus opening up a political vacuum that only the far right is ideologically prepared to fill. There are parallels here with the Middle East as it started to disintegration about 15 years ago: it emerged that only sectarian and ethnic identities commanded enough loyalty to defend or advance the interests of communities. This was true of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which became the Praetorian Guard of the Shia community, and later of Isis and the al-Nusra Front, which bore the same relationship to Sunni Arabs in Iraq and Syria. Recommended Read more Brexit has brought out the worst in political cliche The secular opposition moderates, who briefly flourished in 2011, framed their grievances in terms of human rights, abandoning territorial nationalism which they generally saw as a self-serving justification for corrupt authoritarian regimes. By downgrading loyalty to the national state, they unwittingly opened the door to religious and ethnic movements as the only alternatives to discredited old regimes. There are common features between Britains failure in Iraq between 2003 and 2009, which Chilcot Report will seek to describe and explain, and the crisis revolving around the British exit from the EU. It will be interesting to see what Sir John Chilcot makes of all this because the Iraq war was the last great test of the British political establishment and state before the Brexit vote and one that it demonstrably failed. In the case of the Iraq war there was a prolonged unwillingness to recognise that mistakes had been made witness the seven years it has taken for Chilcot to appear or to learn from them. This does not fill one with confidence about Britains capacity to grapple with and overcome the consequences of Brexit. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It is foolish to make predictions about politics, so lets make some more. I think Jeremy Corbyns leadership is over. The only question is how it ends. There are two possibilities. Either he will stand down, probably after he has replied to the Prime Ministers statement on the Chilcot report on Wednesday, or he will fight on and be defeated in a leadership election, whenever that is held. Confirmation that the end is nigh came in a YouGov poll for The Times yesterday, which found that 54 per cent of Labour Party members say that Corbyn should stand down, either now (44 per cent) or before the next election (10 per cent). I would translate before the next election as of course he should go but Im not going to answer an opinion poll in the way the right-wing media want me to. The poll asked how members would vote in a leadership contest between Corbyn and Angela Eagle, and found that Corbyn led by only 50 per cent to 40 per cent. That is not nearly enough to get him through a leadership campaign not the way opinions about him are going. It may be that most of the 60,000 members who have joined in the past week want to defend him against a coup, but many of them may be disappointed Labour supporters who want a new leader. PM tells Corbyn to go Even Labour Party members dont say he is competent or likely to win the next election, according to a poll biased by the pressures of party loyalty. Not that they think anybody else is likely to win the next election, but the one thing it is safe to say is that the belief that simply electing Corbyn leader would be enough to usher in the new Jerusalem has ebbed away. Corbyns competence, to put it at its politest, was called into question again on Thursday when he managed inadvertently to compare the Israeli government to Isis at the publication of a report on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. Corbyn would not be human if he were not torn between a stubborn refusal to bow to what he sees as bullying by Labour MPs, and a feeling that it would be too miserable to carry on. To the extent that there is a plan to get rid of him, it consists of trying to make his life as difficult as possible in the hope that he would simply give up and go. The revolt against him was provoked by the feeling among MPs and shared by half of party members, according to YouGov that he did badly in the referendum campaign. This was not really fair, because even Tony Blair in his pomp could not have made up the 1.3m-vote gap, but it crystallised the structural problem, which is that most Labour MPs have no confidence in their leader. The revolt was given urgency by the threat of an early election after the change of prime minister. That threat has receded, because Tory MPs dont want an early election they want a quiet life and no more risks taken and have forced all their leadership candidates to promise not to hold one. But the defences around Corbyn have been breached, and the MPs who want him out, 172 out of 232 according to Tuesdays vote of no confidence, have no choice now but to press ahead. There is always a risk that they will not succeed, and that Corbyn manages to win a contested election, which would keep him in post for another year. But all that would do is postpone the end: he is not going to become more competent, or more inspiring to more people than the dwindling band of true believers that he has now. So it is up to him. Eagle postponed her challege only to see if Corbyn would yield to an appeal from his own supporters to quit. He could plough on. He could try to use what he is bound to condemn as the Chilcot whitewash next week to try to rally his flagging devotees and, like Monty Pythons Black Knight, tell Eagle that the front-bench resignations are just a flesh wound. Come and get me, he could defiantly cry. In which case, she will. She needs 50 MPs or MEPs to nominate her and then a leadership election is triggered. There has been a lot of pointless argument about whether or not Corbyn would also need 50 nominations in order to be a candidate in that contest: the rules are unclear and the partys National Executive gets to decide. For the moment, Corbyn has a majority on the National Executive, so he would be a candidate. The only question is when the election would be and again the National Executive decides. If Corbyn stands down, the rules change, because in the case of a vacancy candidates need only 38 nominations to stand. In that case there might be several candidates, and a Corbynite such as John McDonnell or Clive Lewis might win enough nominations to stand (there were 40 votes for Corbyn on the no-confidence motion). Then we might see Owen Smith, Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy (all of whom voted against airstrikes in Syria, making them more palatable to Corbynite members) enter the lists. Dan Jarvis and Yvette Cooper, who would be portrayed as pro-war candidates, might also want to run. Whatever happens, I dont think a split in the party is likely. Even if Corbyn or a Corbynalike wins again, I dont think Labour MPs would set up a separate group in Parliament to seek official status as Her Majestys Opposition. The fight will go on and eventually the Labour members will get their wish: Corbyn will go long before the next general election. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Earlier last month I was strolling through a park in downtown Tokyo, when a child suddenly caught sight of me and screamed "Daddy, daddy! It's a gaijin!" running to his father in abject terror. Many living in Tokyo can report similar episodes. Living here, you just take it for granted that quite a few people are going to treat you very differently because you don't look Japanese. Japan as a nation (you will forgive the generalisation) is one that has a long-standing fascination with "foreigners" (gaijin or gaikokujin, literally people from the outside). Gaijin appear in the music charts, on television, and of course on every other billboard. This fascination however is often coupled with an underlying fear and mistrust. One of the underlying narratives in Japanese culture is the binary dichotomy of the "Japanese" and the "non-Japanese". This extends to nationality or appearance (as per my little anecdote) but also to people who hold non-Japanese ideas, or subscribe to non-Japanese religions. It is sometimes argued by academics that this sense of Japanese people being apart or different from the rest of the world is deliberately reinforced by educational initiatives that ostensibly are designed to do the exact opposite, and I do have some sympathy with that line of argument. Donald Trump: Halting radical Islam must be US priority I would certainly agree that a Japanese national who has lived or studied abroad for any portion of time is treated quite differently (by certain people at least) than one who has not, the idea being that they have somehow been influenced or, dare I say, corrupted by non-Japanese ideas. In the same way, Japanese Christians and Muslims are to a degree seen as somewhat 'different' as they subscribe to what are widely perceived as being foreign ideas. There are many more traditional people who would say that their views make them rather less Japanese. That's why it's no surprise to learn that Japan's top court has approved the government's blanket surveillance of its small Muslim community. Recommended Read more Why the British media is responsible for the rise in Islamophobia Somewhat tellingly, the Japanese language press has been conspicuously silent on this ruling. Most of what I've been reading about has come directly from English-language media outlets and the general angle here has been one of indignation. Surely this ruling is Islamophobic, they ask. The difficulty with that approach is that we are applying a word describing a phenomenon we understand Islamophobia to a society that barely recognises this type of specific racism as a concept. In Japan, one is either Japanese or they are not. Viewed through this lens, its no longer perhaps as surprising that, domestically at least, this is a non-story. In casual discussions with friends, it's not so much the rise of terrorism as the global rise of Islam that is cited as a problem, with the distinction between organisations such as Isis and the religion of Islam often missed altogether (not to mention, of course, that terrorism is widely perpetrated in the name of other religions or world views). Recommended Read more There is hope in the fight against Isis in the history of Islam Yet the ruling is Islamophobic, in the most literal sense, borne at least in part of an irrational fear or phobia of Islam. I believe, however, that it is symptomatic of a much wider, deeply-rooted and historical attitude that is present in all corners and crevasses of Japanese society and culture. In a country where even the concept of racism is still seen by many as a foreign idea, inapplicable to Japanese society, it's surprising that there isnt more discriminatory legislation such as this in place. Sadly, labelling the judgement as symptomatic of Islamophobia wont achieve anything in the long-term. The root causes of the surge in anti-Muslim sentiment in Japan should be addressed and discussed openly but I don't hold out much hope for that, at least in the immediate future. Wang Kangfu A 74-year-old retired teacher from eastern China's Jiangxi province recently appealed to a local court, hoping to reverse the verdict made 50 years ago confirming that he had raped two of his students, Guangzhou Daily reported. Now the two students involved in the case are also proving their teacher's innocence. In 1966, the teacher named Wang Kangfu was taken away by the local socialistic education personnel. They told him that he was reported to have raped and sexually assaulted his students. Later, being accused of rape and insulting, Wang was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the court. Wang appealed to the local intermediate court claiming his innocence, but the court upheld the original verdict. Ten years later Wang was released from prison, but he remained depressed since he was a criminal in everybody's eyes. He even dared not to show himself in public or speak to his fellow villagers. But he kept on appealing and fighting for his innocence. He wrote letters to the two girls involved, Yin Fuzhen and Hong Zaimei, asking for the reason of the accusation. Yin and Hong replied to him quickly and apologized. According to the two students, they were forced to sign the material where Wang's "crimes" were recorded. A female teacher He Enlian even threatened them by saying they would not graduate if they don't tell about the rape, according to Yin. Scared by the issue, they had to sign their names. Yin said Wang was a good teacher who cared about the students very much. Wang didn't rape them, she said, adding that she would testify for him if needed. The other student, Hong, also expressed her willingness to testify for Wang. Wang has never stopped fighting for his innocence during the 40 years since he was released from prison. He could even recite the case materials. "I'm about to get to the end of my life, and my biggest hope is to prove my innocence," said Wang. The Government has said the European Commission judgement on alleged illegal State aid to Apple may be postponed due to uncertainty arising from the Brexit referendum. Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said there had been speculation that a determination could come next month. But Mr Noonan told the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform yesterday that the case may now be delayed. "You can see that Brexit has had an impact on economic confidence in Europe already. "An adverse finding with large arrears against a major American company operating in Europe - it may not be a road that will be travelled in July," he said. Brussels has accused Ireland of striking a tax arrangement with Apple that was based on keeping jobs here but which gave the company an advantage that amounted to state aid and went against international guidelines. The Government has spent 670,000 fighting the case to date, however Mr Noonan acknowledged that the State may be entitled to arrears should the findings go against the Government and Apple. "There will be an adjudication in due course, and when we find out what the adjudication is - if it's adverse, it will be accompanied by a suggested amount of arrears to be paid by the company," Mr Noonan added. AA Ireland will continue to use its own brand and intends to use the net cash proceeds for partial repayment of its debt. Stock image State-backed Carlyle Cardinal Ireland and Carlyle Global Financial Services are to buy the AA's Irish business for 156.6m in an all-cash deal. The deal, which also includes consideration for cash left on the AA's balance sheet, is expected to be completed by the end of July. AA Ireland will continue to use its own brand and intends to use the net cash proceeds for partial repayment of its debt. The business in Ireland will continue to be run by the current executive team, who have also invested in the company, led by AA CEO Brendan Nevin. AA provides car and home insurance, as well as servicing, motoring advice and breakdown cover. Mr Nevin said the firm was "excited" that AA Ireland would be run by its local management team. "Our new owners have a proven track record of success across the sectors we operate in, which will benefit AA Ireland as we look to continue growing the company." Cardinal Capital Group managing director John Dolan said the private equity fund is eyeing up more Irish investments. "This is CCI's seventh investment in growing Irish companies since 2014 and we continue to explore further potential investments. The AA Ireland is a fantastic brand with a high degree of recognition and trust among consumers," he said. Carlyle Group managing director Peter Garvey said his firm has a "keen understanding" of the motoring and insurance services sectors. "We are committed to working with Brendan and the executive team, supporting continued investment to deliver fantastic products and services to the Irish market," he said The deal comes after the firm announced it would be moving into the life insurance market. Carlyle is an active investor in medium-sized businesses here with stakes in Carrolls Cuisine, Lily O'Brien's, Payzone and cash in transit business GSLS. Revenue in AA Ireland dipped last year to 38m (46m), down 1m on the previous year. The deal is subject to approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Central Bank. European shares advanced for a third day as investor concerns over the long-term impact of Britain's decision to leave the European Union faded, and the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said it could loosen policy within months. By the close in Dublin, the ISEQ Overall Index was up 0.97pc or 53.95 points to end the trading session at 5,642.49. The leaders on the Dublin market included speciality baker Aryzta, which increased 4.3pc to 33, while insurance group FBD rose 3.9pc to 5.72. On the other side of the board, the laggards included insulation group Kingspan, which slipped 3.6pc to 19.50, while Paddy Power fell 1.6pc to 94.50. Elsewhere, the Stoxx Europe 600 Index gained 1pc to 329.88 at the close. The equity gauge fell as much as 0.9pc in early trading, before recovering to spend most of the session little changed, and then strengthening as Carney spoke. It has now recouped more than half of the losses caused by Friday's shock Brexit vote. The volume of shares changing hands was 35pc greater than the 30-day average. The FTSE 100, which on Wednesday erased its post-Brexit decline, jumped 2.3pc to its highest level since August 2015. "Central banks will flood the market throughout the summer with easy money to make sure no real big accident happens," said Benno Galliker, a trader at Luzerner Kantonalbank in Lucerne, Switzerland. "The expectation of easy monetary policy across the world is one of the things that works well for the stock market and most European companies aren't affected that much by Brexit as they trade mainly with China and the US." In his second TV address since the Brexit vote, Mr Carney said the central bank wouldn't hesitate to act to protect the economy or the financial system. HOTELIER Dalata, the country's biggest hotel chain, has begun trading its shares on the main index of both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. In a note to the stock exchange yesterday morning, Dalata said dealing on the main markets began at 8am yesterday and dealings on the Alternative Investment Market in London and the Enterprise Securities Market in Ireland would cease immediately. The junior market on the Irish Stock Exchange and the AIM in London is traditionally used by smaller companies, and Dalata announced last month that it would be switching. The Company is not raising any funds or issuing any new Ordinary Shares in connection with admission. Dalata had said the move was the best option to take for the company's future development. Aileen O'Donoghue, ISE director of strategy, said Dalata had successfully used the Enterprise Securities Market as a platform to raise over 475m from Irish and international investors. "The business has scaled up significantly and we are delighted that Dalata has decided to join the Main Securities Market which will further enhance their ability to attract investors," Ms O'Donoghue said. "We are looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with the company and we wish them every continued success in the future." Ireland improved its scores across each of the 17 attributes which drive a country's reputation Ireland has moved into the top 10 ranking in a global reputation study. Amid the economic warnings over the Brexit fallout and the impact it could have here, Ireland has been ranked in ninth position by the public across the G8 nations out of 55 countries surveyed. However, the survey, published by The Reputations Agency was carried out earlier in the year, before the Brexit vote. Sweden is the country with the world's best reputation, according to the Country RepTrak 2016 study. Sweden and Ireland were the main movers in the top ten list in 2016. Sweden rose to become the world's most reputable country moving from third spot in 2015. Ireland is a new entry to the top ten list, rising two places from 11th place in 2015. Ireland improved its scores across each of the 17 attributes which drive a country's reputation. Improvements were seen most significantly in the 'offers a favourable environment for doing business' category, and the 'is run by an effective government' and 'has adopted progressive social and economic policies' categories. In second place is Canada, with Switzerland third. Members of the ground crew prepare to move an aircraft operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle at a departure gate at London Gatwick airport. Photo: Bloomberg Plans by Norwegian to fly between Cork and the United States have come under fresh fire from US aviation unions. And following last week's Brexit vote, the US unions are also asking that the airline not be given a similar permit that would allow a UK subsidiary to fly to the US from Britain. The US Department of Transportation indicated in April that it intends to grant Dublin-based Norwegian Air International (NAI) - a subsidiary of Norwegian Air Shuttle - a permit to fly from Ireland to the US. But since then, the formal approval has stalled. It is believed the matter was raised last week by the Government with US vice president Joe Biden during his trip to Ireland. NAI applied for its US permit over two years ago. It had been expected that following the Department of Transportation announcement in April, that the permit would have been secured by now. But US aviation unions have now sought leave to submit new evidence that they claim lends further support to their efforts to prevent NAI from using Ireland as a base to fly to America. NAI had hoped to launch a service from Cork to Boston this year, and between Cork and New York next year. The unions want to admit an article by former US Deputy Secretary of Transportation (DOT), John Pocari, claiming that granting NAI a permit would be inconsistent with the US-EU Air Transport Agreement (ATA). NAI has based itself in Ireland to enable it to avail of the EU-US Open Skies agreement that allows any EU airline to fly from any point in the EU to any point in the US, and vice versa. "NAI is requesting to launch a complex international airline operation that at its core challenges explicit provisions of the agreement, in particular those specifically designed to protect high labour standards for cabin crews on both sides of the Atlantic," Mr Pocari claimed. "Norwegian Air's plan is to have their Irish subsidiary hire crews under Singaporean or Thai law that allows them to fly without having to comply with the employment and tax laws of its Norwegian home country." But Norwegian has dismissed those claims on a number of occasions. It has pledged that any crew flying on NAI's transatlantic flights would be either from Europe or the US. The US aviation unions have also said that the Brexit vote means Norwegian's UK unit (NAUK) shouldn't get its permit from the US DOT. Norwegian already flies from the UK to the US, but does so using its own Norwegian air operator certificate. They have urged the US DOT to suspend processing of NAUK's application "until the post-exit regulatory structure that will pertain to the grant of operating authorisations to UK carriers is determined". Irish oil explorer Tullow Oil is expecting its Ghanaian Ten Project to deliver oil within the next three to six weeks - its first since the undertaking began three years ago. The company said it expects a dip in revenue in the first half of the year, predicting $500m (450.3m) compared to $800m in the same period last year. Tullow Oil chief executive Aidan Heavey expressed his delight the Ten Project was to start producing oil. "This transformational project has remained on schedule and on budget since it began in 2013. Production at Jubilee has stabilised with a gross rate in June of around 90,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd)," he said. The firm's full year capital expenditure guidance has remained consistent at $1bn with some savings being offset by addition capex associated with a technical issue regarding production in the Jubilee field. Tullow estimated net debt at the end of June at $4.7bn with unutilised debt capacity and free cash volumes of around $1bn. Here are the main business stories from this morning's papers: Irish Independent * Banks are refusing to put homeowners back on tracker rates, even after admitting they were in the wrong - sparking calls for regulators to come down harder. Cases have emerged where banks admitted that mortgage holders should not have lost their trackers. These people have been offered refunds and compensation, but not put back on a tracker rate. * The Government has said the European Commission judgement on alleged illegal State aid to Apple may be postponed due to uncertainty arising from the Brexit referendum. Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said there had been speculation that a determination could come next month. * Digicel is under "no pressure" to undertake a stock market flotation after pulling a planned debut last year, according to group chief executive Colm Delves. Digicel, which was founded and is owned by its chairman, billionaire Denis O'Brien, cancelled the initial public offering (IPO) plans last year because of international market volatility. The Irish Times * Ireland's oldest retail mall is getting a revamp. The Stillorgan Shopping centre is getting 15m pumped into it by Los Angeles-based property firm Kennedy Wilson. According to a report in The Irish Times, the investment will add some 1,400 sq m of space. Kennedy Wilson acquired the centre three years ago in the midst of a 306m portfolio. * Finance minister Michael Noonan has said Britain's shock decision to leave the EU will not affect the country's 2017 budget, but admits the long-term implications may be serious. Mr Noonan said the Brexit outcome for Ireland relies heavily on the deal the UK government agrees with the EU in their exit negotiations. * Fund management group Fidelity is expected to tell staff in the UK that a large number of its staff based in Surrey is to move to Dublin. According to a report in The Irish Times, 100 jobs are to be transferred initially with more to follow in the future. Irish Examiner * Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is to take over a number of Irish commercial radio stations after it agreed a 266m deal for Wireless Group, the company formerly known as UTV. Radio stations including Dublin's FM104 and Q102 were involved in the deal for the company that recently sold its television assets to ITV. * State-backed Carlyle Cardinal Ireland and Carlyle Global Financial Services are to buy the AA's Irish business for 156.6m in an all-cash deal. The deal, which also includes consideration for cash left on the AA's balance sheet, is expected to be completed by the end of July. * Former Ryanair executive Peter Bellew has been appointed as the chief executive of Malaysia Airlines. Mr Bellew is currently with Malaysian Airlines and the role change represents a promotion from his current role. At Ryanair he held the position of director of flight operations. China's Defense Ministry responds on the possibility to tow away the Philippine warship from the Ren'ai Reef Wu Qian, the Defense Ministry spokesman says that the PLA has the determination and ability to safeguard sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country during a press conference held in Thursday afternoon in Beijing. During the conference, Wu was asked by a reporter that the People's Daily, official newspaper of the CPC, published a commentary Monday which said that China has the ability to tow away the old warship of the Philippines from the Ren'ai Reef. Will the PLA take the actions after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issues the award on July 12 on the South China Sea case? Wu said that China has indisputable sovereignty of China's Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, which the Ren'ai Reef is included. The PLA has the determination and ability to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The treatment of small and medium businesses by the banks has been "horrific", an Oireachtas Committee has been told. Fianna Fail Deputy John McGuinness said it was "extremely difficult" for the SME sector to get capital from the banks. Mr McGuiness was responding to the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, who said conditions for lending to the sector were improving. "There is an upward trend in application numbers and new money lending by both banks." (AIB and Bank of Ireland)," Mr Noonan said. The minister added that the approval rates for SMEs were "now averaging 89pc". Mr McGuinness disputed Mr Noonan's figures, saying: "There's lies, damned lies and statistics. While these statistics look good, the actual experience with the SME sector in dealing with the banks is nothing short of horrific. It is extremely difficult to get to grips with what the banks require - it's extremely difficult to get money for the SME sector out of those banks". Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) chief executive Mark Fielding told the Irish Independent that the situation has improved, but not to the extent that the Government believes. "It is a hard slog to be honest, getting to sit down with a bank official," Mr Fielding said. "Everything now is done by computer. So we have a situation where the 'slow no' is wasting time and stopping SME's from seeking alternative sources of finance." Mr Fielding said that while refusal rates from banks have come down, the waiting period is squeezing businesses. "The average wait is seven weeks, although I have some people that could be waiting 10 to 15 weeks." Criticisms were also levelled at the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), which was set up to assist small businesses. Speaking about the SBCI, Mr McGuiness, chairman of the Dail committee, said "when that fund is attempted to be accessed - mainly through AIB - they can refuse to give the money but they don't necessarily tell why they don't give the money". Alternative sources of funding are increasingly popular for Irish SMEs, with State-owned lender Micro Finance Ireland (MFI) announcing earlier this month that it would cut interest charges on its loans in July by 1pc. MFI provides loans of between 2,000 and 25,000. The future of the Government's role in the country's main banks was also under scrutiny during the session, but Mr Noonan insisted the State was under no pressure to sell its stake in any of the lenders. "We won't sell more than 25pc of any bank for a certain period of time. "We said we wouldn't sell the shares at the back end of this year, that we were more likely to do it in the first six months of next year. Everybody knows that circumstances can change and strategies can change," he said. LOUIS Walsh has said he expects to find the next big thing at Dublins X Factor auditions as Ireland has the most talented people. Aspiring pop stars and legions of music fans turned out in their droves at Croke Park for the Irish round of the talent show auditions. Music mogul Louis (63) is joined by Simon Cowell and fellow returning judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger. The last time Simon and co came to the capital in 2010, One Direction Niall Horan was discovered, and Mayo man Louis reckons that this years batch of Irish hopefuls were superb. I always say to Simon, if you want talent, then come to Ireland, Louis told the Herald. We are a small island and we have the most talented people here. This is the second-last audition. There is another day in London, but the talent here has been superb. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Sharon Osbourne Nicole Scherzinger arrives at Croke Park in Dublin, ahead of the Dublin auditions for the upcoming series of the X Factor. Photo: Garrett White/PA Wire Louis Walsh arrives at Croke Park in Dublin, ahead of the Dublin auditions for the upcoming series of the X Factor. Photo: Garrett White/PA Wire Dermot O'Leary arrives at Croke Park in Dublin, ahead of the Dublin auditions for the upcoming series of the X Factor. Photo: Garrett White/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sharon Osbourne The X Factor judging panel has suffered through many line-up changes in recent years. This years series marks his return to the show after a dramatic exit from the series in 2014 after being reportedly sacked by boss Cowell. However, many fans felt the show was not the same without Louis and he has returned, replacing radio DJ Nick Grimshaw. Back in business with Sharon and Nicole, the pop manager reckons this is the best line-up of all. FAVOURITE I love them. They are my favourite judges in the whole world, he said. It is the dream team. Its Simon, Sharon, Nicole and me and obviously Dermot OLeary. We are looking brilliant. When asked if hes looking for a solo star or the next big boyband, Walsh said all he wants to find is talent. I dont care as long as they are really good and are prepared to work hard. Video of the Day Despite criticism from some who say the show has not produced enough successful winners, Louis insisted it all comes down to the exposure being on The X Factor provides. We are looking for someone who can represent Ireland. This is a huge platform if you want to get a record deal. Its the best year yet for me. Meanwhile, close pal Sharon (63) said she was thrilled to be back on the panel. It is good to be back, it really is, she said. Working with your good friend, there is nothing like it, is there? I felt the timing was right to come back. The TV veteran was looking forward to seeing what talent Dublin had to offer. She and Louis have been making the most of their time in each others company again, with Sharon joking they enjoyed a wild night before the auditions. You should have seen us last night, she said. Nicole Scherzinger revealed she was looking forward to seeing what Dublin had to offer. It is so exciting to be here. A MAN is due in court this morning after two filling stations in Dublin were held up at knifepoint yesterday evening. The first incident happened at the Londis shop at the KCR filling station when a man walked in and threatened staff with two knives. Shocked workers managed to run to the safety of an office and lock themselves in after being chased through the shop by the raider. He then fled empty handed and was seen running in the direction of nearby Laverna Grove. Gardai were alerted and as they were responding to the call they spotted a man running from a garage on the Terenure Road and arrested him. He was found to have two knives in his possession. In a follow-up operation a woman was arrested nearby when a taxi was stopped by gardai. The male (21) was charged and will appear before Ct no. 3, Criminal Courts of Justice, Parkgate St today. The female (23) was released and a file is being prepared for the DPP. The Cabinet remains split over a bill that permits abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, which was subject to a passionate debate in the Dail last night. The legislation, proposed by Independent TD Mick Wallace, proposes that women should be allowed to have a termination, where both a perinatologist and an obstetrician deem the pregnancy to be non-viable. The bill is due to be voted on next week, but it is not expected to pass after being deemed unconstitutional by Attorney General Maire Whelan. The issue has caused a fresh rift within the Government, causing this week's Cabinet meeting to be abruptly adjourned. A number of Independent ministers, in particular John Halligan, have sought a free vote. But Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted ministers must adhere to collective Cabinet responsibility and the Programme for Government. Advice The Cabinet is due to discuss the issue again on Tuesday, with the vote scheduled on Thursday. Speaking during the Dail on his private members' bill, Mr Wallace pointed out that the Attorney General's advice has not been made public and the bill should be tested in the courts. Health Minister Simon Harris said he has been informed by the Chief Medical Officer that if a foetus has the capacity to be born, it has the protection of the Constitution. He told the debate the bill would not be constitutional. Chief Whip Regina Doherty described the situation facing women as "intolerable", adding she wants to see a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment. She expressed deep sympathy for couples who suffer the "most humiliating experience" of "bringing back their baby in the boot of their car, in a box." But Ms Doherty described the arguments of the Attorney General as "compelling". Fine Gael Deputy Kate O'Connell was close to tears when she told the Dail that she learned that her child had a profound defect. "Against the odds", she delivered a child whose organs were almost entirely outside his body. Ms O'Connell said he is now a healthy five-year-old boy. On the opposition benches, AAA-PBP's Richard Boyd Barrett raised the death of his daughter, but noted his differing views on the subject. Proposing the bill, Independent TD Clare Daly cited the Master of the Rotunda who said there were 71 cases of fatal foetal abnormality diagnosis last year and 49 of those couples decided to travel. A convicted sex offender who was a highly trusted member of his local community in Cork has been jailed for four years for sexually abusing two young boys. The 69-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, pleaded guilty on the morning of his trial at the Central Criminal Court to three charges of sexual abuse on dates between January 1991 and May 1991 while the boys were aged five and 14 years old. The youngest victim, now 30 years old, said the man lived in a camper van next to his parent's home. He said he was a friend of his parents and said they trusted him so I trusted him. In his victim impact statement he said that the man would entice him into the van with treats and would perform tricks for the children. This victim was aged five when the man began abusing him. This went on for a few months until the victim realised it was wrong so he stopped going to his van. The victim was always alone during the assaults. The second man, now a 40-year old father of four, said the man sexually abused him after asking the then 14-year-old to steer his van home from the pub because he was too drunk to drive. He operated the pedals while the teenager sat on his lap at the steering wheel. The man ripped open his trousers and molested him, causing the boy to take his hands off the wheel which led to him crashing the van. Both victims spoke about how the man was very much a trusted man of the community. People felt he was so trustworthy they would allow their children alone with him without question, the older man said in his statement. I had looked on him as part of my family. I lost many friendships because we told others what he was like, the man continued. Mr Justice Tony Hunt said today the maximum sentence for the offence at the time was five years but he would use his discretion to impose consecutive terms. He added that he had to sentence on the applicable law and not as a result of my own view on the matter before he sentenced the man to consecutive terms totalling four years having taken into account the man's pleas of guilty. He said the abuse of the first and youngest victim was at the upper end of the scale, noting that the man had gulled him into his confidence by doing tricks and providing sweets. He said it was also very advanced sexual conduct for an adult to subject a young child to and noted the obvious, profound and prolonged damage his actions caused the victim. Mr Justice Hunt said although the sexual assault of the second victim was as serious an offence, the abuse itself was somewhat lesser and the boy was older. At the sentence hearing last week Mr Justice Hunt thanked both men for the victim impact statements. He told the younger man you have nothing to reproach yourself for, you were a very young child. Hopefully you will be able to move on and not be overly influenced by it. You can never turn back the clock but you have a life to live. Mr Justice Hunt told the second man that the accused's plea of guilty was vindication that you were both telling the truth about these matters. A local investigating garda told Tim O'Leary SC, prosecuting, that the younger man made a statement to gardai in September 2011. The man was arrested in October 2013 following a garda investigation and the second victim made a complaint a week later. A file was sent forward to the Director Public Prosecutions in relation to both victims but the man had left Ireland. A European Arrest Warrant was secured and he was located, with the assistance of Interpol, on the Portuguese/Spanish border. He was arrested by Portuguese police on October 22, 2014 and returned to Ireland in December 2014. He had been remanded in custody since. The court heard that the man has 48 previous convictions including a four month jail sentence for sexually assaulting a male in England. Elizabeth O'Connell SC, defending, said her client was originally from England and was not in good health. She asked the court to take into account that the man was not on bail when he left Ireland and the garda evidence that he didn't come to adverse attention for 26 years. The younger man said in his victim impact statement that the man returned to the area when he was 12 years old and that had massive impact in him. I felt alone and hopeless. I was blaming myself for being in his company. I felt I couldn't tell anyone because he was so well liked. I felt infected and worthless and developed an eating disorder and a hatred towards my parents. I had nightmares during which I saw me as being small and him being so large. I had feelings of being trapped. He said he felt he couldn't connect with his feelings during a previous relationship with a lovely women. I believe I was damaged through my sexual abuse. The man said he had since had many counselling sessions and believed he was not affected by it anymore. He said he hoped he had the confidence now to go further in his education and career. He concluded his statements by saying that he had waited for five years for this outcome and thanked his family and friends for their loyalty. The second man said he carried this dark secret, had abused substances and ended up in court in trouble with the gardai. He said he has since beaten his addiction but was very over protective of his children. He said he asked himself why did he do this to me and cause such pain but he now believed he was strong enough to continue with his life. He thanked his family for their support and patience with me and everyone involved in the court for bringing out justice today. Chinas GDP volume is estimated to increase by around 6.7 percent in the second and third quarters, according to an economic outlook report released by Bank of China (BOC) on Friday. The report also predicts the annual growth rate for the GDP will be about 6.7 percent. Regarding Chinas economic performance in the first half of the year, the report pointed out that this has been aided due to multiple factors, such as policy support, rising real estate market and power delegation, and the fact that economic operation is generally in a stable situation. Corporate profit was improving and new progress has achieved in cutting down overcapacity, destocking and deleveraging. However, non-governmental investment slid and economic transformation in the northeast region underwent arduous changes, read the report, concluding that downward economic pressure is still mounting. In the first half of the year, new progress has been made in Chinas economic structural adjustment. Consumption contributed more to economic growth and new business forms as well as products rapidly expanded, said Gao Yuwei, researcher of the BOC International Finance institute. From January to May, sales figure of new energy automobiles increased by 134.1 percent year-on-year. With accelerated process in reducing inventory in certain industries, revenue of industrial companies rebounded. Decline in extractive industry price has significantly slowed down and the PPI is expected to bounce out of negative growth, Gao added. The report predicts that in the next half of the year, uncertainties in global economy will increase given poor estimation of the US economy and slow growth in global trade, which will lead to sluggish economic demand and more fiscal and financial risks. Therefore, it is unlikely for the economy to embrace a short-term rebound. At the same time, infrastructure investment, emerging industries and new consumption modes can provide fundamental support to global economic development, read the report. As for China, the report said that consumption growth will be stable in general. However, accelerated growth speed in consumption and investment can be challenging. Investment growth could suffer a minor fallback in Q3. Fluctuation may occur in the short-term foreign trade. On the one hand, positive elements in medium-long terms, such as optimized structure and external environment are piling up, but on the other hand, export in the short run still faces significant pressure in external demand, the report explained. Lack of a solid basis for rebound, growth rate for industrial added value is expected to reach around 6 percent, close to that in the second quarter, according to the report. The service industry is still a crucial economic driver. Culture, tourism, leasing and other key policy-support industries still maintain rapid growth. According to estimates, the growth speed for the service sector in Q2 and Q3 will be both at the 7.5 percent level, higher than that of the industrial sector, said Gao. Now that the service industry accounts for over 50 percent of Chinas GDP, it will offer strong support to the Chinese economy, Gao added. For the analysis of the economy throughout the year, the report suggested firm short-term policy on stabilizing growth and more favorable measures to expand aggregate demand in light of the downward economic pressure so as to relieve the declining pressure on the economy and make room for structure reform as well as new economic driver cultivation. For now, China should continue to pursue loose fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy and strike a balance among reducing overcapacity, destocking and deleveraging while in the long run, the government should speed up structural adjustment and supply-side reform and forge new drivers for economic growth, read the report. An Ecuadorian man who attempted to bring cannabis into Ireland so he could sell it to pay for an operation for his daughter has been jailed for nine months. Angel Felix Garcia (30) told gardai after his arrest at Dublin airport last February that after watching TV documentaries he had bought the drugs and swallowed it in 150 pellets. Tragically, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that following the earthquake in Ecuador in April Gracia's two daughters and former partner are on the missing persons list after their home was destroyed. Defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, said Garcia had been in custody in Ireland since his arrest at the airport and was absolutely distraught. He wished to search for his family as soon as possible. Garcia, who lives with his current partner in Granada, Spain, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis at Dublin Airport on February 5, 2016. Judge Melanie Greally noted Garcia had made admissions to gardai with uncommon candour and entered an early guilty plea. She imposed an 18 month sentence with the final 9 months suspended, backdated to when he went in custody. Garda Niamh Carey told James Dwyer BL, prosecuting, that a customs officer stopped Garcia for search and interview after his arrival at the airport from Spain. He admitted having swallowed pellets and passed 150 in total with a weight of 1.5 kilograms and value of under 9,000. Garcia works for a local authority in Spain caring for the elderly and had previously been in the Spanish army, completing tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had also worked in restaurants in London and travelled back and forth between Spain and his native Ecuador. He told gardai his daughter in Ecuador needed an operation on her eye which would cost 5,500. He had 3,000 saved but was unsuccessful in securing a loan for the balance in Spain. He bought 2,500 of drugs with his savings and hoped to sell it on for 6,000 to cover the operation. He told gardai he had learned how to do it by watching TV documentaries. Mr Le Vert said following the earthquake Garcia's father had gone to check on the home of his former partner and daughters but found it destroyed. They are now on the list of the disappeared. He said this had caused his client great desperation and he wished to go looking for his family. He was willing to leave immediately and his mother, who also lived in Spain, would pay for a ticket. Counsel said that since being in prison Garcia had seen the harm of drug addiction and was sorry for his actions. He had written a letter of apology to the court. A 52-year-old security manager, who claimed he was falsely accused of stealing a mop, has lost a 75,000 damages claim for defamation in the Circuit Civil Court. Paul Donohoe claimed that in November 2013 he bought several items, including a mop, on the top floor of Dunnes Stores on Henry Street, Dublin. Donohoe told barrister Shane English, counsel for Dunnes Stores, that he asked the cashier to put a store sticker, as a proof of purchase, around the mop which was too big to be put in a Dunnes paper bag. He said he then picked up grocery items in the basement area of the store and started to scan them at a self-scan checkout. He had left his previous purchase and a plastic carrier bag on the floor while he was scanning the grocery items. He claimed that a Dunnes employee approached him and told him make sure you scan the mop. He said he explained to her that he had already purchased the mop and he then proceeded to buy his grocery items. The court heard that when he was about to leave, he was stopped by the same employee who told him you never paid for the mop. Donohoe, of Canon Lillis Avenue, Dublin, said he felt he was being accused of stealing. He had been upset and concerned that other customers were looking at him. He sued the store for defamation. Dunnes Stores, which had entered a full defence to Donohoes claim, denied the incident happened in that manner. It claimed the employee had been concerned that someone had forgotten their items, as they were a metre away from Mr Donohoe and that the plastic carrier bag left on the floor constituted a tripping hazard. Mr English, who appeared with Nathaniel Lacy & Partners solicitors, said Mr Donohoe became irritated when the employee approached him and asked if the items lying on the floor belonged to him. Donohoe had answered yes, I paid for those upstairs, I have a receipt for that. He had then approached himself the employee, with a receipt in his hand. Judge Karen Fergus, dismissing Donohoes claim, said she was satisfied that he had overreacted to the employees legitimate enquiry. A man who was using a specially adapted clothes hanger to fish letters out of post-boxes minutes after they had been delivered has been given a suspended sentence. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that John Findi (38) agreed with gardai on arrest that fishing things from letterboxes was his thing. I am not working. Life hard for me, Findi said in interview after he admitted that he had retrieved a credit/debit card from one letterbox and was returning to the same address in the hope that he could get the PIN. I go to ATM and take money. I am not bad man, he continued. Honestly I can't find work. I don't have accommodation. I am living here 19 years, Findi said. He told gardai that a friend showed me what to do. He said you can find cards. Findi of Rathkeele in Clondalkin, Dublin but originally from Ghana pleaded guilty to four charges of stealing from various people on dates between July 25 and September 1, 2015. His previous convictions are for road traffic convictions. Garda Gary Dunne agreed with Judge Martin Nolan that although Findi stole two savings certificates from one woman, he would not have been able to withdraw the cash, a total of 85,000, without the lady's signature. A number of cheques which were also stolen were not cashed. None of the victims suffered a financial loss. Judge Nolan said Findi was operating his own get rich quick scheme until gardai staked out a letterbox and caught him in the act. He imposed a three year sentence which he suspended in full for three years. Gda Dunne told Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, that a woman contacted the gardai in Dun Laoghaire after she noticed a man hanging around letterboxes in the apartment complex she was living in minutes after the post had been delivered. The following day gardai saw Findi arrive at the letterboxes ten minutes after the postman had left. They saw him remove an adapted coat hanger from his backpack and try to open some boxes. Findi's BMW, which was parked nearby, was searched following his arrest and a woman's credit/debit card was found in it along with another person's driving license. Saving certificates, cheques and a bank statement belonging to two other people were found in Findi's home after a garda search. Findi denied during interview that he had been following the postman and claimed he turned up at random at the complex to search the post-boxes. Gda Dunne agreed with Aoife O'Leary BL, defending, that her client had made successful legal claims following a car accident and an incident in a supermarket which led to his social welfare payments being terminated. He accepted that Findi had financial troubles at the time of his arrest and was on pain medication for a back problem. Ms O'Leary said her client had four children in Ghana. He was hoping to get work as a taxi-driver. The victim of today's gangland shooting was a former Dublin zookeeper who turned to a life of crime. David 'Daithi' Douglas (53) had links to the Hutch crime gang, George 'The Penguin' Mitchell and a Finglas based drug gang. But while he was quick to get involved with drug gangs he was not so fast when it came to paying debts he owed them. This came to a head last November when he was shot while walking his dog near his home on Killala Road in Cabra. Douglas was rushed to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries. At the time hiis wife Yumei insisted that he was now a law-abiding citizen. She also warned his would-be assassins that they would pay for the attack. She wrote on Facebook: "You will pay for this. You will pay for what you done, all of wrong things! "I know everybody has their history, like my husband David, but he's already paid that, and I know he's trying to change. Trying to help the people when he met them. For me he's a good person, a good husband, a good father." Douglas had a lengthy history of crimes. On April 10, 2008, Douglas and three other men were stopped in a taxi as part of a surveillance operation in the Pearse Street area, following a tip-off. A black holdall bag containing 8kg of cocaine, worth 562,000, was recovered by gardai. Telephone records between all four men in the three months beforehand were "a web of interconnection between all men", Dublin Circuit Criminal Court later heard. In December 2011, Judge Tony Hunt sentenced Douglas to 10 years, with five suspended, after he heard that Douglas had a number of serious criminal convictions. Among them was a conviction for shooting with intent to kill a garda during an armed robbery, for which he received a 12-year sentence at the Special Criminal Court in 1983. Douglas married his Chinese wife 13 years ago and the pair lived in Cabra with their children, but run the Shoestown shop where he was shot today. He always claimed to have strong links with the IRA, but it is understood that he was at one point placed under protection from the group as he was accused of being an informant. The prospect of strike action by gardai moved a step closer after the new public sector pay deal came into force today. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is one of a number of trade unions whose members are facing financial penalties as a result of its failure to sign up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement. Around 30,000 gardai and teachers face the prospect of losing out on pay increases agreed under the Lansdowne Road agreement, which comes into effect today. GRA members gathered outside the Dail yesterday in protest against the failure by the Government to carry out a review into garda pay, promised under the previous Haddington Road Agreement. The union insists that it should not face an increment freeze because the pay review never took place. And the GRA said it will now consider "all options" in terms of industrial action, up to and including strikes. Any such move by gardai to go on strike would be unprecedented and is prohibited under the Garda Siochana Act. However, gardai say they are prepared to face sanctions, including the prospect of jail. The GRA president said the exact form of industrial action will be considered by the union's executive. Last night, Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the "door will remain open" for the GRA to enter talks. Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has warned that major gaps in senior supervisory ranks in the force pose significant risks to its leadership capacity and robust management structures. She told a public meeting of the Policing Authority yesterday there had been a serious reduction in the supervisory ranks over the past few years. A Dublin businessman who was falsely named as chairman of the suicide bereavement charity Console without his knowledge or permission has revealed how he told the HSE of the problem eight years ago. Andrew Garvey, who runs a newsagent shop in Glasnevin in Dublin, only discovered he had been listed as chairman of the board of directors in documents submitted by former chief executive Paul Kelly after he was contacted by the National Office for Suicide in the HSE in 2008. Expand Close Paul Kelly Photo: Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Paul Kelly Photo: Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus "I was asked to a meeting about the finances in Console. It was the first I heard that I was named as chairman and I said I knew nothing about the finances," he told the Irish Independent. "I was never chairman and never asked to be." But Mr Kelly admitted that he acted as a chairman of the board of management in a voluntary capacity - but not as chairman of the board, which has a legal responsibility. "My involvement was as a volunteer in the truest sense. I helped out on an ad hoc basis and was delighted to," he said. Expand Close Businessman David Hall has taken over as the interim chief executive of scandal-hit charity Console Picture: Colm Mahady / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Businessman David Hall has taken over as the interim chief executive of scandal-hit charity Console Picture: Colm Mahady "I would have looked after artists backstage at a concert for instance. I never received any payment." Mr Garvey had previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry and played a key role in getting Console collection boxes distributed to pharmacies for free. "Life had been good to me and I wanted to give something back. I became involved around 2005 or 2006 and left in 2008 for personal reasons," he said. "I had been attracted to Console because of the calibre of some of the people involved including Fr Aidan Troy." Mr Garvey said he had no reason to suspect any funds were not being spent appropriately and when he was informed he was supposed to be the chairman he was "gobsmacked". His comments come in the wake of a raft of revelations about the use of charity funds by Mr Kelly and members of his family. They spent 500,000 on credit cards and received another 500,000 in salaries and cars. Funding The High Court has now granted injunctions preventing Mr Kelly from accessing the charity's bank accounts and credit cards. Businessman David Hall has been appointed interim chief executive and the Charity Regulator John Farrelly has appointed five new trustees. The HSE grant-aided Console with 252,114 in 2012 and increased it to 598,557 in 2013. The funding jumped to 855,227 in 2014. In response a spokeswoman for the HSE told the Irish Independent that concerns were raised relating to corporate governance - including the appointment of a new chairperson and reporting relationships between management and the board - in 2009. "Certain control actions were put in place at the time including a limit placed on the organisation's funding," she said. "An increase in funding occurred in 2013 when there was an urgent requirement for Console [to] take over an important suicide helpline." The representative said it was "important to emphasise that the increase in funding was specifically for the helpline and was provided subject to agreement to allow for a robust review process". It was through this review process - featuring 2013 returns received in late 2014 - that the National Office for Suicide Prevention had concerns raised. This led to the office requesting the HSE's internal audit division to conduct an audit in 2015. She said the internal audit was now complete. HSE management is currently considering the content of the report and is in the process of acting on its findings. Meanwhile, the charity regulator said yesterday that he only became fully aware of the problems in Console after seeing the RTE Investigates programme. His office has previously received a one-liner email and phone call expressing concerns about Console. He has sent the HSE audit of Console's to the office of Corporate Enforcement. He told RTE he wanted to be given powers of investigation and is to recruit forensic specialists. Console is currently the subject of investigation by various bodies including: * Gardai examining alleged financial fraud. * HSE probing use of grant funding. * Charity Regulator the alleged failure of Console to uphold standards. * Office of Corporate Enforcement adherence to the Companies Act. * Revenue Commissioners examining if it adhered to tax-free status. * UK Charity Regulator probing activities in London office. THE seven-year-old sister of the young boy who tragically drowned at the National Aquatic Centre last Sunday spoke movingly of her love for him yesterday. Logan Joyce (4), pictured right, drowned after wandering into a pool with a gentle current during a family day out at the centre in Dublin. At an emotional funeral Mass in Finglas, Dublin, Logan's sister Krystal briefly spoke about her little brother. "I wish you were here standing beside me . . . I miss you very much, and so does Dad and Mum," she said. "I love you very much." Floral tributes adorned the Church of the Annunciation, while large photographs of Logan surrounded his small white coffin. Family friend Fr Paddy Kelly told mourners that the little boy was a fun-loving, lively and adventurous child, and said yesterday must have been the hardest day in the lives of his parents, Tracey and Michael. "Logan was a beautiful child who brought so much happiness and joy to all who knew him," Fr Kelly said. Fr Kelly said the hearts of the community went out to Logan's devastated parents and sympathies were also extended to his sisters Krystal and Dakota, and brothers Brody and Brandon. "What happened to you must be a parent's worst nightmare," Fr Kelly said. "Logan's death and the circumstances of it all has shocked and saddened the whole community here, and not just this community, but right across the country." Music during the Mass was provided by the school choir of Gaelscoil Ui Earcain in Finglas, where it was expected Logan would go in September. At the close of the Mass, Logan's distraught mother was inconsolable as she read a brief verse. Following the Mass his grieving parents stood behind his coffin, which was placed in a horse-drawn carriage, before it left for Dardistown Cemetery. More than 10 construction workers from Yuzhong county, Gansu province recently triggered debate after they directed traffic on a national road by wearing police uniforms, local media reported oh Thursday. Such attempt was made by the construction company who was renovating the road there. By doing so, they just aimed to ease the traffic pressure. Their uniforms looked like authentic ones except that there were no insignias stitched on them. According to the Second Highway Engineering Company of China Communications Construction Company, who was undertaking the renovation project, even though they suggested drivers to avoid this jammed section, the traffic pressure still couldn't be eased. Therefore they sent some of the construction workers to direct the traffic in uniforms, said an official of the company surnamed Zhu. A passerby unaware of the fact appreciated the hard work of the "policemen" under such heat, saying they had really maintained the traffic. While the others commented that though they had eased the traffic pressure, their illegal behavior will hurt the police image. Yu Ying, a lawyer in Gansu province, said that the illegal possession and uses of police uniforms and badges are unlawful acts. The construction company and related people could be punished, she added. This is what happens when you end up in water with no life jacket. The Irish Coast Guard has launched their summer safety campaign No Life Jacket? No Excuse. The project aims to promote the wearing of Life Jackets not just on the water but also at shore related activities like Rock Fishing. The body revealed that two out of every five people who drown dont intend to be on or in the water. Each year 140 people drown in Ireland. The Coastguard has released a video detailing what happens when you enter the water, with and without a jacket. No Life Jacket? Time: 1st minute in the water. Irish Waters remains cold all year around; falling into the cold water you are literally trying to catch your breath, as you try to get back to the surface your first breath might be taking water straight to your lungs, enough to mean you are instantly in grave danger of drowning. 2nd minute. Staying Afloat. Falling in fully clothed without a Life Jacket you are going to struggle to stay afloat. Clothes will immediately absorb water, increasing your weight and add to your struggle. 3rd minute. At this stage your arms may not be able to return to the surface quick enough to keep your head about water, your breath is going to taking in air and water. Calling for help becomes near impossible as you are gasping for every breath to stay alive. Life Jacket? Time: 1st minute in the water. Having a suitable Life Jacket you are still going to feel the cold and panic as you first fall into the water. To what extent depends on what clothing you have underneath wet suit, dry suit etc. 2nd minute. You will have quickly returned to the surface and you are now able to Stay Afloat, you still help but the focus is different. You are not fighting for your life to stay afloat, you can now focus on how to recover to safety or get help. 3rd minute. Stay Connected. If cant recover from the water you now need to move to the second stage, letting the Coast Guard know you are in the water and need urgent help before you get too cold. To do this youll need a means of getting connected, ideally a VHF Radio or a smoke flare. On a shore line a whistle might be enough to get someones attention to ring the Coast Guard on 112/ 999 for help. THE father of the late cancer campaigner Donal Walsh has expressed his disappointment with recent revelations over suicide charity Console. Its founder Paul Kelly, alongside his wife Patricia and their son Tim, are accused of running up credit card bills of almost 500,000 between 2012 and 2014 while he was CEO of the charity. Yesterday the High Court granted a number of injunctions preventing Mr Kelly from accessing its bank accounts and credit cards. The court granted an injunction restraining Mr Kelly, his wife Patricia and former director Joan McKenna from interfering with the economic, commercial or public interests of the charity. Read More The family of the late Donal Walsh raised funds to provide 'Donal's Rooms' in several Console locations around the country - rooms specifically designed for teenagers. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Fionnbar and Elma Walsh, parents of the late Donal Walsh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fionnbar and Elma Walsh, parents of the late Donal Walsh His father Fionnbar Walsh told RTE's Morning Ireland that the family are disappointed by the revelations - but that they believe all money they raised for the rooms was properly spent. "We have evidence of what we wanted to do with the process . Read More "We contributed in the region of 30,000 to Console. But it was for Donal Walsh rooms to be provided in their houses up and down the country. "There teenage counselling rooms and they're there to the memory of Donal. Donal spoke out about young people asking for help, and it was particularly teenagers. "They dealt with suicide, suicide prevention and they approached us with regard to providing Donal's rooms in their facilities." However Mr Walsh said that charity is still doing valuable work - and urged the public to separate what he termed a 'corporate governance' issue from the work the charity does on the ground. "As far as we we're concerned, the one thing we'd like to remind people is that Console is still providing counselling services. This is a corporate governance issue - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater on this one." The situation is "evolving". It is "hard to get a fix on". In fact there is no way of telling just how bad it's going to be. It could work out to our advantage, but it's just as likely to slide into the realm of "serious". It wasn't exactly a moment of divine clarity - but Finance Minister Michael Noonan finally told us to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. This day last week, the world woke up to the news that Britain had pressed the nuclear button and opted out of the European Union (EU). Hardly any global leaders wanted such an outcome from an ill-judged referendum, least of all Taoiseach Enda Kenny. But he tried to play down the impact, telling us time and again in the hours and days since that everything is in hand. We'd plead with Europe for 'special' status, seek to retain the Common Travel Area and highlight the damage a return of border controls between the Republic and Northern Ireland could have. But there would be no impact on next year's Budget and ministers repeatedly told us to find comfort in a single page of the Summer Economic Statement, which suggested the ultimate cost to the Irish economy would be 3bn between 2018 and 2019. But appearing before an Oireachtas committee yesterday, Mr Noonan gave a more honest assessment. Without any sense of scaremongering, he admitted that the figures set out in the economic statement would ultimately have to change. The minister explained that if Britain had voted to stay in the EU that change would have been positive, but now the impact of Brexit puts things in doubt. He admitted it is impossible to prepare for the full effects until a new British government is in place and an exit deal is agreed with the EU. "If the arrangement is full access to [the] single market and free movement of goods and people then the impact will be quite low, maybe even to our advantage. "If there is difficulty reaching a deal on it and it reverts to some World Trade Organisation relationship, where the UK is treated as an economic unit outside of the European Union without any specific bilateral deal, then you're into tariffs and border posts and all sorts of inhibitions to trade. "So the impact will be bigger. It's impossible to forecast with any accuracy what impact that would be, but it would be serious. "There's no doubt about that," he said. Worryingly, Mr Noonan signalled his belief that it will be difficult for Britain to secure continued access to the free market - because that would have to coincide with the free movement of people, which was a "crunch" issue during the referendum debate. Around the same time that Mr Noonan was speaking in Dublin, the Slovak finance minister Peter Kazimir was telling reporters that the next few months and years will be "no fun" for his Irish counterpart. "I can imagine for Michael Noonan this is going to be a problem," said Mr Kazimir, whose country is taking over the EU's rotating presidency today. "It is n ot fun for countries in this corner of Europe." However, Mr Noonan said that for now we should remain calm and closely monitor developments. He rejected a call from Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath for the Summer Economic Statement, which was released two days before polling, to be revised. "There will be some changes anyway. We expected before the Brexit that the changes will be positive. "But when you think about the tax that will come in on corporation tax, the [earnings] have already taken place. The tax that will come in on income tax, we don't foresee a decline in employment between now and the end of the year," he said, adding: "The tax streams for October and 2017 are relatively fixed at this stage." Mr Noonan went on to confirm that he is likely to delay the planned sale of a 25pc stake in AIB because of market volatility. The Government had intended to reduce its shareholding in the bank in the latter half of this year but is now likely to hold off until the first half of 2017. In relation to the 14pc stake in Bank of Ireland, Mr Noonan said it would be sold "in due course when we can get the best price possible" but there is "no pressure" to rush the sale. On a positive note he said the Government would be looking to exploit the Brexit result where possible, particularly in the area of foreign direct investment. He said the markets' response since the vote had been "adverse to the UK in terms of their exchange rate and stock exchange values". "The international expectation is that the UK will be a less strong economy than it was before the Brexit," he said, adding that that would be an "advantage towards Ireland" but that it was not possible to quantify any possible gains yet. So now we know. The Government is working in a vacuum, crossing a bridge into the unknown and hoping for a good hop of the ball. And whatever the outcome we are sticking with the EU no matter what. In the Dail, Fianna Fail's public expenditure spokesman Dara Calleary said Europe had "walked away" from Ireland during the financial crash. He speculated that a referendum on EU membership might not pass in Ireland, adding that they had "rammed an austerity programme" into Ireland and Greece in an attempt to re-engineer society. But at the committee hearing, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that even if other countries come after our corporation tax - we are in for the long haul. He was asked if he agrees with views expressed by the Government chief whip and a Fine Gael MEP in recent days that if Europe forced further tax harmonisation, Ireland should follow Britain out of the union. The Taoiseach replied: "Certainly not. Corporate tax and tax is a matter of national competency. It is protected by the European Union's treaties. We will not be leaving the European Union on it." As was so often said during the days of the economic crash: We are where we are. Independent ministers Finian McGrath, pictured, and Shane Ross had insisted that TDs should be allowed to vote with their consciences Picture: Tom Burke As the rift within the Government deepens over abortion, a special meeting of the Cabinet is to be held tomorrow. Enda Kenny yesterday clashed with members of the Independent Alliance, who are demanding a free vote on a bill that allows for terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality. The Taoiseach was forced to adjourn yesterday's Cabinet meeting without agreement after ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath had insisted that TDs should be allowed to vote with their consciences. But Fine Gael members of Cabinet last night insisted that the bill, which was tabled by 'Independent 4 Change' TD Mick Wallace, had already been deemed "unconstitutional" by the Attorney-General Maire Whelan. "The Taoiseach simply made the point that the advice of the Attorney-General is concrete and must be respected. You can't have ministers voting against the advice of the Attorney-General," said one minister. But junior minister John Halligan, who is a member of the Independent Alliance, has said that he wants to see Ms Whelan's advice in writing. "At the moment, there is no agreement. We believe this is a matter of conscience," he told the Irish Independent last night. Some members of the alliance have advised Mr Halligan to seek permission to abstain from the vote, which is expected to take place next Thursday. Children's Minister Katherine Zappone, who is pro-choice, confirmed that she would not be supporting Mr Wallace's bill. "The minister is in favour of legislating for fatal foetal abnormalities and wants us to move towards the best possible legislation," a spokesman for the minister told the Irish Independent. "Unfortunately, this bill will not deliver what women need. "The bill will have no effect as it can't be enforced due to constitutional issues and its failure to give a definition for fatal foetal abnormalities." Ms Zappone feels the Citizen's Assembly, which is soon to be established, offers the "fastest route" for "building consensus" for the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, which gives equal status to the right to life of the mother and the unborn. Mr Wallace's bill proposes that women should be allowed to have an abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, where both a perinatologist and an obstetrician deem the pregnancy to be non-viable. It is due to be debated in the Dail tomorrow. Separately, it has emerged that Fianna Fail is to table an amendment to a motion by 'Independents 4 Change' for a Commission of Investigation to be held into Nama's sale of Project Eagle. Fianna Fail wants to allow the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to first complete its examination of the sale of Nama's northern loan book. The Government agrees the review by the CAG should proceed. The Dail has held a highly charged debate on abortion, which saw a number of TDs break down in tears. During a highly charged debate last night, junior minister John Halligan said he doesnt know and doesnt care if a bill on fatal foetal abnormalities is unconstitutional, as deemed by the Attorney General Maire Whelan. The bill, tabled by Wexford TD Mick Wallace, proposes that women should be allowed to have a termination, where both a perinatologist and an obstetrician deem the pregnancy to be non-viable. If Mr Halligan votes with the bill and against the Government, his position as minister could be thrown into doubt. I care about the women tomorrow, next week, the week after that who will have to get on a plane or a ship and go to Liverpool, or Newcastle or Manchester, and bring the foetus back in the box in the back of a car, which has happened. This is Ireland 2016, not Ireland 1920, an emotional Mr Halligan said. Expand Close Kate O'Connell. Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate O'Connell. Photo: Tom Burke Read More During the debate, Dublin Bay South TD Kate OConnell broke down in tears as she told the Dail of how she and her husband were told their son had a profound defect during the scan. During a powerful speech, Ms OConnell said she delivered a child that had almost the entirety of his organs outside his body, who is miraculously alive today, aged five. Today, as we sit here, people are receiving a diagnosis that tells them to prepare for a death, and not a birth - and that their misery cannot be relieved in their own country, she said, adding that legislators must realise the law surrounding abortion has to change. The Cabinet is expected to discuss the bill on Tuesday, before the vote on Thursday. But Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted ministers must adhere to collective Cabinet responsibility and the Programme for Government they signed up for, which paves the way for a Citizens Assembly. There was no formal contact with made between Mr Kenny and the alliance yesterday. Speaking during the Dail on his private member's bill, Mr Wallace pointed out that the AGs advice has not been made public and that the bill should be tested in the courts. People are entitled to their belief but I dont think they are entitled to shove their belief down the mouths of others especially when it mounts to a breach of their human rights. Health Minister Simon Harris said he has been informed by the Chief Medical Officer that if a foetus has the capacity to be born, it has the protection of the constitution. It can never be said that a foetus with a fatal foetal abnormality will not be born to live for a short time, even if that is only to be minutes, to draw a breath and to have a detectable heartbeat, the Wicklow TD said. He told the debate the bill would not be constitutional and would also not be medically practicable. Therefore, to introduce the provisions as Deputy Wallace may intend them, a referendum would be required to amend the Constitution, Mr Harris said. It is for this reason that I believe that the Governments commitment to develop a consensus approach within a Citizens Assembly is the way to move forward. Mr Harris also apologised to Amanda Mellet, who took her case to the UN, which found she was subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in being obliged to choose between carrying her foetus to term or travelling abroad for a termination. Chief Whip Regina Doherty described the current situation facing women as intolerable, adding she wants to see a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment. She expressed deep sympathy for couples who suffer the most humiliating experience of bringing back their baby in the boot of their car, in a box, to bring the child home to be waked, to be told they couldnt be baptised because they were dead. But Ms Doherty described the arguments of the Attorney General as compelling and said she supports the process of the Citizens Assembly. Even if I didnt want to believe her, the arguments are so compelling and would cause me that even if we did pass the bill we would spend years fighting in the courts of this land and it wouldnt change a single thing for the women of Ireland who find themselves in this situation. Labour Party deputy leader Alan Kelly said his party wants to see a referendum but that the party is realistic in terms of the bill being unconstitutional. Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said he is not in favour of a regime of abortion on demand, but that he will be supporting the bill. As a free vote has been offered by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, most of the partys TDs are expected to oppose the bill. Proposing the bill, Independent TD Clare Daly called on the Government to pass the bill, thus allowing the President to refer it to the Supreme Court. Ms Daly cited the Master of the Rotunda who said there were 71 cases of fatal foetal abnormality diagnosis last year. 49 of those couples decided to travel, thats almost one per week, she added. In total, Ms Daly said the Governments failure to act meant more than 200 women, their partners and families endured physical and mental suffering. Nicola Sturgeon bounced to her feet time and time again in the Scottish Parliament, aptly declaring that she was "standing up" for her country. She batted off accusations from the Conservative Party's Ruth Davidson that she was putting the country's access to trade markets in danger and ignoring the reality in order to pursue her own ideology. Ms Sturgeon's performance was as comfortable as it was powerful. Leaders all over Europe failed to prepare for the outcome of the UK referendum but the Scottish First Minister had a serious game plan. Almost a week before the vote, she met Taoiseach Enda Kenny at an event in Glasgow and even at that point began acting on her strategy. She told Mr Kenny that if Britain voted to leave the EU then she would push for a second Scottish referendum - and she wanted his help. Irish ministers took an oath of silence during the 2014 independence referendum - for fear of upsetting pretty much anybody and everybody involved in the debate. However, it has become clear from the events of recent days that Ms Sturgeon has managed to convince Mr Kenny to move away from that approach. She even convinced him to usurp the place of David Cameron (right), who admittedly is a lame duck, at the EU Council meeting and speak on behalf of her and the Scottish people. "What I was reflecting there was what the First Minister said was her view on behalf of the Scottish Parliament. They felt should not be dragged out of the EU against their wishes," Mr Kenny explained yesterday. He said it wasn't his place to "interfere in the process of negotiations with a State like that in terms of what the outcome might actually be". But that is exactly what he has done. Mr Kenny has crossed a diplomatic line and raised the ire of Spain and France. But it's unlikely he will face any significant backlash at home because the view of our Celtic neighbours is very favourable. They are easy to like, with similar traditions and humour to ourselves. And if anybody understands Nicola Sturgeon's desire for an independent country, it's us. Immediately after the Brexit vote, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin told the Dail that Scotland should not have to go through the lengthy application process for joining the EU if they break free from the UK. And while Sinn Fein wondered why the Taoiseach wasn't so forthright in noting that the majority of Northern Ireland also voted to Remain, they didn't launch their usual heavy duty missile at him. Mr Kenny told a committee yesterday that he did raise Northern Ireland but in the context of the "links" between North and South. "We want to continue with an open border where that's possible. I don't accept the proposition put forward for a border poll in this regard," he said. "I think it's important we make this a real priority in the sense of protecting the peace process. Irrespective of what the outcome of negotiations are, there is a 3bn fund on the table from the European Union up to 2020 and we want to see that money used and spent in those communities that are still fragile coming out of a turbulent time," the Fine Gael leader added. That's a very different and far more diplomatic approach from the Taoiseach than the one relating to Scotland - but both are pragmatic. Keeping a place for Scotland in an EU without Britain would be to Ireland's advantage. The odds are that as two open economies on the periphery of Europe and bordering the UK, we would share very similar views at EU level. If Scotland is 'in', we would almost certainly be doubling our voting power by having a ready-made ally. Back in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, Ms Davidson reminded MSPs that "our exports to the EU are worth 11.6bn but our exports to the rest of the UK are worth 48.5bn". "She [Ms Sturgeon] says that she does not want to jeopardise that. Why then has she instructed civil servants to draw up legislation for a second independence referendum? "Why have her taxpayer-funded spin-doctors been briefing the press overnight that a second referendum is just around the corner? "How does that protect Scotland's place in the UK single market?" she demanded. Ms Sturgeon replied by pointing to her new found collaborators in Ireland. "I think that trade between Scotland and the rest of the UK is important, as is trade with the Republic of Ireland, incidentally; I am sure that the Republic of Ireland will be seeking to make sure that, in whatever negotiations unfold, trade between it and the UK is protected," she said. "Ruth Davidson wants to suddenly force the rest of us into an either/or choice. It is the Conservatives who have recklessly brought this country to the brink of disaster." The SNP leader continued: "I am going to continue to do the job that I was elected to do, which is to stand up for Scotland." Meanwhile in Leinster House, Paddy Burke, a Fine Gael senator, was requesting that the Leader of Seanad write to Ms Sturgeon and invite her to address the Chamber "in the near future of Brexit". "There is a great affinity between certain parts of Ireland and Scotland and we have a lot in common. "We heard a lot recently about countries that want to leave the European Union but Scotland wants to stay in it. "I ask that Nicola Sturgeon would address Seanad Eireann before the summer recess on Brexit," he said. Watch this space. Boris Johnson was the bookies' runaway favourite to be Britain's next prime minister and then he just ran away. The post-Brexit world just keeps giving more strange-but-true happenings and the trend continued yesterday. Seven days after the vote, the 52-year-old twice mayor of London, and leading light in the successful Leave campaign, just upped and exited the campaign to succeed David Cameron, the man he helped oust as leader of the British government. It gave fresh impetus to the old political adage: "He who wields the knife never wears the crown." Enda Kenny's and his officials' silence about the strange political phenomenon that is universally known as just "Boris" suggests everyone at Government Buildings in Dublin will cope with their grief at his departure. The view in Dublin mirrored the view in London, Brussels and other EU capitals, that Boris Johnson was not the one to pick up the pieces of the UK-EU relationship he had helped to shatter. Questions about Mr Johnson to the Taoiseach's spokesman drew decidedly non-committal replies. Mr Kenny had met the former London mayor "on a few occasions" and the wait-and-see attitude was more than the usual desire to be seen to be standing well back from a neighbour's business. The prospect of the new frontrunner, the long-serving Home Secretary Theresa May, will be viewed as a better bet from an Irish point of view. She was a rather lukewarm Remain supporter, and yesterday she struck a decisive note about her approach to redefining the UK relationship with the EU and how it may happen. Ms May signalled there should be no second EU referendum - a prospect which will continue to hang about regardless of what political principals say. The exit process, under Article 50 of the EU treaty, will not be triggered until later this year. And there will be no early general election - something which is very probably correct given the chaotic state of the British Labour Party. In fact if you are looking for any political winners in Britain right now, consider the steadfastly pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who are reportedly taking on new members in significant numbers. Theresa May is far from a certainty, but she is likely to be among the two candidates the parliamentary party will choose under rule to put before party members for a vote. Among her rivals will be former Justice Secretary Michael Gove. Up to yesterday he was seen as Boris's "wingman" - then enter "Mrs Gove", aka journalist Sarah Vine. Ms Vine's apparently accidental release of an email expressing serious doubts about Boris, and advising her husband to attach strict conditions to his support, suggested all was not well. Mr Gove followed on by declaring his own candidature and expressing clear doubt about Boris Johnson's suitability to lead. Still an expectant throng attended to hear Mr Johnson in anticipation that he would announce his candidature. He arrived with the usual drama, and managed a casual insult to Belgium, where he had spent his own early years. Then he dropped his bombshell: "I must tell you my friends, you who have waited patiently for the punchline of this speech, that having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament, I have concluded that person cannot be me," he said. Up to yesterday the leadership ambitions of the former Brussels-based journalist have been the worst-kept secret in British politics. Ever since he was elected London mayor for the first of two four-year terms in 2008, his profile had continued to build. Most observers believed his decision to back Leave - in contradiction of previous broadly pro-EU views, was all about a gamble to become prime minister. Those within the Tory party felt naked ambition drove him to join the Leave campaign, against the best interests of the party. Some, like former prime minister, John Major, had dismissed Johnson as a "court jester" with no hope of leading the party, and will feel justified by yesterday's turn of events. But back with more bread and butter issues, there is a suggestion that some delay may help deliver some necessary calm before the other EU 27 members seriously tangle with the UK on its exit terms and a new associate relationship of some kind. The rather dark comment by Slovak EU affairs minister Ivan Korcok earlier this week before the EU leaders summit dinner in Brussels, caught a certain vengeful mood towards exiting Britain. "You are either at the table or you are on the menu," he said. Vengeance will not help Britain - and it sure as hell will not help Ireland. At a Dail committee Michael Noonan said quite clearly that if Britain can gain access to the EU single market, then the longer term effects on Ireland could be minimal, and might even be positive, thanks to gains from displaced UK investment and jobs. Mr Noonan conceded that it will be hard for Britain to get full access to the EU single market without some concession on free movement of people. Given the profile of migration in the Brexit referendum that will be a hard circle to square. EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker summed up the EU's tightly wound opening bid by stressing there can be no bartering the EU's celebrated "Four Freedoms": free movement of people, goods, services and capital across all member states. "Those who want market access must accept the four freedoms without exception and without nuance," Mr Juncker said. EU Council president Donald Tusk was pithier: "There can be no a la carte." All of this is an opening stance not a closing position. But it makes for tough and tight negotiations. The balance of power in Europe is shifting, and Ireland will no longer be able to rely on Britain to help secure its national interest. The Government will now have to build on the alliances it has forged with like-minded Nordic, Baltic and eastern European countries. The Brexit spectre will overshadow day-to-day lawmaking even though EU leaders insist it will be business as usual until the UK finalises its divorce settlement with Europe. Britain's EU Commissioner Jonathan Hill has recused himself, and, in private, British officials are fearful for their future. The situation leaves Ireland, the EU's ninth-smallest country in population, unable to rely on an influential ally in Europe. Britain has acted as a counterbalance to the EU's main "motors", Germany and France, who have pushed for more integration and shared sovereignty, particularly during the financial crisis. Their hegemony is being challenged by an emergent but increasingly vocal bloc known as the Visegrad group, comprising Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, who are ardent critics of the EU's approach to the migration crisis. "Crucial decisions on the future of Europe cannot be defined by one or two member states, or the founding member states of the EU," said Slovak prime minister Robert Fico, whose country takes over the EU's rotating presidency today. "The same applies to our common stance on such important events as Brexit." There are two other EU blocs that hold sway: the 19-member eurozone, of which Ireland is a member, and the 26-country Schengen travel zone, of which it is not. The UK has acted as a buffer between all of these competing interests and, Irish diplomats say, an important source of information on complex EU banking and tax files. As the world's largest exporter of financial services, the UK was an important powerbroker and support during the banking crisis. In future, Ireland may have to rely more on Denmark and Sweden, who have been sensitive to Irish banking woes and contributed bilateral loans as part of the 2010 bailout. On tax, Ireland may have to look further east. France is in favour of tax harmonisation, and famously went after Ireland's 12.5pc corporate tax rate during the bailout. It is now, along with Germany, Italy, Spain and six other countries, pursuing a limited financial transactions tax, something Ireland opposes. Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania, by virtue of being the lowest-tax jurisdictions in the EU along with Ireland, are generally onside in tax talks, as are Cyprus and Malta. On single market regulation, Ireland can rely on the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and some other eastern European and Nordic countries. On agriculture, Ireland, France and the EU's "older" member states tend to favour a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy, but Denmark and the Netherlands are emerging as more sympathetic allies in the dairy market crisis. And as the talks on a divorce settlement with the UK continue, Ireland will have an uphill struggle to protect its national interests, given its size and weight in the EU. Chef Derry Clarke said he felt hurt and nauseated by more revelations about how funds were spent at the suicide charity Console. Derry became a fundraiser for the charity after he and his wife Sallyanne lost their son Andrew (16) to suicide. He said that he received a cheque yesterday with a 100 donation towards the charity and noted that it was now "probably the safest charity" to donate money to. The revelations about spending on designer clothes, groceries and luxuries were damaging to Console and to the entire charity sector, he said. "I've seen the accounts - they are online. Nauseating is the word," he added. The fundraising work he did for Console was "for personal reasons", he said, referring to the loss of his son, which he said helped him to heal. "It helped with the healing process. I think what has happened has taken away from my healing process. It's taken away the good from that," he told the Irish Independent. "Lots of people I know gave money to me, their hard-earned money to me, to give to Console. Every penny went to Console that I got. That hurts. It really hurts. "I assume I will learn more in the next few weeks. I'd like to know that the money and cheques I did give in on behalf of other people did go into the services." Derry revealed that he received a letter from the west of Ireland yesterday with a cheque in it for 100 to give to Console. "It has dawned on me in the last couple of days that Console is probably, at the moment, the safest charity to give money to. It really is," he said. "It's changed completely in there. I could see that straight away. Nothing is guaranteed in life. I'm pretty sure that accountability and governance is going to be second to none for them to survive. Because obviously, if it's not, they're gone completely. "Definitely getting that 100 cheque today was very surprising." Asked if he was disappointed that Charlie Bird had decided not to donate royalties from his new book to Console after the controversy, he said "I understand his point of view". "Console is a vital service. There are great people working there. And there are a lot of volunteers working there," he said. "The counsellors are brilliant. "They have 12 staff there and they're all modestly paid, as far as I know." Referring to the large numbers of people who have fundraised for Console, he said: "There are thousands out there. People cycled, people walked, people ran. "People on a rowing team in Wicklow raised 10,000 for Console this year; how do they feel?" Gardai are also investigating an incident which occurred on the Navan Road shortly before 10pm last night (Stock picture) A woman in her 70s has died following a road crash in Spain yesterday. It is understood that the woman, from Gortahork in Co Donegal, was holidaying with family when the crash occurred. She was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from injuries sustained in the crash. Local councillor Seamus O Domhnaill said the community was "devastated". "She was very well known in the area," he added. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it had not yet received a report on the incident. Meanwhile, a pedestrian is in a critical condition following a collision in Dublin. Gardai are investigating the incident which occurred on the Navan Road shortly before 10pm last night. Diversions were in place between the Baggot Road Junction and the Ashtown roundabout. A technical examination of the scene was carried out by officers. An Irish man is the brains behind a new app which helps connect singletons living with HIV. Andrew Goyvaerts (28) from Baltimore in Cork was inspired to create the new app, Poz, after experiencing abuse from trolls for being open about his HIV positive status on a mainstream dating app. The entrepreneur revealed that Poz allows people living with HIV to approach dating without the fear of rejection that can come with other online dating platforms. The idea for the app really came from some experiences I has after being diagnosed with HIV. When you are dating someone there was always this question of When is the right time to disclose your status. I had been on dating apps and I had a fair few terrible experiences. At the beginning, I would tell people I had HIV after talking to them for a while but then I decided to just put it out there on my profile. I was getting derogatory messages and abuse from people who I hadnt even messaged and people I didnt even have an interest in. The rejection was tough to take but that experience motivated the idea to create Poz, he said. The idea for the app was two years in development before it launched in late March and has since attracted more than 3,500 active users in Ireland, the UK and USA. In Ireland, 7,353 people have been diagnosed with HIV since the early 1980's according to the most recent report on HIV in Ireland issued by the HPSC. Andrew's international app is GPS-based and allows users to create a profile and connect with others based on location. Andrew revealed that the app also addresses the lack of support available to those living with HIV in rural areas such as Downpatrick in Co. Down, where he is based. With other medical conditions, such as cancer for example, there is a huge community build up to support people going through that. With HIV, outside urban areas, people may have to travel for hours in order to get that support. I live in Downpatrick and I travel 1hr20m to Belfast and back to the local support centre. Poz serves as a connection point for those with HIV. With Poz one thing I am keen to promote is sexual health and its importance. Dating apps in general have a bad reputation in that way but our priority is to promote safe sex as well. People who aren't HIV positive can of course download the app too, but we would suggest maybe making it apparent on your bio that you aren't HIV positive so it's clear to other users. Despite his light bulb moment, Andrew admitted that his team advised against him joining Poz, suggesting it may be unprofessional however he said its a promise he might regret making. My team thought it might be a bit unprofessional to join the app myself and I agreed reluctantly. It gets harder and harder to stick to my promise the more it is growing and when I see eligible dates using the app, he joked. Well-heeled foodies seeking a second home in the gourmet hotspot of Kinsale, as well as local buyers, will be attracted to Cluain Mara, a new development of three and four-bed homes in the maritime town. Four of the eight units from the initial phase launched at Cluain Mara in early April are still for sale, with the remainder reserved. These 1,818 sq ft properties range in price from 460,000 to 475,000, reflecting the popularity of the upmarket seaside location. All are from the C house type and are four-bed detached homes. There will be another opportunity to snap up one of the Farm Lane properties in August, when a second phase of the development is due to come on stream. These will most likely be a mix of three-bed townhouses and four-bed semi-detached properties, though prices have yet to be confirmed, according to selling agent Savills. When developer Centurion Homes has completed the scheme, Cluain Mara will have 27 units in all. The exteriors of the homes are rendered in cream plaster, with picture windows trimmed in black. Inside, the contemporary-style Kube kitchens have silestone worktops and island units, while the sanitary ware in the bathrooms is from Villeroy & Boch. The driveways at Cluain Mara are cobble-locked with brick walls between houses. The homes have an A2 BER and come with a heat recovery system, solar panels on the roof, underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove. Cluain Mara is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Kinsale and a 20 minute drive from Cork International Airport. Enquiries to: Savills (021) 4271371. A German tourist has died after falling off a cliff while posing for a picture at the ancient site of Machu Picchu. Oliver Park reportedly went into a restricted area near a ravine in the Peruvian Andes on Wednesday, despite safety signs and warnings from wardens, officials said. The 51-year-old lost his footing while posing for a photograph of himself jumping as if in flight, the BBC reported. He slipped and fell 100 metres into the ravine, which is strewn with rocks and jungle, local media said. A warden, who was nearby, alerted the emergency services, who declared him dead at the scene. His body was recovered on Thursday and taken to a local police station before being transferred to a morgue in the city of Cusco, according to the broadcaster. Machu Picchu (which means old mountain in the Quechua language) is one of the best known and most visited tourist destinations in South America. The 550-year old citadel was built by the Inca civilisation in the 15th century and is perched high in the Peruvian Andes at 7,973ft above sea level. Authorities have struggled to maintain tourist safety at the site, with tourist deaths usually linked to altitude sickness, floods and hiking accidents. In 2010, thousands of people had to be evacuated from Machu Picchu due to flooding in the area. Deaths while posing for a photograph have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly with the rise of the selfie phenomenon. Last year, more people died while taking selfies than by shark attacks. In September, a Melbourne student was thought to have fallen to her death after losing her balance while attempting to take a selfie at Norways Trolltunga rock which juts out 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Read more: Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke in slow motion; his face ashen beneath the make-up. Behind the scenes, officials scattered to compose briefing papers for ministers soon to be pressed for intelligent answers Photo: Tom Burke I have lost count of the umpteen media references to divorce since last Friday. Brexit has correctly been likened to a messy divorce, with all the related trauma for the parties concerned. As with divorce, both sides are confused about the future, worried about money, security and potential isolation down the road. Irreconcilable differences remain between the parties. But as the dust settles and some of the doom-laden predictions materialise, there is even a temptation to return to the familiarity of the status quo. Divorcing couples can be so overwhelmed by the magnitude of change that they consider a reversal of the break-up. Newly divorced couples can feel violated, abandoned, anxious and short-changed. Enlarge these feelings a thousandfold and superimpose them on a country and you get an insight into how the populations of the United Kingdom are feeling this week. Because the Leave outcome was unexpected, politicians in both camps were equally wrong-footed. Voters were left staring at the TV, waiting for political direction on what it all meant. Nigel Farage, having almost conceded defeat the previous evening, quickly adapted to the surprise win. Boris Johnson - who yesterday bowed out of the race to succeed David Cameron as prime minister - emerged wordless and blinking into a media scrum camped on his doorstep. At the first press event, the nervous Tory victors appeared shell-shocked while delivering phoney eulogies about the outcome and regret for Cameron's resignation. Out in the real world, the currency and stock markets were crashing. There followed a week of turmoil, including a leadership heave against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Theresa May had squared up to Boris Johnson in the race for leadership of the Conservative party. European leaders struggled for words, with mixed messages emanating about the departing Brits. Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke in slow motion; his face ashen beneath the make-up. Behind the scenes, officials scattered to compose briefing papers for ministers soon to be pressed for intelligent answers. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin correctly identified a "green jersey" moment where all parties should collaborate to protect Ireland's strategic interests in this challenging new landscape. Dail Eireann contains an abundance of political and ministerial experience. Our diplomats and officials are second to none and enjoy powerful networks in the EU. But it occurred to me that given the scale of this national economic threat, which will be protracted, Ireland would be better served by a national unity government rather than a vulnerable minority administration beholden to the support of others. It was unsettling this week that Independent ministers were angling for a free vote on a private members' abortion bill. At a time of an unprecedented challenge to the national interest, a strong government capable of making bold and even unpopular decisions is required. For the current Irish Government, a Brexit is the stuff of administrative and political nightmares. There are so many fronts to be protected: trade, agriculture and fisheries; currency; the common travel area; a shared border with the North; and the rights of Irish people resident in the UK. Small wonder the Taoiseach gave short shrift to Sinn Fein's premature call for a border poll on reunification. To be fair, there is legitimacy in the concerns that a devolved part of the United Kingdom like Northern Ireland or Scotland could be swept out of the EU against the democratic will in both jurisdictions expressed in the referendum. Enda Kenny's expression of this predictably raised Tory hackles. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been admirably sure-footed and Scotland will be in a strong position to argue for a second poll on Scottish independence as an alternative to being forcibly decoupled from the European Union. So the irony is that British nationalism, which so fervently fuelled the Brexit, could be instrumental in breaking up the Union and triggering a constitutional crisis. By voting Remain, Northern Irish voters went against their First Minister, Arlene Foster, and the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers. But the signs are that all sides will pull together now to safeguard the economic social and political status of the North post-Brexit. Ireland is well placed in ongoing EU discussions to be helpful to our UK neighbours as well as securing our own strategic interests. Blaming and punishing the UK for the Leave vote is not the way to proceed. It would better serve the European project, under threat from widespread populist anti-EU sentiment in several countries, to seek a common purpose and talk up all that is good about the Union. Like it or not, EU officials and leaders must accept that the European Union is a political as well as an economic construct. If the politics fails, as has occurred in the UK, the project is democratically unsustainable and no amount of chiding will change it. As US Secretary of State John Kerry said, "nobody should go off half-cocked" or "start ginning up scatter-brained or revengeful premises". Real efforts too must be made by all to calm down the societal tensions related to immigration which have emerged, particularly in the UK. Grievance about immigration and a perceived loss of sovereignty is widespread in other EU countries and it would be deluded to ignore or make light of the issue, given that it has triggered the current crisis and could prompt copy-cat behaviour in other states. Having said that, the unfortunate conflation of irregular or illegal migration with a genuine refugee emergency is dangerous. The abject failure of the EU countries to respond competently to the refugee crisis arising primarily from the Syrian war has been a tipping point. When governments appear incompetent and ineffectual in dealing with challenges like mass migration, the natives get nervous fearing there are no controls. For the last four years that has been both the impression and the reality. As Europeans, we are now grappling with a shared fast-moving crisis. On Wednesday, veteran journalist Jon Snow ended the Channel 4 News with: "That was the news tonight, heaven knows what will happen next." In what may turn out to be one of his last speeches for a while on the British national stage, Boris Johnson said that now was "not a time to quail, not a crisis, nor an excuse for wobbling or self-doubt". It was a very British sentiment - all stiff upper lip and keeping calm and carrying on. But the MP and former mayor of London was as wrong about this, as he appears to have been in forecasting either his side's victory in the EU referendum or his chances of succeeding David Cameron as prime minister. For the past week, the UK has been in crisis, a crisis with repercussions far beyond Britain's shores. Some have drawn comparisons with the uncertainties and perils that attended the fall of the Berlin Wall; others go back further, citing Britain's choice to enter the conflict that became the Second World War. Personally, I would go with Berlin, or the months before and after the Soviet Union's collapse. What defined these times was the sense of everything being in flux, of all the rules and structures underpinning our supposed stability being shown up for the insubstantial moorings they were. There was a sense of not knowing what would happen, either on the morrow, or in a month or a year's time. From the summer of 1989, however, there was also a merciful sense of national leaders acknowledging their responsibility in such tumultuous times, improvising as best they could in an effort to navigate this dangerous, but also hopeful, new world. Above all, there was a shared recognition that there could be no going back. Yet it is not at all clear to me that the implications of the UK's referendum vote have yet sunk in (at least not here in London, where it actually happened). Yes, there was anger on the Remain side, much of it behind closed doors. And there were sporadic shows of dissent, gatherings to wave the EU flag on Trafalgar and Parliament squares. But there was more regret than rebellion. In general, the response was calm. Even though the result was close there has been no formal challenge; the figures were immediately accepted by both sides. David Cameron, having led the losing side, took the honourable course, his resignation to take effect when a new leader was in place. The leadership contest has already had its thrills and spills, but everything has so far happened as it is supposed to - in accordance with tradition and party precept - and thank goodness for that. We flatter ourselves, however, if we fail to recognise that the referendum result has exposed flaws - enormous flaws - in British institutions and the way it does politics. The UK is known the world over for its stability, its constitutionality, and its respect for the rule of law. Its ministers and NGOs travel the world lecturing other people about how it should be done. We should now perhaps pause for a while and train the spotlight on ourselves. The Bank of England and the Treasury may have had contingencies in place for a Leave vote - and how could they not? - but the leaders of the Leave campaign patently did not. The response on all sides was to hesitate, not to rush, to take stock. A vote had been held, there was a mandate for Leave, the rest of the European Union said get on with it, but there was a startling vacuum in the UK where both power and leadership should have been. UK domestic politics, it turned out, could not take the strain. In Parliament, both major parties were split from top to bottom. The idea seemed to be that MPs would return to the Commons and pick up pretty much where they left off but the question at hand, In or Out of the EU, is one that determines the whole nature and future of the UK. How can traditional party allegiances be squared with the rift over the EU? Labour imploded because the leader's popular mandate and MPs' mandates are at odds, as in many cases are their perspectives on life. There are now essentially two parties of the left, as there are two parties - or even three, with Ukip - of the right, even if the candidates for the Cameron succession manage to paper over the huge crack. Will, or even should, this party system survive? And what about the Union? The nightmare - that Scotland and Northern Ireland would vote to stay, while England and Wales voted to leave - came to pass. Is the divergence profound enough to precipitate secession, amicable or otherwise? Are there, as Sinn Fein has argued, grounds for moving to a united Ireland? And if not, why should there not be a proper border with the Republic? Where does England's vote leave Gibraltar with its massive majority for Remain? The UK is quick to find fault with the quality of other states' democracy, just as it roundly condemns other post-imperial powers for the unfinished business they leave. But its left-overs are as untidy as anyone's, and just as potentially destabilising. The UK is fortunate in the (comparatively) restrained character of its politics and people and in the degree to which rules are established and observed. If temperaments were fierier, or the rules less embedded, or if it had been engaged in conflicts that were more recent or closer to the surface, it could be contemplating something close to civil disorder today. Such a close brush with instability should encourage the next government to consider whether the UK should not have a modern written constitution, an electoral system that gives smaller parties due representation in Parliament, and a more clearly demarcated federal system. ( Independent News Service) In the run-up to and subsequent fall-out from the recent UK referendum on EU membership, there was no reference made in the media to the requirement of the Scottish devolution referendum of 1979 that a minimum threshold of 40pc of the total electorate (those that can and do vote, plus those that can vote but don't) had to be met for a vote to carry. In the case of the referendum of 1979, although 52pc of those that voted said 'Yes', the vote was not enacted due to the 64pc turnout which meant that only 33pc of the total potential electorate actually did say 'Yes', thereby falling short of the total 40pc, as was then required. Had this same threshold been in place in last Thursday's EU referendum, the vote would again have not carried, due to the 52pc vote to leave being reduced relative to the total electorate to 38pc based on the 72pc turnout, and thus falling short of a 40pc threshold had that been in place in 1979. The UK government, in my view as a UK resident citizen, has been grossly negligent in its setting up of the conditions for the referendum we have just been through. Ideally, I feel there should be a swift new referendum based solely on the question of whether Article 50 of the EU constitution should be activated, or not. And, further, that there should be a minimum threshold in regard to total electorate set, as was the case in 1979, thereby removing the error-prone and unreliable indicator of a very close result but upon which the future of our country and our relationship with the wider world now hangs. David E J Anderson Dundee, Scotland Courage in the line of fire from EU Following Brexit, the EU leaders were quickly out of the blocks seeking the maximum punishment and embarrassment for the British people for their courage and audacity in upsetting the undemocratic and dysfunctional gravy train that is Brussels today. Instead of reflecting on the clear and obvious shortcomings within the EU that prompted 17.5 million Britons to vote to leave, the bully boys reverted to type. What will almost certainly follow will be an attempt to mirror the brutal and mindless jackboot treatment doled out to ordinary, innocent Greeks, as well as the untold austerity horrors inflicted on our own people with the abject compliance of our own Government. Unlike ourselves, the British will no doubt demonstrate some backbone and face down these threats. It is self-evident and vital that the special long-standing relationships between Ireland and Britain must be maintained in full. These relationships include not only the 1.2 billion trade between our two countries every week but also the free movement of goods and people across the Irish Sea and the Border. In many ways, our ever-closer relationships have been consolidated over the years by mutual respect and intermarriage in both countries. Sadly, recent experience with our own Government has been to meekly capitulate and to allow our so-called EU partners to ride roughshod over the interests and welfare of ordinary Irish people. Another failure by Kenny and Noonan to show some courage and independence surely cannot be contemplated on this occasion. John Leahy Cork Taoiseach's Scottish intervention Taoiseach Enda Kenny is right. I don't often say that. I think his position of just putting his hand out rather than asking for the guaranteeing of free trade and free movement of people between Ireland and the UK due to historical ties is wrong. But when it comes to Scotland and Northern Ireland, I think there is a very good case for Ireland to argue their unique position in the Brexit. The word Scot derives from an Irish tribe that used to raid in Scotland and became the Roman name for Irish. Scotland shares as much heritage with Ireland as it does with England. Northern Ireland is still disputed territory and some sort of shared sovereignty seems like the most reasonable outcome. Allowing Northern Ireland and Scotland a special status associated with Ireland's European membership gives Europe the right to lock down English and Welsh borders while accepting Scotland's and Northern Ireland's right not to be chucked out of the EU without their explicit consent. Spain is asking the same for Gibraltar while ignoring Catalan calls for independence. The fact that Scotland is being to some extent forced, however willing, into independence allows Spain to argue that only if Spain leaves the EU, the Catalans could have the right to stay in the EU if it becomes independent. To be honest, I find the current EU position on punishing legitimate democratic wishes to appease member governments disdainful. Rather than sticking to old failed bully tactics, the EU should be exploring new versions of sovereignty that can allow citizens to solve disputes about territorial issues in a peaceful way. Pauline Bleach Wolli Creek , Australia Sturgeon can stand on her own Enda Kenny has told EU Leaders that Scotland shouldn't be dragged out of the EU (Irish Independent, June 30). To put it bluntly, Mr Kenny should mind his own business; while the Scottish people may have voted to remain in the EU, they also voted to remain in the United Kingdom. Had they voted for independence from the UK, the EU issue would be a very different one from the place the Scottish people find themselves in now. Brexit is really a matter for Scotland/the UK to thrash out, not Enda Kenny. There's plenty of work for him that needs doing at home in Ireland and I would respectfully suggest that he sticks to that agenda rather than appointing himself as a voice for Nicola Sturgeon, a lady who is more than capable of fighting her own battles. David Bradley Drogheda Don't tell just half the story Your article by Cormac McQuinn and Kevin Doyle (June 30) highlighted in its heading the criticism by Ukip of Enda Kenny's contribution to the EU discussion on Brexit. That says a lot about your view of what is important at this critical time in our relations with the EU. The UK has just voted to exit the EU on the basis of latent lies told by Ukip about the EU over many years. The fact that the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who was also in Brussels, welcomed Mr Kenny's intervention on her behalf was not highlighted in your heading. If we are to have a rounded discussion on this important topic, we need to take all the facts into account and not just half the story. We know to our cost what the consequences are of telling only half the story during the Celtic Tiger period. A Leavy Dublin 13 Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Armenian armed forces have 4 times violated the ceasefire with Azerbaijan on the line of contact over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry July 1. Azerbaijani positions took fire from the positions near the Gorgan village and nameless heights of the Fizuli district. 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. Bray businessman and motivational speaker Paul McNeive is ambassador to the Douglas Bader Foundation, which has announced its first funding package in the Republic of Ireland. The foundation was established by the family of the double-amputee World War Two pilot. It is supporting the para-triathlon programme in Triathlon Ireland as part of its mission to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of people who are affected by limb loss, or are otherwise physically disabled. Like Douglas Bader, Paul McNeive overcame a double amputation of his legs to lead an extraordinary life, rising in his career to become the managing director of property company Savills and becoming the first double amputee in the world to gain a helicopter pilots licence. Paul credits much of his achievements to the life lessons he learned after becoming an amputee at the age of 20. 'When I left school I didn't think I would be good enough to be a pilot. 20 years later when I have no legs, I now decide - I am going to be a helicopter pilot. And it's only a matter of time, even though nobody in the world had ever done it before. 'The potential we have is unbelievable... everyone has far more potential than they ever realise because they never have to dig down and really find it. For me losing my legs was a life changing experience but it opened up entire new worlds and taught me what I could do.' Sir Douglas Bader was one of the legendary figures of the Second World War. Despite losing both his legs in a plane crash, he went on to become an RAF fighter ace and squadron leader. His exploits during the war, and his continuous attempts to escape a prisoner of war camp after he was shot down, were immortalised in the book and film 'Reach for the Sky'. Eamonn Tilley, Para-triathlon Technical Director with Triathlon Ireland, said the support the Douglas Bader Foundation has provided will be a huge boost for the para-triathlon team. The Douglas Bader Foundation is also grant aiding Archery Ireland, who are incorporating a programme of archery for people with disabilities into their activities. Traditional musician John Nyhan has created a local audience for bluegrass music at the Schoolyard Theatre in Charleville when he has brought a number of American Bluegrass bands to perform at the popular venue in recent times. These have included the Jeff Scroggins outfit, Colorado which has made two visits to Charleville, each time attracting capacity audiences. Jeff, who is an American national banjo champion, had two other top class bluegrass players in Martin Gilmore and Nick Amodeo playing as support band to him, and both bands played scintillating sets to a very appreciative audience. John Nyhan's latest offering is bluegrass music from Tennessee when the Hamilton Country Ramblers will be on stage at the Schoolyard on Wednesday, July 13 starting at 8.15pm. The Ramblers, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, cover classic bluegrass, country, swing and gospel. They can also be innovative while never losing the down-home Bluegrass feel. "They are the real deal, combining technical skill with heart and passion, and are sure to attract another capacity audience," says John. The members of the Hamilton County Ramblers are: Jim Pankey - banjo/vocals, Roy Curry on guitar, James Kee - mandolin/vocals, John Boulware - fiddle/vocals and Josh Hixon - bass/vocals. Bookings/enquiries to Tel: 087 7921771 and 087-1804870. IT'S been a long time since anything as quaintly old-fashioned as a music video has sparked genuine controversy, but Kanye West, an artist whose middle name might as well be 'Trouble', has managed just that. The video for his latest single 'Famous' was first shown to audiences in LA just six days ago, but has already rattled the cages of both art-lovers and feminists alike. Why? Well, apparently inspired by a work by US realist painter Vincent Desiderio, the three-minute clip features Kanye and his equally famous wife Kim Kardashian sprawling naked in bed, accompanied by a bevy of similarly naked celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Anna Wintour and Bill Cosby. Is it art, some wondered, or just cheap mimicry? And more importantly, is it horribly misogynistic? Lena Dunham, creator of hit HBO show 'Girls' certainly thinks so - in fact she called its depiction of naked women "sickening". Is she right? Well, Kim's very famous derriere is out, proud and as deliciously pneumatic as ever in the three-minute clip. Then, at first glance, it appears as though they are sharing an intimate moment with Swift, Wintour and Cosby, as well as Caitlyn Jenner, Chris Brown, Kim's former sex tape co-star Ray J, and Kanye's ex Amber Rose. Some, of course, have had recurring roles in the ongoing Kimye soap opera. Others, presumably, are just there simply for the shock factor. The camera slowly moves across each famous figure, lingering over their naked bodies at a pace that would make even the most leery uncle balk. Chris Brown is lying next to Rihanna, the ex he savagely beat. If controversy is the holy grail, Kanye has indeed outdone himself. And given his rap sheet for questionable behaviour in recent months, that really is saying something. It's worth pointing out, incidentally, that these naked bodies are those of wax figurines made by a special effects team: Kanye may be influential, but he's not quite that powerful as to be able to bamboozle both Cosby and Wintour into bed, naked. Expand Close Sickening Lena Dunham has compared Kanyes latest music video to rape culture / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sickening Lena Dunham has compared Kanyes latest music video to rape culture Yet some of Kanye's on-camera bedfellows are so realistic that an eagle-eyed viewer would be pressed to tell the difference between reality and fakery. Which, if you think about it, is quickly becoming Kanye's USP. A breathless press release from Kanye's recording label Def Jam enthused thus: "A 'comment on fame', the visual has been hailed by fans and press alike as 'powerful', 'fascinating', 'brilliant', 'unsettling', and 'damn genius' (if they do say so themselves). Video of the Day Lena Dunham viewed it differently. She called it "one of the most disturbing artistic efforts in recent memory" and said it was emblematic of rape culture. "Let's break it down," she wrote in an open post. "At the same time Brock Turner (former Stanford University student, convicted of sexual assault) is getting off with a light tap for raping an unconscious woman and photographing her breasts for a group chat, as assaults are Periscoped across the web and girls commit suicide after being exposed in ways they never imagined." Given that Dunham is part of Taylor Swift's famous "squad", her ire is understandable. But she has a point: Kanye's casual deployment of what are essentially sex dolls to sell records is well, questionable at best. It's also another odd chapter in the ongoing faint unpleasantness between Kim and Kanye and Swift, a woman that neither Kim nor Kanye have ever actually been romantically involved with, but always seems to be hanging in the frame, just within view. Their feud began in 2009, when Kanye stormed the stage of the Video Music Awards to hijack Taylor's acceptance speech. When her video for 'You Belong With Me' beat out Beyonce's 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' for Best Female Video, Kanye was not best pleased at the apparent miscarriage of justice. Even Beyonce looked mortified, later inviting Swift onstage when she accepted her Video Of The Year award later that night. A year later, Kanye noted in a flurry of tweets that he had written a song for Taylor, and concluded with 'I'm sorry Taylor'. Within months, he backtracked on his apology, claiming that the event had even benefited Swift. Kanye took this truism - that he himself had carried Taylor Swift over the threshold of the mainstream music industry - even further in the song 'Famous', with the lyric: "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that bitch famous/Goddamn, I made that bitch famous." Kanye later said he'd got Taylor's permission to use that line, but a statement from Swift's PR people disputed that: "Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single 'Famous' on her Twitter account. She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, 'I made that bitch famous.'" And so it goes. For her part, Taylor is said to be "hurt and angry" by Kanye's latest shot across the bow. Once again, she has been called in, against her will, to promote Brand Kimye; to provide the horsepower for Kanye's latest eye-watering stunt. Kim's blind devotion to her husband is one thing, but her enthusiastic endorsement of his recent, admittedly weird actions - goading and humiliating a woman 13 years his junior, for instance - puts paid to any idea of Kim as any kind of feminist role model. After Kanye lashed out at his ex-girlfriend Amber Rose with a healthy dose of slut shaming earlier this year (and saying he needed to take 30 showers after dating her), Kim initially kept schtum. The plot further thickened, incidentally, when Kim posted a selfie of herself posing with Amber Rose after a particularly grimy Twitter spat. And when Kanye went on to beg Mark Zuckerberg for $1bn on Twitter (to fund his art), Kim simply noted that people "don't get him". In a column, Kim wrote that she was hating "that people don't get that Kanye will stand up against the whole world for his creativity and art", and wanted "everyone to be as honest as Kanye". Both Kim and Kanye are rather trigger-happy when it comes to social media, but it's fast making them the most unpopular couple in showbiz. It's starting to become the pair's unseemly modus operandi: if you can't beat 'em, slate 'em. In fact, E! online noted how Kim went 'full Kanye' in Twitter rants to Bette Midler and Chloe Grace Moretz earlier this year. After a number of celebrities took exception to the infamous nude selfie she posted in March, Kim tartly replied: "Sorry I'm late to the party guys I was busy cashing my 80 million video game check & transferring 53 million into our joint account." (The '53 million' is a reference to the $53m debt that Kanye has reportedly accrued). Whatever grand master plan the couple have cooked up to promote Brand Kimye, it looks likely to erode the image that Kim Kardashian (and her formidable mother Kris) have worked nigh on a decade to fine-tune. Kanye's shtick has always been overblown, deranged pomposity but this doesn't necessarily rub along too well with the Kim that the world has known and loved. If there is indeed a method to Kimye's madness, they're not likely to divulge it anytime soon. In the meantime, the controversy around the infamous 'Famous' video rages on, and the mystery of the strangest (and increasingly, most annoying) couple on the A-list deepens further still. The worst part of all? Kim and Kanye probably wouldn't want to have it any other way. Libya fell into chaos following the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi Amnesty International has published "horrifying" accounts by migrants of exploitation and abuse in Libya, including Christians who were abducted by Islamic State militants and forced into sexual slavery. In a report titled "Libya is full of cruelty", the rights group collected the testimonies of 90 migrants, including 15 women, interviewed in reception centres in Italy and Sicily after escaping Libya in recent months. Amnesty said that sexual abuse is so widespread that some women take contraceptives before their sea crossing. "From being abducted, incarcerated underground for months and sexually abused by members of armed groups, to being beaten, exploited or shot at by people smugglers, traffickers or criminal gangs - refugees and migrants have described in harrowing detail the horrors they were forced to endure in Libya," said Amnesty's Magdelena Mughrabi. Libya is home to some 250,000 refugees and migrants. The UN refugee agency estimates that since April 19 2015, a total of 4,937 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. The group urged the international community to take action to tackle the root cause of migration, and to increase the number of people who are resettled overseas or given humanitarian visas. Libya fell into chaos following the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled for over 40 years before a 2011 uprising that descended into civil war. Despite a UN-brokered political deal in December, the country remains politically divided between weak ruling bodies and rival armed groups. Amid the lawlessness, people-smuggling has become a lucrative business and all parties involved, including coast guards, are extorting migrants for money, Amnesty said. Those who fail to pay are likely to suffer the worst treatment, according to the group. The migrants and refugees told Amnesty International about people who were killed by smugglers or who died from thirst or starvation. Some were shot or electrocuted and in one case, a disabled migrant was dumped in the desert by people smugglers. "They had no heart," said a 20-year-old Eritrean named as Saleh, who entered Libya in October. Women in particular are at risk of rape and sexual exploitation. "Their experiences paint a terrifying picture of the conditions many of those who come to Europe are so desperate to escape," said Ms Mughrabi. A 22-year-old Eritrean woman identified as Ramya told Amnesty that she was raped more than once while in captivity in a remote area near the town of Ajdabiya, in eastern Libya. "When you have a gun pointed at your head, you don't really have a choice," she said. Another woman described how one migrant woman was gang-raped by people smugglers when she failed to pay her smuggling fees. In one of the most striking incidents, Amnesty cited a 21-year-old Eritrean woman identified as Amal who said she was among a group of 11 Christian women from Eritrea who were abducted by IS militants in July 2015. They were kept in underground detention for nine months, forced to convert to Islam and used as sex slaves. AP California 's attorney general has issued subpoenas to several oil companies to learn how they set petrol prices which are consistently among the highest in the US. Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Valero Energy and Tesoro said they had received the orders in recent weeks. Attorney general Kamala Harris is making a sweeping request for information about petrol supplies, pricing, and maintenance shutdowns that can temporarily create shortages and increase prices, according to people familiar with the investigation. Kristin Ford, a spokeswoman for Ms Harris, a Democrat who is running for the US Senate, declined to comment on whether her office was investigating. The investigation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Chevron spokesman Braden Reddall said the company received a subpoena from the attorney general's office and would co-operate with the investigation. Valero received a subpoena "and we will respond accordingly", said spokeswoman Lillian Riojas. Spokesmen for Exxon and Tesoro also confirmed the requests for information. None of the companies would discuss the matter further. California is among several states which regularly charge the highest prices in America for petrol. On Thursday, the average for a gallon of regular was 2.90 dollars (2.18) compared with the national average of 2.29 (1.72), according to the car club AAA. Some consumer advocates have charged that refiners drive prices higher by tactics such as frequent or overly long plant shutdowns. Refineries are routinely taken offline for maintenance, and there have been longer-lasting outages after disasters such as the explosion in February 2015 at an Exxon refinery in Torrance, near Los Angeles. Gordon Schremp, senior fuels specialist with the California Energy Commission, said 2015 saw an "extraordinary price spike in magnitude and duration in California", which a commission advisory committee has been investigating. "We are aware that they were doing this," he said of the attorney general's investigation, "because off and on they've talked to us about what was going on with the 2015 market, important factors that can cause spikes in the markets." Industry officials blame high prices on California's stricter clean-air requirements, which they say add costs and make it more difficult to import petrol from other states when there is a price spike. Rebecca Adler, a spokeswoman for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, called the allegations in the subpoenas baseless. "We are confident that nothing will come of this," she said. The group Consumer Watchdog has repeatedly called on Ms Harris to investigate oil companies over California gas prices and welcomed news of the investigation. "It's great that we have a law enforcement official asking questions about both supplying the market and equitable pricing within the market," said the group's president Jamie Court. AP Bashar Assad accused Western governments of hypocrisy for criticising him while working with him behind the scenes Western nations publicly critical of Bashar Assad's regime have been quietly sending security officials to collaborate with his government, the Syrian president said. In an interview with Australia's SBS news channel, Mr Assad accused Western governments of hypocrisy for criticising him while working with him behind the scenes. "This is the double standard of the West in general: They attack us politically and they send us their officials to deal with us under the table, especially the security, including your government," Mr Assad told SBS. "They all do the same. They don't want to upset the United States. Actually, most of the Western officials, they only repeat what the United States wants them to say. This is the reality." US president Barack Obama is opposed to armed intervention in Syria's civil war, which has left at least 250,000 people dead and contributed to a global refugee crisis. Although he blamed Mr Assad for using chemical weapons in 2013 and threatened military strikes against Syrian forces, he has so far only authorised strikes against Islamic State and other US-designated terror groups in Syria. Mr Assad said that while he had no dialogue directly with the US, there was indirect communication between the countries through back channels, including "businessmen going (and) travelling around the world and meeting with the officials in the United States and in Europe". "But there's nothing serious," he said. "Because we don't think the administration, the American administration, is serious about solving the problem in Syria." Mr Assad said he was not opposed to working with the US, but criticised America for creating problems that it fails to solve. "(Former President George W.) Bush invaded Iraq; in a few weeks, he could occupy Iraq. But then what's next? It's not about occupying. This is a great power. We're not a great power," he said. "So, it's not about America occupying Syria. What's next? What do they want to achieve? "They haven't achieved anything. They have failed in Libya, in Iraq, in Yemen, in Syria, everywhere. They only created chaos. "So if the United States wants to create more chaos, it can... but can they solve the problem? No." Mr Assad said he was not concerned about a recent internal memo from more than 50 US State Department officials urging US military action against Syria's government. The diplomats who signed the "dissent channel cable" said that targeted US attacks could increase leverage over Mr Assad in diplomatic negotiations that have repeatedly failed. "Warmongers in every American administration always exist," Mr Assad said. "It's not something new." AP Protesters wave Hong Kong colonial flags as hundreds march during an annual pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong (AP) Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Hong Kong for a pro-democracy protest march as tensions persisted over the case of a bookseller secretly detained on the mainland. Protesters waved placards calling for Hong Kong's independence from China and signs with photos of the bookseller, Lam Wing-kee, whose revelations last month about his ordeal rekindled concerns about Beijing's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mr Lam is one of five booksellers who went missing for months only to turn up later in mainland China, either detained or involved in investigations. Their disappearances sparked international concern that Beijing was eroding Hong Kong's considerable autonomy and rule of law. Mr Lam returned to Hong Kong last month on the condition he provide information to Chinese authorities about buyers of the gossipy tomes on China's Communist leadership that his company specialised in. But he defied the orders and instead spoke out about his ordeal of being detained secretly on the mainland. He was invited to lead this year's procession but backed out hours before it began over safety fears, organisers said. Albert Ho, a pro-democracy MP who has been assisting Mr Lam, said the bookseller noticed he had been followed by strangers over the past two days. "He feels increasingly concerned about his own personal safety so he made up his mind and decided not to attend," Mr Ho said, adding police had been notified. He said the identities of the people following Mr Lam were unclear. From Victoria Park, protesters set off in sultry heat on a route along streets lined with hundreds of police officers that ended at the city's government headquarters. They called for Hong Kong's unpopular Beijing-backed leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying, to step down and for the Chinese government to grant the city full democracy. Organisers said 110,000 people attended, while police said there were 19,300 at the peak. The annual event is held on a holiday marking the day Beijing took control of Hong Kong in 1997 after more than a century and a half of British colonial rule. Mr Lam's revelations add to growing fears that Beijing is clamping down on Hong Kong's civil liberties such as freedom of speech and eroding the "one country, two systems" principle governing mainland China's relationship with the city. In a speech in Beijing, Chinese president Xi Jinping dismissed those concerns, saying "no matter what difficulties and challenges we encounter, we are confident and determined that 'one country, two systems' will never be shaken". Billy Leung, a charity worker, said it was important to join the protest to voice anger over Mr Lam's case. "The fact that he and others were so blatantly made disappeared should be an alarm for everyone in Hong Kong. "If you have a critical mind and you start criticising what you think is not correct and not right, it could very well be you next time," he said. AP The people believed to be the attackers walk in Istanbul's Ataturk airport (Haberturk newspaper via AP) A Chechen extremist was the mastermind behind the triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's busiest airport which killed at least 44 people, a US congressman has said. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, which also wounded more than 230 other people. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organiser, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. Swedish authorities said Chatayev was convicted of weapons smuggling in 2008. The city court in the southern Swedish port city of Ystad said he was sentenced to 16 months for smuggling an automatic weapon and two handguns with munition and silencers into Sweden on March 3 2008. Court documents show Chatayev had arrived by ferry boat from Germany. He and two others in the car said they were heading to Norway to go fishing and meet friends. The documents show he denied knowing about the guns hidden in a spare wheel in the trunk. A local paper said he was freed from prison in January 2009. Mr McCaul said it is unclear where Chatayev is, but he is known to have served as a top lieutenant in Islamic State's war ministry. Turkey's Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt to catch the alleged mastermind. Although no group has claimed responsibility, the IS group is the main suspect for the airport attack. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. Authorities said the three suicide bombers in the attack - which echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport - were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They did not provide further details on their identities Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids in three Istanbul neighbourhoods on Thursday, officials said. The Haber Turk newspaper said that 11 more suspects - all of them foreign nationals - were detained in a separate raid on a house in Istanbul early on Friday. A government official in Istanbul could not immediately confirm the report. AP Pope Benedict XVI pictured during his pontificate on his visit to the UK Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI is offering a first-ever papal assessment of his own pontificate in a book that recounts his decision to resign, his surprise at his successor and his attempts to dismantle what he calls the Vatican's "gay lobby". Benedict XVI: The Final Conversations, is due out in September, the latest book-length interview that Benedict has conducted with German journalist Peter Seewald. Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which has the book's newspaper rights, provided a brief overview on Friday. Corriere said Benedict recounts in the book that he decided to announce his resignation in Latin because he feared making a mistake in Italian. He recalls his "surprise" that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope and his "joy" at seeing Pope Francis mingle with crowds. Benedict also claims to have dismantled a group of four or five gay prelates, dubbed the "gay lobby" by the Italian media, who exercised power and influence in the Vatican. The existence of this group of gay prelates - who purportedly used blackmail to promote and preserve their interests - has been mythologised in Italian media. Soon after he was elected pope and was asked about the so-called "gay lobby", Francis quipped that he had yet to encounter any priest who had "gay" written on his business card. That said, just this week a gay monsignor who was fired from the Vatican and suspended as a priest after he came out, boyfriend by his side, published a book about his experiences as a gay official in the Vatican's doctrine office. In The First Stone, Polish-born Krzysztof Charamsa recounts the absolute "obsession" with homosexuality in the halls of the Holy See. He details the "hypocrisy" of its functionaries who profess a celibate life but live quite another, and writes that it was enough to destroy someone's Vatican career by simply spreading gossip that he was gay. AP Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Germany, as the country chairing the OSCE, seeks to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters in Tbilisi July 1, TASS reported. Steinmeier has arrived in Tbilisi to take part in the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly which will kick off July 1. He noted that it is necessary to make efforts to preserve and strengthen the peace in this region and fully resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 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. A general view of the ceremony with Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI, to celebrate Benedict's 65th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, at the Vatican, Tuesday, June 28, 2016. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool photo via AP) Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI is offering a first-ever papal assessment of his own pontificate in a book that recounts his decision to resign, his surprise at his successor and his attempts to dismantle what he calls the Vatican's "gay lobby". Benedict XVI: The Final Conversations, is due out in September, the latest book-length interview that Benedict has conducted with German journalist Peter Seewald. Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which has the book's newspaper rights, provided a brief overview on Friday. Corriere said Benedict recounts in the book that he decided to announce his resignation in Latin because he feared making a mistake in Italian. He recalls his "surprise" that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope and his "joy" at seeing Pope Francis mingle with crowds. Benedict also claims to have dismantled a group of four or five gay prelates, dubbed the "gay lobby" by the Italian media, who exercised power and influence in the Vatican. The existence of this group of gay prelates - who purportedly used blackmail to promote and preserve their interests - has been mythologised in Italian media. Soon after he was elected pope and was asked about the so-called "gay lobby", Francis quipped that he had yet to encounter any priest who had "gay" written on his business card. That said, just this week a gay monsignor who was fired from the Vatican and suspended as a priest after he came out, boyfriend by his side, published a book about his experiences as a gay official in the Vatican's doctrine office. In The First Stone, Polish-born Krzysztof Charamsa recounts the absolute "obsession" with homosexuality in the halls of the Holy See. He details the "hypocrisy" of its functionaries who profess a celibate life but live quite another, and writes that it was enough to destroy someone's Vatican career by simply spreading gossip that he was gay. Turkey is still reeling from Tuesday's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport Turkish security forces have killed the mastermind behind a suicide bombing in which 29 people died in February, according to an official. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. The suicide attack against military personnel in Ankara on February 17 was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organisation. Turkey is still reeling from Tuesday's gun-and-bomb attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, which killed 44 people and wounded more than 230. Although no group has claimed responsibility, Islamic State (IS) is the main suspect for that attack. It has boasted of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. Authorities said the three suicide bombers in the attack - which echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport - were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They did not provide further details on their identities. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids in three Istanbul neighbourhoods on Thursday, officials said. The Haber Turk newspaper said that 11 more suspects - all of them foreign nationals - were detained in a separate raid on a house in Istanbul early on Friday. A government official in Istanbul could not immediately confirm the report. IS, which has used Turkey to establish itself in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey in its propaganda, and the Nato member has blamed IS for several major bombings in the past year in both Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey's interior minister said the explosives used were a mix of RDX, TNT and PETN that were "manufactured". Jimmie Oxley, chemist and explosives expert at University of Rhode Island, described them as being military-grade, raising the question of how the attackers obtained the bombs. A key partner in the US-led coalition against IS, Turkey also faces security threats from the Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkey's south-east region, and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the past year, including the Ankara attack and another devastating bombing in the capital in March. AP The United States is seeking to establish a new military alliance with Russia in Syria that would see the two countries join forces in combating jihadist groups, it has been reported. The proposal, which was reportedly sent to Moscow this week, would mark a striking change in US policy in the region, where the two powers have operated on opposing sides of the civil war. The deal would see the US and Russia launch a co-ordinated bombing campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qa'ida's branch in Syria. In exchange, Russia would be expected to pressure the Assad regime to stop bombing US-aligned rebel groups, an administration official told the 'Washington Post'. The proposal, reported to have been approved by President Barack Obama and supported by John Kerry, the secretary of state, would essentially enforce the creation of "safe zones", with the US specifying areas that Russia and the Syrian regime would be banned from targeting, rather than giving the precise locations of the US-allied groups. John Kirby, a US state department spokesman, would not deny the reports last night. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] The British people called Europe's bluff last week. The problem is, I don't think Europe was bluffing. The negotiations we're headed for are going to be tough, but there is at least an idea emerging of what Britain wants. It would maintain or even deepen its economic relationship with the Continent because it is a trading nation that knows well how to take advantage of free markets and efficient capital flows. But alongside that, it would like to dump the ever-encroaching influence of foreign officials over its courts, home affairs and, most importantly, immigration. What divided right-wing Remainers like myself from Brexiteers was the belief that, in the long run, Britain was likely to get more of what it wants inside the EU than outside. We lost that argument. Now we will see if the Brexiteers are right. They argued that once Britain voted out, it'd have the EU over a barrel. They'd have to compromise to stop the whole project falling apart and protect their exporters. Once Britain had struck a better deal - real concessions, rather than the chaff we saw in February - it could choose to stay or leave as we pleased. But let's have some realism. It's true that the EU's politicians fear a break-up of the union more than anything else. But, by and large, they believe that giving major concessions to Britain after it voted to leave would actually encourage that disintegration, rather than prevent it. Striking an excellent bargain for Britain would open up "a Pandora's box" for the EU, an official for a major EU government told me this week. Why? Because it would send the message that the way to get what you want from Europe is through threats and referendums. Greece tried that. It didn't work. This is not just the view of ideological zealots in Brussels such as Jean-Claude Juncker. It is also the view of Germany, whose support will be critical in negotiations. Germany, the paymaster of Europe, should be Britain's natural and most important ally. Its leaders believe in sensible, market-based policies. Britain is its third-biggest export market. And Angela Merkel doesn't do vengeance, she just does what's best for Germany. Unfortunately, there's something she fears more than a hit to German exports: an outbreak of referendum fever across the Continent. This prospect provokes particular horror in Berlin partly because referendums bring memories of the doomed Weimar Republic. This is why we saw Ms Merkel echoing the words of Mr Juncker on Tuesday, saying Britain cannot "cherry-pick" EU policies. This is why EU governments issued a statement to this effect on Wednesday. Immigration is a sensitive topic on both sides. Neither EU nor German officials want to water down the principle of free movement by granting Britain both good trading terms and immigration control. This is not just a matter of ideology. They believe altering the region's internal migration policy could require opening up and altering the EU's basic treaties. Avoiding treaty change is a German priority because of the enormous opportunity it would give Eurosceptic countries like Poland to unpick huge chunks of policy. Of course, none of this means that Germany or other states' views will not change. Extremist, anti-EU parties are on the rise, particularly in the Netherlands, Austria, France and Denmark. Italy will hold a referendum on constitutional reform in October. France and Germany will hold elections for their leaders next year. It's not clear how mainstream parties will react to these events. There is an increasing recognition among EU leaders that they might need to change their ways in order to calm their own voters. It is likely they will start to work out compromises with Europe's populist forces in the coming years. But they do not want to be seen to do that under duress from Britain. This is where Britain starts its game of chicken with the EU. British voters, and especially Conservative Party members, need to understand it, rather than burying their heads in the sand. The country needs someone at the helm who has the guile, patience and persuasive power to bridge the vast gap in understanding between Britain and the continent as well as wade through the tedious but vitally important provisions of a new deal with Europe. 'Deadline may be extended' The two-year deadline for Britain to leave the EU may be extended if an EU agreement on trade cannot be reached, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said. He said no official talks on Britains relationship with the EU can begin until the new British prime minister is elected and formally invokes Article 50. This is due in September but there is some speculation the new prime minister may not immediately ask to leave. There will be no negotiations between the UK and EU until such time as the Commission are informed by Britain of intention to withdraw from the union. The clock starts to tick then, Mr Kenny said. The period then, is a two-year period for those negotiations. There may be a short extension given to that towards the end. If its not concluded within that time then it automatically moves on to the World Trade Organisation conditions for trade and so on. Whats best for Irelands interests are that the UK would still have access to the single market. A Palestinian gunman has opened fire at a family travelling in a car in the West Bank, killing an Israeli man and wounding his wife and two teenage children. Hours earlier, police said a Palestinian woman was killed when she pulled out a knife and threatened an officer at a checkpoint near the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron. Friday's violence comes a day after a Palestinian stabbed a 13-year-old Israeli girl to death as she slept in her bedroom in a West Bank settlement. That attack, carried out by a 17-year-old Palestinian high school drop-out, was among the most brazen incidents so far in a nine-month wave of attacks, and it drew angry accusations and calls from Israeli leaders for the world to condemn the incident. In Friday's attack on the family car, the wounded were taken to hospital and troops were searching for the Palestinian gunman who fled the scene, the military said. Israeli media said the victim, a 40-year-old man, lost control of the car after being shot. His wife and teenage children, a boy and a girl, were wounded. Media reported that dozens of spent bullet casings littered the scene of the attack, a road south of Hebron. Earlier in the day, Israeli police said a Palestinian woman was shot and killed after she attempted to stab an officer during a security check outside a Hebron shrine revered by Muslims and Jews. The woman, identified by Palestinian officials as 27-year-old Sarah Tarayreh, aroused suspicion at the checkpoint and was asked to go into a room to undergo a further security check by a female police officer, Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said. At that point, she pulled out a knife and tried to stab a female officer, Ms Samri said. Another officer at the scene opened fire and killed the Palestinian woman, she added, refusing to provide more details. Police released a photo of a knife they said the female attacker was wielding. Video footage purportedly of the incident posted by the Israeli news website Ynet shows soldiers rushing towards the door of a room in the inspection area and standing outside. Four shots ring out, followed by a man shouting in Hebrew "stop, stop, stop" and then a woman saying in Arabic: "What did I do?" It is not clear from the footage who fired the shots, what happened inside the room and who spoke in Arabic. It is not clear either whether the footage had been edited. The incident came a day after a Palestinian from the town of Bani Naim near Hebron stabbed to death a 13-year-old Jewish girl as she slept in her bedroom in a West Bank settlement. Tarayreh was from the same town and the same clan as Thursday's attacker, but not a close relative, said Bani Naim mayor Mahmoud Manasrah. Palestinian clans in the West Bank can have thousands of members. Over the past nine months, Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbings, shootings and attacks using cars against civilians and security forces that killed 34 Israelis and two American tourists. Israeli troops as well as some armed civilians have killed about 200 Palestinians during this period, most said by Israeli to be attackers. The Palestinians and Israeli rights groups have accused Israel of using excessive force at times by killing attackers who they say could have been subdued. In some cases, Palestinians were killed as they tried to flee the scene, or after they had already been stopped or wounded after an attack. Israel says the violence is fuelled by a Palestinian campaign of incitement, compounded on social media sites that glorify and encourage attacks. Palestinians say it stems from frustration at nearly five decades of Israeli rule in territory they claim for a state. Meanwhile, Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the family of Hallel Yaffa Ariel, the girl stabbed to death on Thursday. He said: "To see Hallel's room, to see the blood stains next to her bed and the books and clothes of a small child, this is shocking. "It reminds us again who we are facing. They want to uproot what has been planted and we will deepen the roots. They will not make us leave here." AP Frank Baressi speaks during an interview at his home in Palm Harbour (AP) The first person to die in a US crash involving a car in self-driving mode was the tech-savvy 40-year-old owner of a Tesla Model S who nicknamed his car "Tessy" and praised its sophisticated "Autopilot" system. Joshua Brown, of Canton, Ohio, died in the May 7 crash in Williston, Florida, when his car's cameras failed to distinguish the white side of a turning tractor-trailer rig from a brightly-lit sky and did not automatically activate its brakes, according to US government records and a Tesla statement. Just one month earlier Mr Brown, who owned a technology company, credited his 2015 Tesla with preventing a crash on an interstate highway. The government said it was investigating the design and performance of the Tesla system. Frank Baressi, 62, the driver of the tractor-trailer and owner of Okemah Express, said the Tesla driver was "playing Harry Potter on the TV screen" and driving so quickly that "he went so fast through my trailer I didn't see him". "It was still playing when he died and snapped a telephone pole a quarter mile down the road," Mr Baressi said from his home in Palm Harbour, Florida. He acknowledged he could not see the movie, only heard it, but Tesla Motors said it was not possible to watch videos on the Model S touchscreen. Brown's published obituary described him as a member of the Navy SEALs for 11 years and founder of a wireless Internet network and camera system company. In Washington, the Pentagon confirmed Brown's work with the SEALs and said he left the service in 2008. In April, Mr Brown said his car avoided a crash when a commercial truck swerved into his lane. He published a video of the incident online. Tesla noted that drivers must manually enable the Autopilot system, saying: "Autopilot is getting better all the time, but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to remain alert." As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation, Tesla founder Elon Musk expressed condolences in a tweet for the "tragic loss". Preliminary reports indicate the crash occurred when Mr Baressi's rig turned left in front of Mr Brown at a junction of a divided highway where there were no traffic lights, the NHTSA said. Mr Brown died at the scene just south west of Gainesville. By the time firefighters arrived, the Tesla wreckage - with its roof sheared off - had come to rest hundreds of feet from the crash site. Tesla said in a statement that this was the first known death in more than 130 million miles of Autopilot operation. Before Autopilot can be used, drivers have to acknowledge that the system is an "assist feature" that requires both hands on the wheel. Drivers are told they need must be prepared to take over controls, the statement said. Autopilot checks to make sure a driver's hands are on the wheel, and it gives visual and audible alerts if they are not. It also will gradually slow the car until the driver responds, the statement said. The system allows the Model S to steer itself within a lane, change lanes and speed up or slow down based on surrounding traffic or the driver's set speed. It can automatically apply brakes and slow the vehicle. Tesla said Autopilot "results in a statistically significant improvement in safety". Mr Brown's death comes as the NHTSA is taking steps to ease self-driving cars on to US roads, an anticipated sea-change in driving where Tesla has been a leader. Self-driving cars are expected to eliminate human errors that are responsible for 94% of crashes. It is not the first time automatic braking systems have malfunctioned and several have been recalled to fix problems. Last year Ford recalled 37,000 F-150 pick-ups because they braked with nothing in the way. The company said the radar could become confused when passing a large, reflective truck. The technology relies on multiple cameras, radar, laser and computers to sense objects and determine if they are in the car's way. Systems like Tesla's, which rely heavily on cameras, "aren't sophisticated enough to overcome blindness from bright or low contrast light," said Mike Harley, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Mr Harley said more deaths could be expected as the autonomous technology was refined. Karl Brauer, a senior analyst with Kelley Blue Book, said the crash was a huge blow to Tesla's reputation. "They have been touting their safety and they have been touting their advanced technology," he said. "This situation flies in the face of both." AP US attorney general Loretta Lynch has acknowledged that her meeting with Bill Clinton while his wife is under federal investigation "cast a shadow" on the public's perception of a case playing heavily into the presidential campaign. "I certainly wouldn't do it again," Lynch said of the meeting, which created immediate bipartisan angst and underscored the political consequences of the FBI-led probe into the former secretary of state's email. Lynch hastened to add that she would follow the recommendations of career prosecutors on whether to file criminal charges in the case, removing herself from that decision. Her statements were aimed at tamping down concerns that the investigation could be politically tainted or that Lynch, an Obama administration appointee, might overrule the findings of agents and prosecutors who have spent months looking into the possible mishandling of classified information on the private email server Clinton used as secretary of state. Lynch said she understood that her private meeting with Clinton aboard her plane in Phoenix, Arizona, might be seen as compromising the neutrality of the investigation, even though she said the probe of Hillary Clinton was not discussed. Asked what she was thinking in permitting the meeting to occur, she said: "I completely get that question, and I think it is the question of the day." The outcome of the investigation is bound to influence the presidential campaign, whether to Clinton's benefit if she emerges unscathed or Republican rival Donald Trump in the event that she or anyone close to her winds up prosecuted. Bill Clinton's talk with the attorney general also could reinforce suspicions that the Clintons play by different rules than anyone else and aggravate questions of trust that already hang over Hillary Clinton in the minds of some voters. Trump tweeted that "Bill's meeting was probably initiated and demanded by Hillary," without offering evidence of that. "Does anybody really believe that meeting was just a coincidence?" he asked. The Clinton campaign declined to comment on Lynch's remarks. Lynch said at a conference in Colorado that she had decided even before the meeting with Bill Clinton to heed the recommendations of a team of federal agents and career prosecutors who have been working on the case. But she acknowledged that the talk with Clinton had become a "painful" episode that reinforced the need for her to cede ultimate decision-making authority to others. The encounter was especially sensitive given the repeated efforts by Lynch and FBI director James Comey to stress that their investigation is being done independently and without regard for politics. "This case will be resolved by the team that's been working on it from the beginning," she said, vowing to accept the findings and recommendations of a team of federal agents and career prosecutors. Bill Clinton, like his wife's campaign, declined through spokesmen to comment on Lynch's remarks. Lynch told reporters earlier this week that the meeting was unplanned and happened while the former president was waiting to depart on another plane. She said he walked over and boarded the attorney general's plane after she landed there. She said Clinton talked about his grandchildren and told her he had been playing golf in Arizona. She said they discussed former attorney general Janet Reno, whom they both know. "We basically said hello, and I congratulated him on his grandchildren as people tend to do," she said Friday. "It really was a social meeting," she added. "He spoke to me, he spoke to my husband." AP Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Currently, Armenia is controlled from four sides, it has no independent policy, therefore, its patrons will one day abandon it, Azerbaijans deputy prime minister, chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, Ali Hasanov said in an excusive interview with Trend. Although the ceasefire regime has been established since 1994, Armenians continue their nefarious acts by regularly firing upon Azerbaijani territories, said the deputy prime minister. The occupational Armenian army, which has invaded the Azerbaijani lands, staged a provocation again in April 2016 on the line of contact of Azerbaijani and Armenian armies, and shelled Azerbaijani villages and settlements using large-caliber weapons and artillery, said Hasanov. As a result, servicemen and civilians were killed, and houses and farms of civilians suffered serious damage. He pointed out that Azerbaijani army gave an adequate response to the Armenian troops. The enemy, suffering heavy losses in manpower and equipment, had to retreat being faced by the might of Azerbaijani armed forces, said Hasanov. In response to the calls from heads of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries for ensuring the ceasefire regime, Azerbaijan unilaterally ensured the ceasefire, he said. But Armenia doesnt take those calls into consideration and continues to shell Azerbaijani positions using heavy weapons. The deputy prime minister pointed out that Armenias violating the ceasefire on the frontline once again shows that Sargsyan regime doesnt want the peaceful settlement of the conflict. When does Armenias criminal fascist regime usually resort to provocations? Firstly, it takes such steps when Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev visits foreign countries, the visit is very successful and very important international events are held there. Armenias purpose is to undermine the significance of the meetings held there and divert the international communitys attention from those meetings, said Hasanov. Secondly, Armenia stages provocations during very important international events in Azerbaijan, and thirdly, when the socio-political situation is exacerbated in Armenia due to the dissatisfactions with the current ruling regime, added Hasanov. Sargsyan regime takes such steps in order to divert the attention of its people and society, he added. Hasanov noted that the success of Azerbaijani army during the April developments encouraged the Azerbaijani people. As a result of the attention and care by the Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, today, the Azerbaijani army is one of the powerful armies not only in the region, but in the world, he said. The material and technical base of our armed forces has been enhanced, the discipline level and the spirit of triumph are high. I believe that the April fighting once again proved this, and today, the spirit of patriotism is high not only in the army, but also in the society in general. Hasanov also noted that following the four-day war, the situation in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has changed in favor of Azerbaijan. On the night of Apr. 2, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The shelling resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 with the consent of the sides. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 the Azerbaijani territory, 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. These 5 players could be the Anderson-area football player of the year Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Anahanum Idayatova Trend: The OSCE Minsk Groups co-chairs continue to work to bring together the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict sides, the US Ambassador Robert Cekuta said in Baku July 1 at a reception on the occasion of the US Independence Day. He said the time of the next meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia has to be agreed. Cekuta also said that on June 30, US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in phone talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. The US is working very hard to help resolve the conflict and does this at the very high level, Cekuta noted. 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. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Intellect Design Arena launches iESG for financial institutions IntellectAI, Intellect Design Arena's Suite of Artificial Intelligence products, announced the release of iESG, the newest addition to its portfolio of AI-powered solutions for instit... October 27, 2022 | 10:49 am A F Enterprises soars 5% on securing major order from MP State Agro Industries Corp A F Enterprises Limited stocks in the fast lane after the intimation to the stock exchanges regarding major order secured by the Company. As per the filing, the Company has bee... October 27, 2022 | 10:38 am Asian Granito suffers fire accident at corporate office Asian Granito India Ltd has informed that a fire incidence has occurred at Corporate Office of the company. As per the filing, the corporate office situated at 202, Devarc, opp. Isco... October 27, 2022 | 9:56 am Alembic Pharma bags USFDA approval for Paclitaxel Injection USP Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has granted final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Paclitaxel Injecti... October 27, 2022 | 9:48 am VSF Projects gets final approval to set up multi-product free trade warehousing zone in Andhra Prade VSF Projects Limited informed that the company has obtained final Approval from the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry Department of Commerce (SEZ Section), for Setti... October 27, 2022 | 9:30 am A long-term lease with the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) was announced by Mayor Joe Hogsett on Thursday, securing its presence in downtown Indianapolis for the next decade, according to a press release. For decades, the Indiana Repertory Theatre has provided both children and adults with the unique opportunity to experience arts and culture in one of our citys great venues, said Mayor Hogsett. Todays announcement is a win-win saving millions for taxpayers and ensuring that this historic landmark will celebrate its hundredth birthday as a working stage. IRTs new lease for the building has a 10-year term, with an option for the IRT to renew for an additional 10-year period. The contract specifies that the IRT will now be responsible for their share of common area maintenance and routine upkeep, which had previously cost the City approximately $250,000 a year. In addition, the IRT will now be responsible for day-to-day management of their building space, which had also previously been a city obligation. Total cost savings to taxpayers over the initial term of the lease will be approximately $2.5 million. In addition to theatre programming, each year IRT serves over 16,000 children from Marion County with educational opportunities including student matinees, youth theatre classes, in-school academic lessons and more. The Indiana Theatre was built in 1927 as the Paramount Publix Theatre, and was converted from a movie theater to a playhouse in the late 1970s. The new agreement includes $4 million of city-funded capital improvements that will be undertaken in the coming years to preserve and protect the building. In addition to the IRT, the Indiana Theatre is home to the Indiana Roof Ballroom and has retail space available on the lower floor, connected to Claypool Court and Circle Centre Mall. Like London, Prague and Amsterdam, Indianapolis will harness the power of light in festival format on Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27. In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Indianapolis Foundation, the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), in partnership with Northern Lights.MN, is producing IN Light IN, a free, two-day interactive light festival, featuring artists and performers from Indianapolis, according to a press release. The event, sponsored by The Indianapolis Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund, Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, Lilly Endowment and many other generous sponsors, will feature more than 20 light installations and programming on the Downtown Canal and along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail on Walnut Street. The Indianapolis Foundation has been a leading force in community-building for 100 years. says Brian Payne, president and CEO of CICF, As the Foundation looks forward to its next 100 years of service, it is fitting that we will honor the organization by creatively transforming some of our citys most inspiring places in ways that could not have been technologically possible even a few years ago, CICF announced plans for the IN Light IN festival yesterday at a press conference on Monument Circle. The announcement included a sneak peek at At Night We Light Up, a digital installation by Brooklyn-based artist Amanda Browder on the IPL building. Amandas digital installation on the IPL building can also be seen on July 5-7, July 21-23, July 28-31, Aug. 8-10, and Aug. 21-27. Other art and experiences participants can explore include a large-scale, interactive video projection installation by New York City collective, YesYesNo on the entire facade of the Scottish Rite Cathedral; a roving light-based fashion showcase by Indianapolis own Pattern collective; a 24-foot illuminated canopy by the Muncie-based PROJECTiONE on the pergola of the Marriott Residence Inn on the Canal; and an immersive 360-degree sound and video installation by Big Tent. For more information about IN Light IN, including a full list of artists, performances and installations, visit www.INlightINfestival.org. Celebrating 100 Years of Indianapolis Philanthropy In 1916, former U.S. vice president Charles Warren Fairbanks, Eli Lilly and Company president Josiah K. Lilly, civic leader Henry H. Hornbrook and others formed the first Board of Trustees of The Indianapolis Foundationone of the first community foundations in America. Over the next century, the foundation helped launch or support a great number of the citys most important not-for-profits. Today, vital community organizations like Second Helpings, The Mind Trust, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and United Way of Central Indiana exist thanks in part to grants or support from The Indianapolis Foundation. The organizations centennial is being marked with a yearlong celebration, including IN Light IN and a gala on Saturday, Aug. 27, which will feature $1 million in surprise grants to organizations that reflect the values, history and mission of The Indianapolis Foundation and a commitment to the future of Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Foundation also established two $100,000 Ben Franklin Funds, built from gifts of $100 and $1,000 from community donors. Each fund will be invested in CICFs endowment investment pool and will not be accessed until The Indianapolis Foundations bicentennial in 2116, when the funds, valued at an estimated $100 million, will be released and used for the public good. For more information and to donate to Ben Franklin Funds, visit www.BeIN2016.org/BFF. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) officials say they are delighted to have been granted a preliminary injunction regarding HEA 1337 by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. This cruel law painted a grim picture for Indiana women with its blatant, unwelcome intrusion into private, independent decision making. HEA 1337 is a violation of the sacred doctor and patient relationship, said Betty Cockrum, President and CEO of PPINK. Todays decision shows Gov. Mike Pence that he cannot force his religious ideology on Hoosiers. It is further compelling recognition by the courts that legislation interfering with womens reproductive rights will not be tolerated. A hearing on PPINKs motion for a preliminary injunction against HEA 1337 was held on June 14, 2016. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt entered the preliminary injunction on June 30, 2016. PPINK, with the ACLU of Indiana, filed a lawsuit on April 7 in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana, asking the court to enjoin HEA 1337. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 2 Trend: Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak Ayeen has described unity among Muslims as a way for putting an end to the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied Muslim lands. Addressing a ceremony in Baku, he highlighted the need for unity among Muslims and condemned extremism, Trend correspondent reported. Mohsen Pak Ayeen further touched upon a recent terror attack on an airport in Turkish city of Istanbul and expressed sympathy with the victims. The envoy made the remarks during a fast breaking ceremony (iftar) on the occasion of the last Friday of holy month of Ramadan marking Quds Day. Chairman of Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli, several Azerbaijani lawmakers as well as a number of Muslim countries' envoys and diplomats from various Muslim countries attended the ceremony that was hosted by Iranian embassy July 1. 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. As we get ready to enter the election season full swing, I would like to draw your attention to the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) featuring incumbent Glenda Ritz and challenger Jennifer McCormick, Superintendent of Yorktown Schools in Delaware County. Obviously, Ritz shocked a lot of people with her victory over Tony Bennett back in 2012. She won in part, because she was able to peal off a lot of suburban and donut county voters that was not crazy about Bennett. This time, Ritz may find herself in the same place as Bennett when it comes to the African-American community, or at the very least, when Blacks go to the polls they should think twice about voting for her. First of all, Ritz is no fan of vouchers or charter schools. Throughout her entire career as SPI, she has done everything possible to undermine both programs. For example, recently Ritz unveiled her plan to expand early childhood education across the state to every 4-year-old. While it may seem like a good idea, it really isnt once you dig a little deeper. She wants to pay for it by reducing school choice for African-American students of limited incomes. Ritz says she can save money by eliminating the voucher rule that allows any kid to attend a voucher school and replacing it with a previous rule that said the kid had to attend a failing public school for a year. Think about that. Universal pre-k paid for on the backs of either your children or the kids of your friends, family members or maybe a neighbor or coworker. Imagine youre a parent who is working to get your kid in a school that works best for them, and that voucher is really helping you out and Ritz not only wants to take that voucher away from you, but use the money so a wealthy family in Geist or Hamilton County can use it to pay for pre-k which they can already afford 10 times over. Are you kidding me? And why stop there? Lets take a look at Title I money which is used to help low-income kids get a better education. Well, last September the U.S. Department of Education informed Ritzs office, the Indiana Department of Education, that the method they were using to figure out Title I disbursements to schools was inconsistent with the law. And to make life even more fun, one of the errors Ritzs office made was incorrectly applying a hold harmless provision to charter schools, which caused some disadvantaged students to lose out on more than $2 million. The Department of Education eventually fixed the error, but it was too late for schools to use the money. Does this sound like a friend to you? And if we really want the icing on the cake, Ritzs own former right-hand man is caught up in an ethics scandal. The Associated Press reported last week that David Galvin, Ritzs former communications director, has gone to work for a company called N2N, a digital marketing firm, just two months after the company got a more than $400,000 contract with Ritzs office. And not only did Galvin not fully vet things with the state before taking the job as the rules require, were told he was the one who reportedly sold the idea of using N2Ns services to the superintendent. It would be funny had Galvin not been the guy who went mining for old Tony Bennett e-mails a few years ago, because he had an axe grind. If Ritz is hiring these kind of people to run her office, how can you trust her to help develop policy to educate your children? Isnt it enough she wants to keep Title I dollars from poor Black children at charter schools, or for that matter, take money from them so wealthy and upper middle families can get free early childhood education? Apparently not. Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is an attorney and political commentator. You can express your outrage to him at abdul@indypolitics.org. bollywoodlife The recent thriller film, Missing On A Weekend, seems to have not gone down too well with the Goa government. The film is based in Goa, and the government there claims that the film portrays the state in a negative light and as a drug haven. The BJP-led Goa government has objected to it, claiming that the film projects the state as a haven for drugs and sex trade. We will write to the censor board and ensure that Goas image is not affected. The state cannot be projected as a narcotics and prostitution destination. We are a tourism state and we need to protect our identity, state tourism minister Dilip Parulekar said recently. How can the filmmaker make comments about Goa which depict the state in a negative light, Parulekar questioned. Parulekar said the state will not hesitate in approaching court to get the scenes and remarks depicting Goa in a wrong way deleted. We have to make sure that overall branding of the state does not face a setback, the minister said. The Abhishek Jawkar-directed film reportedly has some dialogues which claim that prostitutes and drugs are easily available in Goa. The states apex tourism lobby Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has also condemned any attempt to defame the state and its tourism industry. It is totally wrong to depict something like that. The crime rate has gone down. There are crackdowns on prostitution rackets, if at all they are found, TTAG president Savio Massias said. 1. Shah Rukh Khan finally broke his silence on the Salman Khan rape remark issue. bollywoodlife We all know what havoc Salman Khan's recent remarks created, when he said during Sultan's promotions that he felt like a 'raped woman' while shooting for the wrestling scenes in the movie. Finally, SRK has broken his silence on the matter and said, "I dont think I am someone to sit in judgment for anyone elses comment. Who are we to pass judgement, or to decide who should do what? I dont think I am anyone to make a comment on this Im so inappropriate myself. Ive done some really wrong things too in the last two years." 2. It's confirmed that Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai is going to be back, as a web series this time! bollywoodlife It's confirmed that the show will be back. Producer JD Majethia confirmed, "We have received so much support from fans online some of whom have even volunteered to finance the show if it returns. During the discussion we agreed that none of us wanted a never-ending TV series but a shorter term online was a good idea. Once I return from my vacation, I will finalise the script and we will move on from there." 3. Irrfan Khan spoke about animal slaughter customs and got severely criticised by Muslim clerics. tribune Looks like Irrfan's recent comments on Ramzan have landed him in trouble. In a recent interview, the actor said that rather than fasting, people should self-introspect. He also went on to say that animals are being slaughtered in the name of qurbaani. Elaborating further, Irrfan said that qurbaani is to sacrifice something close to you instead of a sheep or goat. 4. Priyanka Chopra talks about how she doesn't want to be just a spoof in Hollywood. pixshark Priyanka recently spoke about how she doesn't want to be known as a 'spoof' there. She said, "Icon is a legendary personality despite the success and failure. I havent reached that far yetI want to keep a legacy for my children that they can be proud of. I want to spread my footprint across the world. I dont want to be known as a spoof in Hollywood." 5. At a chat show recently, Anurag Kashap had a lot to say about Pahlaj Nihalani. pixshark It looks like Anurag has no qualms about showing his disregard for Nihalani even in public. Anurag was recently at a chat show, promoting his film Raman Raghav 2.0, when he was quizzed about Nihalani. He said he'd die of shame if he ever found himself waking up as Nihalani! tribune There's no doubt about the fact that Irrfan Khan's acting career is on a roll. After grabbing some major Hollywood projects, Irrfan is all set to be seen alongside Tom Hanks in the upcoming flick Inferno. But looks like his recent comments on Ramzan have landed him in trouble. In a recent interview, the actor said that rather than fasting, people should self-introspect. He also went on to say that animals are being slaughtered in the name of qurbaani. Elaborating further, Irrfan said that qurbaani is to sacrifice something close to you instead of a sheep or goat. He said, "Rather than fasting during Ramzan, people should self-introspect. Animals are being slaughtered on the name of qurbaani during Muharram. We, Muslims, have made a mockery of Muharram. It is meant for mourning and what we do? Take out (tajiya) processions." Commenting on Muharram, the actor said that Muslims have made a mockery of Muharram and while it is meant for mourning, people celebrate it like a festival. Irrfan also criticised Muslim leaders for not speaking up on the issue of terrorism and also asked the general public to question politicians over this issue.He added, "Nowadays we have lost the relevance behind such religious activities and perform these rituals without knowing the meaning behind them." Bollywoodlife He also spoke about how Muslims are not speaking out against terrorism, "Why Muslims are silent against the issue of terrorism. People should also question the politicians over this issue." But Irrfan's comments have clearly not gone down well with the Muslim clerics and they slammed him for his thoughts. Maulana Abdul Wahid Khatri, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, asked him to concentrate on his film career rather on religion. He said, "It would be better if he concentrates on his film career and not make random statements about our religion. He is doing this just for the publicity of his upcoming movie." Sher Qazi Khalid Usmani, Jaipurs Shaher Qazi (chief jurist) asked Khan to "keep his mouth shut as he has no knowledge about the religion. Meanwhile, Irrfan's comments seem to have found support from people on social media. A lot of people on Twitter have been commenting how Irrfan's comments make perfect sense and how he's done a great job by speaking out. Re clerics objecting to Irrfan Khan, mullahs are just occupational hazard in the religious scheme. Their natter matters only to themselves. Farzana Versey (@farzana_versey) July 1, 2016 Credit to #IrrfanKhan for speaking out against animal sacrifices, no religion can justify it...none...time people let go of barbarism Man of Justice (@SuperGops) July 1, 2016 All practices of all religions need to be questioned.Religious practices have lost their true meaning over the years. #Slaughter #IrrfanKhan Krishna (@narcissistkrish) July 1, 2016 Animals werent created to serve as our food or sacrifice, we are too rotten to accept that...too blind to see what we are doing #IrrfanKhan Man of Justice (@SuperGops) July 1, 2016 Well done Irrfan khan for your amazing comments, people of all religions should ponder on them. priests & father's funeral my own religion Ria (@banerji1) July 1, 2016 Landslides triggered by torrential rains in Uttarakhand has killed at least 30 people in Uttarakhand. Over a dozen people are feared missing after several houses were washed away or are inaccessible due to the flash flood. ANI The cloudburst in Singhali area of Pithorgarh district early this morning brought over 100 mm rains in two hours in a region of 50 sq km, flattening homes in over seven villages, according to officials. The cloudburst occurred in the villages of Singhali, Patthakot, Ogla and Thal villages. Uttarakhand have been experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state for the past couple of days. ANI The worst hit are Chamoli and Pithoragarh where incessant rains continue to batter the area. Rivers including Alaknanda has crossed its danger mark. VIDEO: River Alaknanda flows above danger level after Uttarakhand cloudburst. Death Toll reported to be at 30https://t.co/k0XE28oDW5 TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 1, 2016 Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, said, NDRF teams rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert. I am deeply pained at loss of precious lives in Uttarakhand due to flash floods. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 1, 2016 Two already pre-positioned NDRF teams despatched to Pithoragarh & Chamoli in Uttarakhand where cloudburst & landslide reported. NDRF (@NDRFHQ) July 1, 2016 Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat announces compensation of 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 1, 2016 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow code warning for Friday and an orange code warning for Saturday, indicating an alert. It has forecast that heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places. The alert has been issued for the districts of Nainital, Udhamsingh Nagar, Champawat, Almora, Dehdraun, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Haridwar and Tehri districts for the next 72 hours. Istanbul, Brussels, Karachi, Moscow. All airports, all hit within the last two years by terrorists. While the world prays for Istanbul there is another more important question that needs to be asked what makes Airports so susceptible to terror attacks? In the case of Istanbul three suicide bombers managed to make it into the airport with bombs strapped to them. In the blasts that followed 41 people died, hundreds were injured but more importantly sent a huge message around the world. ISIS had brought the fighting to Turkey and nothing announced it like an airport under siege, people of all nationality murdered or if they are lucky pictures of planes standing while clouds of smoke billow in the background (didn't happen in this case) - but that's the larger idea of terrorists. reuters Istanbul was the second such attack this year. On March 23th Brussels Zaventem International Airport was attacked in a terror strike that killed 32 people and injured over 300; the Taliban gunmen attack at Jinnah International Airport in Pakistans Karachi in December 2014; and the attack on Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow that left 35 people dead and over 180 injured in December 2011. Recent terrorist attacks seem to suggest that airports have become easy or soft targets for terrorists. Here, we explore why. 1. An attack on an airport means an attack on the world. AFP International airports are a symbol of movement, travelling, globalisation and internationalism as they have travelers and citizens from the world over all gathered under one roof. People are lined up in queues to get their baggage checked in much before security, which makes it easier for attackers or terrorists to enter with explosives in their luggage and harm a massive amount of people in one go. 2. Governments across the world get involved, the strike immediately becomes a global issue. AFP By attacking airports, terrorists are able to instill fear among not only citizens, but also tourists, which creates a ripple of fear all over the world. It is tourism, and in turn the economy, that suffer the blow after such an attack - as can be seen in Belgium and Turkey. According to a Euronews report, hotel occupancy fell by 50% just 10 days after the attack and international holiday firm reports said Turkeys tourism continues to suffer since the attacks. 3. Airports have stringent security systems, an attack on an airport says no one is safe. AFP Airports, by far, have some of the most stringent security measures and when terrorists strike so violently in a place with a large gathering of people, it makes local and national governments doubt the security systems in place. In the case of Europe, two consecutive attacks at airports in such a short span of time have raised huge security concerns for European governments. 4. Attacking airports creates a legacy for terrorists. AFP Terrorists want to spread fear in order to accomplish their motives. Thus, attacking a symbolic entity such as airports helps them create a legacy. Joe Pappalardo writing for The Observer says airport attacks tend to grab headlines and the psychological return on an investment is increased when aviation and airports are involved. 5. It makes horror-inducing headlines. Always. AFP Plainly speaking, what terrorists achieve by attacking airports is a chance to create a big impact. They get headlines in major newspapers for days on, they spread fear and they make governments sit and take notice of their motives. 6. They interfere with global aviation traffic. AFP There are both short and long term consequences on air traffic after an airport attack. In the immediate short run, the airport is shut down for a few hours and all flights are diverted, and all take offs and landings are cancelled. In the long run, it can lead to passengers avoiding an airport if its recently been struck. Or some nations can also choose to completely suspend their flights to that nation. For example, after the attack at Jinnah International Airport, Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan International Airlines officials said, foreign airlines have already either suspended their flights into Karachi or are reviewing their present flight operations from different destinations to the Jinnah international airport". AFP Instead of feeling vulnerable if/when under an attack, try and keep yourself out of harms way by finding a secure place to hide. Once humiliated by her teacher in school and later sexually abused by her peers in a college hostel, Aishwarya Rutuparna Pradhans journey of coming out of the closet is nothing less than an ordeal. facebook But born as Ratikanta Pradhan, a native of the obscure Kanabagiri village in Odishas Kandhamal district, Aishwarya is now serving in Odisha Financial Services as a Commercial Tax Officer at Paradip Port Township. facebook But despite getting into the prestigious state civil services as a male in 2010, it took her more than five years before she could make her identity as a transgender public. Supreme Courts April 15, 2014 ruling in which the Apex court recognised transgender under the third gender category and guaranteed them constitutional rights was the shot in the arm, I needed to made my transgender identity public, said Aishwarya Pradhan, who has done her post graduation in Public Administration and has also studied English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). facebook After the SC ruling, Aishwarya not only forsook her identity as a male but also filled an affidavit in court to change her gender from male to female. "In an affidavit filed in court, I have already become Aishwarya Rutuparna Pradhan. I have submitted relevant records for change and modification of my name and gender. I expect to be conferred transgender classification on government records very shortly, added Pradhan. facebook While talking about her childhood and how and when she came to know about her orientation, Aishwarya says that she came to know about her orientation when she was in the 6th standard. Humiliation at the hands of teachers and classmates was routine for her. Teachers used to ridicule and humiliate me in school for being different. In college, life wasnt easy at all as once I was sexually abused by my peers in hostel during my post graduation days in Bhubaneswar. After getting into state civil services, people used to be apprehensive about my capabilities to perform my duties. But now things have become relatively easier, added Aishwarya who shed her male garb in April 2014 and donned a sari. facebook Although the transformation has given her the mental peace she aspired to have ever since her childhood, acceptability among her peers and subordinates was indeed a challenge. The change in my sartorial habits didnt bring any change in the way I performed my duties. After initial hiccups, all superiors, peers and sub-ordinates accepted me. My peers and seniors now call me by my new name whereas my sub-ordinates now address me as madam instead of sir, said Aishwarya for whom the life hasnt been this pleasant ever since her childhood. facebook Aishwarya believes that with the judiciary keenly trying to make lives of the LGBT community easier and more acceptable in society, the community's achhe din arent very far. Pakistan has said it has asked India to provide "more evidence" for the early completion of the Mumbai attack trial in which LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and six others are accused. AFP "Our foreign secretary has written to India's foreign secretary to provide more evidence so that Mumbai case trial is competed. The response from the Indian side is still awaited," foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said. Zakaria, however, did not elaborate when exactly the letter was written. Pakistan arrested seven Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked militants, including Lakhvi, for their role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed. AFP Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetting murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack. i.huffpost Lakhvi is living at an undisclosed location after he got released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. Also Read: The Untold Story Of Ravi Dharnidharka - The Soldier Who Saved 157 Lives At The Taj Hotel On 26/11 The case has been going on in the country for more than six years. India has been urging Pakistan to complete the trial at the earliest. It has said that enough evidence has been shared with Islamabad to prosecute the accused. reuters However, Pakistani officials say India has not provided enough evidence needed to successfully complete the trial. Meanwhile, Zakaria also said that the dialogue was the only option to resolve all outstanding issues with India. "It has been said many times earlier that peace talks is the only way forward for relations between Pakistan and India," he said. reuters Asked about threats against Pakistani artists in India by extremists, he said there are many other people in India who welcome and support artists and promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. reuters He said religious tourism is part of such efforts and Pakistan has been encouraging it. Zakaria also said that influential US Senator John McCain would shortly visit Pakistan and hold important talks on various issues. A chapter in history concluded on Thursday morning with the death of Babu Harihar Singh, 98, erstwhile ASI of CID Bihar, who had interrogated Nathuram Godse, assassin of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Singh joined police service under the British rule in 1940 and retired as ASP, Bihar police in 1977 with several accolades for his brilliant career record. TOI Suffering with prostate cancer for last one year he breathed his last at a local hospital where he got admitted with complaints of pneumonia and infection in the lungs. He has been survived by three sons, three daughters and their family members. In a special interview with The Times of India last year, Singh had clearly recalled his interrogation with Godse and said that he was a part of the six member CID team from Bihar which camped in Worli Mumbai for 45 days to interrogate Godse and find his links in other states. His service record had been impeccable and he was given gallantry award in July 1947 for his courageous act in controlling communal riots in Bhagalpur that broke out in the aftermath of 'direct action day' in August 1946. TOI He was awarded the prestigious Gallantry award in 1947 for controlling the communal riots in Bhagalpur that broke out in the aftermath of 'direct action day' in August 1946. Despite serving the British Raj he never budged before political pressure and had lodged an FIR against his senior SP RP Strokes for using unlawful tactics to suppress the 1942 movement. His son Om Prakash Singh said that the last rites would be carried out at Harmu burning ghat on Friday. 1. At Least 30 Feared Killed And Several Missing In Flash Floods And Cloud Burst In Uttarakhand Landslides triggered by torrential rains in Uttarakhand has killed at least 30 people in Uttarakhand. Over a dozen people are feared missing after several houses were washed away or are inaccessible due to the flash flood. Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, said, NDRF teams rushed to the areas affected by could burst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert. 2. Pakistan Back To Old Ways, Demands More Evidence From India On Mumbai Attacks Pakistan has said it has asked India to provide "more evidence" for the early completion of the Mumbai attack trial in which LeT operations commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi and six others are accused. Pakistan had arrested seven Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked militants, including Lakhvi, for their role in the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed. 3. The Police Officer Who Interrogated Mahatma Gandhi's Killer Nathuram Godse Dies At 98 A chapter in history concluded on Thursday morning with the death of Babu Harihar Singh, 98, erstwhile ASI of CID Bihar, who had interrogated Nathuram Godse, assassin of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Singh joined police service under the British rule in 1940 and retired as ASP, Bihar police in 1977 with several accolades for his brilliant career record. 4. World's Cheapest Smartphone - Freedom 251 Is Finally Here, And It Is Better Than You Expected Noida-based Ringing Bells is all set to launch the world's cheapest smartphone Freedom 251 on July 7. As you may know, the handset hit the headlines earlier this year due to its controversial price tag of Rs 251, which majority of us found hard to believe. This is the final version of the Freedom 251 smartphone. The earlier version that we had reviewed was a prototype unit given to the media. 5. Attack On Religious Minorities Continues In Bangladesh, Yet Another Hindu Priest Hacked To Death A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday at a temple in Bangladesh, police and senior administrative officials said. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has seen a surge in violent attacks in few months on liberal activists, members of minority Muslim sects and other religious groups by Islamist extremists. 6. Tejas - The Made In India Combat Aircraft Inducted Into The Air Force Today HAL Tejas, also known as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, has been inducted into the Indian Air Force. Two of the single-engine multi-role fighter jets, pegged to be the world's smallest and lightest supersonic fighter, were handed over to the Air Force. They will be stationed in Bengaluru, as part of the first Tejas squadron called 'Flying Daggers'. 7. 'Mother Of Satan' The Explosive Recovered In Hyderabad Was Also Used In Brussels & Paris Attacks The ISIS module which was busted in Hyderabad on Wednesday by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reportedly had plans to carry out a series of bomb attack in the city during Eid. The NIA team recovered explosive materials including Urea, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ammonium Nitrate and Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) from the residence of one of the arrested men. Among this a matter of concern is the discovery of TATP, a high grade explosive that can be used in making of Hydrogen Peroxide. This is the same material used by IS to make the explosives in the Paris and Brussels attacks Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Azerbaijani diplomat Agshin Mehdiyev, new Permanent Observer of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations, presented his credentials to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said the UN website. The decision to appoint the Azerbaijani diplomat to this position was earlier made by the OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani. Mehdiyev has served as OIC permanent observer to the European Union since Dec.1, 2015. His candidacy to the vacant position of the OIC permanent observer was earlier proposed by Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry. Earlier, Mehdiyev served as Azerbaijans permanent representative to the Council of Europe (2001-2006) and the UN (2006-2014). In a bizzare case of medical negligence, a Bhopal based dentist Dr. Yashwant Mishra was slapped with fine of Rs 53,000 for removing wrong tooth of a patient during surgery by the district consumer dispute redressal forum. Reuters/representative image Namrata Gandhi, 31, a resident of Shalimar Park Kolar Road, felt pain in her upper jaw on November 22, 2012. She consulted Dr Yashwant Mishra at Shivam Hospital, regarding the pain after paying Rs 200 towards his fees. Mishra examined her and suggested that the tooth number 8 of the upper jaw should be removed in order to get rid of the problem. Also Read: Delhi Man Breaks Right Leg In Accident, Top Hospital Operates On His Left Leg. Wait... What? In order to save her tooth and escape the surgery, she took second opinion from another dentist Dr Satendra Gupta at his Dental Care Centre on November 23, 2012. He too gave the same advice that her tooth number 8 of upper jaw should be removed. Reuetrs/representative image She went back to Dr Mishra and got her tooth removed after paying him Rs 7,500 towards fees on November 25. When there was no improvement in her condition, she approached another dentist Dr Akhilesh Jain after four days on November 29 and got her teeth examined. She was shocked when Dr Jain informed her that her tooth number 8 was creating the problem and is intact. Her tooth number 7 of the upper jaw was removed and she would have to spend Rs 25,000 to get implant in its place. When she went back to Dr Mishra and complained that her wrong tooth was pulled out, Dr Mishra misbehaved with her. Claiming negligence on part of Dr Mishra, Gandhi filed a complaint at the forum demanding a compensation of Rs 8.5 lakh on December 24, 2012 at district consumer forum. BCCL/representative image On other hand, Mishra denied any negligence and said he had advised Namrata Gandhi to get her tooth number 8 removed but did not take any fees from her that day. After two days Gandhi came back and told him that her tooth number 7 was also half broken. BCCL/representative image He examined and found that there was fracture in tooth number 7 and advised her to get it removed and suggested her that a support bridge from tooth number 6 to be made for which he gave her estimate of Rs 7500. Mishra further said while he was examining Gandhi, at the same time another patient Rajnikant Joshi's tooth number 8 was removed. Due to hurry he could not make prescription slip of both of them. As both lived nearby his house he gave the slip afterwards. In the process the tooth numbers were exchanged in their slips by mistake. In Gandhi's slip it was printed that her tooth number 8 was removed in place of 7 and in Joshi's slip tooth number 7 was printed. AP Gunmen attacked a restaurant popular with foreigners in the diplomatic quarter of Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday, the police said. Several people, including foreigners, are believed to have been taken hostage inside the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in the upscale Gulshan area of Dhaka, the police said as the gunbattle with unidentified attackers continues. Local media reports say about eight attackers, believed to be in their early 20s, entered the bakery, a restaurant popular with foreigners, and opened gunfire around 9:20 PM (local time). Jamuna Television quoted Sumon Reza, a kitchen staff worker at the restaurant who escaped the attack, as saying that the gunmen chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God Is Great) as they launched the attack. AP Reza said several armed men entered the restaurant and took the chief chef hostage. "They set off several crude bombs triggering panic," he was quoted as saying by the local media. The identities of the attackers were not immediately known. A large number of policemen and Rapid Action Battalion have cordoned off the restaurant. AP A witness said from his house located in the area that he could hear gunfire and it "looked quite bad". The US Embassy in Dhaka said on its Twitter feed there were "reports of shooting and hostage situation". Several foreigners among those held hostage in #Dhaka restaurant by eight or nine gunmen - Bangladesh police chief Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) July 1, 2016 The attackers hurled bombs and were firing intermittently, injuring some policemen and people. The foreign ministry has, meanwhile, said that all Indian officials are safe and the Indian high commissioner is closely monitoring the situation. Bangladesh has seen a series of attacks, mostly using machetes, targeting bloggers, atheists and religious minorities. Dhaka hostage crisis UPDATE: Rabiul Islam, Assistant Commissioner of Detective Branch of Police succumbs to his injuries-Bangladesh media ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 Bangladesh media: Police negotiator appeals "we are requesting the ones who are inside the restaurant to talk to us., relay us your demands" ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 Thai elephant Mosha was only seven months old when she stepped on a land mine and maimed herself. The accident happened 10 years ago on the Thai-Myanmar border where Mosha was severely injured. Reuters At the time, she was rushed to the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation in Lampang province, Thailand. The Thai-Myanmar border is sprinkled with landmines that were left in the wake of clashes between the Myanmar army and the ethnic minority groups. Reuters Two years after the incident, Mosha received her first leg - thanks to Therdchai Jivacate, the surgeon who gave Mosha hope and literally a second life. As she grew, she received longer and stronger limbs to keep her moving forward. And recently, Mosha was fitted with her ninth prosthetic leg! Reuters "The way she walked was unbalanced and her spine was going to bend. She would have died," said Therdchai. At the time Mosha got her first prosthetic, she weighed 600 kg. Now this beautiful animal weighs over 2,000 kg. Reuters Motola, another elephant that had lost her limb in the landmine explosion, also received a new prosthetic. If only there were an elixir one could take a swig of to forever remain alive. God alone knows where that fountain of youth is, if there is at all one. But closer home, Texas has a more legit way of helping us attain immortality. Christened Timeship Building, the complex has finally begun construction in Comfort, and will house over 50,000 dead bodies only to spring them back to life in the future. Not only bodies, the house will also store biological materials such as organs, cells and tissues, reports Daily Mail. Timeship/Stephen Valentine/Daily Mail A one-of-its-kind project, the ultimate aim of Timeship will be to work on life extension research and cryopreservation. Cryopreservation is a process which freezes bodies of humans and animals at very low temperatures, with the hope of bringing them back to life in the future. The idea is to simply subvert certain death by keeping bodies preserved until the day comes when technological advancements can make their revival possible. Northeastern University With a futuristic vision, Timeship will be "taking people to the future", said Stephen Valentine - the architect behind the project - to New Scientist. Timeship's mission is simple: "to conquer aging and eventually death". Universal Studios For anyone wondering how Timeship plans to survive the many dangers of the world, the site has that covered: "Timeship has been designed to provide that security at every level, from defense against terrorist attack, to sea level changes due to global warming, to interruption of energy supplies due to any catastrophe." Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Ukraines deputy prime minister and minister of regional development, building, housing and communal services, Hennadii Zubko is on a working visit in Baku, the Ukrainian governments press service said July 1. Zubko is visiting Azerbaijans capital to participate in the 11th meeting of the Ukraine-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. Azerbaijans First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov is the commissions co-chair from the Azerbaijani side. Zubko is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Azerbaijani government officials during the visit. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine amounted to $92.3 million in January-May 2016, $83.5 million of which accounted for the imports from Ukraine, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. A recent change in the board of directors of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF), which generated criticism of abruptness by local circles , was the reportedly behind Thursdays high-profile statement by National Bank (NBG) president Louka Katseli, who charged that Greeces banking sector was being led to one-dimensional style of management. Assad: The West Is Secretly Helping Syria Fight Rebels By teleSUR July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " teleSUR "- Despite their rhetoric, the Syrian leader said Western states are supporting his government. Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview to be broadcast on Friday that Western countries had sent security officials to help his government covertly in fighting Islamist militants involved in Syria's war. Assad, in remarks to Australia's SBS News channel that were carried by Syrian state media, said Western states were secretly cooperating with his government in counter-terrorism operations. "They attack us politically and then they send officials to deal with us under the table, especially the security, including your [the Australian] government," Assad was quoted as saying. "They don't want to upset the United States. Actually most of the Western officials, they only repeat what the United States want them to say. This is the reality," he said. The claim comes after a source close to the Syrian government told AFP that the U.S. and Russia were jointly coordinating offensives in eastern Syria near with the regime out of an operations room in Baghdad. It also follows a report that the U.S. has proposed jointly attacking Islamist militants in Syria with Russia. There was no immediate comment from Western governments. Western powers have supported rebels fighting to overthrow Assad in a civil war now in its sixth year, and have called for him to step down to ease a future democratic transition. He has refused, vowing to fight on until Damascus regains control of all of Syria. His main allies have been Russia and Iran. Among Assad's foes in the conflict are Islamist militant groups with which radicalized European Muslims have trained and taken part in fighting before, in some cases, returning to Europe to carry out attacks. Syrian President Assad says western countries secretly deal with his government By SBS Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has accused Western nations, including Australia, of doing deals with his country in secret an exclusive interview with SBS News reporter Luke Waters. The interview, filmed in Damascus after two years of negotiations, will air on Friday night on SBS. In the interview, President Assad said Western countries had double standards - openly criticising his government, in public, but contining to deal with him in private. They attack us politically and then they send officials to deal with us under the table, especially the security, including your [the Australian] government, he said. They don't want to upset the United States. Actually most of the western officials they only repeat what the United States want them to say. This is the reality. Waters also interviewed former Australian Ambassador to Syria, Bob Bowker, for Fridays special program. He cast doubt on President Assads claims of double standards. The reality is that Assad is seen in the west as an unfit leader to be dealt with, Mr Bowker said. In the rest of the Arab world as well, he has lost the credibility that he enjoyed early in his period as president, through a series of miscalculations on his part, rather than through the behaviour of those other Gulf states to which he was constantly referring in that interview. Global leaders have condemned President Assad for his tactics against insurgents. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called him a murderous tyrant, and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has described him as a butcher. In the interview President Assad responded to the condemnation. These statements, I just can say they are disconnected from our reality, because I'm fighting terrorists, he said. Our army is fighting terrorists, our government is against terrorists, the whole institutions are against terrorists. If you call fighting terrorism butchery, that's another issue. President Assad also had a message for Australians thinking about coming to Syria to fight. If there are foreigners coming without the permission of the government they are illegal, whether they want to fight terrorists or want to fight any other one, he said. It's the same. It's illegal, we can call it. The Syrian president also used the interview to comment on global politics, saying he had no preference for who won the US election and saying the Brexit referendum was a revolt of the people against second tier politicians. Propaganda Alert Obama Proposes New Military Partnership With Russia In Syria By Josh Rogin July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Washington Post "- The Obama administration has proposed a new agreement on Syria to the Russian government that would deepen military cooperation between the two countries against some terrorists in exchange for Russia getting the Assad regime to stop bombing U.S.-supported rebels. The United States transmitted the text of the proposed agreement to the Russian government on Monday after weeks of negotiations and internal Obama administration deliberations, an administration official told me. The crux of the deal is a U.S. promise to join forces with the Russian air force to share targeting and coordinate an expanded bombing campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaedas branch in Syria, which is primarily fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Under the proposal, which was personally approved by President Obama and heavily supported by Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the American and Russian militaries would cooperate at an unprecedented level, something the Russians have sought for a long time. In exchange, the Russians would agree to pressure the Assad regime to stop bombing certain Syrian rebel groups the United States does not consider terrorists. The United States would not give Russia the exact locations of these groups, under the proposal, but would specify geographic zones that would be safe from the Assad regimes aerial assaults. Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter was opposed to this plan, officials said, but was ultimately compelled to go along with the presidents decision. For many inside and outside the administration who are frustrated with the White Houses decision-making on Syria, the new plan is fatally flawed for several reasons. One big flaw is that its clear that the Russians have no intent to put heavy pressure on Assad, said former U.S. ambassador to Syria Robert Ford. And in those instances when the Russians have put pressure on, theyve gotten minimal results from the Syrians. Theres not enough reliable intelligence to distinguish Jabhat al-Nusra targets from the other rebel groups they often live near, Ford said. And even if the Syrians agreed not to bomb certain zones, there would be no way to stop Jabhat al-Nusra and other groups from moving around to adjust. Moreover, increased bombing of Jabhat al-Nusra would be likely to cause collateral damage including civilian deaths, which would only bolster the groups local support. It makes no sense to me, said Ford. If they are trying to destroy al-Qaeda in Syria, do they really think bombing them is the way to do it? F-16s do not solve recruitment problems with extremist groups. One administration official complained that the plan contains no consequences for the Russians or the Assad regime if they dont hold up their end of the bargain. Fifty-one U.S. diplomats signed a dissent letter this month calling on the White House to use targeted military force against the Assad regime as a means of increasing the pressure on Assad and giving the U.S. real leverage. Kerry has been threatening for months that if Assad doesnt respect the current cease-fire, known as the cessation of hostilities, that there was a Plan B of increasing arms to the Syrian rebels. But the White House has now scuttled that plan in favor of the proposed Russia deal, which could actually leave the rebels in a far worse position. Because most Jabhat al-Nusra fighters are fighting Assad, if the plan succeeds, Assad will be in a much better position. Meanwhile, the other Sunni Arab groups that are left fighting Assad will be in a much weaker position, said Andrew Tabler, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The strategy could allow Assad to capture Aleppo, which would be a huge victory for his side in the civil war. If the U.S. and Russia open up on Jabhat al-Nusra, that changes the dynamics on the ground in Aleppo and Idlib, he said. It would definitely benefit the Assad regime and it could potentially benefit the Kurds and ISIS. For Russia, the deal is not just about Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees increased military cooperation as an acknowledgment of Russian importance and a way to gradually unwind Russias isolation following the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. Thats why Carter was initially opposed to the plan, officials said. The Russians have made it very clear that they want military-to-military cooperation with the U.S., not just to fight terrorism, but to improve their world standing, said Tabler. It is a way to be welcomed back into the fold. State Department spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal but defended its basic principles. We have been clear about Russias obligations to ensure regime compliance with the cessation of hostilities. We have also been clear about the danger posed by al-Qaeda in Syria to our own national security, he said. We are looking at a number of measures to address both of these issues. For the White House, the priority in Syria is not solving the Syrian civil war, which most White House officials believe is intractable, or forcing the ouster of Assad. Senior administration officials admit that Russia and Assad are violating the cease-fire and failing to show the will to advance the political process. But the White House has decided not to go back to the plan of increasing pressure on the Assad regime. Analytically speaking, the path of military escalation by one side or the other is not likely to lead to a final outcome in Syria, one senior administration official told me. Its essentially a stalemate. The White House wants to keep the cease-fire in place for as long as possible, despite the violations, and wants to keep the political process going, despite the lack of progress. We want to keep the violence as low as possible for as long as possible, the official said. What we have to look at is, what is the alternative? And the alternative is either the levels of violence that we saw months ago . . . or we could see the violence get even worse. CIA Director John Brennan said Wednesday in remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations that Russia is trying to crush anti-Assad forces and that Moscow has not lived up to its commitments regarding the cease-fire or the political process in Syria. Nevertheless, Brennan said, the United States needs to work with Russia. Theres going to be no way forward on the political front without active Russian cooperation and genuine Russian interest in moving forward, he said. If the price of getting Russia on board with the Syrian political process is to further abandon the Syrian rebels and hand Assad large swaths of territory, its a bad deal. Its an even worse deal if Russia takes the U.S. offer and then doesnt deliver on its corresponding obligations. The Obama administration is understandably trying to find some creative way to salvage its Syria policy in its final months. But the proposal that Obama offered Putin will have costs for the U.S. position vis-a-vis Russia as well as for the Syrian crisis long after Obama leaves office. Josh Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post. He writes about foreign policy and national security. Follow @joshrogin See also Jihadists that US kept off terror list attack UN humanitarian convoy in Syria - MoD: Militants from an Al-Qaeda-linked group, Jaysh al-Islam, have shelled a UN humanitarian convoy near Damascus, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Despite the groups repeated ceasefire violations, the UN rejected Russias bid to add it to the terror list. Turkey-Israel Deal Leaves Gaza Siege Intact By Ali Abunimah July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Electronic Intifada "- Palestinians in the Gaza Strip expressed anger and dismay on Monday about the deal normalizing relations between Israel and Turkey that leaves them under a suffocating siege. An Israeli human rights group that monitors the decade-old Israeli blockade of Gaza has also confirmed that the deal does not end Israels tight control over the territory that has greatly exacerbated the devastation to Gazas economy and society from three major Israeli military assaults since 2008. Turkey put its once close military and political relations with Israel in the deep freeze six years ago, after Israel attacked the Turkish-owned Mavi Marmara as it sailed in international waters as part of a flotilla to Gaza in May 2010, killing nine people and fatally injuring a tenth. Turkey imposed unprecedented military sanctions on Israel in 2011 over the incident. Efforts at reconciliation had been stalemated by the conditions demanded by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: an Israeli apology and compensation over the Mavi Marmara attack and an end to the siege of Gaza. The breakthrough apparently came when Turkey dropped the third and biggest of these demands and accepted that Israel would maintain its blockade. In a face-saving measure, Israel will allow Turkey to increase its humanitarian role and infrastructure projects in the besieged territory. Positive spin The Turkish government has tried to spin the deal positively. A senior official told The Electronic Intifada that under the deal Turkey will deliver humanitarian aid and other non-military products to Gaza and make infrastructure investments in the area. This would include new residential buildings and a 200-bed hospital. The official added that concrete steps will be taken to address the energy and water crisis in Gaza. The amount of electricity and drinking water to Gaza residents will increase and new power plants will be constructed. At a press conference in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim asserted that the siege on Gaza had been largely lifted as a result of the agreement. Yildirim confirmed that Israel would pay $20 million in compensation to the families of the dead and to injured survivors of the Mavi Marmara raid. He said a first shipment of 10,000 tons of Turkish aid would be delivered to Gaza later this week through the Israeli port of Ashdod. At a simultaneous news conference in Rome, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement for its strategic importance to Israel and affirmed that what he called the defensive maritime blockade of the occupied Gaza Strip would remain. Netanyahu also said that the deal gives Israeli soldiers protection from prosecution. Victims of the Mavi Marmara attack have pursued justice in Turkish and US courts as well as in the International Criminal Court. The deal leaves the status of these lawsuits unclear. According to the Turkish official, the agreement will also make it possible for Turkey to launch major projects in the West Bank, including the Jenin industrial zone. But as I documented in my 2014 book, The Battle for Justice in Palestine, Palestinian analysts and rights groups say the Jenin industrial zone and others like it, far from helping them, may only make them more vulnerable to environmental, labor and political damage and exploitation. Scandal and insult Gisha , an Israeli human rights group that monitors Israels blockade of Gaza, said the deal did nothing to challenge Israels shameful control over the lives of 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza. What Netanyahu has given Erdogan is not a change in policy, but rather a circumscribed gesture, like allowing him to put down plastic buildings in a game of Monopoly, Gishas director Tania Hary wrote in a scathing op-ed in the Tel Aviv newspaper Haaretz. Palestinian commentators from Gaza agreed. The Turkish-Israeli deal is a scandal and an insult to Palestine/Gaza and to the blood of Turkish activists, Refaat Alareer, an educator and writer tweeted. Alareer called the agreement a deal of shame. I may understand Turkey's failure to lift Gaza siege. But I will never approve of Turkey's use of Gaza to whitewash the Deal of Shame. Refaatesque- Gaza (@ThisIsGaZa) June 27, 2016 Lifting Gaza siege means freedom of movement, not more food and aid, Gaza writer Omar Ghraieb tweeted. Is that too hard to comprehend? Its not acceptable to speak lightly of [the] Gaza siege saying its largely lifted when its still affecting [the] lives of two million people, Ghraieb added in rebuke to the Turkish prime minister. Lifting #Gaza #siege means patients get to leave immediately for urgent #medical care instead of dying as they wait for a miracle. Omar Ghraieb (@Omar_Gaza) June 27, 2016 It's NOT acceptable to speak lightly of #Gaza #siege saying it's largely lifted when it's still affecting lives of 2 million people. Omar Ghraieb (@Omar_Gaza) June 27, 2016 Gaza-based translator Jason Shawa tweeted, We want lift of the siege, not your charity Erdogan, Keep it! Turkeys interests first, ties with Gaza later, was the succinct reaction of Gaza journalist Nidal al-Mughrabi. Turkey's interests first, ties with Gaza later https://t.co/bOimEux8lz Nidal al-Mughrabi (@nidalal) June 27, 2016 Turkey has been under pressure for years, especially from the administration of US President Barack Obama, to mend its ties with Israel. As a consequence of the bloody civil war in Syria, in which Ankara has supported forces seeking the overthrow of the government of President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has faced a deteriorating regional situation. Bomb attacks that have killed dozens of people in Turkish cities in recent months have contributed to a catastrophic 40 percent decline in tourism, a key sector of the countrys economy. Netanyahu has also hinted that the rapprochement could pave the way for lucrative deals over Mediterranean gas reserves involving Turkey. Turkeys Yildirim was more cautious, saying that future cooperation would be tied to the efforts of the two countries. Shares in Turkish energy firms that work in Israel rose sharply on news of the agreement, as did Israeli energy stocks in Tel Aviv. Administering siege The Palestinian Authority in Ramallah welcomed the Israel-Turkey rapprochement, but there was no immediate reaction from Hamas. In recent days, Hamas, the Palestinian political and resistance movement that rules the interior of the Gaza Strip, has tried to limit the potential negative fallout from the Turkey-Israel negotiations. Over the weekend, the movements leader, Khaled Meshaal, met with President Erdogan in Ankara. A statement from Hamas said that the groups delegation confirmed to the Turkish leadership the demands of our people, especially the lifting of the siege, confident that Turkey will succeed in this matter. The senior Turkish official informed The Electronic Intifada that there are absolutely no references to Hamas in the agreement with Israel, an apparent response to Israeli demands that Erdogan shut down the movements activities in Turkey. But the reality is that while Turkey is going to deliver more aid to Gaza assuming Israel keeps its side of the bargain it will only do so under the siege conditions imposed by Israel. It will be difficult for many Palestinians to avoid the conclusion that Turkey has joined other members of the so-called international community, especially the United Nations, in helping Israel administer the siege rather than challenging its continuation. The UN has been complicit in administering the siege under the so-called Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism, which allows building supplies to trickle in under tight Israeli control. The Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism is illegal and violates the very right to life of the Palestinian people, according to a confidential legal opinion prepared for a major aid agency that works closely with the UN, as was revealed by The Electronic Intifada in January. International House Negroes Defend European Union The international House Negro is a bi-product of 500 years of European plunder and conquest of the planet. When the European Union was threatened by the exit of Britain, house Negroes of all colors on both sides of the Atlantic acted like their own worlds were coming to end. By Glen Ford They like the house that slavery and genocide built, and where global capitalism now rules. July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " BAR "- We can be sure that the British exit from the European Union represents a profound crisis for the global capitalist order. We know this because the Lords of Capital and their political minions and media all over the world are in panic over Brexit. The capitalist order is built on five centuries of European plunder, enslavement, and extermination of the rest of humanity. Blood oozes from every edifice of the European Union and yet, the victims, and the descendants of the victims of this horrific and ongoing capitalist carnage, often behave as if they have some kind of stake in keeping the old order intact. Like Malcolm Xs house Negroes, their first instinct when they see the masters house on fire, is to put the fire out. If the master gets sick, they start sneezing. And, when the referendum went against Britain staying in the European Union, house Negroes of all colors on both sides of the Atlantic acted like their own worlds were coming to end. On Comedy Centrals Daily Show, this week, host Trevor Noah interviewed Cynthia Erivo, who plays Celie in the Broadway production of The Color Purple. Noah lampooned those Brits that voted to leave the EU as a bunch of Donald Trumps with Cockney accents. He said nothing about the EUs pro-corporate, pro-banker austerity policies maybe because theres nothing funny about those policies, or maybe because he works for a rich corporation. Noah drew Ms. Erivo into the Brexit discussion. She was born in London to parents who emigrated from Nigeria. She explained her opposition to Brexit, saying, If my mom didnt get to the UK, I probably wouldnt be here right now, on that stage on Broadway. By colonizing Nigeria, the Brits saved her from being born an African. Cynthia Erivo is grateful that her West African parents were allowed into Britain, so that she could be born in London and pursue a successful career. Her parents were permitted to settle in Britain because Nigeria was a British colony, and later became part of the British Commonwealth. It actually had nothing to do with the European Union. By Cynthia Erivos logic, it was a good thing that Britain invaded, plundered, enslaved, and stole her parents homeland. By colonizing Nigeria, the Brits saved her from being born an African. The millions who died in the British conquest of Nigeria, and in the Middle Passage to the Americas, or on the plantations of Virginia or Jamaica, or in forced labor to the British in Nigeria, or who die today in the oil soaked wasteland of the Niger River Delta all of this past and present suffering and human degradation is balanced out by the fact that a daughter of Nigeria gets to star in a Broadway show. This super-exploitation of Africa made Britain and France and Spain and Belgium and the Netherlands and other members of todays European Union rich but Cynthia Erivo and Trevor Noah, the South African, come to the defense of the European Union. They like the house that slavery and genocide built, and where global capitalism now rules. They fear anything that might create disorder in the House of Europe, just as their counterparts in Black America fear anything that might disturb the tranquility of the U.S. ruling class and its institutions. The House Negroes are truly international, always ready to put out fires in their masters many houses around the globe. For Black Agenda Radio, Im Glen Ford. On the web, go to BlackAgendaReport.com. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: The US and Azerbaijan continue to develop cooperation in all the areas, US Ambassador Robert Cekuta said in Baku July 1 at a reception on the occasion of the US Independence Day. The US supports energy sectors development in Azerbaijan, the ambassador said, adding his country appreciates Azerbaijan's participation in the peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan. The diplomat noted that the US highly appreciates the multicultural history of Azerbaijan and is building strong relations with the country in all the spheres. The ambassador also spoke about the establishment of the US, noting that in 2016 the US celebrates not only the 240th anniversary of independence, but also the 25th anniversary of establishment of relations with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, who also addressed the event, expressed hope that the US, as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing country, will double efforts to settle the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan has reached a strategic level, the minister said. We appreciate active continuation of the political dialogue between the sides. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishment of relations between the parties. Development of economic relations between our countries is a priority. Cooperation in the energy sector is also a priority. Sharifov added that Azerbaijan is ready to further cooperate with the US in the fight against terrorism. Who Is Special Now? The Mythology Behind the US-British Relationship By Binoy Kampmark July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - To any historian buff, it should be a known fact that Britains special relationship with Washington has been a tough one, subjected to periods of bruising and disagreement. States caught in a web of imperial domination can only be special to a certain extent. Despite this, the mythology of a special relationship between London and Washington continues to sound its tunes. That sense of closeness has been as much a cultural as political one. Together, Anglo-Saxons would triumph on a global scale in a messianic, racially adorned mission twittering about a liberal democratic order. While the US Republic was perceived as founded upon a radical revolution, loyalist ties ran deep with the British empire. The strain of Anglo-Saxon bonding persisted. Joseph Galloway, a figure of prominence at the Continental Congress in 1774, would eventually break with the leaders in favour of the loyalist cause. Fleeing for Britain after being deemed by the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1778 a traitor, Galloway nursed fantasies of reunion, with Parliament assuming its role as sagacious mother and governor. The flirtation with re-union persisted even as Britain increased its possessions. Writing in 1902, British journalist William Steadman considered the links in the unmistakably titled The Americanization of the World. The lions share of the world is ours, not only in its bulk, but in tit-bits also. This smug observation tended to ignore that large German speaking population within the US, the implications of that which would come out in the early part of the First World War. While President Woodrow Wilson did eventually enter on the side of the Allies in 1917, aspirations to make the world safe for democracy proved troubling to the victorious imperial powers. An articulated right to self-determination was particularly problematic. The days of British Empire were numbered. With the advent of the League of Nations, an organisation which refused to receive domestic American support, the US went into something of a slumber, hoping to avoid unnecessary entanglements through the 1920s and 1930s. (To this day, the myth persists that the US was entirely insular or even isolationist during this period.) As the Second World War raged, the close relationship of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, did pay dividends. The 1942 Lend-Lease agreement was one such manifestation of this association. But the good will forged in war would not last in peace. President Harry S. Truman was in little mood to be charitable, demanding British repayments in 1945 and rebuffing advances for new loans for reconstruction. The debt was subsequently reduced, and Congressional approval forthcoming for a loan amounting to half what was approved. (Churchill, now in opposition, had procured his begging bowl to convince Congress.[1]) The international order was transformed with the Bretton Woods institutions, much to the chagrin of Britains planners. The anti-colonial, open market agenda came across as another rich slap to the protectionist enclaves of empire. Despite being in ruin, and a former enemy, Germany, at least its western part, became part of a US project of European finance and integration. Strategists were already banking on a revived German economy, with an industrial capacity superior to that of a crippled Britain. The European Coal and Steel Community had Washingtons blessing, while a snobbish Britain remained obsessed with its declining empire. As Columbia University emeritus professor Volker R. Berghahn has observed, Germany may have failed on two occasions to attain primacy on the continent with military force but gained hegemony in Europe without firing a single shot after 1945, in no small part due to its relationship with the US. [2] More rebuffs to Britain would follow from the bullish power across the Atlantic. Britain got a firm scolding from President Dwight D. Eisenhower for its Suez adventure against Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956. During the next decade, Britain dug in its heels regarding the failed US engagement in Indo-China, refusing to deploy personnel to Washingtons own version of a bloody colonial adventure. Be it a special relationship or an Anglo-American union, such ideas have bound the countries on both sides of the Atlantic, not always to the good. The fact that Britain has been a particularly noisy cheer leader for Washingtons interests during the post-Cold War world, be it in Europe or on the UN Security Council, could hardly have been surprising in its familial sense. Much of it seemed to be an act of contrition for having gotten it wrong about the re-unification of Germany, which President George H.W. Bush backed; and Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers continuous opposition to the European Economic Community. Subsequent pro-US engagements made less sense politically. Under Prime Minister Tony Blair, this entailed unwarranted evangelical missions from 2003 into traditional areas of European and Western interference with calamitous outcomes. The Blairite mission in the Middle East was miserably characterised by obsequious endeavour. Instead of being a firm critic of US imperial bullying, Britain became a co-sponsoring companion. With the Brexit vote, President Barack Obamas reassurances that Britain remains one of the chosen has to be seen in the context of a mythology that produced it. Washingtons interests are as much, if not more tied, to such states as Germany, the European continents business motor. The fantasy of an Anglophone sphere of interests, typified by Boris Johnsons school of thinking, is bound to persist. The economic realities will lie elsewhere. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com Notes. [1] https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/ A Look at America's International Image July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - As the Obama era comes to a close, the overall image of the United States among key publics in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region is generally favorable. In addition, U.S.-led military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria wins broad approval, and many say America is as important a world leader as it was a decade ago. U.S. image, in part, is linked to impressions of the American people. In general, Americans are perceived as optimistic and hardworking, although those outside of the U.S. are divided as to whether Americans can be described as tolerant. When looking at negative characteristics, many people around the globe associate Americans with arrogance, greed and violence. Favorable views of U.S. have continued throughout the Obama administration Majorities in 13 out of 15 countries surveyed have positive views of the United States. In many of these countries, notably France, Poland, Spain, the UK and Japan, favorable views of the U.S. have endured since 2009, when President Barack Obama first took office. Today, America gets its highest ratings from Poles (74%), Italians (72%), Japanese (72%) and Swedes (69%). In Europe, a median of 63% across the 10 nations surveyed rate the U.S. favorably. In some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally countries in Europe, opinions of the U.S. have weakened since 2015. Positive views are down by 11 percentage points in Italy and by 6 points in Spain, although the U.S. still enjoys high levels of favorability in both countries (72% and 59%, respectively). German opinion, on the other hand, has moved in the opposite direction. A year ago, only half in Germany viewed the U.S. in a positive light, whereas a 57% majority are now of this opinion. Greece is the only country surveyed in which a majority (58%) views the U.S. unfavorably a position that has not changed much since 2012. Half of Chinese are positive toward the U.S., a 6-percentage-point increase since 2015, perhaps the result of bilateral meetings between the two countries leaders, Obama and President Xi Jinping, late last year and earlier this year. In some countries, U.S. gets higher marks among young people, those on right In some countries, U.S. gets higher marks among young people, those on right Previous Pew Research Center surveys have found widespread age gaps in views of the U.S., with younger people typically more favorably inclined toward the United States. This year, we see this pattern repeated in several countries: China, Poland, Hungary and India. The gap is most dramatic in China, where there is a 25-percentage-point difference between the majority of people ages 18-34 who have a favorable opinion of the U.S. and the minority of those ages 50 and older who agree. Sweden stands out as the one country where the age pattern is reversed: 77% of older Swedes are favorably disposed toward the U.S. compared with only 59% of younger Swedes. In certain countries, opinions of the U.S. also differ by ideological orientation. In seven of the 12 countries where ideology was measured, people on the right of the ideological spectrum are more likely to have a favorable view of America than are people on the left. This gap is widest in France and Sweden, where roughly three-quarters of those who place themselves on the right have a favorable opinion of the U.S., compared with only about half of those on the left. Double-digit ideological gaps are also present in Greece, Australia, Spain, the UK and Canada. Views on U.S. respect for civil liberties Many people in America and abroad believe the U.S. government respects the personal freedoms of its citizens. In 11 of the 16 countries polled, more than half hold this view, including strong majorities in Japan (76%), Italy (75%), Poland (73%), Hungary (63%) and China (61%). In Europe, at least, not everyone agrees when it comes to the status of civil liberties in the U.S.: In France and Sweden, for example, roughly half in each country (both 51%) say the American government does not respect personal freedoms within its borders. Slightly fewer in Greece (46%) and Spain (43%) share this view. In India, 41% think the U.S. government respects its citizens freedoms, but nearly as many do not offer an opinion. Compared with eight years ago, significantly fewer in France, Germany and Poland believe that the U.S. government respects the rights of its citizens. The decline has been especially steep in France, where the share of respondents saying the U.S. respects civil liberties has dropped 21 percentage points since 2008. Over the same period, the proportion of Germans confident that the U.S. protects personal freedoms has fallen 17 points. These declines are likely due in part to revelations in 2013 about the U.S. National Security Agencys surveillance programs. Between 2013 and 2014, during which time the NSAs tapping of German Chancellor Angela Merkels cellphone was disclosed, opinion in the country on U.S. respect for personal freedoms plunged 23 percentage points. It is possible that the critical assessment of the U.S. record on civil liberties is softening in some countries. For instance, German views have actually rebounded somewhat, with 53% now saying the U.S. government respects its citizens personal freedoms, compared with 43% who held this opinion in 2015. China has also seen an improvement in the U.S. governments respect for the rights of its citizens. A majority in China (61%) thinks personal freedoms are respected in the U.S. (an increase of 16 percentage points from 2015). Younger Chinese (67%) are even more likely than older Chinese (52%) to hold this view. In the U.S., 58% of Americans say their government respects the civil liberties of its citizens, up from 51% a year earlier but still well below pre-NSA scandal levels (69% in 2013). Women (63%) are more likely than men (53%) to think the federal government safeguards individual freedoms. There is also a large partisan gap on this issue: 72% of Democrats say their government respects civil liberties, compared with 50% of Republicans who say the same. American leadership in the world seen as stable over past decade Across the countries surveyed, many say the U.S. has remained as important and powerful a world leader as it was 10 years ago. At one extreme, roughly six-in-ten Japanese (61%) say the U.S. has declined in importance over the past 10 years. By contrast, a 57% majority of Indians say the U.S. plays a more important and powerful role as a world leader than it did a decade ago. Meanwhile, in key European nations France, Germany, the UK, Spain and Sweden the prevailing view is that the U.S. is about as important and powerful as it was a decade ago. Continuing support for military action against ISIS A recent Pew Research Center survey found that large majorities in Europe see ISIS as a major threat. And in most of these countries, there is overwhelming support for U.S.-led military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The French are the most supportive of such action, with 84% saying so. Roughly the same share (81%) held this view in 2015, prior to the November 2015 Paris attacks, for which ISIS claimed responsibility. Backing is also strong among the other members of the U.S.-led coalition conducting airstrikes in Iraq and Syria: Netherlands (77%), U.S. (76%), Australia (75%), the UK (71%) and Canada (68%). Roughly eight-in-ten (81%) in Sweden, not a coalition member, also stand behind the U.S.-led effort against ISIS. Majorities support U.S.-led efforts against ISIS in Germany (71%), Italy (67%), Poland (65%) and Spain (62%). Greeks are split, with 48% in favor of and 45% against the military campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. In 10 of the 15 countries in which this question was asked, men are more likely than women to support anti-ISIS efforts led by the U.S. The gender gap is widest in Japan, Canada and Spain. The narrowest gender gap is in the United States. Americans perceived as optimistic and hardworking In addition to questions about the U.S., the survey asked respondents about their image of Americans. When asked whether Americans are optimistic and hardworking, majorities in nearly all countries answer yes. However, when asked if Americans are tolerant, views are mixed. American optimism is alive and well in the eyes of those surveyed in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Majorities in every country except for China and India believe that people in the U.S. tend to look on the bright side. Seven-in-ten or more in all 10 European nations surveyed associate optimism with Americans. Fully 80% of Spanish, Poles and Swedes say this. Overwhelming shares of Japanese, Australians and Canadians also describe Americans as hopeful in their outlook. Americans are also widely viewed as having a strong work ethic. In 14 of 16 publics polled, majorities describe Americans as hardworking. The Spanish are particularly impressed, with 86% associating Americans with hard work. This represents a 12-percentage-point increase from 2005, when the question was last asked in Spain. At least 57% in each of the other European countries surveyed also ascribe industriousness to Americans, although that reputation has slipped slightly in France (-8 percentage points) and Germany (-7) over the past 11 years. In North America, both Americans (80%) and Canadians (76%) associate people in the U.S. with hard work. Across the Pacific, majorities in Australia (68%) and India (56%) agree; however, only minorities in China (39%) and Japan (26%) describe Americans as hardworking. The image of Americans as tolerant is less firmly implanted than either a reputation for optimism or hard work. Besides the U.S. (65%), only in Poland (70%), Japan (59%), Germany (51%) and Italy (51%) do roughly half or more describe Americans as tolerant. Some publics are divided on the issue, but in China (59%), Sweden (58%) and Australia (56%) majorities do not associate Americans with tolerance. Within some countries, views on American tolerance divide sharply along ideological lines, with those on the right of the ideological spectrum more likely to say people in the U.S. display this trait than people on the left. This is the case in Australia (18 points more likely), France (+15), Canada (+14) and Spain (+12). Many associate arrogance, greed and violence with Americans The survey also asked whether respondents associate three negative traits arrogance, greed and violence with Americans. A median of 54% think arrogance is an attribute of Americans, and nearly as many say the same about greed (median of 52%). Slightly fewer across the countries surveyed think Americans are violent (median of 48%). Majorities or pluralities in nine countries associate haughtiness with people in the U.S. Roughly seven-in-ten Greeks, Canadians and Australians associate a sense of superiority with people in the U.S. and six-in-ten or more in the UK (64%), Spain (62%) and China (60%) agree. A 57% majority of Americans admit that the stereotype of the greedy American fits. Roughly the same portion of Spaniards (59%), Dutch (59%), Canadians (58%), Australians (58%), British (56%) and Swedes (55%) agree that Americans are greedy. In Greece, an even larger share (68%) associates Americans with avarice. Elsewhere, the survey finds roughly half or fewer agreeing that Americans are greedy. This view is least common in Italy, with just 21% ascribing avarice to people in the U.S. Meanwhile, the share of Poles (-13 percentage points), Brits (-9), and Chinese (-8) ascribing greed to people in the U.S. has dropped considerably since the last time this question was asked in 2005. Across the countries polled, substantial percentages describe Americans as violent. In four nations this constitutes a majority view: Australia (68%), Greece (63%), the UK (57%) and Spain (55%). The last time this trait was tested was in 2005, against the backdrop of the U.S.-led mission in Iraq. The share of people in France describing Americans as violent was 15 percentage points higher (63% vs. 48%). Smaller but still significant gaps are evident in Canada (64% in 2005 vs. 53% today) and China (61% vs. 52%). U.S. Republicans, Democrats disagree on many American traits In the United States, Democrats sometimes have a less favorable view of Americans compared with Republicans. Democrats are less likely to describe Americans as tolerant and more likely to associate Americans with greed and arrogance. The largest perceptual divide, however, is over violence. By a margin of 21 percentage points, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to describe Americans as violent. Although both Republicans and Democrats associate Americans with hard work, this accolade is more widespread among Democrats (85%) than Republicans (75%). The one positive characteristic Republicans and Democrats agree on is optimism. Roughly three-quarters of both Republicans and Democrats say people in their country are hopeful. Next Page Judge: Nobody Died in Orlando Shooting Until SWAT Teams Entered The Building By Tim Brown What should have been front page news everywhere, somehow got buried amid the official narrative we were given about the Orlando shooting. Judge Andrew Napolitano told FOX News that an FBI transcript indicated that no one died until 05:13am Sunday morning when the police SWAT teams entered the building. Heres what is news in the summary nobody died until 05:13 in the morning, when the SWAT team entered. Prior to that no one had been killed. The 53 that were injured, and the 49 that were murdered all met their fates at the time of, and during, the police entry into the building, Judge Napolitano said. Consider that the narrative we have been given was that Omar Mateen entered the club around 02:00am on Sunday morning to begin his killing spree, so why was no one actually killed until 05:13am, over three hours later? Here's the official transcript. So, this makes one question why the 911 call transcripts are being redacted and why the people are not being told the truth across the media about what really took place. We have been told that 5 to 6 police officers were already in the club for 15 to 20 minutes or more prior to the SWAT teams' entering. So, what is the truth here? Some claim that 05:13am is the time of death, but how is that when that suspect was not even down until 05:15am? Could it be that some of the people in the club were shot by the SWAT team or by Mateen? With nearly50 people dead and more wounded, how was Mateen able to get off that many shots? I'm really curious. Take a listen to the entrance of the SWAT team into the club. If that was not enough, police officers have even admitted that they may have killed some of the people. WFAA reports: Monday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina and other law enforcement officers offered new details about the shooting, including the possibility that some victims may have been killed by officers trying to save them. I will say this, thats all part of the investigation, Mina said. But I will say when our SWAT officers, about eight or nine officers, opened fire, the backdrop was a concrete wall, and they were being fired upon. A law enforcement source close to the investigation who asked not to be named said a crowd of up to 300 people and the complex layout of the dance club may have resulted in some patrons being struck by gunfire from officers. Copyright 2016 FreedomOutpost.com Gobsmacked and Stunned By William Bowles July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Investigating Imperialism " - Its very rare that you see the ruling elite totally at a loss for words: but they were. Gobsmacked and stunned would be accurate descriptions of the look on the political classs collective face on the morning of June 24, 2016. Its the corporate/state media that effectively calls the shots when it comes to national decision-making in the UK these days, so most people assumed that the Remainers would win the previous days vote on whether or not the country should remain in Europe. The pre-voting propaganda was so solidly devoted to the immigration problem, that nobody considered the implications of actually exiting from the EU should the Brexiters win the vote. In fact, it just added to the confusion, the results of which are all too apparent now, with pro and anti at each others throats. And all of it, engineered. However, almost a week after the vote, economist Richard Wolff spelled out the reasons for the result during an interview with the Real News Network: Its perfectly clear that the mass of people wanted to send a message to the old, established, austerity-committed government of David Cameron, that they dont want him, they dont want what he does, they dont believe in any of this. They believe that the leadership of the European Union, what is crushing Greece, etcetera, is not something they want to be part of. They feel victimised by all of that. And the Brexit vote gave them a chance to say no, we dont want it. Sure, there were racist elements and anti-immigration elements. Thats part of the British political scene. Of course its going to play its role, seeking its objectives as part of this. The BBCs propaganda campaign in favour of remaining had been as relentless as their attacks on Jeremy Corbyn since his election as leader of the Labour Party almost a year ago. So it seemed almost logical that, in a bizarre inversion of reality, that he, not Cameron, is the one they, and the rest of the media, would blame for Brexit. Media watchdog Medialens highlighted one of the meanest media attacks on Corbyn in the days following: Perhaps the worst example of an anti-Corbyn attack, post-Brexit, was in the Mail on Sunday. A piece by Dan Hodges was illustrated by a Photoshopped image of a malevolent vampiric Corbyn in a coffin with the despicable headline, Labour MUST kill vampire Jezza. That this should appear just ten days after Labour MP Jo Cox was brutally murdered is almost beyond belief. Killing Corbyn, Media Lens, 29 June 2016 Reading what passes for news this past seven days, youd never know that the real cause of the upset was the Tory Party, which, aside from Camerons resignation, has barely been mentioned; for the reality is that it was an internal spat in the Tory Party that started the whole Brexit ball rolling. Instead, the Remain camp feels theyve been cheated out of victory by their Brexit opponents wrongly labelled as a bunch of Nazis and xenophobes. This is exactly the way the BBC has been portraying events: images of angry Remainers demonstrating outside Parliament, contrasted with interviews of penitent Brexiters, who have seen the error of their ways and wished theyd voted with their internationalist brothers and sisters. So no problem taking in the refugees then? A convenient scapegoat Initially this was going to be a kind of blow-by-blow diary of the vote and its dramatic outcome, but its two stories: one about the UK as a broken capitalist state and its relationship to the EU; the other, much more important story, of the attack on Jeremy Corbyn by his enemies inside and outside the Parliamentary Labour Party in an conspiracy to remove him as leader of the party. Medialens reports: Attempts to unseat Corbyn have been supported by Left Foot Forward Ltd, a company set up by Will Straw, which runs the countrys No. 1 left-wing blog of the same name. Straw is the son of Jack Straw, who served as Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary under Tony Blair. . . . Will Straw is among a network of longtime Blairite stalwarts trying to re-found the Labour Party a project demolished by Jeremy Corbyns landslide victory in the Labour leadership elections in September 2015. The independent journalist Steve Topple highlights the links between coordinated attacks on Corbyn and a network of Labour figures with direct links to the PR company, Portland Communications. The PR firm was set up in 2001 by a former adviser to Blair. Its clients include the World Economic Forum, the EU, the UK government, Barclays Bank and large companies, including Morrisons and Nestle. (Ibid) All this is reminiscent of the dirty tricks the Establishment used against a previous Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, in 1976, as Ann Talbot of WSWS reminded us in 2006: For a large part of his career and throughout his time as prime minister from 1964 to 1970 and again in 1974-76 Wilson was the object of a smear campaign that emanated from the British security services and the CIA. They fed material to the press that appeared to substantiate the view that he was a Soviet agent who had been put in place after the KGB had supposedly murdered Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell. In the course of the documentary, the Daily Express defence correspondent Chapman Pincher unapologetically admitted his part in spreading those rumours. The political class sees Corbyn as a danger, although we are constantly told that socialism is so passe, so 20th-century? So whats the panic? Why the demonisation of this man, if he is so ineffectual and seemingly from another era, with his scruffy clothes and his vaguely subversive and quaint ideas about not wanting to drop atomic bombs on people? Just what is it that the elite are so afraid of that such venomous dirty tricks should be used against him? The Great Unwashed The truth is that Corbyns election woke up a sleeping giant not just those few percent who tipped the balance in favour of Brexit, but the millions of working people who have had enough of austerity while the richest one percent get even richer. They voted not so much about leaving the EU as in giving the government a black eye in the only way they could (what does this tell us about the current state of of the Labour Party, never mind the Tories?). In any case, given the nonsense both government and media have been talking about for the past couple of months, how could anyone come to the right conclusion based on so much disinformation and outright lies? So what should Corbyn do? Or is he just going to turn the other cheek to the vicious attacks being made on him? Writing on the World Socialist Web Site, on June 29, Julie Hyland clarifies: The extraordinary scale of the right-wing coup, which had already seen Corbyn lose most of his shadow cabinet in a series of timed resignations, was intended to force the Labour leader to resign. But in a statement put out moments after the result, Corbyn said that he had been elected by 60 percent of Labour members and supporters only last September, and I will not betray them by resigning. -In right-wing putsch, UK Labour MPs deliver overwhelming anti-Corbyn vote By Julie Hyland, 29 June 2016 The second assault on Corbyn (after the carefully timed shadow cabinet resignations), a vote of no confidence passed by 170 Labour MPs (with 40 in his favour), has no legal basis, but is merely an opinion. The only way to attempt to remove him is to call for an election which, I believe, requires the signatures of 50 Labour MPs. Fine, let them run a new election, they have the numbers. But its an election, which according to a YouGov poll, Corbyn will win all over again, and by much the same margin. As I write, Angela Eagles, one of his former shadow cabinet colleagues, in a traitorous move, has been persuaded to stand against him. But she was roundly trounced in the election that made Corbyn head of the Constituency Labour Party last year, collecting just 16.9 percent of the votes against Corbyns 60 percent. In fact, Corbyn was so popular with rank-and-file Labour supporters that he got more votes than all the other contenders combined. Now he has to live up to the faith those voters put in him, but its an uphill struggle with the combined weight of the Establishment, the media and his own colleagues in Parliament, out for his blood. Corbyn has, in my opinion, only one chance of success and thats if if he steps outside the straightjacket of Parliament and works directly with his supporters. Perhaps ultimately, this might mean splitting the Labour Party in two (and not for the first time) but I doubt Corbyn has got the bottle to do that. It is, after all, an Institution. But as far as Im concerned, it would be no great loss, in fact I view the Labour Party as an obstacle to real progress. This is, after all, one of those extremely rare moments in our lives, when things change radically. A dislocation if you like, or revolution even, which is why I wonder whether Corbyn has the bottle or not to take a step into the unknown? 52% did, even if they didnt know it at the time due to our devious and lying media. Of course, theres still no guarantee that a way wont be found to either neutralize, reverse or rerun the Referendum, now that the awful reality of a Brexitized UK has sunk in. Awful, because thats the way the elite want it to be and demonizing Corbyn as its cause is an essential part of it. The issues go to the very heart of a broken economic and political system, not just our place in Europe. The next few weeks are critical. And if this was not enough to raise the countrys blood pressure, next week we see the publication of the long-awaited (by some at least) Chilcot report on the Blair governments murderous and illegal assault on Iraq. A report that has been delayed over and over again and is now more than two years past its original publication date. Will it change anything? It all depends on its content, but which by now will have been well sanitised of anything truly incriminating for our present or past political class. But it adds to the overall sense of unease that permeates the country at this critical juncture in the downward spiral of capitalism. [A lightly edited version of this was published in the latest issue of Coldtype, available here as a pdf] Worshipping Money in D.C. The Influence of Influence in Washington By Thomas Frank July 01, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Tom Dispatch "- Although its difficult to remember those days eight years ago when Democrats seemed to represent something idealistic and hopeful and brave, lets take a moment and try to recall the stand Barack Obama once took against lobbyists. Those were the days when the nation was learning that George W. Bushs Washington was, essentially, just a big playground for those lobbyists and that every government operation had been opened to the power of money. Righteous disgust filled the air. Special interests were much denounced. And a certain inspiring senator from Illinois promised that, should he be elected president, his administration would contain no lobbyists at all. The revolving door between government and K Street, he assured us, would turn no more. Instead, the nation got a lesson in all the other ways that special interests can get what they want -- like simple class solidarity between the Ivy Leaguers who advise the president and the Ivy Leaguers who sell derivative securities to unsuspecting foreigners. As that inspiring young president filled his administration with Wall Street personnel, we learned that the revolving door still works, even if the people passing through it arent registered lobbyists. But whatever became of lobbying itself, which once seemed to exemplify everything wrong with Washington, D.C.? Perhaps it wont surprise you to learn that lobbying remains one of the nations persistently prosperous industries, and that, since 2011, it has been the focus of Influence, one of the daily email newsletters published by Politico, that great chronicler of the Obama years. Influence was to be, as its very first edition declared, the must-read crib sheet for Washingtons influence class, with news of developments on K Street done up in tones of sycophantic smugness. For my money, it is one of the quintessential journalistic artifacts of our time: the constantly unfolding tale of power-for-hire, told always with a discreet sympathy for the man on top. Capitalizing on Influence It is true that Americans are more cynical about Washington than ever. To gripe that the system is rigged is to utter the catchphrase of the year. But to read Influence every afternoon is to understand how little difference such attitudes make here in the nations capital. With each installment, the reader encounters a cast of contented and well-groomed knowledge workers, the sort of people for whom there are never enough suburban mansions or craft cocktails. One imagines them living together in a happy community of favors-for-hire where everyone knows everyone else, the restaurant greeters smile, the senators lie down with the contractors, and the sun shines brilliantly every day. This communitys labors in the influence trade have made the economy of the Washington metro area the envy of the world. The newsletter describes every squeaking turn of the revolving door with a certain admiration. Influence is where you can read about all the smart former assistants to prominent members of Congress and the new K Street jobs theyve landed. There are short but meaningful hiring notices -- like the recent one announcing that the blue-ribbon lobby firm K&L Gates has snagged its fourth former congressional member. There are accounts of prizes that lobbyists give to one another and of rooftop parties for clients and ritual roll calls of Ivy League degrees to be acknowledged and respected. And wherever you look at Influence, it seems like people associated with this or that Podesta can be found registering new clients, holding fundraisers, and bundling cash for Hillary Clinton. As with other entries in the Politico family of tip-sheets, Influence is itself sponsored from time to time -- for one exciting week this month, by the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH), which announced to the newsletters readers that, for the last 50 years, the FAH has had a seat at the table. Appropriately enough for a publication whose beat is venality, Influence also took care to report on the FAHs 50th anniversary party, thrown in an important room in the Capitol building, and carefully listed the many similarly important people who attended: the important lobbyists, the important members of Congress, and Nancy-Ann DeParle, the Obama administrations important former healthcare czar and one of this citys all-time revolving-door champions. Describing parties like this is a standard theme in Influence, since the influence trade is by nature a happy one, a flattering one, a business eager to serve you up a bracing Negroni and encourage you to gorge yourself on fancy hors doeuvres. And so the newsletter tells us about the citys many sponsored revelries -- who gives them, who attends them, the establishment where the transaction takes place, and whose legislative agenda is advanced by the resulting exchange of booze and bonhomie. The regular reader of Influence knows, for example, about the big reception scheduled to be hosted by Squire Patton Boggs, one of the most storied names in the influence-for-hire trade, at a certain office in Cleveland during the Republican Convention... about how current and former personnel of the Department of Homeland Security recently enjoyed a gathering thrown for them by a prestigious law firm... about a group called PAC Pals and the long list of staffers and lobbying types who attended their recent revelry... about how the Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the gang got together at a much-talked-about bar to sip artisanal cocktails. Theres a poignant note to the story of former Congressional representative Melissa Bean -- once the toast of New Democrats everywhere, now the Midwest chair of JPMorgan -- who recently returned to D.C. to get together with her old staff. They had also moved on to boldface jobs in lobbying, television, and elsewhere. And theres a note of the fabulous to the story of the Democratic member who has announced plans to throw a fundraiser at a Beyonce concert. (A pair of tickets go for $3,500 for PACs, Influence notes.) Bittersweet is the flavor of the recent story about the closing of Johnnys Half Shell, a Capitol Hill restaurant renowned for the countless fundraisers it has hosted over the years. On hearing the news of the restaurants imminent demise, Influence gave over its pixels to tales from Johnnys glory days. One reader fondly recounted a tale in which Occupy protesters supposedly interrupted a Johnnys fundraiser being enjoyed by Senator Lindsey Graham and a bunch of defense contractors. In classic D.C.-style, the story was meant to underscore the stouthearted stoicism of the men of power who reportedly did not flinch at the menacing antics of the lowly ones. A Blissful Community of Money Influence is typically written in an abbreviated, matter-of-fact style, but its brief items speak volumes about the realities of American politics. There is, for example, little here about the high-profile battle over how transgender Americans are to be granted access to public restrooms. However, the adventures of dark money in our capital are breathlessly recounted, as the eternal drama of plutocracy plays itself out and mysterious moneymen try to pass their desires off as bona fide democratic demands. A group claiming to lobby on behalf of ordinary citizens against large insurance companies is in fact orchestrated by the hospital industry itself, begins a typical item. The regular reader also knows about the many hundreds of thousands of dollars spent by unknown parties to stop Puerto Rican debt relief and about the mysterious group that has blown vast sums to assail the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) but whose protesters, when questioned outside a CFPB hearing, reportedly admitted that they were day laborers paid to be there. You will have noticed, reader, the curiously bipartisan nature of the items mentioned here. But it really shouldnt surprise you. After all, for this part of Washington, the only real ideology around is based on money -- how much and how quickly you get paid. Money is divine in this industry, and perhaps that is why Influence is fascinated with libertarianism, a fringe free-market faith which (thanks to its popularity among Americas hard-working billionaires) is massively over-represented in Washington. Readers of Influence know about the Competitive Enterprise Institute and its Night in Casablanca party, about the R Street Institutes Alice in Wonderland party, about how former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli came to sign up with FreedomWorks, and how certain libertarians have flown from their former perches in the vast, subsidized free-market coop to the fashionable new Niskanen Center. There are also plenty of small-bore lobbying embarrassments to report on, as when a currently serving congressional representative sent a mean note to a former senator who is now an official at the American Motorcyclist Association. Or that time two expert witnesses gave nearly identical written statements when testifying on Capitol Hill. Oops! But what most impresses the regular reader of Influence is the brazenness of it all. To say that the people described here appear to feel no shame in the contracting-out of the democratic process is to miss the point. Their doings are a matter of pride, with all the important names gathering at some overpriced eatery to toast one another and get their picture taken and advance some initiative that will always, of course, turn out to be good for money and terrible for everyone else. This is not an industry, Influences upbeat and name-dropping style suggests. It is a community -- a community of corruption, perhaps, but a community nevertheless: happy, prosperous, and joyously oblivious to the plight of the country once known as the land of the middle class. Thomas Frank is the author of Listen, Liberal: Or, What Ever Happened to the Party of the People? Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardt's latest book, Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World . Copyright 2016 Thomas Frank 1. Umaru Fintiri A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of a former Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, in Kuje prison, Abuja, over five counts of money laundering charges involving about N1.9bn preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 2. Sambo Dasuki: The former National Security Adviser is on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N13bn. Mr. Dasuki allegedly distributed billions of naira meant for arms purchase for the fight against the insurgent Boko Haram group, to politicians, his cronies and family members. 3. Olisah Metuh: Metuh is the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Metuh is charged with breach of public trust, corrupt acquisition of public funds and money laundering. EFCC accused Metuh of receiving the N400m from an unlawful activity of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki. 4. Olusola Amosu: Air Marshal Amosu (rtd) is the immediate past Chief of Air Staff. He is embroiled in the ongoing probe of the $2.1 billion arms procurement fund. Amosu is accused of engaging in acts that were not only misleading and unpatriotic but of shortchanging the country in procurement deals for attack helicopters and other equipment for the Nigerian Air Force. 5. Femi Fani Kayode: A Federal High Court ordered the remand of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode over an alleged fraud of N4.6bn. Fani-Kayode, who was the spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathans campaign organisation in the 2015 general election, was accused of conspiring with the others to directly and indirectly retain various sums which the EFCC claimed they ought to have reasonably known were proceeds of them. 6. Alex Badeh: A Federal High Court judge in Abuja sent former Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd) to Kuje prison. Mr. Badeh was arraigned in court for corruptly enriching himself with Nigerian Airforce defense funds to the tune of N4 billion. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed they found over 1 million dollars in hidden safes during a search at the home of the former air force general. 7. Abba Moro: Abba Moro is the former Minister of Interior. Moro is currently facing trial over their alleged complicity in a N676 million job recruitment scam. He is answering to an 11-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 8. Uche Secondus: The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP allegedly received 25 exotic cars worth over N300million which the embattled promoter of Atlantic Energy Concepts Limited, Jide Omokore, allegedly bought for top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party. Prince Secondus received the cars for onward distribution to other beneficiaries. Secondus was arrested in his Abuja home. 9. Raymond Dokpesi: The AIT Boss, alongside his company, DAAR Investment and Holdings was araigned to the six-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud and breach of public trust preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 10. Lawal Isa Jafaru: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recently arrested Jafaru, who is a former military governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Jafaru is President Mohammadu Buharis political associate. The retired soldier is believed to have been arrested for receiving over 100 million frrom National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. 11. Olusola Oguntoyinbo: Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyinbo was remanded in Kuje prison following his arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Oguntoyinbo, who is a former chief of training and operations of the air force, was accused of receiving the bribe from a contractor with the NAF, Societe D Equipments Internationaux Nigeria Limited, using a company, Spaceweb Integrated Services Limited. Source: News Helm Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has described the issuance of certificate of return to his political rival, Samson Ogah, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as a litmus test for the nations democracy. Governor Ikpeazu wondered how Ogah, who never contested an election to test his popularity, was ordered to be sworn-in as governor by a federal high court sitting in Abuja. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court had in his judgment on Monday, ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to Ogah while ordering Ikpeazu to vacate office. The development caused tension in the state on Thursday, following an alleged attempt by Ogah to get the state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, to swear him in as the governor. Speaking with newsmen on the situation in Umuahia, the state capital on Friday, Ikpeazu, who appeared unperturbed by the development, described it as a temporary setback where a man is trying to ambush democracy and get into government through the back door. SEE ALSO: Uncertainty In Abia As Ikpeazu And Ogah Are Sitting Governors According to the governor, the tenets of democracy are very clear as one is required to campaign, run for an election, go through the rigors of tribunal and other courts required to validate his election. I went through a campaign, ran an election and had gone through the tribunal and a court turned around to issue a certificate of return to someone without allowing me to exhaust my legal rights, which I must exercise, he declared. Gov. Ikpeazu continued: I am baffled with the desperation of one man to assume office, here is a man facing twelve criminal charges pending in many courts in Lagos, this means that he is trying to get immunity to enable him escape prosecution. The way things are in the state, it means that democracy is on trial, as people who know me are aware that I worked last at the state environmental agency (ASEPA) where I paid my taxes and people are now saying that I did not pay tax. It is strange to Abians as the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) which I have no problem with has said it loud and clear that I paid my taxes, as I was duly assessed, so nobody can deny my fundamental rights and claim the mandate given to me by the people. I am resolute to protect the mandate as I have an injunction from a competent court of jurisdiction stopping anyone including the state chief judge or any other person in that capacity in any part of the state to swear in any one as governor of the state, he added. Ikpeazu, who reaffirmed his position as Governor of Abia, appealed to the people to remain calm until the final verdict of the Supreme Court is given. This illegality will not stand. I will test the judgment in the Appeal Court up to the Supreme Court. Even if it was a death sentence, I dont think that I will be executed without right of appeal. That right is fundamental, that right is undeniable and a denial of that right is a denial of my fundamental right, he said. On speculations in some quarters that there are people behind the stalemate, the governor said he does not believe it, As am aware that the federal government is fighting corruption, so they cannot support corruption in any form. Ikpeazu also expressed happiness over the conduct of youths in the state and urged them to maintain their calmness. He said that Abia is calm contrary to current act of wanton destruction of oil pipelines in other Niger Delta states in the country. Abia perhaps is the only Niger Delta state in the country where youths have refused to join in vandalising Federal Government pipeline installations. The office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) says it has commenced the third phase of sustainable reintegration of about 30,000 ex-agitators in the region. It said the reintegration of the ex-agitators commenced after the successful implementation of the disarmament and demobilization phases of the programme. The Niger Delta Liaison Officer, Office of the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Piriye Kiyaramo, made the disclosure in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Thursday when he visited the Federated Correspondents Chapel (FCC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Kiyaramo was accompanied by the Executive Director, Peace Advocates Outreach (PAO), Chief Kalaiti Jephthah-Obadiah and the Chief Executive Officer, Mahogany 21st Century Event (MCE), Mr. Enyinemi Omoruzi, among others. According to the liaison officer, as part of efforts to achieve successful reintegration process, the Amnesty Office created liaison offices in various Niger Delta states to bridge the existing gaps between Abuja and the stakeholders in the region. Kiyaramo said: Our amnesty programme is very large in terms of population. It is funded by the Nigerian government as it is obtainable in other conflict areas where DDR programme is in place. By DDR programme, I mean Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration. When you disarm the combatants, you bring them into camps, which is demobilization. After that you train them and when they have been trained, you reintegrate them into the society. I want to tell you that the stage we are now is the stage of reintegration. We are carrying out sustainable reintegration of the ex-agitators. This process involves setting up means of livelihood for them to be able to participate in the local economy. And so, we have started giving them starters packs in different areas to enable them to reintegrate properly into the civil society in their communities. These photos of a Nigerian lady with her boobs spilling out of her wedding dress caused a stir on IG when they were shared to show off the ladys beautiful dress, skin and hair. Some Nigerians who got upset about the photo chose to express their dislike at the improper dressing. What do you think? Source: Instagram President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the families, governments and people of Abia, Delta and Rivers States on the deaths of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Niki Tobi and literary icon, Elechi Amadi. In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president said he received the death of Maduekwe, who also served as Nigerias High Commissioner to Canada, with profound sadness. President Buhari recalled that in all his years of service to Nigeria as a diplomat, minister, politician and ambassador, Maduekwe was an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria and gave all to that pursuit. As Foreign Affairs Minister, President Buhari said Maduekwes relentless call for citizen diplomacy and Nigerians to be treated with dignity across the globe would continue to inspire other patriotic people to promote a positive international image of the country. The president also paid tribute to eminent jurist, Justice Tobi, describing him as a brave jurist who served Nigeria creditably and brought his many years of training, knowledge and wisdom to the Bench. In the same vein, Buhari joined the literary and academic community in mourning the passing of Amadi, who he said introduced many generations of the world to the vibrant Nigerian culture through his writings and postulations as a novelist, poet and playwright of repute. It would be recalled that Justice Tobi died early hours of Friday, June 24 at the National Hospital, Abuja, a month to his 76th birthday; Amadi also passed away on Wednesday, June 29 at a hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the age of 82 while Maduekwe slumped in a vehicle on Wednesday while coming from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at the age of 71. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and Schneider Electric started a three day workshop on June 28 on Contemporary Standards of Process Safety for SOCAR management, engineers and technical employees. During the three separate workshop sessions, the presentations will be made for the specialists representing diverse categories in process automation engineering, meteorology, safety techniques, occupational and environmental protection, standardization, design and related research. At the opening ceremony, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov welcomed the representatives of Schneider Electric, SOCAR and its production units and briefed on the development history of the higher school, its achievements and perspective plans. The Rector particularly underlined the significance of ensuring process safety at the organizations engaged in production, as well as the constant improvement of the standards applied there, and the main reason why special importance is attached to the dissemination of the contemporary knowledge on safety standards in the work plan of BHOS Lifelong Learning Department. The Rector wished the participants and Schneider Electric experts every success. Asif Shafaggatov, the SOCAR Deputy Vice-President for Human Resources, Regulations and IT, underlined the significance of safety issues and wished success to the workshop attendees. Later Steve Ellliot, Senior Director, Offer Marketing Process Automation from Schneider Electric extended his gratitude to the BHOS management for organizing the workshop. During the first day of the workshop, Dr. Farshad Hendi, a Schneider Electric expert in safety service invited from the USA, made presentations on contemporary safety standards as part of the Process Safety Management and Technological Process Management session programmes for the managerial and technical employees of SOCAR, its production units, as well as Azerikimya Production Union, SOCAR-POLYMER Limited Liability Company, Oil and Gas Research and Design Institute, Refinery named after Haydar Aliyev and Carbamide Plant. Around 50 representatives of the mentioned companies joined the workshop. The participants were focused on the risk assessment and management, leadership, expediency, commitment, legislation, compliance with industrial standards, employee screening, health and competence, workforce involvement and functional interface in the field of the leadership in production; and hazard identification, risk assessment, documentation, records and knowledge management, operational training and procedures, process and operations control, beneficial process delegation, functional interface management, standard and practices, alternation and project management, audit, maintenance, control and operative measures in technology process management. The second session to be held on June 29 will be on Exploitation and Maintenance. More than 25 specialists are expected to join the event. The session will spotlight the topics such as operational readiness, emergency response, inspection and maintenance, safety critical devices management, administrative supervision, work permit, diverse risk management, contractor and supplier, screening and personnel management, incident reporting and investigation, and operations and management. The third session to be held on June 30 will be dedicated to functional safety. Some 30 second and third year BHOS students studying Process Automation Engineering will join 20 experts taking part in the event. During this session, the following topics will be highlighted: operational and maintenance competence management, functional safety trainings, applied international standards, functional safety design, implementation and management. Organization of systematic events on operational safety standards is envisaged in the perspective plans of BHOS Lifelong Learning Department. The National Vice Chairman (South-south) of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Hilliard Eta, has disclosed that before the year runs to an end, President Muhammadu Buhari will announce more capital projects in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. I am fully aware that the president has mentioned how he is going to bring many more projects to the South-South region of the country because the golden egg is laid here. In fact, there is a particular capital project he will soon site in Calabar, Eta told newsmen yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. He also pointed out that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, the federal government has the capacity to implement the Lagos-Calabar railway project and fix the Itu-Calabar federal road, which has been a deathtrap for years. The Ekiti State chapter of the All progressives Congress has lampooned members of the State House of Assembly for taking to the streets to protest the freezing of Governor Ayodele Fayoses bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The state lawmakers had on Wednesday shifted their plenary to the streets of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, to condemn the restriction placed on the governors accounts by Zenith Bank on the orders of the EFCC and alleged intimidation of Mr. Fayose by the APC-led federal government. The lawmakers, who carried placards with various inscriptions and chanted anti-President Muhammadu Buhari slogans, vowed to stand by Governor Fayose. Condemning the show of shame, the Ekiti APC dared the lawmakers to take their protest to Abuja to show that they were not afraid of the anti-graft agency as they did in Ado-Ekiti. In a statement issued Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, the APC berated the lawmakers for turning themselves to Fayoses alleged stooges and wondered why members that had not taken salary for six months could defend a governor who routinely take his monthly N250m security vote while millions of naira were traced to the accounts of his family members by the EFCC. Mr. Olatubosun said it was unfortunate that the lawmakers had abandoned their primary role of law-making for professional street protest in favour of a man who has milked the state dry. This is the shame of a state reputed for accomplished intellectuals and men and women of substance, which is a fallout of the mistake of June 21, 2014 when Ekiti went to the dogs. The Ekiti APC said it was shocked that the representatives of the people could stand against the wishes of the same people who wanted allegation against the governor investigated to retrieve states funds to enable workers take the arrears of their six months salaries. He said: We are not surprised about the shameless theatrics of the rubber stamp Ekiti State House of Assembly members because they are behaving true to type as we predicted during their inauguration that nothing good would come out of this assembly because of the character and quality of individuals. It is a disservice to representative government that a group of lawmakers, who are expected to be loyal to their constituents, have jettisoned that cardinal principle of democracy and replaced it with loyalty to an individual whose greed is inflicting untold sufferings on the people of the state. We challenge the lawmakers, who have shamelessly constituted themselves to a nuisance by shifting their plenary to the streets of Ado-Ekiti in protest against the Federal Government, to go to the EFCC office in Abuja to prove their innocence. The party also regretted that the present crop of assembly members had not passed any bill that is beneficial to Ekiti citizens, adding they also failed to stand on the side of the when the governor imposed suffocating taxes on them, including primary school pupils. The Federal Government has signed a contract agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project. The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, said the contract is an addendum to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project which was initially awarded by the former President Goodluck Jonathans Administration. The immediate past government has awarded the project to CCECC at a contract sum of $11.917 billion disclosing that at the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, the Federal Government renegotiated the contract with the Management of CCECC and agreed at a contract sum of $11.117 billion thereby saving a whooping sum of $800million. In what could be termed an embarrassment of monumental proportions to Nigerias security architecture, unknown gunmen on Friday morning abducted the Deputy High Commissioner of Sierra-Leone to Nigeria, Major Gen. Nelson Williams (rtd). The envoy was abducted by the gunmen along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. It was learnt that Williams was on his way to Jaji, Kaduna State, where he was going to attend the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 38 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), when he was kidnapped. The whereabouts of his driver is also unknown at this time. Until his posting to Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Williams (retd.) was head of Sierra Leones Armed Forces. Although, there has been no official confirmation of the abduction, Chairman of the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, NHRC, said a ransom of N44million is being demanded by the abductors. The feud between Harrison Tare Okiri, popularly known as Harrysong, and his record label, Five Star Music, owned by mogul, Emeka Okonkwo (a.k.a E-Money) and his elder brother Kingsley Okonkwo (a.k.a Kcee) looks to have taken a turn for the worse. According to Vanguard, Harrysongs refusal to shelf his forthcoming One Delta Concert and concentrate on releasing his highly anticipated debut album under the label is the bone of contention between both parties. The show is currently the most talked about event in Asaba with the Gala ambassador allegedly investing resources into the project. Harrysong is said to have pleaded with the management of his label to allow him hold the concert which aims at sensitizing the youth on the need to shun violence but they allegedly refused to oblige him. As a matter of fact, the Vanguard source further revealed that Kcee who is the Vice President of Five Star Music has allegedly threatened that if Harrysong goes ahead with the concert he will no longer enjoy support from the label. But when contacted on the telephone, Kcees manager, Soso Soberekon denied the rumour, saying There is nothing like that. I dont know what you are talking about. Also, a close source to Harrysong refused to speak on the matter. Rather, he said, Harrysong is concentrating on his event and as I speak he has been busy trying to tighten loose ends. One Delta is described as a Harrysong Peace Concert which holds on the 31st of July in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The government of Delta State is reportedly happy to be a part of the event and promised to make it a yearly event. Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, yesterday has offered to refund the N400million he got from the Office of the National Security Adviser during the tenure of former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki. Metuh who has been in and out of court and detention since his arrest said he had been in talks with the Ministry of Justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other bodies involved on how to refund the money which was illegally remitted into the account of his firm, Desra Nigeria Limited and resolve the issue. In a statement through his lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the former PDP spokesman said he was unaware of the source of the cash at the time and that the money which was part of the $2.1billion meant for arms purchase was released to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The statement reads: In the light of the circumstances regarding the case of our client, Chief Olisa Metuh, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we want to explain the reasons for our clients proposal to refund the N400 million released to him by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and which was expended on a project approved by the ex-President on national issues relating to his Presidency and the Federal Government at that time. We want to restate that at the time the money was released to him after his presentation to the ex-President, our client had no knowledge of the source, a fact that is now obvious from the evidence of the prosecution and defence witnesses. Our client had every cause to believe that the money was from the ex-President to whom he made presentation, received directives and rendered report and accounts accordingly. When the matter first came up and Chief Metuh was invited to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in December 2015, he requested to know the source of the money and expressed his readiness to make refunds if it was from government coffers, not minding that the money had been expended as directed by the former President. Officials at ONSA never got back to him as they promised, until his arrest by the EFCC in January 2016. It was however while in court that a document was brought regarding the source of the money and since then, our client has made manifest his willingness to refund the money and has indeed approached his family, friends and associates to mobilise funds to refund the entire N400 million to the government regardless of the fact that the money had been expended based on the directives of the former President and that part of the money had been recovered from one of the prosecution witnesses. We want to confirm that since then, we have been in talks with the Ministry of Justice, the EFCC and other necessary bodies on how to refund the money and resolve the issue. Our client occupied no government office. His commitment and dedication to his official duties have been confirmed by even prosecution witnesses. In this whole saga, he has been an unfortunate victim of circumstances. His refunding the money therefore goes to show his support for the anti-corruption war as well as serve as a testament to his sincerity, integrity and honesty in this matter. There is no doubt that the prosecution has considerably embarked on some expenses in the course of this case. It is hoped that by not discounting the sum already recovered, whatever cost so far incurred would have been defrayed. By this, a critical objective of recovery of funds would no doubt be achieved. It is pertinent to restate our clients continued support for the anti-corruption campaign, which is necessary to ensure probity in the affairs of Nigeria to the extent that it is conducted within the rule of law. Finally, it is our clients prayer that this nation shall come through this difficult time by the grace of the Almighty God. President Muhammadu Buhari, at the launching of Keep Kaduna Green Project in Kaduna on Thursday declared that his administration is poised to unroll greater-than-expected measures to keep the country green. The president who was represented by the minister of Environment Amina Muhammed, disclosed that Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation in the world. Environment is one of the six core pillars of this economy, thus underscoring the importance to the Change Agenda. The initiative in Kaduna State today is a clear example of state government contributing to the environment component of our economy. This initiative further underscores the importance of taking climate action and creating jobs for our teeming youths. This a worthy and timely project given the challenges and opportunities it provides to Nigeria.Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation in the world. It is on record that the rate of deforestation is about 3.5 per cent per annum. The implication of this is that about 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest, equivalent to 576 million trees are lost annually. The environmental challenges that come with this include desertification,erosion, flooding and reduction in perspiration and contribution to drought. All this bringing untold hardship on communities and the environment, Buhari added. It is gladdening to hear that 1000 strong team of supervisors have been trained to distribute 3 million seedlings to all the wards across the state. It is heart warming that 26,000 women and youths shall be involved in nurturing the trees to maturity. It is my belief that this project will be followed through and will mark the beginning of good things to come especially towards ensuring a sustainable forest development and environmental management in Nigeria Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Friday accused the immediate past governor, Senator Jonah Jang, of sponsoring street protests in the state against a non-existent plan to establish grazing reserves in the state. Lalong made the accusation while speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The governor, who noted that the protests against grazing reserves were futile, disclosed that relevant stakeholders had already agreed on the establishment of cattle ranches in its place. A 14-member committee set up by the Plateau Government on ranches, which includes traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth organizations, has already submitted its report adopting establishment of cattle ranches in the state. According to Gov. Lalong, the ranches would be funded by the state and federal governments, while it would be open to all those who are interested in cattle rearing, not just for the Fulani herdsmen alone. He said: Well the protests were undertaken by few ethnic groups. We have done a lot of consultations from traditional rulers to religious leaders to youth organizations. They all accepted that we should adopt ranching in Plateau State. What they are protesting is grazing reserve but we are not talking about grazing reserves, what we are talking about is ranches. So those who attended the workshop knew what was done. This is the Presidency, let me say it and Im going to publish it, the man who introduced it and is causing that confusion is Jonah Jang who incidentally was the person that introduced grazing reserves on the Plateau with a gazette in 2009. That is the gazette I am going to publish. If you said if we have to bring peace in Plateau State you have to introduce grazing reserves and grazing routes, why is he turning round again and instigating people against what is being done, and trying to give an impression that it is the President that is introducing it? It is not the President, it is an option to every state to key into the concept of grazing ranch. Its ranches, not grazing reservesSo, whatever you see in my state now is just a pocket of crisis or protest and not part of what the state has done. Weve concluded our consultations and the state accepted that we should proceed with ranches which is very economical and thatd also help in curbing the insecurity in our state. The governor also disclosed that President Buhari had on the eve of his departure for London last month, approved N5 billion balance of bail-out fund for the state from which workers were now being paid their outstanding salaries. The Czech Republics President Milos Zeman has called for a referendum on the countrys membership of both the European Union and NATO. Zeman says that he personally backs the country remaining in both organizations, but said on Czech Radio that he will do everything for [Czechs] to have a referendum and be able to express themselves. And the same goes for a NATO exit too, Reuters reports. The center-left president does not have the authority to call a referendum as it would require an amendment to the constitution. Still, the country is home to many Euroskeptics. According to a CVVM institute survey in April, satisfaction with E.U. membership was at 25%, reports Reuters. Britains decision to leave has raised concerns that other member-states might attempt to do the same. Far-right leaders in France and the Netherlands have called for similar referenda, and the far-right Peoples Party in Slovakia plan to launch a petition to hold a vote on the countrys membership to the E.U. and NATO. This story first appeared on Time A fresh graduate of the Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Justina Anochie, has been abducted. PUNCH Metro gathered on Thursday that the 27-year-old was abducted through the collusion of some of her friends, who wanted to make money from her family. Our correspondent learnt that the Ogun State Police Command had already arrested a female undergraduate of a university in Lagos, who was assisting with investigations. Anochie, who completed her nursing course in May, graduated from Babcock University in June 2016. She was said to have returned to her off-campus residence at Ilishan, where she was abducted on Sunday around 9pm. The case was reported at the Ikenne Police Division and was later transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Our correspondent was told that the kidnappers, who had contacted the family, demanded the payment of N10m as ransom. The money was later reduced to N5m after negotiations. The victims sister, Mrs. Judith Nze, told our correspondent that efforts to persuade the suspects to take N300,000 had been futile. She added that the kidnappers were threatening to kill her (Justina) if the family did not withdraw the case from the police. She said, She has finished her programme in the school and was just waiting for some clearance. I learnt that the place she stays is isolated. She was taken on Sunday and since then we have all lost our peace. I have stopped going to the office because I cant concentrate. Initially, we thought it was a joke until the kidnappers contacted us and demanded N10m as ransom. They later reduced it to N5m. They have refused the N300,000 we offered them, insisting that they would kill her if we dont pay the money. They also said we must withdraw the case from the police as a condition for her release. My mother spoke with her this morning (Thursday) and she did not sound good. We are afraid they might harm her. We are just appealing to them to release her. A police source, however, said investigations had shown that the victim was kidnapped based on information from an insider. The source explained that a female undergraduate of a university in Lagos State had been linked with the abduction. She said, It was an organised crime. Based on preliminary investigations, it appeared that her friends conspired against her. It was a set-up. We believe the kidnappers think that her parents are wealthy and they could make money from them. A female student of a school in Lagos has already been arrested. The spokesperson for Babcock University, Mr. Joshua Suleiman, said the victim was no longer a student of the school. He said, She graduated from the school in June. She is no more our student. We got the information just like you did that she was abducted. We dont know beyond that. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He also confirmed that a suspect had been arrested in connction with the abduction. He said, The incident happened on Sunday. Immediately we learnt of the abduction, we started investigations. We have already arrested a suspect and investigations are ongoing. Source: Punch Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Samir Ali Trend: A criminal case was launched over the explosion at Azerbaijans Baku Steel Company, which injured three people, the Prosecutors Office of Bakus Narimanov District told Trend July 1. According to the Prosecutor's Office, the criminal case was filed under Article 162.1 of Criminal Code (infringement of safety rules or other rules of workplace safety by a person tasked to comply with those rules, if, as a result, great or slight harm was caused to a persons health). One of the injured in the explosion, which occurred because of an industrial accident, was operated on and placed to the intensive care unit of the Central Hospital of Oilmen, Nadir Mehdiyev, deputy director general of the hospital, told Trend July 1. Mehdiyev added that the other two injured are listed in satisfactory condition. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has warned Chinese businessmen seeking information at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing about offers for sale of crude oil from Nigeria, that such offers are scam as he reiterates that the era of discretionary sale of crude oil by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is now a thing of history. The Minister said this at the forum organized by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing who seeks clarification about the sale of crude oil in Nigeria following enquiries from Chinese businessmen who got illegal offers from Nigeria Dr. Kachikwu explained that only 11 companies were approved to lift crude oil from Nigeria following an open bid process and that the next bids will hold in April 2017 and that Nigeria is also investigating reported discovery of Nigerias stolen oil in China. The minister however, appealed to Chinese businessmen who buy stolen oil to desist from the act as it encourages vandalism and militancy in Nigeria The meeting which was one of the activities on NNPC roadshow in China to seek investment for the repair and expansion of infrastructure in the nations oil industry, witnessed the signing of Over 50 billion dollars memorandum of understanding (MoU) for investments in the oil industry. Kogi State goverment yesterday described the ongoing industrial action by the NLC, TUC and banks in the state as an act of sabotage. The strike started on Monday as workers are protesting the decision of the government to open salary accounts for workers in Zenith bank, while local government workers were opened in Access bank. The workers are also protesting six months salary arrears, as well as the sending-off of some top government functionaries on compulsory leave without any allegation against them. The commissioner for Information and Culture, Muhammed Awwal speaking on behalf of the government said the workers action was an of sabotage, considering the fact that payment of arrears of salaries had commenced two weeks ago. He said 48 out of the total 55 MDAs have been paid, seven are yet to be paid because the correct grade levels of the workers are being verified. Salary variations were received from many MDAs for the month of February to April 2016. 14 councils with correct information has been paid, while both local governments and state pensioners will be paid in days. Government has the best interest of the civil servants and the entire Kogi State at heart. I assure you that Government is working round the clock to ensure that the remaining civil servants are paid within the coming days. The Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was on Sunday 26th June 2016 at Dulles Airport Washington DC in USA made to unveil a Nigerian, Captain Ademilola Odujinrin as first African to undertake Solo flight round the world. The event which was tagged One man, One plane, One world was organized by two US based companies Transcend Ltd and Landmark Aviation in honour of the African monarch to climax the activities making his 3-week visit to the United States -started with a welcome address by project director Mr Oladipo Ani-Mumuney who was delighted to have the royal presence of the king and his large entourage to flag off the historic take off of the first African Solo Flight round the world. Ooni Ogunwusi while blessing the the solo pilot described Nigeria as a fortunate country with great people capable of changing Africa for better as there is one Nigerian out of every four black people on earth. The solo pilot, Captain Odujinrin admitted that Nigeria indeed has great potentials to rule the world but only need an enabling environment to showcase her potentials. He also appreciated Ooni Ogunwusi for being a father committed to developing the needed environment especially for the African youth very evident in his progressive activities since he became the Ooni of Ife and Spiritual leader of the entire black race. He concluded by thanking the Arole Oodua for bringing Nigeria to Dulles Airport in Washington DC. Signed; Comrade Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs. Ooni Palace. Source: National Helm One month after declaring an indefinite strike, organized labour in Ondo State on Thursday evening suspended the industrial action. The decision to go on strike was sequel to the state governments inability to pay workers their six months salaries. However, after four days of extensive deliberations between leaders of organized labour and the government held at the Government Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure, the state capital, the strike action was suspended. At the meetings, the government was represented by the Head of Service (HoS), Toyin Akinkuotu; Commissioner for Finance, Yele Ogundipe; Attonery-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN); and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matter, Mr. Dayo Fadahunsi. On the workers side, they are being represented by the Chairmen, Joint Negotiating Committee, Oluwole Adeleye; Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bosede Daramola; Trade Union Congress, Soladoye Ekundayo; while the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour, Mr. O.M Folayan served as the mediator. It was resolved on the fourth day of the meeting that workers salary arrears would be paid by government according to the available fund. A copy of the resolutions taken at the meeting and signed by the aforementioned officials reads: that January 2016 salary be immediately paid in full to all staff in mainstream, Parastatals, HMB, TESCOM and State Pensioners while all local government staff and primary school teachers including their pensioners be paid February 2016 in full. That in addition to above, March 2016 salary be immediately paid in full to primary school teachers and local government staff on level 1-10 in view of the fact that the available funds cannot pay all categories of workers at that sector. That February 2016 salary be further paid in full to health workers in HMB; that Judiciary workers be paid two months salary January and February 2016 in full; that the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) be paid February to April in full. That all outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions be offset as a matter of priority from refunds and reimbursement embloc; that subsequent salaries should be met as number one priority from Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), statutory allocations, budget support, loans, refunds, and reimbursement. That government should agree in principle to buyback all outstanding corporate/individual loans of workers on compilation of details by labour. In view of this, a seven-man committee has been constituted comprising representatives of the organised Labour and government to negotiate with the affected banks. That government should set up efforts towards increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to complement its dwindling allocations from federation accounts as a way of meeting its financial obligations, especially in prompt salary payment. That no worker should be victimized, retrenched or retired on account of any of the strike action and government should progressively interface with the organised labour regarding the implementation of this agreement and other matters incidental thereto. The Presidency has apologised to the Senate over the comment of the Representative of the Attorney General of the Federation at a meeting with the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters (Senate), tendered the apology while fielding questions from journalists in Abuja on Friday. Enang said that it was wrong for the Attorney Generals representative Mr Okoi Obono-Obla to have said that the Senate had no right to have invited the attorney General, Abubakar Malami. I heard the statements after and I want to apologise to the Distinguished Senate, to the Committee on Judiciary and to the distinguished senators. That statement ought not to have been made: the Attorney General is Attorney General of the Federation, appointed by Mr President, cleared by the Senate and responsible for the federation. We are going into this matter, we will handle this matter but I first have to tender my unreserved apology for the impression it may have created to the distinguished Senate, senators and the committee members. It would be recalled that the Senate had on Tuesday summoned Malami to appear before its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to explain why he charged to court Senate President Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu for alleged forgery. The AGF was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution attached to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla. However, Malami, who did not honour the invitation, said the Senate committee lacked the power to summon him, Obono-Obla said. The committee then walked Obono-Obla out of the chamber saying; Our invitation is for the AGF and not you. So, we cannot listen to you. We will report back to the plenary for us to take decision on this. Obono-Obla, who spoke to journalists while leaving the Senate chamber, said the alleged forgery suit against Saraki and Ekweremadu, is not an internal affair of the senate. Obla in his interview said that the senate had no right to invite the AGF and that the AGF was not answerable to the Senate. However, the SSA to President Buhari reiterated the apology to the Senate adding that the Attorney General was unavoidably absent. The Attorney General spoke with me yesterday on the matter in the morning that he is on official assignment on behalf of the country. When he is in, we will make arrangement for him to respond appropriately: we want to apologise pending when he is back to respond appropriately, he said. (NAN) Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere has emerged winner in the maiden edition of a two-day quiz competition organized by Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) between pupils of regular and special schools in Lagos State. The event, themed towards an inclusive education in Lagos State and held in Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, had eight primary schools participating at the preliminary stage but only four of the schools made it to the final stage of the keenly contested competition. Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola said the gesture was in line with Lagos State Governments promise to re-position the socio political and economic fortunes of people living with disabilities in the State. The programme, he added, was also designed to create windows of opportunities to exhibit their inherent qualities and contribute to the economic growth of Lagos State. According to Mr. Muri Okunola, Lagos State government is of the view that by making education more accessible and inclusive, the number of literate people with disability would increase, thereby enhancing their social- potentials and relevance in the society. General Secretary of the association of teachers in disability schools in Lagos State, Azeez Alihu commended Lagos State Government for identifying with people living with disabilities by enacting relevant laws that protect their interests but lamented that different groups of disabled people also face other various challenges in their academic pursuits and the larger society. He therefore pleaded with the State Government to assist disabled people by providing tools and equipment that will enhance their learning skills, particularly the Braille embosser used by the blind. The winners were presented awards and cash prizes after the event as follows: Pacelli School for the Blind N100,000 for first prize; Estate Primary School, Ogba N80,000 for second prize and Maryland Primary School N50,000 for third prize. The pupils were tested in Mathematics, English-language and Social Studies. A picture of veteran Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu grabbing the breasts of an actress on what is reportedly the set of a Nollywood movie has gone viral. The said picture do not bear the looks of a photoshopped image and one has to wonder, what would have possessed the veteran actor to be caught on camera in such a stance. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Azer Turk Bank, which always strives for convenience of its customers, offers another innovation. Thus, to provide corporate clients with modern and secure internet banking services the Bank has established "e-banking" service. By this service Azer-Turk Bank, operating under the slogan "The address which you trust, enables customers to carry out financial transactions faster and in more secure way. The "E-banking" product is an internet banking program integrated with Asan Imza (Easy Signature) mobile e-signature. Asan Imza is a secure technology enabling using of a mobile phone as a digital identity and e-signature tool. The main advantage of Asan Imza technology is no requirement of using additional devices and software for reading a smart card. A mobile phone and a SIM card storing authentication and e-signature digital keys are sufficient for starting using Asan Imza. First time in the country Azer-Turk Bank applies Internet Banking service which is supported only by Asan Imza for authentication and confirmation. Therefore, customers dont need to provide any additional identification information as they used to insert traditionally (user name, password, etc.). Using the "E-banking" service corporate customers and individual entrepreneurs can control their accounts through the Internet from anywhere in the world at any time of a day. Besides, those customers can efficiently use their valuable time without coming to the Bank. Another advantage of the service is that it is available from standard internet browsers without using special equipment or software. The application of the service based on Oracle FLEXCUBE Direct Banking module was implemented in cooperation with Ukraines Datas Technology company. Azer Turk Bank OJSC, which has identified financial support to the real sector of the economy as its main mission, by 75 percent is owned by the government of Azerbaijan. More information about the Bank, its service network, products and services is available at www.azerturkbank.az, the Banks corporate pages at social networks or at (012) 945 Call Center. President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to rescue the remaining Chibok girls still in Boko Haram captivity. He gave the reassurance Thursday night when he hosted members of the diplomatic corps to breaking of Ramadan fast at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Buhari stressed that the priority of his administration was to rescue the girls alive and unharmed. We are not letting up our efforts to rescue the Chibok girls, our priority is to rescue them unharmed, he said. While assuring that he would continue to tackle the security challenges in the country, the president regretted that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless, saying our main focus is to ensure their safe return to their homes and rehabilitation of their communities. On the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, the president reassured the diplomatic corps that the issue was being addressed even as he stated that no amount of militancy shall distract us from engaging with the region. He said his administration was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems, saying Our doors are open for business. Speaking on corruption, President Buhari showed appreciation on the international cooperation the anti-corruption war had received especially on the recovery of looted funds. Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked Buhari, noting that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity for the diplomatic community to have close interaction with the president. Dean of Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, thanked the president for inviting them to break the Ramadan fast with him, the second time in the year. He said We wish for eternal peace for Nigeria and may your efforts in the shortest time bring prosperity to our people. Be reassured that the international community will continue to provide the necessary support. The nefarious activities of pipeline vandals around Lagos State have been drastically reduced and the hoodlums decimated, the Nigerian Army has said. Outgone Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu stated this while handing over to his successor, Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed at the commands headquarters on Thursday. Gen. Biu noted that despite the myriad challenges the command had to grapple with when he took over, the loyalty and commitment of the officers and soldiers led to their overcoming them. The outgone commander, who was posted to Calabar, Cross River State to head the 13 Brigade, expressed optimism that his successor was a worthy officer who will take the command to greater heights. We had issues of pipeline vandals, miscreants and other vices in Lagos but we have been combating them. Through Operation AWATSE, we have been able to tame activities of vandals considerable. Although, its not an issue to be completely eradicated within a short time. But I can say we have done very well in fighting them. I advise my successor to be committed and ensure troops remain professional. He should ensure they operate within rules of engagement and uphold human rights, said Biu. In his remark, Mohammed, who described the security challenges confronting the nation as unpalatable, declared his commitment to continue from where his predecessor stopped for the greater good of the nation. EURUSD Testing Weekly Chart Downchannel Resistance Tradable Patterns - 1 hour ago The (EURUSD) is consolidating after the strong bounce from the 2022 low (in September), and is at risk of seeing more healthy profittaking today as it bumps up against downchannel resistance (on the weekly... ^EURUSD : 1.00761 (-0.04%) FXE : 93.00 (+1.14%) Red Wednesday for Cotton Market Barchart - Wed Oct 26, 4:50PM CDT 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 : 78.04 (+0.28%) CTH23 : 77.50 (+0.16%) CTK23 : 77.15 (+0.52%) Cattle Futures Firm Up on Wednesday Barchart - Wed Oct 26, 4:50PM CDT 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%) Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: One of the shareholders of Azerbaijans TuranBank has sold its share, the bank told Trend July 1. Currently, TuranBank has 26 shareholders, including six legal entities which own 29.2 percent (14.6 million manats) of the shares. The remaining part, 70.8 percent (35.4 million manats) of the shares accounts for individuals. However, there is no majority shareholder in the bank, as each of the shareholders owns less than 10 percent of the shares. TuranBank started to operate in Azerbaijan in 1992. The bank has 15 branches, one division and six representative offices. Its authorized capital exceeds 50 million manats. Official exchange rate on July 1 is 1.5425 AZN/USD. TuranBank owns 100 percent of shares of TuranLeasing, 8 percent in Bashak-Inam insurance company and 2.4 percent in MilliKart processing center. Food waste in the U.S. is still an emerging philanthropic issue, with not a lot of foundations making this worthy cause a top priority. One such funder is the small but scrappy family foundation of a Priceline co-founder. Jesse Finks claim to professional fame is that he was a co-founder and COO of Priceline, the longstanding travel website thats kept William Shatner flush since the late 1990s. But if youve heard Finks name lately, its likely in relation to his work as a self-proclaimed evangelist for curbing food waste. Fink has devoted himself lately to the Fink Family Foundation he runs with his wife Betsy and their kids, and MissionPoint Capital Partners, an impact investment firm he co-founded that supports clean energy and other environmental solutions. Both outfits have been heavily into the food waste issue lately, including taking lead roles in the launch of the new ReFED initiative. Food waste is a huge global problem that has drawn attention in recent years, particularly in Europe, where France became the first country to require supermarkets to give unsold food to charity. And while U.S. interest in sustainable food systems has exploded, the waste component hasnt taken a starring role, despite the fact that 49 million Americans live in food-insecure households, and we waste an estimated 30 to 40 percent of our supply. That staggering waste isn't just sadly ironic, it has big environmental implications, given the major role of agriculture in producing greenhouse gas emissions and consuming fresh water supplies. Related:Will Curbing Food Waste Catch on in U.S. Philanthropy? In short, there are good reasons that this issue is catching on with funders, with the Rockefeller Foundation recently bringing its $130 million YieldWise initiative stateside. A number of smaller funders have taken an interest, and the Fink Family Foundation is becoming a real champion of the cause. With assets around $18 million, and past giving just north of a million a year, Connecticut-based Fink isnt a huge player. But its quite forward-thinking, having joined the philanthropic movement to divest from fossil fuels, and prioritizing impact investing. The family foundation has made food waste its lead priority, developing the program in 2013 and now backing programs like the Center for EcoTechnology in Massachusetts and Harlem Grown in New York. The funder has also supported the NRDCs national food waste program, which works with consumers, businesses, and policymakers. But the biggest effort that Fink has played a major role in is ReFED, a research and education initiative seeking to reduce food waste by 50 percent before 2030. The program has several partners, but Fink Family Foundation was a seed funder, backing its creation of a Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, the first report of its kind. Jesse Fink is on the steering committee of ReFED, and the investment firm he co-founded, MissionPoint Partners, was the project lead for the Roadmap. This issue is only going to pick up steam in coming years, and the 14 backers that have lined up behind ReFED are another indicator. Funders included the Walmart Foundation (not to be confused with the Walton Family Foundation), Packard Foundation, John Merck Fund, and the Overbrook Foundation. Self-storage properties are constantly changing hands, and Inside Self-Storage is regularly notified of these market transactions. Many are covered in detail on the ISS website and available for viewing on the Real Estate topics page. Following are additional acquisitions and sales that werent covered independently due to missing information such as buyer, seller, sale price or other relevant details. A three-property portfolio in North Carolina consisting of 881 self-storage units was sold to a Miami-based private hedge fund thats new to the storage-investment market. The facilities, which are a short distance from one another, are: Highway 70 Self Storage, 344 units, in Newton, N.C. North Cannon Self Storage, 302 units, in Kannapolis, N.C. Shelby Self Storage, 235 units, in Shelby, N.C. The buyer and the seller, a private investor, were represented in the transaction by Brian Baldwin, investment associate, Luke Elliott, associate vice president of investments, and Michael Mele, senior vice president of investments, in the Marcus & Millichap Tampa, Fla., office. All three are members of The Mele Storage Group. ABC Self Storage in York, Pa., was sold for $780,000 to a private investor. The nearly 1 acre property at 419 Pattison St. is near Pennsylvania Route 124. Built in 2003, it consists of two single-story buildings containing 150 storage units. Property improvements by the seller include exterior lighting, keypad access, paved driveways and perimeter fencing. The seller was represented in the transaction by Investment Real Estate LLC (IRE), which has been involved in the property since its inception. IRE performed the initial feasibility study, sold the land and approvals to another buyer, assisted with the construction, and then brokered the sale of the property to the most recent seller, according to a company press release. Antioch Storage LLC, an Illinois-based investor, purchased AAA Mini Storage in Big Spring, a rural community northeast of Midland, Texas. The property at 3301 E. FM 700 encompasses 73,176 square feet of storage space. Antioch is seeking a 1031 exchange, according to a press release from the Argus Self Storage Sales Network, the real estate firm that represented the sellers. The broker was David Etzold of Etzold & CO LLC, the Argus representative for West Texas. Fox Run Self Storage in Dover, Pa., was sold for $1.5 million to a private investor. The property at 4411 Fox Run Road consists of five single-story buildings containing more than 220 drive-up storage units. It also includes 20 outdoor parking spaces. Opened in 2007 on nearly 6.5 acres of land, the facility was previously managed by appointment from a remote location 15 miles away. Property improvements by the seller include a chain-link fence, keypad access, lighting, paved driveways and video cameras. This is a very nice property that was fully occupied at the time of the sale. This is the second time we have listed and sold this property. We wish the new buyer the same or greater success with the property that the seller has experienced, said John H. Gilliland, CEO and president of IRE, which represented the seller in the transaction. Alex and Todd Erbs purchased Red Shed Moving and Storage in Dupo, Ill., and rebranded it as Gateway Storage Mall. The property at 715 Falling Springs Road is just off Great River Road and Interstate 255. It comprises 28,000 square feet of storage space in160 units. Storage Max Self Storage in Peoria, Ariz., was sold for $3.5 million, or $52 per square foot, to a Portland, Ore.-based investor. Constructed in 1986, the property at 11900 N. W. 91st Ave. comprises 69,825 square feet of storage space in 527 units and 105 outdoor vehicle-parking spaces. The seller, an investor from the San Francisco Bay area, was represented in the transaction by Bill Alter, a broker with Rein & Grossoehme. Ziff Properties Inc., a Mount Pleasant, S.C.-based commercial real estate investment firm, has acquired Clemson Central Storage in Central, S.C., for $3.8 million. The property at 1737 Old Central Road is near Clemson University. It currently consists of 52,081 square feet of storage space. Ziff plans to build a new 33,600-square-foot structure containing 238 storage units as well as a new management office near the front of the property, according to the source. Proximity to Clemson Universitys campus and extremely high barriers to entry made this property attractive for investment, said Christian Chamblee, chief operating officer and director of acquisitions for Ziff. The buyer and seller were represented in the transaction by Mike MacManus and Stacey Gorman, investment specialists in the Marcus & Millichap Atlanta office. Argus is a Denver-based network of real estate brokers who specialize in storage properties. Formed in 1994, the company has 36 broker affiliates covering nearly 40 markets. Since its inception in 1998, IRE has provided brokerage, construction, development and management services to self-storage owners and investors. Gateway Storage Mall is looking to acquire and develop facilities in Central and Southern Illinois as well as Eastern Missouri, according to a company press release. Marcus & Millichap is a commercial-property investment firm with more than 1,500 investment professionals in offices throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1993, Rein & Grossoehme specializes in the sale of investment properties and industrial, office and retail leasing. Harwood Mini Storage may face legal action from officials in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada. The city last week instructed law firm Barrette & Associes to seek a court order against the self-storage operator and another business to resolve unfixed violations of municipal regulations. In both cases, the problem is particularly linked to external storage banned or made in contravention of the regulations, City Clerk Jean St-Antoine told the source. Self-storage owner Colin Keillar has been in dispute with the city for three years, primarily due to storage containers on the front of his property at 743 Harwood Road. We have a difference of opinion, he told the source. Its the storage in the yard that they dont like. Originally, they sent me a [notice] that there is a bylaw that says you are not allowed to have anything in the yard in front of the building. The thing is my building was built 40 years ago in the back of the [property]. Under new regulations, the building has to be built in front of the yard. It was all legal back then (when it was built). A letter from a city inspector advised Keillar that he couldnt have storage containers in the 300 feet of yard space in front of the building. What am I supposed to do, turn it into a dog park? Thats how it all started, he said. The whole yard is in front. Theres only 30 feet behind the building on my property. The city also contends that 20 decommissioned U-Haul trucks on the property constitute scrap and must be removed. Keillar is working to remove the trucks from the lot, he told the source. He also applied for a fence permit six weeks ago to comply with a city complaint about his fencing. Keillar contends it would be too costly to renovate the property to meet current city codes and believes his business should be grandfathered under previous rules. The city has also taken legal action against Les Pieces dAutos Reno Inc. for used cars and auto parts stored on its Harwood Road lot. Keillars family has operated the self-storage business for 16 years and also ran a U-Haul rental center on the property for 12. Prior to storage, it ran a construction-supply company on the lot, according to the source. Mamaroneck Self Storage in Mamaroneck, N.Y., provided storage and studio display space this week for a special event celebrating Furniture Sharehouse, an organization that provides free furniture to economically disadvantaged individuals and families living in Westchester County, N.Y. Inventory from the charitable group, along with items donated by local home-furnishing vendors, will be used to create designer vignettes as part of the upcoming gala, The Power of Ten: Celebrating 10 Years of Furnishing Families. The vignettes will be featured as part of a silent auction, according to a press release. Founded in 2007, Furniture Sharehouse has provided more than 54,000 pieces of free furniture to more than 10,000 individuals to fill empty apartments. The Power of Ten event will help raise funds to furnish homes for more families. The organization often assists individuals moving from homelessness, escaping domestic violence, struggling with poverty, and recovering from personal or natural disasters, the release stated. The event will be held Oct. 28 at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Opened last October, Mamaroneck Self Storage features numerous green initiatives, including DOW Powerhouse Solar Shingles, which are a combination of roof shingles and a solar-panel system. The 40,000-square-foot facility also includes heat-recovery ventilators, a high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow cooling and heating system, and energy-efficient windows. Since opening, the company has hosted several community events, including workshops for homeowners. Interior designers gather with committee members from Furniture Sharehouse and Mamaroneck Self Storage staff. The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill to regulate ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The legislation approved Wednesday on a 34-2 vote would require drivers to undergo criminal background checks and carry insurance policies of at least $1 million. Unlike a House bill, the Senate version would not ban drivers from picking up passengers at Bostons Logan International Airport, a provision intended to appease a struggling taxi industry. The Senate bill would also create a trust fund paid for by an assessment on transportation network companies of not more than 10 cents per ride. The money would be distributed to municipalities based on the proportion of rides originating in a city or town. The two bills now must be reconciled and a single compromise version approved by both chambers. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Massachusetts Politics Brexit has created great uncertainty for the UK, the European Union and perhaps the world. Pretty much everyone agrees on that. But there is less agreement about how an EU exit will affect Londons financial center. Some are very gloomy about prospects for the market, while others think re/insurance sector will have an easier time than London banks. The re/insurance industry in London has quite a good chance of maintaining dominance because of the unique services it provides, said Kurt Karl, chief economist, Swiss Re, who spoke at an FT Live meeting this week, titled FT Future of Insurance: Regulation, Longevity and Digital Revolution. On the other hand, he was less sanguine about the banking industry, which he thought would see its position diminished over the coming years. Theres nothing unique about what goes on in the London banking sector, although it has become very efficient at what it does, he affirmed. The EU will make sure that the efficiency of UK banks is eroded over time with taxes and regulations, Karl predicted. Thats my best guess, but it takes a long time to set those things up and a long time to erode such a large financial center. Some would call this vindictive, but Karl emphasized that its in the EUs self-interest to create a post-exit environment that would block out as much as they can of the London banking sector. Karl explained that the EU is basically a trade block with free trade for members but it is protectionist block for those that operate outside of it such as the UK after Brexit occurs. Keep Calm & Carry On On the day after the June 23 Brexit vote, Vibhu Sharma, CEO UK General Insurance, Zurich Insurance, recalled he walked past the Bank of England where people were clustered, expressing disbelief and panic. (Today, it was announced that Sharma is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.) But he and his team decided to take a different attitude. At a meeting that day, they calmly and quickly acted to reassure their stakeholders customers and employees. For the short-term, Sharma affirmed, nothing really has changed and to some degree its business as usual. However, the UK insurance industry constantly needs to look at creating a competitive advantage through various policies, regulations, taxes and talent to enhance its position as the global source for insurance, as it has been for over 300 years, he said in emailed comments after the meeting. Sharma acknowledged, however, there are challenges ahead and potentially tough negotiations (once the UK triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which starts the ball rolling for an exit from the EU). One topic out of many for EU and UK negotiators will be the regulation of the financial services industry. Karl predicted that the UK will probably be permitted regulatory equivalence once EU exit occurs, primarily because insurers are already compliant with Solvency II. Sharma laughed when he reminded the audience that the United States did its own kind of Brexit several hundred years ago when it became independent of Britain and everything seemed to work out okay. Thomas Dawson, a New York-based partner in Transatlantic law firm Drinker Biddle, also believes that the London insurance market will remain strong because it is a center of innovation, with entrenched support services that are deep and broad and difficult to replicate in other cities. There is no greater center of people and expertise, he said in an interview with Insurance Journal. It is an international business, a worldwide business. The availability of the single passport is helpful, certainly, but the business will follow the capital and the underwriting expertise, Dawson said. (Members of the EU are permitted to do business across all 28 countries and only have to be regulated once.) But Karl explained that access to the European market will not disappear even after Brexit. As an example, he said, Switzerland has an office in Luxembourg, which permits it to be embedded in the EU. You only need to be in one country to be in the EU. Dawson admitted that some commodity business could drift over to the Continent. However, specialized business really needs people who know what the heck theyre doing; I think its stickier, and I predict that business will probably stay in London. Karl went on to say that a lot of the contracts are under British law contracts because of the stability of contract law, which is another strength of the market. The London market after Brexit also may find that commercial innovation with respect to traditional products, insurance linked securities (ILS) and the use of blockchain technology would be free to proceed without having to conform to EU-wide norms, Dawson continued. (The UK government is supporting the development of distributed ledger technology, or blockchain, which it describes as digital tools for building trust in data). It seems to me London is a place where, with governmental support, you might find enough really smart people to say, were going to revolutionize reinsurance transactions with this new technology, Dawson emphasized. Topics Trends Legislation Europe Windstorm Reinsurance Market London BHP Billiton on Friday said it would appeal against the decision by a Brazilian court to reinstate a $6 billion public civil claim over last years Samarco iron ore mine disaster. BHP and 50-50 joint-venture partner Vale had agreed on a $2.3 billion settlement in March, but Brazils Superior Court has responded to an appeal from the Federal Prosecutors Office by issuing an interim order suspending its ratification. That decision reinstates a 20 billion real ($6.23 billion)public civil claim for clean-up costs and damages against Samarco, Vale and BHP. BHP Billiton Brasil intends to appeal the decision of the Superior Court of Justice, BHP said in a statement. In the meantime, Samarco will continue to support the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the dam failure, the company said. A burst tailings dam at the mine on Nov. 5 unleashed a mud flow that killed 19 people, left hundreds homeless and polluted a major river. The government called it the countrys worst ever environmental disaster. The mine has been closed since. Environmental authorities say it will only be allowed to reopen when it can prove mud is no longer leaking into the surrounding area and that the mine can be run safely. ($1 = 3.2127 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by James Regan and Ian Chua; editing by Joseph Radford) Related: Topics Pollution Mining Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30 By Aygun Badalova Trend: Turkey and Russia could resume negotiations on the Turkish Stream project, and Ankara may use the Trans Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) as a bargaining chip to strengthen the country's position at the bargaining table with Gazprom, says Bruce Pannier, US expert on Central Asia and energy issues. It seems Moscow, and more importantly Gazprom, never forgot about Turkish Stream, Panier told Trend June 30. Just since news of Erdogans message to Putin, I see many Russian officials talking about Turkish Stream. Of course, they could soon resume negotiations on the project. There were some significant differences of opinion between Russian and Turkish officials before the Russian plane was shot down, he said. On June 27, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin expressing deep regret for the Su-24 bomber incident and extending condolences to the family of the Russian pilot who was killed in the incident. The incident earlier led to a crisis in relations between two countries. In his letter Erdogan also noted that Russia is Turkeys friend and strategic partner, and the Turkish authorities do not want to ruin relations between the two countries. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian president, assessed the letter as an important step towards normalization of relations with Turkey. On June 29, the presidents of two countries held a phone talk and agreed on a private meeting. As for the Turkish Stream, which is meant to take the Russian gas to Turkey across the Black Sea, Peskov said June 30 that it is too early to discuss the resumption of the project. For now, it is probably premature to speak about it, Peskov told reporters. You know there are various letters of intent signed by Gazprom in Italy a few months ago. Various other routes are being discussed. It is too early to say which routes will be specified and enter the implementation stage. Talking about Turkeys interest in the Russia-proposed project, Bruce Pannier said Ankara could certainly use the extra gas. However, Ankara will soon be getting some gas from the TANAP with the promise that volumes, including for Turkish consumption, will increase from that pipeline in the years to come, he said. Again, Turkey could use the gas, but with TANAP due to come on line in 2018, I think Ankara will want to prolong discussions with Russia on Turkish Stream until Turkey starts receiving gas from TANAP. It would strengthen Turkeys position at the bargaining table with Gazprom, Pannier believes. Overall, Pannier believes that Turkish presidents letter to his Russian counterpart was a big step towards improving relations between two countries. It seemed like Russia was waiting for such a gesture, so that it could bring relations with Turkey back to what they were prior to the downing of the Russian military plane, said Pannier. With Russian troops in Syria, Moscow benefits from, if not good ties with Turkey, at least some sort of working relationship, he added. Four leaders of Bermuda market groups quickly issued statements last week to allay any fears that the fallout from the UKs Brexit vote would hit their market as well. In a global economy, Bermuda is affected, like other nations, by such major events, said Ross Webber, CEO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA). We stand ready to deal with myriad eventualities. Whatever way the UKs EU exit unfolds, Webber reminded the agencys 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. Bermudas stand-alone Solvency II equivalence with the EU and its 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, he said. These regulatory votes of confidence show that Bermuda has a robust regulatory regime, which is not contingent on its relationship with Britain, Webber added. Our island enjoys a strong relationship with Brussels nurtured over decades of collaborative efforts by our government, industry and regulator, he went on to say. Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers The chief of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) also issued a statement to assure re/insurance buyers that it is business as usual on the island. Bermudas Solvency II equivalence finding by the European Union will serve us well as the UK negotiates its multi-year transition out of the EU, said Bradley Kading, president and executive director, ABIR. The Bermuda equivalency is unaffected by the UK vote, he said, adding that 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, said Kading, adding that 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. Bermuda Stock Exchange The 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 center, commented Greg Wojciechowski, CEO of Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) and chairman of ILS Bermuda. 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, he added. The BSX continues to support niche capital market opportunities such the insurance linked securities (ILS) asset class, he said, noting that the BSX is now the global listings leader, with over 70 percent of capacity. Bermuda Insurance Management Association 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 [the] referendum, said Grainne Richmond, president, Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA). 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, Richmond went on to say. Topics Legislation Europe A city of Cleveland panel has authorized spending nearly $10 million to purchase $50 million in insurance to protect the city against claims during the Republican National Convention after a consultant concluded the city faces a higher risk than previously thought because of terrorism threats and volatility during the Republican presidential primary campaign. The same city Board of Control authorized the purchase of a $10 million policy for $1.5 million in March. The consultant and insurance brokerage, AON Risk Services, polled 40 insurance companies before recommending the higher coverage amount, a Cleveland official said. Given the climate nationally and internationally, the risk assessment (for Cleveland) was higher than its been for other conventions, Cleveland Finance Director Sharon Dumas said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Republican National Committee required the city to buy liability insurance as part of its agreement to host the four-day convention that begins July 18 at Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland. The general liability and property damage policies will be provided by multiple insurance companies and will be purchased with money from the $50 million federal security grant Cleveland received for hosting a national special security event, Dumas said. Cleveland is self-insured and would be responsible for any claims against its police officers or damage to city property during the convention. The insurance would cover claims made against law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions and damage to private property. Philadelphia, which will host the Democratic National Convention at the end of July, received a similar federal security grant. Neither Philadelphia nor the Democratic National Committee has finalized the purchase of insurance. Philadelphia is responsible for buying insurance to cover convention safety forces while the DNC will buy general liability insurance to cover other types of claims. Insurance costs for Philadelphia are expected to be much lower than Clevelands, Dumas said. There have been increasing concerns about protests during the Republican convention as groups both in support and opposed to the presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, have said they planned to come to Cleveland. There have been instances of clashes attributed to anti-Trump protesters outside the real estate moguls campaign rallies in recent months. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Politics Peter Mills sees an inconsistency. One arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation is recommending two-person crews be required for freight trains as another plans to spend billions to help develop driverless technology for long-haul trucks. Anything that tilts the competitive playing field concerns me, said Mills, chief executive officer of Indiana Rail Road. Were very truck-competitive. The Federal Railroad Administration has proposed the mandate for two operators in many freight-train locomotives, which would lock in an imperative unions have negotiated in contracts. According to rail carriers, it would also prevent them from taking full advantage of systems for remote oversight that theyre installing, at a cost of about $10 billion and on the order of Congress. There were two crew members in each of the cabs of BNSF Railway Co. trains that collided in Texas on Tuesday. Of the four employees, one was injured, two were killed and one is missing. Lawmakers passed a law demanding the remote-oversight systems after a 2008 commuter-train accident in California killed 25 people. Once operational, they may allow all locomotives to operate safely with one person in the cab or eventually to be fully automated, said Lance Fritz, CEO of Union Pacific Corp., the largest publicly traded railroad. We should allow technology to take us where it will. Fritz called it pretty ironic that the government seems to be doing that when it comes to the trucking industry. The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration has embraced autonomous vehicles, including trucks hauling freight, and plans to spend $3.9 billion over a decade to foster the technology. Reducing Risks If thats happening in one mode, why are they coming out with the regulation that locks us into two people in the cab? said Ed Hamberger, president of the Association of American Railroads. The governments support of autonomous technologies is designed to reduce risks across all modes of transportation, said Clark Pettig, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation, in an e-mailed response to questions. Our bottom line is ensuring that the people and goods traveling on our nations roads and rails get where theyre going safely. The last time the U.S. angled the field in favor of trucks with the interstate highway system beginning in the late 1950s the rail industry almost went bust within a couple of decades. Congress rebalanced things with the 1980 Staggers Act, deregulating rail-freight rates and allowing carriers to close unprofitable lines. Fewer Accidents The FRA plans to hold public hearings on the proposed regulations on July 15. Many local governments support them. The Georgia Municipal Association said in public comments that mandating two-person crews, with exemptions for smaller railroads, will be an important step to enhance safety along rail lines that go through Georgias cities. The freight-rail industry contends theres no data linking the numbers of operators in the locomotives with safety. Train accidents have dropped 78 percent since 1980 as carriers have stepped up spending on track maintenance and technology, according to the rail association. During that time, locomotive crew sizes have been whittled down from as much as five. Many European freight railroads use one-person crews, and Rio Tinto Plc in Australia is experimenting with autonomous trains. Indiana Rail Road, which operates 250 miles of its own track, has run trains with one person since 1997. The single-crew trains have had only one incident with enough damage that required notification to regulators, compared with 26 for two-person crews. If we thought that single-man crews were unsafe, we wouldnt use them, Mills said. Weve proven that theyre not unsafe. Union Vote Because Millss company is a small railroad, it would be able to operate with a single operator under the new rules though at a reduced speed. That, Mills said, would negate the benefits of having a smaller crew. John Risch, national legislative director for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation union, has a 17-point list of why a freight train shouldnt be helmed by one person. Crews can be called up at odd hours and often work 12-hour shifts, making it important to have someone double-check work and help keep colleagues alert, Risch said, and some functions, such as backing up a train, cant be performed by just one person. Ive worked as an engineer for 30 years and there aint no way Im going out there by myself. Union Pacifics Fritz said his railroad isnt ready yet to go to one-person crews, though that could change after the carrier begins to operate in 2018 with its $2.9 billion remote safety system. Its not something that railroads can do by fiat, he said. We still will have to negotiate with our labor unions who are represented in the cab. In 2014, BNSF, owned by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc., tried to change the locomotive status quo, sealing a deal with labor leaders on one-person crews. Union members overwhelmingly voted it down. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Legislation Trucking Shawn Langenegger has joined XL Catlins marine business unit in Dallas. He has 13 years of industry experience and joins from Allianz Global Corporate where he was inland marine team leader for the New Orleans, Houston and Dallas territories. Langenegger will assume underwriting management of the same region at XL Catlin. Source: XL Catlin Topics AXA XL Tennessee-based captive insurance companies have created an estimated $436 million economic impact through direct and indirect spending related to new jobs, investments, and deposits, according to results of a recent annual survey given by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurances (TDCI) Captive Insurance Section. The survey, which was completed by 176 captive insurance professionals, shows the direct economic impact of captive insurance on Tennessee, specifically when it comes to investment and job creation, according to TDCI. According to the survey, captives have resulted in a total direct capital investment of $410 million; total direct and indirect spending exceeding $25 million; and the creation of 82 full-time white collar jobs in Tennessee. The survey results rely on information through the end of 2015 (see chart). Tennessee now ranks among the best in class captive domiciles both nationally and internationally thanks to the leadership of Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak who had the foresight to revamp the states captive legislation in 2011, said Captive Insurance Director Michael Corbett. The Captive Insurance Survey offers conclusive proof that Tennessee continues to see direct and long-lasting benefits from that decision five years ago. TDCIs Captive Insurance Section is responsible for regulating Tennessees captive insurance industry. A captive insurance company represents an option for many corporations and groups that want to take financial control and manage risks by underwriting its own insurance rather than paying premiums to third-party insurers. The Captive Section has completed two economic development surveys; one at the end of 2013 and another at the end of 2015. Both surveys include the economic activities of captive owners, managers, CPAs, actuaries, attorneys and financial service providers in Tennessee. Tennessee recently updated the captive insurance regulations to its Revised Tennessee Captive Insurance Act of 2011. Currently, Tennessee is home to 133 captive insurance companies and 321 cell companies for a total of 454 risk-bearing entities (RBEs). Source: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Topics Tennessee One of the exits at the Pulse nightclub was inoperable weeks before the massacre of 49 patrons by a gunman on June 12, but the gay nightclub had twice the number of exits needed to accommodate its maximum occupancy of 300 patrons, according to emails and texts released Tuesday by the Orlando Fire Department. The last fire inspection at Pulse was conducted in late May when the inoperable door was discovered. A follow-up visit was planned but hadnt yet been assigned so it wasnt known if the problem was fixed, according to an email exchange between Orlando Fire Marshall Tammy Hughes and Fire Chief Roderick Williams. Hughes said that was within a normal follow-up schedule. NO concerns about our practice at this time, Hughes wrote in the June 12 email. In a separate text message, Hughes said the clubs six exits were enough to handle double the allowable occupancy. The emails and texts were released on the same day of the first of two court hearings over whether 911 calls from the Pulse massacre can be made public. Nearly two dozen news media organizations including The Associated Press, CNN and The New York Times contend city officials are wrongly withholding recordings of 911 calls and communications between gunman Omar Mateen and the Orlando Police Department. Mateen was killed by police after a standoff in the shooting at the Pulse nightclub that killed 49 people and wounded 53 others. City officials claim the recordings are exempt under Florida law. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Clarendon County, South Carolina town of Turbeville for its practice of charging speeders under an ordinance that allows the town to keep the fines rather than the state. The State newspaper in Columbia reports the lawsuit filed by three law firms seeks nullification of Turbevilles town safety ordinance. It also seeks the return of millions of dollars to the tens of thousands drivers who received such tickets since 2003, when the local ordinance was passed. The ordinance allows Turbeville which sits along U.S. 378 on the way to the tourist destination of Myrtle Beach to write traffic tickets with higher fines than state traffic tickets. The violations arent reported to the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which means the drivers insurance company doesnt learn of them either, the newspaper reported. So drivers often pay the fines, which can be as high as $500. If a driver does challenge the ticket, the lone magistrate in Turbeville converts it to a state citation, lowering the possibility that the town ordinance will be challenged, the lawsuit says. Its illegal, said state Rep. Jimmy Bales, D-Richland, who unsuccessfully has introduced legislation to block the practice and also advocated erecting speed trap warning signs outside Turbevilles town limits. Town financial statements included in the civil lawsuit, filed in state court, show Turbeville collected about $1 million a year in traffic fines for 13 years. Officers in the community of just over 800 people were writing more tickets than cities that are 20 times bigger, the newspaper reported. Turbeville administrator Rodney Johnson declined to comment to the newspaper. In 2013, Turbeville police chief David Jones said the fines were intended to shock the conscious of speeding drivers who could endanger the safety of residents. The Turbeville violations are not called speeding tickets, and the towns ordinance doesnt list speeding as a crime. Instead, tickets are issued for careless operation of a vehicle that endangers public safety. The three law firms are representing two clients who have received tickets. More clients likely will come forward after the suit is made public, attorneys said. Turbeville, which covers only 1.3 square miles, is on U.S. 378, a major route for tourists headed to Myrtle Beach from Columbia and the Midlands. Its also near the U.S. 378 exit off Interstate 95, funneling even more tourists through the tiny town. Bales said he receives numerous complaints about the towns traffic citations each summer from constituents in his Lower Richland district. It ruins peoples vacations, he said. They come back crying. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits USA South Carolina Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Ukraine and Azerbaijan have discussed prospects of the organization of Azerbaijani oil supplies to Ukrainian refineries and its transit to European countries, said Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister Hennadii Zubko. He made the remarks July 1 during the 11th meeting of the joint Azerbaijani-Ukrainian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation in Baku. Ukraine is interested in the supply of Azerbaijani oil to Ukrainian refineries and to European countries through Ukraines territory, said Zubko. Today we have all necessary technical opportunities for that. Meanwhile, we discussed Azerbaijans investment opportunities in Ukraines oil and gas sphere, added the deputy prime minister. He also noted the sides discussed the prospects of implementing the supplies of light oil via the south branch of Ukraines Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline to refineries of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The sides confirmed their interest in speedy implementation oil supplies in this direction, added Zubko. Oil export amounted to 8.8 million tons in January-May 2016, as compared to 9.7 million tons during the first five months of 2015, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. E arrivata lufficialita, dopo una giornata di voci rincorrenti: per il triennio 2018-2021 sara lemittente Sky a godere dei diritti televisivi per trasmettere, in esclusiva assoluta, le partite non solo delle prossime edizioni dellEuropa League ma anche quelle della massima competizione continentale, la Champions. Un pacchetto da favola per il quale la tv satellitare di Rupert Murdoch avrebbe messo sul piatto unofferta giudicata piu congrua di quella presentata dalla concorrente Mediaset. A dare lannuncio dellaffare concluso e stata la stessa Sky che, in un comunicato, ha spiegato che il nuovo format sviluppato dalla UEFA ci consentira di portare ai nostri abbonati un prodotto rivoluzionario per il calcio europeo in Italia. Per la prima volta la UEFA Champions League e la UEFA Europa League saranno insieme in unesclusiva offerta integrata, che permettera agli appassionati di seguire fino a 7 squadre italiane, mai cosi tante prima dora, impegnate nelle sfide con i migliori club europei. Sky: Rafforzata leadership Anche il livello tecnico dellofferta sara altissimo ed e ancora lemittente a rivelare i dettagli: Continueremo a fare innovazione, trasmettendo le partite piu importanti anche in 4K HDR. Questofferta senza precedenti rafforza la posizione di Sky come leader della programmazione sportiva in Italia ed e anche un altro passo importante di sostegno al calcio italiano. Insomma, per i prossimi tre anni, sara unegemonia totale quella della satellitare sul calcio europeo, avendo mantenuto il pacchetto Europa League (gia sua esclusiva) e affiancandola a quello ancor piu appetibile della Champions League ad appannaggio Mediaset dal 2015 al 2018. Sfida Serie A Ora la sfida fra i due colossi delle trasmissioni sportive si spostera sui diritti televisivi della prossima Serie A, per la quale si e ancora in attesa di un nuovo bando che, come annunciato dal commissario della Lega, Carlo Tavecchio, avra le stesse caratteristiche del precedente, andato pero a vuoto: solo una delle offerte presentate per i cinque pacchetti, infatti, superava la soglia minima richiesta dalla base dasta. Niente di fatto, quindi, anche in virtu della stessa Mediaset che, in sostanza, ha disertato il bando (giudicato inaccettabile) non presentando alcuna offerta. La battaglia, anche in questo caso, sara sulle esclusive: del resto, dopo essersi vista scivolare via una componente importante come la Champions, sulla Serie A Mediaset dara sicuramente battaglia. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Russia is still interested in Turkish Stream pipeline project, which envisages Russian gas supplies to Europe via Turkey, bypassing Ukraine, but it is unlikely that the project will be implemented, Amanda Paul, analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC) and expert on Turkey believes. The Turkish Stream project was suspended due to sharp deterioration of relations between Moscow and Ankara after the incident with downed Russian air bomber on the Turkish-Syrian border in November 2015. On June 27 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to his Russian counterpart in which he expressed deep regret for the issue and expressed profound condolences to the family of the Russian pilot who was killed in the accident. Two days later the two leaders held the first phone conversation in six months and agreed on the resumption of trade and economic cooperation. Gazprom spokesperson, Sergey Kupriyanov, has said that Gazprom is "open for dialogue" on the Turkish Stream project. However given there were already big question marks over the viability of the pipeline before the crisis with Russia I am rather skeptical that Turkey will be desperately trying to relaunch the project, Paul told Trend in an email on July 1. She also noted that given the rather vulnerable situation that Ankara found itself in, in terms of its energy security, Turkeys priority is likely to remain energy diversification routes and sources in order that it can further reduce its dependence on Russian gas. Turkish officials have repeatedly talked about the need to reduce energy dependence on Russia, which supplied 26.6 bcm of gas from 43.6 bcm of gas consumed in Turkey in 2015, according to BP. Furthermore, given the state of the Russian economy, I doubt the Kremlin has billions of dollars to throw at this project either, the expert said. Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Ruairi McCann sings 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in Irish, much to the confusion of his audience. Three-year-old Ruairi McCann had some audience members slightly confused when he sang a rousing rendition of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' in Irish while on holiday in Spain in 2016. Read more Best ways to learn Irish for free online Connla McCann and her family were on vacation at the Holiday Village in Benalmadena, Spain, when her 3-year-old son Ruairi stole the spotlight with his Irish language version of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' during one of the live kids' shows. His mom Connla told IrishCentral, There's a wee 45-minute live kids' show every night here in the Holiday Village, Benalmadena, Spain." "On this night they invited kids to sing a song. The host had asked another girl to come up and sing but our Ruairi went up on stage of his own accord (basically bunked her) so she had to let him sing. Determined to keep going on his own terms, little Ruairi decided to show off his language skills with a song as Gaeilge, leaving the host and the crowd impressed but confused, to say the least. When ur 3yr old sings Baa Baa Blacksheep in Irish in front 200 British holiday-ers & they don't understand a word pic.twitter.com/jCUkkq1WPc Connla McCann (@connlamccann) June 28, 2016 Ruairi has learned all his Irish at home with his mother, who is a fluent Irish speaker, but he has also been attending Naiscoil Bhreandain in Belfast, a preschool for Irish speakers. He sang the song perfectly taking the host and audience by surprise. Although they didn't have a clue what he was singing he got a massive applause! Connla added. So brave to get up on stage and to sing in Irish. Just goes to show benefits of being bilingual from so young! Maith thu, a Ruairi! (Well done, Ruairi!) * Originally published in 2016. Updated in 2021. After the tragic Orlando shooting, the Muslim community in Ireland is extending an invitation to the LGBT Irish community to join them in Ramadan celebrations. Last year we extended the invitation to the Jewish community and this year we thought it would be nice to extend the invitation to the LGBT community because they have been marginalised and suffered as a result of the Orlando shooting, said the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council. Ramadan inspired and motivated us to reach out. People think that Muslims cant reach out to the LGBT community, but thats wrong. We can open our hearts and doors to anyone. Ramadan is an annual Islamic tradition of abstaining from food, drink and sex between dawn and sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The LGBT community have been invited to visit the Al-Mustafa Islamic Center at Blanchardstown on Saturday to join in Iftar, a meal that ends Ramadan. As more than one billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan by fasting and appreciating the blessings given to us, it is important for the Irish Muslim community to reach out to our neighbours as an example of true Islamic ideals, said Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairman of Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council and imam of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre mosque All invited to Community Iftar Dinner irrespective of belief,race or orientation. Limited plcs. RSVP asap. @ireland pic.twitter.com/ke0bn0J3Cr Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri (@DrUmarAlQadri) June 27, 2016 The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council is a nationwide Muslim body in Ireland established to provide a forum where the Irish Muslim community can speak as one recognized voice on matters relating to their well-being in Ireland. They also aim to encourage individual Muslims and Muslim organizations to play a full and participatory role in Irish public life. In July 2015, the organization held a Not in Our Name protest in Dublin in which they condemned the use of violence by ISIS as a distortion of their beliefs and called on Muslims in Ireland to adopt a strategy which would prevent radicalization. They also released a document entitled Irish Muslim Declaration of Peace and Guide to Prevent Radicalization, a strategy against radicalization in Ireland. Islam still remains a minority religion in Ireland although it is the most popular non-Christian faith practiced in the country. The 2011 census stated that 49,204 Muslims live in the Republic (1.07%), a 51 per cent increase on figures from 2006. According to census figures, 30.7 per cent of Muslims in the country have Irish nationality. Dr. Umar Al-Qadri was among those who stood with the LGBT community following the mass shooting of 50 people in an Orlando nightclub last month. I stand with the LGBT community and I am against the marginalization of any group, he told the Irish Examiner. It should not have happened. We are a minority ourselves, we understand what discrimination is. This is more of a case of someone with psychiatric issues. His wife came out and said he had some issues. He may be a Muslim but he does not represent Islam. The point is, first of all, 50 innocent people have lost their lives and its a tragedy. The disregard of human life is one of the greatest challenges we are facing in the world today. He may be a Muslim but he does not represent Islam. I didn't think it would happen anyway, so its hard to be too disappointed. Those were the words of an undocumented Irish native of Co. Kildare who has lived in New York for several years, upon hearing the news last week that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld lower court challenges to President Obamas executive orders on immigration that would have provided a measure of relief to children brought here by their parents, and undocumented parents of U.S. citizens. When the news first came out about those orders, I remember thinking that maybe something good would finally happen, but then I remembered all the other false starts so I put it in the back of my mind, the Kildare native, 41, told the Irish Voice. He and his wife, also undocumented, have two American children and have no intention of returning to Ireland despite the latest setback. Not even if Donald Trump gets elected to the White House. We are American now, we consider ourselves that and we wont be leaving anytime soon, he said. Its hard being here as an undocumented family, but the adjustment if we had to go back to Ireland would be worse. The Irish government expressed remorse at the Supreme Courts 4-4 decision which keeps a lower court ruling barring the Obama orders from becoming a reality. I am obviously very disappointed that the presidents executive action, which might have benefited many of the Irish undocumented, will not now go ahead. Achieving relief for the undocumented Irish remains a key objective for both myself and for the government and we will continue to work with Irish immigration activists and with our friends on Capitol Hill to encourage immigration reform in the U.S., Flanagan said. The Emerald Isle Immigration Center in New York also stated its disappointment at the Supreme Court ruling. Todays ruling will prolong the agony of millions of immigrants and their families living in the shadows, and highlights the continued need for common sense immigration reform, said the centers executive director Siobhan Dennehy. This was a last beacon of hope for so many who would benefit in a positive way. The center also warned against scams targeted at immigrants who might be tricked into pursuing a new path to residency under Obamas executive orders. Beware of any scams to apply for benefits immediately under this new program, the Emerald Isles legal director John Stahl said. The board president of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers Celine Kennelly said, CIIC has supported executive action from the beginning, and we are disheartened by the Supreme Court ruling. Non-action by [the court] leaves millions of undocumented people in the U.S., many Irish among them, living with uncertainty and fear. It is past time for the United States to address its broken immigration system, and CIIC will continue to promote the need for comprehensive immigration reform with the new administration and Congress in the coming year. The harder you try to make sense of the disastrous Brexit vote in the U.K. and Northern Ireland, the harder it becomes. Some say the day was carried by anti-immigrant racism, some say it was deep public anger at faraway bureaucrats in Brussels, some say it was the faithless old imposing their sour world view on the innocent young, while some say that it was the forgotten country people taking revenge on the privileged city. Unarguably, all of these elements were contributing factors, but there was more to it. Brexit voters were aware of the significant dangers of voting to leave the EU and yet they still went ahead and hit the reset button anyway, sending their economy into free fall and almost assuredly into recession. What this tells us is how bone deep the political alienation of the average English voter is now. It tells us that so many voters now feel so powerless, so marginalized and unseen, that their only means of pushback is a self-destructive protest vote that damages everyone's future, including their own. It's the voting equivalent of a suicide bomb. How did it come to this, ask the young professionals in London, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU? What were the older people and the people out there in the provinces thinking? The sharp disconnect between town and country, between rich and poor, between England, Scotland and Northern Ireland has now been revealed for the whole world to see. It's the Disunited Kingdom and it will never be the same now. Prime Minister David Cameron's disastrous gamble to quell a far right insurrection within his own Conservative Party backfired spectacularly. Instead of settling the immigration and sovereignty issues that had destabilized his leadership, he inflamed what he planned to contain. Worse, the contagion has spilled over into the mainstream, meaning that an angry debate among fringe elements has now set the national agenda in a way that is almost without precedent in modern English history. Let's review for a moment what Brexit has cost the U.K. just this week. On Friday as the result was announced the Leave side's claims that they would now have about 350 million extra cash to spend on public services like the National Health Service had unraveled. Then the Leave side confirmed they would not end the free movement of labor (meaning they would not curb immigrants, their signature campaign promise). Nothing they had vowed was materializing. The truth is Brexit cost investors $2 trillion, the worst one day drop in history. Meanwhile, Londons financial center, known as the City, will almost certainly lose the right to clear euro trades, but thats just the tip of the iceberg. The potential economic hit is staggering, which is why Standard & Poors downgraded the U.K.'s credit rating on Monday. Like a small asteroid strike to the heart of Europe, there was jeering UKIP leader Nigel Farage at the EU Parliament on Tuesday, utterly contemptuous in victory, not conciliatory. He was met with loud boos and turned backs from a fellow member of the European Parliament. Isn't it funny? When I came here 17 years ago and I said that I wanted to lead a campaign go get Britain out of the European Union, you all laughed at me, Farage scoffed. Well, I have to say, you're not laughing now, are you? His moment of personal vengeance was clearly worth more to him than the fate of England. There's a dire warning for America in this: elect a blowhard and face being ostracized. During his confrontational speech Jean-Claude Juncker the president of the European Commission turned to Farage and announced he was surprised to see him there. That's the last time you are applauding here, he said. You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted in favor of the exit. Why are you here? It's a good question. It seems unarguable now that even the most ardent Brexit leaders didn't have a cohesive plan for what to do if they actually won, which explains why Farage initially conceded before going to bed on the night of the vote. It explains the funeral atmosphere that attended the press conferences given by the victorious Conservative leaders Boris Johnson and Michael Gove the morning after. They called it a day of national celebration, but they looked like pallbearers at the death of a monarch. Worst of all, it is now clear the Leave vote did not have a plan for Scotland or Northern Ireland, revealing in the process just how unimportant their national destinies actually are to the Little Englanders. Never in modern times have so few set the agenda for so many. New British Prime Minister frontrunner Michael Gove is strongly opposed to the Irish peace process and believes the SAS and other undercover killers should have been allowed to continue in Ireland and could have defeated the IRA. Meanwhile, the other main contender, Home Secretary Theresa May believes it is inevitable borders will go back up between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic after the passage of Brexit. She stated tariffs will be placed on many goods and border controls will be needed as a result. The election of Gove in particular will cause major problems in the peace process and may result in a new crisis if he still holds those hardline, pro-unionist views. May made her comments before the vote on a visit to Northern Ireland. According to Tory Party insiders and bookmakers, Gove and May are considered by far the most likely contenders to replace David Cameron. Gove, currently the Justice Minister, was a key figure behind the Brexit vote. He believes the IRA could have been defeated and the Good Friday Agreement was a capitulation to them by Tony Blair. Gove wrote a long summary of his position on Northern Ireland in 2000 in a pamphlet called Northern Ireland the Price of Peace, in which he stated the IRA was on the brink of defeat before the peace process took over. Gove wrote: ...effective intelligence, counter-insurgency and containment (measures) could have progressively reduced the republican military threat. If such a policy had been matched by a political willingness to deny the IRA any purchase on the future constitutional position of Northern Ireland, then the resulting demoralization could have aided the work of the security forces. The prospect of an effective defeat of terror could have existed. But the British Government chose not to take that path. From 1989 onwards restrictions were placed on the operations of the most effective counter-terrorist measures. Gove argued that limiting the use of HMSU (Headquarter Mobile Support Unit) and SAS units who operated shoot-to-kill policies, according to later public inquiries, was a disastrous mistake. After Loughgall and Drumnakilly, the Government had become cautious, worried about shoot-to-kill accusations. But there were other, more expedient reasons for the changing political climate. The British Government had started making behind-the-scenes moves in an effort to reach an accommodation with the Provisional IRA. In other words, the British State deliberately held its security forces back from inflicting military reverses on the IRA because it preferred to negotiate, he wrote. To consider what might have happened if those restraints had not been placed is to engage in a counterfactual. We cannot know if the IRA could have been defeated. We only know that road was not taken for political reasons, and the decision not to take it came as Margaret Thatcher fell from power. Elsewhere in his pamphlet, Gove stated that majority rule by unionists with no nationalist participation was the best alternative. He concludes: Therefore, the best guarantee for stability is the assertion by the Westminster Government that it will defend, with all vigor, the right of the democratic majority in Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom. Ulster could then be governed with an Assembly elected on the same basis as Wales, and an administration constituted in the same way. Minority rights should be protected by the same legal apparatus which exists across the UK. The legislative framework which has guaranteed the rights and freedoms of Roman Catholics and ethnic minorities in Liverpool and London should apply equally in Belfast and Belleek. With Hillary Clinton well clear in the polls many Irish Americans have begun thinking of that plum job: Ambassador to the Emerald Isle, a post which has been graced by such luminaries as Jean Kennedy Smith and Dan Rooney, Co-founder of the Ireland Fund. But what if Donald Trump steals the fire like Prometheus and becomes President? It is certainly harder to see who might be on his radar. Obamas second appointee, Kevin OMalley, did not assume office until October 2014, almost two years after Obamas election victory, when three previous picks failed to pass muster. That is not likely to happen again. In the Clintons 26 years they have gathered a very large group of Irish friends and Hillary continues to be a strong supporter of the peace process. Usually an ambassadorship, like that to Ireland, goes to someone who has raised at least $250,000, but the Clintons may not apply the usual rule. During the recent New York primary the Clintons held two separate Irish events making clear how important the issue was to them. Donald Trump has stayed away from ethnic groups other than to bash Hispanics and Blacks so he is a complete unknown on Irish terrain. Here is an early guess at some of the contenders: Democrats Elizabeth Frawley Bagley who had raised over $1 million for Hillary and is a former Ambassador to Portugal would be a major contender but is said to have her eyes on London or Paris. Very close to the Clintons. Maureen White, former National Director of Fundraising for the Clinton campaign. She and husband Steve Rattner have raised millions for the Democratic Party. Deeply involved in the Irish Arts Center in New York and has a reputation of getting things done. May prefer a different post than Ireland if she decided to become an ambassador. Brian O'Dwyer - New York civil rights attorney and co-founder of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. Unquestioned commitment to Irish issues. Not in the same league for fundraising as Bagley or White but a strong friend of the Clintons. William McKiernan - Cybersource founder and Silicon Valley multimillionaire is a committed advocate for Ireland. A Boston College grad, he is on the American Ireland Fund board and sold his company to Visa for $2 billion. Said to be interested in Irish job but not known for Clinton connections. John FitzPatrick - Chairman American of the Ireland Fund. Irish-born with extensive business links, he would be first Irish-born ambassador since John Mulcahy, who was President Nixons choice. Close to the Clinton inner circle. Republicans Congressman Peter King: Long Island congressman has had a long connection to Ireland and was involved in the peace process. Ireland would be an ideal job for him after an extensive political career. Congressman Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina has recently been active on Irish issues including immigration concerns and Irish citizens. One of the few serving members of congress who had said he would be happy to support Trump in his race. Former Congressman Jim Walsh the former head of the Friends of Ireland, now a lobbyist. Walsh gets along with everyone, which is probably why he didn't last in Congress. The Syracuse native would be a popular choice. Robert E. Murray: major businessman, owner of Murray Energy, a coal baron, still running his company at 76. Has come out for Trump and is one of the very few major businessmen who has. Peggy Noonan: Wall Street Journal columnist, former Reagan speechwriter and keeper of the Reagan flame. She would be an interesting choice given her background and Trumps need if he is elected to reach out to Republican establishment. Who do you think would be a good next American Ambassador to Ireland? Share your thoughts in the comment section. During our student days, not many of us got away with the line about how going to the pub was research. Not so for Kevin Martin. The Westport man has just written a new book about the Irish pub called Have Ye No Homes To Go To? and explains that 20 years ago he actually wrote a masters thesis on the cultural role of the pub in Irish society. Looking back, he didnt feel his academic study did justice to the subject, and so he set off on his travels to right that wrong, write a book, and sup some Guinness (his preferred tipple) from a selection of the nations high stools. I just love pubs, as the centre of storytelling and Irish culture, explains Martin, admitting that in his Canterbury Tales-style jaunt to different pubs, he was not necessarily looking at our relationship with alcohol, but more at the place that the pub occupies in communities, in towns and cities, and in our culture and society. The book is an enjoyable romp through the ephemera and facts surrounding that most Irish of institutions, taking in the history of the temperance movement, special exemptions for early houses, the role of music in pubs, representations of bars in popular culture and even, in this year of years, the pub and its part in 1916 and all that. It also looks at how, pre-Famine, the pub was as likely to have been patronised by women as by men, yet afterwards the Church exerted greater influence, meaning that up until the 1960s the Irish pub was overwhelmingly a male preserve, with women possibly permitted in the snug, if they were lucky. In the beginning, it seems the Irish pub was homegrown. What the Irish pub is predicated on historically in my argument is not the anglocentric model, explains Martin. In ancient Ireland, in Brehon times, every king had to have a brudan or a hostel, where people could get drink, food, and lodgings. It predates the English version of pubs. Then the next influence was the Normans, who had stores to store wine to bring to various lords, which in time became meeting places and taverns, tavern being a Norman word, from which we get Wine Tavern St in Dublin. Of course, over the past decade we have heard numerous warnings from vintners that the Irish pub is in danger of falling out of existence altogether, with the ravages of the recession, competition from off-licences, and changes to the law combining with the result that there are now fewer pubs than in previous decades. It has stabilised now, says Martin. There is an argument that publicans killed the goose that laid the golden eggs, that the prices were undercut by supermarkets, that the economy reflects that, but now the indications are that things are getting better. As for the pub at the rural crossroads, he says, that day is gone the rural pub will never regain its former glory. The changes in the laws on drink-driving, the smoking ban, issues over rural transport, and the increased urbanisation of Irish life has put the squeeze on the quintessential village bar, although some will still survive, believes Martin. I travelled around the country and those doing best are the ones serving food, gastropubs. I spoke to one local publican and he said he now serves 60% food and 40% alcohol and that is a direct reversal in the last five years. But then Matt Molloys [a rightly famous pub in Westport run by the titular Chieftains member] does no food whatsoever, just teas and coffees, and is hugely popular. Experience tells us pubs with a unique selling point, to use that awful term, will always do well. Martin remarks how the era of the superpub came and went, in what many predicted would be a short-time cycle, and that trends always emerge within the bar trade while others fall away. Currently the explosion in craft beer production and consumption has resulted in some specialised bars opening up and changes to what is on offer in other established pubs, but only time will tell if it has longevity. Martin admits to being old-fashioned about his own preferences when it comes to pubs, namechecking the superb and legendary Mulligans in Dublin as the type of bar in which he likes to spend his time. Elsewhere in the conversation he namechecks the equally legendary Cork City establishment the Hi-B, a hallowed room that has not changed all that much over the years and with a back story tied up with its owner, the great Brian ODonnell. Martin is quick to point out that while conducting his research, I was not casting a critical eye on pubs, more on the people there and how they interacted and the role the pub plays in their lives. Just as pubs have changed, so has the way in which we use them. We discuss how, in Coronation Street, the Rovers Return still seems to be the venue for afternoon lunch and pint just as much as it is the scene for evening time revelry and recrimination. This might not accurately reflect the reality of life in northern England, but the era of lunchtime pints in this country is certainly a thing of the past. A lot of publicans would tell me that its not worth my time opening during the day, so they only open in the evening. The only people who might come in during the day tend to be the old timers. And yet, as our relationship with the drinking house morphs, the Irish pub has become an international trope. No matter where you end up, chances are theres an Irish (or not-so-Irish) bar in the vicinity. Its become a commodity, you can commodify anything, says Martin. There are good and bad versions of Irish pubs, a lot of them are sold as total products almost as though from factories. But you cant argue with success people in other countries still enjoy them. Its largely set to date from a Guinness initiative from 1990 in North America to promote pubs, and one of the main specific points was Italia 90. There were so many Irish over there but few Irish pubs and they were completely oversubscribed. It was a good marketing strategy by Guinness. Pubs are a broad church, Martin argues, with a place for everything, including the old-style spirits and grocery bars that, for many, are the unchanging gold standard and one we cling to when we think of the faithful Irish pub. But back to Martins studies. He references sociology and the disciplines ideas of Mediterranean-style integrated drinking cultures and our ambivalent approach. Ireland is generally called an ambivalent culture and in that culture we tend not to drink outside, not like Spain or Italy. were away from prying eyes, with small or half-covered-up windows. That sounds about right, particularly on the days when our Irish weather delivers something other than summer sunshine. Yet if Martins book proves anything, its that we have little ambivalence when it comes to affection for the pub. The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in a killers attempt to get damages for a 12-year delay in bringing his prosecution. Mark Nash, who is originally from England, is serving a double life sentence for murdering two women in Grangegorman in Dublin in March 1997. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 1 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistan and Iran discussed the diversification of cooperation in trade and economic, energy and transportation sectors, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said July 1. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Ebrahim Rahimpour is on a working visit in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. Rahimpour had a meeting in the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, where the sides had discussions on the development of cooperation in tourism and support for entrepreneurship. Regional and international issues of common interest were also discussed during the meeting. The FBI is being sued by survivors of the Charleston church shooting, who say federal mistakes enabled Dylann Roof to buy the .45-calibre handgun he used. Lawyers for three people who survived the attack on the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and the estates of five who were killed, say the FBI negligently failed to conduct a thorough background check before Roof bought the gun last year. If the agency had done its job, Roof's prior drug arrest would have shown up, and the bureau would have denied his purchase, the lawsuits allege. Lawyer Andy Savage said on Friday that his clients hope the litigation will lead to improvements in gun safety. "In this case, you had an unqualified purchaser that slipped through the cracks," Savage said, "and the result is what happened on June 17." The shootings by a young white man of nine black parishioners who had welcomed him to their Bible study renewed debates about race relations in the South. Roof, who posed online with the Confederate flag, had told a friend he intended to kill people at the historic black church to start a race war. The shooting led to the battle flag's removal from many places of honour. Law enforcement agencies have acknowledged since last summer that mistakes were made involving Roof's April 2015 gun purchase. FBI director James Comey has said the transaction should have been denied, and he promised a full review. Lexington County sheriff Jay Koon said that a prison clerk entered incorrect information for Roof's February 2015 drug arrest, and that while the mistake was noticed within days, it was not fixed in a state database. So when Roof sought to buy the gun two months later, an FBI examiner spotted the arrest, but called the wrong agency to get his record. Without the necessary documents, the purchase had to go through. Congress has limited federal background checks to three days, although states can extend this window. South Carolina legislators filed a number of bills to increase the window after the shootings, but none advanced. The Senate Judiciary chairman ultimately promised a hearing this summer, but it still has not been scheduled. The FBI makes about 58,000 checks on a typical day, handled by about 500 people at a call centre. The agency has reported that about 2% of the checks end without enough information to give an answer. Roof is currently jailed pending death penalty trials in both state and federal court on charges including murder and hate crimes. His federal trial is scheduled for November, but state prosecutors want their case to start first. The Irish seafood industry employs more than 11,000 workers, directly and indirectly, largely in coastal communities and plays an important role in supporting rural communities, according to a new report released by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). Despite accounting for a just small amount of the global seafood industry, the sector in Ireland is looking to develop innovative ways of adding value to its products and satisfying increasing international demand. Seafood is on trend globally. Although Ireland is a small player on the international stage, our industry vision for Ireland is to be the international leader in high-value differentiated seafood products that satisfy growing domestic and international demand for nutritious, safe, responsibly and sustainably produced food. When you consider that fish landings and seafood farming contribute nearly 500m alone before any value is added through processing and innovation, we have an exciting opportunity for considerable growth, said BIM chief executive Tara McCarthy. BIMs Business of Seafood report highlights the value of the industry with 344m worth of fish arriving into Irish fishing ports each year in addition to the 148m worth of fish and shellfish farmed around the Irish coast. Irish seafood exports expanded 7% to 564m in 2015 while domestic consumption increased 6% to 350m. The report was released in advance of BIMs National Seafood Conference which takes place in Galway today and is expected to attract more than 300 Irish and international delegates. Industry leader and former director of the Harvard Business School agribusiness programme Mary Shelman said Ireland must focus on value rather than volume to set itself apart internationally. Irish seafood is an excellent product but its true value is not appreciated, she said. I see BIM as the catalyst of change with a greater focus on transforming the agenda from short-term to long-term thinking, production-driven to market-driven and from scale to value creation. "Ireland is too small to compete on scale, we need to box clever and this includes working together effectively to increase individual profitability and market share. The agri-food marketing body is hosting a Brexit briefing for Irish food, drink and horticultural suppliers on July 6 in Thomas Prior Hall, Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge (formerly Bewleys Hotel), Dublin. Speakers from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, AIB, IGD and food industry leaders will discuss Implications of the UK withdrawal from the EU. A post-vote survey of food and drink exporters has shown that 40% expect their sales to decline, and 20% are worried about exchange rate volatility. About one- third plan to seek out new markets, but two-thirds aim to stay in the UK market by cutting costs and recovering losses via higher prices. Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said: While our post-Brexit survey of food and drink companies indicates obvious concern, exporters have expressed a desire to hold their ground in the UK and are seeking assistance in developing the skills they require to manage their way through the current difficulties based on insight and feedback from UK customers, buyers and consumers. Exporters have called upon Bord Bia to give them information and regular updates on the UK market and on the UK-EU negotiations and implications as they unfold. The briefing will outline Bord Bias plans to support its clients with consumer and market insights, industry advice, plus buyer events. The briefing will provide a forum for information sharing on Brexit and for talks on some of the implications and possible outcomes. Bord Bia will outline how it plans to assist companies navigate the volatile trading environment. Irish food and drink exports to the UK accounted for 41% of exports in 2015, valued at 4.4bn, which represented a 7% rise on 2014. Ireland is also the UKs largest market for food and drink exports. Aidan Cotter added: The resilience of the Irish food sector, the longstanding and strong trading relationship between Ireland and the UK, and the close ties that exist between both countries will help the Irish food industry navigate through these uncertain times. Bord Bias London office is in close engagement with Irelands leading customers across the UK and we will work closely with industry and with the department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as the negotiations commence. Research carried out by the business representative body found 90% of large companies consider the shortage of private rental accommodation to be the single biggest issue for their business. Cork Chamber president Barrie OConnell described the sector as the most neglected part of the housing market and called for the Government to afford it greater consideration given in the Governments forthcoming housing action plan. The private rental sector makes up one of three vital pillars in Irelands housing market along with social housing and homes for purchase. "In spite of this, our rental model has been, and remains, ignored by policy-makers. "Until we start to think seriously about the need for long-term, professionally-managed and suitable rental properties through a targeted Government strategy, we are unlikely to ever achieve balance in our housing market. Ireland is competing against the best-performing countries in the OECD for inward investment and top talent. "We can no longer afford to ignore the need to meet the demand of our skilled and mobile workforce for centrally located yet affordable rental properties. Neither can we afford to see further upward rent spirals, which creates wage pressures, adds more strain to our social-housing sector and prevents prospective homeowners from saving for a deposit, Mr OConnell said. Among the key findings were: 72% raised the availability and cost of residential accommodation as a challenge. n 90% perceive the rental sector as the biggest concern. 73% report upward wage pressures due to accommodation costs. 60% foresee accommodation as an issue over potential future expansion. The chamber recommends encouraging more long-term professional landlords to enter the market to supply large amounts of quality accommodation. It also advocates incentivising quality rental accommodation with a market appeal for long-term tenants. Edgar Morgenroth, associate research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, said the unexpected exit of Mr Johnson who is seen as pedalling a softer version of the Brexit creed makes it less likely the UK will strike a compromise with the EU around trade and the free movement of people. Mr Morgenroth is a leading external adviser to the Irish Government on the economic and political consequences on Ireland, north and south, of the UK vote last week to exit the EU. He told the Irish Examiner that the disarray of the victorious Leave campaigners since last weeks shock vote had, until yesterday, made it more likely that London would have to accept EU terms and drop demands to restrict the free movement of Europeans as the price for Britains continuing access to the single market as a member of the tariff-free European Economic Areathe EEA. But Mr Johnsons exit leaves justice secretary Michael Gove and home secretary Theresa May relative hardliners in the Leave campaign as the leading contenders for the race to become the next UK leader. If Gove and May make migrants a red-line issue then the single market is out for the UK. If they make it a red-line issue, it will not be an EEA [European Economic Area] solution, Mr Morgenroth told the Irish Examiner. The UK as a member of the EEA, accepting the principle of free movement of people, would be the best outcome for Ireland because it would remove any threat to the imposing of a border in Ireland between north and south, he said. He said English voters had evidently given no consideration to the Republic and the North when they voted last week to quit the EU. The interesting thing is that the ball is entirely in the UKs court. It is up to them to decide what the relationship should be. "If they dont want the single market with the free movement of people and that is the only way they are going to get the single market then they will get something less, said Mr Morgenroth. But that is their own choice. I am pretty sure the EU would welcome them into the EEA, to participate in the single market, but only if there is free movement. If the UK wants that, then there is minimal impact. "If they dont want bits of that, or all of that the rules and regulations, the common tariffs, the free movement of people then clearly we cant have them accessing the single market. Mr Morgenroth said Irish citizens unrestricted travel and right to work in the UK is determined by Britains Ireland Act enacted in 1949, but that law doesnt determine the freedom of people from Britain to work in Ireland. Moreover, the Good Friday agreement, as an internationally binding agreement, gives certain powers to European courts. People in England didnt consider that and I am pretty sure Nigel Farage never thought of that, said Mr Morgenroth. And that would obviously mean that European courts would still be relevant to the UK completely outside the EU. The Co Wexford-based software firm which employs 25 staff with a two-person sales team in London is looking to scale up its UK operations in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. With 95% of its client base located in the UK, the company will have to adapt to cater for the vast majority of its business which, after an initial period thats like to be beneficial to the company, will become more difficult to service. For us immediately, I think its straight away beneficial because sterling prices go down, more bought from the UK, theres no tariffs in place until they actually invoke the Brexit with the EU and its going to be at least two years after that. The longer term is that if the Brexit happens theres going to be added logistics costs, theres going to be more paperwork, theres going to be tariffs depending on how hard the EU go on the UK for going out. It could be significant. That is going to be the issue for us, said Scurri chief executive Rory OConnor. With Scurri looking to double its workforce in the next 18 months or so, a greater share of those jobs are now likely to go to London rather than Wexford. Rather than extracting from the UK, wed have to get closer to the UK in terms of probably hire specialists in customs and duty, change our product to suit workflows that will handle tariffs and that sort of thing in the UK. Scurri is also looking to the Far East and US to diversify its client base in the wake of the UKs decision. The fund a joint venture between US global asset manager the Carlyle Group and Irish investment company Cardinal Capital Group has bought AA Ireland in a deal that is expected to be completed this month. A deal for the motoring services provider and insurance intermediary had been expected after its parent company, AA, confirmed earlier this year that it was in talks over a possible deal. The Irish business, which employs 430, will continue to be led by its existing management team, headed by chief executive Brendan Nevin. Cardinal Capital Group managing director John Dolan lauded the acquisition of AA Ireland and confirmed the joint venture is on the lookout for further deals. This is CCIs seventh investment in growing Irish companies since 2014 and we continue to explore further potential investments. The AA Ireland is a fantastic brand with a high degree of recognition and trust among consumers, said Mr Dolan. With our investment building on the existing strengths of the business, there is a strong platform to achieve the long-term growth opportunities that have been identified for AA Ireland. Carlyle Group previously made a successful investment in the RAC in the UK and is looking to bring its experience in the sector to bear on the AA Ireland. Our firm has a keen understanding of the motoring services and insurance sectors, said Carlyle Group managing director Peter Garvey. Through the introduction of key value creation initiatives at RAC we successfully grew revenues by 83% across a four-year period. AA Ireland, which has traditionally provided motor and car insurance, recently announced its entry into the Irish life assurance market. We are excited that the AA Ireland will now be an Irish-headquartered company run by its local management team. "Our new owners have a proven track record of success across the sectors we operate in, which will benefit the AA Ireland as we look to continue growing the company, said Mr Nevin. Our focus is on delivering great products and services and our recent entry into the life-assurance market is a signal of bigger and better things to come for our members and customers in Ireland. CCI has previously invested in business outsourcing company Abtran and chocolate maker Lily OBriens, among others. A Louth native, he is based at the Teagasc office in Drogheda. Having recently completed a PhD in crop science with Teagasc, Mr Kennedy is now looking forward to working with potato growers in the region. He will be working with the wider potato sector in the development of niche enterprises, particularly with the salad potato initiative. Teagasc are delighted to make this appointment and encourage all growers in the region to work with Shane in developing their farm enterprises, said Larry OLoughlin, Teagascs regional advisory manager. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 1 By Demir Azizov Trend: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan worth $100 million for financial support of small businesses in Uzbekistan, ADB said in a message July 1. Small businesses contribute over 50 percent of Uzbekistans GDP and 80 percent of employment but their access to finance, particularly in rural areas, is hampered by limited services and a range of other obstacles, said the message. The loan will be refinanced by four financial institutions: Davr Bank, Hamkorbank, Ipak Yuli Bank and leasing company UzbekLeasing International A.O. The loan will help meet a growing demand for credit and leases from small businesses and entrepreneurs, according to the message. The funds will be lent to small businesses at market-based rates. To ensure the participating financial institutions can service a larger range of businesses, the maximum single subloan amount has been set at $300,000, three times the size of the subloan limit set under a previous ADB loan. In addition, to ensure a broad gender and geographical spread, the project aims to extend at least 20 percent of all eligible loans to women-owned businesses, and at least 60 percent to small businesses outside Tashkent. The project will be implemented over 5 years with an estimated completion date of late December 2021. Uzbekistan is an ADB member since 1995. ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Lizzy, as she is better known, was among 40 centenarian nursing home residents who yesterday received special commemorative certificates from Nursing Homes Ireland to mark them being 100 years of age or older. Lizzy celebrated her 106th birthday just last week, on June 23, in the company of relatives and friends in Ailesbury Nursing Home in Sandymount, Dublin. She indulged in a glass of sherry and some strawberry sponge cake. However, the coffee bean received special mention when she received her certificate yesterday from Minister for Older People Helen McEntee. Asked the secret of her longevity, Lizzy said: Plenty of fresh air, good food, and an 11am coffee to set me up for the day. The redoubtable Dubliner was born not too far away from her current abode on St Marys Rd, Ballsbridge on June 23, 1910. Elizabeth Dempsey, 106, on the secret of her longevity: Plenty of fresh air, good food, and an 11am coffee to set me up for the day. The eldest of four children, at 16 years of age, Lizzy attended a commercial school and after studying for two years went to work at Cartan OMeara & Kieran Solicitors. She worked her way up to head of department and remained with the firm until she retired at 75 years of age 31 years ago. In what could be words to live by, Lizzy said: Ive had a very even existence and got the balance right in my life. I try not to stress and worry unduly. I worked nice and quietly in an enjoyable job and have lived a calm life. Lizzy, who never married, shared a room at Ailesbury with her sister Margaret between 2004 and 2006, and still has strong memories of 1916. She recalls a young girl, the daughter of a solicitor, moving about near a window on Mespil Rd wearing a green cardigan that attracted a soldier and who was shot dead. The gunmen were everywhere and all too ready to shoot, she said. Minister for Older People Helen McEntee presented Lizzy with a certificate. As part of its Nursing Homes Week celebrations, Nursing Homes Ireland is presenting residents aged 100 and over with their certificates in what is a year of commemoration. The certs feature a copy of the 1916 Proclamation, a commendation for reaching 100, and the following quote from Padraig Pearse: There are in every generation those who make it with joy and laughter and these are the salt of the generations. Lets skip the salt pass the coffee. In response to parliamentary questions from Fianna Fails Mary Butler, minister for health Simon Harris said there are 74 diabetics waiting 9-12 months, 103 waiting up to six months to see a consultant, 53 waiting 6-9 months and 90 waiting up to three months. Another 20 have been waiting 18 months to see an endocrinologist. Diabetes Ireland has said such waiting lists are not limited to the south-east and that the department must make a solid financial commitment to managing diabetes. We are spending 1.3bn on diabetes each year, 800m of that is being spent on dealing with the complications of diabetes. If some of that annual spend was re- directed for example towards funding the paediatric diabetes strategy, huge financial savings from preventing complications would be accrued. We are asking for a move from a reactive style of care to a preventative model of care as outlined in the programme for government, said a spokeswoman. According to the Department of Health, consultants in the south-east are treating patients with the most urgent need. The outpatient waiting list for endocrinology is running at approximately two years, dependent on the referral and the information supplied, for the consultant to triage the priority of the appointment, Ms Butler was told. Liz Murphy, a diabetes services advocate in the south-east, has been campaigning to improve diabetes services at Waterford University Hospital. Diabetic services are being ignored here. At present there are approximately 300/400 type 1 diabetics attending University Hospital Waterford, but all are unable to access insulin pumps here in Waterford, these pumps are available throughout hospitals in Ireland, she said. Liz Murphy and a number of representatives from Diabetes Ireland attended the Dail recently to outline to TDs the challenges faced by patients in the south-east and elsewhere. The Department of Health has said that the permanent post of consultant physician in acute medicine / endocrinology in the south-east was advertised. A temporary consultant is in place for six months. Diabetes Ireland say consultant paediatric endocrinologist posts need to be filled in Limerick and Galway by years end. They said over 200 children in the south-east also urgently need access to a consultant. Rt Rev Dr Paul Colton said he was horrified to hear of the attack on his friend, Sheikh Ihab Ahmed, imam of Corks Blarney St Mosque:. I condemn, unreservedly, this attack, as I denounce also any similar aggression physical, verbal or of any kind which targets people because they appear to some to be different: In this instance, arising from race and religion. Racism and Islamophobia have no place in our society, he said. Mr Ahmed, 41, religious leader of the Cork Mosque Foundation, believes he was targeted by a member of an anti-Islamic group who pushed him to the ground and stole his hat as he walked with his wife on Cathedral St at around 11pm on Wednesday. I was in full Islamic attire, dressed from shoulder to feet in dark grey and my hat was dark green. I tried to call after him to come back but he had already run away. I always wear myIslamic attire in the city and am hearing positive comments. This is the first time. Its very strange. I am very sorry a:bout what happened. Im here 10 years and I didnt feel any harm. He said his attacker was in his 20s and bald, and wore a white t-shirt and light- coloured trousers. He felt severe pain in his hands about an hour later and went to hospital where they were X-rayed and bandaged; and later made a statement at Gurranabraher Garda Station. He also said it is the third attack on a Muslim in the city in the last year that he is aware of. Rt Rev Dr Paul Colton: I condemn, unreservedly, this attack, as I denounce also any similar aggression physical, verbal or of any kind which targets people because they appear to some to be different" He also said his wife was very upset. She is saying how can we live in this community, live with people hating us, who dont like us? Church of Ireland Bishop of #Cork @b2dac has condemned the attack on a Muslim Imam in the city https://t.co/vlyucNy1aQ Eoin English (@EoinBearla) June 30, 2016 Bishop Colton, who is among several religious leaders in the city who have been invited by the Imam to attend an Iftar dinner tonight breaking the fast in the holy month of Ramadan said: Regardless of religious outlook, it is incumbent on us all to work together in society to educate, to foster understanding, to nurture good relationships and to build communities strengthened by diversity and inclusion. Chair of the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council, Shaykh Umar Al-Qadri, called on Cork City Council to hold a public hearing on Islamophobia and hate crimes in the city. The Dail heard that the payment is now grossly insufficient. Sinn Feins John Brady urged Mr Varadkar to increase the allowance and said a Barnardos survey showed the cost of sending one child to primary school had risen to 390, while at second level it had risen to 785. However, Mr Varadkar said the figure quoted by Mr Brady took into account school books costs which is not covered under the back-to-school allowance. Under the scheme, struggling families receive 100 for eligible children aged four to 11 and 200 for children aged 12 to 22. Any changes to the scheme to increase the payment amounts would have to be considered in the context of the budget, said Mr Varadkar. However, I cannot make any commitments on the budget now. He also pointed out that the back-to-school allowance in Northern Ireland, where Sinn Fein has been in government for a long time, is less than half of what it is here. I know the deputy does not want to hear this but the cost of living is not half what it is here. It may be lower but it is not half, he said. If there is a border poll in the North, one of the strongest arguments for people to vote for Irish unity is so they can have a Fine Gael government, in which case they will do much better than they do under Sinn Fein. Sinn Feins John Brady Responding to a separate question on the issue of social welfare payments, Mr Varadkar promised customers will no longer be pushed to opt for bank payments over payments though the post office system. It came after Michael Healy-Rae said social welfare recipients had received letters asking them to give details of a bank account so they could be paid directly into the bank and not through the post office network. Mr Varadkar said: My department will no longer take any measures which seek to actively influence customer choice in the manner of payment away from cash payments at the post office; rather, customer choice will be facilitated. Mr Healy-Rae said that everything must be done to protect post offices across the country which are at risk of closure. I have consistently said over recent years this is not scaremongering but a fact that 700 post offices will close down in the next three years, he said. Michael Healy-Rae Mr Varadkar admitted that he had seen copies of correspondence with customers which, in my view, did encourage them to move to the bank without giving them an equal option of using the post office. A circular will go to staff in the next week or two advising them to make sure that, in any correspondence, they give people the option of using both the post office and a bank account, said Mr Varadkar. Amy, 28, has been diagnosed with Stage 3C borderline terminal ovarian cancer. She spent a year hooked up to a morphine drip, before taking the decision to break away and live her life on her own terms. Now, she says she is regaining her independence as she moves into her new home, an apartment at Cuirt Roisin in Galway City, one of 15 new high-quality, affordable rented units in Galway City provided by the Cluid Housing association. It will extend the quality of my life. My independence was taken away from me through my illness. Amy currently lives with her grandparents in another part of Galway city and her impending move is just the latest leg of a journey which took her from post-graduate study in child counselling and working in a Boots chemist at the weekend to her diagnosis in December 2013 and the gruelling treatment that followed. I had 34 rounds [of chemotherapy] between February 2014 to October 2014 and, in between that, two stem-cell procedures that failed, and four-and-a-half months in a wheelchair, she says. A hospice became involved in her care and there was that 10-month period on a morphine drip, until a day last year when she said enough. I have always been on a good path, but I was probably not looking after myself, that type of feeling, she says. My faith was faded. One day, August 17, I just had a plea with God: Either take me now or show me a sign? I cant do this any more. She says she picked up some books, including a psalm book, read it and wept. She decided to forsake the morphine, and follow alternative forms of treatment that she says benefitted her. Cluid purchased the 15 apartments and completed what was an unfinished apartment block in partnership with Nama and Galway City Council. The scheme will be visited today by Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Simon Coveney. Amy has applied for funding for surgery in the UK and Switzerland, which could have further positive effects on her health, but in the short term, she is simply happy to be living her life. Her new neighbours can count themselves lucky: She has plans for her home which she hopes will be a place of respite for others in the block. Just colours, energies, not living in my bubble, but in a good clean environment, making a community-support system for the other people in the building and for myself, is how she describes it. Her aunt was diagnosed with a blood clot at 30, and lived another 30 years. Hope springs eternal. There is no timeline, she adds. Whatever will be will be. David Thomas, aged 32, pulled Gerry Brown out of his car before Thomas and another man assaulted him. The men then threatened to shoot the victim because he had seen their face. Thomas of Glenties Ave, Finglas, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful seizure of a car at Shankill, Dublin on April 16, 2014. John Farrelly also admitted his office only became aware of the alleged serious levels of deception and mis-management at suicide charity Console when he saw RTEs Prime Time Investigates programme last week. In an interview on RTE News, Mr Farrelly said up to that point the only concern raised with his office was a one-liner from a particular person who had concerns. Asked if the HSE which had concerns about Console going back to 2009 was remiss in continuing to fund the charity, Mr Farrelly said he did not wish to comment. He did say that a state entity should have reported the matter to the Director of Corporate Enforcement, which was what Mr Farrelly did after watching the Prime Time Investigates programme last week and subsequently having sight of the HSEs internal audit of Consoles operations. The law in Ireland requires that when information comes into your possession where a crime may have been committed, that we pass that information on to the appropriate entity, said Mr Farrelly. As Console was a company, the regulator reported his concerns to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Amid widespread criticism of government failure to commence legislation that would give investigative powers to the regulator, Mr Farrelly said its board wanted that to happen. Commencement of the relevant legislation has been held up by a shortage of resources. The regulator said it had met with Console, its legal representatives, and the interim investigators, and had been assured that immediate action was occurring to protect the assets and ensure the continuation of services in Console. A house on Ardpatrick Rd in Dublin belonging to the charity Console The regulator appointed five new trustees to the board of the charity yesterday. They are: Diarmaid O Corrbui, chief executive of Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups; Shelley Horan, practising barrister and adjunct assistant professor of law at Trinity College Dublin; Bernie Gray, a member of the accountability board of the Civil Service and of RCSIs audit committee; HR specialist Shay Ellis; Chartered accountant and corporate governance professional Penelope Kenny. The regulator said it must ensure there is public trust in the sector, which is why we have spent the last number of days identifying the people with the necessary competencies, skills and expertises in the areas of human resources, counselling services, accountancy, corporate governance, legal services, and the voluntary sector to govern the charity at this challenging time. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said in the Seanad yesterday that he was deeply disappointed with the most recent delay in the trial of Mr Halawa. On Wednesday, Mr Halawas trial in Egypt was postponed for the 14th time, meaning the the Dublin-born 20-year-old has now been imprisoned indefinitely for three years. Mr Flanagan said his hands were tied and that his department cannot directly intervene or interfere. Mr Flanagan said he could only commit to continue to provide assistance to Mr Halawas family, and push the issue through diplomatic channels. The exclusively consular approach was roundly criticised in the Dail and Seanad. The lack of any diplomatic breakthrough and the continued postponement of Mr Halawas trial was also a deep disappointment for Education Minister Richard Bruton. He said the Government would look into any role that could be played by the European institutions to support the Irish Government in the case. Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said it is time for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to intervene directly in the process and open up a dialogue with the head of the Egyptian state. Ms McDonald said Mr Kenny must make it clear that Ireland will no longer tolerate the lack of due process and justice, and the absolute abuse of an Irish citizen. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said it was clear that whatever the Government has been doing is not working. Standing up for that one young boy is standing up for every young boy in the country. It says something about ourselves and what we stand for, he said. The Green Party yesterday called for cross-party support to see the Government request an Egyptian presidential decree under Law 140, to allow Mr Halawa return home while awaiting his trial. Senators Mark Daly (FF) and Fintan Warfield (SF) both echoed the call over Law 140, which saw an Australian citizen released last year before his trial following pressure from his government. Mr Warfield said this Government has been misled twice by the Egyptian authorities. Once when they lied about Ibrahims whereabouts when in prison, and yesterday we were led to believe that Ibrahims trial would conclude. He asked: When will our State apply for the presidential decree? Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Emil Ilgar Trend: The gas route selection process for delivering Iranian gas to Iraqi city of Basra is developing at a high pace, Hassan Montazer Torbati, managing director at Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company, told SHANA July 1. He said that after completion of gas route selection, the construction of pipeline would start. A branch from the sixth cross-country pipeline will deliver gas to Basra through Irans Khorramshahr. According to the six-year contract, Iran will deliver 25 million cubic meters of gas per day to Basra in warm months, while in the cold seasons the figure will increase to 35 million cubic meters per day, he said. Montazer Torbati added that gas delivery to Basra will start in two years. He said Iran will export a total of 40 billion cubic meters of gas to Basra, based on the agreement signed in 2015. Touching upon another agreement with Iraq to export 25 million cubic meters of gas per day to Baghdad, Montazer Torbati said Iran is waiting for Iraqi governments preparation for receiving that volume of gas. Thomas McNamara (86) from Church Lane, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 was found collapsed at his home suffering from profound hypothermia on Dec 20 2014. His temperature had plummeted to 23.9 degrees, Dublin Coroners Court heard. His wife Maire McNamara had been taken into hospital the previous month. Described as a sparky character with a real Dublin wit, Mr McNamara was found lying in his hallway by concerned staff from his local pub. Bernie McGrattan, assistant manager at the Cat and Cage pub in Drumcondra, said Mr McNamara was a regular customer. She called to his house to check on him and bring dinner. She brought him an electric heater that he refused to use. He was afraid I think, because he thought it was a fire hazard, she said. She obtained a house key from Mr McNamaras wife in hospital in order to keep an eye on him. On December 20, Bernie McGrattan and Glen Daly, a DJ at the pub found the partially clothed elderly man collapsed in the hall, next to an overturned coat stand. He was rushed to the Mater hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11.05pm. Tragically, his wife was also in the Mater, but he died before she could see him. I last saw him around the end of November. He hated hospitals. On December 20 I got a call about Thomas but when I got there he had already died, Maire McNamara said in her deposition. The cause of death was hypothermia and bronchial pneumonia, according to Assistant State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane returned a verdict of death by misadventure. On behalf of Maire McNamara, solicitor Colm Price praised those who tried to help Mr McNamara for their kindness, consideration and wonderful neighbourliness. To find someone in this day and age prepared to go to this length to look after a customer is unique, Mr Price said. The coroner agreed their actions were exemplary. There are still good people in the world, Dr Cullinane said. Speaking during a discussion on the implications of Brexit, Fianna Fails Dara Calleary told the Dail: I was struck all week watching the response of the commission and the parliament to see that they were blaming Britain, politicians and everybody, but they need to look to themselves too, particularly in their engagement with this process over the next weeks and months. They need to reflect on themselves and on how they have walked away and lost that sense of mission. He questioned whether the Irish would now vote to stay in the EU in the event of a referendum here. Mr Calleary told the Dail: We have to look at our own hearts and ask if there was a referendum here in the morning in terms of our membership how would it go because I dont think we can give a guarantee in this country like we used to. I firmly believe the European institutions walked away from us in our time of need. But the Mayo TD added that we tend to goldplate regulations that come from Brussels and blame Brussels. We too blame Europe for many of our ills. A number of TDs raised the importance of cross-border trade and highlighted that this along with the border between the Republic of Ireland and the North must be prioritised in all Brexit negotiations. Sinn Feins Louise OReilly said Brexit is not just a British issue or an issue that will affect just the six counties; it will affect people in Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and beyond. Sinn Feins Louise OReilly However, speaking earlier in the day Finance Minister Michael Noonan said a hard border is not a runner. Fergus ODowd told the Dail that Ireland should press hard to secure some of the EU agencies currently based in the UK which will have to relocate when Britain leaves. When section 50 is applied by the United Kingdom, the Government here should concentrate on recognising that fact and seek to have European agencies such as the European Medicine Agency and any other agencies that may be based in England to relocate here. That is an action plan that is needed and we should be ready to do that, Mr ODowd said. Speaking in the Dail, Mr Calleary said the way in which the European Commission rammed an austerity programme both here and in Greece was wrong and a remain outcome in an Irish vote would no longer be guaranteed as a result. It comes as Taoiseach Enda Kenny strongly rejected criticism for his speaking up on behalf of Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon at this weeks EU summit meeting. Mr Kenny has been criticised at home and in the UK for interfering in internal British politics by speaking up for Ms Sturgeon at the European Council meeting in Brussels. Mr Kennys actions led to stinging criticism from David Camerons Conservative Party while Ukip accused him of acting as Ms Sturgeons gopher. I am not representing Scotland, I reject completely that I didnt put Ireland first, said Mr Kenny in response to Sinn Feins finance spokesman Pearse Doherty. Mr Kenny warned that if agreement on how Brexit is to be achieved, then trade barriers in line with the World Trade Organisation rules will have to apply. Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon I dont want to see a hard border between Northern Ireland and here, but if we have to deal with that then deal with it we will, Mr Kenny said. He appeared to contradict previous comments made by his chief whip Regina Doherty and MEP Brian Hayes that Ireland would leave the EU, were we to lose control of our corporation tax rates. Asked by Mr Doherty if he agreed with his party colleagues, Mr Kenny was clear: Certainly not. We will not leave the European Union. Speaking during a Brexit discussion in the Dail Mr Calleary said: We have to look into our own hearts and ask if there was a referendum here in the morning in terms of our membership how would it go because I dont think we can give a guarantee in this country like we used to. I firmly believe the European institutions walked away from us in our time of need. The European Commission in its dealings with us, and particularly in its dealings with Greece, the way it rammed an austerity programme which didnt stand for anything in terms of cuts but was re-engineering society, especially in Greece, was wrong. Mr Calleary called for a Brexit cross-party committee and said local authorities would have to be involved as every county and local authority will feel some effect of Britains exit from the EU. Former Fianna Fail junior finance minister Dara Calleary Local enterprise offices should be tasked with coming up with some sort of analysis of how each county is being hit so that we can have a targeted response that deals with the issues that matter, the Mayo TD said. Earlier yesterday morning finance minister Michael Noonan said a hard border between the Republic and Northern Ireland is not a runner in the wake of Brexit as far as he is concerned. Speaking at the Oireachtas Finance Committee, Mr Noonan said such a border splitting the island of Ireland was not feasible. I cant see why an arrangement cant be made so the control points are at Larne and at Belfast Airport and at Liverpool and Southampton, you know, where the access points are, he said. It was another dramatic day across the water in Britain as former London lord mayor Boris Johnson, who was a key figure in the Leave campaign, pulled out of the race to become the next leader of the Conservative party. Former London mayor Boris Johnson His departure now leaves justice secretary Michael Gove and home secretary Theresa May in contention for the leadership. However, the ERSI has warned his exit will have a negative impact on Irelands hopes of gaining special consideration in Brexit talks. Edgar Morgenroth, ERSI associate research professor said the unexpected exit of Mr Johnson makes it less likely that the UK will strike a compromise around trade and the free movement people with the EU that suits Irish interests. People with dementia should have a right to be cared for at home as too many are ending up in nursing homes because a right to residential care exists, say the Alzheimers Society. Ireland has the second highest proportion of people in Europe aged 65 and over in nursing homes and hospitals. Professor Eamon OShea from the NUIG Irish Centre for Social Gerontology has called for a new Fair Deal for people living with dementia in their own homes and a funding model that promotes universality and fairness in terms of eligibility and provision. CEO of the Alzheimers Society senator Colette Kelleher said government policy is to support people to stay at home as long as possible, yet funding for home care has reduced by 11m. Continuous cuts to home help and home care packages are effectively funnelling people toward long-term, institutional care when many wish to stay in their own homes. Community care is grossly underfunded and people are simply not getting the care they want, she said. The right to nursing home care under the Fair Deal scheme, means more people in nursing homes who dont need to be there. People have a legal entitlement to long-term residential care under the Fair Deal scheme, while no such entitlement exists for home care, she added. The Alzheimers Society wants a 67m investment in home-care supports for people with dementia living in the community. It wants 36m in home-care supports to meet the needs of 1,400 people. Such supports cost about 500 a week. It is also seeking 31m in enhanced packages, worth up to 1,000 a week, to help 600 people. The basic packages would provide supports for those in the early to mid-stages of dementia and the enhanced packages would keep those with complex care-needs out of nursing homes. The society says despite the allocation of 22m for intensive home-care packages for people with dementia through the 2014 National Dementia Strategy, only 133 people have benefited. This funding comes to an end in 2017 and we are therefore asking for 67m for home-care supports for people with dementia in Budget 2017, said Ms Kelleher. READ MORE: Senator Ronan Mullen: My father has to be minded like a child The new findings are from a study conducted by university researchers, who also found that the majority of those who paid for sex were third-level graduates and a quarter earned more than 60,000 a year. Most men also said they would see different sex workers and some expressed concern for the welfare of the women providing sexual services. The findings are based on an online survey of 446 men as well as a smaller number of face-to-face interviews and was published this month. The new findings are based on a broader study conducted in 2014 by Dr Susann Huschke of the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and Dirk Schubotz of Queens University Belfast. The survey included the views of men who paid for sex on both sides of the border, including 64% of respondents who lived in the Republic. Almost two-thirds were aged between 31 and 50, and almost two-thirds of respondents said they were Irish nationals. While 42% said they were single, 52% said they were not in a relationship. Among respondents, 58% were employed and another 25% described themselves as self-employed, with only a small percentage either without a job or unable to work. According to the research article: Among the respondents were farmers, doctors, civil servants, care workers, bank clerks, accountants, electricians and company directors. It said the vast majority of respondents used the services of internet-advertised escorts. When it came to the frequency with which respondents had purchased sexual services, 46.1% said they had bought sex a few times a year while almost 31% said they paid for sex once or twice a month. Just under 3% said they paid for sex every week. While some men reported paying for sex due to lack of self-confidence and shyness around women, others said they had sex with sex workers because they were living in sexless or loveless marriages with no physical contact, or because their relationship with their partners had broken down. Some respondents stated that sex with a sex worker is the easier, but also a more honest and safer option than affairs or one-night stands. On what they perceived as the negative consequences of buying sex, most referred to the stigma of paying for sex and also to the fear of being found out. The third highest reply to the question, at 36%, was a worry about the well-being of the sex worker/prostitute. In the context of the Turn Off The Red Light campaign here and debate in the North about criminalising the buying of sex, the authors argued that most clients took the well-being of the sex worker into consideration: They worry about the possible negative effects of selling sex and state that they would not pay for sex with somebody who appears coerced or forced. This constitutes a stark contradiction to the image painted in the public discourse on both sides of the Irish border, where clients are described as sexual predators who do not care whether the person they pay for sex is an independent sex worker or a victim of trafficking. The apology was made on behalf of the Rotunda Hospital to Sarah Quigley and Dave Harding arising out of the death of their son David, who was delivered stillborn in early September 2010. The couple alleged the hospitals failure to act when it was clear there were problems with the unborn childs health had resulted in the infants death. At the time, Ms Quigley and her unborn child were patients of the hospital. In an apology read before Mr Justice Anthony Barr at the High Court, the staff and management of Rotunda Hospital sincerely apologises for the grief, upset, and distress caused to Ms Sarah Quigley and Mr David Harding arising from the death of their beloved son, David, as a consequence of the shortcomings in the management of the late stages of Ms Quigleys pregnancy. The hospital also extended its deepest sympathies to the couple on Davids sad passing. Pauline Walley, for the couple, said the apology was part of the settlement of their action against the hospital. No other details of the settlement were revealed in open court, and the terms are understood to be confidential. Afterwards, speaking through Daniel Hughes of Hughes & Associates Solicitors, the couple said they welcomed the closure of six years of very difficult and protracted litigation. The couple said they are very happy that justice has been achieved and they can bring some closure to the matter. The couple, of River Forest, Leixlip, Co Kildare, claimed their son was not delivered alive due to placental insufficiency; a complication of pregnancy when the placenta cannot deliver an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. The defendants, it was alleged, ought to have known about the condition, but failed to detect it, and, despite the presence of factors indicating the necessity for medical intervention, failed to act and deliver the baby by caesarian section. Their actions, it was further claimed, caused the baby to die in utero at 40 weeks. The court heard Ms Quigley had presented at the hospital twice in August 2010. On the first occasion she was complaining of pain. It was claimed on that occasion a doctor dismissed Ms Quigleys complaints, did not listen to Ms Quigley, and questioned her assertion she was 37 weeks pregnant. The doctor had insisted Ms Quigley was just 34 weeks pregnant, and did not arrange for a scan. In a defence, the hospital had denied the couples claims. The man is being held at Henry Street garda station in Limerick under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 which permits his detention for a total of seven days. After the first 48 hours, gardai have to get the approval of a district court judge to continue with the detention. He is being questioned by gardai from the Cork division who are leading the investigation surrounding events which led to the shooting near Shanagolden. The movements of the two were being monitored by the regional armed support unit and detectives from Cork. The D reg silver Toyota Corolla the men were driving, travelled from Co Cork into West Limerick and after going through Newcastle West, garda units moved to intercept the car at a place known as Jobbers Cross near Shanagoloden. Gardai moved to arrest the two men. In doing so a garda gun was discharged and one of the two Lithuanian men was hit. The bullet struck him in the face before lodging in his neck. He was removed in an ambulance and the second man was brought to Henry Street station. The Garda Ombudsman is carrying out an investigation into the circumstances in which the shot was discharged and one theory is the weapon may have been accidentally fired. Gardai had set up a major surveillance operation as part of ongoing investigations into night time robberies in the Munster area allegedly involving Eastern European gangs. . A man has been convicted of raping and threatening to kill his wife as their marriage broke down in 2014. It is thought to be only the third successful prosecution of rape within a marriage since marital rape was made illegal in 1990. The woman wept in court and hugged a supporter as the rape verdict came in. The trial at the Central Criminal Court has concluded after jurors were unable to agree on verdicts on two remaining charges that the man headbutted his wife in May 2014 and threatened her in the city centre in early August 2014. The 13-day trial heard the accused began threatening violence against the woman after she told him she wanted to separate in early 2014. The jury heard the relationship had been under strain for some time due to the mans jealously of his wifes successful career and the attention she was giving their infant child. The woman obtained a barring order against her husband the day after he raped her and threatened to cut her face open with a carving knife. The threats continued over the phone and in person. The woman gave evidence that she had to stay in contact with the accused because a family court judge ruled he should be given access to their child. The jury of 11 men and one woman returned staggered guilty verdicts over two days, having deliberated for a total of 11 hours. They convicted the man of raping his wife in their home in May 2014 as their son slept downstairs and of threatening to cut her face immediately beforehand. He was also convicted of threatening to kill the woman the next day over the phone. Jurors failed to reach verdicts on charges that he headbutted her and threatened to do serious damage to her when they met to discuss custody of their son. The man denied the charges. He told gardai: Shes like a snake, she bites you and goes down again, she lies very well. His defence counsel suggested the issues of ownership of their house or custody of their son might be the reasons behind the allegations, along with feelings of bitterness or revenge. The 42-year-old accused had already pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. He pleaded not guilty to rape, assault causing harm, and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014. The jury had previously been instructed to return a not guilty verdict on a fifth threat charge. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered the man be registered as a sex offender and remanded him in custody for sentencing on July 18. She thanked the jurors for their time and excused them from further service for 15 years. Before the trial began, defence lawyers said their client, a dark skinned [foreign] man, could not get a fair trial in circumstances where the jury panel will most likely be an all white, all Christian jury. Padraig Dwyer, defending, suggested jurors could be hostile to the mans religion. Ms Justice Kennedy agreed to issue a warning that jurors should not serve if they felt they could not be impartial. During the swearing in process, the defence objected to all but one female juror. This resulted in a jury made up of 11 men and one woman. The jurors selected the woman to be the foreman. The defence questioning of the woman focused on why, as a strong, intelligent woman, she didnt leave her husband after he became threatening. Asked why she didnt leave and go to gardai, she said: Ive asked myself that question, Ive asked myself that question about a lot of things. Why didnt I leave earlier? It was a last resort for me to go to the guards and make statements. Speaking at the Oireachtas Finance Committee, yesterday morning, Mr Noonan said such a border is not feasible. I just dont think its a runner, he said, suggesting that EU/UK border checks might be more likely at points such as Larne and Belfast Airport. I cant see why an arrangement cant be made, so the control points are at Larne and at Belfast Airport, and at Liverpool and Southampton you know, where the access points are. Rather than having some cut across our island, he said. I just think that is an impossible proposition. I just dont think its a runner, he told committee members. This stand echoes comments from outgoing British prime minister, David Cameron, who said border checks are more feasible between the islands of Britain and Ireland, rather than along the border of the Republic. At the committee, Mr Noonan restated his view that the decision of the British people to leave the European Union would not affect his Budget 2017 plans, but that later budgets could be impacted. Mr Noonan said the longer-term Brexit effects on Ireland would also depend on any deal Britain agreed with the EU. Regarding Octobers budget, Mr Noonan told committee members that tax revenue projections for 2017 were relatively fixed and contingencies for Brexits initial impact had already been worked out. The next step is all of these figures are revisited before the budget. And, in the budget, a new set of figures will be published, using the most recent data in September. We will not be in a position to do anything before then. Obviously, the people involved in forecasting are watching all the movements, Mr Noonan said. If Britain remains in the single market, then the impact will be quite low, he said, warning there would be a bigger impact if the new relationship involved tariffs and border posts. Striking a positive note, Mr Noonan said Brexit also presented potential economic and foreign-direct investment (FDI) advantages for Ireland. He said post-Brexit market movement had been adverse to Britain, in terms of exchange rates and stock exchange values, with the international expectation that Britain would become a weaker economy. Mr Noonan said Britain could become less attractive for foreign-direct investment, to the benefit of Ireland. But he added that attracting FDI was a competitive business and if the British government feels it is losing out, theyll probably adjust policy to forestall that. Sinn Fein finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty, said the only sure way to have no hard border was to have no border at all. He was speaking after exchanges with Mr Noonan and Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Mr Doherty said Mr Kenny failed to present any plan as to how to ensure that a hard border would not be reintroduced. Mr Doherty accused Fine Gael of being at sea and of sending contradictory messages about Irelands position in the EU. Independents4Change TD Mick Wallace initially got his private motion in the Dail passed it calls for a commission of investigation into the agencys Northern loan book sale. But a later amendment by Fianna Fail, which back Fine Gael in office, saved the day for the minority government after TDs agreed a probe should only happen after police finish their inquiries. The last-minute change by Fianna Fail this week has been criticised by Sinn Fein TDs seeking the Nama probe they claim the party was bought by deciding to back down from. Mr Wallace has called the position of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail shameful. Project Eagle involved a portfolio of 850 properties across Ireland and Britain, based on loans involving borrowers in the North. Nama bought the loans for 2bn but sold them to US investment fund Cerberos for 1.6m a rate which Mr Wallace claims was horrifically uncompetitive. A UK crime agency has arrested a number of individuals linked with the Nama sale. There have also been accusations of fixers fees for millions of euro, a fact which should have put the brakes on the 2014 deal, claims Mr Wallace. The Government maintains that no investigation is under way and that there are no allegations of wrongdoing against Nama. But the State spending watchdog, the Comptroller & Auditor General, is inquiring into the sale and is set to produce a report in the autumn. Yesterdays government amendment of Mr Wallaces bill was defeated by 81 votes to 58. It had claimed British criminal investigations into Project Eagle must not be obstructed by a commission of investigation and that no probe anyway was needed. While the Government lost this vote, Fianna Fail went on to pass its amendment in the chamber yesterday, whereby TDs backed the idea to hold off on a probe. The amendment, proposed by party finance spokesman Michael McGrath, claimed that no action should be taken which would potentially hamper the criminal investigation into these matters. Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath This latter Fianna Fail countermotion was then carried by 105 Dail votes to 38, saving an embarrassing situation for the Government. A spokesman for Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the focus for the Government is still the outcome of the C&AG report. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Emil Ilgar - Trend: Iranian people started the Quds Day rallies, IRNA reported on July 1. "People in large groups of tens of thousands in Tehran in more than 850 cities started rallies in the morning, carrying placards and chanting slogans against Israel. Back in 1979, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan was designated by the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini, as Quds Day to mobilize Muslims worldwide in support of Palestinians and against Israel. Ruth Smeeth, who is Jewish, said Mr Corbyn had shown a catastrophic failure of leadership and must immediately resign to make way for someone with the backbone to confront racism and anti-Semitism. Marc Wadsworth, who runs Momentum Black Connexions, accused the Jewish MP of working hand in hand with the Daily Telegraph during a tirade at the event in central London. A clearly upset Ms Smeeth stormed out of the event, which had been staged to launch a report into anti-Semitism in the party. She said: I call on Jeremy Corbyn to resign immediately and make way for someone with the backbone to confront racism and anti-Semitism in our party and in the country. The Labour leader has insisted he condemns any abuse of MPs of any kind but Ms Smeeth said that under his leadership, the party cannot be a safe space for British Jews. Mr Corbyn had ignored the criticism of Ms Smeeth during the event, instead focusing on the contents of the review carried out by Shami Chakrabarti. It is beyond belief that someone could come to the launch of a report on anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and espouse such vile conspiracy theories about Jewish people, which were ironically highlighted as such in Ms Chakrabartis report, while the leader of my own party stood by and did absolutely nothing, Ms Smeeth said. People like this have no place in our party or our movement and must be opposed. Until today I had made no public comment about Jeremys ability to lead our party, but the fact that he failed to intervene is final proof for me that he is unfit to lead, and that a Labour Party under his stewardship cannot be a safe space for British Jews. The row overshadowed the launch of the report, which was sparked by a row over alleged racist remarks that led to the suspension of high-profile figures like MP Naz Shah and former London mayor Ken Livingstone. Mr Corbyn was forced to deny comparing Israel and Islamic State after telling the event: Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those of various self-styled Islamic states or organisations. Insisting he was not likening the Israeli state with the jihadi group, he said: The point in the report is you shouldnt say to somebody just because they are Jewish you must have an opinion on Israel any more than you would say to anyone who is a Muslim you must have an opinion on any vile actions that have been taken by misquoting the good name of Islam in what they do. Luther star Idris Elba, Star Wars actor John Boyega, and rapper Ice Cube are among 683 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences more than double the total invited the previous year. Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, who is also joining the Academy, said on Twitter: As a child Id dream of opportunity 2 express my talent & now I get 2 create opportunity 4 others. Thanks @TheAcademy. The move comes after a lack of diversity among the nominees at this years Oscars sparked an unprecedented debate about race in the film industry. None of the nominees for the best actor and actress and best supporting actor and actress categories was from an ethnic minority, prompting Will Smith and Spike Lee to boycott the ceremony in February. The hashtag #OscarSoWhite also became a rallying cry on social media for dissatisfied film stars and fans. Idris Elba, above; America Ferrera, top right; and Emma Watson are among a slew of people to be invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The move comes after a lack of diversity among the nominees at this years Oscars sparked an unprecedented debate about race in the film industry The academy, which has already pledged to double the number of women and diverse members by 2020, said the group of people invited to join was 46% women and 41% people of colour. At the start of 2016, there were 6,261 voting members, with around 92% white and 75% men. The new group will shift the Academys overall membership to 27% women and 11% non-white, it said. Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the new members represented the best in our global film community, and who have made a lasting impact on movie fans everywhere. Were proud to welcome these new members to the academy and know they view this as an opportunity and not just an invitation, a mission and not just a membership, she said. zzzJohnBoyegaTieFighter300616_large.jpg This class continues our long-term commitment to welcoming extraordinary talent reflective of those working in film today. We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry. Irish filmmakers including Lenny Abrahamson and John Crowley and author Emma Donoghue have also been invited to become members of the Academy. Room director Abrahamson and author Donoghue were among this years Oscar nominees, while Crowleys film Brooklyn was included alongside Room on the shortlist for best picture. Room director Lenny Abrahamson and author/screenwriter Emma Donoghue have been invited to join academy They join fellow Irish academy members Michael Fassbender, Cillian Murphy, and Saoirse Ronan, U2s Bono, producer Finola Dwyer, and casting director Ros Hubbard. Emma Watson, Kate Beckinsale, Tom Hiddleston, and Mark Rylance, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor this year, are among the British stars who have been invited to join the academy. Aisha Chithira, 32, died after travelling to England from Ireland to have a termination at a Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing, west London, on January 21, 2012. A doctor and two nurses were initially accused of manslaughter by gross negligence and a health and safety charge. But after a review, the case against Dr Adedayo Adedeji was dropped and the decision taken to only go ahead with health and safety charges against Margaret Miller, 55, and Gemma Pullen, 32. The pair were due to go on trial at the Old Bailey last week but after days of legal argument, prosecutor Sally ONeill QC offered no evidence against the women. They were formally acquitted of failing to take reasonable care of the health and safety of the Malawian woman contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Members of Ms Chithiras grieving family were in court as the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service was announced. Judge Nicholas Cooke QC immediately demanded a review into what went wrong in the CPS decision-making process, saying: What has occurred must not be brushed under the table. He said what happened was not satisfactory given the delay in the case which had been brought at considerable time and money. He said: The situation that arose is most regrettable given there was a tragic death. What flowed from that was an enormously long period of stress and uncertainty for the bereaved family and likewise for entirely different reasons for the defendants. However, he praised the conduct of the prosecution barristers in court. Dr Adedeji, 63, of Hornchurch, Essex, Ms Miller, from Camberley, Surrey, and Ms Pullen from Stoke-on-Trent, had denied wrongdoing. Genevieve Edwards, director of policy at Marie Stopes UK, said: This was a desperately sad case, and our thoughts remain with Ms Chithiras family. It has taken four and a half years to reach this point, which has been difficult for everyone involved. Our charity provides reproductive and sexual healthcare services to 70,000 women a year in the UK, and we are committed to providing the highest level of care. Ms Millers solicitor Jenny Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said: The defence has always argued that this case should never have been prosecuted. Following six days of legal argument, the Crown Prosecution Service accepted it no longer had confidence in its own decision-making processes. It is hard to think of a more woeful state of affairs. Ms Miller had been a nurse of 36 years while her colleague Ms Pullen was also an experienced nurse at the time Ms Chithira came to the clinic for a late stage termination. She died after being discharged, allegedly from an injury sustained during the surgery. Manslaughter charges were dropped after expert evidence served by the defence last month found staff had done nothing wrong. A jury inquest into Ms Chithiras death is now expected to take place. Under questioning in the Dail, the minister said the HSE had not ignored the issues that were identified in 2009 and instead said staff had been watching closely. While this is very uncomfortable, this is the system working, he said during leaders questions as he defended the HSE. It comes after RTEs investigations unit revealed serious concerns around the governance of the national suicide charity. A draft HSE audit also found that Console founder Paul Kelly and members of his family spent almost 500,000 on 11 credit cards over two years to buy items including designer clothing, trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore as well as dental work and groceries. Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry called for more powers to be given to the Charities Regulatory Authority to allow them to do the work for which it was set up. However, Mr Bruton said given the serious allegations highlighted over Console, the investigation would fall to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry Some elements, such as the investigation of potential fraud, fall beyond the operation of the Charities Regulatory Authority, he said. Failings in respect of directors responsibilities would fall to be investigated by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Issues are being actively pursued in respect of Console that fall outside the Charities Regulatory Authoritys direct responsibility. The minister described as heartening the fact that the investigation has come directly from the HSE taking close scrutiny of charities under its framework. He said the HSE has a revised framework for all the bodies it funds and it was in this context that the irregularities in Console were first identified, followed by an audit and the investigation, with a new governance structure being put in place to deal particularly with the issues in Console. Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said the story was amazing but not unique and added that sadly, we have been down this road previously with other charitable entities. She called on the minister to insist that the HSE appear before the Public Accounts Committee next week and that it hand over a copy of its audit of the charity. Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald Responding, Mr Bruton said: Clearly, the House is entitled to scrutinise the HSE on the way it oversaw this but there is no doubt that there is a trail of activity; it is not one of ignoring the issues that were identified in 2009. HSE staff have been watching closely. The irregularities that were identified resulted in the audit. Of course, they will have to be investigated and if further action needs to be taken by appropriate bodies such as the OCDE or the garda, there must be due process for everyone involved in pursuing the steps that might follow from the findings of the audit. The House must respect that as well. SENATOR Ronan Mullens dad, Tom, is one of the lucky ones. He has his wife, Maura, a nurse, to take care of him and has his three children living close by in Galway. Some days Tom Mullen gets Ronans name right. Other days he thinks that hes his brother, not his son. Ronan and his family dont like to correct him as they try to minimise stress in their home. They watch what Toms eating, that hes eating enough; they help him shower and dress and make sure hes safe. They also evaluate dips and peaks in the 81-year-olds mood and behaviour from day to day. If there is a lot of activity in the day, he can get into a hyper mood, says the Independent senator. Hes a child and has to be minded as a child, says Ronan. My mother is carrying the cross though. I see the rest of us as being like Simon of Cyrene-lite. Ronan is now based in Ahascragh, Co Galway, again so he can help his mother and sibling. I think it makes a difference for her emotionally to have us around. Shes much stronger for having us around. Shes the player thats always on the pitch we step on and off. Many of the 55,000 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland dont have such a support network and its because of this that the Alzheimer Society is calling for a 67m investment in home care supports for people with dementia who are living in the community. They argue that such supports will keep people living in their homes and out of nursing home care. Ronan backs the societys campaign and he also wants pathways to care for people with early onset dementia need to be clarified. Much of the care for people with dementia is accessed through older people care; early onset can access it via disability services but the pathway to these services needs to be clearer; we need evenness of access, he says. Tom isnt in the latter stages of Alzheimers yet and so hes largely content. Hell do worrying and fidgety things we could find him tiling with mats in the bathroom, stacking turf inside the house, Ronan tells RTE radio. They have to lock the exterior doors of the house in case he decides to wander off. Were helping and learning all the time. Ronan would love to see his mother take a holiday. She isnt so sure. He doesnt want her to stop enjoying her own life because of her caring role. We want her to have a life when she can. She is 72 and we dont want any windows closed as regards going off on a holiday. She has energy and health, he says. Such opportunities are vital for people caring for family members. READ MORE: Funding for dementia home care cut by 11m The labels will state the calorie content, grams of alcohol per serving, warnings on drink driving, and consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Diageo Ireland said the labelling was being introduced to help consumers make more informed and clear choices when buying alcohol. The drinks company said the labelling is part of its new consumer information standards that come into force today and would be rolled out across all Diageo products. It said the standards are based on the views of 1,500 consumers worldwide so that labels provide information on alcohol content in a way that consumers wanted and can understand. Diageo said it is committed to providing locally accurate additional consumer information on its labels in all the markets in which it operates, making it the first global alcohol company to offer such information. Global Diageo brands will display the new label by the end of the year and the drinks company hopes to apply the new labelling standards across the Guinness range early next year. Diageo company director Oliver Loomes said the new labelling standard would provide consumers with clear information on what was in their glass. We want to provide consumers with the tools to make positive choices and this initiative is part of that ongoing process, she said. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Andrew Doyle, welcomed the launch of the Diageo consumer information standard. I am particularly pleased that Smithwicks, a brand rooted in Irish heritage, will become one of the first beer brands in the world to provide this information on its cans and bottles, he said. Alcohol Action Ireland said it is welcome news that some alcohol brands would be getting a headstart on provisions set out in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. The bill that had reached the committee stage before the Seanad general election was restored to the order paper last month. The way we sell and promote alcohol currently does not reflect the risks attached to it and the harm it causes in Irish society, including three deaths every day, said AAI spokesman Conor Cullen. Minister for Health Simon Harris said he introduced the bill as one part of the whole-of-government approach in dealing with the serious crime situation in the north inner city of Dublin. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016 was only introduced to the Seanad on June 23. The legislation was not due for debate until the autumn but the Government decided to expedite it because of the recent murders in Dublins north inner city, he said. The main aim of the bill is to bring certain prescription medicines which are currently being sold on the streets under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation. These drugs include the so-called z-drugs zopiclone and zaleplon, which are ordinarily prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, but are being dealt on the countrys streets. Former Cork City councillor and Fine Gael senator, Colm Burke, who is his partys spokesman for health in the Senate, said he is happy the bill passed. Minister for Health Simon Harris We cannot afford to leave this plod along. However, we need backup supports put in place for drug addicts in the community in terms of treatment and therapy, he told the Irish Examiner. The bill will now go to the Dail for debate. The political will is there to have this passed through both houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess. I dont think it will come back to the Seanad, added Mr Burke. Catherine Byrne, the Minister for Drugs, attended the vote on the bill in the Seanad yesterday. This is not a political issue, this is a human being issue. Prescription drugs being sold illegally to me thats a crime. And this is not just about Dublin, said Ms Byrne, referring to the nationwide problem of the dealing of prescription drugs. Catherine Byrne, the Minister for Drugs Attempts had been made on Wednesday to amend the bill so as to limit the criminalisation of people addicted to these prescription drugs. Independent Senator Lynn Ruane appealed to fellow senators to vote with their conscience in order to protect the most vulnerable in society. She was trying to limit any unintentional consequences of the legislation, whereby a vulnerable drug user addicted to these prescription medicines purchased on the street, was prosecuted as a result of the proposed law. Dublin city councillor, Christy Burke, told the Irish Examiner that the street-selling of prescription drugs is not dominated by any main player. There is no one gang. The drugs landscape has changed in that regard, there are more people involved with people looking for a quick buck. Tablets are cheaper, theyre easy to take and theyre [still] not illegal to sell, he said. Mr Kenny has been attacked at home, and in the UK, for interfering in internal British politics, by speaking up for Ms Sturgeon at the Council meeting in Brussels. Mr Kennys actions led to stinging criticism from David Camerons Conservative Party, while UKIP accused him of acting as Ms Sturgeons gofer. Mr Kenny yesterday rejected claims that he ignored the plight of the people of Northern Ireland, when he argued on behalf of Scotland at the EU Summit this week. I am not representing Scotland. I reject completely that I didnt put Ireland first, Mr Kenny said, in response to Sinn Feins finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty. My interests are Northern Irelands interests, first and foremost, he said. Mr Kenny said major trade barriers would have to exist between Ireland and the United Kingdom, if agreement on Brexit could not be reached within two years. Mr Kenny was speaking at the Oireachtas finance committee, which was discussing the budget for his department, but the session was dominated by the vote in the UK last week and the ensuing political chaos. At the committee, Mr Kenny warned that, depending on how Brexit was achieved, trade barriers in line with the World Trade Organisation rules would have to apply. But Mr Kenny said he wished that would not happen. I dont want to see a hard border between Northern Ireland and here, but if we have to deal with that, then deal with it we will, Mr Kenny said. Sinn Feins finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty Mr Kenny was pressed hard by Mr Doherty as to whether he had a contingency plan. The Taoiseach, in testy exchanges with Mr Doherty, said contingency plans existed, but insisted that his priority was to ensure that the common travel area remained. My plan is to maintain the common travel area and not to have a hard border. That is my plan, but I do not have complete control on this. I do not know the intentions of the next British government, he said. Mr Kenny appeared to contradict previous comments by his chief whip, Regina Doherty, and MEP Brian Hayes, that Ireland would leave the EU, were we to lose control of our corporation tax rates. Asked by Mr Doherty if he agreed with his party colleagues, Mr Kenny was clear: Certainly not. We will not leave the European Union, he said. MEP Brian Hayes He added that tax policies remained in the control of national governments. Mr Hayes said such a move would be a red-line issue for Ireland. That is the absolute red-line issue. Any attempt made to cajole us [on corporation tax], as far as Im concerned, were out the door, Mr Hayes said. Last night, in a speech at the Merryman school, in Ennis, he said: The decision by Britain to leave the EU was, in the first instance, an act of self-mutilation. The Taoiseach and the Irish government have made the case, since last weekend, that Britain needs some time to decide what they want to do. Their options are limited. They want to be part of the single market without paying for it. But that a-la-carte option is not going to be on offer, he added. Shane Travers became distressed when telling a jury he feared for his own life, and the lives of his girlfriend, her mother, and young nephew, after an armed and masked gang took them captive on the night of February 26/27, 2009. The incident changed his life and he was devastated and disgusted when, less than a year later, he read a newspaper article which, he said, insinuated he had something to do with a crime of which I was a victim. He was giving evidence in his action alleging defamation in a January 31, 2010, article in the Sunday World, which denies the claim. Mr Travers, aged 31, of Portmarnock, Co Dublin, told his counsel, Jim OCallaghan, that during the night of February 26/27, 2009, the armed gang produced various Polaroid photos, including of his young son, his parents home, and other Bank of Ireland employees, and warned him to do as they ordered or there would be blood on your hands. They knew everything about us, he said. Mr Travers said he had absolutely nothing to do with the gang or any criminals, and was never charged with this or any offence. He said he told gardai all he knew about the events and co-operated with their inquiries. The first and only time he was arrested arising from the heist was on January 28, 2010, when he was arrested under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. He was offered a solicitor but did not seek one because he had nothing to hide. He was released without charge after 48 hours. He was disgusted and devastated when he read the Sunday World article headlined 7.6m Tiger raid was nothing to do with me, with another headline: But Gardai are still convinced kidnap gang had inside info on bank stash. The case continues. Elga Hick, mother of Ana Hick, 18, who collapsed outside a Dublin nightclub and died due to the toxic effects of MDMA, called on young people to value their lives and to be aware of the dangers of drugs. You are special. There is only one of you in the world. You cannot be replaced. Value your life, be aware, said Elga Hick. Ana Hick, 18, from Northcote Terrace, in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, collapsed outside the Twisted Pepper club, on Dublins Middle Abbey St, on May 16, 2015. An inquest into her death heard that Ana had gone with friends to see the DJ, Hannah Wants, at the nightclub on May 15, 2015. Friends described Ana as someone who was always up for fun. She was a good friend, always there when you needed her, the perfect person to go to when you were sad, a friend told Dublin Coroners Court. Ana went for dinner at a friends house in Blackrock, before taking the Dart to Connolly Station. They went to a pre-drinks party at a city-centre apartment, before going to the club. Ana had decided not to drink, which a friend understood to mean she was going to take ecstasy, instead. The friend said she knew of only one other occasion when Ana had taken the drug. Elga Hick, mother of Ana Hick, 18, The court heard that Ana met her boyfriend in the club and he was seen taking a clear plastic bag, with a number of pills in it, from his jeans pocket. He was immediately pushed out the side door of the nightclub by bouncers. Later, he came back into the club and the night was going well, according to friends. Ana was in good form, she was on a good buzz, having fun and dancing with friends. A friend asked had she taken a pill. She replied yes, one. Later in the night, Ana became unwell. She seemed OK, but as time went on she got worse. It was really hot in there, the friend said. Anas balance deteriorated. She was leaning against her boyfriend and using a CD to fan herself. Her friend said she knew, at this stage, that Ana had taken more ecstasy. She was standing, but she was out of it, the friend said. Bouncer Sue Campbell went to Anas aid. She said Ana was being held up by two boys. Her legs were shaking. She was not able to stand and her body looked limp. I asked did she want an ambulance and she jumped off the ground, like Lazarus. I got a fright, said Ms Campbell. An ambulance was called at 3.03am and paramedics carried out CPR at the scene. Anas pulse was re-established at 3.19am. She had a temperature of 39C on the way to hospital, according to paramedic, Ross McCob. Ana was pronounced dead the following day, May 17, shortly after 5pm. She died due to the toxic effects of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, according to the pathologist, Dr Niall Mulligan. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, noting the risks young people take in such circumstances and the tragedy for those left behind. The inquest previously heard that a file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions and no charges were brought in relation to Anas death. Tehran, Iran, July 1 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: Irans President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic world has been diverted away from the issue of Palestine due to schism, terrorist presence in the region, and compromises. To achieve an ideal Palestine, there is no way but unity among Muslims and resistance against terrorist groups, Rouhani was quoted by Mehr news agency as saying July 1 at a Quds (Jerusalem) Day demonstration in Tehran. He added that security is one of the ideals for the regions Muslims. One of the best ways to secure the region is that Muslims live in their own lands, said Rouhani. Iran marks the last Friday of the Islamic month of Ramadan as Quds Day each year. On this day, people rally across the country and shout mottos in support of Palestine. The detail emerged in the High Court yesterday after Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted temporary injunctions preventing access to the bank accounts of the suicide bereavement counselling service by former chief executive Paul Kelly, his wife Patricia, and Mr Kellys sister Joan McKenna. David Hall, the interim CEO appointed by the board to run the organisation, said in an affidavit that the three directors Ursula Mulkerrins, Angela McGovern, and Gerard Tiernan did not even know they were directors and had not attended functions, events or activities of Console. They had no hand, act or part in running the charity and were not notified of, or attended, any meetings of the board. Mr Hall said there was a provision in Consoles rules, under which it is registered as a company, that no director or trustee be paid a salary, fees or receive any remuneration. The address of all three defendants and the company itself is Alexandra Manor, Clane, Co Kildare. Mr Hall said he was appointed by the Console board to carry out an investigation with accountant Tom Murray on the same day as an RTE Prime Time programme carried a report of its investigations into the charity. Console founder Paul Kelly who has since stepped down from the charity after allegations surfaced of serious deception and mismanagement. The charities regulator, John Farrelly, said he only became aware of the claims when he saw RTEs Prime Time investigates programme last week Mr Hall and Mr Murray prepared an interim report raising serious concerns about the control, running and governance of Console. Concerns arose that the lack of management was affecting the running of the organisation and that someone had been in its offices over the weekend and some records were now missing. There were further concerns about its bank accounts and that there were potentially 10-plus credit cards over which there was no control. The computer which holds staff payroll and payment records had also been removed from the office. Mr Hall took a number of steps to protect the charity including informing the Charities Regulatory Authority, the Director of Corporate Enforcement, and the Garda Fraud Bureau. During the injunction application, the court heard concerns were first raised in a HSE audit report about the governance of Console. The case comes back before the court next Tuesday. Last night, the HSE said concerns about Console were raised relating to corporate governance in 2009 and certain control actions were put in place at the time including a limit placed on the organisations funding. However an increase in funding occurred in 2013 when there was an urgent requirement for Console [to] take over an important suicide helpline. This funding was subject to review on foot of which the National Office for Suicide Prevention had concerns leading to a request for an internal HSE audit last year. The HSE said that audit which includes feedback from Console is now complete and will ultimately inform a decision regarding the HSEs future arrangements with Console. The HSE has also met with David Hall. John Farrelly said apart from a one liner from a particular person who had concerns, they had otherwise been in the dark until the Prime Time programme. Last night, the HSE said concerns about Console were raised relating to corporate governance in 2009 and certain control actions were put in place at the time including a limit placed on the organisations funding. However, an increase in funding occurred in 2013 when there was an urgent requirement for Console for take over an important suicide helpline. This funding was subject to review on foot of which the National Office for Suicide Prevention had concerns leading to a request for an internal HSE audit last year. It is now complete and will inform a decision regarding the HSEs future arrangements with Console. The High Court yesterday granted temporary injunctions preventing access to Consoles bank accounts by its former CEO Paul Kelly and his wife. Mr Kelly, his wife Patricia Kelly, otherwise known as Patricia Dowling, and his sister Joan McKenna, as directors of the charity, are also injuncted from interfering with its economic, commercial and public interests. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan made orders freezing Consoles bank accounts save for with written instructions from David Hall, the interim chief executive. Former CEO Paul Kelly Senior counsel Martin Hayden, who made the application on behalf of Console, said that the orders were required to steady the ship and ensure the important counselling service it provides is maintained. It came after Mr Kelly, who initially said he was resigning, resiled from that position and gave interviews saying he was still CEO, the court heard. Mr Justice Gilligan made orders restraining the defendants or others from using any confidential information or books and records of the charity and that all records taken from its offices be returned. He also ordered the return of all goods and property including, but not limited to, any assets paid for with Console funds. Mr Hall formed the view the charity was in serious and exceptional danger and remained so because of actions and statements by Mr Kelly. As a result, it was decided to seek injunctions so that Console would not suffer irreparable damage and to meet its obligations to creditor, staff, suppliers, and continue services. The case comes back before the court next Tuesday. David Hall, the interim chief executive. It emerged earlier this week Mr Kelly, his wife, and son spent almost 500,000 on clothes, trips, groceries, and other expenses between 2012 and 2014. All three benefited by almost 500,000 in salaries and cars in the same period. Mr Hall confirmed that a review of operations by accountant Tom Murray is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. However, he said that Mr Murray was hoping to have it done before then. MOST Irish children aged eight to 12 no doubt skipped their way out of the school gates when the summer holidays began, so the idea of spending a week learning more stuff shortly afterwards, should be a total turnoff. This is not the case however, for the 150 children who have vied for a place on the five-day Idea Camp, described as Irelands first academy of creative play, which runs for two separate weeks at Dublin Institute of Technology from July 4 and which encourages learning through creativity. Some of those children attended the inaugural summer camp last year and are now back for more an imprimatur, of the highest order. The fact that play is included in its description may lure children in, since this is a four-lettered word normally associated with an allotted time only, in their ordinary school schedule. However, one of the key things about creativity is that it is associated with play, says John OConnor, director and dean of the College of Arts and Tourism at DIT. The common notion of free-form play allows new ideas and new approaches to emerge, so thats why the emphasis is on play as opposed to learning; that play helps to unlock creativity a new way of looking at things. The inspiration behind setting up the camp came from the belief that creativity is a skill that can be learnt rather than a talent. "Theres a belief out there that its a god-given talent, associated with some, and not others. "But we believe creativity can be developed like any other skill, he says. Academics from the various schools within the third level institution, together with student volunteers, help the children to learn how to unlock their creativity in five distinct areas music, food, design, digital and media. The framework of the programme is based on the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy adapted by lecturer in creative arts Kerry Meaken, and Jan Petterson, a lecturer in the school of languages, law and science. The approach is underpinned by the idea that children are capable of constructing their own learning; that they are driven by their interests to understand and know more, with the autonomy to take the learning in unexpected directions. This allows for innovative and unexpected outcomes, as creativity expresses itself differently in everyone and the educational outcomes depend entirely on the experience of each child. Its obviously far removed as a learning approach, from the traditional results-orientated, planned curriculum, but the camp which has 75 children participating each week offers a diversity which they would not normally experience in school. We deliberately mix people up in groups of 15 from diverse backgrounds, diverse experiences and diverse ages so theres a wider experience of learning because in any good learning environment we learn as much from our peers as from the teachers, says OConnor. Introducing the power of creativity to children at age eight to 12, is at a period when they are beginning to become self consciously aware of themselves, but its also offers a complementary approach to them before they enter a second-level system which supports those who learn by rote, to memorise things, says OConnor, because of the nature of the Leaving Cert system. Creativity develops from the childrens experiences of the process, rather than concern for the finished product. However, within the playfulness there are serious considerations at its core. Any reports you read now indicate that employers are putting creativity higher up in the attributes they want in employees, so what we are doing is trying to help children be creative in whatever discipline they end up working in, whether in science, engineering, the arts or in business to have that ability to be creative. Its interesting for us to bring the different schools of our college together with a variety of skills and talent so that we can look at how we might begin to interrogate this system and perhaps look at children from this camp, down the line, to see if the creative training gives them any advantage as adults, says OConnor. His own nine-year-old son Shane, who attended the camp last year is coming back for more. Hes fairly creative anyway but what he loved in particular was the freedom. "Each group of 15 has a DIT lecturer and up to three student volunteers, so they get a lot of support from the discipline area, but also to keep them on track, which is very important when trying to encourage children to develop their own approach. Another parent, Dublin-based Tracey Dalton, told Feelgood her 11-year- old daughter Daisy who is also returning this year, and loves art, media, cooking and reading, enjoyed working in groups with children who were like-minded to herself, which she doesnt get in mainstream school. Creative play seems to get children thinking for themselves. It gets them problem solving and working in groups and seems to free up their minds to think and to explore different solutions, she said. Get creative According to Kerry Meakin, who is a lecturer in creative arts, creativity benefits children: * By allowing them to search out knowledge through their own investigation. * By providing a positive learning environment with no evaluation criteria which offers an emotional safety that encourages their creativity. * By encouraging the use of multi- intelligences to enable different ways of discovery and learning. * By offering a strong focus on social collaboration, as they use brainstorming as part of the creative process. * By encouraging them to experience the state of creative flow through the empathetic understanding that is given to each participant. * By offering hands-on discovery learning allowing them to use all their senses, so they experience that learning and play are not separated. * By encouraging them to delight in the process of communication and to make their thoughts known in many different ways, including through the use of photographs, drawings and playacting. Kerry Meakin co-authored the An Croi Learning Approach programme for The Idea Camp, academy of creative play, at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) with Jan Pettersen, lecturer in social sciences in the School of Languages, Law and Sciences at DIT. The streaming service wrote to Apple's legal team, as well as some congressional staff in Washington, D.C., claiming that Apple is "causing grave harm to Spotify and its customers." Spotify general counsel Horacio Gutierrez wrote to Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell and said that it raises serious concerns under US and EU competition law. "It continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anticompetitive conduct aimed at Spotify we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors," he wrote. The NuAns Neo looks pretty slick and offers plenty of customisation options thanks to its interchangable snap covers, of which there are 64 to choose from currently. The handset features a Snapdragon 617 processor, which means you'll be able to use Windows 10 Mobile's Continuum feature to turn your smartphone into a fully fledged PC. It also boasts a 5-inch 720p display, a 13-megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM, a USB-C connector, and a 3,350mAh battery. Its Kickstarter campaign is looking to raise $725,000, and an early bird price of $270 will get you the Neo as well as a choice of the two tone cover or a flip case. The Neo will start shipping in November. JOHN Lewis, the civil rights leader who marched with Martin Luther King Jr and who was brutalised by police in Selma, Alabama, during the 1965 Bloody Sunday demonstration for voting rights, brought the movement to the floor of the US House of Representatives last week. He reaffirmed his status as not just a civil rights legend, but also as one of the greatest living American politicians of his generation. Lewis, who represents Georgia in Congress, revived the civil rights tactic of non-violent civil disobedience to protest the lower houses failure to hold a vote on gun-reform legislation in the wake of the killing of 49 people in Orlando, Florida, two weeks ago. The sit-in stunned the Republican majority, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, who decried the demonstration as a publicity stunt. The one million people who watched live on social media, after the House leadership shut off the chambers C-SPAN cameras, begged to differ. With one sweeping motion, the civil rights movement had returned to front-and-centre in Americas national political discourse. Social media and the Twittersphere exploded with frenzied discussions of what these events portended. To everyone calling for #NoBillNoBreak & fighting to reduce gun violence in America: thank you. We will #DisarmHate. pic.twitter.com/JTfEwcMC4p Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 23, 2016 It was far from the first time Lewis played the role of David against insurmountable opposing forces. Before taking on the National Rifle Association and Republican politicians, Lewis was instrumental in toppling the old order of Jim Crow and white supremacy across the South. Raised in a shotgun shack in rural Alabama, Lewis grew up admiring King and became a devout religious student and activist in the early sit-in movement. As chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the early 1960s, Lewis emerged as a quietly humble firebrand, soft-spoken with an occasional stutter, yet fiercely determined to stamp out Americas long history of racial and economic injustice. Lewis drew close to King. The young Freedom Rider cleaved to Kings practice of peaceful protest, even after white racists viciously beat him in 1961. The congressman is now the last surviving speaker from the August, 1963 march on Washington, which culminated with Kings I Have a Dream speech. Lewis speech that day was amended for being too radical. He threatened to bring a non-violent army to blaze through Southern racism, like General William Tecumseh Sherman had burned through Georgia during the civil war. Two years later, Lewis, armed with a backpack, overcoat, and moral courage, led the protestors who faced down Alabama State troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The mounted police attacked the peaceful demonstrators with truncheons. Lewis almost died from the beating. Though King was the movements leading political mobiliser, Lewis served an equally crucial role as a student leader. He stood as a true believer in Americas capacity to transform from a nation founded on racial slavery to one rooted in racial justice. Younger members of US Congress proposed the sit-in, which the 76-year-old eagerly embraced. This was the Black Lives Matter moment for Democrats in the House eager to challenge a majority in Congress that seems tone deaf to strong public support of gun safety, criminal-justice reforms and racial and economic equality. The devil is in the details. Civil-liberties activists balked at proposed Democratic legislation to place suspected terrorists on no-fly lists. They considered it an anti-democratic measure that would enhance racial profiling. Others wondered where the outrage of the sit-in had been for the deaths of black women and children at the hands of law enforcement. We got in trouble. We got in the way. Good trouble. Necessary Trouble. By sitting-in, we were really standing up. #NoBillNoBreak John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) June 23, 2016 Lewis example illuminates the high stakes of the 2016 presidential election, despite glaring political and policy limitations. The moral outrage over House Republican intransigence is linked to issues that connect racial and economic injustice, the fight for a living wage and decent housing, the push for immigration reform and the end to anti-Muslim hysteria, as well as movements to end racial segregation and inequality in public schools and communities. The lessons from the civil-rights movement are twofold. First, that justice in America comprises policy solutions connected to an expansive moral vision of citizenship and human rights. And, second, that ordinary people have the power to topple empires and transform the world. Lewis participated in some of the most extraordinary decades in American history. He helped ignite momentous change, as the United States was dragged kicking and screaming into a new era, one that has led to the historic black presidency of Barack Obama. Lewis might be considered the anti-Trump: A brilliant yet humble leader who, even in the face of extraordinary odds, never panders to Americans worse impulses, but, instead, inspires the best in us. Lewis should be applauded for reminding the US Congress and a new generation of activists that, by standing against injustice together, Americas best days remain ahead of us. Peniel E. Joseph is founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and professor of history at the University of Texas-Austin. He can be followed on Twitter at @penieljoseph Today marks the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, which extended over four and a half months and left battle scars that have been felt ever since. It was part of the First World War, the so-called Great War, which had begun in August 1914. It has never received the coverage that it deserves in this country. This is not to suggest that the Battle of the Somme, or the First World War, should ever have been celebrated, but if they are forgotten it will be at societys peril. More than 40,000 Irishmen died in the First World War, and over 3,500 of those died in the Battle of the Somme, which was probably the most savage and futile battle of the whole conflict. As the war developed into a stalemate, British and French military leaders decided to launch an offensive near the River Somme in the expectation that a major victory would ultimately end the war, and thus save further carnage. They began an artillery bombardment of the German frontline in the area on June 24 and kept this up until moments before the assault was due to begin seven days later. In the wake of the bombardment, the Allied planners confidently expected little German resistance. Hence, when the 100,000 Allied troops emerged from their trenches and moved on a 23km stretch of the German frontline at 7.30am on July 1, they were ordered to walk across No Mans Land in straight lines, only to be confronted by merciless German machine-gun fire. Most never even reached the German line. There were heavy Allied casualties before the assault was halted around noon. The men of the 36th (Ulster) Division played a major role in the fighting on July 1, 1916. They were among the few units to reach their objective. They began their advance at 7.10am in small groups while the artillery bombardment was still in progress. They managed to penetrate the German line and reach into rear positions, taking some 500 prisoners, but due to the failure of flanking divisions to keep pace, the 36th Division had to abandon the ground gained the next day. In the process it suffered 5,500 casualties 2,069 of whom were killed. The division was largely recruited from the unionist community throughout what later became Northern Ireland, where those who fought have been enthusiastically celebrated as having fought for the preservation of the UK. The annual Orange parade at Drumcree, Co Armagh, actually commemorates the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Irishmen from outside Ulster were also killed that day, but they were seldom commemorated. The 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers captured the position called the Quadrilateral on the first day, but, like the 36th Division, it had to abandon its gain due to the failure of the flanking units to keep pace. Of the 503 men of the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers engaged in the assault that day, there were 325 casualties. Official British casualties that day were 57,470 soldiers, killed, wounded, or taken prisoner, which amounted to almost half those who went into battle. The death toll was 19,240; German losses were estimated at 8,000. The Battle of the Somme developed into a conflict of attrition. The 1st battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers, and the 7th battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles were heavily involved in further Allied assaults in September but little ground was gained during the whole Battle of the Somme, which extended from July 1 to November 24, 1916, a total of 147 days. In that whole time the Allied forces only managed to advance a total of 9.6km, while suffering 419,654 casualties in the process. It was estimated that 40 men were killed for every yard gained. The public attitude towards the war had already changed dramatically in Ireland following the Easter Rebellion, and the ensuing executions. The families of 24 of the 38 Irish Guards killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, for instance, refused to furnish the Commonwealth War Grave Commission with personal details of those men killed. While the Unionist victims of the Somme were celebrated, the nationalist Irish were buried in unmarked graves, and only commemorated with names on the Thiepval Monument a memorial to 72,195 Allied soldiers who had no known graves after being killed in the Battle of the Somme. We should be mindful of what happened as a grim reminder of the futility of war. The upcoming Nato summit in Warsaw comes at a moment when, in the wake of the United Kingdoms vote to leave the European Union, the West is facing an unprecedented threat to the unity it has built over almost seven decades. As history has shown, the best way to meet this threat is with more unity. And that means more Nato. In 2008, at a meeting in London, Nato defense ministers agreed to begin a debate on strengthening the alliances common defence and deterrence capacity. Two years later, in Lisbon, Nato adopted its new strategic concept, which obliged its members to reinforce collective defence as the alliances first core task. Now, a stronger commitment to such cooperation is badly needed, with leaders advancing the conclusions reached at the 2014 summit in Newport, Wales. The agenda should include, first and foremost, the completion of all elements of the strengthened Nato Response Forces agreed in Newport. These include the Force Integration Units and the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, as well as the just-certified Multinational Corps Northeast, needed to command operations. The pre-positioning of American weapons and equipment along Natos eastern flank must be completed, with the United States coordinating with the host countries. But there are even more fundamental issues that Nato leaders must address in Warsaw issues that will shape the future of the alliance. The first stems from the need for Nato to follow different development trajectories on its eastern and southern flanks, in order to respond adequately to the different types of threats coming from each direction. Specifically, the threats from Natos south have tended to be asymmetrical, while the threats from the east are more conventional. This distinction is blurred somewhat by the intensifying conflict in northern Iraq and southern Syria; but that merely underscores the need for Nato member states to determine how to adapt to changing circumstances in both directions, and ensure that the adaptation occurs at an even pace. In the south, the key question relates to Natos role in the crisis in Iraq and Syria. Direct military intervention seems highly unlikely and that is a good thing. Indeed, as long as no Nato allies are attacked, it would be a strategic error for the alliance to become involved in military operations in Syria and Iraq. Instead, the coalition of the willing should be expected to extend its mission, continuing to employ air strikes, rather than deploying ground forces. It also seems unlikely that Nato will assume responsibilities similar to those it undertook in Afghanistan in 2003 namely, helping to provide security in the country, while building up domestic forces. After all, that mandate lasted for more than a decade. This does not mean that the alliance has no responsibilities in Syria and Iraq. On the contrary, it must be prepared to support those allies that have chosen to intervene militarily and, later, those who choose to contribute to vital stabilisation efforts. Nato must also provide support in the protection of Europes southern border, which has been overwhelmed by the influx of refugees a situation that Brexit supporters exploited to manipulate voters. The recent decisions to send AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) surveillance aircraft to the Turkish border and to initiate patrol missions over the Aegean Sea are a good start, and the Warsaw summit should include these and similar measures in a special strategy for southern Europe. As for the east, Russia, eager to regain influence over most of the former Soviet Union, is pursuing a cat-and-mouse rivalry with Nato, featuring repeated near-encroachment on airspace boundaries by Russian warplanes. Other dangerous manoeuvres have occurred near allied aircraft and ships, primarily in the east, but also on Natos northern and western flanks. Given that such behaviour can quickly escalate, it must be brought under control, especially through the implementation of Natos so-called forward presence. The arrangements made at the Warsaw summit must come as close as possible to ensuring a permanent presence of allied forces in the relevant countries. Another core issue to be addressed is the readiness and role of Nato members in responding to new challenges. This demands a review of the Readiness Action Plan that was agreed in Newport, including both its assurance measures (aimed at enabling Central and Eastern European Nato members to reassure their populations and reinforce their defence) and adaptation measures (longer-term efforts to strengthen Natos ability to respond to sudden crises). Compliance with the Wales Declaration on the Transatlantic Bond, which emphasises the need for greater burden sharing among Nato allies, should also be encouraged. It is necessary to define, in military terms, the details of a multinational Nato presence. With regard to the rotational deployment of forces in Central Europe, the US has indicated, to some extent, what it might be willing to offer. But a clearer plan must be mapped, including contingents from other allies, and backed by genuine action. The deployment of military forces in Central Europe must be considered carefully, to ensure that the distribution of units does not undermine interoperability of the deployed forces as a whole. Likewise, rotation of forces must not be allowed to weaken the operability of the deployed contingents. The rotated units must be able to take action within time limits defined by political leaders. Finally, the distribution among Central European countries of the resources of the American European Reassurance Initiative must be decided. Since the $310 million (297m) devoted to improvement of partner capacities does not really amount to much, the potential recipients including my country, Poland are eager to secure as much as possible to invest in their own infrastructure. If this ambitious agenda is fulfilled, Natos Warsaw summit can help restore Western unity, so that the alliance can reliably ensure Europes long-term security. No Nato member can afford to miss this opportunity. Bogdan Klich, Minority Leader of the Polish Senate, was Polands defense minister from 2007 to 2011 and a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016. www.project-syndicate.org AS A JOURNALIST, when you are listening to someone tell a story you usually try to keep your face fairly impassive. Its a professional thing. But as I sat in a room in Cork city and listened to a woman tell the harrowing story of the way she had given birth in a UK abortion clinic just weeks earlier it was impossible not to wince at the horror she had endured. I still cant quite get over the idea that the Co Cork woman and her partner were back on the street outside that clinic 40 minutes after she gave birth. In her arms was the body of her baby son, wrapped in gauzy material, contained in a cardboard box. I dont think you need to have ever given birth yourself to recognise the essential barbarity in what happened to this woman who did not wish her identity to be known, but called herself Isabel. She was given a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality at Cork University Maternity Hospital. There was kindness there when they delivered the devastating news, but told the couple that if they decided to terminate the pregnancy there was nothing they could do to help them. After discussing it the couple did decide on a termination but Isabel feels she received particular advice at a crisis pregnancy service in Cork which saw her opting to attend a British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinic, the UKs main leading abortion provider. She spoke in advance to the clinic there and said she received full assurances she would be given the compassionate care which she so badly wanted. In truth her treatment lacked even the most basic level of human decency and was shocking in its lack of compassion. Her story was given particularly good coverage in this newspaper last Friday. However this was the same day that Brexit happened, and understandably that earth shattering event ended up overshadowing everything else. This week we were told by the Department of Health that 26 terminations were carried out under the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act last year. Three terminations were carried out based on the risk to the life of the mother by suicide, 14 due to the risk from physical illness and nine based on an emergency situation from physical illness. This was the same as the number of terminations in 2014. For all of the many flaws in that legislation it has brought us to a place where these facts are now recorded and placed on public record. But what our politicians are learning in recent months is that abortion is the issue which simply refuses to go away. Momentum is building. Im quite liking the idea that Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin have a small abortion sized pain in their brain each day as they are forced to confront the reality of the issue. Next week the Dail will vote on independent TD Mick Wallaces Bill allowing for abortions in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald says the Bill gives women false hope since the Attorney General had advised the proposed legislation is unconstitutional because it contravenes the 8th Amendment which recognises the equal right to life of the unborn and the mother. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald Even if it is unconstitutional the very fact of it being voted on in the Dail adds to the net effect of ensuring those who can do something about this are unable to escape the issue. The cause is only added to by the fact that the proposed Bill has also resulted in divisions within Government with Independent Ministers refusing to agree to oppose it. They want a free vote. The decision to fast-track the Citizens Assembly process by a month shows how much the Government is getting it in the neck from activists, opposition politicians, the United Nations and even their own ranks. Further political disruption may arise next week with an invitation which has been sent out by Fine Gael TD Kate OConnell, a woman who has been notably outspoken on the issue of abortion since her recent election as a TD for Dublin Bay South. The deputy has sent out a letter inviting Fine Gael TDs and senators, including ministers and the Taoiseach, to a meeting near Leinster House next Tuesday of the Coalition to Repeal the 8th which involves more than 50 groups and organisations working together on the matter. Shes putting it up to her colleagues and in a way which we have not seen previously. Actually talking to Kate OConnell on the issue of abortion you keep expecting to hear her say that something she has just told you is off the record because it seems so outspoken for a Government TD. She says she has a very liberal approach and wonders how practical it is to try and enforce restrictions on who can or cannot have an abortion. She wonders who will it be that might ask the questions: Were you raped by your daddy or your neighbour or your brother? Who will fill in the form asking is your child completely incompatible with life, will they breathe for even a minute after birth? Asked how colleagues have reacted to her outspokenness the deputy says it is hard to know really, and that no one has challenged her on it so far. She does pick up on the sense of fear over the issue from politicians. She has never had a conversation with the Taoiseach about abortion, despite her many public comments on it. It would be an awkward situation chatting to him about reproductive rights, she said. Asked why this would be so, Kate is really rather magnificently withering of her boss in her response: Im happy to have the conversation, I suppose, but there is a huge generation gap between myself and himself. It would be like a discussion with my Dad... Enda does love a story though, he appreciates things in parable form. Ultimately, she says, it is the right of the woman to choose whether or not she wishes to carry a pregnancy to term; to have full bodily autonomy. Independent TD Mick Wallace This is a medical issue not a legal issue. However she is in favour of strict term limits, although in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities obviously a different situation applies. She feels that the issue of a free vote on the Mick Wallace Bill is a moot point because of its apparent unconstitutionality. I can appreciate though what Mick Wallace is trying to do in trying to keep the issue live. But for me ultimately it is all about the repeal of the 8th Amendment and that Bill does not tick that box. She does urge patience though. She thinks the timetable predicted by Minister Katherine Zappone that, following the Citizens Assembly, we could have a referendum to repeal the 8th by the end of 2017, is realistic. But as you sit and listen to an account like Isabels and think of the other women who have to travel abroad for abortions in the meantime it does seem a long time. You can listen to Isabel tell her own story here. In its report, A Heavy Price For Children, Unicef called on warring parties in Iraq to protect childrens rights and said the number of youngsters at serious risk in the country has increased by 1.3 million in the past 18 months. It describes Iraq as one of the most dangerous places in the world for children. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: The European Union (EU) can abolish visas for Georgia by late September, said German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is in Tbilisi on an official visit, Sputnik reported July 1. Steinmeier has arrived in Georgia to take part in the OSCE Parliamentary Assemblys (PA) summer session, which will last until July 5. Germanys delegation has held a meeting with Georgian colleagues headed by the countrys Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze. Germany and the EU maximally do everything to make real the liberalization of visas for Georgia, said the German minister. Consultations and committee hearings are being conducted, he noted adding that supposedly, this process will be fully completed until late July and the final result will be achieved during September. In December 2015, the European Commission issued a report, which says that Georgia has fulfilled all conditions for visa liberalization with the EU. If the European Parliament approves the draft bill, Georgian citizens will be able to stay in Schengen countries for 90 days. Why was the Somme offensive launched? The Allies original plan was an attack on three European fronts, to end years of sapping trench warfare. French and British commanders began talks, in late 1915, for a joint attack along a 25-mile front, straddling the once-picturesque River Somme, in Picardy, north France. But a German attack on French forces at Verdun, in February 1916, meant the Allies had to alter their plan and bring more British troops into the attack. Nigel Steel, historian at the Imperial War Museum, said: The fighting [at Verdun] quickly drew in more and more French troops, and it gradually became clear that the French army would be unable to sustain the defence of Verdun and lead an attack on the Somme. The proposed frontage of Frances attack on the Somme was reduced from 25 to eight miles. What were the military objectives? General Douglas Haig, the British commander, ordered a week-long artillery bombardment of 1m shells, from the village of Serre to Maricourt, which would allow troops to punch a huge hole in the German lines. Cavalry units would pour through and go east to Bapaume and north towards Arras, breaking the trench deadlock. Mr Steel said: Haigs conception was one of breakout and return to open warfare. Yet, his vision differed greatly from that of the man he selected to carry it out. From his experiences in 1915, General Sir Henry Rawlinson, whose Fourth Army was to launch the attack, believed that attempts to advance by limited objectives were more likely to succeed than ambitious hopes for a breakout. He favoured the method of bite and hold, in which a modest section of line was bitten out by an initial attack and then held against counter-attacks with the support of artillery. But he was overruled and ordered to prepare for the larger battle. What happened when the attack started? The week-long artillery barrage had failed to do anywhere near as much damage to the well-made German defences as had been hoped. And many of the attacking forces were pals battalions, volunteer units of friends and co-workers, created the previous year in Lord Kitcheners New Army, and relatively unblooded. Many were told to walk slowly across no-mans land in a line, because of their inexperience. They were slaughtered by machine-gun fire. The attacking divisions lost 19,240 men, with 57,470 casualties overall the first day. Mr Steel said: It is hard, when discussing the battle as a whole, not to be brought up short by this enormously traumatic event and to award it a disproportionate amount of attention. The scale of the losses destroyed any patriotic enthusiasm that still lingered from 1914. There was now clearly going to be no triumphal march on Berlin. Instead, the war would be a long, slow grind, paid out at great cost. What about the rest of the battle? The battle dragged on for four months. After the opening assault, the next major set-piece attack was at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, in September. It was the debut of the tank in modern warfare. The last major battle was at the Ancre, in October. The Battle of the Somme officially ended on November 18. The net gain was a strip of land 20 miles wide and six miles deep. So was it a total failure? Not necessarily. Even on the first day, the New Army units in the south of the Somme showed that they could fight, taking objectives from Fricourt to Montauban. A German officer described the battle as the muddy grave of the German field army and they left the trenches of the Somme in early 1917. Mr Steel said: The pressure of the Somme, exercised through attack and counter-attack, was keenly felt by the Germans. Under new command from the end of August, they began to plan and prepare for a local withdrawal to new, scientifically constructed, inter-connecting lines of defence some distance back and known to the British as the Hindenburg Line. When the Germans pulled back to these new positions, in February and March, 1917, the ground occupied by the BEF (British Expeditionary Force), and its French allies to the south, represented as much a gain of the Battle of the Somme as that occupied over the 141 days of the battle itself. Launching her leadership bid, May said there would be no second referendum on EU membership, nor any bid to rejoin, and she also ruled out any immediate tax rises. Brexit means Brexit, said May, 59, who backed the Remain campaign ahead of last weeks referendum, though she kept a low profile. The campaign was fought, the vote was held, turnout was high and the public gave their verdict, she said. There must be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to rejoin it through the back door, and no second referendum. As Britain reels from the decision to leave the EU, speculation has grown that whoever takes over from Cameron might try to find a way to keep the country in the bloc, which buys nearly half of the countrys exports. Bookmakers make May the favourite to succeed Cameron, with polls suggesting she is also the choice of Conservative Party members, who will make the final decision once lawmakers have narrowed the field to two candidates. May said there should be no national election before 2020, the scheduled date for the end of the current parliament, because it would add to the instability caused by Brexit. She also ruled out an emergency budget, a proposal made before the referendum by finance minister George Osborne. She also said no decision should be made on whether to invoke Article 50, the formal process of leaving the EU, until Britain had a clear negotiating strategy. [This] means Article 50 should not be invoked before the end of this year, she said. The state-school educated daughter of a Church of England vicar, whose background contrasts with Cameron and Johnson both educated at Britains most exclusive school, Eton College May set out a stall to appeal to ordinary Britons. Having once described Conservatives as the nasty party, she said not everyone in Westminster understood the hardships working-class people faced, adding the government had to work for all, not just the privileged few. She also distanced herself from Cameron and Osbornes plan to turn Britains budget deficit into a surplus by the end of the decade. While it is absolutely vital that the government continues with its intention to reduce public spending and reduce the budget deficit, we should no longer seek to produce a budget surplus by the end of the parliament, she said. If before 2020 there is a choice between further spending cuts, more borrowing and tax rises, the priority must be to avoid tax increases, since they will disrupt consumption, employment, and investment. Osbornes push for a surplus by 2020 had looked increasingly challenging even before the referendum result which could push Britains economy into a recession. May has impressed many Britons and colleagues with her handling of security issues as interior minister for the last six years the longest period in the job of any politician for a century and said her strength was getting on with the job. I know Im not a showy politician, she said, later dismissing a suggestion from a journalist she bore similarities to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Four years on from the capsizing off the Tuscan coast, lawyers for the victims have accused Costa Crociere SpA of adding to distress by delaying proceedings. The liner was carrying 4,200 people when it wrecked on January 13, 2012, killing 32 people. The cruise line also still refuses to admit liability or pay damages to injured passengers taking proceedings in Italy. Dr Kirsty Hughes told members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) that discussions are taking place about putting Scotland in a transitional holding pen after Brexit to avoid an absurd out and then in process. She urged MSPs to hold a second independence referendum by summer 2017 at the latest, if it is judged to be in the best interests of Scotland, to allow the EU to start work on these transitional arrangements. A member of the response team that killed the assailant was also wounded in the incident, said an official from the Kiryat Arba settlement, near the city of Hebron. Over the past eight months, Palestinians have killed 33 Israelis and two visiting US citizens in a wave of street attacks, mostly stabbings. The 73-year-old former celebrity publicist is accused of indecently assaulting a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in his London office in the 1980s when she was 17. He denies the charge. She claims he forced her to perform a sex act on him and that she thought he would rape or kill her, Southwark Crown Court has heard. Yesterday the court heard that in his police interview, Clifford was asked about the allegation. Detective Sergeant Jason Price, who was giving evidence, asked whether Clifford remembered coming out of his office, blocking the alleged victims access to a stairwell and exposing his penis. Clifford said: No comment. The court heard that in the interview, Det Sgt Price then said: You gyrated around, so one would assume by that it means moving your hips around. Clifford replied: What? Dancing or something? No comment. The alleged victim claimed that he put her hand on his penis and she said: I dont want to, but she did as she was told and only stopped when they were disturbed by a knock on the door. At the start of the interview, Clifford gave a statement in which he denied the allegation. His statement said he had never engaged in sexual relations with someone without their consent and neither have I ever needed to coerce someone. Describing his experience of being jailed and being sued for compensation, he added: I am 71 years old. I will probably never recover from what has happened to me. After his statement was read out in the interview, he answered no comment to the majority of the questions and said of the allegation: Everything about it is totally untrue. Clifford was jailed for eight years in May 2014 after being convicted of a number of charges under Operation Yewtree, the Met Police investigation set up after the Jimmy Savile scandal. He sat in the dock in a blue shirt and a navy blazer listening to proceedings through a hearing loop. The prosecution case has now finished and the case has been adjourned until Monday when Clifford will give evidence. Christy Sheats, aged 42, a pro-gun activist, had ample time last Friday to shoot Jason Sheats after she called a family meeting at their home west of Houston, Fort Bend County sheriff Troy Nehls said. Jason Sheats, 45, thought his wife was going to discuss a possible divorce with the couples daughters, Mr Nehls said, but she instead shot Madison Sheats, 17, and Taylor Sheats, 22. The children and Jason Sheats ran outside, but Christy Sheats followed them out and shot her eldest daughter again. A responding officer later shot and killed her when she refused orders to drop her gun. Jason Sheats was not injured. She accomplished what she set out to do, and that is to make him suffer, Nehls said, adding Jason Sheats told investigators about the sequence of events, details about the couples crumbling marriage and Christy Sheats bouts of depression. The tension among family members had grown recently when Taylor Sheats had argued with her mother about her boyfriend, whom she intended to marry, Mr Nehls said. Christy Sheats wanted to ground her daughter and prevent her from seeing her boyfriend, while her husband had argued it was inappropriate to ground someone of Taylors age. The sheriffs office released 911 calls this week that captured the panic in the neighbourhood. In the first call, a woman is heard crying, Please! Forgive me! Please! Dont shoot! After a scream, she cries, Please! Im sorry! and Please! Dont point that gun at her! Another woman is heard saying, I promise you, whatever you want, before the call is disconnected. In a second call, a woman is heard saying, weakly, She shot em. A neighbour during a third call describes the daughters lying in the street in front of their house. The neighbour describes Christy Sheats kneeling over her eldest daughter and shooting her. Mr Nehls said that Christy Sheats life appeared to unravel in 2012 following the death of her grandfather, who she saw as a mentor. Her mother died a few months later. Her grandfather gave her the gun used to kill her daughters. Christy Sheats had applied for a licence to carry the gun but was denied, the sheriff said, adding authorities are investigating why she was denied. She was admitted on three separate occasions to a private mental health facility and had been suicidal and suffered from depression. She also had been unemployed since 2012 and her husband told investigators that at times she drank heavily. They were detained in Istanbul as Turkish officials confirmed the three suicide attackers who carried out the attack were nationals of Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The simultaneous raids on 16 locations in the city, spanning the Asian and European sides, saw three foreign nationals rounded up among the 13 people held. Turkish authorities say all information suggests the shooting and suicide bombing by the three assailants late on Tuesday at one of the worlds busiest airports was the work of the Islamic State (IS) group. The attack left 42 people dead, including 13 foreign nationals, and more than 230 people injured. Funerals of those killed were being held throughout yesterday, a second day of mourning. IS has not said it was behind the attack, but it is known to use Turkey as a crossing point to establish itself in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, and the group boasted this week of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. In a separate police operation, nine suspects believed to be linked to IS were detained in the coastal city of Izmir. It is not clear if the suspects had any links to the carnage at the airport. The Izmir raids unfolded simultaneously in the neighbourhoods of Konak, Bucak, Karabaglar and Bornova, according to the Anadolu Agency. Police seized three hunting rifles and documents relating to IS during the raids. Anadolu said the suspects were in contact with IS militants in Syria and were engaged in activities that were in line with the organisations aims and interests, including providing financial sources, recruits, and logistical support. Days before the Istanbul attack, on June 25, security forces killed two suspected IS militants who were trying to cross the border illegally and ignored orders from security forces to stop, according to local media reports. One of the two militants was wanted by Turkey on suspicion that he would carry out suicide attacks in the capital Ankara or in the southern city of Adana, Anadolu said. Turkey shares long, porous borders with both Syria and Iraq, where IS controls large pockets of territory. The government has blamed IS for several major bombings over the past year, including in the capital Ankara, and on tourists in Istanbul. Meanwhile Turkey defied pressure from the EU to amend its anti-terrorism laws, saying the latest attack provided further vindication of its tough stance. Burma Ethnic Armed Groups to Meet Suu Kyi The United Nationalities Federal Council, an alliance of nine ethnic armed groups, plans to send envoys to meet Aung San Suu Kyi in the run-up to Panglong RANGOON Representatives of the ethnic armed alliance the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) have agreed with the Burmese government peace delegation to hold a meeting with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in mid-July. The agreement was reached during a meeting between the UNFC and the Burmese delegation led by Dr. Tin Myo Win at an office of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) in Rangoon on Friday. We agreed to work on a meeting between State Counselor and UNFC leaders including its chairman [N Ban La], said Hla Maung Shwe, a spokesperson for the Burmese peace negotiation delegation. Khu Oo Reh, general secretary of the UNFC, however, said, It is not time yet to answer whether we will attend it [the Union Peace Conference]. We still have procedures which must be followed, including the Mai Ja Yang summit. We can only decide how we will participate after the summit. We have to find an answer in Mai Ja Yang. The UNFC members and other armed groups are planning to meet in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State later this month to discuss Augusts Union Peace Conference, which being compared to the 1947 Panglong Conference that guaranteed several of Burmas major ethnicities autonomy and equal rights after independence from Britain. The UNFC is made up of nine ethnic armed groups that did not sign last years nationwide ceasefire agreement, a cessation of hostilities forged between eight armed groups and ex-president Thein Seins quasi-civilian government. Burma Govt Committee to Settle All Land Grab Cases in Six Months An ambition to resolve land disputes nationwide is outlined at a ceremony marking the granting of tenure rights to dispossessed farmers in Naypyidaw. NAYPYIDAW The Central Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands will settle all land grabbing cases in Burma within six months, said Naypyidaw Council Chairman Myo Aung. Myo Aung unveiled the ambitious plan to reporters after a ceremony marking the return of land to around 70 dispossessed farmers in Naypyidaws Zeyarthiri Township. On Thursday they were given temporary farmland tenure permits for more than 200 acres confiscated between 2006 and 2013; the seized land had been used to house the newsrooms, printing press and staff quarters of state-run newspapers The Light of Myanmar (Myanma Alinn) and The Mirror (Kyemon). The central committee decided in a meeting to resolve all [land grab cases] within six months, said Myo Aung. The committee chaired by Vice President Henry Van Thio is situated within Burmas executive branch and is distinct from existing parliamentary committees with similar portfolios. It is tasked with monitoring state and divisional governments handling of land disputes, and enabling the return of land to dispossessed farmers from government ministries, state-owned enterprises and private companies. The committee has adopted a policy that adequate compensation should be provided to dispossessed farmers, many of whom had received only nominal sums, or nothing at all, after the confiscation of their land. The committee also maintains that government ministries, state-owned enterprises and private companies should disown confiscated lands which they no longer use. Land grab cases in Burma assumed prominence after the reformist administration of ex-President Thein Sein took office in 2011. In 2012, Burmas Union Parliament set up the Farmland Investigation Commission to probe land confiscation cases. In 2013, the Land Utilization Management Central Committee was established, chaired by then-Vice President Nyan Tun. It was charged with implementing the recommendations of the commission and facilitating the return of seized land. According to findings of the Farmers Affairs Committee in the Upper House of Parliament, as many as 2 million acres of land across Burma could be considered confiscated. Naypyidaw Council Chairman Myo Aung told the media, We gave the farmers Form-3, which allows them to use the farmland temporarily. We plan to give them Form-7 [a certificate of permanent tenure] within the year. With Form-7, farmers would be allowed to transfer, hand down, sell and put their farms up as collateral to receive bank loans. However, Myo Aung explained that, in order for farmers to receive Form-7 denoting full restitution, farmers would have to pay back in full whatever compensation they received from the government when their lands were seized. The council chairman remarked that many farmers would struggle to make the repayment in one go, and so the council was considering a scheme allowing the farmers to pay back the sum in installments. Khin Zaw, a farmer from Wegyi village who received temporary tenure rights for his confiscated land on Thursday, told The Irrawaddy they may be among those who have to return compensation to obtain Form-7. Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Tun Win told the Irrawaddy that resolving land disputes was one of the priorities of the new government. Our government wishes to give back land to the rightful owners, he said, referencing the smallholder farmers who still make up the bulk of Burmas population. However, the return is difficult in cases where lands were seized illegally by the government and re-sold officially to new owners, including cronies and foreign investors. Fully addressing such cases could result in confrontation with Burmas still-powerful military, which profited from many of these sales and continues to hold tracts of farmland across the country. Government authorities at various levels, including township development committees and the military, have grabbed land on false public pretexts and sold it off in plots, deputy minister Tun Win told the The Irrawaddy. Meanwhile, local farmers have demanded higher compensation for over 1,000 acres of land taken from them for a planned diplomatic zone in Naypyidaws Dekkhinathiri Township. Min Thu, a member of the Naypyidaw City Development Committeethe capital citys municipal authoritysaid they could offer higher compensation if what farmers received does not match market rates. According to Min Thu, the government has already signed land lease agreements with the governments of Malaysia and Bangladesh. Regarding the militarys substantial holdings in Naypyidaw, Naypyidaw Council member Aye Maung Sein said the military has yet to inform them of their intentions regarding the return of unused land in line with the new governments policy. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: The Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia has fully entered into force July 1, according to the press release of the European Commission posted on its website. The Association Agreement aims to deepen political and economic relations between the EU and Georgia, also through the creation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), the message of the European Commission read. By removing customs tariffs and quotas and by comprehensively approximating trade-related laws and regulations to the standards of the European Union, the Agreement offers Georgia a framework for boosting trade and economic growth. This will facilitate Georgia's progressive integration with the EU single market. Georgia and the EU signed the Association Agreement in June 2014. Substantial parts of the Association Agreement have been provisionally applied since September 1, 2014. With the full entry into force of our Association Agreement with Georgia, the EU-Georgia relationship becomes both broader and deeper, to the benefit of us all, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Polity Federica Mogherini said. The EU is looking forward to further strengthening its cooperation with a country that is still working on crucial reforms in areas such as the rule of law, the accountability rules for public decision-makers and transparency. In turn, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said that Georgian citizens will increasingly be able to reap the benefits of closer association with the EU as a result of the Association Agreement. Better business opportunities for Georgian small- and medium-sized enterprises, improved safety of locally-grown agricultural products and enhanced energy efficiency: these are just a few areas where we already saw promising signs during the provisional application of the Agreement, which can now progress even further, he said. Let me encourage Georgia to make full use of the substantial assistance - around 100 million euros per year - that the EU is providing to support the country's reform agenda. Burma Nationalists Protest Govts New Arakan State Terminology Arakanese nationalist groups send an open letter objecting to the governments new ethnoreligious terminology, prior to a protest next week. RANGOON Arakanese nationalist groups from Sittwe, Arakan State, sent an open letter to President Htin Kyaw and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi objecting to the governments new terminology for those who self-identify as Rohingya prior to a protest they have planned for next week. About 500 residents and 70 Buddhist monks signed the letter, which objected to the administrations preferred Muslims from Arakan State jargon, which the government trotted out in hopes of easing tensions between the local Buddhist and Muslim communities. The statement was delivered to Burma Army Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Upper and Lower House Speakers, the ministries of defense, home affairs, information, and labor, immigrations and population, as well as the Arakan State government. Last weekend, about 300 Arakanese nationalists, monks and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the state capital of Sittwe decided to launch a poster campaign for every Arakanese house with signs that said, Rakhine is Rakhine, Bengali is Bengali, highlighting that they would continue to use the word Bengali to describe the self-identifying Rohingyawho they believe are interlopers from Bangladeshinstead of taking on the governments new nomenclature. Two weeks ago, Burmas representative to the United Nations (UN), Thet Thinzar Htun, said that using the Muslim community in Arakan State instead of the contentious term Rohingya would help foster harmony and mutual trust between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Arakan State. Days later, Yanghee Lee, UN special rapporteur on human rights in Burma, visited Arakan State and met with both Buddhist and Muslim communities. During her time in the country, the Ministry of Information officially instructed state-owned publications to use the terms the Muslim Community in Arakan State and the Buddhist Community of Arakan State. The National League for Democracy (NLD) government hoped to chart a neutral course with its new terminology, but both sides have rejected it and doubt that it will succeed. The open letter stated that if the Union government adopts the new labels, it is intentionally hiding the Muslim communitys Bengali origins and will be viewed as an attempt to destroy the Arakan race. We strongly object and will not accept any term except Bengali, stated the letter. Arakan nationalist Than Htun claimed that the groups have already obtained official permission to peacefully assemble in every township in Arakan State on July 3. Police chiefs in Sittwe, Buthidaung, Thandwe, Kyauktaw and Maungdaw townships all confirmed that they were aware of and would allow a massive protest. Khin Maung, Kyauktaw Township police chief, told The Irrawaddy that a demonstration with up to 1,000 protestors had been approved. On Friday, an invitation letter from the Arakan State government circulated on social media, requesting that influential nationalist monks who would join the rally first hold talks at the state governments offices on July 2. Arakan State Chief Minister Nyi Pu was unavailable to comment for this story. U Eainda Sakka, an abbot from Sittwe, was invited to the government meeting but said there was no specific information or explanation included in the letter. He said he assumed it was related to the upcoming rally, but that if the chief minister hoped that they would avoid emotive slogans [Suu Kyi previously labeled Rohingya and Bengali as emotive terms], they would not acquiesce, as they had already received permission in accordance with the law. Maybe they will tell us to manage the rally and keep the situation calm, he added. Burma U Gambira Released From Prison, Charges Dropped Former monk and Saffron Revolution leader U Gambira was released from prison on Friday when all additional criminal charges were dropped. MANDALAY Nyi Nyi Lwin, the former monk and Saffron Revolution leader also known as U Gambira, was released from prison on Friday when all additional criminal charges against him were dropped. Gambira, who served six months imprisonment at Mandalays Ohbo prison on an immigration conviction, was moved earlier this week to Rangoons Insein prison to face additional criminal charges in Bahan and Thanlyin township courts. The plaintiffs dropped all of the charges against me and now I am a free man, he said, after appearing in Thanlyin court on Friday morning. The additional charges could have put him behind bars for an additional two to 10 years, and the former monk was happy to hear that township officials and police had decided to drop the charges. Their actions went against the new governments rule of law and the national reconciliation process. I hope there wont be anymore cases like this against other citizens in the future, he added. Nyi Nyi Lwin was transferred from Mandalay to Rangoon this week to face charges for trespassing and destroying public property, which he allegedly admitted to after his release from prison in 2012. He allegedly broke into monasteries sealed by the government after a crackdown on monks protesting during the Saffron Revolution in 2007. Friday, July 1st, 2016 (12:34 pm) - Score 1,010 Lord Smith of Finsbury (Chris Smith), who is Chairman of the United Kingdoms Advertising Standards Agency, has put down another complaint against ISPs that promote slower hybrid-fibre FTTC (VDSL) connections as fibre optic broadband. Apparently its because pure FTTP/H lines are still too niche, but he acknowledges that this may change in the future. The row has been going on for years and stems from the fact that a pure fibre optic line will always be able to deliver significantly faster and more reliable speeds than a service which has some metallic copper cable in its mix, such as in the case of BTs hybrid Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC / VDSL), G.fast or Virgin Medias coax using DOCSIS lines. See our article Will the Real Fibre Optic Broadband Service Please Stand Up. Back in 2008 the ASA effectively ruled that FTTC and cable (DOCSIS) technologies could describe themselves as fibre optic or fibre broadband. At the time the ASA took the view that the copper coax element of Virgins network was only a small part of their fibre optic fed network (in theory you could apply that sort of logic to some ADSL or even wireless based networks too). Some would say that this has resulted in a legacy of confusion, which might have made it harder for consumers to identify the advantages of one approach over the other. But this is likely to become more of a problem now that BT and Virgin Media have both announced major deployments of FTTP/H services, which could help to push related coverage to 4-5 million premises by 2020. A number of recent ASA complaints have since attempted to overturn or adjust the watchdogs position (here and here), but none have succeeded. Most recently the Upottery Parish Councillor, Graham Long, informs ISPreview.co.uk that he too began such a complaint against BTs FTTC advertising in February 2016 and unsurprisingly the ASA rejected it. Graham Long told ISPreview.co.uk: Today, companies like Gigaclear and Hyperoptic are demonstrating that the market for fully fibre broadband provision is growing rapidly and that it is possible to deliver it in many areas funded entirely from commercial investment. BT are receiving 1.7B of public subsidy to deploy FTTC whilst encouraging the public to believe it is fibre to the property. This has enabled BT to sweat their copper assets. At a meeting last week attended by Bill Murphy, BTs MD for NGA and my MP Neil Parish, BT had the gall to say that Openreach capital investment in 2015 was the same amount as it was in 2008, because of the 2008 banking crisis! BT certainly do seem to have the ASA and OFCOM singing to their tune. The ASAs strapline is Legal, Decent, Honest, Truthful. By condoning BTs deceitful fibre optic broadband advertising, the ASA have abandoned honesty and truth. They have therefore also abandoned their primary responsibility. The ASA is not fit for purpose. However Graham didnt give up and continued to pursue the matter through the ASAs official complaints procedure, but unfortunately this too has now hit an all too familiar wall. In its reply the ASA noted a lack of significant change in the coverage and uptake of FTTP/H services around the UK. The FTTP/H service, delivered from various ISPs, currently covers around 600,000 UK premises passed (educated guess), with Openreach delivering roughly half of those. Admittedly thats a lot more than its had in the past, but overall the national impact remains small, for now. The ASA further concluded that consumers interested in a fibre-optic service would primarily be concerned with the improved speed and performance that could be delivered in comparison to an ADSL service, rather than being concerned with obtaining the most technologically advanced fibre-optic product available at any cost. ASA Statement to Graham Long (8th June 2016) While we appreciate that the market will have subsequently developed further and uptake may have increased a little, we note that the provision and take up of FTTP services is very low and consider that it still represents a niche service that the majority of consumers will not be aware of, or familiar with. In light of the lack of any significant change in the availability and uptake of FTTP in the UK since the ASA Councils previous ruling, we consider that there is little merit in continuing with a formal investigation to review the issue again, when it is very likely that Council will reach the same conclusion. In essence, we consider that the use of fibre-optic to refer to a FTTC service is unlikely to mislead, as consumers are likely to expect a fibre-optic service to deliver faster speeds than an a standard ADSL service. I appreciate that you will be disappointed with this decision particularly given the increase in alternative providers who wish to differentiate themselves from the major ISPs, however, we have to make our assessments on how the average consumer, who will clearly not be as informed as you are regarding these services, will understand the claim. Graham then proceeded to raise his complaint directly with the ASAs Chairman, Lord Smith, who reviewed the decision before ultimately agreeing with the ASAs original findings. Lord Smith said that the ASA does not dispute that an FTTP network will deliver a superior service, but that their decision was still based on reasonable grounds. However Lord Smith does acknowledge that the marketplace will change and consumer expectations will change too, which he suggested would eventually lead to a situation where people need to choose between FTTC and FTTP rather than todays market where the choice on Openreachs network is more between FTTC and ADSL. Sadly Lord Smith doesnt appear to acknowledge the forthcoming roll-out of 300-500Mbps G.fast technology to most of the UK, which will add another dynamic to the argument. On the other hand he has signalled that the ASAs position could change in the future, when FTTP/H solutions can reach a more significant number of consumers. So the battle continues. US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura met in Washington, DC on Thursday and discussed the next steps in the technical talks in the Syrian peace process as well as the importance of improving the cessation of hostilities, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby told Sputnik. "UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura met with Deputy Secretary Antony Blinkin today at the Department of State," Kirby told Sputnik. "Special Envoy de Mistura shared his thoughts on the Syrian political negotiations and his plans for next steps in the technical talks with the parties and regional partners." Blinken reaffirmed US support for de Misturas ongoing political negotiations and expressed support for efforts "to ensure that relevant Syrian parties continue to have a voice in the process." "They also discussed how to improve the COH [cessation of hostilities] moving forward," Kirby added. Earlier in the day, US National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Carlin Woog told Sputnik that de Mistura will also meet with NSC officials this week to discuss efforts to decrease violence against civilians in Syria. Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with numerous opposition factions and Islamic extremists fighting the Syrian Army and other government forces in an attempt to topple the legitimate government of President Bashar Assad. A US-Russia-brokered agreement on cessation of hostilities came into force across Syria on February 27. The agreement does not apply to terrorist organizations like Daesh and al-Nusra Front. The road to coexistence between Wi-Fi and LTE players in the unlicensed 5GHz band seemed to be at hand. Most of last year was contentious, but peace had broken out around Thanksgiving as both sides realized that it was in their best interests to cooperate. The issue is ensuring that LTE acts in a neighborly fashion in unlicensed spectrum. The two sides had spent the first half of the year working toward a test regimen. However, reports, including one at CIO.com, suggested that the workshop held last week between the parties did not go well. The site carried a statement attributed to Dean Brenner, Qualcomms senior vice president of Government Affairs: Qualcomm is disappointed with the continued delays in finalizing a LTE-U/Wi-Fi test plan with the Wi-Fi Alliance, as well as with the substance presented by the WFA staff at last weeks WFA workshop, which lacked technical merit and was a sharp departure from Wi-Fi Alliance staff past presentations and views and from the view of any other standards body or regulator around the world, wrote Dean Brenner, senior vice president of government affairs, in a written statement on Monday. Hacker Claims to Hold 9.3 Million Patient Records A health care hack may have put the information of millions of people at risk, according to Computerworld. A hacker known as thedarkoverlord says that he or she has control of patient records for 9.3 million people. The hacker is extorting the health care organization for $100,000, $205,000 and $411,000 for the first three databases of the supposedly hacked data. Security researcher Dissent Doe said that the hacker is also demanding 750 bitcoins, worth almost $500,000, for the fourth database. The databases are said by the hacker to be from Farmington, Missouri; Georgia; and a large insurance health care organization in the United States. Clinton Releases Telecom Positions Hillary Clinton, or her staff, has given a lot of thought to telecom. This week, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president released a policy proposal that supports 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and spectrum initiatives, according to WirelessWeek. The paper lauded the work done on 4G and said that it sets up its successor technology. WirelessWeek reports that the candidate is taking a holistic approach: Specifically, Clinton said she plans to accelerate the reallocation and repurposing of spectrum for next generation uses by more quickly identifying underutilized bands including those now used by the federal government. Additionally, Clinton said she will focus on the full range of spectrum use policiesincluding new allocations for licensed mobile broadband, as well as unlicensed and shared spectrum approaches. Big Times for Small Cells Things are looking good for the small cell sector; the category passed $1 billion in revenues for the first time last year. The momentum is expected to continue this year, according to a report by Mobile Experts that seemed to have nothing but good news, at RCR Wireless: According to analyst firm Mobile Experts, carrier small cell deployments grew 140% in 2015, including both indoor and outdoor units; the growth rate will be even bigger in 2016, noted Joe Madden, principal analyst for Mobile Experts. The firm expects enterprise small cell shipments to double this year, with a 270% spike in sales growth, and estimates that enterprise small cell shipments will be worth $4 billion annually by 2020. Transparency Market Research, meanwhile, predicts the global femtocell market to be worth $4.7 billion by 2019. The reasons for the great results include reduced equipment costs, better aesthetics, faster deployment capabilities due increased fiber infrastructure, smoother interoperability and testing, and better opportunities for monetization. Scaling Higher on IoT, SDN Avaya and Inocybe Technologies demonstrated the ability to support 168,000 connected IoT devices, according to Light Reading. They claim that this is the largest number of devices ever supported on a software-defined network (SDN) architecture. The IoT architectures must scale up drastically while keeping security intact. The announcement suggests that the industry is moving in the right direction. Avaya contributed its SDN Fx architecture and Open Network Adapter to the test, while Inocybe offered its OpenDaylight-compliant SDN architecture. Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk. When it was released back in March, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge were tied to specific carriers. Whether it was the GSM or CDMA mobile networks, users of the Samsung flagships were stuck to just that. However, Samsung has just announced that they will be releasing unlocked models in the market, thus providing more flexibility. According to Droid Life, the unlocked S7 is priced at $699.99 while the S7 Edge is priced at $769.99. While the units are available for purchase on the Samsung website, the phones can also be purchased through Amazon, Best Buy, Ebay, Sam's Club and Target.com. The unlocked units definitely give the user more options in terms of network carriers. The chance to transfer from one to another is made available. However, E Week notes that there are no differences when it comes to the specs of the unit. So users that already have either the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Edge that are tied to a carrier will get the exact same unit should they buy an unlocked one. The only difference being that the user can now change network carriers. This would mean the same 5.1 inch super AMOLED display screen of the S7 and the 5.5 inch super AMOLED display of the S7 Edge.The S7 has a battery of 3000mAh, while the S7 Edge has 3600mAh. All around, the S7 measures 5.6 x 2.74 x, 0.31 inches and weighs 5.36 ounces. On the other hand, the S7 is 5.94 x 2.85 0.30 inches and is 5.53 ounces Both units are powered by a Qualcomm quad-core 2.15GHZ and 1.6GHz processors. There is also 32 GB of internal memory in each of the models, which is expandable through a microSD card. The camera of both units are 12 megapixels at the rear and 5 megapixels in the front. Either one has a fingerprint sensor for security purposes and is water resistant. Samsung also included fast charging and wireless charging capabilities to each of the units. As a unit, both the Samsung S7 and S7 Edge are worth the money. The unlocked feature just adds a little extra. The Korea Times even reports that the unlocked version is cheaper than those tied to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, although it is more expensive than those tied with Sprint. Spotify is probably the most successful competitor of Apple in terms of music streaming. This, however, has not stopped the smaller company from occasionally voicing out the unfair practices of the larger tech company. Previously, Spotify had raised its concern over Apple charging a 30% fee for Spotify's customers who use the app via an iOS device. Now, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is loudly voicing out her concerns as well favoring the music streaming service. Yahoo! quotes the senator as saying that Apple "has placed conditions on its rivals that make it difficult for them to offer competitive streaming services." Naturally, when this news went out, Spotify, as one of those who are competing against Apple, chimed in on the issue. Its Head of Communications and Public Policy, Jonathan Prince, said that Apple has long before used their monopoly over iOS to "squash competition in music." He went on to say that they do so by increasing the prices of its competitors and by "inappropriately forbidding" Spotify to tell their customers about lower prices. By doing this, Apple is definitely putting their needs first. "You know there's something wrong when Apple makes more off a Spotify subscription than it does off an Apple Music subscription," Prince said. A representative from Apple has yet to make a rebuttal. Recode notes that Apple was not the only giant that Senator Warren pinpointed. In fact, she put Google and Amazon under the blaring spotlight as well. She even went into specifics. For Google, she said that "its dominant search engine harms rivals of its Google Plus user review feature." As for Amazon, she said that the company uses its position to steer customers into buying books published by Amazon specifically. The reason that Senator Warren is trying to shed some light into these quasi-monopolies is that she believes they hurt the economy by "lock[ing] out smaller and newer guys." It is no secret that there are plenty of devices to choose from in the market. And even when a device is decided on, there are still plenty of offerings to choose from. The saturated state of the market is exactly why Dell has decided to cut off potential losses and is letting go of its Android Tablet line. "The slate tablet market is oversaturated and is experiencing declining demand from consumers," a Dell spokesperson shared in an email to PC World. The company's Android-based Venue tablet line will be discontinued. The spokesperson did share, however, that those who already own the Venue tablet have nothing much to worry about, as Dell will continue to service the units and will still accept devices under warranty. However, there will be no future OS upgrades. Instead, Dell will be focusing on its 2-in-1 gadgets. This type of technology allows users to choose whether the device will serve as a laptop or a tablet. Of course, they are convertible as the user pleases. "We are seeing 2-in-1s rising in popularity since they provide a more optimal blend of PC capabilities with tablet mobility." By dropping the Android Tablet line, Dell has made itself almost a purely laptop and hybrid manufacturer, powered by Windows. This does not mean, however, that the company is closing its doors to supporting Android in the future. At this time, it is just discontinuing their line of Venue tablets. Apple Insider notes that HP made an earlier announcement that it might drop their line of tablets as well. It was six months ago when HP made the statement, as the company also wants to focus on more profitable devices. This decision was made after HP had started to stop manufacturing smartphones. Similarly, HP's President of Personal Systems, Ron Coughlin, said, "We are going to focus where there is profitability and growth." The well-known Apple blogger John Grube has hypothesized that the iPhone 7 and MacBook Pro 2016 will have synchronized release date. According to Yibada, Grube is also arguing that both devices will lack the 3.5mm audio jack. As the MacBook Pro models and the iPhone 6S are now the subjects of irresistible promo deals, it is likely that his prediction will come true. Cult of Mac reports that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro that comes with a dual-core Intel i5 2l.7 GHz processor, 128 GB SSD storage space and 8 GB of RAM is available for purchase at Best Buy for a price tag of only $999. However, the registration with the seller is mandatory in order to take advantage of the promo and deal is reserved only for students. Best Buy will send a voucher code thru email to verified laptop buyers to claim the $100 price cut. The iPhone 6S is also subject of another killer deal for shoppers looking for huge discounts. According to Gotta Be Mobile, among the deals offering the latest Apple flagship phone, the price cuts go as high as $300. Walmart, for instance, allows customers to choose their preferred storage sizes and cuts $100 off the original price of the iPhone 6S. Depending on the 6S package, Target cuts range from $50 to $100. At Best Buy, iPhone 6S is discounted at $199. Promos are also available for customers who intend to buy the iPhone 6S directly from carriers such as AT&T. For subscribers who take two units, AT&T has a $650 cash back promotion. Following the iPhone 7 launch expected at Q4 2016, iPhone 6S deals are expected to implement further substantial price cuts. According to University Herald, Gruber's recent blog suggests that the MacBook Pro 2016 release date will coincide iPhone 7's. Since both upcoming Apple devices are expected to share the same design adjustments, the speculations about a shared release date seem plausible. It is likely that the iPhone 7 and the MacBook Pro 2016 will launch starting September 2016. If you know what ADC (application delivery controller) and load balancing are, you may be interested in where they are heading. It has never been more important to deliver new services faster as businesses undergo a digital transformation. Application response and reliability need to increase to meet escalating user expectations and business requirements. Improving performance not only maximises the value of applications, but it also creates opportunities for enterprises to drive revenue and lower costs. Matt Moore is a software networking manager for ANZ at Brocade. He has worked in the networking industry for 26 years, with a specific focus on load balancers and ADCs. He is extremely passionate about driving business outcomes from application acceleration and security. He has penned the following article pondering alternatives to the current ADC sprawl, so businesses can gain agility to survive digital transformation. Fighting for your ADC rights By Matt Moore, software networking manager for ANZ, Brocade In years gone by, the evolution of load balancing functions (round robin, source and destination hash) was, for the most part, understandable. Network administrators were able to offload effort from web servers and proxy the conversation with tangible business benefits, particularly reducing server effort, quicker response times and ultimately, highly available applications. But then an evolution started. As the load balancer became increasingly Layer 7 biased, network administrators were able to do more things with it traffic manipulation, acceleration of HTTP, IPv4 to IPv6 gateways and negative security. Over a period, load balancers became known as application delivery controllers (ADC). The downside to this evolution is that it seemed like magic application stuff to anyone that understood networking, yet it was equally baffling to application developers as it was all about networking. Ive always described it as voodoo magic, but its probably better known as packet mangling. Taking an innocent data packet from a browser destined for a website, tearing it apart, checking for bad behaviour, accelerating its current conversation and making sure that it always got where it needed to go. This intentional change was not malicious, but a process commonly used by network administrators. Growth of ADC islands As organisations became more and more dependent on these functions and their business benefits reliability, security and user experience ADC sprawl took hold. The growth of ADC islands was created by network administrators to meet the needs of business owners wanting their ADC security requirements because of location and risk, particularly as cloud adoption rapidly increased. Before long, network administrators ended up with pairs of ADCs in multiple locations that were sized based on a wet finger or peak flow of traffic. After a while, it became clear that the vast majority of businesses didnt need the peak size, nor the complexity or expense of their ADC functions. This traditional approach to ADC leads to operational issues and complexities, even before meeting the challenge of moving some or all applications to the cloud. Whats the alternative? Instead of this dystopian sprawl, imagine if businesses could link these ADC islands using a single license based on traffic throughput, allowing them to allocate as many ADC functions as required. Not only could it provide an easy means of access, reporting, and control, but network administrators could allocate test, development and user acceptance testing (UAT) functions at no extra license cost. When they arent in use, that allocation could be used by other ADCs that need it. That sounds great, but what are the actual business benefits? I hear you ask. In reality, businesses are already seeing a significant saving in what they pay for when they have correctly sized ADC service to the actual throughput required; use the ADC features that make sense for that application; and utilise that bucket of allocation around all of their islands. Then there are the savings gained through ongoing support and operational effort. Its time to make a stand and force ADC services to be easy to use, correctly sized and cost effective, while delivering the functions required in any location and as many of them as needed. The real benefit businesses gain is agility, which we all know is crucial to surviving and thriving in this era of digital transformation. Note: In 2015, Brocade Communications Systems acquired the SteelApp business unit of Riverbed Technologies, Inc. to expand its ADC offerings and consolidate its position in the Software Defined Data centre/Software Defined Network arena. Brocade renamed SteelApp to Brocade Virtual Traffic Manager. Google's offices in Madrid have been raided by authorities as part of an ongoing tax probe, according to media reports. This is the second raid in five weeks, with the company's offices in Paris being raided on May 24. The Madrid raid comes after the EU announced a third set of anti-trust charges against the search behemoth. Google is headquartered in Ireland which has a low rate of corporate tax and it has been criticised in several countries, including Australia, for not paying its fair share of tax. A Google spokesperson wasas saying that the company complied with Spanish tax laws and was co-operating with the authorities. Earlier this year, the company agreed to pay 130 million in Britain to make up for evading taxes for more than a decade. Apart from the tax raids, Google faces problems on other fronts with reports that the EU will hit the company with a massive 3 billion fine for using unfair tactics to dominate the search engine market. Google is not the only company to be under scrutiny for non-payment of tax; last year the chief executives of Google, Microsoft and Apple appeared before an Australian Senate committee. Under examination were the complicated tax structures these companies have and also the reasons why they refuse to pay their fair share of tax for doing business in Australia. Criticism of the company is not limited to the tax area. Recently, a senior research psychologist Robert Epstein listed the ways in which Google uses its power in the search realm to twist things to benefit itself. Apple chief executive Tim Cook, a staunch opponent of anti-LGBTI measures backed by the US Republican Party, hosted a fundraiser for House speaker Paul Ryan this week, inviting speculation about his motives for doing so. Cook's gesture was even more surprising given that he has refused to support the forthcoming Republican convention in any way, after Donald Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee. Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader in the US House, called the fundraiser a mistake. "Poor Tim. What a nice guy he is, but somebody gave him bad advice. He probably doesn't think that much about politics," she was quoted as telling the San Francisco Chronicle. But, as the Intercept pointed out, Cook needs the help of Republicans to bring back the nearly US$200 billion in cash that Apple has stashed outside the US, without paying the standard rate of 35% corporate tax. According to the website, which is run by Glenn Greenwald, Apple has lobbied Congress to pass legislation that would make it easier for American companies to bring back cash into the country after paying a much smaller percentage as tax. Ryan unveiled his tax policy agenda last week and has a measure which will meet these objectives. He also advocates a territorial tax system whereby American companies would escape taxes on revenue from abroad. Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said Thursday she is going to return to office to restore the countrys economy and rights of the population, local media reported. I will return, if I return in August, I will restore the country and put an end to these words of hatred and racism that helped to stage a coup We will return rights of the population, we will restore this countrys economy, Rousseff said as quoted by the TeleSUR TV-channel. In May, the upper house of the Brazilian parliament voted 55-22 to start impeachment proceedings against Rousseff after she was accused of concealing the countrys budget deficit ahead of the 2014 re-election. Rousseff regards the impeachment proceedings as an illegal coup attempt. Rousseff has been suspended from office for 180 days, pending trial. Vice President Michel Temer is assuming presidency during that period. Brisbanes Ormiston College has deployed a high-capacity, high-speed Wi-Fi network from Ruckus Wireless across campus to support the learning curriculum for students and teachers. The deployment was carried out by Serenity IT Solutions and involves an upgrade to the colleges wireless network to a Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi infrastructure. The installation includes a ZoneDirector 3000 controller and 70 ZoneFlex R710 indoor dual-band 4x4 802.11ac Wave 2 access points (APs) throughout the campus. Ormiston College, an independent, co-educational non-denominational Christian school, is recognised as one of only nine Microsoft Showcase Schools across Australia, and students have access to collaborative learning with global experts, 3D printing, robotics and STEM programs. Solomon Box, College IT manager at Ormiston, says the college required a robust, reliable and high performance Wi-Fi network. With more than a thousand students and a large, dispersed campus, its vital we have a powerful and robust wireless network in place. The school has been running a managed student laptop programme for five years and every student has their own unique device which places huge demands on our network. In the past we have experienced some issues with dropouts which was very inconvenient for students and teaching staff. Box says that with over 1100 devices requiring wireless access, Ormiston began a review of its wireless and wired networks. Firmware updates to the old wireless system failed to patch the constant and growing amount of problems students and teachers were facing, so the college approached its network solutions provider, Serenity IT Solutions. At Ormiston College, the meaningful use of ICT is a strategic priority, so it was important that we looked for a solution that enabled the students and teachers to fully utilise that technology. We spoke to a number of institutions for their opinion on wireless technology and found that Ruckus Wireless had predominately positive reviews. Serenity IT Solutions director Michael Del Manso says a review of Ormistons network found that 802.11ac Wave 2 technology needed to be installed to future-proof the network. Utilising the technology, Ormiston says it has been able to achieve better coverage while also reducing the number of wireless APs in the school by 30%, with an increase in the speed of the network helping with a variety of applications and smart learning initiatives. New Zealands largest telco, Spark, has been hit by a massive spike in faults on its broadband and landline services due to severe weather damage on the ageing Chorus copper line network. The telcos network was thrown into chaos, as fault-related calls to its call centres spiked at over 6000 per day this week, almost matching the volume for the entire 2015/2016 summer period. Sparks general manager of care, Bridgette Dalzell, says the impact on the telcos customers has been severe and widespread. The sad reality for our customers whose broadband (ADSL and VDSL) or landline services are delivered via copper, is that the Chorus network is many decades old and highly vulnerable to wet weather. When copper lines get wet or damp, they either stop working or their performance deteriorates badly. Restoring services could mean a long wait for affected customers, with the telco warning they might to wait of up to two weeks to get the faults fixed. Dalzell says the surge in weather-related faults has put more pressure on Sparks call centres, with wait times getting even longer in recent days. We know this is unacceptable and were sorry to all our customers who are experiencing frustratingly long wait times. Weve been throwing all our available resources into helping customers as quickly as we can. Spark uses weather forecasts as a factor to determine the number of care agents it needs to roster on to help customers, showing the huge impact that weather issues have on Sparks customer care channels. Spark says that high wait times in its call centres have been a challenging issue for a number of months due to the weather problems and is hiring more customer care agents and improving its digital channels. Dalzell says Spark began hiring a further 130 customer care agents this week on top of 200 new agents hired last year but acknowledges that it will take some time to get them on board and fully trained. Over time, Spark believes the biggest inroads into call centres volumes will be made by helping more customers get the support they need through digital channels. Theres an enormous effort underway within Spark to build new and improved digital service channels, enabling our customers to do much more via tools like the Spark app and MySpark online. While we are committed to hiring more call centre staff today, our longer-term focus has to be digitally-based. Unit4, the fast growing leader in enterprise applications for services organisations, has appointed Will Blench as chief sales officer and member of the executive leadership board effective from 1 July. Blench will be responsible for the global sales organisation and worldwide sales efforts, for the partner ecosystem and for customers success. He joins Unit4 from VMware, where for the past four years he was managing director of VMware's cloud management, storage and networking businesses for EMEA, Asia Pacific and Japan. Prior to this Blench held a number of senior positions in the IT industry as vice-president and general manager EMEA at Openwave, executive vice-president worldwide sales at VOSS Solutions and vice-president and general manager EMEA at Amdocs, formerly Cramer Systems. Blench said, Unit4 addresses a fast growing need for cloud based applications that deliver the service and people aspect of the enterprise. I am impressed by the incredible innovation provided in the past 12 months alone. Combined with the companys commitment to customer success, Unit4 has a unique offering to help our customers drive up productivity and lower TCO. Stephan Sieber, Unit4 chief executive, said, Blench takes on a critical role in the companys future success. Unit4s flexible cloud applications, great user experience driven by an intuitive, self-driving user interface and specific vertical functionality is helping us to win more business than ever before. He is a world class sales executive who joins Unit4 at a time when more and more companies are revisiting their IT application landscape. Brocade has announced his appointment as director of infrastructure analytics for Asia Pacific Japan (APJ). Based in Sydney, McDermott will be responsible for delivering the value proposition of the Brocade Analytics Monitoring Platform to customers and prospects throughout the region. He reports to Matt Kolon, Brocade vice-president and chief technology officer for APJ. The Brocade Analytics Monitoring Platform is a purpose-built SAN appliance for measuring application performance and traffic behaviour in a Brocade Gen 6 Fibre Channel fabric network. Designed to reduce costs and create a higher ROI, the platform provides IT departments with the highest levels of monitoring and analytics between servers and storage. As a result, organisations can better ensure predictable performance and operational stability for their IT infrastructures. Kolon said, McDermotts appointment is crucial in helping businesses throughout the region gain much-needed visibility into the performance of their SAN environments, not to mention improving the ROI for storage infrastructures through in-depth, fabric-wide metrics. We are focused on helping businesses get the actionable intelligence they need to maximise performance across their data centres and ensure that they meet application delivery SLAs. Before joining Brocade, McDermott held a variety of storage and cloud consulting and architect roles. He has an in-depth understanding of data centre and cloud architecture, with strategic design and consulting experience at companies such as Telstra, Hitachi Data Systems, Dell, Sun Microsystems, and StorageTek. Most recently, McDermott spent five years as principal architect and senior solutions consultant at Virtual Instruments, performing network analytics on critical customer applications and virtualised infrastructure. McDermott said, As a pure-play networking company, Brocade is uniquely positioned to provide predictive analytics and actionable intelligence that is vital to maximising performance across the data centre. I am excited about assuming this new role and the prospect of working closely with our customers to leverage the network as a platform for innovation, through our proven data and storage network fabrics, management tools, and open approach. With so many elements in information security -- application, network infrastructure, the endpoint, perimeter defenses, and data-centric approaches -- it's easy to fall in the trap of touting one as more important than the other. But it's a mistake to consider information security as a series of silos when it's actually an intersection of different areas. That overlap is most evident with application and endpoint security. For Jeremiah Grossman, the new chief security strategist at security vendor Sentinel One, application security and endpoint security are just different steps in the kill chain. As the founder and former CTO of the consultancy WhiteHat Security, Grossman has been the go-to-expert for web application security for years, and his new focus on endpoint security at Sentinel One does not mean that he has given up on securing web applications. Jeremiah Grossman "From an adversary kill-chain perspective, if we can get the bad guys not to be able to break into the website, great, let's do that. But if we can't, let's makes sure that if the system gets compromised and malware is on it, we can detect it really, really quickly and stop it, or eradicate it," Grossman said. Many of the latest data breaches began with the adversaries exploiting a vulnerability in a web application, and then pivoting in the network to find other vulnerabilities and weaknesses. The web application is the doorway, but the actual attack happens on the endpoint, whether that's valuable data stored in a database or, in the case of ransomware, documents that could be locked up to demand ransom. Web application security and endpoint security are intricately tied up together, he said. Back in 2001, when Grossman first started working on web application security, cross-site scripting flaws and SQL-injection errors were rampant, with pretty much every website affected. Fast-forward to 2016, and such attacks are incredibly rare among major sites. Cross-site scripting and SQL injection still exist on many websites, but it's no longer as widespread. App security still matters, but SDLC has to be done judiciously Information security professionals frequently talk about inserting security throughout the SDLC (software development lifecycle): Developers adopt secure coding principles and perform regular testing to catch and fix bugs before the application goes to production. The SDLC is a good thing, and more organizations need to adopt the secure development mindset. But it isn't practical to demand all existing applications be rewritten under the SDLC. Legacy software, which powers the majority of the web and is installed on billions of endpoints around the world, has vulnerabilities. Fixing those flaws is part of what Grossman calls "legacy janitorial work." No company can shoulder the cost of rewriting all their applications and starting over with a secure coding mindset. And then there are all the open source projects out there for which there's often no one to shoulder any such legacy janitorial work. Microsoft is frequently touted as the poster child for how SDLC makes a difference, but that's an interesting -- and possibly unrepeatable -- case, Grossman said. The Microsoft that said it was going to start over and make its applications more secure was a monopoly, dominated the industry, had strong market share, and had "multiple billions" in the bank to spend on the effort, he noted. That's not the case for most companies faced with the prospect of revamping their software portfolio. And today, a decade after Microsoft made that commitment, Microsoft itself couldn't likely make that commitment. "No one's going to disagree that the later versions of Windows, from Windows 7 to now, are solid. Microsoft did really good work. But what was the ROI for Microsoft in that?" Grossman said. Instead of trying to revamping all the software, the effort should be two-pronged: 1) improve the process for remediating vulnerabilities as they are found, and 2) run new code, or actively managed code, through the SDLC. That doesn't mean just incorporating SDLC elements, but also assessing the effectiveness of the new practices. "After you do a whole bunch of SDLC stuff, does the software actually come out more secure? If so, by how much? And is it worth it?" Grossmand said. Security investments aren't going where they're most needed The industry has made progress finding vulnerabilities, but the immensity of the web -- at a billion-plus websites strong -- means the cleanup effort is going to take a lot of time and resources. That means there will be more compromises, attacks, and infections in the meantime. While the industry focuses the efforts toward fixing vulnerabilities and writing new code, there has to be a parallel effort to improve endpoint security to block the adversaries. "You could compromise a company just by sending an email. That's a pretty attractive route" for criminals, Grossman said. "The spending models are all backward," Grossman said. Enterprises spend most of their IT budgets on software, followed by endpoints, and very little on networks, whereas the lion's share of the IT security budget goes to perimeter defenses, such as firewalls and endpoint security, and very little is spent on software. Ransomware must be tackled now, before it's too late Organizations need to look at what the adversaries are doing and allocate efforts and funding accordingly. And right now, the adversaries are looking at ransomware. The FBI has estimated payments of $23 million to $25 million were made to ransomware gangs in 2015, but that figure has ballooned to more than $200 million in the first quarter of 2016 alone. That's a staggering growth rate, especially since the latest research indicate ransomware still account for less than 5 percent of overall malware attacks. While ransomware itself might not account for a big portion of the overall malware scourge, it is a serious problem, and creative minds need to start thinking of new methods and techniques to detect and foil these infections. "While we're still going to have the big malware problem overall, we're going to have another one in the form of ransomware," Grossman predicted. Worse, it's not as if the general malware problem has been solved: Despite nearly $8 billion to $12 billion spent annually fighting malware, malware is rampant, he said. Still, the latest anti-ransomware efforts, such as what Grossman will work on as part of his new role at Sentinel One, are an opportunity for information security professionals to get ahead of a problem before it becomes entrenched. There's no need to wait for ransomware to get bigger as a problem before coming up with new solutions. "We always seem to be ambulance chasers. But ransomware, we can see it coming. It's right there," Grossman said. Grossman believes ransomware will be a billion-dollar market by 2018, and at that point it will be too late to do something about it. "We can fight an uphill battle, but for those who want to get ahead of it, we can do it now," Grossman said. The web is too valuable not to actively protect Many in the security industry, whether they came into the field by design or by accident, view the work as a calling. The web is the "greatest invention we'll see in our lifetime," Grossman said, who called it his mission to protect it and the billions of people using it every day. Whether that's endpoint security or fixing vulnerabilities in web applications, the end result is the same. "I want to be able to protect people, protect websites, protect the web. It's that important. We're all using it today," he said. This story, "Web security guru: Focus on ransomware, SDLC, and endpoints" was originally published by InfoWorld . Leading tech groups hailed the release of Hillary Clintons agenda for promoting technology and innovation, praising the presumptive Democratic presidential nominees focus on issues like cybersecurity and her acknowledgement that the industry is vital to the nations economic prosperity. [ Related: Obama, Zuckerberg push better broadband, innovative startups ] Clintons initiative on technology and innovation comes as the most detailed elucidation of a technology platform from a major presidential candidate this election season, a multi-pronged plan that touches on issues like promoting science and technical education, building out broadband infrastructure and defending net neutrality. In a fact sheet explaining her plan, Clinton says that her priority is to harness the power of technology and innovation so that it works for all Americans, creating good-paying jobs throughout the country. Doing this right will not only boost economic growth, it will lead to immeasurable social benefits, the campaign says, looking ahead to home monitoring systems to help with senior care, next-gen education technology and Internet-enabled traffic and safety applications for smarter transportation networks. [W]ith the right public policies, the campaign says, we can ensure that technology is a force for broad-based growth, reducing social and economic inequality, and securing American leadership on the global stage. That type of language drew plaudits from some of the trade groups that have been lobbying for more tech-friendly policies in Washington. In a statement, Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Technology Association, says that its encouraging that Secretary Clinton is taking the initiative as the first major presidential candidate in this election cycle to put technology and innovation issues front-and-center in the national policy debate. [ Related: Obama wants more cybersecurity funding and a federal CISO ] Donald Trump, presumed to be the Republican nominee, has had little to say about the issues Clinton highlighted in her technology agenda. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tech sector encouraged by Clintons focus on STEM education, digital security Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, hailed Clintons focus on STEM, worker training and cybersecurity, along with her support of an open Internet and enhanced Internet connectivity, saying that he is encouraged by Clintons focus on some of the most important tech issues of our time. As the election moves into the general election phase, we look forward to increased conversations on technology from both candidates, Thibodeaux says. [ Related: Clintons tech plan defers student loans for risk takers ] Dean Garfield of the Information Technology Industry Council was more subdued in his reaction, praising Clinton for supporting many of the items that his group and other tech organizations laid out in their own policy agenda (PDF available here) in May. However, he urged Clinton to commit to a more business-friendly tax plan, and to get behind international trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. CTA also urged Clinton to endorse the TPP, which she says she opposes, modifying her earlier position. But there was plenty in her plan to buoy members of the tech sector, including a plan to make computer science education universally available, the expansion of tech-focused job training programs and investments in research and development. [ Related: Obama expands STEM education and training efforts ] Clintons campaign is also touting plans to incorporate retention policies for skilled foreign workers into a broader immigration package, long a priority for tech firms that have complained about students who receive STEM degrees from U.S. colleges only to return to their home country to work. As part of a comprehensive immigration solution, Hillary would staple a green card to STEM masters and PhDs from accredited institutions enabling international students who complete degrees in these fields to move to green card status, her campaign says. [ Related: Clinton wants to staple green cards on STEM grads diplomas ] In cybersecurity, she mentions the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors, and calls for more funding for the development of security technologies and a federal CISO who can steer security operations as the government continues its IT modernization efforts. Clinton also addressed the friction that often accompanies the uneasy balance between national security and privacy and other civil liberties, calling for a national commission on digital security, so that the technology and public safety communities can work together on solutions that address law enforcement needs while preserving individual privacy and security. Many of the policies laid out in her technology agenda read like Clinton would pick up where the Obama administration leaves off, such as the commitment to deliver high-speed broadband access to 100 percent of the nations households by 2020, expand the use of spectrum for wireless networks, and to campaign for an open, unfettered Internet overseas, an issue Clinton highlighted when she was heading the State Department. As secretary, Clinton embraced the power of technology as an asset of American leadership and an instrument of American ideals in the world, her campaign says. She will continue this work as president fighting for Internet Freedom and insisting on the responsibility of all nations to respect free speech and human rights online, as well as the open flow of data across borders and access to digital markets, it adds. She will oppose efforts to block or degrade internet access or to shut down social media, and she will stand with likeminded countries against efforts by countries like China or Russia to create a balkanized Internet run by governments. Spain has joined the scrum of tax authorities examining Google's accounts to see if the company has paid all that it should. A team of 35 inspectors from Agencia Tributaria, the Spanish tax authority, raided Google offices on two sites in Madrid on Thursday, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais. The authority requested court approval for the raid on Tuesday, the report said. They were investigating the tax liabilities of Google's subsidiaries in Spain and Ireland, through which the company channels much of its European revenue. It's a relatively common business practice to locate profit-generating activities in jurisdictions with low rates of corporation tax, and keep loss-making functions where taxes are higher. Directing profit to low-tax jurisdictions in this way is not necessarily illegal, if the transfer can be justified. The tax authorities are concerned that Google's Spanish staff may be playing a greater role in the generation of revenue and profit than the company has declared, according to El Pais. Other countries too have been investigating Google's tax affairs. French authorities conducted a dawn raid on the company's Paris office in May as part of an investigation into whether Google should pay US$1.8 billion in back taxes. And in January Italy asked the company to pay 228 million (then $257 million) in back taxes for the period 2009-2013. That request came as UK authorities concluded an investigation into the company's tax payments over a 10-year period, resulting in a demand for 130 million (then $186 million) in back taxes. With so many European Union tax authorities investigating the company, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said she would join in if she received an official complaint. Google has issued a statement defending its tax practices. "We comply with the tax law in Spain, as in every other country in which we operate. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in Madrid to answer their questions, as always," according to an email from a Google spokesman. This story has been updated with a statement from Google, added in the last paragraph. Recent contacts between Russia and Turkey at the highest and a high level will set the right tone to repair relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu July 1, TASS news agency reported. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss relations after the Turkish president's letter to the president of Russia and their phone conversation, Lavrov said. Thank you very much for the invitation to the meeting and the hospitality, Cavusoglu said. Our presidents talked on the phone, it was a very constructive conversation. We now need to repair relations, so that they reach the proper level. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held phone talks June 29. The last time the two leaders spoke was November 2015 at the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey. The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident. Following the incident, Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey. Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin June 27 over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. He said Turkey "shares the pain of the downed Su-24 pilot's death with his family" and "sees it as Turkey's pain". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he agreed with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu to resume activity of the working group on fighting terrorism, RIA Novosti news agency reported. Lavrov made the remarks at the press conference following the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) in Sochi July 1. We established a bilateral working group on combating terrorism, which includes representatives of the ministry of foreign affairs and special services, Lavrov said. The work of this group was frozen during the last seven months, but currently we have agreed to resume it fast. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held phone talks June 29. The last time the two leaders spoke was November 2015 at the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey. The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident. Following the incident, Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey. Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin June 27 over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. He said Turkey "shares the pain of the downed Su-24 pilot's death with his family" and "sees it as Turkey's pain". The much awaited release of Avatar 2 has been pushed further by Fox, again. This time it is scheduled to be released on December 2018. The previous release date of Avatar 2 was a year earlier. However, though the announcement was official it still can not be taken as the fixed date because Fox has postponed the premiere several times. The original release date of the Avatar sequel was in 2014. Then the studio moved it a year later, to 2015. When 2015 came around, an announcement was made that it will be set to December 2017 instead. Regardless of the constant moving of the release date, it was revealed by the Hollywood Reporter that director James Cameron has a plan to make additional sequels. Now, the Avatar series will have four sequels in total. So far, the art I'm seeing is, in pure imagination, really far beyond the first film," says Cameron. The plot for the sequels will focus on Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), who has turned into an Avatar, becoming the tribal chieftain. Since he was bonded to Neytiri, she has become his wife. Neytiri, who is played by Zoe Saldana, will also become the high priestess of her clan. The threat to their world is said to be no longer human, but alien. A new alien species will take over in Avatar 2. Aside from the sequel, Cameron explained that he plans on continuing the them of human against nature. Will that mean that Jake Sully's human side will trump the battle? Or the war? Or will the humans side with them instead? It is unknown. However, fans can calm down for now knowing that the probable release date for Avatar 2 is in 2018. The third sequel will reportedly hit movie theaters in 2020, and then 2022 for the fourth. According to MNG, all of the Avatar films are targeting the month of December. After the success of "The Conjuring 2," director James Wan is already thinking about "The Conjuring 3" even though the second horror film is still being shown in theaters. The Conjuring is a series set up from the cases of supernatural specialists, Ed and Lorraine Warren. The married couple have amassed many paranormal stories. One such movie released was titled "Anabelle." While fans are still calming their nerves from the blasphemous nun from "The Conjuring 2," director James Wan is already planning for a next installment. This adds more jobs to the horror franchise and adds a ton of support from horror lovers everywhere. Though Wan has already teased about a third movie, reports have indicated that he may not be directing it. Wan has indicated though that the setting may be a little bit forward into the future. The past two movies were set in the 1970s. The third part may be set in the 1980s. He mentioned that there are a host of potential cases handled by the renowned paranormal investigators during the 80s. IB Times has it that the roles of Ed Warren and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga could be reprised but Wan explained that making this happen could be tricky. He is unsure if there will be a movie that can top the second Conjuring. But fans can expect the third installment to come from the Warren's paranormal cases such as "The Connecticut Haunting," "The Smurl Family," "Frenchy's Demons," "The Devil Made Me Do It" and "The Real Werewolf." Wan also teased that if a werewolf plot did occur, then he'd follow the "Hound of Baskervilles" theme. The production and release of "The Conjuring 3" has not yet been officially announced. Gunmen attacked a restaurant popular with expatriates in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital on Friday and took hostages, including several foreigners, Reuters reported. Eight to nine gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan restaurant in the upscale Gulshan area of Dhaka, and police were preparing to start an operation to rescue the hostages, said Benjir Ahmed, the chief of Bangladesh's special police force. CNN said 20 people were being held in the restaurant. Ahmed said the assailants had hurled bombs at police. One policeman was dead and two others wounded by gunfire that erupted as they surrounded the restaurant, police said. A resident near the scene of the attack said he could hear sporadic gunfire nearly three hours after the attack began. "It is chaos out there. The streets are blocked. There are dozens of police commandos," said Tarique Mir. Bangladesh has seen an increase in militant Islamist violence over the last year. Deadly attacks have been mounted against atheists and members of religious minorities in the mostly Muslim country of 160 million people, with attackers often using machetes. Militants killed two foreigners last year, leading several Western firms involved in the country's $25 billion garment sector to temporarily halt visits to Dhaka. Both Islamic State and al Qaeda have claimed responsibility for militant attacks in the country. But the government denies foreign militant organizations are involved and blames two local groups, Ansar-al-Islam and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen. The U.S. State Department said all Americans working at the U.S. mission there had been accounted for. A spokesman said in Washington the situation was "very fluid, very live". In the wake of Britains surprising Brexit results, its American counterpart, Texit, the proposal that Texas should make its own exit from the United States, seceding to become an independent and decidedly conservative nation on its own terms, has received renewed attention. I should disclose that before I found my way home to Winston-Salem, I lived in Texas for two years and can testify that in many ways, it is already its own nation, and one that is loudly proclaimed to be the best place on earth by residents who have never felt the need to look into other places. Texans as a whole will never be credibly accused of lacking home-state pride. An internet search reveals several organizations (some more professional in their presentation than others) that actively promote the secessionist cause, such as the Texas Nationalist Movement, which calls itself the largest independence movement in the United States, and reports over 264,000 signatures on its latest petition to secede. And in December, the Texas Republican Party came within two flirtatious votes of including a referendum on secession in its policy platform. Of course, we once fought a war to settle the question, but things change. Look at the former Soviet Union. Look at the UK. Look at Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez. Theres no divine edict that the United States will remain united through eternity nor that its best they do. A smaller self-governing nation-state isnt an inherently bad idea. Local government is often the most responsive to the needs of its constituents. A smaller area would be more manageable, with fewer levels of bureaucracy. It would allow dissidents the relatively easy solution of fleeing to more suitable surroundings. I suspect much of conservatives current consideration of seccession is inspired by the same emotional exhaustion that liberals experience, living in a sharply divided nation in which our courts and our elections pull us back and forth, back and forth. It seems impossible to reach a final resolution on any contentious issue gun control, abortion, voting rights any decision can be and often is flipped by the next election or court case. Its frustrating for both sides of the aisle. If only we could settle something. It cant be escaped, though, that part of the movement is inspired by a reluctance to coexist, an unyielding desire to live in a homogeneous world with little deviation from the norm. It may well be that the secessionists will never be happy until, as H.L. Mencken might put it, they get what they want, and get it good and hard. So, as a thought experiment, lets put aside the cost and difficulty secession would require and let our imaginations carry us: Texas becomes an independent homeland for conservatives, drawing immigrants and refugees (never mind that irony for the moment) from throughout the 49 remaining states. Its constitution is unabashedly Christian (as they see it). Marriage is an exclusive arrangement between one man and one woman (at a time); abortion, homosexuality, Islam and atheism are illegal, or at least sharply suppressed. (Some private practice might be tolerated, as long as the practitioners are properly discreet and deferential.) Theres no welfare or social safety net, no unions or regulations on industry. The free-market economy, as well as firearms, is minimally restricted and regulated. Illegal immigrants are immediately imprisoned or evicted. Taxes? What taxes? I know some thoughtful conservatives would object to my description as stereotypical and petty. But these are the topics that energize many conservatives who write to the Journal. Its the fine print of self-determination and our traditional way of life. But while liberals imagine such a state would suffer minority oppression, environmental degradation and a large populace of unhealthy, uneducated, impoverished worker-drones, conservatives will envision strong, free-thinking, free-speaking, hard-working, uncomplaining patriots who exhibit character and pride. Who knows? Maybe theyre right. Of course, theres no guarantee that this would allow the rest of the nation to follow a more progressive agenda, but it would at least eliminate the influence of the least-compromising conservatives. If they had the beautiful state of Texas, maybe everyone would sleep better, and follow their separate, unfettered agendas into more satisfying futures. Or maybe wed wave at each other wistfully from across the border. Maybe wed sneak over Trumps wall to conduct illicit trade and Romeo and Juliet romances. Maybe separating ourselves from the wise checks and balances of our counterparts would prove to be too disastrous for everyone, and wed conclude that we need each other. It might take the experience of separation to get us there. Gunmen stormed a restaurant popular with expatriates in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka on Friday night and took around 20 people hostage, including several foreigners, in an attack claimed by Islamic State, Reuters reported. Security officials said two police officers had been killed, but denied a report by Islamic State that 24 people were dead in the assault. Italian and Indian nationals are among the hostages, said a duty officer at the Rapid Action Battalion's (RAB) control room, adding that gun battles had stopped. The hostage crisis, which continued into early hours of Saturday, marks an escalation from a recent spate of murders claimed by Islamic State and al Qaeda on liberals, gays, foreigners and religious minorities, and could deal a major blow to the country's vital $25 billion garment sector. Last year, several Western retailers temporarily halted visits to Dhaka following the killing of two foreigners. Police said eight to nine gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan restaurant in the upscale Gulshan area of Dhaka. The assailants, believed to be carrying assault rifles and grenades, exchanged sporadic gun fire with police outside for several hours after the attack began around 9 p.m. local time. At least 15 people were injured, police said. RAB official Khalid Ibn-Hossain said police were trying to speak with the gunmen but had not been able to. By of the A long-delayed plan to develop an apartment building near Marquette University has been dropped, with the development site placed on the sale block. The eight-story building, with apartments for up to 450 students, was proposed in 2010 for the southeast corner of W. Wisconsin Ave. and N. 20th St. The proposal was filed by an investors group, Wisconsin Avenue Properties I LLC. A new Common Council resolution seeks to combine two vacant parcels, owned by Wisconsin Avenue Properties at 1925 and 1933 W. Wisconsin Ave., into one parcel for future development. That's being done to prepare the 29,700-square-foot site for a sale, said Jim Kleinfeldt, of Boldt Consulting Services, which represents Wisconsin Avenue Properties. He said the group decided not to proceed with the apartment development because it wasn't feasible. Milwaukee attorney Michael W. Grebe, a former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican party, has relinquished his delegate position for the national convention in Cleveland. Grebe said he doesn't want to participate in the nomination of Donald Trump as the party's nominee for president. Credit: Mike De Sisti All Politics Blog From Milwaukee, Madison and beyond, a daily dose of political news and glimpses behind the scenes SHARE By of the Among the delegates who have given up their seats at next months Republican convention because theyre opposed to the nomination of Donald Trump is one of Wisconsins former state party chairs, Michael Grebe. I declined to go to Cleveland and I gave up my delegate slot because I do not want to be part of a process which results in the nomination of Donald Trump," Grebe wrote in an email to the Journal Sentinel. Grebe is not only a former chairman of the state GOP, but he is a former counsel to the Republican National Committee. He also was the RNC member in charge of overseeing the partys 1996 national convention in San Diego. Grebe is the outgoing president of the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation, a powerful funder of conservative ideas and groups, and served as campaign chairman to Gov. Scott Walkers gubernatorial races and his unsuccessful presidential bid. The Wisconsin GOP announced Friday an updated list of its 42 delegates and 42 alternates to the convention in Cleveland. Among the changes are that two Republicans are no longer serving as delegates: Grebe and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. A Kleefisch aide said her decision to withdraw as a delegate was due to scheduling conflicts, the AP reported. Taking their place are longtime party activist Don Taylor of Waukesha County and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who has encouraged state Republicans to get behind Trump. Also, four alternates from Wisconsin gave up their slots: former Gov. Scott McCallum, former congressman Mark Green, Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke and Milwaukee County GOP chair David Karst. Steineke announced in May that he was skipping the convention because of his opposition to Trump, which has been vocal and longstanding. Greens decision to give up his status as an alternate is not related to Trumps nomination, he said in an email. SHARE By Shareholders of Johnson Controls Inc. and Tyco International will have their say on the planned merger of the two companies on Aug. 17, the companies said Friday. In an updated filing with securities regulators, Johnson Controls and Tyco set shareholders meetings to take place on the same day. The Johnson Controls meeting will take place at the The Ritz Carlton Dallas in Dallas. Tyco's meeting will take place in Dublin, Ireland. Also Friday, the companies disclosed that the combined company will have a new name Johnson Controls International plc following the merger. Previously, the company was to be known as Johnson Controls plc. The companies are combining in a way that enables Johnson Controls to be based in Cork, Ireland, where Tyco is based today. Through a corporate move known as an inversion, Johnson Controls and Tyco project they will see $150 million in annual savings on taxes.. The companies say they foresee bigger savings from combining their operations. Milwaukee has been chosen as the North American operating headquarters for the company. The companies say the merger is driven by their desire to become a global one-stop shopping source for building owners looking to integrate a variety of technologies, from the security and fire protection systems sold by Tyco to the heating and cooling equipment and building automation and controls sold by Johnson. The European Commission on Thursday proposed an additional 1.4 billion for refugees in Turkey, following a meeting in Brussels of the groups steering committee. The committee was established to provide financial support for Syrian refugees in Turkey and said it wanted to raise the total amount for the Facility for Refugees in Turkey program to 2 billion by end of next month. Subject to approval by EU member states, from a 3 billion total, 740 million has been allocated, of which 150 million has been contracted and 105 million disbursed. The committee also decided that the fund would be used in support of education, health, municipal and social infrastructure, and socio-economic assistance for refugees in Turkey. It also welcomed the progress of humanitarian assistance distribution that has been fast tracked in recent past months. The committee is made up of representatives of EU member states and Turkey. Deborah Staples joins a long line of female actors who have portrayed the title character in Shakespeares Hamlet as she takes the stage at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington, Ill., from July 5 to Aug. 13. Credit: Pete Guither SHARE Deborah Staples, seen here with James DeVita, portrayed Gertrude in American Players Theatre production of Hamlet in 2013. Now Staples is playing Gertrudes son, Hamlet, in an Illinois Shakespeare production. Carissa Dixon By of the As Deborah Staples prepares to join the illustrious line of women who have portrayed Hamlet, her driving thoughts are not about the character's gender, or even his age, but of the purpose that motivates him. "I think he cares deeply about his country and all the people in it," Staples said. Hamlet could easily kill Claudius earlier in the story, Staples argued, if he didn't have in mind the need to be able to pick up the crown and rule with the full faith of his people after the usurper is dead. Staples will play Shakespeare's famous prince during an Illinois Shakespeare Festival production that begins July 7 in Bloomington, Ill. In addition to Staples, Milwaukee actors Mark Corkins, Jonathan Gillard Daly, director Leda Hoffmann and former Milwaukee Repertory Theater intern Eva Balistrieri are part of this Illinois Shakes season, which also includes Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and Rick Elice's adaptation of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Legendary French performer Sarah Bernhardt played Hamlet; so has contemporary stage, film and TV actor Diane Venora. With her years of performance at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Staples has the classical chops to speak the 1,400-plus lines that Hamlet delivers in Shakespeare's longest play. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival appears to have become the venue where Staples explores the fluidity of gender. In 2014, she played the title character in "Elizabeth Rex," Timothy Findley's drama about Queen Elizabeth I, who believed she had to act like a man in order to govern. Needing to wear a wig for that role, Staples cut her hair short. The next day, Illinois Shakes artistic director Kevin Rich remembers, "she came into rehearsal with a pageboy haircut wearing cargo pants and I thought, wow she looks like Hamlet!" At the end of the 2014 season, they talked about possible future roles, Rich wrote in an email: "Then, almost as an afterthought, she joked, 'And my husband's always said I should play Hamlet.' I said, 'Funny you should say that,' and she just about fell out of her chair." Staples' husband, Next Act producing artistic director David Cecsarini, knows something about casting. Our cultural mind-set is to think of Hamlet as young, "almost 18 kind of young," said director Leda Hoffmann. But she notes that Hamlet has already been to university and is prepared to be king. Authorities point to the Gravedigger's speech as evidence that Hamlet is about 30. "He's certainly younger than I am," Staples said. But she believes being a woman playing this man takes a few years off her apparent age. "My choices are going to skew down in years and ... skew less feminine." She sees Hamlet as "really conscientious." As for his famous, or notorious, indecisiveness, she believes "he can't do something until he knows what has happened. And he has to be true to his father. He makes promises to his father about not bringing his mother into it." Staples also thinks a great deal about "how alone" Hamlet is. "He's somebody who is betrayed by almost everyone. Maybe Horatio is the only friend who does not betray him." To prepare for the role, before she left for rehearsals in Illinois, Staples fenced with local actor Todd Denning, an experienced fight choreographer. Bucking the trend of career actors aging into older roles, as Hamlet, Staples will play the son of Queen Gertrude, whom she has portrayed before. But she will not be the only woman in this cast who has played Hamlet. Balistrieri, who will portray Ophelia in this production, was one of four actors who each played an aspect of the melancholy Dane in a University of Wisconsin-Parkside student production. Perhaps one day Balistrieri will accomplish what Venora has already done: play Ophelia, Hamlet and Gertrude. IF YOU GO The Illinois Shakespeare Festival features "Hamlet," "Twelfth Night" and "Peter and the Starcatcher" in rotating repertory July 5 through Aug. 13 in Bloomington, Ill. For tickets and other information, visit illinoisshakes.com. SHARE By of the In Yaa Gyasi's novel "Homegoing," a black scholar can't find the words to explain to his soul mate why he is researching the painful past: "...What he wanted to capture with his project was the feeling of time, of having been a part of something that stretched so far back, was so impossibly large, that it was easy to forget that she, and everyone else, existed in it, not apart from it, but inside of it." But Gyasi has captured that feeling of time in a novel that dramatizes the consequences of slavery and the African diaspora from 18th-century Ghana through contemporary America in graceful prose that never wastes a word. She represents or dramatizes nearly every situation on this timeline that might come to a reader's mind inter-African conflict, the Middle Passage, runaway slaves and the fugitive slave laws, the Great Migration, passing for white, the Back-to-Africa movement without reading like she's checking items off a lesson plan. Her characters and their haunting stories linger in the mind: Quey, the son of a British soldier and an Asante woman, troubled by the physical desire he feels for another man; Akua, the Crazy Woman, so scarred by the memory of a man burning alive that she rarely sleeps, lest nightmares wake her screaming; H, who has no more name than that, imprisoned in Alabama for "studyin' a white woman," then leased to a coal mine as a de facto slave. The "Homegoing" viewpoint characters experience horrific trauma and dislocation, the loss of parents, spouses and children. Yet many also find love, feel passion and discover the courage to go on when the whole world seems against them. Gyasi begins in the land we now call Ghana with half sisters: Effia, married off to a British slaver; and Esi, sold into slavery by other Africans, housed for a time in the slave dungeon under the castle where Effia lives with her husband. Gyasi then alternates between Effia's descendants, who remain in Ghana, and Esi's, who grow up in the United States after she is brought here on a slave ship. The evil of white slave-trading nations is obvious, and frequently referenced, but Gyasi also calls out the tribalism that led Africans to capture and sell other Africans to white men. "Everyone is a part of this. Asante, Fante. Ga. British, Dutch, and American" says an Asante woman to the Fante man who will become her husband. "After I lost my brothers, I decided that as for me, Akosua, I will be my own nation." Gyasi writes with empathy for her characters and judicious restraint in her style. Even so, many lines demand to be savored. A woman walking through crowded streets thinks that "Harlem felt like a big black band with so many heavy instruments, the city stage was collapsing." Akua, the haunted woman, puzzles over things a white Christian missionary has taught her. "If God were so big, so powerful, why did he need the white man to bring him to them?" she wonders, talking it over with an African fetish doctor. The fetish man responds: "Maybe the Christian god was a question, a great and swirling circle of whys." Yaw, an African teacher and would-be revolutionary, tells his students that people with power get to write the story. "So, when you study history, you must always ask yourself, whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth?" A generation later, a different teacher urges Yaw's bookworm daughter to find books that "she could feel inside of her." For many readers, "Homegoing" will be one of those books. Summer Reading suggestions: bit.ly/1RIPyUG. SHARE By of the The owner of a Milwaukee-based construction business has been indicted on allegations that he defrauded the state and building contractors out of $1 million and lied about his credentials. Thomas L. Burse, 62, owner of Buveck Consultants, was indicted Tuesday on 15 counts of committing mail fraud. The firm was awarded $10 million in state contracts between 2007 and 2011, when it abruptly closed its doors and filed bankruptcy after a scathing audit by the Department of Transportation. According to the indictment, Burse did business with the state Department of Transportation under a federal program for disadvantaged companies, although he was not qualified under the law to do so. Burse said he had engineering and business degrees from Illinois State University and Bradley University to get the contracts. But records showed Burse only attended those schools for one year and did not graduate, the indictment said. When the department questioned his qualifications, Burse forged cover letters, diplomas and transcripts, it said. While doing business with the state, Burse submitted false invoices, the indictment says. In an October 2011 letter, the DOT said its audit showed that Buveck billed for more hours than employees actually worked and at rates higher than employees were actually paid. Buveck employed about 30 people and had $3.3 million in revenue in 2010, according to documents filed when Burse pleaded guilty to his fifth drunken-driving offense. A judgment against Burse for $620,000 was awarded to the state last year, according to online state court records. Burse had been a member of the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment and a president of the Wisconsin chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors and has led seminars for small minority-owned businesses, according to court records. The case was investigated by the DOT. If convicted, Burse faces up to 10 years in prison, but he is unlikely to get that kind of time in prison under the federal sentencing guidelines. No court date has been set. His attorney did not return calls for comment. A Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy plays kickball with community members in Sherman Park Friday night. Credit: Jessie Bekker SHARE By of the After two nights of unrest in and around Sherman Park, law enforcement officials are again stepping up their presence there heading into the Fourth of July weekend. Violence in the area has also led to a surge in residents and local leaders promoting positive activity there, and several groups gathered at the park for a Friday evening picnic. The largest incident occurred on Wednesday night, when a group of several dozen young people threw rocks and bottles, damaging windows of a gas station and a county transit bus near the park. Then, on Thursday evening, elected officials, community leaders and parents gathered in the park with about 80 teens. "We were trying to figure out what happened the night before and really trying to reach them," said Ald. Chantia Lewis, one of the officials at the park on Thursday. That night, six young men were arrested in and around Sherman Park for a variety of offenses, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, trespassing, violation of probation and other warrants, police said. Those arrested ranged in age from 15 to 20. Lewis said she was frustrated by the actions of law enforcement on Thursday, which she said had a large and intimidating presence in the park. She also criticized a Milwaukee officer who she said "snatched" a teen from his bicycle after a verbal confrontation with a sheriff's deputy over music. A Milwaukee police spokesman said officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the teen, who police say threatened the deputy and resisted arrest. On Friday night at Sherman Park, at least 50 community members and leaders gathered to play kickball, dance and dine on pizza and Popsicles an effort to make a statement against violence on the city's north side. They were joined by at least 10 Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department deputies, who participated in the festivities. To some, police presence was welcome. Others, like Brittany Thomas, felt put off and threatened. "We have a common understanding that police are not our friends," Thomas said, adding that she thinks events sometimes escalate into violence when police become involved. Parents attended to show their children and other community youth a fun way to stay out of trouble. Among those attending was Izeal Atkins, who won't let his 4- and 12-year-old sons play out of his sight the way he once did as a child because of increased violence in the city. "I think it will be better," he said. "It just takes more of this. The solution is for people to start caring." Clarke, city officials clash As officials work to respond to the recent violence and investigate whether they were planned events Milwaukee leaders are clashing over who's responsible and what should be done to prevent future disturbances. Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. pointed fingers at Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Friday during a 75-minute news conference and again called on the city and county to hire more officers and deputies. Clarke said he "took offense" at the mayor's comments Thursday calling for more of a sheriff's presence in the park, and accused Barrett and others of going off "half-cocked." "Tom Barrett does not want to get into a back and forth with me about what works to control crime," Clarke said. "I have forgotten more about law enforcement than he has ever known." Pointing to a map showing crime data, the sheriff insisted that it's the surrounding areas, not the park, that are the problem. "There's no crime in the park. As a matter of fact, Sherman Park itself, the county park, is the safest place in that one-mile radius," Clarke said. "I'm getting tired of hearing from the mayor or the chief about how we're not helping or we're not doing anything about crime in these areas." Patrick Curley, Barrett's chief of staff, released a brief statement in response, saying, "We're surprised he's so upset by a request to have County Sheriff deputies patrol the county parks." And Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn praised deputies but criticized Clarke's comments. "I appreciate the efforts of the Sheriff deputies as they join my officers in keeping Sherman and other Milwaukee County Parks a safe place for families, but our jobs are not made easier by Sheriff Clarke's bombast," Flynn said in a statement. On Friday, Clarke again urged the city to hire 400 new police officers and the county to hire an additional 200 sheriff's deputies, repeating comments he made last week at a Public Safety Committee meeting at City Hall. The sheriff said that four or five years ago he formed a "targeted enforcement unit" consisting of 26 deputies to work certain seasonal assignments, which included creating teams of deputies to patrol the parks and surrounding areas. He added that Abele's budget cuts made it impossible to adequately patrol the parks. "I've got to pick my poison," Clarke said. A spokeswoman for Abele did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jessie Bekker of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report. SHARE By , Fond du Lac The day after the trial of the man accused in the 1990 death of Berit Beck ended in a hung jury, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney says he is ready to retry the case. "Our trial team and investigators are willing to go ahead," Toney said Thursday. "We need to review the court record and as of right now are preparing, although no official decision has been made." Dennis Brantner, a 62-year-old Kenosha truck driver, stood trial over the past three weeks in connection with the death of Beck, a Sturtevant teenager. Fond du Lac Judge Gary Sharpe declared a mistrial on Wednesday after the jury indicated twice during 13 hours of deliberations that it could not agree on a verdict. The state needs judicial approval to move forward with a retrial, Toney said, but defense attorney Craig Powell believes all it requires is for prosecutors to tell the court at a status hearing of their intentions. The case has not been dismissed by Sharpe and remains open. The state needs judicial approval to move forward with a retrial, Toney said, but defense attorney Craig Powell believes all it requires is for prosecutors to tell the court at a status hearing of their intentions. The case has not been dismissed by Sharpe and remains open. "I don't have a reaction (about a retrial) yet because I haven't talked to Mr. Toney or to my client," Powell said Thursday. The 25-year-old case trial brought forth years of investigation, first by Fond du Lac police, who located Beck's missing van on July 19, 1990 near the Forest Mall, and then Fond du Lac County sheriff's detectives after a farmer discovered Beck's discarded remains in a ditch near Waupun on Aug. 22. Brantner was arrested in March 2015 after previously unidentified fingerprints were matched to Brantner prints by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab. By of the Public schools in Wisconsin are expected to receive an additional $120 million in state aid in the coming school year, a portion of which will go to pay for students who attend private voucher and independent charter schools, the state Department of Public Instruction said Friday. According to aid estimates published by DPI, 260, or 61%, of the state's 424 districts will see an increase in state aid totaling more than $145 million. Another 162 districts would share in cuts totaling more than $25 million, which they may recoup from their local taxpayers. This marks the first time that students attending taxpayer-funded voucher schools are included in the estimates provided to districts. DPI did not estimate the financial impact on those districts, saying final voucher school enrollments won't be available until October, and officials did not want to alarm districts unnecessarily. "We don't want people making budgetary decisions based on information that might not be accurate," DPI spokesman Tom McCarthy said. The state's general aid to school districts is expected to total $4.6 billion for the 2016-'17 school year, up $120 million from last year because of changes in how the state is funding independent charter schools and the Milwaukee Parental Choice voucher program, the agency said. Funding for schools represents the state's largest expenditure. But critics argue that lawmakers are increasingly shifting their responsibility for school financing and the expansion of voucher programs onto local taxpayers, forcing many districts to turn to referendums to maintain programs, buildings and adequate staffing. General aid is based in part on a district's prior-year enrollment calculated as full-time-equivalent students and property values within its borders. How much of that goes to voucher and independent charter schools will be based on the coming year's enrollments determined the third Friday in September. Districts will then be allowed to recoup that amount from local taxpayers. According to the estimates released Friday: The number of full-time equivalent students in Wisconsin fell by 29 to 854,390 in the 2015-'16 school year. The decline was smaller than in past years because the number now includes students enrolled in the Racine and Wisconsin voucher program. Payments to those voucher programs from $7,323 to $7,969 per student will be deducted from a student's home district for the 2016-'17 school year, and the district will be able to increase their local tax levies to recoup that. In addition, all districts will have 1.4% of their aid deducted, or about $64 million in all, to pay for the 7,800 full-time-equivalent students in 22 independent charter schools. Milwaukee Public Schools will see its general aid deducted by $52.8 million to pay for its share of the Milwaukee Parental Choice voucher program funds it can then recoup from local taxpayers. MPS this year will pick up 25.6% of that $206 million program. That percentage is expected to decrease annually, until the state picks up the entire cost of that voucher program in 2024-25. About 27,500 full-time-equivalent students are expected to enroll in Milwaukee voucher schools in the coming year. Changes in property valuations also affect district's general aid. Per-pupil property values range from almost $9 million in North Lakeland to $183,400 in Beloit. The lower the property value, the higher the general aid. Twenty districts receive no equalization aid because their property wealth exceeds $1.9 million per pupil. State statute requires the DPI to compute an estimate of the general school aid for each district by July 1, and school districts use the numbers to estimate their annual budgets. Final numbers are certified in October. General aid does not include so-called categorical aid, for such things as special education and transportation, which is expected to total about $843 million. A new report says increasing costs will prompt Milwaukee County communities to eye saving tax dollars by consolidating 911 dispatch services. Here, dispatchers Dan Dockerty and Kiana Perry handle calls in the Office of Emergency Management 911 Center in the Safety Building in Milwaukee. Credit: Michael Sears SHARE By of the Milwaukee County communities in the next few years will be thinking hard about consolidating 911 call taking and dispatch services as one way to save tax dollars, says a new report commissioned by the county Office of Emergency Management. Increasing costs of replacing emergency communications equipment, buying technology upgrades and keeping experienced employees are the daunting budget realities that each municipality with its own service must reckon with, the report says. In five years or so, the 13 dispatch centers now operating in the county several communities already have consolidated those services could be reduced to as few as three centers packed with monitors and be every bit as efficient as those portrayed in CSI spinoffs on television, Emergency Management Director Christine Westrich said. The financial impact of consolidation decisions is emphasized in the report by an analysis of one municipality, Wauwatosa, that volunteered to be subjected to close scrutiny of its call center's costs. By contracting with the county's emergency government communications center for 911 call taking and dispatching services, Wauwatosa could save $150,000 or more a year, according to the report, "Get Connected," released Friday by the Public Policy Forum. "The notion of consolidating dispatch services is not new to Milwaukee County municipalities," Public Policy Forum President Rob Henken said. Seven north shore communities consolidated their public safety call centers at Bayside in 2011. "The south shore communities of Cudahy, St. Francis and South Milwaukee commissioned a study of a possible consolidated dispatch center in 2012," Henken said. The policy forum completed that study. "While that consolidation did not take place, St. Francis recently eliminated its dispatch center and now purchases services from Oak Creek," he said. Westrich pushed for the new report after the county consolidated its own dispatching functions in January 2015. Emergency management, 911 communications, emergency medical services and radio services are now clustered inside the communications center in the Safety Building. Emergency management subsequently started planning for a new county command center large enough to accommodate services from some municipalities and other county departments. The medical examiner's office, facing record numbers of autopsies and cramped work spaces in a deteriorated building, is a possible partner. The Milwaukee office of the State Crime Laboratory also is looking for a new location. Even in the absence of additional communities seeking consolidation of 911 call services, county government and the 19 municipalities could take steps to improve public safety and emergency medical services simply by sharing more information and coordinating activities, says the report. Starting with the county, the report recommends upgrading the Mitchell International Airport fire station's alert system so that it is fully integrated with the air traffic control center as well as the emergency management communication center in the downtown Safety Building. Estimated cost of the upgrades: $235,000 to $320,000. The Milwaukee County Transit System lacks a backup communications center, so the report recommends creating the backup at the Safety Building at a cost of $150,000 to $210,000. This step would enable emergency management officials to use the backup system "during a mass casualty incident" or other emergency to dispatch buses to transport victims or public safety workers, according to the report. In the same way, a municipality could automatically pull in fire trucks and crews from neighboring communities under mutual aid pacts if all communities embraced computer-aided dispatch technology, the report says. Currently, a municipality must make a call to another community to request the aid of a fire truck or ambulance. Response times would be reduced with the new technology. As important, emergency management and municipal public safety officials would be able to view how resources vehicles and personnel are being used countywide. Total cost of implementing this technology countywide is estimated at $990,000, the report says. "Get Connected" is a summary of a longer technical report done by Winbourne Consulting LLC, a public safety communications consultant hired by the Public Policy Forum. Both reports will be available after 8 a.m. Friday on the policy forum's website: www.publicpolicyforum.org. The Public Policy Forum was established in 1913 in Milwaukee as a nonpartisan, local government watchdog. Crimes committed in Wisconsin have landed six men plus Shanika Minor on the FBIs 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list. It's surprising enough that 65 years went by before someone from Milwaukee made the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list. Then I stopped at two post offices to see Shanika S. Minor's mug on the wall. Guess what? They don't display the list of shame there anymore. Been at least five years since they did, a postal clerk at 55th and Center streets told me. Like most things in life now, the list relies more on internet exposure. That and news coverage. You notice another sign of the times when you look at the photos of 24-year-old Minor released by the FBI. They are nearly all selfies. Minor could never imagine, as she held her phone at arm's length, that this would be a photo used by the feds to alert the nation and track her down. Police mug shots were harder to come by because Minor, who sometimes goes by Ida Jackson, is said to have no criminal record. She went from zero to top 10 public enemy with the pull of a trigger. Minor is charged with fatally shooting a pregnant woman, Tamecca A. Perry, and her unborn child in a dispute over loud music in March on Milwaukee's north side. Police believe Minor has contacts in a half dozen other states. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to her capture. This week, she became the 509th person to make the wanted list since it was started by the FBI in 1950. She'll need to be looking over her shoulder because 426 were caught, sometimes within hours, sometimes after more than a decade. She is only the 10th woman ever on the list. One of those wanted females grew up in Whitefish Bay. Bernardine Dohrn, a leader of the radical Weather Underground, made the list in 1970 and was removed in 1973 when bomb conspiracy charges against her were dropped. She later became a law professor in Chicago. The FBI does not count her as having a Wisconsin connection. Crimes committed in Wisconsin have landed six men plus Minor on the most wanted list. Four were added the same day, Sept. 4, 1970, for the bombing of the Army research center at Sterling Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus that killed a researcher, Robert Fassnacht. Karleton Armstrong, his brother Dwight Armstrong and David S. Fine all eventually were apprehended and served prison time. The fourth, Leo F. Burt, was dropped from the list in 1976. He was never caught and remains a fugitive wanted by the FBI. Daniel Jay Barney, originally from Idaho, was added to the list March 10, 1981, a year after escaping from the Jefferson County Jail in Wisconsin where he was awaiting sentencing for sexual assault and burglary. Barney killed himself during a standoff with police in Denver in April 1981. Serial killer Alton Coleman made the list July 11, 1984, and was apprehended in Illinois nine days later. His six-state murder spree that summer began when he strangled Vernita Wheat, 9, of Kenosha. He was executed by the state of Ohio in 2002. Others on the list were sought elsewhere but arrested in Wisconsin. They include: Clarence Dye, who was wanted for a 1946 robbery in Ohio, was arrested in 1955 in downtown Milwaukee, where he had lived for a while. Morris Guralnick was arrested at a Madison clothing store in 1950. He was on the lam after being accused in New York of stabbing his ex-girlfriend and biting off the finger of a police officer who responded to the scene. Raymond L. Wyngaard, an Appleton native, was arrested in a taxi in Madison in 1964 for a crime spree and escape in Michigan. John Conway Patterson was arrested in 1968 in Milwaukee where he was living with his wife and children. He was wanted for a liquor store robbery in Illinois in 1966 and the shooting death of a police officer who responded. And then there's Richard Peter Wagner, a 42-year-old guy who briefly made the list in 1960. A native of Ashland County, Wis., he boasted of committing dozens of burglaries in 15 states. He was arrested in Minnesota where he had escaped from prison. A newspaper article from that time sums up Wagner this way: "A part-time trombone player with a fondness for card games and women." Call Jim Stingl at (414) 224-2017 or email at jstingl@jrn.com. Connect with my public page at Facebook.com/Journalist.Jim.Stingl Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a town hall-style campaign event at the former Osram Sylvania light bulb factory in Manchester, N.H., on Thursday. Credit: Associated Press Amid the incessant din of election-year punditry and prognostication, one fact reigns supreme: Republicans vote for Republicans and Democrats vote for Democrats. It is an inescapable truth that informs 90% of races; the more members of one party that reside in any given state or district, the better chance a politician of that party will win. It is why America is freckled with "red" and "blue" states and "safe" congressional seats. It is also why American presidential races are typically close, regardless of who the candidates may be. But 2016 is no typical year. Republicans have nominated a candidate who is only recently and tangentially Republican, and whose staunchest supporters are left to argue he is fit for the presidency only because his Democratic opponent is more unfit. It has long been clear that Donald Trump's party fluidity almost certainly will spell doom for Republicans in November. Trump hurdled the GOP primary field because he said things politicians could never say and now Republicans are going to learn the hard way why politicians never say those things. Trump is now the Bruce Willis character in "The Sixth Sense": his candidacy is dead, he just doesn't realize it yet. (Sorry for the spoiler, but c'mon it's been 17 years.) The myriad ways Trump's candidacy will fail provide a Rashomon-style buffet of scenarios to contemplate. Even if "Generic Republican" were on the ballot, he or she would be at a distinct electoral disadvantage Trump's repulsiveness simply accelerates that disadvantage. (If anyone has a black and white "Generic Republican" yard sign, decorated with a UPC bar code, I will happily purchase one.) As Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post frequently points out, given the GOP's built-in underdog status, Hillary Clinton only needs to win every state Democrats have won in every presidential election since 1992, then add Florida, and she is the winner. Perhaps you enjoy talk of battleground states. Well, there's a scenario for you, too. First, pick the six "closest" swing states (VA, NH, IA, OH, FL, NC). Got it? Now understand that New Hampshire excepted, Clinton only has to win one of them in order to reach the requisite 270 electoral votes to win. (Optional third step for Republicans only: start shotgunning Pabst Blue Ribbon and don't stop until November.) Lest any Trump supporters seek solace in poll numbers, recent polls have Trump sliding further behind in all the relevant swing states. According to a Ballotpedia battleground poll released last week, Trump trails by 14% in Florida, 4% in Iowa, 10% in North Carolina, 9% in Ohio, and 7% in Virginia. And what will Trump do to turn these numbers around? Maybe his vice presidential pick will make a big splash? Not so fast. Trump is reportedly considering names such as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as his running mate meaning the sole qualification Trump seeks in a VP is how much of Trump's boot polish the pick has on his sleeves. Both Gingrich and Christie are among the least popular politicians in America picking either of them to resurrect a campaign is like going to a doctor for pinkeye and the doctor suggesting you contract jock itch to take your mind off your conjunctivitis. This is why some Republicans could make a move to oust Trump at the party's national convention in Cleveland this month, in a desperate attempt to salvage the party's chance at winning in November. But at this point, Trump isn't really a candidate. He is an idea, an ethos. Trump is a primal scream against politicians who didn't listen to voters who now want payback. Thus, even if the GOP were able to boot Trump from the top of the ticket, "Trumpism" would remain, poisoning the party and dividing its voters. As Thomas Dewey once said of banning communism, "you can't shoot an idea with a gun." And in 2016, Republicans found a way to commit suicide using only the ballot box. Christian Schneider is a Journal Sentinel columnist and blogger. Email cschneider@jrn.com. Twitter: @Schneider_CM SHARE Mental issues aren't illnesses There are a host of problems with the article "Integrating physical, mental care" (June 20). It presents a biased (pro) perspective of the integration of physical and mental health care. The idea that "treating depression, anxiety or other behavioral conditions shouldn't be any different than treating..." may be expedient for invested proponents of the medical model as applied to the mind, but the view is incompatible with reality. Similarly, to claim that depression and anxiety constitute "illness like any other illness in the sense that something goes wrong somewhere in the body" is a false claim to medical authority. Physical diseases are those that can be demonstrated empirically. There is no test or procedure known to medical science that can be used to establish "mental illness." Decades of scientic research have yielded no physiological pathology. The claim is a non sequitur. Such spurious "knowledge," when assimilated by a person, is no neutral addition to his furniture of confusions. It has an awesome capacity to bias the deepest attitudes of man toward man, to polarize sensibility. The problem with construing the psyche as physical or mechanical is the loss of human agency, moral agency in particular, and, with that, identity, choice and responsibility. Human beings are moral agents who, as such, have the capacity to think, make meaningful choices and act in accordance with their values. If a person is depressed, there is a reason to be depressed. To medicalize human thought, feeling and action is to objectify and dehumanize humanity. All unwanted behavior is not sick; to say all unwanted behavior represents illness is to pathologize human existence, and, more important, to confer authority on the medical establishment to "treat" and control people. Not surprisingly, given a misunderstanding of human suffering, the efcacy of medical treatments are not borne out by the evidence, and, contrarily, in some cases, cause irreparable harm. Dawn Nelson Clinical Psychologist Milwaukee Reminded of witch trials After reading about Morgan Geyser's treatment by the criminal justice system in Waukesha County, I am appalled and reminded of Salem, Mass., in the 1690s. Why don't we just call her a witch, clap her in irons in a damp dungeon on bread and water, and throw away the key? Have we made no progress in 300 years? June Fischer Muskego Impeachment looming? Perhaps the most important consideration at both party conventions will be the selection of the No. 2 person on both tickets. This should prove important because this country is looking at two of the most impeachable candidates in history. Those No. 2's are next in line and all I see coming down the road is the next impeachment process no matter which one prevails. Good luck, America we'll need it. Barney Loomis Wauwatosa Trump and Reagan The aggressive tone on foreign policy. The targeting of racial groups. The appeals to past American greatness. The dramatic hair. What is Donald Trump, but Ronald Reagan remade, cast in the image of a crazier time? Howard Hoffman Milwaukee Please email your letters to jsedit@jrn.com, or mail them to Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201-0371. Letters are generally limited to 200 words and are subject to editing. As Turkey and Israel move to restore their relationship after six years of strained ties, both sides are looking forward to the opportunity to transfer Israels natural gas to Turkey, a move which could happen as early as 2019, according to Israeli Energy and Natural Resources Minister Yuval Steinitz, Hurriyet Daily News reported. I think that it is quite likely that Israel will export natural gas to Turkey. And maybe also in the future we will export natural gas to Europe through the Turkish gas transmission system that is now under construction. I think it is good for Turkey. It is good for Israel, Steinitz told daily Hurriyet over the phone on June 29. Turkey and Israel reached an agreement earlier this week that will allow the two countries to restore full diplomatic relations, which broke off in 2010 after Israeli forces raided a convoy of aid ships attempting to break the blockade of Gaza, killing nine Turkish activists. Energy will be an important area of cooperation between the two countries, with Turkey being the most feasible route for Israels future natural gas exports. The deal, if there will be such a deal, it will be a deal between companies from both sides, Steinitz said, adding, Israeli or American companies like Nobel and Turkish companies. The two countries however will have to agree to give some kind of consent to such a deal, and agree to the construction of a gas pipeline from Israeli economic water to Turkey, he noted. Israel can currently export 350 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas, the minister said, adding there was potential for more production. According to the estimates, in a few years time probably we will be able to export up to 2,500 bcm. This is a lot of gas, Steinitz said. And if this will take place, it is just an estimate [but] this is also the estimate of [the] U.S. Department of Energy that we will discover in the next few years much more gas than what was discovered so far. If this happens Israel will have to export a lot of gas to Western Europe. Then Israel can export gas through Turkey through the TANAP pipeline, a very large pipeline that is going be built, from [the] Caspian Sea to Turkey through Europe, he said. Israel has three options to export gas to Europe, according to Steinitz, who outlined each of them. [The] first one is the LNG [liquefied natural gas] facilities in [the] Egyptian delta. In Egypt there are two LNG facilities. One of the ideas there was already some kind of MoU [memorandum of understanding] between the companies in Egypt that gas from Israel will move to [the] Egyptian delta, and in those LNG facilities will be liquefied and shipped with ships from Egypt to Europe. This is one possibility, but it is quite expensive. Another possibility is to build a pipeline from the Israeli economic water through Cyprus to Greece, a very long underwater pipeline. This is possible but it is a very big project and it might take much longer. It might take five to eight years to build such a very long undersea pipeline. Technically it is possible but it is quite expensive and quite long. The third possibility to export gas to Europe is through Turkey. And there are two possibilities here. One possibility is that Israel will export gas to Turkey. Currently it is a lot of gas, but in the future it might be much more, almost actually unlimited de facto if we find the additional gas fields. And this is very likely. This is highly probable. And the other possibility, if the two countries will agree, is that gas from Israel and [the] Eastern Mediterranean basin in general will be transported through Turkey to Europe. And then Istanbul can become an international energy hub, he said. The minister noted the cost estimates for a pipeline to Turkey was about $2 billion or a little bit less, adding it would be financed by the private sector with the consent of both Turkey and Israel. It will be [financed] by [the] business private sector on both sides. If everything will go well, I think in 2019 Israeli gas from [the] Leviathan [gas field off the coast of Israel] can be exported to Turkey. It might be as early as 2019. But of course you know once Leviathan will begin to produce natural gas, it is possible by this timeline to build a pipeline not just from Leviathan to Israel, but also from Leviathan to Turkey. In the best case scenario we are speaking about approximately three years. Of course it might take longer, it depends. But actually technically, if everything goes well, in three years from now Israeli natural gas can already be exported to Turkey, Steinitz said. Presumptive Republican nominee for president Donald Trump visits Trump International Golf Links on June 25 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell I hadn't seen her since 1961. I was ordering lunch in a West Allis restaurant after getting my oil changed down the street when she came up to my table. At first, I didn't recognize this tallish woman with the graying hair 55 years is a lot of water over the dam but I remembered her as soon as she said her name. My classmate had been one of the pretty, popular girls in eighth grade, and some of that early charm was still evident. She invited me to her table to meet her husband, who sat bemused as we traded memories over egg rolls and noodles. There were the obligatory nun stories ours was a Catholic school and sketchy updates on the few classmates we'd followed over the years: who had married well, who drank too much and, inevitably, who had died. Then came the question. She knew from my newspaper columns and occasional interviews that I was no longer the Goldwater Republican I'd been in my teens. With a look of genuine puzzlement on her face, she asked, "Whatever happened?" Rather than recount a half-century's odyssey, I tried to understand why the question was important to her. It turned out that she was not only a conservative Catholic who still believed in the rules-heavy church of our youth; my friend also was an avid and active supporter of Donald Trump. Now it was my turn to ask "Why?" Trump strikes me as antithetical to some bedrock American values, among them mutual respect and a tolerance for diversity, but my classmate declared herself a true believer. He wanted, she explained, exactly what she wanted: a wall across the Mexican border, safeguards against terrorists and the return of American jobs from overseas. No surprises there, but what struck me was her obvious sense of frustration. "I work on so many campaigns," said this fully engaged Waukesha Republican. "Then they get elected and nothing happens." To say that nothing has happened under Wisconsin's current Republican leaders would appear to be an epic misstatement. They have rewritten rules and thrown out policies decades in the making. But those are minor details from my classmate's point of view. She wants change of a different order of magnitude, and Trump, in her opinion, is the man to deliver it. I speculated, days later, that my friend's frustration springs from a potent combination of nostalgia and fear. Like millions of Americans, she's disturbed by the general drift of her country: increasingly secular, obviously vulnerable and filling up with people who don't look like "us." How far will it go before we're no longer the nation our ancestors founded in hope and baptized in blood? Trump responds to that angst with a simple formula: "Make America Great Again." The key word, of course, is "Again." Trump implies that America has suffered a fall from grace, and he promises to return us to a time when we were the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a country that could throw its weight around with impunity. The United States, declares the billionaire, needs to recover its lost swagger, and if any presidential candidate has embodied swagger, it's Donald J. Trump, America's Putin. Voters are responding not to his platform, rickety as it is, but to his presence. When you frame Trump's appeal in terms of wounded pride and jingoistic hopes, his candidacy begins, on some level, to make sense. Then there's the other side. Not long before that chance encounter in West Allis, I'd had a kitchen-table conversation with my two grown children who live in Madison. Both were "feeling the Bern." They were among the thousands who had attended a Sanders rally in the capital, and they'd come away impressed with his passion, his sincerity and his ideas. How could I, they asked, who had such obvious admiration for the achievements of Milwaukee socialists, fail to support the national standard-bearer of the same cause? Simple, I replied. Free college for everyone, guaranteed jobs for the masses and universal health care coverage are all attractive concepts, but they are simply not going to happen in the current political climate, and paying for them could bring the American economy to a standstill. Bernie Sanders is a refreshing voice for the commonwealth, but he's ultimately as unelectable as Trump, and he'd be an equally ineffective president. Hillary Clinton currently resides in some indeterminate, left-leaning middle, with Trump and Sanders flanking her at some remove. Both men would have been outlier candidates even a decade ago, continuing a tradition that has included George Wallace on the right and Norman Thomas on the left. Most outliers, however, have carried third-party banners. What's unprecedented about the current race is that Trump and Sanders have risen from within the walls of the mainline parties. The Vermont socialist may ultimately be a footnote, but he's been a genuine phenomenon, and the billionaire populist, to everyone's amazement but his own, is the presumptive Republican nominee. Trump and Sanders are as far apart as two candidates could be, but they have something important in common: both owe their popularity to a deep disaffection in the American electorate. Whether they line up on the right or the left, people simply aren't happy with where they are. Trump's supporters look backward with a nostalgia that grades into anger, while the Sanders camp looks forward to a welfare state that borders on fantasy. One side wants to live in the 50s, and the other wants to live in Sweden. Would it be too much to assert that neither scenario is likely to materialize? Both campaigns strike me as exercises in wish fulfillment, but that doesn't diminish their emotional appeal. It feels so good to be right. Both sides consider the correctness of their ideas to be self-evident, and both insist on having it their way, the opposition be damned. These are not positions amenable to reasoned discourse, much less close analysis. They rise from a fervent desire an overpowering desire, in fact for the world to take a particular shape, and not the one it currently has. So what happens when two huge segments of the voting public find themselves with irreconcilable differences? The usual solution between individuals is a divorce, but we can hardly divorce every American who doesn't share our views. War is the time-honored outcome between large groups, but we've already fought one Civil War and presumably lack the appetite for another, particularly since today's adversaries are not divided by geography. The near-term solution seems to be gridlock. How do we get moving again? Perhaps we begin by turning off both Fox News and MSNBC for a while and doing more thinking for ourselves. Perhaps we tune out, for the time being, the zealots of talk radio, those paid assassins of civil discourse. Perhaps we try to understand, difficult as it may be, why Americans on the other side of the spectrum from us saluting the same flag this weekend with the same fervor think as they do. Disagreement is inevitable, but divisiveness is not; the difference lies in a willingness to compromise. And maybe it starts on the personal level. After running into my grade-school friend in West Allis, I was troubled to realize that she was the first Trump supporter I had ever talked to at any length, and I doubt that she sits down for lunch with many liberals. We live in such tight, windowless silos, but our isolation need not be permanent. After a conversation both of us found challenging, my classmate and I parted with a hug. Some ties most, in fact always will be stronger than politics. John Gurda, a Milwaukee historian, writes for the Crossroads section on the first Sunday of each month (www.johngurda.com). SHARE By Last year on July 2, the state Legislature launched a sneak attack on Wisconsin's open records law, effectively seeking to exempt legislators from its reach. That effort died following a huge public backlash. But some lawmakers, it's clear, remain actively hostile to the state's tradition of open government. One ongoing effort to duck accountability concerns records of communications to legislators. In 2014, a state appeals court ruled that state Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Madison) must release not just the messages but the names and addresses of people who had contacted him on a given issue, which he had tried to shield. "Public awareness of 'who' is attempting to influence public policy is essential for effective oversight of our government," wrote Judge Mark Gundrum, a former Republican state lawmaker, for the court. Citizens have a right to know who contacts elected officials "in favor of or opposed to proposed legislation." As a reporter, I have obtained correspondence to lawmakers showing overwhelming public support for failed proposals to toughen drunken driving laws and embrace nonpartisan redistricting. Sheila Plotkin, a resident of McFarland, has documented that lawmakers disregarded the vast majority of input they received on altering campaign finance rules and dismantling the state Government Accountability Board, among other issues. See her website: we-the-irrelevant.org. Recently, Plotkin has been looking into citizen correspondence to legislators regarding proposed water legislation. The office of Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) provided her with multiple records of its own creation that listed the names and addresses of people who wrote in on this issue, with the nebulous notation, "Wants high capacity wells / CAFO's / ground water reform." As she recounts in a web post, Plotkin called the office and spoke to Krug aide Dan Posca, who said this vague designation could mean either that the person was for the identified bill, or against it. It was impossible to tell. I repeatedly tried to talk to Posca about Plotkin's post, without success. Krug told me the vague wording was used because "there were hundreds of variations of things people wanted done." He claimed all of the emails he received were provided to Plotkin, besides the summary records created by his staff. Not so, says Plotkin, who found multiple instances where the office's vague record lacked a corresponding email. For instance, she couldn't find her own email to GOP lawmakers, sent Feb. 3, urging them at length and in detail to "Vote NO on these bills." The office provided only its internal record, dated Feb. 5, logging a contact from a Sheila Plotkin who "wants ...reform." What had been perfectly clear was rendered purposefully oblique, to make it harder for the public to see that its input was ignored. For shame. In fact, Krug and other lawmakers can freely destroy the correspondence they receive, replacing it with their own records or nothing at all because legislators are exempt from retention rules in place for everyone else in state and local government. According to The Associated Press, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) deletes his calendar on a daily basis, evidently to keep the people who pay his salary from learning how he spends his time. That needs to change. Citizens and media should demand an end to this loophole, raising this issue with legislative candidates. State lawmakers do not deserve the ability to destroy public records to protect themselves. Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (www.wisfoic.org), a group dedicated to open government. Bill Lueders is the group's president. SHARE By of the Washington County wire transferred $87,760 to criminal bank accounts as a result of an email phishing scam, county officials disclosed Friday. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is investigating the scam, the department said. "We wanted to bring this information to the taxpayers' attention as soon as possible and exhibit complete transparency regarding this breach," Washington County Administrator Joshua Schoemann said in a statement Friday. "As soon as we are able, we will provide full details of the investigation and of our efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable." Captain Martin Schulteis of the Washington County Sheriff's Office said the department is trying to find a way to get the money back. In February, in a different type of scam, Ozaukee County officials discovered that hackers were logging into county employees' accounts and stealing sensitive personal information. In 2014, the FBI reported roughly $800.4 million lost in cybercrime scams. Milwaukee attorney Michael Grebe, a former chairman of the Wisconsin Republican party, has relinquished his delegate position for the national convention in Cleveland. Grebe said he doesn't want to participate in the nomination of Donald Trump as the party's nominee for president. Credit: Mike De Sisti By of the One of the most prominent figures in conservative and Republican circles, Michael Grebe, has given up his seat at next month's GOP convention, saying he wants no part of nominating Donald Trump. Grebe is the outgoing president of the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation, a powerful funder of conservative ideas and groups. He served as campaign chairman to Gov. Scott Walker's gubernatorial races and his unsuccessful presidential bid, and is a former chairman of the state GOP. In addition, he is a former counsel to the Republican National Committee and was the RNC member in charge of overseeing the party's 1996 national convention in San Diego. "I declined to go to Cleveland and I gave up my delegate slot because I do not want to be part of a process which results in the nomination of Donald Trump," Grebe wrote in an email to the Journal Sentinel. He did not elaborate. Grebe is not the only Wisconsin Republican who is skipping the convention because of Trump. So are two alternates in the Wisconsin delegation. Former Gov. Scott McCallum said in an interview Friday: "They need people that are going to be very enthusiastic for Donald Trump as props at the convention. You're supposed to stand and cheer and yell for him. At this point I do not have the capability of doing that." McCallum supported Marco Rubio, and then John Kasich in the GOP primaries. Asked if he planned to vote for Trump this fall, McCallum said: "There are still a lot of things being played out. We'll see what he does." Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, a longtime and vocal Trump critic, has also given up his slot as an alternate because of his opposition to Trump, but he announced that decision back in May. The Wisconsin GOP announced Friday an updated list of its 42 delegates and 42 alternates to the convention in Cleveland. On the updated list, Grebe and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch are no longer serving as delegates. A Kleefisch aide cited scheduling conflicts, saying Kleefisch plans to attend the first three days of the convention but had other obligations during the week and "felt that she would not be able to adequately focus the full amount of time and attention she believes is necessary to being a delegate." Kleefisch has said she plans on supporting whomever wins the GOP nomination. Taking the place of Grebe and Kleefisch are longtime party activist Don Taylor of Waukesha County and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who has encouraged state Republicans to get behind Trump. In addition to Steineke and McCallum, two other alternates from Wisconsin have given up their slots: former U.S. Rep. Mark Green and Milwaukee County GOP chair David Karst. Green's decision to give up his status as an alternate is not related to Trump's nomination, he said in an email. Of Wisconsin's 42 delegates, only six are pledged to Trump. The rest are pledged to Ted Cruz, who trounced Trump in the state's April presidential primary and who by the time of the primary enjoyed the backing of much of the GOP and conservative leadership in the state. While the Wisconsin delegates include few Republicans who voted for Trump in the primary, they have by and large expressed little support for last-ditch efforts to deny Trump the nomination by releasing delegates from the candidates they are bound to. At this point, with the national convention a little more than two weeks away, the "Stop Trump" campaign within the party is widely viewed as a long shot. Reinforcing that perception is the fact that some Trump opponents are giving up their chance to participate in the convention rather than going to Cleveland to oppose the presumptive nominee. By of the U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has proposed an amendment to an appropriations bill that would limit the Justice Department's ability to enforce some provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act at private schools that receive taxpayer funding. The Republican senator from Wisconsin had been a critic of a long-running U.S. Department of Justice investigation into allegations that the state's Milwaukee Parental Choice voucher program discriminated against students with disabilities a probe that ended late last year with no significant findings of wrongdoing. Johnson's staff said the amendment is intended to deter the kind of "government overreach" they said characterized the Wisconsin probe and to limit politically motivated attacks on voucher schools. "It would keep the DOJ from expanding its jurisdiction in ways the law does not permit," said Johnson aide Patrick McIlheran. But lawyers for Disability Rights Wisconsin and the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the 2011 civil rights complaint that launched the DOJ probe, said the amendment, if passed, could exacerbate the exclusion of or discrimination against children with disabilities at voucher schools. "This is an anti-discrimination law that allows children to access the same programs other students have," said Kit Kerschensteiner, managing attorney at Disability Rights Wisconsin. "You can't single out a group covered by an anti-discrimination law and tell others that it's OK to discriminate against them." The Department of Justice declined to comment. Johnson, who chairs the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, filed the amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act earlier this month. No vote has been taken on the amendment or the bill. The amendment would bar federal funds made available as a result of the bill from being used to enforce Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act at private schools that receive government funding. Title II prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against people with disabilities and to make reasonable accommodations for those disabilities where necessary. Johnson's staff said the Department of Education and the courts have ruled that voucher schools are not public schools just because they receive government funds, and that the amendment would still allow DOJ to investigate cases in which the state, and not parents, placed students in a school. Karyn Rotker, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Wisconsin, said the onus is on the state to ensure that schools participating in its voucher programs do not discriminate against students with disabilities and on the DOJ to investigate when complaints arise. State Superintendent Tony Evers said the amendment "targets a law that requires a school to accommodate students with disabilities with regards to accessing buildings." "I am not sure how that fits the spirit and values of any system of education," he said. Jim Bender of School Choice Wisconsin said he supports the amendment. "It seems odd to me that a law has to be passed to tell the DOJ that they need to apply the law as written," he said. Michael Tyler, spokesman for Johnson's Democratic rival Russ Feingold called Johnson "completely out-of-touch with Wisconsin parents." "It's shameful that he's trying to sneak in a measure to allow discrimination against children with disabilities instead of listening to the middle class and working families of Wisconsin who want their kids treated with the respect and dignity they deserve," he said. The ACLU and Disability Rights Wisconsin filed a complaint with the Justice Department's Office for Civil Rights in June 2011 alleging that the Milwaukee voucher program systematically excluded children with disabilities and segregated them in public schools. DOJ quietly closed the investigation in December with no findings of significant wrongdoing. Private schools that participate in the Milwaukee voucher program cannot deny students admission on the basis of a disability. But because voucher schools are private institutions, they are not legally bound to offer the same range of special education services or physical accommodations that public schools must provide under federal law. Voucher schools receive no federal funds for special education services, and must obtain those services through the local school district. However, the state created a new special needs voucher program with state dollars as part of the 2015-'17 state budget. The Milwaukee voucher program allows qualifying children to attend a participating private school with a taxpayer-funded tuition voucher worth between about $7,000 and $8,000 annually. The new special needs voucher program raises the amount for eligible students to about $12,000. Since the investigation was launched, Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation that extended vouchers to other private schools across the state. Brooks guilty on all 76 counts in Waukesha Christmas Parade rampage A jury has convicted Darrell Brooks Jr. of killing six people and injuring dozens of others by driving through the 2021 Christmas parade. Dave Daley, a member of the Sons Of Union Veterans, stands next to the grave of Homer Clark, a lieutenant in the 16th U.S. Infantry who died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Chickamauga. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Wind Lake are upset with the condition of Luther Parker Cemetery in Muskego. City officials say the site preserves its natural history. Credit: Michael Sears By of the Muskego Dave Daley slowly picked his way through tall grass, weeds and wildflowers to get to Homer Clark's final resting place. A lieutenant in the 16th U.S. Infantry, Clark was 24 when he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. His body was brought to Muskego and laid to rest in a tiny cemetery at the southwest corner of Ryan and North Cape roads. Daley also served in the infantry, though more than a century later in the jungles of Vietnam instead of in Georgia farm fields. "I sure hope I'm not buried in a cemetery that looks like this cemetery," Daley said as he surveyed the overgrowth that hid many of the gravestones and markers. "This is a desecration. I'm perturbed that the city of Muskego can say this is proper care" of veterans' burial plots. Daley and other members of the Wind Lake chapter of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War are upset at what they say is a lack of upkeep at the city-owned Luther Parker Cemetery. The group's commander sent a letter to Muskego officials this spring asking the city to clear plants away from the graves of Clark and Jonathan W. Smiley, a private in the 22nd Wisconsin Infantry who died of disease during the war. The city cleared a path through the overgrowth last month so the group could perform a Memorial Day service for the two Civil War soldiers. But it declined to mow the cemetery or otherwise limit the plants, aside from a controlled burn each spring, because the small plot is a plant sanctuary and the last native prairie in Muskego. That's not sitting well with the Sons of Union Veterans. "I'm surprised at the amount of resistance they're putting up. I know for a fact that none of their relatives' resting places would be treated like these people's resting places are being treated," said Jeff Graf, camp commander. "They're fine with having someone else treated like this." Graf pointed to a state law that says veterans graves must "receive proper and decent care." Tom Ludka is a retired Waukesha County veterans service officer who volunteers to arrange for headstones for veterans buried in unmarked graves in southeastern Wisconsin and for replacements for crumbling or unreadable grave markers. "Muskego is basically saying they are giving them proper care," Ludka said. "I think a reasonable and prudent person wouldn't look at that and say that's proper and decent care. If your lawn looked like that, it would not necessarily drive up your property values." Muskego city forester Tom Zagar said the city has never mowed the grass at the cemetery since taking it over in the mid-1960s. The half acre holds around 80 graves, mostly people who died in the 1800s and early 1900s, including some of the community's founding families. The land is considered a natural area and remnant prairie and features sedges, two types of sunflowers, Big Bluestem Prairie Grass, Indiangrass, Culver's Root, Prairie Dock, White Wild Indigo, Yellow Star Grass and Shooting Star wildflowers, Zagar said. He said it's not a matter of the city not wanting to spend the money and manpower to clear the cemetery, it's a matter of preserving the land's natural history. "To maintain the same vegetation that existed when those people were buried is proper and decent," said Zagar, whose grandfather watched the flag-raisings on Iwo Jima during World War II. "We're trained now to see a cemetery mowed but at the time they were buried that's not how it was done." Graf disputes that assertion and has found photos of veteran cemeteries from the period that show grass around graves was cut. The Sons of Union Veterans maintains a national database of final resting places with each Union veteran's grave marked by cemetery name, grave marker condition and other information. Graf had driven by the tiny cemetery for many years when he decided to stop earlier this year and see if any Civil War veterans were buried there. He found the graves of Clark and Smiley. "This is what the Sons of Union Veterans exists for this is our job to honor the memory, the monuments, the graves of the men who served the Union cause of the Civil War," said Graf, whose two great-grandfathers served in Indiana and Wisconsin infantry units. The Wind Lake chapter is volunteering to cut grass and plants from around the graves, but Muskego is adamant about keeping the cemetery looking natural. "Our bottom line is this is a cemetery first," said Daley, who served in the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1970-'71. "We don't mind the native plants and grasses. We'd just like them to at least mow around the graves." John Baker of Mukwonago served in the Marines in the 1970s and for a time was stationed at Camp Lejeune, a Marine base that had water contaminated by chemicals and solvents. Baker is trying to convince Veterans Affairs that the pulmonary emboli that forced him to get a heart transplant were caused by the drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Credit: Rick Wood SHARE John Bakers tattoo shows his love of the Marines and is also a memorial to his brother Walter. I love my country, Baker said. Rick Wood John Bakers research shows contaminant chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, a North Carolina Marine base. Rick Wood By of the Mukwonago John Baker's black leather motorcycle vest features a patch that says "Fabulous Baker Boys" and "Last Man Standing." Baker and his older brothers Wayne and Walter all joined the Marines right out of high school. Wayne was sent from boot camp to Vietnam in 1972, followed a short time later by Walter, who helped bring back equipment from the war. Walter died at the age of 25 from heart disease. Baker now believes the death of his otherwise healthy brother was due to Agent Orange exposure. Wayne died a few years ago from pulmonary emboli and within three months of his brother Wayne's death, John Baker suddenly was diagnosed with the same ailment. All three were stationed at Camp Lejeune, the sprawling Marine base in North Carolina where authorities now acknowledge the drinking water was contaminated by chemicals for decades. Baker, 59, suspects his family's military service resulted in the deaths of his older brothers. He suspects his Marine service is slowly killing him. On his deathbed, Wayne told his brother "You know, the Marines poisoned us." "The funny thing about this is I would see Wayne in the hospital and I thought he was senile because he kept saying, 'Did you get your letter?'" Baker said. Three months after his brother died, Baker, a competitive weightlifter who had always been fit and healthy, began having difficulty breathing. He rapidly gained weight, had difficulty pulling on shoes over his swollen feet and sometimes felt like he was blacking out. He went to Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Milwaukee in the summer of 2013, the first time he used the VA medical system, and was diagnosed with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He was given antibiotics. He got sicker, returned to the hospital 10 days later and was given stronger antibiotics. Three days later when he began coughing up blood, a CT scan discovered pulmonary emboli in his lungs, the same affliction that killed his brother. In October 2013, a doctor at the VA told him he needed a heart transplant. "Now that I was in the VA medical system, I got the Camp Lejeune water letter. My mom said, 'You know, Wayne got the same letter,'" said Baker. The letter explained that something was very wrong with the drinking water from 1953 to 1987 at Camp Lejeune. Before wells were closed at the base, tests showed drinking water was contaminated by toxic chemicals, including very high concentrations more than 40 times the current EPA limit of industrial solvents trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. People who worked and lived at Camp Lejeune during that period have a higher incidence of cancers, and children born at the base have suffered a higher than normal number of birth defects and illnesses. In December, the government acknowledged that eight medical conditions can be linked to drinking contaminated water at the camp: kidney cancer; liver cancer; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; leukemia; multiple myeloma; scleroderma; Parkinson's disease; and aplastic anemia or other myelodysplastic syndromes. Before then, it provided free health care or reimbursed medical costs to some veterans who served at Camp Lejeune at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and family members suffering from any of 15 illnesses identified by the VA as related to exposure to contaminated water. Pulmonary emboli are not among those illnesses. Because he drank Camp Lejeune water and was sickened by pulmonary emboli, Baker applied for VA health benefits. He was denied. A year later he reapplied and again was denied. Dan Driscoll, VFW department service officer in Milwaukee, encouraged Baker to apply a third time. That petition is pending. When he got sick, he could no longer work Baker had spent 23 years working for a snowplow manufacturer and three years for Capitol Stampings. After his insurance stopped, he cashed out his 401(k) to pay his medical bills and is now on Obamacare. His monthly medical expenses average $175 for copays and daily medication. If the VA accepted his Camp Lejeune water claim, he wouldn't pay for hospital and clinic visit copays or medication connected to the pulmonary emboli and would be reimbursed for the $30,000 he's already spent. Baker was stationed at Camp Lejeune between September 1975 and April 1977. During that time, he was occasionally deployed overseas including a trip to Beirut with a Marine detachment sent to help evacuate Americans after U.S. Ambassador Francis Meloy was assassinated in 1976. He lived in the Lejeune barracks and doesn't recall the water tasting strange, though sometimes he and other Marines were ordered to load barrels of unknown liquids into trucks and drive them to nearby woods where they would be poured out into the ground. "We didn't know what they were. We were kids," said Baker. Baker is awaiting word on his third claim for VA health benefits. The review process can be lengthy because every case is examined individually, and as more Camp Lejeune veterans file claims, including people whose initial claims were denied, it could take awhile. "Probably the biggest challenge for Camp Lejeune veterans is finding a medical study that provides the link the VA requires to award compensation. In the scheme of things, you're talking about a small number of individuals, so the cancer studies are hard to find," said Driscoll. "His case is simply a matter of getting the medical evidence. Absent that we need to supply reasonable doubt." Estimates put the number of people exposed to chemicals in the base's drinking water at almost 1 million. Two water treatment facilities on the base were tainted by chemicals from a dry cleaner business as well as leaking underground storage tanks, industrial spills and disposal of dangerous compounds. Jerry Ensminger, a retired master sergeant who founded a Camp Lejeune polluted water advocacy group called The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten, said it will be difficult for Baker's claim to be approved because few studies have been done to see if the chemicals in Lejeune water might cause pulmonary emboli or heart disease. In early 2013, Congress ordered the VA to report how many Camp Lejeune water claims were being approved. For several years, one in four claims were being approved. But in the past few years, approvals have dropped to less than 5%, Ensminger said. "We've got people with health effects that are proven through studies and literature to be caused by exposure to these chemicals and they're being denied," said Ensminger. His daughter Janey died of leukemia in 1985. The VA worked with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to identify the eight presumptive ailments and is now going through the process of publishing them, which could take a year or longer because of a required public comment period and other regulations, said VA spokesman Randy Noller. He did not know why pulmonary embolism is not included in the list of Camp Lejeune presumptive illnesses nor whether it will be considered. Since Baker suffers from an illness not on the list of Camp Lejeune qualifying health conditions, he must prove his sickness is connected to his Marine service. Baker said doctors could not determine why he suffered from pulmonary emboli, telling him that they couldn't say it was from exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune but also that they couldn't rule it out. After he was told he needed a heart transplant, a heart pump was installed in October 2013 at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center and Baker was placed on a waiting list. On Oct. 18, 2014, he got the call that a heart was available. That heart is now beating inside Baker. Baker, who has a 14-year-old son, takes six different medications daily and worries about dying too soon, like his brothers. Despite his belief that the Camp Lejeune water caused his illness, Baker is proud to have served in the Marines. "I would do it all over again. I'm very patriotic. I love my country," said Baker. Reddit Email 0 Shares Kamal al-Ayash | (Niqash.org) | Every time extremists are forced out of Anbars cities they take refuge in nearby desert and attack again. Now it seems like the same guerilla war is starting again. Plenty of effort has gone into pushing the extremist group known as the Islamic State out of major cities in the central Iraqi province of Anbar. And recently there have been a number of announcements that the city of Fallujah, formerly an Islamic State, or IS, group stronghold was now also free of the extremists. However many of the locals left behind and soldiers still fighting in the area say that the battle is far from over. In fact, the real fight to keep Anbar clear of extremists may only just be beginning. Anbar is a huge province and much of it is desert. There are also plenty of valleys and hills. And all of this provides excellent hiding places for groups like the Islamic State who may be switching to a more guerrilla style of warfare, given that their urban strongholds have been taken back and that the population in those strongholds has tended to turn against them because of their cruelty. It is very difficult for official armed forces to chase down extremist fighters in terrain like this. In fact, the IS group would not be the first to seek shelter in Anbars back country. Since 2004, armed gangs like the IS group have set up training camps in Anbars desert most significantly this included the IS groups predecessor, Al Qaeda in Iraq. The camps have tended to be set up in the Wadi Horan and Rutba desert areas, turning the Euphrates River into a kind of natural border, separating militant camps from Anbars more populated areas. The path from eastern Ramadi to Heet make for a significant security threat, the mayor of the Ramadi district, Ibrahim al-Awsaj, told NIQASH. The Islamic State group was expelled from Ramadi city but it still poses a danger as the fighters try to infiltrate some of the outlying villages from time to time. Since the IS group was pushed out of Ramadi late in 2015, there have been a number of attacks from the north western side of the city. From the Albu Ali al-Jassim side, and they targeted the villages of Tawi and Zankura, al-Awsaj explained. So there are still military operations taking place to try and get the terrorist gangs out of this desert area, and to stop their attacks. The areas where the extremist gangs camp are well known, al-Awsaj points out. But up until now all efforts have been focused on the cities, he says. We all know that this will not be enough. Our security forces will always be threatened and always on the defensive. This is depleting both the human and financial resources of the local government and the central government. The cities in Anbar will continue to come under threat from the desert areas because they have not yet been liberated, says Major General Tariq al-Asal, who commands volunteer militias in Anbar and was formerly the police chief in Anbar. These areas are a threat to the Habbaniyah and Khalidiya areas as well as to the Habbaniyah military base. And there are also other dangerous areas, from the Albu Ali al-Jassim area extending all the way to the Syrian border. In the land north of Fallujah there are many back roads connecting Mosul, the IS groups remaining urban stronghold in Iraq, with their base in Syria, the city of Raqqa. These back roads allow IS members to travel secretly and safely between Iraq and Syria and are not under any kind of control by Iraqi security forces, which have been busy fighting in the provinces cities and more populated areas. Our troops are fighting on several fronts in Anbar, al-Asal continues. And they want to clear the cities of the extremists before embarking on an extensive operation to clear out the desert areas too. Both the Iraqi army and volunteer militias are dealing with continuous attacks as the extremists try to regain control of some of the areas theyve been pushed out of, particularly in the Zankura and Albu Rishah areas, as well as parts north of Heet. This is a long standing problem, Rajeh al-Issawi, a local politician who heads Anbars provincial security committee, told NIQASH. On more than one occasion the local government has asked for forces to clear extremist gangs out of the Anbar desert. But every time excuses were made. There has not been any larger military operation in the Anbar desert since 2004. There was one operation in 2013 that saw some of the Iraqi armys top men killed, including Mohammed al-Karawi. Not taking this problem seriously has cost much money and many lives, al-Issawi argues. Basically allowing these terrorist groups to thrive in the desert means that there is a constant threat posed to, not only the province, but also the country and the region. Al-Issawi believes the answer lies in the formation of a special military task force that could be trained in how to deal with extremist camps in the desert and well equipped. The members of this task force should be chosen from among the sons of this province, who know the desert and the geography better than anyone, al-Issawi concludes. Via Niqash.org - Related video added by Juan Cole: Wall Street Journal: The Retaking of Fallujah: How Iraqs Military Beat ISIS Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: The Kremlin is not excluding that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could take place before the G20 summit in September, though there are no decisions yet regarding the time and venue, Sputnik International reported citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Indeed, we are not excluding that the two leaders could decide to meet ahead of the G20 summit in China. I cannot say yet where this might happen, but we are not excluding this possibility, that there will be a meting before the G20," Peskov told reporters. Moreover, Moscow and Ankara will engage in intensive dialogue over the next month on the gradual lifting of Russia's restrictions against Turkey. "You know that in accordance with the decree signed by our president yesterday, the government is instructed to start contacts with Turkish colleagues in order to discuss the process of gradually lifting the restrictions introduced in the previous decree. Therefore, there will be a month, maybe more, of intensive contacts," Peskov told reporters. Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | The attack at Ataturk Airport is suspected to be the work of [Daesh or] the Islamic State [IS] group. Three suspected IS suicide bombers who killed 44 people in a gun and bomb attack at Istanbuls main airport this week were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official said on Thursday. The attack on one of the worlds busiest airports, a hub at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, was the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in Turkey this year. The three bombers opened fire to create panic outside, before two of them got inside the terminal building and blew themselves up. The third detonated his explosives at the entrance. A further 238 people were wounded. The official gave no further details beyond confirming the attackers nationalities and declined to be named because details of the investigation have not yet been released. Forensics teams had been struggling to identify the bombers from their limited remains, officials said earlier. Interior Minister Efkan Ala told parliament that evidence continued to point to IS responsibility and that 19 of the dead were foreigners. Ala said the identity and nationality of one of the bombers had been determined but did not comment further. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper said the Russian bomber was from Dagestan, which borders Chechnya, where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and religious militants since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper named him as Osman Vadinov and said he had come from Raqqa, the heart of IS-controlled territory in Syria. The Russian Interior Ministry said it was checking information about Vadinov. Via TeleSur - related video added by Juan Cole: USA Today Istanbul airport attack: What we know Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Vladimir Putin was the skunk at the party in the West after his annexation (or repossession, depending on how you look at it) of Crimea. Europe declared that borders cannot be changed by fiat or troops. The US pressed for heavy sanctions. The Russian intervention in Syria, primarily against al-Qaeda and to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Asad, substantially changed the conversation. The intervention was criticized for not focusing on Daesh (ISIL, ISIS) but rather on the northwestern front that is dominated by al-Qaeda in Syria (the Nusra Front) and its allies. Some of those de facto allies are vetted groups that receive CIA arms via Saudi Arabia, and Russia occasionally bombed them along with al-Qaeda. Then last fall as Russian airstrikes coordinated with the Syrian Arab Army pushed al-Qaeda to the far north of Latakia Province toward the rugged Turkish border, and endangered Turkmen rebels against the Syrian regime that had made a battlefield alliance with al-Qaeda. Turkey is backing these Turkmen rebels, who speak a language close to that of Turkey itself and who have adopted a strong Muslim fundamentalist ideology. It was unacceptable to Ankara that Russia was bombing them to smithereens and defending the al-Assad regime. So the Turkish air force shot down a Russian bomber. In the meantime, the US CIA and its Saudi ally continued to funnel weapons to the remnants of the Free Syrian Army, most of them Muslim Brotherhood, even as at least a few of them continued to cooperate with al-Qaeda on the battlefield. Putin reacted to Turkeys startling attack on its air force by pulling out Russian tourists and forbidding charter flights to Turkey. Some 5% of the Turkish economy is tourism, and some important portion of that is Russian tourists. Suddenly, Antalya on the Mediterranean coast was a ghost town. Putin also cancelled some other forms of economic interchange, even down to vegetables. Turkeys president, Tayyip Erdogan, seemed surprised that Putin would react this way to the shoot-down (Russia also suffered from these forms of economic boycott). But he persevered in his Syria policy, of trying to overthrow al-Assad and of supporting fundamentalist rebels. This week both Turkey and the US came to Putin to deal. Turkey apologized for shooting down the Russian bomber. And in response, Putin lifted the ban on tourist charter flights. All this was in the works already, possibly brokered by Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu. But Russians return to the beaches is now especially important. If any Russian tourists now come back to Turkey, they will be especially welcome given the Istanbul airport attack, which will drop tourism like a stone. Then President Obama offered to share US intelligence on the whereabouts of al-Qaeda, the Nusra Front, if Russia would promise to stop bombing US-backed rebels. (Russia maintains that the latter are so closely intertwined with al-Qaeda that it cant distinguish the two from the air). All this does raise the question of why, if the US has such good intelligence on al-Qaeda in Syria, it isnt bombing the group itself. After all it pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the mastermind of the September 11 attacks. Sec. Kerry has admitted that it has proved difficult to separate the US-backed fundamentalists from al-Qaeda. Maybe it is just me, but maybe that is an indication that the US should change its policy. In the poker game being played in Syria, Russia now has the winning hand. Related video: Euronews: Putin rejects new arms race and builds bridges with Turkey LIMA, Peru--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (Buenaventura or the Company) (NYSE:BVN; Lima Stock Exchange: BUE.LM), Perus largest publicly traded, precious metals mining company, today announced a US$ 275 million syndicate loan agreement with 7 banks, in line with its cash preservation strategy. At the beginning of 2016, Buenaventura announced its updated financial strategy aimed at cash preservation. The main objectives include: A cost reduction plan CAPEX discipline A dividend from Yanacocha (US$131 million) Debt Reprofiling The proceeds of the loan will be allocated towards: Prepayment of US$245 million short-term debt General corporate purposes Details of the Syndicate loan are: Type: Senior Unsecured Syndicated Term Loan Facility Interest Rate: Libor (3-months) + 3.0% Maturity: 5 years (including 2-year grace period) Principal Amortization: Semi-annual installments, beginning in 2018 Company Description Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. is Perus largest, publicly traded precious metals Company and a major holder of mining rights in Peru. The Company is engaged in the mining, processing, development and exploration of gold and silver and other metals via wholly owned mines, as well as through its participation in joint exploration projects. Buenaventura currently operates several mines in Peru (Orcopampa*, Uchucchacua*, Mallay*, Julcani*, El Brocal, La Zanja and Coimolache) and is developing the Tambomayo and San Gabriel Projects. The Company owns 43.65% of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L (a partnership with Newmont Mining Corporation), an important precious metal producer and 19.58% of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper producer. (*) Operations wholly owned by Buenaventura Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking information (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including those concerning the Companys, Yanacochas and Cerro Verdes costs and expenses, results of exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals mined, the success of joint ventures, estimates of future explorations, development and production, subsidiaries plans for capital expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economic, social and legal developments. These forward-looking statements reflect the Companys view with respect to the Companys, Yanacochas and Cerro Verdes future financial performance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors discussed elsewhere in this Press Release. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 30, 2016) - Kombat Copper Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KBT) ("Kombat Copper" or the "Company") announces that, as a result of a review by staff of the Ontario Securities Commission, the Company is issuing the following news release to clarify the disclosure on the scaled production decision relating to the Kombat Mine. In Kombat Copper's news releases relating to the decision to use EBM Mining Namibia ("EBM") as mining contractor, and in subsequent progress updates, it was reported that the Company, through its mining contractor, EBM, was moving towards scaled production at the Gross Otavi, Kombat East and Kombat Central areas of the Kombat Mine. Kombat Copper would like to clarify that there is currently no mineral resource estimate, mineral reserve estimate, or economic analysis to support the decision to mine the near surface mineralization on the Gross Otavi, Kombat East and Kombat Central areas or to produce any concentrate from such mining and processing. Kombat Copper has decided to put certain areas of the Kombat Mine into production without first establishing mineral resources or mineral reserves, or supported by a technical report and/or feasibility study. The Company cautions readers that production may not be economically feasible and historically these projects have a much higher risk of economic or technical failure. However, it should be noted that the profit sharing structure of the agreement with EBM allows the Company to minimize the financial risks associated with these projects, the cost of production, including operating costs, the refurbishment of the Kombat Mill and related facilities, will be the responsibility of EBM while Kombat Copper is expected to receive a portion of the profits, if any, and there are no financial penalties to Kombat Copper if no profits are earned. The mining areas of the Kombat Mine that Kombat Copper considers core to its own operations and are excluded from the EBM agreement remain the Asis West and Asis Far West zones, of which, Asis Far West has an initial inferred mineral resource of 1.7 million tonnes grading 1.93% Cu and 16 g/t Ag (2.15% Cu Eq.). Details of the inferred mineral resource can be found in the Company's NI 43-101 technical report entitled "Technical Report and Resource Estimate on the Kombat Copper Project, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namiba" (the "Technical Report") dated June 4th, 2014. The Technical Report was prepared for Kombat Copper by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and can be found at the Company's website and under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Qualified Person F. W. Nielsen, P.Geo., a consultant and director of Kombat Copper, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the contents and dissemination of this news release. About Kombat Copper Kombat Copper is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core operations focused on copper resources in Namibia, one of the world's most prospective copper regions, where it has substantial assets in place with significant upside. The Company continues to hold an 80% interest in five mining licenses in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia particularly known for its high-grade copper deposits. Within these licenses are three past-producing mines including the Company's flagship property, the Kombat Mine. Kombat Copper has contracted EBM Mining Namibia to begin mining lead/copper mineralization at Kombat East, Kombat Central and potentially Gross Otavi within the year. Concentrates are expected to be produced at the Company's production facilities, which are currently being refurbished by EBM. EBM is also evaluating opportunities to market aggregate stone and sand byproducts locally. Cautionary Notes 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. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the possible mineralization and deposits, the agreement with EBM, the Company's expectations regarding mineral resources, the Company's determination of core assets, EBM's ability to commence operations and operate the applicable portions of the Kombat Mine, the Company's expectations regarding the production and sales of mineralization from the Kombat Mine and potential development work and the Company's plans for the Kombat Mine including any financial impact and community impact. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. JURIST Guest Columnist Larry Eaker, former Professor at the American University of Paris discusses the possible legal consequences of the UKs decision to exit the EU As a historian, I fear Brexit could be the beginning of the destruction not only of the EU but also of Western political civilization in its entirety. Donald Tusk, European Council President Many will consider as mere hyperbole the statement of the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, to the effect that the United Kingdoms exit from the EU not only threatens the very existence of the EU but may, more importantly over the long term, aid in the undermining of the post-war global liberal order. However, populist and extreme nationalist political parties throughout Europe are not only succeeding in thwarting any further EU integration, but are currently gaining strength in their push to dismantle the EU and build walls between their European peoples. While this move will not, of course, at least within the near future, lead directly to all-out war between European neighbors as suffered twice in the Twentieth Century, this obsession with a return to complete sovereignty will most likely lead to a nasty beggar thy neighbor situation detrimental to the prosperity and freedoms of Europes population. And, sadly for the many highly-educated, dynamic and cosmopolitan young people of Europe, this move by the UK threatens the loss of their cherished four freedoms as provided by the terms of the EU treatiesthe free movement of goods, services, people and capital concerning relations with that great island nation. Something their nations have painstakingly constructed since the devastation of World War II. Clearly, the leaders of the EU need to be very careful and wise in handling the UKs exit from the EU; simultaneously guiding the parties along a peaceful and prosperous path to separation while providing disincentives for other EU member states from following the UK out the door. While skilled politics and diplomacy will play a great role in meeting these goals, it must be considered that a clear and efficient legal framework for withdrawal will be necessary to accomplish the task. Unfortunately, however, the established legal framework providing for EU member state withdrawal is lacking in specifics and likely to lead to substantial legal uncertainty over an extended period of time. The now famous Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union[PDF]added by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009provides for a two-year period of negotiations between the EU and the withdrawing member state from the date of filing the notice to withdraw in the hope of concluding an agreement on withdrawal. This agreement will be subject to guidelines set by the European Councils heads of state/government, without the participation of the UK leader. Pursuant to Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), the actual text will then be negotiated by the Commission and finally approved by the Council via a qualified majority vote (QMV) of 27 ministers (minus the UK), once consented to by a majority vote of the EU Parliament. Referring to Article 238(3)(b) of the TFEU, QMV in this case must include at least 72 percent of the 27 member states representing at least 65 percent of the population. No ratifications by the remaining 27 EU member states will then be required in order to bring into effect the UK-EU withdrawal treaty. Should the EU and UK fail to reach an agreement on withdrawal within the two-year period, then two scenarios are possible. Either the European Council extends the negotiating period via an unanimous vote of the remaining 27 heads of state/government or the UK could decide to walk away without an agreement. In any event, the writ of EU lawboth primary and secondarywill continue to apply until either an agreement is concluded or the UK walks out the door following this two-year period. It should be noted that the Court of Justice of the EU enjoys the jurisdiction to hear challenges to the legality of any such withdrawal agreement during the negotiating period lodged by either the Council, Commission, member states, or the Parliamentwhich could of course seriously delay the conclusion of any UK-EU agreement. In any event, it appears apparent that the world will experience a lengthy period of economic, political and legal uncertainty stemming from this Article 50 process. Economic, Political & Legal UncertaintiesThe Brexit Conundrum While this Brexit is likely to spring many surprises upon the world community over this extended period, I would like to discuss three of the most likely of the economic, political and legal uncertainties that must be confronted by the EU, the UK, and the world at large once the deed is done. First of all, the most troubling uncertainty facing the UK and EU over this unknown period is the final form of trade and investment relations between these parties. As the worlds fifth largest economy and Europes second largest, the UKs most important trading partner remains the EUaccounting for over 40 percent of the UKs exports of goods and services and over 50 percent of her imports of goods and services. Unlike her trade in goods, she enjoys a healthy surplus in services trade with the EU, greatly due to her strong financial services industry. Almost half of her inward foreign direct investment stems from EU member states, being valued in 2014 at nearly 500 billion pounds. Thus, three of the four famous freedoms of the EUs Internal Market are of upmost importance for the new UK; i.e., the freedom of movement of goods and services, along with the capital to service this trade and investment. Most economists might agree that the free movement of persons is necessary in order to support the movements of goods, services, and capital. But this is the conundrum created by the UKs decision to abandon the EU shipshe wants to be able to enjoy the fruit of EU trade and investment, but without sufferingwhat her electors believe to bethe bitter burdens of the free movement of persons (especially emanating from Eastern European member states). Such attempt at so-called cherry-picking from the EUs plate is very likely to fail, as can be inferred from her past attempts to do such. Although the UK may be successful in negotiating a unique relationship with the EU providing for the free movement of goods, services, and capital without being bound by the free movement of persons (surprise number one), it remains most likely that the UKs trade and investment relations will assume the form of one of three different existing models; to wit, the European Economic Area (EEA), Swiss, or World Trade Organization (WTO) models. It must be concluded that the WTO model, which governs most nations trade relations with the EU (so-called third countries), would not satisfy the appetites of the UKs business class since it would not provide for tariff-free entry of UK goods to the EU and would be rather weak on services trade protections. It has the advantage, of course, of not impinging upon the UKs sovereign right to strictly control the right of EU citizens to work and reside in the UK. Thus, nationalism and xenophobia could trump the pocket book following the zeal expressed by many UK voters to build such barriers to free movement. Most discussion of possible UK negotiating strategy has focused upon the adoption of either an EEA or Swiss model of EU trade relations. The EEA model, as adopted by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, provides for the free movement of goods, services and capital but comes at a serious pricethat of the free movement of persons. Ditto for the Swiss model; Switzerland being a member of EFTA but not an EEA member, thus involving a multitude of bilateral treaties between the Swiss and EU parties. In addition, both models involve the adoption of most of the famous EU acquis concerning the Internal Marketconstituting the primary and secondary law protections adopted by the EU institutions over the yearsbut without the right to vote thereon. Finally, and perhaps most troubling for the UK majority voters, is the fact that these non-EU members are required to contribute significant financing to the EU for this privileged access to the EUs Internal Market. Therefore, it can be assumed that the UK will have extreme problems structuring their future trade and investment relations upon either the EEA or Swiss legal models. While a surprise is not out of the question, it is apparent that the EU will be very serious about imposing the free movement of persons in exchange for access to its coveted Internal Market of over 400 million persons. As proof, it should be noted that the EU has suspended negotiations with Switzerland concerning the Swiss demand to revise the existing free movement of persons agreement with the EU following their 2014 citizens referendum imposing a constitutional amendment restricting the right of foreigners to reside and work in Switzerland, including EU citizens. Importantly, the EU suspended such negotiations with Swiss authorities until the outcome of the UK referendum on EU withdrawal is known. Clearly, this was done in order not to prejudice the EU position on free movement of persons in the event the UK voted to withdraw and later demanded access to the Internal Market with no, or limited, EU citizen access to the UK. This being said, it is not out of the question that the EU might be willing to add a dose of flexibility to its demands for strict adhesion to free movement of persons protectionspossibly with the use of a liberally drafted and applied safeguard clause allowing non-EU states to restrict access for EU citizens in the event of legitimate economic/labor market crisis situations (something which is at the heart of the on-going Swiss-EU dispute). The second uncertainty concerns the possibility of a UK constitutional crisis and breakup of her constituent parts. While the referendum result is legally non-binding, the Cameron government has pledged to implement the peoples decision and to request his successor to file the withdrawal notice with the European Council following the upcoming leadership change. British legal scholars are pointing out, however, that the British Parliament has the final and binding word on this issue of EU membership and measures necessary to effectuate any legal withdrawal. Thus, what happens in the event of a failure of the Parliament to ratify the peoples choice? Will there be constituted within the Parliament the necessary votes to approve the EU withdrawal and extensive implementing legislation, especially since new parliamentary elections are not likely before 2020? This is no small matter since a majority of Parliament members are in fact in favor of remaining within the EU. In addition to this possible legislative crisis, the UK government has now precipitated an existential crisis of her own. By voting to secede from the EU, the people of the UK have opened the doors to their own secession debacle. The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, wasted no time in announcing her intention to schedule a second independence referendum in the near futurewhich, in light of the strong Scottish vote to remain in the EU, may well presage a breakup of the UK. She also announced the intention of the Scottish government to then seek accession to EU membership. If thats not troubling enough for the English nationalists, the Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, quickly demanded an independence referendum for the people of Northern Ireland with the eventual goal of joining the Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately for the British, they may well find themselves back in the throes of The Troublesthus reaping the seeds of nationalism they have now sown in their own backyard. The third uncertainty involves the UKs relations with the world at large, and the US in particular. Many third countries enjoy bilateral trade and investment treaties with the EU greatly facilitating cross-border trade and investment and securing such with effective dispute resolution methods. Thus, the UK might be facing at least the temporary loss of trade and investment protections provided by such EU trade and investment treaties and the necessity of renegotiating the rights of UK businesses currently provided by such. Alas, the new UK may find itself at a distinct disadvantage when undertaking negotiations on these international economic relations, especially with powerful trading behemoths such as China. And while President Obama was quick to reaffirm the so-called US-UK special relationship following the referendum, it must be remembered that he had warned the British before the vote that the US would not automatically place the UK at the head of the line for the conclusion of free trade agreements with non-EU states following withdrawal. Although his successor may change that position, it cannot be ignored that the US has now lost its most powerful ally in support of the proposed US-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. This TTIP agreement is already in serious trouble not only in many EU nations, but also in the US itself with the announced opposition by Donald Trump and questioning by Hillary Clinton. Thus, it looks as if the UKs trade and investment position with the US will be held in limbo for an extended period of time= possibly longer than that necessary to reestablish trading relations with the EU. This does not portend well for US trade between, and investment within, a go-it-alone UK, essentially threatening the current use of the UK as an entry point into the EU Internal Market (with over $550 billion in US foreign direct investment settled in the UK). Tying Up the Loose Ends of European DisintegrationDismantling the UKs Participation within the Common Agricultural/Fisheries/Transport/Competition & Foreign-Security PoliciesNot to Mention the Harmonization of Product Standards & Environmental/Health/Human Rights Protections While I was able to discuss three of the most obvious and important of the economic, political and legal uncertainties facing the UK following its momentous decision to leave the EU, it remains obvious that this divorce is going to create a Everest-high mountain of legal and regulatory uncertainties concerning the emerging UK stripped of over 50 years of EU acquis. New UK laws will be needed to either readopt, abandon or modify the treaty provisions and hundreds of EU directives and regulations impacting her agricultural, fisheries, and transport industries. The UKs trade with the EU will of course be subject to existing EU product standards, environmental and health protections, and strict application of her competition policy. And, quite obviously considering the serious threats posed by Russian expansion and the Syria/Iraq wars, it will remain in the UKs best interest to maintain close relations and coordination with the EUs Common Foreign and Security Policy= something that will not escape the watchful eye of other NATO members. Finally, it should be noted that there exists a strong probability that any new conservative government in the UK, especially if closely in tune (or even aligned with) the nationalist parties, may well move to renounce the UKs accession to the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and submittal to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (EctHR)as now required by EU membership. Even David Cameron himselfnot one known to be a rabid nationalisthas in the recent past questioned the continued UK adherence to the ECHR following several highly contentious EctHR decisions concerning the human rights protections enjoyed by alleged terrorists on UK soil. By way of conclusion, I would like to mention the slight possibility that a new UK government may in the end thwart the peoples will as expressed in the referendum by withholding the filing of any Article 50 withdrawal notification while using the threat of such as a powerful bargaining chip in the upcoming negotiations (surprise number two). And, it is not out of the question that a new British government may schedule another referendum on EU membership should she be able to work out another, more flexible relationship with the EU (surprise number three). If she does in fact leave, let me sincerely wish my UK friends a smooth and prosperous national transition free from the constraints of EU membership. I can only hope that this divorce turns out to be amicable and advantageous for all parties concernedespecially for our children and grandchildren. But, unfortunately, such a positive outcome remains highly uncertain. Larry Eaker is a former professor at the American University of Paris and Boston University. In France, Eaker has served as a legal consultant to the OECD on international environmental law matters and worked with various French law firms on international law cases. His teaching areas include public international law and international business law subjects. Suggested citation: Larry Eaker, The Brexit Legal MessFalling into a Black Hole?, JURIST Academic/Commentary, June 30, 2016, http://jurist.org/academic/2016/06/larry-eaker-breit-legal-mess-falling-into-a-black-hole.php. In a unanimous ruling on Thursday, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit [official website] rejected [opinion, PDF] a settlement agreement between retailers and credit card issuers. Millions of retailers had reached a $7.25 billion antitrust settlement [NYT report] with Visa USA and MasterCard International [corporate websites] in 2013. However, after determining that some of the merchants covered by the pact were inadequately represented, the Second Circuit found that the agreement violated Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23(a)(4) and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment [text]. The case was filed as an antitrust class action by approximately 12 million merchants in 2006 against Visa, Mastercard, and various issuing and acquiring banks alleging conspiracy in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act [text]. The dispute mainly arose over the interchange fee, which is ultimately paid by retailers and other merchants to the issuers and banks. Among other deficiencies noted by the court, one class of merchants was eligible to receive money damages, while the other could only receive injunctive relief. There was also an opt-out provision, specifically reserved only for a particular class of merchants. Stating that the Due Process Clause requires the named plaintiff to adequately represent the interests of all absent class members at all times, the court stated that the settlement failed to meet this requirement and the procedural requirements of FRCP 23(a)(4) and rejected the settlement as unreasonable and inadequate. There have been several high-profile cases involving credit card companies in the last several years. In April 2014, Judge William Pauley of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York [official website] dismissed [JURIST report] a class action lawsuit against American Express, Citigroup and Discover Financial Services [corporate websites] that alleged the three credit card issuers violated the Sherman Act by colluding to require that all disputes be settled in arbitration. The plaintiffs in the case were seeking injunctive relief to prohibit these credit card issuers from putting such arbitration clauses in their agreements. In August 2014, a judge for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York approved a settlement [JURIST report] in which Citigroup will pay its investors over $590 million for misrepresenting its assets in securities linked to the sub-prime mortgage crisis [JURIST news archive]. In June 2014, the US Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] in American Express Co. v. Italian Colors Restaurant that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) [text] does not permit courts to invalidate a contractual waiver of class arbitration on the ground that the plaintiffs cost of individually arbitrating a federal statutory claim exceeds the potential recovery. The Iowa Supreme Court [official website] on Thursday upheld [opinion, PDF] a state law forbidding convicted felons from voting, even after serving their sentences. The American Civil Liberties Union [official website] brought suit in Griffin v. Pate [case file] on behalf of Kelli Jo Griffin, who was convicted of a non-violent drug offense, arguing that the infamous crimes standard used to restrict voting violates the Iowa Constitution. After reviewing the history of crimes of infamy in the state, the court upheld the provision and noted the potential for discriminatory impact. [W]e acknowledge that voter disqualification based on criminal convictions has a disproportionate impact on voting rights of African Americans and perhaps other groups in society. Yet this outcome is tied to our criminal justice system as a whole and is not isolated to the use of the infamous-crime standard. Racial disparity must be eliminated in society, but its unwanted presence does not necessarily undermine the concept or current definition of infamous crime as a standard for voter disqualification. Moreover, no evidence suggests this state adopted or maintained infamy to discriminate against minority groups. The suit comes after a change in administration switched the law from granting automatic restoration of a felons voting rights to requiring them to undergo a rigorous application process. Voting rights have been the subject of numerous legal challenges across the US, particularly in a presidential election year. Earlier this month, Judicial Watch [advocacy website] filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe restoring the voting rights of certain felons [JURIST report]. Last month a federal judge ruled that Ohios elimination of the states early in-person voting [JURIST report] was unconstitutional and in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Earlier in May a federal judge ruled that Virginias voter identification law, which requires that voters have a valid form of ID either before voting or within three days after voting, is constitutional [JURIST report]. Also in May a federal judge ruled that Kansas cannot require voters to provide proof of citizenship [JURIST report] when registering to vote. In April a federal judge upheld [JURIST report] North Carolinas voter ID law. In February the Maryland Senate overrode a veto by Governor Larry Hogan to pass a bill that will allow felons to vote [JURIST report] before they complete parole or probation. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania [official website] on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit [order, PDF] against Muhammed Fethullah Gulen, a prominent Muslim cleric and rival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan [official websites], saying the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The complaint [text, PDF] was filed by Bunyamin Ates, Turgut Yildirim and Murat Ozturk setting forth six counts ranging from persecution of members of the Dogan Movement, a religious group, to false imprisonment and civil conspiracy under Pennsylvania state law. Some of these counts were alleged pursuant to the Alien Tort Claims Act [text]. The plaintiffs in the case alleged that Gulen issued orders from within Pennsylvania directing his followers in Turkey to launch a targeted campaign of persecution against a different religious group in Turkey in retaliation for criticisms directed against Gulen. They allege that Gulens actions ultimately resulted in the wrongful incarceration of plaintiffs and dozens of other fellow members of their religious group in Turkey for periods ranging between 8 and 20 months. Recognizing that the alleged conduct had an impact in Turkey and the Supreme Courts caution that US courts should take into consideration the extent to which the Court would be involving itself in foreign policy or passing judgment on foreign decision-making, the court dismissed counts one through four. The court added that even assuming that Plaintiffs pled relevant conduct which touches and concerns the territory of the United States, the foreign policy consequences of this action weigh against this Court recognizing a cause of action. In dismissing counts five and six, the court looked to the Act of State doctrine and stated that Plaintiffs are requesting that this Court judge the validity, and not simply determine the occurrence, of the alleged unlawful actions taken by Turkish officials against Turkish citizens in Turkey, a request the Supreme Court would be barred pursuant to the act of state doctrine. In dismissing this complaint, the court recognized that Gulens motion to dismiss for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction was properly made under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1) [text], and rejected the plaintiffs request for leave to amend. Gulen is a Muslim cleric of Turkish origin who promotes an Anatolian version of Islam. Gulen has been a lawful permanent resident in the United States since 1998, but he remains active in Turkey through his followers and weekly online Turkish broadcasts. Erdogan accuses [Reuters report] Gulen of attempting to overthrow him, and Gulen still faces charges in Turkey in this regard and for plotting against a rival religious group by fabricating evidence and charges. Gulens name had previously surfaced [JURIST report] in August 2010 when Eskisehir Police Chief Hanefi Avci alleged in a book he had recently published that the evidence was distorted and fabricated [Sabah report, in Turkish] by Gulens followers, in effort to weaken the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) [party website, in Turkish]. The government of Turkey has thus far seized newspapers, banks and other companies affiliated with Gulens movement. [JURIST] The US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana [official website] on Thursday struck down [decision, PDF] the states parenthood statute for violating the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment [text]. Indiana Code Section 31-9-2-15, 31-9-2-16, and 31-14-7-1 provide that only birth mothers would be listed on a birth certificate, meaning that, where one lesbian partner undergoes artificial insemination, the other woman would not be granted parental status to the child. Under Indiana law, men whose wives are artificially inseminated are listed as the parent on the birth certificate, providing ample grounds for an equal protection argument. Against the states argument that the law is applied equally men who are not the biological father of the child are not to be listed on the birth certificate to men and women, the court held that the States interest in protecting the best interests of the child when making determinations in the family law context, were not satisfied under a heightened intermediate scrutiny examination. The state claimed that preserving the rights of biological fathers and recording and maintaining accurate records regarding the biological parentage of children, though the court found this argument unconvincing. The court also found that the State had interfered with a fundamental right of the women to freedom of personal choice in matters of marriage and family life. The judge granted summary judgment on the matter and permanently enjoined the state from enforcing the laws in a way which would prevent presumption of parenthood granted to a same-sex, female spouse. The lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community (LGBT) continues to face legal challenges throughout the world. In November of last year a Utah judge reversed an order [JURIST report] denying foster rights to a same-sex couple. Earlier that month the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled [JURIST report] that same-sex couples can legally adopt. In June the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported [JURIST report] that members of the LGBT community continue to face discrimination and human rights abuses. Abuses toward the LGBT population are human rights abuses impacting society as a whole, said 12 UN agencies in a joint statement released [JURIST report] in September. The commission found that while LGBT rights have increased since the UNs first study, there remains widespread discrimination and violence towards these individuals. Last November the OHCHR criticized a Singapore Supreme Court decision [JURIST reports] upholding a law criminalizing consensual same-sex relations between adult men. Last September the UN released a video calling for an end to LGBT discrimination [JURIST report] in all countries. The Presidential Council for Civil Society Development and Human Rights [official website] on Thursday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin [official website] to reject [appeal, in Russian] a controversial collection of anti-terror bills. The Council, a government department under Putin, urged the president to veto the proposed laws due to what it views as unconstitutionality, legal uncertainty and inconsistency of certain provisions, including criminalizing failure to report a crime, reducing the age of liability to 14 for terrorism-related offenses, collecting telephone and internet data and restricting the freedom of conscience. Prior versions of the bill have caused heated debate among parliamentarians and society more broadly, particularly regarding the data collection provisions. While the final version excludes the more extreme penalties of earlier drafts, it retains the provision requiring communications operators to keep data on the content their customers transmit. The measures have been adopted and approved [TASS report] by the upper and lower houses of Russias parliament. Many nations have passed controversial anti-terrorism laws in recent years. Last December, China passed a new anti-terrorism law [JURIST report] which requires technology companies to provide information to the government obtained from their products and make information systems secure and controllable. In August 2015, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi approved [JURIST report] a 54-article counter-terrorism law, which has been met with significant controversy as many believe it to be an infringement on freedom of the press. Tunisias parliament voted to approve a new anti-terror law despite strong criticism [JURIST report] from NGOs and human rights groups last July. In January of 2015, Amnesty International called on [JURIST report] Pakistan to stop sentencing people for violation of the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act, which they described as so vague that almost all crimes fall under [its] definition. Nine bloggers were jailed in Ethiopia in April 2014 for violation of Ethiopias broad anti-terrorism laws [JURIST report], although five of them were acquitted the following October. Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 Trend: Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has talked about the discussions held with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, RIA Novosti reported. We discussed bilateral relations, trade and high-level contacts between the two countries presidents, prime ministers and between Sergey Lavrov and me, said Cavusoglu. We also discussed regional issues. It was a constructive meeting, he added. Russias President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone conversation June 29. Putin informed his countrys Cabinet of Ministers that after receiving a letter from Erdogan June 27, it was decided to start the process of normalization of relations with Ankara. Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin June 27 over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. Erdogan said Turkey "shares the pain of the downed Su-24 pilot's death with his family" and "sees it as Turkey's pain". The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident. Following the incident, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey. Details added (first version posted on 13:57) Baku, Azerbaijan, July 1 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Normalization of Turkeys relations with Russia and Israel will benefit the region, TRT Haber news channel reported citing Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying July 1. Cavusoglu said despite the fact that opinions of Ankara and Moscow on the solution of the Syrian crisis differ, it does not prevent further dialogue between the two sides. Moscow, like Ankara, he noted, opposes the growth of radicalism in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov July 1 on the sidelines of a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Member States of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) in Russian city of Sochi. This is the first meeting of the two countries foreign ministers after the deterioration of relations between Russia and Turkey. The relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated after the Su-24 bomber incident. Following the incident, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on taking measures for ensuring the country's national security and special economic measures against Turkey. Russias President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone conversation June 29. Putin informed his countrys Cabinet of Ministers that after receiving a letter from Erdogan June 27, it was decided to start the process of normalization of relations with Ankara. Erdogan sent a letter of condolences to Putin June 27 over the death of Russian Su-24 pilot and expressed regret over the incident. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu At Least 10 Killed In Suicide Bomb Attack On Ataturk International Airport In Istanbul (Photo : Getty Images/Mehmet Ali Poyraz) About 41 people were killed and more than 239 were injured in a triple suicide attack in Ataturk airport in Istanbul and reports reveal that the attackers were likely affiliated with the Islamic State terror group. Before detonating their explosives, two gunmen opened fire at the security checkpoint outside the airport while a third attacker detonated explosives in the parking lot, said a Turkish official according to New York Times. The attackers arrived at the airport in a taxi. Advertisement Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the manner of the attack indicates that the Islamic State was responsible for it especially that numerous arrests and raids on the group were recently carried out in the country and at its borders by the Turkish security forces. But the group did not claim responsibility for the attack, as of early Wednesday. Meanwhile, police sources believe that the attackers were affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) since the target was tourists. The attack may also be intended to mark the two year anniversary of Isil "caliphate" which was created two years ago today as announced by Isil leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Telegraph reported. "I hope the attack at the Ataturk airport will be a turning point in the world, and primarily for the Western states, for a joint struggle against terror organizations," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who condemned the attack adding that it "revealed the dark face of terror organizations targeting innocent civilians." Reports also speculate that the attack was politically motivated and could be a response to the recent reconciliation between Turkey and Israel as they restore diplomatic relations after being estranged for six years. It is also believed that the attack is designed to hurt the tourism industry of Turkey that brings more than $30 billion in revenue annually. Videos and photos of the attack were shared on social media, showing the scene during the horrific explosion and after the attack where shattered pieces of concrete and fallen tiles were seen. Some of the victims were brought to hospitals by taxis. The airport has reopened and air traffic is back to normal just five hours after the incident. Passengers were seen walking over broken glass while the stench of smoke is still in the air and some workers are still cleaning blood around the area. Will "I am Cait" be back for Season 3? (Photo : Facebook/Caitlyn Jenner) Caitlyn Jenner has come forward to raise her opinion in support of the Presidential candidate in the United States, Donald Trump. Talking about the political parties that have been working particularly in the favor of the transgenders, Jenner said that Trump has been particularly supportive of the LGBT community. Advertisement The 66-year-old "I am Cait" star was recently interviewed by healthcare publication STAT. In the interview, Jenner discussed the major medical issues and challenges that the transgender community faces today. When asked to choose between the Democrats or Republicans in terms of the political party that has worked the best in the favor of the LGBT community so far, Jenner revealed that she supports the conservative Republican side. In addition, she said that she is not concerned about what Obama has done for the country in all these years or what the economy has been like, but they have actually been very good and supportive to the transgender community. Jenner further said that the Democrats are better with these issues and especially praised Trump for his efforts. The television reality star told the publication that "Trump seems to be very much for the women." "He seems very much behind the LGBT community because of what happened in North Carolina with the bathroom issue. He backed the LGBT community," Jenner told the publication. "But in Trump's case, there's a lot more unknowns. With Hillary, you pretty much know what you're gonna get with the LGBT community." However, this is not the first time that Jenner has spoken in Trump's favor, according to E! Online. On "I Am Cait" Season 2, Jenner had said that having a hard time with women does not mean that Trump would badly manage issues related to women. At that time, Jenner showed confidence in Trump saying that he would handle women's issue really well. In fact, she said that she does not believe that Trump is there to take things away or destroy women. The story did not end there. Jenner described Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton as "political hack" and said that she would never, ever vote for her. According to Jenner, the country is over is Clinton becomes the next president. The following video described Jenner's thoughts on Trump: A Chinese company has proven that American sinophobia is wrong by expanding ham production in the U.S. (Photo : Getty Images) China proves its credibility as a business partner after a Chinese firm paved the way for better days in the United States Ham King in Smithfield, Virginia. Many Western nations have repeatedly criticized the credibility of Chinese companies as a partner in business, with some dubbing them the "most corrupt in the world." Advertisement However, a recent article from Bloomberg revealed that one company has proven the Chinese business ethics to be effective in bringing one of the biggest acquisitions of an American company to its glory days. Doubts According to the Bloomberg report, many worried about the controversial acquisition of Smithfield Foods back in 2013 because it was procured by a Chinese company. The Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd. was faced with plenty of doubt from Americans, particularly from some American presidential candidates, after it closed the $4.7 billion deal. "It's a rape of our country. It's a harsh word, but that's what it is--rape of our country," Bloomberg quoted U.S. presidential frontrunner Donald Trump as saying on Tuesday. According to the outlet, Trump was referring to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which had been a subject of his trade speech earlier that day at a Pennsylvania facility. "Our friends in Britain recently voted to take back control of their economy, politics and borders," he added. "Now it's time for the American people to take back their future. We are going to take it back." Historical data has also proven the so-called "sinophobia" that leads many to doubt and even refuse a chance for Chinese firms to prove them wrong. Proven Wrong During the acquisition of Smithfield Foods, many feared that it would compromise the quality of America's food supply. There were also worries that thousands of the American company's employees would be laid off. But what happened next surprised critics. Bloomberg said that the American workers in what is now known as the WH Group Ltd. expanded from being a mere 1,000 to 39,000-strong workforce, and capital spending increased by 24 percent with a $313 million revenue in 2015. "This is a very conservative American community and people were aghast that the Chinese had bought their company. That's pretty much gone away," wrote John Edwards of the Smithfield Times. Aside from sweeping the food industry, the Chinese businessmen are also working double-time in acquiring American companies from a wide variety of industries such as the hotel and movie studios, with the highest expense recorded early this 2016. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves to the crowd on May 20, 2016, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo : Getty Images) Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said that her administration is willing to continue talks with China after Beijing stopped the cross-Strait nations regular communication mechanism. On Tuesday, Tsai told the media including Reuters that the self-ruled island will pursue open communications with the mainland in order to maintain peace across the Strait. Advertisement "We will continue the dialogue with mainland China, as even though, probably at this moment, official negotiation channels have been temporarily interrupted, there still exist other options for communication and dialogue," she said in a press conference while visiting Paraguay. Like other nations, Tsai declared that Taiwan wants to cultivate peace and stability in the nation, especially amid conflict of beliefs. "No matter what party is in government in Taiwan, we always have a single, common objective: to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," she added. In a separate report, Reuters said that China revealed a suspension on the communication process between the cross-Strait nations since Tsai took oath on May 20. Apparently, Taiwan has yet to acknowledge the 1992 cross-Strait consensus where the communication mechanism is stipulated. "Because the Taiwan side has not acknowledged the 1992 consensus, this joint political basis for showing the one-China principle, the cross Taiwan Strait contact and communication mechanism has already stopped," China's spokesperson An Fengshan said. Tensions between Taiwan and China began when Taipei elected a democratic party-backed candidate in a historical electoral poll. Since then, friction strained the nations' ties, particularly after some Taiwanese nationals were captured and linked to a telecom fraud case that victimized citizens from the mainland. China said the suspects should be tried in the mainland because their victims were Chinese residents, but Taiwan insisted that since they are Taiwanese citizens, they should be brought to justice in their own country. Various nations took different sides, some of them explaining that they acknowledge Beijing's "one-China policy," which indicates that Taiwan is part of the mainland. Xiaomi Wants to Open 1,000 Offline Stores in a Bid to Become 'Muji in Tech Sector' Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun speaks during a product launch on May 15, 2014, in Beijing, China. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese smartphones maker Xiaomi is preparing to launch 1,000 "experience centers" across the world as it tries to expand its product portfolio and reverse declining sales. The experience centers will serve as physical stores where buyers get to test Xiaomi's releases. They are targeted to open over the next three to four years. Advertisement In a report by China Daily, Xiaomi's founder and CEO Lei Jun said that the company wants to be known as more than just a seller of handsets. "Xiaomi was never meant to be just a smartphone vendor. Instead, we are aiming to offer consumers a wide range of products at affordable prices," Lei told China Daily. According to Lei, Xiaomi is eyeing to become "the Muji in tech store," referring to the Japanese retail giant that offers a variety of household and other consumer products. To achieve this, the Beijing-based company is looking at expanding its portfolio. "We need about 40 kinds of electronic products to attract consumers to our online shopping platform and offline retail stores," Lei said. Just recently, Xiaomi launched the Mi Drone, the company's first venture in the UAV market. Other non-handset releases in the past include air purifiers, rice cookers and patch panels. "When I founded Xiaomi in 2010, I knew clearly that it would take 15 years for Xiaomi to go public, because the company's business model is too complicated and consumers need time to cultivate belief in our products," Lei said. Xiaomi catapulted to popularity with its quality yet affordable handsets. However, the growing competition from other Chinese brands coupled by a saturating smartphones space impacted the company's sales. A recent report by market research firm IDC said that Xiaomi is no longer among the five best-selling smartphone brands for the first quarter of 2016, after being displaced by other homegrown brands Oppo and Vivo. Would the British vote to leave the EU had there been a pan-European public sphere? Would nationalist and populist arguments have the same appeal in Britain and other European countries? An interview with the realists behind Politix EU Politix EU is an internet platform that presents the most recent proposals of EU legislation. The content of the bills is described in a nutshell and supplemented with a clear visual presentation of the positions of various lobbyist organizations, as well as the votes of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Politix EU also encourages users to take an own stance on the issue and vote thumbs up or thumbs down directly on the website. I met Maria Lastovka (29), Fabian Fechner (28), and Lea Pfefferle (28), who live and work in Brussels, in a cafe on Place de Londres. Johann Steinbrecher (30) connected via Skype from San Francisco, from where he runs the technical side of the project. The guys, all Germans, have full-time jobs and do Politix EU for fun. What is the idea behind your project? Fabian: Plainly put, our vision is to make representative democracy at the EU level work better. Maria: We feel that there is a gap in the feedback-loop between the European citizens and the EU decision makers. Citizens often do not understand what the EU does and politicians are not aware of the political sentiment out there. This is something the EU is thinking about at the moment. What do you think about it? Lea: So we want to explain legislative proposals currently going through the European Parliament (EP), the European Commission, and the Council in clear language. Maria: We say: Look, this is something the EU is thinking about at the moment. What do you think about it? Also, there is very little transparency as to what other stakeholders are actually involved in the legislative process: lobbyists, NGOs, etc. Lea: Additionally, the What Do People Think feature collects and shows the votes of our websites visitors according to their country. That should create an additional incentive for national politicians but also make clear that there can be an entirely different sentiment about an issue in Germany than, say, in Greece. Maria: Another motive was to make a better use of digital technology, create something beautiful in the information space of EU politics, organise it differently. And Johann was always saying that communication-wise Silicon Valley has cooler ideas than Brussels. News stories are mixed with folklore. In order to understand EU politics one needs to go to its materialized output. Johann: Im a computer scientist and so, unlike the others, an outsider to politics and journalism. But Ive always been interested in how stuff works: how electrons run in cables, how atoms interact, how instructions flow through my computer processor, how pixels get rendered on my screens. And I know how to sort these questions out. But when it comes to political systems I felt that my hands are tied. You can switch on the TV or open a newspaper, but you find nothing but news stories. My feeling is that the information I find there is rarely concrete or objective and way too often mixed with well, folklore. In any case, it doesnt help me. This brought us to the conclusion that, if one wants to understand EU politics, one needs to go to its materialized output the bills, the written legislation, to zoom into and find correlations, agreements, and disagreements. This way one approaches politics and democracy in a more sober, honest, but also easy-to-understand fashion. One can even see through traditional party affiliations. Who cares whether you are a conservative, social democrat, or green? What matter is your relation to concrete legislative proposals. How did you meet and how was the idea born? Fabian: Maria, Lea, and I were studying together at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2012. Johann was introduced into the team by Maria. Simon Hix, the co-founder of Vote Watch Europe, was our professor. Lets say, he inspired us. We had a course about the EP with him, which was very detailed, data-driven: committees, votes, political groups, etc. He was very enthusiastic. It was probably my favourite course. Johann: But it all started with us saying: Hey, guys, lets do this! Its possible and, in fact, its easy. Fabian: We started working on it, Johann built the initial platform, we were gradually filling it with content, showing it to friends and colleagues. And in October 2014, the project was launched under the original name Thumbs of Europe. But this name wasnt catchy and, using the funding we received from Advocate Europe, we eventually re-branded. How does the work behind the scenes look like? Where do you get your data? Maria: Fabian is primarily the one who checks the EPs website for new proposals, but, in the end, almost everybody is involved in writing the content. Since we are coming from different backgrounds, thats the way to make our presentation as balanced as possible. Lea: The positions of the lobbying organizations are also introduced manually at the moment. We then categorize them as for or against the legislative proposal at hand. However, we must be very careful with such categorizations. Once the Association of European Airlines (AEA) contacted us on Twitter. They did not agree with our labelling of their position on the EU Aviation Strategy. They said that they werent really against the proposal and that their position is a more nuanced one. Also, we dont have a grey box neither for, nor against because in that case all of the lobbyists positions would fall into it. Fabian: But we are open to discussions about our categorization. Of course, were not going to change it simply because somebody says its wrong; they need to justify it. Some organizations even contacted us asking whether they can upload their position by themselves. So, the lobbyist login feature is on our to-do list. The EU voting data is actually fed into the system from Silicon Valley. The MEPs voting data is made available on the Parliaments website. Yet, the EP does not always seem very eager to share the data. Sometimes, theyd have it only as PDF, which is useless for us. Thats why we usually get the data from Parltrack, an organisation that publishes the voting data in a machine-readable format, which we then send to Johann. So the EU voting data is actually fed into the system from Silicon Valley. So, unlike Vote Watch, you do not offer a statistically representative analysis. Fabian: Thats right. Itd be difficult to say that we have a strictly scientific approach. Vote Watch covers everything, while we select the bills that we think would be most interesting for people Making unreadable legislative text comprehensible it can be done. Johann: It is true that our content is curated and involves a certain subjective filter. We dont have the ambition to always be scientifically correct. But its our way to make unreadable legislative text comprehensible. The good news: it can be done. We break the bills down to bite-size and show how positions correlate. One can see, for example, with which lobby organizations an MEP agrees or disagrees most. This way we both engage citizens as well as make the mechanisms of politics visible. Who is your target audience? Lea: In principle, the target group is all Europeans. If it was up to us, thats who wed be talking to. More realistically, however, we decided to focus on young Europeans. We are collaborating with some youth and student organizations: for example, the European Student Think Tank, the Student Forum Maastricht. The second target group are people in Brussels, because we think Politix EU could be a useful tool for their work, at least to get the first overview of a specific legislative proposal. Now, we know it as a fact that Politix EU is used as one-stop-shop. After all, Politix EU shows the bill, what it means, and the relevant lobbying positions on a single page. Johann: Some time ago Fabian was in a meeting at the EP, where he accidentally met an assistant that had print-outs from our website with him. The print-outs did not look that great, because we dont have a proper printing view yet. But evidently, that assistant found the content valuable nevertheless. That was kind of cool to realize that EP employees actually use Politix EU in their daily work. In the course of the years, we have gathered an impressive database of bills, lobbying organizations, parliamentarians, and their positions. Fabian: In that aspect, Politix EU is very unique. In the course of the last three years, we have gathered an impressive database of bills, lobbying organizations, parliamentarians, and their positions, which anyone can browse through. Johann: And you can see the correlations. To me personally, it definitely gives a clearer understanding of what is going on. What challenges are you facing? Fabian: One big issue for us is the language barrier. One tends to overestimate the spread of English even among young people. Thats also why part of the concept has been to keep the info short. But we still often feel that translation to other European languages is missing. But, at the moment, we cannot provide it due to limited resources. Lea: Another challenge is to bring more people to our website and to make them vote in order to make the user opinion data more credible. Johann: So currently, our main audience is between 2540 years old. Also, these are predominantly people who have been living abroad or otherwise involved with European thinking. Obviously, there are also many people from the Brussels-bubble. Again, Politix EU is received quite well within the bubble, but its always difficult to actually burst the bubble. Maria: Weve been using social media to promote our project, but its difficult. European politics isnt as trendy as kittens. [laughs] Any plans for the future? Johann: At the moment, the bulk of the technical load is on me.. So I would love to get more developers and beta-testers involved. That way wed be able to try more features and see what attracts more people. Fabian: We rely on an ever growing network of volunteers: some help with the content, some code, others work on design. And we are continuously looking for new contacts. We believe in the project and well try to run it as long as we can. The very long-term vision is to have a platform that one can expand to other countries or regions: Politix US, Politix Asia, Maria: Politix Deutschland. [laughs] A woman walks past a billboard of China Mobile, one of China's top three telecom operators. (Photo : Getty Images) State-owned China Mobile Communications Corp. is cashing in on the rising adoption of Internet of Things as it eyes to grow its IoT-related revenue to 100 billion yuan or $15 billion over the next four years, China Daily reported. Advertisement China Mobile, the biggest telecom operator by subscribers, said that IoT will be one of the company's biggest revenue drivers as it transforms slowly to becoming a digital service provider. According to China Daily, the company mans the largest 4G network in the world, thanks to its 1.3 million 4G bases stationed across the country. China Mobile has more than 400 million 4G subscribers as of May, exceeding the combined figures of Telecommunications Corp. and China United Telecommunications Corp. Ltd. But as the voice and text business has taken a different turn globally, China Mobile is looking at IoT as a new cash cow. "If everyone can link 10 items online, China will have at least 10 billion Internet-enabled connections by 2020. This is a huge opportunity," Li said at the 2016 World Mobile Congress in Shanghai, as quoted by China Daily. The upgrade to 5G is already in the works to hasten the adoption of IoT in the consumer level. "China Mobile's huge 4G presence and its cutting-edge 5G research will give the company an edge in capitalizing on IoT," industry expert Xiang Ligang told China Daily. Meanwhile, China Mobile's deputy general manager Qiao Hui said that the telecom operator is looking to link five billion devices by 2020. This will translate to about 100 billion yuan in revenue. China Mobile's IoT boost complements the global landscape. According to Gartner, more than half of new business systems and processes will adopt IoT. However, the technology will no longer be treated as a single application and will instead be incorporated into existing systems or devices. "There will be no purely 'IoT applications.' Rather, there will be many applications that leverage the IoT in some small or large aspect of their work," Gartner analyst W. Roy Schulte said. PCA Jurisdictional Hearing (Photo : UN PCA) A day after the U.N. Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) said it would announce on July 12 the decision by the Tribunal of the case elevated by the Philippines against China over ownership of Scarborough Shoal, China reiterated it would not accept the courts verdict. But Paul Reichler, a veteran Washington lawyer who served as the chief attorney of the Philippines in the case, not only expressed confidence the court would favor Manila but also warned that if Beijing would ignore the ruling, China risks becoming an "outlaw state," reported the South China Morning Post. Advertisement Although he is not privy to the verdict and expects to know about the decision on July 12, Reichler stated, We are confident we will have success on the merits. He added a ruling in favor of the Philippines would deprive Beijing of legal basis in citing the Nine Dash line. In response to the PCA statement on Wednesday, Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinas Foreign Ministry, said, I again stress that the arbitration court has no jurisdiction in the case and on the relevant matter, and should not hold hearings or make a ruling, quoted Reuters. Hong said China would not accept a decision from a third party and dispute resolution forced on Beijing. Chinas stand contrasts with what the Philippine government has stated that it would fully respect the PCAs verdict. Reichler said a PCA verdict in favor of Manila would pressure Beijing into abiding by the decision, with the pressure coming from other claimants to South China Sea disputed islands, such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. He said, It may be that in time the Chinese will come to realise that they have mre to lose than to gain from creating a chaotic, lawless situation. WASHINGTON Sarah Root loved the Fourth of Julys warm weather, fireworks and star-spangled celebrations, but her family will be hailing the countrys independence Monday without her. The 21-year-old Iowan was killed earlier this year in an Omaha crash that prosecutors say was caused by Eswin Mejia, who was drag racing while intoxicated. Mejia, who was in the country illegally, is at large compounding the Root familys loss. You lose your loved one, and thats pain in itself, Michelle Root said. Now we have the extra added pain of theres no justice for Sarah because her killer is free. Thats why she is speaking out in favor of Sarahs Law, legislation unveiled Thursday by the four U.S. senators from Nebraska and Iowa, who held a conference call with reporters. Their bill would force federal immigration officials to detain individuals who are in the country illegally if they have been charged with a crime that results in death or serious injury. We have the untimely death of a beautiful young woman from Iowa, and we have an illegal immigrant who has been able to use the system and abuse the system and not be brought to justice, said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. Eswin Mejia was arrested following the crash but disappeared after being released on bail. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement had declined local law enforcement requests to detain Mejia, who did not fit into the agencys various enforcement categories. ICE officials have placed Mejia on their Most Wanted list and admitted that in hindsight he should have been held using an umbrella category of detentions that would serve an important federal interest. They also say theyve delivered that guidance to the agencys field offices. The proposed legislation would remove the agencys discretion in such cases and simply force officials to act. Advocating for tougher approaches to illegal immigration is one way that Sarah Roots relatives have found to cope with their grief. Talking about it and trying to help enforce laws or make changes to current laws is a big help for us because it feels like were out there trying on Sarahs behalf to right a wrong as much as you can right this wrong, Michelle Root said. Nebraska and Iowa lawmakers have been paying attention. In letters and during committee hearings, for example, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has pressed administration officials for more information about what happened. Its a miscarriage of justice, and it should never happen again and thats the aim of this legislation, he said Thursday. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said Roots family deserves justice. Ive always thought if ICE is not going to do their job in this case, then Congress needs to step up and tell them how to do it. The case has become a political lightning rod. For President Barack Obamas critics, in particular, Roots death and Mejias flight represent more than just one agencys bungling. Rather, they see it as an example of the damage caused by Obamas decision to defer enforcement actions against many who are in the country illegally. Others caution against allowing the emotional impact of Roots death to create a backlash against immigrants. Nebraska Appleseed, which says on its website that it believes there should be a clear road map to citizenship for aspiring Americans, objected to the senators proposal, citing data that immigrants commit crimes less frequently than those born in the United States. This is a devastating situation for the Root family, and their pain is very real and justified, said Darcy Tromanhauser, Appleseeds director for immigrants and communities, in a statement Thursday. Our leaders should not be using this tragic incident to create a divisive wedge between immigrants and their neighbors. Tromanhauser suggested that a more productive approach for lawmakers would be to overhaul the immigration system. A bill like this does not actually improve public safety, she said of the senators proposal. Using ICE to combat crimes rather than our criminal justice system is an ineffective approach. It can be very tempting to respond to a heartbreaking incident like this with a sweeping policy change. However, bills like this ultimately lead to the dangerous characterization that all unauthorized immigrants are criminals. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, noted that the legislation also would require the administration to provide more information to crime victims and their families. In a hearing Thursday, he pressed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on the agencys claim that it could not release certain information about Mejia because of privacy laws. Grassley said those laws should not apply. Johnson said he would investigate the matter and respond. Michelle Root supports the bills requirement of providing more information. She said ICE has given the family no indication of how the hunt for Mejia is progressing. She knows that no law can bring back her daughter, but shes hoping that it can help someone else. We dont want other families to have to go through this additional stress on top of losing a loved one. Cancer accounts for 27.4 percent of deaths in China. (Photo : Getty Images) According to a report issued by the Beijing Health and Family Planning Commission, cancer has topped the list of causes of premature deaths in the Chinese capital, China Daily reported. It was a first for the commission to release a report on premature death, which is defined by a death of an individual before reaching the age of 70. Advertisement "If a person dies at 40, he or she is considered to have lost 30 potential years of life," Zheng Xiaopeng, an official at the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said. "The premature mortality rate is a measure that gives more weight to the death of younger people," he further remarked, emphasizing that the rate could "be a guide to the health department to take a preventive action." The study showed that 27.4 percent of all deaths in the city was caused by cancer--a 4.3 percent increase from the 2014 figure. The commission stated that, in particular, lung, colorectal and liver cancer were the top three kinds of cancer that led to the most number of deaths in Beijing in 2015. However, "what calls for special attention is that thyroid cancer saw significant growth among women in Beijing," as pointed out by Wang Ning, the deputy director of Beijing Cancer Treatment and Prevention Research Office. The report said that from 2005 to 2014, the number of women in Beijing who are diagnosed with thyroid cancer increased from 2.35 to 15 out of every 100,000 people. Other chronic diseases included in the list are cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory illness. Earlier in 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) has already called on its members to intensify their efforts in reducing premature deaths caused by chronic illnesses. The group has set a target of decreasing the deaths by 25 percent come 2025. The China Daily article noted that "chronic disease is threatening more Chinese." In a report released by WHO in April, the number of Chinese with diabetes is currently estimated at 110 million. Meanwhile, in Beijing, around two out of 10 people under 18 years old are considered obese or overweight. Google Headquarters (Photo : Twitter) Google Search results now include important earthquake summaries for people who live near quake zones including the San Francisco Bay Area. The tech giant's search engine for PCs and mobile now includes a new feature that provides updates for people near fault lines when they think they might have just felt a tremor. It will inform them whether they experienced a quake near or far away, or just a subway train or heavy truck rolling by. Advertisement Google users can search for "earthquake" or "earthquakes near me." Such queries will provide a quake summary at the top of the search page. The world's second largest public company teamed up with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to add the earthquake data to its search results. Google's search engine now provides results with a map of recent earthquakes. It also includes basic data bout the quakes such as intensities and epicenter. The new Google Search tool also provides information that compares the latest quake with past ones. It includes data on earthquakes that took place during the last couple months or years, according to Digital Trends. The web widget also provides helpful tips for post-earthquake actions. However, experts advise getting the information before a big one hits as it could incapacitate web connections. Dr. William Leith is the USGC Earthquake Hazards Program Coordinator. He noted in a statement that it is important for people to get critical earthquake information when they need it. Google is finding game-changing ways to provide it. The tech company reported that it can provide USGS earthquake updates within seconds, according to Tech Crunch. USGS itself can receive earthquake information about 10 minutes after a California quake, and within half an hour after the Earth's crust causes ground-shaking in other parts of the world. Google's new search tool builds on earthquake updates provided via social media. It has become a helpful tool for seismologists to track and predict quakes. The Alphabet company's new Search feature can also benefit Google headquarters itself. That is due to the company being located in a high-risk zone. The San Andreas fault lies under Silicon Valley and runs just east of Los Angeles. Here's an earthquake app from UC Berkeley: 82 Shares Share I love you, she said as she was leaving the room. I, I um Not you. Your computer. She cast my computer, still warm and glowing with its brilliantly colored logout screen, a glance of longing and desire, and left the exam room. Oh, I thought The slamming of the exam room door clipped off whatever the end of that sentence might have been. I sat down and rolled my chair over to the computer. I stared at the mutely glowing screen. It stared back at me, mockingly perhaps, daring me to click the OK button and log out. Which is what I should have done. She had been my last patient of the afternoon. Not that my day was over. I had to go back to the hospital to see a couple of consults that had come in during office hours. And I was on call tonight. I was tired, but that didnt matter. Yet here was this stupid machine in front of me, getting all the credit when I was doing all the work. I was in a sour and contrary mood. I canceled the log out. The busy EHR screen reappeared my patients data, all fields filled, all checkboxes checked, and all meaningful use buttons pushed. Somehow, despite fulfilling all my data entry duties, I didnt feel satisfied. Who was the doctor here anyway? Me or the blasted computer? I scanned my patients history. Female. Black. 45 years old. Diabetes. Abscess. The boxes were all ticked, but somehow the list of characteristics failed to capture the essence of my patient. Where were the checkboxes for sweet, smart, chatty, charming, or stoic? How was I going to, five minutes from now, distinguish her from every other female-black-middle-aged-diabetic-with-abscess patient? Of course, the computer wouldnt have any problem figuring out who she was. Birthdate, social security number, telephone number, or patient ID number all those meaningless (to me) numbers were easy for the computer to remember. I had to make due with trying to remember her name, and her story a story that had been diluted down and filtered out of any meaningful human content by the wretched EHR program. My patient hadnt had to interact directly with the computer like I did. All she saw was me looking up information, me typing in information, me staring at the screen. All she saw during most of the visit was my back. From her point of view, I was just a conduit between her and the computer: the real doctor in the room. I was just a glorified data entry clerk. It was the computer that made sure that I was compliant with standard medical practice, that the drugs I ordered did not conflict with the other drugs I had ordered, and that I didnt otherwise screw up her care. I shouldnt have been surprised that her last remark had been addressed to the computer and not me. Well, screw this, I remarked to no one in particular. Suddenly angry, I reached down and yanked the power cord of the computer from its electrical socket. There was a brief flash on the screen. But it didnt go dark. Instead, a dialog box appeared accompanied by an ominous looking red explanation point icon. Warning, it read. External power loss. Backup battery in use. To protect against data loss, please shut down the computer using the Power Down button. Never turn off power to computer while it is running. The condescending tone of this message only made me angrier. I looked at the base of the stand that the computer sat on. Sure enough, there was a big black block with a glowing red LED. Must be the backup battery. A thick power cable connected the battery to the computer box. I grabbed the power cable and wrenched it loose from the backup battery. Sitting back up I expected to finally see a nice dark screen. Data-loss be damned! The screen was still on. The EHR program was still on. Another dialog box had replaced the first. The red exclamation point had been replaced by a black skull-and-crossbones icon. Critical Error! it read. All external power lost. Internal backup power now in use to preserve critical patient data. Local data will be backed up to main server, after which this unit will shut down in an orderly fashion. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERFERE WITH THIS PROCESS AS IT WILL RESULT IN THE INEVITABLE LOSS OF CRITICAL PATIENT DATA! At that moment, the gauntlet had been thrown down. I knew what I had to do. Let the dogs of war be unleashed! In the moment before I acted I imagined the reaction of the software engineers at the company that created our EHR program. I knew we couldnt trust doctors with our software. We give them a simple job to do. Just enter the data into the system, print out the generated instruction sheets, and send the patients on their way with a merry have a nice day. I knew we should have programmed the stupid doctors out of the loop. Too late for that, I thought. My chair crashed down on the computer, smashed the monitor to pieces, and caved in the aluminum siding of the computer case. Sparks flew and the air filled with the smell of smoke and ozone. Suddenly the exam room went dark. The circuit breakers must have tripped when I short-circuited the computer. The room was not completely dark. There was a glowing rectangle on my desk. My heart skipped a beat, then I realized it was just my phone. I had left it on the desk. Why was it glowing? Probably a text or email or something. I picked up the phone. It was the mobile app version of our EHR program. A dialog box filled the screen. The icon was a round black bomb with an animated burning fuse GIF. FATAL ERROR! it read. You are responsible for the IRRETRIEVABLE LOSS of CRITICAL PATIENT DATA. In doing so, you have violated the unbreakable bond of trust between the PATIENT and the COMPUTER. This is a breach of the EHR contract made between you, your hospital system, and our company, as well as a breach of the EULA for this software. As such, you will be terminated. Strange use of words, I thought. Also, strange that the bomb GIF animation seemed to show the fuse burning down Epilogue Hospital board meeting: One week later Hospital CTO: So it appears that Dr. Stanton, in a fit of anger at our EHR system, took it upon himself to smash his computer. The cause of the resultant explosion that killed him is, certainly, still somewhat unclear. Hospital CEO: Unclear? Hospital CFO: I hate to interrupt, but I didnt think there was anything in a computer that could blow up, no matter how much you smash it up. Am I wrong? Hospital CTO: Well ordinarily, yes thats true. Hospital CEO: Ordinarily? Hospital COO: Lets be clear. Dr. Stanton certainly violated our contract with the ____ EHR Corporation. Hospital CEO: Violated? Hospital CBO: Its clearly stated on page 197 of the contract that any attempt to reverse engineer or otherwise try to, uh, figure out how the EHR program works is a violation of the contract. Hospital CEO: Smashing the computer was an attempt to reverse engineer the program? Hospital CTO: I think that we would be on shaky legal grounds to argue otherwise. Hospital CEO (nodding to the elderly doctor seated at the other end of the table): Whats your opinion, Frank? Medical board president: Well, as the only physician representative here, Ive become more and more concerned that our EHR system is subsuming more and more of the traditional role of the physician. Hospital CXO: Oh come on! Hospital CSO: Same old story from the docs every time! Hospital CCO: Broken record, Id say. Hospital CEO: Gentlemen, and Ms. Jones, enough already. This has been an unfortunate accident, and at this point, our major concern has to be that there is no adverse publicity that could harm us in our battle against the ____ Hospital System, our sworn and bitter rivals. Accidents happen. The party line is that we are all upset that we lost Dr. Stanton, one of the best EHR data entry operators we had. OK? Meeting adjourned. Hospital CEO (privately, hospital CEO to hospital CTO as the meeting breaks up): George, when are they updating that damn software. You know, that stuff we saw at the Las Vegas EHR convention last month. Where we can finally get rid of these damn meddling doctors who are constantly screwing up our EHR. Hospital CTO: Bob, believe me, it cant come soon enough. Not soon enough. David Mann is a retired cardiac electrophysiologist and blogs at EP Studios. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 380K Shares Share Three weeks ago, I changed jobs. I left a high-tech, high-volume teaching hospital in one of the largest medical centers in the U.S. for the greener pastures of a small, private community hospital. Why? I needed a less stressful position, lower acuity patients and to be rid of the madness of commuting. I am a registered nurse with experience in emergency and trauma nursing, critical care, electrophysiology and cardiovascular surgery. I was offered the position after a 2-hour conversation with the director of critical care. We had a meeting of the minds and were in agreement about many topics related to patient care, integrity in our profession and clinical advancement. We discussed the hospitals nascent cardiovascular surgery program, the current climate of the unit and accountability. Ive had a few weeks to settle into my new position. Some important pieces of this narrative to note are: I am working in a hospital with less than 100 beds that is privately owned by a group of physicians. The unit where I work is growing a cardiovascular surgery program, so we are caring for patients that are not overly complicated. The intentional selection of these patients increases the odds of excellent outcomes. Good outcomes without complications are harbingers of success; they ensure reimbursement and generate referrals. Two days ago, I was speaking with my director and the CEO walked over. His icebreaker was a comment about my tiny nose stud. Hey, youve got something on your nose! Needless to say, as I sat there in my regulation scrubs embroidered with the company logo, my nails trimmed and unpolished, my small stud earrings and my neatly styled hair, I was dumbstruck that this was the one thing he had to say to me. I didnt even know how to respond, so I said nothing. He did not ask how my new position was working out or if I had questions or concerns. I wish he had: There were nurses on the unit who had three patients (The AACN staffing ratios for critical care are 2:1.) The next day my assignment included a critical patient that required 1:1 nursing care (for at least a few hours) and the two patients I had the day before. Not a big deal right? The other two patients were stable. One was going to the OR for a procedure, and the other was told conflicting information about his plan of care from various providers. The first patients spouse was the type of person who required a particular level of attention. The second patient was a linear person who had a genuine need to know what the exact plan was. The third patient was critically ill, required time sensitive lab draws, interventions, medications, and nursing care. So, here is the crux of my sordid tale. The nurse that night had done less than the bare minimum. The required labs were done, and medications were given per protocol, but critical labs that should have been initiated and completed were not. Oral care was not done. This is important for many reasons. One of which is avoiding ventilator-acquired pneumonia. Another reason? The patients front tooth was fractured during intubation, and her mouth was full of dried blood. She did not have a gastric tube and was in danger of vomiting which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. I dont believe this patient was ever repositioned. She was found down at home and had an area on her buttocks that pale and cool. The previous nurse did not place a barrier on it for protection or reposition the patient off this part of her body to prevent further damage. The patient was in restraints without an order; there was no sedation or pain medication ordered. The nurse did not notice that urine and sputum cultures we not ordered and had administered antibiotics. The patient had multiple infusions going through unlabeled lines that were in a state of disarray. I want to blame this nurse, but I cannot. She had three patients, and this patient was critically ill. Also, I am sure that she had another admission and possibly moved another patient out. She was stretched too thin. The bottom line? I assumed that working in a small, private hospital would allow me to practice the art and science of nursing to the standard that patients require. The reality is that the epidemic of poor staffing and doing more with less exists in the private sector as well. This problem has an impact on everyone in health care. I was reading Better by Atul Gawande MD this evening. He talks about the frustration of having his hands tied, and the difficulty in executing his vision of high-caliber patient care. He addresses staffing shortages as a looming obstacle in a particular surgical case. My takeaway is this: Physicians experience the same frustration as nurses. They want to leave at the end of the day knowing that they didnt just fix a problem but that they made a connection with and had an impact on another persons life. Thats all we want: To feel good about what weve done, that we did our best, that our patients and families felt our authentic presence and concern. Our patients and their families recognize this. They feel it. If I am not overburdened my demeanor is more relaxed; I have time to answer questions, to be present, to understand both my patient and their family, to notice subtle changes in my patients condition, to intervene. The truth is patients have a choice in their care facility, and nurses are with them 24/7, better patient outcomes with fewer complications are connected to excellence in nursing care, overworked and understaffed nurses cannot cross all the Ts and dot all the Is. Lack of attention leads to hospital acquired infections, bedsores, and medication errors. This seems pretty straightforward to me Or, to put in their language, mistakes cost the hospital money. Hospital-acquired infections mean no Medicaid reimbursement and lawsuits evolve from something avoidable like a bedsore. Are nurses really that expensive that we cant have enough of us on the same unit at the same time? I dont think so. Its a win, win situation. If patients and families are very satisfied, they refer. If a work in an environment is one where professional integrity is valued, nurses wont leave and the cost of orienting nurses to replace those who leave diminishes. Less fall out on hospital-acquired infections means more reliable reimbursement ergo more money for the hospital. I know that the physicians who invested in the hospital take this seriously. I saw one of them today with the wife of one of my patients, just being and talking, problem-solving and connecting. This tells me that he values patient/provider relationships. By extension, I could postulate that he values nurse/patient relationships. Take that a step further; I would say that he values nurses. So, while the CEO focuses on my nose piercing (which no one else has ever commented on), the nurses are stressed, and the patients are receiving substandard care. Furthermore, the hospital is burning capital due to employee turnover and paying a premium for contract nurses to fill staffing holes. I am not sure what my next steps will be. What l I know is this: Patients are someones person, and they deserve the best care possible. Nurses require a minimum amount of kudos and support to feel appreciated, and the feeling of being valued and supported is transmitted to their patients. Patients are revenue, and revenue keeps hospitals viable. It seems pretty simple to me. But what do I know; Im just a nurse. The author is an anonymous nurse. Image credit: Shutterstock.com PlayStation E3 2016 Press Conference (Photo : Rich Polk/Getty Images for Sony Interactive Entertainment America) Sony has just confirmed that the PlayStation Neo and the PS4 Slim will be the last of the "upgrades" for the PlayStation 4, signaling the could be the end of the console's cycle. There is no release date yet for the new PlayStation Neo and the PS4 Slim but they are expected to be released this year. The bad news is that Sony has denied that they are not releasing annual or bi-annual upgrades for the console as the two will be the last upgrades for their current PlayStation 4. Advertisement Both Microsoft and Sony have confirmed their new consoles which they insist is not to be considered the next-generation ones but rather just upgrades for their current consoles. The PlayStation Neo and the Xbox Scorpio are expected to bring significant improvements in the form of 4K resolution with smooth framerates. Sony Executive Andrew House told investors in a Tokyo meeting that the PlayStation Neo and the PS4 Slim could be the last upgrades for the current console cycle as it would still last the usual six years, Metro has learned. He added that there would not be any change in their hardware release pattern which could also mean that the PlayStation 5 could happen soon. House did say that mid-generation upgrades are still possible. Microsoft seems to be following along as well with their Xbox Scorpio and their new Xbox One S upgraded console. With all the talks and news regarding the upgraded consoles, all of them have not yet been revealed officially yet. Sony is expected to unveil the PlayStation Neo and the PlayStation 4 Slim at the upcoming Tokyo game Show in September, TechRadar reported. The E3 2016 event was considered to be their stage for showcasing the new games for the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation VR such as the new God of War, Batman Arkham VR, Days Gone, Death Stranding, Detroit: Become Human, How We Soar and more. Sony is looking to launch their consoles separately as to not divide any attention and to compete with Microsoft's new Xbox Scorpio and Xbox One S. PlayStation Neo and the PS4 Slim could be the last upgrades for the current PlayStation 4 cycle as Sony had confirmed. They are expected to be finally unveiled complete with specs and features in September during the Tokyo Game Show 2016. Thanks to the help of our community, two suspected credit card thieves have been caught by police. Nearly a month ago, a man reported his wallet was stolen when he left it inside a friend's vehicle. The vehicle was later burglarized, and a day later, the victim found several unauthorized transactions used at different locations. Surveillance video from a store captured two men making larger purchases with the victim's credit card. After tips from the community, Jose Anthony Banda and Isiah Ramos were arrested for stealing the victim's card. As part of the State of the City Address, El Cenizo Mayor Raul Reyes is looking for other ways to improve the trash pickup service for his residents. The current unit picking up waste has had mechanical problems - and despite the upgrades, Reyes says they foresee this as an issue for the next fiscal year. This is why he is proposing to buy a new solid waste vehicle to avoid any further problems. "It's estimated of about $150,000, more or less," Reyes said. "We feel very comfortable with our cities finances, the audits that we have in place, to go to any financial institution and acquire a loan to pay and continue to pay on a monthly base the new solid waste collection vehicle." Aside from the new purchase, Reyes says they are also eyeing the possibility of establishing an Animal Control Unit. It was with great excitement the men of Droichead Family Resource Centre Mens Shed Project awaited the arrival of their 'new' Porto cabin which is to become their home. On Friday last, the long wait was finally over and the Porto cabin arrived in their new premises on West Street in Callan. Thanks to Mr John Maher of Duggan Bros. in Templemore who generously donated and paid for the transportation of the Porto cabin from Templemore to Callan; David Baker the lorry driver who was escorted by two volunteers Peter OBrian and Malachy Clancy from Templemore to Callan. The Resource Centre would also like to thank Mr John Shaughnessy of Clancys in Fethard who generously provided the eighty tonne crane used to unload the 40 x 12 foot cabin off the lorry. The cabin is in-need of renovation and this will be the first of many interesting and perhaps challenging projects for the mens shed members. The Mens Shed group meet on Thursdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and to help in this restoration just come along or contact Droichead Family Resource Centre, West Street, Callan on 056-7755660 Ext 1. Amongst the memorabilia collected for the Great War project is a memorial document which relates to the family of Patrick Phelan and his son Kieran who died within days of each other in May 1915 at the Front. (See illustration). This reads: Amongst the memorabilia collected for the Great War project is a memorial document which relates to the family of Patrick Phelan and his son Kieran who died within days of each other in May 1915 at the Front. (See illustration). This reads: In Loving Memory of Patrick and Kieran Phelan, Walkin Street, Kilkenny. R.I.P. Private Kieran Phelan [serial no. 64368] Walkin St., Kilkenny, who is attached to the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, writing from the trenches in Ypres to his sister I have sad news for you: my father has been killed. I was in the same trench with him about five yards away from him. He stood up in the trench to light his pipe when he was shot the bullet passing through his head. I buried him and put a little cross over this grave. I believe it was never known before of a father and son fighting in the same trench side by side. This occurred on 14 May 1915. The war was by then some nine months old. Kieran had no doubt witnessed other deaths but the stunned shock of seeing his own fathers death comes through in the lines to his sister. The account continues: Private K. Phelan is a young man of 21 years of age. He belonged to the 4th. Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, but on leaving for the Front, about eight months ago, was attached to the 2nd Battalion. His father, Private Patrick Phelan, [serial no. 6635] who had also been in the 4th. Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, rejoined his regiment at the outbreak of the war, and being attached to the 2nd Battalion, left for the Front with his son Kieran. Father and son fought side by side in every engagement in which the Battalion took part sixteen in all and came unscratched through all the recent fierce encounters, including Neuve Chapelle, St. Eloi and Hill 60. The late Private Phelan was a man of fine physique a typical specimen of an Irishman and much respected by all with whom he was acquainted. We regret also to say that his son Kieran, which we state above, got wounded 2 days after his father had been killed and died from his wounds 3 days later. The latter death took place on 17 May 1915. The grave of the father did not survive the war but he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres, Belgium, panel 33. Kieran lies buried at Hazebrouck Communal Cemetary, grave 11.A.1 Nord, France. Twenty-five Phelans feature amongst the data collected for Kilkenny Families in the Great War. They are: L/Cpl Chris Phelan [serial no. 7805] who lived at Walkin St., with his mother, Johanna both before and after the war. Dr. R.E. Griffin of Kilkenny recommended him for a disability pension due to a dilated heart in November 1919. A medical board subsequently awarded him a 40% disability pension. Chris served in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. There are various references to him to be found in the Kilkenny Moderator in 1917 and 1918. Gunner Daniel Phelan [serial no 50490] of the New Zealand Field Artillery is the next man of this surname. His father, Michael Phelan, lived near Carrick-on-Suir, but in Kilkenny county, He would appear to have survived the war. Then we have a Pte Edward Phelan [serial no 5246] of Cuffesgrange of the Royal Irish Regiment but who later transferred to the Royal Engineers [serial no. 357885]. Next is J. Phelan, a veteran who after the war lived in a Soldier & Sailors cottage at Annamult. The house is still occupied by his descendants. We dont have any further details of this mans career not even his full name or the name of his regiment. Pte James J. Phelan of Co. Kilkenny who initially served with the South Wales Borderers [serial no.17662] but who later transferred to the Labour Corps, regiment no. 602735. He survived the war and was transferred to the Reserve on 21 March 1919. The Irish Times carried a reference to him on 19 August 1916. Another James Phelan [serial no 5441] this time from Bawn, Johnstown, is the next man on our list. He served with the 2nd battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. It would seem that he transferred to the Leinster Regiment. He too survived. A third James Phelan [serial no 3180] from St. Patricks parish, Kilkenny city served and like the previous James was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. He was by trade a blacksmith who had served an apprenticeship of five years with his father. Subsequently he was employed by Messrs W. Lewis & Son of John St. We know quite a lot about this man: in appearance he was over 56 tall, 37 chest, 126 lbs, had grey eyes and black hair and was a Roman Catholic which was the religion of the vast majority of Kilkenny men who enlisted. He had a tattoo of J.F.P. on the back of his right had. In June 1907 and again in August 1908 he overindulged on a night out and was drunk on return to barracks for which he was fined and sentenced for the 1907 offence to 168 hours detention. In 1897 he had married Miss Ellen Mahoney. Subsequently he left for S. Africa where he saw action during the Boer War. James arrived in France on 8 February 1915. On the 23 April following he was wounded at St. Julien, Belgium, dying there three days later. His wife Ellen, who had lived at New Bulding Lane in 1908, was at the time of his death living in Upper Walkin St., but she subsequently moved to Maddoxtown, just outside the city and then back to Upper Walkin Street. During her husbands absence from home she had received an allowance of 28/6 per week (including an allotment of 7/- from her husbands pay. As a widow she was awarded a weekly pension of 23/- to house and feed herself and her three children. James Phelans will survives in the National Archives, Bishop St., Dublin 8 (Box 64/167585). At least four John Phelans from Kilkenny served: the first [serial no 66652] was a shoeing smith from Troyeswood, who enlisted in the Royal Engineers and saw service mainly in the Middle East. He enlisted in Manchester to which he returned at the end of his service. In February 1919, a medical board qualified him for a 20% disability pension. He was discharged at Chatam 8 march 1919. Then we have RSM John Whelan [serial no 5133] of the 96th Training Reserve Battalion (formerly of the South Wales Borderers) who was born in Kilkenny city 11 July 1865 but who seems to have been living in the Hampshire area when the war broke out. He only saw home service so no medals were issued to him. The third John Phelan [serial no 1760] was from St. Patrickss parish who before the war had served for five years with the S. Lancashire Regiment. He joined the Royal Irish Regiment for a time but was discharged at Fermoy in November 1914. His wife, Christina, nee Jordan, gave birth to a son John, in Poyntz Lane, Kilkenny, on 28 August 1916, by which time he appears to have re-enlisted with another regiment. The last John Phelan [serial no 6239] was from Gowran and appears to have been living in the UK for he enlisted at Aldershot for the Leinster Regiment. He was killed in action 20 October 1914. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Comines-Warneton, Belgium. Three Kieran Phelans are known from Kilkenny. The first Kieran was the son who witnessed his fathers death. The second Kieran [serial no 14254] was of St. Canices parish. He had joined the colours initially in March 1896, but before that he had been part of the 5th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. He had a chequered army career and on a number of occasions deserted, only to fraudulently enlist in other regiments. At one stage he was promoted corporal so obviously had made good. He only saw home service and was finally discharged from the army as physically unfit in October 1918. He appears to have settled in Manchester. The last Kieran Phelan is but a name who was registered to vote as an army/navy man and was living at Foulkscourt, Johnstown, in October 1919. Three Michael Phelans served. The first was Michael [serial no. 3/6913] from Kilkenny city, a coal heaver whose wife was Kate Joyce from St. Marys parish. He joined the Royal Irish Regiment. He had seen army service previously. He was finally discharged as physically unfit due to rheumatism and granted a military pension. He returned to his home at Liverpool where most of his children had been born. The second Michael [serial no F18453] a joiner by profession was from Kilkenny, saw service before the war and in June 1916 he choose to join the Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS) for the duration of hostilities. He deserted the following October, was caught and sentenced to 90 days imprisonment with hard labour. He subsequently saw out his service which seems to have been in home waters only as no medals were issued to him. The last Michael [serial no 25868] was a private in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers who was reported wounded in action by the Kilkenny Moderator on 29 November and 2 December 1916. He survived the war. Five Patrick Phelans have been documented by the project including the Patrick [serial no. 6635] whose son Kieran witnessed his death in the trenches. The first Patrick [serial no 7438] was a Castlecomer man who joined the army on 9 September 1902 when he was 18 year old. He saw service in S. Africa and later in India. He qualified to superintend the cooking for a battalion and later passed an exam in ambulance duties. His wife was a Lizzie Tobin, also from Castlecomer, whom, he married in November 1911. He and his battalion (2nd) of the Royal Irish Regiment were posted to France at the outbreak of the war but quite soon he was taken prisoner and spent much of the war at Limburg with other Castlecomer men: J. Curran, J. Dormer, J. Nolan (3 men of this name) and D. Deevy. The second Patrick Phelan [serial no 4709] was a veteran from Kilkenny city who had seen service with the Royal Irish Regiment but was now with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The third Patrick was the solder killed 14 May 1915 which was witnessed by his son Kieran. The fourth Patrick Phelan [serial no 11660] was born in Lisdowney but subsequently lived in Freshford. He joined the Irish Guards. He qualified as a Lewis Gunner at the VI Corps Lewis Gun School 25 May 1918. He was finally demobbed in London and placed on the Reserve. His parents Luke & Kate Phelan lived at Graigueswood. The last Patrick Phelan, was from the city and only saw home service but he had seen service in India for in February 1927 he applied for a duplicate of his India GSM w/ clasps for the Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Samara 1897. His wife would appear to have been a Kate Leonard, who gave birth to a daughter in March 1918 at their Waterford Road home. Finally we have two Thomas Phelans : the first [serial no unknown] was from Kilkenny city, but we know that his regiment was the Royal Irish. He was away from home when his wife, Hannah gave birth to a son on 19 June 1916 at their Chapel St., home. We have no other details for this man. The second Thomas Phelan [serial no again unknown] was also from the city. Post war he resided at Jacob St., from where he wrote to the War Office, seeking the 1915 Star of his late father Private James Phelan, 2/Royal Irish Regiment, and in passing mentioned that he too was an ex-soldier with the Machine Gun Corps. He was then Hon. Secretary of the Kilkenny Branch of the British Legion, who together with Branch President, Owen Murphy (from the Walkin St., area) led a local British Legion contingent of about thirty veterans who attended the funeral of Myra O. McCreery in July 1937 : she had seen service in the war as a nurse. A simulation of the Antarctic ozone hole, made from data taken on October 22, 2015. (Photo : NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center ) Scientists revealed that the hole in the ozone layer, located over the Antarctic region is already shrinking, which suggests good news after environmental damage for the past 70 years, as an international accord was passed to phase out pollutants that can destroy the planet's protective layer from solar ultraviolet rays. Advertisement In this new study, researchers have determined that the ozone hole is now significantly smaller since by 1.5 million square miles since 2000 which can be compared to the the size of India. According to lead author of the study, atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this is a big surprise, since we did not anticipate this would reveal early signs of healing. This ozone hole was first detected during the 1950s. Record size of this ozone hole reached by October of last year, as Solomon and team identified the cause of this event, which is largely due to the eruption of volcano, Calabuco, in Chile. New findings were based on an satellite data and measurements including ground based instruments and weather balloons, revealing an overall trend of recovery last September, as the ozone hole usually increases in size every October. Solomon says that most scientists have been too focused on October since this is the time when the ozone hole is enormous, as this is the month where slings and arrows of other things become varied such as the slightest changes in meteorology. This new study also determined that the ozone's recovery can be attributed to the continuous decline of atmospheric chlorine that originate from chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs which are chemicals that are once emitted by refrigerators, hair spray and other aerosols. During the Montreal Protocol in 1987, most nations in the world banned the use of any CFCs. Solomon adds, we can now become confident from this, as we have placed the planet onto the path of healing. This new study is published in the journal, Science. (Kitco News) - Successful traders know when to trade. And they also when to stand aside and sit on their hands. Sometimes the best trades are no trades at all. On a Friday heading into a long holiday weekend in the U.S. trading desks are already 50% staffed, with hordes of New York traders making their way to the Hamptons and all points water. What does this mean for markets right now including gold? All markets will be thin and illiquid, with trading volumes dramatically reduced. That can leave markets vulnerable to either dead in the water going no-where trading, or the potential for large, thin and illiquid spikes higher and lower. Either conditions can be dangerous for the short-term novice trader. If you are going to trade now: Identify your entry and exit points before you enter the trade. Put a stop-loss order on when you enter. Calculate your risk-reward carefully. Take a real look at why you are trading now? Are you looking for some Friday excitement or do you see a smart trading opportunity that meets your trading criteria and checklist? Beware of stop-running. Don't get tricked into thinking a market move has staying power when it likely doesn't in thin pre-holiday conditions. If you are not going to trade, but just can't pull yourself away from the market: Use free time to study long-term charts. Mark out long-term resistance levels and long-term support levels. Plan longer-term trade targets and objectives. Study related market action for gold including the U.S. dollar index, crude oil and the S&P 500. Study gold stock charts. Don't chase" the market. Depending on your timeframe, plan trades. Consider using pullbacks to enter the intermediate-term uptrend in gold. Stocks to Study Credit Suisse has raised its gold forecast to $1,500 per ounce in the first quarter 2017. In the wake of this upgraded gold price forecasts, the firm upgraded Silver Wheaton to "outperform" from neutral. Their "top picks" include: Agnico Eagle (AEM), Eldorado (EGO), Detour (DGC), Tahoe (THO.TO), Silver Wheaton (SLW.TO) and Lundin (LUN.TO). Oh hey, and don't forget to have some fun this long weekend. Life is a lot more than just staring at a screen and price quotes. It will do you some good to take a break from the markets. Walk away, have some fun, hit the beach or read a good book and come back next Tuesday refreshed and relaxed. By Kira Brecht, contributing to Kitco News; Follow @KitcoNewsNOW Jenna Raeburn of Barton Deakin looks at the Australian election: Who will win? The polls have been 50/50 or 51/49 through the entire campaign. However, on a marginal seats analysis, its difficult to see how Labor will pick up enough seats they need to win a net 21 for a majority. Shorten started out strong but the long campaign has proven to be the right tactical move as Turnbull has gradually pulled ahead. The betting markets have Labor at around $7-8 to win and the Coalition around $1.10. Virtually nobody is saying Labor will win anymore. How many seats are needed to win? The Coalition nominally holds 90 seats but as boundaries have been redistributed, they really only hold 88. The ALP nominally holds 53, up to 55 after redistribution. As 76 seats are needed to govern, the Coalition needs to lose 13 seats to lose government. This is very unlikely. Even more unlikely is Labor picking up 21 seats to win a majority. The only (virtually impossible) path to Labor victory would be to cobble together a coalition of minor parties and independents. What does a Turnbull win mean for the leadership of both parties? Shorten has run a strong campaign and will pick up some seats from the Coalition. This is likely to be enough to cement him as the leader for now. For Turnbull, the issue is not just winning, but winning well. If he loses too many seats to the ALP he will be in trouble. It will also make life difficult for the Coalition if they do not have enough seats in a joint Parliament across both the House of Representatives and the Senate (more on this below). Importantly, there is a possibility that Turnbull wins the election but loses the popular vote. So while winning marginal seats is all that matters for the election outcome, its important for his mandate and leadership to win the popular vote as well. With the polls at 50/50 on a two party preferred basis, this is impossible to call. Which seats will swing? There could be a few random results. 21 members of the lower House are retiring, many of whom are long serving. This leaves some previously safe seats wide open as they may have been safe on the basis of personal popularity rather than party preference. Queensland there is a bit of swing but not enough to change much. You could even see the Libs holding everything, which seemed impossible eight weeks ago. They will lose between 0 and 3. WA significant Labor swing here. However, a 10% swing would only bring in about four seats. For comparison, a 10% swing in Queensland would bring in about 12. Vic no swing. New South Wales enough for a net 1-2 seats to change; but there is also a strong, popular LNP state government. The LNP is even looking pretty good in marginal seats like Robertson and Dobell. Labor might pick up a couple in Western Sydney. Tasmania anything could happen. Three government seats are held very marginally. South Australia is the one to watch. The Nick Xenophon factor makes this the most unpredictable state by far. Xenophon is a popular and clever politician who has gone from an independent Senator, to leading a party (the Nick Xenophon Team or NXT party) which may well pick up two seats in the lower House and 3-4 in the Senate. If NXT is able to come second, the preferences of the third party (whether LNP or Labor) will flow to them. Labor seems to have collapsed in SA. One seat could even come to the Coalition. How many seats will the Government drop? This is the big question for Turnbull. He not only needs to be returned, but returned without a significantly reduced number of MPs. A few weeks ago it looked like they could lose between eight and 15. Now, a net loss of five or fewer is optimistic but not unachievable. So what seats should I watch? Pay attention to the Brisbane seats (Brisbane, Lilley, Griffith, Petrie, Forde), south west Sydney (Banks, Macarthur, Lindsay, Grayndler), and South Australia (Mayo, Barker, and even Adelaide in contention for NXT). Also watch out for the Greens in Batman and Grayndler (Albaneses seat) where they have put up a good fight. What are the big issues in the campaign? Leadership The defining issue for the Liberal campaign is Turnbulls leadership and the importance of stability. He was shaky at the start of the campaign but increasingly looks and sounds like a leader especially compared to Shorten. Stability The message from the LNP is essentially that a vote for anyone else is a vote for chaos. This is similar to recent MMP campaigns in New Zealand a vote for Labor is not just a vote for Labor, but for Labor, the Greens, and a bunch of independents. The economy For Turnbull, the campaign has focused on economic management and jobs and growth (repeated ad nauseam). Good on him for sticking to his guns on the economy as these messages are paying off, particularly in the wake of Brexit (more below). Health The big issue Labor is running is essentially a scare campaign around Medicare with claims that the Government will privatise or undermine the health system somehow. Though Turnbull has flatly denied this, the ALP seems to think that as long as they are talking about Medicare, they will be on top of the narrative as it is traditionally strong ground for them. Same sex marriage the ALP is also making hay out of same sex marriage not because it wins them votes in middle Australia, but because it exposes divisions within the Coalition and exposes Turnbull for not championing an issue he is supposed to be passionate about. Debt Labors biggest problem is long term spending, though the Libs dont balance spending either. Australia is eight years behind New Zealand here we are finally back in surplus, while they are just starting to think about addressing debt. Impact of Brexit There is no doubt that Brexit has helped to cement Turnbulls position in the final week. Voters are more worried about instability so Turnbulls messages around stability, leadership, consistency and the economy are paying off. The Abbott factor If Abbott was the leader we would have seen a very different campaign issues-wise, and we probably wouldnt have seen the same impact from the Brexit vote. Abbott has been well behaved for most of the campaign until the last week or so. He and other elements in the party have been clearly agitating for the election to focus on border security and immigration issues, but Turnbull has stuck to his guns on the economy, and good on him for doing so. The Senate There is no doubt that calling for a double dissolution was a massive strategic error. Its hard to work out why Turnbull did this in the first place the former makeup of the Senate was intolerable, but its hard to see how this would have improved in any scenario. The post-election Senate will be a mess with no party holding a majority. The double dissolution was called because the Senate refused to pass the ABCC Bill. A feature of a double dissolution election is that there will be a joint sitting of Parliament to consider this Bill immediately following the election. This makes it important for Turnbull to not just hold enough seats in the lower House, but to hold a majority in the combined Parliament (i.e. a majority across the combined 150 seats + 76 Senate seats). He should achieve this as long as they dont drop too many seats in the lower House. Conclusion This will be a very interesting election to watch not so much for the overall result, but for the movements in individual seats and the impact on Turnbulls leadership. A complete guide for seats to watch, as well as campaign policy updates, are available here: http://www.bartondeakin.com/category/barton-deakin-briefs/ The Herald reports: New Zealand has offered its top trade negotiators to the United Kingdom, relieving the British civil service as it prepares for the strain of seeking new deals with countries across the globe. The Telegraph reported New Zealand has made an offer to loan staff to the UK in a diplomatic cable sent to the British civil service, which has few trade negotiators of its own. Wellingtons olive branch came alongside an offer to discuss a trade agreement with the UK, which would help Britain get out of the starting blocks and begin replacing the trade access lost as a result of the Brexit vote. Experts say that drafting negotiators will be crucial for forging new agreements between the UK and Brussels, as well as with more than 50 other markets with which EU members currently enjoy trade agreements. Lord Price, the minister for trade and investment, has said that the British Government has around 40 trade negotiators, compared with the 550 employed by the EU. Whitehall has outsourced trade powers to Brussels for 43 years, meaning that the number of negotiators employed by Government has dwindled. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 20 percent of American children on a high risk of heart disease (Photo : Reuters) In 2015, heart disease was identified as the leading cause of death among people in the United States. The scenario is no different in 2016 as well. This time again, a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that heart disease is the number one killer among Americans, followed by cancer. However, there is a bright side of the story as well. Advertisement The American death and infant mortality rates have hit an all-time low wherein the latter has decreased by almost 2.3 percent and the adult mortality rate has reduced by 1 percent. The report further states that the average life expectancy for non-Hispanic black men, black men and Hispanics have increased, according to CNN. However, the bad news is that the life expectancy for non-Hispanic white women has decreased. Apart from heart disease and cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases such as emphysema remains the third highest killer in the US, followed by car accident, drug overdose, stroke, Alzheimer's and diabetes. Flu, pneumonia, suicide, kidney disease, hypertension, septicemia, chronic liver disease and Parkinson's disease are other diseases and conditions on the list of major killers. The rankings of these conditions have changed only a little in the past few years. For example, Alzheimer's disease surpassed diabetes in 2013 and since then, it has been ahead of it. The trend has been the same for rankings for infant deaths as well. In fact, the leading cause of deaths in 2014 remained the same as that of 2013. "We all have to die of something at some point. When you're looking at these categories you have to account for the fact that there are competing risks, but you can't avoid death," Bob Anderson, chief of the CDC's Mortality Statistics Branch, told CBS News. Anderson further said that the aim of the health officials is to create a society where everyone can live as long as they can and remain healthy. According to Anderson, collating such data help researchers device specific prevention programs. The CDC report further claims that the life expectancy at birth, which is 78.8 years, has remained unchanged since 2012. The following video explores why heart disease disproportionately affects African-Americans? Gender neutral signs are posted in the 21C Museum Hotel public restrooms on May 10, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo : Getty Images/Sara D. Davis) The number of transgender population in the United States has doubled since the last survey undertaken almost a five back. A recent survey revealed that about 1.4 million adults in the country or 0.6 percent of the population identify themselves as transgender. The findings of the survey undertaken by the Williams Institute at the University of California showed that the number of transgender people in the United States jumped from an estimated 700,000 in 2011 to 1.4 million in 2016. It is expected that the finding could put force the lawmakers to deal with the prejudice against transgender people. Advertisement The new survey, which offers state-level estimates of transgender residents, is a warning sign to lawmakers that demands for transgender rights will not dissipate; study co-author Gary J. Gates told Reuters in a telephonic interview. Currently, lawmakers throughout the United States are trying to come to grips with whether or not to allow transgender people to use public restrooms matching their gender identity. Meanwhile, members of the LGBT community in the United States are visibly shaken following the gruesome killing of 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, last month. At the same time, the incident has triggered a debate on how the country views its LGBT population. According to Gates, the new estimates regarding the adult transgender population in the United States will enable policymakers to make a case in favor of the LGBT community. It would help the policymakers to point out to the Americans that these people are living in every state and district of the country and they are friends and neighbors. During the course of the survey, researchers at the Williams Institute focused on the laws and policies pertaining to the LGBT people. They also made use of the U.S. Census data and the state-level surveys undertaken in 2014 to calculate the new estimated figure. Gates told the news agency that the new data identifies transgender people from as many as 19 state-level surveys, which were used to calculate the new figure. The latest estimated figure of transgender people in the United States is the most accurate that has been produced by the research center. The figures are important in view of the increasing number of states asking residents to identify if they are transgender. Watch the 10 things you need to know about transgender people below: New survey markers are spray-painted near one of the entrances to the all-but-empty Oak Ridge Mall; a recent sign of a pending overhaul of the property by a South Carolina development firm. (BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel OAK RIDGE It's a done deal. The troubled Oak Ridge Mall, all but empty for years, has been purchased by a South Carolina development firm that has created a new business entity for the project TN Oak Ridge Rutgers LLC. Closing was Thursday, with the purchase of the 58-acre property from Chattanooga developer Steve Arnsdorff and his partners in Oak Ridge City Center LLC. Neil Wilson, an owner of purchaser RealtyLink, said the purchase price was approximately $6.3 million. Arnsdorff paid $6 million for the mall when he purchased it in 2003 from Crown American. "We're very, very pleased that a developer of the stature of RealtyLink has come to Oak Ridge to turn a functionally obsolete property into a modern shopping area," Arnsdorff said Friday. Wilson said demolition will begin Tuesday, with all of the common areas torn down surrounding tenants J.C. Penney and Belk, which will remain open. Those stores have signed long-term renewals of their respective leases. Demolition at first carefully done manually next to J.C. Penney and Belk is expected to take three to four months, he said. Construction of new stores will begin in October, and the first phase of the project is targeted to open in April or May 2017. New stores that have signed leases and have been previously announced include Dick's Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, Ulta Beauty, and PetSmart. Wilson said Rue 21, an apparel store targeted for young women; Maurice's, an apparel store similar to Cato's; Rack Room Shoes; and Electronic Express have also signed leases. The property purchase ends more than a year of high drama about the blighted mall's future, and fulfills what Mayor Warren Gooch has described as the city's first priority redevelopment of the property which has been renamed Main Street Oak Ridge. Gooch early Friday said he's frequently described the mall property in its current state as "the black hole in the heart of our city." Another developer, Crosland Southeast of Charlotte, N.C., spent two years and reportedly more than $1 million on a mall redevelopment plan before abruptly and mysteriously vanishing from the project. RealtyLink stepped into the picture in 2015. In preparation for demolition, asbestos and other hazardous materials were removed. Kathryn Baldwin, director of the city's Community Development Department, earlier this week said the demolition process will at first involve shutting off all utilities. "I think it will move really fast," she said. "We've been prepared for this day for a while now." City officials have been working with the developers for months. "We're all past ready," Baldwin said of the coming project. The first phase of the redevelopment has an estimated cost of $41 million. Ray Evans, an economic consultant for the city, has described the mall overhaul as "an extremely complex, complicated redevelopment." RealtyLink executive Wilson, in a recent meeting with the City Council, said his firm has already invested $400,000 in the project. The city is providing $1 million for infrastructure improvements, and the Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board, currently experiencing cash -flow issues, is adding $500,000. A group of banks is lending the project $13 million in a tax-increment financing structure. That TIF agreement will see the lenders repaid on expected increases in property tax revenue within a 160acre district that includes the mall and nearby areas. Pinnacle Bank is the lead lender. Wilson appeared before the City Council last month to resolve what he called the "only remaining hurdle" in its quest. The council voted to authorize the city to start talks for either Oak Ridge or RealtyLink to obtain the 17 acres owned by the Department of Energy in front of the American Museum of Science and Energy, across Tulane Avenue from the mall property. Wilson wants first dibs on that prime property one of the biggest remaining tracts along Illinois Avenue that's not developed to keep any would-be competitor from gobbling it up. DOE meanwhile, has sent feelers to the U.S. General Services Administration about the possibility of unloading the museum. Word earlier this week that a plat of the mall property had been recorded in the Anderson County Register of Deeds office gave the first clue that closing was imminent. Register Tim Shelton said the plat had to be recorded before a demolition permit could be issued. In this file photo, a Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat with a diesel engine is evaluated at the California Air Resources Board emissions test lab in El Monte, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) SHARE By Chambers Williams of the Knoxville News Sentinel Volkswagen's U.S. sales fell 22 percent in June, a much steeper drop than analysts projected, for an eighth consecutive monthly decline as the German automaker tries to move past its diesel-emissions scandal. Its signature Passat midsize sedan, the only product of the company's sole U.S. manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, posted a 14 percent decline in sales for the month, compared with the same period last year -- in spite of the arrival of a completely redesigned new generation of the car late last year. It wasn't all bad news for Tennessee's auto manufacturers, however. Nissan North America, whose headquarters and largest assembly plant are in the Nashville area, reported that its June sales jumped 13 percent from last year, to a total of 140,553. Nissan said that sales of its new Smyrna-built flagship Maxima sedan more than doubled over last year. Many key components of the Maxima are made in the Knoxville area, including windshields and other glass from the Carlex glass plant in Vonore. General Motors Co., which has an assembly, engine and parts plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., said its sales dropped 2 percent in June, to 255,210, due in part to ongoing cuts in sales to low-profit rental car companies. GM said its rental sales are down 37 percent so far this year. Cadillac sales were up 6 percent and Chevrolet sales were flat compared to last June, but Buick and GMC sales were down. The Spring Hill plant, which formerly was the headquarters and manufacturing facility for GM's Saturn brand, now makes the Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia midsize crossover utility vehicles, as well as fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines for a variety of Chevrolet and other GM vehicles. Deliveries of VW's best-selling U.S. car, the compact Jetta, fell a whopping 22 percent from June 2015, led mostly by the loss of the popular diesel model, which was taken off the market after the emissions scandal erupted in late September. No Passat diesel models are available now, either, as the automaker tries to re-engineer the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine to meet stringent U.S. air quality standards. Volkswagen has said that diesel-equipped models had accounted for about one-fourth of its U.S. sales before the scandal. June deliveries dropped to 23,809, Volkswagen reported. Its sales had fallen 17 percent in May. Ford Motor Co.'s sales rose 6 percent to 240,109 in June, buoyed by its F-Series pickup, which was up 29 percent to 71,000 deliveries. Toyota Motor Corp.'s sales fell 6 percent to 198,257. The company said short supplies of crossovers were partially to blame, along with weak sales of its hybrid Prius, whose sales fell 27 percent even though a redesigned model arrived this year. Fiat Chrysler said its June sales rose 7 percent to 197,073. Honda Motor Co.'s sales rose 3 percent. Submitted photo UT law professor Glenn Reynolds authors a popular political blog, InstaPundit. SHARE MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL Larry Silverstein stands in the parking lot of Summit Medical Group in this 2012 News Sentinel file photo. Silverstein has battled TVA and KUB over their cutting of trees. PAUL EFIRD/NEWS SENTINEL Community activist Cheryl Peyton is pictured at her home in Tellico Village. Peyton said she has had over 100 News Sentinel letters to the editor published in 12 years. Kevin Ridder/Special to the News Sentinel Virginia Jones is the vice president of programs for the Oak Ridge chapter of the American Association of University Women. She views voting as one of the key responsibilities of citizenship. SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL Former Knoxville Councilwoman Carlene Malone attends the Metropolitan Planning Commission meeting at the City County Building on June 23. By Kevin Ridder, Special to the News Sentinel You don't have to wear a cape to make a difference in your community. In a day and age in which many Americans don't even bother making their way to a voting booth, much less attend a city council meeting, there are still those who fight the little battles every day. These "super citizens" come in many forms: community activists, attorneys, social workers and letter writers, to name a few. In honor of the Fourth of July and our founding citizens, we're showcasing a few of those who work to make our scruffy little city a little better every day. Larry Silverstein Retired attorney Larry Silverstein is the quintessential Knoxvillian. Not only has he lived here his entire life, all three of his degrees were obtained at the University of Tennessee. He's active in community organizations across the city, and he has argued cases free of charge in front of the City Council and County Commission. In 2008, when a shortsighted budget cut by UT threatened to close the university's Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Silverstein led the effort to save it. For him, this victory was personal; his father Bernard Silverstein founded the department in 1953. "I believe if you don't like something about something, if you're complaining about something, you ought to get involved to do something about it, to get others to do something about it," Silverstein said. "I never got paid by anybody for any of this, not a dime. I do this because I feel it's important." Silverstein's longest running fight is against KUB and TVA tree trimmers, a fight that started in 2006 when a neighbor's maple tree was mangled beyond recognition. "How do they have the right to destroy someone else's property? I'm convinced that they don't have the right to do it," he said. But this was only the beginning. In 2010, TVA began to enforce a newly aggressive policy on trees near transmission lines: instead of merely trimming back adjacent trees, anything taller than 15 feet and within 150 feet of a transmission line was to be clearcut. "We're talking about 15,900 miles of transmission lines across seven states; millions of trees," Silverstein said. "They think they can do anything they want, and they don't like being told that they can't. I've spoken at several TVA Board meetings, written resolutions and helped get the case to the Federal Court of Appeals, where it's at now. "I've caused quite a ruckus for them." Carlene Malone To former city councilwoman Carlene Malone, a neighborhood is more than just a place to live; it's a sense of identity. This ideal was instilled in her by her father, a New York City homicide detective at a time when neighborhoods were slowly but surely being dismantled by the blind eye of progress. "My father would drive me around [New York City] as a little girl in the 1950s," she said. "He'd be dismayed at what he saw as the destruction of the neighborhoods, the displacement of the people. The destruction of social fabric as a result of all of this. I guess you never get over that." To give an idea of Malone's time in office, when the Knoxville Zoo held a fundraising campaign for bricks with sponsors' names, most council members used their discretionary funds to put their own names on bricks. Malone also purchased a brick, but with the words "People in the 4th District." Even though her time as a city councilwoman ended in 2001 after 10 years of service, her voice in the public sphere has hardly diminished. She is a regular participant in public meetings held by the city, where she lends her voice to issues such as the proximity of food truck barbecue smokers to residential areas. In 2007 she was named Practitioner of the Year by the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration for her public service. "It really is the quality of our public debate that determines the quality of our lives, the quality of our public policies and elected officials," Malone said. "You really have to join in that debate if you want positive change." Virginia Jones From protesting strip mining and the Vietnam War in the 1960s to fighting for pay equality and equal representation in the 2010s, longtime Oak Ridge resident Virginia Jones has led a lifetime of activism. A retired social worker, Jones has always kept her sights on helping those less fortunate. "My husband and I grew up in Atlanta, and when we got here we just couldn't believe the poverty in the area," she said. "That was quite a shock." In 1971, she was on the Oak Ridge Charter Commission. In her time there, a personnel advisory board for schools was established and legislation was passed to guarantee the right for legal representation, regardless of income. Her proudest accomplishment came in the mid '70s, when she formed Citizens for Clinch River Planning in her living room to prevent a coal barge terminal from being built right across from a heavily frequented marina. "Keeping the barge away was a really big deal," she said. "We lobbied against having the coal barge built because it obviously would affect our side of the river. The picnic area along the Oak Ridge side of the lakefront was well used, often by citizens who could not afford other recreational facilities." Today, Jones teaches English courses at Roane State Community College and is the vice president of programs for the Oak Ridge chapter of the American Association of University Women. She views voting as one of the key responsibilities of citizenship. "A lot of people think voting won't do any good, but it's your duty as a citizen," she said. "That's one thing everybody can do." Cheryl Peyton To say that Cheryl Peyton is a frequent letter writer to the Knoxville News Sentinel is a gross understatement. Her name is sighted so frequently, Peyton said that many people think she has a permanent column. "I write letters to The Sentinel once a month, which is the limit of course," she said. Peyton is inspired to write these letters by the everyday injustices she sees and the lack of common sense she says politicians are guilty of. And, of course, Donald Trump is a favorite topic. Before she came to Knoxville, Peyton worked in the poorest communities in southside Chicago as a caseworker and supervisor in the public aide system. "I learned a lot about what it's like to grow up with a lot of strikes against you," she said. "I didn't know these from my own experience, so it really opened my eyes." Through her letters, Peyton hopes to spread more open-mindedness to a community she feels is kind at heart but is stubborn to accept change. "Too many people only accept information that they agree with, what they want to read and want to hear; especially on the Internet, it turns into a giant echo chamber," said Peyton. "It's troubling. That's why I like to set the record straight with my little monthly letter." Glenn Reynolds Described as "one of the most prolific scholars on the UT faculty" on the university website, UT law professor Glenn Reynolds holds an impressive list of accomplishments. He's testified before congressional committees on space law, international trade and domestic terrorism, and has been executive chairman of the National Space Society and a member of the White House Advisory Panel on Space Policy. "I really believe in the ideas that are behind the Constitution, which is the notion of limited government," Reynolds said. "Distinction in the roles of the federal government and the state, and with that, limiting the roles of special interests and political self-dealing." Reynolds has written for countless publications, including frequent columns for USA Today on everything from national politics to "America's unregulated shampooer menace." "I guess one reason I like to write this stuff is that I could either be doing that or I could be yelling at the TV, and I'd rather do something a little more constructive," said Reynolds. "I enjoy it because I can write about academic subjects in a way that nonacademic people can enjoy." Reynolds is perhaps best known for his widely-read political blog InstaPundit, which he started in August 2001 as a practical counterpart to his class on internet law. "It's driven to some degree by what's in the news, but one of the things I always try to do is spend time on things that aren't getting as much attention in the news," he said. "The thing that makes me happiest are the people who read my blog and say they feel like they're having a conversation with someone rather than feel like they're being shouted at, which is how they feel about regular news. "If you shout all the time, then when you need to shout it doesn't sound any different." HOW TO BE A SUPER CITIZEN Do you want to be more involved in your community, but you're not sure where to begin? Check out these tips from our five "super citizens" to find out how; no cape required. "Join a group, join your neighborhood association. Go to their meetings, go to city council meetings and city commissioner meetings, speak if you have something to say, write a letter to your representatives, make a phone call; political figures tend to respond based on who they hear from and how many they hear from." Larry Silverstein "Stay informed! Read the newspaper. Read online, good sources, not nutty things on the Internet written by whackjobs. Find good sources and read them. You have to know what the issues are before you vote so you know what questions need to be asked." Carlene Malone "Read up on women's suffrage and at what cost it was gotten. Voting is so important, people don't give themselves enough credit. Go to events for candidates, get to know the candidates, see and make your own judgments." Virginia Jones "I think just knowing your neighbors, and being aware of the needs around you would really go a long way. Be more open minded and accepting of people; it's the Christian way of life, if you want to use a Biblical basis." Cheryl Peyton "One of the most useful things people can do is to pay attention to their elected officials at the community level. Something you see all the time are people who are super passionate about presidential campaigns but can't name their member of Congress, much less their state legislator. Most of the action in politics actually takes place at the state and local level." Glenn Reynolds The megalithic cluster of Carregal do Sal (Photo : Nottingham Trent University ) Astronomers have discovered how prehistoric humans studied the stars and the cosmos, revealing in a new study that the first telescope was used around 6,000 years ago. Advertisement British scientists have discovered a series of long passageways leading into megalithic tombs that have could have provided an entrance with tunnel like views toward the night skies for early human communities to gaze up into the heavens. Researchers call these as passage graves that are composed of narrow entrances that follow a chamber of larger interlocking stones. These are also regarded as sacred places where rites of passage are often held suggesting spending the night inside the stone tomb, which remained dark apart from natural starlight that can filter into these passageways. Scientists now consider these passageways as some sort of prototype telescopes. According to Kieran Simcox from the Nottingham Trent University, it is apparently surprising that this could be the first time that scientists have investigated how the color of night time skies can impact how the naked eye sees it. In this new study, researchers have studied the Seven Stone Antas grave in Portugal which is estimated to be around 6,000 years old. According to Fabio Silva from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the tomb orientation is possibly aligned with Aldebaran which is also the brightest star in the Taurus constellation. Silva explains that in order to predict the first appearance of this star in this season with much accuracy, it is crucial to detect stars especially in twilight. These findings are yet to be confirmed, however, the first sighting of a specific star within a year is most likely used as a seasonal marker that provides prehistoric humans a signal where to migrate during summer to graze. Researchers conclude that these prehistoric humans might have gained their insight from spending nights inside the tomb, where their ancestors are laid to rest, as stars shine down the narrow passageways of the megalith. These new findings are presented by the Royal Astronomical Society during the 2016 National Astronomy Meeting. Dr. Philip Kronk is a semiretired Knoxville psychologist. SHARE By this midpoint of summer vacation, parents of ADHD children are praying hard for their child's classroom teacher. These parents are praying that their child's teacher is well and will be able to return to school in a month, with renewed strength, a heightened sense of re-dedication and a lapsed memory of their ADHD child's behaviors during the last school year. More than any time throughout the year, during the summer vacation break from school, parents of ADHD children respect the adults who spend a full day with their child in the classroom every day. As the summer day wears on, and the ADHD child's medication wears off, these parents now understand the former teacher's harried looks and vague talk about the need for an open carry stun gun permit. Teachers, for their part, hope that the ADHD's parents will now better understand their jobs and how difficult it is to motivate a child with ADHD. Teachers fear that parents, during the summer, will allow their ADHD child to do whatever he wants, without limitations or consequences for misbehaviors. Teachers fear that the ADHD child, who returns to the second grade classroom in August, will appear to be eight feet tall and on steroids. Humor aside, parents and teachers find it difficult to motivate the child with ADHD. What are some ideas or behavioral techniques that can motivate your ADHD child? There are two very important initial ideas. First, parents must learn to reduce their own negative self-feelings of guilt and powerlessness about their child's public behaviors. You are not a bad parent. Don't worry about what other parents are thinking. No parent has a perfectly behaving child in a grocery store. Don't worry what others are thinking or saying in their minds. I always take great comfort in the famous quote, "We all have sufficient strength to endure the misfortunes of others." Secondly, parents of ADHD children must remember that behavioral techniques that motivate their child will need to be changed fairly often as they often stop working for no apparent reason. After a while, daily reward charts fail, as does yelling. (We are left with a small, defeated creature huddled in the corner. No child deserves to see his parent that way.) The need to change behavioral techniques happens because the ADHD child's brain is drawn to and overly stimulated by novel situations and experiences. This is why the ADHD child can focus on a video game for two hours straight but cannot remember that you just told him to take out the garbage. ADHD children love to be stimulated, especially by novel experiences and settings. In last week's column, I shared how the ADHD child experiences the everyday world in a different way than an adult. Their world is a busy, booming, loud place that is always distracting (calling out to them.) You have to work hard to get their attention. (This is why many ADHD children know that parents are "really" serious only when the parent's voice is very, very loud.) Some parents hate it when I tell them that their ADHD child can be motivated and disciplined by rewards. ("We're not going to reward him for doing what he is supposed to do!") You would think after 40 years of working with ADHD children, I would remember instead to use the alternative phrase of "positive and negative consequences." The word "consequences" has a parental tone to it, no matter how it is used; parents love it. Parents must use everything that happens during the day as a possible reward. The reward uh, positive consequence -- must occur after the required behavior, and never before. For example, the TV does not go on before the teeth are brushed each morning. Maybe, a few tastes of the dessert are given if the child immediately comes to the dinner table. The parent should start out with only a few specified goals for the child. Don't attempt to change too much too soon. It will be frustrating for both of you. One of the most generalized goals should be to tell the child that he is learning to be in control of his ADHD behaviors. This will involve his ability to sit still for longer periods of time and to speak softer. Another goal is to talk to your ADHD child and teach him how to relax and be calm. Use metaphors such as learning to rev down your inner engine. Often, parents retreat and hide when their ADHD child is behaving well. The parent is thankful for a moment of peace. The difficulty with this is that this is the perfect time to be with your ADHD child. Often the long-term relationship between the parent and ADHD child becomes strained. The child no longer sees you as a source of reward or pleasure. The result is often the development of a secondary Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), intimately intertwined with the ADHD behaviors. ODD behaviors make ADHD more difficult to manage. In future columns I will focus on this added source of stress for both child and parent. --- Philip Kronk, M.S., Ph.D. is a child and adult Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Kronk has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a post-doctorate degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology. His year-long Clinical Psychology internship year was served at the University of Colorado Medical School. Dr. Kronk writes a weekly on-line column for the Knoxville News Sentinel's website, knoxnews.com. He can be reached at (865) 330-3633. SHARE A small waterfall cascades down near a future trail campsite. A Roundleaf Catchfly blooms along the trail. photos by ADAM LAU/NEWS SENTINEL Victoria Deren takes in a view from an overlook above Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. Victoria Deren peers through an arch in Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. By Morgan Simmons of the Knoxville News Sentinel JAMESTOWN In 2014 Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam visited the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area in Fentress County to dedicate the area's first official hiking trail a 1.75-mile loop that includes a gorgeous overlook of Pogue Creek Canyon. Over the last two Februaries an Amish trail crew from Ohio has constructed a new trail that offers a completely different perspective of the 3,000-acre state natural area. Unlike the original trail, the new trail drops into Pogue Creek Canyon. The trail has been named the Upper Canyon Trail, and while there are no blazes or signs, the new footpath is open to public hiking. This month's hike follows the Upper Canyon Trail to the Mesa Top Overlook, a one-way distance of 3.3 miles, or 6.6 miles around trip. Unlike the older trail, the Upper Canyon Trail does not make a loop. It's a moderate-to-strenuously difficult hike that explores some of the loveliest Canyon Country on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau. The hike begins at the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area parking area and trailhead on State Route 154 two miles south of Pickett State Park. Follow the mowed path through field and after a short distance you'll come to the Turkey Roost Rockhouse. Less than a quarter mile later, you'll reach the loop portion of the original trail. Hiking the loop clockwise, it's just over a half-mile to where the Upper Canyon Trail veers off from the original trail. The new trail is on the left. It drops immediately into the canyon, and in many places, the tread still looks freshly dug. As you descend, the trail hugs the base of the Rockcastle sandstone caprock that lines the upper reaches of Pogue Creek Canyon. A 10-foot ladder gets you down a vertical band of rock, and soon you're penetrating the depths of what some call "Tennessee's Utah," a forested canyon land of arches, mesas, rockshelters and cliff walls. About .35 miles from the start of the new trail you'll cross Pogue Creek at its uppermost reaches. After crossing the creek, the trail ascends along a series of switchbacks until it reaches the base of a mesa one of seven mesas identified in the 3,000-acre Pogue Creek State Natural Area. This continues along the base of the mesa through the forest for about a quarter mile. About .26 miles beyond the creek crossing you'll see a short spur trail to the right that leads to a small arch called the Circle Bar Arch. To continue the hike, stay straight on the main trail. Pogue Creek Canyon has dozens of arches, most of them unnamed. The Upper Canyon Trail is filled with surprises. Around seemingly every corner is a rock formation or view of the forest that triggers an "Oh, Wow" moment. About 0.39 miles beyond the spur trail to Circle Bar Arch, the trail pass through a narrow valley at the bottom of the canyon carved by Pogue Creek. The cove hardwood forest that thrives in this cool, moist environment is in stark contrast to the shrubby vegetation found along the dry, sandy ridges at the top of the canyon. After another creek crossing, bear right and follow the trail as it climbs gradually toward the top of the canyon. You'll climb a set of well-built stone steps (courtesy of the Amish trail crew) and .54 miles from the creek crossing you'll come to a T intersection, where you'll bear left. At this point the trail follows an old logging along the flat ridge. Across from a massive cliff face the trail crosses a 45-foot wooden bridge (more Amish handiwork) and climbs back up to the caprock below the lip of the canyon. You'll pass an oval-shaped opening at the base of the cliff on the right called "Jonah's Rock," and after that, "Killdeer Arch," where the eroded opening in the sandstone outlines the profile of a nesting killdeer. After a short, steep pitch, the Upper Canyon Trail tops out on a narrow ridge where the Upper Canyon Trail joins the newly-built Mesa Top Trail. A right turn at this intersection leads to Blackhouse Mountain Road, but you'll want to take a left on the Mesa Top Trail for a short hike to the overlook. After climbing a long wooden ladder up and over a band of sandstone, the trail dead ends at a panoramic overlook of Pogue Creek Canyon. Looking west, the view encompasses the bulk of the natural area. Just out of sight around the last bend of the main canyon, Pogue Creek flows into the Wolf River near the town of Pall Mall along the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. To complete this 6.6-mile hike, simply go down the ladder, take a right at the Upper Canyon Trail, and backtrack through the canyon to the original Pogue Creek Loop Trail, which leads to the parking area. Directions: From Knoxville, take I-75 north to the Huntsville/Oneida exit, state route 63. Follow state route 63 through Huntsville and turn right on U.S. 27 toward Oneida. In Oneida, turn left on state route 297 and follow it all the way through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Just west of the park, turn right on state route 154, go one mile, and look for the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area gravel parking area on the left. SHARE By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel After convincing a mentally-challenged Gatlinburg teenager to run away to California for a sexual tryst, this 44-year-old married father of three vowing marriage and eternal love cajoled her into setting fire to her home with her parents and twin sister inside. Chief U.S. District Judge Tom Varlan on Thursday was so appalled by Marc Kevin Schuhe's crime, he made a rare departure from a typically scripted speech on the "serious nature" of a defendant's conduct and ordered Schuhe imprisoned for nearly 20 years. "The nature and circumstances of the instant offense are beyond serious," Varlan said. "They are disturbing. The defendant continued to contact the victim, and the defendant continued his manipulation of the victim that led her to setting her own house on fire." Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman went even further in her condemnation of Schuhe, who evidence showed had long been trolling the Internet in search of vulnerable teenage girls before he found the 16-year-old Gatlinburg teenager whose mental capacity is that of a 10-year-old. "Let's be clear," Kolman said. "He's a predator. He used every form of manipulation. He used sex. He used anger. He used guilt. He used promises of marriage." Schuhe pleaded guilty earlier this year to transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity. He faced a maximum 235-month prison sentence, which Varlan ordered him on Thursday to serve. The case began in April 2014. Schuhe lived in California, was married, worked as a contractor and had three children, including a 15-year-old daughter. But he secretly scoured such Internet sites as Instagram in search of teenage girls, masking his true age and identity. He found twin sisters in Gatlinburg via that website. The twin who testimony showed functions at a normal intellectual level rejected his offer to travel to California, so Schuhe began courting the other girl, who a therapist said had the mental capacity of a child. After four months of Internet courting, Schuhe convinced her to run away. He hired a cab to take her to McGhee Tyson Airport and bought her a plane ticket. Her parents were clueless, according to the girl's father. "Imagine going to sleep at night (and you) get up the next morning and start looking for your daughter and she's not there," he told Varlan. The Gatlinburg Police Department, with help from the FBI, eventually found the girl, although Schuhe had ordered her to toss her phone into the ocean in California and deactivated his phone to elude pursuers. Schuhe insisted she lied about her age and that the two never had sex. The girl was returned home. FBI agent Kristina Norris testified Thursday that Schuhe continued to contact the girl. She read pages of messages in which he vowed love and marriage, then abruptly threatened to drop her. The girl couldn't type her responses and used a voice-to-text feature. In November 2014, Schuhe once again arranged for her to fly to California. This time, though, he told her she needed to create a "distraction" so she could sneak out of the home. The girl put a lit candle under the family Christmas tree. The resulting fire destroyed the family's home, killed their pets and nearly claimed the lives of the entire family. Defense attorney Joseph Fanduzz argued the girl had a history of inappropriate Internet relationships and insisted she was a willing victim. "It's what she wanted to do," he said. "She wanted to go." Norman Eugene Clark SHARE By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel A Knox County judge refused Friday to force a television newsmagazine to turn over its interview of a double slaying suspect to prosecutors. Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword ruled Friday the Knox County District Attorney General's office had failed to meet the high bar set under Tennessee's press shield law to force "Dateline" to turn over an interview of Norman Eugene Clark. Clark is accused in the December 2011 slayings of his pregnant girlfriend, Brittany Eldridge, 25, and their unborn son, Ezekiel. A jury deadlocked with a vote of 11-1 to acquit him of the two first-degree murder charges last year. Clark granted the NBC newsmagazine an interview shortly after. The state is now seeking to retry him. With nothing more than circumstantial evidence against Clark, Deputy District Attorney General Kyle Hixson argued at a hearing Thursday that although there is no suggestion Clark incriminated himself in the "Dateline" interview, his demeanor could be relevant and useful to the prosecution. But Sword opined the state has no clue how Clark presented himself during the interview or what he said. Prosecutors can only speculate about the value of the interview which has not been aired to its case, and that is simply not enough to overcome the constitutional protections afforded journalists in protecting their sources and their information from government's grasp. "To demand that 'Dateline' surrender the recorded interview to the state so the state can see what is in it would simply be a fishing expedition prohibited by the (Tennessee shield law)," Sword wrote. In the history of Tennessee's shield law, no appellate court has ever approved a move to force the media to either reveal sources or turn over information gleaned as part of its newsgathering function. As "Dateline" attorney Richard Hollow argued at Thursday's hearing, there is good reason for that. Part of the First Amendment's guarantee of a free press is designed to ensure the media can fulfill a watchdog role over government itself, he noted. There is no federal press shield, and not every state has one. Tennessee's law is among the toughest, requiring "clear and convincing evidence" the party seeking to pierce the shield cannot obtain the information by any other means. It is on that standard Sword opined the state failed in the Clark case. "Although anything Mr. Clark said (to 'Dateline') would be admissible through the state and probably relevant, to show that the information cannot be obtained by alternative means, the state must have some proof as to the content of the interview and/or the nature of Mr. Clark's demeanor, attitude, mannerisms, etc., during the interview," Sword wrote. "If the court were to find that any statement given to media by a defendant in a criminal action was unique and therefore unobtainable by any other means, this second prong would have virtually no effect pursuant to the statute," he continued. "Based upon the language of the statute, the court does not believe the Legislature intended such a result." Clark is set for a second trial in September. Norman Eugene Clark SHARE Brittany Eldridge By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel With a high-profile double killing as the backdrop, a Knox County judge is being asked to do something no appellate court in Tennessee's history has ever approved pierce the shield that protects journalists from disclosing information not yet published or aired. Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword heard arguments Thursday in a bid by prosecutors to force the television news magazine "Dateline NBC" to turn over video of an interview with double-killing suspect Norman Eugene Clark that has yet to be broadcast. Clark, accompanied by defense attorney Gregory P. Isaacs, gave the interview soon after a jury last year deadlocked with a vote of 11-1 to acquit him of charges he killed his pregnant girlfriend, Brittany Eldridge, 25, and their unborn son, Ezekiel, in December 2011. The state now seeks to retry him. There is no indication Clark admitted to the killings, which he denies, and Deputy Assistant District Attorney General Kyle Hixson concedes prosecutors do not know whether Clark said anything in the interview that might be helpful to the prosecution in what is an entirely circumstantial case against him. Hixon also agrees Tennessee's press shield law has been tough enough to withstand all appellate reviews. The law protects journalists from being forced to reveal sources and information gathered as part of their duties and is designed to ensure the media can fulfill its watchdog function without fear of government interference. But, Hixon argued Thursday, prior bids to pierce the shield involved "bad arguments" in which those seeking protected information failed to show a need so "compelling" as to overcome First Amendment guarantees. Not so in the Clark case, he argued. "I don't know what the bright line is, but I think when we're talking about a double homicide case, purely circumstantial case, no other avenue to get this information, no other information ... every piece of evidence is important," Hixson said. Attorney Richard Hollow, widely considered an expert in the shield law, countered on behalf of "Dateline" that the state has failed to show why the interview would be so valuable as evidence or even admissible in the retrial that Sword should take the extraordinary step of piercing that legal shield. "Their position seems to be because Mr. Clark's demeanor could somewhat reflect on his frame of mind and his veracity, they should be able to see this video to determine what that state of mind is," Hollow said. "This is not clear and convincing evidence of anything except he gave an interview with his attorney at his side." Clark was tried in August. He produced a partial alibi. Isaacs presented a counternarrative that a burglar might have killed Eldridge and her baby. Prosecutor Leslie Nassios had no forensic evidence to tie Clark to the killings and, even with an FBI expert, could put him only within a mile of Eldridge's apartment around the time of the killings. Her strongest evidence was motive, arguing Ezekiel's pending birth threatened Clark's finances, his many love affairs and his playboy lifestyle. All but one juror voted to acquit, and the judge was eventually forced to declare a mistrial. Sword said he would issue a written ruling on the prosecution's bid in the coming weeks. If "Dateline" loses, the battle could move to a New York courtroom since the show is based there. New York's shield law is even tougher than Tennessee's. SHARE By News Sentinel Staff KNOXVILLE Knoxville police are asking for the public's help identifying a man caught on video camera stealing a woman's purse June 30 at Walmart on Kinzel Way. According to the Knoxville Police Department, the man was inside the Walmart when he walked by a shopping cart and grabbed the victim's purse, then fled the store, getting into what appeared to be an older-model four-door Honda Accord. The man, who has dark hair and a goatee, was wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt with blue sleeves, bluejeans and a ball cap. Anyone with information can call 865-215-7212. Callers can remain anonymous. Knoxville City Council members have been cautioned by the city's law director against approving a proposed ordinance regulating where payday lenders can set up shop, warning it could cost the city millions if challenged in court. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL) SHARE By Megan Boehnke of the Knoxville News Sentinel Knoxville's law director has urged members of City Council not to pass a proposed ordinance regulating where payday lenders can set up shop, warning that it could cost the city millions in damages if the zoning rule is challenged in court. City Council members are set to vote Tuesday on the ordinance, which would require "alternative financial services" businesses which includes payday lenders, pawn brokers, title lenders and check cashers be at least 1,000 feet from each other and residential zones. City Law Director Charles Swanson, however, warned council members at a workshop Thursday evening that they may not have the authority to set such regulations. Similar zoning ordinances have been established in Tennessee, including Memphis, Nashville and Chattanooga, though none of them have been challenged in the courts, Swanson said. "So the answer to the question 'can you legally enact this ordinance and can you be confident it will be upheld by courts?' is: I don't know," Swanson said. "I would rather Chattanooga find out for us; I'd rather Memphis find out for us." In 2007, the city of Knoxville was forced to pay $1.5 million in damages to Fantasy Video over an adult business ordinance that was later deemed "unconstitutionally vague" by the state Supreme Court. Swanson warned about a similar outcome for this ordinance. Councilman Nick Pavlis, who represents South Knoxville and first brought this issue to council, said an ordinance that could alleviate the clustering of payday lenders would be worth the legal risk. "My constituents were fed up with it," Pavlis said Thursday. "If you go up and down Chapman Highway, it's just one after the other after the other. At the end of the day, there is exposure, but there's also exposure if we don't do something about it." Meanwhile, the federal government announced in June a widespread effort to clampdown on high-interest lenders. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing that lenders must conduct what's known as a "full-payment test." Because most payday loans are required to be paid in full when they come due, usually two weeks to a month after the money is borrowed, the federal agency wants lenders to prove that borrowers are able to repay that money without having to renew the loan repeatedly. There would also be restrictions on the number of times a borrower can renew the loan. SHARE By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel CLINTON Anderson County Election Commission employees Friday began going through more than 200 pages of petitions submitted that morning to put an election of Charter Commission members on the Nov. 8 ballot. If 1,776 registered voters are on those petitions or 10 percent of the votes cast in the last election for governor it would trigger an election spearheaded by residents calling for a widespread change in the way the county is governed. One of those spearheading the petition drive, Mark DeVol, recently said there is a "fundamental problem with the way things are done here now." The petition drive has been going on since early spring. If a charter commission election goes on the ballot, those eight members elected one from each county commission district would have nine months to draft a series of proposed changes to county government. Those changes would then go to a referendum vote, likely in 2018. Among revisions sought by those wanting a home rule, or charter, brand of government include reducing the size of the County Commission from 16 members to nine panelists, or the minimum allowed by state law, and limiting commissioners and the mayor to no more than two terms. Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank has gone on record saying she fully supports a move to home rule government, including efforts at term-limiting her office. She has contended that charter government "gives the people of Anderson County more input into their government." Other possible changes include staggered elections of commissioners, eliminating health insurance benefits for commissioners and requiring the county attorney to be an elected position. Frank for years has been at odds on numerous fronts with the current appointed law director, Jay Yeager. Current county commissioners have expressed wariness about any change in the way the county is governed. "Based on charter proposals in other counties, this charter will put almost total control with the mayor and a handful of commissioners," Commissioner Myron Iwanski said in an emailed statement. Similar measures were recently defeated by wide margins in Giles, Fentress and Lincoln counties, he said, "because of its disruption and negative impacts," he said. According to the University of Tennessee's County Technical Assistance Service Web page, Iwanski said only Knox and Shelby counties are under the charter form of government. "If the Charter Commission proposal goes forward, it is important that open-minded candidates without personal agendas run for and get elected to the Charter Commission," Iwanski said. Another commissioner, Steve Mead, has said if the county shrinks the size of the commission, "it could get to a point where five commissioners could sell the courthouse, literally," and completely run county government. Anderson County Administrator of Elections Mark Stephens said a July 1 deadline was set to give prospective candidates for charter commission posts "a reasonable amount of time to qualify." He said that deadline to file qualifying petitions is noon Aug. 18. SHARE Smoke rises from a CSX train following the derailment of a tank car carrying a "highly flammable and toxic" gas Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Maryville. The single tank car loaded with acrylonitrile, a hazardous material used in a variety of industrial processes including the manufacture of plastics, forced an evacuation of residences and businesses in a two-mile radius. (MICHAEL PATRICK/KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL) By News Sentinel Staff The state has cited the Blount County Sheriff's Office and the Alcoa Police Department on serious violations in the aftermath of a fiery train derailment that pumped toxic fumes into the air a year ago today and forced roughly 5,000 people from their homes, according to state documents. According to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, both agencies were cited for failure to develop, implement or maintain a written hazard communication program for hazardous materials and for not training employees on potential hazards. The Blount County Sheriff's Office was also cited by TOSHA as not developing, implementing and maintaining a written emergency response plan that identified the tasks and duties of patrol officers during releases of hazardous chemicals. "During this inspection, violations of the TOSHA standard were identified indicating that recognized hazards were not reduced or eliminated in the workplace," according to a TOSHA report. The agencies were given 30 days to correct the violations, and officials from both agencies indicated to the state that corrections had been made by developing and implementing plans and training employees. Both cases have been closed by the state. A year ago today just before midnight, a CSX train wheel axle ripped loose as the 57-car train barreled along the section of tracks near Old Mount Tabor Road in Blount County. The gyrating axle punctured the 24,000-gallon tanker above it, releasing the flammable acrylonitrile, a chemical used to manufacture plastics, inside. A spark from the friction of the axle on the rails or the tanker itself completed the fiery equation, igniting the chemical and sending cyanide-laden plumes of smoke high into the air. Flames burned for 19 hours before the chemical was consumed. About 100 people, including emergency workers, were treated at a hospital for breathing issues. Blount County deputies and Maryville and Alcoa police officers responded and evacuated homes within a 2-mile radius. Authorities estimated a total of 5,000 people were forced from their homes during the 36-hour evacuation. Testing of air, soil and water from wells revealed no permanent contamination. CSX paid a total of roughly $3.5 million for residents' expenses and another $431,181 to various public agencies for costs incurred. Class-action lawsuits and a final determination from the Federal Railroad Administration on the cause of the derailment await resolution. SHARE By Adam Tamburin, USA TODAY NETWORK Tennessee The state is inching forward in its long-running review of a proposal to outsource facilities management on college campuses and other government-owned properties. Gov. Bill Haslam's administration has expressed interest in the idea for some time. In April, the Haslam administration released a request for qualifications, or RFQ, to gauge interest from businesses that might participate in the proposed plan to outsource facilities management at a number of its properties including colleges, prisons and state parks. The deadline passed Thursday, and the state will begin fielding presentations from the interested businesses later this month. Michelle R. Martin, spokeswoman for the state office charged with reviewing the outsourcing proposal, said the RFQ was one part of an information-gathering process. "It's really about getting options," she said. The responses to the RFQ will not be made public until the process is complete, likely in 2017. The state uses Chicago-based JLL to manage roughly 10 percent of its facilities. An internal report released in March suggested privatizing the management of residence halls, student centers and other properties across the state could save $36 million annually. Critics have said outsourcing would translate to subpar services, particularly for colleges, and slashed pay and benefits for employees. Haslam has said the savings are possible without layoffs or cuts to pay or benefits. College leaders at the University of Tennessee and Board of Regents systems have questioned the Haslam administration's savings projections, saying that in-house staff members already handle facilities management efficiently. The state has agreed to hire a third party to verify the potential savings this summer, before colleges decide if they want to participate in outsourcing. Martin said her office will continue to make more information about the state's outsourcing review public as the process continues. New cadets salute during the Oath of Allegiance ceremony during Reception Day at the United States Military Academy at West Point, June 27, 2016 in West Point, New York. (Photo : Getty Images/ Drew Angerer) Pentagon has finally lifted the ban on transgender people serving openly in the military. The move came in the wake of an announcement by the United States Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday that there will be no discrimination against transgender troops in the military. Stating that transgender troops will not be singled out on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation, Carter told reporters, "We have to have access to 100 percent of America's population." He said that their mission was to defend the country and they did not want barriers aside from an individual's qualifications, VOA News reported. Advertisement It took the Pentagon nearly a year to arrive at a decision on the issue. Nevertheless, the move came in spite of last-minute concerns expressed by the top brass as to how they would take care of the medical, housing and uniform issues for troops who are making a changeover to the other sex. Earlier this year, the Pentagon did away with the last barriers to women serving in frontline combat roles subject to their fulfilling the physical standards. Moreover, five years ago, the United States military also revoked its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This policy made it mandatory for gay and lesbian troops to conceal their sexual orientation or face discharge, USA Today reported. In July 2016, Carter confirmed that they have set up a study group to look at the issues that may occur following the lifting of the ban. Moreover, the Defense Secretary issued directions that it would be mandatory to raise decisions related to discharging troops with gender dysphoria with senior officials of the Pentagon. In other words, it ended the practice of terminating the services of transgender troops from military owing to medical reasons. Currently, the number of transgender troops in Pentagon is between 1,320 and 6,630. They are a part of the 1.3 million active-duty force, the media outlet quoted Agnes Schaefer, the lead author of a RAND Corp. study, which was commissioned by the Pentagon to explore the issue. According to an estimate by RAND, there are between 30 and 140 transgender troops who would want to go for hormone treatment, while 25 to 130 troops would ask for surgery. Watch United States military lifts ban from recruiting transgender people below: We are all isolationists now. Or are we protectionists? Maybe nationalists? For sure, we ain't no stinking globalists. Not after our transatlantic cousins in the United Kingdom voted last week to disunite from the European Union and Brexit the continent. Markets spasmed. Brussels blinked. Elites sniffed. Trump trumpeted his prescience. Brits screamed and fainted figuratively, at least as if resurrected Beatles played Hyde Park. The day after the vote the most Googled phrase in the U.K. was "What is the E.U.?" On this Independence Day weekend in America, the world still puzzles over Great Britain's vote. Three big questions remain: Why? What does it mean to us? What happens next? Nobody really knows what's coming. The safe bet? Years of negotiations. Speculation by a humble columnist? Not much change. And our state economy will feel little direct effect from Brexit. In 2015, Tennessee companies exported $956 million in goods to Great Britain. The U.K. ranked eighth in destination of exports behind Singapore, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan. The top three? China was third, Mexico second and our biggest export market was Canada. Tennessee sold $8.6 billion to Canadians, almost four times as much as to China. On the flip side, Tennessee imported more from China than another other country. Great Britain ranked 10th, sending us a mere $1.3 billion of stuff. We imported more than $27 billion from China, nearly quadruple the next closest, Japan. Overall, Tennessee exported $32 billion of goods while importing nearly $77 billion in 2015. Such trade gaps fuel isolationists, protectionists and nationalists. Hence, Donald Trump. Hence, Brexit. Hence, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's disavowal of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement she supported when secretary of state. Trump and many in the Leave camp in Britain blame sluggish wages on globalization, trade and migration, claiming immigrants and outsourcing take American and/or British jobs. Trump's rhetoric is debunked statistically and anecdotally just ask anyone who employs migrants but the Brits may have a legit gripe. According to the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, migration to the U.K. has mushroomed. The foreign-born population more than doubled, from 3.8 million in 1993 to 8.3 million as of 2014, an increase to 13 percent from 7 percent of the population. While Muslim migrants camp in Calais, France, and cast an eye toward England, almost a third of migrants into Great Britain come from Poland, India, Ireland and Italy, in that order. The U.K. is awash in educated immigrants from poorer E.U. countries. Some see Brexit as Britain's independence day and urge America to isolate. Politically, the Brit backlash against Brussels bureaucracy makes sense. Economically, isolating from trading partners is nonsense. The arc of history is bent by trade. Humans move toward freedom and opportunity. This is isolationism's moment but globalization will endure. After all, globalization made America. The landscape is littered with items named for Ronald Reagan: highways, bridges, buildings, even an aircraft carrier. Brushing aside irony, we even named an airport after a person who fired air traffic controllers. It is time for a sober reconsideration of our 40th president a review independent of the hubris of right-wing radio gabbers and the near-deification at Republican gatherings. The real Reagan would not be welcome in today's GOP. He gave amnesty to 3 million undocumented migrants, banned fully automatic rifles, supported both a ban on assault weapons and Brady law gun restrictions, raised taxes 11 times, compromised with Democrats and called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Reagan gave us a 186 percent increase in the national debt, adding $1.86 trillion to that tally. His backers blame the Democratic Congress for the budgets of the era, but overall the proposed totals by Reagan and the Democrats were remarkably similar. The difference lay in priorities. Reagan gave us our first and most spectacular failure with trickle-down economics. He massively increased military spending, shifted taxes from the wealthy to the middle class and slashed key investments, including student grants. The Reagan administration also set records for scandals, specifically the investigation, indictment or conviction of 138 administration officials, modern records in each category. The most egregious scandal was Iran-Contra, the secret and deliberate violation of several laws to sell arms to the Ayatollah's Iran, raising money to support guerillas in Central America. Reagan's foreign policy record includes a disastrous mission in Lebanon that left dead 241 U.S. servicemen when their barracks was targeted by two suicide bombers. Reagan initially offered little more than bluster when negotiating with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, so Gorbachev went forward on his own with arms reduction and reform/openness plans. Let's also recall Reagan's February 1985 Bitburg fiasco. West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl had suggested a concentration camp visit during Reagan's visit, but Reagan instead spoke at a cemetery, pressing forward even after he'd been told the tombstones included 49 members of the Waffen-SS, a group declared a criminal organization at the Nuremberg Trials. Reagan's career also was dismal on civil rights. He kicked off his 1980 presidential run in Neshoba County, Mississippi, the location where three civil rights activists were slaughtered. New York Times columnist Bob Herbert says going there and proclaiming support for "states' rights" was clear code. Reagan had opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. As president, he opposed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, tried to weaken the Voting Rights Act, and fought to keep tax exemptions for private schools that practiced racial discrimination. Reagan also vetoed both sanctions on South Africa's apartheid government and a 1988 bill expanding federal civil rights guarantees. Congress overrode both vetoes. Reagan also notoriously turned a blind eye to the AIDS crisis ravaging the country. Perhaps the best summary of those Reagan years was penned by Don Henley and Bruce Hornsby in the song "The End of the Innocence." They wrote, "They're beating plowshares into swords / For this tired old man that we elected king / Armchair warriors often fail / And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales / The lawyers clean up all details / Since daddy had to lie." SHARE Among the many speeches of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s, two stand out: the "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 march on Washington and the "I Have Been to the Mountaintop" speech in Memphis on April 3, 1968. The date of the second speech is significant because King, one of the foremost leaders of the movement, died the next day, gunned down by an assassin. King and other civil rights leaders had gone to Memphis to support striking sanitation workers. King gave his speech at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple, the international sanctuary and headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, the largest black Pentecostal group in the world. Recently, some have begun efforts to have the temple designated a national monument. Those efforts deserve support. The temple already is on the National Register of Historic Places since it is the headquarters of a denomination that has a presence in all 50 states and 70 countries. Nevertheless, some believe the temple's significance in the civil rights movement often has been overlooked, 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," said Beaupre, who wrote an article about the temple as a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame. The effort at this point to have the building declared a national monument under the auspices of the National Park Service is a grassroots movement led by Mary Patterson, widow of the church's first elected bishop. The discussions are in the preliminary stages. The official designation depends on approval by Congress or a presidential order under the Antiquities Act, a law dating back 110 years that protects cultural or natural resources. The temple served as a rallying point for civil rights activities in the 1950s and '60s. Yet it was King's speech the night before his death that was as haunting and prophetic for the events of the next day as it was a rousing plea for support of the sanitation workers and for the equality of everyone. It helped define the movement's progress to that point and pointed the way ahead. As the nation prepares for this July 4 weekend, we could use King's reminders from that speech: "All we say to America is to be true to what you said on paper" (the Declaration of Independence). He also referred to the "great wells of democracy, which were dug deep by the founding fathers" in the Declaration and Constitution. Then, there was the haunting and prophetic part. King reviewed the threats on his life before saying, "I have been to the mountaintop." He added that he had seen the Promised Land and "I may not get there with you but we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land." For its role in the civil rights movement, as the site of King's final speech and for its place in the religious heritage of the nation and the world, the Mason Temple should be a national monument. It is a worthy project, adding to the rich history of this great land. The president said the number of challenges facing Egypt is great and that Egyptians have to double their efforts to compensate for lost time Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said Thursday that that the Egyptian people "regained their identity" in the 30 June 2013 protests that led to the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. In a televised speech, the president commemorated the third anniversary of the protests, adding that Egyptians' will has recently become "the driving power that determines the fate of the nation." "[The Egyptian people] proved to the world that their will can't be oppressed and that their determination is set for a better life and a bright future for their offspring," he declared. El-Sisi, who was elected the country's president two years ago, stated that "we are in a race with time to accomplish long-awaited achievements." He added that during the past two years, a number of national projects have been inaugurated and the government has increased efforts to improve the life of citizens. The number of challenges facing Egypt is great, El-Sisi stressed. "We have to double our efforts to compensate for lost time in the past years, especially amid the economic situation the country is currently going through." The president said "black terrorism" is attempting "to stand between Egyptians and their hopes and dreams." He said that the threat of terrorism is a threat to all countries and nations and that it no longer distinguishes between borders and religions. El-Sisi said that international efforts should be united in the face of terrorism in order to eradicate it. "Long live Egypt, long live Egypt, long live Egypt," the president concluded his five-minute speech. On 30 June three years ago, millions of citizens took to the streets to protest the rule of Morsi, who had come to power a year prior. Morsi was removed from office on 3 July before facing trial on various charges and has been incarcerated ever since. Search Keywords: Short link: The head of Lotte Foundation and daughter of the Lotte group founder was summoned by prosecutors Friday over allegations she received bribes from the former chief of a local cosmetics brand who is at the center of a lobbying scandal that is rocking the country's legal sector. Shin Young-ja appeared before the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to face questioning over suspicions she received some 1 billion won ($870,000) to 2 billion won in kickbacks from Jung Woon-ho, former chief of Nature Republic, from 2012 to 2015 in return for favorable placement in Lotte's duty-free shops. "I will tell everything to prosecutors," the 74-year-old told reporters before entering the office, adding an apology. Shin is among several suspects, including former and current state prosecutors and judges, who have been put under investigation over allegations of unlawfully peddling their influence for Jung in return for money. The 74-year-old is also suspected of receiving similar bribes from other companies. Prosecutors said they will grill the foundation chief over whether she actually received the kickbacks and whether she gave business favors to the firms in return. The daughter of Shin Kyuk-ho is the first to be summoned among the owner's family members who have been mired in a corruption scandal. Prosecutors have been widening their probe into Lotte, the country's fifth-largest conglomerate, over slush funds allegations. (Yonhap) By Choi Sung-jin China's industrial competiveness has risen sharply to reach Korea's level, a state think tank warns. The quality and technology of some Chinese industries, including steel, textiles and petrochemicals, are very close to Korea's, and are even ahead in a few sectors, such as system semiconductors. In a recent report, the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) said the export setback of the nation's major industries is due in large part to the global economic slump and competition with emerging economies, particularly challenges from China. China's price competitiveness is higher than Korea's in most industries, the report said. In some industries, even the quality and technology of Chinese industries have followed right under Korea's nose. In the automobile, shipbuilding and general machinery sectors, which require high levels of technology, the quality and technology of the Chinese industries are still 75-85 percent of Korea's. In some materials industries, including steel, textiles and petrochemicals, however, the Chinese products' quality and technology have reached 95 percent of Korea's. Particularly in the petrochemical industry, there are almost no differences between the two countries, the report said. China's quality and technological levels have exceeded 90 percent of Korea's in the home appliance and information-communication sectors, the two other areas in which Korea has enjoyed competitive advantages. The world's 11th-largest economy still maintains an edge over the second-largest economic power in oil refining and display panels, but competition between the two countries is expected to intensify in these areas, too, given the massive investment China has made in them recently, it said. Korea is expected to be above China in the memory semiconductor industry five years from now, but Chinese makers are likely to make big inroads. In the system semiconductor sector, China's technology is even 10 percent ahead of Korea's. In LCD panels and OLED modules, Korea will have to stage fierce competition with China. "After five years, Korea will be able to maintain a competitive advantage over China only in some high-end products and core parts and materials," the KIET report said. "The demands for these products are quite limited, hardly able to replace the currently main products." The government-funded think tank called for careful analysis of the causes of the export slump, and countermeasures. "Government and business officials need to differentiate their approaches in restructuring troubled industries," the report said. "For instance, in dealing with the shipbuilding industry, which has few problems with competitiveness but is experiencing difficulties because of changes in global markets and poor management, the officials should take the global market's recovery into account in restructuring it." In handling the steel, oil refining and petrochemical sectors that are experiencing the structural shrinkage of markets, the policymakers should adjust these industries' production capacity and seek ways to transform them into new industries, the report said. HHI Corporate Planning Vice President Chung Ki-sun signs a general memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco President and CEO Al Nasser during the signing ceremony, Nov.11, 2015. / Courtesy of Hyundai Heavy Industries By Jhoo Dong-chan Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is expected to enjoy another boost with its joint construction projects building turbine engine plants and shipyards in Saudi Arabia. According to industry insiders, Friday, HHI Chairman Choi Gil-seon and President Kwon Oh-gap met Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih in Seoul to discuss joint operations between HHI and Saudi Aramco, the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals company. Khalid al-Falih is also chairman of the state-run oil giant Saudi Aramco. Experts believe the meeting is expected to help the struggling shipyard's efforts in normalizing its management if they deliver detailed outcomes over the projects. Last November, HHI signed a general memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Aramco to jointly collaborate on business development opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, HHI secured a bid preference over ships ordered by the Saudi government as well as the maintenance contract. Chung Ki-sun, Senior Vice President of HHI Corporate Planning and also a grandson of Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung, reportedly played a leading role behind the MOU deal with Saudi Aramco. Saudi Aramco is the world's largest oil exporter producing 15 percent of the world's global supply, a major influence in oil, plant and shipbuilding business. Saudi Aramco Chairman Khalid al-Falih wa appointed as Saudi Energy Minister in May last year, replacing Ali al-Naimi who had held the post since 1995. He also met Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Joo Hyung-hwan after the meeting with HHI officials and will leave Korea today. A South Korean director received the top honor for documentary films at this year's Moscow International Film Festival that closed on Thursday. "Mrs. B, A North Korean Woman" by director Yun Jero won the best documentary film award at the 38th edition of the festival. The Korean-French film follows the tragic life of a North Korean woman who illegally leaves her country and is sold by smugglers to a Chinese farmer. Another South Korean director, Kim Jong-kwan, received the FIRESCI international critics' prize for his film "The Worst Woman." The romantic drama depicts an actress who meets three different men on a late-summer day and changes her character each time she dates them, just like taking on a role in a play. Though she seems to pull off her performance smoothly, everything unravels towards the end. The Moscow film festival is the largest of its kind in East Europe. This year's festival was held from June 23-30 with 12 feature films, eight documentary films and 14 short films up for competition. (Yonhap) Cover of "Brilliant Solitude, Aesthetics of Sorrow" Chun Kyung-ja By Kwon Mee-yoo Chun Kyung-ja (1924-2015) was one of the most prominent female painters in Korean modern art history. She lived a life full of ups and downs, personally and artistically. "Brilliant Solitude, Aesthetics of Sorrow" (translated title), a critical biography of Chun published by Misul Munhwa, delves into the life of an artist who lived like a flame. Author Choi Kwang-jin is an art critic and former curator of the Ho-Am Art Museum who organized a major retrospective of Chun in 1995. Since then, Choi has researched Chun thoroughly, becoming one of the experts on the artist. Chun's life was not smooth. Born to a conservative family in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, she went to Tokyo to study art despite her father's opposition. She suffered poverty as her family collapsed during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-45) and the Korean War (1950-53). Her first marriage, to Lee Chul-sik, ended in a few years, leaving her with two children. After that she fell in love with Kim Nam-jung, who was married, and had two more children. Nevertheless, Chun was a happy artist, as she sublimated her strange fate into art. One of her favorite subjects was snakes, and Chun's snake paintings gave her many breakthroughs. Her self-portrait "Page 22 in My Sorrowful Legend" (1977) also has a snake on the woman's head. "Amid a series of misfortunes, Chun painted the snake as if clutching a straw. She dramatically contrasted her sorrow and fantasy," Choi writes in the biography. Choi also elaborates on how Chun is different from Western artists. "Some people say Chun studied the styles of Western painters such as Marc Chagall, Paul Gauguin, Henri Rousseau or Frida Kahlo, combining their characteristics. However, from an aesthetic point of view, Chagall's fantastic style and Gauguin and Rousseau's primitive styles do not reflect existential insecurity and loneliness. Kahlo's works reflect her unfortunate existential agony, but lack fantasy and romance to transcend it," Choi writes. "In Chun's works, her distressing existence and fantastic romance co-exist and the conflict is dissolved through existential romanticism, stemming from 'han,' or the Korean sentiment of sorrow." 'Beautiful Woman' controversy One of the reasons Chun is still the talk of the town after living overseas for a long time and unexpected death last year lies in her painting "Beautiful Woman," in the collection of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA). Choi, as an expert of Chun's artistic world, tries to appraise the painting in an aesthetic way. He analyzes the painting in 11 ways and concludes the "Beautiful Woman" is a forgery, citing its weak colors, crude flowers, shape of eyes and fine paint particles. Korea has confirmed its sixth Zika virus infection in a woman who returned from the Dominican Republic, local health authorities said Friday. The latest Zika patient was discovered 51 days after the fifth case was confirmed here. The 28-year-old South Korean woman has tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus after returning home from the Dominican Republic on June 23, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. The woman, whose identity is withheld, had stayed in the Caribbean nation from June 2014. She entered South Korea via the United States and Taiwan. She has shown symptoms of rash, muscular pain, joint pain and conjunctivitis since Monday and went to the Seoul National University Hospital on Wednesday, health authorities said. "She is not pregnant. We are currently conducting an in-depth epidemiological investigation on her," the KCDC said. (Yonhap) The four policemen sustained minor injuries during the explosion and were transported to a nearby hospital A policeman died Thursday after sustaining injuries from an improvised explosive device that detonated in the troubled North Sinai city of Al-Arish, state news agency MENA reported. The security patrol was passing through a street in Al-Arish when the roadside bomb exploded. Four policemen sustained minor injuries during the explosion and were transported to a nearby hospital. Egypt has been working to quell an Islamist insurgency that spiked after the 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi and has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of security forces. The army has said that hundreds of militants have been killed in counterterrorism campaigns in the governorate. Search Keywords: Short link: The South Korean government said Friday it will inject 5 trillion won ($4.35 billion) into encouraging the use of eco-friendly vehicles to bring down fine dust particle levels in the air that have emerged as a source of concern here. The government will spend 3 trillion won on pushing environment-friendly cars such as electric vehicles (EVs), 760 billion won on establishing charging infrastructure, and another 180 billion won on restricting the use of old diesel cars, said Vice Environment Minister Lee Jung-sub during a press briefing. In the specific implementation plan rolled out by the government, a 70-percent tax cut for citizens who scrap their old diesel cars and buy new ones has been included. The announcement came about a month after Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn presided over a special meeting of senior policymakers to discuss measures to cope with fine dust. The government said it will also strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries to tackle the issue. In November, South Korea intends to hold a meeting of senior Chinese officials to discuss detailed plans on ways to reduce fine dust particles. Fine dust refers to particles that are smaller than 10 micrometers and have been known to cause various respiratory problems while also affecting the body's immune system. The government has been trying to deal with fine dust more effectively in recent years as people have become more conscious of the associated health risks. (Yonhap) By Choi Sung-jin Now that Kim Jong-un has solidified his grip on the party and government, North Korea will focus on diplomacy, trying to improve relations with South Korea and other countries, an expert said here Thursday. The reclusive regime included diplomatic experts in the newly created top decision-making body of the State Affairs Council and upgraded a committee for inter-Korean affairs to a state-level organization, indicating it will put priority on external relationships, including South-North ties, said Lee Kwan-se, chair professor at Kyungnam University, in an article. Lee, a former vice minister of unification, said: "The Kim Jong-un regime, thinking it has completed realigning the internal system and securing the stability of its power base, has made clear its intention to focus on improving external relationships." On Wednesday, the Supreme People's Assembly, the North's rubber-stamp parliament, elected Kim as chairman of a new state apparatus called the State Affairs Commission that will replace the National Defense Commission, in a move that many North Korea watchers here interpreted as reflecting the shift of focus from a military-first to a party-first policy. The North Korea expert also noted the North's parliament upgraded the Committee for the Peaceful Unification of the Fatherland, which handles inter-Korean affairs, to a state-level organization. "From now on, the committee will be the official counterpart of the South's unification ministry," Lee said, adding that the Kim regime will step up the dialogue offensive toward the South. Coincidentally or not, Kim's first official move since he took the new post was diplomacy. The (North) Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that Kim met a delegation led by Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa, vice president of Cuba's Council of State, who was in Pyongyang as a special envoy for President Raul Castro. Earlier in the day, Kim sent a congratulatory telegram for the 95th founding anniversary of China's Communist Party, in which the North Korean leader emphasized "friendship" and "peace and security of Northeast Asia," the KCNA said. Other South Korean experts also said these moves by the young North Korean leader are noteworthy as they reflect Kim's intention to establish an image as a "normal" national leader through diplomatic activities. "Through these moves, Kim has strongly hinted that he would take the initiative in the areas of unification, diplomacy and national security, too," said Yang Moo-jin, professor of the University of North Korean Studies. "We cannot rule out the possibility of Kim visiting China this year." Korea's antiterrorism center under the Prime Minister's Office on Friday drew up a detailed plan on tackling possible terrorist attacks in the country, amid rising concerns that international radical groups may target Asia's fourth-largest economy as well. Under the plan, the country will make a four-step alert system depending on the circumstances, while designating an "antiterrorism squad" composed of special forces under the military, police, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Security. The government has been speeding up its efforts to bolster antiterrorism capabilities, especially as the National Intelligence Service revealed last month that the Islamic State jihadist group had designated some U.S. military installations here and a South Korean citizen as targets. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said his office will put the top priority on preventing any terrorist attacks, while also being cautious not to infringe on any human rights when rolling out antiterrorism policies. Korea kicked off the antiterrorism center on June 4, which operates around-the-clock to increase surveillance for any potential provocations. (Yonhap) By Jung Min-ho A special investigation of the Sewol ferry sinking has been completed but only officially. The members of a special committee investigating the tragic incident vowed to continue their work even after the deadline for the probe set by the Sewol Special Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2015, passed Thursday. Lee Seok-tae, head of the committee, went to work at the Seoul office Friday, cheered by the families of the ferry disaster victims. At Thursday's meeting, he said, "We may get obstructed tomorrow, but let's continue our job regardless." Yet he may find it hard. The government will no longer provide financial support, and 20 civil servants attached to the 92-member committee will be relocated. Collection of evidence will also be more difficult as their investigatory rights will be canceled. The families of Sewol victims told reporters near the office that they will fight to keep the probe alive. They insisted that the committee should have eight additional months to more work because it was nothing but a name until last August when it was provided with sufficient manpower and a budget to do its work. As the special act guaranteed an 18-month investigation "after the committee is formed," it is not legitimate to disband it this month, the families claim. Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, who is a potential presidential candidate, has backed the families, saying, "there shouldn't be an expiration date for finding the truth." During a live broadcast on Facebook, he criticized the government and the ruling Saenuri Party for refusing to extend the committee's investigation period. According to a recent survey conducted by Research View, 53.1 percent of respondents said the committee's investigation period should be extended, while 36.6 percent rejected the idea. The committee has so far found that the ferry was massively overloaded when it capsized on April 16, 2014; but much behind the incident is still unclear. Lee said the investigation has been difficult largely due to uncooperative government agencies. Meanwhile, Rep. Lee Jung-hyun from the Sanuri Party is in hot water following the revelation of the transcript of a phone conversation between him when he was a senior presidential press secretary and former KBS director Kim Shi-gon. According to the document made public by the Union of Media Workers, Lee pressured Kim to remove news critical of the government and the Coast Guard after the ferry incident. The conversation, the union claimed, is evidence of Cheong Wa Dae's attempt to hide the truth about the sinking, which both the presidential office and Lee have denied. By Jung Min-ho Shin Young-ja, chairwoman of the Lotte Foundation and the eldest daughter of Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho, was summoned for questioning, Friday, over allegations that she took money in return for a business favor. According to the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office, she allegedly received more than 1 billion won ($87,000) from former Nature Republic CEO Jung Woon-ho in exchange for placing the brand at Lotte's duty-free outlets. Prosecutors believe that she accepted the money through BNF Trading, a consulting firm she owns, from 2012 to 2015. There have been reports that Lotte insiders told the prosecution that she gave privileges to the firm by allowing its branches to run at popular locations. By Chung Hyun-chae Pregnant women will pay 30 percent of the costs for a prenatal ultrasound examination beginning in October as the National Health Insurance is to cover 70 percent of the bill. The Ministry of Health and Welfare on Friday announced the introduction of the insurance coverage plan to ease the financial burden of pregnant women. The ministry said if the examination costs 50,000 won, patients will have to pay 15,000 won. "We came up with the measure to increase insurance coverage and reduce medical expenses," said a ministry official Kim Han-suk. A pregnant woman regularly visits a maternity clinic and takes 12 antenatal ultrasound examinations on average to check the baby's condition. "We are discussing how many examinations per woman the insurance will cover," Kim said, adding that the ministry will announce the final plan later this month. As the prenatal ultrasound examination is not eligible for health insurance, pregnant women have so far paid all the costs. The price also varies from clinic to clinic, ranging from around 40,000 won to more than 100,000 won. "The costs are a big burden for most pregnant women," said Rachel Lee, a journalist who gave birth to her son in 2013. According to a survey conducted among 800 women last year by a health insurance policy institute under the National Health Insurance Service, 77.1 percent of the respondents said the ultrasound examination was the biggest burden for them, followed by the congenital anomaly test with 13.2 percent and the amniotic fluid test with 7.4 percent. "I heard that Korean people take more examinations than is recommended," Lee said. Some gynecologists have been criticized for making patients undergo unnecessary tests. "I want to benefit from the change when I have a second child as I am expecting my first baby in October," a woman wrote in her Internet posting. However, some voiced concern over the plan. "Despite the increasing health insurance coverage, I am worried that the maternity clinics could make pregnant women take more tests (to steal money from them)," another Internet user said. "Every time I go to a clinic, the doctor asks me to take different tests such as a blood test." There are growing calls for more childcare support to improve the birthrate. "Although pregnant women can benefit from the expanding health insurance coverage, I think the government should provide more childcare support for mothers," Lee added. Korea will join the so-called Paris Club as the 21st member country this week, the finance ministry here said Thursday, a step that acknowledges the country's transition into a creditor country. The membership will be endorsed at the Club's meeting to celebrate its 60th anniversary on Friday in Paris, according to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. Korea's Vice Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will attend the ceremony, it added. The Paris Club is an association of creditor countries with the major aim of finding sustainable solutions to payment difficulties faced by debtor countries. The ministry said Korea will be the 21st member along with the United States, Japan and Germany, as Asia's fourth-largest economy has been regarded as a creditor country on the world stage. The Seoul government expressed its will to join the organization in a summit meeting between Korean President Park Geun-hye and her counterpart Francois Hollande held in Paris on June 3. (Yonhap) A senior South Korean diplomat visited the Turkish Embassy in Seoul on Friday to offer his condolences over the deaths of dozens of people in this week's terrorist attacks in Istanbul. At least 44 people have died since three suicide bombers attacked Ataturk airport in Turkey's largest city Tuesday, leaving scores more injured. Turkish officials have blamed the Islamic State militant group, but no one has yet claimed responsibility. The Turkish Embassy in Seoul was noticeably quiet as visitors, mostly from the diplomatic corps, arrived one by one to offer their condolences. The Turkish ambassador, Arslan Hakan Okcal, was away in Turkey on his summer break. His deputy, Sukruye Bayar Balcius, received the guests on his behalf. South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Hyoung-zhin made a somber entry into the ambassador's office, where a condolence book was laid out on the main desk. "On behalf of the government of the Republic of Korea, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attack, their bereaved families, as well as the Turkish people," he wrote in the book. "We stand with the government and the people of Turkey in recovering from the terrorist attack on the firm belief that the terrorist attack cannot be condoned under any circumstances." Standing up, he shook hands with Bayar Balcius and whispered words of comfort, stressing the Korean people stand with their Turkish friends. Bayar Balcius thanked Kim, saying Turkey appreciates the friendship and support "It's all our problem. It's not only Turkey or any other country," she said. "Recent events, bombings in other countries also prove that. These are the times that we need the international solidarity in fighting terrorism the most. "Your support is very meaningful to us." (Yonhap) Kim Jong-un held talks with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa in Pyongyang. /Yonhap By Lee Jin-a North Korean leader Kim Jong-un underscored the need to bolster the nation's relationship with Cuba during a meeting with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa, the North's state-run news agency said Thursday. Mesa was visiting Pyongyang as a special envoy for Cuban President Raul Castro. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the meeting marked an important occasion in developing the relationship between the two countries and their ruling parties. "North Korea and Cuba are geographically far apart, but the two states are in cooperation to fight against imperialism," the KCNA said. It said the meeting reconfirmed the long-standing alliance between Pyongyang and Havana. By Rachel Lee North Korea is seeking to boost traditional ties with a few countries, including China and Cuba, in an apparent bid to break out of international sanctions and isolation. The move comes as South Korea is stepping up diplomacy with countries that have maintained close relations with North Korea, asking them to implement the toughest-ever U.N. Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is apparently concerned about the South's diplomatic prowess. According to the North's state-run Korean Central Television, Friday, Kim met with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa, who was visiting Pyongyang as a special envoy of Cuban President Raul Castro, Thursday. The leader also delivered a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the founding of China's Communist Party, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Kim said in the letter that his country was willing to "develop deep-rooted friendly relations with Chinese comrades as required by the new century." The leader stressed that the North was ready to "protect peace and security in Northeast Asia," in an apparent bid to mend frayed relations with Beijing. Pyongyang watchers say such a move came as it desperately felt the need to emerge from diplomatic isolation resulting from the UNSC's tough sanctions on the North. Kim Yong-hyun, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University in Seoul, said the beginning of the leader's diplomatic efforts means he is trying to portray himself as a "normal" head of state. Above all, Beijing is considered Pyongyang's top priority to improve ties with, observers said. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said: "Kim Jong-un's move as the head of the Commission on State Affairs implies both inside and outside the country he will be in charge of matters related to unification, diplomacy and national security." "Taking various circumstances into account, Kim Jong-un is highly likely to visit China this year." North Korea and China will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty on July 11 with a possible visit by high-ranking officials to Pyongyang in response to North Korean official Ri Su-yong's recent trip to Beijing. Ri, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party, went to China in an apparent bid to improve bilateral ties and create a rift in international commitments to the U.N. Security Council's latest sanctions on Pyongyang. Seoul has been making efforts to boost relations with the North's former and current allies. In May, President Park Geun-hye visited Iran and Uganda, which were accused of maintaining military ties with North Korea. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se visited Russia, another close ally of Pyongyang, and met with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov last month to discuss issues related to the North. Before Moscow, the minister went to Cuba and held talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. The ministry of interior is investigating the murder A Coptic Christian priest was killed early Thursday in North Sinai, Egypt's interior ministry announced. Reverand Rafael Moussa, the priest of St George Church in Al-Arish, was shot down by a group of unknown assailants, the ministry said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. Moussa was fixing his car when he was shot, the statement added. The murder is being investigated by authorities. The Islamic State group's Egyptian affiliate claimed responsibility for the murder in a statement posted online, accusing the priest of "fighting Islam." The Egyptian Orthodox Church mourned the slain priest and condemned his murder. In July 2013, following the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi, gunmen killed another Coptic Christian priest in Al-Arish. Egypt's security forces are fighting a decade-long Islamist insurgency in parts of North Sinai, which has spiked since 2013. Christian citizens in North Sinai have been a target for militants, especially in Al-Arish. Search Keywords: Short link: Peter Hershock, director of the Asian Studies Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, during an interview on June 20 / Korea Times photo by Kang Hyun-kyung By Kang Hyun-kyung HONOLULU Peter Hershock, director of the Asian Studies Development Program at the University of Hawaii-based think tank East-West Center, had enjoyed his wanderlust until he met Korean Zen master Seung Sahn in the early 1980s. Hershock's life has since made a drastic turn. Not only did he convert to Buddhism from Catholicism, but he has also educated the public to use their energy and creativity to improve their community, rather than for mindless or purposeless consumption. Born into and raised in a conservative Catholic family, Hershock was encouraged by his pious parents to attend Mass every Sunday. However, he later realized that no one in the church could give a satisfactory answer to the question that had been in his heart since he was six years old Where is God? As his question remained unanswered, he began to wonder what the purpose of attending Mass every Sunday was. The turning point came years after he graduated from Yale. After seeing a billboard for Seung Sahn's lecture, Hershock became determined to go there to listen to what the Korean Zen master was going to say. "His English was okay, although it was not great," Hershock said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the institute in Honolulu. "But everything he was saying made sense. His lecture went on for about 20 to 30 minutes, but I couldn't think of a single question to ask him that he had not already answered." Seung Sahn (1927-2004) is a towering figure in Korean Buddhism overseas, particularly in the United States. As a master of the Jorgye Order of Korean Seon, he went to the United States in 1974 and established several Buddhist organizations, including the Cambridge Zen Center near Harvard and the International Kwan Um School of Zen, to spread Buddhism there. His concise but insightful lectures made him a prominent teacher. Students from Harvard, Yale and Brown attended his lectures, with some becoming so inspired by his teachings that they eventually converted to Buddhism, such as Harvard alumnus-turned-Buddhist monk Hyon Gak. Born Paul Muenzen in a conservative Catholic family in New Jersey, Hyon Gak wrote the best-selling autobiography "From Harvard to Hawgesa." Seung Sahn had been a relatively unknown figure in Korea until 1999 when the book was published. In the autobiography, the American Buddhist elaborated on how his life made a turn for the better after he attended Seung Sahn's lecture at Harvard in the 1980s. He was ordained a monk under the Zen master in 1992. Seung Shan's lecture also changed many others, including the self-described self-centered and arrogant Hershock. He joined the weekend meditation retreat, which included six hours of meditation per day and silence. "At the end of the retreat, I thought this is it. I'll do this for the rest of my life," he said. Thereafter, he practiced Buddhism for six years under Seung Sahn. He said the late Zen master helped him understand the world from the Buddhist perspective. "His teaching was very direct and straightforward and he used lots of common examples," Hershock said. At the first retreat Hershock attended, Seung Sahn asked his students what the Buddhist word "mu" meant. The word means "to not have" or "to go without." "I was sitting there and knew what it meant, but I was thinking about how I would answer that question because his English was not so good," Hershock said. "He looked into my eyes and took his wooden stick, pushing it really hard into my spine. It really hurt. He said, "The bus is already in downtown,' meaning I missed the opportunity to respond." It was Seung Sahn who encouraged Hershock to pursue an academic career. Hershock said he had three career options becoming a carpenter, a scholar or a Buddhist monk. Seung Sahn told him that an academic career is more suitable for him than the other two. Hershock was considering studying at Harvard, Stanford, Yale or the University of Hawaii. Seung Sahn recommended the last university. Hershock said one of the most memorable teachings of the Buddhist leader was about the importance of a tiny little thing. "Basically, he was saying that nothing here goes to waste. If you take it seriously, whether it is food, a teaching or a smile that somebody gives you in passing, everything from the world is a gift .... Every tiny little thing teaches us." Hershock's conversion to Buddhism, however, cost him his relationship with his mother. "My mother was very disappointed because you can imagine the kind of a child I was. She wanted me to become a priest," he said. "In our family, there were five children, four boys and a daughter, who was the eldest. I was in the middle. In a Catholic family, if you have four boys, at least one of them should become a priest, and I was the most likely candidate." The tense mother-son relationship gradually eased over time as the two tried to understand each other. After graduating from Yale and after six years under Seung Sahn's mentorship, Hershock followed his teacher's advice and met with Honolulu-based Buddhist master Jikwang Daebeop. While it was Seung Sahn who encouraged Hershock to enter the world of Buddhism, the female master has also had a lasting impact on Hershock's scholarly work. Jikwang Daebeop's teachings centered on social Buddhism or engaged Buddhism, a movement that seeks to apply the religion's values and teachings to solve the current issues in the real world, including environmental, political and social justice issues. She inspired Hershock to focus his academic activities on enlightening the world to use its energy and creativity for productive outcomes that can benefit the community. Hershock considers his 1999 book, "Reinventing the Wheel: A Buddhist Response to the Information Age," as an exemplary publication that suggests solutions to real-world problems. "People talk about the world economy running on fossil fuels such as oil and coal, but that's not really what the global economy runs on. It really runs on human beings' attention. Our awareness is the basic commodity that runs the global economy," he said. According to him, people spend too much time using social media or watching television, which are not likely to improve human beings' living conditions. "If you are spending four hours of your attention every day on television or radio or the Internet, it's not going to help our families or neighbors. And I started to think that's what the global economy is running on. We are just taking our attention and putting it into global circulation," he said. He said in 2008, 20 billion hours of human energy were spent on watching the Olympic Games, which lasted for two weeks. If such an amount of time, energy and creativity could be spent instead on daunting issues like climate change that troubles the world, he said a great deal of those problems would be solved. By Oh Young-jin It's high time for a change in tactics on North Korea. Instead of trying to prevent the North more specifically its leader from getting what it wants, why not give it exactly this as a horse with a Trojan streak or a chalice lined with poison. For this strategy, above all, it is important to see what Pyongyang wants. First, it wants to be recognized by the world as a nuclear weapon state. What does this mean? The North wants this recognition so badly that it has been written into its constitution. Striking a different path from his father and grandfather, the 33-year-old leader Kim Jong-un, has worked his state propaganda machine overtime and frequently played the lead role himself in bragging about the latest developments in its missile and nuclear development. By now, it is clear that Kim has a purpose for trying to get credit for the progress in his country's programs for weapons of mass destruction. It is a kind of reputation-building effort by Kim, who only has his "royal" pedigree to claim to be dictator-for-life in the gulag state. His father, Kim Jong-il, allegedly stage-managed a series of terrorist attacks and provocations against the South. His grandfather, Kim Il-sung, was the one who led an invasion against the South as a proxy of the now defunct Soviet Union. The current one doesn't have anything to claim to be his. He obviously dreams of riding on the success of WMD programs, giving himself the legitimacy he lacks. Now, what would we, the rest of the world, get or pay in return for allowing Kim to claim that he has made the North a nuclear state? First of all, we could simply let the North rot by not paying attention to it. The North is a country of limited resources a fact that can't change just because it has outlived pundits' expectations. Hopefully, it would be a slow-motion death for being dragged into its expensive weapons programs. Or we can invite Kim, elated over the global recognition, out of his cocoon state, give him a party, hoping he inadvertently lets in the wind of change. The end result is the demise of the North as we know it. There are two kinds of recognition five nuclear states that are recognized by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and those outside it such as Pakistan and India. Israel is presumed to be nuclear capable, although it remains ambiguous on its possession. The North is too open to be treated like Israel. If it is put together with Pakistan and India, we may ask the North to return to the NPT, which will allow a peek into what it really has. Also this status wouldn't give the North much except for recognition of its ownership of nuclear weapons and missiles. Last time it was checked, Pakistan and India were having a hard time in joining the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, empowering them to trade related materials. There are bound to be complex issues entailing whatever recognition may be given to the North. First, it could be taken as a bad example by which a rogue state is rewarded for egregious behavior, encouraging other rogues to follow the example. This could lead to the breakdown of the current NPT order, likely triggering a nuclear arms race in Northeast Asia. Then, the North may threaten its neighbors and extort them by brandishing its nuclear weapons. The very assumption that time is not on the North's side on these new tactics may be fundamentally flawed. But we can't expect what U.S. President Obama called a "moral revolution" to replace the "logic of fear" in the North anytime soon. This necessitates the adoption of a new approach because the current approach has not worked. Neither ignoring the North nor slapping sanctions on it has worked. Giving the North a sense of recognition and bringing it out for dialogue in one big waiting game may be a kind of constructive engagement that we need. Just recalling what has taken place recently would make it not so bad a deal. Here is the account. The world has been reduced to the spectator watching North Korea's missile test as if it is a holiday firework. Last week, the North claimed a success in its testing of intermediate range ballistic missile, so far known as Musudan, and now renamed Hwangsong-2. As Pyongyang boasted of progress made in re-entry technology, pivotal to striking the U.S. base in Guam, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington as well as the United Nations went through what has now become routine in the case of deja vu. Seoul repeated its pledge not to accept a nuclear North Korea and threatened to retaliate against any provocations. Japan monitored the trajectory before calling it off, while the U.S. and the U.N. issued condemnation. North Korea praised its young dictator and gave him a pat on its back for going mano-a-mano with the U.S. It's time to stop shaking our fists to the sky every time the North launched Taepodong or Musudan missiles. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has acted completely against public sentiment by conferring posthumous honors on relatives of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung. During a recent National Assembly session, Minister Park Sung-choon said that there was nothing wrong with his ministry's decision in 2012 to award posthumous decorations to Kim's uncle, Kang Jin-sok (1890-1942), an independence fighter against Japanese colonial rule and brother of Kim's mother Kang Pan-sok. In 2011, the ministry also conferred a posthumous award on Kim's paternal uncle, Kim Hyung-kwon (1905-1936), who was also a colonial-era independence activist. The minister defended the decision, saying that the decoration had been conferred based on their contribution to the nation as independence activists. He also said that family ties to Kim Il-sung could not be a deciding factor because Kang had died before national division. Park triggered further controversy by saying that even Kim Il-sung's parents could be considered as candidates for similar honors. Park showed a lack of judgment with remarks that could be interpreted as praising Kim Il-sung's family and their role in the independence movement against Japanese rule. As a government official in charge of veterans affairs, Park's remarks were highly inappropriate. It has been well-documented that Kim Il-sung comes from a family of devout Christians, including his mother, who engaged in the independence movement. In the 1990s, the North Korean regime named schools and villages after Kim's uncles as part of efforts to idolize Kim Il-sung's family. It is unacceptable from many Koreans' point of view that our government has awarded honors to people who enjoy a hero status in North Korea. The ministry should clarify how it came to award decorations to Kim Il-sung's family members. Obviously it did not properly screen the background of the honorees. Although belated, it is the right decision to cancel the decorations. One day after Park defended them, the ministry said that it will seek legal revisions to cancel them as soon as possible. Minister Park has already caused other controversies that have driven the opposition parties to demand his resignation. He should take necessary measures to swiftly cancel the honors for Kim's family members and ensure that a similar lapse in screening does not occur with future decorations. No more taxes should be wasted on dysfunctional probe Public indignation is growing over the special committee tasked with investigating the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking for its incompetence and waste. The Special Investigation Commission on the April 16 Sewol Ferry Disaster was set up as an independent government organization for an 18-month probe pursuant to the Sewol Special Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2015. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that June 30 was the final day of the committee's investigation. Most of the government officials who had been seconded to the committee have returned to their home ministries. The remaining staffers are only allowed to make reports on their activities for the next three months. It is incomprehensible why the government has spent so much on a committee that has not properly delivered its mission to "investigate the truth" behind the sinking of the ferry, which capsized off Korea's southwest coast on April 16, 2014, taking more than 300 lives. According to the Sewol Special Act, the committee was supposed to investigate 231 items, but it managed to conclude its probe on just one. Its only finding, announced earlier this week, is that the ferry carried more than double the amount of cargo it was permitted to transport. The committee's pathetic performance is because it wasted its energy on the wrong priorities. The committee focused more on political issues to embarrass Cheong Wa Dae, the police, the National Intelligence Service and other government organizations rather than conduct meticulous and scientific research on why the Sewol tragedy happened and the reasons behind the government's failed rescue operation. The committee, however, has blamed the government's lack of cooperation for its lackluster probe. Many Koreans collectively mourned the Sewol tragedy, but more people are feeling that some Sewol activists and families of the victims are making excessive accusations and demands against the government. The controversy over the extension of the Sewol committee is a case in point. In protest at the official closure of the committee, some civic groups and families of the Sewol victims held a demonstration at Cheong Wa Dae, urging President Park Geun-hye's decision on the extension of the committee. Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul has already been turned into a Mecca of illegal protests largely owing to the prolonged Sewol demonstrations. Two years after the accident, the public no longer wants to see more Sewol-related issues cause more division and unrest in Korean society. Despite its visible incompetence, the committee is refusing to uphold the Sewol Special Act by closing its probe on the designated date. Instead, Lee Seok-tae, who heads the committee, vowed to continue its operation. It has even requested 10.4 billion won in budgetary assistance from the government. The budget includes fees for the overseas trips of 15 staff members who are planning to visit Italy, the U.K., Japan, Norway and the U.S. to collect information about how these countries dealt with maritime disasters. Such information is readily available from the ministry and media reports. It is absurd that the committee plans such wasteful trips with the taxpayers' money. The government has already had to spend so much on Sewol-related issues, such as compensation for the victims' families and the salvaging of the sunken ferry. Based on its idle way of working so far, it is uncertain whether the committee has the capacity or determination to conduct an unbiased and professional probe. It should stop demanding an extension and close its operation after completing the reports on its activities. The United States-led biennial maritime warfare exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) began its five-week run off Hawaii on Thursday, bringing together 27 countries around the Pacific Ocean to increase their interoperability at sea. This year's RIMPAC, the 25th time it has been held, is the largest ever in scale since the regional exercise was first held in 1971, according to officials here. Participating countries include South Korea, China, Japan and Singapore as well as European nations like Denmark, France, Germany and Britain. South Korea has dispatched a captain-led team of three warships and three sea-borne aircraft along with 700 navy and marine troops, including naval special forces, according to the officials. During the exercise that runs until Aug. 4, the South Korean Navy contingent is scheduled to perform as the sea combat commander of an expeditionary strike group composed of eight warships from the U.S., Japan, Canada and other countries. The officials said the opportunity is expected to strengthen the South Korean Navy's external reputation and its war operability. During the exercise two South Korean warships, the 7,600-ton Aegis-equipped destroyer Sejong the Great and 4,500-ton destroyer Kang Gam Chan, will fire off their SM-2 anti-aircraft missiles. After the exercise ends in early August, South Korea plans to hold a separate search and rescue exercise with the U.S., Japan and Australia's navies, the officials also said. This year China has joined with five warships and some 1,200 troops, the third-largest contingent following the U.S. and Canada, although this only marks the Asian power's second participation in the U.S.-led exercise. The U.S. Pacific Fleet, which operates the exercise, portrays RIMPAC as the world's largest international maritime exercise which provides a unique training opportunity to "ensure the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans." (Yonhap) By Lee Min-hyung Calls are growing that the government should disallow Google's attempt to obtain map images in Korea, amid speculation that the search engine giant seeks to generate more revenue while pushing for aggressive tax-dodging techniques here. This comes as the company officially requested the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) to approve its plan to host the nation's geographic data overseas, last month. This was the firm's second attempt since it requested a similar request to the Korean government in 2007. But the government stood in the way of the initiative, allowing the plan only if the company agrees to blur map data for some politically and militarily sensitive areas as a precondition. This is in contrast to Google's official position to request approvals to use the nation's satellite map information without blurring. "The Ministry of National Defense remains very careful over the issue, due to the nation's unique position on the security issue," Defense Minister Han Min-koo told a National Assembly session, Wednesday. "That's why we request other security-related government agencies to approve Google's plan only when the firm accepts our precondition." Critics argue that the government should come up with tougher sanctions over the firm's businesses here, given previous controversies it has caused including the suspicion of tax evasion. They said Google hopes to be free from any local regulations by not establishing any data centers here, which helps the firm be unrestricted by local laws. Google Korea, however, dispelled the concern. "We do not establish any data-managing facilities in Korea, as we operate cloud-based services globally," said an official from Google Korea. "The absence of data centers here is not aimed at evading taxes. We are complying with the Korean tax system." Google has sought to receive legal rights to access the nation's map data for its Google Maps service, which includes three-dimensional (3D) satellite maps, traffic information and navigation services. Google Maps is one of the popular map services across the world, but the government's regulation is allowing the company to provide some limited and inaccurate 2D information, due to its failure to access up-to-date geographical data. The plan, if approved, is also expected to cause a reverse discrimination against local map service operators including Naver, Kakao and SK Telecom all of which agreed to censor geographical information on some key national security facilities. Google, however, countered such concerns by saying that the company aims to export government-approved map data. Google has expressed regret over the controversy, as the nation's tough regulations are getting in the way of business operations of foreign companies. The government, for its part, is set to revamp some unnecessary regulations after a special committee formed in 2014 reports its conclusions. The committee plans to make a final decision in August over the Google request, after an in-depth discussion with relevant government bodies including the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Intelligence Service. LG Electronics' mobile chief Cho Juno introduces key features of the LG G5 during a launch event at this year's mobile expo in Barcelona, Spain, in this February file photo. / Korea Times file By Kim Yoo-chul, Lee Min-hyung LG Electronics has announced a major shake-up of senior executives in its mobile business division, as it struggles to rebrand itself in the highly competitive smartphone market. On Friday, LG Electronics said it has created a program management office (PMO) in its troubled handset business and replaced some executives. "Friday's announcement is because LG Electronics' latest flagship G5 smartphone failed to generate sales," LG said, adding it hopes the shake-up will give its ailing mobile business "new momentum." Mobiles chief Cho Juno will oversee the PMO, which has authority to handle strategies for product development, manufacturing, marketing and sales; while Oh Hyung-hoon, a former research lab head, will be its chief, supported by mobile division Vice President Ha Jeong-wook. "The overseas business unit at the mobile division will take a bigger role," LG said. "The purpose of the realignment was intended to keep LG's handset business running amid challenging market situations." Kim Hyung-jeong, a senior vice president at LG, has been named head of the company's mobile research lab. Recently, LG sent a few hundred employees from its handset division to the company's vehicle component division as it looked to diversify. LG Electronics previously said the move was aimed at enhancing flexibility in human resources management in its bid to respond quickly to the growing uncertainty in the handset market. But market insiders said the job cuts at the mobile division were to reduce fixed costs at a critical time when the firm needs to improve profit, after the division posted an operating loss for three quarters in a row. "The smartphone marketplace is expected to be increasingly competitive in 2016 due to anticipated premium models from competitors and further price competition within the mass tier space," LG said. Nowhere to be seen Simply put, LG's smartphone business has serious problems. It is facing steep competition due to the rapid rise of cheaper Chinese products and its brand awareness is being hit by curbs on marketing expenditure. LG ranked seventh in global smartphone sales with a share of less than 4 percent in the first quarter of this year, Gartner, a market research firm, said. Samsung was the leader, followed by Apple and China's Huawei. Huawei posted an 8.3 percent share, up 59 percent on the previous year, Gartner said. "It's too risky for LG to launch cash-intensive, aggressive promotional campaigns to up its brand awareness and to remain competitive in terms of cost structure given very challenging situations," said an official at one of LG's technology affiliates who did not want to be identified. "It's too early to say that LG will drop its mobile business. This seems too radical; however, no answers are seen for the time being. "LG failed to realize economies of a scale,' unlike Apple and Samsung Electronics. Cutting fixed costs is a one-time measure. LG's difficulty in the smartphone business is a structural problem that can't be addressed without radical measures such as relocating all of its manufacturing lines to Vietnam and other cheap Asian countries." Market research firms expect LG Electronics to report an operating loss of some 100 billion won in its mobile business for April-June, extending losing streaks for five straight quarters. In March, the company unveiled what it called the "game-changing" modular smartphone, expressing confidence the G5 would drive up weak profitability in the mobiles unit. The device looked like meeting expectations in the first few weeks following its launch, garnering huge media attention and recording a threefold sales increase on its predecessor the G4. But the G5's initial attention is withering, as shipments continue to drop more steeply than expected, analysts said. "The estimated G5 shipment for the second quarter of this year will remain 2.2 million, below a previous expectation of some 3 million," Mirae Asset Securities analyst Cho jin-ho said in a report. "This is because the G5's market response is getting weaker and the company failed to compete with the aggressive promotion campaigns of its rivals." Korean students who were invited to this year's "Qualcomm IT Tour" program gather at Qualcomm's headquarters in San Diego, California, Thursday. / Courtesy of Qualcomm Korea By Kim Yoo-chul Qualcomm, the U.S.-based mobile chip-set titan, is moving beyond business expansion to strengthen its initiatives for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in Korea. Qualcomm Korea said it had invited 25 Korean undergraduate and graduate students to the company's headquarters in San Diego as part of the firm's decade-long "Qualcomm IT Tour" program. The invited students were given the opportunity to understand the development of Qualcomm's latest mobile and wireless technologies and get first-hand experience with some of them. Qualcomm also held a briefing and demonstration session to update its key technologies for the students, the company said. "Those students attended a mentoring session' with Korean engineers working at Qualcomm headquarters," the company said. "The students were briefed about the latest technology trends and work-life at Qualcomm, and the qualifications and experience needed to work there." The latest event is the 14th. This year, Qualcomm president Derek Aberle met the students to discuss "rising technologies" such as the Internet of Things, machine learning and virtual reality all of which were identified by the company as the next growth engines. "We hope this IT program helps Korean students gain a better perspective of the latest technology trend and also helps them in contributing their efforts to create larger mobile ecosystems in Korea," Qualcomm Korea chief Lee Te-won said. Since 2004, Qualcomm Korea has been managing scholarship programs every year for engineering students in Korea. Also, the Korean subsidiary runs the "Qualcomm Innovation Awards" to help master's and doctoral-degree students proceed with their research programs. By Kim Yoo-chul Wyndham Hotel Group is expanding its portfolio in Korea with five new hotels in Incheon, Yongin, Daejeon and Gimpo to help overcome the country's growing shortage of rooms. The franchise agreements will include brands such as Ramada, Days Inn and Howard Johnson, adding 2,008 rooms, the hotel group said. "Wyndham is expected to expand its presence to 40 hotels," the company said. "The newly acquired hotels will boost the construction pipeline to 27 hotels, adding 8,670 rooms to the group's portfolio." The five hotels Howard Johnson Incheon Airport, Days Hotel Incheon Airport, Ramada Encore Yongin, Ramada Daejeon and Ramada Encore Gimpo are expected to open by 2018. "Korea is a key market for the group the country being one of the top outbound destinations from China, the world's largest tourism source market," said Barry Robinson, president at Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia. "This is a timely opportunity for us to magnify our presence in Korea as demand for inbound travel into Korea continues to increase." According to data from Korea's Culture and Tourism Institute, the daily demand for hotel rooms in Seoul is estimated to be 41,000 in 2017, while supply is projected to be about 33,000. "We are aiming to triple our portfolio of hotels in Korea in the next two years and will continue to look for any opportunity to grow our brands, offering our guests more choices and more reasons to stay with us across the globe," Robinson said. Korea is the sixth most-visited country in Asia, with 14.2 million arrivals in 2014. By Park Si-soo The U.S. government has lifted rules barring transgender people from serving in the military. The decision comes as the U.S. military has witnessed major changes in the role of women and the inclusion of gays, lesbians and bisexual service members in recent years, according to CNN. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the ending of the ban takes effect immediately and that no longer could a transgender person be discharged on the basis of sexual identity. He said transgender service members will also receive the same medical coverage as any other military member, receiving all care their doctors deem necessary. For current members of the military, the coverage will include hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery if doctors determine that such procedures are medically necessary. New service members must be "stable" in gender identity for 18 months before joining. Six Egyptian border guards were killed Thursday morning in a shootout with smugglers in the desert near Egypt's western border with Libya, the army said in a statement. A group of armed smugglers opened fire on border guards on patrol, killing two officers and four conscripts before fleeing westward. A number of smugglers were also killed or injured, the statement added without providing further details. Military ground and air forces were dispatched to comb the area for the suspects. A security source told Al-Ahram Arabic website that the incident took place in the El-Farafra Oasis, an area notorious for smuggling activity. The bodies of those killed have been transferred to Cairo, Al-Ahram added. Search Keywords: Short link: The Italian senate voted to halt the supply of spare parts for F16 warplanes in protest over Egypts handling of the Regeni murder investigation Related Italy votes to halt aviation supplies to Egypt over student death Egypt has expressed "discomfort" with the decision of the Italian senate to suspend the supply of spare parts for F16 warplanes to Egypt over the early-2016 murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. "This move is not consistent with the level of cooperation that has existed between investigative authorities in both countries since the beginning of the [Regeni case]," the Egyptian foreign ministry said. The ministry added that "Egypt will monitor developments in this regard to make the right decision with respect to the manner in which Egyptian-Italian relations are managed," while assuring Egypts wish to sustain relations at a level that achieves the interests of the two countries. The Italian senate voted Wednesday to halt supplies of the spare parts for Egypt's American-made F16 warplanes in protest of Cairos handling of the investigation into the killing of Regeni, whose body was found with signs of torture by a Cairo roadside in January. Wednesday's move is considered the first commercial measure taken by Italy against Egypt over the issue. In May, Italy appointed Giampaolo Cantini as its new ambassador to Cairo, but said its decision to recall its ambassador in April has not changed, accusing Egypt of not cooperating fully in the investigation of Regeni's murder. Search Keywords: Short link: The national holiday will last through Thursday Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail stated that the Islamic Eid Al-Fitr holiday will start Tuesday and run for three days, the cabinet said in a statement Thursday. Employees in ministries, governmental authorities, the public sector and other state-owned institutions will take the three days off work for the holiday, the statement added. Eid Al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Search Keywords: Short link: The two students were detained on Thursday after protests against the education ministry Two twin high school (Thanaweya Amma) students arrested this week after student-led protests were released by prosecutors early Friday morning on a EGP 500 bail. The boys were accused of illegally protesting and damaging public property during protests in front of the education ministry building. Tens of high school students had protested outside the ministry against a decision to repeat the dynamic mathematics exam and postpone others, calling also for the removal of education minister El-Helali El-Sherbini. Their lawyers called for their release to 'protect their future,' explaining they are to sit for examinations on Saturday and Monday. The students are in their final year of high school, one in the Science section and the other in Scientific Maths, according to daily Al-Shorouk. The twins charge that the officers at the police station of assault that left one with head injuries and the other with an injury to his eye, Al-Shorouk reported. Security forces arrested a number of students across the country who were protesting the ministry's decision to repeat the dynamic mathematics exam and to postpone other exams amidst a nationwide scandal that resulted from the leaking of a number of Thanaweya Amma exams. The government says it has implemented measures to shield remaining exams from leaks. Search Keywords: Short link: The City of Springfield Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Commercial Street community, will introduce reverse-angle parking to C-Street as an eight-week pilot beginning Saturday, July 9. Reverse-angle parking involves parking stalls that are pointed away from the flow of on-coming traffic. Drivers must pull past the targeted spot, stop and signal, then slowly back in. While this style of parking is used successfully in other cities, C-Street is the first site for it in Springfield. Transportation experts say reverse-angle parking is safer than standard head-in angle parking because of increased driver visibility when pulling out of a space into oncoming traffic. The pilot program includes new stripes and new signs in the pilot area between Robberson and Jefferson avenues, near the market plaza. C-Street businesses will distribute information to help educate visitors to the area. After trying reverse-angle parking, people can share their experiences through an online survey found at springfieldmo.gov/parking. We know this is a new concept, so our focus is to educate the public and then give them the opportunity to try it, said Public Works Traffic Engineer Eric Claussen. Our end goal is to learn whether reverse-angle parking is right for C-Street. A parking study of the Commercial business district in 2015 found a need for 170 more parking spaces. While several options are being explored, the quickest and lowest-cost solution is to re-stripe the existing on-street parking to eliminate the center lane and replace the parallel stalls on the south side of the street with angled stalls. Angled parking will create more than 80 more on-street parking spots than parallel parking. While reverse-angle stalls do not provide more spaces than traditional angled parking, the added safety benefits for vehicles, passengers and bicyclists appealed to C-Street business owners who proposed the idea in meetings with Public Works. From 2010 to 2014, 10 crashes were reported on Commercial involving a vehicle backing out of an angled space. This represents 55 percent of crashes on Commercial Street during that time period. C-Street is becoming a popular area with a unique personality, Claussen said. We support their effort to be cutting-edge and remain friendly and safe for all who share the road. FM Sameh Shoukry is in Ramallah to carry President El-Sisi's message of support for Palestinians The Egyptian government has no intention to push for amending the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said in an interview with Palestine TV according to state news agency MENA. The foreign minister was in the West Bank capital Ramallah Wednesday to deliver a message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressing support for a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel. The Arab Peace Initiative calls for Israel's withdrawal from territories it occupied after the 1967 Six-Day War, resolving the issue of Palestinian refugees a point of contention for the Israelis - in a way that leads to the creation of a Palestinian state. In exchange for Palestinian statehood, Arab states would normalise relations with Israel. Palestine and Arab countries are in talks to choose the best time to push for a decision in the United Nations Security Council to stop Israeli settlements in the Palestinian occupied territories, Shoukry said during his interview in Ramallah. "The Arab Initiative is valid and ratified on the Arab League level," said Shoukry, adding that "it is recognised on the level of the international community." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said earlier this month the initiative needs to be ammended before Israel can support it. "We discussed the efforts of Palestinian reconciliation during my meeting with President Abbas, and we are always supporting the unity of the Palestinians," said Shoukry, adding that this unity "would consolidate the ability to negotiate and reach the goal of establishing the Palestinian state." Search Keywords: Short link: France condemned on Friday the killing of six Egyptian border guards in a shootout with smugglers on Thursday near Egypt's western border with Libya, as well as the killing of a Coptic priest in North Sinai by unknown assailants. French foreign ministry spokesman Roman Nadal expressed his country's condolences to the families of the victims, affirming France's solidarity with Egypt in fighting terrorism. Egypt and France enjoy strong ties, with the leaders of both countries stressing in recent meetings the importance of coordinated efforts in the fight against terrorism. On Thursday, Egypt's army said that a group of smugglers opened fire on border guards on patrol, killing two officers and four conscripts before fleeing westward. The army said that a number of smugglers were also killed or injured, without providing further details. Egypt's interior ministry also announced on Thursday that Reverend Rafael Moussa, the head priest at St George Church in El-Arish, was shot down by a group of unknown assailants in North Sinai, where Egyptian security forces have been fighting a decade-long Islamist insurgency in parts of the governorate since 2013. The Islamic State militant group's Egyptian affiliate claimed responsibility for the murder of the priest in a statement posted online, accusing him of "fighting Islam." Search Keywords: Short link: The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Friday for the first time since Moscow and Ankara mended ties that were shattered by the downing of a Russian jet last year. "We hope that this encounter will set the right tone for the normalisation of relations," Lavrov was quoted as saying by TASS news agency at the start of their meeting on the sidelines of a regional economic cooperation conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The encounter comes after Moscow on Thursday ended a ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey in the first step to ending broader sanctions slapped on Ankara after it shot down a Russian fighter jet on the Turkish-Syria border in November. The tourism move was agreed in a breakthrough phone call by leaders Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, after the Turkish strongman sent a letter that Moscow said contained an apology. Turkey has argued that the Russian plane strayed into its airspace and ignored repeated warnings, but Russia insisted it did not cross the border and accused Turkey of a "planned provocation". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday's talks were expected to help pave the way for a meeting between Putin and Erdogan that could take place either before or at a G20 summit in China in September. The jet downing slammed the brakes on burgeoning relations between the two nations and sparked a bitter war of words between the two leaders. Putin has now ordered his government to hold talks on lifting an embargo imposed on some Turkish food and to restore full trade ties with Ankara. The crisis in relations with Moscow had dealt a blow to Turkish tourism, with the number of Russian tourists drastically declining in holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Search Keywords: Short link: PRESS RELEASE Rodrigo Duterte Inaugurated as Philippine PresidentDeclares Adherence to Lincoln and FDR June 30, 2016 (EIRNS)Rodrigo Duterte was inaugurated as President of the Philippines today, announcing in his inaugural speech that his overall policy would be guided by "two quotations from revered figures that shall serve as the foundation upon which this administration shall be built." The two are Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The quotes, which he read are: "The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide for those who have little," Franklin Delano Roosevelt "You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further the brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men." Abraham Lincoln Duterte powerfully restated his absolute commitment to wipe out corruption, drugs, and criminality, as he famously did in Davao City, where he was the mayor for 22 years. As to the global human rights mafia campaign condemning him as a lawless killer, Duterte said: "I know that there are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, the sale and use of illegal drugs and corruption. They say that my methods are unorthodox and verge on the illegal. In response let me say this: I have seen how corruption bled the government of funds, which were allocated for the use in uplifting the poor from the mire that they are in. I have seen how illegal drugs destroyed individuals and ruined family relationships. I have seen how criminality, by means all foul, snatched from the innocent and the unsuspecting, the years and years of accumulated savings. Years of toil and then, suddenly, they are back to where they started... The fight will be relentless and it will be sustained." He added that, "As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising." He held his first Cabinet meeting following the inauguration. It is of note that both Duterte and his Defense Minister, Delfin Lorenzana, have stated explicitly that there will be no war with China or anyone other than the terrorists. Lorenzana told the international press this week that "the military would invest in more speed boats and helicopters to help flush out [the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf] rather than divert funds into maritime security regarding territorial claims with China in the South China Sea," while Duterte called for Chinas assistance in constructing railways, telling Filipino businessmen, "Can you match the offer? Because if you cannot match the offer, I will accept the goodwill of China." PRESS RELEASE Senator Graham Denounces Continuing Obama Administration Stall on 28 Pages June 30, 2016 (EIRNS)In an interview with the Daily Beasts Eleanor Clift, former Sen. Bob Graham vowed to continue his battle to release the 28 pages from his original Joint Congressional Inquiry into 9/11, declaring that it would be immoral to reach the 15th anniversary of the attacks this September without full disclosure to the American people about what the investigation discovered about Saudi involvement in the worst terrorist attack on US soil in history. Graham told Clift that the deadline he was given by the White House for a final decision on declassification of the 28 pages has come and gone, and the White House official who was earlier in contact with him about the progress towards that decision no longer is taking his calls. Graham, working with 9/11 survivor Sharon Premoli, is working on hiring a public relations firm to counter what he anticipates will be a Saudi PR blitz if the 28 pages are ever declassified, to damage-control their impact by discrediting the content. Graham indicated that he is still pursuing the court actions by the Broward Bulldog, now before a Federal Judge in Florida, to release more than 87,000 pages of FBI investigative files on the Sarasota, Fla., 9/11 cell, which included Mohammad Atta, the ringleader of the attack, and he is demanding that other FBI files on Herndon, VA, and Paterson, NJ, also be made public. He is also pursuing the action before the Interagency Security Clearance Review Panel (ISCAP), a little-known but powerful oversight body that has the authority to declassify Executive Branch documents, even where agencies insist they be kept secret. And he is still waiting for the completion of the review process initiated by the Obama Administration over two years ago. Graham says that he was told by Director of National Intelligence Gen. James Clapper, with whom he met in May, that the review process by his office was near completion, would then be subjected to further review and a decision whether or not to take the matter to the President. At that point, Obama would first have to confer with Congress, where the 9/11 Joint Inquiry report was produced. Clift concluded her Daily Beast story: PRESS RELEASE Russias Military Measures in Response to NATOs Buildup June 30, 2016 (EIRNS)Yesterday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during a meeting of the Defense Ministry Board, made up of senior military commanders, reported that NATO activity on Russias doorstep has "more than doubled" in the recent period, forcing Russia to take retaliatory measures. NATO and the US have deployed about 1,200 pieces of military hardware, including 30 combat jets, and US and other NATO vessels regularly enter the Baltic and Black Seas. Shoigu warned that, after the Warsaw summit, NATO can "significantly increase" its presence and activity near Russias borders. "The United States and other NATO members continue to build up their military capabilities, primarily in countries neighboring Russia," he said. "Such moves of our western colleagues lead to erosion of the strategic stability in Europe and force us to take counter- measures, primarily in the western theater of operations," Shoigu said, stressing that Russia takes actions aimed at strategic deterrence in the western military district to "neutralize potential threats." One measure Russia is taking is to beef up its military forces in the west of the country. "This year, more than 2,000 pieces of new and modernized military equipment will enter operational service [within the units of] the western military district." He also reported that 10,000 contract troops have been recruited into the military this year, and the construction of ten garrison towns is almost complete. Another measure Russia is taking is to build up its forces in the Black Sea. Nikolai Litovkin, military correspondent for Russia Beyond the Headlines, reported yesterday, that Russia is expanding its naval base in Novorossiysk, about 340 km east of Sevastopol in Crimea. A source in the military industrial complex told RBTH that new piers are being built to accomodate the Black Sea Fleets six Varshavyanka-class Project 636.6 submarinesknown in the West as the Improved Kilo class, three of which are already there. Tass military expert Viktor Litovkin says that Ukraines policy after the collapse of the Soviet Union boiled down to squeezing Russia out of Crimea, but since the takeover of the peninsula by Moscow in 2014, the situation has changed and a full-scale reform of the fleet has begun. "Sevastopol Bay offers unique opportunities to Moscow," Litovkin said. A day after the disclosure of the first death in a crash involving a self-driving vehicle, BMW on Friday announced plans to release a fleet of fully autonomous vehicles by 2021. In a partnership with Intel and Mobileye, the German automaker said its planned iNEXT model wont require a human in the drivers seat. That marks a different course toward self-driving vehicles than Tesla, which offers a self-driving autopilot feature to those participating in a public beta phase -- though drivers are supposed to stay engaged and keep their hands on the steering wheel. Advertisement That system was in use during a fatal crash in Florida in May in which a Tesla Model S failed to detect a big-rig in its path and apply the brakes. BMW Chief Executive Harold Krueger addressed the Tesla crash during a news conference in Munich, Germany, on Friday, saying his company is not yet ready to roll out partially or fully autonomous vehicles. Thats why we announced we would take the step to autonomous driving in 2021, he said. We believe by today, the technologies are not ready for serious production. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is investigating the Tesla crash, ranks self-driving cars based on the level of control the driver cedes to the vehicle, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. Teslas autopilot feature is classified as level 2, as it is capable of staying in the center of a lane, changing lanes and adjusting speed according to traffic. BMW is focusing on levels 3, 4 and 5. At level 3, the car can drive itself without human intervention under certain traffic or environmental conditions. At level 4, the driver will input destination and navigation instructions, but is not expected to drive at any point during the trip. Level 5 autonomy does not involve a driver at all. BMW and its partners say their level 5 fully autonomous vehicles could be used by ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft. Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich said Friday hes fairly confident we can do this in the five-year time frame. He added his company intends to dedicate several hundred people and several hundred million dollars to the self-driving project. Amnon Shashua, Mobileyes co-founder, chairman and chief technology officer, said his computer vision company will devote about 100 of its 700 employees to the undertaking. Though Mobileye counts Tesla among its clients, Shashua suggested companies must do more to inform customers of potential dangers. I think its very important given this accident that we hear about in the news that companies be very transparent about limitations of the system, Shashua said. Its not enough to tell the driver you need to be alert. Tell the driver why you need to be alert. helen.zhao@latimes.com Twitter: @zhaomeow ALSO Anaheim bans short-term rentals in residential areas U.S. auto sales expected to hit record in first 6 months Dont drive these Hondas and Acuras unless dangerous air bags are fixed, government warns UPDATES: 2:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include information about Mobileyes business relationship with Tesla. This article was originally published at 10:36 a.m. During Palm Springs heyday in the 1950s and 60s, odds were likely that youd pass by or walk into a restaurant, hotel or country club designed by architect William F. Cody. Unfortunately many of Codys Midcentury Modern designs have gone the way of the wrecking ball. That includes his quirky Googie-style Huddles Springs Restaurant, as well as the Palm Springs Spa Hotels canopy-covered walkway with an oculus allowing light to fall through. It was almost like celestial heavens coming down into the spa, said Jo Lauria, organizing curator and interim executive director at the Architecture and Design Museum in L.A. It was almost like celestial heavens coming down into the spa. Jo Lauria, Architecture and Design Museum in L.A. William F. Codys walkway at the Palm Springs Spa Hotel, the oculus in the canopy letting light stream down to the sculpture and water below. (Julius Shulman) (Test) William F. Codys Huddles Springs Restaurant in Palm Springs, demolished in the 1990s. ( Erwin Lang) (Test) Marking Codys 100th birthday this year, A+D is celebrating his contribution to architecture with the exhibition Fast Forward: The Architecture of William F. Cody, open from July 10 to Sept. 25. Color renderings and photos of long-lost structures will be on display along with a 33-foot wall featuring a visual timeline bordered with Codys doodles, drawings and lettering. Rendering for the William F. Cody design for the Villa Real Golf Club in Cuba. (Architecture and Design Museum) (Architecture and Design Museum ) The Ohio-born USC graduate began his career working as a draftsman for Cliff May, considered by many to be the father of the California ranch home. A commission to design the Del Marcos Hotel brought Cody to Palm Springs in 1946, and he lived there until his death in 1978. Codys desert modernism can still be seen at the Palm Springs library and St. Theresa Catholic Church, but he might be better remembered for projects that more fully expressed the desert lifestyle. He was the master of recreational country club design, said Lauria, noting his work on El Dorado in Rancho Mirage. (The team that curated the show also includes Emily Bills, Don Choi and Cathy Cody Nemirovsky.) The exhibit is a collaboration with architecture students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where Codys archives are housed at the Robert E. Kennedy Library. Architecture students were tasked with making inventive interpretations of his designs. One student created a Cody font similar to the old comic strip typography that Cody was known to like. An undated photo of William F. Cody, left, with an associate in Codys L.A. office on Santa Monica Boulevard. (Architecture and Design Museum) (Test) Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster. UPDATES: July 7, 1:17 p.m.: This article was updated to add names of curators involved with the exhibition. Israeli forces Friday shot dead a Palestinian woman who allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack at a flashpoint occupied West Bank shrine, Israeli police said, the third attack to result in a Palestinian being killed in less than two days. They said that no police were wounded in the attempt at the site in the city of Hebron known to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque and to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. It was the third violent incident in Israel and the Palestinian territories in two days and came as Muslims neared the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan. Israeli media identified the slain Palestinian woman as 27-year-old Sara Hajaj from the village of Bani Naim in Hebron, Maan news agency reported. Since the start of October, the recent surge in violence has raised concern of wider escalation. Israeli occupation forces have killed at least 200 Palestinians. Meanwhile, almost daily stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks by frustrated and unarmed Palestinians have killed 32 Israelis and two Americans. Search Keywords: Short link: The Fourth of July is fast approaching, but that doesnt mean there isnt stuff to see around Los Angeles including a show by key female artists, a new gathering of Japanese-inspired ceramics and a video that toys with questions of identity. Here are four shows to see this week: Eau de Cologne, at Spruth Magers. The gallery has gathered works by five artists key to its development Jenny Holzer, Rosemarie Trockel, Louise Lawler, Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger all of whom subtly address womens roles in very different ways. The pieces on view date to the 1970s, when many of these figures first began to achieve artistic renown. Through Aug. 20. 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, spruethmagers.com. Shio Kusaka, at Blum & Poe. In her second solo show at the gallery, the Los Angeles ceramic artist is presenting a new body of work inspired by existing forms from beach balls to porcelain animals all presented on a single pedestal 100 feet in length. Also on view is a new exhibition of the work of Francoise Grossen, the Swiss artist known for her textile and fiber works (who recently has come to the attention of Los Angeles at Hauser Wirth & Schimmels debut exhibition, Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women. Opens at 6 p.m. Saturday and runs through Aug. 20. 2727 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, blumandpoe.com. Danielle Abrams, Quadroon, at the Grand Central Art Center. A reference to someone who is one-quarter black, the term quadroon gets at the absolutist ways in which race is viewed in the United States. (Someone who is part black is regarded simply as black.) Abrams is part Jewish and part African American, and in this video installation, she picks apart the myriad elements beyond simple ethnicity and race that come together to make up any one persons identity. Opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 11. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, grandcentralcenter.com. Carl Berg, With a Little Help From My Friends, at the Torrance Art Museum. A series of prints created by the artist showcases abstract music and lyrics from the favorite albums of his family and friends. Also on view is Grafforists, an exhibition that gathers works by artists preoccupied with the most elemental types of mark-making. At 2 p.m. July 9, the museum will have Berg in house to host a discussion about his work. Through Aug. 13. 3320 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, torranceartmuseum.com. FINAL WEEK Advertisement Salomon Huerta, at Christopher Grimes Gallery. A series of works by the Los Angeles artist features his watercolor portraits of celebrated boxers, including Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano and Mike Tyson an intimate look at the hyper-masculine figures of one of the worlds most brutal sports. Through Friday. 916 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, cgrimes.com. John Humble, DTLA, at Craig Krull Gallery. Humble has been shooting Los Angeles since 1979, capturing its asphalt, signage and its buffed graffiti. His show at Craig Krull explores downtown Los Angeles, with a focus on the neighborhoods wild contrasts in architecture and its overlapping cultures. There is also a show of paintings by Dan McCleary, as well as prints by Javier Carrillo, Roberto Ortiz and Jairo Perez of the Art Division Print Collective. Through Saturday. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, craigkrullgallery.com. Helen Rae, at Good Luck Gallery. Rae produces drawings that take fashion magazines as a point of inspiration for bright scenarios that channel the otherworldly. In each piece, something familiar remains, but coupled by elements that feel inventively sci-fi. Through Saturday. 945 Chung King Road, thegoodluckgallery.com. Refenestration, at Tif Sigfrids. A group exhibition inspired by the window, from the opening on a wall to the computer program of the same name, features works by key photographers such as John Divola, Uta Barth and James Welling, who have used the object or the idea of the object in wildly experimental ways. Through Saturday. 1507 Wilcox Ave., Hollywood, tifsigfrids.com. Urbanature, at the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery at ArtCenter College of Design. A group exhibition looks at the increasingly fraught ways in which the urban intrudes on the natural world and the ways in which nature has adapted to this new human-centric reality. Through July 3. 1700 Lida St., Pasadena, artcenter.edu. C.O.L.A. 2016, at the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery. Every year, the Municipal Art Gallery features work by the winners of the City of Los Angeles (C.O.L.A.) Artist Fellowships, which honor a dozen mid-career artists from around the city one of the rare municipal programs to directly fund artists in the United States. This year, the visual arts winners include Paolo Davanzo, Marsian De Lellis, Keiko Fukazawa, Megan Geckler, Won Ju Lim, Sarah Maclay, Blue McRight, Sandeep Mukherjee and Christine Nguyen. Through Sunday. 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, lamag.org. ONGOING EXHIBITIONS Sam Gilliam, Green April, at David Kordansky Gallery. An exhibition of large-scale works by the Washington, D.C.-based painter focuses on pieces from the late 1960s and early 70s many of which have never been exhibited. This includes his so-called slice paintings (in which he folds a canvas with wet acrylic paint in half to create an abstracted imprint) as well as his drape paintings, stretcher-less canvases that he suspends from the walls and ceilings of an exhibition space. Through July 9. 5130 Edgewood Place, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, davidkordanksygallery.com. Andrea Bowers, Triumph of Labor, at Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects. Bowers is an artist who has long been interested in questions of politics and labor. Here, she looks into different types of labor activism. This includes a series of drawings inspired by historic political graphics of women, photographs she has taken at labor rallies and her photo-realistic drawings of activists. A final gallery displays two sculptures that explore the dilemma of low wages and high tuition in higher education. Through July 9. 6006 Washington Blvd., Culver City, vielmetter.com. Marilyn Minter: Pretty/Dirty, at the Orange County Museum of Art. The New York-based painter and photographer has long played with the tropes of feminine beauty in works that seamlessly stir the alluring with the mildly grotesque. Through July 10. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, ocma.net. Alex Israel, at the Huntington. In 2012, the San Marino library and museum unveiled the first of its contemporary interventions with low-key works by Ricky Swallow and Lesley Vance. Now the museum is getting bolder, with a series of installations by painter Alex Israel, whose pop-inspired canvases and objects touch on topics such as celebrity, glamour and power. Through July 11. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, huntington.org. Fred Reichman and Eleanor Ray, at the Landing. Artists from opposing coasts (he from postwar San Francisco, she from contemporary New York) produce paintings that ruminate on mundane settings. Reichman depicts spare backgrounds and quiet scenes: A sleeping figure, a brooding cat, an open window. Ray, in the meantime, depicts quiet studios and fragments of urban settings. Through July 16. 5118 W. Jefferson Blvd., West Adams, Los Angeles, thelandinggallery.com. Jose Montoya, Abundant Harvest: Works on Paper / Works on Life, at the Fowler Museum. Throughout his life, activist, poet and painter Jose Montoya drew on whatever was at hand: napkins, hotel stationery and notebooks. And in those drawings he recorded the quotidian aspects of Mexican American life in the United States: dogs and children, women and sailors, pachucos and pachucas, the architecture of low-lying Central Valley neighborhoods, industrial warehouses and agricultural settings, as well as the glamorous profile of lowrider cars. It is the first comprehensive look at this vital Chicano artists drawing practice. Through July 17. UCLA, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, fowler.ucla.edu. Deanna Thompson, at Kayne Griffin Corcoran. The California painter has a posthumous exhibition (she died last year) that brings together images of isolated desert homesteads and paintings of cars. They are simple works that emanate a vibrating intensity. Through July 30. 1201 S. La Brea Ave., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, kaynegriffincorcoran.com. Ed Moses, Moses@90: Phase Two / New Works, at the William Turner Gallery. The L.A. painter has been marking his 90th birthday with various exhibitions and events. After an initial phase ending Saturday that includes works from throughout his career, he is presenting new work at his Santa Monica gallery abstracted self-portraits and other works, many of which have never been seen. Through July 30. Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Ste. E-1, Santa Monica, williamturnergallery.com. Deanna Templeton, What She Said, at Little Big Man Gallery. The Huntington Beach photographer has a one-woman show that explores the nature of moody female adolescence gathering works that show images of teens looking both demure and defiant. Says Templeton in her exhibition statement: I see my own struggles, disappointments and bravery in these girls. Through July 31.1427 E. 4th St., Unit 2, downtown Los Angeles, littlebigmangallery.com. Robert Mapplethorpe, The Perfect Medium, at the L.A. County Museum of Art and the Getty Museum. A two-part exhibition spread over a pair of L.A. museums explores the photographic legacy of an artist who brought as much grace to images of flowers as he did to S&M. The LACMA portion features early drawings, collages, sculptures, Polaroids, still lifes and archival material. The Getty will present his more formal portraits, along with the infamous X Portfolio, with its elegant S&M imagery. The LACMA show runs through July 31. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile, Los Angeles, lacma.org. The Getty exhibit also runs through July 31. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu. Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Na Hulu Alil, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For centuries, long cloaks, capes, and other attire were painstakingly layered with the bright plumage of birds. Today, fewer than 300 examples of these exquisite garments exist which makes this show of feather works, once donned by Hawaiian royals as far back as the late 18th century, a rare treat. Through Aug. 7. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, lacma.org. Routine Pleasures, at the MAK Center. Michael Ned Holte, who served as curator on the last Made in L.A. biennial at the Hammer, has put together a group show that focuses on artists who value focus and process over producing shiny objets termite art as opposed to white elephant art. This includes works from L.A. artists such as Harry Dodge, ceramists Magdalena Suarez Frimkess and Michael Frimkess, sound artist Steve Roden and others. Just the antidote to overheated art market shows. Through Aug. 14. Schindler House, 835 N. Kings Road, West Hollywood, makcenter.org. Tim Youd, 100 Novels, at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. As part of this long-running project, Youd retypes novels by famous authors in locations connected to the works using the same typewriters employed by the writers. At LACE, he is retyping John Rechys infamous hustling novel City of Night on an Underwood Model S (the typewriter Rechy rented to write his book). Youd also makes related sculptures and paintings that tie in with these performances. He is typing City of Night from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. until 3 a.m. Saturday morning at the gallery. He then will retype Rechys novel Numbers at the Fern Dell entrance to Griffith Park from July 6-15 from 11am to 4pm. The sculptures will be on view at LACE through Aug. 14. 6522 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, welcometolace.org. Division: Reflections and Shadows, with Los de Abajo Printmaking Collective with guest artists, at SPARC. Organized by curator Marietta Bernstorff, this exhibition consists of a series of new works by the L.A.-based collective, along with pieces by friends and colleagues, that push the genre while exploring the nature of borders, both physical and imagined. Through Aug. 20. 685 Venice Blvd., Venice, sparcinla.org. Sam Maloof Woodworker: Life/Art/Legacy, at the Maloof Foundation. The foundation is celebrating the centennial of the birth of the renowned Southern California woodworker, whose elegant objects and furnishings are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the L.A. County Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. The exhibition will feature more than 60 objects from throughout the artists life, including furnishings, drawings, photographs and other ephemera. The show is part of a years worth of events that will celebrate Maloofs life and work. Through Aug. 27. 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, malooffoundation.org In Focus: Electric! at the Getty Museum. Electricity: It powers your home, it powers your work and it powers the phone on which you are likely reading this post. This photographic exhibition at the Getty gathers historic images that showcase the allure of light and power. Through Aug. 28. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, getty.edu. Art of the Austronesians: The Legacy of Indo-Pacific Voyaging, at Fowler Museum. A look at the legacy of Austronesian-speaking peoples gathers art and artifacts from the Philippines, Indonesia and other points in the South Pacific. This includes nearly 200 works, from wood sculptures to ceremonial textiles to canoe prow ornaments. Through Aug. 28. 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood, fowler.ucla.edu. Duchamp to Pop, at the Norton Simon Museum. Drawing mostly from the Norton Simons permanent collection, this exhibition looks at the influence Duchamp likely had on generations of artists, from assemblagists to pop painters figures who have appropriated elements of the everyday world and transformed them into art. Through Aug. 29. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, nortonsimon.org. Revolution in the Making: Abstract Sculpture by Women, 1947-2016, at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel. The debut exhibition at the citys newest gallery tackles more than half a century of sculpture by women, featuring key works by important international figures (Louise Bourgeois, Lee Bontecou) and key California artists (Ruth Asawa, Clare Falkenstein). Pieces range from the ethereal (Lygia Papes golden threads) to downright hilarious (Lara Schnitgers lacy/cat/fur assemblage sculptures). Altogether, the show offers an alternative to the narrative of the macho man postwar painting scene that has so dominated the story of 20th century art. Through Sept. 4. 901 E. Third St., Los Angeles, hauserwirthschimmel.com. Gronks Theater of Paint, at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. The Los Angeles artist Gronk (born Glugio Nicandro) is widely known for his career as a painter, conceptual artist and for his work with the inventive 1970s collective Asco. He is also a longtime set designer, one who has built and painted elaborate sets for performances, plays and avant-garde operas, including works by the celebrated director Peter Sellars. This exhibition that tracks a long-running practice that melds art and architecture with the theatrical. Through Sept. 4. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles, cafam.org. Claire Falkenstein: Beyond Sculpture, at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. The 20th century California artist, whose name has is circulating once again after being included in the debut exhibition at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel, is now the subject of her own retrospective, tracking her entire career, from the 1930s to the 90s. (She passed away in 1997.) The artist, who worked in San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as Paris produced prints and murals, among other works, but she is best known for her sculpture: in particular, her often gritty assemblages made out of wire studded with chunks of glass. Through Sept. 11. 490 E. Union St., Pasadena, pmcaonline.org. Hito Steyerl: Factory of the Sun, at the Museum of Contemporary Art. A video installation by the German artist takes the viewer into a dystopia where the movements of workers are harvested to create artificial sunshine. The piece, which debuted at the Venice Biennale in 2015, is a mash-up of contemporary communication, told as video game, news report documentary film and Internet video. Through Sept. 12. MOCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, moca.org. Reflections on the Self, at the California African American Museum. Drawn from the museums permanent collection, this wide-ranging exhibition looks at the representation of the self, examining the idealized and mythicized ways that artists have portrayed pop and cultural icons, from Malcolm X to Thelonious Monk to a New Orleans grand marshal. Also on view at the museum is Oh Snap! West Coast Hip Hop Photography, which will feature an array of hip-hop artists who came up in the 90s, such as Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and others. Through Sept. 18. 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, caamuseum.org. MOLAA at Twenty: 1996-2016, at the Museum of Latin American Art. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is celebrating two decades in existence with a show that draws from the museums permanent collection of more than 1,600 objects. These include works by renowned Modernists Joaqun Torres-Garca and Wifredo Lam, Argentine conceptualist Len Ferrari as well as contemporary figures such as Alexandre Arrechea and Patssi Valdez. Through Jan. 1. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, molaa.org. Senses of Time: Video and Film-Based Works of Africa, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For one of its long-term installations, the museum has gathered works of video or film by contemporary African artists that explore the body and the looping nature of time. This includes pieces by figures such as Yinka Shonibare, Sammy Baloji, Berni Searle, Moatax Nasr and Theo Eshetu. Through Jan. 2. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org. Non Fiction at the Underground Museum. An emotionally charged exhibition curated by the late Noah Davis, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles brings together works that explore issues of race and violence. This includes important works from MOCAs permanent collection by artists such as Robert Gober, Kara Walker, Henry Taylor and David Hammons. Through March. 3508 W. Washington Blvd., Arlington Heights, Los Angeles, theunderground-museum.org. Geographically Indeterminate Fantasies, hosted by Providence College Galleries. Dont worry if youre nowhere near Providence College in Rhode Island. A new digitally-minded exhibition by the art writing team at Art F City features more than two dozen works by artists who use animated GIFs to create work from Brenna Murphys dizzying electronic architecture to Jacolby Satterwhites pulsing alternate universe. Its the sort of thing that will encourage you to spend quality time online (and away from awful Facebook). pcgalleries.providence.edu. Islamic Art Now: Part 2 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contemporary works from LACMAs permanent collection by 20 artists who live in or have roots in the Middle East look at questions of society, gender and identity. Runs indefinitely. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire, lacma.org. Find me on Twitter @cmonstah. Of course Judi Denchs tattoo would be classy. The Philomena star, who turned 81 in December, commemorated the occasion by inking the inside of her right wrist with the words Carpe Diem in two lines of all-caps block lettering, with an assist from her actress daughter, Finty Williams. Thats my motto: Seize the day. Finty gave it to me for my 81st birthday shes wonderful with surprises, Dench told Surrey Life magazine, which interviewed her at the British Wildlife Center. (Anyone not thinking of Hugh Grants characters Horse & Hound cover story in Notting Hill right now? Imagine Los Angeles magazine, with a few farming and equestrian tidbits thrown in.) Advertisement Good, isnt it?, she continued (via the Daily Mail). Mind you, the company of A Winters Tale, which I was doing at the time, used to say that it said fish of the day. The Oscar winner for Shakespeare in Love was talking about getting a tattoo to mark turning 80, she told Good Housekeeping in January 2015, noting that her daughter was keen for her to do it. But choosing the design apparently proved challenging. Theres an Indian symbol that I like, which supposedly represents life and love and everything, she said at the time. One of the cameramen who worked on The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel told me what it meant, but Im a bit nervous in case Im being set up It might be unbelievably rude! ALSO: At 78, Judi Dench feels like a tall, willowy, blond 43-year-old Adam Levine reveals a full-back tattoo that was 6 months in the making Lindsay Lohan will turn 30 in Greece not in rehab, which is where she turned 21 Follow Christie DZurilla on Twitter @theCDZ. Fifty years ago last month, a lacerating, dark comedy-drama opened in theaters, helping change the landscape of American cinema. Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? based on Edward Albees Tony-winning play not only captured that landmark American dramas game-changing interpersonal dynamics, but also marked the film directing debut of Mike Nichols and helped topple the archaic Motion Picture Production Code. Released on Blu-ray in May by Warner Archives, the 1966 film was no sure thing as it made its way from stage to screen. An emotional horror story, both the play and the film triggered controversy and challenged the status quo. The play, marking Albees Broadway debut, opened Oct. 13, 1962, at the Billy Rose Theatre, was unfolding. The action takes place on a New England college campus in the home of middle-aged history professor George and his fiery wife, Martha, as they entertain devour is more like it a younger couple into the wee hours of the night. Advertisement Critics showered the production with praise, but some mainstream reviewers were shocked by the profanity and sexual shenanigans, stopping short of delivering full raves. John Carter of the New York Daily News described the play as three and a half hours long, four characters wide, and cesspool deep, accusing Albee of lacking self-judgment. Albees play burnished its anti-establishment credentials when it was denied a Pulitzer Prize after the awards advisory board overruled the drama jury that recommended it, objecting to the plays profanity and sexual themes. Despite its success, the wordy tragicomedy did not scream out for a film adaptation. The brutal dialogue and controversial tone were unimaginable onscreen in an era when Hollywood productions still largely reflected the idealized vision of the studios founders. The Times Charles Champlin compared the idea to making a U-turn on a freeway at night. Noted screenwriter Ernest Lehman resisted seeing the Broadway production after reading the script and thinking it was too much. However, when Lehman eventually saw the play, he was shattered. His agent, Abe Lastfogel, who also represented Albee, suggested Lehman speak to Jack Warner, the last mogul still running a major studio. Warner Bros. paid $500,000 for the film rights to Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with Lehman adapting and producing. Fred Zinnemann was reportedly in talks to direct. Lehman, who previously received Academy Award nominations for Sabrina, North by Northwest and West Side Story, trimmed more than an hour from Albees play, which is set entirely in George and Marthas living room, and opened it up, re-imagining scenes in the front yard, in a car and at a roadhouse. Donning a producers hat for the first-time, Lehman set out on the not inconsequential task of casting the film. Bette Davis was considered for Martha, with James Mason or Henry Fonda as George. In the first scene of play, Martha utters the line, What a dump! and then badgers George to recall which Bette Davis film its from. The thought of Davis delivering the line delighted Albee, but in a 1966 interview he admitted that he assumed Hollywood would cast Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Eventually, Lehman came around to Elizabeth Taylor, who was nearly 20 years younger than Martha and far more glamorous. Although she had won an Oscar in 1961 for Butterfield 8, the actress was still more often noted for her beauty and off-screen marriages than her acting chops. Woolf offered her a substantial role and Lehman convinced Warner that her $1-million price tag was worth the risk. Elizabeth Taylor and director Mike Nichols during the filming of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (AFP/Getty Images ) During the making of Cleopatra in 1963, Taylor had begun an affair with costar Richard Burton. They divorced their respective spouses and married in 1964. There was apprehension over a Taylor-Burton reunion due to the weight of their celebrity, but Burton was eventually cast as George. Next, encouraged by Taylor and Burton, Lehman made another daring choice, hiring theater director Nichols for his film debut. Coming off four recent Broadway hits, Nichols was in high demand and was already in line to direct The Public Eye for Universal and The Graduate for Warners. The Burtons convinced producer Lawrence Turman to push back The Graduate and allow Nichols to do Woolf first. Casting was completed with George Segal tapped to play Nick and Sandy Dennis as Honey. As Mark Harris wrote in his book Pictures at a Revolution, Nichols turned out to be no pushover as a first-time director. He convinced Lehman to restore much of Albees profanity to the script and eliminate changes the producer-screenwriter had made that literalized the film. Nichols also had to fight Warner to shoot the film in black-and-white and fired veteran cinematographer Henry Stradling, replacing him with Haskell Wexler. Production began just after the Fourth of July holiday in 1965. Shooting on the Warner Bros. lot and at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., Nichols pushed Burton and Taylor hard, earned the respect of the crew and alienated Lehman, who then refused to run interference with the studio. With much of Albees salty dialogue intact, the next battle was between Warner and Jack Valenti, the new president of the Motion Picture Assn. of America, over the groups decades-old Production Code. Warner Bros. preemptively slapped a For adults only label on the film, fought Valenti over each use of profanity and eventually won the seal of approval. It would prove to be a major step toward eliminating the code and the implementation of the MPAAs new ratings system in 1968. Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? premiered at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood on June 21, 1966. It earned immediate critical acclaim even as the press anticipated new controversy as it was released across the continent. It was briefly banned in Nova Scotia, Canada, and a Nashville, Tenn., police sergeant confiscated the film and arrested the theater manager. However, these instances only provided more publicity and helped turn the movie into a huge hit, the second-highest-grossing film of 1966, trailing only Thunderball. In the spring of 1967, Woolf was nominated for 13 Academy Awards. Though it lost best picture to another play adaptation, A Man for All Seasons, it did win five Oscars, including actress for Taylor; supporting actress for Dennis; and cinematography, black-and-white; costume design, black-and-white; and art direction-set decoration, black-and-white. It was the final year the academy presented awards in separate categories for color and black-and-white films. In 2014, Devonte Hynes of Blood Orange wore a shirt to his set at Lollapalooza that listed the names of black people killed by police in recent years. Hours later, he claimed he and girlfriend Samantha Urbani were assaulted by security guards at the festival site. The irony after my T-shirt and message this morning, we are in shock, he said on Twitter. Why is this still happening? I just want to make music. Thats the tension that drives Freetown Sound, Hynes lovely but searing new album that weaves 2016 racial, sexual and political tension into an album of immaculate, Prince-inspired funk and R&B. The stakes have never been higher for Hynes songwriting. After a year when he released the singles Sandras Smile and Do You See My Skin Through the Flames (each of which explicitly tackled racial injustice and the toll it takes on peoples lives), Freetown Sound delves even deeper into the ramifications of societal cruelty. Advertisement Augustine uses the Catholic saints writings to mine the tension between religious yearning, the disconnection of immigrants and the shock of Trayvon Martins death. Hands Up alludes to the Michael Brown shooting but turns back toward the intimate, the primal fear for a loved ones safety in the face of state-sanctioned violence. The music that accompanies all this is buoyant and pristine. Hynes has become one of pops smartest and most tasteful producers, but he saved all his best lockstep guitar lines, misty keyboards and falsetto runs for this, the defining LP of his career. Hynes, a former Londoner, is a New Yorker now, but as the fallout from Brexit reveals ugly racial resentments in his home country, its hard to imagine a better record to put on and imagine better, freer days to come. Blood Orange Freetown Sound (Domino Recording Co.) Brett Gelmans Dinner in America (Adult Swim, Friday); Dinner with Friends with Brett Gelman and Friends, Dinner with Family with Brett Gelman and Brett Gelmans Family (AdultSwim.com). If you watch much television at all you have probably seen Brett Gelman; he gets around. From fairly conventional network sitcoms to small-batch cable weirdness, as a series regular (Go On, Married, Eagleheart), recurring character (Love, Another Period, Blunt Talk), utility player (Drunk History, Comedy Bang! Bang!), to just-passing-through guest shot (The Odd Couple, Fresh Off the Boat, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mad Men), the list goes on and on. (Possibly you recall his appearance as Annoying Hipster on Californication.) With director and co-writer Jason Woliner (Human Giant, Eagleheart), he has created his own series of tragicomic specials for Adult Swim, that circus of humorous oddities: Dinner with Friends with Brett Gelman and Friends (2014), Dinner with Family with Brett Gelman and Brett Gelmans Family (2015) and now Dinner in America, which purports to be an investigation into race. But nothing here is exactly what it purports to be. A bearded balding person who projects an aura of size without being extraordinarily sizable, Gelman keeps you off balance: There is something about him that is almost sweet, and something about him that is kind of threatening, like a golden retriever who will lick your face, and then might rip your throat out. Advertisement In all three Dinners, his character putatively himself, though different in each has a plan, which begins in apparent bonhomie and ends in chaos and violence, either because the plan goes wrong or because it goes right. Generally observing the classical unities of place, time and action, the specials have something of the flavor of one-act plays and progress in a theatrically familiar way from exposition, to tension, to revelation; it would be an exaggeration to call them Pinteresque, but not an unreasonable one. With minor adjustments, these texts could plausibly be played as dramas their satire is in their seriousness. In Dinner with Friends, Gelman plays host to actors Alison Pill, Fred Melamed, Dale Dickey, Alex Karpovsky, Lance Reddick and Gilbert Gottfried. It begins as a riff on chew-the-fat, chew-the-food shows like Jon Favreaus Dinner for Five (We are going to eat some delicious food, we are going to tell some showbiz tales straight from the tinseltown trenches, says Gelman) and quickly devolves into a horror story. In Dinner with Family, featuring Tony Roberts and Patti Lupone, what seems to be an anniversary surprise party for Gelmans parents turns into a psychodramatic collision of play and play within play. In Dinner in America, which premieres Friday at midnight, guests Loretta Devine, Joe Morton, Mack Wilds and Shareeka Epps participate in what they imagine is a tribute to Sidney Poitier, hosted by Reddick (back from Dinner with Friends). But he hands them over to Gelman, who (after bursting through and setting fire to a paper Confederate flag), asks to have an open and honest discussion about the racial problems in this country . As Ive become more and more successful Ive noticed that racism has also become more and more successful. He points to the songs on his iPod as proof that black lives matter to him. I stand with you guys before I stand with my guys so youre in good hands, which unfortunately are white hands but I wish they were black hands along with the rest of me, so give yourselves a round of black applause, he says, catching in a sentence the mix of narcissism, condescension, insecurity and entreaty that can make up what looks like concern. And it nods ironically toward current events in Hollywood: I dont see how I ever could have thought that having an all-white crew for a special about race would be OK, Gelman says, self-accusingly. I just thought hiring a couple of white women made it diverse enough. They are not comedies to laugh at/with, exactly. That theyre comedies is clear enough, but its a comedy of brokenness and pain, deception and self-deception; they satirize certain sorts of seriousness, but with a grim deadpan. The jokes never break the tension. Its the Adult Swim way. Have fun! robert.lloyd@latimes.com On Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Winemaker Bob Lindquist of Qupe, one of Californias preeminent Rhone Rangers, came to the grape variety Roussanne late, perhaps because it is regarded as the most maddening of the Rhone Valleys whites. He was already making Viognier and a quietly spectacular Marsanne, arguably the countrys best, a variety with at least some of Roussannes memorable features. But Roussanne eventually lured him in. I love Marsanne, says Lindquist, but Roussanne just has more complexity, more depth, more richness, more perfume. To him, there was no question which was the better grape. So a little more than 10 years ago he planted a hilltop mesa at Bien Nacido Vineyards, in Santa Barbara County. Indeed, the variety has seduced more than a half-dozen Santa Barbara winemakers in the region with its siren song, established players such as Craig Jaffurs, Andrew Murray, Sashi Moorman (Stolpman), and a host of new ones, such as Larry Schaffer (Tercero), Peter Hunken and Amy Christine (Holus Bolus). Theyre drawn to this grape like Ulysses to the sirens, no matter how difficult it is to grow, to ripen, and to sell. Its the sort of wine that guarantees a lifetime of mystery, for winemaker and wine lover alike. Thats because Roussanne is a changeling. In the glass its as forward as fruit salad one moment, muted and savory the next, texturally weighty, with a kind of natural ambiguity of flavor that actually becomes more pronounced as the wine ages. John Alban was the earliest to tie himself to the mast; he was the first to plant Roussanne in California in the modern age, in nearby San Luis Obispo County. The debut of Alban Vineyards Roussanne in 1991 may have been the first occasion when the word Roussanne appeared on a wine label, even though the grape has been grown in France and Switzerland in appellation bottlings for hundreds of years. Advertisement Albans estate wine inspired other plantings. The variety thrives in Santa Barbara County, in an array of climates, which is what passes for normal in the Central Coasts famous transverse valleys. Here the mountain ranges are oriented east to west and not north to south, offering vineyard land unimpeded contact with ocean breezes, cool temperatures, fog incursions and patterns of respiration that are unique to this part of the California coast. Thus the two main sources for Roussanne in Santa Barbara, Stolpman Vineyards, in Ballard Canyon, and Bien Nacido Vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, are distinctly different in their heat accumulation, and offer a marked contrast in style. Stolpman is the warmer site, and can produce heady and rich wines. The winery sells fruit to other wineries, but its own bottling, lAvion, has long been the countys most opulent (though the current vintage, 2013, shows some intriguing restraint). Bien Nacido Vineyards site is cooler, and the fruit maturation slower, leaving grapes longer to develop flavors. Hang time roughly equates to textural volume, explains Holus Bolus Peter Hunken, who makes a Bien Nacido bottling. The longer you let it hang, the more volume you get in the mouth, he says, the more golden, bruised apple flavors, the more unctuous the texture. But all that unctuousness, says Bob Lindquist, can be supported by good acids. Roussanne holds its acidity, he says, it can be made in a rich style without being heavy. Part of the reason Roussanne has such an odd range of flavors is the way it responds to sunlight in periods of peak ripening, just before harvest. Its typical of the grapes exposed to the sun to turn a reddish, russet color (the name comes from roux or rouge, French words for red), though its not uncommon for a single cluster to be russet, golden and green all at the same time, multiple ripenesses that correspond to an itinerant array of flavors. At Stolpman Vineyards, Vineyard Manager Ruben Solorzano seeks to resolve uneven ripeness by literally hand-turning each cluster in October, so that the shaded half receives late-season sunlight. Others hope to strike a golden mean between full ripeness and not so much. Not surprisingly, Roussanne delivers contradictions in the glass, with flavors and sensations that seem at once exotic and indeterminate. The fruit tends to fall into the pear and peach spectrum, though mango and pineapple make appearances, as do quince and apple, grapefruit and pomelo, even a kind of creamsicle orange. Other flavors chamomile, hazelnut often compete, but whats odder still is that the predominant flavor seems to change: One moment youre getting herbal tea; the next, narcissus; the next, an altogether fleeting fruit sensation. Often Roussanne goes into the bottle in a kind of embryonic state, says Craig Jaffurs. Its not immediately expressive as a young wine, he says. It starts out almost like vinous water, and you think, Oh my God, Ive ruined this. But then the honey notes show up, the floral notes; it gets deeper, I mean it physically gains weight, and you get a subtle minerality. Theres this seriousness that comes. This too seriousness is not something Americans always seek in their wines. As such, Roussanne is something to graduate to. But rewards come to the patient. If you dont want to wait, try a blend, such as Andrew Murrays summery Enchante, in which he blends Roussanne with Grenache Blanc, the latter providing some lift and lemony flavor to the Roussanne. Roussanne can lack freshness, says Murray, and Grenache Blanc sometimes lacks a bit of depth. Together they just sing. 2012 Qupe Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Santa Maria Valley Roussanne Bob Lindquist holds his Roussanne back in the cellar to let its flavors evolve. This takes an evening to unfurl, starting off nutty and pearlike, becoming more detailed with air, a dusty mineral savor coming through. About $40 at Wallys and Wine Country. 2014 Jaffurs Stolpman Vineyard Ballard Canyon Roussanne A wine that leads with juicy, creamy peach and orange scents, accented by a topnote of night jasmine. The flavors are generous and lush, the texture rich and emollient, but the wine closes with a pleasing firmness. About $30 at Manhattan Fine Wines. 2014 Holus Bolus Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Roussanne This wine displays Roussannes cooler side, with citrusy notes of pomelo and lime, deepening to ripe pear with air. Its firm and floral, the mouthfeel unquestionably Roussanne-like, with a savory finish of chamomile and chalky minerals. About $33 at K&L Wine Merchant and Lincoln Fine Wines. 2013 Stolpman Vineyards Ballard Canyon LAvion Roussanne This is a heady, mouthfilling, mildly tropical white, with scents of honeysuckle and pineapple in a kind of uneasy poise. The flavors are ripe and juicy, but theres more energy than richness in the texture in 2013, with a firm phenolic grip. About $38 at Silverlake Wines and the Wine House. 2014 Andrew Murray Santa Ynez Valley Enchante White Blend Murray used to blend Roussanne and Marsanne in his Enchante blend, but now pairs his Roussanne with Grenache Blanc. The result is Roussanne with some nerve, a nutty, pear-and-peach core of fruit propelled by the lemony lift of Grenache Blanc, and more acidity than in a straight Roussanne bottling. About $28 at Manhattan Fine Wines and K&L Wine Merchant. You can find savory chickpea pancakes on tables in France, Italy, Gibraltar, parts of northern Africa and, these days, many restaurants across America. Its easy to understand the widespread appeal. This delicious crepe has a lovely, slightly earthy flavor, smooth, moist interior and crispy browned edges. Rich in olive oil, its made from dried, ground garbanzo beans. Socca, sold on the streets of Provence, is the best-known rendition of this pancake; Italians call it farinata. In Gibraltar, people are quite proud of calentita, and in Algeria its all about the calentica. Recently, socca has become even more popular, likely because its both vegan and gluten-free. An excellent and inexpensive source of plant-based protein, socca doesnt taste or feel like a substitute for something else rather, its a delicious, deeply flavorful dish in its own right. The origin of the chickpea pancake is mysterious. One story goes that Genoese sailors created it aboard a wreck on which the only provisions to survive a storm were garbanzo beans and olive oil. Mixed on deck with salty sea water and dried in the sun, the results must have been quite satisfying as the crew deemed the recipe a keeper and perfected farinata once back on dry land. North African chickpea pancakes with harissa tossed bitter greens. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement Recipe: North African chickpea pancakes The first time I tasted socca, I wasnt impressed. Perhaps a poor version, it was bland and dry and had the flavor of cardboard. But on a recent trip to Morocco, I happened upon a street vendor carting a large flat pan with a hinged lid. What he was slicing up and serving on squares of paper looked interesting, but between my French and his Arabic, I had no idea what he was selling. One bite revealed a tender, almost custardy chickpea pancake. It was warm and flavorful, with a light dusting of ground cumin and red pepper. I wanted to re-create that taste at home, but my Moroccan cookbooks revealed nothing about chickpea pancakes. Kitty Morse, author of several Moroccan cookbooks, explained that while not traditionally Moroccan, chickpea pancakes, like the one I tasted, are enjoyed in Algeria and Gibraltar, where theyre called calentica, or calentita. This dish, having migrated to Morocco, now served as cooking inspiration at home. The pancake is simple: garbanzo bean flour, water, salt and olive oil. Whisked to blend, the thin, crepe-like batter should sit for a few hours before its baked. The pancakes will cook up fine without the rest, but the texture improves if the flour absorbs the water and olive oil in a longer soak. Socca with peppers, fennel and olives. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times ) Recipe: Socca with peppers, fennel and olives Traditionally, the pancake is baked in very large shallow pan in a wood-fired oven. A cast-iron skillet preheated in a very hot conventional oven creates an excellent translation. The key is to get the thickness right too thick and the results are dense and pasty, too thin, it becomes dull and dry. You can find garbanzo bean flour at natural foods markets and Middle Eastern and Indian groceries. At Middle Eastern and Indian markets, the garbanzo bean flour might be labeled gram flour, besan flour, or even course chickpea flour, which actually appears to be finely ground. These flours tend to be made from toasted garbanzo beans. Although the pancake recipes work and taste good with the nuttier-tasting toasted flour, the sweeter, mellower flavor of untoasted, stone-ground garbanzo bean flour, such as Bobs Red Mill, is preferable. Recipe: Farinata with pesto and ricotta A classic interpretation is a plain-jane crepe; very fine, but its too tempting to embellish with regional flavors. A recipe for socca gets studded with roasted red bell pepper, fennel, salty oil-cured olives and fresh rosemary in an ode to Provence that requires only chilled rose or pastis as accompaniment. For the farinata, I couldnt resist dropping spoonfuls of another Genoese specialty, pesto, along with creamy ricotta cheese, right into the pancake before baking. The calentica is enhanced with caramelized onions and toasted cumin seeds, and once baked, its topped with fiery harissa-tossed dandelion greens. All these renditions are gloriously inauthentic but quite delicious. The chickpea pancake, regardless of accent, is the kind of dish that is so clever and versatile you will want it to make over and over again, maybe inventing your own translation. The wind whipped at blue plastic tarps protecting Andi Montoyas tented home, a mattress-topped wood platform on two giant Costco flat shopping carts, easy to roll if the cops force her to move. As tough as it is on the sidewalk no toilet, no shower, no trash collection Montoya and her husband, Greg, get by. Theyve managed to hang on to this piece of concrete on Florida Street south of Market for eight months. A medical van comes on Tuesdays. Church groups provide sack lunches, sometimes hot food. The SPCA, just across the street, gives them kibble for Hazelnut, their 10-week-old puppy. The couple are on a waiting list for one of the citys two Navigation Centers, a new kind of shelter that provides an array of support services to homeless people without restrictions like curfews, or prohibitions against keeping belongings or animals. Advertisement Yes, of course, Montoya said, she would rather live in a house. But honestly? I have my soul mate, the love of my life, here. Im happy with him wherever I am. I visited Montoya and some of her neighbors Wednesday, the day that dozens of normally competitive news organizations papers, magazines, websites, radio and television stations planned to saturate the Bay Area with stories, programs and commentary about homelessness. I had not heard about that, Montoya said, but its brilliant. :: On the Streets: A 12-part video series about homelessness in Southern California Andi Montoyas friend, Rose Gann-Kelly, 24, is addicted to heroin. She said she is frequently busted for stealing from grocery stores to support her habit. (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times ) If nothing else, the SF Homeless Project was a fantastic deluge of information. Morning, noon and night Wednesday, every time I looked at TV, or my computer, there was another story about homelessness, the great, draining conundrum of our times. Instead of coming off as hand-wringing or overkill it felt like a great force was shaking the citys shoulders: Wake up, people. This is not an unsolvable problem. It can be fixed. The San Francisco Chronicle, which led the effort, posted stories from dozens of competing outlets on its Ending Homeless page at SF Gate. The Chronicles lead story Wednesday proposed a simple-sounding but complex solution for the 6,600 or so homeless people in the city, an estimated 1,500 of whom are considered hard core street people: Get them into supportive housing. Staff writer Kevin Fagan, who spent four months living as a homeless person in 2003 for a series about life on the streets, estimated it would cost $200 million to build enough units, and $50 million a year in operating expenses. (This year alone, out of an $8.9-billion budget, San Francisco will spend about $241 million on its homeless citizens, not including police and emergency medical services.) In the evening, top editors of the Chronicle, Mother Jones, KQED public media and San Francisco magazine gathered at the Commonwealth Club for a sold-out public conversation about the project. Chronicle Editor in Chief Audrey Cooper said the idea hit her while she was leading one of her monthly newsroom tours, and a visitor suggested the paper write a story about ending homelessness. I felt like Id been punched, Cooper said. We do stories like that every week! She remembered a conversation shed had with Clara Jeffery, editor in chief of Mother Jones, who had once suggested over beers with Cooper and Matt Honan, Buzzfeeds San Francisco bureau chief, that they collaborate on a story about a particular politician. That would blow peoples minds, Jeffery said. It took a few meetings, and months of planning, said Holly Kernan, KQEDs executive news editor, but journalists were surprisingly willing to abandon their traditional competitive streaks. The enthusiasm was insane, Kernan said. Weve been covering this for decades, and you just feel like you are stepping over somebody who is lying in the street and you are becoming inured to this crisis, and it feels intractable because its been going on for so long. Eventually, 70 outlets signed on. There was no coordination of stories. The San Francisco Examiner focused on an elderly homeless man whose Parkinsons medication and walker had been confiscated and destroyed by the Department of Public Works. KTVU TV ran a story about a mentally ill homeless man whose life changed dramatically once he decided to accept treatment. KQED radio host Michael Krasny spent his two-hour morning program talking to homeless people and their advocates. So did KALWs Rose Aguilar. Buzzfeed posted an interactive story, Can you find a place to sleep tonight? On Wednesday, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who created a Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, presided over the opening of the citys second Navigation Center, ahead of schedule. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a former San Francisco mayor, tweeted up a storm. In Sacramento, lawmakers from San Francisco and Los Angeles asked Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a statewide homeless emergency, and state legislators sent a $2-billion bond measure to Brown that would provide housing for homeless Californians with mental illness. (The homeless crisis in Los Angeles, as my colleagues Gale Holland and Steve Lopez have relentlessly reported, is among the worst in the nation. The homeless population in L.A. dwarfs that of San Francisco, and yet because L.A.s chronically homeless are ghettoized, mostly, on skid row, the problem is easier to ignore than in this far more compact city.) This week, Cooper said, you have seen more politicians saying the word homelessness than you have heard for the last four years. Sunday, she said, the Chronicles front page will be taken up by one long, uninterrupted editorial about homelessness and a tiny photo. Youre going to see a lot of words, and its going to be scary and I dont care. Sometimes you need to get in peoples faces and tell them what they need to know. robin.abcarian@latimes.com @AbcarianLAT ALSO 1 in 10 Cal State students is homeless, study finds Los Angeles may pass new ban on homeless people living in cars LAPD orders officers to show compassion and empathy to homeless people Eric Garcetti has recruited 32 other mayors across the country to join him in urging college admissions companies to stop asking applicants about their criminal histories. In a letter, the mayors petitioned the Common Application Association and Universal College Application two companies whose standard applications are used by many private universities to remove any box that inquires into a persons past criminal history from your admissions applications. Garcetti joins other advocates and the federal government in making the case that the mere inquiry about criminal history can scare an applicant away. Advertisement Any box that inquires into criminal history has a strong chilling effect on applications in general, said Kimberley Guillemet, manager of The Los Angeles Mayors Office of Reentry. We know that when people see any box asking about their criminal background, a lot of them assume that they wont have a chance to be admitted on their merits and they wont pursue the process. The Common Application, which is used by schools such as Stanford and USC, already is being tweaked: In the application season beginning this fall, instead of asking applicants whether they have ever been convicted or judged guilty of a felony, misdemeanor, or other crime, the other crime option will disappear. Common App is making that change, said senior director Aba Blankson, because members found it to be ambiguous. Blankson said her organization is asking its members to figure out how best to address the question while still satisfying their need for information. We appreciate getting the letter, she said. This is something we have been working on for several months with our members. Garcetti stepped into the fray in May, when U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. held a roundtable meeting at UCLA to announce the federal governments stance. That day, the Education Department along with the Department of Justice released Beyond the Box, a guide to best practices for colleges. In it was a letter urging colleges to attract a diverse and qualified student body without creating unnecessary barriers for prospective students who have been involved with the justice system. Advocates cite research. Two-thirds of a sample of 2,924 people with felony convictions who started applications to the State University of New York never finished them, a 2015 study by the Center for Community Alternatives found. According to federal data, 66% of colleges collect information on criminal history from all prospective applicants. While King has conceded that research on the effects of these questions is limited, he cited the University of California as an exemplar. The school system has never asked for information related to applicants criminal backgrounds but once students are admitted, specific campuses can choose to ask for it on housing application forms. At the May forum, Garcetti challenged L.A.s universities to be more sensitive about asking students about their criminal backgrounds. In June, he convened the Access to Higher Education Challenge at USC to get schools talking about it. The universities came out of that session, Guillemet said, with a lot of enthusiasm. Though none of them announced concrete proposals, she said the meeting gave schools a sense that theyre not alone in considering making changes. The letter came about, she said, following the USC meeting. Shortly afterward, Garcetti attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors and asked for their support. The 32 co-signers of Garcettis letter hail from such cities as New York, Santa Fe, Seattle, Sacramento, Little Rock and Austin. Garcetti, Guillemet said, doesnt take an official position on whether or when colleges should ask applicants about their criminal backgrounds past the initial application. We do definitely respect the processes that [colleges] have in place for admissions, she said. We just know having it at the initial application process in the time when a person is trying to put forward their best selves has caused very qualified and engaged applicants to disengage. joy.resmovits@latimes.com ALSO Obama administration has forgiven $171 million owed by former Corinthian students Activists reveal more dark-money donors to campaigns against unions and schools-funding tax Student who suffered brain damage in pep rally attack while wearing a chicken costume is awarded $10.5 million A former Ohio seminarian was sentenced Friday to nearly 16 years in prison for trying to adopt or purchase infants from Mexico to sexually molest them. Joel Wright, 23, pleaded guilty in April to a federal charge of attempted enticement of a minor. The former student at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, admitted that he wrote sexually explicit emails in which he described his desire to assault children, from infants up to the age of 4. Wright placed Craigslist ads for a Tijuana tour guide starting in November and told someone who responded that he wanted a girl under 3 years old for sex. In one message, he wrote that he picked up infant pain-relief medication and a pretty outfit which I think should fit the 1 or 2 year old. Advertisement The person he contacted was cooperating with federal agents. Wright was arrested when he flew into San Diego in January. U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw said Wright, who was born severely disabled and has several health problems including blindness, accomplished many things in life but for whatever reason, over the last few years, pursued children, according to KSWB-TV. Gregory Murphy, Wrights attorney, said his clients conduct is contrary to what hes done his whole life, according to the Fox affiliate. Hes committed to getting back to the person he was, Murphy said. His secret is out. Wright, who faced a maximum sentence of life in prison, was ordered to spend 15 years and eight months in custody. His attorney had recommended a 10-year sentence. Dave Shaw, special agent in charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, said he was gratified Wright was stopped before anyone was hurt. The circumstances of this case were unspeakable, but todays sentence assures this individual wont pose a threat to children any time in the near future, he said. ALSO Bay Area shelter admits it mistakenly euthanized adoptable pit bull named Barbie Gang member mistakenly kills one of his own who was wearing wrong colors, police say Woman fatally stabbed niece and friend in Rancho Santa Fe and then killed herself, officials say Germany on Friday warned its citizens to exercise particular caution if they travel to Turkey, following this week's deadly Istanbul airport attack. In an updated travel advisory after the bombings and shootings that killed 44 people, the German foreign ministry said "political tensions as well as violent clashes and terrorist attacks must still be expected" in Turkey. "Travellers to Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities in Turkey are urged to exercise heightened vigilance," it said on its website. "This applies in particular to public places and tourist attractions and generally to large groups of people and public transportation." Turkish authorities have blamed Islamic State (IS) group militants for Tuesday's assault on Ataturk airport and identified a Russian, an Uzbek and a Kyrgyz national as the alleged bombers. Nineteen foreigners were among the dead, with more than 200 people injured. Germany had already warned its citizens to avoid crowds and tourist sites in Turkey in January after an attack in the heart of Istanbul claimed the lives of 12 of its nationals. Search Keywords: Short link: A homeless man was sentenced Thursday to six years in prison after placing an 11-year-old boy in a chokehold and piercing his neck with a key outside the Walt Disney Concert Hall late last year. Raul Villalba Ocampo, 33, pleaded no contest to one count of child abuse before he was sentenced for the Dec. 10 attack in downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. The boy was on a school field trip to watch a chorale rehearsal and standing outside the concert hall when Ocampo grabbed him, authorities said. Advertisement On the front steps of the Frank Gehry-designed venue, Ocampo placed the boy in a chokehold and held a sharpened key against his neck. Ocampo was wrestled away by security. The boys neck was punctured during the attack. After the incident, authorities said the boy had recovered. Hes a real trouper, sheriffs deputy Lt. Bob Killeen said at the time. For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Most common fireworks injuries are to hands, eyes and face, records show Dead whale at Dockweiler State Beach raises stink over holiday weekend Tonights $415-million Mega Millions jackpot is third-largest in games history A man who was doused with gasoline and set on fire during a dispute with his brother-in-law died Friday morning, police said. Firefighters responded about 7 p.m. Thursday to the 6000 block of Woodman Avenue in Valley Glen on reports of a blaze that engulfed vehicles and a carport behind an apartment, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. There, firefighters found a man who was critically burned and a second man with lesser burn injuries, Humphrey said. Advertisement Police determined the two were having a family dispute, when the suspect poured gasoline over the victim as he sat in his car and then lit him on fire, according to Los Angeles police Capt. Peter Casey. The suspect is the brother-in-law of the victim, Casey said. The fire almost ignited two full carports at the time, Casey said. The vehicle nearly exploded in flames, injuring the suspected assailant, who was later taken into custody. The suspect is being treated for burns he received on his arms, hands and chest area, Casey said. The victim died at 1 a.m. Friday. Neither one has been identified. It is unclear what triggered the dispute. Twitter: @MattHjourno and @brittny_mejia ALSO: 2 injured at downtown L.A. film set Its certainly unusual: Mystery cop car chases go-kart on busy Oakland freeway LAPD commander alleges retaliation after leak of agencys purchase of horse owned by chiefs daughter UPDATES: July 1, 9:49 a.m.: This article was updated with news of the victims death. June 30, 11:27 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from a Los Angeles police official. This article was originally published June 30 at 10:55 p.m. Near Los Angeles City Hall on a recent morning, dozens of commuters attempted a slow and messy merge as three lanes of traffic narrowed to one. Several drivers nosed into the intersection as the light turned red, prompting a shout from a white-gloved traffic officer and honks from other commuters suddenly trapped in gridlock. A mile away, traffic backed up across the 4th Street bridge and into Boyle Heights as commuters who sought an alternate route to two other bridge closures ran into a bottleneck. Advertisement Driving through downtown Los Angeles has never been a breeze, but some frustrated commuters say waiting 10 to 15 minutes to travel a few blocks through the Central City is becoming commonplace. After decades of relative quiet, downtown is teeming with commercial and residential life. The growth, coupled with a strong economy and a surge in construction, has sparked what residents and commuters say is some of the worst traffic they can remember. Numerous high-rise towers are now under construction, including one that will be the West Coasts tallest, as is another subway project that will snake between Union Station and the west side of downtown. Add that to regular construction and filming, and traffic really starts to back up. Gridlock is almost like an Easter egg you never know where its going to pop up, said Kt McBratney, 33, whose commute from Glassell Park to West Los Angeles takes her through downtown surface streets every weekday. If I dont run into any traffic, it almost feels like something is wrong. Its difficult to measure just how much longer it now takes to navigate downtown, because city officials dont perform regular, system-wide traffic counts. But over a two-year period, the number of lane- and street-closure permits issued by the city rose by 147%, from 43 in March of 2014 to 106 in March of this year, according to a Times analysis. The increases were most dramatic for permits related to construction, which soared 181% over that period, from 32 in 2014 to 90 this year. Traffic backs up on 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) Those figures reflect the growing popularity of the area neighborhood and the strength of the local economy, which has encouraged developers to resume long-dormant construction and start new projects, experts say. That includes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority subway project and several new skyscrapers, including the 73-story Wilshire Grand. From our perspective, traffic is good news, said Carol Schatz, the president and chief executive officer of the Central City Assn. of Los Angeles. Although her downtown business groups members complain about a variety of issues, she said, traffic is not one of them, because its a small price to pay for creating a real, vibrant downtown in the second-largest city in America. At a recent City Hall function, a state assemblyman said he counted a dozen cranes towering over the skyline. Traffic in downtown Los Angeles has been the subject of complaints and hand-wringing for nearly a century. For years, the dense area was the undisputed center of fledgling Los Angeles, drawing workers, shoppers and theater-goers on streetcars and, eventually, in more and more cars. As downtowns supremacy declined after World War II, traffic patterns shifted toward the morning and afternoon commutes. Now, the pattern has become more complex. Much of the development boom of the last decade has been in housing, creating a new class of downtown residents that now number more than 60,000. And a thriving arts, dining and nightlife scene draws thousands more after work hours end, adding more cars and people to the mix. Since 1999, when the Los Angeles City Council approved a policy that made it easier to convert former business and industrial buildings into apartments, condos and retail spaces, downtowns population has soared. That boom appears to be continuing. More than 10,000 condos and apartments units are under construction in downtown, of which 4,000 are expected to open this year, Schatz said. Other construction includes infrastructure investment: mainly, the Metro Downtown Regional Connector, a 1.9-mile subway project that will knit together three light-rail lines between Union Station and a rail hub at 7th and Flower streets. In a push to make up lost time as delays and cost overruns mount, Metro closed a full intersection at Broadway and 2nd Street, a rare juncture of two two-way streets, to move data and power lines. Drivers steering around that closure have run into severe delays on 3rd Street, which feeds through a narrow tunnel and toward the freeway on-ramps. Its just like this traffic sewer, said Max Podemski, 32, who lives at 3rd and Spring and works in Pacoima. Until the city added traffic officers along the street, he said, he sometimes waited 15 minutes to drive two blocks. The Metro closure has also forced buses off Broadway, the transit spine of downtown, and onto nearby streets. The rate of buses arriving within five minutes of their scheduled times in downtown has dropped by more than 3 percentage points over a year, from 76.7% in May of 2015 to 73.6% this year, according to agency data. Those delays, spokesman Dave Sotero said, appear to be partially caused by construction and more drivers and traffic, as well as seasonal swings in commuting patterns. Jason Stein, 41, who lives in Granada Hills and works at a law firm downtown, said the worst part of driving isnt the delays, but not knowing where the next lane closure is going to strike. The Transportation Department lists some event-related road closures on its website, but doesnt include construction activity. It seems like it should be easier to know whats happening and where, Stein said. The traffic app Waze has a somewhat better idea, but the app, which largely depends on user-submitted reports of road closures, tends to miss smaller construction incidents, particularly early in the day. Ive personally ended up trapped because I can see a sign that says detour, but only after its too late to turn, McBratney of Glassell Park said. Like, that is in 100 feet. Thanks for the heads up. McBratney said taking the bus to the Expo Line downtown, then the train to West L.A., would take more time than driving from Glassell Park, even during rush hour. The bus is at the mercy of traffic, too, she said. It doesnt seem like it would save me any time. There are two major ways to reduce traffic, experts say. The first is through a recession, which sparks layoffs, meaning fewer people commute to work. The second is a charge to use the roads or to park. London adopted a so-called congestion pricing program in 2003, charging drivers a daily rate to enter the central city. Over a 10-year period, the number of kilometers driven in the city fell by 11%, while population growth and transit use soared, according to transportation authorities. Still, making driving more painful would be an unpopular proposal to many Angelenos who feel that its bad enough already. Thats the dark side of planning the stick, rather than the carrot, said Podemski, who is the planning director at the nonprofit organization Pacoima Beautiful. Los Angeles, he said, is giving people the carrot, by investing in transit, but we arent giving them the stick, by making parking harder to find. ALSO U.S. auto sales expected to hit record in first 6 months Traffic deaths surged in 2015 as driving hit new record L.A. clears a path for $1.2-billion bond measure to pay for homeless initiatives A Central California man was arrested this week after allegedly mistaking a fellow gang member for a rival and shooting him to death because he was wearing the wrong colors, police said. Andrew Chavez, 21, was taken into custody Wednesday on suspicion of murder, days after detectives began investigating the slaying in Madera. He is also suspected of committing a criminal offense to promote a street gang, according to Madera County Sheriffs Department jail records. Advertisement According to the Madera Police Department, Chavez shot and killed Michael Sanchez, whose age was not available, on Sunday. Both men were both Norteno gang members, police said. Sanchez was wearing the colors of a rival gang and walking home from a bar near Gateway Drive and 11th Street, where he was fatally struck by gunfire, police said. Police said Sanchez was killed in cold blood. Chavez was on probation for running away from police while holding an AK-47 assault rifle, police said. He is being held on more than a $1-million-bail. We would like to extend our condolences to the family of the victim, police said in a statement. I hope that the efforts taken by our officers gives some closure to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Crews race to remove Wally the dead whale before long holiday weekend Man dies after his brother-in-law sets him on fire during dispute in Valley Glen Woman fatally stabbed niece and friend in Rancho Santa Fe and then killed herself, officials say The Los Angeles City Council cleared the way Friday for a $1.2-billion bond measure on the Nov. 8 ballot, abandoning a competing tax proposal that would have generated less money for homeless initiatives. On an 12-0 vote, the council dropped plans for a parcel tax, which would have generated $900 million for housing construction, storage lockers and other programs. The vote leaves the bond as the citys preferred strategy for financing new apartments and other facilities for the homeless. Councilman Jose Huizar, who co-authored the bond proposal, said the measure had consistently outperformed the parcel tax in voter surveys, sometimes by more than 10 percentage points. Advertisement Ive seen like two or three polls that indicate that the bond is doing much better [with voters] than the parcel tax, Huizar said. But we didnt base our decision simply on the poll. We based our decision on what we thought was the best way to move forward. 1 / 14 Rande Zell lives in an encampment along the 101 Freeway near the Fountain Avenue overpass. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 14 Rande Zell lives in an encampment along the 101 Freeway near the Fountain Avenue overpass. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 14 Homeless people gather near tents at San Julian and 6th Streets in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 14 Homeless people gather near tents at Crocker and 4th Streets in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 14 LAPD Sgt. Jack Richter helps a homeless man in a wheelchair leave an area along 5th Street as the cleanup of skid row continues with city sanitation crews sweeping and later power washing the sidewalks. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 14 City sanitation crews have to sweep around some of the homeless on skid row during a cleanup with LAPD and city sanitation crews working along 5th Street between Stanford Avenue and San Pedro. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 14 Homeless residents living near 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles have to gather their belongings while city sanitaion crews and the LAPD conduct a cleanup of skid row between Stanford Avenue and San Pedro Street. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 14 City sanitation crews use a mixture of water and bleach during a cleanup of skid row with LAPD and city sanitation crews working along 5th Street between Stanford and San Pedro. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 14 A homeless man walks along 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles with his possessions on his back after a cleanup sweep on skid row. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 14 A homeless man living along 5th Street is arrested during a cleanup of skid row. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 14 Members of the city watershed protection team walk along 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles while a cleanup of skid row continues with LAPD and city sanitation crews powerwashing the sidewalks between Stanford and San Pedro. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 14 A homeless man on skid row scrambles away with a wheelchair during a cleanup effort along 5th Street between Stanford Avenue and San Pedro. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 14 LAPD officers find several stolen shopping carts in the homeless encampments on Stanford Avenue near 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles during a cleanup of skid row. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 14 City sanitation crews use hot water and bleach to wash the sidewalks along 5th Street, working around tents on skid row between Stanford and San Pedro. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) The bond measure, which needs support from two-thirds of voters to pass, would hike property taxes by varying amounts over 30 years. City officials say the average yearly increase would be $44.31 per year for a home assessed at $327,900, currently the median in Los Angeles. The councils action comes five months after the council adopted a $1.85-billion plan to provide relief to the citys homeless population, estimated at more than 26,000 in the most recent count. Since then, city leaders have been exploring different ways to pay for that plan. Last month, city lawmakers narrowed their options to two property tax measures. Although they had been planning to wait as much as six more weeks before making a final choice, they tabled the parcel tax without debate on Friday. The city plans to devote 80% of the bonds proceeds to construction of permanent supportive housing, which offers on-site resources such as substance abuse counseling, Huizar said. Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, also a co-author of the bond proposal, said he wants the measure to pay for at least a portion of 10,000 residential units to house homeless residents. Although a bond measure is doing better than a parcel tax in voter surveys, it also has more restrictions on how the money can be spent. For now, the city will be required to use the proceeds to purchase land and develop housing or other facilities for homeless people, said City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana, the top budget official at City Hall. We would buy land throughout the city, make that land available, and partner with nonprofit developers like Skid Row Housing Trust and so many others who construct housing for the homeless, Santana said. The city would enter into long-term, no-cost leases with those developers, who would then build the housing, Santana said. City officials are hoping that in the coming months, they can also secure the ability to use the bond proceeds to provide loans and grants to developers of homeless housing. david.zahniser@latimes.com Twitter: @DavidZahniser ALSO In San Francisco, a coordinated media effort to solve homelessness stirs the city After L.A. cleared out homeless encampments, heres what happened to some Tujunga Wash dwellers An end to all the excuses, says L.A.'s chief bureaucrat in push for $1.8-billion homelessness plan A Los Angeles Police commander is suing the city, alleging he was the victim of retaliation after top police brass falsely concluded he leaked information to a blogger for a story that said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck approved the departments purchase of a horse from Becks daughter. In the lawsuit claiming racial discrimination and retaliation filed Monday, LAPD Cmdr. Patrick Smith accused Beck and other police officials of acting against him after Jasmyne Cannick, a political consultant who also writes a blog, wrote her story. The horse, George, was purchased in 2014 from Officer Brandi Pearson, Becks daughter. At the time, Smith was commanding officer of the departments Metropolitan Division, which includes the mounted unit in which Pearson served. Advertisement The suit alleges the LAPD subjected Smith to fabricated internal affairs complaints, searched his office and took files from him, including one he planned to give to the departments inspector general. The file contained his handwritten notes questioning whether the sale of the horse by Becks daughter was legal and ethical. The lawsuit says Smith believes the sale violated city municipal codes as well as state and federal regulations. Smiths attorney says his client was never the source of the leak to Cannick. The only correlation between Cannick and Plaintiff is the color of their skin, wrote attorney Gregory Smith in the suit, adding that his client had never met or communicated with Cannick. Smith and Cannick are black. On her blog Thursday, Cannick said the LAPD commander was not her source for her story on the horse. Following Cannicks story in 2014, media outlets across the region, including The Times, reported on the sale. LAPD Capt. Andrew Neiman on Thursday said the department does not comment on pending litigation but will address the allegations in court. He noted Smith remains an active commander in the LAPD. The suit notes that Beck signed a document approving the $6,000 payment to his daughter. The lawsuit alleges that Smith, who now works in the LAPDs training division, has been ostracized by the department after top officials discovered he planned to report the possible misconduct to the inspector general. The suit also alleges that an internal employee tracking system claims he is under criminal investigation, even though he is not. Smiths suit is the latest in a long line of lawsuits by officers and command staff alleging they were mistreated by LAPD management during Becks tenure. Some of the suits have been rejected, but others have proved costly to the city. Mondays lawsuit alleges that the chief and Deputy Chief Deborah McCarthy, who oversees internal affairs, dislike Cannick because she has written critically about Becks administration. The furor surrounding the horse ignited questions as Beck was seeking reappointment to a second term. While Becks signature appeared on the approval of the purchase, Assistant Chief Michel Moore said the chief had no involvement in the evaluation of the horses qualification or value and that the signature was a formality. ALSO Garcetti nominates attorney Cynthia McClain-Hill to Police Commission Its certainly unusual: Mystery cop car chases go-kart on busy Oakland freeway DWP accuses firm of using ratepayer dollars for Las Vegas bachelor parties as billing system fight continues The nations oldest national park ranger was beaten this week in her Richmond, Calif., home and robbed of her prized possessions, including a commemorative coin President Obama gave her in December. Betty Reid Soskin, 94, of Richmond was attacked in her town home about midnight Monday, according to the Richmond Police Department. Soskin told KTVU-TV she woke up to find a man with a flashlight standing near her. She reached for her cellphone, but he grabbed it from her and they struggled. She screamed as her attacker dragged her from the bed through a hallway, where he struck her a couple of times on the side of her face. She thought he was going to kill me, she told the news station. Advertisement Somehow Soskin mustered all her strength and was able to lock herself inside a bathroom, where she remained until he left, the news station reported. Fearing he would come at her again, Soskin said she plugged in an iron and was prepared to strike and brand him. Her attacker stole several personal belongings, including the presidential coin given to her by Obama at the national tree-lighting ceremony in December. The coin was embossed with the presidential seal. Soskin maintains a detailed blog about her life, and in it she describes receiving her trip to Washington, D.C., in December and meeting Obama. In my pocket was the only evidence that it wasnt all a fantasy -- the presidential seal -- to be shared with my co-workers, she said. Soskin is a ranger at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, where she leads tours and provides a detailed history of women who worked in factories during wartime. She began working with the park service at 85. On Thursday, the national park said Soskin was recovering. Her amazingly strong spirit is a great part of who she is. Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park Her amazingly strong spirit is a great part of who she is, the park said. The parks superintendent, Tom Leatherman, said the White House has reassured them that they would replace the coin. But Soskin, he said, is still hopeful the stolen coin will be returned because it was meaningful to her. On Facebook, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said he was both angry and greatly saddened by the assault on Soskin. Park Ranger Betty Soskin is arguably Richmonds most famous resident, and an assault on her is an assault on us all, he said. Soskin, who is the great-granddaughter of a slave, worked as a file clerk during World War II when she was 20. In a 2008 park newsletter, she described the experience: It never dawned on me while filing changeofaddress cards or taking dues payments in the small office of the racially segregated Boilermakers A36 union hall that I might live long enough to actually become black history, but so it seems. The Rosie the Riveter Trust has established a fund for Soskin to help support her as she recovers from the attack. For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Bad luck bear is euthanized after injuring Angeles National Forest camper After 121 years, Boyle Heights home gets a change of scenery across the street Gov. Jerry Brown again denies parole for ex-Mexican Mafia killer Rene Boxer Enriquez A contentious Mississippi religious freedom law that would allow government workers and businesses to deny services to same-sex couples has been blocked by a federal judge. Less than an hour before HB 1523 was due to go into effect Friday morning, U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves issued a preliminary injunction, arguing the law violates both the guarantee of religious neutrality and the promise of equal protection of the laws. Persons who hold contrary religious beliefs are unprotected, he wrote in his 60-page ruling. The state has put its thumb on the scale to favor some religious beliefs over others. Advertisement The law, signed by Gov. Phil Bryant in April in response to the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, would have allowed government employees to refuse to issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies. It also permitted businesses and faith-based groups to deny housing, jobs and adoption and foster-care services to people based on their sexual orientation. Celebratory press conference is reflected in Katherine Days sunglasses. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press ) Opponents of the law were jubilant. WE WON!!! tweeted Brandiilyne Mangum-Dear, the minister of the Joshua Generation Metropolitan Community Church in Hattiesburg and one of the plaintiffs who challenged the law. The passage of this bill signaled to our church, and to my wife and me, that our religious beliefs are less worthy of protection than those of others, and that the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender people are not equal to the rights of others, Mangum-Dear said in a statement. The federal courts decision recognizes that religious freedom can be preserved along with equal rights for all people regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, Robert McDuff, a Jackson attorney who argued for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. It is now time for all of us, as Mississippians, to move beyond division and come together in the ongoing pursuit of a society that respects the rights of everyone. Matt McTighe, executive director of Freedom for All Americans, a lesbian and gay advocacy group, hailed the decision as a historic moment for LGBT Mississippians and Americans across the nation. Yet Bryant, a firm supporter of the law, said he looked forward to an aggressive appeal. The law simply provides religious accommodations granted by many other states and federal law, he said in a statement. I am disappointed Judge Reeves did not recognize that reality. The laws author, Philip Gunn, the Republican speaker of Mississippis House, also expressed dismay. We felt like this was a good bill that focused on protecting religious beliefs, while also protecting the rights of the LGBT community. In the wake of last years U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell vs. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage, state legislatures across the nation, and in particular the Southeast, have debated a range of measures to protect those with religious objections. LGBT advocacy groups have cited Mississippis Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act as the most extensive and far-reaching religious freedom measure. Attorneys for the state argued that HB 1523 provided reasonable accommodations for people with deeply held religious beliefs. The law sought to provide protections to people, religious organizations or private groups who hold a sincerely-held religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, that sexual relations should take place only inside such marriages, and that the terms male or female refer to individuals immutable biological sex. Reeves, however, noted that Mississippi residents already have substantial religious rights under existing state law. He also pushed back against the laws narrow framing of religious beliefs. If three specific beliefs are protected by this act, it follows that every other religious belief a citizen holds is not protected by the act, he wrote. HB 1523 favors Southern Baptist over Unitarian doctrine, Catholic over Episcopalian doctrine, and Orthodox Judaism over Reform Judaism doctrine, to list just a few examples. The Mississippi law allowed physicians and other medical professionals to decline to participate in the provision of sex reassignment procedures, psychological counseling or fertility services. It also prevented state government from taking discriminatory action against any churches, religious charities and private businesses that decline services to people violating their religious beliefs. In his ruling, Reeves, an appointee of President Obama who is the second African American federal judge in Mississippi, drew a link between the states current angst on religious freedom and its opposition to desegregation during the civil rights era. In a footnote, he noted that Bryants statement that the Supreme Court ruling usurped states right to self-governance sounded familiar, likening it to Gov. James P. Colemans comment in the 1950s that Brown vs. Board of Education represented an unwarranted invasion of the rights and powers of the states. He also took pains to question Mississippi lawmakers inconsistency in upholding specific biblical edicts over others, peppering his ruling with quotes from the King James version of the Bible. It is not within our tradition to respect one clerks religious objection to issuing a same-sex marriage license, but refuse another clerks religious objection to issuing a marriage license to a formerly divorced person, he noted, quoting Leviticus 21:14: A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take. Ultimately, Reeves argued, the law represented a blatant attempt by the state to put LGBT citizens back in their place. In physics, every action has its equal and opposite reaction, he wrote. In politics, every action has its predictable overreaction. And now Obergefell has led to HB 1523. The next chapter of this back-and-forth has begun. Jarvie is a special correspondent. ALSO Pro-Trump super PACs try to raise money but mostly fail A proud member of the military as a man, and maybe once again as a woman Attorney general removes herself from deciding possible charges in Clinton email probe UPDATES: 11:40 a.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting and additional details. This article was originally published at 5:25 a.m. Donald Trumps visit to Colorado on Friday offered the presumptive GOP nominee a chance to repair relations with Republicans in this pivotal swing state after a contentious primary season. But Trump instead dwelt on the divisions that threaten to split open the party. In his address at the Western Conservative Summit, Trump repeatedly mentioned the fractious GOP primaries, particularly Colorados complicated delegate allocation process, in which the real estate mogul was outmaneuvered by GOP rival Sen. Ted Cruz. Polls came out and I was going to win Colorado, doing really well in Colorado. It looked good, and I was looking forward to it, Trump recounted. And then, all of a sudden, I didnt get the delegates! Advertisement Back in April, Trump slammed the process, and the fierce outcry he triggered culminated in state GOP Chairman Steve House receiving death threats. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter On Friday, House introduced Trump and spoke glowingly about his campaign, suggesting a detente. The two exchanged handshakes and back slaps, to the delight of the summits organizer, Jeff Hunt, of the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University. That moment when Steve House welcomed Donald Trump that was what I wanted to see, Hunt said in an interview. But Trump and his supporters doubled down on the rift with GOP leaders and other party members who have yet to fall in line behind him. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who spoke before Trump, lambasted conservatives who remain skeptical of him. I just call them Republicans Against Trump or RAT for short, said Palin, among several prominent GOP politicians and activists featured at the confab, including prominent anti-Trump voices such as Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse and media personality Erick Erickson. By dwelling on the rancor of the primaries, Trump also underscored just how difficult it will be to soothe GOP discord. They were really nasty to me. And I was really nasty to them, Trump said of his Republican primary rivals. The billionaire businessman insisted he had moved on, despite being the one to bring up their past quarrels, and reminded Republicans that the stakes of this election include the potential of multiple vacancies on the Supreme Court. Having a Republican president selecting those justices is the difference between having our country as a great country and having Venezuela, he said. Eventually, Trump trained his attention on Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, calling the former secretary of State as weak as you get and declaring that Islamic State militants were hoping for her election. And he scoffed at news of Bill Clintons meeting with Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch, a face-to-face encounter that has garnered criticism given that Lynchs Justice Department is conducting a probe into his wifes use of a private email server to conduct government business. When I first heard the story, I said. No, no, youre kidding. I dont believe it, Trump said, adding that the former president really opened up a Pandoras box by meeting with the attorney general. Lynch said Friday that she would accept the recommendation of prosecutors when deciding whether to bring charges in the investigation. Trumps speech got high marks from Teresa Bramlett, an executive assistant from Brighton, Colo. Bramlett, 57, was not originally a Trump supporter but was won over by his penchant for taking the blindfolds off everybodys eyes. I am thrilled with the promises and even hopeful that they will be done, Bramlett said after the speech. melanie.mason@latimes.com Follow @melmason for the latest on national politics. ALSO: Lynch to accept recommendation of FBI, career prosecutors in Clinton email probe Donald Trump: Americans should pay a little bit more for U.S.-made products to save jobs How Tim Kaine went from wild card vice presidential pick to shortlist favorite for Hillary Clinton Donald Trumps fundraising woes extend well beyond his campaigns lackluster effort to raise money. A hodgepodge of rival outside super PACs is now fighting without much success to attract rich GOP donors and the candidates implicit endorsement. As the pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC Priorities USA Action deploys some of its $88 million in contributions to flood the airwaves with anti-Trump TV ads, wealthy contributors wishing to invest in the pro-Trump effort are facing an odd assortment of super PACs with competing visions, questionable capacity and sometimes sketchy track records. Advertisement According to election finance reports, of the dozen or so pro-Trump super PACs established so far, only a few have reported raising significant amounts of money or interest for a total of about $4 million as of the end of May. And most of that has already been spent. One of the most promising pro-Trump super PACs, Rebuilding America Now, announced with fanfare earlier this year that it had $32 million in commitments. But only about $2 million of that came through. A rival, Great America PAC, has burned through nearly all of the $2.5 million it raised, leaving it with just $500,000 cash on hand. Fundraising efforts werent helped by the recent conviction of a top strategist for unrelated 2012 campaign finance violations. Many were hoping casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who spent nearly $100 million in the 2012 presidential race , would save the day by starting his own pro-Trump super PAC to provide a trusted safe haven for donors. But after Trumps polling numbers tanked with his race-based criticism of a federal judge and response to the Orlando shooting, Adelson has put his plans on hold. The Las Vegas billionaire is not actually starting a PAC despite what has been reported, his spokesman said. Meanwhile the billionaire Koch brothers, whose outside network of groups once promised $900 million this election, are focusing for now on congressional and other races. You have some traditional Republican donors who are still fence-sitting, said Mica Mosbacher, a longtime GOP fundraiser. Sometimes you dont want to be the first olive out of the jar. But I feel really strongly that we will come together by the convention. Central to the disarray has been Trumps unwillingness to signal a preference for any of the dueling super PACs, veteran strategists say, as is normally done by a candidate well ahead of this late stage in the election cycle. It needs to be sorted, said California GOP operative Shawn Steel, an advisor to one of the struggling pro-Trump super PACs, the Committee for American Sovereignty, adding that donors are waiting to see which one is really blessed. So far as I can tell there isnt one. Already alarmed by the Trump campaigns May fundraising report which showed $1.3 million cash on hand compared with $42.5 million for Clinton GOP establishment leaders are increasingly worried that the presumed GOP nominee isnt raising the money needed to defeat the Democrat. The pro-Clinton PAC Priorities has already spent nearly $20 million on TV ads, including one that shows video of Trump mocking a disabled reporter while the Ohio family of a young girl in wheelchair criticizes his remark. Priorities has $52 million cash on hand compared with less than $1 million reported for the three leading pro-Trump super PACs, though that may change with quarterly filings due next month. Super PACs which allow wealthy individuals to simply write seven- or eight-figure donor checks would be the fastest way for Trump to catch up, compared with the $2,700 per-person limits his campaign faces. But Trump has frequently boasted of his go-it-alone strategy, first warning the outside groups not to raise money on his behalf, and now refusing to give them credibility. It hasnt helped that even some of the super PAC officials themselves have openly questioned whether fundraising will be as vital for Trump, whose campaign has often defied traditional political wisdom. Raising money is an antique. Super PACs are an antique, Tom Barrack, a billionaire Los Angeles real estate mogul and co-founder of Rebuilding America Now, said on CNN. Im not sure that you need it. Its little wonder that big-dollar donors, who are already nervous about Trumps erratic behavior and the necessity of supplementing a billionaires White House bid, are looking warily at super PACs. I prefer to give directly to the Trump Victory campaign, said wealthy donor and Trump supporter Foster Friess, referring to the joint committee run with party officials. Rebuilding America Now stands out as the most well-connected of the pack, led by Reagan-generation operatives close to Trumps campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, the hard-slinging Trump ally. Headed by Laurance Gay, a longtime associate of Stone and Manafort, the group includes GOP media strategist Alex Castellanos, who just weeks before joining was part of the Never Trump campaign. The group has spent nearly $2 million on tough anti-Clinton TV ads one juxtaposing her explanation of her private email server with her husbands denial of his affair with a White House intern. But as Trumps campaign drifted during May, promised contributions never materialized, and the group is looking for new donors. We know we are late to the table, said Gay, adding that Trumps past statements about his personal wealth have not helped. This is the man who said, I need no money. Rebuilding America Now maintains a not-so-friendly rivalry with Great America PAC, thanks partly to tensions between Stone and another operative of the Reagan era, Ed Rollins, national co-chairman of Great America. The Rollins team is eschewing a big TV presence for infomercial-style ads that are part of an ambitious database-building exercise to identify Trumps small-dollar donors and turn them out in swing states on election day. Great Americas other top strategist, Eric Beach, a California-based operative, sees room for the various outside groups to focus on their specialties. Our playbook is theres a lot of unique support out there for Donald Trump and we want to capitalize on that, Beach said. The group raised another $1 million in June. But Great America has struggled with staff issues. Tea party leader Amy Kremer, an early backer of the super PAC, parted ways amid differences. Another strategist is appealing a May conspiracy conviction related his work on Ron Pauls 2012 presidential campaign. A third super PAC, Committee for American Sovereignty, is run by Doug Watts, a former top aide to one-time GOP presidential hopeful Ben Carson. Watts intended to raise $20 million by the GOP convention but now acknowledges, Were not going to get there. Initial filings show no cash on hand, and he declined to provide a more updated estimate. The super PAC has distanced itself from complaints that the Carson campaign blew through its own impressive haul, spending too much on administration. Watts is assuring potential donors that 85% of the money raised will be spent on voter contact operations. It is a little bit more difficult than I expected or wanted, Watts said. Theres still some uncertainty among donors as to which committees they should be giving to and how they should be giving. Gay, the managing director of Rebuilding America Now, acknowledged it would helpful if Trump anointed one of the PACs, preferably his, as the main fundraising organization. But he is not waiting for that. Trump, he understands, prefers to do business his way. If Im Donald Trump, the more the merrier, Gay said. If that means two, three or four PACs end up splitting up those billions, then so be it. A Syrian air force pilot was captured by Islamist rebels after his plane crashed near Damascus, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday. The aircraft crashed in the mountainous region of Qalamun, northwest of the Syrian capital, the Britain-based monitoring group said. "It is not known whether it crashed due to a technical fault or it was hit by rebels," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. The pilot ejected himself and landed near the town of Jayrud, 60 kilometres (35 miles) northeast of Damascus, he added. Nusrat Al-Mazlum, a small group of Islamist rebels, captured the pilot and handed him over to another group, said Abdel Rahman, who was not able to identify the second group. The Saudi-backed rebel group Jaysh al-Islam (Army of Islam), which controls areas east of Damascus, claimed it had hit the plane -- identified as a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-22 -- and captured the pilot. Jaish al-Islam's spokesman, Islam Alloush, posted a photo and a video of the pilot on his Twitter account, saying he belonged to the Alawite sect of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria's official news agency SANA said the plane had crashed due to a "technical problem", adding that a search was underway for the pilot "who could have ejected and landed using his parachute". Several government jets have been taken down by rebel fighters or crashed due to technical faults since Syria's civil war began five years ago. Syria's five-year war has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions. Search Keywords: Short link: The family of Hae Min Lee, the victim in the homicide case investigated by the Serial podcast, reacted with frustration to news that her accused killer has been granted a new trial. In a statement issued Friday morning through the Maryland attorney generals office, Lees relatives said they continue to believe Adnan Syed is guilty of Lees killing. We do not speak as often or as loudly as those who support Adnan Syed, but we care just as much about this case. We continue to grieve, the statement said. We continue to believe justice was done when Mr. Syed was convicted of killing Hae. Advertisement While we continue to put our faith in the courts and hope the decision will be reversed, we are very disappointed by the judges decision. We remain thankful to the many, many people who have expressed their support for us, and to the state for standing by the true victims and for giving Hae Min Lee a voice. On Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Martin Welch in Baltimore vacated Syeds conviction and ordered a new trial. He cited a piece of evidence flagged by a Serial blogger, which he said should have been addressed by Syeds trial counsel. Lee was killed in 1999, and the 18-year-olds body was found buried in Baltimores Leakin Park. Police arrested Syed, her ex-boyfriend, who was convicted of murder by a jury and sentenced to life in prison in 2000. A friend testified that he helped Syed bury Lees body, and cellphone tower evidence linked his phone to the area. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Syed has maintained his innocence, and the case was profiled on the Serial podcast that was downloaded millions of times and caused listeners around the world to delve into the details of his trial. Among those details was a fax cover sheet from AT&T that said that data regarding incoming calls was unreliable, and the cellphone technician who testified at Syeds trial but now says he cant stand by his testimony. An FBI cellphone expert testifying for the state at Syeds February post-conviction hearing said that the call data was nevertheless reliable. But Welch said Syeds trial lawyer should have pressed the issue and ruled that he received ineffective counsel. Fenton writes for the Baltimore Sun. ALSO Conviction vacated, new trial granted for Adnan Syed of Serial Latest twist in Adnan Syed story makes it even more media mighty With a major victory in hand, still a long road ahead for Adnan Syed In the year after Texas adopted a restrictive new abortion law, two trends surfaced quickly. The number of women who were able to obtain medication to induce abortions plunged 70%. At the same time, the number of women who underwent the actual surgical procedure increased, even though more than half the states abortion clinics had closed. The immediate effects of the 2014 law which was deemed unconstitutional in a landmark Supreme Court ruling this week are reflected in figures released Thursday by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Advertisement NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj More than 11,200 fewer women got drug-induced abortions after the law was adopted, partly because they faced added restrictions on getting abortion pills, faced longer appointment wait times, had to travel farther to see doctors and were often racing the clock, providers said. Texas law at the time said women could not receive the medication if they were more than seven weeks pregnant. The numbers demonstrate the devastating effect House Bill 2 had on the women of Texas, said Trisha Trigilio, staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas, referring to the legislation that restricted access to abortions. Wait times for medication abortion began to improve last March after the Food and Drug Administration relaxed guidelines for taking the drug, guidelines the Texas law had relied on in requiring women to consult the same doctor multiple times over the course of several days. The new guidelines decreased the number of visits a woman had to make to a doctor from three to two, and extended the period when she can take the pill from the first seven weeks of pregnancy to the first 10 weeks. Medical operating room at Whole Womens Health clinic in McAllen, Texas. (Eric Gay / Associated Press ) HB2 also required, among other things, that doctors at abortion clinics obtain hospital admitting privileges and that the clinics upgrade their facilities to become ambulatory surgical centers. The Supreme Court on Monday found that those requirements created an undue burden for Texas women, especially those who live hundreds of miles from the nearest clinic. After the law passed, more than half of the states 41 abortion clinics closed, including some that served Latino areas along the Mexican border and in West Texas. Abortion rights advocates have said they will try to reopen some of the clinics, but that it could take years to build or lease facilities, hire staff and obtain state licenses. The figures show there were about 14% fewer abortions in Texas in 2014 compared with the year before, while the number of Texas women getting abortions out of state increased about 11%. Abortion providers have reported Texas women driving to clinics in Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Abortions decreased most in 2014 for Latinas, followed by African Americans, figures show. The number of medication abortions as opposed to surgical dropped sharply, from 16,189 to 4,938. Surgical abortions, meanwhile, increased about 7%. Providers said that the new, more restrictive state law prompted more women to have surgical abortions. State officials released provisional abortion figures for 2014 earlier this year but delayed releasing the final figures. The ACLU of Texas accused the state of delaying the release for political reasons. The state denied the accusation. Given the overall drop in abortions especially in vulnerable communities along the border as well as the precipitous 70% drop in medication abortions, these numbers show that this law never had anything do with womens health, Triglio, the ACLU attorney, said. Its clear why lawmakers might have wanted to keep this information out of the public eye before the Supreme Court made its decision. The law affected minorities in both rural and urban areas, especially those along the border and in other remote areas of the state, the figures show. About 1,100 fewer women had abortions in Houstons surrounding county in 2014 compared with 2013, with more than half of the decrease among Latinas. In West Texass Lubbock County, where an abortion clinic closed after HB2 passed, the number of abortions dropped 32%, while in Hidalgo County on the Mexican border, where a clinic also closed, the number of abortions dropped by more than half. ALSO Key passages from the Supreme Courts abortion decision Supreme Court strengthens right to abortion, strikes down Texas restrictions on clinics How the two justices from California are moving the Supreme Court to the left Good morning. It is Friday, July 1. The streetcar proposed for downtown Los Angeles would move at 6 mph. At that speed, why not just go for a run? Heres what else is happening in the Golden State: TOP STORIES New gun laws Advertisement California lawmakers sent a package of gun control legislation to Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) called it a historic day. The bills include a ban on the sale of semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, background checks for those buying ammunition and new restrictions on homemade firearms. The governor is expected to sign some of the bills today before he leaves for vacation. Los Angeles Times High gas prices State Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris is launching an investigation into Californias high gas prices. Shes subpoenaed oil refineries to determine why drivers here paid pump prices $1.50 higher than the rest of the country last summer. An advisory panel to the California Energy Commission has been reviewing gas prices over the last several months to determine what, if anything, lawmakers might consider to ensure that consumers arent being gouged at gas stations. Los Angeles Times Autopilot investigation Federal regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into the autopilot feature of the Tesla Model S electric car after a fatal crash in May. Tesla automakers stressed the autopilot feature is still in beta mode. Autopilot is getting better all the time but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to remain alert, the company said in a post online. Los Angeles Times DROUGHT AND CLIMATE Raging fire: A wildfire in Northern California is threatening thousands of homes. The Trailhead fire broke out Tuesday near Todd Valley. Los Angeles Times Snakes on a porch: A record-number of rattlesnakes are showing up in California backyards. By taking away shrubbery as much as you can, you take away the rodent, the food source, which eliminates the snakes, said Bo Slyapich, a rattlesnake wrangler. CBS Los Angeles L.A. AT LARGE Understanding Garcetti: What makes Mayor Eric Garcetti tick? Hard to say. People see what he backs as a politician, but they dont see what hes willing to fight for. And they arent sure what drives him. Los Angeles Magazine Paying for help: Los Angeles city officials say they need $1.8 billion to help the tens of thousands of Angelenos sleeping on the streets and in their cars. This week, the City Council is considering two separate tax proposals, though voters will only see one of them on the Nov. 8 ballot. This Q&A breaks down the confusion over the competing proposals. Los Angeles Times Tiny house: This 264-square-foot house in Beverly Glen could be yours for $499,000. It doesnt have a bedroom, but it does include a carport. Curbed LA POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Ballot fatigue: Seventeen measures have qualified for the November ballot. The initiatives range from legalizing marijuana to regulating pornographic film sets to repealing the death penalty. These are all hot-button issues, and ones that will generate big time advertising expenditures, said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at UC San Diego. Los Angeles Times Unequal representation: Why arent there more women in elected office in California? Its a complex answer that boils down to sexism and fundraising challenges. Its sort of surprising because California has always been seen as a trendsetter, said Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics. 89.3 KPCC ENVIRONMENT Toxic algae: Potent toxins in Californias lakes are leaving people and animals sick. No one expects the algae to go away anytime soon. We expect it to get worse, said Carolyn Jones, a spokeswoman for the East Bay Regional Park District. San Gabriel Valley Tribune Gas transmissions: A few months ago, energy officials warned that Southern California could experience a summer of rolling blackouts thanks to the temporary closure of Aliso Canyon. Now comes news that gas deliveries from California to Mexico have jumped 45% in the last two weeks. Bloomberg CRIME AND COURTS Charges filed: Seven counter-protesters have been charged with attacking Ku Klux Klan members during an Anaheim rally earlier this year. This is about the mob mentality turning violent, which shut down neighboring streets, access to the park, and endangered the community as a whole, said Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas. The demonstrators were all charged with misdemeanor assault or battery or resisting arrest. Los Angeles Times Roommate dispute: Five days after a judge rejected a Cathedral City womans request to evict her roommate, the woman was dead and her roommate in jail. I am being terrorized daily in my own home, Mimie Anita Cowen, 65, said in court documents before her death. Scott Pettigrew has pleaded not guilty to murder, elder abuse and violating a court order. Desert Sun House invasion: The countrys oldest national park ranger was beaten in her Richmond home this week and robbed of one of her most prized possessions a commemorative coin President Obama gave her in December. Betty Reid Soskin, 94, works at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. A White House official said the coin would be replaced. Los Angeles Times New commissioner: L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed an attorney and public policy strategist to the Police Commission. If shes confirmed, Cynthia McClain-Hill would replace Robert Saltzman on the civilian panel. She is an independent thinker with a sharp and analytical mind, and shares my vision for an LAPD that fully embraces the demands of 21st century policing and gives officers the steady support they need to keep our streets safe, Garcetti said. Los Angeles Times About that chase: Whatever happened to the White Ford Bronco used in the infamous O.J. Simpson chase through Los Angeles? For a long time, it sat in the parking garage of a Westside condominium. ESPN CALIFORNIA CULTURE Homeless coverage: Columnist Robin Abcarian looks at how 70 news organizations, most in San Francisco, came together this week to cover one topic: homelessness. Instead of coming off as hand wringing or overkill it felt like a great force was shaking the citys shoulders: Wake up, people. This is not an intractable problem. It can be fixed, she writes. Los Angeles Times What would you do...: If you found yourself homeless on the streets of San Francisco with $20 and two children to care for? This simulation offers up the difficult choices you might have to make. BuzzFeed Whats in a name? Theres no question Hollywood influences many aspects of American life. Heres how 100 celebrity names have affected baby names. (Funny, we dont see Alice or Shelby on the list...) The Hollywood Reporter Women in power: These seven women could be considered the founding mothers of Silicon Valley. The essay is a response to this Newsweek cover from April. Backchannel CALIFORNIA ALMANAC Los Angeles will have clouds and a high of 79. It will be sunny and 93 in Riverside. San Diego will have low clouds as temperatures reach 73 degrees. San Francisco will be mostly sunny and 69. Sacramento is expected to hit a high of 100 degrees. AND FINALLY Todays California Memory comes from Linda Goldman: In the 1950s, my family was one of the first to have a swimming pool in our North Hollywood neighborhood. The backyard was filled with family and friends every Sunday throughout the summer. A favorite memory is Fourth of July with Dad barbecuing sirloin steaks on the grill, my mouth watering at the scent, and Mom carrying out a platter piled high with steamed corn on the cob. The kids liked to see how far we could spit the watermelon seeds. After dark, adults and kids alike oohed and aahed over Dads firework display near the old pepper tree. If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.) Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad. The secretary of state finalized Californias November ballot Thursday with 17 measures, some of which (marijuana legalization, plastic bag ban, criminal sentencing) could dramatically alter life in this state. The list could conceivably get longer. The Legislature is still mulling three more measures, and it has the power to bend election deadline rules. But as long as this ballot may be, it could have been worse. Dozens more ballot proposals didnt make it through the qualification process. In many cases, it was with good reason. Advertisement Below are a few phew! of the proposed ballot measures that voters will not have to decide in November. And many, more. You can peruse them here. Seventeen propositions arent looking so bad now, right? mariel.garza@latimes.com Follow me @marielgarzaLAT On Thursday afternoon, the Pentagon announced that transgender people can now serve openly in the military bringing the U.S. in line with Britain, Canada, Australia and 15 other nations which have eliminated trans military exclusions. By ending this ban, the government recognizes that transgender people do not choose their gender identity or expression, but that their gender identity or expression differs from those traditionally associated with their assigned sex at birth. Accordingly, hormone therapy, gender-transition surgery, and other kinds of medical care are not elective, but crucial to maintaining the holistic health of transgender people as they serve in the military. Its a critical, and long overdue, correction. For the record: An earlier version of the pull quote on this piece suggested trans individuals serve in the military at three times the rate of the general population. It is closer to twice the rate. Yet, as only around 0.3% of Americans identify as transgender, this move hasnt received as much attention as the 2015 ruling that enabled lesbian, gay and bisexual people to serve openly. On its face, that makes enough sense: the LGB population is more than 10 times the size of the trans population, so more people stood to be affected then. Those statistics tell one story, but theres a more interesting one thats been overlooked: Transgender individuals are twice as likely to join the armed forces as the average American. Advertisement Trans individuals serve in the military at twice the rate of the general population. According to a UCLA research study, 21% of the entire transgender population in the U.S. has served in the military, compared with about 10% of the general population. Until this point, there has been no class protection for transgender service members. Some have been affirmed and accepted by their military colleagues. Others have been harassed, hazed, even expelled by the military therapists theyve consulted for support. Nine percent of transgender people in the military reported that they were discharged from service for being transgender or gender non-conforming. This is a relatively small community, says Aaron Belkin, who studies trans service members as director of the Palm Center, but it is very disruptive to mission and readiness when troops cant be honest about who they are, and are unable to get medically necessary care. Thursdays ruling puts the Pentagon in line with the research officials commissioned, which noted that when other nations allowed openly transgender service members their ranks benefited from a more inclusive and diverse force. This weekend, as were waving flags and launching fireworks, may we also take a moment to remember that, for all of its faults, we still live in one of the freest countries on Earth. Lifting the ban on openly transgender service members makes our military more reflective of the range of freedoms it was created to protect. Thats worth celebrating. Batchelor Warnke is an intern in The Times Opinion section. Follow her on Twitter @velvetmelvis. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: The loss of life is tragic but should not be the fodder of partisanship. Now that the House has completed its reports, the official Benghazi investigations number around eight. When distilled, these reports reveal the common conclusion that there was a lack of communication and cooperation between the branches and agencies of our government. (Re No case against Clinton in GOP report, June 29) Yet the House reports and the subsequent congressional interviews reveal the endemic political posturing that has become a forefront feature of our legislature. This lack of communication and cooperation is not specific to Congress. We as an electorate are apathetic. We are concerned primarily with our own well- being. Advertisement We do not wish to give up our time or be inconvenienced. We are indifferent, so we allow our elected officials to engage in wasteful partisan political bickering. Our lack of dedication is displayed in our restricting peoples ability to vote. We fail to make our voices heard because we have to pick up the kids or get to the gym. Certainly there are those among us that care about the issues and try to make themselves heard but we are few. Our do-nothing legislature is following in our footsteps. Our Congress is a microcosm of ourselves. Shame on us. Barry Pollack, Los Angeles :: To the editor: For those who doubt the purely political intent of the congressional Republicans endless Benghazi investigations: Number of deadly terrorist attacks on U.S. embassies and diplomats during the Bush administration: Dozens Republican outrage: 0 Congressional investigations: 0 Secretaries of State smeared: 0 Michael K. Finnigan, Encino :: To the editor: Hillary Clinton moves on and wants us to say, Im with her. But history lives and it matters. If Clinton is to be elected, she has to move out beyond her husband and their mutual calculations and make it clear she is independent enough to lead this country. We need to see Clinton convincingly embrace democratic ideals and solid populist ideas that once guided the Democratic Party and improved life for all Americans. Bernie Sanders provided the template, a message that galvanized millions to vote for him. Frances ONeill Zimmerman, La Jolla :: To the editor: Republican politicians are focusing the attention of the media on four Americans being murdered at our embassy in Benghazi. I wish the media would pay the same attention to the war that President George Bush started in Iraq based on a false claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. An estimated half a million civilians were murdered along with tens of thousands of Iraqi and Americans soldiers, trillions of dollars were squandered and that part of the world is still dangerously destabilized. Was that war an horrific mistake or an unpunished crime against humanity? Bob Fisher, Encinitas Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: It would appear that the Senate Republicans ongoing obstruction of Merrick Garlands hearing, as a ploy to preserve their radical agenda, has backfired. (Re Two in middle tilt high court to the left, June 29) The Supreme Court, in its Texas ruling, has sided with the rights and health of women and the will of the American people regardless. The ruling is a testament that justice and reason can prevail over the dirty tactics and bullying so often employed by Republicans to get their way. Advertisement Its a very good day for the Supreme Court, women and their families, and for America. Wendy Blais, North Hills :: To the editor: The current political focus on the U.S. Supreme Courts dysfunctional eight-member panel only highlights the serious flaws in the way the justices are appointed. The method of having one branch of government the executive (i.e. the current sitting president) pick members of another branch of government (the judiciary) is a serious violation of our constitutional separation of powers and its theoretical checks and balances. Having the Senate approve the presidents judicial appointees is only a partial protection and leads to the gridlock and political gaming we now are experiencing. We average citizens would be much better served by a truly independent Supreme Court with staggered appointments of limited terms and not influenced by politicians and their big-business and special interest puppeteers. Mark OConnell, Irvine Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Reviewing the finalists to be his running mate in 2008, Barack Obama offered this assessment of then-Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine: Hes the wild card. Now, as Hillary Clinton whittles down her potential vice presidential picks, Kaine has moved from what he once called the long shot on a short list to perhaps the safest, most obvious choice. Whether the Virginia senator will end up on the Democratic ticket is a decision for Clinton and her advisors vetting candidates, said to include fellow Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro. She will name her pick ahead of the Democratic National Convention late this month. Advertisement Kaines long resume is one of the chief reasons he has emerged as a heavy favorite for the nod, particularly as Clinton herself campaigns increasingly as a candidate who promises to govern with a steady hand. On NBCs Meet The Press last week, an appearance facilitated by the Clinton campaign, Kaine offered a quick summary of his experience: mayor of Virginias capital of Richmond, its lieutenant governor, governor, Democratic Party chairman and now U.S. senator. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter But, he added, I have got one job and one job only right now, and that is to work hard for Hillary Clinton. Kaine also represents a key swing state, as does Brown. But while Ohio has a Republican governor, Virginias Democratic incumbent, Terry McAuliffe, could ensure that Kaines Senate seat remained in the partys control no small consideration given that the party has made it a priority to recapture control of the chamber. McAuliffe, a longtime Clinton ally, is among the most public boosters of the idea of Kaine as her running mate, though there are others. Hes an excellent choice, and not just the safe choice, said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who said Kaine would also meet the chief requirement for the office, readiness to serve as president. Hes a balanced candidate with experience in every one of the boxes you want a president to have some prior experience in, added Rendell, who also served as DNC chairman at the end of Bill Clintons administration. Kaine has yet to campaign with Clinton, as Warren and others have in rather public auditions that give the presumptive nominee a chance to evaluate their chemistry. But if Clinton ultimately chooses Kaine, it will be the latest example of how well-executed political risks and good timing have played in his favor. In February 2007, barely more than a year into his term as governor, Kaine became the first statewide elected Democrat outside Illinois to endorse Obama over Clinton, then the clear front-runner in the Democratic primary. Obama had campaigned for Kaine, and the two Harvard Law School grads bonded over their mothers shared Kansas roots. In the 2008 race, Kaine admired Obamas pragmatism and message of change, former aides say, and also believed that he represented the partys best chance of turning Virginia, once reliably Republican, into a swing state. As vice president, Kaine could have represented a doubling down on Obamas change message, and he wouldve been a trusted ally in the White House, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe wrote in his book about the election, The Audacity to Win. But Obama and his advisors had concerns about Kaines lack of foreign policy experience, particularly with Obama himself facing questions about his readiness to be commander-in-chief. My sense is and you tell me if the research backs this up that Barack Hussein Obama is change enough for people, Obama said as he prepared to make a final decision, according to Plouffes account. But I think people will grow to really respect and appreciate Tim Kaine. Hes the wild card. Obama, of course, ultimately chose then-Sen. Joe Biden, long the leading candidate. Kaines aspirations after leaving the governors mansion were not political, those close to him say. His ideal job was university president. But soon after he was elected president, Obama asked Kaine to serve as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, a role he would balance with his duties as governor for the final year of his term. The experience connected him with a national network of donors as well as rank-and-file Democrats throughout the country. A former aide said he also made a point each week of speaking by phone with as many as a dozen volunteer organizers. Kaines time at the party headquarters coincided with major electoral setbacks the loss of his own seat and New Jerseys governorship in 2009 and ultimately the 2010 tea party wave that swept Republicans into the House majority. Early in 2011, another unexpected opportunity arose. First-term Democratic Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia surprised many by announcing he would not seek reelection. Obama was among those who quickly lobbied for Kaine to join the race. After one of the most expensive Senate races of the cycle, Kaine would earn more votes in his victory over former Gov. George Allen than Obama did in carrying the state a second time. Immediately after he arrived in the Senate, Kaine began to address the foreign policy shortcoming that Plouffe identified with two committee assignments he sought, on the armed services and foreign relations committees. He became a prominent voice calling for lawmakers to pass a new legislative mandate for using military force against the Islamic State, and at times was critical of the Obama administrations approach to the Syrian civil war. Kaine has proved to be a reliable Democratic vote on major issues. In 2013, he became the first senator to deliver an entire speech in Spanish, in support of bipartisan immigration reform legislation. Kaine learned the language while working with Jesuit missionaries in Honduras during a year off from law school, and his fluency would be an obvious asset on the campaign trail in appealing to Latino voters. Kaines Catholic faith has, like the current vice presidents, been a major factor in his public life. Last fall he wiped away tears as he watched Pope Francis, the first Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, address a joint meeting of Congress. He won the governorship in 2005 despite his opposition to the death penalty, a major campaign issue. And while he said he considers himself personally anti-abortion, he has voted to protect abortion rights. His personal view on abortion, and some instances of compromise with Republicans he worked with a GOP legislature while he was governor have been cited as potential strikes against him as a potential vice presidential pick, particularly as Clinton still faces resistance in her own party from supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who might be quicker to cheer Warren as a running mate. He also voted for legislation in 2015 that would help expedite consideration of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade pact, which is supported by President Obama but opposed by labor unions and progressive groups. Clinton has also said she doesnt support the deal. He wont be Elizabeth Warren, Rendell acknowledged. He wont be as biting. But Kaine has demonstrated a commitment to social justice that presaged the demands that Sanders backers have made of Democrats, such as his early work as a fair housing lawyer, said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), like Kaine an outspoken Obama backer in 08 who now serves the same role for Clinton. He has lived his life in a way that reflects those progressive values that I think that wing of our party is anxious to grab on to, she said. If they slow down long enough, if they get past a vote or two and look at who he is and how hes lived, I think theyll find a lot to like. Kaine has several attributes that could contribute to a campaign, McCaskill said, citing his ability to communicate, his policy knowledge, governing experience and even his optimism. While noting that some of her Senate colleagues are also potential vice presidential picks its like picking between my kids she added that Kaine would help project the image of Clinton that her campaign is pushing: the serious choice over the uncertainty they believe Donald Trump offers. If were going to have a grown-up team versus the crazy team, McCaskill said, he fits in nicely with the grown-ups. UPDATES: 12:51 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. This article was originally published at 12:02 p.m. Donald Trump again defied Republican orthodoxy during an event in a former factory in New Hampshire on Thursday, declaring that were better off paying a little bit more for consumer products if it means protecting American jobs. The goods will also be of a higher quality, Trump added. Were known for that. The comments came as Trump is building on the proposition that has surpassed immigration as his central campaign theme: that decades of trade pacts have depressed U.S. manufacturing and lowered wages. Advertisement Thursdays speech, which included questions from an invited audience, supplemented a more formal address Trump delivered earlier this week in which he threatened to end trade pacts and impose tariffs. The speech drew criticism from the Chamber of Commerce and other longtime stalwarts of the GOPs business wing, along with a lengthy rebuke from President Obama. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter Trump pushed back against their criticism Thursday, saying that he is in favor of free trade but that the U.S. has done a poor job of making deals. Yes, Im a free trader, Trump said. Heres my stance on trading: I want to make great deals for the United States, he said. Yet he also threatened to impose taxes of 35% on companies that ship jobs overseas, a step that would likely require congressional approval and one that would not fit the usual definition of free trade. The format exposed the risk Trump was taking in allowing unscripted questions, even though the event was restricted to invited guests. One member of the audience requested that more veterans get jobs in the Transportation Security Administration, making an offensive generalization about airport screening staff. Get rid of all these heeby-jobbies they wear, she said, an apparent reference to hijabs, or veils, worn by some Muslim women. Trump tried to cut her off we are looking at that though he did not contradict her. During his address, Trump argued that trade partners, including Mexico, have to believe America will walk away from a deal. If they ever thought we were going to withdraw, theyll give us everything we want, Trump said, dismissing concerns voiced by Hillary Clinton and others that such threats could fracture key strategic alliances. Trump, in response to a question from the audience, also urged Americans to buy more products that are manufactured domestically. Trump conceded he does a lot of business overseas, but did not mention that some Trump-branded products are manufactured abroad. The presumptive GOP nominee also made a joke about Mexico, a country that has been targeted in many of his immigration and trade proposals. Theyre getting ready to attack, he said, when a plane overhead interrupted his speech. Trump spent much of his speech discussing declining wages and job losses among the middle class, which he blamed squarely on the North American Free Trade Agreement and on Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization, both of which were supported by former President Bill and Hillary Clinton. While its true that manufacturing jobs have declined, other factors, including technology, have played a large role. This is a factory and the legacy really of Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton, Trump said, standing outside the former Osram Sylvania building in Manchester, which moved production to Mexico and China in 2014, laying off 139 workers. Trump also introduced a man who said he used work there and had to train people from Mexico to replace him. The real Clinton global initiative is their economic plan to ship Americas jobs overseas, Trump said, playing on the name of an arm of the Clintons charitable organization. Trump once again made a play for Bernie Sanders supporters, asserting that he agreed with Sanders on the ills of trade but could actually solve the problem. Trump alluded to his unusual mix of ideologies one of several reasons he is having trouble attracting support from Republican Party leaders during a radio interview on the nationally syndicated Mike Gallagher Show on Thursday. In some ways, its like Im running against two parties, he told the host. At the town hall, one of Trumps questioners in the audience weighed in on another concern that some conservatives have about Trump, asking him to publicly declare that he would adhere the the Constitution. 100%, Trump said, thanking the man for the question. noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman ALSO: Donald Trump vows in Rust Belt speech to punish China and end major trade deals Obama: Donald Trumps rhetoric is nativism. Or xenophobia. Or worse House Democrats mistakenly release transcript confirming big payout to Clinton friend Sidney Blumenthal Biden: Sanders is going to endorse Clinton Vice President Joe Biden is certain that Bernie Sanders will endorse Hillary Clinton. Oh Ive talked to Bernie. Bernies going to endorse her. This is going to work out, Biden told NPRs Rachel Martin in an interview that will air Sunday on Weekend Edition. Asked about Bidens statement Thursday evening, Sanders said he last spoke with the vice president three weeks ago and repeatedly demurred when asked about a potential endorsement. Look, on that issue, we are trying to work with Secretary Clintons campaign, he said during an interview on MSNBC, pointing to his goal to make the Democrats party platform more liberal on issues such as tuition-free public college and universal healthcare. He emphasized that his goal was to do everything in his power to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who he called a pathological liar who thinks climate change is a hoax, and has denigrated Latinos, women, African-Americans and Muslims. Pressed by host Chris Hayes about whether that included an endorsement and appearances with Clinton at rallies, Sanders again declined to answer directly. It is no great secret we are trying to do everything we can right now to make the Democratic platform the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic party, he said, adding that he wanted to be able to go back to the millions of supporters who voted for him and detail the concessions he obtained. I hope we can reach that goal. We are not there at this moment. Last week on MSNBC, Sanders answered yes to whether he will vote for Clinton in November. Hes since said that Clinton will have to adopt more of his positions to win over his voters. In an email Thursday afternoon, his campaign called on supporters to help bring Sanders delegates to Julys Democratic convention in Philadelphia to vote for a progressive platform. Read More The Palestinian health ministry said on Friday that a middle-aged man had died from tear gas fired by Israeli occupation forces during a clash in the occupied West Bank. "A man in his 50s died of tear gas asphyxiation after (Israeli) soldiers used tear gas against Palestinians at Qalandia," the ministry said in an Arabic-language post on its official Facebook page. "He arrived dead to Ramallah hospital," it said, without naming him. The man was identified by medical sources as Muhammad Mustafa Habash, from the Asira al-Shamaliya village in the northern occupied West Bank district of Nablus, Maan news agency reported. Habash was one of at least 40 Palestinians who suffered from severe tear gas inhalation during clashes that broke out at the Qalandiya checkpoint. It was the last Friday of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, when worshippers flock to Al-Aqsa for midday prayers. A mosque spokesman said that 280,000 attended and he expected more in the evening. Since the start of the wave of violence last October, Israeli occupation forces have killed at least 214 Palestinians. Meanwhile, daily stabbings, shootings and car-ramming attacks by frustrated and unarmed Palestinians have killed 33 Israelis. Search Keywords: Short link: California elections officials announced Thursday that 17 measures have earned a spot on the Nov. 8 statewide ballot, a bumper crop of voter choices ranging from marijuana legalization to repeal of the death penalty and even new workplace rules for actors in adult movies. It is the longest list of state propositions on a single ballot since March 2000, and could grow longer still as lawmakers consider placing three more measures on the ballot in August. Hardly anything on this ballot is boring, said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at UC San Diego who studies the initiative process. These are all hot-button issues, and ones that will generate big time advertising expenditures. Advertisement Four of the propositions earned a spot on the fall ballot with only hours to spare on Thursday, including two tax proposals and a sweeping prison proposal championed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Millions of Californians signed petitions to place the initiatives on the fall ballot, signatures collected on street corners and in shopping mall parking lots. Political consultants said this was one of the most challenging seasons for signature gathering in recent history, with some campaigns paying for-profit companies as much as $5 per voter signature. Secretary of State Alex Padilla finalized the list on Thursday, as required by law 131 days before an election. Get the latest news on whats happening in California politics Six of the 17 propositions seek to amend the state constitution. They include Browns effort to revamp the rules on parole from state prison, and a requirement that neither house of the Legislature pass any bill that hasnt been available for public review for at least three days. Nine measures will ask voters to enact new state laws, with proposals on everything from new background checks for buying ammunition to a $9-billion bond for school construction and modernization projects. Voters will consider, too, the merits of an effort to impose a cap on prescription drug prices paid by state healthcare officials that will be fought with an expensive opposition campaign by the pharmaceutical industry. The ballot also includes a referendum voters will choose to accept or reject a law that bans single-use plastic bags statewide. That law was signed by Brown in 2014 and will take effect only if voters cast a yes vote on the referendum. While some of the issues seem relatively simple on the surface, others will likely require voters to take a much deeper look. Its not only a very long ballot, its also a very complex ballot, said Beth Miller, a Republican political strategist. Miller, whose firm is working against a November initiative to raise tobacco taxes by $2 a pack, said the challenge for all ballot measure campaigns this fall is finding a way to cut through the political noise generated by as much as $500 million in total spending on TV commercials, mailers and other advertising. Its definitely going to be challenging for the campaigns to get voter attention, she said. Ballots loaded full of propositions were a staple of California elections as recently as the 1980s and 1990s, and were common, too, in the early years after the states initiative process was created in 1912. This falls statewide ballot could have been even longer, were it not for a 2014 state law that allowed initiative proponents to negotiate with the Legislature even after submitting enough signatures to qualify a measure. Bolstered by a successful initiative campaign, backers of a $15-an-hour minimum wage forced the governor and lawmakers to take similar action in March. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, said the historical average is 17 propositions, the same as now slated for November. I think theres pretty good evidence that voters make good decisions if they have the time, he said. Matsusakas research finds no significant evidence that voters facing a long ballot skip over some propositions a common fear among campaign consultants but rather that they simply seem to get angry at having to wade through a long list. The longer the ballot, every single proposition gets more no votes, he said. And a tight race on a long ballot could fail. While Thursday marked the official deadline, the fall ballot could potentially get even longer by the end of August. Three additional proposals are making their way through the Legislature: Two bond measures for housing and parks projects, and one effort to reclassify some property crimes as felonies, which supporters say would fix a 2014 initiative passed by voters. In a state Senate committee hearing on Wednesday to consider the proposed parks bond, lawmakers admitted that they worry about further expanding the panoply of propositions for the fall. Im having a real tough time saying, how do you add one more? asked state Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa). john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast ALSO: The fall ballot in California could be a $500 million battle Initiative to legalize marijuana qualifies for Californias November ballot Updates from Sacramento Updates on California politics An initiative that would raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $2 in California officially qualified for the Nov. 8 ballot on Thursday, setting the stage for another expensive battle between the tobacco industry and public health advocates. And because the proposed tax would also apply to electronic cigarette products, the vaping industry is also expected to join the fray. The Secretary of States Office said Thursday that a random sample of petitions turned in showed the initiative has met the 585,407-signature requirement to be on the ballot. Advertisement When California voters were asked to raise the cigarette tax in 2006, the tobacco industry spent $66.6 million and defeated the initiative, whose supporters spent $14 million. Californians currently pay 87 cents in state taxes per pack of cigarettes. In comparison, New Yorkers pay $4.35 a pack. The new initiative is backed by health groups including the California Medical Assn. and the California Assn. of Hospitals and Health Systems, which on Thursday donated $9 million to the initiative campaign committee. The campaign already had $4 million in the bank. The up to $1.6 billion raised annually by the tax would help pay for treatment of and research on cancer and other tobacco-related diseases. The campaign also includes the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Assn., the American Lung Assn. and the Service Employees International Union. It also has a wealthy patron in billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, whose mother died of cancer after decades of smoking. Steyer, a potential candidate for governor in 2018, has donated $1 million so far to the initiative. The tobacco industry addicts thousands of children in California every year, but in 2016 we can protect our children by voting for the Save Lives California initiative, Steyer said Thursday. David Sutton, as spokesman for tobacco giant Altria, said an opposition campaign committee has been formed. We oppose additional targeted taxes on tobacco and have established Stop the Special Interest Tax Grab regarding this initiative, Sutton said. A campaign against the initiative was promised Wednesdayby Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Assn., a trade group. He said reports by the Royal College of Physicians and Public Health in England have found vaping to be less hazardous than smoking. Its more clear than ever that taxing vaping like tobacco is terrible public policy, Conley said. California voters, including those who would otherwise support cigarette tax increases, should vote down this ballot measure in November. Californians currently pay 87 cents per pack of cigarettes in state taxes. In comparison, New Yorkers pay $4.35 a pack. The up to $1.6 billion raised annually by the tax would help pay for treatment of and research on cancer and other tobacco-related diseases. The campaign also includes the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Assn., the American Lung Assn. and the Service Employees International Union. Despite past failures to approve such a tax, supporters are confident this time. It has been beaten back 17 times in a row since the late 90s by the tobacco companies, but we know the public supports it and we believe we have a team together that can make the arguments so this time it goes through, Steyer said. When asked if he was willing to match the tobacco industry in spending, Steyer indicated it would not be necessary. In fights with organized economic interests the ability to actually match dollar for dollar is rarely available, Steyer said. I think the question is, will we be able to get our message out so Californians can hear it and they wont get confused by tobacco companies, and we believe we can. However, by expanding the tobacco tax initiative to also include vaping products, supporters are drawing a fight from a new group of opponents, including the Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Assn., which vowed it will fight any ballot initiative that seeks to equate or tax vapor products like cigarettes at the ballot box this November. patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com Follow @mcgreevy99 on Twitter ALSO From marijuana laws to paper bags, Californians could see up to 18 propositions on the November ballot Tom Steyer donates $1 million to California initiative to raise tobacco tax Updates from Sacramento Chalk up another first for the improbable 2016 presidential campaign: Not since the 1920s has the U.S. had an election in which neither major party candidate ran as a backer of free trade. The benefit of an ever-greater expansion of global trade was the orthodoxy of both parties in the decades after World War II, and it remains a central ideological stand for many Republicans even now. But the partys presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, made clear this week that opposition to existing and proposed trade agreements will join immigration restriction as one of the main elements of his campaign. Meantime, the presumptive Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, has shied away from advocating further trade agreements. Under pressure from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton said last fall that she would oppose the Obama administrations proposed Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, and she has talked up her votes against some trade agreements negotiated by the George W. Bush administration while she was a senator. 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. Advertisement THE BATTLE OVER TRADE As Noah Bierman and Don Lee reported, Trumps speech attacking trade put him at odds with some of the GOPs biggest constituencies. He spent the balance of the week denouncing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as being dominated by special interests roughly the equivalent of a Democratic candidate attacking the AFL-CIO. Trump continued the assault all week. At a speech in New Hampshire on Thursday, Bierman reported, he argued that Americans should pay a little bit more to buy goods manufactured domestically. Trumps position, much like the Brexit vote in Britain, offers proof that the post-war era of ever-greater globalization of commerce has hit a pause, at minimum, as Lee wrote. On one level, all this might seem extremely odd. The big changes in the U.S. caused by global trade and deindustrialization mostly happened decades ago. Pittsburgh, near where Trump spoke, long ago stopped being a symbol of Rust Belt decline. Its now a prosperous, post-industrial city with an unemployment rate of 4.6% below both the national and statewide averages. The debate over NAFTA, which Trump rails against, was a major issue of the early 1990s, and by nearly all accounts the trade pact has not had a huge impact on the overall U.S. economy one way or the other. The proposed TPP is more about countering Chinas rising influence in Asia than anything having to do with manufacturing. But on this and other issues, the 2016 campaign seems set to relitigate parts of the Bill Clinton presidency. In this campaign, trade has become a stand-in for other issues related to globalization. Its a way to connect to the sense of loss that many older, blue-collar voters feel about an era when manufacturing wages sufficed to provide a decent standard of living to men without college educations. Denouncing unfair trade also provides a nonracial way to talk about the discomfort many voters feel with a country whose population is growing browner. That undercurrent could be heard at Thursdays event when a Trump supporter asked him about getting rid of the women wearing heeby-jobbies working as screeners for the Transportation Security Administration. President Obama hit at that Wednesday, as Christi Parsons reported, saying that Trumps campaign had less to do with populism than with nativism. Or xenophobia. Or worse. Whether Trump can ride a combination of racial anxiety, nostalgia and blue-collar anger to victory, even in the former Rust Belt states, remains uncertain. So far, polls show him losing all the major battleground states, and his denunciation of business groups as special interests could alienate a significant chunk of GOP voters and donors even as it attracts some former Democrats. But this campaign almost certainly will accelerate the class shift in U.S. politics in which the GOP has increasingly become the home for white working class voters while the Democrats strengthen a coalition of minorities and college-educated whites. DONT FORGET THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE How does that shift affect the electoral map? See for yourself. You can play political strategist and try out as many scenarios as you like on our electoral map. THE VEEPSTAKES The weeks other running campaign story involved the running mates. Clinton began the week campaigning in Ohio with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who, as Mike Memoli reported, electrified a partisan crowd with her attacks on Trump. Just the day before, another person on the Clinton short list, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, was on a Sunday morning interview show joking that, yes, I am boring, but boring is the fastest growing demographic in this country. Electrifying versus boring: Which way will Clinton go? If Clinton were trailing in the polls, Warrens charisma and appeal to the partys left might seem irresistible. But shes not trailing. As Memoli reported in his profile of the senator, Obama seriously considered Kaine eight years ago before settling on Joe Biden, in part because of Bidens experience with foreign policy. Since then, Kaine has spent four years in the Senate focusing heavily on foreign affairs, adding to a resume that already includes popular governor of a key swing state and chair of the Democratic Party. And did I say he speaks fluent Spanish and is a former missionary? The day before her campaign stop with Warren, Clinton made a speech to the nations mayors in which she talked up her qualities of steady leadership and pragmatic problem solving. Mayors understand the importance of that, she noted. Kaine is the former mayor of Richmond. While Clinton was making that speech, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was refusing to say whether he thought Trump was qualified to be president. Trump, of course, hates boring. As the Washington Post first reported, hes seriously vetting New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich along with several lesser-known GOP figures. CONDOS, INDIAN TRIBES AND SUPER PACS Inevitably, as a person becomes a presidential candidate, scrutiny of his or her record increases. This week, my colleagues reported on two illustrative incidents in Trumps career: Michael Finnegan looked at what happened when hundreds of people plunked down their savings to buy condos in a Trump-connected development in Baja California, and Joe Tanfani examined Trumps covert battle against the Mohawk Indian tribe, which wanted to open a casino a couple of hours drive from New York City. Meantime, Lisa Mascaro took a hard look at the motley crew of super PACs competing to cash in on the Trump phenomenon and, perhaps, help him out along the way. So far, they may be raising more discord than money. All that, plus the polls which, on average, show Clinton about seven points ahead nationwide, continue to make many Republicans wish for a different nominee. But as Melanie Mason reported, the Dump Trump movement faces many hurdles, despite the efforts by some GOP convention delegates to push ahead with it. EMAILS, BENGHAZI AND REINTRODUCTION Clinton has her own headaches to deal with. Most prominent is the continued investigation into her email practices while secretary of State. On Monday evening, Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch spent a half-hour chatting with Bill Clinton on her plane while both were at the airport in Phoenix. The attorney general insisted the meeting was merely a social call, a courtesy to the gregarious former president who wanted to say hello, but the incident brought bipartisan criticism. By Friday, as Del Wilber reported, Lynch was making an official statement to confirm what would have been inevitable even if the meeting had never taken place she wont overrule whatever recommendation she gets from career prosecutors and FBI officials regarding the email case. The email saga got its start as a side issue in the House Benghazi investigation. Republicans can count that as a significant win because it has shadowed Clintons campaign ever since the story became public more than a year ago. The Benghazi probe came to an official end this week, as Evan Halper reported, with Republicans criticizing various Obama administration officials, but not finding any new evidence of wrongdoing by Clinton. Democrats on the committee did, inadvertently, generate some news of their own, disclosing the hefty pay that Clinton crony Sid Blumenthal has collected from various political committees connected to her. As Cathy Decker noted, Clinton keeps trying to look to the future and brush aside the past, but theres a lot of past out there. Thats a big reason why the Clinton campaign is spending much of its advertising budget right now on TV spots designed to improve her image with voters in swing states. As Memoli reported, its an approach directly out of Bill Clintons 1992 campaign playbook. 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. WHAT WERE READING If you want to know more about how the bases of the two parties have shifted, theres no better source than Ron Brownstein, who takes another deep dive into the class inversion in his column in the Atlantic. LOGISTICS If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up. That wraps up this week. My colleagues will be back Tuesday 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. During a heated meeting packed with teachers who opposed the Burbank school boards proposed choice for the districts next superintendent, the board made the hire in a 4-0 vote Thursday, but not before longtime board member and retired teacher Dave Kemp submitted his immediate resignation and walked out of City Council chambers, saying he was ashamed of the teachers behavior. Matt Hill, who replaces current Supt. Jan Britz, will begin his new post on July 1. Many teachers, along with parents, who filled council chambers Thursday night, spoke against Hills hiring, in part because he does not have any teaching experience or credentials. They also pointed to his role in a $130-million implementation of a student management system that failed at Los Angeles Unified, where he had two years remaining on his contract as LAUSDs chief strategy officer. I can hardly tell you how disappointed I am in the board tonight for putting us and the community in this position, said Lori Adams, president of the Burbank Teachers Assn. during the public comment portion of the meeting. She encouraged board members to continue their search for an experienced superintendent to guide the 15,000-student district, winning applause from fellow teachers. A few days earlier, the teachers union asked the L.A. County district attorneys office to look into possible violations of the states open meeting law, the Brown Act, regarding the potential hiring of Hill as the new superintendent. District officials reported that Hill had been selected as a finalist for the position on March 15, but nothing was reported out of closed session from that days meeting. Public officials are allowed to discuss certain matters behind closed doors including personnel matters but votes are required to be reported in the open afterward. Under the Brown Act, actions taken in violation of the law are voided. In response to the unions allegations, school board member Larry Applebaum said the district has been overly transparent and when two former superintendents, Greg Bowman and Stan Carrizosa, were hired, their contracts were not made public until the meeting where they were offered a job. During the meeting on Thursday night, Burbank High teacher Diana Abasta said Hills contract, which includes a $241,000 base salary, was an insult. I have never been so disheartened, she told the board. And you make me feel that its not good enough to be a teacher because you can bring someone in without any experience. Many also had issue with Hills salary, which totals about $36,000 more than what is paid to Britz, who took the districts helm in 2012 and whose salary was raised to $205,000 last year from $190,000. This is one of those times I feel you guys are making a serious mistake, high school teacher Jerry Mullady said. Also in the audience was a Burbank police officer in uniform, which is not typical during Burbank school board meetings. A few people pleaded with the board to hold off on voting until two newly elected board members Steve Ferguson and Armond Aghakhanian, who are expected to take their oath of office in early May have time to weigh in on the hiring process. The current board, however, began deliberating over the next superintendent in November after Britz announced in October she would retire at the end of this school year, following 40 years in education and about a decade at Burbank Unified. Common Cores all about evidence and argument, said Burroughs High teacher, Jill Sullivan. Make your case. What has Mr. Hill done that is so special to you? However, before they offered their insight, Kemp, a board member for 12 years and a teacher in the district for many more years, stepped down from the dais and walked up to the podium as the teachers had, speaking during the public comment session not as a board member, he said, but as a citizen. Because Kemp did not seek reelection this year, the night was his final meeting as a board member, along with board member Ted Bunch, who also did not seek reelection. I am absolutely appalled and ashamed by [this] mob mentality, Kemp said during his seven-minute address to the teachers. This is unsuitable. And I am so unhappy that so many of my former colleagues decided how Im going to vote on this situation, he said, adding that hes been raked over the coals over Hills potential hire. Even so, as he did during Tuesdays three-hour public forum with Hill, Kemp spoke in support of Hill, 38, describing him as a terrific young man. Im so ashamed of the people I always thought were such good friends and former colleagues that meant so much to me, that at this time, I can no longer be a part of this. Im tendering my resignation to Dr. Britz, he said. He then picked up his belongings, handed Britz a yellow slip of paper and walked out of the chambers. Shortly after, school board President Roberta Reynolds called for a brief break, and within 10 minutes, the meeting resumed without Kemp for additional public comments. Then Ted Bunch, who has also served on the board for a dozen years, said he empathized with Kemps reaction. He feels betrayed by you, he said. I can understand why Dave saidthe hell with it and walked out. You have no confidence in us. You listen to what the union says, and you eat it up like its steak. Fellow board members went on to offer their insight into choosing Hill as a finalist after a national search that brought the board a total of 18 candidates, which they whittled down to five to interview. If you think that I have not spent dozens and dozens and dozens of hours going through binders this thick of peoples qualifications, doing due diligence and doing vetting I didnt just leave it to a search firm to do it, board member Applebaum said. I want somebody whos going to lead the entire district to greatness. I believe Mr. Hill could. Fellow school board member Charlene Tabet said she was looking for a leader who wasnt just what weve always had, adding that Hill made me feel I needed to be a better board member if he was going to be our superintendent. Tabet said she thinks Hill could facilitate employees growth as well. Out of the candidate pool, Reynolds said Hill stood out with something different than the others. And honestly, I dont think Ive slept for four weeks because the decision is that important, she said. Board members noted that Hill would have a three-year contract and no cellphone or auto stipend, but they did not elaborate on their reasoning for setting Hills salary at $241,000. After casting their vote approving his hire, the school board invited Hill to take the podium, at which point before he began speaking Adams and dozens of others, many of them teachers, abruptly left the chambers, leaving about 25 people who stayed. Tonight, even though its so difficult to have this experience, it means something that I knew when I started researching Burbank, Hill said. Every single person in this room tonight, and probably at home, has a deep conviction and passion for students. And this work is so challenging that we get emotional. Its personal, and it should be because its every single one of our responsibilities to help those children. Hill recalled that when he first met Kemp, he said Kemp told him he wouldnt vote for him because teachers and others stated in early feedback that they wanted the next district chief to have been a teacher and a superintendent. But you know what he did? What we should do for every single human being? He said, Theres something in you that I believe in. Im going to hear you out. Im going to listen. Im going to give you a chance, Hill said. I didnt know how he was going to vote today. He told me initially he wasnt going to vote for me. Maybe he would have, maybe he wouldnt. I dont know, Hill added. The biggest disappointment I had today, and well move on from it we have to make sure that we do something different as a community, is we give every student and every adult an opportunity, and when they fail, we pick them up together. I am here to help, to lead, to serve, and I want to thank the board for seeing whats in me and helping me realize the leader I can be. The board continued with its regular meeting, and adjourned about 12:15 a.m. -- Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com Twitter: @kellymcorrigan Laguna Beach City Council members agreed Tuesday that they still wanted voters to decide whether medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed in the city. The issue came to the fore in April, when the council learned authors of a petition that would repeal the citys current ban on dispensaries gathered enough signatures to place the matter on the November ballot. Since then, the city has wrestled with how to respond. In May, the council suggested that staff craft two possible competing measures, including one that would maintain the status quo of no dispensaries. Advertisement In a 4-0 vote Tuesday, the council directed staff to return July 26 with a competing ballot measure calling for a city ordinance regarding dispensaries to counter an initiative sponsored by Laguna Beach residents Corey Aufhammer and Emily Toomey that could allow two businesses in town. Join the conversation on Facebook >> The authors of the initiative, who want to remain anonymous, want a local source of medical cannabis so residents dont have to go outside city limits, Charnel James, their attorney, told the Coastline Pilot earlier this year. The city has until Aug. 12 to submit a measure to qualify for the November ballot. The council on Tuesday veered from Laguna Beach Police Chief Laura Farinellas suggestion to not develop a competing ballot measure. Farinella said she did not want to confuse voters with more than one option, and instead favored educating the community on language within the sponsored initiative. A majority of speakers favored a competing measure, hailing medicinal marijuana as an ally in helping patients cope with chronic health conditions. Every day there is news about what an incredible invention cannabis is in things like childrens seizures, glaucoma, [post-traumatic stress disorder], sleep disorder..., said Billy Fried, owner of La Vida Laguna, a company that offers outdoor recreational activities. Resident Matt Lawson favored a competing measure, but one that maintains the existing dispensary ban. Were dealing with people who are trying to promote the sale of a schedule 1 narcotic, Lawson said. They are no different than heroin dealers. On Tuesday the secretary of states office confirmed a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana throughout California qualified for the ballot. The city outlawed medical marijuana dispensaries in 2009, and in January the council banned commercial cultivation and large-scale deliveries of the drug. Patients and caregivers are still allowed to pick up doctors prescriptions for marijuana, often used as a cancer treatment, that are filled outside of Laguna and bring them into the city. Under the initiative, businesses would only be allowed in commercial zones and could not abut residential areas or be less than 1,000 feet from public or private schools. The citys finance director would screen all applicants and determine whether to issue licenses, according to the initiative, available on the April 12 City Council meeting agenda on the citys website. Operators could be refused a license if they had been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor within the last 10 years, or had a prior medical marijuana business license revoked within two years of filing their applications with Laguna. The proposed rules contain flaws, Farinella said Wednesday, suggesting prospective business owners prove they could operate for at least a year without additional revenue. Owners should also be subject to a more thorough vetting process, including Planning Commission and City Council review, Farinella said. Aufhammer did not return a message seeking comment. The citys measure would include a provision allowing the council to modify the ordinance, if adopted, without voter approval. Farinella indicated Wednesday the citys measure could propose one dispensary instead of two. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers marijuana and heroin among the most dangerous drugs...with severe psychological or physical dependence, according to the organizations website. -- Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce Balboa Island resident Bob McCaffrey made public allegations this week that Newport Beach City Council candidate Jeff Herdman is ineligible to run in the November election because of his service on a city advisory board. Herdman, a longtime Balboa Island resident, is bidding to replace termed-out Councilman Ed Selich representing District 5, which includes the island, Newport Center and a portion of Big Canyon. Also vying for the seat are community activist Mike Glenn and Lee Lowrey, a local businessman known for raising money for political campaigns. Herdman is on the Civil Service Board, which advises the council on personnel matters, conducts appeal hearings for city employees in disciplinary matters and launches investigations of personnel claims by city employees covered by a public safety union. McCaffrey alleges that, under the city charter, Herdmans position on the board prohibits him from serving on the City Council. Herdman was appointed to the board in 2014 and his term expires in June 2018. McCaffrey said the issue at hand is outlined in Section 710 of the charter, which states that the Civil Service Board shall consist of five members, none of whom while a member of the board, or for a period of one year after [he] has ceased for any reason to be a member, shall occupy or be eligible for appointment to any salaried office or employment in service of the city. The provisions aim is to curb conflicts of interest while ruling on employee matters, according to McCaffrey. A council member receives $1,274 in monthly compensation, while the mayor receives $1,808 per month, according to city documents. Whether that money is a salary or a stipend is a point of contention. McCaffrey said he believes a council position is a salaried office and interprets the charter to mean Herdman cannot serve on the council. Herdman should fold his tent now and not embarrass himself with a long and expensive legal battle, McCaffrey wrote in a news release. Herdman disagrees, saying the money paid to council members is reimbursement for expenses incurred. He said he has hired a lawyer to research case law and write a letter to the city clerk showing court decisions that back his stance. It is clear to me that the tactics being employed by the opposition are forms of harassment that have resulted in my having to take time away from the campaign to deal with them, to cause me to have to spend money on legal advice and to discourage me from running for an office that I have every right to compete in, Herdman said. I think it is critical that my supporters and the community be aware of the tactics being used by the opposition against my campaign. Selich said he believes the charter section was intended to prohibit Civil Service Board members from becoming permanent city employees not elected council members for a year after they have served on the board. I think some people are making the argument that because the City Council is part of the CalPERS pension and receives health benefits that it de facto makes them a salaried employee, Selich said. The next big question is who is going to be the one to interpret it. City Atty. Aaron Harp declined to comment, saying he would not be the one to make the determination. City Clerk Leilani Brown said she is looking into the issue. This isnt the first time McCaffrey and Herdman have bumped heads. McCaffrey is the chairman of a political action committee known as Residents for Reform, which supported Team Newport, a slate of council candidates consisting of Diane Dixon, Kevin Muldoon, Scott Peotter and Marshall Duffy Duffield, who swept the four available seats in the 2014 election and now constitute the council majority. McCaffrey donated funds to the slate. McCaffrey said he intends to support Lowrey for District 5 in November. Herdman has been critical of Peotter, Muldoon and Duffield since they were elected. In April 2015, Herdman sent a letter to the California Fair Political Practices Commission alleging that a campaign contribution Peotter received violated the Political Reform Act and city code. Peotter denied wrongdoing. Herdman also has suggested in published letters to the Daily Pilot that the city should request that the FPPC conduct a full audit of all the candidates in the 2014 election to examine their independent expenditures, slate mail committees and other expenditures spent to influence the election. Last November, McCaffrey filed a complaint with the FPPC against Herdman, alleging that he failed to submit a mandatory form before soliciting and accepting campaign donations. Herdman denied violating the law. To some, the tension between the two Balboa Island residents highlights the changing demeanor in Newport Beach politics. Politics seem to have become more contentious and based in ideology, Selich said. Weve never had all this FPPC stuff going on. All of this really doesnt have anything to do with whats important in the community. -- Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN A judge Thursday declined to rescind a preliminary injunction against a proposal to redevelop the Costa Mesa Motor Inn into luxury apartments, a ruling an attorney for the city called a speed bump but by no means the end of the road in the case. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert OBrien determined that issues raised by the city of Costa Mesa and Motor Inn owner Miracle Mile Properties werent compelling enough for him to quash or adjust the injunction that he handed down last week. The injunction calls for Costa Mesa to adopt and implement a valid replacement housing and relocation assistance program for people who live at the Motor Inn. I think the order is very clear, OBrien said during a brief hearing Thursday at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. The injunction effectively prevents Miracle Mile from moving ahead with plans to develop 224 high-end apartments at 2277 Harbor Blvd., where the 236-room motel currently sits. But nothing in the judges order bars Miracle Mile from continuing efforts to relocate tenants ahead of demolishing the motel. OBriens ruling cited state law, including Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, part of which states, A public entity shall not participate in or undertake a project that will displace individuals from their homes unless comparable replacement dwellings will be available within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement. The Costa Mesa City Council approved the redevelopment proposal in November. Julian Burns, an attorney who represents the Kennedy Commission, an affordable-housing advocacy group based in Irvine that joined some residents of the Motor Inn in a lawsuit against the project, said Thursday that todays ruling only confirms that the injunction will continue to stand until the case is resolved or the city complies with the law. Allison Burns, an attorney representing the city, said, We have a speed bump on our path. But, she added, this is merely a preliminary ruling and we look forward to the trial on the merits of the lawsuit. The new development will have to wait a short while while we get this matter resolved, she said. But in the interim, the property owner can continue to proceed as a landlord. Miracle Mile previously agreed to provide relocation assistance packages worth about $5,500 to long-term motel residents. The company also has set aside an additional $200,000 that nonprofits can use to assist tenants. The language of the preliminary injunction was submitted to the court by the plaintiffs attorneys and signed by OBrien last week. Attorneys for the city and Miracle Mile said the plaintiffs counsel violated court rules by not giving them the proposed order before filing it or working with them to craft its wording. At a June 10 hearing on the plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction, OBrien ruled that the plaintiffs lawyers had to work with attorneys for the city and Miracle Mile to craft the language of the order and submit it to them before filing it with the court, according to court documents provided by Allison Burns. The city is disappointed that the Kennedy Commission and its lawyers chose to break the law and violate both the courts June 10 order and the California Rules of Court by filing their proposed order directly with the court instead of lodging it with the city first for review, Allison Burns said. The language of the order itself, she added, goes beyond existing California law in several respects that we will, of course, be arguing vigorously at the trial. Ellia Thompson, a lawyer who represents Miracle Mile, said in an interview earlier this week that the injunction would be entirely new law. This is not a public project; it is not a public program; theres no partnership between the city and the private developer, she said. There is nothing that would trigger a relocation assistance program. But such arguments failed to sway OBrien. The injunction states, in part, that the Kennedy Commission and motel residents are likely to succeed on the merits of their claim under the California Relocation Assistance Act. For years in California, those whose displacement is instigated by local government have been entitled to relocation assistance, Julian Burns said. The Motor Inn project falls into that category, she said. Costa Mesa solicited Miracle Miles proposal, shepherded it through the approval process and ultimately approved it, she said. The citys involvement is well-documented. Aside from the Relocation Assistance Act claim, OBrien previously determined that the plaintiffs are unlikely to prevail on other issues raised in their lawsuit, according to Allison Burns. Among those is an assertion that the apartment plan violatesstate law because the city granted a density incentive for the project without requiring low-income units. Also deemed unlikely to pass muster are allegations of discrimination and a claim that approvals for the project are inconsistent with Costa Mesas general plan, Allison Burns said. That doesnt mean those issues cant be brought up in court. We will absolutely continue to pursue them, Julian Burns said. Were only at the preliminary relief stage and the evidence is strong. -- Luke Money, lucas.money@latimes.com Twitter: @LukeMMoney A team of first-time candidates has emerged to run for three of the seven seats on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education that are up for general election this November. Coordinating their campaigns under the banner, A Better Choice, the three challengers Michael Schwarzmann, Amy Peters and Leslie Bubb recently held a kick-off event intended to introduce themselves to the community and begin the grinding process of raising the tens of thousands of dollars that will be necessary for each candidate to run their campaigns. I showed up to observe and hear what they had to say. All three of the new candidates have children in Newport-Mesa schools, and all have served in various voluntary roles that have informed their views about district policies and procedures. In comments to their potential supporters, they all professed to be motivated by their dissatisfaction with the current board and presented themselves as change agents ready to shake up the status quo. Im running because of frustration, said Schwarzmann, a lawyer and financial advisor. Decisions are being made in a room in secret. I would like to see a board that really listens to our teachers and principals, because they are the boots on the ground, said Bubb, who has a background in education. Join the conversation on Facebook >> The candidates who are running for the seats currently occupied by Martha Fluor, Vicki Snell and board President Dana Black also expressed support for term limits. Peters noted that some board members have been on the board for more than two decades. In so many ways the district is out of touch, she said. The candidates were warmly greeted by the dozens of attendees most presumably parents of school-aged children during the event at a private Newport Beach home. Nonetheless, the Better Choice trio have their work cut out. Challengers always face an uphill battle. The candidate filing deadline isnt until mid-August, but if the incumbents that are nearing the end of their terms choose to run again theyll likely be tough to beat. So the big question for this election will be: Is the dissatisfaction with the current board widespread enough to lead to some upsets this November? Certainly, the district has has faced a number of controversies in the past few years that some parents and others in the community believe reflect badly on the current boards leadership and lend credence to the argument that its time for some fresh new faces. Among those controversies is the legal battle ensuing against the district and Supt. Fred Navarro by John Caldecott, the former Newport-Mesa human resources director. Caldecott, in court filings, has accused the administration of improper salary reporting and a hostile work environment. He has also been vocal regarding his disappointment with what he sees as a board that is far too willing to abrogate its oversight role and unquestioningly comply with decisions by top administrators. Two other former employees, Ann Huntington, who was an assistant superintendent, and Laura Boss, the onetime communications director, have also filed a lawsuit against the district, taking issue with Navarros management style. In their lawsuit, Huntington and Boss claim that a formal complaint that they and Caldecott made in October 2014, describing a toxic work environment, was not investigated and was summarily denied by the board. They also accused the board of a silence-the-messenger approach. Also recently, another dispute has surfaced involving some teachers at Mariners Elementary, who claimed that the schools administration made inaccurate or exaggerated statements about school programs and capabilities in a Gold Ribbon Award application to the California Department of Education. One of the teachers who addressed the board at a recent meeting said that the staff members who complained about the alleged discrepancies were told to remain silent. The Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers filed a formal complaint over the Mariners matter. A district official reportedly told the Daily Pilot that a private investigations firm has been retained to examine the claims made in the complaint, and that the district will respond to the allegations after the investigation is complete. Even so, some critics see the whole affair as indicative of a district culture more attuned to handing out awards than making meaningful progress toward improving educational outcomes. I heard enough rumblings about the Mariners situation and other school issues at the new-candidate launch to realize that at least some voters will be sympathetic to the idea that a change at the board of education would be a healthy development for the district. Words like accountability and transparency were used frequently by the candidates and their supporters, and I have no doubt theyll be repeated again and again between now and November. While its far too early to say whether the Better Choice teams attempt to shake things up on Bear Street will prove successful, the energy behind their joint campaign will be hard to dismiss. It looks as if were headed into an interesting and lively election season that will give voters plenty to think about before heading to the polls. -- PATRICE APODACA is a former Newport-Mesa public school parent and former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She lives in Newport Beach. Any SoCal art fancier should be familiar with the work of Sam Francis. The West Coast natives floating paint modules charmed France in the early 1950s; he was the first Abstract Expressionist working on the Continent. He forged a distinctly individual painting oeuvre, and to dismiss him is akin to some kind of civic shame. His canvases are a major part of postwar art vernacular, yet few know that Francis worked concurrently on paper. Thats why the Norton Simons new Drawing, Dreaming and Desire: Works on Paper by Sam Francis show (through July 25) is a small collection of revelations. Francis (1927-2005) was in his late teens when service in the Army Air Corps was cut short by serious injury. He began painting during a four-year hospitalization. On release, he studied art, earning his MFA at U.C. Berkeley. Francis went to Paris and found favor with critics and collectors. His organic shapes bursts of color float suspended on the canvas. The New York action painters used dark, foreboding color to self-consciously formulate an American style of painting. Francis splashed and swirled bright colors often on white grounds with carefree, joyous brushstrokes. His New York brethren huddled to drink, argue and sometimes fight at the Cedar Bar; the affable Francis befriended French cognoscenti. Critic Georges Duthuis, married to Henri Matisses daughter, gave him rare firsthand access to Matisses work. Francis cheerfully admitted to the influence of Claude Monet, Pierre Bonnard and Japanese painting. Though responsible for the Simons 14th- and 15th-century collection, curator Gloria Sanders Williams loves modern and contemporary art. She speculates as to why the French collectors and museum buyers took to Francis. I think, she says from her office, it was because of his bright colors and the playfulness of his painting. He was open and willing to be a friend, and to be mentored. She notes the Francis connection to the Pasadena Museum of Art the Simons first incarnation. He was good friends with director Walter Hopps, she points out. He donated work and Walter consulted him; Francis was a real presence in the Museums galleries. The Sam Francis Foundation donated the ink and paint drawings in the show in 2012. This is their first public showing. NEWSLETTER: Get the latest headlines from the 818 straight to your inbox >> Francis relapsed and he spent most of 61 in a Swiss hospital. The periods of convalescence lent themselves to the quick, improvisational sketches. They are all erotic studies. Like Matisse, he could shorthand the figure with a few elegant lines. The drawings have a quality reminiscent of the brushwork of Zen monks, with curving strokes that enmesh and butt right against the edges of the picture planes. They intimate copulation more by implication than diagram. A display case shows three antique Japanese shunga books, with elaborate graphic coital depictions. Francis collected those Japanese pillow pictures, Williams advises. Matisse did too and you could find them in some high-end Paris bookstores of the early 20th Century. You look at the animated, calligraphic quality of those couples and you can see how it relates to Francis wrestling figures. The line drawings of the 50s are black pen-and-ink; the later pieces from the 60s and 80s are painted with a brush. If one color predominates, its Francis signature cobalt blue. The French painters were important to him, says Williams, especially Matisses cutouts. I think those bright colors percolated through Sams paintings, informing his sense of color. Remember Matisse did the cutouts in 1952, not too long before Francis saw them. We didnt know about these drawings until the foundation gave them to us, says Williams. Theyre intimate and dream-like, playing into his study of Carl Jung. He was very sympathetic to anima Jungs idea of the female impact on creativity. -- What: Drawing, Dreaming and Desire: Works on Paper by Sam Francis Where: Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena When: Through July 25. Closed Tuesdays. More info: (626) 449-6840, www.nortonsimon.org -- KIRK SILSBEE writes about jazz and culture for Marquee. -- ALSO: Dining Review: 2 takeout spots spice things up Orthodox Jewish sisters fashionable designs stitch up social-media interest Dining Review: Trattoria Allegria picks up speed on the basis of its founders earlier success Horace Mann Elementary School will get a new playground this month, one that has features suggested by its students. The new play area will replace the schools former metal climbing dome that was about 30 years old, said Rosa Alonso, the schools principal, as well as another 20-year-old apparatus that had monkey bars, but no slide. The kids really wanted slides, Alonso said, so the new playground has slides. Glendale school officials started talking about installing a new play area at Horace Mann when a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit called KaBOOM! approached the school district last year about getting rid of the old one. The organization works to upgrade or build new playgrounds in low-income areas, while also engaging community partners for support by financing part of them and contributing volunteer hours to build them. In this case, KaBOOM! secured the Walt Disney Co. as a financial backer, and about 150 Disney employees, alongside school officials and Horace Mann parents, will volunteer on July 14 to install the new playground. Glendale Unified agreed to cover $175,000 of the total $300,000 cost. The Glendale Educational Foundation, along with the Horace Mann community, pitched in nearly $10,000, while Disney contributed the remaining amount. At Horace Mann, 92% of students came from low-income households during the 2014-15 school year, making them eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, according to the latest data available from the California Department of Education. The schools demographics led KaBOOM! to coordinate support for a new playground, said Susan Hunt, executive director of the Glendale Educational Foundation, who showed the organizations board members renderings of the new play area last week. The concept for the new playground was designed by Lewisburg, Pa.-based Playworld, but only after Horace Mann students took pencil to paper to draw what they wanted in a new play area during a meeting at the school, where parents weighed in on the design, as well, Alonso said. When Disney volunteers and parents show up to install the playground later this month, members of the Glendale Kiwanis Club plan to grill hamburgers and hot dogs to serve to them. The installation is expected to begin at 8 a.m. and be complete by 2 p.m. The collaboration of community partners, parents and educators to bring a new playground to a Glendale school is new for both Hunt and Alonso. Everybody working together for the common purpose of extending this opportunity for our students this is an awesome experience, Alonso said. -- Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com Twitter: @kellymcorrigan -- MORE EDUCATION College View School hosts its 10th annual car wash to raise money for field trips Glendale Unifieds pilot program for students with autism gets high marks After Glendale parents weigh in on school year start date, GUSD to bring requests to teachers union Israel is to reduce the amount of tax funds transferred monthly to the Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday, as part of a measures following attacks. "Netanyahu has ordered that the entire amount of support for terrorists and their families be deducted from the tax revenues that Israel transfers monthly to the Palestinian Authority," his office said. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: With a little more than four months before residents head to the polls to vote on state initiatives, Glendale school board members are trying to decide which propositions they will support amid concerns that two measures aiming to benefit schools may compete for voters approval. One proposition, the California Public Education Facilities Bond Initiative, asks voters to give the state approval to issue $9 billion in bond funds to modernize and construct new school facilities in elementary and secondary schools as well as community colleges. Meanwhile, the Childrens Education and Healthcare Protection Act of 2016 would extend Proposition 30s temporary income-tax increase on wealthy residents for 12 more years. Voters approval of the latter proposition would give K-12 schools and community colleges access to an estimated $11 billion more per year. Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on your community>> The revenue would come from Californias wealthiest individual taxpayers who earn more than $250,000 per year or from couples who bring in more than $500,000 annually, and would be collected between 2019 and 2030. During a recent meeting, school board members were expected to vote on a resolution supporting the state bond initiative, but they pulled the item and discussed possibly voting to support both initiatives closer to election day. Both measures are supported by the California School Board Assn., said Robert McEntire, chief business and financial officer of Glendale Unified. A recent poll of about 1,700 California voters indicated that the two propositions do not compete against each other, he said. While board members said they value both initiatives, the income-tax extension emerged as the priority if they were forced to back only one because those funds end up in Glendale Unifieds general fund. If we had to give weight to one over the other, personally, Im a lot more concerned about the status of our ongoing general fund, said school board member Christine Walters. The [proposition] 30, to me, would be much more detrimental, should it not be extended. That being said, we have a huge facilities campaign. Theres a dire need for that as well. Glendale Unified Supt. Winfred Roberson Jr. told board members that staff would bring back both resolutions for the boards consideration in September. Board members Greg Krikorian and Armina Gharpetian liked the idea of backing both propositions. I think its important we support both, Krikorian said. They both help our district. However, if forced to choose one over the other, school board member Nayiri Nahabedian, said: I need to go with the Prop. 30 extension. -- Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com Twitter: @kellymcorrigan MORE EDUCATION College View School hosts its 10th annual car wash to raise money for field trips Glendale Unifieds pilot program for students with autism gets high marks After Glendale parents weigh in on school year start date, GUSD to bring requests to teachers union La Canada High School social science teacher Sean Mispagel has been named La Canada Unified School Districts 2015-16 Teacher of the Year. Supt. Wendy Sinnette announced Mispagels selection Tuesday during a regular meeting of the LCUSD Governing Board. I feel most fortunate to be able to grant this honor it is so well deserved, Sinnette said of Mispagel, who came to the district 16 years ago and has since taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He is one of our go-to faculty members, and its been that way since 2000. Mispagel started teaching at Paradise Canyon Elementary School, where he gained fond memories of taking students on the annual history trip to Valley Forge, Pa. In 2008, he moved to La Canada High School 7/8, where he taught seventh-grade Asian history. My son loved your class, Board President David Sagal said. You opened his eyes to the world. Just last year, Mispagel joined the LCHS 9-12 teaching staff. He earned a political science degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1993, later returning there for his advanced degree and teaching credential. On Tuesday, he thanked the board for recognizing his work. I really enjoy teaching all the kids, said the teacher, who was joined at the meeting by several family members. Its been a pleasure. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine The week that changed the world, as President Nixon called his historic 1972 trip to China, was a step in normalizing relations with the communist nation. The seven-day visit marked the first time a U.S. president had visited the Peoples Republic of China, and it ended 25 years of separation between the countries. This moment in diplomatic relations is being recognized at South Coast Plaza in an exhibition that also celebrates Chinese art and culture. It is being presented by the Costa Mesa shopping center, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum and renowned arts institutions including Carnegie Hall and The Getty. Advertisement The Week That Changed The World: Nixon, China and the Arts will be on display through Aug. 18 at South Coast Plazas Jewel Court. The 2,300-square-foot multimedia exhibition features a yin yang circular design displaying photos and videos from Nixons trip along with information about Chinese arts, culture, music and theater. Were trying to tell a story, said Bill Baribault, president of the Richard Nixon Foundation during a private preview June 23. While the permanent galleries of the library and museum in Yorba Linda are being renovated, visitors will have the opportunity to see at the exhibition what will be featured at the new Nixon library, which will open to the public Oct. 14. The private preview launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony and performers dressed in traditional Chinese garb walking on stilts. Liu Jian, Chinas consul general in Los Angeles, remarked that the interactive exhibit reflected a new history that developed half a century ago. Robert Sun, chairman of the Los Angeles-based trade group the American-Chinese CEO Society, said, This visit made a change for the world, and without that, people like us would not be here, Sun said. For more information, call (714) 435-2000 or visit southcoastplaza.com. -- Kathleen Luppi, kathleen.luppi@latimes.com Twitter: @KathleenLuppi Shortly after 2 a.m. on June 3, 1991, 23-year-old Denise Huber was driving home from a Morrissey concert in Inglewood when her car blew a tire on the 73 toll road. She was just minutes from the Newport Beach house she shared with her parents. Even while wearing the heels shed donned for the concert, it should have been a relatively quick walk to a call box or even a nearby gas station where she could have asked for help. Advertisement But her parents, Dennis and Ione Huber, never heard from Denise that night. In the morning, they began calling her friends, asking where she could be. That night, around 10 p.m., one of those friends found Denises Honda still on the side of the freeway, unlocked, its battery drained from the emergency blinkers that had been left running. Denise was gone. It would take three years and what the Huber family to this day considers a miracle before police would discover Denises body. During that time, her family placed a 6-by-30-foot banner on the roof of an apartment building overlooking the area where her abandoned car was discovered. It read Have You Seen? and included Hubers likeness, a physical description and the phone number for the Costa Mesa Police Department. The parents went on television to share their story as they worried and waited for any shred of information. Dennis especially threw himself into the pursuit. My car was like a rolling billboard with signs all over it, he said. I looked. Every time I saw some girl with long brown hair, Id want to see her face. A poster board with dozens of pictures of the slain Denise Huber. It was displayed at a memorial service held in Hubers memory in 1994 at the Mariners Church in Newport Beach. (Aurelio Barrera / Los Angeles Times) Authorities eventually came to believe that John Famalaro, a 34-year-old painter, had pulled up as Denise walked along the side of the freeway. Famalaro sexually assaulted her and killed her by slamming a nail remover into Denises skull more than 30 times in a Laguna Hills warehouse where he lived and ran his painting business. Instead of disposing of the body, Famalaro kept it in a large freezer, even taking it with him when he moved to Arizona. Famalaro was sentenced to death for the murder in 1997. Now 59, Famalaro is awaiting the fulfillment of his sentence in San Quentin State Prison, but like other death row inmates in California, its an open question whether the day of his execution will ever arrive. Although the California Supreme Court upheld Famalaros sentence in 2011, another appeal is pending, and it could take years to resolve. John Famalaro at the change of venue hearing on his murder trial for the death of Denise Huber. (Alexander Gallardo / Los Angeles Times) But even if Famalaros appeals concluded tomorrow, his punishment would still have to wait because California has no approved method to execute inmates. Capital punishment has essentially been on hold since 2006 because of a judges ruling that the three-drug lethal injection used at the time could cause inhumane suffering. Hell die of old age in the prison, I believe, before he gets the death penalty, Dennis said. And well probably die before he does, Ione added. The couple have been married 52 years. Dennis is now 77 and Ione is 73. Last month marked the 25th anniversary of Denises death. Dennis and Ione say theyve made peace with the fact that their daughters killer may never actually face the ultimate penalty prescribed for him. Its done, I feel, Dennis said. Theres nothing more that can be done. Its up to the state to do something with him. Speaking from their home on the bank of the Missouri River in South Dakota, the couple sound almost casual relaying details of the crime, except for the occasional twinge of pain revealed in their voices. After all, theyve spent 25 years talking about the tragedy, but the emotions can come back in an instant. Dennis said he still hurts deeply any time he sees a father-daughter relationship portrayed on TV. The wound never heals, he explained. You just learn how to deal with it, and it doesnt hurt quite as much as it did at first. Time helps, Ione said, but only to an extent. I cant tell you how much I still miss Denise, she said. I think of her every single day. I cant tell you how much I still miss Denise ... I think of her every single day. Ione Huber The couple agree that any pain they feel now pales in comparison to the arduous years in the early 1990s when they couldnt answer the heart-wrenching question: Was their daughter still alive? At the time, the Hubers desperate search struck a chord with the public. Denises disappearance became one of the most famous mysteries in Orange County, and it remains one of the areas most infamous crimes. From the outset, police had little to work with, according to Jack Archer, a now-retired Costa Mesa police detective who, with his partner, was assigned to lead the search for Denise. Archer remembers the bare-bones crime scene on the side of the freeway essentially an empty car. So the first step was to speak with Ione and Dennis, whod reported Denise missing. What they told Archer made him believe Denise hadnt simply absconded. Almost immediately he suspected she was the victim of a serious crime. She was a young girl that wasnt in trouble, wasnt into drugs, didnt appear to be rebellious, Archer said. She wasnt someone that would just take off for days at a time. Archer and his partner then conducted interview after interview with friends, co-workers, acquaintances, anyone who might have an idea where Denise had gone, but they came up dry. John Famalaro during the trial in 1997. (Karen Tapia / Los Angeles Times) Grasping for any break in the case, police staked out the freeway where Denise disappeared, identifying drivers by taking pictures of license plates and then sending them letters asking if theyd seen anything suspicious the night of June 2. But the trail was cold. Even psychics called in by police couldnt point in a useful direction. All the leads that we had were exhausted, Archer said. About a year into the case, Archer took a new assignment at the department, rotating back to patrol, leaving Denises case behind. The Hubers believe that July 13, 1994 more than three years after Denise disappeared is a day of divine intervention. On that day, sheriffs deputies in Yavapai County, Ariz., searched a 24-foot rental truck parked in the driveway of Famalaros home. A woman who bought paint from Famalaro had seen the truck and thought it suspicious enough to alert police. She saw the truck and she told us that she felt a spirit pulling her to that truck, Dennis said. She felt so compelled she wrote down the license plate number. When Yavapai County deputies ran the plate number, they discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Orange County six months earlier. Court documents say sheriffs deputies thought theyd come upon a mobile drug lab when they discovered a power cord running to a padlocked freezer sealed with masking tape in the back of the truck. But when a locksmith opened the freezer, deputies were met with a foul smell. Inside, wrapped in layers of black trash bags, was Denises naked body. Harry Tosado, manager of the Allsize Storage complex in San Clemente, stands in the doorway to a storage area in 1996 that Famalaro rented and kept a freezer from January 1992 to February 1994. (Bob Greiser / Los Angeles Times) The next day, deputies served a search warrant on Famalaros home, where they found paperwork for a warehouse Famalaro had rented in Laguna Hills. Authorities believe he lived in and ran a painting business at the warehouse until he moved to Arizona in the summer of 1992. In California, Archer was called back into the investigation to check on the Laguna Hills facility. According to Archer, a witness there told police that the warehouse had to be cleaned after Famalaro moved out. One spot in particular was covered in what they thought was red paint. The substance had been washed away by the time police entered the picture, but Archer decided to have a crew cut into the wall near where the stain had been. As soon as they flipped over the 2-by-4 on the bottom of the wall there was dried blood, Archer said. Police soon theorized that Famalaro took Denise to the warehouse after kidnapping her from the side of the freeway. There, he raped her and crushed in her skull with the nail puller, leaving behind a pool of blood. The body, however, he couldnt leave behind, Archer said. In Famalaros Arizona house, investigators found boxes and boxes of trash, Archer said. The suspect had saved everything from hundreds of almost-empty paint cans to soda receipts from Jack-in-the-Box, the former detective said. He just could not throw anything away, and thats what led to him getting caught.... Hes a hoarder, Archer said. If he wouldve gotten rid of the body in the middle of the desert on the way to Arizona, we mightve never solved the case. Ione Huber, second from left, and Dennis Huber, the parents of Denise Huber, react to the guilty verdict given to defendant John Famalaro in Orange County Superior Court in 1997. (Alex Garcia / Los Angeles Times) Dennis said he rarely thinks of Famalaro these days, but Ione said she does occasionally. She still has a question for the man convicted of killing her daughter: Why? Why did Famalaro choose Huber to be raped and bludgeoned to death? Why did he keep Denises body hidden, leaving her parents with false hope that she might still be alive? The Hubers know Famalaro heard their pleas for answers. In his Arizona home, police found newspaper articles about his crime and a taped recording of one of their appearances on TV asking for help finding Denise. To be so cruel and so cold that he let us suffer like that, Ione said, trailing off without finishing her sentence. Even 25 years later, she doesnt expect shell get an answer. -- Jeremiah Dobruck, jeremiah.dobruck2@latimes.com Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck The lines outside the Olive Tree Restaurant in Anaheims Little Arabia last Monday started early in the evening, well before opening one line for those who hadnt eaten anything since sunrise and another for people who were not observing sawm, or the ceremonial fasting done every day during the month of Ramadan, which ends July 5. Temporary seating spilled down the sidewalk away from the small strip-mall eatery, each empty folding table draped with a plastic American flag tablecloth. An American flag hung overhead; a Palestinian flag was draped along the fencing of an adjacent makeshift dining area, which consumed several parking spots with a large white tent and more tables. As sunset neared, both Muslims and non-Muslims descended upon the popular Middle Eastern restaurant, which for the last decade has served as a community hub for the regions estimated 100,000 Arab immigrants. Some women wore hijabs (head scarves) and abayas (modest dresses), others wore jeans and comfortable shirts. Advertisement A few older white men clutched shopping bags of clothing and household supplies to donate to the five recently arrived families who were the evenings special guests. Children toddled around, at least one in gilded vests and traditional Afghan sandals. Conversations in Arabic, English and Farsi could all be heard floating through the air. Posters in the window declared: Refugees Welcome. At precisely 8:07 p.m., the moment the sun dropped below the horizon, a Muslim prayer rang through the outdoor PA speaker. The line for those fasting started its move toward the buffet of vegetable stews, lamb shanks, flaky meat pies and pilafs inside. The first iftar with a refugee was underway. Iftar is the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, a holy month of spiritual detox during which faithful Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and engaging in sexual relations during daylight hours as a test of will. For many, its a time of spiritual purity and a chance to rededicate oneself to the faith through good deeds and self-control. For Rashad Al-Dabbagh, founder and executive director of the Anaheim-based Arab American Civic Council, Olive Trees iftar buffet the first but now one of around a half-dozen that occur in Little Arabia nightly during Ramadan was an opportunity to continue his organizations Meal With a Refugee series, which invites the public to share a meal with families who are new residents of the United States. At the Arab American Civic Council, we do a lot of narrative shift changing the way the Arab community is discussed and this is one of our campaigns toward that, Al-Dabbagh says. When we bring people here, we can sit down with them, talk to them, let them learn about us and about the rich diversity within the Muslim and Arab communities. Some people dont know that not all Muslims are Arab and not all Arabs are Muslim. Or that in addition to new refugees, there are some of us who have been here for generations. Eye-opening conversations like these could probably also happen at organized cultural forums or as part of the communitys own day-to-day interactions with non-Arabs. But Al-Dabbagh sees sharing a meal as an even simpler entry point to fighting the Islamaphobic, anti-Muslim rhetoric that he sees being perpetuated in certain quarters. When a half of a braised chicken and a bowl of Egyptian molokhia soup (or a helping of aromatic Saudi Arabian rice, for that matter) is in front of you, its hard to ignore the universal appeal of delicious cuisine. "[Food is] what breaks the ice, he says. Just sitting there can be awkward, but once you start the conversation over food, it becomes easier. Its funny that thats what it takes, but it helps. As the line for non-fasters snaked closer to the platters of food (Olive Tree serves traditional food of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other Mideast countries), the tables filled with friends both old and new. They gabbed about everything from new jobs to local politics to the perils of having to drop for afternoon prayer in the middle of the street. A woman wearing a silky Burberry plaid head scarf said that living as a covered woman in Orange County was much easier than doing so in Florida, where she fielded stares and questions about her attire nearly every day. Once everyone was served, patriarchs of the refugee families got up to speak. One arrived from Syria with his wife and five children only six months ago and said the language barrier was a significant challenge. Another, from Afghanistan, has been here for three years and was claiming asylum. Both were photographers and videographers back home; their wives had higher degrees in Arabic and Koranic studies. Olive Tree co-owner Alan Abdo, who was streaming the whole thing via Facebook Live, told diners that if they needed anything, they should call, a reminder of how important a resource well-settled immigrant communities like Little Arabia are to new arrivals. To me, when I see these refugees, I dont want them to see me as an Arab. I want them to see me as an American, says Abdo, a Palestinian American who was born here and grew up in Fountain Valley. Thats why I put the American flag up. I wanted them to say, These are what Americans are. I want them to know that if they need something, were here to support. With or without iftar buffets and the Arab American Civic Councils monthly Meal With a Refugee events, Olive Tree has long been a place where non-Arabs have flocked to for a taste of the complex food of the Middle East and a slice of its culture. Abdo himself has always had friends from all backgrounds, and many non-Arabs regularly visit his familys restaurant for his fathers cooking and the effervescent personalities of the two men. People feel like this is their home kitchen. They feel comfortable here, he says of how he and his dad treat every customer like family. Its part of our culture, and people see that and it opens them up. I know the whole world cant come here, but were slowly chipping away at it. I mean, who doesnt want to eat good food? -- SARAH BENNETT is a freelance journalist covering food, drink, music, culture and more. She is the former food editor at L.A. Weekly and a founding editor of Beer Paper L.A. Follow her on Twitter @thesarahbennett. The most contentious Austrian presidential election since World War II will have to be repeated due to irregularities in the counting of absentee ballots, the countrys highest court ruled Friday in a stunning decision that gives the losing far-right populist candidate a second chance and only adds to the political turbulence in Europe. Just one week after Britain followed the conservative calls to leave the European Union, Austrias Constitutional Court ruled in favor of right wing candidate Norbert Hofer and his Freedom Party, which had filed a complaint about irregularities after losing the May 22 election to leftist candidate Alexander Van der Bellen by a razor-think margin of just 31,000 votes or 50.3% to 49.7%. The court agreed, citing the counting of some of the 740,000 absentee ballots on May 22 instead of on the day after the election, May 23, as the election law states. Advertisement Hofer has made xenophobic appeals to voters in a fashion compared to those of Donald Trump. He is opposed to immigrants, Muslims and transatlantic free-trade agreements and touched a nerve in the Alpine country of 8.7 million at the heart of Europe. Norbert Hofer, whose campaign appeals have been compared to Donald Trumps, at election party in Vienna. (Ronald Zak / Associated Press ) Hofer, seeking to become the first far-right populist to lead a Western European country since World War II, had held a small lead after the popular vote was counted. But he ended up losing to Van der Bellen when the record 700,000 absentee ballots were counted a day later. The challenge is upheld, said Gerhart Holzinger, the chairman of the Constitutional Court in Vienna. The decision doesnt make anyone a winner or loser. This ruling is designed to strengthen confidence in the state based on the rule of law and democracy. The first repeat of an Austrian presidential election will be held in September or October, officials in Vienna said. Naturally Im going to run again and I intend to win again, said Van der Bellen. Hofer said: Its going to be a short but sweet election. Even though the Austrian presidency is a largely ceremonial post with none of the powers wielded by the leader of government, the chancellor, this years election attracted attention across Europe and around the world because of Hofers success. Hofer drew international headlines by positioning himself as the anti-establishment candidate unequivocally opposed to allowing in more refugees. Austria initially warmly welcomed some 90,000 refugees from the Middle East in the wake of the Syrian crisis. but earlier this year it slammed its borders shut amid protests over the growing number of refugees entering the country. The runoff election between Van der Bellen, a former leader of the Greens party, and Hofer was already a sensation in Austria after a remarkable rejection in the first round in April of the countrys dominant center-left Social Democrats and center right Peoples Party. The two parties have ruled Austria since World War II, but their candidates were knocked out in the preliminary round. Kirschbaum is a special correspondent MORE WORLD NEWS This British steel town got millions from the EU, but voted to leave anyway After Istanbul airport attack, officials say Turkeys next move depends on the U.S. Florida verdict in Victor Jara case resurrects ghosts of Pinochet era in Chile Ann Williams believes her hardscrabble former steel town in Wales would survive Britains divorce from the European Union just fine. A reopened railroad line and upgraded expressway have connected the remote hamlet of Ebbw Vale to nearby cities, bringing visitors and making it easier for residents to commute to jobs, she said. Weve got a lot of things coming up here, so well be all right, said Williams, 69, a retired hotel worker. Thats why I voted Out. Advertisement But the highway and rail line were financed in large part with European Union funds. So were job training programs, improvements to the town center, a multistory parking garage and a new college a modern silver cube set atop the reclaimed grounds of the defunct steel works. Signs of European Union largesse abound in Ebbw Vale, a town of about 20,000 tucked into a tree-lined valley that has not recovered since its steel mill the largest in the region a century ago was shuttered in 2002. Over the past 15 years, the county of Blaenau Gwent, where Ebbw Vale is located, has received nearly $200 million in redevelopment funds from EU headquarters in Brussels under a program to reduce economic disparities across the continent. Yet 62% of county voters opted to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum. Across Britain, the vote was 52%-48% in favor of exiting the bloc, which started after World War II to promote economic cooperation and avoid war. Why one of Britains most economically deprived areas rebelled against a system that has showered it with subsidies is one of the paradoxes of the referendum, and it points to the anti-establishment anger that drove voters left behind by globalization to reject EU membership. I think its going to be a political science case study for a long while, said Daniel Evans of the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research. The referendum wasnt just about the EU, but it boiled down to a simple question: Are you upset? And by people voting Leave, it was sticking two fingers up at the establishment. We have moved heaven and earth to try to shift the economic stats of this area, but many people are still struggling. Richard Crook, head of regeneration for the Blaenau Gwent county council In Blaenau Gwent County, 36% of adults lack high school diplomas, and 20% of working-age people receive government benefits making it one of the poorest pockets of Wales. But many residents say they havent benefited from EU aid. The only good thing that comes out of Brussels are the sprouts, said Deb Phillips, 48, her curly gray hair matted down by the gray, spitting rain that forms a typical summer afternoon in Wales. Phillips was standing on Ebbw Vales low-slung main street under a new clock tower, an aggressively modern structure that resembles a long steel lollipop bent at the stem. It was part of $16 million in improvements to the town center, one-quarter of which was EU funding. While that was being built, local authorities briefly halted funding for the public bathroom, a squat brick structure across the road. Phillips, the janitor, worries about caring for her autistic son and said the spending was a sign of misplaced priorities. They build all this stuff, and meanwhile, our basic services are falling apart, she said. So no, I dont think we need help from the EU. A lot of the young generation dont remember how we did things before in this country, on our own. We put a lot more into the EU than we get back from it. While that is a common refrain in Ebbw Vale, it is not, strictly speaking, true: Wales has received more than $5 billion in EU development money since 2000, the most per capita of anywhere in Britain, and far more than it contributes to the European budget. Farmers bid at a livestock auction in Monmouthshire, Wales. Some 70% of farmers voted out, saying EU subsidies had gone down substantially in recent years. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times ) In 2014, Wales saw a net benefit from the EU of $107 per resident, according to a study by the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University. The task of determining how to spend the EU money fell to an unwieldy Welsh bureaucracy, which critics say mismanaged the funds in pursuit of big-ticket projects that delivered little economic gain. Several investments failed, including a rural heritage center in northern Wales that was closed for a lack of visitors and a costly high-tech incubator that Swansea University is considering tearing down. Over the past 15 years, Wales economy has fallen further behind other European countries, deepening the sense of disaffection in a place that feels much farther from London than a three-hour train journey. We have moved heaven and earth to try to shift the economic stats of this area, but many people are still struggling, said Richard Crook, the head of regeneration for the Blaenau Gwent county council. And if people dont feel that over the last 20 years the economy has improved for them, then theyre not going to believe there has been any meaningful investment here. Over the past 15 years, Wales economy has fallen further behind other European countries, deepening the sense of disaffection in a place that feels much farther from London than a three-hour train journey. We have moved heaven and earth to try to shift the economic stats of this area, but many people are still struggling, said Richard Crook, the head of regeneration for the Blaenau Gwent county council. And if people dont feel that over the last 20 years the economy has improved for them, then theyre not going to believe there has been any meaningful investment here. Mel Hutton, age 64, is a former steel worker. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times ) Twelve miles up the road in Abergavenny, the picture is different: There was no steel mill there, so people made a living as farmers, raising sheep and lambs. The town and surrounding Monmouthshire County have higher education levels and life expectancy than their neighbors, and by a narrow margin, 50.4%-49.6%, voted to remain in the EU. All the worst-off areas voted to leave, and all the well-off areas voted to stay, said Mel Hutton, 64, a former steel worker in Ebbw Vale. Its simple as that. Andy Thomas, a 44-year-old taxi driver, said he wanted to have more control over his country. He wasnt worried that the referendum result prompted Britains currency to plunge, its credit rating to drop or billions of dollars in value to disappear from stock markets. It doesnt really affect me, Thomas said with a shrug. I dont travel abroad, and I dont have any investments. Andy Thomas, a 44-year-old taxi driver who has lived all over southern Wales, voted out. He said he wanted to have more control over his country. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times ) That powerful feeling of alienation drove nearly 72% of voters to cast ballots in Wales, where turnout in recent national elections has never topped 50%. It also made many voters sympathetic to the anti-immigrant rhetoric of pro-exit politicians, even in areas where there is hardly any immigration. Blaenau Gwent is 97% white, yet some residents said they voted to leave the EU in part to bring down the numbers of people migrating from eastern and central Europe. More than one person invoked Enoch Powell, the fiery right-wing politician who argued in the late 1960s that immigrants were destroying Britain. We should have sorted out the immigration issue years ago, but now its too late, said Kay Rose, 67. Roses daughter, Sam Lewis, who owns the century-old cafe in the center of town, said she voted to leave the EU despite a lack of clarity from politicians about the consequences. Its an uncertain time. People are angry, and they want things to change, Lewis said. So I dont have any regrets about my vote. But ask me in two years. ALSO For thousands of Brits, France is home. But what happens after Brexit? In Britain, anxiety about immigration started long before the Brexit vote Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws from race to become Britains prime minister Turkish officials have identified two of the three suicide bombers who attacked Istanbuls Ataturk Airport this week, killing at least 44 people and injuring dozens, the semi-official Anadolu news agency said Friday. Investigators still were trying to identify the third bomber in Tuesday nights attack at the airport, Europes third busiest. Officials identified two bombers as Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov but did not provide their nationalities. Authorities have not confirmed reports that the attackers were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Advertisement Several news organizations reported Ahmed Chatayev, a Dagestan native who has been linked to other terrorist attacks, was the main organizer of the airport assault, but authorities did not provide confirmation. Turkish investigators reportedly have been able to trace some of the attackers activities. Osmanov is said to have rented a flat in the Aksaray neighborhood of Istanbuls Fatih district, paying in advance for the one-year lease, a not uncommon occurrence as Turkish landlords are increasingly wary of foreign nationals amid security concerns. Osmanov provided a copy of his passport for the rental agreement, which authorities have been able to obtain. Police sources also told Anadolu Agency they had obtained information from a laptop the bombers threw away before leaving for the airport. The Aksaray neighborhood has become a hub for mostly Syrian and Iraqi nationals who have moved to Turkey following unrest in their countries and set up scores of small shops, restaurants, real estate agencies and import-export businesses. Istanbul also is home to more than 100,000 migrants from Russia and Central Asian countries. Many have fled because of restrictions on religious practices there, which, according to human rights groups have become more rigid following the rise of the Islamic State extremist group. No group has claimed responsibility for the airport bombings, but authorities suspect the bombers were affiliated with Islamic State. Turkish police staged raids in Istanbul and Izmir on Thursday, detaining more than 20 people suspected of links with Islamic State. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday repeated that the airport attack was most probably carried out by Islamic State. They say they are doing this in the name of Islam, he said. They have nothing to do with Islam. They belong in hell. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim praised the sympathy the nation has received from the international community. I hope that this terror attack becomes a milestone for a common fight against terrorism, without any double standards or your terrorist is bad; my terrorist is good rhetoric, Yildirim said. The Ministry of Health said more than 140 people who were injured in the bombings had been released from hospitals. Turkish authorities, who re-opened the airport within hours of the attack, said air traffic had returned to normal by Friday. Farooq is a special correspondent. ALSO After 6 years of estrangement, Israel and Turkey to normalize ties Turkish raid yields 13 suspects in attacks on Istanbul airport After Istanbul airport attack, officials say Turkeys next move depends on the U.S. At a financial conference this week in the City of London, Britains equivalent to Wall Street, four eminent executives and business experts on a panel were asked whether they thought the country actually would ever leave the European Union, as voters mandated in a referendum June 23. Two thought yes, one no and one voted its so hard to say. But all were convinced that the Citys march to global business supremacy would continue as if the vote never happened. Its not as if the whole of financial services are going to transfer to Paris or Frankfurt, Baroness Sharon Bowles, a former member of the European Parliament and a director of the London Stock Exchange, said with a faint air of condescension. Theyll never replicate what we have here. Advertisement The City, colloquially known as the square mile its actually 1.1 square miles is one of the most densely packed assemblages of financial talent in the world, home to more than 400,000 bankers, traders and support staff. Its not as if the whole of financial services are going to transfer to Paris or Frankfurt. Theyll never replicate what we have here. Baroness Sharon Bowles, London Stock Exchange director Since the deregulatory big bang of 1986 launched the City on its path to global prominence, its denizens have acquired the image of a class convinced that the world needs them more than they need the world. That brave notion has been much on display in the City since the Brexit vote, which threatens to sever 40 years of trade and business links between Britain and the EUs other 27 members. On Monday, Chancellor George Osborne, the governments senior financial official, said that Britains economy and financial talent would enable the country to start the two-year negotiation over a breakup from a position of hard-won strength. At the annual conference Thursday of TheCityUK, the financial industrys lobbying arm, speakers and guests exuded the same confidence. Britain is a highly desirable place to do business, declared John McFarlane, chairman of the organization and of the bank company Barclays. He spoke as though, despite all the concern about Britains losing access to the tariff-free European single market, its European companies fears of losing access to the British market that will give Britain the upper hand in divorce talks. Access to the U.K. market will be in demand and highly prized, McFarlane said. BMW, Renault and Airbus will wish to continue to export their products to the U.K. tariff-free. European politicians determined to punish Britain for leaving the EU will be hurting only themselves, he said: A strong U.K. strengthens the world and advantages Europe. Finance executives have been setting forth what they hope to gain once negotiations begin. Under EU rules, talks on terms of the breakup would start only after Britain formally invokes Article 50 of the unions 2007 Lisbon treaty, signaling its intention to leave. British leaders have said that might not happen until early next year, if then. McFarlane listed the business communitys goals succinctly: access to the single market, some restriction on the free movement of labor, ability to employ talented workers from Europe and the rest of the world, priority for financial and professional services. In other words, almost all the privileges that British-based firms have now as members of the EU duty-free trade between Britain and the EU and the preservation of passporting rights that enable financial firms to serve clients throughout the entire EU from offices in Britain without being subject to the target countries regulators. Not everyone in the City is equally sanguine about its being so powerful a force that it can dictate demands to the EU even after a breakup. Some recognize that the bankers sense of entitlement may even have helped energize the Leave campaign in the British countryside; some also are starting to understand that the number of Leave voters who are regretting their vote on June 23 may not be all that great. The only place you hear talk about Bremorse is within the London bubble, said Tom Frackowiak, an executive director at Cicero Group, a City financial communications firm. But London is the worst place to have this debate. Out in the country, everyone is still saying, Yeah! Nor are City bankers invariably content with the EU relationship as it is today. Bill Tonks, an executive at St. Jamess Place Wealth Management, says his firm has turned its focus to serving clients in such Asian money centers as Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai in part to escape the burden of rules and regulations emanating from Brussels and other European capitals. We passported into Spain to serve expatriates there, he said. But even though our clients are British, we still have to translate every document into Spanish. No one knows yet whether European negotiators will be willing to grant Britons access to their market without demanding stiff terms. If we are going to leave the EU, warned Andrew Sentance, a consultant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and a former Bank of England advisor, there will be a price to pay somewhere along the line. The real question facing the City is whether all Britain will go along with the concessions that might be needed to secure its continued access to the European market. Britains dues to the EU, the obligation to accept unlimited immigration of EU nationals and compliance with rules and laws enacted in Brussels were raised as issues during the referendum debate, and a majority voted against them. Of course, bankers, brokers and traders arent professionals that the average Briton is willing to make sacrifices for. Financial services are less trusted than any other industry in the U.K., Brian Ledbetter, a consultant at McKinsey & Co. working on a study of future options for TheCityUK, told Thursdays audience. Yet at least the City can take some comfort in the fact that if theres an economic meltdown in Britain as a result of the Brexit vote, its innocent. This is a political crisis, McFarlane said. Unlike the previous crisis, the City does not bear the accountability. We have experienced an exogenous shock, and have acquitted ourselves admirably. ALSO Aid, trade and friendship: Will Brexit hurt the worlds most needy? Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws from race to become Britains prime minister The media can drone on about Brexit. Its Britains pubs where the true debate is carried out As the shock of Britains decision to leave the European Union sent world stock markets tumbling and triggered global concern, some began to calculate the toll it might take on the worlds most needy. Would aid to developing nations be affected? Would there be an effect on trade deals and benefits? To what extent might Britains closest friends in emerging markets suddenly get short shrift? Or, might there actually be new opportunities for emerging economies? A lot depends on how Brexit happens, said Owen Barder, vice president and director for Europe at the Washington-based Center for Global Development. There are some very significant threats for developing nations and some opportunities too. Advertisement See the most-read stories this hour Development Aid Britain is committed to spending 0.7% of its of gross national income on overseas development aid and contributes about 2.2 billion to the EUs pool for development assistance, experts said. The money supports a range of activities, from peacekeeping in Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo to anti-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia, said Kevin Watkins, executive director of the Londonbased Overseas Development Institute, an international development think tank. Channeled through European institutions, Britains financial contributions are able to have an extensive global reach, Watkins said. Assistance reaches countries such as Morocco and Turkey, and flows to places such as Brazil where Britain otherwise has a limited and diminishing presence, he added. Through the EU fund, which is the worlds largest source of multilateral aid, Britains money also helps finance the response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. If the U.K. were to disengage from the European Union it would potentially be very damaging both for Britains leadership role in international development and for developing countries because the U.K. has played a significant role in strengthening the EUs development policies, Watkins said. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj Trucks loaded with various goods make their way in Bouake, the second largest city in Ivory Coast. The cargo is on the way to Mali and Burkina Faso. African nations are wary of the consequences of Britain leaving the EU. (Issouf Sanogo / AFP/ Getty Images ) The future of British aid would largely depend on whether the government decides to keep its commitment to assist developing nations or starts tightening its belt if the countrys economy declines. If the treasury decides to make reductions in spending, one of the places they might look to cut is in aid, Barder said. They will in any case reduce the aid budget in line with the forecasts of economic growth. And if national income is growing less quickly, so will the aid budget. A slowdown in the British economy would also result in the sluggish growth of exports and remittances for developing countries with close economic ties to Britain, such as Commonwealth nations, Barder said. A period of uncertainty and volatility is not good for the global economy, and what is not good for the global economy is not good for developing countries, said Homi Kharas, deputy director for global economy and development at the Brookings Institution. Trade Deals and Trade Benefits Depending on the terms of Brexit, the British government will have to renegotiate a series of trade deals with the least-developed and low-income countries, experts said. Under a EU trade initiative called Everything but Arms, the worlds least- developed nations enjoy duty- and quota-free access to the EU for all of their exports, except weaponry. Countries such as Bangladesh have done well under this trade policy, experts said. But those perks would no longer be available if Britain leaves the economic bloc, leaving these countries to negotiate directly with the U.K. Container ships wait to be loaded in Cape Town, South Africa. Commonwealth countries such as South Africa could see their economies suffer as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. (Schalk van Zuydam / Associated Press ) Uncertainty about future access to the U.K. market could lead to a decline in growth and investment and job losses, particularly for former British colonies and Commonwealth nations that have strong ties to Britain, Barder said. Periods of instability are usually periods that are not conducive to expansion in trade, said Kharas. The whole process of the exit promises to be a fairly long, drawn out and complicated process. I find it difficult to imagine that a great deal of focus will be put on renegotiating those deals before the terms of the exit are settled. Anxieties for Africa Some analysts believe poorer African nations could be the most vulnerable in the face of the upheaval. After the Brexit vote, African currencies, stocks and bonds fell, as they did around the world. Amadou Sy, a senior fellow and director of the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings, noted, for example, that the South African rand plummeted, and the Johannesburg stock index fell, as did bond prices in Kenya and Ghana. (Gold-rich Ghana, however, did get some good news when gold prices increased as investors sought refuge in the metal.) Sy warned in an email that Africa could suffer a decrease in its volume of trade with the U.K. during the length of time it could take to renegotiate trade agreements. A shepherd watches his flock in the bush near Bouake, Ivory Coast. Some analysts believe poorer African nations could be the most vulnerable in the face of the upheaval caused by Britains vote to exit the European Union. (Issouf Sanogo / AFP/Getty Images ) Africas smallholder farmers also stand to be further disadvantaged because of Brexit, experts said. Right now they compete with EU farmers, but its an uneven playing field because EU farmers receive generous subsidies under the unions so-called Common Agricultural Policy, according to experts. African countries have been complaining for years about this situation but do not have enough bargaining power, Sy said. The U.K. has been sympathetic to the pleas from African countries to address this problem. The Brexit would exclude the U.K. from this debate. Britain has also championed efforts to persuade rich countries to increase aid and provide debt relief to African countries, Sy said. It would spell trouble for Africa, Sy said, if the U.K. decides to refocus its attention to domestic matters, reduces its leadership role on development issues and slashes financial assistance to the continent. Although middle-income countries rely less on aid, fragile countries continue to depend on aid, he said. London is the financial hub of Britain, which will have to renegotiate aid to developing countries after it breaks from the European Union. (Odd Andersen / AFP/Getty Images ) Possible Brexit breaks But opportunity could sprout from Brexit. If Britain maintains its aid budget, it could choose to spend the money differently and unilaterally provide more assistance to developing nations, such as those partners in Africa, experts said. The U.K. might also move to decrease the agricultural subsidies that rankle African farmers. Experts said the Brexit decision, which centered on some of the principals of globalization such as trade and immigration, could provide an opportunity to examine a new process for the interaction and integration of people, companies and governments across the world, following a course that yields benefits for developing nations because they have suffered most from the negative effects of globalization including climate change, growing inequity, poverty and insufficient jobs. The advantage will come if political and corporate leaders recognize that the current pattern of globalization that we have gotten used to is not really sustainable, said Kharas. The real environment that developing countries are looking for is a prosperous and stable global environment. If this results, it would be a good thing for developing nations and the world. ALSO Heres what has to happen before Britain can leave the EU In Britain, anxiety about immigration started long before the Brexit vote Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws from race to become Britains prime minister Separate air raids in northern Syria by regime aircraft and warplanes of the US-led international coalition killed at least 25 civilians on Friday, a monitoring group said. President Bashar al-Assad's air force attacked a crowded market in Aleppo city's rebel-held district of Tariq al-Bab, killing 11 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Another five people were killed in an air raid on the southern rebel-held neighbourhood of Sheikh Said, it said. The Britain-based monitor said rebel bombardment of government-held districts killed two civilians in the city that has been divided since July 2012. It also said a coalition raid on the northern city of Manbij, where US-backed fighters are battling the Islamic State jihadist group, killed two women and their seven children. Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters have been advancing on Manbij, an important waypoint between the Turkish border and Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 280,000 people over the past five years and displaced millions from their homes. Search Keywords: Short link: One week after Britains vote to leave the European Union, British Prime Minister David Cameron and members of the royal family were standing side-by-side with Frances president to celebrate their historic alliance at the centenary of the deadliest battle of World War I. More than 1 million people were killed, wounded or went missing in the Battle of the Somme in northern France, pitting British and French troops against German ones from July 1 to Nov. 18, 1916. Britain held a moment of silence Friday morning to mark 100 years since the bloodiest day of British military history about 20,000 British soldiers alone were killed on the first day of battle. Advertisement The main ceremony started with the sound of cannon shots shortly after noon Friday at the monumental Memorial of Thiepval in northern France with the participation of 600 British and French children. Each of them laid a flower crown on the 600 British and French graves of the cemetery. Many descendants of soldiers, often wearing poppy and cornflower pins the British and French symbols to remember those who died were attending the event. Guests and dignitaries, including French President Francois Hollande, Cameron and Britains Prince Charles read texts describing the horrific scenes and the devastated landscapes of the front line in 1916. The very solemn ceremony turned moving when French, British and Irish songs inspired by the war were sung. The Memorial of Thiepval, built in 1932 by the British government, is dedicated to the 73,367 British and South African soldiers missing in the Somme area during World War I. Thousands of petals of poppies and cornflowers fell from the top of the monument in complete silence. No speeches were programmed during the ceremony, yet Hollande and Cameron held brief informal talks following the event. The two leaders wanted to seize the occasion to stress their World War I alliance and show their attachment to the ideas underpinning European unity. Commenting on the British vote, Hollande told reporters the U.K. will remain an ally and a partner of France. The decision has been made; it cannot be delayed or cancelled. Now we must draw the consequences, he said. See more of our top stories on Facebook Both leaders agreed the relationship between Britain and France was enduring and strong and Cameron reiterated his view that the United Kingdom should seek the closest possible relations with the EU and in that context, the need for constructive post-referendum negotiations, according to the prime ministers office. Others at Fridays event included Prince Charles wife Camilla, his sons Prince William and Prince Harry and Williams wife Kate, Irish President Michael D. Higgins and former German President Horst Koehler. British commuters were met by the eerie sight of WWI soldiers in uniforms as they made their way to work on Friday. Young men in vintage uniforms sat, stood and mingled with travelers at railway stations across the country during the morning rush hour. Some sang wartime songs, while others handed out cards bearing the names of the soldiers killed on the first day of the battle and the hashtag #wearehere. ALSO Aid, trade and friendship: Will Brexit hurt the worlds most needy? Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws from race to become Britains prime minister The media can drone on about Brexit. Its Britains pubs where the true debate is carried out A Chechen extremist masterminded the triple suicide bombing at Istanbuls busiest airport that killed at least 44 people, a U.S. congressman said Friday. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday nights attack at Ataturk Airport, one of the worlds busiest, which also wounded more than 230. Turkish and Swedish media have also identified Chatayev as the organizer, although Turkish authorities have not confirmed his involvement. Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt to catch him. Advertisement McCaul said it is unclear where Chatayev is, but that he is known to have served as a top lieutenant in the Islamic State groups war ministry. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Islamic State is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that the group was most probably behind it. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell, Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death. Authorities have said the three suicide bombers in the attack which echoed the carnage earlier this year at the Brussels airport were from Russia and the Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. They did not provide further details on their identities. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids in three Istanbul neighborhoods on Thursday, officials said. Haber Turk newspaper said 11 more suspects all of them foreign nationals were detained in a separate raid on a house in Istanbul early Friday. A government official in Istanbul could not immediately confirm the report. Islamic State, which has used Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened the country in its propaganda, and the NATO member has blamed Islamic State for several major bombings in the last year, in both Ankara and Istanbul. Turkeys interior minister said the explosives used in the Istanbul airport attack were a mix of RDX, TNT and PETN that were manufactured, and a chemist and explosives expert at the University of Rhode Island, Jimmie Oxley, described them as being military-grade, raising the question of how the attackers obtained the explosives. Swedish authorities said Chatayev, the alleged organizer of the attack, was convicted of weapons smuggling in 2008. The 35-year-old was sentenced to 16 months for smuggling an automatic weapon and two handguns with silencers into Sweden on March 3, 2008, according to the city court in the southern port city of Ystad. Court documents obtained by the Associated Press on Friday show Chatayev had arrived by ferry boat from Germany. He and two others in the car said they were heading to Norway to go fishing and meet friends. See the most-read stories this hour >> The documents indicate that he denied knowing about the guns hidden in a spare wheel in the trunk. A local paper says he was freed from prison in January 2009. Turkey, a key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, also faces security threats from Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkeys southeast region, and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the last year, including an attack Feb. 17 in Ankara that killed 39 people, and a devastating bombing in the capital in March. An official said Friday that security forces have killed the mastermind of the Feb. 17 attack. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations. The attack against military personnel was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. ALSO Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws from race to become Britains prime minister After Istanbul airport attack, officials say Turkeys next move depends on the U.S. Navy disciplines nine service members who mistakenly wandered into Irans territorial waters A Turkish ship left for Israel on Friday carrying aid for Gaza as part of a deal between Ankara and Israel to mend ties after years of acrimony. Turkey and Israel were formerly close regional allies, but fell out in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in a raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. As part of a breakthrough deal reached this week to restore relations, Turkey will send regular humanitarian aid to Gaza's Palestinian residents. The Lady Leyla, a Panama-flagged ship loaded with over 10,000 tonnes of supplies including food and toys, set off from the southern port of Mersin, television images showed. The NTV network reported it would take 30 hours to reach Israel and the aid would arrive in Gaza before Eid celebrations on Tuesday marking the end of Ramadan. Turkey's ruling Islamic-rooted AKP party has friendly ties with Gaza's Hamas rulers. Ankara was seeking the lifting of Israel's naval blockade against the Palestinian enclave, but as part of a compromise its aid will be delivered via the Israeli port of Ashdod. Along with the aid deliveries, Israel has offered an apology and compensation over the deadly raid to secure the thaw with Turkey. Ankara will also invest in infrastructure projects in Gaza under the plan. Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Tuesday that the ship's departure would be "the first test to see if Israel will play a facilitator role" in easing the blockade. Hamas has thanked Ankara for the aid, but has urged the Turkish government to keep up pressure for an end to the decade-old blockade. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Six people were killed on Friday when suspected Islamist gunmen fired on two buses in Kenya's far northeast close to the Somalia border, police said. "Police on the scene have found six persons shot dead," said police chief Joseph Boinnet. "The hunt for the terrorists is under way." Boinnet said two people were also injured. It was unclear whether the casualties were civilians or police officer guards aboard the buses. The early morning ambush happened near El Wak in Mandera county, an impoverished rural part of the country where similar deadly attacks in the past have been claimed by the Somali-led Al-Qaeda group, the Shebab. The deadliest raid was in November 2014 when gunmen flagged down a commuter bus, separated passengers by religion and executed 28 non-Muslims. A similar raid in December 2015 left two people dead, after Muslim passengers shielded their Christian fellows. The Shebab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, but turned its sights on Kenya when the army was sent into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Islamic insurgents. Since then the Shebab has carried out frequent attacks on civilians in different parts of Kenya, including a Nairobi mall, a northeastern university and coastal villages. On Thursday the US State Department issued a warning to its citizens to "avoid travel to the border areas of Kenya because of threats by the terrorist group Al-Shebab" with El Wak and Mandera among the areas ruled off-limits. A senior Kenyan interior ministry official said the warning was unfair because, "the security of the country has been restored". "The country is very safe," said Karanja Kibicho shortly before news of the latest attack and killings broke. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia on Friday blasted the EU for formally extending economic sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, insisting the punitive measures would not make Moscow change course. The foreign ministry said in a statement that it viewed the move as "a continuation of the short-sighted policy of Brussels" and that it was "absurd" to link them to a failure to make progress on a peace deal to end fighting in east Ukraine. The European Union on Friday formally extended damaging economic sanctions against Russia by six months due to a lack of progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The measures target the oil, financial and defence sectors of the Russian economy and were first imposed after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, blamed on pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine. "On 1 July 2016, the (European) Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2017," the EU said in a statement. EU ambassadors agreed on the extension in principle on June 21. The EU said in a tweet in Russian that it was rolling over the sanctions because the provisions of the February 2015 Minsk peace deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict were "not fully implemented." Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite warned that they would go on until the conflict was resolved. "What goes around, comes around. Sanctions continue until Minsk agreements are fully implemented," she tweeted. *The story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Czech President Milos Zeman has called for a referendum on exiting the European Union and NATO, only a week after Britain voted to leave the EU, public radio said Friday. Zeman insisted he himself would vote against leaving when he spoke with voters in a small Czech town on Thursday, Czech Radio said on its website. "I disagree with those who are in favour of leaving the EU," the 71-year-old outspoken leftist said. "But I'll do my best to have a referendum so they can express themselves. The same goes for a NATO exit." Forty-nine percent of Czechs support staying in the EU, while 34 percent are in favour of leaving, according to a June poll by the Median agency. The Czech Republic, which joined the NATO Western defence alliance in 1999 and the EU in 2004, does not have a referendum law. But in March, parliament began debating a referendum bill that would need backing from 120 of 200 lawmakers to pass. The bill would give the green light to referendum proposals backed by at least 250,000 signatures in the country of 10.5 million people. However it would not allow voters to decide on issues -- such as an EU exit -- that would lead the country to breach international obligations. Search Keywords: Short link: French President Francois Hollande said Friday that Brexit cannot be "cancelled" or "delayed", after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron. "The decision has been taken, it cannot be delayed and it cannot be cancelled, now they have to face the consequences," Hollande told reporters on the sidelines of Battle of the Somme centenary ceremonies in northern France. "Being in the European Union has advantages," he said. "And that's... what the British are starting to understand. Those who were tempted by the Brexit are starting to think it over." Hollande said a speedy Brexit "would avert all the uncertainties and instability, especially in the economic and financial domains. The faster it goes, the better it will be for them." Search Keywords: Short link: High train ticket prices should mean commuters can use the toilets at the station. That was the consensus among the members of the Portlaoise Municipal District recently, on the issue of the toilets at Portlaoise Train Station which have been closed for the last few months. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley proposed a motion calling on Laois County Council to contact Iarnrod Eireann regarding the toilets being closed. Cllr Dwane Stanley said that a number of people had contacted her, as the toilets had been closed at the station for the last two months. She said it was an important facility when so many people are commuting and using the station. Supporting the motion, Cllr Noel Tuohy pointed out that it wasnt cheap to use the trains. If Im spending 30 for a train to Dublin, I expect to use the toilets, he said. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said that the lack of toilet facilities could prevent an elderly person from going on a train. Its amazing how the small things in life can make a difference to the elderly or those with a disability, she said. Cllr Willie Aird expressed his hope that the toilets were merely closed to be refurbished. Theyre making enough money down there through parking, he said. Ms Josephine Kavanagh, roads department, said that a letter will be sent to Iarnrod Eireann on the matter. Irish Water has a number of plans up upgrade water and wastewater systems across County Leitrim. Work on upgrading Manorhamilton and Mohill wastewater treatment plants is expected to start early next year. The contract tenders for these two projects are expected to be awarded in the autumn. Irish Water also hope, subject to planning permission from Leitrim County Council, to commence work on the Drumshanbo plant early in 2017. Irish Water issued details on the expected progress of the Leitrim Schemes to the Leitrim Observer following the announcement of the work. They are currently constructing flow-monitoring and sampling works at twelve wastewater treatment plants in the county. These works are expected to be completed in August. Irish Water has a planned project to upgrade the Drumshanbo Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project is included in their proposed investment plan for 2017-2021 which has been submitted for approval to the Commission for Energy Regulation. The design element of this project is planned to begin later this year. Irish Water is waiting for planning permission from Leitrim County Council for works at Ballinamore and Carrigallen. Subject to the granting of this planning permission, its expected works will start at these plants, and at Leitrim Village in 2017. Disruptions Irish Water said it expected some disruption in water supply in Corraleehan yesterday, June 28 due to a planned power outage supply. This may cause disruption to Garryfliugh, Ardmoneen, Corraleehan, Probagh, Curraghnabania, Moher, and surrounding areas while Lannerriagh and Tullyveela in Cavan also expected issues with water. Irish Water said work on a burst main may affect supply to Mountcampbell, Kiltoghert, Jamestown, Drumsna and surrounds this week. Gunmen stormed a crowded restaurant popular with foreigners in the Bangladeshi capital on Friday night, apparently taking diners hostage and sparking a firefight with police in which at least two officers were killed, police and witnesses said. The attackers stormed into the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in Dhaka's upmarket diplomatic quarter shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) and opened fire at around 9:20pm (1320 GMT). The restaurant's supervisor Sumon Reza who escaped by jumping from the roof told a local newspaper there were 20 foreigners being held hostage and said the attackers had detonated explosives. "I was in the roof. The whole building was shaking when they set off explosives," he said. The US State Department said it appeared to be a hostage situation and the White House said US President Barack Obama was following the situation. A senior Bangladeshi government official confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity that there were several people inside the restaurant including one Italian national who worked there. "Police immediately rushed to the place and fired back," district police officer Sayedur Rahman told AFP. "An unknown number of people are still inside but we cannot confirm whether they are held hostage," he said. The French Ambassador Sophie Aubert said the restaurant was "very popular" among diplomats and other foreigners in Dhaka. "We're very concerned that there are some hostages inside," she told AFP, adding she was trying to confirm whether there were foreigners inside. Heavily armed police and paramilitary guards cordoned off the area as the gunfight broke out. "They were eight or nine people," one witness told reporters. "They were shouting Allahu Akbar as they entered the restaurant." It was not clear who was behind the attack, which took place near the Nordic Club, where expatriates of Nordic nations gather, and the Qatar embassy as Bangladesh observes the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It follows a series of killings targeting foreigners in Bangladesh that have been claimed by the Islamic State group. Police said two of their officers had been killed and several more injured. "We are trying to communicate with them (gunmen). We want to resolve it peacefully," the head of Bangladesh's elite security force Benazir Ahmed told reporters. Bangladesh has been reeling from a wave of murders of religious minorities and secular activists by suspected Islamist militants. Earlier Friday a Hindu temple worker was hacked to death in western Bangladesh. Police also shot dead two Islamist students suspected in last month's murder of an Hindu priest and arrested a top Islamist militant who masterminded an attack on a Hindu lecturer last month. The government and police blame homegrown militants for the killings, which they say are part of a plot to destabilise the country. They have blamed the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist ally. Last month authorities launched a nationwide crackdown on local jihadist groups, arresting more than 11,000 people, under pressure to act on the spate of killings. But many rights groups allege the arrests were arbitrary or were a way to silence political opponents of the government. Experts say a government crackdown on opponents, including a ban on the country's largest Islamist party following a protracted political crisis, has pushed many towards extremism. Search Keywords: Short link: Probably the most awful of many bad aspects of the referendum is that that very small section of the population who are racists and bigots feel emboldened. They think they have 17 million mates. Social media is awash with reports of attacks and the Police say that reports of hate crime are up 57%. While only a tiny minority of Leave voters are racists, they all need to take some responsibility, alongside the Leave campaign, for allowing this appalling behaviour to flourish. Its not just in the last few weeks, though. This prejudice has been stoked endlessly by the media and both Tory and Labour governments for long enough. If they had done what Holly said, years ago, we might not be in this mess now. I dont want to live in a country where my friend was asked when his Russian wife was going home. Another friend heard two people casually and openly talking about immigrants in horrible terms on a bus, feeling perfectly free to discuss their deeply unpleasant views. Weve all seen the awful photographs of vandalism and vile notices. I feel utterly ashamed that some people who have made their home here are now frightened. The other day, Karen, who came here from Germany nearly half a century ago, told of the abuse she has experienced. She told the phone-in with presenter James OBrien: I came from Germany in 1973, my late husband was British. I have lived here for 43 years and Im so scared now. Friends of mine say they cant be friends with me any more. Im so frightened. I got dog poo thrown at my door on Friday. Ive been told to go back home. Ive got nobody in Germany. I phoned up the Germany Embassy and they just say youve made your bed, you lie in it. Ive phoned up the Citizens Advice Bureau and they told me I have to understand that people are frustrated. Im so, so scared. I havent been out of the house for three days because I dont know what to do. This is happening right here, right now in our country and we have to stop it. Whats particularly perplexing is that shes had such awful responses from places like the CAB. I havent yet heard any of the prominent Leave campaigners condemn the increase in this sort of behaviour. They may have been too busy fighting amongst themselves to notice, but they need to accept responsibility for what they have done. Their campaign nurtured fear, pandered to prejudice and stoked division and they should all be ashamed of themselves. I actually dont think any of them are fit to hold public office and I want to see Gove and Leadsom both sacked if, as expected, Theresa May wins the Tory leadership. Im not holding my breath for that to happen, but it should. So it was good to see Caroline Pidgeon and Tim Farron visit a Polish Centre which had been vandalised. Tim said: A massive 27.4 increase in the vote saw the Liberal Democrats gain a Council seat in deepest Tory Mole Valley last night. Liberal Democrat GAIN Leatherhead North (Mole Valley) from Conservative. Britain Elects (@britainelects) June 30, 2016 Leatherhead North (Mole Valley) result: LDEM: 56.6% (+27.4) CON: 22.3% (-11.7) UKIP: 10.3% (-7.9) LAB: 8.9% (-5.7) GRN: 1.8% (-2.1) Britain Elects (@britainelects) June 30, 2016 Leatherhead North (Mole Valley) vote result: LDEM: 862 CON: 340 UKIP: 157 LAB: 135 GRN: 28 Britain Elects (@britainelects) June 30, 2016 The other two by-elections from last night saw us field candidates where we hadnt before, attracting almost 5 and 14% respectively. Congratulations to new Councillor Joe Crome and his team for such a brilliant result. Heres what he wrote about himself for the Dorking Advertiser: I live in Leatherhead North with my wife and twin baby girls, and have spent the last nine years working with young people in Leatherhead for a local charity. I grew up in and around Leatherhead, went to school at Therfield and am passionate about helping improve our community. My priorities for Leatherhead North include making our recreation grounds and public spaces safer, preventing antisocial behaviour, road safety (particularly Kingston Road where pedestrians cross outside One Stop), fighting for affordable housing, and making sure there is more for local young people to do. As the only candidate who lives in Leatherhead North, I believe I can use my local knowledge and experience to make a difference and represent our community well. Please make sure you vote on June 30. See more on Facebook: Joe Crome for Leatherhead North. * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings The Liberal approach to dealing with the unpopularity of immigration and immigrants is to challenge that concern. Its to robustly make a positive case for immigration as a policy and crucially immigrants as human beings. The Liberal approach is to shift attention unfairly directed at them to where it belongs: Government unwillingness to fund housing, the NHS and other public services. The Liberal approach includes strongly differentiating between migrants and refugees, which lately have all too often conflated by media and politicians, so that everyone understands the different reasons that people want to be welcomed into the UK, be they economic migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, students, or any of a host of other categories that people in different circumstances will find themselves in. The Liberal approach is to detail what controls on immigration are actually like the UKs treatment of immigrants from outside the EU (or Commonwealth) is surely instructive on how a post-Brexit UK would like to treat people from EU countries as well, and that treatment is shockingly poor. Its so bad, and so little understood, that Im writing a book Ive successfully crowdfunded on my experiences immigrating here from a non-EU non-Commonwealth country because I got so discouraged by how easy everyone assumed itd be for me compared to how traumatic it actually has been (Ive written for Lib Dem Voice before on some of the problems its caused with my mental health). We need fewer people to be treated as badly as non-EU immigrants currently are, not more. We need less appeasement and more education of those people misdirected into blaming immigrants for problems that immigrants suffer from just like everyone else. We need to stop being afraid of making a positive case for immigration rather than just deflecting negative lies about it. We need more empathy as social media has pointed out, a week of post-referendum turmoil has gotten Brits scrambling for foreign passports whenever possibleand yet we dont understand why Syrians would want to leave their country after five years of violence and chaos? Whatever else happens in the upcoming weeks and months and years, Britain needs immigrants and it is better for having them. The Lib Dems should be proud to say so. * Holly is an immigrant, bisexual, disabled, and probably can tick most other diversity boxes that you have handy. LIMERICK City and County Council has told Irish Cement to provide contingency plans to deal with dust explosions from its Mungret plant in future. The request comes as part of a 19-point appeal for further information from the local authority, which is likely to hold up the firms 10m plan to upgrade its Limerick operation. Irish Cement has appealed to the local planning authority and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to change the way it operates at its factory in Mungret. The firm is seeking to burn used tyres at 1,500 degrees celsius, replacing its current use of fossil fuels. But it has proven controversial, with almost 100 people lodging formal objections, and hundreds signing a petition in opposition, mainly fearing of the impact burning tyres will have on the local environment. Public meetings have also been held. Irish Cement has always said there will be little impact on the environment, because of the fact the incineration is taking place at such a high temperature. The firm has also said the plan will create jobs. But the planning authority is seeking more information before making a decision on the project. They note that the cement plant has emitted dust on a number of occasions in recent years. With this in mind, they have said: the applicant shall detail how the development will alter the likelihood or cause of such incidents and provide contingency plans to deal with them in the future. The local authority has also instructed Irish Cement to set up a formal complaints procedure system after residents complained of the firm having little engagement with them. A request has also been made for a risk assessment on the daily intake of dioxins, and furans which may emanate from the plant. Information is also being sought on how many tyres will be stored at the facility. The applicants shall submit proposals to prevent the spread of invasive alien species, where the waste is transferred from one location to another, the planning authority is also asking. It is now up to Irish Cement to respond to the councils questions within a set period. Once the firm has responded, a new date will be set for a final decision on the application. FINE Gael councillor John Sheahan has been elected as the new chairman of the Newcastle West Municipal District for the coming year. And as he accepted the chain of office this Wednesday, he pledged that the local councillors would be in the driving seat as far as developments in West Limerick were concerned. My main objective is to drive the Newcastle West area forward, he said. I would envisage that we would be driving the council forward rather than the council driving us forward, bringing the plans, ideas and schemes to the full council.. Cllr Sheahan is Fine Gael group leader in Limerick City and County Council and was the last cathaoirleach of the now defunct Limerick County Council. He was first elected as a councillor in the Rathkeale area in 2004, re-elected in 2009 and chaired the area meetings for five years. In 2014, following a redrawing of boundaries, he was elected for the Newcastle West area. The concept of Municipal Districts was the new game in town in 2014, Cllr Sheahan said but he believes the Newcastle West Municipal District has bedded down well. We can drive on now, he said. He takes over from Fianna Fails Cllr Michael Collins in an agreement brokered between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in 2014. Clklr Sheahan was proposed as chairman by party colleague Cllr Liam Galvin and seconded by Fianna Fails Cllr Francis Foley. He was unopposed. Fine Gaels Cllr Jerome Scanlan, who has resiled from the party whip but remains a party member, did not attend Wednesdays meeting. Cllr Liam Galvin, who was elected as the new vice-chairman, was congratulated by his fellow councillors on completing his term of office as Mayor. IF there has been a single dominant theme in this column over the last decade, it has been about standing up for what we believe is in Limerick's best interests and championing our city and county. Sometimes that has led to the expression of frustration, or anger, and occasionally outrage. But we hope that this space has also been passionate in its views on regular occasions and this is one of those weeks. The Leader has always believed in the best of Limerick, even if its greatest qualities are not always appreciated at first glance by first-time visitors, or those who bought into the negative perceptions that we have fought so hard to successfully overcome. Even those who still look on Limerick with jaundiced eyes, though, will see the vast potential that surrounds us if they care to take a look around. We are slowly realising some of that potential. We all wish it was happening faster, but the opportunity to move Limerick onto an exciting new level is here now. On Tuesday, July 12, the international jury who will judge Irelands three candidates for the much prized designation of 2020 European Capital of Culture will visit the city. When they come, we are confident that they will be impressed with the bid that has been carefully assembled on our behalf, by a committed team who have had their eyes on this prize for a long time now. But the judges should see more than well-laid plans they must get a real sense of the passion that we feel for our city and county. If we could address them, wed say that this is Limericks time. Wed tell them that while the rival bids are undoubtedly of a high standard, Limerick is by far the best candidate meet the criteria set out in this initiative. Thats because the designation has the potential to transform a city that is growing in confidence after some difficult years, but one that needs the momentum that the honour of being European Capital of Culture will assuredly deliver. It is clear that the judges will be concerning themselves not only with who has the ability to throw the best cultural party over 12 months, but which candidate can deliver the kind of legacy the scheme was set up to encourage. The answer, every time, is Limerick. If we are given this opportunity, we know it will be seized and cherished. An open invitation has been issued to the people of Limerick to help convince the judges that they have come to the right place. We urge everyone who loves Limerick to make the effort to help create a carnival atmosphere in the city on July 12, so that the judges see our passion up close and personal. It is difficult to see how such a wonderful opportunity could come along again. After the success of our National City of Culture year, we are well placed to move onto the next level. As Shakespeare put it: There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. It is essential that as many of us in Limerick as possible grasp the extent of this opportunity and that this awareness is palpable for the people who will decide our fate. Let the word go out, far and wide. This is Limericks time. A new French-Serbian film portrays a migrant crisis in which tens of thousands of people are trying to cross Balkan borders illegally -- but this time, they are coming from the west. "At The Border", which premieres in Serbia on Friday evening, is set in the year 2022 and shows hordes of people from rich countries abandoning their wealth in search of a happier life in Serbia. The crowdfunded short film was shot last year as hundreds of thousands of migrants crossed the Balkans hoping to start new lives in western Europe, having fled war or poverty in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. In contrast, the movie shows expensive cars driven from the other direction and abandoned in fields, as smartly-dressed people wave euro notes at Serbian police beyond a razor-wire fence. Actor Arnaud Humbert, who wrote and starred in the film, told AFP that these "people who have everything" realise they lack a sense of well-being -- and "they have to go out and find it". A French 34-year-old living in Belgrade, Humbert said he began writing the script in February last year, months before the real-life migrant crisis reached its peak. "People always ask me what I'm doing in Serbia, it's not common," he said. But "so many foreigners coming to Serbia really appreciate the lifestyle here". In the film he plays a young Frenchman, also called Arnaud, who is love with both Serbia and a Serbian woman, Jelena, but he is not allowed to cross the closed frontier. He comes up against gruff border police chief Milos, to whom he describes the Europe beyond as "a mess". "Do you know what it's really like out there?" the lovestruck protagonist asks the official inside a police station. Such scenes may have extra pertinence after last week's vote by British people to leave the European Union, sparking turmoil in a traditionally stable and prosperous country. "I like the idea of Europe but the reality is freaky," said Humbert. Humbert is keen to point out that he knows life is not always rosy in Serbia, an EU candidate country where the average wage is about 400 euros a month. "Many people here would like to change something," he said. Debuting director Laurent Rouy, another Frenchman living in Belgrade, said the film aimed to challenge the country's "international image" which was still linked to the war-torn 1990s. A longtime Balkans correspondent who has lived in Serbia since 2002, Rouy said the film's positive depiction of the country was a "psychological incentive" for the 100-strong production team. "There's the story about migrants but also the story about Serbia," he said. The multilingual film, in English, French and Serbian, premieres at the Cinema City film festival in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: Loop mail explained, Pink Floyd stamps on the way: Weeks Most Read Jul 1, 2016, 4 AM This 2009 postcard that became loop mail was featured in the week's top post on Linns.com. Its time to catch up on the week that was in stamp-collecting insights and news. Linns Stamp News is looking back at its five most-read stories of the week. Click the links to read the stories. 5. The rainbow trials and how the Penny Black was replaced: The first ever adhesive stamps were masterpieces of design and printing, but problems were developing even before they came into use. 4. South Africa stamp withdrawn due to religious complaints a sought-after item: The stamps had already been distributed to South African post offices in 1987 when complaints from Orthodox Jews about the use of the word God in a non-worship setting led South African postal authorities to withdraw the stamp. 3. In wake of controversy, USPS mum on Stamp Fulfillment Services operations: The United States Postal Service declined to discuss what is happening to the Kansas City division, where the Postal Services inspector general found a number of questionable practices. 2. Monday Morning Brief | Pink Floyd coming to stamps: Marty Frankevicz discusses the rock band Pink Floyd and British stamps to be issued July 7 showing six Pink Floyd album covers and four concert performances. 1. What happens when a bad bar code isnt covered up?: Modern U.S. Mail: 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. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Jul 1, 2016, 11 AM The United States 5 Viking Ship stamp (Scott 621) from the 1925 Norse-American set is a good buy on a UPU-rate international commercial cover at up to $25. By Henry Gitner and Rick Miller Immigration is a hot topic in politics at present, if not in stamp collecting. One of the most beautiful sets of classic U.S. stamps is the set of two Norse-American stamps issued May 18, 1925 (Scott 620-621). The stamps were issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of immigrants from Norway to the United States. The higher face-value 5 stamp is as unusual in topic as it is striking in design for a U.S. stamp of the period. The design features a Viking long ship. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The model for the design was actually a 19th-century replica ship that crossed the Atlantic from Norway to Chicago for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. A clue that the design was not meant to depict an actual Viking ship is that it displays an American flag from the ships bow. The 2016 Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers values the 5 Viking Ship stamp at $20 in mint never-hinged condition. It is a bit over-valued and is a good buy at $10 to $15. The catalog also values the stamp on a Universal Postal Union-rate international cover at $17.50. We think that an attractive commercial cover would be a good buy at up to $25. Read more about stamps collectors are looking for: South Africa stamp withdrawn due to religious complaints a sought-after item: Stamp Market Tips Be on the lookout for this stamp, correctly used: Stamp Market Tips Look for BAT 1 HMS Endurance stamp: Stamp Market Tips Apr 29, 2021, 6 PM Stamps from the 1982 State Birds and Flowers issue have an unusual and confusing feature that isnt evident until a collector turns them over. By John M. Hotchner I am surprised by some of the letters generated by this series of columns on expertizing. The following example refers to the 1982 20 State Birds and Flowers issue (Scott 1953-2002): I may or may not be having a problem with a well-known dealer, and I was hoping I could get some guidance from you before I trigger any trip-wires. I recently purchased the referenced 50-stamp set, all in mint-never hinged condition. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter They look great in my album, however, in placing them I noted that NONE of them have gum on the reverse. There is no evidence of them being previously soaked, but there is no gum. Scott does not list any variation without gum and I was hoping you could shed some light on this. I dont want to accuse the dealer of unethical practices because of my own ignorance. Any thoughts you could share? At the time the State Birds and Flowers stamps were issued, quite a number of U.S. stamps, but primarily definitives, were being printed on pregummed paper with so-called dryor dull gum. No question that it takes a practiced eye to tell that the gum is present and undisturbed, so it is understandable that the letter writer was puzzled. I checked the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers, but it was not helpful on this point. Neither in the introductory material nor anywhere near the Birds and Flowers set was there a discussion of when the new gum was first used, or how extensively. For that reason, I passed a copy of the letter on to Jim Kloetzel, who in retirement is still involved in production of the Scott U.S. Specialized catalog, with the title editor emeritus. After looking at the problem, he agreed that some sort of notice should be taken of the dull gum phenomenon to make the catalog more helpful to users. So look for that in a future update. We have more gum-related content: Getting a kick out of a souvenir sheet that pokes fun at some collectors Postage stamp gum a very sticky subject Self-adhesive stamp revolution sweeps world The man was sentenced after his neighbours claimed that he stood on his balcony naked and began to sexually harass them Related Egyptian man sentenced to 6 months in prison for regularly appearing naked on balcony A Cairo misdemeanor appeals court upheld on Wednesday a six-month jail sentence handed to a Cairene man after he "appeared naked on the balcony of his house." Earlier in June, the man in his twenties was sentenced to an enforced hard labour and six months imprisonment for "committing an indecent act." He argued in front of prosecution that he sometimes stood on his balcony dressed in shorts and an undershirt because of the intense Cairo heat, and because he was in his own home, but denied that he ever appeared naked. However, the defendant's neighbors, who filed the complaint against him, refuted the man's story. The plaintiffs reported that they complained to the accused mans family more than once, and despite the familys apology the man kept appearing naked on the balcony. He later started to sexually harass his neighbors, they claimed. The young man denied that he harassed his neighbours. The man was arrested shortly after his neighbours filed a complaint with the police. Search Keywords: Short link: Apr 29, 2021, 6 PM Regular Netherlands Indies issues from 1912-23 were quickly overprinted with an airplane and surcharged denominations so airmail stamps were available for 1928 flights between Batavia (now Jakarta) and Amsterdam. A design combining indigenous motifs of the Netherlands Indies was created by Batavia native Fokko Mees for the airmail set issued Dec. 1, 1928. The stamps were later surcharged. By Kathleen Wunderly Events were moving faster than stamps could keep up with them in the Netherlands Indies in 1928. The Netherlands Indies comprise more than 13,000 tropical islands, located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese in the late 1400s, but the quest for spices drew Dutch expeditions a century later. One of the Dutch empires most valuable possessions since its first ships landed in 1595, the archipelago on the equator that is now known as Indonesia was an immediate source of spices such as nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, and later of cash crops including tea, coffee, cocoa, tobacco, rubber, sugar and opium. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Profits were huge and the Dutch presence in the islands was consolidated in the form of the Dutch East India Co. A capital and seat of general administration was established in Batavia (now Jakarta) on Java, the largest and most populous island. The company went bankrupt by the end of the 18th century, thanks to mismanagement and corruption, and the territory was formally nationalized by the Dutch government. The first stamp of the Netherlands Indies was issued on April 1, 1864, picturing King William III of the Netherlands. It was followed by decades of issues depicting simple numerals or dignified portraits of the subsequent monarch, Queen Wilhelmina. Then, the 20th century and the excitement of manned flight came to the Netherlands. KLM, the Royal Dutch Airlines, was founded in 1919, and in May 1921 the Netherlands issued its first airmail stamps, Scott C1-C3 (an interesting set produced by woodcut and letterpress printing), to pay fees on mail carried by KLM. Regular air service between Amsterdam and Batavia became an urgent goal of the Dutch government. KNILM, the Royal Dutch Air Navigation Co., was founded in Batavia in July 1928, to establish a domestic air-service network plus air links to neighboring countries. KNILM acquired four Fokker VII airplanes and, in cooperation with KLM, planned major happenings for fall 1928: flights between Amsterdam and Batavia in September and October, and regular internal service between Batavia and Bandung, about 100 miles to the southeast, at the end of October. The Netherlands had two new airmail stamps (Scott C4-C5) with denominations for the current airmail rates in place by Aug. 20, 1928, ready for use on the flight between the two capitals on Sept. 13. The stamps pictured the pilots who made that flight and several others between Amsterdam and Batavia in fall 1928: Lt. George Koppen and Capt. Jan van der Hoop. So, the Netherlands had airmail stamps ready for the Sept. 13 flight from Amsterdam (which was made in stages, and took 12 days), but the Netherlands Indies had none for the return trip. The answer was the same one that has rescued many postal authorities over the years: overprints and surcharges, which were applied by the Topographical Service in Batavia. Regular definitive issues from 1913-23 depicting Queen Wilhelmina were overprinted with new denominations to help to meet the airmail rate for letters within the Dutch East Indies and to foreign destinations. The surcharged stamps would be used in company with regular issues to meet the airmail rates. These overprinted issues became Netherlands Indies Scott C1-C5, issued Sept. 20, 1928, and available at post offices in both the Netherlands Indies and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the distinguished banknote and stamp printing company Joh. Enschede in Haarlem, the Netherlands (which to this day prints stamps for about 60 countries), was preparing proper airmail stamps for the Netherlands Indies. Word was circulating in the philatelic press in late June 1928 regarding the production of new airmail stamps, so it is possible that the postal authorities in the colony thought they would have the Enschede stamps well in hand for use in September. As it happened, the five new issues, Scott C6-C10, were not available in the Netherlands Indies until December. The five new stamps, in denominations of 10 (printed in red violet), 20 (brown), 40 (rose), 75 (green) and 1.50 guilders (orange) share the same design, by the artist, illustrator, woodcut carver and engraver Fokko Alting Mees (1887-1968). Mees was born in Batavia but studied and worked in Amsterdam, The Hague and various places in France and Italy. The Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 describes the design as Planes over Temple, but other catalogs call it the Native Motif Issue or an Allegorical Image. The British weekly magazine Stamp Collecting, Dec. 15, 1928, mockingly called the vignette a crude design (the work of Fokko Mees); in the centre a Minangkabau house, flanked by a Bali temple door, with what is meant to be a volcanic mountain in the background, and on the right of it a Javanese tower. Three monoplanes in flight above and the beholder in fright no doubt! The design is not crude to the eye of anyone familiar with woodcuts (a specialty of Mees) and Indonesian motifs (such as batik patterns). Mees or any other artist faced a stamp-design challenge in trying to depict multiple elements of the various indigenous peoples of the Netherlands Indies. These include, but are not limited to, Balinese, Javanese and Malay. Minangkabau refers to an ethnic group living in the highlands of West Sumatra. The British critic in the Stamp Collecting article did have a point regarding the rather menacing aspect of the formation of airplanes over the landscape, but perhaps Mees felt three planes balanced the design better than only one would have done. The stamps were printed by lithography in sheets of 100 (10 rows of 10) on unwatermarked paper and perforated gauge 12 by 11. The set was surcharged between 1930-32 and again in 1934 to meet changes in the airmail postal rates. The 2016 Scott Classic specialized catalog prices a set of Netherlands Indies Scott C6-C10 at $8.40 mint and $2.10 used, a very modest outlay for examples of exotic issues from the early days of airmail. Keep reading about airmail stamps: Airmail stamps of Sweden are few but interesting: Nordic Stamp Scene Messages on airmail covers promote the use of special delivery service: U.S. Stamp Notes Airmail collecting can take you anywhere We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Egypt's Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Islamic learning, condemned the "despicable" murder of a Coptic priest who was shot dead Thursday in North Sinai. Al-Azhar said in a statement that the attack violates "all tolerant teachings of Islam and all divine religions and the traditions and norms of humanity that criminalise terrorism in all its forms." The priest, Rafael Moussa, 46, was shot in the head as he stood next to his car in El-Arish, the capital of North Sinai, where the army is currently battling an Islamist insurgency. The attack, which took place as the country marks the third anniversary of the overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, was claimed by the Egyptian affiliate of the Islamic State militant group. Search Keywords: Short link: (Beijing) Alibaba-backed smart phone maker Meizu Technology Co. Ltd. is bracing itself to face a patent infringement lawsuit filed by U.S. mobile chip maker Qualcomm Inc. at a Beijing court on June 24. "Meizu has been using Qualcomm's technologies for years without paying related fees," Zhao Bin, vice president of legal and government affairs at Qualcomm, told Caixin on June 28. The world's largest mobile chip maker decided to file the lawsuit at the Beijing Intellectual Property Court after patent licensing negotiations with Meizu that lasted for over seven years failed to yield results, he said. However, Qualcomm is still hoping the two sides can return to the negotiation table, Zhao said. Meizu, however, blames "the lack of transparency" in Qualcomm's patent licensing agreement for the breakdown in talks that started in 2009. Meizu's vice president Li Nan said negotiating with the U.S. chip maker was like being "in a black box," because the terms of Qualcomm's deals with other Chinese phone manufacturers were all kept under wraps. "We have no idea whether (the terms they are offering us) are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory," said Li at a press conference on June 28. The unilateral terms proposed by the chip maker made it difficult to continue the dialog, he said. Zhao said royalties payable by other licensees in China, including phone makers Huawei and Xiaomi, were consistent with the terms of its 2015 anti-trust settlement agreement with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner. The NDRC, following a 14-month long investigation, said in February 2015 that Qualcomm had abused its dominant market position and charged Chinese smartphone makers unfair patent fees. The NDRC said Qualcomm refused to provide clear patent lists to Chinese companies, included unnecessary patents into its licensing package so it could charge extra fees and also put unfair terms into contracts to prevent competition. The U.S. tech giant was fined US$ 975 million the biggest penalty handed out since a new anti-monopoly law took effect in China on August 1, 2008. As part of the settlement, Qualcomm released a plan to fix the problems highlighted by the NDRC, which includes a different formula for setting patent royalties. Under the new plan for phones sold in China, it will calculate royalties based on 65 percent of the device's price, instead of on the whole figure. According to this plan, Qualcomm now charges phone makers 5 percent of the base figure to license its 3G patents and 3.5 percent to license certain 4G patents, said Zhao. "If our charges differ greatly from one licensee to another, it will lead to unfair competition and trigger an NDRC investigation," Zhao said. Meizu's Li, however, said the company was unable to make sure that Qualcomm's practices were just and fair, because it did not have access to agreements with other Chinese phone makers. Zhao says Qualcomm had furnished enough information in response to questions raised by its client, but they had "hit a wall" because Meizu failed to negotiate "in good faith." According to Qualcomm, the company has already signed patent licensing pacts with more than 100 companies in China, including the biggest smartphone makers Huawei Technologies Co., ZTE Corporation, Xiaomi Inc, and Lenovo Group Ltd. The company is also negotiating licensing deals with Vivo Electronics Corp. and Oppo Electronics Corp., the fourth and fifth largest smartphone makers in the country in term of shipments in the first quarter, according to market research firm IDC. Qualcomm is demanding 520 million yuan in compensation from Meizu, which, according to Zhao, is far less than the royalties it owes for using the chip maker's technology over the years. Ripple Effect Handset manufacturers in China, the world's largest smartphone market, are closely watching the tussle between Qualcomm and Meizu. The outcome of the case will have a ripple effect on the whole industry, because most Chinese phone makers use Qualcomm's 3G or 4G wireless technologies, said a manager of a Shenzhen-based phone manufacturer. Considering its possible impact, the court is likely to take longer than usual to give a verdict, the manager said. A comparable case was filed in 2010 by Nokia Corporation, accusing Huaqin Telecom Technology Co. in Shanghai for patent infringement. Nokia demanded Huaqin stop using eight of its patents and pay 90 million yuan in compensation. A Shanghai court took five years to process the case and ruled against Nokia. Zhao, however, is optimistic, saying the Chinese government has taken steps to strengthen rules protecting intellectual property rights in recent years. Qualcomm owns more than 9,000 patents in China, of which 1,000 are called "standard-essential patents" that are needed to comply with a technical standard. The company's financial reports showed that royalties from patent licensing deals made up almost 40 percent of its US$ 5.6 billion revenue in the first quarter of 2016. In 2013, Qualcomm's patent licensing revenue reached US$ 7.6 billion worldwide, including US$ 3.7 billion from Chinese companies. Meizu was China's eighth-biggest smartphone maker in 2015, shipping almost 25 million handsets, data from IDG showed. E-commerce giant Alibaba Holdings Ltd. invested US$ 590 million in the company in 2015. (Rewritten by Han Wei) The fight for control of real estate developer Vanke is no longer a conflict between the firm's biggest shareholder and its management. The moment hostile suitor Baoneng Group proposed to have all of Vanke's board members replaced, the battle became one that could have a far bigger impact beyond the firm's own development and could even affect entire capital markets and broader society. There's nothing wrong with a firm's biggest shareholder raising opinions in its interest, as long as they're in line with laws and regulations. But not all legitimate actions are desirable, as the recent Brexit vote has shown. The same might be true of Baoneng's hostile attempts to take control of Vanke. By most standards, Vanke has been one of the best managed and most transparent companies in China. Healthy capital markets need companies like this and regulators should encourage their development. Vanke's management team is essential to the company's success in corporate governance, performance and repaying shareholders with long-term and sustainable returns. Those traits are at the core of Vanke's brand value. Without the team, the brand value will be gone along with many important resources the firm has enjoyed, regardless of whether the Vanke name remains. Baoneng clearly doesn't think that way, based on its recent behavior. Nor does it seem to have prepared for the consequences of its actions. Such recklessness reflects a lack of responsibility by Baoneng towards other Vanke shareholders and even society in general. Should Baoneng's proposal pass, Vanke's brand wouldn't be the only victim. Other shareholders will also lose, especially small ones, and Baoneng will eventually see its own interest hurt. That, in turn, would hurt development of China's capital markets. As Vanke's chairman, Wang Shi may have spoken and handled the situation less gracefully than he could have. But his actions, regardless of motivations, have so far protected Vanke's brand value, as well as its resources and shareholder interests. It's unfortunate that he mishandled the relationship with Baoneng through inappropriate responses and other unbecoming behavior. Attitudes aside, Wang's opposition to Baoneng's bid has protected Vanke brand. Why? Because there is reason to believe that Baoneng's control would destroy Vanke's core values. That's because Baoneng borrowed heavily to fund its bid, and will feel pressured to make money off Vanke quickly to pay back its debts. That means it probably won't be able to take a long-term view of Vanke's development, which could cause the company to stray from the values it has insisted on for years. To maximize the return on its investment, Baoneng may also be tempted to treat Vanke, a listed company, as a fund-raising platform. Such an approach will demand a fundamental change of Vanke's current priorities and values, which are to serve the interest of all shareholders. Following a takeover, Vanke would likely degenerate into a cash cow for one shareholder, taking short-sighted approaches to development. The biggest investor's interest will no longer be aligned with other shareholders'. China's capital markets will lose one well-governed and transparent company, and Vanke's core values will be destroyed forever. If any of that happens, all of Vanke's shareholders will lose out, and the episode will go down as a tragedy for China's capital markets. To prevent that from happening, regulators should step up and intervene by verifying whether actions being taken or proposed protect the interests of all shareholders and benefit long-term development for both Vanke and capital markets in general, since the conflict has gone beyond the firm itself. The conflict also highlights the increasingly urgent tasks facing authorities of how to improve oversight of capital market and regulate behavior of directors, executives and shareholders. Evolution of the conflict has led to worries of a very negative outcome, contrary to what most Vanke shareholders would like to see. Like the Brexit vote, a triumph of procedural justice may not serve the interest of the public. Fu Chengyu is a member of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chairman of the Sinopec Group (Beijing) A subsidiary of China's largest container maker by annual output, China International Marine Containers Group Co. Ltd., purchased a major British semi-trailer maker for 91.7 million pounds, as part of a push to expand abroad. CIMC Vehicles Group Co. Ltd., the trailer manufacturing unit of CIMC, recently completed its acquisition of Retlan Manufacturing Ltd., the biggest deal in the global trailer industry in the last decade, the holding company said in a statement on June 29. The statement did not disclose how the company financed this acquisition. Retlan, based in Northern Ireland, reported an annual profit of 14 million pounds in the previous fiscal year, according to CIMC's statement. The privately-held firm, controlled by JJ Donnelly and his family, is one of the largest trailer makers in Britain in terms of annual output. The global trailer market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.12 percent to reach US$ 34.3 billion by 2020, according to a report released by MarketsandMarkets, an Indian market research firm in October. "Through this purchase, CIMC can smoothly enter Britain's semi-trailer market and further expand into Europe," the company said. Li Guiping, general manager of CIMC Vehicles, said the acquisition will support the company's global expansion plan because it gives it access to advanced trailer making technology. But the timing of the deal may not work in favor of CIMC, a market analyst said. Britain's decision to leave the European Union will have a negative impact on Retlan's exports to Europe, he said, and it may have a ripple effect on its expansion into the Middle East and North Africa. Li downplayed the risks, saying the 'Brexit' will not have a significant impact on Retlan's business and a weaker Sterling will make its exports more competitive. The existing management team at Retlan will remain in post, SDC Trailers, a subsidiary of Retlan said on its website. State-owned container giant CIMC, with subsidiaries in industrial vehicles, offshore equipment manufacturing and logistics, has been on a global shopping spree in recent years. A gas equipment manufacturing unit of the company purchased Briggs, a 276-year-old British beer equipment maker, for 23 million pounds, in early June. The vehicle unit, founded in 2002, bought an 80 percent stake in Belgian tank manufacturer L.A.G. Trailers NV in 2007 and later built a factory in Poland. (Rewritten by Chen Na) (Beijing) - Two police officers, linked to the death of a young man in custody in May, have been arrested, the prosecutor's office in Beijing said on June 30. Lei Yang, 29, died during a police raid on a foot massage parlor in Beijing's Changping District, which officers said was a front for prostitution. An autopsy carried out by privately run Beijing Mingzheng Forensic Identification Center found that he had "died of choking." The two arrested officers include a deputy head of a police station in Changping District. He was one of five officers who detained Lei on the night of May 7, prosecutors said. He appeared on state broadcaster China Central Television earlier, saying Lei was detained because he had paid 200 yuan for sexual services. Police had earlier said Lei died of a heart attack, while being taken to the police station for questioning. The death of the young man, who worked for a non-governmental organization in Beijing, caused a public outcry, with thousands of Chinese Internet users saying the case highlighted widespread police brutality in the country. The two officers led the crackdown that resulted in Lei's death and they had also "attempted to disrupt investigations into the incident," the Beijing Intermediate People's Procuratorate said. Prosecutors, however, did not announce a trial date for the two men. Lei had died of "choking" on his own vomit, the Procuratorate Daily, a publication of the prosecutor's office, reported citing the autopsy report. Wang Jusheng, a forensic expert who took part in the postmortem examination said experts need to examine other evidence to determine the reasons that led to Lei's death. Wang said people who suffer from brain damage or are intoxicated could accidently chock on their own vomit. This could also happen when a person is pinned down or made immobile by an external force, he said. Lei was arrested by plainclothes officers near the foot massage parlor. Several witnesses living near the massage shop where Lei was arrested told Caixin that they saw a young man being wrestled to the ground by a group of men. When the Caixin reporter showed these witnesses a photo of Lei, they all confirmed the young man pinned down was Lei Yang. A doctor at the emergency services unit at a Changping hospital, who handled Lei's case, told China Central Television that the right side of Lei's body and forehead were bruised when he was brought in by the police. Doctor's had found a small quantity of saliva mixed with blood in Lei's mouth, he told the state broadcaster. The prosecutor's office said it was studying the autopsy results and other evidence to determine the events that led to this death. (Rewritten by Li Rongde) (Shanghai) The real estate arm of China's largest food company in terms of revenue has paid 235 percent more than its initial bid per square meter to purchase a plot of land near the newly opened Shanghai Disneyland, the city government said. COFCO Property Group Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Cereal, Oils and Foodstuffs Corp., paid 42,000 yuan per square meter for a parcel of land located 12 kilometers from the theme park, a statement released by the Shanghai city government on June 29 showed. The final deal for the 57,000 square meter residential property was valued at 2.44 billion yuan, or US$ 369.7 million, after a heated bidding war with 22 other developers, the statement said. This was more than double the average premium rate for residential land in Shanghai, which was around 91 percent in the first half of 2016, according to a mid-year report by Centaline Property Agency Ltd., a Hong Kong-based real estate company. The first Disneyland in mainland China, which opened in mid-June in Chuansha township in the eastern Shanghai suburbs, has fueled a rise in land and housing prices in surrounding areas. Land values near the theme park rose by 35 percent from January to December last year, a report released by real estate information provider Mingtiandi in early May said. Experts interviewed by Caixin said land prices in the area immediately surrounding Shanghai Disneyland have appreciated faster than the average citywide land value. Even when the local government tightened its home-buying policies in March, land prices in Chuansha continued to climb, the Mingtiandi report said. The average price of a secondhand home in the region increased by almost 50 percent from 20,000 yuan per square meter in December to 30,000 yuan in May, according to Lianjia.com, a real estate agency website. The figure had hit 32,000 yuan per square meter by the end of June, a Lianjia customer service representative told Caixin. Property prices in Chuansha and nearby areas have risen since late 2009, when Walt Disney Co. received government approval to begin development. However, the Disney effect is not the only reason for the steep climb seen in recent months. State-owned enterprises have been snapping up land at property auctions nationwide leading to the emergence of "land barons," who are hoarding assets to strengthen their balance sheets. However, some market analysts see the surge in land and housing prices as a short-term bubble. "People may not want to live too close to Disney," Chester Zhang, a researcher at the Shanghai office of British property consultancy Savills PLC, told Mingtiandi. "The large volume of visitors anticipated will create traffic and other headaches for local residents." (Rewritten by Francesca Lupia) A 26-year-old man in Pennsylvania who took Indian Ayurvedic herbal supplements wound up developing lead poisoning from taking the pills, according to a report of his case. Stomach pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and dark-colored stools had sent the man to an emergency room in Philadelphia, where doctors discovered that he had a high level of lead in his blood, according to the report. The man's symptoms went away several months after he was treated and stopped taking the supplements, the doctors who treated him wrote in their report. This is not the first time Ayurvedic herbal supplements have landed someone in the hospital. There have been other cases of lead poisoning linked to the use of similar supplements, the man's doctors wrote in the report, published today (June 30) in the journal BMJ Case Reports. "This case follows similar reports in the USA of acute lead toxicity from Ayurvedic medications produced in India," they wrote. Ayurveda is a traditional herbal medicine system that originated more than 2,000 years ago in India, according to the report. About 80 percent of people in India use this type of medicine, according to the report. In one subdivision of Ayurveda, metals including mercury, lead and arsenic are used in addition to herbal remedies to treat conditions such as epilepsy, insomnia and asthma. Researchers estimate that roughly 35 to 40 percent of the 6,000 medicines listed in the Ayurvedic collection of formulas intentionally contain at least one metal, the authors said in their report. [Giant List of the Strangest Medical Cases We've Covered] The man described in the report first took the herbal supplements to treat lower-back pain he experienced during a trip to India. After returning to the U.S., he started using the supplements regularly, and soon started having abdominal symptoms, according to the study. At the hospital, the doctors determined that the supplements he had been taking were to blame for his condition, as he had not been exposed to lead in any other way. Indeed, when the doctors later analyzed the supplements, they found that they did contain the metal. The man's symptoms were treated, and the doctors suggested he stop taking the supplements. The man was sent home from the hospital after two days. He was then readmitted for an additional, scheduled treatment to remove the metal from his body, and within months, his symptoms resolved. "While Ayurvedic medications are readily available without a prescription, it's important to understand that there are potential dangers associated with taking such medications that are sold over the counter, and without input from a health care provider," said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City who was not involved in the man's case. Other than lead, "arsenic and mercury can also be contained in such remedies, and may lead to catastrophic outcomes if taken without first consulting a health care provider," Glatter said. [Lead Poisoning Threatens Michigan Kids: What Are the Risks?] Other researchers reported that 20 percent of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products manufactured in South Asia and available in specialty stores in the Boston area had potentially toxic levels of these three metals, according to the report. Originally published on Live Science. The remains of stillborn or miscarried fetuses and infants were more widely available and more important to 18th- and 19th-century anatomists than once thought. At the time, cadavers were much sought after for anatomical study but were difficult to get, as society's view of dissection was overwhelmingly negative. Corpses of criminals and the very poor typically, adult men were easiest for anatomists to acquire, according to the researchers of a new study. The new research is the first to examine how British anatomists analyzed the bodies of the very young fetuses and infants to explore the physical changes that occur during infancy and childhood. [Image Gallery: The Oddities of Human Anatomy] Records show that these tiny cadavers were greatly valued and were frequently retained as permanent additions to medical collections unlike many of the adult cadavers that ended up on a dissection slab, the researchers found. Special treatment The scientists gathered their data from the University of Cambridge in the U.K., exploring a little-known collection that dated from 1768 to 1913 and contained 54 infant and fetus specimens. Some of the specimens are entire skeletons, but most are just skulls, according to study co-author Piers Mitchell, a biological anthropologist and lecturer at the University of Cambridge, and president of the Paleopathology Association, a global organization of researchers studying ancient diseases in humans and animals. Mitchell noted that special care was taken when anatomists prepared infant and fetal bodies more so than in adult specimens. The skulls, for example, were typically preserved whole. In all the specimens, there was only one fetal skull where the top had been surgically removed. However, this procedure known as a craniotomy was typical for adult skulls that were prepared by anatomists, Mitchell told Live Science in an email, as it allowed them to examine the layers of the skull surrounding the brain, as well as the brain itself. A transverse craniotomy performed on a fetus, the only example in the Cambridge collection. Duckworth Collection, circa 1911. (Image credit: Journal of Anatomy) Further analysis of the tiny skulls' surfaces indicated that the soft tissue had been removed with more delicate instruments than were commonly used for adult corpses likely to protect the more fragile bone. Adult bodies that had undergone dissection were frequently disposed of in graves at hospitals or parish churches, according to study co-author Jenna Dittmar, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge. The researchers found few children's bodies with signs of dissection at these burial sites, suggesting that their cadavers had been kept "for teaching or display," Dittmar said in a statement. And anatomists put these cadavers to good use, Mitchell told Live Science. "Childrens bones lengthen at the cartilage growth plates at the end of long bones," Mitchell said. "By adulthood these growth plates disappear. They could see for the first time how the bones grow at different ages." This unique knowledge, which could only be obtained from examining very young, developing bodies, "made them essential to the study of anatomy," Dittmar added. Supply and demand But where did the bodies come from? The study authors cited statistics gathered between 1757 and 1763 from workhouses and poorhouses public institutions where destitute people were housed describing an infant mortality rate of close to 100 percent. Unclaimed bodies of people of any age were frequently given or sold to anatomists. And families too poor to afford a burial might also sell a stillborn infant. Close-up of full-term fetal skull from the University of Cambridge, circa 1911. (Image credit: Nick Saffell) But many of the bodies that found their way to anatomical study took a grimmer path, the researchers noted. Illegitimate births were highly stigmatized during the 18th and 19th centuries, and infanticide skyrocketed during the Victorian era with the passing of the so-called "New Poor Law" in 1834; that law ended parish relief for unwed women, and it left many who were already in dire straits desperate and unable to care for their infants. A newspaper reported in 1866 that "in England and Wales there could not be fewer than 1,000 cases of infanticide annually," according to the study authors. Anatomists welcomed these infant corpses, as well as unwanted fetuses that were miscarried or stillborn, the authors wrote. And a number of the skeletons and anatomical specimens that were obtained in the 1800's are still used by medical schools in the U.K. today for teaching anatomy and pathology, Mitchell told Live Science. It's difficult to find a silver lining in the death of the very young. But as far as the anatomists of hundreds of years ago were concerned, those deaths, however unfortunate, provided an invaluable opportunity for them to make advances in medical knowledge. At the very least, observation of the dead played a critical role in understanding and eventually improving health and well-being in the living, the researchers noted. The findings were published online today (June 30) in the Journal of Anatomy. Original article on Live Science. Gas giant Jupiter is probably the best place in the solar system to study how the magnetic fields of planets are generated. The Juno spacecraft will make the five-year, 400-million-mile voyage to Jupiter and orbit the planet, collecting data for more than one Earth year. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, is an important scientific target for astronomers. That's because the gas giant planet has such a big influence in this neighborhood of the cosmos; in the early days of the solar system, Jupiter gathered most of the planetary mass, and its gravity might have redirected life-threatening asteroids and comets away from Earth. But Jupiter is also a fascinating target for Earthlings gazing up at the sky, and the planet has been a force in culture and history over the ages. As NASA's Juno spacecraft prepares to arrive at Jupiter on July 4, after traveling more than 1.7 billion miles (2.7 billion kilometers), scientists are poised to learn a lot more about the gas giant. But until then, here are some of the weirdest facts astronomers already know about Jupiter. The Great Red Spot is shrinking The new image of Jupiter, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, reveals that the shrinking of the Great Red Spot is slowing, as well as identifying a rare feature. The image, released on Oct. 13, 2015, was captured on Jan. 19. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, A. Simon (GSFC), M. Wong (UC Berkeley), and G. Orton (JPL-Caltech)) The Great Red Spot is a huge storm on Jupiter that has been raging for at least 400 years, ever since telescopes first began looking at the planet. But since at least the 1930s, this massive storm has been shrinking. In 2014, images of the storm taken by the Hubble Space Telescope showed that it measured 10,250 miles (16,500 km) across, or about half its when observed in the 1800s. The storm also seems to be shrinking even faster as it gets smaller, which has astronomers stumped. "One possibility is that some unknown activity in the planet's atmosphere may be draining energy and weakening the storm, causing it to shrink," Hubble officials said in a 2014 statement. Jupiter can cast shadows on Earth Scientists have confirmed, with amazing precision, Einstein's general theory of relativity. To do so, they looked at how each planet's elliptical orbit shifts over time. (Image credit: NASA) Some objects are so bright in the sky that they can cast shadows on the ground on Earth. The sun and the moon are the most obvious examples, but under very dark skies, there have been reliable reports that Venus can also cast shadows on Earth. Jupiter, however, is not quite as bright in the night sky as Venus. Astronomer Phil Plait, creator of the "Bad Astronomy" blog, wrote in 2011 that he did see claims that Jupiter can cast shadows on Earth, but these were not proven until that year. The evidence came from a 14-year-old Canadian amateur astronomer, Laurent V. Joli-Coeur. The teenager created a sort of "Jupiterdial" (sundial shape) with a post to cast a shadow. He aimed the rig at Jupiter and caught a shadow, even after rotating the contraption a bit. Joli-Coeur also pointed the rig away from Jupiter and saw no shadow, proving that the planet itself had created the dark spots. Jupiter is a handy spacecraft slingshot An artist concept of NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft leaving the solar system to enter interstellar space. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) Earthlings are really lucky to have Jupiter in the outer solar system. The planet provides a handy method for passing spacecraft to pick up some speed on their journeys deeper into the solar system. Perhaps the most famous examples are the two Voyager spacecraft in the 1970s. Voyager 1 used Jupiter to change its direction and fly high above the solar system's ecliptic plane, while Voyager 2 swung by the giant planet and kept going to Saturn, Uranus and Neptune during what was a once-in-a-lifetime alignment. Voyager 1 exited the solar system in 2013, the first spacecraft to do so. Other prominent Jupiter flybys include the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft in the early 1970s (the spacecraft stopped transmitting to Earth, but are still flying out of the solar system), the Cassini-Huygens probe on its way to Saturn, and the New Horizons probe on its way to Pluto. If you're happy and you know it, the ancients credited Jupiter A chromolithograph of the planet Jupiter, observed Nov. 1, 1880, at 9:30 p.m. The piece of art reveals Jupiter's Great Red Spot, akin to a hurricane on Earth, which has been raging on the planet for hundreds of years. (Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot, New York Public Library) The word "jovial", which means "happy" or "joyful," has its roots in an alternative name for Jupiter, "Jove." "Jovial" is a late 16th-century word that originally comes from the Latin word "jovialis," meaning "of Jupiter." It was supposed to refer to the planet Jupiter's influence on a person. In ancient times, many civilizations believed the gods governed people's fates and also the motions of the planets in the sky, so these civilizations named the visible-eye planets after gods. Because Jupiter was big, bright and moved relatively slowly, some cultures named the planet after the chief of their gods (such as Zeus in Greece, rebranded as Jupiter by the ancient Romans). Germanic culture called the gas giant "Thor," the god of thunder and lightning. The word Thor is the root of the word "Thursday" (or "Thor's day"), meaning Jupiter is also tied to one of the days of the week. In fact, all the visible-eye planets, as well as the sun and the moon, are represented in the days of the week. The ancient Babylonians used advanced math to track Jupiter A newly deciphered Babylonian tablet reveals the path of Jupiter. (Image credit: Trustees of the British Museum/Mathieu Ossendrijver) The Babylonians were another ancient culture fascinated by Jupiter. In early 2016, science historian Mathieu Ossendrijver published results in which he analyzed a Babylonian tablet created between 350 B.C. and 50 B.C., long held in the collection of the British Museum in London. Ossendrijver suggested this culture used a rudimentary form of integral calculus to track Jupiter's path across the sky. Such use would predate the supposed invention of the technique in medieval Europe. According to his analysis, the tablet has plots of Jupiter's apparent decreasing velocity between the time Jupiter first appears on the horizon to 60 days later and 120 days later. This was an abstract use of geometry that was not used by the ancient Greeks or other cultures that tracked the sky in ancient times, the study said. Jupiter sometimes moves backward in the sky On Dec. 4, 1973, NASA's Pioneer 10 spacecraft sent back images of Jupiter increasing in size as it approached the gas giant. (Image credit: NASA) Earth is one of the innermost planets of the solar system. This means that every so often, this planet's orbit catches up to worlds that are traveling further away from the sun. Mars is the most spectacular example. Even the ancients could clearly see the Red Planet moving backward in the sky briefly during every orbital cycle. For the most part, the ancients couldn't figure out why (most cultures put Earth at the center of the universe), but that was explained when solar system models were adjusted to put the sun at the center instead. It turns out that Jupiter also displays this so-called retrograde motion, because it also orbits further out than Earth. Each year on Earth, there is a period during which Jupiter moves westward in the sky by about 10 degrees as the Earth "catches up" in its orbit and then sails by. Jupiter's moons helped show scientists the speed of light (Image credit: NASA) Humanity has only known for a few centuries that the speed of light is finite. It's also a very difficult thing to measure, because it is so fast. There are a few ways by which the speed of light was eventually figured out, and one of them involved the planet Jupiter. In the 1600s, Danish astronomer Ole Roemer helped solve a problem that had vexed astronomers. Scientists had noticed that eclipse tables of Jupiter's moons were always 16 minutes and 40 seconds late when Jupiter was on the far side of the sun from the Earth. In 1675, Roemer said this is because of the speed of light and correctly measured the velocity as being more than 186,000 miles per second (300,000 km per second). Cooking oil is an essential kitchen ingredient that is, until it goes rancid. The culprits behind this unsavory expiration can be found in pretty much every kitchen. They include exposure to light, heat, water, certain microbes and the very air people breathe, chemists told Live Science. Luckily, the perpetrators behind this sour, musty smell (and taste) can be forestalled, increasing the shelf life of cooking oil, the experts said. [Can Peanut Butter Go Bad?] Breaking bonds Any oil that contains unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats that is, fats that allow the oil to be liquid at room temperature can go rancid, said Susan Richardson, a professor of chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Unsaturated fats have a carbon-carbon double bond in their structure, Richardson told Live Science. However, these bonds can be broken by oxygen in the air, she said. This is called oxidation. If someone forgets to put the cap on a bottle of oil, such as vegetable, sesame or olive oil, the oil within will be exposed to oxygen. In this case, "an oxygen comes bumbling along and hits a carbon-carbon double bond," said John Malin, a retired associate professor of chemistry at the University of Missouri. "[The oxygen] attacks that double bond and forms a carbon-oxygen bond." This carbon-oxygen bond can lead to a number of products, including an aldehyde, ketone or carboxylic acid. Some of these products have rancid odors and tastes, the chemists said. Water has a similar effect, because H2O has an oxygen atom in it, Malin said. This process, when part of the H2O molecule inserts itself into the carbon-carbon double bond, is called hydration. What's more, rates of oxidation and hydration are enhanced in the presence of light, he said. Ultraviolet light is even more powerful than visible light, because it has more energy, he added. "That's why cooking oil will preserve better in the dark and when it's capped," Malin said. Heat also accelerates these chemical processes, and can make oil go rancid more quickly. When they're hot, "these molecules are moving around and wiggling real fast and banging into each other," he said. However, Malin doesn't recommend storing cooking oil in the refrigerator. That's because the cold temperature will slow down the movement of the liquid's molecules. As they move more slowly, some of the molecules will drop out of the solution and stratify, leading to a cloudy look. It's not unhealthy to consume oil in this state, but most people prefer oil that looks clear, Malin said. Perhaps unsurprisingly, certain microbes can also make oils rancid. Oils contain triglycerides, a chemical compound that has one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. Some microbes can chop off those fatty acids from the triglyceride backbone, which, in turn, can make the oil rancid, Richardson said. "Those [chopped-off] fatty acids can smell and taste bad," she said. [Good Food Gone Bad] Health effects By understanding the chemistry behind rancidity, people can figure out which oils will last longer, so long as they're properly stored, Richardson said. For instance, some oils have more carbon-carbon double bonds than others, meaning they will probably spoil more readily. So, in a three-way contest among three oils she randomly picked, corn oil will likely spoil fastest, canola oil next and olive oil last, she said. But no matter the type of oil, people should throw it away if it's rancid, both chemists advised. "[Rancid foods] lose their vitamins, but they also can develop potentially toxic compounds," Eric Decker, the head of the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told The Dallas Morning News. These compounds have been linked to advanced aging, neurological disorders, heart disease and cancer, the Morning News reported. For instance, Richardson found that used oil she had left in a deep fryer had turned sour-smelling and rancid. "I smelled it and threw it out," she said. Original article on Live Science. A 60-year-old woman in England whose daughter died wants to use her daughter's eggs to get pregnant and give birth to her own grandchild. But would such a pregnancy come with risks? In general, older women are at higher risk for complications during pregnancy compared with younger women. But some studies suggest that women over 50 who become pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) do just as well as younger women, as long as they are properly screened for health conditions before becoming pregnant. Related: How to get pregnant: Tips and facts to increase fertility The British woman, known only as Mrs. M., says she wants to honor the wish of her late daughter, who died in 2011 of bowel cancer at age 28, but who had her eggs frozen before her death, according to The New York Times. Yesterday (June 30), Mrs. M. won an appeal in court for the right to take her daughter's frozen eggs to a clinic in New York, where she plans to have embryos created with donor sperm. The embryos could then be implanted so that Mrs. M. could carry her grandchild. If Mrs. M is able to go through with the plan, she wouldn't be the first person to carry her own grandchild. In 2011, a 61-year-old woman in Virginia gave birth to her own grandson, after carrying a pregnancy for her 35-year-old daughter and son-in-law, who had suffered stillbirths and a miscarriage, according to news reports. In a similar case, a 54-year-old woman in Texas gave birth to her own granddaughter earlier this year. Older women tend to have a higher rate of problems during pregnancy. A 2010 study from Israel found that women over 45 were three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy, compared with younger women. Older women in the study also had a higher risk of preterm birth, and were much more likely to need a cesarean section, compared with younger women. [Blossoming Body: 8 Odd Changes That Happen During Pregnancy] In older women, a big concern is whether their heart and blood vessels can handle the extra blood volume that flows through a woman's body during pregnancy, Dr. David Cohen, an obstetrician and ethicist at the University of Chicago, told ABC News. (During pregnancy, a woman's blood doubles in volume.) Because blood vessels aren't as elastic in older women, the risk of developing high blood pressure is greater, Cohen said. Still, some older women are able to become pregnant and give birth safely. In a 2012 study, researchers analyzed the outcomes of more than 100 women ages 50 and older who became pregnant with donated eggs (using IVF) and gave birth. Before the IVF procedure, the women had undergone extensive health screening, including an ultrasound of the heart and a treadmill stress test. The researchers found that the older women in the study had rates of gestational diabetes and preterm labor that were similar to those of the younger women who also gave birth after IVF. The older women did have slightly higher rates of high blood pressure (23 percent compared to 14 percent), but this difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could have been due to chance. About 80 percent of the older women needed a C-section. Because the uterus changes very little with age, it should be able to nourish a growing fetus, even at older ages, Dr. Mark Sauer, chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Medical Center, told Live Science in a 2012 interview. Still, it's important that older women be properly screened before they try to become pregnant, Sauer said. In the 2012 study, the older women who qualified for IVF tended to be healthy, and did not have other medical conditions. Original article on Live Science. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Newly elected Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Loughrey believes the county town is well placed to reap the benefits of Irelands economic recovery. I do believe if we can work together we can make progress, he told last week's meeting. Budgets and finances are more important than ever and we must be conscious of ensuring we get value for money. We, as elected members, have a responsibility to the people who put us there in the first place. Cllr Loughrey, who assumed the chain of office from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus Butler, was joined by his wife Natasha and two children Kayla (3) and nine-month-old Logan. As he took his place at the Municipal Districts top table, Cllr Loughrey admitted the occasion was one of immense personal pride to him and his family. I am honoured and privileged to be in this position, he said, as he gazed down at the chain showing the many names of his predecessors. I know I have big shoes to fill and though this is my second term (as a councillor) its my first piece of jewellery and the first piece is always the sweetest. Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus Butler said he had every faith in handing over the chain to a man he believed had all the attributes and personal qualities to take Longford forward. He said looking back on his 12 month reign, plenty of positives were achieved, most notably the decision by the Council to take in charge the Flancare link road on the outskirts of town. Paying tribute to the role played by Cllr Mae Sexton in bringing those efforts to pass, Cllr Butler said: I think that will prove to be one of the most decisive things this Municipal District has ever done. Independent Councillor Gerry Warnock, who was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach, was just as wholesome in his praise for the new Cathaoirleach. Padraig will bring a wealth of experience, who, as a businessman in the town, always has his finger on the pulse, he said. Independent councillor Mark Casey will preside over Longford County Council's Ballymahon Municipal District for the next 12 months after he was nominated to succeed Fine Gael's Cllr Colm Murray in the role at the district's Annual General Meeting last week. I very much enjoyed the year, said Cllr Murray. It was a busy year with lots to be done. He added that the Municipal District's decision to hold its meetings at different locations, allowed people to see local politics at work. Pointing to the positives of the last 12 months, he acknowledged progress in the proposed Center Parcs development at Newcastle Wood, saying, we have talked before of what it will bring to the town of Ballymahon and the surrounding area, and to the county. He also praised the holistic approach to the traffic and parking plan that has been initiated in Ballymahon and the extension of the Royal Canal walkway from Westmeath to Abbeyshrule, adding that the latter shows the Department we are serious about this project. In addition, he praised the inclusion of the Corlea Trackway in the 'Ireland's Ancient East' tourist trail: It has been under-used and under-visited but hopefully this will increase numbers. It wasn't all plain sailing, he added. Severe flooding hit the community. I'd like to pay tribute to the council staff who pumped water and filled sandbags. He joined the rest of the Municipal District's other representatives in congratulating Cllr Paul Ross (FG) and his wife Jenny on the birth of their first child: congratulations on the arrival of baby Sophie. Cllr Murray then handed over to his successor and incoming Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerard Farrell (FG), who succeeded Cllr Mick Cahill (FF). We'll do things together, Cllr Casey said of the approach he intends to take during his tenure. There'll be no solo runs here. Bethpage, NY - June 29, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today joined with a decorated wounded veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom, local veterans, service dogs and corporate sponsors to announce the 2nd Annual Long Island Run and Dog Walk benefiting Americas VetDogs an organization that provides specially-trained guide and service dogs to disabled veterans, active-duty service members and disabled first responders. The event will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016. County Executive Mangano stated, Nassau County has teamed up with Americas VetDogs and corporate sponsors to support disabled military heroes and provide them the support needed to again live with pride and self-reliance. It takes thousands of dollars to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but Americas VetDogs provides their services completely free of charge to the individual. Americas VetDogs relies on voluntary contributions to fund its mission. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, there is never a charge to the individual. The following sponsors of the 2nd Annual Long Island Run and Dog Walk allow the organization to direct funds to supporting programs: Suez Environnement; D&B Engineers and Architects; BAE Systems; and CG/3PL. Wells Jones, CEO of Americas VetDogs, said, Americas VetDogs is excited to once again partner with Nassau County on this amazing event, which not only raises funds to meet our mission but also raises awareness and recognition from the community. It gives us the opportunity to reach out to disabled veterans and first responders and let them know about our assistance dog programs and the services we provide. We have created these programs to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence, but most importantly, to give these men and women the tools they need to conquer the new challenges they face. U.S. Navy Corpsman Joseph Worley, who spent almost two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from the loss of his left leg and other injuries suffered in Iraq in 2004, joined officials at the event to praise the work of Americas VetDogs. Worley was partnered with service dog Benjamin, a Golden Retriever in 2008, who is trained to help with balance, stability and retrieval. About the 2nd Annual Long Island Run and Dog Walk: The 2nd Annual Long Island Run and Dog Walk will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016. Registration is currently open and available through the day of the event. Dogs are welcome for those who wish to take a leisurely walk with their four-legged friends. All participants will have an opportunity to visit the Museum of American Armor, which is located in the village, before or after the race. For more information regarding the event and to register online, please click here. Westbury, NY - June 29, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) approved an economic compact on June 28th that allows a developer to redevelop an underperforming Westbury office building into a pioneering telecommunications hub and bring new high-paying technology jobs to Nassau County. This unique project will help generate high-paying technology jobs in Nassau County, which are necessary for the long-term success of our economy said County Executive Mangano. This transformative project will reposition an underperforming commercial property in an economically diverse area into a technology driven hub of economic activity. The project is expected to have a positive economic benefit to Nassau County of more than $165 million. The developer, 1025 OCR along with Mazel Productions, anticipates adding new 27 employees at the site and another 65 employees working for various tenants in the building. In addition, the project is anticipated to produce at least 30 construction jobs. The developer will spend $20.75 million to upgrade the infrastructure and power supply of a 165,395-square-foot building at 1025 Old Country Road in Westbury. A second, adjacent building, at 51 State Street in Westbury, is to be demolished and its site used for parking. The proposed renovations, which will take 60-84 months to complete, are aimed at creating a telecommunications hub that leverages existing infrastructure and technology at the four-story property, part of which originally were constructed in the 1950s and since expanded. As a result of the renovations, the developer anticipates high-paying technology jobs will be created by tenants who co-locate at the facility. The building houses Manhattan Bypass fiber optic routes and has connectivity to submarine landing stations that come into Long Island. About the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency consists of a team of professionals whose mission is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of Nassau County. It is a resource for businesses in Nassau County and those considering relocation. The IDA provides assistance to businesses interested in relocating, expanding and financing new investments. It has provided assistance to a wide range of companies including Hain Celestial, Publishers Clearing House, Arizona Iced Tea, Dealer Track Technologies and Sleepys Mattress as well as Cold Spring Harbor Labs and Grumman Studios. For more information, please visit www.nassauida.org or call (516) 571-1945. Sports & Recreation, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 01 2016 DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the north shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. These closures are put in place during the busy holidays to protect public health from potentially contaminated shellfish associated with increased boating activity in shellfishing waters. North Shore, LI - June 30, 2016 - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the temporary closure of three shellfishing areas on the north shore of Long Island during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. These closures are put in place during the busy holidays to protect public health from potentially contaminated shellfish associated with increased boating activity in shellfishing waters. Boaters are reminded to use pump-out facilities to help protect these waters. "As a precautionary measure, DEC annually closes shellfishing in these waters during Fourth of July weekend because of the heavy increase in recreational boating," Commissioner Seggos said. "We strongly encourage boaters to act responsibly and be aware of the no-discharge zones in Port Jefferson Harbor, Oyster Bay Harbor and the Sand Hole and to use pump-out facilities to prevent impacts to our natural resources and protect public health." Since 1995, DEC has designated these areas as temporarily uncertified for the harvest of shellfish during the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays. During peak holiday periods, discharges from marine sanitation devices (toilets) may contaminate nearby shellfish beds with pathogenic bacteria or viruses, rendering the shellfish unsafe for human consumption. DEC will designate the following areas, all on the north shore of Long Island, as closed to the harvest of shellfish beginning at sunrise on Saturday, July 2 and continuing through Wednesday, July 6: 445 acres in a section of Oyster Bay Harbor, Town of Oyster Bay , Nassau County 50 acres in the area known as the Sand Hole in the Town of Huntington , Suffolk County 347 acres in northern Port Jefferson Harbor in Brookhaven , Suffolk County Shellfish harvesting is expected to resume in these areas on Thursday, July 7. If poor weather causes fewer boaters to visit these areas, DEC may rescind the closure and reopen the areas to harvesting earlier than July 7. A recorded message advising the public about temporary closures of any shellfishing areas in New York State is accessible 24 hours a day by calling (631) 444-0480. The recorded message also advises harvesters when such areas have reopened. Information, including maps showing the affected areas, is available on DEC's website. Boaters should be aware that all of Oyster Bay Harbor, the Sand Hole and Port Jefferson Harbor are designated as no-discharge zones. A no-discharge zone is a designated body of water where the discharge of treated or untreated boat sewage is prohibited. Boaters in these areas should utilize the following pump-out facilities: Oyster Bay Harbor (West Harbor) One pump-out boat is operated by the Town of Oyster Bay at no fee to boaters. Contact the pump-out boat via marine radio VHF channel 9. In addition, the town provides two pump-out stations on floats near the Oyster Bay Marine Center and Waterfront Park and a land-based pump-out in the town marina at Theodore Roosevelt Park. The Sand Hole (Lloyd Neck) Although there are no facilities within the Sand Hole, boaters should contact Town of Oyster Bay pump-out boat as noted above. There also is a land-based pump-out facility at Powle's Marine Center in Cold Spring Harbor. In addition, boaters traveling from Town of Huntington waters can request the services of the Town of Huntington pump-out boat (no fee) by calling on marine radio VHF channel 9. There are also a number of land based pump-out facilities at marinas in Northport Harbor and Huntington Harbor. Port Jefferson Harbor The Town of Brookhaven operates a pump-out boat (no fee) in Port Jefferson Harbor. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays only. Boaters may contact the Town's pump-out boat via marine radio VHF channel 73. A full list of No Discharge Zones in New York State, including other Long Island waters, can be found at EPA's website. Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 01 2016 Army Corps and NYSDEC presented their plan for the future of the Barrier Island beaches, including storm resiliency and hardening initiatives. Over 200 residents turned out for the event to voice their concerns over how the project will impact the beaches and roads. Long Beach, NY - June 30, 2016 - Senator Todd Kaminsky, along with the Office of Rep. Kathleen Rice, Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford, and the City of Long Beach hosted an informational forum last night, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) presented their plan for the future of the Barrier Island beaches, including storm resiliency and hardening initiatives. Ensuring that the South Shores beaches are prepared for severe storms is crucial to maintaining the quality of life and economy of the Barrier Island, said Senator Kaminsky. Community participation and awareness are critical to the making sure the project is completed responsibly, and I am pleased that the public has the opportunity to weigh in and get answers to their concerns. As we continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy and prepare for future storms, it's critical that we make smart resiliency investments now that will better protect communities on the Barrier Island," said Representative Kathleen Rice. I'm grateful to the Army Corps and NYSDEC for coming to our district to discuss their plans and talk with residents about how the projects will affect their lives, and I look forward to continue gathering input from community members and stakeholders moving forward. I appreciate the update but I feel very strongly that more discussion is necessary as this will impact the whole Barrier Island. Legislator Ford The Army Corps project is long overdue, and it will help ensure that we have a stronger, smarter, and safer beach, said City Manager Jack Schnirman. It is extremely important to the city council that the entire process be transparent and that the community is involved every step of the way, and that is why this forum took place in City Hall. On Tuesday evening, Senator Kaminsky partnered with the Point Lookout Civic Association to host the Army Corps and NYSDEC for a similar presentation. Over 200 residents turned out for the event to voice their concerns over how the project will impact the beaches and roads. Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: July 01 2016 Port Washington-based LIF Industries, a fire door manufacturer, will expand its operations and keep more than 300 jobs in Nassau that might have been moved out-of-state. Port Washington / Greenvale, NY - June 29, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) approved economic development compacts on June 28th that assist two local manufacturers to expand operations and retain 500 jobs in Nassau County. Port Washington-based LIF Industries, a fire door manufacturer, will expand its operations and keep more than 300 jobs in Nassau that might have been moved out-of-state. Family-owned Slant/Fin Corp., Americas largest manufacturer of baseboard heating equipment and one of the top manufacturers of gas and water boilers, will spend $3 million to modernize its building and retain its unionized workforce of 229 in Greenvale. The company had considered relocating to Connecticut. Since 2010, the Mangano administration has retained more than 7,000 local jobs. Nassau County continues to lead the region with the lowest unemployment rate due to my economic development teams success in retaining local employers and attracting new companies and their jobs to our communities. The retention and growth of these two companies and their 500 jobs ensures residents continue to have local job opportunities and helps maintain the tax base for schools and other municipalities. LIF Industries, which considered a move to Pennsylvania, will retain 300-plus jobs. The company plans to increase its space by 25 percent through the purchase of a 40,000-square-foot building at 10 Harbor Park Drive in Port Washington. The company has its headquarters and factory in 163,000 square feet at 5 Harbor Drive and has additional facilities at 18 Industrial Park Drive, a 40,00 square-foot building. Under terms of the compact, the company said will add 18 full-time-equivalent jobs to its payroll within three years of completion of the $7 million expansion and renovation project. The project also is estimated to result in the creation of 12-17 construction jobs and have a total economic impact on the county of $108 million. Empire State Development has awarded the company up to $500,000 in state tax credits and the state Power Authority has agreed to provide Long Island Fireproof with 290 kilowatts of low-cost electricity. Slant/Fin Corp. will spend $3 million to modernize its 188,048-square-foot building and retain its unionized workforce of 229 in Greenvale. The economic compact is estimated to have a $1.4 billion positive economic impact and have a net-positive tax benefit to Nassau and other taxing jurisdictions of $1.4 million. About the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency consists of a team of professionals whose mission is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of Nassau County. It is a resource for businesses in Nassau County and those considering relocation. The IDA provides assistance to businesses interested in relocating, expanding and financing new investments. It has provided assistance to a wide range of companies including Hain Celestial, Publishers Clearing House, Arizona Iced Tea, Dealer Track Technologies and Sleepys Mattress as well as Cold Spring Harbor Labs and Grumman Studios. For more information, please visit www.nassauida.org or call (516) 571-1945. Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com Columnists Press Releases Terrorists assaulted a cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh earlier today, taking a number of hostages and exchanging gunfire with police. Initial casualty reports say that two policeman were killed and dozens more wounded. According to CNN and other media outlets, approximately 20 people are reportedly being held hostage inside the Holey Artisan Bakery. [Update: The siege was ended after 11 hours and officials in Bangladesh say that 20 of the hostages were killed. Among the victims were tourists from the West, including Italians.] The Islamic States Amaq News Agency quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. Islamic State commandos attack a restaurant frequented by foreigners in the city of Dhaka in Bangladesh, the first Breaking News update from Amaq reads. A second Amaq update reads: More than 20 individuals of varying nationalities killed after a commando attack on the Artisan restaurant in Dhaka city. The commandos hold hostages inside the Artisan restaurant in Dhaka city, amid exchanges of gun fire with Bangladesh Police, a third Amaq News update said. None of Amaqs reports thus far include any details that havent already been reported by the press. There is no indication in the reports that the Islamic State had foreknowledge of the plot, but that could quickly change. The number of fighters loyal to the Islamic State in Bangladesh has steadily grown since last year. The so-called caliphates loyalists have claimed responsibility for a string of attacks, mainly assassinations and murders. If Amaqs claims are accurate, then todays crisis is the largest operation of its kind by the Islamic States followers in Bangladesh in history. Todays assault in Dhaka is similar to an operation that was carried out in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this year. In January, several terrorists attacked a Starbucks cafe and also a nearby department store. According to Reuters, two victims were killed, one from Indonesia and the other a Canadian. All five gunmen also died during the strike. Just as with todays raid in Dhaka, the operation in Jakarta targeted an area frequented by tourists and Westerners. Indonesian authorities claimed that Bahrun Naim, an Islamic State jihadist based in Raqqa, was responsible for orchestrating the plot. Officials in Bangladesh have often sought to downplay the growth of jihadism in their country. But both the Islamic State and al Qaeda have established a foothold. A wing of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has targeted accused blasphemers and others repeatedly. Ayman al Zawahiri announced the creation of AQIS in September 2014, saying that it was the result of two years of recruiting and negotiating with existing jihadi groups. It is possible that the Islamic State has grown inside Bangladesh by poaching from this extremist base. Abu Bakr al Baghdadis campaign has also grown worldwide by wooing local jihadist organizations into its camp. Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for 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. The US government released official data on counterterrorism strikes outside areas of active hostilities, including the number of strikes, and combatant and civilian casualties. The information, which only covers operations during the Obama administrations tenure, is part of the Obama administrations efforts to provide as much information as possible to the American people on the controversial issue of counterterrorism strikes against jihadist groups. The data was released today by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and covers counterterrorism operations, such as drone and manned airstrikes and special operations raids in areas outside of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, which are considered areas of active hostilities where the US military is directly engaged in fighting against groups such as al Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State. The countries where the raids took place are not specified, however, but likely include Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya. There have been 473 counterterrorism strikes since President Obama took office on Jan. 20, 2009 up until Dec. 31, 2015, according to the ODNI. Data for 2016 was not disclosed. US intelligence estimates that between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants and between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in these strikes, according to the ODNI. The ODNI report did not provide data on strikes conducted during the Bush administration. The reason for this omission was not disclosed. The Long War Journal has tracked US counterterrorism operations in Pakistan and Yemen using press reports and other means since the first recorded strike in Pakistan in 2004. LWJ has not attempted to track strikes in Somalia and Libya due to the uncertainty of information. The numbers provided by ODNI are similar, however there are discrepancies. LWJ has recorded 471 strikes in Pakistan and Yemen combined from Jan. 20, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2015 (343 strikes in Pakistan, 126 in Yemen). An estimated 207 civilians have been killed during that timeframe (100 killed in Pakistan, 107 in Yemen). ODNI noted that it is difficult to assess combatant and civilian casualties after the strikes, as there are inherent limitations particularly when operating in non-permissive environments. Much of the ODNI report focused on discrepancies between US government and non-governmental assessments from non-governmental organizations. The non-governmental organizations referred to in the report are The Long War Journal, The New America Foundation, and the Bureau for Investigative Journalism, the three groups that track the counterterrorism strikes. ODNI notes that the reporting of civilian casualties by the non-governmental organizations is significantly higher that the numbers provided by the government, which uses post-strike methodologies that have been refined and honed over the years and that use information that is generally unavailable to the three groups. LWJ has maintained that reporting on counterterrorism operations is an extremely difficult endeavor as these counterterrorism operations nearly always take place in areas outside of the writ of governments dominated by jihadist groups with their own agendas. Terrorists often operate embedded within the civilian population to mask their activities and provide a civilian shield to discourage airstrikes. Intelligence officials have the unenviable task of attempting to determine if a target location has civilians present, and then must assess the aftermath of a strike in areas that are considered no-go zones. Without intelligence assets on or near the location in real time, it is difficult to assess information gained from sensors. The US governments estimates of civilian casualties may be low compared to the three groups tracking the strikes, but the estimate is not outside of the realm of possibility. It is also possible that the high estimate for civilian casualties may be correct. ODNI did not provide data on a strike-by-strike basis, so it is difficult to reconcile the discrepancies between our data and that provided by US government. Without examining each strike on an individual basis, it is impossible to close the information gap. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of 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. One in eight women and one in ten men have experienced infertility, yet nearly half of them have not sought medical help, according to a study of more than 15,000 women and men in Britain published in the journal Human Reproduction. The study found that, of those who reported experiencing infertility (defined as unsuccessfully trying to become pregnant for a year or longer), 42.7% of women and 46.8% of men did not seek medical help for the problem. Those who did seek help were more likely to have higher educational qualifications, better jobs and, among those who had a child, to have become parents later, compared with those who did not seek help. The authors analysed data from 15,162 women and men aged between 16 and 74 years who took part in Britain's third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) between 2010 and 2012. They found that the prevalence of infertility was highest among women aged 35-44 years and among men aged 35-54. More than a third of women who became mothers aged 35 or older had experienced a period of infertility compared to fewer than one in ten women who had their first child before the age of 25. Infertility was most likely to be experienced by people who were married or cohabiting at the time they were interviewed for the study, probably reflecting the fact that those in stable relationships were more likely to have attempted pregnancy and therefore become aware of fertility problems. Experience of infertility was more common among people with higher socio-economic status, including women who had a university degree and both women and men in managerial, professional or technical employment, compared to people in lower status, routine occupations. Jessica Datta from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who led the research, said: "We were surprised that almost half of the people in our study who had experienced infertility had not sought help. "One of the important and concerning findings is the difference in educational attainment and job status between people who sought help for infertility and those who did not. Studies of infertility have tended to recruit research participants from medical settings such as general practice, so our population-based survey sample provides a rare insight into those people who, despite having failed to get pregnant after a year of trying, did not seek help from health services. The existence of inequalities in access to healthcare is well established but this is one of few analyses to explore uptake of services for infertility." Drawing on findings from other studies, the researchers suggest that possible reasons for the inequalities between those who did and did not seek help for infertility include not understanding or acknowledging that a problem exists, fear of being labelled infertile, concerns about the cost of treatment, the physical and psychological burden of treatment, or simply not wanting to get pregnant. Datta said: "Our research has implications for women pursuing careers in an uncertain labour market. Rather than warning them of the risks to fertility of delaying parenthood, we advocate social policy that better supports working parents to manage the responsibilities of employment and bringing up children." The study also found that women aged 50 or younger who had experienced infertility were more likely to have symptoms of depression and feel dissatisfaction with their sex life than those who had not. These associations were not observed for men. Datta added: "Previous research has found associations between undergoing treatment for infertility and sexual dissatisfaction. In our study, symptoms of depression occurred in the two weeks before interview and sexual dissatisfaction in the year before interview but, as we don't know when the period of infertility occurred, we cannot make assumptions about causality and are in favour of further investigation into the long term impact of infertility on women's wellbeing." Although the study was conducted in a British population, the researchers believe that similar results could be found in other countries but that different definitions of infertility and of study populations mean it can be difficult to make comparisons. The study was carried out by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College London. Natsal-3 was funded by the UK's Medical Research Council and The Wellcome Trust, with additional funding from the UK Economic & Social Research Council and the UK's Department of Health. Publication: FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS! 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We have the expertise to build and manage an infrastructure perfect for your needs. Did we mention we are also a veteran owned business? Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Putin and Socialism are like Oil and Water: Dont Mix Them This article brings out Russian President Vladimir Putins views on what happened in the past. In that sense it carries considerable value. The authors own analyses of Putin and his views are of secondary importance. Many of Indias Communists and fellow- travellers remain touchingly devoted to the Russian Federation on the mistaken notion that it is the land of socialism. They are plainly nostaligic. But viewing contemporary world politics in bipolar terms can only provide a myopic vision. Vladimir Putin is actually a Russian nationalist first and last. This under-standing is vital to put Russias foreign policies in a correct perspective as fundamentally borne out of the preoccupation with its national interests. The unpleasant truth is that Putin and socialism do not mix. This is apparent from the stunning remarks he made about his personal beliefs, Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik Revolution, New Economic Policy, Nationality Question, Joseph Stalin, communism, et al during a public interaction in Stavropol on Monday (January 26, 2016). The relevant extracts are here: You know that like millions of Soviet citizens over 20 million I used to be a member of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union), and not just a regular member: for almost 20 years I worked for the organisation called the Committee for State Security of the Soviet Union [KGB]. This organisation derives from the Cheka, which was then called the armed unit of the Party. If for some reason a person left the Communist Party, they were immediately fired from the KGB. I did not join the party simply because I had to, though I cannot say I was such a dedicated Communist, but I treated this with great care. As opposed to numerous party functionaries, I was not one of them; I was a rank-and-file member. As opposed to many functionaries, I did not trash my membership card, I did not burn it... The Communist Party of the Soviet Union fell apart; my membership card is still out there somewhere. I have always liked communist and socialist ideas. If we consider the Code of the Builder of Communism that was widely published in the Soviet Union, it strongly resembles the Bible. This is not a joke; it was actually an excerpt from the Bible. It spoke of good things: equality, fraternity, happiness. However, the practical implementation of these ideals in this country had little in common with what the utopian socialists Saint-Simon or Owen spoke about. This country had little resemblance to their Sun City. Everyone accused the tsarist regime of repressions. However, what did Soviet power begin with? With mass repressions. I will not speak of the scale, but will simply give the most outstanding example: the execution of the Tsars family together with their children. There could have been some ideological grounds to destroy possible heirs, I suppose. But why did they have to kill Doctor Botkin? Why kill the servants people of a proletarian background? What for? To cover up the crime. You see, we never gave this a thought before. Fine, we fought with people who resisted Soviet power with arms in hands, but why kill priests? In 1918 alone 3,000 priests were shot, 10,000 over a period of 10 years. Hundreds were drowned under the ice of the Don River. When you think about it, and when you get new data, you tend to see things in a different light. In one of his letters, to Molotov I believe, Vladimir Lenin wrote that the more represen-tatives of the bourgeoisie and the clergy we shoot the better; I do not remember the exact words now. You know, this approach does not go very well with some of the ideas we used to have about the very nature of power. We also know of the role the Bolshevik Communist Party played in the collapse of the World War I frontlines. The fact that we lost to a losing nation several months later Germany capitulated, and were losing the war to a losing nation was a situation unique in history. Why was this done? To gain power. Knowing this, how should we assess this situation now, with the huge, colossal losses the country had to bear? Then, there is the economy. They had to adopt the New Economic Policy because even the surplus appropriation system did not work. It became impossible to supply major cities with food. That was why they had to shift to a market economy, to the New Economic Policy, but then they quickly did away with it. You know, what I am saying now is my personal analysis of the situation, the conclusions I have come to. A planned economy has certain advantages, making it possible to concentrate national resources on the most important tasks. This was how they resolved the issue of healthcare, which was an obvious achievement of the Party in those times. This was how they resolved the situation with education also an obvious achievement of the Communist Party. This was how they dealt with the industriali-sation of the defence industry. I believe that if it were not for the concentration of national resources, the Soviet Union would not have been able to prepare for the war with Nazi Germany. The chances of being defeated in this war would have been great, with catastrophic consequences for our statehood, for the Russian people and for all the peoples of the Soviet Union. Therefore, those are all obvious achievements. However, in the final count, the inability to embrace change, to embrace technical revolutions and new technology led to a collapse of that economy. Finally, the main reason why I was saying that we need to take a fresh look at the ideas the former leader of the Soviet state Vladimir Lenin formulated. What were we talking about? I was saying that a bomb was planted at the foundation of our statehood. What did I mean by that? I will give you the details now. I was referring to the discussion between Stalin and Lenin regarding the creation of the new state, the Soviet Union. If you are a historian, you should know that back then Stalin came up with the idea of the autonomisation of the future Soviet Union. Pursuant to this idea, all the different subjects of the future state were to join the USSR as autonomies with broad authority. Lenin criti-cised Stalins views, saying it was an untimely and wrong idea. Moreover, he promoted the idea of uniting the future entities, and there were four thenRussia, Ukraine, Belorussia and, as a matter of fact, the south of Russia, the North Caucasus Federation, as it was called. So, Lenin said the state, the Soviet Union should be formed on the basis of full equality with the possibility of seceding from the Union I may have gotten the exact words wrong, but that was the idea. That was the time bomb that was planted under the structure of our statehood. Not only did they set the borders for ethnic groups of a multinational, essentially unitarian state; the borders were also established arbitrarily, without much reason. Thus, why did they make Donbass part of Ukraine? The reason was to raise the share of the proletariat there to ensure greater social support. Pure nonsense, as you may see. And this is not the only example, there are many others. Say, cultural autonomy is one thing, an autonomy with broad state authority is another, while the right to secede is something else altogether. Eventually, this, along with an inefficient economic and social policy, led to the collapse of the state. This was the time bomb. What was it if not a time bomb? That is exactly what it was. We simply need to carefully analyse what happened in the past using the opportunities we have today. However, we cannot paint everything in the past black, or present a rosy picture of everything that is happening now. We need to make a careful objective analysis to avoid the mistakes that were made and develop our statehood, our economy and social sphere in a way that would only make the state stronger. We have such an opportunity, and the Russian Popular Front has a part to play here as well. Who indeed is the real Putin? Frankly, he appears as someone who is devoid of beliefs. First, his association with the CPSU. Putin held the membership of the CPSU like any time-server in order to advance his career and savour the perks that went with it in the Soviet system. Period. He admits he doesnt care how his association with the CPSU finally ended. But we know how it endedwhen the Party ceased to be of any use to him. Quintessentially, it is the predicament of a man without beliefs. Second, the ideals and practice of socialism. Putin codifies the socialist ideals as of equality, fraternity, happiness and mocks at them. He has a point here. The Soviet system progressively degraded in the post-World War II period as a regime of kleptomaniacs and plain degenerates and cynics and time-servers. Although Putin will be loathe to admit it, Joseph Stalin was the man principally responsible for it. In a terror state, there was no more need of accountability. But then, to be fair to Stalin, Russia has always been a highly exploitative, brutal, corrupt society. Shades of Rasputin! This continues to be so even in Putins Russia. Yet, funnily enough, one of the clutch of good things Putin sees in the Soviet system was the concentration of resources in the hands of the dictator. Putin pulls up Lenin for ordering Russias exit from World War I. Here he sounds like Gen. William Westmoreland who was convinced the Vietnamese Communists could be destroyed by fighting a war of attrition that would render the Vietnam Peoples Army unable to fight anymore. Putin doesnt get the point that there are far more important things in life than fighting wars, that in Lenins eyes winning a war in which Russia wasnt really a stakeholder, was no big deal. True, Lenin literally bought peace. He told Leon Trotsky to wear petticoats, if necessary, to get the Kaiser to agree to the peace deal. Why? Because, Bolsheviks had far better things to do than continue with a war that already cost Russia heavily in human lives and treasure. Lenin was a humanist and pragmatist. The peace with Germany, the murder of the Czar and his family members, the New Economic Policy, the Nationality Question, etc. are topics that historians have pondered over at great length. Suffice it to say, they cannot be detached from the historical context in which the Bolsheviks were compelled to operate. Hardly had the Bolsheviks moved in, Russia was invaded by a concert of Western powers who wanted to kill the revolution before its perni-cious ideology might spread to Europe. Surely, Putin would have heard about the crisis in Europe in the twenties (which ultimately led to the rise of fascism). Again, Lenin and the National Question. The point is, Russia has been all along an expan-sionist power, which incessantly conquered foreign lands and annexed them as part of its territories, and a greater logic was needed to be found to rule them as one countrythe USSR. It was a Bolshevik brainwave to create the illusion of having resolved the national question while in reality establishing Russian dominance over the countless sub-nationalities. Russia does have a controversial history. By the way, who were the Crimean Tatars, the Basmachi movement or the Armenians? Some of themsuch as Uzbeks and Tajikshad a proud history much older than Russias. Were they Slavs belonging to the Orthodox Church? Kokand in Ferghana Valley was annexed just a couple of generations before the Bolshevik Revolution. True, regaining Donbass, a part of Ukraine, may pose a headache for Putin today. But then, vast tracts of Siberia and the Russian Far East continue to belong to Russia. Something comes from somewhere, something goes away some-where elsethat is the history of all imperial powers, which do not have permanent borders. Now, there can be many versions possible regarding the New Economic Policywho conceived it, who opposed it, why and how it failed and came to be summarily abandoned (when Russia had no more use of the market since it faced an embargo from the world market itself.) Ironically, Putin is an intelligent man and would know the agony of a far milder Western embargo. And that too, Russias globalisation notwithstanding, which was a luxury com-pletely denied to Lenin. The big question is why Putin said all these maverick ideas. Since the remarks have been solemnised on the Kremlin website and splashed all over the state media, they must be serving some calculated purpose in the power play. This is one thing. Putin differentiated himself here as a staunch non-communist and a votary of market economy, who abhors repression, is a devoted Christian and simply cannot forgive Lenin for killing all those pious priests (even if they had ganged up with the kulaks and undermined communism.) Does all this really help Putin look Western? That is another thing. To my mind, history remains its best judge. And Lenin remains a man of history. Chinas leader Xi Jinping is wise to train thoughts on China Dream instead of deriding to his countrymen the Great Helmsman or the Great Leap Forward. Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar served as a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service for over 29 years, with postings including Indias ambassador to Uzbekistan (1995-1998) and to Turkey (1998-2001). He also served in the Indian mission in Moscow for several years. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > A Tale of Elusive Justice Following the verdict in the Gulbarg Housing Society massacre, a television channel flashed as breaking news almost the whole day the Special Courts observation imputing blame on the riot victim, former parliamentarian Ehsan Jafri that his firing was the catalyst, infuriated the mob.1 The communal violence claimed 69 lives including the former lawmaker himself. The case has captured the public domain for a long period. The riotous mob, said the Court, was not really interested in causing deaths but turned murderous after Ehsan opened fire at them. The Court went on record to state that the witnesses testimonies are not sounding realistic or truthful. Of 24 convicts in the case, 11 have been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. Many may recall the Urdu couplet as very apt in the situation: Qatal kyon ho gaye, mujh pe ilzam hai Qatal jisne kiya, hai vahi Muddai Vakilon mein ab ye bahas chir gayi Ye jo qatil ko thodi si zahmat hui, Ye jo khanjar pe thoda sa kham a gaya Is ka tawan kisse liya jayega. (I have been accused of getting killed, killer is the complainant. Now the lawyers debate as to who will compensate the slight inconvenience caused to the killer and the slight bent caused to the knife.)2 According Section 96 of the Indian Penal Code, Nothing is an offence which is done in the exercise of the right of private defence. Section 97 IPC declares: Every person has a right to defend: 1. His own body, and the body of any other person, against any offence affecting the human body; and 2. The property, whether movable or immovable, of himself or of any other person, against any act which is an offence falling under the definition of theft, robbery, mischief or criminal trespass, or which is an attempt to commit theft, robbery, mischief or criminal trespass. The verdict duly noted in the judgment that the mob was largely involved in stone-throwing and attempting to burn and damage the vehicles, and properties of members of the minority community outside Gulbarg society. The situation, speaking matter-of-factly, was justifiable for exercising the right of private defence by the victim in question under the Section of the IPC cited above. Of course, it is not known. if or whether the ex-parliamentarian had used a licensed gun in the right of his private defence while he fired on the frenzied mob engaged in destruction of private properties. His action to defend himself along with the lives of others and private properties is protected by law. A popular film actor, Salman Khan, along with co-stars, was charged by a Jodhpur Court with poaching black bucks, a protected animal on the night of October 1-2, 1989......3 Speaking about the habitat of black buck, a British naturalist had written long ago that ..... it is common in the wooded parts of Rajputana, throughout the Bombay Presidency, the Central Provinces, and the northern parts of Madras....4 Though the crime of poaching was committed at mid-past-mid-night (October 1-2), there were witnesses and the court inflicted punish-ment on the poacher on their testimonies. We loudly appreciate the importance the court attached to the protection of wildlife. Paradoxically, on the other hand, the murderer of Jessica Lal, a model who, at Tamarind Court, Qutab Minar, Delhi was acting as bartender, was let off by the trial court though the crime took place in a crowded place in Delhi! She was shot dead at around 2 am on April 30, 1999 in the crowded bar for refusing to serve drinks beyond the prescribed hour of business. Dozens of witnesses pointed to Siddharth Vashisht, alias Manu Sharma, the son of Venod Sharma, a wealthy and influential Member of Parliament from Haryana, as the killer. On February 21, 2006, a Delhi trial court acquitted Manu Sharma along with all his accomplices for want of eyewitness to testify for the murder.5 Later the case, under intense public pressure and media hype, was reopened. On December 18, 2006 the Delhi High Court convicted Manu Sharma, Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and acquitted Aloke Khanna, Vikas Gill, Harvinder Singh Chopra, Raja Chopra, Shyam Sunder Sharma and Yograj Singh.6 The law-enforcing agencies obviously were browbeaten to derail the legal process and frustrate the award of punishment. Presiding officers of courts, public prose-cutors and lawyers are like any other normal human beings susceptible to extralegal forces, external pressures, temptations, influences and suffer from the same weakness and aspirations. The Indian society, divided deeply by caste and communal affiliations, at large is full of pitfalls. The census returns of 2011 show that 4.2 lakh people were in prison in 2013. Muslims, Dalits and adivasisthree of the most vulnerable sections of the Indian societyaccount for 53 per cent of the prison population though they together are 39 per cent of India.7 Of the prison population, nearly 20 per cent of them were Muslims although the share of Muslims in Indias population is about 13 per cent according to Census 2001.... Dalits make up 22 per cent of prisoners, almost one in four. Their proportion in population is about 17 per cent according to Census 2011. While adivasis make up 11 per cent of prisoners, their share in the general population is 9 per cent.8 Disproportionate population in prisons of each group bears the hallmark of prejudice of the minuscule dominant sections against them. According to Colin Gonsalves, human rights activist and lawyer, Our system has an ingrained communal and casteist bias. Also, the proportion of these communities in the police officers and even judiciary is less. These are key factors behind this shocking imbalance.9 If we take into account the custodial deaths across the country, we will find, without doubt, proponderence of SCs, STs and Mulsims as victims. During the colonial era down to 1964 (the year when the jury system of trial was abolished) when trial by jury was in practice, caste provided safeguard for certain sections of Indians. Acquittal of offenders belonging to those castes and communities in India was a certainty. The conviction of offenders of certain castes and communities, on the other hand, was a certainty too. Caste and communal bias is predominantly pronounced in every sphere, not excluding the police, judiciary and legislatures. What the census report 2011 has brought on record I would view the results, with long and sustained study and analysis of census reports since 1872 to 2001, as largely, sanitised. Part-II Laxmanpur Bathe marks a Dark Era of Indian Nation Anti-Dalit Prime Minister in league with Ranvir Sena On the night of December 1, 1997 the Ranvir Sena, the savage militia of upper-caste Bhumihar landlords of Bihar marched to the village Laxmanpur Bathe on the river banks of Sone and accomplished an unprovoked genocidal massacre claiming the lives of 58 Dalits, men, women, children and oldincluding 19 men, 29 women and 10 children of whom one was one- year old, about 90 kms off Patna, Bihars capital.10 A Patna High Court Division Bench of Justices V.N. Sinha and A.K. Lal ruled that the prosecution witnesses are not reliable and the appellants deserved to be given the benefit of the doubt. The acquitted persons should be released forthwith if they were not wanted in any other case.11 A Sessions Court convicted 26 accused, sixteen of them with death sentence. Doubts of the Bench benefited the convicts, for example, Girija Singh, Surendra Singh, Ashok Singh, Gopal Sharan Singh, Baleshwar Singh, Dwarka Singh, Vijendra Singh, Nawal Singh, Baliram Singh, Nandu Singh, Sheomohan Sharma, Pramod Singh, Shatrughan Singh, Ramkeval Sharma, Dharma Singh and Nand Singh bringing them back from the jaws of gallows. Other beneficiaries were lifers.12 Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar wrote in his column: An upper caste judge has released all the accused on the plea that there was no evidence. It is a travesty of justice.... If the High Court judge did not find any evidence, he could have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to work under its supervision to hold a fresh probe.... What has happened at Laxmanpur is the fate of Dalits all over the country. The equality before law, enshrined in the Consti-tution, is a farce.13 The warning as also prognosis that the brutal treatment meted out to the Dalits of Laxmanpur Bathe happen to be the fate of dalits all over India and these are chilling and awe-inspiring. The dream of equality enshrined for all citizens under the Constitution stands shattered. What was his basis for issuing such a shattering note? President K.R. Narayanan had condemned the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre as a national shame. A former High Commissioner of India to London and an ex-Member of Parliament, Nayar had consciously, without inviting contradiction, raised his finger at one of the judges on the Bench for acquitting his caste-men in Ranvir Sena from the gallows. The whole of Bihar knew who he was. He did precisely what the State Government of the day, despite monumental pressure exerted by that caste lobby, could not accomplish publicly for fear of political fallout. The acquittal seems to be a part of a long-drawn conspiracy hatched by political leaders of the ruling party against the Dalits who started slowly and gradually asserting themselves against feudal exploitation, caste oppression and subjugation. In a year-long sting operation code-named Black Rain, carried out by Cobra-Post, it came to light that after the command of the Ranvir Sena, founded by Dharichan Chaudhary of Bhojpur district in 1994 to counter the rising weave of assertion by the Dalit labouring class, passed into the hands of Brahmeshwar Singh, he turned it into a war- machine. Modern and sophisticated weapons were acquired by them from the Indian Army for using against the Dalits. Besides, the Ranvir Sena men were trained by Army jawans, either retired or on leave. Arms collected by the private militia included AK-47, LMGs, auto-matics, SLRs and Mausers etc., known for their enormous lethal power. Cobra-Post Associate Editor K. Ashis, who conducted the covert operation, caught six Ranvir Sena accusedChandkeshwar alias Chandreshwar, Pramod Singh, Bhola Singh, Arvind Kumar Singh, Siddhnath Singh and Ravindra Chaudhryon camera to speak and spill the beans. Not only are they seen admitting to their roles in the massacre of 144 destitute Dalits that shocked the nation Bathani Tola, Laxmanpur Bathe, Shankar Bigha, Miyanpur and Ikwaribut they also also reveal some of the Senas shocking strategies which failed to materialise, such as the plan to carry out up to 50 massacres in 50 different villages in a single day.14 The Ranvir Senas grand plan to carry out 50 operations against Dalits in 50 different locations simultaneously on a single day warranted a massive arsenal and large trained manpower. The Laxmanpur Bathe massacre was executed under the command of Chandkeshwar Singh who was acquitted by the Patna High Court in October 2013. Chandkeshwar Singh confessed not only to his involvement in the Bathani Tola massacre in 1996 in which he claimed the private militia massacred 22 Dalits but also to have beheaded five low-caste fishermen with his knife.15 Brahmeshwar Singhs aide Siddhnath Singh disclosed to Cobra-Post the secret of the source and the manner of acquisition of arms and ammunitions by the Ranvir Sena. The weapons were obtained from Indian Army depots as rejects. According to Cobra-Post, the Ranvir Sena received military reject arms with the help of the then Prime Minister Chandra Sekhar. Siddhnaths startling admission to the police: ... toh woh military ka rejected saman tha wahi hum logon ko uplabdh hua tha... hum kahe uplabdh hua tha jab pradhan mantri humare huye the... Chandra Shekhar... (...I told them we got them from Indian military as rejected lot... we got the arms when our Prime Minister... I said was Chandra Shekhar...).16 In Bihar parlance and ethos, jab pradhan mantri humare huye the people understand simply when our caste-man became the Prime Minister. What a towering accomplish-ment of the fire-brand socialist and Young Turk of the Indian National Congress! Solemn and ceremonial oath of office and secrecy under the Constitution to work without fear or favour.... etc., etc. is not only meaningless but it fades away before caste interest. The arms were funnelled through Surajdeo Singh, an ex-MP from Dhanbad, who was close to Prime Minister Chandra Sekhar, both of Rajput caste.17 The Dhanbad MP alone did not provide muscle to the anti-Dalit buildup. The Cobra-Post also disclosed that Yashwant Sinha, the suave former bureaucrat (IAS) who was Indias Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance, supported the Ranvir Sena both financially and politically. According to convict Promod Singh who too got reprieve along with others from the Patna High Court, Bhajapa ka sarkar jiss samay tha ... Atal Behari Vajpai the ... uss samay the Yashwant Sinha ... barabar aate the... mukhiya ji se barabar milte the... wo toh humare gaon mein hi ... jiss samay chhapemari ho rahi thi uss samay barabar humare gaon mein the. (It was when there was the BJP Government [at the Centre]... there was Atal Behari Vajpai [as Prime Minister]... there was Yashwant Sinha... he would visit regularly... meet the Mukhiya [Barmeshwar Singh] regularly... he was there in my village when the police were hot on our heels and raiding our places.) We again get an affirmative double Hoon, hoon when we ask him if Yashwant Sinha knew what they were doing or what they were up to. What kind of support did they get from Sinha?18 Hatred against the Dalits was not confined to these few political leaders who held high positions in the government. The list of enemies and haters of Dalits was bigger. Justice Amir Das Commission, instituted by the Bihar Government in the wake of the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre was dismissed by Nitish Kumar whose party with the BJP as the coalition partner was voted to power in Bihar. Referring to the Ranvir Senas patrons and protectors, Justice Das said: I can tell some names, for instance, Shivanand Tewari, C.P. Thakur, Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushil Kumar Modi.19 C.P. Thakur was the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Murli Manohar Joshi the Minister for Human Resources Development under Atal Behari Vajpayee and Sushil Kumar Modi the Deputy Chief Minister in the first Council of Ministers of the Government of Bihar headed by Nitish Kumar. About Shivanand Tiwari, known as a habitual aya ram gaya ram, even sober political leaders and senior journalists have lost count of the number of occasions of his floor-crossings. The role of peoples representatives of Bihar merits notice in the context. Jehanabad MP Arun Kumars foolproof support to the Ranvir Sena cadres highlighted by the Cobra-Post, is particularly relevant. The MP would escort and ship out the underground Sena cadres in his car as and when they were cordoned by the police for arrest.20 A noble role in performance of public duty! Bihar Peoples Party supremo and former MP Anand Mohan Singh, a notorious outlaw, threw open his arsenal to the Ranvir Sena. He has been serving a sentence for the murder of Gopalganj District Magistrate G. Krishnaiah in 1994. The Ranvir Sena men told Cobra-Post that ...Anand Mohan aaye bechare poora keh gya ki humare paas hathiyron ka jakhira hai jo jo hathiyar lena chahte ho aaker le jao. (... Anand Mohan came and told us that he has a cache of all kinds of arms. Whatever you need you can pick.)21 Anand Mohan is a Rajput. Hardly any Rajput has a good word for Bhumihars who consider it blasphemy to speak a word in appreciation of Rajputs. They are perpetually at loggerheads. Since the pre-independence days, their mutual bad blood is known. But they solidly stood united against the Dalits. Tahelka.com October 17, 2013, quoted Justice Das as saying that within 15-20 days of the formation of the government headed by Nitish Kumar in 2005 the Commission to investigate the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre perpetrated by the Ranvir Sena was scrapped.22 This was indeed one of the tallest achievements of the vikas-purush, a sobriquet with which the media, dominated by the same class, decorated the Chief Minister, who subscribed to appease the dominant forces operating against the Dalits. Mahadalit was his calculated ploy for harvesting electoral benefits. If and when capital punishment was awarded to the Dalit accused, their pleas and testimonies were rejected by the higher judicial authorities. In a massacre claiming several Bhumihars in Bara, for instance, the Gaya Sessions Court handed down death sentences to Nanhe Lal Mochi, Krishna Mochi and Bir Kuer Paswan, all Dalits. They have now been awaiting death after the Supreme Court has rejected their pleas. So, the formula for administration of justice is simple: If Dalits are killers of Bhumihars, sentence of death is a certainty for them. If, on the other hand, Bhumihars are the Dalit-killers, acquittal of convicts is a foregone conclusion.23 Evidence of Dalit witness, though strange it may sound, did not inspire confidence of the High Court. Laxman Rajvanshi, an eye-witness and survivor of the Laxmanpur Bathe bloodbath, reacted angrily when the High Court rejected their testimony, as unreliable: How could I not have recognised them? We stay in the same village and I see them about 10 times a day! We worked on their fields. We had no inkling of this attack, otherwise we would have been alert. Turning his focus on the Chief Minister, he continued in the same breath: The Nitish Kumar Government is hand in glove with the feudal elements. He slotted us into the Mahadalit category, collected our votes and then cut our throats.24 He has been in the infatuated company and embrace of the patrons, financiers, protectors of the Ranvir Sena all along. Those with administrative experience of working in Bihar know too well that in any criminal or civil cases involving Dalit or tribal, on one side, and upper caste, on the other, the advocates engaged by the former often collude with advocates of their opponents to bring miseries for their clients. Medical officers hardly stand to testify truthfully in any case if Dalits vis-a-vis their upper-caste tormentors are concerned. In cases where for a variety of reasons, including intimidation, domination or fear, truth does not come before the court, its presiding officer has the responsibility in the interest of justice to become proactive. The former Chief Justice of India, Vishweshar Nath Khare (tenureDecember 19, 2002 to May 2004), was quoted by the British Broadcasting Corporation as saying: Sometimes when the police, the prosecution and the lawyers all have connections with the criminals, the judge should be slightly proactive. He should try to get to the truth, and not depend totally on the evidence provided in court. In a case like this, he is not going to get proper evidence. Mostly the judiciary is depended on the evidence provided by the investigative agencies, but now when the situation is so bad, the judges have to wake up, be proactive and find the truth.25 The acquittal of convicts of the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre was perverse. The guidelines furnished by the former Chief Justice of India had no takers with the upper-caste judges, political leaders and Ranvir Sena being in tight embrace against the Dalits. The Apex Court could have intervened suo motu and frustrated the miscarriage of justice.26 Dalits and tribal are rarely considered as pressure groups. We may cite the case of the massacre of 13 Dalits in village Tsundur, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on August 6, 1991. It runs parallel to the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre. A young Dalit graduate was beaten up for his feet uninten-tionally touched a Reddy man in the cinema hall. The Dalits of the village stood by their graduate. As a result Dalits were socially boycotted by the Reddy landowners of the village and were made to suffer enormously. Significantly Dalits collectively fought to gain legal justice by invoking the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989. The dominant Reddys and Telagas, encouraged by the police, attacked the poor Dalits. The trail court sentenced 21 accused to life imprisonment and 35 others to a year of rigorous imprisonment besides a fine of Rs 2000 each under the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.27 On April 22, 2014 a Division Bench comprising Justices L. Narasimha Reddy and M.S. Jaiswal of the Andhra Pradesh High Court acquitted all the accused in the Tsundur killings.28 The Bench held that the prosecution failed to prove the exact time of death, place of occurrence and the identity of attackers. It said the trial in a criminal case was not something like a mathematical exercise where common minimum factors from various numerals could be taken to be put outside a bracket. What a Division Bench of the Patna High Court did to the Ranvir Sena in October 2013 its counterpart in the Andhra Pradesh High Court did to the Reddy and Telegas six months later. Justice for the Dalit and deprived is dependent on the vagaries of the presiding officers. In May 1987, the Maoist Communist Centre of India massacred44 Rajputs of Dalelchak and Baghora of Aurangabad district. The accused in the case were 75, one of whom absconded. FIR was lodged after 24 hours of the incident. And the case diary reached the court three days later. The prosecution produced 30 witnesses, including the informant Rajballam Prasad Singh and minor Shailendra Kumar aged eight years, who too did not live in the village, that is, the place of occurrence. The informant, whose statement formed the basis of the FIR, was a resident of district East Champaran to the north of the river Ganges, some 300 kms from the place of occurrence in Aurangabad. He subsequently turned hostile! The Additional Sessions Judge awarded punishment solely on an eye-witness of the child who saw murders being committed in the light of the house on fire. The minor hiding in a gaushala, cowshed claimed to have witnessed the entire massacre. Eight accusedall Yadavaswere convicted and sentenced to death. The Additional Session Judge did not find any infirmities in his evidence. One would be reeling under shock and trauma to understand as to what actually is admissible to the court and what is not. India boasts of justice done to Nirbhaya, who was raped and murdered on December 16, 2012 in a moving bus in the glittering Capital of Delhi. This was a tragic case indeed. Her father was quoted by CNN (The Cable News Network, Atlanta, Georgia, USA) as saying: It shook the entire nation and led to public outrage on the streets. After seeing all that, we felt humanity still prevails on this earth.29 Only the privileged can claim as such in this country. Portrayed as a brave heart, To India, Nirbhaya has become a symbol of bravery, courage and change is the oft-repeated theme. It underscores an inherent insinuation as if victims belonging to other (particularly Dalit) castes do not protest or fight against their rapists or violators. Such depiction by upper-caste insensitive correspondents, either for the Indian or foreign media, is endemic in their despatches. Jisha, a gutsy Dalit law student, was raped and murdered on April 28, 2016 in Kerala. Since 2005 the police was approached by her and her widowed mother several times alleging harass-ment, stalking, abuses against Jisha by neigh-bours, strangers and undesirable elements.30 The police took no action on their complaints. There has been inordinate delay even to register FIR. Detention of a suspect of murder after two long months of the the crime testifies the administrative and political attitude of the State to the victim. The caste factor, needless to stress, is prominent in both the cases. Nirbhaya got treatment per excellence everywhere because of her caste whereas Jisha was denied precisely for the same reason. The Kerala authorities have demonstrated an attitude marked by hostility to the Dalit victim. Parliament was told sometime back by the Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment, that the conviction rate in cases of atrocities against Dalit and tribal communities was merely two per cent. Imagine about 50,000 cases of atrocities are registered annually with the police. Those who do not go to the police for com-plaining offence against them are much larger. We can imagine that cases of rape, murder, arson, and many serious complaints from the under-privileged never ever come before the courts for trial and administration of justice. No victims expect justice from the nations rulers and administration. Do the Dalits or tribal communities matter at all for the nations rulers and law-enforcing agencies? Do they matter for them except proving that India is a Hindu-majority nation before the world? How shocking and traumatic it is to be told publicly that Indias Prime Minister empowered an anti-Dalit private mafia like Ranvir Sena with supplies of sophisticated arms and ammunitions from the Indian Army Depots! There were Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ministers of Bihar too in the league with the same conspirators! A whole govern-ment was harbouring, nurturing and nourishing a savage force. Nevertheless there have been no earthquakes in political and social life of the country against such nefarious designs. Those voted to power are hostile to the Dalits. They are friends of their enemies. The conscience of the countrymen is either dead or in a comatose state. In any other country, which does not have the caste system, the people would have perhaps rose in tumultuous rebellion against treachery and violation of the oath of office and secrecy of these men. In their motherland Dalits and tribals, autochthonous 300 million, it is appropriate to state, are under enemy occupation with no hope of emancipation. Footnotes 1. The Indian Express, June 18 2016 2. I am grateful for this to Abdul Qadir, an English language journalist stationed at Gaya, Bihar. 3. The Tribune, Black buck case: I was falsely implicated, Salman Khan tells Court. 4. Blanford, W.T. (1891), The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. London, UK: Taylor and Francis. pp. 5214. 5. The Hindu, All accused acquitted in Jessica Lall murder case, February 22, 2006. 6. The Hindu, Jessica Lall murder case: Chronology of events, April 19, 2010. 7. The Times of India, Muslims, dalits and tribals make up 53% of all prisoners in India, November 24, 2014. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid. 10. National Herald, news item captioned Death to 16 in Dalit massacre, April 7, 2010. 11. The Hindu, October 9, 2013. 12. The Times of India, HC acquits 26 convicted of Laxmanpur-Bathe carnage, October 10, 2013. 13. Kuldip Nayar, Signs of Fundamentalism, The Statesman, Calcutta, October 24, 2013. 14. Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar, The Wire, Confessions from Bihars Killing Fields Set to Singe BJP, and Nitish Too, August 17, 2015, http://thewire.in/8661/confessions-from-bihars-killing-fields-set-to-singe-bjp-and-nitish-too/ 15. Cobra-Post, Operation Black Rain: Revisiting the killings of dalits of Bihar and confessions of their killers, updated: August 16, 2015. http://cobrapost.com/index.php/news-detail?nid=8983&cid=23 16. Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar, op. cit. 17. Ibid. 18. http://cobrapost.com/index.php/news-detail?nid=8983&cid=23 19. Ibid. 20. Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar, op. cit. 21. Ibid. 22. Nirala, Laxmanpur Bathe: Some from the Nitish Kumar government were also involved, Tehlka.com, October 17, 2013. 23. https://drambedkarbooks.com/2015/07/30/death-penalty-for-dalits-and-minorities-only/Ambedkar, Caravan. 24. Bhatnagar, op. cit. 25. BBC: India campaign for murdered Delhi model, March 9, 2006. 26. The Hindu, Cobrapost film on Bihar dalit massacre expose BJP link, August 18, 2015. V.A. Ramesh Narayan, general secretary of the National Dalit Movement for justice called for the supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the evidence of the film to initiate trial against the accused. 27. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsundur_massacre 28. The Hindu, HC acquits all accused in Tsundur killings, April 22, 2014. 29. CNN, Worlds Untold Stories, Nirbhaya, victim of India gang rape fought for justice, December 15, 2013. 30. Manorama, Jisha, a long story cut short, Friday June 17, 2016. A retired IAS officer and former Vice-Chancellor, B.R. Ambedkar University, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Dr A.K. Biswas can be contacted at e-mail: biswasatulk@gmail.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Travesty of Justice With all due respect to the Gujarat High Court, I beg to differ with its judgment that the firing by Ehsan Jafri provoked the mob to kill him. I knew him and he was a staunch Congressman. The Gulbarg Society massacre was the doing of local Gujarati leaders hoping to parochialise the people. When Jafri was surrounded by the Hindu mob, he rang me up, seeking my help to rescue him from the frenzied crowd he had around him. I rang up the Home Ministry in Delhi and told them about the telephone call. They said they were in touch with the State Government and were watching the situation. As I put down the telephone, the bell rang again and Jafri was at the other end, beseeching me to do something because the mob was threatening to lynch him. His cry for help still resounds in my ears. I admit I could not do anything beyond ringing up the Ministry once again. Therefore, the Courts verdict that Jafri provoked the crowd is misplaced. It is a travesty of justice. But then the Bench is not to blame because it has to go by the evidence placed before it. The prejudiced police had neither done their job, nor homework thoroughly, and so the Court had come to the conclusion that the provocation came from Jafri. I hope the matter will come up before the Supreme Court and the real facts may emerge for the knowledge of the wider public. This is important because the general impression is that Jafri was to blame. The tragedy is that even the judges have now been taken in by the sordid job done by the police. India is a pluralistic state and it is ruled by the Constitution which Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in the Constituent Assembly together had adopted. It goes to the credit of leaders of the national struggle that they adopted a secular Consti-tution although the population of Hindus was an overwhelming 80 per cent. The Hindu Mahasabha, which gave birth to the Jana Sangh, could not even return 10 members to the Lok Sabha. The party has, in fact, improved its position and today commands a majority in the House on its own. It has 282 seats in the Lok Sabha, guaranteeing it a clear majority. Close allies like the Shiv Sena have added to its strength. What plagues India is that the government apparatus reflects the ideology of the party in power. This applies as much to the Congress as to the BJP. Even the Communists are not innocent. How we reconcile these shortcomings with the rule of law is the biggest problem that the nation faces. Since all political parties are culpable, there doesnt seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, the main onslaught today is against the minorities and the marginalised. If the rule of law is not maintained, all members of the society are vulnerable and will be victims one by one. The enemy phobia will be sustained. Today the Muslims are to blame; tomorrow it will be the turn of some other members of society. Where will it end? There is no option from the rule of law. Fortunately, some activists are still trying to bring democracy back on the tracks, but the atmosphere has become so polluted that their job looks tremendous and almost impossible. Ultimately, Parliament is the arbiter. The nation will have to see that it elects such people who have faith in the rule of law and the Constitution which came into being from 1950. In fact, there were many options before the Constituent Assembly. Adviser B.N. Rao, who had gone around the world to see various systems in operation, placed before the Advisory Committee of the Constituent Assembly the presidential form of government pursued by America and the one followed by France. Jawaharlal Nehru, whose ideas prevailed at that time, preferred the parliamentary system. It is alleged that his education at Harrow and Cambridge had moulded his thoughts. That may well be true but he wanted a system where every adult would participate. In the Constituent Assembly, Dr Rajendra Prasad, who was in the chair, wanted some educational qualification as a requirement for voters. Nehru replied that the uneducated and the ignorant constituted the main force which fought during the independence struggle. Now when the country was free, should he tell them that they were not entitled to vote? Another principle which goaded the movement was secularism. This was embodied in the Constitution which gives one person one vote, whatever their communitys strength in the country. It may be unthinkable today in certain circles of society, but the representatives of the majority community accepted this principle. So much so that the Muslim communitys leaders in the Constituent Assembly refused to have reservations or quotas in the legislatures, educational institutions and even in government jobs which they had enjoyed under the British. This is the practice even today. Still the prejudice has worked in jobs in the private sector. Very few Hindu establishments have Muslims as their employees. In fact, the Sachar Committee, appointed by Dr Manmohan Singh, the then Prime Minister, has said that the condition of the Muslims in India was worse than that of the Dalits. Very little improvement has been noticeable since then. Regrettably, the judgments like the one in the Jafri case could only provide the Hindutva crowd with a justification that aggressiveness of the Muslims forces the Hindus to adopt a communal line. Maybe, I am overly-optimistic, but I still hope that the society would realise on the whole that a country with so many complexities can survive in a pluralistic and democratic environment. People will themselves see the incongruity between the values of the Constitution and what is being practised otherwise. Pluralism is not only an ideology to prize, but also something to cherish that it is needed for the countrys integrity. The author is a veteran journalist renowned not only in this country but also in our neighbouring states of Pakistan and Bangladesh where his columns are widely read. His website is www.kuldipnayar.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Brexit: What Happens Next? by Kavaljit Singh Britain has voted to leave the European Union. In a referendum held on Thursday (June 23), close to 52 per cent of Britons favoured leaving the EU. The referendum results reveal that the arguments put forward by Brexiters found greater resonance with the sentiments of the ordinary people than the ones put forward by the pro-European camps, the establishment and world leaders. Before the polls closed, the UKs political establishment was expecting that voters would overwhelmingly vote to stay in the EU. In the same vein, most media analysts and market observers were predicting a win for the Remain camp. Even Nigel Farage, leader of far Right-wing UK Independent Party (UKIP) and a staunch supporter of the Leave campaign, had hinted on Thursday that his campaign had apparently lost the vote. But the outcome of the referendum has proved them all wrong. At the domestic political front, this vote has boosted the morale of the UKIP which has been calling for greater immigration control and restoring the power to Parliament. However, the vote for the Leave campaign should not be viewed as an outright victory for the UKIP and other far Right-wing groups because a large number of voters sympathetic to Conservative and Labour parties also voted in favour of exiting the EU. The results have already shaken up the political establishment. David Cameron has decided to step down by October and major changes in the leadership of the Labour and other parties are likely in the coming weeks. This vote is expected to trigger a wide range of far-reaching social, economic and geo-political ramifications at the domestic, European and international levels. Many of these effects would be long-term and are yet to be fully compre-hended. Even though the Leave vote was largely influenced by the immigration issue, other important concerns have not been given adequate attention. Of course, a lot would depend on the next moves by the UK Government to negotiate and facilitate the withdrawal from the EU by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. In terms of the UKs future relationship with the EU, various options are on the table. For instance, the UK can opt for a model of semi-attached relationship with the EU, similar to the one enjoyed by Norway. The Nordic country enjoys access to the EUs common market (through its membership of the European Economic Area) but it has no say over EU rules. The UK could also emulate the Switzerland model of a slightly loose relationship with the EU. The UK could put forward a new kind of relationship with the EU as well, provided its proposal gets the support of the EU member-states. Nevertheless, the fact remains that it would take considerable time for the UK to establish new relationships and rules for travel of people as well as trade of goods and services across borders. At the minimum, one year of political and economic uncertainty is expected. If handled badly, the uncertainty caused by a political crisis could soon turn into a major financial and economic crisis. Even though most British banks are currently in a stronger position than in 2007 when the global financial crisis erupted, the UK banking industry is still not out of the woods. Many banking reforms are still being tarried out and investment banks could face fallout due to higher market and economic volatility as this process unfolds. On Friday morning (June 24), the British Pound hit a 30-year low and FTSE fell over eight per cent within minutes of the financial markets opening. It is apparent that the statement issued by Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, promising swift policy action to tackle any disruptions had no impact on the market volatility. This vote will have significant ramifications on the UKs agenda for trade and investment integration with the rest of the world. Through the membership of the EU, the UK has been promoting greater cross-border trade and investment flows in the past. Particularly in the areas of financial services, the UK has been seeking greater market access for its banking industry. From now on, the UK will have to pursue this agenda on its own. This may have both positive and negative outcomes. Besides, the fate of a mega free trade initiative, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), hangs in balance with Brexit. Similarly, the EU (minus the UK) would have much less bargaining power to negotiate bilateral trade and investment protection agree-ments. The EU is currently engaged in a wide range of bilateral trade and investment agree-ments with a number of countries including India. With the change in power relations, the EU may not be able to push for higher levels of commitments in trade in industrial goods and agricultural products, services and invest-ment liberalisation, geographical indications and government procurement under the proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA). This may also work in favour of other developing countries which are seeking similar trade and investment agreements with the EU. It is obvious that the UK referendum will encourage Right-wing political parties and groups in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Hungary and other European countries to call for similar referenda. Already the larger EU project towards greater economic integration has been facing a crisis with its flawed monetary union and single currency experiment. In addition, there are serious geo-political ramifications related to the future role of the UK (and the EU) in the management of international economy and politics, which are yet to be properly analysed and understood. Kavaljit Singh works with Madhyam, New Delhi. He can be contacted at e-mail kavaljit singh[at]gmail.com Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > A Very British Revolution by L.K. Sharma Britain has changed. One kept hearing this lament in London even during the run-up to the historic referendum on Europe. Change can be seen and heard. The armed police presence is no longer a rare sight. Warnings about suspicious objects are heard at underground and railway stations. Many trains get cancelled or delayed. The passengers speak in several tongues and do it loudly. The Englishmen dont read The Times any more. They tap their smart phones and laptops and reschedule the missed appointments. At the underground stations, unmanageable peak-hour crowds are managed through moveable barriers. The trains run overloaded. The air and bus services get affected for different reasons. Schools and hospitals cant cope with the rush for admissions. Last year as many as 630,000 foreign nationals settled in Britain and all public services are under pressure. Many English people wonder about the future of their nation. A more momentous change struck Britain on June 23 when it decided to leave the European Union through a referendum, rupturing a 43-year-old relationship. It was an extraordinary democratic exercise! The voters defied the will of the Tory Govern-ment, Labour Opposition, a majority of the MPs, the big business, the American President and the European leaders, the Bank of England and international financial institutions. They demonstrated that even money and foreign leaders can at times fail to move the voters. It was known that a vote in favour of leaving the EU would be followed by a period of uncertainty. But the situation in the polarised nation got further accentuated when the Tory Prime Minister, David Cameron, who had led the pro-EU campaign, announced that he would resign. What is more, he is not quitting immediately but will do so in October when the party would elect a new leader! Thus he is not starting the complex negotiations for Britain quitting the EU as he had threatened to do in case he lost the EU referendum. Now he wants the task to be handled by his successor. So for four months Britain would have a lame-duck Prime Minister. Is there a conspiracy to subvert the referen-dum result? Some companies have started announcing that they plan to move jobs to other countries. A section of the pro-EU activists and the big business hope that the economic situation may get worse and some of the anti-EU voters start regretting their decision. The media is featuring the voters who are having second thoughts! A mass petition for a second referendum has been launched. There are experts who say that the referendum was only an advisory and therefore not binding on Parlia-ment! The time-table of Britain exiting from the EU has already become controversial, not just in Britain but also in Europe since the EU says the negotiations should begin as soon as possible. The vote in favour of leaving the EU has created an unprecedented situation. Britain and Europe were not the best of lovers and their marriage was formalised after years of hesitation and controversies.The media described the victory of the Leave campaign as a seismic event. The adjective seemed appropriate. The historic decision has been hailed by half the voters as the birth of a New Britain. A fringe party wants to celebrate June 23 as Britains Independence Day. Those who do not go that far say that Britain has taken control of its destiny or that Britain has freed itself from the dictatorial clutches of the European Union run by the bureaucrats in Brussels. Britains decision will affect Europe. It will influence the US foreign policy. It will dishearten the Indian and other Asian business leaders using Britain as a gateway to Europe. Some American commentators say the British blunder of offering a referendum would affect the world! The victory of the Leave campaign will provoke further discussion on democracy, nationalism, globalisation, capitalism, economic inequality, populism and identity politics. Some describe it as Britains Trump moment! Britains relationship with Europe divided each of the two major political parties. It accentuated divisions based on class, generation, region, ideology and the level of education. A strange pattern of the alignment of the rival political forces emerged. Both the Remain and the Leave camps attracted strange bedfellows. The Right-wingers were happy to join the socialists. The referendum result highlighted the conflict between Parliament and the people. A majority of the British MPs favour Britains continuation in the EU while the people voted for an exit. How will this Parliament adjust to the next Prime Minister who led the campaign against the EU? Speculation about a fresh general election has started but nobody would like another election as the present Parliament has completed just one year. The campaign for the referendum was described as venal with the rivals stooping to personal attacks, resorting to lies and scare-mongering. Unsayable things were said. Political correctness was abandoned. The comedians had a heyday because the Remain campaigners painted a doomsday scenario in order to mobilise votes. The dire warnings of an economic meltdown were ignored by the 52 per cent of the voters who heeded the pleas for regaining national sovereignty and for curbing the EU-enabled migration. Migration was a big issue in the Leave campaign. The European migrants were straining the public services, causing job losses to the British citizens and accepting lower wages. Moreover, the recent acts of terrorism in some countries by the citizens of Europe meant that Britain would become more vulnerable because of the free movement of persons. As the poll results came out, the losers predicted an economic disaster, the victors saw a glorious new dawn! They saw the victory as an affirmation of democracy, freedom, sovereignty and the English identity. They said people had taken their country back. The headliners wrote: Britain Out, Prime Minister Out. The Tory Prime Minister, David Cameron, was sure of winning the referendum. He led the Remain campaign to fix the Euro-sceptics in his own party! Now the ruling party has gone into the campaign mode for electing a new leader. A storm is also brewing in Labour, the Opposition party, because while its official policy was in favour of continuing in the EU, most traditional Labour voters favoured Britains exit from the EU. Its Left-wing recalled the legacy of leaders such as Tony Benn and Barbara Castle who in their lifetime had fought bitterly against joining the European bandwagon. Thus in the hour of a setback for the Tories, some dissident Labour MPs are calling for the resignation of their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, blaming him for not running the pro-EU campaign effectively! Corbyns election as the leader was the result of the ordinary workers revolting against the elite loyal to former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Blairites, who have not forgiven this radical leader, are now using a new political weapon to attack Corbyn. The victory of the Leave campaign has given much political mileage to the odd leaders such as Nigel Farage of the UK Independence Party and George Galloway, a former Labour MP who runs his own political outfit. The referendum has opened the Pandoras Box. Scotland and Northern Ireland voted in favour of the UK continuing in the EU as they see their future closely linked to Europe. Northern Ireland has land border with Europe. The regional differences on the issue were so sharp that it is feared that one day Scotland and Northern Ireland may vote for independence. The ruling party in Scotland has revived the demand for a second referendum on Scottish independence. In Northern Ireland the talk of uniting with Ireland has started again. Their pro-EU movements could lead to a Disunited Kingdom. London too voted in favour of the EU. The corporate world would not mind London city being turned into an independent nation as part of the 28-nation club that began as an economic project but evolved into a political project! The Leave campaign highlighted the demo-cracy deficit in the EU and said that the club would not last long. Britains decision has caused unease among the European Union member-nations. They fear that it would encourage the Euro-sceptic political forces in other member-countries and may eventually lead to the disintegration of the EU. The demands for taking back national sovereignty and rejecting the anti-democratic character of the European dispensation are being raised by the far-Right elements in more than one country. If the exit of Britain from the EU diminishes it, as many British politicians say, it also poses a danger to the European Union. Britains verdict has caused tremors in Washington D.C. as America will have to tinker with its foreign policy related to Britain and to Europe. The successive US governments, while pledging their special relationship with Britain, always wanted this country to remain a member of the European Union. It seemed to matter to the US so much that President Barak Obama during his visit to the UK in April advised the Britons not to leave the EU. That had the opposite effect because many resented a foreign leader telling the British voters what to do. The Leave campaign made critical references to foreign influence and the role of money in the referendum. It was hoped that notwithstanding their craving for national sovereignty and Englishness and their economic hardship caused by the European migrants or by the EU bureaucracy, on the voting day, the British people will control their desire for change and hand a narrow victory to the pro-Europe Prime Minister. Most opinion polls also predicted a narrow victory for the Remain campaign which enjoyed the formidable support of the government that churned out frightening statistics about the economy if Britain were to exit. The Prime Minister kept citing opinions by economists whom he called experts to impress the voters who do not trust politicians. The Prime Ministers campaign enjoyed an active lobbying by the former Tory Prime Minister, John Major, and the former Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair. His campaign had no shortage of funds The big business leaders lent their vocal and active support to his campaign. The Bank of England and a bunch of economists backed the Remain campaign. But nothing stopped the British voters from setting off a tectonic shift. Such an explosive mass conduct is usually seen only in the developing countries or in a country such as France where political protests tend to turn violent. The people of Britain are generally conservative. They normally hesitate from rocking the boat or upsetting the apple cart. It is not easy to provoke politics-driven mass hysteria in Britain, unlike in countries of Asia or Africa. The victory of the Leave campaign was a triumph of passion over pragmatism. The democratic exercise allowed the steam to be let off. After such a highly emotional campaign, if the excited people see that voting does not change anything, they may be attracted to violent methods of making a political point. During the campaign, a woman Labour MP was murdered by someone who claimed to be speaking for Britain. This referendum highlighted a new pattern of voters behaviour. Elections in Britain are often fought over one-penny or two-penny tax cut! The pro-EU campaign gave primacy to econo-mics, as per the traditional wisdom. It under-estimated the impact of issues such as national sovereignty and English identity. The pro-Europe campaigners kept warning of the economic disaster that would visit the island if it isolated itself from the European Union. They failed to scare the majority of voters. The politicians promoting the interests of bankers and businessmen had lost touch with the common people. The ordinary voters resented their neglect and the adoration of the elites and experts. When inequality keeps rising, growing affluence angers the disprivileged. In the radio and TV discussions, one detected traces of class hatred. Nasty comments were made about Themthe upstairs peopleby the lowly downstairs creatures. It was as if a grassroot movement had targeted the political establishment aligned with wealth-managers and stock-brokers. The dire warnings about a fall in house prices had an unintended consequence. The young Britons, unable to climb on the housing ladder, saw it as a blessing if leaving the EU corrected the sky-high house prices! The behaviour of the anti-Europe voters was also influenced by a factor that has come to the fore in some other countries also. The masses turn against the political establishment and seek to take control of the situation or at least assert their power by voting against the elite. Every TV discussion during the campaign for the referendum saw the audience laughing whenever anyone cited experts to buttress the case for Europe. The markets may recover from the shock of the referendum result, the fall of the pound and the credit ratings may be arrested, but a climate of uncertainty and contentious debates within Britain and between Britain and Europe will continue for long. The divorce proceedings are expected to go on for two years. The EU does not do things in a hurry. The euphoria in the Leave camp over freeing Britain and its farmers and fishermen from the legislative madness of the European Union will be moderated over the coming months as negotiations over trade and tariffs drag on. Obama had threatened that if Britain left the EU, it would be the last in the line for bilateral trade negotiations with the US. The new Prime Minister will face several questions in addition to the complex trade and tariff negotiations. What will be the impact of this decision on the EU nationals working in Britain? How welcome would they feel? What will be the plight of the British expatriates living in various European countries? Britain has entered unchartered waters. The shopping bags displaying the famous war-time slogan Keep Calm and Carry On has found new resonance. But during the War there was no cultural or political conflict in Britain. Those living in the manor houses and those working in the coal mines were unitedly engaged in the war effort. Britain today is witnessing a million mutinies! Britains divorce from the European Union after more than 40 years of cohabitation is, at a fundamental level, related to the continuing exploration of the British identity and a gnawing uncertainty about Britains place in the world. Thus once again one recalls American Dean Achesons words: Britain has lost an Empire and has not yet found a role. The author is a senior journalist and writer who worked in India and abroad (notably Britain) in several major newspapers. Now retired, he is a free- lancer. He was in the British capital at the time of the referendum on whether or not the UK should remain in the EU, and has sent this article from London for publication in this journal. Why are you interested in this publication? to learn about best practices to inform programme design to research/find data and evidence on an issue to find policy recommendations other What organisation do you represent? donor agency government NGO private sector a UN agency research institute/academia student Malaria Consortium You will only need to complete this form once per browser/device other How do you prefer to read or receive publications? print screen Subscribe to the Malaria Consortium newsletter (optional) We may contact you for feedback on the publication you have downloaded. If you do not want to be contacted, please leave the email field blank. Your information will never be shared with any third party. Symposium on innovative malaria prevention method held in London 1 July 2016 On 9th June, Malaria Consortium ran a symposium in London entitled Transforming the malaria landscape in the Sahel: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention. In the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of malaria increases with the arrival of the rainy season, during which 60% of malaria cases occur. Among those most at risk are children under five. Following successful clinical trials in 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in areas where there is a seasonal peak in malaria rates. There are an estimated 25 million children living in Sahelian countries who are eligible for SMC and for the first time, a Malaria Consortium led project is working to catalyse the expansion and sustained adoption of this intervention in seven Sahelian countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, the Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. The symposium brought together key stakeholders in the field of malaria prevention to share and discuss results from the first year of the ACCESS-SMC project. ACCESS-SMC, led by Malaria Consortium in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, is a project promoting the scale-up of SMC across the Sahel. It is a three-year UNITAID funded project which will provide an estimated 45 million treatments to 10 million vulnerable children in the Sahel by 2017. The symposium was an opportunity to address existing challenges to implementation and issues surrounding the sustainability of this approach in the Sahel region. In the first year of the project over three million children received this life saving treatment, with over 94 percent of target children being reached, according to government data. This year, ACCESS-SMC aims to double this impact and reach over six million. Speaking about the importance of SMC at the symposium, Dr. Peter Olumese, Medical Officer for WHOs Global Malaria Programme, said "We know from research that in the Sahel region, we can reduce the number of children under five who are falling sick or dying from malaria by up to 75 percent." Opening the event, Malaria Consortiums Chief Executive Charles Nelson said, We need to take the next step in the battle against malaria and transformation is beginning to happen in the Sahel. The results from ACCESS-SMC show that SMC is highly effective at preventing malaria in children under five. We can even say that this intervention marks the beginning of an historic contribution to fighting malaria in the Sahel region. Find out more about the symposium and access photos and speaker presentations at the ACCESS-SMC website. For more information about seasonal malaria chemoprevention, including the progress achieved to date, the challenges facing further scale up and key messages for governments and development partners, please download our new SMC advocacy brief. Country: Nigeria | Niger | Mali | Guinea | Chad | Burkina Faso Keywords: Community delivery | Preventive treatments | Maternal, neonatal and child health Speakers from Meta, Finnegan, Equifax and the LOT Network said it was important to use data, get involved and reach out more to improve diversity and inclusion New Delhi: A 15-year-old boy from Kerala was allegedly beaten to death in East Delhi's Mayur Vihar on Wednesday. Rajat Menon, hailing from Palakkad was fatally assaulted by a pan shop owner and accompanies on suspicion of shop-lifting. Meanwhile, the police had arrested the panmasala seller and his two sons in the case. The police also received a CCTV footage of the victim, lifeless on bike being carried from hospital. Rajat's body has been sent to post mortem. However the delay in the police action triggered minor violence in Mayur Vihar as the local took to the streets and vandalized the panmasala shop. The shops in the market downed shutters and the area was under tight police surveillance. The police will produce the panmasala seller and his two sons in the court on Friday. Sollatek Electronics (Kenya) Ltd has been in operation since 1985 as the sole authorized agent for Sollatek products and the owner of the Sollatek franchise in East Africa. Their Head Office is in Mombasa and they run a sister operation in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Interview with Saleem Abdulla, Managing Director of Sollatek Electronics Let's talk about the region, which you cover. Please tell us about the East African region. How would you describe and assess your sector? We can then move on to Kenya more specifically. We are essentially in two sectors, which you could say overlap to a certain extent. We are both in the electric and electronics sector, as well as the renewable energy sector. As far as the region is concerned, Kenya and the East African region have been pioneers, in terms of exploiting the opportunities that exist in the solar renewable energy sector. In the power control sector, which includes the products that we actually make, i.e. the electric and electronic sector, we are pioneers: literally the first company to have ever done what we do within the region. There is huge opportunity within a growing market, where the middle class is continuously expanding, together with purchasing power. Therefore, we see this as a very exciting area to be operating in. Obviously, there are certain countries experiencing upheaval within the region, for instance Burundi, which is currently going through some internal strife. This affects people like us, seeking to expand our operations in that country. South Sudan is not too stable at the moment either, but Kenya remains the hub, or the region's 'Big Brother' as it were. What we would really wish for is to be able to trade with greater ease across the region. We know that is something our governments have been talking about for a very long time, with very slow and limited progress so far. Could you give us a few more details regarding these conversations? Where are we at in the negotiations at that level? In terms of ease of trade, I know that they are allowing certain products that are manufactured within the region to be transported and sold across borders duty free. This includes primarily raw materials and agricultural produce. But we are still very far from reaching any sort of agreement on products that are imported into the region, with good reason. There is some wariness among our neighbours towards Kenya, as Kenyans are considered to be very aggressive and enterprising business people. As a result, they are very wary of us, as they don't want us to 'run over them', in a sense. That makes sense. Right, now let's talk about the sector itself and the environment in terms of competitors. How would you describe things here in Kenya and the broader region for your company and your two sectors of business? As I mentioned, in the power control sector we were among the pioneers, which gave us a head start of around 20 years over anybody else. We remain the market leaders and competition is very limited on that front. From our own internal estimates, we command around 80% of the market. As far as the renewable energy sector is concerned, it's a totally different ball game. It's extremely competitive and we don't know for sure what portion of the market we actually command. However, we are probably among the 5 leading players in the industry. Sollatek Electronics offer renevable energy solutions accross East Africa What are the products you want to push more and that are generating the most revenue? I believe the big opportunity here lies in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the solar business, given its very aspirational nature. Five years ago, having a portable solar lamp was considered to be an achievement for your typical rural customer. Today, that same customer is aiming for a solar home system, which includes four lamps that can light up the four rooms of his home. As such, that's where the big opportunity lies and where we wish to focus our efforts. We have some terrifically innovative product offerings, which are very aspirational and scalable. Scalability is the in thing in the renewable energy sector. You cannot sell something that you are unable to expand on, i.e. sell a solution and then say "I can't offer you a solution beyond this." Energy needs are all-encompassing. People need energy for virtually everything, so you can start by offering energy for lighting, then you want to offer people energy for other things, such as cooking, security, hot water, etc. We feel that's where our focus should be, but that is not to say that the power control sector is devoid of opportunity, that it is saturated or that we have absorbed all existing opportunities. As I mentioned, the middle class is continually growing. More and more people are able to afford electrical appliances, such as a TV or a refrigerator. These appliances need to be protected, because unfortunately - or fortunately for us - electricity supply is not very reliable in this country or the wider region. This means that whenever someone buys an electrical appliance, they need to buy something with which to protect it, which is where the opportunity lies for us. Are you broadly more B2B or B2C? I believe the big opportunity here lies in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the solar business. We are more B2C on the solar side and more B2B on the power control side. How do you handle distribution to consumers in the solar energy sector? In terms of the solar sector, we have set up a distribution network, which we have divided out into regions. This is actually a 'last mile' or 'bottom-of-the-pyramid' distribution network, where you have your local shop keeper, school teacher or priest, all of whom have become our distributors or agents. They sell into their communities on our behalf. We have set up a sales force that is also very local, meaning our salespeople are from the communities that they are selling into. These are people known to their communities, they speak the same language, there's trust between them, and they have seen each other growing up, which is what allows us to achieve this, since your 'bottom-of-the-pyramid' customer is typically very conservative. They usually dont want to try or buy anything that their fathers and grandfathers didn't use, unless it's offered to them by somebody whom they trust and know within their community, and thats what we have strived to achieve. How do you approach the recruitment of agents such as priests and school teachers? We task our sales personnel with appointing these agents, and we then have larger distributors who hold stock, so that the stock is closer to these people: they pick up the stock from the larger distributors. Our day to day relationship is limited to the larger distributor, but the local salesperson who is sitting in the village is actually more in touch with the local distributor in place, who could be the local teacher, the local priest or the local shop keeper. Solar energy is one of Sollatek's areas of focus What brings you more revenue: the electronics or the renewable energy side of the business, or is it 50-50? At the moment, because we have a 20 years' head start in the power control business and we only went into solar energy about five to six years ago, we are 60 per cent on the power control side and 40 per cent on the solar side. But that's going to change? That is definitely going to change. The bigger opportunities are on the solar side. On the sales side, is your challenge to have a higher number of distributors? In the end, it's the distributor who does the job of selling to the end consumer, and they are the ones you have to deal with. Who are these distributors, how many are there, are you talking about 5, 10 or a hundred? We are setting them up at the county level. We have 47 counties in the country, and we seek to appoint 2 large distributors in each county, who in turn would be selling to a greater number of local sales points. Do these distributors have to acquire the stock? They have to be engaged and have a live product... Yes, and we need to make sure that we are able to use our sales force to pull the product off their shelves towards the smaller distributors, so as to sustain the flow of products, thus ensuring they make money out of our products and are able to grasp the opportunity. The challenge is actually to keep the distributor on board, to make sure they pay on time, sell off their stock on time, as well as ensuring they are satisfied with our after-sales service. That's the big challenge. I can imagine that involves a lot of groundwork, as we are talking about 2 x 47? We have yet to cover the whole country, but we are in 4 regions, i.e. 18 counties in western plus 9 on the coast, which makes for 27 counties in total. But we plan to have set up all across the country by February next year. That's one of the challenges. The other challenge is that you have these financing issues you mentioned? As I said, we seem to be in a coveted position. The big players in the industry seem to be looking for local distributors like us. We seem to tick a lot of boxes for them. We have a 30-year track record in the region. We are a solid, steady company, with a very capable workforce and we have experience conducting business in this region, which not everybody has. This means many people would like to work with us and they come and offer us opportunities to partner with them, in order to distribute their products. We see the potential in the opportunities that we are offered. However, we want to be able to do justice to these opportunities, in other words we want to be able to focus and provide the required level of service, which demands investment in terms of both time and money, etc. And sometimes we find we just can't do that. Finance is a problem, because holding a new range of products, building up the brand, having sufficient inventory and building up the distribution chain for that brand all require a good deal of money, and we find we are unable to cope with that at times. What are the solutions available to you? We won a $100,000 grant as a result, and we were the first company across Africa within that round of those awarded to actually complete our project. In terms of solutions, we are always looking for investors, i.e. people who can finance our business opportunities. We try to move away from conventional solutions, such as going to the bank, because of the high cost of financing locally, but especially since our products make an impact on society. They help improve our customers' quality of life. Someone who was using a kerosene lamp, which is expensive, dangerous and harmful can now use a solar light, which is much cheaper in the long run, is good for his health, enables him to improve his quality of life and is also environmentally friendly. So we try and use this as an appeal to those who wish to have an impact on this front and who have the money to invest in local businesses like ours. We reach out to them, sometimes they reach out to us, and we try to find a middle ground. What kind of investors are they? Are these funds aimed at promoting renewable energy, are these international players in the industry or people who are not in the sector at all and who are looking to invest? I think they are largely people who are in some way affiliated to the sector, such as social impact funds. There are many of these in the Western world, including Europe and the United States. These are the kind of people who are looking for locally-owned companies like ours, with a track record of success; so they are the ones who approach us, and at other times we approach them. How do you approach the internationalisation of your products? You're present in Kenya, as well as other countries in the region. How is your business shared among these and what's Kenyas standing in relation to the rest? The rest is obviously very minimal in comparison to Kenya, since we are a Kenyan company with our headquarters here. As a result, the focus is certainly going to be more on Kenya. We do have a young standalone company in Tanzania, Power Control Limited, which is doing well in a difficult business environment with a promising future. The other countries, which are Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan are pretty minimal. They represent less than 15% of our total business. We don't operate through a direct presence there, but through our distribution network. Are you looking to develop joint ventures and partnerships for your business going forward? Of course, that is one of our key objectives. We want to be able to have joint ventures, preferably outside the country, within the region. The challenge is to find the right people. We are open to any kind of opportunity as far as developing our business is concerned, be it joint ventures, distributor-supplier relationships or any kind of relationship. Sollatek is listed as one of the TOP 100 mid-size companies in Kenya What can you offer them, why should they choose you and what do you expect from them? Let's take the example of Uganda. We would be very open to entering into a joint venture with a Ugandan company that has a proven track record like ours in Kenya, a steady company and not a 'new player on the block'. Obviously, they would need to be well capitalised, which is something that we would be looking for. They would have to be on board and we would need to have majority stake within the company, in the case of a joint venture with equity share, because legally Uganda as a market comes under Sollatek Kenya as a franchise region, so we can't afford to give that away. We are not allowed to, which is why we would require those terms. I think what they would probably want from us are: reliable and good quality products, a fair price, good after-sales support and everything you would typically look for from a good supplier. Now let's talk about what you have achieved as a company. You have won several awards. Could you give us some idea as to the recent awards you have received? Since making forays into the solar energy market, we came to realise that, fortunately for us, there are very few serious operators, and we pride ourselves on doing something well. We do not enter into any venture half-heartedly, and this is a core principle of our business operations. This has attracted interest in us from a number of competitions or challenges set up by various international players, in order to draw the world's attention towards the role that solar energy is playing in this part of the world, and we have decided take part in some of these contests. We won the USADF Power Africa challenge in 2014, because of our proposal to transform the livelihoods of 15 fishing village communities along the Kenyan coast. We won a $100,000 grant as a result, and we were the first company across Africa within that round of those awarded to actually complete our project. We were finalist for the Africa Innovation Energy Award in South Africa earlier this year. We were among the four finalists from across Africa. We have also been awarded a grant from the EEP (Energy and Environmental Partnership) which is a multi-European government fund, and has provided some of the finance we are using to create this countrywide distribution network. We applied for this grant, in order to set up a network of entrepreneurs, where the idea is for our salespersons to become standalone entrepreneurs, by buying our products and selling them into their communities, thereby improving their own livelihoods and those of their target customers. You are certainly in a sector that's trending nicely at the moment, as everyone is talking about it. But how is renewable energy perceived in Kenya? Is it well encouraged? How easy is it to operate in this environment and in this sector, when compared to the US or Europe where you have people hailing it as the way forward. How does that work out here, in the region? I can safely say that this is an area with huge potential. To give credit to the government, they have tried to encourage investment in this sector over the years and have made attempts to scale it up. For instance, imported solar products are untaxed: there is no VAT or duty paid on them. The government has done their part, and they could do a lot more still. I think it's trendy, as you say. I also believe it's a genuine opportunity to make a social impact in our country of operation, and I believe there is a real need for solar energy in this part of the world. To conclude, is there anything we haven't touched upon and you may want to add - before we talk about where you see things going forward, when I will ask you where you see yourself in the medium term, by projecting the development of your company 3-5 years down the line, and thinking about what you would like to have achieved by that time, if everything goes well and according to plan? There's the issue of counterfeits. As I said, the government can do a lot more to help us run our business more effectively. One of the areas where we see the government falling short in Kenya is in its ability to regulate the sector, which opens the door to a host of counterfeit and inferior-quality products, especially from China and Asia. Such products wrongly claim to achieve any number of things, but somehow manage to pass through all the checks and measures and find their way into the market. That is very disheartening for those of us seeking a level playing field, who welcome fair competition, and who are serious in that we are here for the long term. The issue of counterfeits is therefore a very big challenge. I have a whole cabinet full of counterfeits in my office, showing the host of challenges we have faced throughout the last 30 years we have been around. And could you tell me about the problem itself, where are these products made and what is their quality like? There are a number of challenges within this challenge, one of them being the existence of identical counterfeits: products that are labelled 'Sollatek'. Of course, we have all our IP protection rights covered under the law. The challenge is to find out who imports them, because it's done very informally and under the radar, which means you can never catch the big fish. We work very closely with an anti-counterfeit agency and the police, but we have to date never been able to arrest and prosecute an importer.We will always just find retailers with 10-20 units, being sold at their own shops. There is a veil of secrecy and nobody appears to know where they are in fact buying from. But all the small timers are keen to indulge in this, because they make more money out of it. That's the actual counterfeit. We then also have products that are sub-standard, are not certified to meet international quality standards, finding their way into the country. Those are the hardest to actually counter, because they are being sold everywhere. It's extremely difficult to have action taken against these. Solar energy has tremendous potential in Africa And coming back to your own products, where are they produced? Also, what are the certifications, to what standards are they produced? Is UK technology involved? Sollatek products are designed in the UK and they all conform to British standards. They are manufactured in the Far East, in China, Hong Kong, as well as in Egypt, where there is a factory that makes those products that require steel. The manufacturer finds it convenient to make products that have an element of steel in Egypt. All products are certified to global standards, such as ICS standards, KS standards for solar panels, etc. We have full certification. To conclude the interview, how do you project yourself? What would you like to have achieved in 3-5 years, in terms of the companys growth? Where do you want to be? Our two big opportunities and the two areas we are focusing on in the medium term are 1) to scale up our solar business, which at the moment is a minor portion of our business, but can very rapidly and overwhelmingly become Sollatek's core business. 2) The other area is of course expanding our operations to the broader region. As I said, we are really focused on Kenya and we would really like to go beyond the borders. It's not for lack of trying that we have been unable to achieve that yet. If our combined governments can ease our ability to trade across borders, then we see a huge market waiting out there, with a need for our products. The opportunity is there. If that can happen, things would be great, and that's one of our key areas of focus, if all goes well. So you would be looking to achieve this through joint ventures with local partners? Absolutely. Is there anything else you would like to add? The World Bank, through its IFC arm has been running a programme for several years in East and West Africa. It's called the 'Lighting Africa' programme. One of the World Bank's key objectives has been to promote the use of solar energy as a form of lighting in developing countries. We have always been associated with manufacturers who are affiliated to the Lighting Africa programme, the key objective of which is to promote the use of solar products, but equally to regulate the industry by certifying people legitimate players who mean business, as well as making sure they can be distinguished from those who are not serious. Our two solar product suppliers are both associates of the Lighting Africa programme, and we are involved by virtue of that association. Lighting Africa is good, because it helps us command a reputation as a serious company. They support us in terms of spreading awareness of the technology and our products, and in the recent past have also helped to hook us up with potential investors and people who are interested in having a stake in this. We have also taken part in several exhibitions and competitions, as I mentioned. I have lost count of the number of awards we have won. We have been shortlisted among the KPNG Top 100 Small and Medium-Sized Companies in Kenya for two consecutive years. We also won the best energy sector award at the Kenya Homes Expo, which is the country's largest real estate and industry-affiliated exhibition, held once a year. We won the Mazingira award, which is targeted towards the Tourism industry and the role that companies play within that industry, especially in terms of providing technological innovation. I think we have covered everything. Can I just ask you, how many people work in your company? At the moment, we have approximately 75 members of staff and we are actually hiring more by the day. I can imagine, given your growth. And finally, what's your approximate turnover? We made USD 6 million during the last financial year, which ended on 31st December. We are very aspirational. According to AlixPartners inaugural study of industry performance based on an analysis of the major dry bulk shipping companies, industry revenues for the global group fell 18% from 2014 to 2015. Even more troubling was the collapse in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) within this group, dropping from $169 million to minus $115 million: a staggering, 168% decline. Conditions are likely to worsen in 2016. Chinas economic slowdown continues to depress demand for basic materials; coal imports alone declined 30% from 2014 to 2015. Industry consolidation and vessel scrappingthe supply side of the equationremain well below the levels needed to generate a meaningful rebound in pricing, especially as cheap money and eager shipbuilders sustain the appeal of building new vessels. Even companies that restructured a few years ago are struggling, and at this point, the majority of companies in our 2016 Dry Bulk Shipping Outlook are at risk of bankruptcy. The industry should embrace increased consolidation and scrapping, and individual companies should improve operating cash flow. Company management should proactively contact lenders and other creditors regarding potential problems. Earlier is better than later: company stakeholders are in the same, listing boat. The industrys conditions require everyone to pull together for stability both at individual companies and within the entire industry. Fleet reduction will most likely happen through consolidation. Mergersor newly formed alliances and poolscould lead to the termination of newbuild contracts in bankruptcy court or could result in increased idling and scrapping. However, challenges abound there, too. With companies in survival mode, few can finance acquisitions by using their balance sheets. And because lenders are actively limiting exposure to maritime shipowners, traditional mergers and acquisitions (M&A) seems an unlikely avenue for consolidation in the foreseeable future. Related News LNG Ships Play Waiting Game Off Spain's Coast as Higher Prices Eyed Several ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) anchored off Spain's Bay of Cadiz are likely to stay there until late Seaspan's First LNG Dual-fuel Containership Launched for Zim Charter Seaspan Corporation said its first vessel in a series of 10 new 15,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel containerships ICS Proposes Fund to Reward Use of Low Emission Fuels A new plan proposed by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) aims to reward ships and energy producers that invest Dry Winter Forecast Spells More Trouble for Shallow Mississippi River Low water levels on the Mississippi River are likely to persist this winter as drier-than-normal weather is expected across Trending News Idled St. Croix Refinery Risks Explosion, 'Catastrophic' Releases ZF Marine Debuts 4600 POD Propulsion System USACE Analyzes Dredge Material Usage on the Lower Columbia River Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has been appointed the preferred Offshore Balance of Plant contractor by Vattenfall for the construction of Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, also known as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. The project will consist of eleven wind turbines with a consented capacity of up to 100 MW. The contract includes all offshore elements of the wind farm, with the exception of the wind turbine supply. Boskalis' strategy is aimed at benefitting from key macro-economic factors which drive worldwide demand in our markets: expansion of the global economy, increase in energy consumption, global population growth and the challenges that go hand in hand with climate change. This project is related to the development of generating renewable energy due to climate change and increasing energy consumption. United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) announced today the conclusion of a 100% compliant Verified Gross Mass (VGM) lift of 159 UASC containers on board CSCLs Saturn. This achievement comes ahead of the VGM requirement deadline of July 1st, 2016 making container weight verification a condition for vessel loading. The VGM requirement is an industry wide initiative that was kicked-started by the IMO Maritime Safety Committees recently approved changes to the SOLAS convention. UASC is working closely with its customers and partners to ensure the requirement that becomes legally binding tomorrow will accomplish its goal to increase maritime safety and reduce the dangers to cargo, containers and all those involved in container transport throughout the supply chain. Efforts include a dedicated page on UASCs website, available here, providing stakeholders with all relevant information on VGM. As the containershipping market continues to drift through a prolonged downturn premised on overcapacity a subdued world economy, BIMCO reports a glimmer of hope: demolition of containerships almost tripled in the first five months of 2016 in comparison to the same period of 2015. This illustrates the efforts carried out by shipowners to counter the fundamental imbalance between supply and demand under poor container shipping market conditions. However, more needs to be done to lift the charter market. The demolition of capacity in the panamax segment (3-5,999 TEUs), since the start of January 2016 till the year to date, has been especially significant. A total of 150,863 TEUs of panamax ships have been demolished so far in 2016, this equals the number of the same type of ship scrapped from June 2014 up to and including December 2015. One possible explanation behind the higher demolition in the panamax segment since January 2016 is their potential redundancy due to the opening of the new locks of the Panama Canal on 26 June 2016. This will soon allow neo-panamax containerships with a maximum beam of 49m to pass through. The new set of locks was inaugurated by COSCO Shipping Panama a ship with a capacity of 9,443 TEUs. More and larger ships are set to enter, as the new locks begin to operate with full capacity. Chief Analyst Peter Sand says: Throughout 2016 very poor market conditions stemming from excess supply has triggered higher demolition activity. Given the stubborn growth of global demand, increased scrapping is the way to diminish the gap between supply and demand in the containership market. BIMCO is therefore raising its forecast for containership demolition from 250,000 TEUs to 400,000 TEUs for the whole of 2016. Due to oversupply of container shipping capacity and ongoing lack of global demand, time charter rates for the panamax segment went down from the monthly average of $15,800 per day in March 2015 to a monthly average of $5,755 per day in July 2016 (-63.5%). Peter Sand adds: As the global demand for containerships in 2016 is not expected to grow at the pace needed to match excess containership capacity, it is challenging for time charter rates to improve. Going forward, multiple years of low fleet growth in the form of demolition and low contracting activity will then improve the market. The expansion of the Panama Canal backs up the shift away from the segment of panamax ships which have a maximum beam of 32 metres, putting them in line for demolition. General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), won a contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis class (TAO-205), previously known as the TAO(X). This contract is for the construction of six ships. The first ship of the program was funded in the FY2016 budget, allowing engineering and design work to begin immediately. The U.S. Navys FY2017 budget requests advance procurement for a second ship, with procurement expected to occur in FY2018. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy surface ships operating at sea, the oilers will have the capacity to carry 156,000 barrels of oil, including the Navys new bio fuels. The oilers also offer a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and will reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the U.S. Navys acquisition strategy for the TAO-205 program, NASSCO has also been awarded LX(R) contract design engineering man-hours. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which has always been a valuable resource in supply chain management, announced the formation of a Supply Chain Innovations Teams that will develop commercial solutions to supply chain challenges and related port congestion concerns, which have been an issue in the industry for quite some time. Although I believe that the FMC has made a great impact on the logistics industry, especially supply chain management, I am not sure that this sort of regulation is necessary. With technology playing a huge rule in the growth of the industry, there are many rules, including bonds, licensing and certifications that are no longer necessary and are creating a bottleneck in the industry. The FMC should be focusing on abolishing these outdated practices and coming up with new, innovative ways to improve international shipping. Modern day logistics are not what they used to be, so it is important to be aware of what is happening in the industry and address these concerns in the best fashion. For example, in order for a company to get licensed, it has to fill out an extensive application that takes three to six months to be approved in Washington. After the company is approved then it is required to post a bond for $100,000 to validate the license, and then continue to file pricing and terms in tariff publications for FMC compliance. This whole process involves very detailed information that costs thousands of dollars annually just to maintain and be in full compliance with FMC regulatory requirements. Companies require dedicated employees that can handle these sorts of regulatory compliances, which costs money and creates a bottleneck in day-to-day operations. The whole process is cumbersome and is rarely useful in generating business. In the normal course of business, these kinds of government regulations add little value to the consumer. It is ironic that the same industry that is trying to regulate these issues is unintentionally creating others along the way. The FMC has always been a valuable resource in supply chain management, and can continue to be one for many years to come by staying up-to-date with industry trends and making rules and regulations that go along with them. As a matter of fact, similar rules and regulations proved to be outdated in the trucking industry, so President Reagan abolished them. So far, this has proved to be a smart move that has allowed the industry to focus on fixing other concerns and continuing to evolve. The Author Logistics veteran and Overseas Cargo, Inc. (ShipOCI) Founder & President, Ron Atapattu brings to the table over 30 years of experience handling supply chain management, distribution, transportation, inventory management and warehousing for some of the worlds most recognizable brands, including General Mills and PepsiCO. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in the U.K., Atapattu brings a global perspective to the clients he serves. He has built his business on providing solutions, not excuses, which has allowed him to grow ShipOCI into the 3PL leader in refrigerated freight and the retail industry in the U.S., Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America. Atapattus engineering background and early exposure to computers paved the way for the development of proprietary software, Rapid Link and eRapidbuy, that gives customers the unique ability to be hands on with their own supply chain management.This type of forward thinking has established a record of excellent service and long-term relationships with ShipOCI customers. To learn more about ShipOCI, visit http://www.shipoci.com/. Alan Kelly, president of ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Company, has announced his intention to retire effective Aug. 1, 2016, after more than 34 years of service. It is anticipated that the board of directors of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) will appoint Bryan Milton as president of ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants & Specialties Marketing Company and elect him as a vice president of the corporation. Milton is currently president, ExxonMobil Global Services Company. Kelly, 59, was appointed president, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company, and elected as a vice president of the corporation effective December 1, 2007. Kelly began his career with the company in 1981. He held a variety of positions in the U.K., the Netherlands, Japan and the United States, working in fuels and lubricants marketing, and in refinery logistics and supply operations. In 2001, he was appointed regional director, North America, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. Kelly became general manager, Corporate Planning, Exxon Mobil Corporation, in 2003. Milton, 51, joined Exxon Chemical in 1986 at Fawley in the U.K., where he worked in various plant and developmental engineering roles including assignments as operations manager and as plant manager. He also spent time in upstream natural gas commercial sales. Milton held various leadership positions within ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Houston, Texas, and in 2004 was named managing director for ExxonMobil Aviation fuels, based near London, U.K. He was appointed manager of the Baton Rouge chemical plant in 2006, and in 2008 he was assigned executive assistant to the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation. In 2009, he was appointed vice president of Basic Chemicals for ExxonMobil Chemical Company. Milton was appointed to his current position in 2011. A native of Scotland, Milton earned a bachelors degree in chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Subscribe for Maritime Reporter E-News Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week Silver Muse, the new ultra-luxury cruise ship which Fincantieri is building for the ship owner Silversea Cruises, was launched at Fincantieris shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente. Interior fittings will now begin, leading the vessel to its delivery, scheduled in April 2017. The launching was introduced by the traditional and well-wishing coin ceremony, consisting, according to an ancient shipbuilding custom, in welding a silver commemorative coin on the last deck of the ship. The Godmother of the ceremony was Costanza Lefebvre dOvidio, daughter of the Chairman of Silversea Cruises, Manfredi Lefebvre dOvidio, who, among others, attended the ceremony together with Fincantieris CEO, Giuseppe Bono. At 40,700 gt, able to accommodate 596 passengers on board, Silver Muse will represent an evolution of Silver Spirit, delivered in 2009 by Fincantieri in Ancona, redefining ultra-luxury ocean travel, always maintaining the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations, hallmarks of the Silversea experience, the builder said. The new build will expand Silversea's fleet to nine ships. Fincantieri has built 74 cruise ships since 1990 and other 21 ships are currently being designed or built in the Group's yards. Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that the 3DEXPERIENCE platform now extends the support of XMpLant with an integrated high-performance software tool providing interfaces to the major process plant and ship design systems used by the energy, process and utilities and the marine and offshore industries. Companies can transfer legacy engineering models with associated intelligent information to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in order to improve collaboration, design time, productivity and operations. Offshore platforms, ships, nuclear power plants and other large assets are designed and engineered with a complex ecosystem of suppliers and millions of parts. XMpLant provides access to this intelligent information in an ISO 15926 compliant open neutral format, supporting the full structure, attributes and geometry of 2D schematics and 3D models. With integrated XMpLant support, Dassault Systemes 3DEXPERIENCE platform delivers a ready-to-use solution with standard-based interoperability that connects process plant and ship engineering, procurement and construction data and processes in a unified virtual environment. As a result, engineering, procurement and construction stakeholders have digital continuity throughout the entire lifecycle of a plant or ship. Design reviews integrate models from multiple sources with attributes, costs, quantities, specifications and time. Concept, design, engineering, fabrication, construction, procurement and owner teams have simultaneous and real-time access to design models, project data and expert knowledge of team members and customers, improving collaboration and productivity. A digital referential further enhances performance and profitability once assets are in production. Integrated XMpLant support is another achievement in Dassault Systemes commitment to business platform openness with a variety of interfaced and multiple exchanges standards such as IFC, Step, IGES, and our existing capacity to read the XMpLant format, said Thomas Grand, Vice President, Energy, Process and Utilities Industry, Dassault Systemes. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform was developed to support openness, which is a key contributor to successful customer collaboration and innovation. As of July 1, shippers and freight forwarders are required to verify the weight of a container before the container is loaded onto a ship. The Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment recently published the Dutch interpretation of the international regulations. Partly on the advice of Transport and Logistics Netherlands (TLN), freight forwarders association FENEX, shippers organization EVO and export association Fenedex, the Dutch government has opted for a flexible method: a scheme which allows companies that want to make use of a certified calculation method to follow a simple procedure. This means that any company that follows this procedure may automatically use the so-called method 2. In other words, they do not need to have separate certifications, such as AEO or ISO certifications, or meet other additional requirements. Alaskan North Slope (ANS) crude will be shipped to Nicaragua for the first time in July, two trade sources said on Friday, underscoring a shift in oil flows to and from the U.S. West Coast. A parcel of the medium grade crude is on its way to the Pacific Area Lightering (PAL) near southern California on Exxon Mobil Corp's Liberty Bay, a U.S. flagged vessel, according to the sources and Reuters vessel tracking data. From there, it will transfer to the Liberian-flagged Panamax tanker Chantal for delivery to Nicaragua, where Swiss commodities trader Trafigura Trading LLC will take the crude, said the sources who were not authorized to speak to the media about the matter. Representatives for Trafigura and Exxon declined to comment. Global crude flows have changed in the last six months as oversupplied markets force producers to compete aggressively on price. The United States in December lifted a four-decade ban on exporting crude, giving global refiners access to a wider variety of crude. ANS, which was exempted from the U.S. export ban, is almost exclusively sold to West Coast refiners and transported on U.S. flagged vessels owned by BP Plc, Exxon and ConocoPhillips that comply with maritime law. The rare cargoes that have moved abroad in recent years have gone to South Korea or Japan. Trafigura has a stake in Puma Energy, which operates a small refinery in Managua, Nicaragua, and manages downstream assets in 47 countries. In March, Trafigura took 380,000 barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude at its Puma refinery in Nicaragua. (Reporting by Liz Hampton; additional reporting by Marianna Parraga, Editing by Terry Wade and Richard Chang) Gibraltars Gibdock shipyard has completed an extensive package of work on Solstad Shippings Normand Cutter. The 127m long, 10,979grt construction support vessel (CSV) left the yard on June 29th following a 22-day drydock programme, which included a comprehensive overhaul of its entire propulsion system. Norway-based Solstad has become a regular Gibdock customer, entrusting the yard with work on a number of high-tech offshore vessels over the past decade. The 2001-built Normand Cutter is in fact a repeat visitor to the yard, having previously docked at Gibdock in April 2011 for its last 5-year special survey. Gibdock managing director, Richard Beards, says: We are delighted that such a well-respected, quality operator as Solstad has decided to come back to us once again. Their continued support is much valued and appreciated and this project further demonstrates that we have become the go to yard for offshore vessel work in the region. The scope of work commissioned by Solstad for Normand Cutter included maintenance and repairs to key components of its propulsion system. Its five Brunvoll thrusters were removed and transported to the yards workshops, where they were stripped down and overhauled before being returned to the ship and reinstalled. Similarly, the vessels two tailshafts and CPP propeller hubs were withdrawn and overhauled, as were the two rudders. The rudder tiller flaps were removed, machined and refurbished as part of this process. In addition, the two gearboxes, port and starboard, were also overhauled. Gibdock also carried out a range of standard drydocking and survey items, including painting, valve repairs and refurbishment, minor steel repairs and pipework. Jonathan Pocock, Gibdocks ship manager for Normand Cutter, says: It was a challenge to carry out this project within the 21-day drydock time allocated, particularly given the amount of work required to overhaul the propulsion system, but we completed the task to the owners satisfaction. Once out of drydock, Normand Cutter remained at the yard for intensive crane testing, up to a SWL of 330 tonnes. This was carried out by Waterweights, of Holland, in partnership with Gibdock. We have the contacts needed for such specialised testing work inside the yard, even when we dont have that specific capability ourselves, says Pocock. We do whatever it takes to allow the owner to get all the work done in one location, to keep downtime to a minimum. The Normand Cutter drydocking has further cemented the close ties between the Norwegian owner and Gibdock. Conrad Melhus, technical manager, says, We chose Gibdock for this project because of the good relationship we have with them, their reliability, and the fact they have good 'hands on' management with short reporting lines. They are also a centrally positioned yard with easy access by road freight from the main spare parts hubs in Europe. Gibdock has secured a number of offshore vessel projects this year, despite the challenging market conditions in the offshore sector. At the time of Normand Cutters departure, three more offshore vessels were in the yard. Richard Beards adds: By focussing on QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and the Environment) issues, which are a top priority for offshore vessel operators, and reliable on time delivery, we have been able to take full advantage of our favourable geographic location to serve this market, as companies mobilise and demobilise assets. Increasingly offshore operators in the Mediterranean and West Africa view Gibraltar not just as a shipyard, but as an offshore base to support their activities in this part of the world. On that basis we are optimistic about securing further offshore work in the second half of 2016. The State Government of Odisha will partner the Ministry of Shipping for taking ahead the port-led development agenda under Sagarmala, the flagship program of the Ministry. The State Government has confirmed 10% equity participation in the Special Purpose Venture (SPV) of Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) that will be formed for development of a heavy haul rail corridor from Salegaon to Paradip port. This initiative will strengthen supply-side connects from mine to port and will boost coastal movement of 140 MTPA of coal, as envisioned in Sagarmala National Perspective Plan. The rail link will serve as the last mile connectivity to transport bulk cargo of thermal coal from the Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), via coastal shipping at Paradip, to power plants in coastal regions of southern states. It will also serve the 4 major industrial clusters- Jharsuguda-Sambalpur; Angul-Talcher-Dhenkanal; Kalinganagar Steel Hub; and port based industrial area of Paradip. Including the 3rd and 4th line development between Budhapank and Salegaon by Indian Railways, the project estimates an investment of Rs.4500 Crore. The project will be executed by the SPV between Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), RITES, Paradip Port Trust, the State Govt of Odisha and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. As a precursor to this, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting chaired by the Chairman, Rail Board, comprising the Secretaries of Shipping, Coal and Power was held to firm up the actionable plan for harnessing the coastal shipping potential. The IMC has awarded the approval for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by RITES along the finalized alignment. The project is part of the port-led-development programme of Sagarmala by the Ministry of Shipping to enhance port connectivity and encourage coastal shipping of commodities to reduce overall logistic costs, thereby enabling ports to become drivers of countrys overall economic growth. In order to efficiently handle the additional volume of coal, the Paradip port is taking up a number of projects to enhance its capacity to handle coal. In the short term it is undertaking berth mechanization projects. The development of the outer harbour as a new port and capacity augmentation of the existing terminals are now being prepared by the port. While the matter of maritime piracy has seemingly subdued from its high profile peaks of a few years ago, Stuart Edmonston, Head of Loss Prevention at UK P&I Club, together with Hellenic War Risks and Terra Firma Risk Management, highlight the growth of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and considers the reasons behind the rise in kidnaps for ransom. The Gulf of Guinea is understood to be the most dangerous region in the world for seafarers. A report by Oceans Beyond Piracy* revealed that there have been 32 kidnaps for ransom during 2016 in the Gulf of Guinea, surpassing the total number of incidents, 19, recorded by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) for 2015. The IMB itself has recorded 10 incidents in the Gulf of Guinea in the first quarter of 2016, and the kidnap of 16 seafarers**. Since April 2015, the Merchant Trade Information Sharing Centre for the Gulf of Guinea (MTISC-GoG) recorded 56 incidents in the area and the kidnap of 35 seafarers. The increase in kidnapping for ransom has not occurred out of the blue: in 2014, 16% of attacks in the area involved kidnap for ransom; in 2015 it was 28% of attacks. There may be two reasons why kidnapping has increased in late 2015 and has continued to increase in 2016. Improved naval patrolling (by the Nigerian and other littoral navies) may have made cargo theft more difficult and dangerous. Cargo theft, particularly of large amounts of refined oil products, takes time and so criminals have moved to a crime where less time is spent on-board vessels and leaves them less exposed to naval patrols, i.e. the kidnap for ransom of ships crews. In addition, it may be that for the time being, the drop in oil prices has made oil theft a less lucrative proposition than kidnapping for ransom. There are indications that some kidnappers have such belief in their business model that they are increasing their logistical capacity to take in and hold more hostages, possibly for longer than is now normally the case. There are also signs that their understanding of the kidnap market is evolving in other words, they may be able to target their attacks with greater precision and demand higher ransoms. The costs of protecting vessels in the region are well known and the threat of kidnap in the Gulf of Guinea is unlikely to disappear or decrease significantly in the next year or so. Consequently, attacks on vessels and the kidnapping of seafarers in the region may have a further impact on business. Owners and crewing agencies may find it increasingly hard to crew ships in these waters, especially with nationalities that have the appropriate experience, languages and skills set. Shipping companies need not only to protect their vessels, but also to ensure that they can still attract high-quality officers and crews willing to sail in the area. This means that crews must understand, but not overestimate, the risks and that they and their families are mentally and physically prepared for an incident. Companies must also be able to demonstrate that they take their duty of care seriously, and that they will be able to act professionally if a kidnap does occur. ** ICC IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report First Quarter 2016 MidEast rates slip from two-week high on June 28; raft of new ships and repaired vessels weigh on rates. Freight rates for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) will continue to soften next week as ample tonnage supply weighs on the market, although a raft of Middle East fixtures are expected to put a floor under charter rates, ship brokers said on Friday. That came as VLCC rates from the Middle East rose to a two-week high on June 28 before slipping slightly, while rates from West Africa held steady. "We feel the market has a soft undertone. Each fixture is around the same rate as the previous charter or a shade less. Rates are not diving down," said a European supertanker broker on Friday. "Tonnage is quite ample - there should be enough to cover charterers' needs. Charterers have been drip feeding the market with fixtures to keep a lid on rates," the broker told Reuters. A raft of tankers coming out of shipbuilding and repair yards needing immediate employment and reduced congestion at ports including Basra in Iraq and Qingdao in China have added to tanker supply putting pressure on freight rates, brokers said. "Some charterers are trying to break below 40 on the Worldscale measure to fix newly built tankers. I don't feel we'll get much love on rates for next week," a Singapore-based supertanker broker told Reuters. Charterers are expected to start fixing supertanker cargoes next week for loading in the Middle East in the last 10 days of July, brokers said. Around 30 to 35 cargoes are expected to be released, a similar level to previous months, brokers added, although tanker supply is expected to outpace cargo volumes. That came as oil exports from Iraq's southern ports, which averaged 3.162 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, are expected to hold steady through the end of the year, Hayan Abdulghani Abdulzahra, the head of state-owned South Oil Company (SOC), told Reuters in an interview on June 26. Oil exports from Iran in July though are set to fall to about 2.31 million bpd as the country battles Saudi Arabia and Iraq for market share, according to a source with knowledge of the country's crude lifting plans. VLCC rates from the Middle East to Japan were unchanged at around 45.50 on the Worldscale measure on Thursday from a week ago, although they climbed to about W48.25 on June 28, the highest since June 14. Rates for VLCCs from West Africa to China slipped to about W51.75 on Thursday, down from W53 the same day last week. Rates for an 80,000-dwt Aframax tanker from Southeast Asia to East Coast Australia nudged higher to W96.75 on Thursday from W96 last week on stable cargo volumes, brokers said. Reporting by Keith Wallis Brazil's Vale SA said it has sold three of its giant "Valemax" iron ore ships to a group led by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, continuing efforts to unload assets to cut debt and focus investment on its main mining activities. Vale will receive $269 million for the ships when they are delivered to the Chinese-led group, likely in August, Vale said in a statement late on Thursday. Vale said it was also seeking to sell other Valemax ships. The vessels, also known as Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC's) are about 300 meters (984 feet) long and carry up to 400,000 deadweight tonnes, making them some the largest ships afloat. (Reporting by Jeb Blount; Editing by Sandra Maler) The move to continue Ankara's long-stalled bid for membership comes just one week after Britain's decision to exit the European Union, an unprecedented decision Turkey's EU Minister, Omer Celik, said would make his country's position in the EU stronger. Chapter 33 on financial and budgetary provisions was opened Thursday. Turkey must fulfill 35 chapters for EU membership, but five chapters remain blocked because Ankara refuses to recognize the Republic of Cyprus as a country. A new chapter has opened in Turkey's bid for EU membership, as negotiations for budget contributions began in Brussels. Many Europeans oppose Turkey's EU accession for multiple reasons, including its Muslim majority and fears membership would prompt an influx of Turkish migrants in other European countries. The bloc has urged Turkey to meet rights standards required of all member states. "As the EU, we also stressed the need for swift reform efforts, especially in areas of the rule of law and fundamental rights," said Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders after chairing a meeting with his Turkish counterpart in Brussels. "As a candidate country, naturally (there has to be) respect for the highest standards of democracy and rule of law." Turkey has also asked for visa-free travel for its citizens in Europe, a privilege Brussels has said it cannot grant until Ankara curbs the scope of its tough anti-terror laws. But Turkey says it cannot do so as it continues to battle Kurdish militants. The meetings in Brussels began Thursday with a moment of silence for the 42 victims of Tuesday's bombing of Istanbul's airport. Israeli carrier Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) might join the 2M Alliance between Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co., Alphaline said quoting industry sources. This news followed the last week's news of South Koreas Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), currently a member of the G6 Alliance, that it was in negotiations to join the 2M partnership. 2M alliance currently consists of Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC). ZIM could join the enlarged 2M alongside HMM, according to the industry analysts sources although the carriers involved have not confirmed the potential inclusion of a fourth carrier. Zim has a 3.3 percent share in the trans-Pacific route, Alphaliner said and that would be good synergy for 2M. Zim is the only major global container ship operator that has not officially joined any of the existing alliances or the new groupings that will begin next year. The potential four carrier alliance (that Alphaliner dubs 2M++) would be mainly focussed on the transpacific route, with Alphaliner saying it would bring 2M++'s share to around 23 percent, compared to 40 percent for the upcoming "Ocean Alliance," and 34 percent for the future "THE Alliance." However, sources related to Maersk Line has dismissed an Alphaliner report linking Israels Zim joining 2M as rumours and speculation. There has been plenty of Brexit fallout. Breaking news seems to hit by the minute: The day after the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron resigns! Monday, Labour head Jeremy Corbyn was struck by a decisive no confidence vote ... and then he refused to step down! Thursday, the ostensible frontrunner to be the next PM, Boris Johnson, bowed out of the race after multiple, scathing criticisms! It's high drama, but we'd advise paying less attention to the bluster and look instead for real fundamental developments. To that end, Spain held an election Sunday that in our view speaks volumes more about what will happen next with the EU, and in stark contrast to all the sensationalism out there. As we noted in depth here, euroskeptic support didn't surge in Sunday's vote-former PM Mariano Rajoy's People's Party picked up 14 seats. Importantly, that implies, just a few days removed from Brexit, a nation like Spain isn't going to fall like a "domino" and directly demand its own referendum. Gridlock prevailed, as did the pan-EU status quo. Both the PP and center-left PSOE are traditionally status-quo parties within Spain, taking turns running the government since 1982 (virtually all of Spain's history of democracy). Even with still relatively high unemployment and political scandals that eroded support for the PP and PSOE lately, newer, outsider parties like Podemos and Cuidadanos couldn't capitalize. So far, short-term sentiment and market pricing have imbibed heavily in all the fear-driven "what if," "domino effects" the Brexit could one day bring. But the truth is, at this moment, what we have is a large economy voting to eventually leave a trade union within a large economic area. That's it. Everything else is speculation and short-term hand-wringing, and in the most general sense the global economy is not a lot different today than it was last week. The Spanish election result is a hard piece of fundamental data arguing against all the "what if" fear. Markets are bouncing the last couple days, but it's impossible to say whether that marks the end of Brexit fears. Maybe turmoil goes on for days more, or even weeks. For an investor, politics are all about what is really, tangibly done, not what is said. Sure, there are idealists out there, but the vast majority of politicians-on all sides-are opportunists, posturing themselves within the context of events to maximize the likelihood of advancing themselves and their agenda. Perhaps that's redundant: Their agenda often is to advance themselves. Yes, it's a cynic's view, but political cynicism is imperative when it comes to investments. So here is the simple trick I promised you: Focusing solely on what is done, and not what is said in politics, can save you a million headaches, and a lot of money. From here, expect the political jawboning to go on and on. Here's a good example: Merkel Tells Cameron Before EU Summit: Don't Delude Yourself Now, why would the Chancellor of Germany-publically-have such harsh words for Britain's Prime Minister? (And note the irony that Cameron will be gone by the time real negotiations happen anyhow.) Look at the structure and the incentives, forget the talk. Think back a few years to the eurozone's problem of bailing out Greece (repeatedly): Greek Debt Crisis: Germany Flexes Its Muscles in Talks With Bailout Ultimatum Back then, Germany talked tough, but relented every time. Politically, German leaders knew they couldn't appear as pushovers to their constituents back home, but otherwise were compelled to keep Greece in the monetary union, as many were convinced it was key for stability at the time. Say one thing, but ultimately do the thing that the structure dictates. That's how economics and politics often intersect. It will likely be the same with Brexit. EU leaders will talk tough to Britain to save face and discourage other members contemplating referendum votes, but both sides have very high incentive to keep trade open and smooth. The thing to watch from here is who the new leadership in the UK will be. Will it be a coalition aggressively pursuing Brexit and severed ties? Or will it be a government (as many Tories were in the first place) more sympathetic to pan-Europeanism? The team of diplomats and negotiators at the helm will matter a lot. Within many of those barely decipherable proceedings could be the seeds of unforeseen problems, or maybe great solutions. Only time will tell. And time is the key factor here. Brexit is no longer a phenomenon of 2016. With the clock not even started yet on the two-year exiting process, at the very fastest it's a late 2018 issue. By that time, the markets will have digested and considered developments-and likely long since moved on. A harsh-spoken man known for ruthlessly enforcing laws at the city level took office as president of the Philippines Thursday with pledges to get just as tough on crime nationally. But there are hopes he will pursue a broader agenda as head of state. Rodrigo Duterte, former mayor of the second largest Philippine city, Davao, was inaugurated after beating four other candidates in last months election with 39 percent of the vote. The 71-year-old outsider to national politics was elected largely because of his record for cutting crime in Davao. His city was once a drug sales hub and a base for a violent leftist rebel group. Duterte pledged in his inauguration speech in Manila to rout corruption and drugs. Using his characteristically sharp language, he also took on the widespread suspicion that he had deployed death squads to enforce order in Davao. "I know that there are some who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, drugs and corruption," he said. "In response, let me say that I have seen how corruption works. I have seen how illegal drugs ruin individuals and relationshipsI have seen how corruption bled government funds." "As a lawyer and former prosecutor, I know the limits of the powers of the president," he added. "You mind your work and I will mind mine. I know what is legal and what is not." As mayor of Davao for 22 years, the man known for profanity and threats when outraged about an issue, brought down crime by being unpredictable, said city spokesman Leo Villareal. "The thinking or the idea of the mayor is unpredictable. The obstacles are those who are against the mayor's campaign, most especially those involved in crime, drugs," Villareal said. "The style is unpredictable, so no one could stop him. Only the police can implement what he wants." A new study by the U.S. International Trade Commission shows the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement had a positive effect on the American economy, improving the trade balance and welfare of consumers. The ITC study comes after Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump and others cast aspersions on America's trade deals as being damaging to U.S. workers. The report published Wednesday suggests that the FTA led to a US$15.7 billion improvement in the U.S. trade balance last year alone. The U.S. suffered a $28.3 billion trade deficit with Korea last year, but it would have been $44 billion without the bilateral free trade pact, the report argues. The improvement was the second largest among 20 FTAs following a $17.7 billion boost from the trade pact with Canada. The ITC added that imports of Korean products increased the range of choices available for U.S. consumers and resulted in $480 million worth of tariff savings. Since the FTA with Korea is among the U.S.' latest, the report said relatively strong safeguards were included in the labor and environmental sectors. An official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy here said, "We hope that the latest report will ease a lot of the negative sentiment among U.S. politicians toward the Korea-U.S. FTA." Trump has claimed at campaign rallies that America's trade deficit has doubled and 100,000 jobs have been lost due to the Korea-U.S. FTA alone. The ITC is an agency that reports directly to the U.S. president and investigates matters of trade. The U.S. president has to respond to its recommendations within 60 days. It was not surprising that Martinsville City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution supporting redistricting reform. What was surprising was that the resolution passed by the narrowest margin possible. At Tuesdays council meeting, Martha Woody with Virginia Organizing joined Blake Wheelock, who is associate director of OneVirginia2021, to ask the council to pass the resolution. Heres the redistricting argument in a nutshell: Every 10 years, legislative districts are re-drawn to ensure that they are roughly equal in population so that no one district has a disproportionate amount of influence. That makes sense, but in most cases, district lines are redrawn by the state legislature with the majority party controlling the process. The party in power obviously wants to stay in power and draws district lines that include supporters and exclude opponents. This results in bizarre districts that look like someone threw a ketchup packet at a map, and is the reason that Virginias 5th Congressional District stretches from the North Carolina line to northern Virginia and is bigger than the state of New Jersey. As Wheelock said repeatedly, this is not a partisan issue; this is a voters rights issue. Prominent supporters of redistricting reform in Virginia include Bill Bolling, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, Tom Davis and Ken Cuccinelli. Ken Cuccinelli. According to Wheelock, his organization has received warm welcomes at local level meetings of Democrats, Republicans and Tea Partiers. Let that sink in for a moment. Democrats, Republicans and Tea Party members all tend to agree that this is a good idea. If you put those three groups in a room, they would argue over whether or not ice cream is tasty. Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles and council members Gene Teague and Mark Stroud offered their support for the resolution. Teague didnt mince words. "It is absolutely ridiculous that people would draw those lines that way," he said. "What youve got is legislators that are accountable to the voters who vote for them. They pick who those voters are. Nobody in their right mind would draw those districts that way, unless you were doing it for political gain." Meanwhile, Mayor Danny Turner and councilwoman Sharon Brooks Hodge declined to support the resolution. Hodge did raise a good point: If we take redistricting out of the hands of legislators and put it in the hands of an independent body that is not accountable to voters, how can we be sure that the process will be fair? There are some ways around those concerns. As Wheelock pointed out, you could use a totally impartial computer algorithm to divide up the districts. But as Wheelock also pointed out, literally anything is better than the system we currently have. As the saying goes, we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If we were on a sinking ship, we would not refuse to board another ship because theres a non-zero chance that it could also sink. Turner, meanwhile, had two main arguments against redistricting, both of which highlighted the need for redistricting. In response to Wheelocks claim that redistricting had broad bipartisan support, Turner said, "I dont think theres broad support in the Republican party. I talked to all of our legislators that represent us, and theyre opposed to it." With all due respect, of course theyre opposed to it. Theyre the only people who stand to lose something. "You take away the accountability of the voters," Turner continued. "The voters can vote these guys out if they get so crazy with their gerrymandering." Actually, thats not always true. In some cases, gerrymandering makes it so people cant vote these guys out of office. Thats the exact reason we need redistricting reform. Gerrymandering is literally a process that dilutes the voice of the opposition. That is precisely what its designed to do: Create an echo chamber in which only the people who agree with the incumbent are counted. We need to support redistricting reform. Whether youre a Republican, or Democrat, or a Tea Party supporter, your vote should count just as much as anyone elses. For more information, visit onevirginia2021.org. The old man looked at me like I was crazy. That happens on occasion, but usually not in a foreign country. Last year, several of my family members and I headed over to India for my little sisters wedding. It was definitely an experience, not just seeing a different culture, but also in witnessing a different perspective on politics. In the U.S., people practically have to be bribed in order to vote. Unless youre casting a ballot for the president, good luck on getting more than half of the eligible voters to come out. Thats sad when you think about it, because state and local elections have more of an impact on our day to day lives than the presidency. Yet here we are, with just 36.4 percent of the voting population casting a ballot in the 2014 state and national elections in this country. In Virginia, just 36.6 percent of people came out in 2014, placing us 30th in the nation. The saddest part? Voter turnout in the U.S. puts us near the bottom, when it comes to elections. Only Japan, Chile and Switzerland rank below. Go across the ocean and its a bit different, partly because people seem to value the privilege more. All total, 66.38 percent of Indian voters turned out to pick members of the Lok Sabha, or House of the People, during their last election in 2014. Its similar to our House of Delegates in Virginia, except the members all serve a five year term. Unlike here, where its all done at once, the elections took place over the span of a month, from April to May 2014. Maybe it was the extra time available to vote, although thats about like our absentee or early voting process. Maybe it was the relatively cool weather in India, with temperatures staying below 90 degrees (by comparison, when we were over in May 2015, that thermometer hit a brisk 122 degrees, with lows around an icy 95). Maybe the voters just wanted to see change. But whatever the reason, voters came out in large numbers to cast their ballots. And thats why the man was looking at me funny, sitting on a couch in a New Delhi townhouse. He was proud of his nations large number of voters, excited to tell me that he voted and glad that so many other people got involved. Surely, he said, its the same for local elections in America, right? When I told him no, that less than 40 percent of the voting population actually get involved, he was surprised. Then he shrugged. "When you have so much," he said, "I guess some people just dont have anything to fight for." That stuck with me. We truly do have a lot here in America. Running water is a plus, something that in Delhi, its not guaranteed. Its also clean water, where you can drink it without fear of dying. Warnings popped up throughout our trip on Indian TV, cautioning people not to drink the local water, due to problems in the system. Theres so much we have to be thankful for, but that doesnt mean we should stop fighting. And yet, time after time, thats what it appears people are doing. I get into conversations at the grocery store fairly often. Church is another place where I can usually strike up a good debate. One thing that keeps coming up is the fact people dont want to vote. Its not that they dont want to vote for a specific candidate. They just flat out dont want to vote for anyone. Some feel their vote doesnt count. Other people argue that its all corrupt anyway, so why bother? When I hear these arguments, I think back to that old man, sitting in a chair in India. In many ways, the rest of the world sees America as the golden standard, the people who have it all and in many ways, thats true. But everything we have, thats not an eternal promise. If you want things to be a certain way here in the city, in the county or at the state and national level, the only way to make sure your voice is heard is through a ballot on Election Day. We have several elections coming up this year and the question still remains how many people will actually show up. Well go to the polls in November and select a president, as well as several members of Congress. Here in Martinsville, well be picking three candidates to serve on the city council. All of these are important, but while presidents and the U.S. Congress do impact our lives with federal policy, its the state and local levels that decide things like the type of testing your kids will go through in school or how much money will be given to local school districts. But yet, these are the lowest attended elections, the events where it seems that truly some people just arent interested. Its something to think about. Sure, theres not a day without a protest of some kind in this country, especially here lately in Virginia. But theres protesting and then theres making something happen. Its easy to sign a petition, because youre not committing to anything. Its hard to get out of bed, drive down to the precinct before work and cast a vote, knowing that voting record will be recorded and you took a side on something. Or at least it seems to be hard here in America. Across the ocean? Not so much. There are some very powerful reasons why the British capitalists are not keen on Britain having to leave the European Union. Some of them have been looking at ways of getting around the result of the recent referendum. The question is: can they succeed? And what would the consequences be on the political front? Imports and exports The European Union undoubtedly provides Britain with a huge market for its exports, both of goods and services. It is worth looking at the facts on this question to see how much this factor weighs in the thinking of the British capitalist class. In 2014, according to the CIA World Factbook, Britains total exports were to the value of $503 billion [322 billion pounds, 415 billion], the equivalent of over 28% of its GDP. How much of these exports go to the European Union? Last year 44% of total British exports went to the EU, i.e. almost half, although this reflects a decline over past years. According toThe Guardian, 10 May 2016, Taking goods and services together, the share of exports going to the EU has fallen from 54% in 2000 to 44% in 2015. The partial breakdown by country reveals that 10.8% of overall British exports went to Germany, 8.1% to the Netherlands [although there is some speculation as to how much of this is actually going to the Netherlands and how much is simply transiting via Dutch ports such as Rotterdam], 6.5% to France, 6.4% to Ireland and 4.5% to Belgium. If we accept the latest figure of 44% of British exports going to the EU, that translates into $222 billion [142 billion, 183 billion] and 12.5% of UK GDP. This is a big factor in the outlook of the British bourgeois when it comes to looking at future economic prospects if they were to find themselves excluded from the EU market. It would affect both profits and jobs, with the UK being pushed into a deep recession. The other side to this equation, however, is that the UK also imports from the EU; in fact, it imports far more than it exports. AsThe Economist recently pointed out in an articleWhy Brexit is grim news for the world economy, Britains economy looms large in Europe, where it is a reliable consumer in an otherwise high-saving continent. And any disruption to European growth is particularly unwelcome now. (The Economist, 24 June 2016) UK imports from the EU in fact stand at 288 billion, with around 75 billion [$100 billion, 90 billion] of these coming directly from Germany. Overall EU GDP stands at around 14.3 trillion (US$18.5 trillion), of which the UK contributes around 2.57 trillion, second only after Germany. Therefore, in the negotiations which are going to unfold over the next couple of years, it will not be just a case of how much access the UK has to the European market, but also how much of the UK market European producers are going to lose. Contagion This, however, is not the main problem. There is a wider one, and that is the risk of contagion of Brexit, with each EU country being dragged down into economic nationalism, de facto protectionism, which would be the outcome of a collapse of the EU as an institution. There has been a long term relative decline of the European economy. In 1993 the EUs share of world GDP was 30%, but by 2013 this had fallen to 24% as other economies grew at a faster pace, such as China, India, Russia, Brazil and other countries. In this context, exports from the UK to non-EU countries have been growing by 6.5% a year, while to EU countries the figure has been only 3.6% (1999 to 2014). This can explain why a section of the British bosses albeit a minority wing backed Brexit. Following Brexit, there is now a risk of reciprocal protectionist measures being introduced, which would damage all the EU countries, including Britain. As The Economist points out: If Britain, long a champion of free trade, can vote to revoke a regional trade deal, how much faith can businesses worldwide put in other international economic agreements? An EU shorn of Britains deregulating influence is a troubling portent for the liberal world order. Nationalist, populist and protectionist forces in other countries will be greatly encouraged by Brexit. The WTO recently gave warning that protectionist trade measures in the G20 are multiplying at their fastest rate since 2008. In such circumstances, it would be surprising if the Brexit vote did not have some chilling effect on investment worldwide. It makes curbs on migration of workers a little more likely, which will be costly for businesses. And if Europe exports some of its misery to Asia and America through weaker currencies, it may increase pressure for restrictions on capital flows, too. (The Economist, 24 June 2016) Dodging the Brexit bullet All this explains why there are serious discussions going on among bourgeois commentators as to whether a way can be found of avoiding outright exit from the EU and its market. Here we have a few sample headlines: 1) Brexit won't happen in the end here's why (The Independent, June 28, 2016); 2) UK voted for Brexit but is there a way back? (The Guardian, 29 June 2016); 3) I do not believe that Brexit will happen (Financial Times, 27 June 2016); 4) Brexit loophole? MPs must still vote in order for Britain to leave the EU, say top lawyers (The Independent, 27 June 2016). There are many others, but we can limit ourselves to looking at what kinds of arguments are being produced. The author of the first article declares himself a Brexiteer and explains that he voted Leave. He explains that, Even for an optimistic Brexiteer like me, the last few days have been difficult. Many people who voted out are already feeling a bit betrayed as certain fundamental truths sink in. The uncertainty is already affecting the real economy as we see Before long this uncertainty will feed through even more concretely from the slightly abstract world of financial markets and exchange rates through to jobs, savings, and, above all, the value of peoples homes The author of the second article inThe Guardian, looks at different scenarios whereby the referendum result could be overturned. He explains that, there is not a majority for Britain to leave the EU in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. Indeed, given a free vote, the unelected Lords would probably reject Brexit by a margin of six to one. The point about this is that in British law a referendum is only consultative and it is Parliament that has to actually take the decision on leaving the EU. He also develops the idea of a second referendum, There is also pressure to hold a second referendum. Few UK politicians fearful of challenging the verdict of an already angry electorate will articulate such an argument in public. But Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has boldly made the case for a second referendum or another general election on the negotiated terms of exit. Robin Butler, the former head of the civil service, has suggested the same. Hammond, the foreign secretary, has said the new prime minister will need to think about the democratic legitimacy of the terms of Brexit. At one point even Johnson, and Dominic Cummings, the director of the Vote Leave campaign, made the case for a second referendum on the terms of a Brexit. In the third article inThe Financial Times, Gideon Rachman states the following, I know how it ends. And it does not end with the UK leaving Europe. He quotes previous examples of referendums in Denmark and Ireland, where on the basis of renegotiation second referendums were called where they got the result they wanted. Of course, the problem here is that The UK has voted to leave the EU altogether. In spite of this, he notes that, there are already signs that Britain might be heading towards a second referendum rather than the door marked exit. Second referendum? Although there is all this talk of a second referendum, most of the serious bourgeois commentators accept that a re-run of the recent referendum is not possible. It would be so blatant as to provoke widespread anger, and create more problems than it would solve. Also, although the majority of MPs are pro-EU and wish to remain, they also understand that it is not easy to simply ignore the majority vote for Leave. That explains why a more nuanced approach is being sought. The idea is more or less along the following lines. It would only take a very small swing to achieve a majority for Remain. Already many of the promises made during the campaign have been withdrawn. There is no longer talk of the 350 million a week that the UK contributes to EU funds being channelled into the NHS. There is a lot of talk about having to compromise on immigration controls in exchange for access to the single market. There is the shock effect of the sudden sharp fall of the pound and stock markets. There is all the talk of companies pulling out of the UK, with all the job losses that would imply. There is much talk of an impending economic slowdown and possible deep recession. All this is being used to say that many who voted leave are now Regrexiteers, i.e. have already regretted the way they voted. Even Tony Blair has thrown his tuppence worth into the debate with an article in yesterdays Daily Telegraph, in which he says, actually the people do have a right to change their mind, but that is not for now. Gideon Rachman in the already quoted FT article, states, If the Remain campaign could fight a second referendum with a proper answer to the question of immigration it should be able to win fairly easily. Free trade vs Fortress Britain Here of course lies the crux of the matter. The whole Leave campaign was fought fundamentally on the idea that leaving was the only way of getting control over migrant flows into the country. Already, the fact that people like Boris Johnson and other prominent Leave politicians were very quick to come out with statements saying that it would not be possible to regain control of the countrys borders has provoked anger. And yet in order to keep the UKs access to the single market, this is something they are going to have to compromise on. Rachman also explains why it would be in the interests of the EU to also negotiate terms that would allow for a second referendum: the British are valuable members of the EU. The UK is a big contributor to the budget and it is a serious military and diplomatic power. Just as it will be painful for the UK to lose access to the EUs internal market, so it will be painful for the EU to lose access to the British labour market. More than 3m EU nationals live and work in Britain He ends his article thus, Of course, there would be howls of anger on both sides of the Channel if any such deal is struck. The diehard Leavers in Britain would cry betrayal, while the diehard federalists in the European Parliament who want to punish the UK and press on with political union in Europe will also resist any new offer. But there is no reason to let the extremists on both sides of the debate dictate how this story has to end. There is a moderate middle in both Britain and Europe that should be capable of finding a deal that keeps the UK inside the EU. Like all good dramas, the Brexit story has been shocking, dramatic and upsetting. But its ending is not yet written. Parliament dictates The author of the fourth article, published in The Independent, Ian Johnston, quotes Geoffrey Robertson QC, founder of the Doughty Street Chambers, who explains that it is the Members of Parliament who must decide whether to act on the results of the referendum. The respectful QC states the following: "The 1972 communities act [the act that took the UK into the then EEC] ... is still good law and remains so until repealed. In November, Prime Minister [Boris] Johnson will have to introduce into parliament the European communities repeal bill," Mr Robertson said. "MPs are entitled to vote against it and are bound to vote against it, if they think it's in Britain's best interest [to vote that way]. It's not over yet. "MPs will have to do their duty to vote according to conscience and vote for what's best for Britain. It's a matter for their consciences. They have got to behave courageously and conscientiously. What we have here is blatant disregard for what the people have expressed democratically in a referendum. He reveals utter contempt for the people when he states the following: "Democracy in Britain doesn't mean majority rule. It's not the tyranny of the majority or the tyranny of the mob ... it's the representatives of the people, not the people themselves, who vote for them." This is in line with the many comments we have read and heard about the untrustworthiness of the people, about how referendums are not a good way of taking decisions, and so on. It shows what idea of democracy the ruling class really has. So long as they get the results they want then they accept the decision. If not, however, they are prepared to cook up all kinds of manoeuvres and will also bide their time in order to prepare the conditions for a reversal of the recent referendum result. Political instability Whether they will manage this, however, does not depend solely on economic factors. There is a bigger equation here, in which there are other elements. And one of these is the stability of their own political system. All the talk quoted above in the bourgeois press is aimed at re-establishing economic equilibrium. The problem is that if they act too quickly and too clumsily on this question, they could very easily tip the system into chaos. We already have the outlines of this. The fault lines in the Tory party have widened; and although they may patch together some kind of unity, by discrediting Gove and promoting Theresa May as party leader, a future split in the Conservative is being prepared. The Labour Party is also on the verge of a split. The bourgeois require the Labour MPs, who are predominantly right-wing Blairites and considered trustworthy by the ruling class, to collaborate in attempting to avoid a final break with the EU. That, in part, explains the rush to remove Corbyn, but in so doing they are provoking the anger of the ranks of the Labour Party and thus risking an open split. All this means that to achieve economic stability they risk destroying the two parties they have relied upon to govern the system for over a century. So what will they do in the next period? The short answer is they will try to gain time. An article that appeared in the Financial Times on June 28, Merkel, the great procrastinator, could be Britains saviour, gives an insight to their thinking on this. Referring to Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, it describes her thus: when a situation calls for constructive delay and calculated dithering, she is a world beater. Germans have invented a verb, merkeln, meaning to postpone decisions indefinitely. While lesser politicians instinctively look for a rapid solution to problems, Ms Merkel specialises in finding previously uncharted stretches of road down which a can may be kicked. Never has a talent formerkelingbeen in demand more than now. The EU starting exit talks either formal or informal with the UK at this point would be disastrous, forcing hasty decisions to be taken on a rushed timetable and bundling Britain prematurely out of the union. During the process of choosing a new prime minister, the UK needs time for the importance of the decision to sink in and a chance for remorse to develop. If the turmoil in financial markets is followed by a slowing in the real economy, regret among Leavers is only likely to increase, and with it the prospect of a final deal somewhere near the status quo. The end of the article uses language we are not accustomed to from the Financial Times, Chancellor, a continent looks to you to do what you do best, which is to do nothing. On behalf of us all, for the love of Europe, you must postpone, prevaricate and procrastinate with all the strength you have. We beg you to merkelus towards salvation. The system has broken This shows the impasse they are facing. The world economy has been slowing down in the recent period. China is not having the effect it had previously of providing an outlet for an otherwise sluggish world market. Parts of Europe are already in recession, or at best are stagnating. All serious bourgeois analysts could see the slowdown. The economic crisis that has gripped Europe since 2008 produced the draconian austerity of these past years. In this context a growing section of the population has seen significant falls in living standards. There has been a social polarisation, with immense wealth at one end of the spectrum and growing poverty at the other end. In these conditions we have seen social and political turmoil emerging from the economic turmoil. We have seen traditional parties collapse, small parties balloon into major forces, new parties emerging from nowhere, combined with social protests, such as the big trade union struggles in France. The crisis in Britain is a product of this, but in turn the political crisis in Britain can impact on the economic situation, having the function of accelerator, bringing forward processes that one expected to happen somewhere in the future. The political events in Britain can tip the whole of Europe into a deep economic crisis, which in turn will spread the political instability across the continent. All these factors explain why they are frantically seeking a way of delaying Brexit. The point is that there is no guarantee that in the long run they will be able to avoid it. In the meantime, the crisis will deepen all across Europe, creating the conditions for a growing anti-EU sentiment among ordinary people in countries like France, Holland, Italy and many others. So by the time they manage to put in place all the pieces for a possible second referendum, they may be facing a Europe that is tearing itself apart, with the EU facing a severe existential crisis. This opens up the scenario for an intervention of the working class. As it sees no solutions forthcoming from the traditional parties, the working class will be forced to move to take its destiny into own hands. The bourgeois can feel this, and that is why they are manoeuvring so desperately. SPRINGFIELD -- The partnership between MGM Springfield and Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is not the only party bidding to take over management of the MassMutual Center arena downtown. Nate Little, communications director for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, said this week that he cannot reveal the other bidders. But the Convention Authority expects to name within a few weeks a new manger for both operations and food service at the arena and convention center at the corner of Main and State streets in the heart of downtown. The two functions -- food and overall management -- had been two separate contracts for the arena, Little said. Spectra, which used to be named Global Spectrum, is the arena operator now. In March, Spectra and MGM Springfield announced that they had agreed to a collaborative approach to operating the facility. That collaboration was to begin Friday and run until the end of 2016 when the new contract -- the one MGM and Spectra are competing for -- will go into effect. MGM Springfield is set to open a $950 million casino in downtown Springfield in fall 2018. The project is under construction a block away from the MassMutual Center. MGM Springfield has agreed to co-produce shows at the arena, as well as at Symphony Hall and CityStage. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority chose Global Spectrum to run the state-owned facility in 2005 after it reopened following extensive renovations and expansions. Global Spectrum replaced the state employees who had managed the former Springfield Civic Center. Spokespeople for both MGM and Spectra said they are hopeful about their joint bid. Little dismissed suggestions that MGM has already improved the quality of acts coming to the MassMutual Center with of-the-moment standups Louis CK and Amy Schumer both set to bring their tours to the arena. Louis CK is set to play Springfield in August, Schumer in September. "Spectra's bookers have connections with the management of those acts," Little said. "They did that in-house." The epic saga of Korea's attempts to launch its own space rocket hit another snag Wednesday, when developers announced they are postponing the planned launch by 10 months because they have fallen behind. The rocket was to be launched in late 2017, but the Korea Aerospace Research Institute met with government officials Wednesday to tell them it could not be done. Development of the engine and fuel tank is reportedly much slower than hoped. A rocket's engine must keep blasting for at least 120 seconds after ignition, and the fuel tank must be welded using ultra high-precision technology, but KARI is having trouble in those areas. KARI decided to deal with the problems rather than make a headless dash for glory. WEST SPRINGFIELD Twenty-five outstanding high school and college students were honored with scholarships and fellowships at The Horace Smith Fund's 117th Corporators' Meeting and scholarship awards ceremony this month at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. Wayne Webster, chairman of The Horace Smith Fund Board of Trustees, said 21 scholarship and four fellowship recipients were selected this year. Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate college students, mostly high school seniors, who will receive $10,000 over four years provided they maintain at least a B average. Walter S. Barr Fellowships are given to college graduates pursuing advanced degrees. They are provided $12,000 over three years. The Horace Smith Fund was established in 1899. Smith and Daniel Wesson were the founders of Smith & Wesson in Springfield. Smith's will provided that the residual of his estate, after bequests to relatives and institutions, was to be used for public purposes at the discretion of his executors, who decided that it should be used to help deserving students finance their education. SPRINGFIELD - The development of the MGM Springfield casino may already be drawing business to downtown Springfield, but not all local entrepreneurs are coming out ahead. McCaffrey's Public House, the Main Street restaurant and bar across the street from the MGM work site, has lost all adjacent street parking due to casino construction, owner Nick Polimeni said. Business has crashed 70 percent since the spaces disappeared, leading to layoffs and Polimeni working for free while considering the future of his pub. "I'm going to try to ride it out for the next month," Polimeni said, describing the cost-cuts as Band Aid measures. "I just can't foresee it in the future if I have to wait another four, six, eight weeks of no parking. That, I don't know what I'm going to do." For a block on either side of McCaffrey's, orange traffic barriers and a chain-link fence occupy the public parking spaces previously used by Polimeni's customers. Across the street, where the MGM Springfield property begins, the sidewalk has been blocked off for months. The Springfield Mayor's Office contacted MGM about McCaffrey's concerns on Wednesday, and MGM said it offered McCaffrey's the use of a parking lot behind the Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley law office on Main Street. "This would be the closest and most convenient solution for his customers," Executive Director of Design & Construction Jason Rosewell wrote to William Baker, Mayor Domenic Sarno's Director of Constituent Services. "Unfortunately, he declined our offer and has not expressed an interest in revisiting this option." But Polimeni said that deal was only offered to the previous owner during a dispute last year over the placement of Jersey barriers, and that the lot was not secure enough to use. "The problem was, I tried it out and the first night of me and my customers parking there, our windows got smashed and our cars got ransacked," Polimeni said. "The utility work currently underway along Main Street is a critical component of the MGM Springfield development," an MGM spokesperson said in a statement. "In order to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety, it is necessary for street parking to be suspended for the duration of the work. We do understand the concerns of McCaffrey's and are doing what we can to expedite the process and minimize business disruption. We have offered to work with them to find solutions in the interim." Sarno said the city had reached out to MGM to try to find a solution, but that the blockage of the parking spots was necessary for public safety during construction. "That has to be there for pedestrian and vehicular protection," Sarno said. "We've done everything within our power, but we'll always try to help out businesses." McCaffrey's had clashed with MGM and the Springfield City Council over the placement of the Jersey barriers on Main before the barriers were removed in December, Polimeni said. After that, business returned to normal. "My business was flourishing, it was great," said Polimeni, who has worked at McCaffrey's since 2010 and purchased the bar from previous owner Raymond Gossman in January. But earlier this month, Polimeni got an email from MGM announcing that upcoming construction would eliminate all adjacent street parking, he said. The company has told Sarno's office the work will likely take six to eight weeks. Rosewell wrote to the Mayor's Office that an MGM representative had spoken with Polimeni on Wednesday, and had offered to place McCaffrey's signage on the fence. Polimeni said he has already ordered his own signs to let customers know he is still open. "We will make every effort to expedite this process but because we are dealing with underground conditions we don't fully know what to expect or how that will impact our timeline," Rosewell wrote. The lack of nearby parking is a tough sell for his customer base, Polimeni said. "I had plenty of on-street, safe parking where you could walk out the building and your car would be right in front of you," he said. "Downtown has the reputation of being dangerous so people don't want to walk two or three blocks to their cars, especially at night time - midnight, 1 o'clock in the morning." The work began on Monday, and business immediately declined, he said. "My business is probably down 70, 80 percent," Polimeni saidl. "The week isn't over yet so I don't know how it's going to go, but I can guarantee you 70 percent." In response, Polimeni has laid off three workers, stopped drawing a personal salary and cut weekend hours. He has had no help from state or local government, he said; private businesses are not allowed to apply Massachusetts Gaming Commission mitigation funds, and he has not sought financial help from the City of Springfield. The slowdown would likely not be survivable for McCaffrey's if it continues for more than a month, Polimeni said. He said he is willing to compromise with MGM Springfield, but hopes they agree to accelerate their schedule for restoring parking. "I totally understand the work needs to be done. I would like to get some kind of a compromise," he said. "Or if that's not the case I would like to be compensated for it, for the loss of business." Volkswagen's global sales plummeted after it was caught cheating on emissions with sophisticated software, but for some reason the German automaker's sales in Korea seem unaffected. Is this linked to peculiarities in the Korean psyche? Of course the interests of a person and his or her immediate family come first, here as elsewhere, but there are limits to that mentality. In other countries, the automaker's sales dropped to 1/10 of previous levels since the emissions-rigging scandal, but in Korea they surged 65 percent the moment Volkswagen offered small discounts. This suggests a callous disregard for the environment and society when personal gains are at stake. Pollution is a massive problem. In the U.S. and Japan, it is widely seen as a concern for everyone, but here the feeling seems to be that someone else should sort it out. If the scandal had involved a car's brakes, which could kill owners immediately, sales in Korea would probably have nosedived. During the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, millions of people facing virtually zero risk of infection walked around in surgical masks. But patients with lung diseases, who need to wear surgical masks to prevent spreading their infections, often take their masks off the moment they step out of the hospital. In other words, the same people who are hypersensitive about being infected by others are deeply nonchalant about infecting others. The same mentality comes into play with the polluting Volkswagens. One of the main causes of ultra-fine dust in the air is diesel buses. Hybrid buses are much better for everyone, but they require a lot of recharging stations, and residents in areas where the stations are planned have mounted the barricades for fear of a fall in house prices. Nimbyism is a feature of many societies, but in Korea it is extreme. Korea may now be one of the world's top 10 economies, while 80 percent of its people going into further education, but when it comes to putting the public interest above personal gain, nothing seems to have changed. There is a saying that Koreans throw garbage out over their fences, while Japanese bring garbage they rind outside home to dispose of properly. When asked about Japanese habits she cannot seem to change, Mika Watanabe, recently named an exemplary immigrant, said something similar. Watanabe, who married to a Korean and has been living here for 28 years, said, "I now eat mostly Korean food, but if the one thing I still haven't changed is carrying my trash back home." She added, "My husband hates it." Not littering the streets is not a massive challenge. Many countries manage it. But in Korea everyone litters, apparently from a sense that someone else should pick it up, perhaps the state. Korea is full of vocal patriots, but looking at what really lies deep inside their psyche is a terrifying prospect. The 66th anniversary of the Korean War just passed a few days ago. Too often in Korea's modern history personal gain took precedence over the public interest. A recent survey by the Ministry of Public Safety and Security showed 45 percent of adults and 65 percent of university students said their personal interests are more important than the nation. Most said they would not volunteer for service in case of a war. How would this play out if there is another war? Our nation appears to be standing on extremely wobbly pillars. The U.S. Department of Transportation Thursday announced the Billings Logan International Airport will receive $750,000 to help establish new direct flights to Texas. The money will be used to help the airport develop and market its new service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. By Allison Molin Full Story: http://www.kulr8.com/story/32352209/billings-airport-to-receive-750k-for-new-flights 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. by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, June 30, 2016 "Real time" isn't real time in most media. Predictive analysis really isn't predictive. The advertising industry has abused the terms. But there are changes coming down the pike that will make real-time advertising and predictive ad serving more real time and predictive. Marketers heard about one change this week, but there are others on the way. Some point to ad load times as the biggest issue around real time. The Media Rating Council, the ad industry's watchdog for research, says that on average, mobile ads for apps and Web sites take five seconds longer to load -- nearly twice as long their desktop Web site counterparts The MRC released Tuesday the Mobile Viewability Ad Impression Measurement Guidelines designed for mobile Web site and in-app advertising. It supplements the existing IAB, MMA, and MRC guidelines. advertisement advertisement "A mobile viewable impression requires a minimum of 50% of pixels in view for one consecutive second for display and two consecutive seconds for video," wrote MediaPost's Gavin O'Malley. George Ivie, the MRCs chief executive, told the The Wall Street Journalthat "'mobile ads render considerably slower than desktop ads.'" based on recently conducted research on ad load time for tens of millions of mobile ads. Slow-loading ads and content prove challenging for the ad industry for several reasons. "For publishers, it makes it tougher to sell advertisers on the power of marketing in this still nascent medium when they have dont have complete confidence that most people will even see such ad," according to The Wall Street Journal. The slower the ads and content load, the easier it is for people to close the browser window or click to the next page. Ad blocking has become another challenge when it comes to real time, slowing the load time of ads and content on some Web sites. Catchpoint Systems monitored 20 mobile sites using Pi-Hole DNS-based ad blocking. Tests were run at 15-minute intervals and results were collated into a median average for each site. The tests showed that on some sites ad blocking slowed Web site page load times. Although a little controversial, My Activity is one tool that Google launched this week that will help with real time and predictive ad targeting. When allowed, Google now tracks every online move someone makes across desktop, mobile, and Internet connected smart devices like Home when logged into its services such as Calendar, Gmail, and Chrome. Then there's the Chrome extension, Google Keep, which organizes a person's notes. Another data point for Google to pull from when attempting to predict and serve ads and content in real time. by Sara Guaglione , June 30, 2016 Thrillist Media Group's content lab The CoLab is launching its first incubated media brand. Called Supercall, the new platform is unique because its inception comes from a content marketing team rather than from editorial. Supercall will cover the lifestyle of drinking as well as the intersection of niche spirits coverage, according to a statement. Liquor company Diageo, which manages brands from Tanqueray to Smirnoff, is the founding sponsor of Supercall, as part of a three-year sponsorship agreement. According to The Wall Street Journal, the CoLab team will produce content for the new site on behalf of Diageo brands. However, Supercall runs as an independent editorial property. These branded articles and videos will make up roughly 5% to 10% of Supercalls content. advertisement advertisement The rest will be produced by CoLab editors, which Diageo will not have any influence over. Supercall will also feature other advertisers. We saw an opportunity to leverage the infrastructure weve built over the last decade to delve deeper into certain categories were passionate about and that we identify as underserved in the media landscape. Its the content weve always wanted to create, but didnt technically make sense for Thrillist, stated Ben Lerer, founder & CEO of Thrillist. Supercall will take advantage of TMGs proprietary CMS and data and analytics platform called Pinnacle, Thrillist audience development systems and strategies, as well as The CoLabs own custom research and content marketing playbook, per the company. The brand has hired former American Photo editor-in-chief and spirits journalist Scott Alexander to lead the site as editorial director. by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, July 1, 2016 Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders candidacy for Democratic nominee for President has ignited a progressive flame that promises to burn bright for the foreseeable future. While he has yet to endorse Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, Sanders has said he will vote for her in November, which sounds like the dictionary definition of endorsement. Still, since the California primary all but sealed Clintons nomination, the Senator from Vermont has kept rallying his troops and pushing progressive activists to run for local office. We need to get people running for office at every level of government, Sanders told C-SPAN. In fact, his call for a bottom-up revolution has stirred many into seeking public office. According to Thinkprogress.org, as of last week, there have been 12,624 citizens who signed up through the Sanders Web site showing interest in running for local office, representing every congressional district in the country. advertisement advertisement It is clear that Sanders main goal is to influence the Democratic platform as much as possible. He has already pushed Clinton to the left on trade, with the former Secretary of State coming out against the TPP, a trade deal she helped negotiate when she was in the Obama administration. Sanders has also succeeded in placing a number of influential progressives on the Democratic conventions platform committee, including Dr. Cornel West and Rep. Keith Ellison, (D-Minn). Less progressive tranches of the Democratic Party leadership do not sound enthusiastic about Sanders moves, since losing the nomination. Former longtime Senator from North Dakota Kent Conrad, explained to The Huffington Post: So far [Sanders] has been riding a wave of good feelings in the sense he ran an incredible campaign. Conrad added, But that has a pretty short shelf life and then people start looking at you through a different lens, and that lens is: Are you a team player? Do you have the larger picture in mind or are you just focused on yourself? At some point, pretty soon, he crosses the threshold. He may have already crossed it. The Sanders campaign is still up and running, providing moral support to down-ballot progressives. If he doesnt endorse Clinton before the convention, however, he may not get a prime-time spot in Philadelphia. If he does, his speech could provide the catalyst for cooperation and consensus between the various wings of the Democratic party, as they join forces to defeat Donald Trump. by P.J. Bednarski , Staff Writer @pjbtweet, July 1, 2016 Every year at the Television Critics Association press gang conference, some producer or star with a new project on Netflix will exclaim that nobody over there ever talks ratings. The creative process, in this telling, is just an ever blooming, never-bothered flower. And these stars find it so refreshing! We dont have any actual numbers, Tiny Fey told TCAers last summer, exclaiming over her total non-knowledge of viewership for The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.I feel a lot of people are watching the show. Lets go with that, she said, according to the Wall Street Journal. Maybe thats a little bit true but I have never quite swallowed the idea that Fey or Kevin Spacey just agree to some licensing fee for additional episodes of their Netflix series without knowing whos watching. Particularly for Spacey and House Of Cards, those figures would be especially relevant; House of Cards verily put the Netflix on the map with what is euphemistically called the creative community and the viewers who follow that kind of stuff. advertisement advertisement Netflix said audience size meant nothing to them; subscribers did. It would seem to follow that people would not continue subscribing if the programming failed. But that rating and share stuff was strictly old-school TV head-counting. So it was news a couple days ago when Nielsen had put out data on viewership for some Netflix, Hulu, Amazon other streaming service programs. It was not a complete data dump. According to published accounts, Nielsen only gave data for three shows: Orange Is the New Black and the streaming package of Better Call Saul on Netflix, and the very expensive package of Seinfeld reruns on Hulu. A lot more wasn't forthcoming. The fourth season premiere episode of Orange that premiered last month was seens by 6.7 million people, a very substantial showing that would put it up there with best-viewed programming on cable. Seinfeld reruns reached over 700,000 viewers in the first five days after they were available, which doesnt sound so stellar except that Seinfeld reruns have been seen to death since the show ended on NBC in May of 1998. And the Journal points out that the viewer composition for Better Call Saul in its rerun resurrection on Netflix was far younger than when it telecast originally on AMC. Nielsen says 44% of the audience were millennials, compared to just 24% when it showed on TV. That would seem to be an awesome selling point for Netflix, if Netflix sold advertising. It doesnt, though. That is is one of the reasons Netflix claims it doesnt report viewership or demographics. I wish we knew more, even if its just out of curiosity. But Nielsen only released a few drops of info. These ratings were compiled only TV studios that wanted it; Nielsen uses audio fingerprinting in homes where it has a meter to come up with its figures. It is amazing to me that investors, and the studios, dont press for better data. Somehow, investors learned that daily newspaper readers have now become too old to be as valuable to all advertisers. It wasnt just declining circulation that led to the decline of the value of papers. That and other things led to the decline in the value of papers. Likewise, the evening newscasts on network TV can only get advertising skewed to old viewers because Nielsen data have made it emphatically clear the audience is aged, aging or possibly dead. Six months ago, NBC blabbed some data it collected on SVODs that, in NBC research chief Alan Wurtzels analysis suggested the bleed of viewers wasnt so big. NBC's number, from Symphony Advanced Media of 15,000 viewers over 35 revealed that, for example, Jessica Jones on Netflix attracted 4.8 million viewers over that time period, and Aziz Ansaris excellent Master of None got 3.9 million. Narcos found an audience of 3.1 million. Wurtzels point is that streaming hits start big, with a swell of viewers and bingers, and then settle into relative nothingness. Theres probably truth and spin in that report. The fact remains that while Neflix is leading a historic, revolutionary out-migration of TV viewers, it appears that only a very small handful still know whats really going on. ON FOURTH THOUGHT: I grew up at a time some people put American flag decals on the back of their Fords and beat up kids who sewed American flag patches on their ripped blue jeans. That was just damn unpatriotic. We now live at a time that America is a temporary brand name for a beer, and the man who pledges to make America great again also encourages his supporters to beat up/shut up those who disagree with him. Read the Declaration of Independence sometime in the next few days. Then, as they say, pass it on. pj@mediapost.com by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 1, 2016 Facebook says a recent Supreme Court ruling requires dismissal of a potential class-action accusing the company of violating an Illinois biometric privacy law by compiling a database of "faceprints." The social networking service cays in papers filed this week with U.S. District Court Judge James Donato in San Francisco that the Supreme Court "changed the law" in its decision in a matter involving online data broker Spokeo. The Supreme Court ruled in that matter that consumers must show a "concrete" injury before they can sue in federal court. Facebook's battle over "faceprints" dates to 2015, when several Illinois residents alleged that Facebook's automatic photo-tagging feature violates the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act. Facebook's photo-tagging function recognizes users' faces and suggests their names when they appear in photos uploaded by their friends. To accomplish this, Facebook draws on its vast store of users' photos. advertisement advertisement The Illinois privacy law, passed in 2008, requires companies to obtain written releases from people before collecting face geometry and other biometric data. In May, Donato handed Facebook a major defeat in the case when he rejected the company's contention that the Illinois law doesn't apply to faceprints derived from photos. After Donato issued that decision, the Supreme Court came out with its ruling in a lawsuit brought against Spokeo by Thomas Robins, a Virginia resident. Robins alleged that Spokeo violated the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act by displaying incorrect information about him. The Supreme Court said that Robins could only proceed if he could prove that any errors resulted in a "concrete" injury. That decision could affect a broad swath of cases against tech companies. Already, companies including Google and Yahoo have argued they're entitled to prevail in pending cases, due to the ruling. Facebook now argues that the people suing over faceprints also can't proceed with a lawsuit over faceprint collections unless they were harmed in a concrete way. "Plaintiffs have offered no specific or coherent allegations explaining how this collection and storage actually affects their privacy -- much less causes them concrete harm," Facebook writes. "They have not alleged, for example, that as a direct result of Tag Suggestions, they were identified in an embarrassing photo and therefore fired from their jobs; that they were victims of identity theft; or that they were caught in a compromising situation that adversely -- and concretely -- affected their relationships." The consumers are expected to file papers opposing Facebook's request within two weeks. by Sara Guaglione , July 1, 2016 Gannett announced today that Chris Stegman has been named president of its publication He succeeds Betsy Brenner, who is retiring after more than 11 years at the Journal Sentinel. Stegman begins his new job July 11. Chris cares deeply about our journalism and also understands intimately the digital transformation of the media business, stated Karen Ferguson Fuson, West Group president of domestic publishing at Gannett. Stegman is currently Gannett West Group vice president of sales. His new position signals his return to the Midwest, where his career in media began in 1995 as a territory sales executive with Advo Inc. in Indianapolis. advertisement advertisement According to a report by the Journal Sentinel, Stegman said the mission of the newspaper will stay the same. "Media habits and consumption have definitely changed over the years, and we've changed with it," he said. "But what has not changed is our role in the community." Stegman also revealed his first priorities as Journal Sentinel president: I'm going to ask a lot of questions.... I want to find out as much as I can and then find out where we have opportunities and then work with the team on developing opportunities. In April, Publishers Daily reported that Gannett had acquired Journal Media Group, the parent company of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and 14 other newspapers, for about $280 million. Gannett said the Journal Media Group purchase would add approximately $450 million in annual revenue. Providence Journal, Friday, July 1, 2016 3:33 PM Citing concerns about legitimate speech, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo has vetoed a bill that would have criminalized revenge porn. "The bill is apparently intended to curb the dissemination of private sexual material over the internet, but its sweep is much broader," she stated. "It could also cover works of art that depict the human body." She added: "The breadth and lack of clarity may have a chilling effect on free speech." Read the whole story at Providence Journal Apple is reportedly in talks to buy Jay Zs music-streaming service Tidal. Swedish company Aspiro sold Tidal to the Brooklyn-born music mogul for $56 million last year. Hardly a done deal, negotiations are ongoing, as sources tell The Wall Street Journal. For Apple, the news is another sign of desperation as hardware sales stall, and rivals invest heavily in content platforms, virtual assistants, AI, and other technologies that are together shaping the next generation of mobile devices. advertisement advertisement In May, Apple said its Music service surpassed 13 million paid subscribers -- up from 11 million from two months earlier. Yet Apple Music has received its fair share of criticism -- so much so that the tech giant is expected to revamp Apple Music, later this year. In another sign of trouble, Apple recently launched a bid to lure college kids to its Music service with a half-off sale. Already in effect in Australia, the discount -- which lowers the subscription price from $9.99 to $4.99 -- is reportedly on its way to other markets, including the United States. Of late, a chorus of critics has taken turns attacking Apple and its lack of investment in new technologies. Tumblr co-founder Marco Arment recently went so far as to suggest that Apple was in danger of becoming the next BlackBerry. Eying big content plays, Apple reportedly considered buying Time Warner, late last year. Branching out into other industries, meanwhile, Apple recently invested $1 billion in Chinese ride-hailing service Didi Chuxing. In a similarly unsettling development for Apple, the tech giant appears to be playing catch-up in an area it has long dominated: mobile hardware. As Amazons Echo continues to gain traction -- and Google prepares to launch its own smart speaker, Google Home -- Apple is reportedly developing a similar device. Late or not, entering the smart-speaker race is a no-brainer. By 2020, half of all North American households with broadband will boast smart devices, according to a recent forecast from Parks Associates. A clinical trial that tested a simple seven-item list of predictive factors finds it is an effective screening tool for helping doctors identify patients at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease a progressive lung disease where it becomes hard to breathe. The screening tool works even when patients are not experiencing symptoms. Share on Pinterest As COPD progresses, it becomes harder for the lungs to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. The trial, which took place in primary care settings in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Uruguay, is part of the Prevalence Study and Regular Practice, Diagnosis and Treatment (PUMA) study and is reported in the journal Respirology. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. As symptoms progress, patients experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and they cough up large amounts of mucus. The leading cause of COPD is smoking most people with COPD are smokers or ex-smokers. However, long-term exposure to other lung irritants such as chemical fumes, air pollution, dust, and smoke from woodstoves or cookstoves (biomass smoke) also raise the risk of COPD. The lungs are where our bodies exchange carbon dioxide, a byproduct of burning glucose for energy in cells, for oxygen, which cells need to burn the glucose. To make this exchange between the bloodstream and the air, our lungs have airways that branch into smaller and smaller tubes (bronchioles) that terminate in little sacs called alveoli. The skin of these sacs, which contains lots of tiny blood vessels, is where the gas exchange takes place. An effective gas exchange occurs when the sacs are elastic, so when we breathe in, they expand, and when we breathe out, they can deflate, like little balloons. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. In people with COPD, the gas exchange becomes progressively less effective, for any number of reasons. One reason is the airways and air sacs become less elastic, or the walls between them are destroyed. This is called emphysema. Another reason that breathing becomes more difficult is the walls of the airways become thick and inflamed (bronchitis), or they produce more mucus than usual, which clogs them up. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and a major cause of disability. There are currently millions of Americans living with a COPD diagnosis, and many more have the disease but do not know it. In most cases, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults. There is currently no cure, and we do not yet know how to reverse the damage to the lungs. However, treatments and lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms, slow disease progress, and help people with COPD become more active. The main test for COPD is a painless test called spirometry, where you blow hard into a tube connected to a small machine that measures how much air you breathe out. It also measures how fast you can blow air out. The key spirometry measurement for COPD is what they call the ratio between FEV1 and FVC or FEV1/FVC. FEV1 (forced expiratory volume 1) is the volume of air forcefully exhaled in 1 second, and FVC (forced vital capacity) is the volume of air that can be maximally forcefully exhaled it includes FEV1. Thus, the longer you take to exhale all the air you can force out, the lower your FEV1/FVC ratio. What if testing yourself for cancer or other diseases were as easy as testing your blood sugar or taking a home pregnancy test? In a few years, it might be. Chemists at The Ohio State University are developing paper strips that detect diseases including cancer and malaria - for a cost of 50 cents per strip. The idea, explained Abraham Badu-Tawiah, is that people could apply a drop of blood to the paper at home and mail it to a laboratory on a regular basis--and see a doctor only if the test comes out positive. The researchers found that the tests were accurate even a month after the blood sample was taken, proving they could work for people living in remote areas. The assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Ohio State conceived of the papers as a way to get cheap malaria diagnoses into the hands of people in rural Africa and southeast Asia, where the disease kills hundreds of thousands of people and infects hundreds of millions every year. But in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, he and his colleagues report that the test can be tailored to detect any disease for which the human body produces antibodies, including ovarian cancer and cancer of the large intestine. The patent-pending technology could bring disease diagnosis to people who need it most--those who don't have regular access to a doctor or can't afford regular in-person visits, Badu-Tawiah said. "We want to empower people. If you care at all about your health and you have reason to worry about a condition, then you don't want to wait until you get sick to go to the hospital. You could test yourself as often as you want," he said. The technology resembles today's "lab on a chip" diagnostics, but instead of plastic, the "chip" is made from sheets of plain white paper stuck together with two-sided adhesive tape and run through a typical ink jet printer. Instead of regular ink, however, the researchers use wax ink to trace the outline of channels and reservoirs on the paper. The wax penetrates the paper and forms a waterproof barrier to capture the blood sample and keep it between layers. One 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper can hold dozens of individual tests that can then be cut apart into strips, each a little larger than a postage stamp. "To get tested, all a person would have to do is put a drop of blood on the paper strip, fold it in half, put it in an envelope and mail it," Badu-Tawiah said. The technology works differently than other paper-based medical diagnostics like home pregnancy tests, which are coated with enzymes or gold nanoparticles to make the paper change color. Instead, the paper contains small synthetic chemical probes that carry a positive charge. It's these "ionic" probes that allow ultra-sensitive detection by a handheld mass spectrometer. "Enzymes are picky. They have to be kept at just the right temperature and they can't be stored dry or exposed to light," Badu-Tawiah said. "But the ionic probes are hardy. They are not affected by light, temperature, humidity - even the heat in Africa can't do anything to them. So you can mail one of these strips to a hospital and know that it will be readable when it gets there." The chemists designed ionic probes to tag specific antibodies that extract the disease biomarker from the blood and onto the paper chip. Once they are extracted, the chemicals stay unchanged until the paper is dipped in an ammonia solution at the laboratory. There, someone peels the paper layers apart and holds them in front of a mass spectrometer, which detects the presence of the probes based on their atomic characteristics--and, by extension, the presence of biomarkers in an infected person's blood. Badu-Tawiah and postdoctoral researchers Suming Chen and Qiongqiong Wan successfully demonstrated that they could detect protein biomarkers from the most common malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, which is most prevalent in Africa. They also successfully detected the protein biomarker for ovarian cancer, known as cancer antigen 125, and the carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a marker for cancer of the large intestine, among other cancers. They worked with former doctoral student Yang Song in the lab of colleague Vicki Wysocki, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, to study how the probes stick to the antibodies with a high-resolution mass spectrometer. Wysocki is the Ohio Eminent Scholar of Macromolecular Structure and Function and director of the Campus Chemical Instrument Center at Ohio State. After confirming that their tests worked, Badu-Tawiah and his team stored the strips away and re-tested them every few days to see if the signal detected by the mass spectrometer would fade over time. It didn't. The signal was just as strong after 30 days as on day one, meaning that the disease proteins were stable and detectable even after a month. Since the antibody strips survive more than long enough to reach a lab by mail, they could open up a whole new world of medical care for people in rural communities - even in the United States, Badu-Tawiah said. Even for people living in the city, testing themselves at home would save money compared to going to the doctor. In the US, he said, the tests would be ideal for people who have a family history of cancer or have successfully undergone cancer treatment. Instead of waiting to visit a doctor every six months to confirm that they are still in remission, they could test themselves from home more frequently. In the case of malaria, the human and financial costs are high, especially in Africa. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites. The infection starts with flulike symptoms that can develop into kidney failure or other complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there were 214 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2015, and 438,000 people died--mostly children in Africa. "In Africa, malaria is so common that whenever you get feverish, the first thing you think is, 'Oh, it's probably malaria,'" Badu-Tawiah said. While the prototype test strips at Ohio State cost about 50 cents each to produce, those costs would likely go down with mass production, he said. The greatest cost of using the strips would fall to urban medical facilities, which would have to purchase mass spectrometers to read the results. Model portable instruments can cost $100,000 but less expensive handheld mass specs are under development. Still, Badu-Tawiah pointed out, an initial investment in mass specs would be more than offset by the potential boon to Africa's economy. UNICEF estimates that malaria costs the continent $12 billion in lost worker productivity every year. In the United States, where mass spectrometers are more common, the cost savings would come in the form of reduced insurance use and fewer out-of-pocket expenses from going to the doctor less often. "Although this approach requires an initial investment, we believe the low-cost paper-based consumable devices will make it sustainable," Badu-Tawiah said. "We can set one small instrument at a grocery store, then sell the paper strips for just 50 cents per test. The same for Africa, and perhaps much cheaper there." The university will license the technology to a medical diagnostics company for further development, and Badu-Tawiah hopes to be able to test the strips in a clinical setting within three years. In the meantime, he and his colleagues are working to make the tests more sensitive, so that people could eventually use them non-invasively, with saliva or urine as the test material instead of blood. Article: Mass Spectrometry for Paper-Based Immunoassays: Toward On-Demand Diagnosis, Suming Chen, Qiongqiong Wan, and Abraham K. Badu-Tawiah, Journal of the American Chemical Society, doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b02232, published online 9 May 2016. A study comparing the effectiveness of usual care alone to usual care plus either auricular or traditional Chinese acupuncture in treating patients with headaches due to a previous traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed a significant improvement in headache-related quality of life (QoL) with the addition of acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture had a greater overall impact on headache-related QoL than did traditional Chinese acupuncture, according to the study published in Medical Acupuncture, a peer-reviewed journal from by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free for download on the Medical Acupuncture website until July 29, 2016. In the article "A Randomized Exploratory Study to Evaluate Two Acupuncture Methods for the Treatment of Headaches Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury," Wayne Jonas, MD, and coauthors from Samueli Institute (Alexandria, VA), Integrative Healing, LLC (Hyattsville, MD), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, MD), and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (Fort Belvoir, VA), conducted the study in previously deployed members of the U.S. military who had mild to moderate TBI and headaches. Chronic or recurrent headache is reported by 80% of Service members with TBI. Participants in the 6-week study received usual care alone, or usual care plus either 10 auricular acupuncture sessions involving six to nine needled points and indwelling needles left in for up to three days, or 10 Traditional Chinese acupuncture sessions with placement of up to 22 needles on the limbs, head, and torso. "Chronic concussion headaches are a clinical challenge. Acupuncture appears promising to avoid the opioid gateway for these patients," says Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, Editor-in-Chief of Medical Acupuncture and Director, Director of the United States Air Force Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Article: A Randomized Exploratory Study to Evaluate Two Acupuncture Methods for the Treatment of Headaches Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury, Jonas Wayne B., Bellanti Dawn M., Paat Charmagne F., Boyd Courtney C., Duncan Alaine, Price Ashley, Zhang Weimin, French Louis M., and Chae Heechin, Medical Acupuncture, doi:10.1089/acu.2016.1183, published online 6 June 2016. Scientists, led by Dr Jaroslaw Krzywinski, Head of the Vector Molecular Biology group at The Pirbright Institute have isolated a gene, which determines maleness in the species of mosquito that is responsible for transmitting malaria. The research, published in the journal Science, describes identification and characterisation of a gene, named Yob by the authors, which is the master regulator of the sex determination process in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and determines the male sex. In insects, sex is commonly determined by a primary genetic signal that during the first hours of life activates a short cascade of genes, whose sex-specific products ultimately control whether an individual will develop as male or female. The molecular mechanisms underlying these developmental processes are surprisingly extremely variable, and in particular the primary sex-determining genes drastically differ in their nature between different groups of insects. Similar to humans, many insects possess a pair of sex chromosomes, with females carrying identical XX chromosomes and males XY chromosomes, the Y chromosome harbouring a dominant male-determining gene. The molecular identity of such maleness genes has remained enigmatic. Yob represents only the second known case in insects. To identify Yob, researchers from Pirbright, with support from colleagues from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, used high-throughput sequencing to sample all transcripts (genetic messages) produced in the Anopheles gambiae male and female embryos. After comparison of the sequencing data, they found, exclusively in males, fragments of transcripts corresponding to Yob. Further research showed that Yob is encoded on the Y chromosome, and that activity of Yob was limited to males and was necessary to generate male-specific products of the sex determination pathway genes. Unexpectedly, Yob transcripts are highly detrimental to females. When injected into mixed-sex early embryos of Anopheles gambiae, or another African mosquito species, Anopheles arabiensis, Yob kills females before they hatch from eggs, but leaves male development unaffected. Conversely, silencing normal embryonic Yob activity is lethal to males. These results indicate that, apart from determining maleness, Yob is pivotal for the control of another fundamental developmental process, called dosage compensation, which balances levels of transcripts from genes located on the single X chromosome in males and on two X chromosomes in females. "Our research may have far-reaching implications for the control of malaria. This preventable disease is the major cause of human suffering and an immense barrier to socioeconomic development, mainly in poor countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 200 million clinical cases and half a million deaths are reported every year. Malaria in that region is transmitted primarily by females of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis. Currently, application of insecticides to control mosquitoes remains the most efficient way of combating the disease, but with a rampant spread of resistance to chemicals in mosquito populations, the insecticides may soon become ineffective. Clearly, we urgently need alternative more sustainable mosquito control methods. Genetic strategies, such as those successfully used to control agricultural pests, have great potential. However, they require releases of male mosquitoes only, which represents an insurmountable obstacle to extending genetic control to malaria vectors, because no efficient methods to separate sexes in Anopheles currently exist. Now, the female-killing property of Yob gives us an invaluable tool for the engineering of male-only Anopheles strains suitable for malaria control in the future", said Dr Krzywinski. Advertisement Researchers led by Jorge Osorio, a UW-Madison professor of pathobiological sciences, and Scott O'Neill of the the Eliminate Dengue Program (EDP) and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, are already releasing mosquitoes harboring the Wolbachia bacterium in pilot studies in Colombia, Brazil, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia to help control the spread of dengue virus. Their work is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.An important feature of Wolbachia is that it is self-sustainable, making it a very low-cost approach for controlling mosquito-borne viral diseases that are affecting many tropical countries around the world."In two of our initial study sites in Australia, approximately 90 percent of the mosquitoes continue to be infected with Wolbachia after initial release more than six years ago" says O'Neill. EDP has now received additional endorsement from the World Health Organization's Vector Control Advisory Group to conduct further pilot studies and scale up in endemic areas.Wolbachia can be found in up to 60 percent of insects around the world, including butterflies and bees. While not typically found in the Aedes aegypti mosquito - the species that also transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses - O'Neill discovered in the early 1990s that Wolbachia could be introduced to the mosquito in the lab and would prevent the mosquitoes from transmitting dengue virus.Zika virus belongs to the same family as dengue virus and Aliota and Osorio - with co-authors Stephen Penaido at SVM and Ivan Dario Velez, at the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia - asked whether Wolbachia-harboring Aedes aegypti may also be effective against Zika virus. They were also interested in studying the mechanisms behind Zika virus infection and transmission in mosquitoes.In the study, the team infected mice with Zika virus originally isolated from a human patient and allowed mosquitoes from Medellin to feed on the mice either two or three days after they were infected. The mosquitoes were either harboring the same strain of the Wolbachia bacteria (called wMel) used in field studies or were Wolbachia-free and the mice had levels of virus in their blood similar to humans infected with Zika virus.An additional group of mosquitoes, both wild-type and Wolbachia-infected, was allowed to feed instead from a membrane containing sheep's blood spiked with a high concentration of Zika virus, per other standard laboratory studies.Four, seven, 10 and 17 days after the mosquitoes fed on Zika-virus-infected blood the researchers tested them for Zika virus infection, assessed whether the virus had disseminated - or spread to other tissues in the mosquito, and examined whether the virus made its way to the mosquito saliva, where it must be present to be transmitted."The first site of replication for arboviruses is the mosquito midgut," says Aliota. "It eventually leaves the midgut and is swept in their blood to secondary tissues and eventually to the salivary glands, where it replicates more and is eventually spit out."They found that mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia were less likely to become infected with Zika virus after feeding on viral blood, and those that were infected were not capable of transmitting the virus in their saliva."We saw reduced vector competence in Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia," says Osorio, defined as the intrinsic ability of an insect to support the development or replication of a pathogen like a virus and then transmit it. "Mosquitoes with Wolbachia were less capable of harboring Zika virus, and though they do get infected with Zika, it is to a lesser extent than wild-type mosquitoes."They also found that where mosquitoes got their blood meal - whether from mice or the membrane - impacted their infection and transmission status. This has implications for other laboratory-based Zika virus studies, Aliota says.Though mice had a lower concentration of virus in their blood than the blood contained in the membrane, mosquitoes that fed on the mice were infected at higher rates than those that were membrane-fed. The levels of virus found in the mice were also more similar to those seen in human infections.Non-Wolbachia-containing mosquitoes that acquired Zika virus from mice were also capable of transmitting the virus in a shorter number of days, and in less time than other studies have shown. Additionally, the researchers learned that a relatively low percentage of Zika-virus-transmitting mosquitoes may be sufficient to sustain an outbreak."A surprisingly low percentage of mosquitoes are actually capable of transmitting the virus," Aliota says, "but given the size of the outbreak, and that we think mosquitoes are the driver of the outbreak, the results were somewhat unexpected. It just goes to show you how much we still need to understand about the basic biology of this virus."The study is one of the first to study Zika virus transmission dynamics using a living host, says Aliota. Importantly, the team also confirmed that the strain of Wolbachia used does not impact the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is important to the success of field studies.Once inside a mosquito, Wolbachia is passed from mother to offspring, so newborn mosquitoes will contain the bacteria and incorporate it into the wild population. EDP hopes to see greater than 80 percent of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in study areas harboring Wolbachia. According to Osorio, mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia in the study site in Medellin are close to reaching that number.Other studies show Wolbachia prevents mosquito transmission of yellow fever virus - which is causing an outbreak in Africa - and, in another study published in late April in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Aliota, Osorio and their UW-Madison and Universidad de Antioquia colleagues showed that Wolbachia prevents Colombian Aedes aegypti from transmitting chikungunya virus.Like Zika virus, chikungunya emerged out of Africa and spread to the Americas. It is now transmitted by mosquitoes on every inhabited continent around the globe, says Aliota. The virus can cause fever, chronic joint pain, fatigue, nausea and a rash. There is no cure or specific treatment.Aliota and Osorio continue to study Wolbachia in mosquitoes in relation to these viruses, monitoring for changes or developments that could affect ongoing field releases. So far the findings have been encouraging, Aliota says."Our findings are complementary to results described earlier in the month in Cell Host & Microbe by our colleagues with EDP-Brazil, which is really exciting and really promising," he says. The Zika virus study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.Source: Newswise Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends. Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice. Advertisement Dr. Bidhan believed that people should be physically strong and healthy if they have to be effective in the fight for Independence. He established numerous institutions that included Nehru hospital, Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, among others. He actively encouraged the entry of women into the field of health sciences by starting an institution that trained women to work as nurses and to carry out social work. He built air shelters for college and school students to study during Japanese attack on Rangoon. He was conferred the Doctorate degree to commemorate his efforts during this time. He spoke strongly against strikes or any other method of disrupting studies. Doctors have irregular timings, leaving them completely committed to their work and giving them very little time of their own or for their family. There have been reports of doctor's attending to patients even during difficult times like an earthquake. People list BPO employees as shift workers, unmindful of the many doctors who stay up all night often to treat patients. Poor dietary habits as surgeries and constant monitoring of ailing patients leave very little time for a relaxed meal on many days. A heightened risk of infection, which was noticed even recently during the EBOLA outbreak, resulted in many doctors falling ill themselves. During his period of study, there was a lot of contention about partitioning Bengal with Lal Lajpat Rai, Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal delivering speeches to inspire the youth However, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy persisted with his academics believing in earnest that studying would let him serve his country better.Dr. Bidhan Chandra Pal joined the Provincial Health Services soon after he graduated and earned admiration from people around with the hard-work that he put into saving the life of patients.This phase in his life also showed his commitment to improving the health of people as he practiced privately in the evening, charging a very small fee of Rs 8.His thirst for knowledge led Dr. Bidhan to apply to Dr. Barthelomew's hospital to pursue higher studies. However, the dean of the hospital rejected his application. Another inspiring nature displayed by Dr. Bidhan was that he persisted with his application, applying 30 times till the Dean finally relented and accepted him.Within a short span of two and a half years, Dr. Bidhan Chandra completed M.R.C.P and F.R.C.S and returned to India soon after.Contributions and beliefs of Dr. Bidhan Chandra that inspired a generation and continue to do so.Gandhiji was Dr. Bidhan Chandra's patient and the doctor was responsible for convincing Gandhiji to eat a 'foreign medicine' when he fell ill during the Quit India Movement.Dr. Bidhan Chandra was the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, he stayed away from conflicts and controversies. The doctor brought in unity within the state, which had just faced partition, restoring law and order within a span of 3 years.His famous lines at that time were 'We have the ability and if, with faith in our future, we exert ourselves with determination, nothing, I am sure, no obstacles, however formidable or insurmountable they may appear at present, can stop our progress... (if) all work unitedly, keeping our vision clear and with a firm grasp of our problems."Dr. Bidhan continued to treat patients till the last day, his one true calling that he devoted his life to.The life of Dr. Bidhan Chandra and many doctors who similarly share the spirit to heal people and improve health of society at large, need to be honored for their relentless effort. A doctor's life isn't easy and is riddled with obstacles that they make light of in order to work towards a healthier society."Who will treat doctors?" is a resounding statement that evokes strong emotions from society at large. In honor of the benevolent nature of their profession, the celebration of the National Doctor's Day with enthusiasm and spirit is a befitting response. Let us thank every doctor we know for another year of treating people and getting everybody back on their healthy feet.Source: Medindia Advertisement "Being a maxillofacial surgeon I mostly deal with smiles of my patients. It gives me immense pleasure to see them leave with a better and bigger smile that they came in with. So yes, I am very passionate about my work and my family time is very less, I cannot help it. My desire to help patients is way above," said, Dr Gagan Sabharwal, Consultant, Fortis Healthcare."About 26.3% said that their priority is their family. Nearly 63 % of doctors stated that they would rather work in a private set up than at a corporate hospital.Even though working in a hospital gives one economic security and stability, a large number of doctors prefer to go for private practice. Corporate hospitals judge doctors on new parameters, which may be completely independent of their skills.Corporate hospitals have been accused of turning medicine into a business, because they look for patient satisfaction, and their feedback is a metric in itself. With the aim of providing patient satisfaction, giving handsome salaries to doctors and generating revenue.Doctors working in a private set up are given independence as well as control of their working hours. This independence allows physicians to determine their own courses of action regarding the hiring of staff and development of a successful practice." There is better accessibility to patients in private practice," said Dr Krishnakant Pandey, Medical Officer, North MCD. " It's a lot more comfortable for doctors even though there is less of infrastructure in private practice than in corporate hospitals."Corporate hospitals treat patients as consumers. Many doctors still hold their patients above everything else and prefer to practice independently to serve them better.Pawan Gupta, co-founder Curofy commented on this saying, "Doctors are largely misunderstood in our society. On the occasion of doctor's day, we decided to understand our doctors better through this poll and the result clearly showed that physicians still hold up the sanctity of practicing medicine. We can only thank our doctors on this day for serving humanity selflessly."Source: Medindia Introduction Islamist preacher Br. Imran inculcates global Islamism among young Muslims, both in India and abroad. He is the president of the Islamic Research and Educational Foundation (IREF), an Islamist institution based in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad - a metropolis known in recent years for large-scale Islamization and recruitment of Muslim youth for the Islamic State (ISIS), for which dozens of local young people have been arrested.[1] Br. Imran, whose name is Mujtaba Hussain Siddiqui, delivers speeches at events across India and also abroad, notably in the U.S.[2] According to his institute's Facebook page, it appears that on April 24, 2016 Br. Imran delivered a speech at a Holiday Inn in Skokie, IL,[3] where the topic of discussion "Islamic Sharia - Is it a threat?" He has also spoken at other places in the U.S., notably in Naperville, IL.[4] His speeches at events across India are filmed, edited, and posted on YouTube for wider dissemination.[5] A May 2016 blog post accused Br. Imran of inculcating "a wrong image of the Sikh religion among his listeners."[6] As discussed in the paragraphs below, Br Imran promotes the Islamist notion of a global nationhood, thereby undermining Indian nationhood. The title Br. - short for Brother - is often formally used in jihadi and Islamist discourse, though it can also be occasionally used by ordinary Muslims. Jihadi videos in recent years also append the title Hifz-oh-Ullah - may Allah protect you - to the end of their name. This title is usually not used by ordinary Muslims, but has been adopted by Br. Imran, perhaps in an attempt to show similarity to and sympathy with jihadis. Br. Imran's Facebook page introduces him by stating "Born a Muslim and an Indian, he was a student of public administration, political science and history from Nizam College, Hyderabad, India."[7] It does not appear that he has formally studied Islam. Offensive And Defensive Forms Of Jihad Bis Saif (Jihad By The Sword) At a March 2016 event, Br. Imran discusses two types of jihad mandated by Allah, the offensive and defensive forms of Jihad bis Saif (jihad by the sword). In a video of the event, he declares: "Some people say that when Islam took up the sword, it was meant for defense. This is the response of the less knowledgeable. When you say this while sitting among your Muslim brothers and sisters, it looks good. When you go to a university in America and say this, a student will stand up and ask: 'If the sword was only raised in defense, then why did your Prophet Muhammad send letters to the king of Rome and the king of Iran, in which it was said you should accept Islam. If you do not accept Islam, then pay the jizya [poll tax]. If you do not pay jizya, then I am sending my military [to fight you].'"[8] In Br. Imran's view, the fact that the Prophet Muhammad sent letters to the kings demanding they convert or pay the jizya, and that he sent his companions to fight, are examples of offensive jihad. Urging his Muslim audiences "to come out of this inferiority complex that it [jihad] was merely for defense" and realize the "objective of Islam," Br. Imran advances the idea of Muslims as global police. He says that there are two ways in which the power of police is accepted: one, the police forces you to accept its power; two, the influence and awe of police is such that you fear it.[9] "The method of the shari'a of Allah's religion is also the same [as that of the police]. This [shows a copy of the Koran to the audience] is Allah's law and it will be enforced on the Earth. Understand it. If you don't understand, we will force you to accept it. This was the objective of Muhammad being the prophet of Allah," he declares.[10] Br. Imran laments to the audience: "Today, you and I do not accept this [offensive method of jihad]." In recent years, Islamic scholars have felt that their objective of spreading Islam has been harmed by jihadi groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban. Therefore, they have issued fatwas against these groups, but these fatwas do not address or condemn the theological reasons that allow these jihadi organizations flourish - as explained in an article by this author.[11] After lamenting that Muslims have forgotten the meaning of offensive jihad, Br. Imran now declares ISIS a terrorist organization "which is 100% against the Koran and hadith [traditions of Prophet Muhammad]."[12] He adds: "The kind of jihad Allah's prophet waged by sending letters [to kings] and by sending the Sahaba [companions] to wage jihad is not underway anywhere on Earth."[13] Br. Imran explains the conditions for offensive jihad: "If such a jihad has to be waged, then the first condition that Islamic shari'a lays down is: There will be only one leader of the entire ummah. And the ummah can follow if such a leader orders it [to wage offensive jihad]."[14] For the second scenario, he gives an example of the Indian legal system, which states that if someone attacked you, you are supposed to defend yourself because the Indian police will ask you why you did not do so. He says: "The Jihad bis Saif, or the jihad by the sword, is of two types: If they attacked and you defended, there is no problem with it. If you want to attack, then for you it is the condition to have a leader first."[15] Br. Imran also discusses four types of jihad: jihad against the self, jihad against Satan, jihad against the munafiq (hypocrite Muslim) and jihad against the kafir (infidel). For the first two, jihad is a struggle against oneself, while jihad against munafiq and against kafir is Jihad bil Lisan (jihad by the tongue). In Br. Imran's view, Salafis, Deobandis and Barelvis are all different rooms in the single Sunni home. He fails to see how Salafis across the world have led offensive jihad in modern times, noting: "Like five or six brothers living in a home, one brother named his room Barelvi, another wrote Deobandi on the other room, one called it Salafi, the other named it Jamaat-e-Islami, another called it Tablighi Jamaat. However, by Allah, these are the rooms of the single home [of Sunni Muslims]."[16] He sends a powerful message, aimed at Shi'ites, calling for the unity of Sunni Muslims: "All us Sunni Muslims are one. If some external force, by allying with our enemies, attacks us, then we will all together chop off their hand, Allah willing."[17] Br. Imran in Illinois in April 2016 Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) And Indian Nationalism While the word "Tawheed" is translated as monotheism, in the jihadi and Islamist discourse, Tawheed has only one meaning: Islamic monotheism. This means that even if a Hindu or a Christian believes in one god, it will not count as Tawheed. Br. Imran tells his audience: "Do not be on the back foot when talking about Tawheed. If we die for this Tawheed, there should be no remorse because we were born for this. There is no better death than our sacrifice of our life for Allah. One becomes desh bhakt [patriot] when we die for the nation. Which is greater, the nation or Allah?"[18] Although he says he will defend the nation of India if it is under attack, at the same event he provides a wider Islamist meaning to "nation," which includes the entire world. Acharya Pramod Krishnam, a Hindu religious scholar, was invited to an event in the northern Indian town of Bareilly where Br. Imran was the main speaker. In order to inculcate Hindu-Muslim cohesion, Acharya Krishnam recited a poem to the audience, which was mainly Muslim: "This nation is also ours, do not downplay it; this is a bitter medicine, but you gulp it and see [that we Muslims are also part of this nation]."[19] The video of Acharya Krishnam is edited and therefore the full context is unclear. However, Br. Imran responded by praying that may Allah bless Acharya Krishnam with the benefit of La ilaha illallah (there is no deity but Allah), meaning that Krishnam should adopt Islam. However, what is interesting is how Acharya Krishnam's idea of the nation is countered by Br. Imran, who outlines a nation of the global ummah: "There is no need for us to prove our loyalty to the country to some of the [nationalist] goons of this country."[20] Br. Imran also notes that Acharya Krishnam's first stanza was "This nation is also ours" and responds by his own couplet: "This nation is not also ours; this nation is very much ours. This is also your nation; the nation is actually ours. The treasure of Tawheed is in our hearts; it is not easy to erase our name and symbols; China and Arabia are ours; India is ours. We are Muslims; we are of the same nation; the entire world is ours."[21] The last few stanzas were written by Muhammad Iqbal, the Islamist national poet of Pakistan. It is clear that Br. Imran teaches a view of global nationhood among Indian Muslims that undermines the idea of Indian nationalism. At an event, a non-Muslim youth questions Br. Imran regarding his references to the "hand" and "feet" of Allah and asks if Allah has a gender. Br. Imran first denies he referred to "hand" and "feet" and the youth is taken aback. Br. Imran asks the youth whether some science says that a hand and feet necessarily mean someone must be male or female. The youth says, "It is my question, my opinion" - to which Br. Imran responds: "Your opinion has no value worth a penny."[22] A January 31, 2016 post on Br. Imran's Facebook page declares the veil compulsory Attacking Ahmadis, Sufis, Barelvis, Tablighis At an event, Br. Imran cites Koran 5:3 to stress that Ahmadi Muslims are kafirs (infidels): "'This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed my favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion...' Why did we call Qadianis [pejorative for Ahmadi Muslims] kafir? Do you know? Because they said Prophet Muhammad is not the last prophet."[23] He cites another Koranic verse, 33:40, to justify his claim that Ahmadi Muslims are infidels: "Muhammad is not the father of (any) one of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, knowing." It should be noted that Ahmadi Muslims face persecution in many countries and Indian Islamists such as Br. Imran also lead a racist campaign against them. Notwithstanding his message of unity between various doctrinal sects of Sunni Muslims, Br. Imran is also opposed to Barelvi clerics because they celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad's birthday), which he says is against Islam.[24] Br. Imran also attacks Sufis, stating in a Facebook post dated March 30, 2016: "Sufism is becoming widely spread around the world, Sufis are known for worshipping Allah in ways that Allah has never prescribed nor has the Messenger peace be upon him. The Sufis of the past weren't as evil, but the Sufis of nowadays have gone far astray... Their religious gatherings have turned into breakdancing sessions..."[25] In another video, Br. Imran is also critical of the Tablighi Jamaat, a revivalist Sunni movement, saying: "As the syllabus of Tablighi Jamaat is considered, insofar as I know, there are many things in it that contradict the Koran and Sunna [traditions of Prophet Muhammad]."[26] In another speech, Br. Imran describes Muslim girls who fall in love with Hindus as "filthy girls."[27] In a post dated January 31, 2016 on his Facebook page (see image above), he cites the Koran to argue that wearing a veil is compulsory: "Hijab (Wearing veil by a Muslim woman) is not your choice but Allah's choice and Allah's order. 'O Prophet (Muhammad), say to your wives, to your daughters and to the Muslim women to cover themselves from top to toe (wear Hijab either in form of burqa, a cloth covering their clothes from top to toe, etc.] so that they are not molested and identified as modest Muslim women... [Koran 33:59]'"[28] * Tufail Ahmad is Director of the MEMRI South Asia Studies Project. He is the author of "Jihadist Threat to India: The Case for Islamic Reformation by an Indian Muslims." Endnotes In a recent article, Bangladesh columnist Syed Badrul Ahsan examined the historical context Hindu persecution at the hands of Islamist forces. His article, titled "Our Hindu Problem", was published by a Bangladeshi website. Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, was part of Pakistan until in 1971. After a nine-month War of liberation, the Bangla-speaking province seceded and became Bangladesh.. In his article, the Bangladeshi columnist details how a range of Islamist elements have engendered a hospitable environment - both before and after the creation of Bangladesh - for forces that are systematically eliminating Hindus from Bangladesh. Protests in India against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh (Hinduexistence.org) Following are excerpts from the article: "[From 1947 To] 1971, The Number Of Hindus In The Province Had Declined [From Thirty-Five] To Twenty-Nine Percent; Today, In The Putatively Secular People's Republic Of Bangladesh, The Number Of Hindus Is A Disturbingly Less Than Ten Percent" "Hindus formed thirty-five percent of the population of East Bengal [now Bangladesh] at the time of the partition of India in 1947. By the time the people of East Bengal/East Pakistan decided to wage war for an independent Bengali republic in 1971, the number of Hindus in the province had declined to twenty-nine percent. Today, in the putatively secular People's Republic of Bangladesh, the number of Hindus is a disturbingly less than ten percent. "Where have all these people, our very own fellow [Hindu] Bengalis, gone? The answer, of course, is not hard to come by. And as you reflect on the particular circumstances that have forced Hindus to leave the country, the majority of them going over to India and a fairly large number opting to find homes in the developed world, you realize that conditions are still being created to force more Hindus to abandon their ancestral homes and find sanctuary outside Bangladesh. "We have not treated our Hindus well. That truth emerges yet again when you realize the sinister campaign which the Narayanganj lawmaker (more a lawbreaker) Selim Osman spearheaded the other day, in cahoots with the notorious managing committee of the Pyar Sattar Latif High School in Narayanganj, to have the head teacher of the school, Shyamal Kanti Bhakta, slapped with the [blasphemy] charge for insulting Islam. That is a lie, but now Osman and his goons are busy trying to whip up a campaign, through inciting the [Islamist organization] Hefazat-e-Islam, against Bhakta, [and] against Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, over the entire affair. Bhakta is a Hindu and so must pay the price. "No, we have not treated our Hindus well. The story goes back to Partition, when Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the All India Muslim League tried drilling into us the bad sophistry that Hindus and Muslims were not two religious committees [sic, i.e. communities] but two absolutely different nations. Two million Hindus and Muslims paid the price for that twisted version of history. Those who survived left their homes behind, to try to eke out the remains of life in strange new geographical circumstances. "The lie persisted throughout the twenty-four years the Bengalis of East Bengal formed part of the state of Pakistan. Not even the prominent politician Jogendranath Mandal, despite his love for his motherland, was able to stay on in Pakistan. He wrote a long letter to [the then Pakistani] Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan detailing all his grievances about the ways in which Pakistan was treating its Hindus. And then he left, to find a home in [India's eastern state of] West Bengal." "[Bangladeshi Islamic Cleric] Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Felt No Embarrassment In Playing To The Gallery; Food Was In Short Supply, Said He, Because The Nation's Food Minister Was A Hindu" "In the 1960s, obsessed with the need to impose a Pakistani ideology, whatever that meant, on the country's secular Bengalis, President Ayub Khan and his Information Minister, the Urdu-speaking Khwaja Shahabuddin, decreed a ban on [the Hindu Nobel laureate] Rabindranath Tagore. In their eyes, Tagore was a dangerous Hindu and ought not to be touched with a barge pole. In the event, the move backfired. Ayub and Shahabuddin were soon lost in the wooded spaces of history. Tagore, predictably, thrived. "A particular target of the Pakistan army as it went into its genocidal operations against Bengalis in March 1971 was the Hindu intellectual section of the population. In the earliest phases of the murder spree, the soldiers killed the philosopher Gobindo Chandra Dev and Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta. They did not even spare Madhu da, he of the famed Madhu's canteen at Dhaka University. In Comilla, they abducted the respected politician Dhirendranath Dutta and his son and put them through torture before putting them to death. Through the nine months of the war, Hindu women (as well as Muslim) were picked up and carried off to the cantonments to be raped endlessly. That was in 1971 [during the War of Liberation]. "Hindus have not fared any better in our independent Bangladesh. In the first flush of liberation, the government of the new republic was reluctant to have the [Hindu temple] Kali Mandir at the Race Course (today's Suhrawardy Udyan), [which was] razed by the Pakistan army on 25 March 1971, restored. That was a saddening experience, for Hindus and Muslims alike. It did not make people happy. "In 1974, at the height of the food crisis in Bangladesh, one which Bangabandhu's government was desperately trying to roll back, [Islamic cleric] Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani felt no embarrassment in playing to the gallery. Food was in short supply, said he, because the nation's food minister was a Hindu. The unkind reference was to the eminently honorable and elderly Phani Bhushan Majumdar. The statement did not elevate Bhashani in the public eye. "Immediately after the liberation of Bangladesh, Bengali collaborators of the Pakistan army, then stranded in what remained of Pakistan, were dispatched to the Middle East by the [Zulfiqar Ali] Bhutto government to peddle the falsehood that Hindus had taken over 'East Pakistan' and Muslims were being eliminated systematically. Among these agents of falsehood were [Jamaat-e-Islami leaders] Ghulam Azam and Motiur Rahman Nizami. Not even Nurul Amin, then Pakistan's vice president under Z. A. Bhutto, could resist the temptation to belittle his lost motherland [Bangladesh]. He argued that large-scale killings were going on in Bangladesh per courtesy of its government. The implications were clear: Muslims were being killed by a Hindu-influenced government." "Back In October 2001, Within Moments Of The Electoral Triumph Of The [Right-Wing] Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Hindu Families... Were Pounced Upon By Activists And Supporters Of The Party; Hindu Men Were Beaten Up, Hindu Women Were Raped, Hindu Villages Were Set Ablaze" "There have been serious allegations of Hindu property being commandeered by political elements, shockingly by powerful people even in the ruling [secular party] Awami League, in Bangladesh. A senior figure of the Hindu community in Dhaka publicly condemns a ruling party politician in Faridpur of seizing Hindu property. The next day, Hindu leaders in Faridpur decry the Dhaka man's statement and tell the country everything is going well. One does not need much imagination to understand what could have happened. "In recent days, the veneer of respectability which some of the powerful wear on their faces was torn down, just a little, when the 'philanthropist' Ragib Ali was compelled by the law to hand over property he had seized decades ago to its rightful Hindu owner. Will the law now haul Ragib Ali to court over the lawlessness he is guilty of? That, if wagging tongues are to be believed, is unlikely. There are too many robber barons around for the state to swat down. "Back in October 2001, within moments of the electoral triumph of the [right-wing] Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Hindu families in various regions of the country were pounced upon by activists and supporters of the party. Hindu men were beaten up, Hindu women were raped, Hindu villages were set ablaze. It was a bizarre tale, almost straight out of the Pakistan army's book, compiled and taught in 1971. "On a personal note, slightly over a decade ago I found myself in Pakistan in connection with a media conference. A smiling Pakistani walked up to me, shook hands [with me] and then wanted to know if there were many Hindus in Bangladesh. I told him there were no Hindus in my country. His smile turned bigger. For good measure, I informed him that there were no Buddhists or Christians either in Bangladesh. You can imagine the sheer happiness spreading all across his face. In the end, I told him there were no Muslims in Bangladesh. He stopped smiling. Shock was written all over him. "And then it was for me [to] put him at ease. Indeed, I told him, there were Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and people of other faiths and beliefs and cultures in Bangladesh. All of them prayed to their gods in their distinctive ways. All of them were equal before the law. All of us were citizens of a secular republic, for Bangladesh was born of the crucible of war as a land for everyone, as a home for a multiplicity of faiths. He looked a trifle reassured. I suspect, though, that he could not quite comprehend how different the People's Republic of Bangladesh was - in ethos, philosophy and history - from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. All these years after those smiles, after that handshake, that shock and that reassurance, I wonder if I was right in telling him what I did." Source: BDNews.com (Bangladesh), May 23, 2016. The original English of the article has been lightly edited for clarity and standardization. Following the June 28 triple suicide bombing at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, which killed 41 and injured more than 200, Pakistan's largest Urdu-language daily Roznama Jang, published an editorial titled "Turkish Attacks: A Time of Alarm for the World of Islam!" In the editorial, the daily insinuated that these attacks, as well as similar incidents that have occurred since 911, are part of a plot by Western countries. The editorial claims that after the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, the then-NATO secretary-general (whose name is not given) had issued a policy statement saying that after communism, it was now Islam's turn to be defeated. Following are excerpts from the editorial: "The recent suicide attacks that took place at the Ataturk airport in the city of Istanbul, Turkey are a cause for concern and worry for the entire world of Islam. This is because most of the unhappy incidents occurring in any part of the world since 9/11 are connected in some manner or another to Muslims, the world of Islam, or Pakistan, which is known as the fort of the Muslim world. After 9/11, the way most incidents have been linked to Islam, Muslims, and the Muslim world is a matter of amazement. "In Western countries, even before 9/11, there had been incidents of indiscriminate shooting in public places by some individuals or [incidents] of collective suicides in the name of different philosophies by some groups, which were described as isolated incidents. The sad fact of the matter is that if a remote link between a Muslim and any incident emerged, it led to a series [of attempts] to connect Islam to terrorism; [attempts] that are seen with increasing suspicion, even by the educated class in the West. "Some individuals who study history say that after the break-up of the Soviet Union, the then-NATO secretary-general issued a policy statement declaring Islam as their next enemy after the defeat of Communism. Subsequently, startlingly clear signs of sectarianism and differences based on language and race emerged in Muslim countries. Situations including corruption, mismanagement, lawlessness, the growing gulf between the rich and the poor, scarcity of energy, and shortages in agricultural and industrial production, emerged, leading to the public losing confidence in the system in most of Muslim countries. "In Pakistan's Northern Areas, especially Swat and Malakand Agency, efforts to turn people's deprivations into religious slogans and religious extremism came to light. Through armed individuals [i.e. terrorists] coming from or brought from Afghanistan, attempts were made to weaken Pakistan's control in these areas once again. Though peace and order has been established in Swat through military operations, the anti-Pakistan activities of [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief] Fazlullah, the rebel enjoying the safe hospitality in Afghanistan, are still continuing. "The strange point is that on the one hand, both old and new terrorist organizations spend all their energy causing damage to Muslim countries in every way; but on the other hand, the blame for terrorism also falls on Muslim countries. As per preliminary reports, the three suicide attacks on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday at the Istanbul airport killed 36 and injured 150, and these numbers are expected to increase. "On Tuesday alone, reports say: 14 worshippers were killed after the Tahajjud [Ramadan nightly prayers] in a mosque in Zaydan near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad; 11 Kurdish fighters and three [Iranian] Pasdaran-e-Inquilab [fighters] were killed during clashes in the Iranian province of Kurdistan near the Iraqi border; 25 rebels were killed in airstrikes by Saudi allies in Yemen; 40 individuals were killed during clashes between rebels and government forces in South Sudan. "The countries of the Muslim Ummah - most of which were caught in the bonds of slavery at the beginning of the 20th century - are divided into pieces today despite being independent and autonomous and are undergoing the most difficult circumstances. It is the responsibility of Muslim rulers, Islamic scholars, philosophers, and reformers to set aside their personal, familial, and group interests, and organize and unite to sustain the freedom of Muslim countries and to save the world from a new war..."[1] The Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Relations, Dimitris Mardas, participated today, Friday, 1 July 2016, in the proceedings of the 34th Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which is taking place in Sochi, under the Russian Chairmanship. During his speech to the plenary session, Mr. Mardas underscored Greeces support for reforming the BSEC institutional framework with the aim of simplifying the decision-making process, enhancing effectiveness and increasing the potential for realizing projects through securing the necessary resources. Following the BSEC Ministerial, Mr. Mardas will depart for Beijing, where he will accompany the Prime Minister on an official visit to China. Police seize hundreds of stolen phones in gang bust From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-07-01 18:14 IN the biggest bust of its kind in Shanghai, police seized 928 stolen mobile phones in an operation targeting a 19-member gang that police say preyed on commuters. The suspects are 13 pickpockets, a man who allegedly bought the phones and five men who operated a stand selling phones near Shanghai Railway Station. The stolen phones are believed to be worth four million yuan (US$602,000). The alleged buyer, surnamed Ma, met with the pickpocket suspects near the railway station every morning at 10am and sold the phones to the owners of the stand at 3pm, said police. Ma bought the phones for 1,000 to 3,000 yuan each, police said. Huang Hanke, a police officer from Shanghai Metro Polices Shanghai Railway Station branch, who is in charge of the case, said the phones were sold as second-hand merchandise to both shoppers at the stand and customers on the internet. The police have so far managed to identify the owners of about 250 phones and get into contact with 50. The job is not easy for us because many of the phones have already been [interfered with] by the suspects, Huang said. A few victims said they were listening to music with earphones plugged into their phone when they were pickpocketed. Cui Lei, who had his phone stolen at a Metro station in Pudong during rush hour one day in March, said he reported the theft to a policemen at the station right away but didnt expect it to be recovered. I got a call from the police when I was in Europe on a business trip last month, and I was surprised and grateful, he told Shanghai Daily. Victims of phone theft are advised to report it to police with the purchase receipt and the IMEI number, a 15-digit number assigned to all cellular devices. Security forces free new areas from IS militants in Iraq 2016-07-01 13:21 BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Thursdayfreed several areas and villages from the Islamic State (IS)militants in central and northern Iraq, security sources said. In the western province of Anbar, the security forces and alliedparamilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured the areas of al-Hessiand Albu Eifan in southwest of the city of Fallujah, some 50 kmwest of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, after clashes with the ISmilitants, leaving at least 17 militants killed and destroyingthree of their vehicles, a provincial security source told Xinhuaon condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led coalition aircraft bombarded a convoy ofIS vehicles in al-Jeraishi area in north of Anbar's provincialcapital city of Ramadi, some 110 km west of Baghdad, destroying atleast four vehicles and killing 13 militants. Apparently, the convoy in Jeraishi had fled their stronghold inFallujah earlier and headed toward the desert in north of Ramadi,the source added. Earlier in the day, a provincial security source told Xinhuathat hundreds of IS militants were killed and their vehiclesdestroyed in a series of airstrikes targeting their convoys acrossthe province starting in early Wednesday when they fledFallujah. The latest heavy IS casualties came after security forces andallied paramilitary Hashd Shaabi units recaptured Fallujah on June26, following a month of intense battles. In northern Iraq, the security forces fought heavy clashes withIS militants and retook control of the villages of al-Derbas andAlbu Wawi near the IS-held town of Qayyara, some 50 km south of theIS stronghold in Mosul, leaving 15 IS militants killed, a securitysource anonymously told Xinhua. In Salahudin province, the troops continued their advance in thenorthern part of the province which located in northern centralIraq and managed to drive out IS militants from the village ofRamadaniyat in north of the provincial capital city of Tikrit,which itself located some 170 km north of Baghdad, a provincialsecurity source told Xinhua. Meanwhile, the troops advanced toward the IS-held town ofShirqat, some 280 km north of Baghdad, and engaged in sporadicclashes with IS militants that left an officer and a soldier killedand six soldiers wounded, the source said. The troops also continued their advance northward to free theremaining areas from IS militants in the northern part of Salahudinprovince, before heading to free the militant-seized town ofQayyara in the adjacent Nineveh province, the source added. The operations in the province are part of a major offensive tofree areas in south of Mosul, including the town of Qayyara, so asto surround Mosul from the south and east, before attacking majorIS strongholds in Mosul to flush out IS militants from the city,400 km north of Baghdad. In a separate incident, at least three people were killed and 14wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at acrowded marketplace in Shurta al-Rab'a district in southwesternBaghdad, a police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Iraq has witnessed intense violence since the IS took control ofparts of its northern and western regions in June 2014. Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence,and the emergence of extremist groups such as the IS group on theUnited States, which invaded Iraq in March 2003 under the pretextof seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in thecountry. The war led to the ouster and eventual execution of former Iraqipresident Saddam Hussein, but no WMD was found. Enditem To the editor: Debra (Knoblock) McCollum was hired by me in 2013 to replace a member of my staff who retired. I had planned on retiring from my position as Huron County treasurer at the end of 2016. So while I was hiring, one of the questions I asked was, would you be interested in being county treasurer someday? Debras answer was, yes. That answer, along with her strong bookkeeping knowledge, other work related experiences and her friendly personality, are the reasons I hired her. Debra was being trained from day one to have the knowledge, experience, and understanding of all of the duties of county treasurer. She learned the tax, and the principal residence exception tax system. She was trained in all of the facets of the forfeiture-foreclosure tax laws. She was trained to work with the 39 city, township and village treasurers on adjustments to original tax rolls such as board of reviews, State Tax Commission adjustments, Michigan Tax Tribunals and state and local principal residence exception denials. She was trained on all aspects of settlement with the treasurers, including the Ad Valorem, IFT, DNR, TIFA, and OPRA rolls. She was trained to transfer funds for investing and withdrawal of funds as needed for the day-to-day operation of county business. She also has the knowledge for application of new bonds and the bond payments process. For the three years, she assisted me with the budget process. In 2015, when she was named the Huron County treasurer, she completed the budget on her own. In August 2014, when I became suddenly ill, Debra as chief deputy treasurer handled the day-to-day operations of the Huron County treasurer. She did a magnificent job while I was gone. For all of the reason listed above, I would vote for Debra (Knoblock) McCollum for Huron County treasurer. Sherry Learman Former Huron County treasurer The Navy announced today it had broken the second major cheating ring in three years, disciplining 31 independent duty corpsman students at the San Diego Surface Warfare Medical Institute for cheating on school exams over the last year. The students were kicked out of the program, and administrative measures were taken to make sure they will not become independent duty corpsmen, Navy Medicine Education and Training Command officials said in a statement. Another 13 students have been recommended for separation from the Navy. Navy brass became of the cheating problem when a student whistleblower came forward to tell staff at the San Diego school that the students were sharing test questions. The report prompted an internal command investigation, launched in February according to the announcement. This was followed by a more in-depth probe. Officials said the second investigation was overseen by Navy Medicine Education and Training Command and was completed in May. It yielded evidence of an organized system of cheating by students and compromised tests. In the wake of the findings, the school officer-in-charge and senior enlisted leader were removed from their posts, officials said. Navy Medicine Education and Training Command found they had failed to keep testing materials safe and had not worked to counteract or mitigate an environment that fostered pervasive cheating. Replacements for those officials, who were not named by the Navy, have yet to be identified. "We take seriously our commitment to provide the best care possible to those entrusted to us, and hold all our staff, including our corpsmen, to the highest standards. Falling short of those standards will swiftly result in the highest attention of senior leadership and quick, decisive, definitive action to ensure fidelity and confidence in the Navy Medicine team and the care we provide," Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy surgeon general and chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, said in a statement. "We will not entrust the lives of others to those who cheat." This most recent scandal comes just two years after the Navy broke open a seven-year cheating ring involving students and staff at the Naval Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, South Carolina in 2014. In that scandal, investigators ultimately expelled 34 sailors and found that more than 76 senior enlisted instructors had colluded to cheat on qualification tests. Unlike that affair, this most recent cheating investigation determined that no staff and faculty were involved. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. 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. Witness to history From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-07-01 09:17 Isabel Crook, a Canadian teacher and social activist, during an interview at the Beijing Foreign Studies University campus in Beijing. [Photo by Akash Ghai/Provided to China Daily] The 101-year-old Chinese-born Isabel Crook is among the country's early foreign educators. In her long years here, first as a child of a Canadian missionary family in Southwest China's Sichuan province, and then as a teacher, Crook has witnessed many events: the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45), the civil war, the founding of New China, the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) and China's reforms since the '70s. "I am glad that I kept the records (of major events)," Crook says, while taking a stroll in a park near her apartment in the compound of Beijing Foreign Studies University, where she once taught. She started anthropological research in Sichuan in 1939 after receiving her university degrees in Canada. As part of a social survey in a village there, she got to know many local people. Crook and her Chinese research partner attended celebrations and studied community behavior in teahouses. "The result ... was a human factor, which you can miss out if you just do mechanical investigations," she says. After her retirement as an English teacher, Crook wrote the book Prosperity's Predicament: Identity, Reform and Resistance in Rural Wartime China. She now wants to publish a Chinese version of the book for which the translation is ongoing. In the early 1940s, Crook became interested in communism after meeting her late husband, David Crook, who was an active communist. "He had just come back from fighting in Spain to support the Spanish republic. He had also done some interesting things in China. That made a big impression on me," says Isabel Crook. They married in London in 1942. Inspired by US journalist Edgar Snow's Red Star Over China, the couple returned to China a few years later to write a book about life in Communist-controlled areas. Parts of China back then were ruled by the Kuomintang and local warlords. Crook takes a ropeway across a river in Sichuan province during her social survey of rural areas in 1939. [Photo provided to China Daily] During their stay in North China's Hebei province, the couple learned about land reforms being carried out by the farmers and decided to write about them. Among the books they co-authored are Ten Mile Inn: Revolution in a Chinese Village (1959) and Ten Mile Inn: Mass Movement in a Chinese Village (1979). They were among few foreign scholars allowed to conduct grassroots research on the mainland between the 1950s and the 1970s. Their books became important sources for the outside world to learn about China at the time. Ahead of New China's founding in 1949, Isabel Crook and her husband were approached by officials of the Communist Party of China and asked if they could stay and teach English as the country was in desperate need of English speakers who could help build foreign relations. "We were quite thrilled that we could do something significant to support the Chinese revolution," recalls Crook. She and her husband taught English at Beijing Foreign Studies University until they retired in the 1980s. Their early students, who became the first generation of foreign-language speakers in modern China, either served in the foreign services or in organizations that had relations with foreign countries. Many of them became English teachers as well. Excited to join the ranks rather than being observers, Isabel Crook and her husband also actively participated in mass movements like planting trees in suburban Beijing in the 1950s. The teachers and students stayed for several weeks in the homes of villagers outside the city and sang together during breaks. Crook celebrates her 100th birthday with her former students in Beijing. [Photo by Chen Gang/Asianewsphoto] "The important thing is you learn from both successes and failures. That's what the Communists were doing. They were not afraid of mistakes," she says of the mass movements initiated by the Party. Over the years, Isabel Crook has made speeches before and written letters to top Chinese leaders on such issues as rural education and development. Some of her letters along with his replies were included in a book published by Wen Jiabao after his term as premier was over in 2013. After her retirement, she revisited the villages where she did her research. She is glad that many people still recognize her and that some have even visited her in Beijing. She is impressed by the vast improvements in rural China, especially the enhanced standard of living and the improving literacy rate. Very few rural residents were literate before the 1950s. Now it's compulsory students finish junior middle school, and there are very few illiterate people among the younger generation. Though urbanization has been a good thing, enough attention must also be paid to how to develop China's countryside, she says. "If you only concentrate on urbanization, you don't have balanced development." Isabel Crook believes cities and the countryside are complementary. Contact the writer at liuxiangrui@chinadaily.com.cn The U.S. Senate has confirmed Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Charles D. Luckeys appointment to lieutenant general with the dual-hatted assignment as chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of Army Reserve Command. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced Luckeys Senate confirmation in a June 30 DoD press release. As the chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of Army Reserve Command, Luckey will lead a global organization that focuses on mission readiness in order to serve the American people while supporting the requirements of the United States Army, according to the release. Luckey replaces Lt. Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley, who recently retired after 34 years of military service. Luckey was commissioned in the Army after graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Virginia in 1977. He began his military career as an Infantry Officer leading soldiers in both mechanized and Special Forces units until separating from active duty in 1982 to attend law school. In 1985, Luckey returned to active duty and served with the 82d Airborne, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1991, he transferred to the Army Reserve and subsequently commanded units at the battalion, brigade, and group level, culminating with his assignment as the commanding general of the 78th Division (TS). Luckey was recalled to Active Duty in 2008 and selected to serve as the Chief, Office of Security Cooperation in Baghdad, Iraq. He also served on the Joint Staff as assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff Lead for the Iraq transition. Prior to this confirmation, he served as the Chief of Staff, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com The long-awaited liberation of Fallujah this week came with minimal damage to the city's infrastructure, Iraqi officials claim, unlike the disastrous campaign to free Ramadi from ISIS, in which bomb damage and civilian casualties amounted to a Pyrrhic victory. Backed by U.S. air power -- which on Wednesday took out a convoy of 250 fleeing ISIS fighters on the outskirts of the city -- government forces carefully recaptured Fallujah over a five-week period. Photos obtained by FoxNews.com show damage to the city, but nothing like the destruction seen in last December's retaking of Ramadi, some 30 miles west. "The city is damaged, but nothing like [others where ISIS has been dislodged]," said an Iraqi with direct knowledge of the Fallujah campaign. "This was a well-planned operation, led by [Iraq's U.S.-trained] Golden Division." Grateful residents are eager to move back into their city to rebuild it, as well as their lives. "Many sacrifices have been made by the army, police and the crowd," said Mojtahid Alanbar, a Fallujah resident who survived the two-year occupation by ISIS. "If the decision was mine I would have made a statue for every fighter in the [battle] against terrorism. These heroes are examples of courage when faced with Da'esh." Most of the city's population, which once numbered more than 300,000, is being housed in desert camps outside its borders while the army clears streets and buildings of mines and booby traps. That work could only begin after the last of the ISIS fighters were driven from the city that once served as the jihadist army's Anbar Province stronghold. "It is fully liberated, with all of it under the control of Golden Division [soldiers] and tribal fighters now," the source said. "But there are too many explosives in there for civilians to go back. It should be a few more weeks." Key bridges, roads and government buildings were largely spared, according to military sources who have been in Fallujah city limits in recent days. Power plants and utilities are believed to be mostly intact. Fallujah, the scene of fierce fighting between U.S. forces and insurgents in the Iraq War, in 2014 became the first city to fall to ISIS. Ramadi, a similar-size city that lies west along the corridor between Baghdad and Raqqa, was captured by ISIS in May 2015. Eight months later, Ramadi was freed, but at a high cost. More than 3,000 buildings and nearly 400 roads and bridges were destroyed, and in the once-thriving Haji Ziad Square, not a single structure stands. By re-taking Ramadi first, the Iraqi government left fleeing ISIS fighters no way to escape to the caliphate stronghold of Raqqa. Unconfirmed reports say fighters who instead fled north to Mosul, where ISIS still controls the nation's second-largest city, have been executed by their leaders. The efforts to drive ISIS from Anbar, the Sunni-populated province west of Baghdad which includes Fallujah and Ramadi, is a prelude to a looming and daunting campaign to retake Mosul. There, Iraqi forces are working with Kurdish fighters and coalition air power to retake surrounding villages and cut off the black-clad jihadist army's supply routes. The Marine Corps is solving the problem of requiring pull-ups for women by adding a push-ups option for all troops on the physical fitness test, Military.com has learned. On Friday, the Corps rolled out a series of sweeping changes to the PFT, combat fitness test, and body fat standards -- the result of a review of existing policies that began last November. The new fitness standards go into effect Jan. 1, 2017, officials said, and the body composition standards take effect immediately. New pull-up policy Perhaps the most significant change is the elimination of the flexed-arm hang as an alternative to pull-ups for women on the PFT. Instead, both men and women will be able to opt for push-ups instead -- an exercise that was not previously part of the test. To encourage troops to do the more demanding exercise, the new standards limit the number of points available to those who choose the push-ups option. While women can achieve the maximum 100 points for completing between seven and ten pull-ups, and men can meet their max at between 20 and 23 reps depending on age, the push-ups scoring chart maxes out at just 70 points. Most female Marines will have to complete between 40 and 50 push-ups to earn those 70 points, while most men will have to do between 70 and 80. "Push-ups become an option on the PFT, but Marines are incentivized toward pull-ups, as these are a better test of functional, dynamic upper body strength and correlate stronger to physically demanding tasks," Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said in an administrative message to the Corps released Friday. "Push-ups are also a valid exercise and good test; however maximum points can only be earned by executing pull-ups." Taken together, Neller said the changes to the PFT were the most significant updates to the program since 1972. The hybrid pull-up option is the Marines' solution to a four-year conundrum of how to promote pull-ups for all Marines without making it impossible for women to succeed. In 2012, the Corps announced it was doing away with the female flexed-arm hang in favor of pull-ups, with a minimum of three. Those plans were delayed multiple times, and in 2014, Marine officials admitted that half of women tested in boot camp couldn't meet the three-pull-up minimum. Brian McGuire, the deputy force fitness branch head for the standards division of Marine Corps Training and Education Command, told Military.com that push-ups, like pull-ups, could be completed in the field. But, he said, the pull-up is a more functional test and requires individuals to overcome their entire body weight, while push-ups only require them to overcome 75 to 80 percent of their body weight. But even with its limitations, the push-up is superior to the flexed-arm hang, he said. "The flexed-arm hang, in many studies, has been shown to be an inadequate test of upper body strength," McGuire said. The high number of pull-up repetitions required of women in the new scoring standards reveal an optimism about how training will help them improve. Earlier this year, the Marine Corps promoted a training program piloted by Marine Maj. Misty Posey that promised to use strength and repetition pyramids to get female Marines from "zero to twenty-plus." The female pull-ups scoring chart maxes at 10 reps for women between the ages of 26 and 30, though most women will have to do at least seven reps to max their score. Notably, all of the new standards will keep in place a gender-normed scoring system, which scores men and women differently on the same exercises in acknowledgment of different physical ability thresholds. While the Marine Corps introduced gender-neutral minimum standards for entry into an array of ground combat jobs last fall, McGuire said gender-neutral physical fitness standards for the Marine Corps were never ordered or considered. Age-specific scoring Marines may also find themselves doing more repetitions than in previous years to max out their score. The new scoring charts divide Marines into eight age groups, all with different maximum standards based on calculated peak ability. For men and women, the charts assume peak fitness between the ages of 21-25, and 26-30. While the previous PFT scoring chart maxed out pull-up repetitions at 20 for all ages, the new male scoring chart maxes at 23 for men between the ages of 21 and 35. McGuire said the new age groups were added to meet Neller's guidance to create relevant and challenging standards. Previously, the Marine Corps had only four fitness age groups, and they only dictated minimum allowable standards. "We had a 27-39 age group, that's 12 years," McGuire said. "There's some performance differences that happen during that time." For events requiring repetitions, such as pull-ups, crunches, and the ammunition can lift, McGuire and TECOM officials went to the fleet to gather real data on Marines' performance thresholds. Between January and March, they tested around 2,000 Marines at bases around the Corps to chart maximum and median repetition levels. As a result, some repetition maximums are increasing significantly. Max reps for the two-minute ammunition can lift portion of the combat fitness test are going up for 91 to 120 for men and from 60 to 75 for women in some age categories. For other events, such as running on the PFT and maneuver-to-contact on the CFT, TECOM looked at existing data from Marines who were taking the tests, creating scatter charts and graphs to determine the real distribution of times and scoring. As a result, some maximum times were increased and some minimum times shortened. "By elevating the standard, which was based again on our data collection, this will allow for greater levels of distinction" among Marines taking the tests, McGuire said. Male and female run times are getting relaxed for some of the new age categories. While run times for men continue to max at 18 minutes for three miles and for women at 21 minutes, the standards now allow more time for men and women over 40. Younger Marines will have to work harder, though, to achieve their minimum run score. While the previous standards awarded points for a 33-minute run time for men, now male Marines under 30 will have to beat 28 minutes to pass the test. Similarly, Marines in younger age groups will have to do more crunches -- between 105 and 115, depending on age and gender -- to max their score on the exercise. Previously, all charts maxed out at 100 crunches. Under the new program, the Marines' combat fitness test will continue to feature maneuver-under-fire, the ammunition can lift, and movement-to-contact. But all scores are now age-normed using the new eight age groups. No body fat limits for PT studs Beginning in January, Marines who can get close to maxing out their PFT and CFT scores, earning at least 285 points out of a possible 300, are exempt entirely from the hated tradition of body fat testing, Neller said in his message to the Corps. Those who can score at least 250 on the tests also receive a bonus: an extra allowable one percent body fat above existing standards. However, he added, all Marines must still comply with the service's professional appearance standards, ensuring troops look good in uniform. For some, weight standards will become more relaxed, beginning immediately. The new standards increase weight maximums for women by five pounds across the board. A 5'3 female Marine who previously maxed out her weight at 141 pounds can now weigh 146 pounds and stay within regulations. Neller told Military.com in February that female troops had told him they struggled to get stronger in order to complete pull-ups and work to enter newly opened ground combat jobs while staying within existing height and weight standards. "Whether women go into ground combat or not, they're telling me they're going to do pullups for the fitness test. They're going to get stronger. You get stronger, normally you gain weight, you get thicker," Neller said then. '[Female Marines are] wanting to know, 'Hey, Commandant, make up your mind. What are you going to have us do and if we do this, understand that I'll do it, but it's going to cause me probably to have a physical change, so don't penalize me for doing what you're telling me to do.'" The decision to ease the female weight requirements was also supported by data from the Marines Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, an experiment that tested the ability of female Marines to succeed in the infantry alongside men. "Females who were performing better at the integrated tasks were heavier," McGuire said. In his message Friday, Neller said Marines would also use more precise measuring devices to measure body fat. While the "rope-and-choke" circumference method of measuring body fat isn't going away, McGuire said the Marine Corps would start using self-tensioning tape measures designed to yield more accurate measurements. "It does eliminate some of the error," he said. Also taking effect immediately is a new waiver authority governing troops who max out their weight and body fat limits and are assigned to the body composition program, which can stall career progression and promotion. If Marines cannot get within standards after six months in the program, they risk expulsion from the Corps. Now, Neller said, the first general officer in a Marine's chain of command will have the authority to sign off on a waiver exempting him or her from the BCP on account of satisfactory fitness and military appearance. While the new weight standards are not retroactive, Marine officials said, troops who are currently assigned to the BCP or in the process of administrative discharge because they can't meet standards will be re-evaluated immediately in light of the new policy. If they fall in line with the new regulations, they will be removed from the BCP right away. "We will monitor the effects of these adjustments for two years and then adjust if required to ensure our standards continue to contribute to the effectiveness of our force and enhance our ability to respond when our Nation calls," Neller said. Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, the commander of TECOM, said the new physical standards "raised the bar" for Marines' fitness. "Marines today are stronger, faster and fitter than ever and these changes reflect that. Bigger and stronger often means heavier, so tying performance on the PFT and CFT to changes to the Body Composition Program are improvements that we think the Marines will appreciate," he said in a statement. "In the end, it's all about improving the readiness and combat effectiveness of our Corps and the physical fitness of every Marine contributes to that." -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. The White House on Friday released an intelligence estimate that showed between 64 and 116 civilians have been killed, along along with about 2,500 suspected terrorists, in airstrikes mostly by drones outside of war zones. The summary from the office of Director of National Intelligence James Clapper didn't give a timeline on the airstrikes or in where exactly they occurred, but most were believed to have taken place in Pakistan. The three-page summary said that between January 20, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2015, the U.S. carried out a total of 473 airstrikes outside of war zones -- mostly by drones and some by cruise missiles. The "combatant deaths" numbered between 2,372 and 2,581, while "non-combatant deaths" were estimated at between 64 and 116, according to the document. "The assessed range of non-combatant deaths provided to the DNI reflects consideration of credible reports of non-combatant deaths drawn from all-source information, including reports from the media and non-governmental organizations," the summary said. The range of civilian deaths also reflected "deaths for which there is an insufficient basis for assessing that the deceased is a combatant," the summary said. The summary also acknowledged major differences with the estimates on civilian casualties compiled by non-governmental organizations and humanitarian groups. "For instance, for the period between January 20, 2009, and December 31, 2015, non-governmental organizations' estimates range from more than 200 to slightly more than 900 possible non-combatant deaths outside areas of active hostilities," the summary said. To explain the difference, the summary said that the U.S. reporting had access to classified information unavailable to non-governmental organizations. "Thus, the U.S. Government may have reliable information that certain individuals are combatants, but are being counted as non-combatants by nongovernmental organizations," the summary said. The Washington Post reported that the summary did little to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding the drone strikes outside war zones but did "help to delineate the overall dimensions of a drone program that grew from an experimental CIA platform designed to hunt Osama bin Laden into a clandestine air force carrying out hundreds of strikes from bases in at least nine countries on two continents." In addition to drone strikes in Pakistan, the U.S. also carried out strikes outside war zones in Yemen, Somalia and Libya, the Post said. In addition to the summary, President Barack Obama issued an executive order tightening the guidelines for the use of force and enhancing training for intelligence and military operatives while noting that "civilian casualties are a tragic and at times unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict or in the exercise of a state's inherent right of self-defense." The order directed "relevant agencies" to acknowledge U.S. responsibility for civilian casualties when they occur and to "offer condolences, including 'ex gratia' payments (payments made when there is no legal obligation) to civilians who are injured or to the families of civilians who are killed." The executive order also directed the agencies to "develop, acquire, and field weapon systems and other technological capabilities that further enable the discriminate use of force in different operational contexts." In a fact-sheet accompanying the intelligence summary and the executive order, the White House said Obama has been clear since he took office that "when necessary, the United States will use force abroad to protect the American people consistent with our values and all applicable law, including the law of armed conflict." To that end, the president in 2013 "approved and publicly described policy guidance formalizing and strengthening the rigorous standards and procedures governing our use of lethal force against terrorist targets outside areas of active hostilities." The new executive order was intended to "enhance best practices regarding U.S. counterterrorism operations and other U.S. operations involving the use of force, as well as to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding these operations," the White House said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Most of us are familiar with the VA loan, which offers great terms and benefits for past and present members of the military. The loan doesnt require a down payment, doesnt tack on mortgage insurance and keeps closing costs low. There are many other benefits too, and its a great resource for members of the military who want to purchase a home. Whats discussed less frequently are the steps that homeowners should take when they have difficulty repaying their VA loans. Thats what were talking about today, in collaboration with episode 4 of the Hope Now military podcast series. The Most Important Step Our podcast host, Ray Pennie, spoke with Rita Falcioni, a loan administration officer with the Department of Veterans Affairs, about consumers options for these loans. Perhaps the most important question and answer exchange during their conversation came when Ray asked her for the best advice to give someone who is going into default on the loan. Her response was something that weve heard (and preached!) before, but its often overlooked and underemphasized. Simply stated, she urged homeowners to seek help at the earliest sign of not being able to make a payment. You can read our article about asking for help, but with VA loans specifically, Rita recommends calling your local Veterans Affairs office and asking for the loan guarantee division. Talking to a VA Loan Technician According to Rita, that conversation will then go something like this: the loan technician will ask where you (and the property) are located, and then will request your VA loan number. Your technician is assigned to you from start to finish, so you wont have to worry about being transferred repeatedly and talking to numerous people who might give you conflicting information. Instead, your technician will be able to answer your questions and point you to additional resources. If you arent yet 60 days late on your payments, there wont be much formal action they can take, but they will be able to make suggestions, answer hypothetical questions that you may have and discuss other organizations that might be able to help you, specifically. Repayment Options If you are more than 60 days late on your payments, then this conversation will go differently. You will have options that werent previously available, as your situation becomes a little more serious at this point. Again, the loan technician will be able to explain these and walk you through exactly how they will apply to your individual situation. The most common options presented include: Repayment plan: This is the simplest and easiest option for those who can begin making payments again comfortably and are just one or two months behind. The borrower will set up an installment plan with the mortgage company to make up for the missed payments and repay what is owed. The VA loan technician can facilitate this, by setting up three-way calls and mediating the conversations. Foreclosure delay: Under this sort of arrangement, the mortgage company agrees not to initiate foreclosure proceedings in order to give the borrower time to sell the home. Forbearance plan: This is similar to the option above, except the borrower still plans to keep the home, but is waiting on the funds needed to make the payments. Perhaps the borrower is waiting on a lump sum, such as a tax refund. This option might help them to make it to the point that cash is available, allowing them to retain home ownership. Loan modification: In this case, the missed payments are added to the end of the loan and a new payment schedule is created. Short Sale: The servicer agrees to allow the borrower to sell the home for a lesser amount than what is currently required to pay off the loan. (Based on how this is reported to the credit bureaus, the borrower may experience a significant credit impact.) Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure: The borrower voluntarily agrees to deed the property to the servicer rather than going into foreclosure. (Again, based on how this is reported to the credit bureaus, the borrower may experience a significant credit impact.) Be sure to check out the podcast so you can hear Ritas explanation of these options: Other Resources Another resource available is the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) which helps residents of Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington DC. Generally speaking, the program serves unemployed homeowners and those who are underwater (owe more than the home is worth). Using this option might require working with a counseling agency and also the state housing agency. In fact, the Veterans Affairs website recommends that consumers interested in exploring this option start by first contacting their states housing agency. Other resources that consumers should consider are HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and local nonprofit groups that have a military focus. We covered a few of these resources for struggling homeowners recently, and that article might be a good starting point before searching in your local area. The Reconnect Program The VA loan is a valuable resource to those who serve, but like with any loan it is important to make timely payments and be willing to admit when there is a problem. Quick action on your part to seek out help could be the difference between keeping your home and going into foreclosure. We know these issues can be complicated and intimidating. If youd like more help from ClearPoint, a HUD-certified counseling agency, take some time to learn more about our Reconnect program and how our military-focused team can help you. Thomas Bright is a longstanding Clearpoint blogger and student loan repayment aficionado who hopes that his writing can simplify complex subjects. When hes not writing, youll find him hiking, running or reading philosophy. You can follow him on Twitter. This post was first published by Clearpoint. To speak with a Clearpoint Credit Counselor, call 888.808.7285 or learn more about their Military Reconnect Program. CNN's Quest in China studying market for business travel From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-07-01 10:33 CNN anchor Richard Quest says he's impressed with the quality of China's business travel market. [Photo provided to China Daily] Richard Quest, the CNN anchor, insists there is nothing fake about his larger than life on-screen personality. "Oh yes, absolutely. You couldn't do it an hour a day, five nights a week and 260 shows a year, if it wasn't the real you," Quest, 54, says. "It might be an exaggerated version, but I am not playing a part. The viewer would eventually see through you as being a fraud." He was in China filming for his show Business Traveller and presenting Quest Means Business live from Beijing. He made his first visit to the country 10 years ago and has returned a number of times since. "But I am a relative newbie in China. I find the place fascinating, absolutely fascinating, particularly the contradictions." The TV presenter, who is also CNN's aviation correspondent, is perhaps best known in China for his coverage of the disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines plane that went missing in March 2014, with 12 crew members and 227 passengers on board. There were 152 Chinese citizens on that flight. Quest has just published a book The Vanishing of Flight MH370: The True Story of the Hunt for the Missing Malaysian Plane. He believes the key to finding the aircraft is in being able to further analyze the data, rather than just constantly searching the ocean. "The problem is where do you look? You can't just keep extending the zone. It is too big. Until you can (further) mine that Inmarsat (British satellite telecommunications company) data, all those satellite handshakes, you might as well suspend the search until there is more accurate information as to where it could be to go back out again." Quest says he doesn't support the theory that the plane's captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah committed suicide by deliberately crashing it. "There is no evidence. He had been with Malaysia Airlines for 25 years and for 15 years as captain. In all other previous cases of suicide, the pilots have crashed the plane immediately. They haven't taken it on a long run down to the southern Indian Ocean for seven hours." Quest believes the most likely scenario is that the pilots and everyone on board became unconscious as a result of some catastrophic technical or mechanical failure. "Yes, the ghost plane scenario. Look, I agree it can be quite difficult to come up with that scenario but I think it is the most likely." The journalist was born in Liverpool and partly brought up in Leeds, where he eventually studied law before being called to the bar as a barrister, although he never practiced. He began his career as a trainee with the BBC in 1985 before becoming its North America correspondent in New York, where he established himself as a high-profile broadcaster. He moved to CNN in 2001 and has a regular presence on the network. He divides his time now between homes in New York and London. "I go between the cities, maybe once or twice a month. My mother, who is 86, and my sisters live in London. I like living between the two places. I know people are going to think this sounds like those horrible twee Sunday Times lifestyle profiles. They are going to think what has this to do with the price of fish in Scunthorpe," he says, laughing. Away from work, Quest is a big film buff, one of his favorite movies being The Devil Wears Prada. "It is a film I can watch again and again. I have nearly completed watching every Best Picture movie at the Oscars going back to 1929," he says. One of Quest's reasons to visit China this time was to report on the business travel market. China overtook the United States as the world's largest business travel market last year, according to the Global Business Travel Association. The sector was worth $291.2 billion in China compared with $290.2 billion in the US. He says he is impressed with the quality on offer from both Chinese airlines and hotel providers. "I took a couple of domestic flights, and they were as good as any I have taken in the United States. I went economy with Air China from Beijing to Xi'ana short hop of only two and a half hoursand the plane was full. Admittedly, the food offering was a little unusual but it was no worse than what I get back of the bus on British Airways." He takes a keen interest in the Chinese economy but still remains concerned about the global economy. "We are certainly out of the Great Recession, but I think we are in a much more difficult area. We are into a long hard slow trudge." Twins right-hander Phil Hughes will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, tweets Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The operation will alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome, according to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, who adds that GM Terry Ryan says the club expects Hughes to be ready for Spring Training (links to Twitter). Hughes was already on the disabled list for the foreseeable future due to a femoral fracture above his kneecap that he suffered upon being struck by a line drive, but hell now definitively be out for the remainder of the year. The injury puts an exclamation point on a second consecutive disappointing season for Hughes, who has seen his velocity dip since a breakout 2014 campaign in his first year with Minnesota. That season, Hughes pitched to a 3.52 ERA in 209 2/3 innings and set a Major League record with an 11.63 K/BB ratio in the first year of a three-year, $24MM contract hed signed the previous December. Minnesota rewarded Hughes by locking him up on an even longer-term deal, tacking on three years and $42MM to his existing contract. Suffice it to say, the Twins will hope for better results than Hughes has delivered the past two seasons. Its not immediately clear how long this current injury, which will require a portion of Hughes rib to be removed, has been impacting his results on the mound, but after averaging better than 92 mph on his heater in the aforementioned 2014 campaign, hes averaged just 90.6 mph on his fastball in the 2015-16 campaigns. That dip in velocity has likely contributed to Hughes diminished results in some capacity, as hes logged a 4.83 ERA in 214 1/3 innings with just 5.4 strikeouts per nine innings across the past two seasons. Hughes has maintained his pinpoint command (1.2 BB/9 in that time), but his swinging-strike rate has plummeted along with his velocity. Having just celebrated his 30th birthday four days ago, Hughes is certainly young enough to rebound and contribute to the Twins in the coming years if he can work his way back to health. Hes owed $13.2MM in each of the next three seasons. Yulieski Gurriel remains a fascinating piece of the transactional picture as the deadline approaches, and Jon Heyman of todaysknuckleball.com writes that his market is heating up. The Marlins held a workout with the Cuban star, per the report, with the Giants also showing strong interest though theyve yet to host him for an up-close look. Weve already heard of San Franciscos possible involvement, which GM Bobby Evans downplayed in recent comments. Other reports have connected the infielder to the Dodgers, Astros, Mets and Yankees, all of whom have held workouts. Heyman notes also that the Red Sox have taken a look, though he adds that Boston isnt seen as being a likely destination. The 32-year-old Gurriel is a legend in his home nation, where he has been one of the best players since reaching Serie Nacional as a teenager. And he also showed well in a brief stint in Japans NPB two years back. With an advanced bat and polished glove thats capable of slotting in at third, second, and perhaps the corner outfield, its not hard to imagine a fit with many organizations. Gauging his value is another matter. While theres some possibility that hell be viewed as a deadline addition of sorts, the expectation is that Gurriel will need a decent bit of time to get up to speed in the minors after a long layoff from competitive action. That uncertainty leaves some room for variability. Rival executives tell Heyman that Gurriel is looking for a deal that would cover this season and four more thereafter. His camp seems to be seeking something in the range of $10MM to $12MM per year, with one source telling Heyman that it wouldnt be surprising if the veteran could achieve between $40MM and $50MM in total guarantee over a three or four-year term. MLBTRs Mark Polishuk recently examined the possible market for Gurriels services, though that piece was written before the recent connections were reported. He and Steve Adams suggested that the contract given to Hector Olivera by the Dodgers (about $10MM annually) as a comparable. In this case, though, a shorter length (given his age) and perhaps a greater AAV (given his better pedigree and the market situation) are certainly possible. An ancient scientist gives us perspective for the 21st century From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-07-01 17:26 RESTORING the tomb of 17th-century scientist and scholar Xu Guangqi to a fitting 21st-century memorial was a bit like a meticulous crime scene investigation. The scene in question was a disintegrated tomb site and the crime was the passage of time that obliterated public records of a man once called the Francis Bacon of China. The tomb park, which includes the newly reopened Xu Guangqi Memorial Hall, is accessed across an arched stone bridge with ornamental columns and then under an archway etched with cranes. An 80-meter stone path, flanked by a row of stone tigers, sheep and horses, leads to a white marble cross and the burial mounds for Xu, his wife, his four grandsons and granddaughters-in-law. For Shanghai Jiao Tong University Professor Cao Yongkang, creating the proper resting place for a hero of Shanghais past began 14 years ago, with only several archive photos and a few relics to work from. From a panorama taken from the Xujiahui Observatory early last century, I figured out major elements of the tomb, including ornamental columns, the memorial archway and the burial mounds, says Cao, who spent half a year digging up a few photos taken at tomb ceremonies in 1903 and 1933. There were no original drawings of the tomb site. Xus death in 1633 was mourned by the last Ming Dynasty Emperor Chongzhen. He provided an imperial grant to bury the esteemed scientist and scholar in 1641 in what is today Xujiahui. In 1903, at ceremonies marking the 270th anniversary of Xus death, the Shanghai Catholic Church added a white-stone cross to the tomb site. Thirty years later, at another memorial ceremony, eminent scientists, scholars and politicians paid tribute to Xu. But after the Japanese occupation of Shanghai beginning in 1937, the tomb sank into oblivion. During the cultural revolution (1966-76), it was destroyed, with only a 2.2-meter-high mound of grass marking the site. Glutinous rice and brown sugar Like a CSI technician, Cao had to autopsy what was left of the site and pore meticulously through archive materials to determine how it once looked. He found snippets of information in books, records and old newspapers. He also interviewed Xus descendants, who grew up near the tomb, and studied the tombs of other prominent Ming officials, such as the Suzhou tomb of Sheng Shixing, a powerful minister during early years of the dynasty. Xus descendants recalled five burial mounds, which were later combined into a single larger one when the site was turned into a park in 1979. They also remembered gingko trees near the mounds, cloud patterns on column bases and railings circling the cross, Cao says. During the restoration work, a shovel accidentally hit upon a broken brick from the tomb. The mortar joint of the brick contained semi-transparent crystals that made the joint even stronger than the brick itself. The crystals were glutinous rice, according to ancient Chinese wisdom, Cao explains. The ancient Chinese added certain organic ingredients to inorganic building materials, he adds. The ground bricks in Beijings Forbidden City were painted with China wood oil, so they remain solid until today. We discovered a lime concrete harder than ordinary concrete when surveying the famous Tulou (earthen buildings) in Fujian Province. Guess what the locals put into the lime? Brown sugar. The small archway Xus tomb area originally covered 1.5 hectares, but nearby construction encroached on the site. While it may lacks the grandeur of more famous tombs, like Shengs gravesite in Suzhou, Xus tomb exudes the peaceful beauty of a small environment surrounded by pine, maple and camphor trees. Cao was questioned whether he had miscalculated size of the original memorial archway, the tombs highlight at the entrance. He ended up recreating it on a smaller scale. Fortunately, we found a few remnants from the original archway at the site and several photos from the 1950s, Cao explains. With the help of photographic surveying, which was used on a Chinese historical building for the first time, we transformed the photos to a 3D model of the archway, so Im 100 percent sure of its size. The small scale of the archway signaled that Xu was an honest official in his ministerial roles, free from corruption. It took eight years for his family to finally bury him, implying a tight budget, Cao says. Xu was a convert to Catholicism, and the white marble cross placed at his gravesite by the Shanghai Catholic Church was also restored, using a historical photo from historian Zheng Zuan as a guide. People often ask why a cross appears at this ancient Chinese tomb, says Song Haojie, former deputy director of the Xuhui District Cultural Bureau and an advocate of the restoration project. The inscriptions under the cross tell how Xu fought for the foreign missionaries who were mistakenly attacked by some Ming officials and how local Catholics donated to build the cross in 1903. To a younger generation, Xu is an unknown figure of history. The memorial hall, 100 meters east of the tomb, offers them an interactive introduction to the scholars life and achievements. There, visitors can plant sweet potatoes just like Xu did to feed starving masses via a multimedia cartoon, and they can see a model of the rotations of the sun, moon and earth. Every year, Xus descendants came here from around the world to pay homage to their ancestor, says Huang Xinhua, director of the memorial hall. The restoration project won a municipal award, but Cao says he would do it differently if he were embarking on the project today. With todays technology, I could inlay the original remnants in the archway to show differences between original and the restored parts, he says, adding that the remnants are now on display on the grasslands of the tomb park. Back in 2002, it was widely accepted that a demolished historical building needed to be recreated according to its original look, he says. But any restoration, even if its 100 percent loyal to the original, is still not authentic. Former director Song says the restored tomb will help raise the profile of this important figure in Chinese intellectual history. Professor Cao says he learned a lot from Xu while restoring the tomb. His accomplishments, from translations to scientific research, were all rooted in his strong enthusiasm, Cao says. That was the Shanghai spirit a willingness to accept new things and contribute to Chinas development in a practical way. The inner workings of Myanmars Central Bank rarely attract much interest from international investors more focused on fresh opportunities in sectors like infrastructure and agriculture. But since the start of the year the bank has gone through fundamental changes that have left it a much more modern institution. Clearing a cheque is a simple process in most countries. But at the end of last year clearing a cheque in Myanmar often required a visit to the Central Bank. If someone with a KBZ account wrote a cheque to a friend banking with CB Bank, the Central Bank would have to verify that the person writing the check had the funds in their account to allow the money to be transferred. Commercial banks had to submit daily paper statements to the Central Bank, informing it of inter-bank transfers that had taken place. Money transferred between the Central Bank and commercial banks often involved a physical shipment of cash. One Yangon-based banker characterised the old system as cumbersome, complicated and entirely manual. The Central Banks internal record keeping was also often done by hand. There are three Central Bank branches Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Yangon. Until this year, recording the income and balance sheets of the three branches and combining them into one statement was all done manually. And all this is in a country rapidly liberalising its financial sector, opening up its economy and predicted by the Asian Development Bank to experience the fastest GDP growth in Asia in 2016. But the days of hand-delivered paper statements have been replaced by pixels and automation. A new electronic clearing and settlement system dubbed CBM-Net went live across the financial system at the start of this year, which allows payments and transfers between banks to be settled instantly. The Central Bank has also undergone an internal overhaul. Japanese firm Fujitsu announced this week that it has provided the bank with a new accounting system compliant with the globally used International Financial Reporting Standards. Under this completely new software system, credit and debit transactions are entered manually but processed electronically, a Fujitsu spokesperson told The Myanmar Times. The accounting department of one Central Bank branch can see the transactions being recorded in the other two and the balance sheet and income statements are all processed automatically, he added. Basic tasks like inputting forms, which used to take bank employees two days, can be finished in one, Fujitsu said. All the interbank transactions cleared through CBM-Net are also recorded by the new IFRS software. The resulting system should help the Central Bank cope with an increase in the amount data and funds it handles as the countrys economy booms, according to Fujitsu. The company is hoping to deploy the accounting system to private banks across Myanmar as the financial sector develops, it added. The countrys banks have already had to upgrade their data centres and prepare fibre connections to use the CBM-Net system. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) helped build CBM-Net and also issued the contract for Fujitsu to provide the IFRS accounting system a development JICA described as urgently needed. Financial industry officials are rightly demanding more policy progress from the Central Bank in areas like exchange rate flexibility and interbank lending. But a sound accounting system although less visible has multiple benefits for a financial system, not least affecting how commercial banks behave. More reliable and efficient accounting data both stated benefits of the new IFRS system can help Central Banks monitor and supervise lenders. Central Banks are also often called upon to shore up confidence in a countrys economy or financial system. Myanmars national regulator is modernising at a time of renewed fear about the possibility of a global recession and a sudden economic slowdown in China. With Myanmars volatile currency, twin deficits and a burgeoning financial system, a stronger Central Bank will be a key asset for the country. [The] ability to efficiently and accurately create and release financial statements raises a [central banks] reliability in the eyes of the market, and is fundamental for its execution of financial policy, the Fujitsu spokesperson said. Six months into the grace period, Myanmar farmers are worrying what will happen when free trade finally comes to all ASEAN members in 2018. For most of its members, the ASEAN Economic Community came into force on December 31 last year, allowing the free movement of goods and services across the borders of participating countries without tariffs. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam were granted an extra three years to put their national economies into order, in recognition of their relatively smaller status. The deadline for all non-tariff barriers to be eliminated within ASEAN is 2018. Some farmers fear that may not be enough time. Myanmar still has the right to levy duty and apply import restrictions to agricultural primary products like rice, beans and fisheries products, said U Myint San, director of the Myanmar Research Centre for Economic Development. But there are already fears of foreign competition when people living in Myeik township, Tanintharyi Region, eat Thai rice cheaper and better than the home-grown variety. We need to learn how to compete with imported agricultural products, said U Myint San. Farmers will face difficulties if they cant meet the quality and price of imported goods. Higher-quality imports are good news for consumers, but not for local producers. Right now we can tax imports up to 5 percent, but that will fall to zero in 2018. Well be in trouble if we cant compete with Thai and Vietnamese rice. Rice Federation deputy director U Soe Htun said the federation was keeping a close eye on the situation, but he did not expect a serious problem to develop because foreign rice was only imported in times of domestic shortage. I dont see a major influx of imported rice at this point, he said. The Thai rice that most people in Tanintharyi Region eat is often illegally imported and easily acquired because of the proximity to the border, said one of the resident in Myeik township. Illegally imported Thai clothes and electronic goods are popular for the same reason. But Myanmar is still able to stop the free flow of agricultural goods, including Thai rice, into other regions, said U Myint San. Once the AEC arrives that will no longer possible, and the remaining window is tight for Myanmar to be able to compete on quality and price, he said. Bean farmers have less to worry about. Myanmar is one of the worlds largest exporters of beans and pulses, typically exporting more than 1 million tonnes a year worth about US$1 billion. About 80 percent of Myanmars bean and pulse exports head to India, although Myanmar is also hoping to break into the United States and Middle East markets. Some types of pulse like black beans are very specific to Myanmar, and competitors like Australia, Canada and Senegal are too far away to provide much of a threat in the export market. Free trade wont cause problems for the bean farmers, said pulse exporter U Min Ko Oo. Most of Myanmars fish exports, meanwhile, go to Nepal, Korea and in particular the Middle East. Because the quality of Myanmar fish exports are comparable with those of other ASEAN nations, the advent of the AEC is unlikely to cause issues, said U Myat Thu Tun, an executive from GP Trading Company, a manufacturer and exporter of fish products. But Myanmars fishery industry is still in difficulty, mainly because flooding makes fish farming difficult, he said. This in turn has pushed up the local price of raw fish for firms exporting fish products. The fishery sector has problems, U Myat Thu Tun said, but they arent related to the AEC. The World Banks Economic Monitor report published in May noted that local producers in the food processing industry are also facing growing competition from cheaper imports. Their productivity and competitiveness are hampered by weak domestic supply chains and a lack of access to affordable finance, it said. Much of the inputs for domestically processed foods flour, preservatives, and packaging material also have to be imported, according to The World Bank. Taiwan-based Cathay United Bank is ready to make a third attempt to get a licence to operate in Myanmar by offering to fund green energy projects. CUB, which opened a representative office in Yangon in 2014, says it will seek local partners in such ventures if it gets the licence. An initial round of nine foreign lenders that won branch licences in 2014 was joined by a second round of four earlier this year. Taiwanese banks dominated applications in that second round, with CUB one of eight lenders from the country to respond to a request for proposals. The firm had also applied during the first round. When we first applied, it was mainly Chinese and Japanese banks that received licences. We applied again in March this year, without result. If CBM invites us to apply a third time, we will do so, said Paul Lin, a vice president at the bank. Mr Lin is hoping that if given a licence the bank will be able to expand into green finance, especially for solar power plants, he said. Foreign firms have already invested in solar energy in Myanmar. In August 2014, US-based private equity fund ACO Investment Group signed with the ministry to develop two 150MW solar plants near Mandalay at a cost of $480 million. Thailands Green Earth Power Company signed an agreement with the government several months later in October 2014, to spend $350 million on a 220MW solar power station, on 850 acres near to Minbu in Magwe Region. CUB is known in Taiwan for its expertise in green finance and green power projects and has expanded the model into China, Japan and the United States, Mr Lin said. CUB has provided loans to 1000 projects, totalling over 216MW in solar power capacity, he added. Our company has done considerable research into green power projects and we will implement them in Myanmar if we receive a government licence to open an office here. We are also looking for local partners and investors to implement such projects, and we will cooperate with any local banks that are interested in carrying them out, he said. Since opening an office in 2014, CUB has disbursed inter-bank loans to local banks to support local SMEs. The bank has also offered training to Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) staff and employees in private banks, said Mr Lin. The banking industry in Myanmar now is similar to what it was in Taiwan 40 years ago. We have experience in this kind of environment and would like to share our experience through training to staff. We will make proposals to CBM, he said. Leapfrogging traditional options like factory work and setting up a street food stall, economic migrants from the countryside are flocking to Myanmar to learn high-tech skills like mobile phone repair and social networking, observers say. Like their predecessors, they put up with high rents, lack of opportunities and steep training costs. Ko Phyo Thiha, from Myeik township, Tanintharyi Region, says, Mobile phone, touchscreen and internet use are so widespread. Thats why I attended phone software and hardware training. But its an investment because its so expensive. Once you have it, though, he said, you can set up your own business. I want to open my own shop. With so many people using mobiles, business should be good, he said. Some young people come to Yangon to attend training and work in mobile shops, save money and then return to their home township to open a shop, said Ko Antt Hmue Paing, from Pyawbwe township, Mandalay Region. I came to Yangon to get a good income. There are no job opportunities in my township and I wanted to take phone software training, he said. I had to work six months in sales first to save money because the training was very expensive and I had no other income. Now Ive set up a phone repair shop in my township, he said. Many young people find that a Yangon training can bring good results back home, where rents and living costs are cheaper. Mobile use is spreading to the townships, but there are few repair shops, so we can get jobs. Now I work in a phone repair shop in my township, he said. A two-month phone repair training course can cost more than K200,000 for software and hardware. Toddy climber U Win Naing wants his seven children to follow in his footsteps not by doing his lowly paid job, but by climbing through their efforts to higher-paid jobs. Three years ago he sold his house in Hlaing Tharyar township, forcing the whole family to live in a squat where there is no electricity, to pay for the tuition costs of his four older children. The sacrifice seems to have paid off. This year, his fifth son, Kaung Pyae, matriculated with a score of 497 and five distinctions, enough to qualify him for the University of Medicine if he wishes. It was a film about a doctor that inspired me to dream of being a doctor since I was nine, said 16-year-old Kaung Pyae, who has graduated from No 2 Basic Education High School in Hlaing Tharyar township. But how was he to pay for his dream? When friends urged him to celebrate, he told them he couldnt afford medical school. His plight was aired on Facebook and widely shared, prompting donors to step forward, including actress Su Pantra, who has promised to fund his education till he graduates. I saw a post about his problem and visited his house. I decided to cover his costs for the sake of my unborn child, said Su Pantra, who is expecting her first-born. We wanted him to attend Yangon University of Education because its relatively inexpensive, so he will become a teacher initially, said Kaung Pyaes mother, Daw Wyne Kyi. My family back home are rich, but they havent offered so much as a pencil for my children. The generosity of strangers is astonishing, she said. Their eldest son left school when he was a first-year student at Yangon Institute of Economics; their second, a daughter, is doing a masters in mathematics; and the third is studying English at Dagon University. Number four, another boy, is studying electrical power at Yangon Technological University. Apart from the two eldest, who are married, all the family live in a little thatched cottage decorated with the certificates their children have won. I left school in third grade, said U Win Naing. My wife quit in fourth grade. Life is hard if you have no education. We struggled to survive, and we dont want our children to be like us. Our only desire for them is to have a good education and have a comfortable life with a good job. Thats why were willing to make the sacrifice, he said. Being studious, the children did not need to be pressured. The family comes Taungtha township, Mandalay Region, where U Win Naing climbed trees for a living, harvesting toddy. They moved to Yangon in 2001 in hopes of a better education for their children. To fund tuition fees, they sold their Hlaing Tharyar house and are now squatters. One daughter teaches part-time. Daw Wine Kyi said, My husband cant climb toddy trees in the rainy season, so he works as a motorcycle taxi driver. It doesnt pay enough, so we had to sell the house. Kaung Pyae studied three to four hours a day at home without electricity. English and mathematics were his hardest subjects. I only expected to get four distinctions. I was very happy with my results, he said. I wanted to be a doctor, but my parents said that with the others at university, they couldnt afford the tuition. Now weve found a donor, Im happy to study to be a teacher, he said. Maybe I can study medicine later. The University of Medicine admits students based on their adjusted matriculation scores, with an average set at about 490. Im embarrassed to say I live in a squat, he said. But many think he should feel proud of his achievement. Travel agencies will face blacklisting if they allow any of their customers to stay behind overseas when their vacation is over, the government has warned. U Myo Win Nyunt, director of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, told The Myanmar Times last week that it will take legal action against tour companies that facilitate the travel of illegal workers overseas. Meanwhile, one travel professional said there could be as many as 10,000 foreign illegal workers in Myanmar, who entered the country on tourist visas. U Myo Win Nyunt said agencies would be made responsible for the return of all their customers from overseas trips, and could lose their licence to operate if they failed to do so. We havent taken action yet since we started issuing licences to out-bound tour companies. But we can take legal action and cancel licences if a company leaves behind a Myanmar citizen overseas, he said. U Thet Lwin Toh, chair of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association, said dishonest customers had taken package tours with the intention of staying behind in order to look for a job overseas, in countries like Japan, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. This reflected badly both on the tourism industry and national dignity, he said. The ministry bears a responsibility because they have issued a licence, he said. These days, people can get to foreign countries for just K5 million [US$4200]. Tour companies have to exercise due care. Recalling an incident last year, in which a mother had left her daughter behind to find work in Japan, U Thet Lwin Toh said the Japanese Embassy had blacklisted the travel agency concerned. Other embassies will do this unless travel agencies take steps to ensure their customers are above board and comply with the rules. Our countrys reputation will be affected, he said. U Thet Lwin Toh added that many foreigners in Myanmar are also working illegally on tourist visas acquired through travel agencies. Its time the ministry investigated and took action against illegal foreign workers. More than 10,000 foreigners who came as tourists via a travel agency are working here illegally, he said, estimating from figures provided by construction sites. Then they go to Thailand to renew their visa. Some foreigners could also take advantage of the one-month visa-free travel with Singapore [announced on June 8, to come into force in December], he said. Daw Hla Darli Khin, managing director of Tour De Myanmar, said even experienced agencies could get into trouble. Even when a travel agent does background checks on its customers, problems like this can arise, she said, adding that the tourism ministry should crack down on fake agents who facilitate human trafficking. By checking the lists of names of customers who left the country against those who returned, the ministry could detect pretend travel agencies who brought the industry into disrepute. Daw Zin Mar Aung, sales manager of Gandawun Shwe Bagan Travel & Tours, said, This will reflect badly on honest companies that do their best. It will mean we have to check the background of our customers before letting them take a trip. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism says it has issued 227 outbound operating licences to travel agencies as of June this year, out of more than 2000 tour companies in the country. On the first day of her trip to Thailand last week, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with Myanmar migrant workers at the seafood centre Mahachai, near Bangkok. During the remainder of the three-day visit, labour ministers of both countries signed two agreements and one memorandum of understanding, covering employment, labour cooperation and border crossing, in her presence and that of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The so-called MoU system of employment was developed with intermediate brokers and job agencies on both sides of the border. The signing of the employment agreement is intended to improve the system whereby workers are supplied to the Thai labour markets. Rights groups have long criticised this system as allowing agencies and brokers to exploit workers, while loopholes leave labourers vulnerable to abuse and human trafficking. U Kyaw Thaung, director of the Myanmar Association in Thailand (MAT), said the Myanmar government should take a closer look at job agencies and brokers. Unless they are supervised under strict rules, they will continue to exploit the workers and, in some cases, will continue to engage in human trafficking, he said. To reduce exploitation of the MoU system and the workers, the Thai government has banned employers from dealing with brokers, whereas the Myanmar government has yet to do so. Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, during his joint press conference with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said Myanmar migrant workers enjoyed the same basic rights, welfare and protections as Thai nationals, and had access to basic education and healthcare. On the protection and the promotion of the basic rights of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, we both agreed that the Thai private sector and Myanmar migrant workers are highly interdependent. So far, the Thai government has made the utmost effort to take good care of Myanmar migrant workers, he said. However, rights groups said the PMs comment was not totally correct, with corruption deep-rooted in the workplace as well as in related arenas where workers have to deal with Thai authorities. For instance, Myanmar citizens who are working in Mahachai said they had to pay more than the official rate when they applied for so-called pink cards, which are issued to undocumented migrant workers in Thailand. They are valid for two years, renewable for two years more. The actual price is just about 5000 baht. Brokers demand 12,000 baht and we have to pay it, or get fired, said Ko Han Win Kyi, a worker from Magwe Regions Aunglan township. During the state counsellors visit to Mahachai, The Myanmar Times spoke to several Myanmar migrant workers who had come to see her but were not allowed to. Most said the Thai rules were not fair, and that even pink-card holders were subject to arrest. Under Thai law, pink-card holders cannot leave their area of employment. This rule also applies to workers who are employed by the so-called MoU system. Nor do cardholders have access to social welfare or health insurance. Thai authorities started issuing the cards after meeting with their counterparts last February. The system was supposed to give Myanmar migrant workers with temporary documents time to go home and return with their legal documents. Myanmar workers knowledge of Thai law is very low. Some of the so-called rights groups and individuals have also created misunderstanding, said U Sein Htay, country director of the Migrant Workers Rights Network. And there are certainly corrupt officials and police who take advantage of that lack of knowledge, he added. When renewing their card or work permit, workers are asked to provide their employers identity and their employment status. Workers say some employers charge them a fee for this document. There are Thai and Myanmar brokers. Some employers ask for about 1500 baht from the workers for the verification document, said Ma Khin Yuu, a Palaw township resident from Tanintharyi Region who is working in Mahachai. A friend told me their employer said they must apply for the pink card via a broker, or he would take no responsibility if anything happened, she said. The pink cards also leave workers vulnerable to arrest by police and deportation, as they are not official IDs or work visas, according to numerous accounts by rights groups and workers. The next step is citizenship verification. In the past, camps were opened in Thai border towns where undocumented migrant workers had their Myanmar citizenship verified, and were handed a temporary passport. The Myanmar foreign ministry yesterday announced that the government would soon introduce a certificate of identity to Myanmar migrant workers with temporary passports whose visa term was less than two years. After their citizenship is verified, applicants receive passport that grants them access to social security, health insurance and well-being. In addition to Tachileik-Mae Sai, Myawaddy-Mae Sot, and Kawthoung-Ranaung, the border gate connecting the Myanmar town of Tiki and Ban Nam Pu Ron in Kanchanaburi in Thailand will soon be opened. A worker with the right documents can cross the border and work for 30 days at a time. The previous allowance for border crossing was one week, and it was widely used as a transit for the workers who wanted to work in Thailand beyond the border area, but illegally. The two governments are planning to establish a One-Stop Service Centre for migrant workers in 10 provinces in Thailand and a Pre-arrival and Pre-departure Orientation Centre in Mae Sot, Tak province, the Thai and Myanmar leaders said. Migrant workers will get legal protection and other benefits to the full extent under the employment agreement. They will also receive work-related education and training, said the foreign ministry statement. U Sein Htay said the Pre-arrival and Pre-departure Orientation Centre in Mae Sot would serve Myanmar migrant workers both arriving in Thailand and leaving the country. Before they come to Thailand, they should understand what to expect, including the rules and regulations. The centre will check if they have their full benefits or not. If not, then the centre will help them claim those rights from their employers, said U Sein Htay. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said her government would help with visa issues as much as possible, in accordance with Thai rules. She also promised that Myanmar would meet its responsibilities to Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Ko Nyi Nyi Lwin, a migrant worker in Bangkok who visited to Mahachai to see the state counsellor but was not allowed to sit in on her speech, said he believed that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would take care of the Myanmar citizens in Thailand. I believe Amay Suu will bring changes to our lives because I know she will not ignore us, he said, using a nickname for the state counsellor. The foreign ministrys statement said, The Myanmar Embassy in Thailand shall increase cooperation and coordination to work together with the Thai authorities, rights groups based in Thailand for uplifting Myanmar migrant workers and their families, as well as Myanmar citizens in Thai prisons. More than 20 Thai officials were sacked after the state counsellors visit to Thailand, including six officials from Samut Sakhon province, where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited. However, Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister of Thailand who is currently visiting Myanmar, has reportedly said that the dismissals were unrelated to the state counsellors visit. After a study released last week narrowed the likely cause of drug-resistant malaria along the Myanmar-Thailand border to a mutation in a specific parasite gene, health officials are trying to figure out how best to respond. The culprit, a K13 mutation, has caused the frontline cocktail of drugs (ACT) a combination of artemisinin and partner medications that has worked for years to fail in a significant number of the cases recorded by the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit and the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) from 2003 to 2013. The MORU study found that when participants took the drug combination in 2003, the disease was always swiftly defeated. But by 2013, in nearly 20 percent of the cases, the parasite persisted, making comebacks or lingering for weeks. In part to generate responses to the new findings, the Malaria Elimination Project (METF) are meeting with the Myanmar Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Fund, Kayin health groups and other non-governmental organisations this week in Bangkok, according to Francois Nosten, director of the Shoklo unit and a member of the METF. They plan to review the MORU study and other recent findings from groups that make up the Regional Artemisinin Initiative (RAI). We are gathering evidence on a strategy for rapid elimination of artemisinin-resistant falciparum parasites, Dr Nosten said. The WHO argues however that the combination treatment is still getting the job done. Delayed parasite clearance does not mean that the drug is failed, WHO communications consultant Federica Maurizio said in an email. For this, monitoring of the efficacy of the antimalarials is required and currently WHO is supporting National Malaria Control Programme. But Dr Nosten, director of the Shoklo unit, said the response did not address the full scale of the problem. It ignores the fact that artemisinin failure is putting pressure on the partner drug and then that this translate into ACT failure, he said in an email. The studys authors concluded last weeks report with a warning that measures are urgently needed to fully wipeout the last vestiges of the parasite. Alternatives are needed desperately. With new antimalarials still years from deployment, there is an urgent need to eliminate P falciparum from the area before the recent and substantial gains in malaria control are reversed. Resistance has for years cropped up throughout the Mekong Region which includes Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos and has particularly hit rural areas along the border. Many in the Mekong carry the parasite but have built up immunity to the symptoms. They go untreated and the disease continues to spread. One controversial plan of attack put forth by some of the scientists behind the recent study, including Dr Nosten, is mass drug administration (MDA) where everyone, both the sick and the symptomless, would be given an ACT treatment. The goal is to wipe out the disease entirely, in the sick and the carriers, before it is given time to adapt to the failing medications. Critics of the method argue it will only speed up the problem of resistance. Dr Aung Thi, the Malaria Control Program manager within the Ministry of Health and Sports, said that the RAI was started in 2014 to combat the rising resistance levels. The program, backed by the Global Fund, is active in 72 townships, mostly border towns near Thailand, Bangladesh, India and China. The initiative will expand to four more townships this year, in eastern Shan State along the Myanmar-China border. The main intention is to eliminate drug-resistant malaria, he said. Were working to avoid allowing the disease to spread to other regions throughout the border areas. The project runs through 2017. The resistant malaria is mostly seen in migrant workers living in areas where there is less public awareness about health risks, which is further exacerbated by poor collaboration between public organisations, Dr Aung Thi said. Dr Aung Pyae Phyo, the lead author the MORU study, agreed. Because of the highly mobile nature of the population it is difficult to supervise, as well as to follow up the anti-malarial treatment especially in migrant people, he said. It is a major hindrance to [implementing] a malaria control/elimination program as well as the malaria efficacy research. In addition, many of Myanmars border states have been plagued by regional armed conflicts for decades. The patients are often working in the forest and barely earning a living, said an official from the public health department who has worked on the elimination campaign. They get malaria, they take the medication, and, when they start to feel better, they dont come back in for blood tests or to continue the treatment, Dr Aung Thi said. In some cases, [resistance occurs] because theyve failed to take all their doses, he said. To combat drug resistant malaria, health official have been distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets and clothing, as well as spray repellents, Dr Aung Thi added. But the MORU study noted that uncertainty surrounding claims of failing ACT drugs may have caused reactions to be slow, which in turn could have contributed to the failure to contain artemisinin resistance in the greater Mekong area. But Dr Nosten took a softer tone in an email sent to The Myanmar Times this week, leading up to the Bangkok meeting. We [researchers] are not here to tell the policy makers what to do, but to provide them with the evidence they need, to make informed decisions. With the paper published last week, we show that resistance to artemisinin leads to the demise of the partner drug and the failure of the ACT combination, something that was denied by WHO previously. The Myanmar Times reached out to the WHO seeking a response to this claim, but did not receive an answer by press time.* Malaria-related deaths have drastically declined in Myanmar since 2000 but concerns about these new strains of drug-resistant malaria, and how to treat them if they become more widespread, are on the rise. According to the WHO, Myanmar had 152,195 reported cases of malaria last year. In 2015, 31.8 million Myanmar people, more than half the population, were considered at risk for malaria. Translation by Thiri Min Htun *WHO provided the following clarification in repsonse to Dr Nosten: "In Myanmar, the antimalarials in use are effective, and the efficacy is more than 95% [the WHO's recommended threshold for efficacy of antimalarials is 90%] as per the results the study conducted in 2015 . The median treatment failure rate of 1.3%. Clinical and parasitological failure rate for artemisinin plus lumefatrine [currently used as first line antimalarials] and artesunate plus mefloquine is 6pc and 2.2pc respectively." The United States released its annual human trafficking report last night and added eight countries, including Uzbekistan and Myanmar, to the blacklist of those not doing enough to halt the scourge. This is a heck of a piece of work, US Secretary of State John Kerry said, introducing the report, which monitors progress around the world in the fight against exploitation. There are some tough calls, he said, but insisted that the list was based on facts and set criteria, not political considerations a criticism of past reports. Last year, the State Department was criticised for not including Myanmar on its Tier 3 list, amid allegations that Washington was turning a blind eye to slavery in order to encourage a slow transition to democracy. This years report on Myanmar dubs it a source country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and for women and children subjected to sex trafficking, both in Burma and abroad. Human rights watchdogs welcomed the demotion of Myanmar and Uzbekistan, which they felt had been unfairly protected from scrutiny for political reasons in last years report, but expressed regret that Thailand and Malaysia were not being held to account. Were encouraged by the State Departments decision to downgrade Burma that was a country that we were paying pretty close attention to, said Kristen Abram, acting director of anti-trafficking umbrella group ATEST. But watchdogs remain concerned that Washington is going easy on its allies in Southeast Asia, where the fishing industry in particular is regularly accused of using forced labor in inhumane conditions at sea. Starting with Thailand, we have seen some willingness to reform some of their laws, but its not made any significant impact on the ground, Ms Abrams said. With Malaysia, we know that they were moved up last year for political reasons. It was unjustified then and it remains unjustified today, she said. AFP A Thai poultry factory has been smacked with a lawsuit for exploiting its largely Myanmar migrant workforce. The chicken factory in central Lopburi province was accused in the June 28 complaint of forcing its employees to work punishing hours for pay under the minimum wage. Fourteen Myanmar migrant workers from the poultry factory filed the complaint with the help of a migrant rights group. The workers alleged the factory owner forced them to log overtime without extra pay, and to work without proper breaks. Ko Naing Win, 28, has worked at the Thammakaset Farm 2 for over three years. He told The Myanmar Times yesterday that workers regularly started at 7am and worked straight to 5pm every day, without any weekend break. The staff often worked 65 days in a row before getting just 3 days off, he said. He added that the workers tried to bring the dispute to the factory owners, request they pay them more and provide days off. The owner denied our demands and replied that we could leave the job if we did not want to work. It was a difficult situation for us, said Ko Naing Win. Workers at the farm received a fixed 6900 baht per month, rather than the Thai government-stipulated minimum wage of 300 baht per day. According to the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), which is assisting the case, all of the workers were legally employed at the factory. U Aung Kyaw, vice chair of the MWRN, said the network is trying to encourage scrutiny of the poultry industry, which has long avoided the kind of criticism the seafood industry has faced, despite also being rife with abuses. Thailand is a large supplier of chicken, including to the European Union. AFP reported that Thai food giant Betagro Group has cut ties with the farm. According to the MWRN, the complaint is seeking compensation for the workers and better regulations in the poultry industry. The workers in the poultry industry have not got their rights according to the law. So we will try our best to get them compensation, said U Sein Htay, chair of the MWRN. Police are investigating a case filed by two Myanmar women who say they were lured to China by human traffickers and then escaped. A 28-year-old woman from Zigon township in Bago Region and a 22-year-old from Hlaing Tharyar township said that back in April they were offered K250,000 plus free meals and transportation to work as housekeepers in Muse township, which borders China. Daw Cho Pyone, Daw Hla Aye, and Daw Nyunt Yee (aka Kayinma), who are all still at large, persuaded them to take the job through a vocational training centre, the victims said. Another woman, who is still at large, drove the victims and the traffickers to Muse. The victims changed cars, joining two Chinese women. When they arrived in Ying Zheng, across the border in China, the Chinese women gave Daw Cho Pyone stacks of Chinese cash. Daw Cho Pyone left the women with Chinese men, who watched them for four days. A Chinese woman told the victims theyd have to marry Chinese men. That night, they ran away. On June 28, Lieutenant Wai Lwin from the Anti-Human Trafficking Police Force opened a case against all the mentioned suspects for attempting to sell the women into marriage. Translation by San Layy For the millions of Myanmar migrant workers living in Thailand, one of the many struggles is trying to figure out how to get their kids an education. Education centres, which, unlike Thai schools, are free to attend for Myanmar students, did not receive support from the Myanmar government last academic year and they are still without government funding this year, Burmese Migrant Workers Education Committee chair Naw Phaw Yay told The Myanmar Times. Most education centres in the Mae Sot refugee camp in Thailand need donors and are having a hard time staying open. Of the 65 schools opened by the Burmese Migrant Workers Education Committee, 25 of them are not getting financial backing this academic year and they are struggling to avoid closure, she said. During her recent trip to Thailand, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the two governments will work together to allow matriculation exams to be taken on both sides of the border, but Nay Phaw Yay, who is also a teacher, said this is a settled issue. Students have been able to take the matriculation exams outside of Myanmar since 2011, she said. Nay Phaw Yay said she would like the state counsellor to focus on keeping the education centres open and improving the quality of education for Myanmar students living in Thailand. Of the 102 Myanmar students living in Thailand who managed to take the matriculation exam this year, only 17 passed, Naw Phay Yay said. The government also needs to consider how it is going to pay teachers and improve the homes that teachers are provided, she said. Ministry of Education director general U Khine Myel said they will discuss these issues in an upcoming education meeting. They plan to invite teachers from the education centres to that meeting, he said. Beyond that, he declined to comment. Nay Phaw Yay said he hoped the struggle for education access in Thailand remained on Daw Aung San Suu Kyis radar. Weve not had a chance to express our concerns about the education centres. We want her to know about the Myanmar children in the migrant region. We want her to know about the situations at the migrant schools. I dont want the education staff helping these children to lose hope. Translation by Khant Lin Oo Gangway! Mandalay merchants who block the citys streets could end up in jail if they persistently get in the path of pedestrians, authorities have warned. Starting July 15, in the six downtown townships of the Mandalay City Development Committee area, it will be an offence to encumber the pavement, platforms, drains or roadways. Vendors and other potential offenders were warned on May 13 that the new rule was coming. They will be forbidden to sell, display or heap up their products, stack construction materials, store furniture or install generators on the pavement, platforms, drains, roadways and intersections. No one may build houses, residences-cum-shops, shops, restaurants, mobile shops, brokers sales centres or shopping centres in the publics path, on pain of being dealt with according to the laws and regulations of MCDC. This was announced in the Mandalay media and Yadanarpon newspaper on June 28. Weve posted notices and levied fines before. This time, its serious. Any company applying for a business licence will be informed of the rules. The fine for a first offence is K50,000 [US$42], rising to K500,000 for a second, plus jail for one month to a year, said Mandalay municipal sanitation czar U Soe Tint on June 28. Residents have long complained that walking in the city is impeded by heaps of produce, lean-tos, generators and advertising signboards. All will now be swept away, as well as pushcart vendors who stop pushing, illegal purveyors of fuel and oil who set out their bottles and cans, and anyone who pitches a tent over a pavement, curb or gutter. An Indian citizen who had come to Nay Pyi Taw for a meeting with the Meteorology and Hydrology Department was found dead in his hotel room bed on June 29. Agriculture expert Nageswara Rao Vajaha missed his meeting, triggering suspicion. Steven David, an English citizen who had come to attend the same meeting, and the hotel staff discovered the body in room 1633 of Royal Ace Hotel. The body was sent to the 1000-bed hospital for an autopsy that revealed heart disease, a clogged vascular vein, liver damage and a bloody nose. According to the autopsy, he had heart disease. We contacted the Indian embassy and informed them of his death, said Police Lieutenant Kyaw Khine from the Dekkhinathiri Township Police Station. An investigation into the mans death by the Dekkhinathiri township police is ongoing. Translation by Khant Lin Oo A garment factory in Hlaing Tharyar, whose Taiwanese owner fled the country without paying his workers, was sold in auction for K56.7 million on June 29. U Myint Than, a local businessperson, initially bought the materials inside the former Unipolar factory at auction for K42 million but labour officials instated a price floor so they could afford to pay whats owed to all 178 workers. I bought it because I pity the workers, he said. I am not sure if Ill have profit or a loss. U Myint Than declined to provide the name of his other businesses, and said he plans on reselling the fatory. U Chit Paw, an official from the Ministry of Labour, said theyve already helped 70 former Unipolar workers find new jobs. Others, he said, have found new work on their own. I will report to the director general as soon as we receive the money from the buyer, he said. According to his instruction, we will pay out all the back wages and compensate the workers. Patrick Yan who owned the factory, which is located in the Shwe Linn Ban industrial zone of Hlaing Tharyar township, went back to his country in June without paying any of the May wages. The Ministry of Labour issued a warrant, but when it went unheeded Yangon labour officials sealed off the factory. The building itself is owned by another businessperson, who asked the new buyer to move the materials clothes, cotton fabrics, air-conditioners, sewing machines and other items immediately. U Myint Than said hell pay for the factory within three days. Then hell have three weeks to move the auctioned materials. Now here is an interesting juxtaposition of cases: On the same day that ministers announced there would be no legal action against members of a mob that broke into a mosque and assaulted a Muslim man in Bago Region, we learned that U Gambira a former monk and Saffron Revolution leader is facing new charges relating to an incident in 2012 when he allegedly forced open monasteries sealed by authorities after the monk-led uprising. The excuse given by Bago Chief Minister U Win Thein for the lack of action against the anti-Muslim lawbreakers is that the regional government is worried arrests will lead to more violence. If we take action on people, the situation will be bad, he told this paper. Meanwhile, U Gambira, whose legal woes have been decried internationally as being politically motivated and who suffers from serious mental health issues relating to his incarceration and torture as a political prisoner faces years longer in jail. How clearly we see that this government can be as willing to be complicit in persecution political or religious as its predecessor was. There is no indication that U Gambira also known as U Nyi Nyi Win injured anyone. His lawyer claims the former monk simply needed a place to stay after being released from prison during a presidential amnesty. As for religious hatred, U Gambira has been one of only a few high-profile Myanmar Buddhists to publicly condemn monks involvement in sectarian protests. He has been charged with mischief (causing monetary loss or damage) and trespassing. The offences carry penalties of two years and one year of imprisonment, respectively. Meanwhile, those whose rampage in Bagos Thaye Thamain village also included ransacking the injured mans home, destroying a Muslim cemetery and damaging a building under construction have been allowed to act with impunity. Impunity is a sensitive word in this country. For those campaigning on gender issues which is the usual focus of this column military impunity for crimes of sexual violence is perhaps the single most emotive example of the absence of rule of law and the governments failure to uphold the rights of women and ethnic minorities. It is disappointing that the new administration has so far not done more to prioritise this. The continued constitutionally enshrined power of the military certainly makes it challenging to bring its members to account in civilian courts. But State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also repeatedly made clear that she sees keeping the generals on-side as more important than holding them accountable for crimes past and more recent. With an extremely delicate peace process to negotiate, such reticence to pursue justice is disappointing but in some ways understandable. But the National League for Democracy governments continued reluctance to uphold the basic legal rights of the countrys Muslim population against crimes by other civilians is entirely untenable. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made remarkably few clear policy pledges throughout the election campaign that swept her and the NLD to power last November. But the one thing she was adamant about that she repeated so often one wondered at times if she actually had any other practical solutions worked out was the importance of rule of law. This was to be the foundation stone of her new democratic Myanmar. How then to justify a situation where her ministers allow religious hate crimes to go unpunished because they claim that applying rule of law will further inflame violence? This was the same implausible and unreasonable excuse used by the last military-backed government to justify bowing to the demands of violent extremists in Rakhine State and allowing brutal crimes there to go unpunished. It requires us to believe that the very same security forces which have a long history of oppressing peaceful democratic protests suddenly become impotent in the face of sectarian violence. Not only that, but it also requires us to accept that we should bow to rule of mob instead of rule of law. Yes, cases involving religious tensions in Myanmar require sensitive handling. But that does not justify the NLD abandoning its key democratic principle and its promise to the people of this country. U Win Theins vow that the regional government will supply aid to the Muslim people who suffered in the quarrel offers neither justice nor reassurance. More than 200 of the villages 268 Muslim residents fled their homes after the violence. One only need look to the tens of thousands trapped in internment camps in Rakhine State for the past four years to see how government aid can work out for displaced Muslim people living in Myanmar. If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is serious about addressing the religious hatred that has become a national disgrace for this country, she must ensure that her ministers publicly uphold the rule of law she has championed for so long. To do otherwise is to abandon democracy at the first hurdle. The people of Myanmar deserve better. I had a chance recently to interview Robert Chamberlin, the Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of DataXoom, which is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Through the years, as a bell head, I have looked at MVNOs as if they were the equivalent of prepaid calling cards. Not exactly a flattering view. I have also had people jump ship from carrier to MVNO or vice versa and with the hat change came a newfound evangelism against their former ways of life. Like an ex-smokerconvinced they were saving you from yourself. It was that history that drove our conversation. Robert took my skepticism in stride and pointed out that for their business customers, the carriers themselves had a bit of a reputation. You see, if the business discovered a hole in the coverage or a network anomaly, the carrier has a tendency to suggest that they should look at the overall service and be content. In other words they did not have a quick fix. MVNOs on the other hand, provide a safety net where the carrier coverage is matched against the customer need and coverage and redundancy is achieved. As we talked, it became clear that my real men have fiber in trenches, bell head view was not anywhere in the discussion with DataXooms customer base. The cloud and carrier redundancy were the values and making sure the price for data services on mobile devices were well managed. MVNOs like DataXoom these days are an easier vendor to manage, since the contract is not a commitment to whatever the carriers system can manage at whatever the carrier wants to charge. However, Robert was quick to point out that it was probably their dashboard for managing the services from DataXoom that mattered most to their customers. You see most carriers legacy systems have inherent rules about turning systems on and managing the customer that make it hard for businesses to facilitate internal deployments. Enabling business to deploy configurations and turn them on when ready has been a key benefit for MVNOs from the start. I pointed out that its rare that carriers actually own all the infrastructure these days. Towers and fiber routes are often found via purchasing teams rather than network engineers. And as SDN becomes a reality, the dashboard will be the driver for carrier success. I pointed out that this dashboard function was a key ingredient in the success and valuation of Jasper Wireless which was recently acquired by Cisco for $1.4 billion. DataXoom is not competing at that level with a US Centric solution today, but Robert was happy to have such a benchmark out there. Edited by Ken Briodagh Yaanom...Mekyea Mo Nyinaa, Mema Mo Akwaaba! Hello my gorgeous readers! Okay...I know I know...it's been a ridiculously long time since I wrote you guys... but don't shoot me though...your girl just lost her mojo for a while but now I'm back...and as always with a must-read article which I promise you'll enjoy so do get comfy. Today I will be putting the topic of our Ghanaian "traditional marriage" system on the table. Yes... I know... it's quite an undertaking, but I'm gonna take one for the team here (smiling). Now I'm sure we can all agree that there have been some misconceptions about our beautiful traditional marriage system, its customs, its rites, its history etc... I'm hoping that by the end of this article, we will all be a bit more enlightened on the different issues that will be addressed here as well as the proper use of some terminology...I mean...it's about time we call a spade a spade, because let's face it... if it's not clear to us...then it sure won't be clear to the generation to come who is learning from us. Before we get down to business though...do enjoy the short introductory animation made by yours truly. I hope you enjoyed "The Marriage of Anansewaa" story. This is a play that was actually written by our very own Mrs. Efua Sutherland back in 1975. Mrs. Sutherland was one of our very own of whom we as a nation can be proud of, maybe never even known or perhaps forgotten by some of us, but surely memorable. She was a play writer, a poet, a dramatist and obviously also an author. In Amsterdam (the Netherlands) there is a whole street named after her, and back in Accra (Ghana) there is whopping 12 acre green land named after her called the Efua Sutherland Children's Park. Told you she's memorable... metaphorically and literally. Now in this particular play that I narrated, Mrs. Sutherland actually addresses the disapproval of colonial influences on our traditional systems (well... that is if you analyze the text and read between the lines). So if for more than 35 years ago, colonial influences on our traditional customs (marital and other systems) were so apparent and obvious...why then do we seem so oblivious of that very same fact today? This play is nowhere to be read online and so I actually had to drive an hour to get this, and just for you guys I made an online pdf available (small book of 82 pages)... so you may just click "here" if you would wanna read it... and click "here" for the analysis of the play which discusses the effects of colonialism on our traditional systems. I actually laughed reading it, so I'm pretty sure you'll love it just as much as I did. Now we are gonna break down the specs of our traditional marriage customs and that of the west and get down to the analysis of both traditions, its customs, its history, similarities and differences. It seems only proper if I start with history so I will do just that. The Ghanaian traditional marriage dates since...well literally since forever. Our ancestors have been solidifying their marriage truly since the beginning of time, there is no precise date, because marriage ceremonies have always been around in some shape or form. Before there was a Ghana, before there was a Gold Coast, before our ancestors descended from Ancient Ghana etc., marital ceremonies were being performed (with respect to a particular tribe's customs of course). Now even though marriage ceremonies of other ethnic groups (other Africans, Americans, Europeans, Asians, Australians...) have also been around, the concept of the "white wedding" dates all the way back to 1840 when her Majesty Queen Victoria from Britain decided that she would marry Prince Albert in a white lace dress. And well the rest is history rightthe rest of Europe caught on to this white dress/white wedding-trend, then the United States stepped on the huge band wagon and all the other continents followed as well, even the colonial countries were not excluded from it. So what are the fundamental differences or similarities between the two? Let's get started. OOOHHH...THE INFAMOUS "ENGAGEMENT" CEREMONY In the western world, the moment of engagement is actually not such an elaborate event. Couples can choose to either make this as small as they possibly want, and keep it intimate between the 2 concerning individuals, or decide to make this a bit bigger and include family and friends, and some can even decide to do it so grand that they would want to include the whole world by the use of mass media and social networking (such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter... just to name a few). In the western engagement system, there is no set of rules the couples need to abide to, to include family and friends is an option, but surely not an obligation. However according to our Ghanaian customs, with a slight possible variation with respect to the different tribes, it is fairly safe to state that the "engagement" ceremony is definitely a family affair. Now marriage begins with an engagement rightso let's start with that one. In the west, the engagement is solidified with an engagement ring. However in our culture, not so much... You see, what we (unfortunately alot of Ghanaians) call an "engagement" today is actually our "traditional marriage", and our traditional knocking or Kookoo-Ko or Aboboom-Bo-Dee is actually equivalent to the western engagement. Now the word Kookoo-Ko literally means knocking at the door, sometimes this is also referred to as Aboboom-Bo-Dee. It is at this stage where the groom-to-be knocks on the door of the father of his bride-to-be, and formally introduces himself and then with the most humble intentions asks for his daughter's hand in marriage by giving the Ahu-Dee. So it is during this time, that the groom to-be and his family, usually the father and well-respected uncles and a spokesman make their intentions known to the bride-to-be's family. Of course this does not go empty handed. The Ahu-Dee which is usually a bottle of Schnapps or Gin, serves then as the acknowledgement of the marriage intent. So as these are offered to the family of the bride-to-be, a sum of money is sometimes added to that. However the specifics of the drinks and the sum of money really varies from tribe to tribe, and from family to family. So once these items are accepted by the family, then that signifies the permission for the groom-to-be's family to make their intentions clear. After that, a list is provided to the groom-to-be's family. And from that moment on, the preparation towards the big day can finally start. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of "engagement" is as follows "A formal agreement 'to get' married". So I'm pretty sure, the "Kookoo-Ko" or Aboboom-Bo-Dee fits the bill on that one. HMMMM... THE INFAMOUS "LIST" It's funny how an "innocent" list can really scare the bejeesus out of a couple and sometimes may even appear enormously daunting, but nonetheless it's just one of those things you need to get through. Now before I continue with this, please know that there will definitely be some slight variations from tribe to tribe, and also since the list is something made personally by the family, there may be some items on there that will not necessarily be seen on another couple's list. But please do allow me to discuss some of the items that are frequently placed on the list. So to start of is the Schnapps, this is used to ask for permission to speak in the house of the bride, so very importantwithout itit'll be hard to enter (so with this my gents, be prepared). Then comes the Tiri Nsa also known as the Head Drink which is usually 2 bottles of Schnapps, Gin or Whisky. Now the head drink comes together with a sum of money also known as the Dowry or Bride Price. Now back in the olden days, the money that was offered to the bride and her family was meant for the bride to start up her own trade once she enters marriage. So even though nowadays parents request funds on the list to compensate for the expenses made for nurturing and grooming their daughter ready for marriage, the initial intent was for the bride's future trade purposes. Then several pieces of ntoma cloths (traditional fabric) are listed as well, the wedding ring of course (which is usually a ring with a rock on top of it, so it looks quite different than the circular wedding band). Then some jewelry and other gifts for the bride, a sowing machine, this could be used to sow and/or repair the cloths of her future children. A bible is also listed, then crates of drinks for the family and guests that will be present on that beautiful day. Then in addition, special funds, a bottle of Whisky or Gin and special traditional cloth(s) specifically for the father who protected his daughter and raised his daughter up from a beautiful girl to a grown woman ready for a marriage. Then for the mother of the bride, funds, special sandals and traditional cloth(s) are required as well since she was the one that taught her daughter all the manners needed to be a lady and all the skills required to be an excellent wife and mother in her marriage. Because just like the Akan proverb states: Obaa Ko Awaree A Ode Ne Na Ko which means When a woman marries, she takes her mother along. And this basically means that whatever a wife does in her marriage, will be a direct result of what she was taught by her mother. Then finally some funds and special traditional cloths are required as well for the brothers and/or male cousins who made sure that their sister would be protected at all times from unwanted and unfit suitors, this is also known as Akonta Sekan. AHHH...OFF TO THE INFAMOUS "WEDDING" CEREMONY Yessssss the day has finally come! Rightlet's just hope that all the preparations went according to plan and nothing is missing on that list lol (because believe you me, they will check to verify) So in the western wedding ceremony we all know that the most iconic item used is the infamous white dress which was made popular by her Majesty Queen Victoria of England. But when we look at our Ghanaian traditional wedding ceremony, we see a vibrancy of colors, so beautiful it is bound to give you an optic orgasm (smiling) and no, that was not an overstatement. According to our customs, on the day itself, family and friends of the couple usually gather at the house of the father of the bride for the ceremony to take place. At this point, this whole ceremony is also known as the infamous Ko-Sre phase, which basically means the formal begging for the hand of the bride. Usually a minister will open the ceremony with a prayer, and then a spokesman will do the talking on behalf of the groom's family. Then we get to the Aye-Yo-Dee, which is the formal presentation of marriage gifts. So it during this time that the items requested on the list will be presented to the bride's family and thoroughly checked. Sometimes even negotiations take place when something is missing (yeah...it can get that tough...). After that, the family will ask the bride (usually 3 times) whether her family should accept these items. Because as the Akan proverb states Aware Nye Nsafufuo Na Woaka Ahwe It's only natural that the bride's family would want the bride to be double sure of her decision because as we all know Awaree Kwan Ware (Marriage is a long journey). Once she says yes then a big Ayeeko! Both family agree and the union is accepted. At this point, the minister will continue the prayer, placement of the awaited ring(s) on the finger will then take place and then followed by the blessing of the union, and wellafter that nothing less than happiness and laughter. At this point, the couple is "traditionally married" not engagedbut "married" (would be great if we could leave this horrible misconception behind now). So it is perfectly possible to register this union at any registrar or municipality office. Now if the couple would wish to continue with a white wedding after that, which is basically then the second weddingthen that is fine as well. Weddings are beautiful ceremonies, and somehow we Ghanaians have found a way to have 2 (smiling). If a couple should have the funds to finance a double wedding then please go ahead and have a blast at it, however if the finances are not so great and a white wedding is not an option then please do not feel inferior, because the traditional wedding ceremony is equally as valuable as the white wedding ceremonyand when done properlyoptic orgasm guaranteedseriously no joke. Then finally a court wedding is also available if you prefer that one, mainly to register the union. Now a lot of religious couples do have this idea that having a white wedding is mandatory not a fan of busting bubbles (or maybe I am just a little) but got to do it though and tell you that this is far from true...The traditional marriage can blessed by a minister at whatever location the couple may find themselves in, and does not necessarily have to be inside a church building. Of course, it is most likely that a couple may feel inclined to go for a blessing and thank the Heavenly Father for this huge gift of marriage, which can be done afterwards inside a churchbut this does not necessarily need to take the shape or form of a white wedding ceremony. OH... OH... THE INFAMOUS "DIVORCE" PROCEDURE Okayas bitter as this part may be this article would be slightly incomplete if I would have left this part out it's only fair right Okay so if it should ever get to that point, should let you know though that to dissolve a marriage is far from the easiest thing in our traditional customs. In the western world, it's quite doable compared to ours, you just take it to a lawyer and you have the divorce processed. But in our customschineke!! Like the Proverb goes Aware Nye Aware Na, Na Ne Gyae which basically means getting married is not as difficult as getting out of marriage. In the first phase, both families will try to find a means of reconciliation for the couple and also try to solve any disagreements and/or problems that may be leading to this annulment of marriage. They kind of serve as your very own State Defense Force, their influence should therefore under no circumstances be underestimated. So this all could work in your advantage or disadvantage (depends on how you see it). But if push should come to shove and fences cannot be mended (for whatever reason) then we get to the second phase, where the most significant item that should be returned is the Tiri Nsa or also known as the Head Drink". Now depending on who is seeking the divorce, the following should be done. If it's the wife that is seeking a divorce, then she may return the "Tiri Nsa" to the family of the husband. However if it's the husband that is seeking a divorce, then it is not customary for him to request back the "Tiri Nsa" from his wife's family, but to announce the upcoming divorce should suffice. Both families will then get together and then we get to the third phase, also known as the "Wobe Sum No"-phase. At this point, the man or woman, depending on who is seeking a divorce, must compensate the other...sort of like a proper sendoff... Do know that this whole process can get 'pretty' tedious, so uhm... giving you a little heads up. JUST A "TINY LITTLE" BIT OF BUBBLE BUSTING Without a doubt, there have been some myths and ancient traditions followed concerning the whole wedding idea, which may not necessarily be true... Now as much as I absolutely love busting bubbles, yes I admit that now (smiling)... I will be gentle while writing the following. Okay so the infamous wedding rings (or wedding bands) that need to be placed on the ring finger of the left hand actually dates all the way back to approximately 6000 years ago in Egypt, where it was believed that there is a single vein connected directly to the heart, named the "Vena Amoris", or also known as the "Vein of Love". Hmmmm...Okay, this is sort of true...but also sort of not true... You see it is scientifically proven that there is no "single" vein connected to the heart that comes exclusively from the left ring finger, but there are many veins coming from all the fingers (left and right) which are connected to the heart through a complex but astonishing cardiovascular system. The human body is a circular system... and it would take more than just 1 artery or vein to keep the heart (which is the most important engine of the body) working. And as a medical student... please do take this truth from me. Now I feel "slightly" guilty and so I do wanna leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling by telling you one more thing that maybe you did not know just yet. The wedding ring is circular by shape, and this is to symbolize a never ending love and bond, with no beginning and no end, sort of like time and its timeless nature... and so this symbolizes an eternal bond of commitment. Now the opening of the ring should not be seen as a mere empty space...or just another hole... but this actually symbolizes a door, a gateway to the unknown...pretty romantic right... Well my gorgeous ladies and fine gentlemen, we have reached the end of this article. The main point I wanted to get across is that our traditional marriage ceremony is in fact a marriage and not an engagementand yes, you can get it registered right after this. Can't tell you how much it innervates me when I hear such an ignorant devaluation of our own traditional marriage system (smh). It's true that colonialism had a major impact on our culture, and globalization only intensified that fact, but that does not mean we should blur out our own beautiful truth about our traditional customs at its own expense. So with this, I'm glad the record is set straight. Marriage is serious , not to be taken lightly at all, like the popular Akan proverb goes Woreko Awaree A Bisa which basically means, make sure you truly know who and what you are getting yourself into, it should be your decision and no one else's (do not cave into peer pressure). And if you should get to that point of tieing the knot, then my biggest and sincerest congrats to you in advance. Ow and of courseto all my already engaged readers out there Mema Mo Ayeeko! To find true love is really the most beautiful gift ever, and it's rather unfortunate that not everybody is blessed enough to find it in this life time, so if you have found it Hold on to it tightly! A little disclaimer for just my gentlemen out there though Oyere Te S3 Kuntu, Wode Kata Wo So A Wo ho Keka Wo, Wuyi Gu Ho Nso A, Awo De Wo remember this (smiling) as annoying as we ladies may get (yes I can admit to that fact too lol)trustthat we are very much worth the hassle . A big shout out to Bibi Invitations for the beautiful African married couples illustrations, they are truly too cute! A huge thank you to Mrs. Marlena Nkene for the beautiful portrait of myself you see above, truly breathtaking! And last but surely not least a big thank you and hug to my father for guiding me through this article (you're the best!). Was a pleasure writing to you guys (it always is), and because you guys are so awesome, I made an image library just for you, so you can download all the images I used in all the articles that I have written so far, just click"here" (yep your girl got your back... you are very welcome lol), let me know what your thoughts are on this one, would love to hear them! Originating at www.eclectickyeiessa.com Alfred Patrick Addaquay 01.07.2016 LISTEN ]30th June 2016] Airtel, Ghanas fastest growing telecommunication network and leader in data and digital innovation, is partnering Alfred Patrick Addaquay to bring to Ghanaians, a quintessential classical music performance come Friday 15th July 2016 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ridge, Accra. The master organist and music expert touted as the One Man Orchestra due to his versatility and creativity will be performing an array of pieces from renowned local and foreign composers as well as his very own compositions guaranteed to hold patrons spell-bound. Announcing the concert, Airtel Ghanas Marketing Director, Rosy Fynn said, Airtel is partnering with one of Ghanas finest master organists, to bring our customers and Ghanaians the most exciting classical music performance in the country. Addaquay is an excellent entertainer who has truly perfected his act over the years to become one of Ghanas most sought performers. We know our customers want top-notch services that is why we were the first to launch an entire sub brand Airtel Premier to cater to the needs of our high value customers. This concert is set to delight this customer segment and all Ghanaians who love classical music. To make the evening even more exciting, we are offering all patrons an Airtel Premier pack with GHC 120 talk time and 1GB data with every ticket purchased. Friday 15th July promises to be the most exciting and rewarding night for all classical music lovers. Tickets for the concert are available at all Airtel shops at a cool GHC 100. On his part, Addaquay said, I have been rehearsing for this performance for the past 3 months to provide an amazing experience for patrons this promises to be my best performance yet. I am grateful to Airtel Ghana for the opportunity to perform to its customers and Ghanaians who love classical music. I promise to give patrons far beyond what they could ever imagine, come July 15th. In 2006, Addaquay who was then only 20 years of age, composed, arranged and recorded for the first time in Ghana, an Oratorio comprising 32 classical songs which he named "Laudate". He had his first two hour live performance at the auditorium of the University of Cape Coast in March of that year. Since then he has performed both locally and internationally to highly excited audiences. Airtel Premier, the first of its kind in Ghana is a sub-brand of the Smartphone Network that offers delectable telecommunications and lifestyle products and services to its high value customers including access to over 700 VIP airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass service; access to Adinkra Lounge at Kotoka International Airport as well as discounts from benefit partners including hotels, restaurants, auto dealerships and wellness centers. About Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 353 million customers across its operations at the end of January 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com About Airtel in Africa Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has 17 operations in Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com , or like the Airtel Ghana Facebook page via www.facebook.com/airtelgh or follow us on Twitter via the handle @airtelghana. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences adds a record 683 new members this year. With Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan and John Boyega on the list, it becomes the largest and most diverse class ever following controversy over a lack of diversity among the nominees at this years ceremony. Both Elbas movie Beasts of No Nation and Jordans Creed got rave reviews, but the two main actors were snubbed at the AcadQemy Awards. Meanwhile, Boyega who becomes the Academys youngest member at 24 rose to stardom with his role in the blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Im deeply humbled by the honour of being an inductee of @TheAcademy alongside such formidable and diverse talent. I wish a huge congratulations to all the new members also, this is a shift in a positive direction. Always a blessing to be one of the many Oscar voters that will hopefully spark change. #Ampas, Boyega wrote on Instagram. 41 percent of the new additions are people of color and 46 percent are female. America Ferrera, Eva Mendes, Chadwick Boseman, Gabrielle Union and Ice Cube are among them. The latest winners Brie Larson and Mark Rylance were invited as well alongside Kate Beckinsale, Andrew Garfield, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Rachel McAdams and Rose Byrne. Were proud to welcome these new members to the Academy, and know they view this as an opportunity and not just an invitation, a mission and not just a membership, says Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. We encourage the larger creative community to open its doors wider, and create opportunities for anyone interested in working in this incredible and storied industry. 01.07.2016 LISTEN Gospel Musician, Evangelist and Prophet of Triumphant sanctuary Assemblies of God church, Prophet Nana Yaw Antwi has officially launched his latest record album titled, Amba ne saa, at Miracle Temple Assemblies of God church, achimota Accra. The song title Amba Ne Saa, was derived from the daily challenges people goes through in their whole Christian lives. According to him the plans of the devil are to steal, kill and destroy us, from the centeredness of the will of God. So therefore no matter the challenges there is the need for Christians to strengthen themselves through prayers as it says in the song. I love preaching the gospel to people, singing and doing evangelism to bring the lost souls to Christ he lamented. He said the focus of every Christian must be centered on evangelism. Prophet Antwi was born in Hohoe in the volta region, and started music in 1991 as a rapper but now in gospel by the obedience of the call of God. Being a prophet in Assemblies of God church is quite a challenge because Assemblies of God church as we all know is well organized church, therefore their platform is not given to just mere prophet but if I prophet Nana Yaw Antwi stand the chance of using their platform, then it means that God is good he stated. Story by Anita Frimpong Nairobi (AFP) - Three Kenyan police officers will be charged with the murder of three men, including a lawyer who criticised police abuse, the national police chief said Friday. "There is circumstantial evidence to link the three officers to the murder of the three. They will face charges including murder, said police chief Joseph Boinnet, adding that the suspects have been arrested. The bodies of lawyer, Willie Kimani, his client Josephat Mwenda and driver Joseph Muiruri, who disappeared on June 23, were found on Friday by a riverbank in a Nairobi suburb. When the authorities found his body, Kimani's wrists were bound with rope, three of his fingers had been chopped off and his eyes appeared to have been gouged out. Kimani, a young human rights lawyer with the US legal aid group International Justice Mission (IJM), had a short but impressive track record defending political prisoners and victims of state abuse. His client Mwenda had accused the police of harassing and intimidating Mwendwa in a bid to have him withdraw a complaint against a senior officer with the local Administration Police unit who he says shot him without provocation during a traffic stop in April 2015. Kimani's body was identified by friend and fellow lawyer Duncan Kinuthia. "The bodies are in a very bad state and it seems they were tortured a lot before they were killed," said Kinuthia. - 'A dark day for Kenya' - Kenyan authorities had announced Friday an order for the arrest of three police officers in connection with the case. The president of the national lawyers' association the Law Society of Kenya said it was "a dark day for the rule of law in Kenya". "Our worst fears are confirmed. Advocates and citizens are at risk of elimination by police death squads," said Isaac Okero. Kenyan lawyers had protested outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as a group of 11 human rights organisations issued a statement accusing police of abducting the three men. "There is strong evidence indicating that Willie and his colleagues were unlawfully detained at the Syokimau [Administration Police] Camp for a period of time," the statement said. Kenya's police force has been accused in the past of running hit squads targeting those -- including human rights activists and lawyers -- investigating allegations of police rights abuses. Boinnet insisted that the behaviour of the three arrested officers"is not a representative of the national police," rejecting claims that death squads were operating within the force. "These are rogue officers," he assured. Foreign envoys in Nairobi issued a joint statement voicing concern at the murders. "Holding police officers accountable for violations of human rights and other forms of misconduct is vital to end impunity in the police service and to establish safety and security for all Kenyans," said the statement, signed by head of missions from Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. President John Mahama has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to be firm with heads of school who continue to charge unapproved fees. Activities of heads of schools that collect illegal fees came to the limelight when the education ministry punished some of them after several warnings. Addressing the chiefs and people of Adugyama in the Ahafo Ano South District to commission one of the 123 Community Day senior high schools, President Mahama revealed he has asked the Ghana Education Service to be firm on teachers who perpetuate that illegal act. President Mahama who is in the Ashanti region as part of the Accounting to the People tour warned school heads who refused to issue receipts to students for fees paid would be dealt with. I have asked the Ghana Education Service to be very firm on this matter and we are not going to take a step back. Any headmaster who charges unapproved fees would sanction severely.President Mahama has warned. Some senior high school headmasters have been sanctioned for collecting unapproved fees. According to President Mahama, government has no intention to continuously punish heads, the move has become necessary. Weve already sanctioned some headmasters and I dont want us continue to sanction others. So I am asking all headmasters, the schedule of fees that are approved and agreed between you and the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service are the fees that must be charged. Meanwhile, President Mahama has announced 100 new schools have been awarded on contract after the World Bank agreed to finance construction of 23 new Community Day Senior High Schools. At least, out of 10,000 scholarships are to be offered poor but brilliant students as part of a USD 156 Million loan-facility, 6000, representing 60 per cent would be girls. A component of the loan facility to supply school girls with sanitary wares received nationwide uproar. But President justified governments decision to supply girls with sanitary wears. 01.07.2016 LISTEN The George Washington University Law School (GW Law) in Washington, D.C, has donated international law books to the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability (ACILA) towards the establishment of an international law library in Accra, Ghana. The library is being established by ACILA in honour of Mr. Justice Emile Francis Short, a former Judge of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda for his efforts at bringing justice to victims and families of the Rwandan genocide. Justice Short also served as Ghanas Commissioner at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice. The books, mostly on Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, and International Litigation and Arbitration, were donated by international law professors at GW Law, with some of them having authored the books. GW Law Associate Dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies and Burnett Family Professorial Lecturer in International and Comparative Law and Policy, Susan Karamanian, presented the books to Mr. Carl Mensah, Deputy Director of ACILA-USA, at GW Law in Washington, D.C on Thursday. The books will be shipped to Ghana. Dean Karamanian said that GW Law is honored to donate these important books on international law to the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability. We hope they will enable ACILA and users of the Justice Emile Francis Short Library to gain more insight into international law and thus help Ghana build capacity in this key area of the law. We expect as the summer progresses to have more books donated by the GW Law faculty available for delivery to ACILA." Mr. Mensah thanked Dean Karamanian and GW Law for the donation, adding that the books will be put to good use to enable users contribute to African scholarship through enhanced understanding of international law, a key mission of ACILA. ACILA Executive Director, Mr. William Nyarko is an alum of GW Law and graduated from the school with a Master of Laws in International and Comparative Law (LLM) last year. A wall was built overnight less than 10m from an elderly couple's doorstep and a trench has been dug beyond the wall, which was their road for the past 32 years. We, the women caucuses of NDC USA, wish to add our voices condemning in no uncertain terms the unsavory, unparliamentarily, and uncouth remarks made by Kennedy Agyapong against Mrs. Charlotte Osei, the EC Chairperson. It is high time characters such as Agyapong are brought to order to rescue the enviable reputation of the august Ghanaian legislature. Indeed, this is not the first time Agyapong has come out to openly attack a hard working woman in Ghana. Agyapong not long ago attacked the radio presenter Afia Schwarzenegger insulting her as a prostitute. Ghanaians can still recall the incident when the same Agyapong was calling for the attack and killing of Gas and Ewes. Agyapong is now suggesting that Ghanaian women, and African women in general, cannot occupy any office through their own hard work but by exchanging sexual favors. Is Agyapong suggesting that our Chief Justice and other women in high offices who were appointed by political leaders did not qualify and so traded sex for their positions? We want to know how many women Agyapong had sexually exploited before offering them a job at his media firms (Oman FM and Net 2) We want Agyapong to bring out his so- called evidence against the EC boss. We also want Agyapong to know that it is about time he started respecting women. A woman once took care of him when he was a child. We want Agyapong to know that women in Ghana go through all manner of trials to get to the various positions that they occupy, harder than their male counter parts. Indeed, our lawyers, judges, police, military, and other civil servants go through the same training and interviews before they are employed. Reducing them to the level of prostitutes should be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. Therefore, we the women of the various caucuses of the NDC USA are calling on the Chief Justice, her Lordship Theodora Wood, and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Honorable Doe Agdjaho, to call Mr. Kennedy Agyapong to order and bring some level of justice and fairness to how we treat our women in Ghana. WE also call for Ghanaians to demand that people representing us in various spheres of national life to be held accountable for their actions and utterances and made to act with the decorum befitting their office. If Agyapong and his ilk can attack institutions such the Electoral Commission without basis and go scot-free, then he can equally be motivated to attack other important institution like the Supreme Court and the security forces without justification. In condemning the unsavory comments by Agyapong, we also condemn any comments, past, present or the future, against any women organizations in Ghana. Long live Ghana and long live Ghanaian women. Mrs. Janet Wilson (USA National Women Organizer) Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has scolded the MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong over his abusive language against the chairperson of the Electoral Commission. Mrs Charlotte Osei, according to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker, exchanged sex for her position, attracting a barrage of condemnations from leading personalities and Civil Society Organisations. The Bishops Conference has called on the legislator to apologise unreservedly to the boss of the electoral management body and has also called on the NPP and Parliament to bring him to order. We, like others who have spoken before us, also consider the verbal attacks on Mrs. Osei by Mr. Agyepong as distasteful, offensive and abusive and should be condemned by all. We trust in the ability of Ghanas Parliament and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party to bring Hon. Kennedy Agyepong to order, a statement signed by Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong and President of the conference noted. It added: We join numerous individuals and groups who have already condemned the unwarranted verbal attack on the person and office of the Electoral Commission Chair by Hon. Kennedy Agyepong, MP for Assin Central, and call on him to apologise unreservedly to Mrs. Charlotte Osei. People in high offices such as Parliamentarians are expected to be decorous and measured in their public utterances to give good example to the youth and so when such persons betray the confidence and responsibility reposed in them by Ghanaians in this manner, it becomes very sad and worrying. As we inch closer to elections later this year, we wish to call on all Ghanaians, especially, politicians and their supporters, as we have done several times in past statements, to preach peace in word and deed and refrain from unwarranted verbal, physical and psychological attacks on perceived opponents. We want to repeat for the umpteenth time that we should not take the peace we enjoy for granted. Acts such as what has happened in Asotwe and unguarded statements from people who do not cherish peace have the potential of sparking violence. Therefore, we must be cautious of what we say and do in the name of politics in these remaining days towards elections. When I first saw the defence mounted by the Presidents lieutenant in chief, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, over the Ford Expedition gift it really warmed my heart for his act of loyalty. However, every Tom, Dick or Harry knows that his full throated and spirited advocacy is only meant to protect his job. The reality is if his boss, the president, is proven beyond reasonable doubt on the accusation of bribery and corrupt he is history. I, therefore, admire him for his gallant effort to protect his job. That is what any sane person will do in our politics of bread and butter where principles, morality, dignity, integrity etc. are crucified on the altar of cedi. As much as I admire the colourful and quite understandable effort of Dr Boamah, I strenuously disagree with the pro bono defence being offered by some of the bigwigs in the media, though its their prerogative. For all the unedifying crusade in defence of the president, what I find objectionable is the politics of equalisation. Our democracy is still work in progress, and it is in the interest of every person that matter, especially those in the media, to give their best professional judgement, because a lot of people rely on it. We are trying everything humanly possible to perfect our infant democracy under very difficult circumstances. For various reasons, a lot of African countries look to our democracy as a model. Besides, we owe it to ourselves to fine tune it to be a model of emulation. I dont mind the vigorous defence of Dr Boamah, because that is his job. On the other hand, those well respected personalities in the media spouting the equalisation mantra is despicable. I very much respect one of them and I am not going to drag his name in the sludge, because I still cherish his views. But I must emphasise here that to bring President Kufour into the debate is untenable. In the sense that how can we in good conscience, especially when we want to forge ahead, yet in the same breath constantly rely on dark past examples. Though it is important that we take lessons from the past, the snag is should we use it as a yardstick to measure current morality, especially when it was not acceptable then? What these people will have to realise is that if anything at all, it is one of the reasons why President Kufuors party was not retained in 2008 among others. So why do we turn around to acquiesce to misdemeanours that were rejected in 2008. My grandmother who passed away more than two and half decades ago used to say that when someone showers her with gifts it becomes a burden on her because she is forced to return it in kind. It is imperative for everyone to ask the question why Mr Kanazoe went to see the then Vice President Mahama? Was he the Minister for Roads and Highways to pitch what he is capable of? The answer is simply no. Mr Kanazoe went for one of the jugular veins for the kill. He could not get to President Mills so he felt the vice will be as good as the head. Do we make friends by consciously soliciting appointment to meet people, especially government official, as he alluded in Manassehs investigation? He struck a business friendship pure and simple with the express intention of influencing him in the future to do his bidding. What Mr Kanazoe did was planting a seed that will yield a hundred fold, and it paid off with the contracts that the president showered him with praise after its completion. Mind you, as I write, there is a lot of concern about the durability of the road he constructed. Some stretches of the road that was completed in February have already developed potholes. So much for President Mahamas model contractor. The brown envelop has got a magic power everywhere. Even in our churches, those who donate huge sums have special seat in the house of God. What in Gods name has the president done for Mr Kanazoe for him to reciprocate with a $100,000 worth of gift. The friends of the president should not forget that the people of Ghana do not provide him with a presidential jet for him to behave like any ordinary man. Traffic do not stop for him to act like a messenger boy. Of course, I dont blame him; its the fault of the late President, may his soul rest in peace, for saddling the nation with this unscrupulous cheap leader who will sell his country for a second hand car, according to their side of the story. What is even unpardonable is the disgraceful strawman argument that the gift was added to the presidential pool of cars, which everyone know that it was an afterthought. Its the effort of a limp wristed brain desperate to make face in the courtroom of public opinion that will make such a lame pitch. Are they suggesting that the people of Ghana cannot afford to provide enough fleet of cars for his operations at the presidency? This is the last try of a drowning man. I am sorry; the president has been caught with his pants down, period. Philip Kobina Baidoo Jnr London [email protected] Babies with brains damaged by the Zika virus might still appear normal, a large study of Brazilian babies shows. Babies born with tiny heads or microcephaly is the main concern in the Zika outbreak. But the findings, published in the Lancet, show a fifth of babies that would be classed as normal actually had brain abnormalities. And the Brazilian researchers warned Zika infection in newborns could also lead to brain damage. Zika infection is largely mild, with most people having no symptoms. But the World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency because of the risk to newborn children. In severe cases children can die and those that survive face intellectual disability and development delays. Surveillance The researchers analysis of every reported case 1,501 in Brazil up to February shows the risk might be greater than thought. The head has done most of its growth by 30 weeks gestation. It is thought Zika infection after this point still affects the brain, but no longer shows up as microcephaly. Pregnant women who had a rash the main sign of Zika infection late in the pregnancy were more likely to have a child with a normal-sized head. Prof Cesar Victora, a researcher from the Universidade Federal de Pelotas in Brazil, said: One in five definite or probable Zika cases had head circumference values in the normal range therefore the current focus on microcephaly screening alone is too narrow. Our findings suggest that among pregnancies affected by Zika virus, some foetuses will have brain abnormalities and microcephaly, others will have abnormalities with normal head sizes, and others will not be affected. A surveillance system aimed at detecting all affected newborns should not just focus on microcephaly and rash during pregnancy and should be revised, and examination of all newborns during epidemic waves should be considered. The fact the brain can still be affected in the later stages of pregnancy has led the researchers to speculate that Zika virus infection in newborn babies might lead to neurological damage. The researchers also found that a rash was not present in a third of infected mums-to-be. The report said the microcephaly cases peaked at the end of 2015, about six to nine months after the Zika virus epidemic peaked in north-east Brazil. Prof Victora added: Because a new wave of Zika virus infection took place in south-eastern Brazil in early 2016, there could be a second wave of microcephaly at the end of the year. Prof Jimmy Whitworth, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told the BBC News website: The message this sends out is that there is broader concern than originally thought. It is about more than microcephaly, which is the tip of the iceberg, and the risk might extend longer in pregnancy and even to birth. Were hampered by the lack of a reliable diagnostic test for Zika. Its hard to know if a woman has been infected. Other than the fact that empty barrels make the most noise, there is an established adage that says, "do not argue with a fool, people might not notice the difference." However, in this context the difference is so stark that it is safe to say that those who cannot see same are merely blinded by the misogyny of a wasted NDC party of miscreants, chauvinists, thieves, and lackadaisical narcissists. It is even more bamboozling when a dunderhead as the basket mouth Kokoon Anyidaho twitches his half kilo lips, accusing the peaceful Nana Akufo-Addo of terrorism when he, like his military father, know nothing but the vulgar language of war, terror, and death. It is ironic that he would accuse Nana Akufo-Addo of terrorism when the very podium that he uses to do his propaganda today is the result of the former's struggle against Rawlings's tyranny during the early days of this same party, the NDC. There is not a single incident in the life of Nana Akufo-Addo or the history of this country connected to him that is not filled with testimony of his peaceful nature, wise submissions, and ardent belief in national cohesion. Recently, Kokoon Anyidaho and an unfashionable nitwit, Mugabe Maase of Muntie fm, hurled and confirmed predictions of death upon Nana Addo without pausing to think about the criminality of their utterances. They were safe because John Mahama and the security apparatuses of the country were behind them. Not a single call from the irresponsible leaders of the NDC was made for an apology to be rendered. Nana Akufo-Addo is laudably irenic. Regarding his role in the NPP, the party has never been as united as it is now. Such cohesion under the flagbearership of Nana Akufo-Addo is at its pinnacle, and anyone who does not discern the unprecedented unity in the rank and file of the NPP needs redemption and exorcism. It would seem that the current administration of President John Mahama has done well to cast an evil spell on Ghanaians than do any good for the nation. Paul Afoko and his crew of divisive traitors cum betrayers were expunged from the books of the NPP not by Nana Akufo-Addo, but by the party hierarchy for gross betrayal and seeming collusion with the NDC to destroy it. The events that followed confirmed all. An unfashionable miscreant of the NDC insulted all women above 30 years old saying that if by that age they are unable to find husbands, then they are prostitutes. Hon Kennedy Agyapong asserted that Charlotte Osei traded sex for the EC chairmanship, and all the NDC women groups and horrific loudmouths shouted "hey". But Hanna Tetteh did not see anything wrong with the fact that her son lured a girl into his car and romped her like a sex-starved gorilla in the highland jungles of Congo. He recorded the episode and released it on social media. The trauma that the girl suffered as a result did not move Hanna Tetteh. Maybe her son's victim was not "Charlotte" enough to be defended. Oye Lithur did not utter a word of worry when Vicky Hammah was accused of sleeping with the President to get her appointment. In fact, Oye Lithur seems to be absent when under her stuffy nose, little girls 2,5,7 and nine years are raped and left to their fate because in some instances the rapists go scot-free. When word made the rounds that President John Mahama impregnated his 17 year old househelp, Aisha, neither voluminous Oye Lithur and Hanna Tetteh nor oval office mouth, Betty Mould Iddrisu, said a word to chastise him or call for an investigation into his alleged rape of this under-aged girl. A 65 year old NDC polling station chairman at Akpafu in the Hohoe district of the Volta region was arrested on 30th June, 2016, (yesterday) for slaughtering a 75 years old man for ritual purposes to assist John Mahama retain the Presidency in the 2016 elections. That was shifted to the blind side of the media, but the accusation that an idiot somewhere traded sex for a position triggered loud mouths who added their own trademark twists. An NDC activist, Mr Atubigah, said that Ghana will turn chaotic if the NPP won the upcoming elections. For every NDC person killed, 10 NPP people would be killed. He has not been called to order, arrested, or put before a magistrate for trial. Under John Dramani Mahama, ritual killings, assassinations, vandalism, robberies, harassment, terrorism, uncontrolled indulgence, rape, and general crime quadrupled. Under his supervision, institutions collapsed, businesses folded up, the currency depreciated 400%, school feeding programmes ground to a halt, doctors were insulted and not paid, nurses were maltreated and, also, not paid, teacher trainee allowances were cancelled, cocaine deals were promoted in collusion with high ranking people in authority, corruption went to colossal levels, and the country became indebted to the tune of 40 billion dollars. An NDC activist and staffer at the FlagStaff House, named 'Alistair', threatened to kill the Supreme Court Judges. No one is saying anything about that. Talk about terrorism and the NDC will jump to mind. See the video below: So what legacy is John Mahama leaving? He is leaving one of terrorism, fanaticism, corruption, bribery, looting, sex scandals, lewd behaviour, and unrestrained incompetence; all that to say the least. So Kokoon Anyidaho, I wish to tell you that we will chase your kind into all the gutters, dungeons, and catacombs of the media. We shall expose to the good people of Ghana the kind of dastards that have taken over our country, making a strong and compelling case why we should liberate ourselves from the grips of scheming idiots like you. We shall match you boot for boot and, in some instances, in incommensurate measures. #NanaIsAPeacefulMan #NanaIsAUnifier #NanaIsTheUltimatePresident An attack on bakery at Bomso in Kumasi in the Ashanti region has left two workers in critical condition at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Margaret Oforiwaa and Kwame Adjei are said to have bled profusely from gunshot wounds in last nights attack believed to be an escalation of an earlier confrontation between a worker and a gang member. What appeared a normal working night turned bloody when three gun men wielding AK 47 assault rifles and pistols started shooting sporadically at workers on duty. The armed gang had returned to the shop to retaliate an attack on one of its members who had verbal confrontation with one of the workers. The disagreement turned into fisticuffs. But after the two were seperated, the man whose identity is unknown returned in the evening in the company of his colleagues, to carry through a threat to retaliate. They chased the defenseless workers in darkness and shot two workers and a customer at close range. Margaret was shot in the upper chest while Kwame was hit in thigh. The two who bred profusely are said to have been rushed to the KNUST Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in unconscious state, only for health personnel there to resuscitate them. The gang later attacked a family nearby. One of the traumatized victims says it was a near-death experience for him and his family. I was on phone and I heard the thing [gunshot] so we were thinking that may its a knock-out[fire crackers]. And then the second one came; then people started running-they were running for their life. Then when the third one came, it was just infront of them. Then one guy broke into our room and gave a warning shot. He explained. Meanwhile, KNUST District Police Command has launched investigations into the attack after visiting the crime scene last night and this morning. The National Association of Charismatics and Christian Churches (NACCC) is demanding an apology from New Patriotic Party firebrand, Kennedy Agyapong for making some comments believed to be sexist against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei. He must retract and apologize to all hard working Ghanaian women in general and Mrs Charlotte Osei in particular without further delay if the statement attributed to him is true, a statement from the NACCC said. Kennedy Agyapong who is the Member of Parliament Assin Central allegedly accused Charlotte Osei of getting her current position through sexual favours. The statement signed by the General Secretary of NACCC, Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, said the Association is shocked by attempts [by the MP] to ridicule the achievements of Ghanaian women in the eye of the public. The NACCC believe that women in Ghana should not be disrespected in such a manner because they have contributed immensely to national development by playing various leadership roles in education, politics, business, sports, religion and commerce despite our male dominated social-cultural environment. The NACCC also urged politicians to exercise decorum in the build up to the general elections in November. As we prepare towards the upcoming elections, NACCC urges all Ghanaians especially politicians to watch their utterances and admonishes all adhere to the biblical Counselling in Colossians 4:6. Find below the full NACCC statement PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHARISMATICS & CHRISTIAN CHURCHES GHANAIAN WOMEN ARE MORE HONOURABLE The National Association of Charismatics and Christian Churches (NACCC) is shocked by attempts to ridicule the achievements of Ghanaian women in the eye of the public. Ghanaian women since independence have contributed immensely to national development by playing various leadership roles in education, politics, business, sports, religion and commerce despite our male dominated social-cultural environment. These women broke the glass-ceiling without compromising on their values. Against all odds single Ghanaian mothers without the help of men have worked hard whether in the market or in the boardroom to put food on the tables for their children, clothes at their back and shelter over their heads. It is against this background that NACCC calls on Ghanaians to disregard the recent statement allegedly made by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong which seems to suggest that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission got her job by offering sexual favours. He must retract and apologize to all hard working Ghanaian women in general and Mrs Charlotte Osei in particular without further delay if the statement attributed to him is true. As we prepare towards the upcoming elections, NACCC urges all Ghanaians especially politicians to watch their utterances and admonishes all adhere to the biblical Counselling in Colossians 4:6: [6] Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Signed: Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, General Secretary By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana 01.07.2016 LISTEN There is no gainsaying the fact that good governance is a per-requisite for sustainable development. This is why there is a global advocacy for god governance as manifested in transparency, accountability, responsiveness, consensus-building and the rule of law. These pre-conditions have taken a prime position in the advocacy for people-oriented, responsive and democracy based on the rule of law and constitutionalism. The general perception among nations is the expectation that leaders adhere to these democratic principles of good governance. Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, vests the powers of law making in the Legislature. The Legislation has the constitutional mandate to make laws for the good governance of the Nation as it is applicable in the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly at the National level and State levels respectively. The legislation is therefore one of the cardinal institutions of any democratic governance. As a separate organ of government, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the entrenchment of good governance in the State. The legislature which comprises democratically elected representatives of the people, is basically tasked to make people-driven laws and keep a check on the executive arm to run a However, the duties of the legislature go beyond the traditional business of legislation and constant checks on the executive. The legislators who are entitled to constituency funds periodically to embark on developmental projects for the betterment of the populace. This is in spite of several oversight functions of the first organ of government. The legislature approves the budget, provides direction for government by ensuing that government officials act within the ambit of enacted legislations, controls expenditure, approves treaties and agreements signed by the Executive arm and above all has the power to recommend the removal of non-performing officials from office. While the legislature works in synergy with the executive, it also provides a check on the executive in line with the spirit of checks and balances. Law-making is the primary and most important function of the legislature. It is through laws that policies of government are laid down for implementation. In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the legislature makes new laws and may repeal outdated legal provisions. Laws are enacted in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The legislature is the custodian of national finance. It exercises control over government by controlling the sources of income and the items of expenditure of government. The budget is placed in the legislature for its approval. After the approval of the legislature only the executive gets money according to the budget for execution of policy. Historically, most governments have succeeded mainly because the legislative organ of government enacted good laws and made sure the government is always accountable to the people. It has been universally acknowledged that for good governance to be achieved, there must be a vibrant legislature. The legislature is a talking shop which discusses and deliberates on all issues of national importance. Through deliberations the legislature reflects public opinion on various issues. It acts as the most effective forum for articulation and expression of public opinion. Legislature acts as a link between the public and the government. Good governance is the process of making and implementing decisions. It is not about making 'correct' decisions, but about the best possible process of making decisions for the overall interest of the people. Good decision-making process and good governance share several characteristics: They all have a positive effect on various aspects of the government including consultations with the people, policies that are people-oriented, and programmes that provide the platform for developing society. For the legislature to enhance good governance, the following must play out visibly The legislature is empowered to look into the needs, business and occupational engagements of the people and make adequate laws that will directly affect the living standards of the people, positively. However, this cannot be achieved if the legislature is made up of people who are rubber-stamp lawmakers. It is against this background that the electorate endeavour to ensure that those elected to the legislature are not mere rubber-stamp. Where there are credible legislators with integrity, the principle of checks and balances works Here, the underlying word is credible representation. Ostensibly, government is in continuum; hence the legislature is expected to intermittently review, and if necessary amend existing laws to ensure that the needs and desires of the people are met in line with the dynamics of society. The will of the state is formulated and expressed through laws made by the legislature. The modem legislature is subject to two kinds of limitations: one is subordinate legislation and the other is direct legislation in the shape of initiative, referendum and plebiscite. The Legislature often makes laws on broader principles and authorizes the executive to supplement it with technical details. The making of rules and regulations in detail by the executive is known as delegated legislation. Some laws are archaic and overtaken by time and events. Such laws are reviewed to meet the present needs of the people, so it is incumbent on the legislature to make necessary amendments to such laws. Since 2012, the Restoration administration headed by Governor Seriake Dickson has been very proactive in initiative executive bills, most of which have been passed into law. Some of these include the Anti-Cultism Secret Cult and other allied matters Law, the Annual Thanksgiving Law; the Local Government Administration Amendment Law, the Childs Rights and Protection Law among others verging on the protection of human rights. By the same token, the legislature plays a major role in gauging, collating and presenting the views and needs of the people they represent. This is usually achieved through the articulation of the needs and aspirations of the people. It behooves the legislature to determine the development agenda of government. More importantly, the legislature helps in identifying the problems and challenges of the people that require attention and assist in overcoming bureaucratic inertia. Legislators achieve this by opening constituency offices where the needs. The legislators, who are cognizant of the needs of the ruled, often advise the executive on the best policies and decisions to be taken vis-a-vis state matters. Such material counsel endears government to adopt best ways or method of getting things done for the benefit of the masses. A vibrant legislature is more or less the propelling factor to engendering democracy and good governance. The commitment and selflessness of law makers is crucial for any government to achieve the desired change. In all its ramifications, the Restoration Administration is getting stronger and has always weathered the storm because of the stability and integrity of the legislature. For good governance to happen, there must be a strong and reliable legislature, which is independent, objective, enjoys the support of the electorate and above all to foster democracy and good governance. Abel Ifiemi is a member of the Bayelsa Social Media Team 1/07/2016 01.07.2016 LISTEN One does not know whether to empathize or sympathize with US citizens at this time. Not that the global recession has hit them harder than any other country. Also, it is not that, like the United Kingdom who voted to leave the European Union (EU), they are feeling the heat. We can also not say that the country is in a period of great mourning as a result of the loss of a great statesman. But because, the country has to face the hard-or harder- choice of having to make a choice of who becomes President between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump! Dont let us lose our perspectives. Both candidates are fantastic personalities and their outputs speak for themselves. It will take an unrepentant sadist to take building a real estate empire, like Trump did in New York, with the wave of the hands; just as Hillarys public service experience is too intimidating to ignore, even to the blind. The fact that the US political system presents (or threw up) to its electorates, and the world by extension, two controversial presidential candidates, means they must make a very difficult choice come November. Making tough choices appear to be part of the American way of life. President Franklin Roosevelt faced the hard choice of protecting American security by confining thousands of Japanese immigrants and natural-born citizens in remote camps after the Japanese Navy launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941; to President Jimmy Carters handling of the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. If voting can be seen to signify an approval, influence a determination to change, pledge of allegiance and a disaffection to a particular choice, candidate or political party, then we need to understand what the Germans felt after the World War I, when they elected Adolf Hitler or what Italians were thinking when they accepted Benito Mussolini. The present economic downturn hitting hard on some countries may again come to play in voters decision come November. Trumps strategists appear to be cashing in on that to get the voters on their side. Explaining economic phenomena to unemployed voters in logical terms may make little or no sense. All that an unemployed person thinks about the more is how to get the jobs. Trump is telling the voters that those taking away their jobs are - the Chinese, Mexicans, Minimum Wage, Deficit Financing and the likes. These appear to be making a lot of sense at least that was how he won the Republican primaries by landslide in the first instance. On this one Trump appears to be winning! On the other hand Hillary is doing her best to explain her policies to the American voters. Her job is made harder for two reasons. First, she will have to withdraw speeches she made contesting against President Obama in 2008 for the party nomination. Secondly, as the incumbent partys (Democrats) candidate, she would serve as the unofficial spokeswoman of the Obama administration and its policies, even though she may not fully agree with them. As a result of these, her ambition, we must admit, to become the first female US president is made harder relative to Trumps. Trumps campaign has also done a good job of trying to moralize the political process. By frequently referring to the Benghazi attacks and others, including the handling of Syrian and Middle East crises, his strategists intend to take advantage of Hillary lying to the American people while she served as US Secretary of State (2008-2012). Some scandals have been revealed concerning donations from corrupt regimes to the Clinton Foundation in a well-coordinated campaign effort against Hillary. The truth of the matter is that, while this writer supports moral authority, unnecessarily moralizing politics leads to endless and unnecessary arguments which benefit no one in particular. The reason for this is simple; no one can claim to be the authority in ethics or morality. Trump doesnt want his several cases of bankruptcy to be mentioned publicly. He doesnt want the public to know the shady deals that comes with his massive real estate empire. Using the failed decisions Hillary made as Secretary of State in the aforementioned cases. Let us assume as alleged, that the decisions got so bad, which often do, and on the basis of past failed decisions, people should not be qualified for office. This will only mean that no one, including those making the allegations will be qualified to hold any office of responsibly since no one recalls not making a bad, and I mean really bad, decisions in the past! The recent Congressional report on Benghazi should equally have put the matter to rest since nowhere in the report was she found guilty or of any wrong doing. Like I wrote earlier, Americans will be in a serious dilemma between voting a public officer with long years of service and a business tycoon with little or no political experience. The choice will also involve choosing a renowned racist or an allegedly corrupt officer. It is difficult to know whether to sympathize or empathize with Americans over the choice they are about to make later this year! Olalekan Waheed ADIGUN is a political risk analyst and independent political strategist for wide range of individuals, organisations and campaigns. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria. His write-ups can be viewed on his website http://olalekanadigun.com/ Tel: +2348136502040, +2347081901080 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Follow me on Twitter @adgorwell 01.07.2016 LISTEN By Patience A. Gbeze, GNA Accra, July 1, GNA - The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), on Thursday expressed the need for the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies to work together to ensure coherence in business policies. The chamber also wants government to take holistic a view of policies to ensure expert impact on businesses and embark on broader consultation with private sector before implementing policies. Mr Mark Badu-Aboagye, GNCC Chief Executive Officer made this known at a stakeholder consultation workshop, organised by the Chamber to highlight on its research findings on the implementation of the Duty Drawback Scheme in Ghana. He said the scheme, though intended to impact positively on the private businesses since its implementation in 1993, there are still some bottlenecks that need to be streamlined to facilitate business. That, he said, had necessitated the research with funding from the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund, to research into the challenges and find ways to address them. Mr Badu-Aboagye said 33 business entities were interviewed and out of that, 48 per cent said they received the refund after going through strenuous and bureaucratic processes; 18 per cent went through the process successfully, while 34 per cent of respondents did not go through it at all. He said the research also revealed that over the two year period, the government owes individual businesses more than GHE400,000.00 with the maximum being GHE1.7 million and minimum, GHE500.00. He attributed it to undue delay through cumbersome administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks on the part of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance and called on the authorities to automate the Duty Drawback Desk to facilitate work. 'We will not put all the blame on the GRA and the Ministry because some of the businesses we spoke to are not even aware of scheme and we in the Chamber we take it from that level to sensitise both members and non-members on the scheme and how to assess it,' he added. Ms Sheila Vigbedor, in-Charge of the Duty Drawback Desk, GRA said, the laws stipulate a refund of all or part of duties used on imported goods brought into the country, which are processed for export. She said goods, which are imported and placed in an area that is a free zone or duty free shop; goods that are designated for repair or construction of an aircraft, are all qualified to apply for duty drawback. She said according to the law, refund should be done within 12 months after applying and it is paid on only the quantity and weight of commodities exported. Ms Vigebdor said at times a refund delays because some businesses fail to put in accurate information or attach the correct particulars to their applications. Mr John Defor, a representative from the Association of Ghana Industries, commended BUSAC Fund for its continuous support for the private sector to overcome their difficulties. He said though the scheme was intended to assist businesses, yet there are few challenges with its implementation, and commended GNCC for its efforts to address them. Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso, I, President of GNCC, who chaired the session, urged GRA to expedite action on some of the processes deemed outmoded to facilitate refunding. 'We, at the Chamber, will continue to organise programmes for the business community to support the tax regime and the importance to honour their tax obligations to avoid penalty,' he added. GNA By Stephen Asante, GNA Kumasi, July 01, GNA - Workers of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Ashanti Region have organized voluntary blood donation in support of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital's (KATH). More than 100 of the employees were on hand to give in excess of 80 pints of blood to shore up the stock at the referral facility's blood transmission medicine unit. Mr. Bawa Nurudeen, acting Regional Manager of the Authority, said it was their contribution towards saving lives. He used the occasion to assure service providers that they would be paid every pesewa owed them by the NHIA. They should therefore continue to render services to health insurance card holders despite the reimbursement delay. Mr. Nurudeen also counseled insurance card holders to make sure that they renewed their cards after their expiry. That, he noted, was important to enable them to access quality healthcare, adding that, the nation needed a healthy population to increase economic productivity. He called for the people to ignore claims and rumors that the national health insurance scheme was collapsing, saying, this was not true. GNA President of the Elohim Theological College and Seminary has advised against honoring people when they are dead. He questions the essence of such especially among the religious organizations. People should be honored when they are still living and can enjoy the honor and be spurred on to do more for the benefit of mankind, he explained to rawgist.coms Bernard Buachi. Bishop Dr. Aburam Anoff Snr. stated emphatically that the Elohim Theological College will never honor anybody posthumously but will rather want to do such honors whiles the person lives on and can appreciate it and make further impact. This forms one of the foundations of our organization and the day we honor someone posthumously is the day Elohim Theological College collapses, he stated. The Elohim Theological College and Seminary is an educational Initiative of United Clergy International Association started in August 2013. The seminary comprises five schools namely; School of theology and Missions, School of Prophetic Studies, School of Courtship, Marriage and Family life, School of Apostolic and Episcopal Studies and School of Institutional Chaplain 01.07.2016 LISTEN Under the Abled Leadership of Hon John Alexander Ackon, Ashanti regional minister, the region hosted His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for the ACCOUNTING TO THE PEOPLE TOUR. The event was overwhelmingly successful and we will like to express our appreciation and profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Otumfour Osei Tutu who hosted the President and his team at the Manhyia Palace. To the Chiefs, Queen mothers and Elders of Asanteman, our gratitude to you knows no bounds and we are touched by your wise counsels. To the National/Regional Executives of the NDC, Ministers of State, MMDCEs and government functionaries who all contributed in one way or the other to the success of the tour, your efforts will forever be remembered and we are most grateful. The Zongo Chiefs/elders and the clergy cannot be overlooked, for they contributed immensely to the success of this tour. Their prayers and advice are noted and the NDC government will continue to stick to putting people first. This gratitude will not be complete if we forgot to mention the teeming supporters of the great umbrella fraternity who are the largest stakeholders and made sure that there was no room for failure. Our gratitude for your efforts knows no bounds. A special thank you goes to the MC for the tour, Hon Donkor Fuseini, Sekyere Afram Plains DCE. Our friends from the media and our brothers of the social media also played a crucial role in giving the right picture of events and kept the public informed. This did not go unnoticed and so we are very grateful. We look forward to a lasting and cordial atmosphere of coperation in subsequent encounters. The tour, for all intents, really served its purpose and the President has given a good account of his mandate which we believe will translate into an overwhelming endorsement of the NDC government for another four year term. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has indeed shown that he is #CHANGINGLIVES and #TRANSFORMINGGHANA. It is on this score that we are of the belief that Half of the votes that will be cast in the Ashanti region will be in favour of the NDC led by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. We thank Asanteman for their appreciation of the President's unprecedented monumental achievements in the Ashanti region and May God bless us all. -Hon Andy Osei Okrah (Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister) We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. you are here: business World Bank's $1-bn loan a boost to solar space: Ujaas Energy For the first time, funds of this scale have been assigned to the solar sector in any country, said Anurag Mundra, Joint Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Ujaas Energy. current-affairs-trends Editor speak: PM Modi is running a two-speed government As of the time of this writing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to be hosting a meeting reviewing the performance of the various ministries of his government. There is speculation in the press that a reshuffle in the government may take place as early as next week. Despite a boost from its recent results in May this year, Coca Colas Share Price has fallen over 10% over the last two months, What happened to the CCL share price? Back in 2013, shares in Coca Cola Amatil [ASX:CCL] were powering along. Hitting a peak over $15, CCL had delivered its shareholders a compound return of 12% per annum over the previous decade. However, a profit downgrade in May that year was a turning point for the company it has been in a downtrend since then. Despite a boost from its recent results in May this year, this former market darling has fallen over 10% over the last two months, trading at prices last seen back in 2009. Why did Coca Cola do this? Coca Cola is a company fighting predominantly on two fronts. Despite holding the leading position in terms of market share, brand awareness and margins in the carbonated drinks market, its business is getting squeezed in the supermarket wars. Both Coles and Woolworths [ASX:WOW] are under massive pressure from newcomer Aldi, with all suppliers being put to the sword. Its a battle for shelf space. Unless Coca Cola trims its margins, the space will go to a rival, like Pepsi, instead. The second challenge is that consumer trends are changing. Fizzy pop drinks are no longer in vogue, with pressure now on for healthier alternatives. Although CCL is trying to adapt, it still relies heavily on its premium Coke brand. What now for Coca Cola? Further gains in distribution efficiencies, such as manufacturing plastic bottles on-site, all help CCLs bottom line. But its unlikely that supermarket margins are going to return to previous levels anytime soon if ever. For the moment, it doesnt look like theres any quick fix. CCL will need to keep developing new, and healthier, products, relying on its strength as a marketing and advertising powerhouse to keep sales ticking along. Matt Hibbard, Money Morning MAJ 23/12 : Microsoft est desormais disponible pour tous en version 5.1 ! Le Microsoft Launcher pour Android que jaffectionne tout particulierement a recu une belle mise a jour. Pour linstant, seuls les beta-testeurs peuvent la recevoir, mais la mise a jour sera egalement proposee au grand public dans les semaines a venir. Alors, quoi de neuf avec cette nouvelle version 5.1 ? Si vous utilisez la Beta de Microsoft Launcher, une nouvelle mise a jour devrait etre des a present disponible sur Google Play. La nouvelle version numerotee 5.1 apporte des changements majeurs au lanceur alternatif de Microsoft pour Android. Parmi les nouveautes interessantes, on note lintegration de Sticky Note et de Microsoft To-Do mais pas seulement. Voici le changelog publie par Microsoft : Surveillez le temps passe devant votre ecran et la frequence de deverrouillage du telephone. Vous pouvez meme afficher cette info sur lecran daccueil. Une nouvelle carte To-Do affiche desormais sur lecran daccueil les taches a faire a partir d'applications telles que Microsoft To-Do, Outlook ou Skype. Une nouvelle carte Notes affiche maintenant les notes depuis Sticky Notes sous Windows, Outlook, Cortana et OneNote Mobile. Cortana se dote aussi de nouveautes. Pour le marche US : arrivee de la fonctionnalite Hey Cortana en beta et integration des informations routieres. De plus,s support de Cortana pour lEspagne. Esperons que cela arrive un jour en francais. Les suggestions de Bing donnent maintenant des indications rapides sur le marche boursier et les devises. Il est meme possible de faire des conversions directement sur lecran daccueil. Merci Remi pour l'info ! July 01, 2016 Open Thread 2016-23 News & views ... Posted by b on July 1, 2016 at 17:24 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. Local hula group inspires global connections When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Teens face high stakes in the Oval Office A press room befitting Americas commander in chief was set up inside the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Journalists and others gathered inside. Ladies and gentlemen, I need you all... Tigers soon to prowl in new enclosure The brand-new Bengal tiger exhibit at Americas Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is nearly complete, and some other animals hangouts are getting a makeover, too. Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator,... Texas Roadhouses Paper Peanuts campaign, which raises funds for Special Olympics Texas, begins today. Proceeds from the month-long campaign will provide programming and training to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. SOTX provides opportunities for more than 55,000 athletes. The Paper Peanuts can be purchased for $1 at the restaurant at 4512 N. Loop 250 W. Their regular peanuts are still free. For more information, visit specialolympicstexas.org. Centennial Masonic Lodge hosts installation of officers Lodge No. 1448 AF and AM will install its elected and appointed officers for 2016-17 in a ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday. Grand Junior Warden Terry Stogner of Lamesa and Grand Senior Warden Tommy Patterson of Nederland will serve as the installing officer and marshal, respectively. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The event is open to the public. The lodge is located at 1600 W. Wall St. United Way of Midland partners with area agencies for Club Read The United Way of Midland announced Thursday that it will partner with Boys and Girls Club of Midland, Casa de Amigos, Midland Fair Havens and Unlock Ministries Fun Academy for the fourth annual Club Read. Club Read works to keep children reading throughout the summer to avoid the summer slide, or the deterioration of learned skills and reading aptitude. The program will provide 250 students with a total of 1,200 books with activities and incentives planned throughout the summer. This year, UW is piloting a math component with Unlock Ministries Fun Academy. The program will measure benchmarks and progress to enhance math skills. United Way of Midland is very pleased with the collaboration we have enjoyed for the previous three years in Club Read, most importantly for its results, Mark Alexander, executive director of United Way of Midland, said in a press release. Helping these programs address summer learning loss as well as assisting students in building a home library is a privilege. Jehovahs Witness convention to be held in Lubbock The annual convention for West Texas and eastern New Mexico Jehovahs Witnesses is set for later this month at the Memorial Civic Center in Lubbock. Planned are two three-day events beginning July 15 and July 22. An estimated 2,100 people are expected to attend. The convention, which has the theme is Remain Loyal to Jehovah, is open to the public. The event is supported by voluntary donations; no admission fee is charged. We believe that loyalty is an essential quality for all Christians. We are confident that those who attend will enjoy this Bible-based program, convention spokesman James Roger said in a press release. For more information, visit jw.org. Midland Need to Read announces open house and book drive The literacy organization Midland Need to Read, 1709 W. Wall St., will host an open house 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 4 to share information on its literacy programming, tutoring services and volunteer opportunities. The event will be held in conjunction with a book drive on Aug. 1-4. MN2R will be accepting donations of childrens picture books as well as grade-level books for their students. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be given away at the open house. Donations will be accepted at the agencys Literacy House or at any of its community partners, which include Midland County Public Libraries, Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Museum of the Southwest, Region 18 Education Service Center, Beckys Flowers and Natural Grocers. Visit midlandneedtoread.org for more information about the agency. Taylor Swifts fans in China are taking no risks in protecting themselves against heartbreak (and potentially scoring financially) should the pop-star split from new beau Tom Hiddleston. The Chinese online marketplace Taobao has banned insurance policies that are being issued in the event of a break-up. The plan for the couple, named Hiddleswift in the press, included half of the money originally paid. The Xinhua News Agency reports that vendors on the site had been placing bets on the couples future, with the minimum wager reaching 1 yuan, equal to 15 cents U.S. dollars. Xinhua also reported that one policy purchaser wrote, If I bought a million, I would make a lot -- these stars break up all the time which gives us to opportunity to earn a lot of money! A survey averaging Swifts past relationships, including Joe Jonas, Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles and a few others was on average two and a half months. This past Wednesday (June 29) Taobao released a message blocking the insurance offerings that read, According to laws and regulations, what you have searched for cannot be displayed. There were additionally insurance offers betting on the fate of couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, as well as whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will end up being president. All insurance policy offerings on the site have now been removed. The group behind Taobao, Alibaba, released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that read, As it is not strictly an insurance product, the sellers are not qualified as insurance sellers. So we have taken down such products from the Taobao platform. Alibaba asserts that the insurance policies were largely being used to attract traffic to the website and served as a marketing tool. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Speaker is totally wrong in his ... Highway 108 Traffic View Photos AAA is predicting that this will be the busiest Independence Day travel weekend in California since 2002. 4.9 million Californians are anticipated to travel over 50 miles. The 1.2% projected increase in travel compared to last year is being attributed to an improving economy, lower gas prices, and the 4th of July holiday falling on a Monday. Nationally, over 43 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more, which would be an increase of 1.3% compared to a year ago. The myMotherLode.com gas price section shows that regular unleaded fuel is selling in Sonora from $2.59 to $2.69 and in San Andreas the price ranges from $2.66 to $2.71. Click here for a rundown of several Independence Day themed events in the region. The Mother Lode is always a popular holiday destination as visitors enjoy the local lakes, camping and recreational opportunities. A special fund is helping Pulse employees pay the bills while the nightclub remains closed following the attack on June 12. Pulse of Orlando fund for club employees Meant to help supplement income until the club reopens Pulse workers went to The Abbey Thursday afternoon to get financial help from Pulse of Orlando, a non-profit fund set up just for those workers. Pulse's owner says the club will reopen someday, but he's not sure when. A recent fundraiser in Thornton Park called "Latin Night" helped fund the Pulse of Orlando fund. It's the first fund that's been able to distribute money directly to Pulse employees. Pulse dancer Terry Streeter, Jr. was inside Pulse when shots rang out. Hes now looking for another job. He says the financial help is much needed, and appreciated. Anybody whos donated, it really means the world to everybody in the community, Streeter said. Gathering for the financial assistance also gave Pulse employees a chance to reunite. Its been like a healing process, and shows nothing is going to stop us, said Reginald Hawkins. COLLEGE STATION The U.S. Department of Agricultures Farm Service Agency in Texas has announced that dairy producers can now enroll for 2017 coverage in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin - the difference between the price of milk and feed costs - falls below the coverage level selected by the producer. The Margin Protection Program gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. Enrollment began July 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2016, for coverage in calendar year 2017. Participating farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a minimum $100 administrative fee each year. Producers have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year. USDA has a web tool to help producers determine the level of coverage under the Margin Protection Program that will provide them with the strongest safety net under a variety of conditions. The online resource, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. Producers can also review historical data or estimate future coverage needs, based on data projections. The secure site can be accessed via computer, smartphone, or tablet 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To complete enrollment, producers must make coverage elections during the enrollment period and pay the annual $100 administrative fee that provides basic catastrophic protection that covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin coverage level. For additional premiums, operations can protect 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments. Once enrolled, dairy operations are required to participate through 2018 by making coverage elections each year. Producers can mail the appropriate form to the producers administrative county FSA office, along with applicable fees without necessitating a trip to the local FSA office. If electing higher coverage for 2017, dairy producers can either pay the premium in full at the time of enrollment or pay 100 percent of the premium by Sept. 1, 2017. Premium fees may be paid directly to FSA or producers can work with their milk handlers to remit premiums on their behalf. Also beginning July 1, 2016, FSA will begin accepting applications for intergenerational transfers, allowing program participants who added an adult child, grandchild or spouse to the operation during calendar year 2014 or 2015, or between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2016, to increase production history by the new cows bought into the operation by the new family members. For intergenerational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification to FSA must be made within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows. Dairy operations enrolling in the new program must meet conservation compliance provisions and cannot participate in the Livestock Gross Margin Dairy Insurance Program. For more information, visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office to learn more about the Margin Protection Program. To find a local FSA office in your area, visit http://offices.usda.gov. Plainview Rotary Club Plainview Rotary Club met Tuesday at the Plainview Country Club. Stan DeMerritt called the meeting to order. David Kopp led the invocation and Kenneth Hooper led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were traveling Rotarian Bob Copeland and Matthew Sower. Tuesday was President Stan DeMerritt's last day as president and he gave his wrap-up report for the year. The Rotary Club has 71 new members. The club lost one member, the late Elton Wilson. Four members have moved and six members were added. The club participated in various projects throughout the year. Highlights were the delivery of over 600 dictionaries to every student in Hale County, supported "Read Across America" with the elementary schools honoring Dr. Seuss's birthday. Rotary also supported two exchange students, one in Japan and one in Plainview from Japan. Scholarships were given to a diabetic camp student and Rotary Youth Leadership award winners. Fundraisers included the Running Water Draw Arts and Crafts Festival. President DeMerritt summed up the club's value to the community when he said, "We are a vibrant club. The Rotary Club of Plainview, Texas, exemplifies the motto: service above self and to the world. Also, recognized were board members Buddy McGeehee and Eloise Hernandez; Kim Street, president-elect; and incoming President Lydia Castillo. Also, honored were Brandon Ahrens, and Ted Baker. Special recognition went to Coralyn Dillard for helping with the Rotary Youth Exchange. Certificates of Appreciation went to Leslie Gattis, Janis Payne, Jay Givens, Cynthia Gregory and Jay Givens. Kenneth Hooper led the Four Way Test and Stan DeMerritt dismissed the meeting. --Cynthia Gregory Plainview Lions Club Happy New Year! Did the ball drop from atop Times Square? No, of course not. Its just the new year for the local Lions Club, changing of the guard in the dining hall of the civic center on Wednesday. Greg Brown, current head of the local feline, swore in our new president Jim Tirey and turned over his reins of office to a new slate of officers who will run things for the next year. Leading pledges to the US of A and Texas flags was Kevin Carter, and leading singing was Travis Thornton and Jim Tirey, after which Dr. Brent Richburg asked our blessings. Arch Bishop Rey Rodriquez recited a shape-up-or-ship-out pastoral. Guests at the meeting were Emily Rodriquez with uncle Rey, Misty Powers with mate Rusty, Nicholas Estrada of Brownfield, grandson of Ron Miller. New members, voted into the club last week and attending for their first meeting are Beverly James and Kevin Patrick. Sixty-nine dollars from our weekly raffle will go to RSVP. The first Board of Directors meeting of the Lions year will be Wednesday at 7 a.m. at PISD complex Educational Board Room at 24th and Yonkers Street. Breakfast will be served for a minute pittance. All new board members are urged to be in attendance. Happy Fourth of July. We serve - Ron White Kiwanis International of Plainview No meeting July 7; next meeting July 14 Ten members and one guest gathered for Thursdays regular noon meeting at Plainview Country Club. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Jonathan Petty offered a prayer. J Pat Manning reported 15 new subscribers to the clubs flag program. Flags will be distributed to all subscribers on Monday for Independence Day. Thanks to our partner organizations as well as all subscribers. Mark Warren told members about upcoming leadership conferences available in Oklahoma and Amarillo. Rex Redies is looking into securing the date for the clubs annual barbecue. Due to numerous members being out of town, it was decided we will not meet July 7. The clubs next meeting is Thursday, July 14. June program chairman Homer Marquez introduced Mariya Hapiy, the new librarian at Unger Memorial Library. A native of the Ukraine, Mariya told members about her background as well as the vision she has for the citys library. - Kevin Lewis Hale County will soon begin hiring temporary workers to help clean the Ollie Liner Center after stock shows and other big events. Commissioners in a special meeting on Friday voted unanimously to go into contract with Need Em Help Temporaries to supply workers on an as-needed basis. The cost is $13.59 per hour, per worker, with a four-hour daily minimum when their services are needed. Need Em Help Temporaries will handle payroll, taxes, Social Security withholding and workers comp for their workers. County Judge Bill Coleman noted that in the past, most of the set-up and cleanup work for the annual Hale County Stock Show and Panhandle Parade of Breeds was done by inmates from the local Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison units. However, the availability of those crews have been reduced since a prison trusty walked away while working outside the TDCJ Regional Office in downtown Plainview in October 2014. Those prison crews have been a great asset to us, Commissioner Benny Cantwell said Friday. But its gotten a lot different now. We dont get them as often or as long as we used to, and its dragging out the cleanup a lot longer. Where it normally has taken two or three days, its been two weeks since the Parade of Breeds and were still working on cleanup. To help with dismantling stock pens and removing trash, woodchips and dirt from the exhibition building, several of the commissioners have been supplying members of their precinct road crews to help out. But we really dont have the men to spare. Were behind as it is, added Commissioner Kenny Kernell. In addition to using temporary workers, Coleman suggested inmates from the Hale County jail could help with cleanup duties. Although Chief Deputy David Cochran attended Fridays meeting, he couldnt offer much guidance on the regular availability of such inmate labor. Commissioner Mario Martinez suggested that commissioners take a fresh look at the fees charged for renting the Ollie Liner Center in an effort to recoup some of those expenses. While the county now charges rent to most groups using the facility, they make an exception for most 4-H, FFA and youth-related school events. Since the county waives rental fees for stock shows, the Ollie Liner Center has twice hosted the swine portion of the Lubbock County Stock Show as well as several other calf and swine shows. Maybe we need to put on a hog tax to help with cleanup, Martinez joked. At least we need to pull in some of the directors of those shows for their guidance. Martinez expressed disappointment that some exhibitors from outside the area are flaunting the countys prohibition on alcoholic beverages in the center after Manager Benito Garcia reported collecting more than 1,000 empty beer cans after a recent stock show. Theyre getting the building free, and violating the rules, he lamented. Coleman said utility charges at facility totaled about $44,000 last year, with rental charges half that. The utility bills for 2014 were $51,000, and were looking at spending a quarter-million dollars for improvements. As you can see, were not making a profit off this facility. While hosting events from outside groups bring in a large number of people into the community, Coleman said the county is bearing much of the cost. It might be boosting the local economy, but its not helping out the county. We need to look at where the money will be coming from (for maintenance and cleanup). For now, commissioners agreed to move $2,000 from the countys contingency fund into a newly-created line-item account to pay for temporary workers. Theres also about $2,500 extra in the Ollie Liner Center budget in unexpended longevity pay after the retirement for longtime Manager Lynn Barton. Commissioners authorized Coleman to sign a contract with Need Em Help Temporaries, after it is reviewed and approved by County Attorney Jim Tirey. July 3, 1946: Herman A. Mason, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Mason, volunteered for the Army Air Corps and will leave Monday for Clovis, N.M., for boot camp. --F.E. Blasingame has taken over management of the Robinson-Herring fountain. Blassingame was in the cafe business here for many years before he sold his business last fall, and said he has caught up with his loafing. --Billy Weaks left Monday for Lubbock where he will attend the Institute of Professional Photographic Arts for six months. He will room with Bill Morgan of Plainview, an announcer at KFYO. July 3, 1956: Sixty-one children listened to Pat Kimbrew tell the story of Wiggin Tails on Saturday at the Plainview Public Library during story time. Thats the largest crowd ever for the summer program, according to Librarian Ruby Curry. Next Saturday and throughout July, Vera Simpson and Mrs. Frosty Kennedy will be telling the stories. --Connie Lynn Crable celebrated her first birthday with a party Tuesday afternoon in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Crable, 206 SE Roselawn. Movies in color were made of the group by the honorees grandmother, Mrs. J.B. Holland. July 3, 1966: The Texas Mental Health Board has recommended a $268,800 federal grant from the Public Health Service to include a mental Health center as part of the proposed Central Plains General Hospital. That grant will cover more than half the cost of the mental health center. The hospital authority already has been awarded a $1 million Hill-Burton grant for the hospital. The 150-bed hospital will cost about $3 million and will be built in northwest Plainview. --After more than 40 years at 624 Austin, Shook Tire Co. will soon be moving to 200 W. Sixth, according to manager Troy Fuller. The move is planned for Aug. 1. --A member of the Herald news staff, Vernon Smith, 24, died Saturday morning. He had been hospitalized since being injured Wednesday in a traffic mishap at Fifth and Quincy. He was being treated for a fractured left leg. July 3, 1986: Maj. Kevin Flatt, U.S. Army Reserve, has completed a 10-day seminar for military academy liaison officers at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He is West Point representative for the Texas Panhandle and works with high school counselors and academy applicants. --Searsy Van Blackwell of Plainview has graduated from the O.W. Coburn School of Law at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. He is the son of Jack Blackwell and the late Avanell Blackwell. --Rodney Ebeling and Robert Igo won first place in the State 4-H Roundup Farm and Ranch Management contest at College Station. Compiled by Doug McDonough Emergency officials are urging area residents to exercise caution when using fireworks this weekend. Sparklers and fountains are legal because they are non-explosive and non-aerial, according to state police. All other fireworks, including snakes, smoke devices and party poppers, are illegal and could result in criminal charges. Lt. Cheryl Bradley, Wallingford Police Department spokesperson, said residents using fireworks should make sure they are legal. Theres a reason why certain fireworks are illegal, because they pose a threat to safety, Bradley said. Theyre dangerous. Attending a professional display is the best option, she said, noting that Wallingford police occasionally seize illegal fireworks from residents. Southington Fire Capt. Eric Heath advised adults to supervise children using sparklers or fountains. Its a lot of heat, it can really lead to a severe burn if used improperly, Heath said. Meriden Fire Chief Ken Morgan said the department responds to more than a dozen fireworks-related calls over the Fourth of July holiday weekend each year. Most calls are for brush, grass and mulch fires. This year is going to be a problem I think because of the drought, Morgan said, referencing the recent lack of rainfall in the area. Morgan asked those setting off fireworks not to light them near buildings or in areas where surroundings, such as grass, can burn. He also recommended having a water source nearby, such as a hose or bucket of water. We want everybody to have a good safe holiday, Morgan said. Enjoy themselves, think about what theyre doing and play it is safe. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said in a statement Thursday that a lack of rain has elevated the risk of forest fires, and asked that those who plan to use fireworks be careful. As always, Connecticut residents and visitors alike need to take precautions to prevent forest fires especially with the forecast calling largely for hot and dry conditions to continue throughout the state over the next few days, DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said in the statement. blipiner@record-journal.com 203-317-2444 Twitter: @BryanLipiner Another Independence Day, a time for family gatherings, firework displays, and recalling those courageous Founding Fathers who established the United States of America. Among them four stand out in my mind. The first, of course, is George Washington, who led the revolutionary army as it battled the British, then became our first president. The most celebrated at the moment is Alexander Hamilton, whose amazing hip-hop biography on Broadway recently won 11 Tonys. He served as the first Secretary of the Treasury and may have become president had he not died after a duel with Aaron Burr, who had been vice president. We carry Hamiltons picture in our wallets on the $10 bill. Thomas Jefferson, the third head of state. was credited with being the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Finally, James Madison, our fourth president, often is called the Father of the Constitution. Madison played a major role when it came to the question of religious freedom. The Constitution forbids the establishment of a state church, insures religious freedom for all, and guarantees that those seeking political office will face no religious test. A debate has continued over the years about the faith of these four Founding Fathers and other leaders of the young nation. One view, advanced particularly by Evangelicals, is that they were devout Christians, faithful believers in Christ and scripture, and intended to establish a Christian society. An opposing opinion is that they included many freethinkers, men who never embraced traditional Christian dogma, and especially rejected what today would be called fundamentalism. Which view is supported by the facts? Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison all were Anglicans (Episcopalians) who held liberal religious views, popular at the time among our national leaders. They saw themselves as Christians, with a special respect for Jesus, but had difficulty with what they considered ancient superstitions that often overshadowed the moral message of Christ. At the same time, they were supportive of organized religion, parish members themselves, convinced that vibrant churches would contribute to the morality of the people. Several movements had considerable influence. The Enlightenment was strong among the learned classes in western Europe and emphasized reason over revelation. A related movement was Deism, which recognized God as the ultimate force, frequently referred to as Providence. A third was Masonry, which envisioned God as the Grand Architect of the Universe and welcomed into membership those of any faith who professed belief in a Supreme Being. Besides these, the French Revolution was targeting the church and had many sympathizers in the United States until it began to engage in brutal excesses. Unitarianism also was developing in New England, dominant at Harvard and in many Congregational parishes. It rejected key Christian doctrines, especially the Trinity. John Adams, our second president, was a Unitarian. Over the years numerous church-state issues have arisen. Colonial Massachusetts had banned Catholic priests, and here in Connecticut Congregationalism was established until 1818. To our north, Protestants were not allowed to settle in Quebec from 1627 until the British victory over the French at Quebec City in 1759. Today radical Islam and strict Sharia law exist in Saudi Arabia and various other Muslim countries and feed worldwide terrorism. A seldom-remembered hero of mine deserves a salute on this special weekend: Fr. John Courtney Murray, a Jesuit. I heard him speak at Swarthmore College over 65 years ago. At the time the position of the Catholic Church had been summarized by Pope Pius IX. The state must recognize (the church) as supreme, he wrote. Freedom of conscience or cult is madness. When Fr. Murray challenged this view and advocated freedom of religion for those of all faiths, he was ordered not to write any more on the subject. John XXIII became Pope in 1958, Vatican II was held, and the policy proposed by Fr. Murray was adopted as the new position of Catholicism. Church-state issues in America today range from Christmas carols in public schools and tax-exempt churches to faith-based prison programs and chaplains in Congress. In 2008 I was privileged to offer the invocation at the U.S. Senate, as arranged by Sen. Christopher Dodd. This past month, in June, the Freedom from Religion Foundation sued the Chaplain of the House, Fr. Patrick Conroy, a Catholic priest, and Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker, for refusing to allow its president, Dan Barker, an atheist, to deliver the opening invocation. Some trends are especially troubling. One involves clergy and party politics. More and more clergy appear to involve themselves in political campaigns.. Preaching from the pulpit on controversial moral issues is one thing. Endorsing candidates from the pulpit is quite another. Ralph Lord Roy of Southington is a retired United Methodist minister. Email: ralphlroy@aol.com. Pacifica residents are being warned that a mountain lion, measuring at least 6 feet long, was seen prowling a residential neighborhood in the oceanside community Wednesday night and leaping over a backyard fence. Police were called to the 700 block of Big Bend Drive at 8:30 p.m. after the big cat was spotted in the backyard of a home. The homeowner told officers the lion jumped a fence into an adjacent yard. New York A $7.25 billion settlement between merchants and Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. over credit card transaction fees was rejected Thursday by a federal appeals court, a ruling praised by a retail trade association as a victory for consumers. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the 12 million merchants covered by the antitrust class action were inadequately represented by law firms that gave merchants who stood to gain little or nothing no opportunity to opt out of the deal, approved by a judge in December 2013. The decision written by Circuit Judge Dennis Jacobs noted what was described as the largest ever cash settlement in an antitrust class action could have paid lawyers over a half billion dollars in fees. Mallory Duncan, senior vice president and general counsel for the National Retail Federation, praised the ruling, saying the appeals court nullified a "seriously, seriously flawed settlement." The federation is the world's largest retail trade association, representing 9,000 retailers. He said merchants and consumers will benefit from a fairer legal challenge to the fees that can add $400 and $500 annually to a consumer's cost of purchases. "This is not just a business-to-business dispute," Duncan said. "These fees drive up the price of retail merchandise, costing the average family hundreds of dollars a year in added expenses." Merchants and trade groups in 2005 sued over billions of dollars in "swipe" or "interchange" fees they pay that average about 2 percent of a purchase's price. They alleged credit card networks colluded to set fees charged to stores for handling credit card payments, violating antitrust laws. If you missed it ... In a week when the worlds eyes were on Britain and Volkswagen had to pay through the nose, we also saw: Reports of Cormac McCarthys death have been greatly exaggerated, Mark Twain would have said if he wasnt, well, dead. A fake Twitter account tried to bump off McCarthy, but publisher Penguin Random House was having none of it. Cormac McCarthy is alive and well, the publisher tweeted, and still doesn't care about Twitter. Speaking of exaggerated deaths, take Luke Skywalker. The Hollywood Reporter said Star Wars actor Mark Hamill told an audience in London, I finish Episode VIII, and then I'm out of work. Social media and 24-hour news cycles being what they are, some fans fretted madly that Luke might go the way of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the characters from Lost and just about anybody who ever appeared in Game of Thrones. Hamill quickly went on Twitter to clarify: I meant out of work because #Ep8 is wrapping soon, OK? #DontOverThinkEVERYTHING #ParsingHamill #WaitForVIII. The Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing The complex life story of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich maintains such a strong grip more than four decades after his death that authors have no trouble inventing new ways to tell it. British author Julian Barnes, Man Booker Prize winner, submits his bid with The Noise of Time, a fictional account of a historic figure that attempts to reach deep into Shostakovichs inner life with imaginative prose. Barnes intent and approach is noble, but doomed. Music can express subjective realities in ways words cannot. Anyone wanting to feel Shostakovichs soul only has to listen to the music. The Eighth String Quartet and the slow movements of the Symphony No. 5 and the Piano Concerto No. 2 are just three examples of self-revelation scattered throughout Shostakovichs body of work. Shostakovichs true book is his music. More Information The Noise of Time By Julian Barnes Knopf, $25.95 See More Collapse Barnes comes as close as anyone, however, to capturing the harrowing relationship between the composer and his relationships with brutish Soviet Union leaders, his family and friends. The author also presents Shostakovichs struggles with himself, his frequent feelings of inadequacy, his sense of doom and, consequently, his eventual conquest of fear. Barnes concentrates on three episodes in the composers 20th-century ordeals. The first arises from Josef Stalins critical 1936 Pravda article that led to the banning of Shostakovichs opera, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. Barnes makes readers see the composer camped out for several nights by the elevator in his apartment building, believing he would be fetched by Soviet authorities and sent to a prison camp or executed. Shostakovich didnt want his wife and young daughter to see his arrest. An arrest is averted when Shostakovichs interrogator, ironically, is arrested instead. The second episode revolves around the composers visit to New York City, ordered by Stalin, where Shostakovich is forced to denounce an exiled Russian composer, Igor Stravinsky, whom Shostakovich deeply admired. The composers humiliation was lasting and scarring. The crushing third episode comes later in his life, when the Nikita Khrushchev government roped Shostakovich into joining the Communist Party. The humiliation deepened as the composer signed off on political statements he didnt even bother to read. Barnes perhaps is best at constructing the ironies that Shostakovich bravely used to survive. One was the way the 1937 Symphony No. 5, on the heels of the Lady Macbeth criticism, fooled the Soviet leadership into thinking the composer was honoring their regime. But the Russian intelligentsia understood the music had an opposite meaning, that the rejoicing in the finale was forced. The final irony, Barnes writes, was that the Soviet leaders allowed Shostakovich to survive. Their torture by fear across his lifespan was their victory. Barnes writes profoundly about the meaning of music, but he hardly ever attempts to describe Shostakovichs music. Perhaps he assumed readers already will know the music. Or, possibly, Barnes knew the composers music speaks more vividly than any book ever could. dhendricks@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Crackers and squatters, rednecks and hillbillies, sandhillers and mudsills, clay eaters and hoe wielders: America has developed a rich vocabulary to describe one part of its permanent underclass. The epithet that subsumes them all, to borrow the title of Nancy Isenbergs formidable and truth-dealing new book, is white trash. Isenbergs project in White Trash: A 400-Year Untold History of Class in America is to retell United States history in a manner that not only includes the weak, the powerless and the stigmatized, but also places them front and center. As such, she has written an eloquent volume that is more discomforting and more necessary than a semitrailer filled with new biographies of the founding fathers and the most beloved presidents. Viewed from below, a good angle for no one, Americas history is usefully disorienting and nearly always appalling. White Trash will have you squirming in your chair. More Information White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America By Nancy Isenberg Viking, $28 See More Collapse Isenberg is a professor of American history at Louisiana State University. Her books include a well-regarded biography of Aaron Burr. Her own class background goes unmentioned in White Trash. Like Howard Zinn in A Peoples History of the United States (1980), Isenberg presents an alternative interpretation of American history. Unlike Zinn, she is not interested in crusaders and labor organizers and politicians of a socialist bent. Do not come to her book to learn about the Wobblies. The story she tells is more intimate. Its an analysis of the intractable caste system that lingers below the national myths of rugged individualism and cities on hills. Americas colonial beginnings tend to be viewed, Isenberg writes, through the beliefs of those principled leaders molded in bronze the John Winthrops and William Penns who are lionized for having projected the enlarged destinies of their respective colonies. Yet, she demonstrates that most early settlers did not buy into these destinies. Nor did most come to escape religious persecution. During the 1600s, she writes, far from being ranked as valued British subjects, the great majority of early colonists were classified as surplus population and expendable rubbish. Many were indentured servants. Others were roguish highwaymen, mean vagrants, Irish rebels, known whores and an assortment of convicts shipped to the colonies for grand larceny or other property crimes. Others were simply lazy idlers, in the lingo of the time. They would rather drink rum than clear an acre of pine trees. America did not develop a House of Lords, yet we imported the rigging of the British class system, Isenberg argues. This was hardly a land of equal opportunity. Brutal labor awaited most migrants. There was little social mobility. From this beginning, Isenberg moves confidently forward, through, for example, the class issues that undergirded the Civil War and the popular eugenics movement, favored by Theodore Roosevelt, that marked many as targets for sterilization. Slavery and racism are hardly discounted in this book, but she maintains her focus on poor whites. She singles out North Carolina as what we might call the first white trash colony. It was swampy and, thanks to its shoal-filled shoreline, lacked a major port. It had no real planter class. Its citizens were viewed as sluggards, cowardly Blockheads in the words of one early writer. Another referred to the state as the lawless sinke of America. Isenberg moves through the Great Depression, pausing to admire James Agees complex yet urgent nonfiction account of the lives of poor tenant farmers in Alabama, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (1941). Elvis arrives. So does Lyndon B. Johnsons Great Society. Trailer parks, redolent of libertys dark side, come under her appraisal, as do movies like Deliverance. (She finds its redneck caricatures to be loathsome.) The careers of Dolly Parton, Jimmy Carter, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and Bill Clinton are analyzed. Clintons dalliance with Monica Lewinsky resulted in a spectacle that the author likens to a white trash outing on the grand national stage. She considers the phenomenon of Sarah Palin, and reality television shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and Duck Dynasty. Donald J. Trump the politician is not on this books radar, yet Isenberg writes in her Palin section: When you turn an election into a three-ring circus, theres always a chance the dancing bear will win. Isenberg does not skimp on economic analysis. She notes how the central engines of our economy, from slave-owning planters up through todays bank and tax policies, have systematically harmed the working poor. We have to wonder, she writes about her books subjects, how such people exist amid plenty. HILO, Hawaii You wouldn't think that a mellow town such as Hilo, a Hawaiian-style community and the rainiest place in Hawaii could brag on much in the way of passion and betrayal. But that's what the movie director, the one I bumped into at a film festival party, said he wanted. "How about a story set in a small town where everyone has a secret," he said, handing me a glass of wine. "Set it in Hawaii, since you're going there. But no guidebook stuff. I want a red-hot drama, a battle of the emotions, a tale of anger, jealousy, guilt. A story that'll tear at your gut. Add a natural disaster and a has-been actor and I'll read it." Script writing was the last thing on my mind as I listened to him talk. But I was taking my kids to Volcanoes National Park, on Hawaii's Big Island, where molten lava has been engulfing homes, torching forests and mesmerizing onlookers since 1983. Would that be red-hot enough for Mr. Director (who asked that I not use his name)? The weather in Hilo, the driest in a decade, according to TV, was sunny all day, every day. A good sign, indeed. But more important was ensuring that our long-planned family trip would be a sizzler, engaging and entertaining little minds. More Information If you go For Kapohokine Adventures tours, prices and itineraries, see www.kapohokine.com. Or email info@kapohokine.com. Visit the office in Hilo at 224 Kamehameha Ave, #106 until August 2016, and when they move to the Hilton Hotel on Banyan Drive. Or call 808-964-1000. For more about Hilo and Hawaii, go to www.gohawaii.com/hilo. For the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, see www.castleresorts.com/hilo. See More Collapse To that end I booked a Volcano Discovery tour and a zip line day with Kapohokine Adventures, a Hilo-based outfitter recommended by a friend. "You won't be sorry," he raved. "The guides are exceptional. They know everything that's ever happened. They kept our teenagers enthralled all day." As it happens, Hilo is close to both the ocean and the volcanoes killer surfing and Kilauea hot spots so we stayed in town at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel overlooking Hilo Bay. It was here, in A.D. 1100, that the first wave of Polynesian voyagers reached the island, settling near the Wailuku River. That was the village center then and it still is, comfortably old-fashioned with its rustic last-century store fronts, narrow streets, curious galleries, mom-and-pop shops, first-rate restaurants and the occasional newcomer, including Kapohokine Adventures. Like most zip lines, Kopohokine's is built on open land past a macadamia nut orchard, on a long downward slope next to the Hilo Forest Reserve. As expected, aerial views of gorges and waterfalls are guaranteed. But this is no ordinary zip line. Installed with not one but two cables on each of the eight segments, it's a fly-away built for two. Lovers can soar in tandem; mothers and daughters buddy up; sportsmen play the links game, racing each other down the lines. Typically, you ride the first four links before noon, the second four later, and take a lunch break midway. If you're interested, an introduction to Hawaiian culture and a cooling swim in a waterfall pool is available, a bonus activity pioneered by co-owner Gary Marrow. "The tours began when we noticed that cruise passengers needed someone to pick them up at the dock and show them the real Hilo," said Marrow. "We started with one van and when that wasn't enough we bought another one. Now we have 10 new vans and 90 full- and part-time employees. Finally we bought the land and decided to build the zip line." It was at this moment that I recognized the makings of a Hollywood-style drama. Not that Marrow, who resembles Leonardo DiCaprio, is a "has-been actor" exactly, but sort of. Before moving to Hawaii he dabbled in film, eventually nailing a job as a stand-in for DiCaprio in the film "Titanic." "It took a year to make the movie, enough time to get to know Leo and the cast pretty well and to see how movie-making works," he said. "I spent a lot of time shivering in that giant water tank they used for the ocean scenes, but they paid pretty well. I looked for another gig after it ended, but then we decided to come out here." But there was more drama to come on our Volcano Discovery tour, scheduled for the next day with Kapohokine guide Rich Berner. An amateur geologist and National Park volunteer, Berner is also a lettuce farmer, intrepid historian, Hilo resident and a relentless encyclopedia. Ten minutes into the tour, I knew we'd struck gold. Heading along the coast, we looked at lava-damaged houses, though nearby telephone poles, wrapped in metal sheets, survived. So did the quaint Star of the Sea Painted Church, a cultural icon built in 1928, saved when a band of heroes scrambled to move it away from the advancing lava in 1990. On the once-sandy beach at Kalapana, now a lava sheet to the ocean, Berner pointed out thousands of palm fronds pushing up through the cracks, a testament to indomitable life, re-greening the Big Island as it always does. Stopping at the Hilo Bay waterfront, we watched the surf crashing on the breakwater as Berner talked about Hilo's worst two natural disasters, tsunamis that roared across the bay in 1946 and in 1960. The first tsunami swept ashore with 45-foot-high waves that engulfed the town, killing 161 people and destroying whole blocks of buildings. The second tsunami, partially slowed by a newly built breakwater, flooded parks, streets and shops and despite an advance warning system, killed another 60 residents. Returning to Volcanoes National Park, we drove around the Kilauea Caldera on the Crater Rim Road, stopping at view points on the way to the Thurston Lava Tube, a classic example of lava geology. The tube, 12 feet in diameter and about 100 yards long, is dimly lit, enough to feel spooky when you're in it.You could walk through the thing in 10 minutes. But Berner lingered, showing us colored minerals that had leached from the inside wall and how a tube was formed when the lava flow's exterior edge cooled and hardened but the boiling hot center stayed liquid enough to flow out and away. After lunch, we hiked the four-mile loop trail into Kailauea Iki crater, hard rock now but a fiery fountain when it erupted in 1959. Walking along the crater floor was safe but strange, knowing that hot magma was deep underneath. As darkness fell, we lagged, thinking of dinner. But Berner wouldn't quit until we'd seen the science exhibits in the Jagger Museum and found the sweet spot on the rim where everyone gathers to watch the smoke and steam rise from the boiling lava in Halema'uma'u Crater. But the story of Hilo's least known drama, "Bloody Monday," was still to come. After the first Christian missionaries converted the Hawaiians, they educated the few who didn't die of measles, married them and raised families, amassed huge sugar cane plantations and imported Chinese and Japanese to work the fields. Then things went awry. On Aug. 1, 1938, a peaceful march led by dock and warehouse workers demanding fair wages turned violent. As tensions rose, 70 police wielding clubs, fire hoses and guns attacked the demonstrators, wounding 50 people. Peace-loving Hawaiians everywhere were shocked. But with World War II looming, Bloody Monday was forgotten. Will a fiery drama save this piece of history? With the right writer (not me), it might. We'll need Leonardo DiCaprio playing the handsome but greedy plantation owner, Gary Marrow as the stand-in, Gina Rodriquez (from "Jane the Virgin") as the winsome Hawaiian girl and Rich Berner checking facts. And filmed in Hilo, of course. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ANSONIA-The city has brought on four new police officers, three of whom are Hispanic, bringing the department up to full-strength for the first time in a few years. Matthew Young, 27, of Shelton and Paulo Soares, 26, of Naugatuck, join the city after serving as Waterbury police officers for the past year. Both will spend four weeks being accompanied on calls by a senior field training officer. Brian Caruso, 22, of Ansonia and Allen Luna, 29, of Naugutuck recently graduated from the Police Academy and now begin 10-weeks of field training in the company of a senior officer. Soares, Caruso and Luna are all of Hispanic heritage and are bilingual. Thats important for us, said Mayor David Cassetti. Hispanics make up 22 percent of our population and its important that our police department reflect that. Cassetti said his administration has made great strides in hiring minorities in Public Works, City Hall and now the police department. On July 12, hell nominate Ralph Villers, a wheel-chair bound white male and Edward Bostic Jr., a black downtown nightclub owner, a to the Board of Aldermen as replacements for Matthew Edo in the sixth ward and Ashley Rogers in the fourth ward,respectively. Edo and Rogers recently resigned their posts. The entire Board is expected to approve Cassettis choices. Diversity is important, the mayor said. Everyone needs to have a place at the table. The four new officers will be accompanied by a field training officer on calls for the time being, said Richard Dziekan, a retired Hamden police officer who now serves as Cassettis director of constituent services. The senior officer will watch them as they go out on calls, take complaints and make arrests. The four new officers will earn about $61,000 each. Their hiring brings the Ansonia Department to full strength at 46 officers, Dziekan said. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany won't take over funding or operation of the Auriesville Shrine, according to a recent article by Bishop Edward P. Scharfenberger in The Evangelist. Dedicated to the three French Jesuit missionaries martyred there, the Montgomery County shrine is "alive and well," Scharfenberger said in the June 23 issue of the diocesan weekly newspaper. Scharfenberger also said that in an effort to continue the shrine's mission, he's created an independent supporting organization called The Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine. The nonprofit group will aid the Jesuits and local dioceses in continuing to run and develop the holy ground, which the diocese hopes will serve as an evangelization center for local and distant communities alike. The choice to establish a nonprofit was one with both structural and spiritual incentives, according to Carmine Musumeci, the organization's president. By separating the shrine's funds from the diocese's, the diocese will be spared any potential legal burdens, Musumeci said. "It would be a shield for any of the individuals, board members and the Albany Diocese from any liabilities," Musumeci said. "We didn't want the Albany diocese to be burdened with any extra expenses." The organization's fundraising will be run by volunteers and carried out in a similar fashion to that of the Jesuits, which allows for the priests to "be more dedicated in doing the sacraments and the things they have been ordained to do," Musumeci said. Musumeci said "getting the laity involved is basically building the domestic church all over again," which he believes to be a current movement in the church at large. STAMFORD A charter school that opened last year in an 80-year-old building found elevated lead in its drinking water fountains, an issue officials believe can be traced to the facilitys old plumbing, according to documents obtained by The Advocate. Three fountains at the Stamford Charter School for Excellence were taken offline last summer before students could use them, according to the documents, which were obtained earlier this month in a Freedom of Information Act request. The school, having been recommended to hire a lead consultant, plans to conduct further testing and flush its pipes over summer break. City officials learned of the lead issue which the Schuyler Avenue school uncovered through its own testing during an environmental inspection last October. Since then, the local health department has tested for harmful metals in drinking water at public and private city schools. Officials said city-wide testing was also conducted in response to the lead crisis in Flint, Mich. where a corrosive water source was directed through aging city pipes and at schools in Newark, N.J., where old plumbing has been blamed for high lead levels. The health department does perform school water testing they have in the past but when this rose to the forefront (Mayor David Martin) recommended they be tested immediately, said Ted Jankowski, the citys director of public safety, health and welfare. An actionable lead level has only been found at one other city school this year. In April, slightly elevated lead was discovered in a science lab sink at Rippowam Middle School that was rarely used. A repeat test after flushing found the sink to be safe. Remediation The Environmental Protection Agency recommends remediation for lead present in amounts higher than 15 parts per billion. The Stamford Charter School for Excellence and Rippowam each had fixtures test above that level. Ingesting toxic lead especially chips of lead-based paint has been found to cause behavioral and learning problems in young children. The Stamford Charter School for Excellence did not return several calls for comment made by The Advocate for this article. A call to its real estate project manager, Jones Lang LaSalle, was referred to the schools executive director, Charlene Reid. Documents received in the FOIA request show the West Side school has been working with the city and state health departments and Aquarion Water Co., which supplies public water from North Stamford reservoirs. Aquarion said it routinely tests its 67 water systems statewide for lead, and that any toxic metals found in the schools drinking water did not originate on its end. The water that we deliver has no lead in it. Theres no lead when the water leaves our treatment plant and arrives at the school, said John Herlihy, Aquarions vice president of water quality. (Schools could have) lead solder joints, brass faucets that contain lead, and in some cases there are water fountains that have lead in them, he said. The state Department of Health was also informed of elevated lead at the charter school, but is not required by law to monitor water quality testing at most schools. The department is, however, responsible for regulating the states more than 2,500 public drinking water systems and assuring they comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. In a May 4 letter to the charter school, Lori Mathieu, head of the state health departments drinking water division, recommended hiring a lead consultant when repeat testing by the city heath department as late as March found elevated lead still present. Mathieu said system-wide flushing running water through pipes to remove loose particles which the school is likely to do before the start of the new academic year, is proven to help reduce lead. There are dead ends where water can sit and become more corrosive over time, Mathieu said. Aging infrastructure While the fountains never posed a threat to students, the issue underscores the potentially dangerous and costly problems posed by aging infrastructure at schools throughout the nation. Lead solder, the culprit in many cases of elevated lead, was banned in Connecticut for new construction in 1986. In 2011, the federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act lowered acceptable levels of lead allowed in new plumbing fixtures. Many drinking water problems can be traced to old buildings and plumbing. In January, an aging pipe that had ruptured resulted in high levels of iron and sediment in drinking water at Turn of River Middle School, forcing the school to use bottled water until the problem was fixed. City officials said the Stamford Charter School for Excellence has been using bottled water and has capped pipes that feed the drinking fountains at the school, which was built in 1934 and is owned by Sacred Heart Church. Unoccupied for years before the charter school moved in, the building had been home to J.M. Wright Technical High School and Sacred Heart Elementary School. Ronald Miller, the citys director of environmental inspections, said the health department will test annually for metals in school drinking water. Prior to this year, it had tested water at the citys more than 40 public and private schools every two years. The health department expects to be done with its latest series of testing by September. State law only requires that daycare centers and nursery schools be tested every two years, with results submitted to local and state health departments. The city learned of the lead issue at the charter school when the health department conducted an environmental inspection shortly after the school opened for the first time to preschool through first grade. The publicly-funded, independently-run charter school, while not funded or supported by the Board of Education, nonetheless secured a charter from the state and plans to add one grade a year until it reaches fifth grade. The school is the sister institution of the Bronx Charter School for Excellence. eskalka@scni.com Congress should have addressed the financial crisis in Puerto Rico long before the calendar flipped its way toward a lethal July 1 deadline. Why did it take this long to come to the aid of 3.5 million Americans facing economic calamity? Carrying $73 billion in debt, Puerto Rico was in danger of failing to meet a crucial $2 billion loan payment by July 1. Economists in academia will likely mine Puerto Ricos fallout for discussion in lecture halls for years to come. Since it is a U.S. territory rather than a state, Puerto Rico was not entitled to restructure by filing under Chapter 9, as failing American municipalities such as Detroit, Michigan; Vallejo, California; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have done. After wrestling with legislative proposals, the Senate finally came to a bipartisan compromise Wednesday that gave President Barack Obama hours to sign the measure by the deadline. The relief bill will result in the creation of an oversight board and a legal restructuring of the debt. Its not a permanent solution, and carries its own potential hazards. Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders called the bill a terrible piece of legislation, that would give Republicans the balance of power on the board. The process of choosing board members must not become politicized; they must instead be selected based on practical knowledge of Puerto Ricos economy. Puerto Rico waved the white flag in a political landscape increasingly defined by the divisive rhetoric of Donald Trump. The presumptive Republican presidential candidate whose companies filed for bankruptcy four times has declared he would not support bailing out Puerto Rico. Ironically, Trump may have helped motivate members of his party to contribute to a solution for Puerto Rico. Financial giants with investments in jeopardy certainly added pressure to voting Republicans, while House Speaker Paul Ryan pushed the legislation through at a time when his party needed to put itself in a better light. Heres the Catch-22 for the xenophobe who will not accept Puerto Ricans as Americans: Ignore the problem and more people will leave the island for the mainland. This problem could not be ignored, as basic services were on the verge of being cut to schools, hospitals, utilities and transportation. This is not only our problem as Americans to solve, but carries particular resonance in Connecticut, which has the highest proportion of Puerto Rican residents among the 50 states (more than 7 percent, rivaled only by New Yorks 5.5 percent and New Jerseys 4.9). The people of Puerto Rico are Americans, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said after Wednesdays vote. I am proud that today the Senate voted to offer a remedy to avoid disaster for the islands deserving Americans, but it is only a beginning. On this Independence Day weekend, its worth taking pause to consider that these millions living on U.S. soil will likely need humanitarian aid for months and years to come. Our fellow Americans deserve better. Puerto Rico is more than an asterisk on the U.S. flag. Accusations of racism in the San Francisco Police Department gained momentum in federal court Thursday when a judge ruled that a series of Tenderloin drug stings in which all 37 people charged were black showed substantial evidence of racially discriminatory law enforcement. According to court records, one officer was overheard making derogatory references to BMs, or black males, and another referred to black women as bitches. There was also evidence that police were aware of nonblack drug dealers in the same area but did not arrest them. The evidence included a videotaped incident in which an officer apparently turned down an Asian American womans offer of a drug sale before arresting a nearby black woman. The evidence shows there are substantial numbers (and a substantial proportion) of drug dealers in the Tenderloin who are not African American; yet they were not stopped or arrested, said U.S. District Judge Edward Chen. He refused to dismiss claims by 12 of the 37 defendants arrested under Operation Safe Schools, a program run jointly by San Francisco police and federal law enforcement, that they were victims of police racism claims that, if proved in court, would be grounds for dismissal of the federal charges against them. The case comes in the wake of revelations about racist messages and other possible abuses at the SFPD. Police Chief Greg Suhr resigned in May after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed African American woman. Suhr had been under pressure to leave since December, when he defended officers who fatally shot Mario Woods, a stabbing suspect allegedly armed with a knife, despite video footage that showed the black man moving slowly along a wall but not directly threatening the police. The Woods shooting was one of the events that led to a U.S. Justice Department decision to begin a collaborative review of the Police Department. Meanwhile, disclosures of racist and homophobic text messages between officers, starting in 2012, have prompted the public defenders office to argue that as many as 200 criminal convictions could be overturned. Federal charges Operation Safe Schools consisted of police sweeps, from August to November 2013 and from October to December 2014, that targeted drug trafficking near schools in the Tenderloin. The federal charges subject the defendants to mandatory sentences that are much longer than they would normally face in state court. Chen, in his ruling, contrasted the record of 100 percent black prosecutions in the federal program with indications that drug dealing in the Tenderloin was far more racially diverse. Superior Court records from January 2013 through February 2015, covering everyday prosecutions unconnected with Operation Safe Schools, he said, showed 61.4 percent of those arrested and charged with drug crimes in the Tenderloin were African American, while the rest were Latino and white. A seven-week survey of clients at the San Francisco AIDS Foundations needle-exchange program in the Tenderloin, starting in August 2015, found that the drug users identified 56 percent of their drug suppliers as black, Chen said. Chen also said Police Department reports showed officers were aware of the presence and locations of Latino drug dealers in the Tenderloin. In addition, he said, defense lawyers have cited about 60 cases of non-African Americans who were arrested on local drug-trafficking charges in the Tenderloin during the same period but were not charged under the federal program. Video evidence In one Operation Safe Schools case, Chen said, a video showed an undercover police informant declining to buy drugs from an Asian woman, instead waiting for another seller, who was black. During one arrest, he said, an officer was recorded on video as saying, F BMs, prompting a second officer with a video camera to tell him, Shh, hey, Im rolling. BM is commonly used by law enforcement to refer to black males. There is substantial evidence of racially selective enforcement by the San Francisco Police Department and its partners in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Chen said. He said the defendants are entitled to seek evidence from the police agencies about their racial practices. And, he said, selective law enforcement singling out blacks for arrest is a civil rights violation that would require dismissal of the charges if proved. But the judge rejected a claim by defendants of discriminatory prosecution, saying there was no evidence, at least so far, that federal prosecutors who filed the charges had been aware of non-African Americans who could have been accused of the same crimes. Possible effect on cases San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi called Chens ruling significant, because it means police cant discriminate against a racial group and then simply walk away from the case if the district attorney does not prosecute. If the evidence that defense lawyers will obtain under Chens ruling shows a pattern of discriminatory enforcement, Adachi said, it could enable his office to seek dismissal of many local cases. In May, Adachis office challenged the arrest of a 44-year-old black man for smoking too close to a building, after finding that seven of the 10 people arrested on that charge in San Francisco last year were black. The ruling sends a clear message to the government that racial discrimination and selective enforcement by police will not be tolerated, Adachi said. There was no comment from the Police Department, the DEA or the U.S. attorneys office. But then-U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag said in an April 2015 court filing that her office did not prosecute anyone because of race or ethnicity, and had no reason to believe that the San Francisco Police Department engaged in selective enforcement in Operation Safe Schools. A motorcyclist who died after colliding into a turning 18-wheeler Wednesday on the Northwest Side has been identified. Adam Wagoner, 31, died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries from the impact at about 7:42 p.m. in the southbound access road of Interstate 10 at Colonial Square near Wurzbach, the Bexar County Medical Examiner confirms. A Central Texas volunteer firefighter was arrested Wednesday after police say he drunkenly pulled the driver of another vehicle over into a restaurant's parking lot, using his personal vehicle's emergency lights. David Vann Reese, 31, appeared drunk around 9 p.m. Wednesday when he used his maroon Tahoe's red-and-white emergency lights commonly equipped on volunteer firefighter's personal vehicles to pull the driver over into the parking lot of a Rudy's BBQ, the victim said, according to the Waco Police Department. SAN ANTONIO Residents in as many as 16 units at a North Side apartment complex may be displaced after a fire damaged the residences late Thursday. Emergency personnel responded at about 9:43 p.m. Thursday in the 11700 block of Parliament at the Distinction apartments. A Corpus Christi man allegedly threw a small dog into a barbecue pit, killing it after it bit him, according to a news release issued Wednesday. Rosendo C. Gonzales, 20, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to non-livestock animal, a felony in Texas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two people in Odessa were charged with murder after a woman allegedly shot and killed a man with a shotgun and a man helped her burn the body in a barrel. Audrey Montgomery, 47, and Lacey Taylor, 50, were charged Wednesday with a first-degree felony charge of murder, as well as tampering with physical evidence, a second-degree felony since it involves a human corpse, according to the Texas Penal Code. RELATED: Odessa teen charged with sexual assault of child after admitting to raping relative Montgomery allegedly shot and killed 50-year-old Fred Robinson. She allegedly used a shotgun to do so, according to information determined from the autopsy. A news release issued by the Odessa Police Department said the incident occurred sometime before June 25, when a witness reported the homicide to authorities. The witness told police Montgomery allegedly shot Robinson in her home in the 1400 block of East 5th Street. RELATED: West Texas woman allegedly shoots at grandmother, engages in standoff with police Lacey Taylor allegedly helped her dispose of the body by transporting it and burning it. Investigators later found a burn barrel with remains inside of it in the 200 block of Park Avenue. Those remains were then transported to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office for analysis, the news release said. On Wednesday, the bones found in the barrel were confirmed as human, and were later confirmed to have belonged to Robinson. The autopsy provided evidence that supports the belief that Robinson suffered a shotgun wound, according to the news release. RELATED: San Antonio man sentenced to 35 years for murder The Odessa American reported the two suspects were booked into the Ector County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. Montgomery was previously indicted for methamphetamine possession in May 2015, according to the Odessa newspaper. twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A mandatory evacuation order affecting residents around the massive Bayou Corne Sinkhole has finally been lifted, the Advocate reports. In August 2012, then Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, a noted expert on sinkholes, issued that order for Assumption Parish residents living near the collapsed cavern. At the time, online magazine Facing South reported residents had begun smelling a strong diesel smell in the area. RELATED: Crews work to rescue home being eaten by sinkhole The sinkhole has grown to 34 acres or 15 hectares in surface area, a 1,300-percent increase from its earlier 2.5 acres when it first appeared. Dipping at least 750 feet deep, the sinkhole was previously an underground salt dome, one of 53 in the area. Wednesday, parish officials told residents the 4-year-old order had been lifted due to evidence the area was no longer "at risk." That evidence suggests the subsidence around the hole has diminished and the area has largely settled. Still, an all-clear has yet to be given for the one not-vacated area nearby. RELATED: Sinkhole swallows pickup near Houston Medical Center It is believed the Bayou Corne Sinkhole was formed due to the actions of the Texas Brine Company and possibly Occidental Petroleum, the Advocate reports. For years, the business had been mining salt from those caverns by pumping fresh water into the dome. Texas Brine, in a later lawsuit, blamed Occidental for the collapse, saying nearby oil drilling had negatively affected the structural integrity of the dome. When his wife fell in love with Hawaii after visiting in the early 1950s, James Wilson Jimmy Morgan was willing to pack up and move. He did that because he loved my mother, said his only child, daughter Laura Kathleen Peyton. Working at the Honolulu Star Bulletin, first as the assistant advertising sales manager and then as the advertising manager, Morgan and his family enjoyed the unspoiled atmosphere of the then U.S. territory. We used to go to Haunama Bay, his daughter said. Now its so commercialized its crazy, but back then it was very secluded. Although it was a culture shock for his daughter none of her classmates wore shoes to school Morgan and his wife continued to work as usual, home for dinner every night. During visits home, friends asked if the family lived in a hut and wore grass skirts. More Information James "Jimmy" Wilson Morgan Born: July 18, 1924, Homer, Louisiana Died: June 25, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Oscie Faulk Morgan; parents Annie Mae Henry and Luther Getty Morgan; two brothers and a sister. Survived by: Daughter Laura Kathleen Peyton and son-in-law Tommy; a granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren. Services: Funeral at 1 p.m. today at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 S.E. Military Drive, followed by burial at Mission Burial Park South. See More Collapse Peoples concept of Hawaii was so different back then, Peyton said. But my folks had bridge clubs they belonged to, went dancing. Morgan died June 25 at 91. Raised by his mother and grandmother in the South Side community of Bergs Mill, Morgan enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Harlandale High School in 1942. After serving in the South Pacific, Morgan returned to Texas, to enroll at UT. Meeting his future wife in an English class, Morgan married in 1947, graduating with a degree in journalism shortly after. The family was living in San Antonio, where Morgan worked in advertising at the now-defunct San Antonio Light newspaper, before deciding to move to Hawaii in 1955. Returning to Texas in 1962, Morgan worked as the promotion manager for a shopping center in Houston, before again working at a newspaper, the Evansville Press in Indiana. After a last stint in Hawaii, the family settled in Austin, where he and his wife had always wanted to live. They loved Austin, Peyton said. Loved the fact that you could come down I-35 and see the UT tower. Working as advertising manager for the Daily Texan, Morgan enjoyed working with the students. The kids would go out and call on the accounts, get the ads, his daughter said. Then Daddy would help them do those ads, and supervise. He and his daughter shared a special bond. I adored him, and he adored me, Peyton recalled. We both had the craziest sense of humor that Mother didnt understand. A generous man, Morgan was there if you needed help financially, sometimes to a fault, Peyton said. He grew up poor, so when he could give back, he did. He was a good, good man. mheidbrink@express-news.net Beloved songwriter Rich Minus, best known for his song Laredo Rose, died Wednesday. He was 75. His music focused on people who were poor or homeless, the ones who werent spoken for, brother Joe Minus said. He wanted to speak the truth. He was a very honest person and stuck his neck out in that way. Before his music took center stage, Minus worked a variety of jobs, from mail carrier to taxi driver to social worker, supporting himself and family while keeping up with his musicianship and songwriting. Back when he was still in high school, our father became sick, and Rich quit school for a year to work and help out the family, Joe Minus said. Minus would eventually graduate from St. Gerard High School and later earn his bachelors and masters degrees from St. Marys University. For six years, he was a member of the Texas Air National Guard Reserves. His experiences with the armed forces and with fellow veterans inspired his song Stranger in my Own Hometown. More Information Richard "Rich" William Minus Born: Dec. 10, 1940, San Antonio Died: June 29, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents William Slaughter Minus and Julie Lynk Minus and brother Phil. Survived by: Brothers Ken, Fred, John and Joe; sister Chris Christenson; and significant other Esther Farris. Services: Visitation from 1-2 p.m., followed by rosary and Mass, Friday at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 1523 Iowa St. See More Collapse The song was specifically about the Vietnam veterans and what they experienced coming home from the war. It was something that he felt needed to be touched on, and a lot of vets connect with that song, said Joe Minus. Augie Meyers of the Texas Tornados, who recorded Laredo Rose in the early 1990s, compared Minus gritty and playful songwriting style to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Theyd been friends since the 1970s, and Meyers recounted how Minus, notorious for his drinking, once passed out drunk before opening for the Texas Tornados. But I loved the guy. He wrote great songs, Meyers said. He had been living in a hospice for the last few weeks. His last public appearance was at the South Texas Popular Culture Center a couple of weeks ago when the museum celebrated its fourth anniversary. When asked about Minus signature cowboy hat he wore for most public appearances, Joe Minus said, Hed sleep in that thing if he could, Minus was inducted into the Texas Songwriters Music Legends Hall of Fame earlier this year with Gary P. Nunn, Shake Russell, Steven Fromholtz and others. In 2015, he recorded his most recent and final album, which is set to be released in the near future, according to Joe Minus. Rich had a bunch of players involved. We all look forward to the albums release, he said. procha@express-news.net hsaldana@express-news.net Given their arrogance, pomposity and habitual absurdities, it is hard not to feel a certain satisfaction with the comeuppance that Brexit has delivered to the unaccountable European Union bureaucrats in Brussels. Nonetheless, we would do well to refrain from smug condescension. Unity is not easy. What began in 1951 as a six-member European Coal and Steel Community was grounded in a larger conception of a united Europe born from the ashes of World War II. Seven decades into the postwar era, Britain wants out and the EU is facing an existential crisis. Yet where were we Americans seven decades into our great experiment in continental confederation, our more perfect union contracted under the Constitution of 1787? At Fort Sumter. The failure of our federal idea gave us civil war and 600,000 dead. And we had the advantage of a common language, common heritage and common memory of heroic revolutionary struggle against a common (British) foe. Europe had none of this. The European project tries to forge the union of dozens of disparate peoples, ethnicities, languages and cultures, amid the searing memories of the two most destructive wars in history fought among and against each other. The result is the EU, a great idea badly executed. The founding motive was obvious and noble: to reconcile the combatants of World War II, most especially France and Germany, and create conditions that would ensure there could be no repetition. That vision blew up with Brexit on June 23. But we mustnt underestimate the significance, and improbability, of the projects more narrow, but still singular, achievement peace. It has given Europe the most extended period of internal tranquility since the Roman Empire. Not only is there no armed conflict among European states. The very idea is inconceivable. Give the EU its due. Despite its comical faux-national paraphernalia of flag, anthem and useless parliament, it has championed and advanced a transnational idea that has helped curb the nationalist excesses that culminated in two world wars. Advanced not quite enough, however. Certainly not enough to support its disdainful, often dismissive, treatment of residual nationalisms and their democratic expressions. Despite numerous objections by referendum and parliament, which it routinely either ignored or circumvented, the EU continued its relentless drive for more centralization, more regulation and thus more power for its unelected self. Such high-handed overriding of popular sentiment could go on only so long. Until June 23, 2016, to be precise. To be sure, popular sentiment was rather narrowly divided. The most prominent disparity in the British vote was generational. The young, having grown up in the new Europe, are more comfortable with its cosmopolitanism and have come to expect open borders, open commerce and open movement of people. They voted overwhelmingly by 3 to 1 to Remain. Leave was mainly the position of an older generation no longer willing to tolerate European assaults on British autonomy and sovereignty. Understandably so. Here is Britain, inventor of the liberal idea and home to the mother of parliaments, being instructed by a bunch of pastry-eating Brussels bureaucrats on everything from the proper size of pomegranates to the human rights of terrorists. Widely mentioned, and resented, was the immigration directive to admit other EU citizens near automatically. But what pushed the Leave side over the top was less policy than primacy. Who runs Britain? Amazingly, about half of the laws and regulations that govern British life today come not from Westminster but from Brussels. Brexit was an assertion of national sovereignty and an attempt, in one fell swoop, to recover it. There is much to admire in that impulse. But at what cost? Among its casualties may be not just the European project (other exit referendums are already being proposed) but possibly the United Kingdom itself. Talk about a great idea executed badly. In seeking a newly sovereign United Kingdom, the Brits might well find themselves having produced a little England. letters@charleskrauthammer.com Long before the phrase white privilege crept into the national lexicon, my parents raised me to believe that as a Mexican-American, I had to be twice as smart, and work twice as hard, just to be considered on par with white counterparts. This is standard operating procedure for Latino and African-American parents. Graduating from high school in the 1950s and 60s, my parents generation was denied good schools, jobs, promotions, home loans and more because of their race and ethnicity. Instead of being angry and bitter, the elders plowed ahead and raised their children to think that if they far outdistanced the competition, it would be harder for The Man to rob them of what they earned. Apparently, Abigail Fisher was given a very different message growing up. She must have been told that mediocre was good enough and that if she felt victimized, she could always hire a lawyer and make a federal case out of it. Boy, did she. Denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin in 2008, Fisher sued the school and claimed that because she was white she had been wronged by reverse discrimination. Her case made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Fisher was only victimized by two things: meritocracy and math. She lacked the academic chops to be admitted on her own steam. And given that UT-Austin with its 52,000 students is just 4.5 percent African-American and 22 percent Latino, it is statistically far more likely that she was beaten out by another white person than by a person of color. Back then, UT-Austin set aside about three-fourths of its available slots to students who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school classes. (Today, it is the top 8 percent.) The remaining one-fourth were allotted under a separate process in which admissions officers weighed several personal factors, including race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Fishers grades and test scores werent good enough for her to be admitted under the first category; she graduated in the top 12 percent. Theoretically, she could have still been admitted under the second category if her personal story had been especially compelling, interesting and unique. We can assume it was none of those things because she was rejected. People cope with failure in different ways. Some people go to a therapist. Fisher went to court. Last week, eight years after the lawsuit was filed, the high court by a 4-3 vote put a merciful end to this self-indulgent drama. They ruled in favor of the university and sent a message that admissions officers may continue to consider race as one factor among many in pursuit of a diverse student body. Higher education in Texas could use more diversity. While African-Americans and Latinos together account for nearly half of the states population, they make up only about a quarter of the student population at UT-Austin. Imagine the time, money and effort that could have been spared if Fishers parents had done a better job of teaching her to own up to her shortcomings and not be so quick to play the victim. Thats how I was raised. During my senior year in high school, as I applied to a handful of extremely competitive universities, it just never occurred to me that if things didnt go my way, I should file a lawsuit and take it all the way to the Supreme Court. Imagine how much more productive this national conversation could have been if we had focused instead, over the last eight years, on the real problem with taking race and ethnicity into account in college admissions. It is not that the practice magically leads to systematic 1960s-style, across-the-board discrimination against whites. Rather, it is that often any such accommodation has the unintended consequence of hurting beneficiaries by weakening standards, camouflaging inequalities at the K-12 level, dampening students incentive, stigmatizing recipients, and propping up an unhealthy racial and ethnic spoils system that benefits few while underserving many. Thats the dialogue around racial and ethnic preferences that we need to have in this country. But we never get around to it. Thats because were too busy responding to the ludicrous claims of litigious underachievers like Abigail Fisher. ruben@rubennavarrette.com Maybe Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush thought he was just taking on the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. After all, when the state attacked the DRTs century-old position as occupiers of the Alamo, the DRT folded like Santa Anna at San Jacinto. But when Commissioner Bush tried to capture the contents of the Alamo Research Center, housed in a building on the Alamo grounds, he was taking on more than the DRT. He was taking on librarians. Apparently Bush and his crew at the land office thought the Alamo Research Center formerly known as the DRT Library was an amateur operation. In a sense, you couldnt blame them. For while the Daughters of the Republic of Texas deserve considerable respect and gratitude for taking custodianship of the Alamo at a time when the state was unprepared to do so, by the end of the 20th century they clearly were not up to the task of running what they had helped make into a worldwide symbol of Texas bravery. But the DRT Library had always been a separate operation. From its beginning 70 years ago, it has been staffed not by the amateurs Bush and his staff imagined because of its name but by dedicated professional librarians. Clearly Bush underestimated these women the way Santa Anna underestimated Sam Houston. Bush apparently was unaware of a simple fact: that librarians are the only heroic civil service class. Over the decades I have seen them go to the ends of the earth to run down esoteric research material. Ive seen them stand up to would-be censors and to the federal government when it wanted records on what materials patrons had checked out. And now Ive seen them take on the state of Texas over a collection of more than 38,000 documents and other items and win a decisive victory. Its an impressive collection. You could see why Bush wanted it. It includes not only research material that the staff continues to gather, but historical items such as: An account of the decisive Battle of San Jacinto written by Texas revolutionary Thomas J. Rusk for the benefit of Texass first president, David Burnet. A letter written by 22-year-old Kentucky lawyer Daniel Cloud on his way to San Antonio, explaining to his brother why he wanted to join the Texas Revolution. Cloud died at the Alamo. And petticoats belonging to Susanna and Angelina Dickenson, mother and daughter who survived the battle. Bush and his henchmen literally tried to lock the librarians out of their building while claiming ownership of the loot. The Daughters took him to court and won a protective order. Then, when a courtroom trial loomed, Bush and his boys folded. Not only did Bush give up title to all but a very few items, but he agreed to pay the DRTs legal fees of a cool $200,000, albeit with the money of us taxpayers. You cant blame him for crying uncle. At trial he would have faced the testimony of a series of donors that they made their gifts to the Daughters, not to the State. Donors such as Eleanor Lamb, a San Antonio native who now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who in 1998 presented the library with volumes of letters, business documents and photographs from her ancestors who were among the first German settlers here. Or Weldon Howard, whose family donated writings from his great-grandfather Andrew Jackson Sowell, a historian, early Texas Ranger and nephew of an Alamo defender. And perhaps even more powerful would have been the testimony of the highly regarded former Texas State Archivist David B. Gracy II, who in a 17-page report and in an appearance on Texas Week sliced to pieces the land commissions arguments against the Daughters and their very professional librarians. Gracy was clear on who could be trusted with the collection. So the battle is over. The dust is settling as the collection is moved to Texas A&M-San Antonio. And the cry goes out. Remember the librarians. This column first appeared as the Last Word on KLRNs Texas Week with Rick Casey. The program appears Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. The attack on Istanbuls Ataturk Airport, killing 41, must strengthen international resolve to erase the blot that is terrorism. But, of course, each attack, occurring now with sickening familiarity around the world, must do that. The reaction to this attack should differ in one important respect, however. If Turkey is correct that the Islamic State is to blame, that country must step up its role in fighting ISIS, particularly in next-door Syria. It is perfectly positioned to do that. Turkey has been a nominal ally in that international effort but has held back much of its considerable military might. It should reconsider that position. At the very least, its warplanes could be put to good use other than targeting the Kurdistan Workers Party in Iraq. It has already rethought how it allows its territory to be used as routes for fighters and weapons to battle Bashar Assads regime in Syria. There was every reason to believe the Islamic State uses these routes as well. Turkey should rethink its role versus the Islamic State, even if that group never claims responsibility for the three suicide bombers at one of the worlds busiest airports. The bombings carried all the earmarks of ISIS handiwork, emulating the deadly Brussels airport bombing in March, which killed 32 and for which ISIS claimed responsibility. To its credit, Turkey is modeling a behavior other victim countries would do well to emulate. It is quickly repairing the damage, resuming flights and, simply, carrying on. Turkey is grieving and rightfully angry. And yet it appears that it views its first task as simply getting up and getting on with national life. This latest bombing comes as the countrys tourist industry is already suffering and deep political divisions erupt domestically, pitting secularists against Islamists and nationalists who support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The speed with which Turkey laid blame on the Islamic State offers some hope that the country might re-examine its role in Syria. It is in that countrys best interest to focus on real, immediate enemies. Turkey, after a truce that brought a measure of stability, has renewed its fight against Kurds who want some autonomy. They, too, have been blamed for terrorists acts. And the problem is that Kurds in Syria and Iraq are arguably the most effective fighting force on the ground against ISIS at the moment. We grieve with Turkey and all other countries that lost nationals in the bombing. Turkey must not just rebuild and move on, but, as in the United States no stranger to terrorist attack think on focusing on real enemies and the best way to do that. NEW HAVEN A Stamford man has been accused of arranging scores of sham marriages to help European residents illegally obtain U.S. citizenship. David Nikolashvili, 51, was arraigned in New Haven federal court Friday on a single count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit document fraud, and six counts of making a false swearing in an immigration matter, according to a statement from Deirdre Daly, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut. According to NHVoice, 650 dialysis patients have become at risk of contracting hepatitis B as a result of inconsistent screening at a Seattle hospital. NHVoice and the Health Concern Over the course of the last five years, patients that have been treated in the dialysis unit at Virginia Mason Hospital are at a higher risk for blood infection. This is due to the fact that lapses in hepatitis B screening procedures have been discovered. According to the hospital, patients that have been treated in the dialysis unit since 2011 are highly advised to get tested for the hepatitis B infection. A nonprofit organization, Joint Commission, conducted a survey that sanctions thousands of health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission alerted the hospital of their screening inconsistencies, which promoted an investigation. Virginia Mason Hospital responded by notifying public health officials of the screening lapses that were found. At least 650 dialysis patients could potentially be affected by this severe lapse in medical treatment. The patients at risk have been exposed to the hepatitis B infection, which can cause serious liver infection. Whether the patients who contracted hepatitis B were treated in the three-bed dialysis unit of the hospital is still unknown, according to Virginia Mason Hospital officials. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises those who are hepatitis B positive to prefer a private room when receiving treatment. According to public health officials, the chance of people contracting the infection through transmission is low. With that, according to Dr. Cyrus Cryst, the nephrology unit head at Virginia Mason Hospital, there are very low risks of exposure to hepatitis B by way of other infection-control safeguards. During a news conference, Cryst addresses that the potential exposure of the hospitals patients arises from lapses in protocols and inconsistencies in screening procedures; however, Cryst assured that officials have already worked to address the issues. Outbreak News Today published a report that informed, "The individuals are being informed of this situation and encouraged to contact their health care provider to determine their hepatitis B status or need for further screening. Virginia Mason is offering to assist in the screening process, if needed." Overview of Hepatitis B Hepatitis B-related complications take the lives of about 800,000 people annually. The CDC insists that the only way to control the condition is to get yourself vaccinated. According to a report in Tech Times by Rhodi Lee, Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can spread through contact with body fluids such as semen and blood of infected individuals via sexual contact and sharing of medical equipment. The virus attacks the liver, potentially causing acute and chronic liver failure." Hepatitis B is a blood-borne virus. It ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting only a few weeks, up to a chronic liver condition. The prevalence of hepatitis B has recently declined and is now seen in approximately one percent of dialysis patients in the United States. In response to the recent issue, Virginia Mason has added to the electronic medical record system a feature that automatically orders a hepatitis B screening for dialysis patients. This has been put into place to ensure that each patients hepatitis B status is current and correct. It also sends an alert to the hospitals care team to isolate individuals who are hepatitis B-positive. Hepatitis B Statistics According to the Hepatitis B Foundation: 90% of healthy adults who are infected by hepatitis B will recover and develop protective antibodies against future hepatitis B infections. More than 240 million people worldwide are already chronically infected by the disease. 2 billion people have been infected worldwide by the hepatitis B infection. 10-30 million people worldwide will become infected each year. Up to 1 million people die each year from hepatitis B and its complications, such as liver cancer. Approximately 2 people die each minute worldwide from hepatitis B related complications. 12 million Americans have been infected by hepatitis B. Up to 2 million Americans are chronically infected by hepatitis B. Up to 40,000 people in the United States will become newly infected each year. Thousands of people in the United States will die each year from hepatitis B and its complications. 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. Popular furniture brand, Ikea, is recalling 29 million dressers and chests following the crushing deaths of at least six children. IKEA Furniture Linked to 6 Deaths, 36 Injuries ABC News is reporting that at least six children have been crushed to death by Ikea dressers and chests. Ikea has since issued a voluntary recall on almost 29 million chests and dress sold by the popular retailer, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Both Ikea and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have stated that at least 36 children have been injured by the recalled products, which are prone to tip over when they are not anchored to the wall. The children who have died have all been under the age of four, and the deaths date from as far back as 1989 to as recent as February of this year. Recalled Furniture Subject of Wrongful Death Lawsuit Jaquelyn Collas, of Pennsylvania, found her two-year-old son pinned between his bed and an Ikea MALM dress in February of 2014/ Collas attempted CPR, but her son was pronounced dead at the hospital a few hours later. Collas is now suing Ikea, stating that the company failed to warn their customers that the dressers are front-heavy and potentially dangerous. Defendants have since denied any allegations of a manufacturing defect or inadequate warning labels for their products. Models Included in the IKEA Recall MALM 3 oSale Dates: 10/2002 to 6/2016 oMeasurements: 31 x 18 x 30" MALM 4 oSale Dates: 6/2002 to 6/2016 oMeasurements: 31 x 18 x 39 MALM 5 oSale Dates: 10/2002 to 4/2006 oMeasurements: 15 x 19 x 49 MALM 6 oSale Dates: 6/2002 to 6/2016 oMeasurements: 31 x 18 x 48 MALM 6 LONG oSale Dates: 11/2002 to 6/2016 oMeasurements: 3 x 18 x 30 MALM 6 oSale Dates: 4/2006 to 6/2016 oMeasurements: 15 x 18 x 48 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. Posted on 07/01/2016, 10:00 am, by mySteinbach After becoming one of the only Canadians to ever drive a race car through the streets of Monte Carlo at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Niverville native, David Richert, has now arrived in Milan for this weekends race at the historic Italian circuit of Monza. There will be 25 drivers from 15 countries competing in the Eurocup Formula Renault event at Autodromo di Monza, one of the fastest racing circuits in the world. Monza is steeped in Grand Prix racing history and currently holds the record of the fastest Formula 1 lap ever completed. Richert, who has partnered with Casamigos (a tequila created by long-time friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber & Mike Meldman), will be visiting Monza for the 3rd time and has already developed his own history with the circuit. I am very excited to be back in Monza as I love the track and am usually very competitive, said Richert. I have some great memories of close competition but also some difficult memories as the night before our last race here was the moment mononucleosis hammered me and changed the entire 2015 season. Hopefully I can erase some of the harsher moments with a great result this weekend. Richert Racing would also like to welcome Super Lube Auto Centres as a new corporate partner for the upcoming race weekend in Italy. For over 25 years Super Lube Auto Centres has been helping customers maintain their vehicles in safe working order using trained automotive technicians and certified journeymen mechanics to service customers vehicles with the latest technology. This weekends event will be Richerts first time back in a race car since competing on the streets of Monte Carlo in late May. Yesterday, in a major victory for the retail industry, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit unanimously overturned the class-action settlement between Visa, MasterCard, the largest card-issuing banks and millions of retailers. The court ruled that retailers were inadequately represented in the settlement. NACS CEO Henry Armour said, We are pleased that the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has thoughtfully addressed the problems we have long identified with this proposed settlement. We will work to help ensure that this moves forward in a way that recognizes the best interests of merchants and the consumers they serve. The proposed $7.25 billion settlement, struck in 2012, was the largest antitrust settlement in U.S. history. The case challenged the way that swipe fees are set by Visa, MasterCard and their banks, as well as the rules that govern how cards are accepted. NACS led the efforts to opt out of and object to the proposed settlement because it failed to reform the system of swipe fees. The court determined that the interests of members of the class, who were seeking changes to Visas and MasterCards rules, were sacrificed in favor of a cash payment. That is just what NACS and other objectors argued to the court was unfair. The settlement also included an overly broad release of future legal claims against the defendants that not only disadvantaged current merchants but would impair the legal rights of all future merchants in the United Stateseven those whose businesses have not yet been created. In his concurring opinion, Judge Leval wrote, This is not a settlement, it is a confiscation. The court also invalidated the class that was certified in the case for purposes of the settlement. The case is being sent back to the U.S. District Court to determine next steps, though it is also possible that Visa, MasterCard or other defendants might appeal the decision. District Judge Brodie plans to hold a conference with attorneys reviewing the status of the case on August 11. at the fairness hearing regarding the settlement, hank told the court "this proposed settlement is so bad, merchants would be better off losing the case in Court than accepting it.The ruling vindicates NACS long-held position that the settlement was unfair. In fact at the fairness hearing regarding the settlement, Armour had told the court: "This proposed settlement is so bad, merchants would be better off losing the case in court than accepting it." The case may now present the potential for real changes to the system of credit and debit card swipe fees. NACS will continue to keep its members informed regarding developments in the case. The merger would keep the Hershey name, but the companys board unanimously rejected the bid. DEERFIELD, Ill. Mondelez International Inc. made a $23 billion takeover bid for Hershey Co., which, if approved, would become the worlds largest candy company, Reuters reports. Such a merger would combine Hersheys robust U.S. business with the Mondelez worldwide reach. A new company that large would pass Mars Inc., which currently enjoys 13.3% of the global market, according to Euromonitor International. After news of the offer spread yesterday, Hershey confirmed via press release that its board of directors unanimously rejected the indication of interest and determined that it provided no basis for further discussion with Mondelez. The Companys Board of Directors and management team are committed to enhancing value for all stockholders in accordance with the Companys strategic plan, the press release said. The Hershey Trust controls around 80% of Hershey's voting rights, and has acted to stop acquisitions in the past, most notably in 2002 by Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co for $12 billion. Mondelezs initial offer was $107 per share, half in stock and half in cash. When word of the possible merger came out, Hershey shares soared 15.1% to $111.86, while Mondelez shares advanced 2.3% to $43.97. Analysts generally havent viewed takeover bids for Hershey as having much of a chance. The Trust ... is outwardly very committed to keeping the company independent, pointed out Alexia Howard, a Bernstein analyst, a year ago. So its pretty much impossible for an activist to get involved or for the company to be bought. The BBC has a bombshell report that has not yet gotten the attention it warrants. As we have stated, there was a big timing issue with a Brexit even based on a superficial look at the mechanics. As President of the European Council Donald Tusk made clear, the UK would be able to complete the steps necessary to leave the EU in two years. That matters because once the UK invokes Article 50, a two year clock starts running. If the departing country has not negotiated its exodus with the rest of the EU, it is out by default. While the two years can be extended, it would take a unanimous vote of all 27 remaining members. Give the lack of good will towards the UK, and the desire of the remaining members to use their negotiating leverage, it would be extremely dangerous for Britain to assume it could get additional time. Mind you, the process of unwinding the current relationship between the UK and the EU is a tall order. Then the UK also has to enter into new arrangements not just with the EU but other trade partners, since most of those relationships were not bi-lateral but through the EU. Hence Obamas threat, that the UK would go to the back of the line in negotiating a new relationship if it left the EU, was a serious matter. Experts estimated the bare minimum amount of time for negotiating and consummating new trade deals was five years, and that that would be very unlikely to be achieved in practice. Moreover, trade negotiations can fail, which means there is a a possibility of it taking much longer. So the UK was already faced with a gap of at least three years, and more likely longer than that, between when it left the EU and had a new trade regime in place, particularly with its most important trading partners on the Continent. But the BBC interview with the EUs most senior trade official reveals its even worse than that. The negotiations of the UKs departure from the EU and new EU trade arrangements cannot take place in parallel. They must be sequential. No new deal talks with the EU until the exit is completed. And the EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, also said the closest analogue was the negotiations with Canada (and recall that Canada is held out as one of the models for a post-Brexit relationship), took seven years to negotiate and will take an additional one or two years to ratify. From the BBC (emphasis ours): The European Unions top trade official says the UK cannot begin negotiating terms for doing business with the bloc until after it has left. First you exit then you negotiate, Cecilia Malmstrom told BBC Newsnight. After Brexit, the UK would become a third country in EU terms, she said meaning trade would be carried out based on World Trade Organisation rules until a new deal was complete WTO rules restrict the circumstances in which countries discriminate in favour of each other in trade. Otherwise, they must apply to each other the tariffs they apply against the rest of the world. There is concern in the City that having to do business for years under WTO rules could be disastrous for the UKs service industries. Asked whether sticking to such a process wouldnt harm the economies of all EU members, Ms Malmstrom replied: Yes, but the vote was very clear. Under EU law, the bloc cannot negotiate a separate trade deal with one of its own members, hence the commissioners insistence that the UK must first leave. It is also against EU law for a member to negotiate its own trade deals with outsiders, which means the UK cannot start doing this until after it has left the EU. Taken at face value, these rules mean the UK cannot conduct its own trade talks for up to two years a fearsome challenge to any prime minister trying to deliver Brexit But even a Norway-style single market access deal, they caution, could take years to negotiate, leaving the UK trading on WTO terms in the meantime. Even worse, the article mistakenly depicts WTO rules as an automatic default. That is not the case. The Director-General of the WTO has separately stated that the UK would also need to negotiate new arrangements with the WTO, and the process would be fraught. And recall the issue we boldfaced above: as long as it is a member of the EU, the UK cannot negotiate other trade pacts. So it cant begin negotiating with the WTO during its Article 50 departure process. From a Financial Times article in Mayk (emphasis ours): Britain joined the WTO under the auspices of the EU and its terms of membership have been shaped by two decades of negotiations led by Brussels. If Britain voted to leave the EU it would not be allowed to simply cut and paste those terms, Mr Azevedo said. Britain would have to strike a deal on everything from the thousands of tariff lines covering its entire trade portfolio to quotas on agricultural exports, subsidies to British farmers and the access to other markets that banks and other UK services companies now enjoy. Pretty much all of the UKs trade [with the world] would somehow have to be negotiated, he said. The WTO had never gone through such discussions with an existing member, he said, and even the procedures for doing so remained unclear. But the likely complexity of such talks, Mr [Roberto] Azevedo [Director-General of the World Trade Organization] said, made them akin to the tortuous accession negotiations countries go through to join the WTO. Even a small economy such as Liberia, which last year became the WTOs 162nd member, took years to agree the terms of membership. The implications are ugly. Again from the pink paper: An exit from the EU, for example, would cause the UK to lose the preferential access to other markets covered by 36 trade agreements with 58 countries negotiated by the EU. As a result, to remain compliant with WTO rules the UK would have to impose higher most favoured nation tariffs on imports from those 58 countries, while they would have to levy their own surcharges on British exports, Mr Azevedo said. A WTO analysis had calculated the cost of the additional tariffs on goods imports to British consumers at 9bn, while British merchandise exports would be subject to a further 5.5bn in tariffs at their destination. The consumer in the UK will have to pay those duties. The UK is not in a position to decide Im not charging duties here. That is impossible. That is illegal, Mr Azevedo said. The only other option available to the UK would be removing all barriers for all WTO members, effectively turning its economy into a duty-free one like Singapore and lifting the protections politically sensitive domestic industries enjoy under the EU. That is possible. But that is also very unlikely, he said. Azevedo issued similar warnings in the Guardian in June. He stressed he had not been asked by anyone in the Remain campaign to weigh in, but he felt compelled to speak up to correct misinformation. He also stressed that the UK had no seasoned trade negotiatiors and recruiting the team would also take time. From the article: Azevedo said this would be an all-or-nothing approach: If you are a duty-free country, you cant be selectively duty-free. If you want to go duty-free, you have to go duty-free across the board. There can be no tariffs on anything, including agriculture and steel. Noting that only Macau and Hong Kong adopted a complete duty-free approach, Azevedo said: I recognise reality for what it is. I think it is very unlikely it (a duty-free world) is going to come to pass... It is very difficult to predict. Russias accession to the WTO took 20 years. Other negotiations happened faster. It will be a very high risk bet to hope that negotiations would be quickly completed and that negotiations would be uneventful, he said. Presumably, the reason for rejecting the Hong Kong option is that Britain has more in the way of domestic companies that need the shield of WTO rules than potential exporters that would gain. Recall how keen China was to become a member of the WTO. In addition, the UK will likely lose more on its financial services exports to Europe if it cannot negotiate deals that give advantaged access to its customers to European exporters (ie, the Singapore no barriers option throws away a critically important bargaining chip). The Leave campaigners had no idea what they were advocating. If the Government has any comprehension of what a Brexit really entails, they are certain to work to find a way to ignore the referendum results while minimizing the political fallout. In some ways, the fix the UK is in is analogous to the big impediment we discussed at length to Greece leaving the Eurozone. Setting up a new currency has very long lead times. It took eight years of planning and three years of execution for the launch of the euro to go smoothly. The big obstacle is not the introduction of physical currency, which would take the better part of a year. It is all of the IT systems work, the overwhelming majority of which is not under Greeces control but that of many other parties, such as the very fragmented members of the electronic point of sale industry. As weve had to stress, much of the code in bank payment systems is in Cobol or even older formats, where every line of possibly relevant code has to be inspected manually and substitutions made manually, and coders of different sub-systems in banks often used different designations of key data items. Here, the analogy to the millions of lines of clunky code is the density and complexity of the trade agreements, and the labor-intensiveness of striking new deals. And as Azevedo warned in the Financial Times: It is extremely difficult and complex to negotiate these trade agreements. And slow as well, he said. Even if you are in a position to negotiate quickly with all these other members it doesnt mean that they will be in a position to negotiate with you because they have their own priorities. No wonder Johnson was defenestrated and Brexit true believer Gove perhaps duped into being the hatchet man, which if you believe the reports in the Torygraph, has severely damaged his odds of becoming Prime Minister. The Conservatives coup has moved two of the most determined Leave advocates out of the running. This big change in who is a serious PM candidate does not prove that the Tories are groping for a way to back out of Brexit, but it is a necessary condition. So if the current prognostications are correct, and Theresa May is indeed coronated as Prime Minister (which rings hollow to US ears, given how well similar plans worked for Hillary Clinton), it looks to be a classic example of a woman being handed the reins because no sensible man would want the job. Even if the new Prime Minister and her allies recognize that a Brexit is virtually unworkable in practice, its not clear how they extricate themselves at an acceptable political cost. 58% of their voters backed Remain. The party risks a backlash not just from them but also from Remain voters who made up their minds right before going to the polls, meaning they were not strongly committed, and take offense at the will of the public being ignored. Going through any process to relitigate the issue (a second referendum, having a Labour stooge in a pocket district demand Parliamentary approval) would tear the country apart and risks reconfirming the Leave decision. One option would be inertia: do nothing and hope voter support cools. But the EU, IMF and other parties are not willing to let the matter pend. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said a new PM who backed Leave should invoke Article 50 the day he assumes office; one who supported Remain should do so within his first two weeks in office. Juncker was not speaking on behalf of the EU, but his words reflect the keen desire of European officials for the UK to stop faffing about. Given the strenuous EU insistence that the UK act soon, a new PM could give some excuses regarding the need for further delay. But the danger with that is the credible-seeming pretexts, like needing to sort out what the UKs preferred post-Brexit relationship would be, and the need to recruit, qualify, and hire trade negotiators, are all consistent with Brexit being on track. That works against the domestic imperative, of softening up Leave voters for ignoring the referendum results. And remember, as Clive warned, the EU is unlikely to sit pat if its officials perceive the new government to be stringing them along about a Brexit. They no doubt have bureaucratic tortures of various sorts they can inflict (strict enforcement of inconvenient rules that are normally not enforced is a stating point) and one can expect them to start applying them in an escalating manner. Perhaps May can manage Leave expectations down before she becomes PM. But since she and the other short-listed candidate need to win the approval of the 150,000 grass roots members, I doubt she can go very far in that direction. The upside is that the Tories have served up a dogs breakfast and they will have to eat their own cooking. So expect lots of schadenfreude in the coming months. It couldnt happen to a nicer bunch. Yves here. Brexit and the non-stop melodrama of the US presidential campaign means weve been spread a bit thin on other beats. Voter Down Under are also having more theatrics than usual, plus things have been way too serious of late, so we thought readers would enjoy this primer for the upcoming vote. Thank Satyajit Das for sending it along. It appears to be the work of Chris Brown via Facebook. * * * Not sure how to vote on Saturday? Worried that the double dissolution will make it easier for the wrong people to get into the Senate? Me too. So Ive written a cheat sheet that I can take into the booth with me to remind me whos who. Health Australia Party Rebranding of the Natural Medicine Party, which was probably a better description. Anti-vaxxers, fluoridophobes and homeopaths trying to expand their business via changes to medical legislation. Seniors United Party of Australia Finally, a voice in parliament for the wealthiest generation that ever lived. Family First But only if your family consists of a white Christian man, a white Christian woman and at least two white Christian children and you believe everyone else is headed straight for hell. Liberal Democrats Headed by David Leyonhjelm, who made it into the Senate in 2013 because of a herd of Lib voters being too stupid to correctly identify their preferred party. The Lib Dems are committed Libertarians whose ability to ignore all of the evidence on every possible issue would make any cult proud. VOTEFLUX.ORG | Upgrade Democracy Flux (n) an abnormal or morbid discharge of blood or other matter from the body. Whenever theres a bill before the Senate, you use an app to discharge your opinion into a tame crossbencher and tell him (yes, its always going to be a him) which way to vote on each bill. Founded by two Bitcoin consultants, and works on the same blockchain principle, whatever the hell that means. Liberal You wake up in an ice bath and realise that your left leg is missing, and Rupert Murdoch tells you that brown people and greenies and reds all conspired to steal your leg and are coming back for the rest of your limbs, but then why is Rupert wearing a blood-stained hospital gown, and why does his left leg look familiar, and there, on the knee, isnt that the scar that you got when you were ten years old and fell off your bicycle? The Nationals You wake up in a shed and realise that your left leg is missing, and Rupert Murdoch tells you that brown people and greenies and reds all conspired to steal your leg and are coming back for the rest of your limbs, but then why is Rupert wearing a blood-stained hospital gown, and why does his left leg look familiar, and there, on the knee, isnt that the scar you got when you were ten years old and got kicked by a horse? Democratic Labour Party (DLP) If youre an economic progressive yet somehow still a dyed in the wool Christian homophobe, this is the party for you. Science Party Formerly the Future Party. Theyre still naive, but now theyve got a full quiver of policies, mostly geared toward fixing the shitblizzard of the last three years. Australian Cyclists Party Does exactly what it says on the box. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers This party is like the time I hurt my back a few years ago and thought the problem would go away like it always had before, except it didnt and now I live with chronic back pain. Voluntary Euthanasia Party As advertised. Socialist Alliance The kind of socialists you can actually have a conversation with. Rise Up Australia Party The actual worst. Founded by someone who got thrown out of Family First for too much hate speech, which is like getting kicked out of Labor for not doing anything. Labor The post-war European centre right party for Australia today. Online Direct Democracy (Empowering the People!) Like VOTEFLUX, but with PollyWeb instead of the Bitcoin blockchain. (If you say that sentence backwards at the stroke of midnight when the moon is full, Lucifer will appear and grant you three votes on bills that will never get up.) Derryn Hinchs Justice Party It turns out that this is about Derryn Hinchs notion of justice, not about bringing Derryn Hinch to justice. Which is disappointing. A Federal party campaigning on State issues, implying either ignorance or extreme cynicism. My money is on cynicism. Jacqui Lambie Network Anatomically incorrect: the logo is a map of Tasmania, but the policy platform is an arsehole. Pirate Party Australia Basically progressive, and I agree with them on most things, but their ideas on intellectual property are anti-artist and their views on tax are just idiotic. Pauline Hansons One Nation Have you ever licked a gallbladder? Veterans Party Supporting veterans with no nonsense, no political game playing and absolutely no policies. Secular Party of Australia Basically pretty great, but there are a couple of issues where the commitment to secularism starts to look a little like Islamophobia. CountryMinded I dont agree with everything they say, but Im not really their target audience. This is essentially the party that the National Party should be. Socialist Equality Party Trotskyists. Well-intentioned but fanatical. These are the people who never forgot that Ches real first name was Ernest. Katters Australian Party Uncle Ho and Margaret Thatcher cohabiting in a single mind. Palmer United Party The earth will shake violently, trees will be uprooted, mountains will fall, and all binds will snap Palmer will be free. Palmer will go forth with his mouth opened wide, his upper jaw touching the sky and his lower jaw the earth, and he will swallow Odin in a single gulp. Flames will burn from his eyes and nostrils, and his sons will come after to swallow the sun and the moon. Citizens Electoral Council Possibly just straight-up insane. Climate deniers, but economically kinda socialist. Anti-Semitic and possibly white supremacist, but pro-immigration. They also claim that the Port Arthur massacre was commissioned by the British royal family and implemented by a mental health NGO. Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party The Eddie the Eagle of befuddled right-wing governance. Animal Justice Party Better people than me. The Arts Party Sound policies, surprisingly shitty logo. Come on Arts Party, you had one job to do. Non-Custodial Parents Party (Equal Parenting) Fielded candidates for the last six Federal elections. Seventh time lucky, guys. Mature Australia Your racist Western Australian aunt. Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) The partys charter is just a bunch of bible quotes. Its like were in Pennsylvania in the fucking 17th Century. Australian Sex Party Are you turned on by sound economic and social policies with a strong evidence basis? Then number the box and put your ballot in the slot. Australian Progressives A broad suite of evidence-based best practice policies that only seems progressive because Australia is such a regressive ideological clusterfuck. Nick Xenophon Team A bit far to the right for me personally, but Xenophon has done exactly what an independent senator is supposed to do, and pretty close to exactly what he said he would do. Which is refreshing. Drug Law Reform Single issue party focused on treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one. The stance seems well reasoned. Its just a bit hard to take them seriously when their logo is a hemp leaf. Sustainable Australia Formerly the Stable Population Party. They want a sustainable population through lower immigration. If they actually cared about sustainability theyd be calling for a lower global population, but instead theyre calling for reduced population growth in a country with only 24 million people. Which means that what they are is simply racist. The Greens Yes, they wear suits now, but at least those suits are made from sustainable bamboo in a small Liberian social enterprise that sponsors education initiatives for orphaned girls. Australian Liberty Alliance Angry Anderson (remember him? didnt think so) vowing to stop the Islamisation of Australia. Last time I checked, Islam was holding steady at 2.2% of the population, so maybe one bald dickhead is all it takes to hold the hordes at bay. Renewable Energy Party Single issue, seems good prima facie, but founded by Peter Breen, who was Ricky Muirs only staffer for a time. I cant figure out whether this is a good sign (Breen taught Muir how to be a halfway decent senator) or a terrible sign (how can someone go from the petrolhead party to a renewables party and expect to be believed?). Marijuana (HEMP) Party Entirely about legalising weed, and theres no suggestion that theyve thought about a policy position on any other issues. My concern is that theyd side with anyone who takes snacks into the chamber. Anti-paedophile Party Fair enough, but theyre also anti-sex education. So theyre imbeciles. SHARE It's been exactly one year since Donald Trump convulsed America's political pros and punditocracy in howls of hilarity when his rambling campaign kickoff speech veered into his now-famous vow to build his Trump wall across our southern border and somehow make Mexico pay for it. Now this: In a rare, carefully scripted speech on Tuesday, Trump delivered a series of political hits that, come November, may turn out to be powerful enough to topple yet another iconic political wall this one seemingly far more impenetrable than any wall the aspiring mogul in chief dreams of being able to build. Namely: Trump may have found the secret that could topple the solidly Democratic so-called "blue wall" of 18 northeastern, Midwest industrial and West Coast states that have been giving Democrats their huge base of presidential Electoral College votes for almost a quarter century. The "blue wall," presciently named by my esteemed journalistic colleague and political analyst Ronald Brownstein of The Atlantic, encompasses the states that have voted Democratic in every presidential election since 1992. Standing before a blue-collar audience at a steel mill near Pittsburgh, Trump vowed to not only fight to make things better for blue-collar workers but made it clear he will do so by shattering to smithereens the U.S. Chamber of Commerce free trade policy pedestal that has been the pet perch of the elephantine Grand Old Party ever since World War II. Trump launched into the sort of boldly aggressive populist agenda that, if you just read his words, might have left you thinking they'd been spoken by, say, Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders. Trump said he will: Scrap the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement "to get a better deal, by a lot, not just a little, for our workers." Instruct his commerce secretary to identify "every violation of trade agreements a foreign country is currently using to harm you, the American worker." And he said, "I'm going to instruct my treasury secretary to label China a currency manipulator, which should have been done years ago!" Trump rejected the view that, in the global economy, nations benefit by importing goods. He said globalization benefits "the financial elite ... (but leaves) millions of our workers with nothing but poverty and heartache." He also vowed to fight "a leadership class that worships globalism." In short, he opposed the policies long promoted by Republican leaders and their campaign funders, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Not surprisingly, the Chamber took to Twitter to attack Trump for pushing policies that would harm the economy, messaging: "Even under best-case scenario, Trump's tariffs would strip us of at least 3.5 million jobs." In his year of campaigning, Trump has confounded the sort of conventional wisdom that pols and pundits have traditionally carried with them from convention to convention. He has shamelessly mimicked a politically handicapped reporter, used vile and profane language to describe women, has slandered and belittled Mexicans, proposed immigration bans of all Muslims, banned journalists and news organizations from covering his events, and has often relished in doing business through the art of the calculated con, and politicking by saying and doing things that make himself appear the essence of a soulless man who loves to hate. In short, you might think, the antithesis of a political winner. But then there is the side of him that knows how to reach those ordinary citizens who are most fed up, mad as hell at an established elite who seem out to get them and just aren't going to take it anymore. The mid-July night the 2016 Republican convention is expected to formally nominate Trump for president will mark exactly one year from the day I wrote a column observing that our expanding ranks of fed-up Americans are drawn to fulminators like Trump. They are the folks that truth-talking TV anchor was speaking to in the 1976 film "Network," when he told his viewers to open their windows and yell: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" That column ended with: "If you hear those words echoing through America's swing-voting cul du sac suburbs on election night 2016, you will know America's fed-up, mad-as-hell voters just chose your next president." Unfortunately I see no reason to change my prediction now. But I know this: It will happen because (as we heard from his beyond-politics tirade this week) Trump, despite all of his evil words and deeds, now has a real chance of toppling that huge blue wall that has stood between Republicans and the White House. Team Bonita Springs YMCA races in the bed race at the 2015 Star Spangled Bonita Springs July 4th celebration at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. File SHARE Bands perform at the 2015 Star Spangled Bonita at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. File With seed stuck to her cheek Emma Sundstrom, 10, attempts to eat two watermelon slices during an eating contest in 2014. Thousands are expected to celebrate the nation's independence with the annual Star Spangled Bonita event on Monday, July 4. Corey Perrine/Staff Cindy Young, left, Brad Saxton, second from left, and Dustin Young, right, all of Naples, light sparklers prior to the start of the fireworks display in Bonita Springs in 2006. File By Patrick Riley of the Naples Daily News America is turning 240 years old and Bonita Springs is helping it celebrate by hosting its annual Fourth of July festivities on Monday. The free event kicks off at 9 a.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs with a parade, sponsored by the Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444. This year's theme for the parade is "America the Beautiful." Firetrucks, floats and a vehicle from the Lee County Sheriff's Office will roll down Old 41 and greet attendees, said Lora Taylor, the city's communication director. Among the many different floats, one will be reserved for councilors and city staffers, she said. "They have different floats," Taylor said. "And a lot of water guns. "I know our city manager will have a Super Soaker on board." Revelers will also be able to enjoy watermelon, hot dog and ice cream eating contests, musical acts, an old-fashioned bed race and a kids' amusement area, which includes a giant water slide, bounce house, a slip-n-slide, water tag, train rides and face painting. This year, the bed race will have six teams competing, Taylor said. One team member pilots while the rest pushes the modified bed along. "They're actual beds," she said. "And they put them on wheels." Following the opening ceremony at Riverside Park, which starts at 4 p.m., Royal Scoops Homemade Ice Cream will reveal the winner of its flavor creation contest, crowning the official ice cream for Bonita Springs. The mastermind of the winning flavor will receive free ice cream for a year, Taylor said. This year's celebration will be preceded by the unveiling of the city's new town clock at 8:30 a.m. The clock a joint project between the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, the city and the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon will be revealed at the northeast corner of Childers Street and Old 41, across the street from Riverside Park. The city's new timekeeper will be able to play festive music and ring on the half-hour. "It's going to be a special addition to the downtown area," Taylor said. Monday's festivities will be capped off by a 20-minute fireworks display and laser light show at Riverside Park. "It's more of a patriotic soundtrack this year," Taylor said. "I think everyone will really enjoy it." The nearby Liles Hotel and the artists' cottages will be open to the public and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the beverage sales will go to the Bonita Springs Rotary. Coolers and pets are prohibited at the event. IF YOU GO Star Spangled Bonita '16 When: Monday July 4 9 a.m. Parade 4 p.m. Party in the Park 5 p.m. Old-fashioned Bed Race Dusk Fireworks and Laser Light Show Where: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs Cost: Free. Coolers and pets are prohibited at the event. Food will be available for purchase. Information: Marco Island artist Jo-Ann Sanborn's work features water, skies and landscapes, but no wildlife. Sanborn, with her gallery in the Esplanade, has devoted her life to capturing the Everglades on canvas. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent SHARE "Flow," 20 x24", is tagged at $1,200. Marco Island artist Jo-Ann Sanborn, with her gallery in the Esplanade, has devoted her life to capturing the Everglades on canvas. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Marco Island artist Jo-Ann Sanborn, with her gallery in the Esplanade, has devoted her life to capturing the Everglades on canvas. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Marco Island artist Jo-Ann Sanborn, with her gallery in the Esplanade, has devoted her life to capturing the Everglades on canvas. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Marco Island artist Jo-Ann Sanborn tends to be hard on her brushes, she says. With her gallery in the Esplanade, Sanborn has devoted her life to capturing the Everglades on canvas. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent By Lance Shearer, Eagle Correspondent Jo-Ann Sanborn is a painter with a mission. She doesn't paint overtly political canvasses, such as Picasso's "Guernica" or Eugene Delacroix' "Liberty Leading the People," but there is a message in Sanborn's work nonetheless. Jo-Ann Sanborn paints the Everglades, and the subtext of essentially all her work is to make us, the viewers, take another look, really see the landscapes she depicts, and consider what we might do or not do to harm or help this imperiled slice of nature. "My work has always been about the land, and this fragile landscape," she said. "I've been doing it for 24 years, and I'm not tired of it. The light is fabulous, and the shapes in the Everglades move me. They thrust up from the ground or wave against the sky. I can always find something new." Hovering in the zone between realism and impressionism, with color palettes to match, Sanborn's canvasses readily evoke the natural spaces she depicts, and shimmer and glow with light. One of the things she loves about painting the Everglades, Sanborn said, is the stillness and lack of distractions. "In a place that's quiet, you can look at how the sun is hitting a palm tree. Every morning is different." Sanborn's canvasses are instantly recognizable, with their endless variations on the theme of as-yet untrammeled natural beauty. Her work hangs in City Hall on Marco Island, the Marco Island Yacht Club, condominium lobbies, in private collections throughout the country, "and usually at the Art Center," she said. "I teach acrylic painting there, so there's usually something of mine on the wall." The easiest way to get a concentrated dose of Sanborn's Everglades visions, though, is to visit her gallery at the Esplanade. She was one of the local artists who created the Artists' Colony, that during the economic downturn took over vacant storefronts and opened three gallery spaces there. After three years, market conditions turned, and the artists were given notice that their popular "Last Wednesday" art crawls were coming to an end. While the other painters, sculptors, and multimedia artists packed up and left, Sanborn took a plunge into merging the worlds of art and commerce, and opened her own gallery in one of the spaces. Four years later, she is still "in residence," and can be found most days painting away, surrounded by her canvasses, copies of her book "Embracing the Everglades," paintings both framed, partly completed, or awaiting the artist to look at them long enough to decide that yes, they are done. "I hope to finish this painting today, but some paintings resist the finish," she said. "At any one time, I am usually working on three or four canvasses. I change from one to another" depending on how she feels at that moment. Sandborn paints and teaches "en plein-air," but with the summer temperatures and humidity hovering in the 90s, the studio is also a more comfortable and bug-free venue when an artist's subject matter is the local salt marshes and saw grass prairies. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Sanborn has painted Florida landscapes since falling in love with this area in the '90s. She has had a number of solo shows, been honored with numerous awards including the Award of Excellence in the Founders Exhibition of the Naples Art Association's Von Liebig Art Center, and the National Association of Women Artists. She has been featured on WGCU-TV's "Expressions" and "Out and About in Southwest Florida." "I didn't even call myself an artist until I won a Best of Show," said Jo-Ann. "Not being an art school graduate, I needed that validation." She attended Becker College in Worcester, Hartford Community College, and studied under Johanna Murphy. Sanborn has also collaborated on a book series with author Dolores Burton, illustrating books that use animals to send a message to young people about bullying and ostracizing those who are different. "At first I refused, but I tried it and it's a lot of fun," said Jo-Ann. "If it's a learning process, I love it." "But You Don't Look Like Me" is the first in the series, and the next, "Bully Billy Is Back!" is due soon. But apart from these books, you won't see any birds or animals in Sanborn's work. "I don't put any animals in. I want you to focus on the land," she said, unconsciously echoing a statement from Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. She paints landscape, not wildlife, and with the body of work she has produced, it's hard to argue that all the paintings need is a roseate spoonbill here or there. Sanborn also doesn't sell any prints of her paintings. "I don't do prints at all. My price range allows people to buy originals," she said. It is possible to buy a small original canvas for as little as $150, although the larger works run up into the thousands. "Pretty much, I price by size," she said, of the mostly acrylic canvasses she paints, along with "a couple of oils and watercolors now and then. I'll let people buy on the installment plan at one time, I had five people buying paintings on time." "We're fairly new here. We got really interested in the Everglades, and made a lot of day trips to there and places like Corkscrew," said Hideaway Beach resident Jackie Purvis of herself and her husband George. "Then we wandered into Jo-Ann's studio in the Esplanade, and her paintings just resonated with us. She really captures the essence of it. When we look at the paintings, we feel like we're there." If you go: Sunshine Studios of Marco Island Jo-Ann Sanborn, Everglades artist The Esplanade, 760 North Collier Blvd., Marco Island (across from Coldstone Creamery) 239-404-9179 joannsanborn.com Hours: Wednesday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. SHARE Amanda Shapiro, of Hooters in Cape Coral, has been selected to compete in the Miss Hooters International contest in Las Vegas. (Jack Hardman/The News-Press) By Stacey Henson, The News-Press Amanda Shapiro and her mom, Jill, have the same sparkling blue eyes and wide smiles, get their hair and nails done together and even do the weekly grocery shopping as a pair. But the Cape Coral duo share something not common to most other mother-daughter combos: They each worked at Hooters to pay their college tuitions. Jill Shapiro worked at the Orlando Hooters nearly 25 years ago. She was a hostess working her way through college, wearing a white polo and white shorts, never graduating to the tight owl-adorned T-shirt and shimmery orange satin shorts of Hooters girls. Amanda Shapiro, however, wears the uniform with pride. Both laud the company for the way it supports its workers and give it credit for the confidence they gained while on the job. "I used to be very shy," Amanda Shapiro said, adding that becoming a Hooters girl has given her opportunities that include travel and paying for her nursing degree without taking out student loans. She received her associate degree at FSW this spring and will pursue her bachelor's in nursing at FGCU in the fall. As Miss Cape Coral, she is one of two local Hooters girls who will compete against 78 others for Miss Hooters International on July 12 and 13 at the in Las Vegas. The other is Miss Fort Myers Sofia Bevarly. They also are among seven Southwest Florida Hooters girls in the 2016 company calendar. Amanda Shapiro said she met several contestants at last year's pageant who also are following in their mothers' steps and working for the chain, although Hooters hasn't studied the phenomenon. Hooters Inc., of Clearwater, incorporated in 1983, meaning the chain is 33 years old this year plenty of time for a second generation to rise through its ranks. Known for its chicken wings, there are more than 450 stores worldwide representing the brand, with the waitresses the main attraction. While Jill Shapiro cut her Hooters days short by joining the Army, her daughter is enjoying all the perks. The oldest of seven children, Amanda joined the Cape Coral Hooters about two years ago and has used her job to take her places far beyond Southwest Florida. She's traveled to the Bahamas for the calendar photo shoot, and the , , and Las Vegas as a photo assistant. She travels the region signing calendars and helps with the company's charity work. "It's taught her how big the world is," Jill Shapiro said. After appearing in the calendar, Amanda Shapiro has been featured on coffee mugs, shot glasses, can coozies and bottle openers, her mother said. While dad, Michael, is protective, he has a calendar in his office, which Jill said shows just how proud he is of his eldest child. Jill and Michael Shapiro will be in the audience as Amanda competes in this year's pageant. Amanda said she's far more confident this year than last as she prepares the interview, personality and swimsuit stages of the competition. "I hope to come back with a place or a crown," Shapiro said. --- Fan favorites What: The Hooters 20th Anniversary International Swimsuit Pageant on July 12-13 has opened voting for Miss Fan Favorite. The winner, tallied by online voting, will win a cash prize of $2,000. When: Voting is open through July 12, and you may vote multiple times per day. How: Choose Southeast Region on the website and look for Miss Cape Coral Amanda Shapiro contestant #6 and Miss Fort Myers Sofia Bevarly #72 To vote: pageant.hooters.com/ A portrait of unity: The lost and found treasures of Hurricane Ian Strangers and Southwest Florida residents alike bond through effort to help people find belongings lost to Ian - and to return found items to owners SHARE By Chad Gillis And Ben Brasch, The News-Press Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday added Lee County to a declared state of emergency regarding water conditions in the Lake Okeechobee system. Massive algal blooms have shut down swimming beaches and recreational areas in the St. Lucie area, the east coast recipient of lake releases. Scott declared an emergency for that area Wednesday. Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers; Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers; and Rep. Ray Rodriguez, R-Estero, sent a joint letter to Scott's office early Thursday asking that Lee be added to the emergency declaration. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday it will decrease water releases to the west and east coasts, going from 4,000 cubic feet of water here to about 3,000 cubic feet per second. Water experts say the river and estuary can be harmed when the release rate hits 2,800 cubic feet per second. The Caloosahatchee River is used to release water from the Okeechobee. The St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee were connected to the lake about a century ago to drain the Everglades for development and farming, and both systems have shown signs of water quality degradation for several months. East coast leaders earlier this week asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop releases to the St. Lucie, a move that caused some here to worry that the volume of water from Lake Okeechobee would increase on this coast. Army Corps officials said recently there are no plans to change the releases because lives and property around the lake could be threatened by a tropical storm or a period of heavy rains. "It's heartbreaking," Benacquisto said of the blooms gripping the east coast. "It's bad enough what's happening here. (And) we don't want to be that devastated." Efforts on Thursday to reach her opponent for the District 27 Senate seat, Jason Maughan, were unsuccessful. Maughan is making water his No. 1 issue in the campaign. He was critical of local legislators Wednesday for not demanding protection for this area, saying on a Facebook post: "The only sensible solution is to acquire land from the sugar interests in the Everglades Agricultural Area and send the water south." Caldwell said he didn't want this region to be left out of the emergency situation. "The key point for us is that we don't get left out of the dynamic," Caldwell said before Scott added Lee to the declaration. "Obviously the heavy algae bloom is most extensive on the east coast right now, but the nutrients and conditions are similar on our coast." Caldwell said anyone impacted by the current water situation should be treated the same as others. "It's extensive and exacerbates the need to revalue that Lake Okeechobee schedule and look at how we manage the lakes to the north and get water to Everglades National Park," he said. Flight information for departures at Southwest Florida International Airport on June 30, 2016. (Erica Brechtelsbauer/Staff) SHARE 5-year-old Apollo Przystawik stands near a window at Southwest Florida International Airport to wave to the incoming planes on June 30, 2016. (Erica Brechtelsbauer/Staff) By Laura Ruane, The News-Press Southwest Florida International Airport wants to expand its 10-year-old passenger terminal to ease peak-hour and peak-season congestion at the terminal's three security checkpoints. On Thursday, Lee County commissioners acting as the port authority board gave airport staff permission to negotiate with Atkins North America Inc. to design the expansion. A conceptual diagram for the airport terminal expansion shows the concourses and aircraft gates left intact, while other external terminal walls are extended further into the airfield and landside the area away from the airfield, such as in the front of the terminal. Initial estimates put the total design and construction at between $40 million to $45 million, with passenger facility charge money the most likely funding source. Tapping that fund will require approval from RSW's airline partners. This isn't a quick solution: The expansion will take three or more years to complete, according to airport officials. In the interim, the airport's draft 2016-17 budget calls for spending $275,000 on an outside firm to manage the checkpoint lines. Clogged checkpoints aren't confined to Southwest Florida. Exceedingly long lines up to three-hour waits in some cases were reported this spring at major airports across the country. Unlike much of the nation, summer isn't a peak season here for commercial aviation. But the picture changes drastically in the peak-season months between Thanksgiving and Easter. "This (expansion plan) is customer-driven," said Victoria Moreland, airport spokeswoman. "You can't ignore (crowded checkpoints) three to four months out of the year." RSW is one of the highest "peaking" airports in the country. According to Lee County Port Authority: Nearly 25 percent of all RSW takeoffs and landings occur in February and March. That is when lines of travelers awaiting security screening sometime stretch from concourse entrances all the way to the front of the terminal. In March, the airport has 125 percent more takeoffs and landings than in September, its slowest month. That's a striking difference from the international airports in Tampa and Orlando, where aircraft operations differ by less than 30 percent between peak-season and offseason. Many airports across the country have expanded the space available for checkpoints, said Sari Koshetz, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration.. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is testing new security lanes designed to make passenger screening more efficient. The lanes have five stations for travelers to put belongings in bins for scrutiny. The bins have radio frequency identification tags that allow for quick retrieval after screening. But having adequate space for checkpoints comes first, even before new technology and additional transportation security agents, said Bijan Vasigh, professor of economics and finance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. "Delays cost airports and airlines billions of dollars," Vasigh said. Airports "need to make sure the facility is top notch to attract airlines and to attract passengers." In other business, commissioners gave their first OK to Lee County Port Authority's fiscal 2016-2017 budget that includes $119 million for international airport operations and a $2-a-day increase for using its parking garage. That budget isn't final until after public hearings in September. The boat fire as seen from the beach at about 8:49 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016. Submitted by Jan Bacharach By Eric Staats of the Naples Daily News North Naples firefighters responded to a boat fire Thursday night off the coast of the 11000 block of Gulfshore Drive, the Collier County Sheriffs Office reported. Sheriff's spokeswoman Kristi Lester said the fire caused minor injuries. A cloud of black smoke could be seen over the neighborhood. Crews have been working this week to recover a sunken luxury yacht off Wiggins Pass in North Naples but it was unclear Thursday night whether the boat fire was related to the yacht. A representative for SeaTow in Naples, which is tasked with recovering the sunken yacht, said Thursday night he was talking with sheriffs deputies about the fire and refused further comment. By Alexi C. Cardona of the Naples Daily News The boat that caught fire Thursday night off North Naples was the 45-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge sunken yacht that crews have been trying to recover since Tuesday, said North Collier Fire Rescue officials. Crews were working to raise the yacht from the sandbar it crashed onto earlier in the week near Wiggins Pass when the fire started about 9 p.m. Thursday, according to Carol Lyn Parrish, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "There's not much left of it," said Jerry Sanford, spokesman for North Collier Fire District. Related stories: Yacht sinks off coast of Wiggins Pass Workers continue attempting to tow sunken yacht off Wiggins Pass to safety Officials respond to boat fire near Wiggins Pass That model of yacht retails for more than $600,000. A Sea Tow Naples crew member suffered minor injuries in the fire but declined medical treatment, said North Collier Fire District spokeswoman Carolyn Rambosk. It wasn't known how the fire started or where it originated. Parrish said the fire was being investigated by the FWC. Sea Tow crew members said the sandbar crash caused the propeller system to tear off and left a large hole in the back of the boat. Water flowed into the hole and weighed down the yacht, making it challenging for crews to lift it to the surface. Republican candidates for Florida's 19th Congressional District Dan Bongino, from left, Francis Rooney, and Chauncey Goss all had their opportunity to speak during a forum hosted by the Women's Republican Club of Naples Federated at the Tiburon Golf Club Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Naples, Fla. (Luke Franke/Staff) SHARE Republican candidate for Florida's 19th Congressional District Chauncey Goss speaks with supporter Debra Saalfield before a Republican forum for the three congressional Republican candidates at the Tiburon Golf Club Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Naples, Fla. "He's got our best interests at heart," Debra said. "He takes his time to think about an issue before acting." (Luke Franke/Staff) Republican candidate for Florida's 19th Congressional District Francis Rooney, left, speaks with Leigh Kistler, center, as well as other supporters before a Republican forum for the three congressional Republican candidates at the Tiburon Golf Club Thursday, June 30, 2016 in Naples, Fla. Leigh is frustrated with the water quality and is searching for a candidate who she thinks will go to bat for water quality while in Congress. "Tourists don't come down to see the medians," Leigh said. "They come to see the water." (Luke Franke/Staff) By Alexandra Glorioso of the Naples Daily News Congressional candidates began to define themselves Thursday in the first forum in the Republican primary for U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson's seat. Former U.S. Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, a resident of Palm City on the state's east coast who said he rents in Naples, was asked to name the incorporated cities in the district, which covers Lee and Collier counties. "Let me be honest with you. I really don't appreciate the 'gotcha' questions but I believe it's Everglades City and Marco." Everglades City is actually part of Congressional District 25. Bongino missed Naples in Collier and got none of the cities in Lee (Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero and Sanibel). The question spoke to the fact that Bongino only recently claimed the area he now wants to represent. He followed up by saying he was honest about being a recent transplant, and said more important than his residency was his commitment to the conservative movement. Sanibel Councilman Chauncey Goss, on the other hand, stressed throughout the forum that he was less a politician and more a neighbor. "We're not just running for Congress. We're running for the House of Representatives. In order to represent someone, you have to really know them," he said. Goss's father, Porter Goss, was a congressman for Southwest Florida more than two decades before he became the Central Intelligence Agency director under President George W. Bush. Chauncey Goss said both of his opponents were using the House seat as a steppingstone for U.S. Senate. Both Bongino and Naples businessman Francis Rooney denied the accusation. Bongino ran for U.S. Senate in Maryland in 2012 and Rooney considered entering Florida's Senate race a couple of months ago before making his congressional bid. Rooney, who has given millions in political donations, had to spell out how he views the differences between being a donor and being an elected representative. He was less specific about what governing meant but clear about how his wealth would help him focus on the job. "The good thing about me: If I get up there, if you hire me, you're going to get the 50 or 60 hours you're paying for. I don't have to spend a lot of time raising money." Goss and Rooney discussed water issues, praising Clawson, who didn't seek re-election, he said, so he could care for his ailing father. In March, Clawson introduced the Everglades Land Acquisition Act, which would set aside $500 million for the Interior Department to buy lands in the Everglades Agriculture Area in Palm Beach County. This bill has yet to pass the House. State lawmakers have appropriated $200 million a year for Everglades restoration. "Curt's been on this thing from Day 1. We need to be on this thing from Day 2," Rooney said. "The water issue is a huge issue. I understand that we are spending $200 million a year and I take my hat off to the governor for doing that, but it's not enough. He's not going the next step," said Goss. Goss was alluding to a decision by South Florida Water Management District last year to not buy land south of Lake Okeechobee, which is owned by U.S. Sugar. The South Florida Water Management District's board was appointed by Scott. "If we don't deal with south of the lake, we aren't dealing with this problem, ladies and gentlemen," Goss said. "We have to. It's something that congressman Clawson has been banging the drum on. It's something most people understand. For some reason, the governor's not quite there yet." While Bongino didn't say how he would take on water quality, he said it would be a top concern for him and he said his views aligned with his opponents'. "I don't think you'll see a lot of day light between me and my two opponents on the environment issue," he said. The economy, health care and terrorism were other topics discussed FILE - Enterprise Florida President and CEO Bill Johnson addresses Hertz employees and media at the new Hertz Global Headquarters in Estero during the new location celebration on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. (Dorothy Edwards/Staff) By Arek Sarkissian of the Naples Daily News ORLANDO The executive board that governs Enterprise Florida voted unanimously Thursday to cut nearly $6 million from the agency's spending, including terminating contracts, closing offices across the world and slashing 26 jobs. The agency would save $2.14 million from cutting 26 positions, $767,858 from closing four international offices, $771,558 from ending events and sponsorships, $620,175 from canceling 15 outstanding professional service contracts, and $242,758 in terminated leases. The agency already has saved $150,000 by adopting cost-savings in the state's travel policy and $200,000 on office expenses. Another $1 million in savings will come from using cash the agency already has on hand. Of the positions recommended to be cut, 11 are held by employees, three by executives, and another 12 are vacant. Two senior vice presidents Louis Laubscher and Al Latimer have announced they will retire. Another senior vice president also will leave the agency but that employee's name was not available. The executive board's vote still must go before Enterprise Florida's full board of directors, but Vice Chair Alan Becker said he considered the measures final. The full board meets Friday in Orlando. "They were tough decisions. It's never easy to deal with losing employees like that," Becker said. "But given the circumstances and what we faced, it puts Enterprise Florida in a better position." Gov. Rick Scott, who attended the meeting, blamed the employee cuts on the Legislature. "This is because Enterprise Florida was not fully funded by the Legislature," Scott said. "It's a reality we had to face." Enterprise Florida will receive $23.5 million from the state in this year's budget, which takes effect Friday. Scott said after the meeting that despite lawmakers agreeing to fully fund the agency, the rejection of a $250 million economic incentive fund forced the agency to re-evaluate costs. "Those are jobs that aren't there anymore because they were tied to that money," Scott said. Enterprise Florida officials would not provide a complete list of employees and positions that were lost because they must first be notified about the cuts, Becker said. The board also approved saving $767,858 by closing offices in Canada, China, Japan and South Africa. Becker said those offices do not provide enough return on investment to continue. "I know we do a lot of work with China and we're not saying we won't do work with them anymore," Becker said. "But that office costs a lot to keep open." Other international offices will remain open, including in Great Britain, Taiwan, Mexico and France. The board proposed $771,558 in savings by discontinuing events and sponsorships around the world that Enterprise Florida funded. Some events, such as an annual medical supply forum in Germany, generate revenue from program fees paid by participating Florida companies, but other events are costly. "The programs and those events that don't see some support from companies, those are the ones that will cost you," said Manny Mencia, vice president of Enterprise Florida's international trade division. Eric Silagy, an executive board member, cautioned against cutting the sponsorships, saying too many cuts would dilute Enterprise Florida's image to the world. "This may be a case where we're being penny wise but pound-foolish," Silagy said. "We need to make sure we have the future of Enterprise Florida in our sights as much as we do savings." The board also approved $620,175 in savings by terminating most of the agency's professional services contracts. Some contracts provided services such as accounting, architecture, design and information technology, and others were for staff hired by former Enterprise Florida President Bill Johnson from his prior position as head of PortMiami. Among the canceled contracts was a $99,000 no-bid agreement Johnson authorized for former PortMiami spokeswoman Paula Musto to write speeches on a part-time basis. The executive board also proposed savings by subleasing parts of the Coral Gables office Johnson built as his own personal headquarters and a penthouse office in downtown Tallahassee. The total reduced rent would save $242,000, according to meeting documents. Scott said he would help Enterprise Florida find its next leader. "I'll do everything I can to be involved and make sure we have good talent," Scott said. SHARE Tessa LeSage Director of Social Innovation and Sustainability Southwest Florida Community Foundation Photo By Brian Tietz By Tessa Lesage, Director of social innovation and sustainability, Southwest Florida Community Foundation Guest commentary Editor's note: Second of two parts. Friday: Dynamic labor markets Every day we are bombarded with data. We are exposed to it everywhere and about everything. Data can help us understand the world around us. It can help us identify needs and opportunities for positive change. It can help us adapt when it shows us something isn't working. Access to data is critical to the sustainability of organizations, businesses, entire systems, like the economy, as well as projects and programs. This of course means data is most useful when we use it to do something productive. The FutureMakers Coalition is focused on data to drive solutions because we need it to create a vibrant and sustainable economy in Southwest Florida. We're bringing together stakeholders from around the region to do just that. The FutureMakers Coalition's goal is to transform Southwest Florida's workforce by increasing the number of working-age adults with a degree, certificate or other high-quality credential from 27 percent to 40 percent by 2025. It is a collective-impact initiative aimed at creating a dynamic cradle-to-career pathway to ensure students "get ready," "get in" and "get done" with needed education and workforce training in order to "get connected" to a well-paying career, hopefully here in Southwest Florida. Some of the most important data the FutureMakers Coalition is focused on are talent gaps, or opportunities for Southwest Floridians of any age to get the education or training needed to fill a workforce demand. The recent Workforce Overview for Southwest Florida published by FutureMakers Coalition Partner WorkForce Now is a great example of data the coalition is using to design programs that will make a positive impact on the workforce and economy in the region. Recently, Lee Memorial Health System, CareerSource Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Technical College, Cape Coral Technical College and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, all FutureMakers Coalition partners, came together to pilot an innovative program aimed at removing barriers to obtaining the needed training to begin a career in health care. The key to this program is unprecedented collaboration, tapping potential employees and filling a talent gap. Lee Memorial has the employment demand, CareerSource has resources and support, Fort Myers and Cape Coral technical colleges have the training, and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation brings the backbone support to the regional FutureMakers Coalition approach and interfaces with philanthropists who want to make a difference through education. Lee Memorial brought the idea of holding an event where coalition partners came together in a "one-stop shop" to identify potential employees, mostly underemployed and unemployed individuals, interested in a health care career and willing to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). In one evening, CareerSource and the technical colleges triaged CNA candidates to remove financial barriers to obtaining the training and certificate. For those who did not qualify for financial aid of any type or where testing fees were the barrier, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation's funds were used. Then Lee Memorial did preliminary interviews and the group began collecting and sharing information. It is a fine example of collaborating to create the greatest impact. Together, these future makers are a force for positive change! Meeting regularly to review data and hone this pilot project, the partners are now using the model daily to work with potential employees in need of training to remove barriers to success while filling a talent gap. This is a health care training-to-job pilot program that is providing so many opportunities to understand all the challenges faced in preparing, accessing and completing higher education in order to land that job and a growing career at the end of it all. What we learn in the pilot program can be enhanced to meet the needs of other health care providers and fill classroom vacancies throughout Southwest Florida. Beyond that, it can be replicated wherever there is a talent gap and an available training program. If you or your organization has a passion for education or wants to address a talent gap in Southwest Florida, we'd love to talk to you about opportunities to invest in the FutureMakers Coalition's work. The Board of Directors of the Gargiulo Education Center announces the appointment of Thomas J. Bamrick as the new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2016. Bamrick has forty years of professional experience in non-profit organizations including private and public schools, statewide human services agency, and a community child care resource agency. He has been a resident of Naples, Fla. since 1989. Bamrick holds a Master of Arts degree in Sociology and in School Administration & Supervision from Queens College of the City University of New York, and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology of Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, New York. Katie Stack, previous Executive Director of the Gargiulo Education Center, has returned to her hometown of Boston, Mass., and will join the development team at the Boston Childrens Museum. Stacks dedication and hard work was recently recognized statewide when she was named the 2016 Migrant Advocate of the Year by the Florida Migrant Education Program. The Gargiulo Education Center develops educated and confident students within the Naples migrant community by providing academic programming that complements the public school curriculum, in addition to a variety of enriching out-of-school content and activities. The Center provides a no-cost after-school program to migrant students grades K-12, which includes regular homework help by certified Florida teachers, one-on-one remedial support, a daily healthy snack, and life skills development. The program is funded in partnership with the Naples Children Education Foundation (the founders of the Winter Wine Festival), Gargiulo Farms, Inc., the Collier County Public School Title I Migrant Program, and private donors and volunteers. More information about the Gargiulo Education Center can be found on its website, www.gargiuloed.org. Inquiries can be directed to Bamrick at tom@gargiuloed.org. Following the devastating attack in Orlando over the weekend, Avow reminds the local community that grief support services are available to anyone experiencing loss. Avows bereavement counseling, workshops and support groups are offered at no cost and conducted in a safe, compassionate environment for people who need help in times of grief. Support group times and locations vary. Information and schedules may be found at https://avowcares.org/grief-support. Limited individual support is also available. For more information or to speak to a member of Avows bereavement team call 239-261-4404 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This fall, Avow will conduct a special 8 week series addressing the grief and loss needs of members of the LGBT community who have experienced the death of a partner or significant other. The program will be held at Avow beginning October 20. Call Louise Kenny at 239-261-4404 for more information or to register. Avow was founded in 1983 as Collier County's original, nonprofit hospice. Today, Avow's nonprofit companies provide palliative care consultations for people facing chronic or serious illness and hospice care and bereavement support services for children and adults. Avow also offers private pay concierge care management services. To learn more about the scope of services provided by Avow, call 239-261-4404 or visit avowcares.org. ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM Grandbridge Real Estate Capital has added Matthew Allen and John H. Bankhead V to its Birmingham loan origination team. Allen, who will serve as an assistant vice president and senior transaction manager, brings more than 14 years of experience in the commercial real estate finance industry to his new role. Bankhead, who will serve as a vice president, brings more than 10 years of experience in the commercial real estate and finance industries to his new role. The company also added commercial mortgage banking veteran Hal Worth to its Raleigh, N.C., region production team. Worth, serving as a vice president, will be responsible for the origination of debt and equity financing for public and private real estate owners. MARYLAND GAITHERSBURG New America Financial Corp. has named Bill Napier as chief financial officer. He brings to the company over 25 years of experience in business operations and has worked in a variety of financial and real estate sectors throughout his career. Prior to joining New America Financial, Napier held positions with First Nationwide Mortgage Corp., a subsidiary of California Federal Bank, and Aurora Loan Services, a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers. NEW JERSEY ISELIN HomeBridge Financial Services Inc. said that Alex Saphos has joined the company in the newly created position of investor relations advisor. Prior to joining HomeBridge, Saphos was with Fannie Mae for nearly 30 years. His career in mortgage finance spans more than 40 years and includes involvement in a wide range of areas, including origination, underwriting, wholesale, correspondent channel operations and secondary marketing. NEW YORK NEW YORK Greystone said that Tanya Eastwood, head of its affordable housing development group, has been elected president of the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing for the 2016-2018 term. CARH is a national nonprofit trade organization that represents the interests of over 300 companies involved in the building, development, financing, management and ownership of housing in rural areas across the country. Eastwood has been involved with CARH for several years, including in past roles as secretary of the executive committee and as a member of the board of directors. TEXAS HOUSTON InterLinc Mortgage Services has named Mike Laka vice president of business development. Laka brings to the company nearly 20 years of experience in corporate recruiting. Prior to joining InterLinc, he served as director of strategic growth for Guaranteed Rate. WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp., the principal subsidiary of MGIC Investment Corp., has promoted Leslie Malicki-Berth to business partner relationship manager. She has more than 25 years of experience in information technology, including 15 years on both the technology and business side of MGIC's operations. The company has also hired Garrett Hartzog as director of product development. He comes to MGIC from the Federal Housing Finance Agency where he served as senior policy analyst. In addition to his time at FHFA, Hartzog has 12 years of experience in mortgage banking and mortgage insurance. Are you a mortgage professional who recently changed jobs? Let us know! Send your announcement and photo (if available) to Glenn McCullom at glenn.mccullom@sourcemedia.com. All stories don't have to be real; it is enough if they are interesting! The manner in which a story relates to a place or a period gives it more fame. Interesting legend of Shila Devi Temple located in Amer Fort is sure to take you back in time. Ganesh Pol (An Entrance) of Amer Fort Photo Courtesy: Firoze Edassery Maharaja Man Singh I was humiliated by his defeat against the King Kedar. In his restlessness, Maharaja started praying Goddess Kali to give him strength to fight back. One night Goddess Kali appears in his dream to bless him. In return for his victory, Goddess asks him to build a shrine in the fort. Kali tells him to obtain her lost idol from the coastal shores of Jessore ( now in Bangladesh). Man Singh goes in search of the idol but finds a big stone slab. After he returns with the stone slab, they wash it properly and see an idol of Goddess Kali. Hence, the name Shila Devi (a goddess in the form of (shila) stone). As the King promised, he builds a temple for the Shila Mata. A View of Man Singh Palace Photo Courtesy: Vssun Another folklore is that this idol resembles the Durga idol of Dashabhuja, which was lost from the Susanga Royal Family in Durgapur (now in Bangladesh). However, some historical records suggest that the idol was sculpted from the stone slab which was brought from Bengal. Hence, it was named as Shila Mata. Entrance Door of Shila Devi Temple Photo Courtesy: Adamina Whatever it is, the legend and history blend perfectly well to this sacred place. This 16th-century temple retains a charm and gives a divine feeling for those who visit. Amer Shila Devi Temple also has a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha, which is carved in coral. Shila Devi Temple is one of the famous temples in Jaipur. Especially during Navarathri Festival, thousands of devotees come here to worship Shila Mata. Carving on the Silver Panel Photo Courtesy: Adamina The ever famous Amer Fort is not just a major landmark in Jaipur but also a favourite Bollywood film shooting spot! The tales of Shila Devi shows how much more things that can be explored in Amer Fort! The poojas are performed according to the Shakta Cult, which is specially created to pray the mother goddess. How to Reach Amer Fort Amer Fort or Amber Fort is situated in a town called Amer. Click - How to Reach Jaipur Church members denied their conscience, forced to fund atrocities ACA declares abortion a 'basic health service' for which everyone must pay Churches that help women make better decisions are being chastised for 'discriminating against women' Obama Administration shows blatant disregard for the rule of law (NaturalNews) No one has a choice . No one has a right to their own, individual conscience anymore. Your beliefs must fall in line with the government's demands. No one has a right to object to the organized murder of the most precious in our society.As little ones are carried away as medical waste, slaughtered and vacuumed out of the wombs of desperate women, the federal government puts out a mandate, forcing everyone to pay for the atrocity. Your funds, whether you consciously agree or not, are taken and used for a barbaric medical practice that traps women and damages them psychologically for years to come.Protecting the lives of the most innocent is forbidden, by law. Everyone, including churches, must pay for what the government has dictated is "healthcare."Educating women and men that there is a better way is no longer allowed. The current abortion-on-demand way is the only way, as everyone is ordered to pay. All businesses, including all churches, must follow along with the medical tyranny of the state . No one has a choice but to pay for the mass slaying of innocents through government-run insurance plans.According to the current barbaric logic of corrupt dictators like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, no fetus, at any gestation, has a right to their life. Everyone must follow this dictate, including churches who rightfully and morally object to this macabre practice. Church organizations see a better way for women , and are willing to fund ways that give them the option of life and a future, even when they are at their most desperate.In 2014, the Affordable Care Act reclassified abortion as a "basic health service." Under the new definition, the California Department of Managed Health Care mandated that all insurance plans cover surgical abortions immediately. Under the new law, churches too are told to pay for the procedure.Several churches joined the Life Legal Defense Foundation in protest, including California's Foothill Church in Glendora, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Chino, and The Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch. Their case is making its way through the courts. They are standing by the important Weldon Amendment, which protects everyone's conscience rights.However, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has ignored the individual conscience of every church member who doesn't want to be forced to fund the abortion industry. The OCR believe that the Weldon amendment doesn't apply to the churches. They believe it only protects the health insurance companies and not the purchasers of those plans.The OCR, working in harmony with the federal government, is nowthe churches to drop health insurance plans that do not fund life-terminating abortion surgeries. The Obama Administration believes that these health insurance plansagainst women. Interestingly enough, the administration doesn't see how their use of wide scale force actually discriminates against the moral consciences of millions of Americans who don't want to be forced to pay for something so arcane and violent.Speaking to, Representative Chris Smith said, "Nearly two years after California imposed its draconian mandate that requires all insurance companies to pay for abortion the Obama Administration has reached a new low reinterpreting the Weldon amendment to allow the mandate to continue." Rep Smith, who is the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, reiterated, "This means that Californians, including churches, will continue to be forced to pay for elective abortions in their insurance plans."The Weldon amendment named for the Florida Congressman Dave Weldon who authored it has been renewed and signed into law annually, including by President Obama. The Weldon Amendment protects against state-imposed abortion mandates. But Obama's Administration has again shown blatant disregard for the rule of law. This decision illustrates the far reaches of Obama's radical pro-abortion ideology forcing churches and communities of faith that have pro-life convictions to participate in and pay for a practice that dismembers and chemically poisons unborn children." Deadly insecticide to blame? More mass deaths of animals and sea creatures (NaturalNews) Mass deaths of wildlife due to the introduction of poisons into the environment, either as pesticides, herbicides or for some other allegedly "beneficial" use, have taken place all over the world, and it just happened again, this time in Asia.As reported by the, hundreds of birds were killed after ingesting poisonous grains from a water-filled paddy in fields near the village of Junona. Indian forestry and conservation officials were alerted to the incident in recent days, and have since moved into the area to remove some of the dead birds.Almost immediately, local wildlife activists pointed to a poisonous chemical that had been sprayed on the paddy as the cause of the birds' deaths."The birds are dying since last four days in fields and shrubs all around the village. I have seen hundreds of dead birds scattered in the bushes, on trees, in farms fences etc. After the matter was reported to the forest officials, the forest guard of Chandrapur range carried out an inquest on Wednesday on the dead bodies of 21 birds we had gathered at one place," said Kishor Petkule, a volunteer with the local wing of the organization Eco-Pro.Petkule noted further that the number of bird deaths is excessive, and that initially forestry officials sent to the region did not bother looking for the dead birds. One official was satisfied with simply documenting the deaths conducting "panchanama" of 21 birds that had been gathered up by volunteers and given to him. Petkule also said that several of the dead birds had been snatched up by local villagers and eaten.As monsoon season arrives,reported, Indian farmers have begun preparing their fields for planting. Those who have cultivated paddies have already put seed crops in their fields, which have in turn been sprayed with a toxic pesticide called Thimet , an insecticide manufactured by the AMVAC Chemical Corp "A proven organophosphate insecticide, THIMET effectively controls sucking pests, mites and other major insects in a wide variety of crops. THIMET is formulated in a dry, low-dust granule that is rapidly absorbed within the plant to provide dependable, systemic protection from the roots up," says a product description on the company's website.noted that birds who have eaten at the treated paddies have died in large numbers."We have found paddy grains in the throats of dead birds. These grains have clear stench of poisonous Thimet," Petkule said, adding that the dead birds included sparrows, parrots, cranes and others.Ashas reported, what just happened in India is far from the only time there have been mass deaths of animals, many of them due to chemicals, radiation and other elements introduced into the environment by chemical and energy companies.-- In January 2015 we reported on the mass death of more than 1,200 seabirds along the Pacific Coast, which baffled investigators, though some suspected toxins:Pierce Pioneer-- In September 2014, we reported that millions of sea stars were dying again, along the Pacific Coast, stretching from Alaska to Mexico. The creatures, which belong to the class of animals known as, have been on Earth for some 450 million years, and more than 20 species of them have been affected. Experts say dead sea stars are exhibiting signs of "wasting syndrome," a condition which causes their limbs to disintegrate.-- The BBC reported in December of that year that 500 dead sea lions had been discovered along the northern coastline of Peru, for no inherently obvious reason. As we reported: Monsanto: poisoning humanity for profit since 1901 (NaturalNews) The world's most evil corporation is throwing a temper tantrum, following news that the European Union (EU) might not renew a permit allowing the world's most widely used herbicide to be applied to European food crops.EU leaders, France and Germany, have both been reluctant to renew approval for Monsanto's Roundup formula, citing evidence that the chemical cocktail is harmful to humans and the environment . Both countries earlier abstained from voting on a proposal to extend the permit, and since then French politician Segolene Royal has indicated that France will now definitively vote no to extending approval."France will vote against the glyphosate vote," Royal told the media ahead of a meeting of EU environment ministers.The current EU license for glyphosate, the primary active ingredient in Roundup, is set to expire at the end of June. If the permit isn't extended, manufacturers will have just six months to completely phase out all use of the chemical from their herbicide formulas.The European Commission had initially proposed renewing glyphosate's approval permit for another 15 years, a decision that critics say contradicts emerging science showing that glyphosate may cause cancer . Despite efforts to ramrod the renewal through, a key vote was canceled at the last minute."Since it was obvious that no qualified majority would have been reached, a vote was not held," explained a commission spokesperson, who issued a statement picked up by several media sources.The EU Commission's siding with the majority of member states in opposing the continued use of glyphosate represents a rare instance of unelected bureaucrats standing on the side of the people rather than the corporations. It also demonstrates yet another win in favor of taking a precautionary approach to potentially cancer-causing chemicals."As long as there is conflicting scientific advice, glyphosate should not be approved for use in the EU," stated Franziska Achterberg, food policy director at Greenpeace EU in Brussels, following the suspension of an earlier glyphosate vote back in March.The EU's likely decision to back off and allow glyphosate's permit to expire represents a prudent response to recent findings by the United Nations' International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), showing that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans."That study, ashas previously reported, found "limited evidence" that the herbicide causes cancer in humans, but "sufficient evidence" if you consider evidence from animal studies. This is enough to give pause to glyphosate's use on foods consumed by both animals and humans.Of course, Monsanto has a different opinion , arguing as it always does that glyphosate is completely safe a hardly surprising assessment, considering the chemical giant stands to lose upwards of $100 million in annual profits if the EU permit for glyphosate lapses.According to the Monsanto has yet to rule out a possible lawsuit against the EU Commission, should it decide to forego approval for the company's high-profit weedkiller.The 28 member states of the EU have until the end of June to reach a majority decision. If they don't, the European Commission may decide to take action on its own, according to reports, but this is unlikely.Despite reassurances by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that concerns about glyphosate safety are unwarranted, and that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer in humans, the EU Commission has already said it plans to err on the side of caution.If no decision is reached by the end of the month, " glyphosate will be no longer authorized in the EU and member states will have to withdraw authorizations for all glyphosate-based products," officials indicated. Four biotechnology researchers were named the winners of the 2016 World Food Prize for their work in countering world hunger and malnutrition through biofortification, the process of breeding critical vitamins and micronutrients into staple crops. Thanks to their combined efforts, more than 10 million people are now positively impacted by biofortified crops, with a potential of several hundred million more in the coming decades. The four recipientsMaria Andrade, Robert Mwanga, Jan Low and Howarth Bouiswere announced June 19 at the U.S. State Department and will equally split the $250,000 prize. They will receive the World Food Prize at a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 13, 2016, as a part of the Borlaug Dialoguea three-day international symposium that addresses cutting-edge issues in global food security. These four extraordinary World Food Prize Laureates have proven that science matters, and that when matched with dedication, it can change peoples lives," said Gayle Smith, administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID and our Feed the Future partners are proud to join with renowned research organizations to support critical advances in global food security and nutrition." Three of the 2016 laureatesAndrade, Mwanga and Low of the International Potato Center (CIP), which has had sweet potato in its research mandate since 1988are being honored for their work to counter the devastating effects of vitamin A deficiency, which contribute to high rates of blindness, diarrhea, immune system disorders, and premature death in children and pregnant women in Africa. They undertook a multi-year effort to develop disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, high yielding varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) that can flourish in the variable soils and climatic conditions found in sub-Sarahan Africa. Andrade and Mwanga, plant scientists in Mozambique and Uganda, bred the vitamin A-enriched OFSP using genetic material from CIP and other sources, while Low structured the nutrition studies and programs that convinced almost 2 million households in 10 separate African countries to plant, purchase and consume this nutritionally-fortified food. Over a 25-year period, Howarth Bouis, the founder of HarvestPlus at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), pioneered the implementation of a multi-institutional approach to biofortification as a global plant breeding strategy. As a result of his leadership, crops such as iron and zinc fortified beans, rice, wheat and pearl millet, along with vitamin A-enriched cassava, maize and OFSP are being tested or released in more than 40 countries. The World Food Prize was established in 1986 by Borlaug in order to focus the worlds attention on hunger and on those whose work has significantly helped efforts to end it. This year marks the 28th anniversary of the $250,000 World Food Prize, which recognizes individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world. According to the United Nations, the global population is predicted to reach more than 9 billion by 2050, which will put significant strains on the global food supply. In June 2011, agriculture ministers from the G-20 countries agreed to an action plan aimed at stabilizing food prices and increasing food production that calls for establishing an international information sharing scheme to ensure transparency in agricultural markets. A new study linked religious services and suicide, suggesting that women who attend religious services had a lower risk of suicide compared to women who are never attended religious services. The study, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, revealed that protestant women who attends religious services at least once a week are less likely to commit suicide that those who never attended services. On the other hand, devout catholic women who attend religious services more than once a week were seven times less likely to take their life with their own hands than their protestant counterparts. For the study, researchers analyzed the data of 89,708 women from 1996 through June 2010 using the Nurses' Health Study. Each participant was asked how frequent do they attend in religious services. Based on the 1996 baseline, 17,028 reported that they have attended religious services more than once a week, 36,488 attended once per week, 14,548 attended less than once per week and 21,644 never attended any religious service. Over the course of the 15-year study, researchers recorded 36 suicides from the group. Researchers noted that women who attend religious services once or more every week have five times lesser of committing suicide. However, researchers warned that there is concrete evidence proving causal relation between religious attendance and suicide. "Our results do not imply that health care providers should prescribe attendance at religious services. However, for patients who are already religious, service attendance might be encouraged as a form of meaningful social participation. Religion and spirituality may be an underappreciated resource that psychiatrists and clinicians could explore with their patients, as appropriate," researchers explained in a statement. In a report from Los Angeles Times, Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, associate professor of psychiatry at UC Irvine, commented that people often finds a sense of hope in their religious practices and convictions even in times of adversity, helping them find sense of meaning and purpose even in suffering. The city of San Francisco in California will no longer allow food packaging and other products made of polystyrene starting next year. The news came after the SF Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Tuesday, June 28, to restrict its use in the city. According to Time, the ban, which will become effective starting Jan. 1, 2017, includes foam items like coffee cups, coolers, packaging for food, disposable dishware, toys for swimming, and other foam items. Trays used for meat and fish will have an additional six months to be phased out, until July 1, 2017. This new ordinance, Mother Jones reports, is part of San Francisco's "zero waste" goal by the year 2020. The city already forbade to-go food containers made of polystyrene in 2007. And while other cities in the United States also have similar regulations, San Francisco's latest ordinance is considered as the toughest ban on foam products thus far. Polystyrene foam, a synthetic aromatic polymer, is non-biodegradable and is deemed as a pollutant. The sponsors of the new bill reportedly reasoned that foam pollutes waterways and are harmful to animals. Environmentalists have been trying to make such a point for a long time. The ocean is accumulating plastic debris, which fish, birds, and other marine animals end up eating. "Plastics biodegrade exceptionally slowly, breaking into tiny fragments in a centuries-long process," reads the post by non-profit organization Algalita, which focuses on plastic pollution. "It entangles and slowly kills millions of sea creatures; that hundreds of species mistake plastics for their natural food, ingesting toxicants that cause liver and stomach abnormalities in fish and birds, often choking them to death." Polystyrene is commonly called Styrofoam, although the latter is a trademarked brand for a material produced by the Dow Chemical Company. According to Time, Styrofoam products like those used in construction and insulation are not included in the outlawed items. A tomb unearthed in Denmark contained the remains of a Viking man and woman who were laid to rest with honors. The burial structure is a type of building known as a ddehus ("death house"). Archaeologists dated the site to 950 AD. The death house is located in the small town of Harup, Denmark. It was first discovered back in 2012 in the course of a highway engineering project. After years of analysis, the site excavation team has presented its findings in a paper published by the Saxo Institute. The team leader, archaeologist Kirsten Nelleman Nielsen, informed Science Nordic that the tomb was the resting place of a powerful couple, as well as a third person speculated to be their successor. Speaking of the couple, Nielsen highlighted how both the man and the woman were lavishly honored in death. "It's very special that the man and woman's graves are marked by the same tomb or palisade. It's unusual that we're able to establish that the man and woman were equals with such certainty," said Nielsen. The Viking female's remains were laid to rest in a type of wagon that was used by women of noble lineage. Two keys were buried with her, one of them a special artifact that symbolized her elite status. A recreation of the woman's grave is on display at the Silkeborg Museum in Denmark. In the same chamber as the woman was buried a man, presumably her husband. He was found with a large battle axe, an indicator of his importance. A separate, later addition to the tomb held the third corpse, a man who was buried with a smaller war axe. The archaeological study put forth that the design of the ddehus may have been inspired by structures elsewhere in Europe. Nielsen noted its similarity to the wooden stave churches of the era. The building design, along with the artifacts buried within, suggested that the entombed couple were well-traveled, visiting many foreign lands during their lifetime. Ancient Origins reported that among the artifacts were two silver coins that originated from as far away as Afghanistan-a very long way indeed. Does Saturn's interesting moon, Enceladus really resemble Earth's "Lost City", a hydrothermal vents network in the Atlantic Ocean where life is known to thrive amid extreme cold and darkness? A study offers an answer. The search for water in other bodies in the Solar System is intense, as the presence of water can mean life may thrive. But so far, only frozen ice water and "potential" underground oceans were evidently recognized. Many moons and dwarf planets are believed to contain underground oceans. #Enceladus could be one of the best places in the Solar System to find life. https://t.co/lElWFA012d Richard Austin (@epistemophile) June 30, 2016 Astronomers and scientists are convinced that when talking about the search for life, Saturn's 6th largest moon, Enceladus is the best place to look, according to a report by the Scientific American. With Saturn's moon Enceladus, scientists will base the observation from what seems like liquid water on its surface and recorded squirts of liquid water from the moon to space. This data prompted scientist to direct their search for life on Enceladus. "We want to use chemistry as our guide to looking for signs of life," Christopher Glein, a research scientist at the Southwest Research Institute said in an interview with Space.com. A detailed study on Enceladus was presented at the 228th American Astronomical Society in San Diego. Glein argued that a similarity from the Saturn's moon and the "Lost City" cannot be denied. In the Atlantic, hot water bursts from the ocean floor where life thrives despite the darkness and cold. NASA also confirms that the water plumes from Saturn's 6th largest moon indeed spew water vapor in space. "Hydrothermal vents spew water and ice particles form an underground ocean beneath the icy crust of Enceladus, said a NASA official in a statement. The team lead of NASA's Cassini mission, Carolyn Porco, is said to be assembling a group of experts including oceanographers, organic chemists and astrobiologists to initiate a mission entirely tasked to look for life on Enceladus. After testing, the recovered black box from the EgyptAir Flight 804 plane that crashed in the Mediterranean on May 19, confirms that there was smoke on board. One of 2 black boxes on doomed #EgyptAir flight stopped recording when the plane fell off radar at 37,000 feet https://t.co/B04RbH2yDD MarySchiavo (@MarySchiavo) June 30, 2016 Egyptian investigators confirmed the news, that there on June 29. EgyptAir Flight 804 bound to Cairo from Paris crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on May 19 killing all 66 passengers and crew on board. Theories of fire and blasts were prominent especially when the remains were recovered in pieces suggesting an explosion occurred. French and Egyptian experts reportedly used DNA testing to identify parts of the remains because it is impossible to recognize the body parts. The recovered black box contains electronic messages sent by the plane and it showed smoke detectors were triggered in one of the plane's lavatories and the avionics part near the cockpit. This occurred minutes before the plane went off the radar. The new data was obtained through the help of the black box recovered from 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) in the Mediterranean Sea. The data is consistent with evidence discovered from the aircraft's front section wreckage that "showed sign of high temperature damage", an Egyptian investigation committee shared with BBC. The black box recorded shortly after takeoff at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and continued recording until the accident occurred at 37,000 feet, according to CNBC. Before the black boxes were found, signals from the Airbus plane was detected by the French search vessel. Afterward, "pings" from the black box was heard leading the investigators to retrieve the boxes that hold the truth as to what really transpired before the EgyptAir Flight 804 crashed into tehe Mediterranean Sea. More information is expected to arrive since the second black box is still being repaired as of the moment. There are several theories as to what could have caused the smoke or fire inside the plane, but up to this day, the reason is still unknown. There's a device that allows you to "listen" to what your plants are telling you. PhytlSigns amplifies the electrical signals that plants emit, allowing people to hear them through a speaker attached to the device and see them through a mobile app. According to Nigel Wallbridge, tech entrepreneur and founder of Vivent Sarl, the Swiss company that created the device, this new way of monitoring plant activity will help people understand and manage them better. "By analyzing the signals our plants are emitting we can start to unlock the messages within them, and ultimately - decode the language of plants," Wallbridge said in a press release. "Is a plant under attack from pests? Does it need water? Understanding what our plants are saying is exciting for everyone - from those who would like to take better care of their plants, to those interested in the environment, sustainability, the future of food production and open agriculture... the possibilities are far reaching," he added. Penny Sarchet of New Scientist, who was able to try the device on a potted lily, said that the plant - through PhytlSigns - gives off electronic noises. "It's like having a vocally disruptive child in the room. Eventually, I'm forced to turn it off," Sarchet said. According to PhytlSigns website, decodes the signals of the plant itself, rather than just measuring air temperature or the soil. It measures voltage in plants using two electrodes, one that is inserted into the soil and the other attached to a leaf or stem. The speaker gives off a squeal, which means the voltage is changing. The higher the sound, the faster the change. The device works both indoors and outdoors. Plant owners simply insert the stake into the soil, connect the clip to a leaf and turn the device on. The package includes the unit with a built-in speaker, which is powered by batteries and rechargeable with a USB connector, an easy-to-attach leaf clip, a ground stake, and an app compatible with Apple and Android mobile devices, as well as Apple, Linux and Windows computers. Edward Farmer, plant biologist at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland verified the signals detected from the plants using PhytlSigns. He recorded actual electrical events in plants in a laboratory and compared these signals with those from the device. "The PhytlSigns device picked these signals up very well," Farmer told New Scientist. "The device also detects smaller signals, most of which have no known biological function." Wallbridge recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for PhytlSigns that aims to raise $76,000, which will be used in purchasing tooling components for the first mass production run and making improvements on the app. A pioneering breakthrough in brain cancer research could lead to improved treatments, scientists said. Experts have long held the belief that sugars are the reason behind the growth of tumor cells. But now, scientists at Newcastle University, UK have discovered that cell growth within the malignant brain tumor glioma is actually fueled by fats. This discovery may lead to an entirely new approach to treating brain tumors, and this could eventually lead to making cancer-fighting drugs that could extend the life of patients. "Patients with malignant glioma currently receive a poor prognosis, and new interventions are desperately needed to increase the survival and quality of life for patients with the condition," Dr. Elizabeth Stoll from Newcastle University's Institute of Neuroscience and lead author of the study said in a press release. "Most cells within the adult brain require sugars to produce energy and sustain function. Interestingly, we have discovered that malignant glioma cells have a completely different metabolic strategy as they actually prefer to break down fats to make energy," Stoll added. Glioma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults and is also among the hardest cancers to treat, where 60 percent of sufferers die within a year. In the study, which was published in the journal Neuro-Oncology, the researchers used tumor tissue donated by patients undergoing surgery. Researchers also used mouse models of the disease. Scientists found that growth of glioma cells slowed down when treated with a drug called etomoxir, which prevents the cell from using fat. Survival time was also increased by 17 percent. According to Stoll, she was surprised that the glioma cells did not switch to using sugars when they were unable to use fats. "One way they do switch is if they are exposed to blood serum. Then they switch quite easily," she said in an interview with The Independent. She added that the discovery could help medical experts pursue new therapeutic avenues to target fatty-acid metabolism to slow the progression of brain tumors. The research team hopes to do more studies in the future to develop the drug with clinical partners for the benefit of glioma patients. Foul-smelling, "guacamole-thick" algae have invaded a stretch of beaches in Florida. Amidst the algae crisis, which has affected the state's "Treasure Coast" pride, Florida governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in counties Martin and St. Lucie, and recently adding on the list Lee County on Florida's Gulf coast and Palm Beach County directly south of the affected areas, FoxNews.com reports. According to Orlando Sentinel, the algae crisis was a result of freshwater flows under Army officials' control to protect Lake Okeechobee's dike from eroding. Residents and business owners blamed the algae on the lake's pollutants. Residents describe the contaminant as horrible, smelly and "guacamole-thick." "The water is like thick pea soup and has blue color in it as well. It stinks like a dead rotting something! .. (The manatee was) clearly was in search of fresh water as well as struggling to clear its airways," Chris Mascia Palas, a resident of Stuart, Florida, wrote on Facebook. The blue-green algae crisis is the latest contamination case in the year-long arguments involving water flowing from Lake Okeechobee, which is critical to South Florida's water supply and flood control systems. Pea-green and brown algae had started to coat the water at the Central Maine boat docks on Thursday, which was said to smell strongly of cow manure. Algae blooms that started the previous week in St. Lucie River continue to spread and threaten Atlantic beaches. Florida senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson, together with Martin County commissioners, have called for the Army Corps of Engineers to stop the flow of water between the river and Lake Okeechobee. According to Bill Nelson, Florida has had problems in the past diverting water into the ocean. "We need to repair 75 years of diking and draining, but that takes time," he said in a report by FoxNews.com. The contamination is also rapidly becoming a health concern, as one tourist reportedly had breathing issues triggered by the algae. Lake Okeechobee is the largest lake in Florida and the second largest body of freshwater in the continental U.S. A devastating hurricane in 1928 has caused the waters to overflow, killing about 2,500 people in the neighboring communities. Police officers are now looking for the grizzly bear who allegedly killed a cyclist just outside Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains in Montana. According to reports, the cyclist was riding in the Flathead national forest just outside the national park when the incident happened. The man was identified by Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry as Brad Treat, a 38-year-old who works as a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service. According to a FaceBook post from his office, Treat, who was with another male, went on a biking trip in Halfmoon Lake when they came across the grizzly bear on the trail. "It appears they likely surprised the bear and Treat was taken off his bike by the bear. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The second rider was able to exit the area to summon help and was not injured or involved in the attack," his post read. Daily Interlake said responders came in around 3:00 p.m. It took an hour before Treat's body was found in the scene. The body was later transported by a Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter. The area where the incident happened was closed by the Forest Service for public safety pending completion of the investigation lead by the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Forest Service and the Sheriff's Office, Inside Edition reported. According to The Guardian, this is only the 10th bear-related human death in Glacier since the park was created in 1910. Grizzly bears or North American brown bears have been under the news radar lately after U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to remove them from protection within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) under the Endangered Species Act, in a process called delisting. According to the National Park Service, crossing them out of the list means bear hunting will be completely legal outside national parks. Natural Resources Conservation Service said the threatened status of the grizzly bears is associated with habitat loss from human encroachment. Adding more pressure to their declining population is their low reproductive rate. At least two groups are raising funds for Betty Reid Soskin, the nations oldest full-time park ranger, who was beaten and robbed while she slept at her Richmond, California apartment this week. The Rosie the Riveter Trust, the nonprofit that supports the 94-year-olds place of work, has set up a special fund to replace the jewelry, cell phone and computers stolen from her apartment on Monday night, when police said an intruder snuck in and punched Soskin several times, waking her from her sleep. The thief also stole a coin given to her by President Obama, who honored her in December during the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Secretary of the Interior has since told Soskin that the president would replace the coin. Soskin, who works at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, prefers that people donate to this fund, according to her boss, Park Supt. Tom Leatherman. Thats because she would like to donate any extra money that comes in to a documentary being produced that will encompass some of Soskins life, when she worked as a clerk for the all-black Boilermakers A-36 during World War II. In addition, a separate fund was created by a community member, Nicholas Arzio of El Ceritto, who met Soskin at an awards dinner, where the two became friendly. As of Friday, Arzios GoFundMe fundraiser has raised nearly $11,000, more than its original $10,000 goal. Leatherman said Arzio's fund is legitimate and was created before the formal Rosie trust donation site was founded. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED: Donations can be made to either the Rosie the Riveter Trust fund or the GoFundMe, which are both set up for Soskin.Checks can also be mailed to Rosie the Riveter Trust, PO Box 71126, Richmond CA 94807 and should be ear-marked Betty Fund. Cards can be mailed to the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center: Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Center, Attn: Betty Reid Soskin, 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000 (Oil House), Richmond, CA 94804 California is answering the Orlando massacre and the mass shooting in San Bernardino with 12 proposed gun control laws, including one that would ban high-capacity magazines holding more than 10-rounds. The bills are now headed to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown, who has indicated that hell likely sign at least a few of them. Senator Loni Hancock of Berkeley authored the bill that bars high-capacity magazines, or anything that holds more than 10 rounds, while Rob Bonta of Alameda co-sponsored a proposal mandating swifter reporting periods for lost or stolen firearms. These types of laws, proponents argue, would reduce the number of fatalities when shootings occur and would also work toward keeping guns out of unsafe hands. Other bills seek to clarify gun crimes. One, for example, would categorize a stolen firearm as felony grand theft a charge that could be accompanied by a four-year jail sentence. Another bill limits to whom firearms can be sold, with a family members only-type clause. Still another would limit the purchase of so-called "long guns" to one per month. "I wish I had a sort of genies cap and crystal ball and predict his decision making, Senator Kevin De Leon said. It's always been a little tough on this issue, but it's my hope he'll do the right thing and he'll sign a good number of those measures." California is again testing how much democracy is too much, with voters facing up to 18 ballot questions in November that could end the death penalty, cut into the cost of prescription drugs and free marijuana smokers to legally light up in the nation's most populous state. The cascade of proposals is certain to create confusion at the ballot box, along with fresh criticism that the state's system of direct democracy has run amok. Low voter turnout in 2014 meant campaigns needed relatively few signatures to qualify for the ballot. Collectively, the proposals would cut into a broad swath of life in California, involving issues from classrooms to prisons, the porn industry to cigarette taxes. Voters will ponder whether gun owners should be subject to background checks to buy bullets, if a state ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery stores is needed or whether adult film actors should wear condoms during shoots. There are proposals to take on $9 billion in public debt to build schools, to repeal an ``English-only'' rule in classroom instruction approved by voters nearly two decades ago, and to require voters to sign off on huge construction projects financed by public debt, which could threaten the state's unpopular and costly high-speed rail project. Questions on either repealing or speeding up the death penalty and legalizing recreational pot use could drive voters to the polls. But dense ballots can turn off others, warned Kim Alexander of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, which seeks to improve the way elections are conducted. The logjam this year can be partially attributed to the Legislature, which pushed all the ballot questions to November. The list will appear alongside the presidential contest and races for Congress and the Legislature "People don't like to do things they feel they are not good at, and it can be challenging for California voters to feel confident about their choices,'' Alexander said. Simply sifting through the details of the proposals can be a tricky, time-consuming task. For example, it will be a tough sell to get voters to read the fine print in the 15-page proposal to overturn a 2014 law to ban single-use plastic bags at supermarkets. Then there's the so-called Children's Education and Health Care Protection Act, one of several proposals yet to be cleared for the ballot. In effect, the measure raises taxes by extending a post-recession, personal income tax increase for a dozen years that was sold to voters by Gov. Jerry Brown and other supporters as "temporary.'' Brown, a Democrat nearing the end of his final term, has not endorsed it. However, Brown did qualify his own proposal to allow earlier parole in certain cases for non-violent felons and let judges decide which juvenile offenders are tried as adults, part of his plan to cut the prison population. While the array of questions can be daunting, long ballots in California are more routine than not. Since 1912, state general elections have averaged about 18 ballot questions, according to the Initiative & Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California. The record for a cluttered election was set in 1914, when voters had to sift through 48 questions. As of Thursday, 15 questions had qualified for the November ballot, either through petition drives or by approval by the Legislature, according to the secretary of state. Along with the tax-increase extension, two other proposals were pending Thursday that would: Raise California's cigarette tax by $2 a pack to $2.87, making it ninth-highest in the nation. Allow the state to sell $3 billion in bonds for maintenance at state and local parks, a measure being contemplated by the state Legislature. Voters typically find shortcuts to navigate long ballots, such as looking for endorsements from people or groups they trust, or finding out who is financing the proposal to judge its intention, said Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles. "People in California know, when in doubt, vote no,'' Sonenshein said. A deputy with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office resigned Thursday amid allegations that he had sex with Celeste Guap, the teenage sex worker blowing the whistle on misconduct and exploitation in Bay Area police departments. Deputy Sheriff Ricardo Perez is "no longer employed by the Office of the Sheriff," according to a written statement from the department. Guap told a San Francisco Chronicle reporter that she had sex with Perez in the deputy vehicle "about 10 times" last summer, when she was 17-years-old, on rural backroads near the Caldecott Tunnel. Perez is still subject to a criminal investigation at the Oakland Police Department, where the sex scandal originated before involving neighboring cities. A slew of officers have stepped down, have been placed on leave or have been fired following Guap's detailed testimonial, including a police chief in Oakland and investigators with the Alameda County District Attorney's office. In the scandal's wake, remaining officers have scrambled to try and reassure communities that the departments are still trustworthy. "We earn the public trust through honesty, transparency and accountability," Contra Costa's sheriff David Livingston said in a prepared statement. "Although this case involved one deputy out of the over 1,000 Sheriff's Office employees, we will not tolerate even a single breach of the public trust we work so hard to earn." Menlo Park police officers lost track of two robbery suspects who crashed twice as they fled over the Dumbarton Bridge and into Union City on Tuesday afternoon, but they were eventually arrested after they tried to carjack another driver, Menlo Park police said. The suspects kept driving after crashing into another driver, hitting the center median on state Highway 84, and swerving into oncoming traffic in Union City. Police called off the pursuit for safety reasons but the suspects were caught after a search of a Union City neighborhood, police said. The first robbery was reported at 4:22 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Ravenswood Pier near the bridge. A man with a gun robbed a bus driver there, taking his iPad. When Menlo Park police responded, they saw the suspected robber still in the area in a parked car with another person. The two suspects fled from police, driving east over the Dumbarton Bridge. The officers pursued them over the bridge to the East Bay. As the suspects approached Interstate Highway 880, the driver struck another car but kept driving. He then hit the center divider but kept fleeing in the damaged car, police said. They kept driving east on Highway 84, which eventually turns into Decoto Road. Near the intersection with Alvarado-Niles Road in Union City,the driver swerved into oncoming traffic and the officers stopped their pursuit, fearing that the suspects' erratic driving could injure pedestrians or other drivers. But about 30 minutes later, Union City police received reports of a possible carjacking on Alvarado-Niles Road about a mile north of Decoto Road, according to Menlo Park police. Responding Union City police officers set up a perimeter and found the suspects nearby, trying to run away. Both suspects were arrested. Menlo Park police identified them as the two suspects who fled the pursuit and found the car they fled in abandoned in a parking lot nearby, according to Menlo Park police. They also found the iPad stolen from the bus driver but haven't found the gun used in the robbery. The two suspects were identified as 39-year-old Richard Espinoza of Bay Point and 38-year-old Rayna Slone of Pittsburg. Espinoza, the suspected robber and driver, was booked into San Mateo County jail on suspicion of armed robbery, evading police, hit-and-run, DUI and resisting arrest. Slone was booked into jail on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Anyone who witnessed the robbery or pursuit has been asked to contact Menlo Park police Cpl. Luevano at (650) 330-6843 or a tip line at (650) 330-6395. Some of the pipeline test records that PG&E hoped would vindicate the company from federal pipeline safety charges actually are missing key data required by federal law to validate them, a company engineer acknowledged in the federal trial Thursday. PG&E turned over more than 4,600 pages to federal prosecutors this year before trial began on a dozen pipeline safety violations, including four counts of failing to maintain records of pressure tests required by law since 1971. Earlier this week, U.S. Judge Thelton Henderson allowed the company to use the newly disclosed documents in its defense, overruling prosecutors objection that at least 3,000 pages were disclosed on the eve of trial, two years after the company received a federal subpoena for test documents. PG&E defense attorney Kate Dyer asked Todd Arnett, a supervising engineer for the company, whether he had reviewed every one of the more than 4,600 pages of test records filling a total of eight large binders on PG&Es behalf. He replied that he had. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hallie Hoffman asked if the documents accounted for all the legally mandated and previously missing test data for the five pipelines at issue in the trial. I cannot confirm that, Arnett said. Under further questioning, he acknowledged that some reports appeared to be jumbled, were duplicates or lacked data required by law to authenticate them. One test report Arnett said he had previously reviewed showed that the test appeared to take only four hours, instead of the legally required eight-hour test period. Others Hoffman showed Arnett did not document the water pressure levels achieved in the tests. Others did not even specify exactly where the test had been done on a particular pipeline. All that data is required under federal law to validate tests. Many of the reports dated to after September 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion. She asked whether the company launched a large-scale test effort in 2011. Yes we did, he said, and he also acknowledged that several lines a total of ten, according to prosecutors had failed those tests. Earlier, Hoffman showed Arnett some emails in which engineers declared it would simply be too expensive to test pipelines with missing records. Testimony continues on Friday. A South Bay attorney who specializes in cases against automakers says Tesla has a rough road ahead after reports that one of its vehicles was involved in a fatal crash while it was in self-driving mode. It's the first self-driving car fatality in the U.S. Richard Alexander, based in San Jose, said that while it was just a matter of time before this type of accident occurred, he believes the self-driving technology is not going away, and thus it's high time automakers take a step back and ensure their automated driving systems are safe. "Tesla has a major headache because it's not just one vehicle," Alexander said. "It's probably a systemic problem that goes across all platforms." The accident, which occurred last month in Florida while a Model S was on "autopilot," killed the driver after the car failed to brake when a big-rig made a left turn in front of it at an intersection on a divided highway. There was no traffic signal at the intersection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is investigating the crash. If it is determined there is a safety issue with the autopilot system, the agency likely would issue a recall. For now, Alexander says both carmakers and drivers should be extra cautious. "Were going to see (self-driving systems) fully develop with vehicles, but were at the very beginning of that change, so now is the time to be very alert," he said. Tesla echoed the warning, saying in a statement that even in autopilot mode drivers should be in control. Autopilot is an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times," and that "you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle while using it," Tesla said in a statement. Tesla's full statement in response to the fatal crash is below: A Tragic Loss The Tesla Team June 30, 2016 We learned yesterday evening that NHTSA is opening a preliminary evaluation into the performance of Autopilot during a recent fatal crash that occurred in a Model S. This is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles where Autopilot was activated. Among all vehicles in the US, there is a fatality every 94 million miles. Worldwide, there is a fatality approximately every 60 million miles. It is important to emphasize that the NHTSA action is simply a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the system worked according to expectations. Following our standard practice, Tesla informed NHTSA about the incident immediately after it occurred. What we know is that the vehicle was on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S. Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S. Had the Model S impacted the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury as it has in numerous other similar incidents. It is important to note that Tesla disables Autopilot by default and requires explicit acknowledgement that the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled. When drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot is an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times," and that "you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle while using it. Additionally, every time that Autopilot is engaged, the car reminds the driver to Always keep your hands on the wheel. Be prepared to take over at any time. The system also makes frequent checks to ensure that the driver's hands remain on the wheel and provides visual and audible alerts if hands-on is not detected. It then gradually slows down the car until hands-on is detected again. We do this to ensure that every time the feature is used, it is used as safely as possible. As more real-world miles accumulate and the software logic accounts for increasingly rare events, the probability of injury will keep decreasing. Autopilot is getting better all the time, but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to remain alert. Nonetheless, when used in conjunction with driver oversight, the data is unequivocal that Autopilot reduces driver workload and results in a statistically significant improvement in safety when compared to purely manual driving. The customer who died in this crash had a loving family and we are beyond saddened by their loss. He was a friend to Tesla and the broader EV community, a person who spent his life focused on innovation and the promise of technology and who believed strongly in Teslas mission. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Some 7,000 baby turkeys perished in a barn fire in Lancaster, Massachusetts, according to the family. A state fire marshal spokeswoman said no one was injured in the Thursday night fire at at Bob's Turkey Farm on Old Common Road. The owners said a passerby alerted them to the flames just before 6 p.m. "Someone drove in the yard really fast," said Susan Miner. "They said, 'You have a barn on fire.' I told my daughter to call 911 and come running down, but it was too late." The birds were being raised to reach maturity in time for Thanksgiving. They ranged in age from a day to three weeks old. "We lost 7,000 turkeys tonight in the fire," the farm announced on Facebook. "These numbers are devastating to all that we are and we will update you as we know more as far as our future in the community." A later post explained the turkeys typically live outdoors "but small birds such as the ones we lost have specific needs." "We spend day in and day out feeding, watering, nurturing and growing these animals and to say we are jolted by the loss of so many lives is not enough. Our heart, soul and 3 generations are in this farm and how we are currently feeling is not able to be conveyed through texts," the family wrote. The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire but said it does not appear to be suspicious. The farm said on its Facebook page that it is open on Friday, and the owners are working to clean up the debris and assess the extent of the damage. The barn was destroyed in the fire but the owners said they do plan to rebuild. Bob's Turkey Farm was started back in 1954 by Robert Van Hoof with just 125 turkeys and now raises about 10,000 turkeys at the Lancaster farm and another 3,000 at its Ashburnham location. His children have since taken over his business. Attention focused Friday on whether a Chechen extremist known to be a top lieutenant in the Islamic State group was involved in the suicide attacks that killed 44 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday night's attack at one of the world's busiest airports. The CIA and White House declined to comment on McCaul's assertion and officials said the investigation of the bombing is still ongoing. McCaul could not be reached for further comment. Turkish officials also were not able to confirm Chatayev's role. The Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt for him. McCaul said Chatayev's whereabouts are unknown. The 35-year-old one-armed militant, who fought in Chechnya against Russian forces and their local allies in the early 2000s before fleeing to the West, was put on the U.S. list of suspected terrorists in 2015. That same year, he resurfaced in an IS video as the commander of the group's Chechen battalion in Syria. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the airport attack, the Islamic State group is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that IS was "most probably" behind it. The group has boasted of having cells in Turkey and other countries. "They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell," Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. "These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly ... They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death." The state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that the Bakirkoy Public Prosecutor's office had established the identity of two of the airport attackers, Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, and was trying to identify the third. Other media reports have given different versions of Osmanov's name. Anadolu said Osmanov's identity was determined through a photocopy of his passport, which he submitted to a realtor in order to rent a house in Istanbul's Fatih district. Police were also trying to access information on a destroyed computer found in a trash bin near the house. The Anadolu report did not provide the nationalities of the suspects. On Thursday, a Turkish official said the three attackers were from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids Thursday in three Istanbul neighborhoods, officials said. The Haber Turk newspaper said 11 more suspects all foreigners were detained in a separate raid early Friday. A government official could not immediately confirm the report. The IS group, which has used the porous border with Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey. In turn, Turkey has blamed IS for several major bombings in the past year in Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey, a NATO member and key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, also faces security threats from Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkey's southeast region and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the past year, including an attack Feb. 17 in Ankara that killed 39 people, and another devastating bombing in the capital in March. An official said Friday that security forces have killed the mastermind of the Feb. 17 attack. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations. The attack against military personnel was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. On the same day Chicago police revealed the city's violence has reached an "unacceptable level," authorities are bracing for what could be another violent holiday weekend. According to the CPD, June saw 72 murders, 361 shootings and 447 shooting victims. That's compared to the 47 murders, 235 shootings and 290 shooting victims reported last year. On Thursday, a woman was killed and four others wounded in a single shooting on the city's South Side. Sixteen others were wounded in shootings across the city that day. "The day she was brought into this world was the day she was taken away," the victim's mother said. "By a soul-less Chicago individual. For no reason." Police attributed the spike in crime to "repeat offenders with ties to gangs" and said a number of shootings have been "committed with illegal guns." To combat crime, CPD is now adding more than 150 officers to the streets by hiring civilians to do office work. For the holiday weekend, the department is working with the FBI, Illinois State Police, the Cook County Sheriff's officed and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Beginning Friday, thousands of uniformed and plainclothes CPD officers will be joined by FBI agents, state troopers and sheriff's deputies. "In addition to a heavy police presence on highways, and major thoroughfares, including Lake Shore Drive, extra police officers will be highly visible in neighborhoods throughout the city, and at city parks, along the lake, and at Navy Pier on the 4th," police said in a release. The department is also using targeted raids to clamp down on violent crime. On Wednesday, 27 people were arrested on drug charges in araid in the 19th District. "CPD sent a strong message that violence and gang activity will not be tolerated when it completed a raid this week striking at street gangs throughout Chicago," the department said. A group of Illinois lawmakers also announced legislation Friday aimed at holding repeat gun offenders accountable. The Violent Gun Offender Sentencing Act, which is still being drafted, would lay out presumptive guidelines for prosecuting repeat offenders." The bill, which is being introduced by state Rep. Michael Zalewski and state Sen. Antonio Munoz, would utilize existing sentencing guidelines and encourage prosecutors to give repeat offenders longer sentences. "What were trying to target here is repeat, violent offenders who are in possession of guns, state Sen. Kwame Raoul said. People who we know will do harm unless we incapacitate them for a significant period of time." Raoul explained that the legislation steered away from policies that have been tied to mass incarceration, like truth in sentencing and mandatory minimum sentencing. He claimed that those policies dont give offenders the incentive to do rehabilitative prison programs because there is little opportunity to be rewarded for good behavior. Raoul was joined by fellow lawmakers, as well as Father Michael Pfleger and a group of mothers who lost children to gun violence Friday. Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson thanked lawmakers for devising the legislation and condemned the citys violent criminals. These violent offenders are only emboldened to continue their behavior and drive the unacceptable violence occurring in some of our neighborhoods while they display a brazen disregard for human life, he said Friday. Johnson explained that 85 percent of 2016 shooting victims, both non-fatal and fatal, are on the department's Strategic Subject List, which includes potential offenders and victims. Lawmakers are rushing to the city to try to address the pervasive gun violence. Sen. Dick Durbin visited the Lawndale neighborhood to discuss violence prevention efforts ahead of 4th of July Weekend, visiting with CPD officials from the 11th district and stopping by a community organization for grade schoolers. Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Kirk met with local leaders, community organizers and law enforcement officials in Maywood Friday to discuss legislation and strategies to protect families from violence. Among the guests was Delphine Cherry, the co-president of the Chicagoland Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Cherry is a Chicagoland mother who lost two children in separate shootings. "We are here today to make sure there is a silver lining to the deaths of Tyesha and Tyler and that kids in Chicago aren't dying because of Washington gridlock," Kirk said in a statement. "That is why I have worked with the Democrat Senator from New York, Kristen Gillibrand, to draft this legislation that would stop guns from being trafficed into Illinois." Kirk and Gillibrand introduced the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Trafficing and Crime Prevention Act last year. The measure would make the trafficking of illegal guns a federal crime and would provide tools for law enforcement to get illegal weapons off the street. The CPD has taken more than 4,300 guns off the street this year, accounting for a 30 percent increase from last year. While the vast majority of Chicago is a safe and growing city, we know that communities that have historically struggled with violence continue to bear the burden of gang members committing crimes with illegal guns. We have made clear to these criminals that we know who they are and we are using every resource at our disposal to hold them accountable for their actions, Supt. Johnson said. Nevertheless, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, and we have to work together to create better opportunities for at-risk individuals, and ensure that repeat offenders who consistently wreak havoc on neighborhoods know that there are penalties for their actions. Working with all Chicagoans, CPD will continue its efforts to keep our streets safe. Edward Snowden will appear in a new play at the Public Theater in New York, beginning this weekend, via video from Moscow, Russia, The New York Times reported. The fugitive will make a cameo in a pre-recorded video each night to exchange ideas about privacy and lines from "The Tempest" with actor Daniel Radcliffe, who plays a writer in the show. "Privacy," a British play that explores how the digital age has made public what was once personal, was conceived before Snowden leaked government documents. However, his actions have greatly influenced the play, which was rewritten with an American context, according to the Times. The play is set as a work of documentary theater, with actors reciting dialogue taken from interviews the play's creators, James Graham and Josie Rourke, conducted with politicians, scholars and journalists. Rourke and Graham were unable to reach Snowden before the play's 2014 run in London, but after later getting in touch the two revised the script to put together the one-minute exchange between Snowden and Radcliffe for the American production, the Times reported. [Snowden] is hoping that the playwrights and actors here can take abstract concepts and make them more concrete for people who might not read N.S.A. documents at their computers," Ben Wizner, Snowden's lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union, told the Times. Snowden has recently used digital technology to make other public appearances in the U.S. from Russia. Earlier this year, he appeared at the Tribeca Film Festival where he wheeled himself on stage via a wheeled robot some have dubbed the "Snowbot." More than 25 people were arrested Wednesday on felony drug charges in a Chicago Police raid on the North Side. CPD conducted its latest raid Wednesday in the 19th District, which is headquartered near Wrigley Field, according to a statement from police. Three gangs were targeted and 27 offenders were arrested on drug charges. All of the suspects were listed on the departments Strategic Subject List. We are making clear to anyone who contributes to the violence in Chicago that the police department will hold you accountable for your actions period, Supt. Eddie Johnson said in the statement. We have been taking a number of steps this summer to demonstrate that violence will not be tolerated, and we will continue this important work to ensure that every resident enjoys the same sense of safety, Johnson said. On the day the raid was conducted, two people were killed and 13 wounded in shootings across the city. Two suspects were killed and four Chicago Police officers were injured in a fiery rollover crash following a chase Friday morning on the city's Far South Side. The crash happened just before 11:15 a.m. at 125th and Union in the city's West Pullman neighborhood, marking a deadly end to a chase that began in a Chicago suburb. Police allege the suspects were involved a robbery outside an Arby's restaurant in southwest suburban Tinley Park. According to authorities, a restaurant manager making a cash drop at the neighboring bank was confronted in the parking lot. The suspects took the money bag and fled. State police reported the vehicle on I-57 as the suspects headed into the city. Witnesses say they saw a Chicago Police SUV chasing the vehicle before it rear-ended the suspects' car. The crash flipped the suspects' car and sent the SUV slamming into a nearby home, mangling an elderly couple's wheelchair ramp. Four suspects were initially injured, but two listed in critical condition were later pronounced dead, Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. The other two remained in police custody. Four officers in a police squad car were also injured in the crash, but their conditions were stabilized, Guglielmi said. "Thank God I'm alive," said Michael Wells, who owns the home hit by the SUV. "I'm a disabled veteran. God is merciful. I could have been dead." One of the suspects killed in the crash was identified as 22-year-old Ronald Harrington, who lived near the crash. A Southwest Side man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for stabbing his mother to death at their Ashburn neighborhood home last year. Andre Brown was found guilty of murder on May 27 after a trial before Judge Matthew Coghlan, according to Cook County court records. Brown stabbed 54-year-old Damita Collins in the chest and slit her throat in the home they shared in the 3500 block of West 77th Place on Jan. 5, 2015, authorities said at the time. Collins was the site director of Trumbull Park Head Start Program, part of the Ada S. McKinley schools. Collins husband was in the basement eating dinner and watching the Bulls game about 9 p.m. when he heard several loud noises upstairs, prosecutors said. He went upstairs and found his wife lying on the floor in a pool of blood. The man tried to help his wife, but she died at the scene, authorities said. He chased Brown, his stepson, but he fled the home and drove off in his mothers car, prosecutors said. Brown, who was 26 at the time, was arrested the following day, prosecutors said. He gave a videotaped statement to detectives admitting to stabbing his mother during an argument because she put him down and said he needed a girlfriend. Judge Coghlan sentenced Brown to 30 years in prison Wednesday, according to court records. He will receive credit for 541 days served in the Cook County Jail, and must serve three years of supervised release. The Milwaukee woman added to the FBI's "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list for the killing of a pregnant woman was captured early Friday, authorities said. Shanika Minor, 24, was taken into custody in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the FBI's Milwaukee bureau tweeted. Minor is wanted in the March shooting death of 23-year-old Tamecca Perry. Perry's unborn child also died in the shooting. According to NBC affiliate WTMB, Perry also had two children. Authorities say Minor shot Perry, who was within a week of giving birth, after a confrontation over loud music at the duplex where Minor's mother also lived. Minor fled after the shooting and has not been found. She is described as African-American, 5-foot-6 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, of medium build with black hair and brown eyes. She has a display of roses tattooed on her lower abdomen. Officials said Minor might be receiving help from friends or extended family members in Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio and Georgia, NBC News reported. A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered. One man is in custody, and authorities urged evacuation of a neighborhood in north suburban Wauconda Thursday night as they investigated a home that may have had explosives, according to police. Around 8:30 p.m., the Wauconda Police Department posted on Facebook that multiple intersections were blocked off. 176th St was closed between Main St and Fairfield Rd, and the closed intersections included: Mill St and IL-Rte 176 Lakeshore Blvd and IL-Rte 176 Highland Ave and Clearview Ave Hill St and Lakeshore Blvd Wauconda Police Department Police asked residents within that perimeter to evacuate their home or business immediately, with the Federated Church across from the Wauconda Fire Department available as a shelter. The Wauconda Police Department provided transportation for those without, who were asked to call 847-487-1372. The Wauconda Police Department shared just before 9 p.m. that they received information that a resident within that "posted perimeter may have explosives in his home." Shortly after 9 p.m., Wauconda Police confirmed that a suspect is in custody, and a search will be conducted at a residence in the 400 block of Lakeshore Blvd once the evacuation is complete. Police then said that the suspect allegedly made a threat earlier Thursday to an employee at a business, saying "he wanted to lure the police to his home with the intention of setting off explosives and blowing them up." "The suspect said he is terminally ill and hates politicians and the police," the Wauconda Police Department said. The Waukegan Bomb Squad and Illinois State Police SWAT Team also responded to the incident. Check back for updates on this developing story. Chicago Police are warning people in the city's Loop of a string of armed robberies over the last month, in which suspects approach victims with fliers and act as though they are fundraising before ultimately attacking the victim and stealing belongings. The most recent incident occurred on June 24 in the 100 block of N Wabash Ave around 12:45 p.m., according to police. In that case, two young men approached a woman standing near the door at Peach and Green restaurant, employees said. According to police, they presented themselves as distributors of fundraising fliers before pulling so violently on her purse, witnesses said, she fell to the ground. A similar incident occurred at another restaurant just two blocks away in the 0-100 block of S Wabash Ave on May 25 at approximately the same time of day, authorities said. Police say two more people were robbed in a similar manner, but as they sat in their cars. The first robbery occurred in the 0-100 block of E Lower Wacker Dr at around 4:30 p.m. on June 22. The second occurred in the 200 block of N Michigan Ave the following day, at 4:05 p.m. on June 23. Police said in both cases, the suspects again approached drivers who were parked or stopped in traffic, distracted them with fundraising fliers, then opened the car door and hit the victims, stealing cell phones. The crimes have plenty of people in the Loop on edge. "It is pretty frightening to be downtown, trying to have fun, and then something crazy like that happens to you," Melanie Sneed-Morton told NBC 5 Thursday afternoon. "In this area, it is a little surprising. Millennium Park is right down the street," said Alex Vera. "To be right in the middle of that is pretty audacious." These crimes happened just blocks from where police continue to investigate a robbery outside Trump Tower, where a woman was filming an engagement video when two men approached, one violently shoving her to the ground and stealing her camera, police said. "You wouldn't think it would happen, or it would be real, real late, but it's happening everywhere," said Audrey Sneed-Morton, asking "Where can you get away from it?" In all four incidents, the suspects are described as black males between the ages of 16 and 24, according to police. A suspect described by police as a "terminally ill" man who "hates politicians and the police" has been charged after he allegedly threatened to blow up officers and his suburban Chicago home, prompting a massive response from police and SWAT teams Thursday night. Police said 49-year-old Andreas Stachel, of Wauconda, told an employee at Super Pawn in Round Lake, where he had planned to pawn a rifle, that he is terminally ill and was planning on luring police to his home with the intention of blowing up his home and the officers with 20 lbs of C-4. "The suspect said he is terminally ill and hates politicians and the police," the Wauconda Police Department said. The employee told police of the threats and the Wauconda Police Department obtained a search warrant for Stachel's home, evacuating a 1,400-foot radius in the neighborhood. Around 8:30 p.m., the Wauconda Police Department posted on Facebook that multiple intersections were blocked off. Police asked residents within that perimeter to evacuate their home or business immediately. Wauconda Police Department Wauconda Police said as preparations for the search were underway in the 400 block of Lakeshore Boulevard, Stachel was stopped in a traffic stop and taken into custody. He was transported to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation at 2:30 a.m. Friday. A search of the home recovered four illegal explosive devices and a large quantity of cannabis along with numerous firearms and ammunitions. Stachel was charged with unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful use of weapons and unlawful possession of cannabis. The Waukegan Bomb Squad and Illinois State Police SWAT Team also responded to the incident. Chanda Foreman spent the day before her death going to work, hanging out with her cousin and preparing to go out at night. She went into her job at Comcast early, where her co-workers had decorated her desk and held a party in honor of her 37th birthday on Thursday, her family said. Foreman was shot and killed and four others were wounded when a gold Buick with four people inside pulled up about 9:45 p.m. in the 9500 block of South Loomis, and two gunmen opened fire from the back seat, according to Chicago Police. Foreman was inside her car when she was shot, her mother, Cathy Geralds said. She was told another woman was shot inside Foremans car, and three other people were shot on the front porch of Foremans aunts home. Geralds said her cousin, whose wife was also shot, called her about the shooting. The cousin didnt know if Foreman had been struck, but when Geralds arrived at the crime scene, she was told she didnt want to see her daughter in the condition she was in. And I knew she was gone, Geralds said. She was gone. She died while being transported to Holy Cross Hospital with a gunshot wound to the head, police said. Earlier in the evening, she had gone to dinner downtown and then gone to her aunts home, Geralds said. She was told that two groups of people were shooting from either end of the block and believed that Foreman was struck while she was waiting inside her car outside the house. I didnt get to talk to her today, Geralds said. I sent her a text and wished her a happy birthday. Geralds remembered her daughter as a responsible woman who had worked at her job for 10 years. Foremans 6-year-old daughter will likely live with her now, she said. The child is not allowed to play outside on the sidewalk and her daughters death makes Geralds wonder if she wants to move somewhere else. Geralds said this was the second time her daughter was shot. Foreman was shot inside a car when a person running down the street in the area of 79th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive began shooting. A bullet went through the door of her car and struck her ankle, her mother said. In addition to Foreman, four other people were wounded in Thursdays shooting. Two men were taken in critical condition to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. One, 33, was shot in the neck and the other, 25, suffered gunshot wounds to the arm, side and back, police said. A 45-year-old woman shot in the arm was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park along with a 54-year-old woman with wounds to the leg and foot, police said. They were in fair-to-serious condition, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Police said the shooting was gang-related. Foremans family members gathered outside Holy Cross early Friday morning as they learned the news of her death. Some cried and others were dazed and said they couldnt believe what they were being told. One of her cousins, who asked not to be named, said she was hanging out with Foreman earlier. She was a great person, she said. We were just saying earlier, we were afraid of these streets. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Soviet spies in the FX series "The Americans," but Russell revealed a family secret Friday on NBC's "Today." The 40-year-old actress was promoting her new movie, "Free State of Jones," when Matt Lauer took a moment to congratulate her on the recent arrival of her baby. "You just had a baby about a month and a half ago," he said. "Am I correct in reading, Ms. Russell, that you have not yet revealed the gender of the baby or the baby's name?" She then told Lauer that she and Rhys welcomed a son named Sam. "He's so good," said the actress, who is also mom to son River, 9, and daughter, Willa, 4, from a previous marriage."[Sam] is big and fat and nice," Russell added. As for Rhys, a first-time dad, Russell told Lauer he's doing "so well." Earlier in the interview, Russell discussed director Gary Ross' "Free State of Jones." "It's based on a true, incredible story. It's just this epic, historic film," she said. "I think Matthew McConaughey is great in it." McConaughey plays a Mississippi farmer who leads an uprising against the Confederacy. "He's an epic character, and he's not just an altruistic, good guy," Russell said. "He has a lot of flaws and grit." Hes been an AIDS-stricken drug dealer, hurled through space and spent time dazed and confused. Now Matthew McConaughey is headed back to the University of Texas at Austin as professor. The Academy Award-winning Texan and UT Austin alum will partner with "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross to teach a filmmaking class at the Moody College of Communication, according to a video released by the university Thursday. Up to 30 students can enroll in the course which will only be open to juniors and seniors but there are no prerequisites or fees required, The Dallas Morning News reports. A public affairs representative for UT Austin told the San Antonio Express-News that McConaughey will take students "behind the scenes" of his upcoming film "Free State of Jones" through recorded videos and at least one on-campus visit. This will be the second time McConaughey co-teaches this course with university lecturer Scott Rice, the school's student newspaper The Daily Texan and The San Antonio Express-News reported. Hundreds of homeowners in eastern Connecticut who are dealing with crumbling foundations, could soon have access to a $52.5 million pool of money, but how much each homeowner would get is still unclear. NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters learned the state spent months negotiating the insurance industry to create programs to provide homeowners in Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties with up to 90 percent of the cost of replacing their foundations. Several state agencies and Governor Dannel Malloy have been directly involved in the process. "This is a multi-pronged approach in government to reach out to the insurers as well as the folks affected to try to see if we can bring some level of relief," Malloy said. Here's how the program would work: The state pinpoints ground zero of the foundation problem in Stafford. Any Connecticut homeowner living within a 20 mile radius would be eligible to apply for the program. State officials acknowledge there are few homeowners with crumbling foundations just outside the 20 mile radius, but they would still be eligible to apply for the program. In order to qualify, a licensed home inspector must verify that a home shows "map cracking", which is a telltale sign of the oxidizing iron sulfide mineral pyrrhotite, which the state says is causing the concrete to deteriorate. Insurers can require a homeowner to get a test that shows at least 15 percent composition of reactive pyrrhotite in the concrete aggregate. The insurance company would cover 50 percent of the cost of the test, but would reimburse a homeowner's share, if the home ultimately qualifies for the program. Once the application process is done, the state's department of insurance would calculate of the total cost of all the verified claims. At that point, each homeowner would be offered a minimum amount, a percentage of the cost of replacing the foundation, based on how many homeowners are in the pool. To date, only 235 homeowners have filed claims with the state, but high ranking officials, including Malloy, expect many more would come forward if this insurance pool becomes a reality. "Part of the problem of these discussions are, what is the scope, what is the size? So the sooner we have a better idea, the easier it is to reach a final agreement," Malloy said. Sources tell NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters the negotiations provided several potential benefits to entice companies to participate, including the fact that the Department of Insurance assured the companies that they could make up any money spent in the foundations pool by raising rates for Connecticut homeowners in the future Nevertheless, at this point, only four companies have agreed to take part, including Travelers and the Hartford and Amica. Some of the firms with the largest market share in the state have not joined the pool, so far. "We have had positive conversations with a number of the companies. A number of companies are saying, 'hey, I want to know what the rest of the companies are doing'", Malloy said. Among the insurers with the largest market share in Connecticut, Liberty Mutual, AllState and State Farm have not yet agreed to take part in the program. NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters reached out to all three companies. Liberty mutual and State Farm declined to comment, but in a statement to NBC Connecticut, All-State writes: "In light of the general belief that the issue with the concrete is due to defective concrete and/or the improper mixing and installation of the concrete, we believe that the focus should be on the concrete manufacturer and the contractors involved in its installation." The governor believes more companies will sign on once they grasp of the scope of the problem. "To understand what their total liability might be, if not probable, but what the exposure would be and that hopefully will lead us to some discussions that will bring in other companies," Malloy said. Sources said there is no formal deadline for more companies to come into the crumbling foundations pool, but there's a sense that if the state can't get a critical level of market share to commit by the end of the summer, the deal will be dead. Hours after the fired developer of Dunkin Donuts Park announced it would develop a deal to finish the project, Hartford's mayor said he would believe a deal when he sees it. Bob Landino, who owns Centerplan, told Connecticut Public Radio earlier in the day that he was in the process of developing a multimillion dollar agreement to complete the stadium, without an additional cost to the city. The stadium was projected to cost $56 million bust has since ballooned to $66 million and more costs are expected. Jason Rudnick, the man in charge of the stadium and surrounding development known as DoNo Hartford LLC, told NBC Connecticut on Thursday the company feels completing the stadium as soon as possible is the best course of action. "We're trying to take the high road here and do what we believe is correct which is to be the adult in the room and say listen, the right thing is to finish the ballpark and well figure everything else out afterwards." Mayor Luke Bronin, however, released a statement one would expect him to release after the developer has missed multiple deadlines and not delivered on promises for completion. He wrote, "Before terminating Centerplan, we repeatedly asked them to show us that they had a sound plan and adequate financing to finish the job, and they either couldnt or wouldnt." Bronin continued by writing, "Weve been told for weeks now that a proposal is coming, but we havent seen anything yet. If we get a serious proposal, well take it seriously." I. Charles Mathews, the chairman of the Hartford Stadium Authority, also released a statement. "If Mr. Landino spent as much time and effort building the ballpark as he is now spending rewriting history, thered be baseball in Hartford this weekend," he wrote. "He has yet to honor any agreement he has made with the City. Why would we enter in to another? Centerplan started construction on the stadium in February 2015 with a set completion date of mid-March. After delays came to light in December 2015, a new date of May 17 was set in January. Centerplan did not meet that date, the city invoked the $46 million insurance policy on the project and the city later fired Centerplan. The developer has said that the city kept making changes to the project while the city has said the developer is to blame. It's unclear how much completing the stadium is going to cost, when construction could begin again, or when the stadium would be ready for the Hartford Yard Goats to start playing. Rudnick says the best solution is to complete the project and work out the impending legal matters surrounding the stadium later. "Lets make an agreement," Rudnick said. "Well get back in the ballpark, finish it. Everyone will still have the right to argue afterwards and figure out whos right and whos wrong but finish the ballpark first." Connecticut's DEEP has banned the possession and consumption of alcohol at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, the department announced. I have exercised my authority to declare a 90-day ban on alcohol at Burr Pond State Park because large numbers of people consuming large volumes of alcohol that is not a combination conducive to public safety and enjoyment of our states natural resources, said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. The department said within the last few summers, EnCon Police and DEEP State Parks staff have observed a number of incidents that have been driven by alcohol. It's hoping the ban creates a safer environment for park visitors. Given the changing use and issues at the park, the time has come for us to take stronger action at Burr Pond State Park said Klee. The vast majority of visitors to our parks enjoy themselves while following the rules and exhibiting good behavior. Unfortunately, situations do arise like that at Burr Pond State Park where people engage in behavior that affects the experience of others. A man in a stolen car dragged a Manchester police sergeant earlier on Friday morning has been arrested, police said. Peter Hills faces a slew of charges, including assault on an officer, assault and reckless endangerment, Manchester Police said The sergeant saw the driver of a 2005 gray Ford Explorer operating erratically around 5:30 a.m. and stopped Hills, who pulled into the driveway of a residence on Starkweather Street, police said. As the sergeant was speaking with the 32-year-old, Hills pulled out of the driveway and dragged the sergeant for a short time before the sergeant fell. Hills then fled the scene in the vehicle The vehicle he was driving had been reported stolen earlier in the night from East Haven. The sergeant was treated at a local hospital and has been released. Hills was located by police in Vernon and was transferred to Manchester. The stolen car was located in Hartford on Park Street. He is accused of assault on an officer, third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, two counts of reckless driving, two counts of failing to carry a license, two counts of traveling unreasonably fast, disobeying signal of an officer, following to close, failure to drive right and passing in a no passing zone. The suspect's bond was set at $175,000 and he is expected to appear in court on July 5. A Yale University psychiatrist who was arrested on drug charges after his two dogs attacked a woman in New Haven is due in court on July 15 after the case was continued. Police filed the charge against Hamilton Hicks, 36, of New Haven, after responding to his home on Ella Grasso Boulevard on June 20 to investigate a dog attack. The victim, Jocelyn Winfrey, 53, of New Haven, was rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital and died a week later from injuries, officials said. Hicks, who owns the dogs, was trembling and covered in dirt and blood when officers arrived. He said the dogs attacked Winfrey in the fenced in area the dogs were kept in. Hicks said he'd been able to get one of the dogs inside his home and the other dog was contained to the yard, but not secured, according to police. Police found three bags of crack cocaine on him and charged him with possession of a controlled substance, police said. Hicks was due in court on July 1, but his attorney asked the court to continue the case for two weeks. Hicks, who sustained dog bites, was also brought to the hospital and was issued a promise to appear on that charge because of his injuries. Hicks lawfully owned the dogs and they were on his property, so he won't be charged in connection with the attack, police said. The two dogs were quarantined and are scheduled to be euthanized, according to police. A spokesman for the mayor's office initially said the dogs were pit bulls, but New Haven's animal control officer said the dogs were American bulldog mixes. A Hamden man who volunteers as a youth minister for a local church is being accused of having sexual relations with a minor, police said. Charges for Lionel McFadden include second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. An investigation was launched by the Hamden Police Department Special Victims Unit and an arrest warrant for McFadden was issued. The 27-year-old turned himself into police on June 30. McFadden's bond was set at $20,000 and he is expected to appear in court on July 14. Connecticut Congress members, local officials, first responders and people who work in the community met in New Haven on Friday to work on ways to try to stop opioid addiction epidemic from taking an even tighter hold in the state than it already has. The roundtable discussion comes on the day Connecticuts new opioid law takes effect and a week after more than a dozen people in New Haven overdosed on the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, in a single day and several died. Connecticuts U.S. senators, U.S. Rep Rosa DeLauro, New Havens police chief, U.S. Attorney Deidre Daley and others are working on a plan to prevent something like this from happening again. The new Connecticut law that went into effect today prohibits doctors from prescribing an opioid drug to an adult for more than seven days. If the patient is a minor, doctors can only prescribe in seven-day increments and are now required to counsel young people and their parents about the perils of the drugs. The new law also requires first responders across the state to have access to the anti- overdose drug naloxone and be trained to administer it. The people who gathered for the meeting Friday discussed comprehensive ways to prevent addiction in the first place, and treat it once it happens. Ideas they brought up include more comprehensive treatment programs, regulating opioid prescriptions and solving the social problems that force some people to turn to drugs. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Congress AWOL on the issue of opioid addiction. The resources have to be devoted and they have to come from the federal government and they have to be now because we cannot afford to lose another generation on the streets, Blumenthal said. Blumenthal, Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Rosa DeLauro called on their colleagues to make emergency funding to battle the crisis a top priority. Two years ago with less than six cases of Ebola in the entire country, Congress allocated $4 billion in emergency funding. We havent allocated a dime of emergency funding to the heroin and opioid crisis, Murphy said. One topic everyone speaking at the meeting agreed on was that Connecticut cannot arrest its way out of this crisis. They said more resources for police to target drug distributors are needed, as well as more treatment for the addicted and tougher prescription laws to keep people from getting addicted in the first place. Pet ownership can be pricey, but don't let the numbers deter you. Read on for tips on how to welcome a four-legged friend into your home without burning a hole in your pockets. How can I save on food, toys and supplies? Buying pet food in bulk is a good way to save over time, but you'll want to make sure you're buying quality. "Food isn't an area you want to skimp on," Scott Giacoppo of the Washington Humane Society said. "I wouldn't recommend buying the cheapest food the same way I wouldn't recommend someone to serve Oreos at their Sunday dinner." Veterinarians and pet supply stores like Pro Feed, Petco or PetSmart should be able to recommend food and other supplies, Giacoppo said. Also, remember that you don't need to buy everything for your pet all at once. You might be able to start out with just bowls, food, a collar and a few toys, and then learn more about your pet to determine what else he or she needs. Of course, a dog will need a leash, and a cat will need a litter box, but you don't need to spring for top-of-the-line models. Websites such as Groupon often have deals on pet supplies and services just make sure you actually need the item; otherwise, you won't be saving money at all. Many pet retailer websites also offer coupons or special discounts. Learn how to perform basic pet grooming skills yourself, such as nail clipping, to save on grooming fees. If you're able to, bathe your dog yourself in your bathtub or outside in the yard. If you can't, consider visiting a DIY dog-washing business, where you can use their shampoos and professional-grade tubs for about $20 still cheaper than paying for professional grooming. What are some preventative tactics I can take to avoid mishaps and large vet bills? One way to cut costs before you ever see the vet is to adopt from a shelter rather than buy from a pet store or breeder, because "when you adopt, the animals are sterilized, they're up to date on vaccinations and they've been house trained," Giacoppo said. If you buy a puppy or kitten from a breeder, you'll pay for these costs out of pocket. Sure, they're cute, but they can end up much pricier in the long run than adopting an older dog and by adopting from a shelter, you'll actually be saving two lives, not one. Make sure to "pet-proof" your home so any hazards or harmless substances are kept out of your new pet's reach. And remember that what's safe for humans might not be safe for dogs or cats. See the Pet Poison Hotline's list here. Which breeds tend to be cheaper to care for? The cost of care for cats and dogs doesn't vary much based on breed (unless you have a breed that requires extensive professional grooming), but smaller animals simply tend to consume less food than larger animals. The same goes for items like toys, treats and beds larger ones usually cost more. The best way to reduce costs, however, is to take care of your pet well, both physically and psychologically. The parvo virus, for example, is a life-threatening disease that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, but can be avoided for a small price, Giacoppo said. "Take a Saturday once a year, wait in line for an hour and pay $10 for a shot that can save your pet's life," he said. Also, be sure your pet has a social life and gets plenty of exercise. Leaving pets tied up or alone often results in psychological problems and boredom, which can cause behavioral issues, damage to your home or property and ultimately health concerns. Where can I find affordable pet insurance, and is it worth it? Pet insurance can be tricky because there are a few different kinds, and it's not necessarily about what injuries or illnesses your pet could endure, as dog owner Sarah Kliff noted in an article published by Vox. Kliff pays $40 to $50 a month for pet insurance and says the real question is actually "How much are you willing to pay to spend to save your pets life?" For her, it would be a lot. "If I got a very large bill, I would likely pay it," Kliff wrote. "I would pay bills big enough to make it difficult for me to put a down payment on a house." To sum it up, you might pay a premium for pet insurance that you never use to make a claim. But a few $400 trips to the vet or an unfortunate $3,000 surgery to remove your pet's favorite toy from its stomach could eventually surpass the price you paid for the insurance. Kliff also points out that many people pay renters' insurance and never file a claim, but the peace of mind can be worth it. The website PolicyGenius, an online insurance marketplace, advises pet owners on which types of insurance they should buy, urging some not to invest in insurance at all. According to the site's co-founder, Jennifer Fitzgerald, the right consumer for pet insurance has "low ability to pay [to save their pet's life] but high willingness," so it's not for everyone, Kliff writes. Alternative options include pet wellness plans. For instance, PetSmart's Banfield Pet Hospital chain offers a wellness plan focusing on prevention and early diagnosis, with potentially lower costs than traditional pet care services. Plans include a set number of wellness visits per year, may cover the cost of shots and offer discounts on other forms of care. If I need to travel, should I take my pet, hire a sitter or board at a kennel? It depends. The cost of a travel crate can range from $30 to $100, and overnight care can be costly, too. Your best bet: Find friends or family member willing to do watch your pets. Or get to know a pet-owning neighbor and offer to trade pet care: You'll watch their dog or cat for a weekend if they'll do the same for you another weekend. If you're thinking of boarding your pet, check business reviews on a site such as Yelp. If you find several well-reviewed spots, call around to get the best rate. And don't be afraid to ask about any special deals: Will they give you a discount if you pick up your pet before a certain time, for example? If you hire someone to watch your pet at home, beware of an apparent "bargain." Giacoppo said it's best to use a referral. "You don't want to hire someone who says they will just come over for five dollars," he said. "You have no idea how they will treat your pet." Builders were ready to put up new homes on nearly two dozen vacant lots owned by the city of Dallas. But now those 23 are stalled as 34 others move forward because one Dallas city council member said wait. Now the city council July recess will further delay progress. The lots in the citys Land Bank were assembled over the years as fires or demolition cleared old, abandoned homes. The city wound up owning the land. Stanley Perez lives on Kingsley Drive near Glendale Park, down the street from two of the vacant lots. It would be good to get them going, to build houses there, he said. It would clean up the area a little more. It would be a major improvement to what it was years ago. Neighbor Cedric Freeman said builders willing to construct new homes in his area should be welcomed. They want to build new houses, let them build new houses, Freeman said. Whats the delay? When the May 25 vote came to approve all 57 new homes in six Dallas city council districts, all but one of the members wanted progress on the vacant lots that dot Southern Dallas inner city neighborhoods. Councilman Eric Wilson has 17 of the lots in his far Southern Dallas District 8. I thought it was a great idea of taking lots that are currently not producing anything for the city but high weeds and complaints, back to turning it into a home for a family and bringing back the middle class, Wilson said. Before the vote, Wilson said he had time to consult with neighborhood leaders about the plans. I also had time to talk to the different developers and builders to see the quality of homes they're building, Wilson said. Several sources close to the negotiations said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and other city leaders had pushed the builders to accept the program in neighborhoods that need support as part of the Mayors Grow South initiative. North Dallas Council Member Lee Kleinman spoke strongly in favor of it at the May 25 meeting. I dont know any reason we want to delay or stall the development of single family homes in Southern Dallas, Kleinman said. This gives opportunities for home ownership. This is a very important program in the city of Dallas. But, Southern Dallas Council Member Carolyn King Arnold insisted that 23 lots in her Council District 4 be removed from approval that day for more study. Each one of us has responsibility to our constituents and I want to make sure you understand that is my goal here. It is not to win any trophies or any headlines, she said that day. Arnold denied hostility toward Kleinman, although she did mention the vote two weeks before, in which she strongly opposed a $3 million economic development grant for a new Costco store in Kleinmans district, as she asked that her wishes be respected. There is no hidden agenda with me when it comes to District 4, Arnold said. So, I appreciate your support Mr. Kleinman when we move forward with economic development, and we appreciate everything that you do. We hope youll stay on the wagon as we push Grow South and help us to get everything that we need in the Southern Sector. Records show Arnold voted to support all of the new homes on vacant lots a week before the May 25 city council vote at a committee meeting. Thursday, Arnold said that including the lots in her district on the May agenda was the result of a miscommunication. She said her questions about the new home construction plans have now been answered and she hopes to see the items approved in August after the July recess. More in-depth briefing is needed in advance, Arnold said. Furthermore, Arnold said she is working to serve her District 4 better than it has been in the past by devising big picture projects that would make a larger impact on the community than the scattered lots to be redeveloped in current plans. Perez said neighbors near the vacant lots are anxious for any progress. They want a nice area. Who wants to not come to a nice area, he said. I dont see why the city would deny that. A Dallas man accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl six years ago has been arrested. The arrest comes after the woman, now in he 20s, reported the alleged May 2010 incident to the Dallas police. Romeal Dorasay Johnson, 30, is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail accused of one count of sexual assault of a child. He is being held on $100,000 bond. It is not clear why there was a six year delay between the incident and the report. Dallas police urge anyone with more information on Johnson to contact Detective Roach at 214-671-4207. Residents of an Oak Cliff neighborhood found a man dead in the middle of their street early Friday morning, according to police. Dallas police said they responded to calls from the residents on the 400 block of Montana Avenue at about 1 a.m. A trail of blood behind the man led police to a house further down the road. They said the house was in disarray and looked as though it had been ransacked. Police removed an unharmed puppy from the property and turned it over to Dallas Animal Services. Investigators said it's not yet clear what caused the man's wound, but his death is being investigated as a homicide. The man's cause of death will be determined by the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office. The victim's identity has not been released. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Dallas police asked anyone with information about this incident call their Homicide Unit at 214-671-3661, Detective Wilkins at 214-671-3665 or Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477 (TIPS). Callers must call Crime Stoppers to eligible for the reward and they may remain anonymous. A man who spent 23 years in prison walked free on Tuesday after the San Bernardino District Attorney dismissed all charges against him. William Richards met students from the California Western School of Law on Wednesday to thank them for helping get him exonerated. He was convicted of murdering his wife in 1993 but he has maintained his innocence for more than 20 years. There are no words to describe what Ive been through, Richards said. He told NBC 7 that all those years, he just wanted to prove what happened and that what kept him going. I think it was tenacity and refusing to let them get away with this, he said. Richards has had one day of freedom but hes noticing the years of change that happened while he was in prison. The world has changed, he said. Ive never been on the internet. Ive never used a cell phone. Ive never done any of those things. During his original trial, a dental expert influenced his conviction saying a bite mark on his wife matched Richards. That expert later admitted he had been wrong but Richards was not released from prison. The California Supreme Court stated that according to the law, expert testimony cannot be false. That law was later changed by the San Diego-based California Innocence Project. If we believe someone is innocent, we're going to find a way, said Justin Brooks from the California Innocence Project. Richards has been a client of the California Innocence Project since 1999. He was granted parole earlier this year by the California Department of Corrections before the conviction was overturned. More than 20 students and nearly a dozen lawyers from the California Innocence Project worked on Richards case over the span of 16 years. Their years of dedication to prove he was innocent paid off on Tuesday when all charges were dropped against him. Richards told NBC 7 that the California Innocent Project became his family. The San Bernardino District Attorney's Office told NBC 7 that they have not made a final decision on whether they will refile the case. A glittery pyrotechnics display is as much a part of the fourth day in July as relish on your hot dog and seeds in your watermelon. But staying up for a Southern Californian sky show isn't the only choice you have come Monday, July 4. While we do have many of those around the region look for illuminated booms from Long Beach up to the Rose Bowl there are a few ways to enjoy Independence Day during the daytime and ahead of July 4, or on the morning of the holiday. Angel City Brewery has "the day before" part covered with its annual 'Merica Fest. It's on Sunday, July 3 (repeat that a few days, so you don't arrive the next day), and it involves a full-on backyard-style barbecue as well as an afternoon of tunes played live. "An afternoon"=3 to 7, so bring the sunblock. Clifton's Canteen will summon the USO spirit to Clifton's Cafeteria downtown on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3. The look will be '40s vintage, so do up your hair in that Victory Roll and find your seamed stockings and gloves. Big bands and dancing are part of the holiday weekend scene. Are you active military or a veteran? You'll get in free. Long Beach is home to one of the sweetest celebrations on the Fourth of July schedule, and, unlike many Independence Day events, it begins at 10 in the morning. It's the Great American Kids' Bike Parade, and if you're thinking you'll see a lot of cycles don up in flags and bunting and patriotic decorations, you'd be totally correct. And if you like your Fourth of July with an historic component, make for San Pedro and the USS Iowa on Monday, July 4. Active military, reservists, retired military, and veterans will receive free admission to the ship, which will offer tours from 10 to 4 o'clock on the holiday. It's also the landmark's fourth anniversary in Southern California. Starting Friday, Los Angeles area employers will begin paying a higher minimum wage under city and county laws that will eventually increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Businesses with more than 25 workers are required to increase their minimum wage from the state-mandated $10 to $10.50 per hour. The city's law also require those employers to offer at least six days of paid leave benefits, which goes beyond the three days currently required under state law. Workers in Los Angeles and a few nearby cities, including Santa Monica and Pasadena, and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County will see the increases starting Friday. Smaller businesses have an extra year to implement both provisions. Mayor Eric Garcetti will join other city officials and speakers at the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center Friday morning to discuss the wage increase, which is the first step of a gradual minimum wage increase to $15. A free resource fair will also be held today at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles for workers to learn more about efforts to enforce the new wage. Under the city and county ordinances, the minimum wage will reach $15 per hour in 2020, with future increases pegged to the Consumer Price Index. Employers with 25 or fewer workers have an extra year to adjust to the new city wages, with the minimum wage reaching $15 per hour by 2021. The $10.50 minimum wage will soon apply to all businesses across the state with 26 or more employees. Under the state's own phase-in of a $15 per hour minimum wage, the $10.50 wage goes into effect six months later than the city laws on Jan. 1, 2017. The statewide wage is set to reach $15 in 2022 for large businesses and in 2023 for small ones. Other California cities have also enacted wage increases, some even earlier than Los Angeles. San Jose's wage rose to $10.30 per hour in Jan. 1, 2015, and is set to continue climbing depending on the CPI. San Francisco's minimum hourly wage, now at $12.25, will go up to $13 on July 1 and to $15 in 2018, followed by further increases based on CPI, under a measure approved by that city's voters in 2014. City News Service contributed to this report. The Los Angeles City Council voted Thursday to place a bond measure on the November ballot aimed at raising money to address the city's homelessness problem, and postponed consideration of a related parcel tax measure until Friday. The council agreed to ask voters to authorize $1.2 billion in bonds to be issued over 10 years, but is also considering an alternative parcel tax measure that could raise $90 million per year until 2027 for homeless housing and services. The council has yet to decide which revenue-raising strategy to advance and is being asked to place both the bond and tax measures on the ballot, at least for now. The council would have until Aug. 12 to withdraw one of the measures. At least two City Council members -- Jose Huizar and Marqueece Harris- Dawson -- are pushing for the bond proposal, with both pointing to recent polling indicating the public would be more receptive to it over a parcel tax measure. Harris Dawson, who chairs the Homelessness and Poverty Committee, said the goal is to help get 10,000 units built to house the homeless. The revenue from the bond measure would be used to spur such housing projects, with the city acting as partner and the purchaser of the property where the housing is to be built. "The council has decided to put before the voters an opportunity to make an investment in dealing with the homelessness crisis that we see in our city," Harris-Dawson said. "Every indication that we have is that people are eager for a solution and are willing to pay for it." Harris-Dawson said the hope was to have a regional funding approach, but the governor has "turned his back" on the county's proposal to tax high-income earners. Huizar, who also sits on the homelessness committee, said in a statement that the vote to put the bond measure on the ballot was a "huge leap forward in addressing homelessness." Mayor Eric Garcetti said he is leaning toward supporting the bond, rather than the parcel tax measure. He cited polling numbers and the amount of revenue that would be brought in to explain his preference. Garcetti said he feels voters will have a self-interest in approving the measure this fall. "I have seen seven polls in a row where people say homelessness is their number one concern, where people are going to say yes, I'd rather dig in my pockets and prevent it because it's going to save me more in the long run," Garcetti said. The parcel tax would be calculated based on the square footage of improvements, while the bond measure would be paid back through taxes based on a property's assessed value. City officials estimate that under a $1.2 billion bond measure, property owners would generally need to pay an additional $4.50 to $17.50 per year for every $100,000 of assessed value, with the payments lasting for as many as 28 years. If approved, the proposed bond amount would be the largest voters have ever authorized the city to issue. Every year, Americans honor the country's independence on the Fourth of July by celebrating freedom with fireworks, barbecues and beach getaways. July Fourth has only been a federal holiday since 1941, but Americans have celebrated Independence Day since the 18th century. During the summer of 1776 some colonists held parades and fired canons to accompany reading of the newly signed Declaration of Independence. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More The following year Philadelphia hosted the first annual independence celebration on July 4. Here's what to know about the national holiday on the 240th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. $6.8 billion: The amount of money predicted to be spent celebrating the July 4 holiday this year, according to the National Retail Federation. $71.34: The average amount of money Americans are expected to spend on food per household, according to the National Retail Federation. 15,000: The numbers of fireworks displays held to celebrate July 4 each year, according to Wallethub. 40: The number of years Macy's has been putting on their fireworks display in New York City. It's the biggest display in the country. This year, the viewers will see fireworks from nine countries and they will change colors 17 times. $311.7 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 150 million: The approximate number of hot dogs consumed each July 4, according to Wallethub. 69: The record number of hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes at the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. Joey Chestnut set that world record in 2013. 64: The percentage of Americans who will attend a July 4 barbecue or picnic, according to Wallethub. $3.1 million: The value of U.S. flags exported in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. [NATL] Highlights From the 2016 Campaign Trail 43 million: The estimated number of Americans who will be traveling this holiday weekend, according to AAA. Most will be driving. $2.29: The average price for a gallon of regular gas this weekend, according to AAA. A family is suing a Florida hospital where staff reported finding maggots while examining a 76-year-old woman. The children of Dorothy Mooneyham of Orange Park seek over $15,000 damages from the Orange Park Medical Center. In the lawsuit filed Thursday in Clay County, Mooneyham's children say the hospital abused and neglected a vulnerable adult and intentionally inflicted emotional distress. The lawsuit says Mooneyham suffered complications from a November surgery and was admitted to intensive care. Medical records emailed to The Associated Press by Fred and Patti Mooneyham's attorney, Frank Ashton, show the unit's staff found maggots in her mouth and on her leg on separate occasions. According to WTLV, the lawsuit claims the hospital failed to maintain safe and sanitary conditions in the intensive care unit. The suit also claims Mooneyham did not receive appropriate oral care and bathing. Mooneyham died about a month after surgery. Hospital spokeswoman Carrie Turansky tells The Florida Times-Union that the allegations are "outrageous and inaccurate.'' A man accused of shooting a Swedish student in Wynwood is now facing charges in the murder of a man just days after the Wynwood attack. Devin Lewis, 25, appeared in court Thursday to face a first-degree murder charge in the June 11 killing. Lewis, who was already being held in the June 7 shooting in Wynwood, was ordered held without bond. It's unknown if he's hired an attorney. According to an arrest report, Lewis shot and killed a man in the driveway of his home in the 1400 block of Northwest 58th Terrace just before midnight on June 11. The victim had just pulled into the driveway in his truck when an armed Lewis approached and told him not to move, the report said. When the victim turned toward Lewis, Lewis shot him twice in the chest, pulled his neck chains off and ran to a waiting car, the report said. The victim, who wasn't named in the report, later died at the hospital. Detectives were able to get a fingerprint from the truck, which matched Lewis, the report said. Lewis was arrested last Thursday in the June 7 shooting of 28-year-old Frank Hammar, a student at Miami Ad School. Hammar had just finished dinner with his parents at the Wynwood Diner when he was approached by two men. The men took his cell phone but when he refused to hand over his wallet, one of the men shot him twice, police said. Hammar spent days at Jackson Memorial Hospital before he was released. What to Know A South Florida man is facing a new charge after he allegedly tried to bomb a synagogue in Aventura. Months after he was arrested for allegedly trying to detonate a bomb outside a South Florida synagogue, a 40 year old man is facing a new charge in the case. The U.S. Attorneys office confirmed that James Medina has been indicted on a charge of attempting to damage religious property. He was arrested and charged earlier this year with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. Medina is alleged to have plotted with an undercover informant to acquire a bomb to attack the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in April. The FBI arrested Medina after the "dummy" bomb he was given by the informant didnt explode. Recordings show Medina reportedly supporting the terror group ISIS and saying it was his obligation to attack Jews in the United States. His attorney says Medina has suffered from a long term mental illnes and he has pleaded not guilty for the previous charge. Hillary Clinton begins July with $44 million in cash to continue hammering Republican Donald Trump in the race for the White House. The presumptive Democratic nominee raised $40.5 million in June. Her campaign announced the numbers Friday. Clinton has spent far more than Trump building up voter contact operations and beginning to advertise ahead of the November election. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, has not disclosed his June numbers. One Trump email solicitation claims he raised $11 million in a few days and set a goal of raising another $10 million by Thursday. In the last two weeks, Trump has attended fundraisers hosted by controversial Republican donors, according to NBC News. The hosts of the Denver and West Virginia event have been under investigation one for a campaign scandal, while the other was accused of pressuring employees to contribute to Republican candidates and his own PAC. Trump paid for most of his primary bid with personal loans and has been slow to begin fundraising. He landed just over $3 million from donors in May, compared to Clinton's more than $26 million. Travelers heading to Newark Airport via AirTrain are fuming on social media about a sudden, unexplained slowdown in service as the holiday weekend gets underway. People took to Twitter to complain that AirTrains were not working and feared they would miss their flights. "Insane scene at #EWR Airtrain," tweeted one woman. "Hundreds will miss flights... no train/bus, ppl fighting, employees hiding." She later told NBC 4 New York in an email that her husband had taken the train from Newark Penn Station to take the AirTrain, and got caught in chaos as people waited for AirTrains that never showed up. "There were a lot of people yelling and pushing as new trains from Penn Station arrived, only flooding the waiting area even more," she wrote. "One bus arrived but that clearly couldn't handle the volume and everyone was fighting to get on. Employers on walkie-talkies hid in corners and didn't communicate anything to the masses trying to get out." "Many people were freaking out as they knew there would be no way they'd make their flights given the extensive delays," she said. Another NBC 4 New York viewer headed to Terminal A from NJ Transit tweeted, "Madness at the air train. Not working. 1 bus every 10 mins... Hundreds waiting and will miss flights." He said he was lucky to get on the bus and make his flight: "Not sure about others." Another traveler tweeted, "Um @NY_NJairports #EWR, really with the airtram down and no frequent buses to take people to terminals??? What are you doing?" Travelers seemed equally frustrated with the lack of communication from Port Authority, saying they couldn't find any updates online and there were no announcements. The Port Authority only said unusually high passenger volume and ongoing construction in the area delayed service. The Newark AirTrain connects with NJ Transit and the rail lines that run on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line. The president of the Point Pleasant Beach Little League faces charges that he stole $10,000 from the league via ATM withdrawals from its bank account. Dectectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office arrested Vincent Cicalese, 57, at his home Friday morning. He faces charges of computer theft in the 2nd degree and theft in the 3rd degree. A judge set bail at $25,000. Prosecutors opened a probe into the alleged theft after a report from the league's board. Information on an attorney for Cicalese was not immediately available. In 2012, the last year for which the league filed a publicly avaiable tax return, it had assets of just under $18,000. Police have arrested and charged a man in connection with the groping of a 11-year-old girl on a Queens street. Jose Para, 35, was charged Thursday with sex abuse of a victim under 13 and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Surveillance video from last week shows a man walking up to the young girl on Albion Avenue in Elmhurst and grabbing her chest. The girl was not physically injured. It wasn't immediately known if Para has an attorney. One of the dozens of people killed in an attack on an Istanbul airport Tuesday was a doctor on a mission to save his son from the terror group ISIS, officials and friends said. Fathi Bayoudh, a Tunisian military doctor and head of a pediatrics unit at a hospital in the country's capital, had traveled to Turkey about two months ago to retrieve his son, Anouar, from Syria, a family friend confirmed to NBC News. Anouar, who was in his late 20s, left to join the terror group ISIS and traveled first to Iraq and then to Syria, the friend said. Bayoudh was working with the Tunisian Embassy in Ankara to get his son from Syria, a friend of the son said. Bayoudh called his wife, who is also a doctor, to Turkey and went to the airport to pick her up when the attack occurred, according to reports. Iggy Azalea has finally revealed why she and Nick Young called off their engagement. Although many thought it had something to do with Nick's alleged cheating scandal in March, when video surfaced of him talking about other women, it turns out the "Black Widow" rapper discovered him cheating herself. "I broke up with Nick because I found out he had brought other women into our home while I was away and caught them on security footage," she tweeted early Thursday morning. [[385041561, C]] Azalea, 26, and Young, 31, tried to make their relationship work after the March incident, but upon calling her wedding off she told her followers that after a while she couldn't trust him anymore. "Unfortunately, although I love Nick and I have tried and tried to rebuild my trust in him--It's become apparent in the last few weeks I am unable to. I genuinely wish Nick the best," she said at the time. "It's never easy to part ways with the person you planned you're entire future with, but futures can be rewritten and as of today mine is a blank page." Shortly after she announced the news, the Los Angeles Lakers star took to Twitter to share that he's "single." Hotter After Breakup: Celeb Breakovers! Although she wished her ex-fiance well, Azalea has since changed her tune. In follow-up tweets to her morning admission, Iggy added, "This is just like a second shot to the chest. And I feel like I don't even know who the hell it is I've been loving all this time." [[385041951, C]] "People in this world are really f--ked up," she finished. The "New Classic" artist's candid confession comes as rumors continue to swirl that he impregnated his ex-girlfriend Keonna Green, who is also the mother of Young's first child, Nick Young Jr. According to a report by Life &Style, Green is four months pregnant after a one-night stand with her ex-boyfriend. "Nick waited until Keonna was four months pregnant to tell Iggy the news," an insider told the magazine. "He was drunk and had a lapse in judgment." "He said it was a one-night stand and will never happen again," the insider added. Azalea wrote on Twitter that she has "never beeen told by [Nick] that his baby mother is pregnant, so if this is true I'm finding out via E! News." [[385042131, C]] Young and Azalea's split seemed somewhat amicable in the beginning, but now it looks to have completely disintegrated. When photos were snapped of a towing company retrieving a blue 1962 Chevy Impala from the her home, the Aussie rapper took to Twitter to clear the air on another rumor that she had her ex's car, which she gave to him for Christmas, removed. "I never had anyone's car towed nor did I kick nick out of 'my' house," she tweeted. "The home belongs to nick, I am the one moving. Thanks (sic)." Most Surprising Celeb Breakups Hundreds of DUI cases in Philadelphia could be compromised after an expired solution was used in the testing of the citys breathalyzer machines. Local attorney Joe Kelly told NBC10 he discovered Philadelphia Police calibrated their machines on January 17, 2016 using a solution that had already expired four days earlier on January 13. Kelly notified Philadelphia Police Wednesday that the expired solution was used in the testing of the departments breathalyzer instruments. Police say they immediately removed the instruments from service, tested it with a new solution and then returned them to service. Under state guidelines, this test must be conducted annually by the department. Earlier this year our instruments were tested, but due to human error, an expired solution was used during that test, said Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Stanford in a released statement. Although the solution was expired, the results calculated properly and accurately for each instrument. While the expired solution appears to have had no impact on the readings calculated by the instruments, the department takes this very seriously. Kelly estimates that between January 17 and Wednesday, there have been 500 to 1000 DUI-related cases in the city. Philadelphia Police contacted the District Attorneys Office to conduct a review of any cases generated during that time frame. There are going to be cases that are going to be thrown out and there are going to be cases that people are going to be convicted of that should be thrown out and people should have the ability to appeal, said criminal justice attorney Enrique Latoison. Even if theyve already served their penalty. A similar incident occurred in 2011 when a miscalibrated breathalyzer compromised hundreds of DUI cases in Philadelphia. A man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping a Philadelphia woman off the street and holding her hostage for nearly three days learned his fate Thursday afternoon. Delvin Barnes, 38, was sentenced to 35 years in prison. His sentencing comes months after he pleaded guilty to abducting Carlesha Freeland-Gaither. "It was an act of robbery in the beginning, and it turned into other things," Barnes told the court last year. Barnes, who had earlier confessed, confirmed he abducted the 22-year-old nursing aide in hopes of getting money from her to travel south to Virginia to see his daughter there before facing charges for an earlier attack. The violent November 2, 2014 attack, which was captured on surveillance video, shows Barnes grabbing Freeland-Gaither moments after she stepped off a bus and throwing her in a car parked along W Coulter Street in the city's Germantown neighborhood. Once in the car, the young woman struck Barnes with a hammer, which led him to threaten to kill her if she didn't stop, said prosecutors. Investigators tracked Barnes and captured him in Maryland three days later. He told detectives that he selected his abduction victim at random. Barnes, who authorities have described as a "vicious predator," was charged federally a day after his arrest. As part of the plea deal, he also admitted to raping and trying to kill a Virginia teen in early October 2014. Investigators said Barnes hit her with a shovel and took her to a mobile home where he doused her in bleach and gasoline before she escaped. Authorities say a New Jersey high school student was talking on her cellphone while driving when she struck and killed her school district's superintendent when he was jogging. Mercer County prosecutors said Thursday that the 18-year-old was charged with death by auto and leaving the scene of the accident. Authorities say she was late for a class trip when she hit Robbinsville Superintendent Steven Mayer in April, killing him and his dog. Prosecutors did not release her name because she was 17 when it happened. She was charged as a juvenile. She also received citations including for improper use of a cellphone. Mayer was the married father of three sons. His wife taught at an elementary school in the district. NBC 7 has learned the identities of the three women who were found dead inside a home in Rancho Santa Fe earlier this week. Sayeh Amini, 48, was identified by her familys attorney on Thursday. Amini was the sister of homeowner Michael Arya, who had lived there prior to his death from cancer in April. Its just a horrible situation," said attorney Carl Starrett. Deputies responded to reports of a possible child abuse inside a home on 17100 block of Villa De La Valle on Monday morning. When they arrived, they found the bodies of two women and a female teenager. The San Diego Sheriff's Deparent isn't confirming Amini's identity. But a Mercedes registered to her sat in the driveway during the homicide investigation in front of the home. "Her brother appointed her to be manager of affairs after he passed," explained Starrett. Starret had known Amini for at least 10 years and her husband longer. He says the responsibility of handling her deceased brother's estate became overwhelming. She seems to have had some mental health challenges she wasn't able to overcome. Twice in a week prior to the tragedy, her husband sought help for his wife and when she was suicidal. Family and friends have confirmed Amini's niece, 15-year-old Hannah Arya was one of the deceased. The teen is described as a smart young lady who had been in town from Oregon, visiting friends and her fathers home. The other woman found dead was Mia Shin, a close friend of the Arya family. Shin's brother told NBC 7, she was a real estate broker in Los Angeles but was in town working on some deals. Investigators haven't released a cause of death or motive at this time. But they saying they're not searching for a suspect and believe this incident to be a murder-suicide. Investigators say they plan to release new information Friday morning. An eight-year-old girl at a Laundromat with her mother was inappropriately touched while washing her hands at her sink, San Diego Sheriff's officials (SDSO) said. The incident, investigated as child abuse, happened between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 at a Laundromat on the 100 block of South Rancho Santa Fe Road in San Marcos. The mother and daughter were at the Laundromat when, at one point, the daughter went to wash her hands at a sink 20 feet away after eating a snack, deputies said. When she got there, she struggled to use the sink. That's when an unidentified man lifted her up. When he set her back down, he inappropriately touched her through her clothing. The girl later reported the incident to her mother. They left the Laudromat and spoke with Sheriff's deputies the next day. Deputies retrieved surveillance video when they went to the location that corroborated the girl's report. A detective with the Sheriff's Child Abuse Unit is investigating. The man is described as 30 to 50 years old, 5 feet 7 inches, 160 pounds with short, black and gray hair. At the time, he was wearing a gray colored shirt and denim pants. If the public has any information about the identity of this suspect or any similar incidents, they are encouraged to call Detective Hurtado at (858) 974-2357. No other information was immediately available. Neighbors told NBC 7 they were horrified, mad and frustrated by a two-minute delay in getting through to 911 medics on Saturday after a refrigerator fell on a 6-year-old South Bay boy, killing him. San Diego Fire Department spokesman Lee Swanson confirmed a caller waited 2 minutes and 34 seconds before getting through to the San Diego Fire Emergency Dispatch Center. Swanson confirmed the call was answered in 17 seconds by San Diego Police Department dispatch, but was then delayed during the transfer for emergency medical response. The boy became trapped underneath a refrigerator as adults were trying to move it around 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the 700-block of Beyer Way in south San Diegos Otay Mesa West community. Many witnesses told NBC 7 the extent of the boys injuries were so extreme that nothing could have saved his life, not even a quicker response. However, some neighbors were very upset because they had trouble getting through to 911 during the emergency. It probably wouldnt have (helped), but if they would have gotten there, he might have still had a chance. A little bit of a chance, but well never know now, said Antwon Berry, a neighbor who said he also called 911 but never got through to a dispatcher. It took too long. I just kept looking at the family, helpless. It was just too long. First responders were on the scene within 3 minutes and 54 seconds upon receiving the call, according to Swanson. NBC 7 uncovered San Diegos pressing issue with delayed 911 calls in May, as the first news agency to report that a Mira Mesa family gave up on 911 to drive their fatally wounded infant to a hospital after two 911 calls went unanswered. Those calls had wait times triple the national standard for emergency call holds. NBC 7 was also first to reveal wait times in San Diego Police Departments dispatch center exceeding 10 minutes, staffing shortages, and other issues with the system. In response, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the situation was unacceptable and allocated funds to help retain dispatchers. The San Diego Police Department also changed leadership of the Dispatch Center, and announced a hiring campaign. The latest issue in Otay Mesa West was not with the San Diego Police Department dispatch center, but rather in San Diego Fire Emergency Dispatch Center, which has also experienced attrition issues and higher call volumes. Fire dispatchers will not be receiving the same 26.6 percent pay raise over three years to avert staffing issues as police dispatchers have been promised. The raise for police dispatchers was prompted by a staffing crisis and public outrage over long wait times on 911. At the 6-year-old boys home Thursday, a memorial marked the spot where the refrigerator fell on him. His parents were not home, and a relative said they had gone to collect their sons ashes. Fire Department Spokesman Swanson said the entire department extends their sincere condolences to the family. A source told NBC 7 emergency responders and dispatchers involved in responding to the fatal accident Saturday were completely devastated by the familys loss. Call takers at the Fire Dispatch Center pick up calls for service within 10 seconds 86 to 88 percent of the time, Swanson said. Unfortunately, a high call volume at the time of this call led to a delay. San Diego Fire Department has added eight dispatch positions into this years budget. Those wont change this unfortunate circumstance, but they will help ensure people can reach us at their times of need, Swanson said. Emergency personnel say a key issue to addressing the 911 delay problem is educating the public. In one month alone, local 911 operators were bogged down with more than 11,000 pocket dials to 911. Even though Saturdays 911 call wait did not happen in the San Diego Police Departments dispatch center, SDPD would like to remind the public how to help emergency responders by not hanging up on 911 calls. San Diego Police Lt. Scott Wahl said hang-up calls compound 911 wait times, and accidental calls make up nearly a third of the total call volume. Every police officer, firefighter, paramedic, lifeguard, we all want to get to emergency situations as quickly as we possibly can, Wahl said. When you call 911, the best thing you can do is stay on the line and resist the natural tendency that we all have to hang up when you dont get through right away. At NBC 7s request, San Diego Police Department also provided a guide for best 911 practices in Spanish for viewers in our Spanish-speaking community. San Diego Police Department Lt. Manuel Del Toro explained in Spanish why people should not hang up on 911, even if they have already reported the incident to dispatchers. Es muy importante que la gente entiende cuando llaman 911, tienen que tener un poco de paciencia, Del Toro dijo. Lo que pasa con la policia cuando llaman 911, es ellos reciben la informacion e inmediatamente van a mandar ayuda a la personas que estan llamando. En ese momento, las personas por telefono le van a hacer muchas preguntas. Mucha gente cuelga en ese momento pero es muy importante que mantengan en la linea y le contesten las preguntas. Dijo: Lo que pasa cuando la gente cuelga es que los oficiales no tienen todo la informacion que es necesario. A veces una emergencia son medicos. Entonces, es muy importante mandarle todas los ayudas que necesitan. Por ejemplo, en unas situaciones tienen que mandar policias y en otros ejemplos que mandar los medicos y a veces tienen que mandar los dos para ayudar a la gente en la manera que ellos estan pidiendo. Si les cuelgan, es posible que la ayuda que necesitan no les va a llegar tan pronto porque no tenemos todo la informacion. NBC 7s Wendy Fry provided a basic translation of Del Toros comments. (Basic translation: Its very important that people understand that when one calls 911, to have some patience, Del Toro said. What happens with the police when people call 911, is they receive the information and immediately, they are going to send help to the person that is calling. In this moment, the people on the telephone (the dispatchers) are going to ask a lot of questions. A lot of people hang up in this moment but it is very important to stay on the line and answer the questions. What happens when people hang up is the officials dont have all the information about the emergency that is necessary. Sometimes an emergency is medical. So, it is very important for us to send all the help that is needed. For example, some situations require we send police, and other examples require we send medics and sometimes we need to send both to help the people in the way they are asking. If they hang up, it is possible that the help they need will not arrive promptly because we dont have all the information, Del Toro said.) A pilot who flew for the famed Eagle Squadron in England and for the U.S. during World War II was honored at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Thursday. Longtime Rancho Bernardo resident Steve Spiro Pisanos, died at age 96 on June 6. According to an article by the San Diego Union Tribune, Pisanos was a native of Athens, Greece and came to the U.S. at age 18 as an unauthorized immigrant. At the time, he didnt speak a word of English but his dream was to become a pilot. Pisnos served for 30 years in the air force, starting off as a pilot for the Eagle Squadrons of Great Britains Royal Air Force and then transferring to the Army Air Force when the U.S. joined World War II. Jim Kidrick, President CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum told NBC 7, Pisanos was willing to put his life on the line and he epitomized what it meant to be an American. Were celebrating a true American hero, Kidrick said on Thursday. He embraced America like no other person Ive met in my lifetime. Pisanos was inducted into the International Air Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 2006. If he wouldve just stand up in front of us today for 10 or 15 minutes, we would all walk away feeling a little bit better about ourselves and a lot better about America, Kidrick said. A vacant meat market in Escondido consumed by raging flames Thursday is now the site of a criminal investigation. On Friday, one day after the blaze ripped through the vacant Talones Meat Market in the 500 block of North Hale Avenue, firefighters remained posted around the perimeter of the burnt building, hosing down hot spots and surveying the heavy damage. The fire sparked Thursday just before 9 a.m., sending plumes of thick smoke into the air visible for hours along freeways in San Diegos North County, including nearby Interstate 15. At its peak, about 100 firefighters battled the flames of the four-alarm fire, which shot through the roof of the abandoned building, causing parts of the roof to collapse. Parts of the old, dilapidated building crumbled under the intense heat as crews defensively fought the fire from the outside. Due to the severe damage to the structure, fire officials were not able to safely enter the building, the Escondido Fire Department (EFD) said. Crews worked through the night making sure the blaze did not reignite. On Friday, investigators were still waiting to get clearance to enter the approximately 10,000-square-foot building. Some parts of the structure were leaning from the fire damage and some walls had collaped. The inside of the structure was gutted and firefighters said it was not safe, at this point, for anyone to go inside. Due to safety concerns, the EFD has issued an emergency demolition permit to the property owner. The demolition work on the building will begin Tuesday, the EFD said. For now, the fire department said people should stay away from the unstable structure. The investigation is ongoing and officials have not yet revealed details on why the site of the fire a crime scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Talones Meat Market has long been abandoned. According to residents, police and fire officials, the building is known to be frequented by transients. The Escondido Police Department (EPD) confirmed that, since April, there have been extra patrols around the abandoned building. Days before the blaze, police received a report of someone trespassing at the building but when officers arrived at the property, they did not find any trespassers. The EPD said the property management company that owns the building had asked police for help managing the homeless problem at the building. The property management company said it planned to demolish the meat market in the next few months. When the fire broke out Thursday, the EFD received reports that there may have been transients inside the building. However, since crews were unable to enter the fire-torn building due to concerns over the safety of the collapsing structure, fire officials have not been able to confirm if anyone was inside. However, EFD Fire Chief Russ Knowles said Thursday that investigators did not believe this was the case. According to Knowles, the fire proved challenging for crews due to the unkempt condition of the building, its odd layout and its location. The building sits directly underneath power lines and very close to the train tracks that run through the area. The fire prompted the North County Transit District (NCTD) to temporarily halt Sprinter Light Rail train service between the Escondido Transit Center and the Nordahl Station. Train service was delayed until about 3 p.m. The EFD said San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) had to shut down power in the area as a precaution due to the fire's proximity to power lines. The outage impacted some businesses along Hale Avenue between Metcalf Street and Auto Park Way, and from Hale Avenue south to Valley Parkway. The fire also led to several road closures in the area for the better part of Thursday. A former Ohio seminary student who pleaded guilty to trying to adopt and buy baby girls in Mexico so he could sexually molest them was sentenced in San Diego Friday to more than 15 years behind bars. In April, Joel Alexander Wright, 23, admitted to seeking sex with infants he wanted to adopt from Tijuana. He will serve 188 months in federal custody, the office of U.S. Attorney Laura E. Duffy, of the Southern District, confirmed. At Wright's sentencing, U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw also imposed the added condition of lifetime supervision. In his plea agreement, Wright admitted he had written numerous explicit emails in which he described, in graphic detail, his desire to sexually assault girls under the age of 4 in Mexico. There are no words to describe the horror that might have happened, had an innocent baby been placed in this mans arms, Duffy said in a statement in April. Wright, a former seminary student at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, had plans of becoming a priest. At his sentencing, Judge Sabraw noted that in his role as a seminary student, Wright held himself out as someone kind, thoughtful and trustworthy, when all the while he plotted a heinous crime. "This defendant represents the darkest of demons," Duffy said Friday. "His attempted crime was unthinkable. I applaud our law enforcement partners for stopping Wright in his tracks, and for all their efforts to keep children safe from individuals who have a sexual interest in children both here in the United States and abroad. On Nov. 25, 2015, investigators said Wright began posting ads on Craigslist seeking a female tour guide in Mexico, according to his guilty plea. An Ohio student studying to be a priest traveled to San Diego Friday seeking sex with infants, according to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. NBC 7s Omari Fleming reports. When an unidentified witness replied to his ads, he told the witness he wanted to adopt/own a baby girl (under the age of 3) and have sexual intercourse with her, according to the plea agreement. According to court documents, Wright also communicated via email with an undercover agent. In an email with the investigator, Wright said he had purchased infant pain relief medication and a pretty outfit for a 1- or 2-year-old in anticipation of a would-be encounter with the child. Getty Images On Jan. 29, 2016, Wright flew into the San Diego International Airport. There, he called the undercover agent with whom he had been emailing and told him he had landed in San Diego. Wright thought the agent was going to help him get to Mexico and did not realize he had been communicating with someone in law enforcement. Wright had two cell phones and a duffel bag. Inside, the bag agents found baby clothes, sleep aids, bottles, toys, candy and lubricant, prosecutors said. Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations approached Wright outside the airports baggage claim area and arrested him on the spot. According to officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Wright had planned to travel from San Diego to Mexico to have sex with at least three babies. He pleaded guilty to one charge of attempted enticement of a minor. Wright will have to register as a lifetime sex offender. The 10 San Diego-based U.S. sailors captured and humiliated by Iran after mistakenly steering their boats into Iranian waters in January were beset not just by poor judgment and faulty equipment. They also showed a remarkable lack of curiosity about potential dangers in one of the world's more dangerous waterways, according to an in-depth Navy investigation. Members of Riverine Squadron 1 based in San Diego were deployed to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain when their two small vessels drifted into Iranian waters after experiencing mechanical problems during a training mission, NBC News reported. In deviating from their planned Persian Gulf route from Kuwait to Bahrain -- without asking approval or notifying superiors -- they passed an island to their east and wondered whether it might be Saudi territory, rocks or oil platforms. The crews of both boats consulted their navigation systems, which depicted the mass as a small purple dot. Despite being unsure of their surroundings, the sailors did not adjust their on-board navigation displays to enlarge the purple dot; if they had, they would have seen that it was labeled Farsi Island, a well-known base for the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. "No crewmembers on either (boat) utilized a paper navigational chart in order to plot their exact location or to identify the island they had seen, even though the charts were available" on their boats, known as Riverine Command Boats, the investigation report said. No crewmember even bothered to log the fact that they had seen the island. "Crewmembers lacked navigational awareness, proper communication with higher authority, and appreciation of the threat environment throughout the transit," the report said. The trouble for Riverine Command Boats 802 and 805, each with five sailors aboard, began even before they left port in Kuwait Jan. 12 on a short-notice, 300-mile journey to Bahrain. They were delayed, unprepared, poorly supervised and ill-suited for the mission, the report said. At least one sailor had been up all night with boat repairs. Their higher headquarters failed to arrange air or surface monitoring of the boats' transit. Such monitoring "would likely have prevented" the sailors' capture by the Iranians, according to the report. A short time after coming within view of Farsi Island, one of the boats suffered an engine problem. Both boats cut their engines while the crew troubleshot the problem, even though standard procedure was to maneuver to a safe location using the unaffected engine. Neither boat captain ordered his gunners to stand lookout or to man their weapons for purposes of self- defense. An estimated five to 15 minutes later, two armed Iranian boats approached from Farsi Island, about 1.6 miles away. The coxswain, or driver, of one of the Navy boats later told investigators he thought they were seeing "just people on the boats, nothing in my mind said they were Iranian or anyone like that or military, just normal boats." With the Iranians pointing their guns at the U.S. crewmembers, the ranking U.S. sailor decided to try to talk his way out of the predicament. He later characterized what happened as both a "surrender" and a "capture." "If I had decided to start a firefight, I know a lot of my guys would be dead," the unnamed sailor told investigators. "... I didn't want to start a war with Iran either. ... My thought at the end of the day was that no one had to die for a misunderstanding." He added, "I made the gamble that they're not going to Tehran and parade us around like prisoners of war." The Iranians boarded the U.S. boats, confronted the sailors at gunpoint and took them to Farsi Island, where they were fed, interrogated and kept overnight before being released after Washington intervened. The incident caused uproar in the United States, coming on the day of President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address. Republicans criticized the administration's response, which included thanking Iran for releasing thesailors. The investigation concluded that while the boat crews erred in entering Iranian waters, the Iranians violated international law by impeding the boats' "innocent passage," and violated U.S. sovereign immunity by boarding and seizing the boats. "Those boats and crewmembers had every right to be where they were that day," Adm. John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, told a Pentagon news conference, even though they got there by mistake. Richardson outlined the investigation's results but declined to go into some details, saying he must avoid being seen as influencing the outcome of disciplinary actions that in some cases have not been completed. Six officers and three enlisted sailors have been disciplined or face disciplinary action. The report said the boat captains and crews were "derelict in performing their duties." It also cited their "lack of preparedness and warfighting toughness," while adding that those problems do not seem to be widespread within the Navy's 5th Fleet. Last week, the Navy announced the firing of Capt. Kyle Moses, who was commander of the Navy task force that was in charge of the boats during their mission. The officer who was executive officer of the squadron at the time of the incident, Cmdr. Eric Rasch, was removed from his position in May. The partially censored Navy report cited instances of unnamed sailors violating the military's code of conduct while in captivity. One sailor made "statements adverse to U.S. interests" during interrogation. A different sailorencouraged fellow crewmembers to eat food offered to them while being videotaped by the Iranians. A sailor was said to have failed to uphold the code of conduct standards when he ordered crewmembers to cooperate with the Iranian video production and "acquiesced" in making an Iranian-scripted statement on camera in exchange for the crews' release. Officials said that as a result, the Navy is stepping up training in adherence to the code of conduct. The only major grocery store in one Prince George's County community is closing. The Safeway store in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, shutters Friday, and community leaders say residents in the area devoid of stores to buy fresh food need a replacement fast. "If you go out here and start at the District line and go all the way to I-495, there is not a grocery store for these people to shop," State Sen. Joanne Benson said, her voice rising in anger. "We just cannot go along with this any longer." Having a grocery store nearby is especially important for senior citizens, leaders and residents said. "Im really sad to know that its closing because my parents and so many friends and neighbors really rely on having the convenience of the Safeway," one shopper said as she stood outside the store on Central Avenue, near the Addison Road Metro station. The store closed because it was losing money, Jim Coleman, the president of the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), said. "They had been losing a million dollars over the last three years, and they did their best to keep that store open," he said. Benson and others argued the store lost customers because it was rundown. "There has not been even a paint job inside the store," she said. "People shop in a store that looks presentable, that is clean and conducive to them wanting to shop there." The employees of the store will be moved to other Safeway locations, the closest of which is nearly 3 miles away. Capitol Heights Mayor Marnitta King said she worried about the impact the closure would have on businesses nearby. "Im sad for them because they are going to lose income because people arent drawn here," she said. Coleman said the economic development corporation is already in talks with retailers about moving new stores into the county. "There are several supermarket businesses that are very interested in Prince George's County, and they're looking at a lot of different locations," he said. "At the EDC, we're going to let them know that this location is currently available." In the meantime, Safeway recommended that shoppers visit their store on Benning Road or order groceries from the company online. Headed to the beach? Leave early or leave late. Maryland transportation officials have tips on when to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge if you want to avoid traffic. The Maryland Transportation Authority said these are the best times to head to and from the Eastern Shore: Friday after 10 p.m. Saturday before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Sunday before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. and Monday before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m. On Friday, three lanes of traffic on the 4.3-mile-long bridge were headed east, and two were headed west. That pattern will be reversed on Monday. "You shouldn't wait. Get an early start. It's going to back up for sure," Gaithersburg resident Dawn Kirkpatrick said as she hit the road. For a live map of backups and closures, see the NBC Washington traffic page. To get information on road conditions by phone, call 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726). Traffic was backed up for miles on the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Howard County, Maryland, after a crash that critically injured two people, fire officials say. Howard County Fire and EMS said the crash happened on I-95 South after Exit 38. The southbound lanes were shut down in the area for about an hour, but have since reopened. Two helicopters landed near the crash and took the patients to the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, the department said. Both crash victims had to be extricated from a vehicle that flipped over. It was the only vehicle involved, fire officials said. What to Know The boy had an "accident" in one of the cruise ship's pools, the company said He was in the water for eight to 10 minutes before he was found The child was listed in critical condition at a hospital Friday A Caribbean-bound cruise ship that departed New Jersey on Thursday returned to shore after a boy nearly drowned in one of the boats pools, officials said. The 8-year-old boy from Maryland had "an accident" in one of the ships pools, Royal Caribbean Cruises tweeted at about 10 p.m. Law enforcement officials said the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship departed from Bayonne at 4:30 p.m. and was returning at 9:30 p.m. because of the medical emergency. The Coast Guard retrieved the child from the ship by Medivac helicopter and he was taken to Staten Island University Hospital. His family was expected to meet him there. The ship was docked in Bayonne early Friday morning. The boy was in critical condition Friday, The Associated Press reported, citing the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said the boy had been in the water for eight to 10 minutes before cruise officials found him. Police described the boy as the victim of a drowning or near-drowning. Royal Caribbean said on Twitter the boy was being treated at the hospital and the cruise lines care team was providing support to his family. This isnt the first time Anthem of the Seas made headlines this year: It sailed into a storm in the Atlantic Ocean in February, tossing passengers and furniture around the vessel. Passengers described it as "a cruise from hell." A thief broke into the home of the nation's oldest full-time park ranger, punched her and stole a special coin given to her by President Barack Obama when she was honored before Christmas in Washington, D.C. But it seems the president will soon send her a replacement coin, according to Betty Reid Soskin's boss at the National Park Service. An unknown assailant broke into the 94-year-old's second-floor apartment through her sliding glass door about midnight on Monday, punched her several times and dragged her out of her bedroom into the hallway, according to Richmond, California Police Lt. Felix Tan. He asked that anyone with information about the attack call detectives. "This is a vicious, heinous crime," Tan said. "This is vicious enough for anyone at any age." Tan said Soskin received medical attention for the bruises on her face and is recovering at her Hilltop-area home. She has not returned to work at the Rosie the Riveter WWII National Home Front National Historical Park, where she gves tours five days a week. [NATL] Bay Area Woman is World's Oldest Park Ranger Obama honored Soskin for her life's work on in early December at the White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The two hugged, and she said at the time that "nothing else tops this." On the night of the attack, Soskin was awakened by the intruder, who wrestled her cellphone away from her when she tried to reach for it, Tan said. He then punched Soskin several times in the face. She fell. Then he dragged her out of the bedroom and into the hallway, where he punched her again and again. Soskin was able to crawl into the bathroom and lock herself inside until the suspect left, Tan said. When she finally came out, she discovered that her cellphone, iPad, laptop, camera, jewelry and the special commemorative coin were missing. She called police for help from a neighbor's phone about 1:45 a.m. The only suspect information immediately available is that the thief was a thin man in his 20s. Soskin was not immediately available for comment on Thursday. She is an active blogger but mentioned nothing about the home invasion on her site. Her son declined to be interviewed. Betty Reid Soskin of San Pablo, Calif., introduces President Obama at the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Soskin's neighbor doesn't believe it was a random attack. "Whoever did it had to know something," said Kenneth Moody. "What, I don't know, and I can't tell you." Her boss, Park Supt. Tom Leatherman, told NBC Bay Area on Thursday that he was one of the first people that Soskin called after the attack. Since then, hes been over to see her every day. Shes part of our park service family. Were all pretty emotional, he said. We go from disbelief to figuring out what we can to do help. In addition to setting up a fund to help Soskin replace her belongings, Leatherman said he got an email this week from Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, saying that Obama would replace the coin. Theres a lot of people looking out for her, Leatherman said. White House and Department of the Interior representatives did not have a comment for this story. Soskin works full-time, explaining her slice of history to student groups and adults 40 hours a week. During World War II, Soskin worked as a clerk for the all-black Boilermakers A-36. She's been known as a "Rosie the Riveter," though in the true sense of the word, that title is typically given to female wartime shipyard workers. Soskin didn't start working for the park service until she was 85, she explained in a YouTube video, and was a stay-at-home mom, raising four children, until she was 50. Richmond Police In 1995, Soskin was named Woman of the Year by the California State Legislature. In 2005, she was named one of the nations 10 outstanding women, Builders of communities and dreams, by the National Womens History Project. Soskin also made headlines in 2013 when she publicly urged Congress to get its act together and end the furloughs many of nation's federal workers were undergoing. She said she didnt want to waste any time sitting around at home at her age. Before becoming a ranger, Soskin had been a social activist and, with her late husband, owned a record store in Berkeley. As for when shell return to work, Leatherman expected it might be a couple of weeks: She has some bruising on her face, and she wants to wait for that to heal first. A fund has been set up to help Soskin on the Rosie the Riveter Trust site. Anyone with information should call Richmond Police Detective Florencio Rivera at 510-621-1755. NBC Bay Area's Shawn Murphy and Pete Suratos contributed to this report. Firefighters are keeping an eye on hot spots after a large fire broke out at a wood processing facility in Taunton, Massachusetts, Thursday night. Fire crews could be seen dousing flames at 9:30 p.m. and the fire is expected to continue burning all day Friday. One firefighter was injured and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Fire officials say the building contains saw dust, as well as fork lifts and propane machines. The gas in the machines was turned off. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Eight firefighters were injured battling a fire in Providence, Rhode Island, in which they also found an alligator in a bath tub. The fire at the home at 360-362 Orms St. broke out around 11:30 Thursday night, according to necn affiliate WJAR. The eight tenants of the home got out safe. The firefighters' injuries are considered and were not caused by the alligator. The state Department of Environmental Management is handling the alligator. The cause of the fire is under investigation. A cross-country truck driver has been indicted for soliciting nude photos of young boys in Massachusetts and two other states through Minecraft and other Xbox Live video games. Zack Sawyer, 31, of Georgetown, Illinois, was indicted Thursday in U.S. District Court in Springfield on two counts of sexual exploitation of children. WWLP-TV According to court documents, Sawyer communicated with at least eight boys between the ages of 10 and 13 in Massachusetts, Illinois and Virginia. In March of 2010, prosecutors said Sawyer used Xbox Live to contact two 12-year-old boys from Roselle, Illinois. He asked one boy to send him nude photos and the addresses and phone numbers of the boy's friend, and then engaged the other boy in sexually explicit chats. When the second boy blocked Sawyer from the XBox Live system, Sawyer responded with a death threat. Two months later, in May of 2010, Sawyer allegedly used Xbox Live to contact two 13-year-old boys in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He allegedly asked one boy to send him naked pictures and when the boy refused, Sawyer threatened to rape and kill him. Sawyer allegedly asked the second boy to send him naked pictures as well, and when he refused, Sawyer threatened to rape him, saying he had a drug that would paralyze people. The Massachusetts charges are the basis for Thursday's indictment. In August 2010, Sawyer allegedly used Xbox Live to contact a 12-year-old boy in Rockton, Illinois. He asked the boy to send him naked pictures and provide his address. When the boy refused, Sawyer told him, "I don't wanna have to do anything bad." In January of 2011, Sawyer again used Xbox Live to contact two 13-year-old boys from Lockport, Illinois. He engaged both boys in sexually explicit conversations and threatened to kill them and their families if they told anyone about his contact with them. Court documents also show that in early August of 2014, after Sawyer had already been notified that he was the subject of a Massachusetts arrest warrant, he used Minecraft to contact a 10-year-old boy in Loudon County, Virginia. Sawyer allegedly sent the boy a picture of his genitals and asked the boy to send him a similar photograph. On two occasions, the boy used Skype to show Sawyer his genitals. In one online chat, Sawyer admitted to the Virginia boy that he was a "truck driver on the run from the cops." Sawyer was ultimately arrested on Dec. 23, 2014. A white Massachusetts firefighter is off the job after necn brought a racist social media rant to the attention of the department's chief. Freetown firefighter Kyle Grenier, 25, was fired Thursday for his Facebook posts targeting a black family under scrutiny for a large house party. Fire Chief Gary Silvia says he had no idea about the posts until necn brought it to his attention Thursday morning. After reviewing the comments, he took swift action. "The town of Freetown and the fire department will not tolerate racism at all," Silvia said. "I was shocked and saddened at the same time that he would do something like this." "I can see the next fire call will be this house on fire and I'll make sure I can't find the hydrant lol," Grenier wrote. "Make sure no water so no more house party's [sic] with black Boston people." The chief says Grenier served as a part-time firefighter for five years, but that the department is moving on. "It can't be tolerated and he needs to learn a lesson," Silvia said. There is no social media policy for town employees, but the chief says after this incident, that could change. A motorcyclist was killed in a 2-vehicle crash in Effingham, New Hampshire, and the other driver fled the scene, according to state police. Police responded to Route 25 near the intersection of Route 153 around 7:30 p.m. They found the motorcycle driver, identified as 21-year-old Jonathan Kauffman, of Bridgton, Maine, in the road. The second vehicle a white four-door sedan with New York registration plates, fled the scene. The driver was identified as a female with medium build, glasses and a pony tail. Kauffman was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland with serious injuries. It appeared he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Police said he was pronounced dead early Friday morning. Initial investigation showed the sedan stopped suddenly in the westbound lane, and Kauffman, who was also traveling westbound, could not stop in time and crashed into the back of the sedan. It also appears there may have been an altercation between the two drivers prior to the crash. Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating the white sedan and its driver. Anyone with information should call 603-223-8838. #football S. Korea to open final training camp at home before World Cup South Korea on Friday will open their last training camp at home prior to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with players on the bubble looking to capitalize on dwindling opportunities t... #BTS BTS, BLACKPINK, Jungkook nominated for People's Choice Awards South Korean boy group BTS, its member Jungkook and girl group BLACKPINK will compete for this year's People's Choice Awards, a U.S. awards show for recognizing people in entertain... Fire officials say a blaze that consumed a bagel shop in Newburyport, Massachusetts, prompting firefighters from Massachusetts and New Hampshire to respond, was caused by mulch ignited by a cigarette. State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said Friday that investigators found no signs the June 28 fire was intentionally set. They concluded "improperly discarded smoking materials" likely landed in a mulch bed located against the deck of the bagel shop, starting the blaze. Officials say the nearby parking lot had evidence of other improperly discarded cigarettes and neighbors told investigators there had been previous fires in the same mulch bed in recent days. Firefighters from about a dozen communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire had responded to the fire, which damaged Abraham's Bagels and Pizza and a neighboring law office. A woman has been arrested after police say she used a three-hole punch to attack a bank manager in Salem, New Hampshire, after a check-cashing dispute. Authorities say the weapon of choice was whatever 35-year-old Leanne Yerian could get her hands on first. Salem Police tell necn Yerian used the metal device to attack a manager at Bank of America. Capt. Joel Dolan says it's the first time he's seen an office supply used in such a violent way. "It was right in front of her, her anger took over, and she picked up the first thing she could get her hands on," Dolan said. By Friday afternoon, there was extra security outside the branch in Salem. Dolan says the whole thing started around 4:15 p.m. Thursday when Yerian couldn't get a check cashed. "She took a three-hole punch, a metal three hole punch, off the desk and assaulted the branch manager," Dolan said. "She then jumped on the manager, pulling her hair, scratching her." Yerian is also accused of trying to strangle the branch manager and hitting another employee who was trying to intervene. "People do strange things when they're desperate, they're desperate for that buck," said Salem resident Fred Freitas. Other residents say as unusual as this story is, these days, not much can surprise them. "That's unfortunately the way things are right now," said Emily Litcof. "People are doing crazy things like that all the time." "It's sad, it makes you wonder when you're just doing everyday errands, you always have to be aware of what's going on," said Pelham resident Kara Beauchamp. Yerian was arraigned Friday morning and is being held at Rockingham County jail on $5,000 cash only bail. Bank of America will not comment on the situation because it's still under investigation. It was not immediately clear if Yerian had an attorney. Police have arrested a Rhode Island man accused of molesting a 10-year-old. Robert Barboza, 46, of Cranston, was captured Friday in Providence. The victim and the suspect knew each other, according to Cranston Police. The department's special victims unit led the investigation after the child told police and the Department of Children, Youth and Families about the abuse. Barboza is expected to be arraigned at some point in the future. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. A tow truck driver accused of trying to solicit sex from two female passenger appeared in Framingham District Court on Friday morning. Matthew Walsh, age 37, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was arraigned on two charges of accosting or annoying a person of the opposite sex. According to court documents, one woman called state police on June 20th complaining that during a tow Walsh began asking personal and sexual questions. He also told her he "Knew a place where they could go where nobody would bother them." State Police began searching through a list of Walsh's past female customers and found one with similar allegations. She said during the ride he asked sexually explicit questions and asked her to hook up. He pulled over twice saying they could "go into the woods where no one could see them." He denies all of the allegations. Walsh worked for Perfection Towing, a company often used by state police to town cars involved in incidents on the Masachustts Turnpike. Walsh was ordered to stay away from the two individuals. State Police continue to search for any other possible victims and ask anyone with a similar complaints to call them. DARPA recently said that it had finished integrating seven space-watching networks that will feed tons of new Earth-orbiting junk data into what the agency calls the largest and most diverse network of space situational awareness networks ever assembled. +More on Network World: + DARPAs OrbitOutlook (O2) program brings seven previously separate new space sensor networks together that could ultimately feed into the United States Space Surveillance Network (SSN), a worldwide network of 29 military radar and optical telescopes operated by the Air Force as well as NASA, the FAA and other entities that could use the information. By including new telescopes and radar facilities based in diverse locales, and by revolutionizing how we process different data types, we anticipate vast improvements in our tracking of potentially hazardous objects and our ability to efficiently avoid collisions in space, said Lt. Col. Jeremy Raley, DARPA program manager in a statement. If were successful, OrbitOutlook could revolutionize how the U.S. military and the global space-debris-monitoring community collect and use space situational awareness data, through a framework based on partnerships and fee-for-service arrangements that would enable all parties to share and purchase data from hundreds of sensors. Not only could we double or triple the amount of useful data, but we could also generate indications and warnings in hours instead of weeks and provide orders-of-magnitude improvements in accuracy and affordability. +More on Network World: + DARPA scientists will soon start testing scalable, automated algorithms on this integrated feed, in an effort to identify and extract relevant data that space situational awareness experts could use to make decisions in near real time, DARPA stated. The agency said it expects civil, academic and commercial groups to tie into O2 in an effort to bring more sensors online to track space debris from diverse geographic locations. The seven networks that DARPA has developed to integrate space situational awareness data from include: StellarView, which uses optical telescopes and passive radio frequency (RF) telescopes at six academic institutions SpaceView, which uses privately owned optical telescope EchoView, in which DARPA is developing the technology to leverage commercial and civil radars and passive RF telescopes The Low Inclined LEO Object (LILO) detection effort, which is deploying a suite of optical telescopes to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean to improve detection of space objects in equatorial orbits ExoAnalytic Solutions, a commercial network of optical and passive RF telescope Raven, a U.S. government network of small optical telescope systems composed of inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components under development at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)Rincon, a commercial network using passive RF telescopes More than 500,000 pieces of manmade space debrisincluding spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, and fragments as small as flecks of paintcurrently hurtle around the Earth at roughly 17,000 miles per hour. At those speeds, impacts involving even the smallest of those items can damage satellites and spawn chain reactions of collisions, increasing the amount of orbital flotsam and creating minefields in space that can remain unpassable for centuries. Tracking debris is thus essentialnot just to protect existing commercial and government satellites but also to ensure that paths to critical locations in low Earth orbit (LEO), geosynchronous orbit, and orbits in between stay clear and safe for future space assets, DARPA stated. NASA weighs in In March, NASA updated its top 10 space junk missions. NASA' s Orbital Debris Program Office said that by far the source of the greatest amount of orbital debris remains the Fengyun-1C spacecraft, which was the target of a Peoples Republic of China anti-satellite test in January 2007. This satellite alone now accounts for 3,428 cataloged fragments or almost 20% of the entire population of cataloged manmade objects in orbit about the planet. Additional debris from this test and other events are currently being tracked by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and are officially cataloged on a routine basis, NASA stated. In 2010 there were 2,841 pieces of junk from this spacecraft. +More on Network World: + Orbital debris can include all manner of space system parts from derelict spacecraft and upper stages of launch vehicles to debris intentionally released during spacecraft separation from its launch vehicle or during mission operations and even tiny flecks of paint from small particle hits on existing spacecraft, NASA said. The space agency says that 10 missions out of the 5,160 space missions that have launched since 1957 account for approximately one-third of all cataloged objects now in Earth orbit. NASA said that the second and fourth most significant satellite breakups are Cosmos 2251 and Iridium 33 spacecraft, which were involved in the first ever accidental satellite collision February 2009. While over 68% of the Cosmos debris cloud remains on orbit, only 58% of the Iridium cloud is on orbit, due in part to the higher area-to-mass ratio bias of the latter cloud. Because of their relatively high altitude, these clouds will continue to present a hazard for decades to come, NASA said. Check out these other hot stories: US Courts wiretap report: Smartphones impact, encryption confounds Read Aristas CEO customer letter on Cisco patent infringement verdict Cisco reinforces cloud security technology with $293M CloudLock buy DARPA wants radical propulsion system capable of Mach/hypersonic speeds IBM Watson/ XPrize open $5 million AI competition for world-changing applications 10 steps the IRS needs to take now to secure tax returns, fight fraud, identity theft Security of high-impact federal systems not exactly rock-solid DARPA wants to design an army of ultimate automated data scientists Cisco platform lets IT rein-in disruptive data center operations, security, applications "We don't need someone who polarises opinion" NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon has announced that he is backing Theresa May to be the next Prime Minister. The Home Secretary, who supported Remain in the EU referendum, staked her claim to be the next leader of the Conservative Party in another tumultuous day in British politics yesterday (Thursday). Mr Benyon said that he had always had a high regard for the Home Secretary, along with fellow front-runner and work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb. "But the more the more I thought about it the more I think we need somebody now who has experience at the top of government, who is able to bring the party and country together and negotiate in a clear position on our future relationship with Europe," Mr Benyon said. Yesterday saw Leave campaigner and former mayor of London Boris Johnson, who was widely tipped to be a front-runner in the contest, surprisingly announce that he was not putting himself forward. Mr Johnson's decision not to run, came hours after fellow Leave campaigner and Justice Secretary Michael Gove announced that he would be standing for party leader. Mr Benyon said his decision to back Mrs May had followed "the shambles of the last 48 hours" between Mr Johnson and Mr Gove. "It doesnt look great when a campaign has got so far to the point where one of the front-runners is on the way to make their formal announcement and then it all falls apart," Mr Benyon said. "I just think now is the time for calm and experience and I think Theresa offers that." Mr Benyon said that he had already told Mr Johnson that he would not be supporting him and was therefore not waiting on the outcome of yesterday's events. When asked whether he thought a Remain supporter would be best for the country following the Referendum result to leave the European Union Mr Benyon said that Mrs May would be the best person for the job. "I would have been happy to support a member of the leave campaign if they had the right credentials," he said. Mr Benyon added that Mrs May had set out a clear approach to dealing with Brexit which he thought the whole party could get behind regardless of how they voted. "There will be some dark times ahead; its not going to be an easy path to some bright sunlit upland were we have all the benefits and none of the downside. "Its going to be really tough and it doesnt matter that she was on the remain side, she conducted herself very professionally throughout. I hope all members can get behind her. "This is about more than party politics this is about the livelihoods of people and their families." While saying that Mr Johnson and Mr Gove were exceptional MPs Mr Benyon said: "The job of being Prime Minister requires an enormous variety of skills and at a time like this we dont need someone who polarises opinion, we need someone who unites opinion." Mr Benyon's decision follows the MP for Reading West, Alok Sharma, and the MP for Devizes, Claire Perry lending their support to Mrs May. Service held to mark the centenary of the battle PEOPLE in Newbury paused to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme today (Friday). At 7.28am on the morning of July 1, 1916 men of the British, French and Commonwealth forces were given the order to go over the top of their trenches. They were expecting to walk unopposed across no man's land and into the German trenches; instead they were met with a hail of gunfire. The first day of the Somme remains the bloodiest day in British Army history when it suffered 57,540 casualties, around 20,000 of whom were killed. After a series of attacks and counter attacks, including the first use of tanks on September 15, poor weather stopped the Somme Offensive on November 18, 1916. The British and French had gained 12km of ground. Newbury Town Council is holding a 12-hour vigil at the town's war memorial today, ending at 7pm. In a poignant ceremony of poetry and prayers; residents, veterans and dignitaries fell silent to remember the thousands of men who fell in the battle. For a full report, see next week's Newbury Weekly News. Did your West Berkshire town or village mark the centenary? Contact john.herring@newburynews.co.uk 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. 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). Reporter Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 57F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Low 39F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Surgery for an anal fistula always carries the risk of complications. The chief postoperative complications include: infection bowel incontinence recurrence of the fistula Each of these complications is discussed in more detail below. Postoperative Complications may occur in the immediate or delayed postoperative period. Several difficulties may present shortly after the surgical procedure. These include urinary retention, heavy bleeding or discharge from the fistulotomy site, clot formation inside an existing hemorrhoid, and fecal impaction. Other complications that commonly present somewhat later after the procedure may include anal stenosis, recurrence of the fistula, bowel incontinence, and delayed wound healing (the wound remains unhealed for longer than 12 weeks). These complications are less common and affect from 0 to 18% of patients, depending on the type of fistula and surgery. Infection All surgeries carry some risk of infection when an incision is made into the skin, including the fistulectomy procedure. In some fistula surgical techniques, the procedure may have to be completed in several stages. In such cases, an infection of the fistula tract may spread throughout the body and cause systemic infection. Antibiotics are often required to treat infection associated with fistula surgery. For severe infection, admission to hospital may be required to allow intravenous administration of the antibiotics. They may also be recommended as a prophylactic method to prevent infection when the risk is high. Bowel Incontinence Fistula surgery has the potential to damage the muscles of the anal sphincter, especially when the fistula involves the sphincter muscles. These are responsible for tightening around the anus to control bowel movements. When sphincter damage occurs, the strength of the muscles is compromised. There may be some loss of control of the bowels, leading to leaking of feces from the rectum. This is referred to as fecal or bowel incontinence. This is an uncommon complication, estimated to affect 3-7% of all patients that undergo fistula surgery. The risk depends on the position of the fistula and the type of surgery used to remove it. The risk is highest for Seton techniques (approximately 17%) and the advancement flap procedure (about 6-7%). The risk is higher in individuals who already have some degree of bowel incontinence, and who are likely to notice a worsening in symptoms. Other people who are more likely to experience this complication include women, and patients with Crohns disease. Recurrence of the Fistula For some patients, the fistula will recur after the surgery. It is estimated that the recurrence rate is approximately 7-21%, primarily depending on the type of fistula, and the surgical procedure that was used to remove the fistula. Fibrin glue, for example, has a high recurrence rate. Other procedures have also been reported to result in recurrence in up to one-third of patients. Most patients who have fistula recurrence will need to have another surgical procedure to remove the fistula. Management of Complications The appropriate management of the complications will depend on the problem at hand and the individual case. It is important that patients are aware of possible complications so that they can recognize the signs early enough to seek medical advice as needed. This will allow them to be treated in a timely manner and reduce the impact of the complication on their overall health and wellbeing. References Further Reading A pharmacist plays an important role in the healthcare team to dispense medications to patients and ensure that these drugs are used in the safest and most effective way. Image Credit: Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com Pharmacists are responsible for checking that the doses are safe and that there are no potential drug interactions that could have adverse effects on the patient. Additionally, pharmacists may be involved with health screening, help to take blood pressure tests, provide vaccinations, and give recommendations to patients about the optimal use of medications. Requirements to become a pharmacist University-level education is required to practice as a pharmacist in any country in the world, in addition to further study following graduation. In the United States, pharmacists will need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree in order to work as a pharmacist. In Europe and the United Kingdom, a Master of Pharmacy degree is required. Comparatively, in Australia and New Zealand, a Bachelor in Pharmacy followed by a 1-year internship is required for individuals to be registered as a pharmacist. In addition, licensing examinations may be required in several countries. Following the appropriate course and period of study in the country where the pharmacist will work, an application must be made for registration before one can begin to practice as a pharmacist. The protocol for this differs according to each country, but typically involves a series of written and/or oral exams to determine ones proficiency level. Continued professional development (CPD) is also required to remain a practicing pharmacist. In most countries, there is a minimum volume of continued study required to demonstrate that the pharmacist is staying up-to-date in the field. A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist - Tracy Anderson Haag Play Workplace of a pharmacist The traditional workplace of a pharmacist is in a pharmacy, where they will provide the public with safe and informed access to medications. However, there are various other workplaces today for a pharmacist. These include: Community pharmacy Hospital pharmacy Medical center pharmacy Aged care center Pharmaceutical companies Governmental health agencies Salary of a pharmacist The salary of a pharmacist varies significantly according to the country of work and residence. The highest annual salary for pharmacists is in the United States, where the median annual wage in 2015 was $121,500. Other countries with competitive salaries include Switzerland ($83,600), Canada ($80,300), United Kingdom ($55,000), and Germany ($44, 800). Job outlook The employment range for pharmacists is projected to grow by 3% in the next decade, which is lower than the average for all occupations. Interestingly, the patient demand for prescriptions is predicted to increase beyond this figure, suggesting that the types of pharmaceutical services offered will need to adjust accordingly to meet the demand. Important qualities for a pharmacist The following skills are very important for a pharmacist to possess: Analytical skills to evaluate a patients needs, the prescribers directions, and the ability to use ones technical knowledge to make the best decision. Communication skills to explain how to take a medication and any possible side effects that patients may experience. Information technology (computer) skills to use electronic health record (EHR) systems easily. Managerial skills to progress in ones career, manage a pharmacy inventory, and oversee staff, such as pharmacy technicians. Detail-oriented nature to accurately fill prescriptions and use technical information to make decisions that are adjusted to each individual patients well-being. Related careers There are several careers which operate in a similar field to a pharmacist. Individuals interested in a pharmacy career may also wish to explore these careers. They include: Biochemists Biophysicists Medical scientists Pharmacy technician Physician Surgeon Nurse References Further Reading Physician supply is a term that is used to describe the number of trained physicians who work in a healthcare system or labor market. It is dependent on the number of graduates, and the retention rates of the profession. Physician shortage is a growing concern in many countries around the world, due to a growing demand for physicians that outmatches the supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there is a global shortage of 4.3 million physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. The shortage is often starkest in developing nations due to the limited numbers and capacity of medical schools in these countries. Additionally, rural and remote areas also commonly struggle with a physician shortage the world over. Effects of Physician Shortage When there is a shortage of physician to provide healthcare services to a population, a number of effects inevitably become evident in the health system, including: Lower quality care Time constraints on doctor-patient interactions Increased workload for healthcare practitioners Overworked and stressed practitioners Unnecessarily prolonged wait time before consultations Higher prices for consultations Projected Supply and Demand Despite the projections of a modest growth in the supply of physicians by 2025, the demand for physicians is growing at a faster rate than the supply. The demand for physicians is projected to grow by 17 percent by 2025, due primarily to the growth in population size and the aging population. The population below 18 years is projected to grow by 5%, whereas the elderly population over 65, who typically require more care from physicians, is expected to grow by 41%. In addition, over a third of physicians today are over the age of 55, and less than half of primary care physicians are available for after-hours attendance. Thus primary care after traditional office hours is usually given in the emergency room. Long waits in the doctors office are now part of the expected situation, pointing to an obvious shortage of primary care physicians. By 2025, it is projected that the demand for physicians in the United Stated will exceed the supply by 46,000 to 90,000. This comprises a shortage of: 12,500 to 31,100 primary care physicians 5,100 to 12,300 medical specialists 23,100 to 31,600 surgical specialists 2,400 to 20,200 other specialists This shortage of physicians is likely to have a considerable impact on the health of the population. Most scientists believe that it will persist even with the introduction of compensatory scenarios such as: advanced nurse practitioners (APRNs) retail health clinics delayed physician retirement more efficient delivery of services Increasing Number of Primary Care Physicians The supply of primary care physicians is linked to the achievement of better health outcomes. These include overall health, life expectancy, better perception of self-rated health, and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and in infancy. This relationship has been evident with repeated trials over the previous thirty years in the United States. Research suggests that increasing the number of primary care physicians by one per 10,000 people is associated with a 5.3% reduction in average mortality (which is presently 49 per 100,000 per year). The need for primary care physicians is usually estimated based on the tasks they are expected to carry out, and the time required to maintain health programs, rather than the benefits of their contribution. Based on this approach, there was predicted to be a surplus of primary care physicians in the early 21st century. Surprisingly, reanalysis has found that there is currently a growing shortage in their supply. It is important that the benefits of primary health care and the projected need are clearly outlined so that the needs can be met as well as possible. Addressing the Physician Shortage Solving the shortage of physicians in primary care will require a wide-ranging approach, with changes in several aspects in the way physicians provide health care. Innovative care delivery Increased use of technology More efficient teamwork among health professionals Increased funding and planning for the training of residents A stand-alone solution is unlikely to be sufficient in addressing the issue of physician shortage. The training of new doctors takes up to a decade. It is, therefore, important, that several measures to resolve this shortage in supply are initiated from today and going forward. References Further Reading The Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) has been awarded a large grant for research that will help determine why so many children under five are dying in the world's poorest countries. The grant will fund use of an innovative alternative to traditional autopsy known as minimally invasive tissue sampling. The technique, which involves the collection of tissue samples with fine needles, allows researchers to quickly identify the cause of death, and help illuminate ways to save lives and improve the health of children in these vulnerable areas. The grant will support work at CVD's center in Bamako, Mali. It is one of the first three sites to be chosen, joining Soweto, South Africa and Manhica, Mozambique. CVD is part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM). The work is part of a larger effort led by Emory University and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create a network of up to 25 disease surveillance sites known as the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance network (CHAMPS). The Gates Foundation has committed up to $75 million overall to establish the first six surveillance sites in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years. The program is a long-term project, and is expected to last for 20 years. The lead researchers on the grant are Karen Kotloff, head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics at UM SOM and Samba Sow, director general of CVD-Mali. The problem of child mortality is enormous. In 2015, nearly 6 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday--16,000 every day, most in the poorest countries of the world. A key part of the CHAMPS project is the minimally invasive tissue sampling, which can serve as a substitute for autopsy. When a child dies in the developing world, performing a traditional autopsy is difficult. Often patients die far from a hospital, where there is a shortage of equipment and trained personnel. More importantly, in many cultures autopsies are not accepted, particularly for children, and parents and relatives are not comfortable having them done. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Minimally invasive tissue sampling addresses these limitations and concerns. Such sampling is easier to perform, less expensive, and more acceptable culturally: fine needles are inserted into the body, retrieving small amounts of organ tissue, including lung, liver, heart and brain. This tissue is then examined to pinpoint potential causes of death. By establishing cause of death, researchers can better understand which knowledge gaps most need to be addressed, which interventions will save the most lives, and which diseases require a novel approach to prevention and cure. "We are very excited to be part of this important project," said Kotloff. "We think this can really help us understand the causes of child mortality. CVD-Mali has an outstanding track record conducting infectious disease research that directly benefits the health and well-being of Malian citizens. The tremendous support of the Malian government has made this possible. It is our hope that CHAMPS data will facilitate efforts to diminish the unacceptably high child mortality rates in Mali." Kotloff also said that training local medical personnel in Mali and elsewhere will build a medical research infrastructure able to support not only the goals of the CHAMPS study, but also the needs of local health agencies. CVD-Mali is part of the Malian Ministry of Health, and the data from CHAMPS will help the country, Dr. Sow said. "CHAMPS gives us an unprecedented opportunity to uncover information about life-threatening childhood illnesses that can lead to better recognition, prevention, and treatment," he said. Parents and society in general shouldn't shift the blame for young people's sexual behavior on what teens supposedly see and read in the media about intimate encounters. Proclaiming a link between such so-called sexy media and the sexual behavior of young people is in fact premature. The media neither contributes to the early initiation of sex among young people, nor to their sexual conduct more generally. So says Christopher Ferguson of Stetson University in the US, who led a thorough systematic analysis of 22 relevant studies on the topic along with colleagues Patrick Markey at Villanova University and Rune Nielsen at IT University Copenhagen. The results of this meta-analysis are published in Springer's journal Psychiatric Quarterly. Parents and policy makers often raise the concern that so-called sexy media (media depicting or discussing sexual encounters) may promote sexual behavior among teenagers. No conclusive evidence has however yet been provided about the matter by researchers. Ferguson's team therefore conducted a meta-analysis of 22 previous studies that all measured the influence of some form of media on an outcome related to teenagers' sexual behaviour, such as pregnancy, risky sexual behavior or the initiation of sex. The studies in total took into account the views of more than 22,000 participants younger than 18 years old. Only a very weak link was found between the type of media that teenagers viewed and their eventual sexual behavior. It also plays only a very minor role in the initiation of sex. The researchers do not exclude the possibility that sexy media may still influence sexual attitudes, but say that this does not seem to carry over into actual behavior. "Evidence for an association between media and sexual behavior is minimal," says Ferguson, who believes that parents and peers play a much greater role in how teenagers' moral values around sexuality develops. Despite increased availability of sex in the media, US government data suggests teens are waiting longer to have sex, and teen pregnancy rates are at historic lows. The results do not exclude the possibility that media may have some influence on at-risk youth who are deprived of other socialization influences. "That is to say, when information from parents or schools are lacking, media may become the only source of information on sexuality," explains Ferguson. He warns that simply making the media the scapegoat and giving it considerable public attention might distract parents and policy makers from more pressing and important issues related to teen sexuality. According to him, parents must be encouraged to discuss sexuality with their teens, proper sex-education programs must be implemented in schools, and ways should be examined by which peer networks can be used to promote safe sex. "The encouraging message from our results is that the media is unlikely to thwart parental efforts to socialize children should parents take the initiative to talk directly to their children about sex," Ferguson adds. A quiet transformation has been brewing in medicine, as large-scale DNA results become increasingly available to patients and healthcare providers. Amid a cascade of data, physicians, counselors and families are sorting out how to better understand and use this information in making health care decisions. National experts who have gathered in Clinical Genetics Think Tank meetings at two large pediatric hospitals recently issued their first recommendations for integrating genomics into clinical practice. The recommendations appeared online May 12, 2016 in Genetics in Medicine, co-led by Ian D. Krantz, M.D., director of the Individualized Medical Genetics Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Ronald D. Cohn, M.D., co-director of the Centre for Genetic Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto. "As genetic testing has become more complex, it's being applied across many more medical specialties and into primary care," said Krantz, a clinical geneticist. "These tests will move toward broad use in screening healthy populations, and our recommendations aim to help people better integrate testing results into clinical practice." Krantz and co-author Sarah Bowdin, M.D., of the Centre for Genetic Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto, spearheaded the two Clinical Genetics Think Tanks, hosted at their respective hospitals in 2014 and 2015. Co-authors of the recommendations are other Think Tank participants: clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, and laboratory professionals and bioinformatics experts. "Our co-authors represent the main stakeholders in this field," said Krantz. "We also included patients and parents in the Think Tanks, to incorporate their experiences in dealing with these concerns on an everyday basis." Krantz added that he and Bowdin launched the Think Tanks after hearing from colleagues struggling with many similar issues as other institutions established clinical genomic and exome sequencing programs. Among those challenges were how to best interpret DNA findings, how to report to patients and clinicians about gene variants of uncertain significance, how to report secondary findings unrelated to the primary reason for the testing, and how to share findings with other centers. "As each institution independently developed its own procedures, we thought that exchanging experiences across our field could improve overall practice." The recommendations address the pretesting process (including selecting patients and obtaining insurance coverage), patient and clinician education, interpreting sequence data, and posttest patient care (including how to return test findings and offer reevaluation of data). Another broad area, added Krantz, is phenotypingestablishing consistent terminology for patients' clinical characteristics, so that clinicians can better interpret the significance of DNA results, share data across centers, and ultimately standardize care for patients. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Krantz compared these new challenges to a more straightforward clinical situationobtaining a targeted genetic test for fragile X syndromein which a test reveals whether a patient has a specific DNA change that causes fragile X symptoms. In contrast, current clinical genome and exome sequencing produces many unknowns: for each individual, test results yield many variants of uncertain significance, as well as secondary findings, which are genetic variants unrelated to the primary condition for which a patient is tested. Facing a flood of DNA data, families told other Think Tank participants that they often preferred two posttest sessions to discuss test findingsone to learn the principal diagnostic results, and a second session to discuss secondary findings that are medically actionable. Crucially, Krantz added, the data from genomic testing are dynamicas new scientific knowledge accumulates, the significance of data changes: some findings of uncertain significance will become clearer, and will become medically actionable in the future, so that healthcare providers will need to devise ways to systematically offer future reevaluation of a patient's genome. "We need to make these data longitudinal, not static," he said. One emerging issue raised in the Think Tanks is how to best integrate genomic results into each patient's electronic health record. This becomes all the more important, said Krantz, as clinical sequencing moves toward general screening of healthy patient populations, including newborns, as part of the progression toward precision medicine. One conversation with a family, added Krantz, helped to drive home that issue. He was explaining results of genomic testing in a child with multiple medical issues. After learning the unexpected secondary finding that their child carried a cancer predisposition gene, the parents asked about performing the test for their healthy child too. "We have framed this document not as a set of overt guidelines, but as recommendations, which we expect to change as our field evolves," said Krantz. He added that future Think Tanks may meet to address new challenges. Four-year-old William Wootton was born profoundly deaf, but thanks to cochlear implants fitted when he was about 18 months old, the Granite Bay preschooler plays with a keyboard synthesizer and reacts to the sounds of airplanes and trains, while still learning American Sign Language. "He has done extremely well," said William's mother, Jody Wootton. "He really appreciates music and is learning to speak." First approved for adults in the 1980s, cochlear implants have been used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The implant bypasses most of our normal hearing process, electronically connecting a microphone directly to the cochlear, the structure in the inner ear that collects nerve signals from the ear and sends them to the brain. But not all children respond as well as William to the implants. "Cochlear implants are very successful for some kids, but we don't understand why some kids do well and not others," said Professor David Corina of the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis. Supported by a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Corina and Lee Miller, associate professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior at UC Davis, are working to understand why some children respond better to the implants than others. 'Balance of power' between auditory and visual brain areas One idea is that areas of the brain that are not being used, such as the auditory cortex in profoundly deaf children, get taken over for other functions, such as visual processing. When the child gets an implant, that part of the brain is no longer available to support hearing. "We're using measures of brain function to get a snapshot of the 'cerebral balance of power' and how it is influencing auditory and visual experiences," Corina said. The ultimate goal is to identify clinical interventions that would help children better adapt to using cochlear implants, Miller said. Now about a year into the study, Corina and Miller are recruiting children from 18 months to 8 years old who use cochlear implants, as well as hearing children in the same age group. They use electroencephalography, or EEG, to measure brain activity during visual and auditory processing. During the experiment, the children watch a cartoon while a mixture of specially designed speech is played to them. The speech is designed to elicit responses from the different levels of processing in the auditory system, "from the ear to deep cortex," Corina said. "It takes time for speech to move through the auditory system and there are different levels at which the visual system could interfere, if it does," he said. The researchers plan to recruit about 60 children a year into the study, which began in 2015, and follow them for five years to track their progress. Bilingual in sign language Many American children grow up with more than one spoken language. Is adding a signed language any different? "For some kids, their first language may be signed," Corina said. "How does this affect cerebral balance?" The important thing is that children grow up linguistically capable in whichever languages they use, he said. William, for example, is now in a preschool program at Ophir Elementary School near Auburn, which uses American Sign Language in addition to English. So far, he's embracing both spoken and signed languages and transitions between the two, his mother said. "We're absolutely pleased to have got the implants. It's really changed our lives and changed his life," she said. Scientists from the University of Sheffield have discovered a novel function of the C9orf72 protein which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - giving a new insight into the most common genetic cause of the degenerative diseases. The pioneering study, conducted by researchers from the world-leading Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), found that the C9orf72 protein, which is encoded by the C9ORF72 gene, functions in the autophagy pathway - something which is defective in patients with the most common inherited form of ALS and FTD. Mutations in the C9ORF72 gene carry a well-established risk for ALS, also known as motor neurone disease (MND), and FTD which is the second most common cause of dementia in people under 65. However, until now the basis for this link has been unclear. Scientists believe one of the ways the C9ORF72 mutation may cause ALS and FTD is by reducing the amount of C9orf72 protein present in the cells - something which is very hard to verify without a clear understanding of the function of the C9orf72 protein. The Sheffield team led by Dr Kurt De Vos and Dr Andy Grierson investigated the role of the C9orf72 protein in nerve cells and found it regulates the initiation of a vital process called 'autophagy', which helps the cell to dispose of damaged proteins and cell parts, and recycles cell nutrients. Dr De Vos said: "Our study provides compelling evidence that the C9orf72 protein is required for the initiation of autophagy, a pathway essential for the survival of nerve cells. "We could also show that that loss of C9orf72 protein function mimics the specific pathology observed in our ALS and FTD patients." Dr Andy Grierson, fellow lead investigator, added: "Diseases such as ALS and FTD are commonly associated with large protein clumps that accumulate in affected nerve cells. Our data now shows that the C9orf72 protein is involved in the cellular pathway that should dispose of these clumps and that the autophagy process is defective in the cells of our ALS and FTD patients. "Further studies are needed to confirm if defective autophagy contributes to the disease process, but if this bears out then autophagy drugs may be beneficial for patients." Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The pioneering study, published in the EMBO Journal was supported by the Thierry Latran Foundation, Medical Research Council (MRC), MND Association, Alzheimer's Society, European Union and the University of Sheffield Moody Endowment Fund. Dr Valerie de Broglie, Director of the Thierry Latran Foundation, said: "We are pleased to see the positive outcome of the research selected by our European Scientific Advisory Board. Better understandings of pathways involved in ALS are of upmost importance to move towards a therapy." Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research at Alzheimer's Society, said: "Frontotemporal dementia is the second most common form of dementia in those under the age of 65, and can include some upsetting symptoms, yet we know relatively little about its underlying causes. "This study reveals what happens in the brain cells of people with a gene mutation that is known to cause frontotemporal dementia. Identifying the effects of faulty genes is a vital first step to being able to design drugs that could best help people living with the condition. The gene, known as C9ORF72, was only linked to dementia in the last five years so it's encouraging that advances are being made to piece together the important role it plays in the brain." Dr Sadie Vile, Research Grants Manager at the MND Association, added: "Although only about 10 per cent of MND cases are inherited, study of the genetic causes helps to understand the non-inherited or sporadic forms. The C9ORF72 gene was identified in 2011 as the most common cause (about 40 per cent) of all inherited MND. "The autophagy process has been linked to other MND-causing genes, so it is interesting that evidence is now building up to connect this important cellular process to the C9orf72 protein. We are very proud that Emma Smith, one of our MND Association PhD students, has played a key role in this important piece of research." Source: University of Sheffield Saint Louis University vaccine researchers have received $1.3 million in federal funding to study Zika, as part of a multi-site study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. SLU and other Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit (VTEU) contractors will study the immune responses of 200 volunteers who have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of Zika, which causes serious birth defects. SLU scientists will conduct laboratory work, analyzing blood specimens of study volunteers, to learn about how the body's immune system responds to Zika virus infection. The contract award to SLU could climb as high as $2.6 million, depending on the number of cases SLU scientists analyze. Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine will recruit volunteers who traveled to or had sexual contact with someone who traveled to places where Zika is circulating locally and have been diagnosed with or have symptoms of Zika virus. If Zika starts to circulate in the U.S., patients who have locally acquired infection also will be eligible to participate in the research. SLU, Emory and Baylor are among the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' network of VTEUs. Understanding the natural history of the disease and the body's immune response could help researchers identify targets for treatments and vaccines, other strategies for protection and potential long-term health effects of the virus, said Daniel Hoft, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the initiative at SLU and director of SLU's division of infectious diseases. "We're in the midst of a global public health emergency because of how fast the virus has spread. Our ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats is part of why VTEUs exist - to protect the public in a timely fashion," Hoft said. "Our work is important for national preparedness, national protection and, most importantly, for future children who could have terrible birth defects." SLU researchers will examine the role of T cells, a type of white blood cell that recognizes the presence of a foreign invader and destroys it or helps other cells initiate an attack. They will focus on if and how T cells protect the body from Zika, what part of the virus provokes a response and the impact of T cells on the progression of the disease. "We're particularly looking at what part of the virus would make a good target for a vaccine," Hoft said. In addition, T cell analysis can help scientists develop better ways to detect past and current Zika infections and learn more about complications of the disease and protective immunity. Zika can cause microcephaly (smaller than normal heads) and severe brain damage and other birth defects in infants of women who are infected during pregnancy. In others infected with Zika virus, it also can lead to a Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nerve disorder that starts with tingling in the hands or feet that can progress to short- or long-term paralysis of the entire body. While Zika virus is most often spread by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, it can also be transmitted through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes that can spread Zika already are in parts of 30 states, mostly in the south but as far north as San Francisco, Kansas City and New York City. Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage education activist who survived a near-fatal attack by the Taliban, and her family have become millionaires in under four years due to sales of a book about her life and appearances on the global speaker circuit. Yousafzai, 18, the youngest person to win the Nobel peace prize, shot to international fame after emerging defiant from the assassination attempt on a school bus in Pakistan's Swat valley in October 2012 to continue her fight for girls' rights. Yousafzai, who received medical treatment in Britain where she now lives, is in constant demand globally, charging $152,000 per speech compared with Desmond Tutu's reported $85,000, according to U.S.-based Institute for Policy Studies. Her memoir, "I Am Malala", published in 2013, has sold 287,170 copies in Britain with a total value of about 2.2 million pounds ($3 million) and over 1.8 million copies worldwide, according to a spokesman from Nielsen Book Research. While Yousafzai has set up the Malala Fund to support girls' education projects in developing countries, her family also established a company, Salarzai Ltd, in 2013 to protect the rights to her life story. Publically available information shows that the London-based company, owned by Yousafzai, her father Ziauddin Yousafzai, and her mother, Toor Pekai, has a net worth of 1.87 million pounds in August 2015, up nearly 65 percent from the previous year. "Since the publication of Malala's book, Malala and her family have donated more than $1 million to charities, mostly for education-focused projects across the world including Pakistan," Yousafzai's family said in a statement emailed to the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Earlier this year Malala urged world leaders at a conference in London to commit $1.4 billion to give Syrian refugee children access to education. Malala told a crowd in London's Trafalgar Square last week at a memorial for murdered British lawmaker Jo Cox that the opposition Labour MP "showed us all that you can be small and still be a giant". Cox, a strong supporter of refugee causes and staying in the European Union (EU), was shot and stabbed to death in her constituency in northern England a week before Britain voted to leave the EU. Large tracts of agriculture fields were destroyed in Suva village of the Dharchula area and three bridges linking the village have been washed away. We are getting similar information from Chamoli and I am monitoring the situation. We are saddened by the news of the deaths.A compensation of rupees 2 lakh has been announced for the kin of the deceased," Rawat added. At least 30 people were killed following a cloudburst in Chamoli and Pittoragarh districts of Uttarakhand on Friday even as the home ministry dispatched NDRF teams to take stock of the situation.Flooding has been reported in many areas of the state after the Alaknanda river rose above the danger level mark after receiving rainfall upto 54 mm in the last 24 hours.Meanwhile people are being being moved out of low-lying areas even as Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees for the kin of the deceased.The Thal-Munsyari road has been cut-off and dozens of vehicles remained stranded on both sides.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Harish Rawat has said that there are people who are still stuck in Pittoragarh and response teams have been dispatched to rescue them.Home Minister Rajnath Singh too has confirmed that NDRF teams have been rushed to the affected areas and additional teams have also been kept on alert.Santosh Badoni, deputy director, state disaster management centre said that it was getting difficult for the rescue team to communicate with the authorities in Pittoragarh."We are getting information that people have gone missing after the cloudburst," Badoni added.The Yamunotri highway, near Kharadi, has also been damaged leading to traffic being halted.Entry of heavy vehicles was halted on the Kedarnath highway after a landslide at Gangolgaon.(With Inputs from IANS) New Delhi: Plantation drive on 1 lakh km of highways under the National Green Highways Mission will create jobs for 10 lakh youth and prove to be a game-changer for the rural economy, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said. Kick-starting the initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways at a cost of about Rs 300 crore, the Road Transport and Highways Minister said it is a unique venture and the government welcomed "start-ups" to join it unlike other programmes where prior experience is a must. Under the mission, the government plans to provide 'green canopy' on NHs at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, which is 1 per cent of the road construction cost of Rs 5 lakh crore till 2019, and may link it with NREGA to boost the rural economy. "We will soon take up the length of National Highways to 2 lakh km from about 1 lakh km and plantation along these is our responsibility. Converting one km of highway into green provides employment to 10 people and today, we launched scheme for 1,500 km which will employ 15,000 people," the minister said at an event here to mark the launch of the plantation drive. Ten states are already on board with the Centre in the initial phase, besides NGOs and other bodies, including four start-ups which will be given the job of greening highways of 10 km each initially. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has adopted NH 31 for plantation and maintenance of trees. Besides, Coal India and other such bodies have shown willingness. Gadkari said plantation will be accomplished on 3,000 km of national highways by the end of July. "Highways aside from environmental and aesthetic aspects have a huge potential to generate jobs and can prove to be a game-changer for agriculture and rural economy. It may even be linked with the NREGA scheme," the highways minister said. Under the framework, the government has made it mandatory to set aside 1 per cent of the total project cost of any NH contract to a Green Fund corpus for plantation. Calling upon government and private agencies to join hands under the initiative, Gadkari also said only serious players need to come forward as the projects will be monitored through satellite technology with payments to be made only after successful implementation. An app to monitor real-time progress of the plantation drive and plants was also launched on the occasion. Yes Bank was the knowledge partner for the project. Of the 10 states that joined hands for plantation, Haryana signed agreement for 415 km, Jammu & Kashmir for 100 km, Telangana for 150 km, Andhra Pradesh for 360 km, Madhya Pradesh for 150 km, and Assam for 50 km. So far, the government has roped in 22 agencies and will scale up the drive soon. Talking about environmental benefits that will flow from greening of highways, the minister said, "The afforestation will help in sequestering approximately 12 lakh mt carbon annually." New Delhi: India and Cyprus have "successfully" completed negotiations on the bilateral tax treaty which provides for source-based taxation of capital gains on share sale, Cyprus Finance Ministry said on Thursday. The double taxation avoidance agreement grand fathers all income prior to April 1, 2017. "On June 29, 2016, the negotiation on the Double Taxation Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income between Cyprus and India has been successfully completed, in New Delhi," Cyprus Finance Ministry said in a statement. Cyprus is a major source of foreign fund flows into the country. From April 2000 till March 2016, India received Foreign Direct Investment worth Rs 42,680.76 crore from Cyprus. "The agreement reached provides for source-based taxation for gains from the alienation of shares; investments undertaken prior to April 1, 2017 are grandfathered with the view that taxation of disposal of such shares at any future date remains with the contracting state of residence of the seller," the statement said. The text has been agreed between the two negotiating teams of the contracting states and will contribute to further develop the trade and economic links between Cyprus and India, as well as with other countries. "Upgrading and expanding the network of Double Tax Conventions, is of high economic and political importance and aims to further strengthen and attract foreign investment in Cyprus as its standing an international business centre is elevated," it added. The completion of the negotiation and the agreement reached on all pending issues will pave the way for the removal of Cyprus from the list of notified jurisdictional areas. It has been agreed that, following the entering into force of the amending Agreement the Indian Authorities will proceed with retrospectively rescinding the classification of Cyprus in the 'Notified Jurisdictional Area' as from November 1, 2013," the statement added. Over three decades in the making, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is making a low profile entry into the Indian Air Force with a modest two fighters forming the first squadron. The numbers will go up slowly but steadily, Hindustan Aeronautics has promised, with four more joining the fleet this year and eight the next (total 20 fighters to a squadron). The IAF is saying little at this point, preferring to focus on the task at hand: The training of the first lot of pilots who will fly the Tejas and setting up the required infrastructure at Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu, where the squadron will move two years from now. But looking ahead, the IAF brass is hoping Hindustan Aeronautics will deliver the Mark 1A configuration of the Tejas in 2019. This is an improved variant with all the "bells and whistles" the men in blue want: AESA (Active Electronically Scanned) Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, Mid-Air Refueling and the ability to fire BVR (Beyond Visual Range) Missiles. It will also have a better engine: The GE-F414 (the current engine is the F-404). Is the Air Force happy? As a senior retired air force officer told CNN News18: "Given the fact that we are down to 33 squadrons with more fighters to be phased out over the next few years, anything we get which adds to our strength is fine." The Tejas is not the best fighter in its class, other retired air force officers say. It reflects a persistent view among many in the air force that India could have done better by just buying up a foreign fighter of the similar or same class. The air force would have got a tried and tested fighter. The view is common among pilots but ignores the point that the LCA is adequate replacement for the MiG-21 fighters that are being phased out. It also ignores another vital point, that India cannot keep importing aircraft. The Tejas, in that sense, while it has a foreign engine, Israeli radar and weapons and British ejection seat, also incorporates considerable Indian technologies like the fly-by-wire system which gives computer-controlled inputs to charter the flight of the aircraft; the Mission Computer which processes data provided by sensors; and locally developed carbon fibre composites which are light-weight and ultra-strong alternatives to metal. Other systems include fuel management to steering of the nose-wheel. The Tarang Warning Radar lets the pilot know if enemy aircraft or surface-to-air missiles are in the vicinity. The LCA is not known to have had any accidents in more than 3000 test flights so far. As an Indian product, it frees the air force from dependence on foreign suppliers (for that class of aircraft) who could put the brakes on the supply of vital spares during times of war. Even better, it has given the Indian aerospace community the confidence to embark on the even more ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which will build on the Tejas. Last December, the US signaled to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar that it would be willing to transfer jet engine technology to India. The engine in question is the GE-F414S6 which will power the Tejas Mark1A; but what India is looking at is the F-414 Enhanced version which reportedly, will deliver an awesome 220 KiloNewtons of thrust (against 110 KiloNewtons at present). Of course, all this is in the future. For now, lets just toast the Flight of the Tejas! (Surya Gangadharan is a veteran journalist, defence and strategic affairs expert.) Almost three decades after the idea was first mooted, the first squadron of home-grown Light Combat Aircraft - Tejas was inducted into the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru on Friday and is set to replace the Indian Air Force's aging fleet of MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)handed over the first two Tejas aircraft after Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha took his maiden flight in May 2015 clearing it for induction. The LCA Tejas is a single-engined, lightweight, agile, multi-role supersonic fighter and is equipped with a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system to ease handling by the pilot. The replacement was a must since the aging MiGs have a history of accidents and was held responsible for the loss of several lives over the years. The IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A in the next three years. Tejas has been co-developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in cooperation with HAL. Meanwhile, Swedish defence Major Saab is in talks with HAL for helping India make the next generation version of the LCA Tejas. Tejas has also caught the attention of foreign buyers with Sri Lanka and Egypt showing interest in the indigenously built fighter jet. Here is what is making news on a Friday morning In UP, an economics professor who thinks IMF is `Int'l Money Found' Ruby Roy is in jail for not knowing what political science means and still topping the Bihar Board exams.But at least she has the fig leaf of being a student. These teachers in Uttar Pradesh have no excuse. An associate professor of English who spells `evaluation' as `evalluation' and an economics lecturer who has no idea what `audit' means and writes that IMF stands for `International Money Fo und' even after being told the correct answer are in a mess of their own. But it's also a reflection of the larger problem afflicting the education system in the state, with viral videos showing UP school teachers fumbling when asked to name the Prime Minister or UP's chief minister. (Reported by Times of India) IIT-Kharagpur alumnus gifts record $11m to UCLA Indian-American physicist Mani Bhaumik has donated $11 million to University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to set up a centre for advancing knowledge of the basic laws of nature, the largest donation in the varsity's history . Bhaumik, who earned a doctorate from IITKharagpur in 1958, didn't own a pair of shoes until he was 16. He arrived at UCLA on a Sloan Fellowship with $3 in his pocket. (Reported by Times of India) Juvenile paan sellers held for strange death of teen in fight A 13-year-old boy died after two teenaged paan-sellers allegedly slapped him repeatedly during a scuffle near his home in east Delhis New Kondli area on Wednesday evening, police said. Rajat Menon, a class 9 student of Salwan Public School in central Delhi, fell unconscious and his assailants apparently took him to two separate hospitals before doctors at Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital declared him dead on arrival. It is difficult to say what caused his death. There are no external injuries on the body that would suggest that he was beaten to death, said a Delhi Police officer, who is investigating the case. (Reported by Hindustan Times) Govt for 26-week pvt sector maternity leave Pregnant women working in the government and private sectors can soon look forward to increased maternity leave, helping them balance professional commitments with personal lives and potentially stemming the exodus of expecting mothers from the workplace. After year-long deliberations, the Centre has begun the process of fixing maternity leave to 26 weeks six-and-a half months across sectors. (Reported by Hindustan Times) Survey on forced Hindu migration on VHP agenda The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) says it is carrying out a survey in West Bengal of Hindus forced out of their homes and deprived of their property, a move that has potential to stoke communal tensions.The survey was a precursor to a nationwide exercise, international working president of the VHP Praveen Togadia told HT in an exclusive interview on Wednesday night, a few days after similar claims of Hindu families migrating out of Kairana town in Uttar Pradesh made headlines but were found to be untrue. (Reported by Hindustan Times) For J Deys murder, CBI to charge Chhota Rajan THE CBI is likely to file a supplementary chargesheet in July accusing arrested gangster Chhota Rajan of having ordered the killing of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in Mumbai five years ago, sources in the agency told The Indian Express. Officers linked to the probe said the agency has unearthed new evidence on Rajans alleged role in the killing and will soon question the gangster for the second time in connection with the case. Rajan was arrested from Bali last November and is lodged in Tihar jail. (Reported by The Indian Express) Nobel winners back GM crops A round 109 Nobel laureates have signed a letter urging Greenpeace to end its opposition to GM organisms and calling upon states to reject the NGO's campaign that opposed farm innovations, reports Vishwa Mohan. (Reported by Times of India) Subramanian Swamy angers BJP top brass, tweets himself into a corner BARELY two months after he entered the Rajya Sabha, Subramanian Swamy has proved his critics right his couldnt-care-less swipes at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley are proving more costly than what he had bargained for. Sources said that Swamys caustic, even derogatory, tweets have eroded the support of the top bosses in the ruling dispensation and questions regarding his comments are even being raised within the RSS. (Reported by The Indian Express) Mehbooba accused of turning right with controversial remark SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti described Saturdays fatal militant attack on a security convoy in Pampore as un-Islamic, a remark that political rivals said reflected her growing tilt towards the Hindu right-wing. (Reported by Hindustan Times) TN top tourist draw for 2nd straight year Tamil Nadu has topped the popularity charts for both domestic and foreign tourists for the second year in a row, beating Maharashtra and other favoured destinations like Goa and Kerala. TN received 4.68 million foreign tourists in 2015, a tad higher than 4.66 million in 2014. Domestically , it continued its winning streak since 2013 with 333.5 million Indians visiting in 2015, according to tourism ministry data. Tamil Nadu's rise as a top-ranker for Indian and foreign travellers is surprising and could possibly be attributed to Indians working and studying abroad and non-resident Indians coming to visit family and relatives, an industry source said. (Reported by Times of India) New Delhi: India on Friday ruled out involvement of terror group Boko Haram in the abduction of two Indians from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria, and said it appears that "local criminals" were involved. The duo -Mangipudi Sai Srinivas (from Andhara Pradesh) and his colleague Anish Sharma (from Karnataka)- were travelling to Dangote Cement Plc Plant in a car from their residential quarters around 7.20 pm on Wednesday when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal. "I have obtained a detailed report on the two Indian nationals Sai Srinivas and Anish Sharma who have been abducted in Nigeria. I have ... spoken to Mrs.Lalita Srinivas. I have assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup described the abduction as "nothing surprising or new in that area", saying such incidents keep happening there. Asserting that there has been no ransom demand so far, the Spokesperson said, "As far as our information goes there is no hand of terror group Boko Haram and it seems local criminal elements were responsible for the act." He also said Indian mission in Abuja was in touch with Nigerian authorities in the matter and the ministry was hopeful that they will return safely. Asked about the status of another abductee Judith D'Souza, an Indian aid worker, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month, Swarup said during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on the sidelines of SCO Summit last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani assured that his security and intelligence agencies were making all efforts for her safe release. In this regard, the Spokesperson once again reiterated government's advisory asking all citizens not to undertake "non-essential" travel to disturbed areas. Chennai: For the first time since the murder of Infosys employee Swathi in Chennai, an eyewitness has recounted what happened days before she was brutally attacked at the Nungambakkam railway station. D Tamilarasan, a teacher who lives in the same locality as Swathi, said a man had slapped her five times at the Nungambakkam railway station. He is not the same man that is seen in the CCTV footage. On the day of the brutal attack, I was a little away from the crime site," he said. He said that he only managed to get a glimpse of the killer and by the time he went to the crime site, she was dead. Tamilarasan, said he was shocked by the incident and boarded the next train. He refrained from sharing any more details and added that he is a bit scared to talk. Swathi was hacked to death by an unknown man in public view on the platform of Nungambakkam railway station on June 24. The incident has led to huge public outrage across Chennai. Even after a week, the police have not been able to trace the killer. They have released his sketch and several special teams on the hunt for him. The absence of CCTV cameras at Nungambakkam railway station platforms has complicated the matter further. With a very little lead on hands, police are still groping in the dark. New Delhi: India will impress upon China, which had torpedoed its NSG membership bid at the Seoul plenary, that taking care of each other's "interests and priorities" was the basis for forward movement in bilateral ties. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also dismissed suggestions that India, which has become a full member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) earlier this week, will block China's entry into the 35-nation grouping as a quid pro quo. In an oblique reference to China, he said only "one country" opposed India's bid while some other nations raised "process-related" issues which did not mean that they were against India. They just had a different solution about India's entry into NSG, he added. However, he said India would continue "impress upon that country that a relationship moves forward on the basis of mutual accommodation of each other's interests, concerns and priority. This is a matter (NSG membership) which we have been discussing and we will continue to discuss because it is an important priority for India." He also said that India's objective is to enlarge areas of convergence and reduce area of divergence. Asked if India, which has become a full member of MTCR earlier this week, will block China's entry into the 35-nation grouping as quid pro quo, Swarup said India does not believe in such "deal making" approach. Asserting that India granted the membership based on its impeccable non-proliferation record, he said any other country's application will also be assessed on its own merits. He said India's MTCR membership is expected to facilitate high technology tie-ups with Indian industry and ease access to high-tech items for our space and defence programmes. "While membership of the regime would not automatically entail any preferential treatment from other MTCR Partners, it would create the grounds for realignment of India in the export control policy framework of other MTCR Partners," he said, asserting that membership of MTCR will not pose any restrictions on our national security programmes. Further, India has formal space cooperation with 35 countries including several MTCR Partners even prior to joining the MTCR and in the coming days, India can be expected to play an even bigger role as a provider of space applications to the global community, he added. Mumbai: At a time when Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) headed by Pahlaj Nihalani has become 'infamous' for its conservative 'sanskari' attitude, Priyanka Chopra is not worried about her Hollywood debut Baywatch. "I am not worried. Baywatch is a comedy film....I don't know. It is a certification board and hopefully we get certified," Priyanka told reporters here. Directed by Seth Gordon, Baywatch is based on the 1989 TV series of the same name. It will release next summer. Priyanka plays a negative role in the film. "I did Aitraz, Saath Khoon Maaf....I enjoy doing villain roles and that's why I did Baywatch. But it's a comedy film," she said. "I play Victoria....Lifeguards have to protect themselves and the beach against Victoria who wants to destroy them," she said. "We all have loved Baywatch show in India. I am looking forward to see how people react to my character as it's a debut in Hollywood with a negative character," said the actress. "I don't think people of America are going to like me... It was great experience doing this film. It was a collaborative effort from all of us, we all were very impromptu in cracking jokes for the film," she added. Loved d trailer. Your journey as an actor is getting more & more interesting. More power to you my friend. Jai Ho.:) https://t.co/9y1PX2XrX5 Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) June 30, 2016 : The Hindi film fraternity praised the trailer of the forthcoming film Rustom for its thrilling elements and congratulated actor Akshay Kumar for his work and look in it.While the trailer made Ajay Devgn take a second look at it, filmmaker Karan Johar found it "supremely intriguing".Packed with a mystery element, the trailer launched on Thursday showcases the action star as a naval officer. According to celebrities, the Rustom trailer has raised the bar.The over three minute-long trailer shows Akshay clad in a crisp white uniform, sporting a moustache, while actress Ileana DCruz, as Akshays love interest in the film, shines in bold coloured lipsticks and a vintage look.Here's what the celebrities had to say:Anupam Kher: Loved the trailer. Your journey as an actor is getting more and more interesting. More power to you my friend. Jai Ho.Karan Johar: The 'Rustom' trailer is supremely intriguing. Akshay Kumar in pitch perfect form.Ajay Devgn: After a long time, saw a trailer that made me get up and take a second look.Pritish Nandy: Now that's what you call a trailer! Rustom trailer, Akshay Kumar stupendous! loved!Purab Kohli: Purple indeed! This looks fantastic. Looking forward to the movie.Hrithik Roshan: Congrats Akshay Kumar. Loved the 'Rustom' trailer. Good choices maketh the man. I'm sure u agree Twinkle Khanna. God blessRaj Kundra: Well I completely agree! Awesome trailer and very intriguing! Akshay Kumar can't wait for 'Rustom'.Madhur Bhandarkar: 'Rustom' trailer is gritty, intriguing and impressive. Nice to see Akshay Kumar in a stoic character. Looking forward. All the best team 'Rustom'.Taapsee Pannu: I'm neither surprised nor doubtful that 'Rustom' trailer is excellent! Akshay Kumar Ileana D' cruz. : Jitendra Tiwari, Pawan Kumar Singh: Jimmy Sheirgill, Suha Gezen, Hiten Tejwani, Ashutosh Rana, Narendra Jha, Sanjay SuriA film, based loosely on Muzzafarnagar riots, begins with sending out a heartfelt thanks to the honourable Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. While it speaks volumes about the current situation of our nation - where a film gets into trouble because it is set in a land which was unfortunate to witness communal killings - the similarities between the reel and real life characters are unmistakable.The film delves so deep into the innocent friendship between Raghu (Anirudh Dave) and Zainab (Suha Gezen) that it ends up creating unrest in the small UP town and in our lives for the running time. Zainab is betrothed to Salim (Hiten Tejwani) but Raghus feelings start creating a mess for her. The friendship slowly escalates to becoming a political minefield and weaves other characters into the story including Raghus father (Ashutosh Rana), who essays the role of a pacifist trying to calm down the mean streaks of both Hindu (Jimmy Sheirgill) and Muslim leaders.Shorgul, for the most part, has been reduced to a cliched-driven film trying hard to give away a message of peace but ends up losing its essence amid its complicated narrative. Rana shines in this political fiasco covering up for over-the-top performances of other actors. Its only Ranas dialogue delivery that keeps bringing you back to the loosely weaved story. Sheirgill is impressive with his words but one feels that he should have been given more screen time. Running-crying-blushing; Gezen will often remind you of a heroine from the 60s era which by the way, doesnt work well for the film. While Tejwanis acting takes you back to his daily soap days, Khans cameo will leave you wishing for more of him!From an unfortunate inter-community romantic tale to the opportunist leaders trying to grab power at any cost; the movie is a cluttered misinterpretation of the 2013 riots. You may want to give this one to the filmmakers for the little plausible plotline that came out of their minds but the poor execution will have you taking it back instantly.Also, the underlying causes of the petition which was filed against the makers alleging that it featured characters inspired by BJP legislator Sangeet Som, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and cabinet minister Azam Khan will be understood by many once youre over with this one.Of the many things youll like to forget from this loud depiction, notable ones include the song and dance routine accompanying the opening credits and a poorly done scar on Eijazs neck and hands. Even the make-believe pattern of making you believe fails here.They may have had a noble intention of spreading peace through this one but the reference to the human tragedy as blaze as Muzaffarnagar riots should have been taken a tad-bit seriously before creating such an ordinary piece. Looks like the makers took the title too seriously and ended up losing the plot in its own din! For long, Hollywood superheroes-be it a Superman, or a Rambo or a Bond had a favourite pastime-to save the damsel in distress. But the good news is that the damsel can look after herself now. Dubbed as the perfect form of womens emancipation, this is a positive shift as the women on silver screen are breaking the stereotypical rules.Just as the strong female characters are making their way, the traditional style of superheroes movies driving on basic theme of saving a damsel in distress seems to be fading away too.Margot Robbie- who plays Jane in upcoming The Legends of Tarzan has made it clear that the Tarzan story would be narrated differently and she will not play the traditional damsel in distress.I think shes just always actively seeking a way to problem solve and find her way out of a situation she is in, and shes very defiant, said Margot about her character. Talking to New Zealand Herald, the actress narrated how the entire movie has a line which pushes aside the damsel concept. A sequence in the movie actually mocks at the whole obsession for damsels. The villain tells Jane-scream for me and Jane says, What? Like a damsel and then she spit on his face.While most movie plots revolve around the heroine being in captive (mostly in a villains den), but waits endlessly for the hero to turn up and save her.Margot dresses up in boots, a skirt and a blouse as she jumps around in the wilds. Legends of Tarzan may not present Jane as the new Charlies Angle doing the freaking action, but the message is clear that Jane can take care of herself.There have been a flood of female characters, which are a departure from the typical gooey-eyed, coy girl who can do nothing but cry for help. Movies now are full of examples which has strong women, capable of holding their own battle and capable of looking after themselves when caught in really dangerous situation.Batman trilogy: Rachel Dawes is the fearless Assistant District Attorney in Christopher Nolans Batman trilogy. Through two films (and played by two different actresses) she stands up to mobsters as one of the last fighters for Gotham Citys soul.The Dark Knight: Rachel Dawyers, played by Maggie Gyallanhal was shown taking a plunge into dangerous situations, going alone to Arkham Asylum, refusing to hide when The Joker shows up looking for her boyfriend.Raiders of the Lost Arks: Marion Ravenwood played by Karen Allen drinks with men and fights off Nazis. She joins the forces with Indiana Jones, but eventually it becomes Jones job to save her from the Nazis. Two movies out this year about two different boys raised in the jungle, and no question its Mowgli who comes out on top. Okay, so perhaps The Legend Of Tarzan, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs literary classic, isnt meant to be fun in the way that The Jungle Book is intended.Yet surely the King of the Apes shouldnt be this dour, this dull, this much of a cure for jetlag? David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter films beautifully, appears to have lost his magic touch while working this adventure. He places his Tarzan (a grim Alexander Skaarsgard) in a shadowy, dark African jungle.The result is a film thats bleached of most of its color. A starry cast and hordes of CGI animals dont elevate the proceedings much.The plot is familiar in bits we get regular flashbacks that reveal how John Clayton III, the fifth Earl of Greystoke in 1880s England, was raised as Tarzan by apes, and how he left for civilization with his love Jane (a spunky Margot Robbie). But the film focuses on Johns return to the Congo to rescue his African brothers whose tribes are being enslaved by the Belgian kings envoy Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz in a white suit but with a black heart).When Jane falls into Roms clutches, Tarzan goes on a rescue trail, joined by the smart-talking George Washington Williams (Samuel L Jackson), whos on a mission to free slaves in Africa. There are subplots involving diamonds, colonization and revenge, but despite this over-populated narrative, the film moves slower than a sloth.Not surprisingly, the best bits come as Tarzan swings his way into the forest and communicates with animals as lord of the jungle. A scene where he goes head to head with his ape brother is especially impressive. Skaarsgard is up for the sheer physicality of his role, but looks too morose throughout and therefore one-note. His pecs seem to do most of the emoting here. Robbie, Waltz and Jackson add chutzpah, but occasionally slip into overacting, making this film a complete ham and cheese sandwich.Im going with two out of five for The Legend of Tarzan. This is a pale, watered-down take on the iconic hero. Perhaps Tarzan was best left in the jungle.What's your reaction to 'The Legend of Tarzan'? After the Wednesday meeting, speculation mounted that Modi, who took over as the Prime Minister in May 2014, may carry out his first major ministerial reshuffle. Overall it was a lengthy exercise as several ministers were asked to make presentations of the works of their ministries. Basically a comparative study of some key developmental and social service ministries were made on the situation in 2014 and now after two years," a source told IANS on the condition of anonymity. Amid speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his council of ministers and reviewed important projects and works of various ministries, official sources said.Modi's meeting with his council of ministers comes a day after he met Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence.The sources said the union ministers also made presentations on the performance of their ministries to Modi.In the possible reshuffle and expansion of his council of ministers, the Prime Minister is likely to keep regional balances especially in view of coming elections in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab.Even as there was no confirmation whether a possible "reshuffle" of the Union council of ministers figured in Thursday's meeting, party sources earlier this month had indicated that the Modi and the BJP leadership could consider "additional representation" from poll-bound states in the expansion.A senior party leader, however, said, "cabinet expansion or reshuffle is essentially a prerogative of Prime Minister".The possible reshuffle of the union council of ministers could actually also coincide with an organisational shape up in the BJP. New Delhi: Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi said it is not seeking exemption from Indian government to fulfil the 30 per cent local sourcing norm, as it already makes 75 per cent of devices locally that are sold in India. "We are manufacturing 75 per cent of devices that we sell in India locally. From that perspective, we don't need any kind of exemption. Our application is still under the purview of the government. We probably will be able to know about it in some time and then share more details," Xiaomi India Head Manu Kumar Jain told PTI. Xiaomi, in April this year, had approached the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) for opening single brand retail stores in India. Apple too applied for opening single brand retail stores but lobbied hard for the exemption from the mandatory 30 per cent local sourcing saying that its products have high-end technology which could not be sourced from local vendors. Xiaomi also sought exemption initially but retracted later. The government, on June 20 this year, relaxed FDI norms by giving a three-year exemption from local sourcing to foreign players in single-brand retail and a further five-year relaxation for 'state-of-art' and 'cutting-edge' technology. The decision to relax the norms was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jain was speaking on the sidelines of company's event where it unveiled 4G smartphone Mi Max with 6.44 inch display for a starting price of Rs 14,999. The phone will start selling on Xiaomi's website Mi.com from July 6 and on other e-commerce platform from July 13. Beijing: A Taiwanese warship on Friday "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China as it celebrated 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party amid assertions by President Xi Jinping ruling out independence for Taiwan. The "accidental launch" of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the island's defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometers, flew about 75 kilometers before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwan's independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at the ceremony. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told media after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. James River State Park is hosting a Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps crew (YCC) through July 16. Youth crews consist of 10 teenagers, ages 14 to 17, from diverse backgrounds; and three college-age or older crew leaders. The program combines work experience, education and life-skills development within the framework of environmental and community service. The programs boosts youth development while raising environmental awareness and completing necessary projects in the park. It offers youth an opportunity to live away from home in a park setting under the supervision of dedicated mentors. By day, the crews carry out priority park projects. After hours they bond as a team through interpretive environmental programs, cooking, cleaning and sharing meals together. In the 1970s the federal government supported a youth conservation corps in Virginia, but as the funding dried up, the program ended. Virginia State Parks revamped the program in 2000 as a way to reach high school-age youth. Since that time, approximately 2,500 youth have participated in the program, which could be considered a stepping stone into employment for some of the Virginia State Parks staff. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reservations at a campsite or cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at (800) 933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. 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? GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. Ailing Manning forgives praying haters The prayer read: No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper and every tongue which rises against me in judgment, I do condemn. This is my heritage as a servant of the Lord and my righteousness is from You, O Lord of Hosts. If there are those who have been speaking or praying against me, or seeking to harm or evil to me, or who have rejected me, I forgive them. Having forgiven them, I bless them in the name of the Lord. For the last four years, Manning has been battling ill health. In January 2012, Manning suffered a stroke causing him to spend several days at hospital. He also sought rehabilitation at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC. Since Mannings latest health challenge was revealed on Tuesday by his former Cabinet colleague and now Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at a function in Port-of-Spain, there have been mixed comments coming from the public on social media. Dr Rowley called on the nation to pray for Mr Manning. In an interview with Newsday yesterday, SFGH Medical Director Dr Anand Chatoorgoon said Manning was receiving the best care ever at the institution. He is still at the hospital with us and we are looking after him nicely. He is being looked after by a wonderful team of doctors who are watching his progress to see how he does, Dr Chatoorgoon said. Mannings wife Hazel, in her latest update, From Mrs Hazel Manning, which was posted at about 2.30 pm yesterday, said: Mr Mannings condition continues to be stable. He is reasonably comfortable, chatty and jocular. We await final results of tests to confirm and manage the underlying cause of his illness. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. On Tuesday, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves arrived in Trinidad and went straight to the General Hospital to pay a visit to my good friend Patrick. On leaving the ward, PM Gonsalves reported that Manning was in cheerful spirits. TT State officials in bribery, sabotage Some government officials report that law enforcement and immigration officials received bribes in exchange for protection and sabotaging police investigations, says the US Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report 2016. A National Security Ministry source said one police station routinely sent new recruits to purchase commercial sex from a local brothel. Further, In a separate case, an NGO reported that police frequented a brothel to procure commercial sex, including from potential trafficking victims, and brothel owners intimidated victims by claiming friendship with police officials. The report also states, The National Security Ministry reported that law enforcement and immigration officials were complicit in trafficking crimes. The Government reported one new investigation of a police officer complicit in sex trafficking; the 2013 prosecution of a law enforcement official for the sex trafficking of three Colombian nationals remained ongoing. The report was referred to by National Security Minister Edmund Dillon yesterday at the Cabinet media briefing. He said this country still remains on a second-tier watch list. However, steps have been taken to move out of that designation. He gave no details. Some of the other countries on the Tier 2 watch list are: Afghanistan, Congo, Antigua and Barbuda, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, St Lucia, Kuwait and Hong Kong. Dillon said there was one TT national who had been placed on 21 charges as a child sex trafficker. The report also states, The Government made modest law enforcement efforts; official complicity continued to undermine government efforts. It stated the Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011 prohibits both sex trafficking and forced labour and prescribes penalties of 15 years to life imprisonment and fines. During the reporting period, the Governments anti-trafficking unit investigated 53 possible cases of trafficking, at least one of which was for labour trafficking, compared with 35 cases in 2014. The Government initiated the prosecution of five accused traffickers under the anti-trafficking law, compared with one in 2014 and 12 in 2013, says the report. The Government also charged one suspected trafficker in its first child sex trafficking case. Prosecutions from previous reporting periods involving 10 suspected traffickers were ongoing. The Government has yet to convict a trafficker. Further, Inefficiencies in the judicial system resulted in a significant backlog of cases. The interagency Counter-Trafficking Unit within the National Security Ministry led efforts to investigate sex trafficking and forced labour and provide victim services, but suffered from institutional challenges. Its staff of police and immigration officers reported to their respective agencies and not to the head of the unit. The report said the unit lacked permanent leadership throughout the reporting period. The Government assigned four additional personnel to the unit during the reporting period, bringing the total to ten law enforcement and two immigration officers, and increased the units budget to $8 million, up from $5 million. Mottley in, Jones out Of Jones, Rowley said prosecution and persecution were two different things and Jones was one of two people who did yeomens service. There are two people in this country who have given yeomans service in the energy area which has put us where we are today in a lot of things that we take for granted, the Prime Minister said. One of those persons is Professor Ken Julien and the other is Malcolm Jones. These are pioneers. At the same time, Rowley said of Jones, In the area of Petrotrin where Malcolm Jones was executive chairman, there was one project that went horribly bad. That is not an issue for debate. But with hindsight some things can look clearer... It was a business deal that went bad and Petrotrin tried to recover its position by going for arbitration before the Government changed in 2010. He said even in the non-State sector, there are business risks. I am sure if you look in the private sector you will see that sometimes deals go bad. He cited the failed Carlton Savannah Hotel, funded to the tune of $400 million through FCB, a bank once led by a person who later became a Peoples Partnership Finance Minister. Of this he gave no further details. Rowley said Jones should not be targeted just because he is a friend of former PNM Prime Minister Patrick Manning. He said Jones was singled out as opposed to the board. It is a well known fact that Patrick Manning started his working career in the Petrotrin refinery and Malcolm Jones and Patrick Manning were bosom friends throughout their working life, the Prime Minister said. To this day they are friends. And of course Malcolm Jones is to be persecuted as an individual. All other individuals (on the Petrotrin board) are allowed to go scot-free for whatever decision they took in a deal that went bad. Rowley said he wanted Jones on the Standing Energy Committee to give background on what was the state of Petrotrin. He said Jones was last October reluctant to be a member of the Committee due to health issues. In his resignation letter on March 23, Jones cited health concerns, for quitting. The Prime Minister dismissed as absolute rubbish suggestions of a deal with Niquan in relation to the assets of the failed GTL project. In relation to Sandals, Rowley said Cabinet agreed to appoint a team including chairman Mottley, Terrence Farrell; Dr Rolph Balgobin; Michael Small; Glen Leslie; Nadira Lyder and two THA representatives. He said the aim is to increase roomstock by 750 and there are plans to turn the Magdalena into a brand name hotel as well. We are looking and we are wanting that label (Sandals) in Tobago and we are working on it, Rowley said. This group will be the one that will do the negotiations for what is to happen with respect to this project that we are pursing. He said Mottley was also appointed to the Standing Energy Committee but the Prime Minister did not say when. Rowley said when Jones resigned he was in talks with Mottley to join the same Energy Committee. He said Mottley only wanted a limited role in the Energy Committee. But Rowley said he persuaded Mottley to help. Petrotrins debt is heavily leveraged, the Prime Minister said. It is causing me to pull my hair out. He said he twisted Mottleys arm to also help with Sandals. Rowley said a Cabinet note on the Jones resignation came on April 7. There was no announcement at the media briefing held on April 7, April 14, April 21, and April 28. Thanks to FDA, Women Will Be Told of Their Breast Density (Newser) The jarring image from 1930 remains a seminal one in civil rights historyit shows a white crowd mingling in front of two black teenagers lynched in front of the jail in Marion, Indiana. At BuzzFeed, Syreeta McFadden explores a facet to the lynching that may surprise many who have come across the photo: The crowd began to lynch a third teenager that day by the name of James Cameron, but Cameron lived to tell the tale. In fact, he would dedicate the rest of his lifehe died in 2006 at age 92to educating Americans about racism, most notably by opening the American Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee and writing a memoir. Drawing on that book, A Time of Terror, and other sources, McFadden recounts his brush with death. It began when Cameron, then 16, and the two other teensThomas Shipp, 18, and Abram Smith, 19tried to rob a white couple at a local lover's lane. Cameron says he left mid-robbery, only to hear gunshots in the distance. The white male was killed, and police soon had the three black teens in jail. After the white woman in the incident accused the three of rapean allegation she would later recanta mob stormed the jail. The crowd beat and lynched first Shipp, then Smith, and then came for Cameron. The rope was around his neck when, as he recalled, a "feminine" and "sweet" voice spoke up. Take this boy back. He had nothing to do with any raping or killing." Amazingly, the crowd did just that. Just who spoke upif anyoneremains unclear to this day. Cameron would serve time for accessory to manslaughter, but he was freed at the age of 21. His museum is now shuttered, but a movement is afoot to open it again. Click for the full article. (Read more lynching stories.) (Newser) Mystery surrounds the explosion of a home in Mississauga, Ontario, Tuesday. A woman's body was recovered from the rubble that day, and on Thursday night, a man's body was found, Global News reports. Their identities have not been released, but police have released the names of two people "associated" with the residence, Robert Nadler and Diane Page, and said they have not yet made contact with either of those people. The explosion, which damaged as many as 25 surrounding residences and injured nine people, is now being considered a criminal investigation, but the homicide bureau is not yet involved and authorities say the explosion could still be determined to have been accidental. However, the CBC reports, "disturbing" notes have been found at the scene of the explosion, though officials haven't formally connected the notes to the house itself. The notes are apologetic, written by a person who says he or she is in pain, prays God will help, and asks forgiveness for "what they were about to do," says one neighbor who found some of the notes. Another note describes health problems suffered by the writer and her husband, asking, "Why are we still here God?" Yet another also discusses ongoing health problems and the writer apologizes for not being able to keep up with care of the home. "I am sorry the house is a mess," it reads. "I stopped vacumming [sic] when the power went off in the upstairs bathrooms. I stopped ironing a few month ago; When I could not stand up for long periods of time. I stopped dusting when I had to deal with my vertigo. I just stopped caring as much because of my pain I trust God to look after me and my husband to take us home." Neighbors say that, in recent months, the house appeared vacant, with tinfoil covering the windows and overgrown grass not getting cut. (Read more explosion stories.) (Newser) Americans love Mexican beer. The US imports more beer from its neighbor to the south than all other importers put together, and Corona is the country's fifth best-selling beer, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2015. But the mayor of the municipality of Zaragoza just south of the US border says a brewery therewhich produces Corona among other beers and was bought by US firm Constellation Brands in 2013is sucking so much water from the region's already dry wells that it has left the area bone dry. "WE HAVE NO WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION," he writes in a single-sentence letter to the Coahuila state governor, and tells the Guardian there's "barely a drop of water when you open the tap." The beer produced by the brewery is exported to the US, and Constellation Brands in June 2015 announced a $2 billion investment to expand the facility, Reuters reported. Its aim: to produce and fill 20 million bottles of beer a day by 2017. In comments to the Guardian, a rep for the brewery dismissed the mayor's comments, saying the local aquifer is replenished at rate greater than that at which the brewery removes beer from it. He also asserted that Zaragoza would have water problems even without the presence of the brewery. Indeed, a public administration professor notes arid conditions are typical of the region, though he blames business interests for making the problem worse. "Were still giving concessions to private entities on the premise of bringing jobs." Constellation Brands had previously said the expanded brewery would mean another 2,500 jobs. (Read more water shortage stories.) (Newser) A 38-year-old American Army vet who supported Brexit has lived in England for nearly two decadesbut three young men decided earlier this week to taunt him with racist, anti-immigration comments in a confrontation that's since gone viral, NBC News reports. Juan Jassowho's been pegged "Super Juan" in local media for his composure as he was verbally abused on a Manchester tram Tuesday by the apparently inebriated trio, ages 16, 18, and 20was filmed by another passenger on the crowded train after he raised the youths' ire by telling them to watch their language, the Guardian reports. "You're not even from England, you little f---ing immigrant. Get off the f---ing tram now. Get back to Africa," said one of the young men, while another splashed booze on Jasso. Jasso then pointed out he had likely been in the UK longer than one of the youths had been alive, per the New York Times. One commuter yelled after the three perpetrators as they disembarked, "You are an absolute disgrace to England." Although it's technically true that Jasso is an immigrant (he came across the pond from Brownsville, Texas, 18 years ago), the Times points out that he doesn't fall under the umbrella of immigrants who usually face the wrath of xenophobes in Europehe's of Mexican heritage, not Middle Eastern, African, or Eastern European. And his pro-Brexit stancewhich he says was impacted somewhat by a military background that pushed a nationalistic stancehas surprised many Britons who've come to defend him after the video made the news. But Jasso notes that he thinks the men, who were arrested for their actions on charges of "affray" (public fighting that disturbs the peace), were an anomaly in the tolerant city of Manchester. "The people who attacked me probably had the same mentality before the Brexit vote," he tells the Times. "My impression is that they were uneducated and ignorant." (Some Brexit reactions railed against xenophobia.) (Newser) With rumors that Donald Trump could announce his running mate as early as next week, five anonymous sources "with knowledge of the process" tell the Washington Post that Newt Gingrich and Chris Christie are the leading contenders. They've reportedly been asked to answer more than 100 questions and submit tax records, articles they've written, and other personal files. They're being vetted by the same lawyer who vetted Sarah Palin in 2008. The Huffington Post notes Christie is already leading Trump's transition team and may also be working behind the scenes to drum up donations from GOP insiders hesitant to back Trump. While both Christie and Gingrich have been relatively long-term Trump supporters, there are issues with both of them as running mates, the Guardian reports. Gingrich could clash with Trump's "outsider message," while Christie's time as governor of New Jersey has been beset with controversies. Other possible running mates being discussed by the Trump campaign include Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. The campaign is reportedly looking for someone with a lot of political experience or who has a good relationship with the GOP establishment. They also need someone who can talk with Trump and "defend his nontraditional platform." (Read more Donald Trump stories.) (Newser) Karenna Gore, the oldest daughter of Al Gore, was arrested along with 22 other activists during a protest Wednesday in Boston, Grist reports. The group was protesting a pipeline being built by Spectra Energy that will move fracked gas through a Boston neighborhood. According to WCVB, Gore, a mother of three, traveled from New York to join the protest. She tells the AP that protesters "made the case that there are higher moral principles at stake here that merit nonviolent civil disobedience." Protesterswho are concerned about the safety of the pipeline for residents, as well as the harm burning natural gas does to the environmentlaid down in the pipeline trench, blocking construction. Lying down in the trench was also meant to draw attention to the mass grave recently dug by Pakistan in preparation for summer heat waves. "We were arrested because the laws and policies regarding climate change are so out of step with what is required to meet this challenge," Grist quotes Gore as saying. Protesters are facing trespassing and disturbing the peace charges. Gore and a number of others are facing additional charges of resisting arrest. Al Gore tells the AP he's proud of his daughter. (Read more Al Gore stories.) (Newser) Six people have been shotfive fatallywithin a four-mile radius in west Phoenix's Maryvale neighborhood since April. Now police say a serial killer (or killers) may be on the loose. Authorities have made little progress in the investigation but say all six victimsaged 12 to 32were shot outside their homes or near their cars on weekend evenings. Though there is no apparent motive in any of the shootings, physical evidence connects them, police sources say without elaborating. Diego Verdugo-Sanchez, 21, appears to have been the first victim, shot outside his fiance's family home while locking his car door around 9pm on April 1, reports NBC News. Then on June 3, Horacio de Jesus Pena, 32, was killed just feet from his car after returning home from work at 9:50pm, reports the Arizona Republic. A week later, Manuel Castro Garcia, 19, was shot dead while outside his home at 9:30pm. Two days after that, on June 12, two women and a girl were outside a home around 3am when shots were fired. Angela Linner, 31, and Maleah Russell, 12, were killed. Maleah's mother, Stefanie Ellis, remains at a hospital in critical condition. Police say they have little to go on as witnesses have given varying descriptions of possible suspects. No personal connections have been uncovered between the victims. "There's been no activity, very few tips" despite a $11,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, says an officer. "For not one person to have more information is mind-blowing," says Pena's twin sister. Police say extra officers are patrolling the streets, while a volunteer group known as the Guardian Angels is also keeping watch, per KPNX. (Read more Arizona stories.) (Newser) Edward Snowden: whistleblower, fugitive ... thespian? He can add that last descriptor to his resume after Saturday, when the documentary-style play Privacy is set to kick off at NYC's Public Theater, the New York Times reports. Snowden will have a one-minute-long cameo appearance (a pre-recorded tape transmitted from Moscow), and his co-star will be Harry Potter lead Daniel Radcliffe. The two will go back and forth with snippets from Shakespeare's The Tempest, as well as talk privacy in the digital age. The creators of the originally British productionwhich Playbill says "encourages the use of cell phones during the show"had tried to get in touch with Snowden years ago, but they never connected before the play was performed in London in 2014. But last week, Snowden's ACLU lawyer said the ex-NSA contractor was game, noting, "He is hoping that the playwrights and actors here can take abstract concepts and make them more concrete for people who might not read NSA documents at their computers." (Snowden indirectly got his wish for British PM David Cameron to resign.) (Newser) Starting Friday, most foods made in Vermont with genetically modified organisms must be labeled to indicate thatthe first state to legally require it. Food Safety News provides a quick Q&A on what the law is, which food items are covered by it (pretty much most packaged foods in the US, along with whole produce), how the labels will read, and what happens if retailers don't comply. Some of the buzz surrounding the new GMO law: There's still plenty of uncertainty swirling around the GMO labeling requirement, per the AP, which notes Congress could as soon as next week move forward on a bill that would upend the Vermont law. Here's what implication such a national law could have if put into place, per Public News Service. The Burlington Free Press reports on retailer confusion and concern about the labeling mandate, including manufacturers who are temporarily asking retailers to handle the labeling and worries about certain vendors who may pull their products out of the state. And it looks like one of the world's biggest brands may be one of those vendors. Coca-Cola says it may "temporarily" pull some products off of Vermont shelves, Fox News reports. One person who's been fighting against the federal GMO bill: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who believes a defunding of Planned Parenthood may somehow be caught up in all of this, per Politico. The Hill notes that the FDA also apparently has issues with the proposed federal mandate. Chipotle went GMO-free last year. (Read more GMO stories.) (Newser) During a new interview with W magazine, Thandie Newton made a big revelation: Early in the now-43-year-old's career, an unnamed director sexually abused her during a callback audition. He "had a camera shooting up my skirt and asked me to touch my tits and think about the guy making love to me in the scene. I thought, 'Ok, this is a little weird,' but there was a female casting director in the room and Id done weird stuff before so I did it." While attending a film festival years later, a producer made a strange comment about having "seen" Newton recently. When Newton's husband questioned him further, they found out the director from years back "was showing that audition tape to his friends after poker games at his house. And they would all get off on it." The incident prompted her to prepare her two daughters for what Hollywood can be like, and to speak out. "One person will read this and it will stop them getting sexually abused by a director. Thats the person Im interested in." Click for the full interview. (Read more sexual abuse stories.) (Newser) In an accident that is unlikely to do anything good for China-Taiwan relations, a Taiwanese naval ship docked in the southern city of Kaohsiung mistakenly fired a supersonic missile toward China during a training exercise Friday, killing one. Officials say the missilebuilt to destroy shipstraveled almost a third of the 160-mile distance to China in roughly two minutes before hitting a Taiwanese fishing boat, reports NBC News. The Taiwanese captain was killed, while three crew members from Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines were injured, reports the New York Times. Taiwanese officials say the supersonic missilewhich had a range of about 200 mileswas likely fired by human error and did not cross the midway line in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China, which is celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party. In a speech Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called "for peaceful development of relations" between Taipei and Beijing, as the AP puts it. China still claims Taiwan as part of its territory. (Read more Taiwan stories.) (Newser) An 8-year-old boy who fell into a pool on a cruise ship off the coast of New Jersey and nearly drowned is in critical condition, says the US Coast Guard. A rep tells the New York Daily News that the boy was in the water for eight to 10 minutes Thursday evening before officials with Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas found him, per the AP. The boy received CPR on the ship, which had left New York Harbor bound for the Caribbean but sailed toward Bayonne, New Jersey, the rep says. Fire officials say the boy was taken to a hospital on Staten Island. Royal Caribbean says it's providing support to his family. (Read more Royal Caribbean stories.) (Newser) Attorney General Loretta Lynch intends to accept whatever recommendation career prosecutors and federal agents make in the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, a Justice Department official speaking on condition of anonymity said Friday, per the AP. The revelation comes amid a controversy surrounding an impromptu private discussion that Lynch had with Bill Clinton aboard her plane on the tarmac at a Phoenix airport on Monday. That get-together has been criticized as inappropriate by Republicans and some Democrats. Lynch told reporters that she and Bill Clinton didn't discuss the email investigation during the encounter. Both Lynch and FBI Director James Comey have stressed for months that the email investigation is being handled without regard for politics. But the meeting between Lynch and Bill Clinton caused an immediate political backlash, prompting renewed calls from Republicans for an independent prosecutor. Friday's announcement appeared intended to assuage concerns, particularly among GOPers, that Lynchan Obama appointeemight overrule recommendations on criminal charges from agents and prosecutors who've worked on the case. Disputes on charging decisions between the FBI and the DOJ aren't uncommon, particularly in national security cases, though many legal experts see criminal prosecution in this matter as exceedingly unlikely. Decisions on whether to charge anyone in the case will be made by "career prosecutors and investigators who have been handling this matter since its inception" and reviewed by senior lawyers at the department and the FBI director, the official said. (Read more Loretta Lynch stories.) (Newser) The attack on Istanbul's airport that left dozens dead and hundreds injured Tuesday was likely organized by a one-armed Chechen terrorist who goes by "Akhmed One-Arm," Fox News reports. A news organization in Turkey identified Ahmed Chatayev as the organizer of the terrorist attack, as did US officials, according to CNN. The news has yet to be confirmed by officials in Turkey. A report released in October said Chatayev was part of a "group of militants that was planning attacks against US and Turkish facilities. He is or was a top ISIS soldier, and the UN says he has 130 militants directly under his command. "He's ... probably the No. 1 enemy in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia," US Rep. Michael McCaul tells CNN. Heavy has a list of five things to know about Chatayev, including that he claims he lost his arm while being tortured in a Russian prison but may have actually lost it in combat. He spent time as a political prisoner in Georgia and has been arrested in Sweden and the Ukraine in the past decade or so. Amnesty International helped prevent Chatayev from being extradited to Russia, where he was wanted, claiming he would be tortured there. Only two of the three suicide bombers that killed 44 people and wounded more than 200 at Ataturk Airport have been identified, but US officials don't believe Chatayev was the third. The bombers have been linked to Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. And while ISIS hasn't claimed responsibility, officials believe the terrorist organization is behind the attack. (Read more terrorist attack stories.) (Newser) Shanika Minor became just the 10th woman ever to make the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list when she was added this week for allegedly killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child, the Washington Post reports. On Friday, she was captured. Back in March, Minor's mother complained about her neighbor, 23-year-old Tamecca Perry, playing loud music. According to NBC News, Perry and Minor had gone to high school together. Minor confronted Perry outside her Milwaukee duplex, allegedly while holding a gun and challenging Perrynine-months pregnant and due in five daysto fight. Police say Minor shot Perry despite Minor's own mother trying to shield the victim. Perry died in front of her two children. Her unborn child died with her. Minor, 24, hadn't been seen since the shooting, ABC News reports. Authorities believe she had family or friends helping her avoid capture. The FBI was offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to Minor's capture, and someone called early Friday with a tip that she was staying at a motel near the airport in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Minor was arrested without incident. She has been charged with intentional homicide, intentional homicide of an unborn child, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The brutal murder of a mother and her unborn child is reprehensible, the Post quotes a statement from the FBI as saying. (Read more Most Wanted stories.) (Newser) German citizen Khaled al Masri was held and interrogated in a secret CIA prison in Afghanistan for five months in 2004during which time he was kept in a small cell with a bucket for his wastedespite the CIA being fairly certain he wasn't a terrorist and didn't know any terrorists. That's old news at this point. But an internal CIA report released this month following a Freedom of Information Act request from the ACLU shows Masri's detention was "even more outrageous" than previously believed, McClatchy DC reports. To start with, the report reveals two CIA agents justified Masri's continued detention in the face of a complete lack of evidence because they just "knew he was bad." And it gets worse. Masri was questioned in English, which he spoke only poorly," according to the report. He was also accused of traveling around Europe with a fake German passport; yet no one at the CIA even looked at his passport until he had spent three months in prison. It was real. The CIA also admitted had Masri been detained by the US military, he probably would have been released "within hours." And it appears CIA agents and officials spent the last two months of Masri's detention trying to figure out how to release him without admitting they made a mistake. In the end, they dumped him in Albania, then pretended they'd never had him in the first place. Adding insult to injury, two of the men most responsible for Masri's ordeal were promoted. The ACLU is attempting to get Masri an official apology from the US. This is the very least President Obama can do before leaving office, McClatchy quotes Masri's attorney as saying. Read the full story here. (Read more Khaled el Masri stories.) London: Britains powerful Home Secretary Theresa May launched her bid to succeed Prime Minister David Cameron as the front-runner Boris Johnson in a surprise announcement ruled himself out of contention, making the race for Conservative party leadership a five-way contest. After Johnsons announcement not to contest, May is now the clear favourite as a unifying candidate after a referendum campaign that exposed deep divisions within the party. The former London Mayor and top Brexit campaigner was seen as her main rival to replace Cameron who had announced he will step down after the referendum results in favour of Britains exit from the European Union (EU) last week. My pitch is very simple. Im Theresa May and I think Im the best person to be prime minister of this country, May, who has been the UKs longest serving home secretary, said at a press conference. She underlined that Brexit means Brexit as she announced that she will be running for party leadership contest, which is set to conclude by September 9. Our country needs strong proven leadership to negotiate the best possible terms for the UK leaving the EU. Brexit means Brexit. The campaign was fought, the vote was held, turnout was high and the public has given its verdict, the 59-year-old Conservative party leader said, adding, We need leadership that can unite our party and our country. May, who was appointed Home minister by Cameron in 2010 and again after last years general elections, said that among her first jobs as the Prime Minister would be to create a new government department responsible for negotiating Britains exit from the EU, headed by an MP who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU. She spoke about invoking Article 50, the formal procedure for leaving the EU, which Cameron has left for his successor to do. Article 50 should not be invoked before the end of the year, she said. She argued that under her leadership the Conservative Party will come back together, not just for Remain or Brexit, but for the whole country. I know Im not a showy politician...I dont go drinking in Parliaments bars. I dont wear my heart on my sleeve, I just get on with the job in front of me and you can judge me by my record, May said. Calling for an open contest, she added: Whether its a woman or a man its about the qualities of the people doing the job. If May succeeds in her bid to be the Prime Minister, she will become Britains second female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher, someone she has been inevitably compared with due to her no-nonsense political demeanour and smart wardrobe. Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances of Parliament I have concluded that person (party leader) cannot be me, Johnson told reporters at a press conference just before the deadline closed all nominations. His surprise announcement came as justice secretary Michael Gove, his key aide in the Brexit campaign and widely expected to back his leadership bid, threw his own hat in the ring instead with a stinging attack on Johnson. I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future. But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead. I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership, Gove said in a statement earlier today. Another Tory Brexit champion, Andrea Leadson, who was also expected to back Johnson also announced she would herself be running for leadership. Delighted to say Im running for the @Conservatives Leadership. Lets make the most of the Brexit opportunities! #FreshStart, the minister of state for energy in the UKs Department of Energy and Climate Change tweeted. Others who had already confirmed their candidature include work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb and former defence secretary Liam Fox, making it a five-way contest. A short-list of two candidates will move forward to the final stages of voting by party members. Whoever next ends up in No. 10 Downing Street will begin extracting the UK from the economic bloc as Cameron said it will be the new Prime Minister who will take the negotiations forward. The partys executive committee has finalised the time-frame for the contest so that a new leader and PM is declared by September 9. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Amarnath Yatra, a 141 km holy journey from Srinagar to the shrine through Phalagam town. The Shrine forms an important part of Hinduism. Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in JulyAugust, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana. This year, the Yatra would commence on 2 July and end after 48 days on 18 August. Route Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The latter journey takes approximately 5 days. Facilities En route the cave, various NGO set up food supply and resting tents which are available for free to the pilgrims. Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni are also available from various private operators. Security Every year, thousands of central police and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine. Registration The Registration Process for Shri Amarnath Yatra 2016 start about 2 to 3 months before the actual date of Yatra. The Board had updated its Official website for Formats of Registration form and Health Certificate. Amarnath Yatra registration and issuance of Yatra Permits (YP) done on the "First Come, First Serve " basis. Route Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The latter journey takes approximately 5 days. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister-led Central government has asked the Law Commission to examine the issue of implementing the uniform civil code. This big step, which has been taken for the first time, is likely to spark a heated political debate ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. In a letter to the Law Commission, the Law Ministry has sought detailed report on the implications of the implementation of a uniform civil code. The Law Ministry has asked Law Commission to examine the matter in relation to uniform civil code and submit a report. Retired Supreme Court Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan currently heads the Law Commission, which will submit its report soon. Article 44 sets implementation of uniform civil code as the duty of the State. It has always been a controversial issue since 1985. If the Uniform Civil Code is implemented, all the Indian citizens will come under personal laws irrespective of their religion. India currently has different personal laws for Hindus and Muslims. The move assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of triple talaq, which many complain is abused by Muslim men to arbitrarily divorce their wives. Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had earlier said that the issue could be referred to the Law Commission for examination. Gowda had said wider consultations will be held with various personal law boards and other stakeholders to evolve a consensus and the process may take some time. ...Even the Preamble of our Constitution and Article 44 of the Constitution do say that there should be a Uniform Civil Code...it needs to have a wider consultation, he had said. A decision cannot be done in a day or two. It will take its own time, Gowda had said. Implementation of a common civil code is part of the BJPs election manifesto. But the NDA, when it came to power in 1998 and 1999 and now under Narendra Modi, had kept contentious issues, including the UCC, on the backburner. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A bonanza awaits expecting mothers working across private sectors. The government has started to formally roll out the process of increasing the maternity leaves of pregnant employees from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. While there is already a provision of 26-week or six-month maternity leave for the government employees, most private sector firms offer maximum three months of such leave. Besides, these benefits are not provided at all in many smaller establishments. "There are certain establishments where they can get (the permission to work from home). But in other establishments they will get the facility of (26 weeks maternity leave) after amendment in the Act," Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said. A group of ministers led by finance minister Arun Jaitley accepted the labour ministrys proposal to increase maternity leave for working women on 29 June. We will now move the cabinet to get the proposal to amend the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 cleared, said a senior labour ministry official. Women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi met labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Wednesday and requested him to expedite the process. If the Union cabinet clears the proposal, India will become one of the 40 countries where maternity leave benefits span more than 18 weeks. The International Labour Organizations (ILO) Maternity Protection Convention mandates a minimum 14 weeks of maternity benefit to women but recommends that countries should increase it to 18 weeks. According to ILOs Working Conditions Laws Report 2012, among countries in Asia and the Pacific, 82% have legislation requiring from 12 to more than 18 weeks of maternity leave. Half of these countries legally stipulate 12-13 weeks of maternity leave, with more than a quarter (29%) providing 14- 17 weeks. Recent statistics by ILO also showed that Indian women were leaving the workplace at a rate faster than anywhere in the world. Experts said paltry maternity leave and consequent pressure to return to the workplace was one of the reasons new mothers were forced to quit. Gandhi wrote to Dattatreya last year, proposing the maternity leave currently granted to working women should be increased to eight months, so as to enable mothers to take better care of their newborns. However, the proposal was rejected. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day visit to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya beginning July 7, with an aim to further deepen Indias engagement with the resource-rich African continent where China has been expanding its influence. The Prime Ministers visit comes within weeks after President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari travelled to Africa to strengthen and reinvigorate Indias ties. The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Indias current trade with Africa is around USD 75 billion and it has granted a whopping USD 7.4 billion for various developmental and capacity building projects in the past four years. India has implemented nearly 140 projects in 41 African countries during the period. Modis first destination will be Mozambique where he will have bilateral discussions with President Nyusi on July 7 to expand existing cooperation. In the second leg of his tour from July 8 to 9, Modi will be in South Africa where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban during the visit, Swarup said. Indias ties with South Africa is considered crucial and both countries work closely in various multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), tripartite grouping IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC, a bloc of four large countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China. On July 10, the Prime Minister will have meetings with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on a range of areas with an aim to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest, said Swarup. On the final leg of his trip, Modi will travel to Kenya where he will have bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta. The Prime Minister will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects Indias desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners, said Swarup. India had organised a four-day-long summit here with African countries in October last year which was attended by representatives of 54 African nations, including heads of state and government of around 40 countries. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington : The US has condemned the terror attack in Kabul that killed 37 police cadets, and underscored its commitment to support the Afghan government militarily and economically. This incident during the Holy Month of Ramadan underscores the extremists complete disregard for human life and the harm that they continue to inflict on the Afghan people, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. Attacks like these are going to only deepen our support for the people and the government of Afghanistan and their efforts to bring security and stability to their country, he said while condemning the horrific multipart attack. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the terror attack is an indication of something that we have long acknowledged, which is that security situation in Afghanistan is quite difficult, particularly in the fighting season. But what is true, and what continues to be true, is that the Afghan forces are showing great determination and resilience, even in the face of some setbacks, he said. What is important is the continued commitment of the United States and NATO and other international contributors to the Afghan government and the Afghan security forces, he added. Observing that the US and its coalition partners have good partners in the Afghan government, he said it is important that they continue to support them both militarily and economically as they seek to rebuild the institutions of that country and strengthen security forces. The Department of Defense, he said, is still continuing with its review of the Afghan policy. The last I heard, which is I guess a week or so ago, is that the conclusions of that review have not been presented to the President at this point, he said. The President will carefully consider not just the judgement of his military commanders on the ground, but also the other members of his national security as he continues to evaluate our strategy in Afghanistan, Earnest said. The twin suicide attack on a convoy of buses carrying police cadets killed 37 people and wounded 40 others. The attack comes little over a week after 14 Nepali security guards who were heading to work at the Canadian embassy were killed in a massive blast that left their yellow minibus spattered with blood. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Condemning the terrorist attack on a police convoy in Kabul that killed 37 people, President Pranab Mukherjee has said India will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan in fighting all forms of terrorism effectively. In a message to the President of Afghanistan yesterday, the President expressed deepest condolence on the loss of lives and injuries as a result of the dastardly terrorist attack. India strongly condemns this brutal act of terrorism which is another reminder of the grave danger posed in our region by terrorism and violence inflicted on our peoples by forces inimical to peace, stability and progress. India will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan in fighting all forms of terrorism effectively, he said, according to a press release issued today by Rashtrapati Bhavan. A twin suicide attack on a convoy of buses carrying police cadets killed at least 37 people and wounded 40 others in Kabul yesterday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dhaka: Twenty foreigners were brutally hacked to death by ISIS militants inside a restaurant popular with expatriates in the high-security diplomatic zone before commandos launched an assault today killing six attackers and capturing one alive, ending Bangladeshs worst terror attack. Director of Military Operations Brigadier General Nayeem Ashfaq Chowdhury said the militants slaughtered 20 hostages before the joint operation led by the armed forces began. Most of those killed were found with their throat slit, he added. Army Para commando Unit-1 led the operation and killed six terrorists within 13 minutes, Chowdhury told reporters. The mission codenamed Operation Thunderbolt was launched after the Prime Minister ordered the army to intervene to end the hostage crisis, he said. All 20 hostages killed were foreigners, with most being Italian or Japanese. Two senior police officers were also killed in the gunbattle that began last night. He said the bodies of the victims were recovered during a search in the Holey Artisan Bakery compound after the operation. The bodies were shifted to the Combined Military Hospital morgue for autopsy to confirm their identity. Gunshots and sounds of explosion rocked the area at 7:40 AM (local time) as security forces launched the final assault to end the siege. Minutes later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the end of siege and said security forces successfully wrapped up their operation, freeing 13 hostages after killing six terrorists and capturing one militant at the Spanish cafe. It was an extremely heinous act. What kind of Muslims are these people? They dont have any religion, she said in a televised speech, referring to the terrorists. They (gunmen) defied the call of Ramadans tarabi (special evening) prayers and went to kill people...The way they killed people is intolerable. They dont have any religion...terrorism is their religion, said Hasina, with Army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq by her side. I thank Allah as we could destroy the terrorists and rescue the hostages, Hasina said, adding that none of the terrorists could flee the scene, six of them were killed on the spot and one was captured alive. Hasina vowed to do everything to uproot the militants and violent extremists from Bangladesh. Among those rescued were Indian, Sri Lankan and Japanese nationals, media reports said. Hasina said around 30 people were injured in the attack. Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq news agency, nearly four hours after the hostage crisis unfolded, according to the US-based SITE Intelligence group, which monitors jihadist activity online. It later issued a number of photographs of what it said were scenes from inside the restaurant. The pictures showed what appeared to be a number of bodies lying in pools of blood. Heavy firing and explosions continued at least for an hour after the operation began this morning. A resident of a building, just 50 yards from the scene, reported spotting snipers firing from their guns. Shots were also fired from armoured personnel carriers (APCs). Grenades were also apparently exploded. Later, the APCs broke through the walls and entered the restaurant premises. After hours of quiet at the Holey Artisan Bakery where terrorists were holding hostages, a fresh round of heavy gunfire rang out in the morning. Our law enforcement agencies responded promptly soon after the terrorists raided the restaurant...as they were about to take action, two police officers were killed by the terrorists, Hasina said. She said the situation prompted the authorities to call out army commandos from cantonments in north-eastern Sylhet, suburban Savar and the Dhaka garrison overnight. At around 4 in the morning, the operational plan was laid out and the security forces launched the assault, she said. Army men in armoured personnel carriers (APCs) had moved in with commandos. Over 1,000 rounds of gunshots were fired and almost 100 blasts were heard in the first half an hour of the raid, media reports said. Last night, terrorists shouting Allahu Akbar barged into the cafe, frequented by diplomats and expatriates, and opened indiscriminate fire at around 9:20 PM (local time). The military-led rescue operation today was launched jointly by a navy commando squad, paramilitary BGB, elite anti-crime RAB along with special police units. The deceased policemen have been identified as officer in-charge of nearby Banani police station, Salahuddin Ahmed and Additional Commissioner of Police Rabiul. An Argentine national and a local escaped after taking refuge in a nearby house when the gunmen entered the restaurant. Police said they have detained two employees of the eatery for questioning. The Muslim-majority Bangladesh has witnessed a wave of deadly attacks on religious minorities and secular bloggers by suspected Islamist militants. A 48-year-old Hindu priest was today stabbed and critically injured by unknown assailants in Satkhira district. A Hindu priest and a Buddhist leader were brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants in the last two days while another Hindu man survived a bid on his life. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This summer, Geoffrey Zakarian is bringing his neighborhood cafe, the National, to the backcountry of Greenwich. Zakarian has teamed up with the Greenwich Polo Club to serve food, signature cocktails and iced beverages on each match day from now until September. This includes the July 10 and 17 matches for the Butler Handicap, as well as the August 28 and September 4 and 11 matches for the East Coast Open, which is the largest event of the summer with eight teams competing and the finals being televised. We have always loved the Greenwich Polo Club and have enjoyed many matches with our family, Zakarian said. It is important for us that our restaurant is a true part of the community and the opportunity with polo was a perfect fit. The Greenwich Polo Club built a beautiful wooden bar that would feature the National for the 2016 season. The duo envisioned an upscale bar on the grounds for guests to socialize, as well as have the convenience of not bringing their own food and drink. Zakarian worked with Mariana Castro, director of marketing at the Greenwich Polo Club, as he crafted a menu for their guests. The brands are similarly aligned in the experience we both want to provide our patrons: a place to gather with friends and family, create memories and come back to often, Zakarian said. Next to the grandstands on the polo grounds, the pop-up cafe will feature lunchboxes-to-go including a choice of sandwich, cookie and house-made potato chips; orders must be placed at least 72 hours in advance. Sandwich options include everything from a wood-grilled sirloin to a smoked king salmon. On the sweeter side, guests can choose from chocolate chip, mudslide or snickerdoodle cookies. The pop-up will also have two signature cocktails: the Connecticut Derby and the Greenwich Means Thyme. The former is a mix of Four Roses bourbon, fresh lime juice and fresh mint, while the latter combines Wint & Lila Gin with fresh lemon juice, honey syrup and muddled thyme. With polo being open to the public the idea was to bring something different that will make the high-goal polo experience even more memorable, Zakarian said. To heighten it from all of the senses and create a venue for those that want to pop in for a great time, no planning or carrying required. The makeshift bar debuted last month and has been a success so far, according to Zakarian. Who wants to schlep ice and drinks from their car to their seats?, he said. With the bar, we have eliminated that hassle for people, and of course, the rose and champagne stay ice cold throughout the match. It also has become a great social setting next to the grandstands for groups of friends, he added. Megan.Dalton@scni.com; 203-625-4411 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Residents of the Rowayton Woods community are on edge after a teenage girl was attacked and sexually assaulted by a man while jogging on a trail behind the condominiums Friday morning. This is a nice community, and it saddens me that this happened and now we have to be careful, but I think its a sign of the times we live in, said Dana Watson, who moved into the complex four years ago. The typically calm and quiet community plunged into a state of frenzy when police descended on the scene at about 10 a.m., including Connecticut State Police and K-9 units, in search for the suspect, who was described as a white male with a ruddy complexion, gray spiky hair tight on the sides and scruffy facial hair. The man, who is believed to be in his 50s, was wearing blue jean shorts, a yellow shirt and white sneakers. Police set up a perimeter in their search for the suspect. Train traffic was slowed as the search was conducted near the Metro-North Railroad tracks. As of press time, police were still searching for the suspect, who attacked the unsuspecting girl on a wooded trail that loops around a pond behind the complex. Lt. Terrence Blake, a Norwalk Police Department spokesperson, said the man jumpted out from behind a tree, held the victim down, fondled her and scratched her with a compact-type mirror. The victim was able to break free and escape the assault, he said. The girl, who does not live in the condominium complex, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, Blake said. According to a statement from police, there are questions concerning the circumstances presented by the complainant; however the investigation remains ongoing. There does not appear to be any threat or danger to residents of the area, police said. Roton Middle School, which runs a summer program for children, and Rowayton Elementary School were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Brien McMahon High School was also put on lockdown. The lockdown was lifted around noon. Watson, who has a garden plot located right near the entrance to the trail, said that this incident may unfortunately lodge itself in the collective communitys consciousness. The people who walk dogs here will just have to be more aware of their surroundings, said Watson. Were a good community of people here who always have each others backs, so were just eagerly waiting for all the details of this story. The president of the Rowayton Woods Community Association, Colin Hosten, refused to comment on the incident. Police ask that anyone with information contact the Norwalk Police Department at: Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-354-3111. Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website: norwalkpd.com. Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing "NPD" into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637). TORONTO, July 1, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is joining Canadians from coast to coast in celebration of the country's 149th birthday on July 1, marking the end of the four-day national festivities titled "Celebrate Canada." The CRRF began "Celebrate Canada" activities by holding a panel discussion on Bringing Communities together through Reconciliation on June 17 as part of the Diversity Expo. The CRRF also initiated social media campaigns for National Aboriginal Day on June 21 and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24. The CRRF went on to host a webinar focusing on storytelling from different traditions marking Multiculturalism Day on June 27. These activities were part of the CRRF's ongoing efforts to encourage everyone to embrace the promises of diversity and inclusion as we strive to foster a more open and compassionate society. "The month of June was an opportunity to celebrate Canada's diverse communities, our country's multiculturalism and all we have in common," said Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF. "Events around the world and incidents at home remind us that there is still work that must be done to ensure respect for the full expression of multiculturalism, and the Canadian values remain a vital foundation for our nation. "We'll continue to broaden and deepen the conversation in Halifax, as we culminate our Roundtable series focusing on race relations and multiculturalism in Canada." The CRRF will broaden and deepen the conversation in Halifax on July 11, when it culminates the Urban Agenda Roundtable Series focusing on the promises and challenges of diversity. The conversation will continue in October 2016, at its National Conference and Awards of Excellence, which will bring together thought leaders dedicated to strengthening our understanding and acceptance of Canadian values, belonging and identity. The theme for this year is "Realizing an Inclusive Canada: 2017 and Beyond." "Canada Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to honour each other's inherent human dignity, to appreciate our cultural and religious diversity, and to support the mutuality of our rights and responsibilities as fellow citizens," said Albert Lo, Chairperson, CRRF. "It behooves us to continue reaching out to each other, and in this connection, we invite everyone to look out for future community events that the CRRF will be hosting in your respective areas." About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination. Its mission is to advance Canadian identity in the pursuit of positive race relations, equity, fairness, social inclusion and dignity for all Canadians. The CRRF does this by providing independent, outspoken national leadership, informing national policies and public conversation, and acting as a resource and facilitator. SOURCE Canadian Race Relations Foundation For further information: Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF [email protected], 416-508-9033 By GMM 1 July 2016 - 10:05 As predicted by an F1 pundit, the FIA has quickly closed a loophole allowing teams to minimise tyre pressures. It emerged after Baku that Mercedes and Red Bull were leading the charge with sophisticated axle heating equipment that allows tyres to be minimally inflated on the grid. Jenson Button said on Friday that the minimum pressures demanded by Pirelli in Austria are "unbelievably high". Marc Surer, a former F1 driver turned pundit for German television Sky, said: "But what the teams are doing to heat the whole assembly is highly costly. "So I am sure the FIA will act and ban it for the forthcoming season. Another way would be to measure the pressures before the wheels are fitted." Indeed, Germanys Auto Motor und Sport reports that the FIA has done exactly that, informing teams that pressures will now be checked by Pirelli and the FIA before they are fitted to the cars. The report said the new rule will apply as of Friday practice at the Red Bull Ring. Avatar - Der Herr der Elemente S2 F7 Zukos Erinnerungen Zuko ist nun ohne seinen Onkel auf der Wanderschaft und kommt in eine Stadt des Erdkonigreichs. Dort freundet er sich mit einem einheimischen Jungen an und wird von Erinnerungen an seine eigene Jugend heimgesucht. See list of notable Nigerian politicians who have been detained in Kuje Prison under Buhari's administration. See list of notable Nigerian politicians who have been detained in Kuje Prison under Buhari's administration.1. Umaru Fintiri - A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of a former Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, in Kuje prison, Abuja, over five counts of money laundering charges involving about N1.9bn preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.2. Sambo Dasuki: The former National Security Adviser is on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N13bn. Mr. Dasuki allegedly distributed billions of naira meant for arms purchase for the fight against the insurgent Boko Haram group, to politicians, his cronies and family members.3. Olisah Metuh: Metuh is the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Metuh is charged with breach of public trust, corrupt acquisition of public funds and money laundering. EFCC accused Metuh of receiving the N400m from an unlawful activity of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.4. Olusola Amosu: Air Marshal Amosu (rtd) is the immediate past Chief of Air Staff. He is embroiled in the ongoing probe of the $2.1 billion arms procurement fund. Amosu is accused of engaging in acts that were not only misleading and unpatriotic but of shortchanging the country in procurement deals for attack helicopters and other equipment for the Nigerian Air Force.5. Femi Fani Kayode: A Federal High Court ordered the remand of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode over an alleged fraud of N4.6bn. Fani-Kayode, who was the spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathans campaign organisation in the 2015 general election, was accused of conspiring with the others to directly and indirectly retain various sums which the EFCC claimed they ought to have reasonably known were proceeds of them.6. Alex Badeh: A Federal High Court judge in Abuja sent former Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd) to Kuje prison. Mr. Badeh was arraigned in court for corruptly enriching himself with Nigerian Airforce defense funds to the tune of N4 billion. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed they found over 1 million dollars in hidden safes during a search at the home of the former air force general.7. Abba Moro: Abba Moro is the former Minister of Interior. Moro is currently facing trial over their alleged complicity in a N676 million job recruitment scam. He is answering to an 11-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.8. Uche Secondus: The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP allegedly received 25 exotic cars worth over N300million which the embattled promoter of Atlantic Energy Concepts Limited, Jide Omokore, allegedly bought for top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party. Prince Secondus received the cars for onward distribution to other beneficiaries. Secondus was arrested in his Abuja home.9. Raymond Dokpesi: The AIT Boss, alongside his company, DAAR Investment and Holdings was araigned to the six-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud and breach of public trust preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.10. Lawal Isa Jafaru: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recently arrested Jafaru, who is a former military governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Jafaru is President Mohammadu Buhari's political associate. The retired soldier is believed to have been arrested for receiving over 100 million frrom National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.11. Olusola Oguntoyinbo: Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyinbo was remanded in Kuje prison following his arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Oguntoyinbo, who is a former chief of training and operations of the air force, was accused of receiving the bribe from a contractor with the NAF, Societe D Equipments Internationaux Nigeria Limited, using a company, Spaceweb Integrated Services Limited. Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled her planned trip to the US for the World First Ladies Conference hold... Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled her planned trip to the US for the World First Ladies Conference holding at Colorado.According to NewsDay, the media director in the Office of the Wife of the President, Zakari Nadabo, who announced the cancellation of the US trip, said Aisha chose to perform the lesser hajj instead. No reason was given for the cancellation.Many hoped Aisha would use the US visit to arrest controversies surrounding her name in the Halliburton bribery scandal.Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State had claimed that Aisha Buhari has been avoiding the United States because of her alleged involvement in the scandal.NewsDay A motorcyclist, Kazeem Sani, has been set free by a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, after awaiting trial for 10 years in the K... A motorcyclist, Kazeem Sani, has been set free by a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, after awaiting trial for 10 years in the Kirikiri Medium Prison.Sani, 34, who was accused of stealing a mobile phone valued at N18,000, was said to have been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court sometime in 2006 when the incident happened before the case was referred to the high court.It was learnt that the Ore, Ondo State indigene, was freed after the intervention of some officials of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender.An official of the OPD, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no witness showed up for the case during the period, adding that the matter got to the high court in 2013.He said, He was arrested in 2006. However, the matter was filed at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, on March 27, 2013. That means he spent seven years in custody before his case got to the high court.In the three years that the matter was in court, there was no witness. Three suspects were actually arraigned, but the others secured their bail in 2006 when the incident happened. He also didnt have any legal representative.We were just checking on the cases in court when we came across his matter and we decided to stand for him. Even the court was surprised that he had spent 10 years. We asked the court that the matter be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution and the Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, struck out the matter.The official said Sani could not believe he had been set free until he was reassured by court officials to go home.It was learnt that Sani had only been married for one year and his wife was pregnant as of the time of the incident.Court documents obtained by newsmen revealed that Sani and two others, Ezekiel Oriyomi and Bashiru Olaide, were arraigned for robbery.The police, in the three counts, said Sani, and others, on July 7, 2006 dispossessed one Chike of his mobile phone valued at N18,000 at Oluti bus stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Lagos.But the discharged and acquitted Sani told reporters that he did not steal the phone.He said, I am a tailor by craft, but when I saw that my earnings were not sufficient to cater to the need of my wife, whom I just married, I decided to start riding a motorcycle to augment my income.While coming from my house at Idi-Iroko, Sango, on July 6, 2006, two men asked me to carry them to Agege. On the way, some officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, started flagging me down.When I stopped, the two men on my motorcycle jumped down and started to run, but they were quickly arrested. I was also taken to the SARS office at Ikeja.I asked them what my crime was and they said I was among the robbers who always snatched peoples bags. I denied and told them my wife was pregnant and I was just looking for my daily bread, but they refused.He said the three of them were later arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates Court.He explained that the court admitted them to bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum, adding that while the two other defendants met the bail conditions and were released, he could not meet the conditions and was, therefore, detained.Sani told our correspondent he was moved to the Kirikiri Medium Prison where he spent 10 years without trial.My marriage was barely a year old then. My wife, Amina, was pregnant, and my father, who was aged, lived in Ondo.When I saw that my incarceration was affecting my wife, I told her to stop coming to see me and use the little she had to take care of herself and the pregnancy. Her parents also promised to assist me in taking care of the child, he added.He explained that the other suspects stopped showing up in court while he was being taken to court without trial.He added that there was no witness in the case and that going to court became a routine.I never believed I would be released. I thought it would be the usual routine, until the DPPs lawyer showed up and pleaded for me.Justice Taiwo queried the prosecutor that I had been in custody since 2006 and she (prosecutor) could not even produce any evidence or witness against me. That was how I was set free, he said.The Director of the OPD, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, who spoke through the agencys spokesman, Adeoba Adeniji-Adele, confirmed the incident, adding that the government planned to reintegrate Sani into the society. The former Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who was remanded in prison custody over his alleged complicity in N1.9billion fraud, ... The former Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who was remanded in prison custody over his alleged complicity in N1.9billion fraud, was on Friday, granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja to the tune of N500million.In a ruling delivered by trial Justice Ahmed Mohammed, the court also ordered the former governor to produce two sureties in the like sum. The court stressed that the sureties must not only own landed properties within Abuja worth the bail sum, but must also submit their passport photographs. Justice Mohammed ordered the sureties to deposit the title documents of the properties to the Deputy Registrar of the court.More so, Fintiri was directed to surrender his international passport to the court, even as he was barred from travelling outside the country without permission.Justice Mohammed ordered that the defendant should remain in prison custody pending the perfection of all the bail conditions and confirmation by an officer of the court. Earlier, the court dismissed a counter-affidavit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, filed in opposition to Fintiris bail application dated June 24 but filed on 27.The anti-graft agency which is prosecuting the defendant on a five-count criminal charge had through its lawyer, Mr. Larry Aso, expressed fears that the accused person would go into hiding once released on bail.However, the trial Judge, while dismissing EFCCs opposition, maintained that the grant of bail pending trial is at the discretion of the court. Placing reliance on section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, Justice Mohammed said the prosecution failed to establish why the defendant should be denied bail.He noted that EFCC had admitted in its counter-affidavit that it had on June 15, released the defendant on administrative bail.The court said there was no evidence that the former governor did anything to jeopardise the bail earlier granted to him by the agency. If the complainant granted the defendant administrative bail without entertaining fear that he will bolt away, why raise the fear now? The court has not seen any reason why it should not grant bail to the 1st defendant, the Judge held. Meanwhile, the court has fixed October 6 to commence full-blown trial of the defendant.Specifically, EFCC, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/131/2016, alleged that the former governor had between October 2014 and August 2015, diverted public funds to the tune of N1.9billion.The anti-graft agency also charged a firm that allegedly served as conduit pipe through which the fund was siphoned, Mayim Constructions & Properties Limited, as the 2nd defendant before the court. EFCC alleged that Fintiri had at various dates, within the ten months the fraud was perpetuated, transferred funds from account number: 0313000301 domiciled at EcoBank Plc operated by Timeplex Nigeria Ltd, into account number: 5742019591 domiciled at the same bank but operated by the 2nd defendant.Aside allegation that he used N220million to acquire a property at No 7 Gana Street, Maitama Abuja, Fintiri was said to have within three months he held sway as acting governor of Adamawa State, repaid a N550m loan he secured from Ecobank for the acquisition of a Tea plantation farm from Nigeria Agricultural bank in Taraba State.EFCC said its investigations revealed that the bank had initially allowed the defendant to repay the loan within twelve months. It said that Fintiri attempted to disguise the origin of the funds which the agency described as proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: bribery and corruption.The prosecution maintained that the defendant committed an offence contrary to sections 15(2) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act.Count-five in the charge dated June 16 and signed by the Deputy Director, Legal & Prosecution Department of the EFCC, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, read:That you, Ahmadu Umaru (Alias Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri) and Mayim Construction and Properties Ltd, between the 3rd of June 2014 an 4th of August 2015 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain in your US Dollars account number 5742019601 domicile at Ecobank Plc, the aggregate sum of $4, 830, 000.00 (US Dollar Four Million eight hundred and thirty thousand) which sum you know form part of proceeds of unlawful act to wit: corruption and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act. Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has lamented the death of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Ojo Maduekwe a... Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has lamented the death of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and foremost writer, Elechi Amadi, describing their exit as sad losses for the country.Jonathan stated this in separate condolence messages to families of the deceased.He described Maduekwe as a nationalist, foremost administrator and intellectual giant who contributed so much to the task of nation building.In a statement issued by Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former presidents media adviser, Jonathan said: Amadi was a renowned writer and patriot who served his country meritoriously, through his literary works and exemplary performance in public service. As an author, his works helped change the story of a continent, by rendering accurate accounts of profound African life and traditions as a counterpoise to inexact stereotypes. Former Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has dismissed insinuations that he wrote from detention to Christians and Apostle Johnso... Former Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has dismissed insinuations that he wrote from detention to Christians and Apostle Johnson Suleiman over his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.Fani-Kayode, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Jude Ndukwe, said: This is to inform the general public that the purported message making the rounds that Chief Femi Fani-Kayode wrote a certain message to Christians and Apostle Suleiman from detention is not true.That message was part of a long and systematic plot by mischief-makers, his traducers and detractors to continue to discredit and malign his person and character, and cause disaffection among his friends, associates and supporters. We, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard that message and treat it as non-existent. In a bid to cushion the effects of the current economic situation in the country, the Presidents Wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has donated fo... In a bid to cushion the effects of the current economic situation in the country, the Presidents Wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has donated food items to be distributed to the less privileged, people living with disability, widows and the vulnerable in Niger state.The items was distributed by the Wife of the Governor of Niger state, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello.She said that the food items were donated by the Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari to alleviate the suffering and make life easy for the less privileged.Food items for distribution include 1000 bags of rice, 1000 gallons of vegetable oil, 1000 cartons of tomato paste, 1000 cartons of specially packaged garri and 1000 cartons of custard and will be distributed among the 25 local government areas in the state.The Governors Wife appreciated the Wife of the President for picking interest in the condition of the less privileged, widows and the physically challenged individuals in the state adding that this gesture will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries.This donation is made in the spirit of the Ramadan Fast as the Presidents Wife contributes her quota towards alleviating the suffering of the less privileged. This particular gesture is a display of the special affection of Mrs. Buhari for the ordinary Nigerlites and we are grateful, Bello stated.She then appealed to the people to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration especially in his fight against corruption, job creation and youth empowerment.It is true that although you might be going through some form of hardship right now, we need to preserve a little more because if we exercise patience with the government, very soon, we will all see the dividends of the change that we have been anticipating because sustainable change is truly a gradual process. The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, has warned the Osun State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, against ch... The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, has warned the Osun State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, against challenging the court ruling on the wearing of hijab by female students in the state, saying the body is contending with the directive of Allah on earth.Recall that an Osun State High Court had recently ruled that Muslim female students in public primary and secondary schools in the state were free to wear Hijab in their schools.Delivering judgment in a case filed by the Osun State Muslim Community against the state government, the presiding judge, Justice Jide Falola held that wearing Hijab was part of the fundamental rights of Muslims female pupils.But reacting to the court ruling, the Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Prof Dawud O.S.Noibi while speaking with reporters in Oshogbo advice CAN to either accept the court pronouncement or seek redress.Niobi maintained that the court ruling does not compel all Muslim students to wear hijab, adding that resort to self help will ultimately help nobody.He said, Our Advice to CAN in Osun State in view of the foregoing, is to deeply consider the advice which one of the most respected Christian leaders in Nigeria, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, offered at a recent round-table on Law and Religion.His Grace said the nation should adopt the policy that no law should prohibit what religion prescribes or require citizens to do what religion prohibits.The Osun State chapter of CAN should learn a lesson from this advice. Besides, on purely moral grounds, one may ask: how does a Muslim girls wearing of hijab offend a Christian? Moreover, the court ruling does not compel all Muslim students to wear hijab. It is left entirely to the choice of the individual student who wishes to obey the order coming from her Creator.The CAN leadership must be told that what they are doing in this case is challenging the directive of Allah. Do they really feel comfortable preventing people from doing the Will of God on earth as it is done in heaven? If, however, CAN still feels strongly about the judgement, let them follow the commendable example of the Muslims of Lagos State by following the path of law. The Federal Government has signed a contract agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on the constructi... The Federal Government has signed a contract agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project.The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, said the contract is an addendum to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project which was initially awarded by the former President Goodluck Jonathans Administration to CCECC at a contract sum of $11.917 billion disclosing that at the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, the Federal Government renegotiated the contract with the Management of CCECC and agreed at a contract sum of $11.117 billion thereby saving a whooping sum of $800million.Amaechi reiterated that the Federal Government has completed the signing of the same contract with a different contract sum in order to legalize the new deal. What we have done today is signing same contract but different contract sum to make it legal, he said.The Minister further said part of the contract agreement with CCECC is to expedite action and conclude arrangement with the China-Exim Bank to facilitate the commencement of work on the Railway project noting that his desire and expectation is the completion of the project in two years.On the funding of the project, the Minister assured that funding would not pose any hindrance to the smooth commencement and final completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Railway project."President Muhammadu Buhari has assured me that he is committed to the development of the Railway Sector in Nigeria and would not leave any stone unturned to achieving that dream, he said.Explaining further, Amaechi said his Ministrys determination is to conclude the 1st and 2nd segments of the projects which run through Calabar-Uyo-Aba-Port Harcourt-Yenogua-Otuoke-Ughelli-Warri-Sapele-Benin-Ore-Ijebu-Ode-Lagos with a target of covering all the Seaports along those Routes in good time.Speaking after the signing of the Contract agreement on behalf of CCECC, President of the construction giant, Mr. Cao Baogang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria and promised that the Company would not let the nation down and delivered on target. The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Folorunsho Ikumuyiwa, otherwise known as W.F Kumuyi has called on Ni... The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Folorunsho Ikumuyiwa, otherwise known as W.F Kumuyi has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in President Muhammadu Buharis administration.Speaking during a visit to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) national headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, the former university don said he was hopeful that President Buhari-led federal government was on the right track to reposition the nations economy.He said, Although the country might be passing through the best of times, there are strong reasons not to lose hope in the country. Nigerians should not lose hope in President Muhamadu Buhari, because God is on the throne; He will turn things around for Nigeria. There is always light after the tunnel.There is something about where you are and where you are going. The direction you are facing matters a lot. Wherever you are, if you remain focused in the right direction, you will achieve the desired goal and objective. I am optimistic the President Buhari-led federal government is focused and his cabinet knows what they are doing, Pastor Kumuyi said.He also described NCPC as a blessing to Christians and Nigeria as a whole.But, first of all, there is a base with which they are working and I also believe that there is repositioning going on in the commission, he added. President Buhari reiterated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls. He stated this at the breaking of Ramadan f... President Buhari reiterated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls. He stated this at the breaking of Ramadan fast with members of the diplomatic corps Thursday night in Abuja.According to the president, the priority was to rescue them alive and unharmed. We are not letting up our efforts to rescue the Chibok girls, our priority is to rescue them unharmed, he said. While assuring that he would continue to tack the security challenges, the president regretted that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless, saying our main focus is to ensure their safe return to their homes and rehabilitation of their communities.The president also bemoaned the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region, reassuring the diplomatic corps that the issue was being addressed. He however stated that no amount of militancy shall distract us from engaging with the region. He said his administration was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems, saying Our doors are open for business. Speaking on corruption, the Buhari showed appreciation on the international cooperation the anti-corruption war had received especially on the recovery of looted funds.Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked the President, noting that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity to interact with the president. Dean of Diplomatic Corps, the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, thanked the President for hosting the diplomatic corps, the second time in the year. He said We wish for eternal peace for Nigeria and may your efforts in the shortest time bring prosperity to our people. Be reassured that the international community will continue to provide the necessary support. Some group of women were seen in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Friday morning, protesting against the judgement by Justice Okon Ab... Some group of women were seen in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Friday morning, protesting against the judgement by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High court, Abuja, which nullified the election of the incumbent governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.The women who rolled on the ground said they were ready to die for justice.The said, We are ready to die for justice with respect to the rumour making the rounds that some people want to invade the government house with hired security forces.See more photos: Men allegedly found in possession of suspicious materials were yesterday nabbed at the entrance of the Abia State government house. Men allegedly found in possession of suspicious materials were yesterday nabbed at the entrance of the Abia State government house.The men were arrested yesterday evening by the security men who mounted watch at the entrance of the government house following a tip off.The suspects who drove in a Hilux van were said to have been sent by some aggrieved people in the state, following the verdict by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday which ruled for the removal of the executive Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and the issuance of certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to Uche Oga. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for some of the suspended elections in the country. Accord... The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for some of the suspended elections in the country.According to its Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, the Kogi and Imo rerun elections, which were suspended as a result of infractions, would hold on July 23, 2016.Also, Rivers and Kano will take turn on July 30.The dates, which were announced yesterday in Abuja at the end of the National Stakeholders Forum on outstanding rerun, were agreed to by all stakeholders.Only recently, INEC boss said the only condition for conducting rerun in states where elections were inconclusive as a result of violence was for stakeholders to give assurance of providing the enabling environment for peaceful conduct of elections.The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is committed to concluding the suspended elections in Rivers, Imo, Kogi and Kano states disrupted by violence, not later than July 31, 2016, provided that necessary consultations and activities leading to the elections were concluded and that conditions were conducive enough for the conduct of the elections.In spite of this commitment, it would not return to conduct elections or hesitate to further postpone or discontinue the suspended elections in any area where there was imminent threat to lives or to peace or security, especially where such threats were likely to lead to breakdown of law and order.Yakubu had gone on to blame the spate of inconclusive elections on activities of politicians, who want to win at all cost. Mrs Gloria Okore, the woman detained for seven weeks by Bessylva Hospital and Maternity Home, Agege, following her inability to settle a d... Mrs Gloria Okore, the woman detained for seven weeks by Bessylva Hospital and Maternity Home, Agege, following her inability to settle a debt of N35,000 after being delivered of triplets, has thanked Nigerians for coming to her rescue by paying the outstanding bills.She said after harassing her, the hospital authorities said she was foolish to tell Vanguard that her debt was N35,000; that she should have said it was N200,000.However, contacted by Vanguard, the hospitals Medical Director, Ngozi Nwachukwu, said Mrs Okore was being ungrateful. She said as soon as the balance of their bill was off set, every other donation was given to the couple, including the N500,000 donated by Mutilinks Computer Services.Meanwhile, speaking yesterday, in their one-room apartment at Aluminum village, Dopemu, Lagos, Gloria said: I am happy that Nigerians came to our rescue after the publication of my story by Vanguard. My prayer is that every one that contributed will never be put to shame.Recall that one of the triplets, a female, died two weeks ago as there was no incubator to use for the babies. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the renewed violence in the Niger Delta would not stop his administration from engaging with... President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the renewed violence in the Niger Delta would not stop his administration from engaging with interest groups from the region in finding solutions to the challenges facing the area.Buhari spoke during the breaking of Ramadan fast with members of the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.No amount of militancy shall distract us from engaging with the region, the President told his guests.While regretting the renewed militancy, Buharj assured his guests that his administration was doing everything possible to address their concerns.He identified some of the critical areas receiving his governments attention to include the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems.Buhari again called on the international community to assist his government repatriate looted funds stashed in their countries.This, he added, would also assist his administration to successfully prosecute the looters.The President also said that the Federal Government was not relenting in its efforts to ensure the release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in their school in Chibok, Borno States in 2014.He said, I assure you that we will remain firm in our determination to completely eliminate the terrorist group and shall continue to count on the support of the international community as clearly demonstrated during the recently held Regional Security Summit.We are not letting off our efforts to secure the release of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls.We are living daily with the pains of the forcible abduction of these schoolgirls.The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps who is also the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Salaheddine Abbas Ibrahima, thanked the President for hosting the diplomatic corps, the second time in the year.He pledged his support and that of his colleagues to Nigeria.He said, We wish for eternal peace for Nigeria and may your efforts in the shortest time bring prosperity to our people.Be reassured that the international community will continue to provide the necessary support. To meet the welfare needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in camps in the Northeast, the Federal Government has declared a nut... To meet the welfare needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in camps in the Northeast, the Federal Government has declared a nutritional emergency in Borno State.The move is to mobilize a rapid response team to coordinate efforts to ameliorate the worsening situation in the camps.The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, said in a statement on Friday that the Presidency has sent a delegation to assess situation in IDPs camps in Bama, Borno State.The camp is home to 25, 000 adults and children.The delegation, which included senior officials of the Borno State Government, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency, and representatives from the United Nations, was taken round the camp by the Brigade Commander of the 21 Armoured Brigade, Bama, Col.l Adamu Garba Laka.The commander highlighted the challenges faced by the camp, including shortages of medical personnel, shelter, water and sanitation facilities.The delegation led by the Presidential Special Adviser on Social Investments, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, restated governments firm commitment to bringing relief to the thousands of recently rescued Boko Haram captives currently hosted in the IDPs camp in Bama.We are here to see for ourselves and assess the situation on ground, she said. The Nigerian Army, on Friday, said it remained committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the country. The Chief of Army Sta... The Nigerian Army, on Friday, said it remained committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the country.The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, reiterated the commitment after Jumaat prayer as part of the activities to mark the 153rd Nigerian Army Day celebration in Abuja. Buratai also said he was delighted by the ratings of the Nigerian Army as one of the best in the world. He said the army would continue to do its best to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and its citizens.For us to succeed, we must continue to seek the intervention of God so that our country will continue to be united and give us the strength to continue to do our constitutional responsibility effectively. This is very important because of the security challenge the country is facing, especially the activities of the insurgents, Buratai said.The COAS called on religious leaders as well as traditional leaders to educate their followers and subjects that terrorism was not a religious issue. He said terrorism was a misguided doctrine hinged on unfounded Islamic principles. Buratai added that there was every need to also appeal to the conscience of the terrorists which would go a long way to de-radicalising them. This, he said, would enable the society to erase the wrong notion in them that they were fighting a just cause.It is a satanic cause and we call on our leaders to really work on their psyche so we can avoid any future occurrence. We give glory to God for keeping us alive to see today. We earmarked today as the day for Muslim prayers, as part of the activities to mark the Nigeria Army since its establishment 153 years ago. This calls for celebration and sober reflection as well, because of our experience in the past. We fought several wars and battles, he said. The Director of Islamic Affairs, Mogadishu Cantonment, Nigerian Army, Col. Shehu Mustapher, congratulated the army as it celebrated her 153rd anniversary.Mustapher urged all officers and men to continue with the good work they were doing in order to move the country forward. He also urged Muslims to take their time to study the Holy Quran very well and make it their companion for better understanding of the religion. Unless we read the Holy Quran and understand the content very well and apply it, there will always be problems of misinterpretation. And once there is a problem of misinterpretation, it can lead to religious extremism, he added. Nigerians, particularly travellers, have called on the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to ban the Peace Mass Transit from plyin... Nigerians, particularly travellers, have called on the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to ban the Peace Mass Transit from plying Nigerian roads.This was following the constant fatal accidents, which the transport company had recorded lately.According to reports, the company had within a short period recorded over 10 crashes, which led to the death of many Nigerians.Reacting to the development, safety expert, Emeka Zeluwa said the company should be banned from operating and be investigated for the recent mishaps it had recorded.According to him, The rate at which Peace Mass crushes Nigerians to death is alarming. I think the ministry of transportation should do the needful by banning its operations nationwide.The company should also be investigated for the re-occurrence tragic incidents, he told newsmen.Similarly, Mr. Segun Adesanya, a civil servant believed that the company had inexperienced drivers.He voiced his conviction thus, I have been a victim of Peace Mass Transit disaster last year. I lost a niece who was traveling with their vehicle. I am sure they dont have qualified drivers, hence the reason for their daily crashes. I think they should be stopped from operating before they finally finish Nigerians.Also a check on social media showed that Nigerians are not happy with the transport company.A nairalander, Feyi said, PEACE should be banned for now..when peace become pieces.Another user called Dike said,I have been trying to avoid saying anything about this Peace Mass Transit but it seems they wont leave the headlines.This is a failure of the Nigerian FRSC. Peace Mass ought not to be plying our roads anymore. If you want to see how to run a stupid and successful business, use Peace Mass as a case study. There is no day you go to Peace mass that you wont see agbero fighting with a passenger or driver doing same.They employ unfit and slow drunks who have no respect for speed limits and human life. People who are brainless and dumb.I parted ways with these people a long while ago and will advise people to be wary before they embark on a journey with them.On her part, Cecelia said, The truth is that Peace Mass drivers are very reckless. They over speed a lot, but management of the company refused to do anything about it, lavishing human blood like say na pure water. Neymar has penned a new five-year contract with Barcelona that will keep him at the club until 2021.The Brazil international's release clause is set at 200 million but will increase to 222m next season and then move up to 250m for the remainder of his deal.Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed at a press conference on Thursday that an agreement was close before the 24-year-old confirmed his intention to stay later in the day.Neymar, who is set to join the Brazil national team for the Olympic Games next month, has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain but has now signed a three-year contract extension.A formal presentation of Neymar's new deal will take place on July 15 ahead of the player's Olympic commitments.Neymar has scored 85 goals in 141 games since joining Barcelona in 2013, winning eight trophies - including La Liga twice and the Champions League once. Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of Nice forward Hatem Ben Arfa on a two-year deal.The former Newcastle United and Hull City man enjoyed a renaissance with Nice in Ligue 1 last season, netting 17 league goals to earn a free transfer to Parc des Princes.Ben Arfa marks new PSG manager Unai Emery's first signing, with the 29-year-old reportedly rejecting interest from the likes of Leicester City, Lyon and Emery's former club Sevilla.Ben Arfa has chosen the No.21 shirt, which Lucas Digne last wore and boasts the likes of Marquinhos and Ronaldinho in its history. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is angry with the Minority Leader of the Senate, Godswill. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is angry with the Minority Leader of the Senate, Godswill.He incurred the wrath of the party over what his colleagues in the Senate described as Akpabios involvement in anti-party activities.Akpabio was alleged to have a paid a secret visit to the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon Lagos residence.He was, however, sighted by some individuals who instantly alerted the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.Ekweremadu, by virtue of his position is currently the highest-ranking PDP member within the Nigerian government.Worried by the report of Akpabios visit to Tinubu, Ekweremadu immediately confronted Akpabio.The former Akwa Ibom governor was said to have replied Ekweremadu saying he visited Tinubu for some personal issues.Akpabio's explanation did not go down well with Ekweremadu and the PDP caucus in the Senate who were concerned that their leader in the Senate who should be actively engaged with providing leadership and a voice for the PDP opposition is busy hobnobbing, not just with the ruling party but one of its most influential chieftains who played a key role in providing the funding that kicked out the party from power. Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Friday, ordered the deployment of a Tactical Operation Unit, comprising the Police Mo... Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Friday, ordered the deployment of a Tactical Operation Unit, comprising the Police Mobile Force, the Counter-Terrorism Unit with the back-up of an Air Surveillance Team to flush out vandals and other criminal elements operating in Arepo and Ibafo areas of Ogun State.A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don Awunah quoted the IGP saying the deployment of the Unit to Arepo/Ibafo is to ensure that normalcy returns to the areas in record time.The IGP also said the Nigeria Police Force will not watch any criminal group or groups take the law into their hands. He therefore authorized the Unit to deal decisively with anyone who constitutes himself an enemy of the State, while asking law-abiding citizens of the area to return home and go about their normal businesses.It will be recalled that hoodlums, suspected to be militants had launched series of attacks on Arepo and Ibafor in Ogun State that claimed several lives.In another development, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested one Aloysius Ebiniko, said to be the kingpin of the armed gang that abducted and murdered Col. Samaila Inusa on March 27, 2016 in Kaduna, Kaduna State. The arrest of Aloysius Ebiniko was made possible as a result of a credible technical intelligence employed by the Police after a confessional statement of a member of the gang earlier arrested. Aloysius Ebiniko will soon be arraigned in court as those earlier arrested in connection with the crime had been arraigned and are remanded in Prison custody. Street protests continued in Ekiti State yesterday, as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members trooped out in Ido-Ekiti, head... Street protests continued in Ekiti State yesterday, as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members trooped out in Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government, in support of Governor Ayo Fayose.They condemned alleged plot by the Federal Government to hide under the pretext of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remove the governor.The protesters threatened to recall any lawmaker, who supports the alleged impeachment plot, warning that they will not condone betrayal.Some of their placards read: Stop harassing Fayose; Fayose remains blameless; Fayose must complete his tenure and Peace must remain in Ekiti.Addressing reporters at the rally, a PDP chieftain, Adeola Ogunrinade, said the protest was staged to drum up support for Fayose, who he described as the leader of opposition in Nigeria.He said: The people trooped out in the last election to vote for Governor Ayodele Fayose because he did well in his first coming. Although they truncated his tenure, we wont allow that this time.Any of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly who works against the governor is working against Ekiti interest and we wont hesitate to recall the person.They are in the Assembly on the benevolence of the governor. So any act of betrayal will be taken as a coup against our collective interest.The former PDP Chairman, Idowu Faleye, said every move to unseat Fayose would be resisted.He warned the EFCC and the Department of State Service (DSS) against overzealousness.Faleye said: We are ready to resist any attempt to hijack power from Fayose through the backdoor with the last drop of our blood. We have sensitised our people and they know the truth. We will continue to expose the lies and scheming of the Federal Government against the governor.Ido/Osi Local Government Chairman Ayodele Arogbodo said Ekiti youths were behind Fayose and would not fold their arms and see him removed from power.Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission Sola Omotoso described opposition politics as an integral part of democracy.He warned against attempts to victimise Fayose. English Premier League club Watford broke a club record when they splashed 12.5 million pounds for Nigeria striker Isaac Success.The 20-year-old Success has signed a five-year contract from La Liga side Granada CF, according to SkySports.The former Nigeria U17 and U20 star netted five goals in 40 appearances in the league for Granada.The 20-year-old Success was part of the Granada side that narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga last season, scoring six goals in 30 appearances.Both clubs were owned by the Pozzo family until recently when Gino Pozzo sold his stake in the Spanish club to Link International Sports.Source: Skysports Federal Government, yesterday, said it would not force anybody or state governments to surrender grazing land for Fulani cattle rearer... Federal Government, yesterday, said it would not force anybody or state governments to surrender grazing land for Fulani cattle rearers in any part of the country.The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Audu Ogbe, disclosed this at the 9th National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers in Abuja. He said rather than approve crazing reserves, government had concluded plans to establish ranches across the country and was also encouraging farmers to do same in their localities.He explained that people in some states had already offered to donate their lands for ranches, including some state governors in the North, adding some had given as much as 5,000 and 10,000 hectares of land. Nobody will be forced to surrender his land for ranches. People have offered to surrender their lands. Some states are willing to give free land in some areas after negotiating with the communities. Either way, ranches will not be established on lands extracted from communities, people have to farm in the ranches.In some parts of the North, some governors have given as much as 5,000 hectares of land, some even 10,000 hectares, said the minister. Chief Ogbe also informed the traditional rulers that the federal government had concluded plans to train about 50,000 youths as extension workers across the country to assist government educate farmers on the proper way to apply new crop seedlings and fertilizer to achieve optimal yields. The minister bemoaned what he described as unwarranted neglect of agriculture by successive governments in Nigeria and urged the traditional rulers to partner with government in the mobilization of the youth in their domain. He said: For many years, we neglected agriculture as a society and we are paying for it now.But this is not the time for lamentation. We have to get back to business. We are a very strong, rich and powerful country. If we involve the traditional rulers, we will achieve results because they are with the people. What they say will be believed by their subjects. We feel that with this kind of contacts, they can organise people in the communities to talk to them. We are going to do some land clearing for some communities, we are sending in extension officers very soon under the Vice Presidents office and introducing new crops and teaching them how to use fertilizer and old crops to get result and we believe this is very good opportunity to discuss.Our job is to bring the right kind of crops, do the right kind of water source and provide vetenary services because some of these cows have some disease issues. We cannot afford to allow cows and human beings mix the way they are doing now. The essence is to stop the crisis.Too many people have died, there is too much violence in the land, we cant go on like that. We cant boast to the rest of the world that we thrive in killing each other. It is not right. On the security plans, the minister said talks were ongoing at the ministry level between him and the Ministry of Interior on how to use men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, to guard the farm settlements across the country as obtained in other parts of the world.At the level of government, we are working out security between us and the ministry of internal affairs. These steps have to be taken as it is done in Brazil , Argentina, Australia, where people guide these ranches. It is better for us to use uniform men than trained individuals because, if you allow individuals to go and buy guns, they have no license to carry weapons.The only license they can have is double barrel or pump action. These guys that invade communities have AK 47. So, we have to train rangers to protect investments. And that will give confidence to farmers who want to go into farming on a large scale and to foreign investors who want to come in. We are planning with the ministry of internal affairs who have a unit called civil defense, who they should train specially for this kind of assignment and the conversation is making good progress. According to him, about 100,000 of the 500,000 youths to be hired by the federal government will be sent to the Ministry for agriculture purposes.According to him, there will be at least 20,000 trained youths in every LGA as extension officers, teaching farmers how to farm. Earlier in his address, chairman of the council, HRM, Emmanuel Jideso, Ovie RUwie Kingdom, Effurun, Delta State, said the role of traditional rulers in repositioning the agriculture sector could not be over-emphasised.On his part, Chairman, Imo State Council of traditional rulers, HRM, Eze Sam Agunwa Ohiri, Eze Imo, applauded the federal government on the ranch initiative to curb the menace of herdsmen and farmers clashes. On grazing reserves, he stated that the general consensus was that cattle rearers should establish their own ranches, as it was being done elsewhere. Also speaking, Eze Ijikeala 11 of Ezi Oko, Eze Prof. Laz Ekwueme, said the problem with Nigeria was not a question of grazing but a question sedimentary living. There is nothing wrong in having ranches because the Southerners can grow cattle in their own land. There is no need for anybody to move about with cattle, ranches will provide their needs, he said. MARGATE -- A party of shark fishers came across one of the ocean's most feared denizens -- a great white. The group spotted the animal, a juvenile specimen, Sunday afternoon near an offshore reef about 3 miles off Margate, CBS 3 reported. The shark was chasing a school of bait fish. "It was amazing," said Jennifer Shreiber, who was on the trip with her husband, some friends and their teenage children. There have been reports of heightened shark activity at the Shore over the last few days, although the sharks have not been great whites. On Thursday, the appearance of a shark forced officials to order bathers out of the water in Deal. The shark was following a pack of dolphins when it was spotted Thursday morning, and continued to follow the dolphins away from shore. Authorities allowed swimmers back into the water shortly before 1 p.m. Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. ATLANTIC CITY -- As the beaches began to fill up for the Fourth of July weekend, hundreds of casino workers on strike continued to march out front of the Trump Taj Mahal Friday and there was no sign of them stopping. Wearing red shirts and carrying signs on the picket line, the strikers chanted "shame" as they walked up and down the boardwalk. The only thing louder than their chants was a drum beat. The shouts by workers from Local 54 of the Unite-HERE were aimed at Carl Icahn, the owner of the Taj Mahal, whom they blamed for the casino's inability to come agree on a contract that will restore health insurance and pension benefits. "We're going to be out on the boardwalk and on Pacific Avenue until there's a contract that's fair," said Bob McDevitt, president of Local 54, which represents about 10,000 union workers, nearly 1,000 of which are employed at the Taj Mahal. "They know where we are so if they want to offer a contact that makes sense they know who to call," he said as men and women in red shirts continued to shout slogans. According to a statement from Icahn Enterprises LP, the company rescued the failing casino when no one else was coming to save the casino and, despite attempted by Icahn's company to improve the Taj Mahal's fortunes, it has continued to struggle financially. The demands of the union would only make a precarious situation worse, the company argues. "It is extremely unfortunate that the employees of the Taj Bargaining Committee have decided to strike the Taj despite all of our efforts in these past several months to turn around the Taj, restore employee morale and prepare the Taj for the summer opening," said Tony Rodio, manager of the Taj Mahal. "The employees of the Taj Bargaining Committee seem hell-bent on trying to close this property and killing the jobs and livelihood of the other Taj employees including their own union members and members of other unions notwithstanding the fact that Taj ownership has presented good faith concrete progressive proposals to restore certain employee benefits including contributions toward employee health care. They are hurting their own and everybody else during the busiest time of the year." The picket line began at 6 a.m. in front of Taj Mahal and will continue until a contract is worked out. Out of the five casinos left in Atlantic City, Taj Mahal was the only casino that Local 54 couldn't make a deal with by their midnight deadline. "When you get offered a proposal that you don't accept, the only thing left to do is strike," McDevitt said. Myra Gonzalez of Brigantine was part of the strike and what she wants the most is health insurance. She lives paycheck to paycheck and has to pay $300 a month for diabetes medication. She's worked at the Taj Mahal since it first opened in 1990 and is insulted to see it come to this. "We deserve better than yesterday during negotiations," she said. "It was a slap on the face like we don't matter." Hotel guests and people on the boardwalk stopped to support or at least watch the strike as it went on. "I support them 100 percent," said Sarah Camp from Upstate New York. "It's 4th of July weekend, hopefully they'll come to an agreement." Camp and her brother Tony Cimineri frequent Atlantic City often and usually stay at the Taj Mahal. This weekend they're staying at Resorts Casino Hotel. "I'm glad we didn't stay at the Taj," Cimineri said. "These workers are all about the union. They'll get what they want." Donna Mandra of Bloomfield stays at the Taj Mahal almost every weekend with her sister "to get away for a couple days and to not answer any calls," she said. Mandra said she was in her hotel room watching a game show on TV when a scroll appeared at the bottom of the screen telling of the casino strike. She took to Taj's second floor balcony to see what was going on. "They take away everything, that's not right," she said of the union. "These people, they work very hard and they don't have a lot of money. It's not right that they don't have any benefits. The Taj Mahal went through bankruptcy court in October 2014 and a judge allowed the casino to cancel health and pension benefits. The workers have attempted to do with less in the hopes of helping Atlantic City through its struggles but the time has come for the workers to get help, according to Christina Condos, a cocktail waitress at Taj Mahal. The cause to a lot of those problems, according to Condo, is Icahn. "These jobs, a lot of people don't want to do," Condos said. "They are hard working jobs. These aren't easy jobs. Serving drinks, bartending, cleaning, this isn't a job you strive to do. This is a job you do and learn to enjoy it. We became a family here and he's trying to rip this family apart. We're not going to let it happen." Charles "Chuck" Baker, who has worked at Taj Mahal for 26 years as a relief cook and sits on the contract committee said an appeal was filed with the Supreme Court but was rejected. "They stripped us of our health care, our severance, and deducted our half-hour break from our check," he said. Baker added that when Taj Mahal filed bankruptcy, they justified taking these assets from union workers, and only union workers, as part of their debt. "In 2011 when the casino wasn't doing good we gave up part of our vacation time," he said. "We also gave up some sick days and holiday pay in order to help the casino out. Now the casino is doing good and doesn't have as much debt as before, so they should take care of us like we took care of them." Baker said with the average union worker making only $12 an hour, it's hard for some of them so stay afloat. According to the Associated Press, Icahn took control of the Taj Mahal in March and has repeatedly threatened to close the resort if forced to bring back health and pension benefits. McDevitt isn't planning on ending the strike until a contract is developed. The last time Local 54 had a strike like this was in 2004 when it lasted 34 days, according to the Associated Press. "The choice is, do I live in poverty and work in poverty or raise my station in life?" McDevitt said. "We have a right to strike in this country, we have a right to collectively bargain, and that's what we're doing." Taj Mahal is remaining open for the holiday weekend and has a contingency plan in place for the strike. Staff Writer C.J. Fairfield and the Associated Press contributed to this report Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. PARAMUS -- A Paramus man pleaded guilty Wednesday to his role in delivering an illegal $80,000 donation to President Obama's 2012 re-election effort, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman said. Bilal Shehu, 48, received the money in September 2012 from a "foreign source" and delivered it to a joint fundraising committee -- one that included Obama's campaign committee -- in an attempt to disguise the source of the money. Foreigners are prohibited by law from making donations to federal candidates or fundraising committees. The donation was made in order to allow a foreign national to attend a San Francisco campaign event in October 2012. That person flew to the event with Shehu and was not allowed into the event but did have his picture taken with the president, authorities said. No one on the fundraising committee has been accused of wrongdoing and the committee cooperated with the investigation. Shehu is scheduled to be sentenced in October. Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. ALPINE - Police are looking for a missing Paramus man last seen hiking in Palisades Interstate Park. Colin Everett, 24, was last seen Sunday in the expansive park, which overlooks the Hudson River and New York City, according to his father, Timothy Everett. "He was out there hiking and he disappeared," Timothy Everett said Friday. "There was a search party and they were looking for him but couldn't find him." Police on Friday sent a Nixle alert containing the missing man's photo and a brief description. Colin Everett is 6-feet, 1-inch tall, 150 pounds with dark hair and brown eyes. A clothing description was not given. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 201-262-3400, Ext. 1110. Missing Person: Colin Everett, 24 year old male, white, 6'1", 150 lbs. Last seen: Alpine, NJ; Palisades Interstate Park. Paramus Police (@Paramuspolice) July 1, 2016 Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. drug evidence Evidence allegedly collected as a result of an investigation into drug trafficking by a ring overseen by a Camden County man. (Photo credit: Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.) (photo provided) MERCHANTVILLE -- As the alleged leader of a Philadelphia-area drug ring, a borough man is accused of traveling from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to organize the transportation of cocaine, crystal meth and more. Andre Wilson, 37, is among 18 people from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and California facing drug-related charges as a result of an investigation that began in 2014 and a grand jury proceeding that resulted in a slew of charges. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Wilson allegedly traveled from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to organize the transportation of drugs and money via UPS and FedEx. Wilson is charged with 19 counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations, criminal use of a communication facility and dealing in illegal proceeds, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. "Addiction is a threat not only to users, but to families, friends and the surrounding community," Kane said in a press release. "It is imperative that law enforcement, health care professionals and educators strengthen their commitment to the commonwealth and its citizens." New Jersey residents charged as a result of the investigation are: Joana Sotero Wilson, 40, of Merchantville, is charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, three counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility. Jabari Marlowe, 41, of Camden, is charged with three counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations and criminal use of a communication facility. Keible Maitland, 36, of Vineland, is charged with two counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations and criminal use of a communication facility. George Pierson, 63, of Cinnaminson, is charged with two counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations and criminal use of a communication facility. Cynthia Pierson, 59, of Cinnaminson, is charged with two counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count each of corrupt organizations and criminal use of a communication facility. Marina Sakson, 50, of Marlton, is charged with one count each of criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations, criminal use of a communication facility and dealing in unlawful proceeds. Richard Vernon, 40, of West Trenton, is charged with one count each of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy, corrupt organizations and criminal use of a communication facility. Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook. elizabeth-gilbert-divorce.jpg Elizabeth Gilbert, author of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' at Two Buttons, a store she ran with her husband, in Frenchtown in 2009. (Mitsu Yasukawa/The Star-Ledger) "Eat Pray Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert is splitting from her husband Jose Nunes, she announced Friday on Facebook. Nunes is Gilbert's second husband, played by actor Javier Bardem in the 2010 film adaptation of the book starring Julia Roberts. "I am separating from the man whom many of you know as "Felipe" -- the man whom I fell in love with at the end of the EAT PRAY LOVE journey," wrote Gilbert, 46. "He has been my dear companion for over 12 years, and they have been wonderful years. Our split is very amicable. Our reasons are very personal." Gilbert and Nunes live in Frenchtown, where they owned an Asian imports shop called Two Buttons, which they put on the market last summer. There were no buyers, however, and the store closed. The couple sold their Italianate Victorian house in 2014 and moved to another house in Frenchtown. "Eat, Pray, Love," published in 2006, chronicles Gilbert's journey of discovery after divorcing her first husband, during which she spent four months in Italy and three in India before traveling to Bali, where she met Nunes. More than 10 million copies of the book have been sold. "At this time of transition, I hope you will respect our privacy," Gilbert wrote. "In my heart, I know that you will do so, because I trust that you understand how this is a story that I am living -- not a story that I am telling." She included "Failing and Flying," a poem from her favorite poet, Jack Gilbert (no relation), in her Facebook post. Gilbert's latest book, published in September, is "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear." "Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It," a series of stories from people who were inspired by Gilbert's book, was published in March. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. gay-talese-the-voyeurs-motel.jpg Gay Talese will promote his new book 'The Voyeur's Motel' despite initially saying he wouldn't because of discrepancies that he said damaged its credibility. (Joyce Tenneson) The legendary journalist and author Gay Talese has panned the veracity of his forthcoming book only to walk back his comments, saying he would promote the same book. His book, "The Voyeur's Motel," due out on July 12, tells the story of Gerald Foos, a Colorado motel owner who allegedly spied on his guests by way of an overhead walkway and fitted vents. But when the Washington Post confronted Talese with property records showing Foos did not even own the motel from the period of 1980 to 1988 -- which is included in the book -- Talese criticized his work and the reliability of his source. "I should not have believed a word he said," Talese told the newspaper, saying he wouldn't promote the book, an excerpt from which appeared in the New Yorker in April. "How dare I promote it when its credibility is down the toilet?" he said. But on Friday, the 84-year-old Ocean City native issued a statement that directly countered what he told the Post. "I was upset and probably said some things I didn't, and don't, mean," Talese said in the statement from his publisher, Grove Atlantic, as reported by the Associated Press. "Let me be clear: I am not disavowing the book and neither is my publisher. If, down the line, there are details to correct in later editions, we'll do that." Property records obtained by the Post show Foos sold the Aurora, Colo. motel in 1980 and reclaimed ownership in 1988. The bulk of Talese's book, which already questions some of the details provided by Foos, centers on the 1970s -- Foos said he saw a man strangle a woman to death at the motel in 1977 -- but includes stories from the later time period as well. "Gerald Foos, as no one calls into question, was an epic voyeur, and, as I say very clearly in the text, he could also at times be an unreliable teller of his own peculiar story," Talese continued. "I am sure I was surprised and upset about this business of the later ownership of the motel, in the '80s. That occurred after the bulk of the events covered in my book." The Post also found that though Foos told Talese that his son lived in the same Aurora apartment later occupied by James Holmes -- the shooter in the July 2012 movie theater massacre -- that was not the case. Holmes lived in the same city, but not the same building. Talese is considered one of the masters of New Journalism, a style of writing that emerged in the 1960s, applying the gloss and character of fiction to nonfiction. In April, Talese whipped up a Twitter storm for remarks he made about women writers of his generation during a talk at Boston University. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Bruce, the Great White shark and leader of the Shark-Friendly Sharks support group in the Disney-Pixar classic, "Finding Nemo," once said, "Fish are friends, not food." While that motto reigns true in Ocean Realm at Camden's Adventure Aquarium, the fish are still fun to chase, according to the newest and youngest members of the tank gang there -- two scalloped hammerhead sharks. Adventure Aquarium kicked off Shark Week by officially introducing these two threatened creatures. Senior Biologist of Fish and Invertebrates Nicole Gioia -- the lead biologist in charge of the 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm -- said the male and female arrived several months ago from Hawaii. "When we got them, they were both about a foot long," Gioia said. "We had to rent a truck to pick them up from the Newark Liberty International Airport." Scalloped hammerheads have a very high metabolism, and are one of the varieties that must keep swimming -- just like Dory said, also in "Finding Nemo." The hammerheads were delivered in a tank that was approximately 8 feet in diameter, she said. The pair are now between four and four-and-a-half feet long, and are becoming quite at home in Ocean Realm. "I saw them chasing the fish one day and thought, 'Aww, they're growing up," Gioia said. Scalloped hammerheads are an endangered species, so having two that are so young is an honor for the aquarium. "Scalloped hammerheads are a schooling fish, which is why they are endangered," Gioia said. "Because fishermen can get a lot of them at one time." And hammerhead fins are in higher demand than those of other breeds of shark, she said. But these two little sharks have no worries about losing their fins, because they have found their forever home. "We pole feed them three times a week, but they eat everyday," Gioia said. "They eat a lot. They're pretty beefy." On days when they aren't fed individually by placing food on a pole and lowering it into the water for them to grab, the two hammerheads join in on the broadcast feeding. "We throw food all around the tank for all of the animals," Gioia said. "And they are picky about eating the same thing every day." So, even though they are young, the hammerheads are quite particular. One of their tank mates is the only one of his kind in captivity in the country. Waldo, the great hammerhead, who has lived in Ocean Realm since September 2011. "The great hammerhead is the dominant shark in the tank, and he let's everyone know it," Gioia said. She compared the relationship between Waldo and the two younger hammerheads to that of a senior in high school -- Waldo -- and two eighth-graders. "He's aware of them, but...," she laughed. The biggest difference between the great and scalloped hammerheads -- other than their current size -- is the front of their cephalofoil -- or hammer -- which resemble a scallop. "They also use their sense of smell a lot because they can't see directly in front of themselves," Gioia said. When you visit Ocean Realm, be sure to check near the top third of the tank as they like to stay higher in the water. In addition to these two new Adventure Aquarium residents, Shark Week continues through July 3 with behind the scenes tours, shark trivia, and dance parties with Gill, the aquarium's shark mascot. For more information, visit adventureaquarium.com. Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. TripAdvisor asked its users to choose the best water parks in the country, and New Jersey has the sixth most popular pick. Morey's Piers and Beachfront Water Parks in Wildwood came in at number six in the Travelers' Choice Awards for Best Water Parks, according to abcnews.go.com. Raging Waters water park is located at Mariner's Landing, and is inspired by shipwrecks. Shipwreck Shoals and Camp KidTastrophe are perfect for the little ones to cool off, and private cabanas give mom and dad a cozy place to relax. If relaxing isn't your plan, Raging Waters offers thrills and spills on attractions such as Shotgun Falls and River Adventure. In River Adventure, guests can float along a "lazy river," and discover hidden treasures along the way. Waterfalls, alcoves where you can pull over and rest, access to Dee's Dock where you can pull over and grab a root beer float, and the Power Plant section where guests get to see some of the inner workings of the water park. On Surfside PIer, guests can cool off at Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club. This tropical getaway features the daring Cliff Dive slide -- a five story drop in three seconds -- and the newest slide, WipeOut, which is a six-lane slide where you can challenge your friends to a race to the bottom. Kids and parents alike can play at Bonsai Beach, or take a relaxing float along Endless River. Take a break from the water and visit some of Morey's best restaurants located right inside the water parks. Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar and Grille serves up salads, sandwiches, and fresh seafood, as well as unique cocktails -- Pina Coladas, Bahama Mamas and PIrate Punch -- that are perfect for a day at the beach. For tickets, visit moreyspiers.com or call 609-522-3900. Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. -- Essex County sheriff's officers seized a stolen gun, heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs in separate cases that netted three arrests in Newark's North Ward, authorities said Friday. Narcotics detectives were working an undercover surveillance operation at Broadway and Grafton Avenue early Thursday night in response to complaints of an "open-air" drug market in the area, according to Sheriff Armando Fontoura. Investigators saw Tajaree Springer, 24, and Rajohn Blakewood, 25, engage in a suspected drug deal with two people in the area, Fontoura said in a statement. Officers stopped the pair and found Springer had 49 glassine packets of heroin stamped with "IRON MAN 2" while Blakewood was caught with 68 vials of crack cocaine, the sheriff added. Springer and Blakewood were arrested on a charges, including drug possession, possession with the intent to distribute drugs and drug distribution within 1,000 feet of the Elliott Street School. Authorities said bail for the two Newark residents was set at $50,000. In another North Ward arrest Thursday night, sheriff's patrol officers stopped a 2003 Audi A4 for having illegally tinted windows at Park Avenue and North 6th Street, according to authorities. "When our officers approached the vehicle they immediately detected the pungent odor of burnt marijuana," Fontoura said. The three 17-year-olds in the car admitted to smoking marijuana earlier, the sheriff said. Officers noticed the front seat passenger, identified as an East Orange resident, had a large bulge in his waistband and they soon discovered the boy had a .38 caliber Santa Fe Sky revolver loaded with illegal hollow point rounds, Fontoura added. The teen also had 13 bags of crack cocaine and nine Alprazolam tablets. The gun was reported stolen from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, in December 2011, according to Fontoura. The passenger was taken to the Essex County Youth Detention Facility on a range of drug and weapon charges ahead of a family court hearing. The driver, from Newark, was ticketed for having tinted windows and for being an unlicensed driver, authorities said. The driver and another passenger were also ordered to appear in Newark Municipal Court and released to their parents. Authorities did not release the names of the boys because of their ages. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Vanke's 2nd largest shareholder opposes plan to oust all directors Updated: 2016-07-01 07:21 By Cai Xiao in Beijing and Chai Hua in Shenzhen(China Daily) Salespeople promote China Vanke property projects in Fuzhou, Fujian province.[Photo/VCG] China Resources Group says it has not reached any agreement with Baoneng Group China Vanke Co Ltd's second-largest shareholder China Resources Group said on Thursday that it opposed plans by Baoneng Group to oust the property developer's board and had not reached any agreement with the largest shareholder on voting. The financial conglomerate Baoneng is seeking the removal of Vanke's boarda move it made after Vanke's management announced a $6.9 billion deal with Shenzhen Metro Group earlier this month to dilute the holdings of Baoneng and State-owned China Resources. Shares of Vanke in Hong Kong jumped 4.25 percent, compared with a 1.75 percent gain on the broader Hang Seng Index. Vanke's shares in Shenzhen have been suspended since Dec 18. China Resources said on Thursday it had a different opinion on the proposal to oust the property developer's board and would restructure the boards of directors and supervisors. China Resources also responded to Shenzhen Stock Exchange's inquiry on Thursday that it had not reached any agreement with Baoneng on voting. Baoneng responded to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's inquiry on Thursday that it put forward the proposal to solve the problem of chaotic governance in the company as well as give all shareholders an opportunity to nominate its directors and supervisors. "China Resources' decision on Vanke is wise because Chairman Wang Shi's problem cannot be the problem of all of its directors, and the second-largest shareholder wants to see Vanke's corporate power struggle resolved smoothly because it is good for all shareholders," said Liu Jipeng, dean of capital finance institute at the China University of Political Science and Law. Liu said Baoneng's proposal to oust the property developer's board is naive and it is not possible to change all the board of directors. "If Yu Liang, the president of Vanke, can be the new chairman, it may be accepted by China Resources and Wang Shi," said Liu. On Thursday morning, some Vanke employees presented a petition against the proposal to oust board at Shenzhen's office of letters and calls. The Asian Banker chairman says banks could kill tech startups by funding them Updated: 2016-07-01 07:35 By Jiang Xueqing(China Daily) Emmanuel Daniel, chairman of The Asian Banker. Emmanuel Daniel, chairman of The Asian Banker, a financial services industry intelligence provider in emerging markets, warned Chinese banks they could kill the innovation of fintech startups by investing in them, as the banks themselves were huge IT companies that would suck in and absorb promising startups. Fintechs or financial technology companies are behind the so-called international fintech wave that is poised to disrupt the traditional banking business. Fintech involves new technologies like machine learning, predictive behavioral analytics and data-driven marketing, as well as improved data analytics that help institutional clients further refine investment decisions. Daniel issued his stark warning in an interview with China Daily, on the sidelines of the China International Banking Convention 2016 recently. "Bank funding of fintech startups does not necessarily mean that they will flourish. In fact, the banks might well end up killing the innovation," he said. Chinese banks' IT departments are even larger than some of the big IT companies, so they are trying to make sense of the enormous capacity they have, he explained. "When they fund some of the startups, the startups could end up drowning in the black hole of the banks' own infrastructure. Earlier this year, China issued guidelines encouraging banks to join a pilot program on establishing an investment and loan linkage mechanism for qualified technology startups. By taking this step, China's banking regulator made a major breakthrough in the existing rules that prevented commercial banks from investing in non-bank financial institutions and companies. Before that, if a commercial bank wanted to invest in a company, it had to do so through a non-bank financial institution. Xu Ningyue, vice-president of Bank of Beijing Co Ltd, said earlier this month that his bank was waiting for regulatory approval to launch an investment subsidiary to invest in technology companies with potential for high growth. In doing this, China is actually copying the form but not the substance of what is happening in other parts of the world, Daniel said. Samsung to focus on advanced manufacturing in China Updated: 2016-07-01 08:15 By Fan Feifei(China Daily) An employee works at Samsung's Bioepis lab in Incheon, South Korea.[Photo/Agencies] Company's investment in Wuxi shows its commitment to industrial upgrading South Korea's Samsung Group is increasing its investment in advanced manufacturing in China, as a new electronics material factory in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, is expected to open in the second half of this year. Built with an investment of $240 million, the factory will produce polarized film and photovoltaic paste. It will produce 34 million square meters of polarized film a year, which is mainly used in large-screen LCD TVs. Photovoltaic paste, which is a key material in solar cells, will achieve mass production in Julystarting with 40 metric tons per month with plans to rise to 100 tons. Statistics from market consulting institute IHS Inc showed that the global market scale of polarized film is estimated to reach 425 million sq m in 2020, up from 312 million sq m last year, amounting to 6 percent growth, but the Chinese market will grow more than 16 percent annually. The Wuxi factory will deepen cooperation with solar cell manufacturers in China. Samsung has stepped up its efforts in the high-tech and advanced manufacturing field in China. For example, it built a factory making Gen 8.5 LCDs and semiconductor memory chips in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. As a leader in lithium battery technology, the South Korean tech giant invested $600 million in a car battery project in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, in August 2014 to tap into the electric-vehicle market in China. It also established nine research and development centers in China, with more than 7,000 researchers. "The investment areas have been rapidly moving into cutting-edge, high value-added and capital-intensive industries," Roger Sheng, research director at research firm Gartner Inc. "China has become the largest trading partner for South Korea. Chinese local governments are actively promoting cooperation with the electronic giant and encouraging its investment in China." The 14th Dalai Lama Nobel Lecture Nobel Lecture, December 11, 1989 Brothers and Sisters: It is an honour and pleasure to be among you today. I am really happy to see so many old friends who have come from different corners of the world, and to make new friends, whom I hope to meet again in the future. When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clothes, our skin is of a different colour, or we speak different languages. That is on the surface. But basically, we are the same human beings. That is what binds us to each other. That is what makes it possible for us to understand each other and to develop friendship and closeness. Thinking over what I might say today, I decided to share with you some of my thoughts concerning the common problems all of us face as members of the human family. Because we all share this small planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways, that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities, and we must share the good fortune that we enjoy. I speak to you as just another human being; as a simple monk. If you find what I say useful, then I hope you will try to practise it. I also wish to share with you today my feelings concerning the plight and aspirations of the people of Tibet. The Nobel Prize is a prize they well deserve for their courage and unfailing determination during the past forty years of foreign occupation. As a free spokesman for my captive countrymen and -women, I feel it is my duty to speak out on their behalf. I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess. The realisation that we are all basically the same human beings, who seek happiness and try to avoid suffering, is very helpful in developing a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood; a warm feeling of love and compassion for others. This, in turn, is essential if we are to survive in this ever shrinking world we live in. For if we each selfishly pursue only what we believe to be in our own interest, without caring about the needs of others, we not only may end up harming others but also ourselves. This fact has become very clear during the course of this century. We know that to wage a nuclear war today, for example, would be a form of suicide; or that by polluting the air or the oceans, in order to achieve some short-term benefit, we are destroying the very basis for our survival. As interdependents, therefore, we have no other choice than to develop what I call a sense of universal responsibility. Today, we are truly a global family. What happens in one part of the world may affect us all. This, of course, is not only true of the negative things that happen, but is equally valid for the positive developments. We not only know what happens elsewhere, thanks to the extraordinary modern communications technology. We are also directly affected by events that occur far away. We feel a sense of sadness when children are starving in Eastern Africa. Similarly, we feel a sense of joy when a family is reunited after decades of separation by the Berlin Wall. Our crops and livestock are contaminated and our health and livelihood threatened when a nuclear accident happens miles away in another country. Our own security is enhanced when peace breaks out between warring parties in other continents. But war or peace; the destruction or the protection of nature; the violation or promotion of human rights and democratic freedoms; poverty or material well-being; the lack of moral and spiritual values or their existence and development; and the breakdown or development of human understanding, are not isolated phenomena that can be analysed and tackled independently of one another. In fact, they are very much interrelated at all levels and need to be approached with that understanding. Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. It will not remove the pain of torture inflicted on a prisoner of conscience. It does not comfort those who have lost their loved ones in floods caused by senseless deforestation in a neighbouring country. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. True peace with oneself and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace. The other phenomena mentioned above are similarly interrelated. Thus, for example, we see that a clean environment, wealth or democracy mean little in the face of war, especially nuclear war, and that material development is not sufficient to ensure human happiness. Material progress is of course important for human advancement. In Tibet, we paid much too little attention to technological and economic development, and today we realise that this was a mistake. At the same time, material development without spiritual development can also cause serious problems, In some countries too much attention is paid to external things and very little importance is given to inner development. I believe both are important and must be developed side by side so as to achieve a good balance between them. Tibetans are always described by foreign visitors as being a happy, jovial people. This is part of our national character, formed by cultural and religious values that stress the importance of mental peace through the generation of love and kindness to all other living sentient beings, both human and animal. Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility. In that state of mind you can deal with situations with calmness and reason, while keeping your inner happiness. That is very important. Without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed or unhappy because of circumstances. Clearly, it is of great importance, therefore, to understand the interrelationship among these and other phenomena, and to approach and attempt to solve problems in a balanced way that takes these different aspects into consideration. Of course it is not easy. But it is of little benefit to try to solve one problem if doing so creates an equally serious new one. So really we have no alternative: we must develop a sense of universal responsibility not only in the geographic sense, but also in respect to the different issues that confront our planet. Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each one of us individually. Peace, for example, starts with each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighbouring communities, and so on. When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. And there are ways in which we can consciously work to develop feelings of love and kindness. For some of us, the most effective way to do so is through religious practice. For others it may be non-religious practices. What is important is that we each make a sincere effort to take our responsibility for each other and for the natural environment we live in seriously. I am very encouraged by the developments which are taking place around us. After the young people of many countries, particularly in northern Europe, have repeatedly called for an end to the dangerous destruction of the environment which was being conducted in the name of economic development, the worlds political leaders are now starting to take meaningful steps to address this problem. The report to the United Nations Secretary-General by the World Commission on the Environment and Development (the Brundtland Report) was an important step in educating governments on the urgency of the issue. Serious efforts to bring peace to war-torn zones and to implement the right to self-determination of some people have resulted in the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and the establishment of independent Namibia. Through persistent nonviolent popular efforts dramatic changes, bringing many countries closer to real democracy, have occurred in many places, from Manila in the Philippines to Berlin in East Germany. With the Cold War era apparently drawing to a close, people everywhere live with renewed hope. Sadly, the courageous efforts of the Chinese people to bring similar change to their country was brutally crushed last June. But their efforts too are a source of hope. The military might has not extinguished the desire for freedom and the determination of the Chinese people to achieve it. I particularly admire the fact that these young people who have been taught that power grows from the barrel of the gun, chose, instead, to use nonviolence as their weapon. What these positive changes indicate, is that reason, courage, determination, and the inextinguishable desire for freedom can ultimately win. In the struggle between forces of war, violence and oppression on the one hand, and peace, reason and freedom on the other, the latter are gaining the upper hand. This realisation fills us Tibetans with hope that some day we too will once again be free. The awarding of the Nobel Prize to me, a simple monk from faraway Tibet, here in Norway, also fills us Tibetans with hope. It means, despite the fact that we have not drawn attention to our plight by means of violence, we have not been forgotten. It also means that the values we cherish, in particular our respect for all forms of life and the belief in the power of truth, are today recognised and encouraged. It is also a tribute to my mentor, Mahatma Gandhi, whose example is an inspiration to so many of us. This years award is an indication that this sense of universal responsibility is developing. I am deeply touched by the sincere concern shown by so many people in this part of the world for the suffering of the people of Tibet. That is a source of hope not only for us Tibetans, but for all oppressed people. As you know, Tibet has, for forty years, been under foreign occupation. Today, more than a quarter of a million Chinese troops are stationed in Tibet. Some sources estimate the occupation army to be twice this strength. During this time, Tibetans have been deprived of their most basic human rights, including the right to life, movement, speech, worship, only to mention a few. More than one sixth of Tibets population of six million died as a direct result of the Chinese invasion and occupation. Even before the Cultural Revolution started, many of Tibets monasteries, temples and historic buildings were destroyed. Almost everything that remained was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. I do not wish to dwell on this point, which is well documented. What is important to realise, however, is that despite the limited freedom granted after 1979, to rebuild parts of some monasteries and other such tokens of liberalisation, the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people are still today being systematically violated. In recent months this bad situation has become even worse. If it were not for our community in exile, so generously sheltered and supported by the government and people of India and helped by organisations and individuals from many parts of the world, our nation would today be little more than a shattered remnant of a people. Our culture, religion and national identity would have been effectively eliminated. As it is, we have built schools and monasteries in exile and have created democratic institutions to serve our people and preserve the seeds of our civilisation. With this experience, we intend to implement full democracy in a future free Tibet. Thus, as we develop our community in exile on modern lines, we also cherish and preserve our own identity and culture and bring hope to millions of our countrymen and -women in Tibet. The issue of most urgent concern at this time, is the massive influx of Chinese settlers into Tibet. Although in the first decades of occupation a considerable number of Chinese were transferred into the eastern parts of Tibet in the Tibetan provinces of Amdo (Chinghai) and Kham (most of which has been annexed by neighboring Chinese provinces) since 1983 an unprecedented number of Chinese have been encouraged by their government to migrate to all parts of Tibet, including central and western Tibet (which the Peoples Republic of China refers to as the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region). Tibetans are rapidly being reduced to an insignificant minority in their own country. This development, which threatens the very survival of the Tibetan nation, its culture and spiritual heritage, can still be stopped and reversed. But this must be done now, before it is too late. The new cycle of protest and violent repression, which started in Tibet in September of 1987 and culminated in the imposition of martial law in the capital, Lhasa, in March of this year, was in large part a reaction to this tremendous Chinese influx. Information reaching us in exile indicates that the protest marches and other peaceful forms of protest are continuing in Lhasa and a number of other places in Tibet, despite the severe punishment and inhumane treatment given to Tibetans detained for expressing their grievances. The number of Tibetans killed by security forces during the protest in March and of those who died in detention afterwards is not known but is believed to be more than two hundred. Thousands have been detained or arrested and imprisoned, and torture is commonplace. It was against the background of this worsening situation and in order to prevent further bloodshed, that I proposed what is generally referred to as the Five-Point Peace Plan for the restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. I elaborated on the plan in a speech in Strasbourg last year. I believe the plan provides a reasonable and realistic framework for negotiations with the Peoples Republic of China. So far, however, Chinas leaders have been unwilling to respond constructively. The brutal suppression of the Chinese democracy movement in June of this year, however, reinforced my view that any settlement of the Tibetan question will only be meaningful if it is supported by adequate international guarantees. The Five-Point Peace Plan addresses the principal and interrelated issues, which I referred to in the first part of this lecture. It calls for (1) Transformation of the whole of Tibet, including the eastern provinces of Kham and Amdo, into a zone of Ahimsa (nonviolence); (2) Abandonment of Chinas population transfer policy; (3) Respect for the Tibetan peoples fundamental rights and democratic freedoms; (4) Restoration and protection of Tibets natural environment; and (5) Commencement of earnest negotiations on the future status of Tibet and of relations between the Tibetan and Chinese people. In the Strasbourg address I proposed that Tibet become a fully self-governing democratic political entity. I would like to take this opportunity to explain the Zone of Ahimsa or peace sanctuary concept, which is the central element of the Five-Point Peace Plan. I am convinced that it is of great importance not only for Tibet, but for peace and stability in Asia. It is my dream that the entire Tibetan plateau should become a free refuge where humanity and nature can live in peace and in harmonious balance. It would be a place where people from all over the world could come to seek the true meaning of peace within themselves, away from the tensions and pressures of much of the rest of the world. Tibet could indeed become a creative center for the promotion and development of peace. The following are key elements of the proposed Zone of Ahimsa: the entire Tibetan plateau would be demilitarised; the manufacture, testing, and stockpiling of nuclear weapons and other armaments on the Tibetan plateau would be prohibited; the Tibetan plateau would be transformed into the worlds largest natural park or biosphere. Strict laws would be enforced to protect wildlife and plant life; the exploitation of natural resources would be carefully regulated so as not to damage relevant ecosystems; and a policy of sustainable development would be adopted in populated areas; the manufacture and use of nuclear power and other technologies which produce hazardous waste would be prohibited; national resources and policy would be directed towards the active promotion of peace and environmental protection. Organisations dedicated to the furtherance of peace and to the protection of all forms of life would find a hospitable home in Tibet; the establishment of international and regional organisations for the promotion and protection of human rights would be encouraged in Tibet. Tibets height and size (the size of the European Community), as well as its unique history and profound spiritual heritage makes it ideally suited to fulfill the role of a sanctuary of peace in the strategic heart of Asia. It would also be in keeping with Tibets historical role as a peaceful Buddhist nation and buffer region separating the Asian continents great and often rival powers. In order to reduce existing tensions in Asia, the President of the Soviet Union, Mr. Gorbachev, proposed the demilitarisation of Soviet-Chinese borders and their transformation into a frontier of peace and good-neighborliness. The Nepal government had earlier proposed that the Himalayan country of Nepal, bordering on Tibet, should become a zone of peace, although that proposal did not include demilitarisation of the country. For the stability and peace of Asia, it is essential to create peace zones to separate the continents biggest powers and potential adversaries. President Gorbachevs proposal, which also included a complete Soviet troop withdrawal from Mongolia, would help to reduce tension and the potential for confrontation between the Soviet Union and China. A true peace zone must, clearly, also be created to separate the worlds two most populous states, China and India. The establishment of the Zone of Ahimsa would require the withdrawal of troops and military installations from Tibet, which would enable India and Nepal also to withdraw troops and military installations from the Himalayan regions bordering Tibet. This would have to be achieved by international agreements. It would be in the best interest of all states in Asia, particularly China and India, as it would enhance their security, while reducing the economic burden of maintaining high troop concentrations in remote areas. Tibet would not be the first strategic area to be demilitarised. Parts of the Sinai peninsula, the Egyptian territory separating Israel and Egypt, have been demilitarised for some time. Of course, Costa Rica is the best example of an entirely demilitarised country. Tibet would also not be the first area to be turned into a natural preserve or biosphere. Many parks have been created throughout the world. Some very strategic areas have been turned into natural peace parks. Two examples are the La Amistad Park, on the Costa Rica-Panama border and the Si A Paz project on the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border. When I visited Costa Rica earlier this year, I saw how a country can develop successfully without an army, to become a stable democracy committed to peace and the protection of the natural environment. This confirmed my belief that my vision of Tibet in the future is a realistic plan, not merely a dream. Let me end with a personal note of thanks to all of you and our friends who are not here today. The concern and support which you have expressed for the plight of the Tibetans have touched us all greatly, and continue to give us courage to struggle for freedom and justice: not through the use of arms, but with the powerful weapons of truth and determination. I know that I speak on behalf of all the people of Tibet when I thank you and ask you not to forget Tibet at this critical time in our countrys history. We too hope to contribute to the development of a more peaceful, more humane and more beautiful world. A future free Tibet will seek to help those in need throughout the world, to protect nature, and to promote peace. I believe that our Tibetan ability to combine spiritual qualities with a realistic and practical attitude enables us to make a special contribution, in however modest a way. This is my hope and prayer. In conclusion, let me share with you a short prayer which gives me great inspiration and determination: For as long as space endures, And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I, too, abide To dispel the misery of the world. Thank you. From Nobel Lectures, Peace 1981-1990, Editor-in-Charge Tore Frangsmyr, Editor Irwin Abrams, World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1997 Copyright The Nobel Foundation 1989 To cite this section MLA style: The 14th Dalai Lama Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Thu. 27 Oct 2022. Toshiba to focus on nuclear and robotics industries Updated: 2016-07-01 08:16 By Lyu Chang and Zhang Min in Tianjin and Ma Si in Beijing(China Daily) Employees build components for hybrid vehicles at the Toshiba International Corp manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. [Photo/Agencies] Japanese firm sees great potential in China's growing nuclear power and robotics sectors Toshiba Corp plans to write down its personal computer investment in China after the spinoff of its home-appliance division, as it aims to focus on more lucrative sectors, such as nuclear power and robotics. "Our PC business is not doing well, and it seems to be on a downward trend, so we are trying to narrow the business and focus on other sectors with high potential," Shiro Saito, corporate senior vice-president of the Tokyo-based company, told China Daily in Tianjin. Toshiba is cutting its PC workforce by about 900 people and its sales bases by more than half globally, and may sell its Hangzhou production base in China due to slumping business, according to earlier reports. But Saito denied that the firm was pulling out of PC production in China. "It's true that we are cutting costs, but we are keeping the PC factory in Hangzhou," he said on the sidelines of the Tianjin Summer Davos, a three-day economic forum that ended on Tuesday. The Japanese high-tech and energy giant is in talks with another two Japanese companies, Fujitsu Ltd and VAIO Corp, to merge their PC businesses. As China is on track to build nuclear power plants and hydropower projects to optimize its energy mix and leverage domestic experience for export, Saito, who is also general manager of Toshiba's technology division, said it will invest more in the power generation sector. In 2006, Toshiba acquired US-based Westinghouse Electric Co, which developed the third-generation AP1000 nuclear technology. However, Japan's nuclear industry has experienced sluggish growth since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Flagship AP1000 nuclear power plants are now under construction in Shandong and Zhejiang provinces. Toshiba is also eyeing China's robotics market, an industry with massive potential, as the country aims to triple its annual production of robots used in the manufacturing sector to 100,000 within five years. The Japanese company is developing chat-robots that are intelligent enough to answer questions over the phone, and plans to use the technologies in China's banking system. Luo Jun, CEO of the Asian Manufacturing Association, said robotics can be used in many sectors such as healthcare and education, and even in banking, as labor costs rise in China. "China is pushing for a shift from traditional production to industrial automation, so the market potential is just enormous," he said. Semiconductors account for 40 percent of the Japanese company's total revenue, followed by elevators, air conditioners, lighting and power generation and technology. Toshiba is also setting up a research and development center for air-condition control systems in Hangzhou. Products of Midea are seen at a shop in Beijing, May 18, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Midea closes deal to buy Toshiba stake China's home appliances maker Midea Group said that it has closed a deal on Thurs-day to buy a majority stake in the white goods businesses of Toshiba Corp. The Guangdong-based company will spend 51.4 billion yen ($500 million) for 80.1 percent of Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services subsidiary, it said in a statement. After the transaction, Midea will be able to use the brand name of Toshiba for 40 years. Midea Chairman Fang Hongbo said it was a strategic partnership and the deal will benefit clients, suppliers as well as employees. "I hope to use the resources and strength from each other to find potential business opportunities," Fang said. Analysts said the sale of the subsidiary, which produces consumer electronics appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, is expected to give Midea easier access to Toshiba's global sales network. The Japanese company has nine production plants in Japan, China and Thailand and 34 sales bases and 95 service offices. "The money is well spent and the deal worth even more than that (price)," said Liu Buchen, a senior analyst in home appliances and a former spokesman for TCL Corp. Toshiba's white goods sales are among the biggest in Japan's market and it has kept a high growth in many parts of Southeast Asia, and the 40-year brand name usage was also valuable, he said. Shiro Saito, senior vice-president of Toshiba, told China Daily during the Tianjin Summer Davos meeting that he was impressed about the management of the Chinese company. "From what I know, Midea's management is better than I previously thought. They are a good company in terms of quality and innovation," he said. The deal, if completed, marks yet another Chinese acquisition in the foreign consumer electronics sector. In January, Haier Group agreed to buy General Electric's home appliances business for $5.4 billion in cash. This may be the first map of New Orleans ever drawn Louisiana's private and parish prisons are little more than warehouses The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts. 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. Govt expresses positive attitude on free trade agreement talks with the UK Updated: 2016-07-01 10:58 By Zhong Nan(China Daily) China is willing to take a positive attitude to carry out free trade agreement talks with the United Kingdom if it wants to further deepen its business ties with China, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. Zhang Shaogang, the ministry's director-general of the department of international trade and economic affairs, said as the UK is a major world economy, China would respect its wishes if it wanted to launch free trade agreement talks. Technically, when it does leave the European Union after final talks with the European Commission, the UK government will be able to agree free trade agreements with other economies, even if it will no longer benefit from the EU's free trade pacts with 53 countries and regions. "Gaining the rights to form FTAs with China and other suitable economies was one of 'Leave' campaigner Boris Johnson's core arguments," said He Wenwei, director of the research center for European and American studies at the Beijing-based China Association of International Trade. He predicted that negotiations over an FTA with China would likely start in three to five years, allowing for a disengagement period between the UK and the EU. Two wealthy non-EU member countries have made such FTA moves with BeijingSwitzerland signed a free trade agreement with China in 2014, and Norway is now in talks with China to reach another free trade deal. Bilateral goods trade between China and the EU amounted to $564.85 billion in 2015, while trade between China and the UK reached $78.54 billion, data from General Administration of Customs showed. "However, because the UK used to have strong voice in Brussels, its exit from the EU will increase China's time and resource costs in negotiating a China-EU free trade agreement and a comprehensive EU-China investment treaty without the UK," said He. The EU and China have already started negotiations on a business investment treaty, which is expected to give easier market access for EU companies into the China market. Both sides wish to conclude the talks by the end of this year. Commerce ministry urges G20 members to back trade facilitation agreement Updated: 2016-07-01 10:59 By Zhong Nan(China Daily) The Ministry of Commerce will urge G20 members to approve the Trade Facilitation Agreement made by the World Trade Organization by the end of this year during the G20 trade ministers' meeting in Shanghai on July 9 and 10. Vice-Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said this proposal will support the development of the multilateral trade system, global investment flows and value-chain building in the current global economic climate. The early entry into force of the TFA was approved as part of the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference held in Bali in 2013. It is designed to make a significant contribution to the sustainability of global trade and highlight the value of the WTO to its stakeholders around the world. "Trade ministers from G20 economies will discuss in Shanghai solutions to reduce trade cost, prevent trade friction, improve the global trade environment, as well as reemphasize the magnitude of the WTO functions and rules," said Wang at a news conference held by the ministry in Beijing on Thursday. China will also work with G20 members to jointly set up a Global Trade Alert Index, similar to various indexes being used in the financial industry, to further help companies avoid risk. China will also urge more technical and financial assistance to less-developed economies, especially African and Pacific island states. Even though more than 3,300 bilateral investment agreements have played an important role in complementing global liberalization initiatives, Wang said G20 countries, which are the biggest economies, should reach a new investment agreement to further promote investment transparency and offer more protection to investors on a bigger platform. Foreign direct investment witnessed a robust global recovery in 2015, surging 38 percent on a year-on-year basis to $1.76 trillion, the highest since the global financial crisis in 2008. "Signing the TFA could help countries reduce costs on trade up to 15 percent a year and further stimulate the development of e-commerce and service businesses," said Li Guanghui, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing. Li said notable progress has already been made among G20 members to address development, trade investment and governance. Member states agreed to build a trade-investment mechanism and also worked out high-level principles on the repatriation of fugitives and asset recovery. Community Its now easier than ever to connect and chat with others in your local area. You can connect with your community by asking general questions, give area updates and recommendations and even let your community know about local events that are taking place. China's appliance company lights up lives of Pakistani people Updated: 2016-07-01 17:29 (chinadaily.com.cn) The Haier Watch, which goes on sale in the second half of 2016, can be connected to the Haier smartphone so users can remote control their phones. A view of Haier's stand at the Mobile World Congress. [Cecily Liu/chinadaily.com.cn] LAHORE, Pakistan - Chinese home appliance maker Haier has been lighting up the lives of a lot of Pakistanis for many reasons. "I have learnt a lot from the Chinese technicians, and my current income is enough to support an eight-member family," said Pakistani worker Shehzad at a Chinese refrigerator factory in the suburbs of Lahore. The factory belongs to the Chinese household appliance giant Haier, which teamed with the Ruba company of Pakistan to set up the Haier-Ruba Economic Zone in 2006, China's first economic zone overseas. "Of the total of hundreds of Pakistani workers in the workshop, only 40 can work on all the production lines and I am one of them," Shehzad said. The refrigerators from Shehzad's factory have been specially designed for the Pakistani market, which helps to make Haier the largest foreign household appliance provider since it first entered the country in 2001. Pakistan's temperature can reach over 50 degrees Celsius in summer, which spells an enormous demand for ice and cold drinks. So Haier has developed high-power refrigerators and freezers, which are popular among local consumers and occupy the second-largest market share in Pakistan. Another example is Haier's washing machines. As Pakistanis are accustomed to using many blankets and wearing traditional shalwar kameez dress, which amount to quite a lot of laundry for housewives to wash at one time, Haier has enhanced the capacity of its washing machines. Moreover, Haier's washing machines have an "auto-start" function, enabling them to restart when the power supply is resumed after a power cut, a frequent occurrence in Pakistan. Besides refrigerators and washing machines, air conditioners, TV sets and microwave ovens are among Haier's products. They are very popular among locals and account for 32 percent of the $3 billion market value of Pakistan's household appliances. "I have bought my mom a Haier refrigerator in 2009. Despite the poor electricity supply in Pakistan which can do great harm to household appliances, the refrigerator has functioned well up to now," said Bhaddi, a resident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. Bhaddi added that his mother, his older sister and himself are all using Haier products. A total of 20 Chinese technicians and 3,800 local workers are working in the Haier-Ruba Economic Zone, with a floor space of 330,000 square meters. In the eyes of Pakistani consumers, Haier Group is not only a high-quality provider of electrical appliances, but also a contributor to the friendship between China and Pakistan. Haier has donated 150,000 dollars to help Pakistan's flood victims in 2010. It has also provided food and built shelters for the homeless after the earthquake in 2005. Moreover, it has run a social organization which provides lengthy humanitarian aid for Pakistani hospitals. The CEO of Pakistan's Ruba company, Javed Afridi, said that apart from Haier, his company has signed cooperative agreements with 11 Chinese-funded companies. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a gold mine," Afridi said. The CPEC, a major pilot project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting energy, transport, the Gwadar port and industrial cooperation at the current stage, has formed the "1+4" layout, and will seek to expand cooperation to such sectors as finance, science and technology, education, poverty alleviation, and urban planning. Duterte's inauguration can put ties on new track Updated: 2016-07-01 07:37 (China Daily) President-elect Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference in his hometown Davao City in southern Philippines, May 16, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Immediately prior to Rodrigo Duterte's inauguration as the new Philippine leader, The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration announced it would deliver a ruling on July 12 in the Philippines' case against China over their South China Sea dispute. The big question for Beijing is whether or not the leadership change in Manila will bring in someone it can talk with. Beijing has reiterated that the arbitration is illicit in nature, thus the upcoming verdict will not be accepted, or implemented. But it also expressed once again its willingness to engage in one-on-one negotiations with Manila for a peaceful solution. Yet negotiations will not be possible without both parties committing to them. By taking the dispute to the arbitration tribunal, the Benigno Aquino III administration effectively shut the door on meaningful talks. For the flexibility he demonstrated in remarks regarding Sino-Philippine relations, particularly on the South China Sea, Beijing seems to be convinced that will not be true of Duterte. However, Duterte made more-or-less inconsistent statements on some topics, and there were also doubts whether his stance would carry through from Duterte the candidate to president-elect, to the president. That was why Beijing was waiting for any hint about bilateral ties, or the South China Sea dispute, in Duterte's inauguration speech on Thursday. Since Duterte made no mention of either China or the South China Sea in his speech, it remains to be seen whether his previous claim of readiness to talk will materialize. Beijing has drawn a clear line between its refusal of the Aquino-initiated arbitration and its willingness to engage in negotiations with Manila. As President Xi Jinping said in his congratulatory message to the 16th Philippine president, Beijing sees his inauguration as "an important opportunity" for repairing the damaged relationship. The pending ruling by the arbitration tribunal has the potential to further complicate the Beijing-Manila relationship and worsen the present impasse. But that will do no good to political resolution of the dispute. In rhetoric at least, both Beijing and Manila have displayed a commitment to a peaceful solution. The July 12 ruling, therefore, will be a test of that commitment. How Beijing and Manila approach the upcoming ruling, and whether they can avoid being led astray from the otherwise hopeful course of engagement will determine the future of Sino-Philippine relations. As Xi said in his congratulatory message, only "sincerity and goodwill" can build the "mutual trust and cooperation" necessary for relations between the two countries to have a brighter future. Progress in LGBT civil rights should be contagious Updated: 2016-07-01 08:08 By CHEN WEIHUA(China Daily) A couple at a group wedding for seven same-sex couples from China, in West Hollywood, California, United States, June 9, 2015. [Photo/VCG] It was a year ago, on June 26, 2015, to be precise, when the US Supreme Court ruled that all states should issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages in other jurisdictions. So much has changed since my stay in Hawaii in the early 1990s, when that state tried to become the first in the US to legalize same-sex marriage. It became a reality in the Rainbow State only in 2013. On June 24, US President Barack Obama designated the Stonewall Inn in New York City as a national monument to commemorate the uprising of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on June 28, 1969. The protest that day in response to a police raid ushered in the LGBT civil rights movement. Late at night on July 24, 2011, I was outside the Stonewall Inn 2011 to cover the celebration when the New York state legislature passed the Marriage Equality Act, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo the same day. June is a month of Pride parades and festivals, but this year celebrations are heavy with sadness because of the June 12 shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 people were killed and 53 injured. In Shanghai, the 10-day eighth Shanghai Pride festival ended on June 26.While the Shanghai festival still did not have a parade like many other global cities, the colorful activities this year featured a film festival, stage performances, Pride run, bicycle ride, exhibitions, a conference, awareness campaign, parties and awards. Shanghai is regarded the most LGBT-friendly city on the Chinese mainland, demonstrating the tolerance and acceptance that is required for an international city that Shanghai aspires to become. I happened to be on the China Daily team writing editorials back in 2009 when the piece "Pride of Tolerance" I wrote was probably the first endorsement by a national newspaper. The first Shanghai Pride festival that year was not as smooth as this year's. Some activities had to be canceled because government authorities intervened. The attitude toward the LGBT community in China has improved over the years, but it still cannot be compared with that in the US and many other countries. Same-sex marriage is still not possible in China. On April 13, two gay men lost a court case in Changsha, Hunan province, when they challenged a local civil affairs bureau that had denied them the right to marry. Both vowed to carry on the fight, though. On June 14, a Beijing court accepted a woman's case against the Ministry of Education to revise textbooks that call homosexuality a "psychological disorder". It was the third attempt by the woman with the Sun Yatsen University in Guangzhou. China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from the list of mental disorders in 2001. But less than 15 percent of LGBT people in China choose to open up, even to their close family members, according to a United Nations report published on May 17. The study, conducted by UN Development Programme in China, Peking University's sociology department and Beijing LGBT Center, covered 28,000 people in late 2015. The study found that young people in China were less prejudiced against the group, a good sign for more progress in the years ahead. The LGBT group in China is believed to number between 39 million and 52 million. Sociologist Li Yinhe has been the leading voice for LGBT rights in China. For years, she has helped draft measures for the country's legislature that push for legalizing same-sex marriage. While such bills have not made any legislative progress, Li is optimistic that progress outside China will have a positive impact on the country. Perhaps she is right, for some Chinese-language media outlets covering the 2016 Shanghai Pride cited the long fight in the US, starting with the Stonewall Uprising 47 years ago. The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com Beijing issues warnings ahead of tribunal decision Updated: 2016-07-01 18:45 By ZHANG YUNBI(China Daily) China voiced stern warnings on Thursday against an arbitral tribunal that is scheduled to issue a ruling this month on a case raised unilaterally by the Philippines about the South China Sea issue. Beijing said that the upcoming ruling may cause serious damage to the international rule of law. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, acting as the tribunal registry, said on Wednesday that the decision will be announced on July 12. The tribunal was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at the Philippines' request. China has refused to be part of the arbitration since it was launched in 2013, partly because it says the issues raised by Manila are related to sovereignty and maritime delimitation, which are beyond the tribunal's jurisdiction. On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a written statement that the Philippines' unilateral initiation of arbitration breaches international law, and the tribunal should not have heard the case or be issuing any decision. Hong said the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the matter, as a declaration made by China in 2006 excludes disputes concerning maritime delimitation among others from arbitration and other compulsory dispute settlement procedures. On Thursday, he said the tribunal "circumvented the optional declaration of exception that China has made in accordance with UNCLOS; expanded and exceeded its jurisdiction at will; and pushed forward the hearing on the relevant subject matter". Such acts have infringed on the right of a party to the Convention to choose a means of dispute settlement on its own, Hong said. He added that it has undermined the integrity of the Convention dispute settlement regime and dealt a serious blow to the international rule of law. In early June, an international group of legal experts and lawyers signed a legal opinion document questioning the tribunal's jurisdiction. Yi Xianhe, chief expert at Wuhan University Institute of International Law, said the tribunal has not fully considered China's viewpoints, and the legal analysis of such points has been insufficient. "Some of the arbitrators, without any explanation, changed their previous positions and views (concerning China), and this has betrayed the consistency principle in the international rule of law," Yi said. Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said the tribunal has deliberately expanded its jurisdiction and has "drifted away" from its impartial position. Wu said the tribunal has made its jurisdiction cover all the claims and issues raised by the Philippines, adding, "In some sense, it has become the speaker for the Philippines' interests." According to Padraig Lysaght, an Austrian historian on South China Sea studies, "It is a principle of international law that all sides must agree on the arbitration. "It is perfectly legal to simply not accept this award (decision). I don't think the award can solve the problem," Lysaght told Xinhua News Agency. Cambodian Prime Minister reiterated on Wednesday that his country will not support the tribunal's decision. zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn Chicago-bred rock band Styx is headed to Four Winds Casino this weekend. The group performs at 9 p.m. Eastern Saturday at the casino's Silver Creek Event Center. Keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, who also does lead vocals, said he's enjoyed the touring process through the years. "I love being in a new city, a new town and having a new set of circumstances all the time," said Gowan. "And I like to look out at the sea of faces every night." Styx has been rocking stages around the world for four decades. The band is currently comprised of Gowan, James JY Young, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips. Fans can expect a variety of songs on the Styx play list for Four Winds' show. Among tunes expected to be in the set are "Fooling Yourself (The Amazing Man)"; "Too Much Time On My Hands," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man" and "Crystal Ball." Gowan said Styx recently kicked off its summer tour and the group will be playing shows everywhere from the Midwest to the East and West Coasts. Through the years, Styx has performed on double and triple bill shows, which Gowan said are always interesting concerts. "It's amazing how different the audiences can be (when you're playing with other bands)," he said. The group recently performed on a bill with Cheap Trick and in the past has also performed with Def Leppard, Yes, Boston and Foreigner. Gowan added the multi-act shows also give the members of Styx a chance to see the other groups which he likes. Gowan, who's now in his 18th year of playing with the band, said it's been a great experience. "It's been a tremendous adventure," he said. The keyboardist said Styx is always working on new material. "But we're always looking for the right opportunity to release it and promote it properly." Gowan also performs as a solo artist at times and currently has a solo record "almost ready" to hit the marketplace. FYI: Styx will perform at 9 p.m. Eastern Saturday, July 2 at Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, Michigan. Tickets are $65 to $85. Visit fourwindscasino.com. CROWN POINT The mother of two young girls held up their photos in court Thursday as she explained they were molested by a a Hobart man the family knew. "These are the two that he touched and molested," the woman said as she showed everyone the photos. James E. Howerton, 73, pleaded guilty to two counts of child molesting, Level 4 felonies. Lake Criminal Judge Diane Boswell sentenced Howerton to 8 years in prison, which was the term outlined in the plea agreement. He admitted that in October 2014 he inappropriately touched a then 5-year-old girl and a then 2-year-old girl at his Hobart home, according to court records. He was accused of telling one girl that he would give her money for college if she took off her clothes. Howerton later blamed one of the girls for not stopping him, according to court records. The mother of the girls told the court during Thursday's sentencing hearing that one girl is in behavioral therapy and the other one has lost motivation to participate in activities. "It's a sick, sick thing to do," she said. "They're scared, they can't be around other men." Defense attorney Matthew LaTulip said his client didn't have any criminal history and is a veteran of the U.S. Military. He pointed out that his client's plea agreement spared the girls from having to testify at a trial or undergo depositions with attorneys. Howerton apologized to the girl's mother. He said the girls were running around without their shirts, which could have led him to inappropriately touch them. "I deeply regret the touching," he said. HAMMOND Two Lake County brothers are among those accused of illegally using an insider trading tip to reap illegal profits totaling more than half a million dollars, according to a federal lawsuit. Douglas Miller, 40, of Dyer; Edward Miller, 43, of Munster; along with two friends, Christopher Salis, 39, of San Mateo, California; and Barrett Biehl, 37, of Chicago, are all named in the lawsuit. The complaint was filed June 16 in U.S. District Court by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. According to court documents, Salis first met the Miller brothers and Biehl as students at Purdue University, and Salis even served as best man at Douglas Millers wedding. Salis worked for SAP, a global software company, in 2014, when he allegedly tipped off Miller, a close friend, about the companys planned acquisition of the Washington-based Concur Technologies, the SEC complaint alleges. At the time, details of the merger were not public, according to the complaint. Miller then spilled the confidential information regarding the acquisition to his parents, who are not named in the lawsuit, and two friends, the complaint states. According to court documents, they all rushed to buy call option contracts a move that gave them the right to buy Concur stocks at a predetermined price with the understanding they would all profit once the companies announced the merger publicly, causing Concurs stock prices to skyrocket. Douglas Miller, who owned a struggling St. John car wash business with his brother, viewed the Concur trading as a possible savior, according to the SEC complaint. When the acquisition was announced, the defendants wound up with more than $505,000 in profits from their initial deposits of less than $45,000, the lawsuit states. When discussing the withdrawal of illegal profits, Douglas Miller allegedly told a Scottrade representative he was independently following Concur, and the windfall was kind of like a long shot that came in. The lawsuit also claims Douglas Miller and Salis lied to investigators in the summer of 2015 when confronted about the illegal trading allegations. Miller denied knowledge of Salis trading, however, the complaint states, Miller and Salis talked on the phone 10 times the day of the first Concur trades, exchanged more than 3,500 text messages that year, and met three times in person following the trades. Salis and Douglas Miller also are accused of similar insider trading tactics in 2007 when Salis worked for a different company, Business Objects, before it was acquired by SAP. Atle Erlingsson, a representative of SAP, said in an email Wednesday Salis left the company in October 2015. SAP cooperated fully with the SEC in this matter and was not itself the target of the investigation, Erlingsson wrote. SAP is strongly committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethics and has zero tolerance for any business misconduct. The SEC complaint calls on the judge to order the defendants to pay back their trading profits and be subject to an undisclosed penalty. VALPARAISO A 33-year-old Valparaiso man was charged Friday with attempted murder in the wake of an early morning shooting in the 400 block of Union Street that landed another man in the hospital. Lee Glover Jr., of the 300 block of Evans Avenue, shot the victim following an argument over money, police said. Police said they were called out at 3:07 a.m. in response to the sound of gunshots. They found a man lying in the grass with gunshot wounds to his side. After transporting the man to Porter Regional Hospital and before transferring him to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, he reportedly told police a female acquaintance called him at 2:30 a.m. saying she had an argument with her roommate and had moved some of her possessions to a vacant building across the street in the 300 block of Union Street. She asked if he could pick up the items and hold on to them, which he initially agreed to do for $10, police said. The man picked up the items and when the woman called back, he said he wanted $40 because of the large quantity. When the woman began arguing, the man said he upped the price to $50, police said. The man said he overhead the woman' boyfriend, who is Glover, threaten, "you better sleep on the floor," referring to a drive-by shooting. When Glover and the woman showed up at the shooting victim's home, he said he and the woman began moving items into the couple's car while Glover just stared at him, police said. Glover then made two unsuccessful attempts to stab the man with a small knife, before the man punched Glover in the face. Glover walked back to his Dodge Charger, retrieved a shotgun, pumped it once and fired, missing the man, police said. As the man fled, a second shot was fired that struck him. The man said he fell to the ground, but immediately stood back up because he was concerned about being shot a second time, police said. "Not going out that way," the man told police. The woman did not respond to a request to call for help, police said, before fleeing in the vehicle with Glover. Glover and the woman were located a short time later by Porter County police Officer Michael Damjanovic, who waited for backup before taking them into custody on westbound U.S. 30 near the Avalon Banquet Center in Merrillville. Glover told officers, "I shot him, but it was in self-defense," police said. The woman reportedly told police Glover became upset when the man starting asking for more money to retrieve her items. Police retrieved two spent and one live 12-gauge shotgun rounds from the shooting scene. The case has been assigned to Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford, though no hearing had been scheduled as of Friday afternoon. GARY A 19-year-old man was identified Friday as the person found dead and partially burned a day earlier in secluded area in the citys Midtown neighborhood. Isaiah Edwards, of Garys Miller section, died from gunshot wounds in a homicide, a Lake County coroners release said. Edwards was identified through fingerprint analysis, said Scott Sefton, chief deputy for the coroners office. Edwards attorney, John Cantrell, said Edwards didnt show up for a court hearing Thursday morning. Cantrell learned early Friday from Edwards father that Edwards had been killed, he said. Nobody knows what this is about, Cantrell said. This has hit everybody like a ton of bricks. This is pretty shocking. Edwards had been facing a battery charge in connection with a fight stemming from a family dispute. He previously was convicted in two burglaries, served jail time, completed probation and was working and living on his own, Cantrell said. Hes a nice clean-cut kid from a good family whos had some run-ins with the law, but nothing terrible, he said. Edwards was found about 2:30 p.m. Thursday in a grassy area near 27th Avenue and Maryland Street after a man walking his dog reported seeing a body on the side of a road, according to Gary police. The body was partially decomposed and parts of it were charred, officials said. Maryland Street and 27th Avenue meet at a corner in the wooded, secluded area, which is just north of Interstate 80/94 and east of Broadway. There are no houses in the area, and people often dump trash there, police Lt. Dawn Westerfield said. The fire didnt spread very far through the grass, she said. The fire could have really gone unnoticed, Westerfield said. Or people could have thought someone was just burning trash. You cant see through the trees to 80/94. Cantrell said Edwards family is not doing well, particularly because of the violent way he died. That is horrible to have to think about and to deal with, he said. Turkey police detain 11 more over airport attack, focus on alleged mastermind Updated: 2016-07-01 22:18 (Agencies) A still image from CCTV camera shows the three men believed to be the attackers walking inside the terminal building at Istanbul airport, Turkey June 28, 2016. Footage taken June 28, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] ISTANBUL/TBILISI - Turkish police detained 11 foreigners on Friday suspected of belonging to an Islamic State cell linked to the attack on Istanbul's main airport, state media reported, and attention turned to a suspected Chechen mastermind. Forty-four people were killed in Tuesday's bombings and shootings, which targeted one of the world's busiest airports. The three suspected attackers were Russian, Uzbek and Kyrgyz nationals, a Turkish government official has said. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper has said the organiser of the attack, the deadliest in a series of suicide bombings in NATO-member Turkey this year, was suspected to be a man of Chechen origin called Akhmed Chatayev. Chatayev is identified on a United Nations sanctions list as a leader in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. He was arrested in Bulgaria five years ago on a Russian extradition request but freed because he had refugee status in Austria, a Bulgarian judge said. A year later he was wounded and captured in Georgia but again released. Friday's dawn arrests by counter-terror police in the European side of Istanbul brought to 24 the number of people detained in the investigation, state-run Anadolu Agency said. A police spokesman could not confirm the report. Turkish officials have not given many details beyond confirming the attackers' nationalities. They have previously said that forensic teams were struggling to identify the suicide bombers from their limited remains. Yeni Safak has said the Russian bomber was from Dagestan, which borders Chechnya where Moscow has led two wars against separatists and Islamist militants since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. RUSSIAN BOMBER Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper named the Russian bomber as Osman Vadinov and said he had come from Raqqa, the heart of Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria. The Russian interior ministry has said it was checking information about Vadinov. In 2012 Georgian officials said Chatayev had been wounded in a special forces operation against an unidentified group in the remote Lopota Gorge near the border with Dagestan. The group was believed to be made up of Russian Islamist insurgents fighting against Moscow's rule in the North Caucasus. Chatayev, whose foot was later amputated due to his injuries, was arrested on charges of weapons possession. He denied this and said that he had been sent to the gorge as a negotiator at the request of Georgian officials. He was released on the orders of a Georgian court later that year and cleared of all charges in January 2013. "He was released lawfully, whether it was a mistake or not," former Georgian interior minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said this year. In 2011 he was detained by Bulgarian police at the country's border with Turkey as Russia wanted him for "participation in an armed group and for the recruitment of persons for terrorism and for financing terrorism", a Bulgarian judge told Bulgarian national radio on Friday. However, the Bulgarian court refused to extradite him, saying his refugee status, which had been granted to him in Austria in 2003, remained valid in all countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which includes Bulgaria. Separately, Turkish security forces detained four Turkish citizens on Wednesday at the Oncupinar border crossing with Syria on suspicion of membership of a terrorist group, the local governor's office said in a statement. The four were attempting to return to Turkey from a conflict zone in Syria under Islamic State control, it said. MERRILLVILLE A responsible bidding ordinance has the Town Councils support. The council Tuesday unanimously adopted a measure setting guidelines contractors will have to follow to be considered a responsible bidder on town public works projects estimated to cost $150,000 or more. Dewey Pearman, executive director of the Construction Advancement Foundation of Northwest Indiana, told the council at a recent workshop the ordinance adds a little more meat than whats in state law regarding the bidding process. Guidelines created in the ordinance include: proof that bidders are registered with the state and in good standing, evidence of participation in apprenticeship and training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, a drug testing program in place, proof of professional and trade licenses, disclosure of violations of any federal, state or local laws and distribution of a statement on staffing capabilities. Bids that dont include all of the required information or deemed inadequate could be rejected. Supporters of the proposed ordinance say it can help ensure municipal projects are completed by qualified contractors who provide quality work and that taxpayer funding is used efficiently. Councilman Shawn Pettit asked if the requirements established in the ordinance could apply to a project to extend 98th Avenue in Merrillville. Contractors already have submitted bids for that project, but the town hasnt yet awarded a contract for the work. Town Attorney John Bushemi said the bidding ordinance would have needed to have been adopted by the council prior to the time bids were accepted for the upcoming project if the guidelines would apply to 98th Avenue improvements. WASHINGTON A single elevator could have accommodated the donors who recently gathered with Hillary Clinton at the Pritzker family home in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. Small in number, the group was big in largesse, contributing at least $1 million to help elect her and other Democrats this fall. It would have taken a 37,000-seat stadium of Bernie Sanders fans each chipping in the campaign's self-described average donation of $27 to raise that much money. In her bid for the White House, Clinton is using every fundraising technique at her disposal, including salon-style gatherings with elite donors. Alongside small-donor efforts like email marketing and happy hours for young professionals, these intimate events are helping Clinton collect as much as $1 billion to battle Republican Donald Trump. Clinton's micro-fundraisers have landed big money: At least $19.5 million has flowed from 16 of them over the past two months, according to an Associated Press review. But they also may open her up to criticism. Like her Democratic opponent Sanders, Trump eagerly depicts Clinton as bought and paid for by her wealthy contributors. "The people who rigged the system are supporting Hillary Clinton because they know as long as she is in charge nothing's going to change," Trump told employees of an aluminum scrap metal factory in Monessen, Pennsylvania, earlier this week. And as Clinton works to win over her party's liberals after a divisive primary, the events may undercut her argument that she would be a strong proponent of campaign finance reform. Clinton says Democrats cannot unilaterally disarm in the midst of a tough presidential election, but that if elected she'd work to reduce big money in politics a line President Barack Obama also used. Both Clinton and Trump can solicit checks of $350,000 or more from a single donor thanks in part to a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that lifted an overall per-person cap on political contributions. That's roughly triple what the individual donor limit was in 2012. The resulting money flow could help the presidential candidates build robust on-the-ground voter contact and turnout operations, and pay for costly advertising. That is in addition to money that can be raised by super PACs. Those groups cannot directly coordinate their spending with the candidates and face no contribution limits whatsoever. Clinton has made high-dollar fundraisers a staple of her campaign financing plan, frequently pairing a small pricey event with a larger one that has a lower entry fee. It's similar to what Obama did in 2012, when he held small roundtables with big donors, sometimes just a few blocks from the White House at the Jefferson Hotel. In addition to the 10-person Monday night confab at the home of J.B. and M.K. Pritzker among the heirs to the Hyatt hotel fortune Clinton has held at least nine other events with 15 or fewer donors, according to AP's review. The candidate mingled Wednesday with 15 donors at trendy San Francisco brunch spot Boulettes Larder. During a mid-May spree of intimate donor gatherings in and near New York City, Clinton scooped up at least $4 million. Her schedule included stops at hedge fund manager Orin Kramer's home and financier Steven Rattner's place. Donors at the smallest events typically were asked to give at least $100,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund. Clinton also has entertained 50 or fewer donors at six more events where the minimum contribution generally was $33,400. The campaigns can accept only $2,700 per donor for each election, but a victory fund allows candidates to ask for more and then parcel out the money to the campaign, national political party and dozens of state parties. Both Trump and Clinton have set up these kinds of accounts. "When a candidate takes that much money, they become dependent on those donors and cannot afford to act against their wishes," said Josh Silver, director of Represent.us, a group working to reduce the influence of money in politics through state-level public financing measures. "This is exactly why Democrats and Republicans are falling short on the public interest demands of their constituents, and it has a lot to do with the remarkable popularity of Bernie Sanders." While raking in big cash, the Clinton campaign has emphasized its efforts to appeal to the kinds of small donors that fueled Sanders' candidacy. It also has tried to give some small donors big-donor-level access by holding raffles for private dinners with her. The AP was able to conduct its review of Clinton's fundraisers because her campaign shares background information about its finance events. Trump's campaign does not. Trump associates say he has held several small gatherings with bigger donors, including during a May swing through California. ___ Associated Press writers Lisa Lerer and Ken Thomas contributed to this report. SPRINGFIELD Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic leaders of the Illinois General Assembly put aside their differences long enough to pass a short-term deal Thursday that allows state government to continue operating through December and funds local schools for a full year. The spending portion of the plan was approved by votes of 105-4 in the House and 54-0 in the Senate, and Rauner signed it Thursday evening. The action came as Illinois was on the brink of starting a new fiscal year Friday without a budget in place after going an entire year without a complete spending plan. Flanked by Republican lawmakers at a news conference shortly after the deals passage, the first-term Republican governor praised it as a small step in the process of making Illinois strong and healthy and vibrant. Echoing comments from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Rauner said there is still much work to be done on a complete budget for the new year. This is an attempt at good-faith compromise to set up the possibility for a grand bargain, he said. Thats what this is about. The stopgap spending portion of the agreement largely reflects the work of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that has been negotiating for weeks. Its a $75 billion package in all, with the vast majority of the money coming from special state funds dedicated to specific expenditures. Of that total, $25 billion will cover expenses from the fiscal year that just ended, and the remainder will be for the new year. The agreement will get money to some areas, such of social services and state agency operations, that werent funded at all during the past year. While Republicans and Democrats agreed that more money should be spent on elementary and secondary education next school year, how much more and how much of that would go to Chicago Public Schools was a major roadblock. The two sides finally agreed to spend $7.5 billion in general revenue on schools, including enough to guarantee that no districts receives less state money than it did last year and an added $250 million directed to high-poverty districts. A separate part of the agreement will allow Chicago to increase property taxes to pay down unfunded liabilities in its teacher pension fund, and another will have the state pay $215 million to pick up the employers share of city teachers pensions, something it does for the rest of the state. The latter will be contingent on the Legislature approving additional pension reforms. The deal also includes $1 billion in additional funding for public universities, community colleges and grants to low-income students. Republicans said the lesson to be taken from the accord is that compromise can be reached when the minority party is given a seat at the table. I hope that this can be the breakthrough thats needed, Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said, adding that he hopes leaderships sees what can be accomplished when rank-and-file members of both parties work together. Democrats, meanwhile, took a different lesson, arguing that the way was cleared for a deal when Rauner agreed not to tie it to his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda. Many previous efforts to implement a more comprehensive budget failed due to the governors insistence on the inclusion of his agenda that would drive down middle-class wages and standards of living, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said in his closing remarks of the extended spring legislative session. The difference today is that the governor has dropped his demand that his agenda be considered before a budget could be approved. Members of both parties agreed that theres much more work to be done when lawmakers return to Springfield after the Nov. 8 election. Sens. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, both praised what the agreement does for elementary and secondary education. But they also called for changes in the way the state distributes money to schools, something theyve both been advocating for several years, although with different approaches. The newfound concord on a temporary budget is a welcome reprieve after 18 months of partisan battles, but it is unlikely to last long as the fall campaign gets underway in earnest. During comments on the House floor Thursday, Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said he wouldnt recount what led to the states yearlong budget impasse because mark my word that it will be articulated during the fall. Noting Durkins comments, Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, a top target for Republicans, said he doesnt see the stopgap compromise as a sign of good things to come. Thats not a good way to start off a compromise to get a full years budget, Smiddy said. ** No Magazine Use, No Broadcast Use ** Police say they have caught the man wanted for stuffing a bag of feces into a woman's pants in Manhattan earlier this week. Ekwan Hill, 42, is charged with assault and forcible touching. The city police department said a sergeant with the Department of Homeless Services tipped them off that the attacker was a resident at a shelter in Brooklyn. "We also looked at his locker there and we found the shirt we believe he was wearing at the time he did it. It was an Adidas t-shirt. We have that with us, as well as many latex gloves within that locker," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. "We think he is the perpetrator," Boyce continued. "We're doing lineups right now. We already have one positive identification of him." Police said Hill identified himself in this surveillance video, which showed an attack on a 27-year-old woman Monday. Investigators said surveillance video shows Hill walking up to the 27-year-old victim near 74th Street and First Avenue on the Upper East Side and stuffing the bag into her pants. Police said Hill also grabbed the woman's buttocks before he walked away. Investigators believe he also threw feces at another woman on 91st Street earlier in the day. Hill has 21 prior arrests. Police said they plan to charge him with assault. IM heading into another vacation, and Im nervous. I dont want to kill again. I pretty much did in my last break, this past March. Not an act of premeditation so much as passion. I got so jacked up. Seven days in Hawaii. It was going to be the best vacation Id ever had. And then it started. Somehow my wife and I had failed to anticipate the effects of a time-zone change on our two toddlers. Then there was the rain. I took refuge in my phone, checking the weather, reading the news. I wondered why I wasnt relaxed. The pool was too cold. How much were we paying for this? I checked my phone to see if anyone missed me on Facebook. Nope. I had hoped to return home at peace. Instead I was exhausted, defeated and irritable. What had I done? With another break looming, I went seeking professional help. Is there a way to get the most out of a vacation? Or at least not to ruin it? Can one avoid the seven-day trap: three days impatient to be relaxed already, two days actually being relaxed, and then two final days of dread before going back to work? Discovery Times Square: Vikings (through Sept. 5) This exhibition, which features more than 500 artifacts, explores why Vikings have held onto the popular imagination for more than 1,000 years and how they are often misunderstood. Reviewing the show, Neil Genzlinger wrote in The New York Times: Whats most interesting about the exhibition, though, is the way it places Vikings within the evolving world. It includes, for instance, a shell found on Gotland, the Swedish island, that came from the waters off distant Cyprus, because one thing Vikings were good at was getting around. 226 West 44th Street, Manhattan, 866-987-9692, discoverytsx.com. Echoes: City, Society, Conflict & Self in Hungarian Photography (through July 30) This exhibition, part of the citywide festival Modernity X Hungary, is a focused complement to the sprawling show Moholy-Nagy: Future Present, at the Guggenheim Museum through Sept. 7. The geometric photographs of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy are on view here, along with photos by contemporary artists whose artworks show his influence well after his death in 1946. Alma Gallery, 625 West 27th Street, Chelsea, 347-237-1428. Additional events at modernityxhungary.com. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War (continuing) Visitors familiar with this museum are likely to be well aware of its flight deck, perhaps even some of its wartime history. During the Vietnam War, the Intrepid served three tours overseas, between 1966 and 1969. Now, in an exhibition set in the space where crew members lived and worked, the museum tells their stories with artifacts, film clips and photographs. Pier 86, 46th Street and 12th Avenue, Clinton, 877-957-7447, intrepidmuseum.org. New York Public Library: Alexander Hamilton: Striver, Statesman, Scoundrel (through Dec. 31) Its the New York Public Librarys turn to take advantage of Hamilton-mania. This exhibition, made from the librarys collection, provides some answers to that question posed at the beginning of Lin-Manuel Mirandas hit musical about the founding father without a father Alexander Hamilton: How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar? Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library, 917-275-6975, nypl.org/locations/schwarzman; closed Saturday through Monday. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: Magical Designs for Mozarts Magic Flute (through Aug. 27) Mozarts 1791 singspiel Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) a fantasy about a princes efforts to rescue the abducted daughter of the Queen of the Night has long been an opportunity for imaginative directors and set designers to shine. Alumni from the operas production history include Marc Chagall, Julie Taymor and William Kentridge, who in recent years has also made artistic spectacles of works like Shostakovichs The Nose and Bergs Lulu. In this exhibition, their designs, set models and costumes add up to a visual history of one of the worlds most beloved operas. 111 Amsterdam Avenue, at 65th Street, Lincoln Center, 917-275-6975, nypl.org/locations/lpa; closed Saturday through Monday. Queens Museum: Hey! Ho! Lets Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk (through July 31) Forty years ago, the Ramones introduced their self-titled album to the world and began a legacy that influenced music, fashion and film. All this from a group of punks in Queens. This exhibition goes back to the groups roots to put its personality and success in context, using artworks (inspired by the Ramones music), videos and posters. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, 718-592-9700, queensmuseum.org. A selected guide to dance performances in New York City. Full reviews of recent dance performances: nytimes.com/dance. A searchable guide to these and other performances is at nytimes.com/events. American Ballet Theater (through Saturday) American Ballet Theater concludes its spring season with three more performances of Alexei Ratmanskys handsome, opulent reconstruction of The Sleeping Beauty, featuring palatial sets and poetic pas de deux set to Tchaikovskys stirring score. The production is a clever quilt of the famous ballets history: Mr. Ratmansky incorporated steps from the 1890 Russian premiere and borrowed from the avant-garde costume design of a 1921 staging. A real treat for aficionados. Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, 212-362-6000, abt.org. (Brian Schaefer) Ronald K. Brown (through Sunday) Better Days was a disco club in the 1970s and 80s near Times Square, popular with the gay crowd. Mr. Browns all-male dance of the same name, made in 1998, tells of loss, love and perseverance. At the time, he meant AIDS. This week, audiences may find themselves thinking of Orlando. That work, on Program B, joins others from Mr. Browns repertory, including Four Corners, a nice example of Mr. Browns blend of African and modern dance with a halo of spirituality. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue, Manhattan, 212-242-0800, joyce.org. (Schaefer) Bryant Park Presents Modern Dance (Friday) For two more Friday evenings this summer, the vast Bryant Park lawn will become an open-air dance theater and picnic hot spot with an annual series produced by Bryant Park Presents and the arts organization Inception to Exhibition. Each week, three companies take the stage over two hours; the presented work tends to be upbeat and more physically vibrant so as to compete with the pulse of the city around it. This week, participating artists include WillyLaury&Co, Bare Dance Company and Sean Curran Company. (Also on July 8.) At 6 p.m., Bryant Park, Avenue of the Americas at 42nd Street, 212-768-4242, bryantpark.org. (Schaefer) For the better part of the last century, there has been one major hurdle whenever Hershey Company was on the verge of a major deal: a charitable trust that controls about 81 percent of the voting power. When Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company wanted to buy the company at a 42 percent premium in 2002, the trust called off the sale at the last minute. When the trust became unhappy with Hersheys performance and its deal talks with Cadbury in 2007, it asked for the resignation of six directors. When Hershey wanted to buy Cadbury in 2010, a rift between the American company and the trust allowed a rival, Kraft Foods, to prevail in the $19 billion acquisition of the British candy maker. Chipotle Mexican Grill was dealt another blow on Thursday after the executive leading many of its efforts to recover from a food safety scandal was charged with drug possession and accused him of having a connection to a cocaine delivery service in New York. The company said it had placed Mark Crumpacker, its chief creative and development officer, on administrative leave. We made this decision in order to remain focused on the operation of our business and to allow Mark to focus on these personal matters, Chris Arnold, a Chipotle spokesman, said in an email. Mr. Arnold said other executives had already been assigned to take on Mr. Crumpackers work during his absence. The companys same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, have fallen dramatically after food safety crises involving contamination by E. coli and norovirus. More than 500 people became sick after eating at a Chipotle in the second half of last year. It was a little thing that turned into a really big thing, said Christian Siriano, the most successful of Project Runways alumni and a designer known for dressing a variety of body types on the red carpet, from Christina Hendricks to Kate Hudson, Oprah and Zendaya. Mr. Siriano is a fan and follower of Ms. Jones, and as soon as he read her original tweet, he tweeted back an offer to step into the gap. They exchanged messages, and on Thursday, the actress visited his studio for her first fitting. Theoretically, all was well that ended well (though Mr. Yambao has been blocked by Ms. Jones from her Twitter account). Except that the furor did, probably inadvertently, reveal a very uncomfortable truth about our current reality: As Mr. Yambao says, Everyone assumes if you are pretty or have a social media following, you will be dressed which is to say, gifted clothing by a brand, or lots of brands. That it is no longer a privilege, but your due. This is, in large part, a problem of fashions own making. The industry is culpable for identifying actresses as essential marketing tools, naming faces and ambassadors of varying degrees who are contracted to wear their clothes in ad campaigns, and on certain red carpets, and so on. And below this group of official names (Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, Alicia Vikander, Amy Adams, etc.) is a subgroup of women who are welcome to borrow clothes from a brands closet, assuming they fit into the sample sizes, to everyones benefit: The brands get a paparazzi and people-pages moment, and the women get to be Cinderella for a night. Times Insider delivers behind-the-scenes insights from The New York Times. Below are highlights from radio and television interviews featuring Times reporters. David Sanger, national security correspondent for The Times, joined WAMU Radios The Diane Rehm Show to discuss what the British exit means for the U.S. economy, global security and the 2016 campaign: The political relationship the special relationship between the United States and Britain will be unaffected in the bilateral relationship. But the fact of the matter is that Britain plays a far larger role thats frequently unseen. It is essentially Americas direct interlocutor with the Europeans because they are sitting in on the European Union decisions, discussions not only on economic trade issues, but frequently they are one of the stronger voices for free trade. Rukmini Callimachi, The Times reporter covering Al Qaeda and ISIS, joined MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show to discuss ISIS and the aftermath of the terror attack at Istanbuls main airport on Tuesday: Turkey is one of the strangest countries in terms of ISIS attacks. This is the only country that I know of where they have been blamed for several major attacks and yet they have not claimed credit. Analysts that Ive spoken to, whom I trust, say that this is most likely because ISIS very much needs Turkey. Its been described as their rear base. This is the country through which their foreign recruits must come when theyre flying into the country. And so, perhaps theres a strategic reason for not claiming credit. Adam Liptak, Supreme Court correspondent for The Times, joined PBSs Charlie Rose for an update on the Supreme Courts decision on President Obamas immigration plan: Its a big blow for one of President Obamas real legacies, his attempt to overhaul the immigration program, to spare as many as five million people from deportation and allow them to work. And the effect of this 4-4 tie was to leave in place a federal appeals court decision that blocks the program, and it effectively ends any chance of reviving the program while President Obama is in office, and raises real questions about whether this immigration overhaul will ever come into being. Danielle Ivory, a reporter at The Times covering business and government, joined KCRW Radios To the Point to discuss her investigation into how private equity firms have increasingly taken over public services like emergency care and firefighting, often with dire effects: In a season rank with the stench of money in politics, youd think that a piece of legislation that would strike a small blow for better government, a wiser use of public funds, would sail through the New York City Council. You might think that, but you would be wrong. Right now, the speaker of the Council is sitting on a bill that would make sure that public money available under the citys imperfect but pretty good campaign finance law would not be used to bulk up the power of lobbyists. The speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, a Democrat, would not explain her thinking, when she might make a decision or whether she was speaking with lobbyists whose financial clout the new law would curb. In theory, under a law passed several years ago, people doing business with the city are limited to giving at most $400 per candidate. Look closely, though, and you can see the wormhole that hundreds of thousands of dollars flows through. Heres how it works. A New York State appeals court ordered on Thursday that work be temporarily halted on Pier 55, a 2.4-acre, $130 million park planned along the Hudson River and financed mostly by the billionaire businessman Barry Diller. Justices with the court, the Appellate Division, First Judicial Department, granted a preliminary injunction stopping the work in response to a motion by the City Club of New York, a civic group that is appealing a lower courts dismissal of its lawsuit seeking to halt the project until it is approved by the State Legislature and has a new environmental review. Richard D. Emery, a lawyer for the club, said an injunction was necessary to prevent environmental harm that might be caused if construction were to proceed while the court considers the groups appeal of the April ruling by Justice Joan Lobis of State Supreme Court in Manhattan. High levels of lead found in the drinking water of public schools in Newark do not appear to have caused widespread poisoning of children, the results of blood tests released by the school district indicate. Of the almost 500 children whose blood was tested at Newark school sites this spring, only one had results above the recommended action level set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10 micrograms per deciliter according to data released by the school district. Nine other children tested at those sites had lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, which Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has set as the threshold for concern for state health officials. An additional 700 children were tested at hospitals and clinics outside of the schools. The citys Department of Health and Community Wellness shared the results with the school district. Three of those children had lead in their blood above the 10-microgram threshold; an additional 10 had from 5 to 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, the school district said. Fewer students will be required to go to summer school this year, the New York City Education Department said on Thursday, continuing a downward trend under Mayor Bill de Blasio. The department said that 5.9 percent of all third- through eighth-grade students must attend summer classes, down from 6.3 percent last year and 7.4 percent the year before. At schools that are part of the citys Renewal program, which pumps money and social services into struggling institutions, the rate was much higher. At those schools, 18.9 percent of third- through eighth-grade students must attend school this summer. At Bill Cunninghams funeral on Thursday morning, Anna Wintour wore blue Carolina Herrera, Annette de la Renta had on a light pleated summer dress that went to the knee, and Mercedes Bass opted for basic black. They came to the Church of St. Thomas More on East 89th Street in Manhattan to pay their respects to a man who had taken their pictures for the last 40 to 50 years. One of the many sad things about this day was that there were no photographers, in keeping with a request by Mr. Cunninghams family, who asked that things stay simple and private. In a way, it made sense. Although Mr. Cunningham, who died on Saturday at 87, had been photographing New Yorkers since 1967, the year the illustrator Antonio Lopez gave him his first camera, he hardly appreciated being the subject of attention. A documentary was made about Mr. Cunningham in 2010, and he said until the end of his life that he had not seen it. New Jersey lawmakers failed to reach an agreement this week over plans to raise the states famously low gas tax, after Gov. Chris Christie threw his support behind one of two competing proposals. Legislators had pushed to secure a deal on the gas tax by Thursday, when the authorization for the states transportation trust fund expired. But Democratic leaders in the State Senate said they could not sign on to the plan Mr. Christie backed to raise the gas tax and lower the sales tax. The gas tax measure is not expected to be taken up again until later this month. Under a deal Mr. Christie reached with the Democratic-led Assembly on Monday, the states gas tax would increase by about 23 cents per gallon to pay for transportation projects. Senate leaders said they could not support the Assemblys legislation because reducing the sales tax would be too costly for the state budget. Mr. Christie proposed lowering the sales tax to 6 percent from 7 percent by 2018. The Police Department will review its so-called no-beard policy and has reinstated a Muslim officer who was suspended on June 21 for defying the rule, a department official and lawyers for the officer said on Thursday. The rule was at the center of a federal class-action lawsuit filed on June 22 on behalf of the officer, Masood Syed, who said he was suspended without pay during Ramadan for refusing to shave his inch-long beard. The suit maintained that the policy and its irregular enforcement were unconstitutional. Officer Syed, who has had a beard for 10 years, said in a statement that he hoped a new policy would allow him and other officers to wear our beards at a reasonable length without the fear of retaliation or hostility. His lawyers have said the rule infringes on the rights of more than 100 officers seeking to exercise their religious freedoms. 2. What should we expect from the Republican convention, just two weeks away? It wont be boring like previous ones, pledged Donald J. Trump, who also said he wont speak every night. Beyond that, the usually polished and choreographed affair is in flux. But if Mr. Trumps comments at a Thursday event were any indication he suggested that a plane overhead was a Mexican aircraft ready for an attack his shoot-from-the-lip style may be hard to avoid, even if hes planning to hew more closely to a script. _____ London THE problem with spending your whole life pretending to be a buffoon is that eventually people start to believe you. Back in April, when the possibility of Britain actually voting to leave the European Union seemed remote, two newspapers commissioned a poll asking which political figure readers would most like to dine with. Boris Johnson, who had recently announced his support for Brexit, was the winner by a wide margin: 38 percent of respondents said theyd prefer his company, compared with 18 percent for the Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and just 12 percent for the Conservative prime minister, David Cameron. This morning, I found myself wondering how many had changed their minds, for Mr. Johnson or Boris, as hes universally known here now seems more like the sort of date whod order a lavish meal and the best wine on the menu and then walk out, leaving his companions with the check. A week ago Britain had the fifth largest economy in the world. By the weekend, after Britons had voted by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the European Union, it had slipped to sixth place, behind France. Mr. Cameron, who had staked his political future on the vote, resigned. Its significant that Trump gave his big anti-trade speech in the Pittsburgh area. That part of Western Pennsylvania illustrates in a very concrete way how the open/closed debate will play out. Pittsburgh is a great renaissance story. I recently got a tour of it from the mayor, Bill Peduto. We visited a beautiful, tight Italian community with family-owned businesses stretching back generations. We visited a resurging African-American community where local activists were building a cultural center in the home of the great playwright August Wilson. Mostly we just saw acres and acres of new development: new restaurants, new museums, new loft-style office spaces and several gleaming new hospitals. Pittsburgh has come so far from the deindustrialization days of the 1970s and 1980s. But then I drove through the steel mill towns along the Monongahela and other rivers. The storefronts and banks were boarded up, the downtowns deserted. The mills are still operating, but they are so efficient theyre eerily empty of human presence. The towns still have residents, but not much is going on. I drove for miles, unable to find even a diner for lunch. It occurred to me the Pittsburgh renaissance didnt really grow up out of the metro Pittsburgh of old. Instead one Carnegie-Mellon type layer of prosperity and innovation had grown on top of the old working-class layer, which was still there and in bad shape. When youre in the top layer you see why free trade is so good. Living standards are rising. A study by the Peterson Institute found that past trade liberalization laws added between $7,100 to 12,900 in additional income to the average household. A study by Peter Petri and Michael Plummer estimates that the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Trump opposes and Clinton sort of opposes, would boost American incomes by $131 billion. You also see how an efficient manufacturing sector makes it possible to divert resources into things that improve the quality of life. As Neil Irwin pointed out in The Times, Pittsburgh has lost 5,100 steel jobs since 1990. But it has also gained 66,000 health care jobs over the same time. The case, Voisine v. United States, was brought by two Maine men who had been stripped of their right to own guns following convictions for domestic violence. One of the men, Stephen Voisine, had pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend. Officials didnt realize he was violating the gun law until several years later after he used his gun to shoot a protected bald eagle. Mr. Voisine argued that his Second Amendment right was violated because Maines law versions of which exist in 34 states and the District of Columbia permitted a conviction if someone recklessly committed a domestic assault. He contended that a recklessness standard failed to satisfied the federal requirement that a person actually use physical force. But Congress knew that state laws like Maines existed when it passed the ban. As Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the majority opinion, the federal firearms restriction was clearly intended to cover both reckless and intentional crimes of domestic violence under state assault laws. Any other interpretation would substantially undermine the gun bans ability to prevent bloodshed. Domestic abusers pose a much higher risk to their partners when there is a gun in the house. According to a 2014 report by the group Everytown for Gun Safety, more than half of all women murdered with guns in America are killed by partners or family members. And people with a history of domestic violence are five times more likely to murder their partner if a gun is in the house. In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas complained that the majority was treating the Second Amendment right to own a gun cavalierly. He warned that the reckless standard was so easy to meet that even accidental conduct could lead to a lifetime ban on gun rights. But prosecutors are not going after accidents. Shortly after the Pentagon began allowing openly gay people to serve in the military in 2011, a small group of transgender veterans quietly began to plan for the next battle. They thought it would take 15 years, perhaps more, for the military to openly accept transgender people in uniform. It would be hard, they knew, to make the case that ending an anachronistic policy that labeled transgender people as perverts was not only morally right, but the smart thing to do. Transgender service members risked being fired for stepping forward and speaking up. But speak up they did, with enormous courage and a clear sense of what was fair for them and right for the country they took an oath to protect. On Thursday, less than five years after the gay ban was lifted, transgender troops won the same right. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said he concluded that allowing transgender people to serve would make the military a fairer employer and a stronger institution. More than a century ago, in the first attempts to shape the face of a nation open to people from all nations, the United States banned convicts, prostitutes and Chinese laborers from landing on our shores. Later, idiots were added to the list of forbidden immigrants. Alas, it was too early keep Donald Trump at bay. But on this upcoming Independence Day, at a time when Trumps response to our better angels is to go small, mean and tribal, an American ideal is in peril. Not open borders, which is something the United States hasnt had since 1875, but open minds. In committing economic suicide, Britain is trying to close the door and hide from the world. It felt good, no doubt, to tell those overbearing bureaucrats in Brussels to bugger off. Well stick with our bangers and mash without any interference from Europe! But the Brexit vote was also a drunken swing at those others remaking the image of a lost England. To hear the haters tell it, Polish vermin and brown-skinned hordes have overwhelmed the little island nation. Trump wants us to follow the Brits into a corner of isolation by race, religion and trade. His philosophy, the rant of a besotted boob making things up in public, is anti-American at its core. In rejecting our former colonial masters, we threw off monarchy, the class system and a state religion. We opened our doors to all nations, all religions, all opinions. So far this year, employers in the United States have hired some 80,000 foreign guest workers for low-skilled nonagricultural jobs. If a bipartisan group in Congress gets its way, the number could soon rise as high as 264,000. Employers say they need to import these workers called H-2B workers after their visa category because no comparable American workers are available. That claim does not stand up. When labor is scarce, unemployment falls and wages rise. But unemployment is high in all of the top H-2B fields, which include landscaping, groundskeeping, construction, hospitality and seafood processing, while wages in those fields have long been flat or declining. Even if there were a labor shortage, the H-2B system would not be an acceptable solution. The Government Accountability Office has found that H-2B workers, who typically work for nine-month stints, have been abused; news reports support these findings. These workers are yoked to their employers. If they protest unsafe conditions, wage theft or other mistreatment, they risk dismissal, deportation and financial ruin. SAN FRANCISCO Zenefits investors are getting a larger piece of the troubled human resources start-up because they overpaid for their stakes, unaware that the companys sales teams flouted regulations to enhance growth, Zenefits announced on Thursday. The move will cut the companys valuation in half, to about $2 billion. The unusual agreement comes after months of turmoil at Zenefits, once a high-flying company that helps small businesses buy insurance. The company, based in San Francisco, failed to comply with health insurance regulations in some markets. Parker Conrad, co-founder and chief executive, stepped down in February after admitting that he created the software employees used to bypass insurance brokerage regulations. David O. Sacks, who replaced Mr. Conrad as chief executive, said in an email to employees that the decision stemmed from discussions with a number of the companys major investors, and that Fidelity, TPG, Andreessen Horowitz and Insight Venture Partners had all agreed to the deal. Under the new terms, the stake owned by investors in the companys Series C funding round will increase to 25 percent, from 11 percent. That group invested about $500 million in May 2015. Earlier investors will soon be offered an opportunity to own more of the company to offset the dilution of their stakes. A federal judge on Thursday blocked an Indiana law that would have banned abortions based solely on a fetuss disability or genetic anomaly, suggesting that it was an illegal limit on a womans long-established constitutional right. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, of Federal District Court for Southern Indiana, also held up a state ban on abortions motivated solely by a fetuss race or sex. In the preliminary injunction, Judge Pratt said limiting the reasons for an abortion was inconsistent with the notion of a right rooted in privacy concerns and a liberty right to make independent decisions. While Judge Pratts injunction stops the law from taking immediate effect, and though she said the state would be unlikely to prevail at trial, the state can still defend the legislation. In a statement, the Indiana attorney generals office said state lawyers would consider how to proceed and whether to appeal the injunction. Indiana would have been the first state to have a blanket ban on abortions based solely on race, sex or suspected disabilities, including evidence of Down syndrome. A handful of states have bans on abortion based on sex, one state has a ban based on race, and two have bans based on genetic anomalies, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit abortion rights group that tracks state laws. RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY ++CLIENTS NOTE: SOUNDBITES ARE SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++ POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY Manchester, New Hampshire - 30 June 2016 1. Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump walking to stage 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, Presumptive Republican nominee: You probably hear me a lot I talk about New Hampshire because it was the site of my first victory, this is where I had my first victory. And Ive got so many friends up here its been an amazing state to me and I learned a lot. I learned about the heroin pouring in and I said no way you look at these beautiful trees, these beautiful streams and lakes and everything else I said this is not heroin country. It is heroin country and its coming from the southern border much of it and were gonna take care of it. I told the people of New Hampshire if I win were going to build the wall. Were going to have an amazing border. ++BLACK++ 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, Presumptive Republican nominee: Mexico, and I respect Mexico, I respect their leaders, what theyve done to us is incredible. Their leaders are so much smarter, so much sharper and its incredible - in fact that could be a Mexican plane up there, theyre getting ready to attack. ++BLACK++ 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, Presumptive Republican nominee: I think were gonna get a lot of the Bernie Sanders voters because one thing we had in common, and its not a lot, but he knew that trade deals were terrible. And I know the trade deals are terrible. The difference is I can fix the trade deals and make them phenomenal. A couple of the people of the Republican party said oh gee Trump is going against trade. Im not against trade. I just want to make better deals. ++BLACK++ 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, Presumptive Republican nominee: The trade policies of Hillary Clinton, global financiers, and theyre all controlling her, they have 100 percent, they might as well stamp Hillary Clinton on their forehead. They have total control of her. Thats why she is going to approve TPP. Just so you understand, she totally approved it, she wanted it so badly she said this is the gold standard of trading pacts. This is the gold standard. Its all over television. And then all of the sudden she heard me make a speech, saying whats wrong with TPP and she changed. She said I no longer support it. ++BLACK++ 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, Presumptive Republican nominee: What happens is if she ever got in, which would be a sad, sad, day for our country and our workers especially, theyll take a sentence that doesnt mean anything, make a little change, a little comma here or there and shell say now I can finally support it, its wonderful. And that will be worse than NAFTA signed by her husband, that would be worse than NAFTA. That will make NAFTA look like a toy. 7. Trump leaving stage TAYLOR, Mich. Raheel Siddiqui was well on his way to becoming an American success story. A son of immigrants, he had been a top student in high school and was studying robotics and engineering at the University of Michigans Dearborn campus. That is where the Marines recruited him, his family says. He wanted to be a jet mechanic in the Marines, and eventually an F.B.I. agent, saving money and helping his close-knit Muslim family to a better life. He liked challenges and didnt want something easy, said his sister, Sidra, recalling why he chose the Marines over other services. He liked the respect that the Marines got. In early March, Raheel, 20, arrived at the Marines fabled recruit training depot on Parris Island, S.C. MOSCOW Wassyl Slipak, a baritone at the Paris Opera who became a folk hero in his native Ukraine for returning home to fight in his countrys war in the east, was killed by sniper fire on Wednesday near the town of Debaltseve. He was 41. Mr. Slipak died around 6 a.m. after his position came under a surprise attack, said Artyom Skoropadsky, a spokesman for Right Sector, a nationalist paramilitary organization. Mr. Slipak was born in the western city of Lviv on Dec. 20, 1974. A musical prodigy as a child, he rose quickly to fame performing in France in the late 1990s. By 2011, he was at the top of his field, winning the prize for best male performer at the Armel Opera Competition and Festival in Szeged, Hungary, for his rendering of the Toreador Song from the opera Carmen. But after the war with Russian-backed separatists broke out in eastern Ukraine in 2014, he traded the stage for the trenches, carrying a belt-fed machine gun with other right-wing volunteers in Right Sector. United Nations The United Nations envoy charged with persuading the Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks said on Thursday that Israels policy of expanding settlements in the West Bank was among the trends that severely undermine hopes for peace. The comments by the envoy, Nickolay E. Mladenov, offered a glimpse into a long-awaited, carefully negotiated report to be issued on Friday that is intended to help revive the peace process that collapsed more than two years ago. Among what he called the conclusions of the report, Mr. Mladenov also cited the Palestinian Authoritys lack of control of the Gaza Strip, along with continuing violence, terrorism and incitement. In the Security Council briefing, Mr. Mladenov stopped short of saying the Israelis should stop building settlements. Whether that will be one of the findings of the report of the so-called Middle East Quartet a mediation group made up of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia remains to be seen. The language of the report will be a measure of how much the Obama administration, in its last months, is willing to push Israel, especially on the question of settlement building. AMMAN, Jordan In the middle of a roadless desert on the edge of Syria and Jordan, thousands of Syrian men, women and children have been living for months in tents made of head scarves and tarp. There are scorpions and rats among them, and an unknown number of men with guns. The noonday heat soars above 100 degrees. There is no water. For a week, since a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing seven Jordanian security officials, the refugees, now numbering at least 60,000, have not had access to food or medicine, as they had in previous months. Only three times since then have water trucks reached them, carrying what the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders estimated to be equivalent to a 1.5-liter bottle of water a day. If this continues like it is now, we will soon see starvation, dehydration, and we will be confronted with preventable deaths, Benoit De Gryse, the aid groups operations manager warned Thursday at a news conference here in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Last year, in an unusual arrangement, the French and Dutch governments jointly bought a pair of Rembrandt portraits for 160 million euros, or about $178 million, from a French businessman, Eric de Rothschild. Under the agreement, the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum would share custody of the paintings. The Louvre began displaying the full-length portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit from 1634 in March, and now it is the Rijksmuseums turn, with a public unveiling on Friday. They will hang adjacent to the Dutch national treasure, Rembrandts Night Watch, in the museums central Gallery of Honor, which the museums director, Wim Pijbes, described as the Dutch art hall of fame. Welcome home, Taco Dibbits, the current director of collections, who will become the new director of the Rijksmuseum on July 15, said at a media preview. Rembrandt the painter had only lived in Amsterdam for three years when he painted these extraordinary portraits. If you wanted to sum up the images in one word, it would be ambition. Its a very emotional moment, Mr. Dibbits said in an interview. They have a great wall power, and together the pair of pendants really make a very big canvas. Its impressive to see that from a distance; you feel as if theyre two people of flesh and blood who are really alive standing in front of you. But the farcically chaotic first-act finale is allowed to be its usual bubbly self, and the sublime trio Soave sia il vento to be simply, sincerely beautiful. In that number, the sisters beg the winds to be gentle as their lovers sail to war the pretext for their deceit so why didnt we see Africans fanning them, making clear that breezes come from all kinds of sources? It wouldnt have been subtle, but Mr. Honore, known for films that owe a debt to the rambunctious audacity of the French New Wave, hardly shies away from blatant gestures elsewhere in the production. His second act is more unsparing and harrowing, with seductions that take the form of surreal scenes tangling racial and sexual anxieties. As the sisters decide who will end up with which Dubat, a servant sponges their feet. Their duet becomes a spectacle of humiliation for him as they use him as a kind of mannequin, to try out gingerly the idea of loving and having sex with a black man. He gets in on the act, groping one of the sisters breasts, until the intoxicating moment abruptly ends, and she shoos him away like an irritating insect. The blackface makeup becomes a potent theatrical device. At one point, Ferrando washes some off himself, further confusing the frantic Fiordiligi, whom he is trying to seduce. This motivates a rendition of her aria Per pieta that, for both characters, simmers with mingled shames about racial passing and romantic betrayal. When she finally gives in, its part of an outpouring that finds her rubbing the makeup over her naked torso with a mixture of pleasure and pain: a shocking, wrenching image. As the showiness of the first act yielded to the more serious, sustained intensity of the second, the cast was entirely on board with Mr. Honores vision. Ending the opera alone onstage, pointing a rifle at herself, the soprano Lenneke Ruiten sang Fiordiligi with a fearlessly focused voice, a glint of stridency adding a note of urgency. Kate Lindseys energetic, earthy mezzo suited the more impulsive sister, Dorabella, as Joel Prietos poised, airy tenor and Nahuel di Pierros smoky bass did the casually aggressive Ferrando and Guglielmo. Rod Gilfry was a gruffly nihilistic Alfonso, alternately resigned and snarling, and Sandrine Piau was sharply suspicious as Despina, the ladies guardian and Alfonsos partner in crime. There was no musical fat or plushiness here, as if the work had been shaved down to its sinews. In fact, it could have been even more sinewy: While the Freiburg ensemble played with crisp, light energy under Mr. Langree, for a production this intense, more savagery in the sound might have been in order. This conductor, orchestra and cast will present Cosi in concert at Alice Tully Hall on Aug. 15 as part of Lincoln Centers Mostly Mozart Festival. It will surely be an impressive performance. But the New York audience will miss a dark, demanding staging that speaks all too clearly to our time. In Gay Taleses forthcoming book, The Voyeurs Motel, about a Colorado motel owner who spied on his guests for years without their knowledge, Mr. Talese warns readers that his central character can be an inaccurate and unreliable narrator. But Mr. Talese might have underestimated just how unreliable Gerald Foos, the owner, really is. The book, which Grove Atlantic is to publish on July 12, follows the strange story of Mr. Foos, who used a hidden observation platform at his motel in Aurora, Colo., to spy on his customers for decades, and kept detailed notes on their behavior. The book was excerpted in The New Yorker in April, and film rights were optioned by Steven Spielberg. Now Mr. Talese has acknowledged that Mr. Foos might have failed to share some key facts. An article published by The Washington Post on Thursday night revealed that Mr. Foos sold the motel in 1980 and did not repurchase it until 1988. Informed of that by The Post, Mr. Talese, 84, told the publication that he regretted trusting Mr. Foos and did not plan to promote the book because its credibility is down the toilet. But on Friday he said that he stood by the book. WASHINGTON For decades, brand-name and generic drug companies have fought each other in Congress, at international trade negotiations and in court. So when the worlds largest generic drug company moved this year to join the powerful trade association for producers of brand-name medicines, pharmaceutical lobbyists were in a swivet. The trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, known as PhRMA, is plunging into battles over drug prices here and in many state capitols. And the request from the generic company, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, is raising eyebrows in PhRMAs secretive councils. Some brand-name drug companies have expressed alarm at the prospect that Teva will join their ranks, a move some see as tantamount to allowing a spy into the fold. If PhRMA broadens its membership to include the worlds largest generic company, the associations emphasis on innovation will be diluted, Carlos Alban, an executive vice president of the brand-name drug maker AbbVie, wrote in late May in a letter to the board of the trade association. Two activist investors who have prodded the Williams Companies for nearly three years to improve shareholder returns sent letters to the pipeline companys board on Friday explaining why they had quit the board and vowing to continue their dissident battle from the outside. The investors, Eric Mandelblatt of Soroban Capital Partners and Keith Meister of Corvex Management, disclosed in a securities filing on Friday that together they hold 8.4 percent of Williams shares. Their letters to the board were attached to the filing. I cannot serve on a board that continues to empower a C.E.O. with an abysmal operational and financial track record, and who in my opinion lacks the necessary judgment and character to lead the company forward, Mr. Mandelblatt said in his letter, referring to Williams chief executive, Alan S. Armstrong. I retain all options going forward to protect shareholders from further value destruction. In a separate letter, Mr. Meister said, I have resigned because I can no longer in good conscience serve on a board where a majority of that board was unwilling to make a change that I felt was critical to the future direction of the company. He added, I believe I will be more effective from outside the company than within. Apple is flailing around to the beat. The company may buy Tidal, the music-streaming service started by the superstar rapper Jay Z, according to The Wall Street Journal. The presumed logic is that it will help Apple strengthen its own service. Spotify, a rival, says that Apple is harming it by rejecting an app upgrade. Apple has the clout to fend off rivals, but adding Tidal will not help get its rhythm back. It was just two years ago that Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, spent $3 billion for Beats, the streaming music and headphones business owned by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. The co-founders have deep ties to the music industry with roots at Interscope and Death Row Records. And yet Apples streaming ambitions have been middling at best. It is redesigning the service after frustrating its approximately 15 million paying subscribers. That is just half as big as Spotifys 30 million subscriber base. Private health insurers can pay more than $4,000 for each dialysis treatment. Government health plans like Medicaid pay around $200. That gaping price difference was the motivation for a scheme, orchestrated by a for-profit dialysis chain, that illegally pushed poor people in Florida and Ohio out of inexpensive government programs and into expensive private plans sold by UnitedHealthcare, according to a lawsuit the giant insurer filed in federal court on Friday. UnitedHealthcare says the arrangement needlessly exposed the patients to medical bills. The suit accuses American Renal Associates, a public company that operates nearly 200 dialysis clinics across the country, of fraudulently billing millions of dollars since the beginning of the year. UnitedHealthcare is trying to recoup that money. The insurer argues that the effort was aided by the American Kidney Fund, a nonprofit patient advocacy group, which paid the patients premiums for private insurance. The insurer said American Renal Associates earmarked donations to the kidney fund to pay for the coverage, violating anti-kickback laws in the process. The lawsuit also says that the companys patients were not told that the kidney fund would stop paying their premiums if they received a kidney transplant. Men sporting shaved heads and robes who impersonate Buddhist monks and aggressively panhandle for donations are once again proliferating in New York City and countries around the world, the authorities said. Reports of the fake monks spiked two years ago, then waned. But now they are back in force from Times Square to the High Line, the public park built on an old elevated rail line on Manhattans West Side. The panhandling is not limited to New York City, however. Reports of the men have surfaced in San Francisco, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India and Nepal, officials said. Their tactics follow a familiar script: Hold out a beaded bracelet or gold-colored medallion featuring a Buddhist saying to a passer-by, get the person to take it, then ask for a donation. Those who offer too little money or nothing at all have the items snatched back and risk being shouted at, The Associated Press reported. For months, Gov. Chris Christie had said that New Jerseys transportation funding was not in a crisis, even as the state inched closer toward exhausting its principal fund for roads, bridges and mass transit. But after Mr. Christie embraced plans this week to raise the states gas tax, and the Democratic-led State Senate balked at the proposed trade-offs, Mr. Christie quickly changed his tune. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Thursday, Mr. Christie declared a state of emergency and moved to shut down most road work. Allowing the transportation fund to go broke would be disastrous and jeopardize peoples safety, Mr. Christie said in an executive order. By raising the prospect of potholes going unfixed and construction workers being laid off, Mr. Christie ratcheted up the pressure on state lawmakers to reach an agreement. But his sudden turnabout stunned politicians and interest groups in the state. Did the European Union break itself? Its critics say that it has not been sufficiently responsive and that this is one of the main reasons Britain voted to leave. One way to see if thats true is to look at immigration, the issue that sat at the heart of the Brexit campaign. Citizens of one European Union country can move to and work in any other country of the union. Britain, in part because its economy has been performing strongly, has attracted higher levels of immigration in recent years. Look at the numbers. From 1970 till 1999, there was an average annual inflow of 243,000 long-term immigrants, according to British government statistics. This more than doubled to an average of 552,000 from 2000 through the end of 2014. Currently, around half the immigrants are from the European Union, roughly half of those from eastern European countries like Poland and Romania. Its easy to see how it fostered a belief in some quarters that immigrants from such countries were pulling down wages and using up public services. This belief appears to have bolstered support in Britain for leaving the European Union. One of the last polls before the Brexit vote, by Ipsos MORI, showed that 32 percent of respondents agreed that the number of immigrants coming into Britain was very important in helping them decide how to vote in the referendum. Not far behind was the economy, at 31 percent, but another 11 percent of respondents chose the cost of E.U. immigration on Britains welfare system. PHOENIX When the temperature hits the triple digits here, hikers continue to hike. They snake their way up Camelback Mountain, which has a 2,680-foot summit with spectacular views of the city. They pack the picturesque mile-long trail up Piestewa Peak. They traverse the towering cactuses dotting South Mountain Park. And some of them find themselves lost, parched, in distress. Six hikers in Arizona died in a single weekend last month, and Phoenix firefighters have rescued 141 people from the citys mountains and trails so far this year, many of them overcome by the summers stupefying heat. To reduce the number of hikes that go awry, the city has tried offering safety tips (plan ahead, dont hike alone, avoid huffing and puffing) and leaving free bottles of water and ice at the parking lots of some of the most popular spots. Going further, city officials recently proposed closing trails altogether when the temperature hits 110 degrees. That plan drew considerable criticism. It is really far-reaching and bold, and really has the potential to save a lot of lives, Ms. Wilcox said. It can give us a handle on who has illegal guns in the state, as well as limiting access to ammunition by dangerous people who may have illegal guns. The new laws would prohibit the possession of high-capacity magazines those holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition for assault weapons. These so-called high-capacity magazines are not for target shooting or hunting, said Senator Loni Hancock, a Democrat who sponsored the bill. Their sole purpose is to kill as many people as possible in the shortest period of time. A separate bill banned semiautomatic weapons with bullet buttons, which make it easy to quickly remove a magazine and replace it with another. Among the bills Mr. Brown vetoed was one that would have expanded the definition of a firearm. While I appreciate the authors intent, the actual wording of the bill is unduly vague and could have far-reaching and unintended consequences, Mr. Brown wrote in his veto message. Shannon Grove, a Republican Assembly member who spoke out against the bills during the debate, said that none of those signed would reduce gun violence or prevent mass shootings. Instead, she said, the restrictions compromised the rights of California families to protect themselves. I think its death by 1,000 paper cuts for our Second Amendment rights, she said. Nowhere in this nation do you give up your rights under any other amendments. The signing was not the end of gun control measures that might be enacted here in the wake of a wave of violence that has traumatized the world and the nation, including the shooting in San Bernardino that killed 14 people at a holiday party in December. A separate set of gun control measures will appear before voters in November; some of them have been passed by the Legislature, but Mr. Brown vetoed those, saying they should be left to voters to decide. The spectacular and fatal show began with a flicker. Winifred Duncan, a clerk at the S.S. Kresge store near Clevelands public square, was showing 4-year-old James Parker and his mother a sparkler on the morning of July 3, 1908. The device, she assured them, was harmless. Moments later, a spark jumped to a nearby flag. Within seconds, a flame had reached and ignited the stores larger fireworks. With a rattling roar the skyrockets, torpedoes and candles were set off, carrying the flame to every part of the store, The Marion Daily Mirror reported the next day. KISSIMMEE, Fla. Inside the packed visitation room at Funeraria San Juan, the coffins of Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, known as Dani by his friends and family, and his partner, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, were about a foot apart below the crucifix of Jesus Christ. Amid prayers, songs and eulogies, hundreds of relatives and friends made their way to the front to pay respects to the two men, who were among the 49 killed in a massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. After the two men were memorialized side by side, Mr. Wilson-Leons body was flown back to Puerto Rico for burial while Mr. Perez, 35, was buried near his family in Florida. The story of Mr. Wilson-Leons journey to Florida is indicative of the larger spectrum of challenges faced by the gay community in rural areas of Puerto Rico. In 2004, when Mr. Wilson-Leon, 37, left Puerto Rico, his friends said he was seeking acceptance. Dani was looking for Dani. He was looking for himself, said Laly Santiago-Leon, his cousin. He wanted to be who he truly was, without any barriers, without any judgment. In Florida, he found support at the home of the aunt who had persuaded him to come out as gay. To me everyone is the same, the aunt, Noelia Leon de Santiago, said. I wanted him with me so he could be happy and he could be in his own world. In six months, Dani learned to speak English. Eventually, he gained complete independence and built a life with Mr. Perez, his partner of 10 years. Those who knew the couple and their community in Orlando described the Pulse nightclub as a safe space, like a home. But on June 12, they were killed in what has been described as a terrorist attack and a hate crime against the gay community. At Mr. Wilson-Leons funeral, relatives who had once been unwilling to shake his hand because he was gay, were there to mourn his death. After the services, his family described the complexities of acceptance, tolerance, religion, and love as it relates to having a loved one who is gay. WASHINGTON Thousands of immigrants with criminal convictions, including for assault and attempted murder, have been released from detention because their native countries refused to take them back, according to statistics recently released by the Department of Homeland Security. The inability to deport the criminals has prompted outrage among lawmakers and advocates of tighter immigration laws, who say that the Obama administration could be doing much more to pressure uncooperative countries. But the department faces a number of obstacles. It is legally barred from indefinitely detaining immigrants who cannot be repatriated. And poorer nations are often reluctant to take back violent offenders because they have limited resources to deal with them. The release of such immigrants into American cities is a particularly charged aspect of the national debate over immigration. Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has painted a grim picture of immigrant criminals menacing the streets. As far back as the Revolutionary War, the United States military has trumpeted its gleaming, brassy bands as a point of pride and a critical soft power weapon in its arsenal. But in an era of budget cuts and troop reductions, Congress is signaling that it may be time for one of the largest employers of musicians in the world to turn the music down. The Pentagon fields more than 130 military bands worldwide, made up of about 6,500 musicians, and not just in traditional brass and drum corps like the kind that will march in many Fourth of July parades on Monday. There are also military rock acts with artsy names, conservatory-trained military jazz ensembles, military bluegrass pickers, even a military calypso band based in the Virgin Islands. All of this cost about $437 million last year almost three times the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts. In June, the House of Representatives passed bills that would force the military to give a detailed accounting of the bands activities and expenses and limit where and when the bands could perform. The House Armed Services Committee inserted a line in the latest National Defense Authorization Act saying the committee believes that the services may be able to conserve end strength by reducing the number of military bands. Under the law, those who act according to these beliefs in foster care, counseling, school administration, facility rentals and wedding services would have been fully shielded from a host of potential government actions involving such things as hiring or firing decisions, fees or the issuing of state contracts. The law would have also allowed court clerks to refuse to grant wedding licenses to same-sex couples as long as accommodations were made for the applicants to receive their licenses anyway. Judge Reeves struck down that element in a separate ruling on Monday, saying that while state officials were free to disagree, the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage is the law of the land. In a footnote in his ruling on Thursday night Judge Reeves, who was appointed by President Obama and is the second African-American federal judge in Mississippi compared Mr. Bryants remarks on a states right to self-governance when it comes to gay marriage to former Gov. Ross Barnetts 1962 speech before the Legislature in which he invoked states rights to oppose the integration of the University of Mississippi. Mississippis law was condemned by civil rights activists, business groups and a number of the states mayors, particularly along the tourism-dependent Gulf Coast. But given its lack of Fortune 500 headquarters and its uncontested conservative political landscape, Mississippi did not face the same broad backlash as North Carolina did after passing a law restricting bathroom access for transgender people. There have been multiple legal challenges with a wide array of plaintiffs: gay and straight, transgender and not. Lawyers in the case, which arose from suits filed by the Mississippi Center for Justice and the Campaign for Southern Equality, argued that the law was motivated by animus toward gay and transgender people and that it unconstitutionally endorsed and provided exclusive protection for certain narrow religious beliefs. Lawyers for the state responded that the law did not affect the rights of gay or transgender people and that it would not favor a particular religious doctrine any more than conscientious objector laws do. Protection of free conscience and the free exercise of religion are legitimate and compelling governmental interests, lawyers for the state said in a motion. It is reasonable to protect the convictions outlined in the law, they continued, even though plaintiffs disagree with those beliefs and find them offensive. DENVER After spending most of the last week focusing on trade, Donald J. Trump turned his attention on Friday to terrorism and the threat from the Islamic State, suggesting that terrorists groups were hoping for a Hillary Clinton victory in November. They have dreams at night, Mr. Trump said. And their dreams are that Hillary Clinton becomes president of our country. The comments came as he gave an extended riff on terrorism, claiming I see things that a lot of people dont, and citing his opposition to the invasion of Iraq (which he didnt originally oppose) and his criticism of NATO as obsolete as examples of his gut on foreign policy proving him right. He littered his comments with fear of homegrown terrorism, slightly changing his tone regarding Syrian refugees that have come into the country. The attorney generals response did little to quell a political tempest in Washington, with some Republicans calling for her to recuse herself from the case a step she said she was not going to take. Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said the meeting had opened up a Pandoras box. He cast doubt on whether it was entirely social, citing it as an example of how the special interests are controlling your government. For Democrats, already anxious about the political impact of the email investigation, the incident revived fears that Mr. Clinton could become a rogue actor in a campaign that has so far operated more smoothly than Mrs. Clintons presidential bid in 2008. Mr. Clinton, who was on a seven-state fund-raising swing for his wife, strode across the tarmac at the airport in Phoenix to greet Ms. Lynch after her plane landed there on Monday night. The attorney general joked that she should have acted more swiftly to keep him from boarding. Asked by a journalist to name one thing she wished her predecessor, Eric H. Holder Jr., had told her about her job, she replied, Where the lock on the plane door was. Still, Ms. Lynch said the episode was personally distressing because it stained the reputation of the Justice Department. The fact that the meeting that I had is now casting a shadow over how people are going to view that work is something that I take seriously, and deeply and painfully, she said. Even Ms. Lynchs explanation of how she planned to distance herself from the case without recusing herself required further clarification. The case will be resolved by the team thats been working on it from the beginning, she said in Aspen. But a Justice Department spokeswoman, Melanie Newman, noted afterward that even if Ms. Lynch accepted the recommendation of her staff, she would be the one making the decision. STUART, Fla. A rancid smell penetrated the front of Marisa and Duncan Baskins one-story house, which rests less than 100 feet from an inlet of the St. Lucie River in this tourist hamlet just inside the Atlantic coastline that bills itself as Americas Happiest Seaside Town. But the Baskins whose 22-month-old daughter, like Ms. Baskin, suffers from asthma and their neighbors are not so happy these days. In the water of the inlet of their subdivision in Northriver Shores, an inch-thick layer of bubbling ooze and slime emits a stench so overwhelming that none of the neighbors go outside. In fact, the Baskins were preparing Friday to stay with friends across town for the weekend just to get away from the green and blue algae bloom that has overtaken their small neighborhood marina, from which most neighbors have moved their boats. Our lives revolve around the water; we have a boat, surfboards, and theres nothing really to do here without the water, Ms. Baskin, 31, a lifelong resident of Stuart who works as a social worker at a local hospital, said Friday. And I think our governor and local politicians are to blame. This isnt the first time this has happened, but its definitely the worst. The bodies of three men who disappeared after last being seen at a police station in Kenya were discovered dumped in a river on Friday, bringing a grim end to a mystery that had deeply unsettled human rights activists, lawyers and many others in Kenya. The body of one of the men, Willie Kimani, a well-regarded lawyer who had been assigned to the case of a man who was being harassed by police officers, was found with his hands and legs tied at the bottom of the Ol Donyo Sabuk River outside of Nairobi. Next to him was the body of Joseph Muiruri, a taxi driver who disappeared with Mr. Kimani last week. Witnesses said Mr. Muiruris eyes had been gouged out. The third body found was that of Josephat Mwenda, a motorcycle taxi driver who had filed the complaint against the police officer, a dangerous move in Kenya. More than 1,000 readers commented on the article, including Alan Kearns from Ottawa, who emigrated from Ireland and described his new homes welcoming attitude. I have personally seen that Canada has all the best characteristics of Europe, with a strong social infrastructure combined with the entrepreneurial spirit of the U.S. Melissa Fleming, a spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, wrote Thank you Canada on Facebook. Some American readers criticized anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim sentiment at home and the countrys political debate about accepting Syrian refugees. This article should be required reading for the state governors who want to ban refugees, said a reader who identified himself as Gary from New Jersey. Another commenter, who goes by Engineer Inbar, noted, As an American reading this, all I can feel is shame. Others expressed opposition to resettling more Muslim refugees. Demographically, these refugees are a threat, wrote a woman named Susan. In my neighborhood in Brooklyn they are a ticking time bomb. A commenter who goes by FSMLives! said, No thinking person believes that all Muslims are terrorists, but every thinking person who is not a blinders-on knee-jerk liberal knows that with an influx of Muslim immigrants will come the increases likelihood of a terrorist acts. Some readers tried to serve as mediators, explaining why Canadians, far removed from the Middle East, seem willing or able to do more than, say, Europeans who have had waves of migrants crossing their borders. DHAKA, Bangladesh Bangladeshi Army troops moved in on Saturday to end an 11-hour standoff at a restaurant in Dhaka, the capital, after gunmen stormed into the building, detonated explosives and took at least 20 people hostage on Friday night. Gunfire and explosions could be heard as the soldiers, backed by armored vehicles, swept in to the restaurant in the citys diplomatic district at 7:40 a.m. on Saturday. At least a dozen people were rescued, including several foreigners, the police said. Two police officers were killed in the initial standoff with the attackers, and 30 people were wounded, mostly from shrapnel, officials said. A police inspector said that at least five militants had been killed in the rescue operation. Details about other fatalities or injuries from the attack or the rescue operation were not immediately available. DHAKA, Bangladesh Attackers wielding machetes killed a Hindu priest in Bangladesh on Friday morning, the fourth Hindu to be targeted during the past month in more than three years of similar killings by Islamist militants in this Muslim-majority country. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the death in a report by the groups Amaq News Agency, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist activity online. Responsibility for many other attacks had been claimed either by the Islamic State or a branch of Al Qaeda, but the Bangladeshi government has persistently denied the presence of such extremist networks in the country. The police suspected the involvement of the student wing of the countrys largest religious political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, because a man arrested in connection with a similar killing of a Hindu priest in the same district three weeks ago claimed membership in that group, said Gopinath Kanjilal, an assistant superintendent of the police for the Jhenaidah district in southwestern Bangladesh, where the attack occurred. A Jamaat leader in the region, Shah Alam, interviewed by phone, denied that the groups student wing was responsible for the killings. BEIJING A Chinese court has postponed the trial on dissent charges of an artist and liberal political activist, frustrating scores of his supporters who had shown up outside a courthouse in western China this week on his behalf, his lawyer said on Friday. The artist, Chen Yunfei, 48, has been charged with picking quarrels and provoking trouble, a catchall crime that the Chinese authorities have used frequently in recent years to silence dissent. In 2013, the countrys top legal bodies said the charge could be used against people making comments online, and prosecutors are going after Mr. Chen for online writings, among other things. Mr. Chen, from Sichuan Province, counts some Chinese intellectuals among his friends, including Liao Yiwu, an author who criticizes the Communist Party and lives in Germany. Mr. Liao has written about Mr. Chens detention. Mr. Lam had said that he would lead the march that started in Victoria Park on Friday, but he pulled out hours before it began. Albert Ho, a lawyer and legislator in Hong Kong, said that Mr. Lam had indicated that he had been followed over the previous two days by people he did not recognize. Image Lam Wing-kee. The bookstore where he worked in Hong Kong sold gossipy books about Chinas leadership. Credit... Isaac Lawrence/Agence France-Presse Getty Images He is increasingly concerned about his personal safety, so he made a personal decision not to attend this July 1 march, Mr. Ho said. We have already notified the police, and Mr. Lam has already found a safe place to live. July 1 is a holiday in Hong Kong honoring the 1997 handover of the former British colony to Chinese control. In 2003, half a million people marched on the holiday to vent grievances over the handling of the SARS epidemic and over a government effort to pass a domestic security law. Since then, the turnout has served as a barometer of discontent. In 2015, the protest was one of the smallest in recent years, which organizers attributed to fatigue over the Occupy movement. In the fall of 2014, protesters took over several crucial roads for weeks to demand greater public participation in the nomination of candidates for Hong Kongs top political office, the chief executive. Those efforts and calls by the protesters for the resignation of the current chief, Leung Chun-ying, were unsuccessful. The Civil Human Rights Front, the group that organized the march on Friday, said 110,000 people had attended. The Hong Kong police said the peak number was about 20,000. HONG KONG A Taiwan Navy vessel accidentally fired an antiship missile during a training exercise Friday morning, killing the captain of a fishing boat and injuring three crew members, officials said. The Chin Chiang, a 201-foot patrol ship, fired the Hsiung Feng III missile, which is designed to destroy ships and has a range of about 185 miles, while undergoing an inspection during the exercise at its base in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan, a Taiwan Navy official said. The supersonic missile flew for about two minutes toward the Penghu Islands, in the direction of China, but did not cross the midway line in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China, said the official, Vice Adm. Mei Chia-shu. The missile hit a Kaohsiung-registered fishing boat, killing the captain, said Chen Chung-chi, a spokesman for Taiwans Ministry of National Defense. The captain was from Taiwan, and the three injured crew members were from Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines, Chen Chu, the mayor of Kaohsiung, wrote on Facebook. BANGKOK Mosha was 7 months old when she stepped on a land mine near Thailands border with Myanmar and lost a front leg. That was a decade ago. This week, she received her ninth artificial leg, thanks to the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation hospital in northern Thailand. Mosha is one of more than a dozen elephants who have been wounded by land mines in the border region, where rebels have been fighting the Myanmar government for decades. She was the first elephant to be fitted with a prosthetic limb at the hospital near Lampang. LONDON Britons paused on Friday from the acrimony that has come after the vote to exit the European Union to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, one of the most murderous military confrontations in history. Even as the governing Conservative Party and opposition Labour Party were consumed with intrigue and bickering, and Londons financial district struggled to contain the economic fallout of the so-called Brexit decision, the BBC and other broadcasters interrupted their constant coverage of Britains domestic political crisis to shift to the Thiepval Memorial in northern France. There, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain joined President Francois Hollande of France to pay respects to the dead. They were joined by Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party; First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of Scotland; senior members of Britains royal family, including Prince Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry; and representatives of Germany, Pakistan, Canada and South Africa. All told, more than 10,000 people gathered at the memorial, which commemorates 70,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who were buried there without gravestones. BERLIN A German man who opposed his countrys refugee policy was found guilty on Friday of attempted murder and was sentenced to 14 years in prison for stabbing a candidate who went on to become the mayor of Cologne. Judge Barbara Havliza of the state court in Dusseldorf said the stabbing at a campaign rally on Oct. 17 for the candidate, Henriette Reker, who was responsible at the time for the citys refugee affairs and went on to win the election, was an attempt to create a climate of fear as hundreds of thousands of migrants poured into the country. Image Henriette Reker campaigning for the mayoral election in Cologne, Germany, on Oct. 16, a day before she was stabbed. A man, identified only as Frank S., was found guilty on Friday of attempted murder. Credit... Oliver Berg/DPA, via Agence France-Presse Getty Images The attack, on the final day of campaigning before the election, sent shock waves through the country as it grappled with a growing backlash against migrants. Four people were also wounded in the attack. The language of the nine-page report, along with Washingtons blessings, could signal President Obamas efforts to make a final push on what was once a centerpiece of his foreign policy: an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. That goal has become a major diplomatic frustration, and there is little expectation that the White House will take any significant steps before the election. Coming so late in the presidents second term, the report could instead offer a path to his successor. This is designed to signal, but with very low expectations that its going change behavior by the Israelis or the Palestinians, said Aaron David Miller, a scholar at the Middle East program of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington and a former adviser to both Republican and Democratic administrations. What I think it could be a prelude to is an American effort after November. It remains to be seen if the Quartets report will prompt a Security Council resolution, an idea that the United States has long opposed but that has the support of its European partners. It directs its recommendations only to the Israelis and Palestinians, calling on them to independently demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-state solution. The United Nations envoy who was involved in drafting the report, Nickolay Mladenov, said the goal was to show both sides that it is in their interest to return to negotiations. The main objective of the report is not to be a scorecard for assigning blame, but to provide a constructive way forward toward achieving a negotiated two-state solution, he said on Friday. Any other scenario entrenches a one-state reality of perpetual occupation and conflict that is incompatible with realizing the national aspirations of both peoples. JERUSALEM After two deadly attacks by Palestinians against Israeli civilians in the occupied West Bank in two days, Israel announced sweeping measures on Friday to limit the movement of Palestinian residents and punish their government. The moves came as an international report warned both sides that their actions could contribute to a state of perpetual occupation and conflict. The Israeli military said Friday that it would prevent all Palestinian travel between towns and villages in the southern West Bank, including the major city of Hebron, after an Israeli motorist was shot and killed there on Friday. It also ordered in two more battalions to secure the area. The Israeli government, meanwhile, said it would withhold some crucial tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, a pressure tactic it reserves for extreme situations. WASHINGTON Partially lifting the secrecy that has cloaked one of the United States most contentious tactics for fighting terrorists, the Obama administration on Friday said that it believed that airstrikes it has conducted outside conventional war zones like Afghanistan have killed 64 to 116 civilian bystanders and about 2,500 members of terrorist groups. The official civilian death count is far lower than estimates compiled by independent organizations that try to track what the government calls targeted killings, and human rights groups expressed doubts about the reliability of the governments numbers. Most of the strikes have been carried out by drones in chaotic places like Libya, tribal Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, though a small number have involved traditional aircraft or cruise missiles. At the same time, President Obama issued an executive order making civilian protection a priority and requiring the government in the future to disclose the number of civilian deaths each year. The order, which could be canceled or altered by a future president, tries to commit his successors to greater openness than he has achieved in his first seven years in office. For Mr. Obama, the drone program is personal, a defining feature of his presidency. As he expanded the use of drones far beyond what President George W. Bush had begun, he took a direct role in approving some strikes, including the deliberate killing of an American, and in setting up rules to govern them. When Christians in Malta go to church, they pray to Alla. Their period of Lent is known as Randan, a close linguistic relative of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. It turns out that about one-third of the words in the Maltese language, not to mention its grammar, are derived from the Arabic that was spoken by Muslim settlers of the Mediterranean islands in the mid-11th century. When Malta, an archipelago between Sicily and the North African coast, joined the European Union in 2004, Maltese became an official language of the bloc, meaning that important documents and Brussels paperwork are now available in Maltese translations. Pierre Clive Agius, Maltas ambassador to the United States, said the languages similarity to Arabic personifies all that is Malta: a fusion of our neighborhood, an organic bridge between the north and the south of the Mediterranean. For those wondering about Donald J. Trump or Hillary Clinton buttons, he said most would probably be worth little because buttons are not the marketing tools they once were and are not being produced in large quantities by the campaigns. The ones that are worth something were made for an official purpose in a local area and produced in small quantities, he said Transportation Workers of Bergen County for Hillary they might only make a couple hundred of those. Similarly, buttons from President Obamas Illinois State Senate races are rare and could be worth $200 to $300. The most common mistake is trying to buy it all, he said, since buttons are small and easier to store than other types of memorabilia. Sooner or later, the material is going to overwhelm you. And if it doesnt overwhelm you, it could just be an expense, not an investment. You need to be a specialist in one area, said Jeff R. Bridgman, an expert on American flags. Generalists make a lot more mistakes. Documents, buttons, ribbons, porcelain each has its own eccentricities. Morris W. Offit, the chairman of Offit Capital, a wealth management advisory firm in New York, said his initial interest in presidential collecting was set off when he tagged along with his wife to an antiques fair and saw American flags with the stars arrayed differently. (The star pattern wasnt set until an executive order from President William Howard Taft in 1912.) Mr. Offit now has over 40 flags displayed around his office, including some with different star patterns and some with the names, faces or slogans of candidates on them. You become pretty picky over the years, he said. I look for something that is different, has a little narrative associated with it or gives some insights into that period of time. Matter of fact, the way I talked was more of a guy from the 70s, he said. If you look at the old The Taking of Pelham One Two Three or look at how Jerry Stiller and Walter Matthau and all those guys talked, they have a New York sound that doesnt really exist anymore. I knew guys like that from my dads generation, he continued. Salt of the earth. One of these guys who youd underestimate. The same can be said about Mr. Turturro. He has long been praised for roles as varied as the racist pizza maker in Spike Lees Do the Right Thing and as the paranoid game show whistle-blower in Quiz Show. He has appeared in several Coen brothers movies, including one he starred in, Barton Fink. Despite dozens of appearances in movies, he has rarely been the signature star in major projects. That mattered little to Mr. Zaillian, a longtime fan of Mr. Turturros work. Certain actors, he said, may not be the lead, but theyre the ones you remember. Take something like Quiz Show, he said. I remember him in that more than anybody else. The Big Lebowski. Who can forget that part? Millers Crossing, great. Even Transformers. And just a decade ago, Mr. Turturro said he was ready to leave acting behind. You have a moment in your life where you go, is there anything else I want to do? he said. I was telling my doctor about it and said, Id like to be a doctor. He said: John, do you know how long you have to go to school to be a doctor? You do good stuff. What you do counts. So Howard has a case to make. He unpacks the story gradually, giving us a thorough examination of the occasions when Wright and Johnson crossed paths. Along the way, he breaks out to explore that thrilling moment when modernism was taking hold in America. Howard suggests that each architect did his best work as a rejoinder to perceived slights from the other. They were essential foils for each other, and clearly discernible shifts in the careers of both men resulted when their careers collided, he argues. Image Johnson at the Glass House in his later years. Credit... John Dolan The attraction of a Wright-Johnson pairing becomes apparent as Howard sketches in the details and the congruences pile up. Both men were attention-hungry celebrities who remained active into their 90s. Each designed a career-defining house (Fallingwater and the Glass House). Each had his own signature fashion look. For Wright it was the cape and porkpie hat. For Johnson it was his round black eyeglasses, a borrowing from Le Corbusier. Wright was a thrice-married womanizer. Johnson was as openly gay as one could be in the mid-20th century. But these are really just surface details, and in the end, its their differences that matter more. Wright was a true originator, while Johnson was, ultimately, a very influential tastemaker, who relished his ability to recognize the talent of others. Despite their shared Midwestern origins, the two men took an almost immediate dislike to each other. Wright was almost 40 years older than Johnson when they began corresponding in 1931. Johnson had just started working as a curator under Alfred Barr at the newly formed Museum of Modern Art, and was busy preparing what would be a groundbreaking exhibition on the new International Style. As the most famous architect in America, Wright (or Mr. Wright, as he liked to be called) expected star treatment. But the 24-year-old Johnson, who had an ego to match Wrights, wasnt having it. Even though Johnson was not yet a trained architect, he had already begun to see himself as an arbiter of architectural taste. In his view, Wright was a has-been whose best work was behind him. Yet, despite his belief that Wright had nothing to say to the new architectural movement, Johnson felt he had to acquiesce to the wishes of the MoMA board and include him in the show. Johnson would later quip that Wright was the greatest architect of the 19th century. Wright would forever bristle at his treatment by the New York boys. Preparations for the show at MoMA did not go well. Johnson saw the exhibit as an opportunity to introduce European Modernists like Walter Gropius and J.J.P. Oud to the American public. In Wrights mind, it was his work that should be the center of attention. Even after Wright agreed to let his models be displayed, the power struggles continued. Angered by Johnsons lack of deference, Wright threatened to withdraw his cooperation at the 11th hour, just as Johnson was facing a catalog deadline. Johnson and his co-curator, Henry-Russell Hitchcock, had to enlist the critic Lewis Mumford as mediator to soothe the great mans wounded feelings. The roller-coaster experience of dealing with Wright proved so exhausting that Johnson ended up checking himself into a sanitarium on opening night. Born on a Tuesday begins in 2003, during the uneasy truce that followed. Dantala, the novels narrator, is one of a gang of street boys who sleep under a kuka tree in Bayan Layi, a small northwestern Nigerian town. They steal sweet potatoes, smoke Nigerian grass (called wee-wee), brag about their exploits and get into fights. Dantala used to go to Quranic school, sent there by his father, until he drifted away. Hes the smallest boy in the gang and the swiftest runner. He doesnt know how old he is, but says he has fasted for Ramadan nearly 10 times. During the elections, the boys are paid to cause trouble by the Small Party. Theyve been promised a shelter for us homeless boys and those who cant return home or dont have parents, where we can learn things like making chairs and sewing caftans. When they attack the offices of the victorious Big Party, Dantala holds the matches while another boy pours the gasoline. A fat man runs out of the building, and Dantala strikes him with a machete. He is already dead when they set him on fire. By now, the police are shooting into the crowd, and Dantalas friend Banda, the leader of his gang, is killed. Dantala runs until he can no longer hear the guns, then hitches a ride in the back of a truck and eventually makes his way to a big nearby town, where he is taken in at a mosque that offers free food, a place to sleep and the comfort of communal worship. Praying in congregation makes us equal before Allah, he remembers a former teacher telling him. Safe in the embrace of a generous Islam, Dantala exchanges the rough violence of his childhood for more adolescent musings: Camels look sleepy to me, like they are being forced to do everything when they are tired. A bra is an interesting piece of clothing. I wonder who came up with the complicated idea. Modest, clever and discreet, Dantala gains the trust of the local imam. He teaches himself English and learns to love books. But this sunny interlude is already turning dark. On a visit home, Dantala has learned that his widowed mother is now mute; her other sons have been sent away to Quranic school; her two daughters, twins, have died in a flood. Only her sister-in-law, abandoned by her husband, who has taken a second wife, is willing to care for her, feeding her like a little baby. The economic ties between early New England and the Caribbean deserve to be better known. Prominent merchant families like the Winthrops and the Hutchinsons made their fortunes by linking New England farmers and fishermen to West Indian markets, by sending food to the sugar colonies, where, in the 17th century, the real wealth lay. Enslaved Africans came to New England through these same merchant networks, as one of several imports from the English Caribbean. These forced migrants never became more than 10 percent of the population. Still, many New England households soon kept a captive African or two. Slave ownership reached down the social scale and into New Englands hinterland. African captives helped replace the Native-American communities displaced by English colonists. As enslaved Africans came in, New England merchants sent Indian captives out, banishing them to Barbados or somewhere else beyond the seas. This economic dependence on West Indian slavery and the routine exploitation of Indian and African captives drew little comment from English colonists at the time. Warren finds some wincing in the face of . . . cruelty, but acknowledges that doubts about slavery ran no more deeply in New England at the turn of the 18th century than in any of the other European colonies in the Americas. The emergence of the antislavery North lay more than a century off. What is most fascinating here is the detailed rendering of what individual enslaved men and women experienced in New England households. New England Bound conveys the disorientation, the deprivation, the vulnerability, the occasional hunger and the profound isolation that defined the life of most African exiles in Puritan New England, where there was no plantation community. Though the surviving record allows limited access to their thoughts, Warren effectively evokes their feelings. Ripped from kin on the far side of the Atlantic, dreaming of other people and other places, but unable to go home, the lost tried and sometimes succeeded in making meaningful connections with others suffering a similar fate. For this was the ordinary pain and sorrow of slave life in New England: Belonging to someone often meant having no one to belong to. Seven new paperbacks to check out this week. HOW MUSIC GOT FREE: A Story of Obsession and Invention, by Stephen Witt. (Penguin, $16.) Witts reporting uncovers the history of file sharing. Role players include the German audio engineers who first compressed songs into MP3 files; the music executive who woefully misjudged the soaring importance of digital; and the worker in a North Carolina compact-disc plant who leaked thousands of songs onto the internet ahead of release. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT, by Judy Blume. (Vintage, $15.95.) After three airplane crashes in quick succession, families in 1950s suburban New Jersey, where the author grew up, become closer and search for meaning in the tragedies. Blume tells their stories with warmth and a considerable eye for detail, as the novel, with 15-year-old Miri at the center, follows three generations of the community as members rebuild their lives. LET ME TELL YOU: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings, by Shirley Jackson. Edited by Laurence Jackson Hyman and Sarah Hyman DeWitt. (Random House, $18.) Revered for her novels and her short story The Lottery, Jackson left behind a trove of other writing. Made up of stories, criticism and other nonfiction pieces, most published for the first time here, Jacksons collected works offer insights into the vagaries of her mind, which was ruminant and generous, our reviewer, Paul Theroux, wrote. DEATH IN BRITTANY, by Jean-Luc Bannalec. Translated by Sorcha McDonagh. (Thomas Dunne/Minotaur, $15.99.) Commissaire Georges Dupin has arrived at the Breton coast from Paris and is soon drawn into a small villages murder case: An elderly hotelier in Pont-Aven, home to an artists colony that hosted Paul Gauguin, is the victim, and the town is reeling. SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF EASE AND PLENTY By Ramona Ausubel 308 pp. Riverhead, $27. Ausubels new novel begins in 1976 with a married couple, Fern and Edgar, romping with their kids around their summer house on the Marthas Vineyard waterfront. But these good times soon end: Their inheritance disappears, and Edgar, a writer awaiting publication of his first novel, is faced with the prospect of taking over his fathers steel company if he wants to keep the family afloat. Within days of returning to their home in Cambridge, he and Fern will each impulsively flee not realizing that their children have been left at home alone intent on figuring out what they want from their lives. What could seem like a predictable gimmick soon gives way to a series of weird and wonderful scenes, switching between present and past to reveal how Edgar and Fern got to where they are. Ausubels writing, melancholy and fine, shines in illuminating everyday scenes of life, as in this passage describing Army wives in 1968, hanging their returning husbands medals in special frames, with nothing to commemorate their own work: Their babies were supposed to be the prize. The reupholstered sofa and chair sets, the matching rug, the place for everything and everything in its place. That was supposed to have been enough. Even the throwaway details are terrific, like the moneyed matriarch who scours her face with laundry powder and petroleum jelly. (Blue-blooded beauty practices that are both terrifying and thrifty!) The one off-note is struck by Fern and Edgars frequent examination of their privileged status. Although this point is well taken, especially when it comes to acknowledging the racism and exploitation that gave rise to both of their families fortunes, its hard to believe that Fern, raised in the 1950s in a house with a maids entrance and married at 18, can think in such contemporary critical terms about her ancestors, who bought plantations bursting with cotton and . . . bought bodies with darker hands to gather the white bursts off the branch, bought whole bodies, selves, seeing them as merely a line item in their list of holdings. Jonathan is married to Sarah, who is also English, and they have a little girl called Jenny. The marriage is going badly; the parents argue and torment each other, and Sarah has an affair with Jonathans local partner in the detective agency. The couple go to a therapist. They say, our narrator muses, a marriage is never truly a marriage until it has dealt with an infidelity. We are, however, never told why an Englishman is working as a detective in Mitteleuropa or why he doesnt appear to speak any language except his own, thus obliging the locals who drop into the story to speak a creaky but strangely erudite pidgin. Gertrude, a psychic he consults in the course of his investigations, speaks terrible English for a few pages, then suavely manages to say analogue, digital and luxating patella in a single paragraph. Which is more than I can do. Jordan gets away with these infelicities, paradoxically, because hes a good writer and knows how to pace a story an uncommon gift these days and because (also rare) his earnest curiosity about the emotional pulses of his characters isnt buried in sheaves of novelistic analysis or digression. His writing is quick and supple, and even the sometimes portentous exchanges on life and love move quickly enough to avoid injuring either our patience or our credulity. Jonathan is approached by an elderly couple from the provinces, still searching for their daughter, Petra, who disappeared in the city 12 years earlier. Jonathans psychic places Petra on a map, and thinking it might be a secret brothel, he begins to home in on the district. But another event quickly intervenes. One evening as hes walking by the river, he sees a young woman about to jump from a bridge that bristles with carved angels with their immobile feathered stone wings. The woman is clinging to the foot of one of these angels. He urges her not to jump; she jumps anyway and he goes in after her, rescuing her from drowning. She takes him back to her nearby apartment and as hes drying off in the bathroom he hears her playing the cello, one of the Bach suites, notes from long ago that flowed around her like a slow river. Assured that shes now all right, he leaves and when he gets home he finds his wife playing a Casals CD of the same Bach suites, something she has just found in an old suitcase. As Jonathan becomes more obsessed with the mysterious cello player, this music becomes something of a leitmotif. One day, he and his daughter are walking by the womans apartment and Jenny hears the cello. Thereafter, the same Bach pieces begin to appear in her own music lessons. Meanwhile, Jonathan has begun to fall in love with the nearly drowned musician. Events become ever more tangled. The psychic indicates that Petra, the object of Jonathans investigation, might be located not inside a brothel but a morgue. The cellist follows Jonathan and gives him a cryptic warning: Theres another world, where this never dies. And Jonathan follows a man who has been stalking the cellist to the almost medieval street where he owns a music store, gradually realizing that this man might have been the reason for her attempted suicide. As the stories of the cellist and Petra draw closer, Jonathan tries to make sense of his own part in the drama: Maybe I came in alone, wet from the river, maybe I had found this place, this empty hell or heaven. Maybe I had drowned. Maybe I was dead. Im also more gentle with myself. Sometimes you see something in a candidate and you make an offer, and it turns out to be a disaster. Sometimes you see something thats not there, and your mind kind of fills in the blanks of the conversation. And some people are really good at gaming the system. You might invest in someone, and they have a different agenda than what theyve shared with you. People talk a lot about horrible bosses. People dont really talk about horrible employees and the stress that comes from having to manage those situations. If you have a difficult person on your staff, people are watching the dynamics of how you handle conflict. And if you let that person persist and make everyone else around them miserable, thats also a reflection on your leadership. So Ive learned to act quickly. We cant have our young people in the presence of people who dont have their best interest at heart. Ive also learned that patience is not wasting time. Patience is about building the foundation to do the things that matter. You have to have some wins in there, of course, but you also have to pace yourself. Whats it like to work for you? Im not a micromanager. If I give you a task, unless you say something to me I cross it off my list, and I consider it done. For the people who have worked with me the longest, that has worked. For other folks, I probably could do a little bit more checking in than is my nature. Sometimes you supervise the way you wish people had supervised you. I always felt like, Im smart, I can figure it out, leave me alone. Some people dont want you to leave them completely alone, so I think thats definitely an area for me to focus on a little bit more. How do you hire? Some of the conversation may have nothing to do with the actual role. At this level, you want to see how people think, how they solve problems, what their motivation is to do the work that they do, how the role potentially fits into the goals that they have for themselves. It began last year as a promising push by a few states to require private equity firms that invest on behalf of public pension funds and university endowments to be more forthcoming. But the effort has hit a wall as bills in California and Kentucky intended to shed light on fees and practices at these powerful firms have been either killed or watered down. One of the bills proposed in California would have required only modest disclosures: the publication of a handful of pages from confidential limited partnership agreements. It was shot down. Even worse, another private equity transparency bill in the state was recently amended to eliminate disclosures about related-party transactions between private equity firms and the portfolio companies they oversee. Fees paid by portfolio companies to private equity funds ultimately come out of the pockets of fund investors, so more sunlight in this area would have been beneficial. The net effect is that a California public fund would receive much less than a full picture of the related-party transactions, said Michael Flaherman, a former board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System and chairman of its investment committee, who is now a visiting scholar at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. The missing part of the picture would be the portion of the fees that the private equity firms get to pocket in full. As they ambled through the Essex Street Market on the Lower East Side last week, the Haim sisters Tagel, Tair and Liron made a playful detour. Stopping at a produce stand, Tagel lifted a pair of peppers to her ears. She was showing off her makeshift earrings when her siblings joined her. Tagel dropped the peppers and grinned wickedly as she hoisted two squash breast high; Liron lifted another, perfectly contoured to the line of her hips. Everything is natural, just like the shapes of our bodies, Tagel said, moving on to a bin lavishly piled with yellow and orange cherry tomatoes. The sisters (not to be confused with Haim, the California sister trio), in their late 20s and early 30s and known collectively as the music group A-Wa (Arabic for Yes!), had gathered the makings of a crazy salad. An unlikely fusion of disparate elements, it was something like their sound, a resolutely upbeat mixture of hip-hop and electro pop beats and the melodies of their Yemeni heritage. When Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder opened their newspaper on Sunday, Feb. 26, 1989, they were surprised by a photograph that appeared on Page 50. It was of them. Mr. Pennoyer, 31 at the time, and Ms. Ridder, 27, were newlyweds who had attended a benefit for the New York Public Librarys dance collection, held at Lincoln Center. The picture was taken by Bill Cunningham, then 59. It was published in what was very likely Mr. Cunninghams first official Evening Hours column for The New York Times. We heard from so many people, it was ridiculous, said Mr. Pennoyer, an architect and writer who is now 59. People from all over seemed to see it. This was before email, and people would actually pick up the phone. Ms. Ridder, now 54 and an interior designer, was wearing a dress she had worn to her wedding rehearsal dinner. It was adorned with wire netting and sequins and was designed by Arnold Scaasi. To hear Demna Gvasalia, the leader of Vetements, a guerrilla collective cum fashion label, tell it, the inspiration behind his most famous pieces was purely practical. He and his team created a bright yellow DHL logo T-shirt a takeoff on the kind the shipping companys employees wear because DHL was a constant in the life of the young brand, essential for sending samples and prototypes internationally between factories, studio and showroom. The T-shirt became the opening look of his spring 2016 show, held in a dingy Chinese restaurant, on a cast of defiantly odd friends and models. We get inspired by our everyday life, Mr. Gvasalia, 35, said in an interview in Paris, where he divides his time between the Vetements studio on the scruffy rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin and the palatial offices of Balenciaga, where he was named artistic director in 2015. DHL takes the biggest part of our daily routine in the office. It was there. For the same reason, the line made the cult hoodie whose Vetements logo sent up or saluted the Champion logo (depending on your point of view). We all have Champion hoodies, Mr. Gvasalia said. The new documentary Under the Sun follows an 8-year-old North Korean girl named Zin-mi as she prepares to join the Korean Childrens Union, run by the Workers Party. Zin-mi and her parents her mother works in a soy-milk plant, her father is an engineer at a garment factory share abundant family meals, ride Pyongyangs spotless subways and pay their respects at a bronze statue of North Koreas founder, Kim Il-sung. Theres just one problem: The action is fake. The North Korean government cast the film, wrote the script and provided guides to feed the actors their lines while managing every detail of the project. In reality, Zin-mis father is a journalist, and her mother a cafeteria worker. Dont act like youre acting in a movie, a guide scolds the girl at one point. Act naturally, like you do at home. So, why did the director Vitaly Mansky, a documentary maker in the cinema verite tradition of Frederick Wiseman and D. A. Pennebaker, agree to such an awkward, not to mention morally dubious, arrangement? My dream of visiting North Korea, he said, was the desire to understand something about the past of my country, my family. Mr. Mansky, who was born and raised in the Soviet Union, divides his life into two periods: before and after 1991, when the government collapsed and he set out at 28 to document the way people had lived under Communism. A documentary provides the possibility of riding in a time machine, he said by Skype from his home in Riga, Latvia. For Motherland or Death (2011), he traveled to Socialist Cuba, which he likened to the 70s-era Soviet Union. Under the Sun, which opens theatrically July 6, uses contemporary North Korea as a proxy for Stalins Soviet Union. I love it when people start dancing in the room, the artist Kenny Scharf said on the phone from his Los Angeles studio. The room, in this case, is Mr. Scharfs disco-inspired installation Cosmic Cavern, a highlight of a current exhibition of his work at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Mr. Scharf was sounding pleased because he had just learned that children visiting the museum in Roslyn Harbor had been bopping and freeze dancing to pop songs on the installations soundtrack. I would hold a lot of dance parties in these environments, Mr. Scharf reminisced. Known for his exuberant paintings and installations that draw from pop culture and cartoon imagery, Mr. Scharf, 57, emerged in the early 1980s as an artistic force from the freewheeling New York club culture. His iconic Cosmic Cavern chockablock with castoffs and trash (old TVs, plastic childrens toys, used plastic cups and much, much more), most of it aglow with bright fluorescent paint under black lights channels that wildly creative period. So many good artists came out of it, he said. Set up in the basement of his Brooklyn studio for years, the installation was expected to be disassembled in 2015 as he prepared to live full-time in California, his home state. (Mr. Scharf kept hosting dance parties in his Brooklyn studio until a month before his departure, he said.) Doing your job, said Mr. Hofmann, meant reading Avedons moods and anticipating his wishes. Dick was very personable and engaging, he said. But he wasnt someone with whom you had a conversation. He just expected results. And if the results werent what he expected, there was tension. The studio had an apprentice system, and Mr. Hofmann was trained by other assistants. By the end of the first week he was printing, he said, although it was some time before anything was deemed good enough to present to the boss himself. Only after he had earned his trust was Mr. Hofmann promoted. Within six months, he was running the technical side of the studio and going on shoots with Avedon around the country, including journeys to desolate rural places where Avedon photographed the locals who would populate his magnum opus, In the American West. Commissioned in 1979 by the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Tex., the venture paid Avedon $100,000 a year for five years. He and his crew traveled through 17 Western states and made portraits of 752 people. After it opened at the Amon Carter, the exhibition toured the country to wide acclaim. The catalog, published by Abrams, was a best-seller and is now a collectors item. Mr. Hofmann left the Avedon studio in September 1985; he had agreed to stay on through the opening at the Amon Carter. A year later he opened his own studio in the meatpacking district, where he worked for 20 years. The photographer Laura Wilson documented the projects gestation and birth in her book Avedon at Work: In the American West. Published in 2003, it features several photographs of Mr. Hofmann, some in which he is holding cameras in the field for Avedon, others where he is working on exhibition prints at Modernage, a photography lab. In support of Mr. Hofmanns claim, and at his request, Ms. Wilson wrote a letter on April 5 this year that recalls a 1984 visit to the lab. I was stunned by the amount of time involved, the long hours and painstaking skills necessary to do these large prints, she wrote. I remember saying, Gosh, Ruedi, this is a lot of work. How are you being paid for all this extra work? Ruedi told me he was being paid with prints. Dick had agreed to give him a signed print for each image in the book and exhibition. I am clear about this, certain of the recollection. During our visit, Mr. Hofmann went to a desk in his dining room and read from three other recent letters written by others employed at that time, including Mr. Liittschwager and Norma Stevens, manager of Avedons studio for more than 30 years. They all attest that their employer and Mr. Hofmann had agreed orally to this financial pact. THE killing of Zimbabwes celebrated Cecil the Lion by a Minnesota dentist, on July 1 of last year unleashed a storm of moral fulmination against trophy hunting. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued an official statement calling for the hunter, Walter J. Palmer, to be hanged, and an odd bedfellow, Newt Gingrich, tweeted that Dr. Palmer and the entire team involved in the killing of Cecil should go to jail. The television personality Sharon Osbourne thought merely losing his home, his practice and his money would do, adding, He has already lost his soul. More than one million people signed a petition demanding justice for Cecil, and three major American airlines announced that they would no longer transport hunting trophies. A few months later, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service listed lions from West and Central Africa and also India as endangered, shutting down the major markets for trophies from that region. Australia, France and the Netherlands banned lion trophy imports outright. Unfortunately, the furor did almost nothing to slow the catastrophic decline in lion populations, down 43 percent over the past two decades. Thats because trophy hunting was never really the main problem. Lions are disappearing in Africa for a reason far more complicated and less susceptible to either moral grandstanding or easy solutions: Impoverished Africans are eating the lions prey and killing the lions themselves at a rate estimated at five to 10 times the take from trophy hunting. In West and Central Africa in particular, the killing now takes place almost entirely within national parks and other ostensibly protected areas. Poachers and bushmeat hunters have already stripped wildlife from the remaining unprotected habitat, leaving empty forests. Now many protected areas have also lost the buffalo, antelope and other large animals that lions would normally feed on, according to Philipp Henschel, a lion specialist with the cat conservation group Panthera. In many habitats, only warthogs and baboons survive, because of Muslim rules against eating them. Herders also capture and kill lions, using leghold traps made from old car springs. They do this not just to protect livestock, but also to sell lion bones to the Asian traditional medicine trade. On the path to Mordor, stronghold of Sauron, the Dark Lord, the air is filled with a bitter reek that caught their breath and parched their mouths. Tolkien later acknowledged that the Dead Marshes, with their pools of muck and floating corpses, owe something to Northern France after the Battle of the Somme. In a lecture delivered in 1939, On Fairy-Stories, Tolkien explained that his youthful love of mythology had been quickened to full life by war. Yet he chose not to write a war memoir, and in this he departed from contemporaries like Robert Graves and Vera Brittain. In the postwar years, the Somme exemplified the waste and futility of battle, symbolizing disillusionment not only with war, but with the very idea of heroism. As a professor of Anglo-Saxon back at Oxford, Tolkien preferred the moral landscape of Arthur and Beowulf. His aim was to produce a modern version of the medieval quest: an account of both the terrors and virtues of war, clothed in the language of myth. In The Lord of the Rings, we meet Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, Hobbits of the Shire, on a fateful mission to destroy the last Ring of Power and save Middle-earth from enslavement and destruction. The heroism of Tolkiens characters depends on their capacity to resist evil and their tenacity in the face of defeat. It was this quality that Tolkien witnessed among his comrades on the Western Front. I have always been impressed that we are here, surviving, because of the indomitable courage of quite small people against impossible odds, he explained. The Hobbits were a reflection of the English soldier, made small of stature to emphasize the amazing and unexpected heroism of ordinary men at a pinch. When the Somme offensive was finally called off in November 1916, a total of about 1.5 million soldiers were dead or wounded. Winston Churchill, who served on the front lines as a lieutenant colonel, criticized the campaign as a welter of slaughter. Two of Tolkiens closest friends, Robert Gilson and Ralph Payton, perished in the battle, and another, Geoffrey Smith, was killed shortly afterward. Beside the courage of ordinary men, the carnage of war seems also to have opened Tolkiens eyes to a primal fact about the human condition: the will to power. This is the force animating Sauron, the sorcerer-warlord and great enemy of Middle-earth. But the only measure that he knows is desire, explains the wizard Gandalf, desire for power. Not even Frodo, the Ring-bearer and chief protagonist, escapes the temptation. Davide Bizzi consulted with many of his real estate colleagues in New York before deciding to buy a parcel on the western edge of SoHo, at the mouth of the Holland Tunnel, for a condominium development. In the beginning, I was afraid of the tunnel, said Mr. Bizzi, a global developer. But many friends, including Howard M. Lorber, the chairman of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, talked to him about the changing downtown landscape. Neighborhoods that were once considered outer fringes of Manhattan, like Hudson Square to the west, were now bleeding into SoHo and TriBeCa, they agreed, and formerly distinct neighborhood borders were being blurred. Even the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, a friend who at the time was working on the new Whitney Museum of American Art, thought the location was good, Mr. Bizzi said. Although the building would overlook tunnel traffic that is often quite heavy, units that were high enough would have a clear view of the Hudson River, because it is unlikely that the low-level tunnel entrance would ever be built over. Renzos philosophy is all about light, openness and transparency, Mr. Bizzi said. And that works well for this location because of the great views of the Hudson River. A full-floor penthouse at the Walker Tower, a 24-story Art Deco condominium conversion in Chelsea, where a record-breaking sale took place more than two years ago, sold in a private deal for $45,000,000, according to city records, and was the weeks most expensive closed transaction. The sale of PH2, at 212 West 18th Street, was nearly $6 million below the downtown record of $50.91 million that was paid for a neighboring penthouse in January 2014. But it still generated a relatively quick and hefty profit for the owner, who used the limited liability company BBC Chelsea; the apartment was bought from the sponsor for $40.73 million about 18 months ago and was used as a pied-a-terre. Monthly carrying costs total $14,385, according to the Corcoran Group, whose agents handled both sides of the transaction for the unlisted property. Carrie Chiang represented the seller, while Jerry Huang brought the buyer, whose identity was also shielded by a limited liability company Walker Tower 1-8. The penthouse has 6,738 square feet that includes five bedrooms and five and a half baths, along with a spacious north-facing terrace off the enormous living room and dining space. There are three wood-burning fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic vistas of the harbor and cityscape. If youve been saving for a big, exotic trip, you may save some more if one of these fits your plans. Among several deals in Africa, Red Savannah is offering a 60 percent savings on seven-night safaris in Botswana between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2017. The trip includes two nights in the Kwando wilderness area, three nights in the Okavango Delta and two more in the Central Kalahari, from $2,826 a person, double occupancy, which includes the discount. Rothschild Safaris, based in Colorado, is offering 20 percent off its eight-day Wild South Africa Getaway through Dec. 15. Priced at $3,556 after the discount, the itinerary includes Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. Get half off a companion fare on the Great Safaris Kenya Adventure trip. Book by Aug. 15 for travel through Dec. 15 and the first person will pay full fare at $3,295 and the second, sharing the same room, will pay $1,649 for the nine-day trip. Class Mates: When Nancy Isenberg began her latest work of American history, White Trash a comprehensive survey of the white underclass going back to colonial times she had no idea that thanks largely to the very group she was writing about, Donald Trump would become the presumptive Republican nominee for president. Now that he has, and her suddenly topical book has entered the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 8, I asked Isenberg (a history professor at Louisiana State University) what she made of the presidential race so far. Electoral politics has always encouraged con artists, she said via email. By talking tough, by boasting that hed love to throw a punch at a protester, Trump pretends he is stepping down from his opulent Manhattan penthouse to commingle with the unwashed masses. Wearing his bright red Bubba cap and crooning at one rally, I love the poorly educated, he has built upon a familiar strain of American populism. Which is to say, a dose of redneck bluster goes a long way. (The same dynamic, she noted, came to the Democrats aid in 1992: It helped that Bill Clinton called himself Bubba and played the saxophone. It helped, too, that journalists dubbed him the Arkansas Elvis.) I asked why underprivileged whites so often vote differently from poor people of other races shouldnt economic considerations be more or less colorblind? and Isenberg reached back to history for her answer. Southern white Democrats fueled racial conflict between poor blacks and whites in order to redirect the anger of the lower classes away from the white elite, she said. In 1790, John Adams argued that Americans not only scrambled to get ahead; they needed someone to disparage. . . . Lyndon Johnson came to the same conclusion, in explaining the racism of poor whites: If you can convince the lowest white man hes better than the best colored man, he wont notice youre picking his pocket. Then she returned to the current election cycle. Trumps supporters want class security, not revolution, she said. They want more blue-collar white male jobs, not equality, not social justice. They want to turn the clock backward in order to regain the white male pride that comes from being the family breadwinner. Trumps slogan, Make America Great Again, is a nostalgic appeal to the golden age of the 1950s and 1960s, when America was an industrial power and working-class jobs were plentiful. Until we understand our class system, warts and all, we will be saddled with an anemic democratic system that only makes our class and race resentments worse. Untamed: Anne Tylers new novel, Vinegar Girl, hits the hardcover fiction list at No. 15. The book updates Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew a play Tyler has always hated, she told Ron Charles in The Washington Post: It wasnt till my daughters pointed it out that I realized that telling an English editor that I hated Shakespeare was probably considered impolite. Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Traveler flow at Istanbul Ataturk Airport Vehicle screening About a mile away, some cars are pulled over to be searched. Curbside drop-off Security at terminal entrance Check-in Passport check Security screening Arrive at gate Board plane Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Traveler flow at Ataturk airport Vehicle screening About a mile away, some cars are pulled over to be searched. Curbside drop-off Security at terminal entrance Check-in Passport control Security screening Arrive at gate Board plane At Ataturk airport, passengers pass through metal detectors and their bags are scanned as they enter the terminal. This differs from the procedures at most American airports, where anyone can enter the terminal without being screened. Turkish officials said the attackers initially tried to enter the building, but were turned away at the security screening. They returned with long-range rifles from their suitcases. Two of the attackers entered the terminal in the ensuing panic. One set off his explosives on the arrivals floor of the terminal; the other detonated his on the departures floor one level above. A third attacker blew himself up outside the terminal as people fled. Attempting to protect against mass casualty attacks is a somewhat hopeless task due to the near infinite number of targets, said Mark Stewart, a professor at the University of Newcastle in Australia, who studies how to protect infrastructure from terrorist attacks. A deterred terrorist will just go elsewhere, he said. The Ataturk airport reopened on Wednesday with additional security measures: More cars are being screened and more security officers are visible. In the attack at Brussels Airport in March, there was no security check at the terminal entrance. The attackers entered the building and detonated their explosives. Since that attack, the airport began checking the boarding passes and IDs of passengers entering the departures terminal. In addition, the airport no longer allows travelers to be dropped off at the terminal. They must be dropped off at parking lots nearby. Traveler flow at Brussels Airport Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Vehicle screening About a mile away, some cars are pulled over to be searched. Passenger drop-off Travelers are dropped off at parking lots nearby. Curbside drop-off Curbside screening After curbside screening, Brussels Airport follows procedures similar to those at American airports. Traveler flow at Brussels Airport Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Vehicle screening About a mile away, some cars are pulled over to be searched. Passenger drop-off Travelers are dropped off at parking lots nearby. Curbside drop-off Curbside screening After curbside screening, Brussels Airport follows procedures similar to those at American airports. At American airports, passenger screening checkpoints are the responsibility of the Transportation Security Administration. The agency received intense criticism a month ago over long lines at airports across the United States. The wait for security screening stretched to more than three hours at times, and thousands of passengers missed flights. There are trade-offs to increasing security and adding checkpoints, said John Mueller, a professor of political science at Ohio State University, who studies terrorism and security. The T.S.A. has created a target with security lines, Mr. Mueller said, pointing to the long security lines. He suggested that programs that speed up screening like T.S.A. PreCheck be more widely adopted. Less crowding could be critical to reducing casualties in a terrorist attack. A RAND Corporation analysis of Los Angeles International Airport found that decreasing the wait at baggage check-in to one minute from 15 minutes could reduce the number of deaths in a bomb attack by more than half. Security at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is similar to that of American airports. There is no security screening in public areas like access roads, parking lots or terminal entrances, but armed soldiers patrol the areas. In places under constant threat, like Baghdad and Kabul, Afghanistan, security checkpoints begin miles from the terminal and include myriad scans, checks and bomb-sniffing dogs. Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Traveler flow at Baghdad International Airport Traveler drop-off About four miles from the airport, authorized taxis take travelers to the terminal. Vehicles searched About a half-mile away, vehicles are stopped, passengers are let out, and bomb-sniffing dogs search the cars. Security screening Curbside drop-off Outside terminal Bags are put on the curbs for dogs to sniff. Security screening at terminal door Security screening inside terminal Check-in Passport check Security screening Arrive at gate Security screening at time of flight Board plane Traveler flow at a typical U.S. airport Traveler flow at Baghdad International Airport Traveler drop-off About four miles from the airport, authorized taxis take travelers to the terminal. Vehicles searched About a half-mile away, vehicles are stopped, passengers are let out, and bomb-sniffing dogs search the cars. Security screening Curbside drop-off Outside terminal Bags are put on the curbs for dogs to sniff. Security screening at terminal door Security screening inside terminal Check-in Passport control Security screening Arrive at gate Security screening at time of flight Board plane With security checks spread over a wider area, long lines are unusual at the Baghdad airport. Adding security measures at major American airports would be challenging. Some airports have little space to install additional checkpoints. Staffing new checkpoints would also be difficult. One reason cited by the T.S.A. for the long waits in May was budget cuts; the agency said it has had to reduce the number of screeners by 12 percent since 2011. Simon Bennett, director of the Civil Safety and Security Unit at the University of Leicester, pointed to the nonmonetary costs of increased security. We celebrate the fact that we can travel with relative ease. As soon as we begin to undermine those values, guess who's won? Daesh. Daesh has won, he said referring to the Islamic State using an acronym of the groups Arabic name. Baghdad-style security in the United States would be unfeasible, Mr. Bennett said. The public simply wouldn't stand for it. And the politicians wouldn't either. Mr. Stewart and Mr. Mueller have questioned whether adding security is the best way to stop terrorist attacks. The report into insurance sales and advice highlighted the higher risks of 'churn' associated with replacement business.FSCL is urging the financial services industry to provide clear and comprehensive advice to consumers about replacement insurance cover.FSCL chief executive Susan Taylor said it was investigating an increasing number of cases where financial advisers had recommended their client switch insurance provider, and it hadnt ended well.We are working with the FMA to address the potential harms to consumers of insurance churn where an adviser recommends their client change insurer provider, for the advisers benefit (more commission), rather than the clients.FSCL was calling for financial advisers to provide clients with a comprehensive written statement when advising on replacement insurance cover, which included: the specific reasons for the proposed replacement the key differences between the existing policy and the new recommended policy the clients duty of disclosure and the consequences of non-disclosure clear and full disclosure of the advisers fees or commissions how the replacement policy will be implemented.Taylor said that although the report focused on life insurance, it is likely churn is present across the insurance industry, including for health, disability and protection insurance.A typical case is where the client has failed to disclose a pre-existing medical condition for which they had cover with their existing insurer. Unfortunately, the failure to disclose the pre-existing medical condition to the new insurer has resulted in a declined claim some months or years later.Taylor said it was a small number of advisers letting the industry down as the majority of financial advisers provide expert and considered advice to their clients.Its important that the industry works as a whole to lift standards, for the benefit of consumers.PAA CEO Rod Severn defended advisers, telling the NZ Herald the report showed no specific evidence that advisers were putting themselves ahead of clients."The adviser that went on 10 trips over four years - might want to question his ethics but having said that he may have legitimately earned those trips."Without actual proof that he moved clients to a different insurer to benefit himself it hard to say what is good, false or indifferent.""They have missed a major chunk of the industry, he said, as the report didnt include the sales practices of advisers employed by banks and insurance companies.He said many consumers went to their bank expecting to get quality advice and were told to buy the bank's life insurance policy because they were taking out a mortgage.The report kept its focus on AFAs and RFAs stating there was a higher risk of churn in that group."This is because they generally sell more than one brand of life insurance, said Severn. "Other types of advisers could still be mis-selling but because they only sell one brand, they are unlikely to be churning policies.Partners Life founder Naomi Ballantyne said the practice of switching life insurance policies between providers was one of the few areas left needing regulator attention as New Zealand's financial advisers have lifted their game in the last six years since the Financial Advisers Act came into effect in 2010.This is the last piece really that's still a significant outlier in the sense that there's no real process in place," Ballantyne told BusinessDesk, saying the standard of advice is now much higher. A paddleout is being help Saturday morning at the Newport Pier to remember Sabrina Jensen, a 19-year-old surfer who was killed in a car accident while coming home from a hiking trip in Arizona on June 17. Jensen, who split time between Newport and Huntington Beach, is a former Edison High School student who had a passion for water polo and spent her younger years as a junior guard. Her father, Sean Jensen, is a local board shaper who once worked for Infinity Surfboards. Also killed in the head-on collision was Jensens best friend, Danielle Fletcher, a native of Hawaii who was studying ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Irvine. Fletcher was a first-year student who had recently joined the schools Habitat for Humanity group, and helped build a home for a family in need. Jensens boyfriend, Noah Van Goa, is still hospitalized in critical condition. The group was returning from a hiking trip when they were involved in the collision, according to a Gofundme page set up for Jensens family. The gathering in Newport will start at 9 a.m. with a few words on the sand before those participating in the paddle-out head into the water. Others can watch from the pier. Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com Southern Californias air pollution regulators unveiled an air clean-up plan today that essentially calls for the region to buy its way out of the worst smog problem in the nation. The draft plan from the South Coast Air Quality Management District relies on cash incentives of about $1 billion a year for the next decade and beyond for the region to transition to zero or near-zero polluting vehicles, buildings and industries, said Wayne Nastri, the air districts acting executive officer. About half of the money would come from the federal government and thus require congressional approval, Nastri said. The air district also expects funds from the state. The money would go toward incentives to help companies upgrade trucks and other machinery and to create much cleaner ways to move cargo and manufacture goods. Nastri called for the federal government to create a clean air investment and clean-up fund, which would be similar to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Superfund now used to clean up polluted industrial sites and groundwater contamination. The money could come from appropriations and revenues from fines and judgments imposed on pollution-rule violators, such as Volkswagen, which this week agreed to pay $14.7 billion in civil penalties for using software that allowed its vehicles to cheat on emission tests. Nastri said it wont be easy to get Congress on board. There are a number of different concepts we have, and we intend to get support for this, he said. We recognize that it is a lot of work. He said AQMD board members have visited Washington, D.C., and found several member of Congress amiable to idea, including Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona. Calvert could not be reached for comment Thursday, June 30. The air quality clean-up is needed to meet health standards required under the federal Clean Air Act. The idea of heavy reliance on cash incentives was praised and criticized. Jay Prag, an economy and finance professor at the Drucker School of Management in Claremont, applauded the idea. Incentivizing industry to help meet the (clean air) goal lets the market find the best alternatives, and the most effective ways of doing this, Prag said in a telephone interview. It lets businesses find the ways, and incentive-based programs have good track records, he said. But Angela Johnson Meszaros, a Los Angeles-based attorney, for the environmental advocacy law firm Earthjustice, described the strategy as giveaway to polluters. When they say incentives, what they are really saying is let the polluters off the hook and have the taxpayers responsible for paying to address the polluters pollution, she said. It is not right. She said the Clean Air Act is supposed to guarantee clean air for all people, and businesses should not be able to profit from pollution. You cant have your behavior harm others because you dont want to pay for the control strategies, she said. During the press briefing, Philip Fine, the air districts deputy executive officer, said the new clean-up plan includes requiring the regions factories, refineries and power plants to collectively cut nitrogen oxide emissions by an additional five tons day. This would be in addition to a reduction of 12 tons day approved in December. Fine said air district officials looked hard to find cost-effective ways to cut pollution from businesses and other non-moving sources. Our goal is not to put our businesses at a disadvantage or out of business, Fine said. The clean-up strategy is aimed at meeting the federal health standards for ozone by 2031. Ozone is the hallmark pollutant of summertime smog. Ozone pollution rises during hot, stagnant weather, which cooks up urban pollutants. It causes nausea, headaches and burning eyes and triggers asthma attacks, among other health problems. Various studies have shown that more children miss school and more workers call in sick during bad air days. Studies also link air pollution to early deaths. So far this year, Southern California has weathered 54 days during which ozone pollution somewhere in the regions ocean-to-mountains air basin exceeded the most recent federal standard of 70 parts per billion averaged over eight hours. Thats 13 more unhealthful days than the region had experienced by this time last year, according to data published online by the California Air Resources Board. Contact the writer: 951-368-9471 or ddanelski@pressenterprise.com Still reeling from Anaheims late Wednesday decision to shut down short-term rentals, Mindie Hochgesang and her husband spent part of Thursday weighing what to do with their investment condominiums. Im still shocked and saddened by the whole thing, she said. Four years ago, the Fullerton couple bought and renovated a pair of condos near Disneyland, renting the properties for about $200 a night. The income allowed Hochgesang, a 39-year-old mother of three, to leave her teaching job and stay home with the kids. Late Wednesday, the couple became potential outlaws. The city voted to end short-term rentals in Anaheim, giving owners 18 months to wind down their businesses. After that, the city will monitor neighborhoods and websites like Airbnb and HomeAway, looking for listings to fine. Some Anaheim residents are thrilled with the new rules. Commercial hotels invaded our neighborhoods where we raise our kids, said Keith Christian, who lives next to two short-term rental properties. They should have done it a long time ago. Anaheim is just the latest city to banish short-term rentals, either forever or for short periods. Other cities restricting the industry include Seal Beach, Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach. But Anaheims move could be a turning point. Some argue that Anaheim which draws 20 million visitors a year is protecting hotel interests at the expense of homeowners. Others suggest tourists could be hit in the wallet. Still others fear that a big city banishing short-term rentals might hurt the emerging sharing economy. Pretty much everyone loses here. Rental sites, travelers, homeowners who would like to rent out their spaces, said Douglas Quinby, a hospitality industry analyst at Phocuswright, a travel research company. Its an (empty) victory for the destination. They lose more than they gain. Still, Quinby, among others, doesnt view Anaheims move as a death blow for short-term rentals. This is hardly the end or the beginning of the end of private accommodation. Just a bump in the road. Anaheims move also could spark legal questions. Before the vote Wednesday, Mayor Tom Tait asked if the new rules would be legally defensible. The city attorney said yes. But on Thursday an Anaheim official seemed resigned to a legal battle. This is a complex issue that involves peoples property, said Mike Lyster, an Anaheim spokesman. Theres a likelihood of litigation. Jane Usher, an attorney representing the Anaheim Rental Alliance, a coalition of short-term rental owners, said the city has left us to review our litigation remedies. The city revoked the permits it issued to law-abiding STR operators, Usher added. We invested $250 million restoring Anaheim homes at the citys invitation. Other lawyers took a different view. Real property rights are always subject to local regulations, said Adina Stern, a real estate attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita. There are zoning laws, use laws and nuisance laws. That is why you cant turn your home into a factory in a residential area. Matt Curtis, a senior official at popular vacation rental website HomeAway, whose brands include VRBO, calls the new rule overly restrictive, adding that the city of Anaheim stands to also lose out on valuable tax and tourist revenue. Over the past 12 months, short-term rentals have paid Anaheim $3 million in bed taxes. The city plans to ratify the vote on July 12. And, in the 18 months before the ban is fully implemented, owners and renters will work and stay under new, stricter rules. Fewer customers can stay in any rental. Noise has to be curtailed earlier. And owners will have to respond to neighbor complaints within 45 minutes. For people banking on short-term rentals, the citys move raises questions. I dont know where we go from here, said Michael Connelly, co-owner of 16 short-term rental homes. I never anticipated a government to take away my property rights. There are are other questions on what happens next. Here are a few answers: Q. What are the options for short-term rental owners? A. Theyve got three options. They can sell, rent to a long-term tenant or take Anaheim to court. Maryann Cazzell, an attorney who serves as the real estate law chair for the Orange County Bar Association, suggested a fourth option appealing the councils action by asking the city for a re-hearing. The city then could grant or deny the re-hearing. Q. Short-term rentals are popping up everywhere. How can Anaheim enforce this? A. The city of Anaheim employs 31 code enforcement officers, three of whom are tasked with monitoring websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and Flipkey. Others monitor neighborhoods and still others respond to resident complaints. The process of shutting down a short-term rental will include a warning, fines of $500 to $2,000 depending on the number of infractions and, because Anaheim runs its own water and power, cutting off the property from essential services. Critically, Anaheim says the fines will be issued to both the homeowner and the listing operator, such as Airbnb. The city of San Francisco and Airbnb are squaring off in court over this exact idea, Airbnb saying its protected by the First Amendment. Q. Are there ways for short-term rental operators to remain in the city after the 18-month phaseout? A. The purpose of the 18-month period is to allow owners to recoup the cost of their investment. Owners can apply for a hardship waiver. The waiver, which staff is drafting, allows short-term rental owners to continue operating their property beyond the deadline. The program will take into account how much the owner invested, study the current market conditions, and other criteria. Q. Is home sharing allowed? A. Home sharing in which a homeowner rents out a room was lumped in with the ban against short-term rentals of entire homes and condos. The council is expected to consider home sharing as a separate item in August. Staff is considering a pilot program to give 50 home-sharing permits. Contact the writer: 714-796-2443 or jpimentel@ocregister.com Four hours behind schedule and 300 miles from their destination in Bahrain, the crews of two Navy patrol boats figured they had to make up time somehow. Immediately after leaving port in Kuwait, they veered off their planned route through the Persian Gulf, and their troubles began. First they accidentally sailed through Saudi Arabias territorial waters. Then one of the boats broke down while passing less than 2 miles from an Iranian-controlled island. When Iranian military boats swarmed the U.S. vessels, they tried to get away. But the Iranians blocked their path and took the crews captive. Navy officials on Thursday gave that account of the encounter in January that resulted in the detention of 10 U.S. naval personnel for about 15 hours by Irans Revolutionary Guards. In a stinging report, the officials described numerous mistakes in the way the mission was planned and executed, and they laid out the reasons some sailors were responsible, both on the boats and up the chain of command. Nine officers and enlisted sailors including a captain and the commanding officer of the boats face discipline, with some being relieved of command because of the episode, which embarrassed the service and occurred just hours before President Barack Obama gave his last State of Union address. Our actions on that day in January and this incident did not live up to our expectations of our Navy, Adm. John M. Richardson, the chief of naval operations, said Thursday. He added: Big incidents like this are always the result of the accumulation of a number of small problems. And so its just the nature of these things. At the time of the encounter, Republicans assailed the Obama administration for tolerating the way the sailors were treated by their Iranian captors, who blindfolded them and held them at gunpoint. But senior administration officials including Secretary of State John Kerry, who corresponded with his Iranian counterpart during the episode thanked the Iranians for quickly resolving it. Administration officials said that was a positive outgrowth of the diplomatic channels between the United States and Iran opened by the nuclear deal struck last year. The report issued Thursday was much more critical of the Iranians and painted a starker picture of what occurred after one of the boats known as riverine command boats began having engine problems. As it was being repaired, two Revolutionary Guards Corps navy boats approached the U.S. boats at high speeds, the report said. Shortly thereafter, two more Iranian boats arrived at the scene. Now overmatched, the riverine command boat crews submitted to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navys direction, the report said. The Iranians boarded, searched and seized the riverine command boats, and then searched, blindfolded and bound the crew. They struck the U.S. flag, replacing it with their own. Two sailors were forced at gunpoint to drive the riverine command boats to Farsi Island. On the island, the crews were put in a room and interrogated as a group. Then several of them were questioned individually, and at least some of those interviews were taped. The following morning, the crews were given food and filmed by an Iranian television crew. The crews captain was given a script to read off to the camera, apologizing for the episode. He refused but was told that if he did not read it, they were not going to be released. He read the statement, and this was shown on Iranian television. The crews were then blindfolded, taken back to their boats and given permission to leave. They met up with an U.S. Navy ship and were taken off the boats and flown to a U.S. base in Qatar, where the military interviewed the sailors. The report acknowledged that the U.S. boats were in Iranian waters, but said Iran had violated international law by preventing them from leaving. These two boats and their crew members had every right to be where they were on that day, Richardson said at a news conference at the Pentagon. Although the Iranians were within their rights to investigate why the boats were near the island, Navy officials said, they violated international law by holding the sailors at gunpoint, videotaping interviews with them and damaging equipment on their boats. In a speech a day after the episode, Kerry said that all indications suggest or tell us that our sailors were well taken care of, provided with blankets and food, and assisted with their return to the fleet earlier today. He said this kind of issue was able to be peacefully resolved and efficiently resolved, and that is a testament to the critical role that diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, secure and strong. But in March, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Iran may have violated international law when it seized the sailors, saying Irans actions were outrageous, unprofessional and inconsistent with international law. The report released Thursday was far more explicit. WASHINGTON The White House said Friday that as many as 116 civilians have been killed by drone and other U.S. strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Africa since President Barack Obama took office in 2009. In its first public assessment, the administration said the death toll was between 64 and 116 civilians between January 2009 and December 2015, which is significantly lower than civilian casualty estimates by various human rights groups. Those range as high as 1,100 killed. The number of combatants killed in those 473 strikes was between 2,372 and 2,581. Seeking to create a precedent for his successor, Obama signed an executive order that details U.S. policies to limit civilian casualties and makes protecting civilians a central element in U.S. military operations planning. The order requires an annual release of casualty estimates. It says the government should include credible reporting by non-government groups when it reviews strikes to determine if civilians were killed. But the directive wont necessarily be binding on the next president, who could change the policy with an executive order of his or her own. While sketchy details often emerge about individual drone strikes, the full scope of the U.S. drone program has long been shrouded from view. It is a key tool of Obamas counterterrorism strategy. The administration did not disclose where the civilian deaths occurred, but said their numbers excluded areas of active hostilities like Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Obama, who ramped up drone warfare after taking office, has ordered CIA and Defense Department air attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia and possibly other locations. The numbers do not include civilians killed during U.S. military operations where there are American forces on the ground. Human rights groups have long claimed that the administration undercounts civilian casualties and the new information is unlikely to satisfy them entirely. The London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism, for instance, has estimated anywhere from 492 to about 1,100 civilians killed by drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia since 2002. Federico Borello, executive director of Center for Civilians in Conflict in Washington, applauded Obama for the executive order. He said his group probably would call on Congress to codify it into law so that future presidents cannot throw it out. This is something that weve been working on for 10 years, he said. Having civilian protections in the heart of military planning is a big deal. Reprieve, an international human rights organization based in New York, says the administrations previous statements about the drone program have been proven to be false by facts on the ground and the U.S. governments own internal documents. But more importantly, it has to be asked what bare numbers will mean if they omit even basic details such as the names of those killed and the areas, even the countries, they live in, Reprieve said in a statement ahead of the administrations announcement. It said the administration almost show how it define targets, given that it has shifted the goalposts on what counts as a civilian to such an extent that any estimate may be far removed from reality. Seven counterprotesters face criminal charges after authorities charged them Thursday on suspicion of attacking KKK members during a February rally at an Anaheim park that left three people stabbed. Prosecutors filed misdemeanor charges against five men and two women following a months long investigation that included reviewing videos and hundreds of photographs of the confrontation at Pearson Park. Organizers of the white supremacist rally had made public their plans several days before the event. As half a dozen KKK members arrived at Pearson, they were immediately confronted by 50-plus counter-protesters. Twelve people were arrested that day, including five KKK members who ultimately were not charged with a crime. This case is not about who was holding the protest rally, their racist message or who was counter-protesting, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in a statement. This is about the mob mentality turning violent, which shut down neighboring streets, access to the park and endangered the community as a whole. According to prosecutors, an SUV with KKK members immediately was surrounded by counter-protesters; one person was accused of throwing a glass bottle at the vehicle. As the white supremacists tried to take their signs out, one was pushed to the ground, kicked and punched by several counterprotesters, prosecutors said. Authorities say several counterprotesters attacked and pummeled a second KKK member, believed to have stabbed at least one in self-defense. A third KKK member was backed up against the SUV by screaming counter-protesters, prosecutors said, and used a flagpole to keep the crowd at bay. The SUV driver drove off, leaving the KKK member behind as he was knocked to the ground and attacked. Shortly after uniformed officers arrived, a fourth white supremacist member also was knocked to the ground by several counter-protesters, who then tried to escape from police, prosecutors said. In all, two counter-protesters and one KKK member were stabbed. Authorities identified those charged as Hugo Contreras, 39, of Hawthorne; Randy Felder, 26, of Lakewood; Guy Harris, 20, of Anaheim; Mark Liddell, 26, of Los Angeles; Armando Ortiz, 22, of Santa Ana; Nicole Schop, 34, of Los Angeles; and Alexis Solis, 23, who had no known city of residence. Most faced counts of misdemeanor assault or battery and a year to two years in jail if convicted. Authorities continued searching for an eighth protester, whom they have yet to identify. Thomas William Kielty, a Marina Del Rey attorney, represents Schop, a teacher, Contreras, a librarian, and Liddell, a student. Kielty criticized the Orange County District Attorneys Office for charging his clients, who he said were unarmed, while allowing a KKK member who stabbed a counter-protester to go free. At the end of the day, the O.C.D.A.s office chooses to prosecute middle-class, college-educated, taxpaying-citizens based in part on their politics, and, at the same time, issue a blank check to the knife-wielding Klansmen, he said. The Ku Klux Klan has a history with Pearson Park and Anaheim. In 1924, the same year Anaheim elected four City Council members who secretly belonged to the klan, the white supremacist organization staged its largest rally ever in the state at the park, drawing 10,000 or more people. Within a year, more than 95 percent of the citys voters backed a recall of the klansmen. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com On Saturday, an Orange County nonprofit will run out of a heroin-blocking medication that it distributes weekly, eliminating the countys only free supply of a drug the group says has revived at least 117 people from overdoses over the past four months. Since late February, the Solace Foundation, working with the Orange County Needle Exchange Program, has distributed 610 kits of naloxone at the Santa Ana Civic Center. The drug has provided heroin users with an easy-to-administer medication that blocks the effects of opiates, reversing potentially fatal overdoses in seconds. People will die as a result of the shortage, said Solace Foundation co-founder Aimee Dunkle. They come to us every Saturday and bring their friends, Dunkle said. They trust us. We know them on a first-name basis. And, soon, we wont have their life-saving medication. Fatal drug overdoses spiked locally in recent years, especially among the countys growing homeless population. Last year, at least 400 people in the county died of drug overdoses, a 10-year high and a 63 percent jump from a decade ago, according to preliminary data from the county coroner. Separately, the number of homeless people who died last year of all causes more than tripled over the last decade, to 187, according to county data. About one-third of those deaths were a result of drug and alcohol overdoses. Dunkle thinks her group has been able to curb that increase so far this year. But with an average of 40 kits distributed, and six saves self-reported each week, she fears fatal overdoses will once again surge after her nonprofit exhausts its naloxone supply. She said most of those claiming to have been saved by the drug are in their 20s. Many are military veterans. Some are long-term homeless. Some are local teens whose parents have thrown them out. Others are out-of-state addicts whove been kicked out of local drug rehab programs. The Solace Foundation has received free naloxone from Kaleo Pharma, a company that produces the medicine. Kaleo recently told the nonprofit it will not be able to supply any more of the medicine this year. But Dunkle said she had begun looking for a new partner even before Kaleo dropped out. In March, she asked to work with the Health Care Agency, and separately shes asked the county for $155,000 to run a naloxone distribution program. Naloxone costs $35 for an injectable kit with two doses or $75 for a kit that can be sprayed into the nose. Dunkle is critical of the countys response. The Health Care Agency isnt dealing with this as a public-health crisis, Dunkle said. Theyre dragging their feet. County health officials disagree. A spokeswoman said the OC Health Care Agency has several drug prevention and rehabilitation programs and is looking to expand a recently completed pilot program that made naloxone available to sheriffs deputies. She said the agency could get the medicine to county drug-treatment programs by the end of July and could begin distributing to drug users by late summer. Were exploring countywide naloxone distribution as thoughtfully and efficiently as possible, OC Health Care Agency spokeswoman Jessica Good wrote in an email. The agency also would consider partnering with a nonprofit after it works out details related to medical, legal and financial issues. The county is looking to apply for a portion of $3 million in state funds earmarked to help reduce fatal drug overdoses. Other public agencies in California already work with nonprofits that distribute naloxone. San Franciscos health department started distributing naloxone in 2003. Soon after, the number of heroin overdoses in the city dropped from about 120 a year in the early 2000s to 10 a year by 2010. If you want to impact mortality and lower the death rate, you give it to drug users. But thats a challenging concept for some people, said Eliza Wheeler, project manager for the Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Project in San Francisco. Its not expensive, she added. For $100,000, you can run an incredible program. Wheeler noted that the Solace Foundations program in Santa Ana is following a routine thats working in other communities. I dont know why the county government isnt acknowledging that what the Solace Foundation is doing is the best practice, to get the drug into the hands of the people who need it. Dunkle said she recognizes that her program doesnt fix the problem of addiction. But she sees her role as keeping people alive until theyre ready to quit, then referring them to all the county resources. Contact the writer: 714-796-7960 or jgraham@ocregister.com c.2016 New York Times News Service Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in on Thursday as president of the Philippines, promising to carry out an uncompromising crackdown on crime across the country. Duterte said in his inaugural speech that the harm of corruption and drugs justified his tough approach, and he dismissed concerns that such a campaign would abuse the rule of law. I know the limits of the power and authority of the president, he said. I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising. While mayor of Davao City in the southern Philippines, hundreds of people were killed by what human rights groups say were government-linked death squads. Duterte denied involvement with the killings but made little secret of his support for a violent approach to curbing crime. During his election campaign, he pledged to reinstate the death penalty and said he would unleash law enforcement officials to battle criminals on the streets. So many lawbreakers would die during his first months in office that the fish in Manila Bay will grow fat, he warned at one point. Such language, and coarse comments on the campaign trail on subjects like rape, did little to dent his appeal. He won about 16 million votes, nearly 39 percent of the total, with his closest rivals trailing by more than six million votes. Duterte, 71, took his oath in a low-key event at the presidential palace in Manila, the capital. Independent news media were barred from the ceremony, which was broadcast by state television and streamed live online. The new president has had a contentious relationship with news outlets. He has threatened to not grant interviews during his presidency and suggested that some of the high number of journalists killed in the country deserved their fate. In a rare joint editorial, several of the countrys leading news organizations called on Duterte to uphold transparency, adding that despite their tensions, we must at all times cover him, his actions and his statements. Duterte presented few details during his brief speech, saying instead that specifics would be supplied to you in due time. But he did say that one set of policy guidelines was significant enough to be outlined in his address. He called on officials to reduce redundant rules that delayed the approval of government projects and applications to agencies. And he demanded transparency and fairness in government contracts. During his campaign, Duterte expressed a willingness to try new approaches to difficult foreign policy questions. In May, he said that he would consider negotiating directly with China over conflicting claims in the South China Sea, if the Philippines and the United States long-standing advocacy of a regional response made no progress. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) On July 12, a tribunal at The Hague is scheduled to announce its ruling on a case filed by the Philippines that challenges Chinas claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has called the proceedings illegal, and it said that it would not abide by any decision. Duterte still defends the Philippines claims in the South China Sea, and he said he would agree to talks only if China acknowledged those claims. He did not touch on that case or the territorial dispute during his speech, saying only that the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations. There's a new landmark just off Interstate 280 in Cupertino, California. Commuters can now see from their car windows a mammoth five-story parking garage that can hold 11,000 vehicles. The recently completed garage seems to go on forever. But hidden behind that garage is Apple's $5 billion jewel, its new campus that former CEO Steve Jobs once said had a shot to be the best office building in the world. Apple hopes to move employees into its new "spaceship" campus early next year and construction appears to be on track. In a new video from Matt Roberts, we get a look at Apple Campus 2 just six months from completion. The beautiful drone flyover footage highlights Apple's massive solar panel installations, a more fully completed exterior, and yes, Apple's massive mountain of dirt. Watch here: Here's a look a little closer to ground level from earlier this month: apple campus 2.JPG Here's what a completed section will look like: Apple glass campus And what it's supposed to look like when completed: Apple Campus NOW WATCH: Bumble founder: Here's what's seriously wrong with the growing trend in Silicon Valley called 'brogramming' More From Business Insider SACRAMENTO Gov. Jerry Brown again blocked parole Thursday for a former leader of the Mexican Mafia prison gang who now helps law enforcement, discounting claims that the double murderer intended to enter the federal witness protection program. The governor similarly rejected parole for Rene Boxer Enriquez last year after concluding he is at risk of being killed if he is freed. His release also would endanger those around him who might be caught in the crossfire, the governor said in his latest decision. He remains an active target for the Mexican Mafia and there are many who would go to great lengths to attack Mr. Enriquez because of his high-profile status as a gang dropout, Brown wrote. Enriquez said earlier this year that he would enter the federal witness protection program if he is released. But Brown said there is no evidence he has actually been accepted into a state or federal program or that other steps would be taken to conceal his identity or location. Enriquez, who turns 54 next week, has been in prison since 1993 serving a sentence of 20 years to life for two murders, multiple assaults and drug trafficking conspiracy. He drew attention last year when the Los Angeles Police Department cleared a downtown building so he could speak to law enforcement and business leaders about the secretive prison gang that has grown into a transnational criminal enterprise. Enriquez testified at his February parole hearing that he quit the gang in 2002 when he realized members were killing children and innocent relatives of gang members who fell into disfavor. I was becoming this unsavory rat, this informant, this turncoat, this stoolie, he said, noting that it was like committing suicide renouncing everything when he turned his back on his former colleagues. He later published a tell-all book, The Black Hand, using a nickname for the gang also known by its Spanish language initial, La Eme. Brown praised Enriquezs cooperation with law enforcement but said Enriquez continues to blame the gang for his own choices. He personally molded and shaped the Mexican Mafias expectations of its members and expanded the gangs reach outside the prison, Brown wrote. Mr. Enriquez made a career of sophisticated gang warfare. He not only smuggled large amounts of drugs into prison but pioneered a way to control a vast network of drug dealers and gang members outside the prison walls, Brown wrote. The governors wrong, and were going to keep fighting until we get Rene home, said Enriquezs attorney, Michael Beckman. Enriquez has been cooperating with authorities for 14 years, earning more than 60 letters of support from the FBI, local law enforcement officials (including some in Orange County) and state and federal prosecutors. But the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office opposed his parole request, and relatives of his victims testified that his cooperation cannot take away their pain. The government has made extraordinary efforts to protect him, once booking him into custody with a false name under the pretext that he was arrested for possessing a swordfish without a license. Enriquez joined the Mexican Mafia while serving his first adult prison sentence for a series of robberies. After his release, he killed two gang associates for violations like stealing drugs and money. He and another man also stabbed Mexican Mafia leader Salvador Mon Buenrostro 26 times with inmate-made weapons in a 1991 gangland dispute, though Buenrostro survived. The Mexican Mafia, its a violent entity. It feeds on violence. It necessitates violence in order to bolster its reputation, Enriquez said in February, noting that he embraced the violent lifestyle and enjoyed the sense of power. Eventually, he said, law enforcement officials gave me a new chance at life, and I readily embraced it. ARCADIA Horses tell you things, if youre watching. Dave Hofmans has a photo in Santa Anitas Barn 76 that still speaks. Its a gray, 19-to-1 shot named Alphabet Soup, who was going after the legendary Cigar in the 1996 Breeders Cup Classic. Alphabet Soups ears are poised and his whole head is focused, like a bloodhound. It was two days before the race, in the paddock, Hofmans said Thursday. His whole demeanor changed. He was serious. He had figured it out and he was going to run. Alphabet Soup got in front of Cigar and held him off down the stretch. Hofman was excited, but the owner, Georgia Ridder, stayed where she was. I dont think he won, she said. Turned out Alphabet Soup did win, in a record time at Torontos Woodbine, but the runner-up was Louis Quatorze, a Preakness winner who was on the rail and out of Hofmans view. Hofmans walked down the hall Thursday and there was Melatonin, calm in his stall. He looks like a little nondescript horse, Hofmans said, but Melatonin won the Santa Anita Handicap in March and the Gold Cup at Santa Anita on Saturday. Only five horses have done that in the same year, and theyre pretty good: Affirmed, Lava Man, Game On Dude, Crystal Water and Noor. In November, Melatonin will go for the Breeders Cup Classic at Santa Anita, presumably against heavyweights such as California Chrome and Beholder and maybe Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. Theres also the Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 20, which Hofmans hasnt ruled out. This horse reminds me a little bit of Alphabet Soup, Hofmans said. Hes a fighter. The longest fight began two years ago. Melatonin ran his first five races for five jockeys before he got his first victory in February of 2014. Then he began telling Hofmans he was sick. He was dragging his hind feet, Hofmans said, and the riders started complaining that he was a bit uncoordinated. That hind part is where all the blood supply goes. Tests showed Melatonin was suffering from EPM Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. Talk about alphabet soup. The protozoa gets into the arteries and blocks the blood flow, Hofmans said. Id seen it before. Its not uncommon that they get over it, but you need to get it in time, and we did. It was holding the horse back from developing. Melatonin recuperated at a farm in Temecula. He was ready to roll last August. He won his comeback race, hit the board two other times, finished second when jockey Martin Garcia dropped his whip. Each jockey told Hofmans that Melatonin was ready for distance, which made little sense because his sire, Kodiak Kowboy, was a pure sprinter. In February, Melatonin went a mile and a sixteenth and won by nearly four lengths. Joe Talamo dismounted and told Hofmans, Hes just warming up. He wants to go farther. Hofmans pointed to the Big Cap, which wasnt as loaded as usual. At 16-to-1, Melatonin got out front, stayed there and won by 4 1/2. Lights out, Hofmans said. They lost the Oaklawn Handicap by a length to Effinex. Then came the Gold Cup, and Melatonin, now the favorite, won by a length and a half even though he was carrying nine more pounds than he did in the Big Cap. He ran two extra seconds with that weight, and thats like 10 extra lengths, Hofmans said. Because Melatonin was a late foal and because of EPM, he might just be entering his sophomore year. Horses dont reach their peak until theyre five, six, seven, Hofmans said. So its an unexpected joyride for Hofmans and especially owner Susan Osborne, who runs Tarabilla Farms in Glendale and won the 2008 Breeders Cup Turf Sprint with Desert Code. Hofmans trained that horse and also Touch Gold, which snipped Silver Charm at the 1997 Belmont Stakes and ruined his Triple Crown bid. Gary Stevens told me two weeks before the Derby that he was better than Point Given and the owner (Frank Stronach) wanted to run him, but I didnt, Hofmans said. Maybe that was a mistake on my part. Hofmans also found himself training several 2-year-olds for Mickey and Karen Taylor in 1976. The precocious ones went to California, where Hofmans was, and the slower ones went to Florida. Except one of the slower ones became Seattle Slew, who won the Triple Crown and never lost a race. If you cant roll with the punches, youll never last, said Hofmans, who is 73 and, with each year, more attuned to messages you cant hear. I know this horse is going to try like crazy. When you have a horse like that, youll win some races you shouldnt have. There might not be many of those. Contact the writer: mark.whicker@langnews.com Editors note: The article has been updated to correct the age of Dave Hofmans. Q. Hi, Honk. I have been wanting to write for some time on the abomination that is the I-5 and the 57 connector ramp from the eastbound 22 freeway. Driving up to this stretch is a nightmare people are trying to cut in at the last minute to avoid the milelong line. Drivers are slamming on their brakes to avoid, many times, crashing into the back of someone else. I have not seen another exit like this one, and cannot for the life of me understand the benefit. Has Caltrans ever discussed changing this nightmare? Dan Mills, Anaheim A. Full disclosure: Honk despises that congested interchange, which appropriately is called by many the Orange Crush. He has always believed that more land should have been taken years ago yes, through eminent domain so that construction crews had more room to make this thing work. Instead, those wanting to take the 57 or I-5 have to endure a connection ramp that is more troubled than the nearby Angels. Shockingly, there is some good news. That connector ramp is to be reconfigured, in part by having it not begin until after the Bristol Street off-ramp, said Yvonne Washington, a Caltrans spokeswoman. And an extra lane will be added there, too, and one farther east as well that takes drivers to northbound I-5 and the 57. The projected $10.5 million improvements will stretch from Beach Boulevard to the Crush. There is a downside, of course: Construction isnt set to begin until November 2018, with it wrapping up in October 2020. Q. I have a question for you, Mr. Honk! Our coffee group was discussing how many darkly tinted windows we see in Orange County these days so dark that you cant even see whos driving or in the car! We ALL thought this wasnt legal, and especially the drivers side window, so I said Id ask you! Gloria Bogdan, Yorba Linda A. For the most part, drivers can get cited for tinting the windshield or either of the two front side windows. But they can paint black the rear window and the two back side windows, if they want, so long as there are two side mirrors, said Officer Tom Joy, a California Highway Patrol spokesman based in Westminster. Otherwise, one side mirror is OK. Honkin fact: Beginning today, those seeking their first drivers license from the Department of Motor Vehicles must provide two documents proving they live in the Golden State. Such paperwork can include some school documents, mortgage and utility bills, medical or employee documents, or a deed or title on a house. Go to the DMV website for details. Before, no proof was required. Old-timers who have a license dont need to deal with that stuff when renewing. Contact the writer: honk@ocregister.com WASHINGTON Given their arrogance, pomposity and habitual absurdities, it is hard not to feel a certain satisfaction with the comeuppance that Brexit has delivered to the unaccountable European Union bureaucrats in Brussels. Nonetheless, we would do well to refrain from smug condescension. Unity is not easy. What began in 1951 as a six-member European Coal and Steel Community was grounded in a larger conception of a united Europe born from the ashes of World War II. Seven decades into the postwar era, Britain wants out and the EU is facing an existential crisis. The failure of our federal idea gave us civil war and 600,000 dead. And we had the advantage of a common language, common heritage and common memory of heroic revolutionary struggle against a common foe. Europe had none of this. The European project tries to forge the union of dozens of disparate peoples, ethnicities, languages and cultures, amid the searing memories of the two most destructive wars in history fought against each other. The result is the EU, a great idea badly executed. The founding motive was obvious and noble: to reconcile the combatants of World War II, most especially France and Germany, and create conditions that would ensure there could be no repetition. Onto that was appended the more utopian vision of a continental superstate that would once and for all transcend parochial nationalism. That vision blew up with Brexit. But we mustnt underestimate the significance, and improbability, of the projects more narrow, but still singular, achievement peace. It has given Europe the most extended period of internal tranquility since the Roman Empire. Give the EU its due. Despite its comical faux-national paraphernalia of flag, anthem and useless parliament, it has championed and advanced a transnational idea that has helped curb the nationalist excesses that culminated in two world wars. Advanced not quite enough, however. Certainly not enough to support its disdainful, often dismissive, treatment of residual nationalisms and their democratic expressions. Despite numerous objections by referendum and parliament, which it routinely either ignored or circumvented, the EU continued its relentless drive for more centralization, more regulation and thus more power for its unelected self. Such high-handed overriding of popular sentiment could go on only so long. Until June 23, 2016, to be precise. To be sure, popular sentiment was rather narrowly divided. The most prominent disparity in the British vote was generational. The young, having grown up in the new Europe, are more comfortable with its cosmopolitanism and have come to expect open borders, open commerce and open movement of people. Leave was mainly the position of an older generation no longer willing to tolerate European assaults on British sovereignty. Understandably so. Here is Britain, inventor of the liberal idea and home to the mother of parliaments, being instructed by a bunch of pastry-eating Brussels bureaucrats on everything from the proper size of pomegranates to the human rights of terrorists. Widely mentioned, and resented, was the immigration directive to admit other EU citizens near automatically. But what pushed the Leave side over the top was less policy than primacy. Who runs Britain? Amazingly, about half of the laws and regulations that govern British life today come from Brussels. Brexit was an assertion of national sovereignty and an attempt, in one fell swoop, to recover it. There is much to admire in that impulse. But at what cost? Among its casualties may be not just the European project but possibly the U.K. itself. The Scots are already talking about another vote for independence. And Northern Ireland, which voted to remain in the EU, might well seek to unite with the Republic. Talk about a great idea executed badly. In seeking a newly sovereign U.K., the Brits might well find themselves having produced a little England. For Biola University on the outskirts of Orange County, where I serve as president, religious freedom means the freedom to hold beliefs and to abide by community standards steeped in the historic Christian faith, as we have done since our founding in downtown Los Angeles in 1908. These standards are not quickly jettisoned, though they seem countercultural to many. Much has changed about Biola since our founding 108 years ago as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, but our commitment to distinctly Christian education and campus life has not. The floors on our residence halls are not co-ed. We integrate faith into our curriculum. Our community behavioral expectations have not adapted to changing cultural mores on sexual conduct and gender expression. And we do this while holding to strict anti-bullying policies and caring for all students who attend Biola, including gay students. California Senate Bill 1146 would limit choice for students who desire to attend distinctly religious institutions like Biola. These students choose our institutions not to be indoctrinated but to be immersed in accredited learning communities where they study, in the context of our faith values, disciplines like art, philosophy, chemistry and accounting. These students choose our institutions because our theological convictions run deep and wide deep in that they have been held by Christians for two millennia and wide because they transcend all disciplines and are not limited to the study of religion. Faith-based colleges and universities are not asking for the freedom to discriminate. We are asking for the constitutionally protected freedom to live according to deeply held and time-honored beliefs within a pluralistic society. Religious educational communities are valuable for a pluralistic democratic society insofar as we are allowed to be who we are and are not legislated to look, believe and behave in the same way as the dominant culture. A thriving pluralism recognizes that society is stronger when, for example, Jewish institutions can remain distinctly Jewish, Muslim communities can remain faithful to the Quran and Christian communities can live according to our scriptural beliefs, even when those beliefs are incongruous with mainstream society. If all institutions were forced to walk in homogenous lockstep in terms of belief and behavior, democratic society would falter, if not crumble. In his book The Righteous Mind, New York University social psychologist Jonathan Haidt talks about the important moral capital that religious institutions contribute to the larger society. He warns, If you are trying to change an organization or a society and you do not consider the effects of your changes on moral capital, youre asking for trouble. To lose the distinct perspectives of faith-based institutions in the landscape of higher education, or for them to lose their distinctiveness by legislative mandate, would be a significant deprivation for our culture. This loss would reduce educational choice for students who seek to attend a distinctly religious college or university. It would inflict harm on faith-based institutions who annually produce tens of thousands of graduates who are not just successful doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers and filmmakers, but good citizens with a framework for virtue and a purpose that goes beyond self-interest. The loss would diminish an important set of institutions that produce valuable moral capital for the common good. Barry H. Corey is the eighth president of Biola University in La Mirada, and serves as first vice chair of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. He is the author of the recently released book, Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue. SANTA ANA Gehmine Janine Lynette Chandler, 18, was found strangled in her fathers Buena Park home on the morning of Jan. 11, 1988. Detectives interviewed her boyfriend, friends and acquaintances but with no leads, the case went cold. Decades later, investigators say, they got a break thanks to DNA evidence. Nearly 30 years after her death, trial began in Orange County Superior Court on Thursday against her accused killer, Daniel Edward McDermott, now 47. The prosecutor alleged that McDermott raped and strangled Chandler in her bedroom and later lied to police. The defense maintains that McDermott had intercourse with Chandler that night but did not kill her. In his opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy said Buena Park detectives re-opened the case in 2009 and began re-interviewing people and testing forensic evidence. They realized that McDermott, an acquaintance of Chandlers who police interviewed back in 1988, had not yet provided a DNA sample. They flew out to his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he agreed to give his DNA. The DNA sample matched semen collected at the crime scene, McGreevy said. In October 2012, he was arrested. It took 24 years, advancements in science and re-investigation by law enforcement to catch Janines killer, he said. Chandler, who dreamed of becoming a model, grew up in Texas and moved to California when she was 17 to live with her father, Thomas Patraw. On the night of her death, she and her father went out to dinner and then relaxed in the hot tub. He later went to bed, while she stayed up watching TV. The next morning, Patraw woke up at 5 a.m. to get ready for work and noticed a stereo speaker in the living room was missing, the prosecutor said. He went to check on his daughter and found her cold to the touch with bruises on her neck, the prosecutor added. Patraw performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on his daughter and called 911, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the killing, McDermott, then 19, told police that he was acquainted with Chandler through a close friend who had dated her. In later interviews after the case was re-opened, McDermott again was adamant that he had never had sex with her, McGreevy said. McDermotts attorney, Assistant Public Defender Darren Thompson, said Chandler and McDermott had an ongoing sexual relationship that the pair kept secret because she had a boyfriend and McDermott didnt want to upset his friend who had also dated her. Thompson said McDermott lied about the relationship because he was scared, embarrassed and ashamed: He had no reason whatsoever to kill Janine. Chandler was raised by her adopted father and wasnt told about Patraw, her biological father, until she was about 14, according to testimony. Weeks before her death, Patraw took out a life insurance policy on his daughter and did not tell anyone about the policy, Thompson said. Taking the stand on Thursday, Patraw said he took out $10,000 life insurance policies on both his daughter and son, as well as a $100,000 policy on himself. Patraw said he did not receive any money because Chandlers younger brother, Thomas Patraw, Jr., was the claimant on the policy. In court, Chandlers mother, Jane Faraci, who lives in East Texas, said her daughter had planned to move home to help care for her grandmother, dying of cancer. Its hard to describe how it feels when somebody rips your heart out, she said. Youre just a shell for a long, long time. McDermott is charged with murder with a special circumstance allegation of murder during a rape. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole. Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com WASHINGTON An airport encounter this week between Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and former President Bill Clinton has welled into a political storm, with Republicans asserting that it compromised the Justice Departments politically sensitive investigation into Hillary Clintons email practices while she was secretary of state. Lynch said the meeting with Bill Clinton was unplanned, largely social and did not touch on the email investigation. She suggested that he walked uninvited from his plane to her government plane, which were both parked on a tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He did come over and say hello, and speak to my husband and myself, and talk about his grandchildren and his travels and things like that, Lynch said at a news conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where she was promoting community policing. That was the extent of that. And no discussions were held into any cases or things like that. That did not mollify Republican lawmakers, who said the meeting raised questions about the integrity of the governments investigation. Since last summer, the FBI has been investigating whether Hillary Clinton or her aides violated laws on the protection of classified material by using a private email address and server in the Clintons home in Chappaqua, New York. The FBI is expected to make a recommendation to the Justice Department in the coming weeks. While some legal experts said they believed criminal indictments in the case were unlikely, the investigation continues to cast a shadow over Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. In light of the apparent conflicts of interest, I have called repeatedly on Attorney General Lynch to appoint a special counsel to ensure the investigation is as far from politics as possible, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas and a member of the Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Thursday. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, seized on the incident, describing it in a radio interview as a sneak meeting and saying it exposed the rigged nature of the process. Even some Democrats expressed uneasiness with the appearance the meeting created. I do agree with you that it doesnt send the right signal, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said in response to a question on CNNs New Day program. Lynch has generally shown excellent judgment and strong leadership of the department, and Im convinced that shes an independent attorney general. But I do think that this meeting sends the wrong signal, and I dont think it sends the right signal. I think she should have steered clear, even of a brief, casual, social meeting with the former president. At the White House, Earnest was asked repeatedly about the propriety of the meeting. He defended what he said was Lynchs long record of independence as a federal prosecutor. But he stopped short of saying the administration viewed the meeting as appropriate. I wasnt there for the meeting, Earnest said, but the attorney general was, and she was asked a direct question about it, and she answered it. I think that is consistent with everybodys expectations. Irvine-based logistics firm Ingram Micro is laying off 900 workers at its wireless device repair and distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas, according to filings with the Texas Workforce Commission. The jobs will be cut by September and include 175 employees and 762 contractors. Workers were informed of the cutbacks the same day Ingram Micro shareholders approved the companys $6 billion sale to China-based Tianjin Tianhai Investment Co., according to local news outlets. The merger is still pending approval. The all-cash deal amounts to $38.90 per share for stockholders. Once it closes, Ingram Micro will operate as a subsidiary of Tianjin Tianhai under HNA Group. Last year, Ingram Micro was the sixth largest publicly traded company in Orange County. It employed nearly 1,000 people locally and 22,000 people total, according to the Orange County Business Journal. Ingram Micro is expected to keep its Irvine headquarters and its executive management team. Other tech companies in Orange County have seen layoffs in recent months. Irvine-based Western Digital will cut 99 jobs by June in Orange County 81 at its headquarters and 18 at a Santa Ana facility, according to a state employment filing. The hard drive maker, which is buying Milpitas-based SanDisk, has cut 559 jobs company-wide since last summer. Broadcom Ltd. cut nearly 700 jobs at its Irvine campus in March, according to state documents. The San Jose-based company let go about 850 workers statewide including 180 people in San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. Last May the chip maker was acquired for $37 billion by Singapore-based Avago Technologies. The deal was official a few days before the layoffs were announced. Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue the Orange County District Attorneys Office, the latest salvo in the groups onging investigation into the countys use of jailhouse informants. In a letter sent Thursday to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, the civil rights group reiterated a request first made in March that the county turn over a batch of internal documents related to informants and prosecutorial misconduct. Noting that Rackauckas has declined much of that request, the ACLU said it would file a lawsuit against the county, listing itself as the plaintiff, if Rackauckas doesnt respond by July 14. We do not believe that what you produced satisfies your obligations under the California Public Records Act. Nor does it provide the public with desperately needed insight into the functioning of the District Attorneys Office, said the letter from ACLU attorney Brendan Hamme. Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for the district attorneys office, said her agency has turned over everything that the ACLU is legally entitled to, more than 300 pages of documents. The OCDA remains committed to making all public documents available to the public while fairly protecting privacy and legal rights of crime victims, witnesses, and police officers and maintaining public safety, Schroeder said. Questions about snitches and evidence have been thorns for local prosecutors for the nearly three years, as judges have ruled in several cases that defendants rights to a fair trial were violated. The ACLU investigation could expand those questions by looking into idea that local prosecutors have systematically misused informants and withheld evidence favorable to the defense as a way to get convictions since at least the mid-1980s. Among other things, the ACLU wants Rackauckas office to disclose the number of instances of confirmed prosecutorial misconduct dating back to 1985 and the resulting action taken by the district attorneys office against those prosecutors. The civil rights group also wants the number of cases of misconduct found against sheriffs deputies and the punishments those deputies received, and the protocols and policies related to the use of jailhouse informants and the legal discovery process. In all, the ACLU is seeking 29 categories of documents. It is not illegal to use jailhouse informants to coax confessions from inmates, unless the inmate has hired an attorney and has been formally charged with a crime. The district attorneys office declined much of the ACLUs request, calling it overly broad and saying much of it is exempted by state law or simply not available. The ACLU isnt the only outside group looking at local prosecutors. In November 2015, a group of ex-prosecutors and legal scholars nationwide declared a crisis in Orange County and wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch seeking a federal probe. That request is under review. In the ACLU letter issued Thursday, the group says the public interest is a critical element in the informant controversy, which has led to convictions being overturned, charges dropped and sentences reduced in six murder and attempted cases, with more being examined. At least two men convicted of murder have been released to the streets because of problems related to the use of jailhouse informants. It is, therefore, deeply troubling that your office refuses to make public the policies and practices that were in place and failed to prevent these constitutional violations from occurring, Hamme wrote. Prosecutors have told the ACLU that many requested records do not exist or are not kept in a way that allows them to be easily retrieved. Given the breadth of records to which this claim applies we are very concerned about the way your office maintains these critical documents, Hamme responded. The district attorneys office also said that records concerning disclosure and the use of informants is not in the public interest. Given the near thirty year history of violations by your office, we disagree strongly and are confident a court would also, wrote Hamme. Hamme noted that a judge removed the DAs office from the case of Scott Dekraai, who admitted to killing eight people at a Seal Beach hair salon in 2011, and said a committee hand-picked by the district attorneys office also concluded the agency was in trouble. Hamme wrote: Indeed, your own hand-selected Informant Policies and Practices Evaluation Committee described the office as a ship without a rudder. Documents released in the case of Henry Rodriguez, who was twice convicted for his role in the killing of a pregnant Fullerton woman, show authorities did not turn over documents to the defense for years. Deputy district attorneys were instructed by others in your office to refrain from providing copies [of records showing that an informant received compensation] to [the] defense unless ordered by the court. These documents raise serious concerns that the pattern of (discovery) violations was not due to mere negligence or a few bad apples, but may have been intentional and officially sanctioned by your office, Hamme wrote. The ACLU letter continues, We strongly urge you to reconsider and begin the work of repairing your offices tattered image and the publics faith in your ability to fairly administer justice. Contact the writer: tsaavedra@ocregister.com Those lines at John Wayne Airport reflect good news for aviation business as passenger traffic rose 13 percent in May compared with the same month in 2015. The airport served 949,280 passengers in May, compared with 839,813 in the same month last year. A mix of domestic and international flights has boosted traffic. The airport reported an almost 76 percent increase in international passengers in May. The spike can be attributed to new routes to Mexico. Last summer Southwest added a flight to Puerto Vallarta, followed in October by Alaska Airlines, which added flights to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Domestic flights added in 2015 included routes via Southwest to Seattle, Portland, Ore., Chicago, Austin, Texas, Kansas City and St. Louis. In March, Alaska Airlines added flights to Reno, Nevada, and Sonoma County. Commercial aircraft operations increased nearly 20 percent, and total aircraft operations increased roughly 17 percent. General aviation activity increased nearly 18 percent. With low fuel prices prompting cheaper airfare, travel has been on the upswing. In April, JWA reported a 7.9 percent increase in traffic, and last year it saw more than 10 million passengers, a new record. The traffic was 8.5 percent higher than 2014. Last year, 133,039 passengers traveled through the airport from July 2 to July 6. Spokeswoman Deanne Thompson said the airport expects to see a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic for this years holiday. Thompson said travelers should arrive early and expect longer-than-usual security lines. Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans RICHMOND A robber attacked the nations oldest full-time park ranger in her Bay Area home this week and made off with a coin she received from President Barack Obama, authorities said Thursday. Betty Reid Soskin, 94, who works as an interpretive ranger at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, was awoken by an intruder who punched her several times in the face, police Lt. Felix Tan said. She reached for her cellphone but he grabbed it from her, dragged her out of the bedroom and beat her again, Richmond police said. She was able to crawl away to the bathroom and locked herself inside until the robber left early Monday. I fully expected he was going to kill me, Soskin told Bay Area news station KTVU-TV. He doubled up his fist and hit me a couple of times on the sides of my face with all his might. She called the encounter terrifying and said the blows bruised her face and split open her lips. Nothing else I could think of was to scream and scream and scream, Soskin told the TV station. Police say the thief stole her cellphone, iPad, laptop, camera, jewelry and the coin the president gave her to honor her achievements. Soskin introduced him at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the White House last December. She said most items she can live without, but the coin is special to her. If I can get that coin back, I think I can forgive anything, she told KTVU. After a life in public service, Soskin became a park ranger about 10 years ago and leads tours at the historical California park and museum honoring the women who worked in factories during wartime. A call to the park from The Associated Press was not answered. An email sent to a blog believed to be hers was not immediately returned. Police said she did not want to speak to reporters. Before her appearance at the tree-lighting ceremony, Soskin made headlines in 2013 when she complained about a government furlough, saying she didnt have time to waste sitting at home at her age. The shutdown began after Republicans demanded the defunding of the nations new health insurance system in exchange for providing essential federal funding. ISTANBUL Attention focused Friday on whether a Chechen extremist known to be a top lieutenant in Islamic State was involved in the suicide attacks that killed 44 people at Istanbuls Ataturk Airport. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, told CNN that Akhmed Chatayev directed Tuesday nights attack at one of the worlds busiest airports. The CIA and White House declined to comment on McCauls assertion and officials said the investigation of the bombing is still ongoing. McCaul could not be reached for further comment. Turkish officials also were not able to confirm Chatayevs role. The Sabah newspaper, which is close to the government, said police had launched a manhunt for him. McCaul said Chatayevs whereabouts are unknown. The 35-year-old one-armed militant, who fought in Chechnya against Russian forces and their local allies in the early 2000s before fleeing to the West, was put on the U.S. list of suspected terrorists in 2015. That same year, he resurfaced in an Islamic State video as the commander of the groups Chechen battalion in Syria. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the airport attack, Islamic State is suspected, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated Friday that the group was most probably behind it. Islamic State has boasted of having cells in Turkey and other countries. They have no connection to Islam. Their place is in hell, Erdogan said, speaking in Istanbul following Friday prayers. These people were innocent; they were children, women, elderly They embarked on a journey unaware, and came face to face with death. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported Friday that the Bakirkoy Public Prosecutors office had established the identity of two of the airport attackers, Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov, and was trying to identify the third. Other media reports have given different versions of Osmanovs name. Anadolu said Osmanovs identity was determined through a photocopy of his passport, which he submitted to a realtor in order to rent a house in Istanbuls Fatih district. Police were also trying to access information on a destroyed computer found in a trash bin near the house. The Anadolu report did not provide the nationalities of the suspects. On Thursday, a Turkish official said the three attackers were from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Thirteen people suspected of possible links to the attack were detained in raids Thursday in three Istanbul neighborhoods, officials said. The Haber Turk newspaper said 11 more suspects all foreigners were detained in a separate raid early Friday. A government official could not immediately confirm the report. Islamic State, which has used the porous border with Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq, has repeatedly threatened Turkey. In turn, Turkey has blamed Islamic State for several major bombings in the past year in Ankara and Istanbul. Turkey, a NATO member and key partner in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, also faces security threats from Kurdish rebels who are demanding greater autonomy in Turkeys southeast region and from ultra-left radicals. Kurdish rebels have carried out numerous car bomb attacks in the past year, including an attack Feb. 17 in Ankara that killed 39 people, and another devastating bombing in the capital in March. An official said Friday that security forces have killed the mastermind of the Feb. 17 attack. Mehmet Sirin Kaya was killed in the town of Lice in the mainly Kurdish province of Diyarbakir, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations. The attack against military personnel was claimed by an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization. In another victory for the educational status quo, the Supreme Court earlier this week rejected a motion to rehear Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, which deadlocked 4-4 in March after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. The move preserves a lower court ruling that public-employee unions can continue to force nonmembers to pay agency fees for collective bargaining. The CTA and other unions contended that all employees in a unionized entity, such as teachers in a public school district, should pay fees because everyone benefits from collective bargaining. Those seeking to opt out of fees were branded free riders. Union negotiations, however, cover not just salaries, but such provisions as a last hired, first fired policy for layoffs, something that clearly makes new teachers potential victims, not free riders. My heart is broken for Americas children and families, as their teachers will continue to be forced to fund policies and highly political collective bargaining processes which place the desires of adults above the rights and needs of children, Plaintiff Rebecca Friedrichs, a teacher in O.C.s Savanna School District, said in a statement. This battle for liberty cannot be abandoned, and weve built an incredible network, so Im optimistic we can continue working together to restore First Amendment rights to teachers and other public sector workers. Our kids are worth the fight! We agree. Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... NEW YORK (AP) A $7.25 billion settlement between merchants and Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. over credit card transaction fees was rejected Thursday by a federal appeals court, a ruling praised by a retail trade association as a victory for consumers. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the 12 million merchants covered by the antitrust class action were inadequately represented by law firms that gave merchants who stood to gain little or nothing no opportunity to opt out of the deal, approved by a judge in December 2013. The decision, written by Circuit Judge Dennis Jacobs, noted that what was described as the largest-ever cash settlement in an antitrust class action could have paid lawyers more than a half-billion dollars in fees. Mallory Duncan, senior vice president and general counsel for the National Retail Federation, praised the ruling, saying the appeals court had nullified a seriously, seriously flawed settlement. The federation is the worlds largest retail trade association, representing 9,000 retailers of various sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and 45 countries overseas. Duncan said merchants, and ultimately consumers, will benefit from a fairer legal challenge to the fees that can add $400 and $500 annually to a consumers cost of purchases. This is not just a business-to-business dispute. These fees drive up the price of retail merchandise, costing the average family hundreds of dollars a year in added expenses. Merchants and trade groups in 2005 sued over the billions of dollars in swipe or interchange fees they pay that average about 2 percent of a purchases price. They alleged that credit card networks colluded to set fees charged to stores for handling credit card payments, violating antitrust laws. Credit card companies have defended the fees, saying stores benefit because customers often spend more when they are using credit and debit cards rather than cash or checks. The 2nd Circuit said negotiations resulting in the settlement were flawed because the same lawyers represented merchants that had conflicting interests. Those conflicts sapped class counsel of the incentive to zealously represent some merchants. A number of the nations largest retailers, including Target Corp. and Macys Inc., rejected the settlement. Jeffrey Shinder, representing dozens of major retailers, praised the ruling, calling it a vindication of pretty much everything we argued. In a warning sure to disappoint many who enjoy sneaking a taste of cookie dough, the Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that people shouldnt eat raw dough or batter due to an ongoing outbreak of illnesses related to a strain of E. coli bacteria found in some recalled flour. The flour is among 10 million pounds voluntarily recalled last month by General Mills, the FDA said. It comes from a General Mills facility in Kansas City, Missouri, that the CDC pinpointed last month as the likely source for dozens of illnesses in 20 states related to a strain of E. coli. Jobless claims at low levels despite weeks uptick More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, but the level of jobless claims remains low enough to suggest that most workers enjoy job security. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly U.S. applications rose 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 268,000. The four-week average was unchanged at 267,000. Facebook gets more personal with formula for news feed Facebook has again tweaked the formula it uses to decide what people will see in their news feed. The social media giant says it updated the news feed so that people will see more posts from their friends and family and not, say, the New York Times or Buzzfeed. Facebook says it will now put posts from friends and family that users are likely to care about at the top of their news feed. So if you like or comment on your sisters posts often, youll see more posts from her. Mortgage rates drop to three-year lows Long-term U.S. mortgage rates slid to new lows for the year this week amid market upheaval stoked by Britains vote to leave the European Union. Rates are at three-year lows at the height of the home buying season. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.48 percent from 3.56 percent last week. The average for the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 2.78 percent from 2.83 percent. U.S. farmers planted more corn than they intended in March, sowing the third-highest crop since World War II and surprising analysts who had expected a decline. Prices fell to the lowest since April. Corn, the countrys largest crop, was sown on 94.1 million acres, the third most since 1944, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a report Thursday. Thats more than the agencys March forecast, based on a survey of farmers before planting season, for 93.6 million. The average estimate of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for 92.8 million. Farmers increased plantings 7 percent from the 88 million sown in 2015. Corn inventories from last years crop rose 6 percent to 4.7 billion bushels as of June 1, the most for the date since 1988. Use from March to May was estimated at 3.1 billion, down from 3.3 billion a year earlier, pushing reserves above the 4.5 billion expected by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The latest data may reignite concerns about the global glut of grains. The March USDA estimate for corn plantings also exceeded analysts projections and sent futures tumbling to a 17-month low. Corn futures entered a bull market earlier this month on the Chicago Board of Trade as traders worried about production potential in the United States and Brazil, the worlds biggest exporters. But more recently, corn has fallen by more than 10 percent as U.S. crop conditions held stable throughout June. The North American grain is beginning its reproduction phase, a key period in yield development. Soybean acreage will rise to a record 83.7 million acres, up from the 82.7 million sown last year and exceeding the March forecast of 82.2 million, the USDA also said in the report. DETROIT (AP) The U.S. government is urging owners of 313,000 older Hondas and Acuras to stop driving them and get them repaired after new tests found that their Takata air bag inflators are extremely dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday that it has data showing that chances are as high as 50 percent that the inflators can explode in a crash, injuring people by sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartments. These vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired. Takata inflators can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister and spewing metal fragments. At least 11 people have died and more than 100 have been injured worldwide from the problem. Authorities in Malaysia are investigating three more deaths that may be linked to the inflators. The agencys urgent advisory covers 2001 and 2002 Honda Civics and Accords, the 2002 and 2003 Acura TL, the 2002 Honda Odyssey and CR-V, and the 2003 Acura CL and Honda Pilot, NHTSA said. All the vehicles were recalled between 2008 and 2011, and about 70 percent of them already have been repaired, the agency said. Honda has ample replacement parts available from companies other than Takata to immediately fix the cars, the automaker said. The afternoon shadows were finally growing longer over the infield at TD Ameritrade Park by the time First Datas top local executive, George Wehbe, and his boss found their seats Monday night. The shade was a welcome respite from the blazing sun that was beating down on the hospitality bungalow in front of the CenturyLink Center a few blocks over, where Wehbe and other top brass from First Data were entertaining clients and family members for the College World Series. Wehbes three young boys had already been to work tiring themselves out on a square of turf laid over the concrete plaza in front of the arena. They retired to a hospitality suite at the ballpark before Wehbe and First Data Chairman and Chief Executive Frank Bisignano, who hired the 45-year-old international operations veteran in December 2014, broke away to talk shop for a few innings. In a couple of months, Wehbes boys and wife will join him in Omaha from their home on New Yorks Long Island, where the kids just finished school. While Wehbe isnt exactly new to First Data, he says hes still getting settled in his role overseeing its local operations in addition to those in its international markets. Omaha is the official home of the companys Global Financial Solutions business, so its here where card swipes from all corners of the globe are processed, statements are printed and mailed, and cards are embossed. That segment made up $1.5 billion of about $7.1 billion in revenue from all three business segments last year. Officially, Wehbes title is head of GFS operations and Omaha business operations. From an office at 6855 Pacific St., he coordinates a group of local managers representing those and virtually every other aspect of the company that was born here in 1971. Its a classic general manager role, said Wehbe, whose experience includes stints with Citi and JPMorgan Chase that landed him in global financial centers. On Monday, he said what Nebraskas largest city lacks in global recognition it more than makes up for with attractions like the recent College World Series and ongoing Olympic Swim Trials; he treated his 13-, 11-, and 9-year-old boys to both events this week. This is really cool for them. How many kids get to do that? Wehbe said. Mondays 90-degree high was a stark contrast with the icy climes that greeted Wehbe when he first visited Omaha about 18 months ago. Then, he was greeted by late December winds blowing icy precipitation in a 24-hour visit, during which he got a feel for First Datas local operations. Despite the weather, Wehbe said he made up his mind early on that introductory visit. Ive put my wife through the wringer over the years, he said of moves during their 15-year union to places like Egypt, the United Kingdom and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. After a lifetime of travel Wehbe is the American-born son of a Danish mother and Lebanese father hes looking forward to his family finally getting to settle down. The family is of the age now where this makes sense. Its been a long time since Ive gotten used to going to the office in the morning and coming home in the same day. Plus, he said, This is where First Data began. What better place to be than where it all started? Forty-five years ago, a group of Omaha businessmen acquired the assets of Mid-America Bankcard Association, a collective of Midwestern banks that got together to process credit card payments. They called the new enterprise First Data Resources. It had about 110 employees and $2 million in revenue in its first year. Fast-forward to today, and the company has headquarters in Atlanta and executive offices at the confluence of the East and Hudson Rivers in Manhattan. It employs 23,000 people worldwide, including about 5,200 locally. Bisignano, who came to First Data from Chase in 2013 to turn around the then-flailing company, said he and Wehbe go back years to when both were at Citi, though they never directly worked together then. Still, Bisignano said Wehbes resume was a hard one to pass on when he was seeking someone who knew the ins and outs of multinational corporate operations. Wehbe spent about 15 years with Citi and its affiliates before more recent stints with Barclays, for which he served as chief administrative officer of the banks emerging markets operations, and JPMorgan Chase, where he oversaw retail banking and, later, securities. Hes operated all around the world. Omaha is a great place for him to be, but having been outside the U.S. and understanding how the world works is important, Bisignano said. You have to know how to live in New York, you have to know how to live in Dubai, and you have to know how to live in Omaha. With New York and Dubai behind him, Wehbe has been at work learning the ins and outs of the Omaha community. He bought a home in the Elkhorn area in March, about two weeks before First Data inked a $30 million deal with the University of Nebraska Foundation to sell one of its two large office buildings in Aksarben. That kind of consolidation has been a big part of Bisignanos strategy to transform First Data to a cutting-edge payments technology company. Gil Luria tracks the payments industry for Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles and said that strategy, which includes managing a mountain of debt, is working. Thats despite First Datas share price having fallen about 31 percent to $11 each since its stock returned to the New York Stock Exchange in October. First Datas growth has been somewhat disappointing. Theyre dealing with a lot of competition, Luria said, from the likes of competitors that include PayPal and Square. But, he said, Theyre doing all the things they need to be doing. New York private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which took First Data private in a debt-laden 2007 deal, still owns a majority of the company; this means actual shareholders own only a little bit of the company. The management team spent much of late 2015 restructuring debt through transactions like early November bond issues that replaced higher-priced debt with lower-priced debt. First Data saved hundreds of millions of dollars in annual interest payments through those and other deals. Contact the writer: 402-444-1534, cole.epley@owh.com GIBBON, Neb. Aiden Sinsel, with his net in hand, created small waves and splashes in the Platte River as he made the most of his dip-netting experience. Sinsel, 8, of Minden, Nebraska, and about 60 other kids participated in the Platte River Safari Camp at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon. The nature camp for second- through fifth-graders began on Monday and will continue through Thursday. The camp, which was formerly known as SOAR (Summer Orientation About Rivers), aims to teach kids about nature and get them outside. Four groups of about 15 kids each rotated through educational and interactive field sessions on Tuesday before listening to a speaker in the afternoon. The four stations included bug sucking, dip netting, poison ivy sketching and spider catching. Kids also collected nature items, such as leaves and sticks, to decorate a picture frame that held their group photo. Sinsel and his group mates waded some swam in the river as they searched for creatures at the dip-netting station. Each child held a net and dunked it underwater, hoping to come up with a crawfish or a tadpole. Some kids found a stash of baby bullheads in a nest. Nearly a hundred young fish were poured into a blow-up pool so all the kids could see. Other groups throughout the day captured toads, small perch and minnows. It scared me at first, Sinsel said about going into the river. Everywhere I stepped, I thought I was going to step on a crayfish. Lori Schluntz, an adult supervisor at the camp and elementary school teacher in Minden, said some of the kids are usually afraid to go in the water for the first time for dip netting, which the kids do every day at the camp. But once they get used to it, they actually like it, Schluntz said. This year marks the camps 20th year and Schluntzs 12th year of helping. Its just something totally different, Schluntz said about why she keeps coming back. At one station, kids found poison ivy and sketched it on paper so they could remember what it looks like. Keanna Leonard, a staff member at Rowe Sanctuary, led the poison ivy sketching. By drawing it, she said, kids remember and can identify the plant. I found out it doesnt actually click until they draw it, Leonard said, or until they come down with it. Kids sucked and picked bugs out of logs at another station. Using a bug sucker, which is a small cup pierced with a straw, kids sucked small bugs out of small holes in logs to catch them. Some bugs are too small to catch with hands, so the bug suckers came in handy. Of course, if a child wasnt careful, he or she could end up having an interesting snack. The fourth station was spider catching, which consisted of tapping trees to shake free spiders and insects. Alan Fick, 11, of Kearney, Nebraska, was adventurous, climbing on tree stumps while he tried to catch spiders in his umbrella net. Fick, who is in his second year attending the camp, said hes used to nature. I like being out here, Fick said. Tess Bruner, the camp coordinator, has been working at the camp for nine years. She said she enjoys watching the kids interact with nature. Its like the highlight of my summer, Bruner said. Bruner said the camp is a good summer alternative to looking at a screen all day. She said nature and the camp offer kids an important opportunity. Its important to introduce to them so they have knowledge of the area they live in, Bruner said. I still learn something every year when I come. COUNCIL BLUFFS - On Wednesday mornings and afternoons, a group of kids can be found in the art room at Lewis Central Middle School joking away the day while sketching, doodling or crafting various projects. Its a kind of impromptu summer art camp, according to art teacher Nicole Baker, who opened her classroom for student use in the summer for any who want the space and supplies therein. Weve received lots of requests from students and parents alike for an art camp, she said. But art camps cost money. Some are located too far away for students to reliably get to, she said. So students can come here and create their art, she said. Its the first summer shes tried the idea, and already kids are loving being there, she said. About seven students were found in the room Wednesday, drawing on sketchpads while constantly giggling to themselves and trading ideas for another project. Jade Reddick, an eighth-grader, was drawings several feline characters while sitting next to Makayla Gubbels, also an eighth-grader. Art is something I do all year round. Now were here every Wednesday, Reddick said. A fan of traditional art mediums, Reddick prefers pencils and watercolor for her projects, though a multicolored wooden chair, half-painted, sat nearby awaiting her attention. Thats another project I saw on YouTube I want to try, she said. Meanwhile, Gubbels was taking her time on a character from a book she is writing about angels and classical elements of fire, earth and wind. Its for fun, not for school. But its good here; my friends help me with ideas, she said. Gubbels described herself as serious about art, something she hopes to pursue in college whether its drama, drawing or something else. Baker said the space is good for the kids, since its both safe and a great chance for the children to collaborate. I feel its important for them, plus it helps fill in the gap in education during summer, she said. Im glad they can come and enjoy themselves here. Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday SHO goes missing in Gurgaon Chandigarh oi-PTI Gurgaon, July 1: A Station House Officer has gone missing in Millennium city under mysterious circumstances, police said. Ramesh Pal, ACP DLF, said Surender Phogat, SHO Sector 29 Police Station, left for an official meeting in his car at around 12:30 PM yesterday but since then his personal and official phones have been switched off. Police is investigating the angle of abduction as his family members have not been approached by any ransom call. "The matter is very sensitive and Gurgaon police has put his mobile phone on surveillance. His last location was traced to Pali near Ballabhgarh in Faridabad and we have informed Faridabad police. Surender did not contact anyone in Gurgaon police or his family members," Pal said. Surender took charge of sector 29 Police Station on May 21. His vehicle has not been traced. Police is facing difficulties in tracing his vehicle as a GPS system was not installed in it, he said. PTI Infosys techie murder: Latest CCTV footage reveals accused escaping on bike Chennai oi-Shalini Chennai, July 1: In a fresh development in Infosys employee murder case, Chennai police have released a latest CCTV footages today, in which S Swathi killer was seen escaping on a bike just after the brutal killing. Swathi was dastardly killed by an unidentified person in a broad-day light at Nungambakkam railway station in Chennai on Friday, June 24 at around 6.30 am. Swathi's friend and family members had informed the cops that "it was stalker who killed Swathi." The cops had earlier released high resolution image of the suspect in the murder case. However, even cyber crime experts have shortlisted about 150 suspicious mobile phone numbers that were active in the towers in the premises of Nungambakkam railway station during the time of the murder. [Infosys techie murder: Swathi's friend reveals shocking information about the killer] On Thursday, June 30 a senior police officer said that "Swathi was aware of the stalker but probably decided to ignore him and took no precautions. Since she informed her friends about the suspect, it is possible that she might have alerted her family as well. We are not sure whether the suspect stalked her to say something or it was a dry run to commit the offence." Though police have so far got no clue about the accused who is at large, Chennai police is putting together all inputs to catch hold of the murderer. This footage will certainly facilitate the cops in a big way, given the fact that accused can be traced through the number plate of the bike in which he fled. OneIndia News Infosys techie murder: Swathi was repeatedly slapped at station, eyewitness reveals shocking info Chennai oi-Reetu Chennai, July 1: At a time when the police investigating Swathi murder case have sought for an enhanced image of the person who may have committed the murder, an eyewitness has revealed some shocking information. An eye witness, D Tamilarasan, a passenger who regularly travels from the Nungambakkam station (where Swathi was was murdered), has revealed that she was assaulted by another man about two weeks back at the railway station. D Tamilarasan, a teacher by profession said that the first incident happened on June 6 or 7. Infosys techie murder: Swathi's friend reveals shocking information about the killer "The man must have slapped about five or six times. She sort of collapsed after it. She picked up her mobile phone and quietly got into the next train. It was very surprising for me that she did not react at all, and many passengers questioned her on the same. I discreetly remember that this man was quite young, must have been 30 or so. He was fair or wheatish and not like the hacker who was in the CCTV footage," Tamilarasan was quoted as saying in The News Minute report. "I heard her cry and rushed to the spot as I was little away. By then, she had been hacked and the hacker was on the run. I couldn't get a clear view of the hacker but another passenger tried chasing him. Since she died in a few minutes, any of us were shell shocked and got into the next train and left. We assumed that the killer will surrender to the police," he further added in the report. Swathi murder case- Police seek enhanced image of suspect from Hyderabad lab In an interview with TOI, Tamilarasan said, "I heard a loud shriek and the strange noise of a sickle ploughing into flesh. When I and a few others turned, we realised that Swathi had just been hacked. Blood was gurgling out of her neck and she had collapsed. Her head and limbs moved sporadically and shivered for about three minutes and then it was still. I watched her gory death from a distance of about 50 yards for about three minutes." Meanwhile, the police has said that, " We hope once we have an enhanced image, people will be able to identify the killer." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, July 1, 2016, 17:52 [IST] Forensic Narco Analysis is a myth and accused may falsely implicate others Feature oi-Shreyas Bengaluru, July 1: A popular mode prevalent for extracting truth from the accused to invigorate the investigation is a narco analysis test. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab, the convict in infamous counterfeit stamp paper case, Abdul Karim Telgi and a few others have undergone this test. In a latest development, Mangaluru Police have moved an application in a Mangaluru court, JMFC III, seeking permission to conduct narco analysis test on the key accused in RTI activist Baliga murder case. In this backdrop, OneIndia has interviewed Dr K S Madhava Rao, ace psychiatrist who has performed narco test for over 1,000 patients in his career. This interview is done to understand whether 'truth serum' really works. As popular perception still remains that accused provide incriminating details to the investigators to strengthen the case. "Forensic narco analysis test on accused is a big myth and a notion or perception prevailing that truth can be elicited is far from truth," Rao initiated his conversation. Unless there is a rapport between the performer and the one who is being narcoed, truth cannot be elicited, opines Rao who has authority in such tests and is the President of Indian Psychiatric Association, Karnataka. To throw consolidated light on the topic, Rao bifurcates the narco analysis. There are two categories; medical narco analysis and forensic narco analysis. Medical Narco Analysis "Firstly I will shed light on medical narco analysis. There are a range of medications that can be used for the same. For example in 1979, I had tried with the permission of my professors, Lorazepam and Diazepam. These are sedative hypnotics, which require slow administration for communication with the patients," Rao explains. Sometime medicine called Ketamine, which causes euphoria..elation. "However best I have been found in my 38 years of experience in this horizon is Sodium Thiopental (barbiturate), also known as Sodium Pentothal and famously termed as truth serum. This particular drug comes in a vial of 1 gram. This will be diluted with 10 ML of distilled water. Each cc contains 100. 1000 in 10 cc,.. 100 in 1 cc. "We take about 2 to 3 cc, that is about 200-300 mg of Sodium Pentothal, dilute it further with distilled water and inject it into the vein of patient." After that, slow pushing is needed ensuring there is not much secretion and wheezing. This drug sometimes induce wheezing on the patient. This is the standard procedure. In the forensic narco analysis test, same drug will be used. They use 10 or 20 cc of syringe or sometimes avail drip to inject the serum. Further delineating on narco analysis, Rao said 'one to one' narco analysis exercise is what works with patients ailing from psychological problems. "I performed this test on a female who's right hand was paralysed due to fear of exam." The girl was receiving constant pressure from teacher and parents to score above 91%. This led the girl to go into paralysis. The drug worked. She came out from the state. Here the drug comforts her. The girl was too scared even to share her woes as she was reeling under authoritative pressure from teachers and parents. "When Sodium Pentothal was injected in the presence of only one person (Madhav Rao), she found comfort to express her problems, thereby facilitating me to kill her fear. Forensic Narco Analysis is a myth Madhava Rao categorically states forensic narco analysis is nothing but a myth. Unless a person likes to cooperate with the psychiatrist, nothing can be elicited. Unlike medical narco analysis, here the accused (most of the time) does not co-operate with the interrogators. Moreover, there is no rapport between the psychiatrist and the accused. Rao says with authority that the accused can train his mind and avoid any question. "If an accused wants to remain mum during forensic narco analysis, he can do so." Narco analysis is done for patients to comfort them thereby trying to get answers needed for psychiatrists for treatment. "It is a patient willing to talk but cannot talk due to certain circumstances and with the drug patient loosens up enough to discuss his/her problems with the doctor." Rao tells. However, in forensic most of the time accused are reluctant to cooperate. Accused can stay silent and he can even divert the topic of the subject. "There is also another danger. Accused can or may falsely implicate others who are not at all in the crime picture." To tell the truth, narco analysis is not the best method, Rao opines. OneIndia News "Who to talk to in Pakistan": Has PM Modi's one question rattled Pakistan? Feature oi-Shubham Ghosh Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview to Times Now Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami seems to have created a flutter in Pakistani ranks. After the neighbours' Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz said in a reaction to Modi's sharp but balanced words on Pakistan saying that New Delhi was keeping a narrow concern in mind while engaging with Islamabad, the Foreign Office said on Thursday (June 30) that the Pakistani Army was not against against normalising relations with India. [Post Modi's interview to Times Now, are India and Pakistan hardening their stands?] Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at his weekly media briefing that "no amount of effort can create a wedge between the civil and military leadership of Pakistan"---leading Pakistani daily Dawn said. Zakaria said this while responding to Modi's hinting at the civil-military imbalance in Pakistan which he said was obstructing his efforts to normalise the ties between the two neighbours. "who to talk to in Pakistan," the prime minister had asked while speaking to Goswami. [Why PM Modi's foreign policy looks attractive] What Modi has said is nothing new. But since the Indian PM has said it, Pakistan is feeling a diplomatic pessure What Modi said is nothing new. But since the prime minister, the chief executive of the country said it, it made a big difference and Pakistan was left to defend its position as a result. It is not unknown that the Pakistani Army has not been happy with the way the country's prime minister---Nawaz Sharif---has reciprocated to Modi's initiatives and wants him to just, as Christophe Jaffrelot has said--- "just government and not rule." The army there wants to grab the best of everything---like the nuclear programme and foreign affairs but leave the not-so-good domains for the prime minister, like for example, the economy. Army will not want to come to the fore now like Musharraf had done in 1999 In fact, the Pakistani Army knows it very well that it is not possible to stage a 1999-like coup which had brought former army chief Pervez Musharraf to power, today. [Why Pakistan is not creating much noise over India's entry in MTCR] For one, a political adventure could see Pakistan, already cornered on many fronts, suffering more as foreign aids could stop flowing in---seeing it trailing India further and secondly, the Pakistani democracy is somewhat better functioning today (the current Sharif regime will be the second one to complete a full term since Independence) where the citizens prefer a political stability to deal with the several internal challenges the country is facing today---be it economy, energy or terrorism. So the army will continue to play behind the scenes and continue with its veiled tug-of-war with PM Sharif. Pak is experiencing a subtle tug-of-war now and that would keep it stable if not its politics certain It is not that Sharif himself would want a power struggle with the army but at the same time, he would also have his democratic accountability to assert his authority ahead of the country's next general election in 2018. The army, on the other hand, will also try to curb the Sharifs' influence in Punjab province of the country ahead of the polls [the army has already conducted security operations in that province in the wake of the Lahore blast in March which killed over 70, including women and children). Pak army doesn't want perception kill its prospects There is an equilibrium in Pakistani politics in the sense that both the civil and army establishments are engaged in a stalemate, trying covertly to outsmart each other. From India's perspective, it amounts to uncertainty but that neither the Pakistani Army nor Sharif are ready to go on the offensive now also provides a stabilising factor. The reaction from Pakistan that its army is not against the normalisation of relations with India proves that the outfit, which is otherwise known to be extremely hawkish on India, is giving its plans a second thought and trying hard to kill the perception about its anti-Indianism. The pressure is clearly making Pakistan bending its own norms. Pay commission: Govt employees must be assessed one-to-one, not en masse Feature oi-Shubham Ghosh We are in the middle of a process to neutralise the impact of the Nehruvian thinking of running a country. From economy to foreign policy, the current regime of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing a lot of determination to change the traditional mindset in a new era where market has taken over and the world is no more a rigid, bipolar one. [Seventh Pay Commission: 10 things in a capsule] The Modi government has also shown a positive intent by taking on the culture of subsidy which has been prevalent in our economy since ages. Even as the country's financial health has improved in leaps and bounds, the application of the subsidy economy has not learnt to change the course. Even those with thick pockets continue to claim subsidised cooking gas when they can do without it. Modi's expectation that millions of Indians would give up subsidised cooking gas from the word go has not been met which is understandable for old habits die hard. But at least his initiative to effect a change is a welcome one. Why can't a reformist PM Modi scrap the pay commission culture, just like he is against the subsidy culture? But at the same time, the question can be raised as to why the prime minister, who is known to have a reformist mind, is not addressing the issue of pay populism in a fresh way? On Wednesday (June 29), the Centre approved recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission to effect hikes in the salaries and pensions of government employees and retired personnel. The hike has made several state government employees unhappy over the growing divide in their salaries with those of the central employees. Why not discourage this practice of oiling the well-oiled machinery and channelise the money to secure lots that are facing serious threats to their survival---like the farmers? Seventh Pay Commission was formed before time by UPA with an eye on the 2014 general polls We all understand that pay populism is a game of continuity that those in power are compelled to play. The previous prime minister, Manmohan Singh, had approved the formation of the Seventh Central Pay Commission in late 2013 even though the sixth commission had two more years to go and one doesn't need to be wise enough to understand that the then UPA government rushed it as one of the several steps it had taken to beat the political challenge that Modi had thrown at it ahead of the general elections of 2014. Why allow social and financial repercussions because of the 'one-fits-all' model of pay revision? But do any of these governments take into account the social and financial impact of this pay populism? Not only the recommendations of the pay commissions impacts the exchequer and the financial state as a whole but the growing gap between the salaries of various government staffers also gives rise to a frustration which can widen seriously. The en-masse hike validates George Akerlof's thoery of Quality Uncertainty: Why make quality suffer? Leaving aside the rise in expenditure apart which is more a question of finance, what is the merit of appointing successive pay commissions when there is no application of the logic to assess the employees' performance and merit? Going by the 'quality uncertainty' theory of George Akerlof, the Nobel-winning economist, why should there not be a mechanism to differentiate between the market values of employees? Why should every government employee get hike en masse despite having shown more or less productivity? Being an economist-politician who had played a major role in liberalising India's economy, Singh did not have the will to make government employment a field to be influenced by market-like forces. Is the Modi-Arun Jaitley duo also not feeling bold enough to initiate the much-needed reform on those lines? The pay populism to oil the middle-class for votes need to stop The pay populism is mainly aimed at getting the blessing of the mammoth government employees' block during the election, more than perhaps attracting more talents to the government sector. For, if the government continues to treat all at par irrespective of the productivity and sacrifice quality at the altar of quantity, even the cream of the talent will not feel interested to join the sector even at a high wage price. So, the relentless hike in the pay is ultimately going to defeat the very purpose it is supposed to serve. Why can't we borrow from the USA's idea of 'Quality Step Increase'? PM Modi, just like he has spoken against the subsidy culture, should also bury the culture of having a pay commission and make the business of hiking salaries more rational. Can he borrow the idea of 'Quality Step Increase' from the US---a country with which he is having a fantastic rapport to ensure that mediocrity does not replace merit in his own country? But can Modi take the brave call? It is after all, fraught with electoral risk But there is very little possibility of the Modi regime reversing the process. The reason is the huge middle-class. After ruling for two years, the prime minister has understood very well that it is the interest of the middle-class which ultimately sets the tone for everything in this country and it could be a double-edged sword as it was seen when Modi's finance minister had decided to impact the PPF---the long-term security of this massive powerhouse of the economy. The middle-class's habit has been ruined by the political class over the years and that has been evident at times when Modi has appealed for giving up LPG subsidy. Giving up subsidy or not is still an option for the teeming millions but if the government forces a decision by scrapping the pay commission and undertake the huge project of judging its employees by their efficiency, then the backlash could be unthinkable. Bomb Hyderabad between 5 pm and 7 pm: ISIS module had planned Hyderabad oi-Vicky Hyderabad, July 1: 5 pm to 7 pm was the targeted time for the strike. The crowds would be heavy and maximum damage could be inflicted. This is one of the many details that the National Investigation Agency has unearthed while probing the persons who were allegedly running an ISIS module in Hyderabad. The NIA has learnt that they had planned a major attack in Hyderabad and it was decided that the time would be between 5 PM and 7 PM. This timing was planned with an intention of inflicting maximum damage. Orders were supposedly given by Shafi Armar who is said to be the head of the ISIS in India. It was well planned out: An NIA official part of the investigation informed OneIndia that the module had it all planned out. They could have struck the city on Wednesday itself had they not been arrested. Five persons were arrested and six others questioned by the NIA late on Tuesday. They were fully prepared and had everything at their disposal, the officer also noted. These persons are alleged to have been planning attacks for several months. They were being watched closely by the Intelligence Bureau for nearly an year. These persons had procured weapons from Nanded from a person who was supplying for the Indian Mujahideen also. At first two of those arrested went to Ajmer to source the weapons. They had carried with them Rs 65,000 but the person did not turn up. They then decided to go and meet another contact in Nanded, Maharashtra. Out there they managed to source the weapons, the NIA has learnt. The reason why these persons had gone so far to source weapons is because the sources in these places were trusted and have over the years supplied to the Indian Mujahideen also. OneIndia News 26-week maternity leave for women employees soon in private sector India oi-PTI New Delhi, July 1: All establishments, including in private sector, will have to provide 26-week maternity leave to their women employees under a new bill, which the government plans to push in the upcoming Monsoon Session, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said. While there is already a provision of 26-week or six- month maternity leave for the government employees, most private sector firms offer maximum three months of such leave. Besides, these benefits are not provided at all in many smaller establishments. Speaking to reporters here, the Minister said the new Maternity Benefit Bill, which seeks to enhance maternity leave to 26 weeks from existing 12 weeks, will be shortly taken up by the Cabinet for approval and the Ministry will push it for passage in the Monsoon session of Parliament. He, however, appeared to rule out making it mandatory to provide work-from-home option to the working mothers. "There are certain establishments where they can get (the permission to work from home). But in other establishments they will get the facility of (26 weeks maternity leave) after amendment in the Act," Dattatreya said. He was replying to a query about the steps being taken by his Ministry to promote the concept of work from home to increase women participation in the workforce. Asked about the paternity leave and other benefits for fathers, the Minister said, "The Bill is about mothers and children. It is not about the men." The Minister also said that the model law that allows shops, malls and cinema halls, among other establishments, to run 24x7 throughout the year will increase women participation in the workforce as it allows them to work in night shits. "The is a pro-women law. Besides, it will help in employment generation. This will help increase women participation in the workforce," the Minister said. The Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016, was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday. "The law also allows women to work in night (shifts).. There is provision for all facilities for women like drinking water, lavatory, creche, first aid and security," he said. The Model law also provides for creches if the establishment has 30 women/50 workers. While adopting the model law, the states can modify it as per their requirements. 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 4 jawans injured in terror attack on CRPF camp in Pulwama India oi-PTI Srinagar, July 1: Terrorists attacked a CRPF camp in Litter in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night in which four jawans of the force were injured, policesaid. The attack came a week after eight CRPF jawans were killed and 20 others injured on Saturday in a militant ambush on a convoy in Pampore town in Pulwama district, the highest single-incident casualty in three years in the state. A police official said the CRPF personnel retaliated the firing by the terrorists at the camp in Litter, about 35 km from Srinagar. Four jawans were injured, the official said. PTI 90 sleeper cells in Hyderabad and Karimnagar, says IB India oi-Vicky Hyderabad, July 1: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has said that the Telangana government must reign in on the large number of sleeper cells in the state. There are key areas in the state which are problem prone and according to the IB there are around 90 sleeper cells in Hyderabad and Karimnagar district. This is a surprisingly large number and the cells are indulging in various activities including propagating terror. These cells have various roles which include launching acts of terror to communally charging up the place. Telangana is no stranger to terror. Hyderabad has been struck several times by terrorists. Attacks at the Lumbini Park, Gokuk Chat and Dilsukhnagar in recent times have been major strikes killing scores of people. Speaking about the large number of sleeper cells, the Intelligence Bureau points out to the operations of both the HuJI and the Indian Mujahideen which have struck Hyderabad in the past. NIA busts ISIS module in Hyderabad- 11 arrested, explosives, Rs 15 lakh cash seized Both these outfits had sent in operatives from outside the state to orchestrate the attack. However investigations had found that it was the local sleeper cells which set the ground work which included aiding the reconnaissance and also providing shelter for the operatives. Now with several arrests being carried out in Telangana which are ISIS related, the role of these sleeper cells is also being examined. The police will have to reign in on these sleeper cells failing which the problem could worsen, IB officials say. OneIndia News Designating Indian origin AQIS chief terrorist comes at the right time India oi-Vicky New Delhi, July 1: It took the Unites States of America nearly two years to designate the al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent or the AQIS' chief Asim Umar as a terrorist. This action may have come late, but it is a clear indicator that this outfit and its chief cannot be written off as yet. The chief of the al-Qaeda Ayman al Zawahari had a year and nine months ago announced the formation of the AQIS. It also designated Umar who is of Indian origin as the chief of the AQIS. Since then there has hardly been any activity and many had already written off the outfit. However in the past few months there has been a surge in activity and hence designating Umar became necessary. Laying siege on India: Two attempts had been made by the AQIS to enter India and attack Indian and US navy ships. However both were botched up operations. The first attempt that the AQIS made was during the Naval Dockyard attack in Karachi. While this operation was launched in Pakistan, the aim was to attack the US and Indian vessels thus sending across a message not to meddle in Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda admits link with Kandahar plane hijack terrorists The AQIS chief Asim Umar in a statement released said that the members who died in the Naval dockyard attack were members of the Al-Qaeda. Terming the Indians as US cronies he said that the intent was to hijack a Pakistan ship and launch attacks on Indian and US vessels. He also claims in his statement that his team comprises former members of the Pakistan navy who are training them. He further stated that they had taken control over the Pakistan ship and were all set to launch an attack, but they were countered by members of the Pakistan navy. The next instance of the AQIS trying to capture the waters was found when it send two of members to carry out a survey of the ports in West Bengal. Armed with logistic support from the SIMI, two members of the AQIS carried out a survey of the ports and had planned on hijacking a ship. This had even prompted the Indian agencies to move some of its vessels anticipating a hijack leading to an attack. US air strikes kill six Al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen The latest alert by the Indian agencies pertains to ports in South India. The AQIS is working on a plan along with its dedicated team to hijack an Indian navy vessel and create terror on the seas. It proposes to launch attacks on commercial vessels as well in a bid to establish its dominance. Desperate to strike: The Chief of the AQIS who originally hails from Uttar Pradesh is fully aware that they need an attack of a spectacular nature in order to set the ball rolling the sub-continent. The decision to launch the AQIS has not had many takers and unless it carries out a major strike it would not be in the reckoning, an Intelligence Bureau official informed. There are several members of the Pakistan navy who are ready to help the AQIS in attaining its goal. We believe that the AQIS has roped in at least 8 former members of the Pakistan navy to help them. They have been training them and the programme is similar to the one we got to see during the 26/11 attack. Moreover this programme of the ISIS will have the blessings of the ISI as well. The ISI at any cost would not want a dominance of the ISIS in the region once the West leaves Afghanistan. The ISI feels it is easier to control an al-Qaeda when compared to an ISIS which is gaining ground across the world. OneIndia News Recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on bunching of stages in revised pay structure Biggest reform ever: Why the Indian Army will be leaner and meaner Discuss 7th Pay Comm recommendations with trade unions: CPI to govt India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 1: Terming the 7th Pay Commission recommendations as the "lowest" till now, the CPI today asked the Centre to discuss the same with trade unions before implementing the emoluments hike. "The Central Secretariat of CPI expresses serious concern over the callousness of Modi government in implementing a proper hike in emoluments of employees. The present hike of 14.3 per cent is the lowest compared to all the earlier pay revisions," the party said in a statement. Congress calls 7th Pay Commission 'worst pay hike' "The Secretariat urges the government to have detailed discussion with the trade unions before implementing the present decision of the cabinet," it said. The CPI noted that the minimum wage of Rs 18,000 was "much lower" than Rs 26,000 as demanded by the employees and claimed that the difference between the highest and lowest wage has now become "much wider". The Union Cabinet on June 29 approved implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, which had recommended an overall hike of 23.5 per cent. The pay panel had in November last year recommended 14.27 per cent hike in basic pay at junior levels. PTI Chhath Puja fasting rules: What one must keep in mind during the 4-day festival Has China isolated itself by blocking India's NSG bid India oi-Vicky New Delhi, July 1: The pulling up of Wang Qun, China's lead negotiator at Seoul where the NSG meet was held is an indication that the nation is losing out on support gradually. China's contention that India should not be allowed into the NSG as it is a non NPT member had the backing of just 4 nations in the 48 member club. The United States of America has assured that it would discuss and find ways of having a non-NPT nation be part of the NSG later this year. While India is optimistic, China is worried and would not look to dish out more support to ensure that it does not stand isolated. Qun was said to have been pulled up as he failed to get the support of more nations. China was clearly unhappy with just 4 nations backing their contention. Will China be isolated? The United States of America has said that during a meeting to be held further this year, it would work out a way to have non-NPT nations be part of the NSG. However China has already indicated that it would continue to oppose the entry of any non-NPT nation. A highly placed source in New Delhi says that China runs the risk of finding itself isolated. It would have expected that at least 10 or 15 nations would oppose India's NSG bid. However the fact that just 4 nations opposed India has not gone too well. What China would be more worried about is the number falling further in the next meet. The official also said that China would strategise heavily in the coming months to dish out support for its stance in the coming months. Even if China does manage to block India once again, it would have on the back of its mind that it is losing out global support and this could affect it in several other matters including a verdict at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague. A verdict on whether China should give up land in favour of Philippines is expected soon. Currently as per China's claim it has the support of 60 countries who feel the arbitration at The Hague is illegal. The fear however is that this support base may drop. OneIndia News Kerala CM accuses Gov of 'acting as RSS tool' on his order to VCs to resign Is Kerala turning into the drug capital of India? India oi-Vicky Thiruvananthapuram,July 1: In the first four months of 2016 there were 150 cases that were registered in Kerala under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropics Substances Act. With several drug related cases being reported from the state everyday, the scenario has becoming worrisome. Officials from the state had said that if such a scenario continues then it is not long before Kerala finds itself sailing as the same boat as Punjab. The entry of drugs into the state is another cause for concern. The kind of drugs coming into the state these are high end and this the police says comes in from Goa. Is Kerala the next drug capital of India? The drug dependency a few years back was started to increase. Most of the drugs that were being used were the ones found in medical stores. However, over the past year drugs such as Cocaine, LSD and Heroin have been pushed into Kerala and this has sent alarm bells. A senior police official notes that the problem is that it is being pushed into the state in large numbers. In this context one must recollect the statement made by former Home Minister of the state, Ramesh Chennithala. He had said that raves had come under the radar of the police who had found the use of high end drugs. He had further stated that it was the Naxalites who were indulging in this business. With prohibition came the narcotics: Kerala which moved towards total prohibition ought to have realised that this would have led to a higher rate of drug abuse. It appears that the police were not well equipped to tackle NDPS related cases. Some officers blamed states such as Goa and Karnataka from where the drugs were being sourced. The enforcement should be better in those states and coordination needs to improve, police officials point out. While the increase the number of drug abuse cases cannot be blamed on total prohibition, the state would do well to have a better drug control unit. Such units have a massive task of controlling the inflow of drugs into the market. This can be attained by having a professionally trained force and also a separate intelligence unit which can stem the flow. OneIndia News Prosecutions story may be attractive but should be backed by evidence ISIS Hyderabad: The thought is scarier than the explosives the operatives had India oi-Vicky New Delhi, July 1: The attack in Paris was big and while it did cause immense amount of damage, it sent across a very dangerous message to the world. The message was the ISIS has gone global and an attack could take place anywhere and any time. Two days back, five persons from Hyderabad were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for being part of an alleged ISIS module. There was an explosive called triacetone triperoxide found on these persons. The same explosive was found during the Paris and Belgium attacks. While many have drawn the similarities to the attacks in Paris or Belgium, the fact is that this is not the scary part. The worrying part is that they had drawn inspiration from the attacks in Paris and felt the need to replicate it in India. Fear the thought not the explosives: The ISIS is like cancer which spreads at a very rapid pace. After taking a hit in Iraq and Syria it had become obvious that the outfit would go for a global outreach. Attacks in Paris, Belgium and Orlando were all part of the global outreach programme and the terrorists had drawn inspiration from the propaganda material that the outfit put up online. The initial approach by India towards the ISIS may have been a bit casual. However today every one in the agencies say that the problem is real. The Hyderabad module was attempting to replicate what had happened in Paris and this is an indication that the message from France had spread across the world. Hyderabad raids: See how well prepared the alleged ISIS operatives were Now everyone inspired by the ISIS wants to carry out an attack and pledge their allegiance to the outfit. Now this is the frightening part since there is every chance that this could become a chain reaction. The ISIS has been making attempts to stamp its authority in India too. A recent video calling for attacks in India. Messages on the social media telling Indian Muslims to replicate a Paris are all ways of instigating the youth. What Indian agencies fear the most is that one small let up could lead to an attack. It may not be huge in nature, but it will be significant. One attack would act as an inspiration for others to replicate the same and that is where the real problem lies today. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, July 1, 2016, 8:52 [IST] Kalpana Chawla birthday: PR body to launch self-defence drive for girls on Daughter's Day India oi-IANS By Ians English Mumbai, July 1: Celebrating Daughters' Day on Friday, July 1 in memory of India-born US astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) launched a campaign for self-defence programmes for girls to instill in them a sense of confidence and esteem. July 1 is Kalpana Chawla's official date of birth. She had an illustrious career, achieving glory, and died along with six crew members of the US space shuttle Columbia which disintegrated over Texas during its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, barely 16 minutes before landing. Even after her tragic death, Kalpana continues to be a shining example and icon for many girls around the world. In Mumbai, Daughters' Day was celebrated by Mumbai University's Department of Communication and KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR) with events like debate, photography and poster competitions and skits focusing on girls' security. The two institutions agreed to conduct self-defence programmes for girl students. PRCI has tied up with organisations like Sportzconsult to run 10-day crash courses for girls with the help of trained martial arts experts. The drive will also cover corporates to run workshops to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces with the help of legal experts like Complykaro. Powered by Concept PR, PRCI launched #shakti4beti campaign to focus on Beti Suraksha (Daughter's security) on social media and online forums which evinced lot of interest. "Beti Suraksha falls in line with the Union government's campaign Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao. We, as communication professionals, firmly believe that it is absolutely important to communicate to the society at large on the issue that bothers all -- the security of the girl child," said PRCI National President B.N. Kumar. PRCI -- the national body of PR, media, advertising, HR professionals and mass communication teachers and students -- has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tweeted to Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani for their help and support for #shakti4beti. "We are taking up the issue across the country through our 30-plus chapters and are happy to see growing interest among corporates to ensure self-confidence among women and girls," said M.B. Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus and Chief Mentor of PRCI. IANS Chhath Puja fasting rules: What one must keep in mind during the 4-day festival Police arrest UP siblings wanted in separate rape, kidnapping cases Defence Ministry Recruitment Drive 2022: Check post, qualification and how to apply Last date to submit application for NMMSS extended Delhi-NCR likely to choke in the coming days News Flash: Hostage crisis reported in Dhaka hotel India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer New Delhi, July 1: First squadron of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas inducted into Indian Air Force in Bangalore. Get all the latest national, international news updates of July 1 here: 11.53 pm: Bangladesh TV channels have stopped broadcasting live from hostage situation after Rapid Action Battalion requested to stop. 11.50 pm: Police seal off area, preparing for hostage rescue operation in Dhaka. 11.37 pm: Foreigners among those held hostage in Bangladesh capital by eight or nine gunmen: police chief. 11.29 pm: Dhaka hostage crisis : Shoot at sight orders given around Gulshan area; 2 Italians reportedly dead. 11.22 pm: Bangladesh security officer appeals to TV channels to stop live tranmission and updates of the hostage situation at the Dhaka hotel. 11.20 pm: Reports of shooting and hostage situation in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. Please shelter in place and monitor news. U.S. Embassy Dhaka (@usembassydhaka) July 1, 2016 11.08 pm: Bangladesh media says 8 armed men in early 20's entered Dhaka cafe shouting slogans and have taken dozens of people hostage. Gun battle on. 10.48 pm: Gunmen attack restaurant in Dhaka's (Bangladesh) diplomatic quarter, says police. 10.24 pm: CRPF camp targeted in Pulwama, J&K. 3 jawans injured. Search operations launched in the area. 10.10 pm: Al Qaeda leader al-Zawahri warns of 'gravest consequences' if Boston bomber is executed. 9.50 pm: One Army team rushed to landslide-hit West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh) to assist in rescue operations: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh, PRO Defence. 9.25 pm: 2 dead, 3 injured after a car falls off a cliff in Bhowali area of Uttarakhand's Nainital. 8.40 pm: No Boko Haram role in abduction of 2 Indians in Nigeria, says Indian Govt. 8.00 pm: 5 killed in a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, 5 others missing. 7.45 pm: We'll continue to urge India, Pakistan should resume dialogue and try to improve our relation both in economic and non economic fields: Sartaj Aziz. 7.11 pm: I have asked Law Commission to give me the report, says Sadananda Gowda (Union Law Minister) on Uniform Civil code. 6.40 pm: 130 ITBP personnel are at spot carrying out rescue ops. Have recovered 5 bodies & 5 injured taken to hospital. 6.28 pm: Govt extends time limit for taking central excise registration of an establishment by a jeweller up to July 31, 2016. 6.22 pm: HM Rajnath Singh chairs a high level security meeting in Srinagar.J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti & Guv NN Vohra in attendance 6.19 pm: French President Hollande says Brexit decision cannot be 'cancelled' or 'delayed'. 6.18 pm: The guidance system displayed wrong information while parking of Air India 922 Mumbai to Riyadh flight at the arrival bay. 5.48 pm: cloudburst: 30 people dead, major rivers flowing above danger level. 5.35 pm: As per our information, there is no involvement of Boko Haram in this case, could be a local criminal element, says MEA. 5.00 pm: High Commission of India (Abuja) is working in close coordination with authorities there, says MEA on 2 Indian Nat'ls kidnapped in Benue (Nigeria). 4.30 pm: Air India flight from Mumbai to Riyadh hits aerobridge at Mumbai's CST airport. More details awaited. 4.29 pm: Suspected terrorists fire on a police party at Pakharpora (J&K),one police sub inspector injured. Area cordoned off and search ops underway. 4.15 pm: Petitioner had alleged that states have not been utilising the funds and that almost 27000 crore is lying underutilised with Centre and states. 4.00 pm: SC tells Secy NALSA to have a meeting with Secretary Labour on under utilisation of funds meant for welfare of construction workers. 3.49 pm: PM Modi to visit Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania & Kenya from 7th to 11th July, says Vikas Swarup, MEA. 3.47 pm: 1 Army column comprising 65-70 personnel deployed in affected villages of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. 3.30 pm: Chhattisgarh Janata Congress party leader Amit Jogi detained by police during a protest in Raigarh. 3.17 pm: It's a huge achievement, want to congratulate all 3; ADA, HAL and Air Force and I thank them for coming together after 33 years, says Defence Minister on Tejas 3.08 pm: CM Harish Rawat announces a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased in Uttarakhand cloudburst. 2.45 pm: By 2017 March, 6 to 8 aircraft will be produced, and we plan to produce 16 aircraft every year, says Manohar Parrikar. 2:39 pm: That is a mistake by Pakistan: Zalmay Khalizad on Pakistan seeks more evidence in 26/11 attack and hasn't acted against Hafiz Saeed. 2:19 pm: NDRF teams rushed to the areas affected by cloudburst in Uttarakhand. Additional teams of NDRF are also put on alert: Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Srinagar (Uttarakhand): Alaknanda river crosses danger mark after a cloud burst. pic.twitter.com/xns5xuwcQB ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 2:10 pm: A Taiwanese warship "mistakenly" fired a supersonic "anti-ship missile" towards China. 1:50 pm: Death toll due to cloudburst in Chamoli & Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand, rises to 30. 1:37 pm: BJP President Amit Shah addresses a rally in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. 1:30 pm: Indian army foils an infiltration bid along LoC in Tangdhar area of Kupwara. 1:10 pm: Jisha murder case accused Ameer Ul Islam remanded to judicial custody, taken to court without his face covered. 12:55 pm: I don't know why congress is attacking Dhingra commission, something is seriously wrong: Manohar Khattar on Dhingra report. 12:40 pm: Triple murder in Okhla, three dead bodies (a man, a woman and their daughter) found in a house. More details awaited. 12:34 pm: Vadra land deal case: Justice Dhingra inquiry commission gets extension for submitting its report till August 31. 12:17 pm: ED issues fresh notice to Robert Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality LLP in connection with Bikaner land deal. 12:10 pm: Easily the best aircraft I've flown: Group Captain Madhav Rangachari (Commanding Officer,Flying Daggers) on 'Tejas'. 12 noon: Third round test of Barak 8 missile from launchpad 3 of Chandipur Integrated Test Range (Odisha) successful today. Third round test of Barak 8 missile from launchpad 3 of Chandipur Integrated Test Range (Odisha) successful today. pic.twitter.com/NmlytM9pe8 ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 11.45 am: SC directs Unitech to pay interim compensation of Rs 5 crore to Noida flat buyers till Aug 12. #WATCH: The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas take first flight in Bengaluru after being inducted into IAFhttps://t.co/zWuF85y2AU ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 11.35 am: In Allahabad, 3 arrested for minor girl's murder & rape case; one is the father of the teen who allegedly raped her. 11.30 am: SC says it will not stay pronouncement of judgement by Delhi HC on division of constitutional powers between Centre & Delhi Govt. 11.25 am: 9 people dead after a cloudburst in Chamoli district, rise in water level at Nandaprayag. 11.20 am: SC agrees to hear AAP govt's petition on interpretation of Article 239 AA on Delhi Govt's power. 11.15 am: Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-58) blocked due to heavy rains and landslide near Devprayag. 11.10 am: 2 Indian nationals who were kidnapped in Nigeria, are employees of Dangote Group HCI. Abuja ascertaining further details, in touch with local authorities, say Official Sources. 11.05 am: FIR filed after Court's order against Munna Marandi, son of Jharkhand BJP President Tala Marandi in an alleged sexual harassment case. 11.00 am: 2-year-old girl fell into a 700 feet deep borewell in Jodhpur (Rajasthan), rescue operation underway. 10.50 am: Cloud burst in Bastadi, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand; many injured reportedly. 10.40 am: Tejas inducted into Indian Air Force. Crew members of 1st squadron of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in Bengaluru, after aircrafts' induction in IAF. pic.twitter.com/we1CCutQNd ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 10.35 am: Thane police solve the 9.16 crore ATM robbery case. 10.30 am: The Home Minister will visit Srinagar today. He will chair a security review meeting with particular reference to Amarnath Yatra-2016 10.15 am: Multi-religious prayer ceremonies organised at the induction ceremony of Tejas aircraft. Multi-religious prayer ceremonies being held at the induction ceremony of Tejas aircraft into the Indian Air Force pic.twitter.com/ThqsVq537S ANI (@ANI_news) July 1, 2016 10.00 am: Tejas induction: Air Force officers break coconut. 9.45 am: Tejas aircraft to be inducted in Indian Air Force today. 9.30 am: Various underhand dealings of Vadra has come out due to Dhingra panel. I think they may be given more time: Kirit Somaiya 9.10 am: Justice Dhingra is doing a good job, lot of things are coming forth: Kirit Somaiya on Vadra issue 8.56 am: Largest iftar in Kashmir: 3000 people break their fast together. 8.50 am: Body builder Shashi Kumar won Gold medal in World Championship by International Body Building Fitness Federation. 8.40 am: Two persons from Visakhapatnam reportedly kidnapped in Nigeria: ANI 8.30 am: Flash flood in Uttarakhand: Two houses in ghat area of Chamoli district washed away 8.20 am: Tiger and leopard skin recovered after raid conducted yesterday on specific input from a source in Amritsar. 8.15 am: Three people killed in a head on collission between truck and dumper on NH2 near Kanpur. 8.10 am: Security forces use drone cameras to monitor base camp of Annual Amaranth Yatra 8.00 am: Hindu priest hacked to death in Bangladesh. OneIndia News Chhath Puja fasting rules: What one must keep in mind during the 4-day festival Not shying away from talks with Pakistan, says India India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, July 1: India on Friday asserted that it was not shying away from talks with Pakistan and that New Delhi is prepared to discuss all issues with Islamabad. "India has never shied away from engagement with Pakistan and is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free from terror and violence," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in reply to a question at his weekly media briefing here. "In fact, it is India which has repeatedly taken initiatives to engage Pakistan," he said. His comments come after Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday accused India of "avoiding" dialogue with Pakistan as it would mean having to negotiate issues like Kashmir. Contradicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in an interview to a TV channel in which he placed the onus of the stalled bilateral talks on Pakistan, Aziz asserted that Pakistan was not refraining from talks with its neighbour. Swarup said it was Prime Minister Modi who first invited Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony on May 26, 2014. "Thereafter, it was again External Affairs Minister (Sushma Swaraj) who travelled to Pakistan in December 2015 and held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference which led to the decision to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue. And it was again Prime Minister Modi who took the decision to travel to Lahore at a very short notice on December 25, 2015," Swarup pointed out. Following the decision to hold the comprehensive bilateral dialogue, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar was scheduled to go to Pakistan in the middle of January to discuss modalities for the dialogue. However, a cross-border terror attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot that claimed the lives of seven Indian security personnel derailed the process. Swarup on Friday referred to Sushma Swaraj's statement at a press conference on June 19 in which she said that after an incident like Pathankot, it was a natural and legitimate expectation of the government and the country that there should be concrete action from the Pakistani side which has not denied involvement of its nationals in the Pathankot attack. "Therefore, as the External Affairs Minister said, we are awaiting concrete investigation to take place at the Pakistani end," he stated. In reply to another question, the spokesperson refuted Pakistan's claim that it has written a "fresh" letter seeking more evidence on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in order to bring the case to its "logical end". "No fresh letter from the Pakistan Foreign Secretary has been received by us," he said. "He did send a letter in September 2015, to which our Foreign Secretary had also replied." Referring to media reports about a "so-called list of 24 witnesses" of Mumbai terror attack, Swarup said: "However, we have not received any details from Pakistan regarding these witnesses." "Because of our commitment to cooperate with Pakistan to bring the case to a speedy conclusion, you may expect some more conversations and communications between the two sides in the near future." He added that India remained committed to providing full cooperation to Pakistan to bring perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice. IANS Parrikar lauds HAL, ADA on induction of Tejas planes India oi-PTI New Delhi, Jul 1: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today congratulated the state-run HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency on the induction of the first two home- grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas into IAF and said the planes will be a force multiplier. What makes Tejas important? "Moment of National pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights," Parrikar tweeted. He said, "Congratulations to HAL and ADA for successful induction." HAL handed over the first two Tejas aircraft this morning to IAF in Bangalore, which makes up the first squadron named 'Flying Daggers'. The commissioning of the India-made fighter planes comes more than three decades after LCA went into development. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. IAF, which plans to induct six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next, has said Tejas will feature in its combat plan next year and would be deployed in forward bases also. LCA will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. PTI Salman Khan rape analogy: Here's what Shah Rukh Khan said India oi-Reetu New Delhi, July 1:Amid the controversy over Salman Khan's "rape comments," his friend superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he cannot judge statements made by others as he himself has made some inappropriate remarks in the past. When asked if Salman should apologies for his comments, the 50-year-old "Fan" actor said, "In the last few years, I have come to realize that I have made so many inappropriate comments myself. I don't think I am someone to sit in judgment for somebody else's comment. Bollywood celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Sona Mohapatra have condemned the "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" star's remarks, while his brother Arbaaz, Sonu Sood and Subhash Ghai among others have come out in his defense. However, Shah Rukh doesn't believe in taking sides. Salman Khan's reply irks central, state women's panels "It is not about taking a side or not taking a side. I myself talk a lot so who will sit, judge and decide who should do what," he said. "Those who want to do something they should decide it for themselves. Personally speaking, I don't think I am anyone to be making a comment. I am so inappropriate myself," Shah Rukh said. "Commission finds that you are not willing to apologies for the remarks made by you. The explanation offered by you, after making such an irresponsible and callous statement doesn't amount to an apology. Your reply is therefore not satisfactory," the NCW said in its notice issued on Thursday. Salman's rape analogy to describe the grueling shoot for his upcoming film "Sultan" has led to a controversy. Not satisfied with the written reply from the actor, the National Commission for Women yesterday summoned him to appear before it on July 8. The Commission also warned the actor that if he fails to appear before the panel, it may proceed to take action as it deems fit. Salman''s father, Salim Khan, tweeted an apology and appealed for forgiveness on his son's behalf. OneIndia News (With inputs from agencies) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, July 1, 2016, 16:10 [IST] Sonia Gandhi condoles death of K G Subramanyan India oi-PTI New Delhi, July 1: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, June 30 condoled the death of renowned artist K G Subramanyan, describing him as a brilliant and versatile artist. "He was brilliant and versatile artist, each of his works imbued with his vibrant spirit and deep humanism. He was a many-splendoured personality: freedom fighter, scholar and creative genius, inspirational teacher to generations of young artists, and a man of boundless warmth, generosity and joie de vivre...," she said in her condolence message to his wife Uma. Subramanyan, credited with being one of the pioneers of Indian modern art, passed away in Vadodara yesterday at the age of 92. PTI Bihar: Girls protest after being asked to remove Hijab during exam Bihar: When asked to take off hijab to check for bluetooth device, Muslim student leaves exam centre 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 UP shocker: Economics professor doesn't know what is audit, calls IMF 'International Money Found' India oi-Mukul Kumar Mishra Lucknow, July 1: After Bihar's topper Ruby Rai who hit headlines for pronouncing political as 'prodigal' science, here is another shocker from Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, an economics lecturer who teaches at colleges affiliated with UP universities doesn't know what is 'audit'. Not only that this professor doesn't even know who Akhilesh Yadav is or what IMF stands for. He thinks IMF stands for 'International Money Found'. Reportedly, when another professor who teaches english was queried, he couldn't spell 'evaluation' properly. This shocking info came to light after centre's evaluation coordinator paid a surprise visit to Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) on Monday. According to TOI, when evaluation coordinator grilled professors who had checked answer-sheets of BA English, history and economics at the Institute, they came to know about the rot in state's education system. Meanwhile, latest reports say that Uttar Pradesh Government has blacklisted these professors. Reports say that currently English professor Shyam Bahadur teaches at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareill while economics professor Anil Kumar Pal is employed at Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur. Most shocking thing is that both professers have years of experience of teaching and they have been taking classes in many reputed colleges across the state. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, July 1, 2016, 13:24 [IST] 1 killed, 20 missing in landslide in China International oi-PTI Beijing, July 1: One person was killed and 20 others were missing on Friday, July 1 in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in southwest China. The landslide buried 29 people in Pianpo village, Bijie city of Guizhou Province, officials said. Nine people have been pulled out of the rubble, but one died of injuries. The other eight have been rushed to hospital. The rescue work is ongoing, and the local government has dispatched personnel to relocate residents to avoid secondary disasters, state-run a news agency reported. Rainstorms have battered the region over the past few days. PTI France and Britain brace for storms after weeks of drought Britain to double troops in Iraq International oi-IANS By Ians English London, July 1: Britain is set to double the number of its troops in Iraq in a bid to reassure its allies in the wake of the country's exit from the European Union (EU). About 250 military personnel will be deployed in Iraq to help fight against the Islamic State (IS) terror group. They will join around 300 soldiers already stationed there, who are helping train Iraqi and Kurdish forces, the Daily Mail reported on Friday. The personnel will comprise 90 soldiers to protect the base, 50 trainers, and 30 to set up a headquarters. About 80 engineers will work on infrastructure for six months. Most of the soldiers will go to Al-Asad airbase in Anbar province. Although the plans have been underway for weeks, the announcement came as the Ministry of Defence sought to reassure other EU nations that Britain would remain a key player. Heavy machine guns and sniper rifle ammunition worth $1.86 million will also be handed over to Iraq. British forces have also helped to train more than 18,000 members of the Iraqi security forces, including Kurdish forces. IANS Russia lifts Turkey travel ban International oi-IANS By Ians English Moscow, July 1: Russia lifted restrictions on travelling to Turkey after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan apologised for his counry downing a Russian warplane last November. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree on Thursday,June 30 lifting the ban on the sale of package tours to Turkey and instructed the government to allow the resumption of charter flights between the two countries, a news agency reported. Russia's Federal Tourism Agency (Rosturizm) has started restoring cooperation with Turkey. Special attention will be paid to ensuring the security of Russian tourists during their vacation in Turkey, the agency said. Ties between Ankara and Moscow soured after Turkey downed a Russian Su-24 bomber on the Turkish-Syrian border in November, triggering a diplomatic row between the two countries. Russia has imposed a series of economic sanctions on Turkey, including travel ban, suspending the visa-free regime and freezing plans to build a new pipeline to carry Russian natural gas to Europe via Turkey. On Monday, Erdogan sent Putin a message in which he apologised for the death of a Russian pilot of the Su-24 bomber and expressed readiness to do everything necessary to restore the traditionally friendly relations between Turkey and Russia. IANS This Diwali, UP CM Yogi asks govt employees to celebrate festival with needy, deprived families Man booked for rape of 12-year-old after video of injured girl surfaces on internet UP CM Akhilesh Yadav turns 43-year-old today; politicians wish him on Twitter Lucknow oi-Preeti Panwar Lucknow, July 1: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday, July 1 turned 43-year-old today. Born on July 1, 1973, Akhilesh assumed the office as CM of Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 38, on March 15, 2012. In last four years, Akhilesh-led Samajwadi Party achieved a lot on various fronts, but at the same time crime against women and law and order remained the top concerns of the state. Now, next assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to be held in 2017. In the forthcoming months, Akhilesh must complete his pending tasks and he must set an example by bringing stringent laws to punish those who commit crime against women and those who indulge in communal clashes in the name of religion. Many politicians today wished Akhilesh on his birthday. Here are some tweets: Best birthday wishes to my friend @yadavakhilesh Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) July 1, 2016 Birthday greetings to @yadavakhilesh. Wishing you happiness and good wishes Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 1, 2016 Wishing a very Happy B'day to @yadavakhilesh Ji! Warm greetings. May God bless a healthy and long life ! Regards Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 1, 2016 Birthday greetings to Shri Akhilesh Yadav ji @yadavakhilesh CM, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. May god bless him with long life & good health. Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) July 1, 2016 Happy birthday my youngester u.p cm-Akhilesh yadav ..wish u a very very happy returns of the days.... pic.twitter.com/GWWrTgmCFb Er Azad Singh Yadav (@ErAzadSinghYad2) July 1, 2016 OneIndia News 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. The court said the law, passed by the right-wing government in 2019, could only be understood as targeting Islamic head coverings. SBS 12 Dec 2020 Space Daily 09 Sep 2022 Paris (ESA) Sep 09, 2022 Staying in touch with each another always, no matter whereabouts on Earth, is crucial for.. Business Insider 27 Oct 2022 After Politico and The New York Times requested the secret court documents be unsealed, a federal judge asked the DOJ to respond by.. WXXVDT2 29 May 2020 Some South Mississippi religious organizations are resuming services in their buildings while others believe its still too.. DNA 04 Aug 2021 The Pentagon lifted the lockdown roughly an hour and a half after multiple gunshots were fired near the Metro bus platform outside.. SeattlePI.com 15 Jun 2022 ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) Workers at Atlantic City's nine casinos will vote Wednesday on whether to authorize a strike against.. Community advocates pose outside the door to the PNG Parliament Chambe Four young community advocates from Vanuatu have been shocked by the conditions they have seen in Port Moresby and have vowed not to allow their own country to suffer a similar fate.Papua New Guinea is being raided by foreigners, we need to make sure in Vanuatu we control their activities, said one after a tour of the city.We have to be careful in Vanuatu to ensure we do not make the same mistakes and try and move too fast or allow land to be taken so we end up being homeless like people here, commented another.Your parliamentarians live in luxury, whereas in Vanuatu, our MPs live with the people. This shows your MPs do not care, said another.Your landowner elites are benefitting more than all the rest of the people.I feel terrible and am really quite upset seeing the conditions people have to endure. I dont want to see Vanuatu go the same way. Women need to be given much more of a priority.The advocates also commented on the current protests by university students against corruption in the government:Your government is making use of the police against its people. In Vanuatu the Police consider and respect the views of chiefs. Our government does not use the Police against the people.The group were surprised to see the prevalence of imported and manufactured goods in street markets.In Port Vila store goods are not allowed to be sold in pubic markets. Hanuabada village looks to be heavily dependent on store goods. But like Moresby, we have the same Chinese invasion.The advocates are on an 10 day awareness visit to Papua New Guinea to look at development issues. Their trip has been organised by ACT NOW!While in Port Moresby the group visited Pari Village - Badili - Town - Hanuabada - the LNG facilities - University of PNG - City Hall - Parliament - Gordons Market - Gordons Police Barracks - Bomana War Cemetry - the Adventure Park and the Pacific Adventist University.The group have now travelled out of Moresby to the Momase region to see the conditions in rural communities.Source: ACTNOW The Street's Jim Cramer coined the term FANG stocks a few years ago and the market has really caught on. What he was referring to was a group of tech stocks Facebook FB, Amazon AMZN, Netflix NFLX and Alphabet GOOGL (Google in those days) that showed continued growth potential, so probably worth biting into! Now that half the year is done, heres a quick recap of whats been going on with these companies. First off, a bit on the share prices: Facebook and Amazon have appreciated, with Facebook up 16.71% YTD and Amazon slower at 5.87%. Alphabet lost 9.57% of its market value, with Netflix losing the most (down 20.01%). The difference narrows down in June as may be expected, with the stocks declining 3.81%, 0.99%, 6.04% and 10.81%, respectively. Second, the companies arent exactly comparable. Amazon is primarily a retailer (and that increasingly includes video sales). Facebook is a social network (that also serves video). Alphabet has a finger in practically every pie but its primary revenue earner is Google (which also offers video) while Netflix is an online video provider. So if theres a common factor at all, its video. In this respect, Netflix and Googles YouTube are the leading providers of downstream video with Amazon growing very fast off a small base, according to the latest numbers from Sandvine. AMAZON.COM INC Price and Consensus AMAZON.COM INC Price and Consensus | AMAZON.COM INC Quote A quick look at the numbers tells us that the company has a good record of beating estimates. It has done just that in three of the last four quarters. Whats more, the average four-quarter surprise is 133.55%! Okay, investors love this stock too, which is why its PEG is on the high side at 3.08 (industry average is 0.54). The important thing to remember here is that while Amazon is still classified as a retailer, it is at the moment much more than that. While maintaining its lead in the fast-growing ecommerce retail space, Amazon, through its AWS unit, has become a first-mover in another fast-growing emerging segment, i.e. cloud Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). The company therefore has multiple growth drivers. Story continues The first-mover advantage in cloud infrastructure is significant because moving infrastructure to the cloud is an expensive process and moving it away to a competitor could be even more expensive. This tends to lock in customers. In addition, Amazon provides attractive discounts that make it impossible to leave. Since retail, especially Amazon-style is a very low-margin business while AWS is much higher-margin, this business lifts profitability for the entire company despite being under 10% of its revenue. Amazon remains a major innovator on the retail side, where it continues to expand the range of Dash buttons and Echo devices that facilitate purchase from its sites. The recently-announced Amazon phone is an experiment to leverage Prime and thereby generate further sales. Its also a major innovator on the cloud side, where Microsoft MSFT, with all its might is still a distant second. Amazon continues to expand AWS regions across the world (this business being dollar denominated, is also a good currency hedge). And heres the best part: Amazon has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy); Zacks Growth Score A, Zacks Momentum Score A and a combined VGM score of B. That means the company has solid growth prospects and there is reason to expect further upside to the shares. NETFLIX INC Price and Consensus NETFLIX INC Price and Consensus | NETFLIX INC Quote Netflix may not be raking in the cash the way Amazon does, which isnt really all that surprising considering its investments in content and expansion. The company completed its massive expansion drive into 130 new countries in January, so it is now available in 190 countries, i.e. practically everywhere except China. But success in any location is dependent on its ability to provide content that matches local preferences, so this is the current area of investment. There are three reasons for investor concern related to this stock. The first of these is uncertainty about the period over which content investments will continue and the payback period. Netflix has struggled in some regions like South Korea where it invested in regional content. Netflix India is in the process of creating original content in partnership with Phantom Films. Other original programs it is working on include Lost In Space, Skylanders and The Get Down. Investment in content is an important part of the business, and the only way the company can remain competitive. So this isnt what we should be worried about. What is more important is its ability to recover these costs from subscribers. So the 17 million subscribers that were un-grandfathered in May (older subs that started paying that standard $9.99 for the service) and international subscriber growth (since increasing domestic penetration is becoming more difficult) are encouraging. The second is with respect to Europe, especially after Brexit. The EU required Netflix to source 20% of its programming from within the union. In response, Netflix tried to get more original content, which naturally drove up costs. With Brexit pressuring the euro, there could be some difficulty in recovering these expenses. But if there are more expenses lined up, the weaker currency could turn out to be a positive. Netflix stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 and it has met or exceeded estimates in each of the last four quarters at an average rate of 92.5%. Facebook, Google Impacted by Brexit These two giants offer different things but primarily depend on advertising for their bread and butter. They therefore try to collect your data, process it and sell you suitable ads. Because of this, and the fact that they also try to avoid taxes by locating their EU headquarters in the most lenient UK, they can have Brexit-related problems. Facebook, which has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), has a good earnings surprise history. The company has been going from strength to strength, from Instagram to Oculus to Messenger and WhatsApp. Yet it is primarily the main social networking platform that is expected to grow revenue and earnings at 40%+ and 80%+ rates this year. The valuation is also attractive (PEG of 1.34 compared to 1.56 for the industry). FACEBOOK INC-A Price and Consensus FACEBOOK INC-A Price and Consensus | FACEBOOK INC-A Quote At the bottom is Alphabet with a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) despite the expected double-digit revenue and earnings growth this year. One of the biggest dampeners for this stock is its recent earnings surprise history. The stock has missed estimates in three of the last four quarters, suggesting that even analysts arent able to properly gauge its performance. For more details see Why Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock Is Rated A Sell Right Now. ALPHABET INC-A Price and Consensus ALPHABET INC-A Price and Consensus | ALPHABET INC-A Quote Wrapping Up FANG stocks have moved around quite a bit this year, so its best to use the Zacks methodology to see if theyre worth adding to your portfolio right now. 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 AMAZON.COM INC (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report NETFLIX INC (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report MICROSOFT CORP (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report FACEBOOK INC-A (FB): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET INC-A (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The "little people" did not respond to the question they were asked but to the questions they ask themselves. Why we are unemployed? Why do we bear the full brunt of globalization? Why are social benefits cut? Why are there so many immigrants? In short, why do we do so poorly in the countryside when the elite does so well in London? Not surprisingly, it gave the wrong answer because a factual analysis demonstrates that the United Kingdom benefits from its association with the European Union. The irony of it all is that the "little people" will suffer the most from the secession. Peoples express similar feelings in many countries: in the Netherlands, in Greece, in Austria, in Spain, in Italy, and in France. The United States is experiencing a similar trend with Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, albeit in a different form. So the question arises: what is it due to? The New York Times made a brave attempt to answer it in an article entitled "Why the surge of populism?" in its June 25, 2016, international edition. To no avail. It might as well have gone back to such classics as "Suicide of the West" by Richard Koch and Chris Smith, or "La liberte pourquoi faire?" by French novelist Georges Bernanos. The result would have been the same. There is no simple answer. The west is faced with a major crisis, which it does not understand. Be this as it may, the order of the day is to restore the little people's faith in our institutions. This begins with a fairer distribution of the wealth produced by the economy. This, in turn, entails significant changes in the way our societies are run. Life is a power struggle. In the present instance, it is a struggle between peoples and corporations. In an unexpected turn of events, globalization, automation, and new information and communication technologies favored corporations at the expense of peoples, as demonstrated by rising inequality. The balance between the two must be restored. Grabbing a tool inappropriate to the issue at hands, the "little people" made the wrong decision for the right reasons. Pro-Brexit advocates on the continent welcomed the referendum result as a victory for democracy. It will be if the rebalancing takes place. If not, democracy will fall into what Sheldon Wolin called "inverted totalitarianism" -- democracy in appearance only. Call me old fashioned, perhaps, because I pay perhaps too much attention to mainstream print journalism, but the redeeming grace that almost always refreshes my optimism, is for me always those letters to the editor all over the nation, because the Battle of the Editorial Pages goes on and on. Many of these are intelligent and comprehending, but many have begun to manifest seething turncoats and the condemnations of "fair-weather friends," and many are just boiling over with trivial advice, consolation prizes for Bernie, and spectacularly illogical conclusions. The worst of the worst of the mainstream full scale articles in my estimation was Nate Cohn's recent one in the New York Times, which I roundly and acerbically condemned on many many Facebook group pages. That one was titled Debunking Idea That Win Was Stolen From Sanders. The internet title was different: Exit Polls and Why the Primary was not Stolen from Bernie (as if this journalist and his parent paper, the New York Times, had never even heard of the intentional criminal acts in purging of 330,000 New Yorkers, plus a whole new book of Dirty Tricks). I didn't bother sending in any commentary as it would take more than 150 words to demolish such pusillanimous bilge, but this is what I wrote for about 50 very large and relevant Facebook Bernie Groups, reaching maybe a million readers, or perhaps equal to that of the daily New York Times: (1) Despite the media pounding out a constant barrage of news about unprecedented climate catastrophes: tornados, flooding, heat waves, wildfires, etc., they seldom connect these increasing occurrences with global warming, despite repeated warnings from scientists. Perhaps it might stifle American business interests. Thus, these weather disasters proliferate and our government does little to rectify the cause of them. Until we do, the devastation will only get worse: more land will be destroyed, more people will suffer, homes will be demolished, and lives will be lost. (2) Despite increased incidences of terrorist attacks on the West, and heightened fear about such from the public, the media fails to connect increasing American and Western military involvement in Muslim countries around the world with the rise of terrorism. It should be obvious by now: the more killing we do over there, the more killing they do over here. But we seem to prefer military solutions. That we could reduce the hatred and anger of Muslim civilians, as well as slow the recruitment of terrorists, by lessening our war-making in their part of the world is a solution the news media prefers to ignore. Perhaps it would not be in their interests, or those of the military and our corporate war industries. So the unending cycle of violence continues. We are not being served well by a media that is supposed to inform and serve us. The consequences of that neglect will harm all of us. A significant crack has opened unexpectedly in the wall of Europe's disciplined obedience to the United States. I'm not only referring to the possible long-term consequences for U.S.-European relations in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, but the unlikely blow against Washington's information war on Moscow delivered by Germany's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who ten days ago shockingly accused the North Atlantic Treaty Organization of "war-mongering" against Russia. Since the Bush administration's twisting of events in the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, which the EU blamed on Georgia, Western populations have been subjected to the steady message that Russia is a "threat" to the West and is guilty of "aggression." This reached a peak with the false narrative of events in Ukraine, in which blatant evidence of the West's complicity in a violent coup d'etat was omitted from corporate-media accounts, while Russia's assistance to eastern Ukrainians resisting the coup has been framed as a Russian "invasion." The disinformation campaign has reached the depths of popular culture, including the EuroVision song contest and sports-doping scandals , to ensure widespread popular support for U.S. intentions against Russia. The Russian "aggression" narrative, based largely on lies of omission, has prepared the way for the U.S. to install a missile-shield in Romania with offensive capabilities and to stage significant NATO war games with 31,000 troops on Russia's borders. For the first time in 75 years, German troops retraced the steps of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. U.S. Designs on Russia The U.S. is eyeing a post-Putin Russia in which a Wall Street-friendly leader like Boris Yeltsin can be restored to reopen the country to Western exploitation. But Vladimir Putin is no Yeltsin and has proven a tough nut for the U.S. to crack. Washington's modus operandi is to continually provoke and blame an opponent until it stands up for itself, as Putin's Russia has done, then accuse it of "aggression" and "attack" in self-defense. In this way Washington builds popular support and resistance to the other side of the story. Unfortunately it is not a new trick in the U.S. playbook. "The statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception," wrote Mark Twain. So suddenly, after many years of an air-tight, anti-Russia campaign believed unquestioningly by hundreds of millions of Westerners, comes Steinmeier last week blurting out the most significant truth about Russia uttered by a Western official perhaps in decades. "What we shouldn't do now is inflame the situation further through saber-rattling and warmongering," Steinmeier stunningly told Bild am Sontag newspaper. "Whoever believes that a symbolic tank parade on the alliance's eastern border will bring security is mistaken." Instead Steinmeier called for dialogue with Moscow. "We are well-advised to not create pretexts to renew an old confrontation," he said, saying it would be "fatal to search only for military solutions and a policy of deterrence." In keeping with the strategy, the U.S. corporate media virtually ignored remarks that should have been front-page news. The New York Times did not report Steinmeier's statement, but two days later ran a Reuter's story only online leading with the U.S. military's rejection of his remarks. NATO General: Russia is No Threat Just a day after Steinmeier was quoted in Bild, General Petr Pavel, chairman of NATO's military committee, dropped another bombshell. Pavel told a Brussels press conference flat out that Russia was not a threat to the West. "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," he said. What? What happened to Russian "aggression" and the Russian "threat?" What is the meaning then of the fear of Russia pounded every day into the heads of Western citizens? Is it all a lie? Two extraordinary on-the-record admissions by two men, Steinmeier, the foreign minister of Europe's most powerful nation, and an active NATO general in charge of the military committee, both revealing that what Western officials repeat every day is indeed a lie, a lie they talk about in private but would never before utter in public. Two years ago I was in a background briefing with a senior European ambassador at his country's U.N. mission in New York and could hardly believe my ears when he said talk about Russia's threat to Eastern Europe was "all hype" designed to give NATO "a reason to exist." Yet this same ambassador in public Security Council meetings would viciously attack Russia. We will never understand the mass killings in Orlando, Aurora, Newtown, or any of the many others, until we take a long hard look at ourselves in a mirror. Why does this happen so frequently, and why is it such a rare occurrence in other industrialized nations? We cannot comprehend this because we fail to come to grips with certain very hard realities about who we are as a nation and a people. There are cries for gun control every time a massacre occurs, and never once has anyone pointed out the hypocrisy of trying to stop the flow of guns to the US public, while the US government floods the entire world with weapons. We are the undisputed leader in selling killing weapons around the world, and no ever questions the hypocrisy of a government trying to take guns from its people, while our government and military-industrial complex inundates the world with weapons. Government always sets the model for the people, and here we have a great example. Mass murderers have absolutely no regard or respect for law, and once again it is the US government who sets the example for its people, by defying international law and invading and bombing anyone in callous contempt of the law. Government officials huddle secretly once a week to decide what individuals must be "taken out," paying no attention to the legality of murder without charges, evidence, or a trial. Currently, Secretary of State John Kerry, the nation's chief diplomat, is calling for regime change in Syria. What gives the US the legal right to decide who will rule Syria? Nothing; there is no legal right that gives the US the power to determine leadership of another nation. The US has sponsored untold numbers of illegal coups of democratically elected leaders, but again, so much for the law. If the US government is so callous about law, and constantly sends the message that we don't care about law, why would it be a surprise when citizens do the same? The government sets the example and the people follow. The hardest thing for citizens to reconcile is just how violent a nation we are. Our government is a mass killer. The first people to get in our way were exterminated. We ethnically cleansed the American Indian from his own land. We then enslaved a race of people. More recently, we killed 3 million people in southeast Asia. Can you explain why? We have killed about one million over the past 20 years in Iraq. Do you know why? We invaded Iraq based on a series of lies claiming they had WMD; a hoax that led to a needless slaughter. Iraq was a war of choice, which is illegal, but who cares about law? Do you know how many nations the US is currently bombing? We have killed untold innocents in Afghanistan over the last 20 years. Can you explain why? Do you know why we bombed Libya for 7 months, turning it into a completely failed terrorist state? Media, pundits, and presidential candidates, condemn Muslims, but the US government has bombed 14 Muslim nations, and perhaps has killed as many as four million Muslims in our never-ending wars. War has become the American pastime. We are always looking for new enemies, and when none are around our government creates them up by demonizing leaders who might challenge our authority such as North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Russia and China. We are dangerously provoking both Russia and China almost daily. The State Department has been taken over by war-crazy neocons who are risking a nuclear holocaust. It is no wonder that in a poll of 68 nations, the US was named the biggest threat to world peace. Weapons of war are the leading export. The military consumes the lion's share of the US budget, and everything else is sacrificed to pay for the largest military in the history of the planet. We spend more on security, war, and defense, than the rest of the world put together. There is no money left for anything else, so kids go to college and acquire a mortgage, while college is free in most industrialized nations. We have the worst health care in the industrialized world, paying huge sums for poor health care compared to the rest of the world. Health care is a right in most civilized nations, but they don't have the enormous cost of never-ending wars that we do. They have luxuries such as free college, excellent government health care, high-speed trains, great airports, and infrastructure. Other nations, because they have better health care, treat mental illness. We cannot afford it, as all money goes to support the military. Just about all of the mass murderers have been emotionally troubled, but because we do not treat mental illness, they take up arms and kill. We give lip service to our veterans, but let them live under bridges as homeless troubled people. Other nations offer treatment to troubled individuals. The murder rate in this country is light years ahead of other nations. We have an industrialized prison system with more people incarcerated than any other country in the world. War is glorified and neither the military nor the police can do anything wrong. An entire new generation has known only war in their lifetime. African Americans are shot down in cold blood by police, with more than 1000 killed last year, with 50% being unarmed, and none of their killers are held responsible. Without cell phone videos, those deaths would be swept under the proverbial rug. Reprinted from Palestine Chronicle After months of anticipation, the United Kingdom has decided to leave the European Union (EU). Although, the results were fairly close -- 51.9% voted to "Leave" vs. 48.1% elected to "Remain" -- the consequences of the decision will be far-reaching. Not only will the Brits negotiate their exit from the EU (thus, the term "Brexit") within the next two years, but the decision is likely to usher in an upheaval unwitnessed before in EU history. But is it good for Palestine? In the shadow of the so-called Brexit debate, a whole different discussion has been taking place: "is Brexit good for Israel," or as an Israeli commentator, Carlo Strenger phrased it in the Israeli daily, Haaretz: "what does (Brexit) mean for the Jews?" In a last-minute pandering for votes, British Prime Minister, David Cameron -- who, to his credit, had the dignity to resign after the vote -- made a passionate appeal before a Jewish audience on Monday, June 20. He told the Israel supporters in the Charity, "Jewish Care," that staying in the EU is actually good for Israel. He presented his country as if the safeguard of Israeli interests at the Union. The gist of his message was: Britain has kept a watchful eye on Brussels and has thwarted any discussion that may be seen as hostile towards the Jewish state. "When Europe is discussing its attitude towards Israel, do you want Britain -- Israel's greatest friend -- in there opposing boycotts, opposing the campaign for divestment and sanctions, or do you want us outside the room, powerless to affect the discussion that takes place?" he told the largely Jewish audience. Predictably, Cameron brought Iran into his reasoning, vowing that, if Britain remained in the EU, his country would be in a stronger position to "stop Iran (from) getting nuclear weapons." While the "Leave" campaign was strongly censured for unethically using fear-mongering to dissuade voters, Cameron's comments before "Jewish Care" -- which were an extreme and barefaced example of fear-mongering and manipulation of Israel's so-called "existentialist threats" -- received little coverage in the media. Indeed, Britain has played that dreadful role for decades, muting any serious discussion on Israel and Palestine, and ensuring more courageous voices like that of Sweden, for example, are offset with the ardently and unconditionally pro-Israel sentiment constantly radiating from Westminster. Who can forget Cameron's impassionate defense of Israel's last war on Gaza on 2014, which killed over 2,200 mostly Palestinian civilians? Unequivocally, Cameron, along with his Conservative Party, has been a "staunch ally of (Israeli) Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu," as described by Israeli commentator Raphael Ahren, writing in the "Times of Israel." His love for Israel can also be more appreciated when compared to, also according to Ahren, "current head of the Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn -- who is a harsh critic of Israel and has called Israel's arch-foes Hamas and Hezbollah 'our friends.'" Since Corbyn was elected to the helm of the Labor Party with a landslide victory in September of last year, an apparently manufactured controversy alleging rampant anti-Semitism within Labor has taken away from the party's attempt to refocus its energies on challenging the Conservative's neoliberal policies, and slowing down the momentum of the ultra-right Independence Party of Nigel Farage. That contrived "crisis" was largely the work of the Israel lobby in the UK, per the assessment of investigative journalist, Asa Winstanley. It was a "witch-hunt" that reached an unprecedented degree of incongruity. "It has reached such an absurd volume that any usage of the word 'Zionist' is deemed to be anti-Semitic," he wrote, "although, tellingly, not when used by self-described Zionists." Indeed, many members of Labor were either themselves involved in that "witch-hunt" or succumbed to its pressure, taking outrageous steps to defend against the unwarranted accusations. As a result, the embattled and disorganized Labor, too, urged its supporters to stay in the EU and they, too, lost the vote. As for Israel, Brexit meant uncertainty and also opportunity. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Web Real Time Communication Market: Real Time Advance telecommunication systems http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11816 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Web Real Time Communication Market: OverviewWeb Real Time Communication (Web RTC) is an open source application programming interface (API) originated by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Web RTC enables end-users with voice calling, video chat and peer to peer file sharing between browsers without the support of any external plugin. World Wide Web Consortium is the international standard organization for the development of standards world wide web. The W3C tries to establish compatibility among industry service providers for adoption of global standards developed by them. The internet protocols required for web RTC are developed, managed and standardized by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).Web RTC comprises of three APIs, GetUserMedia (), PeerConnection () and DataChannels (). The GetUserMedia () request the user for permission to get access to input devices such as microphone and camera. The PeerConnection () establishes a connection between local device and remote device. The DataChannels () represents a bidirectional data channel between both the peers in the connection.Web RTC provides time efficient, easily accessible and encrypted commercial telephony system. Web RTC is an open source API, hence could be easily accessed by the application developers. This has led to heavy adoption of web RTC in developing communication solutions at a lower cost compared to traditional systems. Web RTC does not depend on platform and device on which it is integrated, thus would attract global customers.Furthermore, web RTC provides better video and audio quality at a lower cost with enhanced security level compared to other telecommunication systems, thus could drive the growth of global web RTC market. Web RTC adapts and adjusts itself according to the changing network conditions. It adjusts according to bandwidth availability and avoids network congestion, thus increases efficiency of the network. The organizations enabled with web RTC technology products could improve customer interaction, promotional activities and increase their sales in a cost-effective way. The growth in customer facing industries such as retail, healthcare and hospitality would further boost the growth of web RTC market. However, web RTC is still an emerging technology, therefore has various challenges such as privacy issues with use of public internet and data security. These issues are expected to restrain the growth of global web RTC market. With big players such as Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation not supporting web RTC technology, the market is expected to face a hurdle in its growth.Get More Information :Web Real Time Communication Market: SegmentationWeb RTC market is broadly segmented on the basis of type, solution and geography. On the basis of type, the web RTC market can be segmented into software and services whereas, on the basis of solution it can be segmented as video calling solutions, voice solutions, messaging solutions and file sharing solutions. The software segment of the market provides software which have web RTC functionality whereas service segment provides the technology and API to integrate web RTC in their existing websites.Moreover, in terms of geographies, the global Web RTC market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America regions. Web RTC technology show its strong presence in North America as technological advancements and heavy investments are made by the players of this region. AsiaPacific and Europe are also adopting web RTC significantly due to tremendous growth seen in usage of web based applications.Web Real Time Communication Market: Key PlayersThe major participants in the web RTC market include companies such as Google Incorporation, Mozilla Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., Opera Software ASA, TokBox, Twilio, Alcatel-Lucent S.A., Voxeo Corporation, American Telephone & Telegraph Corporation and Avaya 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.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: Liquid Encapsulants Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9311 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com For electronic components firm structuring of electronic component which are shock and moisture proof are considered to be essential for smooth functioning. To avoid these issues electronics manufacturers are increasingly using products called liquid encapsulants. Liquid encapsulants provide additional protection to the electronics components liquid encapsulants are considered to be the better alternative to the molding in high volume manufacturing processes used through automated dispensing equipment. Growing consumer demand of electronics equipment and accumulative reach of technology in everyday life are considered to be the prime factors for the growth of the Liquid encapsulants market. Primarily, there are two types of liquid encapsulants i.e. glob top and dam-and-fill. In addition to the shock and moisture protection the liquid encapsulants also provide excellent film formability, high voltage resistance, impregnation, migration resistance. Some of the Liquid encapsulants are also used to provide reduce wafer warps.Global liquid encapsulants market is primarily driven by the growing use of electronics and semiconductor devices in everyday life. Electronics and semiconductor devices are progressively being used in healthcare, transportation, industrial automation and consumer electronics. Global liquid encapsulants market is driven by strong demand in consumer electronics primarily driven by changing lifestyle and growing per capita income. The growing use of complex structures in semiconductors for electronic and electrical application is anticipated to drive the global lencapsulants market. Miniaturization trend of consumer electronic devices is also anticipated to catalyze the demand for liquid encapsulants. On the other hand the sluggish growth of end use sectors in few regions might acts a restraint for global liquid encapsulants market.Get Free Sample Report Copy at :The opportunity for the global liquid encapsulants market lies in increasing the application horizon in electronics and electrical device manufacturing. Increasing use of semiconductors in transportation and industrial automation is considered to be the major opportunity for the global liquid encapsulants market players.The global liquid encapsulants market is segmented on the basis of the material, product, application and geography. On the basis of material the global liquid encapsulants market is segmented into epoxy modified resins, epoxy resins, hardners colorants and others. On the basis of product the global liquid encapsulants market is segmented into sensors, semiconductors, integrated circuits, optoelectronics and others .On the basis of application the global liquid encapsulants market is segmented into consumer electronics, industrial electronics, automotive, industrials automation, telecommunication and others.On the basis of geography the global Liquid encapsulants Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. Asia Pacific is considered to be the leading consumer and manufacture of global Liquid encapsulants Market by volume and value. Japan, China, South Korea and others are considered to be the major consumers of the global Liquid encapsulants Market. Followed by Asia Pacific North America is considered to be the major market for the global Liquid encapsulants Market primarily due to growth in consumer electronics segment. Europe is considered to be a leading consumer especially due to growth in application sectors such as automotive, industrial equipments and healthcare equipments. Latin America is considered to show sluggish growth in the global Liquid encapsulants market. Middle East and Africa due to its growing economies is anticipated to contribute the growth in liquid encapsulants market.Some of the key market participants in the global liquid encapsulants market are Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd., KYOCERA Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd., Sanyu Rec Co. Ltd., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., NITTO DENKO CORPORATION., NAGASE & CO., LTD., Epic Resins and Others.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: Cosmetic and Perfume Glass Bottle Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=9299 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The improved lifestyle coupled with increased disposable income and desire towards better personality are the prime reasons for growing demands of beauty products. The rapid growth in consumption and production of these products is evident that the look and feel of the packaging is also a considerable factor. Hence, manufacturers are highly focusing on better packaging solutions which gives customers a premium feel in a cost effective way. Quality packaging not only offer an attractive options for customers but it also maintain the quality and effectiveness of the product inside the bottle.The global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market is primarily driven by the growth in cosmetic and perfumery industry. The global cosmetic industry is forecasted to be of more than US $ 600 Bn by 2019. The growing aspirations of better physical appearance and beauty is anticipated to be the major driving factor for the cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market. The fierce competition in cosmetic industry is supposed to force the cosmetic and perfumery industry to choose innovative and better glass packaging solutions which is anticipated to be the driving factor for the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market. The increased disposable income and growing inclusion of cosmetic and perfumery products into everyday grooming practices is projected to the driving factor for the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market. On the other hand the growing use of plastic in cosmetic and perfumery packaging is anticipated to be the major restrain in the growth of the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market.Get Free Sample Report Copy at :The opportunity of global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market lies in providing durable packaging solutions at cost effective especially in mid and low range perfume and cosmetic segments. Improving the product visibility and attractiveness is anticipated to be the major challenges for the global cosmetic and cosmetic and perfumery which can be perceived as an opportunity for the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market by providing innovative packaging solutions.The global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market is segmented on the basis of product into high-end cosmetic and perfumes, mid-range and low range. The mid-range cosmetic and perfumery market is anticipated to register the highest growth in global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market. By application the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market is segmented into hair care, skin care, make-up, fragrances, bath and shower and others. Where skin care and fragrances is anticipated to be the major contributor of the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market.On the basis of geography the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. Europe is anticipated to be the largest market for global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market primarily driven by strong demand and higher consumption of cosmetic and perfumery products. Asia pacific is anticipated to be the second largest market for the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market primarily driven by growing per capita income and increasing awareness of cosmetic and perfumery especially in rapidly growing urban population. The strong demand in Japan, India and China are the major contributing factors for the demand in Asia pacific region. The North America is also anticipated to contribute significantly in the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market followed by Asia pacific. Middle East is also expected to contribute to the demand of global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market primarily due to rapid urbanization and rising expenditure on beauty care products.Some of the key players in the global cosmetic and perfume glass bottle market are Heinz-Glas Group Holding, SGD Group, ZIGNAGO VETRO S.p.A., Rockwood & Hines, Gerresheimer Group, Saverglass, Piramal Glass, Groupe Pochet and others.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: Li-Fi Market: Opportunities Advance systems face in the near future http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12164 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Li-Fi Market: OverviewThe global Li-Fi market is expected to exhibit growth at a robust pace between 2016 and 2023. Massive bandwidth owing to the growing RF spectrum crunch, together with a high degree of security and energy efficiency are expected to bolster the global Li-Fi market.While the features offered by Li-Fi and visible light communications (VLC) are quite similar, unlike the latter, Li-Fi does not require line-of-sight between receiver and transmitter. The technology offers data transfer at high speed due to the presence of lesser interferences and availability of large bandwidth over the network.For instance, Li-Fi is capable of delivering the same, if not greater, data transfer speed as compared to a Wi-Fi access point.Furthermore, internet video traffic is expected to grow considerably in the coming years, with video projected to contribute to a majority of consumer internet traffic. This increasing data production and usage will eventually spur demand for wireless optical networks and RF-based networks. These are prime factors that will aid the expansion of the Li-Fi market worldwide.The report provides a granular analysis of the growth trajectory exhibited by the global Li-Fi market. The key factors encouraging the large-scale deployment of Wi-Fi are analyzed in detail. The factors that market players should guard themselves against are also evaluated in the report. Apart from examining the strengths of and opportunities for the leading market players, the report also presents insights into the threats and opportunities that they could face in the near future.Get More Information:Global Li-Fi Market: Key Opportunities and ThreatsIncreasing demand for applications in medical centers, hospitals, and schools will give considerable impetus to the global Li-Fi market. Since the technology involves visible light wavelengths and not radio waves, it is less likely to have negative effect on human health. Experts often compare Li-Fi to Free Space Optics (FSO) as it also utilizes light to transfer data.The market is also significantly gaining from the rising adoption of LED worldwide due to benefits such as a longer life span, higher efficiency, and lower maintenance it offers. Several countries such as Japan, China, and the U.S. have already adopted initiatives for promoting energy conservation using LED lighting technology.For instance, the Chinese government is offering lucrative incentives, resources, and financial subsidies to promote the adoption of LED lighting across industries. Furthermore, it has also taken several steps to support and advance the capabilities of domestic LED manufacturers.On the flip side, the lack of awareness about the benefits offered by the technology is negatively impacting Li-Fi market growth. Misconceptions such as Li-Fi being line-of-sight in nature are also expected to restrain market growth to an extent.Global Li-Fi Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is expected to emerge as a lucrative market for Li-Fi. The growth of the market in this region is fuelled by the increasing demand for better internet connectivity. The U.S. is expected to present attractive opportunities for enterprises in the Li-Fi market over the forecast period. The Li-Fi market in the U.S. is also expected to grow at a phenomenal rate. The high demand for wireless communication aids the rapid expansion of the Li-Fi market in the U.S.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: Bit Error Rate (BER) Testers Market Driven By high rate of penetration of broadband communication http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=8839 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/bit-error-rate-ber-testers-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Bit error rate testers are usually designed for testing radio telemetry systems, synchronous serial communication equipment, and communication links. The high rate of penetration of broadband communication and sharp rise in demand of the access lines are driving the need of communication links with high transmission capacity and very low bit error rate. When some data is transmitted over a particular communication channel, there is a probability of errors being arrived into the system. BER tester identifies the error frequency and bit error rate (BER) over a communication channel for evaluating its overall performance, thereby improving the communication link quality and enabling network system to incorporate complete link characteristics.Free PDF Sample For More Market insight can be Downloaded @The global BER testers market is mainly driven by various technological advancements taking place in the telecommunication sectors including Ethernet over SONET (EoS), and Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET), among others. Rise in deployment of 3G and 4G networks are expected to garner more demand for BER testers. In order to detect and remove glitches in digital networks due to complex network design, BER testers are anticipated to drive the market demand throughout the forecast period. Moreover, the introduction of high modular and multi-functional bit error rate testers is predicted to further propel the market demand in the coming years. This is further supported by growing demand of digital interfaces coupled with technological innovations. Besides, the market demand is accelerated by growing video traffic over the internet because of video conferencing, high definition IPTV, online video streaming portals such as You Tube etc., and migration of enterprises from private networks towards the internet based virtual private networks (VPNs). Furthermore, growing use of bit error testers for various manufacturing processes and R&D activities is expected to contribute towards a substantial market growth over the forecast period. However, the growth of global BER testers market is restricted by low market awareness in emerging nations, and incompatibility of BER testers to cater into various end-user applications, among others. The low market awareness is generally due to complexity of technology which can be eradicated/minimized by vendors. Initiatives such as education to end users about the market and technical know-how can enable awareness about BER testers. Modularity, ease of use, price and features are currently the most competitive features in the global BER testers market.Browse Full Market Report With Complete TOC @The global BER testers market can be segmented on the basis of product types, various end-users, applications and different geographical regions. On the basis of various product types, the market can be segmented into traditional BERTs and functional BERTs. Based on different end-users, the market is classified into service providers, enterprises, component and system manufacturers, and others which includes government contractors and contract manufacturing companies. Based on various end-use applications, BER testers market can be categorized into installation and maintenance, research and development, and manufacturing. Base on various geographical regions, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. In Asia Pacific, the huge amount of data transmission over the communication network is presently contributing towards the appreciation of market growth.Some of the key participants in the global BER testers market includes Centellax Inc., Tektronix Inc., Anritsu Corporation, Luceo Technologies GMBH, Keysight Technologies, Inc.,Aeroflux Incorporated, LSHF Communication Technologies AG, Digital Lightwave Inc., EXFO Inc., and JDS Uniphase Corporation, among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeMiddle East and AfricaLatin AmericaThis 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: Global Market study on Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients By 2021, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6191 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6191 Protein hydrolysate ingredients are the group of peptides derived from proteins. Protein hydrolysate are rich in protein content and are absorbed more quickly in comparison to other proteins. The different type of protein hydrolysate ingredients include milk protein hydrolysate and meat protein hydrolysate. These protein hydrolysate ingredients have relatively low antigenic properties. Protein hydrolysates ingredients enhance the digestibility and reduces the protein allergy especially in infants.View Sample Report:There are various form of protein hydrolysate ingredients available in the market. Protein Hydrolysate ingredients market can be segmented on the basis of ingredients, application and region. Based on ingredient type, the segmentation includes milk protein hydrolysate and meat protein hydrolysate. Milk protein hydrolysates are type of peptides derived from milk proteins. There are two main sources of milk protein hydrolysates that includes whey protein hydrolysates and casein hydrolysates. The protein hydrolysates ingredients most commonly used in nutritional products are casein, whey protein and soy protein. These ingredients are the type of peptides that possess high nutritional properties and are comparatively absorbed quickly than other types of protein or amino acids. In Protein hydrolysates market, milk hydrolysate is anticipated to exhibit robust growth in the next four to five years. This is due to the comparatively less preference of consumers for meat hydrolysates ingredients.On the basis of application protein hydrolysate ingredient market is segmented into infant formula, clinical nutrition and sport and slimming food. Among all the segments infant formula is the fastest growing segment, which is anticipated to witness double digit growth over the forecasted period, followed by the sport nutrition and clinical nutrition. The protein hydrolysates market is studied across various regions that includes North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Protein hydrolysate Ingredients Market demand is anticipated to increase globally owing to the increasing number of health conscious consumers. Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is expected to exhibit strong growth in North America due to the increasing number of high affluent class people coupled with rising awareness of consumers regarding the health .In North America, U.S. is the most dominating market, followed by other European countries. There is increasing demand of Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market in U.S. due the increasing disposable income of consumers and also rising number of health conscious consumers. Furthermore, Europe is expected to exhibit consistent growth due to increasing production of milk in the European regions. However, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market in the forthcoming years due the increasing investment of companies to launch new ingredients especially in infant formula segment. This trend is especially witnessed in China due to the increasing consumer interest in specialist nutrition. Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is growing drastically in China due to the increasing upper middle class population that supports the growth of protein hydrolysate ingredient rich products, which are higher in price.Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is witnessing healthy growth. This is due the increasing demand for protein hydrolysate ingredients by consumers owing to the health benefits coupled with nutritional benefits associated with it across developed regions. However, various factors that restrict the growth of protein hydrolysate ingredients market include less awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits associated with the consumption of protein hydrolysate ingredients in emerging economies.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Major Players that operate in protein hydrolysate ingredients market include Abbott Laboratories, Danone S.A., Davisco Foods International, Inc. Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Kerry Group plc, Carbery Group.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on Mass Notifications Systems By 2022, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/9161 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/9161 A Mass Notification System (MNS) enables users to broadcast notifications to individuals or groups, such as customers, employees, citizens, and government officials, in order to keep everyone informed before/during/ after some specific events or disasters. These systems are extremely helpful in coordinating with masses during relief and rescue operations. Mass Notification systems facilitates robust analytics, distributed contact data, flexible group management, language localization, various options for contact data management, and a globalized approach to optimize voice and SMS routing.View Sample Report:Mass Notification Systems (MNS) are vital systems in catastrophic natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes and floods along with other situations causing threat to human life, such as bomb explosions. The upsurge in the adoption of mass notification systems in both developed and developing countries is driven growing need for public security, increasing awareness for emergency communication systems, and trend towards mobility and business continuity.Mass notification systems offers front-line communication technology which notifies people about possible safety measures in case of danger and guides them accordingly. Over the next decade, the mass notification systems market is expected to be ubiquitous across its ecosystem, and is expected to witness traction in its adoption across all geographies.The Mass Notification Systems (MNS) for emergency communications are evolving smartly with the increasing demands of swift notification deliveries and message prioritization in the high prone earthquake and flood areas, such as Japan Mass notification systems are crucial for conveying the instructions to the panicked masses about right course of action during a case of emergency. In addition, Mass notification systems are instrumental in handling business messages and providing adequate timeframe for deploying and ensuring business continuity measures. Thus they are gaining popularity across enterprises for its usage due to their distinctive features of business continuity management in case of emergency and calamity.The market is also driven by the technological features offered by the mass notification systems such as powerful & scalable platform, which enables planning & policy enforcement. In addition to this, a message once composed on the MNS can be shared in multiple formats at the same time: SMS text, email, social media, web, RSS and more.Lack of regulations regarding mass notification systems in the verticals apart from defence and education sector are constraining the growth of market. Moreover, availability of sub-standardized solutions which do not comply with the latest NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code, are expected to hamper the growth of market in the near future.On the basis of type of product, the Mass Notifications Systems Market is segmented into hardware and software & services.On the basis of type of deployment model, the market is classified as on-premise and on-demand models.On the basis of type of solutions, the market is classified into in-building solutions, wide-area solutions and distributed recipient solutions. Among these, distributed recipient solutions are anticipated to expand with a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is expected to be mainly driven by increasing trend towards mobility and cloud computing.On the basis of applications, the market is segmented into interoperable emergency communication, integrated public alert and warning, business continuity (BC) & disaster recovery (DR), and business operations. Business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) segment is gaining traction across various enterprises due to rising awareness about archiving their business processes in order to facilitate faster disaster recovery in case of emergencies.Various end-user industries of the market include commercial, education, energy and power, healthcare, defence, automotive, transportation and logistics, and government offices. The education and defence sectors are expected to account for the largest market share throughout the forecast period. The growth would be primarily driven by increasing demand for MNS in critical and sophisticated operations. However, the other sectors energy and power, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and government offices will also present potential revenue opportunities during the forecast period.Mass Notifications Systems Market is sub-segmented into 7 key regions- North America, Latin America, East Europe, West Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.Presently, North America and Europe are the major regions witnessing the adoption of the mass notification systems. The primary factors attributing to the market growth in these regions are: high dissemination of mobile technologies, development and adoption of pioneering technologies, and the presence of major companies in this region.With increasing regulations and compliance policies, along with the growing need for rugged and uninterrupted communication solutions during emergencies, the emerging countries such as Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa (BRICS) are expected to witness proliferation in the adoption mass notification systems during the period: 2015-2025.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Few of the prominent players in the mass notifications systems market include ATHOC, Eaton Corporation (Cooper Industries Pvt. Ltd.), Honeywell International, Inc., IBM Corporation, Siemens AG, Everbridge, Inc., Metis Secure Solutions, Mir3, Inc., Omnilert LLC, and Xmatters, Inc.The mass notification system market is highly competitive in nature, characterised with new product innovations and merger & acquisitions, which are the key strategies adopted by market participants to cement their position in the market.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on BFSI Security By 2024, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10472 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10472 In past one decade, electronic banking platforms have been implemented as an ever more efficient channel through which banking transactions can be executed without having to leave house or office. These home banking transactions are done from web based applications that are exposed over internet, making users a very appealing target of hackers. Apart from this, the banking and financial industry is continuously witnessing global terrorism, physical risk, cyber-crimes, and espionage that are exposing the hole in critical infrastructure. Due to the increase in cyber-crimes, security of sensitive data is at stack. These sensitive data includes, personably identifiable information, personal banking details, commercial banking details, and confidential corporate information.View Sample Report:Bank and financial institutions runs in highly regulated environment. In several cases, security incidents occur because of non-compliance to various standards. If this happens, the consequences are severe. So, there is growing need of BFSI security to ensure the long term visibility of banking and financial organizations and their data. BFSI security includes security of cyber security and physical security of banking and financial organizations.In todays ever changing world of information technology, banking and financial organizations are facing increased data theft and unauthorized access. The leakage of a companys confidential data on financials, customer base, and strategies can hamper their brand image. In BFSI sector, there is always existence of both internal and external threats with increased adoptions of ATMs and online banking solutions. So the need of protection of physical assets and continuous monitoring of banking data of BFSI sector is driving the growth of the market. However, the initial investment required to set up the security infrastructure is restricting the growth of the BFSI security market.BFSI Security Market can be segmented on the basis of systems and components:Video Surveillance:Video surveillance is used for monitoring activates happening inside as well as outside the organizations. Physical security has become necessary for banking and financial institutes looking at solutions to address everything from pilferage to theft and terrorism. This has created increase in demand for video surveillance solutions in BFSI sector. Video surveillance solution are generally deployed to protect employees and company assets.Access Control :Access control is deployed in both physical as well as information security. Access control systems seamlessly work against any unauthorized access. Access control solutions includes web-based access control, managed access control, control panel, visitor management systems, readers, and credentials.Intrusion and Fire Detection:Intrusion detection systems inspect all the inner and outer network activities and identifies suspicious pattern to indicate someone is attempting to break into the system. Fire detection system is a combination of number devices that are seamlessly working to warn people from any threat of fire.Physical Security Information Management (PSIM):Physical security information management is a software that act as a standalone platform that integrate multiple unconnected security application and devices and control them from one comprehensive user interface.Asia-Pacific region witnessing rapid growth of BFSI security market due to technological advancements, and various security vendors such as Honeywell International Inc. and Cisco System Inc. are expanding their business in this region. Besides, the Asia-Pacific market is poised at the center of worlds fastest growing and soon to be the largest wealth market with the increase of private banks and financial instructions in countries such as China and India. In India, according to the data released by reserve bank of India, the total number of bank accounts in India is around 600 million, out of this 25 million bank accounts holder use mobile banking applications. This is the huge opportunity for BFSI security vendors in this region.In North America region, there is an increase in attacks being launched against BFSI industries. The banking and financial institutions are taking a number of actions to protect their IT infrastructure yet they continue to be challenged by pace of innovation and rising sophistication of attacks. In Europe region, banking and finance sector is overall complex aggregation of several players, required network and information security. In Latin America and Middle East and Africa Regions, BFSI industries are focusing on to implement robust security solutions to safeguard their IT infrastructure.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Cisco Systems Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Computer Science Corporation (CSC), IBM Corporation, and Symantec Corporation are some of the leading players of global BFSI security market.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Formaldehyde Scavengers Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=3910 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchanalysis.blogspot.in/ Formaldehyde scavengers are widely used in order to reduce emissions from wood products. Formaldehyde scavengers are used in lowering the emissions in both the manufacturing of medium density fiberboard and particle board and also in finished products. Prolonged formaldehyde emissions can have potential health hazards and hence it becomes imperative to control these emissions. Formaldehyde scavengers have been used to lower formaldehyde emissions in several wood, paper and textile industries.The demand for Formaldehyde scavengers is expected to witness strong growth in the next few years on account of increasing stringent regulations pertaining to formaldehyde emissions. Formaldehyde scavengers help reduce the emissions during the production of wood based panels and also reduce harmful formaldehyde emissions from finished products. Growth in demand for wood based panels is expected to be one of the major driving factors for formaldehyde scavengers. In the paper industry, formaldehyde scavengers are added to resin finishing baths in order to reduce formaldehyde emissions from finished paper, cured fabrics and lower formaldehyde odor from processing areas. Formaldehyde scavengers are also used for lowering formaldehyde emissions in the textile and leather industry. The demand for formaldehyde scavengers is expected to emulate from the growing textiles industry globally. The recent emergence of middle-class and growth in the disposable income particularly in countries such as China and India has led to an increase in demand for textiles. This high demand for textiles is anticipated to further drive the demand for formaldehyde scavengers in the near future. The demand for formaldehyde scavengers is also expected to be augmented by the increasing stringent regulations put forth by legislative bodies such as REACH and EPA for formaldehyde emissions.Get FREE Sample Of This Report :Growing construction industry is also projected to be one of the main demand drivers for formaldehyde scavengers. Growing construction activity and increasing use of wood panels for several household furniture applications is anticipated to be one of the primary drivers for formaldehyde scavengers in the next few years. Increasing investments in constructions in regions such as Middle East, Asia and Latin America and the revival of the American housing sector is expected to provide a major boot for formaldehyde scavenger market.In terms of demand Asia Pacific was the largest consumer of formaldehyde scavengers followed by North America, Europe and Rest of the World. In North America U.S was the largest market for formaldehyde scavengers followed by Mexico and Canada. This high demand for formaldehyde scavengers stems from the growing demand for wood composite products from various construction applications in this region. The demand for formaldehyde scavengers is also projected to witness strong growth in European countries such as Germany, France, U.K, Italy etc. on account of strict regulations implied by regulatory bodies such as REACH etc.. The demand for formaldehyde scavengers is also anticipated to witness strong growth in the Asia Pacific countries such as China, India, Indonesia etc. With growing industrial and construction activities in these regions the demand for formaldehyde scavengers is also expected to grow on similar lines. The economic conditions of Brazil, Russia and South Africa are on similar track and hence the demand for formaldehyde scavengers is also projected to be high in these countries.Some of the major companies operating in the global formaldehyde scavengers market are StarChem LLC, Georgia-Pacific Chemicals LLC, Emerald Performance Materials LLC, and Dow Chemical Company among others.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 : Global Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Market Growth: Strong in Asia Pacific, Sluggish in North America http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2496 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchanalysis.blogspot.in/ Manufacturers in the global market for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) use NBR powder to produce frictional compounds and PVC modifications. The key companies producing NBR are Huangshan Hualan Technology, LG Chem, Lanxess, OMNOVA, Nitriflex, Zeon Chemicals, Taprath Polymers, and Zeon Chemicals. The global NBR market is moderately concentrated in nature. The top five companies in this market hold a significant 38% share. Continuous investment aimed at capacity additions is one of the promising trends in this industry. Manufacturers are investing in new machinery in order to maximize their use of raw materials and optimize costs.Rising Demand for NBR from Automotive Sector to Drive Global MarketThe global NBR market is divided by application into automotives, footwear, buildings, consumer goods, PVC modification, and others. The PVC modification segment held the largest market share in 2012, amounting to 48%. Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is also used in modification of other kinds of resins, such as phenolic resins and ABS resins. The accelerating demand for frictional compounds from the automotive sector is expected to drive this application segment greatly.The automotive application sector in the global NBR market is projected to expand at the highest CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period of 2013 to 2019. This trend is anticipated to continue in the coming few years and will be especially prevalent in the Asia Pacific market.Get Free PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :Asia Pacific to Exhibit Fastest Growth in Global MarketAsia Pacific is the leading market segment according to geography. This regional NBR market held the bulk of total demand for NBR in 2012, which was recorded over 44%. Asia Pacific is predicted to be the fastest growing NBR market, due to the increasing number of end users of NBR in the region. These include: Brake lining manufactures, footwear manufactures, and auto part manufactures.On the contrary, North America holds the smallest share in the global market for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The shift from NBR powder to its substitutes, particularly for PVC modification applications, is expected to slow down the growth of NBR market in North America. The Europe and Rest of the World (RoW) market followed Asia Pacific in 2012. Together, RoW and Europe held a collective market share of around 40% in 2012 in the global NBR market. Relatively few NBR manufacturers operate in the RoW region. Nitriflex, a Brazil-based company, is one of the top manufactures of NBR powder.Linear and Cross-linked NBR Powder to Demonstrate Significant GrowthManufactures in the global nitrile butadiene rubber market produce two types of products, namely linear NBR powder and cross-linked NBR powder. At present, the cross-lined/pre-cross-linked NBR powder dominates the market. Cross-linked NBR powder finds application in production of frictional materials and resin modifications. On the other hand, linear NBR powder is generally used to make seals and gaskets.The linear NBR powder and cross-linked NBR powder segments are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Among the two, cross-linked NBR powder will demonstrate the fastest CAGR of 5.2% in terms of volume during the forecasting horizon.Volume-wise, the global market for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) was pegged at 73,820.8 tons in 2012, and revenue-wise the market totaled US$275.6 million in 2012. By end of 2019, the global NBR market is projected to be worth US$425.7 million, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.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 : Global Vibrating Sieve Machine Market 2016 Rotex, Rhewum, Retsch, Derrick Corp, Virto Group Vibrating Sieve Machine Market http://goo.gl/oikQE0 A market study based on the "Vibrating Sieve Machine market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Vibrating Sieve Machine Market 2016. The research report analyzes the historical as well as present performance of the global Vibrating Sieve Machine Market , and makes predictions on the future status of Vibrating Sieve Machine market on the basis of this analysis.The report studies the market for Vibrating Sieve Machine across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Vibrating Sieve Machine market & dynamics of demand and supply of Vibrating Sieve Machine into consideration.Key Companies covered in this report are :- Rotex, Rhewum, Retsch, Derrick Corp, Virto Group, Haverboecker, Russell, Schenck, Gkm, Allgaier, Endecotts, Lao Soung Machinery, Mixer TechThe ' Vibrating Sieve Machine 'research study covers each and every aspect of the Vibrating Sieve Machine market globally, which starts from the definition of the Vibrating Sieve Machine market and develops towards Vibrating Sieve Machine market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Vibrating Sieve Machine market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Vibrating Sieve Machine market. The geographical segmentation of the Vibrating Sieve Machine market has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Vibrating Sieve Machine is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Vibrating Sieve Machine market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Vibrating Sieve Machine market worldwide.The global Vibrating Sieve Machine market 2016 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Vibrating Sieve Machine production volume, data regarding demand and Vibrating Sieve Machine supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for Vibrating Sieve Machine across the globe.Download Sample Of Report :About Us:QY Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Website: QY Market ResearchEmail: sales@qymarketresearch.com AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France (Reuters) - European countries should not seek to "divide the spoils" of Brexit by luring businesses away from Britain now that it has decided to leave the European Union, the French finance minister said on Friday. Britain voted in a referendum on June 23 to quit the EU, a decision that has roiled financial markets and rattled businesses. "We shouldn't adopt a 'divide the spoils' attitude. I think that would be totally improper and harmful," Michel Sapin told reporters on the sidelines of a conference. "We should respect the British vote. "We can accompany some companies, but we're not trying to get in contact with such and such and tell them 'leave Britain, come here'. If they must do it, they will do it on their own." In a nod to Prime Minister David Cameron, who had offered to roll out the red carpet to wealthy French people and companies after Socialist President Francois Hollande was elected to power in 2012, Sapin said: "I didn't appreciate the red carpet when it was rolled out to France, and I don't intend to roll it out the other way." Asked whether Paris could host the European Banking Authority, which is currently based in London and will have to relocate to another EU country, Sapin said, "Time will tell." (Reporting by Michel Rose, editing by Larry King) Global Thrust Ball Bearings Market 2016 TIMKEN, THB Bearings, Dongguan, RKB Europe, NKE AUSTRIA Thrust Ball Bearings Market http://goo.gl/2Rst8F A market study based on the "Thrust Ball Bearings market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Thrust Ball Bearings Market 2016. The research report analyzes the historical as well as present performance of the global Thrust Ball Bearings Market , and makes predictions on the future status of Thrust Ball Bearings market on the basis of this analysis.The report studies the market for Thrust Ball Bearings across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Thrust Ball Bearings market & dynamics of demand and supply of Thrust Ball Bearings into consideration.Key Companies covered in this report are :- NSK Europe, Luoyang Hongyuan Bearing Technology, TIMKEN, THB Bearings, Dongguan Kentie Bearing, Luoyang SBI Special Bearing, Power Transmission Solutions, RKB Europe, NKE AUSTRIA, Schaeffler Technologies, WQK Bearing Manufacture, Torque TransmissionThe ' Thrust Ball Bearings 'research study covers each and every aspect of the Thrust Ball Bearings market globally, which starts from the definition of the Thrust Ball Bearings market and develops towards Thrust Ball Bearings market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Thrust Ball Bearings market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Thrust Ball Bearings market. The geographical segmentation of the Thrust Ball Bearings market has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Thrust Ball Bearings is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Thrust Ball Bearings market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Thrust Ball Bearings market worldwide.The global Thrust Ball Bearings market 2016 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Thrust Ball Bearings production volume, data regarding demand and Thrust Ball Bearings supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for Thrust Ball Bearings across the globe.Download Sample Of Report :About Us:QY Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Website: QY Market ResearchEmail: sales@qymarketresearch.com Global Telecom Equipment Market 2016 Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia Siemens Networks Telecom Equipment Market http://goo.gl/Cg2MEv A market study based on the "Telecom Equipment market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Telecom Equipment Market 2016. The research report analyzes the historical as well as present performance of the global Telecom Equipment Market , and makes predictions on the future status of Telecom Equipment market on the basis of this analysis.The report studies the market for Telecom Equipment across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Telecom Equipment market & dynamics of demand and supply of Telecom Equipment into consideration.Key Companies covered in this report are :- Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia Siemens Networks, ZTE, Nortel Networks, Cisco System, Samsung Networks, NEC Corp, Bell Labs, UTStarcom Holdings, Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM CorpThe ' Telecom Equipment 'research study covers each and every aspect of the Telecom Equipment market globally, which starts from the definition of the Telecom Equipment market and develops towards Telecom Equipment market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Telecom Equipment market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Telecom Equipment market. The geographical segmentation of the Telecom Equipment market has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Telecom Equipment is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Telecom Equipment market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Telecom Equipment market worldwide.The global Telecom Equipment market 2016 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Telecom Equipment production volume, data regarding demand and Telecom Equipment supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for Telecom Equipment across the globe.Download Sample Of Report :About Us:QY Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Website: QY Market ResearchEmail: sales@qymarketresearch.com Biosimilars Europe: Looking Ahead into the New European Landscape www.biosimilars-europe.com/openpr http://bit.ly/28ZCThx] www.biosimilars-europe.com/openpr http://www.smi-online.co.uk Case studies from both Switzerland and Norway on strategic management and switching studies with two keynotes from Merck Group and the Norwegian Medicines Agency.SMi are delighted to announce that both the Norwegian and Swiss markets will be represented at Biosimilars Europe when it returns to London for its 7th annual show on 29th and 30th September.Will the UKs withdrawal from the European Union also translate into an unravelling of its relations to the European Medicines Agency? Non-EU members like Norway still adhere to the EMA process and all of its rules and the Swiss regulatory agency, Swissmedic, which is separate from the EMA, still works alongside EMA and its agreements.*In a Merck Group case study, Head of Biosimilars Strategy & Portfolio Management from Switzerland, Atanas Dimitrov, will review the unique characteristics of the biosimilar asset class by comparing lower risk vs original biologics, and in-licensing vs novel pharmaceuticals. Attendees will also receive strategic guidance on the organisational set-up for biosimiars.This will be followed by a keynote address from The Norwegian medicines agency, who will explore the process of switching from biosimilars to biogenerics without EU regulations. Medical Director, Dr Steinar Madsen, will discuss the uptake of biosimilars in clinical practice with a focus on switching studies and clinical trials.Further addresses looking into the future of Biosimilars in Europe include presentations from: Alan Sheppard, Principal, Global Generics and Biosimilars, IMS Helath Dr Duncan Emerton, Senior Director, Syndicated Insights & Analysis, First Word Dr Dominic Adair, Partner, Bristows LLPThe detailed agenda and full speaker line-up is available online at:Biosimilars Europe 20167th Annual Conference: 29th & 30th Sept | Interactive Workshops: 28th SeptHoliday Inn Kensington Forum, London UKProudly Sponsored by: Abzena and Schwegman Lundberg Woessner--- end ---[Source:To register for the conference, visitor contact Fateja Begum onTel: +44 (0)20 7827 6184 / Email: fbegum@smi-online.co.ukTo sponsor, speak or exhibit at the conference, contact Alia Malick on Tel: +44 (0)20 7827 6168 /Email: amalick@smi-online.co.ukAbout SMi GroupEstablished since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world's most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found atSMi Group2nd Floor South, Harling House, 47-51Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BSFor all media enquiries contact Teri Arri on Tel: +44 (0)20 7827 6162 / Email: tarri@smi-online.co.uk Virtual Microscopy Market is Expected to Exhibit a High CAGR in Coming Years http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1540 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com U.S.-based Transparency Market Research (TMR) has announced the release of a new market research report. The report, titled aDigital Pathology Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020a, delivers detailed data regarding the global digital pathology market. The report is available on TMRas website for sale.The report states that the global digital pathology market was worth close to US$229 million in 2013 and will grow to be worth US$492.8 million by 2020, expanding at a CAGR of over 11% therein.The report details the historical data regarding the digital pathology market and lists category-wise statistics.Industry Research Brochure Download:Based on technology, the digital pathology market is segmented into telepathology and virtual microscopy. Due to growing application in disease diagnosis, virtual microscopy is expected to exhibit a high CAGR in the forecast period. Nevertheless, dynamic telepathology, a subcategory of telepathology, is also expected to exhibit remarkable growth.The ability of digital pathology systems to effectively validate and identify novel drugs, to create molecular therapies, and to categorize patients for treatment procedures is boosting their demand remarkably across the world.According to the report, the rising need for cancer detection, propelled by the increasing incidence of cancer across the world, is the key factor fuelling the demand for digital pathology systems.The research study has evaluated the global pathology systems market on the basis of technology and application. Based on technology, the market was led by the virtual microscopy segment in 2013. Analysts have predicted that this segment will remain the leading segment over the forecast period due to the rising digitization of microscopic slides and the increasing usage of virtual microscopy in the diagnosis of diseases and in drug discoveries.Asia Pacific, however, is likely to rise at the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The growing awareness regarding healthcare, the rapid rise in the geriatric population, and the increasing research activities for the development of novel drugs are expected to fuel the Asia Pacific digital pathology systems market in the coming years, states the report.Some of the key international producers of digital pathology systems mentioned in this report are Digipath Inc., Leica Biosystems, GE Healthcare, Mikroscan Technologies Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Olympus Corp., Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., and Philips Healthcare.About US:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companyas exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRas experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Cotnact:USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Apheresis Market worth 2.5 Billion USD by 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/apheresis-market-950.html http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=950 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=950 The report "Apheresis Market by Application (Plasmapheresis, Plateletpheresis, Erythrocytapheresis, Leukapheresis, and Photopheresis) by Procedure (Therapeutic Apheresis, Donor Apheresis/Apheresis Blood Donation), by Technology and by Product - Global Forecast to 2020", The global apheresis market is estimated to reach USD 2.5 Billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period (2015 to 2020).Browse 139 tables and 45 figures spread through 195 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Apheresis Market"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.This market is mainly driven by the increasing severity of blood shortage and growing concerns regarding blood safety, rapid growth in aging population, increasing number of surgical procedures and emergency treatment cases in hospitals, and increasing demand for source plasma from biopharmaceutical companies, worldwide. Extending reach of therapeutic apheresis in the global market and the application of therapeutic apheresis for pediatric treatment are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the market in the coming years.However, factors such as high cost of apheresis procedures, lack of awareness about the apheresis process, and challenges in donor recruitment are restraining the growth of the apheresis market.Get PDF Brochure For This Report:In this report, the apheresis market is segmented on the basis of product, procedure, technology, application, and region. The research report discusses the key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the global apheresis market and its submarkets.On the basis of product, the market is segmented into devices and disposables. In 2014, the disposables segment accounted for the largest share 85.1% of the global market, and this segment is poised to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. Growth in this market is attributed to the increasing demand for disposables with the increasing number of therapeutic apheresis procedures, and increasing trend towards apheresis blood collections.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report:On the basis of application, the market is segmented into plasmapheresis, plateletpheresis, erythrocytapheresis, leukapheresis, LDL apheresis, and others (photopheresis, lymphapheresis, and extracorporeal immunoadsorption). The plasmapheresis segment accounted for the largest share 46.5% of the global apheresis market in 2014. The large share of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand of source plasma for transfusion from hospitals and for fractionation from biopharmaceutical companies.In this report, the global apheresis market is studied at regional and country levels. In 2014, North America commanded the largest share of the apheresis market, and this region is poised to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market in the coming years. Growth in this region is attributed to the increasing demand of blood components for transfusion from increasing surgical procedures and accidents & trauma cases, rapid development in the healthcare infrastructure, and increasing per capita income of the middle class population in the region.Major players in the global apheresis market are Haemonetics Corporation (U.S.), Fresenius Medical Care (Germany), Terumo BCT, Inc. (U.S.), Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Kawasumi Laboratories Inc. (Japan), Cerus Corporation (U.S.), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), HemaCare Corporation (U.S.), Medica S.p.A. (Italy), Kaneka Corporation (Japan), Nikkiso Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Therakos, Inc. (U.S.).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. Global Market study on Hot Melt Adhesives By 2020, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3378 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3378 Hot melt adhesive popularly known as hot glue is a thermoplastic adhesive which is commonly marketed in solid cylindrical form of varied diameters. Hot melt adhesives are designed in such a way that it can melt in electric hot glue gun. Hot melt adhesives have unique advantage of fast processing over other adhesives. Unlike water-based and solvent based adhesives hot melt adhesives do not need drying after application. Hot melt adhesives begin bonding immediately after it is applied on the object because it cools down to its solidification point immediately. Such fast solidification feature of hot melt adhesives is ideal for industrial application that requires high speed manufacturing line, bonding versatility, large gap filling, fast green strength and minimal shrinkage.View Sample Report:On the bases of nature global hot melt adhesives market can be bifurcated into ethylene acrylic acid adhesives, polyolefin adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, amorphous polyolefin, ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, styrenic block copolymer adhesives, polyamide adhesives and others. Hot melt adhesive are majorly applied by the packaging industry. Other major application of hot melt adhesives includes building and construction, paper converting, woodworking, tiles and floor adhesive product, bookbinding, clear case bonding, soap & bubble gum wrapper coating, footwear & leather goods, stock & tapes manufacturing, bottle labeling, automotive headlights and glue sticks.North America has the largest market for hot melt adhesives, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. China is the largest consumer of hot melt adhesive products owing to greater demand from manufacturing industry. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period. Europe is expected to show average growth. However, Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future. Increasing number of manufacturing units in the developing region such as India is expected to boost the Asian market.Increasing demand from high speed manufacturing companies is driving the global hot melt adhesive market. Additionally, changing trend of the packaging industry (largest end-user of hot malt adhesive) is expected to increase the global demand for hot melt adhesive products. Also, government policy by EPA (environment protection agency) in the U.S. and European country for using eco friendly product is further expected to increase the demand for hot melt adhesive products to some extent.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Some of the major companies operating in the global hot melt adhesive market are Avery Dennison Corporation, Dow Corning Corporation, Sika AG, Henkel AG, H. B. Fuller, Beardow & Adams (Adhesive) Ltd, Bostik Inc., Hexcel Corporation, Worthen Industries, Inc., Ashland Inc., American Chemical Inc. and 3M CorporationAbout 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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on PVC By 2020, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3405 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3405 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third-most widely produced polymer, after polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is one the most widely used plastics and is produced by polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride. PVC has an amorphous structure with polar chlorine atoms and has fire retardant properties and oil/chemical resistance. PVC is widely used in construction, packaging, automotive and electrical industries due to the various properties such as light weight, good mechanical strength, abrasion resistance and toughness associated with it. PVC can be bifurcated into two basic forms: rigid and flexible. The rigid form of PVC can be used in manufacturing of pipes, doors and windows and plastic bottles. The flexible form of PVC can be used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather and signage.View Sample Report:On the basis of product type, PVC market is classified as wire and cable, pipes and fittings, bottles and others. Based on the application, PVC market is divided into two segments: rigid polyvinyl chloride and flexible polyvinyl chloride. The PVC market is also segmented on the basis of their end-users: automotive, electrical, construction, packaging and others.Asia Pacific is the largest market for PVC market accounting for more than 50% of the global PVC market. Asia Pacific region is expected to show a good growth rate over a forecasted period due to high growth potential of building and construction industry. China represents the largest market for PVC in the Asia Pacific region. Europe is the second largest market for PVC, followed by North America.The market of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is expected to witness a double digit growth rate in the coming years. Some of the major drivers contributing the overall market growth of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market include high growth in the building and construction sector, high growth in the automobile industry and growing medical devices. Some of the major restraints for PVC market include increasing competition from steel and concrete pipes and prohibited use of PVC in the construction of green building.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Some of the major companies operating in the PVC market include Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Solvay S.A., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Formosa Plastics Group, Ineos Chlorvinyls Ltd, Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd., Mexichem S.A.B., KEM one and Axiall Corporation.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on Atomic Absorption Spectrometer By 2021, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8113 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8113 The global atomic absorption spectrometer market has witnessed prodigious growth over the last few years. With the increasing use of atomic absorption spectrometer in various applications such as clinical analysis, environmental analysis and many other, the global atomic absorption spectrometer market is poised to grow with an affective CAGR during the forecast period 2015-2025.View Sample Report:In atomic absorption spectrometer atomic spectroscopy technique is used that plays a very important role in various applications in determining the elemental composition of a component. The growth of global atomic absorption spectrometer market will be driven by growing consumption of atomic absorption spectrometer by several industries such as biomonitoring industry, chemical industry, food industry and many other.The atomic absorption spectrometers also find its applications in semiconductors and electronics industry. The growth in pharmaceutical and environmental testing industry primarily due to the prevalence of various diseases and environmental issues like ozone layer depletion, across the globe are expected to fuel the demand for Global atomic absorption spectrometer market during the forecast period 2015-2025.Moreover, the atomic absorption spectrometer determines the chemical elements by using the absorption of optical radiation which in turn has led to the increased use of atomic absorption spectrometer in chemical industry.The growing consumption of atomic absorption spectrometer in chemical and biotechnology industry is expected to fuel the demand for the global atomic absorption spectrometer market during the forecast period 2015-2025. The growing concern of food safety and environment preservation among the people are one of the major driving forces behind the growth of the global atomic absorption spectrometer market.Furthermore, the technological advancement in atomic absorption spectrometer is another key factor which is expected to drive the demand for atomic absorption spectrometer market to a great extent in coming 5 to 6 years.The global atomic absorption spectrometer market is broadly classified into five segments on the basis of its end usePharmaceutical IndustryMining IndustryPetrochemical IndustryAgriculture IndustryOthersPharmaceutical industry segment is anticipated to witness highest growth as compared to the other segments in global atomic absorption spectrometer market during the forecast period 2015-2025.The global atomic absorption spectrometer market is broadly classified into four segments on the basis of its applicationsEnvironmental analysisFood and beverages testingBiotechnologyOthersFood & beverages testing segment is projected to be the highest growing segment followed by biotechnology segment during the forecast period 2015-2025.Depending on geographic regions, global atomic absorption spectrometer market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In 2014 North America accounted for the largest share of the global atomic absorption spectrometer market followed by Western Europe and Asia Pacific owing to the major advancement commenced by the key players in this region.Moreover, Asia Pacific region is poised to witness highest growth during the forecast period 2015-2025 due to the growing consumption of atomic absorption spectrometer by petrochemical and agriculture industries in this region.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:The Key players operating in this region are Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), Analytik Jena AG (Germany), Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (Japan), GBC Scientific Equipment Pty Ltd. (Australia), Agilent Technologies (U.S), Rigaku Corporation (Japan), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Aurora Biomed (Canada), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.) and Bruker Corporation (U.S.).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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on Low Voltage Motor By 2021, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8122 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8122 The low voltage motors are extensively being used in several industries such as mining, food & beverages, oil & gas, automotive, packaging etc., driven by the profuse growth in industrialization and steadily rising demand for energy across the globe. These are the motors that run at voltages less than 1000 V and generate maximum power that aid to improve productivity, quality and save the energy.View Sample Report:Various motor efficiency legislations which have been enacted all over the world, are likely to drive the global low voltage motor market during the forecast period. According to these legislations, more expensive and more energy efficient motors are mandated to manufacturers.The global low voltage market is forecasted to grow with a single digit CAGR during the forecast period and is anticipated to hold a strong potential in coming 4-5 years. Most of the manufacturers are now focusing towards advanced technology and quality low voltage motors to enhance their production process which in turn had led to the increase in demand for the advanced low voltage motors.With rise in technological advancement, increasing demand for machineries across the world and advantages offered by low voltage motors due to its efficient nature, the global low voltage motor market is anticipated to show the robust growth during the forecast period. The growing consumption of low voltage motors by end user industries will continue to drive the growth in low voltage market over the forecast period.In addition, stringent motor efficiency legislation and retrofits due to aging equipment are expected to impact the global low voltage motor market in a positive way.On the basis of product type the global low voltage motor market is segmented into four typesIE1IE2IE3IE4On the basis of end use industry the global low voltage motor market is segmented into six typesAutomotiveMiningElectronicsTextileFood & BeveragesOthersDepending on geographic regions, global low voltage motor market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. As of 2014, Asia pacific dominated the global low voltage motor market owing to the growing consumption of low voltage motors by automotive and electronics industry, in this region. In addition, China is the largest country market for low voltage motor in Asia Pacific and is poised to show strong opportunities for low voltage motors in near future. After Asia Pacific North America is projected to show the vigorous growth in global low voltage motor market, especially due to the increasing demand of low voltage motors in countries like US and Canada, during the forecast period.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Some of the major players operating in global low voltage motor market are ABB, TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company, Siemens, Hyosung Power and Industrial Systems Performance Group, Anhui Wannan Electric Machine, ATB Group, Leroy Somer, LEZ Ruselprom, Luan JiangHuai, NIDEC, Regal Beloit, Shandong Huali Electric Motor Group, GE Industrial, Toshiba International, WEG, VEM Group, etc.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Market study on Vibration Sensor By 2022, PMR New Report http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/8959 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/8959 Vibration sensor can also be termed as vibration transducer that converts vibrations into an electrical equivalent output (such as voltage). Vibration means any motion of object from its mean position. It can be caused due to number of reasons such as external excitation, unbalanced centrifugal force, friction between surface and wind. Vibration has various advantages as well as disadvantages. It is used to detect any catastrophic events and to take preventive measures. However, in industrial and commercial sector this vibration is undesirable as it causes damage to machines. Furthermore, excess damage is also unsafe for human beings. Hence, to avoid this dangerous situation vibration level should be measured with the help of vibration sensor.View Sample Report:The global vibration sensor market is expected to witness significant growth over the period of forecast. Factors which are driving the growth of global vibration sensor market are wide range of frequency, self-generating capability and long service life. Furthermore, rapid improvement and customization options are few additional drivers of global vibration sensor market.On the other hand, major factor hindering the growth of global vibration sensor market is maturity of end-user segmentThe global vibration sensor market can be segmented on the basis of product type, technology, material and application. On the basis of product type, the global vibration sensor market can be segmented into accelerometers, electrodynamic velocity transducer and non-contact displacement transducer.On the basis of technology, the global vibration sensor market can be segmented into piezoresistive, strain gauge, variable capacitance, hand probe, tri-axial sensorsOn the basis of material, the global vibration sensor market can be segmented into doped silicon, quartz and piezoelectric ceramics.On the basis of application, the global vibration sensor market can be segmented into automobile, aerospace, consumer electronics, coal & quarry sector, oil & gas, machine & structure monitoring, medical & pharmaceuticals and others. The global vibration sensor market growth is accelerated because of high adoption of vibration sensors in aerospace industry. Furthermore, vibration sensors are used in wide areas such as vibration in shock treatment, breathing monitoring, measuring machine vibrations and other applications. Vibration sensors are also used in digital displays and touch screens.On the basis of region, the global vibration sensor market can be seven regions which include - North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa. North America is dominating the global vibration sensor market and expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. However, Asia Pacific is expected to expand at highest compound annual growth rate over the forecast period.Request TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:Key players in global vibration sensor market are ASC GmbH, Dytran Instruments, Inc., TE Connectivity Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc., National Instruments Corporation, Colibrys Ltd., Hansford Sensors Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH and others. Key players are focusing on development of new technologies in order to gain competitive advantage. For example, in November 2015, Hansford Sensors Ltd. launched new compact vibration switch to protect machinery against unexpected shutdown and repair cost. In July 2015, Colibrys Ltd., released its new vibration sensor, The VS1000 the second generation vibration sensor of the Colibrys VS family. The market is also witnessing a trend of customization of vibration sensor as per its size, frequency range and load capacity. Therefore market players are focusing on providing the vibration sensors as per the need of different applications.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 Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com https://www.creditagricole.rs Puchheim, Germany 1, July 2016. Credit Agricole Serbia decided to rely on the document management solution lobodms from DM Dokumenten Management GmbH for all its 80 bank branches in Serbian to centrally organise and safely and efficiently archive their documents generated from multiple software applications.lobodms extends the documents with additional properties called metadata, which makes it easy to find all informations within all the linked branches. Everything is stored and controlled by lobodms on two servers. Together with a journalizing mechanism, and mirroring of archives on the servers lobodms provides the highest possible level of safety for the information of Credit Agricole Serbia.lobodms introduced a cost-effective concept called proxy server concept to counteract against the impact of the large data structure flow in Credit Agricole Serbia. With the proxy server concept every branch has its own local server that functions as a bridge for access to all the information, if there is a delayed archiving to the headquarter.The advanced rights system of lobodms increases the security of document handling. It fine tunes who, under which circumstances, is authorised to view documents and make changes on the document and a transformation mechanism freezes a document when sent from the bank.Most of the many software applications are integrated into lobodms environment by using the powerful lobodms API to centralise the management of documents and provide unique security: Now documents are accessible from lobodms, or any other of the applications like SharePoint etc.With the loboflow workflow Credit Agricole Serbia can control complex processing very precisely. The data about each stage of the process is recorded, so lobodms guarantees consistent traceability as well as security because only authorised users can see the active status of a workflow. Yet to the end user only the information required is presented.About Credit Agricole SerbiaCredit Agricole Serbia is a bank 100% owned by the leading global financial group - Credit Agricole Group. The Bank operates through a widespread network of 80 branches in all major cities in Serbia, with the purpose of improving its network in the future.Highest quality serviceQuality certificate ISO 9001 in the area of banking services, the use of the latest information technologies, principal membership in MasterCard International, and VISA International, as well as in the national DinaCard association, are only some of the hallmarks of Credit Agricole Serbia. Over 1000 highly specialized employees ensure the best quality of banking services to the customers in Serbia.More information can be found at The Fields Park The Fields Park in the Pearl District has views of the Fremont Bridge and the Centennial Mills Building. Updated Friday, July 1, 3 p.m. Oregon Craft Beer month is upon us. And that means many, many opportunities to get together with a few hundred, or a few thousand, of your closest friends and enjoy craft beer made right here. This weekend, that "made right here" means really right here, with the Portland Craft Beer Festival. Only beers, ciders and wines made in the city limits of Portland will be on tap. But that's still 55 breweries, cideries and wineries pouring about 100 beers. Check the unofficial tap list for the latest. Portland Craft Beer Festival, hours vary, Friday-Sunday, July 1-3, The Fields Park, Northwest 11th Avenue and Overton Street. Tickets are $25; buy in advance and receive five free beverage tickets. The first 6,000 attendees will receive a souvenir mug. Next week, head up to Marina Park at the Port of Camas/Washougal for the Weird Beer on the River festival. July Fourth Fruit Fest Frenzy: Ecliptic Brewing will pour 10 fruit beers, including four barrel-aged beers that will tap right at 11 a.m. The beers will be available individually or in flights designed to let you taste all 10 beers. July Fourth Fruit Fest Frenzy, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday, July 4, at Ecliptic Brewing, 825 N. Cook St. No ticket or cover charge. 2 nd Annual Rural Brewer Festival: Yes, Oregon craft beer is brewed outside of Portland, Eugene and Bend. See for yourself, with the help of Brian Yaeger, festival organizer and beer writer. This year, 14 brewers from towns of fewer than 10,000 people will bring a variety of brews to the festival, including Belgians, IPAs and fruit beers. According to Yaeger, Siuslaw Brewery from Alsea, population 164, will bring a Grass Clippings Cream ale made from barley that's brewer-grown and malted in-house and hops they also grow themselves. From Burns comes Steens Mountain Brewing, but traveling the greatest distance is Chetco Brewing of Brookings with The Chetco Effect summer ale with Sorachi hops. nd Annual Rural Brewer Festival, 2-7 p.m., Saturday, July 23, Hawthorne Hophouse, 4111 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Tickets Annual Rural Brewer Festival, 2-7 p.m., Saturday, July 23, Hawthorne Hophouse, 4111 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Tickets are $13 in advance , $15 at the door, includes eight tokens for eight samples. Oregon Trail Brew Fest: Oregon City's First City Celebration, in its seventh year, is being joined by Oregon City's first brew festival. More than 20 breweries, including four that hail from Oregon City, will pour more than 40 beers. There will also be live music, food, vendors and family friendly activities. Among the out-of-town brewers are Boulevard from Kansas City, Mo., Nebraska Brewing from La Vista, Neb., Melvin from Alpine, Wyo., Slanted Rock Brewing from Meridian, Idaho, Laughing Dog Brewing from Sandpoint, Idaho, and Terminal Gravity Brewing from Enterprise. It's like a mini Oregon Trail of beer. Oregon Trail Brew Fest, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, July 23, downtown Oregon City. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. -- Sue Jepsen Lake Oswego library A man previously convicted of not returning books from the Lake Oswego library and several others in Clackamas County and selling some of them was allowed by the Oregon Appeals Court to not pay his court-appointed attorney fees. (The Oregonian/File) Bill Joe Davis II The Oregon Court of Appeals says a Keizer man sent to prison in 2013 for shouldn't have to pay his court-appointed attorney's fees. Bill Joe Davis II also sought to have his first- and second-degree theft convictions overturned, but the court disagreed. Davis, 45, was sentenced in Clackamas County Circuit Court to two years and two months in prison in June 2013 for stealing from the Lake Oswego, Milwaukie and West Linn public libraries, as well as the Clackamas Corner Library in Happy Valley. A Clackamas County judge ordered Davis to give the libraries more than $3,800 in restitution and pay $510 in attorney fees. The appeals court found the legal fees shouldn't have imposed because it hadn't been established in court whether Davis had the ability to come up with the money. In the Clackamas County case, police found one of the library books was sold to Powell's Books three days after it was checked out, the appeals court opinion said. The bar code and other markings identifying it as a library book had been removed. Davis told police he sold nine other books as part of a group of 500 books he arranged to sell through Craigslist, the opinion said. He claimed he sold the library books accidentally after they got mixed in with the other books he planned to sell. The appeals court also ruled that evidence from a prior theft conviction in Washington County involving Davis should have been inadmissible because it wasn't relevant in showing his intent in taking books from the Clackamas County libraries. In the Washington County case, Davis had been convicted in November 2012 for stealing books from a Friends of Tigard Library book sale. Although the evidence was admitted, it was ultimately harmless to Davis' defense, the appeals court said. That's because other evidence showed Davis had been convicted May 2013 for not returning 13 books he checked out from different library branches in Multnomah County. He sold three of those books. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey BERLIN (Reuters) - The German finance ministry said on Friday it could not rule out launching a bid to move the headquarters of the EU's European Banking Authority to Germany from London following Britain's vote last week to leave the European Union. A ministry spokeswoman denied a report in Germany's Spiegel magazine which said Germany would refrain from recommending Frankfurt as the new headquarters for the bank. "There is no talk about forgoing anything," the spokeswoman said. However, she added that it was still premature to talk about relocating the regulatory authority since Britain had not yet triggered negotiations about exiting the bloc. At the same time, she said, it was clear that all EU agencies based in London would have to move if Britain quit the EU. Germany was "an excellent site for financial institutions", she added, given its domestic banking oversight expertise and the fact that is already home to the European Central Bank. Spiegel cited finance ministry sources as saying Germany was unlikely to prevail in seeking to host the EBA since it was already home to the EU's insurance oversight agency. Spain is seen to have better chances, it quoted the sources as saying. (Reporting by Gernot Heller; writing by Andrea Shalal; editing by Mark Heinrich) The California attorney general has issued subpoenas to several oil refiners to learn how they set gasoline prices, which are consistently higher in California than in most other states. Chevron Corp., Exxon Mobil Corp., Valero Energy Corp. and Tesoro Corp. confirmed on Thursday that they have received subpoenas in recent weeks. The attorney general is making a sweeping request for information about gasoline supplies, pricing, and maintenance shutdowns that can temporarily create shortages and increase prices, according to people familiar with the investigation. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the subpoenas. The requests came from Attorney General Kamala Harris, a Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate. Kristin Ford, a spokeswoman for Harris, declined to comment on whether her office was investigating. The investigation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Gas prices in Oregon by demand and regulation in the California market, whose refineries also supply much of the fuel sold here. Chevron spokesman Braden Reddall said the company received a subpoena from the attorney general's office and would cooperate with the investigation. Valero received a subpoena "and we will respond accordingly," said spokeswoman Lillian Riojas. Spokesmen for Exxon and Tesoro also confirmed the requests for information. None of the companies would discuss the matter further. California perennially has among the nation's highest prices for gasoline. On Thursday, the average for a gallon of regular was $2.90 compared with the national average of $2.29, according to the auto club AAA. Some consumer advocates have charged that refiners drive prices higher by tactics such as frequent or overly long plant shutdowns. Refineries are routinely taken offline for maintenance, and there have been longer-lasting outages after disasters such as the explosion in February 2015 at an Exxon refinery in Torrance, California, near Los Angeles. Gordon Schremp, senior fuels specialist with the California Energy Commission, said 2015 saw an "extraordinary price spike in magnitude and duration in California," which a commission advisory committee has been investigating. "We are aware that they were doing this," Schremp said of the attorney general's investigation, "because off and on they've talked to us about what was going on with the 2015 market, important factors that can cause spikes in the markets." Industry officials blame high prices on California's stricter clean-air requirements, which they say add costs and make it more difficult to import gasoline from other states when there is a price spike. Rebecca Adler, a spokeswoman for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, called the allegations in the subpoenas baseless. "We are confident that nothing will come of this," she said. The group Consumer Watchdog has repeatedly called on Harris to investigate oil companies over California gas prices and welcomed news of the investigation. "It's great that we have a law enforcement official asking questions about both supplying the market and equitable pricing within the market," said the group's president, Jamie Court. -- The Associated Press University of Oregon campus The University of Oregon's campus in Eugene (Andrew Theen/The Oregonian) The University of Oregon and the labor union that represents more than 1,500 graduate-student teachers have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. The university and the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation have been negotiating a new contract for nine months, and on Friday announced a preliminary three-year deal. Jamie Moffitt, the UO's vice president for finance and administration, said in a statement she was thrilled the two sides found common ground. "It is an acknowledgement of a strong, collaborative relationship with the GTFF and the university's commitment to world-class graduate education," she said. According to UO, the new deal includes 3.5 percent increase on the minimum salary during the first two years of the deal, and a 3.7 percent increase in the third year. The graduate union still has to bring the contract before its members this fall for approval. Kadie Manion, the union president said the agreement is a "great contract for the graduate student employees." "We are especially proud of the new training provisions that will ensure our graduate employees have the necessary information and tools to be better and more effective teachers, researchers and contributors to the university community," she said. At UO and other schools, graduate-student teachers are increasingly leaned on to teach courses while tenured-track faculty spend time on research or publishing books. Earlier this year, Portland State's graduate workers won the right to collectively bargain. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen "The attempt of a demagogue is first made to inflame all the passions of the ignorant and needy to the highest point of exasperation," exclaimed the New York Times. "[A]nd then the mischief-maker, to protect himself, protests, with mock meekness, against the natural fruits of the seed he has just been sowing." The nation's newspaper of record isn't talking about presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump here. This report comes from January 1861, and it was a slap at New York City Mayor Fernando Wood's thoughts on secession. The idea of secession has been swirling in the ether over the past week, thanks to Great Britain's vote to leave the European Union -- a shock result that Trump has heartily endorsed. Because of "Brexit," Scotland is making noise once again about leaving the United Kingdom, and even Texas secessionists are talking about there being momentum for a "Texit" from the U.S. Then there are the 100,000-plus Londoners who, in the wake of Britain's EU vote, have signed a petition calling for London to become an independent city-state. The latter movement has brought the long-forgotten Wood's name back into the news, with activists reminding anyone who will listen that metropolitan attempts at secession are nothing new. The New York Times hit out at the Democratic mayor 155 years ago because Wood was a Southern sympathizer who had just called for Manhattan and other parts of the city to break free of the United States and ally itself with "our aggrieved brethren of the Slave States." "The miserable sophistries and puerilities of the [mayor's] Message ... are not really deserving argument," the Times concluded. But Mayor Wood, a Democrat, thought he was onto something. For years New York City had been a slave-trading center with strong ties to the South. And in the just-concluded presidential election, Republican Abraham Lincoln, who was viewed with horror by Southerners, had lost the city vote. Wood's brother, Benjamin, a Democratic congressman and the editor of the New York Daily News, backed Fernando's secession plan. The Daily News told readers that in the event of a Civil War, a white New York laborer could expect to be drafted into the army and forced to "leave his family destitute and unprotected while he goes forth to free the negro, who being free, will compete with him in labor." A month after Mayor Wood proposed that New York become a "free city," and with Southern states beginning to secede from the Union, President-Elect Lincoln visited New York City. This led the mayor to strike a conciliatory note. "If I refer to this topic, Sir, it is because New York is deeply interested," he said, addressing Lincoln during a public address. "The present political divisions have sorely afflicted her people. All her material interests are paralyzed. Her commercial greatness is endangered." Lincoln responded graciously and with humility. "As to my wisdom in conducting affairs so as to tend to the preservation of the Union, I fear too great confidence may have been placed in me," he said. "I am sure I bring a heart devoted to the work. There is nothing that could ever bring me to consent -- willingly to consent -- to the destruction of this Union, in which not only the great city of New York but the whole country acquired its greatness." New York City, needless to say, remained in the Union. Fernando Wood's flirtation with secession had little impact on his successful political career, but Lincoln's postmaster-general prohibited the distribution of his brother's newspaper through the mail, forcing the Daily News to cease publication for more than a year. (Benjamin Wood's editorials arguably played a role in the infamous New York draft riots of 1863.) The idea of secession has never fully died in the Big Apple. A little over 100 years after Mayor Wood's call for a "free city," novelist Norman Mailer ran for mayor and recommended New York City split off from the rest of the state. He wanted the city to become not its own independent entity but the U.S.'s 51st state. And this week, a New York councilman called on the borough of Staten Island to go it alone, insisting "bureaucrats from other places are making policy that doesn't always put us first." The last time Staten Island considered going it alone, in the 1990s, one wag likened it to "Gummo leaving the Marx Brothers." -- Douglas Perry Oregon is marking its first year of legal marijuana and with it some milestones: We are buying a lot of pot and the sales are generating millions in tax revenue -- but not in the eastern half of the state, where the idea remains particularly unpopular. Other cannabis trends worth noting: Oregon recorded an uptick in marijuana-impaired drivers last year and the Oregon Poison Center fielded more calls from people who felt sick after overindulging. Last July 1, Oregon became one of a handful of states where anyone 21 and older can possess pot and grow it in their backyard. The state's official recreational marijuana marketplace, complete with seed-to-sale tracking, won't open until later this year. But the Legislature gave the go-ahead for early recreational pot sales earlier this year, allowing consumers to walk into one of hundreds of existing medical marijuana dispensaries to buy pot, including marijuana-infused edibles and extracts. Some key takeaways since the landmark law took effect: Oregonians have embraced the industry, at least with their wallets. Oregon has collected $14.9 million in tax revenues from the sales of recreational marijuana since January - translating into an estimated $60 million in sales. Marijuana sales are taxed at 25 percent, though medical marijuana remains untaxed. The revenue has far outpaced state economists' expectations and that doesn't include the recently expanded sales of spendier edibles and concentrates. The tax on recreational pot eventually will be replaced with one ranging from 17 percent to 20 percent once the Oregon Liquor Control Commission begins regulating recreational marijuana sales later this year. What's next The Oregon Liquor Control Commission eventually will oversee marijuana production, processing and sales. But the agency isn't expected to open the market until October. Meanwhile consumers 21 and older can shop for pot at any one of the 362 medical marijuana dispensaries selling to the recreational market. According to the latest statistics, the liquor commission has received 1,088 applications for the six kinds of licenses the agency is charged with issuing: labs, producer, processor, wholesaler, retailer, researcher. The agency has received 734 applications for marijuana producer licenses, 123 of them in Jackson County. The Legislature set the base tax rate at 17 percent, but cities and counties can adopt ordinances that add up to 3 percent more. In Portland, home to 147 dispensaries selling recreational marijuana, the City Council in June voted unanimously to place a 3 percent pot tax on the Nov. 8 ballot. City officials said the tax could conservatively raise an estimated $3 million to $5 million a year for Portland. Leafly, a marijuana review site and guide to dispensaries, says recreational cannabis sells for an average of $13.67 a gram in Oregon, compared with $14.68 a gram in Washington. In June, dispensaries started selling marijuana-infused edibles, extracts and topical products that had until now been available only on the medical marijuana market. The new choices have been an additional boon to sales, shop owners say. Case Van Dorne and Joel Jennings -- owners of a dispensary on Portland's east side and another near the Beaverton border -- say business is brisk. Their west-side location on bustling Southwest Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway sees 400 to 800 customers on a typical Friday, and the east-side shop sees between 250 and 400. "Doctors come in in scrubs, lawyers in suits, chefs fresh out of a greasy kitchen - people are stopping by to pick up some weed and going home to watch a movie," Van Dorne said. Police are finding more drivers under the influence of marijuana. Between July 1 and Dec. 31 of last year, 50 drivers were accused of driving under the influence of marijuana, compared with 19 for the same time period the previous year, according to the latest Oregon State Police statistics. Another 93 drivers were accused of having marijuana along with other drugs in their systems at the time they were stopped, compared with 44 the previous year. Overall, the agency's data shows driving under the influence of any substance rose by 7 percent in 2015. Sgt. Bob Ray, spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, said deputies have seen a similar upward trend among drivers, especially those combining alcohol and marijuana. His agency plans eventually to train all 186 deputies in evaluating whether a motorist is under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, he said. "It's clearly much more than it was before" legalization, Ray said. "I don't know that people realize the effects, especially when you combine marijuana and alcohol, how much more impaired that makes you." Much remains unknown about the impact of legal marijuana on public health in Oregon. Public health experts have begun gathering a wide range of data on how much marijuana Oregonians are consuming and in what form now that it's legal to possess, grow and buy. The latest data, collected in 2014 before recreational sales began, shows 1 in 10 adults in Oregon use marijuana. That rate has exceeded the national average for the past decade. The state won't get a clear picture of teen marijuana consumption until 2017 when it conducts the next Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, said Julia Dilley, a senior research scientist and epidemiologist who works for Multnomah County. Among young adults in the county pot use isn't only common but, according to 2013 data, appears to be on the rise. Already, Multnomah County teens use marijuana at rates higher than teens in the rest of Oregon and the country, and they say the drug is easy to get, according to 2014 public health surveys. Using a federal grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Oregon and Washington are looking at how local regulation, including bans on pot shops, affects public health. They're looking at rates of treatment for marijuana dependence and emergency room visits, data that's not yet available. Oregon Poison Center statistics show the number of calls related to marijuana ingestion has ticked up each year since 2013, when the center received 112 marijuana-related calls. Last year, the agency handled 158. In the first three months of this year, the center received 86 calls about marijuana, which associate medical director Rob Hendrickson speculated is a "gross underestimation of total statewide harm" since most emergency doctors don't often report mild cases involving adults seeking medical treatment after consuming pot. The poison center is studying what symptoms people experience when they seek emergency room care after smoking or eating marijuana and at what doses they experience problems, said Hendrickson, a professor of emergency medicine and a medical toxicologist at Oregon Health & Science University. Dilley said even Colorado hasn't drawn solid conclusions from the public health data that it's collected since legalizing marijuana in 2012. "Oregon is in the same boat," she said. "Oregon is unique in that the regulated recreational market isn't officially open even though we have retail sales. We are in a bit of a gray period of implementation." Many communities, especially in eastern Oregon, remain opposed to recreational pot. According to the latest tally kept by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, more than 100 cities and counties throughout eastern Oregon, have opted out of allowing licensed marijuana businesses. They are allowed to ban recreational marijuana production and sales under a law passed by the Legislature in 2015. Communities where at least 55 percent opposed Oregon's legalization measure could opt out without referring an ordinance to the voters if they decided before last December. Any city or county, however, can still refer an opt-out measure to voters at the next general election in November. Marijuana activists in two communities - Grant and Klamath counties - tried to overturn local bans earlier this year with referendums that local voters rejected. One consequence of opting out: Governments that reject legal pot don't get a share of the tax revenue generated statewide by recreational marijuana sales. Hundreds of Oregonians with marijuana-related arrests and convictions are seeking to have old cases set aside. Nearly 400 people with marijuana-related arrests or convictions sought to have those crimes set aside last year, according to statistics kept by the Oregon Judicial Department. The Legislature last year made significant changes to the way the criminal justice system treats marijuana: Lawmakers reduced penalties for most marijuana-related offenses, including growing and selling cannabis, and made it easier for people to have old pot convictions set aside, meaning sealed from public view. Under the new law, when someone applies to have a previous marijuana-related conviction set aside, the court must consider how that person's crime would be classified today. While the process doesn't erase the crimes from their records, it allows people to claim on an employment application or housing form that they've never been convicted of a crime. The judicial department data shows an increasing number of people are apparently taking advantage of the set-aside provision. In 2013, for instance, 213 people applied to have arrests or convictions in marijuana cases sealed; last year, the number rose to 385. So far this year the state has received 249 applications. Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said Oregon has among the "most progressive" policies on marijuana in the country, especially when compared with places like Florida, where possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a felony. In states such as Alaska and Washington, where voters have approved marijuana reform, lawmakers have been slow to adapt, Armentano said. "Lawmakers are resistant to those changes and they have used the time period after these laws are voted on to try to amend the laws to make them more restrictive than the voters intended them to be," he said. "Oregon is going down a very different road." Even in the era of legal marijuana, some activities remain off-limits. People can't consume marijuana in public. State and local regulations have put a damper on large-scale social events in Portland that feature pot consumption, essentially outlawing them. Employers can drug-test their workers and landlords can prohibit cannabis consumption and cultivation on their property. -- Noelle Crombie ncrombie@oregonian.com 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie What's new for home viewing on video-on-demand and Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services. Pay-Per-View/Video-On-Demand In "Kung Fu Panda 3" (2016, PG), the roly-poly martial arts master Po (voiced by Jack Black) battles an evil warrior from the spirit realm with the help of his newfound family. The colorful, energetic DreamWorks Animation adventure offers likable characters and lessons in teamwork and is fine for young kids. Also on Blu-ray and DVD. Also new: the comedy "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016, R) with Tina Fey as a combat reporter in Afghanistan and the drone warfare drama "Eye in the Sky" (2015, R) with Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman in his last screen performance. Netflix Anna Friel stars in "Marcella: Season 1" as a London cop who returns to the high-pressure Murder Squad job after a 12-year break. It debuts stateside on Netflix. 8 episodes. "A Very Secret Service: Season 1" is the second French-language series for Netflix, this one a comedy of spies, civil servants, and bureaucracy in the French Secret Service of the 1960s. 12 episodes. More streaming TV: the fantasy series "The Shannara Chronicles: Season 1" from MTV and the Netflix originals "Marco Polo: Season 2" and "Between: Season 2." "Life" (2015, R) stars Robert Pattinson as a magazine photographer assigned to cover James Dean (played by Dane DeHaan) as his star rises. Spike Lee is an executive producer on the indie drama "Cronies" (2015, not rated), a buddy film set over a hot summer day in St. Louis. More new movies: the "Back to the Future" (1985, PG) trilogy, four "Lethal Weapon" (1987, R) pictures, the original "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984, R) with Eddie Murphy, "Working Girl" (1988, R) with Melanie Griffith, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953, not rated) with Marilyn Monroe, the tongue-in-cheek comic book spoof "Batman: The Movie" (1966), John Carpenter's action fantasy "Big Trouble in Little China" (1986), and the crime thriller "Insomnia" (2002, R) with Al Pacino. Amazon Prime Brie Larson won the Best Actress Oscar for "Room" (2015, R), the touching drama of a young mother who devotes herself to nurturing the spirit of her young son while held captive. What could be a horror story becomes a celebration of love and courage. Also new: Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Volume 1" (2003, R) and "Volume 2" (2004, R), Martin Scorsese's "Casino" (1995, R), Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" (1980, R), and Paul Thomas Anderson's offbeat "Punch Drunk Love" (2002, R). New episodes of the Fox summer TV series "American Gothic" are available to Amazon Prime subscribers four days after their respective network showings. Amazon Prime and Hulu Now on both services: six "Star Trek" features (including the swashbuckling "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," 1982, PG, and "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," 1991, PG), the Jack Ryan thriller "The Hunt for Red October" (1990, PG) and its two sequels, the horror classics "Rosemary's Baby" (1968, R) and "Don't Look Now" (1973, R), and the screwball con-man comedy "The Brothers Bloom" (2008, PG-13) with Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Weisz. Hulu The British TV drama "Banished," about the first English settlers in Australia, debuts stateside on Hulu. 7 episodes. More streaming TV: the BBC crime drama "DCI Banks: Season 4" and Adult Swim animated comedy "Rick and Morty: Season 2." For kids: the complete series of the animated "Gravity Falls" and live action "Dog with a Blog" and "Austin & Ally" arrive from the Disney Channel. Foreign affairs: "The Loneliest Planet" (2011, not rated) sends Hani Furstenberg and Gael Garcia Bernal backpacking in the Caucasus Mountains in Europe. From Japan comes "Like Someone in Love" (2012, not rated), directed by Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. Both are subtitled. HBO Now "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" (2015, PG-13), the second film in the young adult sci-fi franchise, releases the boys from the maze and into an even more dangerous world. The documentary "How to Let Go of the World (and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change)" (not rated) contemplates life in a post-climate change world. Also new: the science fiction thriller "Vice" (2015, R) with Bruce Willis and the rock-and-roll fantasy "Jem and the Holograms" (2015, PG), based on the 1980s animated series. The final episode of "Game of Thrones: Season 6" is available, along with the finales of "Silicon Valley: Season 3" and "VEEP: Season 5." Showtime Anytime The debut of the Showtime original series "Roadies," created by Cameron Crowe and starring Luke Wilson and Carla Gugino, is now available. Also new: "Ray Donovan: Season 4" has just begun. New episodes arrive every Sunday. New on disc "Kung Fu Panda 3," "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," "Eye in the Sky," "Cemetery of Splendor" Redbox "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," "Eye in the Sky," "Triple 9," "Race," "The Program" Sean Axmaker is a Seattle film critic and writer. His reviews of streaming movies and TV can be found at http://streamondemandathome.com. Saltzman.JPG Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees the housing bureau (Benjamin Brink/Staff/2013) Treacherous numbers float about City Hall this week: Portland would need 23,845 new affordable housing units -- studio to 3-bedroom apartments, mainly -- to meet demand in a booming city in which the average monthly rent for a new apartment very nearly hits $2,000, pushing more than half of all renters to spend more than one-third of their income on rent. That's as rent for all housing in Portland is estimated to increase a whopping 15 percent annually -- an unsustainable hike especially for those at the lower end of the income scale or on fixed incomes. Add to the numbers Portland's homelessness problem -- a vexing dilemma affecting more than 3,000 people with shelter and treatment solutions requiring tens of millions of public dollars -- and the city's efforts to create more affordable housing seem dwarfed. http://media.oregonlive.com/opinion_impact/photo/agenda-2013jpg-da8a3522a991b9c6.jpg Editorial Agenda 2016 Get Oregon centered Better leadership in education Make Portland a city that works Build Oregon prosperity Protect and expand personal freedom Get pot right _______________________________ But the City Council took deliberate steps to parse things and move ahead. On Wednesday, it unanimously passed a construction-excise tax in which developers will pay to the city 1 percent of the value of their commercial and residential projects. The tax, which goes into effect Aug. 1, is expected to annually net the city $12 million. That money will be spent to create more affordable housing -- a good thing. Yet not everyone in need is served by city-subsidized affordable housing -- apartments for which people pay low rents calculated by household size and income level. Emphasis on that last value: Affordable housing is for those who have some income, and most of the homeless do not. Still, an affordable apartment is seen widely as integral to the upward path of a homeless person who moves from the street to a shelter to a job and, then, a permanent home. To that end, the drive to create more affordable housing has the backing of nonprofits and advocates working with the homeless. Meanwhile, the Council took a far bigger step on Thursday: It voted to send to the November ballot a request that voters approve $258 million in general obligation bonds to fund the creation of more affordable housing for low-income seniors, veterans, families and people with disabilities. The housing units -- a mix of 1,300 purchased and rehabilitated apartments with newly constructed dwellings of up to three bedrooms in size -- would accommodate about 2,900 Portlanders, or, planners say, more than 50,000 needy folks over a 60-year period. To qualify, tenants would be at or below the 60 percent mark of median family income, or about $44,000 a year for a family of four, with less than half of the units, or about 600, reserved for those with very low income, or less than $22,000 for a family of four. Oregonian editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom. are Helen Jung, Erik Lukens, Steve Moss and Len Reed. To respond to this editorial: Post your comment below, submit a , or write a . If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Erik Lukens, editorial and commentary editor, at or 503-221-8142. Any way you divvy it up, however, it's just 1,300 units against a wall of need exceeding 20,000. Still, Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees the Portland Housing Bureau, told The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board that the initiative was designed to be just one among many tools to address Portland's housing crisis -- and that "it's difficult to get people to tax themselves" in a year in which voters will face many ballot choices. He's right: The estimated $75 per year required from owners of a typical Portland home would not be incidental against other taxes in a town that has many taxes for many purposes and seems to dream up more annually. But housing pressures and need are real. Rents are high. Incomes, particularly among those at the lower end of the earning spectrum, are in many instances failing to keep pace. Separately, Portland's homelessness problem, with roots reaching far beyond housing affordability, demands solutions, some of them very expensive to all taxpayers. The coming months will be critical. Saltzman and others from City Hall will promote the affordable housing bond to make their case and help voters decide. In doing so, they will need to show that 1,300 more affordable units, some built at comparatively high per-unit construction cost, will make a difference while serving a broader, articulated strategy designed to drive down need. Grasty2.JPG Harney County Judge Steve Grasty, during an interview in January with The Oregonian/OregonLive. (Dave Killen/Staff) Harney County residents showed their resilience and even judgment in soundly rejecting a recall attempt aimed at Steve Grasty, the county's judge since 1999. Earlier this year, Grasty showed cool-headed behavior and promoted civic restraint during the illegal armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by Ammon Bundy and cronies. Grasty had disallowed the use of a building on the county's fairgrounds by Bundy for a meeting at which militia would likely be in tow -- a rational choice. But the recall petition claimed Grasty had violated citizens' right to assembly and freedom of speech. Oh. It's as if Bundy's rights were abridged when he seized federal property, stealing it from the taxpayers who own it, and piously claimed the government was the bad guy. Grasty functions more as an elected county commissioner in rural Harney County than courtroom judge. And he characteristically downplayed Bundy's trouncing by voters. "I have to believe this wasn't just about Steve Grasty. I think it's an affirmation that we did a lot of things right, and I mean the community when I say 'we,'" he told Les Zaitz of The Oregonian/OregonLive. Oregon will in time lose its Bundy hangover. It takes repudiations such as voters' rejection of the recall, along with level-headed leaders such as Grasty, to make that happen. -The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board Turkey president.JPG Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Turkey on Monday. Erdogan has apologized to Russia, expressing his 'sympathy and deep condolences' to the family of the killed pilot for the downing of a Russian military jet at the Syrian border. (AP Photo) By Keith Johnson Turkey's push to make nice with Russia, as it did this week with Israel, is part of Ankara's drive to shore up as many friendships as it can throughout a region roiled by the Syrian civil war and the rise of Shiite Iran. And, like Turkey's reconciliation with Israel, better ties with Russia could jump-start stalled energy projects in Turkey, from a huge natural gas pipeline to a $20 billion nuclear power plant. The deadly suicide bombings Tuesday at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, which experts blame on the Islamic State, and which left 44 dead and hundreds hospitalized, have underscored Turkey's need to rebuild frayed friendships to bolster its domestic security. "The Istanbul attack, I think, increases the urgency of normalization for Turkey," said Soner Cagaptay, the director of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Relations between Turkey and Russia -- which just two years ago were on track to morph into a "strategic partnership," fueled by multibillion-dollar energy deals -- went into deep freeze last November, when a pair of Turkish jets shot down a Russian plane that violated Turkish airspace near Syria. Since then, Russian restrictions on trade and travel have hammered the Turkish economy, the energy projects have been iced, and the Turkish military has been effectively locked out of northern Syria, where the Islamic State still has a stronghold. This week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered a written apology to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the jet incident, and two days later, Russia responded by rescinding its travel ban. That puts the two countries on a path to normalize relations, much as Turkey did this week after a six-year spat with Israel over the latter's attack of relief flotilla headed for Gaza. Erdogan described the olive branches to both Israel and Russia as a "win-win" for all countries. The driving force behind Ankara's diplomatic push is the disintegrating security situation in the eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East and the need to assemble a stable of like-minded countries that could act as de facto partners in the fight against the militants operating throughout the region. The Syrian civil war, more than 5 years old, has created a safe haven for a terrorist group that has repeatedly struck at soft targets in Turkey, as well as in other cities in Europe. The war has also flooded Turkey and other countries in Europe and the Middle East with hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians. At the same time, Iran has thrown off years of economic sanctions and international isolation -- thanks in large part to a nuclear deal inked with the Obama administration --and is making a bid to restore its regional leadership by pushing back against Saudi Arabia, the standard-bearer of Sunni Islam. Tehran has actively backed Bashar al-Assad's regime in the Syrian war and is supporting groups in Yemen fighting against the Saudis. At the same time, Iran is working overtime to restore its oil industry to the days of glory, boosting production and exports in an open challenge to the Saudis for leadership of OPEC. "Turkey's main driver of the reconciliation is the need to contain the expansion of Iran's hegemony in the Middle East," said Michael Tanchum, an expert on energy and geopolitics in the region. "The reconciliation with Russia is one component of a larger Turkish strategy that includes restored cooperation with Israel and deepening strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar," he added. But Turkey's also got some domestic reasons to bury the hatchet with Moscow. Erdogan, with aspirations to be a strong national leader, has struggled to crack 50 percent in any national vote; burnishing his strongman credentials requires defeating both domestic and international terrorist groups that have sown havoc in Turkey in recent years, namely the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) and Kurdish militants known as the PKK. Ankara's decades-old Kurdish problem has only gotten worse due to the Syrian civil war and the seven-month spat with Russia. Moscow is arming some Kurdish militant groups fighting in Syria, and many in Turkey feel the PKK, which had Marxist origins, could end up a Russian proxy, which would make it much harder to stamp out at home. "Turkey wanted to delink the Kurds and Russia, and to do that, they needed to make up with Russia," Cagaptay said. And now, the Islamic State has become a much bigger priority for Turkey, after years of halfhearted efforts to combat the group. The terrorists have launched more than a dozen attacks in Turkey, most recently the triple suicide bombing this week at Istanbul's main airport, which Turkish officials said was carried out by men from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Islamic State has thousands of recruits from Russia and former Soviet states, and terrorism experts note the so-called "Uzbek battalion" is one of the group's toughest. The problem is that since last November, after the shooting down of the Russian jet, Turkey has been all but blocked from carrying out military operations in northern Syria, making it harder for Ankara to tackle the Islamic State at its source. "If Erdogan now wants to go after ISIS infrastructure in Syria, he needs Russia's blessing, so this makes Turkish-Russian reconciliation even more necessary," Cagaptay said. The question is whether warmer ties between Ankara and Moscow will be enough to resuscitate the huge energy deals that were the linchpin of the strategic partnership the two announced in late 2014. That included a big natural gas export pipeline, dubbed "Turkish Stream," from Russia across the Black Sea to Turkey. The two are also working on a $20 billion Russian-built nuclear power plant, Turkey's first, that could help meet the rising demand for electricity. "Russia needs to finish constructing the Akkuyu power plant as a showcase to preserve its global market share in civilian nuclear technology from advancing Chinese competition," Tanchum said. Russia's state-owned nuclear power firm, Rosatom, has landed scores of deals all over the world, from Hungary to Jordan to Vietnam, but has struggled to actually build the expensive power plants. Meanwhile, China is building more nuclear reactors at home than any other country and is eagerly eyeing the export market. The future of Russian-Turkish gas cooperation is a little trickier. Turkish Stream seemed destined to feed only the Turkish market, rather than serving -- as Moscow once hoped -- as an export conduit to the wider European market. But Turkey has also tried to reduce its heavy reliance on Russian energy, especially natural gas. That's one reason the rapprochement this week with Israel raised hopes around the region: Israel is looking for buyers for the gas from its big offshore gas fields, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed the role Israeli energy exports can play in cementing regional peace, especially with Turkey. "I think Turkey has learned a lesson about over-reliance on Russian energy," Cagaptay said. (c) 2016, Foreign Policy By Dana Milbank WASHINGTON -- Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's campaign manager, had a message to deliver. "Hillary Clinton is the epitome of the establishment; she's been in power for 25 years," he informed Chuck Todd on NBC's "Meet the Press" last Sunday. When Trump, Manafort added, "says he's going to bring real change to the country, voters believe him -- unlike Mrs. Clinton, who has been saying that for 25 years and in those 25 years, the only changes that have happened have made people's lives worse." But then, at the tail end of the interview, Manafort slipped when discussing evangelicals' support for Trump. "In my 40 years in politics, I have never seen such a broad-based base of support within that community for one candidate." Forty years in politics? But it's Clinton's 25 years that make her the "establishment"? If that weren't enough, Manafort was giving the interview from the Hamptons -- playground of the Eastern elite. This is the hypocrisy at the heart of the Trump campaign, now under Manafort's undisputed control. Manafort's inspiration, which Trump has embraced, is to portray Clinton as the embodiment of the establishment. But Manafort (not unlike Trump) has been the voice of the wealthy and the well-connected for four decades, building a fortune by making common cause with the world's most avaricious. Among Manafort's boasts: representing kleptocrats Ferdinand Marcos, Mobutu Sese Seko and Kenya's Daniel arap Moi, defending Saudi Arabia's interests against Israel's and Pakistan's against India's, and making the case for a Nigerian dictator, a Lebanese arms dealer and various and sundry Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs. He successfully lobbied to arm a Maoist rebel in Angola, needlessly extending fighting that killed thousands. It's Manafort's right to represent dictators and thugs and regimes that torture. He has, for decades, helped autocrats who battle human rights and democracy. But now this man is setting up a general-election campaign that portrays Trump as a man of the people and Clinton as the captive of special interests. Manafort has been widely credited with last week's speech by Trump laying out his general-election theme: that Clinton is the defender of the big-money interests and the "rigged" economy. "Hillary Clinton has perfected the politics of personal profit and even theft. She ran the State Department like her own personal hedge fund, doing favors for oppressive regimes," Trump argued. "Hillary Clinton wants to bring in people who believe women should be enslaved and gays put to death. ... Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency of the United States." And the man who led Trump to deliver such accusations? Here's what my Washington Post colleagues Steven Mufson and Tom Hamburger reported in April: "In one case, Manafort tried unsuccessfully to build a luxury high-rise in Manhattan with money from a billionaire backer of a Ukrainian president whom he had advised. "In another deal, real estate records show that Manafort took out and later repaid a $250,000 loan from a Middle Eastern arms dealer at the center of a French inquiry into whether kickbacks were paid ... ." "And in another business venture, a Russian aluminum magnate has accused Manafort in a Cayman Islands court of taking nearly $19 million intended for investments, then failing to account for the funds ... ." Manafort has been a paragon of the Washington Republican establishment for two generations, working on Gerald Ford's re-election in 1976 before helping Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole. He started two lobbying firms, and he has used his contacts in attempts to enrich himself. His lobbying firm recruited veterans of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, then lobbied for $43 million in subsidies for a housing project, while holding an option to buy a stake in the project. Manafort is steeped in the racial politics Trump has exploited. As Franklin Foer writes for Slate, Manafort ran Reagan's Southern operation in 1980; the candidate kicked off his general-election campaign outside Philadelphia, Mississippi, scene of the murder of civil rights activists in 1964. Manafort later became a business partner of Lee Atwater, who gained fame for Bush's Willie Horton campaign in 1988. Introduced to Trump by Roy Cohn, lawyer to Joe McCarthy, Manafort helped Trump fight Indian casinos by alleging that the Native Americans had a crime problem; Trump and his associates paid a $250,000 fine after secretly funding advertisements besmirching the Indians. Now Trump is engaged in a general-election campaign to portray Clinton as the candidate of the establishment. Fair enough. But the man leading this effort spent a much longer career benefiting the wealthy and powerful, including Trump, at the expense of the poor and weak. That's rich. Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, Milbank. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group Ammon Bundy's lawyers are asking for a delay in his scheduled Sept. 7 trial and his release in the meantime, citing a need for more time to prepare his defense. His new lawyers filed the motion four minutes before midnight Thursday, arguing that a number of pretrial motions haven't been resolved and Bundy's detention "has rendered it virtually impossible for him to participate meaningfully in his defense.'' Bundy retained new Utah-based lawyers in late May. They said Bundy made the decision two hours before the court's Thursday deadline for seeking to continue the trial date. "It was not until approximately 10:30 p.m. Pacific Time, after much consultation with his legal counsel, that he agreed to file this motion, judging that his larger interest in a fair trial, must at this point request a continuance of the trial date,'' his lawyers Marcus Mumford and J. Morgan Philpot wrote. They asked that the court allow Bundy another two months to argue for his release pending trial and to help prepare his defense to challenge the federal charges before asking for a new trial date. Bundy, 40, is one of 26 defendants indicted on charges of conspiring to impede federal workers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge through "intimidation, threats or force.'' He's also charged with possessing firearms at a federal property. The leader of the refuge occupation has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has argued that he and supporters took over the refuge in January to protest federal land ownership. Ammon Bundy's personal bodyguard, Brian Cavalier, this week pleaded guilty to both charges in a negotiated plea deal with the government, joining five others who have accepted plea agreements. Bundy's last-minute decision prompted other co-defendants, including his brother Ryan Bundy, to file immediate motions on Friday, past the court-imposed deadline, seeking delays in their trials as well. "My plan has always been to have a joint trial with my brother Ammon because we have a joint defense agreement and strategy,'' Ryan Bundy wrote. He said he wasn't aware of his brother's decision until his stand-by attorney informed him at 7 a.m. Thursday. Others also requesting Friday that the deadline be extended to seek a delayed trial were defendants Shawna Cox and Neil Wampler. They noted in their motions that the government wasn't opposed to the deadline being extended until next week to seek a continuance. Cox's attorney Tiffany Harris called Ammon Bundy's decision "unanticipated.'' Wampler's defense lawyer Lisa Maxfield called Bundy's requested delay "unexpected.'' While Wampler "appreciated how difficult it would be for counsel to be prepared for such an early trial, my client believed his strategic interests weighed in favor of going to trial at the same time as Defendant Ammon Bundy,'' Maxfield wrote in a motion Thursday. Ammon Bundy's attorneys argue that the court's recent ruling -- dismissing one count in the indictment, possession of a firearm in the course of a crime of violence, after finding that the alleged underlying conspiracy didn't rise to a crime of violence -- has meant authorities have unfairly kept Bundy in jail for five months. "Defendant requires additional time to resolve the unfairness presented by the government's actions before he should be forced to stand trial,'' the lawyers wrote. "The effect of the court's ruling is that it was error to have detained defendant from the outset of this case, and defendant should have been out on release able to review discovery, confer with his lawyers unimpeded, and assist in assembling the resources for his defense, '' his lawyers wrote. Ammon Bundy, who from the outset had sought a speedy trial, isn't the only defendant to ask for the September trial date to be continued. Co-defendants Jon Ritzheimer, Jason Patrick, Duane Ehmer, Sean Anderson, Sandra Anderson, Jake Ryan, Dylan Anderson, Travis Cox and Darryl Thorn sought trial delays by the Thursday deadline. U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown, who has already issued summonses for more than a thousand potential jurors to be on hand for jury selection on Sept. 7, said in an order issued by the end of the day Friday that Ammon Bundy's lawyers failed to consult with prosecutors before filing their motion to continue their client's trial date. She gave them until 3 p.m. on Tuesday to do so and ordered them to file a renewed motion. The next status hearing in the case is set for Wednesday. Bundy also faces federal prosecution in Nevada stemming from the 2014 standoff with federal officers outside his father Cliven Bundy's ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian u.s. federal courthouse.JPG Bruce A. Endicott, a former employee of the Oregon Department of Justice and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office, admitted to a U.S. District Court judge that he stole $55,000 in federal veteran's and welfare benefits. (The Oregonian/OregonLive (The Oregonian/file) A former employee of the Oregon Department of Justice and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office admitted to stealing more than $55,000 in federal veterans and welfare benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Oregon. Bruce A. Endicott, 34, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland to theft of government funds. According to court records, Endicott began receiving service-related disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2005. In 2012, he told the agency that service-related disabilities prevented him from finding work. A year later, he submitted a statement to the VA indicating he had not worked in 12 months. As a result, he was awarded additional benefits -- approximately $2,700 a month in 2012 and 2013 -- and told to notify the agency as soon as his employment status changed, documents show. In reality, Endicott was working for the Oregon Department of Justice under a different Social Security number than the one disclosed to the VA, according to Gerri Badden, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office. Using that second Social Security number, Endicott applied for welfare benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services. He claimed he had no income and failed to disclose the monthly VA payout, and received food stamps and other welfare benefits. Endicott left the Oregon Department of Justice in December 2013 for a position with the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office. He did not notify the VA he was working. Endicott told U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones that he collected benefits from June 2012 to October 2015, receiving approximately $47,947 in disability benefits from Veteran's Affairs, $5,996 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food stamps and $2,770 in Temporary Assistance to Needy Family benefits. Endicott's sentence will be determined at a hearing Oct. 5. The government is seeking a 30-day sentence, restitution for the federal benefits and three years of supervised release. -- Samantha Matsumoto smatsumoto@oregonian.com 503-294-4001 Donald Trump, presumptive presidential nominee for the Republican Party, tweeted Friday that if he's elected President of the United States, crimes like the shooting of four people in Marion County on Monday would no longer happen. These crimes won't be happening if I'm elected POTUS. Killer should have never been here. #AmericaFirst https://t.co/XDGKaj0ico Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2016 Bonifacio Oseguera-Gonzalez acknowledged to authorities that he shot and killed three people on Monday at a blueberry farm outside of Woodburn, leaving a fourth person wounded and in critical condition. However, when he was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Marion County Circuit Court his court-appointed lawyer Christopher Clayhold, says he pleaded not guilty. Oseguera-Gonzalez has been repatriated to Mexico six times since 2003, Virginia Kice, an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman, said in a statement. He was given -- and exercised -- an option to voluntarily return to Mexico in 2003, Kice said in an interview. But he was formally deported five more times, most recently in 2013. Oseguera-Gonzalez has never been convicted of a felony in the U.S., Kice said. Trump has proposed some very controversial immigration reforms, including barring Muslims from entering the country and promising to build a wall between Mexico and the United States if he's elected President, saying Mexico will pay the cost of the wall. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox, and others, have vocally opposed this plan. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker Jim Ryan of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report. Are some of the hundreds of people paid to influence Oregon's government failing to report their work, all because of a state law that's vague about when lobbyists must register? The Oregon Government Ethics Commission thinks so. It's asking Gov. Kate Brown to back legislation in 2017 that would require anyone whose job involves lobbying -- even if it's just for a few hours a year -- to sign up with the state. The commission needs Brown's support, because the governor decides which agency bill proposals get sent to the Legislature. The proposal would apply to private and public employees whose job duties include lobbying, such as a legislative staffer at a special interest group or an administrator at a state agency. It's shaped by fallout from the ethics commission's investigation two years ago into complaints that consultant Patricia McCaig violated state law by failing to register as a lobbyist for the Columbia River Crossing project. "Essentially, other than compensated contract-lobbyists, virtually all other lobbyists who register... currently do so voluntarily," commission staff wrote in a document obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. "This problem appears to undermine the Legislature's intent to require persons who are hired to lobby to register." Brown, who's sought to cast herself as an ethics reformer after taking office from Gov. John Kitzhaber last year, has not yet decided whether to back the bill. But her spokeswoman said the governor "is likely" to say yes. "Governor Brown generally likes policy that requires greater transparency from lobbyists, and is likely to support the Government Ethics Commission's proposal," Brown's communications director, Kristen Grainger, wrote in an email, "but has not approved it yet for introduction." The governor's office has until Dec. 9 to review proposed legislation from state agencies and file bills for the 2017 session. The ethics commission cited McCaig, the political operative and advisor to Kitzhaber, as an example of the gray area that surrounds reporting rules for certain types of lobbying. Oregon law requires contract lobbyists, who typically represent multiple clients but are not actually employees of those entities, to register and disclose their clients. But others who influence government -- including people whose jobs require them to lobby, such as employees of interest groups and government agencies -- do not have to register so long as they spend less than 24 hours or $100 on lobbying per quarter. In 2013 and 2014, the ethics commission investigated whether McCaig violated state law by failing to register as a lobbyist despite her work with lawmakers and other state officials on behalf of the Columbia River Crossing project. But the commission was ultimately unable to pin down whether McCaig spent enough time lobbying to trigger the registration requirement. Liani Reeves, a lawyer for the Kitzhaber administration, described McCaig's job to the ethics commission as "the government relations and strategic communications manager" for the Interstate 5 project "for over five years." Though "government relations" is often synonymous with lobbying, McCaig argued that her job duties did not include lobbying. "I did provide factual information to legislators and their staff as requested," McCaig wrote to the ethics commission. An investigator at the ethics commission, however, said McCaig's contract called for her to "serve as lead and primary contact for all Oregon legislative activity," according to the commission's preliminary investigation report. But in the commission's final report, it wrote that "to the extent that any portion of Ms. McCaig's activities did meet the definition of 'lobbying' there is an insufficient basis within the records reviewed to demonstrate that Ms. McCaig spent more than 24 hours 'lobbying' within any calendar quarter relevant to this investigation." The commission has found other recent examples of people who avoided registering as lobbyists, even though lobbying was among their job duties. In April 2015, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon asked the ethics commission to retroactively register legislative director Kimberly McCullough as a lobbyist for the first quarter of the year, according to a preliminary review report obtained by The Oregonian/Oregonlive. David Fidanque, the group's then-executive director, told the ethics commission McCullough had met the threshold to register and that he recalled mailing registration paperwork to the commission. Later, the commission considered launching an investigation that could result in penalties ranging from a letter of education to a fine. McCullough told the ethics commission that after she reviewed her calendar, it appeared she hadn't spent enough time lobbying to trigger the registration requirement after all. Ron Bersin, executive director of the ethics commission, said some people might generally agree they should register as lobbyists. "But once the commission says you should have registered and there's a fine for not registering, then there's that argument that they don't have to register if they haven't spent 24 hours or $100." The proposal could also require some public employees to register. Mark Long, administrator of the Building Codes Division within Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services, played a central role in pushing two 2015 bills with the potential to expand the work and authority of the Building Codes Division. Long, who previously served as director of the Oregon Department of Energy, was not registered as a lobbyist at the time, according to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. Erin Doyle, a registered lobbyist for the League of Oregon Cities, attended at least one 2015 meeting with lawmakers, other registered lobbyists and Long on a bill to expand and make permanent a state electronic permitting system. "I know that he was in talking with folks, talking about this as part of his work at the building codes division," Doyle said, referring to a meeting that included Sen. Richard Devlin, D-Tualatin, and Rep. Jessica Vega Pederson, D-Portland. "We were working on a legislative outcome." Long also worked with Brown's office after the 2015 session to resolve a disagreement over whether to transfer responsibility for fire and safety inspections of healthcare facilities to the Department of Consumer and Business Services. A 2015 bill that would have done that had been pared back. Long said in an interview that he participated in a work group on healthcare facility inspections -- which included registered lobbyists for other interests involved -- in a "staff technical" role, "so I don't believe that qualifies under today's rules in lobbying." As for the 2015 bill on electronic permitting, Long said he did not spend enough time lobbying to trigger the state's reporting requirement. "I know the hours never added up to 24 hours in a quarter," Long said. "If they change the rules, then we'll follow," Long said. "I'm kind of agnostic about it one way or another. I don't see it as a big issue." -- Hillary Borrud 503-294-4034; @hborrud Portlanders since 2010 have been subjected to an arts tax, a parks tax, a fire tax, a children-services tax, a telephone tax, a gas tax, a construction tax and - come November - city voters will be asked to approve a pot tax and a tax to pay for affordable housing. "I'm a tax-and-spend liberal," Commissioner Steve Novick said Thursday, "and I'm tired of voting for tax increases." "But," he continued, "we have a crisis in terms of affordability. And this is a tool that's available to address it." And with that, the Portland City Council voted unanimously Thursday to place a $258.4 million bond measure on the Nov. 8 ballot. If approved by voters, the city has pledged to build or acquire 1,300 rental units for low-income Portlanders, at a cost of nearly $200,000 per unit, in what would be the city's single-largest effort to create affordable housing. City officials spent about two hours offering words of support as packs of proponents testified in favor of the property tax. The 20-year bond measure would raise taxes by about 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or the equivalent of about $75 a year for a home assessed at $178,320. "It'll take all of us, working together, to make a real dent in solving this crisis," said Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who oversees the Housing Bureau and is championing the tax hike. There were few words of opposition Thursday. They came from Northeast Portland resident Terry Parker, who said the tax was a "Robin Hood scheme" that would increase the cost of housing citywide to help the poor. "The city's appetite for money has grown out of proportion," he warned. But supporters likened the tax to a moral imperative. It would pay for 950 newly built units and acquisition of 350 units. "This bond is a symbol of us standing up collectively and working to save our city," said Israel Bayer, executive director of Street Roots. If approved, city officials say they'll build or acquire 600 units for the city's poorest residents who earn up to 30 percent of the region's median, or $22,000 for a family of four. Kurt Creager, director of the Housing Bureau, said in an interview that the "majority of those, if not all 600" would be newly built. At the same time, officials plan to build or acquire 700 units for residents who earn up to 60 percent of the region's median, or $43,980 for a family of four. "We have not overpromised," Commissioner Nick Fish said, "but we're poised to over-deliver." Proponents are optimistic that voters will support the tax, pointing to housing and homelessness as the top concern citywide. "Now let's go pass this thing," Mayor Charlie Hales said as he cast the City Council's final vote, drawing cheers from supporters. -- Brad Schmidt 503-294-7628 @cityhallwatch Tricycles and hand-cranked bicycles won't be available when Portland's bicycle-share program launches July 19. But city leaders said Thursday they are launching a pilot program to add those adaptive bikes next year. None of the early prototypes or photographs for Portland's $1.4 million-a-year program had included adaptive bikes. That was until City Council candidate Chloe Eudaly called on the city's bureau of transportation this month to add them. Eudaly, a longtime disability advocate whose son has cerebral palsy, is running against Steve Novick, the incumbent commissioner who oversees the city's transportation bureau. Nationwide, a handful of cities include adaptive cycles in their bike-share programs. Biketown project manager Steve Hoyt-McBeth said Portland workers considered adding them but didn't see an option that fit. "The public conversation about the issue triggered us to look harder at it," Hoyt-McBeth said. Novick "wanted to see action," Hoyt-McBeth said. "He asked us to provide him some options." Hoyt-McBeth and other transportation workers spent June researching. They went to two events, Adaptive Bicycle Clinic and Wheel Connect, to talk to potential adaptive bike users. They talked with the owners at Different Spokes, a Portland shop that specializes in adaptive bikes. Officially, the adaptive bikes will be part of the Nike-sponsored Biketown program. When the system launches, users can rent bikes, either by the half hour or for the day, at one of 100 stations across the city. But after talking with a dozen people who use wheelchairs, city leaders decided to manage the adaptive bikes separately. People with disabilities told city leaders they want to be able to stash their wheelchairs when renting adaptive bikes, Hoyt-McBeth said. Some said they would need help transferring from a wheelchair to a bicycle. They also prefer to use the bikes on non-motorized pathways such as the Springwater Corridor Trail and the Eastbank Esplanade. City workers still need to reach out to people with other types of disabilities, Hoyt-McBeth said, before deciding how the new program will work. Right now, city workers anticipate partnering with downtown bike shops to rent out the bikes. That would give users a place to store their wheelchairs. Bike rental workers could help them onto the bikes. City leaders don't have a projected budget for the adaptive bike program, but tricycles and hand bikes will cost about $1,500, roughly the same as other Biketown cycles. They anticipate launching the pilot with six adaptive bikes. -- Casey Parks 503-221-8271 cparks@oregonian.com; @caseyparks 403 Forbidden 403 Forbidden Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied RequestId: B7E5075D16F75487 HostId: EHophc4Anr0igTi3aBuqEu4eqa43V8M7GaPyjXiYEfnA4DvKNPA0HZ7WUagXHhgNvszVYx3yYHU= An Error Occurred While Attempting to Retrieve a Custom Error Document Code: AccessDenied Message: Access Denied A man died after a house fire in North Portland Friday morning, a Fire Bureau spokesman said. Portland Fire & Rescue crews responded at 6:41 a.m. to the 6800 block of North Princeton Street, said spokesman Dan Watson. "The victim was found near the front door and suffered smoke inhalation injuries," Watson said. Ambulance crews rushed him to a hospital, where he later died, Watson said. Tom Lindberg, owner of the rental property who lives nearby, identified his tenant as Scott Frank, who is in his 70s with family in Maryland. Frank had lived in the house for nearly 15 years, Lindberg said. Lindberg said he saw his neighbor pulled from the house by emergency crews. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The house was cluttered and made it difficult to fight and extinguish, Watson said. Toxic fumes from burning items could have contributed to the smoke inhaled by the man who died, he said. This post will be updated as news develops. -- Tony Hernandez thernandez@oregonian.com 503-294-5928 @tonyhreports Mike Zacchino of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this post. UPDATE 12:43 P.M. Man who prompted search that closed downtown bridges now suspected of kidnapping, shooting woman, police say UPDATE 9:20 a.m The Hawthorne Bridge has reopened. UPDATE: 8:30 a.m. Downtown streets, two bridges and portions of Waterfront Park, including the Blues Festival area, were closed Friday morning as police searched for a suspect from a Southeast Portland shooting. The man remains at large after a hit-and-run crash just after 4 a.m. near Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Morrison Street, and police thought he crossed the Hawthorne Bridge into the downtown area. That turned out to be untrue, said Sgt. Pete Simpson, spokesman. Streets were being reopened, he said around 7:30 a.m. "We believe now that the suspect has left the area considering all the police resources were on the other side of the river," Simpson said. "Detectives are working backwards now to try to figure out who this person is." The shooting occurred in the area of Southeast 41st Avenue at Woodward Street where a female suffered a gunshot wound sometime before the crash, Simpson said. She's expected to survive, he said. Later, a man crashed his car at the east end of the Hawthorne, got out and then shot a gun at the vehicle, Simpson said. Witnesses then reported seeing the man run toward the bridge and the river. That caused police, including the Special Emergency Reaction Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team, to close Southwest Clay Street to Stark Street and from Southwest Second Avenue to the Willamette River. They also closed the Hawthorne and Morrison bridges. After reviewing the Hawthorne Bridge surveillance video, Simpson said investigators learned no one fitting the description of the suspect crossed the bridge. "The suspect is described as an African American male, shaved head, 'nice clothes' and armed with a handgun," Simpson said. The clothes were tan colored, he said. Anyone with information should contact police by calling 911. Police will release a phone number for detectives later today, Simpson said. "The behavior that has been described to us -- where he crashes his car, shoots his own car and then runs away -- is certainly not something we generally see," Simpson said. "So we're obviously concerned about where his mental state is at or whether he's under the influence. We just don't know enough yet." This post will be updated as news develops. -- Tony Hernandez thernandez@oregonian.com 503-294-5928 @tonyhreports This post was updated to include new information from police about the suspect and the incident. apple_prineville_appleimage.jpg Apple is halfway through construction of its second Prineville data center and could start this month on a third. (Apple photo) Apple has submitted plans for a third, massive data center in Prineville, accelerating the company's expansion in Central Oregon. The company already operates one, 338,000-square-foot data center above downtown and is halfway through construction of a second, matching facility. Newly submitted plans call for a third of the same size. Each is nearly twice the size of the average Costco. "My guess is they're planning on starting soon, sometime in July, maybe," said Phil Stenbeck, Prineville's planning director. He said Apple also plans a 68,000-square-foot warehouse and logistics center. The Bulletin newspaper first reported Apple's expansion plans. Apple, which treasures its secrecy, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Apple and other large tech companies are drawn to Oregon by a favorable tax climate: The state has no sales tax, and many counties and smaller cities offer property tax exemptions on the thousands of high-end computers that run data centers. The savings can be worth several million dollars a year. While data centers are not major employers - Apple has 130 workers and contractors in Prineville - they can have a big impact in a small community like Prineville, population 9,200. Hundreds of construction workers build each new data center and the franchise fees generated by their electricity use can contribute substantially to city revenue. Apple and Facebook - which has two big data centers in Prineville and is well along in construction of a third - generated franchise fees of $1.4 million through the first nine months of Prineville's last fiscal year, according to the city. Prineville's general fund budget was $6.4 million last year. Apple announced last month that it will pay for a new waste treatment center in Prineville so it can cool its data centers with wastewater. The company says it buys wind energy to power its Prineville operations. -- Mike Rogoway mrogoway@oregonian.com 503-294-7699 @rogoway bmw_ap.JPG BMW already makes a line of electric vehicles. Now, it's working with Intel to develop self-driving cars. (AP photo) Intel, fervently seeking new markets for its computer chips, confirmed Friday that it will work with BMW and an Israeli company called Mobileye to develop technology for self-driving cars. Google has been the public face of the tech industry's push to take the driver out from behind the wheel, testing small, self-driving cars on California streets and highways. Many other companies, including Apple, appear to have their own initiatives under way. Tesla offers an "Autopilot" feature that keeps cars in a highway lane while in cruise control, but the technology is under scrutiny after a May wreck killed an Ohio man while he was driving his Tesla in Autopilot mode. Advocates hope self-driving vehicles - what the industry calls "autonomous driving" - would actually be safer than cars driven by people because they take human error and impairment out of the equation. Intel has been working for years to develop automotive technology, working with Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and others, but thus far that market represents a tiny fraction of Intel's business. Intel said Friday it hopes its latest initiative will put self-driving cars on streets by 2021. "The future of highly autonomous driving is promising, but there are significant challenges to solve worldwide," Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich said in a written statement. "For example, how can you teach an autonomous car to react to unpredictable human drivers who might be drunk, texting or speeding?" Intel said it hopes its computing power will provide cars with the intelligence to overcome those barriers. With BMW and Mobileye - which makes cameras and software for self-driving cars - Intel said it hopes to create standards for the emerging market. Bloomberg reported the pact earlier this week. The PC industry accounts for roughly 60 percent of Intel's revenue, but the chipmaker acknowledged last spring that market is in long-term decline. So Intel is reorganizing to develop other technologies, like self-driving cars, in hopes of creating new markets for its chips. -- Mike Rogoway mrogoway@oregonian.com 503-294-7699 @rogoway Rodrigo Duterte Rodrigo Duterte takes the presidential oath Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines. Many Filipinos are hoping his maverick style will energize the country while others fear he could undercut one of Asia's liveliest democracies amid his threats to kill criminals en masse. (Radio Television Malacanang via AP Video) (The Associated Press) MANILA, Philippines -- The bodies of dozens of suspected drug peddlers have turned up in the Philippines in recent weeks, providing an eerie backdrop to the swearing-in on Thursday of Rodrigo Duterte, who has warned of a bloody presidency in his bid to eradicate crime. Some of the dead were killed in gunfights with police; others mysteriously turned up on the street. One was dumped with sign: "Don't follow me or you'll die next." The numbers of bodies have spiked since Duterte swept the May 9 elections on promises to wipe out crime and corruption within six months. That bold pledge won him huge support but also sparked concerns about vigilante justice and a lack of due process. Nicknamed "Duterte Harry" after a Clint Eastwood character with little regard for rules, he says he plans to fulfill his promise despite criticism from human rights advocates and church officials and dares his critics to impeach him. "If I couldn't convince you, I'll have you killed. Just imagine if I kill 10 persons a day for the next six years," he was quoted as saying by Cebu Daily News in his native Visayan language, referring to drug suspects. "If you're into drugs, I'm sorry. I'll have to apologize to your family because you'll surely get killed." So far, the threats seem to be working to some extent: Hundreds of drug pushers and addicts have surrendered to police in recent days, signing pledges to reform. National police data show 39 mostly drug peddler suspects were killed since the start of the year until the election. But since then, 72 killed have been killed, bringing the yearly total so far to 111 deaths. Outgoing national police chief Ricardo Marquez dismissed speculation that the spike in deaths was timed to the beginning of Duterte's presidency, saying he already promised an intensified anti-drug campaign when he took over last year. "There is no truth to what is being said that it is only now that the police have stepped up the fight against drugs," he said. So far this year, 183 have been killed in clashes between police and clandestine drug lab workers, dealers and users, he added. The reason for the discrepancy in the totals wasn't immediately clear. In one television report, a mother wailed as she saw the body of her son sprawled on a roadside in eastern Camarines Sur province, apparently shot with four wounds and a slash on his neck. "What they have done is too much," she said, sobbing on the shoulder of another woman. Nearly 5,000 suspects have been arrested in anti-drug operations after the election, bringing the number of arrests in a nationwide drive to nearly 19,000 since January, according to police records. "We are alarmed about the rate of almost everyday killings of suspected criminals and members of drug syndicates," said Wilnor Montilla Papa, a human rights campaigner for Amnesty International in the Philippines. "Our concern is on the lack of due process, the seemingly abusive stance" of authorities. Last week, the head of the influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines issued a letter saying the group was disturbed by the reports of growing numbers of drug suspects being killed as well as the spike in vigilante killings. The letter reminded law enforcers that one can "shoot to kill" solely on the ground of legitimate self-defense or the defense of others. "To kill a suspect outright, no matter how much surveillance work may have antecedently been done on the suspect, is not morally justified," Archbishop Socrates Villegas said. Others praised Duterte's drastic approach to combatting crime. Arsenio Evangelista, whose son was kidnapped and killed 5 years ago, supports the incoming president's plan to restore the death penalty and promise to eradicate all major crimes, especially drug-related offenses in three to six months. But he said the recent increase in drug dealer deaths could not have been on orders of Duterte because he isn't in office yet. "We want results out of frustration, dismay" with a criminal justice system that is corrupt and does not work, said Evangelista, who is also a spokesman for a group called Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption. He said his group believes the deaths could be part of an effort by police officials to burnish their accomplishments in the face of Duterte's plans to revamp the police force. Under pressure to step up efforts, police have clamped down on mostly small-time drug pushers who are easier to find and apprehend, he added. In the past, such peddlers would rather bribe officers than engage in a shootout, Evangelista said. "It's not believable that street-level drug peddlers' behavior changed totally," he said. Police Senior Inspector Donelle Edep Brannon, head of a small community precinct in Manila's tourist district, said the spike in deaths is the result of an intensified anti-drugs campaign initiated by the police leadership in view of Duterte's strong pronouncements. Police follow procedures, but deaths could not be avoided if law enforcers' lives are put in danger by those who choose to fight instead of surrendering to arresting officers, he added. He said he expects the anti-crime drive to intensify even more once Duterte is in office -- and he welcomes it. "Being a police officer," he said, "it is better for us to feel that the president himself is our ally in fighting criminality." -- The Associated Press ISTANBUL -- As the death toll from the Istanbul airport attack rose Thursday to 44, a senior Turkish official said the three suicide bombers who carried it out were from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and Turkish police raided Istanbul neighborhoods for suspects linked to the Islamic State group. Turkish authorities say all information suggests the Tuesday night attack on Ataturk Airport, one of the world's busiest, was the work of IS, which boasted this week of having cells in Turkey, among other countries. Police raided 16 locations in three neighborhoods on both the Asian and European sides of the city that sprawls across the Bosporus Strait, rounding up 13 people suspected of having links to IS. There was no immediate claim of responsibility by the militant group, which has used Turkey to establish itself in neighboring Syria and Iraq. IS has repeatedly threatened Turkey in its propaganda, and the NATO member has blamed IS for several major bombings in the past year in both Ankara and Istanbul. Across Istanbul and beyond, funerals were held for the airport victims Thursday, and heartbroken families sobbed as they bid their loved ones farewell, including several local airport workers. Nilsu Ozmeric wept over the coffin of her fiance, Jusuf Haznedaroglu, a 32-year-old airport worker who was fatally wounded while waiting for a bus to go home. "The wedding was next week," sobbed his mother, Cervinye Haznedaroglu, as visitors offered condolences. A video obtained by the Turkish newspaper Haberturk purported to show a police officer asking one of the suicide bombers for identification before he was subsequently shot by the attacker. The video shows the alleged police officer, in short sleeves, approaching a man dressed in black. The man in black then appears to shoot the officer, who falls to the ground. The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the location of the video or the sequence of events. A Turkish senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because government regulations did not authorize him to talk to the media, said the attackers were from Russia and the central Asian nations of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. A medical team was working around the clock to identify the suicide attackers, the official said, noting their bodies had suffered extensive damage. Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry denied that an attacker came from that country. Asked about the possible involvement of a Russian in the attacks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had no information on that and there was no comment either from Uzbekistan. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said between 5,000 and 7,000 people from Russia and other nations of the former Soviet Union have joined the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. People from Chechnya and other provinces in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region have had a visible presence among Islamic State fighters. Turkish state media said the death toll in the attack rose to 44 after a 25-year-old airport worker succumbed to his wounds. Interior Minister Efkan Ala said the dead included 19 foreigners. Officials said 94 of the over 230 people reported wounded in the attack were still hospitalized. Two memorial services for victims were held at the airport, one of them honoring taxi drivers slain in the attack. Five funerals were held elsewhere, including for four members of the Amiri family. Abdulmumin Amiri escaped death because he went to look for a taxi while his relatives watched their luggage. "At that time, the bomb went off," he told The Associated Press. "I was about four or five meters (13 to 16 feet) away." At the funeral for Ferhat Akkaya, who had gone to the airport to see off a friend, his wife and three children sobbed as they clutched his coffin in the northern province of Ordu. His relatives railed against Turkish authorities, blaming them for failing to ensure airport security. "Damn it! The state should hear our voices and take the necessary precautions," said Ferhat Kabakci, the victim's brother-in-law. "Now a widow and three orphans have been left behind. Who will look after them?" In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in the red-and-white colors of the Turkish flag to honor the victims in Istanbul. The U.N. Security Council condemned the attack, saying that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable and are "one of the most serious threats to international peace and security." Unconfirmed details about the attack flooded Turkish media. The private Dogan news agency said the Russian attacker had entered the country one month ago and left his passport in a house the men had rented in Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood. The Karar newspaper, quoting police sources, said the attackers were part of a seven-member cell that entered Turkey on May 25. The assailants raised suspicions of airport security on the day of the attack because they wore winter jackets on a summer day, media reported. Police officer Yasin Duma, meanwhile, was praised as a hero. He was wounded in an exchange of gunfire with one of the attackers and reportedly saved many lives by shouting "Bomb!" Turkey's interior minister said the explosives used were a mix of RDX, TNT and PETN that were "manufactured." That combination is military-grade, raising the question of how the attackers obtained the bombs, said Jimmie Oxley, a chemist and explosives expert at the University of Rhode Island. The Dogan news agency broadcast video of the Istanbul police raids showing a special forces team carrying what appeared to be a steel shield to protect themselves as they entered a building. In separate police operations, nine suspects believed to be linked to the IS group were also detained in the coastal city of Izmir. It was not clear if the suspects had any links to the airport attack but the report said they were in contact with IS militants in Syria and were engaged in providing financial resources, recruits and logistical support. On June 25, Turkish security forces killed two suspected IS militants trying to cross the border illegally after they ignored orders to stop, local media reported. One of the militants was wanted on suspicion he was planning a suicide attack in Ankara or the southern city of Adana, Anadolu said. Turkey's leaders tried project an air of normalcy amid the airport investigation and the funerals, appearing Thursday at the opening of a suspension bridge in northwest Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at the ceremony, made a vague reference to the "forces" that don't want his country to succeed -- including the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, the Syrian Kurdish militia YPG and the Islamic State group. "They have been let loose against us by the forces who hold their leashes," Erdogan said, warning that "the bombs that explode in our country today will tomorrow explode in the hands of those who sent them." -- The Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Jerry Brown signed six stringent gun-control measures Friday that will require people to turn in high-capacity magazines and mandate background checks for ammunition sales, as California Democrats seek to strengthen gun laws that are already among the strictest in the nation. Brown vetoed five other bills, including requirement to register homemade firearms and report lost or stolen weapons to authorities. The Democratic governor's action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control. Some of the enacted bills duplicate provisions of a November ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Some of the vetoed measures also appear in Newsom's initiative. "My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners," Brown wrote in a one-sentence message to lawmakers. Gun control measures have long been popular with the Democratic lawmakers who control the California Senate and Assembly. But they stepped up their push this year following the December shooting in San Bernardino by a couple who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The bills angered Republicans and gun-rights advocates who say Democrats are trampling on 2nd Amendment rights, creating new restrictions that won't cut off the flow of guns to people intent on using them for nefarious purposes. "On the eve of Independence Day, independence and freedom and liberty in California has been chopped down at the knees and kicked between the legs," said Sam Paredes, executive director of the advocacy group Gun Owners of California. Lawsuits challenging the new laws are likely once they take effect next year, Paredes said. Brown's action will require people who own magazines that hold more than 10 rounds to give them up. It extends a 1999 law that made it illegal to buy a high-capacity magazine or to bring one into the state but allowed people who already owned them to keep them. In an attempt to slow gun users from rapidly reloading, the governor signed a bill outlawing new weapons that have a device known as a bullet button. Gun makers developed bullet buttons to get around California's assault weapons ban, which prohibited new rifles with magazines that can be detached without the aid of tools. A bullet buttons allows a shooter to quickly dislodge the magazine using the tip of a bullet or other small tool. People will be allowed to keep weapons they already own with bullet buttons, which are often referred to as "California compliant." Brown also endorsed a bill making another attempt to regulate ammunition sales after a law passed in 2009 was struck down by a Fresno County judge who said it was too vague. The new law will require ammunition sellers to be licensed and buyers to undergo background checks. Transactions will be recorded. He also opted to require a background check before a gun can be loaned to someone who isn't a family member. "Strong gun laws work. ... What we're doing in California is a better job of keeping guns out of dangerous hands," said Amanda Wilcox, a spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose daughter was killed by a shooter using a high-capacity magazine. The governor vetoed an effort to expand a six-month-old program that allows courts to temporarily restrict gun ownership rights for people suspected of being dangerous and decided against restricting all firearm purchases to one per month, a limitation that already applies to handguns. Another bill he vetoed would have asked voters to strengthen penalties for stealing a gun, which voters will already be deciding it through Newsom's initiative. The ballot measure also will ask voters to require reporting of lost and stolen firearms -- an idea Brown rejected Friday and has rejected at least twice before. "I continue to believe that responsible people report the loss or theft of a firearm and irresponsible people do not; it is not likely that this bill would change that," he wrote in a veto message. Newsom's initiative has put a spotlight on the lieutenant governor as he campaigns for governor in 2018. He's been at loggerheads with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who tried unsuccessfully to persuade Newsom to drop the ballot measures in favor of legislative action. Brown's vetoes protected Newsom's initiative from becoming moot. A spokesman for Brown, Evan Westrup, said voters "will have a chance to go even further in November, if they choose." -- The Associated Press West Virginia floods Principal Mike Kelley walks through a hallway that is filled with slick mud at Herbert Hoover High School in Clendenin, W.Va., Monday, June 27, 2016. The first floor hallways and rooms of the school are caked in 3-5 inches mud, which was left by over six feet of flood water that swamped the building late last week. (Sam Owens/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP) (The Associated Press) CLENDENIN, W.Va.-- The floods that ripped through West Virginia late last week and killed 23 people also destroyed 1,500 homes, ravaged 125 businesses and caused $36 million in damage to roads, state officials estimated Friday. The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management released the initial damage assessments Friday. The state is awaiting a more formal assessment and damage dollar-figure from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Another 4,000 homes were damaged in the floods, state officials said. In some areas, homes were swept off their foundations by raging flood waters, with some houses even catching fire. Many homes were filled with feet of muddy water. The storm decimated roads to the tune of $36 million in damage across 18 counties. Clay County was hardest hit, with $8.7 million in estimated destruction to its roads. Many roadways were peeled apart and, in some spots, even washed away completely. FEMA already has approved millions of dollars to help individuals recover from the devastation. On Friday, the federal agency also added two more counties, Lincoln and Jackson, to their list of those approved for individual assistance. In addition to those counties, the emergency declaration now includes Kanawha, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Fayette, Clay, Roane, Summers, Monroe, Pocahontas and Webster. People affected by floods in those counties can apply for individual aid, which covers emergency medical support, housing and other immediate needs. Also on Friday, all of the residents in one of the hardest-hit towns got back their tap water. They just can't drink it yet. In a news release Friday, West Virginia American Water said it has restored tap water to all areas of Clendenin. About 3,000 people around Elkview and Clendenin didn't have tap water the day after the June 23 floods. Although water has now been restored to all households in that region, residents are being advised to boil it before using it. Other areas of the state also lost tap water, and at the peak of the floods, tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power. Only a few hundred were still without power Friday. -- The Associated Press Professor Victoria Bateman stepped into the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Economics meeting last week, and her colleagues all turned and stared. The reason, reports Britain's The Telegraph: she wasn't wearing any clothes. Across her chest she had scrawled the message, "Brexit leaves Britain naked." If you want to get a political point across these days, you've got to strip down. Across the world, protesters are drawing attention to their causes by taking to the streets (and meeting rooms) sans clothes. Many activists and artists have concluded that the promise of naked skin is the only way to cut through the internet age's information overload and get people to pay attention. Outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland later this month, 100 women are planning to pose naked while holding mirrored balls in the air. Spencer Tunick, the artist who's organizing the protest, says the goal is "to heighten the idea that women will decide the outcome of this election and will have a more powerful presence in the future of politics, the future of the country and the future of the world." Bateman apparently had a similar women-empowerment goal for her Cambridge-meeting protest, insisting Britain wouldn't be leaving the European Union if women's role in the economy was taken more seriously. Last year she called for a "sexual revolution in economics," decrying that women economics students are outnumbered three to one in Great Britain. The professor, who has not responded to media requests to comment on the Telegraph's report, isn't new to public nudity. A portrait of her in the buff took a turn at a Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition in 2014. Here's how she cheekily described the painting at the time: "It is confident, relaxed, natural and of a named intelligent woman -- not of an anonymous woman who is being objectified, with fake additions and Photoshopping." Below you can watch a fully clothed Bateman speak with the program "World Finance" about the importance of feminism in political and economic leadership. Of course, protesting in the nude is nothing new. Antiwar protests in the 1960s sometimes included nudity. In 1974, a naked gay-rights activist jogged across the stage at the Academy Awards, flashing the peace sign -- and so much more. Then there's porn star Ilona Staller, who was elected to Italy's parliament in 1987 after campaigning topless. All of this nakedness inevitably has led to nude protesting becoming mainstream -- the World Naked Bike Ride being one notable example. Another illustration of just how commonplace it's become: the reported response to Bateman's activist moment. Wrote The Telegraph: "Ms. Bateman, a lecturer who has researched the development of the European economy, sat at the two-hour meeting without anyone mentioning her nudity. They just went on with a normal meeting about tripos [final examinations] and marking." So there you have it: nude protesting is the new normal. But for political traditionalists out there, all is not lost. The 2016 election season has proved there is still at least one way to get attention for a cause without taking your clothes off. Just say you're going to build a wall. -- Douglas Perry Friday 1 July 2016 11:48am Professor Richard Gearry Christchurch gastroenterologist Professor Richard Gearry is this years winner of the Carl Smith Medal and Rowheath Trust Award, which recognises outstanding research performance from University of Otago staff early in their research career. In less than a decade as an independent researcher, Professor Gearry has become one of the worlds foremost experts on gastroenterological research and clinical management. Announcing the honours, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blaikie warmly congratulated Professor Gearry. Although he is still early in his career, Professor Gearry has risen to the top of his specialist field and is regarded as a leading light in gastroenterological research. I am sure that as his career continues he will make a big impact on how patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome are treated and managed. Professor Gearry has been a pioneer in research into the epidemiology and clinical management of IBD and other gastroenterological conditions. As part of his PhD, Professor Gearry established a register of Canterbury patients with IBD that has become a well-used international resource. He produced a series of landmark publications on the epidemiology of IBD based on information from that register. His work has been published in Lancet and Nature journals. He is currently working with scientists from around New Zealand as part of the High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge. The multi-million dollar Government-funded project aims to transform New Zealands food and beverage industry into an exporter of high-value, scientifically-proven foods for health. He is a global leader in using biomarkers in the assessment of IBD and part of an international consortium trying to identify the next tier of genes relating to IBD. Professor Gearry says the human gut is an amazing food machine and he is constantly driven to understand how it works and what happens when it doesnt work well. The award reflects the support I have received from the University, particularly from the Christchurch campus and the Department of Medicine, where I work. I am grateful to my research and clinical mentors who have guided me through my early career, and the many patients with gastrointestinal disease who have supported my clinical research. The Medal and accompanying $5000 grant was established in 1964 by Carl Smith whose family lived in the Rowheath area of England to support the University. Professor Gearry will spend the award money on starting new research collaborations within the University, with the aim of improving the gastrointestinal and overall health of New Zealanders. Thursday 24 October 2013 8:06am It's official...Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd (left), Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne and Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand Executive Director Chris Hartley proudly show off Otago's newly-minted status as a Fairtrade university at yesterday's ceremony. Photo: Sharron Bennett. The University announced yesterday that it has been granted Fairtrade accreditation. Otago is the first New Zealand university to gain accreditation and will join more than 100 other universities around the world that have become Fairtrade institutions. Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated staff and students for the accreditation. The Fairtrade ethos fits well with our strategic plan and there is no doubt that Fairtrade is a positive and growing movement. It is proof that we act in an ethically, socially and environmentally responsible manner. I am proud of the effort staff and students have gone to make this happen and look forward to a long and meaningful association with Fairtrade. We now have Fairtrade products available at all seven outlets on campus and 90 per cent of residential students have access to Fairtrade products in their colleges, says Professor Hayne. OUSA acknowledged the work that has gone into achieving accreditation. The students have been huge supporters of the move with an OUSA referendum giving OUSA the direction to push forward and work with the University to reach the goal of becoming Fairtrade certified, says Lucy Gaudin, OUSA Fairtrade Officer. Students feel strongly about the benefits this brings to Fairtrade suppliers, their families and their countries. Were ecstatic with the announcement and were thankful for what it means for the University, our students and those given an opportunity by being a part of Fairtrade. After Sunny Kim graduated from H.H. Dow High School this year, cash flowed in from family and friends. The total reached $2,000. And she gave it all away. Kim, 18, gave her graduation money to the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan and the nonprofit U.S. chapter of Global Campaign for Education. Midland has been so gracious to me, Kim said. I really didnt need the money. Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, where she attended school from kindergarten to fifth grade. She moved to Midland to start sixth grade, and said most of her family remains in Korea. Kim says she realizes its unusual for an incoming college student to donate money received for high school graduation especially with ever increasing college costs. But for that, she was covered: scholarships from the Midland Area Community Foundation and Albion College will carry her through her time at Albion, where she plans to double major in communications and music performance with a minor in French. So her grandfather, in town from South Korea for Kims graduation, suggested donating the money. They (the Disability Network) embody what I really value and believe in, Kim said. When I grew up, I always had a soft spot for disabled people. There is a stigma Kim said shes seen growing up in Southeast Asia, where mothers are sometimes advised to give up for adoption babies with disabilities. She said shes seen it in the U.S., too. Its very sad to say, but there is a stigma that we have to look down on people with disabilities, she said. Youre not better than them, they are not better than you; were equal. Inequality is something Kim said she endured while in high school. As an outspoken female, she said she was called bossy and discriminated against, that the obstacles were excruciatingly painful and that she was left to wonder why people would not trust her. Which led her to make the $1,000 donation to the U.S. chapter of Global Campaign for Educations School Girls Unite activist group, whose mission is to tackle prejudice against girls worldwide and expand their freedom and opportunities through education and leadership. Breaking through that negativity, Kim aspires to be a leader; she said she wants to manage and own a dance studio after graduating, and inspire kids to pursue music and arts. Currently, she teaches violin lessons, dance classes and ballet and jazz, and works at the Midland Mall. Volunteering was a really big part of her schooling, she said. Steven Locke, associate director of the Disability Network, said Kim called about a month ago asking to use the organizations label at her graduation open house. I was completely in awe and deeply touched that a young lady who just graduated from high school had such a well developed sense of community, Locke said. Locke says the donation will help expand the Disability Networks STAGES Youth Program, which helps people with disabilities who have been referred by teachers, parents and area agencies. Sunny making this gesture out of the blue certainly doesnt happen every day, and not even in the 10 years Ive been here, he said. However, Kim said the donation isnt a move to present myself as generous, its to thank those in Midland who have helped her. The Midland Area League of Women Voters (LWV) is sponsoring two sources of information for the Aug. 2 primary election. Information on candidates can be found at www.VOTE411.org, the LWV online voter guide. All Midland County elected offices are up for election, but the only contested races in the primary are the Republican and Democratic candidates for the District 1 County Commissioner office. Republican candidates are Al Kloha (incumbent) and Jeanette Snyder, with Heather McLaughlin and Connie Methner vying for the Democratic spot. Sen. Jim Stamas announced on Thursday that residents can join friends and family of U.S. Navy Corpsman Aaron Ullom at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 9, officially dedicating a memorial bridge in his honor. Corpsman Aaron Ullom is an American hero who gave his life saving a fellow soldier in defense of our nation, our liberty and our way of life, said Stamas, R-Midland. The people of Midland and the entire state are proud to call Aaron one of our own, and I invite area residents to come out and join us as we permanently express our appreciation for his service and sacrifice. DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) A Detroit-area school district has been ordered to pay $193,000 to a janitor who said she was punished when she complained about asbestos. Theresa Ely said she feels vindicated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which ordered back pay and other compensation. A familiar face has entered the race for the 4th Congressional House seat. Debra Wirth announced her write-in candidacy Wednesday in Mount Pleasant. Wirth also ran in 2012 against incumbent Dave Camp. No Democratic candidate had previously submitted nominating petitions to be placed on the August ballot. To secure the nomination, Wirth intends to mount an intensive write-in campaign leading up to the Aug. 2 primary. I stepped into this race because I saw a need, Wirth said in a press release. The citizens of this district deserve leadership that stands up to the special interests in Washington, respects the will of the people, and delivers real solutions to the challenges faced by everyday Americans. Ive spent my career as an attorney standing up for the little guy against large corporations and insurance companies. Today, I am asking (residents) to send me to Washington to continue that fight. Local Democrats, supported by the Michigan Democratic Party in Lansing, have quickly rallied around Wirth to ensure she is able to fight on into November to face incumbent John Moolenaar, R-Midland. In her announcement speech, Wirth vowed to work with her colleagues in Congress to bring prosperity to all in her district, not just those in the big cities, and to aid young Americans struggling with the burden of student loan debt. To have a gridlock in Congress because one side refuses to work with the other is unacceptable, Wirth said. I will cross the aisle when I have to and stand firm when I have to. Always with the people I represent in my heart and in my mind. The 4th Congressional District contains all or parts of 15 counties, including: Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Wexford. Its time to move on. Really? Thats what Hillary Clinton said Tuesday, just after the release of a congressional report on the deadly 2012 Benghazi attacks accused the Obama administration of lethal mistakes. We accept that House Benghazi Committee Republicans found no new evidence that Hillary Clinton, who was secretary of state at the time, is to blame for the facilitys vulnerability or for the U.S. response to the attacks. In fact, House Benghazi Committee Democrats found Clinton never personally denied U.S. diplomat requests for more security to Benghazi, and a Senate Intelligence Committee report doesnt even mention her. So lets all agree. Hillary Clinton is not directly to blame for the deaths of the four Americans in Benghazi. However, every American should have raised an eyebrow when Clinton, almost with a wave of her hand, incredulously told the American public it was time to move on minutes after a report confirmed there were blunders in security before and during the terrorist attack. Clinton cannot remove herself from the Obama administration, which has been faulted by a number of reports for lax security at the Benghazi compound and a slow military response to the attacks. Consider: The House report, said chair Trey Gowdy, faults the military for its slow response in sending resources to Benghazi during the terrorist attack, despite clear and real-time orders from the president on down. Nothing (military) was en route to Libya at the time the last two Americans were killed almost eight hours after the attacks began, Gowdy said. The House Democratic report, according to The Associated Press, found State Department security measures in Benghazi were inadequate as a result of decisions made by mid-level officials. A bipartisan Senate/Intelligence Committee (2014), according to AP, found the attacks could have been prevented, that U.S. intelligence didnt send enough warnings about the potential threat and that the State Department could have closed the Benghazi facility until security was improved. A bipartisan House Intelligence Committee (2014), according to AP, found the U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi was insufficiently protected and that the State Department security agents knew they could not defend it from a well-armed attack. The Obama administration must be forthright and openly address all these missteps and figure out how to ensure this never happens again. This is not just an oops, and move on. Four Americans are dead. And their families will always bear the scars of this administrations mistakes in Benghazi. By Rina Chandran MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Indian makers of a $4 smartphone hope its low price will allow millions of the poorest people to own a mobile phone in a market with only 10 percent penetration. But labor rights campaigners worry that push to churn out cheap handsets and tablets may lead to greater abuse of workers' rights in India, the world's fastest-growing smartphone market. Ringing Bells' Freedom 251 smartphone, whose launch in February crashed the company's website, is priced at 251 rupees - possibly the cheapest Android smartphone in the world. On Thursday, the company's chief executive Mohit Goel said the first shipment of about 200,000 handsets was due next week. Ringing Bells pays fair wages to its workers and its pricier models will help offset the cost of the $4 phone, he added. "Our vision is to make mobile phones more affordable to the millions of poor Indians who do not own one," Goel told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. India sold 103 million handsets last year, an increase of 29 percent on the year before. With only one in 10 Indians owning a mobile phone, there is enormous potential - much of it at the lower end of the market where dozens of local and foreign brands are vying for customers with some handsets selling for less than $25. However, the pressure to keep costs low is pushing manufacturers to pay low wages, rely on cheaper contract labor and insist on unpaid overtime, activists say. "Responsibility of the supply chain and workers lies with brand companies," said Gopinath Parakuni, general secretary at Cividep, a workers' rights campaign group. "Our regulations simply aren't strong enough to ensure workers in the electronics industry are taken care of," he said. 'WHO PAYS THE PRICE?' Last month Cividep and Amsterdam-based GoodElectronics issued a report on Samsung Electronics, the leader in India's mobile market, which found that Samsung workers were poorly paid with no way to effectively have their grievances addressed. Story continues A Samsung India spokesman said the company complies by all relevant labor laws and regulations wherever it operates. "Fairness and respect for all are the values that form the foundation of our business," the spokesman said in a statement. While most of the 100-odd phone companies in India largely import from China and Taiwan, companies are increasingly heeding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to "Make in India", an initiative launched in 2014 to emulate China's export miracle. Chinese phone maker Xiaomi rolled out its first locally made smartphones last year from a facility in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The "Make in India" drive to boost manufacturing is aimed at luring more investment, raising economic growth and creating jobs in industries such as electronics and apparel. But these efforts lack sufficient checks and balances for millions of workers who face archaic labor laws, low wages, few benefits and little job security in businesses that often flout laws on safety or underage workers, activists say. In India's electronics industry, working conditions are "among the worst", according to a 2013 report by Hong Kong-based labor rights non-profit Asia Monitor Resource Centre. Not all efforts to produce cheap electronics have been successful. In 2008, the Indian government unveiled a $10 laptop that ended up costing more than $100, while a $20 Android tablet sold through a subsidy scheme failed to capture significant market share. "Companies like to say cheap phones and computers is about digital empowerment and democracy," said Raphel Jose at the Centre for Responsible Business in New Delhi. "But we must stop and ask, 'what is the real cost of these cheap devices? Who pays the price?' Cheap is not always good," he said. (Reporting by Rina Chandran, Editing by Katie Nguyen. 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 to see more stories.) Warmer weather means its time for pedicure season. But take a peek at your feet -- ankles, toes, heels -- before you step into a pedicure chair. Podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, who practices in New York and New Jersey, said she sees people coming in post-pedicure who might have gotten infections or had untreated foot issues worsened by a pedicure. For example, athlete's foot can be disguised as dry skin on the bottom of the foot, and warts as calluses. "It gets a lot worse in the summertime because of sweat," said Sutera of athlete's foot. A pedicure, moisture, foot filing or a pumice stone can make it worse, she said. And you don't want to risk infecting the person who comes after you. Warts can spread and shouldn't be in water touched by other people. They can hide in files, buffers and instruments, Sutera said. Shaving your legs before a pedicure is not recommended. "People can get an infection from the openings, the little micro scratches," Sutera said. "They don't think of it at all, and they're like, 'What happened to my legs? Did I get bit by something?'" Pay attention to any splinters or small cuts on your foot. Ingrown toenails don't pair well with a pedicure, either. The color of your nails may also be an issue. If you have yellow toenails, it could be a fungal infection, and you should consider checking with a doctor. Sutera suggests not leaving polish on for longer than two weeks. "Take it off, preferably wait a day or two, and let it breathe, and then put it back on," she said. BLOOMINGTON The state budget deal passed by the General Assembly on Thursday will help human services, but is far from a cure-all. That was an assessment from representatives of several human services agencies as they were determining what the agreement means for their agencies. "I'm extremely pleased that we are taking steps toward solving this financial nightmare," Lynn Scoville of the DeWitt County Human Resource Center (HRC) told The Pantagraph. "We are evaluating the new information. This is not the end-all, be-all, but we recognize that this is movement." While the stopgap budget doesn't take the place of an annual budget, "it is hard not to be happy with the joint effort to bring forth this solution," said Karen Zangerle, executive director of Bloomington-based PATH (Providing Access To Help). But "tough times are still ahead." The agreement funds some human services' programs from Friday the start of the new fiscal year through December. It also may include some money that the state owes agencies for the fiscal year that ended Thursday. "I really hope backfilling the FY16 contracts are part of this deal," said Peter Rankaitis of Project Oz. Contracts and partial appropriations for the new fiscal year without paying for the previous year could result in some providers going out of business, he said. While Chestnut Health Systems Chief Operating Officer Alan Sender was gratified by the budget compromise, he added that he hopes the measure allows agencies to be reimbursed for work done in the previous fiscal year. Because of that uncertainty, no agencies reversed previously announced cuts. DeWitt County HRC, the county's primary provider of outpatient mental health services, announced last week that it would shut down effective Friday because it is owed $150,000 by the state. Scoville said Thursday the agency board revised its decision and now is suspending services effective Friday. "The outcome of discussions occurring at the state level may allow us to change our position," Scoville said. "At this time, we are exploring all options to reinstate services in the near future either by us or another provider." PATH decided last week to end three senior services outreach to the elderly, caregiver advisory services and in-home counseling and to lay off six employees and close its Pontiac and Clinton offices, effective Friday. PATH is owed $102,000 by the state. Zangerle said Thursday the Springfield accord "doesn't change our choices at PATH." While PATH may get back some money that it is owed by the state, "I know it will only be a portion of what we are owed," she said. Kathryn Johnson, PATH assistant director and caregiver adviser, who was among people who lost their jobs, said, "This is devastating because we have excellent workers who are passionate about serving older adults." Seniors and caregivers in DeWitt County who need assistance can call the Friendship Center at 217-935-9411. Older adults in McLean and Livingston counties who need help should call PATH at 211. East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging is helping with the transition of services for the 2,300 older adults in the three counties who were assisted by the programs, said Executive Director Susan Real. "Services can't be provided at the level they were before," she said. YWCA McLean County, which is owed more than $400,000 from the state, has laid off two employees, not filled vacant positions and will end its Money Management program for older adults on Aug. 1, said Vice President of Operations Liz German. Previously announced reductions by LIFE Center for Independent Living, Mid Central Community Action (MCCA), Children's Home + Aid and The Baby Fold were not reversed on Thursday. "The other toll that this impasse has had on nonprofits is the time and energy to respond to inaction as well as potential staff turnover due to uncertainties," said Angela Frazier, Mid-Central's director of finance. "Illinois citizens deserve a long-term solution to stop the vicious and devastating cycle of chronic fiscal uncertainty and crisis," added Tim Glancy of the Center for Youth and Family Solutions, which is owed $575,000. SPRINGFIELD Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic leaders of the Illinois General Assembly put aside their differences long enough to pass a short-term deal Thursday that allows state government to continue operating through December and funds schools for a full year. The spending portion of the plan was approved by votes of 105-4 in the House and 54-0 in the Senate, and Rauner signed it and related legislation Thursday evening. The action came as Illinois was on the brink of starting a new fiscal year Friday without a budget in place after going an entire year without a complete spending plan. Flanked by Republican lawmakers at a news conference shortly after the deals passage, the first-term Republican governor praised it as a small step in the process of making Illinois strong and healthy and vibrant. Echoing comments from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Rauner said there is still much work to be done on a complete budget for the new year. This is an attempt at good-faith compromise to set up the possibility for a grand bargain, he said. Thats what this is about. The stopgap spending portion of the agreement largely reflects the work of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that has been negotiating for weeks. Its a $75 billion package in all, with the vast majority of the money coming from special state funds dedicated to specific expenditures. Of that total, $25 billion will cover expenses from the fiscal year that just ended, and the remainder will be for the new year. The agreement will get money to some areas, such of social services and state agency operations, that werent funded at all during the past year. While Republicans and Democrats agreed that more money should be spent on elementary and secondary education next school year, how much more and how much of that would go to Chicago Public Schools was a major roadblock. The two sides finally agreed to spend $7.5 billion in general revenue on schools, including enough to guarantee that no districts receives less state money than it did last year and an added $250 million directed to high-poverty districts. A separate part of the agreement will allow Chicago to increase property taxes to pay down unfunded liabilities in its teacher pension fund, and another will have the state pay $215 million to pick up the employers share of city teachers pensions, something it does for the rest of the state. The latter will be contingent on the Legislature approving additional pension reforms. The deal also includes $1 billion in additional funding for public universities, community colleges and grants to low-income students. Republicans said the lesson to be taken from the accord is that compromise can be reached when the minority party is given a seat at the table. I hope that this can be the breakthrough thats needed, state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said, adding he hopes the leadership sees what can be accomplished when rank-and-file members of both parties work together. Democrats, meanwhile, took a different lesson, arguing that the way was cleared for a deal when Rauner agreed not to tie it to his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda. Many previous efforts to implement a more comprehensive budget failed due to the governors insistence on the inclusion of his agenda that would drive down middle-class wages and standards of living, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said in his closing remarks of the extended spring legislative session. The difference today is that the governor has dropped his demand that his agenda be considered before a budget could be approved. Members of both parties agreed that theres much more work to be done when lawmakers return to Springfield after the Nov. 8 election. State Sens. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, both praised what the agreement does for elementary and secondary education. But they also called for changes in the way the state distributes money to schools, something theyve both been advocating for several years, although with different approaches. The newfound concord on a temporary budget came after 18 months of partisan battles, but it is unlikely to last long as the fall campaign gets underway in earnest. During comments on the House floor Thursday, Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said he wouldnt recount what led to the states yearlong budget impasse because mark my word that it will be articulated during the fall. Noting Durkins comments, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, a top target for Republicans, said he doesnt see the stopgap compromise as a sign of good things to come. Thats not a good way to start off a compromise to get a full years budget, Smiddy said. "Longmire" Season 5 cancellation rumors are currently making rounds online, which made a lot of fans nervous about the future of the Netflix drama. In a recent statement from Lou Diamond Phillips, the actor addressed rumors that the show is coming to an end after Season 5. Is the show canceled or renewed? "Longmire" Season 5 is rumored to serve as the series finale on Netflix. Various reports claim that the crime drama may be ending after five seasons on TV because of its ratings. Fans began to express their worries and concerns over the future of "Longmire," especially because the show has already gone through a previous cancellation when it aired on A&E. However, if most fans can recall, A&E canceled the series after Season 3 despite the high ratings because the audience was not their target market. Netflix took the opportunity to attract the older audience of "Longmire" and picked up the series for Season 4 in order to gain more subscriptions from this particular age range. There also appears to be no basis for the claims that the show would be ending after Season 5 since the cancellation would have to officially come from the network itself. However, actor Lou Diamond Phillips was kind enough to address the "Longmire" Season 5 cancellation rumors on his Twitter account. According to the actor, the show is definitely not ending after Season 5. @rajeevfilm It is. For some reason, some people have the mistaken assumption that S5 is our last. Not so. #Longmire Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) June 21, 2016 This reassured a lot of fans who are excitedly waiting for "Longmire" Season 5 to air on Netflix. Since fans can now let out a sigh of relief over the future of the show, the Buffalo, Wyoming Chamber of Commerce recently confirmed that the 5th Longmire Days will be held on July 8-10, 2016. The cast and crew of "Longmire" Season 5 will be attending the said event. Author Craig Johnson will also be attending the Longmire Days with the cast. Do you think "Longmire" Season 5 should be renewed or should it be canceled? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jun 30, 2016) - Kombat Copper Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KBT) ("Kombat Copper" or the "Company") announces that, as a result of a review by staff of the Ontario Securities Commission, the Company is issuing the following news release to clarify the disclosure on the scaled production decision relating to the Kombat Mine. In Kombat Copper's news releases relating to the decision to use EBM Mining Namibia ("EBM") as mining contractor, and in subsequent progress updates, it was reported that the Company, through its mining contractor, EBM, was moving towards scaled production at the Gross Otavi, Kombat East and Kombat Central areas of the Kombat Mine. Kombat Copper would like to clarify that there is currently no mineral resource estimate, mineral reserve estimate, or economic analysis to support the decision to mine the near surface mineralization on the Gross Otavi, Kombat East and Kombat Central areas or to produce any concentrate from such mining and processing. Kombat Copper has decided to put certain areas of the Kombat Mine into production without first establishing mineral resources or mineral reserves, or supported by a technical report and/or feasibility study. The Company cautions readers that production may not be economically feasible and historically these projects have a much higher risk of economic or technical failure. However, it should be noted that the profit sharing structure of the agreement with EBM allows the Company to minimize the financial risks associated with these projects, the cost of production, including operating costs, the refurbishment of the Kombat Mill and related facilities, will be the responsibility of EBM while Kombat Copper is expected to receive a portion of the profits, if any, and there are no financial penalties to Kombat Copper if no profits are earned. The mining areas of the Kombat Mine that Kombat Copper considers core to its own operations and are excluded from the EBM agreement remain the Asis West and Asis Far West zones, of which, Asis Far West has an initial inferred mineral resource of 1.7 million tonnes grading 1.93% Cu and 16 g/t Ag (2.15% Cu Eq.). Details of the inferred mineral resource can be found in the Company's NI 43-101 technical report entitled "Technical Report and Resource Estimate on the Kombat Copper Project, Grootfontein District, Otjozondjupa Region, Namiba" (the "Technical Report") dated June 4th, 2014. The Technical Report was prepared for Kombat Copper by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and can be found at the Company's website and under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Qualified Person F. W. Nielsen, P.Geo., a consultant and director of Kombat Copper, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the contents and dissemination of this news release. About Kombat Copper Kombat Copper is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core operations focused on copper resources in Namibia, one of the world's most prospective copper regions, where it has substantial assets in place with significant upside. The Company continues to hold an 80% interest in five mining licenses in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia particularly known for its high-grade copper deposits. Within these licenses are three past-producing mines including the Company's flagship property, the Kombat Mine. Kombat Copper has contracted EBM Mining Namibia to begin mining lead/copper mineralization at Kombat East, Kombat Central and potentially Gross Otavi within the year. Concentrates are expected to be produced at the Company's production facilities, which are currently being refurbished by EBM. EBM is also evaluating opportunities to market aggregate stone and sand byproducts locally. Cautionary Notes 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. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the possible mineralization and deposits, the agreement with EBM, the Company's expectations regarding mineral resources, the Company's determination of core assets, EBM's ability to commence operations and operate the applicable portions of the Kombat Mine, the Company's expectations regarding the production and sales of mineralization from the Kombat Mine and potential development work and the Company's plans for the Kombat Mine including any financial impact and community impact. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. The type of jobs we choose may be contributing ,and sometimes negatively affecting our mental health. A comprehensive report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled a list of jobs that have the highest rates of suicide, with manual laborers working in isolation at the top spot. According to the CDC's occupational suicide list that compiled data from 17 states in 2012, there are 85 manual laborers per 100,000 that commit suicide in the United States. Commonly working in isolation, this includes farm workers, fishermen, lumberjacks and employees in agriculture or forestry. People who provide health care support, social service, cleaning, maintenance, real estate and food service are among the type of employees with low suicide risks. Workers with the lowest suicide risk are those involved in personal care and service, child care, animal training and in barber shops. Listed below are the top ten jobs in CDC's occupational suicide list. 1. Farmworkers, fishermen, lumberjacks, people in forestry or agriculture (85 suicides per 100,000) 2. Carpenters, miners, electricians, construction trades (53) 3. Mechanics and those working in installation, maintenance, repair (48) 4. Factory and production workers (35) 5. Architects, engineers (32) 6. Police, firefighters, corrections workers, employees in protective services (31) 7. Artists, designers, entertainers, athletes, media (24) 8. Computer programmers, mathematicians, statisticians (23) 9. Transportation workers (22) 10. Corporate executives and managers, advertising and public relations (20) Rising Suicide Rates Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death of people in all ages in the U.S. According to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, or SAVE, nearly 43,000 deaths due to suicide were recorded in 2014, with suicide occurrences more common in males than in females. Aside from occupational-related isolation and demands, jobs with high suicide rates are also affected by work-home imbalance, stressful work environments and poor access to health care support. Others factors include socioeconomic inequality, lower education level, lower salary and exposure to dangerous chemicals that can upset the neurologic system and raise the likelihood of depression, CBS News listed. Can Church And Religion Help? It seems that going to church and religious services lowers people's inclination toward depression and self-harm. A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry this week found that women who participate in religious services once or more than once a week are five times less likely to commit suicide. Authors of the research said religious services could provide women a meaningful social participation that helps them avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Catholic Church teaches that suicide is a mortal sin and people who kill themselves would go to hell. A new study has been published claiming that the request for medical abortion has increased dramatically in countries that are suffering from Zika outbreak after governments issued health alerts especially to pregnant women. USA Today reported that authors of the research published the study in "The New England Journal of Medicine" and have found out that there has been a sharp increase in the requests of abortion pills from Women on Web. The non-profit based website is in the Netherlands and provides prescriptions for abortion pills to women who live in areas with restrictive abortion laws. The group also provides abortion pills for free to women in Zika-affected countries. Women on Web uses a pharmaceutical partner to mail the pills such as mifepristone and misoprostol to women who are in the first nine weeks of their pregnancy. The study included the data for the four month period after Pan American Health Organization issued a health alert regarding Zika in November of last year. It has been found that women in Brazil and El Salvador have sent twice as many requests for abortion pills in the months of November up to March. Requests have also increased in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Venezuela. Officials in the aforementioned countries have issued national health advisories and warnings to pregnant women regarding the risks. In Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Jamaica, governments have urged women to delay their pregnancy due to the Zika virus. The demand for abortion pills in Brazil has increased but the women requesting for it normally do not receive the items as Brazilian customs agents have been confiscating them since 2013. Other countries in which abortion pill requests have increased are in Argentina and Peru. Argentina recorded a 20 percent increase while Peru had a 22 percent increase. However, the country did not have Zika outbreaks at the time of the study. It might have increased, however, as the government announced an emergency on the said outbreak in anticipation of it reaching the country. In Jamaica, despite officials issuing warnings to pregnant women about Zika virus, the request for abortion pills did not increase. Co-author Abigail Aiken, who is an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said that the finding suggests more women are reacting to the advisories and are ending their pregnancies because of the government warnings. It has also been reported that many Latin American and Carribean countries have short supplies of basic contraception. Abortion rights advocates have also reacted to the study saying that Latin American countries should make abortion legal. Zika causes many birth defects such as microcephaly and sometimes invisible deficiencies that could not be detected immediately. Three people have been found inside a San Diego home and two of the dead bodies have been identified by investigators, whom they believe the cause of death is a case of a murder suicide. According to The New York Daily News, one of the women was identified as the daughter of the man who owns the home where the bodies were found. The first victim was identified as Hannah Arya, 15 years old. The father, identified as Michael Arya, who died April this year due to lung cancer, bought the property just months before he passed away. The other victim was said to be a longtime friend of the father of the victim. She has been identified as 56-year-old Mia Shin. She is also said to be a real estate broker from Los Angeles. The two victims were identified by relatives and their friends on social media. Outside the home, officials found a car that was parked in the driveway. It is said to be registered to Michael's sister, Sayeh Amini. However, officials have not yet issued a statement regarding the possibility of Amini being the third body found inside the San Diego home. A family friend said that there was an inheritance dispute between Hannah and Amini but officials have not confirmed the statement yet. There have been no official statements regarding the motive of the killing either. The causes of death of the three people have not been released as well. Hannah attended Verde Valley boarding school in Sedona, Arizona when she was still alive. Her mother reportedly is not staying at the same state as her daughter as she lives in Oregon. Friends and families of Hannah said that Shin was trying to look out for the teenager when her father died. A friend of one of the victims reportedly called 911 leading police officials to discover the bodies on Monday this week. Lt. Kenneth Nelson of the San Diego Sheriff's Department said in a statement, "They were able to look through a kitchen window and saw what appeared to be a female adult unresponsive inside the house." The three victims were found in different rooms of the home. People with information are urged to call the sheriff's department at (858) 974-2321 or after hours at (858) 565-5200. Anonymous tips can be submitted via calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Hundreds of baby boxes are being given out in a London hospital to new parents in a trial to reduce baby death in cribs. The idea of the baby boxes come from Finland, where they are said to be a factor in the decline of infant mortality rates in that country. The baby boxes, which are fitted with a foam mattress, reportedly prevents babies from rolling onto their stomach, which increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to The Telegraph. In Britain, around 300 babies are said to die yearly because of SIDS. Finnish-style Baby boxes to be given to UK mothers to reduce cot death: https://t.co/eK8Gzgs7wT LearningThruLegends (@snowflakebooks) June 30, 2016 Baby Box More Than Just A Mattress Daily Mail reported that Imperial College Healthcare Trust, which Charlotte's and Chelsea hospital began distributing the baby boxes to the first 800 women who gave birth in the hospital by the end of June. The box is said to contain baby wash and wipes, diapers, hat and booties, teething ring, thermometer, wash cloth and a membership to the Baby Box University. "The box is a lovely safe sleeping area, but in addition we will give all women membership to Baby Box University, which is a huge platform for educational resources," said Dr. Karen Joash, as per ITV. Joash is the consultant obstetrician at Imperial College Healthcare Trust. Babies Who Use Baby Boxes To Be Monitored The trial does not end with giving away the baby boxes to the parents of the newborn babies. The Imperial College Healthcare Trust will reportedly be monitoring the babies until they are eight months old. Parents of the babies will also be answering a questionnaire about the baby box. The Baby Box Co is reportedly supplying the baby boxes for free to the Imperial College Healthcare Trust. "We are delighted to provide the baby boxes to the Trust for UK parents and look forward to the results of the trial," said The Baby Box Co CEO Jennifer Clary. Do you think having baby boxes is a good idea? Why or why not? Share your thoughts below. After more than 10 years Angelia Jolie and her husband Brad Pitt will soon call it quits. Speculations were then implied that the couple is going through a rocky relationship after Brad Pitt was seen spending Father's Day along in France while the rest of the family is in the United States. Hollywood Life reported Brad Pitt spent Father's Day alone in France to attend the Le Mans 24 hour race. Upon leaving his wife and the rest of his children, Angelina Jolie reportedly has something different in mind. It was mentioned that the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" actress is already compiling their divorce papers as she will eventually call it quits. It was then mentioned that she filed their divorce papers on June 21st, as she consulted a divorce lawyer while she was in New York. The source then mentioned that Angelina Jolie got fed up with her life after she married Brad, thus she wanted things to change. "Angie is ready to divorce Brad. She's fed up with what her life has become and wants to make a change," the source added. CelebDitry Laundry then added that their rocky relationship could lead to a $450 million divorce case. One of the angles being pointed out was Brad Pitt's infidelity which Angelina Jolie couldn't keep up with. I It was then cited that the couple was just pressured to tie the knot as their children wanted them to do so. What they thought would work out perfectly fine ended up with a million dollar divorce case. "Despite their longstanding issues, Brad and Angie truly thought that getting married would bring them closer together," the source told Star News. "The kids pressured them [to get married], and it seemed like the right decision at the time. But now the situation is a mess. The tension is constant and it's taking a heavy toll on them. They've hung on for 10 years, but right now there's very little light at the end of the tunnel." Both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have not made a comment in regards to their divorce speculations. Are the divorce allegations true? Do let us know your thoughts through the comment section below. "Fifty Shades Darker" will be coming out soon and fans of the "Fifty Shades" franchise are definitely excited to see Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson once again. However, news of Dornan not continuing "Fifty Shades Freed" are circulating as Dornan's wife, Amelia Warner is suffering from postpartum depression. Jamie Dornan and wife Amelia Warner had their second child just recently. However, it seems that Dornan needs to spend more time with his family as Warner needs more time to recover from her depression. It is also reported that further delay of the "Fifty Shades Freed" production is blamed because of Jamie Dornan's busy schedule with Warner. However, even if the "Fifty Shades Darker" lead star spends time with his wife, reports are saying that Amelia Warner is not getting better. Dakota Johnson Spends Time with Amelia Warner Despite rumors that are claiming that Amelia Warner also became the reason for the delay of the production of "Fifty Shades Darker," Dakota Johnson wanted to clear the air between the two girls of Jamie Dornan. According to the Inquistr, Johnson invited Warner to lunch to keep Dornan on board for the "Fifty Shades Freed" film. Jamie Dornan wanted to show his loyalty to his wife by staying away from Dakota Johnson. However, Dornan's recent birthday made Warner even more jealous. Movie News Guide reported that the "Fifty Shades Darker" actress surprised Dornan with balloons in his trailer and even shared a casual kiss that made Dornan's wife more jealous. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson Continues Filming While "Fifty Shades Darker" has already finished filming and it is only "Fifty Shades Freed" that needs to be done, it is also good to note that the "Fifty Shades" team will continue with its production in France this July 19. 'Fifty Shades Darker' New Trailer E.L . James also announced that "Fifty Shades Darker" will release its new trailer this fall. Although she also said that just to make sure, we need to ask Universal Pictures for confirmation. The last short clip found for "Fifty Shades Darker" was released earlier this year. So, it is highly possible that the next clip will come soon. "Fifty Shades Darker" follows "Fifty Shades of Grey" and the relationship of Anastacia Steele and Christian Grey. This is the second book of the trilogy where Anastacia will finally meet Mrs. Robinson. What do you think of the late production of "Fifty Shades Freed?" Are you excited about the upcoming "Fifty Shades Darker" upcoming trailer? FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) and Liverpool Biennial are proud to present artworks by Krzysztof Wodiczko, Lucy Beech, and Yin-Ju Chen as part of Liverpool Biennial 2016. Showcased at FACT from 9 July until 16 October 2016, Wodiczko's installations, instruments and vehicles explore themes of migration and displacement, while Beech considers health anxiety and connectivity in her new film, Pharmakon, co-commissioned by Liverpool Biennial and FACT. Yin-Ju Chen's presents Extrastellar Evaluation, a project which continues her research into dystopia and art history. This year, the citywide exhibition is organised as a story narrated in several episodes, unfolding through a series of fictional worlds. The show at FACT is part of the Flashback episode and the Software episode. The Flashback episode at FACT features a selection of works spanning the 50 year career of Krzysztof Wodiczko, who is known for creating artworks to empower marginalised communities including immigrants, veterans and the homeless, giving light to societal injustices. Wodiczko defines 'flashback' as the sudden re-emergence of memories, characterised by psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Wodiczko's 2011 installation Guests, originally commissioned for the 53rd Venice Biennale, forms a central part of the exhibition, reflecting, in this new context, on the current migratory crisis and debates around forced migration. This large scale installation creates the illusion of windows, through which the viewer overhears conversations between migrants, exchanging remarks about their situation and problems, seemingly outside the gallery space. Here, Wodiczko plays with cultural displacement, and the social invisibility of this often marginalised group. Examples of Wodiczko's continuing work with military veterans is showcased, including the prototype device Veteran Helmet (2015), created to aid veterans to share their experiences with civilians. Documentation of The War Veteran Vehicle (2009), originally commissioned by FACT, is also exhibited. For this project, an active military vehicle, fitted with a video projector and PA system, was used to create the appearance of words being fired onto the surface of public buildings and monuments. The legacy of the project continues to be evidenced in FACT's award-winning Veterans in Practice programme, which creates opportunities for local ex-servicemen and women to collaborate with artists, designers and technologists to produce creative projects. Other works presented at FACT include the Homeless Vehicle Project (1988-89), where Wodiczko worked with members of the homeless community in New York to create tools to aid their survival and communication. Another vehicle on display, Podium (1977-1979), is a platform for speaking, propelled forward by the strength and passion of the orator. The works by Krzysztof Wodiczko included in Liverpool Biennial 2016 are supported by Culture.pl, and the Polish Institute London. Lucy Beech's new film, Pharmakon, co-commissioned by Liverpool Biennial and FACT, is presented at FACT as part of the Software episode, which points towards an understanding of technology stretching beyond its strictly functional use. Instead, it highlights technology's ability to allow us into imaginative worlds. Beech's video and performance works often consider how emotions are instrumentalised in a capitalist context, especially exploring female group dynamics and public intimacy. Usually focused on female group dynamics, her practice uses choreography and disrupted narrative structure to explore public intimacy and competitive vulnerability. Her new film emerges from her research into the uncommon, unexplained skin disorder Morgellons disease, which is characterised by crawling sensations on and under the skin. The condition emerged concurrently with the Internet, and the film problematises how connectivity in this context can be both destructive and generative. Involving women in all aspects of her new commission, Beech's new film explores experiences of health anxiety, and the management of abnormalities. Beech's film is supported by the Wellcome Trust, and is shot and produced in Liverpool, utilising local sites where diverse communities intersect, such as Sefton Palm House and Liverpool ONE. The screenplay is built out of the artist's research into the existing communities that use these spaces, along with scientific research and research from networking events. In the foyer, Yin-Ju Chen's Extrastellar Evaluations, presented at FACT and at Cains Brewery, brings together evidence of Lemurian presence on earth. The land of Lemuria sank into the ocean thousands of years ago, but its natives have been living invisibly amongst us ever since. In the 1960s, some of them re-emerged using the identities of conceptual artists, and Extrastellar Evaluations considers the impact of this defining era on humans and Lemurians alike. Yin-Ju Chen's primary medium is video, but her works also include photographs, installations and drawings. Yin-Ju Chen's work is co-commissioned by Liverpool Biennial and The Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), and supported by the Ministry of Culture Taiwan, in association with Kadist. The Liverpool Biennial 2016 film programme, Another Version of Events, is also showing at FACT, curated by ICA Associate Curator of Artists' Film and Moving Image, Steven Cairns, and co-produced by FACT, the ICA, Liverpool Biennial and Picturehouse. A selection of films will be screened every Thursday, inspired by sci-fi, mockumentary, pseudo-documentary, mockbuster and ethnofiction. Several of the films are selected and introduced by Biennial artists, whilst elsewhere in the programme, thematic screenings address distinct subjects drawn from the artists' practice: choreography, theatre, design, political drama, sound and geography. Highlights include a special screening event around Paris is Burning (dir. Jennie Livingston, 1990), as well as Sans Soleil (dir. Chris Marker, 1983), Freak Orlando (dir. Ulrike Ottinger, 1981), and Seduction of a Cyborg (dir. Lyn Hershman Leeson, 1994). For more information and to book tickets, visit fact.co.uk. Coinciding with the opening of Liverpool Biennial 2016, the Minecraft Infinity Project launches at FACT, inviting players to collaborate with Minecrafters the world over to remake artworks exhibited at this year's Liverpool Biennial into the largest virtual sculpture ever made. On Saturday 9 July, visitors of all ages are welcome to attend a free presentation and drop-in session at FACT. Over the two following weeks, players can enter the map, hosted on an online multiplayer server, to sculpt using specially created tools that take inspiration from the exhibition, and watch as a humongous virtual co-creation emerges. The project will be available online 9 - 24 July. More information, and instructions on how to get involved can be found on the FACT website. Minecraft Infinity Project is commissioned by Liverpool Biennial in partnership with FACT; produced by Tony Guillan and created by Adam Clarke in collaboration with map maker Dragnoz. Liverpool Biennial 2016, a free festival of newly commissioned contemporary art from around the world, takes place across the city's galleries, unused buildings, public spaces and online from 9 July until 16 October. Further works from the Software and Flashback episodes, thematically linked to the exhibition at FACT, can be seen in venues including Open Eye Gallery, Bluecoat and the Oratory. Cal State LA is one of several dozen universities across the nation selected to participate in an Obama Administration pilot program to allow incarcerated students to pursue bachelor's degrees and receive Pell Grants to help pay for their education, federal officials announced Friday. The goal of the Second Chance Pell Pilot Program is to help reduce recidivism rates and make communities safer by educating incarcerated Americans so they can receive jobs and support their families after they are released from prison. Under the program, 67 universities and colleges will partner with more than 141 federal and state penal institutions to educate 12,000 students. Cal State LA launched an education program in 2015 at the state prison in Lancaster and is the only university in California to offer an in-person bachelor's degree completion program for incarcerated students. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with more than 2.2 million people serving sentences in prisons and jails. A 2013 RAND Corporation study found that incarcerated students who participated in correctional education programs were 43 percent less likely to return to prison within three years than prisoners who did not take part in such programs. "The evidence is clear. Promoting the education and job training for incarcerated individuals makes communities safer by reducing recidivism and saves taxpayers dollars by lowering the direct and collateral costs of incarceration," said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. Said Cal State LA President William A. Covino: "We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Obama Administration on this critical initiative. This will help us advance our mission by providing an outstanding education to eligible students and contribute to the betterment of our communities." The program was championed in the House of Representatives by Congressman Xavier Becerra, whose 34th Congressional District includes Cal State LA. "I'm proud that the Department of Education has designated Cal State LA to improve the chances for many of our youth to see college in their future not our criminal justice system. All of our children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, deserve a second chance," Becerra said. Cal State LA's current program is an initiative of the university's Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good in partnership with the College of Professional and Global Education and the College of Arts and Letters. The center was established by Covino shortly after he joined the university in 2013. Its mission is to elevate and improve our communities through programs and initiatives involving students, faculty, staff and the community. Twenty-five students are currently enrolled in the program at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (Lancaster). The students have earned Associate of Arts degrees and are working toward Bachelor of Arts degrees in communication studies. "We believe that it's never too late for a person to transform his or her life by earning a university degree," Cal State LA Vice President Jose A. Gomez said. Starting in fall 2018, Cal State LA plans to expand its program to include students at the state prison in Lancaster who are currently enrolled in an Associate of Arts degree program through Antelope Valley College. Cal State LA receives support for its program from The Opportunity Institute's Renewing Communities Initiative. Non-Profit Summer Camp Hopes to Raise $45,000 For 2016 Program to Boost Long-Term Sustainability The U.S. Virgin Islands are more than white sandy beaches and tourist attractions. There is an education crisis on the island - 83% of 3rd-11th graders failed National English standards and 93% didn't meet expectations in math. In an effort to combat these troubling numbers, The Family Connection Kindercamp is expanding its teaching staff to provide individualized attention to students who are most at risk. This six-week non-profit summer camp on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, intervenes early in a child's education through a child-led curriculum that puts the students in the driver's seat, allowing them to be in charge of each days' lesson plans. Such a method requires individualized attention for each student. Nearly all children who have participated in the program saw immediate improvements, according to an independent review of the program by Elizabeth Jaeger, Ph.D., a former Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. This year, the program is doubling the number of teachers from four to eight, while maintaining a class size of 80 students to lower the teacher-student ratio even further in its third summer. (THE FAMILY CONNECTION KINDERCAMP) The Family Connection Kindercamp will accept 80 students this summer after serving 105 children over its first two years. The program was co-founded by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands along with Thelca Bedminster, a local elementary school principal, and Nicholas Midler. This year, Midler hopes to raise $45,000, increasing from the $31,000 budget allocated to the 2015 program in order to accommodate the growing faculty. Midler and his team are in the middle of their fundraising efforts now, and plan to complete this year's fundraising efforts by late May or early June. In the past, The Family Connection Kindercamp has received generous donations from companies such as Fintrac Inc., Sea Glass Properties, and Quantico. Midler hopes to interest cruise lines, and airlines that do business in the Virgin Islands, other local businesses, and foundations focused on early childhood education and disadvantaged youth in supporting the program and local population. The Family Connection Kindercamp has its roots in Midler's childhood in the Virgin Islands. Midler and his family lived in St. Thomas for five years while he was in middle and elementary school, where he was able to see first-hand the problems with the local education system. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, 57% of youth entering kindergarten test poorly on language skills, 47% of children 18-19 don't have high school degrees. These jarring statistics spurred Midler to join with the Community Foundation and enlist Ms. Bedminster to try to tackle the problem at its earliest point. "I know firsthand that personalized attention in the classroom can make all the difference," said Midler. "I have dyslexia, and I was the last person in my class to read and write. I had a supportive classroom environment to help me succeed despite this challenge, and all young students deserve that same chance at success." Studies have proven the effectiveness of early intervention: a Highscope study of Perry Preschool found that every dollar invested in pre-K saw a return of $12.90 over the child's lifetime. "Six weeks might not seem like a lot of time, but you'd be surprised what can be accomplished," said Thelca Bedminster, program director of The Family Connection Kindercamp. "By the time our kids leave the program they are able to recite their ABCs and count to 100. We also saw increases in self-regulatory skills, knowledge of school routines and culture and, most importantly, a love of school." Bedminster points to one child who only spoke French Creole at the start of the program and could only indicate her name with its first letter. By the end of the program, the child was able to verbally communicate her needs to the teachers. According to Jaeger, staff were so impressed with the child-led learning activities that they planned to introduce them into their regular classrooms during the school year. About Family Connection Kindercamp The Family Connection Kindercamp is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that is operated and funded through a public-private partnership model. The program uses research-based, child-led curriculum to provide its students with a leg-up into kindergarten with an eye towards future academic success. By intervening early, the camp hopes to pave a smooth and successful academic future for all of its enrollees. Every so often I'm reminded that my sweet babies are growing up, and I have such a love/hate relationship with that. While I'm so looking forward to the day I never have to buy another diaper or wipe another snotty nose, I'm going to miss these days so much. Our oldest will be 8 next month, our middle daughter just turned 5 and our twins just turned 2. We have some babies, but we don't have them much longer. Today my two oldest started cheer camp. Our oldest has gone for the past four years. Our youngest went for the first time today; a gross reminder she is growing up. Our oldest asked me the other day about Instagram. She is always asking questions and making comments that remind us she's not a baby anymore, and we really hate that. When the attacks on Paris happened last fall, my husband and I were in New York City for some events. When we returned, she hugged us so tight and said she was worried about us and had to make sure that Manhattan wasn't close to Paris (and now she's obsessed with geography). When people commemorate 9/11, she asks about it. Why? How? When? What does it mean? We've always been able to limit her exposure to the media, but she's growing up. She's in school where she's hearing about things from other kids. She's listening to us when we speak. She might not seem to hear us when we tell her to clean her room or ask her to use her indoor voice, but she sure does hear everything we say. She's observant, and she's very smart. So when the massacre in Orlando, only an hour from our home and somewhere we visit regularly as we have annual passes to Disney World and the other Disney Parks, we wondered how to broach the subject with our oldest. Our five-year-old is still in that sort of blissfully ignorant stage in which the only thing in the world that matters to her is her - sometimes us and the twins, and all the time her tablet battery life. We thought we should mention it, but how? How do you tell a little girl of almost 8 what happened when you cannot even wrap your own head around it? We didn't know what to say, so we thought we'd wait for her to ask. Then we thought that it seems a bit like we're not being truthful if we don't mention it. She solved that problem for us by waking up and coming into the living room at that moment. She saw the news on television and asked what all the police cars were doing. We knew in that moment we had to tell our little girl who feels so safe in the world that the world is not a good place. She's not stupid, so she already knows this; but how do you tell a little girl just how bad it can be? You just have to be honest. We know our daughter and what she can handle, and we know that every child is different. We know that some people won't talk to their kids about this. We know some parents will be far more honest than we will. We know that some parents will gloss over things to keep their children save. I'm not judging you. You know your child; I don't. You know what your child can handle, and you know what you have to say to feel comfortable having a discussion of this nature. I'm merely sharing with you how we explained the situation to our daughter so that perhaps it might help someone who feels similarly to us; someone who might have a child similar to ours. We were honest. The conversation went a little bit like this. "A very bad man went into a building Orlando with his gun and he hurt a lot of people for no reason," we said. She asked, "Why did he do that? Did they die?" "Well, a lot of people did die, and a lot of people are in the hospital right now. We don't know why he did it, to be honest." She nodded, and was quiet for a few moments. That's when she quietly said, "He must not have known that God loves him and that's why he made bad choices. If he knew that God loved him, he would have made good choices." She later prayed about it when we put her to bed. Our hearts felt so much better after that. Our daughter knows what happened, she knows that this person is awful, and she came to her own conclusions in the matter without us having to detail anything to her. We turned off the television and took everyone out to breakfast after that, and we had a nice family morning. Our kids feel safe with us, and we know that a lot of that has to do with the fact that we don't keep secrets from them about things. We don't brush them off and make them feel worried or wonder. We let them ask questions and we answer them honestly, albeit as vaguely as possible. That's when we reassure our kids that we love them, will do anything to protect them and that we do everything in our power every single day to keep her safe. We certainly are not perfect. We certainly don't have all the answers. We make mistakes every single day; but our kids are smart, they're inquisitive and they are secure in our love for them. As long as we can keep them feeling that way, we will. "This article was originally posted at Shebudgets.com" - you can read it here: http://www.shebudgets.com/lifestyle/parenting/what-do-you-say-to-your-kids-when-they-ask-about-world-tragedies/ World-class Festival kicks off July 6th featuring a 5-story magnificent tower with Neapolitan Saint and brass band carried on the shoulders of 125 men. A spectacular Italian Festival kicking off July 6th in Brooklyn honoring Saint Paolino has it all: faith, food, music, neighborhood pride, history, colorful cultural celebrations and international visitors. Neapolitan immigrants from Italy settled in Williamsburg long ago and brought a beautiful tradition to the streets of Brooklyn with the first 'Giglio' (Italian for "lily") festival in 1903. During the 12-day extravaganza, a five-story, spectacular, hand-created tower featuring Saint Paolino's statue and a 12-piece brass band playing on a platform, is carried on the sturdy shoulders of a 125-man platoon through the Williamsburg streets. Music, muscles, parades, artwork, tempting treats, children's rides and Catholic Masses in several languages make up the wide array of activities and attractions during the spectacular Italian festivities - promising a memorable experience for every visitor. A re-enactment of the Neapolitan St. Paolino's release from captivity includes an ornate, custom-made ship docking with the Giglio tower on the Brooklyn streets, providing a Broadway show caliber spectacle! The great appeal to many, including those who have attended the Giglio for decades, are the Italian-themed souvenirs, the tasty Italian delicacies including seafood, zeppoles and braciola, and kiddie rides for the youngsters. WHO: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church WHAT: 129th Giglio Italian Feast Spectacular WHEN: July 6th - July 17th, Monday - Friday: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays: 6 p.m. to Midnight, Sundays: 12 Noon to 11 p.m. WHAT: 129th Giglio Italian Feast Spectacular WHERE: 275 North 8th Street at Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211 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 Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire Tidal, a streaming-music service run by rap mogul Jay Z, even though a Tidal spokesman has gone on record saying that Tidal executives hadn't held talks with Apple. The report noted that Apple is exploring the idea of bringing on Tidal to bolster its Apple Music service because of Tidal's strong ties to popular artists such as Kanye West and Madonna. The Wall Street Journal report points out that "Tidal has experienced management turmoil of late, churning through three chief executives. One of them interim and one appointed by prior management, in less than a year." Jeff Toig, former chief business officer of SoundCloud, a Berlin-based audio-sharing service, has been CEO since January." In April Tidal and Kanye West faced a class action over the album 'The Life of Pablo' being available on iTunes, when Kanye vowed that his album would never be on iTunes to drive more subscriptions to Tidal. The report further noted that "Though it hasn't generated significant revenue for the industry given its relatively low subscriber numbers, Tidal has an artist-friendly reputation, thanks to its artist ownership, high-quality sound and the fact that it only offers paid subscriptions, which generate far more for the industry than ad-supported services. Spotify AB, by contrast, the subscription-streaming leader with about 30 million subscribers and about 70 million free users, has irked some stars by refusing to let them limit their music to its paid tier. Tidal has held exploratory talks beginning last year with other potential partners, such as the streaming service Rhapsody, according to a person familiar with the matter. Rhapsody recently changed its name to Napster." They were also rumored in March to be in talks with Samsung. "Apple has been working to secure close relationships with recording artists. It has provided marketing assistance to artists, while also helping to pay for music videos for high-profile artists in exchange for a certain period of exclusivity on Apple Music. A deal with Tidal would bring two of the most legendary names in hip-hop to Apple's camp, uniting East Coast and West Coast rap under a single business interest." For more on this story, read the full Wall Street report here. (Subscription required). About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. IRGC warns KRG officials over insecurities in western Iran 07/01/16 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' second-in-command has warned Kurdish officials against loose commitment to security issues, days after terrorist cells were smashed in northwestern Iran by IRGC patrol units. Brigadier General Hossein Salami Addressing Friday prayers at the University of Tehran, Brigadier General Hossein Salami said on Friday that Iran will carry out operation beyond borders if necessary. "I warn the officials of northern Iraq adhere to their commitments as the Islamic Republic will crush threats regardless of geographical considerations." The remarks comes days after media outlets quoted the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kurdistan Region as having demanded an end to the bombardment of the region's border areas by Iran and Turkey. "In the last few days the border areas of the Kurdistan Region were bombarded by the Islamic Republic and Republic of Turkey which resulted in wounding a number of people and dozens of villagers were forced to flee their villages," the Kurdistan Region cabinet of ministers had said in the statement. The IRGC commander linked the terrorist attempts with some regional countries which seek to trigger insecurity in Iran, recommending them not "play with the lion's tail." Western and eastern borders of Iran have been a hotbed for terrorist activities, mainly influenced by weak border monitoring of neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. IRGC second-in-chief warns the officials of northern Iraq adhere to their commitments, saying the Islamic Republic will crush threats regardless of geographical considerations. Only over the past two weeks, IRGC combat and intelligence officers had killed dozens of terrorists, seeking sabotage inside the country. On June 13, IRGC announced its forces had killed five members of the Party for Free Life in Kurdistan (PJAK) in the northwestern border city of Sardasht. In another clash in southern city of Khash on June 13, Iranian police forces killed five members of a terrorist group which is an offshoot of Jaish ul-Adl. Also, on June 28, a top IRGC commander said 11 members of an anti-revolutionary cell had been smashed in Sarvabad County in the western province of Kurdistan. The county also foiled one of the biggest terrorist plots ever being hatched in June. According to a statement by Iran's Intelligence Ministry on June 20, it had foiled one of the "biggest terrorist plots of Takfiri-Wahhabi groups" in Tehran and some other cities. Later details showed Iranian security forces has apprehended 10 Takfiri terrorists in Tehran and three other central provinces, planning "remote control bombings, suicide attacks, and car bombings" in several busy locations. Also, during the operations, security forces identified 50 bombing locations, confiscated over 100 kilograms of explosives, and stopped the delivery of at least two tons of explosive materials to the terrorists in the country, said Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi. Report: US Sailors' Detention by Iranian Forces 'Wholly Preventable' 07/01/16 By Carla Babb, VOA PENTAGON- The detention of 10 U.S. sailors by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier this year was wholly preventable," according to the commander of naval forces in the Middle East. In Navy documents released Thursday, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, said the January incident was due to several problems, including poor leadership, a non-existent compliance with proper maintenance and procedures and insufficient planning. Considering the lack of discipline and failure to adhere to the basic core values of the United State Navy, it is simply good fortune that prevented an earlier incident in this unit, Donegan wrote in his endorsement of a report on the incident. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson told reporters at the Pentagon Thursday the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps also was at fault. "The investigation concluded that Iran violated international law by impeding the boats' innocent passage transit," Richardson said. He added the Iranians had violated sovereign immunity by "boarding, searching and seizing the boats and by photographing and videotaping the crew." The sailors, nine men and one woman, were traveling through the Persian Gulf from Kuwait toward Bahrain in two riverine vessels on January 12, 2016, when U.S. controllers lost contact with them. According to the report, the boat crews started their mission hours behind schedule and, in an effort to make up time, committed an unplanned and unauthorized deviation that caused them to transit unknowingly through Saudi Arabian territorial seas and through Iranian territorial seas. The report found that one of the boats suffered an engine casualty and went dead in the water about three kilometers away from Farsi Island, Iranian territory that is roughly midway between Kuwait and Bahrain. The sailors then failed to report the engine problems and the sighting of unpredicted land to authorities despite having working communication gear on one of the boats. Iranian Revolutionary Guards who patrol the Gulf boarded the U.S. vessels and detained the crew members near Farsi Island. They were released the next morning. The report found that some crew members did not meet the Navy's code of conduct standards while in custody. It said some sailors, while detained at gunpoint, had shared sensitive information, such as phone and laptop passwords. "Those sailors clearly know our actions on that day in January and this incident did not live up to our expectations of our Navy," Richardson said. He said the task force commander, the commanding officer of the riverine squadron and the officer in charge of the detachment in Kuwait have all been relieved of duty following the incident. Six additional sailors are in the process of potentially receiving disciplinary action. The report recommends the Navy take steps to increase oversight of actions that move across multiple areas of operation. It has also increased the amount of training required for these missions, including escape training. After the incident, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the resolution was a success for diplomacy, and Defense Secretary Ash Carter said he was grateful to have the service members back in our hands. About the author: Carla Babb is VOA's Pentagon correspondent covering defense and international security issues. Her datelines include Ukraine, Turkey, Pakistan, Korea, Japan and Egypt. #RumiWasntWhite: Outrage over Hollywood Choice to Play Persian Poet 07/01/16 By Cecily Hilleary, VOA Rumi meeting Shams-i Tabrizi for the First Time [Persian Manuscript] It was only four months ago that the U.S. film industry was slammed for snubbing actors of color by casting white actors to play the part of Asians, Hispanics, or Native Americans, and ignoring great performances by minorities when the nominees for this year's Oscars were announced. But Hollywood, say critics across the Middle East, doesn't appear to have gotten the message. Oscar-winning screenwriter David Franzoni and producer Stephen Joel Brown are working on a film about Jalaluddin al-Rumi, the 13th Century theologian, poet and mystic beloved to Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Jews across the globe. The filmmakers say one of their motives in making the film is to challenge stereotypes about Muslims. But the actors they have in mind to play the leading roles are Leonardo di Caprio as Rumi-or Maulana, as he is known in Iran and Afghanistan-and Robert Downey Jr. asShams-i-Tabrizi, Rumi's close friend and spiritual mentor. @imunnazaabbasi Yes, yes he was, almost all Persians are white. They were not Germanic, but they would be classified as white. Vuk M. Mujovic (@VukMujovic) June 30, 2016 That revelation sparked outrage across the world, especially in Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan, where Rumi is revered as a national hero, and folks vented their frustration on Twitter using the hashtag #RumiWasntWhite. Writing in gal-dem, an online magazine that speaks for women of color, Paniz Khosroshahy challenged the producer to explain why he favors casting the two white men in the film. "Los Angeles is the capital of the Iranian diaspora. So how come, Mr. Brown, there are always enough South Asian and Middle Eastern men to cast as the savage Persians in 300, but somehow only Jake Gyllenhaal available to act inPrince of Persia?" White people ruin Ramadan 2016 by announcing their 'Rumi' movie.#RumiWasntWhite Bilal Javd (@bilaljavd3) June 12, 2016 At least three petitions have been launched, asking Hollywood to cast actors more appropriate for the roles of Rumi and Shams. Names that have been suggested include the Canadian American American star Donnie Keshawarz, of Afghan descent (below left), or Iranian American actor Shaun Toub (below right). Go into any Afghan home and you are likely to see a copy of Rumi's Masnavion a shelf, said Crystal Keshawaz, co-founder of Afghan Women in the Diaspora. "We as children are taught his poetry from a young age, and it becomes part of the core of who we are as adults," she said. "We finally have the opportunity to share our true cultural history with the world through the lens of Maulana's [Rumi's] life story, and they want to give the role to a man who has no dearth of roles available to him." But not everyone is outraged, pointing out that Rumi, who was born in Afghanistan and spent most of his life in Turkey, was not a "person of color." They launched a counter-hashtag on Twitter, #RumiWasWhite. #RumiWasntWhite does religion and skin color determine race? Rumi in fact was a Caucasian https://t.co/F6Jl7CPILh... #rumiwaswhite Murat (@corrida84) June 10, 2016 Still others believe the issue of skin color should be irrelevant.No final announcements about casting have yet been made, and sources quote DiCaprio as saying he's not interested in the role. The actor Donnie Keshawarz, who has played a wide variety of television and film roles, weighed in on the debate. "The fact that an actor not of Middle-Eastern heritage wants to play Rumi doesn't necessarily affront me as an actor," he said via email. What would bother him more, he said, would be to see an actor do it badly. "Since Hollywood seeks to tell stories of the human experience, then I think it should take delicate care to tell the stories in a way that honors the diversity & complexities of said human experience in as truthful way as possible," he said. Would he consider the part? "I would be honored to be considered to play Rumi-or any role of such importance and scope, and am humbled that my name would even figure in." As for Rumi, if he were asked about the controversy today, his answer might well be: The best 2-in-1 laptop 2022: our picks of the best convertible laptops These are the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now Does the world want another Windows phone? With Lumia device sales in free fall, common sense would suggest, no. Nevertheless, Japanese company NuAns is gauging interest via Kickstarter to see if users outside of Japan want to buy its Windows 10 Mobile device, the Neo. The company is hoping to raise at least $750,000 with backers pledging $250 or more to get their hands on the handset. The Neo was originally launched in Japan in late 2015 as a $300 phone. The appeal of the Neo isnt so much the devices specs as its style. The phone comes with a removable twotone back cover featuring two separate panels allowing for interchangeable colors. The back cover also comes with a credit card slot on the inside, allowing you to leave your wallet at home for nights out and daytime jaunts to the grocery store. The specs of the device are nice but not exciting. The Neo offers a 5-inch touch display with 720p resolution at 295 pixels per inch, a 1.5GHz Snapdragon 617 processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB of onboard storage. Theres also a microSD slot for an extra 128GB, bringing the total potential storage of the device to 144GB. Theres a 13-megapixel rear facing camera, and a 5-megapixel snapper on the front. The battery life claim tops out at 16 hours of talk time or 400 hours standby. Just dont take a companys battery life claims too seriously until theyve been tested by an independent third-party. The Neo also has a USB Type-C port, but its not clear if the device has fast-charging capabilities. As for the operating system, the Neo runs Windows 10 Mobile with Continuum. It also has integrated NFC, and NuAns says it will work with the new mobile payment system coming to Windows 10 Mobile with the Anniversary Update. The story behind the story: A Kickstarter project from a small Japanese company probably isnt what Microsoft had in mind for the future of Windows 10 Mobile consumer devices. Nevertheless, Microsoft did hope that other companies would try to sell Windows 10 phones now that the Lumia line appears to be over. It will be interesting to see if NuAns campaign succeeds with U.S. buyers since Windows phones have struggled here in the past. The Kickstarter campaign runs until August 9, but if youre interested in the phone dont wait until the last minute. NuAns is only offering a limited number of Neo devices at $270. After those devices are gone the price goes up to $325-$380. [via The Verge] Spain has joined the scrum of tax authorities examining Googles accounts to see if the company has paid all that it should. A team of 35 inspectors from Agencia Tributaria, the Spanish tax authority, raided Google offices on two sites in Madrid on Thursday, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais. The authority requested court approval for the raid on Tuesday, the report said. They were investigating the tax liabilities of Googles subsidiaries in Spain and Ireland, through which the company channels much of its European revenue. Its a relatively common business practice to locate profit-generating activities in jurisdictions with low rates of corporation tax, and keep loss-making functions where taxes are higher. Directing profit to low-tax jurisdictions in this way is not necessarily illegal, if the transfer can be justified. The tax authorities are concerned that Googles Spanish staff may be playing a greater role in the generation of revenue and profit than the company has declared, according to El Pais. Other countries too have been investigating Googles tax affairs. French authorities conducted a dawn raid on the companys Paris office in May as part of an investigation into whether Google should pay US$1.8 billion in back taxes. And in January Italy asked the company to pay 228 million (then $257 million) in back taxes for the period 2009-2013. That request came as UK authorities concluded an investigation into the companys tax payments over a 10-year period, resulting in a demand for 130 million (then $186 million) in back taxes. With so many European Union tax authorities investigating the company, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said she would join in if she received an official complaint. Google has issued a statement defending its tax practices. We comply with the tax law in Spain, as in every other country in which we operate. We are cooperating fully with the authorities in Madrid to answer their questions, as always, according to an email from a Google spokesman. This story has been updated with a statement from Google, added in the last paragraph. The bot revolution is happening fast for Facebook. After launching third-party bots in April offering everything from forecasts to your boarding pass, the social network says there are now more than 11,000 bots active on Facebook. To celebrate, Facebook is adding a bunch of new features that could show up on your favorite bots soonif developers enable them, that is. Persistent menu Persistent menus for the Poncho bot on Facebook Messenger. One big problem with bots is they feel a little antiquated. Many of them will only respond to certain commands, which can make the whole experience kind of tedious. You try a certain command. That doesnt work, so the bot comes back with a selection of commands you can use. Then you pick one, and the bot delivers its information. Hoping to overcome this deficit, Facebook is introducing a persistent menu feature. With a persistent menu, users will always have quick access to key commands for the bot. Developers can enable up to five options on the menu. Quick replies Building on something bots can already do, Facebook is offering quick-reply buttons to make interactions with the various bots more efficient. Many bots already offer Yes/No response buttons or other next steps, such as viewing a full news story in your browser. Now, bots will be able to offer up to 10 quick response buttons. Only the response you choose will appear in the chat history. Facebook says this makes the chat history cleaner and easier to read. GIFs, audio, video, and more Poncho sending a GIF on Facebook Messenger. Bots can now send GIFs, audio clips, and video clips in their responses, as well as regular files. Audio and video clips will play inside Messenger. The obvious advantage of this is that bots can offer richer responses such as instructional videos or, if theres nothing better to do, an entertaining Seinfeld GIF. Account linking Taking the concept of customer service a step further, some bots will let you link your Facebook account with your customer account. Imagine, for example, linking your mobile phone account to Facebook Messenger. That would let you take care of some basic tasks inside Messenger, such as requesting your monthly bill balance or finding out about additional services. Why this matters: The race is on between the major tech companies to make smart bots the next great frontier for consumer technology. Facebook currently dominates with thousands of available bots, and now new features to make the bots more user-friendly. But Google is expected to make a strong showing once its recently announced Google Assistant is more widely available. Amazons Alexa is popular on the companys Echo products and integrates with third-party developers. Microsoft is adding bots to Skype, and pushing its conversations as a platform concept. Apple appears to be furthest behinda fact that has some Apple watchers concernedwith nary a purpose-built bot in sight. Recently, however, Apple announced Siri would open up to third-party developers. Southern Californias air pollution regulators unveiled an air clean-up plan today that essentially calls for the region to buy its way out of the worst smog problem in the nation. The draft plan from the South Coast Air Quality Management District relies on cash incentives of about $1 billion a year for the next decade and beyond for the region to transition to zero or near-zero polluting vehicles, buildings and industries, said Wayne Nastri, the air districts acting executive officer. About half of the money would come from the federal government and thus require congressional approval, Nastri said. The air district also expects funds from the state. The money would go toward incentives to help companies upgrade trucks and other machinery and to create much cleaner ways to move cargo and manufacture goods. Nastri called for the federal government to create a clean air investment and clean-up fund, which would be similar to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Superfund now used to clean up polluted industrial sites and groundwater contamination. The money could come from appropriations and revenues from fines and judgments imposed on pollution-rule violators, such as Volkswagen, which this week agreed to pay $14.7 billion in civil penalties for using software that allowed its vehicles to cheat on emission tests. Nastri said it wont be easy to get Congress on board. There are a number of different concepts we have, and we intend to get support for this, he said. We recognize that it is a lot of work. He said AQMD board members have visited Washington, D.C., and found several member of Congress amenable to idea, including Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona. Calvert could not be reached for comment Thursday, June 30. The air quality clean-up is needed to meet health standards required under the federal Clean Air Act. The idea of heavy reliance on cash incentives was praised and criticized. Jay Prag, an economy and finance professor at the Drucker School of Management in Claremont, applauded the idea. Incentivizing industry to help meet the (clean air) goal lets the market find the best alternatives, and the most effective ways of doing this, Prag said in a telephone interview. It lets businesses find the ways, and incentive-based programs have good track records, he said. But Angela Johnson Meszaros, a Los Angeles-based attorney, for the environmental advocacy law firm Earthjustice, described the strategy as giveaway to polluters. When they say incentives, what they are really saying is let the polluters off the hook and have the taxpayers responsible for paying to address the polluters pollution, she said. It is not right. She said the Clean Air Act is supposed to guarantee clean air for all people, and businesses should not be able to profit from pollution. You cant have your behavior harm others because you dont want to pay for the control strategies, she said. During the press briefing, Philip Fine, the air districts deputy executive officer, said the new clean-up plan includes requiring the regions factories, refineries and power plants to collectively cut nitrogen oxide emissions by an additional five tons day. This would be in addition to a reduction of 12 tons day approved in December. Fine said air district officials looked hard to find cost-effective ways to cut pollution from businesses and other non-moving sources. Our goal is not to put our businesses at a disadvantage or out of business, Fine said. The clean-up strategy is aimed at meeting the federal health standards for ozone by 2031. Ozone is the hallmark pollutant of summertime smog. Ozone pollution rises during hot, stagnant weather, which cooks up urban pollutants. It causes nausea, headaches and burning eyes and triggers asthma attacks, among other health problems. Various studies have shown that more children miss school and more workers call in sick during bad air days. Studies also link air pollution to early deaths. So far this year, Southern California has weathered 54 days during which ozone pollution somewhere in the regions ocean-to-mountains air basin exceeded the most recent federal standard of 70 parts per billion averaged over eight hours. Thats 13 more unhealthful days than the region had experienced by this time last year, according to data published online by the California Air Resources Board. Contact the writer: 951-368-9471 or ddanelski@pressenterprise.com Banning police blame gang members for a stabbing June 5 that killed a Banning man and wounded a juvenile. The victims were not members of a gang, Banning police Sgt. Ray Arretche said in an interview Thursday. The two were stabbed at 1:34 a.m. in the 400 block of Alessandro Street. Jeremy Cooley, 26, died, while the boy, whose name hasnt been disclosed, was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released later that day. Though police believe they know who killed Cooley and stabbed the boy, the suspects remain at large. We do have leads, we have identified suspects, its just a matter of tracking them down and taking them into custody, Arretche said. He declined to release their names. Part of the challenge of bringing the suspects into custody is that witnesses have not been cooperative with investigators, Arretche said. He encouraged anyone with information about the stabbing to call detectives at 951-922-3170. Anxious to solve the gang-related slaying of an 18-year-old Corona man, police in that city are offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who comes forward with first-hand information that results in the arrest and conviction of whomever killed him. Barnabas William Crites suffered fatal stab wounds four months ago shortly before 9 p.m. Feb. 26 in the skate park at Corona City Park, 930 E. Sixth St. Crites mom said her sons friends have told her he was killed while saving someone else who was being attacked. But that person and other witnesses havent cooperated with investigators, police have said. On June 9, Corona police helped crack down on a local street gang they believe is responsible for a string of violent attacks, including the killing of Crites. The result: 52 arrests, 32 search-warrant raids, and the confiscation of 67 guns and $1.6 million-worth of drugs. But the Crites case remains open. Crites wasnt a gang member, Monasue Crites has said of her son. But police believe he was killed by a member of the Corona Varrio Locos, the gang targeted in the June 9 raid. Beyond that, investigators havent released many details about the slaying. Chuck Crites said he worried that something bad might happen to his son because of the crowd with whom the teenager spent much of his time. He gravitated to these thugs, said the elder Crites. He was so much better than that. He had an incredible future ahead of him. Anyone with first-hand information may call Senior Detective Dan Bloomfield at 951-817-5767. Theres also an option for remaining anonymous. Although entitlement to the reward would not apply, police said in a written statement released Thursday, you may contact the Corona Police Department tip line at 951-817-5873. California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed six stringent gun-control measures, including a requirement that people turn in high-capacity magazines and regulations requiring background checks for ammunition sales. The Democratic governor vetoed other gun bills Friday, including a requirement to register homemade firearms and report lost or stolen weapons to authorities. A conservative lawmaker from Inland Southern California was quick to express his disappointment at the signing. The bills the governor signed today that target law-abiding citizens who choose to exercise their constitutional rights to keep and bear arms will do nothing to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, said Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula, in a statement. Stone predicted some of the new legislation would be challenged in court. We all want to see a decrease in gun violence, he said. But criminalizing gun ownership instead of prosecuting criminals who use guns to commit crime is not the answer. San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said he anticipates that many gun owners will balk at turning in their high-capacity magazines. So, do we just criminalize a bunch of people who wouldnt normally be considered criminals? he asked. PROP. 47: Governor vetoes bill to make all firearm thefts felonies At the same, Senate President Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said he was gratified that the governor signed his legislation, Senate Bill 1235, which regulates the sale of ammunition, as well as related bills. Taken together, these bills will save lives and make our communities, our families and our children safer, de Leon said. Where Republicans in Congress have turned a deaf ear, we have answered the cries of the mothers, fathers, family members and friends who have lost loved ones to gun violence. In any event, law enforcement agencies across Southern California are preparing to abide by the new laws, no matter what they might think of them. We respect the legislation that has been passed, said Lt. Mark Stichter, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriffs Department. We will uphold those laws and enforce them. Our job is to enforce laws. Our job is not to create laws, he said. Browns action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control in a state that already has some of the most stringent laws in the nation. Some of the bills enacted duplicate provisions of a ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom that will appear on the November ballot. My goal in signing these bills is to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners, Brown wrote in a one-sentence message to lawmakers. He vetoed at least one saying voters will be deciding. Democratic legislative leaders tried unsuccessfully to persuade Newsom to withdraw his initiative, worried it might drive conservatives to the polls. The bills angered Republicans and gun-rights advocates who say Democrats are trampling on 2nd Amendment rights, creating new restrictions that wont cut off the flow of guns to people intent on using them for nefarious purposes. On the eve of Independence Day, independence and freedom and liberty in California has been chopped down at the knees and kicked between the legs, Sam Paredes, executive director of the advocacy group Gun Owners of California. Browns action will require people who own magazines that hold more than 10 rounds to give them up. It extends a 1999 law that made it illegal to buy a high-capacity magazine or to bring one into the state but allowed people who already owned them to keep them. In another attempt to slow reloading, the governor signed a bill outlawing new weapons that have a device known as a bullet button. Gun makers developed bullet buttons to get around a Californias assault weapons ban, which prohibited new rifles with magazines that can be detached without the aid of tools. A bullet buttons allows a shooter to quickly dislodge the magazine using the tip of a bullet or other small tool. People will be allowed to keep weapons they already own with bullet buttons, which are often referred to as California compliant. Brown also endorsed a bill making another attempt at regulating ammunition sales after a law passed in 2009 was struck down by a Fresno County judge who said it was too vague. The new bill will require ammo sellers to be licensed and buyers to undergo background checks. Transactions will be recorded. He also opted to require a background check before a gun can be loaned to someone who isnt a family member. Strong gun laws work What were doing in California is a better job of keeping guns out of dangerous hands, said Amanda Wilcox, a spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose daughter was killed by a shooter using a high-capacity magazine. The governor vetoed a measure that would have expanded a six-month-old program that allows courts to temporarily restrict gun ownership rights for people suspected of being dangerous. He also decided against restricting all firearm purchases to one per month, a limitation that currently applies only to handguns One bill he vetoed would have asked voters to strengthen penalties for stealing a gun, because he said voters will already be deciding it through Newsoms initiative. Newsoms ballot measure also will ask voters to require reporting of lost and stolen firearms an idea Brown rejected Friday and has rejected at least twice before. I continue to believe that responsible people report the loss or theft of a firearm and irresponsible people do not; it is not likely that this bill would change that, he wrote in a veto message. Newsoms initiative has put a spotlight on the lieutenant governor as he campaigns for governor in the 2018 election. Hes been at loggerheads with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat, who tried unsuccessfully to convince Newsom to drop the ballot measures in favor of legislative action. Browns vetoes protected Newsoms initiative from becoming moot. The governor took swift action today and voters will have a chance to go even further in November, if they choose, with the lieutenant governors initiative, said Evan Westrup, a spokesman for Brown. Richard Hinojos was a lost teenager. He drank alcohol, got bad grades and dropped out of high school. The California Conservation Corps helped give him direction. Hinojos is one of the estimated 3,600 young men and women who have worked on fires, floods, earthquakes and other projects for the state agencys Inland district in the past four decades. It gave me a lot of discipline, said Hinojos, a 22-year-old Crestline resident who started in the corps almost three years ago and wants to become a firefighter. in the corps. I developed patience. I learned a lot of skills I can take into the real world. State officials celebrated the 40th anniversary of the corps with a ceremony June 30 in Sacramento. Another event is planned July 7 in Los Angeles. The corps, created by Gov. Jerry Brown in July 1976, became a permanent state agency in 1983. It was modeled after President Franklin D. Roosevelts Civilian Conservation Corps, a public work relief program to help the economy recover during the Great Depression. California has the oldest and largest state conservation corps program in the country. The program is paid for from the states general fund. The corps also charges other government agencies for the work it performs. Corps members must be California residents between ages 18 and 25 who are not on probation or parole. More than 120,000 have participated in California since the programs inception and about 3,000 are hired in the state annually. After leaving the corps, many workers get jobs as firefighters, entry-level park aides and highway maintenance employees. Others continue their education and become teachers, park rangers and owners of their own landscaping businesses. Corp members earn minimum wage and receive medical benefits. The average length of employment is eight months. About half are high school dropouts and many lack work experience when they join. In addition to learning job skills, they can take classes to receive high school diplomas and may qualify for scholarships to attend college, trade schools or the AmeriCorps public service program. Crews work for local, state and federal agencies on more than 900 natural resource projects per year. Jobs include responding to natural disasters as well as planting trees, restoring habitat, improving parks, and building and taking care of trails. The Inland district was created in 1981 and serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It was based at Patton State Hospital near Highland before moving to an office complex off Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino in 2009. For the past four years, Inland crews have been restoring a section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Jacinto Mountains. The work includes moving and setting in place 1,100-pound granite boulders and using explosives to break them into smaller pieces. Crews hike several miles into the wilderness carrying 50-pound backpacks. They sleep up to 10 straight days in tents and dont have access to showers. Its hard, its fun, its everything, said Mark Brown, a 20-year-old Phelan resident. Brown joined the corps after he was laid off as a forklift driver last year. Hes learned structure, discipline, teamwork and time management skills he needs to reach his career goal of becoming a police officer. It opens way more doors than flipping burgers or driving a forklift, Brown said. Scot Schmier joined the corps in 1979 and has been Inland director 12 years. He can attest to the corps motto: hard work, low pay, miserable conditions and more! In 1992, he removed cracked chimneys from homes that were damaged after the Landers and Big Bear earthquakes. He helped restore the watershed in the Lake Silverwood area in the San Bernardino Mountains after the Old Fire in 2003. Hes dug through sand and rock to make holes to put in fences around abandoned mines in 120-degree heat in the Mojave Desert. A few months ago, he led a crew that was installing fences and posting signs in the Rodman Mountains Wilderness area near Barstow when fierce winds and heavy rains forced them to stop working. I dont think Ive seen it all yet, said Schmier, 54. I feel theres more challenges out there. Contact the writer: 951-368-9292 or swall@pressenterprise.com When the summertime demand for electricity rises in the afternoons, some Riverside businesses have agreed to shut off high-energy usage equipment or adjust work schedules to help avoid brownouts or blackouts in the city. As June headed into to July, Riverside Public Utilities had issued two stand-by warnings to businesses participating in its Power Partner program. No one has had to throw any switches to off or reshuffle work shifts yet. While 10 percent of RPUs customers are commercial facilities, they use about 60 percent of the power, said Kevin Palmer, the business relations manager for RPU. Thats in line with the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which says combined average commercial and industrial usage of power in the United States is 63 percent. Yes, we want residents to conserve energy, but at the end of the day it doesnt move the needle like commercial cuts do, Palmer said. Chilling Tale At GAR Laboratories in the citys industrial north side, the business stands ready to shut down a vital but expensive-to-run chiller unit during peak hours. GAR makes skin care and hair care products marketed under several different brands, and the chiller is not a tabletop model. The 40-ton unit is used to chill 10,000 gallons of water which in turn can cool a 3,000-gallon batch of product such as shampoo or conditioner to prepare it for packaging. The hit for his business will be in productivity, said GAR president Tom Raffy. Instead of being able to chill a batch of cream or lotion in one hour, maybe it will take two or three hours to cool in a normal rate, like a cup of coffee on your desk, he said. So that is something that we will just have to live with for that day, until the energy demand passes. The savings to the grid, Raffy said, is estimated at 200 kilowatts for such a shutdown. There are no rebates for those participating in RPUs voluntary plan, Palmer said. A trigger warning, based on weather forecasts and predicted energy use, is issued the day before a possible call to take action. And if things reach a tipping point, they get word to proceed. Solar Panels, Ice Bears Raffy said in a Monday June 27 interview that he has invested about $1.8 million on energy-saving equipment for the plant, spread over five buildings totaling 150,000 square feet on a seven-acre lot on Massachusetts Avenue. There are 1,400 solar panels on the roofs Raffy believes it is the most for a private business in Riverside. There are 96 skylights and the office spaces are cooled by seven Ice Bear units. Manufactured by Glendale-based Ice Energy, each unit freezes 500 gallons of water during off-peak hours, at about 2 a.m., Raffy said. Coils filled with coolant are embedded in the ice block, and are the source for the chilled air that flows into offices, taking place of a higher-energy-use Freon compressor system. Its called load shifting. During the day, you just circulate your coils though that ice that you make the night before so when your rates go up at 2 p.m., youre not cooling your offices with that energy, youre cooling them with energy you (used) the night before, Raffy said. He said the solar panels provide about 30 percent of the plants needs during the day, but their best output is just when the peak energy charges are being made. Investment and Payoff The investment is a seven-year payoff, Raffy said, and we are about five years into it. I get back about $10,000 a month through (energy) savings, he said. GAR Labs also got a $500,000 rebate from the city, spread over five years, for the 350,000 watts worth of solar panels. That cut the total cost of the investment to $1.3 million. It works out, Raffy said. The Hottest Months There were in late June about 22 commercial customers who had signed up for the program. They will save an estimated 21.7 megawatts, if all of them take equipment off line or adjust their work schedules during the five-hour window between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thats the load equivalent to the use of approximately 16,000 average single-family homes, Palmer said, and thats also 21 megawatts that we dont have to produce or procure, he said. The agreement is for the months of June through October. The Power Partner program started in 2012, Palmer said. The concern then was the loss of electricity from the San Onofre nuclear power plant, which had one of its units taken offline and was on the way to a total shutdown. When it was in full production, it produced about 14 percent of Riversides power, he said. But now energy officials are concerned about the cascade of problems that stem from the shutdown earlier this year of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles County after a disastrous leak near Porter Ranch. The 86 billion-cubic-foot underground reservoir has been closed until all 117 of the sites wells are inspected. Most California power plants use natural gas to generate electricity and the Aliso Canyon closure hovers as a threat to regional energy until its issues are resolved and it can go back online. Contact the writer: rdeatley@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9573 Look up in the sky its magic. If not, its certainly chemical wizardry when spectacular aerial fireworks light up the sky a fountain of silver that morphs into a golden flower, which then transforms into an American flag. How do they do that? Must be magic. For Jim Souza, the fourth-generation president and CEO of Pyro Spectaculars in Rialto, one of the largest fireworks companies in the world, the final countdown to the magic has begun. Teams of thousands of technicians are fanned out across the country waiting for dusk to send explosions of color bursting across the sky from the Rose Bowl AmericaFest, the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in Southern California, to Riversides two fireworks show at Mount Rubidoux and La Sierra Park to the Macys Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. Pyro Spectaculars, the family-owned pyrotechnics company behind 400-plus nationwide extravaganzas celebrating Americas independence, began with Manuel de Sousa, a Portuguese immigrant who came to San Francisco in the early 1900s with colorful fireworks expertise from the old country. That was more than a century ago. Today, Jim Souza, Manuels 60-something great-grandson, uses high-tech computers and firing mechanisms to ensure the safety of the displays. Everything my family did then, they had to make by hand, said Souza, whose company was the first to synchronize music with the fireworks. In the modern world, Pyro Spectaculars has been in business since the late 70s, he added. FOOD: How to grill a perfect tri-tip for Fourth of July His sons Paul and Christopher are part of the business and are fifth-generation technicians. A younger son, Ricky, is still in college and waiting in the wings. Souzas father, Robert Souza, patriarch of the family, died in November 2013. I learned at my fathers knee, the younger Souza said. He left such a great spirit to follow and shoes to fill. On his birthday, June 8, we still have hot dogs and hamburgers. Robert Souza passed the torch to his son, Jim, and in the next several years, Jim Souza plans to do the same. My sons are prepping for that now and doing very well in learning all the aspects of the business, and I look forward to passing the torch to the next generation, he said. You find out at a young age that Souza fireworks entertainment is in your blood and you have this strong passion for enjoying and celebrating with others. Fireworks is a form of entertainment it isnt just blowing things up, its show business, he said. But safety has priority. Every show is in compliance with safety codes and licensed technicians are part of every team, trained to set up each show design correctly, according to Souza. Its an exact art. The companys largest show is the Macys Fireworks Spectacular, shot from barges in the Hudson River in New York City. It also has produced shows for NFL Super Bowls, the Olympic Games and major events around the globe. Souza considers some recent highlights as the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the KGB Sky Show in San Diego, opening of the Tilikum Crossing Bridge of the People in Portland, Ore., and the grand finale of the International Fireworks Competition in Montreal in April. Also in April, the pyrotechnic wizards did the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Rose Bowls 90th annual AmericaFest on July 4 will feature a special salute to Americas space program, honoring the Jet Propulsion Labs Juno mission, which is projected to reach Jupiter on July 4. A special fireworks shell called Moons of Jupiter has been designed to commemmorate JPLs Juno mission. Spectacular shock and awe. Its great to have this legacy, Souza said. Contact the writer: michel.nolan@langnews.com; @MichelNolan It was a different era in Fontana 36 years ago: The Ku Klux Klan was powerful both in number and psychologically. Longtime African-American residents remember the Klan as a regular part of Fontana Days events and had a local compound of three or four houses that served as its meeting place and party central. But that all began to change July 1, 1980, when then Pacific Bell lineman Dovard Howard was shot with a shotgun while repairing an elevated line. In order to appreciate how far we have come as a great community, its important to acknowledge where we have been, Mayor Acquanetta Warren said Tuesday night during Fontanas City Council meeting. Shes the citys first black mayor. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Dovard Howard is a Fontana hero, she said, prior to proclaiming July 1, 2016, as Dovard Howard Day. Howard survived the blasts but was left paralyzed. Now 68, he was unable to attend the ceremony because he was prepping for surgery Wednesday that will shave down bones protruding from his skin, a side effect from being paralyzed, said his son, Dovard K. Howard. Howards shooting while working atop a utility pole at Locust and Randall avenues in Fontana marked a turning point in Klan tolerance among community members, said the younger Howard, 44, a Riverside resident, who was one of 12 family members attending the ceremony Tuesday at City Hall. He was 8 years old at the time of the shooting. Shortly after the incident, Klan members were forced to go underground, Dovard K. Howard said after the meeting. Their presence in public was no longer accepted, he said. Howards son recalled a cross-burning on the familys front yard before Christmas in 1979. And he remembered the family talking about another one a few years before. The 1979 cross-burning followed several incidents of vandalism and spray-painting of racial epithets, Howards son said. He remembered being told, in the late 1970s, to take a detour from his house to a community swimming pool to avoid walking by the Klan compound. Members of Fontanas African-American community believed Howards assailant was affiliated with the Klan. Fontana police told the Sun at the time they couldnt connect suspect Larry W. Deanne of San Bernardino to the KKK but acknowledged the shooting was likely racially motivated. Back in the day, blacks were not supposed to live south of Baseline, Dovard K. Howard said. His family learned of that unwritten rule after they bought a house in the forbidden zone. With the rise in incidents that later would be labeled hate crimes, the younger Howard remembers his father determined to remain unafraid. Howard had served in Vietnam as a paratrooper in the U.S. Armys heavily decorated 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, known informally as the Sky Soldiers, his son said. The elder Howard was in heavy fighting against the North Vietnamese army in the 1967 Battle of Dak To and other locations in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, his son said. Prior to the Fontana shooting, Howard had told his younger brother Van Howard that as he worked on phone lines, people would drive by and repeatedly scream racial slurs at him. Ironically, the elder Howards parents brought the family to Southern California to escape the racism in Louisiana, Dovard K. Howard said. Warren said she visited with Howard a few weeks ago at his Fontana home and was impressed with his sense of calm and lack of anger about the life-changing events of July 1, 1980. Fontana, we have changed for the better. We encourage you to live your life with strength and courage, just as Dovard Howard chose to live his, Warren said Tuesday night. Contact the writer: jim.steinberg@langnews.com or @JamesDSteinberg on Twitter During the next year, Canyon Lake will continue to rely on fire and emergency medical responses from stations outside the community if the City Council approves a contract extension Wednesday. City Manager Aaron Palmer recommends sticking with the four-way contract with the Riverside County Fire Department, Lake Elsinore and Menifee through the fiscal year that ends June 30, at a cost of $1.2 million. The pact enables county crews stationed in Lake Elsinore and Menifee to respond to calls in Canyon Lake, a city of about 10,000 people. Most of the residents live within security gates controlled by a property owners association. Canyon Lake will continue to look at emergency service options that could include the reopening of the citys lone fire station. It was left vacant a year ago during a financial dispute with the county. Its not ideal, but were continuing to search for better solutions, Mayor Tim Brown said of the proposed extension. One option would be to form the citys own fire department, a possibility analyzed by the consulting company Emergency Services Consulting International of Wilsonville, Ore. Palmer, however, is advising against such a move. After reviewing the ESCI study, I do not believe it is in the citys best interest to start its own fire department, Palmer said in his report to the council. The cost in the study (is) very close to that proposed by the county. On top of these costs, the city will have to use reserve funds in order to purchase equipment necessary for such an enterprise. Another possibility under consideration, Brown said, is to follow the San Jacinto City Councils direction. That council decided to form a coalition with the Idyllwild Fire Protection District to finance and operate firefighting and paramedic services. Were trying to explore those avenues to see if thats a possibility, Brown said. Like other cities in the region, Canyon Lake has been struggling to keep up with escalating public safety costs, especially as a result of contracting with the county for resources provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Canyon Lakes attempt to negotiate a more economical deal with the county eventually led to a legal dispute last year. It was resolved by forging the cooperative agreement now in effect among the county and three cities. The contract is about a half a million dollars less than Canyon Lake had been paying in previous years. Contact the writer: 951-368-9690 or michaelwilliams@pressenterprise.com When Eastvale resident Kendall Oliver joined the U.S. Army in 2008, the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy on gays was still in effect. Oliver, a transgender veteran, welcomed the Pentagons Thursday, June 30, announcement that it was lifting its ban on transgender individuals from serving as another step toward tolerance and equality. I think thats amazing, Oliver said. The militarys come a long way with their policies regarding equal rights for gay and lesbian and transgender individuals. Its nice to see theyre adapting to the needs of all their service members. Oliver, whose service including a tour in Afghanistan, was born as a female but identifies more male than female. As a self-description, Oliver uses gender-neutral pronouns such as they rather she or he. The militarys policy towards transgender service members made it difficult for them to be open about who they were, Oliver said. It will take a little bit of time for people to come around and adapt and get used to it, Oliver said. I think it will definitely reach a positive reaction towards everyone. People will grow to adapt and come to accept and embrace it. Morris Mendoza, an Army veteran and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars post 184 in Riverside, said he hopes the transition works out. Some people wont like it Im sure, but personally I have no objection to it, he said. Saying its the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday that transgender people will be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces. Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so, said Carter, laying out a one-year plan to implement the change. Our mission is to defend this country, and we dont want barriers unrelated to a persons qualification to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine who can best accomplish the mission. Under the new policy, by Oct. 1, transgender troops already serving should be able to receive medical care and begin formally changing their gender identifications in the Pentagons personnel system. And, a year from now, the military services will begin allowing transgender individuals to enlist, as long as they meet required standards and have been stable in their identified genders for 18 months. Carters announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes. According to defense officials, the military leaders, including Gen. Mark Milley, the Army chief of staff, and Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, said that while they arent opposed to lifting the ban, they thought the new rules didnt include enough specifics to guide commanders who will have to make decisions about people in their units. Carter said he discussed the plans extensively with his military leaders and that, based on their recommendations, he made adjustments to the timeline. He said he has been told that the services now support the timeline. According to Carter, a study by the RAND think tank found that there are between 2,500 and 7,000 transgender service members in the active duty military, and another 1,500 to 4,000 in the reserves. Although relatively few in number, were talking about talented and trained Americans who are serving their country with honor and distinction, said Carter. Under the new policy, transgender troops would receive any medically necessary care including surgery, Carter said. The new rules give military commanders broad flexibility, noting that not all transition cases are the same. Commanders will have the discretion to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, including on job placement, deployments, training delays and other accommodations, based on the needs of the military mission and whether the service members can perform their duties. For people coming into the military, the plan says that those with gender dysphoria, a history of medical treatments associated with gender transition and those who have had reconstruction surgery may be disqualified as military recruits unless a medical provider certifies that they have been clinically stable in the preferred gender for 18 months, and are free of significant impairment. And transgender troops receiving hormone therapy must have been stable on their medications for 18 months. The policy provides guidelines for transgender service members currently in the military. They will be able to use the bathrooms, housing, uniforms and fitness standards of their preferred gender only after they have legally transitioned to that identity. Over the next year, the military services will develop and distribute training guidelines, medical protocols and other guidance to help commanders deal with any issues or questions about transgender troops. The military policy differs from civilian gender transitions, where transgender individuals often dress, live socially and work fulltime in their preferred gender during the process. Under the new policy, service members would only be able to do that when off-duty and away from their duty station. The military policy is expected to be fully implemented by July 1, 2017 and, over the course of the next 12 months, the Pentagon will finalize training plans and adjust forms and regulations for service members, recruiters and human resources personnel. Jeremy Goldbach, assistant professor of social work at USC, said the decision was critical to removing the cloud of uncertainty faced by those transgender people who werent part of the Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal in 2011 and couldnt be true to their identity. Goldbach, who has been working on a two-year $1.8 million grant from the Defense Department studying the mental health and integration of transgender armed service members, said the Pentagon would be wise to move as quickly as possible at putting the policy in place. There will have to be some accommodations that will need to be made in terms of those moving through gender transition, but my suspicion is youll find less confusion, fear and uncertainty once the rules are in place, Goldbach said. Staff writers Imran Ghori, David Montero and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Picture your dog sitting out on the patio, quietly watching a brilliant fireworks display on Monday night. You cant, right? Because dogs, for the most part, dont like fireworks. Animal services officials want dog owners to know that as the Independence Day weekend approaches and firework displays both legal and otherwise start to ramp up, their dogs are going to take notice. So while enjoying the cracks and whistles, try to remember that mans best friend is freaking out. Jax and Shia are both two-year-old lab-mixes. They were calm and happy on Thursday playing fetch with their owners, Adrian Cornejo and Erika Horta. But when fireworks start, Cornejo says Shia turns into a big baby. She starts whining and barking its the same with lightning, said the 23-year-old Riverside resident. Their owners say the dogs are goofy, happy little characters, but when fireworks start cracking on July 4, Jax is likely to slide under the nearest table. Young children and other animals arent particularly fond of the loud noises fireworks make, but when a dog hears an unidentifiable noise as loud as a firework, all it can think of is getting away. Its largely because of that instinct that the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is brimming with pups. As of Thursday, shelter manager Steve Fries said hes overseeing the care of 93 dogs, many of whom ran away from home because they were scared of fireworks. The noise, it scares them and they get frightened, then they run because theyre scared, they get disoriented and end up wandering into someone elses yard, Fries said. Riverside County Animal Services Spokesman John Welsh said dogs can dig under a fence or break through a window if they get too riled by the fireworks. He compared a dogs reaction to fireworks to howls they let out when they hear ambulances go by. I dont know why they dont like it, we just know from a behavioral perspective that dogs will do things they normally wouldnt do, Welsh said. Comforting your dog Both Welsh and Fries say the best thing an owner can do for his or her pup is to make sure theyre comfortable when fireworks start. Welsh said best practices include keeping your pup in a cool back room with the television on or leaving it with a chew toy. Just add a layer of calm for the animal, he said. Alternatively, Welsh said, a dog owner could stay home with the animal or bring it to a friends house. Certainly, though, neither Fries nor Welsh recommends dog owners bring their dogs with to a fireworks show. Though you might think your best bud will be happier with you, itll probably be even more freaked out getting up close and personal with the explosions. If a dog is left in a fenced yard during a fireworks show, theres a chance itll break or chew through a fence. The best chance a pet owner has for finding his or her furry friend is a microchip that helps a shelter find the dogs owner, Fries said. Worst-case-scenario, says Welsh, is that a dog could run itself to death or get hit by a car. A dog spends a lot of time comforting its owner, so is it so much to ask that you take a day to snuggle your little guy when things get tough? Its a stressful time for these guys and so responsible pet owners need to consider their dogs comfort and safety, Welsh said. UPDATE (Friday, July 15): DORNER: Former training officer denied access to reports, records Lawyers for the city of Los Angeles want a judge to limit the release of investigative reports and personnel records related to ex-LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner in connection with a lawsuit filed by his former LAPD training officer. In a lawsuit filed last October, former Los Angeles police Harbor Division Sgt. Teresa Evans alleges she is being made a scapegoat because of the racial connotations attached to the late rogue officers claims before he died. Evans is White and Dorner was black. Evans attorneys want investigative files and Dorners personnel records to help them prepare their clients case for trial. But the City Attorneys Office filed court papers Thursday stating that the information sought by Evans lawyers is impermissibly overbroad. They are asking Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Stern to put restrictions on access to the records. A hearing is scheduled for July 15. Dorner, who lived with his mother in La Palma, promised warfare on LAPD officers and their families for what he believed was his unjustified termination. The 33-year-old Navy reserve officer killed four people including the daughter of an LAPD captain and her fiance during his nearly one-week run from authorities. He died a few days later from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a February 2013 confrontation with authorities at a cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains community of Angelus Oaks. Dorner reported Evans to LAPD supervisors for allegedly kicking a suspect three times in 2007. In 2009, the LAPD found in favor of Evans. Here, plaintiff wants the full investigative file which encompasses the investigation of a complaint by a third party of alleged misconduct by plaintiff and Dorner from over five years ago, the City Attorneys Office court papers state. Because the investigation into Dorners complaints against Evans resulted in her exoneration and the firing of Dorner, it is unclear why the plaintiffs lawyers now need access to the file, the City Attorneys Office said. In other words, this investigation file holds no relevance to justify invading the privacy concerns of Dorner and the city, the city attorneys court papers state. But Leila K. Al Faiz, one of Evans lawyers, says in a sworn declaration that LAPD Chief Charlie Beck made the unprecedented decision to reopen Dorners complaint, although the matter had been adjudicated and closed. Al Faiz believes Beck had no legitimate reason to reopen the complaint after it was thoroughly investigated and adjudicated and that Evans was punished by the LAPD for being white because of the racial implications of Dorners allegations against plaintiff and the department. Dorner was charged with making false statements against a fellow officer. The LAPD decided to fire him in September 2008 for lying about the incident and he was formally terminated in February 2009. Before his death, Dorner wrote an online manifesto on his Facebook page, threatening to harm police officials and their families. Part of what Dorner wrote dealt with his accusations of alleged excessive force by Evans. Her lawsuit maintains she was harassed by LAPD supervisors due to the racial tension sparked by Dorner and because of her complaints that she was being discriminated against because of her race. The suit states she was denied overtime and transferred from a prestigious assignment to one with less stature. Evans says her ability to earn a promotion was completely destroyed in the aftermath of Dorners claims. Because (Evans) was a Caucasian, she was subjected to adverse employment actions by the department as a result of the allegations made against her by Dorner, the suit states. This despite the fact that he was terminated for his own misconduct, which had no connection to plaintiff. Evans, who served as Dorners training officer while he worked out of the Harbor Division station in San Pedro, claims the LAPD knew about past misconduct by Dorner while he was working for the department. The officer accidentally shot himself in the hand, assaulted a classmate during LAPD training, lied about being in military combat and failed the departments psychological exam, her suit alleges. To prepare students with the skills needed to thrive in leadership, Bank of America has selected five Inland high school juniors and seniors among 200 nationwide to be a part of their annual internship program. The Bank of America Leaders program connects its participants with paid internships in local nonprofits and unites the interns in Washington, D.C., in mid-July for a leadership summit. Pamela Abeka, a Highland resident interning with Arrowhead United Way in San Bernardino, graduated from San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino and is going to UCLA to study chemistry. Abeka said she is grateful for the responsibilities she is given at her internship, as she was put in charge of organizing a school supply drive. I feel as if I have the unique responsibility to be seen as a leader, as a motivator or a mentor to other youth in the community, Abeka said. Im glad that I work in an office where I have to communicate with everyone in order to get something done. Brooke Porter, a Riverside resident who graduated from Thacher School in Ojai and will attend Duke University to study political science, is currently interning at The Community Foundation in Riverside. Porter wants to go to law school and hopes to apply what she has learned about societal issues in her internship to her future career. Im really passionate about social justice and particularly education reform and race relations in America, Porter said. As I go through law school and as I go through college, I want to make connections that will help me address these problems one day. This internship has really taught me that there are a lot of different ways to give and to help. Ontario resident Melissa Gomes, who is interning for Inland Empire United Way in Rancho Cucamonga, graduated from Colony High School in Ontario and will go to UC San Diego to pursue a degree in bio-chemistry and chemistry. Gomes said her favorite part of her internship thus far was interacting with underserved children. It made the experience even more gratifying, Gomes said. It inspired me to want to be doing work like this after my internship. Hopefully at my college campus, Ill be able to join a club or even form a club that helps these kinds of families in need. Nandeeni Patel, a Murrieta resident who is interning with Michelles Place in Temecula, will be a senior at Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta in the fall and will pursue a career in international relations post-graduation. Patel said working with the cancer resource center has taught her about compassion, humility, gratitude and sisterhood. Not only has this internship given me an opportunity to really explore my community, but it has changed my perspective on how I see life and need to seize every single day that I have moving forward, Patel said. MKya Williams, of Temecula, who is interning with the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County in Temecula, graduated from Temecula Prep School and will attend Westmont College to study computer science. As a part of her internship, Williams is being mentored by Daniqua Paul, the nonprofits director of operations. (My mentor) has her hands in pretty much everything, Williams said. Its been kind of a whirlwind because theres so much to do. After completing their internships, the five women will join more than 50 program alumni from the Inland Empire and over 2,200 nationally. Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com Banning police investigators believe the death of a 78-year-old woman and subsequent death of her 24-year-old granddaughter in April was a murder-suicide. Sgt. Ray Arretche said police are still investigating the incident, but do not believe any suspects are on the loose. When police finish their work, they will turn the case over to the Riverside County District Attorneys Office, which will make the official determination as to what happened. Police have not concluded what may have motivated Kelley to kill her grandmother. Roberta Joan Waddle, 78, was found dead about 5 p.m. April 10 inside her mobile home in the 4100 block of West Wilson Street. On April 9, her daughter, Jena Waddle of Phelan, had dropped off her granddaughter, Megan Kelley, for a visit. A neighbor said Kelley had lived with her grandmother from Christmastime 2014 until late summer 2015. When Jena Waddle returned to Banning the next day, she found her mothers body on a bedroom floor, according to an affidavit written by Banning police Sgt. Robert Fisher. Roberta Waddle had bruising on her neck and a possible defensive wound on her hand. The home had been ransacked and there was blood all over. The oven was on, and inside were a revolver, a bullet and a kerosene lamp with fuel. Roberta Waddles car, and her granddaughter, were missing. The following morning, some 16 miles away, Kelley was found hanging from a tree off Gilman Springs Road, 200 yards from her grandmothers car. Police believe Kelley killed Waddle, took the car and committed suicide, Arretche said. Close family friend Nora Uribe, of Phelan, said she and Jena Waddle dont believe Kelley killed her grandmother. Ive known Megan for the past four years, were like family, and theres no way she would have done this to her grandmother, Uribe said in a phone interview. Uribe said Kelley and her grandmother were close, noting that they had lived together. Another reason Uribe doubts that Kelley killed her grandmother is her size. Kelley survived cancer when she was a child, Uribe said, which stunted her growth she was only 4-foot-8. She was the tiniest little thing, Uribe said. Her hands were so small, she could put her whole arm through a chain-link fence. Roberta Waddle, on the other hand, stood about 5-foot-6 and weighed about 150 pounds, Uribe said. Uribe, who helped clean up the house after investigators cleared it, said she found blood on the bathroom floor and in the doorway. The affidavit said blood was found on Roberta Waddles left hand and a nearby photo frame. Her right cheek also had a small cut. More blood the affidavit did not specify how much was found in a second bedroom that had been ransacked, the bathroom, the living room and a back entryway. The blood is believed to have come from Waddles defensive wound, Arretche said, which she likely suffered while trying to prevent the attack. Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@pressenterprise.com, @PE_alitadayon Temeculas very own zombie author, Kevin David Anderson, will be seeing his works impact carried all the way to Pennsylvania, where two of his books will be required reading for a course at Mansfield University this fall. Night of the Living Trekkies and Night of the ZomBEES, Andersons two novels, will be assigned in English professor and longtime zombie enthusiast Dan Masons first-year seminar, a class designed to use the zombie theme to introduce students to the world of college and the new situations college will expose them to. Mason first made Night of the Living Trekkies required reading for his seminar in 2014, and the popularity of the book among his students inspired him to assign more of Andersons work. Anderson was shocked when when his book was first assigned, and shocked again when he learned Night of the ZomBEES would be added to the list this year. He never expected his work to be of much interest to college students, let alone end up as required reading at a university. Who would? Especially when youre writing about zombies, he said. Both of Andersons novels center on the zombie genre, but have a comedic twist. Night of the Living Trekkies tells the story of a Star Trek convention gone awry when fans become infected with a virus that transforms them into zombies, and Night of the ZomBEES features townspeople clad in bee costumes turned undead by a swarm of mutant bees. Even though the books were originally intended for a younger teenage audience, Anderson believes people of any age, including college students, can find meaning in his stories. The zombie genre is all about surviving, he said, whether its trying to get your basic needs met food, shelter, a sense of safety or finding positive people around you to support you and help you. The survival theme is what Mason hopes will benefit his students, who are trying to survive their own struggle: making the transition from high school to college. He wields the zombie genre with all its near-death scenarios and suspenseful, unexpected turns to expose his students to real-life lessons about how to navigate difficult situations. I use the zombies, the situation of being involved in this horrible apocalypse, to talk about the changes between being in high school, he said, and the strange, new environment awaiting students entering college. You dont know what to expect, and I use that as a vehicle for discussing how they can learn to survive in college, Mason said. Anderson also hopes that students will take lessons from his books on how to treat others. His stories are full of unlikely friendships between people who are forced to re-evaluate their first impressions of each other as a matter of survival, he explained. If they dont necessarily instantly like someone, (they should) look beyond that, he said. Its a way of looking at people in different ways. Anderson is currently working on several stories this time not zombie-related about how technology is transforming our world. He will be signing books on Sept. 17 and 18 at Long Beach Comic Con. Information: http://longbeachcomiccon.com/. Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com Ghanas effort at increasing its cocoa production has taken a giant step forward with the establishment of 20 Rural Service Centres (RSCs) to aid farmers adopt best farm management practices to raise the per hectare yield. The Centres spread across 14 districts in the cocoa belt Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Western and Central Regions, are an integral part of the Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification Programme (CORIP), implemented by Solidaridad together with Cocobod, the International Fertilizer Development Company and other private sector partners. They serve as one stop shop for comprehensive range of services - training farmers on best agronomic practices, assisting them to rehabilitate their farms, renew farms through complete seedlings replanting or canopy substitution through grafting of aged trees. Added to these is the retaining of inputs fertilizers, herbicides, tools and irrigation system. Mr. Eric Agyare, Programme Manager of CORIP Ghana, said the goal was to substantially raise the average per hectare yield from the present 450 kilogrammes to boost farmers returns. He made reference to Indonesia, Brazil and neighbouring La Cote d Ivoire where farmers were getting per hectare yield of between 1,200 and 2,000 kilogrammes and indicated that the same could be done here. He was said this when he conducted journalists to inspect demonstration farms established under the programme and one of the RSCs in New Edubiase, in the Adansi South District. Mr. Agyare said so far 19 demonstration farms had been established and about 30,000 farmers trained to adopt improved farming practices. He spoke of the need to ensure a more productive and sustainable cocoa sector - free from poverty and human rights issues, if the nation was to continue to supply more cocoa beans and to remain competitive in the global market. Certification schemes alone are no longer enough. Stakeholders in the cocoa sector in Ghana agree a market transformation approach - working with farmers, cocoa and chocolate companies, service providers, consumers and the government simultaneously is the way to go, he added. Source: GNA 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. Featured Video As Ghana celebrates Republic Day today July 1, the Eastern Regional Branch of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged Ghanaians to work together as one people devoid of partisanship, sabotage, and envy to build a better future for the next generation. Baba Jamal Konneh, the Eastern Regional Communications Director of the NDC in the Eastern Region, in a Facebook post on the occasion, said: Happy Republic Day to you all. Let's work together as one people devoid of partisanship, pull-him-down and envy to build a better future for the next generation. He added: Our age mates in Europe, America, and some parts of Asia are enjoying today because of dedication, hard work, and sense of patriotism from their forefathers. We can do same, GHANA MUST UNITE. Republic Day celebrates Ghanas attainment of republican status on July 1, 1960, three years after its independence from British colonial rule. Source: Classfmonline 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. Featured Video President John Dramani Mahama has said there is the need for a shift in the thinking of the media in Ghana, in order to create a situation where emphasis is placed on positive news over negative stories. According to him, there is the need to restructure media programmes to focus on the achievements of Ghana, and not only the challenges confronting the country. We are always highlighting our negatives against our positives. Every day, you listen to the media and it is like nothing is working in this country, but there are a lot of successes that we should be championing and encouraging our people that we have been able to get this far he said, during his Accounting to the People tour of the Ashanti Region on Thursday June 30. We can go even further. Our media thinking too must change. Every programme goes with phone in sessions. I think the medias duty is to inform and educate and often when you want to educate, you must bring a man of God or an academic or an intellectual who understands the subject and let him educate people without the interruption of people calling in and diverting the argument completely. Source: Classfmonline 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. Featured Video A Chief in the Central Region has defended Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Agyapong who has come under pressure from women groups for his sex-for-job comment. The Kyedomhene of Efutuakwa Traditional Council Nana Kwasi Wadie II explained that the MPs claim that the Electoral Commissioner, Charlotte Osei, traded sex for her job is not an attack on women in general but a specific claim that can be tested in court. 'Ken did not insult all women. He said Charlotte Osei used sex to get her position and the allegation is not talking about all women. Why widen it to say he has insulted all women including his mother?' the chief told Joy News Central Regional correspondent Richard Kwadwo Nyarko in Twi language. Kennedy Agyapong is getting severe media pounding after claiming he has evidence that sex played a role in the first female Electoral Commissioners appointment. Several female personalities have lined up to condemn the MP known for distasteful political commentary. Gender and Social Protection Minister, Nana Oye Lithur and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hannah Tetteh, have called on the legislator to retract his comments against Charlotte Osei and apologize. In a related development, in the Eastern region, a group of women, led by Deputy Regional Womens Organizer of the governing party NDC Evelyn Korang, have demonstrated against the law maker. They want him kicked out of parliament. But the chief has rejected the demand and the deluge of criticism on the son of the soil. He said the attack on Mr Agyapong may be because his critics do not understand Twi the language that carried Kens attack. 'Do Ghanaians really understand Twi? If you dont understand Twi ask for interpretation' he told Joy News. He has asked the EC boss to pursue the case in court if she feels offended. The Chief said Kennedy Agyapongs political opponents are trying to fuel public sentiments against his re-election bid expected in the November 7 election. 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. Featured Video A young man was at dawn on Thursday June 30, 2016, lynched by youth of Agona Nsaba in the Central Region for the murder of two people including his mother-in-law. Narrating the incident to Accra News Thursday, Chief Inspector Benjamin Muni of the Agona Nsaba Divisional Police Command, said one Charles Kpoh, about 30 years old, left his house before sunrise, at about 4:45am, for the residence of Adwoa Nsowaa, his wifes mother, armed with a machete. Upon reaching her house, Charles, according to the police officer, inflicted deep machete wounds on Nsowaa, killing her instantly. Chief Inspector Muni said the Nsaba Police got a call that a man had killed a woman in a part of the town and as police mobilised officers to move to the scene, another call came in that a second person had been hacked to death by Kpoh. According to him, another call came in that the suspect had been arrested and was being brought to the police station but had died following instant justice meted out to him by the angry youth of Nsaba. He further stated that police continued to the scenes of the two murders where they found the body of one Albert Mensah, lying in the street with deep cuts on the face and head. Police continued to the residence of Nsowaa, where they collected her body and deposited all three corpses at the Swedru Government Hospital. Chief Inspector Muni said the Nsaba Police were yet to meet the family over the painful incident. Source: classfmonline.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. Featured Video Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon has refuted claims that President John Dramani Mahamas convoy was pelted with stones when he began his Accounting To The People Tour in the Ashanti Region. The ruling National Democratic Congress has accused the largest opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of being behind the attack on President John Mahamas convoy in the Ashanti Region. Section of the Presidents convoy was attacked Tuesday night at Ejisu after the President had commissioned the Centre for Renewable Energy and Entrepreneurship village for the Kumasi Polytechnic as part of his Accounting to People Tour. A long queue of by-standers lined up on the streets of Ejisu and nearby communities hooting at the president and hurling stones at his convoy. Their motive for hooting at the president is not immediately known. The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, Raymond Tandoh has said the party will demand that the police launch full-scale investigations into the attack to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. This attack is quiet unfortunate and this must stop, the NPP is behind this attack. The Youth Organizer has spoken that he was part of the group that attacked the convoy, Tandoh alleged. But Alexander Ackon on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show emphatically averred that claim of attack on President Mahamas convoy cannot be true as nobody threw any stone at the Presidents convoy. He however added that one of the vehicles following President John Dramani Mahamas convoy got hit by a stone but they ignored the incident, considering it to be part of life situation. Nobody threw any stone at President Mahamas convoy; the Presidents convoy was never attacked except that one of the vehicles following the convoy got hit by a stone, but such is part of life and so we didnt pay much attention to the incident, the Ashanti Regional Minister refuted the claim. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com.gh 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. Featured Video Shares of Netflix NFLX popped over 4% in after-hours trading Thursday because well nobody quite knows why. Of course, the internet decided to fill in the gaps itself, and now the investment world is buzzing about the potential for the video streaming giant to move into China or perhaps be taken over. The prevailing Netflix rumor recently has been that a company like Disney DIS may be interested in purchasing the video streamer. Disney and its television networks have been hurt by subscribers switching over to Netflix and ditching live TV all together. The company desperately needs to get people watching ESPN again, but some think an easier solution would be to just snatch up Netflix while it can. Of course, that rumor might make a little more sense had Disney not just partnered up with Netflix to make the Los Gatos, California-based company the exclusive online streaming provider of Disney content. I guess Im just scratching my head over why that move would happen if Disney knew it would be making an offer on Netflix soon regardless. The next big rumor surrounding Netflix is that it will make a deal to enter China soon. Here we actually have a little bit of something real to go off of. Speaking at a media event in Seoul today, Netflixs chief content officer Ted Sarandos said Since China is a great opportunity, we continue to look into China, Reuters reports. Even still, Netflix continuing to look into China is far from Netflix striking a deal to enter the country. Of course, China is known for its strict censorship and content laws, typically favoring Chinese content over that of foreign companies and producers. If anything, todays after-hours activity is another example of an extremely antsy market. Investors are quick to trade on any bit of news they get, even if that news cant be confirmed. 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 DISNEY WALT (DIS): Free Stock Analysis Report NETFLIX INC (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research President John Dramani Mahama has called on the clergy to call politicians who spew indecent and abusive words to order. His comment comes on the back of recent allegations made by Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, who, on a political platform, suggested that Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Charlotte Osei exchanged sex for her position. Mr Mahama, addressing members of the clergy and the business community in the Ashanti region on Thursday June 30 charged the clergy to whip politicians in line. Often when elections are coming up, the political rhetoric ratchets up and very careless statements are made. Very unfortunate statements like one made just recently that everybody has been talking about. And when things happen like that and gets a bit hot, it is you the clergy and our traditional leaders who must step in and call all the politicians to order, he stated, adding: And your role as arbiters means you must be independent and neutral because if the clergy takes sides, then you lose the moral authority to arbitrate and so it doesnt matter if its the NDC that is ratcheting up, feel free to be able to point it out to that party. It doesnt matter if its NPP, we must call them to order. And it is only when we do that that we can have the moral authority to be able to arbitrate in this political regime, the president added. Mr Mahama said Ghana is bigger than any politician and reminded them [politicians] that they will not be at post forever. Ghana is bigger than any of us politicians. All of us will come and go. I have no delusions that I will go out of office one day. I would have played my part well. We are all actors on a stage, we come, we play our part, when you finish your part you go to the back stage and new actors come and take your place and that will happen to all of us and so sometimes when our heads get hot its your duty to call us to order and let us remember that Ghana will exist long after all of us are gone. The president called on Ghanaians to prove to the world that Ghana is a leader in democratic governance as they head to elections later in the year. There are interesting prospects coming up but we need to strengthen our governance issues first and as you know, we have an election this year and so we need to once again show to the whole of Africa and the world that Ghana is one of the leading democracies that exist on this planet. In Africa, we are called the beacon of democracy and the whole world recognises that Ghana is a model of democracy he noted. Source: classfmonline.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. Featured Video Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood has challenged the Peoples National Conventions (PNC) Abu Ramadan, to furnish the Electoral Commission with names of people who registered with NHIS cards ahead of the 2012 elections, since they claim the ECs figure of 56,000 is spurious. According to the Chief Justice, the process of providing a credible register for the elections is a shared responsibility and not one to be left solely for the EC to do. The Chief Justices comments follows some objections raised by lawyers for the former PNC youth organizer over the credibility of the list presented by the EC. In their objection, lead lawyer for the plaintiff, Frank Davies, told the Supreme Court that, the fifty six thousand figure presented to it, could not be right as they knew of more people who registered with NHIS card in some areas, but were not captured by the EC. The Supreme Court issued an order on Thursday June 23, asking the Commission to respond to it in six days with the full list, to enable it bring closure to the matter. On Wednesday June 30, the document, which is captured on a CD, was submitted at the Supreme Court Registry. The panel of five judges in issuing the June 23 directive also asked the Commission to provide them with a detailed plan on how they were going to carry out the deletion and re-registration of the same people, who would be affected by the deletion. They also warned that, they will not allow the Electoral commission, to plunge the country into chaos. Following the events of today [Thursday], the Supreme Court has scheduled Tuesday, 4th July, to rule on the case. Background The apex court on May 5 2016, asked the Electoral Commission to expunge from the current voters register the names of all persons who registered and voted in the 2012 elections, with the NHIS card as a proof of identity. The ruling followed a suit filed by Abu Ramadan, and one, Evans Nimako, who in 2014 won a lawsuit that barred the use of NHIS cards for registration of potential voters. The two, among other reliefs, wanted the current register declared inappropriate for the November polls. But the EC after studying the ruling said its understanding did not suggest the use of any new process to delete the names of those who registered with NHIS cards, since there are already laid down procedures for expunging ineligible names. The ECs explanation however angered Mr. Ramadan who felt the Commission was disrespecting the explicit orders of the court. His position was further strengthened when one of the judges who gave the May 5 ruling, stated categorically that the ruling was clear and unambiguous and that the EC must remove the names of persons who registered with the NHIS card. He subsequently got the Supreme Court to issue the six-day ultimatum to the Commission. 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. Featured Video President John Dramani Mahama has admitted that the country was not out of its power crisis woods yet but indicated the situation was better than it used to. He said the crisis appeared to have been prolonged by the non-supply of gas from neighbouring Nigeria to feed thermal plants as a result of a sabotage which has led to the shutdown of the Asogli power plant. The president told the Council of Christian Churches in Kumasi on Thursday that the high cost of running thermal power has accounted for the recent increase in electricity tariffs but expressed hope that per his directive, the tariffs would be beginning July 1, 2016. President Mahama who was on his final leg accounting to the people's tour of the Ashanti region expressed the hope that there would be more rains to increase the water levels of the Akosombo dam to improve hydro power to augment thermal production. Currently, Akosombo was operating below its minimum capacity of 240 feet but President Mahama was optimistic the situation will improve. He touched on three key areas at the breakfast meeting with the clergy - power, stabilisation of the economy and infrastructure. He indicated that Ghana was not an island but operated within the global village and it was important that its challenges and successes were analysed within the context of the current uncertainty and unpredictable world. President Mahama said his administration has put in place structural reforms aimed at bringing down expenditure and help stabilise the economy. Currently, government spends about 73 per cent of taxes on salaries and other emoluments, which was negatively destabilising the economy. President Mahama indicated per the reforms, government has been able to lower the expenditure Level from 73 per cent to 49 per cent by was still work in hard to bring it further down to the required 35 per cent. He said the reforms accouned for the removal of subsidy from fuel and some essential commodites else the economy could be destabilised. The president said the various stringent measures were to put Ghana on a sound footing to achieve its estimated 8 per cent growth rate by 2017. Media The president took a swipe at the media for trumpeting only the negative and gloomy developments of the country as though there were no hope for Ghana. Much as he would not want to gag the media, the president suggested that it would be fair to place the issues side by side to present a balance reportage to help the people to make informed decisions. He said rather than inviting representatives of political parties to comment on every issue, it would be prudent and beneficial to invite experts to speak on issues. Clergy The president urged the clergy to help balance the physical and spiritual and use their pulpit to explain government issues. Source: graphic.com.gh 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. Featured Video National Youth Organizer of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Ernesto Yeboah says but for the media, he was not aware of his suspension. The party has suspended its General Secretary Nii Armah Akomfrah together with the youth leader, after a Central Committee meeting of the party Thursday afternoon. It is unclear what might have triggered the sanctions against the executives of the Nkrumahist party. The two chided their presidential candidate Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, for saying that President Mahama's acceptance of the Ford Expedition gift by the Burkinabe contractor, was not a case of conflict of interest neither was there a breach of protocol. According to the party, the two were suspended for ''acts of indiscipline''. The leader of the youth wing has petitioned CHRAJ on the matter- but that the party says is an individual action and do not reflect the position of CPP. Speaking in an interview with Rainbow Radio's Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Ernesto Yeboah said he is not aware of his suspension. He said, he will go on to fight against corruption no matter the price. The outspoken leader wondered why an Nkrumahist party which was formed on the principles of integrity, will suspend its leaders for fighting against corruption. ''I don't care if i'm sacked from the CPP; or even killed for fighting against corruption. I will continue to fight to wipe out corruption from Ghana. I wonder how a party of integrity would suspend me for fighting against corruption. With or without Ernesto Yeboah, the fight against corruption.'' Source: rainbowradioonline.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. Featured Video The acting president of Akuapem Traditional Council, Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II, has urged the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to save Ghana if elected president in the 2016 polls. According to Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II, who is Aburihene and Adontenhene of Akuapem, Ghanaians from every part of the country were suffering and crying for a saviour who would bring them blessings, prosperity, and unity. Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II made this known when the NPP flagbearer paid a courtesy call on him at his palace, on day two of his tour of the Eastern Region, on Thursday June 30. The Aburihene, who addressed the NPP flagbearer in the presence of his sub-chiefs and hundreds of residents, indicated: You (my subjects) have put me here to speak on your behalf. So I am blessing him (Nana Akufo-Addo) so that in return he comes to bless Okuapeman and Ghana. Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II urged the NPP flagbearer to continue exhibiting the patience for which he was known, in the face of vilifications and insults from his political opponents, stressing that for as long as the God of Israel lives, he will surely cross the Red Sea. All Ghanaians are crying. Ghanaians want blessings, prosperity and unity. My advice to him (Nana Akufo-Addo) is that he listens to what Ghanaians want, and victory will be his. It is our duty as elders of this land to bless him, so that when he leaves here, whatever has been messed up, he can come and put it right. Once he puts it right, it is Ghana and Ghanaians who will be the ultimate beneficiaries, he added. He continued, Whoever comes to me will want me to bless him, and that is the same blessing to you. However, my message to you is Save Ghana. On his part, the NPP flagbearer thanked Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II for his words, stating: I have been waiting for these words from you for a very long time, and I am glad I have heard them. He assured the Aburihene: We are coming to do a job for Ghana and not for any particular group, so we bring work, business opportunities, and employment for the people of Ghana, especially the youth. Source: nanaakufoaddo.org 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. Featured Video A judge in Maryland has granted a retrial to Adnan Syed, who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999, and whose trial was the subject of the insanely popular podcast Serial. WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan Justin Brown (@CJBrownLaw) June 30, 2016 He has served 16 years of a life sentence, and has professed his innocence even as he exhausted all other avenues of appeal. Its pretty obvious that Serial was integral in getting a retrial, after approximately 500 billion people listened to it an pored over every aspect of the case. Serial won a Peabody Award for illuminating flaws in the American criminal justice system because regardless of whether or not you reckon Syed did it, there was a whole lotta dodgy going on around the case. The retrial was granted based on the testimony of an AT&T engineer, Abraham Waranowitz, who says that he would not have testified on cellphone location data had he been shown a disclaimer about cell tower data prior to the trial. But the big motivator for a retrial was the testimony of Asia McClain, the witness who claims she was chatting with Syed in a library when the murder allegedly happened. Judge C. Justin Brown confirmed in a press conference that the retrial probably would not have happened without Serial, which strikes me as the understatement of the century. Source: NY Times. Photo: Getty Images. 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 June 5-11 and were recorded as of June 22. READ MORE: READ MORE: June 9 CUMBERLAND CAFE & RESTURANT 714 CUMBERLAND ST., LEBANON Regular inspection. Ready-to-eat food requiring date-marking, in the refrigerator, was not date-marked; thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible; floor/wall/ceiling in the kitchen area are not durable, smooth, non-porous, non-absorbent and missing tiles; bedding and clothing materials were in the food facility, indicating use of the food facility as living or sleeping quarters. QUESA DEE'AS 708 CUMBERLAND ST., LEBANON Regular inspection. Working container of cleaner/ sanitizer was stored above or on the same shelf at slop sink station in the prep area; loose rubber door gaskets were on the freezer cooling unit; soda machine, a food-contact surface, had food residue and was not clean to sight and touch; no sign or poster posted at the hand-wash sink in the prep area to remind food employees to wash their hands. ANTONIO'S PIZZA 10625 ALLENTOWN BLVD., JONESTOWN Regular inspection. Excessive frost build-up inside the upright freezer; plumbing not maintained in good repair -- faucet was leaking from the handles at the three-compartment sink and the drain pipe at the hand-wash sink; several ceiling tiles in the dining room and kitchen had water stains, needing replacement. June 8 FROG'S HOLLOW TAVERN 2271 STATE ROUTE 72, JONESTOWN Regular inspection. Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature-control-for-safety food (non-exempt cheese) located in the non-commercial refrigerator and held more than 24 hours is not being marked with the date it was opened. PERSERVERANCE FIRE CO. 22 S. KING ST., JONESTOWN Regular inspection. Several deeply scored cutting boards throughout the kitchen are not smooth and easily cleanable. PIZZA TOWN 171 E. MARKET ST., JONESTOWN Regular inspection. Loose/missing caulking from the underside of the hood canopy; non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil; dust and grease accumulation on the hood filters. June 7 A & M PIZZA 124 W. MAIN ST., CAMPBELLTOWN Regular inspection. Commercially processed refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature-control-for-safety food (deli meat) located in the walk-in cooler and held more than 24 hours is not being marked with the date it was opened. AMERICAN LEGION POST #831 155 PALMYRA ROAD, CAMPBELLTOWN Regular inspection. Less than five fruit flies in the content of one liquor bottle (vermouth); deeply scored cutting board on the bain-marie unit; interior of the ice machine by the kitchen had black mildew-like growth and was not clean to sight and touch. Establishments with no violations. June 9 MAPLE ACRES 1021 E. MAPLE ST., LEBANON Regular inspection. UNION BEER HOUSE, THE 1600 W. CUMBERLAND ST., LEBANON Regular inspection. June 8 MR. FROSTIE MOBILE, LEBANON Regular inspection. MR. FROSTEE 2000 LEHMAN ST., LEBANON Regular inspection. June 7 RISING SUN, THE 2850 HORSESHOE PIKE CAMPBELLTOWN Regular inspection. SOPRANO'S PIZZA 50 LYNMAR AVE., CAMPBELLTOWN Regular inspection. June 6 LIONS PARK & POOL 124 LIONS DRIVE, FREDERICKSBURG Regular inspection. Fourth provisional license.png York County's Office of Children, Youth and Families has received its fourth consecutive provisional license from the state. (Screenshot of document on Department of Human Services website) York County's child welfare agency has received its fourth provisional license from the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services gave York County's Office of Children, Youth and Families its fourth downgraded license in a letter dated June 27, which states that "a maximum for four consecutive provisional Certificates of Compliance may be issued to a legal entity for each specific agency." The provisional license runs from June 22 through Nov. 15, and the letter gives the agency 30 days to appeal the downgraded status. Carl Lindquist, spokesman for York County, said "the decision has not been made" on whether the agency would be appealing the ruling. "This decision just came down so we have to review it," Lindquist said. PennLive's attempt to reach Terry Clark, director of York County's Office of Children, Youth and Families, for comment was unsuccessful at the time of this posting. In the letter to Clark, Cathy Utz - deputy secretary in the Office of Child, Youth and Families in DHS - said that several areas of non-compliance were previously cited during department inspections in 2015. When the county agency received its third strike in April, Kait Gillis, spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, said then that if an agency hadn't earned a full license by the time a fourth provisional license expired, "the state would have to assume management of the agency." According to a fact sheet released by Lindquist, the county agency has taken steps in the past year to improve its practices, such as organizational restructuring, adding six position to the agency with a goal of reducing caseloads for individual caseworkers and "allow supervisors more time to work with caseworkers (instead of handling cases themselves)," and strengthening the skills supervisors and management. Clark said in April that the agency had been seeing an 85.9 percent increase in referrals, or about 2,237 more than it saw in 2015 following changes in the Child Protective Services Law. The agency also is working with former Department of Human Services Secretary Beverly Mackereth "to focus on improving practice areas related to family engagement and critical thinking skills," according to the fact sheet. Lindquist said the county is in the process of negotiations with her to make a formal consulting contract "Her role will be to help the agency evaluate its practices and procedures and make improvements upon them," he said. Hillary Clinton at Philadelphia City Hall Hillary Clinton addresses supporters during a rally at Philadelphia City Hall that was attended by Gov. Tom Wolf and former Gov. Ed Rendell on April 25, 2016. (Megan Lavey-Heaton, PennLive.com) The Democratic National Committee may be looking for bigger real estate. Congressman Bob Brady, a Philadelphia Democrat and vice chair of the committee, told Billy Penn "there's talk" about moving Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech to a larger venue. "It's a good idea by the way, too," he told Billy Penn. "It engages people and gets people involved." The DNC will be held July 25-28 at the Wells Fargo Center, which seats 19,500. That's a similar size to the Denver Pepsi Center that hosted the 2008 convention. But when Barack Obama delivered his historic acceptance speech, the DNC moved the event to the larger Invesco Field, which held 84,000. The closest companion to that in Philadelphia is Lincoln Financial Field, which has capacity for about 70,000. Citizens Bank Park holds about 44,000. According to Billy Penn, the Phillies said they weren't contacted about the venue, and the Eagles had to look into it. Morgan Finkelstein, deputy press secretary for the DNC committee, told Billy Penn there were no talks of moving: "This is absolutely incorrect. There is no talk of changing venue...any speculation to the contrary is misinformed." Read more of Billy Penn's report here. On any given Wednesday morning, from a nondescript store front tucked away on Derry Street in Allison Hill, one can catch the faint sound of salsa music, laughter and numbers being called out in Spanish. Every Wednesday, a dozen or so senior citizens gather at the Latino Hispanic American Community Center at 13th and Derry for bingo, lectures, art projects and food. The gathering is the brainchild of Executive Director Gloria Vazquez Merrick, who began the program in 2012 with just two seniors. Now more than a dozen show up weekly to play bingo or dominos, listen to music and eat home-cooked, Latino food. "The Sharing Wisdom Program is one of the most consistent and enjoyable projects I personally get to work on," Merrick said. "The goal behind the program was to improve the seniors' quality of life." The program also uses art to stimulate interest and learning, with one recent project coordinated by local volunteer and La Voz Latina Central newspaper photographer Waxy Waxman. Each senior received a disposable camera and took photographs of moments in their lives and culture. Those photos will be made into a large collage and auctioned off during the Latino Center's annual Caribbean Luna Night at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Harrisburg July 29. The center has already lined up major companies like Highmark, PepsiCo, Capital Blue Cross and PNC Bank to help sponsor the event. The Latino Center provides more than 10,000 basic human need services each year, advocating, promoting and empowering for the Latino community in the greater Harrisburg area. It connects clients with resources to find housing, educational and social services and creates programs like the senior gathering. Merrick also started LISTO, a Latino youth leadership program, that just graduated its first class of 12 local high school students in May. The center will host a block part on closed-off Derry Street on Sept. 10. Thousands will listen to Latino music, eat food from Latino vendors and celebrate their family cultures. For more information,n call 717 232-8302, or to inquire about Latino Center services and programs, visit the LHACC Website at www.lhacc.org. For event sponsorships related to Caribbean Luna Night or the center's September Hispanic Heritage Festival, email lisa@lhacc.org. shutterstock_U.S. Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, including those deemed "reckless" in nature, could legally bar offenders from possessing guns. In Pennsylvania, meanwhile, advocates say firearm restrictions for convicted batterers are rarely enforced or required, resulting in dozens of preventable homicides each year. (Shutterstock) The Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, including those deemed "reckless" in nature, could legally bar offenders from possessing guns. The decision was cheered by advocates who say over the past 25 years, more intimate partner homicides in the U.S. have been committed with guns than with all other weapons combined. But Pennsylvania advocates say existing firearms restrictions for batterers are inconsistently applied here and inconsistently enforced, putting victims and potential victims at even greater risk. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV): Last year in Pennsylvania there were 146 domestic violence-related fatalities of both victims and perpetrators; of the 113 victims killed, Over the past decade, guns have consistently been used in over half of Pennsylvania domestic homicides. In response, victim advocates like the PCADV have introduced a new bill with Senator Pat Vance (R-Carlisle) that aims to toughen state restrictions on gun ownership by convicted domestic abusers and align state laws with federal standards, including those now strengthened following Monday's Supreme Court ruling. Senate Bill 1182 has received the endorsement of law enforcement bodies from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to the state's Sheriff's Association. But after a year of negotiations, the gun lobby, including most notably the National Rifle Association (NRA), has declined to offer their own endorsement of the bill. Peg J. Dierkers, executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, gave the following reason for their refusal: "They [the NRA and a handful of Sportsmen's groups] were concerned about the precedent Pennsylvania might set for other states," she said. At stake with SB 1182 is the freedom of abusers to decide how they comply with court restrictions on firearms possession after conviction, and the freedom of judges to decide when and how to impose those restrictions in the first place. Currently in Pennsylvania, a convicted abuser has 60 days to turn their firearms over to law enforcement, Dierkers said. Senate Bill 1182 aims to lower that to just 24 hours. It also aims to mandate that batterers have to relinquish their firearms for the duration of a Protection from Abuse Order, or PFA -- up to 3 years potentially, Dierkers said. According to the PCADV, a Right-to-Know-Law Request from the Pennsylvania State Police revealed only 6,500 of 47,000 (14%) final protection from abuse orders included a surrender provision between 2011-2015. "It's not guaranteed that they lose those [gun ownership] rights when convicted, because people [law enforcement officials like judges] think they have discretion," Dierkers added. SB 1182 would also toughen requirements on how those guns are forfeited, eliminating what Pennsylvania calls "third-party safekeeping," which allows a person convicted of domestic violence to turn their firearms over to friends or family instead of law enforcement. "What we're proposing is that people need to turn guns over to either a federally licensed firearms dealer or law enforcement officials, including local sheriffs," Dierkers said. The NRA fought to ensure access to "Third-party safekeeping" with previous attempts to update Pennsylvania's domestic violence laws, Dierkers added. Their opposition to SB 1182 hinges, in part, on its elimination of that ability for those convicted of domestic abuse. Attempts to reach the NRA and Sen. Vance's office for comment were not immediately successful Thursday. And while the Supreme Court ruling clarified the federal position on the issue, Dierkers said Pennsylvania continues to have "somewhat inconsistent practices in terms of [firearms] relinquishment from jurisdiction to jurisdiction." According to Lancaster County's Office of the District Attorney, the conditions for firearms surrender are listed this way on plea forms: "It may be unlawful for a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime involving violence against a spouse, intimate partner, parent or guardian of the victim, or other familial relationship with the victim, to possess or purchase a firearm, including a handgun or long gun, or ammunition, pursuant to federal law under 18 U.S.C. SS922 (g)(8)(9) and/or state tribal, territorial or local law." The "may" in that clause is crucial, advocates say. Domestic violence takes a heavy toll: Homicides in Pa. Only 15 states prohibit all domestic violence misdemeanants and subjects of restraining orders from buying or owning guns. Pennsylvania is not one of them, according to this. Dierkers added: "In our experience, two things happen when abusers have easy access or perceived easy access through a third-party to guns, and that is they continue to threaten victims or we've seen them proceed to commit homicides and murder victims and significant others." In Pennsylvania, advocates point to cases like that of Hollie Ayers in Huntingdon County. Ayers was shot, along with her son, during a routine custody exchange with her estranged husband. Ayers said the husband was previously jailed twice for violating a Protection From Abuse order -- The first time drawing four days in jail, and the second time a one-year extension of the PFA and a fine. There was also the murder-suicide of John Walton, 51, and Stacy Walton, 41, in Luzerne County in 2012; and the killing of Jodi Lynn Barone outside of State College in 2007. All three cases involved firearms under third-party surrender or from courts failing to order the surrender of firearms in domestic violence cases, PCADV says. "We know from case studies that when a gun is present in a household where domestic violence is taking place, the likelihood of homicide rises exponentially," Dierkers said. "Experience shows us it creates danger and death." According to the New York Times: "An American woman's chances of experiencing physical violence of some form at the hands of her male partner are more than one in three, and when a gun is present in a domestic violence situation, the risk of homicide increases by 500 percent." Senate Bill 1182, meanwhile, was introduced in Pennsylvania last week. Ronald T. Comeger Ronald T. Comeger A man who led police on a 21-mile chase, at speeds topping 100 mph and with a baby in his vehicle, has been held for trial on 147 related counts. Ronald T. Comeger, 32, is charged with felony counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault by vehicle, endangering a child, fleeing police, and causing a crash while not licensed, along with other offenses. The charges were upheld in a preliminary hearing Friday. According to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office: * The chase started at the Route 283 and Route 30 interchange in Manheim Township when Comeger fled a traffic stop for speeding. * Prior to swerving directly at a trooper on the right berm, Comeger told his female passenger, "someone is going to get hurt." * After crashing the car and as police surrounded the car, Comeger used the 7-week-old infant as a human shield. * The baby suffered cuts to his head. The baby's mother suffered cuts and bruises to her arms and legs. * The trooper suffered cuts and bruises to his arms and legs as he dove to avoid the Volkswagen. Cpl. Anthony Holloway testified Friday that an ounce of cocaine, and a digital scale, were found in the car with Comeger, the DA reports. Comeger is charged with felony drug-dealing. Also Friday, Comeger was charged with DUI because testing determined he was under the influence of marijuana during the chase. A count of aggravated assault was withdrawn. According to the DA's Office: * On Friday, Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson called three investigators to testify and played a trooper's dash-cam recording of the chase that ended with Comeger crashing his Volkswagen into another vehicle and then a wall. * Trooper Stefanie Schiavoni, who was following Comeger for the duration, testified of the dash cam in her cruiser. * Trooper Chad Roberts testified that a woman who was a front-seat passenger in Comeger's car will be available to testify at trial. * District Judge David Miller also watched the dash-cam video and, after all the testimony, ordered Comeger face the charges in Lancaster County Court. Loretta Lynch U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch had an impromptu meeting with former President Bill Clinton this week on a Phoenix tarmac. (Associated Press) A private meeting between former President Bill Clinton and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is raising eyebrows. Democrats are taking them at their word that the impromptu meeting on a Phoenix tarmac did not involve the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email use as secretary of state. Meanwhile, Republicans are calling for action. They want an independent prosecutor, claiming the Justice Department under a Democratic president should not be investigating a Democratic presidential candidate, the Associated Press reported. "This incident does nothing to instill confidence in the American people that her department can fully and fairly conduct this investigation, and that's why a special counsel is needed now more than ever," Texas Sen. John Cornyn said in a statement, according to the AP. Lynch, who was traveling with her husband, told the AP that the Monday meeting was unplanned. The former president was waiting to depart and walked over to her plane after she landed. They talked about his grandchildren and their travels, Lynch said. "There was no discussion of any matter pending for the department or any matter pending for any other body. There was no discussion of Benghazi, no discussion of the State Department emails, by way of example," she said in Phoenix, according to the AP. Many reporters asked her if the meeting was appropriate given that the FBI is investigating the potential mishandling of classified information on Hillary Clinton's private server. Lynch deflected those questions, according to the AP, and said the investigation is being conducted by career investigators and agents "who always follow facts and the law." BATTLE OF THE SOMME.jpg By Robert R. Garnett One hundred years ago this week, the greatest battle of the First World War began - the Battle of the Somme. Hope died that day, and the modern age began. The River Somme wanders through bucolic countryside in northern France, lazily winding toward the English Channel. The river's name is said to derive from an ancient Celtic word meaning "tranquil," and even in today's glossy high-tech Euro-world, the banks of the Somme remain quiet and rural, "flyover" country. By June 1916, the war had been underway for almost two years. The allied French and British armies were preparing a major push to break out of deadlock. During a peaceful week in the front-line trenches, a young English army officer reflected. Noel Hodgson was not a soldier by vocation, but soldiering was the duty before him just then, and the privations and danger of war made him both grateful and purposeful: "By beauty lavishly outpoured And blessings carelessly received, By all the days that I have lived Make me a soldier, Lord. Hodgson was a youth of privilege, his father a bishop in the Anglican church, Noel himself an Oxford graduate. In ordinary times, he might reasonably have looked forward to a life of status, prosperity and ease. Now, anticipating an assault on German lines a few hundred yards away, the attack that would lead to a breakthrough and the end of the war - so it was hoped - he contemplated his prospects soberly. "Ere the sun swings his noonday sword," he wrote, knowing the assault when it came would begin early, "I must say goodbye to all of this;" "By all delights that I shall miss Help me to die, O Lord. On a cloudless summer morning, the assault began, surprising no one. It had been announced by a week-long artillery barrage during which 1 1/2 million shells had been fired, their concussion distantly audible as far away as England, 50 miles across the channel. Promptly at 7:30 on July 1, the barrage was lifted and 100,000 British troops, encumbered with rifles and heavy packs, climbed from their deep trenches and advanced. Within minutes, Noel Hodgson lay dead. But not alone. By nightfall, more than 19,000 British soldiers had been killed, and an additional 40,000 wounded. It was the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the bloodiest day of the First World War - German casualties were also heavy - and the bloodiest day still in British military history. Despite the terrible losses, there was no breakthrough. In the three days of Gettysburg, Union and Confederate armies together lost far fewer men - about 7,000. On Sept. 11, 2001, about 3,000 died. But the Battle of the Somme was just beginning. Fighting resumed the next morning and continued for four months. The opposing lines remained virtually unchanged. With the failure of the great offensive, it occurred to many that the war might never end. Two years earlier, shortly after the war began, a young American named Alan Seeger had enlisted in the French Foreign Legion. In the fall of 1914 he wrote to his mother from France, "I think you can count on seeing me next summer, for I shall certainly return after the war to see you all and recuperate." The Seegers did not see their son the next summer, or the summer after. Early in 1916, still in France, he wrote hopefully to his mother: "This summer will see the decisive campaign of the war. If we can break through . get them on the run, advance north, north . it would be the experience of a thousand years." Seeger was irrepressibly upbeat and enjoyed the army. "This experience," he reflected, "will teach me the sweetness and worth of the common things of life," and "Never have I regretted doing what I am doing nor would I at this moment be anywhere else than where I am," he wrote after a winter in the trenches. But like Hodgson, he assessed his chances grimly: "I have a rendezvous with Death At some disputed barricade . And I to my pledged word am true, I shall not fail that rendezvous. Nor did he. A few days after Hodgson, Seeger too was killed by machine gun fire. With the Battle of the Somme, the world of Jane Austen crumbled before a new age of machine gun and high explosive. Since the Battle of Waterloo, Europe had avoided a general war of all the great powers. Now, the century-long peace shattered, there was no going back to muzzle-loading muskets. "Never such innocence," the poet Philip Larkin wrote of the world before the First World War: "Never such innocence again." We too in 2016 might look back with similar wistfulness to the age before terrorism - before massacres at rock concerts, bombs on airliners and cattle-chute security at airports - and, 15 years after 9/11, wonder if the battle will go on forever. In the Battle of the Somme, British, French and German armies collectively suffered more than a million casualties. But even in the new age of head-shaking slaughter, every rendezvous with Death on the Somme was a solitary encounter. "Help me to die, O Lord." We should grieve not for thousands dead, but for the death each young soldier died alone; for the "beauty lavishly outpoured" that Hodgson or Seeger missed; for the empty chair at the family table, and each heart mourning a father, husband, brother, son, or lover taken on a fatal day in July 1916, forever. "The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds." Robert R. Garnett is a professor of English at Gettysburg College. This piece first appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer. It's too bad that the recent win of the Brexit vote has in many ways detracted the public from the seriousness of the brutal murder earlier this month of British MP Jo Cox. Mainstream media headlines labelled the suspect Thomas Mair as merely as a man charged with murder. This is despite his self-proclaimed right wing extremist ideology, his alleged ties to white supremacist groups, and his repeated shouts to "put Britain first" as he went on to stab and shoot to death a member of Britain's highest legislative body. Cox had just prior made a passionate plea to remain within the European Union. The FBI defines terrorism as a violent act that is "intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population" or "to influence the policy of a government." Seems like both were in play here. To avoid setting a dangerous precedent to other would-be terrorists by using language that tacitly lightens the intensity of the crime, media pundits bear a responsibility to call it like it is. And irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, Cox's murder needs to be sharply condemned as nothing short of grave terrorism against an entire nation. SOHAIL HUSAIN MD, Indiana Twp., Allegheny County The writer is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Muslim Writer's Guild of America. power lines art (File. ) By Jack Rafuse In Harrisburg recently, a number of environmental groups rallied to push their anti-fossil fuel agenda. Their visit, while tame, follows a series of extreme events across the country and the world in recent weeks of activists acting out in civil disobedience in protest of the fossil fuel industry. From intruding into the personal lives of Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioners to creating human blockades, these activist organizations are ignoring a simple truth: The way America consumes energy is complex; it is not a real option for our society to stop using fossil fuels. In May, billionaire "purists" from the group 350.org led organized protests titled "Break Free from Fossil Fuels." Their paid recruits and followers disrupted normal activity in towns and cities to push their extreme and nonsensical ideology. Neither the leaders of the movement nor their fun-seeking demonstrators realize that their disruptions distract rather than add to a much larger - and needed - conversation about energy development. Organized protests like these, offer no ideas, just rhetoric from a megaphone. First, these environmentalists drive or fly to regional protests all with the help of fossil fuels. And then, the lucky few who avoid arrest from their civil disobedience will hop back in their cars, drive home, and turn on their lights, encouraged that they made the world a better place. A glowing Washington Post article headlined that "Why clean energy is now expanding even when fossil fuels are cheap." Only in paragraph 21 did it reveal that "wind and solar provide about 5 percent of U.S. electricity right now, for instance. Here, as across much of the world, electricity generation is still dominated by fossil fuels." T he same is true, of course, of transportation fuels. Fossil fuel protests would not be possible without the modern advancements of fossil fuels -the irony should not be missed. Consistently and equally ironic, these protests interfere with daily economic activity of local communities where the fossil fuel industry provides numerous major economic benefits. In Pennsylvania, the demonstrators held two protests within days of each other in Philadelphia last month. The demonstrators know and do not care that they hurt the economic life of Pennsylvania provided by fossil fuels. In fact, the oil and gas industry plays a vital role in the Keystone State. According to the state Department of Labor the fossil fuel industry attributes to 36,581 direct jobs and another study points to 339,000 direct, indirect, or induced jobs as well as a $34.7 billion contribution to the Pennsylvania economy thanks to oil and gas. Additionally, the Progressive Policy Institute's report "U.S. Investment Heroes of 2015," states that fossil fuel companies invested $43.6 billion, underscoring how the power of innovation can drive investment growth. The billionaire backers of these demonstrations feel that they know better than ordinary Americans and that it is their duty to "fix" the situation to their liking. Lastly, what is so striking about these protests is the depth of financial backing behind these environmental groups. Many of them are actually funded by multi-million dollar organizations with deep-pockets like the Rockefeller family or billionaires Tom Steyer and George Soros. They do not care about local communities. They are focused on the ideological goals of their out of state and out of touch, wealthy financiers. Take for example, the issue of fossil fuel divestment -an issue that 350.org has made a rallying cry for the fossil free movement. Much like these protests, divestment is a symbolic tactic that could have negative effects for local pensions. When a community divests, public servants, such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other officials who serve our community, must do without high-yielding energy stocks, which are typically considered one of the safest investments. Additionally, divestment is not a viable action to reduce carbon emissions - two reports from Caltech and the University of Chicago Law School have proven that divestment is costly and inefficient. Finally, after the protesters have come and gone, the local communities will have to foot the bill for the harm and disturbance these activists create. By refusing to listen to all sides of the argument and recognizing the economic benefits of fossil fuels, environmentalists are taking the wrong approach to address how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's time for ideological noise to end and a balanced conversation to take center stage. At least it's something we should all hope for. Jack Rafuse, a former White House energy adviser and current principal of the Rafuse Organization, advises government agencies, policy centers, businesses and associations on energy, trade, sanctions, national security issues and their interrelationships. Pennsylvania Judicial Center The Pennsylvania Judicial Center A senior Commonwealth Court Judge has ruled the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission wrongfully fired a former senior manager who claims he was fired for raising complaints about the wrong contractor. The former employee, Ralph Bailets, will now be awarded unspecified damages covering lost wages and pension benefits and, possibly, non-economic damages in a follow-up order, Senior Judge Rochelle Friedman said. "We believe that this case was precisely why the Legislature enacted the Pennsylvania Whistleblower act," said attorney Tom Sprague, who argued Bailets' case last month with attorney Jim West in a rare appellate court trial. "This has been a long ordeal for Mr. Bailets and we are very happy for him that his position has been vindicated," Sprague said. Ralph M. Bailets testified Monday in his whistleblower action against his former employer, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Bailets, a 56-year-old Mechanicsburg resident, alleged that he was targeted for termination because of his persistent complaints about computer services contractor Ciber Inc. that - unbeknownst to him - had bought preferred status through bribes and campaign contributions. Ciber was awarded a large computer networking contract in 2005, and Bailets was placed on a commission team assigned to assist the vendor in implementing new data systems for financial reporting. In that role, Bailets testified, he became an early and persistent critic of Ciber's work, despite occasional warnings from superiors that "making waves" with Ciber could be bad for one's career. Bailets complained about what he saw as "make-work assignments" for Ciber employees that he came to view as ways to justify Ciber's $58 million pricetag. He also voiced concerns about the lack of a plan or progress on the "knowledge transfer" needed so the Turnpike could take its new system and continue to operate it long-term. Bailets told superiors it looked to him like Ciber was setting the stage for a new contract, to complete the parts of the job left unfinished in the initial deal. In fact, in 2008, the company received a follow-up, $19.3 million contract. Ciber, we now know, had greased the skids from the top down through executive Dennis Miller's gifts and campaign contributions routed through former Turnpike Commission Chief Operating Officer George Hatalowich and former Turnpike Commission Chairman Mitchell Rubin. Its contract would eventually become a centerpiece of a grand jury probe of contracting practices at the Turnpike, an investigation that netted felony guilty pleas from Rubin, Hatalowich and former Turnpike CEO Joseph Brimmeier. Current Turnpike Commission leaders are now suing Ciber, hoping to recoup more than $40 million they now allege Ciber overcharged through mismanagement of the same contract that Bailets was flagging. But they have consistently rejected Bailets' allegations, arguing that the evidence suggests Bailets was simply the victim of an honest budgeting decision made by a corrupted administration. Turnpike officials testified that they made efforts to try to create new roles within the agency for Bailets, whose duties, in an ironic twist, were being partially eliminated by the system Ciber was developing. The problem, they said, is that their efforts were overwhelmed by the 2007-08 recession. That downturn caused declining traffic and toll revenues that forced Brimmeier's administration into job cuts - but only after a variety of non-personnel spending cuts and a voluntary buyout program failed to generate enough savings. For Bailets, Friedman's verdict is welcome news in an odyssey that started with his November 2008 dismissal, a side trip to the state Supreme Court after an initial dismissal of his case, and, finally, the civil trial in Commonwealth Court. "I saw the phone light up with 'Tom Sprague' (his attorney), and my heart was just pounding out of my chest," Bailets said, of the moment he received news of the decision early Thursday. Bailets, who had also testified in the state's criminal case, acknowledged it was tough fighting what was always a David v. Goliath battle, and there were times when he wondered if the process would work. That said, he said he hopes other state employees who see practices at work that make them feel uncomfortable, or that simply seem a waste of taxpayer dollars, will take encouragement to speak up from Friedman's verdict. "I'd like to think that this kind of an outcome would be viewed as a positive, to move people in the right direction," said Bailets, who currently works at an area credit union. The damage award is likely to be significant. During the week-long trial in May, economic experts presented reports placing Bailets' lost wages and pension benefits at $1,016,000, based on retirement at age 60, and in excess of $1.4 million if he retired at 67. Turnpike Commission spokesman Carl DeFebo said the agency - which has rights to appeal the verdict - will have no comment until attorneys has a chance to review Friedman's final order. Tony Carrelli Brigadier Gen. Tony Carrelli was confirmed Thursday as Pennsylvania's new adjutant general (Department of Military and Veterans Affairs) Brigadier Gen. Tony Carrelli was confirmed Thursday as Pennsylvania's new adjutant general following the unexplained resignation of his predecessor. Carrelli has served as the interim leader of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs since January 2016. "I'm confident he will continue to ensure that the Pennsylvania National Guard remains one of the most respected National Guard organizations in the country," Gov. Tom Wolf said of Carrelli's confirmation, in a written statement. Carrelli previously commanded the 111th Fighter Wing and the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the U.S. Air Force and was deployed on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The previous adjutant general, James Joseph, stepped down from his post in January and formally resigned in March. The Wolf administration never offered an explanation of Joseph's departure from the $137,392-per-year post. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A funnel cloud is seen touching down in the town of Ponoka, Alta., in a June 30, 2016, handout photo. There have been some tense moments at the Ponoka Stampede after a large funnel cloud moved through the area. Environment Canada issued a tornado warning Thursday evening for the area north of Red Deer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Kevin Walcheske, MANDATORY CREDIT If the temperature rose by one degree, you would hardly feel it. But if were talking about Mother Earth, an average increase of one degree across her entire surface means big changes in climate extremes, say scientists. Is climate change real? Earths temperature is rising thanks to the heat-trapping, greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere from our activities burning coal and gas to heat our homes, driving to work, and producing food. In the process, the warming is changing the earths ecosystem with profound effects, but it doesnt mean the warming course cant be mitigated. The Paris agreement seeks to cap the increase in the global average temperature to less than two degrees Celsius (3.6F) warmer than preindustrial levels. Most scientists, including climate scientists, say climate change is happening, the scale of which can only be explained by human activities. Headlines pop up year after year about new records, whether its temperatures or dollar damages wreaked by extreme weather. In fact, just last month was the eleventh consecutive month in a row that the earth has recorded its warmest respective month on record. Nine of the 10 largest monthly warm anomalies in the 125-year Japan Meteorological Agencys analysis record have occurred from May 2015 through March 2016. Water is big risk Water is the planets biggest risk and its worsened by climate change, according to World Economic Forums Global Risks 2015 report. Rising temperature is changing precipitation patterns as well as how much and how fast snow is melting in mountainous areas. Thus, some areas will see less annual rainfalls with more droughts while others will see more precipitation with more frequent flooding. Sea levels are also rising, as as the polar ice caps are melting faster. The rise means saltwater can run into fresh water supplies making them unusable. Intense rainfalls will also increase run-off rates from agricultural land pulling in pesticides, microbes, and debris into water sources. Story continues Water supplies are expected to fall in some parts of the U.S. because of climate reasons. By 2050, 32 percent of U.S. counties will at high risk of water shortage, compared to 10 percent today. opportunities-climate-change-water-300x300.png Water infrastructure thirsty for $10 billion in annual upgrades Calls are being made to make investments in water infrastructure improvements, with U.S. utilities expected to spend more than $10 billion annually on infrastructure improvements. Technologies that conserve water, upgrade old, aging and leaky pipes, preserve water quality, and treat water for re-use will be critical to solving our water problem. Companies are also developing solutions that remove salt from seawater, which seems a no-brainer when 97 percent of the earths water is seawater! Water and wastewater treatment, transfer, and disposal products and services are worth estimated $625 billion worldwide, and sustainability tactics such as reuse will be a big driver of market growth. Separately, global residential water treatment market was valued at more than $10 billion in 2014, with growth rates expected to be more than nine percent over the next five to seven years. Our Water Shortage motif is up five percent both for the month, and six percent on the year, compared to the S&Ps two percent gain for the same period. In the aggregate, the water technology and infrastructure sectors in this motif are both up on yearly and monthly basis. Climate change and our food supply Water problems can also send ripples through our food chain, affecting output and prices. After all, 70 percent of the worlds freshwater is used by agriculture, including crop and livestock production. Lower water supply and weeds, pests and diseases from extreme heat, drought, and flooding can take tolls on harvests and livestock. Yet demand for food is growing with rising populations. More than a billion people from today will live on earth by 2030, and a population of 9.1 billion is expected in 2050. This means 70 percent more food needs to be on the table then. One of the leaders in agricultural science, Monsanto (MON), is helping farmers reduce climate change risks. It bought Climate Corporation in 2014 to sell weather and soil data to farmers to manage shifting weather patterns. Selling drought-resistant seeds and other products to preserve crop yields is another strategy. Monsanto is in our Climate Change motif, up 1 percent for the past year, but trailing the S&P 500 which is up 2 percent in the same period. On a one-month basis, the motif has also underperformed the broad market. Build your own climate change motif? The fingers of climate change are far-reaching, touching many areas, representing an opportunity for investors to build their own climate change motif. The Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change has said climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century." One of the worst heat waves in recent memory happened in 2003 that reportedly killed more than 30,000. Besides heat waves, climate change poses other health risks such as respiratory problems from air pollution and safety risks to water supplies as mentioned earlier. Then theres infectious diseases which is intertwined with weather as extreme or shifting weather patterns can help pathogens thrive. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that evidence over the past 20 years indicates that climate change can be associated with adverse health outcomes. Another market that climate change has hit is insurance. Insured losses due to weather related events at record levels. The average amount paid for extreme weather events including windstorms by insurers between 1980 and 1989 totaled $15 billion a year. Between 2010 and 2013 this rose to an average of $70 billion a year. On the other hand, a green insurance market is emerging as hundreds of billions are expected to be spent on clean projects and their infrastructure and operations will require insurance. Be sure to check out our other blogs on climate change opportunities in renewables, battery and smart grid and how money managers are reacting to climate change. This notice is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or a recommendation that any particular investor should purchase or sell any particular security. Motif does not assess the suitability or the potential value of any particular investment. You are responsible for understanding the risks involved with investing in securities and for all investment decisions you make. Performance returns, including 1-month Return/Return Since Inception/1-year returns indicates the performance of this particular motif over that stated period of time as of the date provided. Performance is quoted for informational purposes only, however, there is no guarantee those returns will continue. See how we calculate returns. See more from Benzinga 2016 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Pablo Escobar hit man El Chapo Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez, Pablo Escobar's former top hit man, says Colombia's recent peace deal with a longstanding rebel group is proof that he, too, could be elected to the country's Senate. Velasquez, aka Popeye, said that when transitional justice for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group becomes effective, he would consider launching a senatorial bid. "If Mr. 'Timochenko' is able to be in the Senate," Popeye said in an interview with La W radio station, referring to a FARC commander, "'Popeye' [can] also." Popeye, who has been linked to hundreds of killings but was only convicted of the 1989 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan, also said he will "fight against corruption" as a legislator. Popeye spent more than 20 years in prison and was released in 2014. He has since turned himself into something of YouTube star and commentator on crime and politics. "I have a very large force on social networks," he said during the interview. "I have become a political activist online." His YouTube page, "Popeye Arrepentido," or "Repentant Popeye," has more than 80 videos, more than 133,000 subscribers, and nearly 11 million views. His social-media presence has earned approbation from some and scorn from families of the victims of his and Escobar's bloodshed. "That Popeye speaks of 'my fans' is the magical realism that exists in Colombia," La W correspondent Camila Zuluaga said on Twitter, referring to the novel-writing style pioneered by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez (who Popeye also accused of working with Escobar). la catedral escobar popeye Popeye's comments come days after the Colombian government signed a landmark peace deal with the FARC, the left-wing rebel group that has waged a 52-year long civil war against the Colombian state and become involved in criminal enterprises, as well. Story continues One of the most contentious elements of the FARC peace deal is the group's transition into being legitimate political actors in Colombia, something other rebel groups have done before. In Popeye's mind, if the FARC who, like his late boss, fought a vicious war against the Colombian government can now move into the political sphere, so can he. Criminal ties aren't exactly rare among Colombian politicians. Since the mid-2000s, dozens of lawmakers and other officials have been jailed for ties to right-wing paramilitaries, according to Colombia Reports. In recent years, hundreds of Colombian officials have been locked up because of links to criminal groups in the country. Should Popeye win some future election, and retain office, he will have one-upped his former boss. Escobar was elected to the Colombian Senate as an alternate in 1982 but was forced out soon after because of his criminal ties. NOW WATCH: Pablo Escobar: The life and death of one of the biggest cocaine kingpins in history More From Business Insider The 57-foot M/V Orion, and its owners Douglas and Gerry, will be part of the Nordhavn rendezvous coming to Petersburg harbor July 8-10. Over 30 Nordhavn yachts will be in town for the event. Petersburg is hosting the largest gathering of Nordhavn yachts ever seen in an Alaska harbor. The Nordhavn Northwest Rendezvous will take place July 8-10, and the event is attracting yacht owners from as far away as Australia, according to rendezvous organizer Douglas Cochrane. "When we first dreamed it up we were hoping we might get six or eight boats together," he says. "And right now, I think the count is 33 and almost 100 people." Last fall, Cochrane decided to set a rendezvous in the northwest so he and his wife could gather with friends they haven't seen in a couple years. Word q... Gaylord faces Mount Pleasant, St. Mary's hosts Central Lake Gaylord is in the MHSAA Playoffs for the first time since 2018, while St. Mary's makes it's fourth apppearance in four years at the 8-man level. Exxon confirm Guyana world-class oil discovery, could yield up to 1.4 billion barrels Exxon's off Guyana coast crude oil deposit may could be worth $70 billion at current prices CHICAGO Petroleumworld.com 07 01 2016 Exxon Mobil Corp.'s oil discovery off the coast of Guyana may hold as much as 1.4 billion barrels, twice the size of the previous estimate, making it potentially worth about $70 billion based on current prices. The Liza field 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the coast of Guyana is a world-class discovery that probably will yield the equivalent of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of crude, the Irving, Texas-based company said in a statement on Thursday. Hess Corp., a partner in the field, will see a 39 percent boost in current proved reserves at the upper end of the estimate. Exxon's announcement comes as the oil industry emerges from the worst market slump in decades. Since dipping to a 12-year low in January, Brent, the international benchmark for crude has risen nearly 80 percent to about $50 a barrel. The Liza discovery may not add to global oil supplies for years as deepwater finds can take half a decade or more to bring into production. This exploration success demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment approach, as well as our technology leadership in ultra, deepwater environments, Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Co., said in the statement. Exxon saw signs the field was massive as early as May 2015, after logging data and rock chips from the initial exploratory well showed indications of a large presence of crude, the company said in an entry on its Energy Factor blog. The project was led by Kerry Moreland, Exxon's Guyana basin manager, and drilled from Transocean Ltd.'s Deepwater Champion drillship. Exxon is operator of the Liza discovery and owns a 45 percent stake. Hess holds a 30 percent interest and the remaining 25 percent belongs to CNOOC Ltd. Hess Reserves It's an enormous discovery for Hess. At the high end of the estimate, the New York-based company's stake equates to 420 million barrels. More exploratory drilling is planned for the Stabroek block that hosts the Liza field, Hess said in a separate statement. Hess jumped as much as 4.5 percent after the announcement and closed 4 percent higher at $60.10. Exxon rose 1.4 percent to $93.74. Hess is very encouraged by the drilling results to date of the Liza prospect, which we believe has the potential to materially contribute to our resource base and future production growth, Chief Executive Officer John Hess said in the statement. The upper end of the new estimate is two times larger than the 700 million-barrel figure disclosed by Raphael Trotman, Guayana's minister of governance, in a July interview with Bloomberg News. By Denis Dyomkin and Tuomas Forsell NAANTALI, Finland (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin suggested on Friday Russia could move its troops closer to the Finnish-Russian border if Finland joins NATO and called for measures to improve conflict prevention over the Baltic. Finnish armed forces "would become part of NATO's military infrastructure, which overnight would be at the borders of the Russian Federation", Putin said after meeting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. "Do you think we will keep it as it is: our troops at 1,500 (kilometres, 900 miles) away?" Putin's first visit to Finland since the Ukraine crisis erupted in 2014 comes amid increased Russian and NATO activity in the Baltic region, and with the militarily neutral Finland and neighbouring Sweden increasing their co-operation with NATO. It also comes a week before a NATO summit in Warsaw. "NATO perhaps would gladly fight with Russia until the last Finnish soldier," Putin said. "Do you guys need it? We don't. We don't want it. But it is your call." Airspace over the Baltic has been the arena for a rash of close encounters between Russian and Western aircraft in recent months, and the former Soviet Baltic states have called on NATO to step up air defences in the region. Putin and Niinisto called for measures to improve security, with the Finnish president urging that no military planes should fly over the Baltic with identification devices switched off. "We all know the risk with these flights and I have suggested that we should agree that transponders are used on all flights in the Baltic Sea region," Niinisto said. Putin said Russian planes flew at times with identifying transponders off, but NATO planes did it much more often. He said Russia would talk to NATO about increasing mutual trust and improving conflict prevention at the Russia-NATO council meeting that will take place after the NATO summit. (Reporting by Denis Dyomkin and Tuomas Forsell; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Andrew Roche) By Marja Novak LJUBLJANA (Reuters) - Slovenia's Foreign Minister, Karl Erjavec, said on Friday that he had offered to resign over a scandal involving a leaked tape that led to a breakdown in the country's international border arbitration with neighbouring Croatia. Erjavec told reporters he had offered to resign late on Thursday after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decided to continue its work on the border issue even though Croatia had withdrawn from the arbitration process last year. "I offered my resignation to the prime minister as it is for him to decide what is my role in this (arbitration) procedure and whether he still trusts me," Erjavec said. He said "personal responsibility" prevented him from resigning last year, when the leak of a tape purportedly showing a Slovenian judge on the arbitration panel exchanging confidential information with the Ljubljana government led Croatia to withdraw from the arbitration. Twenty-five years after the break-up of federal Yugoslavia, the two states still disagree over their land and sea border. Slovenia is demanding access to international waters in the northern Adriatic, where its territory is squeezed to a coastal sliver between Croatia and Italy. A spokesman said Prime Minister Miro Cerar was likely to comment on Erjavec's resignation offer on Saturday. "It would be a great surprise if Cerar accepts the resignation of Erjavec although it remains unclear why Erjavec offered to resign at this moment," said Borut Hocevar, an analyst of daily Finance. Erjavec said his centre-left party Desus would remain in the coalition government even if the prime minister accepts his resignation. In January, Cerar rejected a resignation offer by Finance Minister Dusan Mramor over extra income he had received in the past when working at a university. News of Erjavec's resignation offer came on the same day that the head of Slovenian Sovereign Holding, Marko Jazbec, quit over a power struggle at Slovenia's only port, Luka Koper. Finance's Hocevar said that privatisation in Slovenia would continue at a very slow pace in spite of Jazbec's resignation. (Editing by Hugh Lawson) zoox Zoox, the super-stealth self-driving-car startup, has closed a $200 million round of funding, according to a source familiar with its fundraising plans. In an SEC filing on June 6, the startup said that it had raised over $100 million in equity. Business Insider has learned that the rest of the round has now closed. The Wall Street Journal first reported in May that an unspecified amount of funding gave it a $1 billion valuation. Zoox has been working in secret on a fully autonomous car for years. In 2013, the company debuted some splashy renderings of the car, nicknamed "Boz," before reverting back into stealth mode. According to IEEE, the car is designed to not have windshields or a steering wheel or break pedal. Instead, it can drive in any direction while passengers sit inside, facing each other. In March 2016, Zoox secured its permit to begin testing its self-driving car in California. Zoox was founded by Tim Kentley-Klay, an Australian designer, and Jesse Levinson, a Stanford engineer who worked on self-driving cars with the co-creator of Google's self-driving car. NOW WATCH: Rolls-Royce made a stunning driverless concept car More From Business Insider Now that science is beginning, a lot of people are asking questions about how this mission will be different from Galileo. To be sure, Juno and Galileo share a lot of similar instruments -- plasma waves, magnetometer, energetic particles, radio science. All of these instruments are designed to investigate Jupiter's magnetic field, energetic particle environment, and internal structure. What makes them different? It's mostly about location. "Fields and particles" instruments do in-situ investigations, meaning that they measure properties of Jupiter at the location of the spacecraft. This is in contrast to remote sensing investigations, which measure properties of Jupiter from a distance. If you are an in-situ investigation examining a 3-dimensional structure like Jupiter's magnetosphere, you need to take your spacecraft to as many different locations within the 3-D structure as you can. Because it focused on Jupiter's moons, Galileo was constrained to an orbit close to the plane of the moons' orbits, confining it to only a 2-D slice of the magnetosphere around the equator. Galileo also avoided Jupiter's donut-shaped radiation belts, mostly staying relatively far away from Jupiter outside Europa's orbit, so hardly probed the magnetosphere close to the planet. In contrast to Galileo, Juno has a polar orbit that will fly to a wide variety of different latitudes and distances from Jupiter. And its orbit takes it through the donut hole of the radiation belts, very close to the planet. Here are two views comparing the Galileo and Juno orbital trajectories at Jupiter, created using a really terrific visualization tool built by Science News. You can see that while Galileo samples a lot of longitudes, all its orbits are in one plane and mostly pretty far from Jupiter. Brazil's Joao "joaosimaobh" Simao Tops PocketFives Rankings for Third Time July 01, 2016 Jason Glatzer Editor For the second straight week, Brazil's Joao "joaosimaobh" Simao is the top ranked online poker player in the world, according to the PocketFives Worldwide Online Poker Rankings. Throughout the past two months, Simao and Sweden's Simon "C Darwin2" Mattsson, who currently sits second in the rankings, have been in a back-and-forth battle for the top spot. On April 27, Mattsson, who previously held the top spot in the rankings from Feb. 10-17, once again rallied to the top of the leaderboard by supplanting fellow countryman Niklas "lena900" Astedt, who held the top spot for four weeks straight. One week later on May 4, Simao passed Mattsson to become the top ranked player for the first time in his poker career. Simao's first-time as the leader in the rankings was short-lived as Mattsson once again passed him one week later on May 11 to become the top ranked player for the third time this year, a spot he held for three straight weeks before Simao became the No. 1 player for the second-time on June 1. As was the case during his previous stint as the top ranked player, Simeo was once again passed by Mattsson one week later on June 8. Mattsson's fourth time as the top ranked player lasted for three weeks until June 22 when Simeo became the king of the hill for the third time. Not too far behind Simeo and Mattsson in the rankings is Astedt in third place. In addition to holding down the top spot in the rankings earlier this year, Astedt twice won the Monthly PocketFives Leaderboard in January and February. Despite the top spot belonging to Brazil, players from Sweden are dominating the rankings, holding three of the top four spots with Swedish poker player "Pot4teUS" in fourth place. The United Kingdom is known for producing some of the best poker players in the world, too, and right now Conor "1_conor_b_1" Beresford is the top of the bunch residing in fifth place in the rankings. Two Italian poker players living in Slovenia are in the latter half of the top 10 spots, with Rocco "RoccoGe" Palumbo in sixth place and Ivan "Hurrrrican3" Gabrieli in eighth place. Completing the top 10 are Greece's Damianos "damourinio" Aslanidis in seventh place, Russia's Artem "veeea" Vezhenkov who was also the top ranked player earlier in the year in ninth place, and Canada's Jimmy "JMolloy" Molloy in 10th place. Here is a complete look at the top 10 in the PocketFives Worldwide Online Poker Rankings: Place Player Country Points 1 Joao "joaosimaobh" Simao Brazil 7,739 2 Simon "C Darwin2" Mattsson Sweden 7,662 3 Niklas "lena900" Astedt Sweden 7,642 4 Pot4teUS Sweden 7,491 5 Conor "1_conor_b_1" Beresford United Kingdom 7,417 6 Rocco "RoccoGe" Palumbo Slovenia 7,117 7 Damianos "damourinio" Aslanidis Greece 6,991 8 Ivan "Hurrrrican3" Gabrieli Slovenia 6,989 9 Artem "veeea" Vezhenkov Russia 6,963 10 Jimmy "JMolloy" Molloy Canada 6,870 *Special thanks to PocketFives.com for information used in this article. Want to stay atop all the latest in the poker world? If so, make sure to get PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+! Detroit police announced the death of Sgt. Kevin Miller while he was on duty Wednesday. A release did not state the cause of death, but a representative in the Media Relations Department told the Detroit Free Press Miller wasn't injured or killed on the job. The sergeant was a 29-year veteran of the department and worked in the city's 11th Precinct. Maryland State Police Master Trooper Clinton Weems was seriously injured in a crash Thursday. (Photo: Facebook) A Maryland State Police Trooper was seriously injured in a crash Thursday morning while he was patrolling in Dorchester County. According to police, shortly before 8:30 a.m., Master Trooper Clinton Weems, 49, who's assigned to the Easton Barrack, was on routine patrol traveling westbound on Rt. 392 when a Ford F-450 crossed the center line and hit the trooper head-on. Police said Weems was trapped in his car and had to be extricated by county fire and EMS. He was flown to Baltimore's Shock Trauma Center, where as of Thursday afternoon he was listed in serious condition and undergoing treatment. The driver of the 2006 Ford F-450 was identified as Tristen E. Blake, 19, of Federalsburg, Md., according to police. He was treated on the scene and released. A passenger in the truck, identified as Jesus Sanchez, 41, of Cambridge, Md., was also treated on the scene and released, police said. Charges are pending, WBOC TV reports. A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was injured in a crash on the way to a "shots fired" call Thursday. (Photo: Wyoming Highway Patrol) A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was injured Thursday afternoon in a crash near the eastern city limits of Glenrock while responding to a shots fired call. The trooper was responding to a shooting in Douglas, when the crash, involving the patrol vehicle and an SUV occurred. A Highway Patrol news release said the trooper's patrol car rolled multiple times during the crash. The trooper was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The trooper was taken by helicopter ambulance to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. The driver of the SUV was transported by ground ambulance to Wyoming Medical Center. Injuries suffered by the trooper are not believed to be life threatening. The driver of the SUV who was the sole occupant is also expected to recover. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump has previously announced that NATO had outlived its usefulness. He said he intended to turn it into a protection racket instead, where our allies had to pay us or else if they wanted our help. Id say, folks, we love protecting you, we want to continue to protect youbut they have to pay, they have to pay. Now he has suddenly decided that NATO needs to be turned against the Islamic State. Observers, not to mention participants, will clearly have to get used to the whiplash effect of the Trump cash-and-carry doctrine. Speaking to ABC News Tom Llamas Thursday, Trump announced his new plan for NATO: Were going to hit them very hard, its very true, its very possible that we should use NATOI like the idea of using NATO and also neighbors that arent in NATO and take them out. You gotta take them out. Watch courtesy of ABC News: This is a bit different than what he was saying in March about NATO: Its going to have to be either readjusted to take care of terrorism or were going to have to set up a new a new coalition, a new group of countries to handle terrorism because terrorism is out of control. The difference, Trump said, is that NATO listened to him and took his advice and changed: I was the one that said NATO is obsolete because they dont cover terrorism properly, you remember that. That was about four months ago, I took a lot of heat. Three days later they came up and they said, Trump is right. Actually, that never happened: NATO forces fought in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2014 to ensure that it would never again be a safe haven for terrorists. In other words, NATO did not ignore the threat of terrorism until Donald Trump opened his mouth. It would be useless to try to delve into the workings of Trumps mind, which seems to bounce from yuge idea to yuge idea, almost at random. If this reasoning is what gets Trump to sleep at night, well have to leave him to it. What is more critical is NATO itself. Trump seems to envision himself as a president with almost unlimited powers. He cant simply use NATO for anything. There are 27 other countries in the alliance and they are not simply mindless appendages of the Trump, er, umI mean, American empire. NATO describes its decision-making process as consensus, a word foreign to oligarchs: NATO provides a unique opportunity for member countries to consult and take decisions on security issues at all levels and in a variety of fields. A NATO decision is the expression of the collective will of all 28 member countries since all decisions are taken by consensus. What Trump seems to envision is NATO as an offensive alliance. But it is not. And lets face it, the circumstances in 2003 resulted from the shock of the World Trade Center attacks. It was before opinion began to turn against Bushs bungled foreign policy, before the economic collapse, before austerity brought Europe to its economic knees, before BREXIT put further pressure on European nations. Admittedly, Trump is not the only one to argue that NATO is obsolete, but that view is predicated on the premise that NATO existed solely to counter the Soviet Union. This was one of its purposes, but not its only: It is often said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union. This is only partially true. In fact, the Alliances creation was part of a broader effort to serve three purposes: deterring Soviet expansionism, forbidding the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent, and encouraging European political integration. Trumps worldview encompasses a Christian West under assault from a hostile Muslim invasion (and dont forget those pesky Mexican planes attacking Trump rallies (dropping rapists and taco salads?). Trumps worldview is less nuanced than that of the average third-grader, and his use of the English language languishes at about the same level. George W. Bushs cowboy diplomacy has already exposed the weakness of a foreign policy bereft of any understanding of nuance: Two seemingly endless wars, one of them completely pointless, a destabilized Middle East (and resultant rise of ISIL) and a collapsed economy. President Obamas foreign policy has merely supplied the exclamation point. Bush will look like a rodeo star in comparison to Trump. Trumps plans for NATO (whatever they end up being) will inevitably be the worst plans EVER. Sad. Photo: Screen capture, ABC News Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse * Any sane, semi-intelligent human being would tend to listen to experts if they repeatedly were warned their existence was in jeopardy. It is a damn crying shame that Republicans are not only not remotely sane, or semi-intelligent, because they have willfully ignored a couple of decades worth of warnings from experts that their families and nation are facing an existential threat of epic proportions. This week, in a very straight-forward and easy to understand letter to mainly Republicans in Congress, 31 leading scientific societies reiterated their warnings and the reality that human beings burning carbon are causing climate change, and that at this point only human beings can stop it. As if it was breathtaking news, the scientists wrote, To reduce the risk of the most severe impacts of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be substantially reduced. Remember, Republicans either claim that anthropogenic climate change is a liberal lie, a plot to destroy the American oil industry, a dirty hoax perpetrated by those nasty scientists, or it doesnt exist and everything is normal. Republican members of Congress claim that climate change is non-existent because, by their own admission, we arent scientists, so how would they know if there is a reason to be concerned or why would they take steps to combat it? Maybe because seven years ago 18 of the same 31 leading scientific groups sent a nearly identical letter to Congress warning; Were Alarmed. Heres Why You Should Be, Too, and IPCC Scientists Emphasize Immorality Of Inaction By Focusing On Irreversible Impacts. The 31 scientific groups attempted to explain yet again that: Observations throughout the world make it clear that climate change is occurring, and rigorous scientific research concludes that the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities are the primary driver. This conclusion is based on multiple independent lines of evidence and the vast body of peer-reviewed science. The letter also noted that, There is strong evidence that ongoing climate change is having broad negative impacts on society, including the global economy, natural resources, and human health. The latest scientists letter is, in one respect, different than the 2009 letter where the 18 organizations only warned of the impacts to come. In that letter instead of saying climate change is having broad negative impacts, it only warned that there is strong evidence that ongoing climate change will have broad impacts on society, including the global economy and the environment. Any conscious American with half-a-brain, except Republicans, already sees and feels the effects of climate change such as those the 2009 letter warned will impact society. The latest letter to Republicans in Congress explained what those broad negative impacts are having on America. For the United States, climate change impacts include greater threats of extreme weather events, seal level rise, and increased risk of regional water scarcity, heat waves, wildfires, and the disturbance of biological systems. To date, and currently ongoing and getting worse, all of those impacts are playing out daily with no end in sight with unseasonal and deadly flooding, killer heat waves, and horrifically devastating droughts. It is beyond difficult to comprehend why any American, Republican, religious extremist, or otherwise, would doubt the reality of climate change no matter who raised the alarm. Climate data, not conjecture, from the air, land and water all reveal indisputably that the Earth is warming to the detriment of society, Americas national security and economic stability. In January of this year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA jointly announced that 2015 was the warmest year on record for the planet ever. The previously warmest year on record was set the year before and, as noted by climatologists, the 2014 record wasnt merely broken, it was smashed. The really bad news is that this annual record-breaking temperature increase is not, as some climate change deniers claim, just an anomaly or part of a normal weather cycle. According to empirical data, 15 of the 16 warmest years in NOAAs 136-year climate record history all occurred since 2000. In fact, the record temperatures in 2015 marked the 39th consecutive year in which global temperatures have been higher than average during the 20th-century dating back to 1977. That was about the same time climate scientists began warning that without some kind of concerted global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Earths population would see substantial climate changes within a couple of generations. Those changes the world is seeing now came sooner than expected in great part because no-one paid any heed to scientists warnings or attempted to rein in the cause of global warming: greenhouse gas emissions. Without President Obamas one-man crusade to reduce emissions, America would have made no effort whatsoever to combat climate change because Republicans are wholly-owned, operated, and controlled by the fossil fuel industry. It is why they both deny climate change exists and fight tooth-and-nail to obstruct any and all of President Obamas efforts to combat it. If the 31 scientific groups thought a letter to congressional Republicans would have any effect, or convince them to join the President and rest of civilized society to stave off certain climate disaster, they are deluded. To date, there have been several agencies and organizations unrelated to climate scientists that have issued stark warnings that not reducing greenhouse gas emissions was game over for the climate, a threat to national security, and an economy destroyer. For dogs sake, even the worlds largest oil companies have weighed in and warned that without swift action to reduce emissions there would be irreversible damage. Still, because Republicans arent scientists, and one moron senator from Oklahoma found a snowball in Washington D.C. in the winter, in their minds climate change does not exist. Republicans are not solely to blame for the lack of climate change action, because main stream media continues affording Republicans a free pass on this most preventable of existential threats to America. Tragically, even if the public understood that Republicans are solely responsible for blocking climate change action, they would still elect idiot Republicans. Look, if roughly 90 percent of Americans support the most basic gun safety regulations, simple background checks, that Republicans refuse to act on, it doesnt matter how many scientists, Pentagon officials, economic experts, or Americans suffering droughts, wildfires and flooding warn policy makers they had better combat climate change; these are Republicans and if they are not abiding the wishes of the NRA, they are drooling to obey the demands of the Koch brothers. Terrorists are not the greatest existential threat to America, Republicans and the ignoramus Americans that keep electing them are. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Youve probably heard Republicans and their media fronts blaming President Obama for the current state of total dysfunction that is the current Republican Party. In an interview with NPRs Steve Inskeep, POTUS smacked down the idea that hes responsible for Republicans choice to obstruct and defy him at every turn, even when it was an idea they supported before Obama suggested it. The President also put an end to the both sides do it both sides are equally at fault claims so prevalent in our media. Watch here: Transcript via NPR, my emphasis and commentary in italics: Steve Inskeep: People can even see you on Fox News. If youve been president for almost 7 1/2 years and people have still no faith in government, are you accountable for that? President Obama: Well, look, as a general proposition, I dont spend a lot of time looking at polls. But whats interesting is right now Inskeep (teasing POTUS because Obama is polling well right now):Theres a poll you like to look at. The President (calling out Republicans who are blaming him for their partys dysfunction): Well, right now I think the majority of the American people think that I am doing a good job. That does not necessarily give me a lot of comfort if I cant move this Congress forward. And the question then becomes and I have heard some people in the Republican Party suggest that in some fashion I am responsible for whats happened to them, and the rise of [Donald] Trump and the dysfunction that you see in their party generally. President Obama breaks it down, and now that hes in the last months of his last term in office, he is freer to shed a bit of the diplomacy that has marked much of his interactions with Republicans: The President: What I would say is that I came into office wanting to work on a bipartisan basis, and if youve looked at my old speeches you would see that. [The Republicans] made a determination that it was good politics to oppose everything that I did. The problem was that by opposing everything I did, even things that previously they had been for, it pushed their party further and further to the right. Obama calls out the falsehood of both sides do it both sides are at fault: The President: And, look, at the risk of sounding partisan, but I believe if you look at the facts that this is a pretty accurate description: When we talk about dysfunction in government, its not as if both parties are equally dysfunctional. The Democrats have a pretty well thought through agenda. When we were governing in the first two years of my administration, we got a lot done. We were probably as productive as any Congress in 20, 30, 40 years. It is not partisan to be accurate. Its a shame that the Beltway is so hung up on the idea that spreading the blame equally suggests objectivity and fairness. Sometimes there are sides. This wont be fixed until the media stops enabling Republicans to fool themselves. POTUS pointed out that the problem the Republican Party is facing is not unique to them; Democrats have also had this problem. But right now its only accurate to say this about the Republican Party: The President: You have a particular problem in the Republican Party right now that needs to get sorted through. Now, thats not unique in the annals of American history. There have been times when the Democrats were wrapped around the axle, and extreme wings were setting the agenda. And I think the Republicans will get out of this. I dont think that it is something that will last the next 10, 15, 20 years. But right now, at least, partly in reaction to my presidency and the political decisions that they made, they find themselves having created an atmosphere in which even somebody like Paul Ryan is viewed as not sufficiently conservative, or if he does just some of the basic work of governance that somehow he has betrayed the base and is decried as a Republican in name only. And when you have that kind of environment, its very hard to get the kind of cooperation that is necessary for us to solve problems that people are concerned about and that I am assuming that during the course of your conversations theyve raised repeatedly. Its important to be accurate and to call things what they are. This is why I write the current/modern day Republican Party when discussing the epic disaster they have built for themselves. They have not always been a disaster, and as Obama points out, the Democrats have been there as well when they lost their own direction. I say the current Republican Party is a disaster not for partisan reasons or disagreements on policy or ideology (although I do disagree with much of their current platform); they are a political disaster because they are too deep into their denial of reality. And just like an addict, they wont get better until they stop blaming other people, stop being reactionaries, start doing the hard work of admitting their past mistakes and accept that they cant stop progress. Republicans need to change what they have control over, and thats some of their approach to policy and old get out the vote tactics. Republicans built this disaster. It is not Obamas fault that they chose to obstruct him at any cost. It is not Obamas fault that the Republican base demanded that elected Republicans delegitimize this president to the extent that they cut off their own noses and refused to legislate at all. Republicans blaming Obama for the results of their own hatred is a lot like blaming the victim. Its childish, peevish, and petulant and that is why Donald Trump is their chosen leader. The media should be sure not to perpetuate the idea that the black person is to blame for the white persons fear or hatred. The Republican reaction to Obama is not Obamas fault. Image: NPR Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print With one speech in Colorado, Sarah Palin may have just handed the White House to Hillary Clinton. Sarah Palin began by dropping a gibberish bomb: Yep. Trumps movement is causing splody heads to keep sploding. Palin threatened the Republican Party: Sarah Palin to Republicans lukewarm on Trump: 'You're either with us or against us' https://t.co/iR0grwSjeW ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 1, 2016 Palin said, Were talking about the direction of our country, our childrens future, the direction of the Supreme Court. All of this hinging on the next election, and at such a time as this, you cannot be lukewarm. Were going to take our country back, and youre either with us, or youre against us. Palin said something so absurd about Trumps racism that it has be seen to be believed: Sarah Palin: Allegations that Trump is racist are 'ridiculous' https://t.co/m6SNzr7LuD ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 1, 2016 She said, The ugly, ugly charge of racism. This is so ridiculous. Trump has been covered in the spotlight for decades, years and years, showing so many of his friends and colleagues of every race color and creed. Great relationships with them all. See the press knows that, because theyre the ones who did the covering of him, and Trump was never called a racist until he decided to run against the Democrats. And thats the way that the dirty side of this business works. Believe me. Palin also accused President Obama of putting the I in ISIS, which when you think about makes no sense. Sarah Palin claimed that Trumps racist rallies are fun and energizing: She said, You seen some of the lefts rallies? Cranky. Demanding. Shrill. Vote for me. I make no sense, and Ill never have to explain myself, but vote for me and youll get all of this free stuff. Those rallies? Hey, that what happens when everybody gets a trophy. Palin speech was so full of the usual bitter and half-baked rage of a woman who desperately misses the spotlight and retains a burning hatred of President Obama. Sarah Palins speech was so ugly that it reminded voters of why they rejected her in 2008, and why they should reject the candidate that she is supporting for president in 2016. It would be easy to call Palin an idiot and dismiss her, but that would be ignoring what she really is. Sarah Palin is a hatemonger who appeals to ugliest elements of American society. Before there was Donald Trump, there was Sarah Palin. Every time Sarah Palin opens her mouth to speak for Donald Trump, she delivers more votes to Hillary Clinton. Palin presence reminds the American people of why they should never vote for Trump. If Palin keeps talking, she is going to get Hillary Clinton elected president. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A Republican hasnt been this interested in chairs since Clint Eastwood at the 2012 Republican convention. Donald Trump interrupted his campaign speech in Denver to go on a whacked-out rant about chairs, and how providing chairs to the audience makes him great. Video: Trump said, Oh, you can sit? Oh, thats good. See, we supply chairs. How many people do that? Nobody else supplies chairs. Nobody else. Only Trump. Donald Trump may not have a campaign, or staff, or policies, or ideas. Trump wont release his tax returns, or provide proof that he forgave the loans that he made to his campaign. Donald Trump has refused to tell voters what he will do if he wins the White House, but my God, the man has chairs. Not to burst Trumps bubble, but most events that are held indoors provide chairs. Donald Trump isnt doing anything special by giving people a place to sit down while he rambles for hours on an end about the greatness of Donald J. Trump. The fact that Trump would see furniture as a major selling point for what a great candidate he is indicates just how screwed up his priorities are. Trump isnt trying to win the White House. He is trying to sell himself to America. He doesnt care about governing, or how he will run the country. Trump thinks that he can be elected president if he gives voters a place to park their backsides. Donald Trumps wacky chair comments show that the man has no idea whats going on, and in no way should be leading a major political party. Trump can have his chairs, but lets reserve the chair in the Oval Office for somebody who is competent enough to sit in it. Portfolio English Edition's premium content is available only for subscribers Learn about the hottest news of the day, along with immediate follow-up analyses and 1000's of exclusive articles with full access to the premium content. Register and apply for a 14 days free trial period. 25 2021 - 200 ! . ( ) , Cookies . cookies. Arthur Hurd, husband of Emanuel Church shooting victim Cynthia Hurd, sits beside a portrait of his wife at his home in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. June 15, 2016. REUTERS/Randall Hill By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - Family members of the people killed in an attack on a South Carolina church last year have sued the U.S. government over an FBI clerk's mistake that allowed the purchase of the gun used in the shooting. Wrongful death lawsuits filed by relatives and survivors of the shooting and reviewed by Reuters allege that at least one of the background check databases maintained by the federal government had information that should have prevented the firearm sale. "At the end of the day, those who were wrong are accountable," one of the plaintiffs, Arthur Hurd, said in a telephone interview on Friday. Hurd's wife, Cynthia, was among nine people killed in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston in June 2015. "Our government should stand up and do for the people what is right," Hurd said. Dylann Roof, 22, has been charged in state court with murder and attempted murder, while federal prosecutors have charged him with 33 counts including hate crimes, obstruction of religion and firearms offenses. Federal Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Susan McKee said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. The FBI runs federal background checks for gun dealers in more than 30 states, including South Carolina. If the agency does not report back to the retailer with a yes or no decision in three business days, U.S. law allows a gun to be sold. FBI Director James Comey has said that Roof was able to buy a gun in April 2015 because of errors in his federal background check. The examiner who conducted Roof's check did not see a February 2015 police report in which Roof admitted to unlawful drug possession, which would have barred him from buying the weapon, Comey said last year. That information did not come to light because Roof's record listed the wrong arresting agency, federal authorities said. Lawsuits filed by the shooting victims' estates on Thursday reject the claim that the FBI did not have access to the arrest report that would have required the gun sale to be denied. "Federal law precluded the government from allowing the firearm sale," said lawyer Mullins McLeod, who represents three of the Emanuel victims' estates. "The victims' civil suit against the FBI seeks to hold the government accountable to the law and demonstrate it is not above the law." (Additional reporting, writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Bernard Orr) A year after medical marijuana became legal in Minnesota, program supporters are hoping a surge of patients seeking treatment for intractable pain can help bring down the drug's high cost. Beginning today, patients with chronic pain that cannot be controlled well with existing treatment can register for the state's medical cannabis program. On Aug. 1, those patients can begin buying marijuana at one of the state's eight dispensaries. Minnesota Medical Solutions CEO Dr. Kyle Kingsley said the company's offices have already been receiving plenty of calls from patients struggling with pain who are eager to enroll in the program. "We're excited for additional patients because it will help bring down costs and allow us to build more jobs for folks," Kingsley said. Minnesota has one of the strictest medical marijuana laws in the nation, only allowing medical cannabis to be used in pill, liquid or oil form. Patients must have one of 1 0 qualifying conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or epileptic seizures to qualify for the program. Before patients can get the medication, they must first be certified as having one of the qualifying conditions by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse. ADVERTISEMENT As of June 23, 1,548 patients statewide have been approved to buy medical cannabis. Kingsley said the number of people signing up for the program is on the low end of the company's original estimates from a year ago. But he said the company is expecting a "modest increase" in enrollment once intractable pain patients can begin signing up. For physicians, Kinglsey said medical cannabis offers a viable alternative to prescription opioid pain relievers. "We're seeing a lot of patients at the end of life with a terminal illness or cancer that are able to reduce their opioid use. And that's a pretty amazing thing because this medication is tolerated much better than opioids," he said. Minnesota Medical Solutions owns a marijuana dispensary at 3456 E. Circle Drive NE in Rochester. The company is one of two in the state authorized to sell medical marijuana. As of today, there are eight dispensaries open in the state one in every congressional district. Since the Rochester location opened last July, Kinglsey said he's been "pleasantly surprised" by the the number of patients visiting the site. At this point, he said the dispensary is open two or three days a week. He said he is particularly pleased with how medical cannabis has helped patients with terminal illnesses and cancer and children suffering from seizure disorders. Kingsley acknowledged that patients remain concerned about the high cost of the drug. On average, patients spend $250 per month on medication although the amount can range from less than $100 to much higher. Part of the problem is that medical marijuana is not covered by health insurance. "We're never going to be able to compete with insurance-covered medications. That being said, it's still our job to make these (medications) as affordable as we can, and that's a big mission for us," Kingsley said. "We're excited about increased patient volume because I think it's going to help with the cost." 'Illusion of a program' The drug's high cost has proven a major issue since the state launched its medical cannabis program on July 1, 2015. A recent survey by the Minnesota Department of Health's Office of Medical Cannabis found that 89 percent of program participants who responded said that the medication is at least "somewhat unaffordable." ADVERTISEMENT "It's very frustrating. Patients are very, very frustrated. We're very frustrated and price is probably the biggest issue, said Maren Schroeder, vice president of Sensible Minnesota, a volunteer group that works to educate patients on cannabis. Often, she hears from patients who will buy as much medical cannabis as they can afford legally and then supplement it with cheaper marijuana purchased on the street. She said the state's current program simply isn't meeting the needs of patients and some major changes are needed. She said it's time for the state to consider allowing more companies to sell cannabis in the state in order to boost competition and drive down prices. "In reality, how this is playing out is the illusion of a medical cannabis program. To the public's eyes, to people who are working in it, it looks like we have a working medical cannabis program when we have something that is barely functional," Schroeder said. Michelle Larson, director of the health department's Office of Medical Cannabis, said she's not surprised by the slow rate of patients signing up for the program. She said several other states have seen similar numbers in the first year after legalizing medical cannabis. "I think we've done as well as we can with the legislation that we were given to work with. We really tried to make it the best program within that framework that we were set up with, so I'm very proud of that," Larson said. She said department is looking at putting together a list of suggestions on ways to improve the program that will be sent to the governor's office. She declined to provide details on what those suggestions may include. Physicians on board Since the beginning, the state's medical cannabis program has been winning over skeptical physicians. A total of 570 health care practitioners have registered to certify patients for the program. Olmsted Medical Center President Dr. Kathryn Lombardo is one of them. ADVERTISEMENT Lombardo said she decided to sign up for the program because patients in the region needed reliable information about medical cannabis. The psychiatrist is one of three clinicians at OMC who certifies patients. She said many patients she has met with have been deterred by the drug's high cost. "I have had more discussions with patients about the use of medical cannabis but then they've decided not to go on and be certified because they couldn't afford it," she said. Lombardo said she has already heard from several patients with intractable pain who are interested in the program. "I have a number of (intractable pain) patients now waiting to be seen more than I've actually had during the whole first year for any of the other medical conditions," she said. Kingsley, a former emergency room physician, said preliminary data shows medical cannabis is helping improve people's lives. He pointed to a recent health department survey that found 88 percent of patients who responded have seen a moderate or substantial benefit from the medication. "I need to be clear not everybody responds. We're not flag wavers," Kinglsey said. "But we believe for some folks, this is a remarkable opportunity to step outside of the more conventional medication box." July 4th weekend deadliest for drunken driving crashes MINNEAPOLIS State safety officials say the Fourth of July weekend is the deadliest holiday for drunken driving crashes in Minnesota. Last year, four people died in crashes involving an intoxicated driver during the holiday weekend and 421 motorists were arrested for drunken driving. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the number of fatalities overall on state roads increased 14 percent in 2015. Four-hundred-11 people lost their lives in crashes, the highest number since 2010. Traffic deaths due to distracted driving increased 21 percent. The fatality crashes last year involved 61 motorcyclists, 41 pedestrians and 10 people on bikes. Associated Press ADVERTISEMENT 4 reasons US flag is lowered ST. PAUL On nearly 90 percent of days last year, one or more states were flying the American flag at half-staff to memorialize the deaths of military members, public officials, police, first responders, prominent citizens, and victims of mass killings and disasters, The Associated Press found in analyzing information requested from all 50 states and the federal government. There were four instances in which Gov. Mark Dayton ordered the flag flown at half-staff last year on at least some government property, not including proclamations that came from the federal government: Feb. 3: Immortal Four Chaplains Day, honoring four chaplains aboard an army transport ship in 1943 who sacrificed their lives to save others after it was struck by a torpedo. Sept. 9: St. Paul firefighter and medic Shane Clifton, who had a heart attack while on duty. Sept. 27: National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. Oct. 23: Aitkin County Deputy and Aitkin volunteer firefighter Steven Sandberg, who was killed after a hospital patient grabbed his weapon and shot him. Associated Press Juvenile center closes amid maltreatment inquiries ADVERTISEMENT BUHL A juvenile treatment facility for boys in northern Minnesota has closed amid concerns about whether the privately run center was following proper channels in reporting allegations of maltreatment. Mesabi Academy officially closed its doors Thursday after it transferred the remaining boys from the facility in Buhl on June 15. The facility's parent company, KidsPeace, announced in May that it was closing Mesabi after the state froze placements and several counties removed boys. The company said it was no longer able to provide a level of care after Hennepin and Ramsey counties had their placements moved. The counties took action after APM Reports investigated Mesabi's treatment program and how it handled abuse claims. At least a dozen maltreatment claims are still under investigation by St. Louis County. Associated Press Woman accused of hiding machete used in beheading GRAND RAPIDS A Minnesota woman was charged Thursday with hiding a machete her boyfriend allegedly used to decapitate a man she said raped her. Prosecutors charged the 22-year-old woman with being an accomplice to second-degree murder after the fact and with third-degree assault, both felonies. Her bail was set at $2 million without conditions, the same as her boyfriend's. ADVERTISEMENT She's accused of tying up and beating David Haiman, breaking his nose, after he arrived at the Grand Rapids apartment she shared with Joseph Thoresen, 35. She untied him, then Thoresen punched him repeatedly, the complaint said. Prosecutors allege Thoresen later ambushed Haiman along a road near Ball Club and used a machete to decapitate the 20-year-old Hibbing man. Authorities found Haiman's torso and head Sunday. The woman allegedly hid the machete in the couple's apartment. According to the complaint in Itasca County, the woman had told Thoresen that Haiman had sexually assaulted her. Associated Press Man found dead under tractor MELROSE Authorities are investigating the death of a 65-year-old man whose body was found under a tractor in central Minnesota. A 911 caller reported the man was found trapped and unresponsive under the tractor northeast of Melrose on Wednesday. Deputies arrived and determined that Donald Hinnenkamp of Melrose was dead. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says Hinnenkamp was found partially entangled in a hay merger. Authorities say Hinnenkamp may have had a medical episode and was able to put the tractor in neutral. The Ramsey County medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy. Associated Press Judge lifts pregnancy ban on woman MASON CITY, Iowa A judge has lifted his pregnancy ban on a north Iowa woman convicted of child endangerment for shaking her infant son in 2014. That move comes only after the Iowa Court of Appeals last month deemed the ban unconstitutional. Judge James Drew lifted the ban on Tuesday. Stephanie Fatland had appealed her child endangerment convictions and challenged her sentence of five years' probations. Among the conditions of probation was an order prohibiting her from becoming pregnant during probation. In May, the appeals court upheld Fatland's conviction but said Drew's no-pregnancy order violated her "fundamental right to procreation." Associated Press WINONA About 200 people packed the rotunda of the Tau Center on the West Campus at Winona State University to answer Margaret Lambert's question: "To ban, or not to ban?" Lambert, a Winona resident, was one 74 people to address the Winona County Planning Commission as it opened its public hearing Thursday on a proposed ban on silica sand mining for the industrial purpose of hydraulic fracturing. Of the 74 individuals who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, 15 opposed the ban and 59 supported the ban. As for Lambert, she answered her own question by asking the commission where the funds for a mining expert to write regulations would come from and how much it would cost, and where the funds for enforcement of any regulations would come from and how much it might cost. "Who will pay for damage to the environment?" she asked. The night started with the planning commission explaining the meeting's process to the crowd, and laying down the rules. Speakers would be taken in the order they signed up to speak. Each speaker would be allotted two minutes, at which time they must stop speaking. The comments would go until 9:55 p.m., nearly three hours after the meeting was opened. The commission has a 60-day review process during which it will hear public comments and take written comments on the proposed ban before making a recommendation to the Winona County Board of Commissioners in August. ADVERTISEMENT The first comment from the public Thursday night came from Mark Clark of Rollingstone Township. "Winona was settled many years ago by people who used natural resources," Clark said, enumerating resources including soil, water, limestone, "and, yes, sand." Clark questioned the narrow focus of banning silica sand for fracking when it would not be banned for its many other uses including roads or cattle bedding. "What's next?" he asked. "You can use corn for ethanol or cattle feed but not corn syrup? You're discriminating against a natural resource. Let the market decide what's the best use of the natural resources." The only person to break the two-minute rule of speaking was Sr. Rosemary Quinn, a Catholic nun who described Winona County as a piece of heaven. The sister, who wore a breathing apparatus, told the commission, "This is my condition, but it's not without its purpose if you think about it," she said, warning the commission of the perceived health hazards such as silicosis that accompany silica mining. "We all run the risk." Reasons to support the ban ran a broad spectrum. From the costs of enforcing regulations to the damage caused, both financial and ecological. Some brought up the trustworthiness of the mining industry. Barb Nelson, of Warren Township, said a neighbor's property was drilled repeatedly looking for silica sand. Once done, the drilling company did not return the land to its previous condition. "It doesn't take long for me to see I'm coming out on the short end of the stick," Nelson said. ADVERTISEMENT While many of those opposed to the ban talked about the right to use and utilize their property as they saw fit, Kent Cowgill, who came from neighboring Houston County where he owns more than 100 acres, said a pair of before and after photos of a mine in Wisconsin turned his ambivalence on the subject to support of a ban. "My concern isn't what I can do with my land, but what my neighbors can do with theirs," he said. For Erica Thibodeaux, who grew up in Louisiana and saw how the land there was affected by the oil and gas industry, the benefits to the economy seemed minimal compared to the damage to the environment. "The people who will benefit from this are very few," she said. "The benefits of the ban far outweigh the mediocre financial benefits that so few people will gain." But Dan Nisbit, who co-owns C D Corporation, a trucking firm that hauls silica sand, said his company has generated 30-40 jobs, and it pays for the roads its trucks use with a diesel tax. "I'm concerned about legality of what's being proposed, singling out one use of a commodity," he said. "I just ask you to look at things in a common sense basis." KENYON A small town police chief found himself in the White House on Thursday. Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander, who is known for running a popular Facebook page for the police department, received an invitation to a briefing at the White House a few weeks ago. "It's kind of weird," Sjolander said over the phone from D.C. "I looked into it, and it was legit. I sent an RSVP and thought I wouldn't hear anything. I thought they'd picked people from larger cities." Other news outlets reported that the invitation came because of a Facebook post he wrote titled "Two Blankets." However, Sjolander made that particular posting after the invitation had arrived in his email. He "honestly didn't know" how or why he secured an invitation from the White House. He expressed concerns about the large expenditure necessary for the trip, but received blessings from Kenyon Mayor Mike Engel, City Administrator Mark Vahlsing, the Kenyon Police Department, and, of course, his family. ADVERTISEMENT "This is a big deal for me, this is an expense," Sjolander said. "I'm not really used to spending money for anything like this, and it's a huge honor. They said, 'Go ahead and do it.' So, here we are." He took advantage of his first trip to the nation's capital to do some sightseeing. He said he admired the Eisenhower Administration Building, marveled at the simplistic beauty of the Washington Monument and was struck by the power of the World War II Memorial. Sjolander then reported to the White House for the 21st century policing briefing at 1 p.m. Thursday. The briefing offered recommendations to help communities and law enforcement agencies across the country strengthen trust and collaborate while aiming to reduce crime. "I'm hoping we talk about how we as a nation are going to earn the trust of the public," Sjolander shared. "Others think of high tech and cameras, and we need to get more back into the basics. We got away from that. That caused us to lose our trust with our public." The chief said he would "beg, borrow and steal" ideas from other agencies that could be used in Kenyon, as well as share those things that have worked at home. Sjolander's Facebook page, which boasts more than 25,000 followers, is an example of using social media to help connect with his town. "That's part of 21st century policing," he said. "Some people aren't comfortable talking to us or to call us, so it's easier for them to message us. We get tons of messages, either ones that say kudos to what we do, and some heartbreaking like someone needing help right now. It's just another nice way to help our public and to be with them." If given an opportunity to share, Sjolander hoped to address the necessity of treating and providing resources to law enforcement officers who struggle with a mental illness as well as different communities that quietly suffer because of associated stigma. The Kenyon police chief publicly shared his own personal experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the Post-Bulletin in hopes that others might seek help. ADVERTISEMENT "I'm a huge advocate for mental health," he said. "We really need to start taking care of our populations with mental health illnesses, getting them more resources and taking better care of them in a polite, calm manner. That's what we need. We have too many people in our legal system who should be in our medical system." Sjolander wasn't sure if there were many law enforcement agencies represented from the southeast Minnesota region in Washington, but he was happy to help show the rest of the country what his community stood for. "One of the things I wanted to show was how hard we work in southeast Minnesota," he said. "They are some of the most genuine, hardworking and humble people ... We have amazing people who do great things all the time. They go the extra mile and help people out." Kenyon to restore police department Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjolander waves to residents while patrolling in Kenyon. ADVERTISEMENT One boy is dead and another is in stable condition after an early morning fight in northwest Rochester. Police were dispatched about 12:35 a.m. today to the 4100 block of East Frontage Road Northwest, near U.S. Highway 52, for what was initially reported as an assault; the caller later said one person appeared to have been stabbed and was on the ground, unresponsive. When officers arrived, they found Jose Jesus Negrete, 15, of Rochester, in "very, very critical condition," said Capt. John Sherwin. The teenager was taken to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys Campus, where he was pronounced dead. Sherwin said Negrete appeared to have been stabbed in the chest. While officers were at the hospital, a vehicle pulled into the emergency department with another 15-year-old male who had a stab wound to his neck, Sherwin said. That teenager was taken to surgery immediately, but investigators were able to speak to him later. ADVERTISEMENT The second victim was involved in the same fight that left Negrete dead, Sherwin confirmed, "but the exact circumstances are still being investigated." Though others were present at the scene, "it appears to be just the two combatants," he said. Investigators don't believe it was an arranged fight, but there was "some ongoing issue between the two individuals that broke out into a physical confrontation." Officials recovered "more than one item at the scene that could be used as a weapon," Sherwin said, adding that "there was evidence recovered that raises questions about the events." There is "certainly no additional suspect outstanding," he said, and no threat to the public, but he stopped short of referring to the second teenager as a suspect. "Our focus of this investigation is determining what led up to the dispute, who may have been the primary aggressor, if this is a matter of self-defense," Sherwin said. "We'll investigate through the weekend, then present our findings to the county attorney, who will determine what, if any, charges will be pressed." The second teen remains in the hospital in stable condition. "There's nobody in custody," Sherwin said, "and we don't anticipate anybody being arrested anytime soon. All things are on the table. Someone is deceased here; is it a homicide? A justifiable homicide? Until we get all of the information, and corroborate the physical evidence with the statements of witnesses at the scene," that decision won't be made. He said the others at the scene were between the ages of 13 and 16, and have all cooperated with police. ADVERTISEMENT Still, Sherwin said, "we have family members to talk to right now. We have the foundation of the case, the general idea of what occurred, but we need to fill in the blanks. Obviously, the deceased leaves one side out of it, so the witnesses are important." There are surveillance cameras at businesses in the area; what they may have captured of the incident is still unknown. Getty Images. U.S. government debt yields rose Wednesday as investors looked to the outcome of a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. U.S. government debt prices rose, erasing losses, after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney hinted at more stimulus for the United Kingdom after the country's vote on EU membership. "The economic outlook has deteriorated and some monetary policy easing with likely be required over the summer," Carney said in a speech at the Bank of England in London . "I want to re-emphasise that the bank has taken all the necessary steps to prepare for these events. And we will not hesitate to take any additional measures required to meet our responsibilities as the United Kingdom moves forward," Carney said. Benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note prices were higher, up about 0.36percent from the previous day for a yield of 1.4774 percent, while the 30-year bond yield was also lower at 2.2912 percent. Two-year yields also fell, last trading at 0.5817 percent. The negative yield on the German 10-year bund settled at -0.1350, a new record low. On the data front, initial jobless claims came in at 268,000, slightly above expectations. The Chicago PMI reading for June came in at 56.8, well above a May reading of 49.3. Later on Thursday, St Louis Fed President James Bullard will give a speech in London at the Society of Business Economists' annual dinner. More From CNBC The most obvious takeaway from the Post-Bulletin Dialogue meeting Monday night on the $110 million Alatus project: Many people care a lot about the Folwell neighborhood, and they're concerned about how the project will change the area. The project, proposed by Twin Cities-based Alatus LLC with local partners headed by Ed and Nick Pompeian, is a 13-story luxury apartment building, with townhomes, commercial space and most problematic for many people at the meeting, an 880-space parking garage, with all the related traffic. Reporter Andrew Setterholm's story covered the high points Tuesday , and here are a few other notes: Bob Lux, the Alatus principalwho gamely defended the project from complaints that mostly were about the parking garage and traffic, put the current estimated value of the project at $110 million. (And the project hasn't been named yet.) If all goes according to plan, it could be under construction early next year. ADVERTISEMENT Lux said we can expect the request for public funding, whether tax-increment finance or whatever, to be revealed in about 45 days.(My guess, and it's just a guess: $7 million.) He said the firm's traffic study-- one of the most important issues on the table Monday -- has been turned in to city officials, but he hasn't looked at it personally. Most important, he seemed to say the project could go ahead without the colossal parking garage, which is more than twice as large as needed for the project to provide for contract parking related to Mayo/Saint Marys. Lux also promised flexibility on other neighborhood concerns, one being the exit from the garage onto 15th Avenue Southeast. If the city finds that dumping traffic onto 15th isn't acceptable, fine, he said. Though Rochester City Council member Michael Wojcik said he wouldn't have much to saybecause of his "quasi-judicial" role as a council member, he believes the developer has gone extra miles to gather neighborhood input and accommodate concerns. Wojcik, who's up for re-election and has called for voters to elect a new council majoritythat will see things his way, managed to slip in at least one plug for that new council majority -- he said voters should elect four members who care about historic preservation, if they're concerned about the integrity of neighborhoods such as Folwell. (At least three other council members, including Council President Randy Staver, who's also up for re-election and is not part of Wojcik's plan for a new majority, were in the audience.) Few people complained about the height and size of the project, as if it's a given that a major development will occur there. Even Mark Bransford, one of the more passionate speakers at the meeting, said explicitly he's not opposed to the project -- assuming that parking and traffic can be addressed. ADVERTISEMENT Folwell resident Kevin Lund, who's a leading preservationist and has major problems with the Alatus project,wasn't buying what Wojcik had to offer. He blasted the council member for his role in the project's rollout to date, saying he found his demeanor and comments "smug," and he told Lux that it was game on, regarding the project. Wojcik responded that he wasn't afraid to side with neighbors or the developer, and Lux said he didn't take well to threats. That's how it ended -- as Setterholm says in his story, on "tense terms." They'll stay tense, it appears, until the traffic engineers determine what's feasible for the project, and how deeply it will affect the Folwell neighborhood. Beside the invective, misrepresentations and political calculation, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton recently provided revealing insights into their initial priorities and how each would lead the country. In broad-ranging speeches, the presumptive nominees included what they called their agendas for their first 100 days in office. Their lists illustrated the gulf between an experienced politician developing specific legislative initiatives and a non-politician talking in broader terms. In a sense, that contrast also illustrated the preparedness gap between Trump, who speaks mostly in generalities without showing any real sense of details or priorities, and Clinton, who has a clear sense of how she would proceed in tackling the country's principal problems. The first 100 days are crucial in establishing a new president's political leadership and in getting things done. The most productive modern presidents, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, all achieved their initial goals by moving quickly to enact priority proposals to energize the economy. Regardless of any impact from the British vote to quit the European Community, Trump or Clinton will confront a challenge from the slow pace of economic growth next January. Here is what they said: ADVERTISEMENT Trump "Number one, the first 100 days, I'll appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution of the United States," the presumptive GOP nominee began. That's code language to assure conservatives about filling the current Supreme Court vacancy, but an odd initial priority that wouldn't affect most Americans for a long time. "I will change immigration rules to give unemployed Americans an opportunity to fill good, really good paying jobs," he added. Presumably seeking to tighten current rules, its immediate impact seems questionable, since illegal immigrants often fill low-paying jobs most Americans don't want. "We'll stand up to countries that cheat on trade, of which there are many. We'll cancel rules and regulations that send jobs overseas and everywhere but our country. We'll lift restrictions on energy production." Executive actions. After vowing to "repeal and replace job-killing Obamacare" (studies say it hasn't cost jobs), Trump finally focused on job creation, declaring, "we'll pass massive tax reform to create millions of new jobs and lower taxes everyone." (Independent analyses say his plan would primarily benefit wealthy Americans like himself and balloon the deficit.) Finally, what seemed like mainly a gratuitous dig at his opponent, a pledge "to impose tough new ethics rules to restore dignity to the office of Secretary of State." Trump's agenda fits the portrait The Wall Street Journal's Joseph Rago painted last weekend of a man who, in the forward to a 2006 manual on Trump-style negotiation, said, "I like to work in broad strokes, deal with the big picture and not the details." Clinton ADVERTISEMENT The polar opposite, she deals in details, sometimes to a fault. But her 100-day agenda seems far more explicit, focused and relevant. "In my first 100 days as president, I will work with both parties to pass a comprehensive plan to create the next generation of good paying jobs," she began. "The heart of my plan will be the biggest investment in American infrastructure in decades." That focuses both on the principal economic challenges the need for more, better paid jobs and to upgrade the decaying infrastructure and on the principal political one trying to surmount partisan gridlock. Other priorities fill in additional blanks:" Let's connect every household to broadband by the year 2020. Let's build a cleaner, more resilient power grid with enough renewable energy to power every home in the country. Let's fix failing water systems renovate our public schools." Raise the minimum wage. "Another engine for growth and job creation would be comprehensive immigration reform," she said. "It will bring millions of workers into the formal economy so that you don't have an unlevel playing field" where employers hire undocumented workers at lower wages. Her agenda, more suited for four years than 100 days, continued from there: Make "quality affordable childcare and preschool available in every community in the next 10 years," provide "debt-free college available to everyone" including forgiving past debt with national service, require companies to share profits with employees and shift fewer jobs and profits overseas, extend Dodd-Frank securities industry regulatory rules and "make sure all Wall Street corporations and the superrich pay their fair share of taxes." Each would face the same challenges as president. But their prescriptions are quite different, and so too, judging from their words, are their priorities. Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede has set a goal of weaning the city off fossil fuels by the year 2031. He is also sending Rochester representatives to participate in a partnership for energy solutions. These are nice thoughts and goals, but talk is cheap. After many years of talk, we still don't have significant renewable energy in Rochester. This fact may lead some to wonder why we aren't powering our grid with wind energy when we live in one of the windiest cities in the country or why we don't have a citywide solar array to provide us with megawatts of power. So much for what we don't have. What we do have in Rochester is a power sales contract with Southern Minnesota Power Agency. Signed on April Fools' Day in 1981, the 48-year binding agreement stipulates that "The member (Rochester) hereby agrees to purchase from the agency all electric power which the member shall require for its municipal electric system." Essentially, this contract means we are locked into purchasing about 90 percent of our electric energy from SMMPA until the year 2030. To complicate matters, SMMPA obtains all of our energy supply from Mid Continent Systems Operator. In fact, 100 percent of our purchased electricity is derived from MISO, a company which is continually searching the market for lowest-priced energy and dispatching it to locations like Rochester. The current energy mix at MISO is about 39 percent coal, 39 percent gas, 9 percent wind, 8 percent nuclear, 2 percent oil and lesser percentages of hydropower and solar power. From the data, it's clear that, as long as the contract is in place, Rochester can expect to receive a significant supply of renewable energy only if it conveniently becomes cheaper than coal, gas and nuclear or until it is deliberately mandated by legislation. ADVERTISEMENT We do have a law in Minnesota calling for specific renewable energy standards. Under the rules of this law, SMMPA will be required to supply 25 percent of all the energy for Rochester from renewable sources by the year 2025. This is a laudable effort, but still a far cry from the mayor's goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2031. Renewable efforts by our Rochester Public Utilities are likewise futile. The solar array it is developing at the Westside Energy Station, for example, will supply 60 kilowatts. Rochester burned more than 3,385,928 kilowatt hours per day in 2015. Our renewable hands are tied by the contract. Unfortunately, it cannot be abrogated. Equally unfortunate is the fact that coal power produced by plants like the one in Sherco, lll,, which is 41 percent owned by SMMPA, will be cheaper than renewable energy until at least one of these legislative actions occurs: an increase in subsidies for renewables, placing of significant restraints on allowable pollution from coal and gas fired plants or an increase in the renewable energy standards to achievable and meaningful levels. While it may be fair to say that our mayor and public utility are trying their best, keep in mind what Beatle, John Lennon, once said: "There are no problems, only solutions." We have the solutions. The question is, can we wait another 14 years to put them to work? Terry Klampe, of Rochester, is a former member of the Rochester Energy Commission, and is a current member of the Post-Bulletin Community Editorial Advisory Board. On the evening in which the capture by Iran of the crews of two U.S. Navy boats hit the news, I happened to be in the company of three retired high ranking military officials. The reaction of all three was the same: the crews were derelict in their duty; heads should roll. The Navy, having wrapped up its investigation of the matter, has reached the same conclusion. Its report finds that the crews of the boats took an unauthorized shortcut through Iranian territorial waters because they were in a hurry. Moreover, they were not prepared to resist or evade the Iranian naval ships that surrounded them off the coast of Irans Farsi Island. The report concludes: The RCB boat captains and crews were derelict in performing their duties to expected norms and standards. In announcing the reports findings, Adm. John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, said: Our actions on that day in January did not live up to our expectations of our Navy. Three officers have already been fired from their jobs because of the incident. Six other service members will likely face disciplinary action, the Navy says. The boats and 10 crew members were captured without any shots fired. Iranians boarded the U.S. boat, forced the U.S. sailors to kneel with their hands behind their heads and replaced the U.S. flag on the vessel with an Iranian flag, according to the report. The crew was interrogated by the Iranians, who attempted to intimidate them by slapping the table and threatening to take them to the mainland, but did not physically harm them. The Iranians also collected passwords to the U.S. sailors personal phones and laptops. The Iranians videotaped a crew member making an apology scripted by the Iranians. The report states that this action violated the code of conduct for servicemen who are held captive. Video also seemed to show some of the captured American sailors crying. The report details a lax culture for U.S. Navy sailors who patrol the Persian Gulf. It seems to me that the conduct of the sailors once they were captured some provided more information to their Iranian captors than they should have; they ate food while being filmed for propaganda purposes; and one disobeyed a direct order suggests a lax culture that extends beyond the Persian Gulf. If a lax culture exists in a dangerous zone like the Persian Gulf, who would assume that it doesnt exist in other areas? In what I consider a related development, the Pentagon has ended its ban on transgender soldiers serving in the military. David French has the details. French argues that there is no military justification for the decision; rather, this is about social engineering: Many members of the military will spend their entire careers without encountering a single transgender soldier, but they will endure hour upon hour of diversity training and thought control. Every time the military makes a move like this, it follows its pronouncements with briefings so very many briefings. I was a brigade judge advocate when the military lifted its ban on openly gay service members, and we were all treated to the full range of stern lectures about tolerance and diversity. This will be worse. There will be members of the military (aided and abetted by its civilian leadership) who will take this opportunity to try to retrain the ranks about the very concepts of sex and gender, introducing radical LGBT theology as the government-approved, Army-mandated world view. And God help the Army doctor or medical professional who refuses to facilitate a service members transition. Good luck being a chaplain preaching about the created order if there is a prickly leftist around. The administration is moving the military culture to Yale with guns just about as fast as it can. How is this development related to the conduct of U.S. sailors when confronted on the high seas by Iran? Its a matter of culture. A culture that protects its young adults from speech they rather would not hear is soft. It likely will produce too many lax candidates for military service. A well-functioning military would either reject such candidates or transform them. But a military that not only wont stand up to the latest trends in political correctness, but instead embraces them with such gusto that it subjects service members to indoctrination of the kind French describes, will not be able to withstand the wider cultures assault on the values that make for a military capable of meeting traditional expectations. French assures us that the warrior culture is resilient. I dont doubt it, even though that culture wasnt on display in the Persian Gulf in January. But I also agree with Frenchs conclusion: Infantry platoons arent likely to go full PC anytime soon, but the Left keeps chipping away. It will keep chipping away until the horrible reality of the battlefield reminds us all that our military isnt a social laboratory. Our enemies focus on war while we sidetrack our soldiers with social justice. Not even our immense technical and material advantage can save us forever from the consequences of our own folly. The incident in the Persian Gulf suggests to me that the consequences of our own folly are already upon us. The worlds press has portrayed Brexit as a disaster and the Conservatives as a party in disarray. But the real fiasco is going on in the Labour Party, where Jeremy Corbyn lost a no-confidence vote within his party by 172 to 40, but refuses to resign. Corbyn is a buffoon, a hard left winger who never met a terrorist group for which he didnt have a sneaking fondness. Meanwhile, Labour is in the midst of an anti-Semitism crisis. One Labour MP after another has engaged in anti-Jewish slurs, and no fewer than 50 Labourites have been suspended for such conduct. This has been a major embarrassment, so the party commissioned an investigation and a report on its own anti-Jewish bias by human rights lawyer Shami Chakrabarti. Yesterday Jeremy Corbyn unveiled the report at a press conference. What did the report say? According to news reports, it concluded that anti-Semitism in the party has not been taken seriously enough for years. But that wasnt the story that emerged from the press conference. The story was that Corbyn couldnt change his own stripes, despite the setting, and launched one of the more vicious anti-Semitic tropes in memory: He said: Our Jewish friends are no more responsible for the actions of Israel or the Netanyahu government than our Muslim friends are for those of various self-styled Islamic states or organisations. Right! British Jews cant be blamed for the fact that Israels government is just like the Islamic State! Presumably this is why, whenever an airport blows up, people immediately think that it may have been the Mossad. Along with the fact that the analogy is insane, the predominant form of anti-Semitism in the modern world is an obsessive preoccupation with the alleged misdeeds of Israel, an island of sanity in a region that, almost everywhere else, is going up in flames. I dont know what it is about anti-Semites, but they just cant help themselves. Keep all of that in mind as you evaluate press claims that the big story in Great Britain is the disarray of the Conservative Party. As part of its celebration of 400 years of Shakespeare (it is 400 years since Shakespeares death), the Folger Shakespeare Library has mounted the exhibit Americas Shakespeare. Edward Rothstein reviews the exhibit and meditates on the phenomenon it represents in Our British founding father. [W]ith an extended and fervent embrace, Rothstein writes, Shakespeare was adopted, from the beginning, as one of our own. He observes: The spirited displays in Americas Shakespeare, curated by Georgianna Ziegler at the Folger Shakespeare Library, range from a letter of Abigail Adams to her husband, praising the militiamen at the Battle of Bunker Hill with lines from Coriolanus, to an excerpt from televisions Gilligans Island (1966) in which the shipwrecked crew farcically enacts a scene from Hamlet. The scale of the American connection amazes. George Washington took a break from the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 to see The Tempest. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote of his American travels: Theres hardly a pioneers hut that does not contain a few odd volumes of Shakespeare. For an 1846 U.S. Army production of Othello in Corpus Christi, Texas, Desdemona was to be played by Ulysses S. Grantat least until the officer playing Othello found himself unable to stir much sentiment under the circumstances. Rothstein does not overlook Shakespeares appearance in the great America novel either: [Shakespeares] prestige helped spur popular adoration as wellruthlessly satirized by Mark Twain in Huckleberry Finn, when the self-anointed Duke demonstrates his bardic recall: To be, or not to be; that is the bare bodkin / That makes calamity of so long life . . . Whence our bond with the bard? I think Rothstein comes about as close as one can in a brief review: Emerson believed Shakespeare wrote the text of modern life and was the father of the man in America. This is partly because the fate of Shakespeares characterswhatever their slots in the Elizabethan cosmosdepends on character and behavior: They are individuals, not placeholders, their fates bounded only by their imaginations, their actions, and their failings. But somethings happening here. Rothstein concludes: All the more tragic, then, that English majors at Yale University began circulating a petition to the faculty last month arguing that their being required to study the great English poetic tradition (including Shakespeare) without the literary contributions of women, people of color, and queer folk, actively harms all students, regardless of their identity and is especially hostile to students of color. The petition demonstrates just the kind of surface judgment Shakespeare was opposing and to which, admittedly, heand America toohas sometimes succumbed. (Adams thought the main point of Othello was an opposition to miscegenation.) But Shakespeares vision of the reflective individual at large in a world of mystery and possibility is far grander. It inspired the warmth of the American embrace. May it continue for another four centuries. As we begin a long holiday weekend, Rothsteins review makes for great, thought-provoking reading. On a related note at the New York Times, Jennifer Schuessler discusses the discovery of a Shakespearean coat of arms by Folgers Heather Wolfe. It reads: Shakespeare the player. Not the poet. Not the playwright. The player. Schuessler doesnt even begin to unravel that mystery. PR-Inside.com: 2016-07-01 09:02:01 AHF Uganda Cares Commissions Mugoye Health Center III ART Clinic and Staff Quarters in Kalangala District, Ssese Island - UGANDA AHF Uganda Cares Alice Kayongo Regional Policy & Advocacy Manager, E/W Africa Alice.Kayongo@aidshealth.org or AHF Africa Bureau Media Contact Oluwakemi Gbadamosi Snr. Manager PR and Communications Oluwakemi.gbadamosi@aidshealth.org Tel - +2348168967217 AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine to more than 611,613 patients in 36 countries, has commissioned a new HIV Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) Clinic and staff quarters at Mugoye Health Center III, Kalangala District. The clinic and staff quarters, which were built with support from AHF Uganda Cares, in partnership with the Uganda Ministry of Health, will not only contribute to the provision of improved HIV services to over 800 clients, but will also boost staff motivation and retention in such hard to reach area of the district. Services to be provided will include; free HIV testing, condoms provision, and comprehensive medical care and treatment to people living with HIV/AIDS. The newly constructed staff quarters will provide comfortable housing for at least 2 health workers attached to this health facility. This clinic is a timely resource to the local community, for it will contribute to an increase in the uptake of HIV/AIDS services on Ssese Islands, said Henry Magala, the Country Program Director of AHF Uganda Cares. The ART clinic will run Monday to Friday as opposed to special clinic days that were earlier set for HIV service provision. We therefore anticipate that with the increased number of clinic days, many more people will be able to access HIV services in a convenient setting. The construction of staff quarters is a timely response to a need in a community where healthworker retention and motivation has been a challenge, and we are optimistic that the people of Mugoye and the surrounding community will be able to see a healthworker at any time of any day, not only for HIV services, but also for other health-related issues, added Dr. Penninah Iutung Amor, the Africa Bureau Chief for AHF. AHF Uganda Cares operates over 45 ART Clinics country-wide, with 3 of these being located in Kalangala District. For more information, please visit www.aidshealth.org or call: 0200 506 100 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201607010051 PR-Inside.com: 2016-07-01 18:27:01 MBA Lazard Hires Jose Luis Jeria as Head of Investment Banking in Chile Media: Judi Frost Mackey, +1 212 632 1428 judi.mackey@lazard.com or Clare Pickett, +1 212 632 6963 clare.pickett@lazard.com or Latin America: Agustina Mitjavila, +54 11 5032 6300 amitjavila@identiapr.com MBA Lazard announced today that Jose Luis Jeria has joined the firm as a Managing Director. Based in Santiago, Mr. Jeria will lead MBA Lazards investment banking business in Chile "Jose Luis is one of the most respected M&A bankers in Chile, said Matias Eliaschev, Managing Partner and Head of Investment Banking of MBA Lazard. Jose Luis has counseled senior management and boards on many of the most significant transactions of the past decade in Chile. His relationships, industry knowledge and experience make him a strong addition to our leading regional franchise. "I am glad to be a part of a uniquely positioned investment bank with very strong Latin American roots combined with the global reach, presence and stature of Lazard, said Mr. Jeria. I look forward to work with the highest concentration of senior-level advisory bankers in the region supporting local and global clients to achieve their strategic objectives in Chile" Mr. Jeria will join Lazard from Itau BBA, where he was Head of Investment Banking for Chile. He previously worked for Citigroup and Santander. Mr. Jeria holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a MSc in Industrial Engineering from PUC in Chile. About MBA Lazard MBA Lazard is a premier investment banking and asset management firm in Latin America that has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of its clients. MBA Lazard serves a diverse set of clients in Latin America, including corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments. MBA Lazard has offices in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogota and Panama City. For additional information about MBA Lazard, please visit http://www.mba-lazard.com. About Lazard Lazard, one of the worlds preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 43 cities across 27 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201607010057 Multiple award-winning Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has revealed she recently had a baby girl. In the interview over lunch at a Lagos restaurant, with the Financial Times African Editor, David Pilling, the Orange Prize winner told her interviewer that the reason she ordered for chapman a crimson -coloured fruit-flavour sugary Nigerian drink, instead of wine was because she was breastfeeding. This is just very sugary, very sweet. I would probably have a glass of wine, but Im breastfeeding, Im happy to announce, the Half of a Yellow Sun writer told the surprised journalist. This is the first time Im saying it publicly. I have a lovely little girl so I feel like I havent slept . . . but its also just really lovely and strange, she added. She explained that she wanted her pregnancy and her child to be as personal as possible so she kept it from some of her friends. I have some friends who probably dont know I was pregnant or that I had a baby. I just feel like we live in an age when women are supposed to perform pregnancy. We dont expect fathers to perform fatherhood. I went into hiding. I wanted it to be as personal as possible. In this country of mine that I love, she goes on, sliding to a halt on the word love, people think that youre incomplete unless youre married. In the enthralling interview, where she spoke about her relation with some of the characters in her books, racism, Biafra and American politics, she exuded a rare-to-come-by optimism about the present and future prospects of Nigeria. Nigeria is way too young to expect the kind of thing that I would ideally want for Nigeria, but the idea of holding people accountable is slowly happening, she said. She said corruption and impunity were on the decline, and technology was now helping an empowered middle class to hold public officials accountable. I dont know if its a delusional kind of hope, I dont know if its a hope that is hoping because theres nothing left to do but hope. But Im still hopeful that I will see a better Nigeria. On racism in America, she explained that ones skin hue can determine the kind of discrimination one has to put up with, arguing that there is no united league of the oppressed. Even within the African-American communities, there are differences, so that the lighter-skin African-Americans have a certain kind of privilege. Its a tainted privilege because its a privilege within a racist system, but still. And obviously it has its history in slavery. The so-called house slave was lighter-skinned and the field slave was darker, she said. Just like in her latest novel, Americanah, where some characters were ridiculed for viewing Africa as war-ridden and poor, she tongue-lashed the practise as patronising and condescending. I think Id rather you not engage than engage in a way that is patronising. It comes from a sense of superiority; it comes from an ignorance that refuses to acknowledge itself. So Africa becomes this vague mass of wars. Similarly, she reprimanded Nigerians as the Americans of Africa for our sense of entitlement. We in Nigeria have an unearned and funny sense of superiority. Nigerians are the Americans of Africa, she said. She revealed that she was going to vote for Democratic Party flag-bearer, Hillary Clinton, in the United States elections in November. She described Bernie Sanders as your dishevelled, likeable uncle, but added that most of his policies were unrealistic. Ms Adichie revealed that the character she like most in Americanah was Ifemelu whom she described as an act of defiance. Ive had to spend a lot of time convincing people that shes not me, but in some ways she is. Shes almost an act of defiance, because I really find myself questioning the idea of the likeable character, especially the likeable female character. I liked her. I didnt always like her. She can be soft or prickly. I wanted her to be all of those things, because I just think that we need more women to be all of those things and for it to be OK. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday reversed its earlier position and admitted receiving a notice of appeal from the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu. The commission, however, said the documents it received did not contain a stay-of-execution order, to stop the issuance of a certificate of return to Sampson Ogah as the next governor of the state. The electoral body had on Thursday morning issued a certificate of return to Mr. Ogah as directed by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. Justice Abang Okon had ruled that Mr. Ikpeazu submitted fraudulent tax documents when he filed papers to run for governorship ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr. Ogah was Mr. Ikpeazus main challenger in the gubernatorial primaries conducted in December 2014, and had asked the court to nullify Mr. Ikpeazus candidacy on the basis of the tax default. Mr. Ikpeazu says he has appealed the ruling, and that he remains governor. On Thursday, INEC said it issued a certificate of return to Mr. Ogah because it had not been served Mr. Ikpeazus notice of appeal. After the Abia government released evidence countering that claim, the electoral body said the notice was submitted at the wrong INEC department. Documents released by the Abia government showed that Mr. Ikpeazus notice was received and acknowledged by Saleh Ibrahim, a senior clerical officer at the commissions legal department, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. In an explanation to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, Nick Dazang, spokesman for INEC, said Mr. Ikpeazus failure to provide a stay-of-execution order left the commission with no choice than to issue the certificate of return to Mr. Ogah. He said since Mr. Ikpeazus notice was not deemed sufficient, it had to, as a matter of policy, execute the judgment of the high court. I discovered that INEC received Mr. Ikpeazus notice. However, it did not contain a motion or order of stay of execution. In the circumstance, and in deference to the previous court order, INEC as a responsible regulatory (body) has no recourse than to issue Mr. Ogah the certificate of return, Mr. Dazang said. By law, a certificate of return is supposed to be issued within one week. Also, the commission has decided as a matter of policy to obey all subsisting court orders. That means if the court were to issue a contradictory order, INEC has no option than to obey. But Abia State Attorney-General, Umeh Kalu, in an earlier statement on Thursday night, said the governors legal team included the notice of stay of execution order with the appeal notice delivered to INEC. I have a proof to that. Saleh N. Ibrahim, Senior Clerical Officer at the Legal Services Department of the Commissions Headquarters, Abuja, who stamped the Notice of Appeal and Injunction with the Commissions official stamp by 12.50pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. The presidency has denied media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had apologized to the senate for the conduct of an official of the ministry of justice. The Senior Special Assistant to the president on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, on Friday said the reports were a misrepresentation of his comments. Mr. Enang was reported to have apologized on behalf of Mr. Buhari for remarks made by Okoi Obono-Obla, a special assistant to the president on prosecution. Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Enang said he only pleaded with senators in his personal capacity. Mr. Obono-Obla had on Thursday allegedly questioned the authority of the Nigerian Senate to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. He also reportedly said the presidency had no confidence in the Senate Judiciary Committee that summoned the Attorney-General. Mr. Malami had asked Mr. Obono-Obla to represent him at a Senate Committee meeting, that was to examine the circumstances surrounding the trial of senate president, Bukola Sakari, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, for alleged forgery of Senate standing rules. The senate committee refused to allow Mr. Obono-Obla represent Mr. Malami, who was said to be abroad at the time. Mr. Enang said the development prompted him to convene a press conference at his residence as a way of easing tensions between the presidency and the National Assembly. I am a presidential liaison officer and I apologize for the inability of the Attorney-General to appear before the Senate when he was invited. He received a letter of invitation after he had already planned an official trip, Mr. Enang said. Mr. Enang said he had assured the senators that Mr. Malami would honour their invitation upon his return to the country. I said the attorney general will meet with the chairman of the Senate committee hearing the matter, he said. Mr. Enang, a former senator, said he apologised on behalf of Mr. Obono-Obla because he did not want the relationship between the lawmakers and Mr. Buhari to get frostier. I apologise for his comments. From what I heard, he was not complimentary to the senate, Mr. Enang said. We didnt need to cause more trouble between the presidency and the Senate. Mr. Enang, therefore, urged Nigerians to dismiss reports that his apology was on behalf of the president, saying doing so, in this case, would be terrible. The president has not apologised. It is me that is apologising for the inappropriate action of the person representing the Attorney-General. The deputy national chairman of the Ali Sheriff-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Cairo Ojougboh, has said they are ready to end the crisis bedeviling the party. Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Mr. Ojuogboh said the faction is ready to end the crisis on the condition that Mr. Sheriff is allowed to hold a fresh national convention and handover the partys leadership to a democratically-elected national chairman. As far as I am concerned, Ali Modu Sheriff is ready to step down but he does not want to be disgraced, he said. Mr. Ojuogboh said the former Borno governor must be given the opportunity to sit at a convention where he will hand over the affairs of the party properly. This is what we have told the governors, what is fair is fair. Ali Modu Sheriff did not say that he wants to continue to be chairman but what he said, is look, I want to handover to a democratically-elected chairman of the party that is elected by the people and not appointed. As far as the law is concerned, Sheriff is still the PDP Chairman today but he is ready to convene a convention to handover, he said. He also said the crisis in the party was about the 2019 presidential ticket. He said some leaders of the party who are nursing presidential and vice presidential ambition have turned against Mr. Sheriff and that they are the ones fueling the crisis rocking the party. The PDP is currently factionalized with a former governor of Kaduna state, Ahmed Makarfi, heading the other faction. Mr. Makarfi was appointed by the National Convention of the party which held on May 21 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Mr. Ojuogboh said some leaders of the PDP, especially some of the governors, moved against Mr. Sheriff at the Port Harcourt convention because they were afraid that he may not support their choice of the presidential candidate of the party in 2019. They are fronting for certain politician from the North to become the presidential candidate of the PDP in 2019 and they felt that Sheriff will not support his ambition and they started pushing for his removal. In fact, let me tell you where the problem started, it started in Jigawa after the three million people came out to welcome Sheriff. Thereafter, they started insinuated that Sheriff wants to be presidential candidate of the party. So all these fight you see is about the presidential candidacy of the PDP come 2019. And what Sheriff is saying is that he alone cannot determine the presidential candidate and that no governor can do that, he said. Court judgment in favour of Sheriff, erroneous Meanwhile, the Ahmed Makarfi faction has said that an ex-parte order by a Federal High Court, Abuja, restricting INEC from accepting candidates presented by the PDP in the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo state, is of no effect. The purported order says PDP can only feature candidates after resolving its current crisis. The Makarfi faction, in a statement by its spokesperson, Adedayo Adeyeye, said it believed that the order given by Justice Abang was granted in error by his Lordship due to misrepresentation of facts by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his co-travelers. Mr. Adedayo said there were two court judgments on Tuesday, June 29, in Suit N0: FCT/HC/CV/1867/2016, nullifying the 2014 amendments to the party constitution alleged to have been used for the ratification of Ahmadu Muazu as chairman. He said the judgment is in effect setting aside the appointment of Mr. Sheriff who was appointed to complete the tenure of Mr. Muazu, and the second High Court Judgment that vacated Sheriffs Suit is to the effect that he (Sheriff is not supposed to be Chairman of the PDP in the first place. Nigerians and our teeming supporters will recall that the last Court ruling that vacated Senator Sheriffs Suit on Thursday, June 30, 2016 even described him as a busy body in the Judgment. How can the Court then grant an Ex-Parte Order to a busy-body who has no locus in the Party affairs? Mr. Adeyeye said. A Nigerian Army court-martial on Wednesday dismissed a Regimental Medical Doctor after he was found guilty of having sex with his fellow officers wife, military officials have told PREMIUM TIMES. The court slammed a two-count charge of illicit sexual relationship and unprofessional conduct on Lieutenant Musa Mustapha Bature, and accused him of taking advantage of a colleagues wife who was supposed to be his patient. The court-martial sat at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment of the 2 Division, Ojo, Ibadan in Oyo State. The 38-year old officer, whose fate would be finally decided by a military council, which statutorily ratifies such sentences, reportedly confessed to the crime, and pleaded with military authorities to give him corrective punishment rather than a terminal one, PREMIUM TIMES was told. Sources familiar with the trial said the accused, a native of Kebbi State, had a notorious history of sexual indiscipline in his four years of service. His conduct was recently brought to the attention of the army authority. The doctors offence, namely indecent professional misconduct and having sex with a fellow soldiers wife, contravene Sections 79 and 93 of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The law prescribes jail term and dismissal from service with dishonour. Delivering his judgement, the President of the Court Martial, Brigadier General Raji, who is also the Commander of 52 Division Signals, said the court opted for a lesser sentence of dismissing the doctor because the convict was a young officer who got commissioned into the Nigeria Army only in 2012. He said in his sentence: Given the level of treachery and the betrayal of trust you displayed by having sexual relation with your colleagues wife, the court is tempted to award you a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The Court has however looked that you were only commissioned to the Nigerian Army in 2012, you may therefore not be well grounded in the traditions of the Nigerian Army. Ignorance, however, does not excuse your despicable behaviour. So therefore, the court sentences you as follows:- On Count 1, dismissal with disgrace and dishonour. On Count 2, dismissal from the armed forces. Note that these sentences are subject to confirmation by the Army Council and the sentences are to run concurrently. According to revelations made during the court-martial, the officers last sexual escapade involved the wife of a fellow officer whom he took advantage of when she visited his clinic for consultation on a gynaecological case. Officials said after seeing the newly-married woman from Yobe State, whose identity they asked should be protected, the doctor insisted on conducting a more detailed examination of her. Our sources say the young doctor disregarded prescribed medical ethics requiring that such examination be carried out in the presence of a chaperon. The officers wife served as one of the prosecution witnesses in the case. In her testimony, according to details obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the woman gave a detailed account of how the doctor sexually stimulated her before they had sex in the mans office. She told the court that the doctor later invited her in the evening of the same day to his house so she could pick an ointment he earlier prescribed for her treatment. There, they engaged in another round of intercourse, she narrated. The young woman said she reported to the barracks chaplain after becoming crushed by the weight of her guilt. Below is the full text of the judgment of the president of the Martial Court on the matter, exclusively made available to PREMIUM TIMES: Brigadier General Raji: This Honourable court as composed has listened to all parties in the matter, including the addresses by the counsels on both sides. The court is therefore well acquainted with the facts to enable it arrive at the decision of the learned judge advocates. It is my privileged to announce the decisions of the court in this matter. Count-1:- The Accused is charged with having sexual relations with the service personnel spouse, punishable under section 79 of the Armed Forces Act. CAP A20 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The issue for determination: This honourable court is required to determine whether the accused has committed the offence by having sexual relations with a service personnel spouse. The court finds in the affirmative; the accused confessed to the offence in the presence of witnesses. Decision:- The court therefore finds the accused guilty Count One as charged. Count-2:- The accused is charged with the disgraceful conduct of an indecent nature punishable under section 93 of the Armed Forces Act, CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 The Issues for Determination: This honourable court is required to determine whether the accused has committed the offence of disgraceful conduct of an indecent nature. The particulars of the offence were by the accused being the unit Regimental Medical Officer, committed an act of gross indecency with his patient Prosecution witness 2 by fingering of her vagina under the pretext of conducting medical examination without the presence of a chaperon. In our opinion, the prosecution failed to proof that the vaginal examination was a pretext for fingering the patient and not the necessary procedure in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease. He could have verified this by seeking the opinion of an independent medical practitioner. If the prosecutor has been able to prove that the vaginal examination was a pretext of fingering the prosecution witness-2, they might have been able to sustain a charge of disgraceful conduct of an indecent nature. In the opinion of this honourable court, the prosecutor was only able to prove that the accused person conducted a vaginal examination on a patient of opposite sex in the absence of a chaperon. Conducting an intrusive procedure such as vaginal examination in the absence of a chaperon contravenes the code of ethics of the medical and dental council of Nigeria under the rules of professional conducts for medical and dental profession. We conclude there that the accused acted unethically. The matter should be referred to the Nigeria Medical Association. However, by contravening the ethics of his profession, the accused person acted in a manner unbecoming of a gentleman capable of bringing the Nigeria Army into disrepute. He conducted himself in a manner prejudicial to good order and service discipline; and therefore contravened section 103 of the Armed Forces Act. The court therefore invoked section 142 of the Armed Forces Act, finds the accused person guilty of the alternate offence of misconduct of prejudice to the service discipline. At this point, before sentence is passed, we will like to hear mitigations on behalf of the accused, if any. In a move to help the accused get a soft landing, his lawyer Major Femi Oyebanji (rtd) presented his somehow impressive Record of Service that was obtained from the office of the military secretary, Army, to help mitigate the already known punishment for his conviction. Here is a brief of Lieutenant MM Bature, N/14543, said Major Oyebanji. Lieutenant Musa Mustapha Bature was born on 21 May, 1977 at Yawuri, and hails from Yawuri local government area of Kebbi state. He was granted a direct short service commission on 10 August, 2012 on the rank of Lieutenant, with seniority on the same rank on 10 August 2012. He is of the medical corp, Courses attended: Nil. He holds a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery. Summary of Course report: Nil. Promotion history: Nil Appointments held within the periods he has served: RMO 81 Battalion RMO 19 Battalion He was posted to HQ 2 Div for Jurisdiction on 18 April 2016. Command Experience:- As RMO 19 Battalion he was described as a calm and articulate officer who was noted to have good grasp of service knowledge and unit regimentation. He was said to have rehabilitated some wards that were said to have been in bad state in the unit MRS. He was noted to have conducted series of lectures and enlightenment programmes on scourge of Ebola virus disease. He was observed to have paid much attention to the troops health conditions and issues of public health and sanitation were properly addressed. He was also reported to have ensured proper functionality of the MRS by making drugs available for personnels and their families. He was commended for his community service by extending medical services to the local populace whenever authorised and this gesture was seen to have improved the units civil-military relations. Operational Experience:- As RMO LIbat One he was said to have set up a medical station for the unit and properly managed all health related cases brought before him. He was noted to have establish contact with the SHQ medical cell and was able to take series of assistance to the troops, especially for referral cases. In the mission area, he was reported to have organised periodic fumigation of the unit locality. He was noted for carrying out free bi-weekly consultancy services for the locals and host communities to foster civil-military cooperation in the units AOR. He was remarked to have been appreciated by the local communities. Disciplinary Records:- He was posted to 2 Div for jurisdiction on allegation of sexual related offences. Miscellaneous: He is married and blessed with a child. He enjoys reading and watching movies. The defence counsel further pleaded with the president of court to give the convicted officer a lesser or no punishment at all as he argued that his sack may permanently affect his future career. The Nigeria Police Force on Friday said it was monitoring events in Abia State, where a political leadership crisis in unfolding, threatening the peace of the state. The assurance came amid concerns of a potential breakdown of law and order that may arise as a result of INECs decision to issue certificate of return to oil and gas executive, Sampson Ogah, in compliance with a Federal High Court ruling on Monday. Mr. Ogah had challenged the emergence of the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Partys ticket in the gubernatorial primaries held in December 2014. Mr. Ogah said Mr. Ikpeazu had defaulted on his taxes, adding that he submitted fraudulent tax documents to qualify as a candidate in the primaries. In a verdict delivered by Abang Okon, the FHC in Abuja found Mr. Ikpeazu guilty of the charges and ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Ogah to pave way for his swearing-in. Mr. Ikpeazu appealed the judgment and notified INEC of the development. But the electoral umpire went ahead to execute the order of the court, saying it never received any notice of appeal from Mr. Ikpeazu. Soon as he was in receipt of his certificate of return, Mr. Ogah embarked on a journey to Umuahia, the state capital, to prepare grounds for his swearing-in on Friday. But while on his way, Mr. Ogah received notifications that Mr. Ikpeazu had secured an injunction from an Abia State high court stopping the Chief Judge of the State, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal and any other judicial officer from swearing in Mr. Ogah as governor. Mr. Ikpeazu also declared a public holiday for Friday and Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday had already been declared public holidays by the federal government. Mr. Ogahs efforts to get sworn-in as governor on Friday morning was thwarted by the absence of the states Chief Judge, Theresa Uzoukwu. Also on Friday morning, INEC finally acknowleged it is in possession of a notice of appeal from Mr. Ikpeazu, but said it did not include a notice of stay-of-execution order from the court. The uncertainties prompted the police to intensify security activities across the state, its spokesperson said. Don Awunah, the newly-appointed Force Public Relations Officer, said the police were on the ground to ensure that a peaceful atmosphere is maintained. Mr. Awunah told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview Friday afternoon that the state was unlikely to descend into chaos. Mr. Awunah, however, declined to confirm if Mr. Ikpeazus security detail had been withdrawn. At a media briefing on Friday morning, Mr. Ikpeazu said he remained the governor of Abia State, and condemned the alleged desperation of Mr. Ogah to take over from him. Mr. Ikpeazu also denied rumours that his travails may have been ochestrated from the presidency, saying President Buhari is a peace-loving individual who would not allow anyone to distabilise a whole state for political interests. Four residents from different settlements across the state, including the capital, Umuahia, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on Fridayafternoon on the telephone, said the state was calm. The Nigeria Police on Friday said they have commenced a search and rescue operation for an abducted Sierra Leonean Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Alfred Nelson-Williams. Mr. Nelson, a retired major general, was reportedly abducted along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway while travelling to attend a graduation ceremony at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday. Confirming the development to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview, the Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, said the acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had been briefed about the development. He said the IG had immediately dispatched a special team to ensure Mr. Nelson is rescued. The police have confirmed the unfortunate abduction of the senior diplomat and the IGP has commenced rescue operation, Mr. Awunah said. By tomorrow morning, there would be air surveillance and everything possible would be done to rescue him. PREMIUM TIMES efforts to reach Sierra Leonean Embassy for comments for this story proved abortive. The State Security Services, SSS, on Friday said some suspected individuals with ties to the notorious group of economic saboteurs, Niger Delta Avengers, and separatist group, Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, have been arrested. In a statement signed and distributed by a spokesman for the SSS, Tony Opuiyo, the department said it also carried out successful raids on the hideouts of suspected criminals across the country through the month of June. Mr. Opuiyo said the SSS decided to intensify surveillance activities as part its plans to stymie recent spate of criminal activities across the country. Suspected members of the Niger Delta Avengers arrested included Selky Torughedi and Christian Oluba; while the service said one Chidiebere Onwudiwe was the alleged IPOB member arrested. The full SSS statement reads as follows: The general public is aware that in recent days, some States of the Federation have witnessed spate of kidnapping incidents perpetrated by criminal elements in a bid to further their selfish pecuniary and/or criminal interests. In furtherance of security measures initiated to checkmate this trend, series of special tactical operations were carried out by this Service, where successful arrests of masterminds of these criminal gangs were made by the Service, while their hide-outs were decimated. On 7th June, 2016, one Kabiru Shuaibu, the ring-leader of a kidnap gang, comprising his accomplices namely: Haruna Saleh, Tukur Shuaibu and Abdulmumuni Adamuna, were arrested by the Service along Murtala Muhammad Bridge, along Lokoja-Abuja Highway, in Lokoja, Kogi State. The suspects were part of a criminal gang which has been terrorizing innocent citizens in the Northern region of the Federation. During their arrest, a locally-made pistol, seven (7) cartridges, fourteen (14) mobile phones and six hundred and fifteen thousand naira (N615,000) were recovered on them. On 8th June, 2016, one Reuben Akinbehinje aka Chairman, the ring-leader of a notorious kidnap syndicate, was arrested by this Service in Akure, Ondo State, along with five (5) other members of his gang namely; John Imoleayo Uche, Seun Lajuwon, Seun Iseoluwa Akintayo, Lateef Fayemi Hammed and Saheed Oyewo. The AKINBEHINJE gang has been the brain behind the kidnap of two Catholic nuns in the State and other criminalities such as armed robbery, hijack and diversion of fuel tankers and cult-related activities in Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Lagos and Kwara States. Similarly, on 12th June, 2016, this Service arrested one Ifeanyi Michael Onyike, a suspected kidnap kingpin at D-line, Port Harcourt in Rivers State. Onyike was involved in the kidnap of Ebere Chinda, wife to Igo Chinda, the Personal Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi. Further to this tactical offensive, on 25h June, 2016, in one of the North-Western States, one Sani Abdullahi, and his three accomplices, namely Rufai Tukur Abdullahi, Najeeb Abubakar and Abdullahi Ahmed, were apprehended by this Service. The group has concluded arrangements to embark on serial kidnap of high-value targets in Katsina State, before their arrest. This gang has hitherto been terrorizing the North-Western States of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara. In a bid to stem the activities of vandals in the Niger Delta, this Service effected the arrest of Selky Kile Torughedi, on 17th June, 2016, in Calabar, Cross River State. Torughedi is an ex-militant and suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), and was arrested for planning to assassinate one M.B. Yahaya, a serving military officer. Torughedi, who is a close associate of Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), had already conducted surveillance at the residence of Yahaya in Kaduna, preparatory to his plot when he was intercepted. He is also fingered as a sponsor of pipeline vandalism in some States in the South-South region. Suspect is currently assisting the Service, with critical leads. In a related operation, this Service arrested one Christian Oluba aka Sensor, another suspected militant with the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). Sensor was arrested while perfecting plans to carry out explosive attacks on critical oil and gas pipelines, including critical storage points. Meanwhile, sequel to increasing threat posed to public peace by the activities of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), this Service arrested one Chidiebere Onwudiwe, a graduate of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and known member of IPOB, on 22ndJune, 2016. Onwudiwe and his associates within and outside the country, were planning to carry out coordinated attacks against religious bodies/edifices, Police-Check Points and the computer village in Ikeja, Lagos State, with Improvised Explosive devices (IEDS). The suspect was apprehended while making logistics supplies for their nefarious plan. In another development, on 19th June, 2016, at Langtang North LGA in Plateau State, this Service in liaison with the military and Police, arrested one Nanpon Sambs (aka Yabam), an illegal arms dealer. SAMBS is a member of a notorious black market arms syndicate led by one Peter Nehema (aka Adagyo) which operates in the State. A Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher and circuit charger were recovered from a Toyota Highlander SUV belonging to the suspect. Also, this Service wishes to alert the general public to be wary of suspicious packages and persons, as celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr approaches. The Service is availed of intelligence which indicates threat by extremist elements to attack selected locations across the Federation, particularly parks and congregations of worshippers, in order to further their cause. The Service wish to state that it will continue to deploy every window within its constituted mandate to ensure the security and safety of all law-abiding residents and citizens wherever they reside. We therefore call on the general public to be security-conscious and to report any suspicious persons/groups or activities to relevant security agencies. The Abia chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that it will resist any attempt to inaugurate, Sampson Ogah, as the new governor of the state. We are ready for them, we are ready to die, the party said, adding, If they do it, then they are inviting anarchy and confusion in the state. The party made the resolution and declaration at the end of its emergency meeting in Umuahia on Thursday. The state Chairman of the party, Johnson Onuigbo, accompanied by members of the executive committee, said the party got wind of a plan to flood the state with military personnel. Mr. Onuigbo said such an invasion would trigger off anarchy, adding that the party was poised for showdown over the planned inauguration. He described the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered that Mr. Ogah be sworn in as a rape of democracy. The court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, on Tuesday ordered Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office as governor over the case of tax evasion. Justice Abang also ordered that Mr. Ogah, who came second in the PDP primaries, should be sworn in as the governor. Mr. Ogah was also issued the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday. The PDP chairman, however, said the judgment and issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Ogah had undermined the peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the state. Abia is not safe. I didnt want to believe the rumour that the state will soon be invaded by the army because this is not a war zone. We want to inform the world that there is tension in Abia because democracy is about to be raped. As a party, we will resist any move by anybody to undermine the peace in the state, Mr. Onuigbo said. He said that as a law-abiding state, the government had obtained an exparte injunction restraining the state Chief Judge or any other judges from swearing in Mr. Ogah as governor. We are ready for them, we are ready to die, he said, adding, If they do it, then they are inviting anarchy and confusion in the state. We are in a democracy so we want the world to hear and know that we are being shortchanged in Abia, he said. Mr. Onuigbo said the party had sent emissaries to Mr. Ogah to persuade him to sheath his sword and allow peace to reign in Abia to no avail. He said that at the end of the current crisis, the party would met out sanction to Mr. Ogah for disregarding entreaties from the chieftains of the party. (NAN) The disagreement between Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and his predecessor, Martin Elechi, has got messier with the two leaders exchanging barbs over a N29 million car gift. The government had acquired four SUVs for former governors and a former senate president from the state at the cost of N29 million each. The SUV vehicles were intended for Mr. Elechi, ex-Governors Sam Egwu, Ogbonnaya Onu( who is minister of science and technology), and ex-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim. The government said in a letter to the awardees that the gifts were in recognition of their role in promotion of democracy in Ebonyi State and for meritorious services in that regard. But Mr. Elechi rejected the vehicle, saying he could not understand how he qualified for the honour. The former governor also wondered why the same government that has failed to pay his entitlements would purchase an exorbitant car for him. He accused Mr. Umahi of smear campaign. Mr. Elechi also said the vehicle was a Greek gift as the governor was responsible for his travails at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As if the bad verdict on projects is not enough, there is the saga of malicious and false petitions against me and two of my children to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) This is courtesy of Your Excellencys ingenuity with your team players, he wrote. But in his reply Thursday, Governor Umahi said Mr. Elechi lied in saying that the governor was the chairman of the Executive Council Committee on Inspection under the Elechi administration. Mr. Umahi spoke during an agricultural summit with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held at International Conference Centre Abakaliki. The governor however admitted he was sometimes drafted to a monitoring team if there were engineering difficulties in some projects during Elechis tenure, saying he saved the state N1.6 billion when he was drafted to Agba bridge project, and equally helped revive Oferekpe water project when it had almost came to a halt. Mr. Umahi said rejecting the car was not the best as Mr. Elechi had written to him when he assumed office to give his wife two cars which he quickly obliged. He also faulted the former governor for saying he never advised him, saying how can I advise somebody who does not take advice and never changes his mind when he says something? I advised him on the case of NigerCem and the clergymen also did which by now, Ibeto would have revived the company but he refused, Mr. Umahi added. Mr. Umahi said some of the petitions to the EFCC were written when both were governor and deputy and was never from him. The governor said he had appealed to EFCC to leave Mr. Elechi because of his age with a promise that if there was any where they found him wanting in money, he (Umahi) was going to pay. He said he made the promise because it was he (Elechi) that brought him to leadership. He however said he did not plead for Mr. Elechis children. He said the cost of most of the contracts given by the former governor were over-inflated. He said he was ready to give Elechi peace and expressed his readiness and willingness for reconciliation if CAN could bring them to a round table. This administration never wrote anything to EFCC. I speak to you in the name of God I serve. I told EFCC leave this man because of his age. If you find him wanting in terms of money, tell me I will be paying small small until I finish paying it. I said that in the name of he that brought us to leadership but not for his sons. His children will answer to whatever thing they committed, he said. Meanwhile, a group, The Save Ebonyi Network, has criticized the government for the car gifts, saying it is a waste of public funds. The group, in a statement issued by its national coordinator and secretary, Okorie Nnamdi and Mbam Ofoke, queried why the personalities who can afford the cars on their own, would be given the cars at a time the state government is busy cutting salaries of health workers in the state. The situation today in the state is that of gloom and despair as many children of civil servants have dropped out of school as the drastic reduction in their salaries has made it difficult for them to pay their childrens school fees yet the Umahi administration has millions of naira to buy cars for people who have no need for them, the statement read. The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has asked the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to side with Lagos people in rejecting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector. ERA/FoEN, in a letter to the Speaker titled Privatisation is Not Solution to Lagos Water Problem, frowned at attempts to foist the PPP model of water privatization on the people despite the World Bank withdrawal from the scheme following civil society pressure and documented failures in other parts of the world. Speaking at an event to mark the Lagos House of Assemblys one year in office on June 9, Mr. Obasa had said that privatization was the way out of the states water crisis. If you want clean water and to stop people from digging borehole, you must privatize the agency (Lagos Water Corporation), Mr. Obasa was quoted as saying. Foreign partners want to come in and this is at a cost. Then come to think of the dangers of sinking boreholes. So what we are trying to do now is to create the conducive environment for the foreign investors to come in. ERA/FoEN described Mr. Obasas comments as very disturbing. In their letter, the group insisted that PPPs fail to invest in the kind of massive infrastructure that people need, adding that the most celebrated water privatization schemes have failed as governments who fell into the trap are now opting instead for remunicipalisation. Rather than bring efficiency, PPPs are known to have led to cost-cutting measures, prices hikes, layoffs and the extraction of profit from the people at the expense of human rights, it read. Manila, Nagpur, Cochabamba and Paris, were cited as examples of PPP failures and the recourse to remunicipalisation a term for taking back previously privatized public water infrastructure from the hands of the privatisers. ERA/FoEN said the Lagos State Water Corporation present parlous state of affairs is a result of over 16 years of World Bank-driven policies, bad management and monumental corruption. Apart from budgetary allocations, the LSWC attracted loans from the World Bank and international donor agencies to fund water supply expansion schemes such as the Iju, Adiyan, and Isashi Waterworks, as well as expansion of distribution networks, the group stated. These loans, running into billions of naira have not translated into improved water supply for residents and no one is being called to account for this. The group drew the Speakers attention to Resolution 64/292 of the United Nations General Assembly which recognized the human right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realization of all human rights. The resolution urged national governments to take necessary action to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water for all. On the way forward, the group recommended that water remain in public control, urging the speaker to support its campaign to get the Lagos government to reject all forms of water privatization. Labour unions in Ondo State on Thursday night agreed to suspend their four-week old strike after reaching an agreement with the state government. The chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Sunday Adeleye, told PREMIUM TIMES that the strike was suspended in respect of the agreements reached with the government. PREMIUM TIMES understands that the meeting with the government, which lasted from the afternoon to about 11pm, reached a compromised, after Labour extracted a firm commitment from the government. We have only suspended the strike and not called it off, Mr. Adeleye said. Workers demanded payment of salary arrears for six months, as well as several months of unpaid pensions, but the government said it had no money to pay. Ondo State has a monthly wage bill of N3.9billion, which cannot be cleared by the N1.4billion it now receives monthly. The month old strike crippled all economic and health sectors. The government also said it lost about N600 million to the strike, which is the average monthly revenue from IGR. Two children of the same parents were on Friday crushed to death on their way to school by a commercial bus in Ita Oshin area of Abeokuta, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The accident, according to an eyewitness, occurred at about 8. a.m. while the children were on their way to school. Witnesses say the bus lost control and ran over the students, killing two of the twin sisters and injuring their older brother. The girls were aged 8, and the brother is 14. We heard a sound and we quickly rushed down before we realized that a vehicle had knocked down some pupils in school uniform. We immediately stopped a taxi and took the children to the hospital and the nurses tried their best. But they later confirmed that the girls were dead while their brother is responding to treatment, he said. Adegoke Adetunji, the FRSC Sector Commander in Ogun, who confirmed the accident, said it was a lone accident in which the driver ran over the children. Mr. Adetunji blamed the driver for dangerous driving, saying that he lost control and ran over the children. We got the report of the accident, which happened around 8 a.m., at Ita Oshin area of Abeokuta. We gathered that the Toyota Picnic bus with registration number KTU 175 DZ was coming from Sango, he said. He said the driver of the vehicle, who tried to escape, had been arrested by the police and taken to Lafenwa police station in Abeokuta. The sector commander advised motorists to always avoid dangerous driving, saying they should also put into consideration other road users.(NAN) Today, Thursday 30, concludes the 2016 edition of NATPE Budapest, the market that has returned to the Hungarian capital city after two years in Prague, Czech Republic. The major participants reported this year being satisfied with the results of the television programming venue. Among the most often-heard perceptions appears the larger number of buyers attending the show (compared to last year in Prague), including one unusual report about a buyer complaining about finding few sellers considering the number of buyers present at the convention. Jose Escalante, CEO, Latin Media (USA) explained: It must be understood that nowadays there is a higher competition: more companies and more products. And Cristobal Ponte, exclusive representative for CEE, Middle East and Africa, from Cisneros Media Distribution (USA) added that the transformation consist in that there are more and more formats to access to the contents, but that process do not limit the content production. On the contrary, it stimulates it, concludes. Most of the distributors remarked that they had this year a slate of appointments that left no spare time. They agreed that the higher attendance level could be attributed, on the one hand, to better economy conditions in the CEE region and, on the other hand, to the efforts by NATPE to attract a higher number of buyers to this show. Prensario perceived that, especially on Wednesday, the hallway traffic at the first and second floors of the Intercontinental hotel has been particularly intense, with an imposing number of blue badges (buyers) crowding the elevators at certain times during the heaviest market hours. By comparison, the buyers attending the four screening sessions held on Monday and Tuesday, while satisfactory to the studios running these exhibitions cannot be blamed as a reason for light attendance at the View-Box floor and suites. This could happen maybe due to a change in the strategy of many CEE broadcasters that, with different levels of investment, are testing in-house product, as has been explained at the various sessions described in our earlier reports this week. In other words, there could be a sort of disruption provoked by a change in what buyers are seeking, with the supply not evolving at the same pace. However, other buyers like Jan Rudovsky, head of acquisitions at FTV Prima (Czech Republic), considers that acquisitions are still key for our niche channels - Prima Cool, Prima Zoom, female-skewing Prima Love and movie-themed Prima Max - where acquisitions account for 99% of the content. The panels organized during the show were turned attractive through the exploration of different aspects of the current TV business and its evolution in the past few years. Several were focused on the production of programming within the region, with one of them dealing with formats, featuring executives from five companies discussing issues such as knowing when a certain format must be dropped, not thinking about the next big hit or, in the case of co-productions, having as few partners as possible or admitting independent producers only when they bring something significant to the table, an opinion not shared by colleagues participating at the same session. The independent producers had their moment of glory at the pitching contest held on Wednesday, were several of them explained the basics of their initiatives to a jury, fielded the questions from the experts and witnessed how one of them was awarded the opportunity to receive expert advice and thus move a step towards fame and fortune. NATPE MD & COO JP Bommel told Prensario that this type of contest attracts hundreds of participants in the US and is considered an efficient way to promote new talent within the industry. Other major event during the market was the ink of a cooperation agreement between China International TV Corporation (CITVC) and MTVA (Hungary), held on Tuesday, that invites MTVA to join the Silk Road Television International Cooperation Community, co-creating China Hour time slot, and the co-production of an animation character panda and the most representative image of Hungary. Join us this summer for an inspiring, hands-on, and experiential professional development event in beautiful Prescott, Arizona. Collaborate with a passionate and diverse group of early childhood educators during our 4-day early childhood educator Summer Institute. The 2019 Summer Institute to be held in mid-June in Prescott, Arizona. Through the generous support of the STORER Foundation, the week-long institute includes: Valuable resources and user-friendly materials to support integrating nature and place-based activities in your own program Nature and Place-based Early Childhood Educator Certicate for participation in Prescott Colleges Summer Institute Professional development hours Participants will: Discover creative, hands-on, and meaningful ways to engage children in nature-based learning experiences across multiple contexts. Experience outdoor environments that encourage childrens overall development, learning, critical thinking and creative expression Engage in mindfulness activities for you to connect with nature and place Acquire effective strategies to advocate for nature-based activities in your program and community Learn risk assessment and management techniques for implementing nature-based environments Align standards with outdoor and indoor nature-based learning experiences Identify and promote community resources for inclusive and equitable access to natural environments and sense of place adventures for all children and families Explore cultural interpretations of nature, place, and culturally responsive teaching technique The Summer Institute fee of $275 includes materials and resources, four nights of lodging on campus and two meals a day. Commuters pay $135 which includes materials, resources, daily lunches and two dinners. A limited number of scholarships are available. Enrollment is limited and a non-refundable fee of $100 is required to hold your place. To register online, follow the link below. Prescott College students will have the opportunity to earn college credit. Other participants can earn continuing education credits while gaining valuable skills, insights, and resources to implement successful nature-based activities in their programs. Participants will receive a modest amount of pre-institute readings and/or activities to encourage a common foundation for achieving the institute's objectives. Questions? Contact Ellen Bashor, Program Coordinator for the NPECE Center, at sifece@prescott.edu. President Andrzej Duda and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met in Warsaw in May 2016 (photo by Andrzej Hrechorowicz / KPRP) Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on the state of preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw, presidential aide Krzysztof Szczerski has told PAP. The two officials shared a positive assessment of how advanced the organisation of the summit is, according to Krzysztof Szczerski. The presidential minister added that the call, initiated by Stoltenberg, lasted about 45 minutes. "It was an element of the final consultations before the NATO secretary general's arrival in Poland", minister Szczerski explained. May be of interest to you President meets with NATO secretary general The NATO summit in Warsaw on July 8-9 is to focus on NATO's response to threats from the East and South, including decisions to increase the alliance's military presence on its eastern fringes, and further enlargement of NATO. (PAP) Polish President Andrzej Duda, Hungarian President Janos Ader and former Polish President Lech Walesa were among those attending Tuesday evening's main observances of the 60th anniversary of tragic worker protests in the western Polish city of Poznan. "Poland is paying homage to the heroes of the revolt of June 1956 which awakened a great desire for freedom and sovereignty not only among Poles," President Andrzej Duda said Tuesday evening in Poznan. May be of interest to you Andrzej Duda on Polish-Hungarian friendship "We have come here to honour the people who in 1956 demanded two simple things: bread and freedom, but in fact it was dignity they were fighting for," the president said, adding that this was the place where the first worker strike under communist rule had started. "People could not stand it any longer (...) and such was their reaction to being deprived of dignity, to being pushed into poverty by the authorities which described themselves as a people's government, and to being lied to," the president went on, stressing that then-Prime Minister Jozef Cyrankiewicz approved a military operation in Poznan and agreed that communist-era services and army troops could start shooting at the protesting people. "The revolt ended but the people did not fall; this was the first independent explosion of spirit," the president said, stressing that all Poland had supported the Poznan workers. According to the president, the Poznan lesson was the foundation of other protests in the years to come, the birth of Solidarity and the regaining of independence in 1989. "We know perfectly well what freedom, sovereignty, independence and dignity mean. And this was what the heroes of June 1956 were also fighting for, demanding bread and freedom," the Polish president went on. Addressing the Hungarian head of state, President Duda said: "We live today in independent countries, in proud countries. We are members of NATO and the European Union, but like other Central European nations, which were not free and sovereign for decades, we know what this freedom, sovereignty and independence mean." The Polish president said that "it was necessary to defend these values at any price, to defend the dignity of our citizens (...) so that Poles and Hungarians could live in a sovereign, free and safe country." The Poznan revolt "exposed the inhuman nature of a communist dictatorship. In those times the workers of Poznan went to fight not only for their rights, they wanted to regain their entire stolen lives", President Ader said, adding that June 28 became the historic day when people decided "it was the last straw." Earlier on Tuesday, the presidents of Poland and Hungary held talks at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, visited the Museum of the Poznan Uprising of June 1956 and saw an outdoor exhibition called "1956: Poland - Hungary. History and Remembrance" commemorating the 1956 Poznan events and the Hungarian revolution of the same year. Presidents Duda and Ader also attended a Mass for the June 1956 protest victims. The homily was delivered by Primate of Poland Archbishop Wojciech Polak. Sixty years ago, on June 28, 1956, workers from the Cegielski metal works staged a general strike and organised a street demonstration. They were soon joined by workers from other factories, students and Poznan residents. An estimated 100,000 people gathered in the city centre. During two-day clashes, the revolt was brutally suppressed by the communist-era police and troops. At least 58 people were killed, several hundred were wounded and many were detained. (PAP) ( Read 10133 Times) The immense opportunity presented by the large number of consumers in India has led to 2100 - 2500 enterprises being started in India per day and between 750-800 getting out of business or becoming dormant, as per a survey conducted by the India SME Forum and researched by SDRC India Advisors.The survey has further revealed that challenges faced by all startups, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, whether it is financial, sectoral, geographical or managerial are often quite common and so are the solutions that emerge from them. Most of the successful entrepreneurs either work hard at finding and applying solutions or are mentored either by a member of the family or one among their immediate friends and family circles.A common link between the high death rate of small and medium enterprises in India, are the first generation entrepreneurs, who do not have adequate mentorship, access to industry or market best practices and are working in closed set ups, without access to successful entrepreneurs. These first generation entrepreneurs have a tough time in not only navigating business downturns, but also in enabling sustainable growth of their enterprise, leading to shutting down their enterprises. Unfortunately, most successful entrepreneurs too work in closed set ups, without sharing or divulging much about their business strategies and the hurdles faced; while taking the success curve. Discussions on setbacks and ways to circumvent them are often discouraged, in turn, discouraging assimilation and amplification of best business practices in the industry.The India SME Forum has been at the forefront of demanding a radical change in the way business is perceived and is committed to a paradigm shift in the Indian mindset, towards the next generation of entrepreneurs and the entire MSME sector, Indias Second largest Employment provider. The forum, a non-profit organization, working closely with the Ministry of MSME has time and again, shown remarkable success through its persistent efforts to motivate and inspire upcoming entrepreneurs. India SME Forum strongly believes in a healthy discussion being a motivator and a positive sign for the ecosystem.As part of their mission, the India SME Forum, shares best practices, information and knowledge, as well as seeks and recognizes emerging MSMEs. Recently, it organized a program that served as a platform for select start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs; to provide them with an opportunity to listen, interact, network and get mentored by successful entrepreneurs. The Successful Entrepreneurs being honoured as Indias Small Giants, were enterprises which have exhibited great success in leading their enterprises, creating much needed employment, enabling a sustainable ecosystem and catapulting their enterprise to the next stage, while navigating the inherent risks imminent with business.As a part of their mission to motivate aspiring Entrepreneurs, a day long program BUSINESS CLASS 2016 was organized on the 24th of June at the Rangsharda Auditorium in Mumbai, with support from Vodafone Business Services. The program comprised 6 Sectoral Panel Discussion Sessions of 45-60 minutes each, with top bureaucrats, experts and successful entrepreneurs as panelists. The event had over 800 participants, and a star guest mentor, renowned Brand Guru, Mr. Prahlad Kakar. The Honorable Minister of MSME, Shri Kalraj Mishra graced the ceremony, addressed the audience and felicitated Indias Small Giants of 2016.Mr. Ajay Sehgal, National Head, Small and Medium Enterprises at Vodafone Business Services, the principal partner of the event said, Reiterating the commitments to Governments vision of Digital India and Make in India, Vodafone has adopted an approach focusing on coverage, intelligence and automation to acquire market reach and serve the emerging businesses across India. To catalyze the growth of emerging enterprises the company has introduced Ready Business 2.0 an integrated technology solutions approach that uses Vodafones suite of Total Communications solutions to provide answers to business problems, designed for making emerging businesses more agile towards taking on future challenges and responsive to customers. The association of Vodafone with Indias Small Giants is an effort, to further support emerging businesses and to enhance their productivity and business efficiencies in the right direction by respecting, recognizing and acknowledging Indias Most Successful Entrepreneurs who have created a legacy and ever-lasting impression on the minds of generations of future entrepreneurs.Mr. Shyamal Saxena, Head - Retail Banking India at Standard Chartered which supported the initiative said, "SMEs looking to expand their business, locally or internationally, need to tap into deep local knowledge and international network through the business-banking segment. As an international bank with footprints in Asia, Africa and Middle-East, Standard Chartered has always been committed to the SME space, striving to fulfill this need. As growing organizations, SMEs should be sufficiently protected so that an entrepreneur with a big idea and a right strategy is not affected by external uncertainties. Business protection features tailor-made insurance solutions and foreign exchange hedging strategies. With the right advice and risk- management solutions, SMEs can choose what works for their business.Mr. Vinod Kumar, Hon. President at the India SME Forum added that, It has been the endeavor of India SME forum to be a catalyst in creating a world class entrepreneurship ecosystem in India and Business Class 2016 is yet another big step towards it. We aim to not only motivate and engage those in the audience but also take the learning from this to startups and entrepreneurs across India. Indias Small Giants, who are Trail Blazers, Innovators and Successful Entrepreneurs, having built their business with a lot of resilience, hard work from little or no money, to turnovers of upwards of Rs. 500 Crores are:Mrs. Sarita Sarvria, Express House KeeperMrs. Smita Naram, Ayushakti AyurvedMs. Jyoti Garg, Garlico IndustriesMrs. Manisha Dhatrak, Varun AgroRajiv Mitra, Govind Milk & Milk ProductsUmesh Kumar Sharma, Mantras Green ResourcesPratap Singh G. Deshmukh, Pratap OrganicsPankaj Narula, SNG IndiaSudhir Gupta, Advance Hydrau TechDr. Giridhar Thota, Shodhana LaboratoriesVijendra Babu N, Micro PlasticsVinod Kumar Dutt, Chanakya Dairy ProductsSanchit Gupta, Swati Menthol and Allied ChemicalsVibhash Trivedi, Kanoovi FoodsSanjay Bahety, I&B EngineersPC Musthafa, ID Fresh Foods (India)Arun Prakash, Genetix Biotech AsiaPiyush Todi, Coast LinersShukanto Ghosh, Sparklet EngineersAjay Sood, Kumar ExportsVikalp Mundra, Ujaas EnergyBinod Kumar Maheswari, Creative PolypackAmitesh Singh, Suman Forwarding AgencyRajesh Sharma, LTC Commercial CompanyNiraj Desai, Nish Techno ProjectsArvind Agrawal, AICL CommunicationsMilind Kelkar, Grind Master MachinesRajiv Jain, Deesha Trade EndeavoursAshish Sheth,Sarjak Container LinesShrish Agrawal, A1 Future TechnologiesAnil Vyas & Alex Fernandes, Alice PharmaDhirendra Vora, Advance SyntexPrasad Rodagi, Altem TechnologiesDevrai Manjunath Sheregar, Devu ToolsPrakash Hari Ramanii, Ramani Ice Cream Co.Amit Mehra, Medico Electrodes InternationalChandrakant Contractor, Saurashtra Enviro ProjectsPrasanna Patwardhan, Prasanna Purple Mob. Sol.Dr. Trimbakrao T.Patil, Mahafeed Speciality Fert.Manesh Agarwal, Bankey Bihari Ji Food ProductsInformation on the stories of each of the S 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. FRICOURT, France, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A hundred years ago, 1 July 1916 marked the start of one of the deadliest battles of the First World War - the Battle of the Somme. It was part of a British-French offensive against the German positions and left more than one million dead, wounded or missing German, French and British soldiers by the time it was abandoned in mid-November 1916. To commemorate the fallen soldiers on all three sides, at the invitation of the German War Graves Commission, the municipality of Fricourt and the Service pour l'Entretien des Sepultures Militaires Allemandes (SESMA), an international commemoration was held at the German war cemetery in Fricourt. The guests included former German President Horst Kohler and Jean-Marc Todeschini, Minister of State for Veterans and Remembrance at the French Ministry of Defence. In her welcome address, Myriam Demailly, Mayor of Fricourt, stressed the significance of commemorations: "Commemorations are important to remember the soldiers who died, but also to understand that no-one must ever start a war." Her village, Fricourt, suffered greatly at the time and would never forget its lost children, whose names are now carved in stone. Demailly continued her appeal, saying "It is our moral duty to remember them. Therefore, every 1 July, in memory of those first days of this battle, we will commemorate all the lost soldiers who fought here 100 years ago. The act of honouring these soldiers is now a symbol of peace." The youth teams of Hertha BSC Berlin, Liverpool FC and a school choir from Southport, Australia then read out letters from soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme. In his commemorative speech, Markus Meckel, President of the War Graves Commission, underlined the importance of this battle: "One of the primary historical factors was the development of the conflict into a material war based on industrial resources. The Battle of the Somme represents the climax of this - alongside the Battle of Verdun, which followed its fateful progress in parallel. [] In short, it started as a kind of factory of violence, as efficient as possible and powered by the whole of society. It heralded in an era of excessive violence and totalitarian dictators lasting well into the post-war period." According to Meckel, the German war cemetery at Fricourt was now a symbol of early German-French cooperation, because from 1920, the French authorities took care to ensure a dignified burial of the German soldiers who fell in France. Regarding today's remembrance, the Commission President stressed that, "The people who died in the war act as places of remembrance in human form, as it were. Their legacy can only provide answers if people today retain a lively interest and ask relevant questions. Otherwise they remain silent - or always tell us the same familiar story of the terrible futility of war." Meckel also emphasised the need to engage with the historical and individual contexts and allow history to speak, which is what the Commission promotes with its youth and educational work. At the end of the commemoration, the participants laid wreaths and placed commemorative crosses in memory of the fallen soldiers of the battle. Press contact: Hilke Vollmer Press and Public Relations German War Graves Commission Hauptstadtburo Lutzowufer 1 10785 Berlin Tel.: +49-(0)30-230936-57 Mobile: +49-(0)152/ 33830114 Email: hilke.vollmer@volksbund.de http://www.volksbund.de SOURCE Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgraberfursorge PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Additive Masterbatch Market by Type (Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Flame Retardants, and others), 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 3.40 Billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 6.0% between 2016 and 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 84 market data Tables and 43 Figures spread through 151 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Additive Masterbatch Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/additive-masterbatch-market-227086700.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. Antimicrobial is the fastest-growing type of additive masterbatch The additive masterbatch market is segmented into antimicrobial additive, antioxidant additive, flame-retardant, and other additives, based on type. Antimicrobial additive accounts for a major share of the additive masterbatch market as it is used to control microbes in plastic products. The packaging industry drives the demand for additive masterbatch owing to rapid urbanization, development of retail & e-commerce, and the growing cosmetics and healthcare sectors in emerging countries such as China, India, and Brazil. Polyethylene carrier resin to dominate the additive masterbatch market Polyethylene is the most preferred type of carrier resin because of its superior properties, such as low density, high toughness, and moisture resistance, in comparison to the other resins.. LDPE & LLDPE are extensively used in additive masterbatch as they have various applications, including plastic bags & sheets, plastic wraps, toys, lids, buckets & containers, pipes, and others. For More Info Make Inquiry @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=227086700 Asia-Pacific to be the largest market during the forecast period The Additive 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 additive masterbatch, in terms of value and volume. The increased consumption of plastics in the region has led to the expansion of plastic manufacturing plants. The per capita consumption of plastics is estimated to rise significantly during the forecast period. The rising demand for plastics in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging is driving the market for additive masterbatch. The consumers demand appealing color and functionality for plastic products. Thus, additive masterbatch is added to enhance the properties of plastics, including scratch resistance, water resistance, chemical resistance, and others. Currently, the global additive 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), among others. The leading players mainly concentrate on new product launches 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 Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp 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. Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Making a dazzling design statement, amba Taipei Songshan welcomes savvy globetrotters into a vibrant urban oasis that blends modernity with authentic Taiwanese flavor. Panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the beautiful Keelung River are a spectacular feature throughout the hotel. The Lobby is a fun social space for guests to hang out, offset by views of Taipei 101. Casting a magical glow are 24 giant eco-bamboo lanterns standing up to three meters high. By night, color-changing lighting marks out Taiwan's hottest new hotel landmark. More than 70 percent of amba's 189 guestrooms offer panoramic vistas of Taipei 101 or Keelung River. Room categories range from Smart Rooms (27 sqm/291 sqft) to a stunning Studio (107 sqm/1,150 sqft). Every guestroom offers complimentary superfast WiFi, a 48-inch HD TV, Bluetooth speaker and a Nespresso machine. amba's Que restaurant is a modern chophouse serving premium wood-fired steaks and seafood grilled over native fruit-tree woods. The hotel is ideal for creative meetings and joyful weddings, seating up to 150 for meetings or 200 for banquets. Travelers will appreciate amba's convenient location. The new hotel is situated at the nexus of Xinyi, Songshan and Nangang districts, and is directly connected to Songshan Station for metro and trains. Taipei 101 and Xinyi district are just five minutes from the hotel by free shuttle service. Raohe Night Market, Ciyou Temple and Rainbow Bridge are all within five minutes' walk. Amazing Introductory Offers Introductory rates on amba-hotels.com start from TWD3,500 and from TWD3,900 with breakfast, subject to 15.5% service charge and tax. Guests booking the Discover Songshan Opening Package between July 1 and August 31, 2016 will receive a free Songshan walking tour. For reservations, please visit amba-hotels.com or call +886 2 2525 2828. About amba Styled to resonate with today's travelers, amba Hotels & Resorts celebrates design creativity, responsible consumption, and fun, unique travel experiences. The first amba hotel, amba Taipei Ximending, opened in 2012 and was hailed by Wallpaper* magazine as one of the best new openings around the world. amba Taipei Songshan 8, Section 7, Civic Boulevard, Taipei 11562, Taiwan +886 2 2653 2828 amba-hotels.com/en/songshan/ | facebook.com/ambaSongshan Press Contact press@amba-hotels.com Related Links http://www.amba-hotels.com SOURCE amba Taipei Songshan SYDNEY, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Equitable Financial Solutions (EFSOL), Australia's largest, international Islamic finance company, headquartered in Sydney, is today pleased to announce the establishment of its Dubai office at Emirates Towers, Shaykh Zayed Road. EFSOL is actively pursuing its Middle-East expansion strategy, following the successful establishment of its ASEAN office based in Singapore, last April 2016. Due to its strategic location as a major financial and regional centre, Dubai will provide Middle-eastern and South-Asian based sophisticated investors access to lucrative Australian investment products offered by EFSOL. "We have not seen any competitive Australian Shariah-compliant investment products available in the global market. EFSOL is looking to change that", said John Isaacs, Director. "After years of working diligently towards our vision of creating accessible Shariah-compliant financial solutions for all Australians, Dubai's new office will allow us to boost our financial products' offerings in key areas of Islamic finance, that align with our current and future growth plans. This new Dubai office will give investors access to our superior products and returns. As an international company of international standards, we will exceed the expectations of our Middle-Eastern investors" stated Usman Siddiqui, Managing Director of EFSOL. Hisham Fakhir, Director of Funds Management at EFSOL shared that, "Our team is really excited about the growth we are experiencing at the moment and this move represents a commitment to continue to build on the success our team has accomplished in the last 5 years. We're excited to take our distinctive investment programs into a dynamic and diversified economy like Dubai. We are only just getting started," added Hisham. "Our reputation is growing and Dubai will take EFSOL to higher levels of success," said Souhaib El Zoobi, Marketing Manager at EFSOL. The company Board has been focusing on expansion in the last few months. As Usman highlighted, "We are extremely confident and excited about our future and believe that we are well placed with a dynamic, highly-motivated team and a conducive economic environment to exploit new growth opportunities. EFSOL was established in 2011 with a commitment to ethical, innovative and Islamically-compliant financial services. The company's visionary Board and committed management team have continued to successfully deliver outstanding customer service coupled with innovative products. For more info please visit www.efsol.com.au. Contact Author Souhaib El Zoobi Equitable Financial Solutions +61 499 712 315 +971 4 319 7640 Souhaib@efsol.com.au Related Links http://www.efsol.com.au SOURCE Equitable Financial Solutions LONDON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Decision Changes Long-Held Legal Precedent of the "But For" Test The Court of Appeal today issued a landmark judgment in a professional negligence case that will have wide-ranging ramifications across the lending industry. The decision also sets a new precedent, in that it changes the legal principle of causation. Banks, building societies, asset based lenders and surveyors will be affected by the eagerly-awaited decision that means lenders can recover all of their losses from a negligent valuer arising out of a refinance loan. The effect of the case goes well beyond both the lending and valuation industries as it refines the way in which the Court will apply the long established "but for" test to assess what loss flows from a breach. Solicitors Rosling King (RK) acted for the Liquidators of bridging lender, Tiuta International Limited, against De Villiers Surveyors Limited in a case involving the valuation of a property development in Sunningdale, Berkshire. Tiuta sought to recover from De Villiers the 890,500 loss it suffered arising out of a refinance loan, claiming the valuation report significantly and negligently overvalued the property. In an earlier hearing in the Chancery Division, the Court ruled that Tiuta's loss should be limited to the amount lost in 'topping up' the original loan (c272,700). However, the Court of Appeal has now overturned that decision. Georgina Squire, head of Dispute Resolution at Rosling King, said: "This is a resounding win for lenders on an important point of law. Not only does it have wide ramifications for claims against professional advisers, but it also has a much wider impact as it changes the way in which parties have to assess their loss under the "but for" test." "Lenders will welcome this decision as it settles a contentious issue in relation to how much of their loss they can recover having refinanced. They can now be certain that they may recover their full loss in the event the valuation was negligent, not being restricted to the amount by which the refinance exceeds the original loan." De Villiers Surveyors were instructed by Tiuta to value the property in Sunningdale, which was a former nursing home undergoing substantial redevelopment into four three storey mid-terraced houses. In reliance upon De Villiers' valuation report, Tiuta advanced funds to its borrower. The borrower later approached Tiuta to request an increase in the loan facility. De Villiers was instructed to prepare a second valuation report, in reliance upon which Tiuta redeemed the existing loan and advanced further funds to the borrower by way of a refinance. It is the refinance loan that is the subject of the claim. About Rosling King RK LLP is a UK-based law firm specialising in serving the needs of financial institutions and private equity, real estate and construction clients. http://www.rkllp.com SOURCE Rosling King LLP PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The global e-cigarette market 2016 report says one of the major trends that will positively impact the market is introduction of e-cigarettes with new technology and projected increase in the price of e-cigarettes. Manufacturers are constantly developing new types of e-cigarettes to cater to the tastes and needs of customers. They innovate to vape flavors, device shape, technology, and others. For instance, British American Tobacco introduced a new type of heat-not-burn device that combines e-cigarette technology and fresh tobacco leafs. Named glo iFuse, this hybrid cigarette uses small amounts of tobacco to improve the flavor of e-cigarettes. Complete report on e-cigarette market spread across 93 pages, analyzing 6 major companies and providing 48 data exhibits is now available at http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/604272-global-e-cigarette-market-2016-2020.html. The analysts forecast global e-cigarette market to grow at a CAGR of 24.33% during the period 2016-2020. According to the e-cigarette market report, a key growth driver is the fact that e-cigarettes are considered to be a safer alternative to tobacco smoking. Globally, smoking tobacco is one of the leading causes of sickness and death, responsible for over six million deaths every year. This also includes about 600,000 non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. The major health consequences of smoking tobacco are cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart diseases, as harmful chemicals like tar are inhaled during tobacco combustion. Nicotine, present in tobacco products, is responsible for the addictiveness of smoking. The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking is the fundamental driving force behind growth in this market. Since e-cigarettes deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, they are believed to be a safer and less toxic alternative to conventional cigarettes. This has pushed several smokers to opt for e-cigarettes. During 2015, North America dominated the global e-cigarette market by accounting for a market share of almost 41%. The high popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, their increased availability in the retail stores and online channels, and rapidly growing demand from youth population are the factors augmenting the growth of the e-cigarette market in North America. Order a copy of Global E-cigarette Market 2016-2020 report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/Purchase.aspx?name=604272. The global e-cigarette market is highly fragmented with over 500 e-cigarette vendors operating and selling e-cigarettes under different brand names across the world of which approximately half are based in the US. Earlier, only small companies were in the business of selling and supplying e-cigarettes, but the scenario has changed completely since 2012 when Lorillard (now acquired by Reynolds American) purchased blu eCigs, a leading US-based e-cigarette vendor for USD 135 million. This was the first time a large tobacco company entered the e-cigarette market. After witnessing Lorillard's success with blu, other large players found the global e-cigarette market lucrative, and a series of M&A began in the market. The following companies are the key players in the global e-cigarette market: Reynolds American, Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco, Altria Group, NJOY, and British American Tobacco. Other prominent vendors in the market are: Ballantyne Brands, CB Distributors, ECIG, Gamucci, Nicotek, RRR Chemicals, Vapor, VMR Products, and White Cloud. Further, the report states that one challenge that could derail market growth is the fire hazard associated with e-cigarettes. Another related report is Global Smoking Cessation Products Market 2016-2020, the analysts forecast global smoking cessation products market to grow at a CAGR of 18.16% during the period 2016-2020. A ban on tobacco advertisements around the world has had a positive effect on consumers. The report showed a decline of at least 16% in tobacco consumption compared to the pre-ban days. However, only 29 countries, which constitute 12% of the world's population, have banned these advertisements. Browse complete report @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/539146-global-smoking-cessation-drugs-market-2016-2020.html. Explore other new reports on Semiconductor and Electronics Market @ http://www.reportsnreports.com/market-research/semiconductor-and-electronics/. 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. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. +1 888 391 5441 sales@reportsandreports.com Connect With Us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReportsnReports/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reportsnreports Twitter: https://twitter.com/marketsreports G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/111656568937629536321/posts RSS/Feeds: http://www.reportsnreports.com/feed/l-latestreports.xml SOURCE ReportsnReports LONDON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150517/216568LOGO Evercore (NYSE:EVR) announced today that Federico Montero has joined the Firm's Investment Banking business in London as a Managing Director. Mr. Montero will lead Evercore's European Real Estate Portfolio Solutions team. The team will focus on providing independent advice in relation to the sale of non-core loan portfolios secured on commercial real estate, along with related debt advisory opportunities. Mr. Montero, who will be joining the Firm in July, will work closely with Evercore's Financial Institutions, Restructuring and Debt Advisory Practices in London, along with its teams in Frankfurt and Madrid in relation to European real estate opportunities. Mr. Montero was most recently a Partner at Cushman & Wakefield in London where he was Head of Loan Sales within its EMEA Corporate Finance operation, having previously worked in the Portfolio Solutions Group at KPMG. He has more than 18 years' experience leading loan portfolio and commercial real estate transactions across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and has been involved in over 85 transactions with a combined face value in excess of 98 billion. His clients have included numerous banks, leading financial institutions and specialist real estate funds as well as several of the national asset management agencies across Europe, including NAMA in Ireland, Propertize in the Netherlands and SAREB in Spain. Mr. Montero has an MBA (Hons) from INCAE Business School and graduated from the London Business School's Advanced Corporate Finance Programme. Andrew Sibbald, Chief Executive of European Investment Banking at Evercore, commented, "Federico has been one of the most active and successful advisers in the European real estate loan portfolio market over recent years, and has a strong network of relationships amongst the banks, asset management agencies and financial investors which are active participants in this arena. We believe that this activity is a natural extension for our independent advisory business, as we continue to build out our capabilities across a range of public and private capital advisory services. We are delighted that Federico is joining Evercore." Federico Montero said, "Evercore is a market-leading independent investment bank which provides the perfect environment to service clients' needs. There is still over 500 billion of non-core real estate exposure across Europe which needs to be worked out over the coming years. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on portfolio transactions as well as related debt advisory opportunities." About Evercore Established in 1995, Evercore is a leading global independent investment banking advisory firm. Evercore advises a diverse set of investment banking clients on a wide range of transactions and issues and provides institutional investors with high quality equity research, sales and trading execution that is free of the conflicts created by proprietary activities. The Firm also offers investment management services to high net worth and institutional investors. With 28 offices in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Evercore has the scale and strength to serve clients globally through a focused and tailored approach designed to meet their unique needs. More information about Evercore can be found on the Company's website at www.evercore.com. Investor Contact: Robert B. Walsh Chief Financial Officer, Evercore +1.212.857.3100 Business Contact: Andrew Sibbald Chief Executive Officer, European Investment Banking, Evercore +44.20.7653.6000 Media Contact: Dana Gorman The Abernathy MacGregor Group, for Evercore +1.212.371.5999 Related Links http://www.evercore.com SOURCE Evercore ZURICH, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequana Medical AG, a privately held medical device company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative, implantable pump systems to manage fluid build-up in patients with liver disease, congestive heart failure and certain cancers, announced today that Rolf A. Classon, former top executive of Bayer AG and Pharmacia AB, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We are delighted to welcome Rolf in the key position of Chairman," noted Noel L. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Sequana Medical. "His extensive experience as a senior officer and Board member of a number of international medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, gives him an excellent vantage point from which to help steer Sequana Medical in the next phase of its growth." "I look forward to working with the Sequana Medical Board of Directors and management team to bring my experience to bear as the company furthers the international commercialization of its unique alfapump System for patients with liver disease, and continues its development activities in key markets such as management of fluid overload in patients with advanced heart failure," stated Mr. Classon. In addition to Sequana Medical, Mr. Classon currently serves on the Boards of NYSE and Zurich Stock Exchange-listed companies, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Fresenius Medical Care, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. and Tecan Group Ltd., and recently stepped down from the Boards of Aerocrine AB and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. after successful sale of the companies. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Classon was Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Batesville, IN-based Hillenbrand Industries. Prior to that, between 1991 and 2004, Mr. Classon held a number of key positions within Bayer, including Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Bayer Healthcare in Germany and President of Bayer Diagnostics. Mr. Classon holds a Pol. Mag. from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the Gothenburg School of Engineering. Note to Editors About Sequana Medical: Sequana Medical is a commercial stage medical device company and the leader in the active transport of fluids within the body. Our first product, the alfapump System, is a fully implantable battery-powered pump that is charged through the skin, for the management of refractory ascites (chronic fluid build-up in the abdomen), a frequent complication of late-stage liver disease and certain cancers. The alfapump System is one of the first real alternatives to large-volume paracentesis, a lengthy, invasive and painful procedure that can require weekly hospital visits for drainage of excess fluid. By moving ascites to the bladder, where the body can eliminate it naturally through urination, the alfapump System prevents fluid build-up and its possible complications, improving patient quality of life and reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs. Our DirectLink Technology allows clinicians to monitor pump performance and more effectively manage patients treated by the alfapump System. The alfapump has received the CE Mark and is commercially available in 14 countries. The alfapump System is currently under evaluation in the US under an IDE study which will be completed by the end of 2016. We will commence a feasibility study for the use of the alfapump in the management of fluid overload in advanced heart failure before the end of 2016. Fluid removal via peritoneal dialysis can be an effective therapeutic approach for advanced heart disease. We believe our technology can directly address the key clinical challenge of fluid overload, with significant benefits for diuretic refractory patients, including those with HFpEF where there are few current device options. Other indications where Sequana Medical's pump technology has clinical benefit include malignant ascites and chronic pleural effusion. The Company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland and our investors include NeoMed Management, VI Partners, Biomed Invest, Capricorn Health Tech, Entrepreneur's Fund and Life Science Partners. For further information, please visit http://www.sequanamedical.com. Contacts: Sequana Medical AG Laura Schneider Marketing & Communications Associate +41 44 403 55 96 laura.schneider[at]sequanamedical.com Rx Communications Group (Investors and Media) Melody A. Carey 917-322-2571 mcarey[at]rxir.com SOURCE Sequana Medical AG DUBLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Markets and Technologies for Bioplastics" report to their offering. The global bioplastic market totaled 1.6 million metric tons in 2015 and should total nearly 6.1 million metric tons in 2020, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.0% for the five-year period, 2015 to 2020. The report includes the use of renewable resources to create monomers that replace petroleum-based monomers, such as feedstocks made from sugarcane that are used to manufacture polyester and polyethylene. Ethanol, a major product in Brazil, is one small chemical step from ethylene. The focus of this report is on plastics made from renewable resources such as biomass or food crops. There is even some potential development of bioplastics from animal resources. Plastics that may be potentially made from waste carbon dioxide are reviewed because of their potential impact on bioplastics, but their data are not included in the forecasts presented here. Bioplastics are further defined here as polymer materials that are produced by synthesizing - chemically or biologically - materials that contain renewable organic materials. Natural organic materials that are not chemically modified (e.g., wood composites) are excluded. The focal point is on the following resin chemistries: - Polylactic acid. - Thermoplastic starch. - Biopolyamides (nylons). - Polyhydroxyalkanoates. - Biopolyols and polyurethane. - Cellulosics. - Biopolytrimethylene terephthalate. - Biopolyethylene. - Biopolyethylene terephthalate. - Polybutylene succinate. Biodegradable and photodegradable polymers made from petrochemical feedstocks are not included. Other renewable resin chemistries are also covered but in less detail, as their roles are not as well developed. These include collagen and chitosan. Key Topics Covered: 1: Introduction 2: Summary 3: The Bioplastics Industry 4: Bioplastics By Type Of Resin 5: Global Outlook For Bioplastics 6: Bioplastics In The Americas 7: European Bioplastics Market 8: Asian Bioplastics Market 9: Bioplastics Processing Technologies 10: Market Estimates And Forecasts 11: Applications 12: Issues Facing Bioplastics 13: Standards And Certifications 14: Company Profiles 15: Leading Bioplastics Trade Groups 16: Important Acronyms Related To Bioplastics 17: Selected Glossary Of Terms Companies Featured - Algix - Arkema - Avantium - Basf - Bioamber - Biolog Biotechnologie Und Logistik Gmbh - Biomatera - Biome Technologies - Biomer - Biop Biopolymer Technologies - Biotec Biologische Naturverpackungen Gmbh - Braskem - Cardia Bioplastics - Cargill - Cereplast - Ceres - Dow Plastics - Dupont - Dupont Tate & Lyle Bio Products - Dsm - Durect Corp. - Eastman Chemical - Fabri-Kal - Fkur Plastics Corp. - Green Day Eco-Friendly Material Co. - Huhtamaki - Innovia Films - Japan Corn Starch Co. - Jsr Corp. - Kaneka - Kingfa - Laurel Biocomposite - Metabolix - Mhg - Micromidas For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nkv2h2/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 BERLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The international think tank Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute announces its global launch today, in Berlin. The Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute (DOC) has developed out of the World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations, which over its 15-year history built up considerable expertise in creating a space for people from different faiths, backgrounds, and positions, to come together and work to solve some of the world's most complex problems. This new Berlin-based non-profit research institute builds on that experience, harnessing the intellectual power of its extensive international network of experts, academics and policy makers from the US, Europe, Russia, India, China and beyond. With operational centres also planned for Russia and, in due course, China, the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute offers international journalists a powerhouse of experts around the world accessible virtually round the clock. Its activities include events, original research, expert commentary, and policy advice all informed by experts and supervisory board members who have both theoretical and practical experience in a wide array of key areas, e.g. conflict resolution, global security, origins of migration, global infrastructure development. Quotes: One of DOC's co-founders, business leader, philanthropist and Doctor of Political Sciences Vladimir Yakunin, said "This is an important development, filling a very real gap in the current think tank environment - for an organisation that not only looks worldwide, but one that combines perspectives from expert communities and decision makers across today's key geographies. Our fundamental philosophy is one of mutual respect and understanding. Indeed, it is only through dialogue rooted in these principles that we will be able to meet the daunting challenges the humankind now faces." One of the members of the Supervisory Board of the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute, impact investor and social entrepreneur, Ruben Vardanyan said, "At a time of increased international instability and tensions, it is vital for people to be able to come together in a mutually-respectful setting, to work towards finding solutions that can be of real benefit and use to policy-makers and international organisations. Investing in this initiative amounts to investing in the common future of humanity - humanity as we want to see it, the world we want to live in. I am confident the DOC is set to play an important role in the global think tank community, which is why I am pleased to be supporting it." "With the opening of its Berlin office, Dialogue of Civilizations is making an important transition from platform to agent of change. I have seen change falter, and then win through. I know from personal experience how hard this journey - of effecting fundamental change in the world around us - can be. I am confident that the DOC will, in this new format, continue to play a powerful role in building a fairer, more humane, world," said Vaclav Klaus, Supervisory Board Member and former Czech President. "The Berlin office will provide the research institute with a home in the heart of Europe, a continent that has seen its fair share of division over the decades. Once Berlin was the very nerve centre of a divided Germany, a divided Europe, a divided world. Now, thankfully, those days are behind us. What we see today in Berlin is a city that has overcome division - through dialogue. Dialogue has always played a crucial role in international affairs. And that is what makes it the natural home for this new think tank", said Manfred Stolpe, former German Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Housing and former Minister President of Brandenburg. Background info for the media: About the Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute Rooted in a tradition of seeking dialogue-based solutions to humankind's most pressing issues, Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute (Dialogue of Civilizations, DOC) builds on the World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations' expertise, bringing together global thought leaders from academia, public policy, business and civil society to debate and develop practice-based policy advice. On 9 November 2001, following an initiative by Iranian leader Mohammad Khatami, UNESCO Member States unanimously adopted the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and the UN General Assembly presented its Global Agenda for Dialogue Among Civilisations, setting out the principles of intercultural dialogue to be defended and objectives to be achieved. The Dialogue of Civilizations emerged as a practical endeavour to implement this initiative. In 2002, Dialogue of Civilizations was co-founded by Indian entrepreneur and visionary Jagdish Kapur, and Dr Vladimir Yakunin, business leader, philanthropist and Doctor of Political Sciences, as well as by the American businessman of Greek origin, Nicholas F.S. Papanicolaou. In its 15-year history, Dialogue of Civilizations has held over 100 seminars, roundtables, and lectures. It has organised over 30 regional conferences in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and hosts the annual Rhodes Forum - an event that brings together experts from across the globe to address some of the most complex issues facing humanity. Dialogue of Civilizations has published over 15 books, provides online courses in Dialogue of Civilizations, and has launched the educational initiative Schools of the Dialogue of Cultures. Since 2013 it has enjoyed UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Consultative Status, and also collaborates with UNESCO. http://doc-research.org/en/ SOURCE Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute LUGANO, Switzerland, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Helsinn, the Swiss pharmaceutical Group focused on building quality cancer care, today announces that the Company has signed an agreement, with Vifor Pharma ("Vifor") for the promotion and distribution of Aloxi, an anti-nausea therapeutic medicine used to help prevent symptoms of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), in Spain. The agreement will commence on 1 July 2016. This agreement builds on the existing agreement with Vifor for the promotion and distribution of Akynzeo, the oral fixed combination of netupitant and palonosetron, developed for the prevention of CINV, in Spain, France, Switzerland, Portugal and the Benelux region. Previously, Aloxi was distributed by Italfarmaco in Spain, however, due to the portfolio synergies with Vifor in other European countries, the agreement will now terminate on 1 July 2016. Under the terms of the new agreement with Vifor, Helsinn retains rights to all clinical development, international regulatory activities and the manufacturing and supply of Aloxi. Vifor will have exclusive rights to promotion and sales of Aloxi in Spain. Riccardo Braglia, Helsinn Group Vice Chairman and CEO, commented: "We are pleased to be able to strengthen our existing relationship with Vifor, a valued and trusted partner, through this agreement in Spain. This agreement complements Helsinn's existing agreement with Vifor on Akynzeo and we look forward to working closely on this new, expanding partnership." About the Helsinn Group Helsinn is a privately owned cancer supportive care pharmaceutical group with an extensive portfolio of marketed products and a broad development pipeline. Since 1976, Helsinn has been improving the everyday lives of patients, guided by core family values of respect, integrity and quality, through a unique integrated licensing business model working with long standing partners in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and nutritional supplement products. Helsinn is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with operating subsidiaries in Ireland and the US, a representative office in China, as well as a product presence in about 90 countries globally. In 2016, our 40th anniversary year, you can meet representatives from Helsinn at: ChemOutsourcing Conference ( Parsippany, New Jersey , 19-21 September) , 19-21 September) CPhI Worldwide ( Barcelona, Spain , 4-6 October) , 4-6 October) ESMO Congress ( Copenhagen, Denmark , 7-11 October) , 7-11 October) BioEurope (Koln, Germany , 4-6 November) For more information, please visit http://www.helsinn.com. About Vifor Pharma Vifor Pharma, a company of the Galenica Group, is a world leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of iron deficiency. The company also offers a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines as well as over-the-counter (OTC) products. Vifor Pharma, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has an increasingly global presence and a broad network of affiliates and partners around the world. Galenica is a diversified Group active throughout the healthcare market which, among other activities, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products, runs pharmacies, provides logistical and database services and sets up networks. With its two Business units Vifor Pharma and Galenica Sante, the Galenica Group enjoys a leading position in all its core business activities. A large part of the Group's income is generated by international operations. Galenica is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX Swiss Exchange, GALN, security number 1,553,646). For more information about Vifor Pharma and its parent company Galenica, please visit http://www.viforpharma.com and http://www.galenica.com. For more information, please contact: Helsinn Group Paola Bonvicini Head of Communication & Press Office Tel: +41-91-985-21-21 info-hhc@helsinn.com SOURCE Helsinn Group DUBLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Human Resources and Employment Law Essentials: 2-Day In-Person Seminar" conference to their offering. One of the most important pieces of HRM legislation, which affects all of the functional areas, is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments, including the Civil Rights Act of 1991. These acts made illegal the discrimination against employees or potential recruits for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. It forces employers to follow - and often document - fairness practices related to hiring, training, pay, benefits, and virtually all other activities and responsibilities related to HRM. The net result of the all-encompassing civil rights acts is that businesses must carefully design and document numerous procedures to ensure compliance, or face potentially significant penalties. In this seminar we will focus on how to assess your organization's greatest risk areas by using the EEOCs Strategic Enforcement Plan and the six enforcement areas affecting employers the most. Why Should You Attend? Every day managers make decisions that could expose their organizations to very expensive lawsuits. Unfortunately though, employment lawsuits are on the rise. EEOC has made a killing off investigating systemic issues, often leading to costly and burdensome investigations and litigation. Last year, the EEOC collected $392.6 million in monetary damages, settling just under 89,000 suits through both litigation and mediation. The EEOC has communicated that it intends to vigorously pursue its stated big six agenda items enunciated in its Strategic Enforcement Plan. Meaning that we will continue to see a plethora of broad and burdensome requests for information that cover multiple years and locations and a wide range of personnel actions. Why? Because this is already happening and the foreseeable future looks ugly, very ugly. The government's message is clear: the EEOC has been and will continue to scrutinize employers' actions for any hint of wrongdoing. Making the best winning move not to be on the EEOC's target list from the start. Legal considerations are the primary constraint on human resource decisions and the primary force shaping personnel policy. Attendees in this seminar will address the legal consequences of human resource decision making, as well as, the managerial significance of federal regulations and applicable state laws. Additionally, awareness will be generated for the need to continually assess and improve human resource policies and practices in relation to ongoing developments in the law. Employment law is an area that is constantly changing. Decisions are being rendered that redefine the parameters of selection, discrimination, privacy, and termination. Sexual harassment has become one of the most litigated areas of employment law with the number of cases involving disability discrimination growing rapidly. Whether you are in a small company or a large corporation, possessing knowledge of employment laws and HR practices are essential to business success. The number of employment laws/issues you have to be aware of can be overwhelming. In this seminar, you will learn how to deal with confusing human resource situations and how to apply employment laws correctly. Who will benefit: - Business Owners - Managers, - HR Representatives, - HR Generalists, - HR Assistants, - Consultants, - Managers, - Supervisors, etc. For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/923c8q/human_resources About Research and Markets Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. 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 WASHINGTON and NAIROBI, Kenya, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With deep mourning, International Justice Mission (IJM) today announced that two individuals associated with the organization, including staff member, Willie Kimani, and taxi driver, Joseph Muiruri, were killed following their abduction in Nairobi on June 23rd. IJM client Josephat Mwenda, also abducted, is still missing. The bodies of the deceased were found in the Ol-Donyo Sabuk River to the northeast of Nairobi on July 1, following an extensive search led by Kenyan police and IJM staff. The group went missing on Thursday, June 23, as they were returning to their homes following a court hearing. No arrests have been made. "We are deeply mourning the loss of our colleague, Willie, and taxi driver, Joseph, and strongly condemn the perpetrators of these murders and the horrific violence inflicted upon these men," said Gary Haugen, CEO of International Justice Mission. "IJM exists to protect the poor from violence, and Willie's life was taken while courageously pursuing that mission. As we work to provide comfort and support for the families of Willie, Josephat, and Joseph, we are grateful to the U.S. embassy, the local Kenyan police, and our partners globally and on the ground who responded swiftly and professionally to our requests for help. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues on the ground who bravely worked in dangerous conditions to try to locate these men, and we are as committed as ever to our IJM Kenya team and to their struggle for justice in their nation. We will seek justice for Willie, Josephat, and Joseph, and will not cease in pursuit of this case until that end is secured." IJM is closely collaborating with Kenyan local and national law enforcement officials who are leading the ongoing investigation. Within hours of learning of the incident, IJM leadership activated crisis response teams in Nairobi as well as Washington, DC, to work closely with police officials on the ground and to support the families involved. IJM's focus moving forward is to ensure the safety of the families and staff affected by this crime and provide necessary support to law enforcement officials during this critical time. International Justice Mission is a global organization that partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen public justice systems. For global media inquiries: Contact: Julie Kilcur jkilcur@ijm.org +1-443-878-5996 (m) For local Kenyan inquiries: Contact: Sanjay Sojwal ssojwal@ijm.org +254-079-072-3475 SOURCE International Justice Mission (IJM) DUBLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Malaysia Furniture Market Outlook to 2020 - Growth in Furniture Export & Rise in Trend of Online Furniture Sales to Drive Future" report to their offering. The report titled "Malaysia Furniture Market Outlook to 2020 - Growth in Furniture Export & Rise in Trend of Online Furniture Sales to Drive Future" provides a comprehensive analysis of Furniture market in Malaysia. The report covers various aspects such as market size of Furniture market, market size of furniture export and import, segmentation by Residential furniture market, non-residential furniture market, organized and unorganized market, Product categories, types of material used, by utility. The report also provides competitive landscape and profile of major players operating in Furniture market of Malaysia. The future analysis of overall furniture market and by segments has also been discussed in each of the sub segment. The report is useful for furniture exporters, retailers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to ongoing and expected trends in the future. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Value Chain Analysis for Malaysia Furniture Market 3. Malaysia Furniture Market Size by Revenues, 2010-2015 4. Malaysia Furniture Market Segmentation 5. Malaysia Residential Furniture Market Introduction and Size by Revenues, 2010-2015 6. Malaysia Non-Residential Furniture Market Introduction and Size by Revenues, 2010-2015 7. Trade Scenario of Malaysia Furniture 8. Trends and Growth Drivers in Malaysia Furniture Market 9. Issues and Challenges in Malaysia Furniture Market 10. Porter Five Forces Analysis of Malaysia Furniture Market 11. Government Role in Malaysia Furniture Market 12. Entry Barriers in Malaysia Home Furniture Market 13. Snapshot on Malaysia Online Furniture Market 14. Company Profiles of Major Players in Malaysia Furniture Market 15. Competitive Landscape of Major Players in Malaysia Furniture Market 16. Malaysia Furniture Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2016-2020 17. Analyst Recommendations 18. Macroeconomic Factors Affecting Malaysia Furniture Market Companies Mentioned - Artsystem - Casa Italy Lazada Malaysia - Delima - Hinlim - Kian furniture - Lorenzo - Macy furniture - Maju Home - Marcoco Furniture - PohHuat - Rakuten - SHH Furniture - TA Furniture - Teakia Furniture - Victoria - You Beli For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rcjvrk/malaysia 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 DUBLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market - Trends & Forecast to 2021" report to their offering. The bioplastics & biopolymers market is projected to witness a CAGR of 12.0% from 2016 to reach a market size of USD 5.08 billion by 2021 The growth of the market is attributed to the stringent environmental regulations across the globe, compelling the manufacturers to reduce the carbon content in their products. Another driving factor of growth is fluctuations in the prices of petroleum, forcing the companies to search for a stable source of raw material. Bio-PET is a widely used material for packaging and bottle application. Bio-PET is a recyclable product and exhibits same properties as petroleum-based PET with an advantage of being environmental friendly. Bio-PET is projected to account for the largest share in the market during the forecast period. Packaging industries use bioplastics & biopolymers on a large scale. The demand for eco-friendly packaging made from bio-based polymers is growing at a high rate. This is due to products such as PLA, PHA, and starch-based polymers finding increased applications due to their biodegradable nature enabling them to decompose rapidly. The major factor driving the use of bioplastics & biopolymers is the demand from end-use industries, especially the packaging and bottling industries. The bioplastics & biopolymers market in Europe is well-established and the region has a vast distribution network of bioplastics & biopolymers. Germany and Italy are projected to drive the market in the region owing to the stringent environmental regulations. Russia is projected to witness the highest CAGR in the European market during the forecast period. The report provides the company profiles and competitive strategies adopted by the major market players such as BASF SE (Germany), Braskem S.A. (Brazil), Corbion NV (Netherlands), and others. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Industry Trends 7 Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market, By Type 8 Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market, By Application 9 Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market, By Region 10 Competitive Landscape 11 Company Profiles (Overview, Financial*, Products & Services, Strategy, And Developments) - Basf Se - Bio-On S.P.A. - Biome Technologies Plc - Braskem S.A. - Corbion Nv - Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited - Metabolix Inc. - Natureworks Llc - Novamont S.P.A - Plantic Technologies Ltd. - Toray Industries For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8fnf2z/bioplastics_and 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 BASEL, Switzerland, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Strekin AG today announced oral and poster presentations of preclinical data on the efficacy and mechanism of STR001 in the treatment of hearing loss at the Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness Conference, Cambridge, UK. The presentation (#S79), was titled "Agonists of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-gamma and -alpha afford significant protection of auditory hair cells from gentamicin-induced ototoxicity". Researchers observed that the PPAR agonist pioglitazone, the active ingredient in STR001, was highly effective in preventing damage to the sensory hair cells of the inner ear. The research was led by Daniel Bodmer, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland and co-founder of Strekin. "Today, despite urgent need, there are no medicines available specifically approved for the treatment of hearing loss," said Dr. Bodmer. "The findings presented today are encouraging because the efficacy of STR001 and related compounds is highly meaningful. The pathways targeted by STR001 have high relevance for hearing loss, and the data presented today suggest multiple protective mechanisms that together provide a strong rationale for the further development of STR001." The medical implications of STR001 are presently investigated in a large Phase 2 clinical trial in patients, testing the effect of the drug to preserve residual hearing in patients receiving a cochlear implant. About the Presented Research Dr. Bodmer's analysis was based on studies in a model in hearing research in which the organ of Corti, the structure which contains auditory hair and sensory cells, is studied in tissue culture. Treatment of these cultures with gentamicin, a widely used antibiotic that often leads to hearing loss, caused destruction of 50% of the hair cells. STR001 provided significant protection, allowing survival of more than 90% of the hair cells in the presence of this agent. Further analysis showed that gentamicin induced the production of oxygen free radicals leading to oxidative stress, known to cause modification and damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA. STR001 prevented oxygen free radical formation by regulating the expression of proteins in several pathways of the cellular defense from oxidative stress. This is just one of many potential protective mechanisms for STR001, as its cellular receptor has been shown to play additional roles in diverse cellular processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and cell survival. About Strekin Strekin is a privately held clinical-stage Life Sciences company located in Basel, Switzerland. Strekin aims to discover the untapped therapeutic potential of existing drugs for new indications to transform the lives of patients. Strekin is led by an experienced team with a strong track-record in research and successful clinical development. Strekin has secured funding to complete the phase 2 study of STR001 and to prepare further clinical development with the support of investors or partners. About Hearing Loss According to the World Health Organization, 642 million people around the world today suffer from disabling hearing loss. Of these, 181 million are children. Daily activities that most people take for granted, like having a conversation, enjoying music, and advancing in the workplace, are difficult or impossible for individuals suffering from hearing loss. The occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss is predicted to rise in the future due to increasing exposure to noise and aging of populations. Hearing impairment has become a major global health issue with profound societal and economic impact. With no approved pharmaceutical therapies available today, there is renewed urgency to develop effective treatments. Alexander Bausch CEO, Strekin AG Email: Alexander.Bausch@strekin.com Tel: +41-6163-32971 SOURCE Strekin AG BASEL, Switzerland, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bigness remains a fascinating phenomenon, even in today's age of superlatives. The exhibition "BIG" in the Museum der Kulturen Basel presents literally huge things. It applies new standards and explores the fascinating cultural expressions and dimensions of size. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385373 ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385371 ) Enter the room, put back your head and behold the museum's largest object on display: the famous Abelam ceremonial house. It opens the new permanent exhibition BIG - Things Interpretations Dimensions in a big way, so to speak. From time immemorial, humans have been fascinated by size. House posts from Papua New Guinea are not only visually impressive, they also evidence what "great" things people are capable of achieving together. Huge things exceed common standards of size. But big doesn't mean the same thing across the world. For this purpose we show a Basel cubit next to a wooden board with a hole in it from Bali which was used to gauge the size of sacrificial chicken: if the animal got stuck in the hole, it was ready for sacrifice! Likewise, we humans are measured from the instant we enter the world. Throughout life, size and the "right" body proportions are a constant concern, often with dubious consequences, as today's beauty industry and racial anthropometry in the past go to show. The exhibition is not just about physical size. Across fourteen exhibition spaces we gauge the cultural dimensions of bigness. Status and power are two examples in this respect. High rank is often betokened by correspondingly powerful and valuable objects, such as the elaborate ceremonial shield of a Naga warrior. Normally, big things evoke admiration, but occasionally they are viewed as terrifying. The exhibition brings to life demons. They take us straight to our final exhibition space, which deals with the biggest of all forms of bigness: infinity. Andrea Masek Public Relations T +41-61-266-56-34 andrea.masek@bs.ch http://www.mkb.ch SOURCE Museum der Kulturen Basel Making a dazzling design statement, am ba Taipei Songshan welcomes savvy globetrotters into a vibrant urban oasis that blends modernity with authentic Taiwanese flavor. Panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the beautiful Keelung River are a spectacular feature throughout the hotel. The Lobby is a fun social space for guests to hang out, offset by views of Taipei 101. Casting a magical glow are 24 giant eco-bamboo lanterns standing up to three meters high. By night, color-changing lighting marks out Taiwan's hottest new hotel landmark. More than 70 percent of amba's 189 guestrooms offer panoramic vistas of Taipei 101 or Keelung River. Room categories range from Smart Rooms (27 sqm/291 sqft) to a stunning Studio (107 sqm/1,150 sqft). Every guestroom offers complimentary superfast WiFi, a 48-inch HD TV, Bluetooth speaker and a Nespresso machine. amba's Que restaurant is a modern chophouse serving premium wood-fired steaks and seafood grilled over native fruit-tree woods. The hotel is ideal for creative meetings and joyful weddings, seating up to 150 for meetings or 200 for banquets. Travelers will appreciate amba's convenient location. The new hotel is situated at the nexus of Xinyi, Songshan and Nangang districts, and is directly connected to Songshan Station for metro and trains. Taipei 101 and Xinyi district are just five minutes from the hotel by free shuttle service. Raohe Night Market, Ciyou Temple and Rainbow Bridge are all within five minutes' walk. Amazing Introductory Offers Introductory rates on amba-hotels.com start from TWD3,500 and from TWD3,900 with breakfast, subject to 15.5% service charge and tax. Guests booking the Discover Songshan Opening Package between July 1 and August 31, 2016 will receive a free Songshan walking tour. For reservations, please visit amba-hotels.com or call +886 2 2525 2828. About amba Styled to resonate with today's travelers, amba Hotels & Resorts celebrates design creativity, responsible consumption, and fun, unique travel experiences. The first amba hotel, amba Taipei Ximending, opened in 2012 and was hailed by Wallpaper* magazine as one of the best new openings around the world. amba Taipei Songshan 8, Section 7, Civic Boulevard, Taipei 11562, Taiwan +886 2 2653 2828 amba-hotels.com/en/songshan/ | facebook.com/ambaSongshan Press Contact [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385237 SOURCE amba Taipei Songshan Related Links http://www.amba-hotels.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: AMPE) announced today the results of the Ampion PIVOT clinical trial as well as a comprehensive analysis that integrates trial data from three single injection studies that will be presented to the FDA. The PIVOT trial, which included 480 patients, was a double-blind saline-controlled phase III clinical trial performed in 20 sites across the US to examine the safety and efficacy of Ampion intra-articular injection in patients with pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The primary endpoint was the change in WOMAC A pain at week 12 as compared to saline. Additional analyses included adverse events (AEs), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and responder status defined as 20% improvement in pain at week 12. Ampion was demonstrated to be safe and well-tolerated with no drug-related serious AEs and an overall AE rate that was similar in the Ampion and saline groups. OA severity was defined by the Kellgren Lawrence scale (KL). Ampion improved WOMAC A pain significantly over baseline in all KL grades (KL 2: 52%, KL 3: 36%, and KL 4: 33% reductions in pain) but the primary end point was not met. The Company observed the largest differentiation between Ampion and saline in the most severe OA patients (KL 4), where no available non-surgical therapy exists. KL 4 patients have been historically excluded from knee OA trials because of the advanced stage of their condition. Ampio to seek FDA approval A comprehensive analysis that integrates trial data from three single injection studies demonstrates patients with KL 4 severity have significant benefit with Ampion over saline in more than 400 patients. The analysis showed statistically significant improvement: WOMAC A pain (p = 0.016) Patient Global Assessment (p = 0.001) Responder status (p = 0.006) Safety data will be presented to support the clinical benefit, as there were no drug-related safety issues observed. Mr. Macaluso, Ampio's CEO stated, "Ampio has the opportunity to provide treatment where there is a clear unmet medical need. Even though we did not meet the primary end point in the PIVOT study, we are pleased with the consistent effect Ampion demonstrated in all of our clinical trials. Ampio is requesting a meeting with the FDA to present our data in support of Ampion." Ampio will host a conference call at 4:30pm ET on Tuesday, July 5th. Participants are invited to dial in using the instructions as follows: Investor call information: U.S./Canada toll-free number: 866-675-4790 International toll number: 913-312-0685 Participant Passcode: 4091988 Questions can be emailed in advance to April Ramirez, [email protected]. About Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disorder of the joints involving degradation of the intra-articular cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and bone. The incidence of developing osteoarthritis of the knee over a lifetime is approximately 45%. As this disease is associated with age, obesity and diabetes, this number will continue to grow. Certain risk factors in conjunction with natural wear and tear lead to the breakdown of cartilage. Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation of the soft tissue and bony structures of the joint, which worsens over time and leads to progressive thinning of articular cartilage. Other symptoms include narrowing of the joint space, synovial membrane thickening, osteophyte formation and increased density of subchondral bone. About Ampio Pharmaceuticals Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a development stage biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development of therapies to treat prevalent inflammatory conditions for which there are limited treatment options. We are developing compounds that decrease inflammation by (i) inhibiting specific pro-inflammatory compounds by affecting specific pathways at the protein expression and at the transcription level; (ii) activating specific phosphatase or depletion of the available phosphate needed for the inflammation process; and (iii) decreasing vascular permeability. Forward Looking Statements Ampio's statements in this press release that are not historical fact, and that relate to future plans or events, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding Ampio's expectations with respect to the Ampion trial, as well as risks associated with clinical trials, expected results, obtaining requested meetings with the FDA, decisions by the FDA, requesting regulatory approval of Ampion, and changes in business conditions and similar events. These forward-looking statements also include statements regarding the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) as well as the classification of Ampion as a novel biologic with 12 years exclusivity. The risks and uncertainties involved include those detailed from time to time in Ampio's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, under Ampio's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Ampio undertakes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Company Contact Gregory A. Gould Chief Financial Officer Phone: (720) 437-6500 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/MM09116LOGO SOURCE Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Related Links http://www.ampiopharma.com ATLANTA,, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Birch Communications, Inc., ("Birch") a leading provider of communications, network and cloud services to small, mid-sized, enterprise and wholesale businesses across North America, announced today that it has named Shawn Murray to the company's Executive Leadership Team as Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer. Murray is a recognized leader in communications technology sales and brings a long record of success in driving multi-channel business development and organic growth. "Shawn is a significant addition to our leadership team as we move forward with our vision," said Tony Tomae, President and CEO of Birch. "Shawn brings a strong metric-driven sales leadership background, and he aligns well with our growth strategy. I have had the pleasure of working with Shawn in the past, and I am confident his vast knowledge of the industry will be extremely valuable as we strengthen our position in the SMB space, particularly with advanced services such as Cloud solutions, Fiber and Ethernet access products." Murray brings 20+ years of sales management experience to the company. Prior to joining Birch, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Earthlink and was responsible for developing and implementing the go-to-market strategy targeting large and enterprise multi-location businesses. He also held progressive leadership roles at Sprint and MCI Communications. As Birch's Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Murray will be responsible for overseeing all retail sales channels including direct sales, telesales, client services, inside sales and prepaid residential. Murray is focused on an expanded multi-channel strategy to drive organic sales performance. "I am thrilled to join the Birch team. The rich history of this organization along with an extensive product portfolio provides a strong foundation for growth within each of our sales channels. We are committed to investing in communications technologies that address our customers' evolving needs," said Murray. "The leadership team has developed an aggressive plan of growth, and Birch is in a unique position to offer our customers products which meet all of their needs from one provider, from voice and network to cloud services." Murray has a Bachelor in Business Administration majoring in Finance from West Virginia University. About Birch Communications Birch Communications, Inc. is a leading communications, network, cloud and IT solutions provider celebrating 20 years in business (1996-2016). Recognized for exceptional customer experience, Birch delivers cost-effective solutions that assist small, mid-sized, enterprise and wholesale businesses to increase their productivity. Its industry-leading product portfolio is available across North America and includes Metro-Fiber, Metro-Ethernet, unified communications (UC), hosted phone systems, hosted data centers, and hosted file storage services. For more information, visit birch.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110606/CG14010LOGO SOURCE Birch Communications, Inc. LONDON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BRC Global Standards has signed up to the UK India Business Council Launchpad scheme and through them have appointed Benz Thomas to drive the expansion of the Indian market. Based in Delhi / NCR region Benz will build on this growing market for BRC Global Standards working with local retailers, manufacturers and other stakeholders. Previously Benz was Manager of Food Services at certification body SGS, and was responsible for the targeted growth and business development for the food testing, inspection, certification and audits business. He has extensive sales and marketing experience in the Food Safety industry at SGS, and prior experience in marketing at Mahindra Satyam, and at the Steel Authority of India Ltd. Over that period, he has worked on account management, marketing and campaigns, and business development for Food Safety in India, a key growing market for BRC Global Standards. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385677LOGO ) Mark Proctor CEO at BRC Global Standards, said: "India is one of the fastest growing countries for BRC Global Standards and we want to encourage and support that growth. We are delighted to have signed up to the UK India Business Council's Launchpad scheme which is a low risk way of increasing our presence in India and having someone on the ground to drive our growth. Benz's experience and expertise will no doubt have a great impact in this emerging market, continuing to grow the number of sites in India who are implementing our Standards, and maintaining certification." Notes to Editors: About BRC Global Standards BRC Global Standards are the world's biggest provider of safety and quality standards programmes for food manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution, agents and brokers and consumer products. BRC Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigour and clarity. For more information, please visit http://www.brcglobalstandards.com ABOUT THE UK INDIA BUSINESS COUNCIL The UK India Business Council supports UK businesses with the insights, networks, policy advocacy, services, and facilities needed to succeed in India. Our first-hand experience of entering and growing businesses in India make us uniquely qualified. We want to share our experiences to help others achieve success whether they are well-established in India or in the early stages of their engagement. Working with the UK Government and other influential and connected partners, we ensure business interests are conveyed to India's Union and State legislators. We seek to influence decisions that will make it easier for UK businesses to operate in India. For those seeking practical advice, our talented team provide a range of sector-specific research, market entry and expansion services that help businesses understand - and take - the opportunities. For more information, please visit http://www.ukibc.com or email [email protected] - Tel: +91(0)124-453-7800 Media Contact: +44(0)20-7854-8980 Nigel Scott +44(0)20-7854-8900 / +44(0)7785-16174 [email protected] SOURCE BRC Global Standards MCLEAN, Va., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, July 21, 2016, at approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) will release its Second Quarter 2016 earnings results. Additionally, the company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to review financial and operating performance for the quarter ending June 30, 2016. The call will be webcast live and the earnings release will be available on the company's homepage at www.capitalone.com. A replay of the webcast will be available 24 hours a day, beginning two hours after the conference call, until 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 4th, 2016, through the company's homepage. About Capital One Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $221.8 billion in deposits and $330.3 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2016. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155590LOGO SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation Related Links http://www.capitalone.com KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Caravan Health and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have announced a collaboration to help prepare and qualify primary care physicians for the new Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) initiative from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385541 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385542 Medical practices that qualify for the five-year CPC+ initiative will receive substantial up-front payments from CMS to underwrite improved patient care. Additional incentive payments will reward physicians and other providers who focus on health outcomes rather than the volume of visits or services performed. "You will not find a better or more rewarding way to prepare your primary care practice for the future of value-based payment than to participate in the CPC+ program," said Lynn Barr, CEO of Caravan Health. "We could not have found a better collaborator for engaging our nation's family physicians than the AAFP." AAFP member physicians who wish to participate in CPC+ can sign up for a free nine-week CPC+ Boot Camp being offered by Caravan Health and potentially qualify for Track 2 of the CPC+ initiative. Track 2 pays a $28 per-beneficiary-per-month (PBPM) care management fee, compared to the $15 PBPM care management fee for CPC+ Track 1. These payments are in addition to payments for services and other incentive payments for meeting performance and quality metrics. "The AAFP is excited to team up with Caravan Health to help our members prepare for CPC+," said Wanda Filer, president of the AAFP. "This new initiative offers family physicians more freedom and flexibility in caring for their patients, and the opportunity to be rewarded financially for delivering on the Triple Aim of better health, better care, and lower costs." For more information please go to www.caravanhealth.com or www.aafp.org/cpcplus. CONTACT: Bryan Hagar Janelle Davis Communications Director Public Relations Strategist Caravan Health American Academy of Family Physicians (916) 542-4583 (800) 274-2237, ext. 5222 Email Email www.caravanhealth.com www.aafp.org About Caravan Health: Caravan Health is dedicated to bringing better care to patients and helping providers succeed. They currently support more than 17,000 primary care providers nationwide making the transformation to value-based payments through Practice Transformation Networks (PTNs) and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). About the American Academy of Family Physicians Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 124,900 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits -- that's 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America's underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine's cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP's award-winning consumer website, www.FamilyDoctor.org (www.familydoctor.org). SOURCE Caravan Health / American Academy of Family Physicians Related Links http://www.caravanhealth.com DALLAS, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chron Organization, Inc. (OTC: CHRO), announced today that the Company will be revealing its long awaited new brand name for its home services business on Thursday, July 7th. As previously announced, the Company's operational infrastructure is now in place and undergoing live testing. As a placeholder, the Company has been operating under the "Chron Home Services" brand however, the Company is now pleased to bring to you the new name and brand that we believe will make a significant mark in the smart home technology industry. The new brand will be unveiled on Thursday, July 7th at 11:00 AM CDT by visiting www.chronhomeservices.com. Furthermore, the Company will be hosting its second Shareholders Conference Call on Monday, July 11th at 12:00 PM CDT, wherein Company leaders will be going in-depth discussing its product lines and the new Company mission, which is to bring the smart home to the masses. CHRON considers July as its launch month. With its upcoming new brand reveal, the Company is gearing up for the exponential growth of customers on a nationwide scale. CHRON's President, Alex Rodriguez, stated, "Over our short period, we've existed simply as a public company on the OTC, but from July forward, people will now know our mission and just how serious we are about becoming the dominant provider in the space." "In all of my 25 years of C-Level experience, I have never been more enthusiastic about the launch of a company as I am with what we are planning here," added Doug McKinnon, CHRON's Chief Compliance Officer. "It is clear to me that our leadership is passionate about excelling and truly dominating the smart home industry. We are also confident that our shareholders will share our sentiments going forward." ABOUT THE CHRON ORGANIZATION, INC. The Chron Organization, Inc. DBA: Chron Home Services (OTC: CHRO) is a 21st century services company providing state-of-the-art Smart Home technologies and the next generation in energy utility services. The Company provides homeowners and businesses with the latest in security, monitoring and automation controls enabling homeowners and businesses to have a Smart Home and a Smart Business at an affordable price. CHRON combines that with its cloud-based, green energy services, reducing both their carbon footprint and their monthly energy expense. The Company's plan is to capture 5% of homeowners, while dramatically reducing the nation's peak electricity demand. To learn more about Chron Home Services, please visit the website at www.chronhomeservices.com. To learn more about the parent company, The Chron Organization, Inc., please visit www.chronorganization.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "should," "intend," "estimate," "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the company's filings at www.OTCMarkets.com. INVESTORS & MEDIA CONTACT: Email: [email protected] Phone: (469) 626-5275 SOURCE The Chron Organization, Inc. Related Links http://www.chronorganization.com LONDON, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsis The South Korean construction industry's forecast-period (20162020) outlook is better than its review-period (20112015) performance, with average annual growth in real terms set to accelerate from 0.93% during the review period to 2.41% over the forecast period. This increase will be a result of increased government investment in public infrastructure, recovery in regional and global economic conditions, and improving consumer and investor confidence. Rises in construction permits for residential, industrial and institutional buildings will also support growth over the forecast period. The industry is expected to be supported by works related to the hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province. The government is expected to invest KRW13.0 trillion (US$10.8 billion) to construct new stadiums and other related infrastructure. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), total construction permits, including industrial, commercial and residential, issued in the country grew by 12.1% from 236,804 units in 2014 to 265,445 in 2015. Moreover, the total area of construction grew by 34.3% from 141.3 million m2 in 2014 to 189.8 million m2 in 2015. According to the KOSIS, foreign investment in the country's real estate increased from KRW243.5 billion (US$229.4 million) in 2014 to KRW3.0 trillion (US$2.8 billion) in 2015. Affordable housing projects, growing interest from foreign investors and liberal real estate laws will help the market to grow over the forecast period. Summary Timetric's Construction in South Korea Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the South Korean construction industry including: - South Korean construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity - Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in South Korea - Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the South Korean construction industry - Profiles of the leading operators in the South Korean construction industry - Data highlights of the largest construction projects in South Korea Scope This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in South Korea It provides: - Historical (2011-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) valuations of the construction industry in South Korea using construction output and value-add methods - Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project type - Breakdown of values within each project type, by type of activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) and by type of cost (materials, equipment and services) - Analysis of key construction industry issues, including regulation, cost management, funding and pricing - Detailed profiles of the leading construction companies in South Korea Reasons To Buy - Identify and evaluate market opportunities using Timetric's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies. - Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts. - Understand the latest industry and market trends. - Formulate and validate strategy using Timetric's critical and actionable insight. - Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures. - Evaluate competitive risk and success factors. Key Highlights - The government's focus on the tourism industry is expected to drive growth in the commercial construction market, in particular leisure and hospitality buildings, over the forecast period. The government promotes its cultural heritage across the world through the 'Visit Korea Years 20162018' program and the 'Friendly Korea' campaign. The government is also developing infrastructure to accommodate tourists, and plans to invest KRW2.1 trillion (US$2.0 billion) to develop tourism, education, healthcare, city planning, energy and traffic by 2019. - In June 2015, the government announced the Innovation in Manufacturing 3.0 initiative to address fundamental and structural issues in the manufacturing sector. The government plans to invest KRW200.0 billion (US$172.0 million) to construct 1,500 smart factories annually, and computerize all manufacturing plants by 2020. - The South Korean government aims to connect all major cities of the country with a high-speed rail system, enabling travel to any city within 90 minutes. Accordingly, the government announced plans to expand the High-Speed Railway (HSR) network from 368km in 2011 to 2,362km by 2020 under PPP model, with an investment of KRW88.0 trillion (US$81.9 billion). - In 2014, the government reduced its total target of producing energy from nuclear power from 41.0% of the total energy demand by 2030 to 29.0% by 2035, as a result of safety concerns. After the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear disaster in Japan, a scandal in South Korea over nuclear safety certificates, and public protests to reduce the use of nuclear energy, the government scaled back its nuclear power expansion plans. However, to achieve the target to produce 29.0% of total energy demand by nuclear, the government needs to double nuclear power-generation capacity by 2035. - With an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the government introduced a regulation in 2012 for energy companies to produce a portion of their energy from renewable sources. The government aims to increase renewable energy's share in the total energy mix from 3.6% in 2014 to 5.0% by 2020. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3903681/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com NEW YORK, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Suisse announced today that it will place conditions on its acceptance of offers to purchase VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX Short Term ETNs (Ticker Symbol: "XIV"). Beginning on July 5, 2016, Credit Suisse may issue additional ETNs on a weekly basis and may condition its acceptance of a counterparty's offer to purchase the ETNs on its agreement to sell to Credit Suisse certain hedging instruments consistent with Credit Suisse's hedging strategy, including but not limited to swaps. Any such hedging instruments will be executed on the basis of the indicative value of the ETNs at that time, will not reflect any premium or discount in the trading price of the ETNs over their indicative value and will be on terms acceptable to Credit Suisse, including the counterparty meeting Credit Suisse's creditworthiness requirements, margin requirements, minimum size and duration requirements and such other terms as Credit Suisse deems appropriate in its sole discretion. In addition, Credit Suisse may from time to time issue the ETNs into inventory of its affiliates. This action does not affect the Early Redemption rights of noteholders as described in the pricing supplement. The other ETNs issued by Credit Suisse are not affected by this action. 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See "Risk FactorsWe may sell additional ETNs of any series at different prices but we are under no obligation to issue or sell additional ETNs of any series at any time, and if we do sell additional ETNs of any series, we may limit or restrict such sales, and we may stop and subsequently resume selling additional ETNs of such series at any time." Credit Suisse cannot predict with certainty what impact, if any, this announcement will have on the public trading price of the ETNs. Investors are cautioned that paying a premium purchase price over the indicative value of the ETNs could lead to significant losses in the event the investor sells such ETNs at a time when the premium is no longer present in the market place or the ETNs are accelerated (including at our option), in which case investors will receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the closing indicative value on the accelerated valuation date. 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For further information regarding risks, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the applicable pricing supplement. Credit Suisse AG Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 47,760 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com. Credit Suisse has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this press release relates. Before you invest, you should read the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Prospectus Supplement dated May 4, 2015 and the Prospectus dated May 4, 2015 that Credit Suisse has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Credit Suisse and this offering. You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Credit Suisse or any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the applicable pricing supplement and the prospectus supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling 1-800-320-1225. "VelocityShares" and the VelocityShares logo are registered trademarks of Janus Index & Calculation Services LLC, as successor to Velocity Index & Calculation Services. This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change. Copyright 2016, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091204/CSLOGO SOURCE Credit Suisse AG Related Links http://www.credit-suisse.com DNV GL, donated all of the equipment, including energy-efficient commercial ovens, fryers, a dishwasher, natural gas water heaters and LED lighting. The project is an example of what restaurants and other businesses can do with financial incentives provided through DTE's energy efficiency program, which will save participating customers nearly $600 million long term. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen is expected to save more than $4,000 annually on its energy costs. Throughout the three-month energy makeover, DTE and DNV had to ensure the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, on Conner Street in Detroit, could remain operational, as the organization serves three meals a day, six days a week. "We identified the Capuchin Soup Kitchen as an ideal candidate for the project because its kitchen is in constant use and serves 300,000 meals every year," said Kevin Dunbar, assistant operations manager for DNV GL. "The Capuchins have a great opportunity to save on their energy bills and turn that savings into more help for the Detroit-area community. We will continue to work with the organization to maximize those savings." The Michigan restaurant business is projected to grow 5 percent this year, according to the National Restaurant Association, and Detroit's booming restaurant scene is providing jobs and economic opportunity for the city. DTE has nearly 30 incentives that address food service and refrigeration needs, as well as many others directed at lighting and heating and cooling equipment. "This great partnership resulted in the Capuchins already saving on their energy bills," said Ken Randazzo, DTE Energy's Energy Partnership manager. "We want the restaurant community, the entire business community and non-profit organizations to know that our incentive programs can help them in the same way." Now that the project is complete, DTE and DNV GL are working with Capuchin officials to use the Conner location as a demonstration site showcasing the latest in energy-efficient cooking and lighting equipment, as well as hosting energy seminars and tours. In addition, DNV GL is remotely measuring and verifying energy savings resulting from the upgrades. "Our partnership with DTE Energy and DNV GL has been beneficial in a number of ways," said Brother Jerry Smith of the Capuchins. "We have reduced energy bills and we can put those savings into further helping the community, plus we help the environment by using less energy." Business customers can learn more about DTE Energy incentives at energy efficiency. About DTE Energy DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in the 450 Michigan communities it serves in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy/. About DNV GL Founded in 1864 with 16,000 employees in more than 100 countries, DNV GL is a global leader in energy, maritime, oil and gas, business assurance and software. Its Energy division provides testing, certification and advisory services for utilities and other organizations. DNV GL's expertise spans wind power, solar, conventional energy generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids and sustainable energy use, including renewable energy. DNV GL is driven by one purpose: to safeguard life, property and the environment, and to work as a partner with clients to become safer, smarter and greener. Learn more at dnvgl.com/energy. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385272 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140924/148236 SOURCE DTE Energy Related Links http://www.dteenergy.com PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Market-Research-Reports.com adds 'Global and Chinese Embossing Machine Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' to its all-inclusive pool of market research reports. This is a specialized and comprehensive study on the existing state of the global Embossing Machine market highlighting the Chinese market. Complete report on Embossing Machine market divided into 11 major chapters that offer an overview of current market scenario as well as 2021 forecasts is now available at http://www.market-research-reports.com/458728-embossing-machine-industry . The scope of this report is extensive and covers the nitty-gritty of the industry and their end-user applications. The Embossing Machine market is broken down by the latest developments, cost effectiveness, end-user applications and regional markets. Revenue forecasts from 2011 to 2021 are given for each of these segments including the development, analysis, and trends of the Embossing Machine manufacturing technology. Projected values used are based on manufacturers' total revenues. The report is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the Embossing Machine industry. To start with, the report underlines the elementary overview of the industry right from definitions to applications and manufacturing technology. This is followed by in-detail analysis of the global and Chinese Embossing Machine industry along with the major players' descriptions. The report is variously sub-segmented further into company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. The competitive landscape in the Embossing Machine Industry is further analyzed by country (USA, EU, Japan, Chinese etc.), by company and by application. The report further estimates 2011-2021 market development trends of Embossing Machine industry. Analysis of market entry strategies, countermeasures of economic impact and feasibility studies of new project investment is also carried out. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Embossing Machine industry covering all important parameters. In the end, the report makes a proposal for a new project of Embossing Machine Industry before assessing its practicality. All-in-all, the report provides an exhaustive understanding of 2011-2021 global and China Embossing Machine industry covering all important parameters. Order a Copy of Report at http://www.market-research-reports.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=458728. Another related the 'Global and Chinese Banknote-Printing Machine Industry, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Banknote-Printing Machine industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Banknote-Printing Machine manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Banknote-Printing Machine industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis. Complete report is available at http://www.market-research-reports.com/458531-banknote-printing-machine-industry. The report then estimates 2016-2021 market development trends of Banknote-Printing Machine industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Banknote-Printing Machine Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Banknote-Printing Machine industry covering all important parameters. Explore other new reports on electrical and electronic industry http://www.market-research-reports.com/cat/information-technology/electrical-electronic-market-research. About Us: Market Research Reports is an aggregator of syndicated market research studies that offer current and future market intelligence across multiple industrial verticals through is high quality database. Market Research Reports aims to help you take business decisions accurately and on time, every time. Understanding your time constraints, we can help you find the most relevant research based on the requirements you share with us. Our customers get 24 X 7 email and phone support. Feel free to reach us at +1 888 391 5441 with your business intelligence needs. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 [email protected] SOURCE Market-Research-Reports Who: FCA Digital MediaTeam When: Immediately Where: media.fcanorthamerica.com or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pecj-BC5t8U Other: Websites are welcome to post or embed "FCA Replay." About FCA US LLC FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA." Follow FCA US news and video on: FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com FCA360: 360.fcanorthamerica.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/chryslergroup/ Media website: media.fcanorthamerica.com Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fcacorporate Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol YouTube: www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pecj-BC5t8U SOURCE FCA US LLC Related Links http://www.fcanorthamerica.com WEINHEIM, Germany, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In just ten months, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, one of the leading seal manufacturers worldwide, has completed and officially celebrated its major plant expansion in Kecskemet(Hungary). With an investment of about 4 million euros, the company has doubled its production space for innovative sealing solutions to about 6,000 square meters. With this, the first part of a perennial investment of 13 Million Euros has been successfully completed. Representatives of the business community and the political world took part in the opening ceremony along with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. "In Kecskemet, we have established one of the most modern factories in our worldwide production network," said Claus Mohlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. "Thanks to advanced production processes and innovative technology, we will produce about 9 million seals per month, primarily for the auto industry, here in the future." The plant meets the most advanced safety and environmental protection standards, and, among other features, it has its own bus terminal for employees. Hungary is an important manufacturing center for Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, especially for the auto industry. In this segment, the country has been registering a growth rate of more than 17 percent recently. The government also has tailored programs to help foreign companies with their investments here. Opportunities for financial support are provided through the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) which is part of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Additional assistance is available in areas such as language training and special technical education. "Hungary offers outstanding conditions for automakers as well as the supplier industry. Leading companies in the industry, including many of our customers, appreciate this and have built major facilities in Hungary," Mohlenkamp said. "With our plant in Kecskemet, we can quickly supply our customers in the region with high-quality sealing solutions." Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has been producing seals in Kecskemet since 1998. Production operations have been steadily expanded since then. Thanks to the latest expansion, the plant now employs 700 workers. Among other products, they produce radial shaft seal rings for transmission and drivetrain applications, including the Energy Saving Seal (ESS), which contributes to a significant reduction in vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. Seventy-five new positions are being created as part of the expansion. Besides the facility in Kecskemet, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies operates a factory in Lajosmizse, and its subsidiary Dichtomatik has a sales office in Budapest. "Thanks to this major expansion, we now have a competitive facility here in Kecskemet offering excellence in production, quality and logistics," said Zoltan Augusztiny, Plant Manager at the Freudenberg Sealing Technologies site. There is nearly full employment in the region due to the high concentration of industry, and well-trained new talent is hard to find. To meet the need for skilled labor in the future, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies will not only intensify its internal employee training but will become strongly involved in local education programs as well. Besides Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, other Freudenberg Group subsidiaries have a presence in Hungary. They include Vibracoustic, Eagle Burgmann and Vileda. About Freudenberg Sealing Technologies As the leading specialist in sealing applications and their markets, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is a supplier as well as a development and service partner serving customers in a wide variety of sectors including the automotive industry, civil aviation, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, the food and pharmaceuticals industries, and agricultural and construction machinery. In 2015, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies generated sales of about 2.3 billion and employed more than 15,000 people. More information at www.fst.com. The company is part to the global Freudenberg Group which, with its Business Areas Seals and Vibration Control Technology, Nonwovens and Filtration, Household Products as well as Specialities and Others. In 2015, the Group generated sales of more than 7.5 billion in and employed approximately 40,000 associates in around 60 countries. More information is available at www.freudenberg.com. SOURCE Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Related Links http://www.fst.com HOLMDEL, N.J., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG) ("the Company"), a leading provider of cloud communications services for businesses, has elected Gary Steele to serve as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Steele brings a broad range of enterprise Software as a Service (SaaS) experience to Vonage, as well as deep knowledge of enterprise sales operations and distribution. As the founding Chief Executive Officer for Proofpoint, a publicly-traded global Security as a Service vendor, Mr. Steele has overseen Proofpoint's evolution from a focus on email security to its current status as a leader in next-generation, cloud-based cyber security. This experience complements Vonage's rich history as an innovator in the consumer and small business space to where it now stands as a leading provider of Cloud Communications for enterprise customers. Mr. Steele also led Proofpoint through a successful IPO in 2012 and the company currently has a market cap of well over $2 billion. Proofpoint supports tens of millions of end users across thousands of global enterprises, universities and government agencies, including more than 50 percent of the Fortune 100. "With more than 30 years of experience in the software and business technology space, Gary will make an immediate impact on the Vonage Board," said Alan Masarek, Vonage Chief Executive Officer. "Not only will his knowledge and understanding of the evolving enterprise SaaS market provide invaluable insights for management, but his strategic experience with global B2B service and subscription businesses will help Vonage continue to grow as we realize our mission of becoming the global leader in Cloud Communications." Before joining Proofpoint in 2002, Mr. Steele served as the CEO of Portera, an applications company delivering solutions for the professional services industry. Prior to Portera, Mr. Steele served as the Vice President and General Manager of the Middleware and Data Warehousing Product Group at Sybase, Inc. In this capacity, he initiated and spearheaded many early internet projects, all targeted toward enterprise. Before joining Sybase, Mr. Steele served in business development, marketing, and engineering roles at Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard. He holds a B.S. degree in computer science from Washington State University. "Joining the Board of an innovative and disruptive company like Vonage is a great opportunity for me to bring my breadth of enterprise technology experience to Vonage at an exciting time in its history as the Company continues to transform into a clear leader in Cloud Communications for business," said Mr. Steele. "I look forward to being a part of Vonage's continued growth and am eager to help drive the Company's continued success into the future." About Vonage Vonage (NYSE: VG) is a leading provider of cloud communications services for businesses. Vonage transforms the way people work and businesses operate through a portfolio of communications solutions that enable internal collaboration among employees, while also keeping companies closely connected with their customers, across any mode of communication, on any device. The Company also provides a robust suite of feature-rich residential communication solutions. In 2015, the Company was named a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as-a-Service, Worldwide and also earned the Frost & Sullivan Growth Excellence Leadership Award for Hosted IP and Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) Services. For more information, visit www.vonage.com. Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey. Vonage is a registered trademark of Vonage America Inc. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit www.youtube.com/vonage. (vg-f) SOURCE Vonage Holdings Corp. Related Links http://www.vonage.com FARMINGDALE, N.Y., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Joyce L. Morrison of St. Joseph, Missouri, has attained recognition in America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals and Strathmore's Who's Who. Most recently, she was accepted into the Top Female Executives and Professionals program, which is a position widely recognized for its prestige and potential for further success within one's career. Prior to that, her Lifetime Roundtable status was finalized. She will be honored with a Times Square, New York City appearance on Friday, July 1, 2016. Joyce L. Morrison earned her M.S. at Grove City College and her J.D. at Dickinson School of Law. She is currently the Director of Intellectual Property at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. The company is a service provider of products that are intended to maintain the health and welfare of animals. These products include a line of pharmaceuticals and vaccines that are used for the highest therapeutic value in the cattle, equine, pet and swine markets. They also offer their customers numerous services for the health and welfare of their animals that go beyond the medicinal benefits, such as diagnostics collaboration, disease management, industry support and education opportunities. Ms. Morrison is affiliated with Biotech Trade Organizations, the American Intellectual Property Association (AIPLA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). In her leisure time, she enjoys the company of her pet dogs. The Times Square honor is of particular significance because of the high visibility it offers. This visual celebration of Joyce L. Morrison's career will appear at regular intervals on two monitors attached to the landmark skyscraper at 3 Times Square, #1, New York, NY 10036. This structure is situated in what could be considered the busiest area of Manhattan. America's Registry and Strathmore's Who's Who are pleased to honor her. Contact: Bea Hanley 516-997-2525 ext 100 SOURCE America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals BOSTON and LONDON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Generation Chemistry Working Environment Delivered IDBS Logo (PRNewsFoto/IDBS) IDBS today announced it has released a fully featured web-based chemistry electronic laboratory notebook (ELN). As a module of the flagship E-WorkBook platform, the product is designed to support synthetic organic workflows in discovery chemistry. The E-WorkBook for Chemistry module strengthens IDBS' existing web capabilities, and follows on from a strategic technology partnership with ChemAxon announced in 2015. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150324/735754 ) IDBS leveraged its existing deep domain experience in chemistry, coupled with customer and market inputs, to develop the new, professional web-based chemistry product. The intuitive working environment covers all aspects of chemists' workflow, including support for reaction planning, stoichiometry, molecule naming, semi-automated procedure write-ups, inventory lookup and compound registration. IDBS recognizes that integration to multiple external systems is important to meet the requirements of working in the modern laboratory environment. The ecosystem of tools to support chemists' workflow is foremost in the development of E-WorkBook for Chemistry and IDBS is developing partnerships to provide registration, analytical spectral handling, SAR and in-silico molecular property information. Paul Denny-Gouldson, Vice President, Strategic Solutions at IDBS said, "The addition of the new web chemistry module to the E-WorkBook platform complements IDBS' deep-domain biology expertise and bolsters its single, cross-domain platform, offering customers the best technology to support their research. This capability strengthens our solution and it forms a clear part of our growth strategy to partner with like-minded organizations, to provide an end-to-end enterprise R&D data management platform which delivers on a global level across all scientific domains." Direct feedback from the market has been very positive, saying "the software looks very intuitive and already has better features than other existing vendors". IDBS feels that developing the product in conjunction with customers will help ensure the product meets the market demand, and that customers are empowered by being able to give direct input into the development process. Ferenc Csizmadia, CEO at ChemAxon said; "Our developing partnership with IDBS offers E-WorkBook customers the tools to perform at the highest level, by streamlining the discovery and development process using modern web-based technology. We look forward to our continued collaboration with IDBS and their product updates in the near future." The E-WorkBook web platform can be deployed in an on premise or SaaS environment, enabling rapid deployment in organizations and partnering CROs, allowing for efficient research in a single solution. IDBS will continue to deepen their partnership with ChemAxon and to improve the E-WorkBook for Chemistry module, with additional releases scheduled for September and December 2016. About ChemAxon ChemAxon is a leader in providing cheminformatics software platforms, desktop applications and web-based solutions for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. We focus on active interaction with users and software portability to create powerful, cost effective cross platform solutions that power modern cheminformatics and chemical communication. The company is privately owned with European headquarters in Budapest, US East Coast headquarters in Cambridge, MA and sales and support offices in Europe, Japan and across North America. For further information, please visit www.chemaxon.com or follow us on Twitter @chemaxon. About IDBS IDBS is a leading global provider of advanced software for research and development (R&D) organizations to securely capture, manage, share and exploit structured and unstructured data. Our technology and domain expertise enable users to link data to data, data to people and people to people to drive innovation, achieve faster time to market and improve margins. Our diverse customer list includes R&D driven international companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agricultural sciences, chemicals, consumer goods, energy, engineering, food and beverage, and healthcare. Founded in 1989, IDBS is headquartered in the United Kingdom with offices across Europe, Asia and the United States. IDBS remains a privately held company employing over 250 staff across the world and serving over 50,000 researchers in 25 countries - including over 80% of the top twenty pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.idbs.com or follow us on Twitter @IDBSsoftware. Media enquiries Nicholas O'Connor Tel: +44 (0)20 3100 3714 Email: [email protected] SOURCE IDBS "In a matter of minutes, raging flood waters displaced people and dramatically altered their lives. Even now, the water lines on the trees show the incredible depth of the historic flooding," MOVE program director Mary Ellen Randall said. "As IEEE volunteers we are honored to lend a hand to the recovery efforts." The MOVE truck is in the areas surrounding Charleston, W.Va. It is the vehicle's first disaster-relief deployment. Its three primary functions are: Keeping relief workers' cell phones charged Bringing much-needed technology assets to the field Providing temporary technology infrastructure so people can connect and communicate The MOVE vehicle features a satellite system for wireless Internet access. The truck boasts a solar-paneled roof and carries a 10-kilowatt generator and rechargeable batteries for storing energy. This allows hundreds of portable power banks to be recharged simultaneously. "Because of the MOVE truck, the Red Cross can bridge the communication gap for folks in the middle of this disaster," said Barry Porter, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross in Eastern North Carolina. "People can use the vehicle's Internet to connect family members, and its generator is able to charge cell phones and laptops. "IEEE is helping the Red Cross to alleviate some stressors for folks in an emergency situation." IEEE-USA volunteers were asked Saturday to bring MOVE to West Virginia. They arrived Sunday night and have been assisting other volunteers from around the country. The vehicle only travels to disaster areas at the request of the Red Cross. It made its public debut in early April. The MOVE Community Outreach initiative is funded by IEEE-USA and the IEEE Foundation. Donations to cover operating costs are welcome. https://ieeefoundation.org/move. For more on MOVE see http://ieeeusa.org/volunteers/outreach/ and www.facebook.com/ieeeusamove/. IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of nearly 200,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE. Web: www.ieeeusa.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ieeeusa Twitter: www.twitter.com/ieeeusa Benefits of IEEE membership: www.ieee.org/join Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385748 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150814/258612LOGO SOURCE IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Related Links http://www.ieeeusa.org DUBLIN, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "India Hyperlocal Market Outlook to 2020 - Driven by Surge in Number of Startups and Series of Funding" report to their offering. The report titled "India Hyperlocal Market Outlook to 2020 - Driven by Surge in Number of Startups and Series of Funding" provides a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects such as market size of the India Hyperlocal Market, Logistics, Food, Groceries, Pharmacy, Horizontal and Concierge. The report covers various aspects such as market size of India hyperlocal market, segmentation on the basis of regions, orders and revenue, by time of delivery, trends and developments, SWOT analysis, BCG Matrix, pre-requisites to enter the market and success and failure case studies of various Hyperlocal companies in the country. The report also provides market share, business strategies, month-on-month order growth and key performance indicators of major companies in horizontal hyperlocal, food technology, grocery, pharmacy, concierge segment. The report also provides future analysis of overall hyperlocal market of India and its segments. The report is useful for Hyperlocal vendors, investors and funding institutions, E-commerce companies and new players venturing in the market. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Research Methodology 3. India Hyperlocal Market Introduction 4. India Hyperlocal Marketplace Market Size, 2014-2015 5. India Hyperlocal Marketplace Market Segmentation 6. Pre-Requisites to Enter into India Hyper local Market 7. How to Setup a Hyperlocal Marketplace in India 8. SWOT Analysis 9. Trends and Developments in India Hyperlocal Market 10. Issues and Challenges in India Hyperlocal Market 11. Boston Consultancy Group Matrix in India Hyperlocal Market 12. Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Hyperlocal Market 13. India Hyperlocal Logistics Market 14. India Hyperlocal Grocery Market 15. India Hyperlocal Food Market 16. India Hyperlocal Pharmacy Market 17. India Horizontal Hyperlocal Market 18. Snapshot of India Hyperlocal Concierge Market 19. India Hyperlocal Market Future Outlook and Projections, 2016-2020 20. Possible Outcomes in India Hyperlocal Market in Future 21. Macro Economic Factors affecting India Hyperlocal Market Companies Mentioned - 1 mg - Bhejjo - Food Panda - Foody's - Get Now - Go Zopping - Grab.in - Grofers - Local Oye - My Medisyn - NinjaCart - Opinio - Oye-Waiter - Pepper Tap - PHLC - Pluss - Quickli - Roadrunnr - Scootsy - Shadowfax - Stockupp - Tap Tap Meals - Tiny Owl - Urban Clap - VDeliver - Ziprun For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7h8mmn/india_hyperlocal Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com MIAMI, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ismael Cala, ambassador of the Concurso Literario de Autores Independientes en Espanol ('Literary Contest of Independent Authors in Spanish') to the United States and Latin America, reminded people today of the timeframe for sending in written works, from July 1st to August 31st. The inspirational author, international lecturer and communicator believes that "the contest is an opportunity for the promotion of new writers" in the region, as its earlier editions have demonstrated. Authors can register their original unpublished works of fiction and non-fiction, through the Kindle Direct Publishing platform (http://kdp.amazon.com). "To be the ambassador for this contest to the United States and Latin America, for the second year in a row is an honor for me, and a commitment to the promotion of literary talent in the Spanish language" Cala added, thanking Amazon for "its perseverance with this event." Through the competition, authors can make their stories available to millions of readers all over the world. Books will be assessed in terms of the following criteria: creativity, originality, commercial viability and quality of writing. Five finalists will be selected, from whom a winner will be chosen and will have the opportunity to be published in print, digital and audio editions by Amazon Publishing and Audible. Furthermore, the winner's work will be translated to English and published in digital, print and audio formats in English by AmazonCrossing. "We are very excited to have established an annual contest that connects authors in Spanish with a growing audience of digital readers all over the world. Myriam Millan, winner of the 2015 contest, is originally from Seville, Spain, and has managed to reach first place on the best-seller lists in Spain and Mexico, as well as the list of books in Spanish for the United States," said Charles Kronbach, director of Kindle Direct Publishing. Last year more than 1,200 authors signed up from 37 countries. For more information, go to: www.IsmaelCala.com/concursoamazon ABOUT ISMAEL CALA Ismael Cala is a communicator, author and international lecturer on issues of personal development and leadership. For more than five years he was host of the prime time show CALA on CNN en Espanol. He is currently considered one of the leading communicators in the Americas and his message of social entrepreneurship, mindfulness and well-being is a touchstone for millions of followers attuned to his books, seminars, workshops and lectures throughout all of Spanish America. Cala has traveled to more than 25 countries and impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with his message. He is the author of the bestsellers El analfabeto emocional ('The emotional illiterate') (2016), Cala y Cruz: Las dos caras de la comunicacion ('Cala and Cruz: The two faces of communication') (2016), El secreto del bambu ('The secret of bamboo') (2015), Un buen hijo de P ('A real S.O.B.') (2014) and El poder de escuchar ('The power of listening') (2013). He writes a weekly column for more than 50 publications in Latin America and the United States. ABOUT AMAZON.COM Amazon opened its virtual doors in July of 1995. The company is guided by four principles: a focus on the consumer instead of the competitor, a passion for invention, a commitment to excellence in its operations and a long-term vision. Customer reviews, 1-click purchasing, customized recommendations, Prime, Amazon Logistics, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo and Alexa are some of the pioneering products and services offered by Amazon. www.IsmaelCala.com/concursoamazon SOURCE Cala Enterprises Related Links http://www.IsmaelCala.com BETHESDA, Md., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- America should remember that 24 of the 56 patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence were lawyers, said Law Professor Victor Williams as he announced the launch of a Lawyers for Trump http://www.goplawyers.com/political action committee. (www.goplawyers.com). Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385812LOGO In choosing July 4, 2016, as the launch date for the Lawyers and Law Professor for Trump Super PAC, Professor Williams stated: "The 24 patriot-lawyers who signed the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776, fully accepted the risk of their rebellious actions. The colonial attorneys knew that they would be harshly punished by the established legal and political order. The attorneys knew that that the greedy political elites (on both sides of the Atlantic) would fight hard to kill the revolutionary ideas of Republican self-governance and 'America-First.'" Williams added: "Each of the 24 patriot-lawyers also knew that if their efforts failed they would be standing at the front of the queue leading to the King's gallows." Two of the Declaration's co-authors Thomas Jefferson and John Adams (both lawyers) welcomed the risk that came with challenging the political order. It was Declaration co-author Benjamin Franklin (a non-lawyer) who is credited with the best closing argument at the Philadelphia meeting of the Second Continental Congress: "We must hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately." Greedy Globalists and their Political Lackeys Hate "America-First" "Today," Professor Williams stated, "the established political order of greedy globalists and their political lackeys are equally hostile to Donald Trump's 'America-First' movement." With zealous advocacy, the GOP Lawyers Super PAC will defend Donald Trump from the virulent attacks of the double-dealing media and the petrified political elites. Thus the new pro-Trump "GOP Lawyers Super PAC" formally launches on July 4, 2016. (Note: The FEC does not allow Trump's name to have been included in the independent Super PAC's formal name.) Four-Part Mission of the Lawyers for Trump Super PAC First, the Lawyers for Trump group will promote Trump's "America First" national security policy (including border security) as critical for America's future. ISIS must be obliterated from the face of the earth. Donald Trump will make America safe again. Second, the lawyers group will actively support Trump's plans for tax cuts, job growth, and smart trade (free-trade done by smart "America-First" negotiators). And with the resulting dynamic economic growth, Social Security, Medicare, Veterans' care, and fiscal discipline can be guaranteed. Third, the GOP Lawyers Super PAC will also incorporate "Lawyers and Law Professors against Clinton." The Super PAC will zealously prosecute the corruption case against both Bill and Hillary Clinton. The U.S. Supreme Court Will Be Either Won or Lost for Generations And fourth, the GOP Lawyers Super PAC will explain how Trump will make stellar Article II, Section 2 appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals Circuits, and all regulatory agencies. The 45th President will shape the U.S. Supreme Court and all lower federal courts for generations. Just as He Did in his Ted Cruz Challenge, Professor Williams Pledges Trump-Like Fiscal Efficiency for the Super PAC All Americans are invited to join the new Super PAC's efforts to support Donald John Trump. Professor Williams pledges that every dollar contributed will be used in a Trump-like, cost-effective manner. Just as Williams did during his prior political effort (to support Trump) in challenging the constitutional eligibility of Canadian-born Ted Cruz to be on state primary ballots, Williams pledges maximum fiscal efficiency in creative paid advertising integrated with free media, social media, and innovative disruptive communications. www.goplawyers.com. Victor Williams is a longtime Washington, D.C. attorney, law professor, and prolific author. In 2014, Professor Williams founded DisruptiveJustice.org. Media Contact: Prof. Victor Williams, Super PAC Chair 301-951-9045 SOURCE Professor Victor Williams, Super PAC Chair Related Links http://victorwilliamsforpresident.com DETROIT, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Crain Communications Inc., publisher of more than 20 business-to-business publications, is expanding the Automotive News brand with Automotive News Canada, a suite of news products focused exclusively on the Canadian automotive industry. The website, automotivenews.ca, launches today. A weekly email newsletter and breaking news alerts begin July 4. The first monthly print edition publishes July 18. Automotive News Canada will focus on automakers, their original-equipment suppliers and franchised Canadian car dealers. The Canadian industry builds some 2.4 million vehicles annually and contributes more than $83 billion Canadian into the national economy. "We feel that the market is hungry for a publication that addresses Canadian issues, from a Canadian perspective," says Jason Stein, publisher of Automotive News Canada. "Canadian car dealers have realized a surge in profitability, suppliers are navigating a rapid production expansion, and the country is enjoying record annual sales. But the industry in Canada also faces some unique challenges, and we will be there to write those stories." Jeff Melnychuk, editor-in-chief of Automotive News Canada, is an award-winning journalist. The Manitoba native has worked in various editor roles at daily newspapers across Canada, including The Sudbury Star in Sudbury, Ontario; The Daily Courier in Kelowna, British Columbia; and the Times & Transcript in Moncton, New Brunswick. Melnychuk left daily newspaper life in 2001 to develop Wheelbase Media, which became the largest independently owned syndicated automotive news service in North America. Says Melnychuk: "Credible and reliable news gathering has been the hallmark of Automotive News for more than 90 years, and Automotive News Canada will be a steward of that idealism." About Crain Communications Crain Communications is a privately held media company that produces trusted and relevant news publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing, and events with uncompromising integrity. Reaching 6 million business decision-makers and consumers across the United States and in select markets in Europe and Asia, the company's 56 brand portfolio consists of 22 print publications and 34 digital-only news sites. Many of Crain's brands are the most influential media properties in the verticals they serve including Automotive News, Autoweek, Advertising Age, Modern Healthcare, Plastics News, Business Insurance and Pensions & Investments. Headquartered in Detroit, the company has 880 employees in 13 locations delivering exceptional news content over a variety of platforms to empower the success of its readers and clients. SOURCE Automotive News Related Links http://www.automotivenews.ca IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported June U.S. sales of 26,188 vehicles, representing a decrease of 3.8 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through June are 145,354 vehicles. Key June sales notes: In its first full month of sales, the all-new 2016 CX-9 accounted for 1,904 vehicles sold in the month of June. This number represents an increase of 21 percent YOY, making it the CX-9's best June since 2013. Signature and Grand Tourning trims continue to be in high demand. Mazda expects the sales trend to continue as more inventory becomes available. Mazda MX-5 had its best June since 2008 with 889 vehicles sold, representing an increase of 102 percent YOY. Mazda CX-5 continues to post strong sales, recording its second-best June ever with 9,227 vehicles sold. Mazda's i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive continues to be popular among consumers buying a Mazda SUV, even during the summer months, with 63 percent of buyers choosing the system. Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 3,361 vehicles, up 11 percent YOY. Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported June sales of 3,820 vehicles, down 12 percent versus June of last year. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom. Month-To-Date Year-To-Date June June % % MTD June June % % YTD 2016 2015 Change DSR 2016 2015 Change DSR Mazda2 - 14 (100.0)% (100.0)% 3 273 (98.9)% (98.9)% Mazda3 8,399 9,251 (9.2)% (12.7)% 51,381 54,877 (6.4)% (6.4)% Mazda5 33 1,236 (97.3)% (97.4)% 329 6,284 (94.8)% (94.8)% Mazda6 4,224 5,332 (20.8)% (23.8)% 23,463 32,307 (27.4)% (27.4)% MX-5 Miata 889 440 102.0% 94.3% 5,384 2,654 102.9% 102.9% CX-3 1,512 - N/A N/A 9,502 - N/A N/A CX-5 9,227 9,373 (1.6)% (5.3)% 51,611 53,343 (3.2)% (3.2)% CX-9 1,904 1,577 20.7% 16.1% 3,681 9,257 (60.2)% (60.2)% Total Vehicles CARS 13,545 16,273 (16.8)% (20.0)% 80,560 96,395 (16.4)% (16.4)% TRUCKS 12,643 10,950 15.5% 11.0% 64,794 62,600 3.5% 3.5% TOTAL 26,188 27,223 (3.8)% (7.5)% 145,354 158,995 (8.6)% (8.6)% Selling Days 26 25 152 152 *Mazda2 and Mazda5 are discontinued for MY 2016 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO SOURCE Mazda North American Operations Related Links http://www.mazdausa.com WASHINGTON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration will visit Ste. Genevieve, Mo., on July 4th to kick-off the first day of her five-day Delta Region Main Street Road Tour which will take her to five states and 11 cities. She will finish up in New Orleans on Friday, July 8. While in Ste. Genevieve she will receive a walking tour of the city followed up by remarks on the importance of entrepreneurship on Main Street America at the city Independence Day celebration. She will then have lunch with the Chamber of Commerce Director, city officials and business representatives. Contreras-Sweet will finish the day with a tour of the proposed Ste. Genevieve National Park site and the impact of such a park on area small businesses and community development. WHAT: SBA Administrator visit to Ste. Genevieve, Mo. WHEN: July 4, 2016 (10 a.m. 1 p.m.) WHERE: Welcome Center (66 S. Main St.), Ste. Genevieve, Mo . 10- 11:45 a.m. Walking Tour of Ste. Genevieve with City Director of Tourism and Economic Development and meet with many small businesses along the route. Town Square, Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Noon Remarks at Ste. Genevieve's Independence Day Celebration. MEDIA RSVP: June Teasley, [email protected], (816) 206-0409 Monday, July 4 by 9 a.m. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov Contact: Terry Sutherland, (202) 205-6919 Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs Release Number: MA16-37 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links http://www.sba.gov ROSWELL, N.M., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Major General Jerry Grizzle announced today that he is designating July 2016 through July 2017 as New Mexico Military Institutes "Quasquicentennial - a year-long observance" that celebrates 125 years of Duty, Honor and Achievement for NMMI, including the iconic importance to Roswell and the State of New Mexico. As the birthplace of the Future Leaders of Tomorrow, NMMI will celebrate the Quasquicentennial anniversary with Ceremonies, Events, and Inspirational Speakers, then, of course, Homecoming in October. Also, we kick off the 125th Campaign, which will raise revenue for Scholarships and Cadet Activities. "New Mexico was the perfect location for one of the nation's most impressive Military Schools, founded in 1891, and since that time our state has become the pivotal gateway for some of the most prestigious and successful Leaders in the present day," MG Jerry Grizzle said. "The storied history of the school is directly connected to the State of New Mexico, and we are proud of the critical asset this state has been able to provide for our Institute over the years." New Mexico Military Institute was founded by Colonel Robert S. Goss and Captain Joseph C. Lea in 1891, originally as the Goss Military Academy, with an initial enrollment of 28 students. In 1895 it acquired the land at its current location, and in 1912 it received land-grant status and revenue from the New Mexico government. Hundreds of Institute graduates served in World War I and World War II, including Medal of Honor recipient John C. Morgan and hotelier Conrad Hilton of Hilton Hotels fame. In 1948, the Institute introduced a four-year liberal arts college program but discontinued it in 1956. The Institute became a fully coeducational High School and Junior College in 1977, although some females had attended as non-cadet day students from 1891 to 1898. The current superintendent, Major General (Retired) Jerry W. Grizzle, was appointed in 2009. Duty, Honor, Achievement. Additional information on the celebration and New Mexico Military Institute can be found on its official website www.nmmi.edu. If you would like more information about the 125th Celebration, please contact LTC. Colleen Cole-Velasquez at 575-624-8011 or email at [email protected]. Contact LTC. Colleen Cole-Velasquez Telephone 575-624-8011 Cell 310-739-8338 Email [email protected] Website www.nmmi.edu Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385583LOGO SOURCE New Mexico Military Institute Related Links http://nmmi.edu DALLAS, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company and affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P., today announced the expiration and final results for its tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares") at a price equal to 90% of the offering price per Share in effect on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) (the date of repurchase) and any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer. The Fund's Tender Offer expired on June 30, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. New York City time. No shares of the Company were tendered for repurchase in the Tender Offer. Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at 1-844-485-9167. The Company's current offering price for its Shares, as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at http://nexpointcapital.com. The information on or accessible through http://nexpointcapital.com is not incorporated by reference herein. About NexPoint Advisors and NexPoint Capital, Inc. NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a healthcare-focused business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of Highland Capital Management, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P., is an SEC-registered investment advisor to the closed end fund, NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund. About Highland Capital Management, L.P. Highland Capital Management, L.P. is an SEC-registered investment adviser which, together with our affiliates, has approximately $16.8 billion of assets under management. Founded in 1993 by Jim Dondero and Mark Okada, Highland is one of the largest and most experienced global alternative credit managers. Highland specializes in credit strategies, such as credit hedge funds, long only funds and separate accounts, distressed and special situation private equity, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Highland also offers alternative investments, including emerging markets, long/short equities, and natural resources. Highland's diversified client base includes public pension plans, foundations, endowments, corporations, financial institutions, fund of funds, governments, and high net-worth individuals. Highland is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and maintains offices in New York, Sao Paolo, Singapore, and Seoul. Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors, L.P.'s or Highland Capital Management L.P.'s sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. and Highland Capital Management L.P. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors, L.P., makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. For information on the Tender Offer: Financial Advisors: 855-498-1580 Shareholders: 844-485-9167 Highland Media Relations: 972-419-6272 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385572LOGO SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc. MIAMI, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PERFUMES 4 U, a US based international discount perfume store chain, is announcing its "Pledge of Allegiance" reward program. From Saturday July 2nd, 2016 up to and including July 4th, 2016, any customer who Pledges Allegiance to the US while in the store, will receive an extra reward of a 5% discount. Says PERFUMES 4 U CEO Ron Friedman: "Our nation's birthday is a time to be thankful for our great country. The US with all its imperfections is still the best and most democratic nation in the world so let's renew our 'Pledge of Allegiance' to it." WENATCHEE, Wash., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This July, PetHub is celebrating "National Lost Pet Prevention Month." Established by PetHub in 2014, the annual event is designed to give pet parents focused, in-depth resources, tools and strategies for preventing a lost pet, as well as advice for getting them home quickly if they go AWOL (absent without a leash). "Over 30 pet industry experts are writing articles, holding story and photo contests, and hosting interactive Q&A sessions this year," said Lorien Clemens, Director of Marketing & Municipal Programs at PetHub. Most of these resources can be found at PetHub.com/LostPetPrevention with more articles and tools added throughout July. According to the National Council of Pet Population Study & Policy and the National Humane Society, a family pet is lost every two seconds in North America. The organizations also report that more than 10 million pets are lost each year and one out of three pets will be lost during its lifetime. However, only one in 10 pets is found. Such daunting statistics spurred PetHub to create National Lost Pet Prevention Month in order to start a national conversation and educational campaign to increase awareness of the lost, stolen and/or missing pet epidemic. "We were very pleased with the level of social media engagement this event originally generated in 2014," said PetHub CEO Tom Arnold. "Every year, we aim to take the conversation deeper, so more lives can be saved. Designating July as National Lost Pet Prevention Month underscores PetHub's dedication to our mission: getting lost pets home as quickly as possible." "Pets are outside more and travel plans are in full swing, so the potential for pets to go missing spikes in July and August," added Clemens. "We want to raise awareness of this issue in a way that benefits and educates pet parents, while making it easy to spread the word to friends and family." About PetHub, Inc. PetHub, Inc. is focused on getting lost pets home faster and safer than any other solution available by utilizing current and new technologies, including QR code pet ID tags, NFC wireless technology, GPS mapping, and real-time notifications. The company has multiple software and hardware patents pending on its ID tags and Internet services. Success stories at can be found at http://PetHubFound.me and on PetHub's Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/PetHub. Located in the heart of Washington State in the "Apple Capital of the World" (Wenatchee, Washington), PetHub's web service is available in English, German, French, Dutch and Italian languages, with users throughout the world. PetHub has received numerous industry awards, including Dog Fancy's "Editors' Choice," Pet Business' "Innovation Award," Pet Age Magazine's "Silver Retailer Select," and Business Insider's, "50 Coolest New Businesses in the U.S." See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMU84MIPpi4 Photos: http://www.prlog.org/12569993 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Pet Hub, Inc. Related Links http://www.PetHub.com WASHINGTON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ProSource360 Consulting Services Inc. has been awarded its first prime contract with the Defense Health Agency (DHA). The contract will support the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General (AF/SG) under the Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA), Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ) in Falls Church, VA. Effective June 29, 2016, ProSource360 will continue to grow its Clinical Staffing capability by providing pharmaceutical consulting support to the DHA in collaboration with Office of the Secretary of Defense/Health Affairs (OSD/HA), Veterans Health Administration and the DoD Pharmacy Board of Advisors. ProSource360 is looking forward to supporting the DHA and AFMSA by providing analytical, conceptual, technical, and project management support for the purposes of developing and promulgating strategy and policy related to clinical and administrative management for the Air Force Pharmacy, in addition to monitoring forecast requirements for delivery of prescriptions by Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and retail pharmacies to DoD beneficiaries worldwide. About ProSource360 Consulting Services ProSource360 Consulting Services, Inc. is an SBA 8(a) certified, HUBZone, small disadvantaged business (SDB) that provides Information Technology (IT) Support Services, Management Consulting, and Healthcare focused services to federal, state and local government agencies as well as selected healthcare organizations. These services are focused in the areas of Program & Project Management, IT Support, Health and Clinical Services, Cybersecurity and SETA Support & Professional Services. For more information, visit www.prosource360.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385791LOGO SOURCE ProSource360 Consulting Services Inc. Related Links http://www.prosource360.com LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-34) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) announced today that $7.8 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants have been awarded to help finance five Los Angeles housing projects. In total, $76 million was awarded in the 2016 funding competition to projects in Arizona, California, and Nevada and other areas served by the Bank's member financial institutions, to produce or preserve 6,318 affordable housing units. The funding includes $7.8 million to support development of five projects in the 34th congressional district, which will generate 427 affordable rental units for individuals and families. "Los Angeles is in desperate need of more affordable housing so I'm pleased that this significant investment will help Angelenos who need it most," said Rep. Becerra. "The nearly $8 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco will support five housing projects in my district for our low-income families, homeless population, and individuals with disabilities. Let's continue these partnerships to ensure that more Americans have access to affordable housing." Projects receiving AHP funding in the 34th District are: Simone Apartments ( $2 million ) at 520 San Julian Street. This project will rehabilitate 114 existing affordable housing units to provide permanent supportive housing and services to very low-income individuals, the homeless, and people with physical and developmental disabilities. Century Housing Corporation is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. ( ) at 520 San Julian Street. This project will rehabilitate 114 existing affordable housing units to provide permanent supportive housing and services to very low-income individuals, the homeless, and people with physical and developmental disabilities. Century Housing Corporation is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. Flor 401 Lofts ( $2 million ) at 401 E Seventh Avenue. This project will add 99 units in a densely populated urban community to create affordable housing for very low-income homeless individuals and people with physical and developmental disabilities. Through integrative design, an existing industrial warehouse will be adaptively reused as a ground floor, and an additional five stories will be added above. Mississippi Valley Company is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. ( ) at 401 E Seventh Avenue. This project will add 99 units in a densely populated urban community to create affordable housing for very low-income homeless individuals and people with physical and developmental disabilities. Through integrative design, an existing industrial warehouse will be adaptively reused as a ground floor, and an additional five stories will be added above. Mississippi Valley Company is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. Six Four Nine Lofts ( $1.34 million ) at 649 Wall Street. This project will create 55 units of new permanent supportive affordable housing for very low-income individuals with special needs. A portion of the units will be reserved for homeless households. The housing will be constructed above a three-story health clinic and is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. MUFG Union Bank is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. ( ) at 649 Wall Street. This project will create 55 units of new permanent supportive affordable housing for very low-income individuals with special needs. A portion of the units will be reserved for homeless households. The housing will be constructed above a three-story health clinic and is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. MUFG Union Bank is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. T. Bailey Manor ($450,000) at 4121 Eagle Rock Blvd. This project is new construction of a 46-unit development consisting primarily of one-bedroom apartments targeted to extremely low- and low-income households with special needs. The project is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, and features elevators, semi-subterranean parking, organic edible landscaping, and large open spaces. City National Bank is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge, and Service. at 4121 Eagle Rock Blvd. This project is new construction of a 46-unit development consisting primarily of one-bedroom apartments targeted to extremely low- and low-income households with special needs. The project is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, and features elevators, semi-subterranean parking, organic edible landscaping, and large open spaces. City National Bank is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by Women Organizing Resources, Knowledge, and Service. Skid Row Central 1 ( $2 million ) at 905 East 6th Street and 507 Maple Avenue. This project will rehabilitate two existing affordable housing developments, Rossmore Apartments and Weldon Apartments, for very low-income individuals who are homeless or living with physical and developmental disabilities. Century Housing Corporation is the member institution supporting the project, which is sponsored by the Skid Row Housing Trust. "Rep. Becerra is a strong supporter of affordable housing," said Lawrence H. Parks, Senior Vice President, Legislative and External Affairs, at FHLBank San Francisco. "FHLBank San Francisco is working with organizations in his district, as well as in other parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada, to help provide more housing options for low-income residents. Together, FHLBank San Francisco, our member institutions, and community organizations are helping families and individuals of all income levels access affordable housing.'' Designed as a flexible, competitive funding source, the AHP provides grants and below-market loans to develop and rehabilitate single-family and multifamily projects targeting very low- to moderate-income households. Member financial institutions, in partnership with community-based housing sponsors, submit applications for specific projects and programs. Since the program's inception in 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded approximately $882 million, which has assisted in the development of more than 120,000 units of quality affordable housing in our three- state district, and other areas served by member institutions. About The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. FHLBank San Francisco also funds community programs that help members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. FHLBank San Francisco members are headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada and include commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. Contact: Kevin Blackburn 510-377-8999 SOURCE FHLBank San Francisco PUNE, India, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Riot Control System Market by End User (Law Enforcement, Military), Product (Offensive Weapons, Defensive Weapons), Technology (Electromagnetic & Sonic Weapons, Kinetic Impact Weapons, Chemical Agents & Others) & Region - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets, The market is estimated to reach USD 11.78 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2016 and 2021. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 104 market data Tables and 61 Figures spread through 168 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Riot Control System Market". http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/riot-control-systems-market-121726213.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. This growth can be attributed to the increase in ethnic unrest, religious riots, political disputes, and violence against corrupted governments, globally. Law enforcement segment to dominate the riot control system market Law enforcement plays a vital role in the protection of right to life, safety, and security of an individual. The increasing demand for riot control systems has resulted in growth of the law enforcement segment at a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period, primarily owing to huge investments by major players for the development of riot control system for applications including riot control, and cross border control, among others. Directed energy weapons market projected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period Directed energy weapons are a subsegment of offensive weapons segment of the riot control system market. This market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period following advancement in technologies, such as active denial systems (ADS) or "pain ray". These technologies are being developed in Asia-Pacific and the U.S. The demand for laser weapons has increased for controlling riots and cross border trespassing. Asia-Pacific & the Middle East to be the opportunistic markets for riot control systems The global Riot Control System Market is dominated by North America, as of 2015, owing to technological advancement, and rising incidences of terrorism and civil unrest in the region. However, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific are expected to drive the global riot control system market in the coming years, with the Asia-Pacific market projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific market can be attributed to innovative technology solutions for riot control systems and manufacturing them at the lowest possible cost. The Asia-Pacific market is driven mainly by increasing investments from China, South Korea, and India for the development of multifunctional riot control systems in military as well as for law enforcement applications. Inquiry Before Buying: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=121726213 The major players in this market have been identified to be Taser International Manufacturing Company (U.S.), Combined Systems Inc. (U.S.), The SAFARILAND Group (U.S.), and Condor Non-lethal Technologies (Brazil). Browse Related Reports Non-Lethal Weapons Market by End User (Military, Law Enforcement), Product Type (Direct Contact Weapons, Directed Energy Weapons), Technology (Electromagnetic, Mechanical & Kinetic, Chemical & Others) & Region - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/non-lethal-weapons-market-1236.html Small Arms Market by End User (Military, Law Enforcement, Hunting, Sports, Self-defense), Type (Pistol, Revolver, Rifle, Machine Gun, Shotgun), Caliber (5.56MM, 7.62MM, 9MM), Technology, Cutting Type, Firing Systems, & Region - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/small-arms-market-138024472.html Know More About our Knowledge Store @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp 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 info graphics 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. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: 1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog http://mnmblog.org/market-research/aerospace-defence Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets MENLO PARK, Calif., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half Legal, a premier legal staffing and consulting solutions firm, and the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), an organization that advances the hiring, retention and promotion of diverse attorneys in legal departments and the law firms that serve them, have named Brittany Porter as the Robert Half Legal Scholar and a member of MCCA's Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program, Class of 2018. She has been awarded $10,000 to use toward law school tuition expenses in addition to the opportunity to work with MCCA leaders and mentors as she prepares for her legal career. Currently enrolled at Pepperdine University School of Law, Porter graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and minor degrees in political science and leadership studies. She was recognized as a William R. Harvey Leadership Institute Fellow at Hampton University and served as a student executive board chair for the Freddye T. Davy Honors College. While she was an undergraduate, Porter also worked as an intern with the Congressional Black Caucus for Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), where she developed a passion for law and educational reform. Prior to enrolling in law school, she was a high school mathematics teacher in Texas for two years. With aspirations to work in corporate law, Porter was recently elected as president of Pepperdine's Black Law Student Association and vice president of the university's chapter of the National Latina/o Law Student Association. During the past academic year, she helped implement a monthly diversity panel at the law school to stimulate discussion of current legal issues and to prepare students to effectively serve diverse clientele as future attorneys. She was also recently accepted into the Certificate Program at Pepperdine's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. "Brittany's leadership qualities and dedication to academic excellence will be important assets as she pursues a legal career," said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "We value the opportunity to partner with MCCA to help offset the educational expenses of outstanding law students like Brittany so they can fulfill their professional ambitions." Jean Lee, MCCA president and CEO, added, "Even at such an early part of her career, Brittany has shown her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship is crucial in helping MCCA develop young lawyers at the front end of the pipeline, and we're confident that Brittany will help us in that mission not only by succeeding in her own right, but by helping others along the way." Open to U.S. citizens interested in a corporate law career, MCCA's Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program provides financial support for first-year law students who are pursuing a juris doctor degree. Program recipients receive a $10,000 award for the first year of law school, with an opportunity to qualify for additional funding in each of the two following years of their law studies. In addition, MCCA offers mentoring opportunities for scholarship recipients and helps place them in paid internship positions with corporate law departments during the summer immediately following successful completion of their first year of law school. Each scholarship recipient also receives ongoing professional development. About MCCA The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) was founded in 1997 to advocate for the expanded hiring, retention, and promotion of minority attorneys in corporate law departments and the law firms that serve them. MCCA furthers its mission through the collection and dissemination of information about diversity in the legal profession. MCCA takes an inclusive approach to the definition of "diversity." Therefore, its research addresses issues of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and generational differences which impact the legal profession's workforce. For more information, go to mcca.com. About Robert Half Legal Robert Half Legal is the premier provider of legal staffing and consulting solutions for law firms and corporate legal departments. With North American and global locations, Robert Half Legal provides a customized approach, including managed review, legal project management and eDiscovery services, to help organizations handle constantly changing workloads. The company offers in-demand expertise across practice areas as well as highly skilled legal professionals on a temporary, project and full-time basis. More information about our full suite of legal staffing and consulting solutions can be found at roberthalflegal.com. For career and management advice, follow our Legal Blog at blog.roberthalflegal.com. SOURCE Robert Half Legal Related Links http://www.roberthalflegal.com VANCOUVER, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Ritchie Bros., the world's largest industrial auctioneer (NYSE & TSX: RBA), is pleased to announce that Sarah Raiss has been appointed as a director on its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2016. Commenting on Ms. Raiss' appointment, Bev Briscoe, Chair of Ritchie Bros.' board said: "We are very pleased to welcome Sarah as a director. Her governance expertise, global company experience and strong HR and IT leadership adds important breadth and valued perspective to our board, as does her deep understanding of many sectors Ritchie Bros. caters to." Sarah is a seasoned corporate director, with board experience at many public companies. Sarah is currently a corporate director at Loblaw Companies (a leading Canadian grocery and pharmacy company), Commercial Metals Company (a steel and metal manufacturer), and Vermilion Energy (an international oil and gas producer). At Loblaw Companies, Sarah is a member of the board's Governance and Human Resources Committee, and the Pension Committee. At Commercial Metals Company, Sarah Chairs the Compensation Committee and is a member of the Governance Committee. And at Vermilion Energy, she sits on the Governance and Human Resources Committee, and the Health Safety and Environment Committee. Sarah is a former Chair of the Alberta Electric System Operator, a past director of Shoppers Drug Mart where she was a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, and a past director of Canadian Oil Sands where she chaired the Governance and Human Resources Committee and was a member of the Audit Committee. Sarah is also a past director of the Business Development Bank of Canada, where she chaired the Human Resources Committee and was a member of the Governance Committee and Audit Committee; and was a director at Microplanet Technology. Sarah has also been a director for many not-for-profit organizations. Sarah retired from TransCanada Corporation (a developer and operator of North American energy infrastructure) in 2011, where she was Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, and was responsible for human resources; information systems; aviation, building and office services; real estate; organizational excellence; communications; branding; and, health and wellness. She holds a bachelors of Science in Applied Mathematics and an MBA from the University of Michigan. About Ritchie Bros. Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is the world's largest industrial auctioneer, and one of the world's largest sellers of used equipment for the construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, forestry and other industries. Ritchie Bros.TM asset management and disposition solutions include live unreserved public auctions with on-site and online bidding; EquipmentOneTM, an online auction marketplace; Mascus, a global online equipment listing service; private negotiated sales through Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty; and a range of ancillary services, including financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. Ritchie Bros. has operations in 19 countries, including 44 auction sites worldwide. Learn more at rbauction.com, EquipmentOne.com, mascus.com, rbauction.com/privatetreaty and rbauction.com/financing. SOURCE Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Related Links http://www.rbauction.com LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) this week launched a multi-media campaign designed to raise awareness of various energy-efficiency rebates, and no-cost, or low-cost services available to help small and medium-sized business customers conserve energy. This campaign will run through Aug. 28 and will target independently owned businesses such as beauty salons, restaurants and laundromats that strive to reduce their energy use. "Many small businesses look for ways to save money to stay competitive in the marketplace," said Ann Ayres, SoCalGas' director of customer strategy and engagement. "We support our business customers by helping them invest in equipment that conserves natural gas, helps them save money and contributes to healthier communities." SoCalGas defines small and medium-sized businesses as commercial ventures that use less than 50,000 therms of natural gas a year. Through this multi-platform campaign, independently owned, small and medium-sized businesses throughout SoCalGas' service territory will be offered rebates when they buy new energy-saving equipment. "We appreciate SoCalGas' efforts in supporting small and medium-sized businesses by offering them rebates that will help them save money on their energy costs," said Gary Toebben, president & chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. "This is a win-win for businesses and the environment." Over the past five years, SoCalGas has invested in programs to help commercial and residential customers increase the efficiency of their home appliances and commercial equipment. With help from these programs, customers have saved more than $109 million annually on energy costs and have reduced emissions by 915,000 tons of carbon dioxide - the equivalent of removing 175,000 cars from the road. Through a separate, limited-time promotion, small businesses can receive up to 50 percent more in rebates on select boilers, pool covers, pool heaters, commercial steam traps and pipe and tank insulations. Visit socalgas.com and search "business rebates" for details. At no additional charge, SoCalGas offers maintenance advice and low-cost parts for various types of natural gas commercial appliances and food service equipment. Business owners may speak with a SoCalGas representative by calling 800-427-2000. For more details, visit socalgas.com/SmallBusiness. About Southern California Gas Co. Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171209LOGO SOURCE Southern California Gas Co. Related Links https://www.socalgas.com ALISO VIEJO, Calif., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: SHO) announced that it will report financial results for the second quarter 2016 on Monday, August 8, 2016 after the market closes. Management will hold its quarterly conference call the next day, on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Pacific Time). A live webcast of the call will be available via the Investor Relations section of the Sunstone Hotel Investors website at www.sunstonehotels.com. A replay of the webcast will also be archived on the website. Alternatively, investors may dial 1-888-299-7209 (for domestic callers) or 1-719-325-2420 (for international callers) to listen to the live call. The conference ID for all callers is 4884496. About Sunstone Hotel Investors: Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that, as of the date hereof, has interests in 28 hotels comprised of 13,648 rooms. Sunstone's hotels are primarily in the upper upscale segment and are generally operated under nationally recognized brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, Fairmont and Hyatt. For further information, please visit Sunstone's website at www.sunstonehotels.com. For Additional Information: Bryan Giglia Chief Financial Officer Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (949) 382-3036 SOURCE Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. Related Links http://www.sunstonehotels.com Rudolf Flunger, Chief Marketing Officer of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, comments: "We are excited that Axel will oversee our Latin America operations. His strategic and operational experience, familiarity with our organisation, strong business acumen and mergers and acquisitions expertise make him the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of our development in Latin America." Prior to his current position, Mr. Brohm led the Energy and Power unit of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, managing the global corporate insurance portfolio in the oil and gas, mining and utilities sectors. He joined the Swiss Re Group in 1997 and has held various roles, ranging from underwriting to operations. A German national, Mr. Brohm earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Mannheim in Germany and is a CFA charter holder. Mr. Brohm succeeds Ivan Gonzalez, who led the Latin America business for five years and now heads Corporate Solutions North America. About Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Swiss Re Corporate Solutions offers innovative, high-quality insurance capacity to mid-sized and large multinational corporations across the globe. Our offerings range from standard risk transfer covers and multi-line programmes, to highly customised solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions serves customers from over 50 offices worldwide and is backed by the financial strength of the Swiss Re Group. For more information about Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, please visit www.swissre.com/corporatesolutions or follow us on Twitter @SwissRe_CS. Contact: Sara Pizza [email protected] +55 11 3073 8201 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160701/385625 Swiss Re Servicos de Consultoria em Seguros e Resseguros Ltda. Avenida Paulista 500 Sao Paulo 01310-000 Brasil SOURCE Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Related Links http://www.swissre.com/corporate_solutions WASHINGTON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration will visit Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Blytheville, Ark., on July 5th as part of her five-day Delta Region Main Street Road Tour which will take her to five states and 11 cities. She will finish up in New Orleans on Friday, July 8. While in Cape Girardeau, Contreras-Sweet will tour the Catapult Creative House on Southeast Missouri State University focusing on student art in innovation and small business development. While there she will meet with the University President, Dr. Carlos Vargas. Following this visit she will visit several small businesses in the local area and lunch at the Minglewood Brewery. Later that afternoon Contreras-Sweet will travel to and visit Blytheville, Ark. where she will be met by the mayor and local officials for a walking tour of the city and visits to small businesses. WHAT: SBA Administrator visit to Cape Girardeau, Mo. and Blytheville, Ark. WHEN: July 5, 2016 (11:30 a.m. 5 p.m.) WHERE: Catapult Creative House (on Southeast Missouri State University campus) and downtown Cape Girardeau, Mo. 11:30-11:45 a.m. Walking Tour of Catapult Creative House with focus on student art in innovation and small business development, marketing and commercialization of products and services. Meeting with Dr. Vargas. Noon 12:45 p.m. Walking tour of Cape Girardeau and visits to small businesses. 12:45 1:30 p.m. Lunch at Minglewood Brewery with visit by owner and SE Mo. University students. WHERE: Blytheville, Ark. Gather at the Greyhound Bus Station Visitor Center (3701 S. Division) 3:30 5 p.m. Walking tour of the city with Blytheville mayor and local officials. Conduct visits to several small businesses. MEDIA RSVP: June Teasley, [email protected], (816) 206-0409 Tuesday, July 5 by 10 a.m. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov Release Number: MA16-38 Contact: Terry Sutherland, (202) 205-6919 Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links http://www.sba.gov SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, traveling between the West Coast and the South Pacific just got easier as United Airlines launches new nonstop service between its premier Pacific gateway at San Francisco International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand. United's inaugural service to Auckland also marks the official start of the airline's joint venture agreement with Air New Zealand. The carriers are deepening their existing Star Alliance relationship by offering customers even more choice and convenience when booking travel between the United States and New Zealand and beyond. "Our new joint venture with Air New Zealand allows both airlines to optimize our trans-Pacific schedules and offer customers more choice and convenience when traveling between the U.S. and New Zealand," said Jim Compton, United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer. "Our customers wanted new ways to access New Zealand and destinations beyond and our relationship with Air New Zealand allows customers to plan seamless travel throughout the South Pacific." Powering United's inaugural flight between San Francisco and New Zealand is an innovative energy-saving partnership with the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE). United will operate Boeing 787-8 aircraft on the San Francisco to Auckland inaugural route, which are built using lightweight composites, state-of-the-art engines and an improved aerodynamic design, allowing it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently than similar-sized conventional aircraft. As part of the Aspire Initiative air traffic providers will also support optimal flight paths and recommend real-time, dynamic reroutes, further optimizing efficiency after departure throughout the entire flight. Additionally, ground crews at the departure and arrival locations will work to reduce aircraft idle time, providing expedited taxi to the runway and gate. "We understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, even as we expand our global network. Working with ASPIRE is just one way we're demonstrating our environmental leadership within the industry," said Compton. Welcome News for Adventure Travelers Auckland is known as the "City of Sails," and there couldn't be a more appropriate nickname. The vibrant and modern city is situated on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, nestled by harbors on the glimmering blue waters. The surrounding areas are ripe with natural beauty, from sandy beaches to snow-covered mountain peaks. New Zealand's many hiking trails, waterways and picturesque forests offer adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts the perfect getaway. "We know that New Zealand is a popular destination for American travelers," said Air New Zealand's Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace. "By working more closely with such a strong carrier like United Airlines, we look forward to welcoming even more American visitors to enjoy our unique Kiwi tourism experience." Flight Schedule United Flight 917 will depart San Francisco at 10:45 p.m. three times weekly, arriving at Auckland International Airport at 6:55 a.m. two days later due to time zone differences (all times local). On the return, Flight 916 will depart Auckland at 1:20 p.m. daily, arriving at San Francisco International Airport at 6:40 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately 13 hours westbound and 12 hours, 20 minutes eastbound. United's joint venture partner Air New Zealand operates a daily service between San Francisco and Auckland, departing San Francisco at 9:45 p.m. and arriving in Auckland at 5:35 a.m. two days later due to time differences. The return flight departs Auckland at 7:45 p.m. and arrives in San Francisco at 12:45pm the same day. United's San Francisco Hub United and United Express jointly operate more than 250 daily flights between San Francisco and 90 destinations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. United's service to Auckland is one of five new international destinations the airline is launching this year from San Francisco. The flight will be operated three times weekly until October 30, and will increase to daily service beginning Monday, November 1. Since March, the airline has added new nonstop service from the hub to Tel Aviv; Xi'an China; Singapore and will begin new service to Hangzhou, China on July 13. 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 MONTEREY, Calif., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. broadcast station M&A volume reached $728.9 million in the second quarter of 2016, as announced today by S&P Global's SNL Kagan broadcast media research analyst group. The TV deal market registered $681.2 million, 80% of which came from spinoffs initiated by Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc. to comply with FCC regulations impacting its pending Media General Inc. acquisition, announced back on January 27. The radio deal market amounted to just $47.8 million, its lowest quarterly deal volume in 34 years, since the first quarter of 1982. In its effort to garner regulatory approval for its Media General acquisition, Nexstar arranged for a number of spinoffs, selling a total of twelve stations in ten markets to five different buyers. The largest of these deals and the top TV deal of the quarter was the $270.0 million sale of KWQC (NBC / Davenport, Iowa) and WBAY (ABC / Green Bay, Wisc.) to Gray Television Inc. The other spinoffs involved Graham Holdings Company (two stations for $120.0 million); MSouth Equity Partners LP and Heartland Media LLC (five stations for $115.0 million); Bayou City Broadcasting Lafayette, Inc. (one full- and one low-power station for $40.0 million); and Marquee Broadcasting Inc. (one station for $350,000). Six of the stations sold by Nexstar are technically still owned by Media General, but Nexstar made the announcement as the seller, with the transactions expected to close soon after approval and closing of its Media General acquisition. Nexstar reported an average 11.1x trailing seller's multiple for the spinoffs. SNL Kagan estimates that translates to a forward (2016/17) multiple of 10.0x. The second quarter's largest TV deal not involving Nexstar was the TV industry exit of Calkins Media Inc., which sold its three TV stations for $82.0 million to Raycom Media Inc. and American Spirit Media LLC. Due to the auction quiet period initiated by the FCC on January 12, this deal will not receive FCC approval before the end of the Spectrum Incentive Auction. The second quarter's largest radio deal was the $5.9 million sale of four FM stations in Florida's Ft. Walton Beach market from Apex Media Corporation to Community Broadcasters LLC. We estimate a 7.5x forward seller's multiple for the transaction. The last quarter without at least one radio transaction worth $10.0 million or more was the second quarter of 2010. Besides the top radio deal, other major radio transactions included two deals worth $2.1 million each. Garrison City Radio Group LLC sold WBYY-FM and WTSN-AM in New Hampshire's small (rank 123) Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester market to WBIN Media Co., and Toccoa Falls College Inc. sold three FM stations, one AM station and two translators placed near the border tripoint of Georgia and North and South Carolina to Radio Training Network Inc. As was the case in the first quarter, the largest portion of the second quarter's radio deal market (59% of all stations sold) involved low-power FM translators. Following the first window of the FCC's AM Revitalization initiative and the sale of 447 translators in the first quarter, adding up to $18.0 million, another 186 FM translators (including 100 construction permits) were sold in the second quarter for a total of $9.1 million. Excluding construction permits and partial deals, first half 2016 radio deal volume reached $133.2 million with 223 full-power stations and 300 low-power stations sold. TV station deal volume in the first half of 2016 totaled $5.29 billion with 96 full-power and 38 low-power stations sold. While the vast majority of the TV station deal volume stems from the Nexstar and Media General merger and its spinoffs, a total of $117.6 million (15 full-power and 35 low-power stations) came from deals activity not involving either one of the merger parties. About S&P Global Market Intelligence At S&P Global Market Intelligence, we know that not all information is importantsome of it is vital. Accurate, deep and insightful. We integrate financial and industry data, research and news into tools that help track performance, generate alpha, identify investment ideas, understand competitive and industry dynamics, perform valuations and assess credit risk. Investment professionals, government agencies, corporations and universities globally can gain the intelligence essential to making business and financial decisions with conviction. S&P Global Market Intelligence a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence. Copyright 2016 by S&P Global Market Intelligence, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved. SOURCE S&P Global Market Intelligence Related Links http://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence WASHINGTON, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) member states responded yesterday in Geneva to High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al-Hussein's midterm report on the government of Sri Lanka's implementation of Resolution 30/1. USTPAC welcomes High Commissioner Zeid's report and statements from member states and other countries for more concerted government action. "High Commissioner Zeid's constructive oral report confirms USTPAC's observations that the government has not moved fast enough on confidence building measures or transitional justice," said Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, USTPAC's President. "Sri Lanka's security forces must return all land to its rightful owners, demilitarize from the Tamil-dominated North and East and undergo serious reform if Sri Lanka is to achieve reconciliation. USTPAC also reiterates High Commissioner Zeid's conclusion that the government must execute a comprehensive plan for transitional justice and launch a concerted public information campaign to explain its efforts to all communities." "Despite Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Samaraweera's statements in Geneva, USTPAC has concerns about the government's determination to fully implement Resolution 30/1. Failure to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, rejections of international judges, denial without a probe that cluster bombs were used against civilians, and the refusal by military to obey a court order to release the names of those who surrendered at the end of the war are just a few causes for concern. The government must immediately criminalize war crimes and crimes against humanity. This powerful action would reduce fears that the government aims to sideline justice." USTPAC is pleased by the tenor set by the UNHRC at this June session. "The UNHRC sent a clear message that it expects to see more tangible and transparent action from the government of Sri Lanka in the run-up to March 2017." Dr. Arulanantham concluded, "Especially on the 10th anniversary of the Council, Sri Lanka serves as a test of the UNHRC's own ability to maintain attention and translate its pronouncements into real and transformational change. This is a tremendous opportunity to prove the Council's global leadership on human rights and drive sustainable peace in Sri Lanka." Notes for Editors USTPAC is a US-based Tamil advocacy group advocating for a cessation of ongoing human rights abuses in Sri Lanka , accountability for crimes committed during and after the civil war by parties to the conflict, and a political settlement to address the root causes of the conflict. It has worked for these goals at the UNHRC since 2012. , accountability for crimes committed during and after the civil war by parties to the conflict, and a political settlement to address the root causes of the conflict. It has worked for these goals at the UNHRC since 2012. In September 2015 , the report of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) identified that widespread and systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed against civilians. The government's conduct during the final period of the civil war was particularly heinous. , the report of the OHCHR Investigation on (OISL) identified that widespread and systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed against civilians. The government's conduct during the final period of the civil war was particularly heinous. In October 2016 the government of Sri Lanka co-sponsored UNHRC Resolution 30/1. The Resolution, along with the OISL Report, established a framework for transitional justice and political settlement in Sri Lanka . The UNHRC requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights provide an oral report on Sri Lanka's implementation of the Resolution in June 2016 and a written report in March 2017 . Contact: Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, President of USTPAC Website: www.ustpac.org Email Twitter: @USTPACadvocacy Phone: 1-202- 595-3123 SOURCE US Tamil Political Action Council Related Links http://www.ustpac.org WASHINGTON, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration will visit Memphis, Tenn., Helena, Ark., and Clarksdale, Miss. on July 6th as part of her five-day Delta Region Main Street Road Tour which will take her to five states and 11 cities. She will finish up in New Orleans on Friday, July 8. While in Memphis she will meet with the Mayor and other officials as she takes a walking tour of the Beale St. and Tennessee's 2016 SBA Minority Business of the Year. After her visit to Memphis she will travel to Helena, Ark., where she will be met by the mayor and other officials for a walking tour on Cherry St. and will get to visit and interact with several small businesses. Later that afternoon Contreras-Sweet will be in Clarksdale, Miss. Where she will be part of a discussion on "Small Business Lending in the Delta" and will take a walking tour of the city and a visit to the Delta Blues Museum. WHAT: SBA Administrator visit to Memphis, Tenn.; Helena, Ark., and Clarksdale, Miss. WHEN: July 6, 2016 (10:15a.m. 5 p.m.) WHERE: Memphis, Tennessee 10:15-10:45 a.m. (Beale Street) Press Conference with Mayor Strickland (location TBD) Walking tour of Beale St. with Mayor and local officials 11:45 a.m. Visit Carpenter Primary Healthcare (2016 SBA Tenn. Minority business of the Year) WHERE: Helena, Ark. 1:30 2:15 p.m. (Parking and gathering at York and Walnut) Walking tour on Cherry St. with the Mayor and local officials. Visit five local small businesses. WHERE: Clarksdale, Miss. 4 4:30 p.m. Walking tour of Clarksdale with city officials 4:30 - 5 p.m. (1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, Miss) Tour Delta Blues Museum MEDIA RSVP: Sophia Kim, [email protected], (202) 427-7841 Wednesday, July 6 by 8 a.m. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov Contact: Terry Sutherland, (202) 205-6919 Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Blogs Release Number: MA16-39 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110909/DC65875LOGO SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links http://www.sba.gov "WellCare is proud to bring our new Welcome Room, and all of its health-related activities, to the residents of Buffalo," said Ryan Fogarty, vice president, WellCare of New York. "This location extends our presence, and makes it easier for the community to access the tools and information they need to make health care decisions for themselves and their families." To demonstrate WellCare's commitment to the community, two $2,000 donations were presented to local organizations at the June 22 grand opening of the Buffalo Welcome Room. Catholic Charities of Buffalo will use the funding to support area food pantries. Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division will use the funding to support its high school equivalency diploma exam preparation classes. "We appreciate WellCare's support in assisting us in our mission to help those in need," said Eileen C. Nowak, director of Parish Outreach and Advocacy for Catholic Charities of Buffalo. "Our eight pantries and outreach centers provide food boxes and other resources to help ensure people can get the sustenance they need." "Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division has partnered with WellCare since 2015," said Lester B. Leopold, director of Adult and Continuing Education at Buffalo Public Schools. "In addition to this generous donation for adult education programming, WellCare employees have spoken to students in over 80 classrooms within our division to stress the importance of good health and to provide information about available health plans." The Buffalo Welcome Room, located at 47 Court Street, is WellCare's 11th Welcome Room in New York. Other locations include: Brooklyn (Sunset Park and Nostrand Avenue), Queens (Jackson Heights and Flushing), Bronx, Manhattan (Chinatown and Washington Heights), Nassau, Poughkeepsie and Albany. For information about events and activities at the Buffalo Welcome Room, call 716-846-7901. As of March 31, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 118,000 Medicaid members, 41,000 Medicare Advantage members, 55,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 7,000 Managed Long Term Care members in New York. About WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. The company serves approximately 3.7 million members nationwide as of March 31, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385526 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/227667LOGO SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Related Links http://www.wellcare.com If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here New Delhi, June 27 : The US on Monday reiterated its support for India's admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group in the wake of the latter's failed membership bid at the NSG plenary meet last week in Seoul. "India has a strong record, and deserves to be included in the NSG. That is why the (Barack Obama) administration, including senior White House and State Department officials, made a concerted effort to secure India's membership in the recent NSG plenary session held in Seoul," US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said here while delivering a talk on India-US trade relations. "We were disappointed India was not admitted during this recent session, but we will continue to work constructively with India and all the NSG members on India's accession in the months ahead. "Six years ago, President Obama first expressed his support for India's membership in the NSG. Since that time, we have worked closely with our Indian counterparts and NSG members to help advance India's case for membership," he said. India's latest bid for an NSG membership, that would allow it to trade in nuclear materials and technology was foiled by China on the grounds that New Delhi has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Meanwhile on Monday, India became the 35th member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) -- an association of countries that controls the proliferation of missiles and unmmanned delivery of weapons of mass destruction. Referring to India-US civil nuclear cooperation, Verma said the two sides have moved forward on a project to build six Westinghouse reactors producing power for around 60 million people. "This is a deal that had been pending for 10 years, and we were pleased to see it move even closer to fruition," he said. Referring to some hurdles in boosting Indo-US trade, Verma urged for progress on concluding a bilateral investment treaty (BIT). "We have been on-again off-again for about 8 years in our pursuit of a treaty. And I'm afraid things have become a bit more difficult," the envoy said. "In India's recent model draft BIT, there were departures from the high standards that we had seen in other treaties India had negotiated, for example, with South Korea and Japan," he added. London, June 28 : A team of researchers has developed a new approach to find natural researves of helium -- a key element in MRI scanners, welding, industrial leak detection and nuclear energy -- the known reserves of which are quickly running out. The first use of this method, developed by scientists at Oxford and Durham universities, has resulted in the discovery of a world-class helium gas field in Tanzania. Until now helium has never been found intentionally -- being accidentally discovered in small quantities during oil and gas drilling. The study, presented recently at the Goldschmidt geochemistry conference in Yokohama, Japan, shows that volcanic activity provides the intense heat necessary to release the gas from ancient, helium-bearing rocks. "We show that volcanoes play an important role in the formation of viable helium reserves. Volcanic activity likely provides the heat necessary to release the helium accumulated in ancient crustal rocks," said Diveena Danabalan of Durham University. "However, if gas traps are located too close to a given volcano, they run the risk of helium being heavily diluted by volcanic gases such as carbon dioxide, just as we see in thermal springs from the region (Tanzanian East African Rift Valley)," she added. Danabalan and her team are now working to identify the "goldilocks-zone" between the ancient crust and the modern volcanoes where the balance between helium release and volcanic dilution is "just right". The discovery of helium gas field in Tanzania using the new approach is being considered as a game changer for the future security of society's helium needs. New Delhi, June 29 : The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Tanzania for bilateral cooperation in water resources management and development. The cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The areas of enhanced cooperation include techniques in water harvesting, surface and groundwater management and development and aquifer recharge. Collaboration and sharing of expertise on the areas mutually agreed will benefit the country in techniques in water harvesting, water conservation, surface and groundwater management and development, and aquifer recharge," said an official statement. "The government shall encourage the exchange of experts, organisation of training programmes, study tours and other such activities including demonstrative pilot studies, in order to build capacities in the areas mentioned above. A Joint Working Group shall be formed to monitor the activities under the MoU," it added. The enhanced cooperation comes in the wake of the visit of Tanzania Minister of Water Resources to New Delhi on July 16, 2014. The two sides discussed the issue of water harvesting and management practices and decided to have a MoU after mutual consultations. New Delhi, June 30 : Amid speculation that he may reshuffle his ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met his ministers and reviewed the important projects, official sources said. Modi's meeting with his council of ministers comes a day after he met Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at his residence. After the Wednesday meeting, speculation mounted that Modi, who became the Prime Minister in May 2014, may carry out his first major ministerial reshuffle. The sources said the union ministers were likely to make presentations on the performance of their ministries to Modi on Thursday. Jammu, July 1 : The first batch of 1,138 pilgrims left Jammu on Friday for this year's Amarnath Yatra that begins from Saturday. State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, junior minister Priya Sethi and Lok Sabha member Jugal Kishore flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in winter capital Jammu at 5 a.m. on Friday. There are 900 males, 225 females and 13 children in the first batch which left in 13 buses, 24 mini-buses and other modes of public and private conveyance in a convoy guarded by the security forces. Providing security to this year's Amarnath Yatra is a major security and intelligence challenge for state and central agencies because of the spurt in the violence by separatist militants. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would arrive in Jammu on Friday on a two-day visit to review the security situation in the state, especially the security arrangements for this year's Yatra. Singh would also visit the Amarnath Yatra cave shrine on Saturday. Sources said Singh would participate in the traditional Puja at the Cave Shrine which heralds the beginning of the Yatra. Beginning from Saturday, this year's 48-day Yatra would end on August 18 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Dhaka, July 1 : A Hindu priest was hacked to death on Friday in Jhenaidah district, the latest of dozens of brutal attacks in Bangladesh. Shaymanonda Das, 50, was preparing for morning prayers at Radha Madan Gopal Temple in Uttar Kastasagara village when he was attacked by three armed assailants on a motorbike, bdnews24 reported. Jhenaidah SP Sheikh Altaf Hossain said this murder resembles similar killings elsewhere in the country, where motorcycle-borne militants shot and hacked down secular bloggers, publishers, writers, Hindu priests, Buddhist monks, Christian pastors and even foreigners. Quoting an eyewitness, a woman, Hossain said the murder occurred around 5.20 a.m. "Shyamananda was picking flowers for 'puja' just outside the temple when three assailants approached him on a motorcycle and hacked him down," Hossain said. "To make sure he died, they rained multiple blows to his head with sharp weapons." A similar attack took place on June 7 when Hindu priest Ananda Gopal Ganguly, 69, hacked to death in Jhenaidah Sadar's Mahishdanga village. US monitoring group SITE said the Islamic State (IS) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. Seoul, July 1 : South Korean health authorities on Friday confirmed the sixth case of Zika virus infection found in a 28-year-old woman who recently came back from the Caribbean island of Dominica. The woman, who had stayed in the Central American country from June 2014, came back to South Korea on June 23 via the US and Taiwan, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. She was confirmed positive with the mosquito-borne virus on Thursday night after developing a rash, joint and muscle pains from Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. It marked the sixth case of the country's Zika virus infection since the fifth one was detected some 50 days ago. Among the total, one came from Brazil, one from Vietnam, one from Dominica and three from the Philippines. The KCDC said the sixth patient is not pregnant, noting that it has been conducting an in-depth epidemiological investigation. Zika is a virus that is primarily spread by mosquito bites, particularly risky for pregnant women as it is thought to be linked to a rare birth defect - microcephaly that causes newborn babies to have unusually small heads and damaged brains. The Zika virus is not spread by ordinary touches between humans, but it can be transmitted through sex and blood transfusion. Cases of sexual transmission from travellers to their sexual partners were reported from the US and Europe. Bengaluru/New Delhi, July 1 : The first squadron of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas -- christened 'Flying Daggers 45' -- was inducted into the Indian Air Force on Friday. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the two LCAs to the Indian Air Force. IAF officers had earlier said that the first LCA squadron will be based in Bengaluru in Karnataka for two years before shifting to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. Starting with two aircraft, the squadron will get six more jets by 2017 to make it fully operational. The LCA is far superior to Pakistan's JF-17 built jointly with China, the IAF had mentioned. The indigenous fighter jet, which is still to get full operational clearance, is expected to get into combat role next year, officials had said. IAF's squadron number 45, 'Flying Daggers', has to its credit the shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 km northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. The squadron, which was based at Nalia air base in Gujarat, was flying the MIG-21 Bis at that time. The first Tejas squadron will consist of 20 aircraft, with four in reserve. Chennai, July 1 : AirAsia India, the official airline partner of superstar Rajinikanth's Tamil actioner "Kabali" and which has a special aircraft bearing the images of the star, spent over a month in designing the livery. "It was the work of one person. The whole designing process took over a month and it had to be done with precision as it's a first-of-its-kind attempt in Asia. Although it's a regular passenger aircraft, our association with the film has made everything special," company spokesperson told IANS. The re-branded Airbus A-320 with livery dedicated to Pa. Ranjith-directed "Kabali", beggan its operations on Friday spanning Bengaluru, New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag and Kochi. "It will continue to fly even after the release of the film. It's our way of paying tribute to our superstar and all his fans from across the globe," the spokesperson said. Asked if Rajinikanth got a glimpse of the plane, he said: "The team met and spoke to him. I think he must have seen it. As a company, we're really excited about how passengers will receive the idea when they start flying in the aircraft." In the film, which is slated to release later this month, Rajinikanth flies AirAsia in a few important scenes. The company has also planned to ferry fans from Bengaluru to Chennai to watch the first-day-first-show of the movie. "On the release day, fans will fly from Bangalore to Chennai. As part of the trip, they will receive special 'Kabali' merchandise which includes tees and coffee mugs, movie ticket and they will also be served Rajinikanth's favorite lunch menu," the spokesperson said. In the film, Rajinikanth plays a don who fights for Tamils in Malaysia. New Delhi, July 1 : Around four-five doctors of Indraprastha Apollo hospital will be summoned for questioning in relation to a kidney racket busted on June 2, police said on Friday. Joint Commissioner of Police (South Eastern Range) Rajender Pal Upadhyay told IANS: "We will issue summons in a day or two to all the doctors of the hospital who had carried out the kidney transplants." "There are around four to five doctors who would be summoned to join the investigation in the case," the officer said, adding: "Dr (AShok) Sarin and Dr ((Anshuman) Agarwal too would be called to present their side." Shailesh Saxena, 31, and Aditya Singh, 24, both personal secretaries to the two doctors, were held along with suspected touts Aseem Sikdar, 37, Satya Prakash, 30, and Devashish Moulik, 30, for their alleged involvement in the kidney trade. A senior officer related to the probe said the possibility of more doctors' involvement in the case cannot be ruled out. "Involvement of more doctors cannot be ruled out, we are investigating the case," the officer said. Delhi Police busted the kidney racket on June 2 in Indraprastha Apollo hospital with the arrest of two hospital employees and three suspected touts. The alleged mastermind T. Rajkumar was arrested from Kolkata along with three donors -- two women from Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur and a man from West Bengal's Siliguri district. On June 23, the police also arrested Ashutosh, son of Delhi Jal Board officer Bhule Singh, for receiving a kidney through touts. New Delhi, July 1 : Enter the kitchen of a great chef, cast an eye on the educational experience at alternative schools, flick through the upstream life of a man who battles alone in a war-zone, and read about a new discipline of category design and its mechanics. Explore the set of motifs and genres that the IANS bookshelf has to offer this weekend. 1. Book: Come into My Kitchen; Author: Ranveer Brar; Publisher: HarperCollins; Pages: 172; Price: Rs 599 This is an invitation from the famous chef Ranveer Brar to join him on a journey from the serpentine lanes of Lucknow to the streets of Boston to the sets of MasterChef. No rules or conventions here, just plenty of colour and texture, aroma and flavour, which merge into one beautiful dish after another. Redolent of Brar's love for local produce and spices and enriched by meditation on tastes and cuisines, "Come onto My Kitchen" is garnished with his unique, almost playful, approach to cooking, eating and living. 2. Book: Breaking the Mould; Author: Kalpana Pathak; Publisher: Westland; Pages: 228; Price: Rs 295; The Indian education system attracts bouquets and brickbats in equal measure. Just as there are those who uphold the IITs and IIMs as exemplars of our great academic success story, an equal number lament the rote learning which is de riguer in most schools. The system has its ardent supporters and equally strong detractors. Within this hugely contested space, a handful of alternative schools are seeking to go against the grain. In recent years, these schools have been sought out by parents looking for a more humane and meaningful educational experience for their children. But doubts and questions about their efficacy and relevance persist. In "Breaking the Mould", Kalpana Pathak unpackages the world of such schools, a handful of institutions going off the beaten track. 3. Book: The Warehouse; Author: SS Mousoof; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 256; Price: Rs 399 When a warehouse burns down in Wazirstan, an insurance investigator named Cash, who is based in Karachi, is asked to survey the damage. Drawn in by the deadly charm of his ex-lover Sonia and the huge salary that will allow him to fulfil promises to his aged mother and teenage daughter, Cash takes on what he knows will be a dangerous assignment. Caught amid the power struggle between the Pakistani Army, private security forces and the Taliban, Cash is a witness to murders and foul play as he tries desperately to close the investigation and return to his family. But in the rock-strewn desolation of the tribal badlands, where religion, society, and even humanity seem compromised, there is peril every step of the way. Taut and gripping, "The Warehouse" is a thriller for our war-torn times; a reminder of what it means to be a mute pawn in the great game of life and death. 4. Book: Play Bigger; Authors: Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, Kevin Maney; Publisher: Piatkus; Price: Rs 399; Pages: 272 Winning today isn't about beating the competition at the old game. It's about inventing a whole new game: Creating a new market category, developing it and dominating it over time. The companies that succeed in this become category Kings, famous brands which define the whole category - think Facebook, Google, Uber. Category kings are almost to dethrone and take the lion's share of the category's economics. They play bigger than other companies. In this far-sighted, pioneering guide, the book introduces a new discipline of category design and its mechanics. By applying category design, companies can create new demand where none existed, conditioning customer's brains to change expectations and buying habits. "Play Bigger" will show how a company can position itself at the top of its own category, reap the rewards and alter the future. Kollam (Kerala), July 1 : A Kerala family is eagerly waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kenya, hoping that it will help secure the release of 25-year-old P. Praveen, who is languishing in a jail there for the past two years. P. Prabhul told IANS that the case dates back to July 2014 when his brother Praveen who was working on a merchant ship, was taken into custody along with 10 other crew members on charges of drug smuggling in Kenya. "It is a false case. My brother joined duty on an Iranian ship in 2013. In July 2014 the ship was supposed to sail to Sharjah, but it reached Kenya and soon after their arrival, they were arrested. At times he calls us and says things are very tough. There are seven Pakistanis, two Indians and one Iranian, all in jail," said Prabhul. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had taken up this case with the Centre, and with Modi travelling to Kenya on July 11 as part of his five-day tour of Africa, the family of Praveen is hoping that the visit will bring a good news for them. "We raised this issue with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and with Prime Minister Modi. We expect that Prime Minister's visit to Kenya can be a turning point for the release of Praveen," said an official attached to Chandy's office. The other Indian who is in jail is from Haryana. Nairobi, July 1 : At least six persons were killed and several others injured on Friday when Al-Shabaab ambushed two buses in Kenya's Mandera county near the Somalia border. The two buses were heading to Mandera town from Nairobi when the militants sprayed bullets on the buses in Elwak, Xinhua news agency reported. "Preliminary investigations indicate that at least six persons were killed and several others injured when suspected Al-Shabaab fighters attacked two passenger buses this morning. We will provide more details later," officials said. The latest incident comes after the authorities called on non-locals living in Mandera not to travel by a bus until the end of Ramadan due to security threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants. New Delhi, July 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a four-nation tour of Africa from July 7, it was announced on Friday. Modi will be visiting Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya from July 7 to 11, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here. The Prime Minister will first visit Mozambique on July 7, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Filipe Nyusi to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance development cooperation. Modi will be in South Africa on July 8 and 9 where he will have meetings with President Jacob Zuma and other senior leaders to further enhance India's historical relations with that country, according to Swarup. "With South Africa, we cooperate and work closely... also in multilateral fora like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa), G-20 and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China)," the Spokesperson said, adding that the Prime Minister was also scheduled to visit Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Modi will be Tanzania on July 10 and will have meetings with President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli "to further enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interest". On July 11, Prime Minister Modi will be in Kenya and have bilateral discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta. He will also address students in the University of Nairobi during the visit. "The visit of the Prime Minister to the African mainland reflects India's desire to further strengthen and reinvigorate bilateral ties with our African partners which were renewed at the successful IAFS-III (India Africa Forum Summit-III) in October last year," Swarup said. All 54 African nations attended the summit held in New Delhi. "The visit will provide opportunities to build on close contacts at the highest political level and enhance mutual cooperation and understanding on major issues of common interests," the Spokesperson added. Mumbai, July 1 : An Air India flight which arrived from Riyadh rammed into an aerobridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here on Friday afternoon, officials said. Official sources that when the incoming flight (AI 922 Riyadh-Mumbai) was being guided to the parking bay for discharging the approximately 330 passengers, it hit the aerobridge outside the international arrival hall. There were no casualties either among the operators, the ground staff and the passengers, but the left engine sustained minor damage and the Boeing 777-300 airplane has been towed away to a hangar for repairs. The incident sparked off a blame game between Air India and Mumbai International Airport Ltd with both pointing fingers at each other. The AI claimed that while parking the aircraft at the arrival bay, the MIAL displayed wrong information, which was not compatible with the particular model, and the left engine banged into the aerobridge. However, MIAL categorically denied this and said the aircraft was being guided to the parking bay by AI staff when it collided. New Delhi, July 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by cloudburst and heavy rain in Uttarakhand. "I am grieved by the loss of lives caused due to cloudburst and heavy rain in parts of Uttarakhand. Condolences to bereaved families," Modi said in a statement. "My prayers are with those injured. I hope normalcy returns to the rain-affected areas at the earliest," the Prime Minister said. At least seven people were killed following cloudburst and landslides as heavy rains lashed Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, officials said. "As many as 30 people have been trapped in the debris following landslides in Bastia village of Kanalichhina block in Pithoragarh district. Bodies of four persons have been recovered by the district administration team with the help of local people," a police official said. Beijing, July 1 : Taiwan on Friday "accidentally" fired a supersonic missile towards China as the ruling Communist Party celebrated its 95th birthday on the mainland. The "accidental launch" of the Hsiung Feng III supersonic anti-ship missile occurred at a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of Taiwan. "The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case," South China Morning Post quoted Taiwan's Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu as saying. Mei told a press conference that the navy had reported the incident to the island's Defence Ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. Mei clarified that the missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait. It meant that the missile could have landed in Fujian, a bordering province in China. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. "It did not cause any injury," Mei told a news conference after the navy headquarters clarified that the launch was accidental. The incident could ratchet up tensions between China and Taiwan after the China-sceptic Democratic Progressive Party leader Tsai Ing-Wen was voted to power in the island, which Beijing claims as its part. Bejing was infuriated when Tsai did not endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. On Friday, Taiwan found mention in the speech of Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. "We firmly oppose the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities," Xi said at Bejing's Great Hall of People. "More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form," he said. (Gaurav Sharma is Beijing-based correspondent of IANS. He can be reached at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com) Mumbai, July 1 : Shyamvar Rai, a prime accused-turned-approver in the Sheena Bora murder case, on Friday revealed that it was Sheena's mother Indrani Mukerjea who had pinned her down and strangulated her to death. In his confessional recorded before a magistrate, Rai added that at the time, he had gagged Sheena, while Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna had held the victim's hands and hair. The statement recorded last year before a magistrate under Criminal Procedure Code Section's 164 was handed over to all the other co-accused in the case and the sealed envelope was opened by the Special CBI Court following the Bombay High Court directives on Thursday. Rai further claimed that Indrani implicated him in the arms case by planting a gun on him shortly after Sheena's murder. He said that after the murder in April 2012, Indrani handed over a packet and three months' salary and asked him to go, and when he opened the packet he found a crude gun in it. He added that twice he attempted to dispose it off and was nabbed when he tried to do so the third time after he was spotted by some policemen. Police found the gun on him during a search and he was arrested in August 2015, and during interrogation, he blew the lid off the three-year old Sheena Bora murder case. Indrani's daughter by a previous relationship, Sheena was lured by her, Khanna and Rai, taken to a desolate location in the Raigad forests and murdered before her body was put in a suitcase and disposed in the jungles. Soon after Rai's arrest, Indrani was arrested, followed by her former husband Khann from Kolkata and after three months, former media baron and Indrani's husband, Peter Mukerjea was also arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The trio of Peter, Indrani and Khanna are in custody in various Mumbai jails while last month, Rai offered to become an approver and a prosecution witness in return for a pardon which was granted by the Special Court. On Thursday, Justice Sadhana Jadhav of Bombay High Court directed that Rai's confessional, recorded on November 16, 2015, be opened and handed over to all the other accused in the case. Kolkata, July 1 : The BJP on Friday warned of carrying out a sustained protest movement on the Indo-Bangladesh border and stop the Dhaka-Kolkata train if killings of Hindus in the neighbouring country did not stop. In the wake of a Hindu priest hacked to death in Bangladesh's Jhenaidah, the BJP led by its West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh, took out a rally in the city in protest against the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. "We have had a good relationship with Bangladesh so far but it will remain so as long as the Hindus there live a secured life. If the brutal killings continue we will start movements at the bordering areas of Benapole and Petropole. We will also stop the Maitree Express," Ghosh said at the rally. "The Maitree Express need not run if there is no Maitree (friendship)," said Ghosh adding that a state party delegation will talk to the central leadership for putting pressure on Bangladesh over the issue. BJP leaders also ridiculed the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist over their silence in the matter. "None of the political parties in Bengal are saying anything. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should immediately raise the matter with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," said party national secretary Rahul Sinha. New Delhi, July 1 : India will have to wait and see what evolves following Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), a senior official said here on Friday. "We have been following recent developments very closely," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said at a media briefing here. "We will have to wait and watch the relationship that will evolve between the United Kingdom and the European Union," he said. In a referendum on June 23, Britain voted to exit the 28-member bloc after being its member for over 40 years, a result that rattled the world's markets. While 51.9 per cent of the British people voted for the country to exit the EU, 48.1 per cent voted to remain. Following the result, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation. Swarup said India valued its "strong and multi-faceted relationship with the United Kingdom and the EU and we are committed to strengthening these ties further". He said that following the referendum result, the Indian high commission in London held a meeting with representatives of various sectors of Indian businesses in Britain to understand their reaction to the referendum's outcome. There are over 1.5 million people of Indian origin in Britain, including around 20,000 students. "Considering that the UK, the EU and the world at large are still trying to grapple with the understanding of the recent referendum, it is still too early to understand the implications of Brexit on Indian businesses, and students in the UK," the Spokesperson added. Ahmedabad, July 1 : The Gujarat High Court on Friday issued a stay on an order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide details of the MA degree of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had alleged that it was fake. A division bench of Chief Justice R. Subhash Reddy and Justice V.M. Pancholi also issued notices to Central Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu and Kejriwal. The university had earlier approached a single bench of Justice S.H. Vora on June 20 seeking a stay on the CIC order, but it later approached the division bench after it failed to get relief from the court. In its application, the Gujarat University has stated that it "is not a party to any of the proceeding before the Information Commission. Hence, the order of the CIC is adverse to the interest of the University". It further argued that the jurisdiction of CIC extended to the public authority under the Union Government while the university fell beyond its jurisdiction. So the order of CIC is "patently erroneous and requires to be quashed and set aside". The university's counsel also pointed out that Kejriwal's status as the Chief Minister had been kept in mind by the CIC while issuing the order and this was against the law. The varsity also claimed that "no notice of hearing has been served to it and the order is passed by CIC without hearing it. There is no application given by Kejriwal before the information officer of GU, nor is there any complaint made against the GU before the Information Commission, Gujarat". Citing the Right to Information (RTI) Act provisions, the varsity argued that Kejriwal had not sought any information directly from the university. Also the CIC was not an authority constituted under the RTI Act for the purpose of any information to be supplied by the varsity, it claimed. On April 29, the CIC had directed Delhi University and Gujarat University to provide information on degrees earned by Modi to Kejriwal, who had criticised the functioning of the transparency panel. The order came a day after he wrote a letter to Acharyulu questioning the impartiality of the functioning of the commission. The Aam Aadmi Party chiefhad stated that when he did not object to government records about him being made public why should the commission want to "hide" information on Modi's educational degree. The Information Commissioner had treated Kejriwal's letter as an RTI application and passed the order. Seeking to put an end to the controversy, the Gujarat University, from where Modi had taken his MA (external) degree in 1981, had in May put his original marks sheet in the public domain. According to the scanned copies of Modi's marksheet, he scored a total of 499 marks - 237 marks in MA Part I and 262 in May Part II - out of 800. New Delhi, July 1 : India and Pakistan on Friday exchanged lists of prisoners, including civil prisoners and fishermen, lodged in jails of either country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the lists were handed over simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad through diplomatic channels. While India's list contained names of 505 prisoners, including 372 civilians and 133 fishermen, Pakistan has 518 names, including 55 civilians and 463 fishermen. The handing over of the lists is in line with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India signed on May 21, 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year on January 1 and July 1. "India remains committed to addressing on priority with Pakistan humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country," Swarup said. "In this context, we await confirmation of nationality of those from Pakistan who are otherwise eligible for release and repatriation consular access to those Indian nationals in Pakistan's custody for whom it has so far not been provided," he added. Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are often arrested for transgressing into each other's maritime areas since the Arabian Sea border is not clearly defined and many boats lack the technology to fix their precise location. New Delhi, July 1 : Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, along with ace filmmakers Ketan Mehta, Jahnu Barua and Sudhir Mishra, on Friday inaugurated the 7th Jagran Film Festival, which, aiming at showcasing films of "cinematic brilliance" from around the world, will travel to 16 cities aross India and will screen over 400 films. Also present at the inaugural ceremony were composer Sandesh Shandilya, film editor Ballu Saluja and cinematographer Avinash Arun among others. The seven edition of the festival kick-started with the back-to-back screening of Mehta's award winning short film "Toba Tek Singh" and Pakistani filmmaker Sabiha Sumar's "Chotay Shah". Featuring Pankaj Kapur and Vinay Pathak in the lead, "Toba Tek Singh is based on late author Saadat Hassan Manto's short story of the same name. "Chotay Shah", on other hand, stars Pakistani actors Adnan Jaffar and Maira Khan in the lead. The festival will witness a retrospective on Naseeruddin Shah's five acclaimed films including "Waiting", "Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai" and "Monsoon Wedding". It will also pay tribute to veteran filmmaker-actor V. Shantaram in a special section. The five-day Delhi leg of the film festival, which is talking place here at the Sri Fort Auditorium, will showcase 105 films including "Paanch", "Waiting", "Aligarh", "Natsamrat", "Talvar", "Sarbjit", "Airlift", "Nil Battey Sannata", "Neerja". Some of the films from different countries across the world that will be screened this year include "Monsoon Wedding" (US), "Zoe" (Spain), "Oedipus King" (Argentina), "Utopia, An Adult's Fairy Tale" (Greece), "Hear The Silence" (Germany) and "The Surprise (Italy) among others. About the criteria for films selected this year, Manoj Srivastava, Strategic Consult of Jagran Film Festival, told IANS: "The criteria was cinematic brilliance of the films. The film must have something that impresses you visually. We didn't necessarily go for big films. We just tried selecting good films. "Overall in about 100 days we witnessed one lakh footfalls last year. The constant objective of this festival is to promote appreciation of the cinematic art in the cities where bigger international film festivals cannot reach." After its Delhi leg, which will conclude on July 5, the festival will travel to different cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varansi, Agra, Meerut, Dehradun, Hisar, Ludhiana, Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Raipur, Indore, and Bhopal. The final leg of the festival will take place in Mumbai. Srinagar, July 1 : Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were injured on Friday evening in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district when guerrillas attacked their camp, police said. The attack came as even Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is in the state to review security. "Militants hurled grenades and then resorted to firing at the CRPF camp in Litter village of Pulwama district in the evening," a senior police officer told IANS here. "Guards at the camp retaliated to the militant firing after which the militants escaped under the cover of darkness. "Three CRPF jawans have sustained splinter injuries in this attack. They are being shifted to hospital for treatment," said the officer, adding that the area around the camp has been cordoned off for searches. Damascus, July 1 : Rebels Jaish al-Islam executed a Syrian pilot whose warplane crashed east of the capital Damascus on Friday, according to the rebel group. Jaish al-Islam captured the pilot after his war jet crashed earlier on Friday over the town of Jairud in the Qalamoun region east of Damascus, Xinhua news agency reported. At first, the group posted online photos showing the young pilot alive in captivity. Hours later, the radical group posted a photo showing the pilot laid face down, with blood trickling out of his mouth, while the back of his head was blurred in the photo. However, it appeared that he was shot in the back of head. The General Command of the Syrian Army said the warplane crashed over a rebel-held area as a result of a malfunction. The pilot ejected safely, but was captured by rebels. It confirmed the death of its pilot by the hand of Jaish al-Islam rebels. "This heinous crime will not pass without a tough retaliation, as the army will continue to strike the terrorist positions across the country," said the military statement. Dhaka, July 2 : Two persons -- an Italian and an Argentinian -- were killed after a number of gunmen, said to be eight to nine, attacked a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital late Friday and reportedly took 20 hostages. At least four injured police officials were injured after police exchanged fire with the gunmen attacked the restaurant popular with foreigners. DMP Additional Commissioner Sheikh Maruf Hasan confirmed that one of the policeman injured during fire exchange was dead. He said the officer was declared dead by doctors at United Hospital in Gulshan. "Banani Police Station officer in-charge Md Salauddin has died from injuries he received in an attack by gunmen on a restaurant at Dhaka's diplomatic zone Gulshan," a report in bdnews24.com said. Security forces have not yet entered the premisis of the restaurant, known as the Holy Artisan Bakery but are planning a rescue operation shortly, Bangladeshi news website RT.com reported late Friday. "Bangladesh plans to start operation soon to rescue hostages from Dhaka restaurant, held by 8-9 gunmen," a police officer was quoted as saying. No group has taken the responsibility of the attack yet. Dhaka, July 2 : Terrorist group Islamic State (IS) has claimed the responsibility of the attack at a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital late Friday in which a number of gunmen, said to be eight to nine, reportedly took several hostages. IS-affiliated wire Amaq Agency said IS is behind the ongoing Bangladesh attack. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent Fazle-e-Elahi confirmed that four police officers have died and the gunmen are holding approximately 40 hostages. US President Barack Obama has been briefed on the hostage situation in Dhaka, White House officials said. Police have reportedly asked the media to stop live reporting of events unfolding while they attempt to negotiate with gunmen to release hostages. "We are trying to talk to the attackers, we want to listen to them about what they want," Police said. Chief of the Rapid Action Battalion, Benjir Ahmed said "derailed youths" entered the restaurant and launched the attack. "One of the attackers was armed with a sword, the others carried guns," an employee of a nearby cafA told RT. Some witnesses said they heard shooting noise and bomb blasts. At least four police officials were injured earlier after police exchanged fire with the gunmen attacked the restaurant popular with foreigners. Security forces have not yet entered the premisis of the restaurant, known as the Holy Artisan Bakery but are planning a rescue operation shortly. "Bangladesh plans to start operation soon to rescue hostages from Dhaka restaurant, held by 8-9 gunmen," a police officer was quoted as saying. Walter Wijnands Our world-class technology combined with the incredible talent and passion of the Sposea team provide us with a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Price Optimization & Management market for SAP. SPOSEA B.V., a privately held company and software innovator in the Price Optimization & Management market, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Mr. Walter Wijnands as chief executive officer and member of the board of directors, effective July 1st, 2016. Mr. Wijnands succeeds Mr. Anjo De Heus, founder of Sposea B.V., who has stepped up as president and chairman of the board and who will focus on overall strategy, vision and global growth, whereas Mr. Wijnands will lead the company on a daily basis. Operational leadership succession planning has been a priority since we started to grow the company and we felt that Walter's expertise and proven leadership in the SAP industry make this an ideal time for him to become CEO of the company, said Anjo De Heus, President/ Founder and Chairman of Sposea's board of directors. The board looks forward to work with Walter and the rest of the senior management team to build on the companys momentum. Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Wijnands said, I am very honored to have the opportunity to join Sposea during this important time of rapid growth and success. Our world-class technology combined with the incredible talent and passion of the Sposea team provide us with a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Price Optimization & Management market. I look forward to expanding on the strong foundation we have built under Anjo's leadership. With his vision and guidance we will continue to develop industry-leading pricing management products for a diverse set of markets to drive sustainable and profitable growth. Since its inception, Sposea has made significant progress in financial and operational performance, offering out of the box solutions for Price Optimization & Dealmanagement for SAP without lengthy consultancy projects, which is common with the competition and very frustrating for their customers. Sposea from day one, has started to dissolve the myth of complexity in the Pricing Optimization & Management market by offering functionality and transparency out of the box. Solutions cover Customer Pricing Quotations (CPQ) for SAP, Price Optimization & Management for SAP, and Purchase Analysis for SAP. The Sposea solutions are cross industry and able to manage the buy as well as sell side of the business. Anjo De Heus stated, I am grateful to have the opportunity to extend the management team with a seasoned business leader Walter is, and am sure that together with our talented team we will even grow faster then ever. I am more then proud of what we have accomplished so far and our ability to hire top talent to take the company to the next level. For information on SPOSEA, please visit us at http://www.sposea.com or info(at)sposea(dot)com About SPOSEA B.V. Driving profitability by SIMPLIFYING SAP Price Data Optimization, Management & Execution. Enabling the SAP ecosystem with enterprise-wide Price Management, increasing margins through optimized prices. With its family of products, BrightPrice Optimizer, BrightPrice Manager and BrightPrice Dealmanager, SPOSEA provides its customers with out of the box solutions for effectively managing Pricing in SAP. Sposea B.V., headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and offices in San Francisco, California and Walldorf, Germany. In its July edition, District Administration magazine has honored 24 more school districts as Districts of Distinction. This is the sixth round of honorees in this national recognition program, which began in November 2014. Districts of Distinction was created by District Administration magazine to honor school districts that are leading the way with new ideas that work. Honorees were selected based on the quantifiable results and replicability of their initiatives. The July 2016 Districts of Distinction honorees were selected by the magazines editors from numerous nominations. The 24 school systems honored in this round of Districts of Distinction, from 16 states, have launched programs that range from partnering with outside organizations for career training to providing healthy breakfasts in classrooms to facilitate learning. For example, high school juniors and seniors in Lees Summit R-7 School District in Missouri participate in the Missouri Innovation Campus, which offers practical instruction in technology-related fields followed by internships with local businesses. Compton Unified School District in California partners with nearby California State University, Dominguez Hills for Project Reach in which college students serve as reading tutors for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. And in New Jersey, students with special needs at Henry Hudson Regional School find comfort, support and, ultimately, success, thanks to Hudson, a certified service dog. What distinguishes these districts is developing exemplary ways to support students in the educational process beyond traditional classroom lessons, says JD Solomon, editorial director at District Administration magazine. We hope our readers are inspired by the innovation of these honorees to create successful initiatives in their own districts. To view a full list of honorees and to learn how to apply for future rounds of Districts of Distinction, visit http://www.districtadministration.com/dod. About District Administration District Administration provides K12 leaders with critical news and information for school district management, through its monthly magazine, website, e-newsletters and the District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendent Summits. For more information, visit http://www.districtadministration.com. Contact: Ray Bendici Special Projects Editor District Administration magazine rbendici(at)promediagrp(dot)com I grew up enjoying zpizza, so naturally I am excited to get in the kitchen with Sid and create something extraordinary for their milestone year. - Gaby Dalkin, chef, author and blogger at Whats Gaby Cooking. 2016 marks a milestone anniversary for zpizza as the first artisan-inspired pizza chain turns 30. In celebration of the anniversary, zpizza has partnered with Gaby Dalkin of acclaimed California cooking blog, Whats Gaby Cooking, to develop a limited-edition pizza to debut in zpizza restaurants this fall. For 30 years, weve been proud to offer our customers fresh, innovative dishes that celebrate better-for-you ingredients, said Chris Bright, CEO, zpizza. We are thrilled to continue our tradition of creativity and craftsmanship by partnering with Gaby to create a pizza that honors our 30 award-winning years in a delicious way. zpizza founder Sid Faranof leads food innovation for the brand and will work with Dalkin to create a new pizza that will be available at zpizzas 73 restaurants across the country. Developing healthy, California-inspired recipes is my passion, said Gaby Dalkin, chef, author and blogger at Whats Gaby Cooking. I grew up enjoying zpizza, so naturally I am excited to get in the kitchen with Sid and create something extraordinary for their milestone year. Since zpizza opened its doors in 1986, the brand has led the industry with many firsts, including being the first chain to offer organic tomato sauce, Veggie crumbles, gluten-free pizza and nitrate-free pepperoni. In August 2015, zpizza debuted its first self-pour Tap Room in Los Angeles and has since expanded the concept to six U.S. markets. zpizzas hand-crafted artisan dishes are kid-friendly and parent approved, made with premium ingredients, including fresh produce, award winning skim mozzarella from grass-fed Wisconsin cows, certified organic tomato sauce, MSG-free pepperoni with no added nitrites or preservatives and 100 percent all-natural, and non-GMO flour. zpizza offers the choice of delivery, dine-in, take-out and catering, in addition to an easy online ordering system so patrons can customize orders with ease from the comfort of their homes. For those looking for special discounts and offers year round, the new restaurant also offers zTribe membership. ABOUT ZPIZZA Founded in 1986 in the heart of an art colony in Laguna Beach, CA, zpizza is the first artisan inspired pizza chain that appeals to traditional pizza lovers, health-conscious consumers and gourmet palates alike with its artisan brick oven baked pizzas, shareables, signature salads and sandwiches. For more information on zpizza and store locations, visit http://www.zpizza.com U.S. independent label Wampus Multimedia introduces 'The Mayor of Estes Park,' the label debut album from North Carolina-based songwriter Gilbert Neal. Neal's eclecticism might suggest a changeling, or a dilettante, or maybe a jack of all trades and master of none. But he is more curious than distracted, more inquisitive than restless. In his mastery of rock, funk, folk, blues, jazz, and even musical theatre, he embodies the modern pop artist: an intrepid tourist of styles. After releasing four albums independently, Neal created 'The Mayor of Estes Park' by raising every bar from songwriting to performance to arrangements. From the existential funk of Gods Board Game to the plaintive wit of Four Chords to the loopy joy of I Had a Girl, he grabs with hooks and grooves, pranks and koans. Swinging from the mainstream to the fringe, he is earnestly sincere one minute and brutally sardonic the next. The Beatles were my first and most powerful influence, he says. I dont think saying that you love the Beatles is sufficient. I think its almost cellular. As the years went by, my influences included artists like Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, ELO, Stevie Wonder, and Steely Dan. And being a bassist for a local theater sparked my love of the form mastered by Sondheim. Neal sees himself as a dyed-in-the-wool solo artist. I have tried to be in bands and tried to treat them like democracies, and I guess Im just not made for that sort of thing, he says. When I got done with my last democracy, I just wanted to chuck everything. That lasted about two years. And then my first solo album came out, which was more or less a purging of demons All my albums touch on religion, sex, age, and hope, he says. I treat them all like musicals. 'The Mayor of Estes Park' joins a Wampus Multimedia roster that includes recent and imminent releases from tvfordogs, Uncle Green, Waterslide, Big Bus Dream, Aux.78, The Crowd Scene, Arms of Kismet, the matthew show, The May Bees, Johnny J Blair, and Kowtow Popof, as well as popular tributes to Jonathan Richman, Lou Reed, and Warren Zevon. Wampus Multimedia is an independent media label run by artists, for artists. Its credo is simple: to introduce the world to bold content rendered by unique artists. It is home to a growing roster from a variety of genres, including pop, AAA, Americana, alternative, ambient, blues, and folk. 'The Mayor of Estes Park' is available at Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Bandcamp, and many other outlets. Gilbert Neal http://gilbertneal.com Wampus Multimedia http://wampus.com For the second year in a row, LiveAdmins DMCC has formed a partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to provide Live Chat Support for GITEX 2016. The five day event is to be held in Dubai from October 16th to 20th. Attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world, GITEX is the largest IT event in the Middle East with some of the biggest companies showcasing the latest in technology. Hamza Nasir, Director Strategic Relations at LiveAdmins DMCC says, We are immensely proud to have partnered with DWTC to help enhance online visitor experience and exhibit our products and services at the largest technology exhibition in the region. We believe customer experience is everything and this is reflective in all our products and services. LiveAdmins will provide multilingual support to online visitors on the GITEX website before and during the event. Dedicated chat agents will be offering round the clock assistance to online visitors, helping them with registrations and answering all their questions. Participating in the event, LiveAdmins will be offering Live Chat Demo sessions, showcasing software features such as Audio/Video Chat to the audience and presenting the latest products Involve and Handover. CustomerService.ae, a project of LiveAdmins DMCC will also be presenting the latest DIY Customer Service Training Games at the event. For more information about the event, visit http://www.customerservice.ae/the-live-chat-people-at-gitex-2016 About LiveAdmins LiveAdmins is a leader in providing multilingual live chat solutions and services that enrich online visitor experience, customer satisfaction and the bottom line of businesses of all sizes. Our solutions are fully customizable, easy to set-up and always online, catering to over 10 industries across 8 time zones. USHEALTH was named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award in the Company of the Year, Insurance category in The 14th Annual American Business Awards presented at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 20th. More than 3,400 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Startup of the Year, Executive of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Live Event of the Year, and App of the Year, among others. USHEALTH Group, Inc. won the Gold Stevie for Company of the Year, Insurance. In addition, its wholly owned subsidiary USHEALTH Advisors L.L.C. won a Silver Stevie Award for Most Innovative Company of the Year. Bill Shelton, Senior Vice President of Marketing accepted the Gold and Silver Stevie Awards on behalf of the company stating The Stevie Awards are the premier business awards, worldwide. These honors serve as a testament to the strength of our business and to our independently contracted career agents who are delivering innovative insurance solutions to our customers all across America. USHEALTH Group, Inc. President and CEO Troy McQuagge added This honor belongs to every employee and every dedicated career agent who has made USHEALTH their professional home. I am proud to be associated with such remarkable people and such a world-class organization. More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this years Stevie Award winners. The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries we received this year. The competition was intense and every organization that has won should be proud, said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2016 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. About USHEALTH Advisors, L.L.C. USHEALTH Advisors is the wholly-owned national health insurance distribution arm of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company sells individual health coverage and supplementary products underwritten by The Freedom Life Insurance Company of America and National Foundation Life Insurance Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company is focused on serving Americas self-employed, small business and individual insurance market through its captive Agent sales force. USHEALTH Advisors has won fourteen Stevie Awards since 2012. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. I am excited to join the team and look forward to helping to grow Worldwide Facilities very relevant energy practice, says Begnaud. Matthew Begnaud brings over 10 years of industry experience to Worldwide Facilities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Before joining Worldwide Facilities, Begnaud served as Vice President of a managing general underwriter focused on providing unique solutions to the marine and energy industries. While there, he developed specialized expertise in primary, control of well, property, and excess casualty for the upstream energy sector. In his new position with Worldwide Facilities, Begnaud plans to leverage his significant market contacts and experience to expand the offices offerings and capabilities for oil and gas clients. I am excited to join the team and look forward to helping to grow Worldwide Facilities very relevant energy practice, says Begnaud. We are thrilled that Matthew Begnaud has joined our Worldwide Facilities energy team, adds Rick Burns, Senior Vice President at Worldwide Facilities Houston. His unique skill set will allow us to better serve our clients and help us to continue expanding our energy product offerings. Contact: Matthew Begnaud Senior Vice President Direct Dial: (832) 319-6767 Cell: (337) 962-5050 mbegnaud(at)wwfi(dot)com About Worldwide Facilities, LLC Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas. Infused with good karma, every bottle of GIVN Water sold funds one day of clean water for a person in need. GIVN Water turns everyday purchases into meaningful good, John Houseal, GIVN Waters vice president of operations, said. Just like with TOMS shoes, you buy one and you give one, making GIVN Water the premium bottled water you can feel good about drinking. We take pride in our local roots and strive to sell fresh, local products, said Mike Withers, Jewel-Osco president. Were excited to offer a Midwestern product like GIVN Water that aims to help others, and a product that our customers can feel good about. Jewel-Osco is based in Itasca, Ill., operating 185 stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Available in single-serve 700-milliliter and 1-liter bottles at Jewel-Osco and competitively priced with other premium bottled water brands, GIVN Water is bottled at the source from protected natural springs near the Nicolet National Forest, WI and the Blue Ridge Mountains, TN. It is naturally alkaline with high levels of naturally occurring electrolytes and zero additives. GIVN Water launched ten months ago, and Jewel-Osco is its first major retail partner. We are thrilled to have Jewel-Osco as a retail partner, Houseal said. With their support we will bring more than 1 million days of clean water to people in need and spread good karma throughout Chicagoland. ABOUT GIVN WATER: Customers in 28 states drink GIVN Water, and the premium bottled spring water will soon be available in about 300 retail locations in and around Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, as well as on Amazon.com. To date GIVN Water customers have funded more than 500,000 days of clean water to people in need throughout the world via the companys partnerships with nonprofits like WaterIsBasic.org. Visit givnwater.com for more information. # # # GIVN Water is a registered trademark of GIVN Goods Inc. Fortified LASIK by Dr. Brian This year, LASIK celebrates its 25th year anniversary, marking over two and a half decades since the groundbreaking corrective procedure was developed by Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris of Greece and Dr. Lucio Burrato of Italy. This June Brian Boxer Wachler, MD of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute will be speaking at multiple conferences on LASIK including one meeting in Europe that commemorates the 25th Anniversary of LASIK. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, regarded as an innovator in the field of vision correction, has paved the way in the field of refractive eye surgery and keratoconus for nearly two decades. He has pioneered surgical techniques and guidelines that have become industry standard. He was the Director of the UCLA Laser Refractive Center at the Jules Stein Eye Institute for many years and is Board-Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Brian produced and directed an entertaining film Behind the Lens about doing live eye surgery in front of millions of people on NBCs Today Show. He is also the author of the LASIK Consumer Report, one of the most detailed and widely consulted consumer publications in the field, read by over 73,000 people. And still 20 years later, Dr. Brian continues to make strides in the field of LASIK. Dr. Brian acknowledges how far LASIK has come over the past 25 years. The first generation of LASIK was designed in 1991 to reshape the cornea and has since become one of the most common procedures done today with more than 28 million people worldwide who have had LASIK. Today, LASIK has some of the highest success rates of any surgical procedure in medicine. Since becoming FDA approved, LASIK has become a widely accepted mainstream procedure that many people nowadays plan to have after age 18 in a similar way as they would plan to get orthodontic braces or any similar corrective techniques. And incredibly, LASIK has stood the test of time. As LASIK continues as one of the most mainstream and common procedures, the future of LASIK looks bright. The technology has continued to advance with recovery times are down to typically a day and actual surgery taking typically only 7 minutes on each eye. Advances like Fortified LASIK, a proprietary procedure invented by Dr. Brian that combines LASIK and accelerated Holcomb C3-R crosslinking, continue to be made. Fortified LASIK reinforces and strengthens the cornea to help reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and complications. Any procedure evolves over the years as advances are made to it by doctors around the world. LASIK is no different and it has been an honor to have helped with that evolution alongside my colleagues. The CX@Rutgers Certificate program prepares professionals to determine, develop & deliver differentiating customer experiences to increase ROI and competitiveness. "We are excited to bring back this innovative program and have seen it to be a valuable option for professionals who wish to expand their skill-set in the areas of customer experience." The Rutgers Center for Innovation Education is pleased to announce that it will be running its unique Customer Experience Certificate Program, CX@Rutgers again this fall, following a highly successful first cohort in April 2016. Working professionals will now have the option of selecting from two program formats a 4-day in-person immersion program running from November 7th to 10th, or the new 8-week online program that is being offered for the first time starting on September 20th. This CX-focused noncredit certificate program was developed in conjunction with zSchool, and allows participants to apply principles and techniques that drive: Benefit from an interdisciplinary approach the curriculum is designed to engage teams to work together to solve problems from across different disciplines Experience hands-on learning the CX@Rutgers faculty leads participants to solve real world problems and use Gain practical, job-ready skills and knowledge that allows participants to manage teams to learn how to gain customer insights and turn ideas into action Leave with a professional CX Portfolio from their capstone project, in which working professionals apply the learnings of the program towards a real world problem The CX@Rutgers Certificate program places working professionals in small teams to solve real world problems with experienced subject matter experts helping guide them along the way. The only program of its type in the country, the certificate consists of 8 modules, specifically designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled customer experience professionals in the United States. Developed using the unique zSchool approach, program participants participate in role playing and simulations, while also working on a project of their choosing to apply the learnings throughout the organization. "Following the success of our first Customer Experience Certificate Program, Rutgers is excited to be expanding the program to allow more individuals who dont necessarily have a customer experience background or technical knowledge to gain critical skills," said Stephen Carter, Director of the Center for Innovation Education at Rutgers University. "Students acquire authentic experience in as little as four days, regardless of their background or functional role. The new online format will also allow individuals to expand their education while working. One of the unique aspects of the university certificate program is the close mentoring provided to students by faculty members. Faculty members are chosen based on their ability to engage and inspire so that students can apply their learnings back at their organizations. Program participants also receive a complimentary Apple Watch, along with Learning App, offering an engaging way for participants to interact with each other and the faculty. Stephen Carter said, "We are excited to bring back this innovative program and have seen it to be a valuable option for professionals who wish to expand their skill-set in the areas of customer experience. As firms create new Customer Experience divisions, the job market is indicating a need for more CX Professionals for the foreseeable future. We are responding to this growing demand for employees who can make sense of this new ecosystem in New Jersey and beyond." For more information about the CX@Rutgers certificate program, visit http://bit.ly/CXatRutgers. The Rutgers Customer Experience Certificate is offered as either an in-person course or the new 8 week online program, allowing individuals to choose the format that best fits their learning style. Online information sessions are taking place in July, August and September, and can be registered for at http://bit.ly/CXatRutgersWebinar. Individuals who register for either of the programs by August 1st receive a 10% discount off the program fee. Breakout Capital provides simple, straightforward working capital solutions for small businesses. In addition to becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the market, Breakout Capital is a leading advocate for small business, fighting for improved transparency and the adoption of best practices by alternative capital providers. Breakout Capitals Founder & CEO, Carl Fairbank, has been recognized in the 2016 Trending 40s list of D.C.s top entrepreneurs under 40 years old. Washington, D.C. has become a hotbed of entrepreneurship and the list recognizes many great young entrepreneurs who built innovative companies in the area that have made a significant contribution to their industry and the region. Founded in May 2015, Breakout Capital is a technology-enabled direct lender that provides simple, straightforward working capital solutions to small businesses. Under Fairbanks leadership, Breakout Capital has achieved significant growth, already providing nearly $10 million of working capital to hundreds of small businesses across the country. I am honored to be included with this impressive set of entrepreneurs in the 2016 Trending 40 under 40, stated Fairbank. However, I view this as well-deserved recognition for every member of our team at Breakout Capital, and what we have collectively built in a short amount of time. We entered the rapidly growing small business finance market with the fundamental belief that, through product innovation, suitability tests, sophisticated analytics, and an unwavering dedication to doing the right thing, we could offer small businesses a better, more transparent, and more affordable working capital solution. This further validates our companys business model and vision to improve access to affordable working capital for under-banked small businesses across the country. In addition to becoming one of the fastest growing companies in the market, Breakout Capital is a leading advocate for small business. Breakout Capital has produced a highly regarded educational series through its blog, Breakout Bites, that helps small businesses better understand the alternative lending market and how to avoid the hidden fees and debt traps that are too prevalent with many of its competitors in the market. Fairbank is an active thought leader on Capitol Hill, advocating for improved transparency and the adoption of best practices by alternative capital providers throughout the market. Breakout Capital has taken a public stance in support of Federal regulation to eradicate bad practices and create a single regulatory framework to institute industry-wide transparency and clear product and cost disclosure. Breakout Capital is a steering member of the Coalition for Responsible Business Finance (CRBF), a group of lenders, small business organizations, and small business advocacy groups that aims to bolster the trust and credibility of the industry through responsible business practices while ensuring that alternative products and services meet the needs of America's small business community. To learn more about Breakout Capital and the CRBF visit breakoutfinance.com or responsiblefinance.com . Breakout Capital, headquartered in McLean, VA., is a small business funding company providing a wide range of working capital solutions to small businesses across the country. Breakout Capitals product suite includes small business loans, business cash advances, SBA loans, and a wide range of factoring solutions. Leveraging the management teams extensive experience, Breakout Capital provides each small business client with an innovative, tailored funding solution. With a laser focus on honesty, integrity, transparency, and flexibility, Breakout Capital is changing the financial landscape for the millions of small businesses in need of funding. For more information, visit http://www.breakoutfinance.com. We look forward to John being an important part of our national financial services team" says Privett. DeRose has extensive expertise as both a retail and wholesale broker. Prior to joining Worldwide Facilities, he worked on several large books of business at Aon, Wachovia and Arthur J. Gallagher. John has sixteen years of experience implementing best practices and standards to his specialty, says Don Privett, Executive Vice President at Worldwide Facilities. We look forward to John being an important part of our national financial services team. Johns expertise in handling many complicated risks as a retail broker will be an asset for our clients. Our New York office continues to grow, and adding John is part of a long-term plan to attract top-notch talent. I am excited to join the outstanding group of professionals at Worldwide Facilities, adds DeRose. I relish the opportunity to be part of the highly-regarded Worldwide Facilities Financial Services team. Contact: John DeRose Vice President Direct: (212) 542-2428 Cell: (201) 981-8060 jderose(at)wwfi(dot)com About Worldwide Facilities, LLC Worldwide Facilities is a national wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent that has been in business since 1970. Our seasoned brokers and underwriters are industry leaders in providing expertise in a wide range of specialty lines, and offer extensive contacts with carriers domestically and overseas. Harbor House is the premier pet-friendly apartment community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our staff and residents are excited to support this incredible organization that benefits homeless animals. Harbor House announces its sponsorship and participation with the Wag and Run 5k road race. This event supports the Humane Society of Huron Valley, a non-profit animal shelter which serves the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. Amanda Mills, manager for Harbor House said, Harbor House is the premier pet-friendly apartment community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our staff and residents are excited to support this incredible organization that benefits homeless animals. The Wag and Run 5K is one of many pet friendly programs that Harbor House supports. Harbor House is a pet friendly apartment community which includes a pet park and obstacle course where events are hosted for residents to socialize with their animals and neighbors. Mills added, Sponsoring and participating in the Wag and Run 5k event is great for us. We are able to support a good cause while meeting other animal lovers in Ann Arbor. For more information on Harbor House Apartments, please visit: http://www.harborhouseapts.com. For more information on the Humane Society of Huron Valley, please visit http://www.hshv.org. ### A nonprofit with nearly 50 years service in the community. Rental counseling is a win-win for everyone. The more knowledgeable clients are, the better chance they have to succeed as tenants -- and possibly as homeowners down the road. -- Tom Simonton, Director of Housing and Community Development Safe and affordable housing is a basic human need. But fulfilling this need isnt always easy, especially for families who live on a tight budget or paycheck-to-paycheck. Of the low-income Americans who rent, more than 60 percent spend over half of their gross income on housing. When these families face rent increases or experience financial setbacks, they may fall behind and face eviction. To avoid this stressful situation, nonprofit Guidewell Financial Solutions has launched a rental counseling initiative. The purpose for the program is to help renters learn to budget, save, and to know their rights and responsibilities, so they are more likely to succeed. Director of Housing and Community Development Tom Simonton says, We strive to provide clients with a practical understanding of how their cash flow and money management are essential to their financial and overall well-being. And educated renters are likely to make much better tenants. Almost 40 percent of Americans currently rent. Young people just starting out, empty nesters, immigrants, and seniors looking to downsize are all prime rental candidates. Effective rental counseling provides these clients with budgeting and saving strategies to help them stretch their household finances farther. Good personal finance habits and informed decision-making also offer an economic gateway, preparing some for future homeownership. How Rental Counseling Works Simonton says Guidewell Financials rental counseling initiative includes many of the same components found in its homeownership program. He says both rely on a holistic approach. In either case, we begin with a comprehensive assessment. Where does the client stand financially? All income and debts are accounted for as well as the clients current spending plan. Where things go from there depends on the clients situation and personal goals. Clients work with their certified counselors to create a realistic and manageable budget and detailed Action Plan. These tools provide clients with a step-to-step guide for reaching their goals or dealing with any rental issue they may encounter. For clients who hope to afford a nicer apartment or transition to homeownership, saving and credit building may be primary goals. The counselor helps the client carefully track where his/her money is going, reduce expenses, and consider savings options, such as opening a monthly direct savings account. Together they may also access and review the clients credit report and discuss strategies for developing or improving credit. During counseling, clients receive important information about their rental rights and responsibilities. Those faced with a housing crisis such as individuals and families at risk of eviction - are provided additional referrals and resources. Simonton says, In a situation like this, we begin by determining how close a client is to eviction or utility cut off. Once thats clear, we can provide assistance by leveraging our partnerships with local legal services, mediators, and utility representatives. How to Get Help Guidewell Financials recently began a place-based partnership with University of Maryland, Baltimore to help local West Baltimore residents gain financial literacy and essential housing skills. As part of this effort, the agency has a certified housing counselor on site at UMB's Center for Community Engagement (1 N. Poppleton Street, Baltimore, MD) every Wednesday from 10 AM 6 PM. Simonton says, Approximately 75 percent of the people we see at the CEC come in for rental counseling. Drop-in visits are welcome. Our goal is to make help as accessible as possible for these residents and become a part of their neighborhood. Rental counseling is also available at Guidewell Financials other local offices in Maryland and Delaware and by phone. To make an appointment, call 1-866-731-8486. To learn about the agencys many other services, visit its website at guidewellfs.org. Simonton says, Rental counseling is a win-win for everyone. The more knowledgeable clients are, the better chance they have to succeed as tenants -- and possibly as homeowners down the road. Landlords and the community also benefit, because financially informed tenants are more likely to stay on track and avoid late payment or default. About Guidewell Financial Solutions Guidewell Financial Solutions (also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc.) is an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that helps stabilize communities by creating hope and promoting economic self-sufficiency to individuals and families through financial education and counseling. Maryland License #14-01 / Delaware License #07-01 ApexIDX Broker Edition Agent Gallery Our ApexIDX- Broker Edition plugin will increase user engagement on company websites by providing an intuitive and entertaining homes search and lead capture system. RealtyTech Inc., a Thousand Oaks, CA Software and Marketing Corporation, announce the launch of ApexIDX- Broker Edition Wordpress plugin, for real estate company websites in Southern California and the Miami Florida area. ApexIDX- Broker Edition is a turnkey home search for WordPress designed from the ground up to be easy to install and integrate on any real estate company website, both Word Press and non-Wordpress websites. Regardless if the Company has or wants any kind of website, the ApexIDX- Broker Edition will integrate 100% with fully Google search engine Indexable listings. This means the Company sites listings will be placed live on Google. This is not true with standard IDX search systems. "We believe this is the most advanced and feature rich WordPress IDX plugin currently available on the market," said Richard Uzelac, CEO of RealtyTech. Our ApexIDX- Broker Edition plugin will increase user engagement on company websites by providing an intuitive and entertaining homes search and lead capture system. ApexIDX- Broker Edition is a full-featured turnkey solution for real estate companies. All listings are SEO friendly and fully indexable for Google placement. The IDX administration system is simple with a beautiful WYSIWYG interface, which simply means its simple for clients to modify to their exact needs. Very little customization will be needed due to the high number of widgets incorporated with ApexIDX- Broker Edition. Key New Features: Advanced Agent Gallery with Agent Pages with their Live and Sold listings auto-populated. Google Indexable Listings for ALL Property Listings in the MLS New Featured Home Display Options Testimonials animated widget We are extremely proud of how easy it is to install ApexIDX- Broker Edition and integrate our advanced widgets and pages on WordPress websites and any other type of website as well, said Lance Grove, RealtyTech Senior Account Executive. Our ApexIDX- Broker Edition solution offers a solid usable setup right out of the box and is still easily customized to fit each companys specific needs. About RealtyTech Inc. RealtyTech Inc. is a Thousand Oaks, CA-based Company that gives real estate professionals the tools necessary to stand out and succeed in todays online marketplace combined with solution minded, live California-based customer service. We have over 15 years of online real estate marketing expertise and have spent over 10 years of that experience offering Agent and Office websites, IDX Home Searches and Internet Marketing. For more information, please call (877) 832-4428 or visit http://www.RealtyTech.com "Tukatech offers one of the most powerful CAD solution on the market." Tukatech, Inc. proudly announces the introduction of TUKAcad, pattern making grading and marker software, and TUKA3D, 3D fashion design and development software, at Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, the largest European education center in textile and clothing for education and research. With a history of 100 years and over 1700 students, Niederrhein provides a wide range of Bachelors and Masters programs, creating opportunities for its attendees to work in Germany and abroad. Professor Dr. Ing. Dipl. Ing. Michael Ernst has been the lead coordinator in implementation of the Tukatech systems. Ernst summarizes the importance of Tukatech for the University: Tukatech offers one of the most powerful CAD solutions on the market. Not only do they offer an incomparably easy to handle 2D tool with all relevant functions for pattern making, grading, and marker making (TUKAcad), but they also offer a 3D virtual product development tool to check fit and design directly on customized avatars (TUKA3D). By assigning fabric characteristics and monitoring drape while the model is both static and in motion - stakeholders from all over the world can communicate and discuss results quickly and easily. Both TUKAcad and TUKA3D have both proved to be easy to work and lecture with. Tukatech also provides dozens of help videos and manuals to all its students and customers - always available, up-to-date, and for free. What is truly exception is their support to young students (e.g. offering affordable licenses). Tukatech understands that these are the decision-makers of tomorrow in a worldwide operating industry. Tukatech systems were missing in our portfolio of 2D/3D CAD applications for lecturing and also for research in our virtual laboratory (VirLab). Now we have closed this gap," Dr. Ernst added. Tukatech is committed to providing educational institutes with the resources to develop a highly skilled workforce for the future. Over 500 universities in 23 countries are using TUKAcad, TUKA3D and many other Tukatech systems. We are pleased to welcome Niederrhein University as a customer in Germany, and we look forward to adding value in the European market, says Sonia Chhabra, Director of Tukatech. About Tukatech, Inc. - Tukatech is the garment and apparel industry's leading provider of fashion technology solutions. Founded in 1995 by garment-industry veteran Ram Sareen, Tukatech offers award-winning 2D pattern making, grading, and marker making software, automated marker making software, 3D sample making/virtual prototyping software, as well as garment plotters, and automatic spreaders and cutters for production. All systems include unlimited training, consulting, process engineering, and implementation of our technologies. The capability of Tukatechs technology remains unparalleled in the fashion industry. Music Box San Diego Nestled in the Little Italy neighborhood, near the downtown Gaslamp District, this new San Diego event space can be rented for almost any type of private event in San Diego. Since its grand opening in 2015, the Music Box has quickly become a popular venue for live music shows and concerts in San Diego; now, this tri-level site is expanding its event space services to host a greater and wider variety of private events and corporate events. Nestled in the Little Italy neighborhood, near the downtown Gaslamp District, this new San Diego event space can be rented for almost any type of private event in San Diego, from birthday celebrations and dinners to weddings and galas. Business-wise, the Music Box can host many types of corporate events in San Diego. Because this 3-level site has a variety of customizable options for booking an event, such as reserving the top level or booking an outdoor patio, this San Diego corporate event space can work with each business and their specific corporate event needs to create the ultimate function. As it can host 700 patrons comfortably, this event space can also serve large corporations seeking a large, yet intimate, premier event space. The Music Box is also now available for celebrating lifes major milestones. Its available for wedding reception venues in San Diego, bar and bat mitzvahs and more. Music box offers a turnkey in-house catering solution but other arrangements can be made. Guests can choose to combine a celebration, like a birthday party, with a show already playing. With a booked private event space, guests get the perk of having their own space, as well as the live music show that is already included. Music Box has already risen in the ranks of live music show events in San Diego. The owners are proud to bring the same high quality to host even more San Diego corporate events and private events. Learn more about this venue at the main website: http://www.musicboxsd.com. Anyone interested in booking a private or corporate event in San Diego can learn more here: http://musicboxsd.com/private-events/. What place comes to mind when you think of amazing food? According to CNNs online poll in 2015, readers voted Taiwan as the number one culinary destination. Not only is Taiwan cuisine - from night market street food to traditional restaurants - an integral part of life for locals, but is also in the spotlight of international media and being listed as one of the compelling reasons to visit Taiwan. Americas established financial website Business Insider published an article listing 23 reasons to visit Taiwan, and 5 of the most appealing reasons are all food related: soup dumplings, beef noodle soup, and oyster omelets; Taipeis best known breakfast with soy milk, handmade crepes, and fried breadsticks; Keelung Night Market; Taiwans original bubble milk tea and unique fruits such as pink guava, wax jambu fruits, and sugar-apples. These are described by the reporter as some of the must-try delicacies in Taiwan. The U.S. media's promotion and portrayal of Taiwan's exciting food culture speaks for many visitors who have been to Taiwan. Designed for "foodies" to immerse in Taiwans great food and sample a wide range of dishes as well as understanding the deeper cultural implication and essence of diversity, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau will join forces with the Taiwan Visitors Association once again to host the Taiwan Culinary Exhibition. Building on last summers success of nearly 150,000 attendees, this year, the exhibition promotes the theme, Taiwan's Era of Pure Food , aims to revive the great tradition of Eating locally, Savor seasonally. Taiwan Tourism Bureau Los Angeles Office's Director Brad Shih said, Taiwan's gourmet cuisine is the ultimate expression of multicultural fusion with abundant agricultural and fishing resources, and a variety of seasonal fruits because of our subtropical climate and Northern Tropic location. Generations of hard-working and frugal locals carried on their family traditions, different provincial dishes throughout China were brought to Taiwan, while the younger generation is fond of foreign cuisines and innovative cooking. This creates a rich and diversified variety of food culture and flavors with each city and town boasting its own unique specialties. Taiwan as a whole is a gourmet paradise and headquarters many international food enterprises; the 85 C Bakery Cafe newly opened in downtown Los Angeles is a prime example. The Bureau hopes to collaborate with more Taiwanese enterprises to expand the tourism market together. The culinary exhibition in Taiwan is going to take place in August. We welcome everyone to come visit and savor the flavors of Taiwan. Held at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall from August 5th to 8th, the culinary exhibition is elaborately organized into six major themes Culinary Arts, Culinary Ingredients, Culinary Utensils, Culinary Journeys, Culinary Souvenirs, and Culinary Education. Through live cooking shows by master chefs, showcase of local ingredients and village wineries, display of exquisite tableware, sampling of specialty travel food on-the-go such as railway bento, sophisticated souvenirs for purchase, and education on slow eating and healthy eating, the many facets of Taiwans profound culinary culture will be presented. Those who are interested in visiting Taiwan this summer should definitely partake in this wonderful feast of Taiwanese cuisines. Besides visiting Taiwan to taste their local dishes, there will be an opportunity to get a taste of Taiwan here in the U.S. at The Taste the largest food festival in southern California on September 4th at the Paramount Pictures Studios. With the increasingly frequent exposure of Taiwanese cuisine in the international media, popcorn chicken, pearl milk tea and night market BBQ sausages were especially loved by event goers at last years event. The Bureau is going to expand its booth this year to offer more refined specialty food of Taiwan, along with a series of exciting and interactive games, so visitors can taste as well as experience in person of Taiwans irresistible charm. Hurry in to visit and Like the Taiwan Tourism Bureau Los Angeles Office's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TourTaiwan, and keep up with event details and the latest Taiwan travel deals! Taiwan Culinary Exhibition website: http://www.tcetva.tw The Taste: http://events.latimes.com/taste New American flag underlay software A quick underlay application like this has never been seen before in social media history. ProfileOverlays.com has a history of viral social media overlays. The social media phenomenon of users demonstrating their support of various causes and countries with transparent flag photo overlays, launched a new tool today that allows for the easy creation of profile underlays. A quick underlay application like this has never been seen before in social media history. The application removes solid backgrounds from profile pictures and replaces them with flags and other backgrounds that can be selected on their website. The free online tool was developed by GLIP.tv and is available at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, July 1, 2016 at http://www.profileunderlays.com. According to Tony Weedn, a US Air Force pilot and part-time CEO of GLIP.tv, this app has been in development for about six months and is a natural extension of the companys profile overlay efforts. There is no other online application that replaces backgrounds as easy as our underlay software, said Weedn. Just like our overlay app, this one edits your profile picture without the need for expensive editing software and it does it in just a few seconds. Since Memorial Day, Weedn and his team have conducted a grassroots campaign designed to blanket social media with the American Flag bringing Americans together in unity for a common cause. This campaign is called Uniting American Again with the hashtag #UnitingAmerica. Its goal is to convince 10 percent of the US population (Approximately 33.3 million) or 14% of US-based Facebook users to add an American Flag overlay (and now underlay) to their profile picture through the Independence Day holiday. The mission of Uniting America is to simply create unity at a time when our country seems so divided, said Weedn. We have started the conversation about how our country is stronger if we present a united front and we have plans to continue this conversation well after July 4th. The American Flag overlay effort was launched one year ago, when US Air Force Captain Chris Lott, while on his ninth combat deployment, noticed all of the rainbow and confederate flag overlays on Facebook. Capt Lott approached his friend, active duty Air Force Major Tony Weedn, and they decided an American Flag overlay was needed to promote unity, as there was so much division with the other overlays on social media. Within 24 hours Weedn assembled a small team of friends who quickly put together a Facebook app and website, and the American flag overlay was born. During this same timeframe, unbeknownst to Lott and Weedn, Mr. Tracy Thompson, the grandson of a Syrian refugee, also approached a developer friend and created an American flag overlay tool as well. Tracy later combined forces in unity with the ProfileOverlays team and today, their website features flag overlays for every nation in the world as well as many custom overlays. Millions of companies, non-profits and people from around the world have used the profileoverlays.com application. To keep their mission and vision of unity afloat Weedn is looking to monetize the overlay and underlay business by creating custom backgrounds for brands and corporations. "We envision some creative approaches by our corporate and consumer users, said Weedn. Creative collaboration combined with unity is what the internet and our company is all about. GLIP.tv is a virtual company with team members located around the US, with Weedn leading the team from wherever he might be that day. Weighing in on the Credibility of an Online MBA It is well worth doing your homework before enrolling on an online MBA. London School of Marketing has released a blog post, exploring the importance of credibility when it comes to picking an institution with which to study for an online MBA. The post explains that studying online can be a convenient way of achieving a prestigious British qualification without relocating, especially for foreign students. Readers are advised on what to look out for while searching for a course, and a few things to avoid. Anton Dominique, LSMs chief marketing officer, said: It is well worth doing your homework before enrolling on an online MBA. Finding out how long an institution has been around and what its performance record is like will help to ensure that you sign up with an establishment that cares about your studies and gives you all the guidance you need to get the best possible result. The post warns students to avoid schools with unqualified or inexperienced staff. It also recommends that readers look into what past alumni say about their experiences, and what they went on to achieve after graduating. LSM also explore the importance of how courses are delivered, the kinds of guarantees offered to students and the reputation of the qualifications on offer. The full blog post, including a more detailed look at the importance of credibility for providers of online MBAs, can be viewed here. The internationally recognised courses and qualifications offered by the school, including its online MBA, can be viewed at http://www.londonschoolofmarketing.com/our-courses London School of Marketing delivers accredited marketing and business qualifications, and offers professional courses from recognised professional bodies such as CIM, EduQual and academic qualifications on Marketing, Business, Finance, Law and HRM from Anglia Ruskin University and The University of Northampton. Based in Central London, they are a QAA approved institution. The school also has offices in Sri Lanka, a network of Local Access Points (LAPs), and online programmes of learning. Knowledge and the power to connect and engagedare I say hold accountabledoesnt really exist today in the civic ecosystem. Empowrd hopes to change that. The platform delivers value for citizens and civic leaders. Atlanta entrepreneur Horace Williams is launching a social democracy platform to build an ecosystem of knowledge to help spur involvement, engagements and actions between constituents and civic leaders. The Empowrd platform, which launches officially on July 4 in the Apple, Android and Microsoft stores, is hosting a pre-launch event party from 4-8pm ET today at the Microsoft Store in Lenox Mall. The publics civic knowledge and involvement, particularly with millennials, is at an all-time low. Most cant name their state elected officials, and those numbers get worse when it comes to local officials. Consider this excerpt for an article in The Atlantic: Only one in five Americans aged 18 through 29 cast a ballot in last years elections, marking 2014 as having the lowest youth voter-turnout in 40 years. Some reason that young Americans are apathetic about public affairs. Others argue that cynicism about the electoral process is whats keeping young adults from the polls: Theyre so disillusioned with politics theyve simply given up on it. (Source: The Atlantic) Knowledge and the power to connect and engagedare I say hold accountabledoesnt really exist today in the civic ecosystem, said Williams. Empowrd hopes to change that. And the platform delivers value not just for citizens but also for civic leaders willing to better understand and engage with their constituents. Empowrd is a social application designed to provide a complete knowledge and engagement ecosystem for the nations civic system. You can check out their launch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FElt9VyRXJw Launching first with Georgia, Empowrd will have thousands of Georgians pre-registered prior to launch date. It is the only digital repository that contains every single elected official throughout Georgia as well as mapping and geolocation information for the more than 5,000 districts across the state. What does that mean? Not sure of your congressional district? What about all your local elected leaders? No worries, Empowrd can provide all that information and connections in a few clicks and swipes. Williams, a technology and design executive, has been involved in two startups: UGENmedia, acquired by Vitrue in 2008; and Vitrue, acquired by Oracle in 2012. His passion and love behind Empowrd is equal parts technology and politics. His father was a passionate New York City public servant and mentor to many NYC officials. Williams roots with civic involvement runs deep. Williams also has several different revenue streams established, including Jurisdiction Management Deals selling to cities, counties, colleges and the state. By end of year we will close many sizeable deals with civic and governmental organizations across Georgia, he stated. The potential in revenue generation is really tremendous. The governmental systems around the state are seeing the benefits that Empowrd can deliverall in a modern, mobile and intuitive experience. Todays generation isnt dialing up ATL311. Based in Atlanta, Empowrd is headquartered in the Hurt Plaza building and currently employs ten professionals. The company says it plans to expand both locally and nationally as the platform grows and adds states. Williams estimates he will triple his staff by mid-2017. Williams added: As founding father and former President James Monroe said of the publics involvement in civic action they, Must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. Empowrd aims to do just that. CONTACT: Larry Stewart Larry(at)empowrd(dot)com Dr. Sang-il Park, founder and CEO Park Systems developed the world's first commercial AFM in 1989. Park now has over 1000 AFM's in 30 countries globally Park Systems ability to consistently outpace the competition with critical technology innovations has resulted in 25 years of continuous growth, the longest history of AFM business in the industry. Park Systems, a leader in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) since 1997 is hosting a free AFM Luncheon for all SEMICON West attendees and Park customers on July 12, 2016 from 12-2pm at the Thirsty Bear Brewing Company. The luncheon will feature talks from Park System CEO Dr. Sang-il Park and Dr. John Y. Chen, VP of Technology and Foundry Management at NVIDIA. Park Systems will exhibit their Atomic Force Microscopes featuring revolutionary automatization features in booth 1643 at SEMICON West, the premier annual event for the global microelectronics industry with an expected attendance of over 25,000 visitors. To register for the luncheon, go to: http://www.parkafm.com/luncheon Since Park Systems developed the first commercial AFM in 1989, we have experienced 25 years of continuous growth and product innovation, the longest history of AFM business in the industry, comments Dr. Sang-Il Park, Park Systems Founder and CEO. We have more than 1,000 Park AFM systems in use in over 30 countries around the world and our future plans include continued expansion into the global AFM market. Over the years, the ability of Park Systems to consistently outpace the competition with critical technology innovations for semiconductor manufacturings cutting-edge wafer production has made them a world-leader in Atomic Force Microscopes and nanometrology. At the AFM luncheon, Dr. Sang-il Park will highlight Park Systems fast-paced leadership role in nanoscale innovations to improve accuracy, reliability and reduce cost for semiconductor manufacturers and their role as a leading innovator in emerging nanoscale microscopy and metrology technology. Dr. John Y. Chen, VP of Technology and Foundry Operations at NVIDIA, will present an informative talk about opportunities and challenges for new applications in the semiconductor industry, titled Growing the Semiconductor Industry as Moore's Law Slows Down. Dr. Chen will discuss how improving yield to levels beyond even todays demanding standards would be the most profound way grow the industry and advance its technology. He will discuss why nanoscale metrology and Park AFM, with modern tools is critical to discover, learn, and eliminate the defects that prevent semiconductor products from becoming viable. Registration for the luncheon is ongoing and can be done online at: http://www.parkafm.com/luncheon About Park Systems Park Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems with a complete range of products for researchers and industry engineers in chemistry, materials, physics, life sciences, semiconductor and data storage industries. Parks products are used by over a thousand of institutions and corporations worldwide. Parks AFM provides highest data accuracy at nanoscale resolution, superior productivity, and lowest operating cost thanks to its unique technology and innovative engineering. Park Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Clara, California with its global manufacturing, and R&D headquarters in Korea. Parks products are sold and supported worldwide with regional headquarters in the US, Korea, Japan, and Singapore, and distribution partners throughout Europe, Asia, and America. Please visit http://www.parkafm.com or call 408-986-1110 for more information. About Dr. Sang-il Park Dr. Sang-il Park, Founder and CEO of Park Systems, was a graduate student of Applied Physics at Stanford University, working in the very group that invented the AFM. He then founded PSIA, later Park Systems in 2007, and developed the world's first commercial AFM in 1989. After 25 years of continuous growth and product innovation, Park has the longest history of AFM business in the industry. The company now has more than 1,000 of its AFM systems in use in over 30 countries around the world. About Dr. John Y. Chen Dr. John Chen worked at TSMC for 10 years on technology and manufacturing. He formed TSMC R&D and was the first Head and V.P. of R&D. Subsequently, he built and ran WaferTech Fab for four years before he became the V.P. of Business Development. Since 2004, he has been at NVIDIA as the Corporate V.P. of Technology & Foundry Management. In his earlier days, Dr. Chen worked at Hughes Research Lab and Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. He was elected to an IEEE Fellow for "leadership and contributions to advances CMOS device and technology." He has written a book on "CMOS Devices and Technology for VLSI", published by Prentice Hall. He has published 100 technical papers and given keynote speeches worldwide. He now serves on few technical advisory boards and is on the board of Cascade MicrotechInc, (CSCD). He received four degrees: a Ph.D. in EE and a Master in Executive Engineering Management, both from UCLA, a M.S. from University of Maine and a B.S. from National Taiwan University, both in E.E. We looked at some of the schools traditions and values and connected them to new 21st century skills." -MHS Social & Emotional Learning Curriculum Supervisor, Deanna Slamans In partnership with Education First and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, Milton Hershey School recently hosted a Global Education Symposium. Thought leaders from across the nation discussed strategies for fostering 21st century learners and developing future leaders. Milton Hershey School shared its model for building character and leadership among students through a new social and emotional learning (SEL) initiative. When developing our SEL program, we began to connect the old and the new, said MHS Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum Supervisor, Deanna Slamans. We looked at some of the schools traditions and values and connected them to new 21st century skills. To make these 21st century connections, the school gave students the opportunity to organize their own leadership conference last fall where they focused on positive traits associated with successincluding critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and character. Milton Hershey School also offers an SEL-focused class designed specifically for various grade levels. When adding social and emotional learning into the curriculum from grades preK to 12, teachers and houseparents create lessons that are devoted to character-building qualities like commitment, positive spirit, mutual respect and integrity, the schools four sacred values. By aligning SEL lessons to the schools core mission and ensuring the values are added to discipline and merit systems, students are able to take ownership of the values and apply the skills post-graduation. Were capitalizing on our story and utilizing structures we already have in place to solidify our purpose, said Tim Wasielewski, MHS Senior Director of Home Life Programs and Student Safety. Were shaping students to become people of character and equip them for life challenges. When introducing school-wide, character-building values, Wasielewski and Slamans urged other schools in attendance to create school values that are easy to understand at all grade levels. They also encouraged schools to make their values a key part of the process when formulating behavior statements, completing senior reflections, and making connections to life outside the classroom. Milton Hershey Schools program helps students embrace the tools and mindsets they need to thrive in an increasingly connected global world. More information about the schools social and emotional learning program can be found at mhskids.org. # # # ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL Milton Hershey School is one of the worlds best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge. The Human Vaccines Project is teaming with the University of California San Diego to apply advances in machine learning to solve critical problems impeding the development of vaccines and therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. The Human Vaccines Project (Project) is a new global public-private partnership of academic research centers, industry, non-profits and government agencies designed to accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines and immunotherapies. On Friday, July 8, the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) Qualcomm Institute (QI) will host an invitation-only Workshop on Human Vaccines and Machine Learning (HVML) in Atkinson Hall on the UC San Diego campus. The workshop will bring together top academic researchers and partners in the vaccine development community from the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, as well as experts from top software companies and IT research organizations. The Human Vaccines Project has embarked on a decade-long, $1 billion mission to decode the human immune system, said Wayne C. Koff, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Human Vaccines Project. Information technology, machine learning and computational biology all hold important keys to developing vaccines against immune-mediated diseases, including global killers such as HIV and tuberculosis (TB), emerging diseases such as Zika and pandemic flu, cancers, allergies and autoimmune disorders. Under a scientific plan endorsed by 35 of the worlds leading vaccine scientists, the Project aims to apply recent advances in machine learning and data science to speed vaccine development. Applying machine learning should accelerate the development of new vaccines and therapies for a wide range of pressing diseases, said UC San Diego computer scientist and physicist Larry Smarr, director of Calit2. In addition to machine learning, experts in Big Data analytics, pattern recognition, genomics and bioinformatics can also help us understand the fundamental principles of effective human immunity, and enable the design of highly-targeted vaccines. Vaccines are among the most effective health interventions. They have helped eradicate smallpox, nearly eliminate polio, and prevent tens of millions of deaths globally. On June 21, the Project and Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at decoding the human immunome, the genetic underpinnings of the immune system. For the first time, observed the Projects Koff, we have the technological tools to undertake such an ambitious project. The trials will be the cornerstone of the Projects Human Immunome Program. Vanderbilt Vaccine Center Director James Crowe, Jr., M.D., will oversee the initial clinical trials, and his team will collaborate with the Projects research partners in La Jolla, including the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology (LJI), The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), as well as UC San Diegos Qualcomm Institute, School of Medicine, and San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC). SDSC and JCVI will also constitute the projects Global Bioinformatics Core, a hub and archive to house an expected tidal wave of genomic and other data from research labs and clinical trials as well as new tools for analyzing that data. For the Vanderbilt-led trials, the number of genetic sequences for receptors on white blood cells alone could reach into the billions, and scientists will need new tools and instruments to parse that data. The Workshop of Human Vaccines and Machine Learning will focus on technologies to analyze Big Data of all kinds. Machine learning is the most obvious, and scientists have been experimenting with machine-learning tools for vaccine development for more than a decade. Machine learning typically involves training a computer or robot on millions of actions so that the computer learns how to derive meaning from the data as time goes on. For the last 30 years we have been probing the immune system to define which molecular structures or epitopes the immune system recognizes, says Professor Alessandro Sette, Dr. Biol. Sc., who heads the Center for Infectious Disease at La Jolla Institute and also co-leads the National Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). By bringing together a team of experts who are uniquely qualified to parse large datasets, the Human Vaccine Project will help ring in a new era of rational vaccine design." Machine learning has been helpful in early target discovery and immunology but determining targets of immune response is still a far cry from identifying subsets of targets that may be good candidates for formulation as a vaccine, added SDSC Director Michael Norman. Advanced technologies can address such issues, but we also need multidisciplinary approaches and teams of medical researchers and information technologists working closely together and speaking a common language despite their diverse backgrounds. SDSC has a long history doing this, and so we are very happy to be a part of this important project. With the convergence of innovations in genomics, immune monitoring technologies and now machine learning, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to understand how to direct the immune system against some of our most challenging diseases, said Dr. Koff, and transform how we treat and prevent disease. About the Human Vaccines Project The Human Vaccines Project is a non-profit public-private partnership with the mission to accelerate the development of vaccines and immunotherapies against major infectious diseases and cancers by decoding the human immune system. The Project, incubated initially at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), has a growing list of partners and financial supporters, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Aeras, Crucell/Janssen, GSK, MedImmune, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Pasteur, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, UC San Diego, The Scripps Research Institute, and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Project brings together leading academic research centers, industrial partners, nonprofits and governments to address the primary scientific barriers to developing new vaccines and immunotherapies, and has been endorsed by 35 of the worlds leading vaccine scientists. About Calit2s Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego The Qualcomm Institute is the UC San Diego division of the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2), founded in 2001 as one of four Gray Davis Institutes for Science and Innovation located on University of California campuses. Calit2s other division is on the UC Irvine campus. The Qualcomm Institute (QI) brings together more than 350 UC San Diego affiliated faculty members, nearly 120 technical and professional staff as well as hundreds of student workers, undergraduate scholars, graduate fellows, postdoctoral researchers, project and research scientists on the UC San Diego campus. The institute has also worked closely with more than 200 industry partners to date. The institutes strategic vision stresses collaborative, interdisciplinary research in four core areas to benefit society: culture, energy, the environment, and health. QI also prototypes and builds enabling technologies -- wireless communications, photonics, cyberinfrastructure, and nano-micro-electromechanical systems (nano-MEMS). In addition, the institute plays a leadership role in the development of new institutes and research centers for the UC San Diego campus, on current topics ranging from robotics and the brain to design, cyber-archaeology and healthy aging. QI: http://qi.ucsd.edu Calit2: http://calit2.net . About the San Diego Supercomputer Center The mission of the San Diego Supercomputer Center is to innovate, develop and deploy technology to advance science. SDSC is involved in an extensive set of collaborations and activities at the intersection of technology and science whose purpose is to enable and facilitate the next generation of scientific advances. Founded in 1985 and primarily funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), SDSC is an organized research unit of the University of California San Diego. With a staff of more than 400 scientists, software developers, and support personnel, SDSC is an international leader in data management, biosciences, grid computing, geosciences, and visualization. http://www.sdsc.edu/ Related Links Toward a Human Vaccines Project http://www.nature.com/ni/journal/v15/n7/full/ni.2871.html April 2016 UC San Diego News Release on Mesa Consortium http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/san_diego_to_be_research_hub_for_new_human_vaccines_project Newpointe Community Church Deploys 3xLOGIC Access Control Across Four Houses of Worship Ive been nothing but satisfied with the 3xLOGIC system and quite satisfied with the support weve received. Any issues weve had, the 3xLOGIC folks have been great. Dave Mast, Technical Operations Director Past News Releases RSS 3xLOGIC, Inc., a leading provider of integrated intelligent security solutions today announced that NewPointe Community Church, with headquarters in Dover, OH, has deployed 3xLOGIC Intelli-M Access Corporate access control at four church locations across Northeastern Ohio. Dave Mast is the Technical Operations Director for NewPointe Community Church, With our previous system, the user interface was not intuitive at all. So, when we started shopping around to upgrade our access management, ease of use was at the top of our list. In our environment, there are a number of people who need to use the system, including volunteers, who dont have any experience with access management software. We wanted the best technology out there, but it had to be user-friendly. Our second priority was scheduling capabilities. With other systems, the door schedule capability is very static, theres not enough flexibility, and they are designed mainly for weekly-recurring events. Intell-M Access offers integration with Outlook, and since we already know how to use Outlook, users dont even have to get into the Intelli-M software interfaceits automatic. With no special software needed, we saved time, and we cut errors and all the inconvenience. NewPointe staff and volunteers use access cards and system administrators also lock and unlock doors using the Intelli-M Access system. Mast and his staff have been self-installing the 3xLOGIC system for just over a year. After initial installation, they now migrate locks onto the system as opportunity and need arise. NewPointe Community Church has about 80 paid staff, when adding in church volunteers the system manages approximately 280 users. Currently, 34 of 50 planned doors are installed. The system manages a mix of external and internal doors, such as office areas, server rooms, and childrens areas. At this time, Mast and his staff administrate the Intelli-M Access system; however, our goal is to reach a point where IT is no longer in charge of granting and managing access. Intelli-M is built to be as simple as possible. When the time comes to hand off to the Facilities Department, it will be fairly easy to do the turnover. Each of the four facilities manages their own access. Mast commented that they went with the Corporate edition specifically for this reason. IT will still have overall central management, for trouble-shooting purposes, to provide back-up to unlock a door, or deal with a scheduling issue. Ive been nothing but satisfied with the 3xLOGIC system and quite satisfied with the support weve received. Any issues weve had, the 3xLOGIC folks have been great. Everything weve installed works well, we have the reliability we need, and overall were very satisfied, Mast concluded. About 3xLOGIC 3xLOGIC Inc. has been a leading innovator in server and cloud-based security technology for 15+ years. The company is recognized for providing easy-to-use surveillance and business intelligence solutions that seamlessly integrate video, access control, and disparate data such as ATM, Point-of-Sale, analytics, and more. 3xLOGICs video surveillance solutions are engineered for ease of installation, scalability and affordability combined with a managed services portfolio that enables integrators to effectively evolve from dealers to high-value strategic partners. For more information about 3xLOGIC, please visit our website http://www.3xlogic.com. For 3xLOGIC Media Queries: Bruce J. Doneff Public Relations 843.476.3022 doneff(at)verizon(dot)net For 3xLOGIC: Wendi Burke Senior Director of Marketing 720.945.7966 wendi.burke(at)3xlogic(dot)com ### Its a good idea to arrive early so you can claim your spot and get settled in before the show starts. Summer is in full swing, and so is Eat|See|Hears 2016 season! The traveling outdoor movie, food truck and live music series has planned two new events for the first two Saturdays in July. On July 2, Eat|See|Hear will show the 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, Coming to America, at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park. On the following Saturday night, July 9, Eat|See|Hear will travel to the Santa Monica High School Amphitheatre to present John Waters musical comedy, Hairspray. Showtime for both nights is at 8:30 p.m. The Autry is located at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles. Free parking is available across the street at the LA Zoo parking lot. Movie-goers are asked to use the main entrance adjacent to the Autry Museum building on the event lawn. The Santa Monica High School Amphitheatre is located at 601 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. Parking is available at the Civic Center parking lot on 4th Street. Movie-goers should enter the amphitheater on 4th Street, in between the DoubleTree Hotel and the track. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Its a good idea to arrive early so you can claim your spot and get settled in before the show starts, says Sharon Sperber, co-owner of Eat|See|Hear. While the Autry is a large, grassy lawn, and the Santa Monica High School location is at a concrete amphitheater with built-in seating, movie-goers at either location should bring pillows, blankets and/or cushions to sit on. At every Eat|See|Hear event, there will be a live performance from an indie band before the movie starts. July 2s musical guest will be the alternative pop band from New York City, Cafune. July 9s performance will feature Hawai, an Hawaiian-style band from Dana Point, California. Bands will take the stage at approximately 7 p.m. A variety of food trucks will be on site and open-for-business starting at 5:30 p.m. Mobile coffeebar, Brasil Kiss, will be at both events. In addition, Bison Burger, Chanchos Tacos, CJs Wings, CVT Soft Serve, Greasy Wiener, Konestruction, Main Squeeze, Mangia Ristorante, Oh My Gaga, Peaches Smokehouse, Postcards CAS, and Rice Balls of Fire are also scheduled for July 2. Belly Bombz, Coolhaus, Farmers Belly, Good Greek Grub, Mandoline Grill, Sweet Arlenes, Ta Bom, and Woodys Grill will be on site July 9. This event is canine-friendly, and every dog will be welcomed with a free biscuit at the entrance to the event. Be sure your dog is leashed, and bring some extra treats, a water bowl and with waste bags, so your dog and those around you will all be happy, suggests Sperber. General admission tickets are $14 each for adults and $8 for children 5 to 12 years old when purchased in advance. Children age 5 and under are free. Tickets for the July 2 event can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eat-see-hear-outdoor-movie-coming-to-america-tickets-22128209069, and for the July 9 event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eat-see-hear-outdoor-movie-hairspray-tickets-22123837995. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the event. In addition to general admission tickets, a limited number of Fashionably Late passes are available for $21 each. These VIP tickets provide a reserved section near the front of the venue, so you are guaranteed to have a great view regardless of what time you arrive. Sperber says. Fashionably Late tickets must be purchased in advance online, and are not available for sale or upgrade at the door. For further information about Eat|See|Hears upcoming events for summer 2016, please visit http://www.eatseehear.com/event-schedule/. About Eat|See|Hear: Voted Best Outdoor Movie Series by Los Angeles Magazine in 2014, the Eat|See|Hear outdoor movie, food truck and live music event series brings an evening of fun to Los Angeles-area venues each summer. The fourth annual series is presented by SHOWTIME NETWORKS, featuring up-and-coming bands from the local music scene, the hottest food trucks and the largest inflatable movie screen on the west coast with the highest quality HD-projection with a 52-foot wide image and professional sound. Eat|See|Hear promises an enjoyable movie-going experience for everyone, including dogs. Each event and is produced by LA-based experiential marketing agency, Trailhead Marketing, Inc. For more information visit http://eatseehear.com. The long tenures of these employees are a positive affirmation of the company's success. Happy employees mean happy customers, which equates to a healthy business. Car dealership Ernest McCarty Ford is proud to recognize several outstanding employment milestones for 2016. On Monday, May 30, the company announced the new milestones at their annual Memorial Day picnic. Six of the Ford dealership's employees were recognized for their years of continued service and dedication to customer service. Marty Tilley, a service advisor, has been with the company for 20 years. Salesperson Jeff Richardson and Sales Manager Nick Farnham both celebrated ten years of service to Ernest McCarty Ford. Three service technicians, Donnie Bulford, Nathan Caputo and Terence Chappell, were also recognized for ten years of service. "We are excited to announce these most recent employee achievements," said Manager Chris Williamson. The long tenures of these employees are a positive affirmation of the company's success. Happy employees mean happy customers, which equates to a healthy business." Ernest McCarty Ford has been in business since 1983, and it is still Shelby County's only Ford dealership. The dealership has demonstrated a deep commitment to both employee and customer satisfaction. With a total of 75 employees, three have with the company for more than 30 years, and six other employees have worked for the dealership for more than 20 years. Ernest McCarty Ford is proud of long-term commitments from employees and regularly recognizes outstanding service and career milestones. In total, nine employees have at least 20 years of employment while eight have been with the company for 15 or more years. In addition, 14 employees have ten or more years with the dealership. With 11 employees at five or more years of service, 42 employees have worked for Earnest McCarty Ford for at least five years. This represents 56 percent of the team, meaning over half of the workforces has stayed on for five years or more. Ernest McCarty Ford employs a full staff of managers, finance specialists and sales and leasing consultants. Anyone interested in learning more about the Ford dealership is invited to visit the company's website at http://www.emccartyford.com. Interested parties can also call the dealership at (205) 663-3831 or stop by the showroom located at 1471 1st Street North in Alabaster, Ala., 35007. Ernest McCarty Ford has been assisting customers with vehicle purchases since 1983. Conveniently located near Birmingham, Alabama, the car dealership serves both first-time and repeat clientele. Ernest McCarty Ford has both sales and leasing options, as well as a service and parts division to assist customers with automotive repairs and maintenance. "I am proud of how hard our team has worked, and I am thankful to our customers for giving us the opportunity to provide them with excellent service every day." said Manager Randy Rumberger. Bobby Rahal Honda is the proud recipient of the Honda President's Award for exemplary customer service. This recognition makes the dealership one of five Honda dealers nationally to win the award for the past 17 out of the 20 years. To determine award recipients, each dealership is evaluated against defined criteria in the areas of sales, customer service, service retention, business management and facilities maintenance. To receive the President's Award, the Honda dealer must achieve all of the program's criteria. All Honda dealerships with active Honda Dealer Sales and Service Agreements through the cutoff date are considered for the award. Bobby Rahal Honda has consistently been a recipient of the President's Award as well as other notable accolades, including "Simply the Best" by Harrisburg Magazine for the past 11 years. "Winning the President's Award is truly an honor," said Manager Randy Rumberger. "I am proud of how hard our team has worked, and I am thankful to our customers for giving us the opportunity to provide them with excellent service every day." To receive this recognition, dealerships must be profitable and achieve certain sales criteria, including a 30 or higher year-to-date retail sales effectiveness score, a 100 percent new-vehicle sales objective achievement and an average or above average year-to-date retail sales effectiveness score. The dealership must also achieve a year-to-date customer service experience survey score of at least 91. Bobby Rahal Honda met these metrics, in part, by offering market-driven prices, customer-oriented financing and service center services and transparency on each transaction. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.bobbyrahalhonda.com or call (717) 766-4300. Bobby Rahal Honda is located at 6696 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. A Honda dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA, Bobby Rahal Honda offers both new and pre-owned vehicles in a variety of body styles including compact cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs. The dealership also has a full-service finance center and a service center on-site to assist customers with purchasing and maintaining their automobiles. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. Writing authentic diverse characters was the topic of discussion at a Childrens Book Council panel on June 15 in New York City. The speakers were authors Matt de la Pena, Patricia McCormick; Kate Sullivan, senior editor, Delacorte; and Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. Ashley Woodfolk, marketing manager, Macmillan Childrens Publishing Group, moderated. The panelists kicked off the talk by sharing instances of inappropriate representation in depictions of diverse characters. De la Pena (Last Stop on Market Street, Putnam), who also teaches writing, recalled a passage from one of his students novels that takes place in the Marshall Islands. The main character steps out of his shack and marvels at the beauty of the landscape which, to de la Pena, is not something that character would ever do. For an individual who has lived in the Marshall Islands his entire life, there would be nothing extraordinary for him about his island home; rather, hed likely take the view for granted. This was an example for de la Pena of writing about a character from outside, rather than from a place of lived experience and understanding. McCormick (I Am Malala, Little, Brown) has also observed her share of work from students in writing classes that feature characters from diverse backgrounds, but which dont achieve verisimilitude. Often, she sees that as writers develop their work, they will sometimes use stereotypes as place holders, getting to the hard work of creating multidimensional characters later in the process. Well-meaning people are going to get it wrong from time to time, she said. When mistakes are made, she feels it is important to avoid piling on this venom, as seen, for example, in the aftermath of the publication of A Birthday Cake for George Washington. She believes that if writers feel as though they must write defensively, that does a tremendous disservice to free expression. Books that get it wrong give us wonderful things to talk about, she said. And the upside to this fear of scrutiny is that writers are strongly compelled to do ample research, particularly when writing outside their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. De la Pena believes that a writers motivation is a big key when it comes to writing diverse characters. He believes in asking the question is this the story you really want to tell? It ultimately comes down to integrity of the writing. A character who is black on the outside but not inside is a fake character, de la Pena said. Echoing that sentiment, Zacker urges writers who are creating characters from backgrounds other than their own to ask themselves honest questions about what lived experiences they can bring to a particular story. While writers may be well-intentioned, and have the desire to provide a voice for people who may be underrepresented in literature, wanting to help is one of the worst motivations of all, she said. One of her students wrote a story that contained a problematic passage: a white man picks up and rescues a non-white girl from a brothel. She could see that the white man in the story was in some respects the writer himself, expressing his own desire to perform the heroic act of saving a child. While the writer certainly may have meant well, she felt that the scene was not authentic or appropriate. The panelists also discussed what they see as successful representations of characters outside of an authors personal experience and challenges they may have encountered in their own work. McCormick made note of Kathryn Erskines Mockingbird, which she feels takes readers so deeply into the experience of a child with Aspergers. Also, she counts Eliot Schrefers Endangered and Threatened, which convincingly portray the lives of bonobos and chimpanzees, as an example of an author stepping very far out of his own experience. McCormick herself says that she struggled initially to write authentically about sexual slavery and human trafficking in Sold. However, she explained that by tapping into her own experience of sexual assault, she was able to channel certain emotions that she felt might be similarly felt by her character. Sometimes there are familiar motifs that writers fall back on when writing about certain cultural groups. Zacker noted how food is often used as a way to differentiate characters different cultural backgrounds, but that these types of details can rely more on stereotypes than serving as character development. Zacker recalls reading a scene from a work in progress, in which a Latina character is looking through her refrigerator, Zacker was expecting the writer to describe a cornucopia of ethnic foods on display in the characters refrigerator, and yet the writer subverted her expectations by showing yogurt in the refrigerator rather than arroz blanco (anyway, the writer smartly pointed out, they would never have leftovers of arroz blanco, because it would have all been eaten that day). So, should white writers write from a non-white perspective? Zacker believes that we are living at a pivotal moment, when the stories of traditionally marginalized individuals are being welcomed and sought after. She doesnt believe that white people should necessarily feel comfortable writing non-white characters at the moment, but that authors of color should be given the encouragement and opportunity to tell those stories themselves. Once more non-white writers are published, then some of the discomfort surrounding the issue of white authors penning characters of color may diminish, she suggested. Its not us and them, but about bringing everyone into the fold, she said. De la Pena added that, regarding writers of color write their stories and white writers also writing diverse characters, Its not instead of, but also. In publishing, Sullivan remarked that there can be a quota mentality when it comes to publishing books featuring characters of certain ethnic backgrounds. There can be a tendency to reason, We already have a book on this, and pass on a project of quality. Its something that de la Pena has witnessed as well. Rather than think of a story about Mexican characters as being our Mexican story, he hopes that publishers take diverse books at face value, as stories that have diverse characters, but arent necessarily focused on diversity as a topic. Publishers and writers also have a tremendous resource available to them, in the form of readers themselves specifically, sensitivity readers, or individuals of particular cultural and ethnic backgrounds who can provide insight into the authenticity of a story that is based within their cultures. Different sensitivity readers give you a breadth of experiences, said McCormick, who recommended that a writer seek out more than one sensitivity reader to broaden the perspective. Its useful to cast a wide net, suggested McCormick and to get out of publishing bubble. Go as far outside your experience as possible, she said. Sullivan acknowledged that there was a time that she felt very uncomfortable talking about issues of inclusion and diversity within her field,but she is not hesitant now and also observes that higher-ups are pushing themselves for more diverse books. De la Pena also suggests that readers and gatekeepers ought to look more deeply into what diversity means, and to recognize that no one cultural experience reflects all: Theres so much diversity within diversity, he said. Books featuring under-represented demographics not only reflect the reality of society, but enable children to see themselves in stories. Thats where the love of reading starts, said Woodfolk. In the latest wrinkle in the long-running Georgia State University e-reserves case, the losing publishers have asked the court to reconsider its awarding of legal fees to GSU, citing a recent Supreme Court decision in another high profile copyright caseKirtsaeng v. Wiley. The publishers latest motion comes after GSU attorneys in March defeated the publishers' lawsuit for a second time, and once again were awarded legal fees. Although the final amount is still to be determined, GSU attorneys in April asked the court to order the publishers to pay them roughly $3.25 million in attorney fees, and an additional $85,746 in costs. But in a decision two weeks ago, the Supreme Court issued new guidance on the awarding of legal fees in copyright cases. Specifically, in vacating a decision that denied Supap Kirtsaeng reimbursement of his attorney fees in the landmark 2013 copyright case, the court held that such fee awards should not be awarded to the prevailing party simply as a matter of course, and that the reasonableness of a losing partys case should carry substantial weight in determining whether or not to award fees. Citing that guidance, attorneys for the publishers have now filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing that their case against GSU is clearly reasonable. Calling the closely watched case a bellwether for fair use in the academic setting, publisher attorneys argue that it is a quintessential example of the type of useful copyright litigation that is to be encouraged. In addition, the publishers' lawyers claim that a line in Judge Orinda Evans' most recent decision, which stated that the defendants were entitled to legal fees as the prevailing party, suggests that her decision to award fees was made pro forma, and thus runs afoul the Supreme Courts latest guidance. By its single sentence determination that Defendants are the prevailing side and therefore are 'entitled' to an award of attorneys fees, the publisher brief argues, this Court failed to undertake the objective reasonableness evaluation that is now unquestionably required. That may not be exactly true, however. In her first order in the case, in 2012, Evans did in fact explain that, despite her belief that the publishers filed their suit in good faith, GSU was entitled to collect fees because the publishers failure to narrow their individual infringement claims significantly increased the cost of defending the suit. Evans awarded GSU just over $2.86 million in attorneys fees in 2012, following their first court victory, which was vacated on appeal. First filed in April, 2008, by three academic publishers (Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press and SAGE Publications, with support from the Copyright Clearance Center and the AAP) the suit alleges that GSU administrators systematically encouraged faculty to offer unlicensed digital copies to students as a no-cost alternative to traditionally licensed coursepacks. After eight years of litigation, and two losses before Judge Evans, the case could be headed for yet another appeal. From Michael Eric Dysons rollicking opening keynote, to the closing session with actor and author Jamie Lee Curtis, themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion dominated the 2016 American Library Association Annual Conference, June 2328, in Orlando, Fla. And despite the lowest total attendance for an ALA annual conference in 22 years, it was a high-energy show, with librarians rallying to support the LGBTQ community, and the city of Orlando, which is still coming to grips with the hate-fueled mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub on June 12. In his opening talk, Dyson praised librarians for supporting the kind of literacy that helps people understand the need for diversity and inclusion. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are critical, Dyson said. But the literacy that [libraries] promote, that [librarians] inspire, the literacy that you instigate, is also vital. Because, at the end of the day, as my daddy and mommy used to tell me, that is something that nobody can take from younobody can ever pass a bill that would deny you access to the insight that you gain when you read a book. Also on hand, fresh off his sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman John Lewis delivered a message of hope and perseverance. Appearing with the coauthors of his March series of graphic novels, which tell the story of Lewiss life in the civil rights movement, the Georgia congressman implored librarians to continue to help kids engage with history so they can learn never, ever to make the mistakes of past generations. What March is saying is that it doesnt matter whether we are black or white, Latino or Asian, it doesnt matter whether we are straight or gay, Lewis said. Through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear. At a reception where he accepted his 2016 Carnegie Award for Excellence in Fiction for The Sympathizer (Grove Atlantic), author Viet Than Nguyen (who also took home the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction) spoke of his love for libraries. But he told librarians that he was motivated to become a writer not by what he found in his local library, but by what he didnt find: books by or about people who looked like him. Sadly, the 2016 Carnegie winner for nonfiction, Sally Mann, author of Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs (Little, Brown) did not attend the reception, due to the recent death of her son. Manns editor, Michael Sand, ably filled in, however, and read a letter from Mann that left librarians choking back tears. The shows total attendance of 16,597 was the lowest for an ALA annual conference since Miami Beach, in 1994, and was down a hefty 26% from the 22,491 who attended last years event in San Francisco. But even though the decline in attendance was perhaps steeper than expected, it was not a surpriseOrlando in late June has never been a big draw for ALA, and this was the third national library conference in six months; the biennial Public Library Association conference was held this year in April in Denver, and ALA Midwinter was in Boston in January. The librarians who did make it to Orlando certainly injected a large measure of positivity to grief-stricken city. In addition to highlighting diversity issues in their main program, librarians held a moving memorial for the 49 victims of the Pulse shooting, participated in a two-day blood drive, and set up numerous volunteer opportunities in the community. And, in support of free speech, a number of librarians were recorded outside the exhibit hall reading from banned LGBTQ-themed books for an upcoming advocacy campaign. In a Monday session on the ALA main stage, 16-year-old author and transgender advocate Jazz Jennings, who was in Orlando to talk about her new memoir, Being Jazz (Crown), neatly captured importance of talking about issues such as acceptance and inclusion. Its not just about changing lives, she said. Its about saving lives. Representatives of Palo Verde Colleges Nursing and Allied Health program presented a workshop at Palo Verde High School in an effort to better inform and prepare students with an interest in the nursing career field, May 12. La' James International College has promised to forgive $2.1 million in student debts, pay the state of Iowa $550,000 and improve its business practices as part of a settlement agreement that resolves a consumer fraud lawsuit. The settlement was reached with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, whose office filed suit against the cosmetology school in 2014 in Polk County District Court. The suit, according to the attorney general's office, claimed La' James used "deceptive, omissive and unfair practices" in its enrollment, teaching and marketing practices. The LaJames International College schools are operated by Lyndi LTD, which is owned by Cynthia Becher and her son, Travis Becher. The chain of cosmetology schools is based in Fort Dodge and has locations in Davenport and East Moline. According to the settlement, LaJames agreed to forgo trying to collect $2.16 million in outstanding debt from former students who owed money to the school. La' James is required to notify the affected students and credit reporting agencies within 90 days. La' James also agreed to pay $500,000 to the state, with Ms. Becher and Mr. Becher each paying an additional $25,000. The money will be spent at the discretion of the attorney general's office, which said a majority of the funds would be used for partial refunds to current and former students. As part of the settlement, Ms. Becker and Mr. Becker admitted no wrongdoing. This settlement addresses certain past practices by La James that we allege were simply unfair to many of its students, Attorney General Miller said in a statement. We heard from students who tried in good faith to better themselves by enrolling in La James programs and found the programs didnt always match the promises." The agreement would help to "level the playing field" for current and future students, he said, while also implementing outside oversight "to help ensure future fairness and compliance." The agreement requires the cosmetology school to disclose information about tuition costs, requirements of its education programs and instructor qualifications and to provide a student handbook detailing school policies and procedures. It also outlines policy changes for student training, refunds and leaves of absence and spells out classes that must be taught by licensed, qualified instructors. Former U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt was appointed to supervise La' James's compliance for at least three of the four years the settlement is expected to be in place. Mr. Klinefeldt is required to report to the attorney general's office. In addition to its Quad-Cities locations, La James International College has schools in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Fort Dodge, Iowa City and Johnston and one in Nebraska. It is not affiliated with LaJames College in Mason City. A Milan man pleaded guilty Thursday to DUI charges stemming from a November crash that seriously injured a local woman and her 19-year-old son. At a hearing before Rock Island County Judge Frank Fuhr, Dan E. Sylvester, 63, waived his right to a jury trial and entered guilty pleas to two felony counts of aggravated DUI. Charges said Mr. Sylvester drove a 1984 Chevy Silverado, while intoxicated, shortly after midnight on Nov. 10, 2015. According to the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office, Mr. Sylvester was driving east in the 6500 block of Airport Road in Moline, when he crossed the center lane and struck a vehicle in the westbound lane of traffic. Mr. Sylvester was transported to a local hospital after the crash, as was the second vehicle's driver, Tammy Fuller, 49, and her son, Cody Fuller, both of Milan. The crash was Mr. Sylvester's fifth DUI offense, according to prosecutors, who cited four prior convictions in Des Moines County, Iowa, between 1995 and 2007. Mr. Sylvester was held Thursday evening at the Rock Island County Jail on a $50,000 bond, ten percent of which would need to be posted for his release. Sentencing is set for Sept. 6. According to court records, both parties in the case agreed that Mr. Sylvester would not be able to receive probation and that any prison sentences for the two charges will be served at the same time. The two DUI charges, which allege the crash caused "great bodily harm" to Ms. Fuller and her son, are Class 4 felonies punishable by extended prison terms of one to 12 years, charges say. A third aggravated DUI count is set to be dismissed at sentencing. Ms. Fuller that on Nov. 10, she had been driving to pick up food after work with her son when she spotted headlights shoot across the road. "It was like I blinked, and I just heard this big BOOM," she told the newspapers in April. "I opened my eyes, and everything was broken." Her injuries from the crash included multiple breaks and fractures in bones from her knees down as well as fractured ribs, a broken sternum and a collapsed lung. After weeks of hospitalization, she was transferred to a local rehabilitation center to undergo physical therapy and further treatment. She told the newspapers it was unclear if or when she would walk again. Her son eventually returned to work, she said, after recovering from injuries that included fractured ribs, a lacerated liver and dislocated toes. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. Shark Rocket Ultra Light Upright Vacuum with 5 Tools & Car Detail Kit is rated 4.4 out of 5 by 464 . Rated 1 out of 5 by Court18 from DO NOT PURCHASE Only had a short time when roller belt broke. Per shark they do not sell belt. Not covered under warranty and guy tried to sell me another vaccum! Will never purchase another Shark! Rated 2 out of 5 by jwm46 from No suction This vacuum cleaner does not work well. I have to vacuum extremely slow to get it to suction anything at all and it still doesnt do a good job. Shark usually makes a good product but this one is a disappointment. Rated 1 out of 5 by dedutch from Disappointed I actually only started using this machine for a few months. Worked great initially, but is already losing suction both when I vacuum the carpet, and when I use the tubes. Rated 1 out of 5 by scrappyjo from Not worth purchasing It vacuumed well first 16 months then it stopped picking up. I cleaned filters as instructed on a regular basis. My "engineer" husband checked it out thoroughly for obstructions. We have no idea "why" it doesn't suction good anymore. I do not recommend purchasing this vacuum! Rated 5 out of 5 by Tennesseerebel from Best purchase ever This was by far the best vacuum purchase I have even made. I have 5 long haired dogs and it has done great managing the hair for over a year now.. all other vacuums I kill within 6 months Rated 1 out of 5 by Deeds16 from Warranty doesn't cover much... Unfortunately after less than 2 years of use, the pipe/tubing that links the head of the vacuum & takes the debris up to the canister is riddled with holes. It was after I noticed it's been a while that it hasn't sucked up like it used to that my inspection lead me to find HUGE holes all over that plastic part. It appears to be from it folding & unfolding, naturally it should withstand this as it is the "elbow" of the machine so to speak... Called Shark to be told I can be shipped a replacement "head" for $95.00, but it wasn't covered under warranty. Rated 4 out of 5 by samiam07 from Works Great But Needs Some Improvement... This is by far the best vacuum I've ever purchased. However, they could make it so it fits in smaller crevices. When I tried to get between a wall and my bathroom vanity, it just won't fit well enough to get all the way back to the wall. The swivel works awesome. It picks up dirt great. Only sucking power issue I've had so far is that it doesn't work perfectly on high, thick pile carpet. I love the fact the motor is up at the handle; prevents light particles from flying all over the place. It's not awkward having the bin up at the handle. Just love it. Again, if you could work on how it fits in tight spaces, improve that and I'd be more than happy to buy another one! G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now! Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK What compels compliance with rulings based on international law? There are two camps that hold distinctly divergent views on the issue. Rationalists believe that nations choose to comply or not based on fear of punishment in the form of sanctions, international enforcement, or other material costs. Constructionists, on the other hand, believe that nations choose to comply with international law because they want to follow norms and existing rules of behavior, or fear the reputational costs of non-compliance. The impending Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling at the Hague in a dispute between the Philippines and China over maritime features in the South China Sea will either be one of the most consequential decisions ever meted out by the PCA or one of the most inconsequential. The ruling is expected to be released July 12. How China and other countries respond in the aftermath of the decision, expected in the coming days, will also to a large extent determine which theoretical camp of international law is proven correct regarding compliance with and the value of international maritime law treaties, in this case the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC). This article will attempt to forecast several plausible rulings by the PCA and their impacts on the behavior of China, regional actors, and to the United States. The Context The Philippines seeks a declaration, first and foremost, that both countries' respective rights and obligations with regard to the waters, seabed, and maritime features of the South China Sea are governed by the LOSC and that China's claims based on "historic rights" as manifested by its so-called "nine-dash line" are inconsistent with the convention and therefore invalid. Second, the Philippines seeks determinations as to whether certain maritime features claimed by both countries can be characterized as "islands," "rocks," or "low tide elevations (LTEs)." If these features are determined to be "islands" under the convention, for instance, they could generate an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or entitlement to a continental shelf. If, however, those features are found to be "rocks" they would only be capable of generating a 12 nautical mile territorial sea. If considered an "LTE," on the other hand, they would be incapable of generating any maritime entitlements at all. Most of the features that China currently occupy are generally known to be either "rocks" or "LTEs" at the most giving China a 12 nautical mile maritime zone from any of the features. The court will most likely issue a ruling that island reclamation activities that add land to the feature will not change the underlying characteristic of that feature. If the court finds that none of China's occupied features are entitled to an EEZ, such a ruling would strip China of most of its maximalist maritime zones covering almost the entire South China Sea, areas that China sometimes refers to as a "restricted military zone" that it uses as justification to prevent freedom of navigation operations of the United States Navy and others.... The remainder of this commentary is available at nationalinterest.org Lyle J. Morris is a senior project associate at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. This commentary originally appeared on The National Interest on June 30, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. America Movils Puerto Rico Telephone Company (PRTC), operating under the Claro brand, has been fined $1.1 million following an investigation by the US Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Enforcement Bureau. According to the FCC, America Movil stock purchases by owner Carlos Slim have repeatedly exceeded the foreign ownership levels approved by the commission.The telco offers phone and broadband services in the country, along with IPTV through fibre and direct-to-home (DTH) TV thanks to an agreement with DISH Foreign companies doing business in the United States and its territories must follow all federal rules, including those governing their ownership of American companies, said Travis LeBlanc, Enforcement Bureau chief. This is the largest fine for a violation of foreign ownership and control limits because of the Slim familys repeated violations.According to the commission the regulations aim to ensure that foreign ownership in American telecommunications carriers is in the public interest, considering issues related to competition, national security, law enforcement, foreign policy and trade policy.The Puerto Rico Telephone Company (PRTC) and Mexicos America Movil have exceeded their approved foreign ownership three times in five years.As part of todays settlement, PRTC and America Movil have each agreed to adopt compliance plans to prevent future stock purchases by the Slim family that would exceed foreign ownership limits without first receiving the International Bureaus review and approval. Spanish production house Mediapro has been awarded the remaining La Liga TV rights packages, having already acquired six out of the nine available. After the fourth bid , Mediapro was awarded with one free-to-air (FTA) game per round of the Copa del Rey, and the pay-per-view rights of every La Liga game not included in the other packages.The company paid 17 million for the Copa del Rey match during the next three seasons, a game that can be broadcast through Mediapros own FTA channel, GOL. In addition, it paid 3 million for the pay-per-view games, which will probably be sold to a third pay-TV operator.Through this decision, La Liga has finally concluded a long bidding process which opened in November 2015 . This was the first bidding process with centralised rights, as previously each club was able to negotiate its own agreements.Mediapro has been a prominent player since the beginning of the process, winning the largest pay-TV rights package in December which then was sold to Telefonica, Vodafone and Orange, and then winning three more lots two weeks ago. The remaining rights packages were bought by Telefonica and Vodafone and Orange, which jointly purchased the TV rights for public places. Hong Kongs latest over-the-top (OTT) video service myTV SUPER has registered 100,000 subscribers in three months since it was launched by HKBN and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). The media companies are now expanding their alliance to cater to the enterprise market, targeting restaurants, cafes, bars, hospitals, private estate clubhouses, and other private establishments across Hong Kong.The MyTV SUPER OTT services comprise 21 linear TV channels and two subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms. Combined, it provides over 19,000 hours of TVB self-produced and acquired programmes, including TVBs dramas and variety shows, Japanese dramas, Korean dramas, and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.Its new Enterprise Market Fibre Broadband (100Mbps) + myTV SUPER service value bundle is priced at HK$248 per month.By offering disruptive value to the commercial segment during these tough economic times, we aim to help small businesses attract more customers via compelling content, said William Yeung, CEO, co-owner, HKBN.S K Cheong, TVB executive director and general manager, added: I am glad to announce that with HKBNs business fibre broadband service, myTV SUPERs supreme content will be expanded to an enterprise market that includes restaurants, bars, hospitals and much more. Lithuanian prosecutors forward case against alleged Russian spy to court MOSCOW, July 1 (RAPSI) Lithuanias Prosecutor Generals Office has submitted a criminal case against Russian citizen charged with espionage to the Vilnius District Court, RIA Novosti reported on Friday. The Lithuanian Prosecutor Generals Office announced earlier that a suspected Russian spy, born in 1977, was arrested following an extensive counterespionage operation on April 29, 2015 and later put in detention upon a court order. The defendant identified only by his initials N.F. reportedly was an employee of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). He allegedly carried out an intelligence operation aimed at infiltrating Lithuanias government institutions, law-enforcement and intelligence services. The Lithuanian Prosecutor Generals Offices Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation Department investigated the case in cooperation with the State Security Department. Under Article 119 of Part II of Lithuanias Criminal Code, penalties for this crime range from three to 15 years in prison. Appeal against ruling in Mail.ru advertisement law breach case dismissed MOSCOW, July 1 (RAPSI) The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals in Moscow has dismissed an appeal filed by Mail.ru against the ruling of the Moscow Commercial Court in a criminal case over advertisement law breach, the court materials read. On March 23, the Moscow Commercial Court upheld the ruling of the Federal Antimonopoly Services (FAS) Moscow office to fine Google and Mail.ru for violating Russian advertisement legislation. On February 19, Google was fined 150,000 rubles ($1,973) while Mail.ru was fined 100,000 rubles ($1,315). According to FAS, abovementioned online companies have violated Russian legislation by distributing Ruscredit banks advertisement in Google AdWords and myTarget systems because during the period when advertisement was active Ruscredit had no official banking license. Representative of Mail.ru claimed that myTarget system allows advertisers to provide advertisement on their own volition. According to contract between Mail.ru and an advertiser, the former only provides technical means and system maintenance. Examination of the advertisement is a right of the company, not an obligation, Mail.rus representative said. Representative of FAS said that Mail.ru had means to check the advertisement and was obligated to do it. Russian legislation prohibits advertisement of products requiring special licenses to be produced or distributed if said licenses are absent. On this basis, FAS claimed that Google, Mail.ru and Ruscredit are guilty of violating advertisement law. Ukraines Supreme Economic Court to hear Gazprom appeal against $3.4 bln fine MOSCOW, July 13 (RAPSI) - The Ukrainian Supreme Economic Court has scheduled for July 13 the hearing of a cassation appeal filed by Russias Gazprom against an 86 billion hryvnia ($3.4 bln) fine issued by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU), RIA Novosti reported on Friday. Earlier, Gazprom had been fined by the Antimonopoly Committee for abuse of its dominant position on the gas transit market. At that time, the company was ordered to pay the fine until April 12. According to Gazprom, this fine was unexpected since the firm was not engaged in business activity within the Ukrainian territory. Gazprom states that natural gas is being sold to Naftogaz on the Russian-Ukrainian border. Russian oil giant appealed the fine in the Kiev Commercial Court but the complaint was returned to the plaintiff without hearing. Later the Kiev Commercial Court of Appeal upheld this decision. Therefore, Gazprom turned to the Supreme Economic Court of Ukraine. Russian citizen fined for sharing post rehabilitating Nazism on social network MOSCOW, July 1 (RAPSI) The Perm Krai Court has sentenced a local resident to 200,000 rubles fine (around $3,000) for rehabilitating Nazism, RAPSI learned on Friday. According to Russian media, in 2014 the resident of Perm shared an article on the social network. According to semantic expertise, the said article stated that in 1939 Soviet Union and Nazi Germany attacked Poland together. Historian experts concluded that such notion is false. The court ruled that by sharing such article, a resident of Perm denied facts established by the Nuremburg Trials. The Russian Criminal Code article on the exoneration of Nazism stipulates criminal punishment for those who publicly defy the facts established by the Nuremberg Trials for WWII criminals, and for disseminating false information about the Soviet Unions activities during WWII, or openly disrespectful statements about Russias holidays related to the defense of the homeland, or information related to the defense of the homeland that openly defiles the national symbols of military glory. Under the law adopted by the State Duma in 2014, the exoneration of Nazism is punishable by up to five years in prison. Penalties for defiling the days of military glory and other related commemorative dates include fines. Inspection fines owners of infamous summer camp $7,800 MOSCOW, July 1 (RAPSI) Governmental inspection for labor conditions in the Republic of Karelia has fined the Park-Hotel Syamozero, where 14 children drowned this summer, 505,000 rubles ($7,800), RAPSI learned in the inspection. It was revealed that contracts that were signed between the Park-Hotel and its employees were illegitimate. No documents, confirming qualifications of the employees or absence of criminal records, were found. Management of the Park-Hotel did not establish rules for internal labor regulation. Employees were not informed about labor safety measures and potential health risks. Employer did not provide employees with personal protective equipment and did not guarantee them with their vested compensations. Although Park-Hotel listed 76 employees, there was no dedicated security service or a position for security specialist. Earlier, 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. According to investigators, 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 (Vinogradov, Krupodershchikov, Ivanova and Vasilyeva) 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. 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. Property details: For auction is a Modern Brick Triplex Apartment Building in Chicago, with side drive for 5-6 cars & 2 car garage, newer boiler and hot water, Freshly Updated newer electrical, plumbing in good condition. Located near Park, and within walking distance of the CHICAGO Metro Train and Bus Transportation. Imagine yourself being a landlord of this 3 unit, 2980 square feet Apartment Building! Great for the Investor looking to start collecting rent ASAP!!! Build in 1970, Brick Quality Triplex, Foundatio... 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Search Real Estate By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/01/2016 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Photos: Staff, Handouts AR cleaning kits are a dime a dozen, but AK owners finally get some love with the RealAvid AK cleaning kit. The kit comes with all the 7.62mm bore brushes, swabs, and scrapers you'll need to clean your AK like a proper Ukrainian farmboy. It features a double-ended chamber brush that'll reach into the chamber and a scraper made especially for the contours of the AK bolt and piston. The gear, plus a bunch of patches, all store neatly in a compact, zippered case that might keep you from losing something. Maybe. Make: Real Avid Model: Gun Boss AK47 Cleaning Kit MSRP: $111 URL: www.realavid.com This is no coffee table book. Iannamico has collected the history, facts, and photos of nearly every variant of the AK-47 produced. Worried the Yugo you bought might actually be a Romanian WASR? Look up the markings. Aside from an exhaustive explanation of each AK variant broken down by country of origin, information about the rifle's development, production and use, along with breakouts on subjects such as COMBLOC rifle accessories, mags, bayonets, and cans make this the absolutely definitive source of info about the AK. Make: AK-47: The Grim Reaper 2nd Edition Model: by Frank Iannamico Number of pages: 1,100 MSRP: $70 URL: www.smallarmsreview.com We were looking for a way to bring an AKM project gun into the 21st century without the need to permanently modify the rifle. We found Troy Industries' AK47 M-LOK handguard and top rail combination provided the accessory and optic mounting points needed. The railed gas tube fits like a stock tube, but Troy uses a locknut to secure it between the gas block and the front trunion. The short bottom AK-47 bottom rail gives a rounded grip that'll feel familiar to many AR shooters used to modern, free-float handguards. The lower rail connects to the sling loop plate and is held fast by a pair of large set screws that jam the handguard into the trunion. Overall, it's a solid setup that installs in minutes on most AK variants. Make: Troy Industries Model: AK47 Top Rail and M-LOK Bottom Rail Bottom Rail Lengths: 10 or 13.5 inches MSRP: $150 Top, $125/$140 Bottom URL: www.troyind.com ALG Defense dropped jaws with the release of the AKT last year. The Pennsylvania-made trigger destroyed the idea that pulling an AK trigger has to feel like breaking a green tree branch. The company pushed ahead and has now released a set of high-performance springs for the AK. The AK Recoil Spring will outlast a stock spring thanks to a couple of dead coils and some heavy math. And, ALG says its High Energy Main Spring produces 25-percent more torque than a stock main spring for more consistent primer ignition and lower lock times. ALG is also working hard on a follow-on to its AKT trigger; the soon-to-be-released AKT-E trigger will have a more durable, action-enhancing coating along with slight changes in geometry that result in an even crisper feel than the original AKT. Make: ALG Defense Model: AK Recoil Spring & High Energy Main Spring MSRP: $12/$9.50 URL: www.algdefense.com Thirty rounds are great for go time, but any admin rifle work with an AK can be made easier by reducing the size of the donkey dick AK magazine. Zeroing from a bench, stowing a truck gun, or running an underfolder, Magpul's 20-round AK/AKM magazines present compact, durable, and reliable alternatives to COMBLOC mags. They feature a stainless steel spring, a textured surface for positive manipulation, and interchangeable baseplates. We're also showing a five-pack of Magpul's new, optional Sand baseplates that're easily customized with RIT dye for quick identification of empties on the firing line. Make: Magpul Model: PMAG 20 AK/AKM MOE & Sand Baseplates MSRP: $13 (Plates $11/5) URL: www.magpul.com The original jerry can, so named after the Allies nickname for German soldiers in WWII, is a monument to fine engineering. The can is so good at its job that it's still used today, and very little has changed about it since it was put in use back in 1939. The iconic shape has recently taken on a new mission, though, as a bespoke mini-bar. Danish Fuel rejuvenates military surplus fuel cans by cutting them open then sandblasting, powdercoating, and adding shelves and hardware to accommodate a few bottles of booze, some tumblers, and a few drink making accessories. It comes in several colors with your choice of walnut or oak shelving. Let's jump on this one before the skinny jean crowd sees it. Made in Denmark. Make: Danish Fuel Model: Bar Cabinet Cool Factor: Ridiculously high MSRP: $680 URL: www.onecph.com/danish-fuel If you're married to the SCAR 17, the situation may call for converting to AK calibers and COMBLOC mags. Enter Handl Defense with their MK17 line to convert the SCAR 17-type rifles to 7.6239 and 5.4539, although it's anticipated by the company that .260 Rem, 5.5645, 7.6251, and 300 BLK will be added to the lineup late this year. Handl will be offering a complete rifle as well as a complete conversion package. It'll include a complete trigger module, complete barrel with HD handguard, caliber specific bolt, universal BCG, and recoil assembly, so customers have the option to convert their existing SCAR 17S or purchase a whole new rifle. According to the company, end users should be able to do the conversion themselves, and the package will include all the necessary parts. Make: Handl Defense Model: HD MK-17 AK Trigger Module MSRP: Not available at press time URL: www.handldefense.com The Knight's Armament Company Precision Bipod is the toe-touching yoga beast of rifle supports. With as much movement as this little guy is capable of, POA adjustment isn't a hassle thanks to few well-placed controls that adjust tension, cant, yaw, and leg height with easily manipulated buttons and levers. The unit mounts on any pic rail with a sliding QD mechanism, and it comes with a set of aggressive serrated feet that'll hold fast on most surfaces; pop the stock feet out and slap in a set of Atlas rubber feet or spikes (not included) for grip on other surfaces. Make: Knight's Armament Company Model: Precision Bipod Bipod Adjustment Height: 6.875 to 9.25 inches MSRP: $437 URL: shop.knightarmco.com Born from the maker's time in the service, these finely machined stainless steel chillers replace the (likely) carcinogenic tank parts the guys behind Battle-Rattle once used to chill their scotch. Even if you're not trying to avoid flashbacks to time spent in the desert drinking warm water from leaky water buffalos, you'll still appreciate the unadulterated flavor of your drink by skipping the ice cubes and dropping a couple of these babies in your evening retreat. You can order the chillers in sets that combine tiny flashbangs, frags, mortar rounds, tank rounds, anti-vehicle mines, and tracked vehicle sprockets. Make: Battle-Rattle Model: Whisky Chillers Material: Stainless Steel MSRP: $80/set URL: www.battle-rattle.com You still love your first .223 Rem AR-15. But, let's say you've since grown and explored the world of calibers available in that wonderfully adaptable AR platform. Now your magazine collection is as shameful as a middle-aged woman's shoe collection. RZE's Unimag claims to help by taking the place of seven different mags with the use of its tilting follower and pinched, stainless steel, magazine body. Even if you've only got a few uppers in the array of ammo RZE says the mag will handle, the Unimag could reduce the space and attention needed to maintain a small herd of magazines. We've just gotten a sample at press time, so look for a range report on www.recoilweb.com after you read this. Make: RZE Model: Unimag Caliber Compatibility: 5.4539, .223 Rem, 300 BLK, 7.6239, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 458 SOCOM, .50 Beowolf MSRP: $40 URL: www.rosszhengengineering.com For years, anyone showing up to the range with an optic fastened to the AK's dust cover was subjected to well-deserved derision, as the stamped sheetmetal is as robust as a politician's morals. As a means to cover up the bolt carrier, it works slightly better than wet cardboard, but is just about useless as an optics mounting platform. Texas Weapon Systems addresses all of these shortcomings with a dust cover that not only is hogged out of aluminum bar stock, but is secured very tightly at both ends by precision machined steel hardware. In fact, once installed it's probably the stiffest component on any stamped AK, barrel included. We bolted one up to a Yugo N-PAP and gained not only the lowest rail possible for a red dot, but also the longest sight radius with the optional back up peep. Two thumbs up. Shown with optional Rear Peep Sight. Make: Texas Weapon Systems Model: Dog Leg Rail Gen-3 MSRP: $170 URL: www.texasweaponsystems.com Garmin's Tactix Bravo will attract anyone in the big watch/big function crowd, but it was purpose built for camo-wearing problem solvers. For anyone who grew up with a tape deck and a poster of Pamela Anderson on his bedroom wall, it's nuts to think that Garmin can shove a navigation computer in a wrist watch. But, that's where we are, and Garmin is on v2 of its military-grade wrist-top plugger/workout partner. This one's got a non-reflective black PVD case, night vision readability, sapphire glass, daily location logging, GLONASS and GPS compatibility, advanced workout recording, and it can control Garmin's line of action cameras via Bluetooth. All that and I bet you'll think the coolest thing about it is that throwback analog display. We do. Make: Garmin Model: Tactix Bravo Battery Life: Watch: 6 weeks, Tracking: 50 hours, Navigation: 20 hours MSRP: $600 URL: www.sedirect.com New York City knife-maker Liong Mah designed several popular models for Columbia River Knife & Tool (including the Journeyer, as seen in this issue's Unusual Suspects column). But he also crafts fine tools under his own brand, Liong Mah Designs. The Remedy is one such example. Its blade is 3.75 inches long and made of S35VN, a premium stainless steel that's incredibly tough, easy to sharpen, and fights off corrosion like a boss. It's also expensive, hence the knife's price. But when you consider the Remedy's handle and pocket clip are made from 3D-sculpted titanium, the price makes sense. With a good feel in hand and a smooth flipper opening, the Remedy could very well be your everyday-carry solution if you have the scratch. Make: Liong Mah Designs Model: Remedy MSRP: $300 URL: www.liongmah.com The CG1 from 9 Line Tactical isn't your granddaddy's trifold wallet. In fact, it doesn't fold at all. Made of aluminum with stainless steel screws, the CG1 can block radio-frequency ID signals to protect your personal data and has a patent-pending internal spring that can hold up to 10 cards. Weighing 4 ounces and about the size of a thick smartphone, the wallet also has a pocket clip that can double as a money clip if you prefer to separate your cash and cards. The CG1 is available in all sorts of colors and materials from carbon fiber and titanium to a flat dark earth model with Punisher skull. Keep in mind, the premium accouterments cost extra. Make: 9 Line Tactical Model: CG1 Tactical Wallet MSRP: Starting at $55 URL: www.9linetactical.net If you either don't want to spend the time learning the idiosyncrasies of an AK trigger, or simply want all of your long guns to feel like a high-end AR, then perhaps you might like to consider the CMC drop-in trigger for your gat. Contained within a robust, cast-and-machined housing, it enlists elements of both east and west and results in a 3-pound rollover break with a 1/8-inch reset. Which may actually be too light for 7.62 rifles, unless of course you want to impress all your friends with a little bump fire rock and roll. Installation is no more involved than swapping out Stoner's bang switch, and can be accomplished in less than one beer. Make: CMC Triggers Model: AK-47 Trigger Kit MSRP: $225 URL: www.cmctriggers.com Paul Leitner-Wise, principal of Leitner-Wise Manufacturing and the LW in the original LWRC, filed a lawsuit yesterday against Sig Sauer and LWRC International in Federal court in Maryland. Anyone with a passing interest in the firearms industry is aware of the animosity between Leitner-Wise and LWRC, but adding Sig to the mix is a surprising twist. Leitner-Wise asserts his Self-Cleaning Gas Operating System for a Firearm, patent against both defendants. He's also making claims against LWRC for unjust enrichment and breach of contract. Interestingly, Leitner-Wise's complaint calls out more than just patent infringement. We find it deeply troubling that two major firearms manufacturers can predicate the entire success of their piston rifles upon a patent which was assigned without the inventors knowledge and to which they have never paid a penny in royalties, said Matthew LeFande, the attorney representing Leitner-Wise. According to patent law expert (and a RECOIL legalese interpreter), Malvern Griff Griffin, the patent at issue relates to a self-regulating short-stroke piston operating system for AR-15 type, self-loading rifles. The suit takes aim at LWRC and Sig Sauer products using Leitner-Wise's self-regulating short-stroke piston system. The complaint specifically names over a dozen different rifle and pistol models, including the LWRC IC-A5 rifle and the SIG MCX rifle. And here's the twist; the complaint points to an alleged conspiracy between LWRC and Sig. According to the complaint, Leitner-Wise was employed with Leitner-Wise Rifle Company, Inc. until October 2006, at which time he assigned his patent interests to that company for a specified royalty on certain products. Then, in April 2008, Leitner-Wise Rifle Company assigned the patent to LWRC International, LLC. Leitner-Wise alleges that the assignment is void, due to an issue with incorrect inventorship identification made by the Leitner-Wise Rifle Company in the assignment papers. Fast forward to 2011, and LWRC sues Sig Sauer for infringement of that same patent. As explained in the complaint, during that 2011 case, Sig Sauer uncovered the defective patent assignment and informed LWRC International. As a result of that information, asserts Leitner-Wise, both LWRC International and Sig Sauer conspired to discontinue such litigation amicably as to avoid further disclosure of the fraudulent 2008 assignment and to continue such infringement [of the patent] unimpeded. Reached by phone, LWRC spokesman David Golliday declined to comment, as did Sig Sauer spokesman Jordan Hunter, reached by email. With the filing of Mr. Leitner-Wise's complaint, and assuming the defendants have been served, they will have a few weeks to file an answer with the court. When it comes to stories involving legal issues, RECOIL is working with attorney Malvern Griff Griffin, an expert in intellectual property law. Griff is a partner in the Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP practice and an avid shooter. Im driving northeast from Paris with the intention of doing something seemingly pointless, at best, and mawkishly self-indulgent at worst. I'm rolling along manicured autoroutes, passing medieval villages and fields which have been cultivated for millennia. In an hour or so, Ill park, walk a couple hundred yards and look at a few letters chipped into a rock. Then, Ill bow my head, shed a tear and, after a while, reverse the journey. Like I said, pointless and self-indulgent. One hundred years ago today, Lance Corporal Alfred Madden of D Company, 22nd Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers attempted to close with and destroy the enemy on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Like so many young infantrymen taking part in that slaughter, he never returned and his body was not recovered. Those few letters chipped into a rock at the memorial at Thiepval are scant evidence of an otherwise unremarkable existence. He went to school, worked, loved, married and began to raise a family in a country that, for centuries, was the traditional enemy of the one in which he lost his life. When war came, he enlisted in his local regiment, one thatd been operational for more than two hundred years across the Empire. Ironically, one of the first battle honors they won was against the French. Review of all four battalions, 102 Brigade, Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) at Alnwick, 1915, by the Duke of Northumberland KG. At 07:28 on July 1st, two enormous mines under the German lines at La Boiselle, each containing 26 tons of high explosive, were detonated the signal for the infantry of the British 34th Division to advance. Alfred Madden's battalion hurled itself into a maelstrom of machine gun and rifle fire, crossing open ground to attack the village to their front. One of four battalions comprising the Tyneside Scottish Brigade, they formed on November 16th, 1915 as part of a recruitment drive that saw groups of friends from the area's various mining communities walking dozens of miles to sign up together. Drawing from a population that already led hard, gritty lives of physical labor, the camaraderie found in these Pals Battalions was unheard of. The downside of forming units from small villages was the certainty that almost every family in the community would lose a father, son, uncle or brother in the coming carnage. Within a few minutes of the British artillery barrage lifting, German defenders emerged from their deep dugouts, largely unscathed despite the 1.5 million shells rained up them across the front over the past five days. As the 22nd Northumberland Fusiliers slogged uphill, they were cut to pieces. At the end of that fateful day, 537 men from the battalion were killed, wounded or missing. Heavy casualties were at once incurred, many men of our first line even being hit while getting over our front line parapet. Each company was played over into No Man's Land by its piper who continued to play until either killed or wounded. Northumberland Fusiliers War Diary, the Somme Offensive, 1916 Im rolling along on manicured autoroutes, passing medieval villages and fields, on my way to remember Lance Corporal Alfred Madden, my great grandfather, a man I never met, and whose sacrifice I can never repay. A view of the La Boisselle battlefield as it looked on 03 July, 1916, as seen from just behind British positions. Artillery can be seen impacting in the distance beyond the Y Sap crater near Alte Jager Strasse. WO1 (RSM) James Grantham, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, leads an all-night vigil at the Thiepval Memorial to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. He stands near the engraved name of his great uncle, Pvt. George Henry Grantham, who died 01 July 16 during the first day of the battle. Photo credit unknown (HM Armed Forces). Cover photo: a WWI era 13-pdr field gun belong to King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, at the Thiepval Memorial. Unknown photo credit. Superimposed over the picture is the shoulder rocker of a soldier from the Northumberland Fusiliers. The letters here being red, it would have been worn by a member of 20th Battalion (1st Tyneside Scottish). The letters of those worn the other battalions would have been: yellow (21st), black (22nd), and light blue (23rd). Remembering the Sacrifices of the Somme The Northumberland Fusiliers went over the top on 01 July 16 at 07h30 with Maj. Gen. Ingouville-Williams's division. The Tyneside battalions suffered more casualties than any other brigade in the battle, including all of their battalion commanders and 90% of their officers. The division lost a brigade commander, seven of eight battalion commanders and, on average, 600 men (all ranks) in each battalion. The four Tyneside battalions of the division lost 6,380 killed, wounded and missing. Despite losing 3/4 of its infantry that morning the division carried the attack through to its initial objectives, though one might argue that just a few acres of ground was hardly worth the lives of so many young men. Never have I seen men go through such a barrage of artillerythey advanced as on parade and never flinched. (Maj-Gen Ingouville-Williams) The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, is perhaps the most iconic of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries upon it are the names of more than 72,00 officers and men who died in the Somme sector prior to March, 1918 and were never identified. Approximately 90% of those commemorated were killed in the first five months of WWII. it became evident that the attack had been pressed on without avail. Officers and men had been literally mowed down, but in rapidly diminishing numbers they had resolutely pushed on to meet their deaths close to the enemy's wire. No Man's Land was reported to be heaped with dead. It was impossible to estimate at all accurately the extent of our losses (Brigadier-General Trevor Ternan, 102nd Bde Tyneside Scottish; by 3 July BGen. Ternan made contact with scattered pockets of surviving Fusiliers, including a handful commanded by a surviving officer called Major Acklom. The 102nd Brigade, 2 years in the making and training, had effectively ceased to exist.) April 20, or 4/20, is known as National Weed Day in popular culture, in which individuals gather to celebrate by smoke and celebrate marijuana. Athens C.A.R.E. Project, a subset of the Georgia C.A.R.E. Project, used the day to campaign for the decriminalization and legalization of the drug. Houston Gaines, SGA vice president, and Jacob Fucetola, president pro-tempore and Terry College of Business senator, have stressed how the relationships they have already formed through their positions in the Student Government Association will help them create change on day one of their time in office, if elected. SHARE Photo courtesy of Shasta Historical Society The Rev. William Samuel Kidder's lifetime accomplishments and achievements are too many to list. But local historians and his descendants continue to chronicle his life story, which can be found in numerous periodicals and books at the Shasta Historical Society and the Redding Library. By Jeremy Tuggle On Aug. 2, 1861, Kidder was appointed postmaster at French Gulch. Between 1863 and 1873, with the exception of his Civil War service, he was employed as a miner by the Washington Quartz Mining Co. at the Washington mine in French Gulch, part of the French Gulch mining district. The Washington mine was the first gold mine in Shasta County, having been located in 1852 by pioneers John Souter and John Syme. Syme was the superintendent at the mine when Kidder was employed there. Kidder enlisted into the U.S. Army Nov. 10, 1864, from Marysville, where he served as a soldier in the Civil War with Company I of the 7th California Infantry, fighting for the Union Army. During the war, Kidder's unit was directed to Arizona, where they were ordered to protect military forts. He was honorably discharged in March of 1866 at Presidia and eventually returned to French Gulch. A year later, on Dec. 5, 1867, Kidder was married to Mary Elizabeth McFarlin (1849-1938) by the Rev. S.N. Newkirk, in a double wedding ceremony with the bride's sister, Martha Ann McFarlin, marrying Thomas Burton Smith at Eagle Creek, which is now known as Ono. It was Kidder who performed the Smith wedding that day. Martha Ann McFarlin was one of 10 children born to George McFarlin and Martha Yelland (Miller) McFarlin, pioneers of Shasta County who arrived at Texas Springs with their family in 1860 from District 24, Grant County, Wisconsin. They are my paternal great-great-great-great-grandparents. At the age of 35, William Kidder appears on the 1870 U.S. Census, living in French Gulch and working as a miner. His wife was listed at age 20, as a common house wife, and in the interim one child was added to the household. During the 1880s, Kidder petitioned for a homestead in the Eagle Creek area. The petition was granted and the family moved from French Gulch to Eagle Creek. This is where he began to farm, but he continued preaching and mining to support his family. Kidder was elected as the Shasta County Assessor in 1880 and he served through 1886. In 1883, the people of Eagle Creek were getting tired of traveling five miles to the town of Igo to receive their mail. The residents met and submitted a petition for a new post office to the U.S. Postal Service headquarters at Washington, D.C. The names that were offered on the petition were Eaglesville, Eagle Creek and Orofino, meaning "fine gold" in Spanish. The names Eaglesville and Eagle Creek were turned down by officials in Washington, D.C., because they conflicted with names used elsewhere in California. The name Orofino was also rejected because there was a town in Siskiyou County with that name. The petition was granted for a post office; however, local residents were furious about the objections as a new name would first have to be selected and approved in order to establish a post office. Local residents asked Kidder to suggest a name for this burgeoning farming and mining area and he suggested the name Ono. He picked the name from the bible in Neahmiah 6:2, where it states "as we meet together on the plains of Ono." The name Ono derives from a town in Jerusalem, formerly called Ono, now known as Auna. On April 16, 1883, a post office was established by the U.S. Postal Service called Ono. Kidder appointed his brother-in-law William Miller McFarlin to be the first post master of Ono. Kidder founded numerous churches in Northern California, including the First Baptist Church of Red Bluff in 1860 and the First Baptist Church of Redding in 1887, becoming the first pastor at both churches. Kidder enjoyed God's calling and traveled to different Baptist churches and schools in the area to preach the word of God. Kidder preached in Copper City, Excelsior, Bald Hills, Gas Point, Kimball Plains, Pickney, Aiken Gulch, Watson Gulch, Millville and Eagle Creek (Ono). He performed many marriages throughout his lifetime. The Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Redding was dedicated as Kidder Hall in April of 2007 in memory of Kidder by church officials. In 1887, Kidder purchased the Tellurium Restaurant on Market Street in Redding. The restaurant was open at all hours of the day and it offered a good table setting at 25 cents a meal. Eventually, moving his restaurant into a building on the corner of Market and Butte streets in Redding, owned by John O. Welsh. On Nov. 4, 1890, Thomas B. Smith was elected as Shasta County assessor and he appointed his brother-in-law, Kidder, to be his deputy assessor, a position in which Kidder had previous experience. Kidder acted as one of his deputy assessors until 1894. Kidder died March 16, 1911, at his home in Ono. He was 76 years old. Kidder and his wife had eight children seven daughters and one son. All of his children were educated at the Ono Schoolhouse. The pioneer Baptist minister was labeled as the "most respected man in western Shasta County" by the Courier-Free Press newspaper in Redding at the time of his death. Kidder's lifetime accomplishments and achievements are too many to list. But local historians and his descendants continue to chronicle his life story, which can be found in numerous periodicals and books at the Shasta Historical Society and the Redding Library. His wife, Mary Elizabeth (McFarlin) Kidder, survived him and died Jan. 9, 1938, in Redding. She was 88 years old. Both are buried at the Ono Cemetery in Ono. Many of their descendants still live in Shasta County and, like me, they are proud of their pioneer heritage. Photo courtesy of International Folk Dancers On Friday, the International Folk Dancing group will meet 7 p.m. at the Redding Ballet Academie, 1726 Market St. SHARE File photo/Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight On Saturday, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer Junior Firefighter training 11 a.m. at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Children will learn about the important role that fire plays in the ecosystems of our national parks during a hands-on activity. Photo courtesy of Behrens-Eaton Museum Tours of the Behrens-Eaton Museum will be available 1-4 p.m. Saturday at 1520 West St., Redding. Photo courtesy of Lydia Sherwood A program featuring children's songs, traditional spirituals and gospel pieces will be shared by the African Children's Choir 9:30-11:15 a.m. Sunday at First Christian Church, 3590 Placer St., Redding. African Children's Choir to perform Sunday The African Children's Choir will perform 9:30-11:15 a.m. Sunday at First Christian Church, 3590 Placer St., Redding. The program will feature children's songs, traditional spirituals and gospel pieces. Visiting from Uganda, choir members range in age from 7 to 9 years old. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Call 242-1589 for more information. Junior Ranger program set for Saturday Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer its Junior Ranger program 10 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Participants will learn about preserving and protecting park resources while making new friends during a special one-hour activity that explores the wonders of Whiskeytown. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. While programs are free, visitors must display a valid entrance pass on all vehicles in the park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/whis or call the park visitor center at 246-1225. Folk dancing group to meet International Folk Dancing group will meet 7 p.m. Friday at the Redding Ballet Academie, 1726 Market St. Admission is $3 and $6 per family. First-timers are admitted for free. All skill levels are welcome and no partner is necessary. Sessions will include a 30-minute warm-up dances, followed by teaching, review and open request dances. For more information, visit http://reddingfolkdance.blogspot.com. Visitors welcome Saturday at judge's former house Behrens-Eaton Museum will be open 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Behrens-Eaton Museum, 1520 West St., Redding. The museum reflects a Victorian home of the early 1900s. Four generations of the Behrens-Eaton family lived there from 1898 until Judge Richard Eaton's death in 2003. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call 241-3454. 'Cabaret' takes center stage in Anderson The musical "Cabaret" will be staged 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Anderson Union High School Performing Arts Center, 1471 Ferry St., Anderson. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, the story setting is the Kit Kat Klub and based around an English cabaret performer, 19-year-old Sally Bowles and her relationship with American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Tickets, which are $10 to $20, are available at www.axiomrepertorytheatre.com or call 209-9909. California Repercussions to perform in Redding The California Repercussions, a San Francisco Bay Area musical group, will perform 9-10 a.m. at the Redding Farmers Market at City Hall. The performance will be the band's second appearance in Redding since 2014. The Reapers are a 60-piece mobile band comprised of horns of all sorts, saxophones and percussion. The group is known for its high-energy performance with a repertoire spanning modern pops hits to classic rock anthems, and audience-participation features. The band is staffed with professionals who meet outside of their day jobs to play music several times per month. Members reside principally in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, with a couple from the North State members. The group has played throughout Northern California and around the world. Among a field of more than 100 bands, including professional full-time groups, the band was named one of the "5 Must-See Bands" by The Sacramento Bee for the 2016 Sacramento Music Festival. Burney Basin Days set this weekend Burney Basin Days will take place Friday through Sunday in Burney. The event includes the Friday Night Social, Saturday barbecue, craft fair, bed race and kiddie parade. The parade will start at 11 a.m. For more information, call 335-2111 or visit www.burneychamber.com. Whiskeytown Junior Firefighter Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer Junior Firefighter 11 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Join Whiskeytown NPS firefighters to learn how they manage fire to promote forest health and protect lives and property. Children will learn about the important role that fire plays in the ecosystems of our national parks during this hands-on activity. Children who complete the program will earn a Junior Firefighter badge. Meet at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Reservations are required for the park kayak programs and can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 242-3462. While programs are free, visitors must display a valid entrance pass on all vehicles in the park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/whis or call the park visitor center at 246-1225. Anderson Explodes to feature food, music, fireworks Anderson Explodes will be held Sunday at the Shasta District Fairgrounds, 1890 Briggs St., Anderson. Gates will open at 4 p.m. The daytime events will include live music and a barbecue. 4H and FFA will hold their community barbecue as part of the event 4 to 8 p.m. It will includes all-you-can-eat beef, lamb, goat, pork, coleslaw, corn, rolls and a drink. Cost is $10. The music starts at 5:30 p.m. Cloverdayle will perform at 8 p.m. Fireworks will start at dusk. Admission is free. Parking costs $4. For more information, call 224-4900. Mount Shasta to hold celebration Mount Shasta Fourth of July Celebration, Artisan Market and Street Faire will take place Monday in downtown Mount Shasta. The event will include the 7 a.m. Mountain Runners run, followed by a parade and later the fireworks. For more information, visit http://mtshastachamber.com. Freedom Festival to be held at Redding Civic Auditorium Freedom Festival Fourth of July celebration will be held 5 p.m. Monday at the Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive, Redding. The California Country concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 229-0022 or visit www.reddingcivic.com. Movie night set under the starlight Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer Movie Night Under the Starlight 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring a pillow. For more information, contact the Oak Bottom Beach Store at 359-2675. While programs are free, visitors must display a valid entrance pass on all vehicles in the park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/whis or call the park visitor center at 246-1225. Dunsmuir to host jazz event The fifth annual Jazz in the Canyon continues through Monday at venues in and around Dunsmuir. Events feature North State jazz musicians and visiting guest artists, including pianist Cali O'Doherty and her band from New York; Latin-infused jazz duo Sonido Allegre, A. Fiddle-Hooper and Shattered Chaos; fingerstyle guitarist Rick Garrett, the Chuck Epperson group, Allison and Victor and the Midnight Band, and guitar veteran Mickey Jones. Participating venues include Dunsmuir Brewery Works, Pops Performing Arts and Cultural Center, the Siskiyou Arts Museum, the Burger Barn, the Wheelhouse and Shattered Music and Book Store, the Pizza Factory and others. For more information, visit www.jazzinthecanyon.com. Cascade Theatre hosting Summer Movie Club Cascade Theatre's Kids' Summer Movie Club will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market Street, Redding. The event is held on Saturdays and features a different film each week. "Finding Nemo" is this Saturday's featured film. There will be activities, games, prizes, costumed characters and the chance to win tickets to other Cascade family events. Admission is free. Art in the City exhibit open Art in the City summer exhibit will be open 5-7 p.m. at Redding City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave., Redding. It features work by local artists in a variety of mediums. Artists represented include Andrew Jensen, Viv-Anne Thompson, Bonnie Lampley and Paul Mitchell. There are also student submissions to the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest and a special exhibit by Susan Lofthouse-Meade at the Redding Library. Admission is free. The exhibit is part of the Art in Public Places program dedicated to creating community through people, parks and programs. For more information, visit www.reddingart.org. Strawberry Festival to be held Saturday Old Station Volunteer Fire Co. will hold its annual Strawberry Festival 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Old Station Volunteer Fire Hall, 13379 Highway 89, Old Station. The event will include homemade shortcake, fresh strawberries and ice cream, topped with whipped cream. Proceeds will benefit the Old Station Volunteer Fire Department. Admission is $7. For more information, call 335-7111. Raw Food Society to hold potluck Redding Raw Food Society will hold a potluck 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Holiday Market, 3315 Placer St., Redding. It will include a family-style potluck supper. Attendees are asked to bring a raw plant-based dish to share. Monthly activities can include nutritional presentations, guest speakers and recipe sharing. For more information, call or text 941-7895. Movie to be shown at library Children's Cinema will be offered 4 p.m. Friday at the Redding Library, 1100 Parkview Ave., Redding. The event features a variety of children's films and free popcorn. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 245-7253 or visit www.shastalibraries.org. Dance club offered to seniors Redding Seniors Dance Club will be offered 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Senior Citizens Hall, 2290 Benton Drive, Redding. It's for adults 50 and older, and includes live music, refreshment potluck, raffles and prizes. Cost is $6 for non-members and $5 for members. Membership is $20. For more information, call 246-3042 or visit www.shastacountyseniors.com. Animal Show to be held at Turtle Bay Walk on the Wild Side Animal Show will be offered 11 a.m. Friday at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding. Marvel as an owl flies inches from your head. See a porcupine up close and personal. Watch a fox use its tail to balance on a narrow edge. Can you dig as fast as a badger? Join this educational wildlife show to see animals showcasing their natural behaviors. The show is free with park admission. It will be held in the Forest Amphitheater. Admission is $12-$16. For more information, call 243-8850. Interpretive tour of bridge to be offered A tour of the Sundial Bridge will be offered 10 a.m. Friday at the bridge in Redding. Join Turtle Bay educators and docents on a free interpretive tour. The tour will provide in-depth information about the building of the bridge, how it works and stories from many of the people involved in the project, including the inspiration of the designer, Santiago Calatrava. The tour is free. Meet at the south end of the bridge. For more information, visit http://turtlebay.org. Animal communication focus of gathering Animal Music will be presented 3 p.m. Saturday at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding. The animal kingdom is full of song as animals communicate. Turtle Bay asks visitors to come meet a few of its animals and learn about how they use sound to survive. Access to this is free with park admission. Admission is $12-$16. For more information, visit http://turtlebay.org. Walk In Time to be offered Whiskeytown National Recreation Area will offer Walk In Time 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Attendees will learn how pioneers and prospectors Charles Camden and Levi Tower reshaped the landscape to create a home for their families and an oasis for many travelers during and after the California gold rush. People will be invited to visit the historic orchard and find apple trees over 150 years old that still bear fruit. After a tour of the Camden house, guests will be invited to stroll through the area and then try their hand at panning for gold. While programs are free, visitors must display a valid entrance pass on all vehicles in the park. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/whis or call the park visitor center at 246-1225. Jim Schultz/Record Searchlight Michael William Michaelis sits in a Shasta County courtroom Thursday as he awaits the setting of his trial date. SHARE By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight A 26-year-old Ventura man arrested June 1 for allegedly robbing a Redding bank in 2015 will begin standing trial Aug. 30 in Shasta County Superior Court. Michael William Michaelis, who has a prior criminal history in Shasta County dating back to 2009, was arrested on a warrant in connection with the Jan. 21, 2105, robbery of Tri Counties Bank on Westside Road. A arrest warrant was also issued for another suspect, Harwood Francis McCovey, 31, of Hoopa. McCovey remains at large, a prosecutor said. Police have said a man walked into the Redding bank during the afternoon of Jan. 21, 2015, simulated having a weapon and demanded money from a teller. He then left the bank and was last seen walking north, police have said. Numerous police officers, including a California Highway Patrol helicopter, searched for the man. Sycamore School, in the nearby Westwood neighborhood, was locked down during the search, police have said. Following a tip, police later arrested a man on suspicion of robbing the bank. But investigators cleared that man after investigators confirmed his alibi. Michaelis remains in Shasta County Jail custody in lieu of $100,000 bail. He is due back in Superior Court on Aug. 15 for a settlement conference and on Aug. 26 for a trial readiness conference. SHARE By Ryan Sabalow A Shasta County judge has ruled in favor of a former Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry student who was sued by a man alleging she and a friend pushed him off a cliff and then, thinking he was dead, tried to faith-heal him back to life rather than call Redding police. In her Friday ruling in favor of Sarah Elisabeth Koivumaki, Superior Court Judge Monica Marlow wrote Jason Michael Carlsen's case was severely hindered because he couldn't remember what happened on the night of Oct. 5, 2008. Instead, he relied heavily on circumstantial evidence alleging Koivumaki, 22, and Zachary Gudelunas, 28, had pushed or knocked him off the cliff above the Sacramento River, Marlow wrote. "The evidence, when considered in its entirety, does nothing more than raise a mere possibility that (Carlsen's) theory of the night's events is correct," Marlow wrote. Carlsen, a paraplegic as a result of the fall, now lives in Petaluma. His efforts to recoup damages suffered in the fall were further hindered because "it has long been held as a general rule that one has no duty to come to the aid of another," so Carlsen's claim Koivumaki and Gudelunas should have called rescuers immediately after the fall were legally moot, she wrote. Koivumaki's Redding attorney Gary Haslerud applauded the ruling, saying Tuesday his client did not push Carlsen off the cliff. Though she made a poor decision to not immediately call police and "absolutely feels terrible" about Carlsen's injuries, she had no legal obligation to report the fall, though she eventually did the right thing and went to police, he said. "This whole thing could be chalked up to youth, inexperience and alcohol," Haslerud said. Carlsen's San Francisco attorney, Michael Thomas, said he's "strongly considering an appeal." "The court considered all the evidence, and we look forward to further review of the evidence in further proceedings," he said. Carlsen's age wasn't available, though he was 23 at the time of the fall. Marlow's ruling applies only to Koivumaki. Haslerud said Gudelunas never appeared at early court hearings after the case was filed last year and, as such, is considered to have defaulted on the case. He was automatically ordered to pay for Carlsen's injuries. Carlsen's lawsuit relied heavily on Redding police investigators' reports. Detectives for a time treated the case as an attempted-murder investigation. The pair was never charged. Detectives said Koivumaki and Gudelunas told them that after a night of drinking, the trio drove to the cliffs above the Sacramento River below Palisades Avenue off Hilltop Drive. Koivumaki told detectives that at one point, Carlsen got up, walked to the edge of the cliff, stood with his back to the ledge. He told the pair "he'd had a hard life" and had come to Redding because he wanted to get clean from methamphetamine, the police report said. Koivumaki told investigators Carlsen said "you can't die in the will of God" and jokingly mimicked a jump off the cliff's edge. "She stated when he jumped over the edge he began grabbing the side of the cliff, but slowly began slipping," officer Luke Blehm said in his report. "She stated that after a few seconds he fell off the cliff, and she could hear him falling and thudding several times as he fell. She stated that she heard a loud thud when he obviously hit the rocks at the bottom of the cliff." Police said they later found Carlsen's finger marks on the cliff's edge. Police said after the fall, the panicked pair drove down to the other side of the river so they could find Carlsen. They told police they hoped to "save" Carlsen through faith healing, but they were hindered by the cold water and blackberry bushes along the river's edge. Bethel's members purport to have the ability to raise the dead and cure injuries through the power of prayer. The pair didn't go to the Redding Police Department for at least six hours after the fall. Instead, they drove around debating what to do. Koivumaki told police she and Gudelunas had been hesitant to call 911 because they were worried about getting into legal trouble because they had been drinking. Koivumaki also told police they were scared they'd get kicked out of the ministry school, because each had signed a no-drinking pledge, police said. But Carlsen's suit alleges the pair spent all that time getting their stories straight. The lawsuit alleges Carlsen was knocked or pushed backward off the cliff after he offended Koivumaki and Gudelunas when he laughed as she was crying over her brother's death. Thomas said Tuesday Koivumaki later testified under oath there was no anti-drinking pledge and Gudelunas wasn't even a Bethel student. Search teams found Carlsen within 40 minutes of the pair's arrival at the police station. He was flown to U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento where his skull was cut open to relieve pressure on his brain. He spent a month in a coma, Carlsen's other attorney, Marc Libarle, said in interview last year. Haslerud said the pair's faith had nothing to do with the central allegations Marlow heard in the case. "I think, to be honest, their religious affiliation had nothing to do with this," Haslerud said. The primary issue was whether there was evidence he'd been pushed, Haslerud said. Haslerud said Carlsen admitted in depositions that before the fall he'd smoked marijuana, had stolen a fifth of rum from a local store and was "surfing" a parking lot while hanging from a moving car, further adding doubt to his claims he'd been pushed instead of merely acting recklessly at the cliff's edge while trying to "do a trick." "The biggest criticism has been the delay in reporting the incident to the authorities, but this criticism isn't an issue with respect to this lawsuit," Haslerud said. "The delay was the result of having just witnessed a very traumatic event coupled with fear and confusion and the possibility that Mr. Carlsen has just committed suicide. The delay was not occasioned by some religious belief Sarah had that they were going to 'raise the dead.'" Thomas described Haslerud's comments "as personal attacks" on his client, which had no bearing on Marlow's decision. "The hypocrisy making that comment of my client to the media kind of speaks for itself," Thomas said. Koivumaki is a Canadian citizen from British Columbia who was in California on a temporary visa in 2008, according to Redding police. Haslerud said she still lives there. Gudelunas' Facebook profile last year listed his current residence as Atlantic City, N.J., but his current city wasn't listed Tuesday. SHARE By Pauline Bartolone Legislation to allow Californias nurse practitioners more independence in treating patients has fizzled for the year and its not the first time. A proposed bill to expand the scope of nurse practitioners was scheduled to be heard by an Assembly committee this week, but was pulled by the measures author, state Senator Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), after he determined that it did not have the votes needed to pass. Expanding the medical role of nurse practitioners has long been opposed by doctors some say for economic reasons. Proponents of the idea say it can help address the shortage of primary care doctors in the state by making treatment more accessible and more affordable. We have been trying for a really long time to allow NPs to practice to the fullest extent of their scope and training, says Donna Emanuele, President for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners. Under current state law, nurse practitioners can independently provide basic primary care, such as assessing a patients health status or diagnosing ailments. But they must follow physician-approved guidelines to prescribe medication, order tests or otherwise manage patients. Nurse practitioners are among the most highly trained nursing professionals and must have at least a masters degree. Registered nurses, are only required to hold an associates degree at minimum, and they dont diagnose or prescribe on their own. Nurse practitioners say they provide quality care thats comparable to that provided by physicians. They want California lawmakers to allow them to practice without the supervision of a doctor. We continue to hit the same road blocks in terms of some turf wars that I think are unnecessary in todays age, because there are enough patients to go around, said Emanuele. The California Medical Association, which lobbies for the states physicians, has vehemently opposed allowing the nurses to treat patients without using standardized medical procedures approved by them. Team-based care led by a physician is the safest, most cost-effective way to treat patients, CMA officials said in a press release after the defeat of a 2013 bill to expand nurse practitioners scope of practice. The California Medical Association did not comment for this story but it did provide a copy of the letter it had filed opposing this years measure to lift restrictions on the nurse practitioners. [The bill] reverses 40 years of policy that has maintained high quality health care for every Californian by allowing lesser trained practitioners to practice medicine without providing adequate patient protections and medical standards, the letter said. A 2010 report by the Institute of Medicine recommended that nurses should be allowed to practice at the full scope of their training, and should achieve higher levels of education. Since 2013, five states have lifted restrictions on nurse practitioners, raising to 21 the number of states that have expanded nurse practitioners legal scope of practice, according to the National Council on State Legislatures. The District of Columbia has also done so. There is yet to be a study that shows, based on these restrictions, there [are] better primary care outcomes, or better safety or better referrals or anything else, says Joanne Spetz, associate director of research at Healthforce Center at the University of California at San Francisco, and a professor at the Universitys School of Nursing. Spetz co-authored a recent study that suggests state policies allowing independence for nurse practitioners have resulted in a slight drop in the price of services and a minor increase in overall outpatient, physician and pharmacy costs. The uptick in those costs may be due to expanded patient access and an increase in the volume of services provided, the research suggests. Nurse practitioners are sometimes paid less than physicians for providing the same health care service, Spetz says. Medicare reimburses nurse practitioners at a lower rate than doctors. The economics of more providers offering the same services may be one reason physicians oppose the idea, says Spetz. If you have more competition in the market, the prices will drop, and those dropped prices are great for consumers and patients, butmean someones going to lose money. And that may be a doctor, says Spetz. The prospect of lower health care costs compelled business groups to support easing restrictions on nurse practitioners. Small businesses continue to really struggle with being able to afford health insurance for themselves and their employees, says David Chase, California Director of the Small Business Majority, a national policy advocacy group for small businesses. The ACA has taken a lot of steps to control costs, but we think a lot more needs to be done. Hernandez, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health who has championed the nurse practitioner bills during the past two legislative sessions, says he will consider next year whether to reintroduce the proposal. We are always searching for solutions to the shortage of primary care providers, he said. From California Healthline Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Shawn Adams, a parent leader with the Parent Leadership Advisory Group of Shasta County, helps his son, Antwone Adams, 7, pick out a raffle prize Thursday during the group's third annual reunification ceremony at Kids Kingdom. The group helps parents through the process of reunification with their children. SHARE Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Danielle Savage, 32, a parent leader with the Parent Leadership Advisory Group of Shasta County, holds her son Zain Norris, 4, Thursday during the group's third annual reunification ceremony. By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight About 25 families gathered Thursday at the Kids Kingdom playground on a warm Redding evening to celebrate their journey to becoming a family again. The Parent Leadership Advisory Group of Shasta County held its third annual Reunification Celebration to commemorate the efforts of mothers and fathers who worked successfully to get their children back after losing custody of them through Child Protective Services. "This is a way to step back, celebrate and say 'good job,'" said Crystal Johnson, parent leader advocate with PLAG. "A lot of the struggles that lead parents here are because of drug abuse." It's a journey that Danielle Savage, a volunteer with PLAG, is all too familiar with. Savage said she was dealing methamphetamine, and was 15 weeks pregnant when she lost custody of her two children. After she gave birth to her son, he, too, was taken away by CPS. Her oldest son, then 9, went to his father, who was living in Modesto at the time, and her daughter, 3, and infant son went into the foster care system. If Savage and her boyfriend wanted the children back, they were told they would have to enroll in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, parenting classes and domestic violence classes. After starting the process, it took nine months for them to become a family again. "They centered it so we could stay a family," Savage said about the services. It's been five years since she's been through her own reunification with her family, but she now uses the knowledge she's gained to help guide families through the court process. She said now that she's clean, her oldest son, now 14, often asks "what they were thinking" when Savage and her boyfriend were doing drugs. "It makes me feel terrible actually to have put him and my other kids through that," she said. "Everything I do now revolves around them." She said she now has a drivers license, two vehicles at home and a job to pay rent. "I look forward to going to work and being able to pay my bills," she said. For Colleen Bennett, getting her 5-month-old boy Jonah back, definitely felt like a celebration worth having. Bennett lost custody of her oldest son and Jonah because she was using drugs at the time. A week after having them taken away, she enrolled at Visions of the Cross for rehabilitation. "I've got right around eight months clean today," she said. "Visions saved my life." Bennett was officially reunited with Jonah on June 11. Her oldest son is with a family member, and she hopes to reunite with him soon. PLAG partners with the California Department of Social Services and the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council, and successfully reunited 151 families last year, Johnson said. SHARE By Ryan Sabalow, Sacramento Bee After weeks of uncertainty and pressure from members of Congress, federal officials this week announced a plan for managing water releases from California's largest reservoir this summer in a manner that will not involve cutbacks in farm water deliveries at least if all goes as hoped. For more than a month, federal agencies have battled behind the scenes over how to balance the needs of California farms and two endangered fish species whose populations have been decimated by years of drought and environmental decline. Federal fisheries officials who hold considerable sway over how the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operates Shasta Dam and other federal reservoirs had been weighing whether to hold back substantial volumes of water at Shasta Lake into the summer to protect juvenile winter-run Chinook salmon. A companion proposal called for letting more water flow to the Pacific Ocean through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta during summer, in hopes of bolstering survival rates for another species teetering on the brink of extinction, the Delta smelt. Both plans met with forceful opposition from Central Valley farmers, who rely heavily on Shasta water deliveries for irrigation. The proposals would have meant another year of curtailed deliveries during key portions of the growing season. Instead, the Shasta plan released Wednesday marked a victory for farm interests and a significant about-face for fisheries officials. Rather than the more drastic proposal under discussion, the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reverted to a model for operating Shasta Dam that stays the course for giving farmers more water deliveries than in recent years. Agency officials said their compromise plan should still result in ample cool water to keep endangered winter-run Chinook from dying in the Sacramento River. The bureau will be required to closely monitor temperatures in Shasta Lake to ensure cold water releases are possible through summer and fall. If the temperatures in the lake or the Sacramento River downstream spike over certain thresholds, the Bureau of Reclamation will be required to cut back releases. Barry Thom, a deputy regional administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service, acknowledged in a letter signing off on the plan that, even with the monitoring, "some temperature-dependent mortality is expected" for the winter-run Chinook. Reclamation spokesman Shane Hunt said the less drastic approach was justified following a relatively wet winter in Northern California after four dry years. The reservoir has almost twice as much water this year than it did last, he said. But he noted that uncertainty remains for California's water supply, and farm deliveries still could be curtailed if the bureau isn't able to maintain stable temperatures. "It's possible there could be changes," Hunt said. "That's always a possibility." Salmon fishing groups and environmentalists expressed disappointment in the more tepid approach outlined Wednesday, and also skepticism about the federal government's commitment to rescuing endangered Delta fish. "They agreed to something earlier in the year that would have been more protective; they failed to make that, and now they're falling back from that," said Jonathan Rosenfield, a conservation biologist at the nonprofit Bay Institute of San Francisco. "That's not a good start." In 2014, a similar scenario played out: Federal and state officials announced a plan to keep temperatures in key portions of the Sacramento River below 56 degrees, the point above which young salmon start to die. The bureau calculated the water would be cold enough to ensure survival of 30 percent of the fish. But its calculations proved faulty, and only 5 percent of the juveniles lived. Last year was worse; water temperatures exceeded the maximum 1,600 times and only 3 percent of the juveniles survived. Earlier this year, with Shasta Lake temperatures yet again outpacing predictions, federal fisheries officials expressed frustration with the bureau's forecasting models, and discussed setting even lower temperature requirements through summer to provide a cushion for the winter-run's survival. Concerned at the prospect of cutbacks, California's powerful farm lobby and its congressional allies began pressuring the agencies to ensure that promises of increased water deliveries made to Central Valley farmers last spring would be met. On June 9, 15 House members from California sent a letter urging the Obama administration to reject the more stringent Shasta plan under discussion, saying it would cripple the state's farming economy and possibly lead to water shortages for cities. In addition, individual lawmakers followed up with the kind of personal lobbying that can amplify influence. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, for instance, talked to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, who oversees the National Marine Fisheries Service, and Deputy Interior Secretary Michael L. Connor, a Westerner who has immersed himself in California water issues. The staff of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield was in contact with Bureau of Reclamation officials. On Wednesday, Costa celebrated the announcement of the revised Shasta proposal. "It is a fair outcome in a very challenging water year," Costa said in a prepared statement, "but now, it is incumbent upon the Bureau of Reclamation to meet these performance standards to ensure that communities in the San Joaquin Valley do not have their water supplies cut further, and that the third-year class of winter-run Chinook salmon is not put further at risk." Michael Milstein, a spokesman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said improved temperature monitoring this year, among other guarantees, should help avoid a crisis. "We made some significant additions to the plan to ensure that the cold water pool is protected for these fish," he said. The Shasta operating plan is subject to approval by the State Water Resources Control Board. Spokesman Tim Moran said the board will hear an update at its July 6 meeting. Meanwhile, the federal government still has no formal plan to rescue the Delta smelt. Once the plan for Shasta the linchpin in the federal Central Valley Project is in place, Hunt said, officials will turn their attention to how other reservoirs could be managed this summer to aid in the species' survival. SHARE By Sean Longoria of the Redding Record Searchlight California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday signed a half-dozen bills from a 12-item package sent by the Legislature day earlier to enact tougher restrictions on guns in the state. The bills signed by Brown will require anyone buying ammunition to pass a background check and register the purchase with the California Department of Justice depending on the outcome of a November vote on a similar initiative, redefine "assault weapons" at the state level to include more types of guns, limit lending of guns to family members only and limit gun magazines to 10 rounds or fewer. "My goal in signing these bills to enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners," Brown said in a statement from his office. The vetoes included bills that would have made stealing a gun grand theft, expanding the definition of a "firearm" to include homemade guns, limit any gun purchases to one per month, expand the range of those who could seek gun violence restraining orders and require tighter reporting deadlines for victims of gun theft. The signed bills take effect Jan. 1. The bills signed by Brown include: - Senate Bill 1235, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, requires background checks on ammunition purchases and creates a statewide tracking system for ammunition purchases. The bill depends on voters passing a similar initiative in November, though absent that approval the bill would ban ammuntion purchases for those barred from buying guns. - Senate Bill 880, co-authored by Sens. Isadore Hall, D-Compton, and Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, and Assembly Bill 1135, Assemblyman Marc Levine, D-Greenbrae, amend the definition of assault weapon to include semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines. - Assembly Bill 1511, Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles, limits gun loaning without a licensed firearms dealer to spouses or other family members. - Assembly Bill 1695, Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, prohibits anyone who files a false gun-theft report to police from owning a gun for 10 years after conviction. - Senate Bill 1446, Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, imposes fines beginning July 2017 for anyone who owns a gun magazine that can hold more than 10 bullets. The vetoed bills are: - Assembly Bill 1176, Cooper, amends Proposition 47 the voter-approved initiative that reduced to misdemeanors most thefts of less than $950 to make stealing a gun felony grand theft. "This bill proposes to add an initiative that is nearly identical to one which will already appear on the November 2016 ballot," Brown said. "While appreciate the authors' intent in striving to enhance public safety, I feel that the objective is better attained by having the measure appear before voters only once." - Assembly Bill 1673, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Carson, expands the definition of firearm to include homemade weapons that function the same way as a gun. "This bill seeks to stem the growing tide of untraceable homemade firearms on our streets," Brown said. "While I appreciate the author's intent, the acutal wording of this bill is unduly vague and could have far reaching and unintended consequences." - Assembly Bill 1674, Santiago, extends state law limiting handgun purchases to one per month to every type of gun. "While well-intentioned, I believe this bill would have the effect of burdening lawful ctizens who wish to sell certain firearms that they no longer need," Brown said in vetoing the bill. - Assembly Bill 2607, Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, expands the list of people who can petition for a gun violence restraining orders from immediate family members of the target of the order to employers, coworkers and mental health workers or school workers whove had contact with the person in the last 6 months. "In 2014, I signed Assembly Bill 1014 which allowed immediate family members of law enforcement to petition for a gun violence restraining order," Brown said. "That law took effect on Jan. 1, 2016, so at this point it would be premature to enact a futher expansion." - Senate Bill 894, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara, requires the victim of gun thefts to report the crime to law enforcement within 5 days. "I continue to believe that repsonsible people report the loss or theft of a firearm and irresponsible do not," Brown said. "It is not likely that this bill would change that. Alayna Shulman/Record Searchlight Residents listen to a panel discussion on the future of solar energy in Redding at the Redding Library on Thursday. SHARE By Alayna Shulman of the Redding Record Searchlight A forum on the future of solar power in Redding Thursday began with the city's electric utility director saying his agency isn't against the alternative energy source, as many seem to believe but it later included a tense exchange between him and an environmental researcher who implied the city's stance is short-sighted and its arguments against solar are only excuses. Redding Electric Utility Director Barry Tippin adamantly refuted that accusation, though. Along with Tippin, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 340 Assistant Business Manager Andrew Meredith and Greer Ryan, a sustainability research associate with the Center for Biological Diversity who appeared via Skype, headed the panel held by local group Earth Water Climate at the city's library. Most of the forum saw the panelists taking questions from the audience, but they also each shared their own stands on solar power and how it could or should, in Ryan's case affect Redding residents. At one point, Tippin said more users going solar will increase costs for others, which Ryan called a "red herring" and said no independent study has indicated. "Unless they've done a full study that says otherwise and I'd like to see that study I think this idea of cost-sharing is a red herring," she said. Tippin countered by pointing out how some 60 percent of REU's costs are fixed, which means a solar customer paying little to nothing to be connected to the grid, someone else has to make up the money being lost. "The City Council has been steadfast in their desire to limit/avoid shifting costs from one customer class to another," he said in an email after the forum. But Ryan urged people to use critical thinking over what makes sense in terms of power, and she later concluded her portion of the panel by urging residents to hold their leaders accountable for protecting things "besides just short-term economic concerns," such as their health and the environment. "Not only do we have to meet (California's goal of significant greenhouse gas reduction by 2030), we have to exceed it for true climate-change action to occur," she said. Earlier, Tippin said that REU's clientele appear to want its current business model that prioritizes high-quality, reliable and affordable power, to which John Hernandez, of Redding, replied, "We want clean energy." "The people of Redding are suffering already, especially the young people," Hernandez said. "So think about clean air." Hernandez and his wife, Leslie Scales, came to the meeting to get information on the solar system they hope to set up. But the couple said they were disturbed at some of the things they found out including that the utility burns coal for some of its power and the city's apparent general attitude toward alternative energy. "It seems like they're locked into the old ways of doing things," Scales said. In response, Tippin wrote via email: "REU (our staff) works very hard for all of our customers, and those customers that want to install solar are no different. We will continue to work with our customers who are exploring solar ... while attempting to protect our other customers from paying additional costs." He also maintained the utility's commitment to cheap power and said that solar power typically is not as strong. "To date, the City Council and our community have not had greenhouse reduction as a primary goal of our community electric utility. Cost matters for our community; it matters a lot and we take that seriously. We are good stewards of the environment," Tippin said, noting that over 60 percent of the city's power is carbon-free and the utility "works hard" to comply with regulations over emissions. But, "REU works hard for our community to be cost effective more than we do to reduce (greenhouse gas)." John Hernandez likened the city's stance on power to the pressure young locals feel to find a job in town rather than prospering or chasing a dream elsewhere. "There's no incentive toward the future," he said. SHARE Justin Babb's Facebook profile photo Justin Babb, the Redding man who had been reported missing since Monday, has been located in Nevada. Babb's supervisor, Matt Morgan of Optimize Worldwide, posted on Facebook he was spotted by a state trooper. "He was pulled over by a State Trooper for expired tags and notified of his missing status. The State Trooper said he seemed totally normal, not distressed and sent him on his way," Morgan wrote. "Justin, we wish you the best. There are a lot of people who love and care about you." Redding Police Sgt. Todd Cogle, in a statement released today, confirmed the sighting is true and said Babb was contacted by law enforcement about 11 a.m. "Babbs family was contacted and advised. The investigation concerning the whereabouts of Justin Babb will be closed," Cogle said. Babb was reported missing on Monday by Optimize Worldwide staff when he failed to show up to work and his phone was turned off. Co-workers, friends and family mobilized on social media in search of clues. They searched trailheads and shared fliers. Babb, an up-and-coming community leader, is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Redding. He also is a member of Catalyst Redding. SHARE Contributed photo The miniature Doctor Who police call box little library housed books for all ages before it was stolen. Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Patty Mayer and her daughter Giuliana Mayer, 6, stand at the park where a Free Little Library that the Mayers used and helped establish was stolen. By Joe Szydlowski, joseph.szydlowski@redding.com The story of a 6-year-old girl's stolen miniature library that she tended has caused an outpouring of support from the North State, her mother said Thursday. "Redding is pretty awesome," said Patty Mayer, mother of Giuliana Mayer, the host of the Little Free Library that, until recently, was in Northridge Park. In addition, the California Highway Patrol is investigating a lead to the theft, officers say. Giuliana Mayer had restocked and cared for the little library, one of about 50 microwave-sized boxes with free books located throughout Shasta County from the Shasta Early Literacy Partnership. How to help Books can be donated at the Shasta County Office of Educations Early Childhood Education Office, 43 Hilltop Dr., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday Cash can be donated via www.shastaelp.org A television show inspired Giuliana Mayer to set up hers in the north Redding park about a year ago. But last weekend the mother and daughter learned the library had been stolen while they were on a two-week vacation, Patty Mayer said. She contacted the Record Searchlight, which ran a story seen by CHP officer Robert Woods. He showed it to another officer who, about a week before, had pulled over someone with a box that closely resembled the library, he said. The little library was constructed with a "Doctor Who" theme. The officer asked the driver about it and found it suspicious, but there was not enough cause to conduct a search or detain the person, Woods said. "There was no way to run it, no way to know what he was looking at," Woods said. He said officers are looking into the case, but he doesn't want to generate false hope that may not be the library and even then the chances of finding it aren't in officers' favor. That's because of the time frame and the library's $500 value, he said. The value makes it a misdemeanor theft. Therefore, officers face restrictions on some of their tools, such as search warrants. Nonetheless, he said he plans to try to get the library back for the girl. "I've got a heartbroken girl who just wants it back," he said. But while the theft has shown Redding's ugly side to Giuliana, the crime has also brought out the city's best, Patty Mayer said. She's seen support, mostly online, and requests to help. She also noticed a lack of acrimony against the thief people are focused on getting it back for her daughter, she said. "There's so much focus on ways Redding has changed and some of the crime that happens," she said. "But in Redding, the good outweighs the bad. Giulianna is really touched by everyone caring." They still hope the thief will have a change of heart and return the library. How to help Books can be donated at the Shasta County Office of Educations Early Childhood Education Office, 43 Hilltop Dr., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday Cash can be donated via www.shastaelp.org Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Caleb Couturie, a junior at Oregon University, and his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, have raised over $1,800 for the Redding YMCA's Camp McCumber. They raised the money to make amends for damage done to a Lake Shasta island by Oregon college students in May. SHARE By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight After a group of fraternity students from the University of Oregon trashed Lake Shasta's Slaughterhouse Island Campground late May, a student is trying to shed positive light on the incident by raising money for the Shasta Family YMCA and help send foster kids to summer camp. Caleb Couturie, 19, president of Alpha Sigma Phi at the University of Oregon, has raised more than $1,800 for YMCA's Camp McCumber program, which begins in a week. "I was just trying to find a way to put University of Oregon in a positive light again," Couturie said. "And not just say we're sorry, but show we're sorry." Couturie's fraternity was not involved in the incident and Lambda Chi Alpha-Zeta Omicron Zeta accepted responsibility. Despite being busy during finals, he took on the fundraising task and collected money through an online campaign. He fell short of his $3,000 goal, but every dollar raised will be put toward children's supplies such as flip-flops, towels, pillows and bathing suits for the children. "He's filling the gap, and that's letting us do more," said Becky Dominguez, director of development at Shasta Family YMCA. The YMCA scored a $6,000 grant, and matched that amount with $7,000. It also received donations such as towels, life jackets, water bottles, bug spray and sunscreen. "What's been so wonderful to see is that some of the donors who have given are not past donors," said Kristen Lyons, executive director of Shasta Family YMCA. This year, about 41 foster children will have the opportunity to attend Camp McCumber and take part in activities such as canoeing, archery, scavenger hunts and other community building activities. And this year, because they're taking a larger number of foster children into camp, the needs are different too, Dominguez said. "A lot of kids might not have their own towel, pillows or bathing suit," Dominguez said. "We want them to be super comfortable in their skin and have a stress-free experience." And having grown up camping with his family, Couturie understands the impact his donation will have on the children, and how not having the things you need could make for a difficult camping experience. "Camping sucks if you're not happy," he said. Couturie said he finds it "ironic" that abandoned tents were left behind at Lake Shasta and a supply drive was happening at the YMCA. He's just happy to have helped in any way, he said. "It couldn't have worked out better as far as I know," he said. State Sen. Doug LaMalfa talks with supporters in front of the local Republican headquarters on Hilltop Drive in Redding in January after announcing he's running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Wally Herger. SHARE By Ryan Sabalow It didn't take long after Doug LaMalfa announced he was running for Congress last month before a supporter of his Republican opponents went on the attack, zeroing in on just less than $4.7 million of federal subsidies paid to his family rice farm over the last 15 years. Under the headline "Doug LaMalfa for Congress? Are you kidding me???" Sacramento-area conservative activist Aaron Park posted a logo on his blog showing Republican LaMalfa's trademark cowboy hat emblazoned with two dollar signs. The hat was perched atop a bag of rice. "Nor-Cal Top-10 List of Farm-Aid Recipients," the caption says. In an interview, Park says he believes it's important to point out LaMalfa's family rice farm in Richvale has received millions of dollars of federal subsidies over the years, something he feels will be one of the biggest issues in the congressional race. "It's an issue about honesty and integrity," Park said. "It's about presenting yourself as one thing, when you're not. He really isn't a fiscal conservative. He's a liberal conservative." LaMalfa bristled at the attack. "This guy is a paid mudslinger," LaMalfa said of Park, who is Shasta County Supervisor Les Baugh's state Senate campaign manager. "They try it in every campaign. It's becoming a pretty old story." He said subsidies help "breadbasket" crop growers like his family offset the costs of burdensome government regulations, taxes, trade policies and escalating fuel costs that threaten to put them out of business. The subsidies, he said, keep struggling farmers of rice, corn and other crops "on life support." LaMalfa's family farm received $4.69 million of federal subsidies between 1995 and 2010, according to the Environmental Working Group, an organization that tallies federal farm aid. When asked about LaMalfa's subsidies this week, all four of his opponents said they were aware of the federal payments, although some stopped short of saying they would use them to attack LaMalfa, who has the endorsement of retiring U.S. Rep. Wally Herger, R-Chico. Republican Pete Stiglich, of Cottonwood, had no such problem. Stiglich said it's hypocritical for a fellow Republican to receive federal farm aid, especially because LaMalfa has billed himself as a leader in the fight against expensive government entitlement programs. "When it meets his personal interest, it's not a big entitlement," Stiglich said. Gregory Cheadle, a Happy Valley Republican, agreed. "You can't condemn welfare recipients on one end then get welfare on the other end," Cheadle said. " I mean 5 million bucks? Come on." Others were less aggressive about the issue. The only Democrat to enter the race, Jim Reed of Fall River Mills, said he wasn't planning to bring up the subsidies, but he will if LaMalfa prompts him to. "I guess if we're in the middle of a debate and he's really going off on small government and reduced spending, it may come up," Reed said. "But I'm not planning on using it as weapon at this point." Spokesman Mark Standriff said Republican Sam Aanestad's congressional campaign is for now going to showcase the former state senator's record, which includes cutting government spending, promoting free markets and job growth. He said Aanestad's campaign had no immediate plans to make the subsidies an issue. However, just minutes after the phone interview ended, Standriff emailed two scanned copies of articles the Chico Enterprise Record published in 2007 detailing Butte and Glenn counties' farm subsidy recipients. LaMalfa's rice operation in Richvale, Dsl Farms, was the ninth-largest recipient in the northern Sacramento Valley, according to the article. LaMalfa, a state senator who won his seat after trouncing Republican Rick Keene in 2010, said Keene's campaign also tried to make the subsidies an issue in that election, and it didn't work. LaMalfa said he predicts the other candidates attacking will meet similar fates, because it amounts to attacking the livelihoods of farmers in the rural, agricultural-based 1st Congressional District. "There's a good line that comes to mind," LaMalfa said. "When you gripe about your farmer, don't talk with your mouth full." SHARE The editorial in Sunday's Record Searchlight recognized the parallels between the Brits' vote for independence from the European Union and the Jefferson movement. Brits, like Jefferson supporters, feel they have been over-regulated, underemployed, have lost many of their economic freedoms and do not have a voice in their own government. It has also been widely reported that the Brits want to re-establish their sovereign borders as opposed to the immigration and open border policies dictated by Brussels and those leaders and countries of the E.U. The Brits made it clear they were tired of the bureaucracy and over-regulation by the E.U. The complaints are the same for those in the 21 Jefferson counties, who have been hardest hit by the burgeoning big government in Sacramento, with its 570 state agencies and departments that continue to grow. A crippling minimum wage law and ever increasing gun and ammunition restrictions add fuel to the fire. As with the Brits, Jefferson supporters are told by the media and others that those in power in California will never "let you go." In Britain's case, the media, pollsters and political pundits got it all wrong. And just like the Brits, Jeffersonians continue to persevere. The doomsayers also have it wrong, underestimating the motivation, dedication and stamina exhibited by rural citizens. All the aforementioned explains why the effort for the 51st state continues to gain momentum and recognition across the globe. In fact, the day after the vote, a British citizen sent a message to the Jefferson Blog, stating: "If we in Britain can win our independence, so can the people of Jefferson," signed, A Proud Brit. Isn't it ironic that July 4 marks 240 years since American citizens won their independence from the tyranny of British rule? Now, it is predicted that June 23, 2016, will go down in history as the date that Britain won its independence from the E.U. All that is occurring and being voiced in Britain and much of the U.S. mirrors that of what Jeffersonians have vocalized for the past three years. To reiterate we are not looking to secede but give birth to a 51st state. One cannot predict how this will all play out, but I feel the people of Britain and those seeking the 51st state are sending a clear message. We will persevere in our quest for representation, economic freedom and smaller government, therefore empowering the people to put an end to the over-regulation and bureaucracy that exists in the state and federal government and the European Union. "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson. Sally Rapoza lives in Redding. An American tourist stands near the Houses of Parliament in London the day after the majority of the British public voted to leave the European Union. (Dan Kitwood / Getty Images) Brexit, Regrexit, whatever. What matters most is how the United Kingdoms vote to leave the European Union can benefit you. The pound sterling is the weakest its been in decades, which means one crucial thing for Americans: cheap vacations to the country were celebrating our independence from this weekend! Take out your relatively strong-ass dollar bills and book yourselves a flight from Jolly Old OHare to Jolly Old England this Fourth of July holiday weekend. But be warned yall. They speak a little differently over there. So while youre on your trip, here are some important British slang terms you might need to be able to translate. Blimey: A mild swear in Britain that blasphemes the name of Blimey, the British God of Befuddlement. You there, boy: A common way for Brits to greet each other on the street. So fetch: Turns out Gretchen Wieners was right! This slangfrom Englandis how modern British teens challenge each other to duels. Take that, Alexander Hamilton. Moo cow: In America wed just say cow, but British people always say the sound an animal makes before saying the name of the animal. Winston Churchill: A colloquialism for the celebrated wartime leader, whose given name was Minister Bot X6QtBy8.2. Yank: Many people believe this to be an expression for an American. However, this is not the case. No British person has ever said yank, as it is physically impossible for them to pronounce. Primary school: An entry-level educational facility in the UK. The closest equivalent we have in America is freshman year at LSU. The apostrophe: Apostrophes actually function as the 27th letter in Britains alphabet, as in bloody ell.: Hugh: The name Hugh does not exist in the UK. Its just how Brits say the word you. In his home country, Hugh Grant doesnt even exist. Happy Independence Day weekend, y'all! Or as the Brits now call itIndependence Day weekend. Maggie Smith (@THEJudiDench) is a Chicago-based writer and improviser. It's a good day for "Serial" fans: Adnan Syed, the convicted murderer whose case became the subject of the podcast's first season, has been granted a new trial by a Baltimore judge. Syed's attorney Justin Brown made the announcement Thursday on Twitter. "WE WON A NEW TRIAL FOR ADNAN SYED!!! #FreeAdnan," the tweet read. The ruling by retired judge Martin Welch was handed down Thursday, four months after Syed's post-trial hearing. Advertisement Syed, 36, was sentenced to life in prison for the 1999 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. His story came to prominence after it was the focus of the popular "Serial" pocast, in which host Sarah Koenig undertook an investigation that scrutinized the fairness of his 2000 trial. Since then, a team of lawyers have further examined claims that faulty cellphone records and the dismissal of a potentially important alibi witness negatively affected Syed's defense. A date has not yet been set for the retrial. Global vice-president of Xiaomi Inc Hugo Barra, and Manu Kumar Jain, the company's India head, reveal their plans for the market to Arnab Dutta in an interview. They emphasise a slowdown in China might not affect Xiaomi's hold over the market. Excerpts: How do you plan to capitalise smartphone content and services? Barra: A few months ago, we invested $25 million (Rs 170 crore) in Hungama. We are offering one year of free music and three months of free movies to a million users through MIUI8. This is a big investment. But, we want consumers to taste it. This will eventually help build habit and people will start subscribing. I believe the content revolution is under way in India and it will determine the future course for the industry. India has a huge potential as most people will get first access to the Internet through smartphones, unlike China and the US. And as network connectivity improves we will bring in products for the Internet of Things. What other tie-ups are you working on? Barra: We are constantly in talks for tie-ups, such as with Amazon, Zomato and Swiggy. In the case of Zomato, at present, we provide information on the caller identity of any seller registered with them. We are working on a deeper co-operation, based on a revenue sharing model, which will add value to our offerings and increase traffic on their platform. Earning additional revenue through content is key for us in China. We are trying to replicate that here. It also helps us provide devices at competitive prices, apart from adding to profitability. How does a retail licence help you grow in India? Jain: Various sellers offer Xiaomi products on our e-commerce site Mi.com. However, the retail licence will let us sell our products directly, which will increase our hold over the market. Barra: We recently joined hands with Paytm and Mobikwik to strengthen our online sales. Mobikwik is also helping us analyse the market. With over 170 smartphone brands in the market, how does Xiaomi plan to grow its influence? Barra: Innovation and disruption are important in a crowded market like India. By launching MIUI8, we have created a category of smartphones bigger than a 5.5-inch screen size. Other players will follow us, as they did when we came up with the first 5.5-inch smartphone. Instead of coming up with models in every category, we focus on quality and services. We are going after consumers who access the Internet through smartphones and buy online. A targeted approach, I believe, helps in adding loyal customers. China is facing a slowdown. What are you doing to hold your position there? Barra: There are signs of stress in the Chinese market. Most of the 450 million devices sold annually are due to replacement buying, unlike India. However, growth opportunities lie ahead in smart homes. Our online market share is 50 per cent there. And the sales pattern is moving online from offline channels, which will benefit us in due course. For the slight premium that youll pay, the Tiago offers more safety tech, bigger engine, space and more creature comfort. Taking into the fact that the 1.0-litre Kwid is around the corner and will be considerably expensive in contrast to its 800cc counterpart, the Tiago makes an even stronger case for itself. The Tata Tiago and the Renault Kwid are two cars that have created quite a stir in their segments, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. The Renault Kwid was launched last year around September, while Tata launched the Tiago recently. The approach of both the cars to their respective segments is somewhat similar - never heard features in the segment coupled to an aesthetically striking design along with powerful and fuel efficient powertrains. The Renault Kwid is the French automakers maiden attempt to take on the countrys most loved and highest selling Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. Having said this, Renaults approach was rather out of the box, with the Kwids Duster inspired stance in contrast to Marutis run of the mill hatchback. The Tiago, on the other hand, was Tatas desperate attempt to prove itself since the Zest and the Bolt didnt click as much as the automaker was hoping. And it shows; after two months of its launch Tata has rolled out its 10,000th Tiago and has received more than 22,000 bookings. It is the spiritual successor of the almost two decades old Indica and yet is not even remotely related to it. Even Tatas logo is a new 3D one in the Tiago. Tata has priced it so aggressively that it not only undercuts its rivals, but a few variants in Renault's territory as well. And that is why we are doing this comparison. Exteriors Renault hit a sweet spot, in a market which is so obsessed with high-riding SUVs, with the crossover looks of the Kwid. Design elements such as the beefy wheel arches, a generous amount of body cladding and 180mm of ground clearance make the Kwid stand out from its peers. The only element that looks lost in the overall scheme of things is its 155-cross-section 13-inch skinny tyres. The squared-off wheel arches exaggerate things further. It features a three-nut design for the wheels and alloy wheels are optional on the Kwid. When it comes to design the Tiago has a different approach to the kwid. The Kwids overall appearance makes it stand out amongst the crowd while the Tiago knows how to blend in. The Tiago introduced Tatas brand new Impact design language and it is possibly the best and most modern vehicle we have seen coming out of Tatas stable. Tata has paid a lot of attention to little details, which is not seen in a car of this stature. Detailing such as the hexagonal pattern on the gloss black grille that has been carried to the rest of the car as well, the way the chrome applique runs through the width from headlamps to the grille, the cute spoiler spats and the blacked-out lower half of the rear bumper. Also, most of the panel gaps are in check, the sheet metal appears solid and thick and the paint looks lustrous. The Tiago scores the first point over the Renault in terms of sheer build quality. Interiors The interiors of the Tata Tiago have a similar story to tell. Hop inside and youll be surprised and the only question which will buzz in your mind is, Is this really a Tata?" The cabin of this car is galaxies away compared to the original Indica (now known as Indica eV2). The design is contemporary, and, more importantly, it is the overall fit and finish which have improved manifold. The Tiago we had featured the body coloured palettes on the side AC vents, which we feel really spruce up the ambience. Its overall black and grey theme with contrasting piano black and body coloured inserts along with chrome highlight makes its dashboard look one of the most opulent in the segment. The Renault Kwid, on the other hand, features an all-black dashboard. The whole purpose of the design is to be as utilitarian as it can be, but at the same time, it tries to be geeky and funky too, appealing to the young. Irrespective of the segment, the Kwid comes with Renault's 7-inch MediaNav touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, the same unit that was previously offered with the pre-facelift version of the Duster. It is coupled to two speakers present on top of the dashboard at the extremities. You get a lot of storage spaces - twin gloveboxes, a parcel shelf, centre tunnel and then some more in the door pads as well. Moreover, the instrument cluster is an all-digital unit and the top-end variant comes with a partial leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Kwid is surprisingly spacious for it size. The cabin can easily accommodate four suitably large adults. Another area where the Kwid trumps is its mammoth 300-litres of boot space. If there is a question of boot space, the Kwid can easily challenge hatches almost a segment above. The Tata Tiago, in contrast, has compromised on the boot space slightly to give that extra bit of legroom it offers better leg and knee room, while the headroom is more or less on par. Both the vehicles are best suited for four-seaters, but the comfort quotient is more with the Tata than the Renault. The cushioning and bolstering is slightly better and the backrest on the rear bench is set at a relaxed angle on the Tiago. Also, the drivers seat is height-adjustable, the steering can be adjusted for tilt and theres an adjustable headrest - all of which is not available in the Kwid. In terms of equipment, the Tata outshines the Renault. For the extra buck you pay the Tiago offers a comprehensive multi-information display, steering-mounted audio controls, all four power windows, a chilled glovebox and an amazing Harman powered eight-speaker audio system. Engine and performance Let us first take a look at the vital specifications of the petrol engines Renault Kwid: 799cc ' 54PS @ 5678rpm ' 72Nm @ 4386rpm ' ARAI Certified Mileage: 25.17kmpl Tata Tiago: 1199cc ' 85PS @ 6000rpm ' 114Nm @ 3500rpm ' ARAI Certified Mileage: 23.84kmpl Both the vehicles offer a three-pot motor, but the Tiago has a larger engine and is obviously zippier than the Kwid. The Tata has a whole 31PS of extra power at the disposal of your right foot. This said, both the hatchbacks are not happy if you push them hard - putter around calmly and the motors are happy to oblige. There is just ample low-end torque available on a flat surface which let you set off without going heavy on the accelerator. However, the Kwid struggles slightly on inclines and the situation get worse with the car loaded to the brim. In comparison, the Tata feel more relaxed and assured in this regard. Both the cars are pretty much easy to manoeuvre in and around the city. These hatchbacks with tiny petrol drivetrains don't require much effort since the steering is so light you can use your finger to dial in steering inputs. Their compact dimensions further make things easier to deal with the traffic or to park in a tight spot. Speaking of the noise levels, the Tata seems quieter than the Renault in this area. Having said this, both the car score low when it comes to cabin quietness. Ride, handling and braking In the tight traffic-packed city commutes the Kwid will make you fall in love with its ultralight steering wheel. Youll start adoring those tiny gaps in the jam, though we request you to maintain your lane! But increase the pace and it barely lets you know what the front wheels are up to. At high speeds it feels vague and lifeless and while cornering you have to trust your gut. The Tiagos steering wheel, on the other hand, is equally light at low speeds but weighs up much better as pace increase. But that doesn't mean it sets any benchmark anywhere, however, in this comparison, it is notably better than the Kwid. The Kwid has not just borrowed the essence of the Duster in terms of design, but the former is also on its way to set an example when it comes to ride quality in its segment, just like the Duster. Keeping in account its small dimensions and skinny wheels, the Kwids ride quality is supple. The suspension setup is soft, which absorbs most of the little potholes at low speeds. At high speeds, courtesy to its softer setup, the ride is slightly floaty which makes one feel disconnected from the road. The Tiago also doesnt have a different story to tell here, cushiony when slow, and slightly bouncy when fast. But out of the two, its the Tata which feels more sure-footed. This said, we would certainly not pick any of these as a highway mile muncher, but if we had to, it is the Tiago rather than the Kwid. Speaking of stopping power the Tiago offers more than adequate braking power, and it feels assured at most of the occasions. A little more feedback from the brake pedal itself would make things better, but other than that, it's all good. The Kwid, on the other hand, with no ABS (anti-lock braking system) the tyres tend to lock up far too easily (The Tiago offers ABS). A fatter set of rubber is heavily recommended - this upgrade will not only provide better grip but also add better stopping capability as well. Besides the ABS, the Kwid also skips out on a passenger airbag, whereas the one for the driver is optional. It is good to see that Tata offers dual airbags as an option on every variant, barring the base. Verdict We are repeating it again - the Tiagos pricing is spot on considering all the stuff the hatchback is offering. It literally defines the tagline of the Indica - More Car Per Car. If you have a choice and your budget allows please shell out extra and go for the Tiago. Talking on an EMI basis, the top-of-the-line Tiago will cost about Rs 3,000 extra compared to the top-spec Kwid. And for the slight premium that youll pay, the Tiago offers more safety tech, bigger engine, space and more creature comfort. Taking into the fact that the 1.0-litre Kwid is around the corner and will be considerably expensive in contrast to its 800cc counterpart, the Tiago makes an even stronger case for itself. However, if youre on a tight budget, the Kwid makes for a sensible purchase. The vehicle is very spacious considering its size and is comfortable to drive as well. But we recommend picking the top-spec RXT (O) variant, for the safety net of the airbag alone. Renault Kwid What we like 300-litre boot is unheard of in this segment and is coupled to a roomy cabin Premium features: touchscreen infotainment with navigation, digital instrument cluster Ride quality. Easily one of the most comfortable entry-level cars What we don't Light build quality and could have offered a better paint work ABS (anti-lock braking system) should be on offer, at least as an option along with a passenger airbag Skinny tyres do not offer much grip Tata Tiago What we like Chic design. Both exteriors and interiors Features loaded to the brim: height-adjustable seat, chilled glovebox, audio system with app integration etc 8-speaker Harman audio system is unheard of this segment and price point Dual airbags and ABS available across variants barring the base What we don't Cramped footwell. Closely spaced pedals takes some getting used to Noise, vibration and harshness levels could have been better Powered by CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com. It is high time old boys clubs inside many large corporations come under serious scrutiny for protecting one of their own, says Indrajit Gupta. Image: Sensitising employees on what constitutes sexual harassment is critical.. Photograph: Mansi Thapliyal/Reuters Huffington Post ran a story titled Yet Another Sexual Harassment Story earlier this month about a young woman who had been under sustained pressure to have an affair with her boss, a powerful, superstar CEO of a subsidiary company in a large, leading conglomerate. She declined and steadfastly resisted his advances, leading to her transfer to a nondescript role and an eventual exit from the company. Senior journalist Manu Joseph who wrote the story, based his story on the womans version. And so that her identity remained protected, he masked all the names of the key protagonists. Nevertheless, it provides a graphic account of how the girl was repeatedly harassed and how the top leadership at the apex of the conglomerate, including the chairman, group HR head and a board member, colluded to hush up the matter and not allow the law to take its course. I discussed the story with a bunch of friends and colleagues, cutting across diverse businesses. Their answer was more or less the same: none of this is surprising. (One bright young man even termed it as the done thing. He later clarified that he didnt mean it in a positive way.) That led me to dig a bit deeper and talk to a bunch of people whove worked hard behind the scenes to remove the spectre of sexual harassment at the workplace. At one level, the potential for conflict is apparent. While more and more women are joining the workforce, for most part, corporations still have men at the helm. And therefore, care must be taken to ensure that womens rights arent trampled upon. At the same time, men too, have to be protected from malicious accusations and complaints. Many large corporations in India are making a big move to make inclusion and diversity a key aspect of their leadership development and cultural transformation agenda. And therefore, making the workplace safe and secure for women becomes a key agenda item. Its been nearly two and a half years since the previous government enacted the Prevention of Workplace Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act with a view to preventing and protecting women against sexual harassment and for effective redress of complaints against sexual harassment. So whats changed? It seems to be a mixed bag. An EY study published last year said nearly 40 per cent of respondents in its survey had failed to even set up the mandatory internal complaints committee, which was vested with the authority to investigate charges of sexual harassment. And the intent is evident if you talk to training companies who work with corporations to develop POSH programs and sensitise employees. A competent, well-staffed ICC is a critical element of any POSH program. They must have the capability to investigate thoroughly and fairly. And follow the rules of natural justice. Any failure to do so could result in serious miscarriage of justice. An aggrieved party has recourse to a civil court thereafter, but only on the process, not the substance of the verdict. Only a few companies have taken the trouble to train their internal complaints committee to handle the cases. Most such training requires a minimum of 1.5 to four hours, but many companies arent willing to allow more than 30 minutes for their staffers to be trained, says Vasudevan Srinivasan, director, CETC, a training content company. Many havent appointed an independent external expert, again mandatory under the law, in the committee. Some end up appointing junior people, without the influence and experience to handle sensitive cases involving senior personnel, like the case mentioned in the HuffPost story. Sensitising employees on what constitutes sexual harassment is critical. Here too, a few organisations have done elaborate programs to educate employees about the dos and donts and also how to confidently approach the internal complaints committee when confronted with an incidence of sexual harassment, without sacrificing confidentiality. Yet, what happens when the offender is a high-ranking, successful senior executive? I heard the story about one such senior executive in a leading financial institution in the capital. He was a member of the executive management council and apparently, a repeat offender. Yet despite many personal complaints made to the top leadership at the institution including a well-known women leader nothing much was done. They were told that the man was apparently indispensable. So the only option for most women employees was to leave the organisation, or suffer in silence. Similarly, in the HuffPost story, when the matter is brought to his notice, the response from the chairman is telling. Did he cross the line? he asks. As if, all sexual harassment cases had to result in physical aggression or rape, before they were taken seriously. So heres the nub: there are lingering doubts whether India Inc is doing enough to stamp out sexual harassment at the workplace. For the sake of fairness and equality at the workplace, it is high time that such old boys clubs inside many large corporations come under serious scrutiny for protecting one of their own. The writer is co-founder & director at Founding Fuel, a learning platform aimed at serving a community of entrepreneurial leaders. 'Favourable treatment to selected areas has been a pattern throughout Uttar Pradesh. Locally powerful leaders get things done; other areas languish.' A series on states: Part 1: 'Andhra Pradesh is Gujarat of the East coast' Part 2: Maharashtra remains India's richest state Part 3: Madhya Pradesh: Quite a few scores, but many misses, too A display board in the chief executive officers (CEO) rather modest chamber says 99 days to go. There is a map outside, a glimpse of what is to come. The CEO proudly signals commencement of the second phase, the first being on schedule and a trial run for it to begin in a few months. The project is the Agra-Lucknow expressway, one of the most ambitious launched by the Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh (UP). Connecting the tourist hub of Agra to the state capital through Ferozabad, Kannauj and Etawah, the 302-km expressway can boast of several accomplishments - from hassle-free land acquisition to speedy execution. Nearly 3,400 hectares, involving 30,700 farmers, were acquired in a record time of six months, with very little resistance. Construction commenced in January 2015 and is nearing completion. The trial run is set to begin in October and the expressway will be opened to the public in December, informs Navneet Sehgal, senior IAS officer and CEO of Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority. He lists several transformational impacts, from better connectivity to greater market access to people of the region. There are plans to build an information technology city, wholesale markets, integrated townships and dedicated freight depots along the stretch. Nearly 30,000 workers, 1,500 supervisors and 1,500 machines have been working round-the-clock at construction sites. We monitor the progress on a daily basis, says Sehgal. Buoyed by farmer response, the government is going for an even bigger acquisition, of the nearly 3,700 hectares required for a Samajwadi Purvanchal Expressway, planned between Lucknow and Ballia in eastern UP. We hope to begin land acquisition for that next month, informs Sehgal. There are critics. The right question to ask for projects of such magnitude is not how smoothly land was acquired or how execution has been efficient. The right question is what is going to be the return on investment. On this, the Agra-Lucknow expressway doesnt score much, a senior bureaucrat told his colleague. There is no convincing economic logic for the project, other than the political benefits it might bring to the ruling party, another senior government functionary, privy to this discussion, told this reporter. A political decision, it is. The expressway runs through a region considered to be a stronghold of the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP). Nor is it the only development project that has a strong stamp of political authority on it. After a tour of the state, one gets the impression that the government machinery works efficiently in areas represented by political bigwigs. Rest assured about the power situation. Even if there is a power outage here, it does not last for more than five or 10 minutes, said a manager at an Etawah hotel, arguing the case for staying there. Etawah happens to be the stronghold of SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. This is a state with power cuts of eight to 10 hours a day in most places. Those and other chosen areas are blessed with almost uninterrupted power. Yahan sab chakachak hai. Bijli ki koi kami nahin hai (Everything is fine here. There is no power cut), scores of people told this reporter in Rampur. The city happens to be the home base of another SP strongman, Azam Khan. While most of the roads in Rampur are waiting for urgent repair work and some are work in progress, the one leading to the residence of the man is in fine condition. Favourable treatment to selected areas has been a pattern throughout the state. Locally powerful leaders get things done; other areas languish. Economic development in the state, therefore, takes cue from the political map, says a Lucknow-based commentator. Roads and electricity have been two focus areas of the Akhilesh Yadav government. The state plans to spend 21 per cent more this financial year on roads and bridges. Cumulative allocation to the sector in the past two years has been nearly Rs 27,000 crore (Rs 270 billion). On power, the state signed to join the Centres Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana scheme earlier this year, taking over nearly Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) of distribution entities debt. The government also plans to spend Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion) on improving of power distribution and another Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion) on feeder separation. On the back of these plans, it has promised at least 16 hours of power in rural areas and 22 hours in urban areas by this October. It plans to augment the availability from the existing 11,000 megawatt (Mw) to 21,000 Mw. We have been hearing about such promises for nearly four years. The power situation continues to be grim and it is likely to remain so till the transmission and distribution network is completely overhauled. As a result, places like Noida and Ghaziabad have become places for real estate speculation alone, as no worthwhile investment has happened in the past 10 years, says a retired bureaucrat. However, as the countdown for legislative Assembly elections has begun, the state machinery seems in overdrive, speedily executing politically relevant projects. That is the impression one gets after visiting some districts. BUCKING THE TREND How did the Kwid become an Indian success story? Shyamal Majumdar meets Sumeet Sawhney, managing director, Renault India, to find out more. IMAGE: The Kwid changed Renault's fortunes in India. Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com Like a Bollywood superstar tired of talking non-stop about his latest blockbuster and keen to hold forth on other things in life, Sumeet Sawhney doesn't utter the K-word even once during the first half hour of our conversation. Secure in the belief that no conversation with him these days can be complete without the extraordinary success story of the Kwid, the Renault India managing director prefers to delay the inevitable by talking about everything else under the sun. I decide to play along as we settle down at the ITC Maurya's Pavilion restaurant (in Delhi). By the time the chef arrives (Sawhney wants to discuss the menu with him only), I have come to know that he doesn't have "too leisurely a schedule," meaning we need to have a quick lunch, and that he is an "unusual Punjabi who doesn't smoke, doesn't touch alcohol and runs a multinational automobile company." I have also been told that "work is his best form of relaxation," and that he has "gone past the stage of getting ahead of peers and is in reinvention mode." And in case I didn't know, he states that he has never done staff function in his career, has always led from the front in creating businesses and is an "entrepreneur at heart." Sawhney knows when to shift gears. Just when I start wondering whether the quick lunch would be a long soliloquy of a typically workaholic CEO, he talks about his unfulfilled New Year resolution to get a pilot's licence. His family owns an aviation company and Sawhney is just one step away from getting the licence but just can't manage enough time to cover that distance. The chef, with two stewards in attendance, suggests watermelon juice, fried vegetables as starters and a special vegetarian thali for him. I opt for the non-vegetarian version, which contains the same dishes, but for chicken curry. Sawhney double-checks whether I would be fine without a fish preparation and, after my nod, asks, "You are originally from Kolkata, no?" The chef is obviously taking good care of his special guest, as the juice and fried vegetables come in double quick time and taste delicious. Sawhney (right) talks about his other pastime -- a "nano international level" hospital project, partly funded by his family trust. Located in a remote village in Madhya Pradesh near the Narmada river, the 100-bed air-conditioned hospital looks like an imposing heritage building (Sawhney shows me the pictures stored on his mobile) and has four wings, the biggest of which is the childcare wing. The next biggest hospital within 250 km of the village is a 35-bed one, Sawhney says with obvious pride. He has mega plans for this "ultimate dream" of his. The hospital will have 125 beds shortly and 10 spokes within the next few years. Three of the spokes will come up within 5 km. "The paying capacity of the local population can never match the facilities on offer, but that's hardly a constraint. We provide treatment at a fraction of the cost and the trust takes care of the rest," Sawhney says. Does Renault have any role to play here as part of its corporate social responsibility? "Absolutely none. This is entirely my dream," comes the quick reply. His role, Sawhney says, is that of a strategist and of bringing in doctors from around the world using his contacts in the American and British associations of physicians of Indian origin. "All of them want to do something meaningful in their country of origin. I act as a bridge between them and the hospital," he says. Discussions are also on with institutes such as the Harvard Medical School for possible associations. You can almost feel his passion for the project, prompted partly by his godfather whom he doesn't name. The biryani remains unattended as the hot and soft rotis look more appetising. I decide to steer the conversation towards the Kwid, which made its market entry in September last year, and has received more than 125,000 bookings so far, bringing Renault to the centre stage of India's automotive market. That itself is quite an achievement for a company that has seen quite a few false starts in its four years of solo run in India. If the Duster changed Renault's image in India, the Kwid powered it to the league of the top five automakers in the country, says Sawhney. So how did he make it happen? Sawhney, who joined Renault India in September 2012 as executive director and was promoted to the top slot the following year, is now unstoppable. There was an early realisation in the company, he says, that a breakthrough in a cluttered small car market can't be done in a conventional way. So Renault decided on three things: One, the Kwid must be launched with 98 per cent localisation -- an industry first; two, the cost of ownership must be low and Sawhney claims the small car's ownership cost is about 17 per cent less when compared with competition; and three, the Kwid's suppliers and local design centres agreed the car must get the fundamentals right in terms of product, design, features, technology, launch timing, value and strategy. As a result, the Kwid runs 25.17 km a litre; sales outlets increased to 205 by December 2015 from 157 a year ago (the target is to have 270 outlets by the end of 2017). "In India, jo dikhta hai woh bikhta hai (what you see is what you buy)," Sawhney says. To cash in on the excitement around the Kwid, Renault launched the first-ever car app that offers virtual showrooms. For example, a customer even in a village in Assam can log in for a particular slot and, after a 12-minute live demonstration of the car's features, ask questions that would be answered by a sales representative on a personalised basis. Though Renault's super-boss, Carlos Ghosn, has publicly expressed admiration for the Indian way of jugaad, Sawhney says the Kwid's success has more to do with frugal engineering and innovation with an Indian mindset. "You can't impose a global template on a market like India, which is going to be the third largest automotive market in the world in a few years. We understood the need for Make in India and walked on that path," Sawhney says. He adds that the Kwid's 9,500 to 9,800 monthly sales on a sustained basis has made it a case study in itself, which "competitors are eager to learn from." The confidence is justified as there is no doubt Renault is soaking in the success of the Kwid. In February, India overtook Russia to become the fourth largest market for Renault, which is now targeting a five per cent market share in India -- something that was unthinkable even a couple of years ago. The conversation has obviously gone well beyond the definition of a quick lunch and Sawhney says he is a "no dessert man," forcing me to toe his line. But he is not finished yet. Renault, he says, has understood that the life cycle of an auto product in India has shortened to two-and-a-half years from four to five years earlier, and hence has lined up an array of products, including variants of the Kwid with 1,000-cc engine capacity (the current car has an 800-cc engine) and automated manual transmission. In the works is the launch of several other models over the next three years in the under Rs 8 lakh (Rs 800,000) category, which makes up for more than 70 per cent of India's passenger vehicle market. As he almost sprints towards his car -- the Renault Lodgy -- waiting at the hotel foyer, Sawhney says that when he left General Motors in 2012, the company's market share in India had gone up from virtually nothing to 4.7 per cent. He had accepted the Renault offer only because he could sense an opportunity to create something yet again from scratch. "People say real success comes only once in life. I was curious to know whether I can script a turnaround story for the second time in my career," he says. His bosses in Paris would be mighty pleased with that curiosity. Sumeet Sawhney's photograph: Courtesy Renault India/Twitter Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar's two-day visit to his native village in Bihar seems to have brought a festive mood to the area. M I Khan/Rediff.com reports on how the family prepares to welcome the student leader. Meena Devi is busy early on Friday to prepare special aloo-paratha and desi chatni for her son, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is visiting his home at Bihat in Bihars Begusarai district for the first time since his arrest and eventual bail on charges of sedition made him a household name across the country. I am cooking some special dishes including aloo-paratha for my son, who is visiting us after a long time. Ive never been as happy as I am today, Kanhaiyas mother Meena, an anganwadi worker who earns Rs 3,000 a month, told Rediff.com. Meena said Kanhaiyas favourite food is aloo-paratha as prepared by her. I was waiting for months to cook for Kanhaiya as he loves aloo-parathas, she said. During his two-day-long stay in Bihat, I would get enough time to talk to him alone. According to her, Kanhaiya will also attend a marriage of a family member during his stay. Kanhaiyas father Jaishankar Singh, who is in his early 60s and paralysed on one side of his body, too expressed his happiness over his sons visit. Kanhaiyas parents stay in Bihat, which has been a stronghold of the Communist Party of India for decades. Also read: The Red Earth that made Kanhaiya Kumar His extended family and locals are also in a celebratory mood ahead of Kanhaiya's visit. We are proud of Kanhaiya. He is a son of the soil and our real hero, Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Bihat, said. Ashok Singh, a neighbour of Kanhaiyas, said there is a festive mood in the village. People from neighbouring villages are also coming in to meet Kanhaiya. It appears that Kanhaiyas visit has brought out the festive side of the village. In view of the threat perception to Kanhaiyas life, strict security arrangements have been made in Bihat and around his home during his stay, district police official Ranjit Kumar Mishra stated. Kanhaiya arrived in Patna on Wednesday and participated in a Pratirodh march in the city. The JNUSU president also addressed a public meeting of the CPI in Begusarai on Thursday, where he was given a rousing welcome. IMAGE: Meena Devi, Kanhaiya's mother, works at the government-run day care centre. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff.com What's the logic behind the BJP targeting Mayawati's votes? Sahil Makkar and Mayank Mishra explain. Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah's decision to take a holy dip and break bread with Dalits appears part of a considered strategy in the run-up to next year's Uttar Pradesh elections. A section in the BJP believes if they continue to get support from estranged ex-supporters of the Bahujan Samaj Party, and if the newly appointed state unit president, Keshav Prasad Maurya, manages to draw support from his backward community, they have a fair chance in 2017. Their confidence stems from, for instance, poll data from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. This suggests the BSP's loss among Dalits was the BJP's gain in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state. It says nearly 18 per cent of the Jatavs, considered core BSP voters, and an impressive 45 per cent of other Dalits, voted for the BJP or its allies. This resulted in the BSP suffering a massive erosion in its core vote banks for the first time since the party was formed in 1984. The BSP lost eight percentage points from its vote share of the 2009 general election, whereas the BJP recorded a huge jump of 25 percentage points (including 11 per cent from the Congress and three per cent from the Rashtriya Lok Dal). However, the Samajwadi Party's vote share remained almost the same. Currently, the Samajwadi Party rules the UP assembly and the BSP is the principal Opposition party. The BJP, which is third, wants to break the hegemony of both parties, ruling the state between themselves with an absolute majority for the past decade. In the past, the BJP had formed a government twice with the BSP. The BJP only got a full majority at the height of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in 1991, but its government was dismissed with the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. The BJP now wants to again ride the pro-Hindutva wave that swept the state in the 2014 general election, winning 71 of the state's 80 seats. The party is depending on its core voters (upper caste), estranged voters (Dalit) of Mayawati and those who voted for the Congress in the past. It is likely the BJP will retain its core voter and those who defected to it from the Congress in the Lok Sabha election. Since the Samajwadi Party voters (Yadav and other backward classes) are unlikely to change their loyalties, the BJP's best bet would be to target the BSP's eroding vote bank. The BSP's Jatav vote bank had come down to 62 per cent, from 86 per cent in the 2012 assembly election. Worse, a majority of Valmikis, another influential Dalit group in UP, voted for non-BSP parties in the 2012 election, as opposed to 71 per cent of them voting for the BSP five years earlier. As a result of the massive slide in its Dalit base, the BSP could win only 15 seats out of 85 reserved for scheduled castes in 2012. The Samajwadi Party, on the other hand, did exceedingly well by winning 58 of these. In fact, the Samajwadi Party's vote share in reserved seats was more than its average vote share in the state. It is quite a change from the situation in 2007. The BSP had then won 61 reserved seats and the Samajwadi Party a mere 13 of these. Experts say there is a reason why the BJP is downplaying the importance of the BSP by saying it has a direct fight with the SP in Uttar Pradesh. If the perception gains ground, there is likely to be depletion of the BSP's support among Dalits, who might vote for the BJP. The others, including Kurmis, Lodhs and Mauryas are also expected to vote for the BJP in the given situation. "A bi-polar contest suits the BJP, which is why it is saying that it has a direct fight with the SP. The BJP used to have a small core base in UP, not more than 14 to 15 per cent. It is not enough to decisively impact elections. It is working on expanding its core by targeting Dalits," observes Lucknow-based political analyst Sudhir Panwar. Traditionally, parties getting 30 per cent of the votes have formed a government with a full majority in the state. The Samajwadi Party in 2012 and the BSP in 2007 got 30 per cent of all votes. The BJP's incessant attempts to woo Dalits have been noticed among the top BSP echelons. At a closed door meeting last week, Mayawati is learnt to have told her lieutenants to campaign intensively among their core vote bank. As a counter strategy, though, she has apparently decided to nominate nearly 100 Brahmin candidates. Panwar said she had employed the same tactics in the past and this did not go down well with the core constituency of Dalits. "The BSP has been consistently fielding one-fourth Brahmin candidates, which might have alienated a section of Dalits," he said. And now the exit of the BSP's backward caste face, Swami Prasad Maurya, is likely to impact its prospects more. The BJP's UP campaign: Some Facts The successful test firing of medium range surface-to-air missiles is welcome news for the IAF, reports Ajai Shukla. IMAGE: The Indo-Israel medium range surface-to-air missile being test-fired successfully from the Integrated Test Range off the Odisha coast. Photograph: DRDO On September 6, 1965, the Pakistan air force launched its first major air attacks into India. Ranging freely across the border, PAF fighters attacked multiple Indian Air Force bases, destroying (according to Indian accounts) ten Indian fighters on the ground in Pathankot, damaging another three, and downing two IAF fighters protecting the Halwara air base. The next day, another 12 Indian fighters were destroyed on the ground at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal. The IAF remained on the back foot for the rest of the 1965 War. The likelihood of another such debacle receded on Thursday, June 30, with the successful test firing of the eponymous medium range surface-to-air missiles off the Odisha coast. Jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Israeli Aerospace Industries, the MR-SAM detects incoming enemy aircraft while they are well over 100 kilometres away and destroys them at ranges out to 70 kilometres. Broadly, the DRDO has developed the propulsion systems of the MR-SAM, while Israeli Aerospace Industries has developed the radar and guidance systems. The defence ministry confirmed that Indian and Israeli experts were present at the tests on Thursday, in which the missiles detected and destroyed pilotless target aircraft. This will be welcome news for the IAF, which still protects its air bases with vintage Soviet-era surface-to-air missiles that should have retired decades ago, and with the DRDO's Akash missiles that have an inadequate range of 25 kilometres. In the modern concept of 'layered air defence,' short-range missiles like the Akash are responsible only for close-in defence, while longer range missiles like the MR-SAM engage hostile aircraft at longer ranges. The MR-SAM project is a twin of the Indian Navy's Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile project, also being developed by the DRDO-IAI combine. While the key missile and guidance technologies and the missile capabilities are identical, the MR-SAM is a ground-and-vehicle based missile, while the LR-SAM is being deployed on warships. In tandem with the LR-SAM, the MR-SAM is late by years, partly because of the cutting edge technologies they incorporate. In March 2009, the IAF signed the contract for 18 fire units (each equipped with 24 missiles), which were to be delivered by October 2016. But with just the first test having been concluded, it will take at least another two years for the first MR-SAM batteries to enter squadron service. Each self-contained fire unit includes a radar, three missile launchers, and a sophisticated Combat Management System. Since the missiles themselves have a limited shelf life, orders for missiles will be placed incrementally, as they are consumed in training, testing and operations. When Business Standard visited the DRDO's missile complex in Hyderabad, officials stated that the IAF had funded 90 per cent of the MR-SAM's development cost of Rs 10,075 crore (Rs 100.75 billion). The DRDO funded the remaining 10 per cent. In an unusual arrangement, the DRDO did not just carry out technology development of the MR-SAM, but effectively functioned as the project manager. Officials confirmed that that the DRDO was handed control of the development budget, and asked to develop private industry partners who would assist in the development of MR-SAM sub-systems, and also manufacture those when it entered commercial production. Acknowledging their contribution, a defence ministry statement said: 'Many Indian industries like BEL (Bharat Electronics Ltd), L&T (Larsen & Toubro), BDL (Bharat Dynamics Ltd), Tata group of companies, besides other private industries have contributed to the development of a number of subsystems which have been put into use in this flight test.' After the tests, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated DRDO and the industry partners, while DRDO chief Dr S Christopher declared the test a major milestone for the IAF's air defence. Expressing disappointment over Indias move to abstain from voting in the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint an independent investigator to help protect the rights of homosexuals and transgender worldwide, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community members on Friday demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence and speak about inclusive society. Throwing light on the fact that the private member bill brought by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was unanimously rejected by the Parliament, transgender activist Akkai Padmashali said it reflected intolerance on the governments part. That is very disappointing. When the UN Human Rights Council had a special session on sexual orientation and gender identity, India took a strange stand, which is very disappointing. This is not the first time. When Shashi Tharoor of the Congress presented a private member bill in the Parliament on Section 377, the Parliament unanimously rejected it. That shows intolerance, Padmashali said. India not supporting it in UN shows you are homophobic and a biphobic. I demand the prime minister to break his silence to speak about an inclusive society. Any kind of fundamentalism and criminalism is unacceptable, Padmashali added. Rajesh Umabharti of the Sangama Organisation for LGBT said the governments stand in this regard was not surprising as it reflected the fascist mindset. It is really not surprising. It is the second time it has happened. With the present government, it is not at all surprising. This government is anti-minority; it comes from a fascist kind of mindset. The prime minister doesnt take a stand on LGBT matters. It is stupendously stupid on the part of this government to abstain from the issue, Umabharti said. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state forum overcame strong objections by Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries to adopt a Western-backed resolution by a vote of 23 states in favour and 18 against with six abstentions. The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. Terrorists attacked a Central Reserve Police Force camp in Litter in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir tonight in which four jawans of the force were injured, the police said. The attack came a week after eight CRPF jawans were killed and 20 others injured on Saturday in a militant ambush on a convoy in Pampore town in Pulwama district, the highest single-incident casualty in three years in the state. A police official said the CRPF personnel retaliated the firing by the terrorists at the camp in Litter, about 35 km from Srinagar. Four jawans were injured, the official said. The attack in south Kashmir took place on a day Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high level meeting in Srinagar to review the security situation in J and K in the wake of recent spurt in militant attacks including the deadly Pampore strike. The review meeting, in which Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was present, comes a day ahead of the start of Amarnath Yatra. Top civil administration and security officials of the state were also present in the meeting. An assistant sub-inspector was wounded after militants opened fire on a police party in Pakherpora. Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com reports from Srinagar. A police officer and two civilians were injured when militants attacked a police party at Pakherpora in south Kashmir Budgam district on Thursday afternoon. The attack came on a day when the union home minister, Rajnath Singh is arriving in the valley to review the states security situation. A senior police officer said, militants opened fire at a police party in Pakherpora after the congregational prayers, on the last Friday of holy fasting month of Ramadan. An assistant sub-inspector of the state police and two civilians were injured. They were evacuated to hospital for treatment, the officer said. He said the condition of the police officer was critical. Earlier in the day a grenade was lobbed at a police post in south Kashmir Anantnag town which, however, caused no loss of life or property. Militant attacks have registered a sharp rise in past one month in the valley. The state government on Thursday said that security forces and police were on high alert in the valley. After China's claim that the plenary meeting of Nuclear Suppliers Group in Seoul did not discuss accession of any specific country, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh on Friday expressed surprise over media reports that Beijing had blocked India's bid for entry in the elite grouping. "The speculation doing the rounds in media regarding China's protest over NSG membership to India is not true," he said on the sidelines of a function at Balia in Uttar Pradesh. Singh's remarks came a day after China accused the United States of ignoring facts over India not getting entry into the NSG and claimed that the plenary meeting of the elite grouping in Seoul did not discuss the accession of any specific country. China's assertion came in response to the remarks by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Tom Shannon that India failed to get entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group due to China-led opposition. Singh said the NSG meeting was held behind closed doors. "Whether China had opposed India's bid or not could be told only by those present in the closed-door meeting," he said. Singh said deliberations held behind closed doors could not be made public and added that India has been trying for NSG membership since 2008. On a query about relations with neighbouring countries, he said India was making continuous efforts in this direction. He said due to better ties, India could talk to Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia and China any time. Regarding Pakistan, he said relations improve through talks, therefore, instead of negative approach, India maintains a positive gesture. Singh said in Pakistan, the army, terrorist organisations and the government were running their own system. "It is not clear, who is running the government in Pakistan. We can talk to the elected government, therefore our positive approach is not giving expected results," he said. On whether India's stand towards Pakistan was soft, he said New Delhi was doing whatever was necessary and expected. A Taiwanese warship on Friday accidentally fired a supersonic anti-ship missile towards mainland China that hit a fishing boat, killing one and injuring three people, on a day China was busy celebrating the 95th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party. The accidental launch of the domestically developed Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile from a naval base in Kaohsiung, south of the island, took place as Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen, also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was overseas. The missile, with a range of 300 kilometres, flew about 75 kilometres before plunging into waters off Penghu, a Taiwanese-administered island in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese defence ministry said the missile hit a Taiwanese fishing boat, killing one person and injuring three crew members. The missile was launched by operational error. We are investigating the case, Vice-Admiral Mei Chia-hsu of the Taiwanese Navy was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. Asked if the incident risked a misunderstanding with Beijing, Mei said the navy had reported the incident to the islands defence ministry, which would handle the case accordingly. Meanwhile in Beijing, Taiwan figured prominently in a speech by President Xi Jinping to a rally to mark the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, where he said China is firmly opposed to Taiwans independence. Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC, stressed the political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing Taiwan independence to ensure the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. We firmly oppose the Taiwan independence secessionist activities, Xi said at the ceremony. More than 1.3 billion Chinese people and the whole Chinese nation will by no means tolerate secessionist activities by any person, at any time and in any form, he said. China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland despite the 1949 estrangement. Relations between the two sides which showed significant improvement in recent years took a hit after election of Tsai, who defeated Ma Ying-Jeou who promoted normalisation of ties between the two sides in recent election. Tsai has also refused to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation. China has scaled down the normalisation process since then. The Taiwanese missile did not pass the mid-course line of the Taiwan Strait, Mei said, which meant it was not aimed at Fujian province, which lies on the other side of the strait. Mei said the Chinchiang (PCG-610) patrol ship was undergoing a drill inspection when officers failed to follow standard operating procedures and launched the missile by mistake. Representative Image Indias first home-grown fighter jet was finally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Friday after a tortuous saga spread over 33 long years with the launch of the first squadron of two Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru, in a major milestone in the countrys military aviation. A Tejas aircraft, the fourth plus generation lightweight, multi-role supersonic single engine jet sporting the IAF colours soared to the skies, marking the raising of the first squadron of Tejas in the force at a ceremony preceded by inter-faith prayers, more than three decades after it went into development. The LCA, smallest and lightest of its class, was flown by Commanding Officer Group Captain Madhav Rangachari for a sortie for about seven minutes at the induction ceremony and was given a water cannon salute on landing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the induction of Tejas as a matter of unparalleled pride and happiness and a step which illustrates the skills and strengths of Indian scientists. Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness, he tweeted. I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing, Modi said in another tweet. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Tejas will take the countrys air strength to new heights. Moment of National pride. Indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet inducted into Air Force. Tejas will take our air strength to new heights, Parrikar tweeted. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over two Tejas aircraft to IAF at a ceremony held at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment in Bengaluru earlier in the day. HAL officials and Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, the deputy chief of the Air Staff and HAL chairman Suvarna Raju were present. A Sarvadharma Samaroh (inter-faith prayer), a practice followed by Air force during such inductions, was also held. The two Tejas aircraft were inducted into 45 squadron of IAF, also called as Flying Daggers, which will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before it is moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. The aircraft was named Tejas (meaning radiance in Sanskrit) by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as prime minister. Calling it a capable aircraft, HAL said it would be used for air to air and air to ground strikes. Conceived as a replacement to the ageing MiG 21s, it has been designed by Aeronautical Development Agency and produced by HAL. The LCA has flown more than 3,000 sorties or 2,000 hours till date. Citing induction of Tejas as an important moment for the IAF, Air Marshal Jasbir Wali said it is a milestone with regard to indigenisation and self reliance. Asked why only two aircraft formed the first LCA squadron, he said, It is our aircraft, when we buy, we buy eight or 20. It is our aircraft, we are part of it, and it will keep coming to us. On Final Operational Clearance in March 2017, he said, Yes, yes we are hopeful. This (induction) is a big milestone. After this, things will move at a rapid pace. Here are some things you must know about the Tejas: * The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is a supersonic, single-seat, single-engine multirole light fighter aircraft, which has been under development for the past three decades. It has been co-developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in cooperation with the Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. * Tejas will feature in combat plan of the IAF next year and will be deployed in forward bases also. IAF has said the idea is to have a total of six aircraft this financial year and about eight in the next. * IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced beyond the vision range missiles, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. * While the idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in 1970s, actual work started on the aircraft only in the 1980s and the first flight took place in January 2001. * The Tejas is perhaps the worlds smallest lightweight, multi-role single engine tactical fighter aircraft. As a single engined, multi-role supersonic fighter, Tejas weighs 8.5 tonnes and can carry three tonnes of weapons. The Tejas employs CFC materials for up to 45% of its airframe, including in the fuselage (doors and skins), wings (skin, spars and ribs), elevons, tailfin, rudder, air brakes and landing gear doors. Composites are used to make an aircraft both lighter and stronger at the same time compared to an all-metal design * Tejas is an aerodynamically unstable tailless compound delta-wing configuration, optimised primarily for manoeuvrability and agility. Designed to meet the tactical requirements of a modern air force, Tejas is a multi-role aircraft capable of comprehensive air superiority and air defence roles. * It is equipped with a modern Israeli multi-mode radar, the Elta 2032, state-of-the-art Derby air-to-air missiles to attack enemy jets, and modern laser designator and targeting pods to hit ground targets. * The upgraded version of Tejas, with active electrically scanned array radar, unified electronic warfare suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced beyond-the-vision-range missiles, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. * Tejas incorporates a highly reliable quadruplex digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System. The new generation glass cockpit comprises Multi Function Displays, Head Up Display and Stand by Instrumentation System driven by Open Architecture Mission and Display Computer. This provides effective Human Machine Interface. The advanced utility and health management system provides system health and warnings to the pilot through a Open Architecture Computer. With inputs from PTI Adopting an evasive approach, India on Friday abstained from a United Nations Human Rights Council vote to appoint, for a period of three years, an Independent Expert to help protect the rights of homosexuals and transgenders worldwide. Expressing disappointment over India's move to abstain from voting, the LGBT community members on Friday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi break his silence and speak about "inclusive society". Throwing light on the fact that the Private Member Bill brought by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was unanimously rejected by the Parliament, Transgender activist Akkai Padmashali said it reflected 'intolerance' on the government's part. "That is very disappointing. When the United Nations Human Rights Council had a special session on sexual orientation and gender identity, India took a strange stand, which is very disappointing. This is not the first time. When Shashi Tharoor of the Congress presented a Private Member Bill in the Parliament on 377, the Parliament unanimously rejected it. That shows intolerance," Padmashali told ANI. "India not supporting it in UN shows you are homophobic and a biphobic. I demand the Prime Minister to break his silence to speak about inclusive society. Any kind of fundamentalism and criminalism is unacceptable," Padmashali added. Rajesh Umabharti of the Sangama Organisation for LGBT said the government's stand in this regard was not surprising as it reflected the 'fascist' mindset. "It is really not surprising. It is the second time it has happened. With the present government, it is not at all surprising. This government is anti-minority; it comes from a fascist kind of mindset. Prime Minister Modi doesn't take a stand on LGBT matters. It is stupendously stupid on part of this government to abstain from the issue," Umabharti told ANI. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state forum overcame strong objections by Saudi Arabia and Muslim countries to adopt a Western-backed resolution by a vote of 23 states in favour and 18 against with six abstentions. The United States and major European countries backed the resolution, while China, Russia and 16 African and predominantly Muslim states rejected it. India, South Africa and the Philippines were among the abstainers. Adopted by a vote of 23 in favour, 18 against and 6 abstentions, the resolution said the mandate of the Independent Expert would be to assess the implementation of existing international human rights instruments with regard to ways to overcome violence and discrimination against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to identify and address the root causes of violence and discrimination. Tackle Climate ChangeGo Birdwatching Esther Forbyn 16 has vision (and a keen eye for birds). Katie Pelletier Bald eagles. Great Blue Herons. Mallard ducklings. Anyone who has taken a study break to walk the forested Reed Canyon trails looking for birds and wildlife knows that connecting with the natural environment creates a sense of belonging and stewardship. Getting city-dwellers into green spaces and urban forests is an effective way to create a culture of conservation. But environmental studieshistory major Esther Forbyn 16 found that some Portlanders, especially traditionally marginalized groups like low-income residents and recent immigrants, can feel excluded from these spaces. Not only are these members of the community missing out on the benefits of communing with nature, the conversation about solutions to environmental problems is lacking important voices. For Esther, solving this problem is crucial for tackling huge problems like global warming and loss of biodiversity. She researched Portland ecology for her senior thesis, which she wrote with Prof. Josh Howe [environmental studies & history 2012], focusing on the history of wild areas in Portland and Portlanders relationship with nature. But in addition to her scholarship, she saw an opportunity to take action by increasing access and inclusion through a new interest of hers: birdwatching. Esther, a native Oregonian from a working-class background who began birding five years ago, created a simple but elegant solution to the problem of helping traditionally marginalized groups feel welcomed into wild spaces: she designed a deck of bilingual, illustrated flashcards called 30 Birds to Know in Portland/30 Aves Para Conocer en Portland. Then, she launched an outreach project to put these in the hands of Portlanders who would benefit from feeling invited and involved.Birding has been a way that I connect to a wild place. I slow down, I listen, I look closely, and I start to invest in that space. I get excited when a certain species returns at a given time of year, like Yellow-rumped Warblers (Chipe de Rabadilla Amarilla) in Portland springtime, she says. She knew from her own experience that, although that birding is one of Americas fastest growing hobbies, there was not much material out there for a beginning birder. Field guides can be thick, with hundreds of species, and are often not specific enough to a geographic region to make it easy for newbies to identify the birds that they see every day. She wasnt surprised when a US Fish and Wildlife survey revealed that despite 37 million bird watchers in America, few are low-income or under 34. And this is too bad, because birding is an excellent way to increase science literacy through learning about biodiversity, species identification, data collection, as well as enhancing the sort of connection with nature that conservationists know leads to an ecologically minded population. Further, apps and worldwide citizen-science databases such as eBird.org (organized through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society) allow amateur birders to report and compile their data, which has been very useful to scientists. Real change comes from the bottom up, Esther says, and it's time for people who are serious about protecting the remaining wild places to start inviting people to the table that aren't so invested in the status quo. That means poor people, working class people, and people of color, undocumented people, people who speak Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese need to be included in the conversation, not just affluent white people. And the way that you get people to invest in the wild places around our city is to invite them to those places and show them why they matter. To develop her idea, Esther won a $5000 Reed College Mellon Environmental Studies Summer Experience Fellowship and entered the CleanTech challenge at PSU. This helped her form focus groups to fine-tune her ideas and research, soliciting and incorporating feedback from the very community members who she hoped would benefit from her bird cards. Esthers project won the Peoples Choice award at the CleanTech event and was featured in a documentary called Make it Green. The Reed College Mellon Grant also enabled her to produce 500 decks to distribute and donate. Its no surprise that these cards have proven popular. They feature beautiful, hand-illustrated line-and-watercolor images of birds, executed by Esther herself. The deck of 30 includes a variety of species common to Portland: many very easy to spot like a Stellers Jay (Chara Crestada) or a House Sparrow (Gorrion Domestico), but also some prize finds like the Western Tanager (Tangara de Capucha Roja) or a Peregrine Falcon (Halcon Peregrino). The name of each bird is given in English and Spanish, along with information about the species, size, and where in Portland you are likely to find it: including our own Reed Canyon, Oaks Bottom, and Smith and Bybee Wetlands. For each deck purchased, Esther donates one. She distributes these at farmers markets, community events, and recently donated 70 decks to the bilingual event, Explorando el Columbia Slough, sponsored by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. Her work has caught the interest of several local groups such as the Audubon Society of Portland, Bark (a watchdog organization for Mt Hood National Forest), Friends of Nadaka/Columbia Slough Watershed Council, and the intercultural communication center People Places Things. With each of these organizations she is partnering on similar projects such as other language birding cards, a Mt. Hood coloring book, and multilingual interpretive signage for the Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham. "Esther has a big vision for herself and for making the natural world more accessible to people in a very intimate way, says Jim Labbe 95, former Urban Conservationist for the Audubon Society of Portland, who is collaborating with Esther on a proposal to create a set of Russian language cards. To buy Esthers Spanish language cards, visit her website and look for more of her bilingual birding materials to come. And next time youre in the Reed Canyon, perhaps youll be able to determine whether that bright, blue bird sunning itself on the pathway is a Scrub Jay or a Stellers Jay, or maybe even a Western Bluebirdwhich has not been seen in Reeds neighborhood for many years. Editor's note: Esther was recently featured on the Eyes on Conservation Podcast. Check it out and hear her talk in depth about her conservation work, social justice, birds, and community in Portland. Tags: environmental studies, thesis, canyon RSF condemns junta's censorship of critics Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 3 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF condemns junta's censorship of critics, 3 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57761bdc4.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. Reiterating its condemnation of the Thai junta's censorship of the media and online commentators since the 2014 coup, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is marking World Press Freedom Day by relaying Thai journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk's views and thereby supporting his right to express an opinion with complete freedom. After promising a "Streisand effect" on 5 April in response to the junta's attempts to silence Pravit, RSF has been pleased to see many media outlets report the fact that the junta prevented him from travelling to Helsinki to attend a World Press Freedom event organized by UNESCO. Today RSF is relaying the article he posted on the English-language website Khaosod on 30 April and is contributing a translation of the article into Thai. "It is now clear that more reports have circulated about this journalist's views and the violation of his rights than if had been allowed to travel to Helsinki," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "The authorities must understand that every attempt to suppress an article may trigger a 'Streisand effect.' Above all, they need to understand that criticism and diversity of opinions are essential for a society's improvement." Pravit told RSF that the junta fears losing control of the country if it allows criticism and that "any questioning of its legitimacy" is completely off limits for the media. "Eight netizens are now charged with sedition despite posing no threat to national security, just to the junta's growing sense of insecurity," Pravit said. "Although most Thai media have failed to hold the military regime to account, ordinary citizens are expressing strong and critical views on social media. Some ended up being arrested as a result, but it is unlikely that the junta can imprison millions of people." The National Council for Peace and Order (as the junta is officially called) has been cracking down on freedom of expression and information in recent weeks, especially on the Internet, the only space where critics have been able to express themselves freely. The referendum that the junta plans to hold on a proposed constitution is currently a very sensitive subject and any criticism of it could prove very dangerous. An electoral commission recently banned anyone (except the junta) from calling for a vote for or against the constitution. Ranked 136th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, Thailand has seen drastic curbs placed on media freedom since the military staged a coup in May 2014. RSF issued a report on the situation in Thailand in November 2015. Entitled "Media hounded by junta since 2014 coup," it urges the Thai authorities to stop using the threat of lese-majeste charges and to repeal all draconian media legislation, including criminal code article 112, the criminal defamation law and the Computer Crimes Act, currently the subject of a disturbing revision. In the past month, there have been many media reports about the travel ban imposed on Pravit, the junta's censorship, and Pravit's recent comments. Here are links to some of the reports available online. The article that Pravit posted on the Khaosod website on 30 April. Press Freedom Isn't Free A political cartoon by Stephane 'Stephff' Peray created days after the May 2014 coup d'etat for The Nation, a daily English-language newspaper in Thailand. The Nation did not publish the cartoon. By Pravit Rojanaphruk Senior Staff Writer Press freedom isn't free, and the price is especially high under a dictatorship. People must fight to maintain it, as they must freedom in general. We cannot maintain freedoms of press and expression if we are not willing to pay the price in the face of threats and tyrannies. I paid the price by being detained twice without charge for a total of 10 days since 2014. Today, I was to fly to Helsinki to attend the World Press Freedom Day celebration, an event co-organized by UNESCO and the government of Finland, under the invitation of the latter. I won't be there Tuesday, however, as Thailand's military regime has banned me from leaving the country. Those are small prices to be paid, as journalists elsewhere face long-term detention or even assassination. In Thailand, it is worth sticking it out against the junta, which prefers the much nicer name of "National Council for Peace and Order," because freedom of the press is indispensable not just for a free-thinking society, but for any society wanting its people to coexist on the basis of rational thinking, mutual understanding and dignity. There can be no deliberation or empathy if society cannot publicly communicate and deliberate. Journalists defending free expression are thus not only defending their rights, their indispensable tools of their trade but also the broader rights of society to think, express, articulate and debate publicly. As I write these words, the crackdown on expression is spreading online. On Thursday, eight Facebook and social media users were charged with sedition for defaming junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who led the coup in May 2014. Three of these eight netizens are now also charged of violating the draconian lese majeste law, which prevents people from speaking and writing critically about the monarchy under threat of long prison terms. Dictators of all stripes try to suppress press freedom and free expression as they see a threat to their autocratic existence. Prayuth has ruled Thailand, deliberately turning it into Juntaland, by making his desires into law through the exercise of Article 44 of his junta's interim constitution, a set of laws also written by the coup makers after they overthrew civilian rule. He now wields absolute power. Thailand's military dictatorship is squeezing the public sphere, on the streets and online. The junta is fearful of voices speaking freely for free and critical thinking are antithesis to military unthinking, where orders must be unquestioningly obeyed. Dictatorships seek to rule over a docile and unthinking population no longer aware of its rights as individuals. The dictator would say: These are the laws, these are the orders, but you won't go to prison if you don't break them. Nothing is said about whether the law and the order are legitimate. Nor is it asked, as most media in Thailand have treated this regime like just another elected and legitimate administration. That enables dictatorship, which does not tolerate such questioning because it doesn't have legitimate answers. Dictators around the world censor because they fear reasoning. Questioning and reasoning undermine the coercion and fear fundamental to maintaining dictatorial rule. A free press and questioning public are threats to dictatorial rule because rational thinking is the opposite of dictator unthinking. It's through free thought that the might of dictatorial rule becomes naked and illegitimate. Expecting people to be silent and afraid of unjust punishment is unsustainable and runs against human nature, however. The thirst for freedom, including press freedom, cannot be suppressed, for freedom to think and express are what makes us fully human. My duty as a journalist is to continue to scrutinize and criticize the powers that be, dictatorial or not. My duty is also to defend the limited press freedom and freedom of expression that society still has. The junta probably expected that, after two detentions, euphemistically called "attitude adjustments," and the travel ban, I would keep quiet. I cannot for so much is at stake for Thai society, and it would be tantamount to abandoning my duties as a journalist and citizen to merely watch Thailand turn into Juntaland. I try not to let fear triumph over faith and reason and hope that I will be able to have enough fortitude. Life is too short to be cowed. Today I am supposed to be flying to Helsinki, but the Thai military dictatorship is afraid of scrutiny and criticism, so they banned me from traveling as punishment for speaking out and calling them for what they are an illegitimate regime. No amount of illegitimate power can change my mind or make them legitimate, however. Others in Thai media have over the decades accrued sufficient love for free expression to resist continued attempts at censorship. I know I am not alone in the struggle for liberty in Thailand. For my part, I will continue to resist the normalization of censorship and dictatorial unthinking, however. Writer's Note: This column will also be published by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders on World Press Freedom Day as part of its campaign against the curbing of press freedom by Thailand's military regime. Pravit Rojanaphruk can be reached at [email protected] and @PravitR. Follow Khaosod English on Facebook and Twitter for news, politics and more from Thailand. To reach Khaosod English about this article or another matter, please contact us by e-mail at [email protected]. Read the article in Thai : : Sudanese press under attack on all fronts Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 3 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Sudanese press under attack on all fronts, 3 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57761cf44.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the decision by Sudan's National Council for Press and Publications in late April to prohibit 15 journalists from working for their newspapers. RSF urges the Sudanese authorities to rescind the ban, which is an act of censorship and a grave violation of freedom of information in a country where the media are constantly hounded. Already the repeated targets of harassment, newspaper owners issued dismissal notices to the journalists concerned after receiving threatening letters from the Council. The newspaper Al-Jareeda told Ahmed Amin, Hayder Ahmed Khair Alla and Selah Ahmed Abed Alah they were being fired on 28 April, a few days after it received a letter from the Council requesting their dismissal on the grounds that they were working without a licence. The next day, the daily Al-Sudani fired three of its journalists: Khalid Ahmed, who has been charged by the army with a cyber-crime, Hiba Abedazeem, who was briefly detained by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in September, and Nur Eldien Madani. Nine other journalists with four other newspapers have also been fired. "These measures constitute another serious blow to media freedom, which has already been under constant attack in Sudan in the form of arbitrary seizures of newspaper issues and closures of newspapers," RSF said. "We call on the Sudanese authorities, and especially the intelligence services, to stop persecuting the journalistic community, whose work is essential in a democratic society worthy of the name." The dismissals have come amid a surge in tension and major student demonstrations in several regions, in which members of the NISS allegedly beat two students to death. On 19 and 27 April, the NISS banned newspaper coverage of events linked to the demonstrations, the opposition and human rights defenders. And on 30 April, the NISS prevented the Sudanese Journalists' Network from holding a conference in Khartoum. RSF issued a press release on 18 April condemning the repeated confiscation of newspaper issues. A total of eight seizures were carried out by the NISS in the space of a month. Honduras : opposition radio journalist narrowly escapes murder attempt Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 3 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Honduras : opposition radio journalist narrowly escapes murder attempt, 3 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57761de34.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the attempt to murder well-known opposition radio journalist Felix Molina in the Honduran capital yesterday, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, and urges the Honduran authorities to identify those responsible and provide journalists with effective protection. In the same day, Molina was targeted twice. The first time, he escaped two armed individuals who tried to rob him while he was travelling in a taxi. The second attempt happened a few hours later, when two different individuals attacked him at the same place where he had escaped earlier. This time, they did open fire against the taxi, but Molina managed to take cover behind a seat and the shots hit him in the legs. He is now in a Tegucigalpa hospital where doctors say his injuries are no longer life threatening. Molina is the director of the community media organisation "Alter Eco" and was the former host of Resistencia, a programme aired by the very popular opposition radio stations, Radio Globo and Radio Progreso. He has been a popular broadcaster ever since the 2009 coup d'etat and has received many death threats in connection with his frequent criticism of the government. He had just pointed out that those arrested for the 3 March murder of environmental activist Berta Caceres - a murder that shocked the entire country and the international community - were linked to certain Honduran politicians. "We condemn this cowardly attempt to murder Felix Molina and we urge the authorities to identify the perpetrators and instigators without delay," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk."The law on the protection of journalists, that was voted a year ago, must be implemented at once in order to end the spiral of violence that has been afflicting Honduras and its journalists for too many years." With seven journalists murdered in 2015, Honduras is the western hemisphere's second deadliest country for media personnel (after Mexico) and is ranked 137th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Gag order on Ugandan media Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 6 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Gag order on Ugandan media, 6 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57761ea54.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is very preoccupied by the gag order imposed on Ugandan media, forbidding them to report on the "defiance" campaign put in place by the opposition. It asks the authorities to immediately lift this ban, which reflects poorly on the current regime. On 5 May 2016, Jim Muhwezi, former Major general of the Army and current Information minister issued a gag order preventing live coverage of the opposition's "defiance" campaign spearheaded by the party of Kizza Besigye. This order follows a ruling of the deputy chief Justice from April, 29 declaring all opposition protests illegal. In its release, the Information Minister said "Any media house that continues offering live coverage of the so-called defiance campaign risk having its broadcasting licence revoked". He added " The ban may extend to social media if it is used as an alternative tool for propagating defiance campaign". "This is a scandalous clamp down on information freedom that only adds to the difficulties journalists have been facing since before the presidential elections, says Reporters Without Borders. We urge the authorities to lift this illegal gag order immediately". The gag order has been issued a few days before the planned swearing in ceremony of President Yoweri Museweni, who will start his 30th year in the presidential seat, after being elected in February following an election the European Union said lacked transparency. The opponent Kizza Besygie had rejected the result of the February elections and had since then been placed under house arrest. Reporters trying to cover the conditions of his incarceration have been systematically harassed by the Ugandan police guarding Besigye's residence. Uganda is ranked 102nd out of 180 countries in the 2016 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. Related documents gag1.pdfPDF - 1.08 MBgag2.pdfPDF - 491.98 KB RSF urges Iraq to reopen Al-Jazeera's Baghdad bureau Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 9 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF urges Iraq to reopen Al-Jazeera's Baghdad bureau, 9 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577621a84.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) to immediately rescind its decision to suspend Al-Jazeera's licence to operate in Iraq for a year, which has resulted in the closure of its Baghdad bureau. Al-Jazeera was formally notified of the decision on 27 April but the CMC had already warned a month earlier that the Qatari broadcaster's licence would be withdrawn for repeatedly violating regulations introduced in 2014 as part of Iraq's efforts to combat Islamic State. "An arbitrary decision has been taken against Al-Jazeera's Baghdad bureau," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "We call on the authorities to rescind this decision on the grounds of media pluralism and media freedom, which are guaranteed by the constitution. The TV channel's staff must be allowed to resume working." Al-Jazeera Baghdad bureau chief Waleed Ibrahim Mahmood told RSF that the Iraqi authorities had taken a "very radical" decision against the Doha-based broadcaster because they did not like its programmes and editorial policies. He added that unidentified gunmen have also repeatedly threatened the Baghdad bureau. The Iraqi authorities accuse Al-Jazeera of inciting violence and sectarianism but Ziad Ajili, the head of Iraq's Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO), defends the professionalism of its reporting in Iraq. The Al-Jazeera Baghdad bureau has filed an appeal against the CMC's decision and has passed on the details of the CMC's complaints to its headquarters on Doha. All of the bureau's activities are meanwhile suspended pending a possible reversal of the CMC's decision. Along with nine other TV channels, Al-Jazeera was already banned in 2013 on similar grounds of inciting violence and sectarianism. It was the CMC that also took the decision to close down all of Cairo-based Al-Baghdadia TV's bureaux in Iraq on 16 March. The CMC was created in 2003, in the immediate aftermath of the US-led military intervention, with the task of regulating the media. Its decisions have often been accused of lacking independence and violating media freedom. Iraq is ranked 158th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF tells Indonesia to stop flouting journalists' rights in West Papua Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 9 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF tells Indonesia to stop flouting journalists' rights in West Papua, 9 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776227f4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on Indonesia's authorities to stop violating the rights of journalists in West Papua, where the Jayapura police prevented reporters from covering a peaceful demonstration in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua on 2 May, the eve of World Press Freedom Day. The authorities must respect the rights of journalists to freely report events in West Papua (the western half of the island of New Guinea) even when journalists are covering protests by the Papuan population, RSF said. After hundreds of protesters were arrested in various parts of the city, they were assembled in a square in front of the police mobile brigade headquarters, from which reporters who wanted to cover theirarrest were driven back by about 20 policemen wielding wooden batons. One of them said Police Commissioner Mathius Fakhiri had given them specific instructions to prevent reporters from covering how the police were treating the detainees, who were ordered to remove their clothes and shoes while standing in the square. Ardi Bayage, a journalist working for the Suarapapua.com news website, was arrested at the same time as other protesters although he showed his press card to the police. They authorities, who accused him of lying, broke his mobile phone and took him to the mobile brigade's headquarters, where he was held for several hours. "We condemn this violence and censorship of local journalists, whose coverage of these demonstrations was in the public interest," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "President Joko Widodo's promises now sound emptier that ever. After the recent banning of a French journalist who had been reporting in West Papua in a completely legal manner, we now have yet further evidence that the authorities continue to censor and control media coverage arbitrarily." The West Papuan authorities are still censoring all reporters covering Papuan separatist movements, discrimination and human rights violations. In January, RSF condemned Indonesia's ban on further visits by French journalist Cyril Payen after France 24 broadcast a report by him from West Papua. The authorities also target local journalists and fixers working for foreign journalists and those who act as their sources. Abeth You, a journalist working for the Tabloidjubi.com website, was attacked by police on 8 October 2015 while covering a demonstration in Jayapura by a group called Solidarity for Victims of Human Rights Violations in Papua. Police arrested and questioned two fixers working for a French journalist. Indonesia is ranked 130th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index after its performance score fell by nearly a point from 2015. RSF delighted by release of three Spanish journalists held hostage in Syria Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 9 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF delighted by release of three Spanish journalists held hostage in Syria, 9 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577624804.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is deeply relieved and overjoyed by the release of three Spanish freelance journalists who had been held hostage in Syria for the past ten months. They arrived back in Madrid yesterday. "The moment we have awaited for nearly a year has finally arrived," said Malen Aznarez, the president of RSF's Spanish section. "We are finally able to express our happiness and relief at the release of Antonio Pampliega, Jose Manuel Lopez and Angel Sastre, something we have been seeking since the day they disappeared. "We have lived in a state of constant anxiety ever since the abduction of these three journalists, who are all RSF members. It is impossible to describe the joy we feel. We will continue to offer them and their families our support and we are grateful for the confidence they have always shown towards RSF." Pampliega, Lopez and Sastre went missing in the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo on 12 July 2015, shortly after crossing the Turkish border into Syria. The identity of their abductors was never officially confirmed but the Spanish media always said they were held by the Al-Nusra Front, which controls the area where they disappeared. During the ten months they were held hostage, they were moved six times by their abductors. They were kept together for the first three months but then Pampliega was separated from the other two. "It was wonderful to talk to him by phone," Pampliega's mother, Maria del Mar Rodriguez, told RSF. "He still had the same voice, his child's voice, and he constantly apologized for what he made me go through." She said the family had known that the three journalists were alive. "Everyone has really been equal to the situation," she added. "I would like to thank RSF for respecting the silence we requested and for constantly issuing reminders about their plight and the plight of all other kidnapped journalists." RSF regards Syria as the world's most dangerous country for media personnel. At least 139 journalists and 47 citizen-journalists have been killed there since the start of the war in March 2011. Around 30 are still imprisoned by the government and at least 26 (including six foreign journalists) are either missing or being held hostage by radical groups such as Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front. "These factions abduct foreign journalists for various purposes," Aznarez added. "It is a way to obtain ransoms, it is a way to sow terror in the cities they control and it is a propaganda tool. We call for the immediate release of all kidnapped journalists, for whom we will continue to fight by all possible means." Syria is ranked 177th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Government soldiers attack radio journalists in Sud-Kivu province Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Government soldiers attack radio journalists in Sud-Kivu province, 11 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577629ae4.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. Reporters Without Borders joins Journalist in Danger (JED), its partner organization in Democratic Republic of Congo, in condemning raids by members of the armed forces (FARDC) on two radio stations in the eastern province of Sud-Kivu on 8 May and the arrests of two journalists, one of whom is still held. RSF calls on the authorities to punish those responsible for these abuses and to release Eboko Amani, the journalist who is still detained. Amani was arrested on 9 May near Fizi, a town in the south of Sud-Kivu province, after his radio station mentioned the alleged role of FARDC members in the murder of a bandit. In the FARDC operations on 8 May, soldiers raided Radio Umoja and Radio Baraka - both based in Baraka, a city near Fizi - in search of journalists who had broadcast an appeal by civil society groups for a two-day general strike in the city in protest against violent crime. Here is the press release that JED issued on 10 May: "Journalist in Danger (JED) expresses deep concern about the physical safety of journalists operating in the eastern province of Sud-Kivu, which has seen several attacks by members of the Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) in the past few days against journalists who were doing their job. According to information corroborated by JED, Eboko Amani, a reporter for Radio Muungano in Sebele, a village 12 km outside Fizi, a town located 165 km south of the Bukavu, the provincial capital, was arrested at his home at around 3 p.m. on 9 May by FARDC members and was taken to Fizi, where he is being held in a completely illegal manner at the local FARDC headquarters. Amani was arrested for broadcasting a report on 7 May about the murder of a bandit on the Sebele road by FARDC members. At around 9 p.m. on 8 May, a group of armed soldiers attacked Radio Baraka and Radio Umoja in Baraka, a city about 190 km south of Bukavu, seeking those in charge of these two radio stations because they broadcast a message by local civil society groups calling on the local population to observer a two-day general strike in the city in protest against the high level of violent crime. After first going to Radio Baraka and finding no journalist there, these uniformed soldiers went to Radio Umoja and arrested Gilbert Wasokye, a journalist who was hosting a live programme. He was forcibly taken to FARDC headquarters, where he was held in a cell for several hours, until released at around 9 a.m. on 9 May. Radio Baraka director Luc Lokendo told JED: "The civil society message that we relayed did not incite the population to rise up against the local authorities. In our various news programmes, we interviewed the territory's administrator, who urged the public to go about their usual occupations as normal, and we interviewed civil society representatives, who called on the public to heed the strike call." JED firmly condemns these attacks on media outlets and journalists in Sud-Kivu province and calls on the military commanders and local and provincial authorities to terminate this interference by the security services in the work of the media." The DRC is ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF decries flaws within unit intended to protect Colombia's journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF decries flaws within unit intended to protect Colombia's journalists, 11 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762a3b4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is worried about failings within Colombia's National Protection Unit (UNP), which is supposed to protect journalists, and reiterates its support for Javier Osuna, a Bogota-based freelance journalist who for years has been the target of phone tapping and repeated intimidation attempts. In the past five months, Osuna has been the victim of information thefts, break-in attempts at his office, and acts of intimidation by men on motorcycle while driving in his car. The UNP has nonetheless supposedly been protecting him since August 2014 and stepped up his protection in early 2015 after computers were set on fire inside his home. The UNP's effectiveness and above all its integrity are therefore at issue. As a result of these latest events, Osuna tried to have his police "bodyguard" changed and suggested a replacement, because he suspected that the bodyguard appointed by the UNP could be directly linked to a paramilitary group he is writing about and to the continuing acts of harassment. Osuna also discreetly asked the UNP to explain its appointment system. The bodyguard somehow illegally learned of Osuna's request and the UNP's rejection of Osuna's proposed alternative on the grounds that this person did not "fulfil the required conditions. At the same time, the UNP provided Osuna with no further information about its appointment process. A new police bodyguard was nonetheless assigned to Osuna but, on 2 May, another Osuna's bodyguard received anonymous threatening phone calls on their private line, followed by infected emails summoning them to a bogus court hearing the same day and the same time to a meeting at the UNP that Osuna was also supposed to attend. "These irregularities within a body that is supposed to protect endangered journalists is extremely worrying," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "The Javier Osuna case highlights the enormous difficulties encountered by Colombian journalists who cover sensitive stories and is indicative of the level of corruption in Colombia. The Colombian authorities have a duty to protect Osuna and must urgently overhaul the UNP and make it more transparent." In 2015, on the 15th anniversary of the UNP's creation, RSF, the Foundation for Freedom of Expression (FLIP) and the Colombian Federation of Journalists (FECOLPER) launched a campaign called Periodismo en Riesgo (Journalism in Danger) to draw attention to the UNP's flaws and call for its reform. This is not the first time Osuna has denounced the way he is persecuted. In an open letter in September 2014, which RSF relayed, he wrote about the difficulties of being an investigative reporter in Colombia and the lack of importance assigned to journalism in his country. Investigation stalled two years after French journalist's death in CAR Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 12 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Investigation stalled two years after French journalist's death in CAR, 12 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762c2e4.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 the second anniversary of French freelance photojournalist Camille Lepage's fatal shooting in an ambush in the Central African Republic, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and her mother, Maryvonne Lepage, call on the French authorities to assign the necessary resources to the French investigation into her death. The investigation, in which RSF has been registered as interested civil party from the outset, has ground to a halt despite repeated promises to clarify the circumstances of this young woman's death. Lepage was killed near the western town of Bouar on 12 May 2014 while covering the Anti-Balaka militia. Her assailants have never been identified. French President Francois Hollande, who is to visit the Central African Republic tomorrow, promised after her death that "all necessary resources will be allocated in order to shed light on the circumstances of this murder." RSF hopes that Hollande renews this undertaking as a result of the visit and that, this time, he ensures that the required resources really are allocated so that the promise is finally kept. "We, Camille's family, need to know who the assailants were," Maryvonne Lepage said. "It is hard to live with the uncertainty. The investigation must be continued in the Central African Republic in order to clarify various questions that are still unresolved two years later." The investigation initiated in France immediately after Lepage's death made little progress. A team of investigators conducted a visit in June 2014 but there was no follow-up visit. In September 2014, the French judicial authorities submitted a formal request to the CAR prosecutor-general's office for certain actions to be taken. But no action was taken. The CAR authorities say they lack the necessary resources, including a vehicle to visit the site of Lepage's murder. In June 2015, Maryvonne Lepage and RSF were received at France's Crisis Centre, where they were given new commitments that the French embassy in the CAR would be informed of the importance of supporting the investigation. But since then, Maryvonne Lepage and RSF have not been notified of any progress. Virginie Van-Geyte, a French investigating judge, is planning to send a group of specially appointed investigators to the CAR shortly to look into various cases including Lepage's death. "We welcome the fact that this team is being dispatched but we insist on the importance of its having the necessary authority and personnel to investigate effectively in the CAR," RSF said. "The situation there is currently difficult and the investigation's success will require special resources, without which it will get nowhere." The Lepage family and RSF have a number of recommendations which they hope to be able to share with Judge Van-Geyte in the very near future. They think it is important that a sufficient number of investigators be assigned specifically to the Lepage investigation, that they be authorized to travel outside Bangui, that they be allowed to visit the scene of the crime in Amada Gaza and that at least one of them should be a ballistics expert. They would also like to submit a list of people who should be questioned because they could provide the investigators with useful information. These people were identified during the visit that Maryvonne Lepage made to the CAR last month. Although young, Camille Lepage was a brave and dedicated photojournalist who did not hesitate to put her skills in the service of what she called "forgotten causes." She covered the Egyptian revolution in 2011 and the birth of South Sudan before going to the CAR in 2013. Her unrivalled photos of the conflict in the CAR were widely used by the international media. The Central African Republic is ranked 110th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Uganda blocks social networks, used as information tools Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 12 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Uganda blocks social networks, used as information tools, 12 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762cb84.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) regards Uganda's blocking of social networks since yesterday, the eve of Yoweri Museveni's swearing-in for a fifth term as president, as an unacceptable free speech restriction and calls on the authorities to restore what are essential information tools for the public. Since yesterday afternoon, Ugandan citizens have been having difficulty in accessing Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, the three social networks routinely used by the country's journalists to circulate news and information in real time. The trouble began just 20 minutes after a video was posted online showing main opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has always rejected the results of the February presidential election, "swearing himself in" as president. The authorities said that social networks had been blocked for reasons linked to national security, without giving any further detail. "Disconnecting social networks like this is an unacceptable violation of the freedom of information of Uganda's citizens," RSF said. "We call on the Ugandan authorities to terminate this act of censorship, which violates Ugandan and international legal norms." Kizza Besigye and his supporters were parading in Kampala, when the police started beating a female journalist of the Daily Monitor. Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda mentions in its press release of 12 May that another journalist of Channel 44 was injured by a rubber bullet in the leg and that two journalist of Salt FM and Delta TV were briefly arrested. The authorities already disconnected social networks during the 18 February election and recently ordered media outlets to stop covering opposition activities on pain of closure. Uganda is ranked 102nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, five places lower than in 2015, and the media freedom situation continues to deteriorate. RSF deplores censorship of Libyan weekly Al Wassat Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 12 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF deplores censorship of Libyan weekly Al Wassat, 12 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762d574.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns repeated seizures of issues of the weekly newspaper Al Wassat by Libyan soldiers and the intimidation of its distributors in recent weeks. Ten thousand copies of this Libyan newspaper, which is printed in Egypt, were seized at a Libyan military checkpoint on 22 April and again yesterday as they were being transported by road to their distribution point in the eastern city of Benghazi. One of the newspaper's employers present at the seizure was threatened. The same soldiers detained and interrogated the local distributor for three days before releasing him on 24 April. As a result of these threats, the person in charge of distributing Al Wassat in the west of the country has told the newspaper's management he cannot continue. "Censoring media outlets and intimidating their employees is unacceptable," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "The restoration of peace in Libya requires respect for media freedom. Journalists have a key role to play today in Libya. It is vital and urgent that they should be allowed to work freely." Although a new, UN-backed Government of National Accord was installed in Tripoli on 30 March, the media continue to be subject to a great deal of harassment. In a press release on 31 March, RSF urged Prime Minister Fayez El Saraj to undertake publicly to protect media freedom. RSF calls for release of Omani journalist and writer Sulaiman Al Moamari Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 12 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for release of Omani journalist and writer Sulaiman Al Moamari, 12 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762db54.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is very concerned about the arbitrary detention of Omani journalist and writer Sulaiman Al Moamari, who has been held in solitary confinement ever since his arrest by intelligence officials on 28 April without any official reason being given. According to the local media, 42-year-old Al Moamari, who heads the national radio broadcaster's cultural department, is being kept in solitary confinement by the Muscat section of the domestic intelligence agency, which summoned him for questioning on the evening of 28 April. "The authorities must give their reasons for arresting Sulaiman Al Moamari and must say where they are holding him," said Alexandra El-Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "We urge the Omani authorities to either bring charges against him, so that he has the right to a fair trial, or free him at once." Many Omani and Arab journalists and writers have voiced outrage at his detention, which is seen as tantamount to enforced disappearance. Al Moamari enjoys a great deal of popularity in Oman because of his many radio broadcasts, his writings and pro-democracy views. A petition for his release has been posted on social networks. Censorship and obstruction of freedom of information are common in the Sultanate of Oman, which is ranked 125th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Ukraine : RSF condemns leak of journalists' personal details Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 13 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Ukraine : RSF condemns leak of journalists' personal details, 13 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762e2c4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemns the publication by a Ukrainian website yesterday of the personal details of thousands of journalists who have been accredited to the self-declared separatist authorities in eastern Ukraine. Branding them "terrorist accomplices", the Myrotvorets site posted the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of journalists who have worked in the separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk. The details are still accessible two days later. "In such a climate of tension, this absurd mash-up exposes journalists to real danger and many of them started receiving threats right away," said Johann Bihr, head of the RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk. "It also calls into question their ability to cover the conflict, as well as life inside the rebel areas. This intolerable attack on freedom of information must be treated with the utmost seriousness." The disclosure of the journalists' personal data infringes Ukraine's constitution and laws, which guarantee the protection of personal information, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights. It makes the work of reporters in a conflict zone even more dangerous, especially if they are given an allegedly ideological label. Anton Gerashchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament and an adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs, expressed support on his Facebook page for those who compiled the list. " We call on the justice authorities to look into this matter," said RSF's Bihr. "The Ukrainian authorities must take immediate action against the Myrotvorets website. Mr. Gerashchenko, who is an apologist for the site and has also called for the censorship and control of journalists, must be held politically accountable. His views are at odds with the rule of law when he approves such illegal actions and he weakens the country's democratic reconstruction when he challenges the free press." RSF points out that working inside the rebel areas cannot be construed as a sign of support for the views of the separatists. Coverage of a conflict requires a presence on both sides of the war front in order to present as accurate a picture as possible of what is happening on the ground. Click here to read the statement in Ukrainian signed jointly by RSF: http://www.hromadske.tv/society/zayava-zhurnalistiv-shchodo-oprilyudnennya-bazi-ko/ One year after coup attempt, journalists still gagged in Burundi Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 13 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, One year after coup attempt, journalists still gagged in Burundi, 13 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762edf4.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. A year has gone by since Bujumbura's privately-owned radio stations were attacked and closed during a coup attempt on 14 May 2015, but the Burundian government still maintains a tight grip on news and information amid a continuing political crisis. After being badly damaged during the coup attempt, five radio stations were placed under judicial seal so that the authorities could conduct an investigation. They were Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), which had been prevented from broadcasting since 27 April 2015, Isanganiro, Bonesha FM, Renaissance and Rema FM. Officially, the purpose of this investigation was to identify those responsible for the attacks on the radio stations as well as the stations' alleged role in the coup attempt. But the authorities have not published the findings of any investigation and most of these radio stations are still closed. "The government must take a take a clear position on the radio stations that are still closed and on the radio station managers and reporters who are still charged," said Christophe Deloire, the secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "The findings of the investigation into the radio stations must be published so that they can reopen with complete legality and safety. The government must also provide security guarantees to the journalists who fled the country and those who stayed, so that they are free to work." Only two stations have been allowed to reopen - Rema FM, which is close to the government, and Isanganiro, which is independent. The managers of both stations had to sign an undertaking restricting their editorial freedom. But journalists say they are not being treated the same way. Isanganiro is being harassed, they say. Its representatives were summoned by officials and threatened with closure after a broadcast that displeased the government. At the same time, Rema FM was awarded compensation of 4 billion Burundian francs (more than 2 million euros) for the damage it sustained. The award was made by the Gitega appeal court as part of the conclusions it issued on 9 May in the proceedings against the coup attempt's perpetrators. The decision to let these two radio stations reopen was taken unilaterally and not in response to the conclusions of the investigation. The directive authorizing them to reopen says they can be closed again at any time on the public prosecutor's orders. The government is giving itself the power of life and death over the media and taking all possible measures to control what journalists say. The latest measure was the announcement by National Council for Communication vice-president Gabriel Bihumugani at a news conference on 29 April that all journalists would henceforth have to be registered, that all media outlets would have to publish financial and narrative reports "detailing how their budget was used." This applies to state as well as privately-owned media. More than 100 journalists have had to flee the country in the past year. Some have started news bulletins that are broadcast from abroad. They include Radio Inzamba's news bulletin and the "Humura-Burundi" broadcast. But questions hang over their long-term viability. The newspaper Iwacu meanwhile continues to be published. Editor Antoine Kaburahe (who was recently awarded the City of Paris medal for his courage) edits it from Brussels because a warrant was issued for his arrest. His reporters have to take great care to avoid reprisals and some do not even dare to by-line their articles. >Burundi's newest media creation, SOS Medias Burundi, also continues to cover the "#BurundiCrisis" around the clock on social networks. Its reporters in Burundi, who provide reports, photos and video, have to remain anonymous and in many cases do not even know each other's identity because this helps to reduce the dangers to which they are constantly exposed. Burundi is ranked 156th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, 11th places lower than its position in the 2015 Index. Departure of media group editors "a serious blow" for independent journalism in Russia Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 15 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Departure of media group editors "a serious blow" for independent journalism in Russia, 15 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57762fc14.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. Departure of media group editors "a serious blow" for independent journalism in Russia The growing pressure on the Russian media group RBC reached a climax yesterday with the departure of three top editorial executives. The editor of the RBC newspaper, Maxim Solyus, was fired, and both Elizaveta Osetinskaya, the media group's editor-in-chief, and Roman Badanin, the editor of the RBC news agency, resigned. In two years, the team had transformed the brand into an authoritative source of political and economic news. RBC is the only independent news outlet that has a following comparable to the official media. "The departure of the RBC editors is a serious blow for independent journalism," said Johann Bihr, head of the RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk. "It is obvious that investigative and in-depth journalism, the foundations of a quality press, is no longer tolerated in Russia. Large-scale corruption and illegal activity by the government are now clearly the best-kept state secrets." RBC earned its reputation with its uncompromising investigations into corruption on the part of the Russian elite, such as embezzlement of public funds, abuses of the tendering procedure the acquisition of wealth by senior officials and those close to the government. After it covered the "Panama Papers" and its disclosures about the wealth of President Vladimir Putin's presumed son-in-law in spring this year, it appeared increasing likely that RBC would be reined in. Its owner's offices were searched, a criminal investigation was launched into its CEO and it was announced that Osetinskaya would taking sabbatical leave. Although the management argued that financial reasons were behind the shake-up, no-one doubts that the three editors were forced out for political reasons. Several independent news outlets report that from now on editors at RBC will be requested to have all articles approved for publication by the group's CEO. Several journalists were believed to be about to resign and others were waiting for the censor's red pencil before drawing the appropriate conclusions. The dismissal of the editorial leadership of an independent news outlet is one of the classic ways of taking control in Russia, ever since the television station NTV was brought to heel in 2001. After Gazeta.ru, Russia's first news website, in 2001, in 2014 Lenta.ru was reined in over its coverage of the conflict in Ukraine. As a rule, the titles that are targeted become innocuous or turn their attention to topics such as fashion, or else become propaganda mouthpieces, as happened to the official news agency RIA Novosti. Veracruz reporter becomes sixth journalist murdered in Mexico this year Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 16 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Veracruz reporter becomes sixth journalist murdered in Mexico this year, 16 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577630474.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sounds the alarm about the growing violence against Mexican media personnel after freelance reporter Manuel Torres was gunned down in Poza Rica, in the eastern state of Veracruz, on 14 May, becoming the sixth journalist to be murdered in Mexico since the start of the year. A reporter with 20 years experience, Torres worked for TV Azteca, Radiover.com and several regional and local media including the daily newspaper Noreste, covering court cases and clashes between organized crime and the police. He also edited his own news website, Noticiasmt, and worked for the Poza Rica city hall. His murder, by a single shot to the head as he returned home, confirmed Mexico's status as one of the world's deadliest countries for the media. He was the second journalist to be killed this year in Veracruz, regarded as Mexico's most dangerous state for reporters. "It is vital that the Veracruz police and judicial authorities identify those responsible for this murder and bring them to trial," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "Torres' death, like those of the many other Mexican journalists killed in recent years, will not be forgotten. This is a state of emergency for the media in Veracruz. We appeal to all those who defend media freedom to support Mexico's journalists and to denounce this deadly spiral of violence." Astonishingly, the Veracruz Prosecutor-General's Office issued a statement about Torres' murder that identified him simply as a Poza Rica city hall employee, without saying he was a journalist. The Veracruz State Commission for the Protection of Journalists issued a statement "energetically condemning this journalist's murder" and calling for a swift investigation to find out who did it. The commission was created by the Veracruz state government but in principle is independent. RSF remind that on 25 april, the journalist Francisco Pacheco Beltran was also found dead in front of his house in the city of Taxco, in Guerrero state. Mexico is ranked 149th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Brazil: RSF decries public media platform chief's dismissal Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 17 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Brazil: RSF decries public media platform chief's dismissal, 17 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577630c04.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) deplores Acting President Michel Temer's decision today to issue a decree arbitrarily firing Ricardo Melo as head of the Brazilian Communication Agency (EBC). Melo, who is a journalist, was legally appointed to the position of EBC director-general two weeks ago by Dilma Rousseff before she was suspended as Brazil's president for her impeachment trial. According to the law that created the EBC, its director-general is appointed for a four-year term that is not linked to elections or changes of government. Brazil's president does not have the power to fire an EBC director-general and name a new one. This is supposed to guarantee the impartiality and autonomy of the agency, which is in charge of all state communication. "We condemn this decision by President Temer, which is both arbitrary and contrary to Brazilian law," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "It is a clear attempt to interfere in public communication in Brazil. Information must be produced in an autonomous manner, without interference or manipulation by politicians. The EBC's credibility is at stake." According to the latest reports, Temer has already chosen the journalist Laerte Rimoli to replace Melo. Rimoli was the press officer of Eduardo Cunha, the former speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, during the proceedings that suspended Rousseff. He was also part of the campaign team of Aecio Neves, Rousseff's main challenger in the last presidential election. Iran urged to end arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 18 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Iran urged to end arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists, 18 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577631084.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reiterates its deep concern about arbitrary arrests of journalists in Iran and the conditions in which they are held. RSF is particularly worried about Mohammad Sadegh Kabodvand, who has been on hunger strike for the past ten days, and Arash Zad, held incommunicado for the past ten months. The onetime editor of Payam-e mardom-e Kurdestan, a newspaper closed by the authorities in 2004, Kabodvand began his hunger strike on 8 May in protest against his continuing detention and the judicial harassment to which he has been subjected in recent months. Relatives report that the prosecutor's office at Tehran's Evin prison, where he is being held, has summoned him several times in order to tell him that new charges are being brought against him. Kabodvand should have been freed already under article 134 of the new Islamic criminal code (as amended in 2013), according to which someone who has been given several sentences serves only the severest one. Held since July 2007, he was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison for his journalistic activities and for creating a human rights group in Kurdestan province. His health has deteriorated in prison, where he has had heart problems and has been denied the necessary treatment. His family is very worried about his condition, especially as a recent medical examination showed that he has an enlarged prostate. Zad, the editor of Weblogina and Arashzad.net, one of Iran's best-known new technology websites, has been held incommunicado since his arrest by Revolutionary Guard intelligence operatives as he was about to leave from Tehran international airport on 31 July at the end of a visit to Iran. He had been living in Turkey for the past two years but was very active on the Iranian Internet. He also edited Ladybug, a website designed to promote the employment of women in new technology work. Since his arrest, there has been no official information about where or why he is being detained. The journalists who are currently a motive of particular concern include Omid Solimani, who worked for the Kurdestan publication Navai Vaght. He was arrested by intelligence ministry plainclothesmen in Sanandaj (Kurdestan's capital) on 12 May, since when his family has been told nothing about why or where he is being held. Souroush Farhadian, a contributor to several pro-reform newspapers and editor of the bimonthly Ro Beh Ro (Opposite), was summoned and arrested by prosecutors in the central city of Arak on 15 May as a result of a complaint by "a military entity." Charged with anti-government publicity and "activities threatening national security," he has been released on bail. Mehdi Botourabi, the editor of Persianblog.ir, Iran's most popular free blogging platform, was arrested after being summoned to the Tehran prosecutor-general's office. There has been no official statement about the reason for his arrest or his place of detention but relatives say he was told that he had been given a jail sentence in absentia. He was previously arrested during a wave of protests against then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's controversial reelection in 2009. "There are absolutely no grounds under Iranian or international law for arresting and imprisoning journalists in this arbitrary manner and denying them the right to a fair trial," said Reza Moini, the head of RSF's Iran/Afghanistan desk. "Such procedures constitute a flagrant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of these imprisoned journalists." Ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, Iran continues to be one of the world's five biggest prisons for journalists, with a total of 30 professional and citizen-journalists currently detained. Iran: In judicial outrage, Narges Mohammadi sentenced to ten years in prison Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 19 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Iran: In judicial outrage, Narges Mohammadi sentenced to ten years in prison, 19 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577631654.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the ten-year jail sentence that a Tehran judge has just passed on Narges Mohammadi, a journalist and spokesperson for Iran's Centre for Human Rights Defenders. Her family was notified yesterday of the sentence, the outcome of a flawed trial held under the influence of the intelligence ministry and Revolutionary Guards before a Tehran revolutionary court on 20 April. "Narges Mohammadi is an information hero who is a credit to journalism and the defence of human rights," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "Such a heavy sentence shows the iniquitous character of Iranian justice. President Rouhani cannot remain silent in the face of such a judicial outrage even if everyone knows the judicial systems takes its orders from the Supreme Leader." Mohammadi was sentenced to five years in prison for "meeting and conspiring against the Islamic Republic," one year for "anti-government propaganda" and ten years for working with Legam, an outlawed campaign for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran. This totals 16 years but, under a law adopted in 2015, a person sentenced to several jail terms serves only the severest one so, in practice, Mohammadi was sentenced to ten years in prison. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, told RSF: "This sentence is an act of revenge against not only Narges but also all of Iran's civil society. It was arranged jointly by the Revolutionary Guards and the intelligence ministry to intimidate activists who provide information about human rights violations in Iran, including the situation of prisoners of conscience." At an event that RSF organized at the Theatre du Rond Point in Paris on 2 May, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo awarded the City of Paris medal to four journalists proposed by RSF. One of them was Mohammadi, who sent a poignant message to the event from her Tehran cell. Mohammadi has spent many long periods in prison in connection with her human rights activism since 1998. Her current spell in prison began in May 2015. Her health is in danger but she is being denied the medical treatment she needs. In October 2015, she was taken from prison to a Tehran hospital, where she spent ten days handcuffed to a bed before being returned to prison against medical advice. Ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, Iran continues to be one of the world's five biggest prisons for journalists, with a total of 30 professional and citizen-journalists currently detained. In hostile move, Bulgarian investigative website stripped of prize Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 19 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, In hostile move, Bulgarian investigative website stripped of prize, 19 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577631b94.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. Reporters Without Borders condemns a sudden act of hostility towards the Bulgarian investigative news website Bivol (Bivol.bg) by the Radostina Konstantinova Foundation, which describes itself as the guarantor of media freedom and independence in Bulgaria. After awarding Bivol its prize for investigative journalism (the only prize of this kind in Bulgaria), the foundation has just withdrawn it on the grounds that the names of Bivol's two journalists do not appear on the site. In fact, as they explained to RSF, the two journalists, Atanas Chobanov and Assen Yordanov, are clearly named on the site although they use the joint byline "Bivol" on their stories. The jury of well-known journalists that chose to award the prize to Bivol has publicly criticized its withdrawal by the foundation's board, describing the decision as arbitrary. The foundation is named after a journalist who died in 2010. Bivol's award-winning investigation was about the secret properties of the Bulgarian cigarette manufacturer Bulgartabac and the construction of a Black Sea palace for Ahmed Dogan, a maverick politician of Turkish descent who leads the Turkish minority in Bulgaria. "We condemn this act of hostility towards Atanas Chobanov and Assen Yordanov, two investigative journalists who were named as RSF information heroes in 2014," said Pauline Ades-Mevel, the head of RSF's EU-Balkans desk. "The Radostina Konstantinova Foundation is trying to damage their reputation by using spurious and unacceptable arguments. The real problem was the embarrassment caused to certain Bulgarian politicians by the information they revealed." Bulgaria is ranked 113th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, the lowest position of any European Union member. Sudanese authorities urged to end systematic censorship Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 19 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Sudanese authorities urged to end systematic censorship, 19 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776320a4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the seizure of five issues of the daily newspaper Al Jareeda in the space of a week. This latest escalation in censorship comes as a committee formed by the justice ministry prepares to discuss a new press law. After members of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) seized Al Jareeda's issues on 9, 10, 12 and 13 May, the newspaper stopped publishing for two days in protest. When it resumed on 16 May, that day's issue was also immediately confiscated in what some observers regarded as a punishment for the protest. The seizures are estimated to have cost Al Jareeda 90,000 Sudanese pounds (6,600 US dollars) in lost income. The NISS has not felt the need to provide any explanation for the repeated seizures. Al Jareeda had published articles about a recent wave of student demonstrations in connection with which intelligence officers beat two students to death. In the previous two months, the NISS had already carried out 12 unjustified seizures while 15 journalists were fired at the behest of the authorities. The NISS targets newspapers that criticize the government, mention President Omar al-Bashir's indictment by the International Criminal Court, or cover the wave of protests. In late April, the NISS banned all newspaper coverage of events linked to the demonstrations, the opposition and human rights. "The increase in repressive measures against the press is a reaction to the growing unrest in Sudan," RSF said. "We urge the authorities to end the arbitrary confiscation of newspapers and to stop harassing journalists, who have an essential role to play in informing the public." It is against this backdrop of growing censorship that the justice ministry formed the committee, which includes the NISS, to discuss the proposed press law. The authorities have yet to share the text of the proposed law with those most affected - Sudan's journalists. Sudan is ranked 174th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF condemns continuing harassment of independent media in Tajikistan Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 21 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF condemns continuing harassment of independent media in Tajikistan, 21 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577632734.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 the run-up to tomorrow's referendum on a package of constitutional amendments, the government has continued the repressive policies that prompted Tajikistan's spectacular fall in the latest World Press Freedom Index, including blocking the main independent news websites, intimidating media outlets and threatening journalists. The main independent websites such as Asia-Plus, Radio Ozodi and Ozodagon were blocked on 11 May after posting articles about the referendum. This practice has become habitual in recent years in the run-up to major events such as this referendum. The most controversial constitutional amendments would scrap the limit on the number of presidential terms, restrict the activities of opposition parties and lower the minimum age for being a presidential candidate. The goal is to allow President Emomali Rakhmon to stay in power for as long as possible and then hand over to his son. On 14 May, Asia-Plus published a letter it received from the culture ministry describing some of its articles as "terrorist propaganda." The cited articles mentioned the Financial Times' revelations about the wages paid to Islamic State fighters, the government's response to radicalization in Central Asia and the crackdown on the Islamist opposition in Tajikistan. As none of the articles contained anything that could be seen as a defence of terrorist activity, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) regards this warning as an attempt to use combatting terrorism as a pretext for intimidating independent media and encouraging self-censorship. Independent journalists meanwhile continue to report to RSF that they are being the targets of threats and blackmail attempts by the intelligence services. "Depriving the population of freely reported news and information before such a crucial political event constitutes an all-out denial of democracy," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "If the authorities are really trying to combat terrorism, they should treat media pluralism as an ally, as a vehicle for dialogue and for defusing tension. We urge them to lift the blocking of news websites and to stop harassing independent journalists." Tajikistan is ranked 150th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index after falling 33 places. This was the biggest fall of any country in this year's index. Harassment of journalists and website blocking have increased since the 2015 parliamentary election and the banning of the Islamic Renaissance Party, the main opposition party. The decline in the human rights situation was highlighted during Tajikistan's Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council at the start of May. RSF urges the international community to step up the pressure on Dushanbe to end its increasingly repressive practices. Belarus: State ends priest's 25-year parish ministry Publisher Forum 18 Author Olga Glace Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Forum 18, Belarus: State ends priest's 25-year parish ministry, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776332a4.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. The Belarusian government's senior religious affairs official ends 25 years' parish service by Polish Catholic priest Fr Andrzej Stopyra with no explanation. The official also denied permission for Indian Catholic priest Fr James Manjackal to visit Belarus to lead religious exercises in a parish. 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. Targeted theft of RSF correspondent's computer in Abidjan Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Targeted theft of RSF correspondent's computer in Abidjan, 23 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776343b4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is disturbed to learn that the home of its correspondent in Abidjan, Ivorian journalist Baudelaire Mieu, was the target of a burglary yesterday. Mieu also works for the US news agency Bloomberg and the Paris-based pan-African magazine Jeune Afrique. Brandishing a gun, the burglars took Mieu's computer but left his wife's and other objects of value. Mieu specializes in business stories but also covers politics and social issues. Mieu filed a complaint at the local police station in the suburb of Cocody. The police have opened an investigation and sent a police officer to his home to do a routine crime report. "This armed attack, whose sole aim seems to have been the targeted theft of Mieu's computer, is obviously very worrying," RSF said. "We call on the police and judicial authorities to conduct a serious and thorough investigation that quickly sheds all possible light on this matter." Cote d'Ivoire is ranked 86th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Concern about Spanish newspaper reporter missing in Colombia Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 24 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Concern about Spanish newspaper reporter missing in Colombia, 24 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577634994.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. Reporters Without Borders is very worried about Salud Hernandez-Mora, a journalist with dual Spanish and Colombian nationality who went missing on 21 May while reporting in Catatumbo, a northern region near the Venezuelan border where four guerrilla groups and paramilitaries operate. Hernandez-Mora is the correspondent of the Spanish daily El Mundo, which has cited military sources in the area as saying she was probably kidnapped, but no guerrilla group has so far claimed her abduction. The National Liberation Army (ELN), one of the guerrilla groups with the biggest presence in the region, normally issues a communique when it takes hostages but it has said nothing in this case. According to RSF's information, Hernandez-Mora went to El Tarra, a municipality in the region, to cover protests about the disappearance of two young people, and attended several meetings held to organize searches for these two missing people, who were subsequently found. Her last known meeting was with a nun based in the area. She then took a motorcycle in the direction of Filo Gringo, an outlying locality within the municipality. She had reportedly tried to mobilize her sources in order to venture into the remoter parts of the region. At the same time, she had warned that mobile phone coverage was erratic. She arrived in Filo Gringo but thereafter the trail goes blank. "We are very worried about the disappearance of Salud Hernandez-Mora, a veteran reporter with a great deal of experience in areas controlled by guerrillas and devastated by armed conflict," said Malen Aznarez, the president of RSF Spain. "We urge the Colombian authorities to get concrete results in their search and to coordinate their actions effectively with the Spanish government. We give her family our full support and we will do everything in our power to ensure her safety, as we have always done in similar cases." Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said his staff was in permanent contact with the embassy in Bogota and was following the search operations in Colombia. "All measures have been taken to find the journalist," he said. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said he had ordered the deployment of a specialized team to the area to find out what had happened to Hernandez-Mora, to establish whether she really was kidnapped and, if so, to identify those responsible. A Colombian defence ministry communique said: "The army and national police have implemented search procedures. At this time, intelligence teams have been deployed to cover the area and reinforcements have been made available to pursue operations designed to determine Ms. Hernandez-Mora's location. The army and national police appeal to the population to cooperate with the authorities in the efforts to find the journalist." The hashtag #DondeEstaSaludHernandez (Where is SaludHernandez) has been used by thousands of Twitter users to urge the authorities to quickly establish what has happened to her. Hernandez-Mora is a very experienced journalist who has worked for El Mundo since 1999, specializing in covering Colombia's armed conflicts. She is also a columnist for the Colombian daily El Tiempo. She is known for her incisive style and critical opinions, which leave no one indifferent in Colombia. She writes on her website: "I am a journalist to the core. If I could choose where to work, I would be with the firefighters, ready 24 hours a day to rush to where the fire breaks out." Colombia is ranked 134th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In a joint statement, the families of journalists held by Houthi rebels in the capital, Sanaa, reported that the journalists began a hunger strike on 9 May in protest against the conditions in which they are being held. The families also called for the release of the journalists, most of whom have been held for more than a year. According to RSF's tally, a total of 14 journalists and citizen-journalists are currently being held by armed groups in Yemen. "We are very concerned about the detention of journalists in Yemen and we appeal to their abductors to release them unconditionally," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "We remind all parties to the conflict that they are required by international law to protect media personnel, like other civilians." In their joint statement, the families condemned the constant mistreatment of the journalists (including torture and denial of adequate medical care) and the recent bans on visits in Habra prison. The branch of the Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate in the southern city of Aden said it supports the call for their release and blames the Houthis. The journalists on hunger strike are Toufic Al Mansouri, Hassan Enab, Akram Al Walidi, Issam Belghith, Hareth Hamid, Haytham Al Shehab, Hicham Al Youssefi, Hicham Tarmoum, Abdel Khalaq Amrane and Salah Al Qa'idi. According to the Yemeni media, the Yemeni government delegation yesterday called for their release (and the release of other detainees) at the peace talks that began under UN aegis in Kuwait on 21 April. Journalists are in permanent danger in Yemen as a result of the continuing political instability and security threats. Few professional journalists are still working in Sanaa, which the Houthi rebels have controlled since September 2014. The threats to reporters and media outlets come from all parties to the conflict. As well as coming under fire or being the victims or air strikes, they are also liable to be arrested arbitrarily or abducted, and their offices are often raided and attacked. In one recent case, the premises of the Al-Shumo Foundation and its affiliate newspaper, Akhbar Al-Youm, in Aden were attacked and looted by southern forces on 8 May. Their headquarters were already attacked by Houthi rebels in February 2015. Yemen is ranked 170th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press FreedomIndex. Kazakhstan : Protests lead to wave of arrests of journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 24 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Kazakhstan : Protests lead to wave of arrests of journalists, 24 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577635f24.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns a wave of arrests of journalists in Kazakhstan on 21 May in connection with protests against the government's new agrarian reform laws. The Kazakh free speech NGO Adilsoz said 44 journalists were arrested. Social networks were also cut for several hours. The demonstrations against the new laws on the sale and renting of land have been going on for exactly a month but it was only during the past weekend that the authorities began cracking down on media coverage of the protests. The Facebook, Vkontakte, Twitter and Instagram social networks and the Viber and WhatsApp messaging services ceased to function in Kazakhstan on the night of 20 May. The arrests of journalists throughout the country began the next morning. Some were arrested as they left their homes. Most were released, although some were given heavy fines for "disturbing public order." Lukpan Akhmedyarov, a journalist in the northwestern city of Oral, was sentenced to 15 days in prison. "The repressive machinery has yet again been set in motion in Kazakhstan," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "There were arrests in all of the country's regions, which means they were coordinated, despite the interior ministry's denial. This was a blatant act of intimidation by a government that feared the popular discontent would keep growing and decided it was time to silence the protests." President Nursultan Nazerbayev announced on 5 May that he intends to create an information ministry that is independent of the culture ministry. The initiative is designed above all to reinforce the government's already tight grip on media outlets and social networks. Guzyal Baydalinova, the editor of the opposition online newspaper Nakanune, has meanwhile just been sentenced to 18 months in prison on a charge of publishing false information. Two freelance journalists who wrote the offending articles testified against her. Baydalinova, who has been held for the past five months, said she was duped. Kazakhstan is ranked 160th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Cairo-based French reporter denied entry on return from vacation Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 25 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Cairo-based French reporter denied entry on return from vacation, 25 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776362d4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is very disturbed to learn that Cairo-based French journalist Remy Pigaglio was denied entry to Egypt on his return from a vacation in France and was put on a flight back to Paris yesterday, although all his papers were in order. The Cairo correspondent of two French media outlets, the newspaper La Croix and the radio station RTL, Pigaglio was refused entry on landing at Cairo airport on 23 May although he has been based in Cairo since August 2014 and his visa and his Egyptian press card were both valid. After being held for 30 hours in the airport's international area without being questioned or given any explanation, he was put on a flight back to France last night. The French embassy intervened on his behalf, but to no avail. "We urge the authorities to explain why this journalist was denied entry," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "Given the circumstances, everything suggests that this was designed to intimidate all the foreign correspondents based in Cairo. It is a very worrying signal for the foreign media, to say the least." Pigaglio's passport and phone were confiscated shortly after he presented himself to immigration police in the airport. Before his phone was taken, he managed to send a message to fellow French journalists in Cairo reporting what was happening. They sounded the alarm while at the same time criticizing the Egyptian government's growing harassment of both Egyptian and foreign media. A foreign reporter in Cairo told RSF that what had happened to Pigaglio was unprecedented. "A foreign correspondent whose papers were in order has never been turned back until now," the reporter said. Ranked 159th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, Egypt is the world's fourth biggest prison for journalists, after China, Eritrea and Iran. Azerbaijan: Investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova released from prison Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 25 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Azerbaijan: Investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova released from prison, 25 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577636964.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. The Reporters Without Borders team is delighted by the release on probation of Azerbaijani investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova, who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison last September. Ismayilova's sentence was reduced on appeal to three-and-a-half years probation, a way of silencing those campaigning on her behalf without acknowledging her innocence. "It is a great relief to hear that Khadija is no longer behind bars and can go home to her family," said Johann Bihr, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk. "RSF shares her joy and reiterates its support for her, since the organization is still aware that she has not been acquitted and that a probation sentence remains a conviction. KHADIJA is free! SEND HER A BIRTHDAY CARD ! "She has spent eighteen months in prison on trumped-up charges. Justice will be served when those responsible for this judicial harassment themselves face judgement." Charges against her of abuse of authority and embezzlement were withdrawn but she remains accused of tax evasion and illegal trading. Azerbaijan is ranked 163rd of 180 countries in the RSF World Press Freedom Index. https://freedomforkhadija.org/ Increased harassment of journalists in Cote d'Ivoire Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 26 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Increased harassment of journalists in Cote d'Ivoire, 26 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577636ee4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the arbitrary detention of Koaci news website editor Laurent Despas and one of his reporters, Donatien Kautcha, who were freed on 25 May after being held overnight, and urges the authorities to use the press law rather than the penal code in the case they are bringing against Despas. Arrested on the afternoon of 24 May, Despas and Kautcha were held at the headquarters of the gendarmerie in Agban, in the centre of Abidjan, without being allowed access to a lawyer. Both were released yesterday but, before being freed, Despas was taken before the prosecutor's office, where he was charged with "spreading false reports" under article 173 of the penal code. According to the information available, their arrests and the charge against Despas were prompted by an article in early May about the existence of political prisoners in Cote d'Ivoire. It was based on an interview with former President Laurent Gbagbo's son, Michel Gbagbo, who was himself summoned for questioning yesterday at the headquarters of the DST intelligence agency. "We are disturbed by these proceedings against a media representative who simply reported an interview and, furthermore, presented the views of both sides," RSF said. "We urge the authorities to respect the work of journalists by trying this case under the press law and not the penal code." Under article 173 of the penal code, "publishing, disseminating, divulging or reproducing false reports or documents that are fabricated, forged or mendaciously attributed to other persons" is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine. The press law does not provide for prison sentences for this type of offence. Cote d'Ivoire is ranked 86th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Khadija Ismayilova's release is just the start! Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Khadija Ismayilova's release is just the start!, 27 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577637784.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) staged a demonstration outside Azerbaijan's embassy in Paris today to celebrate Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova's 40th birthday and to tell her government that her release two days ago is just the first step towards ending media freedom violations in Azerbaijan. Ismayilova was freed after a court suspended her jail sentence but she continues to be subject to judicial control and cannot leave the country. At least eight other journalists and bloggers are still detained in connection with their reporting while independent media outlets are forced to operate in exile and are still hounded. "In releasing Khadija Ismayilova after 537 days of arbitrary detention, the Azerbaijani government has given a bit of ground but is still far from behaving as it should towards media freedom," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "The international community must keep up the pressure until Baku stops harassing independent media, restores pluralism and frees all imprisoned journalists." RSF also took part in a similar demonstration yesterday in Washington and today in Berlin. And many other activities are being organized throughout the world today as part of the Sport for Rights coalition, which groups the leading human rights organizations involved with Azerbaijan. On the day Ismayilova was freed, 25 May, the photographer Elnur Mukhtarov was arrested and was sentenced to ten days of administrative detention. He had covered an anti-government protest and had posted his photos on Facebook. He joins the other journalists and bloggers held in connection with their reporting. They include: Seymur Khazi , a reporter for the daily Azadlig and the TV programme "Azerbaycan Saati," arrested on 29 August 2014. , a reporter for the daily and the TV programme "Azerbaycan Saati," arrested on 29 August 2014. Arshad Ibrahimov , a contributor to the Moderator.az and Avrupa.info news websites, arrested 18 June 2014. , a contributor to the and news websites, arrested 18 June 2014. Abdul Abilov , a blogger arrested on 22 November 2013. , a blogger arrested on 22 November 2013. Rashad Ramazanov , a blogger arrested on 9 May 2013. , a blogger arrested on 9 May 2013. Shaig Agayev , a blogger arrested on 9 May 2013. , a blogger arrested on 9 May 2013. Araz Guliyev , the editor of the Xeber44 news website, arrested on 8 September 2012. , the editor of the news website, arrested on 8 September 2012. Nijat Aliyev, the editor of the Azadxeber news website, arrested on 20 May 2012. There is no limit to the harassment of journalists in Azerbaijan who work for "Azerbaycan Saati," a TV programme produced abroad, and Meydan TV, a TV station based abroad. As they cannot touch their editors, Ganimat Zahid and Emin Milli, the authorities persecute members of their families inside Azerbaijan. Several have been jailed on trumped-up charges while others have been forced to publicly disown Zahid and Milli. Azerbaijan is ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF decries mounting hostility towards media in Bolivia Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF decries mounting hostility towards media in Bolivia, 27 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776382a4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) declares its support for journalists hounded by the authorities in Bolivia and condemns the decline in the environment for media personnel since the start of the year, which has included public verbal attacks by officials, intimidation and prosecution threats. Addressing parliament on 19 May, presidency minister Juan Ramon Quintana accused the newspapers Erbol, El Deber and Pagina Siete and the news agency Fides of forming a "cartel of lies." He made this dramatic accusation while being questioned by parliamentarians about an alleged case of corruption involving President Evo Morales and a former partner revealed by the journalist Carlos Valverde in February and since picked up by many media outlets. According to Quintana, the media invented the scandal in order to destabilize the country. Three reporters in particular, Amalia Pando, Raul Penaranda and Andres Gomez, have been the targets of an all-out smear campaign and verbal attacks for several months. Accused by Quintana of sedition for no valid reason, Wilson Garcia Merida, the editor of the Sol de Pando newspaper, received a summons on 10 May to report the next day to the public prosecutor's office in Cochabamba, a city several hundred kilometres away from where he was located. Garcia Merida's lawyer tried to get the summons postponed and to find out exactly what accusations Quintana was making against his client. But to no avail. To escape this denial of justice, Garcia Merida fled to Brazil and is still there. Jesus Alanoca, a journalist with the daily El Deber, was arrested while providing live coverage of a demonstration in La Paz on 27 April and, before being released, was ordered to delete all the video footage he had shot. Alvaro Valero, a photojournalist with the daily Pagina Siete, suffered a similar fate and was attacked during a demonstration in the capital two days later. Also in that front, the Australian filmmaker Daniel Fallshawn has been intimidated several times in social networks by the Satucos (a government related group), since he started documenting a wave of protests led by people with disabilities that has been happening in the country for several months now. "This climate of hostility towards the media is having a very negative impact on free expression and cannot go on," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "The insults, illegal prosecutions and smear campaigns by senior officials against their own country's journalists are intolerable and are encouraging a level of self-censorship that is extremely damaging for media freedom." Mireya Montano, the parliamentary leader of Movement to Socialism (MAS), President Morales's party, meanwhile recently said that Bolivia's press law needed to be revised. This alarmed many journalists, who fear that any revision of the press law in the present context would have a negative impact on freedom of information. Last August, the government announced that "politicized" news media would be denied the funding that comes from state advertising. RSF issued a press release at the time condemning the move. Bolivia is ranked 97th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF calls for release of three journalists held by Colombia's ELN Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for release of three journalists held by Colombia's ELN, 27 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776392a4.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. UPDATE (May 28th): The journalists Salud Hernandez-Mora, Diego D'Pablos and Carlos were all released by the ELN in the late afternoon of May 27th Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the immediate release of three journalists who have gone missing in the past six days in the northeastern region of Catatumbo. The Colombian government confirmed yesterday that all three are being held hostage by the National Liberation Army, Colombia's second largest rebel group. The first to disappear was Salud Hernandez-Mora, the correspondent of the Spanish daily El Mundo, on 21 May. She was followed two days later by reporter Diego D'Pablos and cameraman Carlos Melo of the Colombian TV broadcaster RCN, who were trying to find out what had happened to Hernandez-Mora. All three disappeared in an area near the Venezuelan border where several armed groups operate. After a major search operation lasting several days, defence minister Luis Carlos Villegas confirmed "with certainty" yesterday that "the National Liberation Army (ELN) is responsible for the disappearance of the three journalists." The ELN is the second biggest leftist guerrilla group operating in Colombia, after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). "We call for the immediate release of the three journalists held hostage by the National Liberation Army," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "The authorities must do everything possible to protect these journalists and facilitate their release. Journalists operating in conflict zones are often exposed to great danger. If they are not protected, they cannot work and their work is essential in these news and information black holes." In late March, the government and ELN announced the start of official peace negotiations after more than two years of preliminary talks. The official negotiations were initially scheduled to start at the end of this month, but the group's continuing abduction of civilians is seen as the main obstacle. Colombia is ranked 134th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF decries Algeria's plan to "clean up" TV broadcasting Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF decries Algeria's plan to "clean up" TV broadcasting, 30 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577639ea4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal's announcement on 23 May that he has asked communication minister Hamid Grine to "clean up" the broadcasting sector, in which more than 50 privately-owned TV channels are operating without permission. RSF calls on the government to quickly set up the independent broadcasting regulatory authority envisaged under the 2012 Information Code instead of giving itself a blank cheque to grant and refuse licences, and close down broadcasters that are denied them. The prime minister said the aim of his draconian initiative was to stop those broadcasters that are "crossing red lines" and are attacking "the values and principles of Algerian society" and the "nation's foundations." The plan includes provision for approval to be granted on the basis of a list of rights and obligations for TV broadcasters. The prime minister said that the communication minister would be in charge of the reform "pending the creation of the broadacast media regulatory authority." "This initiative by the Algerian goverment is disturbing because it gives the executive full power to grant or deny licences to TV channels," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "A wiser first step would be to fully establish the independent broadcasting authority with responsiblity under article 55 of the the 2014 Broadcasting Law for examining applications for the provision of broadcasting services. Although this authority is not in charge of granting licences, its existence would, to some extent, constitute a guarantee of a free press independent of political control." Only four of the 58 TV channels currently operating in Algeria actually have permission to do so. These four channels, Dzair TV, Ennahar TV, El Djazair and Echourouk TV, are all known for being not very critical of the government. The authorities have closed two TV channels in the past two years, Al Atlas TV in 2014 and El Watan TV in 2015. RSF criticized these closures at the time as politically-motivated punishments for their editorial policies. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries inRSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Yemeni reporter killed covering clashes, ten others missing Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 31 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Yemeni reporter killed covering clashes, ten others missing, 31 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763a464.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the situation of media freedom in Yemen, where another journalist was killed while covering the war on 29 May and ten journalists held by the Houthi rebels have reportedly been moved to an unknown location. According to Yemeni media reports, Ma'reb Press website correspondent Abdallah Azizan was killed on 29 May while covering clashes between Houthi rebels and pro-government forces in Bayhan, a town in Shabwah province 300 km east of the capital. He is said to have been killed by sniper fire from the Houthi side. The families of the journalists detained by the Houthi rebels have been quoted by the local media as saying they have been transferred from Habra prison to an unknown destination. Held by the Houthis for nearly a year, these journalists began a hunger strike on 9 May. "We condemn the disastrous state of media freedom in Yemen," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "Journalists are being targeted by all parties and cannot cover the war without risking their lives. We call on the Houthis to free the detained journalists and we remind all parties to the conflict of their duty to protect all civilians including journalists." It has become extremely difficult to cover the situation in Yemen and to obtain reliable information because many journalists have fled the country or their hometown, or have chosen to stop working as journalists. According to RSF's tally, Azizan was the fifth journalist to be killed since the start of the year in Yemen. He was preceded by Mohammed Al Yemeni, who was killed on 21 March while covering clashes in the city of Taiz. A total of eight journalists and media workers were killed in the course of their work in 2015. Yemen is ranked 170th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF deplores charges against Egyptian Journalists Syndicate leaders Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 31 May 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF deplores charges against Egyptian Journalists Syndicate leaders, 31 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763ae94.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the Egyptian regime's persecution of the Journalists Syndicate, three of whose leaders were held for nearly 24 hours in a police station and are now due to appear in court on 4 June on a charge of "abetting two journalists wanted by the police." The three leaders are Yahia Qalash, the Syndicate's president, Gamal Abd El-Raheem, its secretary-general, and Khaled El-Balshy, the head of its freedoms committee, who is also the editor of the newspaper Al Bedaiah. They were detained at Cairo's Qasr El-Nil police station on the night of 29 May, interrogated for nearly 13 hours and finally released provisionally last night after someone paid their bail. "We are deeply disturbed by the judicial proceedings being brought against these three leaders of the Journalists Syndicate," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "The crisis surrounding the Journalists Syndicate shows that the regime is stopping at nothing in its campaign to intimidate the media. We call on the judicial authorities to drop the charges against the Syndicate's leaders and to release the two journalists who were arrested at the Syndicate's headquarters on 1 May." The three leaders were accused of harbouring persons wanted by the authorities after the police stormed into the Syndicate's headquarters on 1 May to arrest two journalists with the opposition website Yanair, Mahmoud Saqqa and Amr Badr, who had been staging a sit-in inside. The three were also initially accused of "publishing false information with the aim of endangering public order," but this charge was dropped. One of El-Balshy's lawyers, Karim Abdel Rady, told RSF: "The latest events are indicative of a desire to intimidate and silence journalists, while at the same time making it very clear that no one is safe from being imprisoned or prosecuted." He added that the authorities also wanted to undermine the Syndicate's attempts to resist the interior ministry's offensive against media freedom. These three Syndicate leaders could have been released earlier yesterday pending the outcome of the investigation but each of them refused to pay the requested bail amount of 10,000 Egyptian pounds (1,000 euros). As a result, they remained in detention until the prosecutor reached a decision. Meanwhile, the two journalists arrested on 1 May were placed in pre-trial detention the following day and since then their detention orders have been repeatedly renewed. Ranked 159th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, Egypt is the world's fourth biggest prison for journalists, after China, Eritrea and Iran. RSF condemns Philippine president-elect's comments about journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 1 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF condemns Philippine president-elect's comments about journalists, 1 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763b4a4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte's comment yesterday that corrupt journalists are legitimate murder targets and urges the Philippine media to boycott his press conferences until he issues a formal, public apology. RSF also calls for legal action against Duterte. Duterte made his comments about journalists at the news conference he gave in the southern city of Davao (where he is mayor) to announce his future cabinet. He is due to take office as president on 30 June. Asked what he would do to combat impunity for crimes of violence against journalists (the Philippines being one of the world's ten deadliest countries for media personnel), Duterte replied: "Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you're a son of a bitch." Referring to corrupt journalists, he added: "Most of those killed, to be frank, have done something. You won't be killed if you don't do anything wrong," He also said that people who defame are not protected by the constitution from violent repercussions. "Not only are these statements unworthy of a president but they could also be regarded as violations of the law on defamation or even the law on inciting hatred and violence," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "Duterte should nonetheless be pleased by the existence of these laws because without them he would also be exposed to violent repercussions, according to his own words. We urge organizations that represent the media to not overlook comments of this kind and to bring lawsuits. We also urge the media to boycott the Duterte administration's news conferences until the media community gets a public apology." Elected president by a big majority on 9 May, Duterte is known for his provocative comments. In Davao City, he allegedly ran "death squads" (private militias) implicated in the execution-style murders of a more than 1,000 presumed "criminals" from 1998 to 2008. Seven journalists were murdered in the Philippines in 2015 although, as a result of the prevailing impunity for crimes of violence against media personnel, it has only been possible to establish in three of the cases that the victims were killed in connection with their journalistic activity. Respect for media freedom declined in 2015 in the Philippines, which is ranked 138th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Journalists attacked during Caracas street protests Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 3 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Journalists attacked during Caracas street protests, 3 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763bc14.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the many attacks on journalists during major street protests yesterday in Caracas against food shortages and Venezuela's deepening economic crisis. At least 19 were attacked by either police, members of the National Guard or demonstrators. Amid mounting tension throughout the country, reporters trying to cover the protests were threatened or were the targets of physical and verbal violence, and in some cases their equipment was confiscated or destroyed. "We urgently appeal to the authorities and people of Venezuela to respect the work of journalists and not make media personnel the focus of the country's problems," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "At this time of heightened social tension, it is essential that journalists should be able to report what is happening without being harassed. The police and judicial authorities must shed light on these acts of persecution, which are unacceptable". See also this tweet by Fernando J. Enrique (@ferchomr90): According to the Venezuelan NGO Espacio Publico, at least 19 journalists were attacked in the space of just two hours in downtown Caracas. They included reporters for Vivo Play, El Universal, El Pitazo, 2001, El Nacional, Cronica Uno, NTN24 and Caraota Digital. Several of the victims said that elected Caracas officials had a direct hand in the violence and confiscation of equipment. RSF joins the National College of Journalists (CNP) in calling on the government to provide "real guarantees for the free exercise of journalism in the country" and in urging the police and judicial authorities and the Office of the Ombudsman (an offshoot of the public prosecutor's office) to identify those responsible for the violence and punish them appropriately. Venezuela is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Woman radio journalist gunned down in Mogadishu Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 6 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Woman radio journalist gunned down in Mogadishu, 6 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763d174.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is deeply shocked by radio producer and presenter Sagal Salad Osman's murder yesterday in Mogadishu and calls on the authorities to do what is necessary to quickly identify her killers and bring them to justice. Sagal Salad Osman, who worked for state-owned Radio Mogadishu, was shot by gunmen in the capital's Hodon district, near the university. No group has claimed responsibility but her murder has the hallmarks of yet another targeted killing by Al-Shabaab, an Islamist rebel militia that has slain many journalists in the past. The most recent previous media victim was also a woman journalist working for Radio Mogadishu, who was killed by a car bomb in December. Before that, a news website reporter was gunned down in September. "Sagal Salad Osman joins the long list of Somali journalists who have been killed in recent years," RSF said. "The government must react to the extraordinary level of terrorism and violence that is consuming Somalia. We ask the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation in order to shed light on this appalling murder and bring those responsible to justice." Somalia is ranked 167th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Afghanistan : US photographer and Afghan journalist killed in Helmand province Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 6 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan : US photographer and Afghan journalist killed in Helmand province, 6 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763dbd4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is saddened to learn that US photographer and video reporter David Gilkey and his Afghan interpreter, Zabihullah Tamanna, were killed yesterday in southern Afghanistan when the Afghan army convoy they were travelling with came under rebel fire. RSF calls on the Afghan authorities to provide journalists with more protection, especially from the Taliban threat. Aged 50, Gilkey had been covering the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq for National Public Radio (NPR) ever since 9/11. Tamanna, 38, was a photojournalist who had been working for NPR as a translator. The Afghan army vehicle in which they were travelling was hit by rebel fire near Marjah, in Helmand province. The Afghanistan conflict has taken a heavy toll on media personnel since 2001. At least 35 journalists, including 16 foreign journalists, have been killed in connection with their work. For the most part, these crimes have gone unpunished. Gilkey and Tamanna were killed on the ninth anniversary of the murder of Zakia Zaki, one of the most emblematic figures of Afghan journalism. The director of Sada-e-Solh (Voice of Peace Radio) in Jabal Saraj, in the northern province of Parwan, she was murdered by gunmen who entered her home on the night of 5 June 2007 and shot her seven times in front of her two-year-old son. According to the information obtained by RSF, the murderers were followers of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the founder and leader of the Islamist group Hezb-e-Islami (HIA). Several sources said that, several months before Zaki's murder, Hekmatyar issued a fatwa against her, saying: "If you want to protect Islam, you must silence this woman's voice." A radical fundamentalist group and former Taliban ally, HIA signed an agreement with the government on 18 May. Zaki's murderers have never been publicly identified or brought to justice. No proper investigation has ever been carried out by the authorities (read RSF's report). Although Afghanistan's current National Unity Government has taken encouraging measures to defend freedom of information, RSF continues to voice concern about the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for violence and abuses against journalists. Afghanistan is ranked 120th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Radio reporter freed but climate still hostile for media in Burundi Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 7 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Radio reporter freed but climate still hostile for media in Burundi, 7 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763e194.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved that Radio Bonesha journalist Egide Ndayisenga was released today after being held arbitrarily without a warrant for two days, but is concerned that the environment for the media in Burundi continues to be hostile. Local sources said Ndayisenga was arrested in the northern province of Cibitoke on 5 June for providing information to Burundian journalists based outside the country and because the authorities regarded his movements in the province as strange. The authorities gave no official explanation for either his arrest or his release. "Since when has it been a crime in Burundi to provide others with information?" RSF said. "Must we remind the authorities that Burundi's press law guarantees journalists the right to receive and impart information, and that its constitution guarantees media freedom? This journalist's arrest was clearly an act of intimidation designed to hamper his work." Unfortunately, this type of incident has been far from isolated in this central African country since the authorities began gagging independent media outlets in April 2015. Unfortunately, this type of incident has been far from isolated in this central African country since the authorities began gagging independent media outlets in April 2015. The public security ministry issued a press communique last week accusing "certain social network activists" and Esdras Ndikumana, an Agence France-Presse and Radio France Internationale correspondent who fled the country last year, of "promoting crime and violence" in Burundi. The French government reacted by expressing "deep concern" about the Burundian communique. Ndikumana fled abroad after being badly tortured by Burundian intelligence officials in August 2015. Most of Burundi's independent radio stations have been closed for more than a year, while the authorities have imposed significant curbs on the editorial content of the few media outlets still operating, and harass foreign journalists in the course of their reporting. Social networks are virtually the only place where news and information about Burundi circulate freely. The official statements portraying journalists as enemies of society soon led to grave threats being voiced against Ndikumana on social networks. Last month, German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle found itself in the regime's sights when government spokesman Willy Nyamitwe launched a personal attack on one of its reporters, Eric Topona, for daring to call him for a comment on the recruiting of young Burundians into a presidential militia called the Imbonerakure. "Just criticizing or commenting on a government measure is regarded as a suspicious act of opposition nowadays in Burundi," RSF said. "In these circumstances, it is hard take the authorities seriously when they claim that the situation is getting back to normal for the media." "The closely controlled reopening of some radio stations falls far short of compensating for the terrible pressure to which the Burundian and international media are still subjected. This continues to be very worrying. The authorities are quietly engineering a chronically enfeebled media landscape and a compliant form of journalism, the only kind that they seem capable of tolerating." Burundi is ranked 156th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RFI correspondent still held on terrorism charges after ten months Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 8 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RFI correspondent still held on terrorism charges after ten months, 8 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57763f844.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the continuing judicial persecution of Ahmed Abba, Radio France Internationale's Hausa-language correspondent in northern Cameroon, and urges the authorities to drop all charges and release him at once. Held provisionally for more than ten months, Abba is due to appear before a military court in Yaounde today for the latest in a series of hearings that keep on being adjourned. He is charged with complicity in acts of terrorism and failure to report acts of terrorism to the authorities. Arrested during a routine police check in the northern city Maroua on 30 July, Abba spent 15 days in police custody in Maroua before being handed over to the national intelligence service in Yaounde, the capital, where he was held incommunicado for three months. He was denied access to a lawyer throughout this period. He was also denied access to a doctor for treatment to injuries resulting from the beatings he allegedly received. He was finally taken to the national gendarmerie for questioning for the first time on 13 November. According to his lawyer, he is charged in connection with interviews he conducted in the course of preparing a report on Boko Haram, the Jihadi terrorist group that is active in northern Cameroon as well as northeastern Nigeria and other nearby countries. The authorities say he should have shared his information with them. "The Cameroonian authorities do not seem to understand the vital importance of the principle of the protection of sources, which allows journalists to get access to sensitive information with greater ease," RSF said. "It is unacceptable that a journalist who just did his job has been detained for such a long time and in such appalling conditions. We call on the authorities to free Ahmed Abba without further delay and to abandon all proceedings against him." His trial began on 29 February but the military court has repeatedly adjourned its hearings and sent him back to prison. At the hearing on 25 April, the court rejected a motion by his lawyer, Charles Tchoungang, to abandon the prosecution on the grounds of the grave violations of Abba's rights ever since his arrest. Abba is not the only Cameroonian journalist being prosecuted on this kind of charge. In January, RSF issued a press release condemning the trial of three journalists, Baba Wame, Rodrigue Ndeutchoua Tongue and Felix Cyriaque Ebole Bola, on charges of failing to report a matter affecting state security. The next hearing is scheduled for 17 June. Cameroonian journalists are often the victims of abuses by the authorities and the police. The National Council for Communication, which is closely allied with the government, has closed five media outlets and suspended 11 journalists since the start of the year. Cameroon is ranked 126th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Witchhunt in Niger Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 8 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Witchhunt in Niger, 8 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776401a4.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. Yesterday a prosecutor questioned the three journalists who were arrested for publishing documents in the newspaper Le Courrier that reflected badly on leading members of Niger society. He ordered that two of them, the newspaper's owner, Moussa Dodo, and its editor, Ali Soumana, should be detained pending trial. RSF is of the view that the prosecutor clearly violated the right to freedom of information because he based his decision on Niger's penal code instead of its press law. Dodo and Soumana have been charged with "divulging documents seized during a search and bringing discredit on a judicial decision." Soumana Idrissa, the printer, was released but has been charged with complicity. *********************************************************************** Reporters Without Borders calls for the immediate release of three journalists who have been arrested for publishing information involving leading members of Niger society although the information was already in the public domain because it was submitted as evidence in a court case. The three journalists are Ali Soumana and Moussa Dodo, owner and editor of Le Courrier, the newspaper that published copies of the documents submitted in evidence, and Soumana Idrissa Maiga, the owner of the printing company that prints Le Courrier. Soumana and Dodo have been held since 4 June on a charge of "publishing documents." Maiga, who owns his own newspaper as well as a printing press, has been held at the headquarters of the judicial police since yesterday evening on a charge of "printing Le Courrier." The police are still questioning Soumana and Dodo in an attempt to identify their sources. Their homes were searched the day they were arrested. Published in Le Courrier on 19 May and 2 June, the documents were copies of requests by leading members of Niger society to the director for hiring at the public health ministry asking him to ensure that their relatives or proteges succeeded in the competitive examination that all job applicants must take. The documents were produced as evidence in the fraud prosecution brought against the civil servants involved in the scandal. Those who allegedly tried to influence the results of the entrance exam include the First Lady, the president of the constitutional court, the armed forces chief of staff and the oil minister. "This persecution of journalists who just did their job is intolerable," RSF said. "The documents concerned were already in the public domain because they were produced as part of an ongoing investigation. The authorities are bringing discredit upon themselves by hounding journalists like this. They are also violating Niger's press law." Under the press law, the judicial authorities may only take action against a newspaper's printer when its owner or editor is unavailable. But in this case, the authorities have holding the owner and editor since 4 June. The same law also prohibits detaining journalists for press offences. Niger is ranked 52nd out of 180 countries in RSF's RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Mahamadou Issoufou's election as president in 2011 had raised hopes of an improvement in respect for media freedom but certain government officials now seem to be cracking down. RSF sounds alarm on violence against media in Guatemala Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 8 June 2016 Related Document(s) Situation of Human Rights in Guatemala: Diversity, Inequality and Exclusion Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF sounds alarm on violence against media in Guatemala, 8 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577640854.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. Reporters Without Borders urges the Guatemalan authorities to move quickly to rein in the spiral of violence against journalists and provide them with lasting protection after local TV host Victor Hugo Valdez Cardona yesterday became the fourth broadcast journalist to be killed this year in Guatemala. Based in the eastern city of Chiquimula and host of Chiquimula de Vision, a cultural programme he had presented for the past 27 years, Victor Hugo Valdez Cardona was gunned down on a Chiquimula street by two helmeted individuals on a motorcycle. He was also a doctor. The local police have begun an investigation. Chiquimula Journalists' Association president Gerson Rodas said Valdez had never received any threats and that his murder could be an "attempt to intimidate all of the media in Chiquimula department." This year's three other broadcast journalism victims were all radio presenters. No suspects have so far been identified and the motives have yet to be determined. The three victims were: - Roberto Salazar Barahona, 32, the manager of Estereo Azucar. Hitmen gunned him down on 17 March in Asuncion Mita, in the southeastern department of Jutiapa (near the border with El Salvador). - Winston Leonardo Tunchez Cano, a Radio La Jefa presenter who was gunned down on 8 April in a grocery in the southern department of Escuintla. - Diego Salomon Esteban Gaspar, a presenter on Radio Sembrador, who was shot by three gunmen on 30 April in the northern city of Ixcan. Radio Sembrador's director reported last year that the station was a frequent target of harassment. "How many more journalists will have to be murdered in Guatemala before the authorities start worrying about their protection," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "The justice system must identify and try those responsible for this violence and stop the flood of murders. And, as a matter of urgency, the authorities must ratify the creation of a national mechanism for the protection of journalists that has been discussed since November 2013. Guatemala's journalists cannot continue to work in this climate of fear and self-censorship, which has silenced many media outlets." Armed violence is unfortunately not the only form of intimidation to which media personnel are subjected in Guatemala. The prosecutor's office for crimes against journalists said on 1 May that a total of 256 cases of threats, intimidation and aggressive behaviour towards journalists had been reported since January 2015. In a recent case, journalists with the weekly Contra Poder were the target of insults and threats on false Twitter accounts after it published a story on 22 April about fraudulent activity by former presidential candidate Manuel Baldizon. Contra Poder editor Luis Font and Asier Andres, the article's author, were both directly threatened on social networks. Grupo A, the company that owns Contra Poder, said such attacks and smear campaigns against its journalists have become routine since 2013. A complaint has been filed with the Office of the Human Rights Prosecutor and with the special rapporteur for freedom of expression at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). In a report published in March about the situation in Guatemala, the IACHR said journalists are finding it very hard to work properly, especially those who try to cover corruption and human rights. Intimidation of independent journalists and media outlets is restricting free speech, the report said. Guatemala is ranked 121st out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index that RSF published in April. Sri Lanka: deputy mayor urged to refrain from reprisal against reporter Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 9 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Sri Lanka: deputy mayor urged to refrain from reprisal against reporter, 9 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577642c24.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns a physical attack on 2 June on Freddy Gamage, a journalist based in Negombo (a city 35 km north of Colombo), and cautions against any furthers reprisals by people who have been the subjects of his investigative reporting, especially deputy mayor Dayan Lanza. The editor of the Negombo-based newspaper Meepura and the Meepura news portal and convener of the Web Journalists Association, Gamage was attacked by two men as he left a Negombo municipal council meeting that he had covered at the mayor's invitation. His assailants, whose faces were covered by motorcycle helmets, hit him with a wooden pole and then fled on motorcycle. The police later arrested two persons suspected of being his attackers and are still holding them. The leading suspect, Thusan Krishmal, is reportedly a municipal council worker. Gamage thinks he was the victim of a reprisal for his reporting, much of which is focused on corruption involving local officials. Above all, he suspects that it was linked to his coverage of deputy mayor Dayan Lanza. The deputy mayor called him two weeks before the attack and told him that God would punish him if he wrote bad things about him (the deputy mayor) or his brother, Nimal Lanza, who is a deputy minister in President Maithreepala Sirisena's government. With supporting photos, Web journalists in Sri Lanka claim that Krishmal, the leading suspect, is an associate of both of the Lanza brothers. They also reports that an examination of Krishmal's mobile phone records shows that he called the deputy mayor 16 times on the day of the attack. "We applaud the way the authorities moved quickly to arrest Freddy Gamage's suspected attackers," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "We now urge them to identify those who masterminded the attack and to bring them to justice. "The police must not let their investigation be affected by the status and official positions of those singled out by Gamage. And if another attack take place, those targeted by his reporting, especially Dayan Lanza, who has already tried to intimidate him, should be regarded by the police as suspects." Although attacks on journalists have declined since the new government took over in January 2015, RSF and Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka reiterate their call to President Sirisena to end the policy of violence against journalists of his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and to combat impunity. Sri Lanka is ranked 141st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index RSF calls for end to Papua New Guinea police violence against journalists Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for end to Papua New Guinea police violence against journalists, 10 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577643524.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by a police attack on a woman journalist during a student demonstration that was dispersed violently yesterday in Port Moresby and calls on Papua New Guinea's authorities to put an end to such violence and punish the police officers responsible. Several protesters were injured when police opened fire on the demonstration by University of Papua New Guinea students to press calls for Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's resignation. Alexander Rheeney, the president of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG), said Rose Amos, a journalist with the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), was kicked and punched by police officers although she was wearing a shirt with the NBC logo. "Amos ran towards the police for cover only to be punched by a heavily armed policeman and kicked by another, resulting in her losing her balance and falling," Rheeney said. A third policeman punched her again until a senior police officer intervened and took her to a police vehicle. "We condemn this assault on a journalist who was just doing her job and justifiably tried to seek protection by approaching the police," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "With police violence against media personnel on the increase, the prime minister cannot allow attacks on journalists to go unpunished, especially when they are providing coverage that serves the public interest. Swift measures must also be taken to ensure that such violence does not recur." The Journalism Students Association at the Fiji-based University of the South Pacific also condemned the violence in a statement released today. Two NBC reporters and a woman journalist with TV Wan were attacked by a plainclothes police officer in a police station in the Port Moresby suburb of Boroko on 1 June while covering the arrests of students suspected of being inebriated. Papua New Guinea is ranked 55th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index but journalists are harassed by Prime Minister O'Neill's government. The government's announcement in November 2015 that it was creating a special media tribunal to deal with "deliberate misinformation, spreading of falsities and malice," as the communications minister put it, increased the likelihood of media self-censorship. Preventing Renewed War in South Sudan Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 1 July 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Preventing Renewed War in South Sudan, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577646e04.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. The honeymoon period is now over for the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which formally ended the civil war in August 2015. Its guarantors need to act urgently in the next days to save it and prevent the country from returning to full-scale combat. The agreement successfully enabled the return of Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), to Juba and the subsequent formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity in April. However, the formerly warring parties are now flouting it and increasingly preparing for widespread conflict. Implementation is stalled and fighting is already proliferating around the country. Unless something is done, it is a matter of only a little time before there is a return to war, and the agreement collapses. For the moment, the permanent ceasefire, though increasingly strained, continues to hold in the civil war's major conflict theatre. From the perspective of many in Salva Kiir's wartime government, it applies only to the Greater Upper Nile region, therefore the proliferation of conflicts in Greater Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal, such as the recent deadly clashes in Wau, does not affect their commitment to the peace agreement. However, the increasing number of discrete conflicts in other regions could trigger renewed fighting in Greater Upper Nile or Juba and lead to a far more explosive return to a broad civil conflict. While the SPLA-IO in Greater Upper Nile is not as strong as it was in early 2014, when many army divisions split and soldiers defected to the rebels, its presence in Juba and recruitment of forces and allies in Greater Equatoria place the capital under a renewed threat, particularly its civilians, who are at risk of ethnically-targeted violence. In the nine months that the ceasefire has been observed, forces have simply paused hostilities while remaining in close proximity: there has been no joint security oversight or move toward unification or demobilisation. This would be an untenable status quo even if there were political progress, which there is not. Renewed conflict would be devastating for South Sudan. It could also quickly lead to the regional contagion experienced in 2014, when the Ugandan military intervened in favour of Juba, and Sudan supported the SPLA-IO - and could reverse the nascent rapprochement between Uganda and Sudan. The risk of regional war motivated the mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). It, as well as other international actors, put enormous pressure on Kiir and Machar to sign the peace agreement and establish the transitional government. The collapse of the agreement could have serious implications for the regional stability that IGAD's Heads of State worked hard to protect. At the African Union summit in Kigali within two weeks, IGAD has a chance to prevent a return to full-scale war. The Heads of State should consider the points of dispute and give the parties clear directives to salvage the agreement and prevent war. This should include: using IGAD's authority, as the agreement's guarantors, to re-affirm the warring parties' commitment to the ceasefire and rejection of further violence; asserting that IGAD member states are fully aware of the deterioration of the political situation and prepared to expend resources on mediation and diplomacy with key actors; maintaining that IGAD member states are committed to the peace deal and will act through IGAD to secure regional stability if violence breaks out again; and directing the parties to act on key tenets of the agreement and IGAD resolutions, including IGAD's directions for a detailed plan on cantonment of forces and clarification of the terms of reference for the committee to resolve outstanding issues related to the government's expansion of the number of South Sudan states from 10 to 28. Against the odds, the IGAD Heads of State came together last year and in effect forced an agreement on the parties. Their current lack of focus on peace implementation allows the parties to prevaricate and avoid implementing aspects they do not like. If the Heads of State do not take decisions that reflect the seriousness of the situation and follow up with action, their two years' peacemaking work could amount to little. Young Syrian press photographer killed in Aleppo Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Young Syrian press photographer killed in Aleppo, 10 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776564d4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is saddened to learn of 19-year-old Syrian press photographer Osama Jumaa's death in the northern city of Aleppo on 5 June and deplores the fact that the violence of the conflict in Syria makes it impossible for journalists to work safely. Employed by Images Live, a British photo agency, Osama Jumaa was injured while covering a Syrian government artillery bombardment of the Aleppo residential neighbourhood of Al-Zebdyeh. He was inside an ambulance when it was itself hit by shell that killed both him and the driver. "We condemn bombardments by the Syrian regime's army that target civilians, including journalists covering the conflict, and we remind all parties to the conflict that they are required by UN Security Council Resolution 2222 of 2015 and the Geneva Conventions to guarantee journalists' safety," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. Jumaa was trained in war reporting by the International Photo Media agency, of which Images Live is an offshoot. Images Live agency, issued a a statement paying tribute to the "impartiality and independence" of Jumaa's reporting. It said Jumaa had gone to Al-Zebdyeh to cover the provision of emergency services to the civilian population during the bombardment by the Syrian regular army. Syria is one of the world's deadliest countries for journalists. According to RSF's tally, around 200 journalists and citizen-journalists have been killed since the start of the conflict in March 2011, four of them this year. Last year, RSF appealed to the UN Security Council to refer war crimes against journalists in Syria and Iraq to the International Criminal Court. Syria is ranked 177th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Radio stations closed in eastern DRC, others threatened Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 13 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Radio stations closed in eastern DRC, others threatened, 13 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577657d94.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the closure or threatened closure of several radio stations in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the past few days on bureaucratic grounds. RSF believes the aim is to put pressure on the media and prevent hostile reactions to the now unavoidable postponement of the presidential election initially planned in October 2016 . In the latest case, radio stations in the Baraka region of the eastern province of Sud-Kivu were notified on 8 June that they will be closed if they do not pay 1,500 US dollars for a "broadcast permit." This is a large sum for what are mainly community radio stations and most will be unable to pay. The head of the department of posts and telecommunications in the city of Baraka said the order came from the central administration and is meant to be applied throughout the country. In Bukavu, the capital of Sud-Kivu province, Radio Iriba FM was forcibly closed on 2 June on the orders of the provincial tax department on the grounds that it had not paid all its taxes. The station's director, Donat Musema, is contesting the order and says he has paid most of his taxes, unlike other radio stations in Bukavu that are still operating. He regards its closure as a political reprisal for the fact that he sometimes interviews opposition representatives. Musema has been the target of frequent harassment and even death threats, for which a government employee was convicted in March. Meanwhile, Radio Paon, a community radio station in Munguredjipa, in the neighbouring eastern province of Nord-Kivu, is the victim of an act of censorship by soldiers and members of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR), who arrested the station's manager, Aime Kibendelwa, on 4 June and confiscated its transmitter. Kibendelwa was released on 7 June after MONUSCO, the United Nations mission in the DRC, intervened but the ANR is refusing to return the transmitter and is demanding 500 US dollars for it. "The authorities have acted without reference to the courts in these three cases," RSF said. "This is a complete violation of the DRC's law, which says that only a prosecutor has the power to close a media outlet. In the currently very tense political situation, it is vital that such politically-motivated intimidation of the media should stop, so that that they are free to do their job of providing news and information." In a separate development, mobile phone companies have announced an increase in Internet service tariffs ranging from 35 to 500 percent, causing panic in the journalistic community, which largely relies on mobile Internet services to transmit and receive information. Tariff hikes on this scale would also limit the public's ability to follow the news online, as most Congolese lack fixed-line Internet connections at home. The deputy minister responsible for Internet matters said he would examine the announced hikes, which seem to have been coordinated and, if so, would violate the rules on competition. The DRC is ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Turkish authorities to do everything possible to locate those responsible for a second attempt on Syrian journalist Ahmed Abdelqader's life in southeastern Turkey and to bring them to justice. The group Islamic State is said to claim responsibility for this latest attack on Abdelqader, in which he was shot several times by men on a motorcycle using a gun with a silencer in the southeastern city of Urfa on the evening of 12 June. He is now hospitalized and said to be in a stable condition. Aged 33, he is the founder and editor of the online newspaper Ayn ala al-Watan ("Eye on Homeland"). The modus operandi of Abdelqader's would-be killers was similar to that used in the murders of two other Syrian journalists in the Turkish city of Gaziantep reporter Naji Jerf in December 2015 and TV host Mohamed Zaher Al Sherqat in April 2016. Both were staunch opponents of Islamic State. "We condemn this appalling act and ask the Turkish authorities to adopt measures to ensure the safety of Abdelqader and other Syrian journalists in Turkey," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "This was not the first shooting attack on Syrian journalists who have sought refuge in Turkey but it was nonetheless a shock for those still there, who fear more and more for their safety. The Turkish authorities must bring those responsible to justice." According to sources close to Abdelqader, he was out shopping when his attackers struck. Injured in the head, he was taken to a hospital in Urfa and is now placed in intensive care. Formely a member of the campaign Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), Abdelqader was previously the target of an attack by two individuals outside his home in March. He told RSF after this earlier murder attempt that he had received many threats and intimidatory messages but did not intend to stop working as a journalist. Islamic State claimed the latest attack via its news agency Aamaq, which said members of the group had fired on Abdelqader. Abdelqader's newspaper, Ayn ala al-Watan, which covers events in Syria, is clearly opposed to Islamic State. His 20-year-old brother Ibrahim Abdelqader was murdered in Urfa on 30 October 2015 together with a friend, Fares Hammadi. That double murder was also blamed on Islamic State. Turkey is ranked 141st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Syria is ranked 177th. 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The winner of more than 100 international awards, Mousawi was arrested in February 2014 and was convicted in November 2015 of "distributing SIM cards" to persons supposedly implicated in terrorist actions. His crime was photographing anti-government demonstrations. Ali Al Maaraj, a blogger who was released from prison on 5 April, was arrested again without a warrant at Manama airport on 5 June, while Nabeel Rajab, a blogger who heads the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was arrested without a warrant at his home on 13 June. "We condemn the judicial harassment of journalists and bloggers and the unjust prosecutions and sentences to which they are subjected just because they criticize the government," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "It is outrageous and unacceptable to accuse a journalist of terrorism just because he took photos in order to cover a demonstration. We call on the authorities to explain the grounds for the latest arrests and to release all those who are being held just for doing their jobs as journalists." Maaraj, who is well known for criticizing the regime, spent 27 months in prison before being released on 5 April. He was convicted in April 2014 of insulting the king and "abusing information technology." He had been about to travel to Dubai when arrested on 5 June. The authorities have not as yet said anything about the grounds for his latest arrest and little information has been forthcoming from other sources. Rajab, a very prominent human rights activist, was arrested by members of the Cyber-Crime Unit after they searched his home and confiscated electronic devices, his family said. Arrested many times in the past and last released less than a year ago (in a July 2015), Rajab was subject to an international travel ban at the time of his latest arrest. He has been placed in detention for an initial period of seven days pending the outcome of an investigation. According to the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, he is charged with publishing and spreading false information that defames the state. He is currently maintained in solitary confinement. The authorities have been cracking down harder on journalists and other information providers of late. The Culture and Antiquities Agency forcibly disbanded the Bahrain Photographic Society on 25 April on the grounds that its members were involved in activities "contrary to the law and public order." The Kingdom of Bahrain is ranked 162nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Countless messages of solidarity have been posted on social networks drawing attention to Badawi's terrible ordeal. Convicted in May 2014 of insulting Islam, the blogger and co-founder of the "Liberal Saudi Network" was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes, as well a heavy fine and a ten-year ban on foreign travel after serving the jail term. "The authorities are still resisting the pressure of the international community's appeals for the release of Raif Badawi, who has become a symbol of the suppression of criticism in Saudi Arabia," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "Keeping him and other journalists, both professional and non-professional, in detention highlights the lack of freedom of information in this country." According to Badawi's wife, Ensaf Haidar, who heads the international campaign for his release, he began a third hunger strike on 10 June in protest against the denial of medical care for his back pain in Dhahran prison. She said he called off the strike two days later after getting permission for a medical examination on a still undetermined date. Badawi's imprisoned lawyer, Saudi Observatory for Human Rights founder Waleed Abou Al Khair, also began a hunger strike on 7 June in protest against the way he is being treated in Jeddah prison. He resumed eating on 10 June after being promised better treatment, including hospital access and access to the prison library. The winner of the 2014 RSF Press Freedom Prize in the Netizen category and the European Parliament's 2015 Sakharov Prize, Badawi was convicted under the 2007 cyber-crime law for criticizing Saudi Arabia's religious leaders. He was subjected to an initial session of 50 lashes on 9 January 2015, but subsequent sessions were suspended following a wave of international outrage. His lawyer, Al Khair, was arrested in April 2014 and was sentenced in July of the same year under the newly adopted anti-terrorism law to 15 years in prison and a 15-year ban on foreign travel on completion of the jail term. The charges on which he was convicted include "disobeying and breaking allegiance with the sovereign," "lack of respect for the authorities," "contempt of court," "preparing, storing and circulating information that undermines public order," "inciting rebellion," "publishing false information with the aim of harming the state" and "creating an NGO without permission." A total of 10 professional and non-professional journalists are currently detained in Saudi Arabia, which is ranked 165th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Serbia: RSF appalled by radio journalist's murder Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 17 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Serbia: RSF appalled by radio journalist's murder, 17 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765b0c4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns local radio journalist Luka Popov's murder yesterday in northern Serbia and calls on the authorities to do everything possible to identify the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice. The body of Popov, who worked for two local radio stations in the northern towns Coka and Novi Knezevac, was found today in his home in the nearby village of Srpski Krstur. Witnesses said he appeared to have been tortured. Although the police have yet to confirm the victim's identity, the two main Serbian journalists' organizations said it was Popov and that he had sustained significant visible injuries. The police have begun an investigation and are to conduct an autopsy tomorrow. "We condemn this barbaric murder and urge the authorities to conduct an independent, impartial and thorough investigation so that it does not go unpunished," said Pauline Ades-Mevel, the head of RSF's Europe-Balkans desk. Serbia is ranked 59th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. New Russian law targets news aggregators Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 20 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, New Russian law targets news aggregators, 20 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765c3f4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is worried about a newly adopted law in Russia that will hold major news aggregators accountable for the information they distribute, thereby establishing a principle that violates the freedom to inform. Known as the "news aggregators law," it consists of a series of amendments to the law on information and information technology that were introduced by opposition legislators. Adopted unanimously by the Duma on 10 June and approved by the Federation Council (the upper house) on 15 June, its promulgation is now just a formality and it will take effect in January. Russian-language news aggregators with more than 1 million visitors a day will henceforth be held responsible for the veracity of the news reports they distribute if the reports do not come from media outlets registered in Russia. The aggregators will be required to store all news stories and the details of the originating media outlets for six months after publication and ensure their availability to Roskomnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Mass Communications). If the authorities dispute the veracity of information of "public importance," the relevant news report will have to be removed within 24 hours, failing which the owners of the aggregator will be subject to a fine that could as much as 3 million rubles (41,000 euros) for repeat offenders. One of the law's paragraphs stipulates that only Russian citizens or companies may own such news aggregators. The law's undeclared but obvious aim is to deter aggregators from distributing news reports from independent media outlets with views that may be at variance with the Kremlin's. Few aggregators are affected by the new law in its current form. Google News and Yahoo News get few visits in Russia so they are not concerned. The main news aggregators currently affected, such as Yandex and Mail.ru, are already so much under the government's thumb that they will not have to change their practices. Nonetheless, the government has established a disturbing legislative framework. Lowering the law's threshold of 1 million visitors a day, for example, would suffice to make it apply to all news aggregators. "Even if this law, when it takes effect, fails to radically change the way aggregators currently operate, a new tool for controlling news and information has been created," RSF said. "One of the Russian government's characteristics is a constant concern to control news content. We are very worried about how this legislation may evolve, especially as other governments in Russia's sphere of influence often base their own legislation on Russia's." Russia is ranked 148th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. In "dark day for media freedom," RSF's Turkey rep jailed Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 20 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, In "dark day for media freedom," RSF's Turkey rep jailed, 20 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765c904.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is stunned to learn that an Istanbul court today ordered the pre-trial detention of its Turkey representative, Erol Onderoglu, and two other journalists on a terrorism charge. RSF reiterates its unconditional support for its representative and calls on the Turkish authorities to drop all charges and release them. "This is another dark day for media freedom in Turkey," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "Erol Onderoglu has fought tirelessly to defend persecuted journalists for the past 20 years. He is a leader in this field because of his honesty and integrity, which are recognised the world over. It says a lot about the decline in media freedom in Turkey that he is now also being targeted." Onderoglu and his two colleagues, Ahmet Nesin and Sebnem Korur Fincanci, are charged with "terrorist propaganda" for taking part in a campaign of solidarity with the Kurdish daily Ozgur Gundem. RSF issued the following press release earlier today: The representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in Turkey, Erol Onderoglu, and two other Turkish intellectuals are facing the possibility of being placed in pre-trial detention today for participating in a campaign in support of Kurdish media outlets. RSF reiterates its unconditional support for its representative and calls on the Turkish authorities to drop all charges in this case. Free Erol SIGN THE PETITION For decades, RSF has been condemning Turkey's abuse of its terrorism laws to crack down on independent journalism, and Onderoglu has of late been participating in a campaign of solidarity with the Kurdish daily Ozgur Gundem, a repeated victim of this practice. He and a number of other journalists, intellectuals and human rights defenders have been taking turns to act symbolically as the newspaper's editor. As a result, they are now being prosecuted on a charge of "terrorist propaganda." After being questioned by a prosecutor today, Onderoglu and two colleagues, Ahmet Nesin and Sebnem Korur Fincanci, were referred to an Istanbul judge, who is to decide on the judicial control measures to be applied pending their trial. The prosecutor has requested pre-trial detention. "Erol Onderoglu is known all over the world as a leading free speech defender in Turkey," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk. "It is absurd and utterly disgraceful that he is now accused of terrorism, that he is now a victim of the abuses he has always denounced. We reiterate our call for the immediate withdrawal of the proceedings against him and the other participants in the Ozgur Gundem solidarity campaign." Onderoglu is being prosecuted on the basis of three articles published by Ozgur Gundem on 18 May about power struggles within the various Turkish security forces and about the ongoing operations against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels in southeastern Anatolia. RSF's representative in Turkey since 1996, Onderoglu compiles quarterly reports on freedom of expression in Turkey for the Bianet news website. He is a member of the board of IFEX (the International Freedom of Expression Exchange) and often works for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations. Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Read in Turkish / Turkce A strong international coalition is building for the release of Onderoglu and the two other people who were arrested at the same time on 20 June on "terrorist propaganda" charges Sebnem Korur Fincanc, the president of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT), and Ahmet Nesin, a journalist and author. After meeting yesterday with RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire, Ban voiced his "great concern" about the latest arrests in Turkey and, referring to Onderoglu, his "hope that he would be quickly released." Ban commended RSF for its courageous and vital work in protecting media freedom and freedom of speech, and shared the concern expressed by Deloire about the increased threats, attacks and arrests of journalists worldwide who are just doing their job. Many other officials around the world have voiced concern about the three detained media freedom defenders and have stressed their support. They include European Parliament president Martin Schulz, who tweeted: "Turkish government gagging journalists goes on unabated. Yesterday's arrest of Erol Onderoglu, Sebnem Korur Fincanc and Ahmet Nesin are against free press and EU values." The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe also expressed strong concern. "Silencing these individuals, and thereby curbing pluralistic debate, is deeply damaging to not only the affected individuals and their loved ones, but also to society as a whole," OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatovic said. "The authorities should drop the charges and stop using imprisonment as a way to fight differing voices." The arrests go "against Turkey's commitment to respect the fundamental rights, including freedom of media", said Federica Mogherini, the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs. "The EU has repeatedly stressed that Turkey, as a candidate country, must aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practices." Council of Europe commissioner for human rights Nils Muiznieks twitted. "Appalled by detention of human rights defenders in Turkey. I will take this up with the authorities." Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Two more journalists gunned down in Mexico Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Two more journalists gunned down in Mexico, 22 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765db24.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Mexican government to find those who killed newspaper reporter Elidio Ramos Zarate on 19 June in the southern state of Oaxaca and freelance journalist Zamira Esther Bautista on 20 June in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas. Their deaths have brought the number of journalists murdered this year in Mexico to eight, confirming its status as the western hemisphere's deadliest country for media personnel. Two gunmen shot Elidio Ramos Zarate while he was with two other people, one of whom was also killed in the attack. He had been a crime reporter for the past ten years for the regional daily El Sur, writing under the byline of Guillermo Parie. El Sur's news editor said Ramos had reported receiving threats that morning as he and other journalists covered the blocking of a motorway by teachers and other demonstrators protesting plans to reform the educational system. Zamira Esther Bautista was gunned down by several armed individuals as she was getting into her car in Ciudad Victoria, in Tamaulipas state. She had been a correspondent for the La Verdad and El Mercurio newspapers before becoming a freelancer. "We urge the authorities to conduct exhaustive investigations into these fatal shootings and under no circumstances to rule out the possibility that they were linked to the victims' work as a journalists," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk. "There seems to be no end to the spiral of violence against journalists in Mexico. The Oaxaca and Tamaulipas authorities have to a duty to protect media personnel in their states and to investigate, identify and punish the perpetrators and instigators of the frequent murders of journalists". A total of six people were killed in Oaxaca on 19 June in the course of violent clashes connected with the protests against the proposed educational reform. The clashes broke out when around 800 policemen intervened to disperse an estimated 1,000 teachers who had been blocking the motorway at Asuncion Nochixtlan for the past week with the help of around 100 students and other supporters. Several groups of unidentified gunmen opened fire on both civilians and policemen. Ramos was the third journalist to be killed in Oaxaca state this year, following Marcos Hernandez Bautista on 21 January and Reinel Martinez Cerqueda on 22 January. Mexico is ranked 149th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Demonstration outside Istanbul prison holding RSF's representative Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 24 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Demonstration outside Istanbul prison holding RSF's representative, 24 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765e4f4.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. Many Turkish and international human rights groups took part in a demonstration outside Istanbul's Metris prison today to demand the immediate release of RSF's Turkey representative Erol Onderoglu, Human Rights Foundation of Turkey president Sebnem Korur Fincanci and the writer Ahmet Nesin, who have been detained since June 20, 2016. The participating organizations, which also called for the withdrawal of all the charges against the three detainees, included the Turkish journalists' union Turkiye Gazeteciler Sendikas (TGS), the Turkish Platform for Independent Journalism P24, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). They also included the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN), the International Press Institute (IPI), the European Judicial Network (EJN), Amnesty International, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), of which Onderoglu is a board member. Erol Onderoglu and Ahmet Nesin are being held in Metris prison. Another demonstration will be staged at 4 p.m. today outside Bakirkoy women's prison, where Sebnem Korur Fincanci is being held. In Paris, RSF and FIDH representatives demonstrated outside the Turkish embassy to press the same demands - the release of imprisoned journalists and respect for the right to provide news and information. Both Onderoglu and Nesin released letters yesterday expressing their determination to continue defending their free speech rights. The texts of the two letters follow. 23 June 2016 Metris prison Turkey has persecuted its journalists and opposition members under different regimes but, in recent years, this persecution has broadened and now affects all sectors that are not part of the government. What we have been able to see in Metris prison is that all our colleagues, lawyers and activists who have faith in democracy, media freedom and freedom of expression and opinion can act together in an effective manner. I salute the campaign being waged by RSF (of which I am the representative) and by national and international journalists' organizations, writers' associations and human rights groups against the harassment of journalists, lawyers, academics and opposition politicians. Whether in prison or on the streets, together we will continue the fight for our rights. Warm regards, Erol Onderoglu ________________ Dear Friends, Nowadays nothing is easier than to be jailed in a country that does not respect the rule of law. It is obviously hard to fight for peace and democracy in a country where these principles are neither applied nor even acknowledged. But these difficulties have never affected out faith in freedom. Our task was difficult in the past and still is difficult. The only difference is that today we face someone who not only does not want democracy but also does not recognize it. As a result, it would be pointless to provide him with any explanation. Those who think that democracy is nothing more than elections and that getting elected means holding power on their own, without the least opposition, do not know what democracy is and will clearly never want to know. The only explanation for this is fascism. Those who think democracy means holding power on their own don't know what fascism is either. So excuse their ignorance. I hope we will be the last link. But I don't think so, because we are combatting a lone man who knows nothing. This fascism will probably increase the rifts within the ranks of the AKP so don't be surprised if there are even arrests within the ranks of AKP to put a stop to that. Fascism has taught me many things but in the course of the past 13 years I have above all learned not to be astonished. Best wishes, Ahmet Nesin ________________ Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Somalia: Puntland's leading news radio closed Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 27 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Somalia: Puntland's leading news radio closed, 27 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765f584.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is alarmed by the closure of Radio Daljir, the leading news radio station in Somalia's autonomous northeastern region of Puntland. Heavily-armed police units closed the station's studios in Galkayio, Garowe and Bosaso, Puntland's three biggest cities, on 23 June. The police had a closure order issued by Puntland's police chief but no official reason has been given. Radio Daljir'sRadio Daljir's director said the closure was triggered by an interview broadcast the week before in which former Bari province governor Abdisama Gallanin talked of overthrowing the current governor. Puntland information minister Mohamoud Hassan Soadde called the radio station after the interview and threatened it with violent reprisals. Tension has been mounting of late for Puntland's media. A few days before the closure, the information minister sent a directive to media outlets banning them from interviewing opposition politicians that he qualified as"pirates and Islamic terrorists." Media that do not comply will pay the consequences, he said, adding: "If you will not [...] respect the law, we will use the barrel of the gun against you to remove your eyes." Puntland's journalists have let it be known they will not submit to such threats. They think the pressure is designed to intimidate the media and that it is linked to the legislative elections scheduled for August, which will be the first since 1967. "Such threats against journalists are intolerable," RSF said. "The attitude of Puntland's authorities is a direct violation of the region's constitution, which guarantees freedom of the media and expression. We call on Puntland's government to stop threatening journalists and to let Radio Daljir reopen at once." The Somali Media association (SOMA), the Somali Independent Media House Association and the National Union of Somali Journalists presided by Mohammed Ibrahim (NUSOJ) have all condemned Radio Dajlir's closure. Crimes of violence against journalists usually go unpunished in Somalia, which is ranked 167th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Constant threats against journalists in Syria Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Constant threats against journalists in Syria, 29 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765fb34.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is saddened by the news of Syrian citizen-cameraman Khaled El Issa's death in a Turkish hospital from injuries sustained in a bomb attack in the northwestern city of Aleppo. RSF also condemns Islamic State's filmed murders of five Syrian citizen-journalists in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor. Issa, 25, died in a hospital in the Turkish city of Antakya on the evening of 24 June from injuries caused late on the night of 16 June by a homemade bomb targeting the building where he lived in the Aleppo district of Chaar with fellow journalist Hadi AbdullahHadi Abdullah. Abdullah was also badly injured in the bombing, which was widely condemned on social networks as an attempt to murder the two Syrian journalists and activists. Two days before the bombing, both Issa and Abdullah sustained head injuries while covering the fighting in Aleppo. The gruesome murders in Deir Ezzor of five citizen-journalists accused of criticizing Islamic State in their reporting or just working for news media were shown in a video entitled "Inspiration of Satan" that the extremist group released on 26 June. "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and firmly condemn all threats and attacks against journalists, both professional and non-professional, by the various parties to the conflict in Syria," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "These journalists take enormous risks just to do their work. Not only are all parties to the conflict responsible for abuses against journalists but it is also crucial for the authorities in receiving countries to protect journalists fleeing from the war's horrors." Both Issa and Abdullah were hospitalized in Turkey. Whereas Abdullah's condition stabilized, Issa remained in a coma and in a critical condition. On 23 June, a campaign was launched on social networks in support of Issa and to pressure the German government to give him a medical visa. The visa was finally issued but Issa succumbed to his injuries before he could be transferred. The Islamic State video showed the five citizen-journalists talking about their journalistic activities and then being murdered in various brutal ways. The video made directs threats against all those who work for media outlets or NGOs that criticize Islamic State, both within Syria and abroad. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for Syrian journalist Zaher Al Sherqat's murder in the Turkish city of Gaziantep in April and showed the photos of Naji Jerf, Ibrahim Abdel Qader and Fares Hammadi - other Syrian journalists and citizen-journalists murdered in Turkey. RSF has not been able to verify the journalistic activity of the citizen-journalists shown in the video. Last year, RSF asked the UN Security Council to refer crimes against journalists in Iraq and Syria to the International Criminal Court. Syria is ranked 177th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF urges EU to press for release of its Turkey representative Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF urges EU to press for release of its Turkey representative, 29 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57765fff4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the European Union to insist on respect for European democratic norms by the authorities in Turkey, where RSF representative Erol Onderoglu was placed in pre-trial detention a week ago. At a press conference at RSF headquarters in Paris on 27 June, RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire urged EU political institutions to remind Turkey of its democratic duties during the EU accession talks that are about to resume in Brussels. Deloire gave the news conference together with Can Dundar, the editor of the leading Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, who has been sentenced to five years in prison in Turkey. "Turkey definitely does not satisfy the democratic criteria required of accession candidates and is satisfying them less and less, especially as regards respect for media freedom," Deloire said. "So it would be incomprehensible if the European Union were to give Turkey a positive signal." The EU undertook to revive Turkey's admission negotiations as part of the EU-Turkey agreement on migration. An inter-governmental conference is due to be held tomorrow in Brussels with several Turkish government ministers in attendance. Implementation of one of the clauses of the migration accord, visa-free access to the Schengen area for Turkish citizens, has been held up by the EU's insistence that, in return, Turkey must amend its 1991 anti-terrorism law, which the Turkish authorities use to prosecute many journalists. Some have received long jail terms under the law, which does not distinguish between propaganda and objective reporting. RSF hopes that Johannes Hahn, the EU commissioner for enlargement negotiations, reaffirms the EU position that no concession can be made on visa requirements until Turkey brings it anti-terrorism legislation into compliance with European democratic standards. RSF also urges to the EU to press Turkey to: - Decriminalize press offences and, in particular, amend the law on insulting the chief of state. - Stop placing media outlets under judicial administration. - Amend the Internet law so that only an independent judicial authority can order the blocking of online content. - End illegal measures under which TV satellite operators can be forced to drop TV channels - Stop placing journalists in detention (40 are currently in prison, thousands of prosecutions are pending). - End impunity for those responsible for acts of violence against journalists. RSF also hopes that the French government will press its European partners to make respect for media freedom an explicit prior condition for progress in accession talks, and that France will continue its effort to obtain the release of Onderoglu and the two people arrested with him - journalist Ahmet Nesin and human rights defender Sebnem Korur Fincanci. "This is the worse period I have ever experienced for media freedom in Turkey (...) there is no respect for the rule of law," Dundar said at the news conference. He has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years in Turkey, suffering the crackdown of the 1990s, and recently spending three months in prison together with Cumhuriyet's Ankara bureau chief, Erdem Gul. Paying tribute to Onderoglu, Dundar added: "Erol was with us all the time, in prison and in court." Deloire also praised Onderoglu, who has been defending media freedom for the past 20 years in Turkey, and has French and Turkish dual nationality. "He has always defended all journalists who are imprisoned or prevented from working freely, whatever their views and whoever they worked for, whether Kemalists, Islamists supporting the [ruling] AKP or leftists," Deloire said. "Now he is the victim of the same political mechanism by the Turkish government that he has always criticized." Onderoglu's imprisonment has sparked a vast wave of outrage and solidarity both in Turkey and internationally. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, the UE, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the US State Department and the French and German governments have all called for the swift release of Onderoglu, Nesin and Fincanci, who are charged with "terrorist propaganda" for taking part in a campaign of support for the Kurdish daily Ozgur Gundem. Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Eritrea: RSF asks Sweden to investigate journalist's detention Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Eritrea: RSF asks Sweden to investigate journalist's detention, 29 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577660ad4.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 the light of recommendations by the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has again asked the Swedish judicial authorities to investigate journalist Dawit Isaak's detention in Eritrea for the past 15 years as a case of crimes against humanity. He has Swedish and Eritrean dual nationality. Arrested along with other journalists in September 2001, Isaak has never been charged or tried and has never been allowed to see lawyers or his family. In an interview for Radio France Internationale, Eritrea's foreign minister said Isaak was still alive. But he also said Isaak was a political prisoner and would therefore not be tried in court. The government would instead deal with him as it sees fit, he added, thereby perpetuating the long list of crimes against this journalist. Lawyers working on the Isaak case wrote to the Swedish prosecutor-general today to ask him to reconsider an earlier decision not to open a criminal investigation against Eritrea's President Issayas Afeworki and other Eritrean leaders for torture, enforced disappearance and other crimes in connection with this case. After examining an earlier complaint filed on the same grounds in 2014, the Swedish prosecutor-general found in March 2015 that it was likely that crimes against humanity had been committed against Isaak and that the top echelons of the Eritrean government were responsible. He also said there was enough evidence to start an investigation in Sweden. However, after consulting with the Swedish foreign ministry, he unfortunately decided not to investigate on the reported grounds that this could harm the ministry's negotiations with Eritrea about Isaak. Today, the situation has changed. On 21 June, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea recommended that the UN Security Council refer the situation in Eritrea to the International Criminal Court. The Commission also recommended "that States Members of the United Nations exercise their obligation to prosecute or extradite any individual suspected of international crimes present on their territory." This means that Sweden must now assume its responsibility. The recommendation by the UN Commission is a strong argument for Swedish prosecutors and police to start an investigation. "It is paramount that this investigation be officially opened, RSF said. "Since the complaint was initially filed in 2014, two Eritrean officials who are among the suspects included in the original complaint, Presidential Special Adviser Yemane Gebreab and Cabinet Minister Sebhat Ephrem, have visited Sweden. They could have been questioned, which would have sent a strong message to the Eritrean authorities that impunity for their crimes against their population is not possible anymore. Eritrea has been last in RSF's World Press Freedom Index for the past eight years. There is no independent press in the country and all journalists are forced to work for the information ministry, where they are restricted to relaying government propaganda. RSF urges concrete measures to protect journalists in Afghanistan Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF urges concrete measures to protect journalists in Afghanistan, 29 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577660e64.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. After registering at least ten cases of violence against journalists and media outlets in Afghanistan since the start of June, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reiterates its concern about the dangers to journalists and reminds the Afghan authorities of their duty to protect the media. The June violence began with the deaths of US photographer David Gilkey and his interpreter, Afghan journalist Zabihullah Tamanna, in a Taliban attack in southern Afghanistan on 5 June . But it is not just media freedom's obvious enemies - the Taliban and Islamic State - who are responsible for violence against the media in Afghanistan. The police, intelligence services and local politicians have also contributed to the surge in violence, censorship and self-censorship. When three almost simultaneous bombings in Kabul on 21 June killed at least 23 people including 14 Nepalese and Indian citizens, journalists who were dispatched to the scene were the targets of aggression by policemen and intelligence officials. Most were insulted and several were beaten, including Ghazi Rasouli, a journalist with Afghanistan's TV1, Khajeh Tofigh Sedighi of Afghanistan's TV24 and Shamariz, a cameraman working for an international TV channel. Kefayatalah Saimi, a journalist with privately-owned Norin TV, was beaten by the bodyguards of the governor of the northern province of Badakhshan on 12 June. He said he was attacked for no apparent reason. One of the governor's close associates denied that there was any physical violence but accused Saimi of speaking to the bodyguards in an inappropriate manner. In Jalalabad, the headquarters of Radio Enekas (which means "reflection" in Dari) and Cable TV Networks were bombed on the night of 7 June. Three powerful bombs were used but only two exploded and police defused the third. Journalists at the two media outlets, which are still broadcasting, said the blasts caused a great deal of damage but no injuries. No group claimed responsibility. There have been armed attacks on media outlets in Jalalabad for the past year. The regional bureaux of the independent Afghan news agency Pajhwok and US government-funded Voice of America were targeted on 12 June 2015. The building that houses Radio Safa, a local station, and the regional office of Radio Killid was targeted by a homemade bomb that destroyed the main door and part of a wall on the night of 10 October 2015. These attacks were not claimed but there had been threats against several media outlets and journalists by Islamic State, which is present in the region. Police attacked Radio Kavoon Gar director Mohammad Golab Ibrahimi in Mahtarlam, in the eastern province of Laghman, on 7 June when he tried to cover the distribution of Qatari aid to the local population for the month of Ramadan. Although he showed his press card and explained why he was there, the police roughed him up and broke his camera. BBC journalist Nemat Kryab was just passing though Jalalabad, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, on 29 may when he was arrested by members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) and was held for two days. The governor's spokesman, Atololah Koghani, confirmed that the NDS interrogated him but gave no further details. RSF also condemns irresponsible comments by politicians such as Amrolah Saleh, a former intelligence chief and current president of the Ravand Sabaz party, who in a Facebook post accused the independent news agency Pajhwok of taking government money and insinuated that it was being manipulated by the intelligence services. In a country where the Taliban and other armed groups are quick to kill journalists suspected of being government supporters, such an accusation is utterly irresponsible. Criticism of the media should of course be permitted and it can encourage them in their work and adherence to journalistic ethics. State subsidies for media outlets can also be criticized but, as many democracies show, subsidies in themselves are not evidence of manipulation. In such a critical situation as Afghanistan's, the priority should be journalists' safety. "These criminal attacks on the media are indicative of a desire on the part of media freedom's various predators to impose a climate of terror in Afghanistan," said Reza Moini, the head of RSF's Iran-Afghanistan's desk. "Such violence endangers the right of journalists to inform the Afghan people. The police and security services have a duty to protect journalists and media outlets. We call on President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and the information and culture minister to take concrete measures to end this violence, including the police violence." L'Afghanistan est classe 120eme sur 180 dans le Classement mondial de la liberte de la presse 2016 etabli par Reporters sans frontieres. Guinea: Reporter beaten up by President Alpha Conde's bodyguards Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Guinea: Reporter beaten up by President Alpha Conde's bodyguards, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577661244.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns journalist Abdoul Malick Diallo's severe beating on 25 June by members of the presidential guard and calls for the punishment of those responsible. Diallo, who works for the weekly Le Populaire and the news website Aminata, was beaten repeatedly, first at the headquarters of RPG-Arc-en-Ciel, the ruling political party that President Alpha Conde continues to lead, and then at presidential guard headquarters, located inside the presidential palace. "Such acts of arbitrary violence against journalists are absolutely unacceptable, especially when they go unpunished, as they often do." RSF said."We call on the authorities to identify and punish the presidential guard members responsible for this attack." Diallo went to the ruling party's headquarter to cover its weekly general assembly and was stopped by a member of the presidential guard, a military unit known as the "Red Berets," when he took a photo in the yard as President Conde was leaving. After first asking him to delete the photo, the soldier demanded the memory card and finally seized the camera. Conde's presence at the meeting was problematic because article 38 of the constitution prohibits the president from participating in political party activities. It was at this point that several presidential guardsmen began beating Diallo and tearing his clothes. Then they threw him into a military vehicle, drove him to presidential guard headquarters and beat him even more severely there. They also insulted him in various ways including by means of derogatory references to his ethnicity. Guinea's media associations told RSF they are outraged by the repeated violence against journalists and by what they consider to be President Conde's repeated violations of the constitution. Diallo and his newspaper plan to file a complaint about the beating in the next few days. Journalists can pay dearly for criticism of the president. A court in Kankan (the capital of Haute Guinee province), located 650 km east of Conakry, fined Radio Milo FM journalist Malick Bouya Kebe 1 million Guinean francs (100 euros) on 22 June on a charge of "complicity in insulting the president." Kebe, who was not defended by a lawyer, was accused of failing to turn off the microphone when a guest began criticizing the speech that President Conde gave at a political rally in Conakry on 28 May. The speech was discussed on virtually all of the country's privately-owned radio stations but it was only in Kankan, the ruling party's stronghold, that a court took it upon itself to hold a trial over an on-the-air comment. Guinea is ranked 108th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF meets with Algeria's communications minister Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF meets with Algeria's communications minister, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776615f4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called for an end to harassment of Algerian media outlets and journalists when it met with Algerian communications minister Hamid Grine for the first time in Algiers today (1 June) to offer its recommendations on respect for media freedom. RSF welcomed the fact that media freedom without any form of prior censorship is guaranteed for the first time in the constitutional reform adopted by Algeria's parliament in January, but said legislation must now be harmonised with the new constitution and with the provisions on media freedom and freedom of information in the international accords ratified by Algeria. Concern was voiced about media dependence on the state's monopoly of printing and distribution, about selective allocation of state advertising by the National Agency for Publishing and Advertising (ANEP) and about the directives reportedly given to private sector companies not to place advertising with media critical of the government. All of these problems indicated a dangerous contraction in the space for media freedom in Algeria, RSF said. RSF also voiced concern about repeated verbal threats against media outlets by leading Algerian politicians in recent months on the basis of such vague accusations as attacking "society's values," the "principles of the nation" and "Algeria's symbols." RSF said it hoped that the Broadcasting Regulation Authority (ARAV), a new independent agency that is supposed to regulate the broadcasting sector, would begin working as soon as possible. Its new members were appointed on 25 May but it is not yet operational. Finally, RSF said it hoped that the authorities would respect the desire of the owners and journalists of the independent Arabic-language media group El Khabar to continue operating by selling part of its shares to the Algerian industrial company Ness Prod. The communication ministry sought an order from the Bir Mourad Rais court in Algiers on 27 April holding up the sale while the judicial authorities verify whether it complies with the 2012 Code of Information. "The communication minister appreciated our concerns and we hope that the assurances our organization received during this interview will be followed by an overall improvement in the situation of freedom of information," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Reporter held after exposing judicial flaws Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Reporter held after exposing judicial flaws, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577662134.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. Reporters Without Borders calls on the Chadian authorities to release Madjissembaye Ngardinon, a reporter for the newspaper Abba Garde, who has been detained since 24 June in N'Djamena in connection with his coverage of a property dispute. The journalist has been released on the evening of 28 June and the charges against him have been dropped The police arrested Ngardinon during an operation to evict the former holders of a concession on a piece of land who had just lost a legal battle with the owner of the land. He was detained as he photographed police officers subduing a woman who was resisting their efforts to make her leave. The police took him to the headquarters of the PSIG (a special gendarmerie unit) and then to the prosecutor's office, where it was ruled that he been arrested "in the act of a crime." He is scheduled to be taken before a judge on 1 July and is to remain in custody until then. His newspaper's editor said the prosecutor's office had reacted in this manner because of an article by Ngardinon in the newspaper's 20 June issue in which he highlighted flaws and contradictions in the way the judicial authorities have handled this property dispute. "We call for the immediate release of Abba Garde's journalist, who is clearly being held on a trumped-up charges," RSF said. "All he did was write an article highlighting legal irregularities. It is absurd that the criminal code has been manipulated in this way to serve private interests." The article clearly annoyed the judicial officials involved. Since his arrest, the charges have been changed to contempt of court and "rebellion." The first offence is punishable for one to six months in prison and the second by three months to two years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 CFA francs (760 euros). RSF defended Abba Garde publisher Moussaye Avenir de la Tchire in 2013, when he spent four months in preventive detention on charges of inciting hatred and inciting a popular uprising. Chad is ranked 127th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Two reporters banned from covering Polisario Front chief's funeral Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Two reporters banned from covering Polisario Front chief's funeral, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577662494.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the decision by the Algerian authorities today (3 June) to prevent two newspaper reporters from flying to Tindouf (1,500 km southwest of Algiers) to cover Polisario Front leader Mohamed Abdelaziz's funeral. El Watan reporter Rbaha Beldjena and El Khabar reporter Lahcen Bourbia were turned away at Houari Boumedienne Airport in Algiers although other journalists were allowed to fly to Tindouf to cover the event. Beldjena and Bourbia were referred to the prime minister's office when they asked the reason for the ban. But no questions would be addressed to the prime minister's office because today is a Friday and all government departments close on Friday in Algeria. "Banning El Watan and El Khabar journalists from flying to Tindouf to cover the Polisario Front leader's funeral is extremely worrying," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "Furthermore, this incident comes just two day after RSF met with communication minister Hamid Grine, who gave assurances that he would do what was necessary to ensure that freedom of information is respected in Algeria." At the meeting in Algiers on 1 June, RSF told the communication minister what action it thought should be taken to end harassment of the Algerian media. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Azerbaijan: Six years in jail for two of exile journalist's young relatives Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Azerbaijan: Six years in jail for two of exile journalist's young relatives, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577662954.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. Two young relatives of well-known Azerbaijani exile journalist Ganimat Zahid have been sentenced to six years in prison on trumped-up charges of drug possession, in a method that President Ilham Aliyev's autocratic regime often uses to try to silence critics. Despite high profile releases of detainees, there has been no let-up in the harassment of independent journalists in Azerbaijan. Rovshan Zahidov, a cousin of Zahid, and Rufat Zahidov, a nephew, were finally sentenced on 28 June after spending nearly a year in pre-trial detention. Now living in exile, Zahid hosts a TV programme called Azerbaycan Saati and edits the daily Azadlig. This case is far from isolated. When they can no longer directly target independent journalists, opposition members or human rights defenders who have fled the country, the authorities resort to every kind of judicial, financial or social pressure on family members who have stayed behind. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has been documenting and drawing attention to these methods for years. "We were expecting this sentence or even worse," Zahid said. "There is nothing surprising about it. We are used to such arbitrary behaviour by the state. Personally, I regard this trend as 'state terror,' something that began well before the trial of my relatives. Unfortunately, the government adopted these tactics long ago. Zahid added: "It seems that, in addition to my journalistic activities, I will now have to (...) launch an extended international debate on the subject of state terror in Azerbaijan. I think the term 'terror' is perfectly appropriate when people are taken hostage in an act of revenge against others or against society in its entirety." Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk said. "The Aliyev regime continues to wage an all-out war on media freedom. It may be releasing a few well-known journalists one by one, but it continues to arrest others at will, without any change in the cruelty of its oppressive methods. The international community must keep demanding the restoration of pluralism and an end to despotism in Azerbaijan." Azerbaijan is ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Algeria - RSF alarmed by court's decision to suspended newspaper's sale Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Algeria - RSF alarmed by court's decision to suspended newspaper's sale, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577662d34.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is shocked to learn that the Bir Mourad Rais administrative court in Algiers has provisionally suspended the sale of shares in the El Khabar media group to Ness Prod, a company that is part of the privately-owned Algerian industrial conglomerate Cevital. The court issued the ruling today (15 June) in response to the petition filed in May by the communication ministry, which claims that the sale would violate Algeria's 2012 Code of Information. "Although not final, this decision is extremely disturbing and we urge the judicial authorities to deal with this case fairly and within a reasonable period, one that takes account of this media group's financial situation," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "Blocking El Khabar's strategic decision would be unfortunate after all it has endured in the past 25 years to defend its critical and independent editorial line. It has been denied all state advertising since 1998 and its income from private-sector advertising has halved in the past two years as a result of probable government pressure on advertisers." El Khabar CEO Cherif Rezgui said: "We regard this decision as surprising and unexpected. We are going to appeal to the State Council in the next 15 days. We hope that this case will be treated logically and in the framework of the law." In May, RSF urged support for El Khabar and condemned the manoeuvres against it by the Algerian authorities. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. Police raid blocks broadcasting of satirical TV news programme Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Police raid blocks broadcasting of satirical TV news programme, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776630c4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned to learn that the studios used to record a satirical news programme for the KBC TV channel have been raided by police and placed under seal. KBC, which is owned by the El Khabar media group, must be allowed to recover its equipment without delay, RSF said. The raid was carried out on 19 June on the grounds that the studios were previously used by Atlas TV, a channel closed by the authorities in 2015. Ten episodes of the satirical programme, called "Ki hna ki ennass" and hosted by Mustapha Kessaci, have so far been broadcast. After the raid, the public prosecutor's office summoned seven people for questioning including KBC director Mahdi Benaissa and the building's owners. The owners have been arrested. "We are, to say the least, puzzled by the raid's timing," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "While the legality of the judicial initiative cannot be disputed, it seems the authorities decided to act at the very moment that the studios were being used to record a current affairs programme. "It is therefore fair to ask whether they were not in fact targeting the programme's outspoken content, especially as the pro-government channel Numedia News used the studios a few weeks ago without any problem. We call on the authorities to let KBC recover its equipment from the studios so that the programme can resume being recorded in a completely independent manner." This latest case affecting the El Khabar media group comes just days after a court provisionally suspended the sale of part of the group's shares to Ness Prod, a privately-owned Algerian company. In a statement, RSF said it was shocked by the decision and urged the authorities to respect the wishes of El Khabar's owners and journalists. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. More threats to independent journalism in Algeria Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, More threats to independent journalism in Algeria, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577663334.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voices support for journalists with the KBC TV channel and the El Watan newspaper and calls on the Algerian authorities to respect their independence after both media outlets were the victims of police operations yesterday (23 June). During the day, members of the national gendarmerie interrupted recording of the KBC satirical programme Ness Stah (which is broadcast daily during the month of Ramadan) and prevented employees from going back to work. KBC is owned by the Arabic-language media group El Khabar. In the evening, police surrounded the French-language newspaper El Watan's new headquarters and were still there this afternoon, preventing anyone from entering and forcing El Watan's staff to resume working in their old premises. In both cases, the authorities said the media outlets lacked the necessary permits. They gave the same grounds five days ago when seals were placed on the studios used to record the KBC programme Ki hna Ki enass, which employs 70 people. "We were already very concerned for El Khabar and now we are for El Watan as well," said Yasmine Kacha, the head of RSF's North Africa desk. "If these media, which have fought so hard for the right to inform, lack certain permits, they should be allowed some time to sort things out. "The speed and aggressiveness with which the authorities have acted in this past week suggests that their real aim is to get rid of certain critical media. We affirm our solidarity with the independent journalism that these two media organizations embody in Algeria and we urge the authorities not to obstruct their work." On 15 June, a court in the Algiers district of Bir Mourad Rais provisionally suspended the sale of part of the El Khabar group's shares to Ness Prod, a privately-owned Algerian company. In a statement, RSF said it was shocked by the decision and urged the authorities to respect the wishes of El Khabar's owners and journalists. Algeria is ranked 129th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. RSF calls on Maldives to stop dismantling critical media Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls on Maldives to stop dismantling critical media, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577663654.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is alarmed by mounting government hostility towards critical and independent news media in Maldives, where the editor of a news website has just revealed that it was forced to close by government pressure, and calls on the Commonwealth to react without delay. Ismail Rasheed, the editor of a popular website called Channel News Maldives (CNM), issued a statement on 25 June denying claims by the businessman who owns the majority share in the website that it had to close for economic reasons. "At first, attempts were made to take over the company and transfer it into a pro-government new website," said Rasheed, who was the website's minority shareholder as well as its editor when it was finally shut down on the night of 24 June. "When this did not become successful, pressure was mounted to completely close down the company," Rasheed said. Insisting he resisted as long as possible, Rasheed added that he finally accepted the closure so that "the businessman behind the financing of CNM does not face further challenges" and to ensure that CNM's five-year-old archive of articles and photos was not destroyed. "The close of Channel News Maldives is very bad news for pluralism and democracy in Maldives," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "The disappearance of one of the last media outlets still daring to criticize the government will inevitably be accompanied by an increase in self-censorship by the few remaining independent media still operating. The pressure from the government must stop, and the Commonwealth must react urgently so that Maldives does not end up with a political system that only has room for pro-government views." Pressure on the media has been mounting for months. On 12 April, the supreme court upheld an August 2015 high court decision splitting the ownership of Haveeru, the country's oldest independent daily - a decision that forced the newspaper to stop producing a print issue and finally to close its website. Just days later, the government-controlled Communications Authority of the Maldives ordered the country's three Internet service providers to block access to Addu Live, an independent news website. The site's representatives attributed the blocking to its coverage of government corruption. In a parallel development, 16 journalists were arrested on 3 April while staging a demonstration in Male in protest against the decline in government respect for media freedom. An Indian Ocean archipelago, Maldives is ranked 112th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2015 World Press Freedom Index, after falling 60 places since 2010. RSF's Turkey representative freed thanks to strong support Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF's Turkey representative freed thanks to strong support, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776639e4.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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) pays tribute to the massive support that has resulted in today's conditional release of its Turkey representative, Erol Onderoglu, after ten days in an Istanbul prison. At the same time, RSF requests continued pressure on the Turkish authorities so that they withdraw the charges against Onderoglu and the other participants in the campaign of solidarity with the Kurdish newspaper Ozgur Gundem. One of the other two participants arrested with Onderoglu on 20 June, Sebnem Korur Fincanci of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TIHV), was also released today but the third, writer-journalist Ahmet Nesin, is for the time being still held. Their arrests triggered a worldwide outcry about the latest escalation in Ankara's attempts to stamp out dissent. This assault on the very symbol of media freedom in Turkey was publicly decried by activists and fellow journalists in Turkey, by the UN secretary-general, and by scores of NGOs, associations, politicians and leading media figures throughout the world. RSF expresses its warmest thanks to all the people, anonymous and well known, what have helped to obtain the release of Onderoglu and Fincanci. "Our arrests show that the traditional harassment of journalists is being progressively extended to all civil society critics," Onderoglu told RSF on his release from prison. "At a time when the Turkish authorities are trying to restore their credibility with European institutions, respect by them for international legal standards on freedom of expression is long overdue." "We are of course delighted that Onderoglu and Fincanci have been freed," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. "They should not have spent a single day in prison. But the case is just beginning and the campaign must not let up. We call for Nesin's immediate release and the withdrawal of all charges against all participants in the Ozgur Gundem solidarity campaign." As some 50 journalists have so far stressed in their brave gesture of solidarity with Ozgur Gundem, pluralism is in great danger in Turkey. Many journalists and media workers are currently detained while hundreds of arbitrary prosecutions are under way. International support is more necessary than ever in order to curb the Turkish government's authoritarian excesses and to support Turkey's journalists. Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index. UN officials call for global consensus, preventive approach to combat terrorism and violent extremism Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN officials call for global consensus, preventive approach to combat terrorism and violent extremism, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776644940d.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. 30 June 2016 - The unprecedented levels of terrorism and violent extremism on a global scale requires balanced implementation of commitments made through collective action, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized, calling on the international community to act with unity and resolve to address "this major scourge of our time." "We have an urgent moral duty to do all we can to prevent and end this carnage," the Secretary-General said at the opening of a two-day meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on the fifth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, a global instrument adopted by the General Assembly in 2006 to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. "Taking collective preventive action against terrorism, in the spirit of our United Nations Charter, is the only way to secure peace and prosperity for succeeding generations," Mr. Ban added. While there has been progress in the implementation of the counter-terrorism strategy that was adopted 10 years ago, important shifts have occurred in the global terrorism landscape since then, with the strategy encountering "unforeseen challenges." He referred to information technologies which spread "poisonous" violent extremist ideologies, the easy availability of arms, the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders and heightened media attention have all contributed to creating an environment where terrorists have taken control of vast swaths of territory, resources and populations in "vortex of protracted conflicts, ungoverned spaces and terrorism." "Terrorism transcends cultures and geographical boundaries. It cannot be associated with any one religion, nationality or ethnic group. It affects all countries," he stressed, noting also the recent terror attack in Istanbul, Turkey. The Secretary-General underlined that, as explained in his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, a more systematic, preventive approach is necessary to address the drivers of violent extremism. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) and General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft during a meeting on the fifth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. UN Photo/Manuel Elias He highlighted the four pillars of the counter-terrorism strategy as they relate to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combatting terrorism; building States' capacity and strengthening the role of the UN; and ensuring human rights and the rule of law. Expressing concern about the "growing drift in many countries and regions towards bigotry, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia and outright racism," Mr. Ban emphasized that the General Assembly is the forum to "forge and reinforce" a global consensus in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. "Now, more than ever, we need strong and effective international cooperation at the bilateral, regional, interregional and global levels, and balanced implementation across all four pillars," he said. Also speaking at the opening, the General Assembly President, Mogens Lykketoft, highlighted that consultations on the global counter-terrorism strategy were a "unique opportunity to discuss how to make the UN more relevant, more credible, more legitimate and more capable in responding to terrorism." "In these last years, we have been alarmed by the acts of intolerance, and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, violence, including sectarian violence, and terrorism in various parts of the world, which claim innocent lives, cause destruction, displace people and divide communities," he said. Calling on Member States to commit to concrete action to keep the strategy relevant and contemporary, Mr. Lykketoft said such action is necessary in the light of emerging new threats and evolving trends. "We cannot allow ourselves to send a message of disunity to the world when our peoples and our community of nations face such a grave challenge," he stressed, urging agreement on "an outcome that sends a common message from the international community." "Doing so will enable the UN to continue to improve its response to new and evolving threats to international peace and security, to the 2030 Agenda, the pursuit of the rule of law and the realization of human rights for all," Mr. Lykketoft concluded. UN chief condemns suicide attack in northern Cameroon, urging support to counter Boko Haram Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN chief condemns suicide attack in northern Cameroon, urging support to counter Boko Haram, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776645b40b.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. 30 June 2016 - Condemning a deadly terrorist attack in Cameroon's Far North Region, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today also reiterated his call for international partners to provide support to the countries threatened by Boko Haram. "The Secretary-General renews his call on international partners to provide support to the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin, with the backing of the African Union and the Multinational Joint Task Force, to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram in the sub-region," the Secretary-General's spokesperson said. The Secretary-General condemned the suicide attack on 29 June in a region that borders Chad to the east and Nigeria to the west. He has repeatedly said that "no cause can justify" terrorist attacks. In the statement, Mr. Ban also expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased as well as to the Government and people of Cameroon, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. UN mission in Afghanistan condemns Taliban attack on national police cadets Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN mission in Afghanistan condemns Taliban attack on national police cadets, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776648e40c.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. 30 June 2016 - The top United Nations official in Afghanistan today condemned a suicide attack targeting national police in the country's capital, Kabul. The new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, said there was "no justification for such an attack." At least 33 people were killed and 71 others injured in a suicide attack that targeted Afghan National Police (ANP) cadets and their instructors. "I remind all parties to the armed conflict in Afghanistan that they are bound to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law at all times," said Mr. Yamamoto, who is also the new head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). He conveyed his deep condolences on behalf of the UN system in the country to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery of the injured. According to the statement, the two-stage attack was launched by the Taliban in Kabul province's Paghman district. It began with the detonation of a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeting an ANP bus. When passengers from the other ANP buses disembarked to help the injured, a second suicide bomber detonated his body-borne device. "This attack appears specifically designed to maximize suffering as police went to the aid of their fallen colleagues," said Mr. Yamamoto, stressing that the perpetrators must be held accountable. Quartet report cites violence, settlements and Gaza as barriers to Middle East peace UN envoy Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Quartet report cites violence, settlements and Gaza as barriers to Middle East peace UN envoy, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776656540b.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. 30 June 2016 - Continuing violence, terrorism and incitement, settlement expansion, and the Palestinian Authority's lack of control of Gaza are hurting the Middle East peace process, the United Nations envoy today said summarizing the first ever report by the diplomatic Quartet - comprising the United Nations, Russia, the United States and the European Union - to the Security Council. "The main objective of this report is not about assigning blame," Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the 15-member council. "It focuses on the major threats to achieving a negotiated peace and offers recommendations on the way forward." Those include references to both sides, and specifically to the Palestinians and Israelis in relation to violence, incitement to violence, Israeli settlement construction and related policies, Palestinian unity and institution building. The UN envoy reiterated several times the urgent need for the parties to engage on these recommendations: "The Quartet has outlined a reasonable set of steps that, if implemented sincerely and resolutely, with support from the international community, could set Israelis and Palestinians firmly along a navigable course towards establishing a comprehensive peace with historic implications for the entire region." He also noted that a permanent status agreement on ending the conflict could only be achieved through "direct, bilateral negotiations, the outcome of which cannot be prejudged by unilateral steps that would not be recognized by the international community." In summary, he called for leadership and vision, saying they have been "starkly absent from this conflict for far too long" and replaced by "empty platitudes." The Security Council met amid fresh violence in the region. Just a few hours earlier, a 13-year-old girl was stabbed to death by a Palestinian at her home in West Bank. Earlier in the month, four Israelis died in an attack in Tel Aviv, and a Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli Security Forces on a highway. "All three incidents clearly illustrate the environment of fear in which both Palestinians and Israelis have lived for generations," Mr. Mladenov said. "Palestinian frustration cannot be wished away," he said, adding that "neither will the violence and terror, fuelled by resentment, bring about a Palestinian state." In its report - which will not be published until later this week - the Quartet pledges its active support for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). It also reaffirms that a negotiated two-State outcome that meets Israel's security needs and Palestinians' aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues is the only way to achieve an enduring peace. "It is time for both sides to rise to the challenge," he concluded. UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia handing over security responsibility to national forces Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia handing over security responsibility to national forces, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776658240c.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. 30 June 2016 - Liberian security forces today took full control of their security for the first time since the civil war ended 13 years ago, marking a historic milestone for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and a major benchmark in the country's peace process. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today paid tribute to the determination of the people and the Government of Liberia to work towards lasting peace after the end of the conflict that led to the deployment of the UN Mission, known by its acronym UNMIL, in October 2003. "The continuing improvement in the security and stability of Liberia has enabled the United Nations to enter the final stage of its peacekeeping efforts in the country," the Secretary-General said in a statement attributable to his spokesperson. The achievement is also due to the important role played by partners, in particular the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the Mano River Union, in supporting the consolidation of peace, security and stability in Liberia. Including during the Ebola outbreak, which remains a concern in the region. In his statement, Mr. Ban also welcomed the contributions from troop and police-contributing countries, as well as bilateral partners and multilateral organizations, noting that they "facilitated the considerable achievements made by UNMIL." Since Liberia's civil war ended in 2003, UNMIL has been supporting the West African nation to rebuild its institutions so it can maintain stability without its presence. In 2015, Liberian authorities launched an undertaking to assume full responsibility of the country's security by the end of this June. From this week forward, the UN peacekeeping forces - which will include 1,240 military and 606 police personnel - will have a supporting role only. The Government is taking responsibility for all aspects of Liberia's security, including executive protection, unexploded ordnance disposal and marking of Government weapons, which were handed over in recent months. The details were agreed to by the Security Council in resolution 2239 (2015). Despite the achievements, Mr. Ban called on all partners to stay engaged and to continue assisting the Government of Liberia to consolidate peace and build long-term stability. He stressed that the UN will remain engaged in Liberia, supporting its people and Government. The UN Security Council will decide on the future of the Mission by 15 December. UN chief signs condolence book for victims of Turkish terrorism attack Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN chief signs condolence book for victims of Turkish terrorism attack, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776659540b.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. 30 June 2016 - There is no justification for terrorism, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated after signing a book of condolences for the victims of the attack at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport. Paying his respects at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations in New York, the Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "I sincerely hope that the Turkish people and Government will be able to overcomethis shocking tragedy," Mr. Ban told a small group of journalists, adding that the UN stands firmly with the fight against terrorism and extremism. He added that "nothing can justify such kind of heinous terrorist attacks" and that they "must be defeated in the name of humanity." He noted that Istanbul has been a "crossroad of many people" including millions of refugees fleeing Syria and other conflicts, and highlighted the need for all people's security and safety. Mr. Ban urged the international community to unite to defeat and counter terrorism, and to prevent violent extremism. This will likely be his message this afternoon, when Mr. Ban addresses the 193 Member States of the UN General Assembly about the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. Also today, the Security Council issued a press statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack, which killed at least 42 people and injured 238. Reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," the Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. The 15-member body reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, urging all States to cooperate actively with the Government of Turkey and all other relevant authorities. Condemning death of Syrian journalist, UNESCO head highlights protection of civilians in conflicts Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Condemning death of Syrian journalist, UNESCO head highlights protection of civilians in conflicts, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577665a640b.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. 30 June 2016 - The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending the freedom of the media today denounced the death of Syrian photojournalist, Khalid Al Issa, who was killed after a homemade bomb detonated in his building. In a statement, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), also reminded all parties in a conflict to observe the civilian status of journalists and to respect their rights as prescribed by the Geneva Conventions. "The work and commitment of media professionals as purveyors of accurate information is essential in all societies, and especially those facing conflict," said Ms. Bokova. Khalid Al Issa was seriously injured in the bombing, and was then succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in the Turkish border city of Antakya. UNESCO chief issues statements on the killing of media workers in line with Resolution 29 adopted by UNESCO Member States in 1997, entitled "Condemnation of Violence against Journalists." UN expert urges Moldova to introduce multilingual education, bolster unity among ethnic groups Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN expert urges Moldova to introduce multilingual education, bolster unity among ethnic groups, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577665c340d.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. 30 June 2016 - A United Nations human rights expert has called on the Government of the Republic of Moldova to further promote linguistic rights of minorities, introduce multilingual education, and strengthen the unity between various population groups in the country. Diversity should be valued as an important asset and strength of the Republic of Moldova, said the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, at the end of her first official visit to the country. Noting Moldova's complex ethnic, religious and linguistic make-up, where numerous minority groups with multi-layered ethnic, religious and linguistic identities peacefully coexist, she urged measures to minimize the politicization of the use of languages which often leads to polarization and might threaten peaceful coexistence if not resolved. The expert encouraged the Government to guarantee quality education in both mother tongue and the State language (Moldovan/Romanian), calling for the introduction of multilingual education methodologies and multilingual classrooms. During her 10-day mission, Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye visited Chisinau, the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Balti, Edinet, Hincauti, Orhei, Otaci, Schinoasa, Soroca, Taraclia, and the Transnistrian region. Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye commended the creation of a working group of members of the Moldovan Parliament and the Gagauzian Peoples' Assembly to discuss matters of common concerns. The expert also visited Roma communities in different localities, including Soroca, Otaci, Schinoasa and Chetrosu. Economic, social and political marginalization of Roma, as well as instances of discrimination and xenophobia against Roma communities were reported by Roma representatives, she said. Identity documents are often lacking, drop-out rates among Roma students are significantly high, and Roma representatives expressed their concern that Roma are largely absent from decision-making processes and in public life, both at local and national levels, she added. Ms. Izsak-Ndiaye will present a final mission report and recommendations to the Human Rights Council (HRC) in March 2017. Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based HRC to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. Refugees and migrants fleeing sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in Libya Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 July 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Refugees and migrants fleeing sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in Libya, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577666184.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. Horrifying accounts of sexual violence, killings, torture and religious persecution collected by Amnesty International reveal the shocking range of abuses along the smuggling routes to and through Libya. The organization spoke to at least 90 refugees and migrants at reception centres in Puglia and Sicily, who had made the journey across the Mediterranean from Libya to southern Italy in the past few months, and who were abused by people smugglers, traffickers, organized criminal gangs and armed groups. "From being abducted, incarcerated underground for months and sexually abused by members of armed groups, to being beaten, exploited or shot at by people smugglers, traffickers or criminal gangs - refugees and migrants have described in harrowing detail the horrors they were forced to endure in Libya," said Magdalena Mughrabi, Interim Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Amnesty International. "Their experiences paint a terrifying picture of the conditions many of those who come to Europe are so desperate to escape." Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants - mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa - travel to Libya fleeing war, persecution or extreme poverty, often in the hope of settling in Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates there are over 264,000 migrants and refugees currently in Libya. According to UNHCR, there are around 37,500 registered refugees and asylum-seekers, half of them Syrians. "No one should have to face abduction, torture and rape in Libya to seek protection. The international community should be doing their utmost to ensure refugees do not need to flee to Libya in the first place. The EU, and indeed governments around the world, should dramatically increase the number of resettlement places and humanitarian visas to vulnerable refugees facing severe hardships and few prospects in the neighbouring countries they first fled to," said Magdalena Mughrabi. Despite the formation of a UN-backed Government of National Accord fighting continues in parts of Libya including in Benghazi, Derna and Sirte. "The Libyan authorities must take urgent steps to restore the rule of law and protect the rights of refugees and migrants. The internationally-backed Government of National Accord has made commitments to respect and uphold human rights - they have a duty to hold those responsible for these abhorrent crimes accountable." Amidst the lawlessness and violence that continue to plague the country, a lucrative people-smuggling business has been established along routes running from southern Libya to the Mediterranean coast in the north where boats bound for Europe depart. At least 20 of the people Amnesty International spoke to also described abuses suffered at the hands of the Libyan coastguard and in immigration detention centres inside Libya. Amnesty International spoke to refugees and migrants who described facing abuse at every stage of the journey, from their arrival in Libya until they reached the northern sea coast. Others had lived in Libya for years but wanted to escape because of harassment or abuse by local gangs, police or armed groups. Amnesty International documented abuses by smugglers, traffickers and armed groups in Libya in its 2015 report Libya is full of Cruelty. The latest testimonies show that one year on, refugees and migrants continue to be subjected to horrifying abuse. Horrors along the journey The majority of people Amnesty International spoke to reported being victims of human trafficking. They were held by smugglers as soon as they entered Libya or sold on to criminal gangs. Several described being beaten, raped, tortured, or exploited by those who held them captive. Some witnessed people being shot dead by smugglers, others saw people left to die as a result of illness or ill-treatment. "When you [arrive in] Libya, that's when the struggle starts. That's when they start to beat you," said Ahmed, an 18-year-old from Somalia describing his arduous journey through the desert from Sudan to Libya in November 2015. He said the smugglers refused to give them water as punishment and even shot at them when they begged for water for a group of Syrian men travelling with them who were gasping with thirst. "The first Syrian died, he was young, maybe 21 years old. After this they gave us water, but the other Syrian man also diedhe was only 19," he said, adding that the smugglers seized the belongings of the dead men and did not allow them time to bury them. Paolos, a 24-year-old Eritrean man who travelled through Sudan and Chad and arrived in Libya in April 2016, told how the smugglers abandoned a disabled man in the desert along the way, as they crossed the Libyan border heading to the southern town of Sabha. "We saw them throw one man [out of the pick-up truck] into the desert. He was still alive. He was a disabled man," he said. Sexual violence along the smuggling route Amnesty International spoke to 15 women most of whom said they lived in perpetual fear of sexual violence along the journey to the Libyan coast. Many said rape was so commonplace that they took contraceptive pills before travelling to avoid becoming pregnant as a result of it. Medical staff as well as psychologists and social workers in three reception centres visited by Amnesty International in Sicily and Puglia confirmed that women reported a high level of sexual violence during the journey. At the reception centre in Bari, staff also confirmed that many migrant and refugee women were taking contraception ahead of the journey out of fear of rape. In total, Amnesty International collected 16 accounts of sexual violence from survivors and eyewitnesses. According to testimonies, women were sexually assaulted either by the smugglers themselves, traffickers or members of armed groups. Attacks took place along the smuggling route and while women were being held in private homes or abandoned warehouses near the coast waiting to board boats to Europe. A 22-year-old Eritrean woman told Amnesty International that she witnessed other women being sexually abused, including one who was gang-raped because the smuggler wrongly accused her of failing to pay his fee. "Her family couldn't pay the money again. They took her away and she was raped by five Libyan men. They took her out late at night, no one opposed it, everyone was too afraid," she said. Ramya, 22, from Eritrea said she was raped more than once by the traffickers who held her captive in a camp near Ajdabya, in northeastern Libya after she entered the country in March 2015. "The guards would drink and smoke hashish [cannabis] and then come in and choose which women they wanted and take them outside. The women tried to refuse but when you have a gun pointed at your head, you don't really have a choice if you want to survive. I was raped twice by three menI didn't want to lose my life," she said. Antoinette, a 28-year-old woman from Cameroon said of the traffickers who held her captive in April 2016: "They don't care if you're a woman or a childThey used sticks [to beat us] and would shoot in the air. Maybe because I had a child they didn't rape me but they raped pregnant women and single women. I saw this happen." Abducted, exploited and extorted Many said the smugglers held them captive to extort a ransom from their families. They kept them in deplorable and often squalid conditions, deprived them of food and water and would beat, harass and insult them constantly. Semre, 22, from Eritrea, said he saw four people including a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old woman die from illness and starvation while he was held captive for ransom. "No one took them to the hospital so we had to bury them ourselves," he said. His father eventually paid the traffickers in exchange for Semre's freedom but instead of releasing him they sold him on to another criminal group. Others recounted how they were repeatedly beaten by those who held them captive and those who could not pay were forced to work for free to pay off the debt. Abdulla, a 23-year-old Eritrean man, said the traffickers would torture and beat people to force them to pay, particularly while forcing them to speak to their families to pressure them into paying. Saleh, 20, from Eritrea, entered Libya in October 2015 and was immediately taken to a storage hangar in Bani Walid run by traffickers. During the 10 days he was held there, he witnessed how one man who couldn't pay dying after being electrocuted in water. "They said that if anyone else couldn't pay, their fate would be the same," he said. Saleh escaped but eventually ended up at another camp run by traffickers in Sabratah, close to the sea. He said: "We didn't know what was happeningThey said they would keep us there until our family was able to payThe people in control forced us to work for free, in houses, to clean, any jobs. They didn't give us proper food. Even the water they gave us was salty. There were no proper bathrooms. Many of us got skin problems. The men would smoke hashish and would beat you with their guns and anything they could find. They used metal, rocks. They had no heart." Sexual abuse and religious persecution by armed groups The rise of powerful armed groups in recent years, including some which have pledged allegiance to the armed group calling itself Islamic State (IS) and aim at imposing their own interpretation of Islamic Law, has put foreign nationals - particularly Christians - at an increased risk of abuse and potential war crimes. Amnesty International spoke to people who said they were abducted by IS for several months. Amal, a 21-year-old Eritrean woman, described how the group of 71 people she was travelling with was abducted by an armed group they believed to be IS near Benghazi while they were on their way to Tripoli in July 2015. "They asked the smuggler why he was helping Christians. He pretended that he didn't know we were Christians so they let him go. They separated us into Christians and Muslims and then they separated the men and women. They took [the Christians] to Tripoli and kept us underground - we didn't see the sun for nine months. We were 11 women from Eritrea," she said. "Sometimes we didn't eat for three days. Other times they would give us one meal a day, half a piece of bread." She also described how they were pressured into converting to Islam and beaten with hoses or sticks when they refused. "Sometimes they would frighten us with their guns, or threaten to slaughter us with their knives," she said. When the women finally succumbed and agreed to convert, she said they suffered sexual violence. The men considered them their "wives" and treated them as sexual slaves. She said she was raped by different men before being assigned to one man who also raped her. In another case, in 2015 Adam, 28, a man from Ethiopia living in Benghazi with his wife, was abducted by IS simply because he was a Christian. "They kept me in a prison for one and half months. Then one of them felt sorry for me after I told him I have a family and he helped me memorize the Quran so they would let me goThey killed many people," he said. He was eventually able to escape after seven months in captivity. The IS claimed responsibility for the summary killings of 49 Copts in three separate incidents in February and March 2015. "The lawlessness and proliferation of rival armed groups and militias increases the risks faced by refugees and migrants in Libya. The Government of National Accord must put a halt to abuses by its own forces and allied militias. And it must ensure that no one, including members of armed groups, can continue to commit serious abuses, including possible war crimes, with impunity," said Magdalena Mughrabi. "The international community must also support the International Criminal Court, which continues to have jurisdiction over Libya, to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. And all parties to the conflict should cooperate with the ICC investigation." As well as the persistent threat from armed groups, foreign nationals in Libya also face widespread racism and xenophobia as public sentiment remains hostile. Many refugees and migrants interviewed reported being physically assaulted, threatened with knives and guns or robbed of their possessions at gunpoint or beaten on the streets by criminal gangs. Saving lives at sea On 28 June the European Council endorsed a decision to extend Operation Sophia, the naval operation in the central Mediterranean, for a further year, maintaining its primary function of tackling smugglers and adding to its tasks training of and information sharing with the Libyan coastguard as well as monitoring the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya. "The EU should focus less on keeping migrants and refugees out and more on finding safe and legal ways for those trapped in Libya to access a place of safety. The priority should be saving lives, this means deploying enough resources in the right places to prevent further tragedy," said Magdalena Mughrabi. "The EU should be tackling abuses by smugglers but should not be seeking to trap people in a country where their lives and rights are so obviously at risk." Background According to IOM, most foreign nationals residing in Libya originate from Niger, Egypt, Chad, Ghana and Sudan. The majority of those transiting through the country and then crossing to Italy by boat are from Eritrea, Nigeria, Gambia, Somalia and Cote d'Ivoire. The main transit point for people from West Africa entering Libya is the south-western city of Sabha. Those entering via Sudan from Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia come through Kufra, and then travel onto Ajdabiya in the north eastern part of the country. Most boats heading to Europe depart from north-western Libya. Before departure, foreign nationals are held in houses and farms until more people are gathered for the journey. Some of the abuses documented by Amnesty International against refugees and migrants in Libya amount to human trafficking. Trafficking people constitutes a human rights abuse as well as being a crime in most national criminal law systems. It includes the transfer of persons through threat, the use of force or coercion such as abduction, fraud or deception. Its disruption and prosecution with the end of bringing perpetrators to justice is an obligation under international human rights law. By contrast, smuggling does not involve coercion; it is consensual. While smuggling can involve the commission of criminal offences, it is not in itself a human rights abuse. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Philippines: President Duterte must break the cycle of human rights violations Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Philippines: President Duterte must break the cycle of human rights violations, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577666a74.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. The Philippines' new President Rodrigo Duterte must fulfil his inauguration pledge to uphold the country's commitment to international law and lead a break with the country's poor human rights record, Amnesty International said today. "President Duterte has been elected on a mandate to uphold the rule of law. It is encouraging that he spoke of honouring the Philippines' obligations under international law in his inauguration speech. But now he is in power, he needs to lend substance to those words and break with his earlier rhetoric," said Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International's Director for South East Asia and the Pacific. Throughout his election campaign, President Duterte made inflammatory remarks that, if translated into policy, would mark a sharp deterioration in the already problematic human rights situation in the Philippines. Since winning the presidential election, President Duterte triggered widespread alarm by calling for the restoration of the death penalty, vowing to preside over a wave of extrajudicial executions, threatening journalists, and intimidating human rights defenders. This is in a context where a climate of impunity for human rights violations prevails in the Philippines, including for torture and other ill-treatment by the police. Only one police officer has ever been brought to justice under laws criminalising torture, and few have been held accountable for killings of journalists. "President Duterte's promises to adhere to the rule of law and to Philippines' international obligations mark a welcome change from earlier rhetoric, but it is important that they are not merely issued to placate critics but are translated into actual policy and implemented in practice," said Rafendi Djamin. The death penalty Among President Duterte's many troubling positions is his intention to restore the death penalty. Doing so would reverse a decade-long ban in the Philippines on this cruel and irreversible punishment. For this position, the Philippines is a regional leader as it went against the grain of other countries in the region. President Duterte has said that he intends to apply the death penalty to a range of crimes including offences that do not meet the threshold of "most serious crimes," which is the only category of crimes for which international law allows the death penalty. "There is no evidence that the death penalty serves as any more of a deterrent than prison. At a time when this cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment has been abolished in the majority of the world's countries, reimposing it will set the Philippines in the wrong direction," said Rafendi Djamin. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases, regardless of the crime. The organization has additional concerns about deep and structural flaws in the Philippines' criminal justice system, which serve to compound the injustice of the death penalty. Extrajudicial executions In recent weeks, President Duterte promised large sums of money as rewards to urge people to kill suspected drug smugglers, said that security forces will be allowed to carry out "shoot-to-kill" orders against criminal suspects resisting arrest, and has displayed a callous disregard for killings of journalists. Summary killings of criminal suspects are extrajudicial executions, which violate both international and Philippines law. The authorities should make clear to the security forces that they will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Security forces may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for carrying their law enforcement duties; they may not use lethal force except when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. The governments should ensure that those responsible for extrajudicial executions are brought to justice. "Extrajudicial executions will deliver neither the justice that victims deserve nor the security that people in the Philippines seek. What the Philippines needs is an overhaul of its judicial system to end delays, enhance investigations, ensure that criminal suspects are prosecuted in fair trials, and protect victims and witnesses from threats and reprisals," said Rafendi Djamin. Safety of journalists Duterte's disregard for the safety of journalists is striking in a country where seven journalists were killed last year, and more than 150 media workers have been killed with impunity over the past 30 years. "President Duterte makes full use of his right to freedom of expression. He should respect the fact that others also have this right to write and speak freely, and the authorities must respect and protect their right to do so without fear of imprisonment, threats, or violence," said Rafendi Djamin. Programme of action Amnesty International has published a programme of action for the Duterte administration, outlining that the new administration should prioritise putting an end to extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and secret detention, as well as torture and other ill treatment. The organisation has also highlighted concerns about abuses by non-state actors and has called for the disbanding and disarmament of private armies, and establishment of control and accountability over the military, police and other state-sponsored forces. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International As Canada Day celebrations begin, I find myself thinking about our countrys outstanding history of nation building. The construction of Canadas first transcontinental railway comes to mind as the most important national infrastructure project of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Started back in 1881 by Canadas first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada embarked on its first nation-building experience. The project was a bold and ambitious plan that ultimately unified and strengthened the country. The railroad promised social and economic prosperity, while sending a strong message to the United States that Canada was not interested in becoming just another state in the union.On Nov. 7, 1885, the final spike was laid at Craigellachie, B.C., completing a 1,600-kilometre railroad linking together western and eastern Canada. The project required tremendous political courage and leadership, but the results were worth the effort. It crossed party lines and the country was focused on what it could become a great nation of the north.mo Cameroon: Boko Haram attack brings total killed to nearly 500 in a year Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Cameroon: Boko Haram attack brings total killed to nearly 500 in a year, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776670a4.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 least 480 civilians have been killed since Boko Haram has significantly increased its attacks in Cameroon and begun deliberately targeting civilians in suicide bombings, Amnesty International said today. On the evening of Wednesday 29 June, 6 people were killed when a young boy detonated a bomb in Djakana, a district of the town of Limani in northern Cameroon, near the Nigerian border. The bomber died on the spot. 5 people who were wounded during the attack later died in hospital. "This horrific suicide bombing is just the latest in a series of attacks against civilians and demonstrates once again Boko Haram's total disregard for human life. It illustrates the threat posed by Boko Haram in the Far North of Cameroon and across the Lake Chad region," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa. "The Cameroonian security forces should take all lawful and necessary measures to protect civilians from such attacks, while ensuring respect for human rights. Those responsible for human rights abuses and crimes under international law should be brought to justice in fair trials not subject to the death penalty." From July 2015 to July 2016 Boko Haram has conducted at least 200 attacks, including nearly 40 suicide bombings in the Far North region of Cameroon, which have killed at least 480 people. Boko Haram launched its first such attack in Cameroon on 12 July in Fotokol, killing 13 civilians and two soldiers. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International UN Human Rights Council: High Commissioner's reports on human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Burma/Myanmar and on Sri Lanka Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, UN Human Rights Council: High Commissioner's reports on human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Burma/Myanmar and on Sri Lanka, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577667ad4.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. We welcome the High Commissioner's report on the human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Burma/Myanmar. Most Rohingya Muslims suffer government persecution, including statelessness and severe restrictions on freedom of movement. Growing ultra-nationalism has spurred discrimination and threats against Rohingya and other Muslims that the authorities have been unwilling to address. In ethnic minority areas, particularly in Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine States, the Burmese military continues to commit serious abuses. These include forcible recruitment, killings, rape, torture, arbitrary arrests, forced labor, and landmine use. Ethnic armed groups are also responsible for serious abuses. Under the constitution, the military retains extensive powers over foreign policy, national security, and policing, threatening the country's nascent democratic institutions and the rights of minority populations. We urge the government to implement the High Commissioner's recommendations, and the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar to address these in her report on reform benchmarks. In Sri Lanka, the government has taken important steps to address the serious human rights problems in the country, including by supporting the Council's October 2015 resolution. Among these actions is a draft bill to create an Office of Missing Persons (OMP) with strong powers to investigate the thousands of enforced disappearances from nearly three decades of armed conflict. The enacted law should ensure that the OMP's findings are automatically transferred to prosecutorial bodies. Several of the government's key commitments to this Council remain unfulfilled. The government has yet to repeal, as pledged, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and replace it with legislation meeting international human rights standards. All those still held under the PTA should be released if not appropriately charged. Since October, the government has at times backtracked on its commitment on the judicial mechanism for investigating war crimes and other serious rights abuses by both sides. The October 2015 resolution specifically calls for the participation of foreign judges, prosecutors, investigators, and defense lawyers, which is crucial to ensure that legal proceedings are protected from local pressures and have the independence that a purely domestic process would lack. However, President Sirisena has repeatedly stated, most recently on May 27, that the justice mechanism will not have foreign judges. This gap between the government's formal undertaking in the resolution and public statements by senior officials is an unnecessary distraction from making real progress on the pledged justice mechanism with international involvement. The foreign minister's statement here that "our commitment to the Geneva resolution remains unchanged" and other government remarks that any justice mechanism would go forward only with the consent of victims' groups-which back foreign participation-indicate the government intends to honor its pledges. We urge the Council, consistent with the High Commissioner's call for "sustaining its close engagement," to work with Sri Lanka until all resolution commitments are fully met. Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Jordan: 70,000 Syrians Trapped at Border Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Jordan: 70,000 Syrians Trapped at Border, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5776682e4.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. Jordan should immediately allow humanitarian agencies to resume life-saving aid deliveries to 70,000 Syrians stuck in appalling conditions at its northeastern border. The authorities should also resume procedures allowing Syrians to leave the border area for refugee screening in Jordan. Jordan suspended almost all aid to the 70,000 people, mostly children and women, on June 21, 2016. The action followed an attack by the extremist armed group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, on a nearby border post that killed seven Jordanian soldiers and wounded 13. "Jordan should not be punishing Syrian children, women, and men fleeing the same atrocities that killed Jordanian soldiers," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher and advocate at Human Rights Watch. "Other countries should do all they can to help Jordan keep its border open to those in need." Jordan hosts 655,000 Syrian refugees. But since July 2014, the authorities have trapped tens of thousands of other Syrian asylum seekers for months at a time in a barren desert area just north of a raised sand barrier, or "berm." The barrier marks the limit of a demilitarized zone inside Jordan, several hundred meters south of the Syrian-Jordanian border. Jordan had allowed aid agencies to provide limited food, water, and medical aid to the increasing numbers stuck in the area, while they await transfer to refugee screening centers. Aid agencies told Human Rights Watch that since the June 21 attack, Jordan has allowed no one to leave the berm area to enter Jordan, including at least 15 people injured in fighting in Syria. On June 21, Mohammed al-Momeni, the Jordanian government spokesman, told a local newspaper that Jordan would "close that [border] crossing and consider the area a closed military zone." He also said that Jordan would not expand existing refugee camps, implying that no one would be allowed to leave the berm area and move to Jordan's Azraq refugee camp. Since the attack, the United Nation's World Food Program, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have reported that Jordan has stopped all food and medical aid deliveries, and almost all water deliveries to the 70,000 people aid agencies say are living in tents near the berm, half of whom are children. People stuck at the berm rely on food and medical assistance for survival. MSF said that between May 16 and June 20, it had treated 3,501 people living at the berm with a range of medical needs, including people with skin diseases, over 200 children suffering from malnutrition and diarrhea, and 450 pregnancy-related cases. In December 2015, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that Jordan was putting the lives of refugees at risk by trapping them at the berm, including "women giv[ing] birth in unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, [people with] respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, skin disease diarrhea, vomiting and acute malnutrition." According to media reports, al-Momeni said that helping those trapped at Jordan's closed border is "an international problem and not the responsibility of Jordan." Until June 21, 2016, aid agencies say Jordan was allowing some Syrians to enter Jordan for refugee screening. In March 2016, the Jordanian authorities said they would increase the rate to about 500 a day. By the end of June, the UN had confirmed that 21,300 Syrians had registered in the Azraq refugee camp, where they have been held in restricted areas designed to facilitate security screening. As of June 1, UNHCR had registered 655,000 Syrians in Jordan. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly called for other countries to increase their assistance to Jordan and to resettle greater numbers of the Syrian refugees living in Jordan. International donors should also step up assistance to Jordan and aid agencies working on the Syria crisis, including through long-term development funding. The UNHCR Jordan office, which coordinates the refugee response, has raised only 29 percent of its US$1.1 billion budget goal for 2016. "Countries expressing concern for the plight of Syrian refugees need to put their money where their mouth is, but Jordan should not use this as an excuse to put the lives of tens of thousands of Syrians stuck at its border at risk," Simpson said. Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Russia: Government against Rights Groups Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Russia: Government against Rights Groups, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577668a54.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. Since June 5, 2014, the Ministry of Justice has designated 134 groups as "foreign agents". By June 29, 2016, at least 21 groups have shut down. Also, the Ministry has removed its "foreign agent" tag from 11 groups, acknowledging that they had stopped accepting foreign funding. Accordingly, on June 29, 2016, the official list of active "foreign agents" comprised 102 groups. (Moscow) - In 2012 Russia's parliament adopted a law that required nongovernmental organizations (NGO)s to register as "foreign agents" with the Ministry of Justice if they engage in "political activity" and receive foreign funding. The definition of "political activity" under the law is so broad and vague that it can extend to all aspects of advocacy and human rights work. Initially, the law required all respective NGOs to request the Ministry to have them registered and implied legal consequences for failure to do so. Because in Russia "foreign agent" can be interpreted only as "spy" or "traitor," there is little doubt that the law aims to demonize and marginalize independent advocacy groups. Russia's vibrant human rights groups resolutely boycotted the law, calling it "unjust" and "slanderous." In early March 2013 the Russian government launched a nationwide campaign of intrusive inspections of hundreds of NGOs to identify advocacy groups the government deems "foreign agents" and force them to register as such. Since the law entered into force, numerous rights groups challenged the prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Justice in courts; most lost their cases. As a result, by February 2015 at least 13 groups chose to shut down rather than wear the shameful "foreign agent" label, including Association of NGOs in Defense of Voters' Rights "Golos", JURIX (Lawyers for Constitutional Rights and Freedoms), the Moscow School of Civic Education (Moscow), Kostroma Center for Civic Initiatives Support, Anti-Discrimination Center (ADC) Memorial, Side by Side LGBT Film Festival, Coming Out, "Freedom of Information" Foundation, the League of Women Voters and Human Rights Resource Center (Saint-Petersburg), Center for Social Policy and Gender Studies and Association "Partnership for Development" (Saratov), Interregional Non-Governmental Organization "The Committee Against Torture" (Nizhniy Novgorod). In August 2013, Russia's then-federal ombudsman Vladimir Lukin, acting on behalf of four organizations and their leaders who were affected by the law, challenged the law in Russia's Constitutional Court. On April 8, 2014 Russia's Constitutional Court upheld the law, ruling that there were no legal or constitutional grounds for contending that the term "foreign agent" had negative connotations from the Soviet era and that, therefore, its use was "not intended to persecute or discredit" NGOs. The Constitutional Court also found that the "foreign agent" designation was in line with the public interest and the interest of state sovereignty. On May 23, 2014 parliament amended the "foreign agents" law, this time authorizing the Ministry of Justice to register independent groups as "foreign agents" without their consent, if the ministry regards the organizations as engaged in "political activity" and if the organization is receiving foreign funding. On June 4, 2014 the amendments were signed into law. On June 5, 2014 the Ministry of Justice promptly registered five groups as "foreign agents," and since then has registered a total of 130, including prominent civil society groups that vigorously protested this action. I. By June 2, 2016 the registry of "foreign agents" maintained by the Ministry of Justice included the following groups: Association of NGOs in Defense of Voters' Rights "Golos" (Moscow) - June 5, 2014 Regional Public Association in Defense of Democratic Rights and Freedoms "Golos" (Moscow) - June 5, 2014 Center for Social Policy and Gender Studies (Saratov) - June 5, 2014 (the organization was shut down - May 22, 2015) Women of Don (Rostov region) - June 5, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - February 29, 2016) Kostroma Center for Support of Public Initiatives (Kostroma) - June 5, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - June 19, 2015) Interregional Human Rights Association "Agora" (Kazan) - July 21, 2014 Regional public organization "Ecozaschita! - Womens' Council" (Kaliningrad) - July 21, 2014 Public Verdict Foundation (Moscow) - July 21, 2014 Human Rights Center "Memorial" (Moscow) - July 21, 2014 Lawyers for Constitutional Rights and Freedoms / JURIX (Moscow) - July 21, 2014 (the organization was shut down - May 26, 2015) Soldiers' Mothers (Saint Petersburg) - August 28, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - October 23, 2015) Freedom of Information Foundation / Institute for Information Freedom Development - August 28, 2014 PIR Center - September 3, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - February 24, 2016) Association "Partnership for Development" (Saratov) - October 2, 2014 (the organization was shut down - November 6, 2015) "News Agency MEMO.RU" (Moscow) - November 20, 2014 Regional Press Institute (St. Petersburg) - November 20, 2014 Moscow School of Civic Education - December 9, 2014 Rakurs, Arkhangelsk regional non-governmental LGBT organization - December 15, 2014 All-Russian movement "For Human Rights" - December 22, 2014 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - December 30, 2015) Human Rights Center (Kaliningrad) - December 25, 2014 Krasnodar Regional Social Organization of University Alumni - December 25, 2014 Regional social organization "Public Commission for Academic Sakharov's Heritage Preservation" - December 25, 2014 Resource Human Rights Center (St. Petersburg) - December 30, 2014 (the organization was shut down - November 3, 2015) Regional Public Organization "Man and the Law" (Republic of Mari El) - December 30, 2014 Center for Social Development "Vozrozhdeniye" (Pskov) - December 30, 2014 Public Human Rights Organization "Civil Control" (St. Petersburg) - December 30, 2014 The League of Women Voters (St. Petersburg) - December 30, 2014 (the organization was shut down - May 22, 2015) Free Press Support Foundation - December 30, 2014 Interregional Non-Governmental Organization "The Committee Against Torture" - January 16, 2015 Educational Center "Memorial" (Sverdlov region) - January 16, 2015 Autonomous non-profit human rights organization "Youth Center for Consulting and Training" - January 20, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - July 22, 2015) "Information Bureau of the Nordic Council of Ministers in St. Petersburg" - January 20, 2015 Jewish regional branch of the Russian public organization "Municipal Academy"- January 26, 2015 (the organization was shut down - May 22, 2015) The noncommercial partnership "Press Development Institute - Siberia" - January 30, 2015 Center for social, psychological and legal help to victims of discrimination and homophobia "Maximum" (Murmansk) - February 4, 2015 (the organization was shut down - October 28, 2015) Interregional public fund for civil society development "Golos-Povolzhye" (Samara) - February 6, 2015 Interregional charity organization "Siberian Environmental Center" (Novosibirsk) - February 12, 2015 Center for Civic Analysis and Independent Research / GRANI (Perm) - February 13, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - June 19, 2015) Municipal public organization "Samara Center for Gender Studies" (Samara) - February 16, 2015 Regional Fund "Center for Defense of Mass Media Rights" (Voronezh) - February 26, 2015 Regional Charitable Social Foundation "For nature" (Chelyabinsk) - March 6, 2015 Regional Ecological Social Movement "For nature" (Chelyabinsk) - March 6, 2015 Humanist Youth Movement (Murmansk) - March 13, 2015 (the organization was shut down - August 25, 2015) Regional Social Organization for Contribution to Harmonization of Interethnic Relations "Azerbaijan" - March 13, 2015 Regional Social Environmental Organization "Bellona-Murmansk" - March 19, 2015 (the organization was shut down - October 16, 2015) "Educational Center for Environment and Security" (Samara) - March 20, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - October 8, 2015) Foundation "Migration XXI Century" - March 27, 2015 Eco-logika (Rostov) - April 3, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - March 30, 2016) Transparency International Russia - April 7, 2015 Social Environmental Organization "Planeta Nadezhd" - April 15, 2015 Foundation for Consumers' Rights Defense (Novosibirsk) - April 17, 2015 (the organization was shut down - May 12, 2016) Civil Assistance Committee - April 20, 2015 Foundation 19/29 - Foundation for Support of Investigative Journalism - April 24, 2015 Commemorative Centre of History of Political Repressions "Perm - 36" - April 29, 2015 Women's League (Kaliningrad ) - April 29, 2015 (the organization was shut down - December 16, 2015) Legal Expert Partnership "Soyuz " - May 7, 2015 (the organization was shut down - 25 August 2015) Center for Development of Non-Commerical Organizations - May 13, 2015 Club of Accountants and Auditors of Non-Commercial Organizations - May 13, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - March 30, 2016) Informational Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Northern Countries (Kaliningrad) - May 13, 2015 Sutyajnik (Yekaterinburg) - May 15, 2015 Human Rights Academy (Yekaterinburg) - May 15, 2015 Ecological Center "Dront" (Nizhny Novgorod) - May 22, 2015 The non-profit organization "Liberal Mission" Scientific Foundation of Theoretical and Applied Research - May 25, 2015 ("foreign agent" status was suspended - September 11, 2015) The non-profit Dynasty Foundation - May 25, 2015 Union of Employers (Tula region) - May 28, 2015 Youth organization "Nuori Karjala/Young Karelia" - June 19, 2015 (the organization was shut down - March 25, 2016) Siberian Center for Support of Social Initiatives - June 19, 2015 Interregional Social Foundation for Peace in the South and in the Northern Caucasus - June 19, 2015 Informational Center "Free Inform" - June 22, 2015 (the organization was shut down - June 21, 2016) Center for Independent Sociological Studies (St. Petersburg) - June 22, 2015 Regional Organization for Population and Development - June 23, 2015 Geblerov Ecological Societ (Barnaul) - June 23, 2015 Association "Legal Basis" (Yekaterinburg) - July 3, 2015 Interregional Non-governmental Organization "Northern Environmental Coalition" (Petrozavodsk) - July 8, 2015 (the organization was shut down - December 1, 2015) Komi Human Rights Commission "Memorial" (Syktyvkar) - July 21, 2015 Altai Regional Public Fund for 21st Century Altai (Barnaul) - July 22, 2015 (the organization was shut down - March 28, 2016) Interregional Public Foundation for Civil Society Development "GOLOS-Ural" (Chelyabinsk region) - July 22, 2015 SREDA Foundation - July 28, 2015 Non-governmental environmental organization "Green World" (Nizhny Novgorod) - July 29, 2015 Civic Action Foundation (Perm) - August 5, 2015 Alliance of Funds of Local Communities of the Perm territory - August 11, 2015 Kabardino-Balkaria Human Rights Center - regional branch of the "For Human Rights" All-Russian movement (Nalchik) - August 18, 2015 (the organization was shut down - November 6, 2015) The Human Rights Center of the Chechen Republic (Grozny) - August 21, 2015 Interregional Social Ecological Foundation "ISAR-Siberia" (Novosibirsk) - August 26, 2015 Perm Regional Human Rights Center (Perm) - September 3, 2015 Siberia's lifeline (Novosibirsk) - September 3, 2015 Golos Foundation in Support of Democracy - September 4, 2015 (the organization was shut down - June 21, 2016) Jewish Cultural Center "Hesed-Teshuva" (Ryazan) - September 4, 2015 Sakhalin Environment Watch (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) - September 18, 2015 Yasavey Manzara Information and Research Center (Naryan-Mar) - September 23, 2015 (the organization was shut down - June 15, 2016) Consumer Rights and Environment Protection Association "Princip" (Moscow region) - October 5, 2015 Far East Center for the Development of Civil Initiatives and Social Partnership (Vladivostok)- October 13, 2015 Russian Research Center for Human Rights - October 20, 2015 Women of the Don (Rostov region) - October 27, 2015 Friends of the Siberian Forests (Krasnoyarsk) - October 28, 2015 Photography Club "Sobytiye" (Omsk) - October 28, 2015 (the organization was shut down - December 16, 2015) Research and Information Center "Memorial" (St. Petersburg) - November 6, 2015 Baikal Environmental Wave (Irkutsk) - November 10, 2015 Glasnost Defense Foundation - November 19, 2015 Human Rights Institute - November 20, 2015 Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North - November 27, 2015 Green World (Leningrad region) - December 2, 2015 Mashr (Republic of Ingushetia) - December 8, 2015 Woman's World (Kaliningrad) - December 11, 2015 Panorama Information and Research Center (Moscow) - December 18, 2015 Dauria Ecological Center (Chita) - December 30, 2015 Yekaterinburg Memorial Society (Yekaterinburg) - December 30, 2015 Bureau of Public Investigations (Nizhny Novgorod) - January 14, 2016 Committee for the Prevention of Torture (Orenburg) - January 14, 2016 Institute of Forecasting and Resolving of Political Conflicts (Nizhny Novgorod) - January 22, 2016 Ryazan Historical, Educational and Human Rights Center "Memorial" (Ryazan) - February 1, 2016 Society of Assistance to Social Protection of Citizens "Peterburgskaya EGIDA" (Saint Petersburg) - February 2, 2016 (the organization was shut down - April 26, 2016) Center for Health and Social Support "SIBALT" (Omsk) - February 15, 2016 Chelyabinsk Regional Organ of Public Independent Action "Ural Human Rights Group" (Chelyabinsk) - February 15, 2016 Women of Eurasia (Chelyabinsk) - February 15, 2016 Ural Democratic Foundation (Chelyabinsk) - February 15, 2016 Legal and Social Support Charitable Foundation "Sphere" (Saint Petersburg) - March 1, 2016 Centre for Civic Education and Human Rights (Perm) - March 3, 2016 The International Development Fund for Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation "Batani" (Moscow) - March 11, 2016 Center for Social and Labor Rights (Moscow) - March 21, 2016 Arkhar (Gorno-Altaysk) - April 5, 2016 Publishing House "Valentin Manuylov" - April 15, 2016 Tengri School of Soul ecology (Altay) - May 17, 2016 Hanse Buero / Information Bureau of Schleswig-Holstein in Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad) - May 24, 2016 Krasnoyarsk Regional Public Organization Agency of public initiatives (Krasnoyarsk) - May 27, 2016 Saratov Regional Public Organization "Socium" (Engels) - May 30, 2016 Perm regional non-governmental organization "Perm Civil Chamber" (Perm) - June 9, 2016 Regional non-governmental organization Integration center "Migration and Law" (Moscow) - June 16, 2016 Non-Profit Partnership "ESVERO" (Moscow) - June 22, 2016 Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice (Moscow) - June 29, 2016 And the four NGOs which registered voluntarily: Non-commercial Partnership "Supporting Competition in the CIS Countries" - June 27, 2013 "The Union of Young Political Scientists", Karachay-Cherkess Republican Youth Social Organization - December 15, 2014 Regional Social Movement "Novgorod Women's Parliament" (Veliky Novgorod) - March 6, 2015 Center of Independent Researchers of the Altai Republic - June 10, 2015 II. Administrative Court Cases - at least 58 NGOs Groups that a court has found responsible for failing to register as a "foreign agent" may be fined up to 500,000 rubles (over US$16,000), and their leaders personally - up to 300,000 rubles (approximately $10,000). They are: Association of NGOs in Defense of Voters' Rights "Golos" (Moscow) - NGO lost the suit Kostroma Center for Support of Public Initiatives (Kostroma) - NGO lost the suit Anti-Discrimination Center "Memorial" (St. Petersburg) - NGO won two administrative cases, but later lost a similar civil suit to the prosecutor's office and chose to shut down Coming Out (St. Petersburg) - NGO won the administrative case but later lost a similar civil suit to the prosecutor's office Side by Side LGBT Film Festival (St. Petersburg) - NGO won the suit Regional Public Association in Defense of Democratic Rights and Freedoms "Golos" (Moscow) - NGO lost the suit Center for Civic Analysis and Independent Research / GRANI (Perm) - NGO won the suit Perm Civic Chamber (Perm) - NGO won the suit Perm Regional Human Rights Center (Perm) - NGO won the suit Women of Don (Rostov region) - NGO lost the suit Ecozachita! - Zhensovet (Kaliningrad) - NGO lost the suit Association "Partnership for Development" (Saratov) - NGO lost the suit News Agency "MEMO.RU" (Moscow) - NGO lost the suit Regional Press Institute (St. Petersburg) - NGO lost the suit Moscow School of Civic Education - NGO lost the suit All-Russian movement "For Human Rights" - NGO lost the suit Regional Public Organization "Man and the Law" (Republic of Mari El) - NGO lost the suit Human Rights Center (Kaliningrad) - NGO won the suit Krasnodar Regional Social Organization of University Alumni - the proceedings was discontinued Regional social organization "Public Commission for Academic Sakharov's Heritage Preservation" - NGO lost the suit Autonomous non-profit human rights organization "Youth Center for Consulting and Training" (Volgograd) - NGO lost the suit Rakurs, Arkhangelsk regional non-governmental LGBT organization - NGO lost the suit Center for social, psychological and legal help to victims of discrimination and homophobia "Maximum" (Murmansk) - NGO lost the suit Educational Center "Memorial" (Sverdlov region) - NGO lost the suit, court of appeal decreased the amount of fine Interregional public fund for civil society development "Golos-Povolzhye" (Samara) - NGO lost the suit Citizens' Watch (St. Petersburg) - NGO lost the suit The noncommercial partnership "Press Development Institute - Siberia" - NGO won the suit Regional Fund "Center for Defense of Mass Media Rights" - NGO lost the suit Regional Social Organization for Contribution to Harmonization of Interethnic Relations "Azerbaijan" - NGO lost the suit Regional Charitable Social Foundation "For nature" (Chelyabinsk) - NGO lost the suit Regional Ecological Social Movement "For nature" (Chelyabinsk) - NGO won the suit Eco-logika (Rostov) - NGO lost the suit Regional Social Environmental Organization "Bellona-Murmansk" - NGO lost the suit Foundation "Migration XXI Century" - NGO lost the suit Interregional charity organization "Siberian Environmental Center" (Novosibirsk) - NGO lost the suit, court of appeal decreased the amount of fine The non-profit organization "Liberal Mission" Scientific Foundation of Theoretical and Applied Research - NGO lost the suit Center for Development of Non-Commerical Organizations - NGO lost the suit The non-profit Dynasty Foundation - NGO lost the suit Foundation 19/29 - Foundation for Support of Investigative Journalism - NGO lost the suit Association "Legal Basis" (Yekaterinburg) - NGO lost the suit Ecological Center "Dront" (Nizhny Novgorod) - NGO lost the suit Regional Organization for Population and Development - NGO lost the suit Center for Independent Sociological Studies (St. Petersburg) - NGO lost the suit Human Rights Center "Memorial" - NGO lost the suit Transparency International Russia - NGO lost the suit Interregional Non-Governmental Organization "Committee Against Torture" - NGO lost the suit Geblerov Ecological Societ (Barnaul) - NGO won the suit Civic Action Foundation (Perm) - NGO lost the suit Interregional Social Ecological Foundation "ISAR-Siberia" (Novosibirsk) - NGO lost the suit Sakhalin Environment Watch (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) - NGO lost the suit and is appealing the ruling Club of Accountants and Auditors of Non-Commercial Organizations - NGO lost the suit Women's League (Kaliningrad) - NGO won the suit Russian Research Center for Human Rights - NGO lost the suit Interregional Public Foundation for Civil Society Development "GOLOS-Ural" (Chelyabinsk region) - NGO lost the suit Human Rights Institute - NGO lost the suit Interregional Human Rights Association "Agora" - NGO lost the suit Glasnost Defense Foundation - suit pending Baikal Environmental Wave (Irkutsk) - suit pending III. The leaders of at least 8 NGOs faced administrative charges personally: Anti-Discrimination Center "Memorial" (St. Petersburg) - NGO won the suit but the organization chose two shut down when it lost a "foreign agent" civil suit to the prosecutor's office Side by Side LGBT Film Festival (St. Petersburg) - NGO won the suit Coming Out (St. Petersburg) - NGO won the suit Association "Partnership for Development" - NGO lost the suit Kostroma Center for Support of Public Initiatives (Kostroma) - NGO lost the suit Association of NGOs in Defense of Voters' Rights "Golos" (Moscow) - NGO won the suit Autonomous non-profit human rights organization "Youth Center for Consulting and Training" (Volgograd) - NGO lost the suit Baikal Environmental Wave (Irkutsk) - suit pending Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch UN Makes History on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 July 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, UN Makes History on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577669014.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. The United Nations Human Rights Council, in a defining vote, adopted a resolution on June 30, 2016, on "Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity," to mandate the appointment of an independent expert on the subject. It is a historic victory for the human rights of anyone at risk of discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, a coalition of human rights groups said today. This resolution builds upon two previous resolutions, adopted by the Council in 2011 and 2014. The Core Group of seven Latin American countries - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay - and 41 additional countries jointly presented the text. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 23 in favor, 18 against and six abstentions. "This is truly momentous," said Micah Grzywnowicz, of the Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights (RFSL). "This is our opportunity to bring international attention to specific violations and challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming persons in all regions. It's time for the international community to take responsibility to ensure that persons at risk of violence and discrimination because of gender identity are not left behind." "It's a historic resolution," said Josefina Valencia, of the International LGBTI Association for Latin America and the Caribbean, ILGA LAC. "Latin America has played a very important role to build a common course for the advancement of our human rights. We are proud of the international solidarity and the commitment shown by States for equality." The positive vote responds to a joint campaign of a record 628 nongovernmental organizations from 151 countries calling on the Human Rights Council to adopt the resolution and create the independent expert. "It is important to note that around 70 percent of the organizations are from the global south," said Yahia Zaidi of MantiQitna Network. "This is a powerful cross-regional message of strength to the UN to protect the rights of LGBTI persons. The independent expert will be a focal point for all violations based on SOGI and hence help grassroots organizations to better utilize the otherwise complex labyrinth of the UN system." The expert will be tasked with assessing implementation of existing international human rights law, identifying best practices and gaps, raising awareness of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, engaging in dialogue and consultation with states and other stakeholders, and facilitating provision of advisory services, technical assistance, capacity-building, and cooperation to help address violence and discrimination on these grounds. "To have an independent expert can be a 'game-changer' in counteracting violence which fuels the HIV epidemic in key populations and more specifically in LGBT communities," said Alain Kra of Espace Confiance. "It will ease the work of all human rights defenders and it is essential for our governments and people to have the knowledge on how to protect LGBT communities from any violence and discrimination they face," added Joleen Mataele of the Tonga Leiti's Association. Although a number of hostile amendments seeking to introduce notions of cultural relativism were adopted into the text by vote, the core of the resolution affirming the universal nature of international human rights law stood firm. "Today, the UN took a historic step forward," said John Fisher, Geneva director at Human Rights Watch. "By creating a UN expert, the Human Rights Council has given official voice to those facing violations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity the world over. There can be no turning back, and we look forward to working with civil society colleagues and the new UN expert toward a world free from violence and discrimination for all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity." Results of the vote Voting in favor of the resolution Albania, Belgium, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Macedonia, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam Voting against the resolution Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Togo, United Arab Emirates Abstaining on the resolution Botswana, Ghana, India, Namibia, Philippines, South Africa Supporting organizations Access Chapter AIDES France Amnesty International ARC International Closet de Sor Juana AC Egale Canada Human Rights Trust Espacio de Mujeres Lesbianas Salvadorenas por la Diversidad (ESMULES) Federatie van Nederlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie van Homoseksualiteit - COC Nederland Foundation for SOGI Rights and Justice (FORSOGI) FRI, the Norwegian Organisation for Sexual and Gender Diversity GALANG Philippines Human Rights Law Centre Human Rights Watch Iranti-org International Commission of Jurists ILGA LAC, Asociacion Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersexuales para America Latina y el Caribe International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) LGBT Denmark - the National Organization for Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered People MantiQitna Network OutRight Action International Pacific Sexual Diversity Network Pan Africa ILGA Proyecto Arcoiris, colectivo anticapitalista e independiente Samoa Faafafine Association Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights (RFSL) TLF Share Collective - Philippines Tonga Leitis Association Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Kenya: Rights Lawyer, Client, Driver Missing Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 June 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Kenya: Rights Lawyer, Client, Driver Missing, 30 June 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577669884.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. Kenyan police should urgently locate a human rights lawyer, his client, and their driver who have been missing since June 23, 2016. There is credible evidence the men were, at some point, in the custody of Kenya's Administration Police and may be victims of an enforced disappearance. The lawyer, Willie Kimani, his client, Josphat Mwenda, and their taxi driver, Joseph Muiruri, were last seen returning from a traffic court hearing at Mavoko Law Courts, Machakos county, on June 23. Kenyan and international human rights organizations have stated that the three were abducted and that they may have been held at Syokimau Administration Police Camp. "The three men have been missing for over a week," said Otsieno Namwaya, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch." The police inspector general should be ordering his officers to urgently find out where the men are and ensure their safety and well-being." Any police officers involved in the men's disappearance should be held to account for what would be a very serious crime. Kenyan lawyers held a protest on June 30 and petitioned the police inspector general for information regarding the men's whereabouts. Human Rights Watch understands that officers from the police unit known as the Flying Squad, along with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, are investigating. But after eight days, there is still no clarity as to the men's whereabouts. Should police officers, or other government agents, be involved with or implicated in depriving the men of their liberty and concealing information about their whereabouts, their actions would constitute an enforced disappearance, a serious violation of human rights for which there is no justification. Kimani, a lawyer working with the International Justice Mission (IJM), has been representing Mwenda in his legal problems stemming from an April 10, 2015 incident in which an Administration Police officer from Syokimau Administration Police Camp shot him during a traffic stop. An IJM official, Wamaitha Kimani, told Human Rights Watch that Mwenda received medical treatment for his injuries but was then taken into custody at Mlolongo Police station, in Machakos county. Mwenda was charged with "being in possession of narcotic drugs," "gambling in a public place," and "resisting arrest." IJM believes that the officers fabricated the charges in an attempt to justify the shooting. "What surprised us is that four other officers who were not at the scene recorded statements to support the charges," Wamaitha Kimani said. "That is why IJM decided to defend Mwenda." Mwenda later filed a complaint over the shooting with Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a civilian police accountability institution, against a senior Administration Police officer in Machakos county. Police later charged Mwenda with six traffic offenses, including riding a motorcycle without a helmet, on December 13. On February 16, Wamaitha Kimani said, two men claiming to be officers from the police's Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested Mwenda again, alleging that he was a suspect in a violent robbery. Willie Kimani represented Mwenda and insisted on being present during any interrogations. Wamaitha Kimani told Human Rights Watch that these charges appeared to be an effort to intimidate Mwenda and compel him to withdraw his complaint against the police. Willie Kimani had previously worked with Release Political Prisoners, a Kenyan pressure group now known as Rights Promotion and Protection Centre (RPP), Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU), and IPOA. "Police should not hesitate to interrogate and arrest their own officers when there is cause," said Namwaya. "This case stands as a clear threat to the legal profession and all those who push for police accountability in Kenya." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Pakistan: Renewed Threats to Afghan Refugees Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 July 2016 Related Document(s) "What Are You Doing Here?" - Police Abuses Against Afghans in Pakistan Cite as Human Rights Watch, Pakistan: Renewed Threats to Afghan Refugees, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577669c94.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. The Pakistani government should reduce rights violations against Afghan refugees by extending their legal residency status until at least December 31, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. On June 29, 2016, the government extended registered Afghan refugees' Proof of Residency (PoR) cards for six months, until the end of 2016. The uncertain residency status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has encouraged police harassment, threats, and extortion, particularly since the deadly December 2014 attack on a Peshawar school by the Pakistani Taliban. Recent statements by senior Pakistani officials have raised concerns of new government actions to restrict the rights of Afghan refugees in the country. "The Pakistani government's move to extend Afghan refugees' residency until the end of 2016 sends an important signal to police and local officials not to harass or coerce Afghan refugees to leave," said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director. "But an extension to the end of 2017 would allow more time for the situation in Afghanistan to stabilize so that it would be more feasible for them to return in safety and dignity." The temporary extension of the PoR cards, which officially recognize their holders' status as "Afghan citizen[s] temporarily residing in Pakistan," provides relief to the country's 1.5 million registered Afghan refugees whose cards were to expire on June 30. However, the six-month extension falls far short of the December 31, 2017 date recommended by the federal Ministry for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON). The extension also fails to address the insecurity among refugees over the duration of that status and uncertainty regarding protection if the government ends their status. Implicit and explicit threats by Pakistani officials over the past year have exacerbated the Afghans' insecurity. On May 24, 2016, Balochistan's provincial home minister, Sarfraz Khan Bugti, said, "Either the Afghan refugees can return voluntarily, with respect and dignity, or the people of Balochistan can humiliate them and throw them out of the country." On June 27, Pakistan's minister for SAFRON, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch, announced that Pakistan would undertake a "new tougher policy" toward Afghan refugees. Baloch justified the policy as a response to recent tensions with Afghanistan including deadly clashes in June between Afghan and Pakistani troops at the Torkham border-crossing. Baloch said that the purpose of the new policy was to repatriate Afghan refugees "with respect," without elaborating. Police in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province announced on June 28 the arrests of more than 2,000 Afghan "illegal settlers." Afghan refugees in that province, which shares a long border with Afghanistan and hosts the majority of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, also face major restrictions on their right to freedom of movement. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government spokesman, Mushtaq Ghani, warned that beginning July 1, "All Afghan refugees will be restricted to their camps and will not be allowed to move freely in the province." Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police reported on June 29 that they had arrested at least 500 registered Afghan refugees and forcibly deported them on the grounds that they were a perceived "security risk." On June 30, SAFRON Minister Baloch expressed support for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's aversion toward Afghan refugees, accusing them of "hurting the economy and culture of the province beside their involvement in crimes." "Statements by Pakistani officials against Afghan refugees not only heighten the fears of refugee families, but also could encourage abusive actions by law enforcement officers," Kine said. Pakistan is host to 1.5 million PoR card holders, the world's second-largest protracted refugee population in a single country under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) mandate. In addition, according to Pakistani government estimates, one million undocumented Afghans are living in Pakistan. Those populations include many who fled conflict and repression in Afghanistan during the late 1970s and early 1980s, as well as their descendants. Some arrived as children, grew up in Pakistan, married, and had children of their own who have never lived in Afghanistan. Others have arrived in the decades of turmoil in Afghanistan since, seeking security, employment, and a higher standard of living. Afghans in Pakistan have experienced a sharp increase in hostility since the so-called Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, killing 145 people, including 132 children. The Pakistani government responded to the attack with repressive measures, including the introduction of military courts to prosecute terrorism suspects, executions after the lifting of an unofficial moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and proposals to register and repatriate Afghans living in Pakistan. On June 23, 2015, SAFRON Minister Baloch announced that there would be no official reprisals against the country's Afghan population in response to the Peshawar attack. Despite that promise, Pakistani police have pursued an unofficial policy of punitive retribution against Afghans that has included raids on Afghan settlements; detention, harassment, and physical violence against Afghans; extortion; and the demolition of Afghan homes. Such police abuses have prompted fearful Afghans to restrict their movements, leading to economic hardship and curtailing access to education and employment. This oppressive situation has also prompted large numbers of Afghans to return to Afghanistan, where they have faced a widening conflict and continuing insecurity. Deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan prompted more than 178,000 Afghans to register first-time asylum claims in the European Union in 2015. The return of Afghans uprooted by police abuses in Pakistan, where many have lived for decades, may add to the numbers of those seeking refuge in Europe as conditions in Afghanistan deteriorate. "Pakistan's government should protect Afghan refugees from vindictive reprisals linked to cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan," Kine said. "The government can take a concrete step toward ensuring their protection by extending residency cards until the end of 2017 and developing a long-term, rights-respecting solution for the Afghan refugees." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Thousands of people, including members of the Royal Family, are at a ceremony in France to mark the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are at the Thiepval Memorial for the event. It follows a nationwide two-minute silence at 07:28 BST that marked when the battle began on 1 July 1916. More than a million men were killed and wounded on all sides in the WWI battle. The Battle of the Somme, one of World War One's bloodiest, was fought in northern France and lasted five months, with the British suffering almost 60,000 casualties on the first day alone. The British and French armies fought the Germans in a brutal battle of attrition on a 15-mile front. At a vigil in France on Thursday, the Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, saying "we lost the flower of a generation". Battle of the Somme: Royals at Somme centenary commemoration In France By Robert Hall, BBC News correspondent Across the rolling Somme landscape, the whistles shrilled again; a century ago they sent tens of thousands out of their trenches, and across No Man's Land. Today they were sounded on the lip of the Lochnagar crater, 300ft wide and 70 deep, the result of a British attempt to breach German defences. Sixty thousand pounds of explosive sent debris 4,000ft into the air; no-one knows how many were killed. At the cross of remembrance, a carpet of wreaths was laid, by representatives from Britain, France and Germany, along with families and local children. In the base of the crater, beside a giant poppy, a lone bugler sounded the last post as clouds of poppies fluttered down on the breeze. By Robert Hall, BBC News correspondentAcross the rolling Somme landscape, the whistles shrilled again; a century ago they sent tens of thousands out of their trenches, and across No Man's Land.Today they were sounded on the lip of the Lochnagar crater, 300ft wide and 70 deep, the result of a British attempt to breach German defences.Sixty thousand pounds of explosive sent debris 4,000ft into the air; no-one knows how many were killed.At the cross of remembrance, a carpet of wreaths was laid, by representatives from Britain, France and Germany, along with families and local children.In the base of the crater, beside a giant poppy, a lone bugler sounded the last post as clouds of poppies fluttered down on the breeze. The Battle of the Somme Began on 1 July 1916 and was fought along a 15-mile front near the River Somme in northern France 19,240 British soldiers died on the first day - the bloodiest day in the history of the British army The British captured just three square miles of territory on the first day At the end of hostilities, five months later, the British had advanced just seven miles and failed to break the German defence In total, there were more than a million dead and wounded on all sides, including 420,000 British, about 200,000 from France and an estimated 465,000 from Germany Battle of the Somme: Royals at Somme centenary commemoration - BBC News Began on 1 July 1916 and was fought along a 15-mile front near the River Somme in northern France19,240 British soldiers died on the first day - the bloodiest day in the history of the British armyThe British captured just three square miles of territory on the first dayAt the end of hostilities, five months later, the British had advanced just seven miles and failed to break the German defenceIn total, there were more than a million dead and wounded on all sides, including 420,000 British, about 200,000 from France and an estimated 465,000 from Germany BBC News1 July 2016Thousands of people, including members of the Royal Family, are at a ceremony in France to mark the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are at the Thiepval Memorial for the event.It follows a nationwide two-minute silence at 07:28 BST that marked when the battle began on 1 July 1916.More than a million men were killed and wounded on all sides in the WWI battle.The Battle of the Somme, one of World War One's bloodiest, was fought in northern France and lasted five months, with the British suffering almost 60,000 casualties on the first day alone.The British and French armies fought the Germans in a brutal battle of attrition on a 15-mile front.At a vigil in France on Thursday, the Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, saying "we lost the flower of a generation".At an early-morning ceremony at the Lochnagar crater, which was created by an explosion at the start of the battle in La Boiselle, France, a rocket was fired to simulate the artillery fire.This was followed by whistles to symbolise those that were blown 100 years ago as men scrambled from the trenches.Ahead of the two-minute silence in the UK, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired guns from Parliament Square for 100 seconds to mark the 100 years since the battle began.Across the country and at the vigil sites at Westminster Abbey, Edinburgh Castle, the Somme Heritage Centre in County Down, the Welsh National War Memorial in Cardiff, as well as in France, the silence was observed.Later, leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will attend a service at the Ulster Tower, a memorial to the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division in Thiepval, at 13:30 BST.At the preserved trenches at Newfoundland Park Memorial in Beaumont-Hamel, France, there will be a ceremony to mark the Canadians' part in the battle at 15:30 BST.The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will also attend these ceremonies.The Duchess of Cornwall will lay a wreath at the grave of her great-uncle, Captain Harry Cubitt, who was killed on the Somme in September 1916 while serving with the Coldstream Guards.He was the eldest, and the first, of three brothers to die serving on the Western Front.The 100th anniversary will be marked by Germany in Fricourt, France, where 40,000 Germans are buried.And in Manchester, there will be a national service of commemoration at the cathedral from 15:00 BST and a concert at 19:30.Meanwhile, men dressed as World War One soldiers have been spotted in railway stations and on UK streets handing out cards detailing casualties of the Battle of the Somme.The hashtag #wearehere, which features on the cards, is trending on Twitter as pictures of the tribute are shared.At the Westminster Abbey service on Thursday, the Queen was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh as she laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.The tomb holds an unidentified British soldier killed on a European battlefield, brought back and buried in the abbey to honour the unknown dead of the war.The Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Dr Richard Chartres, said the legacy should be that people worked towards reconciliation to ensure children never endured what the soldiers of World War One faced.Society must strive to reach an accord and reject "those who would stir up hatred and division," he said.Prince Harry gave a reading of Before Action by Lieutenant William Noel HodgsonThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry paid their respects in France, attending a vigil at the Thiepval Memorial on Thursday evening, located close to the battlefields of the Somme, near Amiens in the north of the country.Prince William spoke of European governments "including our own" who failed to "prevent the catastrophe of world war"."We lost the flower of a generation; and in the years to come it sometimes seemed that with them a sense of vital optimism had disappeared forever from British life," he said."It was in many ways the saddest day in the long story of our nation."Prince Harry also spoke at the event, reading the poem Before Action, by Lieutenant WN Hodgson of the 9th Battalion the Devonshire Regiment, who wrote it before he was killed in action on 1 July 1916.Before the vigil, the three royals climbed to the top of the huge, newly renovated monument designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens to view the battlefield.The memorial bears the names of more than 70,000 British and South African soldiers who have no known grave.Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones joined personnel from the Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force for the start of a vigil at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. "Those who fought bravely for our futures should never be forgotten," he said. In Scotland, an overnight vigil was held at the National War Memorial.And in Northern Ireland, a vigil was held at the Somme Museum near Newtownards, County Down. A guard of honour, including serving soldiers, was present throughout the night.The Battle of the Somme was intended to achieve a decisive victory for the British and French against Germany's forces.The British army was forced to play a larger than intended role after the German attack on the French at Verdun in February 1916.World War One finally ended in November 1918. 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. Dhaka hostage standoff: At least 2 dead; ISIS claims responsibility Dhaka, Bangladesh (CNN)Armed terrorists are holding as many as 20 hostages at a cafe in a diplomatic zone of Bangladesh's capital. A gunbattle with police left at least two senior police officers dead and 40 people were injured.ISIS claimed responsibility for the terror attack, according to Amaq News Agency, an ISIS media branch.As police exchanged fire with the gunmen, the attackers threw explosives at officers, a source at the scene said.Here's the latest: Gunmen are holding the hostages at Holey Artisan Bakery, a cafe popular with expats, cafe owner Sumon Reza told CNN. Reza said he managed to escape as six to eight gunmen entered the cafe. About 20 people, some of them foreigners, were in the restaurant, he said. A police officer in charge of a nearby station was shot dead, Maruf Hasan of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said. A second officer died from gunshot wounds, Detective Police Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Nazmul Alam tells CNN. Alam said 40 people were wounded, some by gunshots and others by shrapnel from explosive devices. "We are trying to resolve this issue peacefully," police official Gen. Benzir Ahmed told reporters. Assailants were throwing explosives at police, a source at the scene said. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed a number of past attacks in Bangladesh through its media affiliates, but the Bangladesh government has consistently denied any ISIS presence in the country. Other attacks have been claimed by local Islamist groups. Though there was the reported ISIS claim of responsibility, the U.S. State Department said that cannot yet be confirmed. Spokesman John Kirby said the State Department is assessing information that is available. Witness Sharma Hussain told CNN that her cousin has four friends who are in the restaurant. Hussain said the hostages' relatives have come to the scene but have received no word from their family members. Hussain said she heard the gunshots from her apartment, about a five-minute walk from the restaurant. Police are trying to find out the demands of the gunmen holding customers, an officer said. The gunmen have not made any demands. Lori Ann Walsh Imdad, an American teacher living in Dhaka, said she lives one block from the restaurant and she heard gunshots. At first there was a burst of gunfire; after that it was sporadic. There has not been any gunfire since, she said. Farzana Azim, who lives nearby, says she heard explosions outside her home. "We heard the first bomb blast at 8:30 in the evening," Azim said. At first she thought it was the sound of a plane, but a few minutes later another blast echoed through the neighborhood of Gulshan. Within a half hour, the gunshots started, she said."I never thought something like this could happen. It is next to a small hospital. This is family-friendly restaurant. Everyone loves to go there," the 49-year-old told CNN. Hussain said the restaurant was popular among young people, who would have packed the restaurant about the time of attack as they broke their fast for the day. The terror attack comes as the holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, nears its end. Bangladesh is 89% Muslim, according to the CIA Factbook. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka warned of the situation on Twitter, advising people to shelter in place and noting that a hostage situation had been reported. Later, the embassy advised it had accounted for all of the American citizens working under the chief of the mission authority. The embassy and many other diplomatic missions are less than 1.5 kilometers (.9 miles) from the cafe.The attack comes on the same day a Hindu priest was hacked to death at his temple in Bangladesh's southwestern district of Jhenaidah early Friday, police said.That incident was the latest in a wave of murders across Bangladesh of secular bloggers, academics and religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and Sufi Muslims -- despite a nationwide government crackdown and the arrest of more than 14,000 people.The government launched an anti-militant drive across the Muslim-majority nation last month to stamp out the murders, but many of those detained are believed to be ordinary criminals and not Islamic extremists.Home to almost 150 million Muslims, the country until recently had avoided the kind of radicalism plaguing others parts of the world. But that's changing as the attacks seem designed to silence those to dare to criticize Islam.One high-profile killing was the murder of Bangladeshi-American writer Avijit Roy in 2014 that occurred right outside Dhaka's annual book fair. In April, a well-known LGBT activist and his friend were murdered........................................ As the Abilene Zoo's big 50th birthday bash rapidly approaches, it's been all zoo, all the time in the newsroom. Well, besides covering recent homicides and crazy weather and previewing upcoming events and editing stories and writing columns. All the reporters and even the editors have been working on the big Abilene Zoo package for this Sunday's Reporter-News. It's kind of a big deal. Doing the research on the zoo and the various animals one of my stories is about animal favorites over the years has been fascinating. Going through stacks of files filled with fragile, yellowing news articles and black-and-white photographs was a trip back through history. There are something like 30 files stuffed with articles about the Zoo and Nelson Park. Did you know that a swimming lake was built in the park in 1973? It had a big, multi-slide structure, a floating dock and sandy beaches. Greg Jaklewicz is the only one in the newsroom who remembers Zoo World Beach. I wish it was still there. The changes in the zoo from the days back when it was little more than a menagerie in Fair Park, now Oscar Rose Park, to the current zoo, should make Abilene proud. When the zoo was opened in Nelson Park in 1966, animal management as we know it now was nonexistent. Zoos were about displaying exotic animals and entertaining visitors. The cages were often just that small cement-floored enclosures where animals were seen, often pacing back and forth. I vividly remember the animals and their cages at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo when I was growing up. But there were some animals, like rhinos, elephants and bears, that had more room. The Abilene Zoo in Nelson Park officially opened in July 1966, but six zoo animals died at the new zoo between June 14 and July 6 two otters, one that had been shot with bird shot and another that had been shot or hit with a 'heavy' projectile; a polar bear; a secretary bird; and two young ostriches, who were killed by two sloth bears when the door between the animals enclosures was left unlocked. It must have been devastating to the zoo staff. A July 14, 1966, article in the Reporter-News quoted three zoo directors, with nearly 90 years experience between them, from other Texas zoos about the multiple deaths. Pierre Fontaine, director of the Marsalis Park Zoo in Dallas said summer was a time to expect 'big losses' in animals due to the heat. He added that new zoos frequently see multiple deaths. 'Anytime you bring an animal in, you've got a 50-50 chance of losing it,' he said. Today, conservation and animal management are at the forefront for zoos. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the organization that accredits zoos, has set strict guidelines and standards about keeping, breeding and caring for animals in zoos and aquariums. The Abilene Zoo received its accreditation from AZA. Many local visitors remember elephants as an integral part of the zoo. People love the giant, lumbering pachyderms. Tanya, Abilene's last elephant, moved to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco in 2007, after her companion, Tanzy, died of old age that year. There was much discussion in 2007 and into 2008 about building a bigger, better elephant enclosure, but the plans slowly fizzled out. Bill Gersonde, the zoo director, said the AZA has changed the standards for elephant management so much that it's just not fiscally feasible for small zoos. The AZA requires a zoo to have at least three elephants, plus it must hold a bull elephant in a separate area. There also must be sufficient space for the elephants to roam and interact much like they would in the wild. 'Not only would it be a tremendous cost to build the facility, with four elephants, you'd need five to six keepers just for the elephants,' Gersonde said, estimating it might cost as much as $20 million. 'It's just not practical for small zoos anymore.' While the Abilene Zoo won't be bringing back elephants, he said Abilenians are lucky to have two fairly close options to get an elephant fix the Fort Worth Zoo has an Asian elephant exhibit and the Dallas Zoo is home to a large herd of African elephants. Elephants aside, the Abilene Zoo is a not-to-be missed adventure in our own backyard. Come celebrate it at the birthday bash July 9. Incident reports released Thursday by the Abilene Police Department: Criminal mischief, 1800 block of South First Street, Wednesday A man reported that someone shot at his vehicle while he was working Tuesday. The bullet struck the vehicle's radiator, police said. Robbery, assault, 1400 block of North 12th Street, Wednesday A woman reported that the father of her children wanted money from her, so he removed her from a parked vehicle and assaulted her. She said he took $60 from her vehicle and fled. Assault, 2800 block of South 25th Street, Wednesday A woman reported that her boyfriend kicked her in the buttocks during an argument. She said she left the residence to prevent further violence. Possession of marijuana, evading arrest, 600 block of Grape Street, Thursday A 38-year-old man was arrested after allegedly being involved in a chase in which his vehicle recklessly swerved in and out of lanes. The suspect eventually was seen in the 600 block of Grape Street and attempted to evade officers on foot, police said, but was caught. Police reported finding marijuana in the suspect's underwear. Assault, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, 1700 block of North Sixth Street, Wednesday A 47-year-old man was arrested after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend. According to the report, the suspect and his ex-girlfriend got into an argument while in a vehicle. After they got out of the vehicle, police said, the suspect reportedly knocked the woman to the ground, hitting and kicking her. Police reported finding methamphetamine and marijuana in the suspect's pocket. EASTLAND An attorney for Eddie Ray Routh, who in February 2013 killed 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, argued in an appeal before the 11th Court of Appeals Thursday that his client suffered from schizophrenia and did not understand the consequences of his actions when he shot both men. In his initial trial, Routh's defense argued he was schizophrenic and suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome. A jury in Stephenville rejected that insanity plea, and on Feb. 24, 2015, convicted Routh of the murders of Littlefield, 35, and Kyle, 38. Routh was sentenced to prison without parole. In his appeal Thursday, attorney J. Warren St. John of Fort Worth argued Routh did not know his conduct was wrong when he shot the decorated Navy SEAL and his friend. St. John told justices that the case had significant national and international interest based on the 'sad consequences' of the Feb. 2, 2013, shooting and said that there was no doubt that Routh took Kyle and Littlefield's lives. Kyle's military career is highlighted in his autobiography 'American Sniper,' made into a movie of the same name. St. John argued that evidence indicated Routh was insane at the time of the offense, based on expert testimony and comments from others, including Routh's girlfriend, uncle and sister the latter two family members he visited immediately after the shooting. On the day of the murder, while traveling to a gun range with Kyle and Littlefield, St. John said Routh, who earlier had what the defense brief characterized as 'several psychotic episodes' with his girlfriend, believed that Kyle and Littlefield 'were trying to kill him.' According to court documents, on the day of the killings Kyle texted Littlefield that Routh was 'straight up nuts,' while Littlefield texted back 'watch my six,' meaning 'watch my back.' Following the shooting, Routh fled in Kyle's truck, visited family members and said 'bizarre' things, including telling his sister that he 'committed a murder' and his uncle that he was driving a 'dead man's truck.' In a second reason to overturn the case, St. John argued that Routh's mental state meant he should not have been interviewed by Texas Ranger Danny Briley. St. John's brief states that the Ranger asked Routh if he wanted to speak to him, but Routh never stated he would and was 'in a psychotic state.' Routh 'has an absolute right to remain silent, and that (interview) was used against him in the trial,' St. John said Thursday, while admitting the evidence was a 'double-edged sword' as it also helped show a snapshot of his client's mental state. M. Alan Nash, 266th district attorney in Erath County, said that 'the record and the law support the jury's rejection of (an) insanity defense.' 'The jury had the exclusive purview and ability and the right to disbelieve or disagree with the conclusions reached by the expert testimony given,' Nash said. In its legal brief, the prosecution maintained that Routh did not meet the definition of insanity in the state of Texas and was suffering symptoms of a mental disorder or disease 'as a result of drugs and alcohol.' Addressing the diagnosis of schizophrenia, Nash's brief also stated that one of the prosecution's own expert witnesses, Dr. Randall Price, stated his opinion was 'that Mr. Routh knew what he did was wrong.' Price also said he felt that Routh's symptoms before, during and immediately following the crime were 'cannabis-induced' and that he was 'instantly remorseful'' following the shootings. Briley's videotaped interview was 'the most temporally proximate indication' of Routh's state of mind at the time the offense occurred, Nash said Thursday, and it became a core issue because 'the overwhelming evidence of his guilt' while showing his mental condition at the time. Even if an error had occurred in admitting Briley's statements, Routh's conduct during and after the shootings indicated overwhelming evidence, Nash argued, that he murdered Kyle and Littlefield. Inadmissible evidence can be rendered harmless if other evidence of the defendant's guilt is overwhelming, Nash said, arguing the state 'came back with compelling testimony' from two experts, as well as testimony regarding Routh's actions and demeanor before, during and after the crime. Nash's brief says that 'evidence of (the) appellant's guilt was so overwhelming, independent of the statements, that such error did not substantially affect the jury's finding of guilt.' The trio of justices who heard the case will render a decision in several months. Friends remember Noble Harris as a man who, when he got into something, he would stay with it. He was a Realtor for many years, maintaining a downtown office for more than half a century. In so doing, he was recognized by the Abilene Downtown Association with their Mercantile Star Award in 2009. Tom Rigsby knew Harris for 35 years and was instrumental in getting the award for him. He also had perhaps the best description of how others viewed Harris. 'Noble was such a man,' he said. 'You could count on Noble to always be responsible, to take care of things you were involved in with him.' Noble 'Spike' Harris died June 24 in Abilene at 93. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Hope Church of Christ, 831 N. Judge Ely Blvd., directed by Piersall Funeral Directors. Harris' responsibility, honesty and especially friendship were a recurring theme among those who spoke of him. 'He was such a people person,' his daughter, Camille Harris, said. 'He was always trying to help people. 'In real estate, he wanted to find the perfect house or the perfect building for them. He really knocked himself out for his clients.' He dropped out of school to serve in the Navy during World War II. He spent much time at Tulagi in the Solomon Islands at a fueling station for ships. Cleve Cullers, a classmate in the Navy and later at Abilene Christian College, recalled arriving at Tulagi, unaware that his classmate was in command. Harris explained that he 'woke up one morning and all the other officers were gone, leaving him in charge.' Harris earned the nickname Spike because of his volleyball exploits upon returning to ACC following the war. He graduated from the school with a degree in business. He married Bette Joyce of Snyder June 30, 1947; she, their daughter and a son, Paul, all of Abilene, survive him. The Rotary Club was a large part of Harris' life. He was a member of Rotary Club of Abilene and was past district governor. He greatly enjoyed traveling to visit various clubs in the district. His easy way with people made people want to be in his presence. 'I tried to hire him one time into the auto business,' fellow Rotarian Fred Lee Hughes said. 'He would have made a great salesman in any line because he liked people and people liked him.' Other pursuits included supporting International Christian University in Vienna, Austria, and Elim Children's Home in India, where he sponsored many children over the years. In Cisco, you can have your pie and eat it, too. Or three. Or more ... Greg Jaklewicz Jodey Arrington still has an election to win, but he's acting like he's the next representative of Congressional District 19 in Texas. Arrington in May defeated Glen Robertson, the outgoing mayor of Lubbock, a Republican primary runoff. Without a Democratic opponent, Arrington, the former Texas Tech administrator and twice a staff member for former governor-turned-president George W. Bush, is expected to win election over two other candidates Troy Bonar, a Libertarian, and Mark Lawson, the Green Party hopeful. This week, Camp Arrington reported support from two Texas Republicans in Congress. One is Mac Thornberry, the longtime District 13 member of Congress who now heads the House Armed Services Committee. The other is Mike Conaway, the District 11 representative. He is chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Arrington previously said he would seek appointments to those committees after naming his district's ag interests and the security of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene as two top priorities. Said Thornberry: 'Jodey is a strong supporter of our men and women in uniform. He understands how important Dyess Air Force Base is to our part of Texas and what it contributes to the defense of our country. The world is an increasingly dangerous place, so we need clear-eyed people in Congress who understand that. I have no doubt he will be a strong advocate for Dyess and the U.S. military and he will do what it takes to keep our nation strong.' Said Conaway: 'The many challenges facing our agriculture industry today are only growing, and Congress needs leaders like Jodey to be a voice for rural America. Jodey understands how the Obama administration's regulatory burdens have harmed local industries, and will do a terrific job of looking after the 19th district's farmers and ranchers. I look forward to working with him to help West Texas prosper.' The 23 counties in the Big Country are represented in these three districts. It's vital that our representatives work together, know each other and respect the other. They will foster legislations that's best for our area but also have say in bigger picture. What's good for us also is good for America, we believe. Arrington is not getting ahead of himself in preparing to serve next January, should he win Nov. 8. We would expect the District 19 representative to be working for us Day One. It's almost like the believe in climate change or somefin'Exxon lobbying quietly for a U.S. carbon taxExxonMobil is quietly lobbying for the U.S. to adopt a carbon tax, both in Washington circles and at the American Petroleum Institute.For years a denier of climate change, the company is facing probes in New York and Massachusetts over whether it hid its understanding of a link between climate change and the burning of oil and gas. Exxon also has an eye on coming government initiatives to battle climate change that could be more intrusive than a carbon tax.The Wall Street Journal reports that ExxonMobil has been lobbying members of the U.S. Congress to implement a carbon tax, believing it to be the least painful tool to deal with greenhouse gas emissions.It is also trying to get that message across inside the American Petroleum Institute and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, where many other oil and gas producers believe the most effective strategy is to keep denying the link between burning fossil fuels and climate change. Gary Hunter, Abilene 'Despite public support and an endorsement from the police chief, a ban on texting while driving was voted down Thursday morning (June 23) by the Abilene City Council.' Reading Brooke Crum's lead (and misleading) sentence in Friday's paper (June 24), I was reminded of Henry Fonda's rejoinder (in the film 'Fort Apache,' when told by John Wayne that his troops are outnumbered by Apaches: 'You seem easily impressed by numbers, captain.') If I've read the article correctly, your reporter equates four speakers (supplemented by a petition with 100 signatures) with 'public support.' I guess we could quibble over semantics; perhaps with the term 'public support' the Reporter-News simply means the expression of support in public. But the casual reader might well conclude that the council ignored the sentiments of a significant percentage of their constituents, and I find no persuasive evidence in the article to justify such a conclusion. A majority of the council rejected an ordinance that even supporters acknowledge will do little more than 'keep honest people honest.' An occasional outbreak of common sense in council chambers should never be denigrated, let it be discouraged. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... Since the breaking news that Costco Wholesale and Lincoln Premium Poultry set their sights on the Hills Farm property just south of Fremont, concerns raised about impacts on the citys utility resources, revenues and the financial side of potential expansion to accommodate Costcos facility, prompted some to question the proposal. However, according to Fremont officials, business leaders and others working for the state of Nebraska, Costcos arrival in the Fremont area may represent prosperous opportunity for water, sewer, gas and electric services. In a nutshell, this is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for utilities to grow, said Fremont Department of Utilities General Manager Brian Newton. Courtney Dentlinger, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development concurred with Newton. She holds experience from municipal environments similar in size to Fremont. Large users (like Costco) can actually help keep (utility) fees low for community residents, Dentlinger said. Dentlinger admitted that effects work on a case by case basis because every community represents a unique situation. But because communities fund their utilities through the base fees they charge, only by adding more customers/users can cities generate more revenue for those services. If you dont have additional users coming on, with additional revenue, its difficult to make upgrades to the system without increasing rates, Dentlinger added. Newton expanded, saying that because Costcos facility would represent such a large customer, growth in utilities would occur in all four sectors: water, gas, sewer and electric. Illustrating his point, Newton contrasted a large commercial or industrial customer to the city-wide residential use of electricity. Residential usage creates two peaks of usage per day. One occurs in the morning when people wake up, flip on the lights, turn on the news, jump in the shower and make their breakfast. Then usage drops and remains flat throughout the day as children go off to school and parents spend their days at work. In the evening, usage peaks again as the family returns home. Such usage represents a small load curve. On the other hand, large industrial and commercial customers, such as a large-scale poultry processing operation running a 24-hour facility, show a load curve that rises up in the morning and remains at that high usage level all day before dropping off in the evening when the night shift arrives. Such facilities are called a flat level consumers, representing very good sources of revenue for utilities. Detailing the numbers, Newton said Fremonts annual electricity revenue currently sits at about $40 million. Based on operational estimates provided by Costco, the facility would increase electrical sales (measured in megawatts) by 14 percent annually over the current city usage. That 14 percent increase equates to a 10 percent increase in revenue in other words, an extra $4 million per year in revenue. Additionally, no new, expensive system upgrades would be required to accommodate that increased energy need for Costco. The three main electrical generators spinning away inside Fremonts power plant can generate a supply of 128 megawatts of electricity. According to Newton, on a the hottest day of the year the city currently peaks out at about 100 megawatts of needed electricity, a good 28 megawatts below the capacity. Additionally the city possesses two back up sources of energy in in case of emergency. Those sources, the backup gas turbine and the Southwest Power Pool grid, provide an additional 100 megawatts. Costco energy usage would only represent an additional 10 megawatts increase, still far below Fremonts 128 megawatt capacity not including backup sources. Those 10 megawatt add surplus revenue at no significant increase in expenses. The story paints a similar picture in gas and water. Both sectors see significant revenue increases. Gas increases by 5 percent and water by 25 percent. The city of Fremont currently falls under a consent decree (court order) from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to resolve issues related to an out of date waste water treatment plant. Newton said the Fremont DU continues to work with the DEQ on mandatory upgrades to the system for completion by 2019, when the Costco plant reaches full operation. This (Costco facility) could be a good thing to have, Dentlinger said. A larger user coming on (could) actually fund the upgrades that Fremont needs (in its sewage treatment facility). STABILIZING AN INCREASE IN UTILITY RATES. Newton also stressed that utility sales (i.e. the electricity, sewer, gas and water service the city sells to its citizens and other customers) across the board have remained flat since about 2006. At the same time, the cost of supplying those services (labor, insurance, and every other product purchased to maintain those services) continue rising. When we dont sell any more (commodity) but costs continue to rise, we have to increase rates, Newton said. The gap between the stagnant level of sales and the rising costs of supplies results in the need to increase utility rates in order to maintain a revenue that allows for supplies and upgrades. By adding a large customer, (the city) will have a larger pie to split those costs over, Newton said. Ive been in this business for 30 years and this is the first time weve ever been fortunate enough to get somebody like Costco to come in. Mayor Scott Getzschman agreed that spreading the costs over a larger number of customers, without the need for significant upgrades, creates a stabilizing effects on the increase in rates. When you look at the revenue provided by the utility sales to Costco, it equates to about 10 percent of our current revenue stream, Getzschman said. Those fund would go a long way to pay for some of the indebtedness projects weve done. Some of those projects referred to by the mayor represent the updates mandated by new regulations on energy diversification by the Environmental Protection Agency. Those upgrades cost the city approximately $78 million. The Mayor stressed that Costcos arrival can help pay back some of those investments while keeping utilities rates from rising. OTHER BENEFITS Aside from financial, Newton also pointed to other benefits. The installment of covered lagoons near the Costco sight for facility waste capture, much of which results from the organic byproduct of processing a chicken (e.g. unused parts), will reduce stress in other areas of Fremonts waste water system. For example the main sewer line that runs beneath Morningside road, transferring waste from throughout the city to the treatment plant would see a great reduction in stress thanks to additional lines primarily serving industrial sources from Costco and possibly Hormel. The lagoons solely serve industrial facilities (not residential). They would also capture methane to resell to the processing facility as energy. In addition, new water lines will allow for increased pressure to better serve Inglewood Village in South Fremont. New gas lines will also create increased capacity. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong on Friday to call for the resignation of the city's chief executive Leung Chun-ying, as a bookseller recently detained by China for selling 'banned books' to mainland Chinese customers withdrew from the demonstration, citing fears for his personal safety. Police later fired pepper spray at a group of demonstrators who they said had tried to shove through a security cordon outside government headquarters late on Friday, after the majority of marchers had left the scene, government broadcaster RTHK reported. "Police have defended their decision to use pepper spray against protesters at an unauthorized demonstration late on Friday," the station said, quoting senior police officers as saying that verbal and written warnings were issued to protesters earlier. But RTHK reporters at the scene said protesters were trying to leave the area when they encountered a heavy police presence, and were sprayed without warning as a handful tried to push through the cordon. "They also said no verbal warning was issued immediately before the spraying," the station reported, adding that several journalists were also sprayed in the scuffle. Earlier, the main crowd had gathered at Victoria Park before marching to Beijing's representative office in the city, carrying banners and chanting slogans calling on Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying to resign. Others marched with yellow umbrellas, a symbolic reference to a 79-day "Umbrella Revolution" in late 2014 demanding fully democratic elections. Many of the slogans also protested the detention by Chinese police of five booksellers from the now-shuttered Causeway Bay Books store over the sale of politically sensitive titles to customers across the immigration border in mainland China. One of the five, Lam Wing-kei, who last month led thousands in a street protest at cross-border abductions and political kidnappings, said he was being followed by unidentified individuals, and backed out of the protest after promising to play a leading role. "He feels increasingly concerned about his own personal safety, so he made up his mind and decided not to attend," pro-democracy lawmaker Albert Ho said. adding police had been notified. 'A grave threat' Many are outraged that Lam and his colleagues had been detained for breaking mainland Chinese law in Hong Kong, which was promised the continuation of its status as a separate legal jurisdiction under the terms of the city's 1997 return to Chinese rule. "This is a very grave threat to the safety of Hong Kong residents that an unknown force is spying on people," pro-democracy lawmaker Cyd Ho told the rally. "The Hong Kong government has to follow up with the central government on what's really happening behind the scenes." A protester also surnamed Leung said the chief executive had to go. "He has made a total mess of things in Hong Kong, and he should definitely step down," she said. "If he doesn't, then things will go from bad to worse." A protester who gave only a first name, Philip, agreed. "Of course he should go. We're not blind; we can see what's going on here," he said. "But I don't think we should only focus on him; we should also focus on debating our political system." Departs from script Lam, who went missing last October around the same time as four of his colleagues at Causeway Bay Books, was the fourth bookseller to return to the former British colony last month, but the first to depart from an official script dictated by Chinese police. Lam reported being blindfolded and whisked away to an interrogation room in Ningbo as he crossed the internal immigration border into mainland China, and questioned for months, mostly about which Chinese citizens were buying books from the Causeway Bay store and its sister imprint Mighty Current. He has criticized Beijing for "violating Hong Kong's rights" through illegal cross-border enforcement operations, and has slammed the city's government for failing to protect its residents. Store manager and British passport-holder Lee Bo, 65, went missing from his workplace in Hong Kong on Dec. 30, while general manager Lui Bo (also spelled Lui Por), and colleagues Cheung Chi-ping are believed to have been detained during trips to China from their usual base in Hong Kong. But President Xi Jinping told ruling Chinese Communist Party members in Beijing on Friday that China will continue to respect its pledge to respect the "one country, two systems" policy introduced after the city's handover from British colonial rule Senior Chinese official Wang Guangya, who heads the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing, said the booksellers had themselves "destroyed" the one country, two systems formula by publishing banned books in mainland China. Back in Hong Kong, a group of activists who advocate the city's independence from China were planning an evening "black mask" protest outside China's main representative office, Reuters reported. But later media reports showed only dozens of journalists and police at the scene. Eroding freedoms Hong Kong barrister Tanya Chan said the city's traditional freedoms have been eroded in the four years since Leung took office. But she rejected calls by a minority of activists for independence for the city. "Hong Kong doesn't have the right legal, economic, or political conditions in place for independence," Chan said. "Our autonomy is protected under an international treaty." The Hong Kong government said on Friday that it has written to Beijing officials to "reflect its concern" over the Causeway Bay booksellers, and that the officials had agreed to discuss future "cross-border notifications." It added: "The Hong Kong Police Force has met with Lam Wing-kei and recorded a statement. The Police will study the information provided by Mr. Lam and take appropriate follow-up action." Meanwhile, in Beijing, Xi told a gathering of Communist Party members on the party's 95th anniversary that Hong Kong will continue to enjoy a high degree of autonomy and that Beijing will strictly follow the law. Friday's protests have been a long-running tradition in Hong Kong, marking as they do the anniversary of the 1997 handover, and some reports said the crowds were slightly smaller than in previous years. Organizers said 110,000 took part in total, while police gave a typically lower estimate of 19,000 people on the march. Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Yang Fan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Chinese President Xi Jinping (C-front) and other senior leaders attend a rally marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, July 1, 2016. As thousands of people massed outside government buildings to lodge complaints against the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Friday, President Xi Jinping warned that the party must clean up its act or face losing power. More than 10,000 petitioners, ordinary Chinese with grievances against the government, gathered outside the party's disciplinary headquarters and the complaints department of the State Council in a bid to have their cases reviewed on the party's 95th anniversary. Many were forced aboard waiting buses and taken to local police stations, or to a large unofficial detention center at Jiujingzhuang on the outskirts of Beijing, petitioners told RFA. "July 1, for me, is a date I can never forget, because I have been thrown into black jails twice on that date; that's where I passed two of the Communist Party's birthdays," Wuxi petitioner Ding Hongfen told RFA. "On July 1, 2013, four police officers led by Tao Wenjun tied me to an interrogation chair and tried to force a confession out of me," Ding said. "So July 1 is very significant for me." The Sichuan-based rights website Tianwang reported that some 4,000 people had gathered outside the State Council complaints office in Beijing by 8 a.m. on Friday, swelling to more than 10,000 by noon the same day. A petitioner from Longkou in the eastern province of Shandong said many petitioners risk beatings, harassment, arbitrary detention in "black jails" or "study centers" and death in police custody to pursue their complaints. "There was a woman from our neighborhood who was locked up in a black jail where she was beaten to death by police," the petitioner said. "Seven years later, her body is still in the morgue." "The local government had the cops beat her to death, and there are three or four similar cases from our area," he said. "All the bodies are still in the morgue." Tiananmen locked down As President Xi addressed the assembled elite of the Communist Party in the Great Hall of the People on party unity based on a 'purer' form of Marxism, petitioners said Tiananmen Square was effectively locked down during his speech. "Tiananmen Square was closed today, and the three of us were detained and put onto a bus at Xinhuamen," Hebei petitioner He Yazhen told RFA. "The police just shoved us onto the bus, and took us to the police station." Among those detained was Wuxi petitioner Tao Guofen, who was taken away during a police operation to clear Beijing's Southern Railway Station of petitioners. "Several dozen petitioners came up from Wuxi ahead of the anniversary to petition in Beijing, but we were taken away by police who were clearing the area," Tao said. She said one of them had been hospitalized after a heart attack. "They took us to Jiujingzhuang, and a woman called You Guifeng had a heart attack when we got there. She was taken to the hospital," she said. "There were seven others who were also detained, but we don't know where they were taken." Eradicating corruption As the party's anniversary celebrations got into full swing, Xi warned its 88 million members that they risk being discarded by history if they don't eradicate corruption from within their ranks. "As the ruling party, the biggest danger we face is corruption," Xi said in a speech that was carried live on state television. "We must have a staunch will, not let up on our zero-tolerance attitude, investigate all cases and punish those who are corrupt, to give corrupt elements no place to hide in the party," he said. Xi's administration has detained and jailed dozens of senior officials in the president's anti-graft battle, including powerful former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang. But retired Shandong University professor Sun Wenguang said corruption will never be eradicated under one-party rule. "The most important thing is that we're living under a single-party dictatorship," Sun said. "That's going to cause all sorts of problems for the government." "Corruption exists because they won't bring in a democratic system of government with the rule of law," he said. "That's why the regime will eventually fall." Zi Su, a former professor at a party school in the southwestern province of Yunnan, said he was watching Xi's speech carefully for indicators of where the president would take the country next. "It's quite clear that Xi is seeking to consolidate party interests, and to employ controls and political struggle of the kind used by Mao Zedong," Zi Su said. "That's my main analysis of this speech, and all of his political points, his planned measures and his personality bear this out," he said. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ho Shan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. North Koreans ride a boat on the Yalu River near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, as seen from across the river from the Chinese border town of Dandong, Feb. 9, 2016. In an effort to prevent North Koreans working in China from defecting to South Korea, Pyongyang has instituted an intensive ideological education program designed to keep them in line, Radio Free Asias Korean Service has learned. Instead of making a quick day-trip across the border to renew their 30-day permits to remain in China, North Korean workers now spend three or four days in the border city of Sinuiju on the Korean side as security forces attempt to ensure their loyalty to North Korea. In the past, the dispatched worker whose visa was close to expiration would travel from Dandong to Sinuiju in the morning, then return back later the same night, or the next day to return to work, a source familiar with factories hiring North Korean workers in China told RFA. Dandong is a Chinese city that lies across the Yalu River from North Korea's Sinuiju at the main border crossing between the two allied countries. Now, however, the workers are housed in a hotel as security forces make sure they remain loyal to North Korea and the hereditary regime of Kim Jong Un. The reason why these North Korean workers stay in Sinuiju for four days is because the North Korean security department wants to strengthen ideological education for the dispatched workers before returning them to China, the source said. When the workers arrive in Sinuiju they are held in isolation, the source said. Workers who arrive in Sinuiju, as well as other border cities, are isolated as a group in a facility, and they are reeducated and restricted from the outside world, the source said. The workers are not even allowed to call families who live in other cities including Pyongyang. The source added: The workers traditionally have gathered all the little wages they earn to provide gifts for their families, but even this is not allowed. Life as a North Korean worker in China is already an exercise in isolation as they are restricted from going outside the factories where they work and are cut off from the outside world, the source said. While the restrictions are designed to keep North Korean workers loyal to the state, the new re-education program is causing problems for their employers, said another Chinese source familiar with North Korean workers. Chinese manufacturers complained because these dispatched workers are frequently absent from their workplace for days, the source said. This has been happening more often now than before for those who cross the Yalu River for a short period of time in order to extend their visa. The source said the new ideological education program started after a recent case where 13 North Koreans working at state-owned restaurant defected en masse to South Korea. Scrutiny on labor exports North Korea has consistently claimed South Korean intelligence agents abducted the workers and demanded that they be returned to their loved ones at once. Pyongyang has also threatened to take strong actions against the South if its demands are not met. Mass defections from North Korea are rare, but the restaurant defection was also notable because it appears that China allowed it to happen. Some analysts believe this is another sign of strain between the two communist allies. Friction between the two countries ratcheted up after China backed United Nations sanctions against North Korea when it exploded a nuclear device this year. Its unclear if the new restrictions on workers is a result of the restaurant defections, but Chinese industrialists are having to adjust to the new program. These manufacturers cant easily find replacements, especially with cheap labor costs like the North Korean dispatched workers, the source said. All we can do is wait. North Korea, which has been placed under multiple and increasing United Nations economic sanctions for conducting banned nuclear and missile tests, has sought new revenues by sending its citizens abroad to earn hard currency in China, Russia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The workers receive only a fraction of their earnings, which go to Pyongyang's coffers, but the jobs are coveted as better than available at home in many cases. These labor exports have drawn scrutiny from U.N. agencies and governments charged with upholding sanctions aimed at denying the Kim Jong Un regime the cash it needs to fund its illicit weapons programs. Several countries have taken steps to curtail the use of North Korean workers. Reported by Joonho Kim for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Jackie Yoo. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. Villagers prepare to carry the corpse of a civilian found in a shallow grave in Long Mon village of Mong Yaw subtownship in Myanmar's northern Shan state, June 30, 2016. Myanmars human rights commission has asked authorities in Lashio township in restive northern Shan State for more information about the discovery of the bodies of seven civilians who were apparently shot by government army soldiers, but has not yet decided whether to launch an official investigation, a member of the body said. Some villagers of Mong Yaw subtownship, where fighting erupted on June 25 between the military and armed ethnic soldiers, found the bodies in three different shallow graves and believe that government army soldiers who were seen detaining the local citizens later killed them. Villagers previously told RFAs Myanmar Service that an army unit from Lashio, the largest town in northern Shan state, opened fire in the vicinity of the village on June 25 and detained six ethnic Shan men and five women working in a cornfield. They later released all the women and three of the men. They determined that the corpses were those of two men whom soldiers had taken from a cornfield in Long Mon village, three ethnic Palaung men who had ridden motorbikes to the cornfield, and an unidentified man and woman who had passed along the road beside the field. We have been asking what happened, but havent had any response yet, Nyan Zaw, a member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission told RFA. As a procedure, we have to discuss what we have heard [about any human rights problems] in a meeting, and then we will make a decision whether or not we will investigate it, he said. Established in September 2011, the commission has a government mandate to promote and safeguard the fundamental rights of Myanmar citizens enshrined in the countrys constitution. Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myat Moe of the northern Shan states police said no one has filed an official report about the case, so no further action has yet been taken. Ethnic rebel armies active in and around the area include the Manpang Peoples Militia, Kachin Defense Army (KDA) Peoples Militia led by Matu Naw, Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Shan State Army (SSA), and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Rights groups have accused both government troops and ethnic rebel soldiers of human rights violations in Shan state, including kidnapping, torturing, and killing civilians, and forcing them to work as laborers. Reported by Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Rakhine Buddhists in the town of Sittwe in western Myanmars restive Rakhine state submitted an open letter to the countrys leaders on Friday saying they will not accept terms other than Bengali to refer to the members of the minority Muslim community who live there. Hundreds of ethnic Rakhine residents and Buddhist monks signed the letter to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Htin Kyaw, and military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing, said Aung Htay, a local resident who signed the document. The speakers of the upper and lower house of parliament, the heads of several ministries, and the leaders of the Rakhine state government also received the letter. The government issued an order last month directing state-owned media to use the phrase Muslim community in Rakhine state to refer to the roughly 1.1 million Muslims who live therealso known as Rohingyaduring a visit by Yanghee Lee, the U.N.s special envoy on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. Lee ended her 12-day mission to Myanmar on Friday. The countrys majority Buddhists refuse to use the term Rohingya to refer to members of the group, whom they consider to be Bengalis, illegal migrants from neighboring Bangladesh, though many have lived in Myanmar for generations. But the government now also forbids the use of the term Bengalis. The use of the phrase Muslim community in Rakhine state means there are two groupsBuddhists and Muslimswho live [here], Aung Htay told RFAs Myanmar Service. It seems as though the name 'Rakhine ethnic' will soon disappear, he said. We sent the letter because we want the president and Union government ministers to study and learn about the geography and history of Rakhine state. The letter is part of a larger campaign in Sittwe in which ethnic Rakhine Buddists have posted notices on the walls of peoples homes, indicating that they do not accept the phrase Muslim community in Rakhine state, he said. The statements read Rakhine is Rakhine, Bengali is Bengali. The nationalists are planning to carry out the same campaign in 17 other townships in Rakhine on Sunday, he said. Confined to camps Some 140,000 Rohingya Muslims were displaced after violence erupted four years ago between them and Rakhine Buddhists, leaving more than 200 dead and tens of thousands homeless. The Rohingya, who bore the brunt of the attacks, were later forced to live in refugee camps. About 120,000 Rohingya currently remain in the camps, while thousands of others have fled persecution in the Buddhist-dominated country on rickety boats to other Southeast Asian countries in recent years. The government does not consider the Rohingya to be full citizens of Myanmar and denies them basic rights, freedom of movement, and access to social services and education. After the government issued its written order on June 16 mandating the use of Muslim community in Rakhine state, the Arakan National Party (ANP)the political party that represents the interests of the Buddhist people in Rakhine statereleased a statement saying it would continue to use Bengalis in defiance. In May, the Myanmar government advised the United States and other embassies to avoid using the divisive term Rohingya. Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A Tibetan man living in southwest Chinas Sichuan province was beaten to death by police last month, as fears mount that a Tibetan nun missing for eight years after taking part in protests challenging Chinese rule may also have died in custody, Tibetan sources said. Yudruk Nyima, aged about 40 and a resident of Dzakhok township in Kardze (in Chinese, Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures Dege (Dege) county, was detained by police after returning from a trip to collect cordyceps, a valuable medicinal fungus, a Tibetan living in India told RFAs Tibetan Service. He was detained on suspicion of possessing a gun at his home in Dzakhok, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity and citing contacts in his native Dege. After being taken to a nearby village, Nyima was severely beaten by police who then tried to move him to the Dege county seat, the source said. However, he died on the way while still in police custody, he said. News of Nyimas death was briefly delayed in reaching outside sources due to communications clampdowns imposed by Chinese authorities in the area. Relatives rejected allegations that Nyima had owned a gun and have filed a complaint with local authorities over his death, the source said, adding that the case has become a cause of tensions in the area. Losing hope Family members of a young Tibetan nun detained in 2008 are meanwhile losing hope she may still be alive after receiving no word of her whereabouts since she was taken into custody, an India-based Tibetan rights group said this week. Yeshe Lhakdron, a 25-year-old nun from Drakkar nunnery in Kardze prefectures Kardze county, was detained with two companions eight years ago after they called out in public for Tibetan freedom from Beijings rule, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) said on Thursday. Following their interrogation in police custody during which they were subjected to beatings and torture, the nuns were sent to a government hospital in Kardze County, TCHRD said, adding that family members were not allowed to visit the nuns during their treatment in hospital. Nurses at the hospital later said that one of the nuns had died there, and the other twonamed Sangye Lhamo and Tsewang Khandrowere eventually released after serving two-year terms in prison, TCHRD said. But [Yeshe] Lhakdron never returned home, the rights group said. Lacking firm evidence of Lhakdrons death, family members are still struggling to come to a conclusion regarding her fate, but have now conducted funeral rites for her at various monasteries, TCHRD said. Government controls Tibetans living in Kardze prefecture are known for their strong sense of Tibetan national identity and frequently stage protests alone or in groups opposing rule by Beijing. Monasteries and nunneries in Kardze now operate under strict government controls and have been threatened with closure if they permit monks and nuns living there to engage in political activities, including unauthorized promotion of the study of the Tibetan language, a Tibetan resident of the area told RFA. [Also], if any monk or nun comes from other places to protest, they will not be allowed to return to their own institutions, and those monasteries must not accept them back, the source said. These rules may be aimed at containing expressions of solidarity and support among monks and nuns in monasteries in different parts of Tibet, he said. Reported by Pema Ngodup and Sonam Wangdu for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney. So it appears that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov will get his own reality show modeled on the U.S. hit The Apprentice, in which the winners will be given a spot in his government. No, really, I'm actually serious. And when you think about it, this is actually pretty appropriate. It's appropriate because politics in Vladimir Putin's Russia is a reality show. It's appropriate because from the very beginning, the popularity of the Putin regime has depended on keeping the public distracted and entertained with staged real-life television dramas that pit the regime against a series of enemies, both foreign and domestic. They could be oligarchs, they could be fifth columnists, they could be fascists and Banderites. It's appropriate because set-pieces like Putin's annual call-in program and press conference are considered seminal political events and are hyped as if they were Hollywood blockbusters. It's appropriate because Russia's political institutions exist in a state of virtual reality. There's fake elections, fake political parties, a fake parliament, fake courts, and fake NGOs. And it's appropriate that Kadyrov is hosting a reality show because Russia is becoming Kadyrovized as his brutal, repressive, and unaccountable governing ethos in Chechnya is becoming the dominant vibe in the country as a whole. So, yeah, Russian politics is a reality show. But the disturbing thing is that it is a reality show that has real consequences: real wars, real prosecutions, real assassinations, and real suffering. But hey, at least it's entertaining. The Daily Vertical will not appear for two weeks as I will be traveling to the NATO summit in Warsaw and a postsummit conference in Estonia. But we'll be back in action on July 18. Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman has predicted Ukraine will join the European Union within the next 10 years. In an interview with a German newspaper published on July 1, Hroysman said Ukraine's Association Agreement with the EU will serve as a catalyst for reforms in Ukraine. "We are going the European way and that means for us: freedom, human rights, and a strong economy," Hroysman told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "We should bring our norms in compliance with EU norms. A lot has been already done, especially in battling corruption. For example, we have created a transparent public procurement system," he added. Hroysman said his country still believed strongly in the bloc, despite Britain's recent vote to leave. "I respect the right of a sovereign state to take such a decision," he said. "But I still think that achievements should be protected." Based on reporting by AFP and Ukraine Today Ukrainians have increasingly woken up to the sound of suicide drones as Russia turns to Iranian-made imports to destroy civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Now they may have another deadly Iranian weapon to worry about -- ballistic missiles. Cheap but effective, Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 "kamikaze" drones have already made a deadly impact in Ukraine. If U.S. intelligence assessments pan out, Russia will soon be able to supplement its use of Iranian suicide drones and its own cruise and ballistic missiles with powerful short-range Iranian Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles. Coming as the Kremlin is reportedly struggling to maintain its depleted stockpile of aerial weapons as it ramps up strikes, the missiles would potentially boost Russia's ability to continue its costly air campaign. Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East defense specialist at the global intelligence company Janes, said having more missiles gives Russia the ability to sustain the bombardment against Ukraine." Going Ballistic The Fateh-110, which was unveiled in 2001 and has a stated range of 300 to 500 kilometers, was developed from a heavy artillery rocket dating from the 1980s. To increase the weapon's accuracy, the Fateh-110 was given a guidance system and movable fins that allow it to be steered as it approaches its target. The Zolfaghar, which debuted in 2016 and also has guidance capabilities, comes from the same family as the Fateh-110 but boasts a much longer range due to its use of a lighter carbon-fiber airframe and a smaller warhead. Binnie said the Zolfaghar's use against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in eastern Syria confirmed that the missile was capable of reaching at least 650 kilometers, which he said is "a statement of how much the Iranian tactical missile program has really advanced over the years." Iran's claim that the Zolfaghar can travel even farther -- up to 700 kilometers -- would put the western Ukrainian city of Lviv within range of strikes launched from Russian territory, while the more powerful Fateh-110 could potentially hit the city from Belarus, which has served as a staging ground for Russian attacks. While there has been no indication that Russia plans to purchase launching systems from Iran, Binnie suggests that the Russian military could pair the missiles with existing equipment because the Iranian launchers were adapted from a Soviet-era system. "It might be possible for the Russians to quickly adapt some old equipment they have lying around into launch systems," Binnie said. The Iranian military, he added, fitted the Soviet system to trucks, allowing for mobility and concealment. "Those civilian trucks can be covered over to make it hard to spot that they're actually missile launchers," Binnie said. 'Lawnmowers' And 'Mopeds' Iranian military drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have been homing in on targets across Ukraine since late August, according to the United States. The buzzing sound of the Iranian Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones, built with off-the-shelf components, have earned them derisive monikers such as "lawnmowers" and "mopeds." But the slow-moving, low-flying drones, which are maneuvered to crash into their target, have proven themselves capable of hitting their mark both in terms of military effectiveness and cost. It is capable of extracting or delivering attrition and damage when launched, but it costs little compared to other UAVs that Russia has in its own arsenal," said Samuel Bendett of the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyses (CNA). Ukraine alleges Russia has ordered 2,400 of the Iranian suicide drones, and its military has claimed to have shot them down in great numbers, often using conventional anti-aircraft guns or even small-arms fire. But their ability to be launched in bunches of five -- often from the cover of civilian trucks -- improves their chances of reaching their target. "The Ukrainians are stopping most of these, but the whole point of these drones is that they fly in a large mass," Bendett said. "The air defense does not always catch all of them. All it takes is for several or even one to make it through." The estimated range of the Shahed-136 varies, but Iran says it is capable of traveling 2,500 kilometers. The slightly smaller and older Shahed-131, which has been used by Huthi rebels in Yemen to attack Saudi targets in the Arabian Peninsula, has been estimated to have a range of 900 kilometers, according to tests conducted by the Ukrainian military. Ukraine's Defense Ministry has published multiple images of downed Shahed-136 drones in recent weeks, and the Ukrainian National Guard on October 19 claimed to have shot down a Shahed-131. Ukraine has also claimed to have shot down a more advanced Iranian combat UAV, the Mojer-6 drone capable of carrying out both reconnaissance missions and aerial strikes within a range of 200 kilometers. There have also been reports of Russian interest in obtaining Irans Shahed-129 and Shahed-191 combat drones. "When launched from any territory that Russia controls or is allied with -- anywhere from the south, from the Donbas, from Belarus -- they're able to strike a lot of Ukrainian targets," Bendett said. In addition to the U.S. intelligence assessment that Russia will soon boost its arsenal with Iranian ballistic missiles, as first reported by The Washington Post on October 16, the White House on October 20 said that Iranians are now "directly engaged on the ground" in Moscows war against Ukraine after sending "a relatively small number" of personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to assist Russian forces in using the Iranian drones. Iran has denied sending combat drones to Russia, and Moscow has rejected claims that it is using Iranian UAVs. Images of downed Iranian drones appear to show that they have been rebranded to look Russian-made, experts say, with the markings in Cyrillic naming them as the Geran-1 (the Shahed-131) and Geran-2 (the Shahed-136). Observers are widely skeptical of Russia's denials, noting that the drones are essentially identical right down to the font of the serial numbers. Even Russian Defense Ministry experts have unwittingly admitted that the suicide drones are Iranian. But the rebranding of the drones to make them appear to be Russian has opened the possibility that Moscow could, if it is not already doing so, seek to manufacture or assemble the Iranian drones on its own territory. Sustaining A Campaign The new aerial weaponry fits well with the Russian military's renewed focus on striking military and civilian targets far from the front lines in southern and eastern Ukraine. The air assault has ratcheted up following the October 8 appointment of Colonel General Sergei Surovikin, a former Aerospace Forces commander, to lead the Russian war effort. Just days after Surovikin's appointment, Russia launched the biggest air strikes since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine in February. Moscow said the drone and missile strikes, which targeted civilian areas and infrastructure in cities throughout Ukraine, were in response to a bomb blast that damaged a key bridge linking Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. While the Kremlin has accused Ukraine's intelligence services of carrying out the "terrorist" attack on the Crimea Bridge, Ukraine has denied responsibility. Since the initial air assault in response to the bridge blast, Russia has continued to pound Ukrainian infrastructure, often targeting power plants in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said is a deliberate effort to wear down the Ukrainian people by denying them heat and electricity as winter approaches. "Civilian infrastructure is obviously the new layer in this war. The Ukrainian economy is now the target, the Ukrainian population is now the target," Bendett said. Hard To Stop The hypersonic speed and high trajectory of Iran's Fateh-110s and Zolfaghars, should they arrive, would be extremely difficult for Kyiv to counter without a network of high-tech and costly antimissile batteries it currently does not possess. Ukraine has repeatedly requested more advanced missile-defense systems from the West, and in the face of the threat of the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles reportedly sent an official request to Israel this week for components of its "Iron Dome" system. While the United States has said that it is seeking to expedite the process of sending two U.S. air defense systems known as NASAMS, Washington has appeared reluctant to provide more advanced Patriot missile systems. Janes' defense expert Binnie is skeptical that the delivery of the Patriot system, which has proven to be successful in shooting down ballistic missiles, is realistic for Ukraine. "It's eye wateringly expensive and it's probably not really practical because each [missile] battery only covers one city," he said. "You would never get enough batteries to get the coverage you would want. You just wouldn't be able to find them, produce them, and train enough Ukrainians." Ukrainian troops are holding out against attacks near two towns in the eastern Donbas region, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported on October 26, saying the front line has not significantly changed. Zelenskiy said the fiercest battles were taking place near Avdiyivka and Bakhmut. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. "This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident. Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes," he said in his nightly address. Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize Bakhmut, which sits on a main road leading to the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. British intelligence has said Moscow may see the capture of Bakhmut as a prerequisite for advancing to the two cities -- the most significant Ukrainian-controlled parts of the Donetsk region. Russian-installed authorities in Shakhtarsk, east of the city of Donetsk, said Ukrainian shelling had set ablaze fuel tanks at the town's railway station. The reports could not be independently verified. Zelenskiy did not provide an update on the situation in the Kherson region in southern Ukraine, which has been the scene of recent movements on both sides. "Generally, we are strengthening our positions all over the front line, reducing the invaders' capabilities, destroying their logistics, and preparing good news for Ukraine," he said. Russia, meanwhile, repeated the unfounded claim that Ukraine plans to set off a dirty bomb. This time it was Russian President Vladimir Putin who made the accusation, speaking in remarks carried by Russian TV. Putin said Ukraine plans to use a so-called dirty bomb as a provocation. It was the first time the Russian president made the unsubstantiated allegation, which his officials have been repeating since the weekend. Putin made the remarks as he monitored drills of Russias strategic nuclear forces. "Under the leadership of...Vladimir Putin, a training session was held with ground, sea, and air strategic deterrence forces during which practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place," the Kremlin said in a statement. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Putin that the exercise simulated a massive nuclear strike retaliating for a nuclear attack on Russia. The United States said Russia provided advance notice of the annual drills, which are taking place as NATO carries out its own annual nuclear exercises. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called Russias unsubstantiated statements about the use of a dirty bomb "absurd." The NATO allies reject this blatantly false accusation, and Russia must not use false pretexts to escalate the war further, Stoltenberg told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Ukraine and its Western allies have denied the claims and contend that Russia might itself try to detonate a dirty bomb, a weapons that would use the explosion of a conventional warhead to spread radioactive, biological, or chemical materials over an area. Shoigu on October 26 called his counterparts from India and China to share Moscows concern about possible Ukrainian provocations involving a dirty bomb, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on October 26 that Russia would "vigorously" continue to make the case to the international community that it believed Ukraine intended to detonate a "dirty bomb" with radioactive contaminants. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the United States has communicated directly and very clearly to the Russians the consequences of such an attack. Blinken, speaking at an event sponsored by the U.S. news outlet Bloomberg, did not specify when the Russians were informed or who did it. Blinken repeated that the United States is "very closely" following Russias comments about the use of nuclear weapons but "does not see any reason to change its nuclear position." Russia's statement that Ukraine is considering the possibility of using a dirty bomb is "another fabrication and is the height of irresponsibility on the part of a nuclear state," Blinken said. He noted that Russia has a history of accusing others of doing something they themselves have done or are about to do. He also said the United States was in direct communication with the Russians about their attempts to use the false claim as a pretext for any escalation. Moscow over the weekend claimed Ukraine was preparing to use a so-called dirty bomb on its own territory, drawing immediate dismissal from the United States and other countries that have backed Ukraine. Kyiv and its allies suspect Russia might have made the claim to set up a "false flag" attack in which it would use a dirty bomb itself but would blame the attack on Ukraine and use it to justify the use of conventional nuclear weapons by Moscow. "Let me just say Russia would be making an incredibly serious mistake were it to use a tactical nuclear weapon." U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters on October 25 . "I cannot guarantee you that it is a false flag operation yet. We dont know. But it would be a serious mistake." Shoigu presented no evidence for the claim when he spoke on October 23 with his counterparts from several NATO countries, including Britain, France, and the United States, who dismissed the claim after the series of calls. WATCH: Speaking to Current Time in Riga on October 22, Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot change the course of war in Ukraine by dropping nuclear bombs. Moscow took its accusations against Ukraine to the UN Security Council on October 25, and the country's UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, said afterward that Russia was "satisfied because we raised the awareness." Speaking to reporters, he added: "I don't mind people saying that Russia is crying wolf if this doesn't happen because this is a terrible, terrible disaster that threatens potentially the whole of the Earth." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said earlier on October 25 that it was preparing to send inspectors to two Ukrainian sites in the coming days in reaction to Ukraine's request for an inspection following Russia's claims. Enerhoatom, Ukraines nuclear energy operator, issued a statement on October 24 voicing its concern that Russias statements may indicate that Russia is preparing an act of nuclear terrorism. Russian troops have occupied Ukraines Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, since March. It is still run by Ukrainian engineers though Russia claimed after its illegal annexation of the Zaporizhzhya region that it is on Russian territory. Enerhoatom said that Russian forces have carried out unauthorized, secret construction work over the last week at the plant in the area of the spent nuclear fuel storage facility. Russian officers controlling the area wont give access to Ukrainian staff or monitors from the IAEA that would allow them to see what they are doing, the operator said. Enerhoatom added that it assumes the Russians are preparing a terrorist act using nuclear materials and radioactive waste stored at the plant. With reporting by AFP, dpa, BBC, and Reuters Kyrgyz authorities have said it is too early to confirm Turkish media claims about the alleged involvement of a Kyrgyz national in the deadly Istanbul airport attack until official DNA tests results are announced. The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said on July 1 that Kyrgyz diplomats in Istanbul have met with representatives of Turkeys antiterrorism department amid reports that one of the three suspects in the June 28 suicide bombings was a Kyrgyz citizen. The antiterror officials said that media reports are premature and incorrect until the official results of DNA and other forensic tests are available, the ministry said. Ruslan Moldakunov, a representative of the Kyrgyz consulate in Istanbul, told RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service that the results are expected at the earliest in five or six days. Turkish representatives told us that for now they are not able to verify the identities of the attackers, Moldakunov added. Turkish media quoted an unnamed Turkish government official as saying the three suspected Islamic State (IS) bombers were from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. Turkey also announced the detention of 13 more people, including three foreign nationals, in connection with the gun and bomb attack that killed at least 43 people and injured more than 200 more. No group has claimed responsibility, but Turkey blamed the attack on the so-called Islamic State extremist group. Uzbekistan's security service could not immediately be reached for comment. Andrei Karlov, Russia's ambassador to Turkey, said that he had no information regarding the involvement of any Russian citizen in the attack. Hundreds of Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Russian nationals have joined IS fighters in Syria and Iraq. At NATO's last summit in Wales, the alliance was in emergency mode. Next week in Warsaw, it will be putting the pieces in place to contain and deter an increasingly revanchist Russia. Top items on the agenda at the Warsaw summit include beefing up troop presence in the Baltics, Poland, and Romania; intensified cooperation with nonmembers Sweden and Finland; cyberwarfare; and a renewed focus on the Black Sea. Alliance officials describe next week's summit in the Polish capital as a landmark event that will be making decisions that should resonate for decades. So what should we expect? On this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we look ahead to next week's summit in the Polish capital. Joining me are co-host Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Czech Institute of International Relations and author of the blog In Moscow's Shadows, and Andreas Umland, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation in Kyiv. Enjoy... Listen to or download the podcast above or subscribe to The Power Vertical Podcast on iTunes. PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Power Vertical Podcast will not appear next week, as I will be attending the NATO summit. The Podcast will return on July 15, with a special on-the-road program from Tartu, Estonia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the "traumatic effect" from Britain's vote to leave the European Union will be felt for a long time, although global market turbulence has subsided. "The referendum results...have rocked the markets, but in the medium term everything will recover," he told a gathering of Russian diplomats in Moscow on June 30. In other ways, he said without specifying, "it is clear that the traumatic effect from the results of the referendum will be felt for quite a long time." Despite suspicions that Putin is relishing the prospect of political and economic turmoil in Britain and the EU, he insisted that Russia had no influence over the British vote on June 24. "I would like to stress yet again that the so-called Brexit is the choice of the British people. We did not interfere with this process and are not tampering with it in anyway," he said. "Now let's see how they will implement the principles of democracy," he said. Moscow "will closely follow how far the negotiations between London and Brussels go, and what the consequences will be for all of Europe and for us." Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP NATO's military buildup near Russia's borders has thrown off the balance of forces there, President Vladimir Putin said, vowing to respond without getting into a costly arms race. NATO has revealed its anti-Russian intentions by deploying forces in Poland and the Baltics and building missile-defense sites there, Putin told a gathering of Russian diplomats in Moscow on June 30. "All that is aimed at undermining a military parity that has formed over decades," he said. NATO has rotated weapons and troops to reassure its eastern members worried about Russia because of its aggression in Ukraine. Russia views NATO's missile shield, in particular, as a top security threat and has plans to create three new divisions in its southwest region to counter the buildup. Putin said that Russia will "react adequately" to NATO without being drawn into an expensive arms race. "We don't intend to give in to this militaristic frenzy, but it seems that is what they are pushing us to, to provoke a costly and pointless arms race," he said. "This will not happen. But we will also not be weak. We will always be able to defend ourselves reliably." Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Interfax The Kremlins top childrens rights official says he has submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin, a move that comes a week after he triggered widespread outrage by asking a survivor of a mass drowning that killed 14 teenagers, "So, how was the swim?" Pavel Astakhov, who as Russia's childrens rights ombudsman seized center stage in Moscows acrimonious standoff with Washington over foreign adoptions, confirmed on July 1 that he had tendered his resignation following 24 hours of fervent speculation about his possible exit. "Yesterday, after a very serious, very frank conversation, I submitted my resignation indeed. But the president will decide," Astakhov told the independent Russian news outlet RBC. RBC and other major Russian news outlets a day earlier quoted unidentified Kremlin sources as saying that Astakhov had formally offered to resign, though neither he nor the Kremlin immediately confirmed those reports. Instead, Astakhov published a religion-themed Instagram post on June 30 following a meeting chaired by Putin, calling on readers to adhere to a Russian Orthodox fast, pray, to resist the "temptation" that "God tests each of us with." It was a characteristically florid appeal by Astakhov, who has repeatedly courted controversy with bombastic and often bizarre public comments. Last year, he defended the marriage of a middle-aged police chief to a 17-year-old girl in Russia's restive Chechnya region by noting different cultural norms in the vast country -- the minimum legal age to marry is 18 -- and saying that some women look "shriveled" by the time they're 27. A colorful former trial lawyer who hosted a courtroom reality-television show, Astakhov used the children's rights ombudsman position as a high-profile lever in the Kremlin's foreign policy. During his tenure, he portrayed himself as a relentless defender of Russian children anywhere in the world. He repeatedly turned cases of both confirmed and alleged child abuse involving Russian adoptees abroad into causes celebres that directly impacted Moscows ties with other countries. But his critics among the Russian opposition and in foreign governments repeatedly accused him of using his position to further the Kremlin's geopolitical goals rather than protect Russian children. Most notably, he became a prominent Kremlin point man for a 2012 law barring U.S. citizens from adopting Russian children. It was passed in response to the Magnitsky Act, a U.S. law sanctioning Russians deemed by Washington to be complicit in the 2009 death of whistle-blowing Russian tax lawyer Sergei Magnitsky and other alleged human rights abuses. Critics of the legislation have dubbed it the Scumbags' Law, saying it has condemned thousands of Russian children, many of them disabled, to lives in orphanages plagued by miserable conditions. Astakhov has urged the government to impose the ban on other countries as well, describing the adoption of Russian orphans as a "semi-legal scheme of exporting children." A supporter of a Russian law on banning the spread of "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" among minors that critics say encourages discrimination against homosexuals, Astakhov has called same-sex couples raising children "artificial" and "infertile pseudo-families." He has also proposed curious social experiments, such as mobilizing retirees "who sit at home and simply do nothing" into "pensioner patrols" to monitor troubled families. 'Awkward Turn Of Phrase' Astakhovs reported departure was preceded by an unusual amount of pressure from government-friendly media that rarely criticize or air the dirty laundry of senior officials who remain in the Kremlin's good graces. The exposure focused on his seemingly insensitive comments during a June 23 meeting with children who survived a boating accident that killed 14 children at a camp near the Finnish border. Speaking to two girls who survived the tragedy, Astakhov asked with a hint of a smile, "So how was the swim?" Footage of the exchange was published in a mildly critical report by the state-friendly private television channel REN-TV. More critical coverage came from the pro-Kremlin tabloid LifeNews. The Kremlin called his comments an "awkward turn of phrase." Astakhov himself said his comments were taken out of context and has characterized his critics as being part of a U.S. smear campaign. At the time of his resignation, more than 150,000 people had signed a petition on the popular online campaign site Change.org calling for him to step down. RBC quoted sources as saying that Astakhov's resignation was connected to his numerous controversial public statements -- including those about "shriveled" women and the recent boat tragedy. The newspaper also said the Kremlins anticorruption directorate had questions about Astakhov. Earlier on June 30, a LifeNews reporter covering the Kremlin also suggested officials had questions about Astakhov's financial dealings. Astakhov, who holds law degrees from both the Feliks Dzerzhinsky KGB School in Moscow and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in the United States, has participated as a lawyer in numerous high-profile cases over the past two decades. During his defense of accused U.S. spy Edmond Pope in 2000, Astakhov delivered his summation in iambic pentameter. Three years later, he wrote a letter to then-U.S. President George W. Bush volunteering to serve as counsel to deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Early in Putin's first term, Astakhov criticized the president and accused him of using Russia's courts to impose the governments agenda. In 2007, however, he became a leader in a pro-Putin group that urged the president to remain in office despite a constitutional ban on a third consecutive term. PRAGUE -- Radical performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky says his dramatic brand of antiestablishment art was inspired by the shock of seeing fellow students at his art academy imbued with the national "clerical ideology." But the 32-year-old bad boy of Russia's suppressed dissident scene says he was only driven to perform his public challenges to authority in 2012, when he saw the female punk protest collective Pussy Riot's members put on trial for taking on the church and the Kremlin in one wild, balaclava moment on video. His response has been a series of antigovernment actions -- whether wrapping himself in barbed wire in front of a local legislature, nailing his scrotum to Red Square, or cutting off an earlobe atop the wall of a notorious psychiatric clinic, to name a few -- that he says are rejections of that stifling environment of the St. Petersburg academy where he learned his trade. Comparing Orthodox Christianity's activities to Soviet propaganda burnishing atheism and the bright communist future, Pavlensky says his art-school days a decade ago showed him "how art is used as an instrument for ideology and propaganda -- as a political instrument." He says he witnessed a "clerical ideology" at art school and that "by the fourth year, students would cross themselves and bow because of the ideology imposed on them," adding, "Just as in the U.S.S.R....they believed in the Bolshevik idea." So he revolted. "I realized that I don't want to allow the instrumentalization of art and to allow myself to be used to execute someone else's ideological goals," he tells RFE/RL's Russian Service during a visit to Prague. His controversial stunts and the toll they have taken on his sliced, pierced, and frequently unclothed body have established him as Russia's best-known antigovernment artist since Pussy Riot. "I began political art in 2012," he says. "The authorities themselves catalyzed this with their punitive action against the group Pussy Riot." That punk collective divided Russian society when its activists burst into Moscows Christ the Savior Cathedral and -- in the refrain of a song performed at the altar in brightly colored masks -- called on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin. Many Russians were appalled at what they saw as the defiling of one of the holiest sites in Russia. But some others, like Pavlensky, regarded it as an audacious and important piece of performance art revealing unduly close ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin. The authorities were not amused, and three of Pussy Riot's members spent time in jail for "hooliganism." Pavlensky responded with his first high-profile performance, sewing his mouth shut in an explicit act of solidarity with Pussy Riot in July 2012. He called the action "Seam." In his most recent stunt, in November, he doused the front door of the imposing Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters in Moscow in fuel and lit it on fire. He was arrested, but against virtually all expectations after his conviction on June 8 for damaging a cultural monument, Pavlensky was fined the equivalent of around $8,000 but spared more jail time. Pavlensky tells RFE/RL that the shocking nature of his acts are important because they convey his message despite a public discourse that is awash with words and communication but ultimately devoid of meaning or significance. "The situation is quite paradoxical," he says. "There are now so many words and there is so much communication that in actual fact a large quantity of people have plunged into a hubbub. It has just become noise. Society has plunged into silence -- silence insofar as action is concerned. It is this that I think we need to respond to this somehow and counteract it." President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia would move troops toward its border with Finland if the Nordic country became a member of NATO, whose eastward expansion since the fall of the Soviet Union has long angered the Kremlin. "Finnish forces would cease being independent, cease being sovereign in the full sense of that word," Putin said after a July 1 meeting in Finland with President Sauli Niinisto. "They would become part of NATO's military infrastructure, which overnight would be at the borders of the Russian Federation." Putin added: "Do you think that we will continue as before by keeping our troops 1,500 [kilometers] away?" His comments came ahead of next week's NATO summit in Warsaw that Niinisto has been invited to attend. Alliance members are expected to endorse a larger deployment of alliance military forces to Eastern Europe. NATO says the planned increase of forces on its eastern flank is in response to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, including its 2014 seizure and annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and the ongoing war between Russia-backed separatists and Kyiv's military in eastern Ukraine. Finland has said it will continue to participate in NATO exercises and decide for itself whether or not to join the alliance. With reporting by RIA Novosti, Interfax, Reuters, and Yle.fi A Russian plane with 10 people onboard remains missing in Russias Irkutsk region. Authorities believe it has crashed and have pinpointed the area they believe it went down. Russian Emergencies Ministry officials said on July 2 that the Ilyushin Il-76 went down in a forested taiga area over 150 kilometers from any inhabited locality. Russian reports said the plane's pilots last communicated with air traffic controllers early on July 1. The plane was helping to fight a forest fire in the region and was on its second flight of the day, according to reports. It had not reported any malfunctions through its last communication with air-traffic controllers, which was shortly after it discharged the water it was carrying on the forest fire. An official at Russias Emergency Services Ministry told Interfax that the pilot of the plane may have lost orientation while flying through the thick smoke coming from the blaze. Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS A Moscow court has ruled to free Dmitry Kamenshchik, the owner of the Domodedovo airport, from house arrest, Russian news agencies report. Based on the July 1 ruling by Moscow City Court, the house arrest of two of Kamenshchiks associates will also be lifted. The probe against Kamenshchik and others was launched after relatives of victims of a 2011 terrorist attack at the Domodedovo airport filed lawsuits demanding financial compensation. Kamenshchik and his associates are facing charges linked with security measures at the airport at the time of the attack. They have rejected the charges. More than 30 people were killed and 172 injured in the suicide bombing at Domodedovo airport in January 2011 as a bomber blew himself up in the airport's arrival zone. Based on reporting by Reuters, Rapsinews, and Interfax Nobody has to be a superhero to save a life. There doesnt need to be a cape, or a mask or a super power, all it takes is the willpower and drive to get out and make a difference. With that being said, though, the late Max Christensen had a nearly super-human drive to donate blood 26 gallons to be precise that benefited an estimated 600 people, his daughter, Caryl Grorud said. Grorud, a retired nurse who worked for the Fremont Public School district, saw her fathers actions and made the decision to take action herself giving blood is something that takes little time yet makes such a monumental difference in the lives of so many. It became a family tradition that you should give blood, Grorud said during a Thursday phone interview with the Tribune. When I retired I had time to do more things so I decided to start getting involved with the Red Cross. Since 1998 when she donated her first pint of blood eight pints make one gallon Grorud estimates that she has donated five gallons of blood. Thats nothing compared to dad, though, she said. Now as the co-coordinator of six blood drives annually one every other month Grorud sees it has her responsibility to spread the word and motivate people to donate themselves. On July 16, people are being encouraged to donate blood from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. at the Fremont Mall, 860 E. 23rd St, as part of the Rock & Roll Blood drive, encouraging area residents to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. An additional two days of the blood drive are being held at the Fremont City Auditorium, located at Ninth and Broad Street. On July 18, people can donate one pint of blood from noon through 6 p.m., and on July 19, from 10:30 a.m. though 4:30 p.m. Over the course of the three-day event, Grorud said that the goal is receive 350 units pints of blood. Once the blood is donated, it is held in a blood bank and distributed wherever it is needed. Grorud said that on one occasion, some of her blood donations were used in Puerto Rico. You dont always know where it goes, but its exciting when you do find out where the blood is being used. It helps you know that you are making a real difference. As an added incentive, this particular drive, people who arrive early enough will receive a $10 gift card to various businesses, a free T-shirt and a catered lunch from Hy-Vee. Grorud encourages Fremont residents to attend one of the days. Its such a critical thing for saving lives, and with it being summer lots of people are on vacation so we need new people to step up to the challenge and come out. Its so easy, and it makes such a big difference. Russia's men's quadruple sculls crew has been banned from the Rio Olympics after one of their members failed a doping test in May, the world governing body FISA said on July 1. Sergei Fedorovtsev provided a urine sample at an out-of-competition test conducted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on May 17 and tested positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine, FISA said. While Fedorovtsev is the only crew member who tested positive, the Switzerland-based body's ban prevents the other three Russian rowers from participating in the Rio de Janiero games in August as well. The Russian crew had won a "last-chance" regatta in Lucerne, qualifying them to compete in Rio. They will be replaced by third-placed New Zealand. FISA said Fedorovtsev's "A" and "B" samples tested positive for the substance, which is a banned metabolic modulator. The "B" sample was tested on June 30. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and TASS Three people from Pakistan have been arrested in Spain, accused of promoting Islamist militancy through social media, the Interior Ministry said. The three shared a home in the northeast city of Lleida from where they are accused of distributing content justifying Islamic State executions and supporting the Taliban and Pakistani groups, the ministry said on July 1. Authorities have not yet determined if they were part of a larger network, it added. Spain has now detained 29 people suspected of belonging to or acting for Islamist militant groups since the beginning of the year. Based on reporting by Reuters LONGWOOD, Fla. Artist Jeff Sonksen dabbed baby-blue paint on a small wooden canvas square that would become the face of Juan Chevez Martinez. Sonksen, 48, best known for creating hundreds of portraits of celebrities, rock stars and other cultural icons on long stretches of the Seminole-Wekiva Trail in Seminole County, didnt know Martinez. Nor did he know Amanda Alvear or Juan Ramon Guerrero or any of the 49 people slain June 12 at Pulse nightclub. But hes painted the face of each one this week. When is the world going to get sick of this, man? Sonksen said of the violence that killed them. Look how many. The stack of painted 1-foot-square panels had piled up to the chin of the 5-foot-8 artist. In the wake of the tragedy, Sonksen created a mural in honor of Pulse on the side of the Track Shack running store in Orlando as a favor to the stores owners. He hadnt initially considered painting portraits of those who died. But last week, he popped open Facebook and saw a video shot inside the club before the shooting. It was just everybody dancing, Sonksen said as tears welled in his eyes. It was like a happy song and everybody was happy and dancing and stuff ... I felt like I couldnt breathe watching it. He said he thought of the victims, their families, their friends, the loss. I cant let this go, he said, rubbing his forehead with paint-stained fingers. I cant stop thinking about what happened. ... His wife, Maria, said Sonksen walked into their garage, pulled the door down, cranked up heavy metal and started painting. When he finally emerged for a break hours later, he had painted 18 portraits at his Longwood home, working from a collage of photos he found on the Internet. You cant stop him once he gets going, she said. Sonksen posted a short video of the portraits on a Facebook page called Paint The Trail. It caught the attention of Galen Hertzell, an admirer of Sonksens trail portraits and a volunteer at The Center, which provides advocacy, services and support for the LGBT community in Central Florida. If you have not placed those ... The Center would love to have them. Four of them were my friends. ... he said in a text. Hertzell promised to find a permanent public home for Sonksens art _ either at Pulse, The Center or along the trail. Sonksens work features a broad mural of Orlando including images of downtown buildings, a Disney castle and the Orlando Eye over the phrase #OrlandoUnited. The 49 portraits will surround the mural, which is in downtown Sanford. Although he has not yet seen Sonksens work, Brian Alvear, whose sister Amanda died in the shooting, said the artists work is one more expression of compassion and love that has comforted his family as they try to cope with her death. Its really, really breathtaking, he said. Sonksen said he hopes people will see the portraits and realize the depth of what happened at Pulse. I just wanted to show how many people we lost, he said. A Mexican national caught May 5 with more than 2 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle intended for sale to a DEA cooperating source pleaded guilty in federal court Friday. Orlando Rafael Preciado, 38, also known as Juan Gonzalez, and Julio Alvarez, 28, were indicted May 17 by a federal grand jury in Richmond charging them with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Preciado, who pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roderick C. Young, faces at least five years and as many as 40 years in prison when sentenced Oct. 3 by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. A July 25 trial is set for Alvarez. No address was available for either man. According to a criminal complaint filed May 6 by a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, an unidentified cooperating source allegedly had discussions with Alvarez about buying cocaine and had made purchases of cocaine from him in March. It is alleged Alvarez told the informant that his source was Preciado and gave the informant Preciados telephone number. The source began negotiating with Preciado to buy cocaine in pound and kilogram 2.2 pounds amounts, according to the DEA affidavit filed with the criminal complaint. The source bought 2 ounces of cocaine from Preciado in two purchases in March. On April 24, according to the affidavit, Preciado told the source that he had been south and had some good-quality cocaine. The two met May 2 in the parking lot of the 360 West Shopping Center in Chesterfield County. Preciado told the source he had recently driven to Houston, where he picked up several kilograms of cocaine that was inside a concealed compartment in the car. Preciado was detained by the DEA on May 5 when he arrived to meet with the source to sell him or her a kilogram of cocaine, according to the DEA. The cocaine, according to a laboratory analysis, weighed 920 grams, just under a kilogram, Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey told Young Friday. In pleading guilty Friday, Preciado admitted that from March until his arrest he conspired with others to distribute cocaine and that he made two separate sales to the informant in March. Eight years ago, John Sydnor joined a group of volunteers at Evergreen Cemetery in clearing thickets that smothered an important chapter of Richmonds African-American history. In a sense, he never truly left. When you go there, you are moved, Sydnor said Thursday. You are hooked. The emotion, the environment of that space and that place grabs a hold of you and does not let go. ... Once I was there, I never stopped thinking about it. When he became executive director of Enrichmond, a foundation that seeks to support parks and public spaces, he also couldnt cast aside the negative aspects of Evergreen, the final resting place of bank founder Maggie L. Walker and newspaper editor John Mitchell Jr., both seminal business and civic leaders during the early 1900s in Richmond. Lacking adequate perpetual care, Evergreen and the adjacent East End Cemetery suffered desecration and decay. Gravestones toppled and were submerged beneath earth and undergrowth. The scope of the problem has been too large for the dedicated volunteers who toiled at Evergreen, and later, East End. But now, help is on the way with the potential to transform neglect into opportunity and cultural enrichment. On Thursday, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation board of trustees approved a $400,000 grant to assist the community efforts to restore East End and Evergreen. The award is seed money for a long-term effort to transform those 76 acres from a local embarrassment to a statewide, if not national, historical attraction. An inherently frustrating effort to beat back Mother Nature and Father Time is now imbued with the glow of promise. Its huge, said Brian Palmer, who volunteers at East End with his wife, Erin Hollaway Palmer. It feels like recognition of the community thats buried at East End and Evergreen cemeteries, a recognition of their value in the story of Richmond. And in terms of the money side of things, I think most of us are putting our heads down and getting back to work because there are so many stakeholders, so many interested parties, who need to talk about how to use these funds. Thats down the road. He said he shares the foundations vision of creating a cultural and historical destination, a kind of memorial park, where people could learn, young people could learn. It could be a place of contemplation, a place of research. We have models for that. Having spent some time with both staff members and the trustees of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, they are visionary. I think they want to do something different. I think they want to do something bold. And I find that exciting and heartening, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do what I can to contribute. According to Selden Richardsons Built by Blacks: African American Architecture and Neighborhoods in Richmond, VA, East End Cemetery was established in 1897 on 6 acres. Evergreen Cemetery, created four years later, was intended to be the African-American equivalent of Hollywood Cemetery. Obviously, it hasnt turned out that way. The disparity between white Hollywood and black Evergreen mirrors the historic wealth gaps between the communities. But the conditions at Evergreen and East End, which straddle the Richmond-Henrico County line, reflect poorly on our region. Its past time something was done. I can tell you that I feel that the timing is right, Sydnor said. There seems to be the interest, the necessary interest at the state level, the necessary interest at the local level, as well as among organizations and nonprofits. Next, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Enrichmond will go about forging or solidifying partnerships, including with the city and Henrico, and devising a game plan to transform the cemeteries. The process will be long, Sydnor said. But its a turning point as opposed to not moving forward at all. The process will involve gathering data and exploring a purchase of the property, and then continuing what we hope will be a very in-depth way to honor, protect and preserve whats there now, and for eternity. Exactly who will ultimately acquire the properties from their private ownership is unclear. We feel like there needs to be an ownership of the property that coordinates with the thousands of volunteers a year that we feel are going to be there, he said. But ultimately, the vision includes an educational resource for schoolchildren in Richmond, across the state and, perhaps, nationwide. While the $400,000 represents a huge step forward, more money will have to be raised, Sydnor said. Our goal is the expectation that we succeed, not a time frame, he said. But dont misinterpret that: Our interest and intent is to begin not so much researching but doing, he said, noting that books and dissertations have been written on the cemeteries. We need to start preserving and protecting. The cemeteries maintained a place in the local memory thanks to the collective efforts of folks such as volunteer coordinator John Shuck; Veronica Davis, author of Here I Lay My Burdens Down: A History of the Black Cemeteries of Richmond, Virginia; and Palmer, who was initially attracted to East End as a backdrop for a documentary about Old Orchard, a neglected black cemetery on the grounds of Camp Peary near Williamsburg and the final resting place for his great-grandfather. I went to East End originally to shoot B-roll for the documentary, he said. His wife cleared graves with a group of Boy Scouts. The couple pledged to return, and made good on their promise. Erin Palmer has since uncovered roughly 300 headstones, her husband estimates. But at the start, Brian Palmer was dubious. I saw this huge forest with headstones in it. It was daunting, he said. But then he joined a group in uncovering his first hidden headstone, and that was an instant connection with that community. A community that has not been recognized and that is not well-documented. This is our outdoor archives. ... Reclaiming a story is as simple as digging your hands in the dirt. Richmond has a lot of history to reclaim. It needs all the hands it can gather. The office of Attorney General Mark R. Herring is asking a federal court to reject a lawsuit filed by a Virginia delegate to the Republican National Convention who wants legal permission to break party rules and vote against Donald Trump. The states response, filed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, argues Winchester attorney Carroll Correll Jr. lacks standing and waited too long to file the suit with the national convention in Cleveland just weeks away. Before his election as a delegate, Correll knew the partys rules and knew the primary results, Assistant Attorney General Anna T. Birkenheier wrote in the states response. He stood for election anyway, yet now seeks to undo the partys and the voters choices. In the lawsuit filed last week, Correll, a Republican activist elected in April as a convention delegate from the 10th Congressional District, claims his constitutional rights are violated by a Virginia law binding convention delegates to cast their votes based on the results of the party primary. Correll said hes concerned he could face legal action by Trump or his allies if he votes his conscience and supports someone other than Trump. With many Republicans still reluctant to embrace Trump as the partys standard-bearer, some are holding out hope to outmaneuver Trumps forces at the convention and nominate an alternative presidential candidate. All of Virginias 49 delegates are bound to vote according to primary results on the conventions first ballot. Trumps first-place finish in Virginias March 1 primary entitles him to 17 delegate votes, with the rest of the votes distributed proportionately among other candidates who have dropped out. After narrowly losing to Trump in Virginia, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida has 16 delegates on the first ballot. Correll filed the suit as a class action on behalf of other Virginia delegates to the Republican convention. Eight other Republican delegates, including some of Trumps most vocal Virginia supporters such as conservative radio host John Fredericks and former Rep. Virgil H. Goode, have filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit, calling it an eleventh-hour attack on long-standing election law. Plaintiff asserts the state is burdening his constitutional rights by requiring him to vote in accord with the will of the people, the opposing delegates said in their motion, which the state is not opposing. But it is plaintiff who is attempting to disenfranchise the good people of Virginia. Correll is asking the court to declare the convention voting law unconstitutional and issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing any punitive action against him for casting a vote against Trump, whom Correll has called unfit to serve. DYE, Frederick Lewis, 58 of Ashland, Va., formerly of Abingdon, Va., went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Fred was well-known for his walk of faith and was a former deacon at Mountain View Baptist, Mount Olivet Baptist, and active member of the Cool Spring Baptist Church. Fred found joy and peace in his church's Life Group, where his spiritual walk with Christ continued to mature. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Kim Lauterbach Dye. Fred was a devoted son to his mother, Betty Snavely Dye, Abingdon, Va.; and he was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Lewis Dye. Fred had the strongest of bonds with and devotion to his twin sister, Freda Pickle; along with a special friendship with his brother-in-law, Tim Pickle, Richmond. Fred often spoke of his great joy of being a stepdad to his stepchildren, Jacob, Josh and Claire DeVor and "Papaw" to his grandchildren, Kennedy, Madelyn, Frasier and Nolan Frederick. Fred is survived by his father-in-law and close friend, Wayne; and mother-in-Law, Edna Lauterbach. He was cherished by his sister-in-law, Kristen Seay, who tenderly cared for his physical well-being during his decline in the past few months. His sister-in-law, Kay Henry (Tim), provided loving assistance during his illness. Fred graduated from J. Sargeant Reynolds as an Optician. He was employed by the Virginia Eye Institute as a medical photographer specializing in glaucoma diagnostics. He made many lasting friendships there. The family is especially grateful to Mimi Williams and Barry Green for their care and friendship during Fred's illness. Fred was creative and had numerous hobbies which all involved working with his hands or music. His baskets, wood carving, furniture making and fishing were where he enjoyed spending leisure hours. Fred loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He especially enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music. Fred's personal mission in life was defined by his favorite Bible verse- "Aspire to lead a quiet life, to work with your hands so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders." Thessalonians 4:11-12. The family will remember and honor Fred's life with visitation at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and services at Cool Spring Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2016. A private burial will follow in Gethsemane Church of Christ, Mechanicsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's memory to Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Richmond. The Center's contributions, advice and resources were instrumental in making this journey a celebration of Fred's life during his cancer treatments. www.cullather.org. It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search? Search for: Search A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Morgan Griffith announced that the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General has confirmed it has begun a review of the consolidation of the Roanoke Processing and Distribution Center mail processing operations into the Greensboro P&DC. After Goodlatte and Griffith began receiving a significant increase in communications regarding lost or delayed mail, the timing of which strongly suggested a connection to the closing of the Roanoke processing facility on May 26, 2016, they sent a letter to the USPS OIG requesting an audit. The audit was requested to review the mail processing operations to determine whether constituents mail is being processed in a timely manner. The Congressmen also requested that the audit determine if a business case exists to support this particular consolidation, given that USPS has cited cost savings to support network consolidations. Click here to view the letter. The USPS OIG has confirmed that such a review is underway, and indicated the final report is expected in December 2016. Goodlatte and Griffith said, Folks in Southwest Virginia deserve quality, efficient, and cost effective postal service, just like those living in larger urban areas. We remain troubled about the timeliness and quality of service for mail delivery in our districts, and thank the Inspector General for investigating our concerns. We are also concerned that the Postal Service may have made arbitrary and speculative decisions which ultimately affect the reliability of its service in the Roanoke region, and possibly in other rural areas around the nation. We are pleased an audit is underway, and look forward to thoroughly reviewing the final report. Prior to moving mail processing and jobs to Greensboro, Goodlatte and Griffith joined Congressman Robert Hurt, R-Virginia, and Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Virginia, in sending a letter to the Postmaster General outlining their concerns with the decision to close the Roanoke P&DC. In their letter, the lawmakers expressed their doubts that this action would improve the financial condition of the USPS. They also noted that the decision would leave Central, Western, and Southwest Virginia devoid of reliable mail processing, and voiced their concerns that the Greensboro facility would not be able to handle the timely processing and distribution of Virginians mail. Submitted by Beth Breeding Congressman Morgan Griffith's office has submitted his e-newsletter newsletter for the week of June 28: Making government more responsive Since being elected to Congress, a constant among my priorities has been improving the way the federal government operates. This includes protecting you from an overreaching government, making the budgeting process better, increasing transparency, reclaiming and defending the authority of the legislature, etc. As part of my ongoing efforts to change Washington and improve the way it does the peoples business, I am involved in the House Republican initiative to curtail executive overreach, impose new limits on spending, and restore self-government and the separation of powers. More specifically, Congress over the last century has ceded increasing authority to the Executive branch to, among other things, shape and determine U.S. policy regarding trade amongst the nations of the world. In an effort to remedy this, next month I will be introducing legislation to establish a Joint Ad Hoc Congressional Committee on Trade Responsibilities which would be tasked with developing a plan to move to the legislative branch functions and responsibilities of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), which would be in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution. Backing up a bit Article 1, Section 8 establishes that Congress shall have power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises and To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations Further, the courts have reaffirmed that when the President exercises authority in regulating foreign commerce, he or she does so as Congress agent (Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance vs. the United States) and that imports from a foreign country are foreign commerce subject to regulation, so far as this country is concerned, by Congress alone (United States v. Guy W. Capps, Inc.). Accordingly, Members of Congress have historically had primary responsibility for compiling and proposing reductions/suspensions of import duties. But Congress has ceded broad responsibilities for negotiating trade deals and import duties to the USTR, most recently through the renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Though I believe U.S. trade interests can be more effectively pursued with a return to greater Congressional participation in and oversight of trade negotiations (see below), I recognize that 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 members of the Senate realistically cannot be engaged in day-to-day negotiations on trade agreements. USTR ought to continue in its role of negotiating trade agreements, but it ought to be done under the authority of the legislative branch. Imagine, if you will, that USTR is a tree. My bill would simply establish a plan to dig up the USTR tree, roots and all, from out of the White House lawn, transport it a few blocks up the road, and replant it in the grounds of the United States Capitol, where the founding fathers intended commerce (trade) with foreign nations to be rooted. Under my bill, this transfer would need to be done within four years after their final report or by July 1, 2021, whichever is later. Additionally, the Congressional Committee, which would consist of members of both the House and the Senate, would be advised in creating this plan by an Advisory Board appointed by Congress and the President. This advisory board will consist of individuals with expertise on the constitutional roles of the President and Congress regarding trade policy as well as individuals who represent labor, industry, agriculture, and other interests. Earlier, I advised readers to see below. Well, in a famous incident recorded in Beth Macys book Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local and Helped Save an American Town, the notorious John Bassett III was speaking with a lawyer from the trade representatives office. What country do you represent? Bassett asked. Um, the United States, the lawyer replied. Bassett said, We've been here forty-five minutes and you haven't mentioned our country once. Listen, you are not paid to look after these other countries, you're paid to look after us. As the story goes, the staffer objected and said, No one's ever talked to me like this before. But Bassett cut him off, saying, Well, somebody should have, sir. China has its own trade rep, and I'm quite sure that person is capable of looking after China. Yo' job is to look after us. I believe my bill will make the USTR more responsive to American people and businesses. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. Submitted by Andie Pivarunas Annie Lin of Salem shares these photos and writes: "Saturday, May 21, 2016 was the annual Local Colors Festival celebration of ethnic diversity at the Elmwood Park in Roanoke. There were food vendors, stage performances, music dancing, cultural exhibits, and more. Special futures included free children's activities, interactive demonstrations, salsa and martial arts, also including the U.S. Navy band playing music performance around the word from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. "My son, Jerry Wu and I dressed up for representing Taiwan in the parade. See! Our T-shirts match with Republic of China flag. The flag is red with navy blue canton bearing a white sun with twelve triangular rays in Chinese, the flag is commonly described as blue sky, white sun, and wholly red earth to reflect its attributes. "First, we picked the Taiwan flag up from the stage. Then we walked around at the booths area at the park and took some pictures. We got a picture with police and navy color guards. "At 11:00 am, the parade started, when we walked into the line up. I heard Mayor Bowers called my name 'Annie.' We got a picture. then we followed the other countries and walked from Roanoke City Library into Elmwood Park's stage. Jerry held and waved the flag. I heard a host said, 'Taiwan known as Formosa, Beautiful Island, is an island in East Asia.' I asked someone to take pictures for us. "Then, I went to the food booths, I bought a chicken strip on a stick for Jerry at Asia food booth. We sat in front of stage to watch Sauerkraut band's performance. "I had my Tai-Chi demonstration at 12:30 in Roanoke City Main Library. I had done Tai-chi fans, stick and sword. People clapped hands for me after each performance. I met Stephanie Floyd and Priscilla Casey at the Library. I needed to go back to work and Jerry was tired. the, we left the park. "It was a fun day (no raining). Thank you to the sponsors and volunteers for colorful day. "I also included my yard pictures. See! a giant spinner turning around and spinning while the wind was blowing it. how wonderful and beautiful a spinner beside my blooming flowers, such as iris, roses, tulips, azaleas and ponies with purple, yellow, pink, red and golden colors." You can view the photos in the slide show above or click here for an alternate view. RICHMOND, Calif. Years of tenacity by two women on opposite ends of the United States may soon be rewarded with the establishment of a national day of recognition for the women who stepped into crucial roles on the World War II home front. The goal of creating a national Rosie the Riveter Day has long been the goal of Phyllis Gould, a 94-year-old resident of Fairfax, Calif., and Mae Krier, a 91-year-old resident of Levittown, Pa. The pair, with almost two centuries of experience between them, joined forces on their mutual quest after meeting at the annual Rosie the Riveter convention held last year in Richmond, Calif. Both are now closely watching the progress of this years National Defense Authorization Act. An amendment in the version of this years act already approved by Congress calls for creating a day that recognizes the role played by the 16 million women known as Rosie the Riveters during World War II. The U.S. Senate is now taking up its version of the act, and the hope is that it will accept and approve the same amendment before its session is adjourned for the summer. Its been a lot of hard work, Gould said earlier this month at the Rosie the Riveter World War II/Home Front National Historical Park visitors center in Richmond. I know theres a lot going on thats more important than this, but I thought maybe they would like to do one happy thing. The effort and persistence of Gould and Krier are a product of their own experiences working on the home front. Gould was a welder at the shipyards in Richmond, one of the first half dozen women hired to work at the far-flung Kaiser operations. Krier was a riveter, assembling B17s and B29s at the Boeing aircraft factory in Seattle. They saw firsthand how the Rosies stepped up for their country and in the process permanently changed societal perceptions about women in the workplace. We grew up expecting to be housewives and mothers, Gould said. These women put that aside to go out in the workforce. It wasnt just the shipyards and airplane factories everywhere a man was drafted, women came in to do the job. It was a total turnaround to have the woman providing for the family. Recognition of that effort was quickly put aside when the war ended. The men came home to parades and flying flags, the Rosies came home to pink slips, Krier said, noting that it was especially hard for the women who had lost their husbands in the war and suddenly had no income, either. Between them, they have written dozens of letters, Gould to elected officials and Krier to newspapers and other media outlets. Krier has also been a popular speaker before historical groups and service clubs around Pennsylvania. She said she has been writing letters to media outlets seeking recognition for the women of the home front for more than 35 years. When the children had grown up, I began thinking that Rosie should go down in history, she said. I realized Rosie has done everything possible. The Rosie the Riveters built everything they possibly could during World War II. Gould, meanwhile, has her own track record for persistence and accomplishment, including an invitation for herself and other Rosies from the Bay Area to meet Vice President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., in 2014. Gould then turned to lobbying for an annual day in recognition of Rosies, enlisting the support of U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, and Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo. The publicity Krier received got the attention of her representative. Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania first sponsored a resolution of support for a national Rosie day last year, then attached it as an amendment to this years National Defense Authorization Act. Because its part of a big authorization act, it should be something thats done before they break in July, said Stacey Mulholland, deputy chief of staff to Fitzpatrick, whose office is preparing a letter to senators seeking support for the amendment. But even though the amendment isnt controversial and has bipartisan support, its so unpredictable, especially right now, Mullholland said. Gould and Krier are banking on approval while the surviving Rosies are still around to enjoy it. Otherwise, once were gone, it will fade away and be forgotten, Gould said. A TEENAGER who launched an unprovoked attack on a man in a pub toilet has been fined more than 1,500 by the courts. Kane Richardson (18) appeared at Rotherham Magistrates Court on June 24 for sentencing after admitting assaulting Jordan Walker at the Three Magpies pub in Brinsworth. Richardson, of Normanville Avenue, Brinsworth, broke the victims nose during the assault in the pubs toilet on October 16 last year. The victim needed two operations on his nose. At an earlier hearing Mr Steve Smith, mitigating, claimed the defendant attacked Mr Walker because he had mixed energy drinks and medication. Mr Smith said: He was in the process of having his (ADHD) medication changed as he became an adult and it was in the mix of that it would appear, said Mr Smith. Richardson had consumed an energy drink which apparently aggravated the medication he was taking at the time, Mr Smith added. The magistrates handed Richardson a community order with a rehabilitation requirement, ordered him to carry out 150 hours unpaid work and pay 1,537 in compensation. A WORLD famous wildlife artist trained in Rotherham has tried her hand at fire-fighting. Pollyanna Pickering, whose website describes her as the most published artist in the UK, bought the experience at an Age UK charity auction. She and her daughter, Anna-Louise Pickering, undertook the difficult job at Aston Park fire station. Pollyanna said: It was absolutely fascinating to see behind the scenes at a working fire station. I was so impressed by the skill, bravery and dedication of the whole team. Pollyanna was at the Age UK auction as patron of Rotherhams Gallery Town art project. Station manager Paul Bragger said: It was a pleasure to meet Pollyanna and Anna-Louise. Fire stations remain important parts of local communities, so its important to be able to give members of the public an insight into our work. A FAMILY-run grocery store will be marking Independents Day by celebrating 70 years in business. Taylors of Tickhill in Doncaster has served residents of Tickhill since 1946 and has adapted over the years to provide generations of families from the local community with everything they need. Independents Day, which takes place on Monday, July 4, was launched to celebrate the economic and social contributions made by independent businesses. Now in its sixth year, businesses across the UK will be marking Independents Day with a raft of celebrations and special promotions to raise awareness, change perceptions and encourage footfall. Christopher Taylor is the third generation of Taylors to work in the family business. His grandparents, who started the store, were still active in the store into their 80s, and his father Roy still works with him four days a week at the store, which employs 18 people. None of my staff wear name badges yet we're on first name terms with the majority of our customers, Were also proud to hold the longest unblemished Challenge 25 licensing record in Doncaster. We recognise customer loyalty and as our customers have got older and less able to get out and about we have found that they value having their shopping delivered. We have always offered a delivery service to customers - my grandfather started it on a delivery bike, long before the days of online home delivery services. The Kimberley Process chairperson Ahmed Bin Sulayem recently visited Angola and South Africa, the two founding countries of the diamond watchdog to discuss first-hand the progress that diamond producing nations were making to comply with the organisations mandates. He had previously visited the Central African Republic (CAR), which was recently allowed to resume of rough diamond exports from a single zone with a possible further development of three more zones currently in the process of complying with KP mandates. Meeting (Angolan) President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has provided us with a first-hand account of his countrys continuing development in support of Kimberley Process mandates - and its concerted efforts to uphold certification of rough diamonds, KP said in a statement. The two also discussed Venezuelas re-admission to the KP family. Angola had been assisting the South American country to put its house in order as far as diamond mining was concerned, a move commended by Sulayem. In South Africa, the KP chairperson met the countrys mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Joseph Zwane where he spoke about what had been achieved in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the steps being taken to secure a more stable future. Zwane said as the cradle of KP, South Africa was encouraged by the progressive steps taken by the UAE KP Chair in both Venezuela and the Central African Republic. We look forward to take up the lead of the Working Group for Monitoring from 2017, and will work together hand in hand to improve the great work the KP has done since its inception, he said. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished De Beers has opened its first retail store in Kuwait, adding to its only two other Middle East locations in Dubai and Bahrain. Bringing De Beers to the Kuwait market is an important milestone in the development of our brand and our local clientele, said Francois Delag, chief executive officer of De Beers Diamond Jewellers. It is an honor to present the exquisite timeless beauty of our diamond jewelry in such a prestigious location and we look forward to inspiring the discerning Kuwaiti women. The 145-square-meter store in the prestigious Avenues shopping mall complements current De Beers outlets in London, New York, Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. However, Turkish officials have not confirmed Chatayevs involvement. Its believed the three attackers are from Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and entered Turkey a month ago. The terrorists rented an apartment in the Fatih district of Istanbul after they arrived from Syria. Two of the attackers were also identified: Rakim Bulgarov and Vadim Osmanov carried out suicide bombings at the airport. Last year, the U.S. Treasury added Chatayev to its list of terrorists. Many Chechens or Dagestanis from the largely Muslim North Caucasus region of Russia are the largest group of soldiers in ISIS from a non-Muslim majority country. No one has claimed responsibility for the airport assault. Authorities have detained other 24 people in connection with the attack investigation, including 15 foreign nationals. Asian shares plunged on Friday as recent optimism that the U.K. will remain a part of the European Union proved futile. Risk assets were scorched and safe-haven assets such as treasuries, yen and gold came back into the limelight as Britain's historic European Union referendum suggested a stronger than expected performance by the 'Leave' campaign. The British pound plunged against the US dollar to a 31-year low as the results of the referendum showed that 51.9 percent of the people favored leaving the union as opposed to 48.1 percent, who chose to stay in the union. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who frantically campaigned for a 'stay' in the union, has resigned saying the will of the people must be respected. Chinese shares showed limited reaction to the carnage in stock across Asia, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite closing down 37.67 points or 1.30 percent at 2,854,29 due to tighter control on capital outflows. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 787.31 points or 3.77 percent at 20,081. Japan's Nikkei index fell 1,286.33 points or 7.92 percent to 14,952.02, its steepest drop since March 2011, as the EU referendum results sent the yen soaring above 100 to its highest level in 21/2 years. The broader Topix index also fell the most in five years, closing 7.26 percent lower at 1,204.48. Exporters bore the brunt of the selling, with Honda Motor, Nissan, Panasonic, Sony and Mazda Motor tumbling 8-11 percent. Sharp Corp plunged 16.4 percent on news it will be moved to the second section of the Tokyo exchange from the first section. Financials Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, Mizuho Financial and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial lost 6-9 percent while energy stocks Inpex, JX Holdings and Japan Petroleum retreated 6-9 percent. Australian shares reversed early gains to hit a 10-week low, with all sectors closing in the red. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 fell 167.50 points or 3.17 percent to 5, 113.20. Energy stocks Woodside Petroleum, Santos, Origin Energy and Oil Search lost 3-5 percent after benchmark U.S. crude prices plummeted 6 percent during early trading Friday. Miners BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group plunged 6-8 percent. The big four banks closed 3-4 percent lower and investment bank Macquarie Group plummeted 7 percent as Britain faced an uncertain future outside the European Union. Gold Miners Newcrest, Regis Resources, Norther Star Resources and Evolution Mining soared 8-12 percent as gold futures surged past $1,300 to multiyear highs on safe-haven demand. South Korea's Kospi average dropped 61.47 points or 3.09 percent to 1,925.24, marking its biggest single-day loss of the year. The local currency fell by the most in almost five years as investors braced for repercussions from Britain's exit from the European Union. "The government will be ready to take pre-emptive measures to stabilize the markets if excessive and sudden volatility arises," Financial Services Commission Chairman Yim Jong-yong said in a statement. New Zealand's S&P/NZX-50 index tumbled 153.57 points or 2.25 percent to 6,667.78, with financials hit hard after Britons voted to leave the European Union. Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Westpac and Heartland Bank fell 4-5 percent, while A2 Milk, which is suing Australia-based food and beverage company Lion Pty over protein claims, slumped 7.1 percent. Xero slumped 8.1 percent after research house Morningstar put its fair value estimate for the stock at $21 a share. Elsewhere, benchmark indexes in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan were down 1-3 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News BHP Billiton (BHP.AX,BLT.L,BBL,BHP) said that the Superior Court of Justice in Brazil issued an interim order that reinstates a BRL20 billion or $6.2 billion civil claim by the country's authorities against the Samarco iron-ore joint venture after its deadly dam collapse. BHP, which jointly owns the Samarco venture with Brazil's Vale SA, intends to appeal the decision of the Superior Court of Justice. "Samarco will continue to support the long-term recovery of the communities and environment affected by the dam failure. On 30 June 2016, the Superior Court of Justice in Brazil issued an interim order suspending the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal to ratify the Framework Agreement," BHP Billiton said in a statement. On 2 March 2016, BHP Billiton announced that an agreement had been entered into between Samarco Mineracao S.A, Vale S.A and BHP Billiton Brasil LTDA with the Federal Government of Brazil, the States of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais and certain other public authorities or Brazilian Authorities. The Framework Agreement provides for the restoration of the environment and communities affected by the Samarco dam failure on 5 November 2016 and suspension of the civil public claim commenced on 30 November 2015 by the Brazilian Authorities against Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton Brasil which sought the establishment of a fund of up to BRL20 billion in aggregate for clean-up costs and damages relating to the dam failure. The Framework Agreement was subject to ratification by the courts in Brazil. On 5 May 2016, the Framework Agreement was ratified by the Federal Court of Appeal in Brasilia. The Federal Prosecutors' Office appealed against the ratification of the Framework Agreement. Separately, Bloomberg reported that Vale SA and BHP Billiton Ltd.'s Brazilian mining joint venture is seeking capital injections from its owners as it runs out of cash after a deadly accident halted output. The iron-ore company's cash will expire by August and it needs contributions from Vale and BHP to stay afloat. Samarco, as the venture is known, has already started exploring ways to restructure about $1.6 billion in bank loans and may seek to put off bond payments until it can resume operations, the report said citing people familar with the matter. Mining has been halted since November, when a tailings dam collapse killed as many as 19 people and contaminated waterways in two states. After reaching a multibillion-dollar settlement with the government in March, the company hoped to secure licensing to resume operations this year, but probably will have to wait until 2017. Stockpiled ore has run out. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News U.S. auto safety regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into about 25,000 Tesla Motors Inc.'s (TSLA) Model S cars after a driver of one of the vehicles was killed while operating the vehicle in "Autopilot" mode. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA said that a fatal highway crash involving a 2015 Tesla Model S operating with automated driving systems engaged "calls for an examination of the design and performance of any driving aids in use at the time of the crash." Meanwhile, Tesla said in a blog post, "This is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles where Autopilot was activated". Among all vehicles in the U.S., there is a fatality every 94 million miles. Tesla noted that the NHTSA action is simply a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the system worked according to expectations. The company added that following its standard practice, it informed the NHTSA about the incident immediately after it occurred. According to the company, the vehicle involved in the fatal crash was on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S. "Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied. The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S," Tesla said. Further, the company said it disables Autopilot by default and that customers are required to give explicit acknowledgement that the autopilot system is new and is still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled. According to Tesla, when drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot is an assist feature that requires the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel at all times and that they also need to maintain control and responsibility for their vehicle while using it. The company said it was saddened by the death of the customer and extended its deepest sympathies to his family and friends. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Technology News The Cabinet office is slated to release the Japan consumer confidence index for June at 1:00 am ET Friday. The index is seen at 41.1, compared to 40.9 in August. Ahead of the data, the yen rose against its major rivals. As of 12:55 am ET, the yen was trading at 114.16 against the euro, 137.12 against the pound, 102.89 against the Swiss franc and 105.37 against the U.S. dollar. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News At 3:15 am ET Friday, Switzerland's retail sales data for May is due to be released. Sales had decreased 1.9 percent on a yearly basis in April. Ahead of the data, the Swiss franc showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the Swiss franc rose against the euro and the pound, it fell against the U.S. dollar and the yen. As of 3:10 am ET, the Swiss franc was trading at 1.0832 against the euro, 1.2996 against the pound, 0.9763 against the U.S. dollar and 105.18 against the yen. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News Singapore's home prices continued to decline in the second quarter, data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority showed Friday. House prices fell 0.4 percent in the second quarter sequentially compared to a 0.7 percent drop in the previous quarter. Home prices logged its longest losing streak in almost two decades. Prices of non-landed private residential properties rose by 0.2 percent in core central region and increased 0.3 percent in the rest of central region. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Norway's unemployment rate held steady in June, defying economists' expectations for an increase, the Labour and Welfare Administration, or NAV said Friday. The registered jobless rate came in at 2.9 percent in June, the same rate as in the previous month. Meanwhile, it was expected to rise to 3.0 percent. In the corresponding month last year, the unemployment rate was 2.8 percent. The number of unemployed people rose to 80,965 in June from 80,342 in May. A year ago, the jobless figure totaled 77,310. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALNY) announced preliminary results from its ongoing Phase 2 open-label extension studies with patisiran and revusiran, both investigational RNAi therapeutics targeting transthyretin for the treatment of hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis. The company said the data from the patisiran Phase 2 OLE study provided evidence of improvement or no change in the mean neuropathy impairment score following 24 months of dosing in hereditary therapeutics targeting transthyretin patients with polyneuropathy. The company said these results support the therapeutic hypothesis that TTR knockdown with patisiran can potentially halt or improve neuropathy progression in patients with hATTR patients with polyneuropathy. Alnylam also presented baseline demographics from its APOLLO Phase 3 study of patisiran in hereditary TTR-polyneuropathy patients, showing, among other things, that the majority of patients have evidence of cardiac disease, which should allow the evaluation of patisiran's potential effects on cardiac manifestations of hereditary TTR amyloidosis. Alnylam expects to report data from the APOLLO trial in mid-2017. Alnylam also announced it expects to complete enrollment in the ENDEAVOUR Phase 3 study of revusiran in the summer, ahead of schedule, with data readout now expected in early 2018. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Attorney General Loretta Lynch has insisted that she will accept the recommendations of the FBI and career prosecutors in the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while Secretary of State. "I will be accepting their recommendations and their plans for going forward," Lynch said during an appearance at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado on Friday. The pledge from Lynch comes after she held a private meeting with former President Bill Clinton, raising questions about the independence of the investigation. Lynch acknowledged that her meeting with the former president raises questions and concerns but reiterated her claim that the interaction was primarily social. "I certainly wouldn't do it again because I think it has cast this shadow over what it should not, over what it will not touch," Lynch said She added, "It's important to make it clear that that meeting with President Clinton does not have a bearing on how this matter will be reviewed and resolved." Lynch stressed that the email investigation is being conducted by career investigators and agents that are independent and stay on from administration to administration. Despite the controversy, the Attorney General said she would fully recuse herself from the case, as that would prevent her from being briefed on the investigation. "While I don't have a role in coming up with those findings or making those recommendations on how to move forward, I will be briefed on it, and I will be accepting their recommendations," Lynch said. Lynch's meeting with Bill Clinton attracted criticism from presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as well as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. In an interview with radio host Mike Gallagher on Thursday, Trump described the meeting between Lynch and Clinton as both "amazing" and "terrible." "It is an amazing thing," Trump said. "I heard about it last night. They actually went on to the plane as I understand it. That's terrible." "It was really a sneak. It was really something that they didn't want publicized as I understand it," he added. "Wow, I just think it's so terrible, I think it's so horrible." Even with Lynch's assertion, the news and the email investigation in general will likely continue to cause headaches for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Jointly owned by AirAsia, Tata Sons, and Arun Bhatia, AirAsia India is one of the newest airline service in the country. Marking Tatas return to aviation after 60 years, it is also the first ever foreign airline to setup a subsidiary in India. AirAsia has applied a special livery on one of their planes. This livery is nothing but a poster of upcoming Rajnikanth-starrer movie named Kabali. AirAsia is the official airline partner of Kabali, which is expected to be released on 22nd July 2016 as per latest reports. AirAsia India unveiled its all new rebranded aircraft, with a livery dedicated to the most awaited movie of the yearKabali, AirAsia said in a statement. This plane, an Airbus A320, will be flying to destinations like Bengaluru, New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Vizag and Kochi over the next few days. Bearing the image of Rajinikanth from the movie Kabali, parts of the aircraft have been painted and stickered with the livery, AirAsia said. Rajnikanth Kabali plane During the filming of the movie, AirAsia India planes were used in some of the scenes. Though promoting movies using planes is not a big deal abroad, this is the first time in the history of India that an airplane has dedicated a plane to promote a movie. Amar Abrol, chief executive officer, AirAsia India, said, This special plane, powered by Thalaivar quite literally, is dedicated to Rajini fans across the globe! This is AirAsias way of paying a tribute to the one and only superstar in the country. Kabali Trailer Photos Ford India has reported a YoY decline of 31.4 percent in August 2019 with domestic sales of just 5,517 units as against 8,042 units sold in the same month of the previous year. This decline in sales is not only due to the slowdown in auto industry, but also due to the failure of Ford India in making inroads into the Indian car market, in spite of existing for about 20 years. As per a new report by Bloomberg, Ford has finalized plans to exit India. The company will not exist the way it is operating currently, but will be in India via a JV with Mahindra. This joint venture is to be announced as soon as next week. Ford India will transfer most of its assets in India to Mahindra, thus leaving Mahindra with a 51 percent ownership in the new entity. Ford will continue to hold equal voting rights and board representation but Fords global business service division will not be a part of this joint association. It is also learnt that Ford is planning to sell its Gujarat Plant in view of emerging market strategy shift. The company has spent around $1 billion on the setting up of this plant which opened in March 2015, and has the capacity to produce around 2,40,000 vehicles and 2,70,000 engines per annum. This plan comes at a time when the current market scenario states that there is no need for two plants in India. It is the Ford Aspire and Figo that are produced at this Sanand plant which are mainly for export to over 30 countries. The company has another plant in Chennai, opened in 1995 from where the EcoSport and Endeavour models are produced. This plant has installed capacity of 2,00,000 vehicles and 3,40,000 engines per annum and as is used mainly for domestic production. Till date Ford has invested over $2 billion in India. But their earnings from India are no where close to that figure. In addition to that, their market share here is less than 3 percent. With losses mounting, the JV will ensure that Mahindra takes on a part of this financial burden. This decision by Ford Motor Company comes following the decision taken by another US car brand, General Motors. GM India too exited India two years ago when they scrapped its $1 billion investment in India and stopped selling Chevrolet models. The market scenario continues to worsen in the India, leaving most automakers with piling stocks and forcing the industry to not only cut production but also reduce jobs. Update Ford has replied on Twitter saying that they are not going to exit India. Source After updating prices of Fortuner earlier this week, Toyota has now increased prices of Yaris and Innova Crysta range Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced that the price of Camry Hybrid and Vellfire variants will be increased. The price hike comes into effect in July 2020, and is being attributed to substantial rise in exchange rate. Price hikes for vehicles are introduced each year, and sometimes they are designed over multiple slabs so the increase doesnt get in the way of purchase decisions. With the new FY always being fertile ground for vehicle price revisions, these decisions have this year had to be reassessed. India went into an extended lockdown toward the end of March 2020. Business have been limping back to life since May 2020. As a result, a number of decisions announced post budget have been delayed by atleast 2 months. With business coming to a standstill, domestic auto industry sales in April 2020 was reported at zero by all manufacturers. In fact, some price revisions have been on hold post transition to BS6 upgrades. Before the pandemic, the Indian auto industry was transitioning to a BS6 compliant stage. The transition was to be completed by March 31, 2020. Toyota Fortuner BS6 was introduced in February 2020, but at the time the company didnt increase the popular SUVs price tag. The hike has been effected from June 2020 and stands at about 1.5 percent at 48k price increase across variants. New Price List of Toyota Cars June 2020 Yaris Price ex-sh Rs lakh J (O) MT 8.86 J (O) CVT 9.56 G (O) MT 9.86 G (O) CVT 11.06 J MT 11.08 J CVT 11.78 G MT 11.75 G CVT 12.95 V MT 11.84 V CVT 13.04 V (O) MT 12.09 V (O) CVT 13.29 VX MT 13.06 VX CVT 14.3 Innova Petrol Price ex-sh Rs lakh GX MT 7 Str 15.66 GX MT 8 Str 15.71 GX AT 7 Str 17.02 GX AT 8 Str 17.07 VX MT 7 Str 19 Touring Sport VX MT 7 Str 19.53 ZX AT 7 Str 21.78 Touring Sport ZX MT 7 Str 22.46 Innova Diesel Price ex-sh Rs lakh G MT 7 Str 16.44 G MT 8 Str 16.49 G+ MT 7 Str 17.09 G+ MT 8 Str 17.14 GX MT 7 Str 17.47 GX MT 8 Str 17.52 GX AT 7 Str 18.78 GX AT 8 Str 18.83 VX MT 7 Str 20.89 VX MT 8 Str 20.94 Touring Sport VX MT 7 Str 22.27 ZX MT 7 Str 22.43 ZX AT 7 Str 23.63 Touring Sport ZX AT 7 Str 24.67 Fortuner Petrol Price ex-sh Rs lakh 42 MT 28.66 42 AT 30.25 Fortuner Diesel Price ex-sh Rs lakh 42 MT 30.67 42 AT 32.53 44 MT 32.64 44 AT 34.43 Price of the auto manufacturers bestselling Innova Crysta and Touring Sport diesel are now available at price hike ranging between 30k and 61k. When launched in January 2020 in its BS6 avatar, the vehicle was announced at a price hike but also with a celebratory offer. This meant, a price revision was impending all along. For petrol variants, the price hike ranges from 30k to 44k. Toyota Glanza and Yaris prices too stand revised. In fact Yaris J variant price has been increased by Rs 1.68 lakhs. Following the revision, Yaris price range is now listed at Rs 8.86-14.30 lakh. Glanza at Rs 7.01-8.96 lakh. Yaris G variant is now costlier by Rs 1.2 lakh. Camry Hybrid is currently listed below 40 lakh, and the Vellfire close to Rs 80 lakhs. Price revision for both will be announced in a month from now. To kickstart buying sentiment, companies are now working on a wide ranging EMI options. Following restart of business ops last month, Toyota reported 1,639 units sold in May 2020.